..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Tottenham 0-0 Manchester United: Profligate Red Devils held by Spurs

Wasteful finishing and some fine saves from Hugo Lloris ensured Manchester United had to settle for a goalless draw at Tottenham on Sunday.

Tottenham were indebted to goalkeeper Lloris in the first half in particular as United had the better of a frenetic Premier League clash at White Hart Lane.

Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao ought to have beaten the France international on at least one occasion as Louis van Gaal's side stretched their unbeaten run to nine matches, but had to settle for a second successive draw away from home.

A point for United ensured they will head into 2015 in third place, with a trip to Stoke City to come on New Year's Day.

Tottenham, who are now unbeaten in their last five games against United, had won their previous four games in all competitions, but failed to do enough to extend that run despite raising their game in the second half.

Andros Townsend made only his second Premier League start of the season as Mauricio Pochettino opted for four changes to the Tottenham side that won at Leicester City.

United – who named an unchanged line-up for a league match for the first time in more than two years – took charge after a frantic start and Falcao should have done better when Juan Mata played him in, but the Colombia striker got the ball stuck under his feet and his tame effort was comfortably saved by Lloris.

Mata's deflected free-kick struck the post and some great defending from Vlad Chiriches denied Van Persie the chance to tuck home the rebound after 21 minutes.

Lloris then got a fingertip to Phil Jones' close-range header, but failed to divert the ball away from goal and Tottenham were relieved to see the linesman's flag up for offside when Jan Vertonghen was unable to prevent the ball from crossing the line with an acrobatic clearance.

United continued to cause Tottenham problems and Lloris rescued the hosts when Van Persie showed great technique to control Michael Carrick's fine ball over the top, but the Netherlands striker took one touch too many and the Frenchman denied him.

The busy Lloris kept out another Falcao effort, a Wayne Rooney header and Ashley Young's measured right-foot strike before half-time as United dominated, but were unable to edge in front.

Van Gaal made a substitution at the break, with Rafael da Silva replacing the injured Antonio Valencia, and Van Persie had another great chance to put them in front nine minutes into the second half, but volleyed over the crossbar after Mata picked him out.

A scrappy period of play ensued before Townsend picked up a loose ball and let fly with a vicious strike from long range that was well gathered by David de Gea.

United could have been out of sight if they had been more composed in front of goal and Mata blazed wildly over the bar from 10 yards out after 68 minutes when Rafael cut the ball back to the Spain midfielder.

De Gea got down well to smother Federico Fazio's left-footed shot following some uncertain United defending 18 minutes from time as the opening goal remained elusive.

The Spain goalkeeper comfortably palmed away Christian Eriksen's free-kick and Ryan Mason blazed over the bar after great work from Harry Kane eight minutes from time as Tottenham finished strongly, but were unable to snatch a winner.

 

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Aparade ada Tottenham match 1ka

Score karanna thibba chances godak miss karagattha & 68th minute Mata ge goal attempt 1ken passe kalin thibba attacking playing style 1ka nathi unaOnna oka nathi karaganna wenawa Top 4 finish 1ka balaporotthu wenna nam

Good Luck Manchester United​

 

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Southampton 1-1 Chelsea: Saints dig deep to deny Hazard and Co

Southampton held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at St Mary's Stadium on Sunday afternoon, but the Blues will finish the year on top of the Premier League.

Jose Mourinho's men failed to hit their usual impeccable standards on the south coast, with Southampton displaying their top-four credentials in a battling display.

An upset appeared on the cards when Sadio Mane made the most of sloppy defending from Chelsea captain John Terry, recently promised a new deal by Mourinho, to race through and deftly lift over Thibaut Courtois for his second goal in as many matches.

However, a moment of brilliance from Eden Hazard shortly before the break levelled proceedings, as he curled home his seventh league goal of the campaign.

Chelsea pushed hard for a winner after the break and felt hard done by when Cesc Fabregas was booked for simulation despite being tripped by Matt Targett.

But Mourinho's side had to settle for a point - despite an 88th-minute red card for Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin.

A draw ensures Chelsea will top the pile going into 2015, while Southampton hit back at their sceptics after recent defeats to Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United.

Dusan Tadic, one of four Southampton changes from the 3-1 beating of Crystal Palace on Boxing Day, tested the water early with a shot from distance that went well wide.

The Serbia winger then played an influential role as the hosts moved ahead in the 16th minute.

His expertly dinked through ball caught Terry flat-footed and the Chelsea skipper was left trailing in Mane's wake as the Senegal winger sprung the offside trap and kept his cool to lift the ball over Courtois.

