Premier League - January 30th report

Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool

Walcott stunner completes outstanding Gunners comeback

Arsenal came from two goals behind to draw 2-2 against Liverpool in a thriller at Emirates Stadium.

Jordan Henderson had added to Luis Suarez's 17th league goal of the season to put Brendan Rodgers’ team in control at the hour mark but, just when it looked like the Reds were going to shed their flat-track-bully tag, the Gunners produced a storming revival, scoring two goals in three minutes through Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott.

In a grandstand finish, Arsene Wenger’s team went all-out for the winner but Liverpool remained resolute through a combination of grit, fortune and poor finishing from the hosts.

The draw means that Arsenal remained four points behind fourth-placed Tottenham in the race for the Champions League positions and it will agitate Wenger that they have mustered only a single point in league fixtures against Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool in January after some more abject defending on a marquee occasion.

The hosts recalled Jack Wilshere, Walcott, Santi Cazorla, fit-again Thomas Vermaelen, Bacary Sagna, Santi Cazorla and Kieran Gibbs to the team that began the 3-2 FA Cup win at Brighton.

For Liverpool, Rodgers also rung the changes, with skipper Steven Gerrard returning to the team alongside fit-again pair Pepe Reina and Glen Johnson, Daniel Agger, Lucas Leiva, Jamie Carragher and Stewart Downing.

It was like football in fast-forward in the early exchanges as the two teams traded lightning-quick attacks and clear goalscoring opportunities.

Suarez, starting on the left of the three attacking midfielders behind centre forward Daniel Sturridge, caused havoc with his uncanny ability to find space and also for some spectacular passes from out wide.

The Uruguayan's goal owed much to some calamitous defending from the home side. Sagna's slip allowed Johnson to run clear on the left and, after a hashed clearance from Vermaelen and a smothered shot from Sturridge, Jordan Henderson tapped the rebound to Suarez, whose shot deflected off a defender and in.

Arsenal responded by carving open Liverpool’s defence seemingly at will with some excellent combination play. The menacing Walcott (twice) and Giroud both coming close to scoring an equaliser.

Somehow, Liverpool held firm, although they had Gerrard to thank for an excellent last-ditch clearance that followed another zippy Arsenal attack.

Rodgers’ pre-match sermon appeared to have fired up the visitors, who were incisive in possession and pressed the hosts’ jittery defence into making mistakes as they ended the opening period the better team.

The one let-down was Henderson, who made a series of wonky passes when well placed. Yet the midfielder kept getting in good positions and came close to doubling the visitors’ advantage with a chipped shot on the cusp of half-time that landed on the roof of the net with Wojciech Szczesny stranded.

Following 15 minutes of second-half dominance from Arsenal, Henderson made another excellent run and finally made it count with a fine solo goal.

After turning past Per Mertesacker and outmuscling the substitute Andre Santos, the midfielder collected a lucky rebound after his first shot was saved to pass the ball into an empty net.

Arsenal were momentarily demoralised but were soon back in the game following two goals in three minutes.

The comeback began when Giroud headed in Jack Wilshere’s right-wing free kick for his fifth goal in three games and his 14th of the season.

But the best goal of the night came after 67 minutes, when Walcott, who had been lively all game on the wing, received a lay-off on the right side of the box and sent the ball flying into the far corner of the net with a shot of tremendous speed and precision.

Arsenal threw bodies forward as they went all out for the winner with some wonderful attacking play.

Giroud got in some excellent positions but was guilty of missing a hat-trick of chances late on, including a sitter with only a few minutes left on the clock.

Reading 2-2 Chelsea

Benitez on brink after injury-time collapse

A superb cameo from Adam Le Fondre sparked a remarkable late fightback as the Blues let a two-goal lead slip and saw more pressure piled on their interim manager

Second-half substitute Adam Le Fondre scored an injury-time winner as Reading staged a stunning comeback from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Chelsea at the Madejski Stadium on Wednesday night.

Juan Mata grabbed the opener, driving home from close range after a superb through-ball from Fernando Torres, before Lampard belted a header into the top corner halfway through the second half only for Le Fondre to hit twice in three minutes to stun the London side.

Brian McDermott made seven changes from the FA Cup win over Sheffield United, with Pavel Pogrebnyak returning to the starting line-up after being rested. Ryan Bertrand replaced the suspended Eden Hazard for Chelsea, Cesar Azpilicueta and Juan Mata also coming in at the expense of John Terry and Marko Marin.

The away side started to control the flow of the game after a turgid start, keeping possession for long periods, but were unable to make a quick impact on the Reading defence.

Ashley Cole blasted a long-range effort over the bar in the visitors’ first half-chance of the game, before Torres was shut out by Adrian Mariappa and Federici after a looping ball caused problems for the Reading defence.

Frank Lampard had a shot blocked as Chelsea continued to press, but Torres was penalised later on for clipping Mariappa after the defender sliced a simple clearance. 

Gary Cahill then wasted a glorious opportunity to break the deadlock from a Lampard free kick, failing to connect with the ball when unmarked inside the penalty area as the missed chances started to mount up.

Cole blasted another speculative effort way off target, with Chelsea looking thoroughly out of idea heading into the break but, with with practically the last kick of the half the away side took the lead.

Torres collected the ball and scooped a delightful pass into the path of Mata, who fired the ball first time low past Federici.

Oscar should have made it two just five minutes in the second  half when he sprung the offside trap to meet Lampard’s floated ball, but the youngster opted for an acrobatic finish when he had plenty of time to take a touch in the box.

Chelsea were not to rue the missed opportunity for long though as Lampard rose highest to meet Mata’s corner delivery to double his side’s lead and seemingly confirm all three points.

As the half went on, Reading continued to spurn their own rare opportunities with Ross Turnbull untested heading into the final 10 minutes.

But that record was not to last long as second-half substitute Le Fondre latched on to a through-ball from Hope Akpan to notch what looked like a consolation with the hosts first shot on target.

Ramires then forced a fine stop from Federici 30 yards out, before Le Fondre was there to equalise with a first-time volley from the edge of the area to send the home crowd into raptures and pile further pressure on Chelsea’s interim boss Rafael Benitez.

Manchester United 2-1 Southampton

Rooney fires twice to extend league lead

The Red Devils move seven points clear at the top of the Premier League while a first defeat in six games leaves the Saints only three points above the relegation zone

Manchester United came from a goal behind to take a seven point lead at the top of the Premier League with a 2-1 win over Southampton at Old Trafford.

Jay Rodriguez capitalised on a mistake from Michael Carrick to give the Saints a shock early lead but a double from Wayne Rooney had the hosts in front by half-time.

The Saints improved in the second half, with Rickie Lambert testing David de Gea on a couple of occasions, but the league leaders were worth their win despite a nervy end.

Sir Alex Ferguson reinstated Robin van Persie back into his attacking-looking starting line-up, with Danny Welbeck, Shinji Kagawa and Rooney supporting the Dutchman while Nemanja Vidic returned in defence. 

Mauricio Pochettino made two changes from the draw against Everton, Danny Fox and Rodriguez replacing Luke Shaw and Guly do Prado.

The hosts got off to an awful start when Carrick's backpass put De Gea in all sorts of trouble in the third minute. Rodriguez pounced, taking a touch to beat the United keeper before passing it into an open net.

The Saints' lead didn't last long, however, as Rooney fired the hosts level five minutes later when he timed his run on to Kagawa's lobbed pass and stroked the ball easily past Artur Boruc.

