Thursday, 27 February 2014

Suarez reveals the world's first KNITTED boot... and he'll wear them when Liverpool play Manchester United (that fixture doesn't require any more needle!)

Luis Suarez is the face of the boot 'every footballer dreams of' - and they are KNITTED.
Boot giants adidas have unveiled the new Samba primeknit limited edition studs that 'combines the comfort and responsiveness of playing barefoot with the protection of a traditional design'.
The innovative design the first football boot to have an upper that is knitted from heel-to-toe using the Samba colours of green, pink, blue and orange, providing a bespoke second-skin fit that retains the strength of a conventional boot. 
On the ball: Luis Suarez will wear the world's first knitted football boots when Liverpool play Manchester United at Old Trafford on March 16
On the ball: Luis Suarez will wear the world's first knitted football boots when Liverpool play Manchester United at Old Trafford on March 16

Red alert: Boot makers adidas are only making 150 pairs of the new primeknit
Up and away: The boot that Suarez will wear will cost £200

Schalke 1-6 Real Madrid: Bale, Ronaldo and Benzema all score twice as Ancelotti's men cruise to victory in Germany

Gareth Bale was close to unplayable as Real Madrid all but sealed their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.
The £86million forward scored two and made two as Real ran riot against a poor Schalke side in Gelsenkirchen, winning 6-1 with ease.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti praised Bale's performance after the match, describing it as his 'best game of the season'.

The nine-time winners had only won once before in 25 trips to Germany but victory was never in doubt at the Veltins-Arena with Real's most potent attacking weapons coming to the fore.
Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo also scored twice as an insatiable Madrid left Schalke requiring a miracle at the Bernabeu in three weeks time despite Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scoring the goal of the night in time added-on.
Schalke won a corner in the first minute and nearly took the lead but captain Benedikt Howedes' header from distance drifted wide of Iker Casillas' right-hand post.
VIDEO: Scroll down to watch Ancelotti praise Ronaldo as Real beat Schalke 6-1
Surrounded: Real Madrid's Gareth Bale bursts into Schalke's box as the home side back off

Aguero and Nasri enjoy a night with Beyonce as singer comes to Manchester

Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri were among a host of Manchester City players allowed out on the town on Wednesday evening as they attended a Beyonce concert.
Nasri captured a picture of the two and posted it on Instagram with Aguero looking like he was really getting into the night's fun.
The Frenchman also took a photo with his model girlfriend Anara Atanes when they were only metres from the singer.
Trip out: Manchester City stars Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri pose for a picture at Beyonce's concert

Drogba and Luiz rekindle old times with secret handshake before Chelsea clash

It's been hard to remember at times this week that Didier Drogba actually plays for Galatasaray rather than Chelsea.
The man who won the Champions League for the Blues was playing against them on Wednesday and he had a special welcome for David Luiz.
The pair must have had some kid of secret handshake during their time together in London and spontaneously fell back into the habit when they met at the Turk Telecom Arena.
 VIDEO  Scroll down to see the handshake between Drogba and Luiz
Old friends: Galatasaray's Didier Drogba greets Chelsea's David Luiz with a secret handshake before the game

Galatasaray 1-1 Chelsea: Slack defending costs Mourinho's men victory as Chedjou cancels out Torres' first-half opener

It is five goals in five Champions League matches for Fernando Torres. It should have been six, though. That’s the problem.
Never satisfied, some people. Give the guy a break. Isn’t his record in Europe alone evidence of his quality? Scored against Bayern Munich earlier in the season, scored in the Europa League final against Benfica last year.
Put Torres on a plane and he comes alive. The player who has often appeared so ineffectual in the Premier League since arriving at Stamford Bridge finds his confidence again at the sniff of a passport.
And, yes, some of that is true. Inescapably, though, Chelsea paid £50million for Torres’s services. And what they had hoped to get for that outlay was a striker who made nights like this a formality, who turned one into two and uncertainty into inevitability. Torres failed to do that in Galatasaray’s Turk Telekom Arena. Given the perfect opportunity to take the match, and the tie, beyond Galatasaray’s reach, he blew it.
VIDEO: Scroll down to watch Jose Mourinho reflect on Chelsea's performance
In a twist: Fernando Torres slots home with his foot at an extraordinary angle to give Chelsea an early lead
In a twist: Fernando Torres slots home with his foot at an extraordinary angle to give Chelsea an early lead

