..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger calls for Arsenal to 'fight like mad' for top four after Tottenham defeat

Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon scored goals to inflict a serious blow on the Gunners' hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League after a 2-1 loss at White Hart Lane.Arsene Wenger has called on Arsenal to "fight like mad" for a place in the top four of the Premier League after the Gunners' hopes of securing qualification for the Champions League took a blow in the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham.

Arsenal fell seven points behind its North London rivals after Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon inflicted defeat on Wenger's team on Sunday with goals just moments apart.

"It's very frustrating," Wenger told Sky Sports. "But we have to put the energy in like we did today and keep going. You never know.

"It would be absolutely terrible not to continue to fight like mad, because there were a lot of positives in the game.

"What happened today was repeated so many times in the big games. It's difficult being 2-0 down - in any big game you have a big task."

Bale and Lennon were both allowed to run behind the Arsenal back line and advance on Wojciech Szczesny as they grabbed quickfire goals, and Wenger admitted that his side's defending did not look good on first glance.

"I will have to watch [the defending] again, but it looks a bit like that," Wenger conceded when asked if their poor defensive display had proved costly. "It's difficult to swallow a defeat like that because of the effort we put in and because the energy levels we produced for the 90 minutes was tremendous.

"But we made it difficult for ourselves in the first half. We had no shots on goal, we were 2-0 down.

"In the second half we came back and dominated the game but there were many fouls that intelligently stopped the game and it was difficult to get a flow in the final 20 minutes.

"The game suffered from too many stops in play and we didn't find the second goal."

 

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Dark day for Arsenal as mindless yobs target Spurs star Bale with banana and taunt Adebayor over Togo bus deaths

Gareth Bale had a banana thrown at him by an Arsenal fan as he went to take a corner in Sunday's north London derby.
The assistant referee removed it from the pitch and no further action was taken after the incident.
Bale got his own back soon after, being played in by Gylfi Sigurdsson and prodding the ball past Wojciech Szczesny to open the scoring for Tottenham against their arch-rivals at White Hate Lane.

Targeted: Ex-Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor (right) was also a target for abuse from Arsenal fans. They sang: 'shot in Angola, it should have been you' in reference to the Togo team bus that was shot in 2010



When bananas have been thrown on to football pitches they are usually in incidents with a racial connotation.
Inter Milan fans recently racially abused AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli by bringing inflatable bananas to the San Siro for their recent derby.
A group of Arsenal fans were also guilty of aiming a vile chant at Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor.



They taunted the Togo centre forward by referencing the 2010 gun attack on the team while they were at the Africa Cup of Nations.
'Shot in Angola, it should have been you,' they chanted.
But Arsenal supporters paid the price as their side were unable to come back after Bale and Aaron Lennon had struck.
Per Mertesacker headed home in the second half, but Spurs held on to win 2-1 and dent their rivals' bid to qualify for next season's Champions League.


DailyMail

 

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Catania 2-3 Inter: Palacio inspires incredible Nerazzurri comeback

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Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal: Bale & Lennon seal North London derby delight for Spurs

 

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Dark day for Arsenal as mindless yobs target Spurs star Bale with banana and taunt Adebayor over Togo bus deaths

Gareth Bale had a banana thrown at him by an Arsenal fan as he went to take a corner in Sunday's north London derby.
The assistant referee removed it from the pitch and no further action was taken after the incident.
Bale got his own back soon after, being played in by Gylfi Sigurdsson and prodding the ball past Wojciech Szczesny to open the scoring for Tottenham against their arch-rivals at White Hate Lane.

 

[Banks PLK]

Dark day for Arsenal as mindless yobs target Spurs star Bale with banana and taunt Adebayor over Togo bus deaths

Gareth Bale had a banana thrown at him by an Arsenal fan as he went to take a corner in Sunday's north London derby.
The assistant referee removed it from the pitch and no further action was taken after the incident.
Bale got his own back soon after, being played in by Gylfi Sigurdsson and prodding the ball past Wojciech Szczesny to open the scoring for Tottenham against their arch-rivals at White Hate Lane.

