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The Football Association has rejected Manchester City’s appeal against Vincent Kompany’s red card in the 3-2 FA Cup defeat by Manchester United.

The defender, 25, will serve a four-match ban immediately for his two-footed tackle on Nani.

An FA statement said: “The suspension consists of a statutory three-match suspension for serious foul play plus one additional game given this is Kompany’s second dismissal of the season.”

SOURCE: BBC Sport

Whilst some had felt that the red card handed to the City captain was harsh it was seemingly a sending off that was in keeping with the letter of the law. Even though Kompany didn’t make contact with Nani he was deemed to have gone in two footed on the Man United man.

The Man City man will miss the two legs of the Carling Cup semi-final with Liverpool as well as Premier League fixtures with Wigan and Tottenham.

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Roberto Mancini has accused Wayne Rooney of putting pressure on referee Chris Foy to send off Vincent Kompany in Manchester City’s 3-2 FA Cup defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.

The defender, 25, faces a four-match ban after he was sent off for a tackle on Nani at Etihad Stadium.

Mancini said: “It was not a red card. Rooney told him his decision.”

When asked to clarify if he felt Rooney had influenced the decision, Mancini added: “Yes, he was near the referee.”

Mancini says the club will appeal against the red card. He said: “We will do an appeal and I am sure that we will win.

“There is no way Vincent shouldn’t play against Liverpool in the Carling Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

“It was 300% not a sending off.”

SOURCE: BBC Sport

No doubt Sir Alex Ferguson will resond to Roberto Mancini’s claim and in the ensuing verbal melee the person who is really responsible for the harsh decision to send Vincent Kompany off, and that is of course referee Chris Foy.

Though Man United, and other sides as well, are known for crowding officials and making their feelings on decisions very clear, on this occasion it did look as though Foy had made up his mind pretty quickly to send off the Belgian international and that decision is all the more baffling given that Nani, a player who doesn’t usually need an invitation to writhe around on the ground, didn’t even go to ground after the tackle from the Man City skipper.

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Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany has warned Manchester United the Community Shield result does not give them a psychological edge in the race for the Premier League title.

The Red Devils landed an early-season blow on their ambitious rivals as they snatched a last-gasp victory in a Wembley thriller yesterday.

Yet the Belgium international, whose mistake led to Nani’s injury-time winner, is not concerned about the outcome and expects City to provide the champions a stern challenge.

It was a rare error from the normally reliable Kompany, who captained the team and is expected to be handed the role full time in place of Carlos Tevez.

City are expected to build on last season’s FA Cup success to make a strong push for the Premier League title, and begin their campaign against Swansea at the Etihad Stadium next Monday.

The season ahead promises to be an exciting one for City with the club competing in the Champions League for the first time after finishing third last term.

When asked if the result gave United a psychological edge, Kompany said: “No, nothing.

“I’m sure if we would have won United would have said the same. We are very confident.

“We have seen here that even when we do not play our best game we can still be very dangerous. It was really close regardless.

“We have got a lot of potential and much to improve. Come the league, the Champions League and the FA Cup we will be ready. We are a strong team, an organised team.

“We might not have been it today, but we are going to be for the future.”

“It would have been nice to win it but the fact we didn’t isn’t going to change anything for how we have worked towards the Swansea game,” he added.

“It is good we have another important 90 minutes in the legs.

“It wasn’t our best performance but when we start next Monday, that is going to be the big one. We are going to be ready.

“Every competition we start this season will be a priority for us. We are excited because it’s a big season ahead we have been working hard.

“Come Monday it will be a big kick-off for us. But now is not the time to give big talk. We have to be ready for the Swansea game.”

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Arsenal legend Ian Wright has blasted manager Arsene Wenger’s transfer policy and has told his former boss to fight fire with fire.

Manchester City have recently acquired defender Gael Clichy from the Emirates and team-mate Samir Nasri is strongly being linked to follow suit.

In recent years Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor have to Eastlands, leaving Wright bewildered and asking when the Gunners turned into City’s feeder club.

Captain Cesc Fabregas is also a target for Barcelona, leaving huge question marks over Arsenal’s title credentials with the season still over a month away.

Wright, who scored 185 goals for the Gunners, has voiced his anger over the way the club have gone about their business this summer.

“Since when did Arsenal become Manchester City’s feeder club?” he said in The Sun.

“And with Cesc Fabregas looking a goner to Barcelona too, its very, very sad to see. How on earth will Arsene Wenger attract any top players to Arsenal?

“It’s come to something when a player like Clichy feels Arsenal is not good enough for him anymore.

“I’d love to see Wenger being given the same sort of transfer pot that the likes of Jose Mourinho had at Chelsea, or Andre Villas-Boas will get. The same backing Alex Ferguson enjoys at Manchester United.

“I’d be so curious to see where he goes and what he does with it.