Leveller: Aurelien Chedjou fires home in the second half to cancel our Fernando Torres' strike

Finney funeral draws thousands as Moyes and the football world bid farewell to England and Preston legend

The great and the good of British football past and present came out in force in Preston on Thursday to honour the passing of Sir Tom Finney CBE.
Thousands of people lined the streets of Preston to see the funeral cortege as it travelled from Deepdale stadium to Preston Minster.
The minster itself was packed with many figures from football and the city to pay tribute to the former England winger, who died aged 91 two weeks ago.
Lining the streets: The  hearse carrying Sir Tom Finney passes Preston's Deepdale ground

Wednesday, 26 February 2014

'Roy Keane... what a ****' Carrick's wife Lisa slams ex-Reds man after criticism of midfielder for Olympiacos performance

Lisa Carrick, the wife of Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick, slammed former club captain Roy Keane on Tuesday night for his criticism of the midfielder after the 2-0 defeat at Olympiacos.
Keane was typically disgusted with United's performance in Greece, and singled out Carrick's post-match interview for being as flat as the team's performance and lacking urgency.

Concentrate: Michael Carrick heads the ball to a team-mate under pressure from Delvin Ndinga

Neymar takes to Instagram to show off rippling body alongside Alves and Adriano

Barcelona may be stuttering in the Spanish title race but Neymar can't resist showing off his body after a training session in the gym.
He posted a picture on his Instagram alongside fellow Brazilians Dani Alves and Adriano.
The Brazilian 22-year-old has taken criticism that he needs to build up his strength to reach the peak of European football.
Three amigos: Neymar, Dani Alves (left) and Adriano (right) all pose with their shirts up

Olympiacos 2-0 Man United: Nightmare in Greece for Moyes and Co as Dominguez and Arsenal loanee Campbell dump Reds

Olympiacos. Not Bayern Munich or Barcelona. Olympiacos. Not master coach Pep Guardiola. Michel. Not Lionel Messi. Alejandro Dominguez.
And not down to 10 men either. Unlike Arsenal and Manchester City last week, Manchester United had their full complement on the field. It just didn’t look like it.
They contrived to lose, not to giants, but to one of the also-rans of the competition. Olympiacos are not potential winners.
Chances are they will be removed in the quarter-finals by the first good team they play, if they manage to survive the return leg at Old Trafford. The odds must favour them now.
United pulled the plum tie out of the Champions League draw — and then choked on it.
This may well be the worst performance of David Moyes’s brief time as United manager, the one that really will cause questions to be asked about his suitability.
Scroll down to watch Moyes: I take full responsibility for the defeat
Celebration: Alejandro Dominguez (centre) wheels away after scoring the opener in Greece

Monday, 24 February 2014

Galatasaray fans fight in the street with rivals Besiktas as tensions mount just days before Chelsea's Champions League visit

Galatasaray and Besiktas fans clashed in the streets of Istanbul ahead of Saturday's derby match, with chairs and punches being thrown in running battles.
The violence came just days before Chelsea are set to play Galatasaray in the last 16 of the Champions League, with travelling fans advised by their club to exercise caution while in the Turkish city.
A video posted on YouTube sees mobs of Galatasaray and Besiktas hooligans fighting in a busy shopping street just before the match at the Turk Telekom Arena.
Mob-handed: A group of Besiktas fans advance down a busy Istanbul street, throwing punches at rival Galatasaray supporters in the run-up to Saturday night's derby at the Turk Telekom Arena

