..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

La Liga 2014.02.22 Fixtures

La Liga 2014.02.22 Fixtures

Real Madrid Vs Elche

Celta Vigo Vs Getafe

Real Sociedad Vs Barcelona

Almeria Vs Malaga​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Serie A 2014.02.22 Fixture

Serie A 2014.02.22 Fixture

Bologna Vs Roma​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Full Time

Crystal Palace 0 Vs 2 Manchester United

Manchester United Goal(s)

Van Persie 62'(PEN)
Rooney 68'

Congratulations Manchester United!
Rooney ge goal 1ka patta
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Cardiff City 0-4 Hull City: Jelavic double piles on misery for Solskjaer

Cardiff City were hit for four on Saturday afternoon as Nikica Jelavic scored twice for Hull City in a comprehensive 4-0 win.

The hosts went into the game desperate for just a second league triumph since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took the reins.

Things did not go to plan, however, as Hull - buoyed by having big-money January recruits Jelavic and Shane Long back in the fold after they were ineligible for the FA Cup 1-1 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion - grabbed only their second Premier League victory in eight games.

Having been set on their way by Tom Huddlestone's deflected strike, the visitors took a fortuitous 2-0 lead into the break as Jelavic netted his second goal since signing in the winter transfer window following a one-two with Long.

And things did not improve for Cardiff after the break, as Jelavic headed home his second before Jake Livermore stroked home a fourth.

The misery ended there for the hosts, while Hull could take plenty of encouragement from a triumph that leaves them looking up rather than over their shoulders following a poor recent run.

Boasting plenty of pace on the counterattack, Cardiff looked threatening during the early stages - even if a series of promising openings ultimately amounted to little.

They were almost rewarded for their industry in the 12th minute, though, following some beautiful skill from Wilfried Zaha.

The on-loan winger, who had struck straight at the goalkeeper from just outside the area a few moments earlier, jinked his way past three defenders in the box and forced a smart save from Allan McGregor.

And the Scotland international had to be alert again soon after when denying Kenwyne Jones.

Not to be outdone, McGregor's opposite number, David Marshall, matched his countryman by pulling off a fine stop of his own as he kept out Jelavic's effort from point-blank range following the striker's fine one-two with Long.

Yet Marshall could do little as Hull took the lead from the resulting clearance. The ball found its way to Huddlestone, who unleashed a vicious strike that deflected past the shot-stopper.

To their credit, Cardiff responded impressively and almost levelled matters when Jones headed just wide from three yards.

But Hull hit their hosts with a sucker-punch as the Jelavic-Long combination bore fruit once more in the 38th minute.

Having got on the end of his partner's through ball, Long - who may have been marginally offside - returned the favour and Jelavic slid the ball past Marshall emphatically.

And whatever Solskjaer said to his players at half-time did not appear to have worked as Jelavic piled on further misery.

Having struck wide with a decent chance in the immediate aftermath of the restart, he made no mistake when glancing Liam Rosenior's cross home.

And their dominance was further illustrated in the 67th minute as Livermore side-footed past Marshall after being found by Ahmed Elmohamady.

Hull boss Steve Bruce was subsequently afforded the luxury of being able to withdraw the hard-working Long as the visitors eased to the points.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

West Ham 3-1 Southampton: Nolan strikes again as Hammers improvement continues

Carlton Cole's 50th Premier League goal helped secure a fourth straight win for West Ham as they came from behind to beat Southampton 3-1.

The hosts trailed after just eight minutes through Maya Yoshida's towering header, before Matthew Jarvis was played in by Kevin Nolan to level things with a tidy finish, despite there being a hint of offside.

There were no doubts over West Ham's second three minutes later, though, with fan-favourite Cole heading Stewart Downing's corner against the post before tucking away the rebound.

The win was wrapped up in the 71st minute courtesy of Nolan's superb overhead kick, much to the delight of manager Sam Allardyce.

Jay Rodriguez, who is currently second only to Daniel Sturridge as the league's top-scoring Englishman, was one of six changes to the Southampton side that crashed out of the FA Cup last week, as the visitors sought to penetrate a West Ham defence enjoying a run of four consecutive clean sheets, their best record in the Premier League era.

