..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Gerrard delights in 'emotional, statement' Liverpool win

Steven Gerrard has revelled in Liverpool's "statement" win over Manchester City as the club close in on a first ever Premier League title.

Goals from Raheem Sterling, Martin Skrtel and Philippe Coutinho saw the hosts resist a dogged fightback to take a huge step towards the title on the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

"It was emotional but we need to keep calm," he told Sky Sports.

"There's still four big games to come. That meant so much. They got back into the game and you fear the worst at that point but I think we showed today we're going to go to the wire.

"We're going to go all the way. Nothing's won yet but that was probably the biggest statement we've made so far.

"That was the longest 90 minutes I've probably ever played in. I kept flashing back to how long the clock was taking in cup finals and big games I've played in before. It felt like the clock was going backwards at some parts of that game."

But Gerrard is keen to not get carried away with four games of the season still left to play, one of which is against title rival Chelsea, and urged calmness from the rest of the squad.

He continued: "I'm a little bit lost for words at the moment because that is such a big result for us. We've got four cup finals left. People said that was the biggest one but I disagree, I think the biggest one now is Norwich.

"We'll let other people comment on whose it is to lose and who's in pole position. Nothing's ours yet. [What did he say in the huddle at the end is] none of your business, I think you know what I said to them players.

"The important thing now is to not get carried away by that result. We need to stay calm, focused and worry about Norwich now. [Can you dare to dream now though?] Not yet."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sampdoria 0-4 Inter: Icardi strikes twice to thrash former side

Inter kept up their hopes of securing a Europa League spot for next season by thashing 10-man Sampdoria 4-0 at the Luigi Ferraris.

Mauro Icardi got the ball rolling for the Nerazzurri by scoring in the 13th minute and Samp were made to regret Maxi Lopez's missed penalty when Walter Samuel doubled midway through the second half.


Icardi came back to haunt his old club for the second time seconds after his fellow Argentine's strike and Rodrigo Palacio completed the victory with a late fourth.

Icardigave Inter the early lead when he volleyed Palacio's cross past the helpless Angelo Da Costa. The striker's decision to cup an ear at home fans saw him booked but Sampdoria missed a golden chance to draw level from the penalty spot.

The spot-kick – conceded when Andrea Ranocchia brought down Daniele Gastaldello – was well saved, with Handanovic moving to his right and saving to keep his side in front.Sampdoria were dealt a further blow with Eder's dismissal, as the Brazilian was adjudged to have dived following a Samuel challenge.

The aftermath was messy as several players tangled, but it was Eder's contact with the face of Handanovic that saw him given his marching orders in the 20th minute.
Sampdoria kept pressing, as Handanovic kept out a curling Lopez effort and Gianluca Sansone's free-kick, and the goalkeeper's stellar form continued as he denied Roberto Soriano just before the interval.

Handanovic's work would prove crucial as Samuel effectively sealed Inter's win 15 minutes into the second half.The Argentina defender headed in Hernanes' corner and just three minutes later, Icardi kept cool to roll the ball home from a tight angle.

There was no big celebration on this occasion, but the game was already won, with Palacio capping the fine performance with a composed finish 11 minutes from time.

Palacio played a neat one-two with Ricky Alvarez and then strode unopposed into the Sampdoria penalty area, before slotting past Da Costa, as Inter registered their first win in five league matches, keeping them on course for a Europa League berth.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Benfica just as good as Juve, says Salvio

Benfica star Eduardo Salvio insists that his side are just as good as Juventus as the two sides prepare to do meet in the Europa League semi-finals.

The Bianconeri are seeking to reach the final of the competition on home soil and are hot favourites to see off the Portuguese side.

However, the Argentine has claimed that his team possess just as much quality as Antonio Conte's men and is eager to claim a trophy he won with Atletico twice in 2010 and 2012.

"Juve are a great team. It's true - they have super players, some of the best Europe has to offer at the moment," he told Tuttosport.

"But we are also a tough team with lots of quality. It will be a very balanced tie and will be decided by small details.

"We will give it our all because the club want the trophy and we want to give it to them and to our wonderful fans."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fabianski wants Arsenal chance after FA Cup heroics

Lukasz Fabianski wants his FA Cup semi-final shoot-out heroics to be rewarded with an extended run in the Arsenal team.