Saturday, 22 February 2014

City and Arsenal should rest their best and forget about Europe

History beckons for Manchester City this season. Manuel Pellegrini’s side have a glorious opportunity to become England’s first domestic Treble winners and make themselves immortal.
But they are not the only club for whom greatness is possible. Arsenal could end their nine-year wait for a trophy in spectacular fashion by doing the Barclays Premier League and FA Cup Double. If they were to land both pots, it would be for a record-breaking fourth time.
Pellegrini and Arsene Wenger have to remember this when they prepare for the second leg of their respective Champions League ties with Barcelona and Bayern Munich. The Champions League is an obsession for all managers but an obsession cannot cloud the big picture for City and Arsenal.
Time for a rest? Manuel Pellegrini may consider giving Yaya Toure (left) a break in the second leg in Barcelona

Bergkamp statue unveiled at Emirates... with Arsenal legend hinting he will return as coach

Dennis Bergkamp paid an emotional tribute to his former Arsenal team-mates and family as he was immortalised with a bronze statue outside the Emirates Stadium - and hopes one day to return to the club.
The Dutchman was honoured with a permanent tribute outside the Clock End, following along from those for other Arsenal legends such as former manager Herbert Chapman, captain Tony Adams and club-record goalscorer Thierry Henry.
Bergkamp joined Arsenal from Inter Milan in June 1995, and went on to play more than 400 games for the Gunners, scoring 120 goals. The Holland forward helped win seven major trophies with Arsene Wenger's side, including the 'Invincibles' Premier League campaign of 2003/2004.veiled of Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp at Emirates
Dutch of class: Dennis Bergkamp poses with his statue outside Arsenal's ground

Chelsea 1-0 Everton: Terry bundles home stoppage-time winner as Blues open up daylight at the top of the table

Returning captain John Terry bundled in a stoppage-time goal as Chelsea beat Everton 1-0 to consolidate their lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League.
It appeared two points would be dropped by Jose Mourinho's men as an entertaining contest remained goalless until Phil Jagielka was adjudged to have fouled Ramires in the left channel.
Frank Lampard's inswinging free-kick was glanced down by Branislav Ivanovic and Terry slid in to score past Tim Howard.
It was a timely intervention from the skipper, who returned following a three-game absence with a gluteal muscle problem.
Chelsea had won once in his absence, but they now travel to Galatasaray for the Champions League last-16 first leg with Didier Drogba's side on Wednesday after a morale-boosting victory.
Double act: Frank Lampard (left) and John Terry combined for Chelsea's crucial winner

Friday, 21 February 2014

The perks of being Neymar... Brazil star shoots Nike advert alongside brunette

Being one of the most talented footballers on earth certainly has its up-sides, especially if you're the face of this year's World Cup.
Neymar has been filming a new advert for Nike in Barcelona alongside a rather attractive girl who isn't afraid to show her legs.
After his mega deal to join Barcelona, which could now have cost far more than the £50million which was first stated, Neymar is already one of the best paid players on the planet.
Jeans and a shirt: The footballer was doing skills in front of admirersCentre of attention: Barcelona star Neymar filing a new Nike advert with a girl in the Spanish city

Bayern and Barcelona brought English football to its knees... but which team stands as football's current No 1?

Barcelona and Bayern Munich trampled over English football this week — both went home with wins and tie-defining killer late goals.

Manchester City and Arsenal fans will feel hard done by. They will argue that red cards changed the direction of both games. Their opponents will say they worked those one-on-one opportunities and then took full advantage.

Barcelona play wonderful football and Bayern are a ruthless powerhouse but which team are currently No 1?
Spanish fly: Barcelona players celebrate during their 2-0 defeat of Manchester City at the Etihad

Bergkamp missed a penalty and now he has a statue! Wenger lends support to under-fire Ozil after spot-kick fluff against Munich

Arsene Wenger says Mesut Ozil is still struggling to come to terms with his missed penalty in Arsenal's Champions League defeat against Bayern Munich.
The £42.5million signing came under fire for his lacklustre spot-kick, sluggish display and on-row pitch with team-mate Mathieu Flamini in Arsenal's 2-0 first-leg loss on Wednesday.
But while admitting Ozil isn't over the missed penalty, Wenger has backed the German to bounce back and likened his fluffed spot-kick to Dennis Bergkamp's penalty miss against Manchester United in the 1999 FA Cup semi-final replay which the Gunners lost.
Off target: Mesut Ozil missed from the spot in Arsenal's 2-0 defeat against Bayern Munich on Wednesday night

'Clueless fool!' Neville rages at ex-Liverpool chief Purslow's comments that United may never qualify for Champions League again

Gary Neville has blasted Liverpool's former managing director Christian Purslow as a "clueless fool" after he said Manchester United may never return to Champions League football if they don't qualify this season or the next.

