Torres - Liverpool lied about exit

Fernando Torres has claimed that Liverpool were not honest about his departure from the club.

The Chelsea striker left Anfield in January for a British record fee, after agitating for a move.
And the Spaniard told Canal+ Liga TV that the version of the story that has been told to the public is not true.
"The Liverpool fans don't know the truth about why I signed for Chelsea," he said
"The fans don't even know half of what happened. They don't know what the people in charge at Liverpool are like - they have a completely different perception of what they are like.
"They made promises that they didn't keep and I left because I realised I didn't have time to be part of a project that would take years.
"I have nothing against the Liverpool fans. I didn't want to leave Liverpool the way I did but the club lied. I was let down and I don't understand why the fans hate me."
And of his current struggles at Chelsea, for whom he has scored just three times in the league since arriving, Torres said:
"It's true that Vicente Del Bosque is worried about me and my form for Chelsea. It's up to me to go back to being the striker I was before.
"If I go back to how I was a few years ago, I will again play an important role in the Spanish national team.
"I am going to try to be very humble and get back into the Chelsea starting line-up.
"My form has not been good but I am world and European champion and I deserve more respect.
"It's hard being on the bench but I respect the players who are playing. I'm going to support the team and get back in."

The man wants to play in the champions league give him a break liverpool are not going to be there again for at least a few more years, the poor man would far too old by then. He helped liverpool an awful lot such bitter hate from the liverpool fans and their you either play for us our we hate you attitude. Burning his shirt and threatening the poor man life no wonder he doesnt understand. I seem to remember when gerrard was linked to chelsea and thinking about it he and his family were recieving death threats from the fans. I do hope torres finds form again hes been poor for his entire time at chelsea and his last year for liverpool.

Source:http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7391433/Torres-Liverpool-Lied...

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Harry: Terry will rise above it

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp expects John Terry to put in a big performance in Thursday night's London derby at White Hart Lane.

Chelsea were rocked on Wednesday by the news that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will prosecute their 31-year-old captain over his alleged racial abuse of Anton Ferdinand.
Terry, who has vowed to clear his name, will appear at West London Magistrates Court on February 1 after being charged with a racially aggravated public order offence over comments he is alleged to have made towards the QPR defender during the match between the two sides at Loftus Road on October 23.
Terry has had to endure taunts from opposing fans about the allegations and Thursday night's fiercely-contested London derby at White Hart Lane is expected to be no different despite Spurs issuing a statement warning their fans that any offensive abuse from the stands will not be tolerated.
Redknapp, who has known Terry since the defender was a teenager, has been impressed with how the player has coped with the taunts that have come his way since the allegations were made and expects him to leave his troubles to one side.
Speaking before the CPS announced their decision, the Tottenham manager said: "Nothing seems to have affected his performances on the pitch. He can have all the aggro and he comes out and plays and he just seems to be the
same.
"I remember the problem Leeds had (when Lee Bowyer and Jonathan Woodgate were charged with grievous bodily harm in 2001). Bowyer was coming out of court, playing in European games and being the best player. Woodgate was in bits. He couldn't handle anything. It just affects people differently."

Source:http://www.football365.com/tottenham-hotspur/7391426/-Arry-Terry-Will-Carry-On-Regardless

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FA hands Suarez eight-game ban

The Football Association has banned Liverpool striker Luis Suarez for eight games and fined him £40,000, subject to any possible appeal.

