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Thursday, February 24, 2011

John Terry Looks To Being In Champions League Final

John Terry insists Chelsea's bid to end their quest for European glory is alive and kicking. Out of the Barclays Premier League title race and both domestic cups, the Blues secured a much-needed victory over FC Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday night. Nicolas Anelka scored both goals as the 2-0 win put them firmly in the driving seat for a quarter-final spot ahead of the second leg at Stamford Bridge next month. Partners in crime: Nicolas Anelka celebrates with fellow Chelsea striker Fernando TorresChelsea skipper Terry, who demanded his side 'man up' on the eve of their clash in Denmark, was delighted with the response at the Parken Stadium - and he is confident they can now win the competition for the first time. He said: 'All over the pitch, we showed the passion and desire that'll be needed to win the competition. It's a good lift. 'Winning obviously does that and you can see the buzz in the dressing room. But it's important now that we continue this run again. This could be the start of it.'Terry was pleased with the way his side responded to being under the spotlight for their poor form.He added: 'There is always speculation that it's this person's or that person's fault which is complete nonsense. It is just important, and we spoke about this before the game, that we keep our unity. It feels like us against everyone and we need to keep it that way.'The talk from outside the club does put pressure on us. We're a big side with big players. Naturally there is pressure on every game, even when we've been winning because we have to continue that streak.Delight: Skipper John Terry applauds the Chelsea fans as he walks off in Denmark'Experience is a great advantage. We've been there, seen it, done it. It's important. If you look at last year, we showed our experience in a lot of big games in the run-in, likeaway to Manchester United and Liverpool and won. They proved very crucial in us doing the Double last year.'We lost experienced players in Michael Ballack, Deco and Juliano Belletti last year and when we go on abad run people pinpoint the age and still say we're an ageing side. Butwe're no different to United and the sides around us.'A goal in each half from France veteran Anelka relieved the pressure on Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti, who is fighting for his job after a difficult second season. But he will be hoping Anelka's promising partnership up front with ?50million record signing Fernando Torres could reignite their trophy hunt. Goalkeeper Petr Cech said: 'Anelka took both of his chances well and that's what you're looking for when playing the ball in to a striker. 'I thought his understanding with Fernando was brilliant. They created a lot of chances through very good movement. We found them from midfield and from the back and I think that work paid off. Deadly: Anelka fires home the opening goal against FC Copenhagen in the 2-0 victoryBoss: Carlo Ancelotti enjoyed the win'(Torres) has been playing very well. It was not to be today, but I hope he's saved his goals for the next stage.' Cech shares Terry's confidence that Chelsea can now push on to reach the Champions League final at Wembley in May. He added: 'It could be. Who knows? We'll try to go again and try and win it. We took a first step today, but there's still a long way to go. Realistically, this is the only competition we can win and we'll give it a go.' Torres and Anelka started up front with Didier Drogba on the bench and, asked if his strikers were the best in Europe, Ancelotti said: 'Yes, I think so. We have fantastic strikers. I have to make a decision about the games, to put them in or not.'Didier played for two hours against Everton. Torres and Anelka were fresh and, together, they played well. Frank Lampard also had a good combination with Fernando.'We want to maintain their fitness, but rotation could do them good with the Barclays Premier League and the Champions League. They are accepting my decisions without problems and this is important. It's important to have them available.'Torres's performance was really good. There's a little bit of disappointment because he could have scored but it doesn't matter. His movement with Anelka was so good. He doesn't have to lose confidence because he didn't score. He's doing better game by game. He will score in the next game.' Ancelotti hails best strike force in Europe as Chelsea stop rot in DenmarkFC Copenhagen 0 Chelsea 2: Anelka hits double to save Carlo's baconCopenhagen v Chelsea Match Zone: Drogba left out but not in the coldAll the latest Chelsea news, features and opinion

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Joe Cole Denies Rumours Of Move To Newcastle

Joe Cole has laughed off the speculation that Newcastle are interested in him by saying: "I want to be a success at Liverpool." Joe Cole: "It's not gone how I would have liked, but that's life. "Things like that happen and you've just got to push on through the difficult times. "I've had plenty of good times in my career and I've had my share of difficult times, I'll always come through. "I've enjoyed moving up here and living where I am. I haven't enjoyed the football because I haven't felt as though I have done myself justice or got myself right. "I have been frustrated with the injuries, but that's all going to change. "I'm fired up, still positive and still got enough energy – I want to be a success at Liverpool." Kenny Dalglish: "He knows himself it will take time to adjust after being out for a while injured. "It's not fair for us to judge him right now. He is enthusiastic and talented and we will try our best to get that out of him."  

