Posts Tagged ‘Chelsea FC’

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Malouda might consider leaving Chelsea

March 1st, 2009

Florent Malouda admitted he might be forced to leave Chelsea, if he is not given a better chance to perform by the club.

French winger has been struggling to hold a regular spot in the Blues at Stamford Bridge after making a move from Lyon for £13.5million in July 2007.

According to Luiz Felipe Scolari, Malouda wasn’t playing at his peak, during the manager’s stint at the club.

The winger has only featured in one game, since Guus Hiddink has been appointed the new boss of the club. This has made the situation more aggravated for the French International. He is not thinking of looking for other options, if he will not be able to secure regular action in the remaining part of the season.

Following the clubs 2-1 victory over Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge, Malouda said, ‘I want to play more games and have 3 more months for trying and getting a regular space in the squad.’

‘However, if this will not happen, I am going to analyze the ongoing scenario and look for other options.’

Meanwhile, Liverpool suffered a humiliating 2-0 loss at the hands of Middlesbrough in the Premier League encounter at the Riverside Stadium.

With goals from Turkish international Tuncay Sanli and an own goal from Xabi Alonso, Middlesbrough has made sure that the Reds have fallen far behind in their bid to win the title.

At Goodison Park, Everton managed a 2-0 victory over West Brom with a touch of class from Louis Saha that resulted in the wonderful second goal for the home side.

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Liverpool

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O’Neill: Loss will end Blues hopes of a Premier League title

February 20th, 2009

Martin O’Neill feels that Chelsea are in a situation where they cannot afford losing another game in this season, if they wish to have any hope of being crowned the Premier League Champions.

Ahead of his club’s clash with the Blues at Villa Park, O’Neil insists that their opponent have the quality in players for putting together such a run.

O’Neill said, ‘Chelsea needs to beat us for staying in the hunt of Premier League title, as Manchester United have opened up a 5-point gap at the top of the table over Liverpool and another 5 over them.’

‘With only 13 games remaining in the season, Chelsea needs to remain unbeaten throughout and will require winning at least 11 of them.’

‘Although achieving such a feat takes some doing, for the talent, which is on display at Stamford Bridge, it is achievable.’

‘Last season, they achieved a similar feat only to lose the chance after drawing with Wigan in a crucial game of the season.’

‘They were also within a penalty of winning the final of the Champions League, which they went on to lose to Manchester United.’

Chelsea displayed top class performance, as O’Neil hailed following the match, to defeat Aston Villa 2-0 in October at Stamford Bridge. O’Neil was surprised with their dip in fortune and an unexpected change of manager.

‘I was surprised when I heard that Scolari was sacked. For someone, who has the credential of winning the World Cup and being lauded by everyone as a great manager, he was given too little opportunity for having an impact at Stamford Bridge.’

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Posted in Aston Villa, Chelsea FC

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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.’

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Posted in Man U, Premier League

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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.

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Posted in Liverpool, Premier League

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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.

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Liverpool

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Alonso: We are capable of defeating Chelsea again

January 31st, 2009

Liverpool midfielder, Xabi Alonso, expressed his belief on the strengths of his club. He feels that the Reds have the capability to win over Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday, as they did in Stamford Bridge, when the two teams last met each other.

Spanish International attributed such remarks to the recent controversies, which surround Liverpool on their faltering title bid.

Liverpool ended the 86 game unbeaten record of Chelsea at home in the Premier League way back in October courtesy Alonso, who scored the only goal of the match.

Alonso said, ‘Liverpool managed to produce some real good results, particularly against the top four this season. Nobody should forget the way we defeated Chelsea.’

‘Since it is the second part of the Premier League, we are capable of doing it again and have more fascinating results against the top four.’

Although Alonso’s winning goal against Chelsea has been credited subsequently as an own goal to Bosingwa, the Spanish footballer is still credited in Liverpool’s own records for his efforts.

Alonso added, ‘If we can beat the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea again, then we will have a great chance to regain the top spot.’

‘It is very important for us to win these crucial games and bring ourselves close to the top spot.’

Although Liverpool currently has an unbeaten run of 15 matches, they have managed to draw most of them. They will be looking forward to break their streak and regain the form that took them to the top of the table.

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Liverpool

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Ferdinand: We can win the Premier League

January 30th, 2009

Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, is confident that his team can win the Premier League crown for the third year in succession, if they maintain their present form.