Suarez was sanctioned by an FA Independent Regulatory Commission on Tuesday for racially abusing Patrice Evra.
Evra told French TV he was racially abused by the Uruguayan on 10 occasions during Manchester United's Premier League match at Anfield on October 15.
The FA said in a statement: "An Independent Regulatory Commission has today found a charge of misconduct against Luis Suarez proven, and have issued a suspension for a period of eight matches as well as fining him £40,000, pending appeal."
The commission's ruling stated: "Mr Suarez used insulting words towards Mr Evra during the match contrary to FA Rule E3(1);
"The insulting words used by Mr Suarez included a reference to Mr Evra's colour within the meaning of Rule E3(2);
"Mr Suarez shall be warned as to his future conduct, be suspended for eight matches covering all first team competitive matches and fined the sum of £40,000;
"The [penalty] is suspended pending the outcome of any appeal lodged by Mr Suarez against this decision."
The FA confirmed that Suarez's suspension will not start until the outcome of any appeal.
The statement added: "Mr Suarez has the right to appeal the decision of the Independent Regulatory Commission to an Appeal Board. An appeal must be lodged within 14 days of the date of the written reasons for the decision.
"The penalty is suspended until after the outcome of any appeal, or the time for appealing expires, or should Mr Suarez decide not to appeal. The reason for this is to ensure that the penalty does not take effect before any appeal so that Mr Suarez has an effective right of appeal."
The Uruguay striker had strongly denied the accusation and was fully supported by Liverpool.
Evra made the claims immediately after the match at Anfield two months ago, telling French TV station Canal Plus that Suarez had used a racist insult to him "at least 10 times".
Evra said: "There are cameras. You can see him (Suarez) say a certain word to me at least 10 times."
Both players spoke to FA officials during the investigation and Suarez's defence was based on claims that he was unaware language that is acceptable in Uruguay is viewed as racist in Europe.
Suarez told Uruguayan media last month: "There is no evidence I said anything racist to him. I said nothing of the sort.
"There were two parts of the discussion - one in Spanish, one in English. I did not insult him. It was just a way of expressing myself. I called him something his team-mates at Manchester call him, and even they were surprised by his reaction."
Evra reported his complaint to match referee Andre Marriner, who included it in his report.
Liverpool issued their initial response in a statement, outlining they were "surprised and disappointed" and said they found it "extraordinary" the FA had taken Evra's word.
They did not officially confirm whether or not they would be appealing, but said: "Liverpool Football Club is very surprised and disappointed with the decision of the Football Association Commission to find Luis Suarez guilty of the charges against him. We look forward to the publication of the Commission's Judgment.
"We will study the detailed reasons of the Commission once they become available, but reserve our right to appeal or take any other course of action we feel appropriate with regards to this situation.
"We find it extraordinary that Luis can be found guilty on the word of Patrice Evra alone when no one else on the field of play - including Evra's own Manchester United team-mates and all the match officials - heard the alleged conversation between the two players in a crowded Kop goalmouth while a corner kick was about to be taken."
Liverpool also reiterated their stance against racism, and suggested they were keen to see what action the FA would be taking against Evra, claiming he had admitted insulting Suarez himself.
The club also accused the FA of being "determined" to find Suarez guilty, adding: "LFC considers racism in any form to be unacceptable - without compromise.
"It is our strong held belief, having gone over the facts of the case, that Luis Suarez did not commit any racist act.
"It is also our opinion that the accusation by this particular player was not credible - certainly no more credible than his prior unfounded accusations.
"It is key to note that Patrice Evra himself in his written statement in this case said 'I don't think that Luis Suarez is racist'.
"The FA in their opening remarks accepted that Luis Suarez was not racist.
"It appears to us that the FA were determined to bring charges against Luis Suarez, even before interviewing him at the beginning of November. Nothing we have heard in the course of the hearing has changed our view that Luis Suarez is innocent of the charges brought against him and we will provide Luis with whatever support he now needs to clear his name.
"We would also like to know when the FA intend to charge Patrice Evra with making abusive remarks to an opponent after he admitted himself in his evidence to insulting Luis Suarez in Spanish in the most objectionable of terms.
"Luis, to his credit, actually told the FA he had not heard the insult."
Suarez said on Tuesday night, via his Twitter account: "Today is a very difficult and painful day for both me and my family. Thanks for all the support, I'll keep working!"
He later added on his official website: "I'm upset by the accusations of racism. I can only say that I have always respected and respect everybody.
"We are all the same. I go to the field with the maximum illusion of a little child who enjoys what he does, not to create conflicts."
Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish said via his Twitter account: "Very disappointed with today's verdict. This is the time when @luis16suarez needs our full support. Let's not let him walk alone. KD."
Lord Herman Ouseley, chairman of Kick It Out, said: "The FA has shown leadership and intent through what has clearly been a difficult and complex complaint to deal with, and invested time and expertise to ensure this outcome.
"It has demonstrated that it will not stand for discrimination, something organisations such as FIFA and UEFA should take heed of.
"Kick It Out will continue to work with clubs and players, at professional and grass roots level, offering education on what is deemed offensive and unacceptable behaviour."

"Let's be honest this is Suarez own fault. Regardless of whether or not he intended to be racist, he should have known better than to use the word or words he did. I only hope that either we buy a decent striker in January or Carroll steps up and scores some goals".

- arnie__red

Source:  http://www.football365.com/liverpool/7389279/Suarez-Ban-Anger

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Coyle unfazed by sack talk

Bolton boss Owen Coyle has played down suggestions the losing manager in Tuesday night's crunch clash at Blackburn will be sacked.

Wanderers are bottom of the table with Rovers just one place and a point above them.
Blackburn's Steve Kean has been under pressure all season, with fans staging protests against his tenure, while Bolton's poor run of results has seen a shift in the mood of some supporters recently.
But Coyle, who has been publicly backed by chairman Phil Gartside, claimed he was unaware of talk which suggested the beaten man could be dismissed.
"It is news to me but that is the nature of football," said the Scot.
"Everyone has an opinion and loves a negative story.
"It doesn't faze me. Whatever ultimately happens to you in life will happen.
"We all have jobs to do and as long as no-one gets personal about anyone at my club we will not have a problem about that.
"Have your opinion, call it any way you like but it doesn't faze me.
"But what I do know is by going and winning points you can turn that opinion very quickly.
"I think it is fair to say it is a huge game.
"There is no getting away from it because when you are on a disappointing run like we have been on when those opportunities pass you by the next game becomes greater.
"Because of the circumstances of both clubs there is no doubt this is the biggest game of the season - absolutely.
"But we also know it could be the platform and catalyst for us to pick up points and move forward and start moving up the league.
"It is a great opportunity as far as I am concerned."
Coyle had some good news on Monday when United States midfielder Stuart Holden returned to the training ground to continue working his way back from a knee injury.
"He is an infectious character and we love having him," added Coyle.
"It was important that he got back home and did a lot of his rehab with his national team but it is always nice when you have a player of that ilk back.
"He bounced in this morning and came in to see me.
"He is a terrific lad and loves being at the club and there is no doubt he has been sadly missed.
"The sooner we have him back the better it is for all concerned and I'm sure he'll give everyone a boost."

