..::Football II::..

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Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't expect England to come calling for Rio Ferdinand

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson does not expect Rio Ferdinand to be recalled to the England squad despite the news of John Terry's international retirement.


Ferdinand was controversially left out of Roy Hodgson's 23-man squad for the summer's European Championships for “footballing reasons,” and has not played for his country since the summer of 2011. Terry was recent acquitted of a criminal charge but found guilty by the FA for racially abusing Rio's brother, Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand, with the rift between the Chelsea and Manchester United center backs growing in light of the controversy.

Even after Terry’s decision to withdraw from international selection, Ferguson doesn't expect Hodgson to go back on the decision ahead of the remaining World Cup qualifiers.

"I wouldn't think he will get called up," Ferguson told reporters. "Roy Hodgson made his decision before the European Championship, and I can't see him changing that. It would be difficult for him now to go back to Rio Ferdinand and welcome him back."

 

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Xavi: The pressure is all on Real Madrid

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has stressed that the pressure is on Real Madrid ahead of next week's highly anticipated Clasico.

The reigning champions are currently trailing the Catalans by eight points, and Xavi feels Madrid can't afford to let any points slip through their grasp again, even if it's still early in the season.

"Our eight-point lead over Real Madrid is no small matter. It is an advantage we have to make the most of. The league is looking very good for us, and now the pressure is all on Real Madrid," Xavi told Sport.

"There's obviously pressure on us as well ahead of the Clasico, but Madrid can't afford to slip up again. I like the eight-point gap and want to see it remain intact. We were 10 points behind Madrid at some point last year, but we got back into the title race as well. It's too soon to say that we've taken a decisive lead."

The experienced midfielder also had his say on who should win the FIFA Ballon d'Or, and he singled out teammate Lionel Messi as the sky-high favorite to scoop up the prestigious award yet again. The Argentina star has won the inaugural two editions of the individual award, but he lost out to Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta for UEFA's Best Player in Europe award, and he will also contend with Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Messi should win the Ballon d'Or," Xavi said. "If it is supposed to go to the best player in the world, no one else comes close."

 

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Barclays Premier League 2012.09.29 Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2012.09.29 Fixtures

Sunderland Vs Wigan

Reading Vs Newcastle United

Stroke City Vs Swansea City

Norwich City Vs Liverpool

Fulham Vs Manchester City

Everton Vs Southampton

Manchester United Vs Tottenham

​

 

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In Progress......................

Arsenal 1 Vs 1 Chelsea

 

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Half Time

Arsenal 1 Vs 1 Chelsea

 

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La Liga 2012.09.29 Fixtures

La Liga 2012.09.29 Fixtures

Valencia Vs Real Zaragoza

Malaga Vs Betis

Real Sociedad Vs Athletic Bilbao

Sevilla Vs Barcelona
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Serie A 2012.09.29 Fixtures

Serie A 2012.09.29 Fixtures

Parma Vs AC Milan

Juventus Vs Roma
​

 

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Mata Scores For Chelsea!

 

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After 53rd Minute

Arsenal 1 Vs 2 Chelsea

 

[rcccc]

CHELSEA 2 def ARSENAL 1
Chelsea (Torres,Mata)
ARSENAL(Gervinho)

 

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Half Time

Manchester United 0 Vs 2 Tottenham

 

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Aiyooooooooooo mokada me wela thiyenne ada Manchester United Attaking anthimai nehOnly 1 shotOhomanam baha

 

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Everton 3-1 Southampton: Jelavic double gets Toffees back to winning ways

Everton put its League Cup exit firmly behind with a convincing 3-1 win over Southampton at Goodison Park on Saturday, thanks to two goals from Nikica Jelavic.

Leon Osman added to Jelavic's brace while Southampton's record signing Gaston Ramirez scored for the losing Saints.

Jelavic returned to the side after shaking off a knee injury, replacing Victor Anichebe in the only change from the team that beat Swansea in the last league match.

Ramirez was given his second start for the Saints, charged with pulling the strings in behind Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriguez.

