Arsenal
Arsenal Arsene Wenger lamented the way Arsenal failed to hold off the late challenge of a battling West Ham United side after letting a 2-0 lead slip and draw 2-2. The manager said: "We were in control, but as long as you do not score the third goal, you know the game is not won. In fairness, West Ham continued to fight until the last minute and we conceded from two set pieces, which were generous ones. I do not think that either should have been given, but we cannot influence the decision of the referee. The crowd got behind the referee's decision and then it is always difficult away from home. We are an intelligent team and an intelligent team makes the maximum result with the game they produce. That is what we did not do. We complicated our game a little bit and had five or six chances in the second half, but we missed the final ball. That is what we have to learn."
sky
Aston Villa
Aston Villa Martin O'Neill was upset with his side's first-half performance in their 1-1 draw against Midlands rivals Wolves. Villa failed to really come out of the blocks in the opening 45 minutes but improved significantly after the break, and Gabriel Agbonlahor's 79th-minute finish looked to have secured the points until Sylvan Ebanks-Blake's late penalty. And after his side's impressive display in the home win over Chelsea a week ago, O'Neill said: "I am disappointed. We didn't play well in the first half. We couldn't get it down and play. There was not a great deal of football played in the first half. I thought we improved significantly in the second half. We looked able to cope and limited them to very little. This was always going to be a tough game for us. It was a derby which makes it hard in itself against a side playing with plenty of spirit and enthusiasm. I am just disappointed that we didn't get to grip with the game early enough and that really would be it. Having played so well in the last couple of games, having gone into this game with loads of confidence, and wanting to impose ourselves quickly, we didn't do that and that was the disappointment."
birmingham city
Birmingham City Alex McLeish was a happy man after seeing his side serve up a first Barclays Premier League victory for the club's new owners. With Carson Yeung and his board of directors watching from the stands, City roared into a 2-0 lead and then survived a belated fightback from Sunderland to ensure that the new regime's reign could celebrate a win. A delighted McLeish said: "It was more important for me. The whole Birmingham City ethos, the fans, the players, everybody associated with the club, it was very important for us. It was good. I am pleased for the owners, I am pleased for Carson Yeung and (vice-chairman (football)) Sammy (Yu). They are absolutely ecstatic, and so they should be because it was a great home start for them in what was a thoroughly deserved victory."
Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers Sam Allardyce launched a scathing attack on his team after their 5-0 defeat at Chelsea - labelling their second-half performance as "pathetic" and claiming his players lacked mental toughness and resilience away from home. Gael Givet's own goal gave the Blues a 1-0 lead at the break but Frank Lampard's brace, one from the penalty spot, and other strikes from Didier Drogba and Michael Essien earned the hosts a resounding victory and sent them back to the top of the Barclays Premier League. "The second half was pathetic," declared Allardyce. "I didn't see that coming. I felt we had set our stall out to frustrate Chelsea as best we could and it worked very well in the first half. We knew it would have been difficult to get something out of the game, but why throw a game plan that is working so well out of the window? That is what I cannot understand. At the moment they are not good enough. Bottom line. Mentally resilient? Not there. Physically challenge the opposition? Not there. If you play football away from home in the Premier League, it doesn't get you results. You need all the elements to go with it and we have not got them away from home."
bolton wanderers
Bolton Wanderers Gary Megson praised the striking instincts of Ivan Klasnic after the Croatian hit a late winner to give Bolton Wanderers a 3-2 victory over Everton. Klasnic came off the bench to give Wanderers their first Barclays Premier League home win of the season when he rifled the ball past Tim Howard with three minutes remaining. It was the 29-year-old's first goal in English football and Megson said he was not surprised to see him get off the mark. "Ivan has just got one thought in his mind when he's in there," Megson said. "He had a shot just before that from about 20 yards when really he should have passed it to Chung-Yong Lee. But you can't criticise forwards for doing that, that is what they are there for and him being that kind of personality was probably a good thing for us because he certainly wasn't looking to pass when the ball dropped to him. It was a fantastic strike."
burnley
Burnley Owen Coyle felt his side could take away many positives despite losing their 100 per cent home record with a 3-1 defeat to Wigan at Turf Moor. After Steven Fletcher's fourth-minute opener, Hugo Rodallega's reply was hardly clinical, tapping into an empty net as goalkeeper Brian Jensen twisted his ankle as he came to collect a cross from Wigan captain Mario Melchiot. Rodallega's second was superb, however, cracking a low right-footed drive in off a post before Emmerson Boyce sidefooted the away side's third. But an upbeat Coyle said: "If you lose any game it's disappointing. We've also lost our unbeaten home record, but there were a lot of pleasing aspects within it. There were big chunks of that game we controlled, we had numerous opportunities after starting the game well and scoring a terrific goal, only to concede a truly bizarre equaliser. We had a 20 minute period after they scored their second where our football was fantastic which resulted in numerous chances. On another day we would have won that game. There's no doubt about that."
Chelsea
Chelsea Carlo Ancelotti watched his side thrash Blackburn 5-0 and then revealed he was returning to Italy to be with his sick father. Ancelotti only arrived back in England on Saturday morning in order to take charge of Chelsea's game against Rovers and labelled their five-goal super show as the "best performance" since he took charge at Stamford Bridge. "It has been difficult time but this is life," said Ancelotti. "I hope my father will be better in the next day. I have a free day and will go back to Italy and return on Monday but I think my father will be better. These are difficult days but after Monday I think he will be better and I can stay here without problems."
everton
Everton Defender Phil Jagielka says being available from between the middle and the end of November is a realistic return date. The former Sheffield United player has been out since April after damaging his cruciate knee ligament in a 2-1 home defeat to Manchester City. Jagielka had initially hoped to be back by the end of October or early November, although he now concedes the conclusion of the month is more likely. "I'm feeling great," he said. "It's been a long, hard five-and-a-half months and there's still a way to go. Initially, I'd be hoping to be in back in the first week of November, but more realistic now is mid to late-November. We'll just have to wait and see, but there's an interesting date on 29th November - when it's Liverpool at home."
Fulham
Fulham Following Fulham's 2-2 draw against Manchester City at Eastlands, Roy Hodgson praised the character and resilience of his team after Sunday's match. "We gave another good performance," said Hodgson. "City are getting stronger and stronger and they have good quality players. We have players injured at the moment so it was a sterling effort for the players to earn a point. We battled hard against a good side, defended well throughout, and the character of the team is outstanding. After their goals we got ourselves back on track and started playing how we had for the 60 minutes. It looked as though the game had been settled but full credit to the players. I wouldn't say that it was that clear in terms of chances but over the 97 minutes a draw was a fair result."
Hull City
Hull City Defender Andy Dawson has called on Hull supporters to get fully behind the team in their quest to turn around their season. Fans' frustration was evident as the Tigers laboured to a goalless draw with fellow strugglers Portsmouth on Saturday. Hull made a blistering start to life in the top flight last year - 12 months ago they were briefly joint top - but fans have seen little to enthuse them since, with just three Barclays Premier League wins in 2009. Dawson can understand their feelings but wants them to channel their support positively. The 31-year-old said: "I think the atmosphere around the stadium is maybe getting to everyone. We know we have got to play better and create more chances. We know we have to improve - the players have to give 110 per cent, and everyone's got to get behind us. That's the only way we're going to do it. There were a few boos, and you can feel the frustration sometimes. Obviously we are not playing the flowing football people like to see. But we are trying and we need everybody behind us to get out of the situation we are in."
Liverpool
Liverpool Rafael Benitez has revealed that it was only on the team coach going to Anfield that he decided to use Spanish striker Fernando Torres from the start against Manchester United. Benitez waited until the last moment before deciding Torres, who was struggling with a groin injury, could cope with a battle against the Barclays Premier League champions that could make or break his side's season. After the 2-0 win, Benitez said: "In the morning I had decided that he would be involved, but I needed convincing he could start rather than just be a substitute. I talked with Fernando on the coach, and that was when I was really convinced that he could play. Playing Fernando was a difficult decision. He was not training, the same as Steven Gerrard. But after talking with him we decided it was better to start the game with him."
manchester city
Manchester City Mark Hughes pointed the finger of blame at his defenders after Fulham stormed back from 2-0 down to snatch a point at Eastlands. Hughes' men seemed to be coasting after goals from Joleon Lescott and Martin Petrov but Roy Hodgson's side hit back immediately through Damien Duff and Clint Dempsey. The brace stretched City's run without a clean sheet to seven matches and Hughes admitted his side's inability to cope with opponents' aerial threat is a concern. Hughes said: "We were 2-0 to the good and we should have seen the game out but unfortunately we allowed them back in the game and given them a lift. Then it was how we dealt with balls into the box and a guy in Dempsey who is acknowledged as good in the air - and we haven't dealt with it. We've been caught out a couple of times this season and it seems to be prevalent this year, not just with us but with quite a few of the teams around us. We started really well in terms of our defensive work but we have conceded goals and we are working hard on that. There are always elements of our game we need to focus on."