And a confident start by the visitors was rewarded early on when Steven Davis' whipped free kick from the right found Yoshida, who rose highest to power home from eight yards.

West Ham, unchanged from the 2-0 win over Norwich City, almost hit back immediately, after Guy Demel's low cross eventually found its way to Nolan, who could only stab his effort straight at Artur Boruc.

The captain made amends just 10 minutes later, producing a wonderful ball over the top of the defence for Jarvis, who beat the offside trap to round the keeper and tap home, despite replays suggesting that the winger may have been offside.

West Ham looked to be in the ascendency and took the lead three minutes later when Southampton failed to deal with Downing's corner, allowing Cole to head onto the post before lashing home from close range at the second attempt.

A shell-shocked Southampton struggled to regain their early momentum, but nearly restored parity just after the half-hour mark when Rickie Lambert rose to meet Jack Cork's cross from the right, only to be denied by the woodwork.

But there was more controversy just after the break when Jose Fonte's goal-bound header appeared to strike the arm of James Collins, although referee Mark Clattenburg dismissed calls for a penalty.

Collins was at the centre of proceedings again just before the hour mark, heading Downing's corner just over the bar as the hosts looked to wrap the game up.

They were nearly made to pay for their wastefulness five minutes later, with Adam Lallana failing to get on the end of a wonderful low cross from Luke Shaw, before substitute Gaston Ramirez fired over a minute later.

Southampton continued to press and should have levelled through Lallana, who capitalised on a defensive error to race through on goal yet could only guide a tame effort wide.

But West Ham secured the three points with just under 20 minutes left when Cole's flick-on found Nolan, who produced an acrobatic overhead kick to put the game out of reach.

Substitute Mohamed Diame crashed an effort off the bar late on but a greater deficit would have been harsh on Southampton, who saw a six-match unbeaten league run come to an end.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

West Brom 1-1 Fulham: Late Vydra strike sees Cottagers remain bottom

Maarten Stekelenburg's late error spoiled Felix Magath's bow as Fulham manager as the visitors were held to a 1-1 draw by West Brom in Saturday's Premier League meeting.

Stekelenburg initially pulled off a number of fine saves to keep Fulham ahead but proved to be the villain of the piece as he allowed substitute Matej Vydra's shot to squirm under him and roll narrowly over the line with four minutes to go.

It had looked as though Magath was going to be indebted to a familiar face in Ashkan Dejagah, who won the Bundesliga title with the German in 2008-09 in his spell at Wolfsburg and put Fulham ahead after 28 minutes.But the Premier League's bottom club were denied a first win in seven league games when Stekelenburg blotted his copybook in the closing stages.

The result leaves Fulham four points adrift of safety at the foot of the division, while West Brom are a point above the drop zone in 16th, though Pepe Mel is still waiting for his first win since taking over last month.

January signing Konstantinos Mitroglou was named on the bench for Fulham, who started brightly and should have gone ahead when two other new recruits combined as Johnny Heitinga headed over from Lewis Holtby's left-wing cross.
Fulham continued to dictate play without creating an abundance of chances, although Steve Sidwell did blaze over from point-blank range after 21 minutes following good work down the right from Hugo Rodallega.

But for all their pressure, the visitors were thankful to goalkeeper Stekelenburg for keeping them level, the Netherlands international standing firm to deny Thievy Bifouma after the Frenchman had combined brilliantly with compatriot Morgan Amalfitano on the counter-attack.Magath's men were undeterred, though, and deservedly took the lead just before the half-hour mark when Dejagah collected Kieran Richardson's delivery before powering a right-footed finish beyond Ben Foster.

West Brom struggled to mount a response and would have fallen further behind had Foster not pulled off a fine diving save to keep out Rodallega's long-range drive.And the hosts' cause was further damaged when defender Billy Jones was withdrawn through injury and replaced by Victor Anichebe.

Mel's men appeared reinvigorated after half-time, though, with Stekelenburg forced into another impressive save to prevent Chris Brunt from levelling matters.
The Hawthorns outfit were dominant throughout the second periodbut Steklenburg's inspired performance continued as he prevented James Morrison from equalising after 66 minutes with a vicious effort from the edge of the area.

