Archive for January, 2009

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O’Shea: We are going for a quadruple

January 21st, 2009

Although injury woes are still threatening to spoil the party, Manchester United is aiming for an unmatched trophy quadruple.

Couple of seasons ago, Red Devils was looking well set to repeat their Treble-winning campaign of 1999 and injuries came in their way at the wrong moment. It left Sir Alex Ferguson with an exhausted squad, who had men unable to cope up to the required demands.

Now, experts feel that Ferguson may fear of becoming part of a similar scenario again.

United Boss already knows that he is going to play without 5 front-line defenders against the Spurs in a fourth round FA Cup tie on Saturday. There are even possibilities of Gary Neville missing out.

This means that Darren Fletcher is certain of being asked for filling the right-back position on this weekend. Fabio, Rafael’s twin brother, is also in line for making a senior team debut, if Neville fails to recover.

Meanwhile, John O’Shea insists that as long as Manchester United will have a sniff of winning all 4 trophies, they’ll keep moving on.

O’Shea said, ‘We’ll go for all four’.

‘Achieving this feat is what all clubs hope for from the beginning of the season. We feel confident that all the four trophies are up for grabs.’

‘Why not, as we have the players to do it.’

‘However, we are having our fingers crossed for a fit squad when Champions League starts again.’

‘That is going to be the time when we’ll start dreaming about all these scenarios.’

‘For the time being, we’ll just look at every game individually and try consolidating the position we have!’

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Posted in Man U, Premier League

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Cahill continues his streak at Anfield

January 20th, 2009

Tim Cahill, Everton’s makeshift striker, will now have his name alongside Dixie Dean in the club’s record books.

Late equalizer from the Australia midfielder against Liverpool on Monday was his third at Anfield for the Toffees. This is a feat, which nobody has accomplished since the era, when Dean was a part of the team.

29-year-old midfielder said: ‘Am I being referred as Dixie? I have no idea of it. Honestly, I care more about the importance of the goal for both the team and fans.’

Speaking on the performance of his side against Liverpool in a 1-1 draw, Cahill said, ‘You need to work hard chasing after players like Steven Gerrard to be in the game. This is the reason why we have great pride even if we secure a point against Liverpool, as they are an excellent side.’

‘I thought Pepe Reina made it really difficult for us with couple of amazing saves, but we got through in the end and this is what matters.’

Cahill decided not to celebrate his achievement saying: ‘I do not wish to disrespect Liverpool in any manner.’

‘I’m lucky to score thrice at Anfield, but do not want anyone in trouble with too much of celebration.’

Now, Everton will be aiming for yet another performance of high magnitude on this weekend, when they make a return to Anfield for their FA Cup encounter against the Reds.

‘We will be coming back on Sunday and preparing ourselves in the same way. We’ll do what is right and make sure that mistakes made in the league game are not repeated.’

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Posted in Everton, Liverpool

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West Ham accepts bid for Bellamy

January 19th, 2009

Manchester City’s offer for unsettled forward, Craig Bellamy has been accepted by West Ham United.

Wales Striker, now, has the permission of speaking to Mark Hughes, City Boss, after the latter’s bid was acknowledged.

29-year old star demanded a move to Hammers’ London rivals, Spurs, on Friday. However, his club showed unwillingness for selling him to their adversaries.

West Ham received a bid of about £14 million from Spurs, but they agreed only to City’s offer. Now, Bellamy is expected to go through a medical.

Hammers left out Bellamy from their squad that defeated Fulham 3-1 at Upton Park. According to Gianfranco Zola, West ham Boss, the player wasn’t in the best frame of mind to play in the game.

West Ham was able to shrug off Bellamy’s imminent departure and ended Fulham’s 9-match unbeaten streak in the Barclays Premier League with an emphatic win.

David di Michele, who replaced Bellamy in the starting eleven, capitalized on John Patsil’s error for giving Hammers an early lead.

Cottagers leveled through Paul Konchesky, who delivered a stunning shot against his former club. However, they lost the momentum, as the left back then hacked Carlton Cole down, which allowed Mark Noble to pounce from the spot.

Cole finished the rout after combining with Di Michele and making it 3-1 to help his side register their fourth consecutive win over their opponents in the League.

Meanwhile, Jermaine Defoe helped Spurs record a 1-1 draw against his former club, Portsmouth at White Hart Lane.

Defoe scored his first goal after making a return to the Spurs side and cancelled out David Nugent’s efforts.