“But I have my suspicions that he would still dither about, take too long to make up his mind and then plump for someone in France or Spain hardly any of us have ever heard of.

“Fabregas has clearly recognised the fact that Arsenal will not be competing with their rivals in the transfer market.

“That’s been going on for some time but the whole transfer thing is like a house of cards. Once one big name wants out, the rest see it and it all comes tumbling down.”

Wenger has long been accused of being conservative in the transfer market, with the frustrations of fans growing thanks to a six-year trophy drought.

Wright believes that the Frenchman should start to fight back, by making moves for rival club’s stars.

“What I’d like to see are some bullish signings,” he added.

“Go out and chase the likes of Michael Essien. Get him back on top form and he’s a fabulous player, plus you’d be getting a player from Chelsea, one of Arsenal’s supposed rivals from the Premier League and just across the River Thames.

“Then go for keeper Joe Hart and Vincent Kompany and get your own back on Manchester City.

“Make the rest of English football sit up and take notice for once – not just Arsenal fans who can see the lights going out on their club.”

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The Belgian football team have the potential to be a really top class side in a few years. They have so many young and talented players, more than I can remember them having in my lifetime, and with plenty of time to grow together as a national team, it wouldn’t be a shock at all if they went far in a major tournament years down the line.

Georges Leekens

The coach. The man responsible for moulding these players into a unit that can compete against the world’s big nations. No stranger to the international scene, Leekens was in charge when the Belgians beat the Republic of Ireland in a play-off to go to France 98 (heartbreaking for me I must say).

Vincent Kompany (24 years old)

One of the better known players in the team. Outstanding for City this year and looks like he’s worth a lot more than the £6m payed for him. Capped as a 17 year old, and 6 years on has a good amount of international experience for one his age. Could play for another 10 years too at CB- the cornerstone of the defence.

Thomas Vermaelen (25 years old)

Again, another player we know all about. Was brilliant for Arsenal upon arrival. Looked solid at the back and scored goals for fun as a defender. Named in the PFA Team of the Year that season but injuries have hampered him as of lately.

Steven Defour (22 years old)

Skipper of the national team and only 22 years old. Has admirers all over the world, from Rafa Benitez to Alex Ferguson. Captain of Standard Liege at only 19 years of old (a bit like Reo-Coker in that respect but thankfully for his sake he’s got a bit more about him). Tough player that can pass, tackle and do a bit of everything in the middle of the park. His main asset seems to be his leadership. An inspiration in the midfield, and the driving force of this team.

Marouane Fellaini (23 years old)

A player who divides opinion. Cost Everton £15m and United were in for him too. Tough tackling, an aerial threat, and again a decent level of experience on the international scene. Should only get better, and there has reportedly been interest recently from Real Madrid and Chelsea

Jan Vertonghen (23 years old)

Left sided player that can operate in defence or in midfield. Versatile as you can see, a big strong lad and has been praised as a fantastic prospect by no less than Johan Cruyff. Unlikely to stay at Ajax for long.

Axel Witsel (22 years old)

Another member of that Standard Liege side that pushed Liverpool all the way in the Champions League qualifying round a few years ago (along with Defour and Fellaini). For those who don’t remember, Liverpool were on the ropes until Dirk Kuyt bailed them out very late on. A bit of a fiery temper, but a good footballer nonetheless. Pacey and a threat going forward, his versatility is another bonus to the Belgians.

Eden Hazard (20 years old)

“Eden who?” you might ask. 2 time young player of the year in France. Wanted by nearly every club out there but looks likely to go to Arsenal, despite being personally recommended to Real Madrid by Zidane. Lightning quick, ability to beat a player, good set piece delivery, and doesn’t shirk his defensive responsibilities. All the credentials to be the superstar of this team and one of the most exciting players in the world

Romelu Lukaku (17 years old)

17 years old but bullies defenders that are unfortunate enough to come up against him. An absolute beast of a…. man? Already 10 goals in 18 games in the league this season; this kid is the real deal. When his services become available, expect Anderlecht to make a fortune off him and expect whoever payed it to have money well spent. Already prolific at this young age, has been touted as the next Drogba. Also has a younger brother who is apparently making a name for himself already.

The list goes on. Moussa Dembele (23) who has been great for Fulham this year, young Dedryck Boyata (20) at Man City, Anthony Vanden Borre (23) etc. As you can see they have many talented footballers. Another thing worth noting is that as well as being able to play good football, every player I mentioned bar Hazard is 6 foot or over. A lot of them are good headers, and so as you can see with little Hazard on set piece duty, they are a threat from these set plays. The lack of a truly top class goalkeeper is the biggest concern for this team.

This is a golden generation for Belgium, better than their team of the late 80′s. It would be a shame if they don’t live up to their promise, but I think they should be knocking on the door in the latter stages of major competitions in this years to come.

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So here is the team that the PFA members decided upon.

