Derby Day Drama

Manchester United won a dramatic derby over rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford today in the most exciting game of the season so far. City who three times came back to equalise, were beaten by Michael Owens first league goal at home to raise the roof in an action packed game.

United came quick out the blocks and were quickly in front after only a minute and a half, with Wayne Rooney scoring his 5th goal of the season after causing havoc in the six yard area. United were in control at this stage and enjoyed good possession and created a few openings, but were unable to get a second. Then before the 20th minute, a mix up between goalkeeper Ben Foster and Rio Ferdinand after pressure from former United man Tevez allowed Gareth Barry to fire in his 1st league goal. The goal clearly gave City confidence and they began to create chances, with Tevez going closest, hitting the post after good work from Stephen Ireland.

United started the 2nd half just as they started the first and within minutes they retook the lead with Darren Fletcher heading in a Ryan Giggs cross. United again looked in control and were pressing to get the third goal that would seal the game. City had other ideas, and after breaking into the United half, grabbed the equaliser. Craig Bellamy picked up the ball on the left wing, cut in and curled in a superb shot, underlining a clinical edge from City. This spurred United forward again, and after Dimitar Berbatov spurned 3 glorious opportunities to grab the lead, Darren Fletcher scored his second on the 80th minute, again through a Giggs cross with what seemed to be the winner. But an error from Ferdinand allowed Petrov to send a through ball to Bellamy, who raced clear from Ferdinand and slotted home to level the game in the 90th minute. With the game all but finished and with the last attack of the game, Giggs was able to find Owen who slotted home perfectly to down City.

Ronaldo Move Complete

Cristiano Ronaldo today officially completed his move to Real Madrid. The Portuguese winger becomes the most expensive player on the planet with the fee of £80 million paid in one lump sum.

Yesterday Kaka was unveiled to 50,000 awaiting fans. He will be wearing the number 8 shirt, quashing rumours he will be number 5.

Real Madrid today also agreed a deal with French club Lyon for striker Benzima. Reports have indicated that a 6 year deal has been agreed with the player and Madrid, with the clubs settled on a £30 million fee. If the transfer goes as planned, Real Madrids total spent on transfers could exceed £180 million in 22 days.

Ancelotti Takes Charge Of Chelsea

Carlo Ancelotti became the 5th Chelsea manager in 2 years after finally sealing a much anticipated move from Italian club AC Milan. Ancelotti who quit Milan on Sunday afternoon, signed a three year deal. He already signalled his intent by declaring he is aiming to win the elusive Champions League for the first time in Chelsea history.

A host of players have already been linked with Chelsea since their arrival of their new coach. French winger Frank Ribery, Spanish & Valencia forward David Villa and Emmanual Adebayor are among players who are reportedly on Chelsea's 'wish list'. It is also been reported that 100million will be available for transfer funds.

Man United Win 18th Premiership

Alex Ferguson claimed his 11th Premiership title with a 0-0 home draw against Arsenal. United went into the game knowing they only needed a point to secure a record equalling 18th title, to level Liverpool's record of being the most successful team in English history.

The game itself had few chances, with Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney both going close with headers in the first half. In the second half, Ji Sung Park had a goal ruled out for offside, and late on Cesc Fabregas hit the post as the nerves settled in for the champions late on.

This was only the second time United had won the title on their home ground, and the home fans were treated to lavish show and parade of the trophy.

Football Round Up

After successful Champions league games for Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United, attention turned back to the league and FA Cup semi-finals.

Stoke took a giant step to securing their Premier league status with a hard fought home victory against Blackburn (1-0). It kept up Stokes incredible home form which is almost certain to keep them up as they moved 9 points clear of the bottom three. Blackburn however remain 3 points off safety, hovering in 17th. Middlesborough shared a stalemate with Fulham which did nothing to ease their relegation woes. They still remain 3 points behind Blackburn, whilst Fulham maintain their Europa league push- in 8th.

Aston Villa failed to win again after drawing with West Ham. The villains had taken the lead thanks to Emile Heskey and were a denied a second by the post. West Ham hit back in the 2nd half with Diego Tristan netting for the hammers to make it 1-1. Villa remain without a home league win since January. Portsmouth gained a valuable victory against Bolton at Fratton Park. Kanu grabbed the winner to give Pompey some much needed breathing space between and their rivals (1-0). Sunderland did the same, beating Hull (1-0).

