Torres: Gerrard is irreplaceable

Fernando Torres paid tribute to his club captain Steven Gerrard and cannot wait to see his captain back in action.

Gerrard has been struggling with a slight hamstring tear but the inspirational midfielder could make a surprise comeback against Manchester City this weekend.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Torres said: "The news was that he would be out for three weeks, but we hope that he'll be back playing again sooner,

"But you never know how things can turn out with a hamstring injury - and I speak from experience.

"It was a good sign that he asked to be substituted as soon as he felt the twinge, because if a hamstring goes completely, you don't get to walk off the pitch.
"I hope and wish that he will be back soon."

Torres concedes Gerrard is the one player in Liverpool's ranks who is irreplaceable: "He has no natural replacement."Every side has a main reference, a home-grown player, someone who lives and breathes the club.

"Other players come and go, but that player remains. Here, our reference player is Gerrard. Liverpool FC is Gerrard plus ten more. He's irreplaceable."

Rafa Benitez will be hoping for Gerrard to recover in time for Liverpool's Champions League tie against Spanish giants Real Madrid next week.

Nasik Tambah: tiada Gerard...tiadalah Liverpool..... kalau dia ngan Torres injured.. sekian Terima kasih.... :)

Vidic proud of part in record

Nemanja Vidic is proud to be part of Manchester United's record-breaking defence - the 13 successive clean sheets.

Yet those would mean nothing to him without victories to go with them.
United have won 11 of those matches, meaning they have surged to the top of the Premier League table while still having a game in hand over all their main rivals.

Sir Alex Ferguson may swap his defenders around for Sunday's FA Cup tie at Derby on Sunday, especially as Patrice Evra and Jonny Evans have recovered from foot and ankle injuries respectively.

But Vidic has assured Red Devils supporters there is no intention among the defenders who do play to let their standards slip as the hunt for trophies becomes more intense.
"I am very proud and happy to be part of a team that created the record," said the Serbia international.

"We are delighted to have the new record but we will try to keep going and doing the same things we have done in the past because the most important thing is to win games."
Nevertheless, having dedicated his professional life to stopping opponents finding the net, Vidic takes immense satisfaction from a run that dates back to Samir Nasri's goal for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on November 8.

Vidic and Edwin van der Sar are the only ever-presents during that amazing run and the 27-year-old admits he has allowed himself a few moments of satisfaction to reflect on a run that might continue against Fulham next Wednesday.

"I am very happy to be part of this defence," he said.
"I have been there all the time and it is a nice feeling to know you have not lost a goal for so many games.

"As defenders we can take a lot of credit because our job is to keep clean sheets.
"It is obvious we have done well over the last few months and I have really enjoyed it."

Nasik Tambah: Zahir tegoq aku kata Bias ke MU jer artikel yg aku letak.. tapi nak wat camna, dah aku MU FAN kan.. kalau kasi Amrey ka Nasrin ka mejar ka..sure Bias ke Liverpool plak.. alah Zahir dulu pun sama bias ke Arsenal :P

Phelan: Giggs fully deserves new Man Utd contract

Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan says Ryan Giggs deserves a new contract for all the hard work he has put in.

The 35 year old Welshman signed a new one-year deal earlier this week.
"If anybody deserves a new contract it is Ryan," Phelan said.

"He has got his rewards for all the hard work he puts in. He trains exceptionally well and enjoys the game more than he ever did.

"He's Mr Manchester United. He has been there, seen it and done it, and he wants to do more."
The Red Devils assistant can clearly remember when Giggs broke into the first team as a raw 17-year-old in 1991.

"I was probably the one who left when he came through," he added.
"He was one of the new generation. You could see, even underneath when I was playing in the team, he was on the verge of breaking in.

"It was great to watch him training. Everybody was talking about it. Once he got in there was no stopping him."

Nasik Tambah: at least Chef akan terus sokong MU utk 1 season lagi... dia minat Giggs saja.. dia kata lebih kurang muka mcm dia??? any comments?? :)

Liverpool keeper Reina has Atletico Madrid ambitions

Liverpool stopper Pepe Reina would love to play for Atletico Madrid, claims his father Miguel.

