Result and Videos from Saturday Premier League Matches!

Chelsea 6-0 Man City


Man Utd 4-1 Middlesbrough


Birmingham 3-2 Wigan


Reading 2-1 Newcastle


Sunderland 1-1 Fulham



Portsmouth 0-0 West Ham

Week 11 premeir League Fixtures and Preview!

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Birmingham v Wigan

Birmingham against Wigan is a lower mid-table clash between two adjacent clubs with identical league records of played 10, won two, drawn two and lost six. Both have scored eight goals but Wigan are inferior by virtue of conceding one more (14 to 13).

The Midlanders are eager to avoid a fourth successive league loss; the Latics have lost their last four - the longest current losing streak in the Premier League, which has coincided with Emile Heskey's injury lay off.

These clubs are meeting for only the third time in the Premier League. Birmingham are unbeaten

Chelsea v Man City

Chelsea, successful in the Champions League midweek, are looking to stretch their incredible club record unbeaten home league run to a 68th game. Avram Grant is hoping his side can close the gap on Manchester City to one point.

But Manchester City, under Sven-Goran Eriksson, have enjoyed their best start to a league season in 37 years and go to Stamford Bridge in search of a fourth successive Premier League victory which would put City equal on points with leaders Arsenal.

Chelsea are vying for a 50th league victory over Manchester City, and a fifth in a row; City have not managed a single goal in five league games against the Londoners, and just one goal in 10 clashes with them.

Man Utd v Middlesbrough

Manchester United and Middlesbrough clash for the 99th time in the league. The Red Devils are out to follow up their impressive 4-2 Champions League win away to Dynamo Kiev, with an eighth straight league victory to jump over Arsenal and return to the top of the table. The Teessiders know that a fourth straight league defeat would leave them fourth bottom, just one point above the relegation zone.

United boast the Premier League's tightest defence with three goals shipped in 10 outings and an unparalleled seven clean sheets; 'Boro have conceded the opening goal in an unequalled eight of their 10 games in this division this term. Boro have only lost once in six Premier League visits to Old Trafford since March 2002, winning two and drawing three.

Portsmouth v West Ham

Portsmouth are looking to complete five wins on the spin for the first ever time in the Premier League; West Ham are eager to avoid a third successive league reverse on the road. Harry Redknapp boasts an unbeaten record against West Ham of three wins and one draw - all as Pompey boss - since leaving the managerial position at Upton Park in May 2001.

West Ham are the only Premier League club without an overseas player on their goalscorers list.

Reading v Newcastle

This is a clash between clubs with contrasting fortunes. Reading have lost five of their last seven Premier League matches; Newcastle are looking for a fifth win in seven.

The Royals find themselves in the top 12, despite the joint leakiest defence in the Premier League; the Magpies are aiming for a top four berth, despite failing to keep a clean sheet in 17 away league games.

Sunderland v Fulham

Two off-form clubs languishing in lower mid-table, one point above the bottom three, meet on Wearside, both desperate to end unwanted sequences. Sunderland have lost the last three, and are on the longest current string in the Premier League of nine matches without a clean sheet.

Fulham are the draw specialists of the Premier League, on the longest current winless run of eight matches in the top division, and without a victory in 21 league games on the road.

Week 11 premeir League Fixtures and Preview!

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Bolton v Aston Villa

Gary Megson takes charge of Bolton for the first time as they go into the weekend having suffered more defeats (seven) and dropped more points (25) than any other club in the Premier League, and entertain Aston Villa looking for their first win in seven league outings to move off the foot of the table. The Midlanders are yet to win an away league game this term.

The Trotters' return of five points from 10 games is a replica of their first taste of Premier League football in 1995-96, which ended in bottom place and relegation. Bolton scraped into the Uefa Cup by courtesy of the point gained from the 2-2 end-of-season draw in this corresponding fixture last May.

Derby v Everton

Having moved off the foot of the table with their goalless draw at Fulham last weekend, struggling Derby now line-up at home to Everton, aiming to sharpen the bluntest attack in the Premier League.

Everton find themselves in mid-table mediocrity at present with 13 goals scored, 13 conceded and 13 points accrued. Should this match end all square, it would be the Toffees' 1,000th draw in top-flight football. Derby and Everton are meeting for the 125th time in the league, and first time in six seasons.

Liverpool v Arsenal

This is the third of the so-called "Big Four" meetings of the season; Arsenal's first, and Liverpool's second following their 1-1 home draw with Chelsea.

It brings together the two remaining unbeaten clubs in the Premier League, who had contrasting fortunes in the Champions league midweek.

Should the 167th league meeting of these giants end all square, it would be the 1,000th draw in Liverpool's league history.

The Gunners are bidding for a 13th straight win in all competitions, and an eighth on the bounce in the Premier League. Their tally of 25 points after nine games is on a par with 2004-05 when they finished runners-up. It is better than at this same stage in 2003-04 (23 points), 2001-02 (18) and 1997-98 (19), when they went on to win the title on all three occasions.

Liverpool have conceded more penalties in Premier League competition than any other club this season (three); Arsenal have won more than anyone else (four), but only three have been converted.

These clubs met four times last season, and the winners netted at least three goals in each of the games, including Liverpool's 4-1 victory in this corresponding fixture in March, when Peter Crouch bagged a hat-trick.

Tottenham v Blackburn

The 100th competitive meeting of Tottenham and Blackburn finds two sides experiencing sharply contrasting fortunes.

Martin Jol was approaching three years in charge of Tottenham when he parted company on Thursday. The side are languishing in the relegation zone having made their worst ever start to a Premier League season, despite the best attacking record outside the top five.

Blackburn, with Mark Hughes just into his fourth year at the helm, are on a three-game winning run, and are replicating their best ever start in this league, made in the 1994-95 title-winning season. Spurs have lost five league games already; Blackburn have won five. The Londoners are unbeaten in seven Premier League matches with Blackburn since a 1-0 defeat at Ewood Park on 29 November 2003.

