Football Chit-Chat (Kopi Talk)

[cyc]

Liverpool beat Bolton 2-0... if Gardner could put away 2 very good chances he has, and if their 1st half goal wasn't strangely disallowed, Bolton would have beaten Liverpool 3-2, luck was on Liverpool 2nite :duh: having said that, Liverpool did have a handful of good chances to put away the game beyond doubt, and overall they did dominate :yeah:

[KiraDude]

Latest : -

FT Bolton W. 0 - 2 Liverpool :thumbsup:

FT Arsenal 0 - 2 Aston Villa :o

FT Blackburn R. 1 - 2 Sunderland

FT Fulham 2 - 1 Tottenham H.

FT Manchester U. 5 - 0 Stoke C. :thumbsup:

FT Newcastle U. 2 - 2 Wigan Athletic :o

FT West Ham U. 0 - 0 Portsmouth

[amos_infinitus]

chelsea 3-0 up le. anelka scorin 2 and a superb goal by Bosingwa. hai after winnin man u n a 3-0 carling win ars go back to e btm by playin this kinda standard

[KiraDude]

Anelka is in superb form now - 10 goals in 12 games.

when will Scolari played Drogba now tt Nic is e man for chelsea currently.

Blues stays top due to superior goal diff btw them n Liverpool. 28 vs 13.

there's quite a large gap if u ask me. :(

[cyc]

hai after winnin man u n a 3-0 carling win ars go back to e btm by playin this kinda standard

well, it's the curse of beating ManU... Liverpool drawn with Stroke (at home) after beating 'em also :o

[amos_infinitus]

Anelka is in superb form now - 10 goals in 12 games.

when will Scolari played Drogba now tt Nic is e man for chelsea currently.

Blues stays top due to superior goal diff btw them n Liverpool. 28 vs 13.

there's quite a large gap if u ask me. :(

e papers title was "who needs drogba when even anelka's need can score" lol

[KiraDude]

well, it's the curse of beating ManU... Liverpool drawn with Stroke (at home) after beating 'em also :o

pure coincidence if u ask me.

in Liverpool case, they r well knwn for their inconsistence n for Arsenal, they were w/o e svc of Toure - their centre defence by exploited by Villa.

n Gunners did won their mid wk game agst Wigan prior to this match

diff case - nothing 2 do w beating manU.

[starscream]

Aston Villa played to their strategy and deserved their win. Arsenal looked lost and without direction in their approach. William Gallas had a hand or leg (depending how you look at it) in conceding both goals. The misery goes on for Gooners *sighz*

[amos_infinitus]

2 draws last night
Everton vs Boro 1-1
Hull vs Man C 2-2

[cyc]

read something funni in the papers, a Brazilian soccer player grabbed the ref's yellow card (juz b4 the ref can show it to him) and showed it to the ref instead :laugh: he got 6 match ban as a result :bang:

[KiraDude]

Latest : -

FT Chelsea 0 - 0 Newcastle U.

FT Liverpool 0 - 0 Fulham

FT Manchester C. 3 - 0 Arsenal :o

FT Middlesbrough 1 - 3 Bolton W.

FT Portsmouth 2 - 2 Hull C.

FT Stoke C. 1 - 0 West Bromwich A.

[starscream]

Anyone watched the Manchester City game against Arsenal?

Arsenal were sloppy and completely out of sorts, a truly frustrating period for the Gunners fans. Makes Arsenal supporters wishing some heads had rolled earlier in the season and that the Club would buy more proven players. Just liked Aston Villa, City was hungry for the ball, played out to their strategy well and hammered three past Almunia for a convincing win. Le Boss simply had got no answer to the game.

[Jankdev]

Arsenal's confidence is suffering following the strings of defeats. The squad is too thin to even last till halfway. Just look at Arsenal's lineup and reserves against Mancity. Whole game Arsenal is miss passing, losing possession.

Robinho was superb again. A Class act if only he wasn't that $$ minded. I just hope we dun fall too far back by January to buy the needed cover.

Where are the Adams/Keowns in defence, Vieras in midfield, and Henrys in attack.

The Win over Man united probably did more damage than good. Distracting the fact that we won't last with our youth squad and sadly some incompetent players in the ranks.

[nagamisan]

pretty pathetic display

[KiraDude]

FT Aston Villa 0 - 0 Manchester U.

All Top 3 teams were on levelled grounds w no 1 wining.

[amos_infinitus]

hai Arsenal is really bad man..makes me feel like not watchin e game..v poor performance..

[cyc]

football is full of coincidences, when one didn't score, all didn't score (I'm refering to the top 4)... maybe, it's that damn international friendlies... watched the Liverpool game, not many chances, and they didn't create enuff chances for 'em to miss some decent half chances to win the game, with some luck they could win but wasn't to be last nite...

[KiraDude]

The Keane-Torres partnership obviously is lacking in chemistry ! Benitez should knw abt this.

he should stick w Gerrard-Torres when e captain is fit again. e 2 almost knw where e other is - clear evidence during last week match against bolton.

Last nite midefield of Lucas + Mascher too flat - no creativity by Lucas forward. things change when Alonso was introduced.

All i can say Pool missed a great opportunity 2 go ahead chelsea.

[des_yeo03]

All Top 3 teams were on levelled grounds w no 1 wining.

Not to mention not a single goal scored by any of the top 4. :beatup:

[Go-yuk]

Try to watch a recap of the goals scored by Glen Johnson and Robinho last week. Johnson's goal might be a contender for Goal of the Season. :thumbsup:

[des_yeo03]

Gallas must apologise to earn Arsenal recall?

http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/PH2/gallaswenger412.jpg

Arsene Wenger could recall William Gallas to the Arsenal squad to face Ukraine side Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League on Tuesday, but only if the defender apologises to his team-mates.

Wenger refused to reveal the reasons behind his decision to strip Gallas of the captaincy after his side crashed 3-0 to Manchester City at Eastlands on Saturday.

