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Twanga Pepeta kufanya mambo leo Tabata


Na Mwandishi Wetu

Bendi ya muziki wa dansi ya African Stars 'Twanga Pepeta' imewaomba wapenzi wao kujitoteza kwa wingi leo usiku kwenye onesho lao la Mkesha wa Krismasi, litakalofanyika katika Ukumbi wa Da' West Park Tabata.Akizungumza
Dar es Salaam jana Mkurugenzi wa bendi hiyo Asha Baraka alisema onesho hilo litakuwa la aina yake, kwani mashabiki wa Twanga Pepeta pia watatumia fursa hiyo kuwafariji wanamuziki wa Twanga Pepeta kwa kifo cha mwanamuziki mwenzao, Abuu Semhando aliyefariki Jumamosi iliyopita kwa ajali ya pikipiki.

"Tunawaomba wapenzi wetu wajitokeze kwa wingi, ili tujumuike pamoja kama familia ya African Stars Entertainment," Asha Baraka alisema.

"Hili litakuwa onesho letu la kwanza la wazi, tangu tumzike Semhando. Tumeandaa burudani nzuri kwa wapenzi wetu kwa ajili ya Krismasi," alisema na kuongeza kuwa bendi hiyo kwa mara ya kwanza itatambulisha rasmi nyimbo zake mpya walizomshirikisha mwanamuziki nguli kutoka Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasi ya Congo (DRC), Bozi Boziana.

"Tutaonesha video ya nyimbo hizo kwa mashabiki wetu ukumbini, ikiwa ni zawadi ya Krismasi kwa mashabiki wetu," aliongeza.

Pia amesema rapa wa bendi hiyo Saulo Furgasom atazindua ‘rapu' yake mpya kwenye onyesho hilo iliyoandaliwa na Bob Entertainment na kudhaminiwa na kinywaji cha Konyagi na Freditto Entertainment.

Naye mratibu wa onesho hilo Joseph Kapinga, alisema burudani hiyo itakuwa ya kipekee na maalumu kwa kusherekea mkesha wa Krismasi ambapo zawadi mbalimbali zitatolewa kwa maashabiki."Twanga Pepeta watapiga albamu zao zote. Matumaini yetu ni kuwa watu watapata burudani ya kutosha kuliko siku nyingine," alisema Kapinga.

Alisema mashabiki hao watapata uhondo wa nyimbo zilizopo katika albamu yao ya Mwana Dar es Salaam ambazo ni Shida ni Darasa, Rafiki Adui, Mwisho wa Ubaya ni Aibu, Nazi Haivunji Jiwe, Mwana Dar es Salaam iliyobeba jina la albamu na Sitaki Tena.

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

Real Madrid yaiadhibu Levante 8-0


BARCELONA, Hispania

WACHEZAJI Cristiano Ronaldo na Karim Benzema, usiku wa kuamkia jana waliibuka mashujaa baada ya kuifungia Real Madrid mabao matatu kila mmoja yaliyoifanya timu hiyo, kuibuka na ushindi mnono wa mabao 8-0 dhidi ya
Levante katika raundi ya 16 ya michuano ya Kombe la Copa del Rey, 'Kombe la Mfalme'.

Kwa mabao hayo kwa sasa Ronaldo, amefikisha mabao 25 katika mechi 24 alizoichezea Real Madrid katika michuano yote ya msimu huu.

Mbali na wachezaji hao, wachezaji Mesut Oezil na Pedro Leon waliifungia mabao moja moja.

kikosi hicho kinachonolewa na kocha Jose Mourinho, katika mchezo huo wa kwanza kuucheza kwenye Uwanja wa Santiago Bernebeu, tangu kilipoonesha kiwango cha chini na kufanikiwa kuondoka na ushindi wa bao 1-0 katika mechi ya ligi dhidi ya Sevilla, iliyofanyika mwishoni mwa wiki iliyopita.

"Matokeo ni mazuri kwa upande wetu na mashabiki wetu, kwa sababu wanapenda kuona soka na ninaamni tumelionesha," alisema Benzema, ambaye katika kampeni zake amefikisha mabao tisa.

Katika mtanange huo, Benzema alipachika bao la kwanza dakika ya sita baada ya kuipenya ngome na kisha kumchambua mlinda mlango, Gustavo Munua kwa shuti hafifu na Oezil akaipatia Real Madrid bao la pili, baada ya Ronaldo kunasa mpira karibu na mstari wa katikati ya uwanja na kisha kukimbia nao kabla ya kumpasia Mjerumani huyo, ambaye alikuwa karibu na eneo la penalti.

Benzema aliipatia bao la tatu Real Madrid, dakika ya 32 baada ya kuingia eneo la hatari na kumalizia pasi aliyomegewa na mchezaji Angel Di Maria, kabla ya Mfaransa huyo kumtengea pasi Ronaldo, akiwa ndani ya yadi sita kabla ya timu hizo kwenda mapumziko.