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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Marseille v Manchester United Live

The last time Sir Alex Ferguson prepared a Manchester United team to face Marseille at Stade VĂ©lodrome, 12 years ago, his team were European champions, still carrying the aura of Treble winners.
Manchester United are without defender Rio Ferdinand and stalwart Ryan Giggs for the first leg of their round of 16 Champions League tie in Marseille.

Chris Smalling is set to partner Nemanja Vidic at the heart of defence.

Jonny Evans, Anderson and Michael Owen are also out so youngsters Joshua King and Ryan Tunnicliffe are in the squad.

But the meeting with Didier Deschamps' Marseille is the first of a schedule of games that will make or break the campaign. Ferguson's 'squeaky bum time' has come around a month earlier than its usual April outing.

After visiting Wigan in the Premier League this weekend, United travel to defending champions Chelsea and arch-rivals Liverpool before hosting either Arsenal or Leyton Orient in the FA Cup quarter-finals prior to a Champions League second leg on 15th March.

It is an arduous diary and Ferguson will know that, while his side have been criticised for a lack of panache this season, his squad's impressive resilience could prove an extremely valuable commodity.



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Monday, February 21, 2011

Orient Super Sub Stuns Arsenal

Leyton Orient celebrated a heroic FA Cup draw - thanks to a goal from an overweight 'supersub' Arsene Wenger admitted he had never even heard of. Jonathan Tehoue has scored eight of his 10 goals for the O's this season after 85 minutes and he stepped off the bench at the Matchroom Stadium to level an enthralling fifth-round tie with an 89th-minute screamer. Afterwards Arsenal boss Wenger said he had 'never heard of him before' despite the fact that the Frenchman, 26, was once a club-mate of Arsenal's Alex Song at Bastia and remains a close personal friend of another Gunner, Emmanuel Eboue. Click here to read Matt Lawton's match report as Orient deny Arsenal a trip to Old Trafford Cup magic: Leyton Orient celebratetheir hard-earned draw with ArsenalOrient boss Russell Slade said it wasthe 'most exciting' moment of his managerial career and expressed his pride in a team who will now face Manchester United if they can get pastArsenal. But he reserved special praise for Tehoue. 'Forget about the Faircloughs of thisworld,' said Slade. 'Tehoue is the supersub.' Late show: Jonathan Tehoue (right) smashes home Orient's equaliserThe striker did not appear the least bit offended that he had not appeared on Wenger's radar before. 'It was back in 2003 that I was playing with Alex Song at Bastia,' said Tehoue. I was in the first team and he was in the reserves. Right now I am actually about four kilos overweight because I was out for four months with a hamstring problem.' Given the nod: Tomas Rosicky (centre) heads Arsenal in front Job well done! Orient boss Russell Slade (left) and chairman Hearn (right)Orient owner Barry Hearn said: 'I've waited for years to play against Manchester United but we have to beat Arsenal to do that.' Then he joked: 'If we equalise in the70th minute, on comes Fabregas and all of them, and we're in trouble. What Wenger has done is he's got a little bit complacent, the old Frenchman - and the other Frenchman put the boot in. 'That's why this bloke

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Sunday, February 20, 2011

Ashley Cole leaves Carlo Ancelotti in the lurch as FA Cup love affair fizzles out

