Rutashubanyuma
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Rutashubanyuma
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Rutashubanyuma
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Real Madrid deny Fabregas link
Updated Feb 14, 2011 8:59 AM ET
Real Madrid general manager Jorge Valdano has insisted they have not lodged a bid for Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.
Fabregas has long been linked with a return to Spain with both Barcelona and Madrid, and recent media speculation has been of a possible 60million euro summer swoop by Madrid for the Gunners captain.
TRANSFER SPECIAL
Keep up with all the biggest moves around the globe with our 2011 January transfer gallery.
Valdano denies they have made an offer for the 23-year-old Spain international, though, saying: "We've not made any move for Cesc. We've not made an offer or entered into talks.
"We have a good relationship with Arsenal and we don't want any misunderstandings."
Speaking to Canal+ following Madrid's 1-0 Primera Division win over Espanyol, Valdano also spoke about centre-back Pepe's contract situation.
Pepe's existing deal is due to run out in 2012 and there has been speculation the Portugal international, 27, might be on his way out of the club with the two parties yet to agree a new deal.
Valdano said: "He has shown he is a great player. We are making progress in the negotiations and we hope to reach a solution.
"Last season these questions were about (Gonzalo) Higuain and in the end we resolved them. He's an important player and so we are making an important effort."
When he was asked about the situation, Pepe said: "I'm not going to talk about this issue. At the moment I can only say that I'm happy at Madrid and that the fans treat me very well. I'm going to do everything possible to stay."
Pepe also declined to talk about any supposed offer from Barcelona, saying in AS: "I'm a Madrid player and it's a lack of respect for the Madrid fans to enter into this. I'm happy in Madrid."
Updated Feb 14, 2011 8:59 AM ET
Real Madrid general manager Jorge Valdano has insisted they have not lodged a bid for Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.
Fabregas has long been linked with a return to Spain with both Barcelona and Madrid, and recent media speculation has been of a possible 60million euro summer swoop by Madrid for the Gunners captain.
TRANSFER SPECIALKeep up with all the biggest moves around the globe with our 2011 January transfer gallery.
Valdano denies they have made an offer for the 23-year-old Spain international, though, saying: "We've not made any move for Cesc. We've not made an offer or entered into talks.
"We have a good relationship with Arsenal and we don't want any misunderstandings."
Speaking to Canal+ following Madrid's 1-0 Primera Division win over Espanyol, Valdano also spoke about centre-back Pepe's contract situation.
Pepe's existing deal is due to run out in 2012 and there has been speculation the Portugal international, 27, might be on his way out of the club with the two parties yet to agree a new deal.
Valdano said: "He has shown he is a great player. We are making progress in the negotiations and we hope to reach a solution.
"Last season these questions were about (Gonzalo) Higuain and in the end we resolved them. He's an important player and so we are making an important effort."
When he was asked about the situation, Pepe said: "I'm not going to talk about this issue. At the moment I can only say that I'm happy at Madrid and that the fans treat me very well. I'm going to do everything possible to stay."
Pepe also declined to talk about any supposed offer from Barcelona, saying in AS: "I'm a Madrid player and it's a lack of respect for the Madrid fans to enter into this. I'm happy in Madrid."
Rutashubanyuma
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Strike pairing excites Aurelio
Updated Feb 14, 2011 9:55 AM ET
Fabio Aurelio is looking forward to seeing Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez link up in a much-anticipated attacking partnership at Liverpool.
Carroll, a £35million record signing from Newcastle, is yet to make his debut for the Reds as he continues his recovery from a thigh problem, but Suarez has already impressed on Merseyside.
After finding the back of the net on his first outing for the Premier League club against Stoke, the former Ajax hitman was unlucky not to score again in an encouraging display against Wigan at the weekend, hitting both the post and the bar in the 1-1 draw.
And Brazilian Aurelio expects Uruguay international Suarez to forge a formidable front-line with Carroll when the 22-year-old returns to fitness.
"Luis made his first full start for Liverpool and he had a great game," Aurelio told the Liverpool Echo.
"He looked very sharp and dangerous up front. For us, he'll be very important to have this type of player.
"People are looking forward to seeing Andy Carroll and Luis up front.
"Andy is good on the ball as well, he will be good to keep hold of the ball when we want to get closer to the opponents' goal.
"He will form a very important partnership with Suarez, they are different players and I'm sure they will match together very well."
TRANSFER SPECIAL
Keep up with all the biggest moves around the globe with our 2011 January transfer gallery.
Liverpool were held by strugglers Wigan after Steve Gohouri's second-half strike cancelled out a Raul Meireles' opener, which marked his fifth goal in six games.
Versatile Aurelio, who can play as a left-back or a left-sided midfielder, admits it was disappointing to lose out on two crucial points as sixth-placed Liverpool look to close the gap on nearest rivals Chelsea and Tottenham.
"Of course we are disappointed," he said. "Looking back at the first half, we were (playing) much better when we scored.
"We were passing the ball well, moving and creating space. We were doing very well.
"The team was secure at the back. We tried to change it a little bit in the second half and not leave them too much time on the ball, to press better.
"But we couldn't get as many chances as we did in the first half."
Saturday's result marked the end of a four-match winning run under manager Kenny Dalglish but despite the disappointment Aurelio insists the Reds can take positives from the clash.
"We need to be happy with the effort of everyone and the performance of the team showed we are still secure," he added.
"We are still improving and although it wasn't the result we were expecting, I think we still need to look forward."
Updated Feb 14, 2011 9:55 AM ET
Fabio Aurelio is looking forward to seeing Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez link up in a much-anticipated attacking partnership at Liverpool.
Carroll, a £35million record signing from Newcastle, is yet to make his debut for the Reds as he continues his recovery from a thigh problem, but Suarez has already impressed on Merseyside.
After finding the back of the net on his first outing for the Premier League club against Stoke, the former Ajax hitman was unlucky not to score again in an encouraging display against Wigan at the weekend, hitting both the post and the bar in the 1-1 draw.
And Brazilian Aurelio expects Uruguay international Suarez to forge a formidable front-line with Carroll when the 22-year-old returns to fitness.
"Luis made his first full start for Liverpool and he had a great game," Aurelio told the Liverpool Echo.
"He looked very sharp and dangerous up front. For us, he'll be very important to have this type of player.
"People are looking forward to seeing Andy Carroll and Luis up front.
"Andy is good on the ball as well, he will be good to keep hold of the ball when we want to get closer to the opponents' goal.
"He will form a very important partnership with Suarez, they are different players and I'm sure they will match together very well."
TRANSFER SPECIALKeep up with all the biggest moves around the globe with our 2011 January transfer gallery.
Liverpool were held by strugglers Wigan after Steve Gohouri's second-half strike cancelled out a Raul Meireles' opener, which marked his fifth goal in six games.
Versatile Aurelio, who can play as a left-back or a left-sided midfielder, admits it was disappointing to lose out on two crucial points as sixth-placed Liverpool look to close the gap on nearest rivals Chelsea and Tottenham.
"Of course we are disappointed," he said. "Looking back at the first half, we were (playing) much better when we scored.
"We were passing the ball well, moving and creating space. We were doing very well.
"The team was secure at the back. We tried to change it a little bit in the second half and not leave them too much time on the ball, to press better.
"But we couldn't get as many chances as we did in the first half."
Saturday's result marked the end of a four-match winning run under manager Kenny Dalglish but despite the disappointment Aurelio insists the Reds can take positives from the clash.
"We need to be happy with the effort of everyone and the performance of the team showed we are still secure," he added.
"We are still improving and although it wasn't the result we were expecting, I think we still need to look forward."
Rutashubanyuma
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Moyes bemoans 'bad' performance
2 comments »
Updated Feb 14, 2011 9:44 AM ET
David Moyes was left devastated by Everton's 2-0 defeat at Bolton on Sunday and claimed it was the poorest performance by one of his teams.
Moyes looked drained after goals from Gary Cahill and Daniel Sturridge handed the home side a comfortable Premier League victory at the Reebok Stadium.
The Toffees boss said: "That performance was as bad as I can remember since I have been in charge.
"The toughness we have had I didn't think was there and it was required. We have been built on that quality.
"The onus was on us to get the ball down and we did not do that. We also didn't do the other bit which was compete hard enough.
"We did not perform. Players who have been performing well all season probably had their poorest game.
"I pick the players and I pick the team. Maybe I have just gone a bit soft on them. Maybe I need to toughen up on them again."
England defender Cahill opened the scoring in the 10th minute when his header from Stuart Holden's free-kick was deflected by Everton defender John Heitinga.
Sturridge then made it three goals in three games after arriving on loan from Chelsea by smashing the ball into the corner in the 67th minute.
Everton are only three points above the relegation zone but Moyes questioned the free-kick that led to the opening goal.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolverhampton | Recap
Liverpool 1-1 Wigan Athletic | Recap
Blackburn 0-0 Newcastle | Recap
West Brom 3-3 West Ham | Recap
Birmingham 1-0 Stoke City | Recap
Blackpool 1-1 Aston Villa | Recap
Sunderland 1-2 Tottenham | Recap
He said: "We gave away two really poor goals. I do not think it was because Bolton opened us up. One was a free-kick, the other was another big kick in the box.
"I didn't think it was a free-kick. It was a scandalous decision. We didn't win the big challenges, which were important."
Bolton manager Owen Coyle was delighted his side returned to winning ways after five defeats in their previous seven league games.
He said: "It was a terrific performance and a hard-fought victory. We knew we would have to be at our best against Everton and we were. There were so many positives to take from the game.
"We had to withstand some spells of pressure because of the quality the opposition have, but I felt we looked a threat all day.
"We've had a little dip over Christmas and new year when we were down on numbers, sometimes having only 15 players.
"We managed to address that in the window and it is always great when the players you bring in play well."