Alikuwa tena Benzema aliyemtungua Munua dakika ya 70, baada ya kupokea pande safi kutoka kwa Di Maria kabla ya Ronaldo, kupachika mabao mengine dakika ya 72 na 74 huku, Leonel Messi akishindilia msumari wa mwisho dakika ya 90.

Baada ya mchezo huo, Mourinho alisema ameridhika na jinsi Benzema alivyocheza kuliko alivyofunga mabao.

"Alikuwa akifanya jitihada za kuwasaidia wenzake na kuhakikisha anautafuta mpira, pindi alipokuwa akiupoteza," alisema kocha huyo Mreno.

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

Arsenal


Arsene Wenger set for fight with FA over Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere

Arsene Wenger has put himself on a collision course with the FA after making it clear that he will oppose Jack Wilshere's inclusion in the England Under-21 team for next summer's European Championship.

In demand: Jack Wilshere has prospered for Arsenal and England Under-21s Photo: ACTION IMAGES







By Jeremy Wilson 7:00AM GMT 24 Dec 2010 Jeremy's Twitter


Sir Trevor Brooking, the FA's director of football development, has indicated that he wants Wilshere included in Stuart Pearce's under-21 squad, but Wenger believes it is counterproductive to select players who are already senior internationals.

The Arsenal manager is also adamant that Wilshere will need a proper rest next summer if, as seems certain, he plays more than 40 games this season.

"What the English FA have to decide is whether the player is in the first team or in the under-21s," said Wenger. "I don't believe a player ever performs when he has been in a top team and comes back down to the under-21s. It is always a bad decision. It's because you feel you go down. You take any player who plays at Arsenal in the Premier League, put him down to Division One, you would be disappointed by him."

Wenger also clashed with Pearce in 2009 when Theo Walcott was selected for both teams, against his wishes. Walcott then had a horribly disjointed season with injury.

With Wilshere only establishing himself in the Arsenal first team this season, Wenger is sensitive to the impact of him then playing in a two-week tournament in June.



"We have to sit down at the end of the season and see how many games Wilshere has played before considering that he plays in the under-21s," he said. "Playing with the first team until June and then playing in the under-21s – that will not work. Every time he plays he has to put 200 per cent in to win the ball. So, when a guy like him has played 40 games in the season, he needs a rest."
Wilshere has already played 21 times this season for Arsenal, as well as twice for the under-21s and once for the senior England team.
Meanwhile, Wilshere's off-field conduct was placed under the spotlight after a court heard that he verbally provoked a brawl between two groups of friends which resulted in Kim Plested breaking her elbow.
Dejan Mladenovic, the defence counsel for one of Wilshere's friends, told Isleworth Crown Court: "I should say that Mr Wilshere, who received a caution from police in relation to the affray – on the Crown's case, it's accepted he was the individual who went outside on the road and spoke to Miss Plested and her boyfriend and made certain remarks to both of them. It was those remarks that initially sparked off this altercation."
Wilshere's spokesman has said that the Arsenal midfielder acted as a peacemaker in the incident.
Although Arsenal are not planning any major signings during the transfer window, Wenger admitted that he would at least consider the possibility of David Beckham joining on a short-term loan. "Of course I would consider signing Beckham but it's in an area where we do not need players.
"I love David Beckham and when he was here training he was a fantastic example.''
Wenger has also ruled out the January departures of Nicklas Bendtner or Denilson, who are struggling for first-team football and attracting interest from Europe.

 

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Hleb hauled in front of national coach to answer for poor form

Published 23:00 23/12/10 By James Nursey

Alexander Hleb's dire form has Belarus coach Bernd Stange so worried he visited Birmingham to probe the midfielder personally.
Hleb, 29, was regarded as one of the Premier League's top attacking talents during his spell at Arsenal from 2005-2008.
The Gunners then sold him for around £13million to Spanish giants Barcelona.
But the Belarusian international, capped 53 times, failed to establish himself at Barca and was loaned out to his old club Stuttgart last term.

This season he has been farmed out to Brum, who are paying a significant chunk of his £75,000-a-week wages.
But Hleb has struggled with injuries and fitness at St Andrews under boss Alex McLeish, who dropped him last month.
Belarus coach Stange has also been very unimpressed after Hleb featured in just two of Belarus' four Euro 2012 qualifiers.
Belarusian FA spokesperson Andrei Chepa told Mirrorsport: "Our head coach Bernd Stange went to Birmingham recently.
"He talked to Alex McLeish and they also had a meeting together with the player.
"It was mainly about Hleb's physical condition.
"Mr Stange wanted to know what his fitness was like and why he had been playing so bad."
Mirrorsport understands concerns were raised about Hleb's lifestyle and professionalism.
The ace has not played since tearing a hamstring in the 1-1 draw at Fulham at the end of November.
Hleb is poised to return to full training after successful rehab and needs to play well in the second half of the season to restore his reputation.
He made over 100 appearances for the Gunners and has admitted with hindsight he should never have left.
Even his glamorous wife Anastasia Kosenkova, an ex-singer of the Belarusian pop group 'Topless', reckons he should not have quit Arsenal.
He was part of Barca's squad which won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League in 2008/2009.
But he was a peripheral player and returned on loan last season to former club Stuttgart, where he fell out with coach Christian Gross.
This term he has ended up at St Andrews in a bid to gain regular football to rebuild his fragile confidence.
But he has been critical of Birmingham's style of play - claiming they are too direct.
Hleb has only started eight League games for Birmingham who are 16th in the top-flight.
He has scored once for the club but that was in the Carling Cup against League One MK Dons