Targeted: Ex-Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor (right) was also a target for abuse from Arsenal fans. They sang: 'shot in Angola, it should have been you' in reference to the Togo team bus that was shot in 2010



When bananas have been thrown on to football pitches they are usually in incidents with a racial connotation.
Inter Milan fans recently racially abused AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli by bringing inflatable bananas to the San Siro for their recent derby.
A group of Arsenal fans were also guilty of aiming a vile chant at Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor.



They taunted the Togo centre forward by referencing the 2010 gun attack on the team while they were at the Africa Cup of Nations.
'Shot in Angola, it should have been you,' they chanted.
But Arsenal supporters paid the price as their side were unable to come back after Bale and Aaron Lennon had struck.
Per Mertesacker headed home in the second half, but Spurs held on to win 2-1 and dent their rivals' bid to qualify for next season's Champions League.


DailyMail

ketha weda mewa. paw wade

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barclays Premier League 2013.03.04 Fixture

Barclays Premier League 2013.03.04 Fixture

Aston Villa Vs Manchester City

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[Wolverine GTR]

Aston Villa 0-1 Manchester City: Tevez punishes Clark error to keep visitors' slim title hopes alive

Manchester City reduced the gap to leader Manchester United back down to 12 points after grinding out a 1-0 win at Aston Villa on Monday night.

A badly timed slip in the midfield from Ciaran Clark led to Carlos Tevez’s opener in first-half stoppage time, before Edin Dzeko saw his rebound from Yaya Toure’s strike ruled out for offside.

The result also means Paul Lambert’s side remains in the bottom three, having only picked up one victory in their last 11 league matches.

The home side was unchanged from its defeat at Arsenal, with Ron Vlaar still sidelined due to a calf problem, while Darren Bent was also out with a foot injury.

Roberto Mancini made one change from his side’s 2-0 win over Chelsea, replacing Sergio Aguero with compatriot Tevez up front after the former picked up a knee injury in training. Jack Rodwell kept his place in midfield, but Gareth Barry returned to the bench after recovering from an ankle injury.

Villa started brightly, causing panic inside the City area when Javi Garcia sliced a clearance from Joe Bennett’s cross, and a Joe Hart punch went straight up into the air, but Kolo Toure eventually cleared the danger.

Villa’s early superiority nearly paid off on 20 minutes when Benteke met Charles N’Zogbia’s corner with a powerful header which looked destined for the bottom corner but for Tevez’s clearance off the line.

After Edin Dzeko replaced the injured Rodwell, however, Mancini’s men started to enjoy more possession, and Pablo Zabaleta nearly put the visitors in front, latching on to Tevez’s through pass and hammering a superb shot across goal which Guzan managed to flick on to the post.

Guzan was called into action again shortly after, parrying away a 20-yard curling effort from Tevez before diverting away Dzeko’s low effort from the right-hand side of the area.

City’s late first-half dominance finally paid off in stoppage time when Ciaran Clark slipped in midfield and Dzeko stole the ball and squared it to Tevez, who skipped past Brad Guzan before slotting it past Clark, who had recovered to get back to the line.

Both sides came out quickly after the break, but it was City that nearly doubled its lead as Dzeko fired a volleyed effort from the edge of the box which deflected off Nathan Baker and wide of Guzan’s post.

Tevez then spurned a fine opportunity, electing to shoot with Silva free in the area, seeing his shot cleared away by Clark with Guzan beaten.

With City pressing for more, Villa was able to occasionally find space in behind, and on the hour mark Andreas Weimann was able to fire in a cross from the right for Gabriel Agbonlahor but Kolo Toure managed to scramble it behind.

