Wenger is Too Stubborn for His Own Good

What did we learn from Arsenal's draw against Liverpool? No much more than we have seen already from Arsenal and Arsene Wenger. Despite having some fantastic attacking talent in Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Jack Wilshere - two of which are in the team of the year, they ran out of ideas in the final third, and few clear cut chances were created for a goal scoring opportunity. The best came late on to Robin van Persie, who was thwarted by Liverpool's reliable goalkeeper, Reina - another troubling position that Wenger has been slow to deal with.

We all love Arsenal's play - so many mention it, so many praise their style, so many applaud the passing of the ball and the quick attacking play, but it often gets Arsenal nowhere. In other words, it isn't as effective as Wenger believes it to be. Arsenal must invest in a clinical striker, one that will settle down well in England quickly, and one that is not prone to injuries. Manchester United found one for £6 million in Javier Hernandez, so Wenger doesn't need to break the bank. A free transfer for Chamakh hasn't worked, van Persie has suffered persistent injuries, and Bendtner shows up when he wants to, but blows his own trumpet as loud as anything.

When the whole squad is fit, Arsenal can form a brilliant team, a side which would give any team a real go, and often come out on top. The problem - the problem that Wenger is ignorant to - is that at some point, players will have injuries. In Arsenal's case, a lot of injuries, and with top players out for a long time such as Thomas Vermaelen, as well as injuries which costs players months out like Djourou, van Persie, Szczesny and so on, they are often left with a weak, untested team, playing against a largely fit, capable side. The strength in depth is not there.

Look at Manchester United. Vidic and Ferdinand are the starting centre backs, but if one of them is to suffer an injury, there are plenty of players available to step in. There is Wes Brown - not the greatest, but strong and experienced and ready to step in, Chris Smalling, not the most experienced, but certainly proving capable and reliable, and Jonny Evans, again, not the greatest, but certainly able against tough opposition.

On the other hand, Arsenal had Vermaelen out for the whole season, and were left with only three first team central defenders, two of which are in their debut season; Koscielny and Squillaci - and the latter has not settled in England very well at all and therefore not having the trust from the rest of the team. Then when Djourou suffered a dislocated shoulder - more woe, more problems, and a far weaker back line.

His reluctance to spend has been both praised and criticized by Arsenal fans, but it has cost Arsenal trophies this season. Again. A side with a solid back line, with at least three injury free, top class central defenders, a clinical striker, and a midfield who knew when to pull the trigger, would not have lost the Carling Cup Final to Birmingham City. 

Wenger sticks to what he believes in. He is strong minded, and, because of this, is often delusional - for example not accepting that the penalty Eboue conceded against Liverpool was a foul or worthy of a penalty kick. He will not spend money, which has, and will continue to cost Arsenal trophies. It is good that he is passionate and believes clearly about what he wants, but a man once said "never let your persistence and passion turn into stubbornness and ignorance." 

Wenger must improve his squad this summer, he must not be afraid to dip into the transfer window to add to his team, and with the new billionaire majority shareholder, he surely now has no excuses. He doesn't need to spend the amount Manchester City or Chelsea have, but he needs to spend enough to buy decent back-up for his team. 

Wenger needs his, and Arsenal's priorities sorted. Does he want a trophy at Arsenal or not? Because if he does, he must listen to the concerns of fans, and spend some money or face having to change his whole team set-up. Arsenal will fall behind the pack next season otherwise.

Watch: Manchester United 2 - 1 Chelsea

Manchester United pushed aside Chelsea in their Champions League second leg clash with a 2 - 1 win on the night. Chelsea disappointed on the night, while United excelled in front of a delighted Old Trafford crowd.

Chicharito and Ji Sung Park goals were enough to see off Chelsea as their disgruntled and clearly crushed owner Roman Abramovich watched on with a silent, inner anger as he once again saw his dream of Chelsea lifting the Champions League trophy drift passed. United were just too much, and after Ramieres' sending off, a one man disadvantage gave Chelsea little chance despite getting a goal through Drogba to give them hope.

Fernando Torres started, and, as is becoming routine, he misfired, prompting his substitution at half time. United grabbed their first just before the end of the first half, to double their aggregate lead and set them on their way. Sir Alex Ferguson had made it clear that United wanted to win on the night, and Chicharito's goal through an accurate, low cross from an evergreen Ryan Giggs saw Old Trafford erupt and Ferguson's plans develop.

Chelsea often dominated in the possession stakes and managed more chances in the first half, but they had to wait until the 77th minute for their first goal of he tie. Drogba fired low into the goal past Edwin van der sar and he wheeled away in celebration, temporarily silencing the home crowd. Chelsea were back into the game and into the tie, but they still needed another goal.

Less than a minute late, United streamed down the field, and after a delightful chip over the blue defence to Park, the South Korean finished by smashing the ball into the opposite corner. It was the ultimate response. The response of Champions. European Champions? Possibly. United will be waiting for either Schalke or Inter.

Rooney had an absolute blinder of a game, his passes and his touches were outstanding, and his deep role suited him perfectly, looking more and more like a younger attacking Paul Scholes. Ryan Giggs also played brilliantly, assisting both goals while being assured and calm as always. Michael Carrick continued his form from the first leg, and John O'Shea's clever through ball for Giggs in the build up for the first goal was outstanding.

Watch: Rooney Goal v Chelsea

Wayne Rooney added to his hat-trick against West Ham on the week-end with another vital goal in Manchester United's vital Champions League tie with Chelsea. 


It was a brilliantly worked goal with Michael Carrick launching a wonderful cross field pass to Giggs on the left who took a perfect touch, went round his man, and squared it to the awaiting Rooney who placed it onto the post to bounce back into the gaping net.


United then held on, threatening on the counter attack - especially on the wings, occupied in the end by all three of Giggs, Valencia and Nani after Rafael's second half substitution. United were lucky to get away a late penalty call when Evra brought down Rameires in the box, but Torres' desperation to appease the fans saw him dive twice in the box - receiving a booking as a result.


