World of Football

Wolverhampton 0-3 Manchester City (28/12/09)

2009-12-29T15:52:00.000+08:00

Carlos Tevez scored twice as Manchester City eased to victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Two-goal Tevez and Javier Garrido earned Manchester City their first away win in four months - and their second in three days under new manager Roberto Mancini.

Tevez continued his hot scoring streak with his seventh and eighth goals in his last seven appearances and his 11th of the campaign to break the deadlock.

Substitute Garrido, frozen out of the first team picture by previous City manager Mark Hughes, netted the decisive second mid-way through the second period.

For an in-depth match report, click here.

Stoke City 0 - 1 Birmingham City (28/12/09)

2009-12-29T15:49:00.000+08:00

Birmingham City's excellent form continued with an away win at Stoke City.

Birmingham stretched their astonishing unbeaten run in the Barclays Premier League to 11 matches as Stoke suffered another dose of the goal-shy blues.

Cameron Jerome's bundled 50th-minute effort was enough to separate the sides, and enough also to equal the club's longest stretch without defeat in the top flight going back 101 years to 1908.

Remarkably, on that occasion Birmingham were relegated, but there is surely no chance of that happening this time around after a run of seven wins and four draws to lift the Blues up to seventh with 32 points.

For an in-depth match report, click here.

Everton 2 - 0 Burnley (28/12/09)

2009-12-29T15:46:00.000+08:00

Everton scored late on to earn a vital win at Goodison Park against Burnley.

The Toffees eased their relegation fears and secured their first home league win since September.

Substitute James Vaughan grabbed the first, less than a minute after entering the action, and Steven Pienaar rifled home the second in injury time.

Burnley were reduced to ten men after an hour when Stephen Jordan was sent-off for a second bookable offence.
For an in-depth match report, click here.

Blackburn Rovers 2 - 2 Sunderland (28/12/09)

2009-12-29T15:42:00.000+08:00

Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland shared the spoils at Ewood Park on Monday.

El-Hadji Diouf salvaged a point for Blackburn after Darren Bent's cool double looked set to send Sunderland on their way to a win.

Bent opened the scoring for the visitors in the 52nd minute only for Morten Gamst Pedersen to reply almost immediately with a drilled shot in off the post.

Bent restored Sunderland's lead on 65 before Diouf's header 13 minutes from time. Marton Fulop saved brilliantly to deny Nikola Kalinic at the death.

For an in-depth match report, click here.

Chelsea 2-1 Fulham (28/12/09)

2009-12-29T15:32:00.000+08:00

Chelsea came from behind to win and restore their five-point lead at the Barclays Premier League summit.

Zoltan Gera gave Roy Hodgson's side a fairytale start at Stamford Bridge when he struck after three minutes and Fulham looked comfortable for the first hour.

But then Chelsea moved through the gears and were rewarded with two goals in two minutes with Didier Drogba notching the equaliser before the pressure forced defender Chris Smalling to concede an own goal.

For an in-depth match report, click here.

Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 West Ham United (28/12/09)

2009-12-29T15:26:00.000+08:00

Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 West Ham United

Tottenham Hotspur came out on top in the London derby with West Ham United.

Tottenham playmaker Luka Modric scored on his return to the starting XI to help defeat West Ham at White Hart Lane.

Modric, with only two substitute appearances under his belt since fracturing a fibula in August, struck 11 minutes into the Barclays Premier League match after turning home Aaron Lennon's cross, with Scott Parker then limping off for the visitors shortly after.

To make matters worse, former Hammers striker Jermain Defoe added a second before the end.
For an in-depth match report, click here.

Birmingham City 0 - 0 Chelsea (26/12/09)

2009-12-27T14:08:00.000+08:00

Birmingham City earned a 0-0 draw at home to 10-man Chelsea.

While Chelsea enjoyed the better chances at St Andrew's it was Birmingham who had the ball in the net, Christian Benitez poking it over the line, only to see the flag raised against him for offside.

The visitors, defending a four-point lead over second-placed Manchester United, had excellent chances to win it themselves as Branislav Ivanovic, Daniel Sturridge, Alex and Florent Malouda all went close. Malouda, meanwhile, was dismissed in the closing stages after receiving a second caution.

For an in-depth match report, click here.

West Ham United 2 - 0 Portsmouth (26/12/09)

2009-12-27T14:02:00.000+08:00

West Ham United secured a vital three points against their relegation rivals.

Alessandro Diamanti scored his third goal in as many matches to maintain West Ham's hopes of survival and keep Portsmouth rooted to the bottom of the Barclays Premier League.

The Italian struck from the penalty spot at Upton Park midway through the first half of a match short on clear-cut opportunities. Radoslav Kovac added the second just before the end.

For an in-depth match report, click here.

Fulham 0 - 0 Tottenham (26/12/09)

2009-12-27T13:59:00.000+08:00

Tottenham Hotspur escaped Craven Cottage with a point after Fulham failed to capitalise on their superiority.

Spurs had Heurelho Gomes to thank for keeping them in contention with the Brazilian keeper making a string of fine saves.

In the second half alone he kept out goalbound efforts from Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora, while Damien Duff and Zoltan Gera also went close.

For an in-depth match report, click here.

Wigan 1 - 1 Blackburn (26/12/09)

2009-12-27T13:54:00.000+08:00

Wigan Athletic hit back to earn a 1-1 draw at home to Blackburn Rovers.

Wigan and Blackburn cancelled each other out in a draw at the DW Stadium which did little to improve either side's fortunes.

Benni McCarthy's first Barclays Premier League goal of the season put the visitors ahead in the 30th minute only for Hugo Rodallega's 53rd-minute header to level things up.

Wigan have now won just one of the last eight league matches, with Blackburn enjoying victory only once in seven.

For an in-depth match report, click here.

Manchester City 2-0 Stoke City (26/12/09)

2009-12-27T13:47:00.000+08:00

Roberto Mancini won his first match in charge of Manchester City as his team saw off Stoke City.

First half goals from Martin Petrov and Carlos Tevez earned Mancini maximum points on his bow at Eastlands.

It cemented City's position in the top six, while allowing the Blues to put a turbulent week behind them.

However, Mancini was also indebted to two superb saves from Shay Given.
For an in-depth match report, click here.

Sunderland 1-1 Everton (26/12/09)

2009-12-27T13:42:00.000+08:00

Everton secured a fourth successive Barclays Premier League draw with a last-gasp equaliser at Sunderland.

Marouane Fellaini snatched a point with an emphatic 85th-minute finish to deny the Black Cats a first league victory in six attempts.

Darren Bent had put the home side in front when he headed home Kenwyne Jones' 17th-minute cross, but Steve Bruce's men were once again unable to hang on to a lead.

For an in-depth match report, click here.

Liverpool 2 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers (26/12/09)

2009-12-27T13:31:00.001+08:00

Liverpool secured a nervy victory only once Wolverhampton Wanderers had been reduced to 10 men.

Second-half goals from Steven Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun ensured maximum points.
Wolves were reduced to 10 when Stephen Ward was eventually penalised for a second bookable offence.
For an in-depth match report, click here.

Arsenal 3-0 Hull City (19-12-09)

2009-12-20T08:57:00.000+08:00

Arsenal 3-0 Hull City

Scorer:
Denilson (45)

Eduardo (59)

Diaby (80)

Arsenal moved back into third place thanks to a fine win over relegation-haunted Hull City.

The home side punished Hull when Denilson scored their opener from a free-kick in first half stoppage-time.

Manuel Almunia saved Geovanni's second half penalty to preserve Arsenal's lead and the home side added further goals from Eduardo and Abou Diaby to clinch victory.

For an in-depth match report, click here.

Manchester City 4-3 Sunderland (19-12-09)

2009-12-20T08:52:00.000+08:00

Manchester City 4-3 Sunderland

Scorer:

Santa Cruz (4, 69) Mensah (15), Henderson (24), Jones (62)

Tevez (12 pen.)

Bellamy (35)

Roque Santa Cruz scored twice for the hosts, with Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy also on target.

John Mensah, Jordan Henderson and substitute Kenwyne Jones netted for Sunderland.

For an in-depth match report, click here.

Blackburn Rovers 0 - Tottenham Hotspur 2 (19-12-09)

2009-12-20T08:47:00.001+08:00

Blackburn Rovers 0 - Tottenham Hotspur 2

Match Scorer:
Crouch (45, 82)

England striker Peter Crouch improved Tottenham Hotspur's chances of a Champions League place with a brace at Ewood Park.

Crouch struck either side of half-time to make it a miserable first anniversary for Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce.

When Allardyce arrived the club were second bottom of the table but under his stewardship relegation was avoided. However, they could be in for another battle to beat the drop after the manner of this home defeat.

In contrast Tottenham are looking up and this was their second win in a week as they continue to recover following their shock loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Blackburn made a bright start, however, and Franco Di Santo had a half-chance in the ninth minute after Vince Grella and Benni McCarthy had linked up.

But Di Santo failed to get a decent touch and goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes was able to parry his effort to safety.

Blackburn almost took the lead five minutes later when a McCarthy free-kick took a deflection off Aaron Lennon and deceived Gomes, only to come back off the bar.

Tottenham hit back and Jermain Defoe should have added to his 14-goal tally after being released by Niko Kranjcar in the 23rd minute but dragged his shot wide of the post.

It was clear opening for the in-form striker and he expressed his frustration at seeing the chance go begging.

Blackburn carved out a good chance in the 30th minute after McCarthy delivered the ball to Di Santo.

The striker, on loan from Chelsea, took it on his chest and rattled in a shot that Gomes took at the second attempt.

Junior Hoilett was causing Vedran Corluka problems with his pace on the right flank and the Croatian was booked in the 35th minute after flooring his opponent.

McCarthy took the free-kick and Steven Nzonzi got a touch only to find the wrong side of the post with his flick.

McCarthy was looking bright and industrious and saw a dipping shot go over the top five minutes later.

Tottenham made the breakthrough in stoppage time after Corluka chased a lost cause.

The ball seemed to be drifting out of play but he managed to get in a cross and Crouch headed home off the underside of the bar.

Tottenham launched a swift counter in the 51st minute and Lennon cut into the area and tried to pick out Defoe. However the striker was unable to get a decent touch and the move broke down.

Back came Blackburn and they nearly equalised two minutes later only for McCarthy's shot to hit the post and Sebastien Bassong cleared the ball to safety.

It was a good chance for the South African striker, who has been struggling to nail down a place in the team.

This was better spell by the home side after the shock of finding themselves chasing the match.

Blackburn kept up the pressure and Hoilett skipped into the area but saw his effort blocked.