However, Ramirez made an immediate impact in a far more decisive manner, rising unmarked at the far post to nod in after Tim Howard flapped at Adam Lallana's sixth minute corner.

Everton slowly began to take control of the match, but was given a reminder of Southampton's threat when Ramirez fired a shot over the crossbar from outside the area.

However, the equalizer arrived with a sense of inevitability for the hosts, as the lively Mirallas fired in a cross from the right that Jelavic failed to control, but fell kindly to Osman, who tucked the ball emphatically into the top corner from all of eight yards.

The goal really lifted The Toffees, and with the wind in their sails they began to apply constant pressure to Southampton's fragile defense.

The visitors have conceded more goals than any other Premier League team this season, and it was easy to see why as Everton burst through the center to take the lead just after the half hour mark.

Mirallas was the architect once again, popping up in the center to play a lovely one-two with Marouane Fellaini before feeding Jelavic, who drove into the left of the Southampton penalty area and pulled the ball crisply back across goal and into the bottom corner.

Nigel Adkins' side seemed rather deflated after falling behind, and succumbed to more and more Everton pressure.

Baines, in particular, was finding acres of space down the left, and his delicious cross was met firmly by Jelavic minutes after his goal, forcing a fantastic save from Gazzaniga.

Unfortunately for the young goalkeeper, that reprieve lasted mere seconds, as his defenders allowed another cross to be played into the box from the resultant throw-in, this time from Seamus Coleman.

Jelavic was lurking unmarked once again, meeting the ball at the far post with a firm header from a tight angle that Gazzaniga could only palm into the roof of the net.

David Moyes's team was really starting to enjoy the game, and must have never wanted halftime to arrive as it dominated possession and worked the ball wide at will.

Fellaini seemed keen to get in on the goalscoring act, and had another chance to do so just before half-time, heading Baines's corner onto the crossbar to keep the score at 3-1 heading into the break.

Everton continued to dominate after halftime, with the imperious Fellaini shaking off a couple of challenges to fire in a strike from 25 yards that was well saved once again by Gazzaniga.

Tim Howard was a spectator for most of the second period, but was called into action when Ramirez fired in a stinging effort from 30 yards in the 67th minute, and the Uruguayan came even closer moments later after getting onto the end of a fine Lambert through ball to lift the ball over the keeper but wide of the far post.

Southampton seemed resigned to its fates in the closing minutes, as David Moyes reflected on an assured performance from his men.

 

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Stoke City 2-0 Swansea City: Crouch bags double for Potters' first win of the season

STOKE-ON-TRENT, England -- A Peter Crouch double inspired Stoke City to its first victory of the season as it beat Swansea 2-0 to end a run of 11 games without a win.

The striker was in top form as he caused problems throughout the game against a shaky Swansea defence. He got his first goal in the 12th minute with an unmarked header after escaping the attentions of Chico Flores. His second was a real strikers goal as he latched onto a loose ball inside the penalty area in the 36th minute to double his tally at the second attempt.

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis named an unchanged side despite losing last time out to Chelsea, the Potters boss clearly impressed by the performance his charges put up at Stamford Bridge. United States international Geoff Cameron kept his starting spot in the lineup.

Michael Laudrup made three changes to his Swansea side that were beaten by Everton; Alan Tate was replaced by Chico in defense, Nathan Dyer was selected ahead of Wayne Routledge and Leon Britton returned in the center of midfield in place of Jonathan De Guzman.

The visitors came out a much better side in the second half presumably after a stern talking to by Laudrup during the break. There was much more of an attacking presence for Swansea with Michu supporting Danny Graham much better than he had done in the opening 45 minutes. However chances were still at a premium and the Stoke defense remained resolute under the leadership of Ryan Shawcross.

And it should have been level in the 66th minute but Graham was unable to convert an excellent chance; a right wing corner evaded everyone inside the six yard box and fell to the feet of Graham at the back post. He steadied himself, worked the ball onto his right foot but skied his shot over the crossbar.

Crouch very nearly had his third in the closing minutes of the game, but his back post header from a Matthew Etherington cross struck the top of the crossbar with Vorm well beaten.