After a run of six consecutive wins, United are now two points clear of their nearest rivals, Chelsea and Liverpool, with a game in hand.

Earlier this month, Red Devils hammered the Blues 3-0 at Old Trafford. They showed similar form against West Brom on Tuesday, where they scored five goals.

Ferdinand said, ‘We have secured the top position in the Premier League table. Now, we need to consolidate on that by keeping the momentum and getting more points from the next few games.’

United will come up against Everton in their next game. They will be looking forward to increase the difference at the top for their title hat trick.

Ferdinand added, ‘If we continue to perform in the way we have been doing in the last few games, we will win the title this year.’

The return of Ferdinand and Patrice Evra to the side will be a major boost for Manchester United in the coming games, as they will need their support to extend their winning run. Ferdinand feels the presence of senior players is also important for them to have an impact.

‘Presence of experienced players like Neville, Giggs and Scholes makes it easier for us, as they have helped the side in winning the Premier League before.’

Ferdinand feels that Red Devils are really going to be hard to beat in the coming matches and the possibility of them winning the League will grow more.

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Posted in Man U, Premier League

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Liverpool’s title ambitions dented by a 1-1 draw against Wigan

January 29th, 2009

Liverpool was held to a 1-1 draw by Wigan at The JJB Stadium, as the Reds received another dent in their quest to win the Premier League crown.

Once again, Liverpool showed inability to convert their possession into goals, as Rafael Benitez’s side could not capitalize for the fourth consecutive match.

Yossi Benayoun opened the scoring for Liverpool in the 41st minute. However, it didn’t prove to be enough after the Reds gave Wigan a penalty in the 81st minute.

Lucas Leiva, the Brazilian midfielder, made a rash challenge on Mido, who converted the penalty much to the delight of the home fans.

This draw took Liverpool 2 points behind the Red Devils, who still have a game in hand.

Meanwhile, Chelsea thrashed Middlesbrough 2-0 at Stamford Bridge and kept their title aspirations alive with Salomon Kalou scoring twice for the home side.

This victory allowed the Blues to move to the second place in the League table overtaking Liverpool with a better goal difference.

Another game saw Manchester City defeat Newcastle United 2-1 at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Goals from City’s record signing Robinho and Craig Bellamy allowed their club to register a comprehensive win over struggling Magpies.

In another exciting encounter that ended 1-1, Arsenal managed to escape a narrow defeat at the hands of Everton in Goodison Park, as Robin Van Persie scored for the Gunners in the injury time.

At Upton Park, West Ham United defeated Hull City 2-0 and extended their unbeaten run with goals coming from David Di Michele and Carlton Cole.

Elsewhere at Ewood Park, Blackburn’s Benny McCarthy spared Sam Allardyce his first loss, as the striker scored against his former club (Bolton) to make it 2-2.

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Mourinho: Liverpool can win the Premier League

January 25th, 2009

Jose Mourinho, former Chelsea Boss, believes that Liverpool has everything needed for them to win this season’s Premier League.

Reds are currently sitting second on the league table level in terms of points with Manchester United, but they are behind on superior goal difference. Again, they have also played a game more than the Red Devils.

Speaking to the reporters from Sunday Telegraph, Mourinho said ‘It’s been interesting seeing Liverpool perform this season. I feel that they have the right ingredients for winning the title.’

While they are still in title race, Liverpool has been guilty of wasting important home points against less-fancied opponents this season. However, Mourinho, believes they have the ability to keep their championship challenge right on track.

‘It’s tough for me to understand how they weren’t able to manage such wonderful performances in previous four seasons.’

‘Their manager is good, players are world class, fans are unique and club tradition is big. There’s no reason that they cannot do it this time around.’

However, Mourinho warned that as soon as the Champions League starts from next month, it will be a distraction for the Anfield club.

‘Usually, it’s when Champions League commences that they start losing their focus from the Premier League.’

‘It has been the case with them in previous seasons where they performed well in Champions League, but lost important points in the League games.’

‘They’ve already lost 10 important points at home in games that they could have easily won. On any given day, Liverpool is a better side than West Ham, Stoke, Hull, Everton and Fulham. However, they have failed to perform against such teams and lost crucial points.’

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Posted in Liverpool, Premier League

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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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