Archive for February, 2009

Bent: I may look for other options in the coming future

February 18th, 2009

Darren Bent, England striker, is almost certain of going away from Tottenham Hotspurs, as he has been disappointed with the lack of chances that he’s been getting in the first-team.

Bent is getting frustrated with his life at White Hart Lane and the change of manager, which took place last year, did little to help his cause.

Under new manager, Harry Redknapp, the striker has been sparingly used, mainly as a substitute, in spite of him scoring more goals than Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney and Emile Heskey.

During an interview, Bent said, ‘I have spoken couple of times to the manager about my situation. However, I am only hearing the same thing all the times.’

‘I am not amongst those players, who can sit back and let their career pass by. I will bang on his door, till I’m heard.’

‘Yes, I am not completely left out of the squad. Still, at 25, there are a lot of things that can come from me as a player. I am not a finished article and can only get better with each opportunity given to me.’

‘I would love to see my improvement with the Spurs. However, if nothing happens here, may be I would look for other options at the end of the season.’

‘I need to have an actual part in the games, as I love playing football. I do not want another season, where I am going to be in and out of the team.’

‘I have scored quite a few times this season, especially when you consider that I haven’t been a regular member of the squad. So, I need to weigh up some more options in the coming future.’

Gerrard likely to make a comeback against Manchester City

February 17th, 2009

Steven Gerrard is almost certain to make his return against Manchester City during this weekend.

Liverpool captain was on the sidelines following a hamstring injury, which he suffered on February 4 against Everton.

Initially, the England International was expected to sit out for three weeks or even more than that. However, Rafael Benitez, Liverpool Boss, believes that Gerrard, the inspirational figure in the Reds lineup, may make a comeback against Mark Hughes’ men from the bench.

During an interview, Benitez reportedly said, ‘There is a possibility of seeing him on the bench against City on Sunday. However, we still do not have any confirmation on it.’

Gerrard was most likely to return during an important Champions League clash against Real Madrid. However, Benitez said, ‘He has been consistently improving. The condition he is in, every day spent is important.’

‘The good thing is that he has been working hard with our medical staff and progressing quite well.’

‘Normally, I rate him amongst the players, who can recover quickly. He requires lesser time than other players.’

‘I was surprised to know when a Spanish Daily released that there is a possibility of him playing for some minutes during the weekend before starting against Real Madrid. However, I do not have any idea about the exact scenario.’

‘Gerrard wants to be a part of each game that we play. He feels that the game against Manchester City is going to be very important for our future in the Champions League and shares the same feeling for the Real Madrid encounter.’

Torres thanks Rafael Benitez for bringing him to England

February 16th, 2009

Liverpool Striker, Fernando Torres, thanked Rafael Benitez for getting him to England and helping him in improving his game.

During his first year at Anfield in 2007, Spanish international netted 33 times that made it a brilliant campaign for him, after he became the record signing of the club.

This has been a tough season for the EURO 2008 star, as he has been out of most games with injuries and scored only nine goals in sporadic burst.

Despite the troubles he is currently facing in England, Torres does not regret leaving Atletico Madrid.

24-year-old star said, ‘English football, with its fast and direct style of play, has worked well for me. Again, fewer stoppages have allowed me to concentrate better in my game.’

‘Speed & power, two qualities that are natural to me, fits the Premier League perfectly.’

‘I’ve been playing as a #9 up along side centre-backs. In case, I would have still represented a Spanish club, my style was sure to fail as I would have hardly seen the ball.’

‘Rafa was in search of a striker, who had my traits: quick feet for surprising defenders and getting behind them.’

‘Rafa is more fundamental than others and gives preference to the game’s statistical side. I have learnt a lot from him. It has been a pleasure, so far, to work for him.’

‘At Atletico, I was an instinct player and did my own thing. However, Rafa has made me know more about positioning oneself during the game that can run players ragged.’

Portsmouth Vs Manchester City: Pompey registers first win in three months

February 15th, 2009

Portsmouth thrashed Manchester City 2-0 in the Barclays Premier League at Fratton Park on Saturday, in spite of the club playing without a manager. This was Pompey’s first match since Tony Adams got sacked.

Goals from Glen Johnson & Hermann Hreidarsson eased the pressure on demotion doubts of the south coast club. They registered first three points since November.

A disappointed City boss Hughes confessed that, ‘Premier League is the hardest league in the world. To be in motion for a certain level, one has to hit a ground or you will be beaten.’

With Paul Hart in short-term charge of the club, Portsmouth moved four points adrift of the demotion zone.

Portsmouth keeper David James, who celebrated a record 536th appearance in the Premier League, was able to finish the game with a clean sheet. He even made an excellent save in the closing minutes.

Portsmouth did start well with Jermaine Pennant, on-loan winger, looking exceptional in terms of possession.

Johnson broke the deadlock through a brilliant finish in the 70th minute. Thumping header from Hreidarsson condemned added to the woes of the Eastlands club. City has only won once in 12 away matches in the Premier League this season.

Meanwhile, Manchester United will be looking forward to consolidate their position at the top, when they will next face Fulham at Old Trafford.

With their confidence soaring sky high and a 13-game clean sheet record in the Premier League, Red Devils will pose a tough challenge for Cottagers on Wednesday.

