..::Football III::..

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Cagliari: No Nainggolan deal with Roma

Cagliari sporting director Nicola Salerno has rubbished rumours that the club have agreed to sell Radja Nainggolan to Roma.

The Belgium international is widely expected to leave the Sant'Elia during the January transfer window and has been reportedly attracting interest from traditional Serie A heavyweights Juventus, Inter and AC Milan.

It has been reported that Roma have also entered the race after a meeting between Cagliari president Massimo Cellino and Roma director of football Walter Sabatini but Salerno insists that it was nothing more than a chance encounter.

"There is no agreement," the Rossoblu official told ASRomaRadio.it. "Cellino and Sabatini have spoken with one another in general terms and I can tell you that they met at the airport by accident. This story was born of that.

"But there is nothing concrete in relation to Nainggolan. We have not started any negotiations with Rome. I do not know to what extent the Giallorossi are interested in the player.

"We are not in a position to give an answer [to that question]. We have started several negotiations and within 10-15 days we will be able to give you a definitive answer.

"It can't even been said that we will give him away. For the moment, there is nothing concrete; I can assure you of that 100 percent."

 

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Fabregas: Lazy reputation annoys me

Barcelona ace Cesc Fabregas has admitted that he is annoyed by accusations that he is lazy.

The former Arsenal captain has yet to nail down a regular position in the Blaugrana line-up since returning to Catalunya in 2011 and is regularly switched between midfield and attack.

Consequently, Fabregas, who has hit seven goals in La Liga this season, is upset by the perception within the media and among certain sections of the Camp Nou crowd that he does not work hard enough for the team.

"I know I have that reputation and it annoys me, because I don't stop moving around the whole pitch," he told AS. "Perhaps too much, because by moving so much it seems like I'm nowhere.

"Maybe [I am only appreciated for my goals] but after the game against Villarreal [on December 14], which I admit was my weakest match of the season so far, I was happy because I had played a part in the move that led to the [second] goal."

Barcelona, of course, are currently having to make do without talismanic forward Lionel Messi because of a hamstring injury, but Fabregas is keen to look on the bright side, believing that the Argentine's absence will mean that he is in peak physical condition for the business end of the 2013-14 campaign.

When asked if he was worried by Messi's injury problems, the Spain international replied: "No, because he'll be fine at the most important time of the season. That's what I told him when he got injured."

 

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'Ronaldo would score 120 goals a season at Barcelona'

Cristiano Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes says the Real Madrid star would score 120 goals a season if he played for Barcelona after being quizzed on the goalscoring exploits of Lionel Messi.

The Portuguese has scored 69 goals in 2013 - a tally superior than any other player on the planet and 24 more than Messi's total of 45 over the same 12-month period.

"Messi's goalscoring record? If Ronaldo played for Barcelona he would score 120 goals a season," Mendes told A Bola TV.

Ronaldo will battle it out with Messi and Franck Ribery for the Ballon d'Or, with the winner of the prize set to be announced on January 13.

The Madrid star is the favourite with bookmakers to land the trophy for the second time in his career after he was crowned the world's best player in 2008 during his time with Manchester United.

The 28-year-old has scored 18 goals in just 16 Liga appearances this season and recently made his return to action after a brief spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

 

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Podolski thrilled with Arsenal return

Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski has spoken of his elation at returning from a hamstring injury.

The Germany international missed four months of football after tearing his hamstring against Fenerbahce in August, but came off the bench to score in their London derby success over West Ham on Boxing Day.
"When you are out for a long time it is not easy, but I'm happy to be back," Podolski told the Daily Mail.

"I've never had muscle problems before so it was a new experience and not easy.

"I worked hard and I trained hard. When you sit on the bench or in the stadium or on the couch at home it is not easy to watch. You don't have the feeling with the team and in the dressing room, but that is the way it is in football, so I am all the more happy to be back.

"It took a long time. Every morning you come in, you have treatment, you work to get fit while the others are working outside. It is not easy for the head. But this is the way it is and I am young enough to play a lot of matches."

Podolski may earn his first start since his injury when Arsene Wenger's men head north to tackle Newcastle at St James' Park on Sunday, given the loss of Aaron Ramsey to a thigh injury and the form of Olivier Giroud.

