Premier League Masters: January 2013

Thursday, 31 January 2013

Frustrated: Chairman of Chelsea Bruce Buck - Daily Mail

Buck admits 'Board and Roman are frustrated' as fans at recent results
Supporter posts email exchange on football forum website
Fan blasts Benitez for 'inept displays, inept substitutions and tactics'

PUBLISHED: 13:05 EST, 31 January 2013 | UPDATED: 13:22 EST, 31 January 2013

Frustrated: Chairman of Chelsea Bruce Buck

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has admitted Roman Abramovich is 'frustrated' at the club's form in an email reply to a fan who demanded the Chelsea board sack Rafa Benitez.

Benitez has been interim manager at Stamford Bridge since Roberto Di Matteo was axed in November but Blues fans have staged protests against the Spaniard's appointment from the start.

Supporter Dan Silver, in an email to Buck which has been posted on the SweetFA football forums website, criticised Benitez for his views on Chelsea during his time as Liverpool boss and the job he has done since arriving in west London.

New York-born Buck, 66, wrote in his reply: 'the Board and Roman are as frustrated as you are with some of the recent results.'

Silver wrote: 'His anti-Chelsea diatribes will not be forgotten, it was always going to be an uphill struggle for him but the inept displays, the inept substitutions and tactics and the inability to change a match when teams come and defend is simply not good enough.

'His presence at the club is divisive, the true fans are angry and upset, he is hindering our progress. We have some outstanding talent at the club, we just need the right man to take us forward - Rafa is not that man.

Under pressure: Manager Rafael Benitez on the bench during the 2-2 draw with Reading last night

Frank exchange: Benitez talks tactics with Lampard at the Madejski last night

THE EMAIL EXCHANGE

Read Silver's posting on the SweetFA website by clicking here...

'He was unemployed for two years post Inter, which to me suggests that he can't cut the mustard, top coaches are not out of work for long unless it's by choice.

'In my humble opinion Rafa should go before he does too much damage.'

Silver finished by questioning whether Buck would read or acknowledge the email.

But the Chelsea chairman replied: 'Thank you for your email. Contrary to your expectation, I have read it.

'You will appreciate that I cannot respond to the specific points you raise but the Board and Roman are as frustrated as you are with some of the recent results. We are all working as hard as we can to change things around.

Behind the scenes: Eden Hazard (left) and Benitez at the club's Cobham HQ this week

'I hope you will continue your support of the club as the boys really need your backing now.'

Chelsea have drawn four of their last five games after throwing away a two-goal lead against Reading on Wednesday night. They sit third in the Barclays Premier League table, 13 points behind leaders Manchester United.

A club official this afternoon confirmed the authenticity of the email exchange and that chairman Buck attempts to respond to as much supporters' correspondence as possible.

VIDEO MATCH HIGHLIGHTS: Reading 2-2 Chelsea...

Premier League transfers: Completed deals for January 2013 - Telegraph.co.uk

Aston Villa

INS: None

OUTS: None

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Chelsea

INS: Demba Ba (Newcastle United, £7.5m), Wallace (Fluminese, £5m. Arrives in summer)

OUTS: Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool, £12m), Lucas Piazon (Malaga, loan), Todd Kane (Blackburn Rovers, loan), Billy Clifford, Sam Walker (both Colchester United, loan)

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Everton

INS: None

OUTS: Ross Barkley (Leeds, loan)

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Fulham

INS: Chris David (FC Twente, Undisclosed), Emmanuel Frimpong (Arsenal, loan), Urby Emanuelson (AC Milan)

OUTS: Stephen Kelly (Reading, undisclosed), David Stockdale (Hull City, loan), Richard Peniket (AFC Telford, loan)

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Liverpool

INS: Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea, £12m), Philippe Coutinho (Inter Milan £8.5m)

OUTS: Joe Cole (West Ham United, free), Michael Ngoo (Hearts, loan), Adam Morgan (Rotherham, loan), Nuri Sahin (Borussia Dortmund, loan terminated), Danny Wilson (Hearts, loan)

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Manchester City

INS: None

OUTS: Alex Nimely (Crystal Palace, loan), Omar Elabdellaoui (Eintracht Braunschweiger, loan), Jeremy Helen (Sheffield Wednesday, loan), Luca Scapuzzi (Varese, loan), Mario Balotelli (AC Milan, £22m)

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Manchester United

INS: Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace, £10m rising to £15m), Dean Santangelo (Augsburg II, undisclosed)

OUTS: Angelo Henriquez (Wigan Athletic, loan), Bebe (Rio Ave, loan), Josh King (Blackburn Rovers, £1m), Robbie Brady (Hull City, £2m), Scott Wootton (Peterborough, loan), Davide Petrucci (Peterborough, loan), Federico Macheda (Stuttgart, loan), Luke McCullough (Cheltenham Town, loan), Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace, loan)

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Newcastle United

INS: Mathieu Debuchy (Lille, £5.5m), Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa (Montpellier, £6.5m), Yoan Gouffran (Bordeaux, £2.8m), Massadio Haidara (Nancy, £1.4m) Moussa Sissoko (Toulouse, £1.8m)

OUTS: Demba Ba (Chelsea, £7m), Conor Newton (St. Mirren, Loan)

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Norwich City

INS: Luciano Becchio (Leeds, loan)

OUTS: Elliott Ward (Nottingham Forest, loan), Jacob Butterfield (Crystal Palace, loan), Declan Rudd (Preston North End, loan), Simon Lappin (released)

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Queens Park Rangers

INS: Loïc Remy (Marseille, undisclosed), Tal Ben Haim (unattached), Yun Suk-Young (Chunnam Dragons, undisclosed), Chris Samba (Anzhi Makhachkala) £12.5m

OUTS: Alejandro Faurlín (Palermo, £880,000), Ryan Nelsen (Toronto FC), Djibril Cisse (Al Gharafa, loan), Tom Hitchcock (Bristol Rovers, loan) , Kieron Dyer (released), Michael Harriman (Wycombe, loan), Anton Ferdinand (Bursaspor, loan), Rob Hulse (Millwall, loan), Frankie Sutherland (Portsmouth, loan), Michael Doughty (St Johnstone, loan), Jordan Gibbons (Inverness CT, loan)

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Reading

INS: Daniel Carrico (Sporting Lisbon, £600,000), Hope Akpan (Crawley, undisclosed), Stephen Kelly (Fulham, undisclosed), Michael Hector (Aldershot Town, undisclosed), Jake Taylor (Cheltenham Town, undisclosed), Nick Blackman (Sheffield United, undisclosed)

OUTS: Dominic Samuel (Colchester, loan), Gozie Ugwu (Plymouth Argyle, loan), Michael Hector (Cheltenham, free)

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Southampton

INS: Vegard Forren (Molde, £4.2m)