Chelsea made just three alterations to the team that beat West Ham on Friday and did not take long to showcase their talent, dominating the majority of possession, but they were uncharacteristically wasteful in the final third.

However, the visitors restored parity on the stroke of half-time with a fine finish from Hazard.

Creator-in-chief Fabregas showed great vision to play a delicate chip into the path of the Belgian in the left channel, and he promptly cut inside international team-mate Toby Alderweireld before bending a fierce shot into the far corner.

Fabregas was again involved 10 minutes after the break when he was tripped inside the penalty area by teenage full-back Targett – making his first league start in place of Chelsea loanee Ryan Bertrand – but referee Anthony Taylor deemed it a dive and booked the incredulous Spaniard.

The visitors continued to press and Fabregas once again teed up Hazard on the hour but this time he flashed wide of the right-hand post, while Didier Drogba was introduced to add muscle to Chelsea's attack.

However, for all the visitors' pressure a clear-cut opportunity never materialised and even when Schneiderlin received a second yellow card and subsequent red for hacking down Fabregras on the half-way line Chelsea could not find a way through, missing the chance to keep daylight between themselves and Manchester City.

 

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Manchester City 2-2 Burnley: Champions let Chelsea off the hook

Manuel Pellegrini's Manchester City threw away a two-goal advantage to draw 2-2 at home to Burnley.

City were on course for a club-record 10th consecutive victory in all competitions that would have seen them move to within a point of Premier League leaders Chelsea, who drew with Southampton earlier in the day.

However, after George Boyd pulled one back, Barnes completed a memorable comeback for Sean Dyche's side, who were 2-0 down at half-time thanks to strikes from David Silva and Fernandinho at the Etihad Stadium.

Burnley had offered signs of promise in the opening exchanges, but City's dominance in possession came to fruition when Silva opened the scoring 23 minutes in.

The Spaniard's fifth goal in as many Premier League games was soon followed by an impressive second from Fernandinho 10 minutes later as the home side appeared out of sight.

However, Burnley had a lifeline early in the second half as Boyd converted from close range, despite appearing offside, and the fightback was complete when Barnes fired home from inside the area nine minutes from time.

It could prove a vital point for strugglers Burnley, while City boss Manuel Pellegrini - again without skipper Vincent Kompany following a hamstring injury - was left to rue a missed opportunity to keep the pressure on Chelsea.While Jason Shackell was required to block Martin Demichelis' goalbound effort after five minutes, Burnley acquitted themselves well early on.

However, City continued to dominate possession and were almost ahead when James Milner scooped Jesus Navas' delivery over the crossbar.

Unchanged Burnley enjoyed their best spell of the half as Kieran Trippier's delivery evaded Barnes before Dean Marney stung the palms of Joe Hart from the edge of the area after 19 minutes.

A flash of City's quality enabled them to grab the lead, however, as Navas' cutback found Silva, who turned smartly and fired past Tom Heaton at the near post.The playmaker's recent form has helped City cope with the continued absence of Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero, with Fernandinho - starting ahead of the rested Yaya Toure - getting in on the act shortly after the half-hour mark.

The Brazilian midfielder was afforded too much time and space by the Burnley defence and responded by curling a stunning strike in off the crossbar from the edge of the area to open his account for the season.

Dyche's mood will have been lifted a minute after the interval when Boyd diverted Danny Ings' cross home to give the visitors hope. Ings almost got on the end of Barnes' throughball shortly after, but failed to get it under control.And, just when it seemed as though City would see the game out, Barnes drew Burnley level.

The winger half-volleyed his fourth Premier League goal of the season when City failed to clear a free-kick to gain his side a reward for their spirited second-half showing, halting the hosts' momentum in the process.

For City, it represents the first time they have failed to beat a newly-promoted side at home since November 2009, when they were held 3-3 by Burnley.

 

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West Ham 1-2 Arsenal: Welbeck's winner keeps Gunners in top four hunt

Two goals on the stroke of half-time gave Arsenal a 2-1 win over West Ham at Upton Park on Sunday afternoon.

Santi Cazorla first netted from the penalty spot in the 41st minute before Danny Welbeck converted Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s cross just three minutes later.

Cheikhou Kouyate sparked hopes of a superb comeback with a second-half header but the visitors held on to take all three points from the London derby.

The result sees Arsenal go fifth, two points clear of West Ham, who now sit sixth.

Alex Song returned to captain West Ham against his former club, as Allardyce made five changes to the side that lost 2-0 at Chelsea on Friday, and the midfielder had the ball in the back of the net after five minutes.