Manchester United
Manchester United Sir Alex Ferguson conceded Liverpool were worthy winners in the 2-0 win over Manchester United. "Liverpool were the better team and I am not taking anything away from them at all," he said. "They deserved to win the game as it was a disappointing performance from us. We were not good enough." Fernando Torres opened the scoring in the 65th minute with his ninth goal of the season and David Ngog sealed the victory in stoppage time. United remain two points adrift of Chelsea at the top of the table and Ferguson insists they will recover. He added: "Part of the challenge is to get over disappointments. Last season we lost at home 4-1 to Liverpool which was a travesty but we went on to win the league."
Portsmouth
Portsmouth Paul Hart found reasons for encouragement despite a disappointing performance from his Portsmouth side in a goalless draw at Hull. The match lived up to its billing as a relegation battle and chances were few and far between. The result leaves both sides in the bottom three with Pompey still bottom on four points. Hart said: "I think that is the worst we have played in a month and we still created chances, and in the second half we should have won it. You know your luck is out when (Aruna) Dindane shoots and it is going in and we even stop that one. We came here to get a point. We have been all over Everton and Spurs in the last month and they couldn't handle us. I am pleased the lads got something from the game. I think we deserved that."
Stoke City
Stoke City Tony Pulis says avoiding relegation was still his main priority despite seeing his Stoke side record an impressive 1-0 triumph at high-flying Tottenham. Glenn Whelan grabbed the only goal of the match four minutes from time when he fired into the top corner after Ricardo Fuller had held the ball up and tricked Benoit Assou-Ekotto. "Ricardo's pulled a genie out of the bag again," said Pulis. "That was terrific and Glenn finished it with aplomb." Pulis, a player under Harry Redknapp at Bournemouth, continued: "It was probably our best result because we were playing against a top, top side. They have all the ammo you need to win games and they will still probably have a great season. For this football club, we have to be in the Premier League for three years before we push on. We are still living in portacabins at the training ground. We're building something that will cost the chairman £7m to £8m. So anywhere in the Premier League will do - and the following season the same. If we have that stability we can push on because it is in such a good catchment area."
sunderland
Sunderland Steve Bruce did not enjoy his first return to St Andrew's two years after his departure. Birmingham got themselves in front on Saturday when defender Liam Ridgewell turned home Sebastian Larsson's 37th-minute free-kick, and doubled their advantage with James McFadden's fine finish three minutes after the restart. But the home fans among a crowd of 21,723 endured a nail-biting finish after defender Scott Dann put through his own goal, with substitute Fraizer Campbell and Darren Bent passing up late opportunities to snatch a point for the visitors. Bruce said: "We didn't really come to the party until the last half hour, that was the disappointing thing. In the last half hour we injected a bit of pace into the game and showed a bit of energy for it, but it was too late. In my opinion, you can't play in the Premier League and have six, seven or eight, in the first hour in particular, not at the races or playing poorly or whatever you want to say. In the Premier League, you can't get away with it. We nearly did with a couple of wonderful chances, but that's not going to gloss over the first hour where we hit nowhere near the heights. Basically, we were poor, it has to be said."
tottenham hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur Captain Ledley King appears set to stay at White Hart Lane beyond the end of this season. The 29-year-old centre-back has a deal until next summer. But it has emerged Spurs have an option to extend his current contract by a year, and it is understood he has no desire to play for another team. King has a chronic knee condition that limits his training and means he cannot play matches in quick succession - but he has managed the injury and played 29 times last season. This season, he has played in six of Spurs' nine Barclays Premier League matches. Manager Harry Redknapp said: "I'd love to keep Ledley here, for sure. He's a big part of this football club - I think he's a special player and a special guy. He's come through this football club, and you need to keep players like that at the club."
West Ham United
West Ham United Gianfranco Zola praised the fighting spirit of his team after the 2-2 draw with Arsenal. The introduction of both Alessandro Diamanti and England Under-21 international Zavon Hines helped inject fresh impetus to the Hammers frontline. Zola said: "It is not a victory, but it sounds like it with the crows, and that is what I was looking for. No matter what, the spirit has to be there all the time. That is something we can not do without. Last week [at Stoke] I saw something, a change and it is very important and I have seen something more. It was very difficult to come back from that situation, but we did it and I am very pleased and proud of them. I am more focused on the point and to give a signal we are there and we are fighting."
Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic Roberto Martinez praised the smiling Hugo Rodallega for the clinical finishing that ended Burnley's proud Turf Moor record. Two goals from the Colombian gave the Latics a 3-1 win, their first on the road since the opening day of the season, and he is becoming something of a lucky charm for Martinez's side. Rodallega now has five goals for the season, with all four of the Latics' wins this campaign coming with the 24-year-old on the scoresheet. "His work rate was exceptional, but then he is a clinical finisher and to have that instinct in your play is a massive asset," said a delighted Martinez. "I was pleased because sometimes as a striker you work really hard and you don't get your rewards, but he got his. I felt the performance was exceptional from everyone, and it would be unfair to single anyone out. But when you've a player who has that clinical finish in him, it allows you to convert performances into good results, and Hugo did that."
wolverhampton wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers Mick McCarthy is backing Sylvan Ebanks-Blake to score goals at Barclays Premier League level after the striker broke his top-flight duck in the home draw with Aston Villa. Ebanks-Blake was a prolific goalscorer in helping Wolves gain promotion back to the Premier League last season. And he kept his nerve in drilling home a late equaliser from the penalty spot to cancel out Gabriel Agbonlahor's sixth goal of the campaign. McCarthy said: "Sylvan has been desperate to get his first goal. We all believe he can play in the Premier League and score goals in it. Don't anyone under-estimate the taking of that penalty in that atmosphere. He has still got to score it and it was a fairly emphatic finish."
Monday, October 26, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Match previews - Sat 24th Oct
A look ahead to Saturday's fixtures in the Barclays Premier League.
Chelsea will be aiming to reclaim top spot in the Barclays Premier League as they host Blackburn Rovers.
With leaders Manchester United not in action until Sunday, Carlo Ancelotti's men have the chance to leapfrog their rivals.
Chelsea v Blackburn
Manager Ancelotti has seen his Blues side make a flying start to the season, winning 12 of their 13 matches in all competitions.
But having lost at Aston Villa last time out in the Barclays Premier League they will be determined to bounce back against Rovers who have lost their last eight away matches in the Barclays Premier League and failed to score in their previous six top-flight meetings with Chelsea.
Chelsea have won 11 and drawn one of their last 13 meetings with Blackburn in all competitions. The Lancashire side have failed to score in their last six league matches against Chelsea, losing five of them.
Spurs v Stoke
Tottenham Hotspur could steal a march on Chelsea by moving level on points with Manchester United - and a four goal victory would put them top of the Barclays Premier League.
Stoke have only ever won once at White Hart Lane but halted a run of four matches without a win as they beat West Ham United 2-1 last week.
Spurs have won five and drawn one of their last seven meetings with the Potters who have drawn their last three on the road.
Hull City v Portsmouth
Two of the bottom three meet at the KC Stadium in a match which, even at this early stage of the campaign, could have a major impact on the ultimate outcome of the relegation battle.
The Tigers have lost five of their last six in league and cup and have kept only three clean sheets in 23 Premier League matches at the KC Stadium.
Pompey, who ended a run of 17 away fixtures without a victory when they won 1-0 at Wolves, are unbeaten in their last seven league meetings with Hull City since September 1988.
Wolves v Aston Villa
There is a mouth-watering Midlands derby as Wolverhampton Wanderers host Aston Villa who have made their best start to a season for 10 years.
Villa are unbeaten in their last 12 league and cup matches against Wolves since a 3-1 defeat at Villa Park in March 1980. They have won four of their last six visits to Molineux, restricting the home side to just two goals.
Mick McCarthy's men have won just one of their last seven and none of their last three - although they were just minutes away from beating Everton at Goodison Park last time out.
Burnley v Wigan
Fresh from their narrow defeat neighbours Blackburn Rovers, Burnley face another Lancashire derby as they meet Wigan Athletic at Turf Moor.
The teams have previously met in all three lower divisions but this will be their first encounter in the top flight. Burnley have only beaten Wigan twice in 16 meetings in all competitions.
The Clarets are the first newly-promoted team in 27 years to win their first four top-flight home matches, since Watford achieved the same feat in 1982-83.
Birmingham v Sunderland
Former Blues player and manager Steve Bruce returns to St Andrew's for the first time since his departure in 2007 with his Sunderland side riding high in the Barclays Premier League.
Birmingham have lost five of their last six and are out of the relegation zone only on goal difference but they have won four and drawn one of their last six league meetings with the Black Cats.
Sunderland striker Darren Bent has scored in five successive Barclays Premier League matches. If he finds the net in this fixture he will become the first player to score in six successive top-flight matches for the Wearsiders since Trevor Ford in December 1951.
Chelsea will be aiming to reclaim top spot in the Barclays Premier League as they host Blackburn Rovers.
With leaders Manchester United not in action until Sunday, Carlo Ancelotti's men have the chance to leapfrog their rivals.
Chelsea v Blackburn
Manager Ancelotti has seen his Blues side make a flying start to the season, winning 12 of their 13 matches in all competitions.
