..::Football II::..

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Cazorla 'very satisfied' with Arsenal experience

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla has declared himself delighted with all he has achieved in the game this year.

After representing Spain during Euro 2012 and playing a key role in helping Malaga to qualify for the Champions League last season, he moved to the Premier League with the Gunners in the summer.

Looking back on his success in his homeland both on the domestic stage and in the international arena, Cazorla admits it is difficult even now to take in, having become the first nation ever to win three consecutive major international tournaments.

"That is something you never forget. It is clear that, as football players always say, we do not realize what we have achieved until many years have passed," the Spaniard told the club's official website. "In football everything moves very fast, you do not have enough time to take stock of what you have achieved, but all in all, it is the highest accolade, to win something for your country, to see everyone on the streets celebrating.

"That was a reason to be happy, and hopefully we can repeat that success for the Spanish people many times."

He moved to the Emirates in the summer along with Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud, and Cazorla has stated that the new challenge in England has reinvigorated him on the pitch.

"It was a very important decision, to change teams," he added. "It is a new challenge, it is a completely new adventure from the start, you have to start from zero, aside from the fact of going into a different culture, a new league, a new language. But I think that with Arsenal, I was offered an opportunity that I could not turn down, being 27 years old [at the time], it was like a train that I had to take, and I am very satisfied.

"I am learning a lot, I am adapting more and more as days go by, and my aim is to learn the English game, and hopefully I will spend some good years at this club. I really enjoy the league, the atmosphere at the stadiums, the respect of the people, their kindness, it is incredible."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barclays Premier League 2012.01.01 Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2012.01.01 Fixtures

Swansea Vs Aston Villa

Manchester City Vs Stroke City

Wigan Vs Manchester United

West Ham United Vs Norwich City

Tottenham Vs Reading

Southampton Vs Arsenal

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Tottenham 3-1 Reading: Adebayor and Dempsey lift in-form Spurs up to third

Tottenham celebrated the New Year in style as the club moved up to third place in the Premier League with a hard-fought 3-1 over Reading at White Hart Lane.

Reading took a shock lead in the fourth minute through Pavel Pogrebnyak’s header but Spurs leveled five minutes later as captain Michael Dawson glanced the ball in from a corner.

Andre Villas-Boas’ side completely dominated the game and sealed the result in the second half through an Emmanuel Adebayor header and a deflected strike from substitute Clint Dempsey.

It was a victory that rewarded Tottenham’s patience as the club extended its excellent run to seven wins in the last nine matches. Reading remains second from bottom in the table.

Spurs made one change to the side that beat Sunderland as Gylfi Sigurdsson replaced the suspended Gareth Bale, while Reading named an unchanged lineup for the third successive game.

Reading arrived in north London having lost eight out of its 10 previous away matches this season, but the visiting side took a shock lead in the fourth minute as Pogrebnyak scored his fourth league goal of the campaign.

It was the simplest of finishes for the Russian as he responded quicker than the Spurs defenders to head into an empty net after Ian Harte’s wonderful curling free kick crashed off the underside of the crossbar.

The lead did not last long, however, and five minutes later Spurs were level. Gylfi Sigurdsson whipped in a vicious in-swinging corner and Dawson got in front of the Reading defenders to glance his header into the far corner.

From that moment, Spurs dominated possession and territory but struggled to break down Reading’s well organized defense as space narrowed and gaps closed in the final third.

Andre Villas-Boas side was largely restricted to shots from range, with Mousa Dembele firing just wide from 30 yards before Jermain Defoe’s powerful strike skipped just past the post with Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici well beaten.

But Reading’s resistance could only last until five minutes after the restart. Aaron Lennon skipped past Harte on the right side of the penalty area and stood up an excellent cross for Adebayor to head in from seven yards for just his second league goal of the season.

Spurs pressed for a third goal but could not find a route to the Reading goal before the visiting side served a warning of the fragility of a one-goal advantage when Pogrebnyak forced Hugo Lloris into a smart save and then headed the rebound wide.

