Peru Gets FIFA Slaps

FIFA wants to keep its members pure.

Or at least that’s the lesson they seem to hope people will pick up from the suspension of Peru from “all international sporting contact for its clubs, national teams, referees and officials” due to governmental meddling in the Peruvian football association (FPF.)

A good plan. In theory. Football and government are generally a poor mix. But, to play devil’s advocate, what if the football associations aren’t pure? And what if they’re failing to clean themselves up? What happens then?This looks as if it may be the case in Peru, whose team is currently at the bottom (10th place) of South American CONMEBOL standings for World Cup qualifying. They’ve fallen a long way from their glory days in the seventies, when they were close to a perennial qualifier for World Cups and managed to take home a Copa América trophy.

Things aren’t so great these days. From Sports Illustrated (an excellent read for those interested in the big picture):

The Peruvian state, through its sports institute (IPD), demanded that the FPF bring its statutes in line with local law. When this didn’t happen, it declared FPF president Manuel Burga and some of his team ineligible for a period of five years. Burga ignored the ban. He stood for re-election. It was a controversial process. The election took place a year later than scheduled (was this really an attempt to profit from the good performances of the Peru side in last year’s World Under-17 Cup?). But Burga won. In the eyes of FIFA, he is the legitimate representative of Peruvian soccer.

The IPD sees it differently. It doesn’t recognize Burga nor his team. Restrictions have been imposed on the FPF’s use of bank accounts. And Peru lost the right to stage the South American Under-20 Championships next January. The stadiums belong to the IPD, which wouldn’t cede them for use by the FPF, and so the tournament was recently switched to Venezuela. …

The FPF seemed to be searching for scapegoats when it suspended some senior players for alleged hijinks after celebrating a draw with Brazil. No longer considered for selection are Claudio Pizarro (who still angrily proclaims his innocence) and fellow strikers Jefferson Farfán and Andrés Mendoza, plus senior center back Santiago Acasiete. Peru doesn’t have the strength in depth to be able to leave out such talent, and it certainly appeared the FPF was more interested in playing the blame game than in providing a structure that might help the team. While the other South American sides were involved in warm-up friendlies in August and November, the FPF didn’t organize any games for its own team.

Public opinion is against Burga and the FPF, but there is no way for the public to oust him. And because he is the elected representative, FIFA stands fully behind him. Hence the ban.

FIFA regrets that the Peruvian government sports authorities have not taken up any of the numerous invitations to dialogue that FIFA, CONMEBOL and the FPF have extended in good faith over more than two years in order to reach constructive solutions for Peruvian football.

FIFA wishes to make clear that the FPF will only be allowed to return to the fold of the world and South American football communities on the basis of negotiations with the President and the Board of the FPF who were elected in October 2007.

It seems we have an impasse. The government will not accept the FPF as it is, saying that they’re not complying with the law. And Burga has refused to step down, saying that this will not solve the federation’s problems. And now fans and players are caught in the middle with no obvious way forward.

Tim Vickery at SI (link above) sees one way out: If the clubs make it clear that they have no confidence in Burga, which could force him to resign. Maybe.

It will be interesting to see who blinks first.

Premier League Week 14 Wrapup

One can easily say its the boring weekend English Premier League as what i saw. So called The Big 4 Chelsea, Liverpool, Man Utd and Arsenal all are failed to score the goal and Arsenal is the only team to loose the game and conceded three goals. Only 14 goals were scored in the 10 matches played in this weekend. Chelsea, Liverpool and Man Utd all failed to take advantage on each others draw to change the course of the table but it remained intact as Arsenal dropped out of the top 4 and Aston Villa back into the top 4.

0-0 CHELSEA FC v NEWCASTLE UNITED (Stamford Bridge)

Chelsea missed the clear opportunity to seprate from Liverpool in the Premier League table. At Stamford Bridge Newcastle succeeded to upheld Chelsea in front of 41660 crowds. Chelsea failed to break the Newcastle deadlock despite of the complete dominance of the game. This is Chelsea two successive home game draw, despite of this Blues remains top of the table on goal difference. In the 54th minute Chelsea had a goal which is ruled out for offside. A Lampard free-kick was then held by Given on the line with the crowd claiming it was a goal.

0-0 LIVERPOOL FC v FULHAM FC (Anfield)

Here Liverpool couldnt capitalise when Chelsea held for a draw and a Arsenal heavy defeat as this game ends in a goalless draw at Anfield. Liverpool failed to beat Fulham without their evergreen hero Steven Gerrard. But Fulham's dogged performance claimed only their second away point of the season and also secured their third goalless draw in eight visits to Anfield. Liverpool were lacked out with ideas and inspiration and Fulham worked hard to contain Liverpool. Defenders Aaron Hughes and Brede Hangeland had a firm grip on Robbie Keane and Torres for most of the game, and Liverpool could not find a way through. Liverpool Boss Benitez rested Xabi Alonso on the bench and brought in Alvaro Arbeloa, Lucas and Torres from the side that started the win at Bolton last weekend.

3-0 MANCHESTER CITY v ARSENAL FC (City of Manchester Stadium)

Arsenal were without Gallas and went Goalless after he was stripped down from the captaincy and dropped from the squad after he commented badly on his team. Ireland, Robinho and penalty from Sturridge gave Man City a well deserved victory with well balanced display. Now Arsenal tasted their fifth defeat in this Premier League season and their title hopes will fade out quickly. Arsenal were without the likes of Gallas, Toure, Walcott, Fabregas, Sagna and Adebayor.

1-3 MIDDLESBROUGH FC v BOLTON WANDERERS (Riverside)

From the first minute M'brough never deserved a thing from this game as they started the game appallingly and lost the game by 3-1. In the first ten minutes M'brough lost the game when Kevin Davies and Matthew Taylor striked for Bolton. 13 minutes from time Elmander scored the stunner for Bolton to seal the win. Finalyy Elmander showed a reason why he was signed for £10million when he stuck the stunning goal who chested down Samuel's pass and crashed in a left-foot drive of his own to effectively.

2-2 PORTSMOUTH FC v HULL CITY (Fratton Park)

Hull came back twice to draw 2-2 against Portsmouth at Fratton Park. Now Portsmouth have just one win in six games under Tony Adams. Hull City are without win in their last five games. Portsmouth reeling under frustration when their chances went begging to pack-out Hull. Portsmouth had flying start to the game and they got rewarded in the 28th minute when Peter Crouch headed home. Nine minute after re-start Michael Turner equalised for hosts and in the 63rd minute Pompey right back Glen Johnson restored the lead for home-side. But Noe Pamarot - under pressure from 39-year-old Dean Windass - headed an 89th minute own goal to earn Hull a point.

1-0 STOKE CITY v WEST BROMWICH ALBION (Britannia Stadium)

Till 84th minute the game at Britannia Stadium headed towards goalless draw, but Stoke's Mamady Sidibe had other ideas and his only goal for hosts separated both the teams when WBA lost by 1-0. West Bromwich left without win in their last seven games and they lost couple of time thrice games in a row. In the absence of suspended top-scorer Ricardo Fuller, Sidibe showed early signs of giving the away defence a stern aerial test. Stoke striker Dave Kitson who just lasted only ten minutes and he was carried out on the stretcher. In the final minuteds of the game both sides struggled to maintain the discipline of game and when Ryan Shawcross injured the games stopped for longer time.

0-0 ASTON VILLA v MANCHESTER UNITED (Villa Park)

Manchester United ruined the chance to close-up the game on Premier League leaders Chelsea and Liverpool. As it was Wayne Rooney who is the guilty to ruin the chances. Other-side Villa ended their 14 games losing sequence against Man Utd when they draw the game goalless at Villa Park. Villa shared the spoils for the whole 90 minutes to disappoint 42585 crowds when they have the massive confidence after beating Arsenal. In the first half it was Man Utd who missed the premium chances. In the second half domination for home side as they kept Man Utd out of the game mainly James Milner.

1-0 TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS v BLACKBURN ROVERS (White Hart Lane)

Russian Roman Pavlyuchenko took just nine minutes to give much needed three points and lifted Spurs out of the relegation zone as they beat Blackburn by 1-0 at White Hart Lane. Blackburn plunged into deep trouble when Lennon who set up Pavlyuchenko's strike and he was showing the sort of form that took him to the World Cup for England in 2006. Adding to the worst when Martin Olsson had sent off after receiving two yellow cards in 12 minutes. With this defeat Blackburn left them without win in their last 8 games and into relegation zone.

0-1 SUNDERLAND FC v WEST HAM UNITED (Stadium of Light)

In the 20th minute a goal from Valon Behrami for West Ham gave first victory in their last 8 games and second away win of the season when they beat Sunderland by 1-0 at Stadium of Light. West Ham had dominated the game for longer periods as they failed to capitalise the chances they had created.

1-0 WIGAN ATHLETIC v EVERTON FC (JJB Stadium)

Substitute Henri Camara scored the only goal of the match in the 51st minute to beat Everton and a reason to cheer as this is his firstPremier League goal. At the interval time Henri Camara, a Senegal striker replaced dull looking Oliver Kapo where he rifle home a clinical low shot from skillfull setup from Antonio Valencia. This is Wigans only second home win of this season. The nomadic forward, 31, spent last season on loan at West Ham but failed to score a single goal in a nightmare campaign. Camara returned to the JJB Stadium in the summer and, having scored three times in the Carling Cup earlier this season.