But having lost at Aston Villa last time out in the Barclays Premier League they will be determined to bounce back against Rovers who have lost their last eight away matches in the Barclays Premier League and failed to score in their previous six top-flight meetings with Chelsea.
Chelsea have won 11 and drawn one of their last 13 meetings with Blackburn in all competitions. The Lancashire side have failed to score in their last six league matches against Chelsea, losing five of them.
Spurs v Stoke
Tottenham Hotspur could steal a march on Chelsea by moving level on points with Manchester United - and a four goal victory would put them top of the Barclays Premier League.
Stoke have only ever won once at White Hart Lane but halted a run of four matches without a win as they beat West Ham United 2-1 last week.
Spurs have won five and drawn one of their last seven meetings with the Potters who have drawn their last three on the road.
Hull City v Portsmouth
Two of the bottom three meet at the KC Stadium in a match which, even at this early stage of the campaign, could have a major impact on the ultimate outcome of the relegation battle.
The Tigers have lost five of their last six in league and cup and have kept only three clean sheets in 23 Premier League matches at the KC Stadium.
Pompey, who ended a run of 17 away fixtures without a victory when they won 1-0 at Wolves, are unbeaten in their last seven league meetings with Hull City since September 1988.
Wolves v Aston Villa
There is a mouth-watering Midlands derby as Wolverhampton Wanderers host Aston Villa who have made their best start to a season for 10 years.
Villa are unbeaten in their last 12 league and cup matches against Wolves since a 3-1 defeat at Villa Park in March 1980. They have won four of their last six visits to Molineux, restricting the home side to just two goals.
Mick McCarthy's men have won just one of their last seven and none of their last three - although they were just minutes away from beating Everton at Goodison Park last time out.
Burnley v Wigan
Fresh from their narrow defeat neighbours Blackburn Rovers, Burnley face another Lancashire derby as they meet Wigan Athletic at Turf Moor.
The teams have previously met in all three lower divisions but this will be their first encounter in the top flight. Burnley have only beaten Wigan twice in 16 meetings in all competitions.
The Clarets are the first newly-promoted team in 27 years to win their first four top-flight home matches, since Watford achieved the same feat in 1982-83.
Birmingham v Sunderland
Former Blues player and manager Steve Bruce returns to St Andrew's for the first time since his departure in 2007 with his Sunderland side riding high in the Barclays Premier League.
Birmingham have lost five of their last six and are out of the relegation zone only on goal difference but they have won four and drawn one of their last six league meetings with the Black Cats.
Sunderland striker Darren Bent has scored in five successive Barclays Premier League matches. If he finds the net in this fixture he will become the first player to score in six successive top-flight matches for the Wearsiders since Trevor Ford in December 1951.
No revenge mission for Neville
United meet arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday with the Merseyside club having won both fixtures last season.
However, United held off Liverpool to secure a third straight title by four points and Red Devils captain Neville would take a similar situation again.
Neville said: "Liverpool may have beaten us twice in the league last season, but I wouldn't say we're looking for revenge.
"When the top teams play against each other it seems to go through cycles and teams have good results and bad results.
"We know anything can happen in these kind of games, so the main thing is not losing.
"The most important thing at the end of the season is winning the league and we're delighted that we won it last season.
"I suppose we'd rather lose both games again and win the league than beat Liverpool and not win the title."
hostile reception
Liverpool could fall 10 points behind United if they lose on Sunday, but Neville stressed it would not be the end of Rafa Benitez's side's title dream.
He added: "They haven't had the best start to the season, but even if we beat them, it would be too early to write off their championship challenge.
"Teams can win six games on the run and they'll be back up there again."
Neville is likely to receive a hostile reception from the Liverpool supporters, and is happy to acknowledge the rivalry between the two clubs
"I don't get a great reception at Anfield I must say - I'm not their favourite son," continued Neville.
"No United players get a good reception at Anfield, but it's the same for their players at our ground and it is to be expected.
"I've never said I don't respect Liverpool. You have to respect a team that has been as successful as they have and has the history and tradition they have.
"But I'm a United fan and the rivalry is well documented. United fans want United to win and Liverpool to lose - and it's the same the other way."
However, United held off Liverpool to secure a third straight title by four points and Red Devils captain Neville would take a similar situation again.
Neville said: "Liverpool may have beaten us twice in the league last season, but I wouldn't say we're looking for revenge.
"When the top teams play against each other it seems to go through cycles and teams have good results and bad results.
"We know anything can happen in these kind of games, so the main thing is not losing.
"The most important thing at the end of the season is winning the league and we're delighted that we won it last season.
"I suppose we'd rather lose both games again and win the league than beat Liverpool and not win the title."
hostile reception
Liverpool could fall 10 points behind United if they lose on Sunday, but Neville stressed it would not be the end of Rafa Benitez's side's title dream.
He added: "They haven't had the best start to the season, but even if we beat them, it would be too early to write off their championship challenge.
"Teams can win six games on the run and they'll be back up there again."
Neville is likely to receive a hostile reception from the Liverpool supporters, and is happy to acknowledge the rivalry between the two clubs
"I don't get a great reception at Anfield I must say - I'm not their favourite son," continued Neville.
"No United players get a good reception at Anfield, but it's the same for their players at our ground and it is to be expected.
"I've never said I don't respect Liverpool. You have to respect a team that has been as successful as they have and has the history and tradition they have.
"But I'm a United fan and the rivalry is well documented. United fans want United to win and Liverpool to lose - and it's the same the other way."
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Ferdinand: Valencia Settling In Well At Manchester United
Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand feels that Antonio Valencia is destined for a successful career at Old Trafford.
The £16 million summer signing from Wigan Athletic scored his first United goal, against his old club at the weekend. The 24-year-old Ecuador international followed that with the only goal of last night's Champions League victory over CSKA Moscow.
Ferdinand thinks the goals are a positive sign that Valencia is settling in nicely at his new club.
"I think everyone is very pleased with what Antonio has done," the England international said, according to the Press Association.
"He's a really humble and quiet lad. He comes in, does his work and goes home.
"He is from the Paul Scholes mold of embracing hype and attention but he's the most confident guy on the football field and he's been very impressive since he arrived.
"He is always available, always backing himself on the ball and doesn't mind a bit of contact. He is a strong lad and that's what you want.
"He's playing very well and I'm sure he will keep improving and keep scoring goals."
United have now won all three of their Champions League group games so far, and Ferdinand is pleased things are working out so well.
"It's gone according to plan so far," he added.
"We've been here in the group stages before when we've scraped through in the last game, so it's nice to get the nine points on the board and be in a very commanding position."
The £16 million summer signing from Wigan Athletic scored his first United goal, against his old club at the weekend. The 24-year-old Ecuador international followed that with the only goal of last night's Champions League victory over CSKA Moscow.
Ferdinand thinks the goals are a positive sign that Valencia is settling in nicely at his new club.
"I think everyone is very pleased with what Antonio has done," the England international said, according to the Press Association.
"He's a really humble and quiet lad. He comes in, does his work and goes home.
"He is from the Paul Scholes mold of embracing hype and attention but he's the most confident guy on the football field and he's been very impressive since he arrived.
"He is always available, always backing himself on the ball and doesn't mind a bit of contact. He is a strong lad and that's what you want.
"He's playing very well and I'm sure he will keep improving and keep scoring goals."
United have now won all three of their Champions League group games so far, and Ferdinand is pleased things are working out so well.
"It's gone according to plan so far," he added.
"We've been here in the group stages before when we've scraped through in the last game, so it's nice to get the nine points on the board and be in a very commanding position."
Arshavin: Arsenal Are Two Players Away From Matching Barcelona
Andrei Arshavin believes that with two more players Arsenal could be on a level playing field with Barcelona in terms of attractive football.
The Russian star made it clear that he was keen to join the Blaugrana in the summer of 2008 by posing in a team shirt and also came close to joining Tottenham Hotspur.
But he ended up at Arsenal, a side Arshavin believes are close to producing the kind of football that he dreamed of playing at Camp Nou as he continues to cast envious glances at Pep Guardiola's team.
"The most beautiful football isn't here, but at Barcelona," Arshavin told Russian website Bobsoccer. "But after them, perhaps Arsenal.
"We are probably missing two top players."
Moving to London may not have been difficult on the pitch, but off it Arshavin feels that he has done well not announce every problem that began with the 50 per cent tax bracket.
"On one hand I love it here. On the other, I haven't said anything about the difficulties," he continued.
"In Spain, for example, everything seems easier. England, in general, is different from many European countries, in terms of lifestyle and mentality.
"In domestic terms, I confess, it is difficult. They say that a foreigner only adapts to London after living there for a year, so I still have three months left!
"Here you have to pay every step of the way. Sometimes I have to shell out to breathe."
Goal.com
The Russian star made it clear that he was keen to join the Blaugrana in the summer of 2008 by posing in a team shirt and also came close to joining Tottenham Hotspur.
But he ended up at Arsenal, a side Arshavin believes are close to producing the kind of football that he dreamed of playing at Camp Nou as he continues to cast envious glances at Pep Guardiola's team.
"The most beautiful football isn't here, but at Barcelona," Arshavin told Russian website Bobsoccer. "But after them, perhaps Arsenal.
"We are probably missing two top players."