United take a vital lead into the the second leg, and hold that away goal too. And with all the talk about Rooney before the game, after scoring yet another goal, a clear smile was visible on his face - he was happy. It's looking good for both United and Rooney, but this tie is still very much in he balance.

Pic & Video: Michael Essien Tackle on Jermaine Pennant

Michael Essien had already received a red card prior to this horrendous tackle on Jermaine Pennant against Stoke City on Saturday. After seeing this evidence, it should have been another red to add to the statistics, but instead of that, the Chelsea midfielder went unpunished - not even a yellow card.

Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney has been banned for two games by the FA for swearing into a television camera after completing a fantastic hat-trick and stunning comeback for Manchester United. His outburst will see him miss the Manchester derby, and the Premier League game against Fulham as United fight to stay above Arsenal in the title race.

It seems that the FA have punished a player by punishing the club he plays for rather than punishing the player. The banning of Rooney could possibly have an adverse effect on United's FA Cup challenge as well as their title challenge with Arsenal. The banning of Rooney for swearing - which, lets face it, happens every week and done so by every player on the pitch is nothing when a tackle such as the above is committed - something that can break a players leg and wreck a career. 

Rooney's reputation has been damaged even more by this incident and his frustration has been added to by a two match ban, but Jermaine Pennant's career could have been deeply effected, yet there was no punishment but a free-kick. 

A Champions Performance - A Vital Win

Wayne Rooney's swearing fit of joy/relief after he completed his unpredictable hat-trick pretty much summed up the feelings of the majority of Manchester United fans. This was a man who knew he hadn't played as well as he could have in the first half, and the pressure had been building. He had started ahead of the Premier League's top scorer, who sat on the bench with his new short hair cut, waiting to come on - a call many United fans were asking for. But he proved everyone wrong with that third goal which hauled United over the line ahead of an irritatingly hard to get past West Ham side.

United dominated the play, but after two very avoidable penalties were conceded and scored by Mark Noble, it was an uphill battle at the ground where a second string United team had conceded four in a Carling Cup encounter with Avram Grants side. Sir Alex was frustrated by the situation they were in; "Being two goals down was a travesty in terms of possession and chances created." 


So, sitting up in the stands, watching his players from above, the veteran United manager was in the perfect position to decide what to change - and big decisions were needed. The big substitution at half time was taking the perpetrator for the first penalty, Patrice Evra off, and throwing on the baby face Javier Hernandez, a young man with a growing goalscoring reputation.


It paid off, and in the 64th minute, a free kick was won. Now since Beckham and Ronaldo left United, there  has been a distinct lack of goals from free-kicks, especially at vital times. As Rooney stepped up, many I'm sure were expecting it to pathetically rebound off the wall, but this was not the case. Instead, Rooney scored 
the first of his three goals, and United were suddenly back in the game.


An Antonio Valencia cross was brought down superbly by Rooney and he took a touch to smash it into the bottom left hand corner of the West Ham net in a delightful finish. United weren't going to stop there however, oh no. Typically, United would go for the win, and, with all of the momentum of a quick fire double from an inspired Wayne Rooney, they were in the driving seat, with no chance of hitting the breaks.


When the little Brazilian Fabio worked his way into the box and was closed down by Upson, it looked like any chance was gone, but a clever little flick which hit the defenders arm prompted Lee Mason to point to the spot, for Rooney to step up and place into the corner. It also prompted Rooney to confront his critics with his potty mouth in front of the camera, in the midst of being mobbed by his United team mates. 


The win was there for the taking, but United were not safe yet, and United fans would have been thinking back to the early stages of the season when late goals were all that seemed to be occurring. Nevertheless, a nicely played counter attack saw Rooney roll it to Ryan Giggs, who never seemed to stop after being moved to left back at half time, and the Welshman crossed it across the ground for his little Mexican team mate to do what he does best from a few yards out.


Sir Alex Ferguson reacted to moving eight points clear of Arsenal in the table:

"We played like champions today, we kept our heads up and didn't lose faith in our ability.

"It's never easy coming here. They are fighting relegation but we had to do our thing.

"We dominated that second half and it was a real championship performance.

"Arsenal have a game in hand. It could go to goal difference but I somehow don't think so."

Berbatov came on and played brilliantly. His touch is, as ever, exquisite, and his hold up play is superb. It was a small cameo that may push him into contention for starting the Champions League game against Chelsea, but in Ferguson's mood of playing Rooney and Chicharito may over rule again. That is the beauty of it though, because the bench is so strong - Nani, Michael Owen, Chicharito and Rooney started on the bench - showing the strength in depth at United.


It was a a Champions performance, and a performance that has stepped United closer to holding aloft that Premier League trophy, ahead of Arsenal who drew at the Emirates against Blackburn.

Is £25 million Young the Best Man for United?

As a child, Ashley Young was a devoted Arsenal fan. That isn't the best introduction considering United's fierce rivalry with the Gunners, but don't worry, "They're just another team" now according to the 25 year old who has been recently linked to a big money move away from Aston Villa to clubs including Manchester United and Liverpool. 

Since joining Aston Villa in 2007, he has always been an attacking threat that is a nuisance for defenders to deal with. In his second season at Villa, Young managed 17 assists and nine goals, as well as every wingers' ambition - to leave the defenders dizzy. However, despite winning Player of the month twice in 2008, many performances have been shaky and ineffective. His pace and dribbling abilities are obviously his strong points, but his strength and sometimes effort have let him down. 

His recent performances for England have propelled him to a higher level however, and his impressive two games against Wales and Ghana have certainly changed my mind about him. In both international games he looked very bright, and one of England's main threats as he thrived in the 4-3-3 formation - being given a more free and roaming role against Ghana in the absence of Rooney.