Then Steven Nzonzi tested Gomes with a shot and even though it arried little power the goalkeeper looked uncomfortable.

Crouch found the net again in the 79th minute following a cross from Lennon only to be adjudged offside.

Crouch was not to be denied and got his second goal of the matcg and his eighth of the season three minutes later with a cool finish after substitute Jermaine Jenas had created the opening.

Blackburn almost pulled a goal back a minute later but Gomes clawed McCarthy's effort around the post.

Link: http://www.premierleague.com

Portsmouth 2 - 0 Liverpool (19-12-09)

2009-12-20T08:39:00.000+08:00

Portsmouth 2 - 0 Liverpool

Ten-man Liverpool's season of woe continued as they were beaten by bottom-of-the-table Portsmouth.

Nadir Belhadj screamed in a shot from an acute angle to put Pompey ahead after poor defending from the Reds.

The visitors had Javier Mascherano red carded for a nasty tackle on Tal Ben-Haim before an unmarked Daniel Agger headed high for Liverpool.

Tireless striker Frederic Piquionne's volley from a tight angle sealed the home side's victory.

Pompey manager Avram Grant had engineered a Champions League semi-final win over Liverpool in April 2008 during his time as Chelsea boss.

He was at it again for a Portsmouth side battling for survival as his team earned a victory over a beleaguered Liverpool outfit that did little to back up manager Rafael Benitez's guarantee that his side will finish in the top four this season.

Grant sent his team out with the task of frustrating and pressuring Liverpool and his Pompey players, as has been the case recently, were not lacking in effort and application right from the start.

The visitors had plenty of possession but struggled to find a way through a disciplined 4-5-1 formation.

Reds forward Dirk Kuyt did get an early sight of goal after Steven Gerrard had nodded on a Fernando Torres cross only for his first touch to escape him along with the chance to get in a close-range strike.

Torres sent a shot over as he tried to bend one into the top corner and, although the home side were passionately and purposefully keeping Liverpool at bay, they were lacking a threat in attack.

That all changed as a combination of a well-worked move, unconvincing defending from the Reds and a stunning Belhadj strike.

Liverpool's defence failed to deal with a low Hassan Yebda cross and Kevin Prince-Boateng powered in a shot which keeper Pepe Reina did well to block.

Glen Johnson could only find Belhadj with his tame headed clearance and Reina could do little to stop a thunderous strike from the Algerian which was with his weaker right foot and from the most narrow of angles.

The visitors should have equalised when Agger had a free header from a Gerrard free-kick only to put his effort high from six yards.

As if Liverpool did not have enough problems, the scale of their task increased when Mascherano was sent off.

The Argentine went in hard and with his studs showing on Ben-Haim and, despite needing treatment as he himself came off worst, Mascherano was dismissed by referee Lee Mason.

Benitez has regularly left onlookers puzzled with his team selection and with the creative spark of £20m summer signing Alberto Aquilani out with injury he again surprised many by giving Andreas Dossena a rare start on the left flank in place of Yossi Benayoun.

Benayoun eventually replaced the Italian, but Pompey looked the more likely to score, with Jamie Carragher - making his 600th Liverpool appearance - having to produce a lunging tackle to block a Piquionne strike.

When Liverpool belatedly threatened, Pompey keeper Aasmir Begovic pulled off a great save to claw away a Gerrard shot which took two deflections.

Piquionne should have sealed the win, but horribly mistimed a header from Boateng's cross, though he soon made up for the error by driving in a late volley after a neat turn.

Link:news.bbc.co.uk

Fulham 3 - Manchester United 0

2009-12-20T08:33:00.001+08:00

Fulham 3 - Manchester United 0

Murphy (22), Zamora (46), Duff (75)

There was little festive cheer for United fans at Fulham on Saturday afternoon as goals from Danny Murphy, Bobby Zamora and Damien Duff consigned the Reds to a fifth league defeat of the season.

Sir Alex’s men were under-strength yet again due to the club's ever-mounting injury crisis, but did themselves few favours on a ground that, before 2009, the Reds hadn’t lost at for 45 years.

Too often United were sloppy in possession and the makeshift backline struggled to find an answer to Bobby Zamora’s physical presence. Last weekend United lost to Aston Villa despite dominating much of the game. At Craven Cottage on Saturday, however, the opposition were good value for the three points.

The home side worked hard in midfield and restricted the Reds to optimistic pot-shots from long range. Meanwhile, Zamora and Zoltan Gera caused havoc against a makeshift Reds defence that included young Beligan Ritchie De Laet, making just his third league start at senior level.

Of course, this wasn't the first time Sir Alex has been forced to field a weakened side in recent weeks. For the most part, however, United have largely coped well with depleted resources. But at Fulham there was a feeling that this was one step too far, one game too many for players who have now been playing out of position for almost a month.

With seven defenders unavailable through injury, Michael Carrick was again utilised at the heart of the defence, alongside fellow midfielder Darren Fletcher and the young De Laet. And while Sir Alex’s men enjoyed plenty of the ball in the early

Link: http://www.manutd.com

Liverpool 2-1 Wigan Athletic (17-12-09)

2009-12-17T10:37:00.000+08:00

Liverpool 2-1 Wigan Athletic

Liverpool picked up a vital three points with a win over Wigan Athletic at Anfield.

Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Wigan in the week of the 50th anniversary of Bill Shankly's first match at the club was a welcome relief for current manager Rafael Benitez.

Young French striker David N'Gog's 10th-minute glancing header from Fabio Aurelio's cross and Fernando Torres' second-half scrambled effort proved enough to see off a Latics side for whom Charles N'Zogbia scored an injury-time consolation.

Video

For an in-depth match report click here.

Chelsea 2 - 1 Portsmouth (17-12-09)

2009-12-17T10:23:00.000+08:00

Chelsea 2 - 1 Portsmouth

Chelsea beat bottom club Portsmouth to stretch their lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Nicolas Anelka fired the home side in front after 23 minutes but Frederic Piquionne shocked the leaders by thumping an equaliser six minutes after the break.

However Frank Lampard sealed a hard-fought victory with a penalty 11 minutes from time to move the Blues three points clear at the top of the table.

Video

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Burnley 1 - 1 Arsenal (17-12-09)

2009-12-17T10:16:00.000+08:00

Burnley 1 - 1 Arsenal

Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw against a battling Burnley side at Turf Moor.

Graham Alexander levelled from the penalty spot as Burnley frustrated Arsenal in a compelling Barclays Premier League encounter.

Cesc Fabregas struck early as Arsenal started superbly at Turf Moor but Thomas Vermaelen's foul on the outstanding Andre Bikey allowed Alexander to equalise.

Both sides hit the woodwork - Burnley twice and Arsenal once - and enjoyed a glut of other chances but neither could find a winner.

Video

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Tottenham 3 vs Manchester city 0 (17-12-09)

2009-12-17T10:08:00.000+08:00

Tottenham 3 vs Manchester city 0

Manchester City suffered only their second Barclays Premier League defeat of the season.

Niko Kranjcar put Tottenham Hotspur in front with an opportunist close-range strike after 38 minutes. England winger Aaron Lennon set up the chance with his cross to the far post, with Kranjcar finishing after Peter Crouch had his header blocked.

Jermain Defoe thumped the second on 54 minutes, latching onto a flick on from Peter Crouch to volley home on the run.

Kranjcar rounded off a good night for the home side with a third two minutes into stoppage-time. He cut in sharply from the right following a short corner to prod home his second.

It was a wretched evening for Manchester City who are likely to be without England defender Joleon Lescott until the New Year after he underwent surgery on his knee.

The 27-year-old was understood to have gone under the knife to remove floating bone in the joint. He is expected to miss the next four or five weeks.

For an in-depth match report click here.

Malaysia 3 - Laos 1, SEA Games 2009 Laos

2009-12-15T13:35:00.000+08:00

Malaysia 3 - Laos 1

SEA Games 2009 Laos

Football Discipline.

Malaysia rallied to beat hosts Laos 3-1 in the second semi-final of the men's football event to book their place in the final against Vietnam which will be played at the same venue of the Main Stadium on Dec 17. The final appearance is the first for the Malaysians in eight years since 2001 when they lost to Thailand in Kuala Lumpur. And this evening with the expectant fans heavily backing the home team to make their debut in the final of the SEA Games, it was to be the Malaysians who pinned their opponents in their own half at the start of the game.

In the second minute, Abdul Manaf Mamat tested Laos keeper Souvanpheng Panthavong with a rifling shot from 20metre out while several minutes later, striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha's attempt with placing shot was parried. Laos put pressure in the midfield through the hard work of Lamnao Singto and Kampheng Sayyavuthi but they just could not get past the Malaysian backline marshalled by Zafuan Adha Abdul Razak.

In the 13th minute, a blanket of silence fell on the Laos fans when off a cross from Manaf Mamat on the right, Badrol Bakhtiar rose high for an overhead kick which went straight into goal. As the small Malaysian supporters began chanting, Laos came close with a free kick from Kaysone Soukhavong but his attempt was well received by Malaysian custodian Sharbinee Allawee.

Malaysia were a little slower going into the second half and as they laid back to protect their lead, a seemingly innocuous dipping shot from distance in the 72nd minute beat Sharbinee for the first time in the game - much to the jubilation of the home fans.

But in their eagerness to look for their second goal and the lead, Laos left gaps at the back and this allowed Malaysia to capitalise on in the 78th minute when Badrol picked a pass from S. Kunalan to blast home.

And sixth minutes later, Safiq Rahim made it beyond Laos' reach with the third goal from inside the penalty box to put Malaysia through. Malaysia's appearance in the final will allow them the chance for a re-match against Vietnam, whom they lost to in the group stage with a 3-1 score line.

Malaysia 2 - Thailand 1

2009-12-12T02:24:00.002+08:00

Finally, Malaysia go through Semi Final Football Sea Games after beating Thailand 2 - 1.

December 11, 2009.

VIENTIANE: Malaysia has qualified for the SEA Games football semi-finals after beating Thailand 2-1. Thailand scored first through Arthit Sunthornphit, seven minutes after half-time direct from a free-kick. Nine minutes from full-time, Nasriq Baharom scored at the far post after a fine cross from the left by Azmi Muslim to level the scores and give Malaysia hope. On 90 minutes Ahmad Fakri Saarani won the match for Malaysia, firing home a cross from the right by Norshahrul Idlan Talaha to make it 2-1 and spark wild scenes of celebration.