Bundesliga No.1 in Shirt Sponsorship

The Premier League doesn’t usually come second to anyone where money is involved, due to its worldwide commercial appeal. But that changed today when figures released by “global sports marketing consultancy” SPORT+MARKT has Bundesliga teams outdoing their English counterparts in shirt sponsorship earnings.

Here are the numbers: total money paid to Bundesliga 1. clubs this season to have players torsos plastered with logos: 102.9 million euros. Total paid to Premier League clubs: 85.5 million euros.
There are multiple reasons for this. One is the pound’s newfound position of being weak against the euro. Another is the fact that three, count ‘em, Premier League clubs don’t have sponsors. West Ham’s sponsor XL went under and no one seems keen to have their name on West Brom’s shirt. Meanwhile Aston Villa took the moral high ground by giving commercial sponsors the cold shoulder and carrying the name of children’s hospice Acorns for no cost. Which makes it very hard not to like Randy Lerner.

Hopefully this turnaround in commercial fortunes represents the beginnings of something we all want: a levelling of the commercial playing field for Europe’s big leagues. Obviously the Belgian Jupiler League is never going to compete with the Prem. But is it unrealistic to hope that one day the major European leagues (and not just Prem, La Liga, Serie A) can compete on equal terms for big name players?

La Liga Week 12 Wrapup

1-0 REAL MADRID v RECREATIVO HUELVA (Santiago Bernabaeu)

Real Madrid beat Recreativo by a goal to nil which too far from comfortable viewing at Bernabeu. Before this match Madrid have lost four games out of eight in all competitions. Madrid coach Schuster just came from vote of confidence from Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic. In the 38th minute, Wesley Sneijder heading a Royston Drenthe cross. As the match heading towards end of the first half came with the news that Spain had won their double matches in the Davis Cup final.

0-3 VILLAREAL CF v REAL VALLADOLID (El Madrigal Stadium

Finally Villareal unbeaten run comes to an end when they were thrashed by Valladolid 3-0 at El Madrigal. Valladolid who were dismantled by Barcelona when they lost 6-0. Valladolid hammered and finished the game in the first half and Villareal were left out nothing and unable to recover the goals. In the 24th minute Jonathan Sesma gave the Valladolid the lead midway through the first half and doubled the visitors' advantage two minutes before the break and completed his brace. In the first half injury time Luis Prieto added third and gave unlikely shock defeat to the home side.

0-0 SEVILLA FC v VALENCIA CF (Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan)

Home side were frustrated by greater Valencia side where the game was ended in goalless draw at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan with entertainment. Both the sides eneded fifth and fourth in the table. Both the teams were missed lot of chances.

3-1 OSASUNA v ALMERIA (Estadio Reyno de Navarra)

Almeria almost pressed the outburts button on Osasuna as they came back with self-destruct to dismantle them by 3-1 at Estadio Reyno de Navarra. In the 6th minute, Alvaro Negredo put visitors ahead from the penalty spot. In the 9th minute Almeria were down to ten men when Guilherme sent-off for the reckless challenge. Five minutes later Walter Pandiani equalised for the hosts. Almeria then gifted the Osasuna edge when Hernan Pellerano nodded into his own net with 19 minutes remaining. Krisztian Vadocz added a third for Osasuna in the final minute. Before this match Osasuna were without a win in this La Liga season.

2-2 REAL MALLORCA v MALAGA CF (San Moix Stadium)

Real Mallorca came back twice to draw 2-2 against Malaga at San Moix as they wondered that they couldnt beat Malaga. Earlier this month Malaga were beaten by Mallorca. Ivan Ramis put Malaga in front when he put the ball into his own net in the 12th minute. However, Cheli equalised for Mallorca but in the 24th minute Nabil Baha put Malaga once again in the lead. But Mallorca didnt sit quite and they were still undone till the 67th minute when Pierre Webo equalised Mallorca for the second time in this game.

3-0 RACING SANTANDER v RCD ESPANLYOL (Estadio El Sardinero)

Racing Santander took just an hour to put this game beyond Espanyol reach when they beat them up by 3-0 at El Sardinero. Racing scored the first goal in the 10th minute when Ivan Marcano scored the goal. Oscar Serrano added the second for hosts. And Jonathan Pereira wrapped up the things for the home side.Both sides came into this game just three points clear of the relegation zone.

1-2 SPORTING GIJON v REAL BETIS ( Estadio Municipal El Molinon)

Home side Sporting Gijon were in the control till the 50 minutes of the game when they were leading by a goal to nil when Diego Castro Gimenez tap in the goal. But in the second half Betis fought back to steal all the three points from the neck of home side. Just before the hour mark thanks to two quickfire goals from summer signings Luciano Monzon and Achille Emana for Real Betis.

1-1 FC BARCELONA v GETAFE (Nou Camp)

Barcelona were unplayable at Nou Camp when they scored 17 goals and conceded just a goal despite of this Getafe draw the game by 1-1. Barcelona had a disappointing game to settle down for a point. In the 19th minute Manu del Moral surprises home side when he beat Victor Valdes with well placed shot after Pique lost the posession. In the 71st minute when Seydou Keita headed the ball from Daniel Alves inviting when ran down the right flank. Bojan Krkic, Sylvinho, Keita and Aleksander Hleb were all handed rare starts for Barcelona.

3-1 DEPORTIVO LA CORUNA v ATHLETIC BILBAO (Riazor Stadium)

Deportivo La Coruna escaped from the scary jaws of Athletic Bilbao when Andoni Iraaola missed the penalty for the visitors in the 25th minute as they lost to La Coruna by 3-1 at Riazor. First-half goals from Ze Castro and penalty from Joan Verdu put the home side firmly in control. Javi Martinez header midway through the second half gave the visitors hope until Andres Guardado's injury-time goal eventually settled matters.

Uefa Champions League - Matchday 5

Oh just we finished up my weekends the lot of European football from the land of English, Spanish and Italy. So in this mid-week Uefa Champions League is back and indeed, some excitement is afoot as we reach the climax. With just this and then one more fixture after this, teams really have to step up if they want to get out of their groups. Some teams can do it this week if they get wins, draws or rely on other results. I shall be giving you, group by group, the full situation below.

There are some great games to be looking forward to, as always. Barca take on Sporting Lisbon, Liverpool play Marseille, Atletico take on PSV, Man United have got a big one against Villarreal, Lyon play Fiorentina, Arsenal take on Kiev with their all new captain.

Group A
So Group A is where we’ll start, although the first half of the draw plays Wednesday. Roma will want revenge as they play their return match with Cluj, and Chelsea can qualify with a win against Bordeaux.

Chelsea 7

Roma 6

Bordeaux 6

Cluj 4

So, Chelsea will be in the KO stage if they beat Bordeaux. Cluj however will not be able to make the knockouts if they lose against Roma.

Group B
Italian leaders Inter Milan take on Panathinaikos, while surprise package Anorthosis take on surprise bottom of the group Bremen.

Inter 8

Anorthosis 5

Panathinaikos 4

Bremen 3
So (Deep Breath), Inter will qualify for the KO draw with just a apoint against Pana. If they win, and so do Anorthosis, Anorthosis, will amazingly be in the KO draw as well. If Bremen lose they won’t be able to get through, if they draw they’ll be relying on the other game.

Group C

Group C is all said and done, save for who is going to get the UEFA cup spots. Already. Sporting play Barca and in the big one at the other end of the table, Shakthar take on Basel.
Barca 10

Sporting 9

Shakhtar 3

Basel 1
So with Barca and Sporting already in the next round, if Shakhtar win, they will be in the UEFA cup. If Basel win, they are in with a chance, but it will depend on the last results. When they play the reserves of the big boys.

Group D

The last of the Wednesday groups is interestingly set up still. Liverpool take on Marseille and PSV are up against

Atletico Madrid 8

Liverpool 8

Marseille 3

PSV 3
So Liverpool are through if they win, or they draw and Athletico win or draw. The same is true of the reverse situation, if Atletico win, or they draw and Liverpool win or draw. Both PSV and Maeseille can kiss goodbye any hopes of getting through if they loose.

Group E
Tuesday’s games then. Man United take on Villarreal and Celtic have got Aalborg. Hopefully the ref will send off the right player this time round.

Man United 8

Villarreal 8

Celtic 2

Aalborg 2
So If Man United and Villarreal play out a draw, they are both through. Whichever wins, is through. If Celtic win, and Man United win, Celtic just have to beat Villarreal next time out. Aalborg meanwhile, have to hope Villarreal win, and they win against Celtic AND Man United. Tall order.

Group F for DeaTH.
Lyon take on Fiorentina in the group of Death, while Bayern take on Steaua.

Lyon 8

Bayern 8

Fiorentina 3

Steaua 1
So if Lyon get at least a draw against Fiorentina, they’ll be through. Bayern just have to beat Steaua, or hope Lyon win, and they are through. Steaua won’t make the UEFA cup if they loose and Fiorentina win.

Group G
Arsenal play against Kiev, while Fener entertain Porto.

Arsenal 8

Porto 6

Dynamo Kiev 5

Fenerbache 2
Arsenal just need a 0-0 or a win against Dynamo to see them through. POrto will be through if they win and Arsenal get at least a draw.

Group H
Juventus are already through, so congratulations to them, Rest of the group is still tight as they play Zenit and Real take on BATE.

Juve 10

Real Madrid 6

Zenit 4

BATE 2
If Real win and Juve win or draw, then they will be joining the Turin giants in the next round. Zenit will need to win against the already through Italians though, so anything can really happen.

