..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Beckham coy on Paris Saint-Germain future

The former England captain has admitted that he is enjoying himself at the Parc des Princes and is proud that Carlo Ancelotti wants him to sign on for another season
David Beckham has refused to rule out the possibility of him extending his stay at Paris Saint-Germain.

The former England captain arrived in the French capital on a short-term contract in January but coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted earlier this week that he would like to retain the services of the veteran midfielder beyond the end of the season.

Beckham, who turns 38 in May, is remaining coy on the issue, but admits that he is enjoying life at the Parc des Princes.

“At my age, we need to take one season at a time,” he told BeIn Sport. “But for now, I feel very comfortable here.

“I have great respect for Carlo as a manager and as a person. If he says he wants to keep me, that makes me very proud.”

Beckham came in for stern criticism for traveling to China in an ambassadorial role during the recent international break, but does not believe that the trip betrayed a lack of professionalism.

“I have not heard anything in terms of the critics,” he declared. “But if this is the case, I am professional and I always have been. It was a very special moment. I got to represent the Chinese League and PSG. I missed just two days of training; I'm back and I caught up. What counts is the team, the manager, players and fans.

“Physically, I feel great. I always look after myself. I have always been professional in all the clubs. I am very happy to be in Paris and the club treats me as if I've been here 10 years.”

Beckham explained that the two main reasons why he is enjoying plying his trade in Paris is his role within Ancelotti’s side. There is also the fact that he is getting to line out alongside so many world-class stars, chief among them Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

“There is not only Ibra; I have a good relationship with all players,” he explained. “But it is true that he has a special talent. But I love this midfield position because I hit a lot of passes and I can make assists.”

Having played his part in PSG moving eight points clear in Ligue 1 with a crucial 1-0 victory over Montpellier on Friday night, Beckham is now hoping to be involved in next week’s eagerly-awaited Champions League showdown with Barcelona.

“Of course this is a huge game,” he conceded. “Everyone was super excited to play Barca; it is both an honor and a challenge. But we must say that we can meet the challenge. This is perhaps the best team in the world.

“There is Lionel Messi, but not only him. They are very united and each player plays for everyone else. It is a harmonious team. It will be a great match and we are delighted to have Ibra for this game. People want to see the best players play against the best teams.”

Beckham, who has 115 England caps to his name, joined PSG after the expiration of his contract with LA Galaxy.

 

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Bale is 'frightening' to face, admits Swansea winger Dyer

The Englishman came through the ranks at Southampton with the Wales and Tottenham star and claims to have never been in doubt about the Welshman's huge potential Swansea winger Nathan Dyer has labelled Tottenham star Gareth Bale as "frightening" ahead of the sides' clash at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.

The pair came through the ranks at Southampton together and the Englishman admits he always saw the huge potential in Bale at a young age.

"I feel that people develop quicker than others and he’s one of them, he’s shot up and taken it,"

Dyer told Absolute Radio. "I knew he always had great technique and ability, but for me it was the amount of power and pace that he’s got in his kit now and that’s frightening to have that, plus his height, stature and left foot."

The winger also believes that Michael Laudrup has continued fine work put in at the Liberty Stadium by Brendan Rodgers, who Dyer credits with turning the Swans into a credible top-flight force.

He continued: "They’re both great managers, I feel. I think Brendan came in and took Swansea to the next level and made us the team we are now.

"Michael Laudrup’s come in and added his few twists and bobs and put different things towards it and that’s good as long as we keep that base and just tweak a few things here and there, that’s how you get a good team.

"Our gaffer was the king of through balls so that’s why we've got a lot of chances this season, he’s always looking for that first-time pass and it’s done well for us.

"You want to adapt and you want to be able to adapt for certain games as well.

"Some games you can’t do what you normally like to do so you have to switch it and be a different player so it’s great for me to obviously have the gaffer and watch him and have him speak to me and tell me what I should do in that certain area."