MALAYSIA: Mohd Sharbinee Allawee Ramli, Mohd Sabre Mat Abu (Mohamad Azmi Muslim), Mohd Nasriq Baharom, Mohamad Aidil Zafuan Abd Radzak, Norshahrul Idlan Talahan, Baddrol Bakhtial (Mohd Asraruddin Omar), Ahmad Fakri Saarani, Safiq Rahim, K.Gurusamy (Amar Rohidan), S.Kunanlan, Mohamad Muslim Mohamad.

THAILAND: Kawin Thamsatchanan, Ponlawat Wangkahad, Kiatprawutsawae, Suttinun Phukhom, Arthit Sunthorpit (Sumanya Purisay), Kirati Keawsombut, Piyachart Thamaphan, Khapfa Boonmatoon, Sompong Soleb, Anawin Jujeen (Apipoo Suntornpanavej), Adul Lahsoh.

Malaysia 4 - Cambodia 0 (Just 1 more win)

2009-12-09T15:04:00.000+08:00

Malaysia 4 - Cambodia 0

Update Football Sea Game

Just 1 more win then Malaysia will go through Semi Final Football Sea Games 2009 in Laos. Malaysia need to beat Thailand this Friday if they want to secure place at Semi Final. Yesterday match versus Cambodia ended with Malaysia Win 4 - 0 against Cambodia. The scorer for Malaysia were Abdul Manaf Mamat, Norshahrul Idlan Talah, S. Kunanlan and Safiq Rahim. Although Thailand is the strongest team in Sea Games, Malaysia should take positive minded if they want to beat Thailand. Malaysia now at third place with 6 point after beating Timor Leste 11 - 0 and Cambodia 4 - 0 and was beaten by Vietnam 1 - 3 at second game. While Thailand and Vietnam hold 1st n 2nd place with 7 point.

Everton 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur

2009-12-07T11:00:00.001+08:00

Everton 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Everton hit back to earn a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park.

Tottenham missed a glorious chance to move back to third in the Barclays Premier League table after blowing a two-goal lead and then missing an injury-time penalty to draw 2-2 at Everton.

Jermain Defoe opened the scoring just after the break and the points appeared safe when Michael Dawson doubled the lead on the hour.

But goals from Louis Saha and Tim Cahill levelled the scores before Defoe's weak spot-kick was saved by Tim Howard after Tony Hibbert had brought down Wilson Palacios.

Link: http://www.premierleague.com/

Blackburn Rovers Vs Liverpool 0-0 (05-12-09)

2009-12-07T03:38:00.000+08:00

Blackburn Rovers 0 - Liverpool 0

Blackburn Rovers and Liverpool fought out a tough draw in the Barclays Premier League at Ewood Park.

On a grey, cold afternoon the football matched the weather as both

sides struggled to get into their stride.

David Ngog missed the best chance of the match for Liverpool as Rovers earned a point to cheer manager Sam Allardyce, who returned following minor heart surgery.

Full News: http://www.premierleague.com/

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Wigan Athletic Vs Birmingham City 2-3 (05-12-09)

2009-12-07T03:31:00.000+08:00

Wigan Athletic 2 - Birmingham City 3

Sebastian Larsson scored twice as Birmingham City increased their unbeaten league run to six matches.

Alex McLeish's side find themselves riding high in the Barclays Premier League, and comfortably on course for their stated aim of survival.

Two free-kicks from Larsson sandwiched a second of the season for Christian Benitez, all in the space of 11 maddening minutes for Wigan manager Roberto Martinez whose side had easily led 1-0 at the break via a stunning effort from Charles N'Zogbia. Substitute Jordi Gomez pulled one back for Wigan with a late free-kick.

Full News: http://www.premierleague.com/

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Aston Villa Vs Hull City 3-0 (05-12-09)

2009-12-07T03:24:00.000+08:00

Aston Villa 3 - Hull City 0

Aston Villa enjoyed a comfortable victory over Hull City in the Barclays Premier League.

James Milner showed why he is a contender for England's World Cup squad by inspiring Aston Villa to three points over Hull.

Milner set up the opening goal for central defender Richard Dunne and scored the second himself before half-time with an exquisite chip. John Carew added a third from the penalty spot two minutes from time.

To make matters worse for the Tigers, midfielder Jimmy Bullard had to be substituted after 18 minutes due to an injury to his left knee.

Full News: http://www.premierleague.com/

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Arsenal 2-0 Stoke City

2009-12-07T03:18:00.000+08:00

Arsenal 2-0 Stoke City

Arsenal got back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Stoke City at the Emirates Stadium.

Andrey Arshavin starred for Arsenal as they beat Stoke in the Barclays Premier League.
The Russia international playmaker and Aaron Ramsey were on target to give the Gunners a morale-boosting win following last week's 3-0 defeat to Chelsea.

rshavin slotted in from a tight angle after Cesc Fabregas had missed a penalty and Ramsey's fine second-half finish sealed the win.

Full News: Premierleague.com

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Manchester City 2 - 1 Chelsea

2009-12-07T02:57:00.001+08:00

Manchester City 2 - 1 Chelsea

Manchester City recorded a dramatic victory over Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea.

There appeared little hint of the drama to come when Emmanuel Adebayor's own goal gave the visitors an eighth-minute lead.

But Adebayor levelled before the break and Carlos Tevez netted what proved to be the winner 11 minutes later.

Shay Given saved a Frank Lampard penalty eight minutes from time as Chelsea's lead at the top was cut to two points.

Full News: Premierleague.com

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West Ham United 0 Manchester United 4

2009-12-07T02:43:00.000+08:00

West Ham 0 United 4

There are two sides to this tale: There was the defiance in the face of horrendous injury problems in defence, which saw Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick deployed in a makeshift back four, and there was the devastation caused by United’s scintillating passing football, scything open West Ham’s own rearguard at will in the second half.

Paul Scholes gave United a half-time lead seconds before the half-time whistle, while goals from Darron Gibson, Antonio Valencia and Wayne Rooney in a destructive second-half spell sealed an inspiring victory that closes the gap on league leaders Chelsea, who were beaten 2-1 by Manchester City on Saturday evening, to just two points.

United’s defence remains decimated – a point of great concern for the busy weeks ahead – with Patrice Evra being the only first-choice member of the usual back four selected in his natural position. Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, John O’Shea, Jonny Evans, Rafael and Fabio were all missing at Upton Park, as was Edwin van der Sar, meaning Sir Alex had drafted in Fletcher at right-back, shifted Gary Neville into central defence with Wes Brown, and Tomasz Kuszczak continued to deputise in goal. Worse still, Neville and Brown were both forced off with injury during the game.

That worrying state of affairs made Carlton Cole’s absence from West Ham's attack something of a blessing. Even so, Gianfranco Zola’s side have scored 15 times in their last six league games, so it wasn’t bound to be an easy ride - that is until United turned on the style after the break.

Sir Alex, returning to the touchline following a two-game

Link: Manutd.com

Football SEA Games Malaysia V Timor Leste 2/12/2009

2009-12-03T17:06:00.001+08:00

Football SEA Games Malaysia V Timor Leste 2/12/2009

Malaysia 11 - Timor Leste 0

KUALA LUMPUR, (Stadiumastro) - Ahmad Fakri Saarani netted a hat-trick and helped make three more as Malaysia strolled to an 11-0 win over Timor Leste in the Laos Sea Games football competition.

Malaysia finished the first half 6-0 ahead, punishing a Timor Leste side lacking experience for their defensive weaknesses especially their central defensive pairing that went missing in at least five of the 11 goals scored.
But despite the scoreline, K. Rajagobal's boys were less than convincing and will be punished if they take their next opponents, Vietnam on Sunday, as lightly.

Malaysia opened the scoring through Baddrol Bakhtiar who slammed home the ball after receiving a cross unmarked in the box from the brilliant Ahmad Fakri on the right.

Three minutes later Ahmad Fakri again skipped past his marker on the right and sent in a cross for Zaquan Adha Abdul Razak to tuck home.

Ahmad Fakri completed his third assist when he again found acres of space on the right and chipped his ball into the box and in the path of Safiq Rahim who placed at the far post for Malaysia to take a 3-0 lead.
Malaysia the scored a quickfire double through Norshahrul Idlan Talaha before Ahmad Fakri made it 6-0 in the first half.

Aidil Zafuan Abdul Razak made it 7-0 when he headed in a corner while Ahmad Fakri netted his second minutes later to make it 8-0.

He completed his hat-trick soon after while Amirulhadi Zainal and Ahmad Rohidan completed Malaysia's dream start to the tournament.

Manchester United 2 - Tottenham Hotspur 0 (1/12/09)

2009-12-03T10:18:00.000+08:00

Manchester United 2 - Tottenham Hotspur 0
Carling Cup Match

Manchester City 3- 0 Arsenal (3/12/09)

2009-12-03T10:15:00.000+08:00

Manchester City 3 - Arsenal 0
Carling Cup Match

Barca's Messi wins Ballon d'Or award

2009-12-01T18:49:00.000+08:00

Barca's Messi wins Ballon d'Or award

Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi was awarded the 2009 Ballon d'Or, French magazine France Football said on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old finished ahead of last year's winner Cristiano Ronaldo by a record 240-point margin, with his Barcelona team mate Xavi in third.

Messi becomes the first Argentine to win the Ballon d'Or, although Argentine-born players Alfredo di Stefano and Omar Sivori, then regarded as Europeans, received the trophy when it was still called the European Footballer of the Year award.

"It's a great honour for me to be voted (as winner of the) Ballon d'Or and to become the first Argentine in history to receive this award," Messi was quoted as saying on the France Football website (www.francefootball.fr).

The award caps a brilliant year for the soft-spoken left-footer, who helped treble-winning Barcelona lift the Champions League title with nine goals, as well as bagging 23 in the league and six in the King's Cup.

"I knew I was among the favourites, because Barca have had a prolific year and we won everything, but I didn't expect to win it by such an important margin," Messi added.

The award's 96 jurors gave Messi 473 points out of a possible 480, a near unanimous verdict, the magazine said.

BARCA REWARDED

Portugal's Ronaldo picked up 233 points in the vote by journalists from across the world, now open to players from all leagues and nationalities, with Spain's Xavi tallying 170 points.

The jurors rewarded Barcelona's exciting brand of soccer with fourth and fifth place for Andres Iniesta and Samuel Eto'o, now at Inter Milan, respectively.

"The Ballon d'Or is something very important for me," Messi said after his name was added to a list featuring all-time greats such as Johan Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer, Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane.

"All those who won it were great players and some great players never won it," added the Argentine, who will receive the award at a ceremony in Paris on Sunday.

Diego Maradona, now the Argentina coach, would probably have won it several times had it been open to non-European players in the 1980s.

