November 29, 2008
Chelsea Boss, Luiz Felipe Scolari, believes that in the form of John Terry, he has got the best captain in the world.
Chelsea will be facing Arsenal at Stamford Bridge with Gunners still reeling from dressing room turmoil, which forced manager Arsene Wenger strip Frenchman William Gallas of his captaincy.
This took place after French defender accused the youngsters of the club to lack the stomach required to fight for the Premier League crown.
Gallas revealed that he needed to separate arguing teammates before half-time during their 4-4 draw against Tottenham.
Cesc Fabregas has been appointed as the successor to Gallas by Wenger. However, Scolari isn’t worried about the commitment of Terry to club’s cause.
Scolari said, ‘Captain is face for coach on the football pitch. When I captained teams in Brazil, I did the same for my coaches.’
‘I told everyone on the field what the coach wanted. I find the same spirit in John. For me, he is a born captain.’
Gallas, who also played for Chelsea, will be returning to Stamford Bridge to play against his former club, but Scolari didn’t envisage reactions from home fans.
‘Gallas played excellently for Chelsea, so I don’t think there should be a problem.’
Scolari will also be looking forward for this contest eagerly and hoping that his side widens their current gap over London rivals to 13 points.
‘If we play intelligently, then we’ll have plenty of chances for counter-attack. Arsenal does have a solid defense. But in attempt of attacking more, they do leave spaces in their defense. We only need to cash in on these opportunities, if we need to come out as winners.’
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November 28, 2008
Sir Alex Ferguson was impressed by Robinho’s performance thus far in the season. He was convinced that the player was worth the US$50 million paid by Manchester City on the deadline day of transfer season.
Initially, Ferguson, like most other experts, was staggered by Robinho’s decision of moving to City from a high profile club like Real Madrid. After Robinho was linked with Chelsea for most of the season, City came up with a surprising 11th hour deal.
Some experts felt 24-year-old decision to move to City was only a stepping stone for getting to Stamford Bridge. However, his outstanding performances in some of the games this season that have earned him a tally of 9 goals cleared everyone’s doubts.
And, the way he scored against Arsenal with a sublime chip over keeper Manuel Almunia, even Ferguson got overwhelmed.
Ferguson said, ‘If you ever thought that he was not worth US$50 million (£32million), then you would have seen him score on that day.’
‘The player has the talent and composure, which is required for big games. You might not find him everywhere in the game. However, moments, which do involve him, are simply something that should not be missed out on.’
Now, it’s up to City Boss Mark Hughes to make full use of this wonderful talent. With this being his first year in the Premier League, Ferguson felt that Robinho will require time and guidance for performing against all the big English clubs as the challenge here is completely different from the ones that he has previously been a part of.
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November 27, 2008
Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney feels that Cristiano Ronaldo has the talent to rise above tough challenge and rival supporters’ baiting.
After a goalless draw against Villarreal in a Champions League encounter, Red Devils Boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, said that Ronaldo was a victim of systematic fouling in England & Europe.
Villarreal’s Capdevila was shown the red card 7 minutes from the final whistle after he had a reckless challenge on the Portuguese player. This challenge was so vicious that it left stud marks on his knees.
Ronaldo was already doubtful for the game after he suffered cuts on his ankle during this weekend’s goalless draw against Aston Villa at Villa Park.
Ronaldo also endured constant taunts from El Madrigal’s crowd. However, Rooney insisted that his
teammate never allowed such things to intimidate during a game.
England International said, ‘He is a player with high class and expects such treatment wherever he goes. He has matured enough for dealing with such situation.’
‘We were a better side and created the most chances, but failed to capitalize on them.’
With an important game against Manchester City coming up, Rooney felt that Red Devils needed to play at their best.
‘We need to win against City, as it will help us in closing the gap with the table leaders.’
Although it’s going to be a tough game at City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester United will have to perform well and win the game or they will be left far behind in the title race.
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November 25, 2008
Henri Camara gave Wigan Athletic something to cheer about, as he scored his first goal in two years and took his side out of the relegation zone with a 1-0 victory over Everton at the JJB Stadium.
Senegal International came as a substitute for Olivier Kapo and took just 6 minutes to rifle a low shot past Everton Keeper Tim Howard following a wonderful piece of skill from midfielder Antonio Valencia.
This goal was enough to give only the second home win for Steve Bruce’s side after they registered a 2-1 win over Manchester City almost couple of months ago.
Moreover, this win was a perfect fillip to Bruce following their recent results were raising fears of Wigan getting dragged into dogfight of the relegation zone.