Newcastle plunged further into oblivion with a slender (1-0) defeat to Tottenham. Darren Bent grabbed the winner, but Newcastle had a goal disallowed and chances to level. But the defeat left them 5 points adrift from safety. West Brom remain on the brink of relegation after a spirited performance against Man City (4-2). After going 2-0 down, West Brom fought back to level the game at 2-2, but threw the game away late on.

Chelsea will face Everton in the FA Cup final on May 30th after semi-final victories against Arsenal and Manchester United.

Chelsea defeated Arsenal after going a goal behind to clinch another FA Cup final appearance. Theo Walcott had given the gunners an early lead, but Chelsea fought back levelling with Malouda before half time. The blues mounted the pressure after the break and eventually got the breakthrough via Didier Drogba. (2-1)

Everton defeated Manchester United on penalties to reach their first final since 1995. United dominated the chances and had a penalty appeal turned down. United fielded a young team, starting with Macheda, Wellbeck, and Gibson and resting Rooney, Ronaldo, and Giggs. Berbatov and Ferdinand missed penalties before Phil Jageilka scored the winning penalty.

Premier League Round Up

This week produced the birth of a new star in the Manchester United crop of up and coming youngsters. 17 year old Federico Macheda scored a stunning winner to secure Uniteds first after two defeats. The goal gave United a 3-2 win over Aston Villa, who had earlier taken a deserved lead, coming from behind after Cristiano Ronaldo had given United an early lead. Villa replied with goals from John Carew and Gabrielle Agbonolahor. United seemed destined for a third straight defeat with 10 minutes remaining, but Ronaldo levelled before Macheda turned Curtis Davies and curled in a superb strike, raising the roof of Old Trafford.

Liverpool had been top of the league until Uniteds comeback after beating Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage. The kop hit the woodwork on 4 seperate occasions and looked to have been destined to draw, but a late winner from Youssi Benayoun gave Liverpool 3 points and now leave them a point behind leaders United. Chelsea kept the pressure on Liverpool by ruining Alan Shearers homecoming to Newcastle. The blues scored 2 second half goals from Lampard and Malouda. Arsenal moved 6 points clear of Villa by beating Man City 2-0 at the emirates stadium. A brace from Adebayor on his return from injury secured the points. Cesc Fabregas who also returned from injury assisted both goals.

Stoke City beat West Brom 2-0 to gain a valuable victory in their fight to stay in the premier league. Ricardo Fuller and James Beattie scored the goals. Middlesborough plunged 5 points adrift of safety after a crushing 4-1 defeat to Bolton. Blackburn came back from a goal behind to beat Tottenham 2-1. Wilson Palacios was sent of for Spurs. Hull and Portsmouth played out a stalemate at the KC stadium. Glen Johnson was sent off. Everton closed the gap on Villa to a single point after beating Wigan 4-0. Goals from Jo, Fellani and Osman gave Wigan their heaviest defeat of the season. West Ham beat Sunderland 2-0.

Premier League Round Up

Manchester United continued their slump in form with a surprise defeat to Fulham on Saturday. The champions, keen to put their defeat to Liverpool behind them came unstuck by two Fulham goals, with two players sent off. Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney saw red as United dropped more points. Liverpool took full advantage of Uniteds slip up by smashing 5 goals past woeful Aston Villa, to close the gap to one point. A Gerrard hat-trick, and goals by Riera and Kuyt gave Liverpool another morale boosting victory. Chelsea failed to capitalise on Uniteds defeat as they suffered their first loss under the Hiddink regime. Arsenal own at Newcastle after avoiding an early set back. Goalkeeper Manuel Alumina conceded a first half penalty, but redeemed himself by saving the spot kick from Martins. The gunners ran away 3-1 winners. The result left them 3 points clear of Aston Villa.

Everton were beaten by Portsmouth who eased their relegation worries after 2 goals from Peter Crouch. Sunderland continued their slump, loosing to Man City (1-0), Middlesborough lost to fellow strugglers Stoke (1-0), Blackburn drew (1-1) with West Ham, and Hull lost to Wigan (1-0).

