Yeah... Giggs can't last forever mah... He may retire soon also.

And Nani, more of a right footer than a natural left footer player... In fact, Park also seems like a right footer and also getting old... Currently Rooney covers the left wing at times... 

Angry Liverpool boss Benitez insists FA owe him an apology over Gerrard affair

 

Furious: Benitez

 

 

Rafa Benitez has challenged the FA to apologise over their treatment of Steven Gerrard and accused them of a 'massive mistake' in forcing him to prove he was unfit for England duty.

The Liverpool manager was seething at the way national coach Fabio Capello appeared to doubt the club's word over Gerrard's groin injury and subjected him to a 400-mile round trip to be examined by England's medical team.

The second opinion duly confirmed that the Liverpool skipper had suffered a slight tear to his groin and, after ruling him out of Saturday's home game with Fulham and admitting he may not make Wednesday's Champions League group match against Marseille, Benitez fumed: 'We have one more training session before facing Fulham, but I don't think Stevie will make it. That means the FA have made a massive mistake.

'It would be nice if someone rang to apologise, but I am not really expecting a call.'

Benitez contrasted the approach of England with Spain's handling of striker Fernando Torres, who will return to Liverpool's starting line-up against Fulham.

'Gerrard is not fit to play against Fulham and that's it for me,' he said. 'He is recovering well and he has a chance of being fit for Wednesday.

'We have been in contact with Spain and there don't seem to be any problems with Fernando. He didn't start their game and that was important, considering he has been injured and hasn't played much.'

United in £8m swoop for Serbian midfielder Tosic

 

Zoran Tosic has impressed playing for Serbia

 

Manchester United have agreed an £8million deal to sign Serbian midfielder Zoran Tosic. The 21-year-old left winger became a target for leading European clubs when he played a key role in Serbia’s run to the semi-finals of last year’s European Under 21 Championships.

Now United are ready to sign Tosic from Partizan Belgrade in January, subject to a successful work permit application next week.

The Home Office, who have appointed former England winger Chris Waddle to the panel looking at the application, demands that non-EU nationals must have played in three-quarters of their country’s matches in the last year and Tosic has appeared in only six of Serbia’s previous 14 games.

United will argue he is set to become a Serbia regular. Dead-ball specialist Tosic will then aim to prove he can be the successor to Ryan Giggs on the left.

This will be a very tricky match... Playing away after the all international matches won't be easy... United need to be in their top form to get all 3 points against this Villa side.

 

 

 

      

 

Aston Villa will be without Carlos Cuellar for the visit of Manchester United as he has a thigh strain.

Luke Young is expected to revert to his favoured right-back role with Nicky Shorey returning on the left.

United duo Dimitar Berbatov (hamstring) and Wes Brown (ankle) are sidelined and Rio Ferdinand faces a fitness test on a back injury.

Wayne Rooney is expected to recover from a calf strain which kept him out of England's midweek win in Germany.

 

Aston Villa (from): Friedel, Guzan, L Young, Shorey, Davies, Laursen, Knight, Milner, Petrov, Reo-Coker, Barry, A Young, Osbourne, Salifou, Carew, Agbonlahor, Harewood, Delfouneso, Gardner.

 

Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak, Neville, Rafael, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Ronaldo, Park, Anderson, Fletcher, Carrick, Giggs, Nani, Rooney, Tevez, Welbeck.

 

Chris Foy (St Helens, Merseyside) <!-- S ILIN -->

 

 

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill:
"They are a great side and they love playing at Villa Park. It's just a favourite ground. What we want to do is buck the trend and win the game. Then next time, people don't talk about their great record. "They have beaten us in my two seasons - and in some games they have absolutely outplayed us. "That all doesn't matter - the bottom line is they keep beating us and we must try to change that!"

 

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick:
"We know what Aston Villa bring to the table. "They have got some good players and some young players with bags of energy and enthusiasm. "For them to go to the Emirates and win says a lot and will put them in confident mood. "But if we play like we can, we are confident we will win the game."

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Arsenal should be privately pleased that William Gallas highlighted failings at Emirates

In William Gallas, Arsenal have found a man who, at last, is speaking the truth.

 

Speaking his mind: William Gallas could be stripped of captaincy for lifting lid on turmoil at Arsenal.

 

Sack him? Strip him of his captaincy? Why, on earth should Arsene Wenger get rid of a man who is showing the very passion so sadly lacking in his team-mates this season?

At every Arsenal game a banner is unfurled with the legend "Arsene knows". It was accompanied recently by another with the poignant command "Show us some passion". That is exactly what Gallas is doing.