His club may not be having the best time this season; currently wavering in the midst of a relegation battle which, considering the players they have, is hard to believe, but he has impressed. 8 goals, 8 assists and attempting a total of 64 shots is ambitious and not bad going, and he has the spark to be a great winger.

But is he good enough, do they need him and will he fit into the Manchester United side?

First of all, at that price, it's a no go. A £25 million transfer fee and apparently, £100,000 a week wages is way too much for a player who rarely shines against top opposition. Yes, he can perform well against sides with poor defences - four goals against Blackburn and one each against Bolton and Wigan this season. He did score 1 each against against United and Chelsea, but from the penalty spot. Whether he has turned a corner whilst in an England shirt remains to be seen, but when United play in Europe, all of the players have to perform to progress.

I don't think Nani will leave this summer, but if he does - which has been rumoured, Young wouldn't be a bad replacement. He hasn't had as good a season as Nani - who has been exceptional, but under Ferguson, he may be able to improve to United's level. Ryan Giggs has extended his contract at United for another year, but if Young were to arrive before the Welshman's departure, he could only benefit from a man who ruled the wings for about 20 years. 

Pace, dribbling ability and superb crossing were exactly what Giggs possessed in his early to late twenties, but as Young is used more of a central threat and further up the pitch, he may become a better player. Even if Sir Alex has been given £100 million, the price is still a stumbling block as well as the proposed wages. The money, I believe should be used for a Paul Scholes replacement primarily, and then after that, perhaps a winger. A player like Wesley Sneijder should be priority.   

Chicharito on The "Monster" Rooney & Tevez Comparison

Javier Hernandez is living the dream. Playing regularly for Manchester United, scoring vital goals, getting on with your business and playing with some great players. Yet from all of his quotes and interviews, he seems so down to earth and grounded. The 22 year-old Mexican has been in sensational form in his first season in England, scoring a brilliant total of 16 goals so far and starting a very promising partnership with Wayne Rooney - pushing the Leagues top scorer, Dimitar Berbatov on the bench in the process.

'Chicharito', as he is known, spoke of Wayne Rooney, comparisons to the former United striker and current City player Carlos Tevez, and what his secret to success on the field is:

"Playing with Wayne is a dream. He's a monster to be alongside and I never believed I would get so many games and goals during my first season at United."

“'The Little Tevez'? I'm really proud that people are comparing me to him but I am Chicharito and am living my dreams at the moment.” 

 “I am very happy because I know there is much more to come. My secret is to study opposition defenders and work out their weak points."

 "I try to outwit them with my speed and anticipation in the area. So my goals are not down to luck."

Hernandez was bought by Sir Alex Ferguson for £6 million this summer and is probably the buy of the season. When you consider Chelsea's splurge of money on Torres and Manchester City's £30 buy of Edin Dzeko, Chicharito looks such a great buy for the club.

His impressive performances in last years World Cup saw him score a few vital goals including one against France and one against Argentina, and the former Guadalajara player believes that the physical aspect of the game in better in England:

“Perhaps the better physical preparation here in England is the key to my performances. This aspect of the game is better than in South America and I have profited.” 

Now Hernandez will be hoping United can push on after the international break and go on to cement their place at the top of the Premier League, and progress against City and Chelsea in the FA Cup and Champions League respectively.

Does Being Captain Mean Anything?

Much has been made of John Terry being reinstated as England captain. Perhaps too much. The main issue is that Fabio Capello has gone back on his decision to take the armband off of Terry for his inexplicable off field behaviour with a team mates girlfriend. It was a big call back when all was revealed about Terry's private life, and to go back on such a big ruling shows signs of weakness. It undermines Capello's tough, no nonsense approach to coaching. That argument is understandable, but in today's modern age of football, the question is; does being captain mean anything, or is it simply a symbol?

Lets get this straight. The ideal captain should have outstanding qualities that other players in the team do not possess; they should be a natural winner, they should be a beacon of inspiration, a passionate, brave, respectable person - someone who will take responsibility for their mistakes, wear their heart on their sleeve and be able to make massive sacrifices for the good of the team. They also need the have great footballing ability in their position. It looks a big ask. It also looks as if the England team have a good few players who have those qualities - or does it?

When David Beckham gave up the England captaincy, which he held for many years, with great integrity and heart, told of the honour it was to wear the armband for his country. He said that he had "lived the dream", and was the "greatest honour of his career" to captain his country. This is a man who absolutely lives for football, and loves his country. He led by example, on and off the field. In the main, he conducted himself in admirable principle and honesty. It obviously meant a lot to him.

When Ferdinand was made captain after Terry's removal from the 'position', he too gave the impression of being ready to live the dream that all youngsters have; to lead their country onto a football pitch to fight to win.  He said:

“I like the responsibility. Every youngster grows up wanting to be captain of their club or the team they lead out. This is England and there is no higher accolade than leading out your country.

That may be, but he added to the end of this passionate show of ambition:

"But it won’t mean as much if we don’t win anything."

What have England won in the last 45 years or so? Nothing. So does that mean every captain before him and ahead of him have failed in their main aim? Yes it does. Interestingly, the Manchester United defender continued:


“I have always said if there is something that needs to be said in the changing-room then I will speak my mind whether I am captain or not.

Why shouldn't it be like this for every player? Every player wants to win, every player wants to be the match winner for their country, and every player wants to do their country proud. They should all stand up and act as captains, rather than quietly listen to their manager off he pitch and then watch their captain motivate them on it. When you are playing for your country, that very fact is surely the only motivation you need?

Every player should give 100% to the team whether they are captain or not. That is why I believe the captaincy is just a symbol - a symbol that has recently caused much needless controversy in the England camp. It isn't as if we are short of controversy and trouble in this country as it is.

It seems to me that the only official roles of a captain are: to participate in the coin toss prior to kick off and penalty shoot out (the latter of which England are not very good at) and being the first player to hold aloft a trophy at the award-giving ceremony. That hasn't happened for a while either.