PFA Premier League XI:

Edwin Van Der Sar (Man Utd)
Bacary Sagna (Arsenal)
Ashley Cole (Chelsea)
Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd)
Vincent Kompany (Man City)
Nani (Man Utd)
Samir Nasri (Arsenal)
Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)
Gareth Bale (Tottenham)
Carlos Tevez (Man City)
Dimitar Berbatov (Man Utd)

Now it’s your turn. Using our cut and paste thingy below, simply fill in the gaps and cut and paste into the comment section for others to judge.

GK.
LB.
RB.
CD.
CD.
CM.
CM.
LW.
RW.
CF.
CF.

Good Luck!

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Formation chosen: 4-4-2

GK: Joe Hart (Manchester City): Confident and composed display, showed why he is England’s No.1 and will be for some time to come. Unable to stop Rooney’s goal going in.

RB: Martin Kelly (Liverpool): Every game he gets better and will keep Johnson from returning to right back.

CB: Vincent Kompany (Manchester City): Outstanding show from the city centre-back, kept Rooney quiet for most of the game. My choice for captain of this team.

CB: Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United): Kompany’s equal, excellent tackle on Richards and kept the united backline organisied.

LB: Jose Enrique (Newcastle United): Excellent going forward and a constant threat for newcastle.

RM: Nani (Manchester United): Often frustrating to watch, but made all the right decisions resulting in a wonderful goal and set up Rooney’s wonder goal.

CM: Graham Dorrans (West Bromwich Albian): Kept Albian’s midfield organised and made some promising moves.

CM: Raul Meireles (Liverpool): Part of an exciting attacking setup at liverpool, great controlling play.

LM: Theo Walcott (Arsenal): Given far too much space on Arsenal’s wing and used his pace to devastating effect, will soon forget horror miss.

FW: Wayne Rooney (Manchester United): Went from roo-who to woo-hoo. Started as his usual below par self but a moment of genius after halftime resulted in what must be goal of the season.

FW: Robin Van Persie (Arsenal): Almost back to his best, excellently taken goal and was a menace all game.

Subs:
Jussi Jääskeläinen (Bolton): Delt with Everton’s rare probes at goal with ease.
Danny Pugh (Stoke): Excellent going forward, tracked back on time to do his defensive duty’s well.
Chris Smalling (Manchester United): Commanding display from the youngster, reliable cover for Ferdinand.
Charlie Adam (Blackpool): Every game he plays he gets better, made for the premier league.
Jerome Thomas (West Bromwich Albian): Helped hold the Albian midfield, decent game.
David Silva (Manchester City): Will regret early miss, but played an outstanding game.
Luis Suarez (Liverpool): Liverpool fans wont remember Torres if he keeps this level of play up.

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A BITTER feud is behind the training ground scrap that saw Manu Adebayor and Kolo Toure dragged apart yesterday.

SunSport can reveal there has been tension between the Manchester City stars since Toure made comments before the trip to Fulham in November.

Toure publicly told some players at the club to stop whingeing and get on with the job.

Adebayor believed his old Arsenal team-mate was aiming the comments at him and there has been problems between them ever since.

Those problems finally blew up yesterday when, after a series of niggly tackles between the two, Adebayor fouled Toure from behind.

Toure took exception to the challenge and the pair grappled on the floor.

They refused to make up afterwards despite being ordered to by manager Roberto Mancini.

The shocking incident happened at lunchtime as City prepared for tonight’s clash at the Emirates.

Toure attempted to play down the clash. He said: “It was a bust-up because of a hard tackle.

“We both lost it but it was quickly calmed down. Other players and the manager came to separate us.

“It’s already forgotten. In any case, with Adebayor it’s not the first time and it won’t be the last.

“At Arsenal we often had a similar set-to. We know each other well, maybe too well.” (The Sun)

The trouble with Manchester City’s Carrington training ground is that it is so close to a public footpath, with no tree coverage to block photographers’ views, that it doesn’t offer the same privacy that other Premier League clubs boast.

Indeed, the club have been eager to point out that this sort of thing happens at every training ground in the world, but it can hardly occur with such startling regularity as it does at Eastlands.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has had to explain rows between James Milner and Yaya Toure, Adebayor and Vincent Kompany, and a second training ground altercation between Mario Balotelli and Jerome Boateng.

Could they be explained by a sheer will to win?

After all, the on-pitch confrontations were both in reaction to poor performances in defeat. Milner and Yaya Toure clashed at half time of their 0-3 defeat to Arsenal, while Adebayor and Kompany’s words were exchanged during the Wolverhampton Wanderers match.

As for the physical battles on the training ground, they could merely illustrate how much City want to compete – even in training, as both brawls stemmed from over-zealous challenges.

Roberto Mancini probably doesn’t want his team to receive this kind of publicity, but he can hardly be dissatisfied with the position of his team in the Barclays Premier League table.

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