Spain: La Liga Weekend Preview & Eduardo Alvarez's Quiniela

Real Madrid, in second place behind Barca by a daunting seven points, travel to the Catalan capital on Sunday to take on Espanyol, buoyed by a 4-1 win at home to Real Sociedad - a game which saw Emmanuel Adebayor score his second goal for the club following his loan move from Manchester City.

Preview

Quiniela

Ten players overcome Villa 2-1 Spurs

Ten players overcome Villa 2-1 Spurs

Aston Villa surrendered 1-2 to Tottenham Hotspur ten players in the Premier League continued on Monday (27/12/10) morning pm. This defeat tacking "The Villans" in the 15th position with 20 points.

For Tottenham, this victory opened their chances of entry into the top four. In fifth place, Tottenham are now collecting the value of 30, only one point behind Chelsea at the top.

Shown in front of his own supporters, Villa immediately kicked. Heskey and his colleagues could master the full course of action. As for Tottenham's Jermain Defoe who rely on the front was difficult to build an attack.

The attack was launched after the attacks continue to host. But rather than scoring goals, Villa's goal even conceded a goal first by Rafael Van der Vaart.

In the 11th minute off Alan Hutton's cross to Van der Vaart in the penalty box. With less control, Van der Vaart opened fire directly left foot that could not be stopped goalkeeper Brad Fridel, 1-0 to Tottenham.

Spurs Defoe rewarded depressed after red card in the 28th minute. Tottenham made no move. However, this would make the defense guard in mengatisipasi Villa Spurs counter-attack.

In minute 67, a fast attack Villa Tottenham goalkeeper tore success. Van der Vaart back to being the hero of the Spurs with his shot that ensures the score 2-0 to Spurs.

Gol has been waiting for finally happened also host in the 82nd minute. Marc Albrighton melesatkan hard kick from outside the penalty box who can not afford blocked Gomes. Until the ending whistle, the score remained 2-1 to the Spurs.

The composition of players
Aston Villa: 1-Brad Friedel, 29-James Collins, 24-Carlos Jimenez Cuellar, 3-Stephen Warnock, 30-Eric Lichaj, 16-Fabian Delph (8-Robert Pires 74), 28-Jonathan Hogg (19-Stiliyan Petrov 45), 6-Stewart Downing, 12-Marc Albrighton, 11-Gabriel Agbonlahor, 18-Emile Heskey (14-Nathan Delfouneso 39)

Tottenham Hotspur: 1-Gomes, 4-Younes Kaboul, 20-Michael Dawson, 32-Benoit Assou-Ekotto, 2-Alan Hutton, 14-Luka Modric (22-Vedran Corluka 90), 12-Wilson Palacios, 3-Gareth Bale , 7-Aaron Lennon (8-Jermaine Jenas 89), 18-Jermain Defoe, 11-Rafael van der Vaart (15-Peter Crouch 75)

Watch: Juventus 1 - 1 Manchester City

What Would Alexis Sanchez Bring to Manchester United?

Alexis Sanchez has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, either in January or the summer, so there must be something special about the 21 year-old which has reportedly caught Sir Alex Ferguson's eye.

After watching him in action, it is clear to see that he is a tricky player on the wing. He has plenty of flicks and tricks up his sleeve, and at times can embarrass the opposing defenders. His explosive pace is also an element of his game which stands him out from the crowd, and with his small, 5 foot 6 frame, he is able to combine both his trickery and pace to run defenders ragged.

Players who have frightening pace and can also deliver an accurate cross are somewhat hard to come by nowadays. Walcott and Lennon are England's finest culprits at times, and I'm sure there are plenty more like them, but Sanchez has the raw ability to do both. His versatility is impressive, as he can work effectively on both wings as well as up front on his own - although his goalscoring has been called into question due to only 9 goals in 77 appearances for current club Udinese.

With Nani and Sanchez in the team, United would be in a great position when it comes to deliveries into the box and general creativity. However, they do also both have a tendency to go to ground and hold their legs in apparent agony - at times to easily - which is unfortunate, as diving is of course cheating, but the amount of free-kicks awarded to United would also be increased, therefore increasing set pieces and the chance of  goal. Antonio Valencia will be returning soon, so Ferguson would have competition for wide places - which should only be a healthy thing for a big club like United.

He is also a hard worker. He can track back on those wings as well as attack - making some good tackles and then sending his own team on the counter. He would be a useful player who would add depth to any team, but when you are nicknamed "the Wonder Boy", are named as one of the 50 most exciting players in world football, and are attracting interest from some of the best managers in the world, you must be pretty special.

The Chilean certainly has a good future ahead of him, but whether it will be at Manchester United after a £15 million move, we will have to wait and see.

Manchester United sign Anderson on New Deal

Manchester United midfielder Anderson has signed a new contract which will keep him at Old Trafford until 2015.

The Brazilian had been quite a disappointment since his £17 million move to United in 2007 from FC Porto, as he struggled to find form or fitness - which cost him a regular first team place. However, after playing a couple of games in the first team, filling in for Paul Scholes and proving his qualities with some fine performances and a rare goal to his name, not to mention his obvious potential he has earned himself the new deal.