The former Gunner lashed home from 25 yards when the ball fell to him from a corner, but the effort was ruled out after the linesman deemed Diafra Sakho to be in an offside position on the edge of the six-yard box.

Arsenal, who made three changes from their 2-1 win over QPR, struggled to find their feet in the early stages, and West Ham had appeals for a penalty waved away soon after the disallowed goal when Sakho went down under the challenge of Mathieu Debuchy.

Alexis twice went close as the visitors improved but James Tomkins squandered a golden opportunity to mark his 200th West Ham appearance with a goal when he lifted the ball over the crossbar from a Stewart Downing cross.

He was soon made to rue that miss, when a falling Reid caught Cazorla as he charged into the penalty area – the Spaniard burying the resulting spot-kick in the bottom left-hand corner of the net.

Arsenal made it two just three minutes later, with Welbeck sliding in to convert an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain cross after a neat passing move.

Carroll headed narrowly over as West Ham looked to reduce the deficit at the beginning of the second half, but Kouyate had more success in the 54th minute as he nodded in off the head of Debuchy from a Tomkins cross.

Adrian got down brilliantly to his left to prevent Cazorla re-establishing the two-goal advantage soon after, before Reid tested Wojciech Szczesny with an improvised effort from 25 yards at the other end.

Welbeck came close to a brace when he drilled wide after charging down the left wing, and Adrian was forced into excellent saves from Oxlade-Chamberlain and Alexis late on.

Wenger will be grateful to come away from Upton Park with the three points, though, as his side were forced to cope with sustained injury-time pressure from the home side, culminating in Enner Valencia heading just over shortly before the final whistle.

 

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Aston Villa 0-0 Sunderland: Delph sees red in goalless draw

Fabian Delph was sent off as Aston Villa drew 0-0 with Sunderland at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon.

The England midfielder was shown a straight red card by referee Martin Atkinson for a late challenge on Jordi Gomez just four minutes into the second half.

It was the third time in the last four Premier League games that Paul Lambert's side had been reduced to 10 men, but Sunderland were unable to make the most of their numerical advantage.

Gus Poyet's side had their chances after Delph's dismissal, with Gomez striking the post late on, but Villa dug deep and showed plenty of character as they held on for a point.

Villa's lack of goals will be a concern for Lambert, as his side have only found the back of the net 11 times in 19 top-flight games, while Sunderland have won just one of their last nine matches.

Andreas Weimann was recalled to the Villa starting line-up to replace the suspended Gabriel Agbonlahor, while Charles N'Zogbia started at the expense of Jores Okore.

Sunderland striker Connor Wickham returned from suspension, with Wes Brown and Liam Bridcutt also starting as Ricky Alvarez, Lee Cattermole and Sebastian Coates dropped to the bench.

Bridcutt lasted only 18 minutes, though, as he was replaced by Cattermole after failing to recover from a collision with Christian Benteke.

Wickham has scored only two Premier League goals this season, but the striker was clearly not short of confidence as he tried his luck with a curling effort that flashed wide of the far post shortly after.

Both sides lacked quality in the final third, but N'Zogbia forced Costel Pantilimon into a good save when he cut in from the right.

Weimann then failed to punish Sunderland when they lost possession in their own half, dragging a poor finish wide of the far post with his left foot.

There was finally a talking point in an uneventful match early in the second half, when Delph was given his marching orders by referee Atkinson for a poorly timed tackle on Gomez.

Villa were then forced to retreat, and Wickham somehow failed to open the scoring after 67 minutes following a goalmouth scramble as Villa struggled to get out of their own half.

Wickham was almost punished as Jack Grealish broke quickly, but his side-footed finish was just wide of the far post and Pantilimon then produced a fine save to keep out a Vlaar header as Villa attempted to snatch a winner.

Gomez rattled the post and Pantilimon denied Leandro Bacuna before Benteke headed into the side-netting in stoppage time in a dramatic finale, but neither side could take all three points.

 

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Stoke City 2-0 West Brom: Pressure mounts on Irvine

A Mame Biram Diouf brace helped Stoke earn back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time this term in Sunday's 2-0 scalp of West Brom.

Mark Hughes' men had failed to string together consecutive top-flight wins this season before West Brom's visit and although the away side will count themselves unlucky not to have earned a share of the spoils, Diouf's second-half double ultimately proved decisive.

Brown Ideye, Chris Brunt and Craig Gardner all went close for the visitors in a keenly contested first half, while the in-form Bojan Krkic showed flashes of his ability in attack for Stoke.The hosts appeared considerably more focused at the start of the second half and Diouf broke the deadlock six minutes after the break.

