..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Del Bosque: I could not call up everyone

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has claimed that he could not call up all the players that deserved to represent their country because of the wealth of talent available to him.



Despite hinting last week that he would use next week's friendly against Uruguay as a chance to experiment, only two uncapped players make the cut, Isco of Malaga and Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta, with Swansea star Michu missing out.

"With this squad, we are left with the bad taste of being able to call up someone who is deserving of a place in the squad. But those who are coming deserve a call-up," Del Bosque told reporters. "With this being a friendly, it is true that we could have experimented more. But we have to take preparation seriously. We have a very serious opponent who are Copa America holders and were fourth in the World Cup.

“I recognise [Michu's] worth and his goals in the Premier League, but I could not find space this time. It’s the same with [Celta Vigo's] Iago Aspas. I am honest and do not hide anything. In the position that he plays, Michu is competing with five or six from our team.

"We have great quality of players in midfield. You only need look at the Under-21 list. Isco and Thiago are great players, but they are not the only ones."

 

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Sir Alex Ferguson denies FA charge over comments after Tottenham draw

Sir Alex Ferguson has denied a Football Association charge related to comments made about assistant referee Simon Beck following Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Tottenham earlier this month.

Ferguson had blasted the linesman after seeing several decisions go against United and also claimed that Beck had a history of making unfavorable calls against his team. Ferguson was charged on Tuesday, but he has requested a personal hearing into the matter, a date for which has yet to be set.

In the aftermath of the match at White Hart Lane, in which Clint Dempsey struck a last-gasp equalizer after Ferguson thought his team was due a throw-in on the sequence leading to the goal, he said: "I think we should have had a throw-in down our side of the pitch but that linesman never gave us a thing all day.

"For me, it was a poor performance by him. He never saw the penalty kick for Wayne Rooney and some other decisions too.

"We remember him well from his time at the Chelsea game when Didier Drogba was three yards offside and he gave onside. I think he had a shocking game today, and I'm disappointed in his performance, I really am.

"I think he has had a bad game, and we never got anything from that side of the pitch. We got a bad break."

 

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'In my opinion everything was done right' - West Brom's Odemwingie defends deadline-day actions

West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie has defended his decision to travel to Loftus Road on Thursday night as he looked to secure a deadline-day move to Queens Park Rangers.

Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace accused the Nigerian of acting in a “wholly unprofessional” manner when he drove to London for talks with the West Londoners, despite the fact no deal with the Baggies had been agreed.

The 31-year-old Odemwingie has insisted that he had an understanding with West Brom’s technical director Dan Ashworth, who he says gave the Nigerian forward permission to travel to the capital, although he admitted he received nothing in writing.

"They didn't give me written permission, but when you are gentlemen you understand each other easily," Odemwingie told Sky Sports. "I had to be in training that morning but when that was done I asked if I could go as I had to pack and start driving. I got the go-ahead from him (Ashworth) as far as I understand, so I went round and said goodbye to everyone and thank you.

“In my opinion everything was done right. He can deny it, because he has to look good in this situation.

"I knew that it took two hours to drive to London and I had to be there because we were 90 percent there and then the deal didn't happen. My only regret is that I didn't have the paper in my hand before I went to London."

The former Lille striker still has 18 months left on his current contract at West Brom, but he remains adamant his future lies away from the Hawthorns.

"I believe if West Brom brought me back here it is because they believe there is a way I can be back on the pitch and giving my best to the team," Odemwingie said. "I will always love the club but I will still leave, it is just a matter of time. I understand the need to honor your contract, but the club have known the reasons I want to leave for some time now. They feel I can overcome that, but they don't know my heart.

"My contract runs out in a year and a half. I wasn't offered an extension here. My career ends one day and so will my contract here at West Brom."

 

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Liverpool new-boy Coutinho is a 'proper Brazilian', says Lucas

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has hailed the club's latest signing Philippe Coutinho, describing his compatriot as "a proper Brazilian".

The 20-year-old, who has been capped once by Brazil at senior level, completed an 10 million euros move from Inter to Anfield on Wednesday.

And, despite the youngster failing to truly establish himself in Serie A, Lucas expects Coutinho to prove a hit for the Merseyside club both now and in the future.

“Coutinho is a very talented player,” he told reporters. “He is very young but he has a lot of experience already.

He added, “I had the chance to watch him when he got his first cap for Brazil a couple of years ago as we were both in the team.

