KBsoccernet

Debate: Can Real Madrid make a great comeback against Alcorcon?

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0000

The truest test of character is evidenced by the way in which one reacts to adversity. Where the weak lose their fighting spirit, shy away from pressure, and surrender to obstacles - be they tangible or intangible - standing before them, those with a reservoir of strength grit their teeth and fight back with even more determination, zeal, and a stronger will not to fail than before.

This season, Madrid have responded to adversity in much the same fashion. Subjected to a humiliating 4-0 drubbing to Segunda B outfit Alcorcon in a match that could easily have finished with a far more embarrassing scoreline, criticism (and the instability that comes with it) surrounded the club. Fans were calling for a coaching change, the press was screaming bloody murder, and Florentino Perez’s €254 million project was very harshly criticised as nothing more than a marketing campaign.

But as has become wont from the Men in White over the past few years, they responded with results. Limited to ten men in the 27th minute of their match against Getafe, the Merengues went on to dominate Los Azulones, scoring two goals through Higuain whilst rarely being threatened by the southern Madrid side. In European competition, Los Blancos took control of AC Milan in the San Siro and, while the second half afforded the Italians more chances, the draw was widely considered an impressive point of improvement.

But the true test of mettle comes in an unlikely opponent on Tuesday as Real Madrid look to reverse their 4-0 deficit to AD Alcorcon in a bid to avoid an embarrassing elimination in the Copa del Rey and progress to the next round. Matches like this can define a season and Manuel Pellegrini’s side are in high spirits after finding their form in their last three outings. But is scoring at least four goals against the Segunda B minnows (and not conceding) a Mission: Impossible for Los Blancos?

In Tuesday’s Copa match, Pellegrini will be forced into a trade-off. Should he field his regular starting XI for this elimination match, there is little doubt that Los Blancos will be able to put at least four goals past Alcorcon in the Santiago Bernabeu and turn the tie completely on its head.

But having played three consecutive high-octane matches, his starters will be beginning to feel the effects of fatigue and the Chilean coach will be risking irreplaceable components of his team (Kaka, Xabi, and Lass, to name a few) to injury should he refuse to make changes to his squad.

Whether Madrid are able to overcome a four-goal deficit to beat Alcorcon without utilising their starting lineup is uncertain. But based on this team’s sense of determination over the past few years, drilled into them by Capello, there is little doubt that Madrid will be out for blood in Tuesday’s Bernabeu match, regardless of who is on the pitch.

Should they prevail, it could set the stage for them to take the next step toward becoming a squad that will compete for all three championships. Should they fail, while many Madridistas will dismiss it as ‘only the Copa del Rey anyway’ it could foretell a finish to the season that will only be able to be described as second best.

Robinho wants £34m January move to Barcelona (EPL doesn't need him!)

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:21:00 +0000

BRAZILIAN superstar Robinho wants to join Barcelona in January - but only on a permanent deal.

The Spanish giants are sending a delegation to Abu Dhabi this week to try to thrash out a £34m transfer.

And the Champions League holders are prepared to offer him a six-year, £5m per year deal.

Barcelona have even offered to take Robinho on a six month or 18 month loan with a view to a permanent deal after the Brazilian admitted publicly last month that he wants to quit Eastlands.

But unsettled Robinho has told his advisers and Barcelona that it has to be a permanent deal in January while City are insisting that the final decision lies with manager Mark Hughes.

After five successive draws, Hughes is anxious to buck the trend and get back to winning ways so may now be reluctant to let Robinho go even though Barca are desperate to get their man.

City are flying to Abu Dhabi to play a high profile exhibition match in front of Sheikh Mansour and the super-rich club owner is under no pressure to sell so Barcelona will have to do a lot of wheeling and dealing to land Robinho.

Meanwhile, City are monitoring Rio Ave’s Portugal under-21 defender Fabio Faria who is also being watched by Benfica.

Faria, 20, is rated in the £4m class by his club and his contract expires in 2011 with City keen to boost their squad, especially with promising young players.

EPL 09/10: Birmingham hold Liverpool at Anfield [Video Update]

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:24:00 +0000

Liverpool dropped yet more Premier League points as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Birmingham City at Anfield.

And it could have been so much worse for Rafa Benitez, whose side trailed 2-1 before captain Steven Gerrard - who started the match on the substitutes bench - slotted home a penalty which was highly controversial.

David Ngog, who had given Liverpool an early lead, look to have dived with Lee Carsley sliding in and making no contact - but referee Peter Walton awarded the spot-kick which allowed Gerrard to slot home.

Earlier Christian Benitez had headed The Blues level, before Cameron Jerome's stunning strike just before half-time gave Alex McLeish side the lead.

Gerrard, though, stepped up to slot home - but a draw will still be of huge frustration to Benitez - who is still yet to beat Birmingham in the Premier League.

The point means Liverpool remain in seventh, but some 11 points adrift of leaders Chelsea.

Bayern ready to cash in Ribery

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:38:00 +0000

Bayern Munich are ready to cash in on unhappy France winger Franck Ribery.

The struggling Bundesliga giants are disappointed with the 26-year-old's return this season and could accept about £30million for a player they wanted £80m for in the summer.

Bayern have reportedly already offered Ribery to Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona, while Manchester United and Chelsea would also be interested for the right price.

Ribery seemed keen on a move to Madrid in the summer, but a resolute Bayern board, led by chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and president Franz Beckenbauer, resisted all offers.

Since then, Ribery has been struggling with a knee injury and has looked poor in his six appearances this season.

His only goal came in a 5-1 win at Borussia Dortmund, a rare highlight in a season that has seen Bayern stuggle in mid-table. They stand eighth of 18 in the League and are unlikely to get through their Champions League group.

Ribery is said to have a poor relationship with coach Louis van Gaal and has shown earlier in his career that he does not play well when unhappy.

The former Metz, Galatasaray and Marseille player has rarely stayed in one place too long, having played for seven teams already in his short career.

His contract ends in June 2011, meaning that, next summer, Bayern will be unable to command the kind of fee they have been looking for.

Debate: Defensive discipline shows Chelsea is title favorites after United match

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:08:00 +0000

Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlo Ancelotti linked arms as they meandered towards the dug-out before kick-off. That bonhomie may be doomed if Manchester United go on suffering at the hands of the Italian's Chelsea side. It was the sort of grinding, unsatisfactory match that often develops when leading teams meet, but the Italian prevailed.

There were overtones, too, of one of his predecessors. Chelsea had less of a commitment to attack and were ready to bide their time and that attitude would have earned applause from Jose Mourinho. United, as in former years, left Stamford Bridge trailing grievances behind them.