After Matthew Lowton drilled a 35-yard effort wide, City was denied a second when Yaya Toure’s low left-footed effort from 20 yards was tipped on to the post by Guzan with another stunning fingertip save, but it came to Dzeko who fired the ball into an empty net only for the flag to go up for offside.

City then forced a corner and Garcia side-footed a volley just wide of the post before Benteke was denied a penalty late on, when it looked like Nastasic brought down the defender with a clumsy challenge.

Villa pressed for an equaliser late on but City held on for the win with what was - for the majority of the match - an understated performance.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Iniesta '100 percent' confident of Barcelona comeback

The 28-year-old says he is fully convinced Barcelona can make amends for the first-leg defeat to AC Milan and claims to be using the media's criticism as a motivational tool.Barcelona playmaker Andres Iniesta says he is supremely confident the Blaugrana can overhaul the two-goal deficit inflicted by AC Milan at San Siro two weeks ago.

The Catalan giants welcome the Rossoneri to Camp Nou next Tuesday, and despite trailing 2-0 on aggregate, the two-time European champion and World Cup winner believes Barcelona boast enough quality to turn the tie around.

"I would put my hand in the fire for the team, I am confident that we can do it. It was not a good result, but I am 100 percent convinced that we can turn it around," Iniesta told reporters at a corporate event. "We have to do well and go out as though it's a final. For us it's a final where we need to get a good result to come out alive."

The 28-year-old also responded to the criticism the team has faced in recent weeks following the Milan defeat in addition to two Clasicos, but he believes the team can draw on the comments of their detractors to inspire the club to stronger performances for the remainder of the season.

"We deserve more respect. What's more, in La Liga, we are in an unbeatable position. I wish it was always this way," Iniesta added. "We are concerned, because we haven't been good, but the concern should make us stronger and more optimistic to keep doing well."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Galliani: AC Milan nearly signed Xavi and Totti

The AC Milan chief has revealed how close the club came to securing the services of Francesco Totti and Xavi, and reflects on what could have been for Andriy Shevchenko AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani revealed the Italian giants were close to capturing Francesco Totti and Xavi prior to the duo joining their respective clubs.

The 68-year-old has played a prominent role in the acquisition of some of the Rossoneri's finest talent over the last three decades, and Galliani claims to have almost brought another two legends of the modern game to San Siro.

"Was Totti close to signing for AC Milan? As a kid, yes, but not recently. We were closer in bringing Xavi to the club, there was even a contract. I was dealing with the father of the player at the time but did not realize I also had to deal with his mother ..." he told Gazzetto dello Sport.

Galliani then paid tribute to Totti, who became Serie A's second-joint top goalscorer of all time, when he scored his 225th goal against Genoa on Sunday, which puts him level with Gunnar Nordahl.

However, the Milan chief expressed his sorrow that former Rossoneri great Andriy Shevchenko did not spend long enough in Italy to stake his claim for Silvio Piola's all-time Serie A record of 274 goals.

"He [Totti] equaled Nordahl's record, who was our star and he only has Silvio Piola infront of him so congratulations," he added.

"I always regret that if my friend Andriy Shevchenko had not left Italy, he would have probably beaten Piola's record."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Neymar refuses to rule out summer move

The Santos forward has increased speculation over his future by refusing to commit to the Brazilian giants, and believes Dani Alves' claims should be laughed off
Brazil star Neymar has fueled speculation regarding a potential move away from Santos this summer after failing to pledge his future to the club.

The 21-year-old is one of the most sought-after talents in world football and has reportedly courted the interest of European giants Bayern Munich and Barcelona, the latter of which is believed to be the front-runner to land the star.

And speaking to Lance, the striker did little to stem the tide of transfer speculation.

"It is the talk of those who do not know my life," he said. "I have already said, if the time feels right, the best, then why not? It's my thing folks, no one else is a part of it."

The youngster also refuted claims made by Barcelona's Dani Alves that an agreement had been reached between Santos and the Catalan giants to secure the services of Neymar.