“He is a proper Brazilian with a lot of skill and he likes to play with the ball and score goals. He had a very good spell at Espanyol when he was on loan last season and I think he will be a great player for the future for us.”

The former Gremio star also expressed his belief that Coutinho will be able to deal with the added physicality of the Premier League.

“I think he will be able to cope,” the 26-year-old continued. "Of course in Italy it’s a different type of game but he has experience of playing in both Serie A and La Liga.

“We hope he settles very quickly. Hopefully he will feel comfortable and play really well for us.”

Lucas went on to reveal that manager Brendan Rodgers had asked him for his thoughts on the player prior to proceeding with the transfer.

“The manager spoke with me but not to ask about his talents as I think he was sure about that already,” he stated. "He just wanted to know what I knew about Coutinho as a person. I only had positive things to say.

“Then I spoke with Coutinho a few times. Not to try to convince him to come here but just to tell him about the club and how things work here.

“He felt it was a great opportunity for him to come to the Premier League and we’re happy to have him here. I know he doesn’t speak much English so I will try to help as much as I can to make him feel at home."

 

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Fernando Torres left out of Spain squad for Uruguay friendly

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has omitted Chelsea attacker Fernando Torres from his squad for the upcoming international friendly against Uruguay on February 6.

The successful trainer has also left out Swansea forward Michu, who was expected to make the team following his impressive performances in the Premier League, while Bayern Munich's Javi Martinez did not make the cut either.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas misses out due to injury, with Liverpool's Pepe Reina taking his place in the squad.

Chelsea wing-back Cesar Azpilicueta and Malaga sensation Isco are both in line to make their Spain debut after receiving an invitation for next week's encounter.

Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Xavi and Xabi Alonso all return to the fold after missing the European champions' previous game due to injury.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Anceliotti: Beckham needs to earn playing time

David Beckham will not be guaranteed playing time at Paris Saint-Germain, says head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Beckham, who left MLS after winning his second straight championship with the LA Galaxy last season, shocked the soccer world when he reached a deal with the Ligue 1 side on transfer deadline day. The 37-year-old had turned down several other offers from around the world.

Beckham will donate his salary to a children's charity after signing the five-month deal with PSG, but his good deed doesn't mean he is a lock to find the pitch this season. Anceliotti said Beckham will "help the team in terms of quality and experience" but he has to earn his spot on the pitch.

"He still needs two weeks to be in good physical condition. After, we will see what happens," Ancelotti said after PSG's win over Toulouse on Friday. "If he deserves to play, he will play. He can play as a defensive midfielder or right flank, but he needs to have the merit to play."

Beckham had been training with Arsenal prior to making his decision to come to Paris early Thursday morning, and acknowledged that he did not join the club expecting to start.

"I don't expect to come into this team and play in every single game. I don't expect to start. I have to work for that," he said. "It is a bonus they are in the Champions League. I've been lucky to win it in the past and I know how important it is for clubs."

Beckham will have shot to win a title in his fourth country. PSG is in the Champions League knockout stage and the club currently leads Ligue 1, searching for the club's first league title in 19 years.

Beckham is just the latest big name to join PSG after the club spent a total of $140 million last summer to bring in Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Brazil's Thiago Silva and Lucas, and Argentina's Ezequiel Lavezzi.

"The team will improve with [Beckham]," Ancelotti said. "I have no doubt about it."

 

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Roma board will determine my fate, says Zeman

Roma trainer Zdenek Zeman says the club's hierarchy will make the ultimate decision as to whether or not he will remain at the helm of the three-time Serie A champion.

The Czech Republic coach has come under increasing criticism after his side crashed to a 4-2 home defeat against Cagliari on Friday, stretching its winless run in Serie A to five matches.

"We have played good games this season," the 65-year-old told Sky Sport Italia. "But tonight certainly isn't one of them. We were unbalanced and did not play as we usually do. The players showed great desire, but we just couldn't get it right.

"I won't resign after one bad game. I have not spoken with anyone from the board, but they will ultimately make the final decision."

Zeman had been given the full backing of the Roma hierarchy prior to Friday's tie, after crisis talks had been held to discuss the club's current form.

"We all had deep talks with Zeman and are totally satisfied," director of sport Walter Sabatini had earlier told the Roma Channel. "We will fight our battles together," he added.