Gareth McAuley nearly drew West Brom level when he hit the post with 65 minutes on the clock and Stoke capitalised on that let-off, securing victory through a fortuitous Diouf goal shortly after, increasing the pressure on the visiting coach Alan Irvine.

Supporters were treated to a frenetic opening at the Britannia Stadium, though the home side took a little longer to settle, despite Hughes making just the one change from Friday's 1-0 win at Everton – replacing Jonathan Walters with Peter Crouch.
Ideye, one of four brought in after the 3-1 defeat to Manchester City, wasted West Brom's first chance inside 60 seconds as he raced on to a long ball and blazed over the crossbar.

Stoke unsurprisingly began to look more dangerous going forward once Bojan started to get involved and the Spaniard almost put the hosts ahead in the 14th minute, sending an effort agonisingly wide of the bottom-left corner from 20 yards.West Brom remained threatening as the evasive movement of Ideye and Stephane Sessegnon started to cause Stoke plenty of problems at the back.

And both were involved seven minutes before the break as a fine West Brom move ended with Brunt blasting a fierce left-footed effort just off target from 30 yards, much to the relief of goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

Stoke seemed to begin the second period with renewed urgency and Diouf opened the scoring in the 51st minute, slotting past Ben Foster after producing a clever first touch to take him away from the defenders before finishing from 12 yards out.

West Brom almost pulled one back through McAuley with 25 minutes to go, but the defender prodded against the woodwork amid a goalmouth scramble and Stoke made them pay just a few moments later.Marko Arnautovic's wayward effort from outside the area struck Diouf which subsequently deceivied the helpless Foster, who could only watch as the ball rolled into the net.

West Brom desperately poured men forward during the final 15 minutes, but their attackers appeared bereft of ideas and Stoke ultimately cruised to the win, ending 2014 in victorious fashion.

 

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Hull City 0-1 Leicester City: Mahrez strike eases pressure on Pearson

Leicester City ended their three-month wait for a Premier League win as Riyad Mahrez fired them to a 1-0 victory over Hull City on Sunday.

Mahrez picked up the ball 20 yards from goal just after the half-hour mark and netted his second league goal of the season past Allan McGregor.

Hull had started well but wasted the few openings they were able to create, and Mahrez punished them in a scrappy first half.

Steve Bruce made three attacking changes in the second half to try and get his side back into the game, however they were unable to turn possession into goals despite Paul Konchesky's late red card.

Leicester, who were twice saved by the post, absorbed all Hull could throw at them before Stephen Quinn was also given his marching orders for handball in stoppage time as Nigel Pearson picked up a first win at his former club since leaving them in 2011.

The victory marked bottom club's Leicester's first since their memorable 5-3 win over Manchester United in September – a run of 13 games – and moves them to within three points of safety, with the Tigers one of three sides firmly in their sights as pressure grows on Bruce.

Jake Livermore returned for the suspended James Chester in Hull's only change from their Boxing Day win at Sunderland, while Leicester rotated their central midfield pairing with Esteban Cambiasso and Matty James coming in.

Sone Aluko, who was again deployed as a lone striker, caused trouble for the Leicester defence in the opening exchanges with his pace, and had the game's first chance after six minutes, but his curling effort from 20 yards was easily saved by Ben Hamer.

Further chances fell to Robbie Brady and Gaston Ramirez in the opening 20 minutes, but neither player was able to fully test Hamer.

Having started well, Hull were made to pay for their wastefulness as Mahrez fired Leicester in front after 32 minutes.

The Algerian collected a pass from David Nugent on the right, cut inside and – having beaten two Hull challenges – fired into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area.

Ahmed Elmohamady should have sent Hull into the break level in first-half stoppage time as he met a pinpoint cross from Quinn, but the right-back miscued his volley wide.

Hull introduced Nikica Jelavic, Abel Hernandez and Tom Ince early in the second half to try and inject more attacking flair to their game.

However, they continued to struggle to make inroads into the Leicester defence, with the visitors looking more of a threat on the counter-attack.

A swift move between Jeffrey Schlupp and Mahrez created a chance for substitute Chris Wood, only for the striker to volley over McGregor's crossbar.

Hull felt they had a way back into the game with 15 minutes to play as Hernandez's flick brushed Wes Morgan's arm inside the penalty area, but referee Phil Dowd waved away their appeals.

Bruce's side laid siege on the Leicester goal in the closing minutes but they were twice denied by the woodwork as Livermore and Hernandez struck the post.

