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Villa to Arsenal?

Valencia striker David Villa has come out and stated his intention to join Arsenal.

He said to The Sun: “I watch the Premier League a lot and the team I’m most attracted to is definitely Arsenal. Their brilliant one and two-touch football and the whole style of rapid counter-attack which dominates the top level of the Premier League now is the one which suits my game best of all.

“I think I’m made to succeed in England but of course it’s one thing saying it and quite another getting there and then doing it.

“The Valencia president (Agustin Morera) always told me he wouldn’t sell me until summer 2008. If an offer comes in I’m hungry to test myself in England.”

Is Villa on his way? Do Arsenal need him? Is he a reliable replacement for the injured Eduardo? Questions that need to be answered…by you!

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Wenger ready for Liverpool extravaganza

Arsenal, having just beat Bolton 3-2 in a last minute dash, now must come to terms with facing Liverpool three times in the space of ten days. Arsenal face Liverpool next week in the Champions League Quarter Finals, then the League, then the 2nd leg of the Champions League. Arsene Wenger is ready though, and defeat will not be an option for his young men.

Wenger said:

“Of course we would like to win the home game on Wednesday, but 0-0 is never a disappointing result in the first leg,” explained Wenger.

“We have seen many times that it puts the other team under huge pressure in the second game because they are in two minds. They don’t really know whether to go for it or to sit back and wait - it gives you every chance.

“But it is true that Liverpool have 12 men at Anfield. Their crowd have played a big part in their European success, they have turned so many games because the rules are different in Europe.

“In this sort of game between two English teams, I feel mental strength will be the deciding factor. This will be a test of character, who wants it more.”

Arsenal FC are the better side. Arsenal have the better manager. But will Rafa fluke out another Champions League run? We will have to see.

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Arsenal’s Gallas demanding answers…

Arsenal’s comeback draw to Middlesbrough over the weekend, signaled, not only a drop in table position, but also a lack of mental acceleration. Kolo Toure secured a draw in the final minutes, and it is Captain William Gallas who is demanding that his side lift themselves to glory. Whilst being written off before the season began, Arsenal are sitting on equal points to (now) league leaders Manchester United - and Gallas isn’t going to give up.

Gallas said:

“I’ll tell you why there was a difference between the win in Milan and our next game. It was in the head,” Gallas was quoted as saying in The Sun.

“It is human nature that after a huge game in Europe it is difficult to find the same level of motivation for the following game.

“In fact what we needed was an even higher level than we had in Milan. We all have to understand that.

“And we have to understand it quickly because time is running out for us this season.

“We need to understand what it takes to become champions if we want that trophy.

“If you look at the table now, I’m not saying we’re in trouble but we have lost our lead.

“So from now on we just have to think about ourselves, not look at the table any more. And we have to win every game.

“We need to have a high level of motivation from now until the end of the season.

“We have to give 200 per cent.”

Can Arsenal still win the title? Or does Manchester United possess a greater stamina and depth?

Arsenal to the fore!

Arsenal, last night, defeated Champions League holders AC Milan 2-0 at the San Siro - a feat which no English team in history has achieved. Plagued with injuries and inconsistencies, Arsenal were the definite ‘underdogs’ against the Italian giants. Following two half performances from the Gunners in previous weeks in the Premier League, Arsenal were out to prove against their complacency with regard to winning trophies.

Arsenal didn’t seal the game until the closing minutes, however, their absolute defending was impeccable. Defending from the word ‘go’, Arsenal, in the first half, held a strong Milan attack for the entirety of the first half ,whilst also creating chances themselves. A few chances here and there for both sides became the catalyst for an ecstatic and exciting second half to come. The first half saw both Hleb and Adebayor miss possible goals, and Fabregas’ goal line clearance of Maldini’s header also showed that both sides were ready to take the win then and there.

It wasn’t until the second half that the game began to evolve into a fierce battle of elitism. Fabregas, made space out of nothing, throwing the San Siro into an uncommon silence, drilling the ball past opposing defenders into the back of the net - one of those goals that just erupts. From pure silence to intense screaming and chanting. It was only a few minutes later that Adebayor struck in a Walcott pass - a game sealed not only this year, but in the history books.

Arsene Wenger said after the game:

“He (Fabregas) was outstanding, but tonight it is very difficult to single one out,”

“I believe the whole team defended well and attacked well, it was a complete team performance.