The Japan international was involved again moments later, getting down the left flank and cutting inside before striking a shot on to the near post.

Southampton were pegged back in their own half from then on and could only hold off the Red Devils' attacking onslaught until the 27th minute. 

Van Persie drifted a deep free kick towards Boruc's back post, where Evra was on hand to head the ball back across the box for Rooney to turn into the net from a yard out.

The Saints started the second period brightly, with Lambert forcing De Gea to make his first save with a tame volley.

Pochettino's men continued to apply pressure and could have gone ahead on the hour mark when Lambert hit the target with a fierce free kick. De Gea spilled the initial effort but cleared before Adam Lallana could pounce on the loose ball.

United weathered the Saints' storm and then created some chances of their own with Rooney and Kagawa combining to drive Sir Alex Ferguson's side forward.

Van Persie thought that he had added his name to the scoresheet in the 75th minute when he headed past Boruc at the second time of asking but the Dutchman had his celebrations cut short by a harsh offside decision.

Lambert then came close to grabbing the equaliser with another free kick; the Saints striker curled an effort perfectly over the wall only to see De Gea make an outstanding low save.

Rooney then wasted a chance to seal his hat-trick when he was slid through by Van Persie but the England forward took a bad touch, allowing Boruc to smother.

Source: goal.com

Champions League's top scores!

Real Madrid are this season's Champions League top scorers

The Whites who have seven goals in the competition also lead number of shots and assists.

Real Madrid have two wins from the two matches played so far in the Champions League group stage and lead group D after victories against Manchester City at home and Ajax away. The Whites have scored seven goals and are top scorers in the tournament this season. Furthermore, Real Madrid have had the most shots (33) and also the most assists (6) in the competition so far.

The team lead by José Mourinho started this season’s European journey with an epic comeback in the Bernabéu against Manchester City. 3-2 was the final score in this first victory thanks to goals from Marcelo, Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo and was followed by a more forceful (1-4) display against Ajax in Amsterdam on match day two. Ronaldo, this time scored a hat-trick, and Benzema found the net once again.

With seven goals in two matches Real Madrid have scored the most goals, followed by Málaga, Bate Borisov (Belarus) and Chelsea (England), with six goals each. Mourinho’s men have had good attacking performances and are also the team that have had the most shots on goal with 33 to date, followed by Braga (Portugal) with 29 and Dortmund (Germany) with 25.

The Real Madrid squad also have the most assists in these first two matches with six decisive passes made by their players. Benzema and Di María have two assists each and top the list along with Giroud (Arsenal), Rooney (Manchester United), Cole (Chelsea), Messi (Barcelona), Eder (Braga), Volodko (Bate Borisov) and Sougou (Cluj). Marcelo and Kaka are the other two players with assists.

Source: goal.com

Premier League Report

Manchester United 4-2 Stoke City

Rooney recovers from own goal to fire hosts to victory

The Red Devils bounce back after going behind early as the England international strikes for the first time this season while Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck also find the net

Wayne Rooney scored a double and an own goal as Manchester United bounced back after going behind early to register a 4-2 victory over Stoke City at Old Trafford. 

The visitors took the lead when the England international nodded the ball into his own net from a Charlie Adam free-kick. United rallied and Rooney was on hand to get them back into the game with a thumping header. 

Just before the break Robin van Persie gave his side the lead with sublime close range effort and 50 seconds after the restart Danny Welbeck notched another for the Red Devils with a superb diving header. 

Michael Kightly got the Potters back into the game with a great individual effort only for Rooney to give United their two goal lead back with a smart finish at the back-post to seal the win for the Red Devils. 

Sir Alex Ferguson made two changes to the side that beat Newcastle with Antonio Valencia and Paul Scholes coming in for Shinji Kagawa and Tom Cleverley. Tony Pulis made just one change from his Potters team that drew with Liverpool with Dean Whitehead replacing Glenn Whelan. 

The Red Devils dominated possession early on but it was the Potters who took the lead through an own goal from Rooney who could only helplessly nod Adam’s free-kick past David De Gea when trying to mark Shawcross. 

Every time Stoke pushed forward they threatened and De Gea had to make two good saves to stop the visitors doubling their lead, first from Adam, and then from Walters after Kightly and Peter Crouch had combined to set the striker one-on-one with the Spaniard. 

The Potters were made to rue these missed opportunities as United equalised through Rooneyas he rose highest in the penalty area to head Van Persie’s cross into the right net this time for his first league goal of the season. 

United upped the ante before the break as Scholes and Welbeck went close before they took the lead through Van Persie as he turned Valencia’s pinpoint cross past Begovic at the near post with a lovely finish taking the ball first time with his left-foot. 

Immediately after half-time the Red Devils made it three as Welbeck headed sublimely past Begovic with a diving effort, as he latched onto Rooney’s cross getting in between two defenders to nod into the bottom corner. 

The Potters had shown earlier they were not going to be pushovers and they regained that attitude as they equalised through Kightly with a great individual effort as he ran through the United defence and shot past De Gea with the aid of the post. 

Stoke’s hopes of getting back into the game further were dented when Rooney struck again from close range as he reacted first to a scramble in the penalty area from a Van Persie corner and side-footed into the net at the back-post. 

The Potters tried desperately to fight their way back into the game again while United had chances of their own to extend their lead but neither could find a way through again as Sir Alex’s side sealed the three points. 

West Brom 1-2 Manchester City

Super-sub Dzeko saves champions with dramatic double

Roberto Mancini's team rescued victory from the jaws of defeat after Shane Long had given the home side a 67th minute lead and James Milner had been sent off in the first half

On paper, this trip to fortress Hawthorns always looked a major test of Manchester City's title credentials.

So it proved, as Edin Dzeko came off the bench and rescued victory from the jaws of defeat for Roberto Mancini's 10-man team in the most dramatic of circumstances.

Shane Long's poacher's goal had given West Brom a 67th minute lead and looked like propelling the home side to their fifth consecutive home Premier League win of the season following James Milner's early sending-off.

But Dzeko had other ideas. A minute after coming on the pitch, he headed an 80th minute equaliser from Carlos Tevez's free-kick following an error from Ben Foster.

Then, in added time he sent City's travelling fans wild with his second goal and fifth league strike of the season, calmly slotting home with his right foot.

Either side of Dzeko's last-minute winner, another substitute, Romelu Lukaku, had come close to scoring, but he was denied - first by Joe Hart and then by an Aleksandar Kolarov goal-line clearance.

Before kick-off this clash had 'upset' written all over it. West Brom have adapted smoothly following the change-over from Roy Hodgson to Steve Clarke, accumulating 14 points from their first seven matches.

Moreover, the Hawthorns has been quite a fortress for Clarke's team. Their opening four home league matches have yielded four victories - against Liverpool, Everton, Reading and QPR – and nine goals.

Mancini selected a team with a strong English core. Joe Hart, Joleon Lescott and Milner all started despite the 20-hour delay to England's match against Poland in midweek and they were complemented by Gareth Barry and Micah Richards.

Sadly for City, Milner only lasted 23 minutes. A mistake by Vincent Kompany allowed Long a clear run on Hart's goal, which meant that the midfielder had to time his tackle perfectly. He did not.

Long was hacked to the ground and replays showed that Mark Clattenburg was correct to show Milner a straight red card for a professional foul.

Briefly, City lost their composure as feisty challenges rained in from the home side, backed by their vocal home support.

