Chelsea slip lets Gunners into last chance saloon

February 6, 2010


Wayne Rooney was widely believed to have shattered Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes when he orchestrated Manchester United’s 3-1 win over the Gunners at the Emirates stadium last weekend.

So tamely did Arsene Wenger’s men surrender that it was hard to resist the conclusion that the title race had just been downgraded from a three to a two-club contest.

Wenger, understandably, begged to differ and Chelsea’s unexpectedly lacklustre display in a 1-1 draw at Hull on Tuesday suggested the Arsenal manager was right to predict a few more twists in the plot before the denouement of what has been an intriguing season.

Chelsea’s midweek slip means Arsenal can move back to within three points of their London rivals if they can repeat last season’s win at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The way in which Arsenal were bullied into submission by Didier Drogba when the two clubs met at the Emirates in November will not give Gunners fans any great cause for optimism, but Wenger is confident of engineering a reaction from his players to last weekend’s humiliation.

“Against United, we were naive,” the Frenchman admitted. “We were completely not at our level and now we need to deliver something special to stay in the race.”

Chelsea’s recent tendency to concede goals from set pieces – described as their Achilles heel by Hull boss Phil Brown – could prompt Wenger to start Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner, who is fit again after three months out following groin surgery.

“Nicklas gives us a physical presence up there,” Wenger acknowledged. “He is not totally ready yet, but at the moment we are short in that position, so we are happy to have him back.”

Abou Diaby is also back from injury and could be brought in to stiffen a midfield that was overrun in the defeat by United, who could return to the top of the table by beating crisis club Portsmouth at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Avram Grant’s side have lost 16 of their 23 league matches so far this season and, although performances of late have been spirited, do not look capable of producing the goals they need if they are to escape relegation.

With United scheduled to take on Aston Villa on Wednesday, manager Sir Alex Ferguson may take the opportunity to give Rooney a rest, which could mean a rare start for Michael Owen, who is rapidly running out of time in which to persuade Fabio Capello that he deserves an England recall.

Elsewhere, Liverpool entertain Everton in the 213th Merseyside derby with both clubs having found some form of late.

Victory in the lunchtime fixture on Saturday would lift Liverpool back into the top four for a few hours at least and manager Rafael Benitez believes a six-match unbeaten run shows his side are on the mend.

“I think we can find the form of last season if we can fix two or three things,” the Spaniard said. “We have a lot of players coming back from injury and we are moving in the right direction.”

Manchester City, arguably the club best-equpped to deny Liverpool the final Champions League spot, travel to Hull with Wayne Bridge set to play for the first time since revelations of England team-mate John Terry’s affair with his former girlfriend.

Manager Roberto Mancini believes the left-back is in the right state of mind to feature in a match which could also see Patrick Vieira make his injury-delayed debut for the club.

“The private side is not important,” said Mancini. “He has been working very well on the pitch. That is what is important.”

The other two contenders for Champions League football next season, Tottenham and Aston Villa, meet at White Hart Lane on Saturday evening.

“Villa are there or thereabouts, right near us in the league and if we’ve got any aspirations of finishing fourth we need to go there, certainly at White Hart Lane, and win games like that,” said Spurs striker Peter Crouch.

“Three points for us and none for them gives us a bit of a gap so that’s what we’re looking to do.”

Fixtures (1500 GMT unless stated)

Saturday

Bolton v Fulham, Burnley v West Ham, Hull City v Manchester City, Liverpool v Everton (1245GMT), Manchester Utd v Portsmouth, Stoke v Blackburn, Sunderland v Wigan, Tottenham v Aston Villa (1730GMT)

Sunday

Birmingham v Wolves (1330GMT), Chelsea v Arsenal (1600GMT)

LONDON (AFP)

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Greening piles pressure on Pompey

February 4, 2010


Cash-strapped Portsmouth remained rooted to the bottom of the English Premier League after Jonathan Greening scored the winner for Fulham in a 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage here on Wednesday to end the hosts run of five successive league defeats.

Portsmouth, as has been the case in recent matches, created several good chances but could not finish and they were made to pay the price when Greening scored his first goal for Fulham 16 minutes from time to nudge the visitors nearer relegation.

Now Pompey, who are battling off the field against a winding up order from British tax authorities and have paid their players late several times this season, travel to Old Trafford to play champions Manchester United on Saturday with the south coast side five points adrift at the foot of the table.