Both sides were reduced to 10 men in the final minutes as Konchesky and Quinn were shown red, the latter's dismissal easing the pressure on Leicester after Hernandez skied an effort from four yards, providing a timely boost for Pearson and keeping Hull mired in the battle at the bottom.

 

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Newcastle 3-2 Everton: Clinical Colback helps Pardew return to winning ways

Newcastle United ended the year on a high as they came from behind to earn a 3-2 Premier League victory over Everton at St James' Park on Sunday.Papiss Cisse, Ayoze Perez and Jack Colback grabbed the goals to ensure Alan Pardew's men are sitting in the top 10 heading into 2015.
Both teams entered the game desperate to recapture their best form, with both sides having lost their last three league fixtures.

The visitors looked to be in pole position to bounce back as they flew out of the blocks, taking the lead thanks to a well-taken Arouna Kone goal after five minutes.
But Newcastle came back impressively and headed into the break level as Cisse, back in the XI as one of three alterations, found the net although he was extremely fortunate to be on the pitch after an elbow moments before his equaliser.That preceded an initially dominant second-half showing, with Perez and Colback putting Pardew's men in the ascendancy.

Substitute Kevin Mirallas set up a thrilling finale with a goal six minutes from time, yet Newcastle hung on to crank up the pressure on Everton boss Roberto Martinez.

Everton, having made seven changes due to a glut of injuries to the likes of Tim Howard and John Stones, flew out of the blocks and took the lead in just the fifth minute.Aiden McGeady's through-ball freed Seamus Coleman and the right-back sent in an inch-perfect cross that Kone side-footed beyond Jak Alnwick expertly.

Moussa Sissoko was again looking the most threatening Newcastle player, although he was undone by a poor first touch after being put in on goal by Cisse's lovely cushioned header.That opening did, though, herald an improvement from the hosts as they pressed hard for a leveller.

Newcastle were lucky not to be reduced to 10 men in the 29th minute, however, as Cisse avoided punishment despite appearing to elbow Coleman to the ground.
And the striker took full advantage of his good fortune to haul Newcastle level five minutes later.

Cheick Tiote sent in a lovely cross to the back post and, after Mike Williamson had cleverly sidefooted the ball down, Cisse slotted a superb volley into the net - showing great tecnique as the ball dropped behind him.Everton introduced Ross Barkley at the interval in an attempt to spark a change in momentum but the home side quickly picked up where they left off.

Sissoko was again at the centre of their best work, sending in a superb cross that was poked goalward by Yoan Gouffran - only to be denied by a fine Joel Robles save.Yet the home side did not have to wait much longer to move ahead, Perez producing a cool finish after being slid in by the impressive Tiote.

Everton almost found a way back into the game from nowhere in the 64th minute, only for Samuel Eto'o to blaze over having been picked out by a fine Leighton Baines pass.But their hopes were dashed in the 68th minute when Colback netted in a Newcastle shirt for the first time.

Barkley was at fault, making a wayward touch at an attempt to control Daryl Janmaat's ball and leaving the midfielder clean through. Colback subsequently produced a superb finish, deftly poking the ball between the legs of Robles and into the net.It looked like there may be a late twist when Baines' superb throughball set up Mirallas' cool chipped finish.

But despite the Belgian going close with a 25-yard free-kick, Newcastle - who almost grabbed a fourth when Perez rattled the post - took all three points.

 

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QPR 0–0 Crystal Palace: Eagles hold on for a point without Warnock

QPR and managerless Crystal Palace battled their way to a 0-0 draw at Loftus Road.

Keith Millen took caretaker charge of the side after Neil Warnock's dismissal, and his side had the better of the chances in the first half with Jason Puncheon's well-struck drive from 20 yards only denied by the left-hand post.

The draw moves Palace to one point away from safety, while Harry Redknapp's side climb to 15th.

A stubborn Palace defence kept Harry Redknapp's side at bay on Sunday as the London rivals claimed what could prove to be a valuable point apiece in their respective battles to avoid relegation.

Palace co-chairman Steve Parish demanded a response from the club's players after the sacking of Warnock 24 hours previously, but neither side were able to make an impact over the course of a low-quality first half, although the visitors almost took the lead through Jason Puncheon.

QPR had the better of proceedings after half-time, with Leroy Fer going close with two audacious strikes, while Palace continued to provide a threat.James McArthur made a terrific goal-line clearance from a Steven Caulker header, but both teams had to settle for a share of the spoils. The point sees QPR leapfrog above West Brom, while Palace remain in the bottom three.