Mancini needed his 10 men to stand firm but Balotelli was having one of those days when he felt the whole world was against him. After being booked in the 19th minute for lashing out following a challenge, he began to tread a disciplinary tight-rope as the opening half finished, even if he was harshly penalised for a foul.

When the whistle blew and with the crowd increasingly getting on his back, Balotelli marched up to Clattenburg and his assistants to have his say, before being sensibly escorted away by Hart.

Few among the 24,891 spectators expected the temperamental Italian to come back out after the break, but Mancini re-shaped his team into a 4-3-1-1 formation, moved Tevez back and gave Balotelli the spearhead role in which he is far more comfortable.

It paid immediate dividends. City began to gain a foothold in the match, creating opportunities and quietening the home fans for the first time.

Tevez's long-range shot was heading for the top corner before it was athletically pawed away by Foster while Toure headed over the bar after Balotelli's mis-hit volley.

Against the run of play, West Brom took the lead after 67 minutes. Substitute Peter Odemwingie made an immediate impact, putting Long through on goal with a slide-rule pass and the No.9 tapped in his third league goal of the season and fifth in all. Replays showed he was narrowly on-side as City’s defenders moved forward.

Mancini hauled off Barry and sent on Dzeko to rescue a point. The Bosnian managed to do even better.

Liverpool 1-0 Reading

Sterling strike gives Rodgers first home league win

The Merseyside outfit toiled in front of goal against a Royals side reluctant to leave their half but were let off by the 17-year-old's well-taken first-half goal

Liverpool posted just their third Premier League victory at Anfield in 2012 as they earned a 1-0 win over Reading on Saturday afternoon.

Raheem Sterling struck the solitary goal, finishing well into the corner after a chipped through ball from Luis Suarez - who was at his wasteful best as the Reds failed to carve out a bigger lead.

The hosts made just one change following their disappointing 0-0 draw with Stoke last time out, as goalkeeper Pepe Reina – injured on international duty with Spain – dropped out for Brad Jones. Royals boss Brian McDermott, meanwhile, swapped Jay Tabb and Noel Hunt for Mikele Leigertwood and Danny Guthhrie respectively, after his side threw away a 2-0 lead to draw with Swansea in their last outing. 

Keen to atone for their limp showing against the Potters, Liverpool began the game brightly, with Nuri Sahin flagged narrowly offside after latching onto a lofted ball in the box with just minutes on the clock. 

Reading were dealt an early blow as Jem Karacan was forced to leave the field following a cruching 50-50 challenge with Steven Gerrard, with Gareth McCleary sent on as his replacement. And things almost immediately got worse for the visitors, as Sahin shot inches over from a Sterling pull back in the box.

The young winger was unwisely being given the freedom of Anfield by the Royals and had not always used it effectively, but more than made up for that with 29 minutes on the clock. An intelligent first-time pass from Suarez let Sterling free and, after taking one touch, he fired beyond Alex McCarthy to put the Reds in front.

The hosts continued to dominate the ball in the Reading half from that point, leading to a bizarre moment 40 minutes in which brought perhaps the loudest cheer from the Anfield crowd all season. Suarez jinked in front of the back four to draw a foul, prompting the referee to award a free-kick which was welcomed rapturously by all four corners of the ground in recognition of the perceived injustices the Uruguayan has been dealt this term.

In truth, the crowd had little else to cheer for the remainder for the first period, as matters came to a close with Liverpool one ahead.

It took just five minutes of the second half for Liverpool to go close again, as Suarez saw his shot across McCarthy well saved, but the Royals almost got themselves on terms after breaking with speed after that effort. McCleary beat the hosts’ offside trap with ease but Jones was more than equal to his tentative attempt at the near post.

That miss prompted Liverpool into attacking with more abandon and Suarez should have done better than striking Sterling’s cross over, following a delightful through ball from Sahin to start the attack.

Brendan Rodgers’ side went close twice in quick succession moments later with a McCarthy save from Gerrard’s shot and Shelvey’s poor touch denying them a two-goal cushion. And the typically profligate Suarez also contrived to keep the scores level with two horrendous misses in a matter of seconds at the Kop end.

But the hosts were let off for those misses, as the Royals failed to conjure an attack of real note with time running out.

Tottenham 2-4 Chelsea

Marvellous Mata inspires Chelsea comeback

The Blues win a thrilling a London derby with the Spaniard grabbing a double and Gary Cahill and Daniel Sturridge also on target as Villas-Boas loses to his former team

There was no revenge for Andre Villas-Boas as Chelsea continued their unbeaten start to the season at White Hart Lane with a performance full of the attacking verve their former coach was hired to implement.

This was the best of football, a pulsating, ever-changing derby encounter decided by two goals in as many second-half minutes by the quite brilliant Juan Mata, who shone brightest of all in Chelsea’s sparkling midfield and set-up Daniel Sturridge in injury time for the Blues’ fourth goal. 

Chelsea had initially taken the lead through Gary Cahill’s brilliant volley in the 18th minute before Spurs rallied in the second half to turn the game on its head through goals from William Gallas and Jermain Defoe.

Chelsea, though, deserved a victory that keeps up their best start to a season since 2006 and leaves them top of the league with 22 points from their first eight matches, while Spurs remain outside the top four.

Against the club that sacked him earlier this year, Villas-Boas restored goalkeeper Brad Friedel to the starting line-up ahead of Hugo Lloris, while Mousa Dembele missed out through a hip injury and Gareth Bale dropped out late after his partner went into labour.

Chelsea captain John Terry served the first game of a four-match ban for using racist language, but the Blues barely noticed his absence in the first half as they controlled the early stages and took advantage of Spurs’ missing men.

The first 45 minutes was defined by two volleys. The first, in the fourth minute, was badly mishit by Spurs captain Gallas from a Gylfi Sigurdsson corner and trickled wide from seven yards.

The second, in the 18th minute, broke the deadlock. After a poor header from Gallas as he tried to clear a corner, the ball fell for Cahill to smash the ball into the roof of the net from just inside the penalty area. Thunderous.

Chelsea really should have doubled their advantage in the 39th minute when Ramires found Mata, but his shot was saved by Friedel before he smashed the rebound over the crossbar. 

Villas-Boas decided not to make any personnel changes at the break but Spurs came out for the second half with a completely new attitude.

Within a minute of the restart, they were level as they took advantage as the Chelsea defence simply fell asleep. Tom Huddlestone’s free-kick appeared to be drifting off the pitch but Jan Vertonghen superbly kept the ball alive, allowing Gallas to head home his first Spurs goal virtually from the goal-line.

Five minutes later, Tottenham took the lead as Defoe scored the 200th goal of his career with a true poacher’s finish. Aaron Lennon appeared to be attempting to shoot from the right but Defoe reacted more quickly than anyone to expertly turn the ball in. 

White Hart Lane was rocking but this was a topsy-turvy, helter-skelter game and it once again turned on its head in the space of a crazy two minutes, as Mata scored twice with more than a helping hand from Gallas. 

On 65 minutes, the Spaniard picked up Gallas’ woeful clearance and drilled a perfect, clean finish into the bottom corner with his left foot.

Mata has been in wonderful form so far this season and it was little surprise that he was the man to score Chelsea’s third goal of the afternoon. First he evaded Gallas’ attention, and as the Frenchman watched Eden Hazard’s wonderful pass slide past him, Mata raced through and converted one-on-one past Friedel.

