Dindane the destroyer
GettyImages
Aruna Dindane celebrates scoring Portsmouth's opening goal
Scoring Summary
Portsmouth Wigan Athletic
Aruna Dindane (35)
Frederic Piquionne (45)
Aruna Dindane (65)
Aruna Dindane (pen 90)
Match Stats
Portsmouth Wigan Athletic
Shots (on Goal) 25(8) 8(0)
Fouls 10 10
Corner Kicks 7 4
Offsides 5 1
Time of Possession 49% 51%
Yellow Cards 0 1
Red Cards 0 0
Saves 0 4
Match Information
Stadium: Fratton Park, England
Attendance: 18,212
Match Time: 15:00 UK
Official(s):
Alan Wiley (Referee)
Teams
Portsmouth Wigan Athletic
1 David James 1 Chris Kirkland
35 Marc Wilson 17 Emmerson Boyce
3 Younes Kaboul 19 Titus Bramble
11 Michael Brown 14 Charles N'Zogbia
26 Tal Ben-Haim 25 Mario Melchiot
16 Steve Finnan 6 Hendry Thomas
23 Kevin-Prince Boateng 27 Mohamed Diame
5 Jamie O'Hara 7 Paul Scharner
32 Hassan Yebda 20 Hugo Rodallega
9 Frederic Piquionne 16 Scott Sinclair
24 Aruna Dindane 9 Jason Scotland
Substitutes
6 Hayden Mullins Michael Pollitt 12
21 Jamie Ashdown Olivier Kapo 23
27 Nwankwo Kanu Antonio Amaya 4
4 Aaron Mokoena Daniel De Ridder 18
39 Nadir Belhadj Won-hee Cho 5
19 Danny Webber Jordi Gómez 15
20 Tommy Smith James McCarthy 24
Substitutions
Nadir Belhadj for Steve Finnan (41)
Jordi Gómez for Paul Scharner (59)
Nwankwo Kanu for Frederic Piquionne (57)
Olivier Kapo for Hugo Rodallega (59)
Hayden Mullins for Hassan Yebda (85)
Yellow Cards
Hendry Thomas (90)
· Club Squads: Portsmouth | Wigan Athletic
Updated: October 31, 2009, 7:09 AM UK
Aruna Dindane destroyed Wigan with a superb hat-trick but Paul Hart's side still remain bottom of the Premier League.
Dindane's treble was accompanied by a goal from strike partner Frederic Piquionne as Pompey scored four goals for the second time this week.
However, there was more concern for debt-ridden Pompey when Piquionne was stretchered off in the second half with a head injury.
Wigan were outfought and outplayed throughout and never tested England goalkeeper David James.
The home side almost made the perfect start when Kevin-Prince Boateng fired just over the crossbar inside the opening minute.
Pompey, 4-0 victors over Stoke in the Carling Cup in midweek, enjoyed a bright opening and a corner from Jamie O'Hara was almost turned home by Hassan Yebda.
O'Hara looked particularly lively and the midfielder sent an angled drive across the face of the goal in the sixth minute.
There was much concern for Wigan when Hugo Rodallega careered over the advertising boards after trying to cross the ball into the six-yard box.
The Wigan midfielder required lengthy treatment to an arm injury before being allowed to continue.
But it was still the home side making most of the running, with O'Hara firing a 20-yard shot straight into the arms of Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland.
Portsmouth continued to dominate the opening half and when O'Hara swung over a right-wing corner in the 23rd minute, the home side could not force the ball home.
O'Hara was looking very impressive in the Pompey midfield but he was not pleased with a 24th-minute effort which found the roof of the stand from 20 yards.
Another O'Hara corner forced Kirkland into a one-handed save that almost found its way into his own net, but fortunately for the visiting keeper it ran out for another flag-kick.
Boateng was just too high again when he let fly from 25 yards in the 28th minute but Pompey's pressure was beginning to tell.
Kirkland required two attempts to hold on to a shot from Piquionne moments later as the home side pressed forward.
Rodallega wasted a good chance for Wigan on the half-hour when the visitors won a free-kick 25 yards out in a central position.
But the Wigan midfielder sent his curling shot high over the crossbar.
Pompey finally broke the deadlock in the 35th minute with a simple goal.
Michael Brown split the Wigan defence with a fine through-ball into the path of Dindane, who outpaced Mario Melchiot and flicked the ball over the advancing Kirkland for his first Premier League goal.
Pompey lost full-back Steve Finnan through injury in the 40th minute and he was replaced by Nadir Belhadj.
Moments later Wigan found a way through the Pompey defence but Jason Scotland's shot eventually finished closer to the corner flag than the home goal.
Pompey made the visitors pay the price in first-half injury time when Dindane, on loan from Lens, put Piquionne through and the striker ran clear to beat Kirkland with a low drive.
Piquionne was a constant threat but he squandered a great chance to get his second of the game moments after the re-start.
The striker, on loan from Lyon, hesitated far too long to get his shot away and Wigan's defence cleared the danger.
In the 55th minute Pompey almost added a third but Dindane's shot was deflected for a corner.
Pompey then lost Piquionne through injury moments later and he was replaced by Kanu.
Piquionne appeared to suffer a head injury in a challenge with Emmerson Boyce and Titus Bramble.
The Pompey striker appeared to get up initially but then went down again and was eventually stretchered off with his head and neck supported in a brace.
Dindane then missed a sitter in the 61st minute when he failed to connect with O'Hara's free-kick on the edge of the six-yard box.
Luckily for Wigan, Kirkland had his wits about him and managed to save well before Dindane could react again.
But Dindane atoned for his error in the 64th minute when he tapped home a cross from Kanu at the far post to put Pompey 3-0 in front.
Yebda then went close from another pinpoint O'Hara free-kick as the home side went looking for more goals.
Wigan tried to get back into the game but Charles N'Zogbia fired high and wide after bursting through the home defence.
But Pompey stretched their unbeaten run to three games when Kanu was brought down by Boyce and Dindane completed his hat-trick from the spot in the 90th minute.
Jump To Scores -- English Premier LeagueEnglish League ChampionshipEnglish League OneEnglish League TwoEnglish ConferenceScottish Premier LeagueScottish CupScottish Division OneScottish Division TwoScottish Division ThreeSpanish Primera DivisiónSpanish Segunda DivisiónItalian Serie AItalian Serie BGerman BundesligaGerman 2. BundesligaFrench Ligue 1Dutch EredivisieDutch Eerste DivisiePortuguese LigaRussian Premier LeagueTurkish Super LigGreek Super LeagueBelgian Jupiler LeagueAustrian BundesligaDanish SAS-LigaenSwiss Super LeagueUSA Major League SoccerPrimera División de ArgentinaPrimera División de MéxicoFutebol BrasileiroPrimera División de ChilePrimera División de UruguayFútbol Profesional ColombianoPrimera Profesional de PerúPrimera División de ParaguayPrimera A de EcuadorEcuador Serie BAustralian A-LeagueSouth African PremiershipSouth African National First DivisionPrimera División de Costa RicaPrimera División de El SalvadorLiga Nacional de Guatemala
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Arsenal 3
Tottenham Hotspur 0 FT
Bolton Wanderers 0
Chelsea 4 FT
Burnley 2
Hull City 0 FT
Everton 1
Aston Villa 1 FT
Fulham 3
Liverpool 1 FT
Portsmouth 4
Wigan Athletic 0 FT
Stoke City 2
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 FT
Sunderland 2
West Ham United 2 FT
Manchester United 0
Blackburn Rovers 0 17:30 UK
Saturday, October 31, 2009
liverpool lashed
Red mist descends at Craven Cottage
Empics
Bobby Zamora of Fulham scores to put Fulham ahead
Scoring Summary
Fulham Liverpool
Bobby Zamora (24) Fernando Torres (42)
Erik Nevland (73)
Clint Dempsey (87)
Match Stats
Fulham Liverpool
Shots (on Goal) 13(6) 10(1)
Fouls 10 13
Corner Kicks 2 2
Offsides 3 2
Time of Possession 36% 64%
Yellow Cards 1 0
Red Cards 0 2
Saves 0 3
Match Information
Stadium: Craven Cottage, England
Attendance: 25,700
Match Time: 15:00 UK
Official(s):
Lee Mason (Referee)
Teams
Fulham Liverpool
1 Mark Schwarzer 25 Pepe Reina
5 Brede Hangeland 16 Sotirios Kyrgiakos
18 Aaron Hughes 23 Jamie Carragher
3 Paul Konchesky 22 Emiliano Insua
4 John Pantsil 27 Philipp Degen
6 Chris Baird 20 Javier Mascherano
27 Jonathan Greening 21 Lucas
23 Clint Dempsey 15 Yossi Benayoun
16 Damien Duff 18 Dirk Kuyt
15 Diomansy Kamara 9 Fernando Torres
25 Bobby Zamora 10 Andriy Voronin
Substitutes
20 Dickson Etuhu Andrea Dossena 38
10 Erik Nevland Ryan Babel 19
11 Zoltan Gera Damien Plessis 28
19 Pascal Zuberbühler Peter Gulacsi 42
26 Chris Smalling Jay Spearing 26
2 Stephen Kelly Nathan Eccleston 39
17 Bjorn Riise Daniel Sanchez Ayala 40
Substitutions
Zoltan Gera for Diomansy Kamara (45)
Ryan Babel for Fernando Torres (63)
Zoltan Gera for Damien Duff (45)
Nathan Eccleston for Yossi Benayoun (78)
Erik Nevland for Damien Duff (45)
Daniel Sanchez Ayala for Dirk Kuyt (84)
Dickson Etuhu for Jonathan Greening (86)
Yellow Cards
Chris Baird (55)
Red Cards
Philipp Degen (79)
Jamie Carragher (82)
· Club Squads: Fulham | Liverpool
Updated: October 31, 2009, 7:10 AM UK
Rafael Benitez grimaced on the touchline as nine-man Liverpool were given a mauling in a humiliating defeat at Craven Cottage.
Liverpool defenders Philipp Degen and Jamie Carragher were sent off for reckless fouls and by the end the Fulham crowd were chanting ''Easy, easy'' as Liverpool resembled a shambles.
Goals from Bobby Zamora, Erik Nevland and Clint Dempsey gave Roy Hodgson's side a deserved victory with Fernando Torres grabbing the one consolation for Liverpool.
But this was a match which only demonstrated that Torres cannot do it all by himself.
He cannot keep producing the only quality in a Liverpool team which, without the injured Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson, looks bereft of ideas and creativity.
We had wondered what the significance was of that stirring victory over Manchester United last weekend.
Well, now it looks a one-off. A lone bright spot in a season which could get even darker next Wednesday when Liverpool travel to Lyon for a match which could see them effectively knocked out of the Champions league in the group stages.
After this result they might just be out of the Premier League race, too.
The pressure is building on Benitez. And with the Reds faithful once more booing his substitution of Yossi Benayoun the steam is hissing all around him.
Bizarrely, it was a match in which Liverpool enjoyed the majority of the possession.
A match in which they pressed forward with lots of effort, often against a wall of white shirts. But a match in which for vast swathes they struggled to supply the quality to go with their industry.
They must have wondered, however, quite how they found themselves behind after 24 minutes.
Fulham had not had a single shot on Jose Reina's goal. Let's be honest, they had barely crossed the half-way line.
But shortly after Benayoun had produced an acrobatic volley which fairly rattled the Fulham crossbar the home side broke away.
The ball came to Damien Duff on the left and that trusty left foot curled in a raking cross which bisected the Liverpool defence and allowed Zamora to tap home from close range.
A bit of a downer that, especially as Liverpool wags have been known to direct the following ditty in Zamora's direction, to the tune of 'Amore:' ''When the ball hits your head and you're sat in Row Z, that's Zamora.''
Well, now they know different. Zamora is lethal from six yards.
Benitez, however, must have been scratching his head, such was Liverpool's dominance.
The problem was that while Liverpool continued to press forward they struggled to produce the high tempo and urgency they had demonstrated against Manchester United last Sunday.
And when the equaliser came they could hardly put it down to rhythm and style. Instead it was fashioned out of nothing, but by the predator supreme.
There appeared to be little danger for the Fulham defence when the ball came to Andriy Voronin. His header was weak and misdirected but it cannoned off a Fulham defender and arced into the hitting zone of Torres.
He needed no more invitation. The Spaniard simply swivelled and swung his right boot and a fabulous volley from the edge of the box fairly scorched past Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.
It was Torres' 10th league goal of the season and only demonstrated once more his value to Liverpool.
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson made a double substitution at half-time, bringing on Zoltan Gera for Diomansy Kamara and Nevland for Duff.
It was an attempt to push Liverpool back and stem the pounding and it had some success. In fact, Fulham might have re-taken the lead on the hour mark when Zamora fired over a cross and Gera swivelled and shot but unfortunately straight at goalkeeper Reina.
The did take the lead, however, after 74 minutes and once more it was against the run of play.
This time Paul Konchesky surged down the left hand side and Reina could only parry his cross. The ball was headed back across goal by Gera and there was Nevland to slide the ball into the net.
It got worse for Liverpool four minutes later when Swiss defender Degen was sent off for a reckless lunge on Dempsey.
Incredibly three minutes later Liverpool were down to nine men when Carragher brought down Zamora and also received a red card.
And to wrap up an afternoon to forget for Benitez, Dempsey rolled in the third for Fulham as Liverpool disintegrated.