The only downside for Coyle was a knee injury sustained by Zat Knight, which saw the defender replaced by David Wheater.
Coyle said: "He will need to have a scan but it does not look great. He was cheery enough when I saw him in the dressing room .
"It could be ligament damage to his knee but we hope it is not too severe because Zat has been outstanding for me since I arrived at the club. He is a big, big player for us."
Sturridge has made a flying start and Coyle said: "I am not surprised. These young players are just craving a platform to go and play.
"There are some terrific young talented players out there, most of them will be at the elite clubs. But there is no shame in not being in the Arsenal or Chelsea team.
"If I feel there are players who can benefit Bolton I will do everything in my power to bring them here."
2 comments »
Updated Feb 14, 2011 9:44 AM ET
David Moyes was left devastated by Everton's 2-0 defeat at Bolton on Sunday and claimed it was the poorest performance by one of his teams.
Moyes looked drained after goals from Gary Cahill and Daniel Sturridge handed the home side a comfortable Premier League victory at the Reebok Stadium.
The Toffees boss said: "That performance was as bad as I can remember since I have been in charge.
"The toughness we have had I didn't think was there and it was required. We have been built on that quality.
"The onus was on us to get the ball down and we did not do that. We also didn't do the other bit which was compete hard enough.
"We did not perform. Players who have been performing well all season probably had their poorest game.
"I pick the players and I pick the team. Maybe I have just gone a bit soft on them. Maybe I need to toughen up on them again."
England defender Cahill opened the scoring in the 10th minute when his header from Stuart Holden's free-kick was deflected by Everton defender John Heitinga.
Sturridge then made it three goals in three games after arriving on loan from Chelsea by smashing the ball into the corner in the 67th minute.
Everton are only three points above the relegation zone but Moyes questioned the free-kick that led to the opening goal.
Sat., Feb. 12
Man United 2-1 Man City | RecapArsenal 2-0 Wolverhampton | Recap
Liverpool 1-1 Wigan Athletic | Recap
Blackburn 0-0 Newcastle | Recap
West Brom 3-3 West Ham | Recap
Birmingham 1-0 Stoke City | Recap
Blackpool 1-1 Aston Villa | Recap
Sunderland 1-2 Tottenham | Recap
Sun., Feb. 13
Bolton 2-0 Everton | Recap Mon., Feb. 14
Fulham vs. Chelsea He said: "We gave away two really poor goals. I do not think it was because Bolton opened us up. One was a free-kick, the other was another big kick in the box.
"I didn't think it was a free-kick. It was a scandalous decision. We didn't win the big challenges, which were important."
Bolton manager Owen Coyle was delighted his side returned to winning ways after five defeats in their previous seven league games.
He said: "It was a terrific performance and a hard-fought victory. We knew we would have to be at our best against Everton and we were. There were so many positives to take from the game.
"We had to withstand some spells of pressure because of the quality the opposition have, but I felt we looked a threat all day.
"We've had a little dip over Christmas and new year when we were down on numbers, sometimes having only 15 players.
"We managed to address that in the window and it is always great when the players you bring in play well."
The only downside for Coyle was a knee injury sustained by Zat Knight, which saw the defender replaced by David Wheater.
Coyle said: "He will need to have a scan but it does not look great. He was cheery enough when I saw him in the dressing room .
"It could be ligament damage to his knee but we hope it is not too severe because Zat has been outstanding for me since I arrived at the club. He is a big, big player for us."
Sturridge has made a flying start and Coyle said: "I am not surprised. These young players are just craving a platform to go and play.
"There are some terrific young talented players out there, most of them will be at the elite clubs. But there is no shame in not being in the Arsenal or Chelsea team.
"If I feel there are players who can benefit Bolton I will do everything in my power to bring them here."
Rutashubanyuma
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Roy coy on WBA's survival bid
Updated Feb 14, 2011 11:55 AM ET
West Brom head coach Roy Hodgson has admitted he is not yet sure whether the Baggies have the players to keep them in the Premier League.
Hodgson was introduced to the media on Monday, having replaced Roberto Di Matteo with the club only above the relegation zone on goal difference.
The former Liverpool boss was in the stands at the weekend as West Brom threw away a 3-0 lead over West Ham to draw 3-3, and revealed he is still to be convinced of the quality of the club.
"I'm afraid after 90 minutes working with them today and 90 minutes watching them on Saturday, I can't answer that question," he said.
"I would like to say so, but it would be foolish of me to make rash statements."
Hodgson takes over at The Hawthorns a little over a month after his short, ill-fated Liverpool reign came to an end, and revealed the job offer had come as something of a surprise.
"I wasn't actually planning to come back to the Premier League and keep working so soon after leaving my last job at Liverpool, but Dan (Ashworth, technical director) and (chairman) Jeremy Peace were very persuasive in the picture they painted of the football club."
Hodgson must now get straight to work in the relegation battle.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolverhampton | Recap
Liverpool 1-1 Wigan Athletic | Recap
Blackburn 0-0 Newcastle | Recap
West Brom 3-3 West Ham | Recap
Birmingham 1-0 Stoke City | Recap
Blackpool 1-1 Aston Villa | Recap
Sunderland 1-2 Tottenham | Recap
"We don't have much time, like a lot of other clubs, we're in a desperately difficult situation at the bottom of the league, trying to retain our status," he said. "That is the major goal and ambition, and if we achieve that we want to build a strong platform for next season."
The well-travelled 63-year-old claimed he did not see West Brom as a come down from Liverpool.
"All jobs are different, there is no question of that," he said. "The Premier League these days is a tough league, a very interesting league for any club that's in it, whether you're punting for a place in the top four or a club that would be very happy just to still be in it. Jobs in this league are precious."
In line with West Brom's management structure, Hodgson has taken the title of head coach rather than manager, but he insisted that did not affect him, having had spells working under all manner of systems around Europe.
"I've got the same job I've had since 1976," he said. "I've been called coach, mister, manager, leader...I'm the man who works with the players every day, who picks the team, gets them working in a certain way, and I'll be working with Dan here, who is very important to the club as we go forward.
"An important part of any club is recruitment and Dan and I will be working together to identify the type of players we need."
Ashworth said that Hodgson would retain the final say on dealings.
"I've always worked with someone like Dan," Hodgson added. "Whatever title he has or I have doesn't make any difference the slightest way."
Updated Feb 14, 2011 11:55 AM ET
West Brom head coach Roy Hodgson has admitted he is not yet sure whether the Baggies have the players to keep them in the Premier League.
Hodgson was introduced to the media on Monday, having replaced Roberto Di Matteo with the club only above the relegation zone on goal difference.
The former Liverpool boss was in the stands at the weekend as West Brom threw away a 3-0 lead over West Ham to draw 3-3, and revealed he is still to be convinced of the quality of the club.
"I'm afraid after 90 minutes working with them today and 90 minutes watching them on Saturday, I can't answer that question," he said.
"I would like to say so, but it would be foolish of me to make rash statements."
Hodgson takes over at The Hawthorns a little over a month after his short, ill-fated Liverpool reign came to an end, and revealed the job offer had come as something of a surprise.
"I wasn't actually planning to come back to the Premier League and keep working so soon after leaving my last job at Liverpool, but Dan (Ashworth, technical director) and (chairman) Jeremy Peace were very persuasive in the picture they painted of the football club."
Hodgson must now get straight to work in the relegation battle.
Sat., Feb. 12
Man United 2-1 Man City | RecapArsenal 2-0 Wolverhampton | Recap
Liverpool 1-1 Wigan Athletic | Recap
Blackburn 0-0 Newcastle | Recap
West Brom 3-3 West Ham | Recap
Birmingham 1-0 Stoke City | Recap
Blackpool 1-1 Aston Villa | Recap
Sunderland 1-2 Tottenham | Recap
Sun., Feb. 13
Bolton 2-0 Everton | Recap Mon., Feb. 14
Fulham vs. Chelsea "We don't have much time, like a lot of other clubs, we're in a desperately difficult situation at the bottom of the league, trying to retain our status," he said. "That is the major goal and ambition, and if we achieve that we want to build a strong platform for next season."
The well-travelled 63-year-old claimed he did not see West Brom as a come down from Liverpool.
"All jobs are different, there is no question of that," he said. "The Premier League these days is a tough league, a very interesting league for any club that's in it, whether you're punting for a place in the top four or a club that would be very happy just to still be in it. Jobs in this league are precious."
In line with West Brom's management structure, Hodgson has taken the title of head coach rather than manager, but he insisted that did not affect him, having had spells working under all manner of systems around Europe.
"I've got the same job I've had since 1976," he said. "I've been called coach, mister, manager, leader...I'm the man who works with the players every day, who picks the team, gets them working in a certain way, and I'll be working with Dan here, who is very important to the club as we go forward.
"An important part of any club is recruitment and Dan and I will be working together to identify the type of players we need."
Ashworth said that Hodgson would retain the final say on dealings.
"I've always worked with someone like Dan," Hodgson added. "Whatever title he has or I have doesn't make any difference the slightest way."
Rutashubanyuma
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Grant upbeat over Hammers future
Updated Feb 14, 2011 8:39 AM ET
Avram Grant is confident of realising his "long-term vision" for West Ham despite the prospect of relegation from the Premier League.
The club were delighted to be named as the preferred bidder for the Olympic Stadium last week, a step which owners David Gold and David Sullivan believe could usher in a bright future.
Grant is also working towards that, but accepts their perilous league position means they must for now focus on one game at a time.
The Hammers are just one point above bottom club Wolves, who have played one game fewer, but Grant is refusing to be downbeat after coming back from three down to score a 3-3 draw at West Brom on Saturday.
He told the club's official website: "We are thinking positively. We have a long-term plan here at West Ham.
"We knew this first year would be difficult but our vision is that every year we will do the right thing.