Champions League Fixtures!

AC Milan 4-1 Shakhtar Donetsk


Benfica 1-0 Celtic


Besiktas 2-1 Liverpool


Chelsea 2-0 Schalke 04


Marseille 1-1 FC Porto


Real Madrid 4-2 Olympiakos


Rosenborg 2-0 Valencia


Werder Bremen 2-1 Lazio

Champions League Fixtures!

Tuesday, 23 October 2007

Arsenal 7-0 Slavia Prague
All Arsenal goals


1st goal

2nd Goal, 3rf Goal,4th goal, 6th goal, 7th goal

4th goal

5th goal

Dynamo Kiev 2-4 Man Utd
All goals


1st goal,2nd goal, 3rd Goal,
Kiev's 1st Goal,
Kiev's 2nd Goal

CSKA Moscow 1-2 Inter Milan

CSKA Goal

Intermilan's 1st goal, Inter's Winner

Roma 2-1 Sporting
All goals


Roma's 1st Goal,, Sporting equalizer, Roma's Winner

VfB Stuttgart 0-2 Lyon
1st Goal

2nd Goal

Sevilla 2-1 Steaua Bucharest


PSV 0-0 Fenerbahce

Rangers 0-0 Barcelona

Week 10 premeir League Results and Videos!

Everton 1-2 Liverpool
(Hyypia's Own goal, Kuyt's Penality, another Kuyt's Penality)

Arsenal 2-0 Bolton
(Toure's Goal, Rosicky's Goal)

Blackburn 4-2 Reading

Fulham 0-0 Derby

Man City 1-0 Birmingham

Middlesbrough 0-2 Chelsea
(Drogba's goal,Alex's Goal)

Wigan 0-2 Portsmouth

Aston Villa 1-4 Man Utd (First Half)

African Nations Cup Finals Draw!

Hosts Ghana will play Guinea in the opening match of the 2008 African Nations Cup finals. Ghana were placed in Group A in Accra with Guinea, Morocco and Namibia in Friday's draw. "We are delighted to get the opening game, it will make for a compelling start," Guinea coach Robert Nouzaret told reporters. "It will serve as a major motivation for my players."

Holders Egypt's hopes of a record sixth title will be tested by Cameroon, Sudan and Zambia in Group C. Nigeria and Ivory Coast were paired in Group B along with Benin and Mali, meaning Berti Vogts (Nigeria) will be up against fellow German coach Uli Stielike (Ivory Coast).

Group B was due to be staged in Tamale in the north of Ghana but Confederation of African Football (CAF) general secretary Mustapha Fahmy said the venue was being moved to Sekondi which is nearer the Ghana-Ivorian border. CAF said they were able to change venues to attract more fans.

Tunisia, winners in 2004, are up against Angola, Senegal and 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa in Group D. "I think the groups are all very well balanced and there is plenty of scope for surprises," said Henryk Kasperczak, the Polish-born coach of Senegal.

The draw was conducted by three-times African Footballer of the Year Abedi Pele and former France World Cup winner Marcel Desailly, born in Ghana. The tournament starts on 20 January.

Group A (Accra)
Ghana
Namibia
Guinea
Morocco


Group B (Sekondi)
Nigeria
Benin
Mali
Ivory Coast


Group C (Kumasi)
Egypt
Sudan
Zambia
Cameroon


GROUP D (Tamale)
Tunisia
Angola
South Africa
Senegal

DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO HELP SELECT THE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

The IAAF is giving you the unique chance to help select the 2007 World Athlete of the Year. With the vote now open it will take just one click to pick your choice of Athlete of the Year (Man and Woman) from the candidates list selected by a panel of IAAF Experts.

With the help of your votes, which will be added to a poll of IAAF Athletics Family members, a shortlist of 3 will then be presented to a Special Jury of the International Athletic Foundation, who will then make a final selection of the World Athlete of the Year and announce the winners, live on stage, at the 2007 IAAF World Athletics Gala in Monaco on 25 November.

Three athletes form our country are in the list: Haile Gebreselassie, Kenenisa Bekele and on the women side Meseret Defar. Lets try to make our athletes get what they deserve. Currently, China's Lui Xang is leading the men's category by huge margin and in the women side Croatia's Blanka Vlasic has a big lead.

Click here to vote

Few Minutes with Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez!

You've got to feel for Rafa Benitez. His team are unbeaten in the Premier League, only Manchester United have conceded less goals and in Fernando Torres his squad boasts one of the most exciting young strikers in the world. And yet all Benitez seems to hear are criticisms over his controversial rotation policy and how after four draws and four wins in the league the title is gone for another year.

In an exclusive interview with ESPNsoccernet Benitez explains the erratic form of this team and gives a frank response to those who have criticised his approach to team selection. The Liverpool manager also discusses the frustrations of being club manager in an international week and assesses the strength of his squad this season, the impact of Torres and his other key signings as well as the club's chances of a trophy this season.

Question: How do you feel about your current squad?

Benitez: I think that it's the strongest squad I've had here. I am really pleased with this squad.

Question: You're in a better position in the league at the moment than you were at the same time last year. But you've admitted that there has been a dip in confidence. How do you think you'll try and regain that confidence in the squad?

Benitez: In football it is very easy: Win games. We know we need confidence again, so we must try to play well, try to score and then keep winning, no? That is the key.

Question: How do you feel when it comes to the international break; there's always the worry of injury and, of course, you've got the derby coming up...

Benitez: It's really difficult, no? It's true that we have some problems, or you can have some problems with players all around the world, but also it's more difficult to train because today I have just one player and one keeper and it's difficult to prepare anything.

Question: What do you personally do in the break? Do you, do you re-think your tactics, what will you be doing?