“Of course I’m very, very happy tonight. I’m very proud of our performance, we were under pressure to score goals.”

“We will try, that is all we can do,”

“I believe we can, let’s go for it and continue to have that kind of determined attitude.”

A manager of genius, a defence of steel, a midfield of intelligence, and a (weakened) strike force of rage - Arsenal are now in deep, and boy do they plan to finish the job this year. Can Arsenal win the double this year? Is it, now, shaping to end that way? We will have to see.

Chelsea bust-up completes list of in-fighting conflicts.

Whilst the Premier League is a generally stressful time of the year, it is at the closing stages that prove to be the more demanding. Those who are competing for the title, and those who are battling to retain another year in top flight football, are all subject to such powerful demands, that inter-club fighting and rows have become somewhat natural and normal, and Chelsea are the latest team to prove this.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s row with David Beckham in 2003 - yes the one involving a football boot - whilst being plagued upon and interpreted by the British Press as a sign of corruption, and a sign of alcoholism, it can be seen as a sign of immense passion for the football game. More recently, Arsenal’s Adebayor also had a confrontation with fellow team mate Bendtner, which was again interpreted by the back page as a conflict that could not be resolved nor justified.

Liverpool have also had their own form of conflict earlier this season between the manager, the owners and the fan - however, this has deemed to be more catastrophic and significant in regard to on-field form and closed door harmony. Not to forget Craig Bellamy’s golf club massacre against fellow team mates in 2006.

Chelsea’s coach Ten Cate and defender John Terry have also been reported to be involved with a training field argument.

Cate informed Sky Sports of the issue:

“We are both kind of emotional, but we respect each other fully,”

“We just had a discussion about the intensity of the training session. That’s a normal part of the game. There have been a few F-words, no doubt. But that’s common in England.”

“There was a special tension on Saturday,”

“We have 27 players and three keepers but only a few of them could play.

“John wanted to have even more intensity in training but I didn’t agree as we were just one day before the match. That was all. Me and John get on well. John won’t disagree.

This is becoming all too common - yet, in the end, isn’t that just the sport? Doesn’t the round-ball evoke such fury? Will the likes of Tottenham, Bolton, Everton, Manchester City and Aston Villa experience such a shunned emotion?

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Rafa Benitez to compromise his rotation policy

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is renowned for his extremely controversial in-game rotation policy. Whilst being extremely equable in terms of theory, in practice it is almost illogical as it is the fans and, in this case, the owners, who become annoyed and frustrated at seeing Steven Gerrard on the bench.

Rafa Benitez said in response to the interrogation:

“I think so. It will depend on the players in the end, but we can keep some players playing more games now,” said Benitez, speaking shortly after Everton’s 2-0 victory away to Manchester City seriously upped the pressure on his side in the race for the final Champions League place,

“Everton have a lot of confidence right now and it was a good win for them (on Monday), but it’s a long race,” the Spaniard added.

“Portsmouth, Villa, Everton, City and us will all be there. I’m not sure if it will go to the final game but I think a lot will depend on these three games we have in a row.”

Should Rafa compromise? Or should he (stubbornly) stick to his game and spite the critics of his tactics? Will his own ego prevail over what is best for the underachieving Liverpool? The title is long gone for Liverpool, but is Rafa’s rotation policy worth the risk of a Champion’s League position? One would think not.

Watch Liverpool live online

South Africa’s proposal to legalize Prostitution for World Cup 2010 an insult?

South Africa, controversially, won the bid to host the 2010 World Cup, and since the decision nearly 2 years ago, South Africa have not proved to be the most reliable of candidates. There have been times of progress, yet times of shame have been a more common feature to the South Africa campaign - and now, South Africa have considered the legalization of prostitution in order to help assist the ‘performance’ and functionality of one of the most famous competition in the world.

Police Commisoner Jackie Selebi and MP George Lekgetho proposed the idea, as they believed it would allow policeman to focus on crimes other than prostitution.

ANC MP George Lekgetho said,

“It is one of the things that would make it [the tournament] a success because we hear of many rapes, because people don’t have access to them [women],”

“If sex working is legalised people would not do things in the dark. That would bring us tax and would improve the lives of those who are not working.”

However, DA MP Sydney Opperfman, asserted otherwise,

“You cannot attach a price to the deepest union between a man and a woman and link it to our tax base.”