It seemed to inject some life into Brian McDermott’s side, which again nearly equalized when Alex Pearce’s header from a corner was cleared off the line by Dawson.

Yet the Royals were swiftly punished as Dempsey sealed the result with a shot from 25 yards that deflected off Mikele Leigertwood and looped over Federici and into the net.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

West Brom 1-2 Fulham: Berbatov and Kacaniklic ease Cottagers' relegation fears

Fulham claimed its first win in five games as Dimitar Berbatov and Alex Kacaniklic were on target to help secure a 2-1 victory over West Brom at the Hawthorns.

The Cottagers went in front courtesy of a 39th-minute Berbatov strike and although Romelu Lukaku had the home side on level terms, Kacaniklic slotted home the winner to hand Martin Jol's side, which was 14th prior to kickoff, three valuable points.

Steve Clarke made a selection of changes from the team that was beaten by Manchester United on Saturday, with Lukaku replacing Shane Long in attack while Fulham brought in Kacaniklic in place of Kerim Frei.

Fulham started the brighter and enjoyed the majority of the possession although Steve Sidwell could only fire harmlessly over the top with the first meaningful attempt of the game after 12 minutes.

In a contest that was lacking in clear-cut chances Lukaku looked to have a free run at goal after robbing Aaron Hughes on Fulham's right flank although Sidwell came across in the nick of time to make the challenge just as the Belgium international looked to take aim.

Berbatov then made his mark on the game, having wasted a glorious opportunity to get a shot on target two minutes earlier, as he finished off a flowing Fulham counterattacking move to give his side the lead in the 39th minute.

Jol's men broke following a West Brom throw-in with Berbatov freeing Ashkan Dejagah before the Iranian midfielder jinked inside Liam Ridgewell and pulled the ball back for the former Manchester United star to tuck home past Foster.

The Baggies made a flying start to the second period and were on level terms within five minutes of the restart following great work from Marc-Antoine Fortune and Billy Jones.

The former shrugged off a couple of weak Fulham challenges and released Jones, who cut inside and squared for Lukaku to tap into an empty net although it was touch and go as to whether the on-loan Chelsea frontman was in an offside position.

Lukaku came close to grabbing a second three minutes later as he struck David Stockdale's near post before the home side was denied again three times in quick succession, the former Anderlecht hitman, James Morrison and Chris Brunt all failing to convert.

Those missed chances would come back to haunt Clarke and his side as Fulham regained the lead in the 58th minute courtesy of Kacaniklic.

The former Liverpool youngster demonstrated supreme composure as he latched onto Bryan Ruiz's lofted through-ball and turned inside Baggies defenders Gareth McAuley and Jones before sliding past Foster for a 2-1 lead.

Clarke reacted by bringing on Long from the bench and the Republic of Ireland international picked out Lukaku with a pin-point cross in the 75th minute but the 19-year-old striker could only direct his header wide.

Fulham had late shouts for a penalty turned down after Youssouf Mulumbu looked to have tripped Ruiz in the box but the visiting held on, despite a shaky moment in stoppage time that saw Hughes clear off the line following Jones' charge into the box, to get its 2013 off to the best possible start.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester City 3-0 Stoke: Aguero wraps up comfortable win for champions

MANCHESTER -- Manchester City started the New Year in perfect fashion as it strolled past a resolute Stoke side with a comfortable 3-0 victory.

The visitors were able to frustrate their hosts for the majority of the first half but had a little bit of luck to stay level, however that luck ran out in the 43rd minute as Pablo Zabaleta opened the scoring after Asmir Begovic cleared a low cross into his path. And Edin Dzeko doubled the home side’s lead at the start of the second half with a simple tap in after Begovic had failed to deal with Aguero’s low shot. The win was secured in the 74th minute as Sergio Aguero fired home a controversial penalty after David Silva had been tripped by Steven N’Zonzi.