Redknapp made a bold six changes to the QPR side dispatched 2-1 by 10-man Arsenal on Boxing Day, with Rio Ferdinand dropping back to the bench and replaced by Richard Dunne.

Millen, taking temporary charge of Palace for a third time, replaced the injured Fraizer Campbell with Wilfried Zaha in the visitors' only change, and both sides struggled to impose themselves during a cagey opening period.

In-form forward Charlie Austin went close after 15 minutes, testing Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni with a rasping volley from the edge of the box in QPR's first meaningful attack.

Redknapp's men have the Premier League's worst defensive record so far in 2014-15, having conceded 34 times, and that backline was carved open six minutes later when Puncheon almost put the visitors ahead with a delightful left-footed strike that hit the post.

Palace continued to look dangerous on the counter attack, with Yannick Bolasie and Zaha both prominent, while veteran QPR defender Clint Hill was perhaps lucky to escape a red card following a reckless lunge on Adrian Mariappa.

The hosts came out strong after the restart and Fer fired an ambitious volley just wide of the upright from an acute angle after latching onto a floated cross.Bolasie still proved a constant presence for Palace, but QPR continued to press, with Fer linking up play well in central areas.

And it was the Dutch midfielder who caused havoc again when he picked up the ball 30 yards out before unleashing a powerful drive that was destined for the top-right corner, but Speroni reacted superbly to tip it over.But Palace were not be deterred and Bolasie should have tested Robert Green when, after doing brilliantly to latch onto a long ball from the back and shake off Mauricio Isla, the skilful winger delayed his shot, allowing Dunne to intervene.

Redknapp introduced Eduardo Vargas and Matt Phillips as QPR searched for a winner and they almost had it when Caulker rose well to meet Joey Barton's pin-point corner, but McArthur was well positioned to head clear off the line.

Junior Hoilett lashed wide as the final whistle approached, while Barton's quality set-piece deliveries put Palace under constant pressure, but the visitors held on to secure a well-earned point.

 

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Real Madrid move would be a step up - Lucas Silva

Cruzeiro star Lucas Silva has talked up a potential move to Real Madrid by admitting "anything could happen" in the January transfer window.

The Brazil Under-21 international has been linked with the Champions League winners for much of the last month, with Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti revealing his interest in the player on December 8.

Silva himself has made no attempt to hide his desire to move to Spain, but earlier this week Cruzeiro sporting director Alexandre Mattos revealed he had a "very firm talk" with the player over his loyalty to the club.

The 21-year-old appeared in the 'Neymar and Friends' charity friendly on Saturday and discussed his future in an interview with Globoesporte after the game.

He said: "I am expected back in work next month; there have been a lot of rumours and speculation regarding a possible move to Real Madrid. The winter transfer window isn’t open in Europe until January but once the market opens, anything can happen.

"I have my own objectives and challenges. It would be a dream and a step forward in my career."

The midfielder, who is due to report for pre-season training on January 7, was also quick to reaffirm his commitment to his current employers and insists he would never demand that Cruzeiro allow him to leave.

"We would have to reach an agreement which benefits me and Cruzeiro but I am happy where I am. I am in a marvellous team and I want to continue making history.

"When I say that the European transfer market isn’t open, I am referring to the speculation. A lot of stories are coming out in the press and I am getting a lot of questions about Real Madrid.

"All I can say is that there is nothing decided. I am a Cruzeiro player, I had a good season last year and anything might happen at a later date."

 

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I feel like an old table in the cellar - Klose

Miroslav Klose says he "feels like an old table thrown in the cellar" as he continues to struggle to win a starting berth at Lazio.

The striker has started just five games for the club in Serie A this season and though he maintains he won't seek a move in January, the former Germany striker stated his situation must change.

“I cannot say that I am satisfied with my playing time,” the 36-year-old said to Die Welt. “I renewed my contract because I want to play and believe I can help the team. In order to get into shape, I have to play at least two or three games in a row.

“If I keep coming on for under 45 minutes, then I’ll never achieve match fitness.It’s pointless like that. So far I have remained calm, but I would feel bad if I didn’t get more space at Lazio. I’d feel like an old table thrown in the cellar.

“Will I leave in January? No, absolutely not. I spoke to the coach and he knows what I want.”

Klose signed a three-year contract with Lazio upon joining the club in June 2011, with that deal set to expire at the end of the season.

 

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Inzaghi: AC Milan in talks with Atletico Madrid for Cerci

AC Milan boss Filippo Inzaghi has confirmed that the club are in talks with Atletico Madrid over signing Alessio Cerci.