The Gunners goalkeeper made the difference against Wigan Athletic in Saturday's last-four clash at Wembley, saving the holders' first two spot-kicks from Gary Caldwell and Jack Collison to lay the foundations for Arsenal's 4-2 victory on penalties after the match had finished 1-1.

The Poland international has been an ever-present in Arsenal's run to the final, but is firmly established as his club's second-choice keeper behind compatriot Wojciech Szczesny in the Premier League.


Fabianski has not played in the top flight at all this season, and has made just four league appearances since the beginning of the 2011-12 campaign - but after putting Arsenal in prime position to end their nine-year trophy drought in next month's final, Fabianski is hopeful of more opportunities in Arsene Wenger's starting XI.

"I'm very happy we managed to go through to the final, it's a massive thing for us, especially after such a difficult game," the Daily Mail quotes the 28-year-old as saying."But I don't know if I'll keep my place - it's up to the boss. After my performance, I hope I can."

Jordi Gomez beat Fabianski with a penalty to give Wigan the lead just after the hour on Saturday, before Per Mertesacker equalised late on to force extra-time and, ultimately, the shoot-out.However, Gomez did not step up from 12 yards in the shoot-out - a decision the Arsenal stopper was not expecting.

"To be honest, I did some homework but none of them were on my list, the guys who stepped up," he added."So I was just guessing, it was more intuition rather than my homework. I was surprised Gomez didn't step up as the first one."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Henderson facing three-match ban after red card against Manchester City

Jordan Henderson is set to miss three of Liverpool's last four games of the Premier League season after being sent off against Manchester City on Sunday.

The England midfielder was given his marching orders by referee Mark Clattenburg after lunging into a tackle on Samir Nasri in the closing moments of the game.

Liverpool held on to claim a dramatic 3-2 win over their rivals for the title, with goals from Raheem Sterling, Martin Skrtel and Philippe Coutinho moving the hosts five points clear at the top.

Brendan Rodgers will not be able to call on the services of midfielder Henderson, however, with the club unlikely to appeal what looked an indisputable red card for the former Sunderland man, who clattered Nasri after going over the top of the ball following a loose first touch.

Henderson will, as a result of the three-match suspension, now be unavailable for matches against the likes of Norwich City and Crystal Palace, as well as the potentially title-deciding meeting with Chelsea on April 27.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea match ekath gahuwoth nam aniwa title eka ganyi

This season EPL title 1ka ganna Liverpool lata clear chance 1kak thiyanawa Chelsea match 1ka win kalothLiverpool & Chelsea 2 points gap 1kak thiyenne so sides 2kama godak wadagath match 1kak

City patthen gatthoth nam matches 6k have.Habai Gap 1ka 7 points.Matanam hithena hatiyata Liverpool or Chelsea lata thamai meh season 1ke champions la wenne

Remaining Matches for Liverpool-Norwich(A),Chelsea(H),Crystal Palace(A),Newcastle(H)

Remaining Matches for Chelsea-Sunderland(H),Liverpool(A),Norwich(H),Cardiff(A)

Remaining Matches for Manchester City-Sunderland(H),WBA(H),Crystal Palace(A),Everton(A),Aston Villa(H),West Ham(H)​

 

[rcccc]

Liverpool 3-2 Manchester City: Coutinho settles dramatic title showdown

Arsenal Vs Hull City FA Cup final 1kak yanne

ow

 

[rcccc]

Napoli 4-2 Lazio: Higuain hat-trick sees Benitez's men emerge victorious

Napoli have recorded a 4-2 win over Lazio in Sunday afternoon's Serie A encounter at the Stadio San Paolo.

Senad Lulic gave the away side the lead halfway through the first half, but Dries Mertens restored parity shortly before the interval. Lorik Cana was then sent off before Gonzalo Higuain netted a hat-trick to help the hosts to victory, with Ogenyi Onazi's late goal serving as little more than a consolation strike.

Napoli started the match with attacking intentions, yet it was the hosts who drew first blood after 20 minutes of play. Stefano Mauri set up Lulic with a fine pass and the midfielder beat Pepe Reina with a superb finish to make it 1-0.

The hosts came close to levelling the scorings again shortly after when Goran Pandev reached Higuain, but the Argentine was denied by a superb save from Etrit Berisha.

There was little the Albanian goalkeeper could do about Mertens' equaliser in the 42nd minute, though. The Belgium international collected a Raul Albiol pass before trying his luck from outside the area and left Berisha no chance with his powerful shot.