 

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Ronaldo: I'd play for Mourinho again

Cristiano Ronaldo says he would be happy to work with former Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho again in the future.

The relationship between the pair was reportedly a distant one by the time Mourinho left the Santiago Bernabeu for Chelsea at the end of last season.

But Ronaldo insists he holds no grudge against his former coach and after his compatriot recently hailed him as the best player he has coached in his career, the 28-year-old revealed he is open to a reunion one day.

"Forgive Mourinho? I forgive everyone. We never had a confrontation and I have never spoken ill about anyone," he told A Bola TV.

"I would work with Mourinho again and with other coaches I have had, like [Sir Alex] Ferguson, [Manuel] Pellegrini, and [Laszlo] Boloni. I learned a lot from them."

Ronaldo has been named on the final three-man shortlist of contenders for the Ballon d'Or and admitted he would love to win the award.

"Like last year and the year before, I always think I deserve the Ballon d'Or. I'd like to win it every year."

The 28-year-old recently made his return from a hamstring injury after making a stunning start to the season, in which he has scored 18 goals in just 16 Liga games.

 

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Barclays Premier League 2013.12.29 Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2013.12.29 Fixtures

Everton Vs Southampton

Newcastle United Vs Arsenal

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Chelsea Vs Liverpool

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Tottenham Vs Stoke

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Podolski thrilled with Arsenal return

 

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Barclays Premier League 2013.12.29 Fixtures

Everton Vs Southampton

Newcastle United Vs Arsenal

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Chelsea Vs Liverpool

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Ronaldo: I'd play for Mourinho again

Cristiano Ronaldo says he would be happy to work with former Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho again in the future.

The relationship between the pair was reportedly a distant one by the time Mourinho left the Santiago Bernabeu for Chelsea at the end of last season.

But Ronaldo insists he holds no grudge against his former coach and after his compatriot recently hailed him as the best player he has coached in his career, the 28-year-old revealed he is open to a reunion one day.

"Forgive Mourinho? I forgive everyone. We never had a confrontation and I have never spoken ill about anyone," he told A Bola TV.

"I would work with Mourinho again and with other coaches I have had, like [Sir Alex] Ferguson, [Manuel] Pellegrini, and [Laszlo] Boloni. I learned a lot from them."

Ronaldo has been named on the final three-man shortlist of contenders for the Ballon d'Or and admitted he would love to win the award.

"Like last year and the year before, I always think I deserve the Ballon d'Or. I'd like to win it every year."

The 28-year-old recently made his return from a hamstring injury after making a stunning start to the season, in which he has scored 18 goals in just 16 Liga games.

CR ta Chelsea yanna wei ehenan

 

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Real Madrid want Gundogan, claims father

Real Madrid have a "considerable" interest in signing Ilkay Gundogan, according to the Borussia Dortmund star's father and representative, Irfan.

With Xabi Alonso out of contract at the end of the season, Los Blancos are reportedly keen to strengthen in midfield, with Gundogan said to be one of their primary transfer targets.

The Germany international has seen his campaign blighted by a persistent back problem but Irfan is confident that talks over a move to the Santiago Bernabeu will begin as soon as Iklay is fully fit.“Madrid’s interest in my son is considerable and they want to negotiate for him," he told AS."But, at the moment, we can’t do anything until Ilkay has completely recovered from his back injury.

"When he is playing regular football we can begin talks.”

Gundogan suffered a recurrence of a back problem on international duty at the start of the season but is hopeful of making his return to action when the Bundesliga resumes in January.

Xabi wenuwata INIGO MARTINEZwa gannawa kiala kianne

 

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Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool: Eto'o pounces to secure priceless victory for Mourinho's men

Chelsea came from behind to earn a vital three points in the Premier League title race with a 2-1 triumph over rivals Liverpool on Sunday.

Martin Skrtel had put Brendan Rodgers's men ahead at Stamford Bridge inside five minutes but strikes from Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto'o secured a fourth consecutive home win for the Blues to give their championship hopes a boost.

Liverpool - who had only lost once in their previous six outings at Stamford Bridge - stormed out of the blocks and took the lead via Skrtel's close-range finish.

But Chelsea were ahead before half-time with a wonderful curling effort from Hazard and Eto'o's side-footed strike from six yards turning things around.