It looked as though West Brom's effort were going to be in vain, but the Midlands club salvaged a point in dramatic fashion when former Roma keeper Stekelenburg somehow allowed a tame effort from Vydra, who came off the bench only 11 minutes earlier, to roll under his body.

Stekelenburg did redeem himself with a brilliant save to keep out an injury-time strike from Brunt, with Anichebe firing wide on the rebound, missing a gilt-edged chance to complete the turnaround.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester City 1-0 Stoke City: Toure strikes to save title hopefuls

Manchester City recovered from their European setback against Barcelona as they beat Stoke City 1-0 at the in Saturday's Premier League clash.


Beaten 2-0 in the Champions League by the Spanish champions in midweek, with boss Manuel Pellegrini subsequently charged by UEFA for his post-match criticism of referee Jonas Eriksson, it had been a difficult few days for the blue half of Manchester. But with City looking set to drop points against Stoke for a second time this season, Yaya Toure's 70th-minute winner maintained his side's Premier League title push as Pellegrini's charges kept pace with rivals Chelsea and Arsenal.

The visitors, unchanged from their draw with Swansea City, were the first to get a shot on target as Charlie Adam's long-range strike was collected by Joe Hart three minutes in.

However, it was Manchester City who enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges stages - Aleksandar Kolarov forcing Asmir Begovic to clear a dangerous cross after working space on the left-hand side before the Stoke goalkeeper saved Fernandinho’s effort shortly afterwards.

Marc Wilson was then on hand to block Pablo Zabaleta's goalbound effort before Jon Walters and Ryan Shawcross both saw headers drift wide of Hart's goal.
Adam again proved a threat from distance when his swerving drive was tipped wide by City's England international after 21 minutes.

Despite enjoying a positive start, City looked off the pace for long spells, finding it difficult to break down Stoke’s stubborn defence as they were limited to strikes from outside the area from Toure and Samir Nasri - both of which were collected simply enough by Begovic.Edin Dzeko, one of two City changes from the defeat to Barca, curled a shot marginally wide with 44 minutes on the clock but it was to no avail as the sides went in level at the break.

City began the second half in much the same way as they ended the first, dominating possession but failing to find the killer ball in behind Stoke's backline.
Jesus Navas and Stevan Jovetic were both introduced before Toure finally settled the hoem fans' nerves - sweeping home Kolarov's cross from close range, with Begovic's hand not enough to stop it rolling over the line.

Dzeko should have made it two shortly afterwards, when Navas found him with an expert delivery, but the Bosnian was unable to convert with the goal at his mercy.
It mattered little however, as former City boss Mark Hughes' return to the Etihad Stadium proved an unhappy one while the hosts picked up their first Premier League win in three matches.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal 4-1 Sunderland: Goal-hungry Giroud back with a bang

Olivier Giroud scored twice as Arsenal demolished Sunderland 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

The Frenchman was restored to the starting line-up in place of Yaya Sanogo by Arsene Wenger and duly repaid his manager's faith with two first-half goals.

Tomas Rosicky then added a third in magnificant fashion, before Laurent Koscielny added insult to injury with a fourth after half-time, despite a late consolation from Emanuele Giaccherini.

The result sees the Gunners close the gap to league-leaders Chelsea back to just one point.

Wenger's side made a great start as Sunderland failed to pressurise their opponents and Giroud took full advantage.

Having controlled possession from kick-off, Arsenal found a gap in the visitors' defence when Jack Wilshere played a one-two with Rosicky on the edge of the area before squaring the ball to Giroud, who made no mistake to register his 11th league goal of the season.

Rosicky and Lukas Podolski then both went close before a dominant Arsenal doubled their lead.

And Sunderland gifted their hosts the goal as Vergini, making his first league start, failed to spot Giroud when making a backpass to Mannone. The Frenchman gratefully intercepted and rolled the ball into the net.

With three minutes of the first half remaining, Arsenal got the third goal that their play deserved as Rosicky completed a fine passing move with his first goal of the season. The Czech midfielder exchanged passes with Wilshere and Giroud and calmly lifted the ball over Mannone when one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

The introduction of Sebastian Larsson and Giaccherini at the break sparked Sunderland into life but, despite their increased attacking intent, they struggled to test Wojciech Szczesny.

