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Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Real Madrid vs Espanyol 3-0 21/9/2010

Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham

England & LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham to launch football festival in Trinidad

Press conference: David Beckham - England (PA)

 La Galaxy  midfielder David Beckham will launch a football festival in Trinidad on Saturday, while attending the Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup final in the same country.

The festival, run by his David Beckham Academy, will provide football and life skills programmes and coaching workshops to almost 200 young players and coaches.

Beckham discussed the project with Fifa vice-president Jack Warner at the draw for the 2010 World Cup in December last year, and it has now been arranged by the Trinidad Football Federation for the former England skipper to kick off the six day event at the Marvin Lee Stadium in Port of Spain on 26 September.

Speaking about the event, which will take place on the two islands of Trinidad and Tobago, Beckham said: “Trinidad and Tobago have produced some excellent players over the years and the islands are full of young people who love football. I am really looking forward to seeing the young girls and boys from all backgrounds and their coaches at my Academy.

”Encouraging young girls to play football has always been an important part of the thinking behind the Academy and it will be great to take this opportunity to also see some of the world’s best young women play in the Under-17 Final.”

Should England’s bid to host either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup be successful, the David Beckham Academy will play a huge part in the run up the tournament. The two organisations have agreed a deal which will see the academy hold projects in each confederation every year until 2017 if the bid succeeds.

This weekend’s event, which Beckham is able to attend due to a break in his schedule with LA Galaxy, will demonstrate how the project would work.

Beckham added: “I am extremely proud and committed to the David Beckham Academy. The proposal with England 2018/22 is an exciting one as football is such a great way to inspire and educate young people in so many ways.”

Jack Warner - who holds a vital vote on the location for the 2018 World Cup - thanked Beckham for taking time out of his schedule to give a “remarkable opportunity for the 200 participants“.

He said: “I would like to express my thanks to David and his team for arranging this. It is heartening to know that a man of such international stature remains committed to the development of talent worldwide. This is remarkable opportunity for the 200 participants. The fact that despite his busy schedule David has taken the time to open this festival, to share his knowledge with the children is testament to his character.”

International president David Dein and chief executive Andy Anson will also attend the Under-17 women’s World Cup final as part of England’s World Cup 2018/22 delegation.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Lionel Messi's Bad Injury

Chelsea 4-0 Blackpool

Chelsea have continued their perfect start to the season with a ruthless first half performance to dispatch Blackpool 4-0 inside Stamford Bridge and cement their position at the top of the Premier League table.

Carlo Ancelotti's side went ahead within two minutes courtesy of Salomon Kalou and it was all downhill from there for Ian Holloway's side, as a relentless Blue tide washed all over The Seasiders.

Florent Malouda pounced to put the Blues in comfort and then Didier Drogba got involved in the act before Malouda found a second to put the Premier League leaders into a commanding 4-0 half-time lead. And that was the way it stayed as Chelsea conserved energy for the rest of the match and claimed what is becoming a routine three points.

After missing the victory over MSK Zilina in midweek, there were returns for Ashley Cole and Drogba in the Blues' starting line-up, with Brazilian summer signing Ramires handed his first full Stamford Bridge debut. Frank Lampard and John Terry both missed out through injury however, with Branislav Ivanovic replacing the latter in central defence.

Blackpool made one change from the side that secured victory away to Newcastle last week, with Alex Baptiste selected ahead of Brett Ormerod.

Four consecutive victories and 17 goals have stormed Chelsea to the top of the Premier League pile and the Blues served notice for more of the same when they breached Blackpool within 2 minutes.

From a corner, Drogba crossed to the far post, and with the opposition defence looking like they were still sleepy from the coach journey down, Kalou was left unmarked to smash home for the earliest of leads.

It was the worst possible start for The Seasiders and worryingly for them, Ancelotti's Chelsea keep coming forward like a relentless machine when they go ahead at home.  And so it transpired, with Blackpool overrun in all quarters of the pitch as the ball was pinged around them menacingly.

Michael Essien was next to threaten after the ball was squared to him just outside the box, his vicious drive going just wide of the top-left post.

And the Ghanaian came even closer on the ten-minute mark. He's scored from corners recently and from a left corner this time, Blackpool were again all over the shop and Essien was nearly allowed to bundle the ball over the line. As it was, Mathew Gilks just did enough to desperately push the ball out from his area.

It was a warning though and minutes later, the Londoners went two up.

It was all too easy for Chelsea to break forward and on this occasion, Malouda, Drogba and Kalou cut up the field like a trident with the 'Pool midfield scrambling to catch up. Kalou acted as a decoy and this allowed Drogba to storm into the box and square to Malouda who had the easy task of stabbing the ball into an empty net for his second.

To their credit, soon after conceding the second, Blackpool had their first effort at goal and it was a decent one. A rare sortie up-field by The Seasiders saw Dekel Keinan spot Luke Varney in space and the forward turned and unleashed an accurate shot that arrowed its way to the bottom corner and required a good save from Petr Cech to tip round the post.

