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.