The former Red Devils defender took to Twitter to vent his fury at Purslow's remarks by writing on Thursday evening: 'Purslow "United may never get back in CL if they miss out next season" What a clueless fool!!'
Fierce defender: Gary Neville (left) has slammed ex-Liverpool chief Christian Purslow for his United views

Thursday, 20 February 2014

From Mesut the Messiah to the new Arshavin... How £42.5m Ozil has faded at Arsenal to a shadow of his former self

When Mesut Ozil ignited Arsenal’s season back in September, questions were asked why no-one else – chiefly Manchester United – had not been bold enough to put up the £42.5million to sign the mercurial midfielder from Real Madrid.
Just five months on and the questions being asked about Arsenal’s record signing are rather different.
No longer Mesut the Messiah, there are fears that the struggling German international could turn out to be the new Andrey Arshavin.
Bad night: Ozil reacts after seeing his early penalty saved by Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (below)

Furious Flamini rips into 'lazy' Ozil as Arsenal crash against Bayern... and it's not the first time the £42m man has been accused of a lack of effort

Mathieu Flamini tore into Mesut Ozil in the middle of Arsenal's Champions League defeat by Bayern Munich on Wednesday night, apparently accusing the German of a lack of effort.
The flashpoint came in the second half after a Bayern move broke down and the ball is collected from behind the goal by Lukas Fabianski.
Ozil points his finger accusingly in the direction of defender Laurent Koscielny but is given a stern rebuke by Flamini, leading to a little bit of pushing and shoving between the pair.

Scroll down to watch Flamini describing his pride in his team-mates after the match

Flashpoint: Mesut Ozil was sternly rebuked by teammate Mathieu Flamini during the second half of Arsenal's 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday night

Tuesday, 18 February 2014

THE BLOG FROM BRAZIL: Big Phil's pursuit of a big man, Neymar's ups and downs and Hodgson turns smooth operator

Never mind what loudmouth Texans might say, everything is actually bigger in Brazil. And right now, a mere four months out from hosting football's biggest party in their big ol' back yard, the country has a problem. A big one.

It's not unfinished stadia or the protest movements that show no sign of slowing down. Instead it's the chronic shortage of big men.

See, Luiz Felipe Scolari (Big Phil, see a pattern?) loves a big man. Always has, always will. His plan to ensure that the only ending natives can countenance - a glorious triumph - comes to pass, is centred on a big man.

Little short up front: Big Phil (Felipe Scolari) lacks the big man up front he believes his Brazil team need

Man City 0-2 Barcelona: Messi and Alves hand Catalans first-leg advantage after Demichelis is sent off for controversial foul

It is fair to say that Martin Demichelis did not exactly answer his critics on Tuesday night. Nor did he silence the doubters, or confound those who doubted his inclusion in the biggest match of Manchester City’s season.
No, Demichelis eschewed the usual cliches of sporting redemption and played it straight. He gave away the penalty that cost his team the game, and was sent off.
The best that can be said is that this allowed a large number of people to feel good about their understanding of the game.
Picking Demichelis was not a populist decision by Manuel Pellegrini. Many had not forgotten his performance against Chelsea earlier this month — although he was left badly isolated by his team-mates on that occasion — and feared the worst if he was left one on one with Lionel Messi.
In the 54th minute that is what happened, with depressingly predictable results. Demichelis played against Messi for Pellegrini’s old club Malaga last season, too, with uninspiring results. City’s manager clearly sees something in his man, but it is not readily apparent to all.

