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

Euro 2012 Report - Wednesday 13 Juni

Denmark 2-3 Portugal

Bendtner double not enough as Varela seals victory

Paulo Bento's men threw away a comfortable lead following a battling fightback by the Danes, but came good in the end to stay in the hunt for a place in the quarter-finals

Portugal kept their chances of advancing out of Group B alive after surviving a two-goal comeback from a Nicklas Bendtner-inspired Denmark to triumph 3-2 at the Lviv Arena on Wednesday.

Pepe headed the Seleccao into the lead from a corner, before Helder Postiga put them further in control with a confident finish from close range. 

But, Bendtner, on his 50th appearance for Denmark nodded one back for his side four minutes before half-time before completing the recovery with another header nine minutes from the end.

The action was not over, however, as Silvestre Varela had the last laugh, grabbing the winner with a sublime effort in the 87th minute to put Portugal level on three points with the Danes, and take the race for a quarter-final spot into the final matchday.

Denmark started the brighter of the two sides, and forced a flurry of corners early in the game to keep the Portuguese under pressure.

Despite their lack of initial enterprise, Bento’s men threatened first, Miguel Veloso whipping in a devilish ball from a short corner that was capably punched away by Stephan Andersen.

And there was bad news for the Danes just past the quarter-hour mark when Niki Zimling was forced off through injury, with Jakob Poulsen coming on as his replacement.

Portugal improved shortly after, and slowly began to play their way back into the game. Cristiano Ronaldo, as ever, was at the heart of everything, dragging a one-two with Veloso wide before hammering a free-kick into orbit.

The Iberian nation would strike first after 24 minutes. Joao Moutinho took charge of a corner, and Pepe stole a march at the near post to plant a header past Andersen into the roof of the net.

And they made the most of their momentum, and doubled their advantage in the 37th minute. Nani found himself with time and space on the right flank, and squared low to Postiga, who ghosted ahead of Simon Kjaer to lash into the top corner.

Denmark were quick to react though, and halved the deficit within four minutes. Kvist Jorgensen clipped towards Michael Krohn-Dehli at the far post, who nodded back across the six yard box for Bendtner to head into an empty net.

Portugal almost replicated their second goal on the stroke of the interval, but this time Kjaer was able to slide ahead of Postiga to hack away another dangerous cross from Nani.

Cristiano Ronaldo then had a glorious chance to put Portugal 3-1 up four minutes into the second half when clean through on goal, but his attempted slot into the bottom corner was read well by Andersen.

The chances keep on coming for the Seleccao with Postiga gifted the opportunity to pounce after terrible giveaway from Simon Poulsen, but the striker was then flattened by Agger to snuff out the chance.

Denmark were then forced into another change on the hour mark, as Dennis Rommedahl hobbled off in obvious discomfort, with Tobias Mikkelsen coming on in his stead.

Despite the setback, the Danes were inching their way back into the match. Kvist caused a few hearts to flutter with a thunderous drive from the edge of the area that whistled inches away from the top corner.

Bendtner was next to try his luck after plucking a pass out of the air at the corner of the box, but his finish did not match his control, and was scuffed wide of the mark.

The Danes should have been dead and buried on 78 minutes, but were spared thanks to another awful miss from Cristiano Ronaldo. The 27-year-old found himself one-on-one again with Andersen, but his side-footed finish was comfortably wide of the mark.

Within three minutes, Denmark would make him pay. Lars Jakobsen lifted a cross towards the far post over the head of Pepe, where Bendtner was waiting to head home via the woodwork.

However, just when it looked like they had thrown the game away, Varela rescued all three points with a well-taken half-volley from a Fabio Coentrao cross to settle the game in Portugal’s favour.

Netherlands 1-2 Germany

Gomez double dispatches troubled Oranje

The Bayern Munich striker scored twice in the first half to better a late effort from Robin van Persie to give the Germans top spot in Group B and put the Dutch on the brink

Netherlands hopes of advancing to the Euro 2012 quarter-finals are hanging by a thread after a 2-1 loss to Germany at Metalist Stadium on Wednseday.

A labouring Dutch outfit fell two goals behind by half-time thanks to a pair of lethal finishes from Mario Gomez, who took his tournament tally up to three, with both goals set up by Bayern Munich teammate Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Van Marwijk's men were able to improve after the break though, and pulled one back through a breathtaking strike from Robin van Persie on 73 minutes.

But despite a late surge from the Oranje, Joachim Low's men were able to hang on and take their place at the top of Group B with 6 points leaving them on the verge of qualification for the last eight.

Even if Netherlands beat Portugal in their final group game on Sunday, their fate is out of their hands, as their qualification depends on both Germany defeating Denmark and a favourable goal-difference. 