 

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Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 Montpellier: Gameiro strikes 10 minutes from time to secure precious win

Paris Saint-Germain consolidated their grip on top spot in Ligue 1 with a narrow 1-0 victory against Montpellier at the Parc des Princes on Friday.

Kevin Gameiro came off the bench to score the only goal of the game with nine minutes to go for the hosts, who had their chances in the first half, but saw their momentum slowly disappear thanks to an increasingly stubborn defensive performance from Rene Girard's men.

PSG provisionally extended its lead at the top of the table to eight points, though it was left with more questions than answers for the midweek Champions League clash with Barcelona after a display when it was far from its best.


Carlo Ancelotti named David Beckham on the substitute’s bench, as Alex and Gregory van der Wiel started in defense, while Jeremy Menez replaced Lucas on the flanks.And the hosts could have been ahead in the first minute of the game has Clement Chantome been slightly more accurate with a shot from the edge of the box that whistled past the far post, following a terrific feed from Javier Pastore.

Though Montpellier stood its ground during the early exchanges, the better chances would fall PSG’s way, and with 20 minutes gone, Zlatan Ibrahimovic fired narrowly over the bar after he was picked out with precision by Marco Verratti.

Gaetan Charbonnier sliced the visitors best opening of the half wide from 18 yards, but the home side continued to look more dangerous, with Ibrahimovic drilling off target again, before Geoffrey Jourdren denied Thiago Silva’s header superbly.The Montpellier keeper also thwarted a similar opportunity from Alex, but should have been made to work a lot harder by Ibrahimovic minutes before the break, the Swede scuffing straight into his arms after taking aim from an unmarked position inside the box.

Montpellier would have two decent chances to take the lead shortly after the restart, as Remy Cabella’s finish from close range failed to do Souleymane Camara’s excellent run justice, before Charbonnier’s effort missed the bar by inches.

But as the minutes ticked away in the second half, so did the incisiveness of PSG’s attacking play as Montpellier proved itself an increasingly tough nut to crack at the back.Ancelotti threw on Beckham and Gameiro for Chamtome and Verratti with just under 20 minutes remaining, and the changes seemed to do the trick as momentum shifted back in his side’s favor.

And with 81 minutes on the clock, the substitutes would play a part in winning the game for PSG. Beckham's pass started the attack, where Menez played in Ibrahimovic, who in turn slipped in Gameiro for a simple finish to seal the points.

 

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AC Milan: Cagliari stadium controversy has 'altered' championship

The Rossoneri are bemused by the various different rulings on the Rossoblu's home ground, which remains the subject of serious public safety concer AC Milan has reacted angrily to the latest decision regarding Cagliari’s Is Arenas, claiming that the varying nature of the rulings regarding the availability of the controversial stadium for Serie A games has “altered” the course of this season’s championship.

On Friday afternoon, it was announced that this weekend’s clash between the Isolani and Fiorentina would be played behind closed doors because of ongoing concerns over the safety of the Sardinians’ home ground.

Milan, which played Cagliari at a fully open IS Arenas in February, wasted little time in expressing its outrage at the decision, issuing the following statement on the club's website:

"The league has announced that the Cagliari-Fiorentina match will be played behind closed doors.

"On February 10, 2013, Milan played before a full stadium, like six other teams. Three teams played in front of only season-ticket holders, three behind closed doors.

"Only one, Juventus, [played] at a neutral ground. In one instance, a 0-3 was awarded (to Roma), and nobody knows what will happen in the next few days...

"In light of decisions that any person of good sense would judge incomprehensible on account of the different rulings in essentially identical cases, it's clear that the normal course of the Serie A championship has been altered.”

Cagliari moved into its new temporary home at the Is Arenas last summer following a falling out with the local council over their previous residence, the Stadio Sant’Elia, but their new stadium has been plagued by controversy over the legality of its construction and public safety concerns.