The 22 year-old, who had been linked to moves away from United said he is delighted with the contract renewal, as he told the clubs official website:

"This is the best club to be at and I would like to thank everyone for the great support I have received over the years"

"I am looking forward to winning many more trophies with this club and I am so pleased to have signed a new contract."

His manager was equally as happy, saying that Anderson "has fantastic potential" and is "going to be a really top player" for the club.

The player scored his first goal at Old Trafford against Valencia last week - doubling his overall goal tally for United, and the signs of improvement are clear to see. He is much more comfortable with his position -playing further forward seems to be a strong point, but his physicality and passion are still as strong as when he first joined as a teenager.

Things seem to be going United's way at the moment - top of the League with a game in hand after toppling title challengers Arsenal and they stand in the proud position of being the only unbeaten side in England. A shaky Chelsea team in next up for the Red Devils, and Anderson will be hoping to earn his money and play a big part in pushing the Blues of the edge in what looks like will be a thrilling game.

“I had never watched a single football match in my life [before buying Blackburn]"

“I had never watched a single football match in my life [before buying Blackburn]". These are the words of new Blackburn owner, Anuradha Desai - said after taking over Blackburn Rovers. Sam Allardyce has been sacked, with no real reason other than they want "good football and Blackburn to be fourth or fifth in the league or even better" - aspirations that are not only ridiculously high for the outgoing manager, but any other manager coming in.

How then, can they decide as to whether the manager - vastly experienced and relatively successful at the clubs he has managed is not good enough, despite only seeing a few games of football with him in charge. Sir Alex Ferguson, a good friend of Allardyce said:

"I've never heard of such a stupid decision in all my life, it's absolutely ridiculous. I don't know what they're doing up there, but deary me. "

That is coming from a man who knows what it is like being a manager, under pressure - but in a job, as he sits in the position of being the longest serving manager currently still managing in the football league, and he is right of course.

Will the new Rovers' owner be one of those owners of a football club? By those I mean another Mike Ashley - recently sacking the excellent, widely supported boss, Chris Hughton. After all, it was the same Anuradha Desai that said of Allardyce after her takeover:

 "He deserves a chance"

and

"To this end the group have promised manager Allardyce funds to spend in the January transfer window."

That is - if he still has the job - which he doesn't, and so it turns out, both are lies on the part of the owners, as they falsely led Big Sam into a sense of security in his job - something that very few managers have these days.

The League Managers association said this:

"When new owners take over a club, sadly the manager's position often hangs by a thread."

If this is what footballing is turning into for managers, then it really isn't a good advert for any young managers wanting to come through and earn their trade. I think that the owners should only interfere when the situation is severe - or it is suggested that the clubs situation is balancing on that. Blackburn weren't, and a man who was being tipped for the England job finds himself out of a job all together thanks to a poor, poor decision.

Arsene Wenger Realises he has Out Grown his Sleeping Bag

No, it isn't a clever metaphor, but it is simply a literal observation of Arsene Wenger unable to let go of the old days when he could fit into his camping sleeping bag. Kind of. With yet another disappointing performance from Arsenal against a top side in a big game, it is no wonder Wenger is losing his mind...

Watch The Match Goal and My Match Report Here

Watch: Manchester United 1 - 0 Arsenal

Park Ji-Sung scored a spectacular headed goal just before half time to clinch a Manchester United win which takes them to the top of the table with a game in hand, and a superior goal difference.

The man of the match was Rio Ferdinand, which emphasises the kind of game it was - very close, tight and nervy, which is understandable in a big match. The first half an hour was littered with fouls and stoppages as defence got close to the attack, and passes went astray. United had the best of the chances and the game as a whole, and the goal was well deserved in the 40th minute from Park - even though it may have been a little lucky.

The Arsenal goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny was impressive - he made no mistakes, and made a good save from Anderson in a one-on-one, as well as tipping away a clever Rooney chip near the end. The 20 year-old Polish keeper didn't have to save a penalty however - because although one was given, Rooney uncharacteristically blasted it over.

Anderson too was impressive. His emergence as being a more attacking force than he was when he first joined United and he is becoming a bigger threat - bursting into the box, and playing a much more significant part in the final third of the pitch.

Arsenal tried near the end to create a goal, but their attempts failed as they just couldn't find that final ball or cunning finish to bulge in the net. Both van Persie and Fabregas were risked for the Gunners in the 63rd minute, but even they couldn't summon anything to push their team forward.

It was an exciting 1 - 0, especially as both teams attacked each-other, but the facts are that United are top, unbeaten and have a game in hand, and in their hands lay the Premier League, because with their game in hand being against Blackpool, the Premier League is theirs to lose.

Wojciech Szczesny To Start in Goal for Arsenal against United



Szczesny reveals how many goals he will concede tonight

 Wojciech Szczesny will start for Arsenal against Manchester United tonight in a game which could send either team to the top of the table.  
Szczesny confirmed the news by replying to a Polish journalist, who texted him over the speculation;
when asked if he would 'play against Manchester', Szczesny replied: 'Yes, and I'm really happy about it.'
Fabianski is said to have a groin injury and will not be risked, and despite Almunia declaring himself fit, the Spaniard will be overlooked.