"When we come to the (Olympic) stadium we will have a good team in the Premier League. We have a long-term vision but in football that has to start with the next match.
"We built a good squad and if everyone is fit, or even in 90% are fit, we have a good team. If you make a table from the last 10 games, we are in the middle of the league."
Updated Feb 14, 2011 8:39 AM ET
Avram Grant is confident of realising his "long-term vision" for West Ham despite the prospect of relegation from the Premier League.
The club were delighted to be named as the preferred bidder for the Olympic Stadium last week, a step which owners David Gold and David Sullivan believe could usher in a bright future.
Grant is also working towards that, but accepts their perilous league position means they must for now focus on one game at a time.
The Hammers are just one point above bottom club Wolves, who have played one game fewer, but Grant is refusing to be downbeat after coming back from three down to score a 3-3 draw at West Brom on Saturday.
He told the club's official website: "We are thinking positively. We have a long-term plan here at West Ham.
"We knew this first year would be difficult but our vision is that every year we will do the right thing.
"When we come to the (Olympic) stadium we will have a good team in the Premier League. We have a long-term vision but in football that has to start with the next match.
"We built a good squad and if everyone is fit, or even in 90% are fit, we have a good team. If you make a table from the last 10 games, we are in the middle of the league."
Rutashubanyuma
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Enrique delays contract talks
Updated Feb 14, 2011 10:01 AM ET
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has declared that Jose Enrique will not enter into contract talks until their Premier League future is confirmed.
The 25-year-old has been in superb form for Newcastle this season, and is now regarded as one of the best left-backs in the league.
His current contract is due to expire in 18 months, but he will not be entering talks over a new deal whilst Newcastle's Premier League is not secured.
"Jose's situation is simple," said Pardew.
"He's made it clear that he won't talk to us until we're safe.
"What are we now, 32 points? Well we're not safe are we? So that makes the situation clear, and to be honest, it makes a lot of sense for both him and us."
Pardew is full of praise for the former Villarreal ace, saying: "He is an outstanding player and we know that.
"He is an important player for this team because a lot of our play goes through him.
"He is involved in a lot of the good stuff that we do."
Updated Feb 14, 2011 10:01 AM ET
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has declared that Jose Enrique will not enter into contract talks until their Premier League future is confirmed.
The 25-year-old has been in superb form for Newcastle this season, and is now regarded as one of the best left-backs in the league.
His current contract is due to expire in 18 months, but he will not be entering talks over a new deal whilst Newcastle's Premier League is not secured.
"Jose's situation is simple," said Pardew.
"He's made it clear that he won't talk to us until we're safe.
"What are we now, 32 points? Well we're not safe are we? So that makes the situation clear, and to be honest, it makes a lot of sense for both him and us."
Pardew is full of praise for the former Villarreal ace, saying: "He is an outstanding player and we know that.
"He is an important player for this team because a lot of our play goes through him.
"He is involved in a lot of the good stuff that we do."
Rutashubanyuma
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Rooney: I owed United faithful
Updated Feb 13, 2011 12:54 PM ET
Wayne Rooney provided the most astounding finale to a Manchester derby - then told United's ecstatic fans: "I owe you that."
There is no superlative that can do justice to the manner with which Rooney spun round, manipulated his body four feet into the air, then connected with Nani's cross with such power Joe Hart never had chance to move before it flashed into the top corner of his goal.
It will be replayed many years from now and the goal of the season prize might as well be parcelled up and sent to Old Trafford right now.
However, given Rooney's tepid form since he suffered the first of a succession of ankle injuries in Munich last March, the 25-year-old accepts there was an element of payback as well.
"The Manchester United fans deserve that from me," he said.
"I haven't had the best of seasons and I know how big this game is in Manchester, so I hope they enjoyed that.
"Now the aim is to keep scoring and help us get that title back."
In that regard, Rooney was somewhat more forceful than Sir Alex Ferguson.
Unlike his manager, who has spent the last few months emphasising just how crazy this season has been and is presumably far too experienced to take anything for granted, Rooney was prepared to look at United's imposing eight-point lead over their neighbours, check they also have a game in hand in a season which, for them, has 12 hurdles left, and discount them from the battle.
"It almost certainly rules City out of the title race unless a disaster happens," he said.
"We are the team to catch. We know how it feels to be top of the league and to get over that finish line.
"We have the experience with the manager and the players and we know what we have to do.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolverhampton | Recap
Liverpool 1-1 Wigan Athletic | Recap
Blackburn 0-0 Newcastle | Recap
West Brom 3-3 West Ham | Recap
Birmingham 1-0 Stoke City | Recap
Blackpool 1-1 Aston Villa | Recap
Sunderland 1-2 Tottenham | Recap
"Hopefully within the next six or seven games, we can maintain that gap, or make it bigger."
For City, it is agony.
Evidently, the gap to United, which for so many years was a yawning chasm, has closed dramatically.
But they just cannot take that final step to bridge it completely.
Knocked out of the Carling Cup semi-final last season, when they were also beaten by two injury-time goals in the league.
They have now collected just a single point from two meetings this season when the difference between the sides has been wafer thin, if it has existed at all.
Little wonder Blues legend Mike Summerbee grew increasingly indignant in his role as a Sky Sports pundit as the post-match analysis concentrated on where United had gained the crucial edge.
"There were two teams out there?" he grumbled. "Show our chances.
"Manchester United have spent fortunes, don't worry about that. They gave us a game. We have created more chances than them.
"One day Manchester City will come here and take them."
There was a mixture of bitterness and resignation in Summerbee's voice, born of spending so long in the Red Devils shadow, a place, for this season at least, they are destined to remain.
"I don't think they were that unlucky," continued Rooney.
"They played OK. They moved the ball well at times. But they didn't hurt us. They didn't penetrate us.
"Other than the Silva chance in the first half, they didn't really have a clear chance. We had two or three.
"Based on that, we deserved to win."
Had David Silva converted the third minute chance given to him by Carlos Tevez, the outcome may well have been different.
The Blues looked more likely to claim victory once Edin Dzeko's effort had bounced in off Silva's back to level Nani's first-half opener.
Rooney had other ideas, with a goal even Ferguson struggled to describe.
"All the talk will be about the winner, and quite rightly so, because I have never seen a goal like that in my life," he said. "It was absolutely magnificent."
Even Roberto Mancini had to agree with that.
"When a fantastic player like Rooney scores a goal like that, you can only clap," said the Italian.
Updated Feb 13, 2011 12:54 PM ET
Wayne Rooney provided the most astounding finale to a Manchester derby - then told United's ecstatic fans: "I owe you that."
There is no superlative that can do justice to the manner with which Rooney spun round, manipulated his body four feet into the air, then connected with Nani's cross with such power Joe Hart never had chance to move before it flashed into the top corner of his goal.
It will be replayed many years from now and the goal of the season prize might as well be parcelled up and sent to Old Trafford right now.
However, given Rooney's tepid form since he suffered the first of a succession of ankle injuries in Munich last March, the 25-year-old accepts there was an element of payback as well.
"The Manchester United fans deserve that from me," he said.
"I haven't had the best of seasons and I know how big this game is in Manchester, so I hope they enjoyed that.
"Now the aim is to keep scoring and help us get that title back."
In that regard, Rooney was somewhat more forceful than Sir Alex Ferguson.
Unlike his manager, who has spent the last few months emphasising just how crazy this season has been and is presumably far too experienced to take anything for granted, Rooney was prepared to look at United's imposing eight-point lead over their neighbours, check they also have a game in hand in a season which, for them, has 12 hurdles left, and discount them from the battle.
"It almost certainly rules City out of the title race unless a disaster happens," he said.
"We are the team to catch. We know how it feels to be top of the league and to get over that finish line.
"We have the experience with the manager and the players and we know what we have to do.
Sat., Feb. 12
Man United 2-1 Man City | RecapArsenal 2-0 Wolverhampton | Recap
Liverpool 1-1 Wigan Athletic | Recap
Blackburn 0-0 Newcastle | Recap
West Brom 3-3 West Ham | Recap
Birmingham 1-0 Stoke City | Recap
Blackpool 1-1 Aston Villa | Recap
Sunderland 1-2 Tottenham | Recap
Sun., Feb. 13
Bolton 2-0 Everton | Recap Mon., Feb. 14
Fulham vs. Chelsea "Hopefully within the next six or seven games, we can maintain that gap, or make it bigger."
For City, it is agony.
Evidently, the gap to United, which for so many years was a yawning chasm, has closed dramatically.
But they just cannot take that final step to bridge it completely.
Knocked out of the Carling Cup semi-final last season, when they were also beaten by two injury-time goals in the league.
They have now collected just a single point from two meetings this season when the difference between the sides has been wafer thin, if it has existed at all.
Little wonder Blues legend Mike Summerbee grew increasingly indignant in his role as a Sky Sports pundit as the post-match analysis concentrated on where United had gained the crucial edge.
"There were two teams out there?" he grumbled. "Show our chances.
"Manchester United have spent fortunes, don't worry about that. They gave us a game. We have created more chances than them.
"One day Manchester City will come here and take them."
There was a mixture of bitterness and resignation in Summerbee's voice, born of spending so long in the Red Devils shadow, a place, for this season at least, they are destined to remain.
"I don't think they were that unlucky," continued Rooney.
"They played OK. They moved the ball well at times. But they didn't hurt us. They didn't penetrate us.
"Other than the Silva chance in the first half, they didn't really have a clear chance. We had two or three.
"Based on that, we deserved to win."
Had David Silva converted the third minute chance given to him by Carlos Tevez, the outcome may well have been different.
The Blues looked more likely to claim victory once Edin Dzeko's effort had bounced in off Silva's back to level Nani's first-half opener.
Rooney had other ideas, with a goal even Ferguson struggled to describe.
