Archive for January, 2009

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Stoke City Vs Liverpool: Stoke holds League leaders for the second time

January 11th, 2009

Liverpool failed to break the strong defense of Stoke City for the second time in this season, as they were held for a goalless draw at the Britannia Stadium.

Captain Steven Gerrard hit the woodwork twice in the dying stages of the game. Other than that, Reds lacked the consistency that has allowed them to stay at the top of the Premier League table in this season.

At Villa Park, Aston Villa moved to the third spot in the league when they defeated West Brom 2-1.

It was thanks to former West Brom Captain, Curtis Davies, and an own goal from Baggies keeper, Scott Carson, who played on loan at Villa Park in the last season, that allowed Martin O’Neill’s side to continue their dream run in the league.

Arsenal kept their hopes of winning the title alive when they went past a stern resistance from Bolton at the Emirates Stadium.

After coming down as a substitute, Denmark Forward Nicklas Bendtner scored the winner for the home side.

Everton also marched towards another European berth, as they registered a convincing 2-0 victory over Hull City.

Felani and Mikel Arteta scored the goals for the Toffees at Goodison Park, as the home side stretched their unbeaten streak to six games.

Meanwhile, Andy Carroll late equalizer helped Newcastle United survive a scare against the Hammers at St. James Park.

West Ham led better part of the game 2-1 thanks to goals from Cole and Bellamy. However, Carroll header in the 77th minute helped Magpies salvage a draw.

Middlesbrough and Sunderland also played out a 1-1 draw at the Riverside Stadium with a late effort from Kenwyne Jones getting a point for the Black Cats.

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Posted in Arsenal, Liverpool

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Ferguson: We require being perfect at home

January 10th, 2009

Sir Alex Ferguson told his talented bunch to avoid dropping another point in this season at Old Trafford.

With a crucial encounter coming up on Sunday against Chelsea in the Barclays Premier League, which has captured the attention of football fanatics across the globe, Ferguson decreed that he is looking forward for maximum haul from the eleven games remaining in the top-flight fixtures at the Theater of Dreams.

Until now, Red Devils have only dropped 2-points at home in this season, a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United, which was on the opening day of their campaign.

Ferguson seems determined for turning up the heat on their rivals, as United will attempt for landing the eleventh title in the Premier League.

Wily Scot explained, ‘We are currently in a situation where there is all possibility of us having a 100 percent run-in at home.’

‘There are many important games coming up for us at home against top teams in the league, as we have already played against them in away matches.’

‘Our performance against these teams in home games will decide, if we are having any chance of winning the league or not.’

Ferguson is aware of the task in hand and expects a stern test from the Blues on Sunday.

‘I don’t think there has been much change in the Chelsea outfit, since we last played them at Stamford Bridge.’

‘Still, we have the firepower, both front & back, and we will make it a point to come out of this game with full points.’

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Man U

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Berbatov keen to taste success this season

January 9th, 2009

Manchester United Striker, Dimitar Berbatov, has expressed his desire to end his first season at Old Trafford with a minimum of two major pieces of silverware.

Berbatov played a vital role in helping Tottenham Hotspur, his former team to clinch the Carling Cup last season and the Bulgarian is looking forward to win more honours with United this year.

While speaking to the FourFour Two Magazine, he said, ‘It is really great for me to be a part of this great team in spite of coming from a very small country like Bulgaria.

‘I have achieved a lot in my two years stay at Tottenham, but currently I am focussed after moving on to the biggest club in the world.’

The United Striker also added that his team Manchester United surely belongs to the Champions League. His current team won both the Premier League and the Champions League last season. It was a real dream for every player to be in such a team and he just missed it.

‘I want to have the taste of success in United this year.’

Currently the Red Striker has become a real figure of hate at the White Hart Lane following a move to Old Trafford.

However, the Bulgarian player believes to receive a warmer reception after the two teams square off in the ongoing FA cup in January.

Meanwhile, the most anticipated match following the New Year will take place on this side when Chelsea takes on Manchester United at Old Trafford.

With the Blues having a fantastic unbeaten away record and Red Devils looking to maintain their wonderful home record, Theatre of Dreams will witness another fascinating encounter.

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Posted in Celtic, Man U

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Terry: Bridge is going to be missed at Stamford Bridge

January 8th, 2009

John Terry feels that Chelsea is going to miss Wayne Bridge after he was moved to Manchester City for US$15 million.

First-team appearances for Bridge were restricted with Ashley Cole playing at the top of his game. Terry voiced his disappointment over the fullback’s transfer.