 

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Norwich 2-5 Liverpool: Suarez steals the show as hat trick helps Reds smash Canaries

Liverpool recorded its first league win of the season with a resounding 5-2 win against Norwich at Carrow Road thanks to superb hat trick from Luis Suarez.

In addition to Suarez's three goals, Real Madrid loanee Nuri Sahin and team captain Steven Gerrard added a goal a piece. Steve Morrison and Grant Holt scored for the Canaries.

Luis Suarez opened the scoring inside two minutes before adding another just before the break to give Brendan Rodgers' side a comfortable lead at half-time.

The Uruguayan then completed his hat-trick after the break before Nuri Sahin netted his first league goal for the Reds. Steve Morison and Grant Holt then managed two consolation efforts for the Canaries either side of Steven Gerrard's deflected strike.

Wes Hoolahan made way for Simeon Jackson in Hughton's one change from Norwich's last league outing.

While Rodgers made three changes from the side which lost to Manchester United last week. Sahin and Suso were recalled to the lineup after impressive midweek performances in the league cup and Andre Wisdom made his Premier League debut in defense.

Norwich should have pulled one back straight from the second half kickoff, when Andrew Surman's shot across goal was some how scooped over the bar by Robert Snodgrass a yard out from goal.

Norwich was made to pay for the wastefulness immediately as Suarez turned provider and squared a ball across the box for Sahin to simply stroke it into the goal in the 48th minute.

And ten minutes later Suarez completed his hat trick. Sahin found the Uruguayan cutting in from the left and the striker got his third with a curled effort round Ruddy, with the help of a small deflection.

Morison did manage to pull one back for the hosts on the hour. The Wales striker latched on to a loose ball in the box after Reina made a couple of quick saves but he parried towards the striker, who fired home on the half volley.

Only for Liverpool to restore its four goal lead via its captain Gerrard eight minutes later. He stroked home Sterling's low cross with his shot taking a heavy deflection, completely wrong footing Ruddy on it's way into the net.

Suarez could have even made it six in the 72nd minute with his jabbed effort from close range only trickling a yard or so past the post.

Liverpool dominated possession for the remainder of the match and were coasting to the final whistle when Holt capitalized on Skrtel's miscue to bend a fine low shot past Reina to add another for the hosts.

 

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Sunderland 1-0 Wigan: Fletcher scores again to see off 10-man Latics

Sunderland enjoyed their first Premier League win of this campaign with a 1-0 win over Wigan at the Stadium of Light in a game that was very much a tale of two halves.

A red card for Jordi Gomez rendered the visitors a man down just after the break, with Steven Fletcher taking advantage and crashing home the winner for Martin O’Neill’s Black Cats.

Sunderland entered the game looking to end an unwanted run of 0 wins in their last 12 Premier League outings, meanwhile Wigan were looking to build on their 4-1 League Cup win over West Ham.

Latics boss O'Neill gave England international Adam Johnson his first start following his summer move from Manchester City. Sebastian Larsson moved into the center alongside Jack Colback, who filled the boots of suspended Lee Cattermole.

Wigan enjoyed a strong lineup at the Stadium of Light. Roberto Martinez started Franco Di Santo on the bench, with Jordi Gomez coming on in his place. The former Swansea player played up front with Shaun Maloney and Arouna Kone.

Wigan started the game in impressive fashion, the visitors troubling Mignolet in the Sunderland goal after just three minutes of the first half. The home defense fumbled a poor clearance before gifting the ball to James McCarthy, who drove a fearsome left-footed strike towards goal only to see it narrowly saved by the foot of Mignolet.

The Latics looked certain to break the deadlock on the quarter hour mark. Jean Beausejour dispatched a well struck cross from the wing into Arouna Kone, who hit a beautifully connected strike on the volley only to see Mignolet produce an outstanding dive to keep his side level.

The home side showed signs of a fight back midway through the first period. Johnson was deemed to have been unfairly taken down just outside the Wigan penalty area to gift Sunderland a free kick only to see Sebastian Larsson crash it into the Latics' wall.