And any hopes of a shock comeback were ended in the 57th minute when Koscielny evaded the attention of Phil Bardsley to meet a Santi Cazorla corner and emphatically head home his first goal of the campaign.

Szczesny got down well to deny Ki Sung-Yueng in the 70th minute after Larsson had headed across goal but the goalkeeper was unable to do anything about Giaccherini’s low shot with nine minutes to play.

The Italian controlled the ball on the edge of the penalty area and fired through a crowd of players to score the first goal against Arsenal in league matches at the Emirates for 537 minutes. But the day belonged to the Gunners.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hamburg 3-0 Borussia Dortmund: BVB embarrassed by Bundesliga strugglers

Borussia Dortmund's hopes of finishing second in the Bundesliga were dealt a huge blow after they were embarassed 3-0 by Hamburg.

With the hosts already leading 2-0 thanks to goals from Petr Jiracek and Pierre-Michel Lasogga, Calhanoglu lined up a 50-yard free-kick in stoppage time and sent an incredible dipping, swerving effort beyond Roman Weidenfeller into the top corner.It capped a perfect start to the new era at Hamburg, Slomka having taken over from Bert van Marwijk after the Dutchman had overseen a run of eight consecutive defeats in all competitions.

The result was a rude awakening for Dortmund, who came into the game on the back of four straight wins in all competitions and is a setback ahead of their Champions League tie with Zenit on Tuesday.Slomka rung the changes from Van Marwijk's last XI, who had lost at Eintracht Braunschweig, making six alterations with Rafael van der Vaart among those to miss out, though his absence was forced through torn ankle ligaments.

After a cagey opening, Jiracek had the first sight of goal in the 16th minute, cutting inside Lukasz Piszczek on the edge of the box before curling a tame shot straight into the arms of Roman Weidenfeller.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan saw a 25-yard effort deflected narrowly wide two minutes later, before Robert Lewandowski clipped the ball over the crossbar after being picked out by Marcel Schmelzer.

But it was the previously beleaguered hosts who went in front with half-time approaching as Lasogga somehow dug out a cross from the byline, and Jiracek stole in at the back post to head home.

Jurgen Klopp introduced Marco Reus at the break in a bid to provide Dortmund with greater penetration and the Germany international was involved immediately, sending an effort two yards wide within five minutes of the interval.Just before the hour, Lasogga doubled the advantage with his 11th goal of the season.

Calhanoglu robbed Nuri Sahin in the middle of the park, and Tolgay Arslan slipped the ball through to Lasogga, who ran clear on goal and coolly slotted beyond Weidenfeller.Rene Adler maintained the two-goal cushion, tipping away Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's volley before Heiko Westermann saw his header ruled out for a Slobodan Rajkovic push at a corner.

Adler had to be alert again in the 70th minute beating away substitute Marvin Ducksch's fierce drive, 60 seconds before brilliantly denying Lukasz Piszczek's header.

Calhanoglu's wonder effort, that swerved several directions to deceive Weidenfeller capped a marvellous outing for the hosts, as they picked up a vital boost in their bid to avoid a first-ever relegation from the Bundesliga.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea 1-0 Everton: Last-gasp Terry saves the day

John Terry claimed a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Premier League leaders Chelsea snatched a 1-0 win over Everton on Saturday.


Having dropped points at West Brom in their last top-flight fixture, Jose Mourinho's men looked set to be frustrated again by an Everton side that had presentable chances of their own.

However, a free-kick from Lampard - who is now up to joint-second on the all-time Premier League appearance list - found its way into the net late on as captain John Terry applied pressure to Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard to bundle home.
The goal sent Chelsea four points clear at the summit ahead, with Arsenal and Manchester City both taking part Saturday's later fixtures.

Everton, whose last league win at Chelsea came in 1994, remain sixth but have now suffered three successive away defeats to teams above them.

Leon Osman came closest to scoring in a first half short on goalmouth action, forcing Petr Cech into a sharp save from distance.Both goalkeepers were required to make impressive stops after the interval before Lampard had the final say.A fit-again Terry, back from a muscle strain, replaced David Luiz in Chelsea's team, while Lampard and Oscar were also recalled.