Ashley Cole went into the fourth-round replay with Everton as the FA Cup's most successful player but came out of it as the man who placed Carlo Ancelotti's job in jeopardy. The defender's woeful, missed penalty in the shoot-out after extra-time was decisive and brought his amazing run and the holders' interest in the competition to an end. Cole had gone 30 games without defeat in the Cup, winning it a record six times along the way with Arsenal and Chelsea. His last reverse was a decade ago in the final for Arsenal against Liverpool and he had admitted to a love affair with the famous old trophy. So much so that he had even claimed that lifting it again would mean more to him than a debut victory in the Champions League final. Dejection: Ashley Cole is consoled by Didier Drogba after his penalty missBut as he reflected on the wider implications of his wayward effort from 12 yards, Wojciech Szczesny was already taunting him about it. The young Arsenal goalkeeper said on Twitter: 'Is it a bird? Is it an aeroplane? No, its just Ashley throwing Chelsea out of the FA Cup. What do you think Ashley was aiming for when he took his penalty?' Cole was seen shaking his head and mouthing 'no' as Carlo Ancelotti picked his penalty-takers. He looked apprehensive as he made the walk from the halfway line to take his spot-kick and was then barged by Everton's Johnny Heitinga on the way. Cole blasted it high and wide and Phil Neville converted the winning penalty to continue Chelsea's misery in shoot-outs. They have now failed in their last six attempts in competitive games, including the 2008 Champions League final against Manchester United. John Terry, who infamously missed in that game in Moscow, was not given the chance to make some amends, but Ancelotti insisted he had made the right choice. Sheer, shirtless delight! Phil Neville, who landed the decisive blow in the shootoutThe Chelsea manager said: 'I decided, Cole wanted to take a penalty, and the five chosen were the best penalty-takers in training. Penalties are a lottery and sometimes you can win, sometimes you lose.' Everton's 4-3 shoot-out triumph came thanks to a last-gasp extra-time equaliser from Leighton Baines, which cancelled out Frank Lampard's opener. It leaves Chelsea desperate to salvage something from a season in which they started so well. Fourth place in the Premier League is Ancelotti's only remaining target in English competition and they already trail Tottenham, the team in that position, by two points. After spending ?75million in the transfer window, the pressure on the manager had already been cranked up. But after the Cup exit, the focus on his team to deliver in the Champions League will reach a whole new level. They go to FC Copenhagen on Tuesday and the Italian admitted he has his work cut out trying to raise the spirit of his players. Even Christine can't watch! Bleakley (left), Frank Lampard's girlfriend, shares the pain'Together we must use the coming days to prepare well for the Champions League,' Ancelotti said. 'It will not be easy but we have time to recover. I would sign now to finish fourth and win the Champions League.' No kidding. Fernando Torres will be one of those sharing a large part of Ancelotti's burden in trying to fulfil that target. He will come back into the team on Tuesday after Didier Drogba fluffed his chance to stake a claim for a starting berth. 'Next time we will have Torres and far more opportunities to score,' said Ancelotti. 'A lot of chances were created today.' Lampard missed most of those and Drogba, filling in for the Cup-tied Torres, was seldom a threat. But Everton captain Neville was clinical and maybe Cole and Nicolas Anelka, who also missed, could learn a thing or two from him. 'The manager told us just to hit it as hard as we could,' said Neville. 'My biggest worry was the big divot on the penalty spot. Petr Cech looks really big in the goal and, thankfully, he went the wrong way. 'But I had practised all week and knew where it was going to go. This could be a springboard for us.'  Chelsea 1 Everton 1 AET (Everton win on penalties): Cole and Anelka bottle it in shoot-out as Blues crash outFA Cup live: Chelsea v Everton - all the action from Stamford Bridge as it happenedThe Matt Lawton interview - Carlo Ancelotti: Torres is not 100 per cent...All the latest Chelsea FC news, features and opinion  Explore more:People: John Terry, Phil Neville, Petr Cech, Ashley Cole, Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres, Frank Lampard, Nicolas Anelka, Carlo Ancelotti Places: Moscow, Liverpool

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Friday, February 18, 2011

West Bromwich Albion v Wolverhampton Wanderers Live

But the former Republic of Ireland manager is faced with the task of improving the Midlanders' wretched away record which has seen them taste just one victory in 16 matches in the Premier League - a statistic which goes a long way to explaining why they are bottom of the division.



New Albion head coach Roy Hodgson takes charge for the first time since replacing the sacked Roberto Di Matteo.

The former Liverpool manager took over at Fulham in late 2007 with the London club in 19th place.

He lost six and drew one of his first eight games but Fulham survived on the last day of the season
Full-back Ronald Zubar is Wolves' only fresh injury doubt ahead of the Barclays Premier League derby clash with West Brom at the Hawthorns on Sunday.


