Robin van Persie hit a brace as Arsenal came from behind to beat Norwich 2-1 at Carrow Road and record a fifth straight Premier League win. The in-form Dutchman made it 30 goals for 2011, the second a sublime finish, after the Canaries had snatched a shock early lead when Wales striker Steve Morison capitalised on an horrendous blunder by German international Per Mertesacker.
Fired by Van Persie's goals, Arsene Wenger's side are now transformed from the shambles of the start of the campaign as they closed to within striking distance of the top four. Wenger had named a strong starting XI, resisting the temptation to rest some of his key men after the international break.
The Gunners signalled their early intent as Theo Walcott, who played twice for England at Wembley, got away down the right and cut the ball back for van Persie, but for once he failed to connect properly and dragged the shot wide. After Norwich ventured forwards, the visitors were soon back on the offensive, Van Persie driving a low shot across the face of John Ruddy's goal after latching onto Andre Santos' pass.
After 12 minutes, it took an acrobatic clearance by Russell Martin to deflect Walcott's curling left-foot effort wide just when the ball was destined for the bottom corner following a quick counter-attack by Gervinho. The Gunners continued to pour forwards as Norwich were stretched down both flanks.
Morison out-muscles Mertesacker
However, yet again Arsenal were undone by a mistake at the back. Mertesacker failed to shield what should have been a routine ball through to the keeper, which allowed Morison to outmuscle the 6ft 4in German before slipping a shot past Wojciech Szczesny to give the Canaries the lead on 16 minutes against the run of play.
After such a period of dominance, Arsenal were shell-shocked, but soon went back on the offensive. Martin was again in the right place to knock Van Persie's looping header clear. Norwich keeper Ruddy and the Scotlish international defender then combined to hack away Gervinho's angled drive after the Côte d'Ivoire wideman had cut in from the left.
The equaliser eventually arrived on 26 minutes when Walcott skipped past Marc Tierney to cut the ball back through the six-yard box, where Gervinho failed to connect with a reverse flick, which fortunately presented Van Persie with a tap-in for his ninth goal in five Premier League games. To their credit, Norwich were not overrun, and continued to make progress in the Arsenal final third, with Morison battling well supported by Anthony Pilkington. However, more often than not, the home side opted for the wrong choice of pass with men over.
Walcott switched to the left and continued to torment the Norwich backline, but Arsenal could not find a way through ahead of the interval. Norwich replaced David Fox with winger Elliott Bennett, a £1m summer signing from Brighton, for the second half. The change almost paid dividend when Bennett's ball from the right flew across the Arsenal area.
Thomas Vermaelen then scampered forwards and his cut-back was glanced goalwards by Gervinho, but without any real power to trouble Ruddy. Walcott was sent clear away down the right, and his near post cut-back was slotted into the side-netting by the on-rushing Aaron Ramsey. Norwich were cut open again when a sweeping Arsenal counter saw Van Persie slip Gervinho through the centre, but Ruddy was out quickly to block before the loose ball was then hacked away.
Dutch delight
On the hour, the Dutchman showed him how it should be done when referee Phil Dowd played a fine advantage after Ramsey had been tripped, which allowed Alex Song to send Van Persie away in the right channel. The Gunners skipper took one touch before clipping a superb, angled finish over Ruddy.
Norwich quickly tried to get themselves back into the game, with Bennett's low cross only needing a touch from Pilkington at the near post. Paul Lambert's men have shown great deal of character this season, earning a 1-1 draw at Liverpool, and refused to accept defeat, with substitute Grant Holt giving Mertesacker a real test.
However, the Norwich club captain was booked for taking a tumble in the box as Arsenal kept possession well during the closing stages to close out a fifth straight Premier League win as their resurgence continued.
Senin, 21 November 2011
Mancini: We will lose this season
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini insists his Premier League leaders will not go through the entire season undefeated despite their 3-1 victory over previously unbeaten Newcastle at Eastlands. Mancini's team are the only remaining undefeated side in the top-flight and their impressive run of 11 wins and one draw from the opening 12 games is a Premier League record.
The commanding start has prompted many observers to debate whether City can match the great Arsenal 'Invincibles' side of 2003/04 that went through the whole 38-game league campaign without a single defeat. However, the cautious Italian manager will not entertain such talk. "I hope we continue like this," he said.
"But I think in the 26 games we have left, we will reach a time when we lose a game, I'm sure of it. I'm happy for the players, we've been playing well because of them and, at the moment, we have improved a lot. As players, as a team, we are very strong now but the season is long and there will be difficult moments ahead. For this reason, it's important we know we can score goals and win games in a row."
Mancini, who now turns his attention to Tuesday's vital UEFA Champions League group game in his homeland against Napoli, also picked out fellow Italian Mario Balotelli for special praise. The controversial forward scored the opening goal with a nonchalant penalty before Micah Richards and Sergio Aguero, again from the spot, put City 3-0 ahead. Dan Gosling scored a last-minute consolation for Alan Pardew's side.
"It was fabulous!" said Mancini of the Balotelli penalty. "It's impossible that Mario will ever miss a penalty. Don't ask me why! Mario is a very important player because he's a great player, like all the players at Manchester City. He's become better and better and I'm trying to help him. But he deserves all the praise because he's doing all the work, I'm not doing it. I'm just trying to help him not waste his talent and become the player he can become."
Mancini would not be drawn on whether Balotelli can expect to start in the hostile atmosphere in Naples, although the manager is not underestimating the importance of the game. "I don't know whether he will start," Mancini said. "There are three days and now it is important we recover our strength. It is possible.
"My feeling is good about the Napoli game because I think our team has improved a lot in the Champions League. But I know what we will find in Naples and Napoli this season are playing very, very well at home. If we want to win in Naples we will have to play better than this."
Newcastle manager Pardew believed his team could have gained more from their visit to Eastlands, although he was pleased with the performance of Hatem Ben Arfa, the Frenchman who broke his leg in a horrific collision with City's Nigel de Jong in the corresponding fixture last season.
"I was impressed with him," said Pardew. "The ideas some of the City players present you with, their flair, makes it very difficult for your defenders and I thought Hatem was at that level. He created one or two things, burst away from players, kept possession. To think it is only a year ago that he had that terrible injury, it was a really good performance, he should be proud of that.
"City are the best side we have played by some distance, they are very powerful. We're a good side and how we are going to evolve, how we are going to deal with the disappointment of this, is still unknown."
The commanding start has prompted many observers to debate whether City can match the great Arsenal 'Invincibles' side of 2003/04 that went through the whole 38-game league campaign without a single defeat. However, the cautious Italian manager will not entertain such talk. "I hope we continue like this," he said.
"But I think in the 26 games we have left, we will reach a time when we lose a game, I'm sure of it. I'm happy for the players, we've been playing well because of them and, at the moment, we have improved a lot. As players, as a team, we are very strong now but the season is long and there will be difficult moments ahead. For this reason, it's important we know we can score goals and win games in a row."
Mancini, who now turns his attention to Tuesday's vital UEFA Champions League group game in his homeland against Napoli, also picked out fellow Italian Mario Balotelli for special praise. The controversial forward scored the opening goal with a nonchalant penalty before Micah Richards and Sergio Aguero, again from the spot, put City 3-0 ahead. Dan Gosling scored a last-minute consolation for Alan Pardew's side.
"It was fabulous!" said Mancini of the Balotelli penalty. "It's impossible that Mario will ever miss a penalty. Don't ask me why! Mario is a very important player because he's a great player, like all the players at Manchester City. He's become better and better and I'm trying to help him. But he deserves all the praise because he's doing all the work, I'm not doing it. I'm just trying to help him not waste his talent and become the player he can become."
Mancini would not be drawn on whether Balotelli can expect to start in the hostile atmosphere in Naples, although the manager is not underestimating the importance of the game. "I don't know whether he will start," Mancini said. "There are three days and now it is important we recover our strength. It is possible.
"My feeling is good about the Napoli game because I think our team has improved a lot in the Champions League. But I know what we will find in Naples and Napoli this season are playing very, very well at home. If we want to win in Naples we will have to play better than this."
Newcastle manager Pardew believed his team could have gained more from their visit to Eastlands, although he was pleased with the performance of Hatem Ben Arfa, the Frenchman who broke his leg in a horrific collision with City's Nigel de Jong in the corresponding fixture last season.
"I was impressed with him," said Pardew. "The ideas some of the City players present you with, their flair, makes it very difficult for your defenders and I thought Hatem was at that level. He created one or two things, burst away from players, kept possession. To think it is only a year ago that he had that terrible injury, it was a really good performance, he should be proud of that.
"City are the best side we have played by some distance, they are very powerful. We're a good side and how we are going to evolve, how we are going to deal with the disappointment of this, is still unknown."
Ferguson: City defeat was wake-up call
Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United's six-goal humiliation at the hands of Manchester City was the wake-up call that his side so badly needed. A first half goal from Javier Hernandez earned United a valuable away victory at Swansea City yesterday as the newly promoted Welsh club suffered their first home defeat of the season.
The Swans had their chances, but Scott Sinclair’s miss from barely half a dozen yards summed up a frustrating assignment for last season’s Championship play-off winners. No such frustration for United with Ferguson happy with a victory that keeps his side on the coat-tails of runaway leaders City.
"The game against Manchester City was a wake-up call for us," said Ferguson. "Over the years our defence has been an integral part of our success and I thought we did well in that area. Swansea are a good footballing side and they keep the ball well. Against a side like that, you have to be concentrating all the time and we need to get that concentration back in the team.
"A couple of weeks ago, there was a genuine criticism about our defending and the chances the opponents were getting. We had to make sure that we defended well and we did that apart from the miss when Michael Carrick slipped up. Having said that, I thought Michael was magnificent. Other than that slip, we were comfortable with our defending and for me, it’s a good result in the context of how Swansea have been doing this season."
Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers said: "I was very proud of the players. I thought our second half showing against a team of that quality was outstanding. We were a little bit stand-offish in the first half and didn’t quite press the ball how we wanted to press it.
"That meant Manchester United were too comfortable, although we had the chance to equalise. We said at half time that we needed to slightly reorganise and show a slightly different mentality. We did that and began to how we have played all season. I thought the crowd were incredible and there is no doubt the players felt the occasion. I understand that. But the way they are playing at this level is absolutely fantastic. I thought in the end we deserved something."
Rodgers was in no way blaming Angel Rangel’s slip and mis-cued pass for his side’s defeat. Although Rangel gave away the ball to Giggs who found Hernandez at Michel Vorm’s near post, Rodgers said: "The blame is on me because I ask them to play, I want them to play from the back. Maybe he was off balance a bit but we will learn from that and that’s the important thing. I thought Ryan Giggs was outstanding although he is nearly as old as me. He put in a great cross and that was that. But no blame for Angel Rangel because he has been fantastic for me."
Sinclair’s miss in the 22nd minute was Swansea’s golden chance to pinch at least a point against a side that had previously never won in Swansea. However, faced with an empty net, after a run and cross from Wayne Routledge, the former Chelsea winger fluffed his lines.
"Scott is disappointed that he didn’t take the chance but I was delighted that he made up so much ground to get there," said Rodgers. "He is upset by it because he would expect to have scored. But if he keeps getting in there he will score. I have told him that and I’m sure if he gets an opportunity like that again, he will score."
The Swans had their chances, but Scott Sinclair’s miss from barely half a dozen yards summed up a frustrating assignment for last season’s Championship play-off winners. No such frustration for United with Ferguson happy with a victory that keeps his side on the coat-tails of runaway leaders City.
"The game against Manchester City was a wake-up call for us," said Ferguson. "Over the years our defence has been an integral part of our success and I thought we did well in that area. Swansea are a good footballing side and they keep the ball well. Against a side like that, you have to be concentrating all the time and we need to get that concentration back in the team.
"A couple of weeks ago, there was a genuine criticism about our defending and the chances the opponents were getting. We had to make sure that we defended well and we did that apart from the miss when Michael Carrick slipped up. Having said that, I thought Michael was magnificent. Other than that slip, we were comfortable with our defending and for me, it’s a good result in the context of how Swansea have been doing this season."
Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers said: "I was very proud of the players. I thought our second half showing against a team of that quality was outstanding. We were a little bit stand-offish in the first half and didn’t quite press the ball how we wanted to press it.
"That meant Manchester United were too comfortable, although we had the chance to equalise. We said at half time that we needed to slightly reorganise and show a slightly different mentality. We did that and began to how we have played all season. I thought the crowd were incredible and there is no doubt the players felt the occasion. I understand that. But the way they are playing at this level is absolutely fantastic. I thought in the end we deserved something."
Rodgers was in no way blaming Angel Rangel’s slip and mis-cued pass for his side’s defeat. Although Rangel gave away the ball to Giggs who found Hernandez at Michel Vorm’s near post, Rodgers said: "The blame is on me because I ask them to play, I want them to play from the back. Maybe he was off balance a bit but we will learn from that and that’s the important thing. I thought Ryan Giggs was outstanding although he is nearly as old as me. He put in a great cross and that was that. But no blame for Angel Rangel because he has been fantastic for me."
Sinclair’s miss in the 22nd minute was Swansea’s golden chance to pinch at least a point against a side that had previously never won in Swansea. However, faced with an empty net, after a run and cross from Wayne Routledge, the former Chelsea winger fluffed his lines.
"Scott is disappointed that he didn’t take the chance but I was delighted that he made up so much ground to get there," said Rodgers. "He is upset by it because he would expect to have scored. But if he keeps getting in there he will score. I have told him that and I’m sure if he gets an opportunity like that again, he will score."
Late Johnson stunner lifts Reds
Glen Johnson scored a sensational late winner to earn Liverpool a 2-1 win over his old club Chelsea and three vital points in the Premier League.
Former Blues full-back Johnson netted a brilliant solo effort to inflict his old club's third defeat in four league matches and leave both teams 12 points behind Manchester City at the summit.
Each side committed bad defensive errors to concede earlier goals, with Maxi Rodriguez giving Liverpool a half-time lead on his first league start of the season and substitute Daniel Sturridge equalising shortly after the break.
A draw was arguably a fair result, but that had also been the case in Chelsea's games against Manchester United and Arsenal this season when they also ended up on the losing side. Today's loss cast further doubt on manager Andre Villas-Boas' Stamford Bridge revolution, with the Blues now looking set to drop out of the top four.
Fernando Torres was left on the bench this afternoon, while Liverpool's Andy Carroll also failed to start. Both John Terry and Luis Suarez, meanwhile, were both spared the kind of hostile reception from rival fans they might expect against other opponents.
Liverpool made the more impressive start, almost exploiting Chelsea's now notoriously high defensive line by twice Rodriguez getting beyond Suarez and Bellamy. It took ten minutes for the home side to seriously threaten, Juan Mata drilling Florent Malouda's cross dangerously back across goal.
At the other end, Branislav Ivanovic got a vital touch on Bellamy's cross before Johnson wasted a great opportunity to tee up a team-mate after a barnstorming run.
Liverpool, wearing black armbands in memory of the son of goalkeeper Brad Jones, who died of leukaemia on Friday, were looking more than comfortable, although Drogba hit the stanchion with a free-kick some supporters thought had gone in.
Terry, whose error cost Chelsea dearly against Arsenal in their last home game, made another gaffe in the 28th minute when he was robbed by Kuyt, but David Luiz snuffed out the Liverpool attack. Lucas was then booked for clattering into the defender, but the visitors' pressure was beginning to tell and they took the lead five minutes later after more horrendous defending.
John Obi Mikel dwelt on Petr Cech's pass and Charlie Adam robbed him, fed Craig Bellamy, who played a one-two with Suarez before feeding Rodriguez to clip over the goalkeeper. An angry exchange between Terry and Bellamy, who have had more than one run in down the years, ensued, but was calmed by the referee.
With Chelsea's title bid threatening to unravel entirely, Villas-Boas hauled off Mikel for Daniel Sturridge at half-time. It almost paid off four minutes in when Frank Lampard and Mata combined to find Drogba, who curled over from a good position.
The home side still looked uncertain whenever Liverpool broke but their pressure told in the 55th minute thanks to some poor defending from the visitors. Malouda was allowed to advance into the box and his cross-cum-shot was tapped home by Sturridge.
A wonder-save from Jose Reina stopped Ivanovic glancing home Drogba's free-kick two minutes later as Chelsea continued to dominate. Ramires was booked for a late tackle on Martin Skrtel, with Kuyt following suit after hauling back Malouda.
Liverpool threw on Jordan Henderson for Bellamy in a bid to stem the tide, although Malouda went close with an audacious overhead kick. The winger then sent a half-volley from Ivanovic's cross back across the face of goal and over the heads of waiting team-mates as Torres and Carroll both warmed up on the touchline.
They were made to wait even longer as the next change saw Stewart Downing replace Rodriguez before Ivanovic was cautioned for a nasty tackle on Suarez. With just six minutes remaining, Torres finally arrived - along with fellow Liverpool old boy Raul Meireles - with Drogba and Ramires making way.
The visitors missed a great chance when Kuyt dragged wide after great work down the right from Henderson before Johnson produced one of the goals of the season to win it three minutes from time. The full-back brought down Adam's pinpoint crossfield ball superbly, nutmegged Ashley Cole, and drove goalward before slotting into the corner.
Former Blues full-back Johnson netted a brilliant solo effort to inflict his old club's third defeat in four league matches and leave both teams 12 points behind Manchester City at the summit.
Each side committed bad defensive errors to concede earlier goals, with Maxi Rodriguez giving Liverpool a half-time lead on his first league start of the season and substitute Daniel Sturridge equalising shortly after the break.
A draw was arguably a fair result, but that had also been the case in Chelsea's games against Manchester United and Arsenal this season when they also ended up on the losing side. Today's loss cast further doubt on manager Andre Villas-Boas' Stamford Bridge revolution, with the Blues now looking set to drop out of the top four.
Fernando Torres was left on the bench this afternoon, while Liverpool's Andy Carroll also failed to start. Both John Terry and Luis Suarez, meanwhile, were both spared the kind of hostile reception from rival fans they might expect against other opponents.
Liverpool made the more impressive start, almost exploiting Chelsea's now notoriously high defensive line by twice Rodriguez getting beyond Suarez and Bellamy. It took ten minutes for the home side to seriously threaten, Juan Mata drilling Florent Malouda's cross dangerously back across goal.
At the other end, Branislav Ivanovic got a vital touch on Bellamy's cross before Johnson wasted a great opportunity to tee up a team-mate after a barnstorming run.
Liverpool, wearing black armbands in memory of the son of goalkeeper Brad Jones, who died of leukaemia on Friday, were looking more than comfortable, although Drogba hit the stanchion with a free-kick some supporters thought had gone in.
Terry, whose error cost Chelsea dearly against Arsenal in their last home game, made another gaffe in the 28th minute when he was robbed by Kuyt, but David Luiz snuffed out the Liverpool attack. Lucas was then booked for clattering into the defender, but the visitors' pressure was beginning to tell and they took the lead five minutes later after more horrendous defending.
John Obi Mikel dwelt on Petr Cech's pass and Charlie Adam robbed him, fed Craig Bellamy, who played a one-two with Suarez before feeding Rodriguez to clip over the goalkeeper. An angry exchange between Terry and Bellamy, who have had more than one run in down the years, ensued, but was calmed by the referee.