Yes he has a history – some say that history should have prevented him from joining the Emirates staff – but what is wrong with making your feelings felt? Others believe Wenger was wrong to hand the Frenchman the captaincy.

After Patrick Vieira and, less impressively, Thierry Henry, the job was always going to be a hard one. But, if not Gallas, then who? Manuel Almunia is not the most vocal, while Cesc Fabregas is still learning the trade.

The problem with investing in youth is that maturity takes a back seat.

When Gallas kicked the hoardings at St Andrews last season after Gael Clichy gave away a penalty, he was expressing his deep feelings at a missed opportunity.

Losing Eduardo with a broken leg on that bleak February lunchtime was bad enough. Throwing away the points coincided with a drop in form and cost Arsenal the title, so his anger and frustrations were right.

Before he arrived at Arsenal he had fallen out with Chelsea. After the transfer, Gallas, used in the deal that took Ashley Cole to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea issued a statement claiming that Gallas threatened to deliberately score own goals if he was not allowed to leave Chelsea.

Gallas rejected Chelsea's claims and accused them of lacking class and 'hiding behind false accusations'. Gallas had probably not anticipated that his latest outburst, about his team-mates, would receive such a response – or was it a calculated response from a 31-year-old looking, possibly, ahead of the launch of his autobiography?

Whatever the case, Arsenal should, on one hand, warn Gallas about his future comments. But, privately, they should be pleased he was brave enough to highlight the failings at the Emirates Stadium.

 

    

 

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City captain Richard Dunne and Gelson Fernandes are available again after serving bans, but Fernandes is carrying a knock and faces a late fitness test.

Goalkeeper Joe Hart is injured, but striker Danny Sturridge could feature following an ankle problem.

Arsenal forward Robin van Persie returns from suspension but midfielder Cesc Fabregas serves a one-match ban.

Kolo Toure (calf) is doubtful, while Theo Walcott (shoulder) and Emmanuel Eboue (knee) are sidelined. <!-- E SF -->

 

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Man City (from): Schmeichel, Zabaleta, Richards, Dunne, Garrido, Wright-Phillips, Kompany, Ireland, Mwaruwari, Robinho, Vassell, Fernandes, Ben-Haim, Jo, Onuoha, Ball, Hamann, Elano, Sturridge, Evans.

Arsenal (from): Almunia, Diaby, Nasri, Gallas, Denilson, Silvestre, Clichy, Bendtner, Vela, Ramsey, Song, Djourou, Fabianski, Adebayor, van Persie, Wilshere, Simpson.

 

 

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Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland:
"You always like to test yourself against the best players, and I think we'll be hungry to face them. "Whoever we have played against at home, we have always played good, attractive football this season and I think it will be exactly that when we play Arsenal on Saturday. "I think it will be a great game for people to watch, let's hope we can nick it."

 

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger:
"It is vital for us on Saturday because it was a massive disappointment for us against Aston Villa. "It was not just the fact we lost the game, but the way we lost it. "Before you start a football game there is always a good chance to win it, but we need massive commitment on Saturday."

 

 

Manchester City 1-3 Arsenal
2 February 2008 - Ref: Andre Marriner
Man City scorer: Gelson 28
Arsenal scorers: Adebayor 9, Eduardo 26, Adebayor 88

 

Alan Wiley (Stafforshire)

 

Honestly, I don't see any present Arsenal player being well qualified enough to take over the captaincy... Of course if no other choice, we can talk about Cese, Toure or even worse, Adebayor... But really, are any of these really good enough?

Another policy blunder by Wenger i feel... They don't have enough experience players in the squad... Suddenly Silvestre becomes a possibility too...

At Pool, there are Carragher, Mascherano to back up Gerrard...

At Chelsea, there are Lampard, Carvalho, Ballack to back up Terry...

At United, there are Giggs, Rio, Scholes, VDS to back up Neville...

Arsenal just don't have even a decent back up to step in...

Aiya, that player just wanted to be notice and hope Chelsea come in for him in Jan or Jun lah... Who is he the world also never heard of but picking a fight against a famous player gets him coverage in the world press lor... One way of getting known around the world... tho rather low...

 

WILLIAM GALLAS has been told he can leave Arsenal after a furious bust-up with boss Arsene Wenger. Wenger stripped defender Gallas of the captaincy in a sensational showdown yesterday. And he ordered the Frenchman to stay at home for today’s game at Manchester City. 

SunSport understands Gallas was “shocked and devastated” and is now considering his future. A close family member revealed: “Arsene told him ‘If you don’t want to be in my team then just go. You are free to leave’. William was shocked at the outburst and went straight home. 