Sunderland found itself with another free kick on the edge of the box just seconds later. Larsson stepped up to whip in a curling drive straight at goal only to see Ivan Ramis narrowly scramble it off the line before Steven Fletcher cleared the danger with a header following the ball being crossed back in.

The visitors replied in aggressive fashion, countering the Black Cats’ attack with a fast-paced run upfield before Gomez pulled back and dragged over the ball from outside the box before threading the ball into the run of Kone, who caught the ball awkwardly before watching it fly embarrassingly wide and into the hands of Mignolet.

Following a strong showing during the game’s opening 30 minutes, James McArthur saw himself on the receiving end of a yellow card from referee Howard Webb following a late challenge on Sessengnon in the center circle.

After a promising period of possession, Sunderland found themselves on the back foot in the minutes leading up to the break. McCarthy looked set to break the deadlock when he cut into the ball’s run from 20 yards out before drifting near the box and driving a powerful shot at goal, provoking a marvelous save from Mignolet on his right.

Referee Webb pounced back into actions with the second half just seconds old, showing Wigan’s Gomez a red card for a reckless studs-up challenge on Danny Rose just inside the Latics' half.

Sunderland drew much confidence from Gomez’s dismissal, the Black Cats pushing forward with pace before seeing McClean fire a poorly struck shot towards goal only to see it drift to Fletcher, who blasted a corker from across the area, breezing past Wigan’s Al-Habsi with frightening ease to put his side ahead.

Wigan were lucky not to concede just minutes following the home side’s first. Sessegnon hit a right-footed screamer across goal before provoking a wonderful diving clearance from Al Habsi.

The Latics’ defense endured a close shave when McClean cut through the Wigan midfield with a surprising amount of confidence before driving up the inside, dragging his foot over and dispatching a well-aimed cross over the six yard box before failing to find a Sunderland player near the post.

A Wigan comeback looked likely when Beausejour laid off a cracking pass into the run of Di Santo, who failed to connect with any real vigor and only managed to see the ball glide into the stands much to the enjoyment of the Sunderland faithful.

Miyaichi attempted to push forward an offensive movement for the Latics, but his footing was a little off as he gifted Sunderland an opportunity on the break. Larsson brought the home side’s attack up near the box before dispatching to Fletcher, who was deemed offside.

The game enjoyed five minutes of stoppage time at the end of the clash, but the home side’s domination was not compromised as O’Neill’s Black Cats hung on to grab a well-deserved three points over a Wigan side which failed to get going in the second half.

 

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Reading 2-2 Newcastle: Ba double ensures Royals’ wait for first league win continues

Reading's search for a first Premier League victory of the season continues after the Royals were held to a draw by Newcastle at home on Saturday, thanks to a controversial late goal from Demba Ba.

Chances were few and far between in the first half, with Stephen Harper saving well from Pavel Pogrebnyak to keep the scores level. After the second half threatened to be as dull as the first for a short period, the Royals got themselves in front through Jimmy Kebe, only for Ba to provide an instant reply.

However, two minutes later Noel Hunt thought he had won it for the hosts, only for the Senegal international to grab a dubious second five minutes from time.

Brian McDermott made just two replacements from the League Cup loss to QPR in midweek, with Jobi McAnuff and Mikele Leigertwood coming in for Jay Tabb and Hal Robson-Kanu. Former Newcastle man Danny Guthrie was among the substitutes.

Alan Pardew, on the other hand, made a host of changes following the Manchester United defeat. Yohan Cabaye missed out with a mouth infection, with Tim Krul and Fabricio Coloccini also sidelined, but Cheikh Tiote, Hatem Ben Arfa, Ba and Papiss Cisse all returned.

After a number of almost chances, with the likes of Papiss Cisse and Pogrebnyak just failing to find the right touch, or the service not quite being good enough, it took until the half hour mark for Reading to conjure up the first real opportunity.

Jobi McAnuff and Nicky Shorey knocked the ball about with purpose, before the former fired a deep cross to the back post. Pogrebnyak rose above Steven Taylor to powerfully head the ball at goal, however Harper was equal to it and tipped the effort over.