Roma currently lie eighth in Serie A, nine points off the Champions League spots, although third-placed Lazio has a game in hand.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rooney admits handing over Manchester United penalty duties

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has admitted he asked manager Sir Alex Ferguson to remove him from penalty-taking duties.

Rooney has missed 10 times from the spot for the Red Devils, including two this season, and has claimed he went to Sir Alex Ferguson and asked for alternative arrangements to be made.

United was awarded a spot kick in the third minute of their very next game against Fulham, which Ryan Giggs slotted home.

“To be honest it was my choice,” Rooney told MUTV. “It wasn't good enough. I went in to speak with the manager and said I'd spoken with Robin [van Persie] and told him he could take them.

“At a club like this to miss two penalties like I did and not hit the target wasn't good enough.”

Robin van Persie will now be Manchester United’s first-choice penalty taker.

 

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Moyes confirms failed Everton bid for Negredo

Everton manager David Moyes has confirmed that the club attempted to sign Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo on transfer deadline day.

The Toffees made the Spaniard their top target after missing out on Twente midfielder Leroy Fer due to a problem with the player's medical.

Moyes' side were willing to spend 10.4 million euros on Negredo on the final day of the transfer window but the forward's club were holding out for a higher fee.

"We wanted to add players if we could who could go into the team and we tried to do that right up to the end, but for reasons out of our control it didn't happen. It wasn't for the want of trying, that is for sure," the Everton boss told reporters. "We tried [for Negredo], but it didn't work. They wanted a lot more money than we offered."

Meanwhile, Moyes also revealed his concerns with the Goodison Park pitch ahead of Saturday's match against Aston Villa.

"I've not even spoken to the groundsman. The groundsman's not said anything about it," he said. "But it's not as if we've played loads of games at Goodison this year. It's not as if we've had loads of cup ties or lots of reserve games on it, so it's not had an awful lot of football played on it."

 

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Jol reveals he wanted Gago and Huddlestone at Fulham

Fulham manager Martin Jol has revealed that he failed in bids to bring Fernando Gago and Tom Huddlestone to the club on deadline day. The Argentina international moved back to his homeland with Velez Sarsfield, and Huddlestone, who was also linked to Stoke, remains at Tottenham.

The Cottagers did sign three players on deadline day, including AC Milan’s Urby Emanuelson on loan until the end of the season and Eyong Enoh from Ajax, and Jol is satisfied with his additions.

“It was a tough month for a lot of clubs, but in the end I feel, although it was not easy, we were quite satisfied,” he told reporters. “We had a few targets, a few positions we wanted to strengthen - on the left and defensive midfield - and in the end it came off so I was quite happy.

“My first choice target was probably Fernando Gago from Real Madrid because they wanted to get rid of him, but we couldn't get that sort of quality. But I had a few options and we went for a few players.

“Urby Emanuelson is a player I know well, comes from AC Milan and is no mug so I was quite happy to get him.

“I was talking to a player from my old club Spurs, Tom Huddlestone, but that didn't come off and [Eyong] Enoh was here already because you can't bet on one horse.

“Huddlestone was very close. They pulled out at the last moment so I was very happy Enoh was in the building and there was no damage done.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Doni reveals cardiac arrest in Liverpool medical

Doni has revealed his heart stopped beating during his Liverpool medical, and that he almost went “to the other side.”

The Brazilian recently joined Botafago in his native country on a free transfer, and has said that during his time with the Reds his career came very close to being ended.

“I was taking the medical exams [at Liverpool, during preseason in 2012] and I had a cardio-respiratory arrest,” he told Globoesporte.com. “I was unconscious for 25 seconds and almost went 'to the other side'.

“After that, I went to London and had several exams that confirmed I didn't have any sequels. Then they sent me back to Rome, where one of the finest doctors in Europe took care of me for six years. After yet another load of exams, the doctors asked me to stay a few more months on the sidelines.”

Doni was advised by medical professionals to never play soccer again, and has spoken candidly about the effect such a verdict had on his personal life.

“I was really down for three months, I had trouble sleeping. Anyone who's gone through that knows what a horrible feeling it is," he said. “When you return, it feels like you haven't slept for years. That time affected me deeply psychologically, but after a few months, it was over, and now I'm back to normal.