OUTS: Sam Hoskins (Stevenage, loan), Ryan Dickson (Bradford, loan), Danny Seaborne (Bournemouth, loan)

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Stoke City

INS: None

OUTS: Maurice Edu (Bursaspor, loan), Danny Higginbotham (Sheffield United, loan), Michael Tonge (Leeds United, undisclosed), Ryan Brunt (Bristol Rovers, undisclosed)

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Sunderland

INS: Alfred N'Diaye (Bursaspor, £3m), Kader Mangane (Al-Hilal, loan), Danny Graham (Sunderland, £5m)

OUTS: David Meyler (Hull, £1.5m), Frazier Campbell (Cardiff, £650,000), Jonny Maddison (Crawley Town, loan), Blair Adams (Coventry City, undisclosed)

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Swansea City

INS: Roland Lamah (Osasuna, loan)

OUTS: Jamie Proctor (Crawley Town, undisclosed), Jamie Proctor (Crawley Town, undisclosed), Leroy Lita (Sheffield Wednesday, loan), Jazz Richards (Crystal Palace, loan), Curtis Obeng (York City, loan), Danny Graham (Sunderland, £5m)

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Tottenham Hotspur

INS: Ezekiel Fryers (Standard Liege, £3m), Lewis Holtby (Schalke, £1.5m)

OUTS: Carlo Cudicini (LA Galaxy, free), Iago Falque (Almeria, loan)

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West Bromwich Albion

INS: None

OUTS: Chris Wood (Leicester, £1.5m rising to £2m), Gonzalo Jara (Nottingham Forest, loan), Sam Mantom (Walsall, undisclosed), Craig Dawson (Bolton, loan)

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West Ham United

INS: Emanuel Pogatetz (Wolfsburg, loan), Marouane Chamakh (Arsenal, loan), Joe Cole (Liverpool, free), Sean Maguire (Waterford United, undisclosed), Wellington Paulista (Cruzeiro, loan).

OUTS: None

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Wigan Athletic

INS: Roger Espinoza (Sporting Kansas City, free), Angelo Henriquez (Manchester United, loan), Joel Robles (Atletico Madrid, loan), Paul Scharner (Hamburg, loan)

OUTS: Mauro Boselli (Palermo, loan) Rob Kiernan, (Brentford, loan)

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Norwich City 1 Tottenham Hotspur 1: match report - Telegraph.co.uk

Villas-Boas had a point but it was partly born of frustration and the knowledge that, for 45 minutes, his team did not play. They failed to capitalise on an opportunity to eat up some ground on Chelsea and put more distance between them and Arsenal and Liverpool in the contest for Champions League places.

The spoils were shared but the prizes belonged to Bale. When he collected possession he was still inside his own half but, in an instant, he had surged forward and managed to stay on his feet as Tettey lunged. He galloped on. And on. And into the penalty area. Bale then shifted the ball to his left, with the panicking defenders scattered around him, and sent a dipping, swirling shot that beat goalkeeper Mark Bunn. It was sublime.

After being outfought – literally to Villas-Boas's mind – Spurs had eventually introduced new signing Lewis Holtby. The young German international, acquired for £1.5?million from Schalke had an immediate effect. It was his clever, first-time flick that had set Bale free for Spurs' goal.

After that Spurs could even have won it. Once level the pressure on the Norwich goal became immense with Mark Bunn having to pull off a fingertip save to deny Gylfi Sigurdsson, with a fierce low shot and preserve a point. It would have been cruel on Norwich had they lost.

Instead there was relief from their manager, Chris Hughton, arresting the recent slide which culminated in the ignominious FA Cup exit to non-League Luton Town. This felt, he said, more like the Norwich who went 10 matches unbeaten and were seventh in the table just 10 weeks ago. "I genuinely thought we'd hold out but it took a wonder strike," Hughton said. "It was just a great goal by a top-class player."

Maybe the malaise explained Norwich's more robust tactics. Maybe it was just an honest desire to do better. They certainly reacted like a team with intent and built up a head of steam throughout a first period in which the Spurs defence became increasingly panicky with, ahead of them, Scott Parker often bypassed and off the pace by Norwich's pressing in midfield.

Eventually that dam burst. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris produced his first save, pushing away Grant Holt's bouncing header for a corner, and then acrobatically punching out another cross. But he was at fault as Norwich scored. The wind was a factor as Lloris misjudged Robert Snodgrass's deep cross, as he was sent running free down the right, and Holt headed back to Anthony Pilkington who picked out Wes Hoolahan, who side-footed into the net.

Jermain Defoe should have equalised when put clear by Aaron Lennon, only for Bunn to parry, and the wall of pressure built for Spurs in the second half – until Bale's intervention.

Match details

Norwich City (4-4-1-1): Bunn; R Martin, Bassong, Turner, Garrido; Snodgrass, Johnson, Tettey, Pilkington; Hoolihan (Howson 81); Holt.
Subs: Camp, Whittaker, Jackson, Fox, E.Bennett, R Bennett.
Booked: Garrido, Snodgrass, Hoolahan, Holt.
Goal: Hoolihan 32
Tottenham Hotspur (4-4-1-1): Lloris; Walker, Dawson, Vertonghen, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon (Sigurdsson 87), Dembele, Parker, Bale; Dempsey (Holtby 71); Defoe.
Subs: Friedel (gk), Naughton, Gallas, Caulker, Livermore.
Booked: Holtby.
Goal: Bale 80
Referee: N Swarbrick (Preston).
Att: 26,818

Manchester United 2 Southampton 1: match report - Telegraph.co.uk

The pre-match message from Ferguson was clearly aimed at keeping minds focused on the job of winning, however. "'No easy games' is our motto," Ferguson wrote in his programme notes after insisting that it would be a "rubbish attitude" to view United's forthcoming fixtures against teams in the bottom half as a free ride to weekly victories.

The message clearly failed to reach the Old Trafford DJ, however, judging by the pre-match airing of Not Nineteen Forever by The Courteeners.

The same song, adopted as some kind of marching tune to United's 20th domestic title, was played before the 4-4 draw at home to Everton last season – a result which tilted the title balance in City's favour and ultimately led to United being marooned on 19 titles. So when Carrick and De Gea conspired to gift Southampton a second-minute opener, it was safe to assume that The Courteeners would not heard at Old Trafford until red ribbons were next fluttering from the Premier League trophy.

While Jay Rodriguez's goal was another moment that De Gea will want to forget, Carrick's lofted back-pass left the goalkeeper in a no-win situation as he left his goal-line. Still, he lacked the courage to win the 50-50 with Rodriguez and the £6?million forward poked the ball around the bewildered De Gea before slotting into an empty net.