With the international break now upon us, many teams will be pleased to have a break from the league.

Premier League Round Up

The main story of last weeks football action was the humbling result at Old Trafford, where Champions Manchester United were beaten 4-1 by chasing Liverpool. The result closed the gap between the two teams to four points, but United still have one game in hand which would see the gap restored at seven points. United captain Rio Ferdinand has said the defeat was a wake up call, and maintains that such a result will not happen again. In contrast, Rafa Benitez has told all clubs in the league that United are beatable. Chelsea are on the same points as Liverpool after beating Manchester City 1-0 at Stamford Bridge. Michael Essien, who was starting his first league game since August scored the winning goal in the first half.

Arsenal moved into fourth with a 4-0 victory over Blackburn. Andrei Arshavin scored his first goal for the gunners, with Eboue scoring two. Aston Villa continued their slump in form with a home defeat to Tottenham. The villains lost 2-1, after goals from Jenas and Bent severely dented their champions league push. They have yet to win in 4 league games, and remain on the same points as Arsenal, but remain 5th on goal difference. Everton continued their push for 4th with a 3-1 victory over stoke.

In the relegation scrap, Middlesborough salvaged a draw against Portsmorth after going one nil down and one man down. They could have snuck the victory but Alfonso Alves failed to score, and the pressure remains on manager Gareth Southgate. Fulham finally won away for the first time at Bolton (3-1), Wigan beat Sunderland (2-1), and Newcastle and Hull shared the spoils at the KC Stadium (1-1). West Ham drew with bottom club West Brom this evening (0-0).

Manchester United Maintain 7 point lead

Manchester United relieved the pressure from title rivals Chelsea and Liverpool by registering an away win against relegation battlers Newcastle United. Edwin Van Der Sar conceded his first premier league goal since November but it was not enough to stop the reds from securing their 11th straight win in the league, 3 wins short of the record set by Arsenal. Goals from Rooney and Berbatov cancelled out the shock opener from Lovenkrank.

Elsewhere, Aston Villa dropped points in the race for 4th place after loosing 2-0 to Manchester City. Goals from Elano and Wright-Phillips continued Villa's miserable run of one point out of a possible nine. The result leaves Arsenal 3 points behind. Everton in 5th drew with struggling Blackburn, but fellow strugglers Stoke picked up 3 crucial points defeating Bolton 2-0. Hull recorded their first win in 18 league games, scoring a late winner at Fulham (1-0). Tottenham got over their Carling Cup defeat by hammering Middlesborough 4-0, and West Ham beat Wigan 1-0 with Carlton Cole scoring his 11th goal of the season.

Tuesdays Results

Pompey 0-1 Chelsea

Liverpool 2-0 Sunderland

West Brom 1-3 Arsenal

Champions League Round-Up

Three out of four English teams recorded victory in the first knock out stage of the champions league. Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool secured 1-0 victories, with Manchester United drawing 0-0 and the San Siro.

Arsenal head to the Stadio Olympique with a slender 1-0 lead after defeating Roma at the Emirates. A penalty from Van Persie gave the gunners victory, but the hosts created a host of chances and were unable to convert them, most notably efforts from Bendtner and Eboue.

Chelsea also head to their away fixture with a 1-0 victory after Didier Drogba scored his first goal this year for his club. He could have and maybe should have doubled their advantage when he met a cross from Frank Lampard. Juventus nearly grabbed an away goal after going close from Del Piero, and Nedvied.

Liverpool took the driving seat in their clash with Real Madrid, by scoring a priceless away goal making them firm favourites to proceed to the next round. The game which was over shadowed by speculation surrounding Rafa Benitez contract negotiations, ended with the Kop in the driving seat in the next game scheduled for Anfield. Youssi Benayoun grabbed the winner.

Manchester United failed to turn pressure into goals after a dominant display at the San Siro against Inter Milan. The game which ended 0-0 saw United create numerous clear cut chances, but Milan rode their luck and kept a clean sheet. Ronaldo went close on numerous occasions. The second leg is now poised to be a close contest with Inter looking to snatch a priceless away goal.