The only change for both sides from their respective tournament openers came from Van Marwijk, who replaced Ron Vlaar at the back with Joris Mathijsen.

Van Persie managed to retain his spot in the Dutch XI ahead of Klass-Jan Huntelaar, despite his profligate showing in the 1-0 loss to Denmark on Saturday.

The 28-year-old had the first opportunity of the match after six minutes, running onto Mark van Bommel’s glorious lifted pass, only to poke his finish straight at Manuel Neuer.

Germany looked to respond through Mesut Ozil, whose volley from Van Bommel’s weak clearing header rebounded off the post into the grateful arms of Maarten Stekelenburg.

There was a real ebb and flow to the match developing, and Van Persie spooned another attempt off target after latching onto a pinpoint pass from Arjen Robben.

The Arsenal striker’s woes in front of goal seemed set to continue, and were further highlighted on 24 minutes when his German counterpart Gomez gave a lesson in clinical finishing.

Schweinsteiger’s through pass perfectly picked out the run of his club teammate, whose exquisite turn allowed him the space to slot into the corner despite a slight touch by Stekelenburg.

Gomez came close to another just past the half-hour mark, but was a few inches short of connecting with Muller’s low centre from the right.

Germany were in the ascendancy, and could have doubled their lead when Ozil’s free-kick found Holger Badstuber completely unmarked, only for Stekelenburg to block the defender’s shot from point blank range.

The Mannschaft would get their second seven minutes before half-time though, with the Bayern combination working a treat once more.

Gomez still had his work cut out for him after receiving Schweinsteiger’s pass on the right side of the box, but did not let the angle faze him, and lashed over Stekelenburg into the far side of the goal.

The Dutch goalkeeper was suspect for Germany’s second, but prevented his side from falling further behind by tipping away Schweinsteiger’s free-kick with the last kick of the half.

Van Marwijk shook things up at the interval, hauling off captain Van Bommel and Ibrahim Afellay for Huntelaar and Rafael Van der Vaart to start the second-half.

However, Germany still held the upper hand. Mats Hummels surprised Netherlands with an enterprising run up the length of the pitch, before forcing Stekelenburg into a smart double save.

Robben tried to spark his side into life with a run down the left flank, teeing up Van Persie at the edge of the box for a snap-shot that was pushed away by Neuer. Wesley Sneijder was next up, bending a long-range effort inches wide of the far post.

But as the second-half wore on, Netherlands began to inch their way back towards contention. Robben sliced a close range volley off target, before Sneijder saw his shot blocked full on the face by Jerome Boateng.

With 73 minutes gone, they found a way back into the game. Van Persie took a pass on the edge of the box on the turn, and smashed an unstoppable shot with his weaker right foot past the despairing Neuer.

That sparked a late spell of pressure by the Dutch, but Germany were able to hold firm at the back, and almost scored again after a gaffe by Stekelenburg nearly left Klose with an empty net.

Source: goal.com

Premier League Report part 2

Arsenal 1-0 Manchester City

Arteta strikes to all but end visitors' title challenge as Balotelli sees red

Roberto Mancini's side succumb to defeat at the Emirates as the Gunners all but end their hopes of winning the Premier League this season

Manchester City all but surrendered the Premier League title to Manchester United after losing 1-0 to Arsenal at the Emirates with Mikel Arteta scoring the only goal of the game as Mario Balotelli was sent off. 

Arsene Wenger’s side hit the woodwork on several occasions as Robin van Persie was first denied by Thomas Vermaelen and the bar as his header seemed destined for the net. 

Van Persie hit the post in the second-half and was followed by Walcott as it seemed Arsenal would never find the net. 

Five minutes from time Arteta picked up the ball and lashed a sublime effort from 25 yards to beat Joe Hart and give the home side the win. City's woes were compounded when Mario Balotelli saw a late red for a second bookbable offence. 

The Gunners made one change from their side that was beaten 2-1 by QPR last week, Yossi Benayoun replacing Aaron Ramsey as Wenger reshuffled his team into a 4-3-3 formation. 

Roberto Mancini made six changes from the team that drew with Sunderland. David Silva was dropped from the team entirely in a surprise move. Also making way were Micah Richards, Kolo Toure, Nigel de Jong, Aleksandar Kolarov and Edin Dzeko. 

Pablo Zabaleta, Joleon Lescott, Gareth Barry, Gael Clichy, Samir Nasri and the fit again Sergio Aguero came into the side to replace them. 

Arsenal made a strong start to the game, dominating possession and putting City under real pressure as the visitors struggled to get out of their own 18-yard box. The hosts peppered the area with crosses which meant defenders Vincent Kompany and Lescott had to be at their best to alleviate the pressure on Joe Hart’s goal. 