The first player from outside Europe to win the Ballon d'Or was Liberia's George Weah in 1995.

Italian and German players have featured prominently in the standings over the years but neither country had a player on this year's 30-strong shortlist.

The other country apart from Spain to have two players in the top 10 was England with Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard placing eighth and 10th respectively.

(Writing by Patrick Vignal; Editing by John O'Brien)

Real Madrid Striker Karim Benzema Involved In Car Accident

2009-12-01T18:33:00.000+08:00

Real Madrid Striker Karim Benzema Involved In Car Accident

The Frenchman emerged unscathed from a minor accident near his house...

After suffering a defeat at the hands of Barcelona on Sunday night, the hapless evening of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema was completed after he was involved in a car crash.

Los Blancos' returned to Valdebebas on the team coach, where they then went their separate ways back to their respective homes.

However, AS report that Benzema's journey ended prematurely after he drove his Audi into some barriers and then an oak tree close to his house.

His car was badly damaged, but fortunately for the 21-year-old, he emerged unscathed despite crashing at around 40-50 kilometres an hour.

The accident took place at around 02:00 CET on Monday morning. A number of other Real Madrid players, such as Raul and Cristiano Ronaldo, live in the same area.

Link: Goal.com

No Change in Wenger's Policy

2009-12-01T18:23:00.001+08:00

No Change in Wenger's Policy

Arsene Wenger has revealed he will not reconsider his Carling Cup plans despite Arsenal's lack of silverware in recent seasons.

Wenger's policy of naming a largely experimental team will remain in place for Wednesday's quarter-final meeting with Manchester City despite the Gunners' recent barren run.

The north London club have not lifted a trophy since the 2005 FA Cup Final.

However, that will not lead to the Frenchman to alter his Carling Cup plans, which saw the likes of Fran Merida, Craig Eastmond, Kerrea Gilbert and Lukasz Fabianski all start the fourth round victory over Liverpool in October.

"The League Cup is a competition that is not one of our priorities, but we go to Manchester City to win a game," said the Frenchman.

"We'll play our young players and some of them will play in the Champions League as well because we are already qualified."

Link: http://www.footballfancast.com

Tottenham vs Manchester United in Carling Cup 2/12/2009

2009-12-01T18:12:00.000+08:00

Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King remain out for Tuesday night's Carling Cup tie at Manchester United.

'Woody' missed Saturday's 1-1 draw at Villa with a groin problem while Ledley is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained against Sunderland.

Harry Redknapp confirmed Saturday's central defensive pairing at Villa - Michael Dawson and Sebastien Bassong - will start again at Old Trafford.

Luka Modric (fractured fibula) and Carlo Cudicini (wrist, pelvis) remain out while Niko Kranjcar is cup-tied having played in the second round of the competition for Portsmouth.

Harry also confirmed that Robbie Keane will start and eluded to making a few changes - as has been the case in the Carling Cup so far this season.

"We've players who need matches - the likes of Alan Hutton, Gareth Bale, Jermaine Jenas and Robbie Keane - so we'll change a few around and freshen things up a bit," said Harry. "The good thing is we've plenty of options."

Meanwhile, Luka continues on his road to recovery. "He trained with the youngsters this morning (Monday)," reported Harry. "He played in an eight-a-side game, I watched some of it and he looked to be moving much, much better, so hopefully he's on his way back, but we want to make sure he's right."

Everton vs Liverpool 0-2 (29-11-09)

2009-11-30T07:37:00.001+08:00

Everton 0

Liverpool 2

Scorer: Yobo (11 o.g.)

Scorer: Kuyt (80)

Liverpool came out on top in the 212th Merseyside derby with a win over Everton at Goodison Park.

Everton's Joseph Yobo had a match to forget as his own goal and a defensive mistake gave Liverpool a 2-0 victory.

The Nigeria centre-back inadvertently diverted Javier Mascherano's 30-yard shot past Tim Howard in the 12th minute.

And despite Everton enjoying the majority of play after the interval Yobo's missed clearance led to the crucial second goal from Dirk Kuyt with 10 minutes remaining.

Link: Premierleague.com

More video, click here.

Arsenal 0 - 3 Chelsea HIGHLIGHTS (29-11-09)

2009-11-30T07:31:00.000+08:00

Arsenal 0

Chelsea 3

Scorer: Drogba (41, 86)

Scorer: Vermaelen (45 o.g.)

Chelsea tightened their grip on top spot in the Barclays Premier League and put a massive dent in Arsenal's own title ambitions with a convincing win at the Emirates Stadium.

The Blues, then under Guus Hiddink, were the last team to beat the Gunners on their own ground, ripping them apart 4-1 here in May.

While this encounter was nowhere near as much a one-sided affair, it still highlighted the gulf between the two sides' ability to produce a big performance when required.

Chelsea - who restored their lead on Manchester United to five points - grabbed a brace at the end of a first half in which Arsene Wenger's men had enjoyed plenty of possession, but without really troubling Petr Cech.

The Gunners were made to pay when Didier Drogba converted Ashley Cole's low centre, and Thomas Vermaelen's own goal effectively ended the contest before the interval, with the Ivory Coast striker drilling in a late free-kick to seal matters.

There is, of course, plenty more football to be played before they crown the 2010 champions, but even with a match in hand, it is difficult to see Wenger's young squad - without Robin van Persie until at least April - clawing back what is now an 11-point deficit, and indeed they could still face a battle to secure a top-four finish.

It had been a bright start from the hosts, with Bacary Sagna's deep cross flicked back into the penalty area by Andrey Arshavin, but Cesc Fabregas was unable to make decent contact.

Eduardo almost robbed England captain John Terry on the edge of the Chelsea box, but Ricardo Carvalho cleared the loose ball.

Chelsea, though, looked dangerous on the break and were somewhat unfortunate to see Drogba's run clear onto a pass from Joe Cole halted by an offside flag.

Nicolas Anelka, whose big break came at Arsenal, then went down in the penalty area as he got ahead of Sagna, but referee Andre Marriner was not interested.

Arsenal had plenty of possession, but lacked spark in the final third, with the absence of Dutch forward Van Persie painfully clear.

It was no real surprise when Chelsea went ahead on 41 minutes.

Terry played in Ashley Cole down the left, and he whipped a low centre across the six-yard box, where Drogba got in between the static Arsenal centre-backs to steer the ball into the net off the angle of post and bar.

Before Wenger could regroup his team in the dressing room, it was 2-0.

Cole was again the provider, as this time his ball from the left was deflected into the Arsenal net off Vermaelen's shin.

Wenger had to do something to inject fresh life into his shell-shocked side, and it came in the form of England forward Theo Walcott, defensive midfielder Alex Song the man sacrificed.

Arsenal certainly had more urgency following the restart, and thought they had a goal back when Arshavin smashed home from close range - but the effort was ruled out for a high boot from Eduardo on Cech.

Chelsea almost grabbed a fortunate third goal when Drogba's shot deflected off William Gallas and then Lampard, but Manuel Almunia made a quick change in direction and touched the ball around the post.

Arsenal were getting desperate and called for what would have been a harsh penalty as substitute Carlos Vela went down under a challenge from Branislav Ivanovic.

Arsenal threatened, but once again lacked a decisive pass at the key moment.

Drogba wrapped things up for Carlo Ancelotti's men when he smashed in a 25-yard free-kick with four minutes left.

Link: Premierleague.com

More video, Click here.

Aston Villa 1 vs Tottenham Hotspur 1 (28-11-2009)

2009-11-29T10:17:00.002+08:00

Aston Villa 1
Scorer: Agbonlahor (9)

Tottenham Hotspur 1
Scorer: Dawson (77)

Captain Michael Dawson's first goal of the campaign rescued a deserved point for Tottenham Hotspur after they had exerted relentless second-half pressure against Aston Villa.

Gabriel Agbonlahor had given Martin O'Neill's side a half-time lead with his eighth goal of the season.
But the second half was completely dominated by the visitors as Villa often dragged all 11 players behind the ball before Dawson broke their resistance.

And only a series of excellent saves from Brad Friedel prevented Tottenham from chalking up their fourth away victory of 2009-2010.

After a lacklustre opening 45 minutes, Tottenham showed the kind of enterprise which had demolished Wigan Athletic 9-1 last weekend with Niko Kranjcar in excellent form.

But the Villa defence is made of sterner stuff than the Latics with Carlos Cuellar again making a good impression.

Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker came into the side for Steve Sidwell while Habib Beye replaced ill left-back Stephen Warnock. He took over at right-back from Luke Young who switched to the opposite flank.
Spurs central defender Jonathan Woodgate's groin problem meant he made way for Sebastien Bassong.
Villa, unbeaten at home since the opening day of the campaign, looked full of positive intent in the early stages and started at a high tempo.

But it was home keeper Friedel who was called upon to make the first save of the match.
The former Blackburn Rovers player had to be alert to tip over a powerful drive from Kranjcar from just outside the box.

Then after nine minutes Agbonlahor put Villa ahead.

James Milner's near-post corner was met by Cuellar whose header was blocked on the line by Benoit Assou-Ekotto but the loose ball broke to Agbonlahor who squeezed it home.

Tottenham posed little attacking threat in the opening 45 minutes.

But Cuellar came to Villa's rescue when he cleared a shot from Peter Crouch off the line after Friedel had kept out the initial attempt from Defoe.

Agbonlahor found a yard of space on the edge of the Spurs box but dragged his shot well wide.

Friedel had to be alert to tip over a drive from Tom Huddlestone after it had taken a slight deflection off Reo-Coker.
Aaron Lennon saw little of the ball in the opening half which was surprising given the destruction he had caused against Wigan.
Redknapp would have wanted more from his side attacking-wise in the second period - and his players responded.

Friedel had to be at his best to finger-tip a fierce 20-yard drive from Kranjcar around the post at full stretch.
The match now more open with Villa looking to catch Spurs on the counter-attack.

A mistake by Huddlestone allowed Agbonlahor to find Ashley Young in space but his centre was just too high for Carew who could get no direction or power on his header.

But Villa were now dropping back in numbers as the visitors dominated possession-wise.
The impressive Cuellar blocked a shot from Kranjcar after throwing himself at full stretch.
Friedel was again Villa's saviour when he blocked a low shot from Jenas.

Defoe bundled the rebound into the net but was adjudged to have handled by referee Phil Dowd.
With 15 minutes remaining, Emile Heskey was introduced in place of Carew.

But after 78 minutes Dawson deservedly brought Spurs back on level terms when he fired an unstoppable shot past Friedel from the edge of the box.

