Chelsea had to come from behind in the highly-anticipated clash between last season’s Premier League runners-up and reigning champions Manchester United, a match that ended in a 1-1 stalemate.



In a fast-paced clash at Stamford Bridge, the visitors took the lead in the 18th minute as Park Ji-Sung following up Petr Cech’s parry and slotted the ball home, before substitute Salomon Kalou headed his side level with 10 minutes remaining.

Sir Alex Ferguson surprisingly opted to drop Carlos Tevez to the bench, with the Argentinean joining Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the many attacking options the Premier League champions could call upon.

Similarly, Jonny Evans retained his place in the line-up ahead of Wes Brown, while Chelsea were dealt a major blow prior to kick off as Deco injured himself in the warm-up, meaning Michael Ballack had to step in to take the Portugal international’s place.

First Half

Both teams looked lively in the early exchanges, with the visitors belying suggestions that they would look to sit back and absorb the pressure as Darren Fletcher had an effort blocked and then fired wide early on.

The Red Devils went close to breaking the deadlock after ten minutes in an astonishing run of play. Cech’s clearance reached only as far as Dimitar Berbatov 40 yards out, and the Bulgarian’s volley found Wayne Rooney on the edge of the box. The England striker’s own volley then flew just wide in what would have been an extraordinary goal.

There was to be a further injury blow for The Blues as Ricardo Carvalho had to be replaced by Alex due to suspected ligament damage, and with the hosts having to reorganise themselves once again, United pushed on.

Nicolas Anelka’s wayward ball was collected by Berbatov, who in turn played in Rio Ferdinand of all people, and the defender’s subsequent effort required the full attentions of Cech who tipped it over.

The pressure finally paid off for Ferguson’s men, and it came courtesy of some fine link-up play between the blossoming Rooney-Berbatov partnership. Patrice Evra burst down the left, played the ball into the middle which saw the two Red Devils strikers bamboozle The Blues’ defence, and it was eventually played into the six yard box. While Berbatov’s initial effort was saved by Cech, the Chelsea goalkeeper couldn’t keep hold of it, allowing Park to fire home the rebound.

The home side rallied in the hope of finding an equaliser, and they were almost gifted one as Gary Neville’s tame headed backpass towards Edwin van der Sar was collected by Florent Malouda, but the Frenchman’s shot was blocked by the visitor’s goalkeeper to hand his team-mate a reprieve.

However, the Dutch shot-stopper forced the Red Devils into a change of their own as he sustained an injury, with Ferguson having to call upon the services of Tomasz Kuszczak, and he was immediately required as he collected Frank Lampard’s blocked shot.

Chelsea were beginning to gain a foothold of processions, Alex being the next in line to shoot on goal from 25 yards out, and while the Brazilian’s effort was parried by the Poland international, Ferdinand was the first to the ball and he cleared.

The visitors had a glorious chance to extend their lead as Rooney picked up the ball on the right and played it to Berbatov’s feet, and all the Red Devils’ forward needed to do was find Park with a simple lay-off for a great opportunity. However, the Bulgaria hit-man played a sloppy ball behind the midfielder, and the chance went begging much to the fury of Ferguson on the touchline.

Second Half

As expected by the home crowd, Didier Drogba was introduced to proceedings just two minutes into the second half as Malouda made way, and he immediately made his presence felt with aerial battles against Evans and then Kuszczak.

United were still dangerous on the break and, as Chelsea committed men forward, it allowed Rooney to dispossess Mikel John Obi and burst forward in a move that eventually saw goalscorer Park fire well over from 20 yards.

Ferdinand was in imperious form as he cut out a dangerous ball from Joe Cole in a piece of defending that could quite easily have ended in an own goal, and shortly after Ronaldo was added to the game in a bold move by Ferguson – the visitors had three forwards in the game, despite their 1-0 lead.

Chelsea were still toiling and a superb interchange between Drogba and Ballack saw the latter play an inch-perfect ball over-the-top for Joe Cole to run onto, but his shot - in what was a guilt-edged chance to equalise - was straight at Kuszczak who collected it comfortably.

Anelka had another half-chance to volley his side level, but his connection with the ball from 12 yards was weak and the ball dribbled wide, and events took a turn for the worse as the Frenchman missed failed to convert an effort into the open goal.

Joe Cole, who was increasingly influential as the game progressed, got beyond Evra and played in a dangerous ball which evaded Kuszczak but Anelka, unmarked at the far post, unbelievably failed to find the net. Scolari had his head in his hands, and it was no surprise as another chance for Chelsea went begging.

The Premier League champions responded with an opportunity of their own which could have sealed the points, Ronaldo crossing in from the left towards Rooney at the back post, but the former Everton man could only find the side-netting.

Chelsea finally found a way through the stern United defence, but it was a goal that will have left Ferguson seething with his players. Kalou, introduced with 15 minutes to go, rose highest to meet a free-kick and head into the back of the Red Devils’ goal, despite the forward being surrounded by a host of opposing players.

After an initial lull following the equaliser, The Blues had a chance to seize the lead as Kalou’s shot was deflected just over by Neville after a rapid counter-attack, and then it was United’s turn to go close as Alex dived in superbly to block Fletcher’s goal-bound shot.

There were to be no further clear-cut chances for either side as the final minutes were played out, and as the final whistle was blown, both manager’s will have been satisfied with the point – Scolari after starting defeat in the face for so long in the game, and Ferguson having seen his players perform to a much higher standard after last weekend’s defeat.

Teams:

Chelsea: Petr Cech, John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho (Alex 12'), Ashley Cole, Jose Bosingwa, Frank Lampard, Florent Malouda (Didier Drogba 46'), Deco, Michael Ballack (Salomon Kalou 74), John Mikel Obi, Nicolas Anelka, Joe Cole. Substitutes (Not Used): Carlo Cudicini, Wayne Bridge, Paulo ferreira, Juliano Belletti.