Gallas did not travel with the squad after making critical comments about his team-mates in midweek, when he questioned their fighting spirit.

If an apology is forthcoming the 31-year-old could even start the Group G home game against Kiev. If there is no apology it is likely Gallas has kicked his last ball for the Gunners and will be off-loaded in January.

In his post-match press conference on Saturday Wenger would not be drawn on the reason behind the French defender's absence.

However, the Arsenal boss told Radio 5 Live: ''Of course he has a future at the club. I will not speak about William Gallas in a post-match interview. He is a player who did not play, so what can he do? Nothing.

''Why should we not talk about (Cesc) Fabregas and the other nine players who are not here. We can go on until midnight and I will give the same answer to the same question.''

With Gallas absent and goalkeeper Manuel Almunia wearing the armband, City romped home thanks to goals from Stephen Ireland, Robinho and substitute Daniel Sturridge.

It was the Gunners' fifth league defeat of the season and their hopes of the title already look a distant dream.

Source : Soccernet

He seems to be swearing the F word in the pic. :red:

[amos_infinitus]

haiz tink e team got no team spirit man..all young n wana make a name for themselves perhaps..n even experienced players doin funny things..

[Koo]

Fabregas replaces Gallas as Arsenal's captain. Wonder will it do miracles or not?:thinking:

[starscream]

Darned. William Gallas is sticking out like a sore thumb in the ranks of Arsenal and in my opinion he should go. No player's interests shall be greater than those of the club. During the clear-out, Arsenal should send a few others packing too.

Let's try to understand why he left his previous club Chelsea. So what if he's French, to me he was never a class act and plays best at left-back though he prefers a more central role. The captain's armband thing (regardless of circumstance) was a bad move by Le Boss, who is refusing to acknowledge this. Gallas is not responsible for the performance of the team on the pitch, Mr Wenger is.

Arsene wields limited influence in the scene of European football and is almost always sticking to an unwritten policy of buying up the entire French legion one by one. His love affair for the youths instead of proven men is plain for all to see. The promise of the potential and the future is not good enough given the club's pedigree in achieving honours. The latest trophy cabinet had been collecting dust for a number of seasons now.

The board at Arsenal should open up their eyes a little wider now in the wake of recent episodes, the string of poor results and still the even worse excuses by the manager. I have supported Arsenal through and through and the captains of Arsenal all have great leadership qualities and high calibre bar the latest one. This is a frustrating period for fans to have to see these unwelcome bickering and internal strife, transfer sagas, stubborn policies and lack of ambition. These were made worse by the exaggerating media and the 4-4 draw @ home against Spurs.

Rough times ahead but I'm sure Arsenal FC will see better days :hello:

[cyc]

Arsene wields limited influence in the scene of European football and is almost always sticking to an unwritten policy of buying up the entire French legion one by one.

maybe, that's normal, Liverpool has 5 Spanish players in their 1st team, when Houllier was the manager, he bought quite a lot of French players too... I also think Gallas has to go lah, and from wht I understand, there's another trouble-maker in the squad, he too has to go, imho

[Koo]

Today's early morning match full time result:

Wigan Athletic 1 - 0 Everton

This win allows Wigan to climb out of the relegation zone or know as the bottom 3 of the table.;)

[cyc]

Arsenal & ManU are thru' to the knockout stage of the champions league, so is Barce & Villareal

[cyc]

Bayern's 3rd goal is nice, defender trackled an won the ball cleanly at the byline, passed to midfielder, dribble dribble, pass to striker, and score... classic counter-attack :beg:

[cyc]

Champions league, all 4 Spanish side thru' to the knockout stage, Chelsea is the only English side still awaiting qualification

[cyc]

siao liao lah, Torres injured again :(

[des_yeo03]

siao liao lah, Torres injured again :(

Liverpool is doing fine without him for the last few games, i don't think he ll be missed that much...Kuyt and Keane can play together.

[des_yeo03]

UEFA Cup Results :

UEFA Cup - Group A

Schalke 0 - 2 Manchester C.

Paris S.G. 2 - 2 Racing Santander


UEFA Cup - Group B

Galatasaray 0 - 1 Metalist Kharkiv

Olympiakos Piraeus 5 - 1 Benfica


UEFA Cup - Group C

Partizan Belgrade 0 - 1 Standard Liege

Sampdoria 1 - 1 Stuttgart


UEFA Cup - Group D

NEC Nijmegen 0 - 1 Tottenham H.

Dinamo Zagreb 0 - 1 Spartak Moscow


UEFA Cup - Group E

Portsmouth 2 - 2 AC Milan

Braga 2 - 3 Wolfsburg


UEFA Cup - Group F

Zilina 0 - 0 Slavia Prague

Hamburger SV 0 - 1 Ajax Amsterdam


UEFA Cup - Group G

Club Brugge 1 - 1 Saint-Etienne

Rosenborg 0 - 4 Valencia


UEFA Cup - Group H

CSKA Moscow 2 - 1 Lech Poznan

Deportivo La Coruna 3 - 0 Feyenoord Rotterdam

[cyc]

Liverpool is doing fine without him for the last few games, i don't think he ll be missed that much...Kuyt and Keane can play together.

w/o a fit Torres, they're struggling to win games... they were lucky sometimes... the 2 strikers u mentioned *sigh* especially Keane :bang: juz hope that their defense can hold :pray2:

[Koo]

I cannot believe AC Milan cannot defeat Portsmouth, ending in a 2-2 draw match....... :duh:

[Jankdev]

I cannot believe AC Milan cannot defeat Portsmouth, ending in a 2-2 draw match....... :duh:

Highlights, from Portsmouth leading 2-0 to Milan equalising at the death.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHtSjJjYD2k

[KiraDude]

Latest : -

FT Aston Villa 0 - 0 Fulham

FT Middlesbrough 0 - 0 Newcastle U.

FT Stoke C. 1 - 1 Hull C.

FT Sunderland 1 - 4 Bolton W.