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Posted in Football Transfer Market, Manchester City

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Bolton Wanderers Vs Manchester United: Last minute winner takes United to the top

January 18th, 2009

Last minute header from Dimitar Berbatov helped Manchester United register a 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium. As a result of this win, Red Devils moved to the top of the Premier League table for the first time in this season.

Jussi Jaaskelainen, Bolton goalkeeper, was flawless throughout the game and almost denied their opponents with an excellent individual display.

However, after repelling 3 vicious free-kicks from Cristiano Ronaldo, Jaaskelainen was unable to stop a powerful header from Berbatov from six-yard range.

With another clean sheet, Manchester United also equalized Chelsea’s record of 10 games without conceding a goal.

Meanwhile, Blues were saved from another defeat at Stamford Bridge at the hands of Stoke City.

Juliano Belletti and Frank Lampard scored in the final eight minutes of the game after Stoke took the lead through Delap, as Chelsea overcame their opponents 2-1.

Aston Villa continued to hold their fourth position on the table with a 2-1 win over Sunderland at Stadium of Lights.

Captain Gareth Barry scored a penalty for 10-man Villa in the 80th minute to take his side through.

Arsenal also kept their hopes alive of winning the Premier League with a 3-1 win over Hull City at KC Stadium.

Elsewhere at City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester City announced possibility of a Kaka move and celebrated the news with a 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic.

Relegation Zone continued to be a talked about portion on the table, as both West Bromwich and Blackburn Rovers scored 3-0 victory at home. Difference between the bottom 10 clubs in the League continues to be a worry for their managers.

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Man U

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Neville looking forward to relish the welcome at Anfield

January 17th, 2009

Everton Captain, Phil Neville, is eagerly waiting to relish the reception that he is going to receive after he leads Everton at Anfield in their next Premier League match against Liverpool.

Former England International is aware of the fact that his team can experience a torrid time while playing against the Reds on their home ground.

Neville was also not shying from the challenge. He said, ‘I am optimistic and expect my team to test the table toppers on Monday.’

‘It is something, which I really enjoy and I would be worried if the team cannot do that.’

Neville said that he loves the atmosphere of Everton-Liverpool games and it is one of the things that have drawn him to the club.

The Everton skipper has been also enthused by the war of words between Liverpool’s Rafael Benitez and his old boss at Manchester United over Ferguson’s treatment of referees.

‘Ferguson is a master in such occasions and believes that English football specialises. He is the best for such types of managerial spats.’

‘These types of spats set the English League apart from all other leagues in the world. Italian or Spanish managers are not seen doing such type of things.’

Neville feels that it is really fantastic to view from the outside and he hopes that it would be a fantastic start to this year.

In spite of being outplayed at Goodison Park, Everton has the talent to topple Liverpool.

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Posted in Everton, Premier League

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O’Neill: Young and Abbonlahor are irreplaceable

January 16th, 2009

Martin O’Neill, Aston Villa Boss, insisted that the duo of Ashley Young and Gabriel Abbonlahor, who have played an imperative role in the team’s success, are irreplaceable.

O’Neill stressed on the fact that his priority is to drive more blood in his team and make them sustainable in challenging on all the three fronts, which includes FA Cup, UEFA Cup and Champions League.

Duo of Young and Agbonlahor have scored as many as 17 goals this season helping Villa in overcoming the loss of John Crew, who has missed most part of the season with a serious back trouble.

Sources say that Ashley Young is currently linked with Real Madrid, who have offered £27 million for him. However, his current manager claims that he is worth many times more than the initial £8 million, which Villa paid for buying his services before couple of years back.

On the other side, Abbonlahor has been operating effectively for his team as the lone striker in 4-5-1 formation. He has been responsible for keeping Villa amongst the top four in the current season.

Villa Boss expressed his concerns to rest some of his key players in the next few days.

O’Neill said, ‘Boys like Gabby and Ashley are really irreplaceable, as they are priceless for the team.’

‘Till the transfer window closes, I need to keep my fingers crossed as losing out on either one of these players may leave the side in a tight situation.’

‘With a possible Champions League berth in sight, we will need the support of all our best players.’

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Posted in Aston Villa, Football Transfer Market

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Wenger: £100 million deal will stir the transfer market

January 15th, 2009

According to Arsenal Boss, Arsene Wenger, £100 million fees offered by Manchester City for Brazilian Star Kaka can upset the current transfer market.

With the club bankrolled by funds from Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group, who bought it during the summer, Wenger believes that they operate outside the normal parameter.

While he continues to pursue for Andrei Arshavin, Wenger said ‘It doesn’t at all look real to me.’

‘With the recession going on in the global financial market, the deal has no connection with the current scenario across the world.’