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[Rutashubanyuma]

Man United set for Barca friendly

Published 09:40 24/12/10 By MirrorFootball

Manchester United will tackle Barcelona in a friendly in Washington on July 30.
Although United are yet to confirm their pre-season plans for next summer, it was anticipated they would tour the United States once again.
And the announcement on Barcelona's website that Sir Alex Ferguson's men will form one of their opponents for a three-match tour suggests United will also spend an extended period across the Atlantic.
The Red Devils played five matches this year, including a game in Guadalajara against Chivas as part of the deal that took Javier Hernandez to Old Trafford.


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[Rutashubanyuma]

Hodgson backs Torres to get back among the goals

Published 14:52 24/12/10 By MirrorFootball

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has again sprung to the defence of striker Fernando Torres as the club aim to end their woeful away form at Blackpool on Boxing Day.
Their visit to Bloomfield Road will be the Reds' last trip of 2010 - a year in which their Barclays Premier League form away from Anfield has been woeful.
The players will take the field on Sunday with Liverpool having won just two away league matches in 362 days, a damning statistic which has in no small way contributed to their current malaise.
Not all of those problems have been down to Torres, who is understandably far more prolific at Anfield than he is on opponents' grounds.

And even though he seemed to suffer from a moment's hesitation when presented with a gilt-edged chance in the 3-1 defeat at Newcastle nearly a fortnight ago Hodgson insists the Spaniard is not struggling.
"The case all through the season is we have not been very lucky in front of goal - I don't think our goal return is not a fair measure of what we have created," said the manager.
"We have had our chances, we have created the danger but we have not converted as many of those occasions as we should have done and it is something we have worked on.
"The players are very aware of it because we do have goalscorers in the team and have one of Europe's best in Fernando Torres.
"He does not need reminding of when he misses a goal chance because I bet he can remember every chance he has missed over the last three to four months because they stay with people.
"The important thing is your players keep getting in the right positions and if we can keep getting Fernando into areas where he can score goals he will score goals."
Hodgson, who personally as both Liverpool and Fulham boss has won just two away league games since August 2009, has had to field numerous questions about the team's poor record away from home.
So far he has not come up with an obvious to answer as to why it is so bad, although that is not for want of trying.
"As a coaching staff we are a very analytical, organised and prepared bunch of people and we analyse and discuss all the things we do," said the 63-year-old.
"Right down to are our travel preparations, are we staying in the right hotels, are we leaving early enough, are we spending too much or not enough time away from home.
"It is not an exact science: people can go out ready to play with the right mental attitude and play badly."
Hodgson has found himself receiving some unwanted attention from television cameras on the touchline in recent matches but cannot understand why so much is made of his demeanour and actions.
He insists it is his squad where the focus should be concentrated.
"We pay players here to give performances in 55 to 60 games a season, we don't pay them to come training or give interviews," he added.
"I constantly remind them of that duty and that they are the people that people come to see.
"Even these days unfortunately one finds oneself on the bench under scrutiny from TV cameras but as far as I am concerned when I go to a football match the only thing that interests me is the players.
"I pay to watch the players, I don't care what the coach is doing - it doesn't interest me."
The player all Liverpool fans will be keen to see on Boxing Day is captain Steven Gerrard, who is set to make his first appearance after six weeks out with a hamstring injury.
With only Jamie Carragher (dislocated shoulder) and Jay Spearing (broken ankle) now on the sidelines it gives Hodgson plenty of options and some big decisions to make.
"We have many more players fit now and even when we want to play 11 v 11 in training we have too many players - and that is fantastic," he said.
"Going into this stage of the season with only two injured players - who are not out with muscle injuries - is an incredible tribute to the work the fitness and sports science people and doctors have done at this club.
"The team has been doing well without Steven and now he is fit it will not be a headache to put him in but it will require me to make a decision."







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Fergie and Wenger rule out Beckham swoop

Published 09:37 24/12/10 By MirrorFootball

Manchester United and Arsenal have both ruled out the possibility of taking David Beckham on loan this winter.
The former England captain had said he would only return to the Premier League with Manchester United where he won six titles before moving to Real Madrid in 2003, but Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson says he wouldn't sign his former player becuase of his age.
"I don't think so with David at his age," said Ferguson. "I have never signed a player at that age have I?"
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said he much admires Beckham's professionalism but will not try to sign him because he already has plenty of midfielders in his squad.

The Gunners boss said: "I would consider signing David Beckham, but we have (Theo) Walcott, (Samir) Nasri, (Tomas) Rosicky, (Andrey) Arshavin and (Emmanuel) Eboue who can play on the flanks."