The former PSV winger again played a big role shortly after the break when he won a penalty after being fouled by Cana, with the latter receiving his second yellow card of the game for his action. Higuain stepped up and had no trouble finding the net from 12 yards.

Things got even worse for Lazio halfway through the second half as Higuain doubled his personal tally to hand Napoli a two-goal lead in the 67th minute. The prolific striker shook off Stefan Radu after being set up by Lorenzo Insigne and kept his calm in front of Berisha to make it 3-1.

Lazio were not giving up, however, and were rewarded for their efforts in the closing stages of the game when Onazi pegged one back, but it was too little, too late for the guests and Higuain eventually put the match to bed well into stoppage time with his third goal of the game.

Rafa Benitez's men remain third in Serie A with 67 points from 33 games, while Lazio sit seventh in the league table with 48 points.

Higuain

 

[rcccc]

This season EPL title 1ka ganna Liverpool lata clear chance 1kak thiyanawa Chelsea match 1ka win kalothLiverpool & Chelsea 2 points gap 1kak thiyenne so sides 2kama godak wadagath match 1kak

City patthen gatthoth nam matches 6k have.Habai Gap 1ka 7 points.Matanam hithena hatiyata Liverpool or Chelsea lata thamai meh season 1ke champions la wenne

Remaining Matches for Liverpool-Norwich(A),Chelsea(H),Crystal Palace(A),Newcastle(H)

Remaining Matches for Chelsea-Sunderland(H),Liverpool(A),Norwich(H),Cardiff(A)

Remaining Matches for Manchester City-Sunderland(H),WBA(H),Crystal Palace(A),Everton(A),Aston Villa(H),West Ham(H)​

ow habyi Chelsea match eka win kaloth city lata chance ekak enawa.
city lata amaru match ekak thynne Everton ekka witharayi.
ekath win kaloth final table eka enne

city 88
Chelsea 87
Liverpool 86

Liverpool athe thama game eka thynne
​

 

[unicornx]

This season EPL title 1ka ganna Liverpool lata clear chance 1kak thiyanawa Chelsea match 1ka win kalothLiverpool & Chelsea 2 points gap 1kak thiyenne so sides 2kama godak wadagath match 1kak

City patthen gatthoth nam matches 6k have.Habai Gap 1ka 7 points.Matanam hithena hatiyata Liverpool or Chelsea lata thamai meh season 1ke champions la wenne

Remaining Matches for Liverpool-Norwich(A),Chelsea(H),Crystal Palace(A),Newcastle(H)

Remaining Matches for Chelsea-Sunderland(H),Liverpool(A),Norwich(H),Cardiff(A)

Remaining Matches for Manchester City-Sunderland(H),WBA(H),Crystal Palace(A),Everton(A),Aston Villa(H),West Ham(H)​

Anfield wala neda game eka tiyenne against Chelsea ? Chelsea kai..Mouge away form eka echara hoda na

 

[Wolverine GTR]

AC Milan 1-0 Catania: Montolivo extends Rossoneri winning streak

AC Milan extended their winning streak to four games after Riccardo Montolivo gave them a 1-0 win over 10-man Catania on Sunday evening.

In what has been a largely disappointing campaign so far for the Rossoneri, there may yet be light at the end of the tunnel as their end-of-season resurgence under Clarence Seedorf continued at San Siro on Sunday.

Their latest victory has taken them to within five points of rivals Inter, who occupy the last guaranteed Europa League spot, although sixth place could also still provide a berth in Europe's secondary competition should Coppa Italia finalists Napoli and Fiorentina finish in the top five.

Meanwhile, defeat for Maurizio Pellegrino on his second debut as Catania head coach means his side are now eight points adrift of safety with just five matches to play.Montolivo, who netted in Milan's 3-1 victory at Catania earlier this season, scored the game's only goal in the 23rd minute thanks to a superb long-range effort.

And while a second goal proved elusive, Milan controlled the match and were aided by Fabian Rinaudo's late red card following an over-the-ball lunge on Philippe Mexes that resulted in a second booking.

Catania started life under Pellegrino brightly, with winger Pablo Barrientos flashing a shot across goal, and he continued to be at the heart of their attacking forays, forcing a fine one-handed save from Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati.