Benitez: Well you try to watch some videos, analyse the team, how we are playing, and there are meetings with the staff, and prepare some training sessions for the players that you have. In this case, four or five maximum, today just two!

Question: You've spoken about the depth of your squad, let's talk about some of the individual players. How do you think Fernando Torres is settling in this season?

Benitez: I think it's ok, no? Everyone had questions about him before [the season], but he's started really well, he's scored some goals, and so everybody goes 'Oh, fantastic, a new top scorer, 20 goals this season!' I thought he would need time but his mentality is really good, and he's trying to play well, sometimes he can play well, sometimes he cannot but he's trying to play and, for me, he'll settle down really well.

Question: And do you think he's settled into the Premier League style better than you expected?

Benitez: No, when we signed him we knew he was a strong player and could play well with the physical approach of the Premier League.

Question: And how about some of your other summer signings?

Benitez: If you analyze the signings, some of them are young players - Leto, Lucas Leiva, Ryan Babel, but Voronin and Benayoun, players with experience, are playing well and I think that some players, will need more time.

Question: Liverpool got off to a flying start at the beginning of the season but they have stumbled a bit recently. Why do you think that is?

Benitez: Because we had started really well people were thinking perhaps this could be our year. We had some chances, but we couldn't score, then we lost some points and then people thought, maybe not. I think there is frustration around the team. Sometimes you don't know if it's better to start really well or a little bit slower and continue progressing. I think we are in a good position at the moment but it's true that we need to improve.

Question: And it's true that some of the players have experienced a dip in form recently. Why do you think that is specifically?

Benitez: Some players are playing games for us and also for the national teams, it's not easy to go, come back, and be ready. Especially because we have some early kickoffs on Saturdays, you know I am not very happy with this situation, and this one against Everton will be the same, but at the end of the day, you need two or three players playing well and then these key players can help with the rest of the team. We have had some injuries and some players are not playing at their level; that is the reason the team is not playing at their level.

Question: Let's talk about the Champions League, your specialty. The next game up for you is Besiktas. How much of a challenge do you think they will be for Liverpool?

Benitez: It's really important for us, no? We know that we didn't start really well, so we need to win, and then start thinking about the next game, but for now we have to think about the next three points.

Question: Yeah, and obviously, home and away against Besiktas. Do you think you have to win those two and also how many points do you think you need to reach the last 16?

Benitez: Really, you cannot say how many points. I think it's important to win the first one. If you can win the first one, you need to see what happened between Marseille and Porto but you just have to wait. It's better to think about one game at a time and then start doing the numbers.

Question: It was such a disappointing game for you against Marseille, wasn't it? What do you think went wrong?

Benitez: Everything (smiling). Because we're not good enough tactically, technically, mentally and we played against a team that was ready, no? They were training for 10 days without games and a new manager and they were really focused. We started the game well, more or less, but we couldn't control and then [as the game progressed] they were better and better and we didn't have the confidence that we needed. So, ok, they play a good game a we played a bad game.

Question: On paper, your group looks relatively simple. Did it surprise you how difficult Marseille was?

Benitez: When I knew what the draw was I said that these are teams with experience in Europe, so for me, no, it wasn't easy. And you can see it's not easy. Hopefully it will be ok for us at the end, but now, we need to work really hard because the other teams are now in a better position and have players with experience.

Question: And we can't go too much further into this interview without mentioning your rotation policy. Obviously you use your policies so that the players can gel as the season goes on, and so that means you have a better squad at the end of the season.

Benitez: I think if you can do the right things, changing players, sometimes you make mistakes but if everything is ok at the end of the season, you can compete for trophies, no? That is the idea.

Question: Do the players ever complain to you about the rotation system?

Benitez: Not really, they want to play every game but they don't say 'Oh, I want to play this one or the other one'. They want to play every game, but they know the situation because for three years we were doing the same here at Liverpool. I think they understand, they don't like it too much because when they are not playing they want to play but, in the end, they know this is the best for the team.

Question: This is something though, that you've obviously always done. Why do you think that it's now that everyone's talking about it?

Benitez: Because we've drawn and we've lost some games. But when we were winning, nobody talks about it.

Question: Do you credit the rotation policy for getting you into the Champions League final on two occasions?

Benitez: I think that people have a short memory, no? Because when you talk about the final of the Carling Cup, the Intercontinental Cup, Community Shield, FA Cup, two Champions Leagues, two titles in Spain, plus the UEFA Cup. It's a lot of trophies and I think that to play three finals at the end of the season, the UEFA Champions League and also the FA Cup, means that the team was ready and thanks to the quality of the players and also the use of different players in different games.

Question: Going back to the very beginning of this season, was there more focus on the Premier League or on the Champions League?

Benitez: I think that we start out with a real focus on all the competitions. If you say to me, 'Which would you prefer to win?' I would say the Premier League because everybody wants to win the Premier League. But we know that the Champions League is really important, as are the FA Cup and the Carling Cup.

Question: Focusing on the positives, you're unbeaten so far and already it's October, so you must be pleased about that?

Benitez: Yeah, it's really important. It really was a little disappointing after the weekend (a 2-2 home draw with Tottenham) because we conceded two goals, two big mistakes, but we continue unbeaten and that's important.

Question: Does it trouble you that you're six points off Arsenal? Is that something that worries you?

Benitez: I think we are in a better position than last year. That is important. If we continue to be close to the top of the table, in two or three months and continue to change players I think we will be capable of doing something at the end of the season.

Question: And finally, what are your hopes and expectations for Liverpool this season?

Benitez: To win some trophies, if it's possible. And especially now, to improve our play and start winning again with confidence and at the end of the season maybe to win some trophies.

Jose Mourinho lived with a stunning blonde mistress behind his wife’s back !