Manchester United: Edwin van der Sar (Tomasz Kusczcak 32'), Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, Patrice Evra, Paul Scholes (Cristiano Ronaldo 55'), Darren Fletcher, Park Ji-Sung (John O'Shea 75'), Owen Hargreaves, Dimitar Berbatov, Wayne Rooney, Substitutes (Not Used): Wes Brown, Ryan Giggs, Carlos Tevez, Nani

Goals

Chelsea: Kalou (80')

Manchester United: Park (18')

Will Wood

Seguir leyendo...

Manchester City comprehensively dismantled Portsmouth as they cruised to a 6- 0 victory over the FA Cup holders in a wholly one-sided affair at the City of Manchester stadium.

Brazilian Jo followed up his midweek brace with the opener, before captain Richard Dunne added a second shortly after.

On-song Stephen Ireland had a key role in the next two strikes, setting up Robinho for his second for the club and then Shaun Wright-Phillips to make it 4-0.

Youngster Ched Evans added a fifth before Gelson Fernandes added insult to injury to complete the rout.

First Half

Having been unveiled to the fans prior to kick-off having formally completed the takeover of City, Khaldoon Al Mubarak had little time to wait for the entertainment as Jo and Robinho linked up superbly to send the latter through in the opening minutes, and the subsequent shot forced David James to save at full stretch.

Wright-Phillips' persistent gallops down the right were causing havoc from the off, but it was the Brazilian duo up front for City that once again carved an opening after just 13 minutes, with Jo eventually collecting his team-mate's pass and rounding James before slotting his side in front.

It was two shortly after, with Elano's cross met by the head of Dunne who directed the ball into the open goal, sparking wild celebrations around the 29-year old on his birthday.

Peter Crouch had a glaring opportunity to bring his side back into the game as Glen Johnson snuck behind Dunne and cut the ball back, but the England international succeeded only in playing the ball wide of the post.

The visitors endeavoured to find a goal of their own, and Pablo Zabaleta had to be alert to block Sol Campbell's header on the line.

Second Half

So far, so comfortable for the hosts, and processions became even more favourable for them just ten minutes into the second half. Ireland played a clever chip over the head of Sylvain Distin into the path of Jo, and the forward fed Robinho who in turn curled the ball beyond James from 15 yards.

Another ten minutes passed and Ireland was on hand to set up a teammate once again, this time Wright-Phillips benefitting from his array of passing qualities as he collected a through ball and blasted the ball beyond the Pompey shot-stopper at his near post.

The onlooking crowd barely had chance to catch breath, and another sublime attacking move by the Eastlanders saw Robinho collect Elano's pass, play the ball inside to Wright-Phillips and the diminutive midfielder back-heeled into the path of Evans who did the rest. It was a lovely move, and Wright-Phillips contribution in particular caught the visiting defence flat-footed.

The icing was added to the proverbial cake as James made a hash of Javier Garrido's cross to conclude a humiliating afternoon for the veteran stopper. Fernandes was on-hand to knock the ball into the goal to cap off a marvellous afternoon for Mark Hughes, while Harry Redknapp will return to the south coast in furious spirits.

Will Wood

Seguir leyendo...

What: Barclays Premier League
Who: Liverpool (2nd, 7pts) v Manchester United (9th, 4pts)
When: Saturday, 13th September, Kick-off: 12:45 BST
Where: Anfield, Liverpool

The Eighteenth Hole

Mark Hughes may like to think that his Manchester City side’s clash with Chelsea later on Saturday takes star billing in this weekend’s Premier League fixture list, but some 45,000 fans inside Anfield - plus, no doubt, a global TV audience of millions - will beg to differ when Liverpool and Manchester United lock horns again in a lunch-time showdown that will inevitably offer clues about this season‘s title race.

The ‘Clash of the Cash’ at Eastlands in the early evening will be a fascinating encounter for all sports of reasons, but few would accept that a meeting between the North-West’s two red-clad armies is no longer the main event. And while City and Chelsea may boss the richest sugar-daddies in the League, neither Liverpool nor United can be accused of penny-pinching, having this summer alone sunk more than £50 million between them into parting Tottenham from their strike-force.

United‘s deadline-day swoop for Dimitar Berbatov followed Liverpool‘s earlier capture of the Bulgarian‘s erstwhile scoring partner at White Hart Lane, Robbie Keane. Typically, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson sought to lob a psychological doubt into the Liverpool camp by questioning the high price Rafa Benitez was prepared to pay for Keane, a player whose value he has previously implied is somewhat inflated. Fergie’s mischief-making with the press is unlikely to cut much ice at Anfield, where the only sensible response is to ram his words down his throat on the pitch, though that has proved to be easier said than done in recent seasons.

That’s underlined by the fact that United are chasing a sixth successive Premier League victory over their Merseyside rivals, and their third in a row at Anfield. Indeed, Liverpool have suffered more Premier League defeats (18), dropped more points (68) and conceded more goals (48) to Manchester United than to any other club.

Those statistics make painful reading for anyone associated with Liverpool, and one can only imagine what the ghosts of Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley have made of the last 18 seasons. Eighteen, of course, is a highly evocative number in the context of battles between these two giants, separated by 33 miles of East Lancs Road or, if you prefer, M62 motorway.