Torres latched on to another Mata pass but shot wide before the victory was sealed in added time, Sturridge turning in to an empty net after more brilliant work from the diminutive Spaniard.

Norwich City 1-0 Arsenal

Holt winner leaves blunt Gunners 10 points off title pace

The Canaries register their first Premier League win of the season as Arsene Wenger's side fail to create clear-cut chances despite dominating possession at Carrow Road

Norwich picked up their first Premier League win of the season after a determined and hard-fought performance against Arsenal at Carrow Road, edging the match 1-0.

The Gunners had more possession throughout, but the hosts opened the scoring through Grant Holt in the first half after Vito Mannone spilled a long-range shot.

The Canaries were forced to hold on for periods of the match, but a solid defensive performance saw them hard to break down, with the visiting side creating few clear-cut chances.

Norwich made two changes from the side that was swept aside by Chelsea two weeks ago with Leon Barnett being replaced by summer signing Michael Turner, while Anthony Pilkington came in for Jonny Howson, who dropped to the bench.

Arsenal came into the match in good form and made just the one change to the side that beat West Ham away last time out, with Andre Santos starting at left-back in place of the injured Kieran Gibbs.

Jack Wilshere was named among the Gunners' substitutes, despite Arsene Wenger's claims that the midfielder, who has missed 14 months due to injury, was still weeks away from a return.

The hosts came out of the trap in a determined manner, with Pilkington going close early on, but the Gunners soon took control of possession, making the match look like a training session at times, yet they could not create clear opportunities.

Norwich’s steely rearguard action was providing an excellent launch pad, and they were soon in the lead, with the help of Arsenal goalkeeper Mannone.

Bradley Johnson cut the ball back to Alexander Tettey about 25 yards out, and the Norwegian tried his luck, only for his effort to be spilled by Mannone but Holt was rushing in and buried the rebound.

The goal saw Norwich showing significantly more on the ball, and although Arsenal generally continued to edge the possession, it was the hosts who went close next, but Turner, who was booed before kick-off, headed a great chance wide after Wes Hoolahan’s corner and the Canaries went into the break in the lead.

After the break the match followed a similar pattern to what had been established before the break, with Norwich doing most of the running about, while the Gunners stroked the ball around with little end product.

Olivier Giroud was presented with an opportunity to get a shot in when John Ruddy punched Carl Jenkinson’s cross straight to him, but his effort bobbled harmlessly wide as Arsenal pressed hard for an equaliser.

With 20 minutes to go, Thomas Vermaelen presented Norwich with an excellent chance to secure the win after slipping on the half-way line, but Holt’s attempted chip went straight into the hands of Mannone.

Arsenal piled the pressure on in the final ten minutes, but they still could not break down the Norwich defence that held strong, with Leon Barnett' last-ditch block on Gervinho securing the win.

Source: goal.com

Chelsea News

NEW DEAL FOR DAVID LUIZ

The Brazilian international committed his future to Chelsea shortly after playing in Saturday afternoon's 1-0 win over Stoke, and will extend a career at the club that began in January 2011.

'I am very happy to sign a new contract with Chelsea,' said David Luiz.

'It is a great club and I look forward to winning more trophies here. I want to play for a long time at the top level - which is what playing for Chelsea means. I love everything about the club and especially the fans, who have made me very welcome and given me great support.'

The defender has started 55 games with four further substitute appearances. He has scored five goals.

His first full season at the club ended in glory in Munich. He overcame a hamstring injury suffered in the FA Cup semi-final (which forced him to miss the final) to play in the Champions League Final and smashed home a penalty in the decisive shoot-out.

This season the 25-year-old has started all but one game and was recently captain of Brazil in two internationals.

Cole rejects one-year Chelsea contract

Ashley Cole has rejected a new one-year contract from Chelsea, and could sign a pre-contract agreement with another club in January if no deal is reached.

Cole, 31, earns around £130,000-a-week at Stamford Bridge and his old Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, now at Real Madrid, is keeping a close eye on developments, while another old boss, Carlo Ancelotti, would willingly take him to PSG next summer, when the England left-back would be a free agent.

Blues manager Roberto Di Matteo stated on Sunday that he was "optimistic" that Cole's contract would be sorted out and that he will stay; however, the offer of a one-year deal has been firmly rejected, and it is the length of any new contract that is presently the sticking point.

"The club have a policy that anyone who is over 30 years of age is offered a short-term new contract. Ashley is 31, but he is fit and still at the peak of his form, but so far all that has been offered is a one-year deal. Whether that included a pay rise is irrelevant as Ashley was hoping for more than one extra year.

"As it stands that leaves Ashley free to talk to clubs and to actually sign for a new club from January onwards, and that clearly is an option unless something changes from Chelsea's end. There are no further negotiations planned as far as can be seen, but that now depends on Chelsea.

"Clearly this policy resulted in Didier Drogba leaving the club in the summer and it could mean Ashley leaving."

Cole has made it clear publicly that he wants to see out his entire career with the Blues, and Di Matteo clearly believes that the player's desire to stay at the Bridge will swing the decision towards Chelsea.

But the ESPN source added: "These type of issues are not dealt with by the manager but by the club, and therefore it is not about whether the manger is optimistic or not. Everyone knows Ashley wants to stay, but as yet the club have offered a one-year deal and that was immediately turned down."

Former England Captain John Terry Retires from International Football

With his Football Association hearing over his alleged racial abuse of Queens Park Rangers' Anton Ferdinand looming, John Terry has announced his retirement from the England national team. 

Mail Online's Martin Samuel reported the news, and the BBC passed along this quote from Terry on the subject: 

I feel the FA, in pursuing charges against me where I have already been cleared in a court of law, have made my position with the national team untenable.

The FA meeting was scheduled for Monday.

As the BBC also notes, Terry, who also plays for Chelsea, "was cleared at Westminster Magistrates' Court in July."

So the untenable situation leaves England without a supremely experienced player.

Terry has 78 caps in his fine international career, and while it is under regrettable circumstances that his international career will come to a close, it is not all that surprising. Terry is no stranger to controversy. 

After making his debut for England in 2003, Terry, 31, became the captain of the Three Lions only to have that stripped twice for off-the-field issues.

While Terry obviously had external factors leading into this decision, it does not change the fact that the timing of this announcement puts his former team in a bind. 

Terry thanked his England coaches and teammates, but it does not change the fact that this was a selfish decision. He is clearly waging in a petty fight with the FA. 

While this is not to belittle a man trying to stick to his principles, there is a time when those should be put aside for the better of the team. This is definitely one of those times. 

World Cup qualifiers take place next month, and now England manager Roy Hodgson is left with a position to fill. 

Source: BleacherReport

Chelsea wants Sergio Ramos

Sergio Ramos

Sergio Ramos recently fell out with Jose Mourinho after the Portuguese tactician dropped the Spanish international for the Champions League tie with Manchester City.

Ramos, who is a huge star with Los Merengues, did not take kindly to this decision, and if his relationship with the Special One cannot be mended quickly, then the former Sevilla defender might be sold as soon as January.

Chelsea, who recently signed right-back Cesar Azpilicueta from Marseille, are reported to be interested in Ramos, according to the Daily Mail.

The World Cup winner is equally adept at playing in the middle of the defence and would provide the Blues with a plethora of defensive options moving forward.