CHELSEA soccer hero Jose Mourinho lived with a stunning blonde mistress behind his wife’s back for two years, The Sun reported today. The ex-Blues boss, 44, called Elsa Sousa his “Princess”, showered her with gifts and told her she was his one true love. The 34-year-old even shared a flat with “The Special One”. Players at top Portuguese side FC Porto thought she was coach Jose’s wife — until the real Mrs Mourinho turned up.

Hunk Mourinho lived up to his nickname The Special One as he and his mistress made love for hours — to the music of rock star Sting. The romps took place during a two-year affair with beautiful Elsa. A pal of 34-year-old Elsa said: “They did very saucy things together. Mourinho is a very sexual man. He particularly likes making love to Sting.” The former Chelsea boss, whose shock exit last month stunned fans, called Elsa his “Princess” and showered her with gifts — and even let her decide which club he should work for.

But his wife Matilde, whom he married in 1989, had no idea he was leading a double life. Mourinho, 44, met blonde Elsa while coaching small-town team Leiria in his native Portugal. He took her with him to FC Porto, his first big job — where the pair lived for eight months in a flat arranged by the club. Mourinho even introduced her as his wife to players and agents.

He went to coach in Leiria, 90 miles north of Lisbon, in 2001. Matilde stayed in their home town of Setabul with their daughter and son. But within months Mourinho had launched a full-blown affair with Elsa. He asked her to dinner in 2001 after popping into the small fashion store she owned. He told her she was “the most beautiful girl he had ever met”, and that he had moved to the town and did not know many people. Within weeks, she was telling people Mourinho was “the one”.

He sent Elsa love letters and was frequently seen kissing her in public, dining her, and schmoozing her with “baby-talk”. He even whisked her away for a steamy holiday in Monaco.

When The Sun put the relationship to Elsa in Leiria, she said: “Yes, yes, it’s all true.” She then met us again with Luzia Palmas, a former Benfica lawyer and colleague of Mourinho for four years. Luzia said: “He treated Elsa badly by promising her they would be together properly. “Mourinho conducted the relationship in front of everyone’s noses. In Leiria and in Porto, football colleagues all thought Elsa was his wife. He lived with her.”

Elsa started attending matches with Mourinho, as his wife. Under Mourinho’s direction the unfashionable mid-table team achieved their highest-ever league position, finishing in fifth place. As a result the colourful coach caught the eye of footie bigwigs throughout the country. In January 2002 he moved to Porto having rejected Benfica — and Elsa went with him. Mourinho introduced her to all the football agents and players as his partner.

After they moved into a flat together in Porto, Elsa lived with Mourinho for eight months. But in late 2002, his wife Matilde dropped the bombshell that she was moving to Porto, as the children were suffering from being away from their father.

Mourinho was forced to move Elsa out and be a family man again. But before Matilde arrived he took Elsa to Monaco — where he showered her with gifts and they made love all day. He begged her to continue their relationship — offering to buy her a house so they could continue their affair in secret. But her pal said: “Elsa announced she couldn’t cope with being the other woman. She told us, ‘I want a whole man, not a half. I can’t live like that’.” Mourinho carried on seeing Elsa into 2003 — even after his wife and family moved to Porto. The pal said: “Elsa then moved back to Leiria. She was devastated. Elsa told pals she last spent the night with Mourinho at the end of 2003. He joined Chelsea in 2004. (The Sun)

Adere closes 30-second gap to win second straight LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon

Adriana Pirtea (Romania) had a debut at The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon she'll never forget. The 27-year-old was only 300 meters away from claiming the title-but she underestimated the defending champion. Ethiopia's Berhane Adere shrunk the gap on the inexperienced Pirtea and caught her at the end to win by three seconds.

Adere's finish in 2:33:49 was her second straight title in Chicago, though the victory came with unseasonably humid conditions. After a cluster of six elite women runners was the norm up to mile 15 when Adere and Pirtea started to separate from the rest.

The energized Pirtea began pulling away from Adere at mile 22. Her lead then increased over the noticeably tired Adere to 25 seconds. The race looked more bleak for the champion when she started slowing even more, falling behind further by 30 seconds at the 24th mile- insuperable for most.

Pireta had an impressive day attaining this lead against one of the world's best. But her gap at mile 25 started to dwindle before the runners hit the south Loop. Adere's pace increased as the Romanian's decreased considerably. Adere's fastest mile, a 5:16 at mile 24, propelled her back into challenging Pirtea.

At the 25-mile mark Adere reached deep down inside herself and willed her tired body on and up to just 19 seconds behind Pireta. The 40K mark was not kind to Pireta as she continued to slow her pace.

Pireta turned the corner for the final 1.2 miles onto Columbus Drive. As she approached the last stretch of asphalt, Pirtea felt comfortable enough to wave to the excited crowds gathered along the fences at Grant Park. But that's when the champion became a repeat champion.

"She (Pirtea) got tired and I changed into track-racing mode," said Adere. "I pushed real fast."

The former track athlete turned her jets on and used that background to her advantage. Behind by 100 meters with 300 left to the tape, Adere charged down Columbus and passed a surprised Pirtea, crossing first to a dramatic finish.

The oppressive heat was a factor, even on a leader with a thirty-second advantage with less than a third of the race left.

"The last 4K was tough," said Pirtea. "I slowed and had to run in the shade a lot." Pirtea also admitted that the distraction of cheers from the crowd for her contributed toward her false sense of comfort and eventual loss. "I didn't actually know how close she was behind me. Nobody said anything."

Pirtea's second place finish in 2:33:52 cemented her as an up-an- coming dominant runner in the marathon world. "I did have a good day and I'm hoping to have more."

Kate O'Neill, of the United States, made the red, white and blue proud today. The 27-year-old from California was hovering at fifth and sixth place most of the 26.2 trek. A disqualification of one runner ahead of O'Neill, and her determination through the pack, launched her to a third place finish in 2:36:15.

