..::Football III::..

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Aston Villa 0-1 Crystal Palace: Last-gasp Gayle lifts Eagles out of drop zone

Dwight Gayle's last-gasp gem snatched Crystal Palace a 1-0 win at Aston Villa to lift them out of the Premier League's bottom three.

The Boxing Day clash at Villa Park appeared set to finish goalless until Gayle collected a pass from fellow substitute Jonathan Williams and curled the ball home from 20 yards.

The result moved Palace to 17th in the Premier League, above Fulham on goal difference, and left Villa just three points clear of the relegation zone following a fourth successive defeat.

The Villans have now won just one of their last 13 matches on Boxing Day and have failed to score in eight of their last 11 outings.

Paul Lambert was without Christian Benteke and Ashley Westwood due to injury and suspension respectively, but Gabby Agbonlahor returned after completing a one-match ban. Palace's top scorer Marouane Chamakh missed out after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season last time out.The home side dominated possession in the opening 25 minutes, but their final ball let them down, with Marc Albrighton particularly wasteful.

Palace improved as the half progressed, largely thanks to Yannick Bolasie. The 24-year-old winger collected possession on the left, skipped past Matthew Lowton and fed Cameron Jerome, who over-hit a throughball to Barry Bannan when he really should have shot.Bolasie got the better of Lowton once again and advanced into the box, only for Nathan Baker to get back and force the ball out for a corner.

Libor Kozak saw his header superbly nodded over his own crossbar by Adrian Mariappa on the stroke of half-time as Villa came close to opening the scoring.After a limp first 45 minutes, the second half exploded into life, with an off-balance Baker doing well to deny Bolasie a clear sight of goal.

Fabian Delph's vision and immaculate pass then presented Andreas Weimann with a chance, but the Austria international's half-volley went straight into the arms of Julian Speroni.Bannan, against his former club, almost put Palace in front on 54 minutes, but Brad Guzan did superbly to tip the ball on to the post.

Agbonlahor raced into the area but hit his shot straight at Speroni and, following a delightful move, Albrighton's clever cut-back set up Weimann, who fired over from inside the box.

Bolasie tricked his way past two opponents on 65 minutes and crossed for Jason Puncheon, whose fierce shot from 10 yards was saved by Guzan.

A scrappy finish looked destined for a draw until Gayle grabbed his third Premier League goal, and all three points for Tony Pulis side.Palace have now won three of seven games under the former Stoke City boss, but face a daunting trip to Manchester City on Saturday.

 

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Everton 0-1 Sunderland: Black Cats hold on against 10-man Toffees

Sunderland secured their first Premier League away win of the season as 10-man Everton were consigned to a 1-0 defeat at Goodison Park.

Gus Poyet's men had picked up just three points on the road in the top flight prior to their trip to Merseyside, but Ki Sung-Yueng's first-half penalty boosted their survival hopes and inflicted a first home league defeat of the year on Everton.



Leon Osman and Tim Howard contrived to gift Ki a golden opportunity to put Sunderland ahead after 25 minutes.

Howard played the ball to Osman from a goal-kick, only for the midfielder to be caught in possession to allow Ki in and as he attempted to go around Howard the United States goalkeeper brought him down.

To make matters worse, Howard was given his marching orders while Osman was quickly replaced by substitute goalkeeper Joel Robles after the penalty had been dispatched.That goal proved to be decisive although neither side move in the table as a result, with Poyet's men staying bottom while Everton remain fifth.

Roberto Martinez made just one change as Osman, equaling David Unsworth's record of 302 Premier League appearances for Everton, replaced Ross Barkley.
Counterpart Poyet made four alterations, with two coming in defence as Modibo Diakite and Valentin Roberge replaced the injured John O'Shea and suspended Wes Brown.

Everton left-back Bryan Oviedo had the first effort on target, creating space before firing a swerving left-footed effort at Vito Mannone in the eighth minute.Jack Colback forced Howard into a save from outside the area seven minutes later in a frantic start.