“We played so good, we dominated the game and created a lot of chances, especially in the first half,” disappointed Portsmouth manager Avram Grant told Sky Sports.

“And then, from one mistake, we lost the game. It was very frustrating because we are not playing the football you’d expect at the bottom of the league but football of a team who deserve to be higher up the table,” the Israeli added.

“But this is football, football is a game of results. We need to learn to take our chances. The boys tried hard and created a lot of chances but we need to put the ball in the net.”

Asked if Pompey’s financial problems were affecting players’ performances on the field, Grant replied: “When they come on the pitch they are trying to do their best.

“Of course, it’s not easy but they try hard, they fight and play good football. Except the result, everything was good today (Wednesday).”

Grant’s own future at Fratton Park has been called into question by the cash crisis engulfing Portsmouth but he insisted: “I’m not the issue, the issue is the club, the issue is the fans.

“You see the fans today, they are great. It is a city that belongs to the club, the club belongs to the city and this is the life of the fans. The future of the club is what is important.”

Kevin Prince Boateng got Pompey off to a bright start against Fulham, testing Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer with an angled drive.

Frederic Piquionne then threatened and had a fine chance in the 12th minute only for Schwarzer to make the save.

Prince Boateng then saw a shot from 20 yards fly just wide of Schwarzer’s right post.

But Pompey are not where they are for no reason and it needed a fine one-handed save from their England goalkeeper David James to prevent a header from Aaron Hughes crossing the line following a Fulham corner.

Stefano Okaka missed a fine chance to score on his Fulham debut when the on-loan Italian somehow missed at the far post from Greening’s header back across goal.

In the second half, Pompey nearly took the lead when Ivory Coast international striker Aruna Dindane’s far-post header was turned away by Schwarzer.

Midfielder Greening, who made his name at Manchester United, finally ended the stalemate in the 74th minute when he turned in Damien Duff’s centre across the six-yard box after the winger had dispossessed Algerian international Nadir Belhadj.

Pompey kept pushing forward but the 2008 FA Cup winners still suffered their 16th defeat in 23 league games so far this season.

LONDON (AFP)

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Ferguson wary of Beckham ‘media circus’

February 3, 2010


David Beckham’s return to Old Trafford will add some spice to the confrontation between Milan and Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson will warn his players not to get caught up in the ‘David Beckham media circus’.

“Our job is to concentrate on the football match and let the David Beckham media circus carry on,” Ferguson told United’s club magazine. “He’s such a high-profile celebrity – not just a high-profile footballer – and we haven’t really seen anybody else return to the club in that situation.”

Beckham is in his second loan spell at Milan. The 34-year-old Los Angeles Galaxy player hopes his performances will persuade England boss Fabio Capello to include him in the squad for this summer’s World Cup.

“I think I told him myself last year when I saw him before our game against Inter that he should be thinking about getting back to Europe if he wanted to go to the World Cup,” said Ferguson.

“It looks like he might just get his wish now. He had a good spell with Milan last time, so it made sense to me to see him back there again.”

Manchester United and Milan will face each other on February 16 and March 10. United starts with an away match. “The European Cup is always special to us and we’ve had some marvellous nights at Old Trafford. I just hope we have another one.

“We’re away from home in the first leg, which won’t be easy, but I’m certain the tie will be decided back at Old Trafford.”

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Who needs Ronaldo when Nani plays like that?

February 2, 2010


Has Alex Ferguson got lucky or did he see something in Nani that nobody else could?

The Scot has always stood by the Manchester United winger despite his extremely unfavorable comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo and on Sunday against Arsenal all the pieces appeared to fall into place for a player who has flattered to deceive.

Nani’s bamboozling dribble was too much for Arsenal defence as United went in front at The Emirates. The Portuguese then displayed perfect timing and weight of pass to slide the ball though for the marauding Wayne Rooney that effectively settled the game as they went on to win 3-1.

Rooney has been incredible this season, carrying United when they have not played well. But Nani’s contribution as the spark around the solid midfield platform of Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Paul Scholes could be just the injection of firepower that will carry United to a 19th league title.

Nani will never score the goals that Ronaldo managed at Old Trafford but his performances in recent weeks suggest that he finally believes that he belongs in a United shirt. The way he tied Gael Clichy, one of the best fullbacks in Europe, in knots on Sunday bodes well for United.

Nani was eventually replaced by Dimitar Berbatov with a minute to go at Arsenal and received the acclaim of the visiting fans who may just have witnessed the coming of age of another Old Trafford hero.