Moving to London may not have been difficult on the pitch, but off it Arshavin feels that he has done well not announce every problem that began with the 50 per cent tax bracket.
"On one hand I love it here. On the other, I haven't said anything about the difficulties," he continued.
"In Spain, for example, everything seems easier. England, in general, is different from many European countries, in terms of lifestyle and mentality.
"In domestic terms, I confess, it is difficult. They say that a foreigner only adapts to London after living there for a year, so I still have three months left!
"Here you have to pay every step of the way. Sometimes I have to shell out to breathe."
Goal.com
O'Neill: Villa squad my best yet
Martin O'Neill believes the current Aston Villa squad is the strongest in his three-and-a-half years as manager.
And he admits that he will rotate players on a more regular basis as the current campaign progresses after learning lessons from last season.
Villa operated with one of the smallest squads in the Barclays Premier League and ran out of steam in the final two months when they were overhauled by Arsenal and Everton and finished sixth.
And he admits that he will rotate players on a more regular basis as the current campaign progresses after learning lessons from last season.
Villa operated with one of the smallest squads in the Barclays Premier League and ran out of steam in the final two months when they were overhauled by Arsenal and Everton and finished sixth.
Robinho lay-off extended
Manchester City star Robinho faces another fortnight out of action after suffering an injury setback.
The Brazilian striker has already been sidelined for two months with a stress fracture of an ankle but City manager Mark Hughes had hoped to pitch him into Tuesday's Carling Cup tie at home to Scunthorpe United.
But after already spending two months on the sidelines, it is now likely the 25-year-old will not be available until the City of Manchester Stadium meeting with Burnley on 7th November.
Hughes confirmed: "He's had a little bit of a setback, and the likelihood is it will be another 10 to 14 days.
"The area where the stress fracture is hasn't healed as quickly as we anticipated. He could probably join in with the group, but the fear would be if he got a direct bang on that area there's a chance he may re-break the leg.
"So we don't pitch him into those circumstances, and it would be crazy to, so we're going to err on the side of safety.
"We've options, so can cope and give Robi the time he needs. It's important we don't put him at risk."
The Brazilian striker has already been sidelined for two months with a stress fracture of an ankle but City manager Mark Hughes had hoped to pitch him into Tuesday's Carling Cup tie at home to Scunthorpe United.
But after already spending two months on the sidelines, it is now likely the 25-year-old will not be available until the City of Manchester Stadium meeting with Burnley on 7th November.
Hughes confirmed: "He's had a little bit of a setback, and the likelihood is it will be another 10 to 14 days.
"The area where the stress fracture is hasn't healed as quickly as we anticipated. He could probably join in with the group, but the fear would be if he got a direct bang on that area there's a chance he may re-break the leg.
"So we don't pitch him into those circumstances, and it would be crazy to, so we're going to err on the side of safety.
"We've options, so can cope and give Robi the time he needs. It's important we don't put him at risk."
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed he plans to continue working for the rest of his life.
The French tactician, who recently became the Gunners' longest-serving boss, turns 60 on Thursday.
However, he is not thinking of retiring and believes he can stay in football in some capacity for a long time to come.
"If I have health, I want to work as long as I live but adapt to my potential," said Wenger.
"It doesn't always need to be physical work, it can be more intellectual. You cannot be 75 on the pitch - although Trapattoni has done well and he is 70.
"I don't know how long I will manage the team. From now on I have to assess every two years because this job is hands-on."
The only way Wenger wants to celebrate his landmark birthday is with victories over AZ Alkmaar and West Ham this week.
Wenger took charge of Arsenal in 1996 but he has lost none of his enthusiasm for the job and feels the current crop of players can be successful.
However, he is not thinking of retiring and believes he can stay in football in some capacity for a long time to come.
"If I have health, I want to work as long as I live but adapt to my potential," said Wenger.
"It doesn't always need to be physical work, it can be more intellectual. You cannot be 75 on the pitch - although Trapattoni has done well and he is 70.
"I don't know how long I will manage the team. From now on I have to assess every two years because this job is hands-on."
The only way Wenger wants to celebrate his landmark birthday is with victories over AZ Alkmaar and West Ham this week.
Wenger took charge of Arsenal in 1996 but he has lost none of his enthusiasm for the job and feels the current crop of players can be successful.
Beattie brace beats Hammers
A James Beattie brace helped Stoke beat West Ham 2-1 at the Britannia Stadium and heap more pressure on under-fire boss Gianfranco Zola.
Beattie put the Potters ahead from the spot-kick in the 11th minute - his first goal of the season - after Julien Faubert brought down Matthew Etherington in the box.
But the Hammers were level on 34 minutes when Matthew Upson rose unmarked to head home a Mark Noble corner from the left.
In the second period, Thomas Sorensen had to save twice to deny Alessandro Diamanti before Beattie got the winner in the 69th minute against the run of play.
His goal came after Ricardo Fuller got round Upson on the right and his shot could only be parried by keeper Robert Green, with Beattie then outmuscling Faubert to tap in at the far post.
His strikes ended a run of four Premier League matches, which included successive home defeats to Chelsea and Manchester United, without a win for the Potters.
It was also only their second victory in 14 matches against West Ham, who themselves have not won since the opening day of the season and are only one place off the bottom of the Premier League.
That former Hammers winger Etherington, who left Upton Park in January, should have a major part in the breakthrough was no surprise.
Beattie put the Potters ahead from the spot-kick in the 11th minute - his first goal of the season - after Julien Faubert brought down Matthew Etherington in the box.
But the Hammers were level on 34 minutes when Matthew Upson rose unmarked to head home a Mark Noble corner from the left.
In the second period, Thomas Sorensen had to save twice to deny Alessandro Diamanti before Beattie got the winner in the 69th minute against the run of play.
His goal came after Ricardo Fuller got round Upson on the right and his shot could only be parried by keeper Robert Green, with Beattie then outmuscling Faubert to tap in at the far post.
His strikes ended a run of four Premier League matches, which included successive home defeats to Chelsea and Manchester United, without a win for the Potters.
It was also only their second victory in 14 matches against West Ham, who themselves have not won since the opening day of the season and are only one place off the bottom of the Premier League.
That former Hammers winger Etherington, who left Upton Park in January, should have a major part in the breakthrough was no surprise.
Nasri happy to return
Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri was pleased to make his comeback from his broken leg on Tuesday.
The French international has not played this season after breaking his leg at Arsenal's pre-season training in Austria.
But he is now fully recovered and is looking to build up his fitness with a view to returning in a few weeks' time.
"I feel good," he told the club's official website.
"I was a little bit tired at the end of the first half but I am so happy to be back on the pitch. It has been three months I was injured so I am really glad to be back.
"It has been difficult but I was always looking forward for a speedy recovery. I knew it would be hard but everyone was behind me and helping me so I am okay.
"I don't know if I am ready yet for the first team. I need to play because nothing can replace the games. So I work well with [fitness coach] Tony Colbert and now after one or two games I will be ready to come back to the first team.
"It was the first serious injury I have had. But I am really happy, I had a quick recovery and everything is fine now."
The French international has not played this season after breaking his leg at Arsenal's pre-season training in Austria.
But he is now fully recovered and is looking to build up his fitness with a view to returning in a few weeks' time.
"I feel good," he told the club's official website.
"I was a little bit tired at the end of the first half but I am so happy to be back on the pitch. It has been three months I was injured so I am really glad to be back.
"It has been difficult but I was always looking forward for a speedy recovery. I knew it would be hard but everyone was behind me and helping me so I am okay.
"I don't know if I am ready yet for the first team. I need to play because nothing can replace the games. So I work well with [fitness coach] Tony Colbert and now after one or two games I will be ready to come back to the first team.
"It was the first serious injury I have had. But I am really happy, I had a quick recovery and everything is fine now."
Monday, October 5, 2009
Wenger: We can score at any time
Arsene Wenger watched Arsenal beat Blackburn Rovers 6-2 and then claimed 'we can score at any moment'.
The Gunners were in scintillating form despite twice trailing in the first-half to goals from Steven N'Zonzi and the impressive David Dunn, writes Stewart Coggin.
Efforts from Thomas Vermaelen and Robin van Persie cancelled out those goals, while further strikes from Andrey Arshavin, Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner were reward for a vibrant attacking display.
sky
"When we are confident, we have a flow that looks like the goals will come at any moment and from anywhere," said the Arsenal manager.
"They enjoy what they do. They enjoy playing together and that for me is most important.
"There is some strength coming out of this team, we have to add some discipline defensively.
"We looked always like we would score goals.
"It's difficult to have so many people going forward and as well have everybody straight away defending well.
"It's a consequence of our philosophy a little bit."
record scorer
Fabregas provided four assists in the match and celebrated his goal by kissing the badge in front of watching Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. Wenger is pleased to see Fabregas finding the target more regularly this season, and he also found time to praise the club's record scorer Henry.
"We know that he (Fabregas) creates chances but what is important for me, and what he misses, is that he scores the goals and today he scored," said Wenger.
"We look always like going forward with the whole team and when you look he is always in the middle of it, at the start or at the end.
"This team, apart from Fabregas is light-hearted , enjoyable to watch and like to play together.