But Chelsea were playing beautifully now and looked like they were trying to match Arsenal with consecutive passes leading up to a third goal. The Seasiders were chasing shadows and their defence looked like rabbits caught in the headlights.

Ramires and Essien were dominant in midfield while Cole was wreaking havoc with the space he was given down the left channel. And the left-back was the catalyst for the inevitable third when Neal Eardley, neglectful of his defensive duties all game, was twisted silly by Cole who cut into the box and found Drogba. The Ivorian turned and shot and the ball, taking a deflection off Keinan on the way, nestled into the back of the net.

For a few minutes after the third, the Blues stormed forward with even greater intensity as the crowd went wild. Kalou was now cutting in from the right as well, with Cole doing likewise on the left and the two combined to nearly create a fourth but Gilks was in the right place to snatch Cole's cross-shot towards the far post.

On the 40th minute, the fourth did arrive. Drogba created with a lovely dink over the 'Pool backline to release Kalou and the Ivorian delivered an excellent square ball across the goalmouth where Malouda was waiting to bury it across the 'keeper.

King Salomon | Kalou's early, early opener opened the floodgates at the Bridge

The second half started understandably quieter, although suprisingly it was Blackpool who created the first chance, and it was the best of the match for them so far.

An excellent short ball from Baptiste allowed D.J Campbell to break from the shoulder of the Blues defence and the forward beat the onrushing Cech but Cole was there to clear off the line.

Showing good spirit, 'Pool continued to try and play and Campbell nearly latched onto another ball into the box only for Alex to make a last ditch clearance.

It was clear Holloway had got his side playing better now. Whether Chelsea were conserving themselves or not, The Seasiders had now had more chances in the last 15 minutes than they had the entire game up until this point.

On the 58th minute, they threatened again by working the ball neatly up to Ian Evatt who passed to Gary Taylor-Fletcher in the box. The ball stuck to his feet and moving it to the side, he curled towards the top corner but Cech was adept enough to tip it out.

But Chelsea weren't completely cruising though and Malouda's eyes lit up in search of a hat-trick when he was played through by Essien. Another break reminiscent of the rampant first half caused the visitors all sorts of problems and Malouda powered into the box into a one-on-one with Gilks. This time though, the 'keeper came off the better as Malouda stumbled about the ball before his shot was smothered.

It looked like Blackpool had pulled one back minutes later when another decent move from the visitors saw Charlie Adam square into the box from the right of goal but sub Marlon Harewood hit inches the wrong side of the near post.

Soon after and again the home side showed their teeth momentarily as they clearly looked to be conserving energy as the game wound to a close. The ball was carried by Essien down the right channel and his shot fell to the feet of Cole at the back post. With the keeper occupied the other side of his goalmouth, Cole shot towards an empty net but Keinan was there to clear and avoid further embarrassment.

Drogba continued to threaten up until the final whistle but Holloway's side were determined to shut out the Londoners in the second half and this they managed, as Chelsea take another three points to continue their perfect start to the season.

Atletico Madrid 1-2 Barcelona

Lionel Messi, Barcelona (Getty Images)


Barcelona  recorded their first league win at the Vicente Calderon for four seasons as they overcame a physical Atletico Madrid  side 2-1 in the capital, however Lionel Messi's late injury takes the shine from what was an efficent victory.

The Blaugrana took the lead early on thanks to a neat finish from Lionel Messi, but Raul Garcia headed the home side back into the match before the half hour mark.

Defender Gerard Pique had the last word, showing the skill of a striker to volley the winner and get the Catalan giants' campaign back on track.

Despite the recent hype surrounding Atletico’s title-challenge aspirations, it was the visitors who flew out of the blocks, barely allowing the home side a touch of the ball. After David Villa struck a post, the opening goal was imminent, and it arrived thanks to the incomparable Messi.

Pedro slipped a beautiful through pass to the diminutive Argentine, who flawlessly flicked the ball past David de Gea and into the corner.

However, regardless of barely registering an attack of note, Quique Sanchez Flores’ side notched an equaliser, when Raul Garcia outjumped the flailing fist of Victor Valdes and powered his header into the net. The usually assured ‘keeper had gifted the hosts a route back into the match, one that they barely deserved.

Barcelona did not need to wait long to regain their advantage, though, and it was defender Gerard Pique who showed supreme composure to control a Xavi corner on his chest, compose himself, and drill his volley low into the net. On the balance of the half, the Camp Nou club had the lead that their play merited.

The action was breathless, incessant, and half time did not quell Pep Guardiola’s sides’ attacking philosophy. De Gea was called into action three times within the opening five minutes, with Xavi and Pedro twice denied by the brilliance of the exceptional young shot-stopper.

Soon after Sergio Aguero, who had been a huge fitness doubt beforehand, limped off to have his leg encased in ice, and from that moment on Barcelona looked in control.

Villa blazed over from close range, then stung th
e fingers of De Gea once again, before attempting to go round him, with the goalkeeper winning their personal duel once again. The 19-year-old enjoyed a fantastic evening, and continued to keep his side within touching distance of the champions.