FT Wigan Athletic 2 - 1 West Bromwich A

[cyc]

game hasn't start, mind games start liao... from a neutral, I want Arsenal to win :)

Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has told Arsenal their fancy football means nothing without medals.

The Gunners have not won a trophy since their FA Cup victory in 2005 and look unlikely to challenge for the Premier League this season after losing five games already.

And Cole, whose Chelsea side host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, said: ''In fairness to Arsenal, they are playing nice football but look at the past four years and who's won the trophies?

''They are fantastic to watch but I wouldn't want to be playing for a team that didn't win anything. Winning trophies is what counts.

''You are not going to be sitting on the beach in the summer at the end of the season speaking about that Cruyff turn you did back in December, or that nutmeg you did in January, are you?

''What's the point in that? You want to be thinking about winning trophies. That's what it's all about. We want to put some silverware on the table this year. And that's what we intend to do.''


Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech reckons Arsenal will be out of the title race if they lose to the Premier League leaders at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Arsenal have lost five league matches already this season, have slipped 10 points behind pacesetters Chelsea and Liverpool and are currently not even in the top four.

"For them it is a must not lose game," Cech told Chelsea's website. "If they lose they are out of the title race completely."

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger believes the London derby offers a chance for his side to kickstart their title challenge.

"Ideally, I do not want to be 13 points behind Chelsea so let's make it seven on Sunday night," he said. "We know that direct confrontations with top teams become vital when you are in our position."

Champions Manchester United are also in action, knowing they can ill afford any slips at local rivals Manchester City. United, eight points behind Chelsea and Liverpool with a game in hand, were beaten home and away by City last season.

[amos_infinitus]

rooney scorin his 100th goal to win 1-0 over man c..but ronaldo sent off..

[Jankdev]

FT: Chelsea 1 : 2 Arsenal :)

It was the first win at the Bridge in 4 years for Arsenal. Somehow the Chinks in Chelsea defense is begining to show. Ever since Scolari taken over, the team has favored attack than defense, coupled with key defensive players like Carvalho and Essien missing, the team doesn't look as solid as it used to be. Drogba is also banned for this game which he is always a big pain whenever he plays against Arsenal.

Now for Arsenal to find their consistency...

Other Results today

Man city 0 : 1 Man united

Tottenham 0 : 1 Everton

Portsmouth 3 : 2 Blackburn

[KiraDude]

Gunners : - Good Job ! :thumbsup:

[starscream]

Yeah!! Victory for the Gunners but I do not think the troubles for the Club are over yet..

in other news:-

Man United's Ronaldo is tipped to beat AC Milan's Kaka to the European footballer of the year trophy but the Portuguese star has lost out to Kaka in a Brazilian newspaper's poll on best-looking players. (Sunday Times) :laugh:

[des_yeo03]

Man United's Ronaldo is tipped to beat AC Milan's Kaka to the European footballer of the year trophy but the Portuguese star has lost out to Kaka in a Brazilian newspaper's poll on best-looking players. (Sunday Times)

Ermm, i agree with the reports, Kaka definitely better. :laugh:

[amos_infinitus]

hope arsenal dun cock up e next game again.chelsea's 1st goal is really cock up by arsenal defense man..hai..any1 can enlighten me on van persie's 1st goal? commentator was sayin van persie was not offside due to chelsea's player or sth..didnt really get wad it mean..

[Leslie]

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r170/Oshboggy/KAKA.jpg Is better than http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r170/Oshboggy/Cronaldo.jpg??


Well one thing's for sure; they both look like cocks :evil:

[des_yeo03]

hope arsenal dun cock up e next game again.chelsea's 1st goal is really cock up by arsenal defense man..hai..any1 can enlighten me on van persie's 2nd goal? commentator was sayin van persie was not offside due to chelsea's player or sth..didnt really get wad it mean..

2nd or first goal? First goal is definitely offside, 2nd goal is perfectly legitimate.

[amos_infinitus]

2nd or first goal? First goal is definitely offside, 2nd goal is perfectly legitimate.

sry e 1st goal..he was in offside position but the commentator was sayin bcoz of chelsea's player or sth tt's y referee allowed e goal n didnt rule it as an offside or sth..

[Go-yuk]

sry e 1st goal..he was in offside position but the commentator was sayin bcoz of chelsea's player or sth tt's y referee allowed e goal n didnt rule it as an offside or sth..

i thought both goals were legitimate and the commentators were just assigning blame on who the last defender was that should have covered or tried blocking the shot on the first goal. Was opening a toy at the moment so din really hear properly also :laugh:

[amos_infinitus]

i thought both goals were legitimate and the commentators were just assigning blame on who the last defender was that should have covered or tried blocking the shot on the first goal. Was opening a toy at the moment so din really hear properly also :laugh:

Van Persie was standing at an offside position at 1st..then they keep sayin sth about Chelsea's player that made e referee award e goal instead of offside but didnt really get he was saying..

btw did any1 heard e commentator for Man U's game? quite funny i find e way he spoke. he was sayin after e 2nd card for Ronaldo "e referee has gotten his revenge" and sth like "dun mess around with me boy" lol..and after tt he mentioned that Ronaldo's 2 yellows will overtake Ronney's 100th goal as headlines tmr or rather today lol..

[des_yeo03]

i thought both goals were legitimate and the commentators were just assigning blame on who the last defender was that should have covered or tried blocking the shot on the first goal. Was opening a toy at the moment so din really hear properly also :laugh:

There's this full time analysis of the match at the end with slow motion reply and all, the first goal is 100% offside. Van Persie is the last man facing goal when the pass is made.