The opener: Messi wheels away in celebration of the first goal as Joe Hart vents his frustration

As Szczesny relaxes in his luxury pool at home, Arsenal former keeper Lehmann offers £2,000 reward for his stolen bag

It was a mixed bag for Arsenal goalkeepers past and present on Tuesday.
While current No 1 Wojciech Szczesny was preparing for tomorrow's Champions League last 16 clash against Bayern Munich by enjoying a swim at his house, the club's legendary stopper Jens Lehmann was on the hunt for a missing bag.
Lehmann, Arsenal's No 1 for their Invincible campaign in 2004, took to Twitter offering a £2,000 reward for a bag which he claimed had been stolen in London.
Hit back and relax: Wojciech Szczesny posted this picture to his Facebook account on Tuesday afternoon

Ozil is soft, Podolski is lazy... and Arsenal are chokers! Ex-Bayern star Babbel sticks boot into Wenger's men on eve of clash

Markus Babbel has launched an attack on Arsenal ahead of Wednesday night’s Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.
The former Bayern and Liverpool player accused Arsenal of being chokers, who would be 'no problem' for Bayern. 
Both Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Arsene Wenger had spoken in the last few days as saying that Arsenal had a better chance against Bayern than at this time last year, and that the north London side had raised their level in the last 12 months.
Scroll down to watch Arsenal training ahead of the clash with Bayern Munich
Chokers: Ex-Bayern Munich Markus Babbel has labelled Arsenal chokers ahead of the Champions League tie

Bayer Leverkusen 0-4 PSG: Ibrahimovic and Cabaye on target as French champions run riot in Germany

Zlatan Ibrahimovic hit a first half double as Paris Saint Germain took huge step towards the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a convincing win over Bayer Leverkusen in Germany.
Blaise Matuidi gave the French champions the lead after just three minutes with a well worked goal.
But then it was time for Ibrahimovic to take centre stage.
His first came from the penalty spot after Emir Spahic bundled over Ezequiel Lavezzi and the Swedish striker made no mistake from 12-yards.
His second – and PSG’s third – was far more spectacular as he let fly a fierce left foot shot from the edge of the area which flew past Bernd Leno and into the top corner.
Things got worse for Leverkusen in the second half after Spahic was shown a second yellow card and given his marching orders.
And with minutes remaining Yohan Cabaye grabbed his first goal in the Champions League for PSG with a shot from the edge of the area.
More to follow…
Man of the moment: Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave PSG a huge advantage in the first leg

Guardiola knows Bayern won't repeat last season's dominance... as he plans to make it fourth time lucky at the Emirates

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola is bidding to end an unwanted personal record at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night when the European champions tackle Arsenal.
A year to the day since a 3-1 win at the same last-16 stage helped secure victory on away goals against Arsenal - winners of the second leg 2-0 - Guardiola's men return to the London aiming to take a significant step towards becoming the first side to retain the trophy in the Champions League era.
Former Barcelona boss Guardiola said: 'It's my third time as a trainer here to play against Arsenal. I've never won here.
Scroll down to watch Wenger and Wilshere preview the clash and Bayern check-in
Tall order: Bayern boss Pep Guardiola says his team have to be 'super' to beat Arsenal

Untouchable Bayern are even better under Pep... Mertesacker sounds ominous warning as European champions enjoy final session before boarding flight for London

Bayern Munich have enjoyed their final training session before boarding the plane for England - and Arsenal's Per Mertesacker has sounded an ominous warning about the 'untouchable' European champions.
The Gunners face Bayern at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie on Wednesday night.
It was at this stage last season that Arsenal won 2-0 in Munich - exiting on away goals following a 3-1 defeat in London - but Bayern have suffered just two competitive defeats since then.
Scroll down to watch Guardiola and his team arrive for check-in at the airport
Thinking game: Pep Guardiola is in pensive mood ahead of the last-16 clash with Arsenal

Sunday, 16 February 2014

Brazil babes wish Neymar and Co good luck for this summer's World Cup

Around 200 million Brazilians will be cheering on their country this summer as they hope to win their sixth World Cup, but one lucky lady will be playing a central role.
The Miss Butt Brazil competition has reached it's last 11, and the winner will be announced on March 5.
Whoever does come out on top will effectively be the 'muse' of the tournament.