Osman was then left red-faced when his gaffe resulted in Howard upending Ki and the Swansea loanee converted the penalty to end Sunderland's wait for a first away goal in the top flight since August.

Robles was called on to make a smart double save 10 minutes after the goal but Sunderland were unable to add to their lead before the break despite enjoying large spells of possession.

Diakite almost doubled the visitors' lead a minute after the interval, nudging an effort over the bar from close range before the hosts began to pile on the pressure.
Romelu Lukaku had Mannone sprawling to his left before a last-ditch Lee Cattermole tackle denied Barkley a shot at an open goal.

Mannone was again in fine form to keep out Barkley's free-kick before Fabio Borini headed Phil Jagielka's header off the line in the final 10 minutes as the hosts desperately sought to preserve their 10-game unbeaten record in the league.Their pressure was to no avail however as Sunderland held on to secure their first win at Goodison Park since 1996.

 

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Newcastle 5-1 Stoke City: Remy punishes nine-man visitors

Stoke City were severely hampered by two first-half dismissals as Newcastle maintained their fine form with a 5-1 home win.Loic Remy scored twice in an ultimately convincing victory for Alan Pardew's men, who have now picked up 22 points from nine Premier League matches.



Yet Stoke were left fuming at referee Martin Atkinson, who handed red cards to Glenn Whelan and Marc Wilson – and also sent Mark Hughes to the stands – after Oussama Assaidi had given the visitors a 29th-minute lead.

Remy saw a penalty saved by former Sunderland goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen - who replaced the injured Asmir Begovic - following Wilson’s exit, but found the net a minute later with the aid of a deflection.

Newcastle then made the most of their two-man advantage after half-time, with Yoan Gouffran scoring for the fifth successive home game, Remy grabbing his 10th league goal of the campaign and Yohan Cabaye beating Sorensen with a glorious first-time finish.

A second Newcastle spot-kick was converted by substitute Papiss Cisse in the 80th minute to round off an utterly one-sided second period and a miserable afternoon for Stoke.Hatem Ben Arfa returned to Newcastle's starting line-up for the first time since October in the absence of the suspended Cheikh Tiote.

Begovic was ruled out with a broken finger for Stoke, meaning Sorensen made his first Premier League appearance of the season in goal and Jack Butland returned from a loan spell at Barnsley to occupy a place on the bench.

After an eventful opening featuring long-range efforts at both ends, Stoke settled well.

Charlie Adam twice went close from distance either side of Newcastle's Cabaye trying his luck from 25 yards with a dipping strike that Sorensen palmed away somewhat unconvincingly.

Stoke then took the lead in the 29th minute as Assaidi cut in from the left before finding the top-right corner with a finish not dissimilar to his splendid winner against Chelsea earlier this month.

However, the visitors' joy was short-lived as Whelan picked up two bookings in quick succession, the first following an altercation with Cabaye and the second for tripping the Frenchman.

Stoke manager Hughes was sent to the stands for protesting against Whelan’s dismissal, and his side were remarkably reduced to nine men in the 43rd minute.
Wilson received a straight red card, having been adjudged to have pulled down Remy as the striker moved in on goal.Sorensen dived to his right to keep out Remy’s resulting spot-kick, but was powerless a minute later when a deflected effort from the striker found the net.

Gouffran capitalised on a poor punch from Sorensen three minutes after the break to continue his scoring run, although it appeared the ball may have gone out of play prior to Ben Arfa crossing from the right.

The excellent Ben Arfa twice struck the woodwork either side of Remy grabbing his second in the 56th minute. Davide Santon's cross from the left was flicked on by Sissoko and the former Marseille man made no mistake with a simple header at the far post.

Cabaye curled home from 20 yards 10 minutes later to enhance Newcastle's position and claim his fourth goal in as many matches against Stoke.

And there was more joy to come for the hosts as Cisse, another frequent scorer against Stoke, converted from 12 yards after Erik Pieters had upended Ben Arfa in the area.