So whether John Terry is captain or not is not the issue. The issue is the chemistry of the team and the willingness of them to play together to work together and to win together. The armband is only a symbol to show the rest of the players who to turn to when they are in trouble. I say fine, keep that, but do not rely on that, and work yourself with all of the passion, inspiration, bravery, responsibility and ability that a captain should show. A team of leaders is better than just one.

Confirmed £30 million Bid for Alexis Sanchez

Alexis Sanchez is proving hot property, with clubs from England, Italy and Spain all seemingly interested in acquiring his compellingly attractive services. Being compared to Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't do your on the field reputation any harm it must be said, and it is therefore perhaps no surprise that Manchester United have been very strongly linked, as the £80 million from the Ronaldo sale still lingers pleasingly in the bank awaiting usage.

Now his club Udinese have confirmed that a 35 million euro bid has been placed for their star attacker, but frustratingly, they refused to identify the club who placed the substantial bid. 35 million euros is equal to £29.7 million. And because Udinese have not named the bidders, it opens the door to speculation as to who it was.

Udinese's chairman Franco Soldati said:

"Sanchez is of interest of British and Italian teams.

"Somebody has already offered (for Alexis Sanchez) a figure close to 30-35 million euros but I cannot say by whom (we have received it)".

What a tease!
He justified the large asking price by citing recent Premier League signings including Liverpool's signing of Luiz Suarez, and Chelsea's double splurge of cash on Fernando Torres and David Luiz - a combined total of around £90 million. Doldati continued:

"A evaluation of €25 million for Sanchez? Looking at what has been paid for (Luis) Suarez, (Fernando) Torres and David Luiz in England, I think Sanchez will also apply to more than €25 million,"

"But right now we don't want to look at the market. Each assessment will be made at the end of the season."

The 23 year old Chilean international, who has scored 11 goals in 23 games this season for Udinese has done what most footballers do when they are linked to bigger, better clubs - repeat the question and avoid answering it. In other words, he doesn't want to commit himself to his current club, just in case the speculation, or in this case solid bid, turns into a possible transfer:

"My future? For now I want to play football, this is my only desire."

"At the end of the season we'll see what happens. Udinese? We are playing very well, the coach motivates us every game as if it were a final. "

Manchester United, Chelsea, City, Inter and Real Madrid have been linked. We'll see where he goes - it'll be interesting. More news here whenever it comes.

Sir Alex & Mike Phelan's Conflicting Contradiction

Well it didn't take long for Sir Alex Ferguson to completely blow his Manchester United assistant, Mike Phelan's assertion last week well and truly out of the water. It can't really be much of a surprise, considering what Phelan actually said. I mean, as soon Phelan declared, "we can't dispute the referees decision" after Mark Clattenburg's decision not to take action against Wayne Rooney for the now infamous elbow on James McCarthy, you just knew that in the very close future, exactly that would happen.

Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't exactly hide and shy away when asked about a controversial referee's decision. He has been critical of the men in black many times in the past, whether that be due to a decision made by them that he strongly disagrees with, or even if their fitness is called into question. He doesn't cower in corners when it comes to the men that call the shots. So for Mike Phelan to say after the Wigan game that he and his club (including Sir Alex) could not criticize a referee's decision, well it is a bit rich.

It is even more bizarre once you hear what the Manchester United manager said after the Chelsea game of the referee. It is fair to say, that from his comments, the Scot isn't the biggest fan of Martin Atkinson.
He said:

"You want a fair ref. I don't know how he got this game. I must say, when I saw who it was, I did fear that,"

"We defended badly for the first goal, That was a bad one to lose but the penalty kick was so soft, deary me.

"It's three years in a row that decisions have changed the game here. It was incredible.

"Luiz had done (Javier) Hernandez off the ball and nothing was done. Then he does Rooney, clear as day.

"You are talking about what changed the game in the second half, these are decisions that change the game and he [Atkinson] is going to be refereeing every week!

"I'm proud of my players. They endured a lot of bad decisions against them and they have done their best.

"They [Chelsea] got a lot of decisions that surprised me in a major game like that."

Now if you looked carefully, you may have seen a little criticism of the referee. Okay, okay, there is a lot of criticism aimed at Martin Atkinson. I wonder whether Mike Phelan sees it that way considering his statement earlier about not criticising referees?

Sir Alex's frustration is understandable though, as David Luiz certainly should have seen a red card for at least three very bookable offences.
The first tackle on Michael Carrick was a definite yellow - and he as shown the card. It was a late, vicious and dangerous challenge that had Carrick flying through the air. Then Luiz committed a questionably worse foul on Rooney, as he cynically blocked a run with an outstretched leg. The referee had no obstructions to the incident, but waved lay on. Luiz also blocked Chicharito off the ball, leaving Chicharito lying on the floor thanks to the body check but no action was taken.

Other debateable decisions include the penalty given to win the game in which Yuri Zhirkovic left his leg in looking for the foul from Smalling, and the fact that Vidic was shown red, but not Luiz. All in all, it was a frustrating night for United and Sir Alex, who blew a golden opportunity to move further away from Arsenal in the title race, and leave Chelsea's title hopes languishing in fifth/fourth place.

Arsenal as it happens have a game in hand and now have some well needed confidence as the season edges towards a conclusion and play tonight in an FA Cup replay with Leyton Orient after their loss to Birmingham in the Carling Cup final. Arsenal have now witnessed Manchester United's second loss of the season and will have a chance to inflict the third when the two title challengers come head to head later in the season, which could become a very decisive game in the race for supremacy.

Up next is Liverpool for United, and here's hoping that no controversial referee's decisions will impact the game and that Mike Phelan keeps his dubious statements to himself when in front of BBC cameras.

How Did Vidic Get Red and Not David Luiz?