O'Neill made her move at the 20-mile mark. She overtook Great Britain's Liz Yelling and eventually sped past Benita Johnson, of Australia. The American at one point was one minute behind the overall leader. With three miles left, O'Neill controlled the third spot and crossed without a challenge. She heard some extra encouragement from the crowd during her climb to a top three placement.

"I believe I was seventh (place) for a while," said O'Neill. "They were telling me I was within striking distance, so I was trying to hang on to that motivation. I was surprised to come in third. I'm really excited. It was a great experience today."

O'Neill's third place finish earned her a $40,000 prize purse as well as a $3,500 bonus as the first American.

The thirtieth annual race gave back-to-back champion Adere a $125,000 prize purse. Pirtea's second place netted her $65,000.

Evra: I leave the show to Ronaldo!

After a struggling start to the season, Manchester United have come back to form in the Premier League with a 4-0 win over Wigan at the weekend and they haven't conceded a goal in the league since the derby day defeat to Man City on August 19. Part of the reason is French full-back Patrice Evra, who has been a fixture in the side this season alongside Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, after displacing Gabriel Heinze from the left-back spot with some impressive performances in last season's campaign.

The defender, who arrived at Old Trafford in May 2006, has spoken exclusively to ESPNsoccernet.fr before leaving England for France and Les Bleus' forthcoming matches against the Faroe Islands and Lithuania. Talking about Manchester, Arsenal, the French team and the new Evra:

Question: The season started quite poorly but Manchester United have made a fantastic come-back, winning eight games in a row in the Premier League and Champions League. What happened exactly?

Evra: Many people have commented on our supposed 'terrible start' but we actually just drew twice and lost once. It was anything but a drama. Now we're back behind Arsenal in the League and we have six points out of six in the Champions League. We have kept our opponents goalless for the last eight games so the confidence is high. But we have to keep it there.

To win six times 1-0 isn't possible for every team in England. It requires a complete defensive focus and that proves that we are mentally strong. I remember that last season, in the last few weeks, we were facing problems to dominate and impose our style but we always found a way to win, most of the times 1-0. It's in those moments that we recognize the great teams and let me tell you that this United team can go really far.

Question: But you have to admit that you struggled early on. The team hasn't been able to reproduce last year's seducing football yet. How do you explain that?

Evra: We have many new comers (Owen Hargreaves, Nani, Anderson, Carlos Tevez) and both the team and themselves needed some time to learn and get the chemistry right. I admit that we're not very pleasant to watch at the moment but we fight and we win, which is the most important thing. On the one hand it's very promising. We should see a terrific Manchester United in the up-coming weeks and I really hope we will score more goals soon. It will come, I have no doubt. But for us defenders it is a huge satisfaction to end the games without having conceded. We have really improved in that area and when we get better offensively, we will still need to keep that defensive strength.

Question:In the Premier League, Arsenal are still comfortably leading. What do you think about the new look Gunners side?

Evra: They remind me of us last season. We started really well, scoring a lot of goals in exactly the same way the Gunners are doing currently. But there are other contenders. I will quote Chelsea and Liverpool. Although Chelsea lost Jose Mourinho, I'm sure they will be hard to beat. Blackburn are also outsiders. We suffered against Birmingham and that shows that this championship race is very tight, more so than last year. But it is true that Arsenal are destroying everyone at the moment and even pick up results when they are under pressure, as they showed against Sunderland.

Question: In Champion's League, the team have been perfect so far with two wins and no goals against. The qualification for the knockout stage seems already in the pocket even before the trip to Kiev. Is this situation dangerous?

Evra: We will have to win there. Definitely. An away win is always a bonus and although we have six points, nothing has been achieved yet. We have to stay focused. In football, everything changes quickly and we can't forget that. We have the skills and the tools to win this year's Champions League but the competition is long. I don't want to look for excuses, but last year we faced many injuries and, in this competition, talent isn't enough.

Question:You are now the only left-back in the squad after Gabriel Heinze left for Real Madrid and Mikel Silvestre got injured for the season. With no competition, do you feel more comfortable?

Evra: I don't say to myself my status is granted. I had a very good season last year, as I was elected the best left-back in England. When you play for Manchester United though, one good game isn't enough. You have to beat your best all the time. I don't try to do things I can't do, I leave the show to Ronaldo. For me, the most important thing is to defend and do that well.(ESPN)

"I know Arsenal's young players- they can definitely win Premier League & Champions League."

When Thierry Henry left Arsenal for Barcelona in the summer it was expected that he was the one moving on to better things, but the Frenchman is struggling to put his life in north London behind him. It was thought that Arsene Wenger's men would have most cause for concern after the club sold their highest-ever goalscorer to Barcelona for £16.1million. Pundits predicted that without Henry, Arsenal's youngsters would not only fail to challenge for the title, but also lose their Champions League place to Tottenham.

But Arsenal have taken the Premier League by storm while Henry has only shown glimpses of his old form. He finally ended his goalscoring drought in La Liga at the end of last month when he got a hat-trick against bottom club Levante, but he has yet to convince the fans at his new club.

The 30-year-old is still trying to find his rhythm having spent half of last season sidelined through injury and been put in the shade by Argentine Lionel Messi. On top of that he is adapting to life after his divorce from wife Claire Merry, with his two-year-old daughter Tea staying at home in London.

He said: "I miss London a lot and always will. It's a great city, I had a great life there. I lived eight years there and it's not something I can forget just like that. I am having to play myself back into form because of the amount of games I missed and it will take time."

"I played eight seasons without missing anything. It was a shock to the system to not play for six months and coming back has not been easy, but I am starting to feel better."

"The pain is going away and I felt sharper for the first time against Real Zaragoza a couple of weeks ago. It's been a long time since I felt like that."

"The atmosphere is good at Barcelona. It is like a family and reminds me of Arsenal."