“It's hard to talk. It's a moment when you stop and think. You end up giving more value to life, to your family, your kids, you just want to stay close to your family. Then you stop, think and you realize what are the real important things in life.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Toulouse 0-4 Paris Saint-Germain: Ancelotti’s side hammers 10-man hosts

Paris Saint-Germain strolled three points clear at the summit of Ligue 1 on Friday evening with a comfortable 4-0 away victory in Toulouse against hosts who played more than half the match with just 10 men.

It took the visitors less than four minutes to open the scoring via a volley from Javier Pastore, and 10 minutes before the break Zlatan Ibrahimovic doubled their tally and continued his record of scoring in every away Ligue 1 match he has played in.

Cheikh M’Bengue’s dismissal just before the break meant that Carlo Ancelotti’s side went largely untroubled thereafter, and goals from Mamadou Sakho and Gregory van der Wiel late on rubbed in the dominance.

With David Beckham yet to join up with the squad, it was another high profile player who opened the scoring for the league leaders. Pastore made the most of a somewhat surprising start as he controlled a first-time shot into the net following a cross from Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Les Parisiens always seem to have more class in the crucial areas of the field in comparison to their opponents, and the identity of their second scorer was certainly no surprise as Ibrahimovic bagged his 20th goal for the club. Lucas Moura contributed to the Swede’s strike as he drove forward well down the right channel before delivering an intelligent cross that was dispatched tidily by the forehead of the forward.

The third goal did not arrive until 20 minutes from the end of the match, with Lucas again supplying the ammunition as another cross picked out the unmarked Sakho at the back post to head easily home.

Shortly afterwards, the home side’s misery was increased. Ibrahimovic emphasized the gulf between the sides by powering past a glut of defenders in the box to square for Van der Wiel to tap home into an empty net.

In truth, the floodgates had been threatening to burst for several minutes. Ibrahimovic was particularly unlucky not to add to his personal tally as he was twice denied in stunning fashion by Ahamada, whose athleticism to claw away a lobbed effort from the edge of the area was especially commendable.

Although Toulouse had held its own in the first period, it never really threatened to break Salvatore Sirigu’s two-month long run without conceding a Ligue 1 goal. Franck Tabanou looked their most menacing threat, but the left-winger’s efforts from range too frequently failed to find the target.

Few teams will go to the Pink City this season and enjoy quite such a straightforward success, and although the hosts were partially the masters of their own downfall due to some sloppy defending and a needless red card, this was still a result that will make PSG’s title rivals take note.

Olympique Lyonnais will draw level on points with Ancelotti’s side before the end of the weekend if it defeats Ajaccio on Sunday, but this performance serves to highlight why the capital side is considered a strong favorite for the title.

 

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Barclays Premier League 2013.02.02 Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2013.02.02 Fixtures

QPR Vs Norwich City

Everton Vs Aston Villa

Arsenal Vs Stroke City

Newcastle United Vs Chelsea

Reading Vs Sunderland

Westham United Vs Swansea

Wigan Vs Southampton

Fulham Vs Manchester United

​

 

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La Liga 2013.02.02 Fixtures

La Liga 2013.02.02 Fixtures

Osasuna Vs Celta Vigo

Getafe Vs Deportivo

Espanyol Vs Levante

Granada Vs Real Madrid​

 

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Serie A 2013.02.02 Fixtures

Serie A 2013.02.02 Fixtures

Torino Vs Sampdoria

Napoli Vs Catania​

 

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West Ham 1-0 Swansea: Carroll eases the pressure on Allardyce

West Ham deservedly came out on top of a hard-earned 1-0 win against Swansea at Upton Park, to end its stretch of four games without a win.

The Hammers dominated the affair, though it took a powerful header in the 77th minute from the returning Andy Carroll to settle the home fans' nerves after Swansea keeper Gerhart Tremmel kept the hosts at bay with a string of high-quality saves.

With West Ham’s co-owner David Sullivan announcing during the week that an agreement has been reached with Liverpool for the permanent transfer of Carroll at the end of the season, Sam Allardyce was able to start the on-loan front man for the first time since late November, in a move that proved decisive for the Hammers.

It was Carroll’s deployment as a focal point that engineered the game’s two best early chances, though Kevin Nolan and Mohamed Diame were unable to make much of their respective knockdowns.

As the half developed it was Tremmel who provided the difference between the two, thwarting Hammers captain Nolan with two smart saves in quick succession – firstly with a close range stop with the legs and secondly at full-stretch after Nolan met Carroll’s smart header.