"Thierry inspired our goal scoring. We want to show Thierry that we can score goals! It is good to see him back here. Overall I believe that he belongs more to Highbury than the Emirates because he has more memories at Highbury."
The Gunners were in scintillating form despite twice trailing in the first-half to goals from Steven N'Zonzi and the impressive David Dunn, writes Stewart Coggin.
Efforts from Thomas Vermaelen and Robin van Persie cancelled out those goals, while further strikes from Andrey Arshavin, Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner were reward for a vibrant attacking display.
sky
"When we are confident, we have a flow that looks like the goals will come at any moment and from anywhere," said the Arsenal manager.
"They enjoy what they do. They enjoy playing together and that for me is most important.
"There is some strength coming out of this team, we have to add some discipline defensively.
"We looked always like we would score goals.
"It's difficult to have so many people going forward and as well have everybody straight away defending well.
"It's a consequence of our philosophy a little bit."
record scorer
Fabregas provided four assists in the match and celebrated his goal by kissing the badge in front of watching Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. Wenger is pleased to see Fabregas finding the target more regularly this season, and he also found time to praise the club's record scorer Henry.
"We know that he (Fabregas) creates chances but what is important for me, and what he misses, is that he scores the goals and today he scored," said Wenger.
"We look always like going forward with the whole team and when you look he is always in the middle of it, at the start or at the end.
"This team, apart from Fabregas is light-hearted , enjoyable to watch and like to play together.
"Thierry inspired our goal scoring. We want to show Thierry that we can score goals! It is good to see him back here. Overall I believe that he belongs more to Highbury than the Emirates because he has more memories at Highbury."
Chelsea 2-0 Liverpool
Chelsea won a thrilling victory over Liverpool which put them back on top of the Barclays Premier League.
Second half goals from Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda earned all three points for the Blues.
Anelka scored his fifth goal of the season when he finished off a cross from Didier Drogba on the hour.
Substitute Malouda added the second in injury-time when he finished off another cross from Drogba to give the Blues a deserved victory.
Second half goals from Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda earned all three points for the Blues.
Anelka scored his fifth goal of the season when he finished off a cross from Didier Drogba on the hour.
Substitute Malouda added the second in injury-time when he finished off another cross from Drogba to give the Blues a deserved victory.
Benitez: Reds still title contenders
Rafael Benitez says Liverpool can still mount a title challenge despite losing 2-0 at Chelsea.
Liverpool lost only two matches last term but second-half goals from Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka and substitute Florent Malouda condemned them to their third defeat inside the opening eight matches of the current campaign.
It is more than 40 years since any team have gone on to win the top-flight crown after losing three of their first eight matches.
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But Benitez is unconcerned by the statistics and pointed out there is still a long way to go before their own title hopes can be dismissed.
good team
"I feel the performance wasn't bad against a good team," said Benitez. "We worked hard, had some good play.
"Defensively we were good enough. They didn't have too many chances, so we were defending better. We didn't have too many chances, which means they're also a good team.
"But if you make a mistake against a good team, they score. The game was a bit more open after they scored and we had some chances but you have to take those if you want to come back into the game.
"Our target has to be the next game. It's important to keep calm, keep working, improving. We came up against a good team doing well today, so we have to focus on the next game.
"This year, the top sides will lose points against the other teams, so the main thing is to try and improve and do better each week. We will try to do better against Sunderland.
"We drew a lot of games last season. We lost just two but people were telling me about the draws. Now we're winning more and losing a few but maybe we'll have more points."
long race
Javier Mascherano lost possession for Chelsea's opener but Benitez refused to single out any of his team.
"I cannot blame any one of the players," he added. "We have to be pleased with the team effort.
"We made some mistakes but I was happy with the team effort. That was something we wanted to do. We were right 90 per cent of the time.
"But it's a long race. Chelsea are very strong but we'll try to stay as close as possible and see what happens in April and May.
"You will see the top sides losing more points against any team. That's good for the Premier League, for the competition, but it means we have to keep going. We can't think about three defeats.
"It's one game at a time, try to win the next game and improve. That's it."
Liverpool lost only two matches last term but second-half goals from Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka and substitute Florent Malouda condemned them to their third defeat inside the opening eight matches of the current campaign.
It is more than 40 years since any team have gone on to win the top-flight crown after losing three of their first eight matches.
sky
But Benitez is unconcerned by the statistics and pointed out there is still a long way to go before their own title hopes can be dismissed.
good team
"I feel the performance wasn't bad against a good team," said Benitez. "We worked hard, had some good play.
"Defensively we were good enough. They didn't have too many chances, so we were defending better. We didn't have too many chances, which means they're also a good team.
"But if you make a mistake against a good team, they score. The game was a bit more open after they scored and we had some chances but you have to take those if you want to come back into the game.
"Our target has to be the next game. It's important to keep calm, keep working, improving. We came up against a good team doing well today, so we have to focus on the next game.
"This year, the top sides will lose points against the other teams, so the main thing is to try and improve and do better each week. We will try to do better against Sunderland.
"We drew a lot of games last season. We lost just two but people were telling me about the draws. Now we're winning more and losing a few but maybe we'll have more points."
long race
Javier Mascherano lost possession for Chelsea's opener but Benitez refused to single out any of his team.
"I cannot blame any one of the players," he added. "We have to be pleased with the team effort.
"We made some mistakes but I was happy with the team effort. That was something we wanted to do. We were right 90 per cent of the time.
"But it's a long race. Chelsea are very strong but we'll try to stay as close as possible and see what happens in April and May.
"You will see the top sides losing more points against any team. That's good for the Premier League, for the competition, but it means we have to keep going. We can't think about three defeats.
"It's one game at a time, try to win the next game and improve. That's it."
Friday, October 2, 2009
Premier League - Ancelotti solves Chelsea problem
Carlo Ancelotti believes he has found the key to Chelsea's ragged recent performances and his players will put the problem right against Liverpool on Sunday.
FOOTBALL Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti smokes a cigarette during the UEFA Cup match against Werder Bremen at San Siro. Ancelotti will be made to wait until after the last game of the season against Roma before his future is decided - 0
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Ancelotti said that despite losing at Wigan last Sunday and stumbling to a 1-0 Champions League win at unfancied APOEL Nicosia in Cyprus, the team had managed to keep a strong spirit.
"When you don't play well, you do an analysis. We've done that and we have resolved the problem," the Italian said without declaring what the problem was.
"The atmosphere is good in the dressing room."
Chelsea had a storming start to the season but dropped to second in the Premier League, behind Manchester United on goal difference, after their lacklustre 3-1 Wigan defeat.
Their two games against third-placed Liverpool will be pivotal to Ancelotti's first season in London.
"After all, we won in Cyprus. We didn't play well but when it's not possible to play well it's important to win the game," said Ancelotti.
Relaxed and smiling before renewing a rivalry with Liverpool that involved two Champions League finals between the English side and his former club Milan, Ancelotti added: "It's a test, an important test because they have very good players but we are happy to meet Liverpool at this point in the season.
"If we play better than we did on Wednesday we can win this game - and I think we will play better."
Ancelotti admires Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez's organisational skills, particularly at the back, joking that the Spanish coach had obviously watched a lot of Italian games.
Honours are even with Liverpool winning the Champions League final in 2005 after coming back from 3-0 down and Milan triumphant two years later.
Chelsea lost both league games against Liverpool last season during a slump under the short-lived coaching regime of Luis Felipe Scolari and finished behind them in third place.
Their last fixtures produced a 12-goal bonanza over two legs in the quarter-finals of the Champions League with Chelsea coming out on top last April.
With two of the best strikers in the world in Liverpool's Fermando Torres and Chelsea's Didier Drogba going head to head, Ancelotti said he was curious to see how they played against each other.
"But the strikers depend on how the whole team plays for them," he added.
The London side will be without defender Alex (groin) and midfielder John Obi Mikel (ankle) as well as Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech, suspended after being shown a red card against Wigan.
Portuguese keeper Hilario takes his place. Ancelotti will have the midfield options of playmakers Deco and Joe Cole both returning from long injury layoffs.
Ancelotti laughed off suggestions Abramovich was worried by the last week's form.
"He's happy we are at the top of the championship and top of our group in the Champions League," Ancelotti said. "What we have to do is play with intelligence, read the game and control it."
FOOTBALL Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti smokes a cigarette during the UEFA Cup match against Werder Bremen at San Siro. Ancelotti will be made to wait until after the last game of the season against Roma before his future is decided - 0
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* Lampard bemused by criticism
Ancelotti said that despite losing at Wigan last Sunday and stumbling to a 1-0 Champions League win at unfancied APOEL Nicosia in Cyprus, the team had managed to keep a strong spirit.
"When you don't play well, you do an analysis. We've done that and we have resolved the problem," the Italian said without declaring what the problem was.
"The atmosphere is good in the dressing room."
Chelsea had a storming start to the season but dropped to second in the Premier League, behind Manchester United on goal difference, after their lacklustre 3-1 Wigan defeat.
Their two games against third-placed Liverpool will be pivotal to Ancelotti's first season in London.