Source: http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7386760/Owen-Coyle-Not-Fazed-By-Sack-Talk

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Redknapp rues loss of Lennon

Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon could be out of action for "weeks" after suffering a suspected torn hamstring on Sunday.

Lennon came off during the first half of Spurs' 1-0 win over Sunderland and is now likely to be missing over the club's festive season and beyond.
The former Leeds player's absence will be a big flow for Tottenham, particularly as they face rivals Chelsea at White Hart Lane on Thursday.
"Lennon felt the tear. He has no chance for Thursday," Harry Redknapp said.
"He felt it go. It will be weeks if it's a tear."

Source: http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7385857/Lennon-Tears-Hamstring

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Silva sends City to the summit

Manchester City returned to the Premier League summit after talisman David Silva secured a 1-0 victory over Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.

The Spaniard slid in his sixth goal of the season after 53 minutes to finally give City reward for some brilliant attacking play.
Yet Arsenal, although perhaps lucky not to have Alex Song sent off, threatened on a number of occasions and Joe Hart saved well from Thomas Vermaelen late on.
City settled quickly and had a chance to launch the ball into the Arsenal box after Mario Balotelli was tripped by Mikel Arteta.
Samir Nasri, booed heavily in the Carling Cup tie between the clubs earlier this month, was again barracked by the visiting fans before lobbing his free-kick straight to goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
Nasri tried to slip in Sergio Aguero but his ball was too strong for the Argentinian.
Aguero spurned a good opportunity when he took a Pablo Zabaleta cross in his stride and fired over.
Aguero went through again moments later but was denied the space to shoot and could not find Balotelli.
Referee Phil Dowd then booked Song for an earlier foul on Silva and made a big call moments later when the same player felled Yaya Toure. Dowd again allowed City to play advantage but this time did not go back to speak to Song when the ball went dead.
Gervinho had Arsenal's first serious opportunity but Joe Hart saved well and the goalkeeper then tipped behind an Aaron Ramsey effort from the resulting corner.
Balotelli almost gave City the lead with an opportunistic acrobatic shot after Per Mertesacker misjudged a bounce but Szczesny reacted quickly.
Ramsey appealed for a penalty in the 35th minute after a scuffed shot from Robin van Persie was deflected into his path and he went down under a Kolo Toure challenge.
Dowd saw nothing untoward and the ball was scrambled clear.
City midfielder Gareth Barry was booked after a risky tackle on Arteta from behind.
Aguero showed great close control on the edge of the box to create another chance for himself five minutes before the break but Szczesny saved again.
City caught Arsenal on the counter-attack to take the lead seven minutes after the restart.
Nasri found Balotelli in space down the left and the Italian charged forward to cut inside and shoot.
Szczesny parried but Aguero reacted quickly to head across goal for Silva to slide in and score.
It was a lead which was almost wiped out within a minute as, with City fans still celebrating, Arsenal powered forward and Theo Walcott forced Hart to tip over from 18 yards.
Van Persie thought he had equalised when he deftly chipped Hart three minutes later but the flag was raised for offside.
City stepped up the tempo with Aguero firing narrowly wide from distance and Nasri going through but opting to pass instead shoot when well placed.
Play quickly switched to the other end where Van Persie shot straight at Hart but City were soon back on the attack.
Zabaleta almost made Arsenal pay when he seized on a poor pass from Laurent Koscielny but drove against the post with Szczesny beaten.
Walcott appeared unhappy when he was replaced by Andrey Arshavin with 20 minutes remaining while City attempted to tighten up by sending on James Milner for Balotelli.
Song survived for a second time after clashing with Vincent Kompany as Dowd again chose not to show him a second yellow card.
Advantage was played and Szczesny saved low from Aguero.
Dowd was also lenient with Arteta after fouling Yaya Toure and Barry in quick succession, the referee only booking the Spaniard for the first offence.
Richards enjoyed some luck when a Koscielny cross caught his arm in the box and Dowd deemed it accidental.
Arsenal pressed until the end with Arshavin driving wide and Thomas Vermaelen forcing Hart to make a brilliant save with a well-struck shot following a short free-kick.

Source: http://www.football365.com/match/3458918/report

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Suarez hearing gets underway

The FA have begun the disciplinary hearing into claims that Liverpool striker Luis Suarez racially abused Manchester United's Patrice Evra.

Suarez has been charged with abusing Evra, and referring to his "ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race" by the FA.
The hearing is expected to last for two days with the outcome expected by the end of the week. Both players are due to give evidence to the hearing.
The charge followed a month-long investigation and the Uruguay striker immediately denied the accusation. Liverpool say they remain "fully supportive" of the 24-year-old.
Evra made the claims immediately after the match at Anfield on October 15, telling French TV station Canal Plus that Suarez had used a racist insult to him "at least 10 times".
If Suarez he is found guilty he could be banned or fined, or both.
Evra said: "There are cameras. You can see him [Suarez] say a certain word to me at least 10 times."
Both players spoke to FA officials during the investigation and there have been suggestions that Suarez was unaware language that is acceptable in Uruguay is viewed as racist in Europe.
Suarez told Uruguayan media earlier this month: "There is no evidence I said anything racist to him. I said nothing of the sort.
"There were two parts of the discussion - one in Spanish, one in English. I did not insult him. It was just a way of expressing myself. I called him something his team-mates at Manchester call him, and even they were surprised by his reaction."
Evra reported his complaint to match referee Andre Marriner, who included it in his report.
The FA announced the charge last month, alleging Suarez used "abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour" towards Evra.
"It is further alleged that this included a reference to the ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race of Patrice Evra," said the FA.
Liverpool said after the charge: "Luis remains determined to clear his name of the allegation made against him by Patrice Evra.