‘I am a part of a club, who is living in the real world, as we are spending what we have earned.’

Wenger maintained that the traditionally prudent Gunners were not looking forward to break their budget for competing against Manchester City’s spending power.

‘We are not going to compete the way they are handling the transfer market and would be going with the budget that is available to us.’

Meanwhile, Manchester United went one step closer of moving Liverpool from the top position of the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic at Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney scored the goal in the first minute of the game. However, he was not a part of the game much, after scoring his ninth goal of the season, due to a hamstring injury.

Now, Red Devils will be looking forward to make full use of the available option against Bolton at Reebok Stadium to move to the top spot in the League.

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Posted in Arsenal, Manchester City

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Ronaldo: I wish to continue playing for United

January 14th, 2009

Manchester United winger, Cristiano Ronaldo, insists that he wished to stay at his current club and win more silverware despite his interest in Spanish Giants, Real Madrid.

There were fresh reports that emerged in Spain yesterday, which claimed the FIFA 2008 Footballer of the Year is all set to make a move to the Bernabeau from the next season.

This came after the current Spanish Champions failed in their attempts of signing the Portuguese Star at the beginning of this season.

However, it seems that the winger’s priority is to carry on with his successful journey at the Theater of Dreams.

While speaking to a daily, Ronaldo said, ‘I know it is going to be hard, but am looking forward to achieve more than what I have till date.’

‘I feel that I can succeed in my goals here, as I have the support of many great players at United.’

‘We have the talent to dominate any club in the world. With a lot of young players including me, our future looks good. I am looking forward to be here, as I want to be a part of the success, which lies ahead for the club.’

‘For me, it is great to stay a part of such a fantastic club, as my motivations are for winning more trophies in
the coming future.’

‘I am still ambitious for success. I wish to move on in the same way and repeat the success that I have already been a part of.’

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Posted in Man U, Premier League

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Tension in Chelsea camp may dash their title hopes

January 13th, 2009

Chelsea boss, Luis Felipe Scolari, was involved in a bust-up with Nicolas Anelka during the training session before the Sunday’s game at Old Trafford against Manchester United.

News sources reported that Scolari asked Anelka to start the game against Red Devils only if he was willing to play on the left and it became the fuel to the heated row between the pair just before the important game, which the Blues eventually lost 3-0.

Anelka has been feeling the sore of being left out from the team in the last few matches after his place was taken by Didier Drogba. Frenchman became adamant, as he refused to accept the decision of his coach and wanted to stand up front.

Meanwhile, Scolari also has been feeling the heat with his players after they have started wondering, if the coaching style of the Brazilian actually works.

There are rumours that Chelsea board is losing their faith in ‘Big Phil’ as they are annoyed with his range of disciplinary measures and fines.

An official at Chelsea said, ‘Nothing is going well for Chelsea as everything is wrong. There has been a sudden outburst of questions regarding the management style of the Brazilian coach.’

To make matters worse, Chelsea got hammered by Manchester United on Sunday, as the Blues were outplayed by the home side in all departments of the game.

Scolari made his stand even worse after he said in a post match conference that there were two options left for him, either he sticks with the current players and they raise their playing standards or else he has to try different options.

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Premier League

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Manchester United Vs Chelsea: Red Devils register a thumping win over Chelsea

January 12th, 2009

Return of former Chelsea Boss, Jose Mourinho, to the Premier League didn’t help his side, as the Blues were crushed by Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford.

Chelsea suffered their worst defeat at the Theater of Dreams in 15 years and saw their opponents ease to comfortable win after Nemanja Vidic broke the deadlock in the stoppage time of the first half.

Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov scored the other two goals for Red Devils and crushed Blues’ hopes of continuing their unbeaten run on away soil.

Initial stages saw great defense from both the sides with Gary Neville and John Terry leading the charge respectively. However, once the first goal was scored, Sir Alex Ferguson made it tough for Scholari’s men in both attack and defense.

Although Michael Ballack, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole did come close, they lacked finishing. Even, the inclusion of top scorer Nicolas Anelka in the second half failed to produce any positive results.

This victory allowed United to jump to the third spot on the league table. With two games still in hand, there are possibilities of them reaching the top spot.

Meanwhile at JJB Stadium, Jermaine Defoe’s return to his former club did not work, as Spurs lost 1-0 with a late goal from Maynor Figueroa at JJB Stadium.

Defoe didn’t have a single shot on goal and foiled all strategies of Spurs Boss, Harry Redknapp.

With this loss, Spurs have moved back into the relegation zone and may require strong character from all its players to make a comeback.

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Man U

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