The match then continued as it had gone before, with Tiote and Gael Bigirimana keeping the ball well for the visitors, who were slightly on top. Ben Arfa also looked lively on the counterattack, the Frenchman threatening with a number of good runs, but he was unable to find a final product.

Towards the end of the half the Royals began to look more dangerous, with several balls being delivered from the right, however the Magpies' defense held firm with James Perch making one magnificent goal-saving tackle to deny Pogrebnyak.

The opening ten minutes of the second half continued as the first, with neither side managing to carve out any real chances, however just before the hour mark the clash erupted.

Kebe put Reading ahead with a scuffed effort from inside the box that sent Harper the wrong way, after a swift break from which McAnuff found the midfielder.
However, before the fans could finish their celebratory chant Ba smashed home a magnificent first-time volley after a long ball from midfield, levelling the scores.

Instead of going into shock, though, the hosts replied in the best possible way - with another goal just two minutes later. McAnuff yet again was the man to provide the assist as he crossed for Hunt, who glanced a header past Harper.

After the flurry of action, chances once again become scarce, and with just under 20 minutes to go Ben Arfa had a brilliant opportunity for the visitors. The midfielder showed skill to race down the right and cut inside, but saw his strike saved by McCarthy's legs.

With just over five minutes left, Newcastle snatched an equalizer, somewhat controversially, when it seemed Reading would see the game out. Shane Ferguson delivered from the left for Ba to finish, however, the last touch was definitely off the striker's hand.

There was still time for one last Reading chance, Harper denying Jason Roberts a late winner, meaning Reading's winless streak continues.

 

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Fulham 1-2 Manchester Ciy: Aguero and Dzeko strike as champion comes from behind

Manchester City took a 2-1 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage thanks to a late winner from substitute Edin Dzeko.

Fulham went ahead in the eighth minute thanks to a Mladen Petric penalty after John Arne Riise was ruled to have been fouled in the box, but Sergio Aguero levelled the scores in the 42nd minute.

The home side continued its hard work from the first half in the second period, continually denying City’s players any space or time on the ball, but the champion found a winner in the 86th minute thanks to substitute Edin Dzeko.

Fulham made two changes to the side that beat Wigan 2-1 last game, with Bryan Ruiz and Mladen Petric replacing Alex Kacaniklic and the injured Dimitar Berbatov.

Meanwhile, Roberto Mancini made eight changes from the side that lost 4-2 to Aston Villa in the Capital One Cup, with only Carlos Tevez, Gareth Barry, and Matija Nastasic keeping their places.

Both sides began the game confidently, but in the eighth minute John Arne Riise was fouled on the edge of the box by Pablo Zabaleta, despite protests from the away side that the foul was outside the box.

Referee Mark Halsey awarded the penalty, and Mladen Petric stepped up confidently to send Joe Hart the wrong way, giving Fulham a 1-0 lead in just the ninth minute.

The Craven Cottage crowd were given a tremendous lift by that early strike, and despite some intricate passing by the away side, the Fulham defense held firm to stop any space opening up.

The Cottagers then had a glorious chance for a second in the 15th minute, as after a superb through ball found Hugo Rodallega, he played it back to Petric who unfortunately blazed his shot over the bar.

Fulhan’s attacking players looked a danger to the fragile City defense, and the away side struggled to break down the obdurate defense of Chris Baird and Steve Sidwell in the opening 20 minutes.

However, the Citizens found a way through in the 24th minute, as a superb ball from Carlos Tevez found Zabaleta at the back post, and his pass back into the penalty area was only just cleared by a Fulham defender.

The away side then had another superb chance, as Sergio Aguero found himself with a free header at the back post from a corner, but was only able to put the ball into the side netting.

The Blues then had a shout for a penalty of their own as Tevez was pulled to the ground by Riise, having run in behind, but referee Halsey rejected the away side’s claims.

However, the City defense was still having problems with Fulham’s attacking threat. Vincent Kompany picked up a yellow card in the 35th minute after fouling Bryan Ruiz just outside the penalty area.