Still, we are far from seeing the Latics out of trouble. However, this thoroughly deserving victory, where Lee Cattermole was exceptional, showed delight on the face of Wigan Boss. At the final whistle, the pleasure of scoring the goal was clearly visible Camara’s face.
31-year old forward was on loan West Ham United and failed to score a single goal on what was a horrible campaign.
Camara made a return to the JJB Stadium earlier this summer and after scoring thrice in the Carling Cup, finally hit the net in a top flight game for the first time since scoring for Wigan against Middlesbrough in December 2006.
Meanwhile, Everton made a short trip to JJB Stadium with an unbeaten streak in 5 games. However, following a bright start, faded badly.
This defeat for Everton meant that none of the top side’s in the league was able to register a victory in this week.
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November 24, 2008
Harry Redknapp’s magic continued to reign supreme at White Hart Lane, as the rejuvenated Spurs defeated a 10-man Rovers 1-0.
Russian star forward, Roman Pavlyuchenko, again played a pivotal role in the victory of his side.
Pavlyuchenko, one of the stars of EURO 2008, struck the winner to get his side away from the relegation zone in only the 9th minute of the game and didn’t allow their opponents to come out of the same predicament.
Rovers’ fullback, Martin Olson, turned his side’s afternoon worse when he got himself sent off within 40 minutes of the game after receiving 2 bookings, within 12 minutes of one another, for fouls on Aaron Lennon.
Paul Ince has his job cut out, as Rovers have not registered a win since 8 games.
At the same time, Redknapp would be looking to make his side carry the momentum, which they have now into the coming games of the season.
If the form of Darren Bent, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Aaron Lennon continued to stay in the same way, they might even reach a commendable position before the first half of the League gets over.
Meanwhile, Roy Keane’s Sunderland registered another loss, which was their third on a row at home, in the Stadium of Light against West Ham United 1-0.
Switzerland International, Valon Behrami, scored for the Hammers in the 20th minute of the game.
This victory was the first for West Ham Boss Gianfranco Zola in the Premier League and its satisfaction was visible on his face after the game.
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November 23, 2008
Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool failed to score full points from their game, as they failed to consolidate their position in the League Table.
Chelsea had a goalless encounter against Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge, as Kinnear’s men were able to continue their revival in the League this season.
Although Nicolas Anelka, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole continued to threaten Newcastle’s defense, keeper Shay Given and defender Bassong proved too much to penetrate.
It took a miraculous save from Given and a close offside decision when Cole finally hit the net in second half that made Chelsea to lose out on important points, in spite of the Blues having a command in most parts of the game.
Liverpool also failed to score against Fulham at Anfield and failed to take advantage of a slip by current Premier League leaders.
With Gerard missing due to injury, Reds were held to a goalless draw by a side, who only registered their second point in the season from 6 away games.
Manchester United also failed to relish the opportunity of closing in on leaders, as they were held to a goalless draw by Aston Villa at Villa Park.
Meanwhile, Arsenal faced another setback, as Arsene Wenger’s men lost 3-0 to Manchester City at City of Manchester Stadium.
Stephen Ireland, Robinho and Daniel Sturridge architected what was a miserable day for the Gunners.
With an inconsistent run similar to Gunners, Middlesbrough also got defeated by Bolton 1-3 at the Riverside Stadium.
Gretar Steinsson, Matt Taylor and Johan Elmander, who hit a stunner from long range, scored for Bolton, whereas Steward Downing was the only one from the home side to hit the net.
Newcomers Stoke City continued their great run at Britannia Stadium, as they defeated West Brom 1-0 with Mamady Sidibe heading the only goal of the game.
Again, Hull City managed to draw the game 2-2 against Portsmouth at Fratton Park, as the away side twice came from behind.
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November 22, 2008
Curtis Davies revealed that England International Rio Ferdinand is his role model prior to their clash against one another at Villa Park.
Aston Villa’s central defender, who was recalled to England’s squad for their friendly against Germany, has been a Ferdinand admirer for a long time.
During an interview Davies said, ‘I still consider Rio to be my benchmark, as he has the potential to perform on all aspects of the game. He’s a great player and always stays composed on the ball with the potential of using his head in situations, where it can work.’
‘He’s calm with the ball on his feet and the one I look up to. I’d always look to emulate his achievements and the manner in which he plays the game.’
‘We haven’t been playing in the same team for England. It will be good seeing what he’s like during training. However, his admirers will know that whether on the pitch or training ground, he’s all the same.’