"All the talk will be about the winner, and quite rightly so, because I have never seen a goal like that in my life," he said. "It was absolutely magnificent."
Even Roberto Mancini had to agree with that.
"When a fantastic player like Rooney scores a goal like that, you can only clap," said the Italian.
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Ferguson eyes summer swoop
Updated Feb 13, 2011 12:55 PM ET
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he is ready to open his chequebook next summer and add to his Red Devils squad.
The recent transfer window closed with the only addition to Manchester United's squad being Denmark goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard, whose move from Norwegian outfit Aalesund had been completed a few weeks earlier.
But Ferguson has revealed he made an additional move that ultimately did not come off.
And whilst he is not specifying who his target was, or what position they occupy on the field, it appears the deal has only been delayed rather than abandoned.
"Billionaire owners have introduced a new world that is turning football on its head," Ferguson told United Review.
"For our part, we cannot afford to sit in an ivory tower. We have to face the challenge.
"It is a healthy competition and it goes without saying that we will not shirk it and I don't think we are doing so.
"Although I let the transfer window shut without signing a new player, that is because we did our homework some time ago and didn't have to rush into any emergency buying.
"We had an interest in one player, and I thought we had a chance of bringing him in, but the other parties involved weren't ready and so we have put it away until the summer."
Updated Feb 13, 2011 12:55 PM ET
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he is ready to open his chequebook next summer and add to his Red Devils squad.
The recent transfer window closed with the only addition to Manchester United's squad being Denmark goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard, whose move from Norwegian outfit Aalesund had been completed a few weeks earlier.
But Ferguson has revealed he made an additional move that ultimately did not come off.
And whilst he is not specifying who his target was, or what position they occupy on the field, it appears the deal has only been delayed rather than abandoned.
"Billionaire owners have introduced a new world that is turning football on its head," Ferguson told United Review.
"For our part, we cannot afford to sit in an ivory tower. We have to face the challenge.
"It is a healthy competition and it goes without saying that we will not shirk it and I don't think we are doing so.
"Although I let the transfer window shut without signing a new player, that is because we did our homework some time ago and didn't have to rush into any emergency buying.
"We had an interest in one player, and I thought we had a chance of bringing him in, but the other parties involved weren't ready and so we have put it away until the summer."
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Bolton 2-0 Everton
Updated Feb 13, 2011 4:09 PM ET
Goals from Gary Cahill and Daniel Sturridge earned Bolton a 2-0 win at The Reebok that kept Everton looking nervously at the relegation zone.
Sturridge is looking like one of the signings of the January transfer window after grabbing his third goal in three games for the Trotters.
On loan from Chelsea, the England Under-21 striker put the match out of Everton's reach after Gary Cahill opened the scoring with his first goal of the season.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolverhampton | Recap
Liverpool 1-1 Wigan Athletic | Recap
Blackburn 0-0 Newcastle | Recap
West Brom 3-3 West Ham | Recap
Birmingham 1-0 Stoke City | Recap
Blackpool 1-1 Aston Villa | Recap
Sunderland 1-2 Tottenham | Recap
It was just the result the club were looking for after losing five out of their previous seven league games.
They got off to a perfect start with Cahill opening the scoring in the 10th minute following Stuart Holden's free-kick on the left flank.
He peeled away from his marker and saw his header come off Everton defender John Heitinga and wrong-footed Tim Howard.
Everton responded and should have equalised in 17th minute when Tim Cahill was left unmarked at the back post but volleyed wide following a cross from Leighton Baines.
Bolton were forced to make a switch in the 27th minute with defender Zat Knight unable to continue. He fell awkwardly after tangling with Victor Anichebe and was replaced by David Wheater.
The home side kept up the pressure and won a free-kick 20 yards out after Heitinga was adjudged to have tripped Sturridge as he tried to race forward.
Matt Taylor stepped up but only succeeded in drilling his effort into the arms of Howard.
Everton again found themselves on the back foot in the 39th minute when Holden delivered a free-kick to the back post. Howard, however, punched clear with Wheater waiting for any slip-ups.
Play switched down the other end and Cahill tested Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen from the edge of the area.
The home side were looking the brighter of the two teams at this stage and Taylor attempted to pick out Sturridge in the area a minute before half-time.
However Phil Neville was perfectly positioned and made the interception at the post to concede a corner, much to Everton's relief.
Bolton started the second half on the front foot and won a free-kick in the 51st minute after Sturridge was tripped by Marouane Fellaini.
The home of the best LIVE soccer and rugby awaits at FoxSoccer.tv -- don't miss a second of the action.
Taylor stepped up 20 yards out but his effort failed to breach the defensive wall.
Everton suddenly turned up the pace and Anichebe got into a good position in the area in the 56th minute only for Cahill to make a crucial block for Bolton.
Then Fellaini was set up by Seamus Coleman but he sent his effort high and wide of the woodwork.
Bolton manager Owen Coyle decided to freshen things up in the 59th minute by bringing on Lee Chung-yong for Taylor.
This was a good spell by Everton with Cahill beginning to find more room in and around the area. He then sent a snap shot over the bar five minutes later.
However Bolton went 2-0 ahead in the 67th minute with Sturridge's third goal in three matches since arriving on loan from Chelsea.
The striker smashed the ball into the corner from an acute angle following a flick-on from Lee.
Holden found the net for Bolton in the 80th minute after a back heel from Sturridge. However, referee Lee Probert ruled out the American's effort, the lruling that Sturridge had run the ball over the by-line.
Everton responded and substitute Jose Baxter rattled in a shot three minutes later that was parried by Jaaskelainen.
Johan Elmander almost added a third for Bolton two minutes after Kevin Davies' knock-on, only to see his effort go marginally wide of the target.
While Bolton were celebrating, these remain worrying times for Everton after only two wins in the league on the road.
Updated Feb 13, 2011 4:09 PM ET
Goals from Gary Cahill and Daniel Sturridge earned Bolton a 2-0 win at The Reebok that kept Everton looking nervously at the relegation zone.
Sturridge is looking like one of the signings of the January transfer window after grabbing his third goal in three games for the Trotters.
On loan from Chelsea, the England Under-21 striker put the match out of Everton's reach after Gary Cahill opened the scoring with his first goal of the season.
Sat., Feb. 12
Man United 2-1 Man City | RecapArsenal 2-0 Wolverhampton | Recap
Liverpool 1-1 Wigan Athletic | Recap
Blackburn 0-0 Newcastle | Recap
West Brom 3-3 West Ham | Recap
Birmingham 1-0 Stoke City | Recap
Blackpool 1-1 Aston Villa | Recap
Sunderland 1-2 Tottenham | Recap
Sun., Feb. 13
Bolton 2-0 Everton | Recap Mon., Feb. 14
Fulham vs. Chelsea It was just the result the club were looking for after losing five out of their previous seven league games.
They got off to a perfect start with Cahill opening the scoring in the 10th minute following Stuart Holden's free-kick on the left flank.
He peeled away from his marker and saw his header come off Everton defender John Heitinga and wrong-footed Tim Howard.
Everton responded and should have equalised in 17th minute when Tim Cahill was left unmarked at the back post but volleyed wide following a cross from Leighton Baines.
Bolton were forced to make a switch in the 27th minute with defender Zat Knight unable to continue. He fell awkwardly after tangling with Victor Anichebe and was replaced by David Wheater.
The home side kept up the pressure and won a free-kick 20 yards out after Heitinga was adjudged to have tripped Sturridge as he tried to race forward.
Matt Taylor stepped up but only succeeded in drilling his effort into the arms of Howard.
Everton again found themselves on the back foot in the 39th minute when Holden delivered a free-kick to the back post. Howard, however, punched clear with Wheater waiting for any slip-ups.
Play switched down the other end and Cahill tested Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen from the edge of the area.
The home side were looking the brighter of the two teams at this stage and Taylor attempted to pick out Sturridge in the area a minute before half-time.
However Phil Neville was perfectly positioned and made the interception at the post to concede a corner, much to Everton's relief.
Bolton started the second half on the front foot and won a free-kick in the 51st minute after Sturridge was tripped by Marouane Fellaini.
The home of the best LIVE soccer and rugby awaits at FoxSoccer.tv -- don't miss a second of the action.Taylor stepped up 20 yards out but his effort failed to breach the defensive wall.
Everton suddenly turned up the pace and Anichebe got into a good position in the area in the 56th minute only for Cahill to make a crucial block for Bolton.
Then Fellaini was set up by Seamus Coleman but he sent his effort high and wide of the woodwork.
Bolton manager Owen Coyle decided to freshen things up in the 59th minute by bringing on Lee Chung-yong for Taylor.
This was a good spell by Everton with Cahill beginning to find more room in and around the area. He then sent a snap shot over the bar five minutes later.
However Bolton went 2-0 ahead in the 67th minute with Sturridge's third goal in three matches since arriving on loan from Chelsea.
The striker smashed the ball into the corner from an acute angle following a flick-on from Lee.
Holden found the net for Bolton in the 80th minute after a back heel from Sturridge. However, referee Lee Probert ruled out the American's effort, the lruling that Sturridge had run the ball over the by-line.
Everton responded and substitute Jose Baxter rattled in a shot three minutes later that was parried by Jaaskelainen.
Johan Elmander almost added a third for Bolton two minutes after Kevin Davies' knock-on, only to see his effort go marginally wide of the target.
While Bolton were celebrating, these remain worrying times for Everton after only two wins in the league on the road.
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French Ligue One Roundup, Feb. 13
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Updated Feb 13, 2011 5:26 PM ET
Gervinho scored his 11th league goal of the season and set up another for Tulio De Melo as Lille beat Toulouse 2-0 to stay five points clear of Rennes at the top of the French league on Sunday.
Lille took the lead with a bizarre first-half goal, and Gervinho set up De Melo for an easy goal in the fourth minute of injury time.