From the resulting free kick, Ruiz managed to pick up a rebound after the ball cannoned off the wall, and saw a shot hit the side netting, although Hart looked to have it covered.

In an instant, City took the ball into Fulham’s penalty area, and nearly had an equalizer as the ball trickled close to the goal line, but Mark Schwarzer smothered the ball just in time.

However, the away side finally found the equalizing goal in the 42nd minute, as a cross came into the box that was parried by Schwarzer, and Aguero was there to tap home and level the game.

The scores were level at halftime, and it was the Cottagers who had the best early chance in the 49th minute as a Ruiz free kick caused havoc and was only just cleared by the City defense.

It took until the 59th minute for either side to create another clear chance, and it was the Premier League champions who did, as Aguero glanced a header wide after a teasing cross from David Silva.

Chances became few and far between, but substitute Mario Balotelli saw a shot from outside the box go just wide of Schwarzer’s post in the 69th minute.

Just three minutes later, Fulham had a chance of its own after some good strength from Rodallega, with Ruiz hitting a powerful shot that was saved well by Hart.

In the 86th minute, the away side finally had a reward for their hard work, as from a good cross, second half substitute Edin Dzeko turned superbly and powered the ball into the net to give the champions the lead, which it kept until the final whistle.

 

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Arsenal 1-2 Chelsea: Torres and Mata on target as Blues extend lead at the top

Chelsea extended its lead at the top of the Premier League following a hugely impressive victory over previously unbeaten Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.

Spaniards Juan Mata and Fernando Torres were on the scoresheet as they, temporarily at least, moved four points clear of Manchester United and created daylight between their club and its north London rivals.

The visitors made a purposeful start, restricting Arsenal to just 40 percent possession in the opening 15 minutes, but it was Wenger’s side which carried the greater goal threat with Abou Diaby testing Petr Cech from distance.

The Frenchman injured himself in the act of shooting, however, and his absence was felt moments later when Torres’ splendidly improvised finish put the European Champion ahead in the 20th minute.

Diaby may well have been patrolling the area in which Juan Mata’s floated free kick was directed but, having
failed to reorganize accordingly, Arsenal were punished when the ball evaded the unmarked David Luiz but found Torres, who arched his foot around Laurent Koscielny, and located the top corner from seven yards.

The former Liverpool striker, whose form has seesawed dramatically during the opening few weeks of the season, enjoyed a productive afternoon and was unlucky to be denied a penalty moments later when he robbed Koscielny and fell under pressure from the Frenchman, just as he was preparing to pull the trigger.

Chelsea was very much in control, but this is a more resilient Arsenal side than many in the recent past and, after a spell of pressure, the Gunners drew level two minutes before the interval.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Diaby’s replacement, drilled a low cross into the heart of the Chelsea penalty area that was collected and dispatched in the blink of an eye by Gervinho.

Parity was short-lived, however, when Arsenal’s early second half momentum was killed stone dead as a result of more horrendous defending from a fizzing , in-swinigng Mata set piece that that took a slight nick off Koscielny before nestling in the far corner of Vito Mannone’s net.

Chelsea was indebted to Cech, thereafter, who preserved their advantage when he reacted splendidly to tip aside Lukas Podolski’s looping header and again to tip aside substitute Olivier Giroud’s deflected drive.

Santi Cazorla, the jewel in Arsenal’s crown, nearly created an unlikely equalizer when his jinking run and subsequent cross was prodded just past his own post by Luiz.

The diminutive Spaniard's influence was largely curtailed by a hardworking Chelsea midfield, but the former Malaga man created a golden chance in injury time for Giroud.

The France international opened his account for his new club in the League Cup on Wednesday but his confidence will have taken another dent when he skewed his shot into the side netting having shown decent poise to round Cech.

That flurry of activity aside, however, Chelsea protected its lead with a calmness that suggests the Blues' stay at the Premier League summit may well be a long one.

 

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Spurs lath 1kka 0-2 down wela Comeback wena 1kanam lesi nahaCommon Manchester United!