"My son has seen the red and white colours since he was small and he would love to play for Atletico. This weekend I am going to see him and I will talk to him about it," he told Radio Marca.

"Pepe is crazy about playing for Atletico and I will try to convince him so that he does it as soon as possible."

Nasik Tambah: mungkin dah tiba masanya dia move on sekurang-kurangnya kat sana MUNGKIN dia leh dapat apa2 piala yg Real ngan Barca tak nak dari dok di Liverpool.. YNWA ( You'll Never Win Anything!!)... jangan marah ekkk...

Wenger's up for the Cup

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes the Gunners' campaign can only draw strength from an extended FA Cup run.

The Gunners have so far failed to mount a serious challenge for the Barclays Premier League title, and are currently outside the top four.

However, the battling goalless draw at Tottenham last weekend - where they played more than half the game with only 10 men following the dismissal of Emmanuel Eboue - extended an unbeaten run to 11 matches in all competitions.

Arsenal will be confident of another positive result at home to Coca-Cola Championship side Cardiff on Monday night, in their rescheduled fourth-round replay.

The FA Cup was the last trophy won by Wenger, in 2005, and could now present the best chance of silverware this season.

The Arsenal boss, though, maintains it is all about continuing momentum.
"We want to prepare well because we know it is a very important game for us and we need to focus," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.

"We are unbeaten and want to keep that going in every competition - the longer that lasts, the stronger you will be."

The Arsenal boss added: "If the three draws put together don't look good, then you must put the whole 11 games together and that looks like we are on a run.

"We want to transform that bit of disappointment from a draw into a convincing victory, and the team is on a good way."

The original fixture at Emirates Stadium on February 3 had to be rearranged because of the snow which crippled London's transport network.
Arsenal have now been left a tie behind the rest of the competition, with a potential home fifth-round clash against Burnley pencilled in for March 7/8.

With a two-legged Champions League last-16 encounter against Roma also to come in the next three weeks, there seems little room for manoeuvre in terms of fixture scheduling.
Wenger, though, insisted: "It does not bother me too much. We have to deal with that and I do not think it is a big problem."

New signing Andrei Arshavin is ineligible for the replay, having only completed his protracted move from Zenit St Petersburg on transfer deadline day.
Striker Eduardo, who was on the bench at Spurs, played in midweek for Croatia and could feature against the Bluebirds.

However, young midfielder Aaron Ramsey is a doubt to face his former club having injured a knee while away with Wales.

Eboue is suspended, while Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor will miss the next three weeks with a hamstring problem. Full-back Gael Clichy has recovered from a badly-gashed head.
One player who has produced some consistent displays in recent matches has been centre-half William Gallas.

Wenger believes the Frenchman, who was replaced as captain earlier in the season following public criticism of the Arsenal squad, has shown his calibre.
"He is playing well," the Gunners boss noted.
"I have said many times that after a major incident he has responded like a real professional and has dealt well with the situation and that is what we want."

Arshavin, meanwhile, is expected to make his highly-anticipated debut when Premier League action resumes against Sunderland on February 21.

Nasik Tambah: Kesian Zahir.. tak dapat tengok Arshavin main.. tunggu 21 ni la Yeop baru dia leh turun.. 1st time turun dah injured... kot :)

Premier League - Chelsea reveal massive losses

Chelsea have been left counting the cost of recent managerial upheaval after announcing losses of £65.7 million for the last financial year.

In a statement released on Friday the Premier League club confirmed it had achieved "record group turnover and reduced losses for a third successive season" but revealed £23.1m had been paid in compensation to two first team managers and five coaching staff.

The results for the financial year ending June 30, 2008 include severance payments made to former Blues managers Jose Mourinho and Avram Grant.
The figure does not account for compensation paid to Luiz Felipe Scolari, who was sacked as manager earlier this week.

The loss is lower than last year's figure of £74.8m, which was in turn an improvement on the £80.2m loss announced the previous year.
The club announced record losses of £140m in 2004-05.

The London club, owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, increased group turnover by 11.9 per cent to £213.1m from £190.5m in 2006-07.