Man of the moment: Neymar is the pin-up for his home World Cup
Man of the moment: Neymar is the pin-up for his home World Cup

Samba style: The 11 finalists of the Miss Butt Brazil competition have all been posing with World Cup attire
Samba style: The 11 finalists of the Miss Butt Brazil competition have all been posing with World Cup attire

Who says players don't care about the FA Cup? Teary Sturridge has to be consoled by Arsenal players after spurning chances in Emirates defeat

The FA Cup doesn't mean as much any more? Try telling that to Daniel Sturridge.
The Liverpool striker was left in tears on the Emirates Stadium turf after the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, perhaps thinking of what could have been after missing several opportunities in the crucial fifth-round tie.
Kieran Gibbs and Lukasz Fabianski were trying to console the in-form forward, but they seemed to be doing little good.
Scroll down to watch post-match reactions from Wenger and Rodgers
It's ok: Arsenal's Kieron Gibbs attempts to console Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge after the 2-1 home win
It's ok: Arsenal's Kieron Gibbs attempts to console Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge after the 2-1 home win

Wenger confirms Giroud will face disciplinary action after inviting a model to his hotel just hours before an Arsenal game

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed that disciplinary action would be taken against Olivier Giroud after he apologised for taking a female companion back to the team hotel.
Married Giroud had consistently denied taking Celia Kay to the Four Seasons Hotel in Canary Wharf the night before the 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace on February 2. The striker had earlier issued a grovelling apology to his wife Jennifer and the Arsenal boss after a picture by the pin-up appeared in a national newspaper.
Wenger said: ‘It is an internal matter but I do not want to comment publicly because I respect his privacy.’
 Scroll down to watch Olivier Giroud freestlye
Grovelling: Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has taken to twitter to apologise to his wife after he was pictured in a hotel room with a model
Grovelling: Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has taken to twitter to apologise to his wife after he was pictured in a hotel room with a model

Wenger hits back at 'embarrassing' Mourinho after Arsenal advance in FA Cup

Arsene Wenger has hit back at Jose Mourinho's 'silly, disrespectful remark' regarding his achievements as Arsenal manager, claiming the comments bring 'embarrassment' on Chelsea.
The Gunners boss was speaking after seeing his side reach the FA Cup quarter-finals following a 2-1 win over Liverpool, courtesy of goals from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas Podolski.
The result was a perfect response to not only Arsenal's 5-1 loss to Liverpool a week ago, but also to Mourinho's barbed claim on Friday that Wenger was a 'specialist in failure'.
Retort: Arsene Wenger told BT Sport 1 that Jose Mourinho's 'specialist in failure' comments were 'embarrassing for Chelsea'
Retort: Arsene Wenger told BT Sport 1 that Jose Mourinho's 'specialist in failure' comments were 'embarrassing for Chelsea'

The best team lost... we were denied a blatant penalty! Rodgers slams Webb after referee waves away Suarez penalty claim

Brendan Rodgers was seething after his Liverpool side were knocked out of the FA Cup, insisting referee Howard Webb denied them a 'blatant penalty'.
Arsenal came out on top at the Emirates Stadium in the fifth round, beating the visitors 2-1 in frenetic game.
But Rodgers believes his side deserved to win, or at least gain a replay, especially when Luis Suarez seemed to have been taken out by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the box.
Blatant? Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looked to have taken out Luis Suarez in the penalty area

Saturday, 15 February 2014

Baggio, Ronaldo, Pires, Del Piero, Maldini, Shevchenko... what a list! Neville gets nostalgic after digging out famous old shirts

Gary Neville was feeling nostalgic on Saturday morning after stumbling across a raft of old shirts from throughout his career.
The former Manchester United right-back took to Twitter to post nine opponents' tops.
And it's quite the list, with Ronaldo and Roberto Baggio included in the star-studded few.
Looking back: Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville found a collection of old shirts
Looking back: Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville found a collection of old shirts

Wednesday, 12 February 2014

Where was Januzaj? Moyes wants to protect his star but he's a match-winner... so, why was United's wonderkid on the bench?

