Brilliant Berba, WBA hold City

Manchester United went level at the top of the Premier League with a 5-0 win over Wigan on Boxing Day, as West Brom held Manchester City 0-0.

Dimitar Berbatov was the United hero as the Bulgarian smashed a hat-trick in the rout over the 10-man Latics.
Park Ji-sung gave the Red Devils an early lead when he converted after good work from full-back Patrice Evra.
The struggling visitors saw striker Conor Sammon shown a straight red card by referee Phil Dowd for raising his arm as he backed into Michael Carrick just before the break.
United soon made their advantage count as Berbatov (40) doubled the lead, with the Bulgarian netting again just before the hour.
Winger Antonio Valencia knocked in a fourth with 15 minutes left, before Berbatov completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot (77) after Antolin Alcaraz had fouled Park.
City, meanwhile, were left frustrated at The Hawthorns, where Mario Balotelli had an effort chalked off for offside after 33 minutes as the home side battled to a well-deserved point.
Bottom club Blackburn earned a 1-1 draw at Liverpool, where stand-in goalkeeper Mark Bunn produced an outstanding display.
Reds midfielder Charlie Adam put the ball into his own net on the stroke of half-time after a corner from Morten Gamst Pedersen to give Steve Kean's men a shock lead.
However, the home side rallied after the break, and were level through Maxi Rodriguez (53).
Despite plenty of pressure and the return of captain Steven Gerrard from a two-month absence with an ankle infection, Liverpool could not conjure a winner past inspired Rovers number two Bunn, who denied Andy Carroll again in stoppage time with a breathtaking save.
Sunderland had to be content with a 1-1 draw against Everton, who equalised with a controversial second-half penalty at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats looked on course to continue their revival under new boss Martin O'Neill when Jack Colback's 26th-minute effort deflected over keeper Tim Howard off Sylvain Distin to give the 22-year-old midfielder a first senior goal.
However, the visitors were back in the game when referee Howard Webb pointed to the spot on 51 minutes after Leon Osman tumbled in the box despite there appearing no contact, Leighton Baines smashing home the resulting penalty.
Bolton's wretched home form continued as they slumped to an eighth defeat at the Reebok Stadium, where second-half goals from Hatem Ben Arfa (68) and Demba Ba (71) gave Newcastle a 2-0 success for their first win in seven games.

Source :http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7395999/United-Draw-Level-As-Baggies-Hold-City