Fortunately for Carrick and De Gea, Rooney came to their rescue six minutes later when he rounded off Shinji Kagawa's first-time pass by scoring the equaliser with a powerful strike past Artur Boruc from 15 yards. The goal marked Rooney's 100th at Old Trafford and it sparked a United onslaught before he claimed his 101st on 27 minutes.

Robin van Persie saw a goalbound strike deflected behind by Maya Yoshida and Kagawa struck a post before Rooney put United ahead. It was another well-worked goal, with Patrice Evra heading Van Persie's corner back across the face of goal for Rooney to tap-in at the far post.

Southampton remained a threat, however, and a half-time tactical change by Pochettino, when he bolstered midfield by replacing Gaston Ramirez and Jason Puncheon with Steven Davis and Adam Lallana, turned the tide in their favour.

Suddenly, Southampton were on the front foot and testing United's defensive frailties. Chris Smalling was caught in possession, Rooney's stray passes twice instigated attacks and De Gea continued to be a cause for United's alarm.

Boxed in by Southampton, United struggled to get forward, but Van Persie was denied a third when Boruc produced a wonder save to keep out his 75th-minute header.

Van Persie then saw another header from Rooney's cross chalked off for offside, but a heavier defeat would have been harsh on Southampton.

"We played well, but I'm upset at not getting a draw at least," Pochettino said. "It's important for the team to know we can play that well."

Match details

Man Utd: De Gea, Jones, Smalling (Ferdinand 63), Vidic, Evra, Welbeck, Carrick, Anderson (Da Silva 68), Kagawa (Nani 73),Rooney, van Persie.
Subs: Lindegaard, Valencia, Cleverley, Buttner.
Booked: Vidic, Da Silva.
Goals: Rooney 8, 27.
Southampton: Boruc, Clyne, Yoshida, Hooiveld, Fox (Shaw 78), Schneiderlin, Cork, Puncheon (Steven Davis 46), Rodriguez,Ramirez (Lallana 46), Lambert.
Subs: Kelvin Davis, Lee, Richardson, Chaplow.
Booked: Schneiderlin.
Goal: Rodriguez 3.
Att: 75,600
Referee: L Mason (Lancashire).

Reading 2 Chelsea 2: match report - Telegraph.co.uk

The Royals' escapologist-in-chief was once again Adam le Fondre, who continued his remarkable form from the bench with two goals in eight minutes to snatch the draw. The goals took his total to five in the past three Premier League games, all of them as a substitute and all of them pivotal in turning games in his side's favour. Ten days ago his double sank Newcastle at St James' Park; the previous week he scored the equaliser as Reading turned round a two-goal deficit here to defeat West Bromwich. This performance capped both.

Introduced by Brian McDermott in the 66th minute, immediately after Lampard had doubled Chelsea's lead, Le Fondre left it 20 minutes before going to work. His first goal owed much to another substitute, Hope Akpan, a 21-year-old graduate of the Everton and Crewe academies whose only previous appearance for Reading came as a substitute at Newcastle, where he laid on the winner.

Here, moments after Adam Federici had denied Oscar scoring a third goal with a fine save, he provided the pass that for the first time all evening split the Chelsea back line. Le Fondre got himself the wrong side of Branislav Ivanovic, stayed just onside and powered a left-foot shot first time inside Ross Turnbull's near post.

The goal brought the stadium to life, but there was still little excuse for the yips that seized Chelsea in the final minute of added time. With the last attack of the game Federici punted a free-kick forward, and somehow Ivanovic and Gary Cahill missed their headers. The bouncing ball was nodded across the Chelsea box by Jimmy Kebe where Le Fondre cushioned a side-foot volley into the roof of the net and sent the home fans that remained into raptures.

The smile that split Le Fondre's face contained as much disbelief as joy, and his manager could barely contain his. The win vaulted Reading over Aston Villa and Wigan and out of the relegation places and could prove hugely significant.

Defeat would have left Reading just three points ahead of bottom-club Queens Park Rangers, whose squad get stronger by the hour. Harry Redknapp's side now lie four back, and this result will fuel McDeromtt's optimism that Reading can stay up.

Having made a habit of stirring comebacks they began as if the intention was to avoid having to mount a similar rearguard action, with five men strung across midfield and lone striker Pavel Pogrebnyak.

It made for a game as congested as the M4 outside the ground but Chelsea, showing the patience and craft of European champions, kept working and were eventually rewarded.

The breakthrough came from Mata, who scored in first-half injury time after a one-two with Fernando Torres. With Plan A exposed, Reading had to be more positive but it left them exposed. They escaped narrowly once when Ian Harte denied Torres three yards out but respite was brief.

From the corner Lampard thumped home a header, prompting a round of "Sign him up!" from the fans who remain devoted, even if Abramovich is not. Those supporters will be preparing a less pleasant response for their next encounter with their manager. The drama is not done yet.

Team details

Reading: Federici; Harte, Pearce, Mariappa, Kelly; Leigertwood; McAnuff (Le Fondre 66), Guthrie (McCleary 58), Karacan (Akpan 77), Kebe; Pogrebnyak. Goals: Le Fondre 87, 90.
Subs: Taylor, Shorey, Morrison, Akpan, Robson-Kanu, McCleary, Le Fondre.
Chelsea: Turnbull, Azpilicueta, Cole, Cahill, Ivanovic; Ramires, Lampard (C); Oscar, Mata (Benayoun 77), Bertrand, Torres.
Subs: Hilario, Ferreira, Terry, Marin, Benayoun, Ake, Ba. Goals: Mata 45, Lampard 66.

Man Utd lucky to win admits Ferguson - BBC Sport

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said his side were lucky to beat Southampton, describing the visitors' second-half display as the best at Old Trafford this season.

Saints took an early lead through Jay Rodriguez, but two first-half goals by Wayne Rooney sealed victory.

"For the first 30 minutes we were fantastic," Ferguson told BBC Sport.

"But in the second half Southampton have been the best team to play here this season. We were fortunate to win."

Rooney's goals took him to 12 for the season, while Shinji Kagawa also hit the post in the first half as the hosts recovered from a dreadful start to take a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

Analysis

"Southampton worked and worked, they played really well but it's 12 games unbeaten for Manchester United. And most importantly in the numbers game, the gap over Manchester City at the top is back to seven big points."

Michael Carrick's backpass failed to reach David de Gea as Rodriguez stole the ball to score from a tight angle.

And in the second half, Southampton caused Ferguson's team all sorts of problems as they harried the United defence and De Gea was drawn into a fine save from Rickie Lambert's free-kick.

Ferguson also blamed the Old Trafford pitch as United struggled with their passing.

"We found the pitch difficult to play on. Southampton won a lot of 50-50s as our players looked to take a touch," he added. "The Newcastle and West Brom games killed the pitch - it became a paddy field.