"After all, we won in Cyprus. We didn't play well but when it's not possible to play well it's important to win the game," said Ancelotti.
Relaxed and smiling before renewing a rivalry with Liverpool that involved two Champions League finals between the English side and his former club Milan, Ancelotti added: "It's a test, an important test because they have very good players but we are happy to meet Liverpool at this point in the season.
"If we play better than we did on Wednesday we can win this game - and I think we will play better."
Ancelotti admires Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez's organisational skills, particularly at the back, joking that the Spanish coach had obviously watched a lot of Italian games.
Honours are even with Liverpool winning the Champions League final in 2005 after coming back from 3-0 down and Milan triumphant two years later.
Chelsea lost both league games against Liverpool last season during a slump under the short-lived coaching regime of Luis Felipe Scolari and finished behind them in third place.
Their last fixtures produced a 12-goal bonanza over two legs in the quarter-finals of the Champions League with Chelsea coming out on top last April.
With two of the best strikers in the world in Liverpool's Fermando Torres and Chelsea's Didier Drogba going head to head, Ancelotti said he was curious to see how they played against each other.
"But the strikers depend on how the whole team plays for them," he added.
The London side will be without defender Alex (groin) and midfielder John Obi Mikel (ankle) as well as Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech, suspended after being shown a red card against Wigan.
Portuguese keeper Hilario takes his place. Ancelotti will have the midfield options of playmakers Deco and Joe Cole both returning from long injury layoffs.
Ancelotti laughed off suggestions Abramovich was worried by the last week's form.
"He's happy we are at the top of the championship and top of our group in the Champions League," Ancelotti said. "What we have to do is play with intelligence, read the game and control it."
Premier League - Illness 'no impact' on Pompey
Crisis club Portsmouth's chaotic week took a fresh twist on Friday morning as it emerged new owner Sulaiman Al Fahim had been admitted to hospital in Dubai.
FOOTBALL 2009-10 Premier League Portsmouth owner Sulaiman Al Fahim - 0
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The 32-year-old was reported to be suffering from kidney stones and was due to undergo surgery to remove the problem.
Al Fahim's difficult takeover of the club remains a matter for scrutiny after the club confirmed yesterday their players had not been paid last month's wages on time.
Funding was secured to cover those payments but a strongly-worded statement from the club's executive board stressed it was ultimately Al Fahim's responsibility to refinance the club.
Al Fahim recently said he will inject £50 million into the club and, through his spokesman, has insisted this latest setback will not affect his plans.
"This will not have any impact on the refinancing or management of Portsmouth," Ivo Gabara told the BBC.
The Premier League are understood to be monitoring the situation and looking to see if Pompey fulfil the financial criteria set out to clubs.
FOOTBALL 2009-10 Premier League Portsmouth owner Sulaiman Al Fahim - 0
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The 32-year-old was reported to be suffering from kidney stones and was due to undergo surgery to remove the problem.
Al Fahim's difficult takeover of the club remains a matter for scrutiny after the club confirmed yesterday their players had not been paid last month's wages on time.
Funding was secured to cover those payments but a strongly-worded statement from the club's executive board stressed it was ultimately Al Fahim's responsibility to refinance the club.
Al Fahim recently said he will inject £50 million into the club and, through his spokesman, has insisted this latest setback will not affect his plans.
"This will not have any impact on the refinancing or management of Portsmouth," Ivo Gabara told the BBC.
The Premier League are understood to be monitoring the situation and looking to see if Pompey fulfil the financial criteria set out to clubs.
Premier League - Redknapp: Quit talk 'nonsense'
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has laughed off speculation that he was set to quit White Hart Lane to return to Portsmouth.
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Bookmakers had slashed the odds on Redknapp leaving Tottenham from 50-1 to evens after heavy betting that he would go back to Portsmouth for the third time in his career to rescue the team who are bottom of the Premier League.
Portsmouth have lost seven successive league matches and were unable to pay their players this week while owner Sulaiman Al Fahim, currently in hospital following an operation, makes an attempt to refinance the club.
But, speaking ahead of Tottenham's Premier League match at Bolton, Redknapp gave no indication that he was heading for a shock exit.
"I'm definitely not leaving. It's absolute nonsense. Absolute rubbish," he said.
"I couldn't be happier than I am here. I love it here and I have no intention of leaving. It couldn't have gone better for me.
"I left Portsmouth more than a year ago. Hopefully, Portsmouth will get sorted out. I don't know where people dream these stories up from.
"I just hope the guy (Al Fahim) who is in hospital recovers and puts his money in and Portsmouth will be fine.
"It's been a difficult year for them. They've sold players and it's sad to see them in that situation."
FOOTBALL 2009-2010 Premier League Tottenham Harry Redknapp - 0
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Bookmakers had slashed the odds on Redknapp leaving Tottenham from 50-1 to evens after heavy betting that he would go back to Portsmouth for the third time in his career to rescue the team who are bottom of the Premier League.
Portsmouth have lost seven successive league matches and were unable to pay their players this week while owner Sulaiman Al Fahim, currently in hospital following an operation, makes an attempt to refinance the club.
But, speaking ahead of Tottenham's Premier League match at Bolton, Redknapp gave no indication that he was heading for a shock exit.
"I'm definitely not leaving. It's absolute nonsense. Absolute rubbish," he said.
"I couldn't be happier than I am here. I love it here and I have no intention of leaving. It couldn't have gone better for me.
"I left Portsmouth more than a year ago. Hopefully, Portsmouth will get sorted out. I don't know where people dream these stories up from.
"I just hope the guy (Al Fahim) who is in hospital recovers and puts his money in and Portsmouth will be fine.
"It's been a difficult year for them. They've sold players and it's sad to see them in that situation."
Premier League - Awards for Torres and Fergie
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has been named Player of the Month for September with Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson taking the managers' prize.
FOOTBALL 2009-2010 Premier League Fernando Torres (Liverpool) - 0
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Torres scored five goals during the month - a double in a 3-2 win at West Ham and a hat-trick in the 6-1 thrashing of Hull last week.
The Spaniard is currently the league's top goalscorer with eight this season and has scored 46 in 65 appearances in the competition since joining Liverpool in 2007.
Ferguson's award caps a perfect month after steering United back to the top of the table.
The champions came from behind to beat Tottenham, won a thrilling derby against Manchester City and saw off Stoke.
It is the 24th time he has been named manager of the month
FOOTBALL 2009-2010 Premier League Fernando Torres (Liverpool) - 0
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Torres scored five goals during the month - a double in a 3-2 win at West Ham and a hat-trick in the 6-1 thrashing of Hull last week.
The Spaniard is currently the league's top goalscorer with eight this season and has scored 46 in 65 appearances in the competition since joining Liverpool in 2007.
Ferguson's award caps a perfect month after steering United back to the top of the table.
The champions came from behind to beat Tottenham, won a thrilling derby against Manchester City and saw off Stoke.
It is the 24th time he has been named manager of the month
Week 8 premiership fixtures
Michael Owen misses out for Manchester United, Theo Walcott is back in contention for Arsenal, while Javier Mascherano is expected to return for Liverpool against Chelsea.
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* Bolton v Tottenham
* Burnley v Birmingham
* Hull v Wigan
* Wolves v Portsmouth
* Manchester United v Sunderland
* Everton v Stoke
* Arsenal v Blackburn
* West Ham v Fulham
* Chelsea v Liverpool
We have live minute-by-minute text coverage of every Premier League game! Click on the links on the right for predicted line-ups.
Kick-offs 15.00 unless stated.
SATURDAY
Burnley v Birmingham
Birmingham are without striker Christian Benitez who has flown home to Ecuador after his father was involved in a car accident. Stuart Parnaby, Franck Queudrue and James McFadden are expected to shake off injuries.
Burnley have been rocked by the news Jay Rodriguez is unlikely to play again this year on account of a fractured ankle and he joins Martin Paterson and Chris McCann in the treatment room.
Bolton v Tottenham
Bolton will be without Sweden striker Johan Elmander who has picked up a hamstring strain and he joins Sean Davis and Joey O'Brien on the sidelines.
Spurs' injury problems are easing, but Luka Modric and Jonathan Woodgate remain sidelined. Jermain Defoe may figure despite being troubled by a hand problem.
Hull v Wigan
Hull will give a late fitness test to Anthony Gardner who has missed the last four games with a knee injury, while Liam Cooper is a doubt with a hamstring complaint.
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is in the enviable position of having a fully-fit squad to select from.
Wolves v Portsmouth
Wolves will be without injured midfielder Segundo Castillo, with Michael Kightly in line to take his place. David Jones has undergone knee surgery and faces two months on the sidelines.
Steve Finnan is in line to make his Portsmouth return after his hamstring problem showed real improvement, but Papa Bouba Diop and Hermann Hreidarsson remain sidelined.
Manchester United v Sunderland (17.30)
The champions will be without striker Michael Owen, but his groin injury is not as bad as had initially been feared. Edwin van der Sar returned to training in midweek but is not yet fit enough for a recall.
Lee Cattermole is in contention after shaking off a heel problem and Phil Bardsley has shaken off a virus, but John Mensah is struggling with a calf injury.