Both sides had opportunities in a lively second period, with Liverpool having legitimate claims for a penalty turned away when the Cameroonian appeared to haul down Luis Suarez in the area.

However, it was Chelsea who emerged victorious with Jose Mourinho's men - who now sit third in the table - closing the gap on leaders Arsenal to two points, while the Reds lie fifth after back-to-back top-flight defeats.

Frank Lampard replaced the suspended Ramires in one of four changes for Chelsea, while Liverpool named Daniel Agger in place of Aly Cissokho.

Liverpool were awarded an early free kick when Eto'o upended Jordan Henderson, with replays suggesting that the Cameroonian was perhaps lucky to escape punishment, and, from the resulting set-piece, they went ahead. Suarez's header was only partially blocked by Branislav Ivanovic and Skrtel reacted quickest to tap home a close-range rebound.

Chelsea almost had an immediate response when Simon Mignolet saved Hazard's initial effort but the ball deflected goalwards and required Glen Johnson to clear.

The hosts continued to attack and the pressure finally paid dividends after 17 minutes - Oscar driving at the defence and his intercepted pass falling kindly for Hazard, who curled expertly into the top corner.

Liverpool were struggling for fluency and the home fans were celebrating again on 34 minutes as Eto'o completed the turnaround. Oscar was the architect again, crossing low this time into the six-yard box where Eto'o squeezed the ball beyond Mignolet.

Searching for a swift response after the break, the visitors almost levelled when Mamadou Sakho's looping header rebounded off the crossbar.

After surviving that scare, Chelsea almost extended their lead after 54 minutes as Eto'o collected Hazard's throughball and forced Mignolet into a near-post save.

Oscar then flashed an effort wide of the far post while, at the other end, Petr Cech had to be on his guard to parry Johnson's low, left-footed drive.

Liverpool were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty with time running out when Eto'o cut across Suarez in the penalty area but referee Howard Webb waved away the protests.

Oscar was also fortunate to escape with just a yellow card for a lunge on Lucas Leiva in injury time but Chelsea held on for the win.

 

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Tottenham 3-0 Stoke City: Soldado sparks routine Spurs win

Roberto Soldado's fourth penalty of the season helped Tottenham to a 3-0 Premier League win over Stoke City at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

The Spaniard coolly converted from 12 yards in the 37th minute after Ryan Shawcross had handled an Emmanuel Adebayor volley.

Soldado failed to convert several other chances from open play but it mattered little as Spurs made the game safe after the interval to secure a first home win under Tim Sherwood.

Mousa Dembele doubled the hosts' lead in the 65th minute as he sent a low shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards and, four minutes later, Aaron Lennon volleyed home a third.

The win moves Tottenham up to seventh place in the Premier League table, while Stoke - who mustered just one effort on target - are 12th after a second heavy defeat in succession.

Paulinho returned from suspension and Lennon made his comeback following injury as Sherwood made five changes to his Tottenham XI.

Stoke manager Mark Hughes called upon Andy Wilkinson and Wilson Palacios to replace the suspended Glenn Whelan and Marc Wilson, who were sent off in a 5-1 defeat at Newcastle on Thursday.

Defender Zeki Fryers, making his first Premier League start for Tottenham, appeared fortunate not to be penalised as his side's last man early on when Jonathan Walters went to ground.

Aside from that incident, the hosts were much the stronger side in the first half and saw each of their strikers come close after 15 minutes.

After Stoke had a penalty claim waved away following a challenge from Michael Dawson on Oussama Assaidi, Soldado broke the deadlock.

Shawcross was penalised for blocking a goalbound volley from Adebayor with his arm and Soldado made no mistake from the spot when sending Thomas Sorensen the wrong way.

Stoke substitute Charlie Adam sent a free kick wide after the break, yet it was Spurs who remained the more dangerous.

Soldado missed another chance before his side's lead was doubled in the 65th minute through Dembele. The Belgium international was given far too much time on the edge of the penalty area and worked an opening before firing low across Sorensen and into the bottom-right corner for his first league goal of 2013-14.

Four minutes later, Tottenham's victory was secured as Lennon registered his first goal in 21 games. Adebayor failed to connect with a cross from Soldado but the ball ran to the winger, who volleyed confidently past Sorensen after the ball had sat up invitingly.