With justification, Ferguson bemoaned the 76th minute winner, complaining about Martin Atkinson's award of the free-kick for a supposed foul by the outstanding Darren Fletcher on Ashley Cole. The manager had recriminations left over for a protest that Didier Drogba had been off-side as John Terry headed in the Frank Lampard set-piece

His main reproaches will be made to his squad in private. He can admire the enterprise of a United line-up far from full strength, but that must make him all the more exasperated that they did not make more of the dominant spells. The visitors join Arsenal in being five points adrift of the leaders Chelsea.

Ancelotti's outlook, in truth, is not generally similar to that of Mourinho, but there was a patience and endurance at Stamford Bridge. Those traits were indispensible when some of the key characters in the Chelsea camp kept a relatively low profile. Lampard, despite taking the key free-kick, was no menace to United in open play. Drogba, the often irresistible striker, was well-marshalled, despite the fact that Rio Ferdinand missed the match through a calf strain and Nemanja Vidic was only in good enough condition to be an unused substitute.

The supposed weaknesses in the back four deepened a desire to take the play to Chelsea, but Dimitar Berbatov was absent through injury as well. Ferguson did not have the trust to pitch Michael Owen on from the start and, until the final moments, Rooney worked alone in attack.

Chelsea are expert at checking even the outstanding footballers and when Rooney had broken clear, in the sixth minute, he was wrongly given off-side. It would be churlish not to pardon United if they headed north feeling sorry for themselves. There had been openings, with Petr Cech turning behind a good effort from Rooney in the 69th minute.

by Guardian Chalkboards

None the less, Chelsea had a plan and it delivered the required victory. Ancelotti's side did not seek to force the issue and never seemed to panic when pinned back. In view of the make-up of that defence, it is logical that Ancelotti should feel there need be no rush to score. The Chelsea formation, with its midfield diamond and twin strikers, sound romantic and can deliver excitement, but it also allows for the team to get back in numbers, with even Nicolas Anelka happy to drift towards a midfielder's role at times.

A fixture of this sort is exciting in prospect, the initial placidity of the play, particularly from Chelsea, should not have baffled anyone. The visitors had the more recognisable intent to attack, but Ferguson might have engineered a throng in midfield even if every attacker on his books had been in condition to take part.

By and large, the match was innocuous before the interval. United had impetus, without looking as if they could reach a conclusion. Chelsea, for their part, seemed in no hurry. Half-an-hour had gone before Anelka produced an effort that called for a good save by Edwin van der Sar.

United's showing was superior to the one given at Anfield, but there is close resemblance to the outcomes. Ferguson's team also looked unlikely to hit the net when beaten 2-0 by Liverpool. While the manager did not have all his personnel available here, it does appear that the departed Cristiano Ronaldo will be missed for quite a while to come when there are fixtures of this sort to be faced.

Chelsea are in contrasting circumstances. At incredible expense, they have retained just about everyone they really want on the books. Barring a splurge in January or next summer, Ancelotti will continue to rely on a group that then grows old together. Not even the famed Milan sports science he has brought to London will entirely halt physical decline.

A sunnier view will maintain that the old guard is capable of continuing to succeed for such a prolonged period that they can gradually and painlessly make way for successors. No one in United ranks saw much evidence of imminent collapse. What is more, Chelsea had a resourcefulness of sorts.

It was scarcely anticipated that Drogba, who has probably been the most impressive character so far in the Premier League season, would make little impression on an improvised United defence. Whatever else keeps Ferguson awake at nights it will not be a horror that his men lack the appetite for a fourth title in a row.

His opposite number, all the same, has lost nothing in translation from Serie A. These encounters with United must continue to grip just as they did in his Milan years. Leagues are not necessarily decided by the clashes of the principal clubs, but there is an indication now that Chelsea will be as mighty a force as they were in the Mourinho era.

Source: Guardian

Alex Ferguson may face FA probe after rant on referee (again!)

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:58:00 +0000

Furious Sir Alex Ferguson is facing another FA rap after branding referee Martin Atkinson “absolutely ridiculous“ last night.

Manchester United boss Ferguson blew his top after claiming Chelsea captain John Terry’s late winner should have been disallowed because Didier Drogba was standing in an offside position

Ferguson, already on an FA improper conduct charge after claiming referee Alan Wiley was unfit, said: “The referee’s position to make a decision there was absolutely ridiculous. He can’t see it.

“There was a Chelsea player standing right in front of him and he doesn’t even move. It was a bad decision, but what can you do?

“You lose faith in the refereeing sometimes. That’s the way the players are talking in there. It was a bad one. That goal should not have been allowed.”

United striker Wayne Rooney could also face FA action after appearing to mouth “12th man“ at Sky cameras when the teams left the pitch.

But United boss Ferguson also admitted that his team should have taken more advantage of their superior possession after a defeat which allowed Chelsea to go five points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Ferguson added: “We’ve dominated the game and had great chances to win the match. And that’s our fault.

“Some of the football we played getting up to the box, and some of the chances in and around the box, and we should have finished them off, but you do need a break. We never got the break we needed.”

Serie A 09/10: Inter held at home, Milan climb to third and round-up

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:07:00 +0000

Inter Milan were held at home by Roma, while city rivals AC Milan climbed up to third in Serie A with victory at Lazio.

Sampdoria slipped from third to fifth after losing at Cagliari, while Fiorentina are up to fourth after beating Udinese.

Current Serie A leaders Inter were forced to come from a goal down to secure a 1-1 draw with Roma at the San Siro.

Roma took the lead through Mirko Vucinic's 13th minute header, but Samuel Eto'o salvaged a point for the champions three minutes after half-time.

Thiago Silva scored a goal at both ends as Milan continued their recent domestic resurgence with a 2-1 success at struggling Lazio.

The visitors were in front on 21 minutes when Thiago headed home Andrea Pirlo's free-kick and Alexandre Pato doubled the lead on 35 minutes when meeting Ronaldinho's cross.

Thiago put through his own net on 64 minutes to give Lazio hope, but Milan held on for the three points to move up a place in the table.

Fiorentina also capitalised on Sampdoria losing by inching up to fourth in the standings after a battling 1-0 triumph at Udinese.

The only goal arrived six minutes from time when Juan Vargas fired home a free-kick to secure the points for the visitors.

Sampdoria are now down to fifth in the table after suffering a 2-0 defeat at Cagliari, who scored twice in the final five minutes.

Marius Stankevicius was sent off for Sampdoria three minutes before half-time following a foul on Jeda and the 10 men hung on until the 85th minute.

Daniele Conti headed home from close range for Cagliari and a minute from time Alessandro Matri repeated the trick to finish off Sampdoria.

Genoa are also in the mix for the UEFA Champions League spots after an exciting 4-2 victory at home to Siena.

The hosts were 3-0 up by half-time, with Hernan Crespo scoring after just two minutes and the Argentine striker grabbed the second on 18 minutes.