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Liverpool 1 Blackburn 1

Even the return of captain Steven Gerrard after a two-month absence failed to lift Liverpool out of their current Anfield malaise as the Barlcays Premier League's bottom club Blackburn left with a point they barely deserved.
The England international, sidelined since October with an ankle problem, played the final 21 minutes but could not inspire a change in fortunes.
Kenny Dalglish's side, although unbeaten at home this season, have now drawn six and won three and been held five times in the last six outings at Anfield.
And had it not been for Maxi Rodriguez's 11th goal in his last 12 starts, the result could have been more embarrassing after Charlie Adam had put through his own net on the stroke of half-time.
A familiar pattern of failing to take chances emerged very early on but the difference here, throughout the whole side, was the lack of spark and crispness which the Reds have usually had.
Luis Suarez's second-minute free-kick which sailed just over set the tone before Adam sliced an ambitious volley from outside the area which gave Mark Bunn, deputising for the injured Paul Robinson, a much easier save than he could have anticipated.
There followed two efforts from Suarez, one into the side-netting from Glen Johnson's pass, and the other missing the target completely with a left-footed shot from a similar position on the right of the penalty area.
In recent months opposition goalkeepers have made a habit of saving their best performances for Anfield and Bunn's point-blank block from Andy Carroll, starting for the first time in four matches, after Downing had kept in Jose Enrique's deep cross had a familiar look to it.
Carroll had a goal ruled out on the half-hour as Suarez was offside and the assistant's flag rescued Bunn from conceding a penalty when he brought down Rodriguez, although it was inactive Suarez and not the Argentinian who had got ahead of the Rovers defence.
Blackburn's attacking was sporadic at best and when they did get a chance to test the meanest defence in the Barclays Premier League they wasted it as Ayegbeni Yakubu's cross from a quickly-taken corner was well over-hit.
In the end they needed a helping hand as, totally against the run of play, Adam diverted Morten Gamst Pedersen's inswinging corner past his own goalkeeper just seconds before half-time.
It capped a disappointing few days for the Scotland international, who also put through his own net against Rovers for Blackpool last season, as he missed a penalty in Wednesday's goalless draw at Wigan.
It took Liverpool eight minutes to equalise.
Downing's cross was cleared only as far as Martin Skrtel who hooked the ball back to the far post where Rodriguez headed in from close range.
The goal gave the Reds the spark they needed and, with Bunn wasting time at every opportunity, Suarez headed wide Downing's corner from a spot very close to where his team-mate had equalised.
A Carroll overhead kick was cleared by Grant Hanley while another Rodriguez far-post header, this time back across the six-yard area was crying out for a final touch with no Liverpool player anywhere near.
Gerrard finally got his long-awaited return to action in the 69th minute when he replaced Adam and ran straight on to curl in a free-kick which was headed over by Rodriguez.
Suarez then headed over Johnson's cross before the England defender was relieved to see David Dunn stab wide after needlessly giving away possession in midfield.
The action intensified as Carroll headed wide Enrique's cross, Rodriguez made way for Craig Bellamy to come on against his former club and Downing rolled a left-footed shot too close to Bunn having been played in by Gerrard.
Liverpool twice thought they had stolen the points in the closing moments, Carroll drawing a fine save from Bunn with a close-range volley and 17-year-old Adam Henley, on his first senior start, clearing off the line after Daniel Agger's header from the subsequent corner.
Such problems cannot be allowed to continue for Kenny Dalglish, who must surely have to address the issue of a lack of goals in the coming transfer window.
Blackburn's players celebrated a hard-earned point at the final whistle but their difficulties - they remain bottom of the table - will probably take more fixing.

Source:http://www.football365.com/match/3408419/report

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Cole keeping options open

Joe Cole has not ruled out a return to Liverpool but is enjoying his time on loan at Lille and feels it would be 'logical' to stay in France.
Cole joined the Ligue 1 champions on a season-long loan deal over the summer and has caught the eye with a series of impressive performances both in their domestic games and the Champions League.
Lille boss Rudi Garcia has expressed his desire to keep Cole beyond the summer, although Kenny Dalglish has not yet heard anything about the possibility of turning the move into a permanent arrangement.
Cole is not sure what the future holds but is open to the idea of going back to Anfield, where he would have the chance to prove his worth after a frustrating 2010/11 campaign.
However, he has indicated that his preference would be to remain at Lille as he feels he is finally getting back to his best form.
Asked about a possible Liverpool return, the midfielder told Sky Sports News: "Who knows what will happen? I might get the chance to change that round.
"At the moment I am happy here. I am playing and I am playing well, so it is all going good.
"If it continues going like this, it would be the logical option (to stay at Lille).
"The football's gone quite well, considering I didn't play for so long at Liverpool, but I've had a good start and I'm only going to improve as I get closer to my best level.
"I am edging closer to what I was at my peak at Chelsea."
If he can keep performing well until the end of the season Cole may put himself in contention for a place in England's Euro 2012 squad.
He is keen to be involved but will not build his hopes up too high after falling down Fabio Capello's pecking order over the past 18 months.
"It is at the back of my mind, but you can't drive yourself mad because it is out of my hands," said Cole.
"I am a proud Englishman and I love playing for my country. I have had some great times in an England shirt and I don't want to not ever play for England.
"I definitely have a lot more to offer."
Cole continues to follow the Premier League from afar and has given his backing to Andre Villas-Boas to rise above the pressure and succeed at his former club Chelsea.
"It is a difficult time for the club because things have to change, and he is definitely the man to take them through it in my opinion," said Cole.
"It would be rash if anything happened to him because you are just restarting the engine again."