"I thought we played very strongly in the first half and got the goal and always looked dangerous. We were strong, quick to the ball, we closed down space very well but in the second half we just couldn't get out. That had a lot to do with Tottenham's expertise on the ball. At the end, the last six or seven minutes of the game - despite Emile Heskey coming very close to scoring - I think we were probably the side hanging on towards the end."

- Martin O'Neill

"For sure, in the second half it was one-way traffic. We settled down after their goal and it was pretty much one-way. At the end when Jermain hit that shot I was waiting for it to hit the net. I'm delighted with how we played, I thought in the second half we played some great football and really made all the chances."

- Harry Redknapp

Link: Premierleague.com

Manchester City Vs Hull City 1-1 (28-11-09)

2009-11-29T10:09:00.000+08:00

Manchester City 1
Scorer: Wright-Phillips (45) '

Hull City 1
Scorer: Bullard (81 pen.)

Joker Jimmy Bullard performed a repeat of Phil Brown's famous half-time team-talk - but after rescuing a point for Hull City on their return to Manchester City.

Brown's amazing decision has been cited by many as the moment the Tigers fortunes began to nosedive last season.

Yet Bullard could not stop himself having a laugh at his manager's expense after his 81st minute equaliser from a spot-kick.

From virtually the exact spot where Brown delivered his address, the former Fulham star pointed to all his team-mates in turn to give the gleeful Hull fans a repeat performance.

As well as maintaining Hull's recent revival, it condemned City to a seventh successive Barclays Premier League draw.

Not even the return of Robinho could trigger a victory, although admittedly City were in front when the Brazilian departed 15 minutes from the end of his comeback match.

In a first half that City dominated but created little, Robinho was one of the few shining lights.
Am impish curling shot from the edge of the area brought the crown to its feet as it fizzed wide and a well-executed overhead kick was not that far away when the former Real Madrid star next had a sight of goal.

Robinho also played a significant role in the Blues goal, although it was only as a by-product of being chopped down in his own half by Paul McShane.

In ferrying the ball quickly up field, the Blues finally gave themselves a chance to run at the Hull defence.
Wright-Phillips eventually found himself with the ball at his feet, letting fly from 20 yards.

Hull keeper Matt Duke appeared to have it covered but as he set himself to make a routine save, Anthony Gardner tried to head the ball and succeeded only in sending it into the bottom corner.

It was harsh luck on Hull, who had defended stoutly even if they had been pretty non-existent as an attacking force.

All that changed within a minute of the restart as City's defence fell asleep in a manner that must have alarmed Hughes.

There was little obvious danger in a ball that was bouncing about just outside the City box. But one simple pass from Jozy Altidore provided Richard Garcia with a clear sight of goal.

Garcia calmly lifted his shot over Shay Given but thankfully for the Blues, Lescott had spotted the danger and cleared off the line.

It was the nearest Hull got to a leveller until Probert made his penalty call. And Bullard definitely had the last laugh.

Link: Premierleague.com

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Portsmouth 1 vs Manchester United 4

2009-11-29T10:04:00.000+08:00

Portsmouth 1
Scorer: Boateng (32 pen.)

Manchester United 4

Scorer: Rooney (24 pen., 47, 54 pen.)

Scorer: Giggs (86)

Avram Grant's reign at Chelsea ended with defeat on penalties to Manchester United and his first match in charge of Portsmouth saw Red Devils forward Wayne Rooney score two crucial spot-kicks within his hat-trick at Fratton Park.

Grant, who has taken over from Paul Hart and will be rubber-stamped as manager next week when paperwork is completed, could not have asked for a tougher opening match than against the Barclays Premier League champions but there was hope of a result when Kevin-Prince Boateng levelled, also with a penalty.
Sir Alex Ferguson will have no complaints with the way Rooney wrapped up the points after the break. Ryan Giggs added the fourth late on.

Grant and Ferguson last faced each other 18 months ago during the Champions League final in Moscow when John Terry lost his footing in the penalty shoot-out and Chelsea let the European crown slip away.
There was a downpour on this occasion too. This time Grant was in charge of a team that started the weekend bottom of the league and three points from their nearest rivals, while Ferguson was looking to gain ground on leaders Chelsea.

Paul Scholes had the first effort of the match, firing over when Giggs rolled a corner to the edge of the penalty area where his team-mate was left unmarked.

Pompey threatened within a minute and Tomasz Kuszczak, in because Edwin van der Sar had a knock to his knee, was required to block bravely when a ball was lobbed over the top of United's defence and found Aruna Dindane.

Encouraged by this opening, Dindane also fired wide from long distance and headed off-target when unmarked from Jamie O'Hara's cross. O'Hara himself had an effort tipped over after Frederic Piquionne nodded in his direction on the edge of the area.

Despite the Pompey attacks, United were ahead in the 25th minute through Rooney.
Antonio Valencia burst forward and exchanged passes with Rooney, and when the winger pulled the ball back for his team-mate in the penalty area, the England forward waited for a clumsy challenge to arrive from Michael Brown.

Dean pointed to the spot immediately and Rooney tucked away the penalty.
Pompey were level, however, on the half-hour mark. Kuszczak climbed above Piquionne, who appeared to have his shirt pulled by Nemanja Vidic.

With United in shock, Boateng smashed in the penalty after missing against Stoke City last time out.
Pompey enjoyed a spell of pressure before the break but United were ahead three minutes after the restart.
There was nothing controversial about this effort, just Giggs weighting the ball perfectly through Pompey's defence for Rooney to place his finish home, his 10th of the season for United.

His hat-trick came in the 54th minute, from the penalty spot. Piquionne was penalised for fouling Giggs - and Rooney sent Begovic the wrong way from 12 yards.

Valencia could have added to the goals when he waltzed through the Pompey defence.
Boateng had Pompey's best chance to get back in the match but he fired over from a promising position, and there would be no way back for Grant's men.

Giggs netted with a free-kick three minutes from full-time for their fourth goal, while John Utaka hit the crossbar with a scissors-kick at the death for Pompey.

Link: Premierleague.com

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West Ham United 5 vs Burnley 3

2009-11-29T09:56:00.004+08:00

West Ham United 5

Scorer: Collison (17)

Scorer: Stanislas (33)

Scorer: Cole (42 pen.)

Scorer: Franco (51)

Scorer: Jimenez (63 pen.)

Burnley 3

Scorer: Fletcher (67, 74)

Scorer: Eagles (90)

Relegation-battlers West Ham United moved clear of the bottom three as Burnley were beaten 5-3 at Upton Park.

Gianfranco Zola's men recorded only their third Barclays Premier League win of a difficult campaign after three goals in the first half put them in command.

Jack Collison capitalised on some static defending to race on to Scott Parker's free-kick and fire the Irons ahead on 18 minutes.

Junior Stanislas slotted home a second, before Carlton Cole converted a penalty as Burnley were made to pay for poor defending after what had been a bright start by the visitors when Clarke Carlisle's header was cleared off the line.

It was damage limitation for the Clarets - who have just one point from seven away matches on their return to the top flight - after the hard-working Guillermo Franco headed in a fourth on 51 minutes.

However, there was still time for substitute Luis Jimenez to net another penalty after he was brought down by keeper Brian Jensen to give the Irons a morale boost ahead of next week's visit of champions Manchester United.

Steven Fletcher's late double gave Burnley some consolation, before Steven Caldwell was sent off during stoppage time and Chris Eagles then netted a third.

The visitors had actually started well and West Ham looked nervy at the back as England keeper Robert Green spilled a near-post strike from Andre Bikey and Eagles, the former Manchester United trainee, whipped over a cross from the right which flew through the six-yard box.

The Clarets - who have won five times at Turf Moor, including victory over United - almost took the lead on nine minutes when Clarke Carlisle's downward header from a corner was cleared off the line by Parker.

West Ham were then denied by the woodwork after Franco's header from Collison's cross came off the top of the bar, and eventually took the lead on 18 minutes.

Parker's quickly-taken free-kick caught the Burnley defence cold as Collison beat a static offside trap to run clean through and slot past Jensen.

Before Burnley could recover, West Ham doubled their lead on 34 minutes. The busy Franco slipped a reserve pass through to Stanislas on the right.

The England Under-21 winger looked to have missed his opportunity when Jensen made a smart save at his near post - only for the Burnley keeper to get his angles all wrong from the rebound, as Stanislas guided the ball inside the far post.

West Ham had a penalty just before the break when Jonathan Spector charged on to Radoslav Kovac's pass and into the right side of the area, before being brought down by Robbie Blake.

Cole - still limping after needing treatment for a foot injury - stepped up to drill in the spot-kick for his seventh goal of the season.
The England striker, who had just come back from injury, was replaced by youngster Zavon Hines for the start of the second half, with West Ham making it 4-0 on 50 minutes.

Stanislas whipped a free-kick from the right across the six-yard box, where Franco got in front of the Burnley defenders to head home.

Burnley substitute David Nugent missed two golden chances in quick succession to pull a goal back for the visitors, before referee Chris Foy pointed to the spot once again after Chile forward Jimenez was brought down by Jensen as he dashed into the right side of the penalty area.

Jimenez, on loan from Inter Milan, stepped up to take the spot-kick himself, and lashed it into the right corner for his first West Ham goal.

To their credit, Burnley kept going - and at least had something to show when Fletcher netted a late double, both after good work from Eagles, whose long-range free-kick then struck the post.

Burnley, though, finished with 10 men when, in stoppage time, Caldwell was shown a straight red for pulling down Hines, before Eagles netted a third.

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Benoit's pride

2009-11-28T09:30:00.001+08:00

Benoit's pride

Benoit Assou-Ekotto has expressed his delight at reaching next summer's World Cup Finals with Cameroon.
The Indomitable Lions recovered from a shaky start to the final round of qualifying and booked their place in South Africa with a win over Morocco in their last game.

It means a sixth finals for Cameroon - an African record - and one our left-back cannot wait for having decided to represent the country of his father's birth just under a year ago.

"The first World Cup held in Africa is going to be unforgettable, so it's important that Cameroon are going to be there," said Benoit.

"We started the qualifying campaign badly, but then Paul Le Guen took over as coach and gave us more belief to go and win the games that we did in order to qualify.

"Cameroon have some very good players who are based in Europe so it's a strong squad, but there are some other strong African nations there also, such as Ghana and Ivory Coast.
"I'm very proud to be representing Cameroon and all my family over there are proud to have someone playing for the national team."

Link: Tottenhamhotspur.com

Traore facing tattoo surgery

2009-11-27T14:26:00.000+08:00

Arsenal defender Armand Traore is to go under the knife at the end of the season to have his tattoos surgically removed.