Roberto Mancini gave Joleon Lescott his first start for a month alongside Vincent Kompany at the heart of the City defence and the Italian’s only other change saw James Milner replace the suspended Samir Nasri. Stoke made four changes to the side that drew with Southampton as Ryan Shawcross, Geoff Cameron, Charlie Adam and Cameron Jerome were all recalled to the starting lineup with Matthew Upson, Ryan Shotton, Matthew Etherington and Michael Kightly all dropping to the bench.

The hosts dominated possession throughout the opening half and could have been further ahead than they were at the break after they wasted some excellent opportunities. The main culprit was Sergio Aguero who had chances to score before the deadlock was finally broken in the 43rd minute.

The Argentine’s first sight of goal came from a beautiful chipped through ball from Gareth Barry, he controlled the ball well but lashed his shot over the bar much to the relief of Asmir Begovic. His other chance of the half came nine minutes later when he met a Barry cross at the front post but his header crashed against the post.

It was another Argentine who got the goal City had been looking for in the closing minutes of the half as Zabaleta grabbed his second goal of the season. He released Milner inside the penalty area, his low cross was pushed out by Begovic’s foot only as far as Zabaleta and he fired through a crowd to open the scoring.

The second half began in the same way the first had finished with the hosts on top, but City didn’t have to wait long before its second goal as Dzeko applied the finishing touch following an Aguero shot. Yaya Toure released the Argentine inside the area, he fired low at Begovic but the keeper failed to hold onto the ball and his compatriot Dzeko tapped in from two yards.

The victory was secured in the 73rd minute as Silva was brought down by N’Zonzi on the edge of the penalty area, although it looked to be outside the box a penalty was awarded and Aguero made no mistake from the spot as he fired under the dive of Begovic.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Swansea 2-2 Aston Villa: Late Graham leveler piles more misery on Lambert

Danny Graham struck a last-minute equalizer at the Liberty Stadium to earn Swansea City a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa.

Goals from Andreas Weimann and a late penalty from Christian Benteke appeared to have sealed a comeback victory for Villa, who had fallen behind to an early goal from Wayne Routledge.

But a last-gasp strike from Graham saved a deserved point for Swasnea, which had dominated much of the match and missed a number of goalscoring opportunities.

With the busy festive schedule hitting both sides, managers Michael Laudrup and Lambert both rung the changes.

Swansea made five alterations, with fit-again Michu among the players returning to the lineup while Villa made four, naming its youngest ever starting XI for a Premier League match.

It was almost 1-0 within three minutes when Routledge got the better of Chris Herd and was clean through on goal before he failed to beat Brad Guzan one-on-one, the keeper staying big to make the block.

Routledge made no mistake moments later though, when he rounded Guzan after receiving Pablo Hernanez’s pass and fired home from a tight angle

Michu struck the inside of the post and Danny Graham somehow failed to hit the target from eight yards with a presentable chance as the Swans absolutely dominated the early stages.

The club should have scored on numerous occasions and Michu again hit the woodwork after a sharp turn and shot saw him find a post for the second time after good work from Routledge and Ashley Williams.

As the half progressed, Villa slowly gained a foothold in the game, but the equalizer on the stroke of halftime still came as a surprise.

A good ball from Benteke and Williams’ missed interception gave Weimann the chance to net and he took the chance brilliantly with a superb first-time strike to get the better of Michel Vorm.

After the break there were less clear-cut opportunities, although Guzan had to save strongly from a Michu header on the hour mark.

At the other end, an acrobatic attempt by Benteke deflected into the path of Weimann, who almost found the target to complete an unlikely turnaround in the match.

That breakthrough did come with just six minutes remaining. Benteke’s header was cleared off the line by Nathan Dyer but as the rebound Weimann, the Swansea man fouled and conceded a penalty.

Benteke stepped up to send Vorm the wrong way from the spot and it looked like the visitors had held on to secure three points.