Wenger’s side should have taken the lead from a corner when Van Persie rose highest and headed the ball towards goal. The Dutchman’s effort seemed destined for the net but was blocked on the line by his own teammate Thomas Vermaelen, resulting in the ball hitting the crossbar and bouncing to Tomas Rosicky who could only head over. 

Mario Balotelli sparked controversy when he flew into a tackle with Alex Song with his studs showing. He made contact with Song’s shin but referee Martin Atkinson took no action. 

City looked to have weathered the early Arsenal pressure and should have gone ahead through Balotelli when he peeled off his marker at a corner and met the cross with a first-time effort which he miscued when free in the area. 

The Gunners looked to pile on pressure late in the half, particularly down the right through Theo Walcott and Bacary Sagna but neither could produce a quality final ball to trouble the resolute Kompany and Lescott. 

At the start of the second half neither side was able to get any attacking momentum going due to mistakes being committed on and off the ball. 

City had a great chance to take the lead when Clichy raided down the left and hit a dangerous cross deep to the back post which Aguero looked poised to head past Szczesny.

However just as the Argentine was about to make contact Zabaleta collided with him taking the power off the effort and the Pole was able to tip the looping header over the bar. 

Arsenal responded to the pressure from Mancini’s side and should have gone ahead through Van Persie whose header hit the post from six yards after he found himself free in the area and picked up Song’s lofted pinpoint pass. 

Van Persie thought he had finally got his goal when latched onto Song’s pass after drifting off Kompany and rounded the challenge of Zabaleta before firing a right-footed shot past Hart only to be flagged offside, much to his frustration. 

The Gunners were beginning to pile on the pressure particularly down the right where Balotelli was offering no defensive support to Clichy. This almost cost them a goal as Sagna found Walcott in the area, who fired an effort at goal but had his shot pushed onto the post by Hart. 

The ball fell kindly Vermaelen, who only had to tap the ball into an empty net but he lost his footing and scuffed his shot. The ball landed at the feet of Benayoun but he couldn't turn the ball in and Lescott managed to clear. 

Arsenal finally got the breakthrough when Arteta picked the ball in midfield and drove towards the City area, then struck a powerful effort from 25 yards which sailed into the bottom corner of the net, beating the outstretched hand of Hart.

City’s day worsened when Balotelli saw red for a second yellow card after bringing down Sagna with a reckless challenge leaving referee Atkinson with little choice but to give him his marching orders, all but giving Manchester United the title as they succumbed to defeat. 

Manchester United 2-0 QPR

Rooney and Scholes on target as Red Devils create clear daylight at top of table

Sir Alex Ferguson's team benefited from a controversial penalty decision at Old Trafford as Shaun Derry was dismissed after being harshly penalized for a foul on Ashley Young.

Manchester United took advantage of a controversial penalty decision to secure a 2-0 victory against QPR and move closer towards retaining the Premier League title.

Wayne Rooney scored from the penalty spot after Shaun Derry was very harshly sent off having been penalized for a challenge on Ashley Young in the box. The England winger appeared to be in an offside position as he looked to receive a Rooney through ball.

Paul Scholes added a second after the break to wrap up three points and pile the pressure on Manchester City, who face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium later on Sunday.

If there is one area QPR must improve in order to enhance its survival prospects it is its disciplinary record, having been shown six red cards in the Premier League prior to his match, but it will justifiably argue that it was extremely hard done by when Derry was dismissed before 15 minutes had passed at Old Trafford.

Not only did Young fall after the slightest of touches as he turned to latch on to a pass that seemed to be heading into the arms of goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, but the winger had also begun his run in an offside position. The flag stayed down, referee Lee Mason pointed to the spot and dismissed Derry, and Rooney stroked home the resulting penalty kick.

In Manchester City's eyes, of course, the decision will only serve to further illustrate what Patrick Vieira claimed was favorable refereeing received by United at home. In truth, Ferguson's team was already well on top, having spent the opening quarter of an hour camped in the QPR half, and perhaps the most damaging aspect of the incident will be the Hoops' loss of Derry for three matches.

United continued to probe, with QPR's only real chance of the half coming when Adel Taarabt robbed Rafael of the ball close to David de Gea's goal only to be denied a shot on target by Jonny Evans' excellent block. Rooney tested Kenny with a well-executed chip from 20 yards that the Republic of Ireland international did well to retrieve.

It is difficult to remember Hughes looking as angry as he did when the halftime whistle was blown – at least since Michael Owen snatched a dramatic late winner when the Welshman visited Old Trafford as City manager – but he managed to restrain himself from approaching the officials as the teams departed down the tunnel.

One decision did go his side's way early in the second period, as Welbeck's celebrations were correctly cut short by the linesman when he converted Antonio Valencia's cross from close range.