It was a nervous game and it needed a bit of magic, so it was a shame to see Adnan Januzaj on the bench.
I can understand why David Moyes wants to protect his young star, but he’s a match-winner and as a football fan you want to see him on the pitch.
When he did come on, it was a surprise to see Juan Mata taken off. He could have unlocked the Arsenal defence but it was a sign that Moyes was happy to come away with a point.
Entering the arena: Januzaj came on for Mata, who did little to live up to his £37million price tag

Arsenal 0-0 Man United: Gunners' title bid veers off track as draw leaves them stranded in second

The biggest cheer of the night came with the news that trains north from Euston were cancelled due to the bad weather; but it is Arsenal who are stuck where they don’t want to be. Second.
This was an opportunity lost, and they knew it. Time was a goalless draw against Manchester United, in just about any circumstances, might have been considered a job well done. Not these days.
This is the team that was hit for four by Manchester City at the Etihad, and conceded three against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
They are not the force of old, but an aging, wounded pack leader, once proud and virile, now there for the taking.
Scroll down for video
Head boy: Robin Van Persie directs the ball goalwards but was denied by a brilliant save

Fulham 2-3 Liverpool: Gerrard seals stunning comeback after Reds are dropped in it by another Kolo calamity

In the Putney End, Liverpool fans celebrated so wildly they chose not to hear the announcement that trains north from Euston had been cancelled due to the weather.
Why should they care? Not after this exhilarating ride which started with an own goal soaked in self-destructive madness from Kolo Toure and ended with a winner from the penalty spot by Steven Gerrard in stoppage time.
It was a breathless eruption of chaos by the Thames; a sporting accompaniment to the storms which have battered the nation.
When the dust and everything else settles, Liverpool are only four points from the top of the Barclays Premier League in a week when Chelsea and Arsenal dropped points and Manchester City's game was postponed.
This was very much one of those games they would not have won in recent years and that will explain the nature of the delight at the end.
Scroll down for video
Clincher: Liverpool's Steven Gerrard scores a penalty past Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale

Tuesday, 11 February 2014

West Ham 2-0 Norwich: Collins and Diame net late on as Hammers continue defensive run

James Collins and Mohamed Diame struck in the last ten minutes as West Ham got the better of Norwich in a relegation battle.
With five minutes remaining neither team looked like scoring, but the centre-back netted from a Mohamed Diame centre.
Sam Allardyce's men have now won three games in a row, and have failed to concede a goal in their last four - building from a fine draw at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea.
Chris Hughton came into the game after impressively holding Manchester City at the weekend.
Crucial: James Collins celebrates scoring the first of two late West Ham goals at Upton Park

Bellamy to miss three games after accepting FA charge... despite Yaya being let off!

Cardiff forward Craig Bellamy has been suspended for three games after accepting a Football Association violent conduct charge, the FA has announced.
The Cardiff forward clashed with De Guzman in the second half of his side’s 3-0 defeat and the FA confirmed on Sunday they were aware of the incident. 
However, Manchester City's Yaya Toure escaped punishment after he kicked Norwich striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel.
Scroll down to see Mourinho's view on the Toure incident.
Blow: Craig Bellamy appeared to punch Swansea's Jonathan De Guzman in the south Wales derby

West Brom 1-1 Chelsea: Anichebe strikes late to stun Blues at the Hawthorns

Victor Anichebe came off the bench to equalise for West Brom and throw a dent in Chelsea's bid for the Barclays Premier League title.
Branislav Ivanovic's goal on the stroke of half-time looked to have ensured all three points for Chelsea and extend their lead at the summit to four points.
But Anichebe's header in the 87th minute rescued a point for West Brom meaning a victory for Arsenal in their match against Manchester United at the Emirates on Wednesday will see Arsene Wenger's side leapfrog back above the Blues.
More follows...