 

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Cardiff City 0-3 Southampton: Rodriguez bags double to put Mackay on the brink

The pressure on Malky Mackay continues to grow after Cardiff City were beaten 3-0 at home to Southampton on Thursday afternoon, with Jay Rodriguez's first-half double helping the Saints win for the first time in seven matches.

Within 15 minutes the away side had the lead at the Cardiff City Stadium, Adam Lallana firing in a cross that was steered in by Rodriguez at the back post, and the former Burnley man doubled his lead in almost identical fashion, latching onto Rickie Lambert's far-post cross.

After turning provider, Lambert then got on the scoresheet himself, trapping a loose ball inside the box before poking over and beyond David Marshall to give the away side a three-goal first-half lead.

Cardiff were without Gary Medel through illness, with Fraizer Campbell deputising, while Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino introduced Luke Shaw, Maya Yoshida and Jose Fonte into his back four after a less than convincing defensive display in the 3-2 loss to Tottenham.

Rodriguez tried to set the early tempo for the visitors with a dangerous run forward but was stopped in his tracks by Kevin Theophile-Catherine.

The hosts spurned a huge opportunity to take the lead in the 11th minute when Peter Whittingham failed to convert Craig Noone's cross with the goal gaping and they were made to pay for that miss when Rodriguez struck twice in six minutes to put Southampton in the driving seat.

The first arrived after just 14 minutes. Adam Lallana sprung the offside trap before teeing up Rodriguez with a low pass, who converted with a simple finish.

Lambert then laid on the second with a pinpoint cross that fellow England international Rodriguez turned home from inside the box without breaking stride.

And Lambert got in on the act himself before the half-hour mark with a close-range finish, capitalising on Cardiff's poor defending from a short corner to take control of a loose ball, swivel, and then tuck it beyond Marshall.

Paulo Gazzaniga was called into action at the other end when Whittingham's shot deflected off Fonte, forcing the Italian into an excellent reflex save.

He almost undid that good work with a poor clearance a minute later, though, but Campbell could not make the most of his chance.

Mackay introduced Andreas Cornelius in place of Peter Odemwingie at the break and the hosts came out fighting; Campbell headed narrowly over from a corner and Cornelius' effort forced Gazzaniga into an unconvincing, scrambled save.

Rodriguez was denied his hat-trick by Theophile-Catherine's goal-line clearance in the closing 20 minutes as Cardiff's hopes faded.

And, despite a much-improved second-half display from the hosts, they are left looking nervously over their shoulders heading into Saturday's match with fellow strugglers Sunderland, giving owner Vincent Tan – the subject of protests before the match – plenty to think about.

 

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Pellegrini pleased with Manchester City character

Manuel Pellegrini was impressed with the character of his Manchester City side after they came from behind to beat Liverpool 2-1.

City's 100 per cent Premier League record at the Etihad Stadium this season was under threat when Philippe Coutinho put Brendan Rodgers' in-form side in front.

However, free-scoring City were a constant threat in the first half and moved ahead by the break courtesy of goals from skipper Vincent Kompany and Alvaro Negredo.

Liverpool posed plenty of questions thereafter, demonstrating why they topped the table prior to Thursday's game, but City held on for three precious points.

"It was very important [to win] because Liverpool were the best team in the Premier League," Pellegrini told reporters. "They were top of the table before the match so if they won they would be four points in front of us.

"It was very important, especially when we were losing 1-0, the personality of the team to go for the game.

"I'm very happy with our response, because it's not easy when you play such a difficult team who can play on the counter-attack when you are losing 1-0. It's very easy for them to have space, but we defended very well."

Just three points seperate the top four teams in the Premier League and Pellegrini is predicting an enthralling race for the title.

He said: "It's just half of [the] Premier League [season completed]; we have the second half that will be very close with five or six teams going for the title."

 

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Liverpool boss Rodgers slams 'horrendous' officials

Brendan Rodgers could be facing action from the FA after venting his frustration at the "horrendous" officials in Liverpool's 2-1 defeat to Manchester City.