However, in the fourth minute of stoppage time Dyer crossed into a chaotic penalty box and Graham stayed calm to slot home a deserved equalizer.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Manchester United!!!

Wigan 0-4 Manchester United: Chicharito, RVP braces pace league leaders

Manchester United was treated to a New Year’s Day present as the Red Devils eased past Wigan 4-0 at DW Stadium to stay seven points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

The hosts lacked the intensity required to beat Sir Alex Ferguson’s side and were picked off by the brilliance of Robin van Persie and Chicharito. The Mexican got two goals to add to his last minute winner on Boxing Day, while van Perise was imperious throughout.

Even before Chicharito scored the opening goal in the 35thminute, the striker had the ball in net. Loitering on the shoulder of the last defender, he was found in behind by van Persie and easily beat Ali Al Habsi but was correctly ruled out for offside.

That was to serve as a warning of things to come, with United scoring twice in eight minutes to seal the points before the break. Referee Andre Marriner played an advantage to allow the visitors to continue attacking, and Jonny Evans found Patrice Evra, whose shot across goal was criminally parried back into the six-yard box by Al Habsi. Chicharito poached home ahead of Honduran Maynor Figueroa to give United the lead.

Despite three players falling over in the build-up to the second, ultimately killer, goal, there was very little Wigan could have done to stop van Persie. In the 43rd minute, Chicharito capitalized on two slips to find the Dutchman in the box. Still with a lot to do, the striker surprisingly brought the ball onto his right foot before guiding an exquisite finish into the corner

The one occasion Wigan looked like scoring, United was relatively fortunate to keep their 2-0 lead. Franco Di Santo’s cross come shot found its way to Arouna Kone at the back post. He crashed it into the net only to be flagged for offside.

That moment woke the league leaders up briefly. Rafael forced his way into the final third and was brought down 25 yards from goal. Van Persie stepped up, saw his shot blocked, but Chicharito was there again to pounce and drive his second goal past Al Habsi, who had no chance, before van Persie finished the rout late on.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Manchester United!!!

Congratulations Manchester United!!!

Congratzzzzzzz For RVP & Chica​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Howedes' future is with Schalke, says Heldt

Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt says that Schalke hopes to extend Benedikt Howedes' contract before any more speculation surrounding his future arises.

The German center back joined the Royal Blues 12 years ago and has since gone on to make 130 Bundesliga appearances for the club, but his present deal has only 18 months left to run. Heldt harbors no intentions of letting the stopper leave Schalke so soon and is keen to negotiate an extension with the 24-year-old and his representatives in the coming months.

"Benedikt Howedes is our captain and one of the faces that will characterize the future of Schalke," Heldt told Sport Bild. "Of course, we want to extend his contract early with him."

Schalke resumes its league campaign on Jan. 19 when it welcomes U.S. right back Steve Cherundolo and Hannover to the Veltins-Arena.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lennon has been 'massive' for Tottenham, beams Villas-Boas

Andre Villas-Boas believes Aaron Lennon has become a "massive" player for Tottenham in recent weeks, after a man-of-the-match performance in Tuesday's 3-1 win over Reading.

The right-winger dazzled on the flank during Spurs' victory over Brian McDermott's men on New Years Day, providing an assist for Emmanuel Adebayor to give his side the lead in the second half after Pavel Pogrebnyak's opener was followed by a Michael Dawson goal.

Villas-Boas feels the player has stepped up his performances to another level of late and will have a major role to play as the north London side chases Champions League qualification.

"He has been massive. Sometimes he leaves a little bit in the shadows, but he recognizes being at another level in terms of his performances," he told Sky Sports News. "He has been tremendous for us, not only creating but scoring too.

"He is creating within himself such a winning mentality for Tottenham. It's important to have him around and for the fans to see his desire and commitment in every single game. He was a full credit to us today."

Villas-Boas praised the Royals for the effort they showed, but expressed his pleasure at seeing his side battle back for the points and pick up three wins and a draw from four festive games.