Should FIFA infiltrate, and directly take control of the proceedings in Africa? Or should we, as the football community, accept that ‘TIA - This is Africa’ is a true statement and that we should just ignorantly accept that Southern Africa can indulge in their own misery and take responsibility of a chaotic World Cup of 2010?

Cahill backing of FA International plans

Everton midfielder, and Australian international, Tim Cahill, has reiterated his support of the FA’s plans to extend the boundaries of the Premier League. The FA’s controversial hypothesis that English Premier League games could be played overseas, has sparked immense controversy among the football community, and the followers and despisers have been distinctively seperated, and Tim Cahill has come out to speak his mind.

According to Everton’s official website, Tim Cahill said:

“The Australian people love Premier League football and I am sure a club as big as Everton would attract a massive following,”

“Just the very thought of playing in a packed stadium in Australia really excites me,”

The passionate Australian footballer has usually been tight lipped in front of the press, however, as seen, he is really forward of this possibility. Whilst this may be a step in following the world’s trend of globalisation, is this really necessary? Will this turn the most elite competition in the world, into a global extravaganza? Do you want this? Or will the elitism of the British game be quashed by the likes of Australia, the United States of America and New Zealand?

Watch Everton live online

Is Arsene Wenger moulding a newer, better and younger form of the Untouchables?

By: Jordan Taylor-Bartels

Despite being the youngest, and theoretically, the least experienced team within the ‘elite four’, Arsenal has consistently, and against all odds, silenced the provocative British press. Having, been branded as a ‘no hope’ during the summer of 2007, the Arsenal side were to face a long and arduous season without French superstar Thierry Henry who left for the Nou Camp in the transfer period.

However, whilst the Arsenal youngsters are adolescent at heart, they are extremely professional and mature when it comes to class. The architect, Arsene Wenger, has been renowned for playing with a certain quick and highly appealing style, and Arsenal, this season, were not to disappoint. Despite the absence of star striker Thierry Henry, Arsene Wenger held strong, and reiterated to the press that he had full confidence in his side of young men. The likes of Theo Walcott, Gael Clichy and Francesc Fabregas all had the potential, but all three did not publicly excel. The pressure to succeed in the most difficult, and most elite, competition in the world seemed to be getting to the worst of them. Yet, the departure of captain Thierry Henry, allowed for the young buds to blossom into threatening and dangerous football players.

Arguably, Ashley Cole was one of the best full-backs to ever play the game, and despite some off the field controversies, he did not disappoint fans on the field. Converting from an attacking position, Ashley Cole, during his years at Arsenal, played in the Left-Back position for almost his whole career. With immense pace and attitude, Cole controlled the proceedings of every game, and even to the shock of viewers, scored some miraculous goals that one would expect from an experienced striker. Ashley Cole left after the 05/06 season, to League and London rivals Chelsea, and has still not played at the same level as he did under Arsene Wenger. This triggered the rise of Frenchman Gael Clichy, and this season, he has been the best fullback of the season, carrying almost identical characteristics as past Left-Back, Ashley Cole.

Arsenal, who were coming off a powerful run, experienced a somewhat unsatisfactory January in terms of display – not result. However, after scoring 9 goals in three games against Newcastle and Manchester City, Arsenal are now back on track for global, or at least domestic, domination. With Adebayor and Bendtner seemingly calm and scoring with attitude, Arsenal are now displaying a message of violent passion, unbreakable unity and a desperate need to win this season’s English Premier League Title.

Whilst Adebayor’s clash with Niklas Bendtner was horrific, for the purpose of relevant discussion, it is important to see beyond an ever-so-common team conflict. Arsenal’s 2003/2004 ‘Untouchable’ squad had three key characteristics; skill, passion and attitude. The skill and passion are the obvious ones, however, it is the team’s attitude which was unique and separated Arsenal from the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea. Through the likes of Vieira, Henry, Lauren and most importantly Keown, we can decipher the otherness in which Arsenal possessed. Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Manchester United highlighted this to its greatest extent. Vieira was sent off for a foul in which he didn’t commit, and in result, a riff between Arsenal and Manchester United players evolved. Anger controlled the proceedings, with Vieira’s red card being the catalyst for Arsenal’s FA Cup win. Whilst violence on the field is disgraceful in almost all extents, to some degree, it portrayed a side of Arsenal that made them special, unique and pure. Now the infamous moment of that match, is of course, not only van Nistelrooy’s penalty miss, but also Keown’s ‘karate’ chop on the melancholic penalty taker.