Steven Naismith - scorer of the only goal in September's return fixture - was drafted into Everton's side at short notice when Lacina Traore picked up a hamstring injury in the warm-up.

Willian dragged a low shot wide as the hosts started brightly, but Everton soon settled, enjoying prolonged spells of possession, and almost moved ahead in the 12th minute.Naismith laid the ball into Osman's path 25 yards out and the midfielder's powerful first-time shot forced a fine one-handed save from Cech.

Chelsea gradually improved prior to the interval and visiting keeper Howard needed to be alert to deny Samuel Eto'o after the forward had made space for himself inside the penalty area.Everton's Kevin Mirallas then wasted a fine opportunity just before half-time, scuffing a shot into Naismith having been given space on the edge of the box.

Chelsea, with Ramires having replaced Oscar, came out for the second period with renewed purpose and Lampard tested Howard following a neat pass from Eden Hazard.Yet Everton refused to lie down and Osman brought another good save from Cech on 58 minutes with a deflected strike that the keeper did well to parry past his left-hand post.

Not to be surpassed, Howard got down to deny Hazard before springing to his feet to keep out Branislav Ivanovic's close-range follow-up.Ramires almost broke the deadlock in the 89th minute with a fizzing 25-yarder that flew narrowly wide, but it mattered little as he then helped Chelsea secure a precious winner at the death.

The Brazilian drew a foul from Phil Jagielka on the hosts' left flank, and Frank Lampard's whipped, inswinging delivery was diverted past Howard by the slightest of touches from the Chelsea captain. The centre-back hurled himself at the ball and did just enough to nudge it home from only a couple of yards out.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hamburg deserved win - Klopp

Jurgen Klopp was magnanimous in defeat following Borussia Dormund's 3-0 defeat to Hamburg in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

In Mirko Slomka's first game in charge, the hosts put on a sparkling display, taking the lead three minutes before half-time thanks to Petr Jiracek's header.

Pierre-Michel Lasogga doubled the advantage on 58 minutes, before a 50-yard wonder-strike from Hakan Calhanoglu in stoppage-time put the seal on an emphatic Hamburg victory.

"Congratulations to Hamburg for a well deserved victory," said Klopp."We wanted to change everything at half-time. We changed the system and we were more lively."Hamburg fought, we also fought, but ultimately we have not done enough to bring something away here.

"It was a very modest game for us."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Crystal Palace 0-2 Manchester United: Van Persie & Rooney get visitors back to winning ways

Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney both struck in the second half as Manchester United beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Both sides were level at the break but Van Persie converted a 62nd-minute penalty before Rooney, who had just signed a bumper new deal at Old Trafford, doubled the visitors' lead six minutes later.

The result moves David Moyes' side level on points with the Scot's former side, Everton, with United moving ahead in the Premier League table on goal difference.

Rooney pledged his long-term future to the Old Trafford club by agreeing a new five-and-a-half-year deal on Friday and he showed his value to the champions with his 12th goal of the season in all competitions 24 hours later as United ended their three-match winless run.

For Tony Pulis' Palace, the defeat ends their run of three straight top-flight wins at home and keeps them firmly in the relegation picture.

Adnan Januzaj - part of a front four that also included Rooney, Van Persie and Juan Mata - threatened early on for the visitors, dragging a shot wide of Speroni's left-hand post.

And United enjoyed the better of the opening 15 minutes, keeping the ball well but failing to get in behind Palace until Januzaj jinked past Joel Ward - with the help of an arm - before firing home a strike that was ruled out by referee Michael Oliver.

But despite their array of attacking talent, Moyes' men struggled to break down a Palace side that came into the game unbeaten at home in the league this calendar year.

Rooney saw his delivery cleared off the line by Damien Delaney before Nemanja Vidic's follow-up flew over the crossbar.

At the other end, David De Gea was called into action just before the half-hour mark, getting down to his right to save Ward's deflected header.

Marouane Fellaini, making his first appearance since December, wasted an ideal opportunity to hand Moyes’ men a half-time lead but he curled his effort over the crossbar after a burst into the penalty area.

Jason Puncheon could also have done better with Glenn Murray's knockdown after the break - with the former Southampton man only managing a tame effort that De Gea easily smothered.