"[It was an] impressive performance from the boys to come back again, [we had] so many opportunities to score, so many opportunities for us to open up our goal difference but still very very happy for the effort," he said. "[Reading] came here and had a go and scored a goal which was important for them. Our task was not going to be easy, and after they scored it was even more difficult.

"We've taken 10 points out of these four festive fixtures and it's important for the team."

The White Hart Lane boss was frustrated at being level at the interval, but praised his players for a dominant second-half display despite an energy-sapping fixture list.

"We created so many opportunities," he concluded. "I think what was a problem in the first half was having lots of opportunities from outside the box. I wanted to get in a little bit more, and I think the players really put on a show in the second half.

"After such a long long with a packed fixture list, to be able to show this freshness is something that makes us very proud."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester City striker Aguero a major doubt for Watford, Arsenal clashes with hamstring injury

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury in Tuesday's 3-0 win over Stoke City.

The Argentina international bagged his side's third of the afternoon from the penalty spot following strikes from Pablo Zabaleta and Edin Dezko, yet limped from the field just minutes later and was replaced by Carlos Tevez.

Following the victory, City assistant manager David Platt confirmed that Aguero is set to miss this weekend's FA Cup third-round tie with Watford, while the 24-year-old is also a doubt for the trip to Arsenal in the Premier League the following week.

"It’s bad enough, he won’t play on Saturday," Platt said in the post-match press conference. "Its difficult to assess an injury like that [and] how long it’s going to be. Saturday he’ll be out, and my experience would say he’d be doubtful for Arsenal."

Aguero missed a stint earlier in the season through injury, and Platt remained cautious when estimating how long the forward could be sidelined for with this latest setback.

"There's different degrees of hamstring, that’s why you need 48 hours [to assess] its not just 'It’s a hamstring and this is how long its going to be', there are different degrees of the tear that are in there," Platt said.

"It’s far too early, I haven’t got the qualities to scan his legs. There’ll be a lot of swelling in there, a bit of bleeding in there. We won’t know for 48 hours how long it’s going to be and how quick it’s going to settle down. Of course it’s a blow, but I think that’s what you run the risk of."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Redknapp: I would like to bring Joe Cole to QPR

Harry Redknapp has admitted he would like to bring Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole to QPR and plans to discuss a potential transfer with Brendan Rodgers.

“I’d like to bring Joe here if I can but the deal would have to be right for the club," the manager said. “We couldn’t do a deal as it [Cole's wages] is at Liverpool. I’ll have to speak to Brendan Rodgers. We’ll have a chat when the time’s right.”

The former Tottenham boss has also been reported to be interested in signing Nicolas Anelka and Loic Remy but Redknapp says he is not expecting any deals to be done early in the window.

"I wouldn't have thought so," Redknapp told Sky Sports when asked whether there would be any new arrivals on New Year's Day. "We're not doing anything really, we'll just wait and see. We've got a game tomorrow against Chelsea, then a cup game [against West Brom] and we've got a little break after that, so we'll see what happens.

"It's difficult at this time of year, it's very difficult to make signings. Who's going to let people go? People hold you to ransom if they know you're desperate. It's a very difficult time."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fellaini: I am living in Manchester now, because in Liverpool, the women were crawling for me

Everton star Marouane Fellaini has revealed he has been forced to move from Liverpool to Manchester due to his popularity with the women of Merseyside.

The 25-year-old has been in magnificent form this season to help David Moyes’ side mount a meaningful challenge for a Champions League qualifying position in the Premier League.

Fellaini’s goalscoring exploits, not to mention his unmistakable hairstyle, have cemented his position as a Goodison Park cult hero, but the Belgium international admits the attention he now receives from adoring fans has become too much.

“I am living in Manchester now, because in Liverpool, the women were crawling for me," Fellaini said. “It was too much. In Manchester, people don’t recognise me that much and tend to treat me in a more respectful way.