First-half goals from Vincent Kompany and Alvaro Negredo ended Liverpool's four-match winning run after Philippe Coutinho had put the visitors in front at the Etihad Stadium.

The Merseyside outfit had their chances to secure at least a point in the second half, with Raheem Sterling wasting the best of them when he blazed over the crossbar from close range.

The lively Sterling had been incorrectly flagged offside when he raced clear in the first half and Bolton-born referee Lee Mason turned down penalty appeals when Luis Suarez had his shirt pulled by Joleon Lescott late on.

Rodgers said: "I was very proud of the players, I thought they were absolutely outstanding, but they had no help whatsoever from the officials.

"I never go on about officials, but today I thought they were horrendous in terms of performance. Nothing went our way at all."

When asked which decision he was particularly irked by, the former Swansea City boss said: "Where do you want me to start?

"I thought the linesman on the offside, he wasn't even on the same cut of grass and if you're working on this level you have to get it right.

"It's not even a difficult one and these are the things we work on and talk about. We're asking the lad to get across and break their line, it's a perfectly timed run and he's given offside when he's through one-on-one.

"They're big moments in big games. There's another incident in the second half where Luis doesn't get a free-kick on the edge of the box where Joleon Lescott comes right through him and was waved play on.

"Arguably it's a penalty at the end because Luis Suarez can't jump where he's got a hold of his shirt. But I thought it was throughout the evening as well. Hopefully we don't have a Great Manchester official again with a Liverpool-Manchester game.

"I was surprised that we're playing in Manchester and they have a referee from Greater Manchester. I'm sure we won't get someone Liverpool v Man City from the Wirral."

 

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'They kill me' - Mourinho feared Chelsea would be punished for missed chances

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho feared his team's failure to take their chances would cost them after they secured a tense 1-0 victory over Swansea at Stamford Bridge.

Eden Hazard's first-half strike was enough to ensure the Blues collected three points ahead of Sunday's crunch clash against fellow title contenders Liverpool.

Mourinho's men created enough chances to have put the Swans to the sword by half-time, with striker Samuel Eto'o enduring a particularly frustrating day in front of goal.

"They kill me," Mourinho told reporters. "Every game I am tired.

"At half-time we should be relaxed with a comfortable result and we were not. The first thing that happens in the second half was the biggest chance of the game and after that we had a clear penalty [not given].

"If you read all these things you think we would go home with a comfortable result but the time goes on and you don't score, and the opposition starts to believe.

"But the boys worked hard defensively in that part of the game, and the biggest responsibility for the lack of goals was the goalkeeper, who made three or four tremendous saves."

The Portuguese refused to criticise the performances of forwards Eto'o, Fernando Torres and Demba Ba, however, despite their failure to match the goalscoring totals of some of the leading lights of their Premier League rivals.

"They always give something to the team," he added. "No winning goals, but they give what they can."

Mourinho praised man of the match Hazard's willingness to dig in as Swansea searched for an equaliser in the latter stages of the game having shone as an attacking force for most of the contest.

"He gave everything and his last action in the game was defending against their left-back in our box in a situation of danger," he enthused. "When I took him off he was exhausted."

Swansea boss Michael Laudrup, however, argued that it was unrealistic to expect Chelsea not to have periods of dominance on home turf.

"In terms of chances I think it is more or less what I expected," he reflected. "You will not create lots in these games. When you play teams like this they have quality players that will make the difference.

"I thought the intention from Chelsea (after the goal) would be to try to finish the game off. "But i think we came okay in the game again and the fact that we were in there until the last second was positive."

 

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West Brom equaliser a 'kick in the privates', says Sherwood

Tim Sherwood described West Brom's equaliser as a "kick in the privates" after Tottenham were held to a 1-1 draw on Thursday.

Tottenham - under the permanent leadership of Sherwood for the first time - took the lead in the 36th minute at White Hart Lane through a Christian Eriksen free kick, but were soon pegged back by the visitors.