SUNDAY
Arsenal v Blackburn (13.30)
Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner have been included in Arsenal's squad after overcoming injuries, but Eduardo is missing on account of a thigh problem. Manuel Almunia is still not over a chest infection, meaning Vito Mannone will continue in goal.
Blackburn travel to the capital shorn of the services of Vince Grella who misses out after being sent off against Aston Villa.
Everton v Stoke
Joseph Yobo faces a late fitness test on the hamstring injury he picked up on the eve of the Europa League clash with BATE Borisov, while Steve Pienaar is expected to miss out on account of a knee injury he picked up against Portsmouth.
Ricardo Fuller is Stoke's primary injury concern, with a groin problem still causing concern, but James Beattie and Liam Lawrence are expected to shake off knee and back problems respectively.
West Ham v Fulham
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is hopeful defender Brede Hangeland will shake off an ankle knock to feature against West Ham. The Cottagers will be without Damien Duff and Simon Davies.
Valon Behrami and Matthew Upson are set to shake off injuries to feature for The Hammers.
Chelsea v Liverpool (16.00)
Hilario will be thrown in for the visit of Liverpool, with Petr Cech sidelined after his sending off against Wigan.
Reds boss Rafa Benitez is hopeful Javier Mascherano will shake off the hamstring injury that forced him to miss the midweek loss to Fiorentina
More Stories
* Bolton v Tottenham
* Burnley v Birmingham
* Hull v Wigan
* Wolves v Portsmouth
* Manchester United v Sunderland
* Everton v Stoke
* Arsenal v Blackburn
* West Ham v Fulham
* Chelsea v Liverpool
We have live minute-by-minute text coverage of every Premier League game! Click on the links on the right for predicted line-ups.
Kick-offs 15.00 unless stated.
SATURDAY
Burnley v Birmingham
Birmingham are without striker Christian Benitez who has flown home to Ecuador after his father was involved in a car accident. Stuart Parnaby, Franck Queudrue and James McFadden are expected to shake off injuries.
Burnley have been rocked by the news Jay Rodriguez is unlikely to play again this year on account of a fractured ankle and he joins Martin Paterson and Chris McCann in the treatment room.
Bolton v Tottenham
Bolton will be without Sweden striker Johan Elmander who has picked up a hamstring strain and he joins Sean Davis and Joey O'Brien on the sidelines.
Spurs' injury problems are easing, but Luka Modric and Jonathan Woodgate remain sidelined. Jermain Defoe may figure despite being troubled by a hand problem.
Hull v Wigan
Hull will give a late fitness test to Anthony Gardner who has missed the last four games with a knee injury, while Liam Cooper is a doubt with a hamstring complaint.
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is in the enviable position of having a fully-fit squad to select from.
Wolves v Portsmouth
Wolves will be without injured midfielder Segundo Castillo, with Michael Kightly in line to take his place. David Jones has undergone knee surgery and faces two months on the sidelines.
Steve Finnan is in line to make his Portsmouth return after his hamstring problem showed real improvement, but Papa Bouba Diop and Hermann Hreidarsson remain sidelined.
Manchester United v Sunderland (17.30)
The champions will be without striker Michael Owen, but his groin injury is not as bad as had initially been feared. Edwin van der Sar returned to training in midweek but is not yet fit enough for a recall.
Lee Cattermole is in contention after shaking off a heel problem and Phil Bardsley has shaken off a virus, but John Mensah is struggling with a calf injury.
SUNDAY
Arsenal v Blackburn (13.30)
Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner have been included in Arsenal's squad after overcoming injuries, but Eduardo is missing on account of a thigh problem. Manuel Almunia is still not over a chest infection, meaning Vito Mannone will continue in goal.
Blackburn travel to the capital shorn of the services of Vince Grella who misses out after being sent off against Aston Villa.
Everton v Stoke
Joseph Yobo faces a late fitness test on the hamstring injury he picked up on the eve of the Europa League clash with BATE Borisov, while Steve Pienaar is expected to miss out on account of a knee injury he picked up against Portsmouth.
Ricardo Fuller is Stoke's primary injury concern, with a groin problem still causing concern, but James Beattie and Liam Lawrence are expected to shake off knee and back problems respectively.
West Ham v Fulham
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is hopeful defender Brede Hangeland will shake off an ankle knock to feature against West Ham. The Cottagers will be without Damien Duff and Simon Davies.
Valon Behrami and Matthew Upson are set to shake off injuries to feature for The Hammers.
Chelsea v Liverpool (16.00)
Hilario will be thrown in for the visit of Liverpool, with Petr Cech sidelined after his sending off against Wigan.
Reds boss Rafa Benitez is hopeful Javier Mascherano will shake off the hamstring injury that forced him to miss the midweek loss to Fiorentina
Arsenal welcomes back Bendtner and Walcott
Arsenal will welcome back Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner for the visit of Blackburn on Sunday but Eduardo will be missing.
The England international has yet to figure in a competitive first-team game this season because of a back problem but he did have a successful run-out in a behind-closed-doors game with Olympiacos Under-20s on Tuesday.
Bendtner has fully recovered from his car crash over the weekend but Eduardo is out after aggravating a thigh muscle against the Greek side's senior team.
"Unfortunately, we lost Eduardo after he came on [against Olympiacos]," Arsène Wenger told Arsenal TV Online on Thursday.
"It was a gamble to play him and unfortunately his muscle injury got worse. He will be out. It is the same thigh muscle [as before] and has recurred a few times now. But Walcott and Bendtner are available."
Manuel Almunia (chest infection) has been missing since the defeat at Manchester City on September 12. The keeper is getting close to a return but, in all probability, it will not happen this weekend.
"Manuel Almunia is not far," said Wenger. "I will assess him Friday or Saturday but he looks unlikely to be ready."
On a brighter note, the manager revealed that Lukasz Fabianski (knee) and Samir Nasri (broken leg) were nearing a return to training. They have seen only 45 minutes of pre-season action between them this term.
"After the international break, both of them should be very close to being in the squad," said Wenger.
"They should be back in training before the end of the break. Then they will need a little bit of time to get back but they have had very good basic fitness work so once they practice with the team again it will be a very short time to wait."
The England international has yet to figure in a competitive first-team game this season because of a back problem but he did have a successful run-out in a behind-closed-doors game with Olympiacos Under-20s on Tuesday.
Bendtner has fully recovered from his car crash over the weekend but Eduardo is out after aggravating a thigh muscle against the Greek side's senior team.
"Unfortunately, we lost Eduardo after he came on [against Olympiacos]," Arsène Wenger told Arsenal TV Online on Thursday.
"It was a gamble to play him and unfortunately his muscle injury got worse. He will be out. It is the same thigh muscle [as before] and has recurred a few times now. But Walcott and Bendtner are available."
Manuel Almunia (chest infection) has been missing since the defeat at Manchester City on September 12. The keeper is getting close to a return but, in all probability, it will not happen this weekend.
"Manuel Almunia is not far," said Wenger. "I will assess him Friday or Saturday but he looks unlikely to be ready."
On a brighter note, the manager revealed that Lukasz Fabianski (knee) and Samir Nasri (broken leg) were nearing a return to training. They have seen only 45 minutes of pre-season action between them this term.
"After the international break, both of them should be very close to being in the squad," said Wenger.
"They should be back in training before the end of the break. Then they will need a little bit of time to get back but they have had very good basic fitness work so once they practice with the team again it will be a very short time to wait."
ANCELOTTI: INTELLIGENCE TEST
Carlo Ancelotti is billing Sunday's big match at Stamford Bridge as a chance to watch the world's supreme strikers in action. However the match will be decided by more than just a contest between them.
Didier Drogba has enjoyed himself against Liverpool over the past five seasons, netting seven times against the Merseysiders and creating many other goals, not least in a match at Anfield back in 2005 when he had a hand in every goal in a 4-1 win.
During Torres's two full seasons in England, the Spaniard has scored five goals against Chelsea.
'Now, in this moment, they are the two best strikers in the world and for the fans at this game it is very nice to see these strikers,' Ancelotti said as he began the build-up to his most major Chelsea game yet.
'But what happens on Sunday depends on the play of the team for sure, because the play of the strikers depends on how the team plays for them.'
The Chelsea team providing service for Drogba can include Michael Ballack. Ancelotti has confirmed the midfield is now over the calf strain that ruled him out of the last two games. Deco and Joe Cole have suffered no adverse reaction to their sub appearances in Cyprus.
It means the only players unavailable are John Obi Mikel (ankle), Alex (groin) and Petr Cech (suspended).
'Hilario has very good experience and we don't have a problem,' was the manager's view on being without his first choice keeper.
'Against Liverpool is an important test because Liverpool is an important team. They did fantastic seasons in the last few years and they have very good players. But we are happy to meet Liverpool in this moment and we have the possibility to win if we play better than Wednesday. I am sure we will play better.'
On the 1-0 win against APOEL that failed to convince, Ancelotti drew the matter to a close.
'When a game is not so good, we have to analyse and we did this. We have resolved the problem.
'Our objective is to play well because if you play well it the best way to win. I would like see Chelsea control the game on Sunday with intelligence. Playing against Liverpool will not be easy because they have a very good organisation defensively and they use the quality of the offensive players, of Torres and of Gerrard to attack.