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Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Friday's papers

Published 09:27 24/12/10 By Football Spy

Football Spy video special: The Top 10 transfer targets who could be on the move in January
Football Spy video special: The Top 10 Bosmans who could move on the cheap in January
Transfer stories from today's Daily Mirror
Kop to test Stoke resolve with a £5m Huth bid
United on alert as Houllier hints at Young January sale
Toffees contract rebel Anichebe told to sign up
McLeish rules out January move for Carew
Davies opts for Villa return rather than stay with Sven
Kean happy to ship Samba - but no offers so far
Olly will not offer 'crazy deals' to keep players
Wigan chief rules out N'Zogbia sale
Cov eye Scunny keeper as Westwood replacement
Hull land Posh striker - but fail with Austin bid
Transfer stories from other newspapers and websites
Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is plotting a January move for Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson , who has struggled for first team football since Roberto Mancini took over as manager. (Caughtoffside.com)
Spurs striker Robbie Keane is Birmingham boss Alex McLeish's top target this January. (Guardian)
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says he would love to sign David Beckhamon loan, but admits he does not need any more midfield players so will not be making a move for the former England captain. (Daily Star)
West Ham want to take out-of-favour Manchester City winger S haun Wright-Phillips on loan to help with their battle to beat relegation. (The Sun)
But Hammers midfielder Valon Behrami could be leaving the club as talks with Roma over a £4.5m switch gathered pace this week. (Daily Express)
Roma are also ready to swoop for Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given . The Serie A side want to take the former Newcastle stopper on loan in January. (Daily Mail)
Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has confirmed that goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar will retire at the end of the season. (The Sun)
Aston Villa are in talks to sign Gueida Fofana from Le Havre. The 19-year-old has already been dubbed 'the new Patrick Vieira'. (Daily Mail)
Blackpool boss Ian Holloway has identified Watford midfielder Don Cowie as a potential replacement for Blackburn and Everton target Charlie Adam. (Daily Mail)
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has warned Everton and Liverpool off making a move for winger Matt Jarvis. (Daily Star)






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[Rutashubanyuma]

Redknapp eyes loan deal for Woodgate

Published 14:56 24/12/10 By MirrorFootball

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has revealed that he could send Jonathan Woodgate out on loan in order to aid the defender's recovery from a long-term groin injury.
The former Real Madrid centre back returned to training this week after spending more than a year on the sidelines.
Redknapp had feared Woodgate would not be able to play this season after a series of operations but he revealed today that the 30-year-old could return to first-team action in two weeks' time and admitted a loan spell could aid his recovery.
Redknapp said: "I spoke to Jonathan and I said to him that if he comes through the next couple of weeks then it might be a good idea for him to go out on loan to play some matches and I think he fancies that."

"He has been out a long time and he is a fantastic centre half.
"Anyone who loans Jonathan Woodgate is getting one of the best centre halves in the Premier League and I would be willing to do that just to give him some games."
Woodgate's career has been blighted by back and knee injuries and his groin problem restricted him to just three appearances last season.
Redknapp, who signed Woodgate from Middlesbrough in January 2008, admits Woodgate must now prove he is capable of performing at the level which persuade Real Madrid to part with £13million for his services back in 2004.
"If he'd have been out for the rest of the season, I don't know whether he'd come back from that," said Redknapp, who already has the likes of William Gallas, Sebastien Bassong, Younes Kaboul, Michael Dawson and Ledley King who can play in central defence.
"He has been out a long time but at least he's back training, feels good and looks in good shape. This period is make or break time for him really.
"He needs to get out, play some games and show he's ready to get his career going again."
A host of players may follow Woodgate out of White Hart Lane next month in what is expected to be a busy transfer window for Redknapp.





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[Rutashubanyuma]

Hughton: I'm not bitter about Newcastle sacking

Published 14:46 24/12/10 By MirrorFootball

Chris Hughton has revealed his sacking by Newcastle came as a complete surprise, but insists he feels no bitterness towards club or owner Mike Ashley.
Hughton was dismissed on December 6, despite having attracted widespread praise from outside the club for guiding the Magpies to a strong start in their first season back in the Barclays Premier League.
In an interview with Sky Sports News, Hughton revealed he was sacked in a meeting after training, with no prior indication that anything was amiss.
"I got a phonecall in the morning from the managing director (Derek Llambias)," Hughton said.