With Chelsea's title bid threatening to unravel entirely, Villas-Boas hauled off Mikel for Daniel Sturridge at half-time. It almost paid off four minutes in when Frank Lampard and Mata combined to find Drogba, who curled over from a good position.
The home side still looked uncertain whenever Liverpool broke but their pressure told in the 55th minute thanks to some poor defending from the visitors. Malouda was allowed to advance into the box and his cross-cum-shot was tapped home by Sturridge.
A wonder-save from Jose Reina stopped Ivanovic glancing home Drogba's free-kick two minutes later as Chelsea continued to dominate. Ramires was booked for a late tackle on Martin Skrtel, with Kuyt following suit after hauling back Malouda.
Liverpool threw on Jordan Henderson for Bellamy in a bid to stem the tide, although Malouda went close with an audacious overhead kick. The winger then sent a half-volley from Ivanovic's cross back across the face of goal and over the heads of waiting team-mates as Torres and Carroll both warmed up on the touchline.
They were made to wait even longer as the next change saw Stewart Downing replace Rodriguez before Ivanovic was cautioned for a nasty tackle on Suarez. With just six minutes remaining, Torres finally arrived - along with fellow Liverpool old boy Raul Meireles - with Drogba and Ramires making way.
The visitors missed a great chance when Kuyt dragged wide after great work down the right from Henderson before Johnson produced one of the goals of the season to win it three minutes from time. The full-back brought down Adam's pinpoint crossfield ball superbly, nutmegged Ashley Cole, and drove goalward before slotting into the corner.
Villas-Boas defiant after Liverpool defeat
Andre Villas-Boas has rejected suggestions his position as Chelsea manager is under threat and insisted he has the full backing of owner Roman Abramovich despite Sunday's 2-1 defeat by Liverpool.
The loss was Chelsea's second in as many Premier League matches at their Stamford Bridge home. It left the London club fourth in the table, 12 points behind leaders Manchester City, and already facing a daunting challenge if they are to force their way back into the title race.
Chelsea's disappointing start to the campaign has prompted reports Abramovich is starting to question his decision to appoint the 33-year-old Villas-Boas as Carlo Ancelotti's successor before the start of the season.
But Villas-Boas was adamant the Russian billionaire is fully committed to the manager's long term plans for the club. "I think it's not a question of the owner having patience," said Villas-Boas. "We have set out to build something new at this club and the club is committed to taking what we're building to the future.
"The owner didn't pay €15 million to get me out of Porto to pay me another fortune to get out. Our commitment is towards the club and what we are doing in the future," he added. "We have enough talent to compete in all competitions, and that's the perspective we take at the moment."
But despite acknowledging he is building for the future, the Portuguese refused to label the current campaign as a season of transition and was determined to maintain a challenge on all fronts. "With the dimension of our club, you cannot forget that your fans expect you to win titles," he said. "We have to respond to the confidence of the fans. There's no running away from responsibilities.
"There's no calling this a transitional period. We're not calling for time to work. Our responsibility is to win trophies. We're in four still, and we still have the possibility to win them," he added ahead of Chelsea's midweek UEFA Champions League clash against German side Bayer Leverkusen.
Maxi Rodriguez gave Liverpool a first half lead but Chelsea appeared to have done enough to claim a point through Daniel Sturrdge's 55th minute equaliser before Blues old boy Glen Johnson clinched the points three minutes from time.
Last season, Villas-Boas led Porto to the domestic double and the UEFA Europa League title before being brought in by Chelsea after they sacked Carlo Ancelotti. And Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish said talk of Villas-Boas's impending exit from Stamford Bridge was absurd.
"No-one in the football profession will be questioning him," Dalglish said. "I don't know the lad, but he had a fantastic CV at Porto. I don't know what the criticism will be, but there's huge respect for him in the football profession."
Meanwhile Dalglish, whose Liverpool team are now unbeaten in nine games, was delighted by his side's character. "We wanted to win the game and Glen Johnson's gone up into their box after 87 minutes. A right full-back. That shows the commitment. We're happy with how we played and delighted with the three points."
Liverpool's preparations had been overshadowed by the death from leukaemia of Luca Jones, the five-year-old son of Australian reserve keeper Brad Jones. "That's when football becomes irrelevant really when a five-year-old kid dies," Dalglish said.
"We all dread to think what the boy's gone through. He knows everyone at the club is thinking of him and are sympathetic with him."
The loss was Chelsea's second in as many Premier League matches at their Stamford Bridge home. It left the London club fourth in the table, 12 points behind leaders Manchester City, and already facing a daunting challenge if they are to force their way back into the title race.
Chelsea's disappointing start to the campaign has prompted reports Abramovich is starting to question his decision to appoint the 33-year-old Villas-Boas as Carlo Ancelotti's successor before the start of the season.
But Villas-Boas was adamant the Russian billionaire is fully committed to the manager's long term plans for the club. "I think it's not a question of the owner having patience," said Villas-Boas. "We have set out to build something new at this club and the club is committed to taking what we're building to the future.
"The owner didn't pay €15 million to get me out of Porto to pay me another fortune to get out. Our commitment is towards the club and what we are doing in the future," he added. "We have enough talent to compete in all competitions, and that's the perspective we take at the moment."
But despite acknowledging he is building for the future, the Portuguese refused to label the current campaign as a season of transition and was determined to maintain a challenge on all fronts. "With the dimension of our club, you cannot forget that your fans expect you to win titles," he said. "We have to respond to the confidence of the fans. There's no running away from responsibilities.
"There's no calling this a transitional period. We're not calling for time to work. Our responsibility is to win trophies. We're in four still, and we still have the possibility to win them," he added ahead of Chelsea's midweek UEFA Champions League clash against German side Bayer Leverkusen.
Maxi Rodriguez gave Liverpool a first half lead but Chelsea appeared to have done enough to claim a point through Daniel Sturrdge's 55th minute equaliser before Blues old boy Glen Johnson clinched the points three minutes from time.
Last season, Villas-Boas led Porto to the domestic double and the UEFA Europa League title before being brought in by Chelsea after they sacked Carlo Ancelotti. And Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish said talk of Villas-Boas's impending exit from Stamford Bridge was absurd.
"No-one in the football profession will be questioning him," Dalglish said. "I don't know the lad, but he had a fantastic CV at Porto. I don't know what the criticism will be, but there's huge respect for him in the football profession."
Meanwhile Dalglish, whose Liverpool team are now unbeaten in nine games, was delighted by his side's character. "We wanted to win the game and Glen Johnson's gone up into their box after 87 minutes. A right full-back. That shows the commitment. We're happy with how we played and delighted with the three points."
Liverpool's preparations had been overshadowed by the death from leukaemia of Luca Jones, the five-year-old son of Australian reserve keeper Brad Jones. "That's when football becomes irrelevant really when a five-year-old kid dies," Dalglish said.
"We all dread to think what the boy's gone through. He knows everyone at the club is thinking of him and are sympathetic with him."
Jumat, 30 September 2011
Gerrard: I'm ready for return
Steven Gerrard has declared himself ready for a return to Premier League action after ending his six-month injury lay-off in Liverpool's 2-1 League Cup third round victory over Brighton on Wednesday.
Gerrard had been sidelined with a groin problem since facing Manchester United in March, but the England midfielder returned on Wednesday with a 17 minute appearance at the Amex Stadium as the Reds secured a place in the fourth round draw.
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish insisted after the game that Gerrard would not be rushed back into action, but the Anfield captain made it clear he is desperate to be involved in his side's next league clash against Wolves. "It is down to the manager now," he said. "I have been out for six months so it is about getting training sessions under my belt and match time. Hopefully I will be selected against Wolves."
Dalglish is anxious to manage Gerrard's return carefully but the Scot admitted that the Englandmidfielder's return strengthens his squad significantly. "It was fantastic for everyone connected to the club to see Steven back, but we're more pleased for Steven than anything else," he said. "He's had a few disappointments along the way to coming back, so just to get 20 minutes will have given him a lift.
"We'll manage the situation as diligently as we have done so far. We need to be careful and we won't be carried away. It makes our squad an awful lot stronger. Getting Steven back will be a like a new signing for us. To get your talisman back on the right road to fitness is selfishly great for us, but is fantastic for Steven as well."
Craig Bellamy set Liverpool on course for victory with his first goal for the club since his return, from Manchester City, and the win was confirmed by Dirk Kuyt's 81st minute strike before Ashley Barnes' late penalty for Brighton ensured a nervy finish. Wales international Bellamy was paired up front with Luis Suarez and repeatedly caused Brighton problems throughout the game, pressing his claims for another start.
"Craig was fantastic," Dalglish added. "When he came in we said he'd make a contribution and it's not taken him long. He just loves playing football. He's really enthusiastic and fit. He is a supporter of the club, that sometimes sounds a bit sickly but he is. And he wants to do the best for them.
"They all linked up well, the four of them, Suarez, Maxi Rodriguez, Dirk and Craig. They are good footballers and intelligent ones, so you'd expect that."
Spanish flavour at Brighton
Brighton manager Gus Poyet was able to introduce Vicente as a second half substitute for the former Spain midfielder's first appearance since his move to the Amex Stadium. The former Valencia man, 30, arrived as a free agent but boasts considerable UEFA Champions League experience and has been capped 38 times by his country.
And Poyet expects him to have a major impact on the Championship. "It will be fantastic to get him fit for English football and we will have on of the best players in the division, no doubt," Poyet said. "We won't make the mistake of forcing him too quickly and I will ask him how he is and whether he is fit to face Leeds on Friday.
"He will operate as a playmaker. He has the quality, mentality and understanding of the game and while I don't want to compare him to anyone, he plays like a lot of players in Spain do in that position. But he has to get used to the pace of the English game and the craziness of games away from home."