The 20 year-old Polish goalkeeper has only 3 appearances for Arsenal's first team, but will be thrown in at the deep end as he comes face to face with a strike force, who, on their day are one of the best in the world in Rooney and Berbatov. However, Wenger has seen something in Szczesny in his time at the club, and thinks he has all the qualities to cope with players like these, as in January 2010, the Frenchman said:

"I really believe in him that he will one day be Arsenal's No 1. He has all the qualities you want from a goalkeeper"

Is today the day that he becomes Arsenal's number one? In such a big game against good opposition, there is no doubt, he will have plenty of time to prove himself. But there is also little doubt that the move to put such an inexperienced goalkeeper in to a big game so fast is a bit of a risk - especially as Manuel Almunia has declared himself fit.

Watch: Tottenham 1 - 1 Chelsea

Tottenham 1 - 0 Chelsea - Pavlyuchenko

Tottenham 1 - 1 Chelsea - Drogba

Carlos Tevez Hands Man City Transfer Request

Tevez has proved over his footballing career that he isn't exactly the most loyal of players. He left struggling West Ham for success at Manchester United. He became a fan favourite at Old Trafford, and seemed to have a good connection with the club. Alas, he moved to arc rivals Manchester City - rubbing salt in the Red Devils wounds. He is now a key player for City, as well as a good tool for City fan to tease their local rivals with. However, he has now handed in a transfer request to Manchester City - a move which will rock the club and it's fans as they prepare to say a bitter goodbye to their key, influential and best player.

As the club captain, you would expect him to be the perfect example of a mature, calming - and good influence in general to his surrounding players. A good influence is what he is (or can be) as his skill, movement, finishing, work rate and desire highlights to his colleagues what it means to win. But he showed a complete lack of respect last week when his manager, Roberto Mancini substituted him. Shaking his head, clearly muttering disapprovingly under his breath, walking off in anger and contempt.

His manager tried to explain his decision - something a manager shouldn't have to do, as their decision are final - they are in charge. But as I wrote on the 24th July on this blog, Mancini has, and is having a tough time managing all of these big, overpaid egos at City. Balotelli emphasised this today as he received a yellow card for dissent before storming past Mancini, shaking his head when he was substituted.

You might say that the substitution incidents simply show a players passion for wanting to play, but they are effectively ridiculing and showing total disrespect for the manager and managerial staff by throwing tantrums in front of their colleagues and fans. What kind of example does this set? Not a good one.

The fact is, Tevez has put Manchester City in an uncomfortable position with this transfer request. He is not only the captain of the cub, but he is also their best players and City have often been criticized for their over-reliance on the Argentinian.

City can paint over the cracks with all of their money to spend on a new striker, but the example that Tevez has set with his rebellious behaviour - already being repeated by Balotelli this week, is something that can only weaken the team spirit and have a detrimental effect on the team. They have gone second in the League due to their win against West Ham without him, but is the absence of Tevez something that they will have to get used to quite soon?

Watch: Newcaste 3 - 1 Liverpool

Manchester United Target Schweinsteiger signs New Deal

Bastein Schweinsteiger, reported target of Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid, has signed a new contract at Bayern Munich which runs until 2016. This news leaves Sir Alex Ferguson still looking for a central midfielder of real quality to come in and take the reigns from Paul Scholes in leading the United midfield line.

It had been widely suggested that the German was ready to leave Bayern for England, with him admitting that his brother begs him regularly to join the Old Trafford side, but this news has dashed his brothers (and United fans') chances of seeing the 26 year-old proudly wearing the red of United.

Schweinsteiger announced his future in a microphone after a win at the Allianz Arena. He told the fans:

"I have extended my contract and will stay at FC Bayern until 2016. Long live Bayern!"

United do look likely to sign Steven Defour of Standard Liege in the close future however. The Belgian has been a long term target of Ferguson and it is highly likely that the Scotsman will swoop for the central midfielder before any other team does as he looks to strenghten his midfield.


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Will Fabregas Recover in time for United Clash?

Monday night, Manchester United will be risking their, and the only unbeaten record in the Premier League in their biggest test of the season - Arsenal. Arsenal on the other hand may be risking the fitness of influential midfield captain - Cesc Fabregas.

Will United remain unbeaten? Will Fabregas be fit enough to play? Will the game live up to all the build up? We will have to wait and see, but in reference to Fabregas hamstring injury, Arsene Wenger has assured fans that he will have the final say on things.

"It will be a very late decision to see if Cesc is in the squad or not.

“We have to assess if it is a risk for him to play and if he is ready to play in a very intense game, then I will make a decision.

"The final decision will be mine. I have the responsibility to make the decision."

Football is a game of risks, and at the top of the game it is a game of big risks. If Fabregas starts, and after a few minutes pulls up with the same problem that has kept him out, then Wenger may well be left red faced knowing that he had taken a big gamble - and lost. On the other hand, if Fabregas starts, and is influential as he usually is, makes it through most of the game comfortably and helps secure a win for Arsenal, Wenger will be praised for his excellent decision making. It is a decision that could decide the game even before it has started.

Manchester United on the other hand have passed their key players fit for the game. Scholes, Ferdinand and Evra will play after being out for a few games with their own problems.

Old Trafford will be buzzing on the night. These games always bring up unexpected surprises. Things that you "couldn't have written the script for", as the commentators always like to scream. It will be a tight, last minute decision, and I cannot wait for the game.