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Saturday, October 31, 2009
Arsenal 3
Tottenham Hotspur 0 FT
Bolton Wanderers 0
Chelsea 4 FT
Burnley 2
Hull City 0 FT
Everton 1
Aston Villa 1 FT
Fulham 3
Liverpool 1 FT
Portsmouth 4
Wigan Athletic 0 FT
Stoke City 2
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 FT
Sunderland 2
West Ham United 2 FT
Manchester United 0
Blackburn Rovers 0 17:30 UK
Empics
Bobby Zamora of Fulham scores to put Fulham ahead
Scoring Summary
Fulham Liverpool
Bobby Zamora (24) Fernando Torres (42)
Erik Nevland (73)
Clint Dempsey (87)
Match Stats
Fulham Liverpool
Shots (on Goal) 13(6) 10(1)
Fouls 10 13
Corner Kicks 2 2
Offsides 3 2
Time of Possession 36% 64%
Yellow Cards 1 0
Red Cards 0 2
Saves 0 3
Match Information
Stadium: Craven Cottage, England
Attendance: 25,700
Match Time: 15:00 UK
Official(s):
Lee Mason (Referee)
Teams
Fulham Liverpool
1 Mark Schwarzer 25 Pepe Reina
5 Brede Hangeland 16 Sotirios Kyrgiakos
18 Aaron Hughes 23 Jamie Carragher
3 Paul Konchesky 22 Emiliano Insua
4 John Pantsil 27 Philipp Degen
6 Chris Baird 20 Javier Mascherano
27 Jonathan Greening 21 Lucas
23 Clint Dempsey 15 Yossi Benayoun
16 Damien Duff 18 Dirk Kuyt
15 Diomansy Kamara 9 Fernando Torres
25 Bobby Zamora 10 Andriy Voronin
Substitutes
20 Dickson Etuhu Andrea Dossena 38
10 Erik Nevland Ryan Babel 19
11 Zoltan Gera Damien Plessis 28
19 Pascal Zuberbühler Peter Gulacsi 42
26 Chris Smalling Jay Spearing 26
2 Stephen Kelly Nathan Eccleston 39
17 Bjorn Riise Daniel Sanchez Ayala 40
Substitutions
Zoltan Gera for Diomansy Kamara (45)
Ryan Babel for Fernando Torres (63)
Zoltan Gera for Damien Duff (45)
Nathan Eccleston for Yossi Benayoun (78)
Erik Nevland for Damien Duff (45)
Daniel Sanchez Ayala for Dirk Kuyt (84)
Dickson Etuhu for Jonathan Greening (86)
Yellow Cards
Chris Baird (55)
Red Cards
Philipp Degen (79)
Jamie Carragher (82)
· Club Squads: Fulham | Liverpool
Updated: October 31, 2009, 7:10 AM UK
Rafael Benitez grimaced on the touchline as nine-man Liverpool were given a mauling in a humiliating defeat at Craven Cottage.
Liverpool defenders Philipp Degen and Jamie Carragher were sent off for reckless fouls and by the end the Fulham crowd were chanting ''Easy, easy'' as Liverpool resembled a shambles.
Goals from Bobby Zamora, Erik Nevland and Clint Dempsey gave Roy Hodgson's side a deserved victory with Fernando Torres grabbing the one consolation for Liverpool.
But this was a match which only demonstrated that Torres cannot do it all by himself.
He cannot keep producing the only quality in a Liverpool team which, without the injured Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson, looks bereft of ideas and creativity.
We had wondered what the significance was of that stirring victory over Manchester United last weekend.
Well, now it looks a one-off. A lone bright spot in a season which could get even darker next Wednesday when Liverpool travel to Lyon for a match which could see them effectively knocked out of the Champions league in the group stages.
After this result they might just be out of the Premier League race, too.
The pressure is building on Benitez. And with the Reds faithful once more booing his substitution of Yossi Benayoun the steam is hissing all around him.
Bizarrely, it was a match in which Liverpool enjoyed the majority of the possession.
A match in which they pressed forward with lots of effort, often against a wall of white shirts. But a match in which for vast swathes they struggled to supply the quality to go with their industry.
They must have wondered, however, quite how they found themselves behind after 24 minutes.
Fulham had not had a single shot on Jose Reina's goal. Let's be honest, they had barely crossed the half-way line.
But shortly after Benayoun had produced an acrobatic volley which fairly rattled the Fulham crossbar the home side broke away.
The ball came to Damien Duff on the left and that trusty left foot curled in a raking cross which bisected the Liverpool defence and allowed Zamora to tap home from close range.
A bit of a downer that, especially as Liverpool wags have been known to direct the following ditty in Zamora's direction, to the tune of 'Amore:' ''When the ball hits your head and you're sat in Row Z, that's Zamora.''
Well, now they know different. Zamora is lethal from six yards.
Benitez, however, must have been scratching his head, such was Liverpool's dominance.
The problem was that while Liverpool continued to press forward they struggled to produce the high tempo and urgency they had demonstrated against Manchester United last Sunday.
And when the equaliser came they could hardly put it down to rhythm and style. Instead it was fashioned out of nothing, but by the predator supreme.
There appeared to be little danger for the Fulham defence when the ball came to Andriy Voronin. His header was weak and misdirected but it cannoned off a Fulham defender and arced into the hitting zone of Torres.
He needed no more invitation. The Spaniard simply swivelled and swung his right boot and a fabulous volley from the edge of the box fairly scorched past Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.
It was Torres' 10th league goal of the season and only demonstrated once more his value to Liverpool.
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson made a double substitution at half-time, bringing on Zoltan Gera for Diomansy Kamara and Nevland for Duff.
It was an attempt to push Liverpool back and stem the pounding and it had some success. In fact, Fulham might have re-taken the lead on the hour mark when Zamora fired over a cross and Gera swivelled and shot but unfortunately straight at goalkeeper Reina.
The did take the lead, however, after 74 minutes and once more it was against the run of play.
This time Paul Konchesky surged down the left hand side and Reina could only parry his cross. The ball was headed back across goal by Gera and there was Nevland to slide the ball into the net.
It got worse for Liverpool four minutes later when Swiss defender Degen was sent off for a reckless lunge on Dempsey.
Incredibly three minutes later Liverpool were down to nine men when Carragher brought down Zamora and also received a red card.
And to wrap up an afternoon to forget for Benitez, Dempsey rolled in the third for Fulham as Liverpool disintegrated.
Jump To Scores -- English Premier LeagueEnglish League ChampionshipEnglish League OneEnglish League TwoEnglish ConferenceScottish Premier LeagueScottish CupScottish Division OneScottish Division TwoScottish Division ThreeSpanish Primera DivisiónSpanish Segunda DivisiónItalian Serie AItalian Serie BGerman BundesligaGerman 2. BundesligaFrench Ligue 1Dutch EredivisieDutch Eerste DivisiePortuguese LigaRussian Premier LeagueTurkish Super LigGreek Super LeagueBelgian Jupiler LeagueAustrian BundesligaDanish SAS-LigaenSwiss Super LeagueUSA Major League SoccerPrimera División de ArgentinaPrimera División de MéxicoFutebol BrasileiroPrimera División de ChilePrimera División de UruguayFútbol Profesional ColombianoPrimera Profesional de PerúPrimera División de ParaguayPrimera A de EcuadorEcuador Serie BAustralian A-LeagueSouth African PremiershipSouth African National First DivisionPrimera División de Costa RicaPrimera División de El SalvadorLiga Nacional de Guatemala
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Arsenal 3
Tottenham Hotspur 0 FT
Bolton Wanderers 0
Chelsea 4 FT
Burnley 2
Hull City 0 FT
Everton 1
Aston Villa 1 FT
Fulham 3
Liverpool 1 FT
Portsmouth 4
Wigan Athletic 0 FT
Stoke City 2
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 FT
Sunderland 2
West Ham United 2 FT
Manchester United 0
Blackburn Rovers 0 17:30 UK
arsenal fc vs tottenham
Arsenal 3 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur
PreviewReportMatchLive CommentaryGameCastMatch Action
Quickfire Gunners blitz Spurs
GettyImages
Cesc Fabregas nets Arsenal's second goal after waltzing through a sleeping Spurs defence
Scoring Summary
Arsenal Tottenham Hotspur
Robin Van Persie (42)
Cesc Fábregas (43)
Robin Van Persie (60)
Match Stats
Arsenal Tottenham Hotspur
Shots (on Goal) 18(8) 10(4)
Fouls 14 11
Corner Kicks 6 2
Offsides 4 3
Time of Possession 52% 48%
Yellow Cards 1 1
Red Cards 0 0
Saves 4 5
Match Information
Stadium: Emirates Stadium, England
Attendance: 60,103
Match Time: 12:45 UK
Official(s):
Mark Clattenburg (Referee)
Teams
Arsenal Tottenham Hotspur
1 Manuel Almunia 1 Gomes
5 Thomas Vermaelen 19 Sebastien Bassong
10 William Gallas 26 Ledley King
22 Gaël Clichy 32 Benoit Assou-Ekotto
3 Bacary Sagna 22 Vedran Corluka
17 Alexandre Song Billong 12 Wilson Palacios
4 Cesc Fábregas 6 Tom Huddlestone
11 Robin Van Persie 8 Jermaine Jenas
2 Abou Diaby 10 Robbie Keane
23 Andrei Arshavin 5 David Bentley
52 Nicklas Bendtner 15 Peter Crouch
Substitutes
6 Philippe Senderos Jonathan Woodgate 39
27 Emmanuel Eboue Michael Dawson 20
9 Eduardo Niko Kranjcar 21
8 Samir Nasri Alan Hutton 2
24 Vito Mannone Roman Pavlyuchenko 9
16 Aaron Ramsey Gareth Bale 3
28 Kieran Gibbs David Button 35
Substitutions
Eduardo for Nicklas Bendtner (37)
Gareth Bale for Tom Huddlestone (56)
Emmanuel Eboue for Andrei Arshavin (78)
Roman Pavlyuchenko for Robbie Keane (65)
Aaron Ramsey for Robin Van Persie (86)
Alan Hutton for Vedran Corluka (86)
Yellow Cards
Thomas Vermaelen (78)
Peter Crouch (62)
· Club Squads: Arsenal | Tottenham Hotspur
Updated: October 31, 2009, 7:48 AM UK
Arsenal forward Robin van Persie struck twice to earn his side bragging rights in north London and put a question mark over whether rivals Tottenham can sustain a top-four challenge in the Premier League.
• Wenger talks up title chances
• Kevin Palmer at the Emirates
Spurs have not won a league game against Arsenal since 1999, and they fell away after Van Persie opened the scoring at the Emirates Stadium and Cesc Fabregas added the second after winning possession straight from the kick-off.
Both sides went into the weekend level on points, albeit with Spurs playing a game extra, but talk of the gap between the clubs being closed was well and truly ended when Van Persie tapped in the third after the break.
''It's difficult to judge just how good this Tottenham team is but they certainly have potential and they have a big, talented squad,'' wrote Gunners boss Arsene Wenger in his programme notes.
Unfortunately for Harry Redknapp, three of his most attacking talents were unavailable as Luka Modric and Aaron Lennon were injured and Jermain Defoe suspended - so the Spurs boss chose to match Arsenal's formation and play Peter Crouch up front on his own and Robbie Keane on the left.
The plan worked well initially, with the home fans starting to get restless in frustration until the two goals in as many minutes just before the interval.
Spurs did not create much themselves but limited their rivals to half-chances, aside from when Ledley King's tackle on Andrey Arshavin fell for Fabregas with most of the goal to aim for. Even then Heurelho Gomes threw himself to his left to save the effort and grab the rebound from Nicklas Bendtner's toes.
Keane's pre-match comments suggested Spurs' squad was as good as Arsenal's, although their gameplan relied on stifling Wenger's side through hard work and punting the ball forward to Crouch.
Former Arsenal winger David Bentley, predictably jeered throughout, typified the work ethic. He snapped at heels on the right flank and was fortunate not to receive a booking when he cynically tripped Thomas Vermaelen, with referee Mark Clattenburg happy to keep his cards in his pocket during a feisty opening.
Clattenburg was referee during Arsenal's last defeat, seven weeks ago at Manchester City when Emmanuel Adebayor kicked Van Persie. Despite dropping points since, Arsenal have shown massive improvement since that match and eventually they came good against Spurs.
The match totally turned just before the break, with Van Persie firstly giving Spurs a warning after Benoit Assou-Ekotto's error. The Cameroon full-back gifted possession to Fabregas on the edge of the area, with the Arsenal skipper weighting a pass through to Van Persie, who had Gomes to beat but scuffed his finish wide.
Arshavin then had an effort deflected over by Vedran Corluka after cutting in from the right - but the hosts were not made to wait long for the opener.
Bacary Sagna's cross from the right, after being allowed time to steady himself, was met by Van Persie and crept in at Gomes' near post after the Dutchman got across King.
The second came 11 seconds after Spurs kicked off. Wilson Palacios tripped over himself and Fabregas took charge, bursting through challenges from the Honduras international and Tom Huddlestone. The Arsenal skipper then skipped around King and planted his finish coolly past Gomes.
It emerged during the interval that the Spurs bench complained to stewards about the behaviour of Arsenal fans near the dug-out.
In the second half Arsenal looked to extend their lead. Eduardo, a replacement after Nicklas Bendtner picked up an apparent groin injury, was sent through by Fabregas and Gomes stood up well to save.
Sebastien Bassong cleared off the line from Abou Diaby, then the third came after an intelligent advantage played by Clattenburg.
Eduardo had been floored by Assou-Ekotto, the assistant referee flagged for a foul but Clattenburg allowed Sagna to continue after most had stopped. Sagna's cross went through the barrier formed by Gomes and King, with Van Persie tapping in.
All Spurs had to show for their efforts was a Bentley free-kick which was saved, while Crouch was booked for throwing the ball away in frustration.
Eduardo should have added another when he broke the offside trap but his finish went just wide. Bassong picked up a hamstring injury in stoppage-time as Arsenal counter-attacked.
Wenger talks up title chances
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger talked up his team's Premier League title chances after brushing aside Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium and denting their rivals' hopes of sustaining a top-four challenge.
''Do we have enough? I say yes,'' the Frenchman said. ''I've said that since the first day of the season and it won't change now. We want to show consistency and intelligence and that is not easy. I believe we have the opportunity and it will be down to our attitude.''
Robbie Keane suggested earlier in the week that Spurs' squad had a greater strength in depth, although the defeat puts a question mark over whether they will compete with the traditional heavyweights.
''We have to see over a longer period,'' Wenger said. ''I am positive for us because we have the minimum points with the performances we have produced. Will Tottenham be up there? I don't know. It's too early. It is not about opinion, it is about performance on the pitch. That is what is important.''
Robin Van Persie's 42nd-minute opener crept in at the near post from Bacary Sagna's cross, then Wilson Palacios lost the ball from the kick-off and Fabregas brushed past the Honduras international and Tom Huddlestone before skipping around Ledley King and finishing.
Van Persie said: ''They played with the right attitude and a good spirit, it was tight and tough to start with but they died after our first goal.''
Wenger also saw the period before half-time as crucial.
''We took advantage of the shock of the first goal and in the second half we always played a little restricted,'' he said. ''After the third there wasn't the impression that Spurs would come back.''
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp added: ''The two quick goals we gave away turned the whole game upside down. I thought they were edgy, they were giving the ball away, the crowd was moaning at every mistake. I thought we were going to come in at half-time in great shape. There is no gap between the clubs in my opinion. I think two mistakes turned the game upside down.''