Murray then went close with an acrobatic effort just before the hour but, when Van Persie coolly fired home from the spot after 62 minutes, it took the wind out of Palace's sails somewhat.

The Dutchman swept home his spot-kick, after Chamakh had clumsily taken out Patrice Evra in the area, before Rooney doubled United's lead with 22 minutes remaining.

After Evra's cross sat up nicely for him, Rooney cut across the ball, diverting it past Speroni and into the Argentinian's top left-hand corner.

The England international's goal put the gloss on a much-needed United victory and serves Moyes' men as ideal preparation for their Champions League clash with Olympiakos on Tuesday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid 3-0 Elche: Madrid heap pressure on Barcelona

Real Madrid brushed off the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo to move top of La Liga after beating Elche 3-0 thanks to goals from Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Isco.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men started the match with purpose, but after spurning a couple of early opportunities, creatively they looked short of ideas.

Ronaldo had initially been included in their squad after a second appeal against the red card he picked up at Athletic Bilbao, but his attempt to fight the ban was ultimately unsuccessful again.

Just after the half-hour mark, Asier Illarramendi scored his first La Liga goal for Madrid with a deflected strike, but they had to wait until the final 20 minutes for their second as Elche were at last undone by a stunning strike from Bale.

Substitute Isco completed the scoring with a finish from a tight angle in the final 10 minutes and Real’s 15th-consecutive home win all competitions keeps them firmly in the hunt at the top of the table.

Jese Rodriguez continued in Ronaldo's absence and Illarramendi replaced the suspended Luka Modric, while Elche named an all-Spanish starting line-up.

The hosts unsurprisingly tried to take the initiative early on and Karim Benzema was quick to force Manu Herrera into an important stop, tipping the Frenchman's low drive around his right-hand post.

Soon after in the 10th minute, Angel Di Maria went even closer directly from a corner as Herrera misjudged the flight of his delivery, but luckily for Elche the crossbar came to their rescue.

Real struggled to break their visitors down and although Jese fired just wide from the edge of the area, it was by no means a clear-cut opportunity.

After that fairly stagnant spell, Real eventually took the lead 34 minutes in. Benzema won a corner despite appearing to be offside and from the resulting set-piece Illarramendi's half-volley from 20 yards deflected off Manu del Moral on its way to goal.
Real found it even harder to break down their visitors in the second half. Ancelotti’s men dominated possession, but chances were few and far between at both ends of the pitch.

Bale summed up his under-par hour in the 61st minute as he charged down the right in an encouraging move, cut into the area and then blasted the ball high into the stands as their supporters groaned.

However he showed his true quality 11 minutes later. After being gifted space by the Elche midfield 30 yards from goal, the Wales star hammered a ferocious effort in off the crossbar.

Isco added a third for good measure in the 81st minute as he controlled Benzema’s pass in the area and squeezed a well-placed shot past Herrera from an acute angle.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rustu: Ter Stegen is no Valdes

Rustu Recber has questioned the credentials of Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and says he is not yet at the level of the man he is expected to replace at Barcelona - Victor Valdes.

Valdes will depart Camp Nou when his contract expires in June and the Blaugrana have confirmed their interest in the young German after he turned down the offer of a new deal with his current employers.

But former Barca keeper Rustu fears the move could come too soon for the 21-year-old and says very few German stoppers are successful in La Liga.

He told The Network Radio: "Ter Stegen is not at the level of Valdes. Besides none of the German goalkeepers have been successful in Spain.

"I met with Valdes when he was very young. At the time he seemed a bit crazy but he has matured into a very good and experienced goalkeeper. I would advise him to continue at Barca."

Rustu then gave his thoughts on the attributes required to be a success between the posts for the current Barcelona side.

"You need to be good with the ball at your feet and have good technique on the ball."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

I see Tevez more than my girlfriend - Llorente

Fernando Llorente says he spends more time with Juventus team-mate Carlos Tevez than his own girlfriend after striking up a firm friendship with the Argentine.

Both players joined the Bianconeri last summer, from Athletic Bilbao and Manchester City respectively and have slowly begun to form a potent on-field partnership in Turin.

Their understanding on the pitch has been aided by a blossoming bond between the pair and Llorente admits although they are very different, they could not get on better.