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon said: "There is no doubt that the positive upward trends of turnover and the continued reduction in losses shows that Chelsea is building a strong business base to build on in what will be challenging times.

"This is even more evident given that the results were adversely affected by the exceptional items."

A report today by the BBC claims that Abramovich's investment in the club since 2003 has reached £710m, although Kenyon insists the club still hopes to become "self-sufficient" within the next 18 months.

"We have set ourselves ambitious targets to be EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) neutral on June 30, 2010 and to require zero cash funding from the owner at the beginning of the financial year 2009-10," Kenyon continued.

"We have consistently advocated the aim of self-sufficiency which has always been supported by the owner. We are hopeful of being close to these targets in the timeframes we have set given the underlying strengths of the business.

"This is the fifth set of financial accounts since the takeover and Chelsea has made huge progress during that period as a football club and a business."
Today's figures also revealed that wages, excluding compensation payments, were up to £148.5m from 132.8m in 2006-07, and that shareholder loans have been reduced to £339.8m while shareholder capital/equity has increased to £369.9m.

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck said: "Following the conversion of half of the interest-free loans into equity there should now be no doubt as to the owner's commitment to the club and the stability of the company's funding structure."

AC Milan ace Kaka slams Chelsea: You've no idea!

AC Milan star Kaka has slammed Chelsea over the sacking of Luiz Felipe Scolari.

The AC Milan superstar was part of Scolari’s World Cup-winning Brazil squad of 2002 and was also given his first cap by the axed Blues boss.

Kaka said: “I don’t understand how a club that wants so bad to win titles can take such a bad decision as this.

“Just because Chelsea had a couple of bad matches. It was a big mistake. I’m sure, in a few weeks or months, he’ll be coaching an even bigger club than Chelsea.”

Gilberto Silva: Arsenal now in critical period

Panathinaikos midfielder Gilberto Silva believes former club Arsenal are going through a crucial period in their history.

“It’s a big period for Arsenal. Since I was there they haven’t experienced a situation like this," said the Brazil midfielder.

“Now they are out of the Champions League places which is very uncomfortable but I’m sure they will pick up points and qualify like we expect.

“It’s quite hard for a big club like Arsenal to be so long without a title and the team is also very young.

“They need time and this is the problem at Arsenal — when you are in a big club you don’t have much time to grow up and they don’t know how to cope under pressure.

“It’s hard work for the experienced players to help them in the situation they have.
“But they’ve got quality and a good manager, Arsene Wenger will do a good job with them.”

nasik tambah: kalau dulu memang Arsenal punya ramai player muda yg dibawa masuk dan "dibelai" oleh Wenger sehingga menjadi team yg tidak terkalah untuk semusim. Namun keadaan berbeza sekarang. Mungkin Wenger perlu "ternak" kembali generasi muda Arsenal untuk bangkit semula dan kembali ke Gelanggang BIG 4 BPL... mungkin juga kekalahan di tangan MU yg menghancurkan rekod tanpa kalah mereka masih belum menjadi igauan?? tak gitu Zahir hehehehe...

Real Madrid put aside £60M for Man Utd star Ronaldo??

11.02.09 tribalfootball.com

Real Madrid have put aside £60 million for a new bid for Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cadena Ser says Real have the loan through Banco Santander and though the cash won't cover the entire deal, it will go a long way to bringing Ronaldo to Madrid in the summer.

While Ramon Calderon is no longer with Real, his successor, Vicente Boluda, is in charge of plans for a new bid for Ronaldo and part of his remit is to find unity amongst Real's presidential candidates to begin negotiations with United before the summer election.

Madrid sources insist Ronaldo was on his way to Real last summer, only for fears of a public backlash from United fans preventing the move from going through.

nasik tambah : nak amik-amik la... duit tu boleh invest dekat player lain. Sama masa beckham blah gi Madrid, memang tiada pengganti tapi dapat player yg lebih berbakat.. lagipun main bola bukan game 1 man show!!

Pires: Arsenal need a full English

One-time Arsenal great Robert Pires believes Arsenal's current woes are down to the club's lack of English stars.