Ferguson: I have the best squad in the Premier League

February 14th, 2009

Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United Boss, believes that his squad is the best in the Premier League today.

Following a slow start, Red Devils are now hitting their stride. Their run of a single loss out of 23 games (considering all competitions) have seen them reach the top of the table ahead of Chelsea, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal.

Apart from that, there defense has also been impregnable lately. They are currently holding a record of 13 league games without conceding a goal.

As United continues getting stronger with every game, Ferguson believes that he is in possession of the strongest squad in Premier League.

Ferguson said, ‘People have asked me of what I consider as my best side, and my reply to that is I do not have one.’

“I select team, which I consider the best for a specific game.’

‘I may provide you with 14-15 of my best players, but all I want to say is that the squad, which I have, is excellent. In fact, it’s the best in the league.’

‘Everyone has been doing so well, especially with a long list of injuries that we were having.’

“I am feeling guilty of leaving someone out, who has played exceptionally well in the previous game. Although having an excellent bench strength puts us in a strong position, my job gets very difficult.’

‘We are playing well at that time in the season where you have to expect each player to kick on. If everything goes according to plan, then we may have a chance of winning the Premier League for the third time in succession.’

Aurelio: Liverpool still in with a chance to win the league

February 13th, 2009

Liverpool left back, Fabio Aurelio, feels that his side can still win the Premier League this year. According to him, they will have enough chances to overtake Manchester United in the remaining matches of the season.

Red Devils is going through a conquering run in the second half of the Premier League. This has helped them to overhaul Liverpool’s points tally and securing the top position on the Premier League Table. In fact, many bookmakers have singled United as a lone contender to win the title this year.

Aurelio insists on the fact that it is only a matter of a few matches before the Red Devils will hit a bad patch.

During an interview, Aurelio said, ‘It is almost certain that they are not going to get positive results till the end of this season.’

‘We will be playing in Old Trafford next month, and it would be really difficult for United to beat us. If we keep on getting our points and have confidence, we can repeat our performance at Anfield.’

‘It is really important for us to fight for the Premier League crown till the end of the season.’

‘If Ferguson’s men do not lose any match from now, they will definitely finish some points ahead. However, we should make sure that we do our part properly.’

Benitez and his men had a wonderful start to this season. It has been the only reason, why they are still well ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea. They’ll be looking forward to carry that form and retain their position on the top of the table.

Liverpool Vs Chelsea: Late strikes from Torres seals it for the Reds

February 2nd, 2009

Striker Fernando Torres scored two goals, as Liverpool kept their title hopes alive with a 2-0 win over 10-man Chelsea at Anfield.

It was the first time in 4 months that the Spanish International scored for the Reds. This win has allowed Rafael Benitez’s men to clear the gap at the top of the Premier League table. Now, they trail Manchester United, who still have a game in hand, by 2 points.

Earlier, Frank Lampard was sent off in the second half for a rash challenge on Xabi Alonso and gave a hope to Liverpool, who started pounding Chelsea’s defense in search for a winner.

After being unable to break the deadlock for better part of the game, Torres struck two goals within five minutes of one another and sealed it for the home side.

Following the match, it was confirmed that Liverpool striker Robbie Keane will be playing for Tottenham Hotspurs as a part of a 15 million pound deal.

This will be the second stint for Keane at White Hart Lane, after he made a move to Anfield in summer last year.

Elsewhere, a late equalizer from Shola Amoebi allowed Newcastle United to draw 1-1 against Sunderland at St. James Park.

Amoebi drilled a penalty in the 68th minute to cancel out the efforts of Djibril Cisse in the first half.

This draw should come as a great relief for Joe Kinnear on a day when it was confirmed that Charles N’Zogbia and Shay Given are going to leave the club.

Manchester United Vs Everton: United increases lead to 5 points with 1-0 win

February 1st, 2009

Manchester United was able to move five points clear of Chelsea and Liverpool in the Barclays Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Everton at Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the only goal of the game, when he converted a penalty after Everton’s Arteta tripped Carrick in the box.

Red Devils continued their streak of clean sheets in the Premier League for 12 games and allowed Edwin van der Sar to break the English record of the most minutes (1,122 minutes) without conceding a goal.

Meanwhile, Arsenal frustration in the Premier League continued as they were held by a determined West Ham side 0-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

At Villa Park, Aston Villa missed a chance to climb to the second spot in the table after they were also held for a goalless draw by Wigan Athletic.

Kevin Davies was able to save blushes for Bolton, as he converted a late header in a 3-2 win over Spurs and prevented his club from throwing 2-goal advantage for the second time in four days.

Future of Tony Adams, who replaced Harry Redknapp at Fratton Park, continued to be under threat, as Portsmouth lost 3-1 to Fulham at Craven Cottage with Andrew Johnson scoring two goals for the home side.

Manchester City lost to Stoke City 1-0 in the Britannia Stadium, as they were unable to break the defense of 10-man Potters.

Elsewhere at Kingston Communication Stadium, Hull City broke their six-games losing streak, as they drew 2-2 with West Bromwich Albion.

Sam Allardyce’s unbeaten record was kept intact, as Blackburn Rovers held Middlesbrough 0-0 at Riverside Stadium.