"We watered the pitch before the game but once it dried out in the second half it became difficult. They pushed on top of us and didn't give us any time on the ball."

Former Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino, in his second game in charge, had prepared his players for this match by taking them to Barcelona where they visited the Spanish giants, so often a thorn in Manchester United's side.

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We deserved a draw - Pochettino

And his side caused havoc in the United defence by adopting a similar high-pressing approach to the Barcelona team that beat United in the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals.

"I'm very proud [of Ferguson's praise]. It's very important for my players to hear," the Argentine told BBC Sport. "But we leave with no points. We did play well but I'm upset at not getting a draw at least. It doesn't console me."

Pochettino, who said he would make a final decision about transfer targets on Thursday, added: "Taking into account the second half we should have had at least a draw. And once we scored the goal we should have been able to control the game.

"We should have been a lot more aggressive and neutralised their attacking chances a lot more."

Defeat for Southampton ends a six-game unbeaten run but there were encouraging signs for the Saints, who are three points above the relegation zone going into their next game against Wigan.

"In the second half we were dominating and we were taking the game to [United]. We were just a bit unlucky in front of goal," Pochettino said.

"The way we went forward is the way we want to continue. [Pressing high] is the way we want to play, but in the first half perhaps we weren't able to do so.

"I'm proud of the way we played in the second half and that performance will give my players confidence to play on like that in the future."

Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool: Match report, pictures and video highlights - The Sun

THE happiest man at the Emirates last night was not even playing.

England boss Roy Hodgson must have left with a real spring in his step after stirring performances from men who could be crucial to his World Cup qualifying hopes.

Jack Wilshere is getting right back to his best in central midfield and had an epic battle with England skipper Steven Gerrard, who was excellent for the visitors.

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott then produced some special moments and bagged the Gunners' equaliser.

Daniel Sturridge, meanwhile, worked well up front for Liverpool and even the much-maligned Jordan Henderson got in on the act with a goal from midfield.

While Arsenal produced a magnificent comeback to rescue a point, there were huge question marks over the way they went 2-0 behind.

Goals by Luis Suarez on five minutes and Henderson on the hour had the home fans close to revolt.

But their team responded with two of their own in the space of three minutes through French striker Olivier Giroud and Walcott.

Arsene Wenger's men could even have won it at the end but Giroud could not convert Lukas Podolski's cross from close range.

Liverpool were kicking themselves for blowing their advantage having been on course to bury the painful memories of their shock FA Cup defeat at Oldham last Sunday.

Rodgers slaughtered his youngsters for that defeat and Fabio Borini, Joe Allen and Raheem Sterling were dropped to the bench.

Meanwhile, veteran centre-back Jamie Carragher, 35, made a rare start and fully justified his recall.

The Reds had been trying to beat a team above them in the table for the first time this season but, like the rest of us, they could not be sure what would face them.

Arsenal had thumped seven past Newcastle and five against West Ham recently yet lost at home to Manchester City and were beaten at Chelsea.

They are in a dogfight to qualify for the Champions League for a 16th successive season and are being let down by a basic inability to defend.

The manner in which they conceded the opener summed up their season — it was comic capers all the way.

First, Bacary Sagna slipped, allowing Glen Johnson to get away and put in a cross that Thomas Vermaelen had a swish at and missed.

The ball fell to Sturridge, whose shot was saved by Wojciech Szczesny but Aaron Ramsey's clearance was poor and only reached Suarez.

The Uruguayan shot at goal and got a deflection off German Per Mertesacker for his 17th goal of the season.

The Gunners tried to repair the damage as Walcott got through on to Wilshere's pass but his shot was superbly saved by Pepe Reina.

A great ball by Suarez with the outside of his right boot to Sturridge almost set up goal No 2 for Liverpool but the shot was wide.

Then Szczesny got in a right mess when he was slow to clear Mertesacker's backpass and nearly fell over trying a Cruyff turn around Sturridge before hacking it away.

Walcott's curler was pushed round the post by Reina before Gerrard's corner was met by Daniel Agger's header — but Podolski was on the line to save the day.

The Gunners supporters were going absolutely nuts at their defenders.

Mertesacker was all over the place and goodness knows what has happened to Vermaelen.

Also Sagna is nothing like the fullback he used to be and Andre Santos, who replaced the injured Kieran Gibbs early on, is becoming a joke figure.

Again, Arsenal were opened up when Stewart Downing picked out the onrushing Henderson.

Szczesny came out and was never going to get there but Henderson's lofted effort towards an empty goal landed on top of the net.

Arsenal were much better after the break and Walcott came steaming in on the right to meet a header from Podolski's cross, only to put it over the top.

But those defensive calamities returned to haunt them again when Sturridge forced a pass through to Henderson, who made easy work of beating Mertesacker and shrugging off Santos' limp challenge.

Ramsey then came in with a tackle and the ball bounced off Santos and back into the path of the grateful Henderson, who rolled it home.

Arsenal, though, were back in it four minutes later as Wilshere's free-kick was right on the money and Giroud headed past Reina.

Unbelievably, they were level on 67 minutes with a belter from Walcott.

The England man made his way into the box to collect the ball after clever play by Sagna, a lovely pass from Santi Cazorla and a deft touch on by Giroud.

Walcott sized up his angles and his shot across Reina nestled delightfully in the far corner.

Another screamer from Walcott, who was on fire, flew inches past the post, before Reina saved from Giroud.

The big striker then failed to force in another opening in front of goal.

A draw was probably fair but, for both sides, there was good and bad to ponder on.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS AVAILABLE LATER.

DREAM TEAM

SUN STAR MAN — OLIVIER GIROUD (ARSENAL)

ARSENAL: Szczesny 5, Sagna 6, Mertesacker 5, Vermaelen 5, Gibbs 5, Ramsey 6, Wilshere 7, Cazorla 7, Walcott 8, Podolski 7, Giroud 8. Subs: Santos (Gibbs 39) 5. Not used: Mannone, Diaby, Koscielny, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jenkinson. Booked: Cazorla, Giroud, Mertesacker.

LIVERPOOL: Reina 8, Johnson 6, Agger 6, Carragher 6, Wisdom 6, Lucas 5, Gerrard 8, Henderson 5, Downing 6, Suarez 6, Sturridge 6. Subs: Enrique (Sturridge 71) 5. Not used: Jones, Allen, Borini, Sterling, Shelvey, Skrtel. Booked: Gerrard.

Arsenal v Liverpool: live - Telegraph.co.uk

90min Right old end-to-end ding dong to end this clash. Mertesacker booked, Liverpool happy to momentarily breathe. They have the corner, with four minutes stoppage time.

87min Podolski free on the right. Incisive pass to Giroud on the edge of the six yard box. NO ONE MARKING! But the Frenchman skews his shot and barely gets a toe on it. Szczesnyitis.