You may say it is a tad hypocritical for a Manchester United fan to say that the referee was unfair, inconsistent or incompetent considering the recent and well documented occurrences involving match officials and United. Fair enough, United do get the odd lucky decision their way, but tonight, Manchester United were the unlucky ones, with too many decisions changing the game unfairly in Chelsea's favour.

Wait! Before I go any further, credit where credit is due, Chelsea played far better than United in the second half. They controlled the game, they stopped us from creating, they scored more goals. They were the better side in the second period, and I am happy (not really happy actually, more angry) to admit it.

My notes tell me however, that United were far superior in the first half - at ease on the ball, dominant in possession, creating good opportunities, and overall, threatening Chelsea far more. My notes tell me that because it is true.

United played well down the wings, in a surprisingly open game. A Malouda shot early on, saw the Frenchman in acres of space only to weakly shoot into van der sar's chest and welcoming arms. This was countered with a United attack which saw Evra break into the box, only to swipe it across the goal mouth, agonisingly avoiding any United players contact.

29 minutes in however, United broke the deadlock, and allowed hopes of a very rare away win at Stamford Bridge, arise to the surface. It was a cute little interchange between Nani and Rooney, Rooney took a touch, and with Robin Hood accuracy, arrowed the ball into the bottom corner of the net. It was a great finish, and was, according to the statistics, Rooney's first goal outside of the box since February 2008 when he scored against Newcastle. It is his seventh League goal this season, as he continues to build his suspect goal tally.

As the end of the half neared, Chelsea realised where they were, and what they were doing, subsequently deciding that they better go for a goal rather than allow United to walk all over them. Their sudden interest meant a chance which showed just how valuable Mr Van Der Sar and Mr Vidic are. A sublime double save, and some quick thinking defending to scramble the ball away from goal after a Lampard free kick bounced around the area helped United go in at half time in the lead.

Now to the second half. The period where it all happened. Chelsea's decision to go for the win prompted an early response. The ball bounced to David Luiz to the left of the area, who was somehow clear of any defenders and Evra reacted too late to stop the ex-Benfica defender from smashing in an impressive volley which rifled past van der sar.

It was 1-1, and an hour had been played. Drogba came on for the ineffective Anelka to join the equally ineffective Torres up front. Then Giggs came on to replace Scholes, making his 606th Premier League appearance, equally Sir Bobby Charlton's record.

David Luiz. David Luiz. He looks like Sideshow Bob, a criminal from The Simpsons, and he acted just like that with at least two very bookable offenses. He got booked in the first half for a vicious and late tackle on Carrick, and then, in the second half, at a vital, vital time in the game, he stuck out a leg to cynically block off a Rooney run. It was off the ball, obvious, and unfair. It should have been another yellow and a red. It wasn't even a free-kick.

It is moments like that which change games. True enough, not long after that, Smalling gave away a penalty for much less than what Luiz did. Lampard duly scored which turned out to be the winner, causing United's second loss of the season, and a big, undeserved blow to the title chase (which Chelsea are out of).

Nemanja Vidic however, did get sent off. Player of the year so far, he tugged down Ramieres outside the box to receive his second yellow and his marching orders meaning he will miss the next game against Liverpool. In my opinion, this sending off is worse than the loss. Ferdinand is out with injury, Vidic has been United's rock and is now out, which puts more pressure on the young defender Chris Smalling.

The Wayne Rooney Elbow - Banned for Chelsea Game?

Sir Alex Ferguson had an amusing view of the Wayne Rooney incident against Wigan. [Watch at bottom]

As a ball was played by Wigan, Rooney chased it, and on his way, McCarthy slightly edged into Rooney's path. As the Manchester United striker ran passed, he raised his elbow and hit the Wigan player in the side off the head. Credit to McCarthy, he didn't go down, rolling around in agony like some players would have done, but he held his head in genuine pain, as it did look as if the connection was harsh.

The referee, Mark Clattenburg - involved in quite a few controversial decisions involving United - gave a free-kick, although it was not entirely clear whether he actually saw the incident. If he had of seen it, I would think he would have given at the very least a yellow card for raising an arm, or very possibly a red, and not just a talking to and a pat on the back.
Sir Alex Ferguson said after the game:

"I have had a chance to see it. There is nothing in it.

"But, what will happen, the question has been asked and because it is Wayne Rooney the press will raise a campaign to get him hung by Tuesday or electrocuted or something like that.

"It is unbelievable. Watch the press. It will be interesting to see it."

It is a biased view, one that is trying to deflect the spotlight from Rooney, and onto the press, but to say that there was "nothing in it", I have to admit is a bit questionable. The United assistant, Mike Phelan said on his Match of the Day interview, "we can't dispute the referees decision". But we can dispute what you just said Mike! Sir Alex isn't always the biggest fan of referee's decisions when they go against him, and regularly disputes their decisions.
The Wigan manager Roberto Martinez obviously had a conflicting view from Ferguson. He said:

"Once you give a free-kick it is quite clear that it is a red card. When you look at the replay, it is quite clear he catches James McCarthy in the face with his elbow."

I am a United fan, and I am afraid I tend to agree with Martinez's evaluation of the incident. Rooney didn't need to raise his elbow - his running pattern showed that his elbows were down by his sides, and as he went past McCarthy, the elbow was raised in an unnatural position.
Unfortunately, it is indefensible when you see it, and he may be in trouble.

After Ferguson stated only his side and Arsenal are in the title race, United travel to Stamford Bridge to try and extend their now four point lead over Arsenal. Arsenal will play in the Carling Cup final on Sunday, and so haven't played this week-end meaning Wengers side will have a game in hand after the Chelsea - United game.

The question is, will Rooney be available for the game against Chelsea on Tuesday? Will he be punished by the FA? Could he be banned? I suppose it depends which way you look at it.