Peter Crouch had Stoke's only attempt on target when he met a late cross from Jermaine Pennant but the striker's tame header was comfortably saved by Hugo Lloris.

 

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Everton 2-1 Southampton: Lukaku gets Toffees back on track

Romelu Lukaku ended a five-game goal drought to help Everton return to winning ways at Goodison Park with a 2-1 Premier League victory over Southampton.

Seamus Coleman gave the hosts the lead with a marvellous individual effort but Gaston Ramirez equalised from fully 35 yards with a dipping effort that deceived stand-in goalkeeper Joel Robles.

However, Chelsea loanee Lukaku was on hand to finish a terrific sweeping move just three minutes later and keep Everton in the hunt for European places.

Were it not for Thursday's loss to Sunderland, Everton would have been celebrating an unbeaten year at home but they responded to that setback with a measured performance in front of their fans.

Defeat for Southampton was their fourth in eight games and leaves them cut adrift from the top eight.

Leighton Baines returned to Roberto Martinez's first XI after injury and Robles made his first Premier League start for Everton in place of the suspended Tim Howard, with Kelvin Davis returning to the Southampton goal ahead of Paulo Gazzaniga and being called into action by Ross Barkley from Coleman's cross in the third minute.

The hosts' bright start paid off six minutes later when right-back Coleman picked the ball up on his flank and burst into the area before smashing an unstoppable strike into the top corner. It was the Irishman's fifth goal of the season, already surpassing his tally for the previous four campaigns combined.

Southampton came into the game game on the back of a rousing 3-0 win over Cardiff City on Thursday but struggled to find any sort of fluency for much of the opening period, seeing Adam Lallana spurn a good chance after weaving through two defenders.

They were nearly made to pay just after the break, when a superb low cross from Bryan Oviedo found Barkley in the six-yard box but the 20-year old failed to find the target.

Southampton began to find their feet as the game wore on and had multiple chances in a matter of seconds after 65 minutes, Luke Shaw having a low drive blocked before Jay Rodriguez's effort was deflected wide.

Five minutes later they were on level terms in emphatic circumstances when substitute Ramirez sent a wicked swerving effort past Robles and into the roof of the net from distance.

The visitors could not hold on, though, and were behind once again just three minutes later, as substitute Steven Pienaar and James McCarthy combined to give Lukaku a chance, which he finished with aplomb.

Everton pushed for a third in the closing stages, Lukaku firing over and forcing a great save from Kelvin Davis, but a one-goal margin proved enough for victory.

 

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Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal: Gunners go top thanks to Giroud header

Olivier Giroud scored the only goal as Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Newcastle.

Arsene Wenger's men were sternly tested by a Newcastle side harbouring Champions League ambitions but they did enough to take the points in an encounter largely devoid of goalscoring opportunities.

The hosts created the better chances for much of the contest but a lapse in concentration in defence allowed Giroud the space to glance home the winner after 65 minutes.

The France international got the faintest of touches to head home his first goal since his double against Southampton in November, sending Arsenal back to the summit.

Alan Pardew's men failed to mount a meaningful response, although Loic Remy almost took advantage of an error from Wojciech Szczesny in the closing stages, with Arsenal holding on to stretch their unbeaten league run on Tyneside to seven matches.

Cheikh Tiote replaced Hatem Ben Arfa in the Newcastle starting XI after missing the win over Stoke City through suspension, while Laurent Koscielny returned to an Arsenal side who were missing the midfield talents of Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey.

The north Londoners enjoyed the lion's share of possession in the early stages but it took over 20 minutes to craft the game's first real opportunity as Jack Wilshere fired over the crossbar from long range.

Newcastle full-back Mathieu Debuchy then went close with a half-volley at the near post before team-mate Tim Krul was forced into the first save of the match from Tomas Rosicky's drive.

The hosts finished the half the stronger as Moussa Sissoko forced a flying save from Szczesny, with Debuchy heading against the underside of the bar from the resulting corner.

Newcastle carried that momentum into the second half and would have taken the lead had Yoan Gouffran been able to capitalise on a mix-up in the Arsenal defence caused by Vurnon Anita's right-wing cross seven minutes into the second period.