For while Liverpool can still proudly boast more top-flight English titles - 18 - than any other club, they haven’t added to their haul since 1990. And with consecutive triumphs in the last two seasons, United have closed to within one title of their bitter rivals. When you consider that, at the time Kenny Dalglish’s Reds lifted the club’s 18^th title in 1990, United’s tally was a modest seven, the seismic nature of the power-shift in Lancashire can be graphically understood. If United successfully defend their title again this season, they will not only claim an unprecedented second hat-trick of championships, but also equal Liverpool’s record total of titles. That is a prospect almost too awful to contemplate for many Reds fans. Never has Liverpool’s quest for that elusive next title been more urgent.

Advantage Liverpool?

The good news for Liverpool is that they can go three points clear at the top of the table - for two hours at least - if they can achieve their tenth successive home league victory. To do so at United’s expense would be sweet indeed. United are down in ninth at the moment, partly because they’ve played a game fewer than all except Fulham, their clash wityh the Cottagers having been postponed while they went to Monaco for their ill-fated Super Cup defeat by Zenit St Petersburg.

But United were the only opponents who left Anfield with all three points last season - and Ferguson boasts an unbeaten record against Benitez of seven wins and one draw. Rafa’s one success was in an FA Cup fifth round tie in February 2006.

The context for this match is that both sides have been without most of their squads for ten days because of the international break - and that both will be seeking the boost to morale of a win to carry them into their first Champions League group matches next week.

Noises Off-Stage

Inevitably in the build-up to such a big game there have been plenty of comments, and some verbal sniping, from both camps. As noted, Fergie has queried the wisdom of Liverpool’s purchase of Robbie Keane, the Irishman shrugging off the slight by insisting football is a game of opinions - and adding that in his, John O’Shea should start every game for United. Meanwhile, Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa, reflecting on the bitter disappointment of last season’s home defeat by United, claimed that the game is worth much more than three points.

“If we beat Manchester United at home, we will have 10 points and much more confidence, but everyone will also be very, very happy.”

His team-mate Fabio Aurelio (famous among other things for the fact that his surname uses every available vowel), chipped in with: “We need to try and change the history. In recent years, it has been difficult against them, but we have a great opportunity to change that on Saturday.”

Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano, who recklessly got himself sent off during last season’s showdown between the teams at Old Trafford, reckons: "It’s a match we need to win if we want to compete for the title. We can do that and push for honours. The fans deserve it."

The trick, of course, is walking the walk as well as talking the talk, as Reds defender Jamie Carragher knows only too well. He admits United have been better than Liverpool in recent derbies, and told BBC Radio Merseyside: "I'm not a great believer in being lucky or unlucky. I'm a big believer in 'you get what you deserve'.

"United over the last few years have probably edged it with us and small details in football make a difference. That's why they've been better than us and that's something we need to liven up.”

Meanwhile, from Old Trafford, there have been some bullish noises too, including former United defender Gary Pallister saying Liverpool will again fail to contest the title this season. He insists the Reds cannot sustain a challenge over the course of the whole season. He even suggests that things could quickly go pear-shaped for Benitez if he a loser again at Anfield.

"I can't see them challenging this year. I thought they might put together a sustained challenge last year and they didn't manage to do so. I don't feel as though they can this year either," he told the Daily Star. “Under Benitez they've been playing for fourth spot. That's not good enough for Liverpool fans. They expect to be up there fighting for league championships - and that hasn't happened. It would have a big effect on their season if they lose. If they lose badly it would be even more damaging. To lose at home to one of your main rivals is a huge blow."

The current United players have been fairly muted about Liverpool. Berbatov has been insisting he’s not lazy; Ryan Giggs has been predicting the Bulgarian will be an instant success for United; and Wayne Rooney has been talking more about resurgent England than the Premiership this week, having ended his 11-month goal drought for the Three Lions with an impressive performance.

But the other significant off-stage noise surrounding this gamer could well come from Liverpool fans planning to protest against the clubs two American owners, George Gillett and Tom Hicks. Will that strike a chord among United fans who wanted nothing to do with the Glazer-buy-out of their club? It should do, but parochial enmity could well mean United fans mocking rather than sympathising with their Scouse rivals.

FORM GUIDE

Liverpool have lost one of their last 16 games in all competitions - a 2-3 reverse at Stamford Bridge at the hands of Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final second leg. They are unbeaten in 10 Premier League matches, of which they’ve won seven and drawn three. Ironically, their last League defeat was a 3-0 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford in March. And their last home defeat was also by United nine months ago. That 1-0 defeat, inflicted by a Carlos Tevez goal, was Liverpool’s only loss at Anfield in their last 24. But they’ve not not beaten a fellow 'Big Four' club in six attempts. This season, the Reds have beaten Sunderland away, Middlesbrough at home and drawn with Aston Villa away in the League, while squeezing through in extra-time against Standard Liege in a Champions League qualifier to secure entry to the lucrative group stage.

United’s last outing was that 2-1 defeat by Zenit St Petersburg in the European Super Cup on 29th August. They’ve played only two Premier League fixtures to date, a 1-1 home draw against Newcastle United and a 1-09 win at Fratton Park against Portsmouth. They’ve won 10, drawn three and lost one of their last 14 Premier League games, collecting 10 points from the last 12 on offer since Chelsea beat the 2-1 away on 26th April. That was United’s first reverse in their last eight games against fellow 'Big Four' clubs.

Last Five Matches

Liverpool

31 Aug: Aston Villa 0-0 Liverpool (EPL)

27 Aug: Liverpool 1-0 Standard Liege (CLQ)

23 Aug: Liverpool 2-1 Middlesbrough (EPL)

16 Aug: Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool (EPL)

13 Aug: Standard Liege 0-0 Liverpool (CLQ)

Manchester United

29 Aug: Man Utd 1-2 Zenit St Petersburg (N) (Super Cup)

25 Aug: Portsmouth 0-1 Man Utd (EPL)

17 Aug: Man Utd 1-1 Newcastle Utd (EPL)

10 Aug: Man Utd 0-0 Portsmouth (N) (Community Shield) (Utd won 3-1 on pens)

04 Aug: Peterborough Utd 0-2 Man Utd (Friendly)

TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Benitez was given a major boost today when two of his key players, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, were both declared fit to face United.