"He wanted myself and (goalkeeping coach) Paul Barron to meet him at the stadium after training and of course I was told the news then."
Asked if it was a surprise, Hughton added: "It was, yes. And the fact that Paul Barron was with me as well made it even more of a surprise. If the meeting was just myself I might have thought something was going to happen.
"There's lots of emotion. Obviously it's not a particularly nice thing to happen to anybody, particularly at a time when it is unexpected, but that's part of the game, and a part of the game you have to get on with and look forward.
"The reasons why they chose to terminate my contract are their reasons. I've been asked on numerous occasions my views on why, but the reality is I can't say too much.
"The answers to those questions can only be answered by the chairman, the managing director and the owner."
Hughton revealed he was not told much himself.
"It was a very quick conversation, but the club wanted to go in a different direction and of course they are the owners and managing director of the club, and it's their prerogative, their choice on how they want to run things," he said.
The decision to sack Hughton was widely condemned in football, both in Newcastle and much further afield. But Hughton is remaining philosophical.
"There were lots of opinions, certainly for the few days afterwards, and that goes back to what we spoke about earlier - most people were in disbelief at what had happened, but these are decisions that are made in football.
"It was over my head, the decisions are made by my bosses and in the end there isn't much you can do about that except look forward."
And Hughton insists he is not bitter and still thinks fondly of Newcastle.
"I don't think you can afford to be that way," he said. "It's a wonderful club, and I look forward to going back there and seeing games in the future.
"I had fantastic time there over nigh on three years and I enjoyed living in the area. I don't think you can afford to be bitter. These decisions are made and whether they are right or not, they are made above your head so in the end there isn't too much you can do about it.
"There is no point dwelling on it too long, so I look forward. I've had a career in the game and it's a career I want to continue."


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[Rutashubanyuma]

Modric going nowhere, insists Harry

Published 14:42 24/12/10 By MirrorFootball

Harry Redknapp will consider allowing Robbie Keane to leave Tottenham next month but is adamant that Luka Modric will not be following him out of White Hart Lane.
Modric has been a key part of Tottenham's success since Redknapp signed the Croatian from Dynamo Zagreb in the summer of 2008.
The midfielder, who signed a new six-year contract in May after reported interest from Manchester United, is thought to be on Chelsea's radar although Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti yesterday played down suggestions he will make a move for the 25-year-old in January.
Redknapp ridiculed the suggestion that Modric will leave next month, insisting that the midfielder will have to stay at the club if he is to fulfil his aim of making Spurs a team capable of becoming Champions League regulars.

"He is such a fantastic player if we start selling such a player like that then we might as well all go home," Redknapp said.
"He is a different class and is not going anywhere. Not a chance.
"He (Ancelotti) might have his eye on him but he is not going to get him for sure.
"He is a pleasure to work with. He is a fantastic player. We are building a team here, not dismantling one."
Keane's future now looks certain to be away from Spurs after Redknapp admitted the Republic of Ireland hitman is growing tired of his lack of first-team football.
Keane, who was loaned to Celtic last year, has been linked with a move to West Ham, Aston Villa or Birmingham, but Redknapp denies there has been any interest in the 30-year-old yet.
Redknapp said: "Robbie would like to move and he wants to play. He is a boy who has played all his career. He is not used to not playing.
"He is still a top player and would grace most clubs. It's just that he has been unfortunate with Rafa (van der Vaart) coming in and I've been playing one up with him. I have Defoe, Crouch, Pavlyuchenko and Robbie so it's been difficult getting him in the team.
"I haven't heard anything about any offers for him though."
Another player who looks likely to leave Spurs, albeit on a temporary basis, is Jonathan Woodgate.
The former Leeds centre back returned to training this week after spending over a year on the sidelines with a long-standing groin injury.
Redknapp had feared that Woodgate would not be able to play this season after a series of operations but he revealed today that the 30-year-old is on target to return to full fitness in two weeks' time and intends to send the defender on loan to aid his recovery.
"If he comes through the next couple of weeks then it might be a good idea for him to go out on loan to play some matches and I think he fancies that," said Redknapp, who takes his team to Aston Villa on Boxing Day.
"He has been out a long time but at least he's back training, feels good and looks in good shape.
"This period is make-or-break time for him really.
"He needs to get out, play some games and show he's ready to get his career going again."
Redknapp's attempts to move his side back into the top four over the festive period have been boosted by the news that Van der Vaart is fit again after missing the last three weeks with a hamstring knock.
With games against Villa, Newcastle, Fulham and Everton coming up over the next 11 days, Redknapp knows the festive period will be a crucial part of Spurs' season and still believes his side still have an outside chance of winning the title despite sitting in fifth position, seven points behind Manchester United.
Redknapp continued: "There are a lot of points at stake over this period and if you can get a good haul of points it makes a massive difference.
"The title race is open.
"Man United and Chelsea would be favourites, Arsenal have a big chance, and Man City are going to push all the way but don't write Tottenham off."



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[Rutashubanyuma]

World Cup ref Webb encourages diving

Published 23:00 23/12/10 By Jeremy Butler

World Cup Final referee Howard Webb has told Blackpool players to go down if they want free-kicks.
As the Tangerines prepared for their Boxing Day clash with Liverpool, Webb astonishingly let Ian Holloway's men in on a few secrets.
Ollie's players sat up when the whistle-blower urged them to hit the deck when caught by opponents rather than trying to stay on their feet.
Defender Ian Evatt lifted the lid on Webb's lecture, which was part of an effort by FA officials to build better relationships with players.