The left-back, who is set to become a regular in the Gunners' back line with with Gael Clichy and his deputy Kieran Gibbs both facing lengthy spells on the sidelines, says religion is behind the move.

The 20-year-old has fully embraced the Muslim faith, which forbids permanent changes to the body.
Traore said: "I'm planning to do this in the summer. They'll put me under anesthetic and then do it all, and when I wake up everything will be gone.

It needs a bit of recovery time though so I'm not going to do it during the football season.
"If I had been into my religion properly before I'd had the tattoos done, I think I would never have got them. I think it's one of the biggest mistakes I've made in my life but I will try and correct it."

Traore shot to prominence during Arsenal's run to the 2007 Carling Cup final and he says his faith helps him cope with the demands of being a top-flight footballer.

"My religion has benefits both personally and in my career," Traore explained.

"It's all about many of the things that are good in football too - like resting, doing everything right, being nice to people, respecting, not swearing or lying, being fair.

"I've always been Muslim but I wasn't really practicing it, I was just saying to people that I was Muslim. I don't know what made me change - it was just slowly, slowly, a gradual development."

The France U21 international, who spent last season on loan at Portsmouth, is expected to start in Arsenal's Premier League clash with Chelsea at the weekend.

Eurosport

Alex Ferguson Slam Referee Again

2009-11-27T09:51:00.003+08:00

Alex Ferguson Slam Referee Again

LONDON: Alex Ferguson claimed his side were denied a ‘stonewall’ penalty by French referee Stephane Lannoy after Manchester United’s long unbeaten home record in Europe was ended by Besiktas.

Ferguson was annoyed that Lannoy waved away strong appeals after substitute Patrice Evra was fouled by Ibrahim Kas in the closing stages of Besiktas’ 1-0 win at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

The United manager, who has found himself in trouble domestically for criticising match officials this season, is running out of patience after claiming it was the second successive game in Europe that United have been denied a penalty.

“That’s two games in a row we’ve been denied a stonewall penalty in Europe,” said Ferguson.
“It’s not in the spirit of the game, but what can you do? If you can’t give these kicks then the game is in trouble.”

Asked whether he still stood by his view, which he aired earlier this season, that the standard of refereeing in Europe is better than in England, he replied: “I’m not going into that. No comment.”

Ferguson refused to criticise his young players afterwards as a United side made up of youth and experience suffered an unexpected setback which leaves them with work to do to secure top spot in Group B.

They must avoid defeat in their final game in Germany against Wolfsburg on Dec 8, but Ferguson refused to divulge what sort of side he will field for that fixture.

England striker Wayne Rooney was given a rare night off against Besiktas while the likes of Michael Owen, Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher started on the bench.

The tactic backfired as Besiktas’ experience proved enough to secure a victory that will give United’s Champions League rivals encouragement.

Yet Ferguson declined to lay the blame at the feet of his youngsters. Danny Welbeck, who turned 19 yesterday, started his first Champions League game for the club alongside 19-year-old Federico Macheda in attack.

“You need a bit of composute in the last third, but the young players were a bit anxious. It’s understandable,” added Ferguson.

“It’s not the biggest fault in the world.
“You have to be fair in terms of assessing the players we’re playing in these games at the moment.
“The fact we play them tells you how much we value them. The one thing we can give them is experience.”
Ferguson also refused to criticise keeper Ben Foster. The England international was beaten by a long-range effort by Rodrigo Tello which took a deflection.

“It was proably going a foot to his right hand side. It was a wicked deflection,” said Ferguson. “I think he would have (saved it if it had not taken a deflection).”
Besiktas coach Mustafa Denizli saluted his players for an historic victory for Turkish football.
“To come to Manchester United and play at Old Trafford, we know it’s very difficult to win games here,” said Denizli.

“We’re obviously very pleased with the result. The whole world knows what a big team United are.
“The players did their duties and everyone did the job that was asked of him.” — AFP

Link: http://thestar.com.my/sports

Why Villa's game against Spurs is worthy of more viewers the Spanish showpiece

2009-11-27T09:46:00.000+08:00

Why Villa's game against Spurs is worthy of more viewers the Spanish showpiece

Written by Tom Vickers

Forget Arsenal Vs Chelsea, Liverpool against Everton or even El Clasico – the most gargantuan game of the weekend comes at in the Midlands as Villa take on Tottenham Hotspur.
The cast list at the aforementioned games may be much more elite, but at Villa Park on Saturday night there will be blood, thunder and a large dollop of desire.
Martin O’Neill’s Villa will be desperate to win for a number of reasons. For the first motivation we must look back a few months to March.
The third month of the year was preceded by a pretty awful February, in terms of form, for the Claret and Blue. By the time Spurs visited in mid-March, O’Neill’s side were struggling to score never mind win.
Harry Redknapp’s resurgent team, needless to say, took all three points thanks to goals from Jermaine Jenas and Darren Bent and continued to pour water on the slippery slope that their hosts had been on for too long.
Villa will aim to prove they are better this time around but their opponents are now a much more formidable outfit than they were last time the teams met.
Redknapp has joyfully nicked Jermain Defoe from Pompey and added a few others besides, which now makes the top four a real target for Spurs.

Danger

They infamously thumped Wigan 9-1 last Sunday and confidence couldn’t be much higher at the club - they may even be considering changing the name of their stadium from White Hart Lane to White Hot Lane.
Defoe, who was described as the best finisher in England by his boss after that game, will be a real danger but his arrival in the Midlands should act as a spur for fellow international hit man – Gabby Agbonlahor.
The Villa speedster is out to prove he can mix it with the best in the Premier League and on Saturday he will get his chance.
Fabio Capello will undoubtedly be in attendance, as the so called main event games of the weekend at the Emirates and Goodison Park don’t take place until super Sunday.
Agbonlahor will want to put on a show and he will be aiming to put Defoe in the dark on a day when there should be a few highlights.
Capello realistically has one striking space left for the World Cup in South Africa, with Defoe, Wayne Rooney, Peter Crouch and probably Emile Heskey almost certain to make the trip.

Rioters

Agbonlahor has the raw pace that can trouble defenders and if he can fire the Villa into the Premier League top four then he must be guaranteed a spot on the plane. Therein lays the final nudge for O’Neill’s men to see off Spurs. If they manage to defeat the men from the Lane, then Villa are in the big four box seat.
Liverpool are floundering and Manchester City are...well...drawing, so the showpiece in the Midlands could decide a lot. Ok, so it won’t mean that one or the other finish in the Champions League place at the end of the season but it could have a huge psychological bearing.
Should Defoe and co win, then they will be six points ahead of the Villans. That is quite a gap and with the reverse fixture set to take place in London, the men from the second city would find themselves with a mini-mountain to climb.
But, if O’Neill’s side do what they did to Liverpool earlier in the campaign, it is game on! Villa would hold the edge and all of the confidence that Redknapp’s rioters obtained last weekend would be gone.
Maybe there are a few people in Wigan who will also find this clash more fanciful than Arsenal against Chelsea etc if only to see their conquerors brought back down to earth.
It may have almost been forgotten in the midst of all the fantasy affairs taking place a day later, but viewers of Villa Vs Spurs should have plenty of reasons to be cheerful.

Link: http://www.astonvilla-mad.co.uk/

VIDIC: I'M HAPPY AT UNITED

2009-11-27T09:38:00.000+08:00

VIDIC: I'M HAPPY AT UNITED

Nemanja Vidic has attempted to draw a line under the latest reports linking him with a move away from Manchester United after declaring himself happy at Old Trafford.

Vidic, 28, has recently returned to action following a thigh injury and insists that he sees his future in Manchester.

His claim contradicts several recent reports in which it was suggested that the Serbia international defender was looking for a move away from the Premier League as his family had not settled in England.

Vidic joined United from Spartak Moscow in January 2006 and has become a rock at the back for the Red Devils.

"I am glad to have been part of this club for so many years and if I could be one of the bases on which a new team is built I would be very happy," he declared.

"I have never said I want to go and play in another country. Other people have spoken or written about it and I am not happy with that.

"But I have said in the past what I think. I don't want to keep talking about it because I can't stop what people say. The fact is I am happy here."

Link: Footymad.net

Is it time for Steven Gerrard to walk alone out of Liverpool?

2009-11-26T09:01:00.000+08:00

Is it time for Steven Gerrard to walk alone out of Liverpool? Out of the Champions League, title tilt in ruins, would anyone blame him?

By John Edwards

The events that took place 456 miles away shaped Liverpool’s mood of utter dejection in Budapest on Tuesday night, but a glance across the pitch may have proved almost as dispiriting for Steven Gerrard.

No Fernando Torres and only Javier Mascherano looking fit to be called his peer, Gerrard cut a disconsolate figure as he made his way down the tunnel for confirmation that Fiorentina had condemned him to the Europa League by beating Lyon.

Jamie Carragher had put in another solid shift and Daniel Agger drew applause from Gerrard with one probing run and pass, but from the base of midfield to the furthest point forward, Mascherano alone looked worthy of sharing the same pitch as the Liverpool skipper. It added to the welter of questions raining down on Rafa Benitez, in the wake of Liverpool’s early exit from the Champions League, as the thought occurred: Just how much longer can Gerrard’s fierce sense of loyalty outweigh his longing to finish a domestic campaign in top place?

He appears as far away as ever and, if there is still no sign of a title on the horizon after another season of carrying his home team virtually on his own, the question is sure to be aired again when he is 30 in May.

Sporting anything other than Liverpool colours may seem unthinkable for the England midfielder, but time is running out if he is to avoid being remembered as one of the greatest players never to win the League.

He can ill afford to delay a decision beyond next summer, even though he admits that having to judge whether the most elusive of prizes can be won in a Liverpool shirt would count as the toughest call of his career.

In an interview with Sportsmail earlier this season, he underlined how such a dilemma would tear him apart, saying: ‘If I never won the League title, there would be regrets and an empty space. Yet, even if Liverpool were no longer challenging, I would still find it difficult to leave. I could win 90 per cent of my medals here and one League championship elsewhere, and that last medal would not mean as much.’

The impression persists that the bond may well remain intact, yet failure to fulfil Rafa Benitez’s promise that another Champions League place will be secured would leave Liverpool at the mercy of predators like never before.

Anfield chiefs insist it would not count as a financial calamity, given their careful budgeting and record sponsorship deal with Standard Chartered Bank. But Liverpool had budgeted to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League, which would have brought in £2.7million. Now, to help them balance the books, they will need to win the Europa League competition, which will ensure they collect £2.65m. The prospect of Mascherano and, in particular, Torres returning from the World Cup finals for a Europa League campaign, having further enhanced their international status before a global audience, fills Liverpool with dread.