Jonas Olsson prodded home from close range two minutes later following a set piece, and Sherwood was unhappy with the dropped points.

"I'm disappointed," he said. "I thought we were better. It was a poor free kick to give away and we were unable to clear it. It was a kick in the privates to be honest.

"The fans will be disappointed. With respect to West Brom, I think it's a game we should have won. But, also, I maintain it's a game we should have played better in."

Sherwood is adamant he has what it takes to succeed at Tottenham, despite his lack of managerial experience.

"To manage Tottenham brings its own pressures and to play for Tottenham brings its own pressures," he continued.

"You have to win, especially in front of your own fans. Of course there's an element of a gamble [about his appointment] because I've never done it before, but I think there's a lot of good managers who've never done it before and have been a success."

West Brom caretaker boss Keith Downing, meanwhile, hailed his side's performance against Spurs.

"We had good discipline and organisation and showed big hearts," he said. "We knew we had big characters in the dressing room and they showed that.

"We deserved our point and had better chances, especially in the first half. All in all, there were some really good performances out there.

"The free kick for their goal was harsh but we galvanised really well and responded quickly."

 

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Moyes: Manchester United still in title race

Manchester United manager David Moyes is confident his side can challenge for the Premier League title after the Red Devils fought back from two goals down to beat Hull City 3-2 on Boxing Day.

The reigning champions found themselves 2-0 down within 15 minutes at the KC Stadium, with James Chester volleying home against his former club before David Meyler's strike found the net via a deflection from Jonny Evans.

United refused to wilt, however, and soon restored parity thanks to Chris Smalling's header and a superb volley from Wayne Rooney - his 150th goal in the Premier League for United - before Chester headed the decisive goal into his own net from Ashley Young's cross.

"To be two down and come back to win is a great result," Moyes told BBC Sport. "I thought it would be a long road back but these players have done this in the past and we did well to get back in the game."For us to get in at half-time 2-2 was great but when we were at 3-2 Hull gave us a few scary moments. However, I'd take that after being 2-0 down after 10 minutes.

"We're going to try to get the gap as narrow as we can. There's a long way to go in the league and we have to keep picking up points. "There's a lot to do but we'll keep at it. I believe we can be in the mix and challenge whoever is near the top."

The victory was United's third win in a row in the Premier League, and they now have 17 Premier League wins from their last 18 Boxing Day fixtures.

 

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Mazzarri: I want to make Inter competitive again

Walter Mazzarri says his target for 2014 is to make Inter fans feel like their side is competitive again.

Since winning an unprecedented treble in Italy under Jose Mourinho in 2010, the Nerazzurri have failed to come close to those heights and stumbled to a ninth-placed finish in Serie A last season, meaning they missed out on European qualification.

However, having seemingly turned a corner in this campaign - Inter sit fifth after a 1-0 win over city rivals AC Milan - Mazzarri is hoping to return the club to its former glories, even though he admits it will be difficult journey.

“What do I expect from the New Year? I never see a smooth road when it comes to these things,” Mazzarri told Sky Sport Italia.

“I would like 2014 to follow the same path that other good years did. I hope the year will be a good one for Inter fans.

“I do not like to make predictions, but I can say we will give our all so Inter fans can feel competitive - just as they did in the old days."

Despite being linked with Chelsea striker Demba Ba in recent weeks, Mazzarri remained tight-lipped about potential targets in the January transfer window.

“The club know about our transfer market possibilities and the budget. I will listen to what the President will say and then I will give my opinion," he continued.

The Inter coach, who arrived at San Siro from Napoli in the summer, admits the success of his tenure at the club will be judged solely on results.

Mazzarri continued: “I like Spanish football. I like their mentality - they think more about performances than results. Unfortunately in Italy things are assessed only by results.

“When looking at it that way I can say that we could have four or five more points at this stage of the season."

 

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Gustavo flattered by Barcelona interest

Wolfsburg midfielder Luiz Gustavo has welcomed reports linking him to Barcelona.