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Lille coach Rudi Garcia's team is now unbeaten in the league for 13 matches, last losing to Marseille at home on Oct. 24.
Lille striker Moussa Sow's shot was pushed onto the post by goalkeeper Matthieu Valverde in the 38th minute, the loose ball breaking to Gervinho, whose scuffed, spinning strike was helped into the net by defender Adrian Javier Gunino.
The goal was credited to Gervinho, even though it looked like an own goal by the defender.
Sow almost made it 2-0 just before halftime when he burst into the penalty area and hit a low shot that Valverde kicked away near his right post.
With two minutes remaining, Sow - the French league's top scorer with 16 goals - broke free down the left before trying to curl the ball in for his 17th rather than passing to the unmarked Gervinho.
Gervinho showed how to be unselfish when the Ivory Coast forward cut through the Toulouse defense down the right and squared the ball to De Melo, who was lurking near the penalty spot and swept the ball home with seconds remaining.
Lille goalkeeper Mickael Landreau did not even have a shot to save in his 500th appearance in the French league.
Earlier, Victor Hugo Montano and Abdoulrazak Boukari scored in the second half as second-place Rennes beat Nice 2-0 at home to stay in second place - one point clear of third-place Marseille and two ahead of Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain.
"I've always said that there are five teams who have more room for error than us," Rennes coach Frederic Antonetti said of his team's chances of qualifying for the Champions League. "The objective is to be ready if one of them slips up."
Montano put Rennes ahead when he headed in veteran midfielder Jerome Leroy's chipped pass in the 52nd minute, and Boukari added another from the penalty spot shortly after.
"These youngsters are surprising. We have the youngest team in France, despite Jerome Leroy," Antonetti said. "They are imposing themselves more and more ... but I am still waiting to see them away from home."
Rennes is gaining in confidence after beating title rival Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 at home last weekend.
"We had to follow up our win against PSG and we did it well," Antonetti said. "We should have scored in the first half, but couldn't manage to despite having four or five chances."
But Antonetti is worried that away form will cost Rennes this season. The team has not won away since Sept. 25.
"We've had a real problem away from home," he said.
Gregory Pujol's ninth league goal of the season led Valenciennes to a 3-0 home win over Brest and moved it five points away from the relegation zone.
David Ducourtioux and Milan Bisevac scored the other goals to put Valenciennes 2-0 up at halftime.
Pujol struck in the 69th minute to equal his best-ever league tally.
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Updated Feb 13, 2011 5:26 PM ET
Gervinho scored his 11th league goal of the season and set up another for Tulio De Melo as Lille beat Toulouse 2-0 to stay five points clear of Rennes at the top of the French league on Sunday.
Lille took the lead with a bizarre first-half goal, and Gervinho set up De Melo for an easy goal in the fourth minute of injury time.
Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats Scores | Fixtures | Table | StatsLille coach Rudi Garcia's team is now unbeaten in the league for 13 matches, last losing to Marseille at home on Oct. 24.
Lille striker Moussa Sow's shot was pushed onto the post by goalkeeper Matthieu Valverde in the 38th minute, the loose ball breaking to Gervinho, whose scuffed, spinning strike was helped into the net by defender Adrian Javier Gunino.
The goal was credited to Gervinho, even though it looked like an own goal by the defender.
Sow almost made it 2-0 just before halftime when he burst into the penalty area and hit a low shot that Valverde kicked away near his right post.
With two minutes remaining, Sow - the French league's top scorer with 16 goals - broke free down the left before trying to curl the ball in for his 17th rather than passing to the unmarked Gervinho.
Gervinho showed how to be unselfish when the Ivory Coast forward cut through the Toulouse defense down the right and squared the ball to De Melo, who was lurking near the penalty spot and swept the ball home with seconds remaining.
Lille goalkeeper Mickael Landreau did not even have a shot to save in his 500th appearance in the French league.
Earlier, Victor Hugo Montano and Abdoulrazak Boukari scored in the second half as second-place Rennes beat Nice 2-0 at home to stay in second place - one point clear of third-place Marseille and two ahead of Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain.
"I've always said that there are five teams who have more room for error than us," Rennes coach Frederic Antonetti said of his team's chances of qualifying for the Champions League. "The objective is to be ready if one of them slips up."
Montano put Rennes ahead when he headed in veteran midfielder Jerome Leroy's chipped pass in the 52nd minute, and Boukari added another from the penalty spot shortly after.
"These youngsters are surprising. We have the youngest team in France, despite Jerome Leroy," Antonetti said. "They are imposing themselves more and more ... but I am still waiting to see them away from home."
Rennes is gaining in confidence after beating title rival Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 at home last weekend.
"We had to follow up our win against PSG and we did it well," Antonetti said. "We should have scored in the first half, but couldn't manage to despite having four or five chances."
But Antonetti is worried that away form will cost Rennes this season. The team has not won away since Sept. 25.
"We've had a real problem away from home," he said.
Gregory Pujol's ninth league goal of the season led Valenciennes to a 3-0 home win over Brest and moved it five points away from the relegation zone.
David Ducourtioux and Milan Bisevac scored the other goals to put Valenciennes 2-0 up at halftime.
Pujol struck in the 69th minute to equal his best-ever league tally.
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Gouffran out for three months with broken ankle
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Updated Feb 13, 2011 10:06 AM ET
Bordeaux winger Yoan Gouffran could miss the rest of the season after breaking his right ankle in Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Caen in the French league.
Bordeaux announced on its website on Sunday that Gouffran had a successful operation overnight and "will be out for a period of three months." The French league ends on May 29.
The 24-year-old Gouffran has scored two goals in 21 league games this season for ninth-placed Bordeau
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Updated Feb 13, 2011 10:06 AM ET
Bordeaux winger Yoan Gouffran could miss the rest of the season after breaking his right ankle in Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Caen in the French league.
Bordeaux announced on its website on Sunday that Gouffran had a successful operation overnight and "will be out for a period of three months." The French league ends on May 29.
The 24-year-old Gouffran has scored two goals in 21 league games this season for ninth-placed Bordeau
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Lille warn Blues over Hazard
Updated Feb 12, 2011 8:42 AM ET
Lille's vice general director Frederic Paquet has warned Chelsea not to approach star man Eden Hazard behind their backs.
The Blues have reportedly made an enquiry to the Ligue One club about the availability of the promising winger.
But Lille intend to keep hold of the 20-year-old Belgian international and have issued a hands off warning to the west London giants.
Pacquet, speaking to French sports paper L'Equipe, said: "If Chelsea directly contacted Eden, we would take offence at it. That is not the right custom.
"No one is up for sale - that is very clear. We want to keep as many players as possible."
Updated Feb 12, 2011 8:42 AM ET
Lille's vice general director Frederic Paquet has warned Chelsea not to approach star man Eden Hazard behind their backs.
The Blues have reportedly made an enquiry to the Ligue One club about the availability of the promising winger.
But Lille intend to keep hold of the 20-year-old Belgian international and have issued a hands off warning to the west London giants.
Pacquet, speaking to French sports paper L'Equipe, said: "If Chelsea directly contacted Eden, we would take offence at it. That is not the right custom.
"No one is up for sale - that is very clear. We want to keep as many players as possible."
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French Ligue One Roundup, Feb. 12
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Updated Feb 12, 2011 5:22 PM ET
Andre-Pierre Gignac scored twice in Marseille's 2-1 win over Sochaux on Saturday, helping his team snatch second place in the French league.
Marseille trails leader Lille by three points. Rennes could leapfrog Marseille into second place if it beats Nice on Sunday.
Ideye Brown headed in a cross from Maxime Josse to give Sochaux the lead in the 43rd minute and raise his tally to 10 goals this season.
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But Gignac equalized with a curling shot on the stroke of halftime before volleying home a cross from Loic Remy in the 70th for the winning goal.
Gignac might have turned a corner as he had only three league goals before this match.
The Marseille forward seemed to crumble under the weight of expectations when Mamadou Niang departed last year for Fenerbahce. Niang was the top striker in the league last season.
Also on Saturday, it was: Paris Saint-Germain 0, Lens 0; Saint-Etienne 1, Lyon 4; Arles-Avignon 0, Montpellier 0; Bordeaux 1, Caen 2; Monaco 3, Lorient 1; Nancy 3, Auxerre 1.
PSG could not find the net against lowly Lens and slipped to third place, one point behind Marseille.
Lyon came from behind to thrash Saint-Etienne and go level on points with PSG in the standings.
United States defender Carlos Bocanegra surged at the near post to flick home a free kick from Saint-Etienne forward Dimitri Payet in the 13th.
But Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis equalized with a spinning shot in the 28th after the Saint-Etienne defense poorly cleared a corner from France playmaker Yoann Gourcuff.
Lyon took the lead with an own-goal from Moustapha Bayal on a corner kick from Gourcuff. A header from Lyon centerback Cris bounced off Bayal and into the net in the 40th.
Brazilian winger Michel Bastos made it 3-1 by intercepting a headed pass from Bayal to slip the ball past goalkeeper Jeremie Janot in the 69th.
Jimmy Briand rounded off the scoring in injury time, tucking home a cross from Argentine forward Cesar Delgado.
Midfielder Romain Hamouma outjumped the Bordeaux defense to power home a header and give Caen the win in the last minute of regulation time.
Kandia Traore beat goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso on a counterattack led by Hamouma in the 10th.
But Anthony Modeste notched his ninth goal this season to equalize for Bordeaux in the 49th. Modeste was the second most prolific striker last season in the second division, scoring 20 goals for Angers.
Mid-table Bordeaux lost ground in the race for a European spot while Caen moved away from the relegation zone.
In Monaco, defender Igor Lolo opened the scoring for the hosts with a bouncing shot after three minutes.
France international Kevin Gameiro leveled for Lorient in the 22nd with a first-time strike into the top corner off a long pass from Morgan Amalfitano.