PHOTO: Manchester United’s Nani celebrates after scoring a goal during their English Premier League soccer match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in London January 31, 2010. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh

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Mancini tells City to keep up United standard

January 31, 2010


Roberto Mancini has urged his Manchester City players to put their midweek League Cup disappointment behind them when Premier League strugglers Portsmouth visit Eastlands on Sunday.

Mancini and his squad have been licking their wounds since Wednesday’s crushing semi-final defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford, but the Italian has been making a good job of hiding his hurt in the hope that this will give his players the lift they need.

Mancini says he was proud of his side and believes City will have no trouble in securing Champions League qualification for the first time if they can maintain the same levels that saw them push Sir Alex Ferguson’s men to the very limit.

Mancini said: “That game is now in the past, but after the game on Wednesday we still feel that we are strong.

“United scored late and won the game, but we still think we played very well. For us, the most important thing is that we did well and showed that we can win. I’m happy about that, but disappointed for the players.

“But now it’s in the past and we must think about the next game. We need to keep up the same level of performance. If we can do this and win the next three games in front of us then we know we have a good chance of getting fourth place.

“If we continue to play like we did against United then we will be fine. Okay, we lost to United but that is football. We played well.

“The important thing was that in two games we played at the same level as United. I am pleased with that. Now we have to focus on the game on Sunday, which is very important. We want to win and we must win.”

Mancini welcomes back Kolo Toure from African Cup of Nations duty, while Emmanuel Adebayor could be in line for his first start since his ill-fated departure for the same tournament with Togo.

Former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira remains sidelined with a calf injury, however, but Mancini believes he will be fit to make his debut against Hull next weekend and bring an end to supporters’ fears that his signing might have been a gamble that has backfired.

Portsmouth could well represent cannon fodder to City as the club’s financial troubles show no sign of easing. It was not even certain that Avram Grant would still be their manager for Sunday’s match, such is the depth of the turmoil at Fratton Park.

The players have once again been forced to wait for their wages for the fourth time in succession, while Grant and chief executive Peter Storrie have accused the club of trying to sell players without consulting them both.

Storrie has decided against walking out on the club but admits he and Grant have plenty of cause to consider their futures.

He said: “We are both angry, frustrated and fed up, but neither of us are quitters. I don’t intend to quit now I’ve slept on it and although I cannot speak for Avram, from what we have talked about I don’t think he will quit either. And, let’s face it, we both have good reason to walk out.

“I am no longer involved in the finances, I am not involved in the transfer negotiations and Avram doesn’t know what players are being sold.”

The duo’s anger surfaced when Portsmouth opened negotiations with Tottenham to sell defender Younes Kaboul and goalkeeper Asmir Begovic without their knowledge.

It is understood the club are waiting to receive payment from Tottenham for the Kaboul deal before they can cover this month’s staff wages.

In the meantime, Grant will welcome midfielder Jamie O’Hara back into his side for the trip to Eastlands.

O’Hara has returned to Fratton Park on-loan from Tottenham until the end of the season, although Grant is still waiting for Kanu, Nadir Belhadj and Hassan Yebda to return from the African Cup of Nations.

MANCHESTER, England (AFP)

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United, Arsenal set for another “historic” clash

January 31, 2010


Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Sunday’s Premier League showdown against Arsenal will provide another historic chapter in his club’s ferocious feud with the Gunners.

By the time Arsenal and United kick-off at the Emirates Stadium, Chelsea, who have a game in hand on both teams, could have opened up a four-point lead at the top with a win over Burnley on Saturday.

For much of Ferguson’s 24-year reign at Old Trafford it has been Arsenal who have provided the main resistance to his empire-building and the old rivals go head to head with their title hopes at stake once again.

Ferguson fulfiled his ambition to knock Liverpool “off their perch” at the top of English football years ago and Chelsea have only emerged as serious challengers in recent years, but Arsenal, whether managed by Arsene Wenger or George Graham, have always been a thorn in United’s side.

From the moment Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn launched a tirade of abuse at Brian McClair following the United star’s missed penalty in an FA Cup tie in 1988, there has been an extra edge to clashes between these super-powers.

The list of grudge matches is endless and endlessly entertaining: Roy Keane’s tunnel row with Patrick Vieira; Martin Keown’s frenzied celebration of a Ruud van Nistelrooy penalty miss and the Battle of the Buffet that saw Ferguson hit by pizza thrown by Arsenal players after a particularly spicy encounter are just a few of the more notable bust-ups.