The visitors struggled to break down a well-organised defence for much of the encounter. However, after 65 minutes, they broke the deadlock when Giroud flicked home Theo Walcott's free kick.

That goal provided Arsenal with added impetus and Wenger's men would have doubled their advantage had it not been for a piece of brilliant defending by Debuchy, who headed Walcott's goalbound effort off the line via the crossbar after Krul had kept out the England international's initial effort.

Arsenal defended their lead with relative comfort for the most part but their hard work was nearly undone by Szczesny, whose clearance struck the face of Remy eight minutes from time, only to trickle narrowly wide of the post.

 

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Mourinho: Manchester City still title favourites

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho feels Manchester City are still favourites for the Premier League title despite his side's win over Liverpool.

Mourinho saw his team overcome Martin Skrtel's third-minute opener at Stamford Bridge, as Eden Hazard's curling strike and Samuel Eto'o's finish from six yards secured all three points with a 2-1 victory.

Chelsea have now recorded four consecutive home victories in the Premier League and head into 2014 just two points adrift of leaders Arsenal in third place, but Mourinho believes second-placed City remain the team to beat.

"I keep saying there is a big difference between Manchester City and the other teams," he told reporters. "It's not just about quality, other teams have quality, us too. But [it is about] maturity, the number of players, the group of strikers, physicality, experience.

"They [City] are the favourites, for us, for Arsenal, for Liverpool, to be around [the top] is a good achievement. In our case it's important people learn how to play these matches [against the top sides]."

Mourinho felt his side were good value for their victory on Sunday and was particularly happy with the way they bounced back from an early setback.

He added: "I think we deserved to win because they did nothing to score the first goal, it was circumstantial. After that our reaction in the first half was a fantastic reaction. We scored, we could have scored before.

"In the second half we defended well, they hit the post with [Mamadou] Sakho, we had some counter-attack situations where we could have killed the game. We didn't and until the last minute it was hard, but we deserved [to win]."

Mourinho also confirmed midfielder Frank Lampard is set for a spell on the sidelines with a muscular injury, but is hopeful the lateral ligament issue picked up by Branislav Ivanovic is not serious.

 

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Kevin-Prince Boateng hospitalised after attack

Schalke midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has been hospitalised after being attacked on Christmas Day.

The Ghana international, 26, suffered injuries to his ribs, back and neck following the incident in Kaarst - a town near the city of Dusseldorf.

A statement released by police read: "On Wednesday, December 25, 2013, at around 12.45, an incident of physical assault took place in Kaarst.

"A 26-year-old man, a resident of Meerbusch, was physically attacked on the street by a currently unidentified man. There are indications that the motive for the crime is connected to the personal affairs of the 26-year-old.
"The man was mildly injured. Criminal investigators have begun their work."

Boateng joined Schalke from AC Milan in a €12 million deal in August and has since made 17 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals.

 

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Wenger rules out new Arsenal move for Cabaye in January

Arsene Wenger is not planning to renew his interest in Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye during the January transfer window.

The France international, who played in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at St James' Park on Sunday, was one of a number of summer targets for the Gunners, who had hoped to land the former Lille man in a £10 million deal.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew dismissed the offer as "disrespectful" at the time and Wenger is not looking to bolster his midfield options despite being in a strong position to challenge for the Premier League title.

"No, we don't look for midfielders," Wenger told Sky Sports News. "Today we did not have [Mesut] Ozil, we did not have [Aaron] Ramsey who stayed at home, but we still had three good midfielders and I still had Arteta on the bench.

"There is no real need in there."

Olivier Giroud scored the only goal of the game in a victory which ensures Arsenal will end 2013 top of the Premier League table.

But Goal understands the Gunners are looking for competition for Giroud in January as Wenger chases a first league title in a decade.

 

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'Rossi reminds me of Baggio'

Giancarlo Antognoni has likened Fiorentina striker Giuseppe Rossi to Italy legend Roberto Baggio.

The former Italy midfielder lifted the World Cup with the Azzurri back in 1982 and has watched on with interest at the resurgence of Rossi in Florence, since he joined the club from Villarreal in January 2012.

The former Manchester United man has scored 14 goals in just 17 appearances for the club following his return from a serious knee injury that left him sidelined for the first four months of his Fiorentina career, with Antognoni a big fan of his talents.