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Saturday, October 31, 2009
Arsenal 3
Tottenham Hotspur 0 FT
Bolton Wanderers 0
Chelsea 4 FT
Burnley 2
Hull City 0 FT
Everton 1
Aston Villa 1 FT
Fulham 3
Liverpool 1 FT
Portsmouth 4
Wigan Athletic 0 FT
Stoke City 2
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 FT
Sunderland 2
West Ham United 2 FT
Manchester United 0
Blackburn Rovers 0 17:30 UK
PreviewReportMatchLive CommentaryGameCastMatch Action
Quickfire Gunners blitz Spurs
GettyImages
Cesc Fabregas nets Arsenal's second goal after waltzing through a sleeping Spurs defence
Scoring Summary
Arsenal Tottenham Hotspur
Robin Van Persie (42)
Cesc Fábregas (43)
Robin Van Persie (60)
Match Stats
Arsenal Tottenham Hotspur
Shots (on Goal) 18(8) 10(4)
Fouls 14 11
Corner Kicks 6 2
Offsides 4 3
Time of Possession 52% 48%
Yellow Cards 1 1
Red Cards 0 0
Saves 4 5
Match Information
Stadium: Emirates Stadium, England
Attendance: 60,103
Match Time: 12:45 UK
Official(s):
Mark Clattenburg (Referee)
Teams
Arsenal Tottenham Hotspur
1 Manuel Almunia 1 Gomes
5 Thomas Vermaelen 19 Sebastien Bassong
10 William Gallas 26 Ledley King
22 Gaël Clichy 32 Benoit Assou-Ekotto
3 Bacary Sagna 22 Vedran Corluka
17 Alexandre Song Billong 12 Wilson Palacios
4 Cesc Fábregas 6 Tom Huddlestone
11 Robin Van Persie 8 Jermaine Jenas
2 Abou Diaby 10 Robbie Keane
23 Andrei Arshavin 5 David Bentley
52 Nicklas Bendtner 15 Peter Crouch
Substitutes
6 Philippe Senderos Jonathan Woodgate 39
27 Emmanuel Eboue Michael Dawson 20
9 Eduardo Niko Kranjcar 21
8 Samir Nasri Alan Hutton 2
24 Vito Mannone Roman Pavlyuchenko 9
16 Aaron Ramsey Gareth Bale 3
28 Kieran Gibbs David Button 35
Substitutions
Eduardo for Nicklas Bendtner (37)
Gareth Bale for Tom Huddlestone (56)
Emmanuel Eboue for Andrei Arshavin (78)
Roman Pavlyuchenko for Robbie Keane (65)
Aaron Ramsey for Robin Van Persie (86)
Alan Hutton for Vedran Corluka (86)
Yellow Cards
Thomas Vermaelen (78)
Peter Crouch (62)
· Club Squads: Arsenal | Tottenham Hotspur
Updated: October 31, 2009, 7:48 AM UK
Arsenal forward Robin van Persie struck twice to earn his side bragging rights in north London and put a question mark over whether rivals Tottenham can sustain a top-four challenge in the Premier League.
• Wenger talks up title chances
• Kevin Palmer at the Emirates
Spurs have not won a league game against Arsenal since 1999, and they fell away after Van Persie opened the scoring at the Emirates Stadium and Cesc Fabregas added the second after winning possession straight from the kick-off.
Both sides went into the weekend level on points, albeit with Spurs playing a game extra, but talk of the gap between the clubs being closed was well and truly ended when Van Persie tapped in the third after the break.
''It's difficult to judge just how good this Tottenham team is but they certainly have potential and they have a big, talented squad,'' wrote Gunners boss Arsene Wenger in his programme notes.
Unfortunately for Harry Redknapp, three of his most attacking talents were unavailable as Luka Modric and Aaron Lennon were injured and Jermain Defoe suspended - so the Spurs boss chose to match Arsenal's formation and play Peter Crouch up front on his own and Robbie Keane on the left.
The plan worked well initially, with the home fans starting to get restless in frustration until the two goals in as many minutes just before the interval.
Spurs did not create much themselves but limited their rivals to half-chances, aside from when Ledley King's tackle on Andrey Arshavin fell for Fabregas with most of the goal to aim for. Even then Heurelho Gomes threw himself to his left to save the effort and grab the rebound from Nicklas Bendtner's toes.
Keane's pre-match comments suggested Spurs' squad was as good as Arsenal's, although their gameplan relied on stifling Wenger's side through hard work and punting the ball forward to Crouch.
Former Arsenal winger David Bentley, predictably jeered throughout, typified the work ethic. He snapped at heels on the right flank and was fortunate not to receive a booking when he cynically tripped Thomas Vermaelen, with referee Mark Clattenburg happy to keep his cards in his pocket during a feisty opening.
Clattenburg was referee during Arsenal's last defeat, seven weeks ago at Manchester City when Emmanuel Adebayor kicked Van Persie. Despite dropping points since, Arsenal have shown massive improvement since that match and eventually they came good against Spurs.
The match totally turned just before the break, with Van Persie firstly giving Spurs a warning after Benoit Assou-Ekotto's error. The Cameroon full-back gifted possession to Fabregas on the edge of the area, with the Arsenal skipper weighting a pass through to Van Persie, who had Gomes to beat but scuffed his finish wide.
Arshavin then had an effort deflected over by Vedran Corluka after cutting in from the right - but the hosts were not made to wait long for the opener.
Bacary Sagna's cross from the right, after being allowed time to steady himself, was met by Van Persie and crept in at Gomes' near post after the Dutchman got across King.
The second came 11 seconds after Spurs kicked off. Wilson Palacios tripped over himself and Fabregas took charge, bursting through challenges from the Honduras international and Tom Huddlestone. The Arsenal skipper then skipped around King and planted his finish coolly past Gomes.
It emerged during the interval that the Spurs bench complained to stewards about the behaviour of Arsenal fans near the dug-out.
In the second half Arsenal looked to extend their lead. Eduardo, a replacement after Nicklas Bendtner picked up an apparent groin injury, was sent through by Fabregas and Gomes stood up well to save.
Sebastien Bassong cleared off the line from Abou Diaby, then the third came after an intelligent advantage played by Clattenburg.
Eduardo had been floored by Assou-Ekotto, the assistant referee flagged for a foul but Clattenburg allowed Sagna to continue after most had stopped. Sagna's cross went through the barrier formed by Gomes and King, with Van Persie tapping in.
All Spurs had to show for their efforts was a Bentley free-kick which was saved, while Crouch was booked for throwing the ball away in frustration.
Eduardo should have added another when he broke the offside trap but his finish went just wide. Bassong picked up a hamstring injury in stoppage-time as Arsenal counter-attacked.
Wenger talks up title chances
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger talked up his team's Premier League title chances after brushing aside Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium and denting their rivals' hopes of sustaining a top-four challenge.
''Do we have enough? I say yes,'' the Frenchman said. ''I've said that since the first day of the season and it won't change now. We want to show consistency and intelligence and that is not easy. I believe we have the opportunity and it will be down to our attitude.''
Robbie Keane suggested earlier in the week that Spurs' squad had a greater strength in depth, although the defeat puts a question mark over whether they will compete with the traditional heavyweights.
''We have to see over a longer period,'' Wenger said. ''I am positive for us because we have the minimum points with the performances we have produced. Will Tottenham be up there? I don't know. It's too early. It is not about opinion, it is about performance on the pitch. That is what is important.''
Robin Van Persie's 42nd-minute opener crept in at the near post from Bacary Sagna's cross, then Wilson Palacios lost the ball from the kick-off and Fabregas brushed past the Honduras international and Tom Huddlestone before skipping around Ledley King and finishing.
Van Persie said: ''They played with the right attitude and a good spirit, it was tight and tough to start with but they died after our first goal.''
Wenger also saw the period before half-time as crucial.
''We took advantage of the shock of the first goal and in the second half we always played a little restricted,'' he said. ''After the third there wasn't the impression that Spurs would come back.''
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp added: ''The two quick goals we gave away turned the whole game upside down. I thought they were edgy, they were giving the ball away, the crowd was moaning at every mistake. I thought we were going to come in at half-time in great shape. There is no gap between the clubs in my opinion. I think two mistakes turned the game upside down.''
Jump To Scores -- English Premier LeagueEnglish League ChampionshipEnglish League OneEnglish League TwoEnglish ConferenceScottish Premier LeagueScottish CupScottish Division OneScottish Division TwoScottish Division ThreeSpanish Primera DivisiónSpanish Segunda DivisiónItalian Serie AItalian Serie BGerman BundesligaGerman 2. BundesligaFrench Ligue 1Dutch EredivisieDutch Eerste DivisiePortuguese LigaRussian Premier LeagueTurkish Super LigGreek Super LeagueBelgian Jupiler LeagueAustrian BundesligaDanish SAS-LigaenSwiss Super LeagueUSA Major League SoccerPrimera División de ArgentinaPrimera División de MéxicoFutebol BrasileiroPrimera División de ChilePrimera División de UruguayFútbol Profesional ColombianoPrimera Profesional de PerúPrimera División de ParaguayPrimera A de EcuadorEcuador Serie BAustralian A-LeagueSouth African PremiershipSouth African National First DivisionPrimera División de Costa RicaPrimera División de El SalvadorLiga Nacional de Guatemala
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Arsenal 3
Tottenham Hotspur 0 FT
Bolton Wanderers 0
Chelsea 4 FT
Burnley 2
Hull City 0 FT
Everton 1
Aston Villa 1 FT
Fulham 3
Liverpool 1 FT
Portsmouth 4
Wigan Athletic 0 FT
Stoke City 2
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 FT
Sunderland 2
West Ham United 2 FT
Manchester United 0
Blackburn Rovers 0 17:30 UK
blackburn striker Roberts latest to get swine flu
Jason Roberts has become the latest Blackburn player to come down with suspectected to be....
Roberts is unlikely to be available for Rovers' trip to Manchester United in the Premirer League after showing symptoms of the virus.
Manager Sam Allardyce, who has suffered with the illness himself in the last few days, said that he and most of his squad had recovered after an outbreak in the camp last week but confirmed that Roberts was being seen by a doctor.
"I'm okay now - I think we've only Jason Roberts,'' Allardyce said. "There was another player suffering with it earlier in the week and Jason looks like it now, so we've left him at home and sent the doctor out to see him.
"The symptoms look very much like the general swine flu symptoms, so we will obviously go and get a full check on him.''
Allardyce revealed on Monday that three of his players had contracted swine flu. One of those was thought to be David Dunn, who looked in good health when he came off the bench against Peterborough in the Carling Cup on Tuesday.
Another was Chris Samba, who Allardyce said was back in training but still feeling weak.
"We've just got Chris Samba back, who seems to have been affected the most by the symptoms,'' Allardyce said. "He's been left pretty weak, I think he has lost about four or five kilos. It is an incredible amount of fluid he has lost.
"We'll have to check if he is strong enough to be capable of being selected for the squad on Saturday. We'll run him through training and see where we go from there.
"(Pascal) Chimbonda is fit from injury, Vince Grella is back in training for us but it might be a bit too soon for him. The squad has strengthened from last week, which is very important when you are going to Old Trafford.''
Allardyce, who watched Tuesday night's match from the stand for fear of passing the virus onto his players, admitted he had been worried at times about how ill he really was.
"It was just your normal feeling of flu symptoms really, nothing worse that than from my point of view I'm glad to say,'' he said.
"But when you get home and you hear on the news that somebody has died from it, you wonder what the situation is. There was something particularly wrong (with that person) when they caught the virus and obviously that contributed to the death.
"I was achy, sweaty and had headaches. But it was bed for a couple of days and I'm alright now.''
Roberts is unlikely to be available for Rovers' trip to Manchester United in the Premirer League after showing symptoms of the virus.
Manager Sam Allardyce, who has suffered with the illness himself in the last few days, said that he and most of his squad had recovered after an outbreak in the camp last week but confirmed that Roberts was being seen by a doctor.
"I'm okay now - I think we've only Jason Roberts,'' Allardyce said. "There was another player suffering with it earlier in the week and Jason looks like it now, so we've left him at home and sent the doctor out to see him.
"The symptoms look very much like the general swine flu symptoms, so we will obviously go and get a full check on him.''
Allardyce revealed on Monday that three of his players had contracted swine flu. One of those was thought to be David Dunn, who looked in good health when he came off the bench against Peterborough in the Carling Cup on Tuesday.
Another was Chris Samba, who Allardyce said was back in training but still feeling weak.
"We've just got Chris Samba back, who seems to have been affected the most by the symptoms,'' Allardyce said. "He's been left pretty weak, I think he has lost about four or five kilos. It is an incredible amount of fluid he has lost.
"We'll have to check if he is strong enough to be capable of being selected for the squad on Saturday. We'll run him through training and see where we go from there.
"(Pascal) Chimbonda is fit from injury, Vince Grella is back in training for us but it might be a bit too soon for him. The squad has strengthened from last week, which is very important when you are going to Old Trafford.''
Allardyce, who watched Tuesday night's match from the stand for fear of passing the virus onto his players, admitted he had been worried at times about how ill he really was.
"It was just your normal feeling of flu symptoms really, nothing worse that than from my point of view I'm glad to say,'' he said.
"But when you get home and you hear on the news that somebody has died from it, you wonder what the situation is. There was something particularly wrong (with that person) when they caught the virus and obviously that contributed to the death.
"I was achy, sweaty and had headaches. But it was bed for a couple of days and I'm alright now.''
Wenger: Andrei Arshavin will torment Spurs
Andrei Arshavin is a key player for Arsenal and Russia.
• ESPN Soccernet preview: Arsenal v Tottenham
• Almunia to return for Spurs showdown
Only Tottenham's failure to agree a financial package with Zenit St Petersburg prevented Arshavin from becoming a Spurs player following his impressive performance at Euro 2008 but at Emirates Stadium he will be lining up as a key player for their North London rivals.
Arshavin has been a revelation since joining Arsenal in January, scoring five goals already this season, and Saturday will be his first real experience of the passionate derby as he was an unused substitute in a 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane in February.
Wenger fully expects the forward to show Spurs exactly what they are missing when they make the trip down Seven Sisters Road in search of their first victory in N5 since 1993. The two clubs are currently level on 19 points, with Arsenal having played a game less.