Source:http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7394159/Cole-May-Return-To-Liverpool-Lille-Stay-Logical-

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Giggs ready for Ferguson talks

Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs will sit down with Sir Alex Ferguson shortly to discuss the possibility of yet another season of football.
Giggs, who has spent his entire career at United, is halfway through the latest in a succession of one-year contracts that have become the norm for the Welshman since he entered his thirties.
Little could anyone have imagined that, at the age of 38, Giggs would still be producing performances of the high standard he delivered at Fulham on Wednesday night.
Sir Alex Ferguson described the contribution from Giggs to United's 5-0 win as "incredible", and it also featured the midfielder's first Premier League goal of the season.
That extended his unique record of scoring in every campaign since the new competition began in 1992.
Giggs told United's official website: "It's almost that time when I'll sit down with the manager and see what his plans are [for the future] and I'll see how I'm feeling.
"At the moment I feel really good and I'm enjoying things more than ever, so we'll just have to wait and see."

Source:http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7393864/Giggs-To-Talk-To-Sir-About-One-More-Season

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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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Barca quiet on Neymar reports

Barcelona have refused to confirm or deny reports they have agreed a deal to sign Brazil striker Neymar from Santos.

Reports in Spain said Barca had agreed a deal to pay 10million euros in advance in order to have the right to conclude a transfer for the 19-year-old before 2014, with Santos forced to pay financial penalties if they choose not to sell the player before that date.
But at a press conference on Wednesday, Barca spokesman Toni Frexia refused to be drawn on the question.
"What we do is communicate agreements when they are finalised," he said. "We also respect that the player is a member of another team, Santos, so we have nothing to say.
"I don't explain things that we are doing until they are done."

"

Hang on a minute, have to get the Barca hating to return to a reasoned or logically point. The Romeu deal had those clauses inserted and well publicised when he signed for Chelsea, there's a similar arangement in place for Bojan Krcic at Roma. That is not an uncommon clause to insert in a contract, Man Utd reportedly include rights on the first option to buy back certain players who leave the club. Also nobody is holding a gun to Santos' head here. They are recieving an injection of cash immediately to provide Barcelona with first refusal on the player if they are willing to sell within a specified time period. I don't know the particulars of these 'financial penalties' (hardly surprising as the deal may not exist) but it's fair to assume they'd involve recompense of the original payment. Deals like this are not uncommon outside of the UK. They're not illegal or imoral as some people are suggesting, you're just not used to them. it's not Barca being arrogant, these are all clauses being isnerted into contracts that other clubs are willing entering. If anything it's more above board than the shameful display they put in chasing Cesc, and many English clubs indulge in on a regular basis"

- fr tod umpcious

Source:http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7390359/Barca-Refuse-To-Comment-On-Neymar-Reports

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Mancini rules out Tevez loan

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has reiterated that any club eyeing Carlos Tevez will have to stump up the money to sign him permanently.
 