Pires, who is currently plying his trade in Spain with Primera Liga outfit Villarreal, joined Arsenal in 2000 and enjoyed a stellar career during a six-year stint in north London.

Alongside Pires as he won two Premier League titles and three FA Cup successes, were the likes of Englishmen Martin Keown, Tony Adams, David Seaman and Ashley Cole.Arsenal currently only have two English stars in their ranks - Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere. It's a situation that, according to Pires, Arsenal have to change if they are to challenge for silverware again."What Arsenal lack now is English players, that is very important," he said."When I arrived there were a lot of English players and that is why we won. You need to have a mix in the dressing room.

"What I see now when I look at the club from outside is that they lack that mix. "They only have two English players in the squad." Pires also took time out to explain the principal reason for his Arsenal exit in 2006, the year when Jens Lehmann was sent off early in the Champions League final against Barcelona, forcing the Frenchman to be sacrificed for substitute goalkeeper Manuel Almunia.

"My biggest disappointment was playing only 18 minutes in the Champions League final. "Wenger killed me when he took me off. For that reason, I could not stay at Arsenal and I moved to Villarreal.

"The final was played in Paris. All of my family was there and I really suffered. We lost the game so that night was very tough."

Man United 1 Other Clubs 923

Ever wondered how many managers have come and gone since Sir Alex Ferguson took over at Manchester United?

Fergie took the reigns back in November 1986 and has since gone on to win tons of honours with the Red Devils.

However, the same cannot be said of the other big English clubs as a whopping 923 managers have been hired and ousted in his 23 years stay.

Cutting it down to bite size for our readers, a much smaller sum of 193 rival bosses from the 19 Premiership clubs currently in the top flight have been ousted from their seats while the Old Trafford head honcho is still going strong.

Managerial Casualties (BPL clubs 2008/09)

Portsmouth 14
Tottenham 14
Stoke City 14
West Brom 13
Man City 13
Newcastle 12
Wigan 12
Fulham 12
Hull City 11
Sunderland 10
Chelsea 10
Blackburn 10
Aston Villa 9
Everton 8
West Ham 8
Bolton 7
Middlesbrough 7
Liverpool 5
Arsenal 3

Premier League - Spurs held by 10-man Arsenal

Premier League - Spurs held by 10-man Arsenal

Eurosport - Sun, 08 Feb 16:00:00 2009

Tottenham Hotspur were unable to secure a first Premier League win in a decade against local rivals Arsenal as they were held to a goalless draw at White Hart Lane.

More Stories
Matchcast: Tottenham v Arsenal
Match gallery

Robbie Keane made his second debut for Spurs but, despite playing with the extra man for almost an hour following Emmanuel Eboue's sending off, the Irishman could not skipper his side to derby victory.

However, the draw means that Spurs were the only side in the bottom six to earn even a point this weekend, while Arsenal are now five points off fourth-placed Chelsea.
Tottenham began the match in buoyant mood, and managed to maintain a high tempo that Arsenal found difficult to deal with. Wilson Palacios saw a shot from distance saved by Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia before Roman Pavlyuchenko fired a difficult half-volley over the bar.

Despite being on the back foot, the Gunners can count themselves unlucky to have a goal disallowed when Eboue burst into the Spurs box. His stabbed ball across the box broke loose and Emmanuel Adebayor lashed it into the back of the net, but referee Mike Dean had already blown his whistle for an apparent foul on Jonathan Woodgate, denying Adebayor his ninth goal against Spurs.

Arsenal received a double-blow in a three-minute spell later on in the first half. Adebayor pulled up unchallenged as he chased a long ball down the wing and was stretchered off with a suspected torn hamstring.