86min Will this one finish a point apiece? Arsenal need the three. They look the most likely. Henderson the latest to clear the lines.

85min Giroud goes down on the edge of the D. An utterly blatant dive. Yellow.

84min Giroud, predictably, gets in the header first. Flashes over. That is a chance given his form.

83min Walcott and Giroud link up encore un fois. The Frenchman with a dipping shot from 20 yards. Reina goes down to his left and parries away for a corner.

82min Vermaelen and Wilshere charge down Suarez. Corner. Arsenal break from it. Walcott holds up as Liverpool track back. Cazorla now on the left and his fizzing low shot evades everyone. Just wide.

79min Walcott, Wilshere and Giroud inspired here. Lush gliding runs lifting the home support. Pressing forward with increasing regularity.

78min Mertesacker, almost with his back to goal, the latest to threaten Reina's goal. Just over the top with his header.

75min Can't remember Suarez being a threat in this half such is the melee. Cazorla pulling the strings for Arsenal. Incredible turnaround though - Arsenal with 67 per cent possession.

72 min Liverpool under the cosh. Arsenal in one of those purple patches. Reina turns all Szczesny with a scuffed clearance to rapturous cheers. Gerrard then booked for one of those rash sliding challenges in anger. Yellow.

69min Three goals in nine minutes. Arsenal rampant and with his weaker side, Walcott sees his 20 yard strike go inches past Reina's right post.

GOAL! Arsenal 2 Liverpool 2. Unrelenting pressure now from the hosts. Wenger had the hairdryer out for sure. A fizzing pass into Giroud, whose one touch to Walcott is pin point on the right. There's work to be done yet, but his accurate low piledriver crosses Reina's path in a flash. Great strike!

66min Walcott with a dangerous cross. Carragher clears.

GOAL! Arsenal 1 Liverpool 2. Wilshere clips in a lovely, floating, drifting freekick to the back post and there's chim chimeny with his head. Yes, Olivier Giroud with a firm header to muster his fifth goal in a week.

61min Podolski with a slicing effort with his left foot, goes just wide of Reina's right post.

GOAL! Arsenal 0 Liverpool 2. The alert and quick feet of Henderson sees him evade four Arsenal defenders, notably outmuscling Mertesacker and Santos. His initial shot is parried by Szczesny, but it falls back at his feet and he puts it away. Perhaps deserves that luck. What a pivotal goal with that nervy lead.

59min Carragher getting a bundle of stick from the Arsenal faithful as he receives treatment. The old warhorse putting in one for the team after that block.

57min Podolski's left boot has two bites of the cherry. Liverpool charge down twice, the latter blocked in the midriff by Carragher.

56min Wilshere surges forward and is carved down on the D. Didn't actually look that much contact and he goes to ground on his own. Here's a chance.

55min Sustained pressure from a sharpened Arsenal. It's that final ball...

54min Walcott with a shot on the right, flashing over the bar.

53min Arsenal continue to press. Liverpool counter though. Gerrard glides one to Sturridge, who shoulders left, then right to create an opening, loses his shinpad, then his balance and Arsenal clear.

52min Podolski goes down meekly in the box. Perhaps had a case.

49min Arsenal look threatening now. Cazorla holds up on the edge of the box. Santos, and surely not for the last time tonight, runs on but can't find a telling shot on the left.

48min Wilshere caught in midfield. Sturridge attempts to go through for Arsenal defenders. A moment later, Agger is allowed to run 30 yards before being caught. Sound start by Liverpool.

45min So, just the one goal separates these two Champions League-chasing outfits. Incidentally, this was the 100th league goal these two have served up.

OFF WE GO!

One last chance for Arsenal to attack. One more cross comes in. It's not cutting enough. Cleared with ease, which just about sums up the half. The visitors solid as you like. Apart from that it's been a pretty open match. Set up for an entertaining last 45, given Szczesny's raft of comedic errors and Santos in the Arsenal ranks. The home fans give their team a big round of boos as they troop off.

44min Liverpool solid at the back, snuffing out any Arsenal fancy danger in the last quarter. Three minutes injury time.

43min Cazorla has a piledrive effort on the edge of the box blocked by Gerrard. Liverpool break. Downing picks out Henderson as... as Szczesny races out of goal on the right. Henderson thinks before dinking a lob agonisingly over the bar.

42min Man Utd leading 2-1 at Old Trafford, after going a goal down. As it stands, Arsenal 23 points behind the Red Devils.

40min Arsenal inevitably counter. Cross comes in, Giroud does well to get as much power as possible from 10 yards. His header is gathered shoulder high by Reina.

39min Sturidge does well to hold off Vermaelen on halfway. The Arsenal man swings his arm away in disgust at the ensuing freekick. Arsenal can't find any rhythm, but for the counter.

37min Lush free kick in from the left. Floating deliciously in, Agger evades everyone and his header is parried away by Szczesny. Offside.

36min Ramsey shoulder barges Agger midway in the Arsenal half. Blatant foul, Arsenal fans see otherwise. Santos on for the injured Gibbs.

34min Swinging corner - a welcome one for Arsenal after relentless Liverpool pressure - is a telling one. Mertesacker throws his body in, but Liverpool clear.

30min Suarez has been pivotal for Liverpool tonight. Again. Pin point passing from distance. A class apart already against a waning Arsenal defence. Which all means that Rodgers will feel the disappointment if this finishes 1-0.

29min More Liverpool attacking. Arsenal all at sea at the back. Absolutely chaotic! Henderson to Suarez now, who can't get enough feet on his shot and its dragged wide.

28 min Szczesny can't deal with the aerial threat now. He can't gather cleanly, Agger heads and Podolski clears off the line.

26 min Szczesny rolls out to Mertesacker on the D, who passes neatly... straight to the feet of Gerrard. Suarez can't finish in the box.

25min This one surely won't finish 1-0.

23min Ramsey shakes off two midfielders. Suddenly space develops, bundles of it as Liverpool back off. It reaches Podolski and the stalwart duo of Gerrard and Carragher clear.

20min The Arsenal faithful finding their voice. Their team with a decent passage of play.

18min Neat play from Arsenal. Slick passing on the edge of the Pool box. Giroud with the final say, a stabbed shot high and wide, but not before a deflection. The corner finds more danger. Cazorla to Vermaelen with a incisive pass, before Walcott shoots just wide.

And from disbelieving Liverpool fan! Step forward Marc Melander: "Been a Liverpool fan since first watching them in 1971. Followed them all over this country and Europe through glory and despair and yet I find Rodgers about as convincing as a pale shadow. Describes young players as 'soft' and then starts No Gumption Downing tonight. The only thing soft v. Oldham was the manager's (that's you Brendan) selection and preparation."