News Round Up

New Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink took charge of his first training session accepting the role of Chelsea head coach. The Russian boss faces a tough first game against high flyers Aston Villa this week in a game which could have a big say on the Champions League position.

Wayne Rooney is in contention to play Manchester Uniteds game against Fulham on Wednesday. The striker who has missed the last 7 games through a hamstring injury is close to a return, although he may not be risked. If not he will definitely start the weekend game against Blackburn.

Alisher Usmanov upped his stake in Arsenal today to 25%, increasing speculation that he could launch a takeover bid in the near future. The Russian tycoon is eager to control the club who he feels is a great asset to his business interest. David Dein is the chairman to his company Red and White limited.

AC Milan Officials will be flying out to LA during the week to tie up a deal for England midfielder David Beckham. The Galaxy midfielder has voiced his intentions of staying at the San Siro, and Milan are keen to keep him. The deadline set by the MLS for a deal passed on Friday, but people close to both camps feel the deal is very much alive.

Eduaurdo makes emotional Arsenal return

Arsenal striker Eduardo marked his return to first team action by scoring a brace in the FA cup fourth round replay against Cardiff City. In his first appearance since breaking his leg against Birmingham last season, the Croatian played 67 minutes of an emphatic Arsenal victory. Other scorers on the night were Bendtner and Van Persie with Arsenal in total control against last year’s beaten finalists. The return of Eduardo will be a timely boost for Arsene Wenger whose side, before the game, had scored very few goals.


The gunners now face a fifth round tie against Burnley- the team who eliminated them from the Carling Cup earlier this season, with the tie this time being played at the Emirates stadium.

United Go Three points Clear, Premier League Review

Manchester united demolished West Brow 5-0 at the Hawthorns this evening to go three points clear of the Barclaycard Premiership. They also set a league record of 11 straight premier league clean sheets. The goal scorers were Berbatov (4 goals in 5), Tevez, Vidic, Ronaldo (2). West Brom were reduced to 10 men in the second half and remain bottom of the league. United have not conceded a goal since loosing 2-1 to Arsenal in November.

Aston Villa climbed to joint second in the league after a 1-0 away win at Portsmouth. Villa debutant Emile Heskey scored on his debut. Pompey were also reduced to 10 men in the second half and are hovering 3 points above the relegation zone. Tottenham moved 3 points clear of the relegation zone after beating Stoke 3-1. Tottenham were 3-0 up by half time, and Stoke remain 2nd bottom. Elsewhere Sunderland narrowly beat Fulham 1-0 with Kenwyn Jones scoring the only goal.

Manchester United Reach Carling Cup Final

Manchester United are set to compete for the first part of an unprecedented Quadruple. They want to complete a clean sweep of trophies this season, the first club to do so. They beat Derby County 4-2 on the night at Old Trafford after Derby came into the game with a 1-0 lead from pride park. Goals from Nani, O'Shea, Tevez and Ronaldo ensured that the world champions booked their place in Wembley where they're probable opponents will be Tottenham who have a 4-1 lead over giant killers Burnley. Derby County's two goals were scored by Barnes, his second a wonderful free-kick in the 90th minute to make the game 4-2 and set up a tense finale, but United saw the game out.

Kaka Deal Off, But Will City Turn To Arshavin?

Kaka's proposed £100million move to Manchester City has been called off due to the player and club terminating negotiations with City. AC Milan fans had staged a protest to keep the former world player of the year, and Milan club officials announced last night that the deal was off. This comes as a bitter blow to City, who have caused a sensational media frenzy, since publicly announcing their interest in the Brazillian.

With Kaka off the City radar, reports are surfacing that Mark Hughes will turn his attention to Arsenal target Andrei Arshavin. The Russian playmaker is said to favour a move to Manchester City, and there is no doubt that the club can meet the players transfer fee and wage demands more abundantly than Arsenal could.

Liverpool Feel Pressue As They Drop More Home Point

Liverpool failed to regain top spot in the first of two Mersyside derby's in one week. The kop are second in the league to Manchester United, who lead on goal difference as they failed to win at home again this season.