Tremmel intervened yet again to block Ricardo Vaz Te’s viciously driven, near-post effort before referee Lee Probert ended the home side’s snowballing momentum by blowing for halftime.West Ham started the second half in much the same manner it finished the first though after carving a decent opening, Carroll could only blaze over after a neat exchange between Nolan and Matt Jarvis.

Swansea began to show signs of life with Michu spurning two decent half-chances before Swansea left back Ben Davies denied Vaz Te with a glorious sliding challenge on the edge of six-yard box.

The home crowd’s frustration started to become evident when Tremmel blocked Carroll’s somewhat tame effort with his legs leading to Diame, in the same passage of play, wildly miscuing after attempting the acrobatic.Finally West Ham’s relentless pressure paid dividends, with Carroll’s breakthrough coming in predictable fashion, as the England international rose highest to power home a Mark Noble corner with just over 15 minutes left to play.

The goal seemed to spark some life into Swansea yet Michael Laudrup's side was unable to provide the quality in the final third that hadn't been there all game. West Ham held out to secure a narrow win that eased the pressure on boss Sam Allardyce.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Reading 2-1 Sunderland: Kebe double hands hosts vital three points

Reading left it late to once again secure a valuable three points against Sunderland in a 2-1 win. The Royals lifted themselves clear of the relegation zone with the win.

Two strikes from Jimmy Kebe either side of Craig Gardner’s penalty saw Brian McDermott’s side earn its fourth win in six Premier League games, to continue a remarkable run of form.

The Madejski Stadium was in fine spirits after Reading’s strong recent run, and the home crowd was soon given all the more reason to cheer as the hosts took the lead within the opening seven minutes.

Jobi McAnuff was given too much space on the left-hand side of the penalty area and took full advantage, cutting a teasing ball back to the edge of the box where a lurking Kebe was on hand to deftly skip past the challenge of Jack Colback and smash the ball into the roof of the net.

The visitors' first attempt on goal did not come until the 24th minute, when Alfred N’Diaye drove to the edge of the box and hit a low shot that was well saved by Adam Federici, who then managed to get up and block Sebastian Larsson’s follow up.

The Swedish midfielder wanted a penalty for Ian Harte‘s challenge as he went for the loose ball, and his wish was belatedly granted minutes later when Pavel Pogrebnyak lunged in with a wild challenge on John O’Shea after the ball was half cleared from a corner, giving referee Lee Mason no choice but to point to the spot.

Craig Gardner stepped up and slammed the ball into the bottom corner with characteristic aplomb, giving Federici no chance, despite the Australian diving the right way.

The Russian striker almost made amends for his moment of madness when he rose to meet Harte’s dangerous in-swinging free-kick on 40 minutes, but his header was well saved by Simon Mignolet at the near post.

The second half started at a pedestrian pace, with Sunderland seemingly content to frustrate the home team and try and strike on the counter-attack.

The lack of cutting edge soon had the home fans crying out for super-sub Adam Le Fondre, and Brian McDermott duly obliged just after the hour mark, bringing the striker on to replace Garath McCleary.

However, it was center back Adrian Mariappa who came closest to breaking the deadlock, rising impressively to meet another dangerous Harte corner and planting a header straight onto the Sunderland crossbar.

Martin O’Neill responded by bringing on new signing Danny Graham to make his debut, and the self-confessed Newcastle fan was greeted with cheers from the Sunderland fans who had booed him in a Swansea shirt just a few days earlier.

Just as the visitors looked to be posing an increased threat up front, the Royals went down the other end of the pitch and grabbed a trademark late goal, as Kebe met yet another Harte cross at the far post to head home with five minutes to go.

Sunderland piled everything forward in the last few minutes, but was unable to test Federici, and became the latest victim to the Reading late show.

 

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Wigan 2-2 Southampton: Maloney denies Pochettino his first Saints win

GREATER MANCHESTER, England -- Shaun Maloney's late strike denied Southampton a precious win at the DW Stadium as two relegation battlers fought out an entertaining 2-2 draw.

Wigan had taken the lead when Gary Caldwell headed home unattended from a corner, but it was unable to hold onto its advantage as second-half strikes from Rickie Lambert and Morgan Schneiderlin looked to have sealed an important three points.

Maloney had the last laugh though, as he turned home from a right-wing corner to share the spoils.