Tevez: Wanted by Milan, among others

City are standing firm in their insistence that Tevez will not be made available for loan.
Officials from AC Milan are set to meet with representatives from City on Thursday to discuss a possible deal for the Argentinian striker.
Milan have proposed taking the 27-year-old on a free loan in January with a promise to buy him permanently in the summer.
Yet City have long said they are only interested in selling the player and manager Roberto Mancini again underlined that stance today.
Mancini said: "Milan know they can't get him on loan, they know it very well.
"But if they want to buy Carlos, for us, that is okay.
"We hope that Carlos can find a good solution for him, and that he can come back and play football.
"But they can't have him on loan. This is sure, 100%.
"The best solution for us is to sell him."
Tevez remains in Argentina ahead of a possible move when the transfer opens next month.
Paris Saint-Germain have also been heavily linked with the former West Ham and Manchester United forward but Milan would appear the front-runners, if they can find a deal to suit City.
City currently have a number of players out on loan, including high-earning strikers Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz, and Mancini does not believe that is ideal.
He said: "When Manchester City buy a player, they have to pay a lot of money.
"But when we want to sell them, they have to go on loan. This is not good.
"It is not good for the club and it is not correct for the other players.
"Manchester City paid Carlos a lot of money three years ago.
"It is correct that if one club, it could be Milan, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain - they pay Carlos for his value. This is correct."
Another City player regularly in the headlines is striker Mario Balotelli, who last week was involved in a training-ground bust-up with team-mate Micah Richards.
That was the latest in a long line of misdemeanours involving the mercurial 21-year-old and, although his on-field performances have been consistent, Mancini hopes he will settle down in the new year.
Mancini said: "Mario can improve every week and every month.
"He is young and when you are a young player, you improve always.
"I hope the new year can bring a different way for him and that he can understand if he wants to play well and have a good private life, he should have good behaviour always - not for one week yes and then change for two days.
"Every top player has a good private life and a good behaviour. They are the first in training every day.
"This is the way it needs to be for him."
City, the Premier League leaders, are back in action on Wednesday as Stoke visit the Etihad Stadium.
The Potters were Mancini's first opponents after he was appointed two years ago this week.
City won that game but were given a torrid time by Tony Pulis' men when the sides met three times in February 2010, being held to two draws and losing an FA Cup replay.
City redressed the balance with two victories over them in a week last May, including the FA Cup final, but Stoke are now in fine form after four successive wins.
Mancini said: "They are a very difficult team. It will be a tough game.
"Also we play every three days, so tomorrow we must play a good game.
"We should play football very well but against Stoke it is always very difficult."
City, two points clear, will secure top spot at Christmas for the first time since 1929 with victory.
They bounced back from last week's defeat at Chelsea with an impressive performance in a 1-0 defeat of Arsenal on Sunday and Mancini wants to maintain that momentum.
He said: "I am very pleased with my players. It was very important to get a victory after Chelsea.

Source: http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7388291/Mancini-Once-Again-Rules-Out-Tevez-Loan-Exit
"I think that we need to play like we did against Arsenal.
"If we have the same attitude, I think we can win a lot of games from now until the end."

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Premier League Numbers And Stats

Wayne Rooney takes more shots than any other Premier League player, Craig Bellamy is becoming very important to Liverpool and Blackburn are big scorers.


Arsenal
* Both Mikel Arteta (8) and Aaron Ramsey (7) were accurate with all their 'long balls' against Manchester City.
* Thomas Vermaelen was the only Arsenal player to manage more than one shot on target v City.
* Arsenal have averaged a massive 57% possession away from home this season - the highest figure in the Premier League.


Aston Villa
* No Aston Villa striker has scored a goal in their last five PL games.
* Villa's starting XI v Liverpool had scored only seven PL goals so far this season.
* The highest-placed team Villa have beaten this season was ninth-placed Norwich.


Blackburn Rovers
* Blackburn have scored more goals this season than Newcastle and Liverpool.
* Yakubu has scored the same number of PL goals this season as Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll and Craig Bellamy put together.
* David Dunn and Simon Vukcevic were the only outfield players not to attempt at least one shot v West Brom on Saturday.


Bolton Wanderers
* Bolton have lost 18 of their last 21 Premier League games.
* No player but Ivan Klasnic has scored for Bolton in almost eight hours of football.
* The scorers of the opening goal have gone on to win all 16 Bolton games this season.


Chelsea
* Chelsea are actually doing two points better (32 v 30) than the same stage last season.
* They have thrown away five points from winning positions in this campaign.
* Didier Drogba had a pass completion rate of just 48% against Wigan on Saturday.


Everton
* Everton have picked up just two points from a possible 27 against top-half sides this season.
* They have gained seven points from losing positions this season.
* Louis Saha has had 28 shots in his last six PL games without scoring.