Goalscorers
Four players sit on 4 goals at the moment, Berbatov, Del Piero, Messi and Gerrard.

Serie A Week 12 Wrapup

4-2 AC FIORENTINA v UDINESE CALCIO (Artemio Franchi)

5 goals were scored in the second half out of the 6 goals sdored in this match and the match ended in action packed at Artemio Franchi when Fiorentina beat Udinese by 4-2. Antonio Floro opened the account for Udinese in the first half and Adrian Mutu leveled for Fio from the penalty spot just seven minutes into the second half. Brace from Ricardo Montolivo in the 63rd and 78th minute and in the very next minute Alberto Gilardinoade it 4-1. Antonio Di Natale pulled a late goal back from the penalty spot after Gianluca Comotto was dismissed. In the first half it clearly goes to Udinese and they scared hosts thru counter-attacks.

1-0 INTER MILAN v JUVENTUS FC (San Siro)

In the 72nd minute its Inters Sulley Muntari who scored the lonely goal to seal Inter victory over Juventus at San Siro. With this win both the teams were separated by 4 points, Inter secured the table top spot. Jose Mourinho prevailed in the much-anticipated battle of two former Chelsea coaches against Claudio Ranieri and saw his side cement their place on top of the table. Adriano recalled to the Inter side after he missed five match on the back of disciplinary matter.

1-1 BOLOGNA FC v US PALERMO (Renato Dall'Ara)

Its Davide Succi last minute equaliser for Palermo who dashed the hopes of hosts as they drew the game 1-1 at Renato Dall'Ara. Marco Di Vaio`s finish in the 20th minute looked like giving the hosts a valuable three points - which would have left only goal difference separating them from safety - but instead they had to settle for a third straight 1-1 draw. Palermo denied Bologna third success in this season as Palermo took a point in three games.

0-2 CHIEVO VERONA v AC SIENA (Stadio Marc`Antonio Bentegodi)

Just seven minutes from the time Daniele Gallopa and Massimo Maccarone both converted penalty as Siena defeats Chievo by 2-0 at Stadio Marc`Antonio Bentegodi. With this defeat Chievo dropped to the foot of the table. As looking into the Chievo schedule they will be stick to the foot of the table as they're going to face Udinese, AS Roma and Inter. Siena were the bad travellers who took a point from the possible 18 points. In the 83rd minute, Marco Malago was penalised for tugging Daniele Portanova`s shirt in the area and Gallopa did the rest. A minute left in the game, Stefano Sorrentino brought down substitute Mario Frick and Maccarone this time stepped up to score from the spot.

1-1 SS LAZIO v GENOA (Olympic Stadium)

Fortune turns brave and it happened with Lazio when Diego Milito missed the penalty and Osumane Dabo late goal gave fortune draw for hosts as the game ended in 1-1 draw. First fortune for Lazio, Anthony Vanden Borre sent a through-ball to Milito who hit a right-footed shot which beat the goalkeeper the goal was not given because of offside. Second fortune, Milito missed a penalty, a right-footed shot which he sent over the bar. The spot-kick had been awarded for a foul by Stephan Lichsteiner on Giuseppe Sculli. Milito put Genoa in front when he struck from Raffaele Palladino cross. Seconds later Lazio were level when Dabo hit a shot from outside the area which Rubinho saved but failed to hold on to and the ball trickled into the goal.

0-3 US LECCE v AS ROMA (Stadio Via del Mare)

Roma best Lecce quite comfortably by 3-0 at Stadio Via del Mare. 11 minutes into the game Francesco Totti clever ball set-up to Mark Vucinic stuck a low eft footed ahot against his old team. In the 38th minute Matteo Brighi's shot from the edge of the area was deflected to the feet of unmarked defender Juan, who tapped the ball into the net. It was 3-0 in the 49th minute when Brighi won the ball in midfield, broke well and set up Totti for a lob over Benussi.

2-2 SSC NAPOLI v CAGLIARI CALCIO (San Paolo)

Napoli encountered a strong unexpected stout resistance from Cagliari as the game ended 2-2 at San Paolo Stadium. Marek Hamsik put Napoli ahead after nine minutes but Diego Lopez levelled matters 10 minutes into the second half. Ezequiel Lavezzi looked to have won it for the hosts when he struck six minutes from time but Daniele Conti equalised again at the death. This game produced seven yellow cards in the last 33 minutes of the game. The home side move back up to fourth but they are now six points behind leaders Internazionale.

3-1 REGGINA CALCIO v ATALANTA (Stadio Oreste Granillo)

Regina lifted themselves from the foot of the table when they beat Atalanta by 3-1 and in the last week they thumped Udinese. The defeat continues a poor away run for Atalanta, who have picked up only four points from seven away games this season. In the 10th minute, Francesco Cozza's powerful free-kick cleared the Atalanta wall and left visiting goalkeeper Ferdinando Coppola helpless as it sailed into the net. In the 21st minute as Bernardo Corradi rose to head home a corner with Coppola punished for his hesitancy as he was left in no man's land. In the 79th minute, in swift counter-attack Franco Brienza's pass picked out by Bernardo Corradi who fired a right-footed shot beyond Coppola. Deep into injury time Cristiano Doni headed in from a corner for Atalanta, but it was too little, too late.

3-0 UC SAMPDORIA v CATANIA CALCIO (Comunale Luigi Ferraris)

A brace from Antonia Cassano took Sampdoria further clear of the danger zone by beating Catania 3-0. Belluci and Cassano created chaos and tormented Catania defence thru out the game as both would have been scored hattrick each. Claudio Bellucci opened the scoring in the sixth minute. Cassano added the second just after an hour and gave a more realistic look to the scoreline with a third in stoppage time and completed his brace. Belluci goal is the first of this season. Marius Stankevicius had a great game and he is the main supplier to Belluci and Cassano.

2-2 TORINO CALCIO v AC MILAN (Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino)

AC Milan were drifted three points from Inter at the top of the table when held to a 2-2 draw by Torino. Torino went ahead Roberto Stellone's 25th-minute strike, but Milan roared back and equalised through Alexandre Pato before Ronaldinho put the visitors ahead 10 minutes before half-time. But it was Kaladze hand ball which gave penalty to Torino as Alessandro Rossina converted it.

Gallas Captaincy Stripped-off...

William Gallas' much publicised public outburst following Arsenal's humiliating home defeat to an outstanding Aston Villa side last week has come as a surprise to the Arsenal fans and of course Arsene Wenger. The North London side cannot afford to have someone as captain who frequently chooses to go public with his side's internal problems and glad to see Wenger has taken appropriate action.

What made Gallas think he had the right to talk of player fights and animosities in front of the media when there is a sincere and a committed lot of top coaching staff in place to give direction to an inexperienced side? The likes of Tony Adams, Patrick Viera were strong leaders even though they had disciplinary problems of their own. They were successful and so was Arsenal because they handled the media well and their off the field strong attitude reflected on the ground. Gallas clearly let the power get to his head and how misguided he was.

William Gallas is not the same man that he was with London rivals Chelsea. Since his arrival at the Emirates in 2006, the Gallic defender, it seems, is a frustrated man having failed to win a single trophy of any sorts since his move. Last season's agonizing 2-2 draw with Birmingham City that virtually sealed the Gunners' fate in the Premiership revealed William Gallas' frustrations towards the end of the match when he went off the playing field at St Andrew's virtually in tears even before the home side's injury time penalty was taken. Gallas showed no signs of a captain by watching the penalty from the touchline when he should have been in there waiting for any potential rebound. Arsene Wenger should have taken action against his captain at that very moment yet some force which the French manager knows himself prevented him from taking.

After his scathing attack on Arsenal's young guns, it seems Gallas has taken the issue too far and Arsene Wenger now has an added responsibility to look after, to prevent deep friction within the side which could snowball into something serious in the next few weeks wrecking Arsenal's already faint title aspirations. The mood has changed unbelievably in the past week. A fortnight ago the Emirates came to life with a battling victory over champions Manchester United but all the good work has come undone by events both on and off the field over the past week. Wenger has made the right decision to strip Gallas of the captaincy, which was in the best interests of all, and we can only hope that Wenger looks to appoint someone who possesses all the necessary attributes and one who is befitting of the Arsenal armband.

Premier League Week 13 Wrapup

0-2 BOLTON WANDERERS v LIVERPOOL FC (Reebok Stadium)

Liverpool maintained their challenge at the top of the Premier League table by beating Bolton 2-0 at Reebok. They took on Bolton on the back of defeat against Tottenham at the Carling Cup. Kuyt opened the scoring from Fabio Aurelio's cross before Gary Cahill's header was controversially ruled out by referee Rob Styles. Despite some more nervous moments, the Reds eventually sealed victory when Gerrard headed in substitute Fernando Torres' cross. Liverpool have never enjoyed the physical approach from Bolton but this time they stuck up with their game plan. Bolton recalled captain Kevin Nolan following suspension, with Ricardo Gardner dropping to the bench. Liverpool decided against including 20-year-old Stephen Darby for his league debut at right-back and switched Jamie Carragher from the centre of defence. Sami Hyypia retained his place alongside Daniel Agger.