Source:  http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7377407/Suarez-Hearing-Begins

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Chelsea: Torres tale 'nonsense'

Chelsea have dismissed reports that they are ready to sell Fernando Torres for £20million in January, by branding the claims as "nonsense".

The Daily Mail claimed on Wednesday morning that Chelsea were prepared to give up on the Spaniard just a year after they bought him from Liverpool for £50million.
But Chelsea have responded by telling the Daily Telegraph: "The story is nonsense. Fernando Torres remains part of our long term plans."
Torres has scored four goals for Chelsea this season but has not started a Premier League game since October.
Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has certainly made all the right noises about believing in his big-money striker.
"In a career or a person's life, you have better moments and worse moments," he said last month.
"At the moment, Fernando's best moments in terms of goalscoring were the Liverpool days. That does not mean those days won't arrive in this club, and that does not mean that, at the moment, he is not performing for the team, because he is.
"Isolate the last four months with the goals he's scored [four in seven games in all competitions] and it isn't bad. A striker is not just there to put the ball in the back of the net. He's there to perform and create."

Source : http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7377493/Chelsea-Say-Torres-Story-Is-Nonsense-

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Reds get new charge deadline

Liverpool have been given more time by the Football Association to respond to the two charges that followed last week's defeat at Fulham.

Reds striker Luis Suarez was charged with improper conduct over an allegedly abusive hand gesture, while the club were charged with failing to control their players following the sending off of Jay Spearing.
Liverpool were originally given until 4pm on Monday to respond to the charges but have now been given an extension.
Suarez is also the subject of another FA disciplinary case after he was charged last month of racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra in October.
Spearing has already served one game of his three-match suspension after missing the weekend win over Queens Park Rangers, and the midfielder will serve the final two games of his suspension against Aston Villa and Wigan.

Source : http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7373145/Liverpool-Given-Time

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Anelka to make Shanghai switch

Chelsea have agreed terms with Shanghai Shenhua for the sale of Nicolas Anelka in January's transfer window.

The 32-year-old agreed a two-year deal with the Chinese Super League club, becoming arguably the biggest footballing personality ever to ply his trade in the world's most populous nation.
He will earn a reported salary of £175,000 a week and unlike fading stars such as Paul Gascoigne, Ruben Sosa, Carsten Jancker and Jorg Albertz, who decamped to China in the early 2000s, Anelka is still arguably somewhere near his peak.
The former France striker had no shortage of suitors when it became apparent his Chelsea contract, which was set to expire at the end of the season, would not be renewed.
To say money played a significant part in his decision to join Shenhua would be stating the obvious, with Anelka seemingly not the sort to embark on a David Beckham-esque mission to transform the footballing fortunes of a far-flung empire.
But his arrival might help to do that anyway and will certainly provide a huge boost to a club who finished 11th out of 16 teams in the Super League last term.
Another possible incentive for Anelka to join is that Shenhua are trying to lure Jean Tigana - the former France midfielder and Fulham boss - to be their new manager.
It did not take long for Anelka's signing to be embraced by his soon-to-be team-mates, with captain Yu Tao writing on Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter: "It's impossible not to be excited by this - a warm welcome to our new team-mate!"
Goalkeeper Wang Dalei added: "Tell Anelka he made his new team-mates really proud!"
Shenhua will become Anelka's ninth club since he burst onto the scene at Arsenal during their 1997-98 double-winning campaign.
Never one to stay anywhere for long, the striker has racked up almost £87million in combined transfer fees - and who knows how many more millions in signing-on fees, wages and agents fees for his well-known entourage.
A stint at Real Madrid - where he won the Champions League - a return to Paris St Germain and a loan spell at Liverpool followed his Arsenal adventure before permanent moves to Manchester City, Fenerbahce and Bolton.
He became Avram Grant's first signing for Chelsea in January 2008 in a £15million deal, going on to miss the decisive penalty in the Champions League final defeat against Manchester United in Moscow.
However, he was a key part of last year's double-winning side under Carlo Ancelotti and scored 59 times in 184 games in total.
The arrival of Juan Mata and the return of Daniel Sturridge from a loan spell at Bolton saw him marginalised by new manager Andre Villas-Boas and he was banished from Chelsea's first team along with defender Alex after both submitted transfer requests.
Anelka's status as China's biggest ever footballing import may not last long if Shenhua or Super League rivals Dalian Aerbin succeed in their pursuit of Chelsea team-mate Didier Drogba.
Drogba, who has yet to agree a new deal with the Blues to replace the one that expires at the end of the season, has been offered a three-year contract worth more than £200,000 per week by Aerbin.
General manager Li Ming told Chinese media last week: "Money is not the problem.
"Drogba is still one of the most popular soccer stars in the world, though he will be 34 years old.
"We have talked a lot with Drogba's agent and promised to provide him with a three-year contract."
Aerbin were only formed in 2009 and have just been promoted to China's top division.

Source: http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7372209/Anelka-Will-Head-East-To-China-On-January-1

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Shanghai claim Anelka deal

Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua claim they have agreed terms with Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka.