The Frenchman may be missing Arsenal, but the feelings don't appear to be mutual after Cesc Fabregas revealed that one of the reasons behind their impressive form was that Henry was no longer on the pitch to intimidate them. Henry never got the chance to say farewell to the fans but is already planning a return to the club he loves to say a proper farewell at the Emirates Stadium. He said: "I think I will try and do it in December because we have a winter break in Spain and I will have the time.

"I would rather go back in a non-playing situation and be able to enjoy it. I don't want to get drawn against Arsenal in the Champions League this season. That would not be a proper way to say goodbye to the fans." "When I go I will probably just sit in the stands. I won't walk out on the pitch or anything like that.

"The focus should be on the team and I don't want to draw any attention away from them and what they're doing. They will be playing a game and I want to respect that."

"Me and Arsene have been in contact a few times since I left. I always talk to him because even with the difference of age, the bond and respect is there.

"It is tremendous that he has signed a new contract. He has great eyes and just has a talent for spotting young talent. He is a great human being as well and that's what makes the difference. He makes players feel comfortable and always gets the best out of them."

The former Juventus striker is also full of respect for the way Arsenal have played this season and feels that they have even put Barcelona in the shade.

He said: "When Barcelona are on a high we are very good, but we also have to play like that away from home."

"It's true that when everyone is committed and everyone is defending and working really hard like when we beat Zaragoza 4-1, it's always easier to win a game But we are not the only ones playing good football in Europe."

"I have been watching Arsenal and see that they are playing entertaining football and winning every game home and away."

"I know the young players there very well and they can definitely win the Premier League and Champions League this season. I watched how they beat Sevilla in the Champions League and I think they sent out a big message to the rest of Europe. Sevilla is not an easy team to play, but Arsenal played a great game."

The same cannot be said for France, whose Euro 2008 hopes suffered a major blow with a second loss to Scotland four weeks ago.

The World Cup runners-up are third in their group behind Alex McLeish's side and Italy with just three games to go and face crucial fixtures against the Faroe Islands and Lithuania in the next eight days.

Henry said: "We are not even talking about whether we can win Euro 2008 because we are fighting to qualify right now - I don't know if we will. There is a possibility that we will be at home watching it."(Daily mail)

Result from Sunday's Premier League Matches!

Arsenal 3-2 Sunderland
( RVP'S Goal,Senderosgaol, Wallance's goal,Jones's Goal, RVP's Goal)


Bolton 0-1 Chelsea


Liverpool 2-2 Tottenham
(1st goal, 2nd goal, 3rd goal, 4th goal)

Blackburn 2-1 Birmingham

Fulham 0-2 Portsmouth

Man City 3-1 Middlesbrough

Newcastle 3-2 Everton

Reading 1-0 Derby

Result from Saturday Premier League Matches!

Manchester Utd 4-0 Wigan
(Tevez's Goal, Ronaldo's goal, Ronaldo's 2nd goal, Rooney's goal)

Manchester Utd 4-0 Wigan





manchester utd vs Wigan Longer highlight


Aston villa 1-0 Westham

Week 9 Fixture of English Premier League!

Manchester Utd v Wigan
Manchester United will be out to stretch the joint longest current winning sequence in the Premier League to six matches. All three points against Wigan will see them leapfrog Arsenal and go top of the table for the first time since they won their ninth Premier League title in May.

Wigan have lost all 17 of their Premier League matches against the so-called "big four", conceding 42 goals in the process. United are defending an unbeaten home league record this season; Wigan are chasing a first away win of the campaign. The Red Devils have scored only seven Premier League goals so far; only rock bottom Derby have a weaker attack (five goals).

Wigan have lost all five meetings with Manchester United in the league and Carling Cup final with an aggregate of 16-3. The Latics have conceded more Premier League goals to United than to any other club (12).

Aston Villa v West Ham
Aston Villa are chasing a fourth successive home win in the Premier League; West Ham are striving to avoid a third league defeat on the bounce. Victory would see the Hammers leapfrogging Villa.

Martin O'Neill's side are facing London opposite for the fourth time this season, and are yet to lose; although they did let a three-goal lead slip to share eight goals with Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Monday.

All but two of Villa's 11 points have been picked up at home; the Hammers have gained two more points on the road than at home, even though they've played one more match at Upton Park. Half of the Premier League fixtures between these clubs have been drawn (12 of 24).

Arsenal v Sunderland
Arsenal are looking to extend the longest current unbeaten run in the Premier League to 15 matches. They are on their best streak since the clubs' record run of 49 matches without defeat ended on 24 October 2004. The Gunners hold a 100% home league record; the Wearsiders are without a win on their travels.

This is Roy Keane's 50th league match in charge of Sunderland. Sunderland travel with the task of ending a 10-match losing run of Premier League trips to London, and have not won a top-flight match in the capital since beating Chelsea 2-4 on 17 March 2001. Arsenal are on the look out for a 50th competitive victory over Sunderland, and sixth in a row against them in the Premier League.

Blackburn v Birmingham
It's the second meeting in 10 days of these clubs at Ewood Park. Rovers won 3-0 in the third round of the Carling Cup on 26 September. Blackburn may have been knocked out of Europe on Thursday, but they have avoided defeat in 12 of their last 13 Premier League matches; Birmingham have won three of their last 14 in this league.

Both clubs have scored seven league goals this season, but the Midlanders have conceded twice as many as Rovers (10 to five). Blackburn are eager to clinch successive league victories for the first time this season; Birmingham equally keen to avoid consecutive league defeats for the first time. Birmingham have not won in the top-flight at Blackburn for 72 years, since a 1-2 triumph on the 28 September 1935.

Bolton v Chelsea
Chelsea return to the ground where they won their initial Premier League title in April 2005, looking to clinch back-to-back wins for the first time under Avram Grant, after Wednesday's 1-2 victory in Spain over Valencia in the Champions League; Bolton were also victorious in Europe having qualified for the group stages of the Uefa Cup.The Londoners have made their worst start to a Premier League season since 2000, and are looking for a first goal in five matches. Chelsea are vying for a fifth successive Premier League victory at the Reebok Stadium.