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Wenger: Evra Lacking in Respect after Arsenal "Crisis" Comments

The build up and tough talk before big games like the Arsenal - United clash on Monday are always fiesty. There are always the outspoken players, passionate about their own club and slightly disrespectful to the opposition club in attempt to fuel the fire and tension that will be carried into the game. Patrice Evra is the bearer of this burden this time, and he has faced a cool back lash from Arsene Wenger.

Evra stated that Arsenal were in crisis due to the lack of trophies in the past few years, whilst claiming that Arsenal have no chance of winning the league, he also suggested that Arsenal are simply a "training centre" for youngsters.

Wenger is a footballing manager. He likes to play and watch good football, and he also likes to win - but on the pitch in a war of footballing skills, not a war of words. Wenger dismissed Evra's comments:

"He gave you some good stuff to make it all hot before the game. We are guided by the way we want to play football and not by the statements of anybody who plays against us. Personally, I believe if you are a big player you always respect your opponent and that is what we try to do."

"We want to focus on the way we want to play and ignore any provocation before a game. We are motivated by the desire to win the game and by the quality of the football we want to play."

Patrice Evra isn't inexperienced when it come to controversy. He was after all involved in the disgrace of a French side at the World Cup who proved an absolute shambles in which he was the captain. The Frenchman will have to stay out of trouble on Monday though as the two big clubs take to the stage in the battle for first place - he could be up against the speedy Theo Walcott and the (very) in form Samir Nasri. If anything, he should be afraid... very afraid.

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Arsenal to Sign Blackpool's Gilks?

Arsene Wenger is reportedly interested in bringing the Blackpool number one goalkeeper, Matt Gilks to the Emirates, while the Blackpool manager Ian Holloway seems resigned to losing Gilks in the near future after he accepted that there is no way Blackpool can compete in wage terms.

The Blackpool boss said:

“With the wages we pay, there’s only so long I can hold them. Matt is out of contract next summer and at the moment that is something he wants to be.

“If I can’t nail him down I’ll have to find someone else and I’ve got till January to try and convince him to stay, because he can sign a pre-contract somewhere else in January.

“Matt probably feels a bit aggrieved with how much he is on. What he is trying to do is play himself into a better position in his life, so he commands a bit more respect and a better wages.”

Arsenal have much more money to spend on wages than the newly promoted Blackpool, and this as well as playing for one of the top clubs in the best League in the world will both be major factors in his decision. As his contract expires at the end of the season, he could leave on a free transfer, however Blackpool would be  upset if they couldn't get any money with a possible sale from the 28-year-old.
A move for him in January would be convenient for both parties as Arsenals Manuel Almunia has been told he can leave with Spanish team Malaga interested.

Gilks then added some more substance to the rumour with this:

"The Premier League is the league in the world to play in and that's what I want to do," 

"Obviously I'm out of contract at the end of the season and I don't think we're close to getting anything sorted. If I have to move on, hopefully it will be to another Premier League club because I need to stay in the league."

The former Rochdale and Norwich shot-stopper is currently out injured with a broken knee cap, but is expected to return in the new year, the question is, when he returns, will he be playing at Bloomfield Road, or the Emirates?

Liverpool Links with Ronaldinho, Ashley Young and Suarez Untrue Says Roy

Transfer rumours have grown over the past few years. They have moved on from things you may hear of various rumours here and there over the course of the season as well as a couple of times during the transfer window, and then the deal is done. They are now fully blown stories on players thinking of moving, agents asking or more money, hinting at a move, players going to leave then deciding against it, with blogs like this one circulating the latest gossip on players moving to what club and for how much, and so on.

But Roy Hodgson has dismissed the latest links to Brazilian Ronaldinho, Aston Villa pacey winger Ashley Young and biting "cheat" Luis Suarez. Hodgson, who has been under big pressure to turn Liverpool into a title challenging team again since taking over as manager, said the following:

"Ronaldinho and Suarez are players who we have never even thought about but I would think there is not a manager in the Premier League who has not given Ashley Young a thought at some stage or another,"

"But giving a player a thought and thinking 'This is a good player' and signing him are two vastly different things.

"I could give you quite a long list of players in the Premier League who I admire and think are very good."

The "list" that Hodgson refers to probably includes every Fulham player that he managed at his time at Craven Cottage. Them, and the recent players linked to a move to Anfield. Wigan winger Charles N'Zogbia may be in Hodgson's mind as well as Ryan Shawcross of Stoke City. But lets listen to what Roy ha to say some more:

"But there is no truth in the rumour. If you are asking if there are any negotiations taking place between Aston Villa and Liverpool, then there aren't."

Hodgson is also comfortable with his position at the club due to the new owners and their dedication to the Liverpool cause:

"We have got new owners who are working unbelievably hard and putting in enormous hours at the club, both here physically, as they are at the moment, and even when they are in America spending hours studying games and liaising with us here"

They will all agree then, that Liverpool need to add to their squad in January. Back up players and a new energy is needed in most positions; a partner for Torres and a midfielder with a passing ability, vision and stability like Xabi Alonso who they lost to Madrid and still haven't replaced. In addition to a strong centre back, to fill in for the injured Jamie Carragher while possibly partnering or replacing him in the future.