Fulham
* Fulham are now three points ahead of where they were at the same stage last season under Mark Hughes.
* Fulham had 25 shots against Bolton on Saturday but only five were on target.
* Clint Dempsey has scored or assisted exactly half of Fulham's 18 PL goals this season.

Liverpool
* Liverpool have the best defence in the Premier League with just 13 goals conceded in 16 games.
* Luis Suarez has taken 50 shots in his last nine PL games and has scored one goal.
* Craig Bellamy has claimed four assists in his last four games for Liverpool in all competitions.


Manchester City
* No team has stopped City scoring in the PL since Liverpool in April.
* No team has taken a point away from the Etihad in the PL since Fulham in February.
* Samir Nasri made four of City's nine 'key passes' against former club Arsenal on Sunday.


Manchester United
* Wayne Rooney has attempted more shots per game (4.8) than any other PL player this season.
* Antonio Valencia has been credited with four assists in his last two games.
* Nani created seven chances for his teammates v QPR on Sunday. His average for the season is 2.6 per game.


* Newcastle United
* Demba Ba is the only Newcastle player to have scored in their last six hours of PL football.
* He attempted eight shots v Swansea on Saturday without scoring.
* Only Bolton have had worse form over the last five games than Newcastle.


Norwich City
* Grant Holt and Steve Morison have scored a total of 11 goals in Norwich's last eight PL games.
* Holt committed seven of Norwich's fouls at Everton on Saturday.
* Norwich have scored more goals than any other team outside the top five of the Premier League.


QPR
* Radek Cerny has been credited with 12 saves in his last two PL games.
* Alejandro Faurlin and Joey Barton both touched the ball more than Michael Carrick at Loftus Road on Sunday.
* No team has scored fewer goals in the PL than QPR this season.


* Stoke City
* Stoke have put together four consecutive PL wins for the first time in their history.
* If all games ended after 45 minutes, Stoke would be 15th in the Premier League.
* They committed 16 fouls v Wolves but picked up only three bookings at Molineux.


Sunderland
* Sunderland attempted 51 shots in their last three PL games but scored only three goals.
* Stephane Sessegnon has hit the target with only four of his 19 shots in his last six PL games.
* All eight of their defeats this season have been by a one-goal margin.


Swansea City
* Swansea attempted only three shots away at Newcastle on Saturday - none were on target.
* They average 85% pass accuracy whether home or away.
* They have scored only six goals in eight games away from the Liberty Stadium.


Tottenham Hotspur
* Spurs hit the target with only four of their 19 shots v Sunderland on Sunday.
* Emmanuel Adebayor was caught offside six times in that game.
* In the absence of Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon, Benoit Assou-Ekotto created more chances for his teammates than any other player.


West Brom
* West Brom have taken 37 shots in their last two PL games but only seven have been on target.
* Peter Odemwingie took seven shots at Blackburn while Shane Long attempted only two.
* Only Manchester City and Arsenal play fewer long balls per game than West Brom.


Wigan
* Wigan had more shots on and off target than Chelsea on Saturday.
* They have picked up eight points from losing positions this season - the highest total in the PL.
* James McCarthy touched the ball 92 times v Chelsea - more than any other player on the pitch.


Wolves
* Stephen Hunt was the only Wolves player to manage a shot on target at home to Stoke on Saturday.
* Kevin Doyle has taken just two shots in his last four PL games - neither were on target.
* Wolves have picked up just one solitary point (v Villa) against top-half sides this season.