It was reported earlier in the week that the French forward was mulling over a move to Asian football having handed in a transfer request at Stamford Bridge.
Anelka, 32, is currently training away from the first-team squad at Chelsea and looks destined to be on the move in January with Shanghai Shenhua confident he will be linking up with them.
"We have agreed on all the contract details and we are only waiting for him to sign it," said club official Ma Yue.
The Chinese outfit have ambitions plans for the future and are keen to raise their profile across the world.
It has been suggested that they could also make a move for Anelka's Chelsea team-mate Didier Drogba.
The Ivorian will see his contract with the Blues expire next summer, and he is yet to agree fresh terms.
Ma admits Shanghai Shenhua would be keen to land Drogba, with contact having been made, but he has made it clear that no deal is close.
"So far, on Drogba to move to Shenhua, our club has no clear confirmation," he added.

Source: http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7370366/Shanghai-claim-Anelka-deal

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Latics lifted, four-star United

Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool all won in the Premier League, while Wigan climbed out of the bottom three with victory at West Brom.

Nani and Wayne Rooney scored two apiece as United bounced back from their Champions League nightmare to thump 4-1 Wolves at Old Trafford.
The pair both scored their first Premier League goals since September when they converted first-half efforts.
Then, after Steven Fletcher had pulled one back within 90 seconds of the restart, Nani tapped home before Rooney's volley took him to 13 for the season overall as United closed the gap on Manchester City to two points.
Meanwhile Robin van Persie was once again the star of the show in north London as he smashed a stunning volley as good as any in Arsenal's 125-year history to earn the Gunners a 1-0 win over Everton at Emirates Stadium.
The in-form Dutchman took his tally to 19 for the season with a superb left-footed strike on 70 minutes which proved enough to send Arsenal back into the top four.
Everton had defended well and looked dangerous on the break, but were undone by a moment of pure genius, which was applauded by watching Arsenal legend Thierry Henry in the stands.
Liverpool too had their talisman to thank for securing three points as Luis Suarez scored his first Premier League goal since October 1 to earn a 1-0 win against QPR.
The Uruguay international, in the headlines for anything but his football in recent weeks, headed in Charlie Adam's cross from close range in the 47th minute.
By contrast, it was the man between the sticks that was catalyst for Swansea's 2-0 win over Fulham.
Michel Vorm's stunning penalty save from Clint Dempsey came in between goals from Scott Sinclair and Danny Graham as the Welsh outfit secured their first Premier League win in five games.
Wigan were the day's big winners, however, moving out of the bottom three as West Brom's penalty curse struck again at The Hawthorns.
Steven Reid's free-kick put the Baggies ahead but Victor Moses' first goal for 13 months brought the Latics level before half-time.
Then Albion conceded a penalty for the fourth successive home game when Reid was adjudged to have fouled Moses - and Jordi Gomez ensured back-to-back away wins for Wigan.
Their victory sees Bolton go bottom of the standings after goals from Marc Albrighton and Stiliyan Petrov saw Aston Villa triumph 2-1 at the Reebok Stadium.
Ivan Klasnic reduced the deficit 10 minutes into the second half, although the hosts could not salvage a point.
Elsewhere Norwich became just the third team to triumph over Newcastle in the league this season as a double from captain Grant Holt helped the Canaries defeat the 10-man Magpies 4-2 in a six-goal thriller at Carrow Road.
Demba Ba's first-half strike cancelled out Wes Hoolahan's opener before Holt powered home a header to make it 2-1 just before the hour.
Dan Gosling saw red for a dangerous two-footed challenge shortly after giving away the ball in the run-up to Steve Morison's headed goal and Ba pulled one back for Newcastle, before Holt added his second with eight minutes to go to complete the scoring.

Source:http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7368924/United-Make-Statement-RVP-Saves-Arse

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Fergie demands United response

Sir Alex Ferguson has called on Manchester United to use the misery of their Champions League exit on Wednesday as motivation for future glory.


The Red Devils only needed to draw their final Group C game against Basel in Switzerland to book their place in the last 16 of the competition for a fifth consecutive season.
But United were playing catch-up from the ninth minute when Marco Streller opened the scoring at St Jakob-Park and they suffered another blow late on through Alexander Frei's close-range header.
Phil Jones did pull one back for Ferguson's side after Federico Macheda saw his shot cannon off the crossbar, however, it proved too little too late.
The Scot has seen his side overcome numerous setbacks over the years and he hopes his current crop of stars can use the defeat as a springboard for the future.
"Of course we're disappointed, there's no other way you can feel," explained Ferguson.
"It's part of football. You have to deal with the disappointment, and this club has used it as motivation many times.
"These young players will feel disappointed tonight but they'll have to cope with it and go on with their careers.
"Our results in the last few years have been outstanding. It's a loss because it's the best tournament in the world. It's a marvellous tournament.
"It wasn't a good start to the game. We expected to try and control the game by getting control of possession. They've scored through their first real attack.
"When you're away from home and you're 1-0 down, you have a job to do. The opportunities we had we didn't take them and that was the story of the game."
Ferguson will now compete for the first time in the Europa League with United and he admits the team will suffer by playing on Thursdays and Sundays.
"The (Europa League) is a competition I've never been in with United. It does mean one thing, it's right through Thursdays and Sundays, so that's got to be dealt with," he continued.
"It's not the best. That's our penalty for not qualifying tonight."
Ferguson was not impressed to learn of ITV pundit Roy Keane's damning assessment. The former United skipper said the defeat was a "reality check" for the club's young players and said the club "got what they deserved" on Wednesday night.
Ferguson responded: "He had an opportunity to prove himself as a manager too. It is a difficult job."
It was a remarkable achievement for Basel, easily the greatest night in the club's history, made all the more amazing by the fact it was masterminded by 36-year-old Heiko Vogel, who only became coach in October, when Thorsten Fink left to join Hamburg.