Head boy: Victor Anichebe stunned Chelsea with his last-gasp header to salvage a point for West Brom

Ronaldo struck by LIGHTER during Real clash against bitter rivals Atletico after netting twice from the spot

Cristiano Ronaldo was struck in the head by a lighter during Real Madrid's Copa del Rey clash against Atletico.
Going in at half-time after putting Real two goals up in the semi-final second leg at the Vicente Calderon, a yellow cigarette lighter flew through the air and hit the Portugal captain on top of his head.
Ronaldo was walking off alongside team-mates Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso, who showed concern as the striker clutched his head after impact.
Incoming: The yellow lighter can be seen hurtling through the air towards Cristiano Ronaldo's head
Incoming: The yellow lighter can be seen hurtling through the air towards Cristiano Ronaldo's head

Sunday, 9 February 2014

Manchester United 2-2 Fulham: Bent piles pressure on beleaguered boss Moyes with Fergie Time leveller for bottom club

Darren Bent's last-gasp equaliser left Manchester United shattered after the champions thought they had saved themselves from another desperate day.
Trailing to Steve Sidwell's first-half opener, United's search for redemption lasted until the 79th minute before Robin van Persie and Michael Carrick struck within the space of 120 seconds to turn the match on its head.
Carrick's goal brought Wayne Rooney to his knees in celebration and had manager David Moyes punching the air with relief.
But the celebrations were cut short in the fourth minute of stoppage time as David de Gea turned away Kieran Richardson's shot, but sent the ball straight into the path of substitute Bent who nodded into an empty net.
Last gasp: Manchester United were less than a minute from victory when Darren Bent headed home to snatch a point for Fulham
Last gasp: Manchester United were less than a minute from victory when Darren Bent headed home to snatch a point for Fulham

Tottenham 1-0 Everton: Adebayor fires Spurs into fifth despite Toffees' dominance

Emmanuel Adebayor gave Tottenham's top-four hopes a timely shot in the arm as Tim Sherwood's side rode a first-half storm to beat Everton.
Fourth-placed Liverpool heaped on the pressure with their 5-1 mauling of Arsenal on Saturday, making the second of this weekend's battles between north London and Merseyside even more important.
Spurs appeared to be buckling under the pressure in the first half, but returned strongly after the break to secure a 1-0 win thanks to Adebayor's low strike. 
Scroll down to watch Roberto Martinez and Tim Sherwood's post-match reaction
Too strong: Emmanuel Adebayor scored his sixth goal in nine Premier League matches against Everton

Spurs CAN finish above Arsenal! Redknapp believes old club can turn tables on North London rivals

Harry Redknapp believes former club Spurs can still finish above Arsenal in the race for Champions League football.
The Gunners were thrashed 5-1 by Liverpool on Saturday to lose their grip on top spot in the Premier League, slipping to second behind new leaders Chelsea.
Net pains: Arsenal were hammered 5-1 at Liverpool on Saturday

Saturday, 8 February 2014

Liverpool 5-1 Arsenal: League leaders are humiliated in 20 mad minutes as Skrtel, Sterling and Sturridge run riot at Anfield

At the end of it all, Arsenal’s title challenge was still intact: in theory. In reality, after 20 minutes their  pretensions had been utterly exposed by an extraordinary Liverpool performance that ranks alongside the best produced by anyone this season.
In the most stunning and shocking half of the season so far, Liverpool not only dismantled Arsenal, they gave a glimpse of the possibilities they might achieve under Brendan Rodgers. Fourth place is assumed to be their target, yet this hinted at much greater potential in future.
Rodgers insisted later that they were not ready for the title race and he is doubtless right; there are frailties, especially in defence, that might be exploited and they do not have a squad to match the top three.
Scroll down for Arsene Wenger and Brendan Rodgers post-match conferences
On top of their game: Liverpool celebrate their humiliation of title rivals Arsenal on Saturday afternoon
On top of their game: Liverpool celebrate their humiliation of title rivals Arsenal on Saturday afternoon