 

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Roura praises 'great player' Alexis

Barcelona's stand-in coach has heaped praise on the Chilean winger, amid interest from Juventus and following criticism of his recent performances for the Blaugrana
Barcelona's stand-in coach Jordi Roura has endorsed Alexis Sanchez's claims that he is "a great player", amid recent criticism of the winger and rumours of a summer exit.

The Chilean hit back at his critics recently, who have been unimpressed with his displays at Camp Nou.

“I know the player I am, I know I am a great player, I know I can win games for you," Sanchez said.

Upon hearing the midfielder's quotes, Roura was quick to give his player a vote of confidence.

"I like what he said. It's nice to see him in high spirits. He is a great player," he told reporters.

The 24-year-old has been linked with a move away from Barcelona, and Goal.com exclusively revealed his agent will travel to Italy to meet with Juventus and Inter over a possible transfer in the summer.

Sanchez signed for Barcelona in the summer of 2011, and while many expected him to be a star at Camp Nou, he has struggled to cement a first team place ahead of the likes of Pedro and David Villa.

He has scored 20 goals in 75 appearances for the Catalan giants, and has found the back of the net 14 times in 52 appearances for Chile.

 

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Champions League win is feasible for Bayern, says Voller

The 1990 World cup winner says die Roten can go all the way in Europe and is unsurprised by their domestic domination of German football Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller says he believes Bayern Munich can win the Champions League.

The Bavarian club is on course to wrap up the Bundesliga title, and the former Germany international also thinks the German club is well placed to lift the European trophy.

The league leader faces Juventus in the Champions League quarterfinals, and Voller believes the side can improve on its final defeat in last year's competition.

"Bayern were in last year's final which they unfortunately lost. [Winning] the Champions League title [this season] is feasible," the 52-year-old told ran.de.

The former striker also spoke about Borussia Dortmund's chances of progressing to the semifinals, but added that he is anticipating the Spanish giants of Barcelona and Real Madrid will pose the biggest threat to a German victory.

"Who would prevail between these four teams is difficult to say, form would probably play a big part," Voller continued. "I personally think the most likely final will be between Bayern and Barcelona."

Die Roten are seeking to secure their 23rd German title this weekend and the Leverkusen director says it is no surprise.

"The fact that the Munich have gone the past two years without a title and given the quality of the squad it is certainly no surprise they are champions.

"Even before the season they were my undisputed favorites for the title."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rodgers: Alleged Suarez punch irrelevant to Liverpool

The Liverpool striker appeared to clash with Chile's Gonzalo Jara while on duty for Uruguay but his coach insists that he has not seen footage and refuses to discuss it Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has brushed over Luis Suarez's entanglement with Gonzalo Jara while on international duty, claiming that he has not yet seen the alleged punch.

The forward appeared to aim his fist at the defender's face during Uruguay's 2-0 victory over Chile in World Cup qualifying and could face FIFA sanctions, but the Reds boss was unwilling to comment on an issue which he feels has "no great relevance" to his own job.

"I always say to players I've got a very simple rule, that when you're with Liverpool, just talk about Liverpool," Rodgers told a press conference. "When you're away with your national teams, just concentrate on your international team and there's no drama.

"So what he says when he's away with Uruguay or what the England boys say is very much about England, is of no great relevance to Liverpool.

"I haven't spoke to Luis yet. He was obviously back yesterday and later on in the afternoon, and we just ran the medical team over him.

"He was training this morning, so no I haven't spoken to him.

"Obviously, every time Luis goes away there's always something but all I'm aware is we've got an outstanding football player who's given everything for the club and is very happy here."

 

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Ramsey: Arsenal wants to finish above Tottenham

The Wales midfielder is aiming to repeat last season and trump Spurs' efforts to secure a Champions League spot Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey hopes the club can use its experience of fighting for Champions League places to beat rivals Tottenham to a top-four finish.