United proceeded to regularly carve QPR open in the second half but struggled to find a clinical edge to its build-up play. Rafael was denied by Kenny from point blank range and Welbeck could not slide a shot past the former Sheffield United goalkeeper when played in by Rooney.

In the end, an experienced head once again proved the difference. Scholes' impact since his return from retirement has been enormous, and one of the keys to United's rise to the top of the table, and he proved his value once again here by slamming home a 20-yard shot to cap off a virtuoso performance in midfield.

Michael Carrick had been similarly imposing alongside Scholes and almost topped his teammate's effort to make it 3-0. His spectacular shot from 30 yards seemed to be flying into the top corner only to hit Kenny's right post.

Not too long ago United might have viewed a match like this as an opportunity to improve its potentially important goal difference but that statistic is beginning to feel less and less relevant as the Red Devils edge closer to a 20th league title.

Source: goal.com

Champions League

Arsenal 3 AC Milan 0 

So close to a miracle but Gunners can't clinch quarter-final place

Once again they gave us our money’s worth. Don’t they always? Once again they raised our heartbeats to a gallop. This time, though, Arsenal failed. Just. They could not atone for the sins of the San Siro.

Arsene Wenger’s remarkable, flawed football team have now scored 15 times in their last three games at the Emirates. No wonder the people keep coming.

Here, though, the 16th goal of this remarkable sequence — the one that would have taken this tie to extra time — eluded them. There was to be no miracle.

Four down from a dismal first leg in Italy,  Arsenal needed something special. Goals in the first half from Laurent Koscielny, Tomas Rosicky and, of course, Robin van Persie ensured that, with 45 minutes remaining, they had every chance of producing it.
Sadly, though, the final act lacked romance. The second half failed to produce another goal and Arsenal are out of the Champions League.
Most unusually, Van Persie — the only consistently bright light of Arsenal’s murky season — will have cause for regret today. Just before the hour last night the Dutchman was presented with a simple chance to draw Arsenal level in the tie after Gervinho’s deflected shot came back to him from the goalkeeper’s legs.
This time, though, he couldn’t score.
His dink from seven yards was repelled by Christian Abbiati’s  flailing, desperate arm and  Arsenal’s only real opportunity of the second half had gone. Should Van Persie — the most cultured of footballers — just have put his foot hard through the back of the ball? Probably.

Had Arsenal scored at that stage, they surely would have gone on to win. Milan, so dreadful in the first half, would surely have been sunk.

As it was, Milan managed to shed some of the impotency of the  opening period to go on to play quite well. Having clearly decided that the best way to stem the tide was to try and score a goal of their own, the Italians were actually the better team in the second half.

What a night this was, though. What a tribute to Wenger’s remarkable powers of motivation that his team came so close. At two down here to Tottenham only 10 days ago, Arsenal’s season seemed over. Since then they have scored 10 times.

Arsenal needed to start well, needed to cause their opponents that flutter of anxiety that comes with early pressure. In the seventh minute the Gunners had the lead and Milan were looking at each other like strangers.
The goal was a frightful moment for the away side, one of many  in the first half. Alex Oxlade- Chamberlain — impressive in bursts — took a corner from the left and Koscielny drifted unchecked across at least two Milan defenders to head down into the goal from seven yards out.
On the touchline, Wenger was only moderately excited. He knew how far his team still had to go.
Crucially, though, Milan looked as anxious as Arsenal looked carefree. Coming in to the game with such a big lead, the Italians didn’t know whether to stick or twist. For long spells, they did neither.

Arsenal, sensing their opponents’ hesitancy, kept pressing. Van Persie and Rosicky should have carved out a chance when presented with possession in the 16th minute. Their failure to make the right passing choices was surprising but ultimately didn’t matter as before too long Arsenal were two up and the chase was really on.

This time the danger came from the right as Theo Walcott reached the byline. His low cross really shouldn’t have troubled the esteemed Brazilian defender Thiago Silva but his clearance was weak and landed straight at Rosicky’s feet. A second later the ball was in the bottom corner. 

Milan were so poor — as bad as Arsenal had been in the San Siro — that they were already looking frantically for half-time. Time to reorganise and draw breath. They weren’t to get there without further  damage, though.

Oxlade-Chamberlain drove down the right in the 44th minute and was sandwiched by Djamel Mesbah and Antonio Nocerino as he cut devilishly into the penalty area. Van Persie scored the resulting penalty emphatically with his left foot and it was hard now not to make Arsenal favourites.

Shell-shocked by what had happened, Milan managed to break in first-half injury time and Robinho played Stephan El Shaarawy clear on goal. Had he scored then Arsenal would have needed another three to progress. The shot, though, was so bad it didn’t even strike the side-netting. It summed up Milan’s efforts.