Premier League - Saturday - August 25

Manchester United 3-2 Fulham

Van Persie & Kagawa score as hosts secure first win of season

The Netherlands international struck a sensational goal on his full debut as the Red Devils came from behind to secure victory, but saw Wayne Rooney stretchered off late on

Manchester United sealed their first Premier League points of the season with a 3-2 victory over Fulham, but were made to work hard by Martin Jol's men.

Damien Duff gave the visitors a shock lead from a clever set-piece with just minutes on the clock, but Robin van Persie’s brilliant equaliser got United back on terms only moments later. The hosts then appeared to be cruising after Shinji Kagawa and Rafael increased their lead but an own goal from Nemanja Vidic following confusion in the goalmouth provided a nervy ending.

Sir Alex Ferguson provided an early shock in making Wayne Rooney the most high-profile casualty from Monday’s loss to Everton, with Van Persie making his full debut as the forward’s replacement. Meanwhile, Nani missed out on a place in the squad entirely as Ashley Young and Valencia took their place on the flanks, with Rafael occupying the right-back role previously filled by the Ecuadorian. Veteran Paul Scholes also made way in central midfield for the younger legs of Anderson, whilst Danny Welbeck had to be content with a substitute’s role.

Visiting boss Martin Jol made just one change following his side’s 5-0 win on the opening day, with 21-year-old Matthew Briggs coming in for the injured John Arne Riise at left-back. American forward Clint Dempsey, who is still strongly linked with a move to Liverpool, was left out of the squad yet again.

United will doubtless have spoken of the importance of getting a good start as they looked to bounce back from defeat to the Toffees, but what followed certainly will not have been part of that script. Some clever work from Mladen Petric on the left-hand side tempted the returning Rafael into a needless foul just outside the box with just minutes on the clock. Bryan Ruiz stepped up to take the free-kick and his clever, low delivery caught the hosts’ backline napping and allowed Duff to capitalise as he side-footed into the bottom corner.

The Old Trafford crowd was unsurprisingly stunned into silence, but the Red Devils rarely dwell on such matters. Kagawa was the architect as United carved out a chance in immediate reply but, unfortunately for the Manchester side, the No.7’s cross was beyond the arriving strikers.

The hosts continued to push up against a Fulham team which dropped continually deeper seemingly in the belief that they had scored too early, and thus it was no surprise to see United get back on terms by just the 12th minute.  A patient build-up from Ferguson’s men allowed Evra into space on the left and, though the full-back’s poor cross was not particularly begging to be put in, debutant Van Persie did just that.

Quite how the Dutchman flicked the high, bouncing ball into the far corner on the half volley with such precision may well have been beyond the home fans – and Mark Schwarzer in the Fulham goal – but it is not something which seemed to overly concern them as they welcomed their latest acquisition with a rapturous celebration.

That strike settled the hosts into their usual rhythm of relentlessly attacking at Old Trafford, but the chances were not as forthcoming as Fulham began to tighten up and grow into the game. However, it was the Cottagers’ wastefulness in going forward which led to United’s next big chance in the 25th minute.

Briggs’ burst forward from left-back ended in a poor pass inside and United’s subsequent counterattack, heavily orchestrated by Kagawa, allowed Young to sneak in behind Fulham’s defence only to shoot hopelessly over the bar from close range.

Though Sir Alex Ferguson will have been pleased with the comfortable nature of the game with half-time approaching, the determination of Fulham’s backline might have provided a concern until it was broken in fortunate circumstances. The visitors may have thought they had done enough to clear a corner from the right-hand side which was nodded away to the edge of the box, but Cleverley’s thunderous drive proved too hot to handle for Mark Schwarzer and provided Kagawa with the easiest  of tap-ins on his home debut.

Though they had been handed a slice of luck with the goal, the manner in which they capitalised on it underlined the ruthless mentality of so many Ferguson sides. A fine passing move released Young on the left again and the former Aston Villa man dinked intelligently to the far post for the approaching Rafael to nod home and put his side 3-1 up.

That goal may have given the Brazilian defender confidence, but just moments later he evidenced the side of his game which so often attracts criticism. Alex Kacaniklic muscled his way beyond the full-back on the left and, though Petric’s overhead effort from the subsequent cross was thwarted, only two incredible saves from De Gea could prevent Damien Duff and Petric again from getting the Cottagers back into the game.
And that missed chance proved the last contribution Jol’s side could make before the half-time whistle saw United go in as deserved leaders.

The game got back underway on a more even keel with the Cottagers appearing to have been subjected to their own version of ‘the hairdryer’ at half-time, but United were equal to their visitors’ attempts to get further up the pitch in a quiet first 15 minutes of the second period.

The decreasing tempo appeared to suit the London outfit, and their increasing grip on the game was underlined as they grabbed an unlikely goal with 65 minutes on the clock. A hopeful ball into the box from the left-hand side tempted De Gea into a needless attempt at a punch, and the Spaniard found himself sandwiched between Vidic and Petric with the ball coming off the former’s heel and bouncing into the goal.

Fulham were clearly buoyed by the goal and almost got themselves back on terms after a run from Dembele saw the Belgian find space in the box to force De Gea into an excellent reaction save. But that mini-revival appeared short-lived, with the introduction of Rooney and Welbeck from the bench in place of Young and Kagawa giving the hosts further impetus.

However, despite the arrival of such illustrious attacking talents, the Red Devils failed to add to their tally and even nearly surrendered two of their points in the dying seconds as De Gea was forced into a reaction save to keep out a drive from the edge of the box.

Chelsea 2-0 Newcastle

Hazard & Torres goals keep Blues top of Premier League

The attacking duo shone again and combined twice for first half strikes that saw off the Magpies and made it three top flight wins out of three for Roberto Di Matteo's side

Eden Hazard and Fernando Torres inspired Chelsea to a routine victory over Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge

The attacking pair scored a goal each, with Hazard handing the Blues the lead from the penalty spot after Torres had been fouled by Vurnon Anita.

The Spaniard then found the top corner from 18 yards with a shot struck sweetly with the outside of his boot after his new team-mate had laid the ball off with a neat back-heel.

Newcastle improved after the break but chances remained few and far between, with Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse kept largely at bay as Roberto Di Matteo's side returned to the top of the Premier League table.

Chelsea started the game without two of their most experienced players, as defender John Terry was ruled out due to a neck injury and Frank Lampard was left on the bench. Gary Cahill and David Luiz were therefore partnered at centre-back, with Raul Meireles alongside John Obi Mikel in midfield.

Anita made his first Premier League start in midfield for Newcastle, with Cheick Tiote unavailable with a knee injury. Fabricio Coloccini returned to the defence after a thigh strain.

The Blues introduced new signings Cesar Azpilicueta and Victor Moses to the Stamford Bridge faithful before kick-off but once the whistle had been blown all eyes, once again, were on Hazard.

The Belgian was the brightest light of a muted opening quarter of an hour and as Torres grew into the game Chelsea began to ask more questions of the Newcastle defence.

Anita's transition to English football, unfortunately for Newcastle, was not to be quite as smooth as Hazard's and when Torres skipped into the box the Dutch midfielder caught him on the knee with a wild swing of his left boot.

The referee, Phil Dowd, rightly pointed to the spot and Hazard, needing only a short run-up, coolly swept the resulting penalty into the bottom corner to Tim Krul's right.

Chelsea kept a firm grip on the first half thereafter. Torres was unfairly penalised for diving after knocking the ball past Coloccini, who caught the Spaniard as he continued his run, although Jonas Gutierrez likely would have retrieved the ball first regardless.