The 28-year-old told Tuttosport: "We are both very different, but perhaps you need this to form a beautiful partnership. He is more aggressive than me, moves more, is smaller, you can see his desire to impress and score goals.

"Off the field me and Tevez hang out a lot. We both are very family orientated, he has his wife and children, I have my girlfriend and parents when they come and see me.

"The fact remains that between training sessions I spend more time with Tevez than I do my own girlfriend."

Together, the two strikers have helped fire Juventus to a nine-point lead at the top of Serie A, with Llorente on 12 goals and Tevez 14 - as the Spaniard eyes clinching silverware in his maiden season at the club.

"Our goal is to help the team win the ch

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Vidal plays down Real Madrid link: I want to win more titles at Juventus

Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal insists he wants to stay at the club to win more trophies - despite the reported interest of Real Madrid in his services.

The Chile international has been in sensational form for the Bianconeri this season, scoring 16 goals in all competitions for the Serie A leaders.

Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is believed to have made a move for Vidal his priority in the summer transfer window but, despite admitting earlier this week that interest from los Blancos was "flattering", the 26-year-old has reiterated his desire to remain in Turin.

"I want to complete all my objectives, and to do so with Juventus," he told Radio Cooperativa. "I work day after day at Juve to give everything on the pitch.

"Even if there is interest from Real Madrid, I continue to work hard here and hope to achieve all my goals.

"In Turin, my family and I feel at home. I still want to win so much with Juventus."

Despite the club season reaching a pivotal point as Juventus continue to challenge for both the Scudetto and Europa League, Vidal already has one eye on this summer's World Cup - a tournament in which he believes a youthful Chile side can pull off a few surprises.

"I'm preparing to be 100 per cent ready for Brazil. It will be a very difficult competition, but we are a good team with young players who dream of doing great things," he added.

"It will be important to arrive in our best shape."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pellegrini: Dzeko & Negredo had bad days

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini backed Edin Dzeko and Alvaro Negredo despite admitting they had a "bad day" in their 1-0 win over Stoke City on Saturday.

Yaya Toure struck the only goal of the game while forwards Alvaro Negredo and Edin Dzeko incurred the wrath of the home supporters with lacklustre displays in front of goal.

Dzeko was arguably the least impressive of the pair as he failed to convert a Jesus Navas cross from two yards in the second period, but Pellegrini professed no surprise in seeing his strikers go through lean spells.

"I think it is normal during the season for a striker to lose his scoring touch," he told reporters after the game.

"I trust in all of them and I am sure they will recover their normal performance.

"I think that every player can have a bad day, and Edin did today. Maybe he was nervous after he missed that chance but I trust in him. Alvaro Negredo is also recovering from an injury, so sometimes these things happen."

Pellegrini's attacking options could be handed a boost ahead of Sunday's Capital One Cup final as he revealed Sergio Aguero will return to full training on Tuesday, though Steven Jovetic could miss out after pulling up just 15 minutes after appearing as a substitute.

"Sergio will start working with the whole squad on Tuesday" he added. "We will see during the week if he is fit and ready for the match on Sunday."

"Jovetic felt cramp in his hamstring and we will now see what the doctor says."

Despite not being at their best, Pellegrini was pleased that his side were able to get over the line against the Potters in what is the Blues' last league match for three weeks.

"I think that we didn't create many chances as Stoke defended very well. They had their whole team behind the ball and in the box, but we had the patience to finally score.

"Also we had the concentration, especially from set-pieces and at the second ball, to keep our clean sheet.

"The satisfaction is the same [as winning by many goals] because we have another three points. It is important to know how to win in both ways."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger: Rosicky was our Bergkamp

rsene Wenger has likened Tomas Rosicky's virtuoso performance in Arsenal's 4-1 win over Sunderland to that of Gunners legend Dennis Bergkamp.

The influential Czech playmaker netted a contender for goal of the season on Saturday afternoon, with his clever dinked finish the culmination of a sequence of flicks and first-times passes.

Bergkamp, who spent 11 seasons in north London, was in attendance at Emirates Stadium for the unveiling of a statue in his honour and Wenger is sure the Dutchman would have enjoyed Rosicky's display.