Hodgson knows additions to his squad must be made, and I am pretty sure he will act on this knowledge, because if Liverpool do not build on their recent current good form, then Hodgson's time could be coming to an end at Liverpool as fans become frustrated with him.

WALLPAPER CESC FABREGAS ARSENAL

Francesc "Cesc" Fabregas i Soler is a Spanish footballer who plays as a central midfielder. He captains the Premier League side Arsenal and also plays for the Spanish national team.

Fàbregas started his career as a trainee with Barcelona but was signed by Arsenal in September 2003 at the age of 16. Following injuries to key midfielders in the 2004–05 season, he established himself as Arsenal's starting central midfielder and playmaker. He went on to break several of the club's records, earning a reputation as one of the best young players for his position.

In international football, the Spaniard's national career began when he represented the Under-17 side at the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship in Finland. As a result of his club performances, he was called up to the senior squad in 2006. He has played in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Euro 2008 and 2010 FIFA World Cup, helping Spain to become eventual winners in the two most recent tournaments.

WALLPAPER ANDREI ARSHAVIN ARSENAL

Andrei Sergeyevich Arshavin is a Russian footballer who plays for English Premier League team Arsenal and captains the Russian national team. He has won both the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup with Zenit.

The 2006 Russian footballer of the year is a versatile attacking midfielder who can also play as a second striker. Arshavin gained international attention during his breakthrough performance at the UEFA Euro 2008 championship in Austria-Switzerland which resulted in his inclusion in the Team of the Tournament.

Signing for Arsenal in 2009, Arshavin enjoyed a successful start to his career with the Gunners, becoming Premier League Player of the Month in April 2009 and Arsenal's player of the month in March and April 2009. During the 2008–09 season, he scored six goals in 12 league appearances for Arsenal. In a match against Liverpool, Arshavin became the first player to score four league goals at Anfield since 1946. Former Arsenal forward Dennis Bergkamp has speculated that Arshavin has "every chance of becoming a favourite of the London fans".

WALLPAPER TOMAS ROSICKY ARSENAL

TOMAS ROSICKY is a Czech footballer who currently plays for Arsenal of the Premier League and is the captain of the Czech national team. He is also one of the many of Arsenal's vice captains. He has a brother named Jiří who used to be a footballer as well. A versatile attacking midfielder nicknamed "The Little Mozart", Rosický is known for his skill and his ability to orchestrate the midfield with his passing, Arsène Wenger described him as a player with remarkable vision and first touch.

WALLPAPER ROBIN VAN PERSIE ARSENAL

Robin van Persie is a Dutch footballer. He currently plays for Arsenal and the Dutch national team as a forward. He is the club's vice-captain after Cesc Fàbregas.

The son of two artists, van Persie was encouraged to follow in his parents' footsteps, but he instead preferred football and joined SBV Excelsior's youth squad. He made his breakthrough at his hometown club Feyenoord, where he spent three seasons and won the 2002 UEFA Cup. Disagreements with coach Bert van Marwijk culminated in a change of club and van Persie moved to Premier League side Arsenal for £2.75 million in 2004. He won the FA Community Shield and the FA Cup in his first season with the London club and went on to win the 2006 Rotterdam Sportsman of the year award.

Van Persie has 51 caps and 19 goals with the Netherlands and made his senior international debut in 2005. He has participated in the 2006 World Cup, the Euro 2008, and the 2010 World Cup.

WALLPAPER MAROUANE CHAMAKH ARSENAL 2011

Marouane Chamakh is a French-born Moroccan footballer who currently plays for English club Arsenal in the Premier League and the Moroccan national football team as a striker.

Chamakh began his career at Bordeaux in 2000 and made his professional debut in the 2002–03 season. He spent eight years at the club and helped Bordeaux win the Coupe de la Ligue in 2007. In the 2008–09 season, Chamakh won his first league title as Bordeaux were crowned champions for the first time since the 1998–99 season. The club also won the Coupe de la Ligue completing the league and league cup double. In May 2010, Chamakh joined Arsenal of the Premier League on a free transfer after agreeing to a four-year contract with the club. Chamakh is the first man to score in six consecutive Champions League games.

Although born and raised in France, Chamakh chose to play international football for Morocco, due to having Moroccan parents. He made his national team debut in July 2003 and has played at three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, which includes the 2004 edition where Morocco finished runner-up. He is the current captain of the national team.

WALLPAPER SAMIR NASRI ARSENAL

Samir Nasri Wallpaper/ Samir Ben Said Nasri is a French professional footballer of Algerian heritage who plays for Arsenal in the Premier League and for the French national team.

A naturally right-footed player, also effective on his weaker side, Nasri plays as a winger for Arsenal; however, he has also been deployed in central midfield in the absence of Cesc Fàbregas due to injury. During his time at boyhood club Olympique de Marseille, Nasri's Algerian background, technical prowess and playmaking on the field earned him direct comparisons to French football great Zinedine Zidane and the mantle of the 'French Pele'.

Nasri was a regular for France at the youth level and was a member of the country's UEFA Euro 2008 squad, though he saw limited playing time. In a surprising move by French coach Raymond Domenech, he was left out of the 2010 French World Cup team.