Dalglish coy on Gerrard return for derby
Kenny Dalglish has hinted that Steven Gerrard may have to wait until after the international break to make his first Liverpool start following a six-month injury lay-off.
Gerrard is desperate to play a key role in Saturday's Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park after two brief substitute appearances since recovering from a groin problem. But Liverpool manager Dalglish indicated that his influential captain could again start on the bench after insisting that he will not rush Gerrard into action for one of his team's most eagerly-awaited fixtures of the season.
"The game's not the important thing. Steven Gerrard's more important and as I have said before, we'll manage Steven as well as we possibly can," said Dalglish when asked if he was tempted to hand Gerrard his first start since 6 March.
The last time Dalglish stood in the Goodison Park dugout as Liverpool manager, he watched his side throw away the lead four times to draw an FA Cup fifth round replay in February 1991. Two days later Dalglish confirmed his departure in an announcement which shook the footballing world.
Now refreshed and rejuvenated, Dalglish returns to Goodison reluctant to discuss the events of 20 years ago. "We've been through all that many times before and there's no point in revisiting it," said Dalglish, who returned as Liverpool manager in January. "But if we get four goals on Saturday then we'll be delighted."
Dalglish is an admirer of the work fellow Scot David Moyes has done at Everton. "Moyesy's done a fantastic job," added Dalglish. "We have a great deal of respect for him and also for Everton. He's a good lad and we know him well.
"But come Saturday the two of us will be rivals and that's the way it should be. Afterwards we'll have a drink and move on. We know Everton are going to stand up and be competitive. We've got to match it."
Daniel Agger could make a surprise return to defence after returning to training on Thursday. The Denmark international was expected to be out for four weeks with two cracked ribs he suffered during a 4-0 defeat at Tottenham earlier this month. But Agger may feature as Liverpool seek only their second clean sheet of the season.
For those 90 minutes the whole of Liverpool stops and you have countries around the world watching.
Everton midfielder Tim Cahill
Everton's Tim Cahill is relishing the opportunity of adding to his impressive goal tally against Liverpool. The Australian international has scored five times in 13 Merseyside derbies since joining from Millwall seven years ago.
"I think it is one of the biggest (matches) other than playing for your country in a World Cup," said Cahill. "The derby is magical. It is not only the day of the game, it is after, it is before, it is the grudges, the banter. For those 90 minutes the whole of Liverpool stops and you have countries around the world watching.
"Going into the game, whether you are injured or you have little problems whatever, it is forgotten. Everything is left on the pitch and for me, coming from Australia, I feel the same sort of attitude.
"I found it hard to get here, I have this opportunity so I just don't want to miss a second on the pitch - I want to try to affect it, hence why I've had so much joy in the derbies. For the fans and for me it means everything because it is part of my life now."
Cahill is winning his fitness battle after suffering a shin injury during Everton's 2-0 defeat at Manchester City last week.
Wenger receives Kroenke backing
Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has given Arsene Wenger a resounding vote of confidence and insists the Gunners manager will decide how long he wants to stay in the job. In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, American tycoon Kroenke, nicknamed "Silent Stan" because of his infrequent public comments, gave unequivocal backing to Wenger following Arsenal's poor start to the season.
Wenger, who today marks 15-years at the helm, has faced criticism for the transfers of captain Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, as well as a series of poor results including an 8-2 defeat by Manchester United which have left Arsenal in the bottom half of the table. However Kroenke has brushed off complaints about Wenger's management, pointing to the Frenchman's long record of unearthing new talent.
"Maybe it is one of those times when we have to work our way through, maybe with some young players," Kroenke said. "Arsene has been really good at developing these guys, people like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere. There are some really good players that Arsene thinks can be special. Sometimes you go through periods like that. Arsene's our man. As an owner, that's who we put our confidence in."
Kroenke added only Wenger will decide how long he wishes to remain at the Emirates. "With Arsene, it's his decision and only he will know that," the Missourian said. "He still maintains himself in tremendous physical shape. You have to have stamina and energy. Arsene has great energy and that will always be his decision."
Kroenke also defended Wenger over the handling of Fabregas and Nasri's departures to Barcelona and Manchester City. "That was between Arsene and him," the American said referring to Fabregas. "I like the kid but I'm not going to change his mind. Arsene made the decision. I also get it on Nasri. If we didn't do something on Nasri people would be looking at us next summer and saying, 'Why didn't you do this?'
Lampard: Saya Tak Akan Pernah Meniru Tindakan Tevez
Dalam beberapa hari terakhir tindakan indisipliner Carlo Tevez telah menjadi headline di berbagai media olah raga dunia, dan apa tanggapan seorang Frank Lampard akan hal itu.
Lampard jelas sisi yang menarik dikorek komentarnya, karena beberapa hari sebelumnya ia juga sempat dicurigai melakukan aksi 'walk out' begitu tidak dimainkan oleh, Andre Villas-Boas, pelatih Chelsea yang masih seumuran dirinya itu.
"Semua orang tahu apa yang terjadi dengan Carlos Tevez di Munich malam itu dan saya tidak bisa membayangkan diri saya akan melakukan sesuatu seperti itu," ucap Lampard kepada The Sun.
"Saya tidak akan mengurusi terlalu jauh masalah siapa pun karena saya dapat memahami rasa frustrasi pemain jika dia tidak berada dalam tim. Beberapa orang mungkin membuat keputusan yang salah pada waktu yang salah dan kemudian menyesalinya di kemudian hari."
"Kita semua pernah berurusan dengan frustrasi dalam cara yang berbeda dan saya tidak akan pernah menolak kesempatan untuk masuk sebagai pemain pengganti dan bermain dalam sebuah permainan. Saya akan selalu terus bekerja untuk bisa terlibat."
"Tapi itu tidak berarti saya senang berada di bangku cadangan dan saya tidak berpikir manajer mengharapkan hal seperti itu juga,"
"Sebab jika saya senang, itu artinya sama dengan saya puas hanya menempelkan bokong saya di bangku cadangan dan mengambil uang saya (gaji buta)," tutupnya.
Lampard jelas sisi yang menarik dikorek komentarnya, karena beberapa hari sebelumnya ia juga sempat dicurigai melakukan aksi 'walk out' begitu tidak dimainkan oleh, Andre Villas-Boas, pelatih Chelsea yang masih seumuran dirinya itu.
"Semua orang tahu apa yang terjadi dengan Carlos Tevez di Munich malam itu dan saya tidak bisa membayangkan diri saya akan melakukan sesuatu seperti itu," ucap Lampard kepada The Sun.
"Saya tidak akan mengurusi terlalu jauh masalah siapa pun karena saya dapat memahami rasa frustrasi pemain jika dia tidak berada dalam tim. Beberapa orang mungkin membuat keputusan yang salah pada waktu yang salah dan kemudian menyesalinya di kemudian hari."
"Kita semua pernah berurusan dengan frustrasi dalam cara yang berbeda dan saya tidak akan pernah menolak kesempatan untuk masuk sebagai pemain pengganti dan bermain dalam sebuah permainan. Saya akan selalu terus bekerja untuk bisa terlibat."
"Tapi itu tidak berarti saya senang berada di bangku cadangan dan saya tidak berpikir manajer mengharapkan hal seperti itu juga,"
"Sebab jika saya senang, itu artinya sama dengan saya puas hanya menempelkan bokong saya di bangku cadangan dan mengambil uang saya (gaji buta)," tutupnya.
Redknapp Tetap Prioritaskan Liga Premier
Kendati sudah tampil cukup impresif di Liga Europa musim ini, manajer Tottenham, Harry Redknapp menegaskan jika prioritas mereka tetaplah mencari posisi terbaik di Liga Premier.
Pasukan The Lily Whites menggasak wakil Irlandia, Shamrock 3-1 di laga lanjutan Grup A dan kini nangkring di posisi kedua grup, menguntit Rubin Kazan dengan jumlah poin yang sama, 4 poin.
Dan Redknapp yang mengaku puas dengan performa pasukan mudanya yang diturunkan di kompetisi kelas dua Eropa itu, bersikeras jika Liga Europa bukanlah prioritas utama mereka.
"Kami akan memberikan yang terbaik di Liga Europa dan kita lihat di mana posisi kami nantinya. Semoga kami bisa lolos fase grup dan kemudian akan kita lihat kembali," katanya.
"Liga Premier selalu, bagi saya, yang terbesar. Tak ada gunanya di akhir tahun orang mengatakan Tottenham tampil apik, mereka mencapai semifinal Liga Europa, tapi finis lagi di posisi tujuh atau delapan di liga. Bukan itu yang saya inginkan."
"Saya ingin kami memiliki perjalanan yang sebenarnya di Liga Premier tahun ini dan kami bisa melakukan itu. Kami memiliki pemain yang fantastis di sini, kami memainkan sepak bola indah dan kami adalah tim yang bagus."
Tottenham akan menjamu seteru klasik mereka, Arsenal akhir pekan ini di White Hart Lane.
Pasukan The Lily Whites menggasak wakil Irlandia, Shamrock 3-1 di laga lanjutan Grup A dan kini nangkring di posisi kedua grup, menguntit Rubin Kazan dengan jumlah poin yang sama, 4 poin.
Dan Redknapp yang mengaku puas dengan performa pasukan mudanya yang diturunkan di kompetisi kelas dua Eropa itu, bersikeras jika Liga Europa bukanlah prioritas utama mereka.
"Kami akan memberikan yang terbaik di Liga Europa dan kita lihat di mana posisi kami nantinya. Semoga kami bisa lolos fase grup dan kemudian akan kita lihat kembali," katanya.
"Liga Premier selalu, bagi saya, yang terbesar. Tak ada gunanya di akhir tahun orang mengatakan Tottenham tampil apik, mereka mencapai semifinal Liga Europa, tapi finis lagi di posisi tujuh atau delapan di liga. Bukan itu yang saya inginkan."