Encouragingly, Torres has developed a strong attachment to Liverpool and Benitez. But he remains ambitious about operating at the highest level, certainly the Champions League, and there are already suggestions that Barcelona’s Anfield interests are not restricted to Mascherano. It is highly unlikely Torres would be allowed to join another English club and inconceivable he would join Real Madrid, given his upbringing across the city at Atletico.

A move to the Nou Camp is not so far-fetched, though Liverpool can nip any such speculation in the bud by emerging from their recent troubled spell and restoring their credentials as one of Europe’s major forces.
There is some heartache to be endured first, as Liverpool’s players try to come to terms with missing out on a place in the Champions League knock-out stages for the first time in seven years.

Mascherano is adamant the process must be completed swiftly, particularly with a derby showdown with Everton looming at Goodison Park on Sunday. ‘It is a strange feeling for everyone at the club to be in this position,’ said the Argentine captain. ‘We are all so very disappointed. The Champions League is a special competition for us but it has gone and we must start looking ahead.

‘Now we are in another competition, and we will do all we can to win it. There will be no problem with motivation. The motivation for all of us is simply to play for Liverpool. We are representing a top side, and we all want to do well for Liverpool. ‘We need to show that we are good players and realise that Liverpool deserve more from us. That is why we will do our best to win the Europa League.

‘In the Premier League, we simply have to start winning again, because we are not in the top four. That is also strange for everyone at the club and all the supporters. ‘In the last four years, we have always been up there, sometimes fighting for the title but always fighting to get into the Champions League.

‘We need to do something about that, starting with a very important game against Everton. At least we won on the night in Budapest. ‘That will give us a bit of confidence and now we have to take that forward by doing the same at Goodison Park.’

Ruud van Nistelrooy will snub Arsenal to sign for Liverpool

2009-11-26T08:49:00.001+08:00

Ruud van Nistelrooy will snub Arsenal to sign for Liverpool

Ruud van Nistelrooy is ready reject a move to Arsenal to rescue Liverpool's season. The Real Madrid striker needs to play regular football to secure his place in Holland's World Cup squad and is expected to be allowed to leave the Bernebau at Christmas. Rafa Benitez will not be allowed to spend his way out of Liverpool's current crisis, so must raise any funds he wants to splash in the January transfer window - or make loan signings. Benitez was told his job at the club is completely safe, even after his team crashed out of the Champions League - with a game still left to play - on Tuesday night.

He has also been told that former Manchester United star Van Nistelrooy is ready to turn down interest from the Gunners in a bid to secure a move to Liverpool. Liverpool's budget planning means they will not make funds available until next summer, when Benitez will have at least £20million to spend on squad strengthening. The Anfield boss has, however, identified a pressing need to enhance a strike force that has managed just four goals in their five Champions League games so far, a meagre total rendered even less impressive by the fact they have twice played Debrecen, the worst team in the competition.

Van Nistelrooy has already fielded some discreet enquiries from the Emirates Stadium, but he has told his advisors that he would prefer a move back to the north west of England and a switch to Anfield, if - as seems likely - he is allowed to leave Real Madrid at Christmas. The Dutch striker knows he must play more football if he is to feature in next summer's World Cup finals, and has little chance of doing that at the Bernabeu, where he is behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Kaka, Gonzalo Higuain and Raul in the Real pecking order.

As back-up to injury stricken Fernando Torres at Liverpool, he would get more opportunities to play, and Benitez is now weighing up his options as he creates a blueprint to sort out his impoverished attacking options.
No money will be available for a high profile signing, but he can raise funds by selling the likes of Andrei Voronin - who has been axed from the squad completely despite the lack of cover for Torres - Ryan Babel and Andrea Dossena.

The flaw in that plan, of course, is that the trio of Anfield fringe players are hardly in demand across Europe, and it may be difficult to offload big money-earners with such a patchy recent playing record. Instead, Benitez may be tempted to let the three misfits go out on loan, at least creating a gap in the Anfield wage bill to bring in a loan player until the end of the season when he can turn the deal into a permanent signing. Madrid may be prepared to accept that sort of deal for Van Nistelrooy or Rafael van der Vaart, and Tottenham will consider a similar plan for their out of favour Russian centre =-forward Roman Pavlyuchenko, providing a fee is agreed for the summer.

In the short-term, Benitez is praying he has Torres back for the visit to Everton on Sunday, a game he knows he dare not lose if he is to keep a sceptical Anfield support behind him. The Spanish coach is aware that ,even though he has received complete backing from Liverpool's owners and MD Christian Purslow, if he loses the fans, then that support could quickly change.

And defeat at Goodison is unthinkable now, after crashing out of the Champions League in such embarrassing style, because losing to the Old Enemy would put the current crisis into stark context for the silent majority who are beginning to waver in their backing for the current regime.

There have been few murmurings of discontent so far, but Benitez has already twice been booed by his home support this season, and nothing is designed to create unrest more than defeat to Everton, especially at such a sensitive time. Torres though, has made real progress in his recovery from an abdominal injury, and has trained for much of this week while his team-mates have been away in Hungary, and Benitez is now quietly confident he will have his main striking option back for the absolutely crucial showdown on Sunday.

Link: Oleole.com

A review of Barclays Premier League sides in action in the Champions League 2. (with video highlight)

2009-11-26T08:37:00.000+08:00

A review of Barclays Premier League sides in action in the Champions League.

There were mixed fortunes for Barclays Premier League sides in the Champions League as Chelsea won 1-0 in Porto while Manchester United suffered a surprise 0-1 defeat at home to Besiktas. Nicolas Anelka stunned Porto for the second time this season as Chelsea finished top of Group D with a 1-0 victory in the Estadio do Dragao.

Anelka, who scored the winner when the two teams met at Stamford Bridge, stooped to head home a cross from Florent Malouda in the 69th minute. It was an efficient rather than exciting performance from the Blues who had the woodwork to thank in the first half when Fernando Belluschi's 25-yard effort smashed off the crossbar.

Manchester United fielded a young side as they went down 0-1 against Besiktas at Old Trafford knowing they were already through to the knock-out stages. Sir Alex Ferguson's men needed only a point from this match to top the group thanks to CSKA Moscow's 2-1 win against Wolfsburg earlier in the day. It was a result which also killed off any lingering hopes of Besiktas qualifying.

However the Turkish side took a shock lead after 20 minutes as Rodrigo Tello hit a 25-yard shot which took a slight deflection off Fabio to evade the dive of Ben Foster. The visitors hung on against increasing United pressure in the second half with goalkeeper Rustu making two fine saves in stoppage-time.

Link: Premierleague

Porto 0 - Chelsea 1 (25-11-09)

Manchester United Vs Besiktas 0-1 (25-11-09)

A review of Barclays Premier League sides in action in the Champions League.

2009-11-25T14:12:00.002+08:00

A review of Barclays Premier League sides in action in the Champions League.

Arsenal cruised into the knockout stages of the Champions League with victory over Standard Liege after goals from Samir Nasri and Denilson. Needing a point against the Belgians to win Group H with a match to spare, Nasri opened the scoring at the Emirates Stadium while team-mate Andrey Arshavin was off the pitch getting treatment to his cut head.

Denilson, returning after two months out with a back problem and making his 100th appearance for the club, smashed in a curling effort that deceived goalkeeper Sinan Bolat and ensured Arsene Wenger reached the last 16 of the competition for the 10th season in a row. The visitors had Mehdi Carcela-Gonzalez dismissed for clashing with Cesc Fabregas at the death.

bundled out

Liverpool's disappointing season took a turn for the worse as they were bundled out of the Champions League despite a narrow 1-0 victory over Debrecen in Budapest. David Ngog scored the only goal of a nervy match to secure victory for Rafael Benitez's side but events in Italy, where Fiorentina closed out a 1-0 win over Lyon, ensured the Reds would miss out on the lucrative knockout phase. Debrecen have conceded 13 goals in their previous three matches as Liverpool exited at this stage for the first time since 2002.

Link: Premierleague

Liverpool 1-0 Debrecen

Arsenal Vs Standard Liege 2-0 (24-11-09)

Malaysia Super League Transfer

2009-11-24T14:28:00.002+08:00

Malaysia Super League Transfer Season 2009/2010
Players

Rumours
Ronny Harun (Kedah) to Terengganu
Norhafiz Zamani (KL PLUS) to Kelantan
Joseph Kallang Tie (Sarawak) to Terengganu
Hardi Jaafar - Renew Contract
Nasril Nourdin (Selangor) to ATM
Fadzirul Zakaria (Selangor) to Pahang
Nurul Azwan Roya (Johor FC) to Kelantan, Sabah
Farderin Kadir (KM Naza) to Kelantan - Rumours
Chun Ken Hong (Perak) to Kedah
Razali Umar Kandasamy (Perak) to Kedah
Khaironisam Shahabudin (MyTeam) to Felda United - Rumours
Mohd Shahrul Ezrain (Terengganu) to T.Team
Kyrill Muhaimin (Kedah) to Selangor
Azizon Kadir (KM Naza) to Selangor
Khalid Jamlus (Kelantan) to ATM
K.Nanthakumar (Selangor) to Perak
Chan Wing Hoong (Perlis) to Perak
R.Karthigesu (Pahang) to Perak
K.Soley (Perlis) to Kedah
Farizal Marlias (Perlis) to Kelantan
Azamuddin Md. Akil (Pahang) to KL Plus,PKNS
Titus James Palani (Villenoy fc) to N.Sembilan

Conform Transfer

KL PLUS

Nizaruddin Yusof (Perlis)

Kelantan FA

Norshahrul Idlan Talaha (UPB MyTeam) to Kelantan
Syed Adney (UPB MyTeam) to Kelantan
Shakir Shaari (UPB MyTeam) to Kelantan
S. Chanturu (Pulau Pinang) to Kelantan
S. Subramaniam (Perak) to Kelantan
Azizi Mat Rose (KM Naza to Kelantan
Syed Adney Hussien (MyTeam) to Kelantan
Akmal Rizal (KM Naza) to Kelantan

Terenganu FA

Ronny Harun (Kedah)

Kedah FA

Zambri Chin (UPB MyTeam)

Selangor FA

Bunyamin Omar (UPB MyTeam)
Liew Kit Kong (KM Naza)
Safiq Rahim (KL Plus)
Sa'duddin (Johor)
K: Hamsani Ahmad, Mohd Iqbal Suhaimi (2004-08 Pahang, 2009 Proton FC)

Terengganu T-Team

Shairul Ezrain Shamsuddin (Kedah KM Naza)
Abdul Hadi Yahya (Kuala Lumpur)
Harizul Izuan (Proton)
Ismail Faruqi (Terengganu)

Perlis FA

Azrul Ahmad (Kedah)

Felda United

Juzaili Sameon (MyTeam)

Coach

Irfan Bakti (Perlis) to Terengganu - Confirm
Ahmad Yusoff to Kedah
Nizam Azha to Perlis - Rumours

Arsenal to get Chamakh next summer?