"Arshavin can change any game, anywhere at any moment so I believe he will have a great game tomorrow," Wenger said. "He is a player I love, not only because he is talented but because he is efficient. I am confident he will have a big impact on the game tomorrow."
Wenger also responded to another public comment from Emmanuel Adebayor regarding his former employers. In an interview on Thursday, the Manchester City striker claimed he was forced out of Emirates Stadium over the summer and that captain Cesc Fabregas could be the next player to leave.
However, Wenger is refusing to indulge in a public quarrel with the player he signed from Monaco in January 2006, with the Frenchman instead focusing attention on what is a significant game for his side on Saturday.
"Frankly, I'm not really bothered about what he says," Wenger said. "Why should I react to quotes that may not even be accurate? What is important for me is that we play well tomorrow. For the rest, we have to live with what people say but it is not really important.
"Nobody knows what's happening next week so why should you speculate or worry about statements of that calibre? They are not anything realistic, it's just talk."
• ESPN Soccernet preview: Arsenal v Tottenham
• Almunia to return for Spurs showdown
Only Tottenham's failure to agree a financial package with Zenit St Petersburg prevented Arshavin from becoming a Spurs player following his impressive performance at Euro 2008 but at Emirates Stadium he will be lining up as a key player for their North London rivals.
Arshavin has been a revelation since joining Arsenal in January, scoring five goals already this season, and Saturday will be his first real experience of the passionate derby as he was an unused substitute in a 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane in February.
Wenger fully expects the forward to show Spurs exactly what they are missing when they make the trip down Seven Sisters Road in search of their first victory in N5 since 1993. The two clubs are currently level on 19 points, with Arsenal having played a game less.
"Arshavin can change any game, anywhere at any moment so I believe he will have a great game tomorrow," Wenger said. "He is a player I love, not only because he is talented but because he is efficient. I am confident he will have a big impact on the game tomorrow."
Wenger also responded to another public comment from Emmanuel Adebayor regarding his former employers. In an interview on Thursday, the Manchester City striker claimed he was forced out of Emirates Stadium over the summer and that captain Cesc Fabregas could be the next player to leave.
However, Wenger is refusing to indulge in a public quarrel with the player he signed from Monaco in January 2006, with the Frenchman instead focusing attention on what is a significant game for his side on Saturday.
"Frankly, I'm not really bothered about what he says," Wenger said. "Why should I react to quotes that may not even be accurate? What is important for me is that we play well tomorrow. For the rest, we have to live with what people say but it is not really important.
"Nobody knows what's happening next week so why should you speculate or worry about statements of that calibre? They are not anything realistic, it's just talk."
Gerrard and Johnson out of trip to Fulham
Steven Gerrard is taken off after just 25 minutes with an injury
Gerrard has managed just 25 minutes of action for Liverpool since going off at half-time for England against Ukraine with a groin injury at the start of the month.
The skipper made his return against Lyon in the Champions League but was unable to continue leading to an early exit. Johnson missed the game against the French side and will also not face Roy Hodgson's side due to a thigh strain, despite playing the whole of Sunday's win over Manchester United.
Alberto Aquilani, who made his debut for the Reds in the midweek Carling Cup defeat at Arsenal, will also not be part of the squad after coming down with a virus. Benitez joked: "It is a virus but not swine flu, we haven't got that here yet.''
But Liverpool are concerned over Gerrard's persistent problem and will be monitoring their captain closely in the coming days.
Benitez said: "Gerrard is improving but the next week will be crucial in terms of any decision about what we will do with him. I have talked to him today, he is working with the medical team and his progress is slow, but we will then have to decide what to do if he is not progressing as quickly as we would hope.
"He has had this problem for some time but when he has a lot of games for his club, as well as the national team, it is not easy to give him a rest. We will try to manage this differently in the future but we always have the same problem, that he wants to play in every match.
"And that applies to England as well. It is very positive, it is a fine mentality, but maybe we should be looking at the right way to handle a problem that continues to cause him trouble. I do not believe he will have this problem for the rest of his career but we certainly need to find a solution now. We have a good medical staff, I have confidence we can manage this problem.
"I do not know yet whether Steven will play in Lyon, we must work with him. But it is true there is a problem. We do have an issue if he is not fit for Lyon, it is a crucial time. In three days we will maybe have a better idea.''
Benitez' annoyance with England is barely below the surface when he discusses Gerrard, who has played just 25 minutes since the injury against Ukraine and will miss his third successive match tomorrow.
"Steven picked up this injury while playing for England. He lasted only until half-time of the game (in Ukraine),'' Benitez said. "He rested for two days and then had the same problem in his next training session for England. We rested him for one game and then he lasted just 25 minutes of the next match, against Lyon. Since then he has not been able to train or play.
"We now have to be careful. He is working with the physios and I have talked with the doctor. The decision is to continue with the same treatment for a few days. Then we will see. We do not want to put him under any further risk. He was unable to play against Manchester United and we won but we obviously need Steven to be fit and available.
"He has just been nominated for world player of the year, along with Fernando, and they both deserve it. And it also shows the quality we are missing when they cannot play. We are pleased for them and the club that they are being spoken of at such a level, so it is clear that they are not just any player, they are world class and we miss them. Any team would.''
Gerrard has managed just 25 minutes of action for Liverpool since going off at half-time for England against Ukraine with a groin injury at the start of the month.
The skipper made his return against Lyon in the Champions League but was unable to continue leading to an early exit. Johnson missed the game against the French side and will also not face Roy Hodgson's side due to a thigh strain, despite playing the whole of Sunday's win over Manchester United.
Alberto Aquilani, who made his debut for the Reds in the midweek Carling Cup defeat at Arsenal, will also not be part of the squad after coming down with a virus. Benitez joked: "It is a virus but not swine flu, we haven't got that here yet.''
But Liverpool are concerned over Gerrard's persistent problem and will be monitoring their captain closely in the coming days.
Benitez said: "Gerrard is improving but the next week will be crucial in terms of any decision about what we will do with him. I have talked to him today, he is working with the medical team and his progress is slow, but we will then have to decide what to do if he is not progressing as quickly as we would hope.
"He has had this problem for some time but when he has a lot of games for his club, as well as the national team, it is not easy to give him a rest. We will try to manage this differently in the future but we always have the same problem, that he wants to play in every match.
"And that applies to England as well. It is very positive, it is a fine mentality, but maybe we should be looking at the right way to handle a problem that continues to cause him trouble. I do not believe he will have this problem for the rest of his career but we certainly need to find a solution now. We have a good medical staff, I have confidence we can manage this problem.
"I do not know yet whether Steven will play in Lyon, we must work with him. But it is true there is a problem. We do have an issue if he is not fit for Lyon, it is a crucial time. In three days we will maybe have a better idea.''
Benitez' annoyance with England is barely below the surface when he discusses Gerrard, who has played just 25 minutes since the injury against Ukraine and will miss his third successive match tomorrow.
"Steven picked up this injury while playing for England. He lasted only until half-time of the game (in Ukraine),'' Benitez said. "He rested for two days and then had the same problem in his next training session for England. We rested him for one game and then he lasted just 25 minutes of the next match, against Lyon. Since then he has not been able to train or play.
"We now have to be careful. He is working with the physios and I have talked with the doctor. The decision is to continue with the same treatment for a few days. Then we will see. We do not want to put him under any further risk. He was unable to play against Manchester United and we won but we obviously need Steven to be fit and available.
"He has just been nominated for world player of the year, along with Fernando, and they both deserve it. And it also shows the quality we are missing when they cannot play. We are pleased for them and the club that they are being spoken of at such a level, so it is clear that they are not just any player, they are world class and we miss them. Any team would.''
adebayo insults jealous arsenal fans$player
Adebayor celebrates in front of Arsenal fans
There is no love lost between the Togo international and the supporters who once chanted his name, something which appeared to reach a head last month when he ran the full length of the Eastlands pitch to celebrate in front of them after scoring a goal.
Adebayor, who was also banned for three games by the Football Association for raking his studs down the face of Robin van Persie during City's win over Arsenal, also insisted he moved to the City of Manchester Stadium to further his football career and not to line his pockets.
The striker told the Daily Mirror: "There may be people who are jealous of what I am about and have achieved in the game, despite my humble background. People can say what they want and I will just score goals in a team that wants me to be here, and in front of fans that appreciate me.
"I'm happy at City and people who question my decision to come here can go away. To be a part of City's first Premier League title, getting into the Champions League is a great challenge for me. I'm here for the football, not money.
"No-one likes bad things said about them but I am used to it now. I refuse to back down if I believe something is right - that is my nature. If people do not like it, then I am sorry.
"I feel I am a good influence on the dressing room and my team-mates and that is the main thing, above all. Sometimes I think I am disliked because I show too much emotion ... I'm afraid that will never change.
"My final year at Arsenal was difficult, so it was an easy decision to move. Some of the fans would never forgive me after some clubs tried to sign me a year ago, but what could I do?
"I scored 30 goals for Arsenal two seasons ago and it was all forgotten because the fans decided I was not loyal any more when Barcelona and AC Milan showed interest in me. It was hard to take and there did not seem to be anything I could do to change their mind."
Adebayor did, however, apologise for his "tackle" on Van Persie and his behaviour in that first game against Arsenal since leaving the Emirates. He said in an interview with CNN International: "When I come to the stadium, for me it was a special game because you're playing against your former team and was coming up against people who were like brothers.
"When I get to the tunnel and see my friends, I try to shake their hands & but they don't want to shake my hand and it was a shock. I was like a shock: what is going on? What am I? You know what I mean? I felt very hurt. After that I thought - okay, that's part of life and just have to deal with it.
"After that, when I get on the pitch and when I hear some singing insulting my dad, insulting my mum, I think, we can't take everything. We are only human beings and I think that is something that you cannot take. We've all got our limit.
"You can insult me, you can judge me on the football pitch, that's normal. But don't touch my family, don't touch my parents, I love them more than everything on this earth. So when I heard fans singing, insulting my family, yes, then my mind was like, I had to respond, respond - which way? I don't have a choice. I cannot go into the fans and start shouting, I cannot do anything, better way to respond is to score a goal against them. And that is what I managed to do.
"At that time, emotions took over me and I have done it. And you can see that I'm not insulting anyone, I just calm down, sliding on my knee, showing them that "yes, you insult me, you sack me from your team, I go, and now this means I'm not the bad player you think I was when I was playing for you.
"I think I wish I could not have done that, but we are all human beings and [Barack] Obama will make a lot of mistakes where he is now. Cristiano Ronaldo has done a lot of mistakes and Mr Alex Ferguson apologised recently for what he has said against the referee. He just made the mistake, he is a human being, we all do it and we all have to pass through a mistake to be a better man.
"I saw Robin in the tunnel and I told him: 'I'm very sorry for what happened'. He's like: 'Why, why you do that?' and I told him: 'Robin, I don't know, that does happen, I'm sorry'. And at the time he told me 'Okay, it's fine'."
There is no love lost between the Togo international and the supporters who once chanted his name, something which appeared to reach a head last month when he ran the full length of the Eastlands pitch to celebrate in front of them after scoring a goal.
Adebayor, who was also banned for three games by the Football Association for raking his studs down the face of Robin van Persie during City's win over Arsenal, also insisted he moved to the City of Manchester Stadium to further his football career and not to line his pockets.
The striker told the Daily Mirror: "There may be people who are jealous of what I am about and have achieved in the game, despite my humble background. People can say what they want and I will just score goals in a team that wants me to be here, and in front of fans that appreciate me.
"I'm happy at City and people who question my decision to come here can go away. To be a part of City's first Premier League title, getting into the Champions League is a great challenge for me. I'm here for the football, not money.
"No-one likes bad things said about them but I am used to it now. I refuse to back down if I believe something is right - that is my nature. If people do not like it, then I am sorry.
"I feel I am a good influence on the dressing room and my team-mates and that is the main thing, above all. Sometimes I think I am disliked because I show too much emotion ... I'm afraid that will never change.
"My final year at Arsenal was difficult, so it was an easy decision to move. Some of the fans would never forgive me after some clubs tried to sign me a year ago, but what could I do?
"I scored 30 goals for Arsenal two seasons ago and it was all forgotten because the fans decided I was not loyal any more when Barcelona and AC Milan showed interest in me. It was hard to take and there did not seem to be anything I could do to change their mind."
Adebayor did, however, apologise for his "tackle" on Van Persie and his behaviour in that first game against Arsenal since leaving the Emirates. He said in an interview with CNN International: "When I come to the stadium, for me it was a special game because you're playing against your former team and was coming up against people who were like brothers.
"When I get to the tunnel and see my friends, I try to shake their hands & but they don't want to shake my hand and it was a shock. I was like a shock: what is going on? What am I? You know what I mean? I felt very hurt. After that I thought - okay, that's part of life and just have to deal with it.
"After that, when I get on the pitch and when I hear some singing insulting my dad, insulting my mum, I think, we can't take everything. We are only human beings and I think that is something that you cannot take. We've all got our limit.
"You can insult me, you can judge me on the football pitch, that's normal. But don't touch my family, don't touch my parents, I love them more than everything on this earth. So when I heard fans singing, insulting my family, yes, then my mind was like, I had to respond, respond - which way? I don't have a choice. I cannot go into the fans and start shouting, I cannot do anything, better way to respond is to score a goal against them. And that is what I managed to do.
"At that time, emotions took over me and I have done it. And you can see that I'm not insulting anyone, I just calm down, sliding on my knee, showing them that "yes, you insult me, you sack me from your team, I go, and now this means I'm not the bad player you think I was when I was playing for you.
"I think I wish I could not have done that, but we are all human beings and [Barack] Obama will make a lot of mistakes where he is now. Cristiano Ronaldo has done a lot of mistakes and Mr Alex Ferguson apologised recently for what he has said against the referee. He just made the mistake, he is a human being, we all do it and we all have to pass through a mistake to be a better man.
"I saw Robin in the tunnel and I told him: 'I'm very sorry for what happened'. He's like: 'Why, why you do that?' and I told him: 'Robin, I don't know, that does happen, I'm sorry'. And at the time he told me 'Okay, it's fine'."
ferguson unhappy with capello
Sir Alex Ferguson: In FA's bad books again?
Ferguson has been in hot water with the Football Association already this season after his criticism of referee Alan Wiley's fitness after his side's 2-2 draw with Sunderland. Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has had to deny reports he said the FA gave preferential treatment to the outspoken Manchester United man, while Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez last season launched a rant at Ferguson's constant complaints about things such as match officials and timing of fixtures.