“I don’t want to be a star. I just want to play football.”

Fellaini has missed Everton’s last three games, including Sunday’s damaging defeat against Chelsea, through suspension after his headbutt on Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross, but is due to return against Newcastle on Wednesday.

“Normally I am an honest player but that was just frustration at Stoke,” he said. "Shawcross was pushing and pulling me the whole game and, in the end, I just exploded. But I shouldn’t have, and I’m sorry for what I did.”

The future of the former Standard Liege star has been the subject of intense speculation with the likes of Chelsea reported to be considering a January raid for the powerful midfielder. But Fellaini insists he is happy to honor the contract he signed until 2016.

“I have a contract with Everton until 2016, and, if the club want, I will see that out," he said. "I know I am hot, and I want to move forward one day, but I will finish my Everton contract if they want me to.”

 

[Banks PLK]

Manchester City 3-0 Stoke: Aguero wraps up comfortable win for champions

MANCHESTER -- Manchester City started the New Year in perfect fashion as it strolled past a resolute Stoke side with a comfortable 3-0 victory.

The visitors were able to frustrate their hosts for the majority of the first half but had a little bit of luck to stay level, however that luck ran out in the 43rd minute as Pablo Zabaleta opened the scoring after Asmir Begovic cleared a low cross into his path. And Edin Dzeko doubled the home side’s lead at the start of the second half with a simple tap in after Begovic had failed to deal with Aguero’s low shot. The win was secured in the 74th minute as Sergio Aguero fired home a controversial penalty after David Silva had been tripped by Steven N’Zonzi.

Roberto Mancini gave Joleon Lescott his first start for a month alongside Vincent Kompany at the heart of the City defence and the Italian’s only other change saw James Milner replace the suspended Samir Nasri. Stoke made four changes to the side that drew with Southampton as Ryan Shawcross, Geoff Cameron, Charlie Adam and Cameron Jerome were all recalled to the starting lineup with Matthew Upson, Ryan Shotton, Matthew Etherington and Michael Kightly all dropping to the bench.

The hosts dominated possession throughout the opening half and could have been further ahead than they were at the break after they wasted some excellent opportunities. The main culprit was Sergio Aguero who had chances to score before the deadlock was finally broken in the 43rd minute.

The Argentine’s first sight of goal came from a beautiful chipped through ball from Gareth Barry, he controlled the ball well but lashed his shot over the bar much to the relief of Asmir Begovic. His other chance of the half came nine minutes later when he met a Barry cross at the front post but his header crashed against the post.

It was another Argentine who got the goal City had been looking for in the closing minutes of the half as Zabaleta grabbed his second goal of the season. He released Milner inside the penalty area, his low cross was pushed out by Begovic’s foot only as far as Zabaleta and he fired through a crowd to open the scoring.

The second half began in the same way the first had finished with the hosts on top, but City didn’t have to wait long before its second goal as Dzeko applied the finishing touch following an Aguero shot. Yaya Toure released the Argentine inside the area, he fired low at Begovic but the keeper failed to hold onto the ball and his compatriot Dzeko tapped in from two yards.

The victory was secured in the 73rd minute as Silva was brought down by N’Zonzi on the edge of the penalty area, although it looked to be outside the box a penalty was awarded and Aguero made no mistake from the spot as he fired under the dive of Begovic.

NICE TO SEE CITY WIN WITH A CLEAN SHEET AT NEW YEAR !
stoke has d best defence in the league
so nice to have this win !

 

[Banks PLK]

Manchester City striker Aguero a major doubt for Watford, Arsenal clashes with hamstring injury

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury in Tuesday's 3-0 win over Stoke City.

The Argentina international bagged his side's third of the afternoon from the penalty spot following strikes from Pablo Zabaleta and Edin Dezko, yet limped from the field just minutes later and was replaced by Carlos Tevez.