Despite a bright opening to the game, both sides looked tentative in the final third and were unable to find a telling pass in key areas.

It was a scrappy beginning in truth with stray passes aplenty, with both Roberto Martinez and Mauricio Pochettino clearly aware of each other's passing philosophy as both sides closed one another down with intent.

The first real opening of the contest fell to the home side, though, with Di Santo coming close to capping off a flowing move, but could only steer his effort straight at Artur Boruc.

Southampton then mustered up a chance of its own but Ramirez incredibly missed a gilt-edged opening. After the Saints stole the ball in midfield, they broke with purpose, and when Lambert found the Uruguayan with a stunning cross, he must have envisaged a flag being raised, as he blazed over the bar on the volley with no one surrounding him.

The opening goal arrived after 26 minutes as captain Caldwell rose unmarked to nod home from a Beausejour corner.

The marking from the visitors was questionable as Maya Yoshida allowed the Scot to go unchallenged and have the simplest of tasks to glance home past Boruc.

There was nothing stylish - as Martinez wants his sides to play - about the goal but the importance of the goal in a battle of the basement boys like this was never to be under-estimated.

The Latics hard work to find the opener was almost undone within a matter of seconds as McCarthy's clearance rebounded off Morgan Schneiderlin and went cannoning towards Ali Al-Habsi's goal, but the Oman stopper recovered to tip wide.

Despite the lead, the Latics fans were not happy at the scrappy nature of some of their team's passing but they would have been more annoyed had Jos Hooiveld nodded home from a Schneiderlin corner as the Saints stepped up the pressure prior to the break.

The second half started much like the first - in a cagey manner - as Southampton plotted a way back into the game.

Pochettino threw on both Steven Davis and Adam Lallana early in the second half as he sought to gain some possession of the ball back, with Wigan all of a sudden starting to go onto the back foot and defend deeper.

They were duly punished. Mid-way through the second-half Cork found himself in space and picked out a delightful cross which Jay Rodriguez flicked on for Lambert, who snuck in behind the defense to head home past a despairing Al Habsi.

Southampton continued to up the ante, with the Latics keen to exploit the visitors on the counter, but Lallana struck the post after hesitancy in the Wigan backline, before Luke Shaw's dizzying run and cross teed up Lambert at the far post who went for the spectacular volley, but could only guide his shot wide.

The Saints applied serious pressure to the Wigan goal, but the home side always looked a threat with Maloney and Callum McManaman - introduced for Roger Espinoza - broke with pace down the flanks and it almost produced a winner.

The former picked out a cross from the left which narrowly evaded everyone before James McArthur came within inches of applying a finishing touch, only to find Shaw in place to knock out for a corner.

The visitors would not go down without a fight, though, and stole what looked to be a winner that had been richly deserved for their second half endeavors.

Rodriguez escaped down the left-hand side and waited for a willing runner in the center - Schneiderlin obliged as he met the low cross and tapped home beyond a statuesque Al-Habsi to send the Saints fans behind the goal into raptures.

To their horror, though, they were unaware of what would happen next. Set pieces appear to be the undoing of the Saints this season and two within one game proved where Pochttino must focus his training on next week.

A corner from the right was flicked on by Paul Scharner and at the back post lurking was Maloney, who turned home into the far corner past the dive of Boruc.

All in all, the point was probably a fair reflection of the contest but the Saints will surely be wondering what might have been if they could defend set-pieces.

 

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Newcastle 3-2 Chelsea: Sissoko double seals another collapse for Benitez's men

Moussa Sissoko scored twice as Newcastle overcame Chelsea 3-2 in a thriller at St James' Park on Saturday afternoon.

Jonas Gutierrez flicked a header home to give the Magpies the lead, but Frank Lampard and Juan Mata turned the game on its head after the break before Sissoko struck twice to win a massive three points for the Magpies.

The hosts were unchanged from their 2-1 midweek win over Aston Villa, while Rafa Benitez elected to play Demba Ba from the start on his return to St James' Park and gave John Terry a first Premier League start for nearly three months after a knee injury.

Ba was booed and jeered whenever the ball went near him in a quiet start that saw Petr Cech make simple saves from Yoan Gouffran and Davide Santon.

The visitors worked their way into the match patiently and should have taken the lead on 15 minutes. Mata's excellent chipped pass found Ashley Cole on the left whose cut-back came to Lampard 12 yards out, but the midfielder lashed over with his left foot.