'We have to be intelligent and read the situation of the game.
'Our players are used to playing these matches and it is important in these matches to have intensity and courage to play.'
Thierry Henry: I Will Return To Arsenal One Day
Barcelona striker Thierry Henry is convinced that one day he will return to Arsenal, the club where he made his name, though he is uncertain as to just what his role at the Emirates might be.
"I'd maybe watch a game or something like that. I really don't know. I'm trying to finish what I started 15 years ago," he told Sky Sports News.
"I've always said you go back to where you belong. I've never stopped saying that I love Arsenal and I'll one day go back there. How? I don't know – maybe a waterboy!
"I just love the club and one day I'll go back. [But] I'm not thinking about it right now."
Henry also had generous praise for Arsene Wenger, who today became the club's longest-serving manager, with 13 years in charge of the Gunners. It was Wenger who who turned Henry from a winger into an out-and-out striker.
"Arsene has been tremendous for Arsenal football club. He's done tremendously well," the Barcelona forward added.
"I'll never forget the club or him. He's been at Arsenal for 13 years. What a tremendous achievement. I don't see Arsenal without Arsene Wenger.
"I couldn't see Arsenal leaving Highbury, but it happened. I hope it will never happen for Arsene.
"He's the type of guy that you'd always associate with Arsenal, like Tony Adams, Ian Wright, Patrick Vieira and Bob Wilson.
"Arsenal was well-known for being a boring team and he's changed that as soon as he arrived with the style of play and trophies we won.
"He didn't have to convince me too much to come to play for Arsenal because that's what I wanted to do. I wanted to play for Arsenal, full-stop.
"I won't lie, it also helped that he was there. The best advice he gave me was, 'try to stop blaming others and try to see what you can do to help others'.
"He knew me from Monaco's youth-team. He saw me playing as a centre-forward. He couldn't understand why I was playing as a winger.
"I was already in the France squad and doing my thing on the left, he said to me, 'I don't want you playing on the left, you're wasting your time and you have to play through the middle'.
"He's the type of guy that makes you realize that you can do anything you want. Whenever a player comes to play for Arsenal they suddenly become better. I don't know why or how?
"He will let you do what you have to do, when he knows that it is the time to let you play – and on another side when he has to talk with you and be honest, he will always do it.
"The most important thing is it is a pleasure to play under him and to train with him because he wants his team to play football. He's a great human being on top of everything."
"I'd maybe watch a game or something like that. I really don't know. I'm trying to finish what I started 15 years ago," he told Sky Sports News.
"I've always said you go back to where you belong. I've never stopped saying that I love Arsenal and I'll one day go back there. How? I don't know – maybe a waterboy!
"I just love the club and one day I'll go back. [But] I'm not thinking about it right now."
Henry also had generous praise for Arsene Wenger, who today became the club's longest-serving manager, with 13 years in charge of the Gunners. It was Wenger who who turned Henry from a winger into an out-and-out striker.
"Arsene has been tremendous for Arsenal football club. He's done tremendously well," the Barcelona forward added.
"I'll never forget the club or him. He's been at Arsenal for 13 years. What a tremendous achievement. I don't see Arsenal without Arsene Wenger.
"I couldn't see Arsenal leaving Highbury, but it happened. I hope it will never happen for Arsene.
"He's the type of guy that you'd always associate with Arsenal, like Tony Adams, Ian Wright, Patrick Vieira and Bob Wilson.
"Arsenal was well-known for being a boring team and he's changed that as soon as he arrived with the style of play and trophies we won.
"He didn't have to convince me too much to come to play for Arsenal because that's what I wanted to do. I wanted to play for Arsenal, full-stop.
"I won't lie, it also helped that he was there. The best advice he gave me was, 'try to stop blaming others and try to see what you can do to help others'.
"He knew me from Monaco's youth-team. He saw me playing as a centre-forward. He couldn't understand why I was playing as a winger.
"I was already in the France squad and doing my thing on the left, he said to me, 'I don't want you playing on the left, you're wasting your time and you have to play through the middle'.
"He's the type of guy that makes you realize that you can do anything you want. Whenever a player comes to play for Arsenal they suddenly become better. I don't know why or how?
"He will let you do what you have to do, when he knows that it is the time to let you play – and on another side when he has to talk with you and be honest, he will always do it.
"The most important thing is it is a pleasure to play under him and to train with him because he wants his team to play football. He's a great human being on top of everything."
Alex Ferguson Reveals Midfield 'Headache' At Manchester United
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has acknowledged today that he is beginning to face a pretty knotty dilemma when it comes to selecting his midfield.
Darren Fletcher has matured into one of the finest midfielders in Britain, whilst veterans Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs continue to defy the passage of time with their fine performances.
Anderson and Michael Carrick turned in fine displays against VfL Wolfsburg, whilst Owen Hargreaves is due to return from injury in November.
Darron Gibson is also developing well, and Ferguson admits that making a selection is becoming increasingly tricky.
“Our two central midfielders – Carrick and Anderson – were fantastic against Wolfsburg, and I thought Fletcher and Scholes were outstanding at Stoke. It is giving me a real headache," the Scotsman told reporters at his Friday press conference.
“Michael [Carrick] is always a slow starter. But we got some juice on the ground on Wednesday night and he seemed to revel in that. We’re pleased that his form is coming right. He knows himself that he’s not a quick starter. But I thought he was fantastic on Wednesday. I was really pleased for him.
"Anderson impressed me too, and his form in the last few weeks has been top, he’s looked very, very good.
"Darron is an exceptional young player, but he is having to bide his time. He will get opportunities this season, though, I’m certain of that."
As for Scholes, Ferguson feels that the former England international could be the finest United player of all time, whilst the sheer energy of Giggs still amazes him.
“On Saturday against Stoke [Scholes] gave an absolutely masterful performance," he added.
"It was incredible. He had 78 passes in the match and four were off target. Four. It’s a phenomenal rate. As Tony Pulis said after the game, I can’t think of a better United player I’ve seen. You can understand that because when you see that kind of performance, it’s wonderful.
"They [Giggs and Scholes] defy their age and the enthusiasm, confidence and maturity that is in their game, it’s refreshing to see that players can retain these qualities for such a long time.”
Darren Fletcher has matured into one of the finest midfielders in Britain, whilst veterans Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs continue to defy the passage of time with their fine performances.
Anderson and Michael Carrick turned in fine displays against VfL Wolfsburg, whilst Owen Hargreaves is due to return from injury in November.
Darron Gibson is also developing well, and Ferguson admits that making a selection is becoming increasingly tricky.
“Our two central midfielders – Carrick and Anderson – were fantastic against Wolfsburg, and I thought Fletcher and Scholes were outstanding at Stoke. It is giving me a real headache," the Scotsman told reporters at his Friday press conference.
“Michael [Carrick] is always a slow starter. But we got some juice on the ground on Wednesday night and he seemed to revel in that. We’re pleased that his form is coming right. He knows himself that he’s not a quick starter. But I thought he was fantastic on Wednesday. I was really pleased for him.
"Anderson impressed me too, and his form in the last few weeks has been top, he’s looked very, very good.
"Darron is an exceptional young player, but he is having to bide his time. He will get opportunities this season, though, I’m certain of that."
As for Scholes, Ferguson feels that the former England international could be the finest United player of all time, whilst the sheer energy of Giggs still amazes him.
“On Saturday against Stoke [Scholes] gave an absolutely masterful performance," he added.
"It was incredible. He had 78 passes in the match and four were off target. Four. It’s a phenomenal rate. As Tony Pulis said after the game, I can’t think of a better United player I’ve seen. You can understand that because when you see that kind of performance, it’s wonderful.
"They [Giggs and Scholes] defy their age and the enthusiasm, confidence and maturity that is in their game, it’s refreshing to see that players can retain these qualities for such a long time.”
Adebayor Hit With Suspended Two-Game Ban & £25,000 Fine
Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor has been handed a £25,000 fine and a suspended ban of two games by the FA following his charge for improper conduct.
The charge related to his goal celebration in front of opposition fans during City's victory over Arsenal at Eastlands earlier this month.
City boss Mark Hughes had earlier asserted that he didn't feel the celebration was worthy of any further sanction, following the three-game ban given to Adebayor for violent conduct during the same fixture – Adebayor kicked Gunners striker Robin van Persie in the face during the game.
The player's celebration triggered a disorderly reaction from the London club's fans in the away end, which was a matter of concern for Greater Manchester Police.
Yet Hughes will able to select the player for Monday night's eagerly anticipated clash with Aston Villa at Villa Park.
The charge related to his goal celebration in front of opposition fans during City's victory over Arsenal at Eastlands earlier this month.
City boss Mark Hughes had earlier asserted that he didn't feel the celebration was worthy of any further sanction, following the three-game ban given to Adebayor for violent conduct during the same fixture – Adebayor kicked Gunners striker Robin van Persie in the face during the game.
The player's celebration triggered a disorderly reaction from the London club's fans in the away end, which was a matter of concern for Greater Manchester Police.
Yet Hughes will able to select the player for Monday night's eagerly anticipated clash with Aston Villa at Villa Park.
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