Cisse and Ba plugged away in attack at the other end while Hatem Ben Arfa hinted sporadically that he could be a threat, but Chelsea coped comfortably even in the absence of Terry.

Di Matteo's team remained patient and gave Newcastle a mountain to climb on the stroke of half-time. Unsurprisingly, Hazard was involved again, and his combinations with Torres are giving Chelsea fans reason to be increasingly cheerful.

The duo will combine for more goals after this one but not many will be of better quality. Hazard received the striker's pass on the edge of the box and, turning away from goal, completed the one-two by back-heeling into his path. Torres was left with little space in which to manoeuvre but instinctively struck a shot with the outside of his boot that flew into the top corner.

Newcastle's chances of playing their way back into the game after the break appeared remote, though Ben Arfa engineered enough space to shoot narrowly wide from the edge of the box and Ba saw a shot from a tight angle saved.

They did have more of a share of possession, however, although Torres' counter-attacking runs continued to prove dangerous and Coloccini, Santon and Anita all needed to either cut out through passes or halt the 28-year-old's progress in the Magpies' half.

With his side unable to create anything meaningful in open play, Alan Pardew turned to substitute and set-piece specialist Ryan Taylor shortly after the hour mark and the change very nearly – and perhaps should have – paid dividends. The full-back curled in a superb free-kick from the left that Cisse could only head over the bar from point blank range.

Bertrand flashed a vicious 20-yard shot past Krul's far post, with a corner awarded despite the Dutchman's claims to the contrary, and Ba should have done better when he shot too close to Cech from 12 yards after miscuing his initial effort.

The victory never looked in much doubt and Chelsea saw out proceedings to make it three league wins out of three in 2012-13.

Source: goal.com

Torres seeks Chelsea talks

Disappointed hit-man wants clarity over role next season

Fernando Torres has cast serious doubt over whether his long-term future lies at Chelsea after calling for clear-the-air talks with the club's hierarchy over what his role will be next season.

In a surprisingly candid interview with Guillem Balague a disgruntled Torres has wasted little time in expressing his disappointment at missing out on a starting place in the Chelsea side that claimed the UEFA Champions League on Saturday evening in Munich, going on to claim for much of his time in West London he has felt 'lost' and may even have 'given up' were it not for the support he has received from those close to him.

The greatest day in Chelsea's history saw them defy the odds once more in the Champions League in beating hosts Bayern Munich on penalties to claim what had become a Holy Grail for Blues owner Roman Abramovich.

Torres felt his improved form over the past month would earn him a starting spot but Roberto Di Matteoelected to go with Didier Drogba as a lone striker, who vindicated his manager's faith by scoring Chelsea's leveller before netting the winning penalty in the shoot-out after the two sides could not be separated at 1-1 after extra-time.

The Chelsea squad are currently enjoying a victory parade throughout the capital but for Torres any delight over claiming Europe's premier trophy has been tempered somewhat by the fact he played only a minimal role off the substitutes' bench.

Torres concedes he feels let down by how things have transpired at Chelsea since joining the European champions in January 2011 for a record £50million fee and it is a situation he is determined to rectify as soon as possible.

"It's contradictory because I feel like I'm at a peak moment in my career, with more desire and hunger than I've felt in a long time but I've had to spend the final on the bench. It was a huge disappointment when I saw the line-up, perhaps the biggest in my life," Torres told Sky Sports' Balague on his website www.guillembalague.com.

"I thought I would play in this game and I couldn't imagine not doing so. But in the end I could participate and offer the team something. I'm really happy.

"This season I have felt things that I never had before. I've felt like they treated me in a way that I didn't expect. Not in the way that was spoken of when they signed me. We've had a lot of talks and we'll talk about my future.

"I want them to tell me what is going to happen in the future. Football has been fair on us, on me.

"Now I do feel like football is worth it but I've been through a difficult time. The worst in my career. I don't want that again. There's been many times when I've felt lost, I wasn't sure what to do. I felt like I didn't know where I belonged.

"I'm eternally grateful to my family who have been by my side and also for the support of the owners who have stuck by me.

Lost

"There's been many times when I've felt lost, I wasn't sure what to do. I felt like I didn't know where I belonged. " said Fernando Torres

"And especially to the fans, if it hadn't been for them this season I would have given up."

Although Chelsea have yet to indicate whether they will reward Di Matteo for guiding them to FA Cup and Champions League glory with a permanent deal, Torres seems in no mood to wait to learn of what he can expect from the club next term.

"I need the club to tell me what is going to happen and what sort of role I will have within the team, what my duties are, what the club expects of me," he concluded.

"And then judge whether it is worth it."

Prior to the penalty shoot-out Torres was seen to be in heated discussion with Di Matteo, who elected against using the Spaniard as one of his five designated takers.

Gary Cahill has since revealed he was next on the list were the shoot-out to go to sudden death, but it is Balague's understanding Torres was keen to step up and play his part.

Source: skysports

Champions League Final tomorrow

Bayern Munich, Chelsea Seek Same Champions League Destiny for Different Reasons

Much of the buildup for Saturday's Champions League final has focused on Chelsea's rejuvenation under Roberto Di Matteo and their miraculous semifinal win against Barcelona, but Bayern Munich's story is just as compelling.

For the second year running, Germany's richest, most popular and most successful football club were outgunned in the Bundesliga by Borussia Dortmund.

Revenge was on offer in the German Cup final, but Bayern were once again humbled, swept aside 5-2 by a Dortmund side inspired by Robert Lewandowski and Shinji Kagawa.

Said Bayern manager Jupp Heynckes, as per The National: "Congratulations to Borussia. They deserved it today. They used our weaknesses. I don't need to explain what they were."

While there may be occasional weaknesses on the pitch for Bayern, there are none to be found in their bank accounts. According to Forbes, Germany's superpower is the fifth-most valuable club on the planet—behind only Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Arsenal.

Bayern generated $466 million in revenue for the 2010-11 season, which is more than double the $197 million mustered by Dortmund, and was bettered only by United ($532 million), Barcelona ($653 million) and Madrid ($695 million).

And then there's their comparatively small debt. Bayern's amounts for just 13 percent of their value, whereas Barcelona's debt is at 54 percent, United with 32 percent, and Chelsea at 22 percent.

Bayern's ownership structure plays a big part in their financial stability. Like all Bundesliga teams, Bayern's majority shareholders are their fans, who own 82 percent of the club and make decisions such as the ticket prices.

Here's football finance expert David Conn, writing in The Guardian:

Bayern reach Saturday's Champions League final having sought to maintain a balance between being supporter-owned and having the commercial clout to compete for and keep the world's best players.


Alongside the 82 percent of Bayern owned by 130,000 club members, nine percent stakes are held by two mighty German companies, Adidas and Audi, which also sponsor the club.



As Conn points out, Bayern's business model is the antithesis of that in operation at Chelsea.

The Blues are owned outright by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, who has total control and has poured an estimated £1 billion into the club since taking over in 2003.

Bayern president Uli Hoeness is clearly not a fan of Chelsea's ownership structure, nor Abramovich for that matter. Here's what he told the Daily Mail this week:


I get angry every week when I go to buy petrol. The oil mafia takes money out of my pocket to invest it in footballers. For me this stinks to high heaven and I include Mr. Abramovich in all this.


We need to beat clubs like Chelsea on the field of play. Chelsea are a club with their backs to the wall as a result of their patchy league season. If they lose they won’t be in the competition next year. 