Ferguson's latest outburst is unlikely to please the FA, while Uniteds many fans in the Middle East could be left disillusioned by the dismissive comments about Qatar.
Fabio Capello's England team, including Red Devils Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Rio Ferdinand, will embark on a 6,500-mile round journey for the World Cup tune-up on a date that falls six days after United's trip to Chelsea and a week before the visit of Everton to Old Trafford.
While Ferguson did not specifically mention the Qatar trip he lamented "the intrusion of a friendly game in some unknown country'' in the midst of the club season. "You want them [the players] to play in the important international games, it's important to them and I want them to play,'' Ferguson said. "It's the friendly matches that are the problem.
"It's a coach's nightmare, especially if you are in the middle of a European campaign and going for cups and titles. You have all these fixtures and you have the intrusion of a friendly game in some unknown country, so that is a definite thorn in everyone's flesh.''
Ferguson conceded that such matches were important for national teams with next summer's World Cup in South Africa looming large, but he believes some national team managers would prefer not to play some friendlies.
"All international managers have their jobs to do and we support that, particularly when it comes to the issues of competitive games, ie the European Championships or the World Cup,'' Ferguson said.
"It's very important that these players play for their countries. But friendly games are a different matter. I don't think that anyone agrees with them if you're a football coach, a league coach, whereas international managers have a situation that they find themselves in.
Ferguson went on to suggest that even some international managers are against the concept of friendlies, while questioning the motivations of FAs to arrange friendly matches.
"I think that some of them actually could do without the friendly games themselves, but the FAs from every country warn them that sometimes it's a nice day for them, a nice trip for them, a sunny day, and in some cases it creates good revenue for them. So you can understand it.''
Ferguson has been in hot water with the Football Association already this season after his criticism of referee Alan Wiley's fitness after his side's 2-2 draw with Sunderland. Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has had to deny reports he said the FA gave preferential treatment to the outspoken Manchester United man, while Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez last season launched a rant at Ferguson's constant complaints about things such as match officials and timing of fixtures.
Ferguson's latest outburst is unlikely to please the FA, while Uniteds many fans in the Middle East could be left disillusioned by the dismissive comments about Qatar.
Fabio Capello's England team, including Red Devils Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Rio Ferdinand, will embark on a 6,500-mile round journey for the World Cup tune-up on a date that falls six days after United's trip to Chelsea and a week before the visit of Everton to Old Trafford.
While Ferguson did not specifically mention the Qatar trip he lamented "the intrusion of a friendly game in some unknown country'' in the midst of the club season. "You want them [the players] to play in the important international games, it's important to them and I want them to play,'' Ferguson said. "It's the friendly matches that are the problem.
"It's a coach's nightmare, especially if you are in the middle of a European campaign and going for cups and titles. You have all these fixtures and you have the intrusion of a friendly game in some unknown country, so that is a definite thorn in everyone's flesh.''
Ferguson conceded that such matches were important for national teams with next summer's World Cup in South Africa looming large, but he believes some national team managers would prefer not to play some friendlies.
"All international managers have their jobs to do and we support that, particularly when it comes to the issues of competitive games, ie the European Championships or the World Cup,'' Ferguson said.
"It's very important that these players play for their countries. But friendly games are a different matter. I don't think that anyone agrees with them if you're a football coach, a league coach, whereas international managers have a situation that they find themselves in.
Ferguson went on to suggest that even some international managers are against the concept of friendlies, while questioning the motivations of FAs to arrange friendly matches.
"I think that some of them actually could do without the friendly games themselves, but the FAs from every country warn them that sometimes it's a nice day for them, a nice trip for them, a sunny day, and in some cases it creates good revenue for them. So you can understand it.''
harry rules arsenal out the race
Harry Redknapp believes Arsenal's young side won't overcome the experience of Manchester United or the "powerful men" of Chelsea to be Premier League champions this season - and he also reckons there will be a change to the traditional top four.
GettyImages
Harry Redknapp says Arsenal have boys not men
• Wenger: Arshavin to torment Spurs
• ESPN Soccernet preview: Arsenal v Tottenham
• Almunia to return for Spurs showdown
Tottenham boss Redknapp takes his side to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday with hopes of eventually joining or replacing Arsene Wenger's men among the Champions League places following their promising start to the campaign. Redknapp is not writing off the chances of his club's bitter rivals but feels United or Chelsea will be competing for the title.
"I think Arsenal are potential winners but personally I dont think they will win it, that's only my opinion,'' he said. "I'm not writing them off, they've got a good chance. But I think the winners will come from Chelsea or Manchester United.
"That's how I see it personally, I've been wrong a million times before, I could well be wrong but I see those two. Chelsea are powerful, they are men, you just feel they have that power. I think they will take all the beating.'' While Chelsea have "men'' in their ranks, Redknapp feels Arsenal's inexperience is a weakness.
"I don't think it's a soft centre, I think it's maybe a little bit of a lack of experience still,'' he said. "They're not an experienced team, it's still a young team, a fantastic young team.
"But I just feel Chelsea and Man United, they have players who have been there and done it all and been the full course in the championship race and that's where I think the winners will come from. And Liverpool, I'm not writing them off but I do fancy one of the two.''
Redknapp said he will look to profit from an attacking Arsenal side's overexposed defence when he goes in search of Spurs' first league win against their rivals in a decade. Their record on Arsenal's turf is even worse, with the last win coming in 1993.
"It's an attacking team isn't it?'' Redknapp said. "They go forward, they attack you, that's how they play. It's great to watch for sure. They have a go. The two full-backs probably wouldn't know what it was if you told them to sit in. They are like two wingers almost, the way they get up the lines and play.
"They attack from midfield, only (Alex) Song sits in but (Cesc) Fabregas goes, (Abou) Diaby goes, (Andrey) Arshavin is an attacking player, that's how they play. If you can get the ball and can attack them, you have got chances with them, for sure.''
Redknapp feels Spurs, Manchester City and Aston Villa will provide competition for the traditional top four, with the last team breaking through being Everton in 2005.
"I think there will be a change, for sure because they are getting stronger, Man City are certainly getting stronger, Tottenham are getting stronger, I think Villa have got stronger this year.''
Jermain Defoe is suspended so Peter Crouch looks set to start in attack, while David Bentley will replace injured Aaron Lennon on the right flank. Since scoring his wonder goal against his former club a year ago, Bentley's career has stalled and he has struggled for regular football. Redknapp admits the midfielder's profile means he may struggle to cope with his status as a squad player.
"If you said to anybody 'could you be a squad player?', they'd all say no,'' Redknapp said. "They all want to play. None of them would accept that.''
Meanwhile, Redknapp has backed England centre-back Rio Ferdinand to overcome his recent errors. Redknapp, who managed Ferdinand at West Ham, has been linked with the defender but said: "There's no chance of him leaving there if he has any sense. Unless someone knows something I don't know, he won't be coming here. I speak to him and send him messages. For me he's still the best centre-half in the world, he's that good. Everyone has a blip.''
GettyImages
Harry Redknapp says Arsenal have boys not men
• Wenger: Arshavin to torment Spurs
• ESPN Soccernet preview: Arsenal v Tottenham
• Almunia to return for Spurs showdown
Tottenham boss Redknapp takes his side to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday with hopes of eventually joining or replacing Arsene Wenger's men among the Champions League places following their promising start to the campaign. Redknapp is not writing off the chances of his club's bitter rivals but feels United or Chelsea will be competing for the title.
"I think Arsenal are potential winners but personally I dont think they will win it, that's only my opinion,'' he said. "I'm not writing them off, they've got a good chance. But I think the winners will come from Chelsea or Manchester United.
"That's how I see it personally, I've been wrong a million times before, I could well be wrong but I see those two. Chelsea are powerful, they are men, you just feel they have that power. I think they will take all the beating.'' While Chelsea have "men'' in their ranks, Redknapp feels Arsenal's inexperience is a weakness.
"I don't think it's a soft centre, I think it's maybe a little bit of a lack of experience still,'' he said. "They're not an experienced team, it's still a young team, a fantastic young team.
"But I just feel Chelsea and Man United, they have players who have been there and done it all and been the full course in the championship race and that's where I think the winners will come from. And Liverpool, I'm not writing them off but I do fancy one of the two.''
Redknapp said he will look to profit from an attacking Arsenal side's overexposed defence when he goes in search of Spurs' first league win against their rivals in a decade. Their record on Arsenal's turf is even worse, with the last win coming in 1993.
"It's an attacking team isn't it?'' Redknapp said. "They go forward, they attack you, that's how they play. It's great to watch for sure. They have a go. The two full-backs probably wouldn't know what it was if you told them to sit in. They are like two wingers almost, the way they get up the lines and play.
"They attack from midfield, only (Alex) Song sits in but (Cesc) Fabregas goes, (Abou) Diaby goes, (Andrey) Arshavin is an attacking player, that's how they play. If you can get the ball and can attack them, you have got chances with them, for sure.''
Redknapp feels Spurs, Manchester City and Aston Villa will provide competition for the traditional top four, with the last team breaking through being Everton in 2005.
"I think there will be a change, for sure because they are getting stronger, Man City are certainly getting stronger, Tottenham are getting stronger, I think Villa have got stronger this year.''
Jermain Defoe is suspended so Peter Crouch looks set to start in attack, while David Bentley will replace injured Aaron Lennon on the right flank. Since scoring his wonder goal against his former club a year ago, Bentley's career has stalled and he has struggled for regular football. Redknapp admits the midfielder's profile means he may struggle to cope with his status as a squad player.
"If you said to anybody 'could you be a squad player?', they'd all say no,'' Redknapp said. "They all want to play. None of them would accept that.''
Meanwhile, Redknapp has backed England centre-back Rio Ferdinand to overcome his recent errors. Redknapp, who managed Ferdinand at West Ham, has been linked with the defender but said: "There's no chance of him leaving there if he has any sense. Unless someone knows something I don't know, he won't be coming here. I speak to him and send him messages. For me he's still the best centre-half in the world, he's that good. Everyone has a blip.''
harry rules arsenal out the race
Harry Redknapp believes Arsenal's young side won't overcome the experience of Manchester United or the "powerful men" of Chelsea to be Premier League champions this season - and he also reckons there will be a change to the traditional top four.
GettyImages
Harry Redknapp says Arsenal have boys not men
• Wenger: Arshavin to torment Spurs
• ESPN Soccernet preview: Arsenal v Tottenham
• Almunia to return for Spurs showdown
Tottenham boss Redknapp takes his side to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday with hopes of eventually joining or replacing Arsene Wenger's men among the Champions League places following their promising start to the campaign. Redknapp is not writing off the chances of his club's bitter rivals but feels United or Chelsea will be competing for the title.
"I think Arsenal are potential winners but personally I dont think they will win it, that's only my opinion,'' he said. "I'm not writing them off, they've got a good chance. But I think the winners will come from Chelsea or Manchester United.
"That's how I see it personally, I've been wrong a million times before, I could well be wrong but I see those two. Chelsea are powerful, they are men, you just feel they have that power. I think they will take all the beating.'' While Chelsea have "men'' in their ranks, Redknapp feels Arsenal's inexperience is a weakness.
"I don't think it's a soft centre, I think it's maybe a little bit of a lack of experience still,'' he said. "They're not an experienced team, it's still a young team, a fantastic young team.
"But I just feel Chelsea and Man United, they have players who have been there and done it all and been the full course in the championship race and that's where I think the winners will come from. And Liverpool, I'm not writing them off but I do fancy one of the two.''
Redknapp said he will look to profit from an attacking Arsenal side's overexposed defence when he goes in search of Spurs' first league win against their rivals in a decade. Their record on Arsenal's turf is even worse, with the last win coming in 1993.
"It's an attacking team isn't it?'' Redknapp said. "They go forward, they attack you, that's how they play. It's great to watch for sure. They have a go. The two full-backs probably wouldn't know what it was if you told them to sit in. They are like two wingers almost, the way they get up the lines and play.
"They attack from midfield, only (Alex) Song sits in but (Cesc) Fabregas goes, (Abou) Diaby goes, (Andrey) Arshavin is an attacking player, that's how they play. If you can get the ball and can attack them, you have got chances with them, for sure.''
Redknapp feels Spurs, Manchester City and Aston Villa will provide competition for the traditional top four, with the last team breaking through being Everton in 2005.
"I think there will be a change, for sure because they are getting stronger, Man City are certainly getting stronger, Tottenham are getting stronger, I think Villa have got stronger this year.''
Jermain Defoe is suspended so Peter Crouch looks set to start in attack, while David Bentley will replace injured Aaron Lennon on the right flank. Since scoring his wonder goal against his former club a year ago, Bentley's career has stalled and he has struggled for regular football. Redknapp admits the midfielder's profile means he may struggle to cope with his status as a squad player.
"If you said to anybody 'could you be a squad player?', they'd all say no,'' Redknapp said. "They all want to play. None of them would accept that.''
Meanwhile, Redknapp has backed England centre-back Rio Ferdinand to overcome his recent errors. Redknapp, who managed Ferdinand at West Ham, has been linked with the defender but said: "There's no chance of him leaving there if he has any sense. Unless someone knows something I don't know, he won't be coming here. I speak to him and send him messages. For me he's still the best centre-half in the world, he's that good. Everyone has a blip.''
GettyImages
Harry Redknapp says Arsenal have boys not men
• Wenger: Arshavin to torment Spurs
• ESPN Soccernet preview: Arsenal v Tottenham
• Almunia to return for Spurs showdown
Tottenham boss Redknapp takes his side to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday with hopes of eventually joining or replacing Arsene Wenger's men among the Champions League places following their promising start to the campaign. Redknapp is not writing off the chances of his club's bitter rivals but feels United or Chelsea will be competing for the title.
"I think Arsenal are potential winners but personally I dont think they will win it, that's only my opinion,'' he said. "I'm not writing them off, they've got a good chance. But I think the winners will come from Chelsea or Manchester United.
"That's how I see it personally, I've been wrong a million times before, I could well be wrong but I see those two. Chelsea are powerful, they are men, you just feel they have that power. I think they will take all the beating.'' While Chelsea have "men'' in their ranks, Redknapp feels Arsenal's inexperience is a weakness.
"I don't think it's a soft centre, I think it's maybe a little bit of a lack of experience still,'' he said. "They're not an experienced team, it's still a young team, a fantastic young team.