2-1 FULHAM FC v TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS (Craven Cottage)

Fulham gave Tootenham Hotspurs a first defeat under Harry Redknapp with 2-1 at Craven Cottage. It was Tottenham's first loss in seven matches since Redknapp breezed into White Hart Lane after the sacking of Juande Ramos last month. First-half blunder from Spurs goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes when Simon Davies shot popped from his hands and a clinical 69th-minute finish from Andrew Johnson earned Fulham their second consecutive league victory despite a late consolation effort from Fraizer Campbell.

5-0 MANCHESTER UNITED v STOKE CITY (Old Trafford)

A brace and 100th goal for Cristiano Ronaldo gave too much of joyness and cheers to celebrate the win over Stoke when they dismantled them by 5-0 at Old Trafford. Ronaldo took just three minutes to touch the milestone with trademark set piece rounded off United's biggest win of the season in similar fashion at the end. In between Michael Carrick, Dimitar Berbatov and England U19 Danny Welbeck found the net.

2-2 NEWCASTLE UNITED v WIGAN ATHLETIC (St James Park)

At St James Park, this match produced three goals in the final 10 minutes from either side. Trailing to Ryan Taylor's third-minute strike despite Emmerson Boyce's 54th-minute dismissal, the Magpies belatedly launched a fightback - which saw the two strikers Michael Owen and Obafemi Martins who scored in the space of seven minutes. And a minute to go Newcastle old boy Titus Bramble headed home an 89th-minute equaliser. Wigan arrived with both first-choice strikers - Emile Heskey and Amr Zaki - sidelined by hamstring injuries, and with Mario Melchiot having joined them on the casualty list.

0-2 ARSENAL FC v ASTON VILLA (Emirates Stadium)

Another major setback for Arsenal and yet again at Emirates this time from the hands off Aston Villa when they lost by 2-0. For the first time Arsene Wenger lost to Aston Villa since he become manager of Arsenal a decade ago. Manuel Almunia saved the penalty from Ashley Young in the 20th minute. In the 70th minute Gael Clichy gifted Aston Villa by scoring own goal and Agbonlahor celebrated. Just ten minutes from time Agbonlahor send Arsenal crushing.

1-2 BLACKBURN ROVERS v SUNDERLAND FC (Ewood Park)

Two goals in the second half from Sunderland upfront and eased the pressure on manager Roy Keane when they beat Blackburn by 2-1 at Ewood Park. Sunderland took the sweet revenge on Blackbur who had delivered knockout punch in FA Carling Cup. Blackburn dominated the first half but failed to build on making the breakthrough through Christopher Samba - and have now won only one of seven league games at home. Four minutes into the second half Kenwyne Jones equalised with a clever overhead kick. Sunderland went ahead in 72nd minute when Malbranque released Cisse with a cushioned header. Cisse went straight to the dug-out to embrace Keane, after stunning the home side.

0-0 WEST HAM UNITED v PORTSMOUTH FC (Uptown Park)

Hammers fans took early walkout from Uptown Park as the game ended in a goalless draw and just a consolation for Hammers coach Gianfraco Zola. For the first time West Ham kept clean sheets in their last 25 matches. In the first half West Ham showed a sloppy game as Portsmouth took the control of the game. Portsmouth's Lassana Diarra took early walk out from the field. Portsmouth had to start without the injured Sol Campbell and Niko Kranjcar, who pulled out with a foot problem just before the start.

0-3 WEST BROMWICH ALBION v CHELSEA FC (The Hawthorns)

Chelsea dismantled West Bromwich by 3-0 at The hawthorns and took easy three points in the first half period itself. In the final 11 minutes of the first half they scored all the three goals, first in the 34th minute Jose Bosingwa unleashed a powerful left-footed drive from 30 yards out which Carson got a hand to but could not prevent from crossing the line. In the 38th minute Anelka doubled Chelsea's lead, seizing Malouda's headed pass and racing into the area to beat an exposed Carson. In first-half injury-time Anelka struck again, beating Carson from a narrow angle with Kalou this time the provider. With this win Chelsea leveled 48 years old record of 10 successive away win which was held by Tottenham Hotspurs. Anelka's premier league goal tally is 12 now. Chelsea have scored 19 away goals and conceded just a goal in their last seven away games.

1-1 EVERTON FC v MIDDLESBROUGH FC (Goodison Park)

Davis Moyes side Everton are now with five games unbeaten when they draw 1-1 with Middlesbrough at Goodison Park. Middlesbrough had not won in the league at Goodison Park since 2000, and made one change from the side that beat Aston Villa last weekend. Julio Arca came in for Jeremie Aliadiere. Boro, who won well at Aston Villa last weekend, did not deserve to lose this Premier League clash, having led for so long through an early Gary O'Neil strike. In the end it was their old boy Yakubu who grabbed the equaliser after 68 minutes, and there was some fortune in his goal as the ball deflected off his back.

2-2 HULL CITY v MANCHESTER CITY (KC Stadium)

Its Geovanni again who saved Hull City but this time against Manchester City with 2-2 draw at KC Stadium. In the 14th minute Micah Richards rolled the ball to his defensive partner Ben Haim and, with only Cousin in attendance and minimal pressure on, the Israeli inexplicably played the striker in six yards from goal. Cousin slotted home with ease, while keeper Joe Hart was left injured on the turf. In the 37th minute Robinho's through ball missed every blue shirt and was collected with ease by Zayatte who played the ball back across his own goal and into the path of Ireland, who tapped into an open net. The midfielder had his second before the half was out, taking Garrido's square ball on his instep before curling his shot expertly beyond Myhill. took just two minutes of the second period for Geovanni to get the home supporters on their feet, firing over with a thrilling bicycle kick after latching on to King's drifted cross.

La Liga Week 11 Wrapup

1-0 REAL VALLADOLID v REAL MADRID (Estadio Nuevo José Zorrilla)

Last weekend Valladolid was dismantled from the hands of Barcelona by losing them to 6-0. But in Estadio Nuevo José Zorrilla was different story for Valladolid. Its simple, it was Fabio Canobbio crashed a venomous shot past Iker Casillas to put Valladolid into the lead following a quick counter-attack in the 48th minute to beat Real Madrid by 1-0. Madrid went down to 10 men in the dying seconds as Gabriel Heinze was sent off for a second bookable offence. With this defeat Real Madrid week went from bad to worse as they were thrown out of the Copa del Rey in the midweek. Adding to the worst Ruud van Nistelrooy will miss rest of the season with a serious knee ligament injury.

2-3 VALENCIA v SPORTING GIJON (Mestalla Stadium)

Sporting Gijon gave a surprise defeat to Valencia at Mestalla by 3-2. Valencia failed to grab the chance to win this home match. Goals from Luis Moran, David Barral and Diego Castro guided Manolo Preciado's men to their biggest scalp of the season so far, although they had to survive a late scare when Juan Mata set up a frantic finish with a strike in the dying moments, adding to David Villa's earlier penalty for Valencia.

0-2 GETAFE v SEVILLA FC (Coliseum Alfonso Perez)

Luis Fabiano and Tom De Mul scored the goals for Sevilla to beat Getafe by 2-0. They took Sevilla to their third win in a win and now Sevilla are level with Real Madrid and Valencia on points. Before Fabiano scores, Getafe's Esteban Granero missed the penalty and the defeat was harsh to hosts.

3-4 RCD ESPANYOL v NUMANCIA (Estadio Olimpico de Montjuic)

Jose Bokero and Carlos Llorens grabbed a scintilating late win for Numancia to beat RCD Espanyol by 4-3 in thrilling encounter at Estadio Olimpico de Montjuic. First Txomin Nagore put the promoted side in front somewhat against the run of play after a quarter of an hour, but Espanyol equalised through Moises Hurtado 10 minutes before the break. Numnacia striker Asier Goiria then restored the visitors' advantage seven minutes after the interval, but Dani Jarque headed home from a corner to level the scores once again. Raul Tamudo grabbed a third from the penalty spot after 71 minutes to put Espanyol ahead for the first time but Numancia failed to give in and equalised through Jose Javier Barkero in the closing stages. Carlos Llorens grabbed the winner in the fourth minute of injury-time to complete a remarkable turnaround for Numancia.

4-1 ATLETICO MADRID v DEPORTIVO LA CORUNA (Vicente Calderon)

Filipe Kasmirski scored the consolation for visitors just three minutes from time when they were beaten by Atletico Madrid by 4-1. A brace from Diego Forlan, John Heitinga and Maxi Rodriguez gave the much needed cheers to the home side. For home side it was something like feel good factor after demolishing Deportivo.

2-1 ALMERIA v REAL MALLORCA (Estadio Mediterraneo)

A brace from Alvaro Negredo in the either half as enjoyed a 2-1 win over Mallorca at Estadio Mediterraneo. Now Negredo with seven goals from 11 matches in this season. Negredo is the Real Madrid youth product who is in great form. Substitute Alhassane Keita scored a 90th minute consolation for the visitors. With this win Almeria moved above Mallorca in the table and this is fourth win of this season.

2-2 MALAGA CF v VILLAREAL CF (Estadio La Rosaleda)

Its Helder Rosario a Malaga back headed an injury time equaliser to grab a 2-2 draw at Estadio La Rosaleda. Malaga came back both the times to equalise against Villareal. Prolific strike pairing Giuseppe Rossi and Joseba Llorente were both on target for the visitors, to take their combined season's tally to 11 goals, but Malaga hit back on both occasions with Sergio Duda and then Helder Rosario on target. With this draw Malaga ended the three successive defeats run. Villarreal had suffered the indignity of going out of the Copa del Rey at the hands of Segunda B outfit Polideportivo Ejido in midweek.