However, before Arsene Wenger could get substitute Nicklas Bendtner on to the pitch, he saw his team go down to 10 men permanently when Eboue received his second yellow card and a subsequent red.
The Ivorian had already been booked for his persistent dissent after Bacary Sagna was penalised for a foul, with referee Dean waving him away twice before eventually brandishing the yellow card.
Eboue then received his second booking for a petulant flick of the boot to trip Luka Modric after the Croatian had done the same to him. Dean booked the Tottenham playmaker first before calling Eboue back and making him the 76th Arsenal player to receive his marching orders under Wenger.
Inevitably, Tottenham emerged following the break the more likely to score, with Keane sending a close range header over the bar when he should have at least tested Almunia. Palacios also had another long-range strike parried by Almunia.
However, as the half wore on and Keane and Pavlyuchenko failed to establish any real understanding between them, Arsenal began to work themselves back into the match.
Samir Nasri delivered a dangerous 70th-minute corner that corner that had it fallen to someone other than Alexandre Song may well have ended in the back of the net rather than being steered wide of the far post.
Moments after that chance Keane had his best opportunity, controlling a flick-on from Jermaine Jenas with his chest and firing a volley on the turn that whistled past the post with Almunia well beaten.
Both sides had chances to win it in stoppage time, when Bendtner had a rasping shot tipped over the bar by Cudicini before Modric found himself in plenty of space only to fire a shot right at Almunia, but the Gunners held out to extend their unbeaten league run to 11 games.

Premier League - Giggs magic sends United top -Eurosport

Premier League - Giggs magic sends United top

Eurosport - Sun, 08 Feb 18:13:00 2009

Ryan Giggs rolled back the years to send Manchester United top of the Premier League, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win at West Ham.


The 35-year-old struck just after the hour mark with a piece of brilliance, cutting inside from the left flank, beating two men and finishing low past Robert Green.
The champions increased their consecutive clean sheet record to 13, but were made to work hard by an impressive, industrious West Ham side.

Gianfranco Zola picked the same team for the fourth consecutive match, while Alex Ferguson made three changes - bringing in Giggs, Paul Scholes and Rafael da Silva for Ji-Sung Park, Darren Fletcher and the unwell Gary Neville.

Carlos Tevez received warm applause on his return to Upton Park, but produced a quiet performance and will surely return to his familiar position on the bench when Wayne Rooney returns against Derby County in the FA Cup next weekend.
West Ham showed all of the organisation and resilience that their coaching team of Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke has given them, denying the champions time on the ball and limiting their goalscoring opportunities.

Carlton Cole might have celebrated his call-up to the England squad with a goal on 13 minutes, when he was released down the right channel and sprinted away from Rio Ferdinand.
But instead of shooting with power, Cole attempted a cute chip and Van der Sar made a comfortable catch.

A minute earlier, Lucas Neill also came close to ending United's run of defensive perfection when he volleyed goalwards but, after a brief fumble, the goalkeeper held on to the ball.
Then Jack Collison had a chance, as the young Welshman collected the ball and turned into shooting position, but took one touch too many and Ferdinand eventually scrambled it away.
At the other end, the visitors dominated the statistics but only once genuinely threatened Green's goal before the break.

Giggs played a free-kick on the right low to Scholes 25 yards out, and he dragged his first-time shot off-target. However, an instinctive sidefoot from Cristiano Ronaldo redirected the ball towards the top corner and Green made a superb reflex save to palm it away.
The goal came when Giggs received a perfect crossfield pass from Scholes on the left, then turned inside beyond two flailing challenges and sent a right-foot shot into the bottom corner through a sea of legs.
It was Giggs's first goal of the season, and ensured he has now scored in all 19 of his league campaigns.

Thereafter United were comfortable, passing the ball around with Dimitar Berbatov proving an unusually effective defensive influence.
Scholes and Giggs have had to put up with reduced playing time in the twilight of their careers, but they still possess match-winning quality and between them turned one point into three.
Those extra two points are the margin by which Ferguson's side lead Liverpool with a game still in hand, to be played against Fulham in 10 days' time.Alex Chick / Eurosport

Everton 1-0 Liverpool: AET

Everton 1-0 Liverpool: AET

Teenager Dan Gosling won the Merseyside FA Cup battle with a winner deep into extra-time as Everton overcame Liverpool.The 19-year-old from Plymouth, in only his fifth appearance for the club, scored in the 118th minute to finally break the spirit of 10-man Liverpool.
Everton now face Aston Villa in the fifth round on February 15.
Liverpool ended in disarray. Robbie Keane sold, Steven Gerrard limping away after just 16 minutes, while Fernando Torres was withdrawn, exhausted, in extra-time.