The Brazil international moved to the Volkswagen Arena in August, signing a deal running until 2018, while turning down the advances of Arsenal in the process, but has been linked with a swift departure as Barca look to bolster their ranks in defence of their Liga title.

Gustavo is all too familiar with the pressures of playing for an elite club, having joined Wolfsburg from Bayern Munich - for whom he made 100 appearances in two and a half years, winning an unprecedented treble last season.

And the 26-year-old is delighted to have seen his name linked to Camp Nou, revealing he has previously fielded interest from Catalunya.

"It's always good to have your name linked to Barcelona," he told Globo Esporte.

"This is the third time there has been interest from them.

"I have a long contract which includes a buyout fee, and if anyone wants to pay that, they can sign me."

Barca topped La Liga going into the mid-season break, and resume their campaign on January 5 at home to Elche.

 

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'Costa staying at Atletico' - Caminero

Atletico Madrid sporting director Jose Luis Caminero has ruled out the possibility of prolific striker Diego Costa leaving the Vicente Calderon in January.

Speculation of a potential exit has been fuelled by the €38 million release clause within the player's contract, which he signed in August this year.

However, Caminero insists the 25-year-old, who has scored 19 goals in 17 league games, will not be leaving the club, despite interest from several parties.

“Right now, Costa does not think of leaving, he is hooked with Atletico,” he explained in an interview with Marca.

Under the management of head coach Diego Simeone, Atletico have gradually bridged the gap between themselves and city rivals Real and currently sit joint top of La Liga with Barcelona.

Nevertheless, a regular theme in recent years has been the departure of key players – most recently the summer sale of Radamel Falcao to Monaco – but Caminero is not interested in selling more top stars.

The sporting director continued: “Diego is happy here. He just renewed his contract, demonstrating that he wants to stay here,

“He knows how this club works, money won't be a problem."

The Copa del Rey holders are through to the last 16 of this season's Champions League to face AC Milan and could be contenders for further silverware this campaign.

Whilst Caminero rules out Costa's departure, the director does believe the club will be busy during next month's transfer window, stating "there will be changes".

However, one area he is not worried about is the goalkeeper situation, with No.1 goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois on loan from Chelsea and Daniel Aranzubia.

He added: “We have three great goalkeepers, two of them on loan. This position is not our worry now.”

 

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Tevez criticises Milan/Inter signings

Juventus forward Carlos Tevez has criticised AC Milan and Inter for failing to buy world class talent in recent years.

The Argentina international moved to Turin from Manchester City over the summer, but while the Bianconeri continue to compete for the best talent, the two Milan clubs have adopted a different approach in the transfer market.

The Rossoneri sold star names Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva to Paris Saint-Germain in 2012 and have sought to recruit younger players over proven big names, while Inter's ninth place finish last season and lack of European football mean they have struggled to attract stellar players.

"Milan and Inter haven't bought major players for a number of years now. Without a strong team, you cannot do well," Tevez stated in an interview with Corriere della Sera.

Tevez also spoke about Juve coach Antonio Conte and says he has adapted to life at the club more quickly than he ever imagined.

He continued: "Conte is a winner. If you want to win then you must get used to working hard like he does. My acclimatisation to Juventus has been facilitated by the fact this team really is a team – on and off the field."

However, one major disappointment for Bianconeri was their failure to progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League – a competition Tevez has himself not scored in for four years.

The 29-year-old admitted: "Our Champions League exit was a terrible blow to us all. We did not have the right nastiness in our opening matches.

"I think that things always happen for a reason. What happened in Istanbul - snow and playing the game on another day - it is not normal but in the long run it will make sense."

 

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Fabregas acknowledges Barcelona adaptation

Cesc Fabregas has admitted he has had to adapt his game since rejoining Barcelona.

The 26-year-old came through the Blaugrana youth ranks but left the club for Arsenal as a 16-year-old, back in 2003, before returning to Camp Nou eight years later.

However, Fabregas has endured some tough times in his second stint with the Catalans, having operated in a number of different positions, including an offensive 'false nine' role.