2009-11-24T12:22:00.002+08:00

If you take Arsene Wenger's recent comments at face value, Marouane Chamakh won't be moving to Arsenal this January. But we know better than that don't we?

Wenger's just stoking up the heat on Chamakh's current club, Bordeaux, by saying the sale price for the player (who's out of contract next summer) will be just €1m.

The sale price is whatever the buying clubs want to pay. So if Manchester City, for instance, decide it's worth £10m to stop Chamakh going to Arsenal, who's to say they won't offer that? Maybe that's what Bordeaux are hoping for.

If Chamakh has decided that Arsenal is the club for him (and why wouldn't he?), then he'll more than likely sign a pre-contract with us in January and then he'll be at the Emirates Stadium in time for next season.

It would be nice to get Chamakh on board before then, but with Bordeaux set to play in the knock-out stages of the Champions League next year they might as well hang on to the forward until the end of the season. So as Wenger said, there's not much chance of a deal being done.

But every player has his price, we're told. The thing is, Wenger won't pay over the odds for a player. It's a matter of principle for Le Boss and an issue he's not prepared to compromise on.

Link: Oleole.com

Transfer Rumours Update 23/11/2009

2009-11-24T11:52:00.000+08:00

Burnley Boss Would Love Nugent Permanently

According to Sky Sports News, Burnley boss Owen Coyle admitted that he would love to permanently have David Nugent, who is currently at Burnley on loan from Portsmouth. Coyle said,

“David Nugent is a top-class player. If I could get him in permanently tomorrow I would love to do it … He is probably similar to one or two others in that he is a bit frustrated. But that is what we want - competition for places.”

Chelsea To Sign And Loan Out Aguero?

According to Tom Hopkinson at The People, Chelsea are willing to offer £35million for Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero and then loan him back to the club for the rest of the season.

Portsmouth Recall Begovic

According to The News, Portsmouth have decided to recall goalkeeper Asmir Begovic from his loan spell at Ipswich. The reason for this move was because of the injury to goalkeeper David James.

Sampdoria To Hold Onto Giampaolo Pazzini

UPDATE: According to Rick D’Andrea at Goal.com, Sampdoria director Giuseppe Marotta admitted that the club would like to hold onto Giampaolo Pazzini. He told Sampdorianews.net,

“Giampaolo is second on the goalscoring ladder … And this is most pleasing … The interest from clubs across the Channel is somewhere in the middle between what was written, and what has actually occurred … We have not spoken to anyone, and will hold onto him very tightly.”

November 21st, 2009 According to Salvatore Landolina at Goal.com, La Gazzetta Dello Sport is reporting that Arsenal are interested in Sampdoria striker Giampaolo Pazzini and are willing to offer €18million. However Sampdoria supposedly want at least €25million for him.

Bojinov Wants To Join Parma Permanently

According to Sky Sports News, Manchester City striker Valeri Bojinov would like to make his loan deal with Parma permanent. He told La Nazione,

“Parma was my opportunity, I thank the chairman (Tommaso) Ghirardi, sporting director (Pietro) Leonardi, (Francesco) Guidolin and also (Cesare) Prandelli, who put in a good word for me.”
“I am here on loan and hope to stay here even past the end of this championship. Now I almost feel Italian.”

Chelsea & Man United Miss Out On Boilesen

According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United and Chelsea both missed out on Brondby defender Nicolai Boilesen as the 17-year-old has decided to sign with Ajax instead.

Birmingham Linked With Ibisevic

According to Tom Lake at News of the World, Birmingham are interested in Hoffenheim striker Vedad Ibisevic. However the club supposedly wants £10million for him.

Harry Redknapp Would Prefer To Hold Onto Pavlyuchenko

UPDATE: According to Sky Sports News, Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp would like to hold onto striker Roman Pavlyuchenko. He said,

“I don’t want to sell Roman Pavlyuchenko. Technically he’s a fantastic talent but he keeps saying he wants to go … He’s got great ability but he wants to play regularly but it’s been difficult with (Jermain) Defoe, (Peter) Crouch and (Robbie) Keane all doing well. It’s unlucky for him.”

November 21st, 2009 According to Carl Long at The Sun, Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp admitted that he will not sell striker Roman Pavlyuchenko cheap. He said,

“If he’s not happy and somebody wants to pay the right money for him then something might happen. But he won’t be leaving here cheaply.”

November 19th, 2009 According to Sky Sports News, the agent of Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko admitted that Roma are interested in his client. Oliver Wendt told romagiallorossa.com:

“It is true, yesterday Daniele Prade was in London to better understand the situation of Pavlyuchenko but we don’t know the real intentions of the Giallorossi … However, the player will surely leave Tottenham as he wanted to leave them this summer.”
“It is a feasible piece of business with Roma, but we need to see the needs of the two clubs in question. Roman would be willing to transfer to the Italian capital.”

November 18th, 2009 According to ESPN Soccernet, Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko would love to return to Spartak Moscow if he is given the chance. He told Sportbox,

“I have a huge desire to return … If I receive a good offer, I’ll be sure to accept it. Spartak has a place in my heart, always.”
“In my first year in England, I played consistently, scored goals and was successful with the national team. I had an insight into English football and learned a lot. It was a good, if not completely positive, experience and will be helpful for the future, so I have no regrets, but the current situation doesn’t suit me.”

Cesc Fabregas Happier Than Ever At Arsenal

According to Arsenal’s official website, Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas admitted that he is happier than ever at the club. When asked if he could stay at Arsenal for the rest of his career, he said:

“Why not?” he replied. “I have never thought about it. I’m only 22. You never know what your career will bring but why not? I’m in my seventh season now and I’m really happy, better than ever.”

Link: oleole.com

Transfer Rumours: Player that been linked with Tottenham Hotspurs

2009-11-24T11:35:00.002+08:00

Player that been linked with Tottenham Hotspurs

Reports in Italy are signalling that Spurs are to step up their bid to land Klaas-Jan Huntelaar from AC Milan.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar AC Milan

Huntelaar has failed to become a hit with the Rossoneri this year after his big money move from Real Madrid and Spurs will aim to land the Dutchman once they have offloaded Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Spurs tried to buy Huntelaar from Madrid in the summer, but the Dutchman plumped for AC Milan instead, as doubts persisted if Spurs could afford his wages.

Spurs are willing to compensate the full £15 million that Milan shelled out in the summer in order to get their man.

It has also been mooted that Gareth Bale could be used as bait, with the Welshman having been looked at previously by the Italian giants.

Link: http://www.oleole.com/news/frame/id/3100558

Vicente from Valencia

The Spanish midfielder Vicente is keen to leave Valencia and it is reported - in Spain - that Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is one of the suitors looking at the winger as he looks to improve his squad in January. Valencia have had a solid start to the La Liga season but with reported financial problems any big offer will be tough for the staff at the Mestalla to refuse.

Sandro from Internacional

Tottenham Hotspur are being linked with a move for Internacional midfielder Sandro as boss Harry Redknapp attempts to bolster his central midfield options. The Spurs boss is keen to add more depth to his squad and believes that he needs more than Wilson Palacios, Tom Huddlestone and Jermaine Jenas in the centre of his midfield. The 20-year-old Sandro, who made his international debut for Brazil earlier in the year, is certainly on Redknapp's radar. The former West Ham United and Portsmouth boss said: "We've only got three central midfield players. Jamie O'Hara went, Kevin-Prince Boateng went, Didier Zokora went. Suddenly we're very, very short in there. Jermaine Jenas is on four bookings, Palacios on three. So I'm looking for someone else who can play in midfield here. We've been looking at Sandro. He's just breaking into the Brazilian team from the Under-21s. He can play - he's a modern day midfield player. I'd like to go and have a look myself as well and, if we do decide to do anything, it'll be up to the chairman to push it on from there."

out from Team

Gareth Bale ke Birmingham City

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is ready to bring Welsh international Gareth Bale to St Andrews in a 3mil deal that would see him become the first new signing since Carson Yeung took over. Bale, currently at Tottenham, has endured a tough time in London but has quality, especially within his left foot.

Tottenham Hotspur 9 - Wigan Athletic 1

2009-11-24T08:49:00.000+08:00

Tottenham Hotspur 9 - Wigan Athletic 1

Scorer: Crouch (9)

Scorer: Defoe (51, 53, 58, 69, 86)

Scorer: Lennon (64)

Scorer: Kirkland (88 o.g.)

Scorer: Kranjcar (90)

Vanue: Sun 22 Nov 2009, White Hart Lane

Video Highlight

Sunderland Vs Arsenal 1-0 (21-11-09)

2009-11-24T08:44:00.000+08:00

Sunderland 1 Vs Arsenal 0
Scorer: Bent (70)

Vanue: Sat 21 Nov 2009, Stadium of Light

Video Highlight

Hull City 3 - 3 West Ham United

2009-11-24T08:41:00.000+08:00

Hull City 3 vs 3 West Ham United

Scorer: Cole (26 o.g.) Scorer: Franco (5)

Scorer: Zayatte (43) Scorer: Collison (11)

Scorer: Bullard (45 pen.) Scorer: Da Costa (68)

Vanue: Sat 21 Nov 2009, Kingston Comms Stadium

Video Highlight

Chelsea 4 - 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers

2009-11-24T08:37:00.000+08:00

Chelsea 4 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Scorer: Malouda (4)

Scorer: Essien (12, 21)

Scorer: Cole (56)

Vanue: Sat 21 Nov 2009, Stamford Bridge

Video Highlight

Liverpool 2 - 2 Manchester City

2009-11-24T08:32:00.000+08:00

Liverpool 2 Manchester City 2

Scorer: Skrtel (49) Scorer: Adebayor (69)

Scorer: Benayoun (77) Scorer: Ireland (76)

Vanue: Sat 21 Nov 2009, Anfield

Video Highlight

Stoke City Vs Portsmouth 1-0 (22-11-09)

2009-11-24T08:28:00.000+08:00

Stoke 1 Portsmouth 0

Scorer: Fuller (73)

Video Highlight