Zubar suffered a swollen ankle during Wolves' 2-0 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last weekend - a result which pushed them to the bottom of the table.

If Zubar is ruled out, then Kevin Foley is the obvious candidate to replace him.



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Chelsea v Everton Live

The Blues emerged victorious two years ago, claiming a 2-1 win, and defended their crown last term as they saw off Portsmouth.

Carlo Ancelotti will be hoping to make it a hat-trick of cup triumphs for the club and a fourth successful run through the competition in five years.

They must, however, negotiate their way past Premier League rivals Everton first, with the Toffees looking to end a 16-year wait for a major trophy.

Everton will again be without striker Louis Saha (hamstring) and midfielder Jack Rodwell who has only recently recovered from a groin injury.

Toffees manager David Moyes has no fresh injury concerns though.

The last time these 2 met it was a draw John Terry hit the crossbar before Didier Drogba scored a penalty after Tim Howard fouled Nicolas Anelka.

Everton struck the post through a Jack Rodwell header in the second half while home team defender Ashley Cole failed to convert a low cross from six yards.

Jermaine Beckford then headed a late equaliser as Chelsea missed the chance to return to the top of the table.



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Manchester United v Crawley Town live

Crawley midfielder Scott Neilson will miss the game having failed to recover from a foot injury.

Pablo Mills was rested for Tuesday's draw against Wrexham but is expected to return, while John Dempster and Josh Simpson.

United team news to follow.

Crawley boss Steve Evans: "I think that we are genuinely one of the teams that could possibly get a positive result there.

The Red Devils are on top of the league table and fans expect them to challenge for honors on three fronts including the FA Cup. With Wayne Rooney back to his best, manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping to get his side into the business end of the FA Cup as a matter of course. Rooney might start this game, but Dimitar Berbatov will be rested as will several big names including Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.



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Friday, February 11, 2011

Arsenal v Wolves Live Football

In all competitions, Arsenal have won their last 11 games against Wolves. In that spell, Arsenal have scored 29 goals and conceded just seven.

They are also unbeaten in their last 16 meetings while Wolves have won just eight times in 47 visits.

The Gunners' Premier League title bid took a blow last weekend when they threw away an early 4-0 lead at St James' Park to be held to a 4-4 draw, relinquishing two crucial points and missing out on a chance to further cut Manchester United's lead at the top of the table

Wolves have only won one of their six Premier League games away from home against teams currently in the top half of the table.

Wolves have drawn the joint-fewest matches in the Premier League this season (3).

52% of the goals Arsenal have conceded have come from set pieces, the highest proportion in the top division.

There have been five red cards in the last seven Premier League games involving Arsenal.

Andrey Arshavin has set up 11 goals in the Premier League this season, more than any other player.



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Sunderland v Tottenham live

Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon should be fit despite withdrawing from the Scotland squad with a knee problem.

The Black Cats will assess midfielder Jordan Henderson, who missed England Under-21 duty because of injury.

With Chelsea not in action until Monday, victory on Wearside will take Tottenham into a top-four spot and provide a timely boost ahead of their Champions League trip to AC Milan.

Since that victory, in September 2001, Spurs have visited the Stadium of Light five times, losing three and drawing two.

Sunderland test Lee Cattermole (back) but Danny Welbeck, Fraizer Campbell and Michael Turner are all missing with knee problems.

Spurs, who face AC Milan in the Champions League next week, will test Rafael van der Vaart, who failed to emerge for the second half for the win over Bolton with a hamstring problem.

Spurs themselves are unbeaten in four games, but will travel north without injured midfielders Rafael van der Vaart (calf), Luka Modric (appendix) and Gareth Bale (back), while striker Peter Crouch is also in doubt.




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Liverpool v Wigan Live

Liverpool will be hoping to build on their great win against Chelsea and mount a serious challenge for a top four finish when they welcome Wigan this weekend

Liverpool are hopeful Steven Gerrard will recover from the groin problem that ruled him out of England duty.

Martin Kelly should feature despite an ankle injury but Martin Skrtel is doubtful with a thigh problem, and Jonjo Shelvey is out for three months.

Jamie Carragher should keep his place, regardless of whether Dalglish plays with two or three centre-backs, but it remains to be seen if winter signing Luis Suarez features in attack after a role as an unused substitute in the win at Chelsea.