William Walsh emails: "This has all of the makings of a disaster for Liverpool (first goal aside). He was the backbone for years, but Carra has been two steps too slow for the last two seasons, while Wisdom lacked the form to defend against Oldham. Half of the starting back four are wrong and that does not bode well."

13min Szczesny, attempting a back heel - make that Cruyff turn - in his six-yard box nearly lets Sturridge in for 2-0. My word!

12min Now Arsenal counter down the left. Giroud gallops into the box and his angled shot on the run goes just wide.

11min Sizzling, angled pass from Suarez on the halfway line finds the onrunning Sturridge on the right. One on one, he drags his shot with his weaker side. Chance.

Nothing objective about this missive from K Lohse: "Oh Boy! Are Liverpool fans institutionally masochist or what? That banner fits the opposing fan's, "always the victim" so perfectly they won't be allowed to forget it for the rest of the season-if then."

6min Walcott is through immediately at the other end. Reina averts the danger with a strong left hand.

GOAL! Arsenal 0 Liverpool 1. Wasn't the Comedy Club in west London? A total nightmare defensively for Arsenal. Sagna slips, Vermaelen miskicks on the edge of the area, Liverpool stroll into the box on the left. The cross comes in, still Arsenal can't clear. Suarez makes no mistake at the second attempt.

3min Szczesny scuffs a clearance and the resulting attack sees Suarez earn the first corner.

2min Suarez deep in his own half, not where he would like to be. Arsenal the first to find the passing game.

1min Lively start from Liverpool, pressing high up this impressive Emirates turf.

WE'RE OFF. SIXTH v SEVENTH

19.45 Are we surprised that there are 11 British players on show tonight?

19.35 Who can remember the last high-scoring classic with these two teams? All signs point to another tight one tonight. Usual servings of hold the midfield and wait for the counter? Then again, Arsene Wenger has stressed that he can't afford to drop points tonight, so let's hope the floodgates open.

19.15 And here are your teams:

Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs; Ramsey, Wilshere; Walcott, Cazorla, Podolski; Giroud
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Agger, Carragher, Wisdom, Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson, Downing, Suarez, Sturridge

19.00 The likelihood is for Arsenal that Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla will make a return to the starting line-up after dropping to the bench for the FA Cup win at Brighton. Fit-again trio Jose Reina, Jose Enrique and Glen Johnson return for Liverpool, aiming to firmly cast the Oldham flop aside.

18.40 STAT ATTACK: Liverpool have the one that no one wants - they have yet to beat a side above them this term (actually, make that the top half of the table). Moreover, they have only one league win against Arsenal in the last 11 meetings, the last coming at the Emirates last season in a 2-0 win. Biggest game of the season for Rodgers' outfit?

_{The banner Liverpool fans will be taking to the Emirates tonight}

18.35 Here's Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers on his thoughts on tonight's opponents:

They've got some wonderfully talented players and Cazorla's come in and done terrifically well in his first season. The game at Anfield was probably as poor as we've been. There were a number of reasons behind that. Psychologically we weren't in a good moment, and rightly so we lost the game.

18.30 Frozen ticket prices, fans fighting with each other at Brighton, Liam Brady leaving the club, Henry saying Usmanov should buy the club. Give us news every hour Arsenal! And they shall deliver! So now they get back to business in the league. A home clash with Liverpool, who are unbeaten since the weekend.

Arsenal transfer policy is helping club's rivals, says Alisher Usmanov - The Guardian

The Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov has said he is concerned that the club's difficulties in hanging on to their best players has helped create great teams for their rivals. He also claimed that Thierry Henry has urged him to take over at the Emirates to stop the trophy drought.

Arsenal have not won anything since the FA Cup in 2005 and in recent years have sold the striker Robin van Persie, the midfielders Cesc Fábregas, Samir Nasri and Alex Song, and the left-back Gaël Clichy. Manchester United signed Van Persie; Fábregas and Song went to Barcelona; and Nasri and Clichy won the Premier League with Manchester City last season.

In an interview with the sports daily L'Equipe, Usmanov said: "The greatest achievement of Arsène Wenger is to have created two teams: the one that now plays for our rivals and the one that is trying to be among the best in the Premier League.

"That's why I say it's not enough to merely flatter the coach, but to give him the possibility to buy the best players, superstars. But not just stars, but those chosen by Wenger."

He added: "For me, he's one of the best coaches in the world, but it's not easy for him. I think he deserves that players are brought in at Arsenal when they're needed.

"The best players, and not being satisfied with selling our best players to our rivals. If that happens, we can ask everything of him. But, today, he's sacrificed. Because of the policy and we're all to blame. Everything's in [the Arsenal majority shareholder] Mr Kroenke's hands and I hope he succeeds, even if he doesn't go along with my ideas.

"It's unthinkable that the shareholders get well-paid while, for small clauses in contracts, we lose key players, symbols like Robin van Persie, Mathieu Flamini or Patrick Vieira. We should have increased their salaries when they started to be courted, started to look elsewhere. I don't know why we didn't propose that to them."

Usmanov owns just under 30% of Arsenal, less than the American businessman Stan Kroenke. But Usmanov claimed Henry wants him to take control of the club.

"I like many footballers and I'm in contact with some of them. Perhaps my favourite of the last 10, 15 years is Thierry Henry. He's pushing me to buy all of Arsenal's shares, but I cannot predict the future," he said.

"When I had the chance to buy some shares and become one of the main shareholders in the club, I didn't hesitate for a second. I was even ready to take total control. That wasn't possible because certain people preferred to make a profit and create, using me, an outside enemy. I remain portrayed as a pirate, an enemy. They have won that game."

John Terry tells his Chelsea players they need to 'liven up' - The Guardian

Link to video: Eden Hazard's three-match ban is enough, says Chelsea's Rafael Benitez

John Terry has told his Chelsea team-mates to "liven up", insisting rotation was no excuse for their recent malaise.

Terry made his long-awaited first start since returning from injury in Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round tie at Brentford and was far from impressed by another "lacklustre" performance as they narrowly avoided a humiliating giant-killing.

"We need to liven up a bit and realise the importance to the fans and the club. Champions League football is a must next season," he said.

"We saw last season, going to the Champions League final, suffering with all the extra games and stuff like that, we ended up finishing sixth in the league. It's difficult but we have a squad and it's down to the players who come in to rotate and play well."

Sunday was Terry's first start since he suffered a knee injury in November, but it was Chelsea's 40th game already this season.

He added on Chelsea TV: "Even though it's great to be back personally, on a team performance we should be winning the game and now we've made it difficult for ourselves with a replay again.

"We have another game we could do without but we should beat them at the Bridge. I was disappointed because we didn't fight and they wanted it more.

"We're not [winning any trophies at the moment]. It's disappointing going to Swansea and not scoring over two legs of the [Capital One Cup] semi-final. Being so lacklustre, like we were at Brentford.