"Saya ingin kami memiliki perjalanan yang sebenarnya di Liga Premier tahun ini dan kami bisa melakukan itu. Kami memiliki pemain yang fantastis di sini, kami memainkan sepak bola indah dan kami adalah tim yang bagus."
Tottenham akan menjamu seteru klasik mereka, Arsenal akhir pekan ini di White Hart Lane.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Terpikat Reputasi Wenger
Pemain anyar Arsenal, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain mengaku jika ia memutuskan untuk hijrah ke London karena terpikat dengan filosofi bermain The Gunners dan reputasi sang manajer,Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal sudah lama mengincar winger berusia 18 tahun itu namun baru musim panas ini mereka berhasil memboyongnya dari Southampton dengan nilai transfer sebesar 12 juta pound.
Pemain muda Inggris itu dikabarkan juga menarik minat Manchester United dan Liverpool, namun pesona Wenger dan Arsenal telah menariknya ke Emirates Stadium.
"Dulu saya selalu menonton Arsenal dan saya menyukai cara mereka bermain," katanya.
"Manajer, stadion dan fans mereka sudah menarik hati saya."
"Bos kami adalah pengaruh yang besar dan juga pria yang pintar. Bahkan dalam pembicaraannya dengan tim, semua yang ia katakan sungguh brilian. Anda selalu belajar darinya. Ia jarang berbicara namun apa yang dikatakannya selalu diperhatikan."
"Ia pria yang fantastis dan caranya berpikir bahwa ia bisa mengembangkan permainan saya, telah mendorong saya ke Arsenal. Ini klub yang besar," imbuhnya.
"Saya datang ke beberapa pertandingan Arsenal musim kemarin - termasuk saat melawan Barcelona dan mereka menang - dan saya pun terasa meledak, itu saja."
Arsenal sudah lama mengincar winger berusia 18 tahun itu namun baru musim panas ini mereka berhasil memboyongnya dari Southampton dengan nilai transfer sebesar 12 juta pound.
Pemain muda Inggris itu dikabarkan juga menarik minat Manchester United dan Liverpool, namun pesona Wenger dan Arsenal telah menariknya ke Emirates Stadium.
"Dulu saya selalu menonton Arsenal dan saya menyukai cara mereka bermain," katanya.
"Manajer, stadion dan fans mereka sudah menarik hati saya."
"Bos kami adalah pengaruh yang besar dan juga pria yang pintar. Bahkan dalam pembicaraannya dengan tim, semua yang ia katakan sungguh brilian. Anda selalu belajar darinya. Ia jarang berbicara namun apa yang dikatakannya selalu diperhatikan."
"Ia pria yang fantastis dan caranya berpikir bahwa ia bisa mengembangkan permainan saya, telah mendorong saya ke Arsenal. Ini klub yang besar," imbuhnya.
"Saya datang ke beberapa pertandingan Arsenal musim kemarin - termasuk saat melawan Barcelona dan mereka menang - dan saya pun terasa meledak, itu saja."
Derby Merseyside Selalu Spesial Bagi King Kenny
Untuk pertama kalinya sejak 20 tahunKenny Dalglish meletakkan jabatannya diLiverpool, ia akan kembali ke Goodison Park. Dirinya akan terlibat lagi ke Derby Merseyside, laga yang selalu punya makna spesial baginya.
Dulu 20 tahun silam, King Kenny mundur dari jabatannya hanya beberapa hari setelah laga kontraEverton. Saat itu dua gol menit akhir dari pemain lawan Tony Cottee membuat skor 4-4.
Hal itu tercipta di replay babak kelima Piala FA, dan di bulan Februari tahun 1991 tersebut Kenny melangkah pergi meninggalkan Anfield.
Kini King Kenny telah kembali, ia telah turun gunung untuk menukangi The Reds, dan untuk sekali lagi terlibat dengan laga yang bakal menguras emosi kedua belah pihak tersebut.
"Kompetisi antara kedua klub ini masih sama intensnya dan keinginan untuk menang tetap sama seperti sebelumnya," kata manajer Liverpool tersebut diESPNstar.com.
"Saya tidak berpikir hal itu telah mengalami penurunan nilai. Tidak peduli berapa lama hal itu telah berlalu, meski sekalipun Anda tidak terlibat di periode baru-baru ini."
Dulu 20 tahun silam, King Kenny mundur dari jabatannya hanya beberapa hari setelah laga kontraEverton. Saat itu dua gol menit akhir dari pemain lawan Tony Cottee membuat skor 4-4.
Hal itu tercipta di replay babak kelima Piala FA, dan di bulan Februari tahun 1991 tersebut Kenny melangkah pergi meninggalkan Anfield.
Kini King Kenny telah kembali, ia telah turun gunung untuk menukangi The Reds, dan untuk sekali lagi terlibat dengan laga yang bakal menguras emosi kedua belah pihak tersebut.
"Kompetisi antara kedua klub ini masih sama intensnya dan keinginan untuk menang tetap sama seperti sebelumnya," kata manajer Liverpool tersebut diESPNstar.com.
"Saya tidak berpikir hal itu telah mengalami penurunan nilai. Tidak peduli berapa lama hal itu telah berlalu, meski sekalipun Anda tidak terlibat di periode baru-baru ini."
Lampard Bantah Minggat Dari Stadion
Gelandang Chelsea, Frank Lampardbersikeras bahwa ia tak akan membahayakan tempatnya di skuad The Blues dengan 'minggat dari stadion' sebagaimana diberitakan belakangan ini.
Masa depan Lampard di Stamford Bridge sudah menjadi perbincangan setelah ia mulai jarang diturunkan sehingga banyak muncul anggapan jika ia sudah tak menjadi pilihan utama manajer Andre Villas-Boas.
Sempat muncul laporan bahwa Lampard, yang menyaksikan laga kontra Swansea dari bangku cadangan, kemudian meninggalkan stadion setelah ia ternyata tak mendapat kesempatan bermain.
"Minggat? Dengar, saya tak akan melakukan itu," tegas Lampard pada The Evening Standard.
"Saya amat beruntung melalui sepuluh tahun di Chelsea di mana saya menjadi bagian dari sebuah grup yang fantastis dan kami sudah begitu sukses. Saya mencintai klub ini, saya mencintai fans."
"Saya merasakan dukungan yang besar untuk setiap momen, jadi hal terakhir yang akan saya lakukan saat tim bermain baik adalah mendongkol, atau merasa gembira mengambil gaji saya saat saya tak bermain," imbuhnya.
"Saya rasa adalah hal yang baik jika saya ingin bermain namun Anda harus profesional di saat bersamaan. Itulah yang akan selalu coba saya lakukan. Tentu, saya masih ingin mengakhiri karir di Chelsea dan saya tak ingin ini berakhir begitu cepat."
Masa depan Lampard di Stamford Bridge sudah menjadi perbincangan setelah ia mulai jarang diturunkan sehingga banyak muncul anggapan jika ia sudah tak menjadi pilihan utama manajer Andre Villas-Boas.
Sempat muncul laporan bahwa Lampard, yang menyaksikan laga kontra Swansea dari bangku cadangan, kemudian meninggalkan stadion setelah ia ternyata tak mendapat kesempatan bermain.
"Minggat? Dengar, saya tak akan melakukan itu," tegas Lampard pada The Evening Standard.
"Saya amat beruntung melalui sepuluh tahun di Chelsea di mana saya menjadi bagian dari sebuah grup yang fantastis dan kami sudah begitu sukses. Saya mencintai klub ini, saya mencintai fans."
"Saya merasakan dukungan yang besar untuk setiap momen, jadi hal terakhir yang akan saya lakukan saat tim bermain baik adalah mendongkol, atau merasa gembira mengambil gaji saya saat saya tak bermain," imbuhnya.
"Saya rasa adalah hal yang baik jika saya ingin bermain namun Anda harus profesional di saat bersamaan. Itulah yang akan selalu coba saya lakukan. Tentu, saya masih ingin mengakhiri karir di Chelsea dan saya tak ingin ini berakhir begitu cepat."
Kamis, 29 September 2011
Wilshere needs surgery on ankle
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has suffered a fresh injury blow with the news that he needs surgery on his injured right ankle.
The 19-year-old England international has been troubled by a stress fracture, but it was hoped that the problem would heal itself with the help of a protective boot.
However, Arsenal confirmed today in a statement that Wilshere's ankle has failed to respond to the treatment and he will now go under the knife on Monday morning. The midfielder is expected to be sidelined for several months.
"Throughout Jack's injury, the club has been guided by the continuous advice of several world-renowned specialists," said the statement on the club's website.
Wilshere is now expected to be out for a period of months. Following surgery these timescales will become more specific.
Arsenal statement
"The information attained this week has led to the conclusion that surgery is now required to gain an optimal response. Wilshere is now expected to be out for a period of months. Following surgery these timescales will become more specific."
A club spokesman added: "We have given Jack time to heal naturally, which is important wherever possible with a young player. The latest scans show surgery is needed. Everyone at the club wishes Jack a speedy recovery."
Wilshere has been bothered by his ankle throughout the summer, having sustained the original problem in the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier between England and Switzerland in June, and then aggravating it in a pre-season game a month later.
And while it had been hoped Wilshere would return in a matter of weeks, manager Arsene Wenger is now expected to be without the player until the end of this year.
Midfielder hopes for Christmas return
Wilshere wrote on his Twitter account: "Been in a boot for a month and the bone is not responding. I will have surgery on my right ankle on Monday with the two best surgeons around.
"Hopefully I will return to action around Christmas time. I am in good hands! Thanks for your support everyone!"
The news also comes as a blow to England manager Fabio Capello, with Wilshere set to miss their final Group G qualifier against Montenegro on 7 October.