Gerrard missed England's 4-1 win in Croatia on Wednesday after undergoing a minor groin operation, and Torres has recovered from a hamstring tear, so both stars are included in Rafa’s squad after successfully completing Friday’s light training session.

"They are both much better," said Benitez. "They came through a full training session this morning. It's important for us to have these two players of quality who can change a game. I'm not surprised they are available because the medical staff have done a good job and the players have been working really hard with the physios to get fit."

Albert Riera is in line to make his Liverpool debut after joining the club from Espanyol on transfer deadline day. But Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva will miss the game after a long-haul flight back to Merseyside from international duty in South America. And both Sami Hyypia and Philipp Degen could miss out with hamstring and groin injuries, respectively.

Squad: Reina, Cavalieri, Dossena, Hyypia, Keane, Gerrard, Torres, Aurelio, Alonso, Benayoun, Arbeloa, Agger, Kuyt, Babel, Mascherano, Carragher, Ngog, Plessis, El Zhar, Skrtel, Riera.

Possible Starting XI: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Dossenaa, Kuyt, Mascherano, Gerrard, Riera, Keane, Torres.

Manchester United

The club’s expensive transfer deadline-day recruit, Dimitar Berbatov, will almost certainly make his debut for the club, despite his fitness levels having been questioned by United’s coaching staff following his arrival from Tottenham.

Ferguson had doubts about the fitness of three potentially key men, but has been boosted by the prospect of having the trio back in contention for United’s first Premier League game in almost three weeks.

Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick all now look likely to be fit and available to face Liverpool. Ferdinand missed England's 2-0 victory over Andorra on Saturday because of neck and back injuries, but recovered to play his part in the Three Lions’ resounding 4-1 thrashing of Croatia in Zagreb last night.

Giggs, 34, had been suffering with a hamstring problem but could be involved if he comes through a late fitness test. And Carrick is now expected to be available following an ankle injury.

But Cristiano Ronaldo and Owen Hargreaves are still undergoing treatment.

Squad: Van der Sar, Neville, Evra, Ferdinand, Brown, Anderson, Berbatov, Rooney, Giggs, Park, Vidic, Carrick, Nani, Scholes, R. Da Silva, O’Shea, Evans, Fletcher, Tevez, Kuszczak.

Possible Starting XI: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Anderson, Fletcher, Scholes, Tevez, Rooney, Berbatov.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

All eyes will inevitably be on former Tottenham strike partners Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov, now on opposite sides and keen to prove t5hey were worth their respective big fees. Keane has appeared over-anxious so far for the Reds, so a more measure approach to this titanic struggle could pay dividends for him. Trying too hard is not an accusation Berbatov has often had directed at him, but he show more than his usual economy of movement oh his debut for United. Like Keane on moving to Anfield, Berba described his switch to Old Trafford as a ’dream’ (cue yawns). It may well be a dream move for Rooney, whose game has cried out for some time for the sort of vision, touch and guile that Berbatov can provide in the form of telling assists. On the other hand, Jamie Carragher will be at his most dogged and determined in trying to turn the tide in these North-West derbies, and will neither ask nor give a quarter to either United front man.

PREDICTION

Recent history points to United maintaining their hex on Liverpool, but then neither side have found anything like approaching top gear so far this season. This is the just the type of game to sort the men from the boys, the serious contenders from the mere hopefuls, though at this stage of the campaign no outcome will be decisive - and you’d still expect both sides to be in contention next April when the season moves towards its climax.

Their recent dominance over Liverpool means United may turn up at Anfield expecting to win, which could suit Liverpool. If United do win, they will have to halt a run: Liverpool have won their last nine home league games and are unbeaten at Anfield in the league this calendar year. Perhaps surprisingly, too, since February the Reds have been the best team in the Premier League with 13 wins, four draws and one defeat from 18 games. Meanwhile United have won only one of their four games so far this season during the regulation 90 minutes. And the last time Liverpool endured an eight-match winless streak against United in the league (1996-2000), they endede the sequence in the ninth meeting by winning 1-0 (and going on to do the double over United that season).

It’s also true that in none of the last eight clashes between these two sides have both teams got on the score-sheet - but that could change tomorrow with a scoring draw.

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester United

Graham Lister

Seguir leyendo...

Sir Alex Ferguson has come out firing following Mark Hughes' claim that he Manchester City - Chelsea clash has become a bigger fixture than Manchester United against Liverpool on the same day.

"I had better check what Mark has had for his breakfast because something must be upsetting him," scoffed Ferguson.

"How many games did he play for United against Liverpool? Our game is the biggest. It is a great game."

The fact is that the 'Clash of the Cash' set for Saturday tea-time, by which time the outcome of the Anfield clash will be known, is a sell-out at Eastlands, despite being shown live on Setanta Sports. And the pre-match interest from the media is so great that the venue of Hughes' scheduled press conference has had to be moved to the stadium to accommodate the high number journalists and film crews eager to catch it.

A record attendance is expected at Eastlands where the home fans will have heir first opportunity to greet news of the new regime, plus Robinho, and welcome back popular winger Shaun-Wright Phillips - coincidentally sold back to City by Chelsea.

Sir Alex uncharacteristically held his tongue when reports broke that newly mega-wealthy City are already plotting to prise Cristiano Ronaldo away with a January bid that would gazump the current world record, but now he has come out swinging.

"There has been a lot of talk but it is a different matter when it actually comes to getting those players," added the Scot.