Barrientos' curling 25-yard effort awoke Milan from their slumber and Adil Rami went close to giving them the lead, flicking Kaka's whipped free-kick from the left over the bar.Montolivo then produced his moment of brilliance, striking a 25-yard drive that arrowed into the bottom left-hand corner.

The goal appeared to galvanise Milan, who started to look more assured in possession, and Adel Taarabt bent a 20-yard effort just wide shortly after the half-hour mark.Mario Balotelli was next to go close, curling a free-kick narrowly past the left-hand post, and Milan continued to dictate the tempo in the second half.

Balotelli could have doubled their lead, only for team-mate Andrea Poli to take the ball away from him following Taarabt's dangerous cross.Defender Mexes almost scored an outrageous goal, with the centre-back's acrobatic scissor-kick going over from Balotelli's dinked free-kick, and Nigel De Jong was then denied by Catania goalkeeper Mariano Andujar.

Milan could not find the all-important second goal but the visitor's hopes of salvaging a draw were dealt a blow with 11 minutes left as Rinaudo was given his marching orders.

Taarabt then curled wide again before Balotelli shot over, but one goal would prove enough for Milan as they posted four league wins in a row for the first time since March 2013.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lyon 1-0 Paris Saint-Germain: Parisiens slump to second defeat in a week

Lyon condemned Paris Saint-Germain to their second defeat inside a week thanks to Jordan Ferri's 31st minute strike.

Laurent Blanc's men were eliminated from the Champions League on Tuesday, losing on away goals to Chelsea in the quarter-finals, and they delivered another below-par performance on Sunday.

The Stade de Gerland had been the scene of last year's title triumph for the visitors but their march to this year's championship suffered a blip, as Lyon claimed a deserved victory.With it, Remi Garde's side also gained a psychological advantage in what was effectively a dress rehearsal for the Coupe de la Ligue final next Saturday.

Lyon midfielder Ferri scored the only of the game in spectacular fashion after 31 minutes, netting for the fifth time this season in all competitions with a magnificent long-range effort to end PSG's 16-game league unbeaten run.

Despite the reverse, Blanc's side still lead the top flight by 10 points and can retain their crown with a win over Evian a week on Wednesday, providing that Monaco lose to Nice next Sunday.Midfielder Yohan Cabaye was called into the PSG starting XI as Blanc made four changes from the defeat to Chelsea, while injury-hit Lyon were still without star midfielders Clement Grenier and Yoann Gourcuff.

PSG made a fast start and would have taken the lead inside two minutes had Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes not tipped Edinson Cavani's close-range header onto the near post.

Six minutes later the visitors cut through the Lyon defence again. Cavani latched onto a through ball from Blaise Matuidi before rolling the ball to Lucas Digne to slot home into an empty net, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside.

Lyon responded almost instantly as striker Bafetimbi Gomis outmuscled Digne in the box, however, the former Saint-Etienne man could only turn his shot into the side-netting.

But just after the half-hour mark Lyon did take a surprise lead, as Ferri capitalised on a loose pass from Ezequiel Lavezzi to curl a shot brilliantly into the bottom corner.The visitors struggled to find a way back into the game from there, although Cabaye flashed a volley narrowly wide of the post just before half-time.

There was little change in the second half as PSG - once again minus the talents of injured top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic - struggled to create much in the final third against a determined Lyon defence.Digne did draw a strong save from Lopes with bending effort from the edge of the area, with Lavezzi's follow up correctly ruled out for offside.

Lyon continued to carry the greater threat and they went close to a second as Jimmy Briand glanced a header wide from a right-wing cross by Ferri, who then forced PSG goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu to palm the ball over the crossbar with a vicious volley from range.

And PSG's frustration was summed up soon afterwards when Lavezzi wasted arguably their best chance to level, shooting into the side-netting from six yards late on.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Podolski 'not happy' with regular Arsenal substitutions

Lukas Podolski has admitted he is "not happy" with regularly being substituted when playing for Arsenal.

The striker has completed a full 90 minutes just twice this season and was withdrawn after 68 minutes of his side's FA Cup win over Wigan, with the Gunners trailing 1-0 at the time and youngster Yaya Sanogo staying on.

Podolski has acknowledged that competition for places is always rife at big clubs such as Arsenal, but repeatedly underlined his unhappiness with his current role at the Emirates Stadium.