Thomas Mangani outpaced the Lorient defense to give Monaco a 2-1 lead by beating goalkeeper Fabien Audard in the 56th.
South Korea midfielder Park Chu-young sealed the win in stoppage time by converting a penalty kick after Lorient defender Jeremy Morel fouled Jean-Jacques Gosso.
In Nancy, Julien Feret put Nancy ahead with a half-volley after eight minutes.
Alexandre Cuvillier chested down a cross from Feret to fire home and double the lead in the 14th before Youssouf Hadji added a third goal from close range in the 47th.
Poland forward Ireneusz Jelen capitalized on a blunder from the Nancy defense to pull one back for Auxerre in the 55th.
On Sunday, Brest visits Valenciennes and Lille faces Toulouse.
http://msn.foxsports.com/rssfeeds Updated Feb 12, 2011 5:22 PM ET
Andre-Pierre Gignac scored twice in Marseille's 2-1 win over Sochaux on Saturday, helping his team snatch second place in the French league.
Marseille trails leader Lille by three points. Rennes could leapfrog Marseille into second place if it beats Nice on Sunday.
Ideye Brown headed in a cross from Maxime Josse to give Sochaux the lead in the 43rd minute and raise his tally to 10 goals this season.
Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats Scores | Fixtures | Table | StatsBut Gignac equalized with a curling shot on the stroke of halftime before volleying home a cross from Loic Remy in the 70th for the winning goal.
Gignac might have turned a corner as he had only three league goals before this match.
The Marseille forward seemed to crumble under the weight of expectations when Mamadou Niang departed last year for Fenerbahce. Niang was the top striker in the league last season.
Also on Saturday, it was: Paris Saint-Germain 0, Lens 0; Saint-Etienne 1, Lyon 4; Arles-Avignon 0, Montpellier 0; Bordeaux 1, Caen 2; Monaco 3, Lorient 1; Nancy 3, Auxerre 1.
PSG could not find the net against lowly Lens and slipped to third place, one point behind Marseille.
Lyon came from behind to thrash Saint-Etienne and go level on points with PSG in the standings.
United States defender Carlos Bocanegra surged at the near post to flick home a free kick from Saint-Etienne forward Dimitri Payet in the 13th.
But Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis equalized with a spinning shot in the 28th after the Saint-Etienne defense poorly cleared a corner from France playmaker Yoann Gourcuff.
Lyon took the lead with an own-goal from Moustapha Bayal on a corner kick from Gourcuff. A header from Lyon centerback Cris bounced off Bayal and into the net in the 40th.
Brazilian winger Michel Bastos made it 3-1 by intercepting a headed pass from Bayal to slip the ball past goalkeeper Jeremie Janot in the 69th.
Jimmy Briand rounded off the scoring in injury time, tucking home a cross from Argentine forward Cesar Delgado.
Midfielder Romain Hamouma outjumped the Bordeaux defense to power home a header and give Caen the win in the last minute of regulation time.
Kandia Traore beat goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso on a counterattack led by Hamouma in the 10th.
But Anthony Modeste notched his ninth goal this season to equalize for Bordeaux in the 49th. Modeste was the second most prolific striker last season in the second division, scoring 20 goals for Angers.
Mid-table Bordeaux lost ground in the race for a European spot while Caen moved away from the relegation zone.
In Monaco, defender Igor Lolo opened the scoring for the hosts with a bouncing shot after three minutes.
France international Kevin Gameiro leveled for Lorient in the 22nd with a first-time strike into the top corner off a long pass from Morgan Amalfitano.
Thomas Mangani outpaced the Lorient defense to give Monaco a 2-1 lead by beating goalkeeper Fabien Audard in the 56th.
South Korea midfielder Park Chu-young sealed the win in stoppage time by converting a penalty kick after Lorient defender Jeremy Morel fouled Jean-Jacques Gosso.
In Nancy, Julien Feret put Nancy ahead with a half-volley after eight minutes.
Alexandre Cuvillier chested down a cross from Feret to fire home and double the lead in the 14th before Youssouf Hadji added a third goal from close range in the 47th.
Poland forward Ireneusz Jelen capitalized on a blunder from the Nancy defense to pull one back for Auxerre in the 55th.
On Sunday, Brest visits Valenciennes and Lille faces Toulouse.
Rutashubanyuma
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French Ligue One Roundup, Feb. 6
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Updated Feb 6, 2011 2:17 PM ET
Lille missed the chance to move seven points clear at the top of the French league when it conceded a late equalizer in a 1-1 draw at Auxerre on Sunday.
Lille took the lead in the ninth minute when striker Moussa Sow got his league-leading 15th goal of the season with a brilliant bicycle kick from just inside the penalty area, but Poland defender Dariusz Dudka replied with just four minutes remaining.
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"It's two points lost. But we've come away empty-handed from here so many times in the past that it (feels like) a point gained," Lille coach Rudi Garcia said. "We know we're the team to beat because we're at the front, but we will have to learn from experiences like this."
Lille should have led by more late in the first half, but midfielder Eden Hazard chose to shoot from a narrow angle rather than passing to the unmarked Sow lurking inside the area.
Lille paid the price for that missed chance. Auxerre won a free kick near the left corner flag, and Anthony Le Tallec flicked it on perfectly for Dudka to slide the ball home at the far post.
The draw means Lille is five points ahead of Paris Saint-Germain and Rennes, who are second and third respectively.
Also, Moussa Sissoko scored both goals as Toulouse beat struggling Monaco 2-0 at home to climb up to seventh place.
Later Sunday, Lyon was playing at home against Bordeaux.
http://msn.foxsports.com/rssfeeds Updated Feb 6, 2011 2:17 PM ET
Lille missed the chance to move seven points clear at the top of the French league when it conceded a late equalizer in a 1-1 draw at Auxerre on Sunday.
Lille took the lead in the ninth minute when striker Moussa Sow got his league-leading 15th goal of the season with a brilliant bicycle kick from just inside the penalty area, but Poland defender Dariusz Dudka replied with just four minutes remaining.
Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats Scores | Fixtures | Table | Stats"It's two points lost. But we've come away empty-handed from here so many times in the past that it (feels like) a point gained," Lille coach Rudi Garcia said. "We know we're the team to beat because we're at the front, but we will have to learn from experiences like this."
Lille should have led by more late in the first half, but midfielder Eden Hazard chose to shoot from a narrow angle rather than passing to the unmarked Sow lurking inside the area.
Lille paid the price for that missed chance. Auxerre won a free kick near the left corner flag, and Anthony Le Tallec flicked it on perfectly for Dudka to slide the ball home at the far post.
The draw means Lille is five points ahead of Paris Saint-Germain and Rennes, who are second and third respectively.
Also, Moussa Sissoko scored both goals as Toulouse beat struggling Monaco 2-0 at home to climb up to seventh place.
Later Sunday, Lyon was playing at home against Bordeaux.
Rutashubanyuma
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Wenger hoping for good Nasri news
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Updated Feb 14, 2011 7:26 AM ET
Arsene Wenger is hoping Arsenal's medical staff give him a big boost by declaring Samir Nasri fit for the Champions League visit of Barcelona.
The France playmaker has been the Gunners' form player this season, playing the best football of his four seasons in England.
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He is the club's top scorer in all competitions with 14 and would significantly raise their hopes of toppling the side Wenger rates as the best in the world.
Nasri suffered a hamstring injury in the FA Cup fifth round match against Huddersfield and has been on the sidelines for the last two weeks.
It was thought he was at least another week away from fitness but Wenger revealed he was surprisingly in contention for the round-of-16 home leg against Barca on Wednesday night.
Wenger would be loathe to take any undue risks with the player but knows from their meeting in last season's quarter-finals of the same competition with the Spanish champions that a positive result in the home leg is imperative.
A 2-2 draw at the Emirates was not good enough last time, with Barca comfortable winners at the Nou Camp.
"I would say he has a chance," said Wenger. "He has tests, one on Monday and one on Tuesday. I will not take a crazy gamble but physically he has worked very hard; physically he is ready. It is just if there is a risk of a setback or not."
Asked if the 23-year-old was eager to face the La Liga giants, Wenger added: "Who isn't? But we have the Carling Cup final too... we have so many big games it is important not to be stupid as well."
Wenger opted to ease Robin van Persie back from his injury problems and has been rewarded in some style by the Dutch striker.
He has now scored 11 times since the turn of the year and Wenger believes his rich vein of form could be important to Arsenal in midweek.
"It took him some time to get back to good form. We used him well, not rushing him back," he said.
"He was getting back to his best and he is at his best.
"We go into the Barcelona game in better shape than last season and Robin is part of that. We had many uncertainties last year and now the team has more confidence. We have matured better. We can compete better with them technically."
18 comments »
Updated Feb 14, 2011 7:26 AM ET
Arsene Wenger is hoping Arsenal's medical staff give him a big boost by declaring Samir Nasri fit for the Champions League visit of Barcelona.
The France playmaker has been the Gunners' form player this season, playing the best football of his four seasons in England.
Tue., Feb. 15
AC Milan vs. Tottenham | PreviewValencia vs. Schalke | Preview
Wed., Feb. 16
Arsenal vs. BarcelonaAS Roma vs. Shakhtar Donetsk
Tue., Feb. 22
Copenhagen vs. ChelseaLyon vs. Real Madrid
Wed., Feb. 23
Marseille vs. Manchester UnitedInter Milan vs. Bayern Munich CL Scores | Tables | Fixtures
He is the club's top scorer in all competitions with 14 and would significantly raise their hopes of toppling the side Wenger rates as the best in the world.
Nasri suffered a hamstring injury in the FA Cup fifth round match against Huddersfield and has been on the sidelines for the last two weeks.