Source : http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7361772/Fergie-Demands-A-Response

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Basel brush off United hopes

Manchester United surprisingly crashed out of the Champions League following a 2-1 defeat at Basel on Wednesday night.

They were always up against it at St-Jakob Park once Marco Streller had given the hosts a ninth-minute lead.
Though they grew in dominance as the match went on, the elusive equaliser would not come.
Wayne Rooney, who faces a UEFA disciplinary hearing in nearby Nyon on Thursday, wasted their best chance, with Markus Steinhofer belting the ball against his own crossbar midway through the second half.
Alexander Frei added Basel's second eight minutes from time, although United did not go down without a fight.
Phil Jones grabbed a lifetime near the end but the visitors were unable to conjure up a miracle second, leaving Basel to celebrate the greatest night in their history.
In stark contrast, United are counting the massive financial implications of exiting at this stage for the first time since 2005, the lost millions hitting the Glazer family where it hurts the most.
On that occasion, United at least avoided the humiliation of appearing in the Europa League.
Not this time though. After the catastrophe of their 300th European game, United's 301st will be played on a Thursday night.
By half-time, a night that started with the prospect of having to face a fellow European heavyweight in the last 16 was turning towards the prospect of a meeting with Vaslui, Legia Warsaw or Maccabi Haifa.
Although they had started well, United suffered an early hammer blow Ferguson cannot have expected.
A penalty area collision between Nemanja Vidic and Chris Smalling offered Xherdan Shaqiri the opportunity to collect a loose ball and drive a long way down the by-line before drilling a cross across the visitors' goal.
It was not an easy moment for David de Gea. But the young Spaniard might have chosen a better option than to lunge at the ball with his feet, succeeding only in turning it to Streller, whose first-time shot bounced in.
For a good while afterwards United struggled to find an answer to Basel's blanket defence, an ominous sign in itself given the essential need for a goal.
Nani was their best hope, daring opposition defenders to lunge in before escaping their presence with a burst of acceleration.
He must have thought it had done the trick when he sent a low cross to the far post that appeared to set Rooney up with a tap-in at the far-post. Inexplicably, the striker failed to make proper contact.
Park Ji-sung could not react quickly enough either and Yann Sommer snuffed out the danger.
Sommer denied Nani and Ashley Young as the pressure began to mount, with Phil Jones having a shot blocked too.
But the second shattering moment of the half came in the final minute when Vidic and Streller chased down possession, got their legs tangled up and hit the deck.
The Serbian immediately called for assistance and medical staff wasted no time stretchering him down the tunnel, triggering the introduction of Jonny Evans and much half-time soul-searching within the visitors' ranks.
It was the type of situation Roy Keane excelled in.
Sadly for United, the Irishman's presence was limited to that of touchline TV analyst.
Rooney was presented with yet another opportunity four minutes after the restart when Giggs sent him clean through.
The angle was not great but, after opening his body to make room for the curling shot to the far corner, the effort sailed wide.
Even for a team of United's stature, hauling themselves back from two goals down would have been virtually impossible, so De Gea's brilliant fingertip save to turn over Alexander Frei's goalbound free-kick was priceless.
And the visitors so nearly benefited from an outrageous slice of good fortune when, in attempting to hack Nani's cross clear at the far post, Steinhofer succeeded only in rattling the crossbar.
It was one of those moments when fans start to wonder whether this is going to be their night. Rooney heading Nani's cross over from close range was another although, as the striker was offside anyway, it did not matter.

Source : http://www.football365.com/match/3447096/report

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Rooney ready for UEFA appeals

UEFA will hear Wayne Rooney's appeal against a three-match ban on Thursday, but even if he's successful a two-match absence still looks likely.
Rooney, who was given the ban after his dismissal for violent conduct against Montenegro, will travel to UEFA's headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, for the hearing after playing in Manchester United's Champions League match in Basle tonight.
England manager Fabio Capello will also travel to the appeal along with the Football Association's legal support team.
As things currently stand, Rooney would miss all of England's Group D games against France, Sweden and Ukraine.
However, those experienced in UEFA disciplinary matters believe the best Rooney can hope for is to have his ban reduced to two games, with perhaps the third match suspended.
The FA may argue that a three-match ban that affects games in the finals of a major tournament is a harsher sanction than a suspension of a similar length which would just affect matches in a qualifying tournament.
Miodrag Dzudovic, the Montenegro player kicked by Rooney, is also providing evidence on the England striker's behalf.
Club England director Adrian Bevington said earlier this week: "We feel we have put a very robust case together with some evidence from Wayne, Fabio Capello, from the Montenegrin player and also from the specialist external legal advice and our own internal in-house lawyers that we work with as well.
"We will be in Nyon with our own legal support team and we will present our case and see how we take it from there.
"The important element is to present it to UEFA and let them make their judgement from there."
The UEFA appeals panel will open the hearing at 9.30am Swiss time with a decision possibly due in the early afternoon.