Raffaele Palladino notched Genoa's third on 35 minutes before Siena set up a tense finish when Michele Paolucci scored 10 minutes from time and Massimo Maccarone netted two minutes later.

However, Genoa made certain of the points in the final minute when Sergio Floccari found the back of the net.

Parma are also jostling for a Champions League place at this early stage of the season after a 2-0 home win over Chievo Verona.

On-loan striker Valeri Bojinov hit the post for Parma on 25 minutes before Cristian Zaccardo made the breakthrough four minutes from half-time.

The hosts wrapped up the points on 72 minutes when Davide Lanzafarme scored following a swift break.

Riccardo Allegretti's sixth-minute free-kick was enough to clinch a 1-0 win for Bari at home to lowly Livorno.

Bologna moved three points clear of the relegation zone as Marcelo Zalayeta scored a brace in a 3-1 home win over Palermo.

Zalayeta finished from Marco Di Vaio's pass on 42 minutes, but Palermo were level before half-time through Simon Kjaer.

The home side's lead was restored by Zalayeta four minutes after the interval and Di Vaio scored three minutes into stoppage-time to make certain of the points.

EPL 09/10: Terry put Chelsea 5 points clear at the top [Video Update]

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:19:00 +0000

A John Terry header proved the difference as Chelsea beat Manchester United to move clear at the top of the Premier League.

United set out with a gameplan to frustrate Chelsea's midfield diamond and exploit the space in wide areas, and for much of a game which contained few clear-cut chances, it worked.

Antonio Valencia had a shout for a penalty after a tussle with John Terry turned down, while Nicolas Anelka's curling shot at the opposite end forced a smart one-handed stop out of Edwin van der Sar.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with Chelsea keeper Petr Cech seriously tested for the first time in the 68th minute when Wayne Rooney's arcing effort from 25 yards was pushed away for a corner.

But Chelsea made the breakthrough 14 minutes from time when Frank Lampard fired in a disputed free-kick and Terry rose well to guide his header inside the far post, with United appealing for an infringement by Didier Drogba, who flicked a foot out towards the ball, but the goal stood.

The result means Chelsea are now five points ahead of the Red Devils and Arsenal, but Arsene Wenger's side have a game in hand.

EPL 09/10: Hull get a lifeline and round-up

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:02:00 +0000

Hull City came from behind to beat Stoke City 2-1 at the KC Stadium to ease the pressure on under-fire manager Phil Brown.

Many presumed that another defeat for Hull and Brown would have been sacked but having been given a vote of confidence from the board earlier in the day, the Tigers seemed refreshed.

However they fell behind just as they were beginning to stamp their authority on the game when Matthew Etherington got in behind Bernard Mendy to smash past Matt Duke in the Hull goal on 29 minutes.

That was the way it stayed until just after the hour mark when Seyi Olofinjana curled home from 25 yards to leave Thomas Sorensen with no chance.

Fulham stayed strong and held firm at Wigan to keep the Latics at bay and come away with a hard-earned point.

Roberto Martinez's side opened the scoring on 13 minutes when central defender Emmerson Boyce found himself in space in the penalty area, controlled Paul Scharner's knock-down and slotted the ball coolly past Mark Schwarzer.

The Latics were on top from thereon in and were unlucky not to add to their tally before the break - Schwarzer denied them on a number of occasions, most notably tipping a Charles N'Zogbia drive onto the crossbar.

But Fulham were awarded a penalty on the stroke of half time when Titus Bramble brought down Clint Dempsey with a clumsy challenge - the American stepped up and sent Chris Kirkland the wrong way from the spot.

Everton claimed their first league win in five attempts with a hard-fought 2-1 success at West Ham.

Louis Saha put the Toffees ahead in the 27th minute with a fantastic low effort into the corner from the edge of the box after being teed-up by Tim Cahill.

Dan Gosling then doubled the advantage on 64 minutes when slotting home from the rebound after Robert Green had saved his original effort.

But West Ham pulled a goal back a minute later when Tony Hibbert put the ball in his own net as he attempted to keep out Junior Stanislas' goal-bound shot.

The defeat - coupled with Hull's earlier victory over Stoke - dumps Gianfranco Zola's side back in the drop zone.

Hooliganism cemarkan Final Piala Malaysia 2009

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:32:00 +0000

Pasukan N.Sembilan berjaya membawa pulang Piala Malaysia setelah menanti selama 61 tahun dengan menewaskan Kelantan 3-1 pada perlawanan menarik di Stadium Bukit Jalil malam tadi.

Walaubagaimanapun, kemenangan tersebut dicemari oleh hooligan bolasepak tempatan apabila ada individu yang menyalurkan rasa tidak puas hatinya melalui melontar mercun, membaling objek dan membakar kerusi duduk setelah pasukan mereka ketinggalan.

Pihak polis dan petugas stadium terpaksa bertindak untuk mengawal keadaan bagi mengelakkan kejadian yang lebih buruk dari berlaku.

Tindakan diburukkan lagi dengan melontar batu ke arah jurukamera tv menyebabkan seorang jurukamera cedera di leher.

Terdapat juga penonton yang menggunakan sinar laser dan cuba menyilaukan mata pemain-pemain. Ini dapat di kesan melalui cahaya "hijau" yang dipancarkan ke muka dan juga badan pemain-pemain ketika permainan semakin ke penghujung.

Ini adalah memalukan bolasepak tempatan kerana kita tidak mahu budaya hooligan dari luar negara di bawa masuk ke negara kita. Tindakan segelintir penyokong ini memberi imej yang buruk kepada bolasepak tempatan.

Sementara itu, seorang penyokong Kelantan ditahan polis malam tadi.

Lelaki berusia lingkungan 30- an itu ditahan pada pukul 12.05 tengah malam berhampiran stesen LRT Bukit Jalil oleh sepasukan polis kerana dipercayai cuba mencetuskan pergaduhan di dalam stadium.

Lelaki itu kemudian dibawa ke balai polis berhampiran untuk siasatan lanjut.

Bagaimanapun, sejam kemudian lelaki terbabit dibebaskan selepas memberi keterangan kepada polis.

Benfica would sell Angel Di Maria to Chelsea or Man United

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:19:00 +0000

Manchester United and Chelsea have been put on red alert after Benfica revealed they are willing to sell star winger Angel Di Maria.

Argentine star Di Maria, 21, shone in Benfica’s two victories over Everton in the Europa League.

Chelsea sporting director Frank Arnesen has seen him in action, while United are also looking to strengthen their squad in January.

Di Maria would relish the chance to play at the highest level for one of the top clubs in Europe before the World Cup in South Africa.

Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira admits they have already received several big offers.

Vieira said: “There are offers from several important teams. Our goal is to win the championship and we can only achieve this if we keep our best players.

“But I admit maybe we should sell the player.”