"To think they could get Cristiano Ronaldo for instance is absolutely absurd.

"Negotiations are not easy nowadays, as we found with Dimitar.

"Yes, we have bought big players, but Manchester United is not a cash cow, as people are talking about other clubs at the moment.

"At the moment it is all talk. We have seen it before and it will happen again.

"It depends how much money they want to throw at it but even then it doesn't always work," he was keen to point out.

"You can buy 11 individuals and not have a team as Sunderland proved.

"When Chelsea did it we worried because we saw the quality they were bringing in. They got Michael Essien for £27million, which was a level we could not reach.

"You could tell they would be a handful.

"It is very difficult to say what will happen with City but we should not concern ourselves with what people are planning to do because it does not always work."

Ferguson concluded by insisting that United is built to rise to any threat.

"There is always a challenge at this club," he continued.

"Four years ago when Jose Mourinho went to Chelsea it represented a different challenge from Arsenal.

"They were the new kids on the block and we had to reassess our approach. We accepted the challenge.

"What you see here today has not been created overnight.

"This club has been built up over many years and will be here for a long time."

Derek Wanner, Goal.com

Seguir leyendo...

Goal.com invites you, the reader, to weigh in on the debate surrounding Robinho's transfer to Manchester City. Did he make the right choice, or should he have held out for a January move to Chelsea? Should he have left Madrid at all? You decide...

Few transfers this summer ignited as much controversy and discussion as did Robinho's move to Manchester City. England's most expensive import, the Brazilian left Real Madrid under a cloud in search of pastures new.

Of course, he - and everyone else - thought that Chelsea would be his destination, at least until City, flush with Dubai dinero, swooped in at the last minute to bring him to Eastlands.

Thus this wonder winger won't be playing Champions League football this season - nor perhaps even next - as he teams up with Mark Hughes instead of Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Is this at all proper? Is it right? Many have questioned his wisdom in forcing an exit from Madrid, only to arrive at a UEFA Cup side. Some feel that he should have waited until January in the hope that Madrid lost their nerve and sold him to Chelsea; others still argue that he shouldn't have sought to leave the Bernabéu at all, and instead he should have made his peace with the club over 'Ronaldogate' and his being kept back from the Olympics.

Others still will say that, with newly-minted City, he has every chance of achieving his dream of the Ballon d'Or in the next few years, and that a lucrative opportunity like this was too great to pass up.

Could be. But what do you think? Click here to vote and we'll announce the results on Monday... after the Manchester City versus Chelsea game, of course!

Seguir leyendo...

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out of England’s World Cup qualifier with Andorra on Saturday evening with a back problem.

Central defender Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out by England boss Fabio Capello at the pre-match news conference ahead of the game at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona.

It is expected that the former Leeds and West Ham defender will be fit for the Three Lions’ crunch game against Croatia next week, meaning that there is no reason to risk the Champions League winner against the part-time Andorra team.

"He is the only one in the squad who is not 100 percent fit,” Capello revealed to the press.

"But it is not a serious injury and I think he will be fit to face Croatia next week."

Ferdinand’s back ailment has prevented him from taking part in any training this week.

As a result of the player’s absence Joleon Lescott, Wesley Brown and Matthew Upson are all competing to partner captain John Terry at centre-back. The omission of Jonathan Woodgate now seems more puzzling however, after Capello revealed that he had expected Ferdinand to miss the game.

Ferdinand, who debuted for his nation in 1997, has 69 caps for his nation and has scored 2 international goals.

Chris Myson, Goal.com

Seguir leyendo...

Arsenal and Spain midfielder Cesc Fàbregas has made it clear that he has no intentions of being part of Manchester City’s football and transfer revolution by joining them anytime in the near future.

Cesc has given a pre-emptive response to any future advances cash-filled Manchester City may make for him by declaring that he will never join the Eastlands club.

The 21 year old Arsenal man, back in Spain for his country’s World Cup qualifiers told Barcelona-based daily Sport bluntly: "It would be suicidal for my career at my 21 years of age to move to City. It would make no sense."

The Citizens, currently owned by Abu Dhabi United Group, have already been linked to a number of the world’s biggest and best players including Ruud van Nistlerooy, Fernando Torres, Kaká and Gianluigi Buffon.

KS Leong

Seguir leyendo...

Spain’s goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas says that he does not hold any resentment towards Robinho after the Brazilian superstar decided to leave Real Madrid.

Robinho caused quite a ruckus at the Real Madrid camp during the summer when he made his now infamous public pleas to leave the Santiago Bernabéu.

He was eventually allowed to leave to sign for Manchester City but the club’s goalkeeper, Iker Casillas confessed that he does not have any ill-feelings towards the 24 year old.

“It is not something I am pre-occupied with because it’s all in the past. Every player decides on their own future and Robinho has chosen to leave Real Madrid,” the Spanish international captain revealed during La Selección’s press conference.

“I am grateful for what he has done for the team and I wish him all the best in Manchester City,” he added.

Casillas was then asked if Robinho’s exit coupled with the club’s failure to sign their intended targets, such as the player who was sitting next to him in the press call, David Villa, has disrupted the squad dynamics.

“I don’t think it has changed anything. And I do not believe that these players said no to Real Madrid.

“They all want to come but obviously, there are negotiations and it is necessary to come to an agreement first,” he theorized.

Real Madrid saw their jinx at the Riazor continue last weekend when they slumped to a 2-1 defeat. The league will resume next Saturday at the conclusion of the International break and Los Merengues will welcome newly promoted Numancia to the Bernabéu cauldron.

KS Leong

Seguir leyendo...

Milan and Italy defender Gianluca Zambrotta has taken a swipe at the English game, insisting that they have no right to criticise the Italians after the Three Lions failed to qualify for Euro 2008.