"And if I say that (Lionel) Messi is coming to Santos?" Neymar said. "He's a great friend and I appreciate what Daniel says, but I'm happy here at Santos for the moment."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho promises to keep emotions in check against Manchester United

The Real Madrid boss has had some infamous celebrations in his past, including a 100-yard dash down the Old Trafford pitch when coach of Porto but says it will not happen again Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has pledged he will keep his emotions muted if his side progresses past Manchester United in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

The Portuguese has had some infamously extroverted celebrations in the past, including a touchline-spanning run at Old Trafford when with Porto, dashing across the pitch at Camp Nou after defeating Barcelona with Inter and sliding on his knees following Cristiano Ronaldo's last-minute winner against Manchester City this season.

However, the 50-year-old says that, while the game is no less important to him than when he first got the better of Sir Alex Ferguson, he will be keeping himself under control whatever the result.

"It [the fixture] means the same," Mourinho told reporters, "but I approach the situation differently with different emotions.

"To win a big match is the same as it was nine years ago. If I lose tomorrow, I won't cry and, if I win, I will not be running 100 meters down the touchline."

Real Madrid is level 1-1 on aggregate heading into the away leg of its tie against Manchester United but will again face the Premier League leaders without captain Iker Casillas, who remains sidelined with a hand injury.

The English club, meanwhile, will be without utility player Phil Jones, who limped out of their FA Cup clash against Reading with an ankle injury, but can call on Rio Ferdinand in defense after recovering from the flu.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bale is on par with Messi and Ronaldo, insists Dawson

The Tottenham captain is adamant that there is no player as good as the Welshman right now, bearing comparison to the very best of the world game in the Liga duo.
Tottenham captain Michael Dawson insists that teammate Gareth Bale merits comparison with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Welshman scored his 49th career goal for Spurs on Sunday in their 2-1 win over North London rival Arsenal, and the strike marked his 20th goal in all competitions this season.

Even though Rio Ferdinand recently went on record to claim that the Spurs star is not in the same league as either the Messi or Ronaldo, Dawson disagrees.

"Gaz [Bale] is up there with Ronaldo and Messi in terms of ability," Dawson told Topman Magazine. "He's one of the best players in the world at the moment, and probably the best in the world for me right now."

Bale has played a huge part in Tottenham's recent run of good form, scoring nine goals in his last seven games, and Dawson believes the skills the Welshman possess put him up there with the best.

"Some of the things he does would have Ronaldo blush," Dawson said. "His goal this season against Norwich where he picked the ball up in his own half and dribbled past all those players before having the calm and composure to put it in the bottom corner ... He's been brilliant and credit to him because it hasn't been easy for him.

"He'll be the first to admit that he found it difficult when he first came to Tottenham. People forget he moved here when he was 17."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Klopp: Borussia Dortmund has slight advantage

The BVB boss is determined to make the most of two away goals from the first leg, while revealing Mats Hummels could still feature Jurgen Klopp says Borussia Dortmund has a "slight advantage" ahead of the second leg of its last-16 Champions League tie with Shakhtar Donetsk.

BVB came away from the Donbass Arena with two away goals after drawing 2-2 with the Ukrainian champions in the first game and the 45-year-old is anticipating another tight affair.

"It will be a difficult game for both teams. We both showed why we have reached this stage during the first leg. I feel we hold a slight advantage going into tomorrow's game.

"Maybe we can surprise Shakhtar by showing more than we did against Bayern. We must do if we harbor any ambition of progressing to the next round."

Mario Gotze echoed his trainer's sentiments, and said BVB was focused on ensuring it make the most of their first-leg efforts.

"They showed their quality in attacking in Donetsk, scoring twice. We want to make the most of the slight advantage we have," he said.

"As a kid I dreamed of playing in the Champions League and going this far. It's a fantastic competition."