Villa was replaced by Seydou Keita as Guardiola looked to see out the match, but los Colchoneros enjoyed an intense spell of pressure as the match drew to a close, with the boisterous home support driving the players forward.

However their ascendency was too late, and Tomas Ujfalusi's late red card for a frustrated, poorly-timed lunge on Messi bookended a poor night for the Europa League champions. One of the stars of the show left proceedings on a stretcher and in tears, and it looked ominous for the world's best player as his ankle immediately ballooned.

Atletico Madrid's title challenge may be re-evaluated after this result, while Barcelona have proved that last week's loss to Hercules can be regarded an anomaly, as they return to winning ways.

EPL - Chelsea 4-0 Blackpool | All Goals & Highlights

Messi out for up to three weeks


Barcelona wizard Lionel Messi is set to be sidelined for up to three weeks after sustaining an ankle injury late in Sunday's 2-1 La Liga victory at Atletico Madrid.
The Argentina ace grimaced in acute pain following a tackle by Tomas Ujfalusi and was stretchered off as he shed a few tears.
The challenge caused Ujfalusi to be sent off for two bookable offences.
"We are happy with the win but sad about Messi," said Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola moments after the full-time whistle.
"The TV pictures speak for themselves. It is not only Cristiano Ronaldo [of Real Madrid] who needs protecting. The referees should protect all the players."

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Sunderland 1-1 Arsenal

real madrid vs real sociedad 2-1 all goals

Real Sociedad 1-2 Real Madrid

Real Sociedad 1-2 Real Madrid: Thunderous Cristiano Ronaldo Free Kick Gives Los Merengues A Hard Fought Victory At Anoeta
Two marvellous strikes from Angel Di Maria and Ronaldo were enough for Madrid as they made hard work of Real Sociedad...
By David Schiavone
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* Real Madrid
* Real Sociedad

A stunning effort from Angel Di Maria and a Cristiano Ronaldo free kick either side of Raul Tamudo's equaliser were enough to give Real Madrid all three points against a dogged Real Sociedad side.

The early momentum was of course made by Real Madrid having a couple of opportunities through Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain, also a Cristiano Ronaldo free kick flashed just wide.

Despite their dominance in possession during the opening period Los Merengues failed to create any clear cut chances. Ronaldo was restricted to only a couple of shots and Sami Khedira lashed one high over the bar.

As the half wore on Real Sociedad had the better moments. Antoine Griezmann had the first after a cross from the left found him unmarked in the box but he could only balloon his header over the bar. Then a few minutes later he was put through on goal by Raul Tamudo but the Frenchman's low finish missed the bottom right corner by mere inches.

With the game becoming more and more scrappy it was La Real who were having the best of it, as Madrid unleashed attack after attack, the Txuri-urdin defence held firm and helped launch a number of incisive counter attacks especially down the right as Marcelo seemed to have been pinpointed as the weak link in the Blancos defensive line.

Xabi Prieto was having plenty of the ball and was able to pepper the Madrid box though most of his deliveries were dealt with.

The best chance of the half fell to Tamudo who was odds for an easy tap in but at first it seemed he had fluffed his lines but replays showed Casillas managed a slight touch to divert the ball away from the Real hitman.

By this point Madrid were having to do more defending than getting forward, Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil and Higuain were almost anonymous going into the half time break.



It only took Madrid five minutes after the interval to grab the opening goal, Di Maria picked the ball up on the left then dribbled into the box before cutting in on his weaker right foot and curling an unstoppable shot over the outstretched hand of Claudio Bravo into the top corner.

Just as Madrid seemed in the comfort zone they gave away a free kick just outside the area and conceded the equaliser. Griezmann swung in the delivery for the completely unmarked Tamudo who tapped in from three yards, though he seemed to be in an offside position when the ball was hit.

Ronaldo, who cut a frustrated figure for most of the game, put his team back into the lead once more with a stunning free kick that took a wicked deflection of team-mate Pepe to wrong foot Real goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, who could only watch as the ball flew into the top corner.

Xavi Prieto almost snatched a point late on for the Basques as his curling effort shaved the crossbar with Casillas beaten. But the visitors should have had a third at the death as they opened up La Real with ease on numerous occasions in the final few minutes.