3-1 REAL BETIS v RACING SANTANDER (Estadio Manuel Ruiz de Lopera)

A brace from Sergio Garcia and Achille Emana gave a thumping victory for Betis to outcast Santander. For the first time Real Betis moved into the top half of the La Liga table. This is the Betis fourth win in five La Liga mtaches. Pedro Munitis' deflected late strike proved nothing but a consolation for Racing, who never looked like taking anything from the game. Betis were winless after five rounds and sat at the bottom of the table following three consecutive defeats.Racing were also winless after five games and their coach, Juan Ramon Lopez Muniz, also appeared in danger of losing his job. The two sides therefore came into this match in a similar situation and they were also hard to distinguish on the pitch. Both were kitted out in green and white shirts, with Betis in white shorts and Racing wearing black ones.

2-0 ATHLETIC BILBAO v OSASUNA (San Mames)

Bilbao claimed three valuable home points when they beat Osasuna by 2-0 at San Mames. An early goal from Joseba Garmendia set the Basque side on their way in a dominant first-half display, although the outcome of the game remained in the balance until Fernando Llorente finally sealed the victory in the closing stages.

0-2 ECREATIVO HUELVA v FC BARCELONA (Estadio Nuevo Colombino)

Two second half goals from Lionel Messi and Seydou Keita gave a cool win over Recreativo by beating them 2-0. With this win Barcelona opened up the gap of three points to the second placed Villareal. In an evenly matched first half Barcelona struggled to break the Recreativo. But in the second half, Messi popped up to score from an improvised free-kick six minutes after the break and substitute Keita added a late second to seal a ninth straight league win for Pep Guardiola's side. Samuel Eto'o, Xavi, Thierry Henry, Rafa Marquez and Victor Valdes were all restored to the starting line-up after sitting out the midweek Copa del Rey victory over Benidorm but the Catalans struggled to find their rhythm early on.

Serie A Week 12 Wrapup

4-1 JUVENTUS FC v GENOA (Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino)

Juventus pipped out Genoa by 4-1 on Friday at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino to climb thrid spot in the Serie A table. In the 6th minute full back Grygera opened the score when he cut in from the right wing and fired his shot into the far post and 20 mninutes later Amauri scored second for Juve when Grygera provided the ball. Vincenzo Iaquinta added a third in the 85th minute before Diego Milito reduced the deficit with a penalty two minutes from time. But Sokratis Papastathopoulos gifted Juventus the fourth goal in stoppage time and higher confidence to travel to San Siro to face table leaders Inter Milan. This match played bit early on Friday bcoz this stadium had been booked out for international rugby match between Italy and Argentina.

0-2 US PALERMO v INTER MILAN (Renzo Barbera Stadium)

Second half brace from Sweden international Zlatan Ibrahimovic put Inter back into the top of the table by beating Palermo by 2-0 at Renzo Barbera. Zlatan took just 25 seconds to net the goal at the start of the interval and he struck the ball even better in the 62nd minute to earn all three points with a powerful set-piece. Somehow Palermo upheld the Inter thru out the first half with no real dangerous games from either side. Now Palermo are with four defeat in their last seven games and this is Inters seventh unbeaten game in Serie A.

3-1 ATALANTA v NAPOLI (Atleti Azzurri d'Italia)

All the four goals in this match were scored in the second half and in the space of 38 minutes when Atalanta beat Napoli by 3-1 at Atleti Azzurri d'Italia. Hosts went ahead in the 62nd minute when Ferreira Pinto strike. In the 66th minute Napoli lost Marcelo Zalayeta picked up his second yellow and sent-off from the match. But Napoli men conjure a way back into the game in the 73rd minute penalty from Marek Hamsik. But late goals from Thomas Manfredini and Sergio Floccari ended 10-man Napoli's brave resistance and handed Atalanta three vital points in Bergamo. Napoli fought hard in the first half but Atalant's second half pressure turned into their favour.

1-0 CAGLIARI v AC FIORENTINA (Sant Elia Stadia)

Only goal from Robert Aquafresca thru penalty is enough for hosts to defeat Fiorentina. And Fiorentia were left in mad when they wasted a number of chances. After the first hald lead Cagliari displayed the finest art of defence by stopping visitors. Cagliari coach Massimiliano Allegri handed an unexpected start to Andrea Lazzari ahead of Andrea Cossu with the idea of keeping Fiorentina midfielder Felipe Melo in check.

3-2 CATANIA CALCIO v TORINO (Angelo Massimino Stadia)

Giuseppe Mascara fired a superb hat-trick to give Catania victory in an entertaining clash with Torino at the Stadio Angelo Massimino. Ricardo Colombo gave the surprise lead to Torino in the 6th minute but that lead couldnt sustained for a couple of minutes also when Masacara canceled their lead. The 29-year-old then put the home side in front after 39 minutes only for Torino to draw level shortly after the break through Nicola Amoruso's penalty. It was the local hero in the 80th minute when he completed his hattrick and before this game is heading towards draw.

1-0 AC MILAN v CHIEVO VERONA (San Siro)

In the 15th minute Kaka took controversial penalty to beat Chievo by 1-0 at San Siro. But this is the well-deserved win for red-and-black stripe side. This defeat led Chievo to their fifth defeat on the trot leaves them propping up. Injury-ravaged Milan, meanwhile, continue to keep up the pressure on leaders Inter Milan and are still just a point behind their neighbours. Milan's evergreen and living legends Alessandro Nesta and Andrea Pirlo have been joined on the sidelines by Massimo Ambrosini and Paolo Maldini while Marco Borriello, Luca Antonini and Gianluca Zambrotta were ruled out late on.

3-2 UC SAMPDORIA v US LECCE (Luigi Ferraris)

This is the action packed match where Sampdoria pulled themseleves from the lower reaches of Serie A to beat Lecce by 3-2 at Luigi Ferraris. In the first 14 minutes goal from Gennaro Delvecchio and Antonio Cassano set Sampdoria on their way to win, Simone Tiribocchi pulled one back in the 55th minute to put the pressure on Samp, who reacted with a strike from Marius Stankevicius five minutes later. Tiribocchi grabbed a second eight minutes from the end, but Samp held on for a win which lifts them above their opponents and clear of the bottom three. The win moves them up to 14th, five points above the relegation zone. They are one place and one point better off than Lecce.

1-1 AC SIENA v BOLOGNA FC (Artemio Franchi)

Emmanuele Calaio missed the penaly in the 77th minute who denied the much needed win for Siena. But still left unbeaten at home this season when they leveled 1-1 against lowly Bologna at artemio Franchi. Hosts took the lead when Abdelkader Ghezzal headed them into the lead following Daniele Galloppa's 22nd-minute set-piece. Marco Di Vaio got a rare goal for an away when he slid home a penalty in first-half injury time. Now Bologna's new coach Sinisa Mihajlovic has led his side to the back to back draws. Both sides made just one change each with Siena boss Marco Giampaolo drafting in Cosmin Moti for suspended central defender Luca Rossettini, while Sergio Volpi replaced Davide Carrus for the visitors. Before this match Ghezzal position had been in the form of question mark who had scored a goal in his 10 matches of this season.

0-1 UDINESE CALCIO v REGGINA CALCIO (Stadio Friuli)

Franco Brienza struck a stunner for Reggina to beat Udinese by 1-0 at Stadio Friuli. Now Reggina recorded their first away win of the season and second of the season and lifted themselves from lower reaches of Serie A table. And Udinese tasted their first home defeat of this season. Before this match Udinese dumped Reggina out of the Coppa Italia on penalties. Francesco Cozza floated a lovely cross over to Brienza who showed brilliant technique to crash home a volley from just inside the area, although questions have to be asked about the Udinese defence who had left him unmarked.

1-0 AS ROMA v SS LAZIO (Stadio Olimpico)

In Rome derby its 50th minute goal from Julio Baptista who gave a much needed win for Roma to beat their home rivals by 1-0 at shared stadium Stadio Olimpico. Baptista rewared Roma with powerful header from Francesco Totti cross. This is their first win in Serie A since September 28. Lazio suffered a blow in the 67th minute after Christian Ledesma was handed his marching orders following a double booking. Roma also ended the game down to 10 men after Simone Perrotta was sent off three minutes from time.

Inter Milan = 27 pts from 12 games

AC Milan = 26 points from 12 games

Juventus = 24 points from 12 games

Frank Lampard - EPL Player of The Month

The Chelsea midfielder has been in scintillating form of late and has seen his achievements acknowledged accordingly.It is the third time that the England international has been named the top flight's elite performer during his stellar career, with the last occasion coming exactly three years ago.Lampard claimed October's prize after helping Chelsea to three wins in four Premier League fixtures, while he also bagged two goals during the course of the month - including a sublime chip during a 3-0 victory at Hull.He now stands just one behind a group of six players - including Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney - who have taken the monthly accolade on four occasions.

Confidence "I'm very pleased," Lampard told Sky Sports News. "A lot of players in the league have had a good month. But it's been a good month for me personally; I've been playing in a team that's playing very well, which always make it easier. To win the Barclays player of the month, I'm very proud." Obviously in football team awards come first and foremost but if you can get an individual award for how you are performing during the season, whether it be month-by-month or at the end of the season, it's a great personal thing and it gives you confidence."