Wigan defender Gary Caldwell could play with a mask to protect the cheekbone he fractured earlier this month.

Republic of Ireland midfielder James McCarthy, who missed international duty to rest his ankle, should be available.

Meanwhile Wigan scored a dramatic 4-3 win over Blackburn last week. Jason Roberts put Blackburn ahead early on, but James McCarthy equalized soon after. Hugo Rodallega and McCarthy then made it 3-1 for the Latics before Christophe Samba pulled one back for Blackburn. The Latics then took charge of the game as Ben Watson scored from the spot to make it 4-2 and even though David Dunn scored another goal from a penalty, it was too late for the Rovers. Manager Roberto Martinez was delighted with the spirit shown by his side. Conor Sammon, who was signed late on the transfer deadline day, could make his debut in this game.

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Manchester United v Manchester City Live

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli looks set to miss Saturday’s derby showdown with United at Old Trafford.
Balotelli has been sidelined by a knee injury since the end of December but first-team coach David Platt revealed earlier this week that the Italian could feature following an intensive rehabilitation programme that saw him visit the United States
Ferdinand has not recovered from the calf injury he sustained in the warm-up ahead of United's defeat at Wolves last week.

Evans played in that game but missed Northern Ireland's loss to Scotland on Wednesday with an ankle injury and is still sidelined.

"Rio Ferdinand got a calf injury last week. He will be out for a couple of weeks," said Sir Alex Ferguson.
It's 43 years since Manchester City were last crowned champions of England; how Sir Alex Ferguson's United would revel in trying City's patience for another year with victory at Old Trafford on Saturday.

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Thursday, February 10, 2011

Sunderland v Tottenham Hotspur Live

Sunderland are hoping to close the gap in fifth place with a final victory over Tottenham Hotspur when the two teams meet in their next Premiership match on Saturday. The Black Cats slipped to seventh in the league table after a disappointing defeat to Stoke City in their last match. By Liverpool get back in form, manager Steve Bruce will realize that it is necessary to attach the consistent appearance if they are to secure qualification to the European League next season. Sunderland went into the match after the last gasp defeat at Stoke last weekend. The purpose of Kieran Richardson and Asamoah Gyan seems to have handed Sunderland three points in the Black Cats 2-1 in 10 minutes late game. But Robert Huth Stoke pulled level with seven minutes left before reaching the injury time winner to give his side three points. Tottenham on the other hand is the beneficiary of injury time goal by Niko Kranjcar comes off the bench to grab the winner against Bolton wanderers after Daniel Sturridge was canceled out in the middle of Rafael Van der Vaart penalty by second half. There are injury concerns for the Spurs with Van der Vaart and Luka Modric both doubtful for the game while Sunderland are without Lee Cattermole and Danny Welbeck

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Manchester United v Manchester City Live

Manchester United will hope to put a big dent in Manchester City's hopes of lifting the title by collecting three points when the two teams meet on Saturday. United suffered their first defeat this season after suffering a shock loss to Wolves last weekend. Nani gave States the lead early in the third minute but George Elokobi side pulled back to level terms before Kevin Doyle headed home the winner five minutes before half-time whistle. Manager Alex Ferguson was disappointed with the results and is hoping his side will bounce back from defeat when he looks remain four points above the table. The defeat does not prove to be costly for league leaders Chelsea losing to Arsenal could only manage a draw against Newcastle. Meanwhile Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is hoping to secure an important victory on Saturday that not only help his side secure three points against their arch rivals, but also breathe fresh air into their title hopes. The city has lost five of last six games against United before this season before holding out in the absence of reconciliation in the City of Manchester Stadium. In Mancini put the emphasis on avoiding defeat against title challenger, City, again expected to line up defensively this weekend. watch Manchester United vs Manchester City live