It was thought he was at least another week away from fitness but Wenger revealed he was surprisingly in contention for the round-of-16 home leg against Barca on Wednesday night.
Wenger would be loathe to take any undue risks with the player but knows from their meeting in last season's quarter-finals of the same competition with the Spanish champions that a positive result in the home leg is imperative.
A 2-2 draw at the Emirates was not good enough last time, with Barca comfortable winners at the Nou Camp.
"I would say he has a chance," said Wenger. "He has tests, one on Monday and one on Tuesday. I will not take a crazy gamble but physically he has worked very hard; physically he is ready. It is just if there is a risk of a setback or not."
Asked if the 23-year-old was eager to face the La Liga giants, Wenger added: "Who isn't? But we have the Carling Cup final too... we have so many big games it is important not to be stupid as well."
Wenger opted to ease Robin van Persie back from his injury problems and has been rewarded in some style by the Dutch striker.
He has now scored 11 times since the turn of the year and Wenger believes his rich vein of form could be important to Arsenal in midweek.
"It took him some time to get back to good form. We used him well, not rushing him back," he said.
"He was getting back to his best and he is at his best.
"We go into the Barcelona game in better shape than last season and Robin is part of that. We had many uncertainties last year and now the team has more confidence. We have matured better. We can compete better with them technically."
Rutashubanyuma
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Champions League resumes with tasty last-16 games
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Updated Feb 14, 2011 7:46 AM ET
The Champions League resumes this week at the last-16 stage, with Arsenal and Barcelona ready to put on a show for the football purists and AC Milan in impressive shape ahead of the visit of injury-hit Tottenham.
Arsenal's Emirates Stadium will play host to arguably the two most easy-on-the-eye teams in European football, in a rematch of last season's quarterfinal that Barcelona won 6-3 on aggregate.
The Spanish giants, who have won the competition three times, are among the favorites to land the trophy again and will look to Lionel Messi, the team's leading scorer domestically and in Europe, to spark their potent attack on Wednesday.
"We play certainly the best team in the world next so it is important to go in strong psychologically," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said after a 2-0 win over Wolverhampton on Saturday that kept his team second in the Premier League behind Manchester United.
Tottenham is set to be without star winger Gareth Bale and playmaker Rafael van der Vaart on Tuesday when it returns to the San Siro, where the London side has already visited in this season's competition.
On that occasion, Spurs lost 4-3 to Inter Milan in a group match despite a stunning second-half hat trick by Bale, who has been sidelined recently with a back injury.
Milan, a seven-time European champion, consolidated its lead in the Italian league with a 4-0 thrashing of Parma at the weekend and is unbeaten in 10 games in all competitions.
"We will need courage, concentration and quality to get through," veteran Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf said. "This result (against Parma) means we are well prepared."
Valencia hosts Schalke and Shakhtar Donetsk visits Roma in this week's other first legs, with the other four two-legged series starting next week.
Arsenal was taught a lesson by Barca last season. Lucky to escape with a 2-2 draw from a thrilling first leg at home, the Gunners were smashed 4-1 in the return match - with Messi scoring all four goals in a sensational individual performance.
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Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich CL Scores | Tables | Fixtures
The Argentina playmaker has already scored six times in this season's competition, as well as 24 goals in the Spanish league.
"When you play a team like Barcelona, you need all 11 to be at their best," said Wenger, whose side lost 2-1 to the Catalans in the 2006 Champions League final.
"For us it is important we play with belief. We are not favorites in this game but I think we can do it."
Barcelona comes into the game off a 1-1 draw at Sporting Gijon, a result that ended the team's record of consecutive league wins at 16.
The champions had previously outscored their opponents 60-6 through the historic run. They had also won all their away games this season.
"Now we can see the merit of 16 consecutive wins," coach Pep Guardiola said. "Now we have to recover so we can play well in London."
Guardiola should have all his regular starters available after resting Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets and France left back Eric Abidal on Saturday. The only question mark is whether captain Carles Puyol recovers from a knee injury in time.
Milan is set to be without injured midfielders Kevin-Prince Boateng, Massimo Ambrosini and Andrea Pirlo against Spurs, so Brazil center back Thiago Silva may play out of position further upfield.
"Playing Thiago Silva in central midfield on Tuesday is a real possibility," Milan coach Massimo Allegri said.
Spurs have injury problems on their own, with central midfielders Luka Modric and Tom Huddlestone expected to miss out. The probable loss of Bale and Van der Vaart (calf) would hit the side the hardest, however.
Despite the caliber of the opposition, manager Harry Redknapp has faith in his team, which topped its group ahead of Inter on its debut in the competition and is fourth in the Premier League after three victories.
"Milan are a dangerous side. They have got some real quality players. The front three - Robinho, (Alexandre) Pato, (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic - have all got goals in them. They are top-class players," Redknapp said.
"It will be a big test, but I think we have got a big chance."
Two-time runner-up Valencia, which is in the Champions League positions in the Spanish league after seven wins in its last eight matches, may be without injured forward Juanma Mata for the first leg against Schalke.
Former Real Madrid striker Raul Gonzalez makes his first return to Spain after his move to Schalke last summer. Raul scored 12 goals against Valencia at the Mestalla stadium when he was with Madrid.
Defenders Philippe Mexes and Nicolas Burdisso are likely to return to Roma's starting lineup against Ukrainian champion Shakhtar after missing a 2-0 defeat by Napoli on Saturday through suspension.
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Updated Feb 14, 2011 7:46 AM ET
The Champions League resumes this week at the last-16 stage, with Arsenal and Barcelona ready to put on a show for the football purists and AC Milan in impressive shape ahead of the visit of injury-hit Tottenham.
Arsenal's Emirates Stadium will play host to arguably the two most easy-on-the-eye teams in European football, in a rematch of last season's quarterfinal that Barcelona won 6-3 on aggregate.
The Spanish giants, who have won the competition three times, are among the favorites to land the trophy again and will look to Lionel Messi, the team's leading scorer domestically and in Europe, to spark their potent attack on Wednesday.
"We play certainly the best team in the world next so it is important to go in strong psychologically," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said after a 2-0 win over Wolverhampton on Saturday that kept his team second in the Premier League behind Manchester United.
Tottenham is set to be without star winger Gareth Bale and playmaker Rafael van der Vaart on Tuesday when it returns to the San Siro, where the London side has already visited in this season's competition.
On that occasion, Spurs lost 4-3 to Inter Milan in a group match despite a stunning second-half hat trick by Bale, who has been sidelined recently with a back injury.
Milan, a seven-time European champion, consolidated its lead in the Italian league with a 4-0 thrashing of Parma at the weekend and is unbeaten in 10 games in all competitions.
"We will need courage, concentration and quality to get through," veteran Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf said. "This result (against Parma) means we are well prepared."
Valencia hosts Schalke and Shakhtar Donetsk visits Roma in this week's other first legs, with the other four two-legged series starting next week.
Arsenal was taught a lesson by Barca last season. Lucky to escape with a 2-2 draw from a thrilling first leg at home, the Gunners were smashed 4-1 in the return match - with Messi scoring all four goals in a sensational individual performance.
Tue., Feb. 15
AC Milan vs. Tottenham | PreviewValencia vs. Schalke | Preview
Wed., Feb. 16
Arsenal vs. BarcelonaAS Roma vs. Shakhtar Donetsk
Tue., Feb. 22
Copenhagen vs. ChelseaLyon vs. Real Madrid
Wed., Feb. 23
Marseille vs. Manchester UnitedInter Milan vs. Bayern Munich CL Scores | Tables | Fixtures
The Argentina playmaker has already scored six times in this season's competition, as well as 24 goals in the Spanish league.
"When you play a team like Barcelona, you need all 11 to be at their best," said Wenger, whose side lost 2-1 to the Catalans in the 2006 Champions League final.
"For us it is important we play with belief. We are not favorites in this game but I think we can do it."
Barcelona comes into the game off a 1-1 draw at Sporting Gijon, a result that ended the team's record of consecutive league wins at 16.
The champions had previously outscored their opponents 60-6 through the historic run. They had also won all their away games this season.
"Now we can see the merit of 16 consecutive wins," coach Pep Guardiola said. "Now we have to recover so we can play well in London."
Guardiola should have all his regular starters available after resting Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets and France left back Eric Abidal on Saturday. The only question mark is whether captain Carles Puyol recovers from a knee injury in time.
Milan is set to be without injured midfielders Kevin-Prince Boateng, Massimo Ambrosini and Andrea Pirlo against Spurs, so Brazil center back Thiago Silva may play out of position further upfield.
"Playing Thiago Silva in central midfield on Tuesday is a real possibility," Milan coach Massimo Allegri said.
Spurs have injury problems on their own, with central midfielders Luka Modric and Tom Huddlestone expected to miss out. The probable loss of Bale and Van der Vaart (calf) would hit the side the hardest, however.
Despite the caliber of the opposition, manager Harry Redknapp has faith in his team, which topped its group ahead of Inter on its debut in the competition and is fourth in the Premier League after three victories.
"Milan are a dangerous side. They have got some real quality players. The front three - Robinho, (Alexandre) Pato, (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic - have all got goals in them. They are top-class players," Redknapp said.
"It will be a big test, but I think we have got a big chance."
Two-time runner-up Valencia, which is in the Champions League positions in the Spanish league after seven wins in its last eight matches, may be without injured forward Juanma Mata for the first leg against Schalke.
Former Real Madrid striker Raul Gonzalez makes his first return to Spain after his move to Schalke last summer. Raul scored 12 goals against Valencia at the Mestalla stadium when he was with Madrid.
Defenders Philippe Mexes and Nicolas Burdisso are likely to return to Roma's starting lineup against Ukrainian champion Shakhtar after missing a 2-0 defeat by Napoli on Saturday through suspension.