La Liga 09/10: Barca and Real Madrid win and round-up

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:23:00 +0000

Barcelona remain unbeaten and continue to lead the way, but Real Madrid are hot on their heels.

Malaga, meanwhile, remain in all sorts of trouble after their winless run was extended on Saturday.

Barcelona have yet to taste defeat in the league this season and bounced back from their midweek UEFA Champions League disappointment in Russia to see off Real Mallorca 4-2 at Camp Nou.

Promising forward Pedro got the goal-fest up and running after 11 minutes, but was shocked to see Jose Carlos Nunes level things up nine minutes later.

Pedro, though, restored Barca's lead on 41 minutes and there was still time for Thierry Henry to add a third before the half-time whistle went.

Lionel Messi stepped off the bench to convert an 87-th minute penalty, while Alhassane Keita added some respectability to the scoreline when he bagged Mallorca's second of the night in injury-time.

Real Madrid are just a point behind their Catalan rivals after they prevailed 3-2 in a thrilling derby contest against city rivals Atletico Madrid.

A stunning strike from Kaka edged Los Blancos ahead with just five minutes on the clock.

Marcelo doubled that advantage on 25 minutes and Gonzalo Higuain's fine form in front of goal continued as he notched a third on 64 minutes.

Sergio Ramos was then dismissed two minutes later, allowing Atletico a route back into the game.

Diego Forlan gave them hope with 11 minutes remaining and Sergio Aguero set up a grandstand finish when he slotted home on 81 minutes.

Quique Sanchez Flores' side were unable to find an equaliser, though, and continue to languish inside the relegation zone as a result.

Deportivo La Coruna have now won five of their last seven Primera Liga fixtures after overcoming Getafe 2-0 with nine men.

Mista put them on their way after 14 minutes, before Riki became the first man to see red when he was shown a second yellow card on 27 minutes.

Depor, though, made light of their numerical disadvantage and doubled their lead through Luis Filipe on the hour mark.

They then ended the game two men light after Sergio Gonzales was given his marching orders 17 minutes from time.

Malaga continue to prop up the table after they were held 2-2 at Tenerife.

The hosts appeared set to take maximum points after racing into a 2-0 lead, with Roman Martinez (18) and Alejanrdo Alfaro (27) getting them off to the perfect start.

Malaga, though, showed commendable resolve as goals from Edinho (29) and substitute Javi Lopez (77) saw them rescue a share of the spoils.

EPL 09/10: Arsenal ease past Wolves, City held and round-up [Video Update]

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:09:00 +0000

On a day when Aston Villa and Tottenham made their UEFA Champions League aspirations clear as they picked up home wins, Manchester City were held to a fifth successive draw as they played out a six goal thriller with Burnley and Arsenal hammered Wolves to go second.

At the foot of the table Blackburn's impressive home form was enough to see off basement dwellers Portsmouth 3-1, while it was a case of cruise control for Villa as they thumped a dismal Bolton 5-1 in the Midlands.

Burnley's away day hoodoo appeared to have struck at City when they threw away a two goal lead to trail 3-2, only for Clarets substitute Kevin McDonald to net a dramatic late leveller.

Darren Bent endured an afternoon of frustration as he missed a penalty for Sunderland, as Tottenham secured a 2-0 victory at White Hart Lane that flattered them greatly.

Free-scoring Arsenal moved to within two points of leaders Chelsea courtesy of an emphatic 4-1 victory at Molineux, with Wolves' resistance subsiding after a bright opening 20 minutes.

There was a fair amount of fortune about the opening two goals as Ronald Zubar inadvertently turned a Cesc Fabregas corner into his own net on 28 minutes before Eduardo's audacious chip took a decisive deflection off Jody Craddock seven minutes later.

Fabregas then fired in a third after a typically slick move on the stroke of half-time and Andrey Arshavin got in on the act midway through the second period with a well-struck effort from outside the area.

Craddock nodded in a late consolation for Wolves but Arsene Wenger will have been delighted with another impressive Arsenal performance that again underlined their title credentials.

Villa started brightly at home to Bolton and some neat play was rewarded in just the fifth minute when after Jussi Jaaskelainen had brilliantly repelled John Carew's towering header from James Milner's cross, Ashley Young was the first to react to prod home his second goal in as many games.

The home side's superiority was underlined two minutes from the break when Gabriel Agbonlahor doubled Villa's advantage. Villa old boy Gary Cahill was at fault as he tried to usher the ball out at the by-line only to be robbed of possession by Carew. His pull-back found Agbonlahor with time and space eight yards out and with unnerving composure he slotted through the legs of Jaaskelainen.

Cahill partially atoned for his error of judgement on the stroke of the break when in an advanced position his deflected shot came back off the post and fell fortuitously to Johan Elmander to tap in from no more than a yard.

Carew was in a bullish mood all afternoon and got the goal his exertions deserved in the second half when poor defending from another ex-Villa man Zat Knight was matched by the unfortunate Cahill, allowing the Norwegian to brush off meek challenges before beating Jaaskelainen.

Milner grabbed Villa's fourth when after his penalty had been saved by Jaaskelainen and Steve Sidwell had somehow struck the post when presented with an open goal, the ball fell invitingly for him to convert.

Bolton's misery was capped by Carlos Cuellar's fine flick header from Milner's pinpoint delivery.

Burnley made the short trip to Eastlands with the most unenviable of away records but silenced an expectant crowd as they took a deserved two-goal lead against a disjointed City side.

Questions have been asked as to whether City's defence is good enough to provide solid foundations for a Champions League push and on this evidence clearly it is not. Joleon Lescott was the architect of City's downfall in the 19th minute when from Tyrone Mears' right wing delivery he left a trailing arm dangling to give Burnley a penalty.

Spot-kick specialist Graham Alexander made no mistake from 12 yards for his fourth goal of the season before Chris Eagles got in behind a snoozing City backline to roll the ball into the path of an unmarked Steven Fletcher for the simplest of finishes.

With the natives restless Shaun Wright-Phillips injected a bit of life into an out-of-sorts City when his deflected strike just before half time found its way past Brian Jensen.

If City's defence is suspect, Burnley's is wafer thin. City needed just ten minutes to find a leveller as Kolo Toure was on hand to convert Lescott's pull-back on the stretch from Gareth Barry's free-kick.

And it got even better for the home side just a few minutes later, the 58th of an entertaining derby, as Craig Bellamy finished Wright-Phillips' low cross smartly for his 100th league goal in English football.

City's cheers proved to be premature though as substitute McDonald was given time and space to lash home Fletcher's header into his path from substitute David Nugent's ball in.

Sunderland will wonder how they went into the half-time break trailing Tottenham at White Hart Lane, as for long spells they dominated in North London. Tottenham's opener came from Robbie Keane as the Irishman bundled home from close range Peter Crouch'stowering header back across goal from Benoit Assou-Ekotto's lofted delivery.