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Saturday, February 5, 2011

Manchester City vs West Brom live stream

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Hands up all those who remember Iffy Udeze? No? Didn't think so.The Nigerian's arrival was WBA's first foray into the transferwindow since their arrival in the Barclays Premier League. Sadly forIffy, he lived up to his name.The only point of note about him was his touchline ruck with thenboss Gary Megson at Southampton. His only appearance these days is in'All-time worst XI' on supporters' message-board forums. It was aninauspicious start for the Hawthorns' hierarchy.Now, before I embark on the main point of this week's Midlander, canI just say that I would be marked down as a raging hypocrite if Idismantled that which I praised earlier this season. Pick of the mix: Youssouf Mulumbu has made a good contribution since joining West Brom for ?275,000 in 2009There is a lot to admire at the club. The academy appears to be more healthily-stocked than it has been for years.The director of football role, managed by Dan Ashworth, seems to beworking more effectively in B71 than anywhere else - mainly because theowner is committed to the idea.Yet I can't help but feel that when the window opens, a gust of windblows in and the players' reports are blown to all four corners,Baggies' officials running hither and thither in a desperate chase.Let's look at the evidence.In the first window, against a backdrop of political in-fightingbetween the chairman and manager, Udeze was the only arrival. Well,Spanish defender Roberto Rios would have turned up, had he not decidedthat retirement was a preferable alternative.After West Brom's first adventure ended in tears, Bryan Robson wasin charge during the year of the 'Great Escape.' On this occasion,their efforts bore reward.Without the arrival of Kieron Richardson - which was probably downto Robson's relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson more than anything else- there would have been no escape, 'great' or otherwise.To supplement Richardson, Kevin Campbell's presence was a welcomeand respected voice in the dressing-room. Richard Chaplow also came for?1.5m. The midfielder's career never really got started at the Hawthornsbut the majority of that money was re-couped. A failure of sorts, butno-one shouted up that it was a bad purchase at the time, if memoryserves.   More from Neil Moxley... The Midlander: Blues must stand by McLeish... the glue holding it together28/01/11 The Midlander: Villa fans don't doubt 64-carat owner Lerner... he DOES care19/01/11 The Midlander: Any more of this and Villa will slide out of the trapdoor06/01/11 The Midlander: Winter of discontent beckons for Birmingham City16/12/10 The Midlander: Gerard Houllier is left fighting a losing battle after his own goal at Anfield10/12/10 The Midlander: Carling Cup win would be FAN-tastic but try telling McLeish02/12/10 The Midlander: Nigel Clough may be the son of Brian but he's his own man25/11/10 THE MIDLANDER: Forget United... England's real academy is at Villa18/11/10 VIEW FULL ARCHIVE So, West Brom were successful in the window, adding at least twoplayers who made a difference, and they stayed up, albeit by the skinof their teeth. The season following 'Survival Sunday' was a classic,though.Slovakian international Jan Kozak (Artmedia Bratislava) is slightlyless memorable than Williams Martinez. (Defensor Sporting - Uruguay,since you ask) Nigel Quashie completed his entrance into the quiz books by managingto add West Brom to the list of clubs he has been relegated with aftera ?1.2m move. But most interesting on that occasion are the ones thatgot away.Rob Earnshaw was sold for Norwich for ?3.5m. Geoff Horsfield shippedout on loan to Sheffield United. Moreover, there were