They had been facing defeat from the moment Lucas was sent-off with 14 minutes of normal time left.
The Brazilian midfielder became the 23rd player to be dismissed in Merseyside derbies, with 16 of those coming in the last 10 years.

It summed up a fourth-round replay that was a war of attrition from the start between sides meeting for the third time in 17 days.
Everton had Marouane Fellaini back from suspension after missing the two derbies last month, while Liverpool left out Javier Mascherano and Fabio Aurelio, utilising Lucas and Andrea Dossena.

A simmering disdain was obvious. A match that was once the friendly derby turned into a nasty, spiteful one.
Neither manager had helped in the build-up as they sniped away at each other.
Reds boss Rafael Benitez had moaned about Everton's defensive tactics and physical approach while David Moyes claimed Liverpool were treated leniently by officials while asking for referee Alan Wiley to take a firm stance.

On the pitch the atmosphere was no better, and the Staffordshire official needed to be right on top of things.
He booked Tim Cahill after just 19 minutes for a flaying arm into Jamie Carragher's face, and lectures were dished out to Xabi Alonso, Lucas, Fellaini and Steven Pienaar.

There had been disruption for both sides beforehand.
Everton left out Victor Anichebe from their squad following his training-ground bust-up with Moyes, while Liverpool were surely distracted by the Keane saga.
And with the ink barely dry on transfer forms that had taken him back to Spurs, it was predictable that Liverpool found need for the Irishman after just 16 minutes.
They suffered the a savage blow when Gerrard pulled up with a hamstring problem and was replaced by Yossi Benayoun. If Keane had been around he would have been the ideal replacement to play behind Torres.

As it was Dirk Kuyt was shifted into a more central role, and Liverpool had lost their driving inspiration.
Liverpool tried to impose their passing game on Everton, who responded in their usual way.
Pienaar was booked a foul on Lucas, while the only genuine shots in the first half came from Alonso with a 25-yarder that skidded wide, while Leon Osman volleyed over from the edge of the box.

The second period started with Benayoun and Kuyt switching roles while Phil Neville and Lucas both picked up bookings.
Everton were soon to lose the injured Fellaini, teenager Gosling taking over.
That left Everton without any real threat in the air, and they were forced into another change when Pienaar - who had seemed to be struggling with a hamstring problem - was replaced by youngster Jack Rodwell.

Tim Howard needed to make a decent smothering save when Alonso's angled pass sent Albert Riera into the box.
Mikel Arteta had been pushed forward to help Cahill, Everton's resources stretched almost to breaking point.

Chances were rare. A Gosling shot failed to worry Jose Reina, while Howard pulled down a Kuyt header.
Liverpool's own sloppiness eventually allowed Everton the best chance so far.
Possession was squandered and Arteta passed for Leon Osman to hit a post.
Arteta was booked for a foul on Riera, but after 76 minutes Liverpool were reduced to 10 men when Lucas's daft trip on Joleon Lescott gave Wiley no choice but to brandish a second yellow and then red.

Mascherano was soon sent on to shore up the centre, Riera being sacrificed.
The flow of cards continued. Alonso being cautioned for a foul on Tony Hibbert with a minute of normal time to go.
In the first period of extra-time, Everton penned Liverpool back, Cahill having two efforts wide and missing a Leighton Baines cross.
Osman also went close twice before Liverpool took off Torres - played off the park by Phil Jagielka - and sent on Ryan Babel.

Andy van der Meyde came on for Neville, Everton searching for the moment to break Liverpool's resistance. Hibbert became Everton's fifth booking for a foul on Alonso.
And in the 118th minute, Everton went ahead.
Van Der Meyde's cross from the right was controlled by Gosling on the left, and his deflected shot went in off the far post.
Cue mass hysteria.