Wilshere needs surgery on ankle
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has suffered a fresh injury blow with the news that he needs surgery on his injured right ankle.
The 19-year-old England international has been troubled by a stress fracture, but it was hoped that the problem would heal itself with the help of a protective boot.
However, Arsenal confirmed today in a statement that Wilshere's ankle has failed to respond to the treatment and he will now go under the knife on Monday morning. The midfielder is expected to be sidelined for several months.
"Throughout Jack's injury, the club has been guided by the continuous advice of several world-renowned specialists," said the statement on the club's website.
Wilshere is now expected to be out for a period of months. Following surgery these timescales will become more specific.
Arsenal statement
"The information attained this week has led to the conclusion that surgery is now required to gain an optimal response. Wilshere is now expected to be out for a period of months. Following surgery these timescales will become more specific."
A club spokesman added: "We have given Jack time to heal naturally, which is important wherever possible with a young player. The latest scans show surgery is needed. Everyone at the club wishes Jack a speedy recovery."
Wilshere has been bothered by his ankle throughout the summer, having sustained the original problem in the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier between England and Switzerland in June, and then aggravating it in a pre-season game a month later.
And while it had been hoped Wilshere would return in a matter of weeks, manager Arsene Wenger is now expected to be without the player until the end of this year.
Midfielder hopes for Christmas return
Wilshere wrote on his Twitter account: "Been in a boot for a month and the bone is not responding. I will have surgery on my right ankle on Monday with the two best surgeons around.
"Hopefully I will return to action around Christmas time. I am in good hands! Thanks for your support everyone!"
The news also comes as a blow to England manager Fabio Capello, with Wilshere set to miss their final Group G qualifier against Montenegro on 7 October.
Balotelli, Milner bag victory for City
Substitute Mario Balotelli came to Manchester City's rescue by inspiring Roberto Mancini's men to a rare 2-0 victory against bogey team Everton.
As always, City were finding it sticky going against the Toffeemen. Balotelli's introduction after an hour changed all that, the Italian's shot flying in off Phil Jagielka to put City on the way to a precious victory at the Etihad Stadium that was sealed by James Milner in the final minute.
Moyes' masterplan was to send Jack Rodwell scurrying around after danger-man David Silva all afternoon. It was a task Rodwell stuck to gamely, and clearly Silva did not like, even though he responded in textbook fashion, moving himself next to Leighton Baines, in theory creating a huge hole for the remainder of City's midfield to fill.
Visitors keep it tight
That they did not manage it was in part due to the determination of Phil Neville and Seamus Coleman, who tackled anything that moved, and part due to lacklustre displays from Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri, neither of whom imposed themselves on the contest.
Indeed, there were only ten minutes of the opening period remaining when Tim Howard was forced into his first save. It was a good one, though, the American parrying away Sergio Aguero's goalbound curling shot despite the considerable frame of Edin Dzeko closing in.
Howard also denied Gareth Barry shortly afterwards as City began to turn the screw, although by the time referee Howard Webb blew his whistle for half-time, Everton were showing more attacking intent than they had done since the opening moments, when they were actually on top.
The hosts came close to opening their account straight after the restart when former City captain Sylvain Distin rather unconvincingly combined with Howard to turn Nasri's dangerous cross behind. Mancini's men were unable to maintain the pressure, though, so with an hour gone, the Italian turned to Balotelli, ahead of Carlos Tevez. A very astute move it turned out to be too.
Balotelli breaks deadlock
Everton were still reorganising following the exit of Tim Cahill, who had earlier guided a header just over but then came off worst in a challenge with Vincent Kompany that led to him becoming the fourth visiting player booked, when the Italian struck.
Aguero was the architect, coming in from the right flank before rolling the ball into Balotelli's path as he found his own route into the penalty area blocked. The Italy striker took aim, benefiting from a slight deflection off Jagielka as the ball nestled in the far corner. The 21-year-old immediately sprinted off to his manager to celebrate.
Within a couple of minutes, Silva had almost made it two, drilling a low shot against the base of Howard's left-hand post, the Everton goalkeeper knowing he was getting nowhere near it. Howard was able to reach Balotelli's next effort, a stinging shot from the edge of the area that was heading for the bottom corner.
The Toffeemen were on the back foot, though, and only an offside flag prevented them conceding a second after Silva had tapped home Balotelli's cross. Milner eventually secured the win, racing onto Silva's through ball before keeping his nerve to beat Howard in the final minute.
Speedy Hargreaves return surprised Mancini
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has admitted Owen Hargreaves' return to fitness has taken him by surprise.
The Italian is staggered at the way Hargreaves has returned after virtually three years out, barely three weeks after joining City.
"When we took him we thought we could recover him in two months," revealed Mancini. "Our plans were from December or January.
"It will be tougher against better opposition but on Wednesday, he played well. Not because he scored. It was because he moved well.
"Usually when a player comes back after one or two years, he has a problem with his ankle or his muscle. But after the game, there was nothing."
Van Persie century gives Wenger lift
Robin van Persie scored his 100th Arsenal goal as the Gunners put their recent troubles behind them with a comfortable victory over ten-man Bolton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium. After a drab first-half display the Gunners sprang in to life in the second and opened the scoring when Van Persie beat Jussi Jaaskelainen at his near post just 40 seconds after the break.
David Wheater then saw red for pulling back Theo Walcott when he was through on goal before Van Persie brought up his ton with a clever flick and Alex Song struck near the death to complete the morale-boosting win.
The win, Arsenal's second of the season, moved them away from the relegation zone and ended a difficult seven days for the club. After having come from behind to beat League Two Shrewsbury in midweek, and seeing Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis give him his full backing, manager Arsene Wenger will sleep a lot easier than he did last Saturday when his team crumbled against lowly Blackburn.
There were signs at the start of the game that Arsenal were going to put in another poor performance after they started nervously in front of their demanding home support. Bolton, who left Gary Cahill at home and Kevin Davies on the bench, almost took the lead in the third minute when Wojciech Szczesny pulled off a brilliant save to deny Darren Pratley from six yards. Wheater then just missed a glancing header from eight yards before Arsenal finally woke up.
Mikel Arteta was given space in midfield and sent Gervinho through with a brilliant slide-rule pass, but the striker's first touch was poor and Jussi Jaaskelainen came out to smother. Van Persie then came within inches of handing Arsenal the lead in the tenth minute when he picked up Arteta's short pass from a free-kick and lashed a wicked curling shot just wide of the Bolton goal.
Davies' rare spell among the substitutes did not last long as he came on in the 20th minute to replace David Ngog, who had to come off after clashing heads with Laurent Koscielny. The disjointed passing and failure to pressure Bolton while they were on the ball led to growing frustration among the home support.
Gervinho wasted a good chance when he blasted over from 20 yards before Laurent Koscielny's overhead kick dribbled wide. Two blocks at the end of the half from Paul Robinson and Wheater ensured that Bolton's defence remained unbreached by the half-time whistle, which was greeted by some boos from the home support.
Arsenal were a completely different team in the second half. They came out flying after the break and took just 40 seconds to score. Aaron Ramsey strode forward with the ball and played in Van Persie, the Dutchman held off Fabrice Muamba's strong challenge and fired low past Jaaskelainen at his near post to register his 99th goal for Arsenal The goal galvanised Arsenal and Jaaskelainen saved well from Van Persie after the striker had ventured in to the box.
Bolton were on the rack and their task was made much harder in the 55th minute when Wheater pulled Walcott back just outside the box after being played through by Ramsey. With theEngland winger being through on goal with only Jaaskelainen to beat, referee Mark Clattenburg had no choice but to send Wheater off. The Gunners were by now were clearly in the ascendancy and Arteta came close to doubling their lead with a side-footed effort that crept just wide.
Jaaskelainen blocked well from the Spaniard before Bolton hit back on the counter with a rare attack. Chris Eagles raced clear after being played in by Martin Petrov but the former Manchester United man wasted his golden opportunity by hitting a weak shot in to Szczesny's arms. Jaaskelainen had to scamper across his line to deny Van Persie and was then tested by a powerful Laurent Koscielny volley.
With 20 minutes left Van Persie brought up his Arsenal ton and gave the Gunners the two-goal cushion they needed to feel safe. Walcott beat his marker down the right and crossed low for the Dutchman, who turned home with a cheeky flick which beat Jaaskelainen from five yards.
Walcott should have made it 3-0 when he raced through after a brilliant ball by Song but Jaaskelainen palmed the winger's weak effort wide. Only a crucial block from Zat Knight prevented Van Persie from scoring his hat trick with six minutes left before the former Feyenoord man came off to a standing ovation when he was replaced by Marouane Chamakh.
The rout was completed two minutes from time when Bacary Sagna's pull-back was met by Song, who cracked a wonderful curler past Jaaskelainen to make it 3-0. With victory now guaranteed, the home support broke in to a chant of "there's only one Arsene Wenger" but there were worrying scenes for the Arsenal boss and the Gunners support at the end of the match when Walcott pulled up and hobbled off through injury.
Crouch frustrates United, mixed day for Torres
Manchester United dropped their first Premier League points of the season today after Peter Crouch's first goal for Stoke secured a 1-1 draw at the Britannia Stadium. United had looked on course to maintain their 100 per cent start to the season - and a two-point lead at the top of the table - after Portuguese winger Nani fired them ahead on 27 minutes.
But former Tottenham striker Crouch soared high to head home a corner on 52 minutes as battling City deservedly secured their first ever Premier League point against Manchester United. The result left United top of the table on goal difference from arch-rivals Manchester City, with both clubs on 16 points after six games.
"I was pleased with the performance from the lads - they battled really hard and played like real champions," United manager Sir Alex Fergsuon told MUTV. "A draw is probably a fair result. It's a difficult place to come to."