In the second half, however, Arsenal struggled to maintain their remarkable momentum and Milan — perhaps reminded of their responsibilities by coach Massimiliano Allegri — found a little of their true selves.

Robinho played in Zlatan Ibrahimovic only for Wojciech Szczesny to save at his feet and then Urby Emanuelson curled a free-kick over the bar. Soon came Van Persie’s chance. Abbiati will reflect on a terrific double save. Van Persie, though, will be extremely disappointed.

Arsenal’s night fell flat after that. Their legs couldn’t propel them to the ultimate glory and — in truth — Milan looked the more likely scorers in the final 30 minutes.

Behind the goal at one end, an Arsenal fan held a banner aloft from first minute to last. It said simply: ‘We Believe’.

In the end, belief wasn’t quite enough. The mountain proved too high. This, though, was some effort.

Source: mailonline

Benfica 2-0 Zenit St Petersburg

Maxi Pereira and Nelson Oliveira goals see the Portuguese side into last eight of Champions League

The hosts turned in a great display against the Russians and were able to overturn a one-goal deficit to go through in the Uefa competition

Benfica are through to the last eight of the Champions League thanks to a 2-0 victory against Zenit St Petersburg at the Estadio da Luz, progressing 4-3 on aggregate.

A goal from Maxi Pereira just seconds before half-time and another from Nelson Oliveira in injury time allowed Jorge Jesus' men to seal passage into the quarter-finals, having been rewarded for a combative display as they dominated from the first whistle.

The mach started out at a high pace, with Benfica enjoying the majority of possession in the first minutes, as expected.

Zenit had more players in midfield and more presence in this area than in the first leg in Russia, but that was not too much of a surprise, as Luciano Spalletti's side were unwilling to take any risks.

For the hosts, Axel Witsel was deployed in centre of the park as the replacement of suspended Pablo Aimar, and he filled the Argentine's shoes almost perfectly.

In the 14th minute, the Belgian, without too much room to operate, picked out a pass on the right to Bruno Cesar, who tried his luck from the edge of the box, but Vyacheslav Malafeev parried the ball away to safety.

Benfica were in control of proceedings and they came close to scoring again five minutes later, when Maxi Pereira played a one-two with Nicolas Gaitan and, from a tight angle, sent in a low shot which went across the face of the goal, with no one on hand to tap home.

Zenit looked happy just to watch Benfica play, but the visitors almost broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute, when Artur and Luisao were both unable to clear away the ball, which fell into the path of Roman Shirokov. The Russian midfielder aimed his shot at the bottom right corner, but Artur was able to save on the second attempt.

It was just a minor scare for Benfica, though, as the hosts broke the deadlock in added time. Witsel had his shot from inside the box saved by Malafeev, but on the rebound the Belgian produced a marvellous backheel to Maxi Pereira, who slotted home from close range.

Zenit looked much livelier after the break, when Spalletti introduced Danko Lazovic in Vladimir Bystrov's place, but while the Russians got closer to Artur's goal, they were still unable to create significant danger.

Oscar Cardozo had the chance to put the game to bed in the 67th minute when he picked up a misplaced pass, but with only Malafeev to beat, the Paraguayan sent his effort wide of the goal.

As the game wore on, Benfica tried to hold on to the lead, with Zenit unable to create the hosts any sort of problem.

But the home side were still able to double their lead in injury time, as Nelson Oliveira sent the ball past Malafeev after being played through by Bruno Cesar, albeit with the aid of a deflection.

It was a much-deserved victory for Benfica, who were in control of the match from start to finish. The Aguias will learn their next opponent on March 16, when the draw for the next stage is made.

Source: goal.com

Last games from 2011

Manchester United 2 Blackburn 3

Rovers spoil the party as Yakubu and Hanley make it unhappy 70th birthday for Ferguson

Stranded: David De Gea (right) is left helpless as Grant Hanley heads in Blackburn's winner against United

Yakubu silenced the home crowd with a penalty after Dimitar Berbatov pulled down Chris Samba and the striker grabbed his second early in the second half.

Berbatov nipped in to score just seconds later and doubled his own tally with a cool finish from Antonio Valencia's delivery.

But despite piling on the pressure, it was United who were undone as David de Gea failed to collect Morten Gamst Pedersen's corner, allowing Grant Hanley to head home the winner 10 minutes from time.

It represented Kean's best win as Blackburn manager, taking them off the foot of the table, and left Ferguson to question the wisdom of not even putting a rested Wayne Rooney on the bench.

The party atmosphere at kick-off proved to be a false guide to what followed.

In a pre-recorded interview with MUTV, Ferguson confirmed his future plans, which would make him by some distance the Premier League's oldest manager.