But it doesn't really matter, most important is 3 points in the bag for Arsenal. :)

[Koo]

Tonight match : Liverpool VS West Ham Utd

[cyc]

watched the replay, Arsenal's 1st goal looks offside to me... Lampard had a good chance to make it 2-0 but he didn't otherwise could be game over for Arsenal... ManU's match, Man City's keeper back paddling to save an open goal, would be interesting if that had gone it...

now Liverpool, nothing to say, juz fingers crossed

[KiraDude]

now Liverpool, nothing to say, juz fingers crossed

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

i like this phrase. x my legs as well. :D

[Jankdev]

sry e 1st goal..he was in offside position but the commentator was sayin bcoz of chelsea's player or sth tt's y referee allowed e goal n didnt rule it as an offside or sth..

I generally think Commendators are crappy... they do not give accurate analysis of matches most of the times, but they are necessary as they help to bring the tempo of the game up for us viewers, just dun read too much into what they said.

For Arsenal goal, the commentator was commending that the first goal was onside as he thought fabregas pass had deflected off a Chelsea player (Cashley cole i think) before running into the path of Van persie. The replays shows a clean through ball. Just a case of the commentator trying to be too clever.

View it here yourself:

http://arsenal-football-hightlight.blogspot.com/

[amos_infinitus]

I generally think Commendators are crappy... they do not give accurate analysis of matches most of the times, but they are necessary as they help to bring the tempo of the game up for us viewers, just dun read too much into what they said.

For Arsenal goal, the commentator was commending that the first goal was onside as he thought fabregas pass had deflected off a Chelsea player (Cashley cole i think) before running into the path of Van persie. The replays shows a clean through ball. Just a case of the commentator trying to be too clever.

View it here yourself:

http://arsenal-football-hightlight.blogspot.com/

ooO ok thx man..

[KiraDude]

FT Liverpool 0 - 0 West Ham U.

The Reds din make it count when e match matters - agst a weaker Westham. Pool din ve firepower/ creativity upfront.

n u guess it - Robbie Keane was, again in no man's land for e 1st 45min. he was running ard, here n ther - a headless chicken. n was finally subst 2nd half.

The Reds were desperate - Gerrard was seen miskicking e ball on 1 occasion when he was found at e edge of e penalty box - a rare sight indeed. :o

on e bright side, they gt 1 point n on top for nw.

[cyc]

well... ineffective Keane, and an off-form Gerrard (too kan-chiong every time he has the ball) means it's another home draw against a weaker side... Torres is sorely missed... on this form, most probably Chelsea would clinch the title (considering that Liverpool has yet to play Arsenal)... even ManU is closing up... in fact, West Ham could even win the game with 2 very good chance they had... I'm really sad, not so much the result, but the way Liverpool played :(

[des_yeo03]

Ronaldo wins European footballer of the year award

PARIS (AFP) - - Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo won the European Footballer of the Year Award here on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old Portuguese star is the first from his country to win the coveted ' Ballon D'Or ' award which is given by 'France Football' since Luis Figo in 2000.

His award - which he has widely spoken about having said in the last week that not only is he the best footballer in the world but also the second and third best - comes on the back of exceptional performance for his club side last season.

He scored a remarkable 42 times in 49 matches as United secured a memorable league and European Cup double.

However, Spaniard Fernando Torres can feel hard done by as he scored a lot of great goals for Liverpool in the Premiership and the only goal in the Euro 2008 final against Germany.

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20081202/tsp-fbl-eur-award-47c0590.html

I guess only Man Utd fans don't hate him, but well, i feel he deserves it for what he has done last season.

[cyc]

[B]I guess only Man Utd fans don't hate him, but well, i feel he deserves it for what he has done last season.

hehe I think u're rite on this :) juz the thot of him blinking in the world cup & his occasional dives to win penalties can have me fuming mad, I mean a player of his quality need not resort to this kinda antics to win games, rite? if I were to vote, I'll definitely not vote for him coz I value sportsmanship more than quality... guess the panel must be unbias coz the award is based on his quality not sportsmanship

[Leslie]

Young Guns really learning from the senior team wor :o :bang:

Kevin McDonald steered Burnley into the semi-finals of a major competition for the first time in the 25 years with a superb brace in a 2-0 win against Arsenal at Turf Moor.

The Coca-Cola Championship team booked their place in the last four of the Carling Cup after showing a young Gunners side how to finish.
While McDonald rightly took the plaudits, the Lancashire club also had to thank goalkeeper Brian Jensen, who made a string of fine saves to keep his side in front.

Scottish midfielder McDonald scored either side of half-time and there was pandemonium around the old ground after a famous victory.
The match was locally billed as `Capital Punishment III' after Chelsea and Fulham were put to the sword in previous rounds - and it lived up to expectations.

Yet Arsenal almost took the lead before McDonald made the breakthrough when Fran Merida released Nicklas Bendtner. However Jensen stayed alert and diverted the striker's effort to safety.

Burnley took the lead in the sixth minute after Chris Eagles swung in a superb cross from the right. Arsenal could not clear their lines after goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski failed to gather the ball.
McDonald took full advantage to score from the edge of the six-yard box to put the the second-tier side in the driving seat - and they never looked back.

Arsenal were stung and Bendtner sprung the offside trap in the ninth minute after a good through-ball from Carlos Vela but Jensen was equal to his effort.

Then Martin Paterson skipped away from Kieran Gibbs but his shot carried little power and the goalkeeper was able to make a comfortable save.
Burnley were dictating the pace against their inexperienced opponents and Robbie Blake tested Fabianski in the 28th minute.

The young Arsenal goalkeeper looked nervous and spilled his effort, only to recover in time and take the ball off Paterson's toes.
Paterson should have extended Burnley's lead when he stole in on the blindside but only succeeded in rattling a shot against Fabianski's body.
Arsenal responded in the 37th minute and Bendtner sent Mark Randall clear with a clever flick. Randall had only Jensen to beat but the goalkeeper stood tall to make the block.

The goalkeeper was again proving difficult to beat after an impressive display in the victory against Chelsea.
It looked as though Vela would equalise in the 41st minute but Jensen cleared the danger.
Merida was also wasteful after 49 minutes when he weaved his way into the penalty area but failed to test Jensen, dragging his effort wide.
Burnley extended their lead in the 57th minute with McDonald again showing a cool headed when needed.