Ferguson had to leave out England striker Wayne Rooney who was suffering from a hamstring injury which will also sideline him from Tuesday's UEFA Champions League clash with Basel at Old Trafford. Manchester City had earlier maintained the pressure at the top of the table after second half goals from substitutes Mario Balotelli and James Milner gave them a 2-0 win over Everton at Eastlands.
In other results today, Fernando Torres was sent off for the first time in his Premier League career as Chelsea bounced back from defeat at Manchester United with a 4-1 win over Swansea. Torres, who was widely ridiculed after his open goal miss at Old Trafford, looked to have banished the blues after rifling home a superb opener to put Andre Villas-Boas's side ahead at Stamford Bridge.
A draw is probably a fair result. It's a difficult place to come to.
Sir Alex Ferguson on Manchester United's 1-1 draw at Stoke City
The £50m-striker had a hand in Chelsea's second goal scored by Ramires on 36 minutes but then saw a promising display take a disastrous turn when he was given a straight red for a two-footed lunge on Swans midfielder Mark Gower. The dismissal did not prevent Chelsea clinching the win however, Ramires adding his second before Ashley Williams grabbed a late consolation for the promoted Welsh side. Didier Drogba added a fourth in the dying moments. The win leaves Chelsea three points behind leaders Manchester United and second-placed City.
Elsewhere , Arsenal captain Robin van Persie brought up a century of goals for the London club after scoring twice in the Gunners 3-0 win over Bolton at the Emirates. Dutch striker van Persie scored in the 46th and 71st minutes before Alex Song added a third late on. The win relieved the pressure on Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger but left Bolton rooted to the bottom of the table with only three points.
Liverpool bounced back from their 4-0 thrashing at Spurs last week with a 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield. Liverpool took the lead courtesy of a Roger Johnson own goal on 11 minutes and added a second through Luis Suarez shortly before half-time. Wolves came back strongly in the second half however, Scottish substitute Steven Fletcher pulling a goal back in the 49th minute to ensure Kenny Dalglish's side could never relax.
Newcastle maintained their fine start to the season with a 3-1 win over Blackburn at St James Park with Senegalese striker Demba Ba scoring a hat-trick. Ba put Newcastle 1-0 up in the 27th minute after collecting a Leon Best cross and drilling his shot beyond former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson.
Ba added his second only three minutes later, heading home to leave Blackburn reeling. Rovers fought back with a David Hoilett goal on 37 minutes but Ba sealed his hat-trick early in the second half to make sure of the points.
Tottenham followed up their win over Liverpool with a 2-1 win over Wigan at the DW Stadium courtesy of first half goals from Rafael van der Vaart and Welsh winger Gareth Bale. Wigan clawed their way back with a Mohamed Diame goal on 50 minutes but a red card for Steve Gohouri for a second bookable offence left the Latics on the back foot for the remainder of the game. In the day's other game, Fulham and West Bromwich Albion played out a 0-0 stalemate at the Hawthorns.
Van Persie content to delay contract talks
Arsenal striker Robin van Persie is in no hurry to commit his long-term future to the club.
The Netherlands international hit his 100th goal for the club in Saturday's 3-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers, and the continued good form of the new skipper could be the key to turning around the Gunners' poor start to the season.
The 28-year-old is understood to have sought assurances from manager Arsene Wenger thatArsenal's future was still bright following the sales of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, who refused to extend his contract and was sold to Manchester City.
I still have almost two years left here, so for the moment that's fine. But I don't know, we will have to look.
Robin van Persie
Wenger could be faced with a similar problem to the Nasri one if Van Persie does not sign an extension to his current contract, which expires in 2013, but the Dutchman insists talks are on the back burner for the time being.
"Maybe I'll leave [holding immediate talks] because the main thing for me is the team and that we play well," Van Persie said.
"I do believe you have to look for a right moment to sit down and speak about your own stuff. It's not only about me, it's about the team.
"We are not talking now because we are so busy - we have games every three or four days. I don't think it's clever to do that during the season.
"I still have almost two years left here, so for the moment that's fine. But I don't know, we will have to look.
"I'm happy with my contract, I'm good. That's how it is, I can't say much more. I can't look into the future."
Mancini: Balotelli can become one of the top players
ind focused on the job. The Manchester Citystriker has only been in England for just over a year, yet he has already managed to get himself involved in more scrapes than most players endure in an entire career.
It has led to a perception of Balotelli being hard to handle as well as talented, an assessment James Milner thinks is "pretty accurate". However, since infuriating his manager with his showboating antics during a pre-season game with
As Mancini noted, yesterday he even managed a smile as he celebrated opening the scoring in a hard-fought 2-0 win against Everton at the Etihad Stadium.
Even though he misses Tuesday's trip to Bayern Munich, a legacy of the four-match ban he received for his dismissal in a UEFA Europa League tie with Dynamo Kiev in March, which Mancini branded "stupid", it seems Balotelli is now starting to concentrate on the fundamentals of his career.
He needs time but he can become one of the top players.
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini describing Mario Balotelli
"With Mario it is never easy," laughed Mancini. "But we keep in our mind that Mario is young, and young guys can have different behaviour. I know him very well. I know he is a fantastic guy.
"I want him to work well all the time, in every training session and every match because this year he could be an important player for us. He has everything. He has the technical ability. He is strong. He shoots very well. He can score with his head. He needs time but he can become one of the top players."
Balotelli's pivotal contribution to a victory that was sealed by fellow substitute Milner in the final minute justified Mancini's decision to introduce the Italian ahead of Carlos Tevez, who remained on the bench throughout.
For once, Manchester United did not eclipse City's result immediately afterwards, so now all that separates the two clubs is goal difference. The Manchester rivalry will be set aside this week though, as City head to Germany for a UEFA Champions League game that confirms their newly-found status; an English opponent against the four-times European Cup winners Bayern Munich.
Triple injury blow for Arsenal
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been hit by a triple injury blow ahead of Wednesday's clash against Olympiacos after Theo Walcott, Gervinho and Laurent Koscielny were all ruled out of the UEFA Champions League tie.
England winger Walcott is sidelined after suffering a knee injury in Saturday's 3-0 win over Bolton, while French defender Koscielny has an ankle problem sustained in a challenge with Bolton's Nigel Reo-Coker. Cote d'Ivoire forward Gervinho is struggling with a muscle strain and won't recover in time to face the Greeks at the Emirates Stadium.
The good news for Wenger is the trio's recovery time is expected to be quick. He rates Walcott's chances of returning for this weekend's north London derby against Tottenham as better than 50-50 and retains hope that Koscielny and Gervinho could also be fit for the trip to White Hart Lane.
"Koscielny, Gervinho and Walcott are not fit," Wenger said on Tuesday. "All three have a chance for the weekend. Walcott could make the derby. He has more than a 50-50 chance."
Ferguson: United need to be more defensive
Sir Alex Ferguson hinted that he may need to rein in Manchester United's rampaging attacking play after watching his side scramble a 3-3 UEFA Champions League draw with FC Basel at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
United have produced some scintillating football in the Premier League this season, plundering a whopping 22 goals in only six matches, an average of more than three goals a game. And after 17 minutes of Tuesday's Group C encounter it looked as if United were set to lay on another goal-feast, with Danny Welbeck helping himself to a well-taken brace to put United 2-0 ahead.
But United, missing the absent Wayne Rooney, were rocked by a second half fightback from their Swiss opponents, who repeatedly breached a back four of Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jones and Fabio Da Silva.
Fabian Frei capitalised on sloppy marking to pull the first goal back for the visitors before namesake Alex Frei equalised two minutes later after a swift counter-attack. More sloppy play from United - Jones ill-advisedly trying to pass his way out of trouble - led to the penalty from which Alex Frei put Basel ahead midway through the second half.
Although United were eventually rescued by a 90th-minute Ashley Young equaliser, Ferguson admitted he was concerned by the lax play which had allowed Basel back into the match. "I think we're playing with a bit of abandon at the moment. And certainly we have to think about that," Ferguson said.
"We have to have a bit more concentration on that part. I think that we played too many players forward in the pitch tonight. Far too many. I thought there was a carelessness about us throughout the game. The attacking part was very good, particularly in the first half.
"But there was a carelessness on our part and they really could have scored three goals in the first half. I suppose in many ways it's a welcome to European football for them. Because they were very lax tonight for most parts of the game."
Ferguson also suggested his team had been guilty of under-estimating the threat posed by their Swiss champions. "I think that's the possibility of playing a team like Basel. To the players' minds, although they prepared for the game properly, they felt that they could go forward.
"But as it proved, by doing that there were so many gaps in midfield to the back four. And really if we'd concentrated on the defensive part I don't think we would have had so many problems."
Ferguson also refused to blame United's defensive problems on the fact that the club has been unable to field a settled back four this season, with captain Nemanja Vidic, Rafael Da Silva and Jonny Evans all injured. "There's still enough quality in the back four. You've got Evra, and Ferdinand. They've got plenty of experience," Ferguson said.
"You always like to have a back four playing consistently. We've not got that at the moment, but it's not been a problem for us because the quality we've got in the forward positions guarantees us goals. We really should have put it to bed in the first half."
Huddlestone facing ankle injury
Tottenham Hotspurs midfielder Tom Huddlestone will undergo an ankle operation on Monday, manager Harry Redknapp has confirmed. The 24-year-old has made four appearances for Spurs this season, the most recent of which came as a second-half substitute in the 5-1 home defeat against Manchester City on August 28. Redknapp said: "He needs another operation. He's already had one but there is still a problem with him. It's a blow. He will be out for a while."
Huddlestone has established himself as a key figure in the Spurs set-up in recent years following his move to White Hart Lane from Derby County in July 2005. He made more starts than any other outfield player in all competitions in the 2009/10 season as Tottenham finished fourth in the Premier League to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time.