Bolton, unbeaten in five in all competitions, face one of the so called "Big Four" for the first time this season, having won one of their first eight league outings. They managed just one victory in their first nine matches of the 1963-64 season, when they went on to be relegated and exiled from the top division for 14 years.

Fulham v Portsmouth
This is the 50th competitive meeting of two clubs who had contrasting results last time out. While Fulham were holding Chelsea to a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge, Portsmouth were engaged in the highest scoring match in Premier League history; beating Reading 7-4.

The Cottagers have drawn their last four league matches and are on the longest current winless sequence in the Premier League of six games. Pompey are looking to complete three successive league victories for the first time in over a year .

Liverpool v Tottenham
Liverpool will want to return to winning ways immediately, after their first defeat of the season, home to Marseilles in the Champions League on Wednesday night. Their opponents, third-bottom Tottenham, made progress in Europe, qualifying for the group stages of the Uefa Cup.

The Reds have won four of their seven league games this term; Tottenham have lost four of their eight and made their worst ever start to a Premier League season. Rafael Benitez has not named an unchanged starting 11 for Liverpool since 31 October last year and has only done so once in 152 games.

The Merseysiders have not conceded a goal in five league games or 478 minutes (seven hours 58 minutes) of Premier League football since Frank Lampard netted for Chelsea from the penalty spot at the Bridge on 19 August. They're yet to concede a league goal from open play. Liverpool are unbeaten in six Premier League matches against Spurs, and were one of only three clubs to do the double over the Londoners last season.

Man City v Middlesbrough
Manchester City have a 100% home record in the Premier League; Middlesbrough have lost and failed to score in three of their four league games on the road.

Victory for City would give them five home wins and equal their tally for the whole of last season at Eastlands; victory for the Teessiders would take their total of away wins to two and equal the total they managed on their Premier League travels last term. Middlesbrough have gained more Premier League points against Manchester City than any other club, with the exception of Tottenham; 32 in both instances.

Newcastle v Everton
Newcastle go into this round of fixtures as the lowest placed of seven clubs still holding an unbeaten home record in the Premier League.

The Toffees' tally of 13 points after eight matches is on a par with last season, but they have never managed back-to-back top half finishes since the Premier League was instituted. They last achieved it in 1991, when they recorded a 10th straight top half finish in the old First Division.

Reading v Derby
This is a must-win match for both sides in the first ever top-flight meeting of the bottom-four pair Reading and Derby. Between them the Royals and the Rams have leaked 39 goals in their 16 combined league matches. Reading have shipped 16 in their last five; Derby 15 in their last three away from home.

Steve Coppell celebrates his fifth anniversary as Reading manager on Tuesday. This is his 199th match in charge; it is also the 250th league game of Billy Davies' managerial career in Scotland and England. Derby have only won one league game on Reading turf; 0-1 on 3 January 2005 in the Championship.

Football's greatest actors!

The controversy surrounding the incident in Celtic & AC MIllan match is under UEFA investigation. A last minute goals scored by Celtic sent their players and supporters wild. So much so that one supporter run in to the field in celebration and for the reason only known to him he hit the Milan goals keeper Dida on the face. Dida who at first appeared to chase the man collapsed covering his face after few steps. Then carried off from the field holding a bag of ice on his face. The action of the celtic fan and the reaction of Dida is under investigation by UEFA.

Dida and Celtic fan


AC Milan goalkeeper Dida took a tumble after the merest contact with a Celtic supporter. While the behaviour of the fan was inexcusable, shouldn't we also question the actions of the Brazilian? Did he really need a stretcher and ice pack after his goalmouth tickle?

Here we consider the long history of on-pitch theatrics - some call it diving...

In tribute to his drama skills we uncover some of the past masters of subterfuge and deception. Players who have no qualms at faking injury to get their fellow professionals sent off, who risk life and limb to impress officials with their gymnastic skills, and a couple who, quite frankly, need a bit of practice.

The grandaddy of all conmen must be the Chilean goalkeeper Robert Rojas who attempted to get a 1989 World Cup qualifier with Brazil abandoned. With Chile facing certain defeat and elimination, Rojas pretended to be hit by a firework thrown from the crowd by slashing himself with a concealed razor blade and was carried bleeding from the pitch, causing the game to be stopped and inciting a mini-riot inside the stadium. Sadly for Rojas, his cunning plan was caught on camera and he was banned from football for life.

Chilean goalkeeper Robert Rojas


Jurgen Klinsmann appeared to spend more time rolling on the turf than actually playing in the 1990 World Cup in Italy, inspiring Ron Atkinson to claim he hadn't seen a "mystery sniper" in the crowd following another piece of Klinsmann theatrics. But this reaction to a Pedro Monzón challenge in the World Cup Final, for which the Argentina defender received a straight red card, is a gymnastic masterclass, with the German striker pirouetting in mid-air as if he had been electrocuted.

Jurgen Klinsmann


Italians have proved themselves to be past masters at conning officials, and Fabio Grosso's superior dive not only won a last minute penalty for his side, but it also spelled curtains for Australia at the 2006 World Cup.

Fabio Grosso's superior dive


However, Grosso's international colleague Alberto Gilardino clearly has a lot to learn, judging by this risible effort to win a spot-kick for AC Milan.

Alberto Gilardino



But the most notorious piece of World Cup gamesmanship occured in the 1998 semi-final when Croatian hardman Slaven Bilic ruined Laurent Blanc's tournament by acting like a complete cissy. Still, at least it worked.

Slaven Bilic



Certainly more so than this pathetic piece of play-acting by Brazil's Rivaldo which rebounded spectacularly on him during this World Cup match with Turkey.