Goldenboot Meanwhile, Lampard's Stamford Bridge team-mate Nicolas Anelka has also seen his recent performances rewarded, as he claimed a golden boot for being the first player to reach 10 top flight goals this season. The Frenchman is delighted with the manner in which his season is progressing, while he also took the time to pile further praise on Lampard. "I am very pleased because it is difficult to reach 10 goals in any season," Anelka told Chelsea's official website."I am glad and hopefully I will keep on scoring goals. Obviously my team-mates help me a lot to score goals.He added: "Frank can do everything, he can score, give good assists and he wants to win every game so I think he is one of the best midfielders in the world."

Eden Hazard - A New Kid On The Block from Belgium

It’s a name that might conjure up images of shiny red apples, devilish serpents and everyone’s favourite fig-leaf-wearing sinners: Adam and Eve. But don’t be misled. Rather than some kind of an obscure biblical warning, Eden Hazard is, in fact, the wonderfully colourful name of one of European football’s most promising talents.

The 17-year-old Belgian’s adept balls skills, elusive dribbling, and almost preternatural on-field awareness have long distinguished him as a potential star of the future to scouts across the continent. Hazard, though, is reluctant to wait too long for his apparently golden future to come to fruition. Already, the attacking midfielder or trequartista (an Italian term for the traditional no.10) has made a considerable impression on the first team of his French club, Lille.

Hazard first came to the attention of many observers with his captivating displays in the 2007 UEFA European Under-17 Championship; held in his homeland. The attractive Belgian side he orchestrated fell only at the semi-final stage of the competition – exiting, on penalties, at the hands of a Bojan Krkić-inspired Spain. Throughout, the considerable qualities of the lad from La Louvière shone through like a beacon.

The flicks and tricks within his repertoire impressed, of course. But it was his innate ability to conjure a clinical through-ball from nothing that set the scouts of many a major European club frantically scribbling superlatives in their well-worn notepads. Inevitably, the vultures will circle, but – for now – Hazard remains committed to breaking through in Ligue 1.

He’s yet another one off the Lille production line – which has produced such luminaries as Lyon’s Jean Makoun, the Cheyrou brothers, and, er, Pascal Cygan (ok, so they can’t get it right all of the time). The present side, under the guidance of Rudy Garcia following the summer departure of Claude Puel to imperious Lyon, plays neat, attractive football, but patently lacks a cutting edge. As of now, the creative burden lies heavily on the shoulders of Ludovic Obraniak. In the mid-to-long term, Hazard might assume that responsibility on a full-time basis.

In his brief cameos to date, Lille’s Belgian prodigy has habitually illuminated proceedings. Hazard’s first senior goal came at the thrilling climax of their last-gasp 3-2 win over Auxerre, in September. Just a quarter-of-an-hour after his introduction, in place of Slovak striker Róbert Vittek, he’d grabbed a dramatic 88th-minute equaliser – Túlio de Melo then grabbed the winner in injury time.

There have since been further impressively confident displays from the bench.
Just last week; with time running out, trailing by a goal to nil against the grim defensive blockade that is the Paris St Germain first team, ball-playing Lille were going nowhere fast. Coach Garcia looked to his young star for inspiration. Following his late arrival from the sidelines, Hazard – on a number of occasions – sliced through PSG’s resolute defence with an ease which had plainly eluded his more senior colleagues. This time out, there was to be no miracle resurrection – but the young man once more left with his reputation enhanced.

He has now firmly succeeded Kévin Mirallas (now at Saint-Etienne) as Lille’s young Belgian hope. The talented pair are not alone, though. There is a gifted new generation emerging in Belgium – a nation which has drifted, lately, into becoming a footballing backwater, despite its illustrious past.

They are led by the skipper of Jupiler League champions Standard Liège; cultured 20-year-old midfielder Steven Defour. Much-admired winger Axel Witsel (aged 19) and Marouane Fellaini (record buy at Everton, aged 20), along with Defour, made up Standard’s championship-winning midfield last year.

Elsewhere; Jan Vertonghen (Ajax, aged 21); Moussa Dembélé (AZ Alkmaar, 21); and Genoa’s Anthony Vanden Borre (also 21) are thriving. Man City’s colossal centre-half/midfield anchorman Vincent Kompany might seem to have been around forever, but is still just 22.
The ‘other’ Red Devils might have to wait a few years for this burgeoning crop to reach full maturity, but when it does, Hazard could conceivably find himself at the forefront of a Belgian side to rival those of the early-to-mid 80s.

At just 5ft 7ins and slight of build, doubts will be raised about his ability to adapt to the cut and thrust of, say, the Premier League or Serie A. Yet, he has time on his side to develop physically and, despite popular perception, size isn’t everything. It is for his mercurial talent with a ball at his feet that Eden Hazard will be feted in years to come. With the right application and a little fortune, the little maestro might be capable of emulating the achievements of Scifo, Wilmots and van Himst. Let’s just hope temptation won’t lead Eden astray…

Roy Keane - Is He Left off The Hook

Few managers are more outspoken that Roy Keane. The former Manchester United captain leaves no stone unturned when in front of the British press as we saw when the Irishman was asked about Michael Chopra being allowed to go back to Cardiff City.I think the media actually fear Roy Keane a little, like they dare give him bad press at the trepidation of being given a tough lashing the next day.

However the media have been known to tell it like it is. So why are they refusing to put the pressure on Keane after his sides poor start to the season.

Sunderland lie in 19th in the Premiership and after Keane splashed the cash in the summer it is amazing to see his start and the focus on his sides poor start.

Let's start with the team itself. Sunderland have had just one win from their last eight games in all competitions, with the solitary win coming in the Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United, who are coincidently the team below them in the Premiership.

After spending nearly 30 million pounds on a variety of players during the summer Keane's results have been poor to say the least. Anton Ferdinand, George McCartney and Steed Malbranque are just a few who have been drafted in on the major budget provided by Niall Quinn. Quinn is bound to be unhappy after the uproar that Keane made after the end of last season, when he said that some of his squad wasn't good enough and that he needed major finances to re-build the side. The former Sunderland man gave in to the manager's demands, expecting a top half finish and dare I say it a foray into Europe. This success would have been warranted considering the cash injection.

However the result has been the opposite and Quinn has been left thinking whether he has wasted his time at the hands of the controlling manager as they look set for a relegation battle.
Keane hasn't been checked up on this once by the press, and even worse they are more concentrated on managers whose teams are more successful like Mark Hughes at Manchester City than they are at the underachieving Sunderland.

Are the media scared of Keane? Well quiet possibly.

Now before I'm inundated with comments that I'm calling for Keane's head I'm definitely not, I'm saying that if Hughes warrants some pressure with 13 points from 12 games then so does Keane with a point-less.

So the next time the media line-up with Keane in their sights maybe uttering their recent record of one win in their last eight might put Keane under more pressure than his overpriced team.

Liverpool Lack Title Race Strength In Depth

Liverpool appear to have the best chance of ending their league title drought since Roy Evans's team fell away in the finishing straight in 1997, but their Carling Cup exit on Wednesday has revived concerns over their strength in depth. While their first XI looks formidable, the back-up players have struggled to match those standards, again falling short in the 4-2 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

Fernando Torres and Daniel Agger were the only first-choice players in the Liverpool starting line-up on a night when Rafael Benítez's team suffered their second defeat away to Tottenham in 12 days. But whereas the visiting side were unfortunate to lose 2-1 in the Barclays Premier League, they were poor on their return to North London this week.

Agger, who was part of a defence that conceded three times shortly before the break to leave Liverpool 3-0 down at half-time, claimed afterwards that no trophies, Premier League or otherwise, would be going to Anfield if they continued to play in the same manner. “If you see the goals, it was the same problem every time and they speak for themselves,” the Denmark central defender said. “We conceded four bad goals and you cannot expect to do that and still get anything out of a game. Right now it's difficult to take any positives at all. That just wasn't good enough. We have to do better than this otherwise we won't achieve anything this season.”

Liverpool will hope that they can get through the season without many injuries to their leading players, but such a scenario might be less devastating for Arsenal. While their failure to win the Premier League over the past four years has been blamed partly on Arsène Wenger's reluctance to address weaknesses in his first XI by acquiring established top-class players, the manager can boast an abundance of riches in reserve.

The Premier League's “big four” rested most of their first-choice players in this week's Carling Cup fourth-round ties, but Arsenal recorded much the best result. Chelsea joined Liverpool in departing the competition, succumbing in a penalty shoot-out at home to Burnley, while Manchester United needed a late penalty by Carlos Tévez at Old Trafford to see off Queens Park Rangers, but Wenger's team steamrollered Wigan Athletic.

Arsenal's achievement was all the more impressive because their line-up featured a majority of what amounted to third-team players, whereas United and Liverpool had two each and Chelsea had none. Wenger also declined to pick any of his first-choice team, in contrast to Benítez, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Sir Alex Ferguson (although it could be argued that the United manager no longer considers Gary Neville to be his main right back, in which case the Scot also overlooked his entire first team).

Steve Bruce, the Wigan manager, described Arsenal's youngsters as “frightening” and admitted that “we got our backsides kicked by a very good team”. The six players who started at the Emirates Stadium but who would probably not make the club's second XI are Gavin Hoyte, Jack Wilshere, Mark Randall, Fran Mérida, Jay Simpson and Carlos Vela, teenagers all. Among them they provided the goals - two by Simpson and one by Vela - and two of the three assists.