Video Goals: Arsenal 3 - 1 Partizan Belgrade

Watch the Goals Here

Arsenal ended up winning the match three goals to one with van Persie netting a penalty, Walcott driving home and Nasri finishing off a slick move. More detail would have been added to this blog post, but due to very unfortunate circumstances (art coursework and masses of revision) the length has been limited. Enjoy the goals.

Watch Goals: Manchester United 1 - 1 Valencia

(Watch Goals Below)

It was a quiet night at Old Trafford, in which the United team didn't hit their top gear, but bombarded the Valencia goalkeeper with shot after shot - with only one hitting the back of the net. It was a game of sloppy individual errors, wasted chances, and doing just enough to please everyone.

United conceded first, which dashed their chances of setting a new clean sheet record in the group stages of the Champions League. Michael Carrick gave the ball away inside his own half, to which the Valencia attackers pounced on the rare chance to score. Dominguez ran with the ball, and slid it to Pablo Hernandez on the right, with the 25 year-old midfielder subsequently hitting the ball through Ben Amos' legs in the United goal.

United deserved to have at least one goal if you were looking at the amount of chances that they had - Anderson and Berbatov had excellent chances, running through the defence, but not testing the goalkeeper well enough. Rooney tried a fantastic shot from the corner of the box which dipped onto the crossbar as the helpless keeper could only watch. Rooney wasn't yet back to his best of course, but showed his fantastic ability with glimpses of brilliance.

Anderson was probably the man of the match. He hasn't convinced all of the United fans since his £17 million move with Nani to United, but if he keeps playing like this; bursting into the box, dominating the midfield, winning the ball, creating chances - he will win over the doubters soon enough. He scored the equaliser too, as he broke into the box to pounce on a rebound from Ji Sung Park's vicious shot, and the ball finally rippled the net with his finish. His celebration of dancing with himself was briefly interrupted with Rooney running in and slapping him over the head in joy, but it didn't stop the Brazilian boy.

From then on it was all about not conceding. United didn't push themselves to grab a winner while Valencia looked the more likely in the closing minutes. It was a good warm up game; not too hard, not much to play for - all in build up to the big match on Monday in which United will lock horns with title rivals Arsenal.

Watch the Goals Here

Liverpool 3 - 0 Aston Villa - Video Goals

Liverpool moved up to 8th in the League with a 3 - 0 win over Aston Villa and their former Liverpool manager, Gerard Houllier. Liverpool didn't play brilliantly, but Aston Villa were very poor; offering nothing in the attack, and switching off at the back for the three goals.

Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres were all missing for Liverpool, something that fans may have worried about, as they haven't been in the best form when those key players were in the team. The losses however did not have a bad effect on the team at Anfield, and the two strikers, David Ngog and Ryan Babel stepped up to score the opening two goals and setting up the win for Liverpool.

Watch the goals below:
David Ngog Goal


Ryan Babel Goal


Maxi Rodriguez Goal

N'Zogbia to Liverpool?

Charles N'Zogbia of Wigan Athletic has continually been linked with a move away from the DW Stadium, and has even admitted himself that if a bigger, better club came calling, he would happily consider it, describing Wigan as a "stepping stone" to future success.

Liverpool, and their new director of football strategy, Damien Comolli, have already been linked to a few creative midfielders including Marek Hamsik, Eden Hazard and Giovani dos Santos, and are now reportedly interested in signing the Wigan Frenchman in a deal worth a possible £9 million. It is thought that the extra natural width will produce more chances for the strikers - namely, Fernando Torres, as Liverpool seek to gain as many points as possible in their climb back to success.

Ryan Babel has failed to impress for Liverpool since his move from Ajax in 2007, while the striker-turned-winger Dirk Kuyt has a distinct lack of back-up for when he gets injured or needs a rest. Hodgson has apparently registered this, and was reportedly keeping a close eye on 24-year old N'Zogbia in Wigan's recent 2 - 2 draw with Stoke City in which he put in a man of the match performance.

N'Zogbia recently said:

"Wigan's just a stepping stone. They know very well I'm not a player who is going to stay at the club.

"I give 100 per cent on the pitch, but, if there's a bigger club that wants me, the manager and the president have always told me the door is open for discussion."

He has been a major player for Wigan since signing in 2009; he was named Wigan's Players' Player of the Year and Supporters' Player of the Season for 2009–10, and scored the winning goal against Arsenal in an excellent comeback in April which all but secured struggling Wigan's Premier League status.

Last summer he was given permission to speak to Birmingham City, after a £9 million was accepted by Wigan, but the deal did not materialise. So if he was eager to join Birmingham, surely he will be convinced to join Liverpool - especially as he will then have the chance to play alongside two of the best players in the world in Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres. That way,Wigan will have turned out to be the perfect "stepping stone" for the former Newcastle man.

Chris Hughton Sacked by Newcastle as Beardsley Takes Over

The Newcastle manager, Chris Hughton has been sacked by the club as they seek a manager with "more experience". The 51-year-old has managed Newcastle for about a year and a half, and has been in charge for 70 games - losing only 14 of them. However, Newcastle owner, Mike Ashley and the people in charge of Newcastle feel it is time for a change of manager at St James' Park, with Martin O'Neil the favourite to take over.