"But I just feel Chelsea and Man United, they have players who have been there and done it all and been the full course in the championship race and that's where I think the winners will come from. And Liverpool, I'm not writing them off but I do fancy one of the two.''
Redknapp said he will look to profit from an attacking Arsenal side's overexposed defence when he goes in search of Spurs' first league win against their rivals in a decade. Their record on Arsenal's turf is even worse, with the last win coming in 1993.
"It's an attacking team isn't it?'' Redknapp said. "They go forward, they attack you, that's how they play. It's great to watch for sure. They have a go. The two full-backs probably wouldn't know what it was if you told them to sit in. They are like two wingers almost, the way they get up the lines and play.
"They attack from midfield, only (Alex) Song sits in but (Cesc) Fabregas goes, (Abou) Diaby goes, (Andrey) Arshavin is an attacking player, that's how they play. If you can get the ball and can attack them, you have got chances with them, for sure.''
Redknapp feels Spurs, Manchester City and Aston Villa will provide competition for the traditional top four, with the last team breaking through being Everton in 2005.
"I think there will be a change, for sure because they are getting stronger, Man City are certainly getting stronger, Tottenham are getting stronger, I think Villa have got stronger this year.''
Jermain Defoe is suspended so Peter Crouch looks set to start in attack, while David Bentley will replace injured Aaron Lennon on the right flank. Since scoring his wonder goal against his former club a year ago, Bentley's career has stalled and he has struggled for regular football. Redknapp admits the midfielder's profile means he may struggle to cope with his status as a squad player.
"If you said to anybody 'could you be a squad player?', they'd all say no,'' Redknapp said. "They all want to play. None of them would accept that.''
Meanwhile, Redknapp has backed England centre-back Rio Ferdinand to overcome his recent errors. Redknapp, who managed Ferdinand at West Ham, has been linked with the defender but said: "There's no chance of him leaving there if he has any sense. Unless someone knows something I don't know, he won't be coming here. I speak to him and send him messages. For me he's still the best centre-half in the world, he's that good. Everyone has a blip.''
harry rules arsenal out the race
Harry Redknapp believes Arsenal's young side won't overcome the experience of Manchester United or the "powerful men" of Chelsea to be Premier League champions this season - and he also reckons there will be a change to the traditional top four.
GettyImages
Harry Redknapp says Arsenal have boys not men
• Wenger: Arshavin to torment Spurs
• ESPN Soccernet preview: Arsenal v Tottenham
• Almunia to return for Spurs showdown
Tottenham boss Redknapp takes his side to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday with hopes of eventually joining or replacing Arsene Wenger's men among the Champions League places following their promising start to the campaign. Redknapp is not writing off the chances of his club's bitter rivals but feels United or Chelsea will be competing for the title.
"I think Arsenal are potential winners but personally I dont think they will win it, that's only my opinion,'' he said. "I'm not writing them off, they've got a good chance. But I think the winners will come from Chelsea or Manchester United.
"That's how I see it personally, I've been wrong a million times before, I could well be wrong but I see those two. Chelsea are powerful, they are men, you just feel they have that power. I think they will take all the beating.'' While Chelsea have "men'' in their ranks, Redknapp feels Arsenal's inexperience is a weakness.
"I don't think it's a soft centre, I think it's maybe a little bit of a lack of experience still,'' he said. "They're not an experienced team, it's still a young team, a fantastic young team.
"But I just feel Chelsea and Man United, they have players who have been there and done it all and been the full course in the championship race and that's where I think the winners will come from. And Liverpool, I'm not writing them off but I do fancy one of the two.''
Redknapp said he will look to profit from an attacking Arsenal side's overexposed defence when he goes in search of Spurs' first league win against their rivals in a decade. Their record on Arsenal's turf is even worse, with the last win coming in 1993.
"It's an attacking team isn't it?'' Redknapp said. "They go forward, they attack you, that's how they play. It's great to watch for sure. They have a go. The two full-backs probably wouldn't know what it was if you told them to sit in. They are like two wingers almost, the way they get up the lines and play.
"They attack from midfield, only (Alex) Song sits in but (Cesc) Fabregas goes, (Abou) Diaby goes, (Andrey) Arshavin is an attacking player, that's how they play. If you can get the ball and can attack them, you have got chances with them, for sure.''
Redknapp feels Spurs, Manchester City and Aston Villa will provide competition for the traditional top four, with the last team breaking through being Everton in 2005.
"I think there will be a change, for sure because they are getting stronger, Man City are certainly getting stronger, Tottenham are getting stronger, I think Villa have got stronger this year.''
Jermain Defoe is suspended so Peter Crouch looks set to start in attack, while David Bentley will replace injured Aaron Lennon on the right flank. Since scoring his wonder goal against his former club a year ago, Bentley's career has stalled and he has struggled for regular football. Redknapp admits the midfielder's profile means he may struggle to cope with his status as a squad player.
"If you said to anybody 'could you be a squad player?', they'd all say no,'' Redknapp said. "They all want to play. None of them would accept that.''
Meanwhile, Redknapp has backed England centre-back Rio Ferdinand to overcome his recent errors. Redknapp, who managed Ferdinand at West Ham, has been linked with the defender but said: "There's no chance of him leaving there if he has any sense. Unless someone knows something I don't know, he won't be coming here. I speak to him and send him messages. For me he's still the best centre-half in the world, he's that good. Everyone has a blip.''
GettyImages
Harry Redknapp says Arsenal have boys not men
• Wenger: Arshavin to torment Spurs
• ESPN Soccernet preview: Arsenal v Tottenham
• Almunia to return for Spurs showdown
Tottenham boss Redknapp takes his side to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday with hopes of eventually joining or replacing Arsene Wenger's men among the Champions League places following their promising start to the campaign. Redknapp is not writing off the chances of his club's bitter rivals but feels United or Chelsea will be competing for the title.
"I think Arsenal are potential winners but personally I dont think they will win it, that's only my opinion,'' he said. "I'm not writing them off, they've got a good chance. But I think the winners will come from Chelsea or Manchester United.
"That's how I see it personally, I've been wrong a million times before, I could well be wrong but I see those two. Chelsea are powerful, they are men, you just feel they have that power. I think they will take all the beating.'' While Chelsea have "men'' in their ranks, Redknapp feels Arsenal's inexperience is a weakness.
"I don't think it's a soft centre, I think it's maybe a little bit of a lack of experience still,'' he said. "They're not an experienced team, it's still a young team, a fantastic young team.
"But I just feel Chelsea and Man United, they have players who have been there and done it all and been the full course in the championship race and that's where I think the winners will come from. And Liverpool, I'm not writing them off but I do fancy one of the two.''
Redknapp said he will look to profit from an attacking Arsenal side's overexposed defence when he goes in search of Spurs' first league win against their rivals in a decade. Their record on Arsenal's turf is even worse, with the last win coming in 1993.
"It's an attacking team isn't it?'' Redknapp said. "They go forward, they attack you, that's how they play. It's great to watch for sure. They have a go. The two full-backs probably wouldn't know what it was if you told them to sit in. They are like two wingers almost, the way they get up the lines and play.
"They attack from midfield, only (Alex) Song sits in but (Cesc) Fabregas goes, (Abou) Diaby goes, (Andrey) Arshavin is an attacking player, that's how they play. If you can get the ball and can attack them, you have got chances with them, for sure.''
Redknapp feels Spurs, Manchester City and Aston Villa will provide competition for the traditional top four, with the last team breaking through being Everton in 2005.
"I think there will be a change, for sure because they are getting stronger, Man City are certainly getting stronger, Tottenham are getting stronger, I think Villa have got stronger this year.''
Jermain Defoe is suspended so Peter Crouch looks set to start in attack, while David Bentley will replace injured Aaron Lennon on the right flank. Since scoring his wonder goal against his former club a year ago, Bentley's career has stalled and he has struggled for regular football. Redknapp admits the midfielder's profile means he may struggle to cope with his status as a squad player.
"If you said to anybody 'could you be a squad player?', they'd all say no,'' Redknapp said. "They all want to play. None of them would accept that.''
Meanwhile, Redknapp has backed England centre-back Rio Ferdinand to overcome his recent errors. Redknapp, who managed Ferdinand at West Ham, has been linked with the defender but said: "There's no chance of him leaving there if he has any sense. Unless someone knows something I don't know, he won't be coming here. I speak to him and send him messages. For me he's still the best centre-half in the world, he's that good. Everyone has a blip.''
ronaldo wants rooney at madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo says he would love to see his former Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney follow him to Real Madrid, and that the England star has all the qualities to be a raging success in Spain.
Empics
Cristiano Ronaldo is keen to reignite partnership with Wayne Rooney
Ronaldo left Old Trafford in the summer for a record £80 million fee to complete a dream move to the Spanish giants, following in the footsteps of former United stars Ruud van Nistelrooy and David Beckham in recent times. Now Ronaldo thinks Rooney should walk the same path.
The Portuguese winger immediately impressed with Madrid scoring nine goals in seven games before suffering an ankle injury which has kept him on the sidelines for the past month. And while he admits Rooney is unlikely to leave England any time soon, Ronaldo believes the 24-year-old would fit in at the Bernabeu.
"Wayne would be a sensation out here. I think we could do with Rooney to help us out,'' Ronaldo told The Sun. "He would be brilliant if he came. This is the ideal place for the world's best players and there's little doubt he is one of them.
"Wayne has all the skill and determination you need to make a fine career here. He has shown just how good he is over the last few years in England. And there's no doubt he would be the same sort of player in Spain. It would be lovely to see him here one day at Real Madrid.
"I realise it would take a lot for him to move from England. He loves the country, he loves Manchester and he is a Liverpool boy. And United is a good club for him. But you never know what could happen in the future.''
Empics
Cristiano Ronaldo is keen to reignite partnership with Wayne Rooney
Ronaldo left Old Trafford in the summer for a record £80 million fee to complete a dream move to the Spanish giants, following in the footsteps of former United stars Ruud van Nistelrooy and David Beckham in recent times. Now Ronaldo thinks Rooney should walk the same path.
The Portuguese winger immediately impressed with Madrid scoring nine goals in seven games before suffering an ankle injury which has kept him on the sidelines for the past month. And while he admits Rooney is unlikely to leave England any time soon, Ronaldo believes the 24-year-old would fit in at the Bernabeu.
"Wayne would be a sensation out here. I think we could do with Rooney to help us out,'' Ronaldo told The Sun. "He would be brilliant if he came. This is the ideal place for the world's best players and there's little doubt he is one of them.
"Wayne has all the skill and determination you need to make a fine career here. He has shown just how good he is over the last few years in England. And there's no doubt he would be the same sort of player in Spain. It would be lovely to see him here one day at Real Madrid.
"I realise it would take a lot for him to move from England. He loves the country, he loves Manchester and he is a Liverpool boy. And United is a good club for him. But you never know what could happen in the future.''
Thursday, October 29, 2009
ronaldo to miss ac milan clash
INJURY SET BACK
Ronaldo to miss Real Madrid's trip to AC Milan
Reuters
October 28, 2009
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Cristiano Ronaldo will not be fit in time for Real Madrid's trip to AC Milan in the Champions League next week, the La Liga club said on Wednesday.
The Portuguese forward, who has been out since aggravating an injury to his right ankle while on international duty three weeks ago, had been targeting a return for the trip to Italy.
Ronaldo will undergo another test in a week's time, Real said in a statement on their website.
Olympique Marseille's Souleymane Diawara caught Ronaldo's ankle during his side's 3-0 Champions League defeat at the Bernabeu on Sept. 30.
Manuel Pellegrini's side, who had won every match this season before Ronaldo's injury, have since slumped to three defeats, a draw and only one victory in all competitions.
Real, level on six points with Champions League Group C leaders Milan after three games, travel to the San Siro next Tuesday.
Ronaldo to miss Real Madrid's trip to AC Milan
Reuters
October 28, 2009
Comment
Cristiano Ronaldo will not be fit in time for Real Madrid's trip to AC Milan in the Champions League next week, the La Liga club said on Wednesday.
The Portuguese forward, who has been out since aggravating an injury to his right ankle while on international duty three weeks ago, had been targeting a return for the trip to Italy.
Ronaldo will undergo another test in a week's time, Real said in a statement on their website.
Olympique Marseille's Souleymane Diawara caught Ronaldo's ankle during his side's 3-0 Champions League defeat at the Bernabeu on Sept. 30.
Manuel Pellegrini's side, who had won every match this season before Ronaldo's injury, have since slumped to three defeats, a draw and only one victory in all competitions.
Real, level on six points with Champions League Group C leaders Milan after three games, travel to the San Siro next Tuesday.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
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ferguson favoured
PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS
Roberto Martinez: FA favour Sir Alex Ferguson
By Soccernet staff
October 28, 2009
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Wigan manager Roberto Martinez claims Sir Alex Ferguson has the football authorities in England gripped by fear and that his fellow Spaniard Rafa Benitez has been unfairly treated by the Manchester United manager and a group of staunch allies.
GettyImages
Sir Alex Ferguson was the subject of a rant from Rafa Benitez.
Martinez's complaint comes in the wake of Ferguson admitting an FA charge of improper conduct following his controversial comments about Alan Wiley's fitness earlier in the month. But the Wigan boss says any other manager in the Premier League would already have been 'crushed' by the governing body for making similar comments.
The outburst from Martinez will no doubt strike a chord with Benitez, who last season infamously claimed that Ferguson received preferential treatment from the game's authorities as he attempted to lay bare the 'facts' that he said were favouring United.
Benitez said in January: "During the Respect campaign - and this is a fact - Mr Ferguson was charged by the FA for improper conduct after comments made about Martin Atkinson and Keith Hackett. He was not punished. He is the only manager in the league that cannot be punished for these things."
In April, Benitez was then criticised by Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce for making a "disrespectful" gesture during a game, with the Spaniard accused of waving his hands as if to suggest the tie was over as a contest when Liverpool scored a second goal in a 4-0 victory. Ferguson subsequently accused the Spaniard of showing "contempt" to Allardyce, even though Benitez said his gesture had been misinterpreted.
Martinez now claims that Allardyce hopes to succeed Ferguson at United and that both he and Steve Bruce are willing allies of the United boss, who exercises too much power in the English game.
"They (the FA) have just sanctioned Ferguson for saying that referee was not fit enough and the truth is that they're almost apologising to him for punishing him,'' Martinez told Spanish newspaper AS. "Any other coach would have been crushed for that.