Arsene Wenger's side is currently four points behind Spurs, who occupy fourth place in the Premier League, but also have a game in hand over their neighbors.

Tottenham was victorious in the crucial north London derby at the start of March which finished 2-1, but Ramsey is hoping the recent strong form in the league which has seen the Gunners win four of their last five fixtures can help see them through.

"That's our aim - to finish above them [Tottenham] and get into that Champions League spot," Ramsey told Sky Sports News. "We're four points adrift of them at the moment, with a game in hand, so there's still a lot of games to be played where points will be won and dropped.

"Hopefully we can continue the run that we're on at the moment and keep that going."

The Gunners have faced the scenario of trailing Tottenham in the race for Champions League football before. They came from behind last season to leave their local rivals in fourth, which saw them miss out on qualification with Chelsea taking their place as reigning champions.

And Ramsey now hopes his teammates can use this psychological advantage to overturn the deficit and finish above Tottenham again.

He continued: "They were in a similar sort of position last year where they were above us with about eight or nine games to go and we turned it around.

"Obviously they haven't been in this position often, so obviously I think that experience helped us along and to keep calm and composed, and to finish the job off in the end."

 

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Rodgers refuses to confirm Eriksen interest

Ajax director Marc Overmars says that Liverpool is scouting the Danish star, but the Reds boss is remaining coy on any potential targets.

Brendan Rodgers admits the need to strengthen his Liverpool squad, but he refuses to specify whether he is targeting Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen.

Ajax director of football Marc Overmars suggested on Friday that the Reds have been scouting the Danish midfielder, who has made more than 100 appearances for the Eredivisie champions, but the Northern Irishman hinted that the scouts' target may have been different.

"If you read what he says, I think what he says [is] we've had scouts at the game, but we could have been watching anyone," Rodgers told reporters. "We could have been watching someone from the other team.

"We'll be like every other club, we'll be looking at good players, but, as I've always done and will continue to do, I won't speak about any players or speculate on anything."

Goal.com revealed on Friday that Liverpool has identified Ashley Williams and Stefan de Vrij as summer transfer targets, and the 48-year-old Rodgers did acknowledge that Jamie Carragher's retirement would prompt recruitment in defense.

"I think we're going to be light in that area, so we just have to, between now and the end of the season, assess. That's the one area of the field where we haven't brought anyone in," Rodgers said.

"We've brought midfield players in to the group and we've brought front players into the group but as of yet there's been no one in that area of the field.

"Naturally, we're obviously going to lose Jamie, which is a big loss. There's no player that's irreplaceable but he's a big loss because you see his experience and how he leads the line, and when you're playing as a defender you need someone in there that's vocal and can organise the line - he does that remarkably well.

"I've also got really good players here - Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel - but between now and the end of the season we know we need to strengthen the group, and that's something that we'll look at doing."

"There's no doubt (Carragher will) be a miss and I'll miss him, because he's a good man, he's a lover of football, and he puts everything into his training every day.

"He's a real role model for all the players - young and the senior players - but he's got eight games left, let's not write him off yet. He's still fit and strong and like you say, we missed his leadership qualities at Southampton and he'll come back into the squad [against Aston Villa]."

 

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Aston Villa striker Bent available for Liverpool clash

Villans boss Paul Lambert confirms that the England forward is back in training after injury and illness had kept him out of action since the middle of February
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has confirmed that Darren Bent has returned to first team training following a spell on the sidelines.

The striker has been unavailable since mid-February after he suffered a problem in training followed by an illness but is available for selection against Liverpool on Sunday.

"Benty is back training. He had a little flu bug there for the last few days but I think he is OK," Lambert told Sky Sports News. "He trained Wednesday morning, so he is back. He got a kick - one of the lads caught his foot. It was a bit tender to kick the ball but it could have been worse. He is OK now."