The result puts Los Merengues top of La Liga, if only for one evening as Valencia and Atletico Madrid are yet to play. Real Sociedad drop one place from fifth to sixth.

milan vs katanya1-1 all Goals

Sunderland 1 - 1 Arsenal

Sunderland   1 - 1   Arsenal

Darren Bent scores the late winner
Bent's late winner came with seconds remaining



Darren Bent's injury-time strike earned Sunderland a deserved point against 10-man Arsenal at the Stadium of Light.
The visitors took the lead when Cesc Fabregas's block on Anton Ferdinand's clearance flew in from 40 yards.
Arsenal, who had Alex Song sent off for two yellow cards, missed a penalty when Tomas Rosicky blazed over after Ahmed Elmohamady had fouled Samir Nasri.
Deep into injury time, Bent pounced to smash in from inside the six-yard area after Gael Clichy had failed to clear.
As heartbroken as Arsenal would have been at the final whistle, even the most ardent of their supporters would say Sunderland were worthy of a point from the game.
There was much to admire about Steve Bruce's passionate Black Cats who fought from the first whistle to the last and fell behind in the most extraordinary way


Describing Arsenal's solitary effort as a 'fluke' is not an adequate enough description of the goal.
Sunderland began the match brilliantly and prevented the Gunners from getting into their fluent groove by closing their opponents down at every opportunity.
But it was the closing down by Arsenal that contributed to the first goal, when the bubbly Fabregas took a chance, ran towards Ferdinand and stuck out a hopeful foot before watching his block travel 40 yards over the stranded Simon Mignolet and into the net.
Having made the major contribution, the Spain World Cup winner was brought off as a precautionary measure after appearing to struggle with his hamstring.

The goal should have raised Arsenal's game, but much to manager Arsene Wenger's consternation on the sidelines it was Sunderland who continued to push his team back.
And they should have gone into the break 2-1 up, with Nedum Onuoha heading over from six yards and Cristian Riveros failing to make a decent connection with Elmohamady's lovely delivery from the right.
Arsenal began the second half better than they started the second, with Russian Andrey Arshavin firing over from Marouane Chamakh's low ball before the Moroccan himself saw his effort smothered by Mignolet.

With Arsenal slowly beginning to take control of the match they were reduced to 10 men when Song was shown a second yellow for blocking Steed Malbranque.
Time was running out for Sunderland to take advantage of their new situation. When Arsenal won a penalty it seemed as if Bruce's men were going to leave their home ground having suffered only their second home defeat in 13 matches.
But the gods showed the Black Cats another ray of light when Rosicky inexplicably blazed over the bar.
With seconds remaining, Sunderland knocked on the door once when Clichy had to clear his team-mate Denilson's header off the Arsenal goalline before they finally broke the door down when this time Clichy cleared straight to Bent who fired high into the goal.

Real Sociedad - Real Madrid

Real Sociedad - Real Madrid

The two sides meet in La Liga for the first time in three years

Real Madrid return to league play on Saturday by traveling north for a visit to Real Sociedad at Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian. A win  will see the Whites move top in La Liga pending Sunday's round of action.
Real Madrid can put the icing on the cake on what has been a great week with a victory against Real Sociedad on Saturday. Last weekend the Whites defeated Osasuna 1-0 and subsequently opened up the Champions League with a 2-0 win against Ajax.

Tied in points and sitting on the same record of one win and one draw apiece, Real Sociedad and Real Madrid meet in league action for the first time in three years. The fact that Txuri-urdin are once again newcomers to Spain's top flight doesn't make them any less of a threat, at least according to Jose Mourinho. "Teams that are promoted from Segunda Division have the attitude and morale and confidence soaring through the roof after winning their league last year. I have watched their two previous games and I can say that they are very organized and defend well," said the Madridista coach during Friday's press conference.


HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
  P W D L GF GA
Real Madrid 126 67 36 23 260 154
Real Sociedad 126 23 36 67 154 260

To get the job done, Mourinho can count on the services of Sergio Ramos, who has recovered from a bothersome left soleus muscle. Of note is the return of Xabi Alonso to his former stomping grounds. The midfielder spent seven seasons playing for Real Sociedad, his favorite team as a child.

Real Sociedad have returned to Primera with a vengeance, or so it appears having beaten Villarreal 1-0 and drawn at Almeria 2-2. Few changes are expected of Martin Lasarte with respect to last weekend's match. He will, however, have to decide between Llorente and Tamudo in attack and Griezmann and Sutil on the left flank. The only player out for the Donosti side is Diego Ifran.

Jose Mourinho "I have a lot of respect for Real Sociedad"



Jose Mourinho discussed Saturday's match against Real Socieded as well as Portugal's interest in signing the Madridista coach to manage the national team during Friday's post-training news conference.
"This will be our toughest match to date, and I don't say it because it's our next game, but because I believe they are the toughest opponent that we will have played against so far. Teams that are promoted from Segunda Division have the attitude and morale and confidence soaring through the roof after winning their league last year, which makes playing against them harder than playing against a team that has more Primera Division experience but sits in the middle of the table. These are championship-winning teams with winning attitudes. I have watched their two previous games and I can say that they are very organized and defend well. They are a compact group that waits to counterattack. Their attack can be devastating."

"Real Sociedad have had a full week to prepare, while we haven't had that privilege. It's hard for me to accept the fact that we play on Saturday after having played a Champions League match on Wednesday. That said, we are professionals. There was a lot of wear and tear from the Ajax game and it hasn't been easy to recover in only two days. We respect the decisions made and must be in top form if we are to win."