Evatt said: "Howard was basically here just to go over some refereeing decisions.
"He showed a bit of honesty and told us where we were going wrong. He spoke to me about why I didn't get a foul against Manchester City when Carlos Tevez caught me in the build-up to one of their goals.
"He said I was too honest and stayed on my feet. He said if I had gone down it would make the decision easier to give.
"I think that is where we are too naive. Most of us have come through the Championship – a more honest game, so to speak.
"In the Premier League, if you fall over you tend to get decisions. We are not talking about cheating, but sometimes we have to be less naive and go down under a challenge.
"We're not going to make a meal of it, just show there's a foul. It makes the ref's decision easier."







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[Rutashubanyuma]

All the postponed matches show football has become another arm of the nanny state

By Ian Winwood
Published 09:54 24/12/10

On the weekend of the 11 of December this year, the Minnesota Vikings endured a little local difficulty: the roof of their stadium collapsed.
The American Football team play in American's coldest state. That weekend 17 inches of snow had fallen upon the air-supported fibre-glass roof, and high winds had prevented snow clearance crews from clambering up top and managing the mess. Within hours, the structure had collapsed.
Apparently unfazed by all of this, on the 20 December the Vikings played the Chicago Bears at an alternative, outdoor stadium in Minneapolis. Throughout the game the snow pelted it down and not once did the temperature rise higher than fifteen degrees below zero.

England is not the same as Minnesota. Stadium roofs do not collapse in on themselves and drivers do not have in their garage snow tyres and the like.
Even so, the decision by the Premier League to postpone Chelsea's home game against Manchester United on Sunday some 28 hours before it was due to start was both baffling and disheartening.
Every Premier League team save for Blackpool has undersoil heating, so the Stamford Bridge pitch may well have been playable by the next day. So the decision seems to have been made on the behalf of those travelling to Stamford Bridge, presumably based on the theory that some of them may have fallen over and scraped an elbow on the pavement.
On Sunday thousands and thousands of people would have travelled to the nearby Westfield shopping centre. I wonder if anyone considered closing that facility?
Postponed games are a pain in the arse. Invariably the matches are rescheduled in a midweek slot, which assumes that those holding tickets for the original fixture are also free in the evenings. It may be, though, that some of these people bought a ticket because the game was on a Saturday, and are not able to attend games that fall outside of a weekend.
Obviously if an hour before kickoff the snow on the pitch stands higher than the floodlights, a football match must be called-off. But if the considerations are about anything other than the conditions on the field, well, in that case the game ought to be played, if for no reason than postponement can cause as much inconvenience for ticket holders as can going ahead in the snow.
Of course, in adverse weather conditions there will be some people who cannot get to the game. If there is snow on the ground then clubs should be willing to refund the ticket price to anyone who doesn't attend. But just because people in Surrey can't make it to Stamford Bridge by car doesn't mean that supporters in Marylebone can't get there on the tube.
Football should give people a break from the Nanny State. It should not be another one of its many arms.

Speaking of bad weather, may I take this opportunity to wish each of the Mirror's readers a most splendid and drunken Christmas and a fantastic New Year.

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Grant rules out Parker sale

Published 14:58 24/12/10 By MirrorFootball

West Ham manager Avram Grant insists there is no way he would allow Scott Parker to leave the relegation-threatened club in the January transfer window.
Grant admits the rock-bottom Hammers are likely to be busy in the transfer market as he fights to save his job and West Ham attempt to claw their way to Premier League safety.
But while he is looking to bring in several reinforcements, Parker, who has been linked with a possible move to Tottenham, will be going nowhere.
Grant admitted West Ham are close to completing a deal with Aston Villa for midfielder Steve Sidwell, but when asked if Parker could be leaving he said: "No chance.

"Scott Parker is more than a good player for this football club. Even though we are at the bottom, we are trying to do the right things for this club.
"We know all the teams that succeeded did not have it so easy at the start.
"He is one of the foundations of this club. The owners have made it very clear that they want Scott Parker here and want good players here.
"We don't have many like Scott Parker and it would not be good for us if he left the club and I don't think it would be good for him. He knows what the vision of the club is and he is part of it."
Grant refused to confirm reports that the club were interested in Manchester City full-back Wayne Bridge and striker Shaun Wright-Phillips, plus Tottenham's Robbie Keane and Jonathan Woodgate.
But he added: "It is not a secret that we have a lot of injuries and that we need to make the squad stronger and that is what we will try to do in January.
"A lot of players have been linked with us."
Grant could get a boost for the lunchtime kick-off at Fulham on Sunday with goalkeeper Robert Green poised to return after recovering from a minor hip operation.
Victor Obinna could also be back, although he only trained lightly at Upton Park. Luis Boa-Morte is out suspended.
Grant, however, shrugged off the pressure which sees West Ham face a Fulham side, just one spot outside the relegation zone, without a win in their last 27 away league matches.
Grant said: "We want to play like we did last week when we were better than Blackburn and we want to take points because we need them.
"I think Mark Hughes (Fulham manager) is under pressure, but Wolves are under pressure, Wigan are under pressure, Blackburn are under pressure and at the top the six teams are under pressure.
"This is the name of the game. We are under pressure to take points because we are at the bottom.
"We don't deserve to be at the bottom, having analysed our games, but there are no points awarded for 'deserve'."
Grant is well aware of the statistic that only one club bottom of the Premier League at Christmas have survived.
That was West Brom in 2005 but Grant, who was relegated with Portsmouth in administration last season, said: "I had a big challenge last year at a team without owners and I had big challenges before.
"For me, what has happened in the past is good and tradition is good but things happen that didn't happen in the past.
"Nobody thought a guy could run a mile in under four minutes because nobody had done it before, so there are a lot of things that nobody has done before but we want to do it and we can do it."
On Sidwell, who Grant managed at Chelsea and who has undergone a medical at Upton Park, the West Ham boss said: "Normally I don't speak about players when we didn't complete the signing but I am interested in him.
"He is a good player and a good lad. We are trying to build a team here with positive guys and intelligent players and he is very intelligent and I hope we will complete the deal. He has done what he needs to do to be here."