Rutashubanyuma
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AC Milan and Tottenham struggling for midfielders
Updated Feb 14, 2011 7:49 AM ET
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri and Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp both have major injury problems in the midfield ahead of Tuesday's Champions League last-16 match.
Milan is without captain Massimo Ambrosini, playmaker Andrea Pirlo and Kevin-Prince Boateng, while Tottenham is likely to play Wilson Palacios and Sandro because they are the only fit central midfielders available.
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Tottenham winger Gareth Bale is the main absentee. The Wales international, who scored a hat trick at the San Siro against Inter Milan in the group stage, is recovering from a back injury.
"I'd like to scare Milan a bit and say he's available, but he's not. He's struggling to get over the back injury," Redknapp said. "They (the medical staff) don't see too much of a problem there, nothing that will keep him out too long.
"Gareth is taking a bit longer to heal. (But) we'll make sure it's right because he's a young lad and has a great future in front of him."
Redknapp will also be without Tom Huddlestone and Luka Modric through injury, while there are doubts over Rafael van der Vaart's condition and England international Jermaine Jenas is suspended.
Niko Kranjcar is expected to fill Bale's space on the left and he hit the winner in Spurs' 2-1 win over Sunderland on Saturday, his second winning goal in consecutive matches.
"Niko popped up with another fantastic goal and it is something he practices after training everyday," Redknapp said. "He's a top, top player."
Allegri can at least count on the form of the experienced Clarence Seedorf to provide direction to his midfield, which is likely to feature defender Thiago Silva in a holding role.
Seedorf - the only player to win three Champions League titles with three different teams - set Milan on its way to a 4-0 win at home to Parma on Saturday with the first goal of the game.
"Seedorf is an incomparable player and he is wonderfully elegant," Silva said. "I'm not really happy about playing central midfield, but there is the need for me to do so and so I will do it.
"In truth I'm happier playing alongside Alessandro Nesta in defense, but I am ready to put myself at the service of the team and play where the coach wants me to."
Milan is in confident mood going into the match as the win over Parma continued its strong run of form, extending the Serie A leader's unbeaten run to 10 games in all competitions.
"This is the best preparation for Tuesday's match," Seedorf said. "It is the Champions League last 16 and we know who is in or out.
"We will need courage, concentration and quality to get through. This result means we are well prepared both in how we are playing and with our team spirit."
Updated Feb 14, 2011 7:49 AM ET
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri and Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp both have major injury problems in the midfield ahead of Tuesday's Champions League last-16 match.
Milan is without captain Massimo Ambrosini, playmaker Andrea Pirlo and Kevin-Prince Boateng, while Tottenham is likely to play Wilson Palacios and Sandro because they are the only fit central midfielders available.
Tue., Feb. 15
AC Milan vs. Tottenham | PreviewValencia vs. Schalke | Preview
Wed., Feb. 16
Arsenal vs. BarcelonaAS Roma vs. Shakhtar Donetsk
Tue., Feb. 22
Copenhagen vs. ChelseaLyon vs. Real Madrid
Wed., Feb. 23
Marseille vs. Manchester UnitedInter Milan vs. Bayern Munich CL Scores | Tables | Fixtures
Tottenham winger Gareth Bale is the main absentee. The Wales international, who scored a hat trick at the San Siro against Inter Milan in the group stage, is recovering from a back injury.
"I'd like to scare Milan a bit and say he's available, but he's not. He's struggling to get over the back injury," Redknapp said. "They (the medical staff) don't see too much of a problem there, nothing that will keep him out too long.
"Gareth is taking a bit longer to heal. (But) we'll make sure it's right because he's a young lad and has a great future in front of him."
Redknapp will also be without Tom Huddlestone and Luka Modric through injury, while there are doubts over Rafael van der Vaart's condition and England international Jermaine Jenas is suspended.
Niko Kranjcar is expected to fill Bale's space on the left and he hit the winner in Spurs' 2-1 win over Sunderland on Saturday, his second winning goal in consecutive matches.
"Niko popped up with another fantastic goal and it is something he practices after training everyday," Redknapp said. "He's a top, top player."
Allegri can at least count on the form of the experienced Clarence Seedorf to provide direction to his midfield, which is likely to feature defender Thiago Silva in a holding role.
Seedorf - the only player to win three Champions League titles with three different teams - set Milan on its way to a 4-0 win at home to Parma on Saturday with the first goal of the game.
"Seedorf is an incomparable player and he is wonderfully elegant," Silva said. "I'm not really happy about playing central midfield, but there is the need for me to do so and so I will do it.
"In truth I'm happier playing alongside Alessandro Nesta in defense, but I am ready to put myself at the service of the team and play where the coach wants me to."
Milan is in confident mood going into the match as the win over Parma continued its strong run of form, extending the Serie A leader's unbeaten run to 10 games in all competitions.
"This is the best preparation for Tuesday's match," Seedorf said. "It is the Champions League last 16 and we know who is in or out.
"We will need courage, concentration and quality to get through. This result means we are well prepared both in how we are playing and with our team spirit."
Rutashubanyuma
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Theo braced for Barca battle
2 comments »
Updated Feb 14, 2011 12:01 PM ET
Theo Walcott rates Barcelona's visit to Arsenal on Wednesday night as the biggest game of the season.
The England winger was part of the Gunners side who were dumped out of the Champions League by the Spanish giants last season and is desperate to return the favour.
Walcott made a big impact when the sides met in the quarter-final first leg at the Emirates last year, scoring within two minutes of coming on as a second-half substitute.
Having gone 2-0 behind and been outclassed in the first half, Walcott's goal revitalised Arsenal, who went on to draw the game through a Cesc Fabregas penalty.
A 4-1 defeat at the Nou Camp ended their hopes of progressing but Walcott thinks Arsene Wenger's side are a much improved prospect this time around.
"We're looking forward to it, it's going to be a great, great battle," he said.
"It's one of the games you want to play in and hopefully the result can be different from last year.
"I believe we can do much better than last season; we can't do worse to be honest," he said.
"It's going to be an open game but these days when we lose the ball we try to get it back quicker.
Valencia vs. Schalke | Preview
AS Roma vs. Shakhtar Donetsk
Lyon vs. Real Madrid
Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich CL Scores | Tables | Fixtures
"That's what we did against Chelsea and Manchester City and hopefully we can take that into the Barcelona game because it's a massive one this season, the biggest one I'm going to play in."
Reflecting on Barca's Emirates visit last year, Walcott was quick to recall his 69th-minute goal and warned he was looking to have an even greater effect on proceedings this time.
"As a substitute you want to make a reaction straight away and I think I surprised them with my pace," he added to Arsenal TV.
"There's only so long they could last for, they lasted about 70 minutes but they couldn't last 90 minutes.
"I think I surprised Maxwell, came up behind him and tucked it away. That inspired us to get the result we wanted and I want to be doing that from the starting line-up now."
Key to Arsenal's hopes of toppling the Primera Liga champions will be the potency of Robin van Persie.
The Holland striker has made up for lost time since returning to the side after an all too familiar injury lay-off, scoring 11 times since the turn of the year.
He also has four in his last two matches, against Newcastle and Wolves, and Walcott is delighted to have him back.
"It's great to see him back fit," said Walcott.
"He's a great player and I link up well with him. He's banging in the goals now and making up for the time he missed.
"He's a dream to play with."
2 comments »
Updated Feb 14, 2011 12:01 PM ET
Theo Walcott rates Barcelona's visit to Arsenal on Wednesday night as the biggest game of the season.
The England winger was part of the Gunners side who were dumped out of the Champions League by the Spanish giants last season and is desperate to return the favour.
Walcott made a big impact when the sides met in the quarter-final first leg at the Emirates last year, scoring within two minutes of coming on as a second-half substitute.
Having gone 2-0 behind and been outclassed in the first half, Walcott's goal revitalised Arsenal, who went on to draw the game through a Cesc Fabregas penalty.
A 4-1 defeat at the Nou Camp ended their hopes of progressing but Walcott thinks Arsene Wenger's side are a much improved prospect this time around.
"We're looking forward to it, it's going to be a great, great battle," he said.
"It's one of the games you want to play in and hopefully the result can be different from last year.
"I believe we can do much better than last season; we can't do worse to be honest," he said.
"It's going to be an open game but these days when we lose the ball we try to get it back quicker.
Tue., Feb. 15
AC Milan vs. Tottenham | PreviewValencia vs. Schalke | Preview
Wed., Feb. 16
Arsenal vs. BarcelonaAS Roma vs. Shakhtar Donetsk
Tue., Feb. 22
Copenhagen vs. ChelseaLyon vs. Real Madrid
Wed., Feb. 23
Marseille vs. Manchester UnitedInter Milan vs. Bayern Munich CL Scores | Tables | Fixtures
"That's what we did against Chelsea and Manchester City and hopefully we can take that into the Barcelona game because it's a massive one this season, the biggest one I'm going to play in."
Reflecting on Barca's Emirates visit last year, Walcott was quick to recall his 69th-minute goal and warned he was looking to have an even greater effect on proceedings this time.
"As a substitute you want to make a reaction straight away and I think I surprised them with my pace," he added to Arsenal TV.
"There's only so long they could last for, they lasted about 70 minutes but they couldn't last 90 minutes.
"I think I surprised Maxwell, came up behind him and tucked it away. That inspired us to get the result we wanted and I want to be doing that from the starting line-up now."
Key to Arsenal's hopes of toppling the Primera Liga champions will be the potency of Robin van Persie.
The Holland striker has made up for lost time since returning to the side after an all too familiar injury lay-off, scoring 11 times since the turn of the year.
He also has four in his last two matches, against Newcastle and Wolves, and Walcott is delighted to have him back.
"It's great to see him back fit," said Walcott.
"He's a great player and I link up well with him. He's banging in the goals now and making up for the time he missed.
"He's a dream to play with."
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