Randall was caught napping when Eagles delivered a throw-in and McDonald raced clear before curling a delightful shot into the far corner with the outside of his right boot.

This was an uphill task now for Arsenal and Wenger responded by bringing on Jay Simpson for Jack Wilshere in a bid to turn things around.
Simpson had shown his potential in the last round with a brace in the victory against Arsenal.

However, Paterson should have made it 3-0 in the 65th minute only to send a soft header into Fabianski's arms following a cross from Blake.
Burnley were happy to knock the ball around and keep possession but Arsenal still looked dangerous going forward. Bendtner should have pulled a goal back with three minutes remaining but the striker failed to capitalise on a good ball from Vela to put the seal on a miserable night for the Gunners.

From Soccernet

[cyc]

actually, wht's the point of playing the Carling Cup? u risked getting red cards and subsequently banned for the league games, kenna injured more sianz siah

[jdelpiero]

Roy Keane has resigned as Sunderland manager following a dreadful run of form that has plunged the club into the Premier League's relegation zone.

Five defeats from their last six league games left the Irishman locked in talks with chairman Niall Quinn and Saturday's 4-1 thrashing at home to Bolton Wanderers caused Keane to question whether he was the right man for the job.

He said in the post-match interview: "I ask myself every single day if I am the right man for Sunderland. I asked myself this morning and I said that I was. Tomorrow morning if the answer's no we will have to look at it."

The former Manchester United and Celtic midfielder used 27 players this season as he struggled to find a winning formula in his first managerial position, but was unable to do so.

Quinn confirmed that Keane's departure was conducted in an amicable manner and thanked the 37-year-old for all his efforts as Sunderland manager.

"Roy deserves huge respect for his contribution and the manner in which he guided the club from the depths of the Championship back to the Premier League," the Sunderland chairman said.

"Roy's decision to stand aside and allow someone else to take charge of the next chapter sums up his desire to always do what is best for the club. Even in his departure he has been more concerned for the welfare of the players and his staff than himself.

"The board has reluctantly accepted his decision and wish him and his family well for the future.''

Keane added: "I would like to thank my staff, players, Niall Quinn and in particular the fans for their support during my time at Sunderland, and I would like to wish the club every success in the future.''

First-team coach Ricky Sbragia will take over on an interim basis, assisted by reserve-team coach Neil Bailey and senior player Dwight Yorke, but has only a few days to prepare for trip to Old Trafford to face Keane's former club Manchester United.

Sunderland were bottom of the Championship when Keane took over in August 2006 and he guided the club to the top of the division, winning promotion in his first season.

He spent over £80 million in less than two seasons in the top flight but summer signings such as Anton Ferdinand, Pascal Chimbonda and El-Hadji Diouf have largely failed to deliver.

His contract was due to expire at the end of the season with talks over a new deal reportedly ongoing.

Former Newcastle United and Bolton manager Sam Allardyce is the bookies' early favourite to become the new manager at the Stadium of light.

[cyc]

I'd read an article yesterday on soccernet abt one of his friends questioning his managerial abilities, didn't think that he would really quit, every teams have a bad patch once in a while

[cyc]

Ronaldo was ''within an inch'' of joining Arsenal

Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo was poised to join Arsenal before he accepted an offer to sign for Manchester United in 2003.

Ronaldo with one of his many awards last year.

The winger, recently crowned European Footballer of the Year, has admitted his admiration for Gunners' boss Arsene Wenger and revealed how close he came to becoming part of the squad at the Emirates.

However, United's offer of 12.24 million pound was three times that of Arsenal's and Sporting Lisbon had no choice but to accept.

''I met Arsene on three occasions and one of those times was with my mum who wanted to hear what he was proposing,'' the 23-year-old told France Football.

''The contact we had with him and Arsenal meant it was very close to being a done deal. Really, we were within touching distance.''

''Wenger remains someone that I still have immense esteem for and it's clear that he's a really intelligent football guy.

''My mum feels the same way and a while after I signed for United she and I were sitting watching a Premier League game on television and she yelled out 'I know that guy, I liked him,''' he added.

Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes also said there was huge interest in his client when he considered leaving his homeland.

''When he was moving from Sporting Lisbon the whole world wanted him, Real Madrid, Juve, Barcelona... but only United and Arsenal were willing to take him right away, the other clubs thought he should stay for another season at Sporting,'' said Mendes. ''Then United won the war by paying more''.

Ronaldo, who inspired United to the Champions League and Premier League double this year, was awarded the Ballon d'Or on Tuesday after a poll of 96 international journalists organised by the French magazine.

''I think I have gone down in history. And I am only 23,'' Ronaldo said. ''But I think I have to work even more. I never relax... I want to do as much next year and even more.

''Since I arrived at Manchester United, I have always improved year after year. I have always achieved something more season after season... I want more titles, more awards and another Ballon d'Or.''

Meanwhile, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said he felt Cristiano Ronaldo richly deserved to be awarded the gong.

Ronaldo became the fourth United player to land the trophy, following in the footsteps of Sir Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and George Best; and Ferguson will be present to see the 23-year-old, who is also expected to be crowned FIFA world player of the year next month, collect his prize.

''It is brilliant for Ronaldo to win the Ballon D'Or,'' said Ferguson. ''I will be going to see him receive his award on Sunday and it is well deserved.

''The percentage of votes he got made it an almost unanimous decision. It is good to know he wants to improve. I think he will improve.''

wow, if he really join Arsenal, Arsenal no-horse-can-run siah...
the story I heard from my ManU fan friend is that ManU was on a pre-season friendly tour and they played Sporting Lisbon, Ronaldo impressed ManU players so much during the match that they urged Fergie to sign him, so they return from the tour with one extra man, Ronaldo himself...

[KiraDude]

then again, we might b seeing/ havin a diff Ronaldo he is now.

n i would oso like him as an arsenal player :laugh:

[jdelpiero]

Special throw in by a Brazilian.