Former Spur Andy Reid struck a post as Sunderland knocked on the door for an equaliser as Tottenham left the field to boos such was the away side's dominance.

Bent had an ideal opportunity to get one over Harry Redknapp after half-time when he was felled in the box after rounding Heurelho Gomes. The Brazilian was fortuitous to escape with just a booking and then exacerbated Steve Bruce's wrath on the touchline as he brilliantly saved Bent's low spot-kick.

The game's finest moment belonged to Tom Huddlestone though, when from Jermain Defoe's lay-off he drilled a missile of a strike past Craig Gordon, via the underside of the bar, to secure Tottenham a three-point haul.

At Ewood Park the battle at the basement saw Portsmouth take a first half lead through on-loan midfielder Jamie O'Hara as he was given acres of space to drive forward and beat Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson from range.

Blackburn's home form is the enviable of many though and on 53 minutes they were level courtesy of substitute Jason Roberts' clever finish from close range after Ryan Nelsen had headed David Dunn's corner into his team-mate's path.

The comeback was complete courtesy of another set-piece as Nelsen went from provider to goalscorer as he headed home unmarked.

It was substitute Benni McCarthy and Roberts that combined for Blackburn's third as the former's devilish delivery from the left was finished expertly from close range.

Final Piala Malaysia 2009: N. Sembilan Juara 2009! [Video Update]

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:05:00 +0000

Negeri Sembilan menjadi juara edisi ke-84 Piala Malaysia apabila menewaskan Kelantan 3-1 di Stadium Bukit Jalil malam ini.

Negeri Sembilan mendahului 1-0 pada minit ke 18 apabila Shahurain menjaringkan gol yang cantik terus ke penjuru gol. Halim Napi cuba menyelamatkan tetapi tidak dapat menghalang gol tersebut.

Sebaik sahaja babak kedua bermula, Hairudin Omar berjaya meloloskan diri dan mudah menewaskan Halim Napi untuk gol kedua pada minit ke-45.

Shahurain sekali lagi menjadi duri kepada pertahanan Kelantan apabila lariannya ke dalam kotak penalti di halang oleh pertahanan. Pengadil tidak teragak-agak memberi sepakan penalti. Aidil Zaquan Adha mudah menyempurnakan penalti pada minit ke-60 dan memberi N.Sembilan mendahuli 3-0.

Penyokong Kelantan mula membaling objek ke tengah padang dan beberapa kursi penonton dibakar. Polis terpaksa bertindak untuk meredakan kemarahan penyokong Kelantan.

Di masa kecederaan, Indra Putra menghasilkan gol yang cantik melalui sepakan percuma. Namun gol tersebut tidak mengubah apa-apa kepada keputusan perlawanan.

Tahniah kepada pasukan Negeri Sembilan!

Final AFC Champions League 2009: Pohang Steelers is the champion! [Video Update]

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:16:00 +0000

Pohang Steelers have been crowned the 2009 Asian champions after they defeated Al Ittihad 2-1 in the final of the AFC Champions League at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday.

Al Ittihad had shaded the first half during which chances had been at a premium but Pohang exploded into life in the second half to open the scoring through No Byung-jun's free-kick in the 57th minute.

The South Koreans added a second just nine minutes later when Kim Hyung-il headed home from a free-kick.

Al Ittihad pulled one back in the 74th when inspirational skipper Mohammed Noor fired home from six yards after goalkeeper could only parry Amine Chermiti's header back into the danger zone.

Byung-jun had an effort ruled out late on while Al Ittihad's Hitcham Aboucherouane drilled a free-kick narrowly wide in stoppage time but the Pohang defence held firm as the South Koreans claimed the trophy

Final Piala Malaysia 2009: Kelantan vs N.Sembilan - who will be champion?

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:06:00 +0000

The Malaysia Cup final between Kelantan and Negri Sembilan at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil (kick off 8.45pm) Saturday night will be a clash of two different personalities.

Flamboyant Kelantan have been making the headlines for the right and wrong reasons throughout the season, while the low-profile Negri have snuck up quietly into the final.

On the pitch, Kelantan employ a robust, direct attacking style of play while Negri rely on stealth and speed on the flanks to catch opposing defences offguard.

The two finalists also have plenty of similarities.

Both teams are led by former national coaches – the outspoken B. Sathianathan for Kelantan and the reserved Wan Jamak Wan Hassan for Negri Sembilan.

And both teams will also have on display star players who are capable of producing match-winning performances on their own – namely Indra Putra Mahayuddin (Kelantan) and Mohd Zaquan Adha Abdul Razak (Negri Sembilan).

But the similarity ends when it comes to the strength of fans’ support for the final.

Kelantan will win hands down for the battle in the stands at Bukit Jalil as an estimated two thirds of the 85,000 spectators expected at the stadium will be decked in the east coast team’s red colours.

After the disappointment of losing on penalties to Selangor in this year’s FA Cup final, Kelantan will not want to waste a second chance at landing their first major silverware in Malaysian football.

Kelantan’s two previous appearances in the Malaysia Cup finals ended in defeats to Singapore (1-3) in 1955 and Perak (0-2) in 1970.

A win tonight will be a fitting end to a dramatic roller-coaster season for the Red Warriors and their fanatical fans.

Despite the setbacks, the Red Warriors have shown true heart to bounce back stronger from each problem and are now just one match away from creating history.

“I don’t believe in all the talk that Kelantan are the favourites for the final.

“The record shows that we have lost three out of the four encounters against Negri this season. So, I do not see how we can be installed as the favourites,” said Sathianathan yesterday.

“Both Kelantan and Negri are equally good to be in the final. It’s not a matter of who want to win it more, but rather who are able to perform better in the final.”

Negri, under Wan Jamak, are happy to be seen as the underdogs. After finishing a lowly eighth in the Super League, the Deer have picked up steam by winning all 10 matches in the Malaysia Cup campaign.

They are looking to end a 61-year wait for the Malaysia Cup title after coming up short at the final hurdles in 2000 and 2006.

“I did not push my players harder in training in the build-up to the final as I do not want them to feel the added pressure. Since extra pressure will lead to extra mistakes, I am not perturbed that Negri Sembilan are tagged as the underdogs,” said Wan Jamak.

Negri skipper Rezal Zambery Yahya, who is a former Kelantan player, said that the strong crowd support for Kelantan would not unnerve his team.

“The Negri players are used to playing in hostile environment and will not allow the vocal support from the Kelantan fans to influence our performance on the pitch.

“Negri hold the best defensive record in the competition after conceding just two goals in 10 matches. I believe the focus of the contest will not just be on the attackers but the defence as well,” said the defender.