"The Portuguese Football Federation did not contact Real Madrid. The club was made aware of the situation by me. I owe myself to this club and therefore cannot say 'yes' to the national team. Neither can I easily say 'no' because I am Portuguese and I have strong feelings towards the team. But the fact remains that we will not win only because I am coaching the team. Real Madrid has every right to keep me here and I cannot go against their word." 

"I win a lot. People get tired of watching my style of football and wait for me to do badly. But there are also people who admire my work and who like what I do. Many people at the UEFA Coach's Congress expressed that they liked the way I won the Champions League and they considered that I did an excellent job with Inter. I don't work to be compared to others. I do what I do and I am confident that the results obtained are the best argument to defend myself. There are times that I don't like what is being said, and I can imagine that there would be people that think a match wasn't good and that it was too defensive if we took 35 shots on goal and it ended 0-0.

"I live for football and my family. I don't have a social life. Everything I do is based on my work and my results."

"I do not play the game of favorites when it comes to other matchups. If I have time I will watch the Atletico-Barcelona game. I won't if I don't. I play in San Sebastian on Saturday and then against Espanyol on Tuesday. I will be a happy man if I get six points out of them:"

Thierry Henry injures FC Dallas goalkeeper while celebrating a goal HD

Mourinho not ready to coach Portugal


Jose Mourinho will not be able to take temporary charge of the Portuguese national team, the Real Madrid coach said on Friday.
Portugal offered Mourinho their vacant managerial seat for next month's EURO 2012 qualifiers against Denmark and Iceland.
The struggling side want to replace Carlos Queiroz, who was sacked after being handed a six-month suspension for insulting anti-doping agents before the World Cup.
"For personal pride and passion for Portugal I couldn't say no but I can't say yes either," Portuguese Mourinho, who was appointed as Real boss after steering Inter Milan to an unprecedented treble last season, told a news conference.
"My sense is that in the Real Madrid world it would have been interpreted negatively.
"There would have to be total agreement and I don’t think that’s going to happen.
"Real Madrid has every right to make the decision they have. For me the issue is finished."
The Spanish giants drew with Mallorca and defeated Osasuna in their first two league games under the guidance of Mourinho.
They also beat Dutch side Ajax 2-0 in their opening Champions League group stage clash.

Ahmed Hassan's 'pride' delays Ahli talks


Ahmed Hassan's pride will prevent him from extending his contract with Ahli until he recovers from a serious knee injury he picked up whilst on international duty, the Egypt skipper said.
The 36-year-old ruptured his cruciate ligament during Egypt's disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Sierra Leone in the opening game of their 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifiers earlier this month.

The injury will sideline Hassan, who is three matches short of becoming the world's most capped player, for up to six months.
Ahli said they were looking to prolong his deal, which runs out at the end of the season, but Hassan is not willing to put pen-to-paper unless he fully recovers.
"I want to make sure that I will regain top form when I return to action before I extend my deal with Ahli," he told Modern Sport on Friday.

"I don't want anyone to sympathize with me, my pride can not bear that.
"None of Ahli officials talked with me about a contract extension yet. I did not make a final decision over my future."
Hassan has been one of Ahli's key players since joining in the summer of 2008 after his contract with Belgian giants Anderlecht expired.
He helped the Red Devils win one CAF Champions League and two Egyptian Premier League titles.
However, reports suggested that he is frustrated at coach Hossam Al-Badri's preference to mainly use him as a substitute this season
Ahmed Elmohamady is ready to feature in Sunderland's next Premier League clash against Arsenal after shaking off a minor knock.
The Egypt international was taken off after just 32 minute in the Black Cats' 1-1 draw at Wigan last week, shortly before a challenge by an opposition.
But Sunderland said on their official site that the 23-year-old was able to train well ahead of Saturday's game with the Gunners.
Elmohamady has started all of Sunderland's four Premier League games so far, playing the whole game in the team's only win over Manchester City.
Sunderland are currently 10th of the Premier League table, having amassed five points so far in the competition.

Premier League Preview: Sunderland - Arsenal

Marouane Chamakh & Jack Wilshere celebrate one of six Arsenal goals against Braga (Getty Images)
Marouane Chamakh & Jack Wilshere celebrate one of six Arsenal goals against Braga (Getty Images)

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Teams

 * Arsenal
 * Sunderland 

Stadium of delight to Stadium of Light

After their scintillating if ultimately undemanding 6-0 dissection of Braga in the Champions League on Wednesday, Arsenal face the more meaningful and probably more muscular challenge of Sunderland on Saturday evening. If the Gunners' football against the Portuguese debutants was often a delight to behold, they can expect to be shown far less space, or respect, by the Black Cats. Steve Bruce's side may be more prosaic than Arsene Wenger's, but they will be a lot more purposeful than Braga, and certainly won't hand their visitors an invitation to come out and play.

All of which merely underlines that this is precisely the sort of match in which Arsenal must prove their mettle if they are to silence the 'no trophy for five years' jibes next May. That means showing they've improved significantly from last season, when they succumbed to a damaging defeat in this fixture, inflicted by an unanswered Darren Bent goal.