With his side firmly embroiled in the battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League, Lambert added that he is hopeful that a whole season spent scrapping at the bottom has taught his men enough to emerge unscathed.

"We have been round and about there all season so we are handling the pressure of it and it is not new for [the players]," the Villans boss opined. "They know what they have to try and do. When you start winning games you pull other teams into it who will feel edgy."

 

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Lloris: Tottenham has 'eight finals' remaining

The France international calls on his teammates to prove their ability and secure a top-four spot, and with it Champions League qualification, by the end of the season.

Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris believes that the North London club has "eight finals" with which to secure a top-four spot in the Premier League this season.

Andre Villas-Boas's side lost their three games before the international break, losing ground to Arsenal, and the Frenchman feels that the spell away from the club will help the squad recharge the batteries ahead of the stretch run.

"I have big confidence because we have good character. We've proved it this season and now we have to show it on the pitch," Lloris told Sky Sports News. "We did very well for 12 games, and we lost against Liverpool and Fulham, but the most important thing is the reaction.

"I think the international break was a good thing for us, to help us find energy for the end of the season. We now have eight games, which are like eight finals.

"I think Tottenham have the quality today to challenge other teams, but we need time, because we don't have experience.

"In a few seasons we can close that deficit but we need time and we need to play high-level games in the Champions League, we have ambition to put this club in the top four every year."

 

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Barclays Premier League 2013.03.30 Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2013.03.30 Fixtures

Sunderland Vs Manchester United

Wigan Vs Norwich City

West Ham United Vs WBA

Swansea Vs Tottenham

Manchester City Vs Newcastle

Arsenal Vs Reading

Southampton Vs Chelsea

Everton Vs Stroke

​

 

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La Liga 2013.03.30 Fixtures

La Liga 2013.03.30 Fixtures


Rayo Vallecano Vs Malaga

Celta Vigo Vs Barcelona

Real Zaragoza Vs Real Madrid

Levante Vs Sevilla​

 

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Serie A 2013.03.30 Fixtures

Serie A 2013.03.30 Fixtures


Atalanta Vs Sampdoria

Cagliari Vs Fiorentina

Genoa Vs Siena

Inter Vs Juventus

Lazio Vs Catania

Palermo Vs Roma

Parma Vs Pescara

Udinese Vs Bologna

Chievo Vs AC Milan

Torino Vs Napoli​

 

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Ramsey: Arsenal wants to finish above Tottenham

 

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Barclays Premier League 2013.03.30 Fixtures

Sunderland Vs Manchester United

Arsenal Vs Reading

​

La Liga 2013.03.30 Fixtures



Celta Vigo Vs Barcelona

​

Serie A 2013.03.30 Fixtures




Inter Vs Juventus

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wigan Athletic 1-0 Norwich City: Kone strikes late to continue Latics' great escape

Wigan came out on top in its vital clash against Norwich City, earning a 1-0 victory in an edgy Premier League encounter at the DW Stadium.

The relegation six-pointer looked set for a scoreless stalemate but a late strike from Wigan’s Arouna Kone gave the home side a priceless three points to climb out of the bottom three.

The home side started the game five points better off from the same stage last season in spite of its precarious position, yet the fixture with such huge importance on the relegation battle started off tentatively.

It was Wigan which produced the first real opportunity of the game on 26 minutes when a ball from Emmerson Boyce allowed Kone the chance to strike a low effort on goal from outside the box. His shot dragged wide of Lee Camp’s right-hand post.

Kone continued to offer glimpses of light going forward but his attempts on goal were often hit with little conviction. Jean Beausejouer’s left-hand side cross on 40 minutes brought half-hearted appeals for a penalty when the ball appeared to strike Russell Martin’s hand in an otherwise timid first 45 minutes of football.

The sides entered the second period unchanged, and it took until the 58th minute for the next slice of excitement to arise when Bradley Johnson’s ambitious effort from long-range whistled past the Wigan post.