Source:http://www.football365.com/f365-features/7388281/Premier-League-Numbers-And-Statistics

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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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Serie A : AC Milan v Siena

 Facts and figures ahead of the Serie A match between AC Milan and Chievo at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

AC Milan v Siena

AC Milan and Siena have met 14 times in Serie A, with the Tuscans winning just once (2-1 at home in April 2005); the Rossoneri have won 11, including each of the last five meetings.
AC Milan have failed to score against Siena just once in Serie A (a goalless draw back in October 2006).
That was the only game AC Milan have failed to win at home against Siena; six wins for the Rossoneri complete the record.
Siena have never scored more than a single goal at AC Milan’s ground.
Last Sunday’s 2-2 draw in Bologna extended AC Milan’s unbeaten run to nine games (seven wins and two draws).
At home, Massimiliano Allegri’s side remain unbeaten in 2011 (17 games), and have won their last five at the San Siro conceding overall just one goal.
AC Milan have scored exactly four goals in each of their last three home games.
The Rossoneri boast the best attack of this competition (31 goals).
This season AC Milan have won just one of the six games in which Alexandre Pato has played (17%), but have won seven of the eight in which the Brazilian hasn’t featured (88%).
Siena have lost their last three league games without scoring a single goal.

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Torres is not for sale - AVB

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has insisted that striker Fernando Torres is not for sale at any price - in January or next summer.

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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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Espanyol thrash Atletico Madrid

Joan Verdu scored twice in the opening seven minutes as Espanyol ended their five game winless run in the Primera Division with a dominant display in a 4-2 victory over Atletico Madrid.

The midfielder fired past Thibaut Courtois from 30 yards in the fifth minute before he raced into the area and struck his second two minutes later.






Romaric scored Espanyol's third before Radamel Falcao pulled one back for the visitors just after half an hour in a dramatic opening period.

Sergio Garcia added the home side's fourth in the 54th minute before Arda Turan volleyed Atletico's second from just outside of the area with seven minutes left on the clock.

Espanyol moved up into eighth place in the table with the win, while Atletico fell to 10th.

Espanyol dominated the match and Verdu got them off to a flying start with two goals in two minutes, both with powerful strikes.

Having taken control in the game early on, Espanyol continued to press and Garcia tested Courtois again with shot from the centre of the area before Romaric netted the third in the 19th minute.

Romaric linked up with Garcia, who played him in with a great ball from the left wing, allowing the midfielder to fire home from 12 yards.

Falcao gave the visitors a lifeline in the 32nd minute when he headed Eduardo Salvio's cross past Espanyol keeper Cristian Alvarez from close range. But any hopes of a comeback proved shortlived.

After the break, Garcia increased the home side's lead from close range before Thievy Koulossa almost scored Espanyol's fifth, only for Atletico keeper Courtois to tip the ball round the post.

Garcia fired a volley wide from close range before Koulossa forced another save from Courtois as the home side continued to bombard Atletico's goal.

Courtois did well to deny substitute Cristian Gomez in the 67th minute after Hector Moreno had a chance cleared off the line by Atletico defender Joao Miranda.

Atletico scored through Turan, who fired home a superb volley from 20 yards, but it was too late for the visitors to mount a comeback.

Source:http://www.livesportonline.org/Football_news/news_details/Espanyol_thrash_Atletico_Madrid/6023/5/

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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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Mancini moans about ref display

Roberto Mancini slammed referee Mark Clattenburg after watching Chelsea end Manchester City's unbeaten start to the Premier League season.