A club statement read:

"The board would like to place on record their thanks to Chris for his considerable efforts during the club's transition from Championship to Premier League football.

"Chris has shown exceptional character and commitment since being appointed manager in October 2009. The club wishes him well for the future.

"Regrettably the board now feels that an individual with more managerial experience is needed to take the club forward.

"The task of appointing a new manager now begins. An announcement will be made shortly regarding transitional arrangements pending the appointment of a successor."

Hughton is massively respected by the fans and players at Newcastle and among the Premier League in general. After Newcastle's relegation in 2009, Hughton became an instrumental figure in guiding Newcastle back to the Premier League as winners of the Championship. From the Newcastle players' reactions on Twitter, it was clear to register the general feeling of the sacking. Jonas Gutierrez wrote

 "Thank you Chris Hughton for believing in us when nobody believed in us."

While right back Danny Simpson bluntly wrote:

"Shocked"

Hughton becomes the first manager to be sacked this season, but one that many think didn't deserve to be. However, Peter Beardsley, the former Newcastle United captain and England international, who has been Reserve Team Manager at Newcastle since the start of the season, will temporarily take over, being supported by former Villa midfielder Steve Stone.

Arsenal 2 - 1 Fulham - Video Goals

Watch the Goals Here

Arsenal jumped above Manchester United to the top of the table after a 2 - 1 win at the Emirates, thanks in no small part to the brilliance of Samir Nasri.

The Frenchman grabbed both of the goals, making his tally for the season go into double figures to 11, and they were very important goals too, as Chelsea faltered at home against Everton. With Manchester United not playing due to snowy conditions at Blackpool, it was the chasers chance to leap frog the Red Devils at the top as well as gain some momentum going into next weeks games. Arsenal have benefited, while a poor Chelsea, despite the return of John Terry, drew against Everton, thanks to a late Jermaine Beckford goal which results in the Blues sitting third.

Both of the Gunners goals were sublime. Their small, tricky passing doesn't always pay off or turn into goals, but when Samir Nasri is in this kind of form, you just need to pass to him in the box and there will be only one result. Arshavin, fresh from winning the controversial 2018 World Cup bid, fed in  Nasri on the right of the penalty box for the first goal. Nasri then faked a shot as one Fulham defender came sliding in for the block. He then faked another, as another defender came sliding helplessly passed, and then with the coolest finish, he smashed the ball into the top right hand corner of the net - with no challengers ahead of him. "Beautiful!", "magnificent!", "fantastic!" screamed the commentator, and you just have to agree.

Fulham then equalised in the 30th minute through striker Kamara. Confusion at the back left Diamante Kamara free in the middle, and as the American Clint Dempsey clipped the ball over everyone to the waiting striker, it was only going to be a simple placement into the net passed Fabianski. It has happened quite often this season, and it is a problem Wenger needs to address. His defence is caught out to often, and something must be done, because a winning team can't keep leaking goals, especially when it comes to the better sides.

15 minutes left of the match, and Arsenal know that a win takes them top. Step up Mr Nasri. Again, the Frenchman's trickery inside the box is excellent after he is fed in by Robin van Persie. Nasri bursted into the box with the ball at his feet, slipped round the goalkeeper with ease, swivelled around to the left of the goal, adjusted his feet, and lifted the ball into the back of the net for the winner. Just brilliant.

Goals like that deserve to win games, and it just so happens that these goals also took Arsenal to the top of the table too.

Watch the Goals Here

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Giovani dos Santos to Leave Tottenham for Liverpool?

Since joining Tottenham from Barcelona in 2008, Giovani dos Santos has never really had a fair run in the team. He has talent, he has the ability, but he doesn't get the game time at White Hart Lane, and with Tottenham's recent surge to success in the Champions League as wel as at home inthe Premier League, it seems as if a first team place will start to become even more unlikely for the tricky Mexican.

The 21-year-old had a good World Cup, playing his part, alongside Manchester United's Javier Hernandez, in helping Mexico through their group stage; beating France in the process. He was even nominated for the FIFA young player of the tournament award, which eventually went to German striker Thomas Muller. But on his return to Tottenham, he found that Rafael van der Vaart had been bought, and his place in the team was all but gone.

The Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp pointed out the former Barcelona man's main weakness:

"If he could pass a nightclub as well as he can pass a ball, he would be all right."

And although admitting that dos Santos has "bags of ability and fantastic skill", his dedication to the Tottenham cause was questionable.


Dos Santos is now being linked to a number of clubs in terms of destinations for a possible transfer, with Liverpool being among the names. He would provide good width to the Liverpool side, as well as his trickery and creativity - things that Liverpool need a big injection of if they are to climb back up to their perch with Roy Hodgson. At his young age of 21, dos Santos has plenty of time to improve his game, or his dedication to football, as Redknapp pointed out, and the fee shouldn't be too high since he hasn't exactly had a chance to showcase his talents at Tottenham.

The youngster has been labelled as a "flop" by some, but with only 10 League appearances under his belt, it really can't be judged whether the signing was a failure. He hasn't had a chance to show what he can really do at Tottenham, but with Liverpool, and their depleted squad, a little bit of Mexican skill and passion would be welcomed with relief to the injury ridden squad.
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Arsenal Linked to Young German, Marco Reus

Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing the exciting young German play maker, Marco Reus. The 21 year old currently plays for Borussia Monchengladbach and plays as a winger and striker, scoring 12 goals in 46 games for the Bundesliga team.