He said: "In terms of his touch and creativity he reminds me of Roberto Baggio, his left foot is just deadly."

The 59-year-old also praised the ability of Viola winger Juan Cuadrado, while discussing the relative merits of Alberto Aquilani and Neto.

"Cuadrado is a force of nature, it's difficult to find others like him - he'll be almost perfect once he is complete in the defensive side of his game," he continued.

"Neto is very young and will grow in the right direction. Aquilani plays a role that is not naturally his, he has to sacrifice himself and work defensively."

Antognoni concluded with a prediction of the club's movements in the transfer market and believes Vincenzo Montella will struggle to bring in the quality of players that will take his squad to the next level.

"There is no need to buy in January. The big names, those who have the quality to help the club make that next leap, are not approachable."

 

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Mourinho slams 'wild' Suarez for 'swimming pool' dive

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho accused "wild" Liverpool striker Luis Suarez of trying to con his way to a penalty with "an acrobatic swimming pool jump" during a fiery encounter at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues won 2-1 on Sunday thanks to goals from Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto’o after Martin Skrtel had given the Reds an early lead.

But Mourinho was furious when Suarez went down in the penalty area late on under a challenge from Eto’o - and the Portuguese claims referee Howard Webb should have booked the Liverpool man.

“[Cesar] Azpilicueta was leaving with the ball and then Suarez does an acrobatic swimming pool jump. Webb was only 10 metres away and the only mistake Webb did was not to give a yellow card.

“It looks like someone has shot him in the back and that is a clear yellow card.

“Brendan [Rodgers] is doing a fantastic job on Suarez because there’s no doubt he’s changed. But in a situation like this you see the wild nature of the player, the cultural nature of the player.

“I have lots of respect for his quality and his attitude and his ambition to win every game but he tries too much to provocate certain situations."

Rodgers, who could face an FA charge after criticising referee Lee Mason in the Boxing Day defeat at Manchester City, disputed Mourinho’s interpretation of the incident but refused to attach blame to Webb.

“You’ve seen them given – Eto’o’s not even looking at the ball,” said Rodgers. “He was being streetwise and cute. If he’s intentionally blocking his man it’s a penalty is it not?

“I think Howard is a top referee, world class. I’ll stay calm today!”

 

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Arsenal have 'special' mental strength - Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that his side have developed something "special" by way of their improved mental strength after watching them beat Newcastle 1-0.

The visitors took the lead midway through the second half through Olivier Giroud and, not for the first time this season, they showed great resilience as they staved off late pressure from the Magpies to take all three points.

The Gunners have consistently been at the right end of the table but have not won the title since 2004 and Wenger feels that they have finally taken a step forward mentally this season.

"There is something in the team that is special on that front, on the mental front, where we have many times been questioned," the Frenchman told the press.

"We have shown that at West Ham when we were 1-0 down and we have shown it [on Sunday] with our backs against the wall a little in the last 15 minutes. There is a great solidarity and a great spirit in the side.

"For years we were younger. We have always been up there at the top. This time last year we were out of the championship race but in 2013 we have been very consistent."

The Arsenal boss would not be drawn on whether or not his side are capable of winning the league, though, stating that it is still to early for title talk just yet.

"We believe in ourselves and we are determined to give our best absolutely and to turn back on this season at the end and think we have given our best," he remarked. "I hope it will be enough, of course, but it's a long way to go, it's too early to say that."

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew, meanwhile, expressed his disappointment with some of the decisions made by referee Lee Probert at St James's Park but argued that his players could take a lot of encouragement from their performance.

"Really and truly, we've come out on the wrong side here," the Magpies boss claimed. "A few breaks went against in terms of decisions and that was probably the difference.

"There was definitely a foul on [Vurnon] Anita, without a shadow of a doubt. I don'’t want to say the referee had a poor game but sometimes he sees these calls and sometimes they go your way, sometimes they don't. At Stoke we had all the calls go our way and today perhaps we're on the other side of it.

"A lot of my players can take massive players in the way they performed in that game.

"We've got our best players fit - if we can keep them fit for the rest of the season then we can replicate what we've done in the first half of the season, maybe even better it."