But despite the initial teething problems that came with his positional transition, the Spain international acknowledges the learning process was a necessary one.

"I came to Barca from a team where I was captain and had all the balls passed through me," he told AS.

"I used to play where I thought I could do more damage until Pep [Guardiola] and Tito [Vilanova] told me that was my problem.

"That view was right because I have Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta and [Lionel] Messi playing ahead of me."

Fabregas then moved to praise Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi for his temperament in dealing with critics and the disappointment of an injury that has kept him out of action for much of the first half of the season.

He added: "Sometimes people are out of line regarding Messi, bit it does not affect him.

"No, that [the injury] will be fine."

 

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Rodgers facing FA investigation over Mason comments

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is being investigated over comments made about referee Lee Mason, the Football Association have confirmed.

The Northern Irishman labelled the performance of the match officials as "horrendous" as his charges fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Manchester City on Thursday.

Rodgers' was particularly disappointed with the decision to disallow a goal from winger Raheem Sterling with the score still at 0-0, with replays showing the England international was in an onside position.

The 40-year-old also felt Luis Suarez should have had a penalty in the closing stages after tangling with Joleon Lescott.

Speaking after the game, Rodgers questioned the appointment of Mason who was born in Bolton, saying: "Hopefully we won't have a Greater Manchester referee with Liverpool-Manchester games in future."

The governing body must now decide whether Rodgers' comments "question the referee's integrity or imply bias".

Liverpool dropped to third in the Premier League as a result of the setback at the Etihad Stadium and face a difficult trip to Chelsea on Sunday.

 

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Cardiff sack Mackay

Cardiff have sacked manager Malky Mackay after months of speculation over the Scot's position at the Welsh club.

The 41-year-old guided Cardiff to the Premier League for the first time in their history last season, leading the side to the Championship title.

Cardiff have made a solid start in their fight to remain in the top flight, with the club gaining 17 points from 18 fixtures and currently sitting 16th in the table.

But Mackay's relationship with owner Vincent Tan has come under scrutiny in the past month, with the Malaysian reportedly issuing an ultimatum to the Scot to resign or be sacked.

It looked like Mackay would enjoy a stay of execution with the two set to meet to reconcile their differences.

Cardiff, however, have now decided to remove Mackay from his position a day after the 3-0 home defeat against Southampton, a game that saw protests against Tan from angry supporters.

A statement on the club's official website read: "The board of directors at Cardiff City Football Club have today relieved Malky Mackay of his duties.

"A new first team manager will be appointed and announced in due course."

Mackay's dismissal had a certain air of inevitability, despite chairman Mehmet Dalman saying the former Watford manager would be in charge for the foreseeable future last week.

Tan has proved a controversial figure at the Welsh outfit, not least for his decision to change the club's colours from blue to red at the start of last season.

 

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Bale plays better without Ronaldo - Villas-Boas

Former Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas feels Real Madrid star Gareth Bale has performed far better this season without Cristiano Ronaldo in the side.

The 24-year-old delivered some exceptional displays for los Blancos after initially struggling for fitness following his €100 million summer move, notching nine goals and six assists in 15 games in all competitions prior to the winter break.

However, Villas-Boas believes his one-time Tottenham talisman has only been able to showcase his true potential when Ronaldo has not been vying for the spotlight alongside the Welshman.

"Bale performs better without Ronaldo, he has a far greater role in Madrid's play when Cristiano isn't playing," he told O Jogo. "When there are two reference points like those two in the team, the options end up being divided.

"At Tottenham Bale got used to playing a style of football that offered him the chance of being the main man, that made him the team's reference point. That's a natural consequence of a team recognising that a player is in outstanding form. They receive the ball more and have more chance of having an impact in the play. It also increases their responsibility."

Villas-Boas went on to suggest Bale could be a future Ballon d'Or winner, but only if he is able to hit the heights of his final season with Tottenham whilst playing alongside 2013's standout performer Ronaldo.