The German club are apparently in a difficult financial situation, and it seems that they will have to sell some of their top players to get out of their difficulty. A fee of around £6 million has been mentioned, and compared to the £750,000 that Monchengladbach paid Rot Weiss Ahlenn in 2009 for Reus, it is a substantial profit.

German radio have claimed that Arsenal are one of a number of clubs interested in Reus, but it is unlikely that he will be making a move to Arsenal in the upcoming January transfer window, after Arsene Wenger ruled out any winter signings, unless there are injuries in his squad.

Above, you can watch some clips of Reus in action if, like me, you have never heard or seen him before.

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Liverpool Line-up Rennes Winger

Liverpool are lining up Sylvain Marveaux of French club Rennes on a free transfer.

The 24-year-old's contract expires at the end of the season, and he has expressed his desire not to renew it, therefore making him free to find a new club at no cost. Monaco, Marseille and Paris Saint Germain are said to be interested, but Liverpool's new director of football strategy, Damien Comolli, has marked the Frenchman out as a player who will add nicely to the small squad that Liverpool now have.

He can play in a number of positions in the midfield but is mostly played on the left side of midfield or in a further advanced position more centrally. Last season, Marveaux played 28 times in all competitions, scored 12 goals, and assisted 5. Despite suggestions that the new director of football strategy at Liverpool may have a bigger say in transfers than Hodgson would like, Hodgson has made it clear that it is important for the manager to make the decisions on who will be in is team.

The free transfer is also convenient for Liverpool. Although they have new owners who admit that investment is needed, it is not known whether John Henry will spend big money, so a free signing while adding to the squad at the same time will only help Liverpool's still slightly fragile position.

A Prince, a Prime Minister and A Football Icon - But England Lose to... Russia?

England's dream of hosting their first World Cup since 1966 is over, as Russia won in their bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

England sent over the Prince and future King of England, the current Prime Minister, and a worldwide footballing icon, but FIFA were persuaded by Russia, whose bid was backed by oil billionaire and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, among others. It is bitterly disappointing or England.

Our bid was clearly, far and away the best bid. We have the brilliant stadiums and facilities, we have the hugely passionate fans, we have the hype, the excitement, the love for football. We know know it feels to lose, that is for sure - we lose in the World Cup competitions all the time, but it doesn't stop us from having the same extreme hype year after year. It is even more disheartening that England went out in the first round of voting; meaning that the likelihood is that England received less than 5 votes out of 22. There really is something wrong there - that suggests that England had the worst bid out of all of the bidders - which is clearly untrue.

There will be questions asked about how this could have possibly come about. The credibility of FIFA really has to be questioned. Especially if England were considered to be the worst candidates. We clearly put masses of effort into the bid, while the Russian president only seemed interested when they won.

Did money and corruption play a part in the result? Consider also that the winners of he 2022 bid were Qatar - a country who are, like Russia extremely rich with oil, but whose stadiums are far less developed and facilities far less advanced than England's. Both Russia and Qatar have a big job in building new stadiums, new airports, new stations, and a friendly football environment for visitors; they must do this to justify their wins.

FIFA will say that the countries were chosen because of what they can do in the future, and how much development the country will undergo as a result, but shouldn't they have chosen the best bid? The BBC may be blamed for their Panorama programme accusing certain FIFA members of corruption, but if there is corruption, it should be sorted; a blind eye should not be turned on corruption in football and FIFA, and this result hasn't done any good in excluding England.

Roy Keane to Take on Old Rivals in Cup Semi Final

Just as cup draws always seem to do, two former rivals will fight fiercely against each other once again. Former Manchester United captain, Roy Keane and his Ipswich side have been drawn against United's notorious rival in Arsene Wenger and Arsenal, while the former Birmingham owners will see their current club, West Ham take on their old side.

Keane was renowned for his highly competitive, and aggressive style of play - the perfect leader therefore, for a massive club, and his Ipswich players would probably tell you that he hasn't lost any of his massive passion for winning. In his playing days, there was no team that Keane loved beating more than Arsenal, so the Irishman will gratefully snatch the chance to re-live his United glory days and progress to the Carling Cup final.

Birmingham, who progressed to this stage thanks to a 2 - 1 win over bitter local rivals Aston Villa, have been drawn against lesser rivals; but rivals for a different reason. David Sullivan and David Gold owned Birmingham for 15 years, but left amid certain allegations in 2008 and admitted that:

"deep down the public have had enough of us".

Thanks to comments made by Gold, including calling the Birmingham chairman "disgusting" he was banned by Birmingham's ground, St Andrews for the recent Premier League match between the Blues and the Hammers, so it will be interesting to see the on the pitch battle between the two teams fighting for a cup fnal place.

There will be two legs to the semi final games, and the winners will book a place at Wembley on February 27th. The semi finals look like they will be entertaining games, but surely this cup is Arsenal's to lose as their biggest challengers, Manchester United, crashed out 4 - 0 in the quarter finals against West Ham.