Following the victory, City assistant manager David Platt confirmed that Aguero is set to miss this weekend's FA Cup third-round tie with Watford, while the 24-year-old is also a doubt for the trip to Arsenal in the Premier League the following week.

"It’s bad enough, he won’t play on Saturday," Platt said in the post-match press conference. "Its difficult to assess an injury like that [and] how long it’s going to be. Saturday he’ll be out, and my experience would say he’d be doubtful for Arsenal."

Aguero missed a stint earlier in the season through injury, and Platt remained cautious when estimating how long the forward could be sidelined for with this latest setback.

"There's different degrees of hamstring, that’s why you need 48 hours [to assess] its not just 'It’s a hamstring and this is how long its going to be', there are different degrees of the tear that are in there," Platt said.

"It’s far too early, I haven’t got the qualities to scan his legs. There’ll be a lot of swelling in there, a bit of bleeding in there. We won’t know for 48 hours how long it’s going to be and how quick it’s going to settle down. Of course it’s a blow, but I think that’s what you run the risk of."

Get well soon Sergio i hope it wont be that bad!

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Get well soon Sergio i hope it wont be that bad!

Arsenal match 1ke godak durata Return wenna Puluwan Aguero

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Southampton 1-1 Arsenal: Own goal saves point for frustrated Gunners

Southampton held an out of sorts Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at St. Mary's to move out of the relegation zone.

Gaston Ramirez gave the Saints the lead just past the half-hour mark after some abject defending from Arsenal, but Guly do Prado gifted the Gunners an equalizer when he put Theo Walcott's free kick past his own keeper.

Arsene Wenger named an unchanged team from the demolition of Newcastle last time out. Whereas Nigel Adkins made three changes; Steven Davis and Ramirez returned to the side while Artur Boruc made his first start since October.

Boruc made a shaky start to the match and almost handed the Gunners an early lead when he fumbled a routine catch from an Arsenal corner.

The home side, though, was unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when Thomas Vermaelen brought down Maya Yoshida inside the area after 8 minutes.

Ramirez made the breakthrough for Southampton in the 35th minute when he capitalized on some poor defending from the visiting team. Jason Puncheon laid the ball off to the Uruguayan, after mishitting his initial shot, allowing him to sweep past an unsighted Szczesny.

But the Saints were only ahead for seven minutes as Do Prado turned the ball into his own net from a Theo Walcott free kick. The midfielder slid in at the near post but inadvertently put it past a helpless Boruc.

The sides went in level at the break but Southampton had the better of the half and perhaps should have gone in ahead.

Southampton started the second half brightly as well. Do Prado almost made amends from his earlier own-goal with a fine turn and shot to test Szczesny in the 55th minute, but the Gunners' stopper did well to turn his effort past the post.

The Poland international was called upon again from the resulting corner, when the ball struck Sagna on the knee forcing Szczesny into a fine reaction save to keep the visiting team level.

It took 70 minutes before Arsenal managed its first shot on target. Walcott found space down the right side but his low shot was easily kept out by Boruc.

The Saints' reply was instant and should have resulted in a goal. Ramirez's beautifully taken volley was harshly ruled out for a push on an Arsenal defender in the build up.

Arsenal finished the better side, as Mikel Arteta came close with a long range effort in the 80th minute before Gervinho dragged his shot wide of the near post moments later.

But Puncheon almost claimed all three points for the home team when he ended his penetrative run with a fierce shot which was well blocked by Szczesny.

The Gunners had their own chance to win the game when Gibbs was played in behind the Saints' defense but the left back's low cross was cut out by Yoshida.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Casillas 'working hard' to regain Real Madrid spot

Iker Casillas has insisted he is pulling out all the stops in training to regain his place in Real Madrid's starting XI.

The 31-year-old was dropped for Los Blancos' recent 3-2 Liga defeat to Malaga by coach Jose Mourinho, with custodial deputy Antonio Adan taking up residency between the posts instead.