The signs are encouraging so far. After a tentative opening day draw at Anfield, they've been ruthless against Blackpool and Braga, and more significantly come through tough assignments against Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers. The respective managers of those two north-west clubs, Sam Allardyce and Owen Coyle, have denounced Wenger this week for criticising some of the tackles against his players, fearing that the astute Frenchman is trying to influence officials to insulate his players from robust challenges.

Wenger, well used to barbs from managerial counterparts, would no doubt insist that they are missing his point, which is apparently that he is urging protection for the game of football, not just his own players. It's been pointed out that the successful Arsenal teams of Vieira, Keown, Adams, Petit, et al were no angels; at the same time it can't be denied that more recently too many of their players have been seriously injured by agricultural tackling.

Arsenal's boss may be perceived to have metamorphosed from poacher to gamekeeper, and it is instructive to compare the media's previous indignation at yet another red card (though many were for dissent rather than dismemberment) with their current mocking stance towards Arsenal's delicate flowers. The argument will be grist to Bruce's mill as he prepares his troops to bring Wenger's back down to earth.

Captain Cesc Fabregas has tried to put a lid on expectations and insists that the free-flowing Gunners are not getting carried away by their own hype, while the Sunderand camp has been exuding quiet confidence. Bruce will have noted that for all Arsenal's good attacking play they still look like conceding goals, and he will certainly know how influential Fabregas has been in the last two matches. Stopping him will doubtless be his priority, though he must do so without his own captain (for the time being) Lee Cattermole, who is having to reflect on his latest red mist, and card, while serving another ban.

Black Cats looking for repeat of last year

The Wearsiders collected a record nine Premier League red cards last season and have now earned five reds in their last seven league games, so Wenger may already be working on his post-match observations if his side don't emerge victorious and unscathed.

Nevertheless, Sunderland have had a reasonable if somewhat frustrating start to the season, conceding two late goals to Birmingham to snatch a home draw from the jaws of victory, then losing at West Bromwich Albion before beating Manchester City at the death. Last week they again surrendered a lead in a 1-1 draw with Bruce's former club Wigan, but there were positives to take from the match.

Record signing Asamoah Gyan enjoyed a scoring debut, Steed Malbranque, Jordan Henderson, Titus Bramble and Simon Mignolet earned good reviews and the team picked up their first away point of the campaign.

"We will have to play well from one to 11 to beat Arsenal, just as we did against Manchester City," Bruce told the club's official website. "We need to defend well, set ourselves up and make it very difficult for them. Without doubt, beating Arsenal was one of the best results of last year. Some of the football was terrific and we'll have to do that again."

He added: "You saw on Saturday that I was able to bring Riveros, Mensah and Gyan off the bench. That shows how strong our squad is now. We're delighted with the way things are shaping up. Teams are measured by the strength of their bench and we're making great strides with that. Look at the Chelsea game last year - I had kids on the bench. To be able to bring on Riveros, Mensah and Gyan last week shows how far we've come. For me, that's the big difference this season."

Arsenal, of course, are looking for a big difference of their own this term, and have history on their side. In the Premier League era the Gunners have won 10, drawn five and lost just three, including last season's 1-0 defeat, of their 18 meetings with the Black Cats. To keep in touch with leaders Chelsea they will need to make it won 11.
 
Good luck charm | Results against Black Cats have mostly been good for Arsenal

TEAM NEWS


Sunderland

Injury to Michael Turner and Lee Cattermole's suspension mean Bruce has selection decisions to make, especially as he could also be without Ghanaian John Mensah, who sustained a knock in training and may be rested as a precaution. Mensah had come on from the bench at Wigan last week.

Bruce could therefore opt to pair Titus Bramble with Anton Ferdinand in central defence. That was the partnership for the second half against Manchester City, and the Black Cats may will be set up in the same 4-5-1 formation that ultimately triumphed over City in the last home game.

Other options are to play Phil Bardsley at right-back and switch defender Nedum Onuoha, on-loan from City, into the middle.

Danny Welbeck and Cristian Riveros could start, or Bruce could give the nod to the experienced Bolo Zenden.

Possible Starting XI: Mignolet; Onuoha, Bramble, Ferdinand, Richardson; Welbeck, Malbranque, Henderson, Riveros, Gyan; Bent.
Arsenal

Wenger will be able to choose from an unchanged squad, with no injuries suffered in midweek, but more negatively none of his earlier casualties yet ready to come back.

Sebastien Squillaci, Jack Wilshere and Samir Nasri should therefore continue in the starting XI, though Wenger could give the likes of Emmanuel Eboue, Kieran Gibbs, Denilson and Tomas Rosicky a run out.

Abou Diaby could return against West Brom next Saturday after injuring his ankle against Bolton last weekend, and Thomas Vermaelen is also set to return against the Baggies as he recovers from an Achilles injury.

Robin van Persie (ankle), Theo Walcott (ankle), Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and Aaron Ramsey (leg) are still sidelined.