Terry said, ‘He’s going to be missed in the club. I’m still at shock seeing a lad of his caliber not being a part of Chelsea anymore.’

‘I’m upset but feel that he made the right move. We understand that he is been here for long and tried breaking into the first-team. However, with Ashley and him being amongst the two best left-backs in the league, it was always tough for him to get the break through and become a regular.’

‘I think that at 28, he wishes to play week in and week out, which Bridgey will get at Manchester City. There, he may be able to show everyone that he’s right there with Ash.’

‘Once Bridgey will become a regular, his best will come out. He’s going to be a great asset for his new club, as he can play both left midfield and left back. He is also a great passer and moves fast on the field. It’s certain that his absence will be missed by all of us.’

Meanwhile, Portugal midfielder Deco slammed reports that insinuated him to be a pet of Chelsea Boss, Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Deco said, ‘It’s absolute nonsense for anyone to claim that he’s been showing a biased attitude towards me.’

‘I don’t require defending myself, but everyone knows that that I’ve won several titles without having Scolari on my side.’

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Football Transfer Market

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Kuyt: We are getting better with each game

January 7th, 2009

Liverpool striker, Dirk Kuyt, is confident that his club will only get better with each game.

Holland International was given rest for the 3rd-round game against Preston in the FA Cup. However, he is certain to get a recall when league leaders pay a visit to Stoke City on Saturday.

This trip will give Reds the chance of gaining some revenge against the side, who were involved in one of their poorest performance of this season.

Stoke was able to hold Liverpool for a goalless draw at Anfield in September and impressed everyone with their ultra-defensive display.

Liverpool has been on an 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions. They will be looking forward to avoid slipping up at Britannia Stadium like Tottenham, Arsenal and Aston Villa.

Kuyt said, ‘The best thing about this season is that we’ve got a better beginning than previous ones.’

‘We’ve injected some fresh faces in the club, who have helped us in performing better. At the same time, other players, who’ve been a part of this club for long, have shown consistency needed at this level.’

Kuyt underlined the desire in Liverpool players to erase memories of their disappointing draw against Stoke.

‘That was really a frustrating day for us. This is why, I feel it’s tough to explain football. Many opportunities came to our helm that day, but we were just not able to do it.’

With the season already into the second half, pressure will mount on each team in the Premier League to perform well in each game. Liverpool will also have to avoid showing a laidback attitude and win the coming games, if they wish to hold onto their top position.

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Posted in Liverpool, Premier League

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Giggs: I may consider retiring at the end of this season

January 6th, 2009

After serving Manchester United for 18 years, Ryan Giggs may call it quits after the current season gets over.

Contract of United’s winger is going to expire in May. He is yet to get a fresh deal from the Red Devils.

Welshman, who has a cabinet filled with medals, has never been a part of any other club barring the Red Devils.

Giggs said, ‘I am going to keep playing till the time I enjoy it. If I’m fit and my manager will need me, I will continue my journey.’

‘If any of these things stop, I will have to consider retiring.’

‘It may come at the end of this season or the next one. What I am waiting for is my current contract to expire in the month of May and then I will make the decision.’

‘At this moment, there hasn’t been any communication with the club on this issue.’

‘I’m as fit as I could have ever been. The only thing, which is different today, is the time I’m taking for recovering from games. Two days following the Southampton game, I am still feeling its effect on my body.’

‘Still, I don’t want to make a decision on my retirement now, as I have time and am looking to concentrate more on the job in hand. We have a tough campaign coming up starting with a game against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.’

Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson still isn’t confirmed on the future of striker Carlos Tevez at the Theater of Dreams.

Ferguson said, ‘From my experience in the game, it is difficult to predict what can happen, till it actually does.’

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Posted in Man U, Premier League

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Wilshere signs professional contract with the Gunners

January 5th, 2009

Arsenal Boss, Arsene Wenger, was delighted with the fact that Jack Wilshere became the latest inclusion in his young side, after the midfielder signed a professional contract with the Gunners.

Wilshere, who celebrated his 17th birthday on New Years Day, is the youngest player to have ever represented Arsenal in the Premier League. He achieved this feat after coming in as a substitute against Blackburn.

Wenger said, ‘The club is delighted that Jack has now signed the professional contract.’

‘I feel that Jack is amongst those players, who have great potential. He not only has the ability to locate the final ball, but also can score goals with ease.’

‘He is a committed young player with passion for the game oozing out from him. I have never seen him in fear from getting tackled. I feel convinced that he is going to have great penetrating power within a short period.’