Watch: Wigan 0 - 4 Manchester United

Manchester United moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League after a convincing four - nil win against relegation strugglers Wigan. A Chicharito double, Wayne Rooney goal and Fabio strike gave United the win, and gives them some breathing space above Arsenal, whom Sir Alex Ferguson recently said are United's only title challengers.

Manchester United face Chelsea on Tuesday 1st March, while Arsenal have their Carling Cup final against Birmingham a little sooner on Sunday against Birmingham.

Too Much Too Soon for Bebe & Obertan?

After the game against Crawley Town in which Manchester United squeezed through to a narrow win, there were more than few questions asked about certain United players - questions that challenged whether some players were good enough to represent one of the best football clubs in the world.

As usual, when bold questions like these are put forward by the media and some fans, there is a barrel of mixed, contradicting and interesting views.

There are those who say the players who underperformed once too many - in this case Bebe and Obertan, should be gotten rid of as soon as possible. They say that if they can't perform against a lowly team like Crawley - 90 or so league places below United, then they have no chance of making any positive impact in the Premier League against teams like Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and the rest. If they cannot even look like penetrating a Crawley defence, how are they going to fair against Champions League defences, who are trained to keep out the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo?

It has to be said, that Bebe and Obertan have not done themselves any favours with performances like that against Crawley in the F.A Cup. That was their time to shine - they won't get many chances in the League - so if they wanted to show the Old Trafford faithful what they are capable of, the F.A Cup was the perfect time. They failed to deliver.

On the other hand, there are those who jumped to the defence of the under fire pair. They say that they haven't been given enough time to shine or enough time to settle. Some hold the strong belief that Bebe and Obertan have the quality, but do not have the fitness in Bebe's case, or the confidence in Obertan's case, ad in time, with the guidance of the genius of Ferguson, they will come good.

Going on the performances I have seen from the pair, there isn't much basis for the above argument.

Obertan certainly holds the more natural talent from what I have seen - he has trickery, pace, and is building his strength. At the moment he is not good enough to challenge for a place on the wings - Nani and Valencia are currently in another league to him, but I think he will improve with support and confidence. Having said that, I can't see him ever nailing down a first team place, and I see him more of a lively substitute in the future.

Bebe on the other hand has shown very little to convince me that he is good enough - now or in the future - to challenge for even a substitute place. He has been so very poor, and the amount of abuse he has received - although harsh, is mostly true.

I think Sir Alex has learned his lessons. One, watch a player before you sign him, and two, don't take Carlos Quieroz's recommendations too seriously. Spending £7 million on Bebe was a mistake - his agent must still have his jaw firmly rooted to the floor in utter disbelief. Sir Alex will have to work miracles himself if he were to re-coop the fee paid for the Portuguese attacker.

I think it has probably been a case of too much too soon for both players. Obertan was hardly a regular at Bordeux before his £3 million move, and Bebe was playing on the streets of Portugal, and had no big League experience.

A few more seasons playing in the reserves with the occasional appearance in the Carling Cup and F.A Cup will do good for Bebe so he can gradually build his fitness, confidence, and lets hope his quality too.

Obertan can be trusted with more first team appearances, but needs the support of the fans, his team mates and his manager to build his confidence. Both need to settle in, but if they don't perform in the reserves, there is only one place they can possibly go - out the door.

Title Race Over for Chelsea

Chelsea's sixth draw this season will be seen as another two points dropped as they struggle to keep up with the top two, Manchester United and Arsenal. As they will continue to emphasise, they are still mathematically in the race, with there still being a possibility - although a slim one, of Ancelotti's side gaining twelve points on the leaders without reply. It is one hell of a tall order, especially when the leaders United seem to become a stronger force later on in the season, and seeing as they have only lost one game up until now, Chelsea would be forgiven for setting their sights on fourth spot and not the top one.

After spending a colossal amount of money in January, you would at least expect the results to improve for the Blues. Torres, who cost £50 million, has made little impact in both his debut against his former club Liverpool, and against Fulham today. Perhaps understandably, Fulham fans were heard chanting 'What a waste of money', directing it the Spaniard.

Meanwhile, David Luiz, who had a strong full debut for his new club - apparently worth around £21 million - conceded a late penalty which, if converted, could have made a draw look like a good result. Clint Dempsey missed the spot-kick and saved Chelsea's blushes away at Craven Cottage.

Chelsea ultimately escaped with a point. That is not something anyone was familiar with saying about them last season or early this season when they trampled teams scoring goals for fun. Fulham are a tough side to beat, granted, and as Chelsea's narrow 1 - 0 home victory against them earlier this season proves, Mark Hughes' side are not to be rolled over all to easily. But this is the kind of fixture that Chelsea would be expecting to win, especially when they are already so far behind United and Arsenal.

Petr Cech, who saved the penalty to secure the point admitted:

"For the title, this point is too little."

"Mathematically it is not over, but obviously we are quite far [off] now because they [Chelsea's rivals] won their games and we dropped another two points."

However, the goalkeeper assured fans that this is not the end of them this season. While it still a possibility, Chelsea will continue to fight, in the hope of big slip ups from their rivals:

"But there is still a long way to go and we are going to fight to the end."

Ancelotti said after the game:

"Now [12 points adrift] is too much"

"Obviously it's very difficult to come back to fight for the title, but we have a very important aim to reach until the end with the FA Cup."

Chelsea do however have two games to play against the Manchester United, and therefore six points to gain without reply. After snowy conditions earlier in the season, the scheduled match was postponed, and was re-scheduled for later in the season. The two fixtures will be played on the 1st March at Stamford Bridge, and the 7th May at Old Tafford.

 Have no doubts, those two games will be pivotal in which way this years title swings - whether Chelsea are up there challenging or not. 2 wins for Chelsea aginst United may not win them the title, but it would surely guarantee a top four finish, while perhaps giving way for Arsenal to sneak ahead of United and snatch their first title in however many years its been.