“He’s had the captaincy taken away and has also been suspended from the team. “Of course, he’s totally devastated about what’s happened and is now wondering what to do next. 

Gallas, 31, stunned Wenger by revealing problems in the Arsenal dressing room. He claimed he had to break up a fight between Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott at half-time during the explosive 4-4 draw with Spurs last month. 

The defender also claimed there was a rat in the Emirates camp who everyone dislikes, thought to be Emmanuel Eboue. Our source, who asked not to be named, added: “William’s had big fall-outs with Nicklas Bendtner in the past and most recently he’s had a problem with Eboue. 

“He doesn’t mix with anyone in the club any more and is a bit of a loner. “He has no friends in the dressing room and feels his authority has been undermined.

“But the other Arsenal players seem to have short memories. “After all, one of the first things he did as captain was negotiate a better deal for the players’ win bonuses. 

“Under him, they went from earning a win bonus of £800 per game to £2,500. “That made him everyone’s friend at first. Now he has no friends.” 

One player said: “We were called into a team meeting and told William was not going to be captain for the match at City. “We are all very angry with William. But we were told we have to move on and forget about the captaincy. 

“But at the moment, there are a lot of problems at Arsenal.” 

Gunners chairman Peter Hill-Wood said: “Baring all these things in public is no help for anybody.”

 

Originally posted by kajagugu:

wow, his wages so freaking high man. if the report is true, it would be around 90k pounds per week....

isn't arsenal the team who is stingy with their transfer and wage policies??

He is one of those "special case" on extra higher than the rest one...

You better don't rush in to buy City this weekend... You haven't heard their own problems meh?

 

 

EXCLUSIVE: Furious Hughes punishes rebels Ball and Hamann after latest mutiny

 

Hughes : Having a mutiny on his hands.

Mark Hughes has crushed the latest dressing-room unrest at Manchester City after it emerged two of his senior players refused to warm up in last Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Hull City.

Sportsmail can reveal that Dietmar Hamann and Michael Ball were ordered to play for Manchester City’s reserves on Tuesday night against Bolton after ignoring instructions to prepare to come on as substitutes at the KC Stadium.

Manager Hughes is furious with the pair and has yet to decide on further disciplinary action, following his crackdown on Jo and Elano. Sources at Hull said they were shocked when they observed the incident midway through the second half, but Hamann and Ball have yet to apologise for their behaviour.

City staff are stunned that two senior players, particularly 35-year-old Hamann, would react in such a manner and it is understood that their team-mates were appalled when they were told what had happened.

Hamann and Ball were ordered to warm up after Geovanni’s 60th-minute equaliser for Phil Brown’s team, but the Manchester City pair appeared reluctant to leave the bench.

They eventually brought on Brazilian striker Jo in place of Benjani after 75 minutes.

Jo is another player Hughes recently had to get tough with. He was fined after being spotted in a nightclub when he claimed he was sick.

Hamann’s attitude is also a problem for Hughes, but it is understood that the German is claiming he did not hear the instructions to warm up.

The midfielder had not started a first-team game since the defeat against Tottenham on November 9 but he was given a shock on Tuesday when he was ordered to play in the centre of City’s reserve midfield against Bolton.

Brazilian Elano was also fined recently by Hughes for comments he made on TV about his treatment by the club.

 

ANDREI ARSHAVIN is a transfer window target for Spurs and Arsenal. 

The Russian midfielder, 27, looked set for a move to Tottenham after Euro 2008 but Zenit St Petersburg refused to budge on their £25million price tag. 

Agent Dennis Latcher admitted Real Madrid look favourites to sign him, but has not ruled out a move to London. 

Latcher said: “He is being followed in England, Italy and Spain. “Several things are happening, but we have had no concrete offers. 

“Real Madrid are in pole position but we have not entered into any negotiations.”

 

 

Drogba: Well, this picture tells it all...

 

 

Coach Maradona was slightly confused over the new selection policy.

But have guaranteed Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano his place in the national team, but added that all 10 other starting spots are up for "grabs"...

He then told Radio La Red today that Mascherano is the only player who can be sure of his place in the team.

"Taking Mascherano aside, nobody has a place secured in my team," he said. "It doesn't matter what his name is."

Maradona as the fat bastard, alongside Messi and Blatter in the next Austin Powers"

 

Coach Maradona was slightly confused over the new selection policy.

Is Van Persie the troublemaker?