Big day: Sir Alex Ferguson was all smiles at the start of the game on the day of his 70th birthday

The Scot then received a rendition of 'Happy Birthday to you' from the home fans, setting the scene for the slaughter expected to follow.

Except United, injury-hit to the extent of having to name Rafael and Park Ji-sung as central midfield partners, were not up to the task.

The fluency that had carried them to eight wins from nine league games since their only defeat, that 6-1 massacre by Manchester City in October, was so obviously missing.

Nani was an obvious attacking outlet but had one of his frustrating days and neither Berbatov, Hernandez nor Danny Welbeck could plot a path through the massed ranks of Blackburn's defence.

Twenty-four hours earlier, Ferguson had confirmed an intention to hand Berbatov an extra year's contract.

He must have felt like snatching it away, when the Bulgarian followed up his Boxing Day hat-trick against Wigan by hauling Christopher Samba over in the box.

At a club as unstable as Blackburn, one of the few certainties is that from the spot, Yakubu does not miss and the Nigerian promptly sent De Gea the wrong way.

United's response was strange in that, without playing well, they started to create opportunities.

Nani was off target with a couple of efforts then the Portugal winger was denied by Rovers' stand-in keeper Mark Bunn, as was Hernandez.

At one point, Hernandez also got in the way of a goalbound effort from Phil Jones, who had recovered from illness to face his former club for the first time since his £17million move to Old Trafford.

Pilloried by his own fans immediately before Christmas, Rovers boss Kean had now seen his side take first-half leads at Liverpool and United in a staggering six-day spell.

With no Rooney to assist his team, Ferguson turned to Anderson at the break, a move that triggered a number of positional changes, the most significant of which saw Valencia shifted into an advanced position.

But, before United had a chance to see whether the tactical switches would work, they fell further behind.

Yakubu had too much strength for makeshift central defender Michael Carrick as he turned on the edge of the area, then nipped past Jones before drilling his shot through De Gea's legs.

Disastrously for Blackburn, they conceded themselves within 20 seconds of the restart as United advanced, the ball eventually finding its way to Rafael whose bouncing cross-shot was nodded home by Berbatov.

So often have Ferguson's teams recovered from such unpromising situations down the years, Kean must have felt sick.

His side started to get overwhelmed by the tide of red attacks, with Valencia to the fore.

It was the South American's burst of pace and subsequent cut-back that provided Berbatov with the opportunity to side-foot United level.

Minutes later, Bunn almost unbelievably prevented Grant Hanley from turning Berbatov's cross into his own net. He did not know much about it though, as the ball flew over off his outstretched foot.

The weight of attacks on the Blackburn goal was immense. Yet United's commitment was so great they forgot to defend, and once again the questions were raised over De Gea, who came to collect Pedersen's corner.

Instead, Hanley won the first header, then found the bottom corner with his second.

United resolve was sapped and their hopes of snatching the point that would take them top of the table disappeared when Bunn and home debutant Will Keane got in the way of Jones' injury-time effort.

Source: mailonline

Arsenal 1-0 QPR

Robin van Persie hits vital second-half winner to move Gunners back into top four

Gunners take three points with lone goal from Dutch striker enough to secure win as visitors impress but cannot get past defensive wall, while home side blow countless chances

Arsenal picked up a vital win as their Premier League rivals dropped points with a second-half Robin van Persie goal helping them defeat QPR 1-0.

In a tight affair, the Dutch striker sealed victory after Andrey Arshavin's assist allowed him to tap home, with the away side given a good account of themselves against their London rivals.

Arsene Wenger looked to tweak the team that drew against Wolves last week, with Arshavin joining the attack in place of Gervinho and Theo Walcott replacing Yossi Benayoun.

Aaron Ramsey also came into the side after appearing from the bench last time out, with Tomas Rosicky dropping to the bench, whilst for the visitors, top-scorer Heidar Helguson was replaced by Jay Bothroyd up front.

In quiet opening 10 minutes to the match, both teams kept the ball well without really threatening, until Bothroyd struck the first shot of the match from 20 yards out, forcing a save from Wojciech Szczesny low to his left.

Rangers quickly responded as Adel Taarabt' through ball was latched onto by Shaun Wright-Phillips, but Szczesny was out quickly to block his 'dinked' effort.

Arsenal's first moment of intent came through Van Persie, but his cross was saved low by Radek Cerny after some nice wing play by the striker.

After a positive opening from Neil Warnock's side, Arsenal quickly laid siege to the their goalmouth as Van Persie came close three times, with a header, a dinked effort and a half-volley all spurned, while Walcott dragged an effort across the goalmouth when he really should have done better.

The visitors were then dealt a slice of luck as referee Martin Atkinson turned down a huge penalty appeal, as Luke Young flung himself to block Laurent Koscielny's volley, with the ball ricocheting off his leg onto his outstetched arm.