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=1jvEeO0MIe0

[KiraDude]

she must been watching too much 足球小将 ... :laugh:

[cyc]

another unconvincing win by Liverpool, dunno how long they can continue playing like dat (blackburne 1 - 3 Liverpool)... the scoreline flattered 'em as they didn't create much meaningful chances :/

[KiraDude]

Latest Results : -

FT Fulham 1 - 1 Manchester C.

FT Arsenal 1 - 0 Wigan Athletic

FT Blackburn R. 1 - 3 Liverpool

FT Bolton W. 0 - 2 Chelsea

FT Hull C. 2 - 1 Middlesbrough

FT Newcastle U. 2 - 2 Stoke C.

FT Manchester U. 1 - 0 Sunderland

[des_yeo03]

I was on the edge of my seat with some of the guys here watching the Man Utd game, damn its frustrating till the last min.....Its a lucky thing they won, if not i duno what i ll break over my friend's place. :shooting:

[KiraDude]

FT West Bromwich A. 1 - 1 Portsmouth

FT Everton 2 - 3 Aston Villa

[des_yeo03]

We have 2 beautifully taken goals from Deco and Lescott this week :

Goal By Deco (http://www.mightyfootball.com/bolton-w-chelsea-0-2-premier-league-061208/)

Injury time equaliser from Lescott (http://www.mightyfootball.com/category/english-premier-league/)

Deco's goal :thumbsup:

And wat a game at Goodison park....

[cyc]

read an article, it says after playing Spurs this weekend, ManU would have played the top 10 teams (last season) away...

[Koo]

FT result of West Ham VS Tottenham Hotspur: 0-2 (early morning match.)

[jdelpiero]

Real Madrid replace Schuster with Ramos (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=600593&sec=england&cc=4716)

[Leslie]

Singapore beat Indonesia 2-0 in their Suzuki Cup matchup this evening ...
http://www.affsuzukicup.com/tournament/fixtures.asp#

Can click on the "Stats" button underneath the scoreline to see more details.

Go go Singapore? LOL

[des_yeo03]

CL Results :

Champions League - Group A

AS Roma 2 - 0 Bordeaux

Chelsea 2 - 1 CFR Cluj


Champions League - Group B

Panathinaikos 1 - 0 Anorthosis

Werder Bremen 2 - 1 Inter Milan


Champions League - Group C

Barcelona 2 - 3 Shakhtar Donetsk

Basel 0 - 1 Sporting Lisbon


Champions League - Group D

Marseille 0 - 0 Atletico Madrid

PSV Eindhoven 1 - 3 Liverpool

[cyc]

UCL, no incentive to finish top this season, with Chelsea, Arsenal, Inter, Real Madrid & Lyon all finishing 2nd

[des_yeo03]

CL Results :

Champions League - Group E

Celtic 2 - 0 Villarreal

Manchester U. 2 - 2 Aalborg BK


Champions League - Group F

Lyon 2 - 3 Bayern Munich

Steaua Bucuresti 0 - 1 Fiorentina


Champions League - Group G

Dynamo Kyiv 1 - 0 Fenerbahce

FC Porto 2 - 0 Arsenal


Champions League - Group H

Juventus 0 - 0 BATE Borisov

Real Madrid 3 - 0 Zenit St. Petersburg

[cyc]

Liverpool play like shit man, not even half time 2 nill down (at home), don't wanna watch liao... Benitez team selection like shit *sianz*

[KiraDude]

Latest : -

FT Middlesbrough 1 - 1 Arsenal

FT Aston Villa 4 - 2 Bolton W.

FT Liverpool 2 - 2 Hull C. :bang:

FT Manchester C. 0 - 1 Everton

FT Stoke C. 0 - 0 Fulham

FT Sunderland 4 - 0 West Bromwich A.

FT Wigan Athletic 3 - 0 Blackburn R.

FT Tottenham H. 0 - 0 Manchester U.

[KiraDude]

Liverpool play like shit man, not even half time 2 nill down (at home), don't wanna watch liao... Benitez team selection like shit *sianz*

Hull City went 2 anfield looking for a win. their play was very open throughout e first half. im impressed w them. its not easy 2 score 2 - esp starting for only 20mins althou w Carragher's own goal.

then again, Liverpool is tt kind of team - when they are dwn , then they play serious football - 2 goals in almost 10mins.

Gerrard was at e right place at e rite time - wonder if its keane - dun tink he can score fm there. :laugh:

Pity thou 2nd half - they tried everthin. still cant get a goal.

We really need Torres ! :(

[cyc]

not saying that Liverpool played badly, but I would prefer prefer Insua over Dossena & Agger over Hyppia in defense... Hyppia conceded the freekick that led to the 1st goal, he's juz too slow nowadays... yes, u're rite, we need Torres... I'll rewatch the match today... next match against Arsenal, I won't be watching this match for sure

[amos_infinitus]

Hull City went 2 anfield looking for a win. their play was very open throughout e first half. im impressed w them. its not easy 2 score 2 - esp starting for only 20mins althou w Carragher's own goal.

then again, Liverpool is tt kind of team - when they are dwn , then they play serious football - 2 goals in almost 10mins.

Gerrard was at e right place at e rite time - wonder if its keane - dun tink he can score fm there. :laugh:

Pity thou 2nd half - they tried everthin. still cant get a goal.

We really need Torres ! :(

yeah Hull was playing hard man..but bad mistake by Carragher..big 4 all draw this wk end..

[amos_infinitus]

no1 posted but chelsea drew 1-1 wif west ham wif anelka scoring..

[Jankdev]

The big beneficiary for this week is Aston Villa who moved into four place closing the gap on the top 3.

[Koo]

No one here post this:

Portsmouth 0 - 3 Newcastle Utd

This win over Portsmouth pulls Newcastle out of the relegation zone for now. ;)

[cyc]

Benitez and Scolari both have kidney stones, must be stressful being on the top siah... Benitez is scheduled to go for a minor op this week, Scolari might need op if his stones don't go away...