Possible Starting XI: Almunia; Sagna, Koscielny, Squillaci, Clichy; Fabregas, Song, Wilshere; Nasri, Chamakh, Arshavin.

Premier League Preview: Manchester United - Liverpool

Premier League Preview: Manchester United - Liverpool


Alex Ferguson, Manchester United (Getty Images)


Alex Ferguson, Manchester United (Getty Images)

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 *liverpool
 *manchester united
'This is the fixture'
With 36 English titles between them, Premier League games don't get much bigger than Manchester United against
Liverpool .

The two North West giants continue their intense rivalry at Old Trafford on Sunday in a fixture that always serves to make the heart beat a little faster for supporters of both sides.

The backdrop to this encounter involves a season which has barely got underway but has already had its fair share of drama for the two teams.

United have already fallen four points behind defending champions Chelsea after throwing away winning positions to draw in away games against Fulham and Everton, while Sir Alex Ferguson’s side also had a below-par night against Rangers in the Champions League.

Liverpool have a new manager, Roy Hodgson, who has made a mixed start as the Reds look to recover from last season’s disastrous seventh place finish which eventually led to the departure of Rafael Benitez to Inter.

Admittedly Hodgson’s charges have had a very difficult run of fixtures to open the new campaign, along with European commitments to be balanced, but defeat on Sunday would mean an unsatisfactory return of one win from five league games.

Therefore the pressure is on for the new man at the helm to pick up some sort of result at Old Trafford in a game the significance of which his opposite number knows all too well.

Ferguson – who once famously said his aim at United was to knock Liverpool off their perch at the top of the domestic game – used his pre-match press conference to re-iterate just how big the game is.

"I sound like a parrot but this is 'the fixture'. There is no question about that," he asserted.

"It doesn't change. The form fluctuates quite a bit but we won the last game so hopefully that turns it back towards us again.

"Roy has the experience. He has gathered a wealth of experience in Italy, Switzerland and Finland and the job he did at Fulham was absolutely extraordinary.

"But our approach will not change. We have to express ourselves the way we always do.”

A win in front of their own fans will certainly be the target for United, although they will be wary of their fierce rivals.

Liverpool have tasted victory in three of the last four games in the head-to-head, although the last meeting saw the Red Devils win 2-1 thanks to a winning goal from Ji-Sung Park.

Whatever the result on Sunday there is sure to be incident, with the final result potentially significant in setting up a positive or negative season ahead for either side.



TEAM NEWS

Manchester United
Antonio Valencia begins a long injury absence after picking up a serious ankle injury in midweek.

Many of United's other key players will be feeling fresh after Sir Alex Ferguson made 10 changes for the Champions League draw against Rangers.

Anderson is back in first-team contention after a long absence with a knee injury, although is unlikely to start the match.

Rio Ferdinand is expected to make his first Premier League start of the new season alongside Nemanja Vidic - a player who has struggled against Liverpool in the past - in the centre of United's defence.

Possible Starting XI: Van der Sar; O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Nani, Fletcher, Scholes, Park; Rooney, Berbatov.


Liverpool

Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres will return for Liverpool after being rested, along with Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel, for Thursday's Europa League win against Steaua Bucharest.
England midfielder Joe Cole, who set Liverpool on their way to victory against Steaua with a goal after 30 seconds, will also make his return to Premier League action after completing the three-match suspension he icurred for a red card against Arsenal on the opening day.
Fabio Aurelio (Achilles) and Dirk Kuyt (shoulder) are both still sidelined.
Possible Starting XI: Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Konchesky; Poulsen, Meireles; Jovanovic, Gerrard, Cole; Torres.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Wenger - Top players want more than money

Arsène Wenger insists that footballers cannot rise to the top of their profession if they are motivated by nothing more than money.
it was suggested to Wenger that the huge wealth accumulated by players has caused antagonism among supporters.
"I don't believe money has a disturbing role in football," replied the Arsenal manager.
"We are privileged, we make a lot of money but I don't believe you can make a career if you are only motivated by money. If you have no other drive for the game, a love to get the best out of you and a love to be the best player in the world - if you don't have that you go nowhere.

"Money can maybe disturb at some stages a career but the big players are not in the game for money," he added. "They are in the game because they love the game and they want to be competitive.

"There is something else that has to be inside of you to be a great player and at the level of Arsenal if you don't have that you can't survive because if it's only money that motivates you every day... I tell you that it's a hard job and I don't believe you can survive [in the game like that]."

Scholes seeks top four record

Scholes seeks top four record

Paul Scholes says United must deliver against the top teams this season if the Reds are to clinch a 19th title and finally overtake Liverpool in the championship stakes.
He told Sunday's edition of United Review. "I don’t think we’ve been too great against the top teams over the last few seasons.

"There was a time when that was our real strength: beating the best teams and going on to win league titles. It certainly helps to do that, so we have to be aiming to beat Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea more regularly than we have been doing."

But that doesn't mean Scholes expects it to be a walk in the park. "It will be tough. Liverpool have plenty of dangerous players. Steven Gerrard is one of the top players in the world, and Fernando Torres is getting back to full fitness after the World Cup. But hopefully we’ll get the right result."