Ferguson’s strained relationship with Wenger has often provided these games with an intriguing sub-plot, but they are closer these days and happy to savour such a big occasion.

“These games with Arsenal are historic,” Ferguson said. “Since I came down here, apart from the early years before George Graham won his first title, it was Arsenal and United who were mostly competing for the trophies.

“Without doubt Chelsea have become a prominent team in that respect too and it has been ourselves and Chelsea challenging for the league in the last few years.

“But you can never dismiss Arsenal because their history will always guarantee a challenge. And they are definitely in the fray again.

“Sunday’s game has great relevance because both sides have a genuine chance of winning the league.”

Wenger has always seemed more uncomfortable when the flak has been flying, but he would happily get under Ferguson’s skin again because it would prove Arsenal are serious contenders once more.

His squad certainly looks capable of pushing United and Chelsea all the way after over-coming a lengthy injury list to erase an 11-point gap to the leaders.

Even without injured duo Thomas Vermaelen and Eduardo – both sidelined by knocks during the midweek draw at Aston Villa – Wenger is confident his players will rise to the ocassion.

“I look forward to it because it is a match which always promises good football,” Wenger said.

“Manchester United and Arsenal have had some tough games, and sometimes they were not easy on the physical side, but both teams always tried to play.

“It was very rarely a boring game, you always thought at the start it would be a great football game, and so you love that. It is always one of the games of the season.”

Wenger will hand Sol Campbell his first league start since returning to the club. Nicklas Bendter or Samir Nasri will deputise for Eduardo, while Alex Song and Emmanuel Eboue are back from African Cup of Nations duty.

United will be without suspended defender Rio Ferdinand but that loss is offset by Serbian centre-back Nemanja Vidic’s return from injury and Ferguson can also rely on in-form striker Wayne Rooney, who has 13 goals from his last 13 appearances.

With games against Chelsea and Liverpool to come, this is a defining period for Arsenal, but Wenger is just happy to be in the hunt again.

“We love being in the race. Of course it was our dream to be in this position,” he said.

LONDON (AFP)

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Fergie hits out at Wenger over Fletcher criticism

January 30, 2010


Sir Alex Ferguson believes Arsene Wenger “has let himself” down over comments the Arsenal manager has made about Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher.

Ferguson described Fletcher as one of the best players in the world on Wednesday after his commanding performance helped United squeeze past Manchester City into the League Cup final after a dramatic 3-1 semi-final second leg win at Old Trafford.

But while the United manager is clearly a huge fan of Fletcher, Wenger is most certainly not.

After losing 2-1 to United at Old Trafford earlier this season, Wenger – angered by Fletcher’s fiesty tackling – claimed he was little more than a bully who played “anti-football”.

Ferguson has taken exception to that opinion and has questioned whether Wenger even believes it himself.

“I think that’s where Arsene lets himself down,” Ferguson said. “Everyone knows that Darren Fletcher is not a dirty player, not a physical player, not built that way, but he can win the ball because his timing and energy to get to the ball is fantastic.

“You can’t call that a fault. That’s a great part of the game, being able to tackle properly and he does tackle properly.

“It’s disappointing. I don’t think Arsene really believes that.”

United visit the Emirates Stadium on Sunday to face Wenger’s side with the race for the Premier League title as tense as ever.

United are currently in second position with 50 points with Arsenal just a single point and place behind them. As a result, Ferguson knows he will need his big players to put in a performance and he is backing Fletcher to come out on top.

“He’s competitive and there’s not many players who run off the ball as well as him,” he added.

“His movement, energy and commitment in every game is wonderful to see.

“There’s not been many big games that he has not played in over the last couple of years and it had maybe taken a while for the fans and press to appreciate what the boy has.

“And there is little you can do about that because he is not stylish player by any means, he is ungainly and gangly but he is a fantastic player.”

Ferguson has recently been employing a single striker in his formation, with Wayne Rooney being tasked to fill that position.

Before this season began, concerns were raised as to whether Rooney could play as an out and out forward but 21 goals so far this season, including five in the last two, has comprehensively answered that question.

And Ferguson is now backing the 24-year-old to continue to prove that he is one of the most influential players in European football.

“There are periods where players hit great form,” Ferguson added “Wayne has hit that great form now. He wasn’t playing as well as that a few months ago.

“His form has increased. I thought Wednesday was an indication of the improvement from Wayne. In the last few weeks he has come on great.”