deals to be donefor Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink and Ugo Ehiogu that foundered at the finalhurdle.Why? Well the picture is murky but if you speak to the formermanager in a quiet moment, he will point to that moment as thebeginning of the end for him. So, after an up and down couple of yearswe come to Tony Mowbray's shot at trying to improve matters.Jay Simpson arrived with a bang from Arsenal and left with awhimper. Juan Carlos Mensenguez (Argentina, since you ask) did likewisebefore disappearing from view altogether.The jury remains out on Marc-Antoine Fortune - his second goal thisseason against Wigan Athletic on Tuesday night isn't overwhelmingevidence of his success, I'm afraid.But you have to concede that out of all the work the club has donethe ?275,000 spent on Youssouf Mulumbu is the pick of them. Fair enough. New arrival: But only time will tell if Carlos Vela can make an impact at the Hawthorns after his January switchAnd so we come to the closure of this window. Carlos Vela fromArsenal is the one who has arrived. First-class pedigree. Only timewill tell which list he will be added to. Moreover, is it sufficient? Again there are tales of those who got away. Chelsea's Jeffrey Brumaand Daniel Sturridge. And a link to an unproven Cameroon internationalat Hamburg, Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting.I'm not, you will note, criticising last year's summer work. Therehas also been transfer activity in the past that has reaped huge reward- such as Curtis Davies, Jason Koumas and Diomansy Kamara. (Themuch-maligned Robson managed to turn a huge profit on those three.) Other successes - like Peter Odemwingie - who pound-for-pound couldturn out to be the most valuable forward in the Barclays Premier Leaguecome May, was little short of a masterstroke.It is a difficult balancing act. In mid-December, when transferwindow plans were probably being formulated, who was to know thatdefeat at Villa Park would precipitate a slump in form of such severitythat West Brom are now, very nervously, looking over their shoulders? One that got away: Will West Brom end up regretting not signing players such as Daniel Sturridge in January?Having said that, they also looked a far more healthy prospect forany would-be arrivals. West Brom's hierarchy cannot have it both ways.They can't say it is difficult to attract players to a struggling club- they weren't at the time.However, January is a moveable feast. Stories emerge every day aboutlinks being made, moves falling through and all the rest of it. I wouldestimate that around one-tenth of the calls between clubs are reported.But the facts of the matter are these. After nine matches, West Bromwere sitting in sixth position with 15 points to their credit.After another 15 matches, they have collected just 11 points. Idon't need to point out to anyone, but I'm going to have to - that'srelegation form.I really hope I'm wrong. But it's increasingly looking like the twoBlack Country derbies are now of such magnitude that they will eithersave West Brom's season and demote Wolves, or else give Mick McCarthy alate shot at redemption.And I wonder, if the latter turns out to be the case, whether theBaggies will look back on this - somewhat forlornly - as another windowof missed opportunity. West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie in race to be fit to face Manchester City West Brom outcast Roman Bednar joins Ankaragucu on loan until the end of the season West Bromwich 2 Wigan 2: Fortune's late equaliser earns Baggies share of the spoils  Explore more:People: Kieron Richardson, Alex Ferguson, Tony Mowbray, Mick McCarthy, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Jay Simpson, Ugo Ehiogu, Gary Megson, Carlos Vela, Bryan Robson Places: Norwich, Argentina, Cameroon