As said earlier, violence should not be condoned, however, in terms of football, it can distinguish the best from the great. The similarities between Arsene Wenger’s two prototypes is so uncanny, that it is almost impossible to distinguish the characteristics between the two.

This team is quickly showing signs of the 03/04 ‘Untouchables’. With passionate rage, we are reminded of Martin Keown, with the precision and control we are reminded of Patrick Vieira, - all executed and nursed by the witty and zealous Arsene Wenger. The likes of Chelsea and Manchester United must watch out, as a fiery and unified group of youngsters are on their own desired path to glory!

Ramos Revolution beginning to take hold

Tottenham successfully held Manchester United to a standstill yesterday as they conceded to a 1-1 draw in the dying seconds of the game. Despite the scoreline, Ramos’ Spurs dominated almost every pass and movement, something in which Sir Alex Ferguson couldn’t quite match on this particular day. Having spent nearly £20 million on new defenders Woodgate, Hutton and Gunter. It was not the 5-1 drilling of league leaders Arsenal in the Carling Cup that was significance, it was, in fact, the 1-1 draw against Manchester United which proved and substantiated the believers over the doubters in regard to the future of the Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and manager Juande Ramos.

Tottenham manager, Juande Ramos, following Manchester United’s last second equaliser, said to SkySports:

“When you are playing against a team as good as United, it cannot be two points dropped,”

“We were close but the game isn’t over until the end: we were unlucky but that’s the way it is. We’ve seen that it is an own goal and Michael has said that it is an own goal.”

“It was a good game for Hutton, considering he had only trained for two days and he doesn’t know his team-mates well,”

“It will see him improve and he will get better as he gets to know his team-mates.

“He is covering one of the weaker areas of the team and we hope with the signings of the players that we will keep improving.”

Whilst this may be considered old news in the football world, it is important to reiterate that there has not been enough emphases on the sheer belief and skill that Ramos has brought to White Hart Lane. Ramos, has been described, and reported by many, as the strictest manager in the Premier League - diets are monitored, personal issues are consulted, and general unhappiness is received as a way to strengthen the team rather than weaken. The scaffolding at Tottenham has never been as strong, and the family mentality has brought unity to a side plagued with poor form and horrid supporters. Whilst most Premier League supporters loathe the idea of thinking about that side of London, the Spurs, under Ramos, may be able to revive their respect to that of a higher stage - equal with the likes of Leeds United or even Ebbsfleet United. Could it be Ramos who will force the extension of the elite four to the magnificent five? Or, alike past Tottenham managers, will Ramos flop, and become a mere tombstone of what could of been?

Sir Alex relieved at Scholes return

The legendary number 18 for Manchester United is set to return from a three month long injury this weekend, as the Red Devils attempt to face and shun the Tottenham Hotspurs in the FA Cup. Whilst Manchester United are sitting on top the table, it is believed that Paul Scholes will, in fact, raise the standards at Old Trafford. Scholes, who is turning 34 this year, is apparently, going to shift the Manchester United side to undeniable glory - or atleast Sir Alex thinks that.

Sir Alex Ferguson, whilst calmly sipping on a bottle of Scotch, said:

“I am more confident now Scholes is coming back,” said the United boss. “He brings a bit of class at important times in matches. That’s what Scholes is probably best at producing, moments that turn games.

“It’s a big bonus for us having him back. Scholes’ great asset down the years has been appearing in the box late,” added Fergie of the player who has made 548 appearances for the club.

“The number of goals he has scored for us from midfield is unique. His other big assets are his passing, his composure and his thinking during a game. At 33, I regard him just as highly as I did when he was 23.

“Players like Scholes and Ryan Giggs… look after themselves, give themselves extra years,” added Fergie. “Look at Giggs. He’s flying this season. Giggs came on at Reading and the stats show he made 45 sprints in the second half. That’s incredible for a player of his age.

What I’ve come to realise with these two players is I can no longer see an end to their careers. In fact, I don’t expect to see an end! There must come a day when it will end. But the way it’s looking now, I can’t see that end coming. I think I’ll be away from the club before they will.