‘We have been monitoring him for a long time. Whether he is playing for the first team or at the training ground, his qualities are clearly visible. I am looking forward for Jack becoming an integral part of our first team.’

Wilshere scored his first goal for the Gunners during their 6-0 thumping of Sheffield United in a Carling Cup game. He is also the youngest player, who has represented Arsenal in Europe.

With important games coming up for the Gunners, Wenger would be looking for all his young guns, including Wilshere, to make an impact and get the club back in Premier League title contention.

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Posted in Arsenal, Football Transfer Market

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Tevez disappointed with rumors over contract

January 4th, 2009

Manchester United’s Carlos Tevez has shown his disappointment after rumors were spread, which suggested that he rejected a new contract offered by the Red Devils.

Argentinean striker, who received a week off from Sir Alex Ferguson during the New Year, continues to insist that he wishes to stay at the Theater of Dreams. According to him, it was tough to explain wherefrom did the media came up with such reports.

Tevez said, ‘We haven’t yet started talks with the club as of yet. However, I am eager to stay here.’

‘Sir Alex Ferguson believes that I have a great future being at Old Trafford and even I feel the same.’

‘My contract is going to expire at the end of the summer. We’ve agreed for sitting down at the end of this season and discussing the new contract. Till date, I haven’t heard anything that will make me think otherwise.’

‘I don’t think there’s a reason for sitting down now. I have got great relations with Sir Alex and am wishing that it will continue for a long time.’

Meanwhile, Kia Joorabchian, who is currently heading the economy rights of Tevez, felt that there was no urgency for the deal.

Kia said, ‘Manchester United has indicated that they would love signing Carlos for a long term, but negotiations haven’t started as of yet.’

‘I don’t think that there’s an urgency, as the contract runs till the end of the season. Carlos has always shown his intent of playing at United and nothing has changed yet.’

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Posted in Man U, Premier League

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New contracts for Park & Neville, Cloud over permanent deal for Tevez

January 3rd, 2009

Manchester United winger Park Ji-Sung and defender Gary Neville are all set for getting their contracts renewed. However, the future of Carlos Tevez at Old Trafford still hangs in the balance.

Red Devils Boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, confirmed that Neville and Park are in line for receiving new contracts from the club. However, there is still cloud over a permanent deal for Tevez.

Tevez is on a 2-year loan at the Theater of Dreams, which will be expiring at the end of this season.

There are rumors that the contract stipulates a sum, which United need to pay the adviser of Argentinean Forward for buying him outright. However, there hasn’t been any agreement yet.

There have even been speculations that Red Devils tried renegotiating fees given to Tevez, as he hasn’t been a regular in the first-team in this season.

Spanish Giants, Real Madrid, is currently amongst the ones, who are monitoring developments in this deal. Still, Tevez has shown his desire to remain at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, reports of talks between Kia Joorabchian, controversial agent of the 24-year old Argentinean, and David Gill, United’s chief executive, are there.

The Scot has confirmed that United are attempting for instigating negotiations with Kia. However till date, there is no news of success for the Devils.

Ferguson said, ‘I haven’t got any idea about Tevez’s deal.’

‘We want him to be in the club, as he’s an integral part. This is why we are trying to bring the deal forward. The rest depends upon what time has stored for us.’

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Posted in Man U, Premier League

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Ferguson: Ferdinand may be fit to play against Chelsea

January 2nd, 2009

Manchester United Boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, is hopeful that he might get the services of a fit Rio Ferdinand for their next game in Premier League against Chelsea.

Ferdinand will surely not be a part of the Red Devils outfit for their FA Cup game at Southampton following an injury to his back before the Stoke game on Boxing Day. He will also be unavailable for their Carling Cup semifinal match against Derby on Wednesday.

30-year-old defender is yet to make an appearance for training since his injury. However, Ferguson is hopeful that England’s vice-captain is going to be fit for facing the Blues at Old Trafford, as he will be receiving a more intensive treatment in the coming week.

Ferguson feels that his star defender is going to have an advantage of gym work and extra physio. It will be aimed at fighting the problem, which has been recurring too frequently in this season for the club’s liking.

Ferguson said, ‘I don’t think that his injury is major, but I feel worried for the number of times it has affected Rio’s game in this season, which is unusual for him.’

‘At this moment, we have been managing his absence in the side. Still, I am hopeful that he will be present against Chelsea, as his experience matters in games with such high proportions.’

Meanwhile, Jonny Evans is going to continue his role as the deputy of Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville may possibly fill central defensive position at Pride Park.

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Man U

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