Zambrotta has reignited the fiery slanging match between England and Italy after he was asked what he thought of an article published in The Times, which described Serie A as a “retirement home for old players,” and “a get rich quick scheme.”

The stopper has hit back with some tough words for the English.

“Retirement home? That’s all I need at 31,” joked Zambrotta.

“I have all the experience to be able to motivate myself.

“What makes me laugh is that the English are always the first to talk when they should be the last. Just look at them, they didn’t even qualify for Euro 2008.”

Certainties

The former Barcelona man then spoke about his new life at Milan following his return to Serie A and he insists that the game in Italy is always moving onwards and upwards.

“The impact of Milan is simple: they are a top club and well organised like Juventus,” added Zambro.

“I think the quality of Serie A has improved, but then you always have the same certainties like Maurizio Zamparini firing the coach after the first game.”

The Rossonero is currently on international duty with La Nazionale as he tries to help defend the World Cup trophy they won in 2006.

Italy have travelled to Lanarca to take on Cyprus on Saturday night in group 8 of the World Cup South Africa 2010 qualifying campaign.

Salvatore Landolina

Seguir leyendo...

In the wake of Robinho's late surprise transfer from Real Madrid to Manchester City for a British record fee, Brazilian legend Pele believes the former Santos forward needs 'counselling', his words are echoed by fellow Brazilians...

Robinho effectively forced his exit from Real Madrid. The forward yearned to switch capital cities and join Chelsea, but it was Los Merengues who had the final say in the matter, refusing to do business with the Stamford Bridge side and accepting the £32.5million fee from Eastlands.

Madrid knew they had to cash in on Robinho as Roman Calderon is quoted by France 24 as saying: "Robinho has a morale problem more extensive than we first thought... When he talked about his situation, he cried and demanded to leave Spain."

Pele is disgusted by the behaviour of his fellow Brazilian: "Chelsea are lucky. This boy needs some serious counselling. In my view he has been badly advised," Football 365 quote him to say.

Santos President, Marcelo Teixeira added: "This is one of the most disgraceful episodes in Brazilian football... He is a player who is an idol to children... But he has not acted like one."

Jose Fernandos, Santos manager said: "We are ashamed at having produced such a player."

Alan Dawson

Seguir leyendo...

The Sun reports that Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari is livid after top target Robinho signed for Manchester City...

The Blues had been odds-on to land the Brazilian superstar after he declared his desire to leave Real Madrid sign on at Stamford Bridge.

Los Merengues had accepted a £28.4million bid and the deal was all but complete when Chelsea's impatience effectively scuppered the transaction.

The London giants jumped the gun to disastrous effect when they began selling shirts emblazoned with Robinho's name through their online shop last week.

That was enough to tip the Spanish champions over the edge in what was already a tense negotiation process, and the initial deal fell through.

Scolari made no secret of his admiration for Robinho and singled out the 24-year-old as the one player he hoped to sign this summer after landing Deco from Barcelona.

The former Brazil coach attempted to play it cool, insisting it made no difference if he captured the ex-Santos prodigy or not, but Chelsea sources suggest otherwise.

“He is too professional to make a fuss but this is a blow,” an insider told The Sun.

Further fuelling Scolari's wrath is the fact Chelsea turned down the opportunity to land Robinho on deadline day.

Los Blancos had accepted a bid of £32.5million from newly cashed-up City and challenged the Blues to match it - but the Premier League powerhouses were not willing to stump up the extra £4million.

Hence, the Selecao star made his way to Eastlands instead in an English record transfer, while Scolari was left demanding answers from chief executive Peter Kenyon and owner Roman Abramovich.

The source added: “It’s no secret that Chelsea has paid a lot of money for players in the last few years.

“Some of those players have been successful and others not so.

“Felipe understands the budget has a limit but feels that he did not ask too much of the club.

“He bought Deco for £8million and made it clear how important Robinho was to his plans for the season.

“So he is entitled to feel let down that the club would not increase its offer by £4m to get the player.”

Cecil Braun

Seguir leyendo...

Manchester City's Arab takeover has seemingly set off a chain reaction, as Liverpool's owners are now thought to be considering a mega-money offer from the Middle East...

According to The Sun, Reds co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are now mulling over a re-submitted £500million bid from Dubai International Capital (DIC).

The Americans took control at Anfield in February 2007 and their reign started brightly enough with the promise of a new stadium and the record purchase of Fernando Torres from Atletico Madrid.

However, things soon turned sour.

The stadium plans have stalled and the investment in the transfer market has plateaued. Relations between the co-owners and manager Rafael Benitez are terse at best, while the majority of the club's supporters are determined to see the Yanks booted out. And with the credit crunch severely limiting the opportunity for profit, Hicks and Gillett are supposedly seeking an escape route.

Enter Sheikh Mohammed - Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, seventh richest man in the world and perhaps the answer to Liverpool's prayers.

The recent takeover of Manchester City by the Abu Dhabi United Group, and their subsequent £32million purchase of Brazilian star Robinho, has added a whole new threat to the upper echelon of the Premier League.

The Reds have been hanging on desperately to their top-four spot over the past few years, failing to properly challenge for the title while flirting dangerously with the UEFA Cup slots.

Everton, Aston Villa and Tottenham are already knocking at the door, and with City now willing to spend any amount necessary to reach the top, the Merseyside giants will struggle to compete on the transfer front.

Hence, with Hicks and Gillett in a weak position, the Sheikh's DIC firm are ready to seize control of the club they have been eyeing for the best part of two years.

This news, if proven accurate, will no doubt delight both Benitez and much of the Liverpool fanbase.

Mike Maguire

Seguir leyendo...