MANCHESTER, England (AFP)

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Mancini: ‘I don’t feel pressure’

January 27, 2010


Tonight, Manchester City battles for a place in the League Cup final. The Citizens have to avoid defeat against Manchester United on Old Trafford, after their 2-1 home win, last week.

Manager Roberto Mancini is confident his team can reach Wembley. “We want to win at Old Trafford and it’s possible; we have a chance,” he told ESPN.

City can book a first Wembley cup final appearance since 1981. Mancini stays calm ahead of what promises to be a nervy clash. “I don’t feel pressure,” he said. “I played football for 20 years and I managed at other clubs.

“I hope it is possible that in the next year we can be among the best five or six clubs in the world. But to achieve this we must work.”

The Italian manager has a clear mind about the match against city rivals United. “We must change the history of this club. We want to change the history. The players are passionate about it.

“We have two opportunities. After this one we have another in the FA Cup. But this one is big chance to get to Wembley because it is a semi-final.”

Mancini will keep his eyes trained on United, but has appealed for calmness after the frenzy of the first leg, which involved a spat between Carlos Tevez and Gary Neville.

“It’s important that we play calmly,” said Mancini. “It’s an important game but it’s only a football match.

“we must play quiet and we must concentrate because if you do that you play better. We must defend well but we must also attack.”

Mancini also had his thoughts on the Tevez and Neville incident, claiming: “I think they are good friends. They played together for two years. After a game sometimes these things can happen.”

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Ferguson in fresh bid to subdue fan fury over United debt

January 27, 2010


Sir Alex Ferguson has renewed his appeal to Manchester United fans to keep the lid on protests over the way the club is being run by its US-based owners, the Glazer family.

Ferguson used his programme notes for last weekend’s game against Hull to plead with United supporters to stay together.

There was little sign of off-field discontent spreading onto the pitch at Old Trafford on Saturday as England striker Wayne Rooney scored all the goals in a 4-0 win that saw champions United return to the top of the Premier League.

However, United fans have maintained their attacks on the Glazers in the wake of the club revealing, in accounts filed last week, that its debts had reached almost 720 million pounds by the middle of last year.

Ferguson said: “Fans are entitled to voice their disapproval about this or that. There’s nothing wrong with supporters complaining. If the team plays badly they are quite right to voice their disapproval. It’s their prerogative because this is their club.”

But the Scot made it clear he feels that the anti-Glazer movement will not help his squad’s cause.

“We don’t want a divided club,” he said. “We want the supporters behind the club all the time because we’re coming to the important part of the season. Everything is down to what we do as a team.

“The team, always the team, is the most important thing. We should never lose sight of that.

“All I’m interested in is that everyone buckles down to make sure we are successful, players and staff – but supporters in particular.”

Ferguson meanwhile has maintained he was not in the least surprised to hear Wayne Rooney commit his future to the club despite speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona.

Rooney’s current deal expires in 2012 but Ferguson insists he is not worried that the England striker, 24, might want to leave Old Trafford.

He added: “I think we know where that is coming from. In fact, we are sure where it’s coming from. It’s not his agent. It’s not Wayne. So, we’ll deal with that.

“He wants to stay here. He has made that quite clear himself. But we knew that he didn’t want to leave here.

“He is in such great form there aren’t many players matching him at the moment. His scoring form has put him up in that frame.

“I’m not suggesting there aren’t plenty of other good players in the country and it’s not for me to judge who is the best.

“I am just happy with the form Wayne is showing. If he continues in this way he could get to 30 goals quite easily.”

MANCHESTER (AFP)

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Mancini confirms Robinho loan talks

January 26, 2010

Manchester City are in negotiations about loaning record signing Robinho to one of two Brazilian clubs, Santos or Sao Paulo, City manager Roberto Mancini confirmed on Tuesday.

Mancini also revealed that the Brazilian, signed from Real Madrid in 2008 for a British transfer record of 32.5 million pounds, is in his squad for Wednesday’s League Cup semi-final second leg clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

“It is possible that something could happen,” Mancini said.

“This kind of thing does happen. I know in Italy there were instances when clubs paid a lot of money for a fantastic player but afterwards he needed to play at another club.

“Negotiations are happening but for now he is part of my squad.”

Robinho has only sporadically produced anything like his best form for City and appears to have grown disillusioned with life in the north of England.

A return to his homeland could offer Robinho the opportunity to ensure he secures a place in

MANCHESTER, England (AFP)

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