"He's already one of football's biggest players. The question is whether he'll repeat his performances at Tottenham while he's playing alongside the best player in the world in 2013," the former Chelsea and Porto boss added.

 

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Wenger hails returning Arsenal striker Podolski

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger praised Lukas Podolski after his goalscoring return and feels the striker proved he can have a "huge impact".

The 28-year-old striker had been absent since suffering a hamstring injury against Fenerbahce in August, but came off the bench to net his side's third goal on his comeback in the 3-1 triumph at West Ham on Thursday.

And Wenger is thrilled to welcome the Germany international back into his squad.

"Podolski made a huge difference because we had good width and created many problems," he told reporters.

"He's been out for four months and not played one game.

"I tried to get him slowly back to competitiveness and he's shown he can have a huge impact because he can score and make assists."

Arsenal had fallen behind at Upton Park when Carlton Cole capitalised an error by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

Wenger introduced Podolski in an attempt to trigger a response, a move the Frenchman conceded was a risk with an array of attacking talent already on the pitch, potentially leaving the side vulnerable in defence.

He added: "When you have [Podolski], Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud, Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla on the pitch, you know you can lose the ball and be vulnerable, but we had to go for it."

Arsenal's triumph came on the back of three Premier League matches without a win and saw Wenger's leapfrog over the likes of Liverpool into top spot.

The leaders now continue the club's title challenge with a difficult trip to Newcastle United on Sunday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bayern defender Kirchhoff joins Schalke on loan

Bayern Munich have confirmed that defender Jan Kirchhoff will join Schalke on a loan deal until June 2015 once the winter transfer window opens.

The 23-year-old joined the German and European champions from Mainz during the summer but has struggled for playing time under Pep Guardiola this season, making just 11 appearances in all competitions to date.

The former Germany youth international has now agreed to move to Gelsenkirchen on an 18-month deal, a move which Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge believes will benefit all parties in the long term.

"I think this is a good decision for all three parties," Rummenigge told the club's official website. "Jan will get definite match practice at Schalke, which wasn't always possible at Bayern.

"We wish him all the best and hope he will develop there, so that, if necessary, he can return to Bayern in 2015."

Schalke general manager Horst Heldt admitted he was thrilled to land a player of Kirchhoff's versatility as Jens Keller's side look to climb back up the Bundesliga table.

"We are delighted this loan deal was possible and I am convinced that Jan will help us to improve," he said. "He can play as a centre-back and in defensive midfield. Jan is superb in the air, has a good passing game and is strong in duels."

Kirchhoff began his career with Eintracht Frankfurt before moving to Mainz in 2007.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bad luck cost Madrid trophies in 2013 - Modric

Luka Modric is determined to win silverware with Real Madrid this season after claiming his side were unlucky in their hunt for trophies in 2013.

Los Blancos ended last season without a title after finishing second to Barcelona in La Liga and suffering a semi-final exit in the Champions League, before they were beaten at Santiago Bernabeu in the Copa del Rey final by rivals Atletico Madrid.

However, Modric is eager to give the fans something to celebrate in 2014 - specifically by bringing the wait for the fabled Decima to an end.

"It was a good year for me personally," he told Marca. "Things started going well for me with the game at Old Trafford and the [Copa] win over Barcelona. I think the team was somewhat unlucky in key games and that cost us winning any silverware. I'm sure that 2014 will be better.

"I'm in great form right now. Playing in pre-season was important for me. It's key to have the coach's full backing and trust. That's why I'm playing better. I also have a great relationship with the fans. They've always had my back and that has made things easier for me. We should win the club's tenth European title for them, they deserve it."

Modric went on to praise the work of head coach Carlo Ancelotti and assistant Zinedine Zidane this season, adding: "Ancelotti is an amazing coach. I can say that he has complete faith in me. He believes in me, and that's very important.

"Zizou helps us a lot. It's great having him working with the team, he teaches us so much. We stay behind with him after training to practice our shooting... He's a great guy and it's a pleasure to work so closely with him."