Klopp also issued a statement regarding the fitness of defender Mats Hummels, whose participation in the match is still in the balance.

"He was able to run today and he will rest at home this evening and train tomorrow," he said. "There remains a little bit of hope [that he will be fit to play on Tuesday]."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gotze: Dortmund lives for football

The attacking midfielder has hailed the club's fanatical support as a constant source of inspiration Mario Gotze says the people of Borussia Dortmund "live for football".

As the club prepares for the visit of Shakhtar Dontesk at Signal Iduna Park, in the second-leg of their last 16 Champions League clash, the 20-year old is already excited about another night in front of BVB's fanatical fan base.

"The city lives for football, lives for this stadium," Götze told UEFA.com. "It's great to see that there are Dortmund fans in every stadium. That is something that motivates you and in the end you look forward to games even more, especially Europa League or Champions League away matches, when you see how many fans follow us. It is something very special."

The Bavarian-born playmaker has scored eight goals in the Bundesliga this season but is determined to remain grounded, regardless of the praise that comes his way.

"It is always positive when you get a lot of praise, but you should handle it the right way," he said. "If you play well, you are praised; if you play badly, you are criticised. Everyone should try to manage it the way they want to."

Dortmund drew 2-2 with Shakhtar in the first leg at the Donbass Arena and will hope to advance to the quarterfinals.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Giggs expects Old Trafford classic against Real Madrid

The Welsh veteran believes the quality both sides possess makes action inevitable, but is confident Sir Alex Ferguson's men will emerge victorious in front of their home fans.Ryan Giggs says Manchester United's game against Real Madrid on Tuesday could be similar to the meeting in 2002-03 that ended 4-3 to the Red Devils.

Brazil striker Ronaldo scored a hat trick that night, while David Beckham came off the bench to score two goals, but United crashed out 6-5 on aggregate after losing 3-1 in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Every time in Europe you learn different lessons, certainly that night Madrid scoring early made it an uphill task, hopefully that won't happen tomorrow night," Giggs told reporters. "You learn from every experience in Europe. You try to get ahead and score the first goal, we know the crowd will get behind us and the confidence that will give us. But saying that, we know that if we go behind we have the confidence to come from behind like we have done all season.

"When you get that much firepower on the pitch, undoubtedly there's going to be chances and goals."

Giggs, who is due to make his 1000th career appearance on Tuesday, admitted that he is proud to have played so many games.

"I'm obviously proud of playing that many games. If you set out different goals at the beginning of your career; getting in the team, staying in the team, wanting to win things, you never think that you're going to get to 1000 games.

"I've worked hard, I've had a lot of things helping me. The continuity of the manager, playing with good players. As you get older you take things in a lot more. For example the second Champions League that we won, I managed to take that in and enjoy it a lot more than 1999."

Giggs was applauded at the Santiago Bernabeu when he came on as a substitute in the first leg, and he took the opportunity to thank the Madrid fans for that reception.

"It was strange because I was going on to the pitch and concentrating on doing well for the team and making an impact," he said. "I didn't recognize it but it wasn't until after that I really thought about it, but yeah, it was great for me and I thank the Madrid fans for the welcome that they did give me. It was great."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

UEFA Champions League Round Of 16 2nd Leg 2013.03.05 Fixtures

UEFA Champions League Round Of 16 2nd Leg 2013.03.05 Fixtures

Manchester United Vs Real Madrid

Dortmund Vs Shakhtar

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[dinushanG]

Football T shirt

Hi Friends,

By any chance do you know where I can buy football jersies in Colombo for cheap. Specially Real Madrid or Man U? Please need to find a one before tonight's match...

 

[මුගටියා]

UEFA Champions League Round Of 16 2nd Leg 2013.03.05 Fixtures

Manchester United Vs Real Madrid

Dortmund Vs Shakhtar

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patta mach 2k thiyei!

 

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