The 32-year-old could consider him lucky to have gotten away unpunished, while referre Martin Atkinson came under more fire from the home support as he booked Thomas Vermaelen in a case of mistaken identity after Koscielny brought down Wright-Phillips on the right wing.

Ramsey just before half-time, but his volley from the edge of the area was headed off the line by skipper Joey Barton after Van Persie's corner, with Arsenal continually threatening in the opening 45.

The second half began with a flurry as chances fell at either end, with Alejandro Faurlin coming closest to opening the scoring for QPR, but he fluffed his shot with the goal gaping - but his missed effort was soon to be better by Walcott's miss of the match.

The winger was put through with by a fabulous ball from Ramsey as they looked to break from a QPR corner, but as he reached the area one-on-one with Cerny, the former Southampton man dragged his shot well wide.

It didn't matter too much for the Gunners however, as they took the lead with half an hour to go through Van Persie.

QPR seemed to have won a corner but a goal-kick was indicated by Atkinson, not linesman Simon Beck, and the Gunners used the opportunity to break up field, with the much-maligned Arshavin finding Van Persie in space to slot past Cerny at his near-post.

It was to be Arshavin's last - and only - moment of note as he was substituted for Gervinho soon after.

The African winger was soon involved in the action, but missed another absolute sitter for Arsenal as he passed the ball wide from in front of goal having been set up by Van Persie.

QPR were spurred on and began to attack as the game ebbed away, but looked likely to be caught on the counter-attack.

While Rangers had plenty of possession towards the end, they couldn't find a way past the Arsenal defence, with Mertesacker in particular putting in some important blocks and headers, as the Wenger's side secured the three points that sees them break back into the top four.

Source: goal.com

Chelsea 1-3 Aston Villa

Ireland, Petrov and Bent strikes stun Villas-Boas' men as Blues make it four games without a win

Alex McLeish's side produced a masterclass of counter-attacking football to cancel out Didier Drogba's opener and consign Andre Villas-Boas' men to a miserable end to 2011

Chelsea failed to win for the fourth Premier League game in a row as they slumped to a 3-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa.

Didier Drogba grabbed the opener for the Blues from the spot before Stephen Ireland bundled home to send the sides in level at half-time.

Despite the second-half introduction of Fernando Torres, the hosts could not find a breakthrough and saw Stiliyan Petrov and substitute Darren Bent's late goals secure a much-needed victory for Alex McLeish's men.

The home side made three changes to the side which drew with Fulham in their last outing at Stamford Bridge. Didier Drogba replaced the misfiring Torres as Paulo Ferreira deputised for the injured full-back Jose Bosingwa. Frank Lampard also missed out with Brazilian midfielder Ramires returning to the starting lineup.

For Alex McLeish, Bent proved fit enough to take a place on the bench as Stephen Ireland was handed a shock start with Emile Heskey still injured. 

Despite pre-match discussion over the absence of Torres, it was a man whose presence in the Blues side is never in doubt who was presented with the opportunity to give them a dream start. Juan Mata collected Daniel Sturridge’s lofted pass in the box but could not escape the attentions of the Villa defence and had to settle for a corner.

That set-piece was easily repelled by the visitors and they had their own chance to break when Gabriel Agbonlahor’s cross almost found Ireland, who had pulled off his man at the edge of the box but could find the header.

Chelsea struggled to find any further fluency in the opening exchanges as the Villans stuck to their defensive task admirably and provided ample evidence that their pace on the counter would cause trouble.

Given the cagey nature of the opening 20 minutes, the breakthrough for the hosts may have felt like sweet relief for Andre Villas-Boas, especially given the fortunate nature in which it was seized. 

Drogba collected the ball in the box after Ramires’ burst from midfield and shifted it into an area of little threat, only to see Richard Dunne clumsily throw out a leg and give the forward an opportunity to tumble, which he duly took.

The Ivorian subsequently stepped up and slotted a nervous spot kick down the middle, which Guzan will have been disappointed not to stop, to notch his 150th Chelsea goal and give his side lead.

The goal did little, however, to dispel Chelsea’s stuttering start and it was therefore unsurprising when the visitors hit back just five minutes later. 

Charles N’Zogbia burst into the box, after being released by Ireland, who had controlled brilliantly, and the winger cut back to his provider to see him slide the ball beyond Petr Cech after it appeared that John Terry’s arm had prevented his first goalward effort. 

The goal was little more than Alex McLeish’s side deserved given their attacking potency and they continued to suppress the Chelsea attack, constantly providing a threat on the break.