When asked if his withdrawals frustrate him, Podolski told reporters: "Of course. I play and, in the last games, I always come out and of course you cannot be happy when you always go out after 60, 70 minutes.

"Of course I am not happy always to be substituted.

"It's the decision of the boss. It's not always easy when you play for a big club but of course I am not happy to always come out and watch from outside. You cannot be happy with this situation."

Podolski watched from the sidelines as Arsenal came from behind to beat Wigan on penalties and reach the FA Cup final, with attentions now focused on the fight for fourth spot with West Ham to come on Tuesday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Don't bother trying to buy Mandzukic, says Sammer

Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer has insisted that the Bundesliga champions have no intention of selling Mario Mandzukic this summer.

The Croatia international's future at Bayern is in doubt following the imminent arrival of Robert Lewandowski from Borussia Dortmund and clubs including Juventus, Arsenal and Chelsea are rumoured to be keeping close tabs on the 27-year-old.

Nevertheless, Sammer has made it clear that Mandzukic will not be allowed to leave at the end of the season.

"Nobody even has to bother making an approach for Mandzukic," Sammer told Sky90.

"He is incredibly important to Bayern. I always affectionately say that he plays like an animal.

"It is simply amazing how much work he does for the team and how much running he does during a game.

"They always try to provoke him because he really hurts his opponents with his work-rate."

Mandzukic has netted 17 goals in 28 Bundesliga appearances this season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Suarez holds on to narrow lead over Ronaldo in European Golden Shoe race

Liverpool attacker Luis Suarez continues to lead the race for the European Golden Shoe with a one-goal advantage over Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, while Atletico Madrid ace Diego Costa has returned to the top three at the expense of Barcelona's Lionel Messi.

Suarez did not find the net in Liverpool's 3-2 win over Manchester City at the weekend, whereas Ronaldo did not feature in Madrid's victory against Almeria due to injury.

Costa missed a penalty for Atletico against Getafe, but made amends for his mistake in the closing stages of the game with his 26th goal of the season.

Meanwhile, there were no goals for Messi as Barcelona recorded a shock defeat away against Granada.

Iceland international Alfred Finnbogason found the net once in Heerenveen's win over Go Ahead Eagles and has made his way into the top five alongside Jonatan Soriano.

Finally, Torino striker Ciro Immobile climbed to eighth place following his late goal in the hard-fought 2-1 win over Genoa.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rio Ferdinand keen to stay at Manchester United

Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand would like to extend his stay at Old Trafford but admits that his future is out of his hands.

The veteran defender is coming to the end of his current contract and has been restricted to just nine Premier League starts this season.

Form and fitness concerns have plagued Ferdinand's campaign, leading to talk that the 35-year-old may call call time on his illustrious career, but the former England man is keen to continue playing.

"I want to continue playing - that's the aim," he told BT Sport.

"Whether that be at Manchester United or somewhere else - that is up to the club.

"I'm living the dream and want that to continue, but we will have to wait and see at the end of the season."

Should Ferdinand depart Old Trafford it would leave United two centre-backs down, with captain Nemanja Vidic having already announced his decision to move to Serie A outfit Inter.

Ferdinand joined the reigning Premier League champions from Leeds United in 2002 and has won six Premier League titles, two League Cups and the Champions League while at Old Trafford.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Football Tread 1ke Hamotama Labuwawu Sinhala Aluth Awrudda Hama Balaporotthuwakma Saha Parthanawakma Ithuwena Subama Suba Aluth Awruddak Wewa!

 

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Football Tread 1ke Hamotama Labuwawu Sinhala Aluth Awrudda Hama Balaporotthuwakma Saha Parthanawakma Ithuwena Subama Suba Aluth Awruddak Wewa!

එසේම වේවා මචන්

 

[Wolverine GTR]

ow habyi Chelsea match eka win kaloth city lata chance ekak enawa.
city lata amaru match ekak thynne Everton ekka witharayi.
ekath win kaloth final table eka enne

city 88
Chelsea 87
Liverpool 86

Liverpool athe thama game eka thynne
​

Ow machan Liverpool Vs Chelsea match 1ken godak durata decide wei katada Title 1ka yanne kiyala

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Anfield wala neda game eka tiyenne against Chelsea ? Chelsea kai..Mouge away form eka echara hoda na

Ow machan Chelsea awayhabai Mou game 1ka athaharina 1kak naha.So pattama gemak dei meh para Title 1kata yanna