Source:http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7357800/Rooney-ready-for-UEFA-appeal

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Drogba fires Blues into last 16

Didier Drogba scored twice as Chelsea beat Valencia 3-0 at Stamford Bridge to secure top spot in Champions League Group E.

With the Blues in danger of crashing out of Europe's premier club competition before Christmas for the first time, Andre Villas-Boas abandoned the cavalier tactics that have been the hallmark of his reign to date.
The counter-attacking approach paid off spectacularly as Chelsea emerged from the brink of elimination to top the group thanks to Drogba's brace either side of a goal from Ramires and Bayer Leverkusen's failure to win at Genk.
That meant the Blues avoid a last-16 clash against the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.
Seemingly backed to the hilt by billionaire owner Roman Abramovich, Villas-Boas flexed his muscles this week by banishing Nicolas Anelka and Alex from his first-team squad, and he was ruthless again on Tuesday night by axing Frank Lampard from his starting XI.
It was not the first time Lampard had been left out this season but the midfielder's omission was arguably the most significant of his entire Chelsea career.
It demonstrated the 33-year-old was no longer guaranteed to start the big games - and it did not get any bigger than this.
Chelsea went into the game in the unfamiliar position of needing to win to be certain of avoiding the humiliation of dropping into the Europa League, having thrown away victory in three of their previous five games.
So the fastest goal they had ever scored in the Champions League could hardly have been better timed as Drogba put them ahead inside three minutes.
Daniel Sturridge picked out Juan Mata at the far post and the Spaniard squared to Drogba, who was given an age to fire left-footed beyond Diego Alves.
The sense of relief around Stamford Bridge was palpable but the mood quickly changed as Valencia, who still only needed one goal to knock Chelsea out, assumed complete control.
They twice went close to levelling inside the opening 10 minutes when Jordi Alba crashed a shot against the outside of the post and Petr Cech clawed David Albelda's blockbuster away from the top corner.
Villas-Boas had promised Chelsea would go on the attack but they were playing with 11 men behind the ball at times as the Valencia onslaught continued.
Villas-Boas' much-maligned defence was hardly looking secure but the pressure was suddenly relieved midway through the half when Valencia produced an absolute howler in their own rearguard.
Drogba's pass looked too heavy for Ramires but the Brazilian brushed off the feeblest of challenges from Victor Ruiz before slotting underneath the stranded Alves.
The home side were now playing almost exclusively on the break, defending as deep as they ever had done under Villas-Boas, but they almost added a third when another surge saw Alves keep out Sturridge's near-post finish.
The pattern continued after half-time, with Sturridge going close again on the counter before Valencia brought on Aritz Aduriz and changed from a 4-5-1 to a 4-4-2 formation.
A goal for the Spaniards was all that was needed to set nerves jangling again and Cech got a crucial punch to Tino Costa's crossed free-kick before springing sideways to repel Sofiane Feghouli's goalbound drive.
Villas-Boas responded by sending on John Obi Mikel for Ramires, which yielded a mixed response from the home fans.
Drogba should have made the game safe with 18 minutes remaining when he left Adil Rami in a heap bursting onto Sturridge's ball over the top but dragged wide with the goal at his mercy.
The striker made amends four minutes later after being slid in by Mata and poking the ball past Alves with the outside of his right foot for his fourth goal in the last four games.
Cech produced another excellent reaction save to keep out Aduriz's header after Fernando Torres replaced Drogba.
With the final whistle looming, two of Chelsea's fans got carried away and invaded the pitch but they could be forgiven after what they had been put through this season.

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Adam regretted the loss of Lucas

Charlie Adam has called the loss of his midfield partner Lucas a "huge blow" as Liverpool prepare for their Premier League clash at Fulham.
Adam will run out in the Premier League at Craven Cottage on Monday night without his central midfield partner Lucas for only the second time this season.
The pair have started 12 of the Reds' previous 13 league matches alongside each other - the Brazilian missed one game through suspension - and had developed a close understanding and good working relationship.
But with the 24-year-old having been ruled out for the rest of the season with cruciate knee ligament damage Adam is going to have to forge a new partnership.
It may take some getting used to, and it may involve the Scotland international adjusting his role to compensate for the loss of a player who has become a key cog in their system.
"We have been playing well together but he is a top Brazilian international and has been fantastic for us," Adam told the club's website.
"He has had a lot plaudits for the whole season - Luis Suarez has stolen the limelight because he has been terrific but Lucas deservedly got man of the match against Manchester City.
"We are all really sad for him because he's been one of the best players for us again this season.
"He's a terrific player and it's a big blow for us. He is going to be a loss.
"He's gutted but we are all behind him and giving him support. I texted him the other day and told him he will come back stronger mentally and physically a better player.
"It will be a hard time for him but we will all get him through it, all the players and staff, and he will be back for us next season."
Liverpool are looking to maintain an unbeaten run which now stretches to 11 matches at Fulham.
Manager Kenny Dalglish is likely to revert to the line-up - minus Lucas - which did so well in pushing league leaders Manchester City on their way to a point at Anfield the previous weekend.
That means many of the players who secured the club's place in the Carling Cup semi-finals with the win at Chelsea in midweek will lose out.
Dalglish admits it cannot be helped but stressed the players know success will only come from them being united in their quest to improve.
"Last Tuesday we made seven changes and there is not one of them who let themselves or us down," said the Scot.
"That's the thing that is going to keep us going - the momentum and strong dressing room we have.
"If they're enjoying coming to work, they're going to work and train harder, and produce good performances. They've done that.
"We would much rather have Lucas fit than injured but we have a strong squad and we have people in the squad who can step in.