Barcelona flying to Manchester for Robinho transfer

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:25:00 +0000

Barcelona technical director Txiki Begiristain will lead a delegation from the Spanish giants to thrash out a deal for Manchester City’s Brazilian superstar Robinho next Wednesday.

Barca chiefs are claiming that they have set up a meeting with Sheik Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi and put forward three proposals to try and broker a deal for Robinho.

The reigning European champions are prepared to pay the £34million that City paid Real Madrid for Robinho last year for a permanent transfer in January.

Barcelona are also putting forward a loan deal, signing him in January until the end of the season, with a £3million loan fee and paying his £160,000-a-week wages or an 18 month loan deal with a view to a permanent move.

Robinho, currently recovering from a stress fracture, is keen to return to Spain even though City boss Mark Hughes has publicly claimed he does not want to sell.

Brazil star Robinho said: “I’m calm. My father takes care of those matters.” Then when told the deal was close, Robinho told a Spanish newspaper: “If so, that’s good.”

Robinho has made it clear that he wants to quit City and team up in Barcelona with Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in a dream attacking line-up.

Former Arsenal captain Thierry Henry is believed to be on his way out of the Nou Camp with MLS club New York Red Bulls keen to sign him while City have also been interested in the past.

Sheik Mansour is expected to meet with Begiristain and Barcelona’s director of football Raul Sanllehi and board member Albert Perrin.

But City’s wealthy owners are stressing that they will not give the transfer the go-ahead unless it gets manager Hughes’ blessing.

It was believed Robinho was unaware of which club he was joining when he left Real Madrid in August 2008 and has had an inconsistent career at City.

Chelsea ban suspended by CAS

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:10:00 +0000

Chelsea look set to be able to trade in the January transfer window after the Court of Arbitration for Sport agreed to suspend their FIFA-imposed transfer ban until a final decision is made in the case of the signing of Gael Kakuta.

FIFA banned the Blues from any transfer activity for the next two periods of transfer activity in early September after they were found guilty of inducing Kakuta to breach his contract with French club Lens.

Chelsea appealed to CAS against the punishment and, as part of their appeal, requested the transfer ban be 'stayed' until the case had been dealt with. CAS are not expected to hear the case until the new year, which should leave Chelsea free to buy and sell as normal in January.

A statement from CAS on Friday read: "The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has granted the request for a stay filed by Chelsea Football Club Ltd and Mr Gael Kakuta in relation to the decision taken by the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber on 27 August 2009.

"The FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber imposed, inter alia, a restriction of four months' ineligibility on Mr Gael Kakuta, and Chelsea Football Club Ltd was banned from registering any new players, either nationally or internationally, for the next two complete, consecutive registration periods. Such sanctions are now stayed until the CAS renders its final decision in this matter."

CAS confirmed on October 22 they had received an appeal from Chelsea asking for the ban to be stayed.

Immediately after the decision of FIFA's dispute resolution chamber was made public, the London club made clear their intent to appeal against the ban and compensation payments to Lens of almost one million euros, which they described as "disproportionate".

A statement from the club read: "Chelsea will mount the strongest appeal possible following the decision of FIFA's Dispute Resolution Chamber over Gael Kakuta.

"The sanctions are without precedent to this level and totally disproportionate to the alleged offence and the financial penalty imposed.

"We cannot comment further until we receive the full written rationale for this extraordinarily arbitrary decision."

Cristiano Ronaldo injury rules Real Madrid star out for another month

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:11:00 +0000

Cristiano Ronaldo will be out for at least another month - ruling him out of Real Madrid's clash with Barcelona and hitting Portugal's World Cup hopes.

Real Madrid have confirmed that his ankle injury has not improved. The £80million winger is consulting Dutch ankle specialist Professor Niek van Dijk and could yet be sidelined for up to three months.

The former Manchester United ace underwent a medical review on Wednesday that showed no progress on the injury.

He will miss Real Madrid's match at Barcelona on November 29 - the first 'El Clasico' derby of the season.

And Portugal will have to do without their captain for the two-leg World Cup qualifying play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina on November 14 and 18.

The 24-year-old has been sidelined by a right ankle injury for nearly a month, and Madrid have struggled badly in his absence, winning just two of their last seven matches.

Coach Manuel Pellegrini has come under huge pressure following, particularly after high profile defeats to Milan in the Champions League, Sevilla in La Liga and lowly Alcorcon in the Spanish Cup.

Ronaldo has scored nine goals in seven games since his move from United, with Madrid winning every game he has played in.

He initially injured his right ankle in Real's 3-0 Champions League victory over Marseille at the end of September and aggravated the problem while playing for Portugal on October 1.

It has even been claimed that a witch had put a voodoo curse on the winger so that he suffered a serious injury, since when he has been struck down with the ankle problem.

Prof Van Dijk operated on Ronaldo's right ankle at the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam in the summer of 2008 and has also treated Ronaldo's Real team-mate Ruud van Nistelrooy and AC Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi.

Man United has the best supporter?

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:11:00 +0000

Manchester United have been named ahead of Barcelona and Real Madrid as the best supported club in Europe.

Their average attendance of 75,304 last season saw them leapfrog Madrid, who dropped from first to fifth in the annual rankings by analysts Futebol Finance.

English teams make up 13 of the top 50 clubs, while Celtic (9th) and Rangers (15th) are also high in the list.

While attendances dropped in 2007-08, they were on the rise again last season despite the financial crisis.

p/s: Are they kidding me?

Chelsea to sell Stamford Bridge naming rights for £100million

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:27:00 +0000

Chelsea are ready to sell the naming rights to Stamford Bridge for £100million.

Ron Gourlay, who took over from Peter Kenyon as chief executive this week, said the club has no plans to move from their stadium or increase its 41,800-capacity.

But despite being owned by one of the world's richest men in Roman Abramovich, he said the was willing to talk to companies about sponsoring Stamford Bridge to help the club's bid to become self sufficient.

Gourlay said: "Retaining the heritage of the stadium is paramount to considering such a move but we think that is achievable and on that basis we would enter into discussions over naming rights with the right partner for Chelsea.

"We understand that this is a sensitive issue for our fans and that is why we would keep the name Stamford Bridge in any deal."

Such deals are common in the United States, while Newcastle announced this week that their ground will be known as the sports-direct@St James' Park Stadium for the rest of the season.

Arsenal banked £100m for a 15-year sponsorship deal of the Emirates Stadium, including an eight-year shirt deal. Chelsea are expected to look for £10m a year over the next decade.

After losing £65.7m in the last published results to June 2008, Gourlay admitted Chelsea will not fulfil his predecessor's aim of breaking even by next year. "It won't happen soon," Gourlay said.

The 46-year-old re-stated Kenyon's desire to see Chelsea win the Champions League twice in the next five years. "That might sound aggressive but I do think we can still do it," he added. "Over the next five years we've still got to shoot for the stars."