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has announced that Mick Phelan, a former United player, will be his new No.2 at Old Trafford...

Phelan becomes Fergie's sixth United assistant, following Archie Knox, Brian Kidd, Walter Smith, Steve McClaren and Carlos Queiroz.

Queiroz left in July, penning a four-year deal to become boss of his native Portuguese national team. Queiroz was an effective right-hand man, fulfilling many media commitments for Ferguson during his two stints as his right-hand man.

45-year-old Phelan, a midfielder who made over 100 appearances for the Red Devils in the early nineties, moves from his role as first team coach. Meanwhile, skills development expert Rene Meulensteen steps into Phelan's role.

Via the club's official website, Ferguson confirmed: "I am delighted that Mick and Rene have agreed to fill these important positions.

"Mick knows Manchester United inside out, having been associated with the club for the best part of 20 years. He is a very talented and professional coach, whose ability and contribution to the club’s success has often been understated.

“Rene brings different ideas and experience to the role of first team coach. I believe the two will provide an excellent team to continue the club’s willingness to try new ideas and constantly drive for success in an increasingly competitive game.”

Liam Black, Goal.com

Seguir leyendo...

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has confirmed that the club have sold Robinho to Manchester City and that they may try to make a big signing in January...

Chelsea have been chasing the Brazilian for a number of weeks now, with new manager Luiz Felipe Scolari having made it clear that the Real Madrid star, along with Deco, were his two transfer targets upon being appointed as Blues boss.

The 24-year-old finished the season happy with the Spanish champions, but became unsettled when murmurs in the press emerged that he could be used as a makeweight in Madrid's pursuit of Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, as that move collapsed, Robinho remained open to leaving Madrid, despite their best efforts to keep the player. Coach Bernd Schuster is thought to have always wanted the former Santos star to stay at the club, but higher-ups within the club were willing to let him leave if Cristiano Ronaldo were to arrive.

Chelsea have pursued Robinho very much in the same manner that Madrid chased Ronaldo earlier in the summer, and despite Madrid's disappointment with the Blues' behaviour, the player himself has remained adamant that he wants to leave the club, even arranging a press conference on Sunday to push for a move to Chelsea.

Madrid have remained adamant that no players would be leaving or arriving in the remaining days of the transfer window, but now appear to have changed their tune as City, who were taken over by Abu Dhabi Group for Development and Investment today, now have even more money than they did under Thaksin Shinawatra, who sold the club today after just over a year in charge. The Citizens will now sign Robinho for a reported British record transfer fee of €42 million - despite missing out on Dimitar Berbatov to rivals Manchester United - and offer the forward a staggering €6 million per year, after tax.

"We have sold Robinho for reasons of human nature," Calderon told Canal Veo TV. "The fact is that we have accepted an offer for Manchester City, and that he is not going for sporting reasons.

"I can't rule out a new signing in December, now that [without Robinho] we have a free slot. But right now there's nobody in the market that we can move for."

The club have also officially announced the deal on their official website: "Real Madrid Football Club has finally decided this evening to transfer their player, Robson da Souza 'Robinho', to Manchester City."

Tears

It is being reported that Robinho was in tears at the thought of not being allowed to leave the club and threatened to go to Brazil and not return until he was sold.

"Manchester City have made a dramatic late deadline-day swoop for Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Robinho," read a statement on City's website.

"The deal to bring the 24-year-old was completed shortly before the midnight cut-off point, and he has signed a four-year contract."

One of the best in the world

City boss Mark Hughes could not hide his delight after a successful summer during his first few months at the club. “I am absolutely delighted to get the opportunity to work with such an incredible talent like Robinho," he told the club's website.

"I have said that in order to compete with the best teams in the Premier League we have to be in the market for players of this calibre, and Robinho is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world.

“I am really looking forward to introducing him to the rest of the squad, and to the City fans at the earliest opportunity. This is a real statement of intent as to the ambitions of Manchester City Football Club.”

Sulmaan Ahmad, Goal.com

Seguir leyendo...

Liverpool have officially completed the signing of winger Albert Riera from Espanyol on a four-year contract.

The 26-year-old, who has previously played in England for Manchester City on loan, has been purchased for an undisclosed fee and will wear the number 11 shirt at Anfield this season.

According to Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, the club were able to seal the deal despite a number of other Premier League sides expressing an interest in the player.

Benitez added that the left-sided Riera is the ideal player for his system and feels that settling back into England should not be a major issue for a man who can already speak the language.

"Riera has the qualities we were looking for," a pleased Benitez told the club’s official website.

"He is a left footer who normally plays on the left wing, he's good in the air, strong, powerful and a good crosser of the ball.

"He's the kind of player we have been talking about. He can beat players and get good deliveries into the area for our strikers. We've known about him for a long time, since he was at Mallorca and then through his career with Bordeaux, Manchester City and Espanyol.

"He can talk English and of course he knows the Premier League, which is a big bonus. Usually foreign players need time when they go to a new country, but Riera already knows the league and the style of football.

"He also had offers from other English clubs but he said no to them because he wanted to come and play for us. That means a lot to me because it shows the commitment he has to play for Liverpool."

Riera had reportedly been on the verge of sealing his move to Merseyside for the last week, although minor details prevented an earlier announcement. His arrival comes on the same day as full-back Steve Finnan moved in the opposite direction to Espanyol, in what was officially unconnected to the winger’s arrival at Anfield.

Chris Myson, Goal.com

Seguir leyendo...

After rejecting a move to Serie A giants Inter Milan himself during the summer, Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has nonetheless stated his belief that more English players should move abroad to ensure international success for England.

The 30-year-old midfielder turned down the chance to team up with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, now manager at Inter, in favour of a new lucrative five year contract with the London based club.