However, speaking at a press conference after the side's first training session since the winter break, the Spain international stressed that he is doing all he can to work his way back into contention.
"I'm working hard in training to fight for my place [in the squad]," Casillas said. "It is the objective that I am aiming for and it is the coach who decides whether I play in the next game or not. [Mourinho] has our full support and confidence.

"I am very well. I'm not a machine, I have to train every day and there are times when I don't feel good, but I feel fine.

"Ahead of each match, each player must prepare themselves in advance, both technically and in the eyes of Aitor [Karanka] and Silvino [Louro], the latter of whom I've learnt very much from.

"You have to fight and be available to the coach when he sees fit [to make the call]."

Madrid currently finds itself third in the Spanish top flight - 16 points behind leader Barcelona - and Casillas has urged his colleagues to rectify the situation and use the turn of the year as a reference point for the revival of their title defense."No, the word [to describe our situation] is not tension," he added. "When things don't go well, it means we are low on morale. The players have to be wanting more and cannot be sad. Our goal is to remain ambitious. The day I have no ambition left is the day that I will not be sitting here.

"We are 16 points off the pace, it's not what we wanted but 2013 has arrived, and, as I said last week, what we have to do is try to cut the deficit. I know the situation is difficult but it's not impossible."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Everton boss Moyes urges Fellaini to calm temper

David Moyes has implored Belgian star Marouane Fellaini to keep calm on the pitch ahead of his return to action against Newcastle.

The Belgian is set to take his place in the Toffees' lineup for their trip to St James' Park after completing a three-match ban he served for headbutting Stoke's Ryan Shawcross in the 1-1 draw between the two sides at the Britannia Stadium.

Moyes was naturally disappointed to lose the talismanic midfielder to suspension, and he believes Fellaini must change his attitude and have it in line with that of Barcelona star Lionel Messi if he is to avoid similar punishment in the future.

"The best person you have to look at is Lionel Messi. Every person targets him, they'll do everything," Moyes. told The Daily Star. "But all he ever does is get up and get on with it. That's the sign of a top player. It says to people, 'Whatever you do, it doesn't affect me.' I tell Felli that you just have to get on with it. If I was playing against Felli, I'd try and wind him up."

The 25-year-old Fellaini has been in excellent form for the Merseysiders this term, scoring eight times in 19 games, but he was quick to admit that his decision to strike Shawcross was regretable.

"My headbutt on Ryan Shawcross was frustration, as he had spent the entire game pulling and pushing me, but I shouldn't have butted him," Fellaini said. "I exploded and I am sorry for doing so."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger: Arsenal's New Year's showing was 'frustrating and disappointing'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has slammed his side's "frustrating and disappointing" display during Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Southampton.

After putting seven past Newcastle in their last outing, the Gunners largely failed to test Saints goalkeeper Artur Boruc, with Guly do Prado's own goal providing their solitary breakthrough. Wenger bemoaned his side's lack of creativity after dominating their opponents in recent matches, but admitted a draw was a fair result with the hosts defending resolutely.

"Considering our performance, I don't think we deserved more today," Wenger told reporters. "It's two points lost if you look at the target we had over Christmas. We were not very good. Offensively we didn’t create enough. I felt we lacked sharpness and desire really to get in the box and create what we can do.

"It's frustrating and disappointing, because we didn't create a lot today after having scored five at Reading and seven against Newcastle. Our game lacked purpose, lacked penetration and lacked speed, all qualities we usually have.

"Maybe Southampton deserve some credit as well. They did fight for every single ball they were on their toes. Did we underestimate Southampton? I hope not."

After scoring a superb hat-trick against the Magpies last time out, Theo Walcott struggled to make a similar impact upon returning to his former club. Wenger refused to blame the England international, though, instead suggesting that he did not receive good service.

"I believe overall collectively we were not good enough," Wenger said. "I wouldn’t like to go into individual performances and judgements, but [Walcott] didn’t get a lot of service today [and] it wasn’t easy to play up front."