They face a tough, arduous uphill battle, but Chelsea could still defend their title. It is more likely however, that they will have a bigger say in who gets it instead of them - United, Arsenal... or City, while in the meantime, they will have to concentrate on securing a Champions League place for next season, or their £50 million Fernando won't be happy.

The Sickening Thought of Fabregas At Chelsea

If Liverpool fans had an appalling disgust which turned their stomachs seeing Fernando Torres wearing the blue of Chelsea, just think of the unimaginable repulsion Arsenal fans might feel if they were to set their eyes upon their talismanic captain, Cesc Fabregas scurrying around the pitch wearing the Chelsea kit. That tiny strip of red around the neck of the Chelsea strip would be a sickening reminder of the wonders Fabregas produced at the Emirates with his vision, creativity, and an innate understanding of timing and space being used against Arsenal for the blues.

That would be the situation if the current Arsenal captain would agree to a reported move worth £50 million funded by Chelsea's billionaire owner, Roman Abramovich. Several newspapers have splashed the news across their back pages, with Arsenal fans, and perhaps even Barcelona fans feeling their heart skip a beat or two before realising that it must be just another ludicrous rumour which, even if it were true, Wenger and those in charge at Arsenal would never agree to.

Fabregas would surely not disrespect the club he has stayed so loyal to for so long by moving across London to join his clubs relatively local rivals while joining his compatriot Fernando Torres in attempting to lift the Premier League trophy.
The Daily Mail says: "...billionaire Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has reportedly set his sights on gazumping a rival bid from Barcelona and will launch a £50m bid for the Spain international in the summer."

Football is dominated by money. Some club owners give it away like cheap sweets, footballers take it and ask for more like little children, and football agents take up the parenting role by telling their clients what they should and shouldn't be having. Surely though, players like Fabregas, who clearly love football, and have loyalty tattooed into their hearts do not find money as the main attraction to play for a club.

Fabregas has been loyal to Arsenal, but has an obvious love for Barcelona - a love he cannot really be blamed for. He was a Barcelona supporter as a child as he grew up there, and they now play some of the best football with the best players in the world while they win trophies left right and centre; currently sitting comfortably top of La Liga - he has reason to be attracted to them.
Apart from a slightly improved chance of winning the English Premier League and a bigger salary, I can't think why the little play maker would want to go to Chelsea from Arsenal.

In the end, it is all about the players decision, and, in conclusion, any possible move to Chelsea is pretty much out of the question for Fabregas if he keeps to his word. Remember:

“If I decide to leave Arsenal, it will be to wear the shirt of Barcelona

and

“If I leave, it will only for Barcelona. I just wish to leave, whether they [Barcelona] want me or not,”

Marek Hamsik to Man Utd or Chelsea?

Despite being treated to a January transfer window filled to the rim with big money, big name, controversial moves here, there, and everywhere, the next transfer window is already being eagerly anticipated with rumours starting to fly around like paper aeroplanes in an unruly classroom. They just can't be stopped. Even if the player involved in a rumour has only recently signed a new contract with his club, they are linked to moves away. Probably because money is far more powerful than loyalty nine times out of ten in today's footballing, business-like world.

Getting to this rumour, and Manchester United are still searching for that special talent (and they need to be special) to replace Paul Scholes in the centre of the United midfield. Charlie Adam of Blackpool was linked to a move in January, but Sir Alex Ferguson recently accepted that Blackpool needed him for the rest of the season for them to stay in the division.

Nuri Sahin, the German born Turkish international playing his football for Borussia Dortmund is also rumoured to be interesting Sir Alex with his creative ability, passing, awareness and vision that have made Scholes such a great player.

Stephen Defour, again, another name that Ferguson is keen on. It is well known the admiration Ferguson has for the Belgian midfielder as he wrote him a get well soon letter after the Standard Liege play maker broke his leg in 2009.

But it is Marek Hamsik, the Slovakian 23 year-old who is apparently bleeping loudly on the Manchester United radar. Hamsik has received wide admiration for his ability on the ball and has been linked to many a top club including Chelsea and Liverpool, while the player himself said it would be "difficult to say not to Manchester United". In an interview, Hamsik praised the English League and the atmosphere in England while his agent claimed that a move is a "possibility".

The price? Well, you don't have to know much about football to know that even average players are currently being sold for well over what they should be realistically being valued at. That's not to say that Hamsik is average, but £35 million is a lot of money for a player unproven in England and would be one hell of a risk for that amount.

Having said that, Chelsea are also strongly linked. They just paid £50 million and £25 million for Torres and David Luiz respectively. They don't mind a risk or two (or three) it seems. The price is so high because Hamsik signed a contract extension at his Italian club Napoli only recently, and to buy that contract obviously increases the asking price.

I can't see Ferguson spending £35 million on Hamsik, despite his obvious talent. I am also unsure, as many people are about this UEFA fair play money rule. How can Chelsea get round it if they splash another ludicrous amount to add to the £75 million they have already spent, when this is exactly the kind of spending that UEFA were supposedly trying to stop.

It is just a rumour.

Watch: Suarez Scores on Debut for Liverpool

Below you can see the two goals scored by Liverpool to propel them to seventh spot in the Premier League as they continue their inspired revival under the returned Anfield legend, Kenny Dalglish.

Their new number seven, Luis Suarez ,would have been dreaming of the perfect start to his Liverpool career and try to emulate his manager's time wearing the iconic seven shirt. The Uruguayan may not have struck the cleanest strike as he grabbed his first Liverpool goal in front of his now adoring fans, but if he continues to show his obvious quality, he will have chances in abundance to slot a clean strike into the oppositions net and win games for Liverpool.

In the absence of a scruffy haired, sulking Spaniard moping slowly around the pitch looking utterly disinterested and waiting for the game to finish without contributing a thing - apparently worth £50 million, the teams morale was not brought down, as instead of the grumpy Torres, they saw they enthusiasm and hard work of Dirk Kuyt ad Raul Meireles up front. Suarez joined them in the second half.