"I think we scored two great Arsenal goals. One of them being scored by Olivier Giroud, one of them by Rosicky," the French manager told reporters.

"I am very pleased for Rosicky, because today Bergkamp got the statue and I think Rosicky took on the role of Bergkamp today, because he scored a goal as well.

"Certainly Dennis would have been pleased to see him play."

Giroud netted twice before Rosicky grabbed Arsenal's third of the game on the stroke of half-time, with Laurent Koscielny also getting on the scoresheet – though Emanuele Giaccherini netted late on to end a run of 537 minutes without conceding a league goal at the Emirates.

After the disappointment of losing 2-0 to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Wenger felt his side's convincing and comfortable win was the perfect tonic to a difficult week.

"We had a very demanding week, physically and mentally and we gave the right response today," continued the Arsenal boss.

"Against Bayern Munich, the target was to have a good performance and a good result. We had a good performance but were very frustrated with the result.

"But we had to transfer the positives from that game, and the belief, and overall we believe we'll still have a go at Bayern and we have shown today we are capable of responding."

Wenger confirmed that Koscielny picked up a back problem, Jack Wilshere has a tight hamstring and Nacho Monreal has injured his foot – though all three are expected to be available for next week.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Terry wants new Chelsea deal

Chelsea captain John Terry has confirmed his eagerness to sign a new contract with the Premier League leaders.

Terry was involved in late drama at Stamford Bridge on Saturday as Chelsea claimed a precious 1-0 win over Everton.

The fit-again centre-half challenged Tim Howard from a late Frank Lampard free kick and saw the ball find the net, with confusion surrounding who actually got the goal.

Terry, whose current contract expires at the end of the season, subsequently confirmed he is keen to remain with the club he first represented in 1998.

"I certainly hope I can stay. You'll have to ask the club that question - I can't answer for them," the 33-year-old told BT Sport.

Meanwhile, the Chelsea skipper was under no illusions as to how important the winning goal was against Roberto Martinez's men.

"Recently dropping points away to West Brom, it's important to pick up three points at home," he said.

"We're top of the league and sitting well. It's down to the others now to catch us.

"[It was a] great ball from Lamps, just managed to get a touch on it and I think it came off Howard in the end as well but [I'm] delighted with the win and the three points.

"They made it quite difficult but they're a very good side and playing well under Martinez and it was a tough game today."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Late goal the perfect tonic for Mourinho

Jose Mourinho believed his Chelsea side atoned for their recent draw at West Brom by claiming a late winner against Everton.

The Premier League leaders were held to a 1-1 draw at The Hawthorns in their previous top-flight fixture as Victor Anichebe popped up with an 87th-minute equaliser for the struggling hosts.Chelsea looked set to drop points again on Saturday as Roberto Martinez's Everton held firm at Stamford Bridge while creating opportunities of their own.

Yet Mourinho's men made a vital breakthrough in injury-time, fit-again captain John Terry being credited with the goal after challenging Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard from a Frank Lampard free-kick.

Reflecting on his side's dramatic triumph, Mourinho said: "The feeling when you lose points in the last minutes, like we lost two points against West Brom, is a bad feeling. When you win it's the opposite. It's basically a compensation of the points we lost against West Brom.

"'For the last 15 minutes we were strong; we created; we pressed; we dominated. When you score (a late goal) you can speak about luck ... but the reality is the boys chased that.

"A point for them (Everton) is good. A point for us is not good, and in the end maybe we deserved it."Chelsea's triumph ensured that they will finish the weekend as they started it: at the top of the Premier League table.

With Arsenal and Manchester City both in action after his side this weekend, Mourinho was delighted to have tasted success."It was a very difficult match. In periods one team was dominant and the other team had to play well very defensively to cope with that," the Portuguese added.

"If we get a draw, I think in a couple of hours we are third in the table (Chelsea could actually only slip to second, although City have a game in hand). This is the reality in this competition."Every victory keeps us there (at the top of the table). Every defeat or draw, we lose a position.

"Of course it's a good feeling to win in the end. We have some limitations, that's obvious, but the team was fantastic."One negative for Chelsea was an injury that forced Oscar to be withdrawn at half-time.

"He said he could cope with the pain, there was no risk to make it worse, but he couldn't," Mourinho explained.