Renowned for his strong physique and long-range shot, Huddlestone captained the north London team on several occasions last term, including the memorable Champions League group-stage clashes with Inter Milan. He won the first of his three England caps in November 2009 against Brazil and was named in manager Fabio Capello's provisional FIFA World Cup™ squad last summer, only to not make the final cut.
Mancini: Dzeko Bisa Bernasib Seperti Tevez
Pelatih Manchester City Roberto Mancini mewanti-wanti strikernya, Edin Dzeko, bahwa ia bisa saja bernasib sama dengan Carlos Tevez.
Saat City kalah 0-2 dari Bayern Munich, Rabu (28/9) dini hari WIB, Dzeko terlihat tak senang saat ditarik keluar Mancini dan digantikan Nigel de Jong pada menit ke-55.
Gestur Dzeko menunjukkan emosi striker asal Bosnia itu dengan membanting sepatu saat duduk di bench pemain. Tak lama setelah insiden tersebut, rekan setim Dzeko, Carlos Tevez, menolak dimainkan oleh Mancini.
"Ini terakhir kalinya pemain keluar lapangan dengan ekspresi seperti itu," tegas Mancini. "Saya mengerti kekecewaan pemain, saya mengerti bila dia kecewa saat diganti karena ia mengira telah bermain bagus,"
"Tapi saya adalah manajer dan saya yang memutuskan segala sesuatunya," tegas pria asal Italia itu.
Usai pertandingan, Mancini mengatakan bahwa pasca kejadian di Munich tersebut karir Tevez di Manchester City telah "habis".
Bagaimana dengan Dzeko? Dengan nada bergurau, Mancini mengatakan, "Pada pertandingan berikutnya dia (Dzeko) akan duduk di sebelah saya,"
King Tunggu Tawaran Kontrak Baru Spurs
Ledley King berharap segera mendapat perpanjangan kontrak baru bersama Tottenham Hotspur.
Pemain berusia 30 tahun itu merupakan pemain paling lama yang bertahan di skuad Spurs sejak ia bermain di tim junior, namun kontrak King akan habis pada bulan Juni tahun depan.
Karir King dalam beberapa musim terakhir banyak terganggu masalah cedera. Musim lalu, ia hanya tampil enam pertandingan.
King sudah diwanti-wanti oleh manajer Spurs, Harry Redknapp, bahwa ia harus bermain tiga kali lebih banyak dari musim lalu bila masih ingin menjadi bagian dari skuad Spurs.
"Ini adalah musim terbesar saya bersama Spurs. Ini pertama kali saya berada dalam situasi seperti ini, ketika kontrak saya akan habis. Jadi, ini adalah musim yang sangat menentukan," kata King pada Premierleague.com.
"Saya harus membuktikan bahwa saya masih layak. Saya tak bisa membayangkan memakai kostum tim lain di sisa karir ini, meski sebagai pemain anda tak bisa mengatakan tidak,"
"Saya hanya ingin tetap fit dan bisa bermain. Kita lihat saja posisi saya di akhir musim nanti. Itu semua tergantung pada berapa kali saya bermain. Bila saya tak banyak bermain, itu akan menjadi situasi yang sulit," terang pemain yang mengoleksi 21 caps bersama timnas Inggris itu.
City Resmi Skors Tevez Dua Pekan
Aksi mogok main yang dilakukanCarlos Tevez pada pertandingan Liga Champions lawan Bayern Munich, Rabu (28/9) WIB kemarin berbuntut panjang.Manchester City itu resmi menjatuhkan skorsing selama dua pekan pada mantan kaptennya tersebut pada Rabu malam waktu setempat (Kamis dini hari WIB).Sanksi pada Tevez tersebut dijatuhkan setelah pihak klub melakukan pertemuan melalui konferensi telepon antar staf senior, termasuk direktur klub Khaldoon Al Mubarak.Pada situs resmi klub, City mengumumkan, "Manchester City mengonfirmasi bahwa striker Carlos Tevez diberi sanksi sampai pemberitahuan lebih lanjut dengan periode maksimum dua pekan,""Sanksi lanjutan untuk pemain menunggu penyelidikan penuh atas sikapnya hari Rabu pada kekalahan 2-0 dari Bayern Munich. Pemain tidak akan ikut ambil bagian pada latihan tim selama penyelidikan.Sanksi ini menjadi titik terendah dalam karir Tevez selama dua musim lebih bersama rival sekota Manchester United itu setelah musim panas lalu ia menyatakan ingin meninggalkan City karena alasan keluarga.Sebelumnya pelatih City Roberto Mancini usai pertandingan di Allianz Arena mengatakan bahwa karir Tevez di City sudah "habis", sementara pemilik City Sheikh Mansour mengaku "sangat kecewa" dengan sikap top skor The Citizens musim lalu itu
Rabu, 28 September 2011
Operasi Sukses, Wilshere Absen 5 Bulan
Arsenal memastikan bahwa mereka akan bakal kehilangan gelandang Jack Wilsherekarena menjalani pemulihan pasca operasi engkel. Diperkirakan gelandang kreatif Inggris ini akan absen selama 4-5 bulan.
Dalam situs resmi Arsenal disebutkan jika operasinya Wilshere berjalan lancar dan diperkirakan bintang Inggris ini baru akan kembali beraksi di bulan Januari tahun depan.
"Jack Wilshere telah menjalani operasi engkel pagi ini di rumah sakit Pusat London," begitu bunyi pernyataan di situs resmi Arsenal.
"Dengan ditangani dua ahli bedah ternama, retak pada engkel kanan Jack sudah ditangani dengan baik."
"Kondisi Jack menunjukkan jika operasinya berjalan dengan sukses dan akan menjalani masa rehabilitasi yang panjang. Diperkirakan masa pemulihan Jack akan memakan waktu 4-5 bulan."
Wilshere yang mendapat cedera engkel saat melakoni tur pra-musim menghadapi New York Buls, mengakui jika engkelnya memang masih terasa sakit, tetapi tetap optimis untuk segera pulih.
"Saya telah menjalani operasi pagi ini dan semuanya berjalan dengan baik. Engkel saya memang masih terasa sedikit nyeri, tetapi saya optimis untuk segera pulih dan bermain lagi," ucap Wilshere di situs resmi Arsenal.
"Saya juga ingin ucapkan banyak terima kasih atas banyaknya dukungan yang saya terima dari kalian semua, suporter fantastis Arsenal. Sampai jumpa di Emirates.
Owen: Uang Bukan Alasan Saya ke United
Michael Owen menjelaskan jika ia memilih hengkang ke Manchester United adalah untuk bergabung dengan tim terbaik dan memenangkan medali juara, bukannya karena motivasi uang seperti yang banyak dituduhkan padanya.
Penyerang berusia 31 tahun itu meninggalkan Newcastle United di tahun 2009 dan ia sempat membuat geram para pendukung The Magpies saat ia mengklaim bahwa ia tak bahagia bermain di klub medioker.
"Dalam banyak hal, inilah yang mengancam peluang Anda masuk tim inti - fakta bahwa kami amat bagus," katanya tentang skuad Setan Merah.
"Penyerang-penyerang kami sungguh luar biasa. Tak peduli kemana Anda memandang, ada pemain kelas dunia, dan juga ada rentang usia yang bagus di sini, pada hakekatnya setiap macam striker ada di sini."
"Bahkan di usia 31 tahun saya masih menikmati belajar bagaimana orang lain bermain dan bagaimana Anda bisa bermain bersama mereka. Itu hal yang positif."
"Saya bisa saja pergi ke klub lain dan mendapatkan uang lebih banyak. Daya tarik di sisi United adalah mereka bisa mendapatkan transfer gratis, serta menggunakan nama dan kemampuan mereka untuk memenangi trofi demi menarik pemain seperti saya," imbuhnya.
"Di situlah mereka punya keunggulan, di mana mereka tak perlu membayar gaji lebih besar. Di klub lain, investor kaya bisa saja harus membayar dua kali lipatnya karena jika tidak mereka tak akan mendapatkan sang pemain."
"Situasi saya sebaliknya. Saya tertarik pada klub karena pemainnya, karena manajernya, kemampuan mereka memenangkan sesuatu. Uang bukan motivasi saya. Saya memiliki karir yang bagus, saya sudah tampil cukup baik," kilah mantan bomber Liverpool itu.
"Saya ingin bermain di bawah manajer dan tim yang fantastis. Saya hanya tak bisa percaya berapa banyak orang yang berpikir sebaliknya.
Jonas Gutierrez Deal Kontak Baru di Newcastle
Winger Newcastle United Jonas Gutierrez resmi menandatangani kontrak baru berdurasi empat tahun dengan The Magpies.
Bintang timnas Argentina tersebut selalu bermain dalam enam laga awal musim ini di Premier League dan turut membawa Newcastle menjaga rekor tak terkalahkan.
Gutierrez bergabung dengan Newcastle dari Real Mallorca tiga tahun lalu, kontrak awalnya tersisa dua tahun, tapi dengan kontrak baru ini pemain berusia 28 tahun tersebut tetap berkostum Newcastle hingga tahun 2015.
"Saya sudah mengatakan berulang kali bahwa saya senang bermain di Newcastle. Saya senang dengan kota, fans, dan tim ini. Jadi saya tidak ragu-ragu dalam menandatangani kontrak baru. Ini telah menjadi awal yang baik untuk musim ini. Newcastle adalah tempat yang tepat," kata Gutierrez seperti dilansirDailymail.
"Saya senang saat manajer dan direksi menganggap saya sebagai bagian dari masa depan Newcastle. Saya selalu memberi yang terbaik di sini dan saya selalu melakukannya," terang pemain yang menjadi idola publik Tyneside itu
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