In a closely fought contest it was Everton who were asking the questions as Liverpool goalkeeper Reina saved well from Anichebe and Cahill. Fernando Torres, making his first start after a long injury lay off, should have given Liverpool the lead, but his effort was placed wide. It was Liverpool who found the breakthrough after the interval, Steven Gerrard fired in a low drive from 30 yards sparky the Anfield faithful into life. But with three minutes remaining, Youssi Benayoun gave away a needless free kick. Arteta- free kick specialist found Cahill in the penalty area who silenced the Anfield crowd. Rafa Benitez dismissed questions of his team feeling the pressure. Liverpool have picked up 2 points from 6 games since his infamous outburst at Sir Alex Ferguson.

United Head Summit- Premier League Round Up

Manchester United sit top of the league this evening after Dimitar Bebatov's late winner against Bolton. The reds still have one game in hand over their title rivals. They head Liverpool by one point, who face a tough Mersyside derby on Monday, and the pressure will be on them to win after their slip up against Stoke last week.

Chelsea laboured to victory after going behind at home against Stoke. It looked as though they would loose their third home game this season after Rory Delap put Stoke ahead. But late goals from Belletti and Lampard ensured Chelsea stay in touch with United & Liverpool. Villa kept up their good form by coming from behind and a being a man down to defeat Sunderland, and Arsenal got revenge on to Hull by beating them at the KC Stadium, 3-1.

Man City defeated Wigan (1-0), and Middlesborough continued their ascendancy by loosing to West Brom (3-0), the defeated lifted Tony Mowbrays team of the bottom of the league. Sam Allardyce's Blackburn gave his old team something to think about by beating Newcastle (3-0)

Let The Mind Games Begin

The race for the Premier League turned up a notch last Friday after Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez held his pre-match press conference. He sensationally went on a verbal attack of his title rival, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, by insisting that the United boss is immune from being punished by the Football Association after criticising referees. He also claims that Ferguson puts pressure on referees during the half time interval to swing decisions in United's favour during games. Benitez claimed that his outburst was in defence of his team, after Alex Ferguson poked a jibe at Liverpool, claiming that they would fade away in the title race.

The outburst has been well received by the press, who have done their best to amplify the comments and some have likened the rant to the infamous Kevin Keegan 'I would love it' outburst. But did Benitez' comments come at the wrong time?

Liverpool failed to capitalise on the fact that they played their game a day before their direct rivals, by drawing with Stoke. Many believe that the pre match comments from Benitez has put more pressure on his team to perform and on Saturday evening they seemed to stutter. On the other hand, Fergusons men put on a colossal display by comprehensively beating Chelsea and closing the gap at the top to 5 points with two games in hand. With United playing two games in a week they could go top of the league before Liverpool play their next game, seemingly giving United the advantage.

Ferguson is no stranger to mind games, and with Benitez new to the role of title rival, he may be playing into the United Bosses' hands. Arsene Wenger, Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalgliesh, Jose Mourinho are some who have sparred with Ferguson, and while all have tasted title sucess (except for Keegan), but none have dethroned Ferguson as the leagues most successful manager.

Ronaldo Scoops Ultimate Prize

Cristiano Ronaldo won the Fifa World player of the Year Award last night beating off competition from Lionel Messi and Liverpools Fernando Torres. The vote which is cast by managers and players was a landslide victory for the Portuguese winger, who has that remarkable season scoring 42 goals in all competitions.

The award was handed to Ronaldo by football legend Pele, and the United player was clearly overwhelmed, reserving special praise for his manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ronaldo becomes the first player in the Premier League to win the coveted accolade.

Transfer Updates

The transfer window has been opened for 6 days and already there have been a few movers and shakers. Manchester United acted quickly on day one snapping up Zoran Tosic the highly rated winger. Chelsea sold left-back Wayne Bridge to Manchester City. Yesterday, Jermain Defoe moved back to Tottenham. The rest of the rumours and speculation remian rife, as all eyes wait to see if the following deals actually transpire.

Arsenal are hot on the heels of Andrei Arshavin, but a price for Zenith St Petersburgh forward has yet to be agreed. Tottenham remain persistent in their persue of Middlesborough winger Stewart Downing, and Manchester City are linked with numerous players on a daily basis, but the latest to be added to this wish list is Blackburn forward Roque Santa Cruz.

Any latest developments will be noted.

(Source: Sky Sports)