‘If you watch the games that he has been a part of and take a look at things that he did on the field, then only you’ll know the talent of the man. Try taking his talent into your game and you’ll only get better in your trade.’
‘If you have the will to go to the top, you should know what the bests are up to. Look at John Terry and Rio. They are the best, as they do all the right things, when the going gets tough for them and their team.’
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November 21, 2008
Sir Alex Ferguson feels that Martin O’Neill has the talent to lead Aston Villa into the top four of this season.
While he was managing Celtic, O’Neill was amongst the front runner for Ferguson’s job at Old Trafford, when there were rumors of Manchester United boss stepping down from his job.
As the Scot ruled out any possibility of stepping down in the immediate future, his name drifted out of contention.
However, he accepted the challenge offered by Villa owner, Randy Lerner, with both hands and has assembled an inspiring squad that is packed with young talent of the league.
After brief stutters, victory over Arsenal at Emirates Stadium has taken Midlands giants on equal points with Gunners in the league table.
Ferguson feels that it is possible that Villa can end the season by toppling one of the Top Four sides in the league.
Ferguson said, ‘They have the ingredients to finish in top four.’
‘They’re currently on level terms with Arsenal and catching on us in the table. This is a great position for them to be in and will lead to an interesting final stage of the league.’
‘Without any doubt, Martin is amongst the best managers of the game.’
‘The only way to judge managers is by their performance over a period. His record with Leicester, Celtic & now at Villa is enough to count him amongst the topmost in the league.’
Meanwhile, Ferguson was worried ahead of an encounter with Aston Villa at Villa Park, as Dimitar Berbatov received a hamstring injury during Bulgaria’s friendly against Serbia.
It was revealed that Berbatov will not be available for at least 2 weeks. However, Ferguson confirmed that the injury was not serious and he will be match fit soon.
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November 20, 2008
According to Joe Kinnear, England International Michael Owen is fit and all set to get a berth in the starting lineup of Newcastle United.
Newcastle will be taking on current leaders in the Premier League table, Chelsea, on Saturday. Kinnear feels that it will not be just a case of a ‘damage limitation’ while playing against the Blues.
Magpies Boss Kinnear believes that Owen, who scored his season’s 6th goal against Wigan after coming off the bench during a 2-2 draw at St James’s Park, is all ready to make his first start since the early part of October. Since October, he has been out with a groin niggle.
28-year-old’s wait for a start will finally come at a stadium where his club has failed to win for 22 years.
Kinnear said, ‘I’ll say he’s getting close to being 100% fit.’
‘Michael has been frustrated recently, as he was getting close to perfect fitness level. But, now he’s better and sharper.’
‘He has got his own private coach with whom he’s been doing special work prior to the start of the training. This shows his professionalism and love of the game.’
Sunderland, Newcastle’s derby rivals, has already been thrashed 5-0 by Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the season. However, Kinnear is not seeing the game as forgone conclusion.
‘What Chelsea did to Sunderland was frightening. But, I’ve never backed away from any challenge, and I won’t go into this match with damage limitation in my mind.’
‘I’ll be going there for getting decent results. Newcastle has never won in 22 years at Stamford Bridge. But, records are meant to be broken.’
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November 19, 2008
Former Manchester United Legend, Sir Bobby Charlton, believes that Cristiano Ronaldo is once again racking up goals for his club.
During last weekend’s 5-0 demolition job of Stoke City at Old Trafford, Ronaldo scored 2 goals and took his tally for Manchester United to 101.
This was the first time in this campaign that both his goals came off free-kicks and left Thomas Sorensen, Stoke’s goalkeeper, baffled.
Currently, the United star has 9 goals in this season, which is following a remarkable season where he scored 43 times for the Devils.
Charlton had 249 goals in 758 appearances for United. During an interview, he showed his delight for seeing the return in form of Portuguese winger.
Charlton said, ‘Free-kicks from Ronaldo haven’t been going lately. But thankfully, it worked during the Stoke’s game.’
‘I find his scoring rate to be fantastic. His last campaign was an incredible one and this one is heading in the same direction.’
There was a period during the transfer season where Ronaldo seemed ready for a move to Real Madrid, but eventually decided otherwise.
Charlton claims that Ronaldo is currently playing at the best club in the world. According to him, only Red Devils can hone his talents with the presence of Sir Alex Ferguson.
‘I feel that Cristiano would have given a thought about his decision. Eventually, he also realized, like the most of us, that this club is the best in the world.’
‘With the presence of Sir Alex Ferguson, who I consider the best manager of the modern game, his talent is going to be well nurtured.’
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