But the softly-spoken Scot, who previously worked for Umbro and Manchester United, promised a less confrontational approach than Kenyon in the role.

"Everybody has a different style," said Gourlay. "People always say to me: 'You worked with Peter Kenyon for a long time', but we're two completely different personalities and I do things different.

"Hopefully, if there was brashness there then maybe you won't see as much brashness going forward. You'll still see as much energy, you'll probably see more will to win with realistic goals. We've learned a lot in the last five years."

Europa League 09/10: Everton, Fulham beaten and round-up

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:06:00 +0000

Everton were again outclassed by Benfica as David Moyes' side went down 2-0 at Goodison Park in the Europa League.

After beating the Toffees 5-0 in Portugal a fortnight ago, Benfica turned on the style in the second period and deservedly won through Javier Saviola and Oscar Cardozo strikes.

The visitors almost took the lead near the end of the first half when Ramires' header hit the post before Tim Howard made a great reaction save to deny Saviola on the rebound.

But Saviola put the visitors in front on 63 minutes, slotting home into the bottom left-hand corner after a fine passing move by the Portuguese side.

Fulham's battling performance at the Stadio Olimpico went without reward as the nine men crashed to a 2-1 defeat by Roma in Europa League E.

The Premier League side held a half-time lead thanks to Diomansy Kamara's penalty, but the dismissal of Erik Nevland let Roma back into the contest.

John Arne Riise levelled for the Italian giants, with a little help from his brother, and Stefano Okaka Chuka secured the win before Paul Konchesky was sent off late on.

Villarreal boosted their prospects of qualifying from Group G by thrashing Lazio, while Red Bull Salzburg are on the brink of the last 32 of the Europa League.

A tasty encounter at El Madrigal saw Villarreal crush Lazio 4-1, with Robert Pires on target twice and both sides having a man sent off in the first half.

Franz Schiemer scored an injury-time goal as Salzburg won 1-0 away to 10-man Levski Sofia to maintain their 100 per cent record in the group.

Levski were down to 10 men on 62 minutes when Georgi Sarmov was sent off for hauling down Dusan Svento following a mistake by goalkeeper Georgi Petkov.

Shakhtar Donetsk are through to the knockout phase of the Europa League and Club Brugge are favourites to join them in qualifying from Group J.

Last season's Uefa Cup winners Shakhtar maintained their 100 per cent record in the group after a 2-0 success at Toulouse.

Rostand Kouemaha scored a goal in each half as Club Brugge won 4-2 at Partizan Belgrade, who have yet to pick up a point.

Brugge's early pressure paid off after 28 minutes when Michael Klukowski's cross was converted from close range by Ivan Perisic.

Fenerbahce go top of Group H with a 3-1 win against Romanian opponents Steaua Bucharest in Turkey.

Bucharest remain rooted to the bottom of the group table, with Steve McClaren's Dutch side FC Twente dispatching of FC Sheriff - the final score 2-1 in Holland.

Werder Bremen go three points clear and qualify from Group L after a 2-0 win over Austria Vienna in Germany.

Athletic Bilbao remain in second place, comfortably five points ahead of Portuguese side Nacional, although they were held to a 1-1 draw by the third-place outfit.

Kroenke Arsenal takeover almost complete

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:35:00 +0000

US tycoon Stan Kroenke today moved to within 72 shares of having to make a full takeover bid.

Billionaire Kroenke bought a further 200 shares today - including 100 from chairman Peter Hill-Wood - priced at £8,500 each.

That takes Kroenke to 18,594 shares and 29.9 per cent which is just short of the 29.99per cent or 18,666 shares which would automatically trigger a take-over bid.

But Kroenke will wait until at least May - and almost certainly longer - until making a full takeover attempt as, under takeover rules, he would have to offer £10,500 per share for the club.

Kroenke has to offer the highest price he has paid for shares in the past two years until a cut-off period in May. Kroenke's latest buy-up means the club is now valued at over £528m.

But the fact that Kroenke has bought off Hill-Wood shows he has the current board's backing and the American is believed to be ready to wait for another two years before making a takeover offer.

Even then Kroenke may just become a the biggest shareholder with more than 51 per cent and work alongside the current directors and board.

Kroenke may receive further financial ammunition shortly as the owners of owners of American Football club St Louis Rams - of which Kroenke has 40 per cent - intend to sell and that could net Kroenke enough cash to buy up the Arsenal stock.

It is another sign that Kroenke is edging closer to a full-scale takeover bid and that the board are welcoming his input ahead of Uzbeki tycoon Alisher Usmanov.

The biggest threat to peace in the struggle for ownership is in the hands of Lady Nina Bracewell Smith who is ready to sell her 16 per cent stake.

But even if she sold to Usmanov then his takeover would still fail, rendering her shares useless in the power struggle. It all points to Arsenal soon becoming the latest and most traditional English club yet to falling into American hands.

Big Match! Chelsea vs Man United - 5 greatest match between them

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:36:00 +0000

Clashes involving two clubs from the Big Four define the season in the top flight, or so we're told.

I'm not sure Liverpool supporters will concur, with the Merseysiders having a brilliant record against their other major rivals last season but losing out on the title due to some inadequate results against the likes of Hull and Stoke.

However, there can be no doubt of the importance when Chelsea take on Manchester United this weekend.

The Blues of west London are most people's favourites to win the title this time round, and are currently setting the pace, while everybody seems to be waiting for United to fall. There's just the chance they might not, with the sheer experience of their squad and the hunger of their extraordinary manager.

It's jolly hard to sum up Chelsea as a club at times. I think it's fair to say that most people would have preferred them before the club was flooded with money, and there can be no doubt that spiritually they have no place at the European top table with the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, United and Liverpool. That's probably what has angered the Merseyside giants so much in their barren years, why they sing of Chelsea having 'no history'.

In the 1970s they had more than a touch of glamour and some exciting sides. In the late 1990s and into this new century they actually picked up a string of pots, including a European Cup Winners Cup success. So it was hardly as if Roman Abramovich had taken on Barnet.

An 18th championship was won last season, to go with 11 FA Cups and three European Cups. Chelsea's comparative totals of three titles (one before Abramovich), five FA Cups (none before 1970) and no European Cups put those numbers into perspective.

We can all sometimes forget that United are chasing a fourth successive league title, something which hasn't been done before in the history of the English game.

In a way, that should lift the pressure on the club, but you know that while the good folk of Fleet Street have their knives sharpened for Rafa Benitez at the moment they would transfer their attentions to Sir Alex Ferguson and co the minute a few results went astray.

But all that is for the future, and these missives are nothing if not a blast from the past.

We've all travelled down thousands of roads in our time, but there is one that I always feel most at home in. I'm talking about that most comforting of thoroughfares known as dear memory lane.