"Ferguson has been here for a lifetime and that carries a lot of weight. Ferguson has his group of faithfuls, people who are committed to him: Steve Bruce, who was a player with him, Sam Allardyce, who thinks he will be his successor at Old Trafford, and others. On the other side there's Rafa Benitez and he gets attacked from all sides."
Roberto Martinez: FA favour Sir Alex Ferguson
By Soccernet staff
October 28, 2009
Comment
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez claims Sir Alex Ferguson has the football authorities in England gripped by fear and that his fellow Spaniard Rafa Benitez has been unfairly treated by the Manchester United manager and a group of staunch allies.
GettyImages
Sir Alex Ferguson was the subject of a rant from Rafa Benitez.
Martinez's complaint comes in the wake of Ferguson admitting an FA charge of improper conduct following his controversial comments about Alan Wiley's fitness earlier in the month. But the Wigan boss says any other manager in the Premier League would already have been 'crushed' by the governing body for making similar comments.
The outburst from Martinez will no doubt strike a chord with Benitez, who last season infamously claimed that Ferguson received preferential treatment from the game's authorities as he attempted to lay bare the 'facts' that he said were favouring United.
Benitez said in January: "During the Respect campaign - and this is a fact - Mr Ferguson was charged by the FA for improper conduct after comments made about Martin Atkinson and Keith Hackett. He was not punished. He is the only manager in the league that cannot be punished for these things."
In April, Benitez was then criticised by Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce for making a "disrespectful" gesture during a game, with the Spaniard accused of waving his hands as if to suggest the tie was over as a contest when Liverpool scored a second goal in a 4-0 victory. Ferguson subsequently accused the Spaniard of showing "contempt" to Allardyce, even though Benitez said his gesture had been misinterpreted.
Martinez now claims that Allardyce hopes to succeed Ferguson at United and that both he and Steve Bruce are willing allies of the United boss, who exercises too much power in the English game.
"They (the FA) have just sanctioned Ferguson for saying that referee was not fit enough and the truth is that they're almost apologising to him for punishing him,'' Martinez told Spanish newspaper AS. "Any other coach would have been crushed for that.
"Ferguson has been here for a lifetime and that carries a lot of weight. Ferguson has his group of faithfuls, people who are committed to him: Steve Bruce, who was a player with him, Sam Allardyce, who thinks he will be his successor at Old Trafford, and others. On the other side there's Rafa Benitez and he gets attacked from all sides."
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
blackburn fears swin flu outbreak at chelsea
ROVERS BOSS CONCERN AT VIRUS
Allardyce fears swine flu outbreak at Chelsea
By Soccernet staff
October 27, 2009
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Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce is concerned that Chelsea could be the next team to be struck down by an outbreak of swine flu after claiming the Premier League "shirked responsibility" by allowing the teams to clash at the weekend.
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Sam Allardyce: Worried about spread of virus
• Swine flu affects Trotters • Rovers pair suffering from swine flu • Ligue 1 swine flu postponement
A number of Rovers' players are suffering from the virus and Allardyce revealed that he voiced concerns prior to Saturday's match at Stamford Bridge but the Premier League decided to go ahead with the match despite two confirmed cases of swine flu within his squad.
Chris Samba and David Dunn both missed the game with Chelsea, although Rovers have not confirmed the duo are among those suffering from swine flu, and Allardyce believes it is possible the virus could have been spread to the Chelsea camp.
"There is no doubt about that," Allardyce said. "When you look at the medical side of it, it is one of the most infectious viruses we have had."
But Allardyce is adamant Blackburn have operated by the book, by informing league authorities and letting them determine the next step of action.
He said: "They know that we went through the right procedures and that we did not call it off because we couldn't. There was no point in trying because back in February or March they told us we had to get a team out there, no matter what.
"It is their responsibility to consider how dangerous it might be to allow this to spread throughout football so they have shirked responsibility - not us. I don't think they have put much thought into it at all."
Blackburn's match with Peterborough in the Carling Cup is due to go ahead on Tuesday night despite three players and two members of the Rovers staff suffering from the N1H1 virus.
A similar case in France at the weekend saw Paris St Germain's match at Marseille postponed. PSG's Ludovic Giuly and Mamadou Sakho were diagnosed with the virus on Saturday and the confirmation of a third case in the squad on Sunday prompted Ligue 1 authorities to act. Two members of PSG's coaching team had also reported symptoms of swine flu.
The Premier League responded to Allardyce's concerns, by stating: "As ever, when it comes to health matters the Premier League will be guided by the relevant statutory authorities.
"If a club postpone any of their matches they would have to prove they were unable to fulfil their fixture, however we do not anticipate, at this stage, any circumstances under which a match could be justifiably postponed."
Allardyce fears swine flu outbreak at Chelsea
By Soccernet staff
October 27, 2009
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Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce is concerned that Chelsea could be the next team to be struck down by an outbreak of swine flu after claiming the Premier League "shirked responsibility" by allowing the teams to clash at the weekend.
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Sam Allardyce: Worried about spread of virus
• Swine flu affects Trotters • Rovers pair suffering from swine flu • Ligue 1 swine flu postponement
A number of Rovers' players are suffering from the virus and Allardyce revealed that he voiced concerns prior to Saturday's match at Stamford Bridge but the Premier League decided to go ahead with the match despite two confirmed cases of swine flu within his squad.
Chris Samba and David Dunn both missed the game with Chelsea, although Rovers have not confirmed the duo are among those suffering from swine flu, and Allardyce believes it is possible the virus could have been spread to the Chelsea camp.
"There is no doubt about that," Allardyce said. "When you look at the medical side of it, it is one of the most infectious viruses we have had."
But Allardyce is adamant Blackburn have operated by the book, by informing league authorities and letting them determine the next step of action.
He said: "They know that we went through the right procedures and that we did not call it off because we couldn't. There was no point in trying because back in February or March they told us we had to get a team out there, no matter what.
"It is their responsibility to consider how dangerous it might be to allow this to spread throughout football so they have shirked responsibility - not us. I don't think they have put much thought into it at all."
Blackburn's match with Peterborough in the Carling Cup is due to go ahead on Tuesday night despite three players and two members of the Rovers staff suffering from the N1H1 virus.
A similar case in France at the weekend saw Paris St Germain's match at Marseille postponed. PSG's Ludovic Giuly and Mamadou Sakho were diagnosed with the virus on Saturday and the confirmation of a third case in the squad on Sunday prompted Ligue 1 authorities to act. Two members of PSG's coaching team had also reported symptoms of swine flu.
The Premier League responded to Allardyce's concerns, by stating: "As ever, when it comes to health matters the Premier League will be guided by the relevant statutory authorities.
"If a club postpone any of their matches they would have to prove they were unable to fulfil their fixture, however we do not anticipate, at this stage, any circumstances under which a match could be justifiably postponed."
aquilanni could move to liverpool in window transfers
ITALIAN READY FOR ACTION
Aquilani in line for Liverpool debut
By Soccernet staff
October 27, 2009
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Liverpool's £20 million summer signing Alberto Aquilani could make his long-awaited debut for the Anfield club against Arsenal in the Carling Cup on Wednesday.
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Alberto Aquilani: Closing in on his debut.
The Italian midfielder, signed as a replacement for Xabi Alonso, who joined Real Madrid for £30 million in August, has been fully involved in Liverpool's training prior to the fourth round clash, and is set to feature from the substitutes bench at the Emirates Stadium.
Aquilani played for 15 minutes of a reserve match last week, having been recovering from a knee operation since his arrival at the club, and is now relishing a chance to show what he can do in the first team.
He said: "It was good to play for the reserves because I haven't played for a long time, but to play for the first team is something different again and I am looking forward to that.
"I really want to play, but I need to be patient, I know the time will come for me. I will be very happy when I make my debut. This is my job, it's what I am here to do, and I am looking forward to it."
With his first-team debut finally on the horizon, Aquilani was keen to thank his fellow players and the staff at the club's Melwood training ground for helping him settle into life on Merseyside.
He added: "I want to thank all the players and the people at the club because they have been very helpful to me since I arrived here.
"Obviously as Andrea Dossena is here and speaks Italian, he has helped me, but I want to take the opportunity to thank every player.
"It has been difficult, but now I want to build up my confidence and I hope to bring out the best of my game here."
Aquilani in line for Liverpool debut
By Soccernet staff
October 27, 2009
Comment
Liverpool's £20 million summer signing Alberto Aquilani could make his long-awaited debut for the Anfield club against Arsenal in the Carling Cup on Wednesday.
GettyImages
Alberto Aquilani: Closing in on his debut.
The Italian midfielder, signed as a replacement for Xabi Alonso, who joined Real Madrid for £30 million in August, has been fully involved in Liverpool's training prior to the fourth round clash, and is set to feature from the substitutes bench at the Emirates Stadium.
Aquilani played for 15 minutes of a reserve match last week, having been recovering from a knee operation since his arrival at the club, and is now relishing a chance to show what he can do in the first team.
He said: "It was good to play for the reserves because I haven't played for a long time, but to play for the first team is something different again and I am looking forward to that.
"I really want to play, but I need to be patient, I know the time will come for me. I will be very happy when I make my debut. This is my job, it's what I am here to do, and I am looking forward to it."
With his first-team debut finally on the horizon, Aquilani was keen to thank his fellow players and the staff at the club's Melwood training ground for helping him settle into life on Merseyside.
He added: "I want to thank all the players and the people at the club because they have been very helpful to me since I arrived here.
"Obviously as Andrea Dossena is here and speaks Italian, he has helped me, but I want to take the opportunity to thank every player.
"It has been difficult, but now I want to build up my confidence and I hope to bring out the best of my game here."
ferguson accepts charge
REF RANT PUNISHMENT
Ferguson accepts FA charge
October 27, 2009
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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson could face a touchline ban after he accepted an FA charge of improper conduct following his comments on the fitness of referee Alan Wiley.
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Sir Alex Ferguson: Facing touchline ban
• Ferguson's best referee rants
Ferguson, who said after his team's 2-2 draw with Sunderland at Old Trafford earlier this month that Wiley was "not fit" to officiate the game, has requested a personal hearing. The date for that has yet to be decided.
The United manager's comments infuriated the referees' union Prospect, who have mounted a campaign to land the 67-year-old Scot with a lengthy ban.
Ferguson said after the Sunderland game: "The pace of the game demanded a referee who was fit. He was not fit."
The United boss later apologised for any embarrassment his comments had caused to Wiley, but did not retract the claim and said that he hoped he had highlighted "a serious and important issue in the game".
Ferguson has also come under fire for criticising referee Andre Marriner following Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. The United boss said he thought his team "lost out to one or two major decisions" and questioned "whether he [Marriner] had enough experience".
Ferguson accepts FA charge
October 27, 2009
Comment
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson could face a touchline ban after he accepted an FA charge of improper conduct following his comments on the fitness of referee Alan Wiley.
GettyImages
Sir Alex Ferguson: Facing touchline ban
• Ferguson's best referee rants
Ferguson, who said after his team's 2-2 draw with Sunderland at Old Trafford earlier this month that Wiley was "not fit" to officiate the game, has requested a personal hearing. The date for that has yet to be decided.
The United manager's comments infuriated the referees' union Prospect, who have mounted a campaign to land the 67-year-old Scot with a lengthy ban.
Ferguson said after the Sunderland game: "The pace of the game demanded a referee who was fit. He was not fit."
The United boss later apologised for any embarrassment his comments had caused to Wiley, but did not retract the claim and said that he hoped he had highlighted "a serious and important issue in the game".
Ferguson has also come under fire for criticising referee Andre Marriner following Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. The United boss said he thought his team "lost out to one or two major decisions" and questioned "whether he [Marriner] had enough experience".
hughes insist on robinho move
BRAZILIAN STAYING AT EASTLANDS
Hughes: Robinho going nowhere
By Soccernet staff
October 27, 2009
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Manchester City manager Mark Hughes insists there is "no chance" that want-away forward Robinho will leave Eastlands in January.
Empics
Man City's Robinho is sidelined at present
• Robinho reasserts Barcelona desire
Barcelona have confirmed their interest in signing Robinho, and the former Real Madrid man has been quoted on several occasions in recent weeks suggesting he would welcome the move.
There have also been widespread reports that Hughes was unhappy with the behaviour of Robinho and Brazil team-mate Elano last season, and the latter has now been sold to Galatasaray. However, although Hughes admits he did have to contend with disciplinary problems last season, he feels he is now in complete control.
"Last year, there were occasions when I compromised my own standards and values and that didn't sit comfortably with me so I knew it wouldn't continue," he told the Daily Mirror.
"Little details involving disciplinary indiscretions become big problems if you don't address them but in the short term, I couldn't do anything about it. It was the wrong time. The benefit of addressing those little details at that time would have caused problems.
"Instead of solving problems, they would have created bigger problems. That was why at times I let things go. Not to my comfort, I have to say, but I knew there would be a time last summer where any of those issues created by certain people would be addressed because those people would leave.
"Managing a football club is about building a culture. I would suggest a lot of other managers don't get involved in trying to build a mentality but I don't think you can be successful without it. It is about trying to get a work ethic and a way of thinking that enables you to be successful as a group.
"If you have too many pulling in the wrong direction, you have to cut them off. My values won't be compromised in the future because we are in a different place now."
Yet, despite the rumours that Robinho will be the next to leave to maintain the unity at the club, Hughes insists the player will remain at Eastlands. Asked if he would be sold in January, Hughes replied: "No chance."
Hughes: Robinho going nowhere
By Soccernet staff
October 27, 2009
Comment
Manchester City manager Mark Hughes insists there is "no chance" that want-away forward Robinho will leave Eastlands in January.
Empics
Man City's Robinho is sidelined at present
• Robinho reasserts Barcelona desire
Barcelona have confirmed their interest in signing Robinho, and the former Real Madrid man has been quoted on several occasions in recent weeks suggesting he would welcome the move.
There have also been widespread reports that Hughes was unhappy with the behaviour of Robinho and Brazil team-mate Elano last season, and the latter has now been sold to Galatasaray. However, although Hughes admits he did have to contend with disciplinary problems last season, he feels he is now in complete control.
"Last year, there were occasions when I compromised my own standards and values and that didn't sit comfortably with me so I knew it wouldn't continue," he told the Daily Mirror.
"Little details involving disciplinary indiscretions become big problems if you don't address them but in the short term, I couldn't do anything about it. It was the wrong time. The benefit of addressing those little details at that time would have caused problems.