Five of this half-dozen also started the 6-0 win over Sheffield United in the previous round. The only possible drawback for Arsenal fans is whether any of these players are ready to make a significant contribution to the present Premier League campaign. The answer to that question, and the depth of their rivals' reserve strength, may help to decide the destination of the title.

New EPL Drug Test - Rio You Can Escape

Remember when Rio Fedinand “forgot” to go to his drug test? That won’t be happening again. And not just because Rio seems to be a new man these days. As of next season there’s going to be a new Premier League anti-doping system in place. Here’s how it will work:

Thirty Premier League players will be selected and placed on a register. These thirty players will be subject to random tests, meaning it could be any day of the week, any day of the year. But to combat the “Rio Ferdinand factor” and make sure players are available for testing, they’ll have to reveal their location for one hour of every day.

Sounds problematic, but since most footballer’s days consist of going training then going shopping for expensive cars and then going home to play video games, it could actually be a workable system. And Rio-proof too.

The bad news is that illegal gambling and match-fixing is now a bigger threat to football than drugs. Or at least that’s what FIFA were told by betting experts yesterday. It was claimed that of the $350 billion generated by the gambling industry last year (in profits, not payouts, by the way) up to $100 billion could have been earned through match-fixing, and that at least 25 games in Europe have been affected in the last two years. And the experts wasn’t scared to point the finger: “We have to make the public aware though that in Asia there is something going on that attacks the integrity of the sport.”

Sepp Blatter was careful to downplay everything of course.
“It was written and said there was match-fixing without one item of evidence,” Blatter said.“In FIFA we are prepared to fight for clean, proper and fair sport but we cannot stand people abusing football or using it as a platform to spread new scandals when finally there are none.”

Of course Sepp. So looks like the old man won’t be doing too much about it beyond lip service. Can’t upset the sponsors now, can we?

Premier League Week 12 Wrapup

2-1 ARSENAL FC v MANCHESTER UNITED (Emirates Stadium)

A brace from young French Samir Nasri gave Arsenal a bounceback from turmoil to beat Man Utd by 2-1 at Emirates. Arsenal came into the match with a horrific draw against bitter-rivals Tottenham and defeat to Stoke and Wenger team was low morale. Adding to low morale Adebayor was injured and Van Persie suspended. Nasri gave the much needed brace as he took the advantage of slack marking. Rafael da Silva, on as a substitute, volleyed home a late strike to give Sir Alex Ferguson's men hope - but there was no repeat of the memorable Spurs comeback. It was Arsenal's first test this season against their traditional top-four rivals - and Wenger's men passed the examination.

0-0 WIGAN ATHLETIC v STOKE CITY (JJB Stadium)

All the credit should go to former Aston Villa goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen who saved the Stoke and gave a deserved point at JJB to draw a game against Wigan by 0-0. Stoke offered a little in the attacking sector. Despite a fine win on their travels at Portsmouth last week, Bruce's men had taken just four points from five games at the JJB Stadium this season and fallen to fourth bottom of the table. Both the teams named unchanged team.

0-1 HULL CITY v BOLTON WANDERERS (KC Stadium)

In the 50th minute Matthew Taylor scored the half-volley to separate the teams and he inflicted Hull to their third successive defeat. By beating Hull by 1-0 at KC Stadium gave Gary Megson a back-to-back wins for the first time since mid-April. However, such a feat would not have come about but for Jaaskelainen, who produced a virtual one-man show for the remainder of the half to frustrate all connected with the Tigers.

1-2 SUNDERLAND FC v PORTSMOUTH FC (Stadium of Light)

Algerian midfielder Nadir Belhadj had earlier blasted a 51st-minute shot past keeper Marton Fulop to cancel out Djibril Cisse's opener just four minutes into the game. In stoppage time Defoe converted the penalty to steal the three points and gave Tony Adams his first win as Pompey manager. Sunderland have now record only one win in seven Barclays Premier League games, while for the visitors, the victory was their first in all competitions in six.

1-3 WEST HAM UNITED v EVERTON FC (Uptown Park)

Former Man Utd striker Louis Saha just took 5 minutes to collapse dream of West Ham to beat them by 3-1 at Uptowm Park. When Everton sub Jack Collison scored on his home debut in the 63rd minute looked that West Ham are cruising to all the three points. But eventually in the 83rd minute equaliser from Lescott header from Saha cross and followed by brace from Louis Saha in the space of two minutes to stunning comeback to crush West Ham. Now West Ham are without win in their last 6 games and snatched just a point so far in those 6 games. Everton gained 10 points from their last 4 games with three wins and a draw.

3-0 LIVERPOOL FC v WEST BROMWICH ALBION (Anfield)

Finally finally Robbie Keane netted brace and opened his account for Liverpool in Premier League. So a brace from Keane and final minute goal from Arbeloa gave 150th win for their coack Rafael Benitez. In the 34th minute Keane drove home from Gerrard pass and his second goal came in the 43rd minute when he rounded Scott Carson for a minute before the break and Alvaro Arbeloa added Anfield glorry gloss. West Bromwich lost all their then encounters against Liverpool and still they have to score a goal. Torres came from the bench after missing six games in the 73rd minute. West Brom were without James Morrison from the side that drew with Blackburn last time out, Do-heon Kim coming into the team.

0-2 BLACKBURN ROVERS v CHELSEA FC

On a cold and rain drenched afternoon at Ewood Park, a brace from Nicolas Anelka gave three points to Chelsea and win to celebrate a 60th birthday to Scolari. Now Blackburn are six games without win. Blackburn must have hoped the pouring rain would be in their favour but Chelsea took to the conditions like ducks to water.

1-2 ASTON VILLA v MIDDLESBROUGH FC (Villa Park)

Turkey striker Tuncay Sanli's brace in either half gave M'brough a sweet voctory at Villa Park by beating them 2-1. Now Villa have back to back defeat and second win in the last three games for M'brough to climb back inside the top 10 in the table. Sidwell had cancelled out Tuncay's 34th-minute opener on his full league debut for the home side with an equaliser three minutes later. But Tuncay's late winner spared team-mate Afonso Alves' blushes after he was guilty of one of the misses of the season. Martin O'Neill made five changes from the side which beat Slavia Prague in midweek but striker John Carew failed a late fitness test on a hip problem.
James Milner, given a free role behind Gabriel Agbonlahor, had his best game for the club since his £12million switch from Newcastle in August.

1-2 MANCHESTER CITY v TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS (City of Manchester Stadium)

A brace from Darren Bent and manager Harry Redknapp put Tottenham out of the relegation zone when they beat Man City by 2-1 at City of Manchester City. This game produced three goals and three red cards. Spurs snatched 10 points from four games since Harry came in. Now Man City faced third defeat in a row and they won one game in their last 7 games. City were left cursing their luck, having taken the lead through Robinho. They lost the advantage, after having Gelson Fernandes sent off 10 minutes later for two yellow cards. Then captain Richard Dunne was also dismissed by referee Mike Dean, as was Tottenham's Benoit Assou-Ekotto. City made the breakthrough in the 16th minute, thanks to Robinho's eighth goal of the campaign. Bent providing an assured finish in the 29th minute. He gave Hart no chance, after defender Dunne had failed to cut out a long ball from Modric. Spurs went ahead in the 65th minute when Tom Huddlestone picked out Jermaine Jenas in the area. He laid the ball off into the path of Bent, who rattled a shot in off the post.

2-1 FULHAM FC v NEWCASTLE UNITED (Craven Cottage)

A goals from Andy Johnson and Danny Murphy put Fulham back into the top 10 in the EPL table for the second time in this season by beating Newcastle by 2-1 at Craven Cottage. Johnson had given Fulham a deserved interval lead when he capitalised on a defensive blunder by Claudio Cacapa to claim his third goal since his arrival in the summer. But Newcastle emerged fired up after the break and their 57th-minute equaliser by Shola Ameobi, which had a hint of offside about it, was fitting reward for their revival. Murphy converted a 66th-minute penalty after Fabricio Coloccini had clipped Andy Johnson while the England marksman was sprinting into the area.

La Liga 10th Week Wrapup

4-3 REAL MADRID v MALAGA (Estadio Santiago Bernabéu)

Gonzalo Higuain just went crazy against Malaha to score all of the Madrid four goals. Real Madrid came back three time in a row to cancel the Malaga lead. Real Madrid beat Malaga bu 4-3 at Santiago Bernabeu with ten men when Sergio Ramos sent off just a minute before the interval when Ramos being shown a straight red card after standing on the chest of Eliseu following a challenge on the Malaga goalscorer near the halfway line. This match went with full of action packed with three penalties, eight yellow cards, one red card and seven goals in all. In the 6th min Eliseu who put Malaga ahead and in the very next minute Higuain leveled for Madrid. On the 18th min Nabil Baha hit the goal when Duda sent in low left cross. Eight minutes before the interval Higuan hit back again through penalty. In the 70th min Apono took the penatly for Malaga to put them ahead for the third time. Thereabout Higuain scored another coupe of goals to make it history.

6-0 FC BARCELONA v REAL VALLADOLID (Nou Camp)

Its Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o who did the damage to Valladolid to struck four first goals to thrash Valladolid by 6-0. With this win Barcelona recorded their eighth successive win in La Liga. Eto'o opened the scoring after 12 minutes, adding a second on the half-hour mark and completing his hat-trick in the lead-up to half-time. Eidur Gudjohnsen and Thierry Henry also netted late on to complete a fantastic win for Barcelona. Barcelona started the match without Iniesta and in the early part of the game Messi goal was ruled out for offside. Eto'o is the player who have been expected to no longer be a Barca team and he showed what he is and fetched 13 goals so far in La Liga.