Lampard believes that if more English players move abroad, the national team may benefit as more players would be used to different styles of football.

Speaking to The Mirror, Lampard said, “It's an option English players have to look at seriously. It might be one of the reasons the England team hasn't really moved on.

“It would be great if we could go and learn a bit from abroad.”

So far, the only current England players to have moved abroad recently are David Beckham, Michael Owen and Jonathan Woodgate, who all played for Real Madrid a few seasons ago.

Owen and Woodgate have since returned to Premier League football, with Owen moving to Newcastle and Woodgate now at Tottenham.

Ambitions

Despite turning down the chance to move to Italy, Lampard has always harboured ambitions of playing abroad.

“When I was younger I watched players like David Platt go and do very well, and some others who didn't quite manage it,” he continued.

“But I always thought maybe I could take on a new life and culture. That's easy to say when you're younger but it doesn't always work like that.

“For me now, the right decision was to stay here.”

Nick Turner

Seguir leyendo...

In perhaps the most audacious piece of speculation published all summer it appears Manchester City are preparing a midnight hour swoop for want-away Bulgarian, Dimitar Berbatov, according to various sources...

Sky Sports News have confirmed that Manchester City have tabled a bid in excess of £30million for the silky striker, if the transfer is to be pushed through it will smash the British record.

Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment are understood to have taken over ownership of Manchester City. A top four finish is an essential requirement for the incoming board, and the first piece of business they wish to complete is the steal of Berbatov from rivals Manchester United - a piece of news that was first reported by the Sofia Echo and the Manchester Evening News.

Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim, the figure spearheading the City takeover, has been described as a headline maker in his native region and is ready to complete a 'Hollywood' signing before the close of business tonight.

It could, perhaps, lead to a bitter stand-off between City and United and to the first battle for City's quest for parochial dominance.

Spurs however are allegedly keen to now deal with United, despite their initial wariness of selling another asset to the League champions. The inclusion of Fraizer Campbell in a player plus cash swap deal is seen as a key component in the north London club's change of heart.

UPDATE (15:15): Latest reports suggest that Dimitar Berbatov has agreed a mega £150,000 per week deal to sign at Manchester City, although nothing is yet official...

Alan Dawson and Peter Staunton

Seguir leyendo...

Tottenham Hotspur have officially announced an eleventh hour transfer coup of Manchester City right back Vedran Corluka...

After weeks of speculation Croatian defender Vedran Corluka has joined Juande Ramos' ranks at White Hart Lane for an undisclosed fee.

Corluka only spent one year at Eastlands, despite initially signing a longer deal. The transfer had often been speculated about in the media over the summer, with the uncertain future of the ownership of the club cited as a possible reason for the sale. The 22-year old right back will now link up with fellow international Luka Modric.

A statement from Tottenham Hotspurs' official website read: "We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Manchester City for the transfer of Vedran Corluka to the Club."

Regarding the move that will see him swapping Manchester for London, Corluka said: "I am delighted to be here because I am coming to a big club with great players, great ambition and also my best friend [Luka Modric] is here. It is a very happy day for me."

Manchester City were quick to thank Corluka for his service, a statement from www.mcfc.co.uk read: "Everyone at the Club would like to thank Vedran for his efforts and we wish him all the very best for the future."

Corluka is a recognised international and has 24 caps to his name. One of the first meetings he will have with his new team-mates will be ironically, when he plays for Croatia against England in Zagreb in the second round of World Cup qualification.

Alan Dawson

Seguir leyendo...

El Mundo Deportivo reports that Robinho's move to Chelsea from Real Madrid could yet be back on the agenda after it hit the rocks. Real Madrid president Ramón Calderón is apparently willing to accept €25m plus Didier Drogba for the winger...

With reports this morning indicating that Robinho's move to London had broken down due to Madrid's failure to find a suitable replacement, MD proposes a solution that could already be in the works.

With Madrid short on forward options but with plenty of wide talent, it could be the case that they seek a striker instead of a winger to compensate for the loss of the Brazilian.

Thus Didier Drogba, who had earlier entertained the notion of a move away from Stamford Bridge, could be on his way to the Spanish capital.

It is thought that Madrid will put to Chelsea the idea of the Blues' paying €25m and the Ivorian in exchange for Robinho, whom they annoucned was a major target on Wednesday.

Indeed, MD is confident that, even should Drogba stay put, Robinho will still make it to the Bridge before the transfer window slams shut after the weekend.

Drogba, 30, may provide competition to Ruud van Nistelrooy and Raúl in what would be an "old but gold" forward line.

Meanwhile Robinho is highly regarded by Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, as well as chief executive Peter Kenyon and midfielder Frank Lampard.

Steve Michaels, Goal.com

Seguir leyendo...

According to the player's agent, Real Madrid forward Robinho is about to see his wish of moving to Chelsea granted...

The deal taking the 24-year-old to Stamford Bridge is set to be completed imminently, according to Wagner Ribeiro. Media stories today have suggested that the transfer is already in place, and the agent's quotes serve to substantiate these reports.

Apparently, Chelsea are on the brink of offering €33million to capture the Brazil international, who is now desperate to leave the Bernabeu.

Robinho suffered the humiliation of being booed by his own supporters at the weekend, as Madrid clinched the Spanish Super Cup against Valencia.

As of today, Wagner Ribeiro expects the deal to go through before the transfer deadline, despite admitting that the opposite was true last week.

He told the press: "The deal is about to be reached. Robinho's cycle in Spain has come to an end and he is looking forward to a new project."

Should Robinho arrive at Luiz Felipe Scolari's side, Shaun Wright-Phillips may be forced through the exit door, most probably to former club Manchester City.

Seguir leyendo...