News and commentary on the teams, manager and players of the English Premier League.
Arsenal‘s massive 7-1 victory was highlighted with another special performance from Robin Van Persie, who bagged a hat-trick on the night, but it was youngster, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The youngsters scored two goals on the match and once again provides an important contribution for his club, leaving his manager, Arsene Wenger in awe with Oxlade-Chamberlain speedy development.
Sad weekend for British football as Nottingham Forest Owner Nigel Doughty was found dead in his home yesterday. He was 54. According to a statement released by the club, Doughty was found dead in his gym.
“It is with enormous sadness that Nottingham Forest announce the death of the club’s owner Nigel Doughty, Mr Doughty, who was 54, was found dead earlier today in his gym at his home in Skillington, Lincolnshire. The club would like to appeal for the privacy of Mr Doughty’s family to be observed at this sad time. The club will be making no further comment.”
Here are some highlights from the press conferences on Friday of Sir Alex Ferguson and Andre Villas-Boas ahead of the massive game on Sunday at Stamford Bridge:
Sir Alex Ferguson on Cleverly return, squad and more
AVB On Chelsea Team news v Manchester United
Manchester City moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League thanks to a convincing 3-0 win at home over Fulham.
Heading into the Fulham match a lot of questions were being asked about a City side that had lost four of their eight matches in 2012, exiting the FA and League Cups and seeing Manchester United draw level with them on points at the top of the Premier League.
Chelsea‘s manager, Andre Villas-Boas, revealed an interesting statement regarding his current managerial experience at Stamford Bridge, stating that he is actually not really stamping his authority in the dressing room.
Villas-Boas revealed that unlike some manager who can be a sort of dictator with his players, the former Fc Porto tactician admitted that he is having a different path by becoming more of democratic person.
There will be some very tense nerves in West London this weekend ahead of Chelsea‘s super clash with rivals Manchester United at Stamford Bridge this Sunday. A couple of years back, this would have been just another day in the office for the Blues, however, things have changed drastically.
In fact, things are so bad for the Blues that a 3rd place finish for them would be amazing. To be honest, going by their past performances, a win on Sunday would definitely be a surprise.
Ok, Probably that isn’t quite true, however, it does feel like City are holding Tevez back from leaving sort of like a punishment for the embarrassment he has caused the club.
Speaking to Kicker magazine, Tevez (remarks which he later denied) Tevez was quoted as saying that he was keen on leaving this winter having received offers from Italy and Spain, but things did not work out due to City’s hard stance.
“The situation is very strange for me, Tevez said.
Chelsea and England captain John Terry’s problems are not about to end any time soon after fellow players and anti-racist campaigners called on Fabio Capello to exclude him from his squad for the European championships.
These sentiments come after Wednesday’s landmark ruling where the FA announced that Terry would only face trial for allegedly racially abusing Anton Ferdinand until after the tournament.
Truth be sqaud, the FA should make a decision ASAP! and stop keeping people in unnecessary suspense. But then i guess this is just the FA’s way of buying time to try and save face especially considering that it involves not only an English player, but the Captain of the England team.
Newcastle United are up to fifth in the Premier League after they beat Blackburn Rovers 2-0, while Arsenal‘s poor run of form continues as they were held 0-0 at Bolton.
Newcastle are now just three points behind Chelsea and a UEFA Champions League place as the Magpies leapfrog both Liverpool and Arsenal with the win.
Newcastle took a 12th-minute lead when Blackburn‘s Scott Dann deflected a 25-yard shot from Ryan Taylor past stranded Rovers goalkeeper Paul Robinson. Blackburn, who remain in the bottom three, had a gilt-edged chance to equalise before the break, but David Dunn’s penalty was saved by Tim Krul and the Newcastle keeper blocked Gael Givet’s follow-up.
Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere has confirmed he has suffered another stress fracture in is injured ankle, this time in his heel.
He had a scan after feeling pain in training last week and the midfielder revealed on Twitter today:
“I can confirm I have a stress fracture but it is not in the same area as my first injury which has healed very which I am happy about… I have developed a stress fracture in the Heal (sic) now and I don’t want to put any time scale on it as I do not know how long it will take… I will update you more in a couple of weeks when I know more!”
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