If Bayern win it, we will make around £20 million. That is what the game is all about: sporting success based on sound economic sense. Mr. Abramovich has put £900m into Chelsea. If he pulls the plug on them, you’ll be able to pick the club up for the price of a puzzle magazine from a newsstand.



Hoeness echoes a sentiment felt by many others, but let's be honest, Chelsea would be nowhere near a Champions League final if not for Abramovich deciding they were worth both his time and considerable resources. Without Russian money, they'd be treading water in the Premier League—or worse.

Some have even suggested the club was on the verge of financial collapse when Abramovich swooped in—literally. Legend has it he chose Chelsea on a whim after spotting Stamford Bridge on a helicopter shopping trip over London.

Chelsea chose success over mediocrity. Guilty as charged.

Nine years on, Abramovich has already helped deliver three Premier League titles and four FA Cup wins to southwest London.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, center. 

The success of his team has coincided with a commercial explosion. Television markets are expanding and the global interest in the Premier League has soared. As a result, there are many in the U.S. who will know far more about Chelsea than they do about Bayern.

When you consider Bayern have won 22 league titles to Chelsea's four, and four European crowns to Chelsea's none, it's a skewed perspective.

But Abramovich won't be satisfied until he wins club football's biggest prize—the Champions League.

That is the weight of expectancy that falls on Chelsea this Saturday. Roberto Di Matteo and his team will enter the Allianz Arena knowing that only victory can quench the ambition of their owner.

All that money. All those semifinals and the lingering heartbreak of the 2008 defeat to Manchester United in Moscow. All of it will be worthwhile if Chelsea can reach the fabled promised land in Munich.

Bayern's motivation has nothing to do with money. Their currency is pride.

For Heynckes' team, a place in Bayern's rich history beckons. Not since 2001 have the Germans been champions of Europe. And for a club of their stature, the wait has felt like a lifetime. What better chance than Saturday, in their home stadium, to be back where they feel they belong?

Bayern might have missed out on the league title and the German Cup, but with victory against Chelsea, bragging rights will be emphatically restored. They will make a statement that will be heard throughout the world.

Suddenly, this Bayern team will be talked of as one who can rule the continent again—just as Franz Beckenbauer's men did in the 1970s, winning three straight European Cups in 1974, '75 and '76.

“You need an international title if you want to become a golden generation," said Bayern captain Philipp Lahm this week.

Win in Munich, and Bayern will be reborn. Lose, and the club will end the season trophy-less.

Destiny beckons Lahm and his teammates at the Allianz Arena, just as it does for Di Matteo and Chelsea.

And despite their differences, there could hardly be more at stake for both teams. And such is the defining nature of the contest: You wouldn't bet against the winners being back in the final in 12 months' time.

Source: Bleacher Report

WHO DO YOU THINK IT WILL BE THE CHAMPION???

Champions League semi-final - Barcelona out!

Barcelona 2-2 Chelsea

Torres goal sends Blues to Champions League final after Terry sending-off & Messi penalty miss

The visitors were bracing themselves for humiliation when two down and a man worse off following the captain's moment of madness but the £50m man came good at the death to triumph

Fernando Torres' stoppage-time strike sealed an incredible come-from-behind win for 10-man Chelsea, holding on against the odds to dump Barcelona out of the Champions League and reach the final, with John Terry sent off in the first half.

An astonishing end to the first period saw Sergio Busquets open the scoring for the hosts from close range before captain Terry was dismissed for kneeing Alexis Sanchez in the back off the ball.

Andres Iniesta then put the hosts clear before Ramires' ran through on the counterattack to chip Victor Valdes and claim a priceless away goal.

Didier Drogba gave away a penalty minutes after the break but Messi uncharacteristically cracked it against the crossbar, and it fell to substitute Torres in added time to confirm Chelsea’s place in the final, after rounding Victor Valdes.

Pep Guardiola surprised some by benching Dani Alves, opting for three at the back with Gerard Pique recalled. Youngster Isaac Cuenca was also drafted into the front four.

Roberto Di Matteo, meanwhile, selected the same side that beat Barca 1-0 at Stamford Bridge, with Drogba leading the line once again.

Barcelona started ominously, Messi and Alexis exchanging a quick-fire interchange of several short passes to smuggle the Argentine through into the area, but his effort flew into the side netting.

Chelsea’s troubles started early as centre-back Gary Cahill slipped in the box, clutching his hamstring, and had to be replaced by Jose Bosingwa after just 12 minutes.

Pique was then in the wars, colliding with his own goalkeeper and requiring medical treatment after landing on his head, but he was able to get back up again.

After an opening 19 minutes dominated more by injuries than chances, Cech was called into action. More scintillating neat passes on the edge of the box again put Messi through, this time centrally, but his finish lacked any venom.

Drogba caused brief panic moments later after bypassing Pique in the Barcelona area, though the angle was too tight to trouble Valdes.

That signalled Pique’s last contribution as he succumbed to his earlier knock with Alves replacing the defender one right of a back three.

After several minutes of frustration the hosts broke through. As Chelsea failed to clear a corner, Cuenca picked the ball up on the left and, with Terry playing several men onside, Busquets was on hand to turn in a simple finish.

Terry's evening got a lot worse, though, as moments after the goal, while standing off the ball alongside Alexis, he appeared to knee the Chilean in the back. The referee, Cuneyt Cakir, produced the red card after prompting from his assistant.

Chelsea’s despair was compounded just before half-time. Iniesta infiltrated forward outside the last defender to receive Messi’s through-ball and dispatched an expert finish calmly past Cech.

But out of nowhere, the visitors got back in it. Ramires, who was booked in the aftermath of Iniesta’s goal and would play no part in the final, latched on to Frank Lampard’s pass on the end of a powerful run, and the Brazilian delivered a thrilling chip over Valdes to rekindle the Blues’ hopes.

The second half started disastrously, though. Drogba, back to help his depleted side out, mistimed his tackle on Fabregas, gifting Barca a penalty. Messi stepped up, ready for his first goal against Chelsea - but crashed his effort onto the crossbar.

Barca continued pushing, as they had to, and Cech was alert when young Cuenca tested him with a shot from the left, closing him down to snuff out the danger.

There might have been a game-deciding second for Chelsea in the 67th minute as substitute Salomon Kalou battled forward on his own, getting past his markers before coming over as a rabbit in the headlights at the crucial moment, allowing Valdes to scoop up.

As the bookings mounted up - Lampard, Messi and Ivanovic, the latter also missing the final - Barcelona's chances dried up. Busquets, going for an unlikely double, was only able to scuff awkwardly over.

The home fans cheered when Alexis had the ball in the net on 81 minutes but substitute Fernando Torres was spared blame for losing his man as it was ruled out for an offside in the build-up.

Just moments later, too, Messi came achingly close, firing against the post from a snapshot as Chelsea held on for dear life, Cech's touch key in flicking it onto the woodwork.

As Barca threw their last at Chelsea, they were undone. With nobody in their own half, £50 million man Torres suddenly found himself clean through with space to burn. Racing forward and rounding Valdes with his most composed head on, the Spaniard rolled it into an empty net to seal a famous triumph for Di Matteo's men.

Source: goal.com

And the Blues go to the Final ... against who????

Real Madrid?

Bayern Munchen?

Premier League Report

Liverpool 1-1 Aston Villa

Late Suarez strike saves point for struggling Reds after Herd opener

The Uruguayan headed home towards the end for Kenny Dalglish's side after the Australian youngster's early strike, though the Reds will feel they could have had a penalty

Luiz Suarez headed home late on as Liverpool avoided a fourth straight league defeat with a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa.