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Arsenal


Wenger enthused by midfield partnership

Arsene Wenger believes Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere can forge a formidable partnership at the heart of Arsenal's midfield after watching the pair combine to demolish Group H rivals Shakhtar Donetsk 5-1 and all but secure a place in the last 16 of the Champions League.



By PA 8:01AM BST 20 Oct 2010

Arsenal made the Ukranians look ordinary, barely getting out of second gear as Alex Song was gifted an early goal following a terrible fumble by Shakhtar goalkeeper Andrei Pyatov - and Arsene Wenger's men never looked back.

In-form winger Samir Nasri smashed home to make it 2-0 before the break, with Fabregas' spot-kick ending the game as a contest on the hour. Wilshere and Marouane Chamakh completed the rout.

Croatia striker Eduardo, sold by Arsenal during the summer, netted a fine consolation goal on the return to his former club with seven minutes left, which brought a round of applause from the home fans.

Fabregas had been out since mid-September with a hamstring problem, while Wilshere had a point to prove following his headline-grabbing red card against Birmingham on Saturday.

"I am convinced it works well together," said Wenger. "Cesc just came back in this game, but Jack has a good maturity level. You never think he is 18 when plays and overall they combined very well."

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

England


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger disappointed by FA snub of David Dein for Football Association chairman position

Arsene Wenger has admitted to being "surprised and disappointed" at the decision to overlook David Dein for the post of Football Association chairman.

Overlooked: Arsene Wenger feels David Dein would have made a good FA chairman Photo: GETTY IMAGES






By Telegraph staff and agencies 12:02PM GMT 23 Dec 2010

Dein was the front-runner for the position but the nominations committee, headed by Bolton chairman Phil Gartside, instead plumped for David Bernstein.

A chartered accountant, Bernstein was Manchester City chairman for five years, including the time they secured the lease for their new stadium at Eastlands, and he has been Wembley chairman since 2008.

He also sits on the boards of several companies including French Connection, Ted Baker and Blacks Leisure, where he has been chairman since 1996. He is also president of the National Association of Disabled Supporters.

But Wenger, who was lured to Arsenal by Dein in 1996 and worked alongside him until 2007 when the Gunners vice-chairman stepped down, believes his former colleague would have been the ideal choice to take the FA forward.

"I was completely surprised and disappointed (by the FA's decision)," said Wenger.

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

Manchester City


Mario Balotelli must back up words with deeds, says Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has told Mario Balotelli to start playing with a smile on his face.

Motor mouth: Mario Balotelli has yet to support his big claims with big performances Photo: PA






By Telegraph staff and agencies 12:42PM GMT 23 Dec 2010

Although there have been flashes of the brilliance that has seen Balotelli crowned the world's best young player since his summer arrival at Eastlands from Inter Milan, there have been just as many scowls and temper tantrums.

It was more of the latter on Monday as the 20 year-old turned in an ineffective performance against Everton and was eventually substituted due to injury.

Mancini expects Balotelli to be fit for the Boxing Day trip to Newcastle. But if he is involved at St James' Park, the City manager would like to see a lighter approach than the one he has been getting recently.

"He must improve in this situation," said Mancini. "You need to smile to play football. That is the best thing you can do."

Balotelli clearly has a high opinion of himself.

Related Articles



By dismissing Jack Wilshere as "Jack who?" in assessing the man who finished runner-up for the coveted Golden Boy prize, Balotelli spoke about being able to make as big an impact on the game as Lionel Messi.
Mancini does not have a problem with such ultra-high confidence. But he does feel it would be better if Balotelli was matching his words with actions on a regular basis.
"It is good when a player has confidence in himself," he said.
"Mario Balotelli has everything you need to be one of the best players in the world.
"But he must improve and he must show it. Only if you play well in every game can you say these things. It depends on him.
"The Premier League is so different from the Italian league. Mario must understand. If he thinks what he says he must show it in every game."

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

Ettifaq offer Stephen Appiah bumper deal

Last Updated: Friday, 24 December 2010, 17:27 GMT

Saudi side El Ettifaq are tempting ex-Ghana captain Stephen Appiah with a 200,000 pounds-a-week offer.