Wigan picked up the pace and on the 70th minute came close. Antolin Alcaraz's towering header from an in-swinging corner was hacked off the line by Johnny Howson who held his position on the near post.

Jordi Gomez was then given a great opportunity to put the home side ahead as the game neared its conclusion, but snatched at his shot inside the penalty box as his drilled attempt failed to break through the resilient Norwich defense.

Yet Martinez’s faith in his Wigan side paid off when Kone hit a thunderous drive with 10 minutes remaining, beating Camp at his near post to give the home side a vital three points in its bid for Premier League survival.

 

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Stuttgart 1-2 Borussia Dortmund: Late Lewandowski strike prolongs visitors' title defense for another week

Borussia Dortmund rescued a win in dramatic fashion on Saturday afternoon, as Robert Lewandowski pounced to secure three points late in a 2-1 victory over Stuttgart.

Lukas Piszczek had given his side the advantage in the second half, but the hosts never submitted and were worthy of the draw thanks to Alexandru Maxim's equalizer, only for the Poland international to swoop in the dying minutes.

With both sides impressing in attack and less so at the back, the result was an open, action-filled first 45 minutes. BVB was the first team to threaten the scoreline, as Marco Reus was given a golden opportunity when played through by Mario Gotze. The forward had just Sven Ulreich to beat, but in trying to round the keeper was denied by an outstretched leg.
Reus was again the man who threatened most in yellow. The youngster was played through by a wonderful pass from Lewandowski, and from wide out tried an audacious chip to fool Ulrich. The keeper was completely beaten, but breathed a sigh of relief when it fell the wrong side of the post. Unable to convert in front of goal, Reus nevertheless played a big part in establishing the away lead.

The forward was fouled by the left touchline, and picked up the ball himself to whip in a free-kick. The delivery was pitch-perfect, as was a delicate glancing header from Piszczek that floated into the corner of the net. Stuttgart protested, incensed that the foul was given in the first place; but it was to no avail, and it was Dortmund which took a slightly fortunate advantage into the interval.

Stuttgart continued to press, and again went agonizingly close thanks to Maxim. His free kick was turned onto the post by Martin Harnik, and with the rebound Antonio Rudiger thought he had equalized. It was not to be, however; Mario Gotze came to the rescue of his side with a fantastic clearance off the line, somehow preserving BVB's slim lead. Despite the youngster's heroics, the pressure was building to an unbearable level for the visitors, and the leveller looked inevitable.

With 30 minutes left to play, the home team finally found the breakthrough. After impressing so much with the dead ball, Maxim showed what he could do in open play; taking down a loose ball and striking with precision past Weidenfeller to make it 1-1. Just as things were looking up for Stuttgart, it was dealt a blow; Neidermayer's bloodthirsty challenge on Gotze earned a second yellow for the defender, meaning his side would have to play the final 20 minutes a man down.

Dortmund continued in search of the winner, and with eight minutes left was vindicated. A tired home defense was stretched by the overlapping Piszczek, and his low cross was smashed home by Lewandowski to break Stuttgart hearts.
BVB continues four points clear of Leverkusen as it occupies second place, while the unlucky hosts stay in 12th.

 

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Arsenal 4-1 Reading: Cazorla and Gervinho inspire Gunners to third straight win

Arsenal gave its Champions League qualification hopes a boost with a comfortable 4-1 win over relegation-threatened Reading.

New Royals boss Nigel Adkins saw his side totally outplayed throughout, and goals from Gervinho, Santi Cazorla, Olivier Giroud and Mikel Arteta ensured all three points for the home side, although there was some cheer for the Berkshire side when Hal Robson-Kanu headed home a second-half consolation.

The home side started the game brightly and it came of little surprise when it opened the scoring after just 10 minutes when Gervinho tapped home from close range.

The Ivorian started the move by driving towards the penalty area from a right-wing position before the ball eventually found its way to Santi Cazorla on the left and his driven cross was stroked home from the edge of the six-yard box by the unmarked Gervinho.