First five years for Messi

First five years for Messi


Lionel Messi celebrated five years since he put pen-to-paper on his first professional contract with FC Barcelona on Thursday and his rise to the top since putting pen to paper has been remarkable.

On September 16, 2005 the Argentinian inked the deal that would keep him at Camp Nou until 2014, and includes a buy-out clause of €150 million, after he had shone in the Trofeo Gamper game and had impressed for the Argentina Under-20 side.

Stepping out

fcmessi.JPGDebuting for the first team in October 2004, Messi moved between the first team and B outfit before starring against Juventus in the pre-season Gamper outing. Along with his showing with the Albiceleste’s Under-20 team, Barça knew that they had to tie Messi down to a long-term deal despite him being just 18.

Best in the world
There was no risk involved as Messi continued to impress and showed what he was capable of as the Blaugrana won the title and the Champions League in 2006. His rise to prominence was complete when he was the star of 2009 as Barça won no less than six trophies and he was awarded the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year prizes.

FCB-ARSENAL_x28x.JPGLast season Messi netted 34 league goals to make him the top goalscorer, and give him the Pichichi trophy and the Golden Boot, as Barça secured 99 points and the title. He was also the club’s top scorer in the Champions League and is currently the seventh highest scorer in the Blaugrana’s history, with 133.

Barça return to training

FC Barcelona returned to training on Friday morning as preparations continued for the tip top lay Atlético de Madrid with a tactical and physical session at the Ciutat Esportiva.

After having a day off on Thursday the Blaugrana stars were back at work ahead of the weekend’s game in the Vicente Calderón. Gerard Piqué, Andrés Iniesta and Pedro were among the 18 participants as the trio missed out on Wednesday as they recovered from the Champions League outing. Martí Riverola and Rubén Rochina were called up from the B team.

Jeffren Suárez continued with his personalised recovery programme as he waits to be given the all clear by the medical team.

Physical workout

2010-09-17_ENTRENO_29.JPGAfter warming up the squad played out a positional game that focussed on tactical movement. A physical circuit was then introduced with medicine balls featuring. Pep Guardiola paid special attention and pushed the players to produce even more intensity and concentration.

Mourinho: "This will be our toughest match to date"

Jose Mourinho discussed Saturday's match against Real Socieded as well as Portugal's interest in signing the Madridista coach to manage the national team during Friday's post-training news conference.
"This will be our toughest match to date, and I don't say it because it's our next game, but because I believe they are the toughest opponent that we will have played against so far. Teams that are promoted from Segunda Division have the attitude and morale and confidence soaring through the roof after winning their league last year, which makes playing against them harder than playing against a team that has more Primera Division experience but sits in the middle of the table. These are championship-winning teams with winning attitudes. I have watched their two previous games and I can say that they are very organized and defend well. They are a compact group that waits to counterattack. Their attack can be devastating."

"Real Sociedad have had a full week to prepare, while we haven't had that privilege. It's hard for me to accept the fact that we play on Saturday after having played a Champions League match on Wednesday. That said, we are professionals. There was a lot of wear and tear from the Ajax game and it hasn't been easy to recover in only two days. We respect the decisions made and must be in top form if we are to win."

"The Portuguese Football Federation did not contact Real Madrid. The club was made aware of the situation by me. I owe myself to this club and therefore cannot say 'yes' to the national team. Neither can I easily say 'no' because I am Portuguese and I have strong feelings towards the team. But the fact remains that we will not win only because I am coaching the team. Real Madrid has every right to keep me here and I cannot go against their word."

"I win a lot. People get tired of watching my style of football and wait for me to do badly. But there are also people who admire my work and who like what I do. Many people at the UEFA Coach's Congress expressed that they liked the way I won the Champions League and they considered that I did an excellent job with Inter. I don't work to be compared to others. I do what I do and I am confident that the results obtained are the best argument to defend myself. There are times that I don't like what is being said, and I can imagine that there would be people that think a match wasn't good and that it was too defensive if we took 35 shots on goal and it ended 0-0.

"I live for football and my family. I don't have a social life. Everything I do is based on my work and my results."

"I do not play the game of favorites when it comes to other matchups. If I have time I will watch the Atletico-Barcelona game. I won't if I don't. I play in San Sebastian on Saturday and then against Espanyol on Tuesday. I will be a happy man if I get six points out of them:"

Real Madrid trained behind closed doors to finish preparing for Real Sociedad

Real Madrid trained behind closed doors to finish preparing for Real Sociedad
Real Madrid trained behind closed doors on Friday in what was their final workout of the week prior to traveling to San Sebastian for Saturday's showdown against Real Sociedad at Anoeta Stadium.

Lionel Messi turns 10 years with Barcelona 2000/2010

Barcelona vs Panathinaikos 5-1

Real Madrid 2:0 Ajax Amsterdam |

Arsenal Vs Sporting Braga 6-0