"Over the two legs against Swansea, at home we did better but going there, I'd rather we'd lost that 3 or 4-0 and give it a go and we didn't do that."

Meanwhile Terry's manager at Stamford Bridge, Rafael Benítez, admitted on Tuesday he did not think Chelsea would give him any more money to spend before the transfer window closes.

The interim manager confirmed last week he had told the club's owner, Roman Abramovich, that his squad was not strong enough to cope with the unprecedented fixture pile-up facing them this season.

But he appears to have given up hope of being allowed to add to the January signing of Demba Ba before Thursday's transfer deadline.

Asked if he anticipated any movement in the final 48 hours of the window, Benítez said: "I don't think so but my job is to improve my squad and manage the situation we have."

David Beckham trains at Arsenal with his future plans still undecided - Telegraph.co.uk

Wenger said that he would have to watch Beckham in training before assessing whether he could still play at Premier League level but, after the player left LA Galaxy last month, he is now a free agent and so can join any club even after the transfer window closes.

Beckham has been keeping himself fit with running and gym sessions since helping the LA Galaxy to a second MLS title eight weeks ago. He has offers from across the world – although not from Arsenal – and intends to make a final decision on his future during the next month as he tries to regain his sharpness.

Asked if something was possible at Arsenal if Beckham really impressed him, Wenger said: "I don't know. I haven't even seen him. Honestly, that is not on the agenda. He asked to come here and get fit."

"You know Beckham is super-ambitious. If in his mind he wanted to play in the Premier League he would not have gone on holiday. He would have prepared and come in and tried to impress me."

Beckham has previously spent two spells training at Arsenal and has a very good relationship with Wenger. Although he hardly fits the age profile of an Arsenal signing, Wenger has agreed short-term deals for players of particular experience in each of the past three seasons, with Sol Campbell, Jens Lehmann and Thierry Henry all returning.

Beckham would not be sufficiently mobile to play as a winger in Wenger's Arsenal system but it is conceivable that he could be considered as a deeper lying central midfielder. That is a position Wenger hoped to strengthen this month but he now appears resigned to not being able to find the right player.

"We have fantastic players," said Wenger. "What do you do? You have to buy one better than we already have. If I bring a normal player in, I give the club a problem because it is for four years and I am stopping the young players having a chance.

"What is important is that you bring in players who can strengthen your team, or you do nothing and are strong enough to do nothing. We've scored more goals this season than last year when we had the best striker in the Premier League. We could do with top quality, one more."

Wenger had hoped that additional "top quality" would come through Villa but he now accepts that Barcelona are not willing sellers. It leaves Olivier Giroud as the only specialist central striker, although Theo Walcott, Lukas Podolski and Gervinho can also play in that position.

Arsenal are sixth in the Premier League and, with £40million in his transfer fund and the highest season-ticket prices in English football, Wenger will face considerable criticism if he does not now strengthen and the club remain outside the top four.

Arsenal also announced on Tuesday that they would be freezing their ticket prices for next season.

Roberto Mancini: Man City unlikely to replace Mario Balotelli - BBC Sport

Roberto Mancini does not expect to replace Mario Balotelli before the end of the transfer window on Thursday.

The Italian striker, 22, is due to finalise a move to AC Milan on Wednesday for an initial fee believed to be 22m euros (£19m).

It leaves Mancini with only three recognised strikers but the manager doubts he will sign a replacement.

"We only have two days and it is difficult to buy a good player in this moment," said Mancini.

City have been linked with big-money moves for Napoli striker Edinson Cavani and Atletico Madrid's Radamel Falcao in the January transfer window, despite Mancini's insistence that he will not be able to replace Balotelli before the deadline.

However the manager admits that the loss of Balotelli, who signed for City for £24m in 2010, lessens his options as City look to close the four-point gap on leaders Manchester United, who also have a game in hand.

"It is difficult because I lost one important striker and that could be important in the next 14 games," Mancini said.

"But it is important for Mario - to be back in Italy, back with his family and to play for Milan."

The 2011-12 season was arguably Balotelli's most productive as he netted 20 goals in 40 appearances and provided the crucial assist for Sergio Aguero to score the title-clinching goal against QPR in May last year.

He has not featured as much this season, with Mancini preferring to play Aguero, Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko, and he was involved in a training ground altercation with his manager at the beginning of the month.

However, Mancini says the two have parted on good terms and said he hopes to see the player realise his potential in Serie A.

"We are sorry because we love him like a guy and like a player," said Mancini. "We did well with him - we won the FA Cup, Premier League and Community Shield, and it's clear we are sad at the moment.

"I hope Mario can improve and can show he is ready because if he works hard he can continue his growing and can become one of the best players in Europe."

Balotelli's time in Manchester has been dominated by constant headlines, with the striker struggling with his discipline on the pitch.

In his first season at Manchester City he scored 10 goals in 28 appearances, but was also sent off twice - against West Bromwich Albion and Dynamo Kiev.

He had similar problems last season, picking up 11 yellow cards and being sent off in Premier League games against Liverpool and Arsenal - the latter prompting Mancini to suggest he would be willing to sell the striker.

And Mancini, speaking after his side's 0-0 draw with bottom club Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday, joked that journalists will be sad to see the player leave the Premier League

When asked if he will miss Balotelli, Mancini said: "Yes. I think that he will miss me and all the journalists. For you [journalists], he was very important."

Wednesday, 30 January 2013

Newcastle's French signings are breath of fresh air, says Steven Taylor - The Guardian

As dressing-room initiations go, those undergone by French players at Newcastle United on Monday evening were routine. Crucially for Alan Pardew, an instant bond between his latest French imports and their new team-mates translated into a much-needed victory at Villa Park 24 hours later.

Mapou Yanga-M'biwa, Yoan Gouffran, Massadio Haïdara and Moussa Sissoko have arrived at St James' Park this month from France, further highlighting Pardew's favoured market for fresh talent. Sissoko and Gouffran started the 2-1 win at Villa.

Any sense that Pardew's Gallic influence could lead to a clash of cultures in the Newcastle squad has been dismissed by one of the English contingent, Steven Taylor.

"The manager presented each of the new players with a shirt and made them stand up in front of the group and say why they want to be here," Taylor explained. "They were telling the lads: 'Listen, if you give us the chance, we'll prove to you that we want to be here.'

"It was in French, but translated into English for the boys. We listened to what they had to say and that was touching for us. They said they wanted to be accepted into the team and promised they'd give 100%. That was exactly what we wanted to hear.

"Afterwards, some of the players got the French boys to sing in front of all of us. That got the banter going, welcome to the group. They might have been a bit embarrassed about it, but fair play to them, they got up there without arguing.