City boss Mancini was fuming with Clattenburg's decision to wave away his side's penalty appeal while they were leading 1-0 and completely dominating at a wet and windy Stamford Bridge.
Clattenburg rubbed salt into the wound by sending off Gael Clichy as well as awarding Chelsea a late spot-kick as Mancini's men lost 2-1 and gave hope to all of their title rivals.
Asked about Clattenburg's performance, Mancini said sarcastically: "I agree with all of his decisions."
The official appeared to have a good view of City's first-half penalty claim, when David Silva went over after Jose Bosingwa dangled his leg in the box.
Asked why Clattenburg might not have seen the incident, Mancini said: "It was raining a lot."
He added: "We did a good performance in the first half. We played very, very well, deserved to score two or three goals.
"There was a big penalty. There was a fan outside the stadium who saw it.
"But the referee was very close and didn't see it.
"When one team plays very well and has a chance to score another goal there is a big penalty, you should concede.
"When you play against Chelsea, you can lose, because Chelsea's a good team - but not like this."
Opposite number Andre Villas-Boas admitted his side had been fortunate, saying of Mancini: "It's unlucky for him.
"We've been having our decisions that have not been going our way and today it maybe didn't go Man City's way.
"But that's the nature of the game and at least our penalty's a blatant penalty."
Mancini said he had not spoken to Clattenburg, who booked Clichy twice in 11 minutes to hand Chelsea the initiative.
"After the sending-off, the game totally changed," said Mancini, who admitted there had been a heated exchange in the tunnel between opposing players after the game. "I don't know if (Ashley) Cole said something.
"I don't know what he said. I don't understand."
But Villas-Boas said: "It's untrue and it's unfair. It really doesn't matter now.
"There's always some trouble-making situation in our wins to divert the story, so whatever."
Mancini insisted a first defeat of the season would not derail his side's title bid.
"It doesn't change anything for us, because we knew before we should lose one game," he said.
"We lost today but the season is very, very long, it's very hard.
"We didn't deserve to lose this game but we lost.
"Now it's finished and after tomorrow, we should prepare for the next game, which will be difficult because we meet Arsenal."
The result also brought Chelsea right back into the title race. Villas-Boas was delighted with his side's character after they bounced back from behind to a Mario Balotelli goal inside two minutes, with Raul Meireles equalising before substitute Frank Lampard netted from the spot.
Villas-Boas said: "We did very, very well in the second half to find that detail that would take us through to the three points.
"So, [I'm] very, very happy. It's a very, very gratifying win. It's been a good week for us.
"It changes a little bit our challenge for the Premier League.
"Seven points in this Premier League at the moment, with so many teams competing for the title, it's nothing.
"Man City play Arsenal in the next week, we play Tottenham.
"For our title challenge to continue to be alive, we will have to continue to be competent through the December fixtures, and then we can take a look at it in January to see more or less where we are and see if things are back on track again."
Villas-Boas has developed something of a siege mentality at Stamford Bridge in recent weeks, lashing out at his critics more than once.
He said tonight: "You can check them on the internet, you can Google it and come across it. It was criticism to us, criticism to me, criticism to our players.
"'Our players are not fit, these players cannot compete for this title, they cannot compete with this philosophy'.
"So the fact that we won away to Newcastle, we won against Valencia to be top of the [Champions League] group, and we won against the unbeaten league leaders showed that in fact these guys can take it through.
"We are competent, we believe in our title hopes, we believe in our title challenge."

Source: http://www.football365.com/news/21554/7373455/Mancini-Complains-After-Chelsea-Beat-City

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NEYMAR - BARCELONA ARE THE BEST

Santos forward Neymar has described Barcelona as 'the best club in the world'.

Santos forward Neymar has described Barcelona as "the best club in the world".
The Brazil international was speaking on Monday ahead of his side's clash with Kashiwa Reysol in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup in Toyota, Japan on Wednesday.
Neymar could feature against Barca at the weekend in the final of the competition should the Spanish and European champions defeat Al Sadd in the other semi on Thursday.
"Barcelona are the best club in the world," he said. "If I have the opportunity to play them, I will be very happy and will try to win the game."
The 19-year-old has often been compared with Barca forward Lionel Messi and he is pleased to be adjudged to have as much potential as the Argentina international.
"To be compared with Messi makes me very proud and I'm very pleased to have this comparison," enthused Neymar.
"I'm very happy to have this opportunity to play at the Club World Cup and very happy to have the chance to be a new name in the history of Santos. It's an honour for me."

Source: http://www.football365.com/transfer-centre/7373033/NEYMAR-BARCELONA-ARE-THE-BEST

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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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Ahead of El Clasico match

The game is certainly not going to be easy for Barca though the status of the host.
And one thing I was curious about the match, not who wins, not how the score ..
But what the strategy will be applied by a "The Special One" face Barca later.

Are strategies such as Inter last season just play it safe given the current position is still above madrid, so the score of the series is not hard for them?
Or dare to play attacking

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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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