Appiah signed for newly-promoted Italian Serie A side Cesena on a one-year deal with the option of another year if the club stays in the top flight.

The 29-year-old has defied talks that he past his prime and excelled in the few games he has played for the club.

Appiah is in no rush to move to the Gulf, a league restricted for semi-retired players.

"Yes, I am aware they have shown interest. However, I have never been a player who goes after money," Appiah stressed.

"The offer might be huge but I honestly don't think I will make a decision based on money. All I can say is let's wait and see what comes up in the future because it will be a great experience to play there someday before I call it quits."

Appiah has also played for Italian sides Juventus, Brescia, Udinese, Parma and Bologna.

He also impressed at Turkish side Fenerbahce.

 

[Rutashubanyuma]

Blackpool to hold late pitch inspection

Published 15:11 24/12/10 By MirrorFootball

Blackpool will hold a pitch inspection three hours before their scheduled 3pm kick-off against Liverpool on Boxing Day to see if the match can go ahead.
The Seasiders do not have undersoil heating at Bloomfield Road and despite covering the pitch there is still some doubt over whether the surface will be playable.
"Ground staff at Bloomfield Road have been working throughout the night and will continue to work round the clock to try to ensure that the fixture takes place," said a statement on blackpoolfc.co.uk.
"While it has been well documented that the club does not have undersoil heating, several industrial hot air blowers have been sourced along with additional frost protection covers.

"The timing of the pitch inspection has been made in consultation with the Barclays Premier League, match referee Mike Oliver and officials from Liverpool.
"Club officials remain in regular contact with all parties and will continue to monitor the weather forecasts over the next 48 hours."


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[Rutashubanyuma]

Manchester City


How long will Carlos Tévez truce hold?

Carlos Tévez's surprise decision to withdraw his transfer request at Manchester City marks an uneasy truce.

Leadership qualities: Carlos Tevez retained the captaincy after his dispute with Manchester City Photo: GETTY IMAGES







By Jason Burt 7:00AM GMT 24 Dec 2010



The fractures were there, although manager Roberto Mancini has gone some way to repairing his relationship with the volatile striker. Mancini's judgment has been skilled.

But there is no guarantee that Tévez will stay beyond the end of this season. A solution has been found, but for how long? The big, unanswered question is what will happen next summer.

There are clues in the statement released by City on Monday that the situation has not been resolved. The use of the phrase "clear-the-air" shows that Tévez did not believe he had been listened to. He is understood to have outlined these grievances in a letter to chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak.

Crucially, City also point out that during this meeting Tévez "expressed his absolute commitment", with the player insisting all along that he had no intention of not giving "100 per cent" or of going on strike, as some had claimed he might.

But the most important phrase of all for Tévez - believed to be at his insistence – is that his "contract remains unchanged". He will feel this vindicates his claim that it was not about money or a desire to gain a better contract - which City had claimed and continue to suggest.



The club claimed his representative, Kia Joorabchian, wanted to engineer a new deal but Tévez had, in fact, turned down a seven-figure bonus and broken off negotiations over an improved contract after he threatened to leave last summer. City don't deny this.
But perhaps the most crucial piece of evidence was left out of the statement - on Sunday Tévez met Khaldoon and Mancini but not chief executive Garry Cook – who was only involved later – in a discussion over whether the Argentine should retain the captaincy. Tévez did keep it - apparently against the wishes of Cook, whose relationship with the player remains frosty.
Almeida's pricey agent
With nine goals in 13 Bundesliga matches, Hugo Almeida has been in fine form. Aged 26, the Portuguese international is also in dispute with his club, Werder Bremen, in the final year of his contract. The two sides are said, by Bremen's general manager Klaus Allofs, to be "miles apart" in what the player wants in wages and what the club can afford. So he will leave - either in January or next summer.
Chelsea have been offered the striker, but are unsure, while when another Premier League club inquired about Almeida there was shock, if not surprise, as to what he was after: £2.1 million net of tax a year – or £40,00 a week – plus , the club were told, a one-off payment of £2.1 million to his agent, Jorge Mendes, to negotiate the deal.
Little wonder Mendes, who also represents Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo, is one of Europe's most successful - and best paid - dealmakers especially as the Turkish club, Besiktas, have now agreed to those eye-popping terms.
Rafa's top comeback
Merseyside while his severance terms from Inter Milan were finalised, there have been suggestions in some quarters that he might return as Liverpool manager. Which seems astonishing, given the way in which his regime crumbled. But then he was the architect of the 'Miracle of Istanbul', in 2005, winning the Champions League against AC Milan.
It was all the more miraculous because Benítez ignored all coaching logical with the half-time substitution of Dietmar Hamann for Steve Finnan. It certainly threw Carlo Ancelotti, then Milan's coach, who understandably expected Benítez to bring on striker Djibril Cissé with his side 3-0 down.
Given Benitez's cautious nature, it appeared to be an exercise in damage limitation rather than an attempt to win the game. Maybe it was. No one will know. But it certainly confused the Italians.