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Pardew: Ref admitted mistake

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has revealed referee Mike Dean has admitted he should have sent off Chelsea defender David Luiz.
The Brazilian only received a yellow card for his fourth-minute challenge on Magpies striker Demba Ba during Saturday's 3-0 Premier League win for the Blues on Tyneside.
A furious Pardew said after the game the official had told him he did not issue a red card because Ba did not have the ball under control when he went to see him at half-time.
However, speaking on Sky Sports' Goals on Sunday show, he revealed Mr Dean's opinion of the incident had changed after seeing it again.
Pardew said: "I have got no problem with the referee yesterday, he made a mistake. Actually, he has since after the game seen it again and said to me, 'I made a mistake, he should have been sent off'.
"At half-time yesterday, his opinion was different, but his opinion would have been altered if his assistant referee had done his job, in my opinion.
"When I saw the referee at half-time, I said, 'Why did you not send him off?'. He said to me, 'He didn't have control of the ball'.
"Well, how can you have control of the ball when the guy is knocking you over?
"There is no way the goalie is getting to the ball, but the bigger problem I have got is with the linesman on this occasion, because I was looking at the linesman.
"The linesman can see that - he didn't flag, he didn't go mad, he didn't do anything, so Mike Dean is making that decision from 40 yards away.
"If the linesman is waving his flag and suggesting, 'You know what, this is an incident here', and they have got their little mics...
"It would have altered the game, down to 10 men, Chelsea, the pressure they were under.
"I wouldn't have lost my centre-half to injury because we were forcing the game. I had people charging around trying to get back a situation when we would have been in control of the game.
"Not only do I lose the game, but I have lost two players through injury. I'm still angry."
Newcastle, of course, enjoyed the benefit of a controversial decision at Manchester United last weekend when they were awarded a penalty for Rio Ferdinand's challenge on Hatem Ben Arfa after referee Mike Jones had originally awarded a corner.
Pardew was quick to admit his side's good fortune on that occasion, and while he has some sympathy with the officials, he believes the only solution is for assistant referees to become professional.
He said: "The problem we have got in this country is that it's something like the budget, I am told, £8million for the referees, everything, assistants, assessors, the whole budget.
"Now when you think about how much money is thrown at this game, that can't be right.
"The training for the referees is about £30,000, believe it or not. We have got assistant referees who are not full-time, so we are going to have this problem unless we say assistant referees are professional.
"The referee has then got a unit that's trained, that trains together, that works together, that knows each other who can deal with those situations because they are dealing with them when they are training in the week.

source:http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7352202/Pardew-Ref-admitted-mistake

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Luiz booking baffles Pardew

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew will study the rule book after admitting he was baffled as to why Chelsea's David Luiz was not sent off on Saturday.

In the fourth minute and with the score 0-0 in the Premier League encounter at St James' Park, the Brazilian brought down Demba Ba with only goalkeeper Petr Cech standing between him and the opening goal.
But referee Mike Dean decided only to show a yellow card.
Pardew told Sky Sports that Dean had told him Ba did not have "control of the ball" so it was not a red-card offence.
"I am going to have to look at the rule book," said Pardew. "It's a sending-off, it's as simple as that. It changed the game."
Goals from Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Daniel Sturridge ensured Chelsea return to Stamford Bridge with three points.
Pardew continued: "He's in on goal and he brings him down. I do not understand the logic of referees when that happens. I genuinely believe that the referee got that wrong."
Chelsea boss Andre Villa-Boas said the 3-0 victory was a "massive result".
But he admitted the Blues were lucky to keep 11 men on the field.
"We have been treated unfairly for quite some time as well and maybe today the decision fell our way," Villas-Boas said.
"I'm sure Alan will not be happy."
Drogba admitted it was important to go into next week's must-win Champions League clash against Valencia with a victory.
He said: "Even if we had a bad result, we still have to win the game in the Champions League.

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Man City spend most on agents

City, unsurprisingly, topped the payments table with a total of £9.7million paid to agents followed by Spurs on £7.6million, then Liverpool on £7million.
The total in the top flight of £71.8million is the highest since the Premier League decided in 2008 to publish club-by-club spending on agents - in 2009 it was £70.7million.
The three lowest spenders included two promoted sides Swansea (£248,000) and Norwich (£710,00), with Wigan having spent £659,000.
The amounts shown include payments made by clubs on behalf of players.
Club-by-club spending on agents' fees between October 1 2010 and September 30 2011: Man City £9.7m; Tottenham £7.6m; Liverpool £7m; Chelsea £6.5m; Newcastle £6.3m; Arsenal £4.6m; Man Utd £4.5m; Blackburn £4.2m; Sunderland £3.7m; Aston Villa £3.2m; Everton £2.9m; QPR £2.5m; Stoke £2.2m; Bolton £1.9m; West Brom £1.3m; Wolves £1.1m, Fulham £0.9m; Norwich £0.7m; Wigan £0.66m; Swansea £0.24m.

Source : http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7343703/Man-City-spend-most-on-agents

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