The Italy international only joined the Spanish champions from Torino during the summer but has seen little game time for Diego Simeone's side.

Cerci has been repeatedly linked with a swift return to Serie A and Inzaghi has now admitted that he is hoping to acquire the versatile winger when the January transfer window opens.

"The negotiations for Cerci are well under way," the Rossoneri coach told reporters on Sunday.

Speculation is now rife that Cerci will move to Milan as part of a deal that will see Fernando Torres return to former club Atletico.

Torres initially arrived at San Siro on a two-year loan deal from Chelsea but the Rossoneri announced on Saturday that they had acquired full ownership of the striker.

However, Inzaghi intimated that the 30-year-old's future does not lie at San Siro, adding: "Torres has become a Milan player but when the market opens we'll see what happens."

Milan currently seventh in Serie A, but are just two points behind Lazio in third place.

 

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Capello slams hooligan element in Italian football

Fabio Capello has slammed Serie A's hooligan element for stunting the development of the Italian game.

The former AC Milan and Juventus boss, speaking at the Dubai International Sports Conference, was asked what is required to return Italy’s domestic league and national team to former glories.

The Russia coach criticised the quality of stadia in the country but also added that the attitude of some fans in the stands has to change in order for improvements to follow.

Capello said: “First of all, we must have more peaceful stadiums. I am against our hardcore supporters, against the hooligans.

“They don’t want to support a football team, they just want violence. We need more families in the grounds.

“We need to improve the stadiums, but there needs to be new ideas regarding marketing and technique and we need honest people as well.”

Ultras have remained a serious problem in Italy over the years, with players such as Mario Balotelli and Kevin Prince-Boateng having been infamously subjected to racial abuse, while the conduct of some supporters inside the grounds has led to games being played without visiting fans or behind closed doors.

 

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Real Madrid & Juventus do battle for top award

Real Madrid and Juventus are among the five European clubs on the shortlist for the prestigious Club of the Year award at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai.

The European champions, who secured La Decima in May, will be in Dubai to play AC Milan in a friendly on December 30 and Carlo Ancelotti and his key players are expected to attend the ceremony the day before at the luxurious Atlantis, The Palm resort.

Real Madrid and Italian champions Juventus are joined on the shortlist by Bayern Munich, Ajax and Basel.

Other categories in the annual awards - organised by Globe Soccer in conjunction with the ECA, the European Club Association, and the EFAA, the European Football Agents' Association - include Agent of the Year and Referee of the Year.

The nominations for Agent of the Year 2014 are Volker Struth, Pere Guardiola, Jorge Mendes and Giovanni Branchini.

The Referee of the Year 2014 shortlist includes Nicola Rizzoli (Italy), Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands), Alireza Faghani (Iran), Yuicihi Nishimura (Japan), Janny Sikazwe (Zambia) and Bakary Papa Gassama (Gambia).

Completing the list are Abdelkader Zitouni, Norbert Hauata (both Tahiti), Wilmar Alexander Roldan (Colombia), Sandro Meira Ricci (Brazil), Roberto Garcia and Marco Antonio Rodriguez (both Mexico).

All the winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony attended by influential football figures such as Michel Platini and Fabio Capello at the culmination of the Globe Soccer Conference on December 29.

 

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Dunga: I voted for Ronaldo to win Ballon d'Or

Brazil boss Dunga has revealed he voted for Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo to win the 2014 Ballon d'Or.

Ronaldo, who was handed the award in 2014, is the favourite to win the trophy for a third time but faces competition from Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

There have been growing calls for Neuer to be acknowledged for his role in winning the World Cup with Germany, but Dunga has given his backing to the Portugal captain.

"My vote was for Cristiano Ronaldo," the 51-year-old said at a press conference in Porto Alegre.

If the 29-year-old is successful in his bid for the Ballon d'Or, he will be just one victory short of matching Messi, who has won the trophy four times.

On Saturday Bayern goalkeeper Pepe Reina said Ronaldo would win the prize but feels Neuer is a more worthy candidate, while Barca midfielder Xavi has also questioned the Portuguese's credentials because of his failure to shine at the World Cup.

The winner of the award will be announced at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Zurich on January 12.

 

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Wenger hints Podolski could leave Arsenal in January

Arsene Wenger has hinted that Lukas Podolski will leave Arsenal during the January transfer window.

The Germany international has seen his stock fall dramatically since returning from an extended break after the World Cup and he is yet to start a Premier League game this season.

Despite previously insisting that the 29-year-old has a role to play in his team’s quest for Champions League qualification Wenger has resisted the opportunity to use Podolski in either of Arsenal’s festive fixtures thus far.