“Bearing in mind their longevity, they must be the best two players I’ve had. Giggs has been here since the age of 13 and Scholes is the same. They have both been here as long as I have.”

Manchester United are flying high, but surely they can’t go higher. Scholes, as good as he was, is not the Scholes we all remember. Nearing his 400th appearance for Manchester United, we think, that this should be his final year. Hopefully, unlike Teddy Sherringham, Paul will take such wise advice.

Watch Manchester United live online

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Arse gestures give Sir Alex a Royal headache

Manchester United faced Reading FC over the weekend, and, as expected, came out on top with a 2-0 win against the Royals. With Arsenal playing at the same time, Manchester United needed full points to retain their top of the league position, and Sir Alex Ferguson obviously felt the pressure. It has been reported, and proven through video footage, that the Manchester United legend gave Reading fans the ‘up yours’ gesture after Manchester United’s stressful win.

Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, stated in response:

“All I was doing was expressing my relief at winning what was one of our hardest matches of the season.”

An act of a drunk? Or an act of a passionate manager who is respectably feeling the pressure in what is turning out to be one of the most closest title battles since the beginning of the Premier League in 1992. Is the form of Arsenal and Chelsea enhancing the effectiveness of the Scots Scotch? Is this a sign of weakness? Or a sign of passion? Should you be making a big deal about it? You tell us!

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Pitch tragedy as Motherwell captain loses his life

Earlier this year Sevilla star Antonio Puerta died after collapsing in a normal Spanish League game. This horror tragically moved to the UK this weekend when Motherwell captain Phil O’Donnell lost his life after collapsing during his team’s 5-3 win over Dundee Utd.

O’Donnell was about to be substituted when he fell to the ground. He was treated for five minutes before being stretchered off Fir Park and into an ambulance.

Motherwell Chairman Bill Dickie said:

“Unfortunately I can confirm very, very sad news that Phil O’Donnell has lost his life. We don’t know what it was, but there will be a post-mortem. This is a tragic happening and that’s all I can say.”

Manager Mark McGhee added:

“I don’t want to say anything more than how devastated everyone at the club is for his wife and his young children. That’s what we are all feeling tonight, nothing else matters.

“Obviously from the club’s point of view we’ll gather round to give his family as much support as they need.”

R.I.P Phil O’Donnell

Arsenal’s Cesc going nowhere

Arsenal are currently sitting in second position on the Barclays English Premier League table, one point behind Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United. It is, however, Arsenal’s central midfielder, Francesc Fabregas, who is again forced into the spotlight in regards to a move away from Ashburton Grove to his home country - in this instance - the Bernabeu. Fabregas has been linked to a move to Real Madrid since he first started playing for the red and white, and now, despite Arsenal’s dominance, Real president Ramon Calderon is still insisting that Fabregas wants to convert to the team of all-stars.

Calderon said:

“Cesc would look very favourably at the chance to wear the Real Madrid shirt. We will see what happens.”

However, according to SkySports, Fabregas’ agent Joseba Diaz has insisted that Fabregas is far from a move, and that he is, so far, totally committed to his current long-term contract with Arsenal:

“Cesc has a message for the fans. He’s very happy at Arsenal and loves (manager) Arsene Wenger.

“There is no chance he would move. He is absolutely committed to the club.

“All he thinks about is helping them win the Premier League title and the UEFA Champions League.”

Cesc is staying at the Ashburton Grove. So why is Calderon uselessly fueling an almost dead fire? Is his job and position that insecure, that he must continue to weaken the spirit of the Arsenal fans? Whats your reaction to both Fabregas’ security and Calderon’s immaturity?

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Barton in lockup again

The man of many troubles, Joey Barton, has again been involved with police for the wrong reasons. Mr Barton was spotted in 2004 stabbing Jamie Tandy in the eye with a lit cigar, whilst also being subject to continuous and somewhat consistent on and off the field altercations.

Joey Barton has just been accused of another act against the community.

A Merseyside policeman revealed:

“Two males aged 25 and 19 and a woman aged 27 were arrested at 5.30am today on Church Street in Liverpool City Centre following an allegation of assault.

“All three remain in custody for interview and processing and I expect a decision on charges or release will be made later tonight.”

Is Joey Barton becoming too much of a liability for Newcastle United? He isn’t a star on the field, and he surely isn’t a role model off the field. His right as a football player should be banished.

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