Liverpool however, will face a bigger test on the week end when they face Chelsea and the £50 million man himself. But for now: Torres who? Enjoy:

 



Transfer Deadline Day Roundup: £214,525,000

We have all been treated to quite a large slice of juicy transfer dealings this January in the busiest January transfer window I can remember. It has been absolute chaos as clubs have paid well over the odds for transfer targets - many of those clubs leaving their dealings to the very last minute in what has become a fashionable feature of these windows.

Firstly, Chelsea spent big. Very big. Roman Abramovich took a massive leap of faith and once again dipped into his deep, deep pockets to revive the Chelsea team to its winning ways once again. Just to reiterate how deep Abramovich's pockets actually are, the Russian billionaire pulled out a mightily generous £75 million in just one day to sign both Torres of Liverpool and David Luiz of Benfica.

As news broke that Fernando Torres had decided his future did not lie with Liverpool and so handed in a transfer request to his club among bids from Chelsea, Premier League teams and managers must have been bracing themselves for an invasion. Liverpool needed a new striker. They needed striker who could, to some degree replace the Spaniard and someone who could score goals - match winning goals to pull Liverpool up the table and push for that all important 4th spot. They would be guaranteed a lot of money to spend, but very little time to spend it in.
 
Liverpool got their £50 million - a massive amount for a striker off form, apparently always unhappy, and prone to injuries in what is likely to turn out to be a better deal for Liverpool than Chelsea. Liverpool also got Andy Carroll.

They already had Luis Suarez in the bag, and wanted someone with Premier League experience. They went for Newcastle number 9, Andy Carroll. A £25 million bid was rejected, and Newcastle asked for more. A second Liverpool bid was submitted, and rejected again, this time for £30 million, but the final bid was the one that sealed the deal. Carroll had submitted a transfer request - obviously unsettled by the interest of Liverpool, and a £35 million offer was too much for Newcastle to refuse.

Now Newcastle had £35 million, and even less time to replace their top striker. They were linked with Carlton Cole, Emile Heskey and Bolton's Johan Elmander - the latter rumour being fuelled by the fact that Chelsea's Danny Sturridge was being lined up for Bolton as a replacement. In the end, Newcastle failed to sign any one of those mentioned, but they did show some signs of life with £10, and then £12 million bids for Wigan's Charles N'Zogbia. Wigan saw the efforts as too late in the day, and both offers were rejected.

Charlie Adam of Blackpool stayed put in a bit of an anti-climax. Everyone thought that he was being driven to Liverpool by a car sent by Liverpool to sign for Liverpool. That rumour was probably started by an over enthused Liverpool supporter. It didn't turn out to be true, and even late bids from Tottenham were not enough to see the stubborn Blackpool manager Ian Holloway rethink his decision and Adam was to stay.

Shaun Wright Phillips was subject to interest from several clubs, none of which wanted to part with any money to bring him to their clubs. Newcastle, Bolton, West Ham, Everton and Portsmouth all tried to take Wright-Phillips out on loan. None were successful.

Stephen Ireland, who hasn't had the best time at Aston Villa has joined Newcastle, but none of that £35 million from the Carroll sale was spent, as it is only a loan deal. The 24-year-old has so far made 13 appearances – eight starts and five as substitute - in all competitions in claret and blue and ironically made his Villa debut against Newcastle at St James Park.

That covers most of the main transfers, but if you want to see a full list of every in and out this transfer window click here.

Manchester United and Arsenal were looking on in shock most probably at the enormous amounts of money being thrown around by their rivals. Both Ferguson and Wenger have been in agreement that there has been no real value in the transfer market and they were unlikely to add to their squad. With number like £50 million, £35 million and £25 million being coughed up for players, United and Arsenal probably did the right thing in keeping out of it. Neither club would be willing to spend that much on a player anyway.

Gasp in shock at the number that has been spent in just 31 day: £214,525,000. Just look at the number, and think what you would do with that. Of all the things that over two hundred million pounds could be spent on, it is spent on individuals who play football every week. The numbers are astonishing, but it is the quality of the football we all want to see now, not the vast amounts being spent.

Bolton Get Sturridge Instead of Vela

There have been some massive transfers this deadline day involving big players, big clubs and big money. This transfer isn't as big as those including Fernando Torres, Luis Suarez or Andy Carroll, but it sees Danny Sturridge of Chelsea joining Bolton Wanderers in a loan deal until the end of the season.

After Chelsea's £50 million signing of Fernando Torres from Liverpool, Sturridge will obviously find it harder than it already has been for him to grab a place in the first team ahead of Drogba, Anelka and now the new Spaniard. A move away which guarantees him games is a great move for the promising young English forward where he can prove his obvious talents ad grow as a player with some decent time on the pitch at an increasingly talented Bolton side.

Bolton had tried to sign the Arsenal striker Carlos Vela, but the Mexican's agent was a big stumbling block for the transfer, and in the end, Vela joined West Brom from Arsenal rather than Bolton. Sturridge is, nevertheless, a big scoop for Bolton.
It seems both parties are very pleased with the transfer. Owen Coyle, the Bolton manager said of his new signing:

"I'm really pleased to have Daniel with us,"

"He's a terrific young talent and one of the most exciting strikers in the country. We're all looking forward to working with him."

While Sturridge, who was linked to a move to Liverpool in a part exchange deal for Torres said:

"I spoke with the manager and he outlined what he hopes to achieve and his plans. It was an easy decision to sign for Bolton Wanderers and I'm looking forward to linking up with the squad on Tuesday."

The 21 year-old also said that Jack Wilshere, the Arsenal midfielder who spent a good spell at Bolton on loan had encouraged him to join the Bolton set up:

"I'm good friends with Jack (Wilshere) and he told me all about the club too. He said how much he had enjoyed his time here and how good the set-up was."