The home side should have been given the chance to double the lead from the penalty spot eight minutes later when Royals keeper Stuart Taylor clattered into Olivier Giroud, however, referee Chris Foy was unmoved, much to the bemusement of the majority of the Emirates Stadium crowd.

These two sides had scored a combined 19 goals in their two previous meetings this season, and a high-scoring affair looked likely once again as the Gunners piled the pressure on their visitors, but despite creating numerous chances throughout the first half, they were unable to extend their single goal advantage.

Just two minutes into the second half, however, Arsenal did finally manage to double the lead as Cazorla neatly stroked home from the edge of the penalty area.

Gervinho was involved once again, with the Ivorian taking on several defenders just inside the box before looking up and picking out the unmarked Spaniard who calmly curled an effort just inside Taylor’s post.

Arsenal finally killed off Adkins’ men when Giroud slotted home a Gervinho through ball from the edge of the six-yard box.

Just a minute later, however, and Reading must have sensed that another of its fabled comebacks was on the cards when Hal Robson-Kanu bravely threw himself at a Jobi McAnuff cross to head home at the far post.

The comeback failed to materialize though, when the Gunners were awarded a penalty 10 minutes from time after Adrian Mariappa fouled substitute Oxlade-Chamberlain. Mikel Arteta stepped up to hammer the penalty into the corner of the net and seal the routine victory.

 

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Southampton 2-1 Chelsea: Lambert steers Saints towards safety

Chelsea's top-four credentials are in doubt after it fell to a shock 2-1 defeat to Southampton on Saturday, with Mauricio Pochettino's men dragging themselves towards safety.

Saints deservedly went ahead through Jay Rodriguez after a good start to the match, but were pulled back level when John Terry headed home. However a Rickie Lambert free-kick restored the hosts' lead before halftime and they held on for another top-half scalp after the break.

With a gruelling week ahead Rafa Benitez rested a number of key men for the clash, Eden Hazard, David Luiz and Ashley Cole all made way, while Juan Mata (illness) and Gary Cahill (knee) were unavailable. Therefore the likes of Ryan Bertrand, Terry, Marko Marin and Victor Moses started. Saints, meanwhile, were without injured Adam Lallana but young left back and reported Blues target Luke Shaw recovered in time.

The Saints were rewarded for their continued pressure just after the 20-minute mark. Rodriguez received the ball from Lambert in a central position before moving it on to Steven Davis and making a darting run in behind the Chelsea defense. The Scot released it quickly and found the striker, leaving him to slot home past Cech.

Fernando Torres thought he had equalized just moments later when he had the ball in the net after breaking free of Jos Hooiveld, however he was penalized for handling in the build up.

The Blues did get themselves back in the game, however, with just over half-an-hour played. Marin delivered a corner from the right flank which Terry headed home after losing his marker far too easily.

But the clash swayed back in the home side's favor just two minutes later when Bertrand was adjudged to have fouled Davis outside the Blues box. Saints captain Lambert stepped up and smashed the set piece into the top-left corner of the goal, just out of Cech's reach.

Rodriguez called Cech into action once more with a powerful strike from distance but the score remained 2-1 as the halftime whistle was blown.

Clyne forced the Blues keeper into a low save at his near post just after the restart, before denying Marin with a fine challenge, but it was Chelsea which went closest to the next goal as halftime substitute keeper Kelvin Davis did magnificently well to tip over Moses' deflected effort.

Benitez brought Hazard on as he searched for a vital goal and the Blues did indeed pile some pressure on the hosts, as well as having a penalty appeal turned down, but failed to find the cutting edge they needed in the final third.

Lampard failed to emulate Lambert as he flashed a late free-kick over the bar, with Saints able to hold on to a vital victory in their push for survival - also denting Chelsea's hopes of Champions League football next season.