[Koo]

Both of the guys have been drink made in China toxic milk! :laugh: They better sue the importer of the milk brand they have been drinking.:moneyface

[des_yeo03]

Ince fired by struggling Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn have relieved manager Paul Ince of his duties.

A sixth successive Premier League defeat at the weekend, 3-0 at Wigan, extended Rovers' winless run to 11 matches and increased the scrutiny on Ince who has paid with his job.

The Blackburn board met on Monday to discuss the future of the former Macclesfield and MK Dons boss, who guided Rovers to just three wins in 17 league games since his appointment in June.

He leaves with the Lancashire club second bottom of the league.

"It is with great sadness the board announce that Paul Ince is to leave the club," read a statement on Blackburn's club website. "After a board meeting yesterday it was decided to relieve Paul of his duties.

"The board, having selected Paul back in June, were desperate for him to succeed and wanted to give him as much time as possible in the unforgiving environment of Premier League management, where time is such a precious commodity."

Chairman John Williams added: "Three wins in 17 games has seen a squad, which finished seventh last season, fall to 19th position. We are currently in real danger of becoming detached from the pack.

"The survival of the club in the Premier League is paramount and our focus now is on finding a replacement who will be able to maintain our top division status.

"Paul will bounce back, he is a fighter and we wish him well."

Replacements for Ince are already being touted around with former Rovers boss Graeme Souness seemingly the new favourite.

Alan Curbishley, Burnley boss Owen Coyle and Sam Allardyce have also being linked.

Source : Soccernet

Expected....Sooner or later thing....Managers getting the boot is nothing new nowadays.

[des_yeo03]

Madrid leak claims Ronaldo deal already done

Cristiano Ronaldo will sign for Real Madrid in the summer according to a director of the Spanish giants.

Newspaper El Mundo is quoting director Pedro Trapote as saying Real already have a deal in place but cannot announce it officially.

President Ramon Calderon had stated after last summer's protracted transfer saga that Real would end their long quest to pinch the player from Manchester United so as not to make an enemy of the European champions.

Sir Alex Ferguson did little to hide his disgust at Real's conduct and is bound to be more than agitated by a resurfacing of the Ronaldo rumour-mongering.

El Mundo report that after Madrid's loss at Barcelona Trapote mentioned the news in a recorded conversation, though it is not known whether it was meant to become public knowledge.

"If you are asking me what we are going to do now then I would tell you that we have already signed the best player for the summer," Trapote is quoted as saying.

"Are you talking about Cristiano?" was the reply.

"The best of the best. It is Cristiano, there is no other. It is better that we do not say anything at the moment though.

"Why can you not say anything. It is the best time because things are going badly and people need something to excite them in the middle of all this.

Trapote replied: "No, it is best to not say anything because there are some clauses that prevent us from announcing it now."

Big Sam appointed as Ince's successor at Rovers

Sam Allardyce has been appointed as the new manager of Blackburn Rovers and is expected to take charge of the club's next home game against Stoke City on Saturday.

Allardyce has been chosen as the man to lead Blackburn away from relegation danger after the club moved swiftly to sign him up in case Sunderland made a move.

Allardyce was thought to be high on the Wearsiders' list of candidates and Blackburn chairman John Williams, keen to ensure he secured his number one choice, today swooped for the 54-year-old former Bolton and Newcastle manager just 27 hours after sacking Paul Ince.

Allardyce, the former Bolton and Newcastle manager, has been appointed on a three-year contract.

Allardyce had been linked with the job before Ince was appointed in the summer but ruled himself out of the running, and today he explained that as "a misunderstanding''.

"I am very, very pleased indeed. I'm not saying more than that at the moment,'' Allardyce told Sky Sports News.

Asked about his decision to take a job he apparently did not want in the summer, he said: "That was all a misunderstanding, that. I'm just glad I'm here now.''

Allardyce, who will be formally unveiled at a news conference at Ewood Park tomorrow afternoon, said he would "wait and see'' about whether funds would be made available to him to sign new players in the transfer window.

His eight successful years as Bolton manager persuaded the Rovers board that he is the man to rescue Blackburn from the threat of relegation.

Allardyce guided Bolton to promotion to the top flight in 2001 and then established them as a Premier League force, qualifying for the UEFA Cup in 2005.

His nine months at Newcastle were not a success however - he was appointed by Freddy Shepherd but within a few months Mike Ashley had taken over the Magpies and Allardyce left the club in January this year.

Blackburn need the Bolton version of Allardyce to rescue them from their current predicament - they are currently second from bottom of the Premier League with 13 points from 17 games, and have not won in their last 11 league games, losing their last six.

Williams, Blackburn's chairman, was keen for the new manager to be in position before Saturday's visit by Stoke.

Williams said: "You can't underestimate how much of a boost a physical presence could have on Saturday for what is an absolutely mammoth game.

"Everyone needs to know how big this game is as this is a time the club really has to come together.''

Allardyce's appointment certainly impressed the bookies with odds against them surviving in the top flight being slashed to 4-9.

Ladbrokes spokesman Nick Weinberg said: "Allardyce has been in a similar situation with Bolton. His experience will stand Blackburn in good stead.''

Source : Soccernet

[starscream]

On the subject of rumours: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is lining up 24-year-old Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini as a long-term replacement for William Gallas. (Daily Telegraph) - more like a long overdue immediate replacement to me!!

[Go-yuk]

This summer's transfer window looks to be explosive! Will Ronaldo leave Man U? Will Defoe return to Tottemham? Who will Man City sign and how many big names among them? Can Chelsea persuade Robinho to join them? :laugh:

[des_yeo03]

Man Utd reach FIFA final

Wayne Rooney scored twice following his introduction as a late substitute as Manchester United booked a Club World Cup final meeting with LDU Quito on Sunday.