Despite that threat, the hosts would have been disappointed not to immediately regain the lead with 10 minutes of the half remaining as Guzan’s tame block allowed Mata to release a shot at an empty goal, which Stephen Warnock did brilliantly to slide in and clear.

It was in fact the best chance the hosts would get before half time with a Drobga free-kick driven woefully wide the only other opportunity of note before the break. 

Laughing stock | Chelsea woes continue with a Stamford Bridge defeat

Though no changes were made by the hosts at half time, they started the second period undeniably brighter. A lofted Raul Meireles pass found Mata in space, but the Spaniard was left frustrated as none of his team-mates gambled on his drive across the six yard box.

At the other end, a Villa free kick evaded everyone but defender James Collins and, although the Welshman knew nothing of it, he almost diverted the ball beyond Cech into the Chelsea goal.

The Blues then received another let off as a fantastic exchange between N’Zogbia and Ireland allowed the visitors to break and release Agbonlahor one-on-one with Cech. Unfortunately for the Villans, the pacy striker could not provide the finishing touch and drove into the goalkeeper’s legs, much to the relief of the home crowd.

Chelsea’s inability to create in midfield forced Villas-Boas to look to his bench just 10 minutes into the second half, as Frank Lampard replaced Oriol Romeu. The change almost produced the opposite of its desired effect just seconds later, however, as Agbonlahor turned Terry with ease in the box but dragged his shot wide of the near post.

Mata was proving to be the hosts’ only true creative outlet on the day and he underlined this when beating two Villa defenders in the box before standing the ball up to the back post. Once again, however, no Chelsea forward could provide the fitting finish to his good work.

Torres replaced the ineffective Sturridge on the hour mark and the Spaniard almost went some way to atoning for his poor form as his fantastic drive from the edge of the box crashed off the Villa bar just seconds after his introduction. 

Villa continued to provide stubborn resistance against the reinvigorated hosts and Marc Albrighton took his turn to serv a reminder of his side’s menace with a volley which tested Cech at his near post.

It was a defensive change by Chelsea which almost proved key with 15 minutes remaining as Bosingwa, who had missed out on a start due to hamstring concerns, replaced Ferreira and brought a fine save from Guzan just moments into his cameo.

With the hosts having made all three possible changes, Alex McLeish introduced his first substitute of the game, as Bent made his first team return in place of a tiring N’Zogbia whilst youngster Gary Gardner was handed his Villa debut, replacing Albrighton. 

It took just minutes for substitute Bent to have an impact, with his great work in beating Terry almost garnered a penalty, only for the referee to wave away his claims and those of Petrov just moments later after another debatable tackle in the box.

Whatever the rights and wrongs of those decisions, Villa would get what they perceived as justice just seconds later as Ciaran Clark found captain Petrov in space in a disorganised Chelsea defence, and the midfielder drove home brilliantly to give his side the lead.

Bizarrely, that was to be the Bulgarian’s final contribution, as he appeared to pick up an injury in the celebration, and he was replaced by Barry Bannan shortly after. 

It appeared the cool head of an experienced midfielder would be a big miss as Villa needed to hold out against their illustrious opponents but what followed moments later dismissed the need for a backs-to-the-wall performance.

Ireland, who had proved brilliant throughout his return to the first team, intercepted Terry’s loose pass across defence to find himself through on goal and he unselfishly passed to the supporting Bent, who forced the ball past Cech to seal the points for the visitors. 

That goal was to provide sufficient breathing space for Villa and ensured they consigned Chelsea to a miserable end to 2011.

Source: goal.com

Well everyone, I hope you ALL have enjoyed the articles I've been placing here.

This was the last one for 2011!!

Thank you ALL for coming here and reading my articles.

I WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

See you in 2012.

Robin van Persie will not discuss new deal with Arsenal until summer

Robin van Persie will only have a year remaining on his current Arsenal contract by next summer. 

Robin van Persie will not consider negotiating a new contract withArsenal before the end of the season even if the club attempts to force the issue, according to his representatives.

Arsenal are conscious that the striker who has scored 13 times in 19 appearances for the club will only have a year remaining on his deal next summer. Arsène Wenger, the manager, wants no repeat of the scenario that meant Samir Nasri had to be sold in August to Manchester City 12 months before his deal ended, or he would have been able to leave for nothing a year later.

But Van Persie has told friends he will consider his position only at the end of the current campaign.

Cesc Fábregas, who left Arsenal for Barcelona in the summer, offered a warning to his former club earlier in the week when he said of the 28-year-old: "At his age, if he wants to move it will be his last chance and if he wants to stay he will stay and retire at Arsenal. He is the role model of Arsenal, the star player and they cannot afford to lose him.

"I don't know if they will keep him. We will see what he decides but he's been very loyal to Arsenal for a few years. He is a key player, the fans love him."

Source: the  guardian