Australian youngster Chris Herd had put Alex McLeish's side ahead after just ten minutes with a sweetly struck opener.

The hosts saw a couple of decent penalty appeals turned away but finally bagged an equalizer with less than ten minutes remaining through the Uruguayan, who pounced after substitute Daniel Agger had headed against the bar.

And after an immaculately observed minute’s silence ahead of the 23rd anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, Liverpool had the first chance of the game as Downing skipped past Alan Hutton and flashed the ball across the six-yard box for Kuyt, whose close range effort was pushed out by Shay Given, though it may have crossed the line.

But the Reds were punished almost immediately after as Doni failed to clear a high ball from Stephen Warnock, which Herd expertly curled beyond the Brazilian from just inside the box after being teed up by Bannan.

Herd might have given away a penalty straight after the restart when Suarez’s knock on for Steven Gerrard appeared to strike the Australian’s arm, but the spot kick was not awarded by match official Michael Oliver.

James Collins headed a corner wide for Villa but Dalglish’s side began to control possession as the half wore on and Skrtel went close after 36 minutes, nodding past the post from a Gerrard set piece.

Liverpool had second appeals for a penalty turned away before the interval as Suarez twisted and turned in the box and went down under minimal contact from Alan Hutton.

The chance of the half fell to Dirk Kuyt however, who latched onto a drilled ball from Gerrard after a Suarez cross, but hammered the ball over the bar and high into the stands from point blank range with a practically open goal at his mercy.

Suarez had the final shot of the opening 45 minutes, shrugging off Stephen Ireland to side foot straight at Given, and the hosts went into the break a goal down.

Shortly after the break it was the Uruguayan who would go close again as he glanced a whipped Gerrard cross from deep at goal, but could only watch the ball bounce agonizingly off the inside of the post, before Given pushed it away from danger.

With over an hour to play, McLeish signaled his intent to hold onto the lead rather than enhance it, replacing Emile Heskey with Gary Gardner.

Dalglish responded, bringing on Carroll for Downing, while Jonjo Shelvey was replaced by Bellamy, who flashed a shot wide within seconds of coming on.

But it was Gardner who was presented with the opportunity to test Doni, but his shot was tame and straight at the stand-in goalkeeper from 20 yards.

Andreas Weimann was brought on for goal scorer Herd with the game approaching the closing stages, while Daniel Agger made his return from injury in place of Jose Enrique.

Suarez was never far from the action and was booked for simulation after going down easily for the second time following a half-challenge from Ireland.

With ten minutes left two of the Liverpool substitutes went close, as Bellamy rifled into the frame of the goal after a Collins clearance and Agger’s driven effort drifted wide.

But just a minute later the hosts finally equalized, when Gerrard’s cross was headed onto the bar by Agger, before Suarez stooped in to force home the rebound.

Gerrard tested Given once more late on, but Liverpool could not find a way through and had to settle for a point against a struggling Villa side.

Chelsea 2-1 Wigan

Dramatic late Mata winner keeps Blues in Champions League hunt after controversial Ivanovic opener

Spain international snatches all three points for the Blues after Mohamed Diame scored what the Latics thought was a stunning late equaliser

Juan Mata scored a priceless late winner as Chelsea saw off a brave Wigan side with a 2-1 win on Saturday afternoon.

Mohamed Diame scored a stunning equalizer from 20-yards after Branislav Ivanovic earlier headed in from a Raul Meireles cross just after the hour, but replays showed he was clearly offside as the ball was played in.

It is Chelsea’s second Premier League victory in a row after last week’s 4-2 triumph over Aston Villa and its fourth in succession over the Latics, moving it back above Newcastle into fifth place in the Premier League.

Roberto Di Matteo made wholesale changes from midweek as Gary Cahill replaced captain John Terry, who has cracked ribs. Didier Drogba started ahead of Fernando Torres, Ryan Betrand came in for the injured Ashley Cole, while Raul Meireles, Daniel Sturridge and Florent Malouda also started.

The Latics were unchanged from last week’s win over Stoke, meaning Franco Di Santo started against his former club, while Diame returned to the bench after sitting out the last two games with a groin injury.

It was a slow start at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea was the first to press forward with David Luiz, who made one of his trademark driving runs forward and drew a foul off Di Santo, but the freekick came to nothing as Wigan was able to clear.

The Blues tried to impose themselves, moving the ball around well, and Ivanovic eventually won a freekick after Maynor Figueroa’s late challenge outside the right hand side of the area, but Drogba was unable to make a good connection with Juan Mata’s cross.

Bertrand showed some skill on the left early on, swinging over a superb cross which fell to Malouda, but his volley was poorly timed and it ended up rolling out for a throw-in.

Meireles then won a corner which Wigan managed to clear, but Chelsea retained the ball and it was eventually worked to Cahill, who unleashed a rasping 30-yard drive which was heading for the top corner until Al-Habsi parried over.

Wigan was well in the game halfway through the first half though. Moses had an impressive 45 minutes, and 23 minutes in he turned round Bertrand before hitting a low 25-yard strike, but it was easily dealt with by Cech.

Chelsea moved up the other end moments later as the game’s tempo increased, Drogba shrugging off a challenge before fizzing a low effort just wide of the post.

But Wigan continued to impress, with Moses showing good movement. He worked it wide to Maloney who ran into the box and won a corner off Cahill, which Gary Caldwell headed over.

The Blues then had an excellent chance to take the lead ten minutes before the break. Drogba slotted through Mata with a fine pass, who cut inside the defender but was denied by Al-Habsi, whose parry fell to Drogba, but his header was cleared off the line by Figueroa.

The Ivory Coast international then had another effort right on the stroke of halftime, heading Malouda’s cross back across goal, but Al-Habsi did well to tip it over as the Latics held Chelsea at the break.

Wigan came out strongly, and the first opening of the second half fell to Emerson Boyce, who flew in late to meet an excellent Jean Beausejour cross, but he was unable to direct the header and it flew well wide.

Di Matteo then threw on Torres just before the hour, with the Spain striker joining Drogba up front in a partnership which has proved unsuccessful so far.

Ivanovic then won a free-kick and Mata’s cross was cleared by the Latics defense, but the ball came out to Meireles who played a first-time ball back in, and Ivanovic was there to head home from what appeared to be a clear offside position, but the goal stood and Chelsea took the lead.

Wigan nearly equalized immediately as Moses tried to round Cech, and the keeper’s clearance fell to Di Santo who shot first time, but Ivanovic was there to clear off the line to protect the lead he just provided.

Mata then had a glorious chance to double Chelsea’s lead. Drogba headed on a long kick from Cech, but the Spaniard blasted high and wide from the edge of the box.

Wigan started to press in the final ten minutes and enjoyed a decent spell of possession. Diame received the ball 20 yards out, doing well do provide himself a small amount of space and unleashing a ferocious drive into the corner which Cech could only watch fly in.

Kalou then had a golden opportunity to win it for the Blues late on as he received the ball in acres of space in the area from a Torres cross, but he shanked a low effort harmlessly wide.

Mata then won the game for Chelsea in stoppage time, bundling the ball home when Torres volleyed low against the post.

Torres nearly made it 3-1 in a one-on-one, but Al-Habsi was able to match it as Chelsea saw out the final moments to earn the win.

Source: goal.com