 

 

With Wilcott out and the problems Gallas just came out will, Arsenal is going to get hammered by the Blues next week... Anyway, Anelka seem to be in great form so I don't see them missing Drogba. Had Drogba been able to play, I think he would cause more unnecessary problems to their line up and present team spirit...

You must be French to be "The Incredible Sulk"...

Anelka, Diarra and Gallas... Non French are not entitle...  lol

Must change liao due to more injuries...

 

            Van Der Sar

Neville / Ferdinand / Vidic / Evra

Park / Fletcher / Carrick / Giggs

       Rooney / Tevez

 

Subs:

Kuszczak, R Da Silva, O'Shea, Evans, Anderson, Ronaldo, Welbeck

United rocked: Brown and Berbatov crocked.

 

 

Wes Brown has had surgery on his problem ankle which could rule him out for the rest of the year.

The Manchester United defender, 29, last played in the 1-1 draw against Everton at Goodison Park on October 25.

His absence has allowed club captain Gary Neville to step back into the fray along with up-and-coming Brazilian Rafael de Silva.

United will lose striker Dimitar Berbatov for up to 10 days after he picked up a thigh injury on international duty with Bulgaria on Wednesday.

His agent, Emil Danchev, said: ‘According to Manchester United’s medical staff, Berbatov will be recovering between seven and 10 days.’

Berbatov was substituted after 30 minutes with cramp during Bulgaria’s 6-1 defeat to Serbia.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson also has minor doubts over Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney while Owen Hargreaves is recovering from the first of two knee operations in an bid to cure tendinitis.

Gallas : We're not brave enough, says Arsenal skipper as he points finger at chief troublemaker.

 

You're a bunch of bottlers

CAN'T LOOK ... William Gallas reckons his team-mates have not got the stomach for a fight

 

In an amazing outburst certain to shock Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, the whingeing captain questioned the heart of the youngsters around him. 

Now his position as skipper could be under threat, particularly as he also hinted that he could quit the club next summer if Arsenal fail to win the Premier League. The French defender, 31, said: “We have to understand that to be champions you have to play big matches every weekend and fight. 

"We are coming up against teams who are not scared to play football against us, who are not scared to take us on at our place, and this is becoming dangerous for Arsenal. 

“We are not brave enough in battle. I think we need to be soldiers. We have to be warriors. “There are teams who can do it well against us, we have to be able to face up to these attacks. “That is how they will forge their character and how they’ll get experience. 

“Even though they’ve played a certain number of matches, they’re still young and still learning.” The outspoken defender also believes the huge salaries of many of Arsenal’s kids could be holding them back.

And he questioned their hunger compared to the crew led by David Beckham that came through the ranks at Manchester United and had to wait for their big pay cheques. 

He said: “That makes the difference, perhaps. 

“You can rest on your laurels, that’s for sure. They can have the same success as United. “But the problem is that the Manchester United youngsters have been through something, they have won something.” 

Gallas spoke out because he insists “there are things that can’t be said and tolerated”. And the former Chelsea defender says he is fed up of taking criticism because he wears the captain’s armband.

Gallas is desperate to win something this season and admits that another campaign without silverware would be “a kind of failure”. 

Asked if he would leave the club if Arsenal do not win the title, Gallas kept his options open. He said: “We will have to see. We don’t know what will happen between here and then. 

“Four defeats is a lot but it’s a long season.

 

 

Who's the baddy? Eboue (below left) or Sagna (below right) could be the villain, but the leading candidate is Van Persie, who clashed with Gallas while the defender was at Chelsea (above)

 

 

 

WILLIAM GALLAS is set to be stripped of the Arsenal captaincy after an explosive attack on his players tore the Gunners apart. 

Boss Arsene Wenger reacted furiously yesterday after Gallas:

 

 

• Claimed Theo Walcott and Robin Van Persie fought at half-time in the 4-4 draw against bitter rivals Spurs.

• Revealed a senior Arsenal player “insults” team-mates during games.

• Insisted the rest of the young team cannot stand the Emi-rat.

• Condemned Wenger’s youngsters for not being brave enough. 

 

Gallas’ claim that there is a rat in the Arsenal dressing room will stun Wenger more than anything else. The defender, 31, says the player, who is “six years younger than me”, is disliked by the rest of the team.

Arsenal stars Van Persie, Emmanuel Eboue and Bacary Sagna are 25, Emmanuel Adebayor is 24. Gallas said: “As captain, players come up to you and talk to you about a player, complaining about him. "And then, during the match, you speak to this player and the player in question insults us. 