Inter are among a clutch of high-profile clubs reported to be interested in the former Koln star and Wenger has now suggested that Podolski’s chances of forcing his way back into the starting XI will be further hindered by Mesut Ozil’s impending return from injury.

"There is nothing concrete on Podolski. At the moment nobody goes out. But there is a lot of competition upfront," said Wenger after goals from Santi Cazorla and Danny Welbeck secured a 2-1 win at West Ham.

"We have Mesut Ozil coming back at the beginning of January so of course there's a lot of competition for places."

 

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'Watch us go in 2015' - Van Gaal promises Manchester United improvement

Louis Van Gaal has warned rivals to ‘watch’ Manchester United in 2015 and has promised further improvement from his side next year.

United will finish the year third in the Premier League table after a goalless draw against Tottenham on Sunday in which they dominated the first-half and created several clear-cut chances, only to be kept at bay by Hugo Lloris.

Nevertheless, Van Gaal has been pleased with the progress made by United since he took over in the summer and believes his side will be in a position to challenge for the title next season.

“We are improving every week. Of course we will get better in 2015 so watch,” Van Gaal told reporters. “Next season it will be a true Louis Van Gaal team.”

Van Gaal was frustrated with his side’s errant finishing against Spurs and again hit out at the Premier League's fixture scheduling, describing the second-half as a "struggle for life" two days after the Boxing Day victory over Newcastle.

“When you can’t win these type of matches when you’re the better team, it’s very difficult to be the champion at the end of the season,” Van Gaal added.

“When you don’t reward yourself, normally the opponent wins. In the second half it wasn’t football anymore. It was a struggle for life.

“You also need a little fortune. Tottenham could also have scored in the second-half but when you play your best half of the season, at White Hart Lane against a top six club, and you play like that, then you have to finish them.”

 

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'Watch us go in 2015' - Van Gaal promises Manchester United improvement

Okkomata kalin January wala defendersla 2nnek wawath aragena imu​

 

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Mourinho rages over anti-Chelsea 'campaign'

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says a "campaign" against his side is to blame for four of his players picking up bookings for diving this season.

Cesc Fabregas became the latest Blues player to see yellow for simulation in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Southampton, though it appeared he had been tripped by Saints left-back Matt Targett.

Gary Cahill, in particular, attracted criticism earlier in December for what was judged to have been a dive against Hull City, but Mourinho says each decision has been a "bad yellow card".

"I think it’s clearly the result of something that looks like a campaign," he told reporters. "In the first match Diego [Costa] got a yellow card when should it have been a penalty and red card at Burnley.

"A few months later we lose two points in a match where the penalty is there and Fabregas gets a yellow card [on Sunday at Southampton]. In football we are always trying - or we should always try - to change the bad things and the double punishment is something unbelievable.

"You have a penalty and probably you win the game. You don’t get the penalty and you get a yellow card. It should be easy - [referee] Anthony [Taylor] goes to a screen, he sees he makes a mistake, he’s a good guy, an honest guy, he writes ‘I made a mistake’ and lets [rescind] the yellow card to Fabregas. It should be simple.

"[They are] Bad yellow cards. You can say that. I’m not saying all, but the crucial ones, because we’re speaking about crucial decisions. For example, the game against Hull City - do you think the most important thing of the game was Cahill or was it Filipe Luis almost with a broken leg? For me that’s the crucial point of the game."

When asked who he thought was behind the campaign against Chelsea, Mourinho replied: "I don’t know, but for example after the game against West Ham - good game, normal game, 2-0, should be four, should be five, Valencia made a very bad dive and at the end of the game Sam [Allardyce] is speaking about Ivanovic! What is this? What is this? For what? Why? Which intention? And today you come here, it’s crucial decision, one of these matches between two good teams, difficult match, not many opportunities for both sides, crucial decisions, and the referee makes a wrong decision. Do I have to blame the referee? I just say he made a mistake. Just that."

On the Fabregas incident, Mourinho added: "My view is the same as yours. It’s the view of everybody. There are situations in matches where we can have different opinions, and you think something, I think another thing but there are others where everyone has the same opinion.

"I’m saying we don’t need to speak about it because everyone knows.

"Why [was Fabregas booked]Because the referee made a mistake. People make mistakes, he made a mistake. Big mistake, but a mistake. He’s a very good referee. He’s a good guy from what I know. He’s young and has years and years of football ahead of him. It is a big mistake but tomorrow is another day and on January 1 he has another match against QPR and life goes on."