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Thursday, February 3, 2011

West Ham v Birmingham Watch It Live

The club signed the Republic of Ireland international last weekend on a four and a half year deal though both the parties can walk away from the contract should the Hammers get relegated this season. With his side boasting of the third worst attack in the league, manager Avram Grant will be hoping that Keane’s arrival will spark an upturn in form for his side.


West Ham were unlucky not to have collected all three points from their game against Everton. Jonathan Spector had given them a first half lead and though Diniyar Bilyaletdinov managed to equalize, West Ham were back in front through Frederic Piquionne.

The FA Cup might trail some way behind Barclays Premier League survival in West Ham's list of priorities, but it has certainly helped to re-ignite Victor Obinna. Three days after hitting a hat-trick in the fourth-round win over Nottingham Forest, a striker who only had one League goal to his name before this match was right in form to hit another two. Victory lifted Avram Grant's team off the foot of the table and dragged Blackpool deeper into trouble. Best foot forward: Robbie Keane cracks in his first goal for West Ham The in-form Nigeria striker stole the show at Bloomfield Road on a night when all eyes were meant to be on the new arrivals and one man who went nowhere. Charlie Adam, returning perhaps somewhat reluctantly to duty after seeing his hopes of a move to Liverpool or Tottenham dashed, was on the scoresheet in bizarre circumstances. Robbie Keane also marked his West Ham debut with a well-deserved goal. But they were upstaged by Obinna who more than made up for his sending-off in the Carling Cup semi-final against Birmingham last month. You're Keane! New West Ham striker Robbie (left) scored on his debut 'He wasn't very happy with the red card but he's responded well,' said Grant who threw his scarf into the away supporters at the end. Goalkeeper Robert Green appeared to give a less friendly, one-fingered gesture towards the Blackpool fans. Grant added: 'It's not easy to come to the Premier League from other countries and he hasn't played much in the last year. But he did well and I hope it continues. Match factsBLACKPOOL (4-3-3): Kingson 5; Eardley 5, Baptiste 6, Cathcart 4 (Evatt 46min, 5), Carney 6; Vaughan 6, Adam 6, Reid 7 (Harewood 60, 5); Taylor-Fletcher 6, Campbell 5, Varney 6 (Beattie 61, 5).Subs not used: Rachubka, Southern,Grandin, Puncheon.WEST HAM UNITED (4-4-2): Green 6;Jacobsen 6, Tomkins 5, Gabbidon 6(Reid 34, 6), Bridge 7; O'Neil 6, Noble 6,Parker 7, Obinna 8 (Boa Morte, 83);Piquionne 6, Keane 7 (Kovac, 84).Subs not used: Cole, Sears, Ba, Boffin.Man of the match: Victor Obinna.Referee: Stuart Attwell 6.'It was a very important win for us.I've been confident of staying up since the beginning of the season andnow we're into the final third.'Grant's side took the game to Blackpool from the start and were rewarded with a goal in the 24th minute. It summed up a wretched first half for Craig Cathcart who was tormented by Obinna as he twisted past him on the edge of the penalty box before turning inside to set up a left-foot shot from a difficult angle. Goalkeeper Roger Kingson appeared to have the Nigerian's low effort covered as he went down on one knee at his near post but succeeded only in scooping it into the back of his own net. It was a poor goal for Kingson to concede but no less than the Hammers deserved after a high-octane start that nullified Blackpool's attacking threat. A rare foray 12 minutes before half-time did inflict some damage on Grant's side, however, with Danny Gabbidon having to go off injured and central defensive partner James Tomkins only returning after treatment. Off the mark: Blackpool keeper Richard Kingson can't prevent Victor Obinna (not pictured) from hitting the first of his two goalsIt was Tomkins' sliced clearance thatgave debutant Andy Reid the chance to force Robert Green into his onlyreal save of the half, back-pedalling to tip over the Irishman'scurling attempt. But West Ham doubled their lead from Mark Noble's free kick in the 37th minute. Obinna saw his low shot and follow-up effort well saved by Kingson, but the loose ball looped towards Keane who reacted faster than any of the three defenders around him to stab home.  Blackpool were back in it thanks to a freakish goal five minutes later. There appeared to be little danger when the usually reliable Adam scuffed his corner from the right, but Frederic Piquionne missed the ball completely as it rolled under his foot at the near post and Green and Mark Noble could not keep it from creeping over the line. However, it took less than two minutes for West Ham to restore their two-goal advantage. Parker slipped the ball to Obinna 25 yards from goal and he was given too much time and space to line up a fantastic left-foot effort that flew past Kingson into the top corner. Holloway sent on Beattie and Marlon Harewood in the second half, but the nearest Blackpool came to a goal was Neal Eardley's free kick against the bar and a fluffed clearance from Green that saw the ball bobble over his foot and almost into an empty goal. It means Blackpool have lost six of their last seven League games, but Holloway said: 'I'm still proud of my lads. 'What could have gone wrong did. The goalie should have saved Obinna's first goal and that knocked the stuffing out of us. But his second was probably one of the goals of the season. Unstoppable.'  Holloway: Adam will get his big move away from Blackpool eventuallyMcCarthy rejects ?1m to walk away from West Ham after shocking stintPREMIER LEAGUE: All of Wednesday's action as it happenedAll the latest Blackpool news,

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Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Tottenham v Bolton Watch It Live

Victories over Chelsea and Arsenal had given Tottenham the hope that they could finally break their poor away record against the big four teams but defensive errors meant that it was Manchester United who secured a comfortable victory in the end.

Mean while Robbie Keane has joined West Ham United on loan until the end of the season with the transfer becoming permanent for an undisclosed fee should Avram Grant's side retain its Premier League status.

The Republic of Ireland captain has made 62 appearances and scored 15 goals since rejoining the Club from Liverpool in February 2009 and spent the second half of last season on loan at Celtic.



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Stoke vSunderland Watch it Live

Stoke City will welcome Steve Bruce Sunderland at the Britannia Stadium in what had to fight hard and entertaining game because both teams have eyes in the place of Europe at the end of the season. Sunderland and Stoke both make some good players in the January transfer window and capable of taking points on Saturday Meanwhile, Sunderland also started well under new boss Steve Bruce. The Black Cats lose at Chelsea, but good to attack with Kenwyne Jones played a major role. Last week they beat Blackburn 2-1, thanks to goals from Jones. The Black Cats won even after the initial attack Gael Givet's given Rovers the lead 1-0.


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