Brazil's Rivaldo


And just in case anyone should claim that the Premier League is exempt, Arjen Robben, the former Chelsea winger, had a well deserved reputation for reacting rather spectacularly to tackles. However, he pulled off this over-the-top attempt to successfully get Pepe Reina, the Liverpool goalkeeper, sent off, with aplomb.

Robben


When he became Germany manager Klinsmann favoured Jens Lehmann over the vastly experienced Oliver Kahn as national goalkeeper. Surely it wasn't for these petulant antics the Arsenal stopper displayed against Bolton Wanderers?

Jens Lehmann



But at least Newcastle United's Steven Taylor has the good grace to look highly embarassed as his rather blatant dying swan act failed to hoodwink the referee.
Steven Taylor



See the best divers in football!


(Source: Timesonline)

Champions League Results and Videos! October 3,2007!

Besiktas 0-1 FC Porto


Liverpool 0-1 Marseille


Rosenborg 0-2 Schalke 04
1st goal (Rosenborg 0-1 Schalke 04)

2st goal (Rosenborg 0-2 Schalke 04)

Valencia 1-2 Chelsea


Lazio 2-2 Real Madrid


Werder Bremen 1-3 Olympiacos

Benfica 0-1 Shakhtar Donetsk



Celtic 2-1 AC Milan

Champions League Results and Videos! October 2, 2007!

CSKA Moscow 2-2 Fenerbahce


Dynamo Kiev 1-2 Sporting


Inter Milan 2-0 PSV


Lyon 0-3 Rangers


Man Utd 1-0 Roma


Sevilla 4-2 Slavia Prague


Steaua Bucuresti 0-1 Arsenal


VfB Stuttgart 0-2 Barcelona

Rooney: We blew Champions League last season!

Wayne Rooney is 'desperate' to win the Champions League this season and believes Manchester United blew their chance last term. United looked good bets to conquer Europe after their 7-1 drubbing of Roma in the quarter-finals, only to be comprehensively outplayed by eventual winners AC Milan in the second leg of the semi-final. Roma are United's opponents again tonight in the group stage of the competition but Rooney already has his eyes on the main prize.


He said: 'I'm desperate to win the Champions League having got so close last year. 'We didn't play the way we can in the semi-final and that cost us away against Milan. 'Hopefully we can go on and get to final this year. 'We have got that little bit more experience and the players that have been brought in can add freshness towards the end of the season.'

Five of United's last seven games have ended in 1-0 wins but Sir Alex Ferguson insists there is no problem with his strikers, despite a scarcity of goals. Ferguson said: 'All the front players have been slow to get on to their game - that's understandable with Wayne with his injury and (Carlos) Tevez missing pre-season. 'They are getting better and will continue to do that. I think the partnership is good, using Wayne as a more advanced player and Carlos dropping in. 'They have that understanding, there are moments when Wayne drops in or drifts to the side but that's not a problem for us, it keeps our flow going. 'We know that Wayne can penetrate, that Cristiano Ronaldo can penetrate, and Carlos can in a different way, so I'm happy with that and I don't think there's a problem at all. 'Good players with the ability they have got will soon gel.'

Defenders Wes Brown and Nemanja Vidic are doubts after the pair picked up knocks at Birmingham - John O'Shea and Gerard Pique will step in if they fail fitness tests - but Owen Hargreaves trained this morning and is in line to make his European debut for United. Ferguson admitted he might be tempted to bring the former Bayern Munich midfielder straight back into the fray despite his lack of match practice.


He said: 'Hargreaves is a possibility but to be honest I would have liked for him to have had some more football for such an important game. 'European football is a different level for speed and tactics.'(ESPN)

Haile: ‘I can run 2:03, but I believe one day two hours will be broken’

A day after breaking the World record at the real, Berlin Marathon (30 Sep), Haile Gebrselassie came to the press conference, looking happy, relaxed as usual and talking about his feelings and future goals.

“I am still overwhelmed by this tremendous race. But it is difficult to describe my feelings. You have to break a World record yourself to understand how that feels – go for it”, said Gebrselassie when asked about his mood a day after clocking 2:04:26.

At the runners’ party on Sunday night as per tradition the winners, Haile Gebrselassie and Gete Wami (Ethiopia/2:23:17), and top finishers were present. “I just had one beer mixed with a soft drink – but I did not even empty the glass”, said the Ethiopian, when reporters wondered what he drank when celebrating his victory.

Gebrselassie will now head back to Addis Abeba. His next marathon will be in Dubai in January. “Then of course there are the Olympic Games coming up, where I want to run the marathon. But I am even planning further ahead. It is my goal to come back to Berlin to run the World Championships’ marathon in 2009.”

Having now broken 24 World records or World bests, the 34-year-old indicated that his appetite for records is still there. “Getting back the half marathon World record is a goal. But it remains my secret where and when I will go for this. I know that there is a fast half marathon in Berlin in the spring but the timing does not fit so good for me next year.”

Also Gebrselassie says that the 2:04:26, with which he improved Paul Tergat’s (Kenya) time from Berlin 2003 by 29 seconds, will not be the end of the story.

“I believe that I can run 2:03. I had said that before but could not do it on Sunday. But I am convinced that I can achieve such a time in Berlin.” Gebrselassie added: “I think Berlin offers the best conditions for a World marathon chase – the course, the weather conditions, the spectators. So I think that when World records will be broken in the future it will happen in Berlin.”

Asked if he believed that one day the two hour-barrier will be broken in the marathon Haile Gebrselassie said: “Yes, of course. That will happen. But I do not know when – may be it will take 20 years or may be 40. For now I am happy that I have finally broken the World marathon record since my name is now on this record list. And in a 100 years people will still see that and say, ‘ah this was Haile Gebrselassie’.”(IAAF)

Goals from Seri A!

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Goals from La Liga!

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