Alan Pardew's side were well on top though, Yohan Cabaye warmed Cech's gloves from range and Papiss Cisse wasted a gilt-edged one-on-one chance with the Czech shot-stopper.

Cabaye and Santon volleyed efforts wide after dithering in the Chelsea defence, but the atmosphere was cranked up to another notch on the half-hour as Ramires launched into Gutierrez two-footed, but only picking up a booking.

Ba then found himself with a great chance to silence the home support as he raced clear on Krul off Lampard's pass, but he fired his first effort at the Dutchman and nodding his follow-up wide while being caught in the face by Coloccini's boot.

Cisse wasted another one-on-one after Sissoko's effort was charged down, but the home fans were soon cheering as Santon's cross from the left was flicked home by Gutierrez to give the Toon a richly-deserved lead.

Ba had played on after his challenge with Coloccini, despite appearing to have broken his nose and having a bandage applied, although he was substituted immediately after the goal, with Fernando Torres replacing him.

After 10 quiet second-half minutes the tie was leveled by Lampard in stunning fashion as the 35-year-old let a throw-in from the left run across his body before launching a 30-yard rocket past Krul.

The visitors were soon in front as Branislav Ivanovic charged down the right before finding Torres in the box. The Chelsea No.9 set the ball for Mata who curled a perfect effort into the far corner.

Newcastle was flagging but it rallied magnificently and, after Cisse was denied by a great intervention from John Terry, drew level as Yoann Gouffran was set clear by a long clearance. His effort was parried by Cech into the path of Sissoko who gleefully tucked home on his home debut.

Both sides pushed for a late winner and it was Newcastle who found it as Santon burst down the left before cutting back to Sissoko who thundered a low effort past Cech.

The visitors almost equalized late in the day but Steven Taylor bravely blocked Lamaprd's effort to cap off a stunning afternoon of football.

 

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Arsenal 1-0 Stoke: Podolski puts Gunners back in the Champions League picture

Arsenal moved towards the Champions League places with a comfortable 1-0 win against Stoke.

The first half took some time to gather momentum, but the home side began to dominate and was denied several times by Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

It took until the 78th minute for Arsenal to take the lead, with Lukas Podolski seeing his free kick deflected home for what was the winning goal.

New Gunners signing Nacho Monreal started as one of five changes to Arsene Wenger’s side that drew with Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Stoke made two changes to its team, bringing in Ryan Shotton and Andy Wilkinson for Charlie Adam and Dean Whitehead.

The game began in a lively fashion, with Bacary Sagna and Theo Walcott linking up well on the right, although the latter’s early pull-back could not find a teammate in the area.

However, things calmed down rapidly into a familiar rhythm as Arsenal dominated possession but found itself unable to create further chances as the away side held firm.

As the half went on, Stoke began to grow into the game and see more of the ball, with Peter Crouch looking threatening up front as he managed to take down a few high balls.

It took until the 32nd minute for either side to create an opening, and it fell to Arsenal, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain denied by Begovic’s superb reflexes after a corner.

The home side then created another opening a couple of minutes later, with Laurent Koscielny seeing his header blocked well again by the impressive Begovic.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was then denied again by the Bosnian as he latched onto a superb through-ball from Jack Wilshere but saw Begovic deflect his finish away for a corner.

However, despite the home side dominating possession and carving its opponents open, it was unable to force any more openings and went into halftime deadlocked at 0-0.

The second half began in a similar fashion, with the home side monopolising possession and toying with its opponents but it was unable to create an early chance.

It took until the 53rd minute for the Gunners to create an opening, and it came through debutant Nacho Monreal, who sent in a teasing cross after some superb interplay but saw the ball cleared.

Then, just a minute later, Arsenal had another chance as Olivier Giroud nearly got on the end of a ball from the superb Wilshere but could not quite make good enough contact.

The Gunners were dominating possession as their opponents seemed unable to get the ball out of their half, but were struggling to create another chance to the frustration of their fans.

However, in the 78th minute Arsenal finally made the breakthrough as Podolski saw his free kick deflected home by Geoff Cameron, with the goal standing despite some suspicion of offside.

This seemed to galvanize the Gunners, who could have had a second through Santi Cazorla, who saw his shot tipped just over the bar by Begovic, and they held on to secure the win.