United had already established superiority over Gamba Osaka thanks to first-half headers from Nemanja Vidic and Cristiano Ronaldo.

But Rooney's arrival led to a frenzied spell of six goals in 18 minutes, the England man netting either side of a Darren Fletcher effort as the Red Devils kept spirited Gamba resistance at bay.

The laudable objective of this tournament is to gather each continent's top team in one place to show off their respective talents.

Unfortunately, there is a serious flaw in Sepp Blatter's plan as the European and South American sides are traditionally superior to everyone else.

As winners of the Asian Champions League, Gamba did not need to be exposed to such high-class opposition to know defending at set-pieces is fairly essential in the modern game.

The J.League outfit had actually started quite brightly, although United had begun to get on top when Ronaldo won a right-wing corner for his side.

Ryan Giggs took it and expertly found Vidic at the far post. With his added strength, the Serbian simply guided his header beyond Yosuke Fujigaya.

If Anderson, who has yet to score in 56 appearances for the Red Devils since his arrival from FC Porto last year, had been equally clinical when Ronaldo picked him out on the edge of the six-yard area shortly afterwards, the contest would have been over.

Instead, despite being unmarked, the Brazilian failed to make a proper connection, prolonging Gamba's stay of execution until stoppage-time.

Again Giggs was the provider with another accurate set-piece. This time Ronaldo was the finisher, powering home his 10th goal of the campaign, and his first in five weeks.

Given Rooney was only a substitute as Ferguson opted not to take a chance with his fitness, and record signing Dimitar Berbatov remained in bed with a virus, it was an adequate return on the opening 45 minutes, especially as some United players were still suffering from jet-lag.

United's second goal took the competitive edge away from a second half that was more akin to the pre-season games United have played in the Far East over the past few years.

That all changed though when Rooney was introduced 18 minutes from time.

Before he had even touched the ball, Gamba pulled one back through Masato Yamazaki.

But it just proved to be the prelude to a blistering spell of United attacking, in which Fletcher nodded home a third United headed goal either side of a Rooney double.

First the England man shrugged off Sota Nakazawa to finish, then he collected Giggs' pass and slotted home.

Rooney was then booked for a foul on Michihiro Yasuda before Endo slotted home a calmly-taken penalty after a handball decision had gone against Gary Neville.

There was still time for another Gamba goal from Hideo Hashimoto, although it not affect the outcome.

Source : Soccernet

[Go-yuk]

aiyo...fergie give face and plays neville, and he repays the kindness by conceding a penalty? :duh: really cmi liao L-)

[des_yeo03]

Ronaldo says he is "very happy" at Old Trafford

Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted that he's "very happy'' at Manchester United after hitting the headlines again over the past 48 hours, thanks to more speculation linking him with Real Madrid.

The winger has been back in the headlines again over the past 48 hours, thanks to more speculation linking him with Real Madrid.

But comments from Real director Pedro Trapote have been greeted with disdain at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson claiming "I wouldn't sell them a virus" following his team's 5-3 Club World Cup victory over Gamba Osaka.

Ronaldo opted not to get embroiled in the war of words between two clubs, who may get drawn together in the Champions League knockout round tomorrow.

However, he has confirmed he remains happy with life at Old Trafford - after Ferguson persuaded him to stay last summer.

"I don't care what people are saying,'' he said.

"I have not read it. I am here in Japan and I know nothing about what is going on around me.

"But I am very happy playing for Manchester United.''

After the intense speculation that surrounded him last summer, it seems Ronaldo must once again get used to being the centre of attention.

The Ballon D'Or winner preferred to talk about his goalscoring contribution to United's latest triumph.

After heading home a Ryan Giggs corner in first-half stoppage time, Ronaldo has moved into double figures for the season.

As he prepares to be confirmed as the best player in the world at a glitzy FIFA ceremony next month, Ronaldo confirmed life at the moment is going well.

"It would mean a lot for me to be a world champion,'' he said.

"It would be fantastic to win this trophy - and now there is a good chance, not just from a personal perspective but for Manchester United.

"We might only have one opportunity and we have to take it.''

Ronaldo knows the bare minimum about Sunday's opponents, Ecuador's South American club champions LDU Quito.

They were not that impressive in beating Pachuca in yesterday's semi-final, but Ronaldo knows any club capable of overcoming the might of Brazil and Argentina must be respected.

"We are expecting a difficult game,'' he said.

"The second match is always more difficult than the first, and we have to prepare well.

"Quito are a good team, with a lot of experience.

"We have a couple of days to study them and to see who the best players are, but the most important thing for us is to put the ball in the net.''

Source : Soccernet

[des_yeo03]

Champions League: Last 16 draw

Chelsea v Juventus

Villarreal v Panathinaikos

Sporting Lisbon v Bayern Munich

Atlético Madrid v FC Porto

Lyon v Barcelona

Real Madrid v Liverpool

Arsenal v AS Roma

Internazionale v Manchester United

Source : Soccernet

All 4 english teams not getting easy ties, very very interesting. :)

[Koo]

Full time results for some "early" EPL matches:

Blackburn R. 3 - 0 Stoke C.:whistling

Bolton W. 2 - 1 Portsmouth;)

Fulham 3 - 0 Middlesbrough =D>

Hull C. 1 - 4 Sunderland :o (Shocking results)

[des_yeo03]

Full time results for some "early" EPL matches:

Blackburn R. 3 - 0 Stoke C.:whistling

Hull C. 1 - 4 Sunderland :o (Shocking results)

Change manager really changes results. :beatup:

[des_yeo03]

United Conquer The World

Manchester United can add the FIFA Club World Cup to their trophy cabinet after a hard-won 1-0 win over Ecuador's LDU Quito. A Wayne Rooney strike on 73 minutes settled United nerves after they had been reduced to ten men after the dismissal of Nemanja Vidic.

Source : Soccernet

[jdelpiero]

Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool

WBA 2-1 Man City

Newcastle 2-1 Tottenham

Manchester United 1-0 LDU