1986: KERRY DIXON ON TARGET AS CHELSEA WIN AGAIN AT OLD TRAFFORD TO PILE PRESSURE ON BIG RON

There has always been something about Chelsea at Old Trafford. They have never seemed particularly intimidated by the place.

They had already enjoyed a victory there in 1986, with Kerry Dixon scoring twice in a 2-1 win that inflicted more damage on a United side that had at one stage been ten points clear in the league, but fell away badly as the season wore on.

On the pitch on this September afternoon, Chelsea did what they often used to do at Old Trafford, turning up without fear and playing some fine football.
The visitors were the better side early on and they took the lead through that man Dixon.

The Stretford End was restless as United failed to find their feet, and their mood hardly improved when Gordon Strachan missed a penalty.

Atkinson threw on the Dane Jesper Olsen as United desperately chased a point, but things were only going to get worse for the hosts.

When a second penalty was won by United, Olsen stood up to the plate but he also missed, and the Blues claimed all three points.

Only another month would pass before Big Ron got his marching orders and a certain Alex Ferguson came south from Aberdeen.

Chelsea's win at Old Trafford was a clear bright spot in an otherwise disappointing autumn, and the Blues could only finish 14th a year after a sixth placed position.

1994: DOUBLE NO TROUBLE FOR UNITED AS CANTONA PUTS BLUES ON THE SPOT AT WEMBLEY

It was never a good idea for Chelsea to do the league double over United on reflection. Three wins in the same season is always going to be a tall order.

Gavin Peacock scored the winner in both league games that term. I remember the game at Stamford Bridge as being the last top flight fixture I went to without needing a ticket. Arriving at midday and queuing to get in - how quaint that seems now.

United had won their second successive title, and for many supporters this remains their favourite team. Ryan Giggs at his youthful best, Lee Sharpe and Andrei Kanchelskis tearing down the wings, Roy Keane and Paul Ince maruading in midfield, Mark Hughes being Mark Hughes and then a chap called Cantona. There can be no doubt that United played some thrilling football that season.

Chelsea enjoyed a miserable few years in 'the world's oldest cup competition' at the hands of United after that, with a 2-1 semi-final defeat at Villa Park in 1996 and a third round 5-3 defeat at Stamford Bridge in 1998.

1999: DWIGHT YORKE HELPS UNITED INTO SEMI-FINALS OF FA CUP ON NIGHT THAT TURNS SOUR

This was one of those nights that reminded you how football used to be, with all its inherent ugliness and aggression.

United were aiming for an improbable treble in 1999 but it still looked like a distant dream on a cold March night when they travelled to London for an FA Cup quarter-final replay, following a tepid goalless draw in the original tie at Old Trafford.

Chelsea were playing some mighty fine football of their own that term, but they lacked United's extra quality and knowhow.

2007: DIDIER DROGBA SNATCHES FA CUP FOR CHELSEA AS NEW WEMBLEY OPENS ITS DOORS

'Aren't the hand dryers good'? These were probably the words I heard most often as I paid my first visit to the new Wembley Stadium.

Now call me picky if you must, but after the best part of £800million spent and seven years of toil I think I'm entitled to be a little underwhelmed if hand dryers are the headline story.

Admittedly I'm an unashamed sentimentalist, but there was always an unmistakable magic about the sight of Wembley Way teeming with fans on the game's biggest days.

2008: UNITED BREAK CHELSEA HEARTS TO WIN THEIR THEIR THIRD EUROPEAN CUP IN MOSCOW RAIN

This really is the one. The biggest match ever played between two English clubs, no less.

If I was to think of my 'greatest sporting night' it would take a bit of time, and I'd be sweating for days over my 'worst sporting night'. But 'most surreal sporting night'? This one wins it hands down.

The details of the match are well known to millions, so to sum up: United went 1-0 ahead, and then should have scored one or maybe two more goals.

Chelsea scored a slightly fortunate equaliser, but went on to completely dominate the second half, forcing United to hold on for dear life. Didier Drogba smashed a shot against a post.

The full time whistle came as a blessing for Sir Alex Ferguson's side, and extra time was an altogether more even affair, although the London club still edged it in terms of possession, with Frank Lampard seeing an effort on goal bounce back off the underside of a crossbar.

Memories flashed back to the night in 1999 when two Bayern Munich efforts also struck the woodwork against United.

Then came that damned lottery of a shoot-out, which remains compelling viewing for the neutral but is utterly agonising for the supporters with a vested interest.

As it happens, Chelsea should have won it but John Terry fluffed the most important kick of his life and United claimed a third European Cup when Edwin van der Sar saved from Nicolas Anelka.

There would be no repeat of the unpleasant scenes that I witnessed in the Chelsea v Manchester United fixture of nine years previously. It was quite the opposite in fact.

I wouldn't say fans of the opposing clubs were swapping scarves, but it wasn't far off that.

Everybody was too preoccupied with the basic matter of dealing with the unfamiliar surroundings. The local constabulary certainly didn't look like the type to look sympathetically towards English football fans wanting to cause mischief.

So we all took a few snaps, stood around on the streets and in bars saying how bizarre the whole thing was and eventually headed home with contrasting memories of an unforgettable night.

Source: Dailymail

Chelsea Kia juara Oktober kbsoccernet x-league!

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:09:00 +0000

Bulan oktober kali ini mempunyai 4 gameweek yang mendebarkan. Antara perlawanan-perlawanan yang disajikan sepanjang bulan ini adalah Liverpool vs Man United dan juga London Derby iaitu Arsenal vs Spurs.

Seperti diketahui semua, pemain-pemain "star" menjadi teraju utama setiap pasukan seperti Fabregas, Torres, Lampard, Drogba, Shay Given. Tidak lupa juga pemain-pemain yang memberi mata yang tinggi pada Gameweek tertentu seperti Aruna Dindane (Portsmouth), Carlton Cole (West Ham).

Jadi setelah mengharungi dan mengatur strategi sebaik mungkin maka pemenang kbsoccernet x-league bagi bulan Oktober dan seterusnya memenangi wang tunai RM 200 jatuh kepada ...

Chelsea Kia dengan managernya adalah Mike Leow

Tahniah diucapkan kepada beliau!

Seperti yang dijanjikan juga bahawa peserta yang mengumpul point lebih dari 100 markah pada mana-mana gameweek turut berpeluang memenangi tunai RM100. Pertama kalinya setelah melalui 11 Gameweek maka kita mempunyai pemenang iaitu ...

ChelseaChelseaChelse dengan managernya Jose Mourinho iaitu mengumpul 106 markah!

Tahniah juga diucapkan!

p/s: Pemenang di kehendaki menghubungi admin melalui email berikut hydir@kbsoccernet.com

p/s: Bulan Oktober di menangi oleh penyokong2 Chelsea .. hahaha