Mark Hughes- Money, Money, Money.

As the January transfer window approaches, the eyes of world football will be fixed on the so called ‘Middle Eastlands’ and what players Manchester City will try and add to their squad. Reports of audacious bids for the likes of former world player of the year Kaka, and most recently Juventus goalkeeper Gianluca Buffon have already surfaced. Some of them seem to be comical and farfetched. But while it is clearly evident that Man City have the capital to buy any player in the world, it would be foolish to ignore what they could destroy by bringing in a whole new 11-man star studded squad. Their core English base of players who have made it through the academy may be overlooked. Revelations such as Steven Ireland, Dean Sturridge, and others may be forced out, making the club loose its tradition of nurturing home-grown talent.

Whatever happens in January, we can expect to see the transfer deadline broken a few times.

Who's Next For The Hitman?

After defeating Paulie Malignaggi, the world of boxing is waiting to see who is next to get in the ring with Ricky Hatton. While the ‘Hitman’ has given himself a lot of credit for his recent victory, many critics believe that if Hatton was matched with a boxer of better class he would have been exposed more. Many also believe that his excessive drinking between fights, if not already, will catch up with him. His next opponent will be either Oscar De La Hoya or Manny Pacquiao, although deep down Hatton would really love a rematch with his new trainers son, Floyd Mayweather Jnr. Although it is highly unlikely that the pretty boy will tempted to come out of retirement for someone he beat comprehensively.

Weekend Premier League Round-Up

Arsenal came from behind to record a fine victory over London rivals Chelsea on Sunday. After falling behind to a first half own goal by Johan Djorou, they hit back with two second half goals in three minutes by Robin Van Persie. The first goal left Chelsea boss Luis Philippe Scolari infuriated, as Van Persie was clearly offside, but the linesman failed to flag.

Chelsea had the majority of chances in the first half, with Frank Lampard, Soloman Kalou, and Ballack all having efforts go close. It was an error by Arsenal Keeper Manual Almunia, which gave Chelsea the lead. His eagerness to throw the ball out was out of sync with Samir Nasri who couldn’t get to the loose ball, which eventually made its way to Jose Boswinga, whose low cross was turned in by the Djourou. After the break, Chelsea could have doubled their lead, but Lampard shot wide, a chance that proved costly in the end. Van Persie collected a through ball from Denilson from an offside position and smashed the ball in the top corner. Three minutes later, he got on the end of a flick on by Emmanuel Adebayor, and shot low into the bottom corner, turning the game completely on its head. Arsenal held on the win after Chelsea had loads of possession, but failed to carve out any clear opportunities.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, the Manchester derby was won by the red half, with United scoring the only goal in a fiery contest. Wayne Rooney scored his 100th premier league goal. But the talking point of the game was Cristiano Ronaldo’s bizarre handball, which led to his second booking. Portsmouth beat Blackburn 3-2. It was nearly the same old story for Pompy as they once again blew a 2-0 advantage as Blackburn clawed their way back into the game to make it 2-2, only for Davies to give Tony Adams his first home victory as Pompy boss. Everton gave Harry Rednapp his first home defeat as Tottenham manager with a 1-0 victory. Unfortunately they lost Ayebeni Yakubu for the rest of the season.

Andy The Great.

Last week Andrew Cole announced his retirement from football, after a highly successful career spanning 1 years plus. Cole will be regarded as a top finisher, a world-class striker and a great black footballer along with other greats such as John Barnes. He boasts many winners medals and was part of the historic treble winning Manchester United team. He is one of the premier leagues all time top scorers, and in one season for Newcastle United, scored 40 goals in one season. He also has scored the most goals in a premier league match- 5 in a 9-0 victory. You would think that such a prolific player would have an impressive international career to match- wrong.

Cole, like many other great English players, never replicated his club form for his country. Was he given a fair shot? Well, at the time in the peak of his career, England had Alan Shearer- a genuinely great player who would be hard to displace from the set up. But whether Cole was given a fair shot is debatable. While you could argue that you have to take your chances, it can also be argued that a fair run to prove yourself should be given. Could England have benefited from using Andy Cole more? I think so, but Cole isn’t the only footballer of his era to be overlooked. Ian Wright, Les Ferdinand are a few more. But their goals, professionalism, and role model acumen have not gone un-noticed by me. I salute all the great black footballers who never got their deserved international playing career. If not for you, we may not be witnessing such young talent as the Theo Walcotts, Jermaine Defoes, Gabby Agbonlahors.

Kimbo Slice vs Seth Petruzelli

Do you remember Kimbo Slice? That tonk guy who does street fighting. Well recently he joined up to an American version of Ultimate Fighting.

In Ultimate Fighting, challengers face eachother in a cage, with just a ref in the middle and they are allowed full contact blows to eachother until the ref deems someone is in real danger. Kimbo, who made a way for himself through posting his street fights on the internet, is relatively new to the sport having ony 3 fights but winning all, 2 by KO. last week he was pitted against an unknown opponent Seth Petruzelli. And here is result...

Premier League Round-Up

This weekend saw Chelsea maintain their top spot in the premier league by cruising to a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa. They are being chased closely by Liverpool who also kept their unbeaten record in tact by beating so called 'top four club' Manchester City. Hull are the suprise package at the moment in third place following a 1-0 victory over Tottenham, who were condemned to their 5th defeat of the season.

Sunday Results

West Ham (1)-(3) Bolton
Pompey (2)-(1) Stoke City
Totty (0)-(1) Hull City
Man City (2)-(3) Liverpool
Chelsea (2)-(0) Aston Villa
Everton (2)-(2) Newcastle

Amir Khan KO'D In First Round

Amir Khan was sensationally knocked out in 54 seconds after his debut fight in his new Sky Sports contract against Breidis Prescott.

The English fighter was twice knocked down inside a minute, both times by strong left hooks which rocked him, and on the second occasion, left him on the canvas for a 10 count. It was a startling set-back for Khan who was pushing perhaps too hastily for a world title shot. On this evidence, he clearly has a lot of work to do.

Much had been voiced on Khans chin. Many saying it was too soft, but to be fair, there aren't many boxers who could have withstood the strength of Prescotts much revelled left hand.

Khan admits he made a mistake coming out on the offensive, but Prescott who predicted he would knock out Khan in the 4th round is surprised at how early his victory came.

Is Khan's career over? He insists he will be back, and if he does overcome this defeat it will prove he is a true champion.