0-0 OSASUNA v ATLETICO MADRID (Estadio Reyno de Navarra)

Javier Portillo failed to convert the penalty and failed to snatch Osasuna's first win of the La Liga and match ended in goalless draw at Estadio Reyno de Navarra. Portillo's effort was not good enough to beat visiting goalkeeper Gregory Coupet, who flung himself to his left to palm the penalty away. In low key encounter that was the best chance either side could have and at the end both clubs went disappointed but more to Osasuna and Portillo. Atletico played this match on the back of five games unbeaten run.

2-1 VILLAREAL CF v ALMERIA (Estadio El Madrigal)

Villareal still continuing its unbeaten start to their La Liga campaign by beating Almeria by 2-1 at Estadio El Madrigal. In the first 15 minutes Giuseppe Rossi and Joseba Llorente made proud record was never in danger. Just after the hour mark Almeria hit the consolation from Pablo Piatti and that put Villareal to rise on their nerves a little. Villareal showed some fatigue and played with tired legs. Important thing is that htey got early leads.

1-0 RACING SANTANDER v SPORTING GIJON (Estadio El Sardinero)

Racing Santander ended Gijon impressive winning streak recently when they won all of their last four matches. Mohamed Tchite deflected 58th minute goal to seal all the three points. Sporting Gijon began the La Liga with five straight defeats and then with four successive win to grab the 14th place in table.

3-3 REAL MALLORCA v ATHLETIC BILBAO (Estadio San Moix)

Mallorce conceded a two late goals to Bilbao when they were sitting pretty well with the lead and road to the victory. At the end match was ended 3-3 at San Moix. Bilbao were looking set to suffer their sixth straight defeat when a second half brace from Juan Arango put Mallorce a 3-1 lead. But Ion Velez and Fernando Llorente avoided Bilbao to see their sixt straight loss. Athletic Bilbao is one of the three sides in the La Liga never to have relegated from the top flight football alongside Barcelona and Real Madrid.

1-0 DEPORTIVO LA CORUNA v RCD ESPANYOL (Riazor Stadium)

Andres Guardado's 38th minute goal put Deportivo to the sixt place in La Liga table to a narrow win over Espanyol by 1-0 at Riazor Stadium. Deportivo and Espanyol came into this match with 12 points apiece. Both the teams were showing inconsistent.

2-4 NUMANCIA v REAL BETIS (Los Pajaritos)

Real Betis snatched their third win in four games when they beat Numnacia by 4-2 at Los Pajaritos. The hosts had taken the lead after 27 minutes through Javier Del Pino, but a penalty from Achille Emana and further goals from Juanito and Mehmet Aurelio put the Sevilla-based side in control at the break. Jose Barkero pulled a goal back for Numancia at the start of the second half, but Mehmet Aurelio's second of the night five minutes from time secured the points for Betis, moving them up to 15th in the table while Numancia slide into the drop zone.

1-0 SEVILLA FC v RECREATIVO HUELVA (Ramos Sanchez Pizjuan)

Injury return Frederic Kanoute hand a a greetfull victory to Sevilla by beating Recreativo 1-0 at Ramos Sanchez. Kanoute came back after missing for sever weeks and through his missing Sevilla lost four matches. With Luis Fabiano suspended after his sending-off at Valladolid, Kanoute's return was key for Jimenez's side and the Mali man bagged the only goal of the game after 63 minutes. But the former Tottenham striker was also guilty of missing several good chances on his return to action and saw a penalty saved by Recre keeper Asier Riesgo late on.

0-3 GETAFE CF v VALENCIA CF (Coliseum Alfonso Pérez)

In an ill-tempered clast at Coliseum Alfonso Perez Valencia found the winning ways with a 3-0 win over ten men Getafe. 29th minute strike from Manuel Fernandes set the visitors on their way. Second-half goals from Joaquin and Vicente put the seal on a professional display from the Valencia. This game produced nine yellow cards.

Serie A Week 11 Wrapup

1-0 TORINO v US PALERMO (Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino)

Jurgen Samuels late winning goal against 10 men Palermo put them out of the relegation zone. Seven minutes from time Palermo's Antonio Nocerino sent-off till then Torino had a frustrating match and in the last seven minutes the game favoured towrds Torino. Meanwhile Palermo is at ninth spot after their third defeat in six games. In the last minute Ogbonna's cross from the right was headed clear only as far as Samuel, who struck an unstoppable volley from 22 yards out past Fontana. Torino looked the sharpest in front of goal throughout and who were still coming to terms with their 1-0 defeat to Sampdoria last week.

1-1 BOLOGNA FC v AS ROMA (Renato Dall'Ara)

Cicinho is the culprit who gifted a own goal and a point to Bologna when Francesco Totti put Roma in the lead in the 68th minute. When Francesco Totti celebrated his 400th Serie A appearance with a 69th-minute goal, which seemed to be enough to grant Roma their second win in a week and about to inflict a ninth defeat on the hosts. After this result ensures Roma is just a point above the Bologna who are inside the bottom three. Sinisa Mihajlovic has the first game incharge as new manager for struggling Bologna. In Inter Mihajlovic was the assistant to then Inter coach Roberto Mancini.

2-1 CATANIA CALCIO v AC CAGLIARI (Stadio Angelo Massimino)

Jedaias Jeda took advantage of poor defending to head Cagliari in front in the sixth minute but Giuseppe Mascara equalised in the 37th minute. Rocco Sabato's late free-kick saw Catania come from behind to nick all three points. This defeat put Cagliari just three points above relegation zone.

0-2 CHIEVO VERONA v JUVENTUS FC (Stadio Marc`Antonio Bentegodi)

Alessandro Del Piero on his 34th birthday scored 250th goal for Juventus through a much needed lead in the 40th minute to secure a fourth successive win. In grand style Del Piero broke the deadlock just five minute remaining to the first half from set piece. In the second half Iaquinta took the rebounded shot after Sorrentino saved the penalty in the 54th minute.

2-1 AC FIORENTINA v ATALANTA (Artemio Franchi Stadium)

In the first 23 minutes and in the space of three minutes Felipe Melo and Alberto Gilardino scored the goal to give Fiorentina fourth home of the season. In the 77th minute Sergio Floccari reduced the deficit from the penalty. Brazilian midfielder Felipe Melo surprised Atalanta goalkeeper Ferdinando Coppola with a low shot from outside the area that found its way through the pack into the bottom left-hand corner. Three minutes later Alberto Gilardino doubled the lead, tapping home from close range following some good work in the area by Jovetic. Atalanta pulled back a goal as Floccari calmly slotted past Frey from the penalty spot after Gianluca Comotto handled in the area.

4-0 GENOA v REGGINA CALCIO (Comunale Luigi Ferraris)

Argentinian Diego Milito scored the hat-trick to thrash ten men Reggina and moved closer to the Serie A table top. In the 54th minute Gasbarroni is powerfully sparking down when he was fouled by Barreto in the penalty area Milito coverted the penalty to score his seventh goal of the season. Milito then had a shot palmed behind by Andrea Campagnolo, but he took his chance from the resulting corner to give the home side the security they were looking for. Milito provided the third for Sculli, unselfishly laying the ball back to his strike-partner, who dispatched the ball into the back of the net from 15 yards. Milito completed his hat-trick to make him Serie A's top goalscorer in the final minute when Juric's mis-hit shot found him alone in front of Campagnolo, and he made no mistake from close range.

1-0 INTER MILAN v UDINESE CALCIO (San Siro)

In the stoppage time Inter snatched big three points through Julio Cruz goal. By far from Inter coach said that he was not satisfied with this win and he is not happy. Yes truly disappointing encounter at San Siro. Udinese match marked the fourth time on the trot that Adriano had been dropped from the squad, with coach Jose Mourinho insisting it was simply a tactical decision. Now Cruz is the saviour for the second time in a row. This victory gave Inter to back to the top of the Serie A.

3-0 SS LAZIO v AC SIENA (Stadio Olimpico)

A brace from Tommaso Rocchi and a goal from Mauro Zarate is enough for Lazio to grab all the three points to seal their thrid successive win. The in-form Mauro Zarate opened the scoring 12 minutes after the break, before second-half substitute Tommasi Rocchi added two goals in the final minutes to cement the win. It was Siena who created wealth of chances in the first half. Siena has a poor away form where they are with just a point from six away games and scored mere three away goals.

2-0 SSC NAPOLI v UC SAMPDORIA (San Paolo Stadium)

Napoli scored brace either side of the half to snatch three points from the neck off Sampdoria. This result gave Sampdoria fourth loss in ten matches and 16th spot on Serie A table. In the 23rd minute Daniele Mannini scored the goal for Napoli and sub Marcelo Zalayeta bagged the second just 15 minutes from time. It was Lavezzi who fed the ball to Mannini to open up the early deadlock.

1-1 US LECCE v AC MILAN (Stadio Via del Mare)

Ten minutes from time Milan's Ronaldinho put them ahead to stay at the top of the table but a stoppage time goal from Esposito ruined Milan's dream for a week. Heavy rain lashed at Stadio Via del Mre and Milan found very hard as the going gets. In the first half Borriello missed handsome chances. Milan goal was setup by substitu Pato who came in for Flamini within the 60 seconds he gave cross to Ronaldinho who placed the ball past couple of Lecce players.