“There comes a time when we can no longer comprehend how this can happen. “I am trying to defend myself without giving names. Otherwise I’m taking it all. “It’s very frustrating. I’m 31, the player is six years younger than me. There are things that can’t be said and can’t be tolerated.” 

Gallas also revealed how he broke up a dressing-room fight between Walcott and Van Persie at the break against Spurs. Arsenal went on to chuck away a 4-2 lead and draw 4-4 at the Emirates. 

Gallas said: “There was a problem. The only thing that I could say at half-time was ‘guys, we resolve these problems after the match’.” 

Gallas’ outburst conveniently coincides with the launch of his new autobiography in France today. But he will pay a heavy price for the added publicity, with Arsenal set to fine their French international centre-back a minimum of two weeks’ wages — around £180,000. 

 

 

VERBAL VOLLEY ... William Gallas

Well, in terms of his injury rate lah at least... He looks so young, his bones like not fully develop or something and he has already got knocks left, right, centre...

At the rate he is going... He could become an injury prone player throughout his career... By the time he reach 23 or 25, he could get injure easily maybe from all the weak ligaments in his body...

Victoria Beckham terrifyingly thin again as she 'begins to panic' over David's impending move to Europe

 

 

Thin and thinner: Victoria attended Allure Magazine's Cover Party before heading to Eva's restaurant Beso

 

Victoria Beckham paid a visit to Eva Longoria's LA restaurant Beso last night, but if her shrinking frame is any indication, it was only to push food around on her plate.

The former Spice Girl looked even thinner than usual as she stepped out for the evening in a white corset dress, which accentuated just how lean she has become in recent weeks. The frock hugged her terrifyingly small waist, while her protruding collarbone looked razor-sharp and her arms appeared sinewy.

Reports claim Victoria, is now in panic mode over husband David's impending move to Italy. He is set to join AC Milan on loan from his club LA Galaxy in order to maintain his fitness and try to regain his spot in the England squad.

However, Victoria and their sons will stay in America to avoid uprooting the entire family. 'She's losing weight because of the stress of him moving away and the next few months will be tough on both of them,' a source claimed in Grazia magazine.

'When they first talked about him going, I don't think she thought twice about it. 'But now that it's been announced and everyone has had their say, it's become upsetting.

'Victoria seemed stunned that people have suggested David might be off as soon as he got the opportunity. Any woman would feel paranoid with all that speculation. It's gutting for her that people would think that.'

The last time David was separated from his family for a long period - in 2004 when he was playing for Real Madrid - there were allegations of an affair with his then personal assistant, Rebecca Loos.

'Some friends have hinted that she'd be mad to let him go alone.'

 

Don't look now, Posh: David was spotted at an LA Lakers game yesterday chatting away to Francesca Leiweke

 

The latest pictures of David will do little to quell any rising insecurities Posh, 34, may have.

He was spotted at a LA Lakers game yesterday chatting to Francesca Leiweke, an attractive brunette who is the daughter of LA businessman Tim Leiweke.

The pair were spotted chatting at the game between the Lakers and the Chicago Bulls as Becks' local team triumphed 116 points to 109.

Fears grow for Arsenal starlet Walcott's future after latest injury setback

 

 

Theo Walcott is expected to be ruled out for the rest of the year after dislocating his right shoulder in the final minutes of England’s training session in Berlin last night.

Arsenal winger Walcott sustained the problem after a challenge from Scott Parker and was taken to hospital to have the shoulder put back in place.

This is the fourth time the 19-year-old has had a problem in that area. He suffered a separation, an injury to the junction between the collarbone and the left shoulder, in 2006.

Walcott then had surgery last October on a congenital fault from his father, Don, that left him with weak ligaments in the same shoulder.

He then took a knock to the right shoulder in the defeat at Stoke and Nicola Maffulli, Professor of Sports and Exercise Traumatology at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, believes the problem will blight the rest of his career.

He said: 'It will be a question of managing it for the rest of his career. There is always the possibility that other structures around the shoulder have been affected.

'Seeing as he has dislocated his shoulder, it is highly likely that the problem would be related to his old injury. During his period out, he will still be training but avoiding situations where he would be suffering another knock.'

The news on Walcott will come as a major blow to Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger’s side are already nine points behind Chelsea in the title race. He is sure to be furious having only yesterday reiterated his frustration over the staging of international friendlies.

England coach Fabio Capello has already expressed his sympathy and said: 'We are all very disappointed but the important thing is for Theo to travel home and make a quick and speedy recovery.'

 

 

 

So is Walcott the new Robben? Both are wingers, both are small size... fast but physically not very strong... and get injure easily... I see rather many similarities between them...