"Instead of solving problems, they would have created bigger problems. That was why at times I let things go. Not to my comfort, I have to say, but I knew there would be a time last summer where any of those issues created by certain people would be addressed because those people would leave.
"Managing a football club is about building a culture. I would suggest a lot of other managers don't get involved in trying to build a mentality but I don't think you can be successful without it. It is about trying to get a work ethic and a way of thinking that enables you to be successful as a group.
"If you have too many pulling in the wrong direction, you have to cut them off. My values won't be compromised in the future because we are in a different place now."
Yet, despite the rumours that Robinho will be the next to leave to maintain the unity at the club, Hughes insists the player will remain at Eastlands. Asked if he would be sold in January, Hughes replied: "No chance."
Saturday, October 24, 2009
ancelloti hails kalou and lampard
CHELSEA TRIUMPH
Carlo hails Kalou, Lampard ends goal drought
October 22, 2009
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Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti hailed the performance of two-goal striker Salomon Kalou as the Blues took a giant stride towards the Champions League knock-out stage with an easy win over Atletico Madrid.
AP
Frank Lampard celebrates bagging another Champions League goal
• Kevin Palmer on Chelsea
• Picture Gallery
Kalou, who missed two easy chances early on, scored in each half during the 4-0 victory. His efforts were followed by Frank Lampard's first strike in open play for the club this season and an own goal from Luis Perea.
The win left Chelsea in firm control of Group D. They are eight points ahead of Atletico and three in front of second-placed Porto, and Ancelotti was more than happy.
"I prefer to talk about the good performance because we did well," said Ancelotti. "The first half was more difficult because Atletico had good opportunities. The match was in the balance. But after Kalou's first goal, we did a good match, a good transition into attack and played very well.
"Kalou is an important player for us because, when we are without (Didier) Drogba, he can play and play well. He started the game 'no good' because he made a big mistake, but he maintained good motivation and good focus on his match to score twice after that. For him, it was very important to score. Also for us. He played very well for us."
Ancelotti was also happy with Lampard's first goal after a 10-game drought. "I'm happy for Lampard, for sure," added the Italian. "I think that Lampard is not only important scoring goals. He's important because he works for 90 minutes on the pitch for the team.
"He's very generous, an unselfish player, and for me that's important. Yes, if he scores it's better, but I want to speak about Lampard for his work, not just for his goals.
"We did better at set-plays. We scored two goals from our own set-plays. It's important to avoid losing concentration on set-plays.
"We are in control now of this group, but our aim is to arrive in first place. That's important for our future in the Champions League, and it's still not certain.
"We have to secure more points in the group. It's not been easy without suspended Didier Drogba, but all the players have done very well in this competition so far."
Kalou was delighted to score twice after a glaring miss in the opening few minutes.
"After not playing a couple of games, to come back into the team it was important for me to get confidence back by scoring," said Kalou.
"All the boys were saying after I missed the first opportunity, 'Don't worry about it, it will come', and I'm happy it came in the end. "It was very important to win that game because it gave us nine points.
"It's good to get confidence back by winning and everyone gave his best today and we have the result in the end. After the disappointment of last week [against Villa] we had the opportunity to show it was a mistake."
Atletico Madrid coach Abel Resino blamed the defeat on his team's failure to score from their own chances.
"It's one of those bitter tastes," said Resino. "We probably had as many chances as Chelsea, but the ball just didn't want to go in the net for us. It's not going for us. That's football. My job is to find a solution. You can look to blame someone if you want.
"I'm not just thinking about the group. I've also got to worry about our league form back home. It gets more and more difficult when you're confidence is down.
"Chelsea hurt us when it mattered and capitalised on the chances we missed. We have to stay calm, don't panic, and keep working hard to prepare for the next game.
"The boys tried right to the very end. We deserve credit for that. I'm a fighter. I will fight to the last second in this job.
"I never give up. Only mediocre people give up the fight. You have to keep your head up. With one result, confidence will start to grow.
"We haven't had many games where we haven't created chances. We were scoring for fun last season, but it's not going for us at the moment. That can happen in football."
Carlo hails Kalou, Lampard ends goal drought
October 22, 2009
Comment
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti hailed the performance of two-goal striker Salomon Kalou as the Blues took a giant stride towards the Champions League knock-out stage with an easy win over Atletico Madrid.
AP
Frank Lampard celebrates bagging another Champions League goal
• Kevin Palmer on Chelsea
• Picture Gallery
Kalou, who missed two easy chances early on, scored in each half during the 4-0 victory. His efforts were followed by Frank Lampard's first strike in open play for the club this season and an own goal from Luis Perea.
The win left Chelsea in firm control of Group D. They are eight points ahead of Atletico and three in front of second-placed Porto, and Ancelotti was more than happy.
"I prefer to talk about the good performance because we did well," said Ancelotti. "The first half was more difficult because Atletico had good opportunities. The match was in the balance. But after Kalou's first goal, we did a good match, a good transition into attack and played very well.
"Kalou is an important player for us because, when we are without (Didier) Drogba, he can play and play well. He started the game 'no good' because he made a big mistake, but he maintained good motivation and good focus on his match to score twice after that. For him, it was very important to score. Also for us. He played very well for us."
Ancelotti was also happy with Lampard's first goal after a 10-game drought. "I'm happy for Lampard, for sure," added the Italian. "I think that Lampard is not only important scoring goals. He's important because he works for 90 minutes on the pitch for the team.
"He's very generous, an unselfish player, and for me that's important. Yes, if he scores it's better, but I want to speak about Lampard for his work, not just for his goals.
"We did better at set-plays. We scored two goals from our own set-plays. It's important to avoid losing concentration on set-plays.
"We are in control now of this group, but our aim is to arrive in first place. That's important for our future in the Champions League, and it's still not certain.
"We have to secure more points in the group. It's not been easy without suspended Didier Drogba, but all the players have done very well in this competition so far."
Kalou was delighted to score twice after a glaring miss in the opening few minutes.
"After not playing a couple of games, to come back into the team it was important for me to get confidence back by scoring," said Kalou.
"All the boys were saying after I missed the first opportunity, 'Don't worry about it, it will come', and I'm happy it came in the end. "It was very important to win that game because it gave us nine points.
"It's good to get confidence back by winning and everyone gave his best today and we have the result in the end. After the disappointment of last week [against Villa] we had the opportunity to show it was a mistake."
Atletico Madrid coach Abel Resino blamed the defeat on his team's failure to score from their own chances.
"It's one of those bitter tastes," said Resino. "We probably had as many chances as Chelsea, but the ball just didn't want to go in the net for us. It's not going for us. That's football. My job is to find a solution. You can look to blame someone if you want.
"I'm not just thinking about the group. I've also got to worry about our league form back home. It gets more and more difficult when you're confidence is down.
"Chelsea hurt us when it mattered and capitalised on the chances we missed. We have to stay calm, don't panic, and keep working hard to prepare for the next game.
"The boys tried right to the very end. We deserve credit for that. I'm a fighter. I will fight to the last second in this job.
"I never give up. Only mediocre people give up the fight. You have to keep your head up. With one result, confidence will start to grow.
"We haven't had many games where we haven't created chances. We were scoring for fun last season, but it's not going for us at the moment. That can happen in football."
bruce laments
FORMER BLUES BOSS RETURNS TO ST ANDREWS
Bruce: I had to leave "impossible" Blues job
October 23, 2009
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Steve Bruce has revealed it had become "impossible" to remain as Birmingham City manager at the point when he left the club two years ago.
ChristopherLee/GettyImages
Bruce felt he could not succeed at St Andrews.
Bruce will take his current club Sunderland to St Andrew's on Saturday and remains bitter about the manner in which his six-year spell at the Blues concluded. The 48-year-old's departure came at a time when Birmingham were subject to a failed takeover bid from Carson Yeung.
Coincidentally, this weekend's match will be Yeung's first home fixture since his successful purchase of the club earlier this month. But Bruce believes the uncertainty surrounding Yeung's first takeover attempt forced him to leave the club.
"I was left in an impossible situation and nowhere to go really," Bruce told BBC Radio Five Live. "It was becoming a soap opera. [I wanted to know] what we are going to do for the future of the football club. We had just got back up and there was no mention of the team or what we were going to do about the team and about players.
"It was just about the takeover of the club. I was left in a situation where promises were broken. To be fair Mr Sullivan [David Sullivan, the then co-owner] wanted to give me a new contract, then all of a sudden it became an issue with the board.
"It was an ongoing saga. It became impossible to manage. In the end I had to go."
He added: "It became nasty in the end and left a bad taste for what eight years down the line, six as a coach and two as a player - was sad really.
"I think the supporters of Birmingham realised that I had to go for my own self and my own sanity."
Bruce said he had felt particularly let down by comments made by Sullivan after leaving the club.
Sullivan described Bruce's departure to Wigan, which yielded the St Andrew's club £3million in compensation, as good business.
"Whether they [the board] had gone off me I'm not too sure," he said.
"After six years you'd think there would be a little bit of respect. Mr Sullivan's comments that 'We've got £3million and it's the best business the club has ever done' disappointed me.
"I didn't think I deserved that, but there you go it's what happened on the day and subsequently I've never spoken to them since."
Bruce: I had to leave "impossible" Blues job
October 23, 2009
Comment
Steve Bruce has revealed it had become "impossible" to remain as Birmingham City manager at the point when he left the club two years ago.
ChristopherLee/GettyImages
Bruce felt he could not succeed at St Andrews.
Bruce will take his current club Sunderland to St Andrew's on Saturday and remains bitter about the manner in which his six-year spell at the Blues concluded. The 48-year-old's departure came at a time when Birmingham were subject to a failed takeover bid from Carson Yeung.
Coincidentally, this weekend's match will be Yeung's first home fixture since his successful purchase of the club earlier this month. But Bruce believes the uncertainty surrounding Yeung's first takeover attempt forced him to leave the club.
"I was left in an impossible situation and nowhere to go really," Bruce told BBC Radio Five Live. "It was becoming a soap opera. [I wanted to know] what we are going to do for the future of the football club. We had just got back up and there was no mention of the team or what we were going to do about the team and about players.
"It was just about the takeover of the club. I was left in a situation where promises were broken. To be fair Mr Sullivan [David Sullivan, the then co-owner] wanted to give me a new contract, then all of a sudden it became an issue with the board.
"It was an ongoing saga. It became impossible to manage. In the end I had to go."
He added: "It became nasty in the end and left a bad taste for what eight years down the line, six as a coach and two as a player - was sad really.
"I think the supporters of Birmingham realised that I had to go for my own self and my own sanity."
Bruce said he had felt particularly let down by comments made by Sullivan after leaving the club.
Sullivan described Bruce's departure to Wigan, which yielded the St Andrew's club £3million in compensation, as good business.
"Whether they [the board] had gone off me I'm not too sure," he said.
"After six years you'd think there would be a little bit of respect. Mr Sullivan's comments that 'We've got £3million and it's the best business the club has ever done' disappointed me.
"I didn't think I deserved that, but there you go it's what happened on the day and subsequently I've never spoken to them since."
terry questions liverpool squad strength
PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS
Terry questions Liverpool's squad strength
By Soccernet staff
October 23, 2009
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John Terry has written off Liverpool's ability to challenge for honours when key men Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres are unavailable, claiming the Reds' depth doesn't match that in the Chelsea squad.
AlexLivesey/GettyImages
Gerrard and Terry: Skippers head-to-head
The Blues captain has been delighted with the way his team have coped in Europe without suspended striker Didier Drogba. His replacements, Nicolas Anelka and Salomon Kalou, have responded with crucial goals as Chelsea have soared to the top of Champions League Group D.
Anelka scored winning goals in their opening two games against Porto and Apoel Nicosia while Kalou struck twice in the 4-0 demolition of Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night.
Terry reckons Chelsea's strength in reserve contrasts markedly with a Liverpool team which struggles when they are without Gerrard and Torres. Liverpool have lost their last four games and could face Manchester United on Sunday without both key players, while Chelsea take on Blackburn at home on Saturday.
Asked if Benitez's men will be out of the title race if they lose to United, Terry replied: "I'm not sure, but when Stevie and Torres get injured they seem to be very short in the squad they've got.
"We're very fortunate at Chelsea. Since Roman Abramovich came we have had a lot of strength in depth in the squad, like with Salomon Kalou scoring twice against Atletico with Didier Drogba being out. People said we would struggle without Didier, but we didn't. If you take Torres out of their team, who do they bring in? It's difficult.
"We have players that are not here only to make up the numbers, but players that are fighting and working hard every day in training to come in and really prove themselves. Salomon seems to always come in and do well. Didier knows that the players behind him are working hard and wanting his place, the same goes for Nico. When Salomon comes in and does well, it gives the manager a real problem.''
Terry questions Liverpool's squad strength
By Soccernet staff
October 23, 2009
Comment
John Terry has written off Liverpool's ability to challenge for honours when key men Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres are unavailable, claiming the Reds' depth doesn't match that in the Chelsea squad.
AlexLivesey/GettyImages
Gerrard and Terry: Skippers head-to-head
The Blues captain has been delighted with the way his team have coped in Europe without suspended striker Didier Drogba. His replacements, Nicolas Anelka and Salomon Kalou, have responded with crucial goals as Chelsea have soared to the top of Champions League Group D.
Anelka scored winning goals in their opening two games against Porto and Apoel Nicosia while Kalou struck twice in the 4-0 demolition of Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night.
Terry reckons Chelsea's strength in reserve contrasts markedly with a Liverpool team which struggles when they are without Gerrard and Torres. Liverpool have lost their last four games and could face Manchester United on Sunday without both key players, while Chelsea take on Blackburn at home on Saturday.
Asked if Benitez's men will be out of the title race if they lose to United, Terry replied: "I'm not sure, but when Stevie and Torres get injured they seem to be very short in the squad they've got.
"We're very fortunate at Chelsea. Since Roman Abramovich came we have had a lot of strength in depth in the squad, like with Salomon Kalou scoring twice against Atletico with Didier Drogba being out. People said we would struggle without Didier, but we didn't. If you take Torres out of their team, who do they bring in? It's difficult.
"We have players that are not here only to make up the numbers, but players that are fighting and working hard every day in training to come in and really prove themselves. Salomon seems to always come in and do well. Didier knows that the players behind him are working hard and wanting his place, the same goes for Nico. When Salomon comes in and does well, it gives the manager a real problem.''
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