"It was a French song, I couldn't really understand it. But I'm learning a bit. I'm going to get a French CD for the car."

If that last point was in jest, Newcastle's league position had become a serious matter before the Midlands win bounced them back up to 15th in the Premier League. Sissoko's presence in midfield made a particular impact.

"He's a machine, he's an animal," Taylor said. "Players are trying to get near him and he's just bouncing them off. That's what we need, that big powerhouse there.

"It's a breath of fresh air for us. When you look around the dressing room and see new players, top-quality players, there's competition for places now. We've had a few little games among ourselves and you can see the desire from everybody challenging for places. You've got to step up to the plate because the gaffer's said to us: 'Anyone slacking, you're out of the side.'"

The victory over Paul Lambert's struggling team marked Newcastle's first away win in 18 attempts, prompting Pardew to claim in a post-match interview that supporters had travelled 14,000 miles on the road without witnessing victory. Its significance was not lost on Taylor, either.

"I absolutely loved it. For me, the feeling at the final whistle was the best I've ever experienced in a black and white shirt," Taylor added. "It's the best I've ever had during my time at Newcastle.

"I thought we outclassed them in the first half. We were fantastic. But it was a game of two halves and the second half was a proper Premier League game. It was a fighting performance from us in the end. To score a goal at home lifts their fans a bit and we knew we had to calm it down.

"At that point, we probably didn't know what to expect from the French lads because the Premier League is a completely different league to the French league, but they put in a fantastic performance and effort. We said after the game, there's no better feeling than the togetherness we felt afterwards."

Chelsea, Spurs and Man City miss out as £29m Shakhtar star Willian heads for ... - Daily Mail

By Andy James

PUBLISHED: 12:14 EST, 30 January 2013 | UPDATED: 13:44 EST, 30 January 2013

Big-spending Russians Anzhi Makhachkala are set to sign Shakhtar Donetsk forward Willian for 29million.

Willian was close to joining Chelsea last summer and the Londoners have been keeping a close eye on the Brazilian's situation ever since.

Manchester City and Tottenham are also known admirers but Anzhi look to have won the race for his signature.

Big-money move: Willian is set to join Anzhi in a 29m move from Shakhtar

The capture of Willian should soften the blow delivered by the loss of Christopher Samba.

The big defender has travelled to London to seal a 12.5m move to Queens Park Rangers after the Premier League strugglers met the release clause in his contract.

Anzhi boss Guus Hiddink hit out at Samba over the way he left.

The former Chelsea boss said: 'It's a shame to talk about this but he didn't even say goodbye, he didn't explain anything to us.

'Whatever happens to you, you should take into account the people with whom you work.'

The comments below have not been moderated.

Thought his dream was to play in the EPL but of course his greed says something else..

- Drogba , London, 30/1/2013 18:42

Of to Russia you go, had the chance to play ucl football for Shakhtar but chose Anzhi who have one good player (eto'o) and he's past it anyway. Shaktar have signed the exciting Taison who has potential and have a good chance this season of getting far in ucl and in the future.

- comment typer , London, 30/1/2013 18:38

Another promising player moving to russia to have a boring career with lots of money... if this is the way football is heading i fear for it!

- Tobydawson1 , Guildford, United Kingdom, 30/1/2013 18:31

good but not 29m good.

- Rob , bath, United Kingdom, 30/1/2013 18:28

Money talks money talks

- Mydannat , Masfield, 30/1/2013 18:26

What it means is the Premiership has no muscle as it thinks it does. The richest Premiership clubs couldn't compete with the Russians. Says it all. RIP EPL

- Hunglikeshire , Beckton London, 30/1/2013 18:23

great move, Hulk also opted for Russia instead of Chelsea and he is doing just well and is well adored by Zenit fans.

- TheIvtcha , Smederevo, 30/1/2013 18:21

chelsea have bought hazard, oscar, moses and marin in his position spurs now have holtby, bale and lennon fighting for similar positions that willian plays in. while willian is a great player, the price tag was never going to fall even with chelsea and certainly not with spurs.

- rahulcfc26 , toronto ontario, 30/1/2013 18:14

How can a small club such as Anzhi Makhachkala afford to buy Willian for 29million. So much for FIFA`s financial fair play criteria ...

- Barry , Auckland, 30/1/2013 18:08

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Arsène Wenger open-minded over future move for David Beckham as former ... - Telegraph.co.uk

"You know Beckham is super-ambitious. If in his mind he wanted to play in the Premier League he would not have gone on holiday. He would have prepared and come in and tried to impress me."

Arsenal also announced on Tuesday that they would be freezing their ticket prices for next season.

Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson charged by FA with misconduct - The Guardian

Sir Alex Ferguson has been charged by the Football Association for comments made about an assistant referee at Tottenham Hotspur on 20 January.

The Manchester United manager was heavily critical of Simon Beck after the 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane, in which Spurs scored their equaliser in stoppage time. Speaking after the game, Ferguson expressed his anger that what he regarded as a "clear" penalty to United as Steven Caulker challenged Wayne Rooney on Beck's side of the field had not been given. "It was a clear decision. And he [Beck] was 10, maybe 12 yards away from the incident and he doesn't give it. And yet he gave everything else," Ferguson said at the time.

Ferguson subsequently claimed his club had "history" with Beck following the official's failure to rule out a Didier Drogba goal for Chelsea on the grounds of offside in 2010. "There was no way we were going to get a decision from [Beck]," Ferguson said.

He added: "The stand-side linesman didn't give us a thing all day" and "we never got anything on that side of the pitch."

In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, English football's governing body said: "The FA has today charged Sir Alex Ferguson in relation to post-match media comments made following Manchester United's game at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 20 January 2013.

" It is alleged the Manchester United manager breached FA Rule E3 in that he implied that the match official was motivated by bias. Ferguson has until 4pm on Friday 1 February 2013 to respond to the charge."

Given the strength of his feelings on the matter, it is unlikely that Ferguson will let the affair pass without further comment or challenge. He has already supplied a written explanation of his comments to the FA and, when asked last Friday if he believed the matter was personal, the Scot said: "That is what I have put in my letter exactly. But you never know the FA. We are high profile and the profile of me is such that the FA naturally panic as soon as the press criticise them. I think that is what you will find. That is why they have sent me a letter.

"Whether I think it is unfair or not doesn't matter to them really at this point. I just think it is more about me than what I have said."

In March 2011, Ferguson was handed a five-game touchline ban and fined £30,000 when found guilty of questioning the integrity of a referee, Martin Atkinson, after another game with Chelsea. Yet earlier this season, Ferguson escaped punishment for a high-profile confrontation with officials, including the referee Mike Dean, during a controversy-filled match with Newcastle United.

Roberto Mancini does not expect to replace Mario Balotelli before the end of ... - BBC News