Keane failed to fit into system - Benitez points the finger at Robbie for his failure to become a Liverpool legend

Keane failed to fit into system - Benitez points the finger at Robbie for his failure to become a Liverpool legend

by JOHN EDWARDSLast updated at 3:46 PM on 03rd February 2009

Rafa Benitez has pointed the finger at Robbie Keane and accused him of blowing his big chance of becoming an Anfield hero.After sanctioning Keane's £15million return to White Hart Lane, the Liverpool manager came under fire from Tottenham counterpart Harry Redknapp for failing to give the 28-year old striker 'a fair crack of the whip.'But Benitez was quick to shift the blame towards Keane as he reflected on the way the Republic of Ireland front-runner's £20m arrival from Tottenham last summer failed to live up to expectations.

In happier times: Benitez and Keane together when the Irish striker made his £20m move to Liverpool

Quick fall: Within six months Keane's confidence was gone and the striker was left on the bench and missed the squad for Liverpool's game against Chelsea

Admitting Keane's self-belief had taken a mauling during a traumatic six months at Anfield, Benitez said: 'Robbie needed to get some confidence back, because he has not been playing at the level we know he is capable of.'Clearly, it was a situation that could not be allowed to drag on, so we had to decide quickly when Tottenham came in. Sometimes, you can sign a good player like Robbie, but it doesn't work out. Maybe he doesn't settle in, or build an understanding with other players, or maybe he finds it difficult to fit in with the system you are playing.

Back in white: Keane has returned to Tottenham and will hope to re-build his confidence
'When that happens, it is best to find a solution. He was always very professional, and he seemed happy when he came into the dressing room after our win over Chelsea. But, sometimes, players find they cannot perform at a different club, and it was very clear he was not doing as well as he might.

'Tottenham were pushing all the time, and clearly they believe he can be a fantastic player for them. I hope that is the case, because I wish Robbie all the best.'Benitez dismissed claims Liverpool could face an £8million shortfall on their £20million outlay on Keane but conceded there was a risk element to leaving his strike force a man short.'The figures I read this morning are not true,' he said.

'The difference between what we paid and what we are receiving could be £3-4million, depending on how well Tottenham do. It was a risk worth taking, because he is 28 now, and if we waited until the summer, and he had a poor second half of the season, the money could have been less.'

It's good to be back! Robbie raring to go after returning to Spurs

It's good to be back! Robbie raring to go after returning to Spurs

Robbie Keane has expressed his delight at returning 'home' to Tottenham.

The 28-year-old Ireland striker endured a torrid time at Liverpool following his £20million summer move from north London to Merseyside and manager Rafa Benitez decided to cut his losses and allow Keane a return to White Hart Lane for £15m on transfer deadline day.

Speaking to Tottenham's official website, Keane said: 'Coming back to Spurs was an easy decision to make because this is my home. Firstly, in respect of the club - but also my house is in the area and everything is set up for me to walk right back into.

'I'm delighted to be back at a club I have very strong feelings from having previously spent six wonderful years here.

'It would have been difficult for me to have gone anywhere else while a club I have such strong feelings for has this fight on its hands.

'It's funny how football works sometimes and situations turn around very quickly, but I can assure fans I will be giving my all to make sure this club stays in the Premier League.'
And Keane revealed his determination to fire relegation-threatened Tottenham up the table.
He said: 'It's been an up-and-down season for the club and there's been a lot of change, including a change of manager, but now it's up to us as players to start getting the team up the table.

Second spell: Chimbonda has also returned to north London
'I'm coming back to a fantastic club with fantastic players. I am extremely excited about this new chapter in my career, even though it doesn't feel as if the previous chapter really ended.'
Despite Keane's nightmare spell at Liverpool, the Irishman refused to criticise his former club.
'It was a difficult time for me at Liverpool, but there's no point in dwelling on it.'

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp expressed his delight at adding Keane's signature to earlier January buys Jermain Defoe, Wilson Palacios, Carlo Cudicini and Pascal Chimbonda.
'I'm delighted to have Robbie back. I couldn't be more pleased. I think he's a terrific player, a terrific character and just the type of lad we need here.

'He's a leader, he gives his all every time he plays and has great ability. He will be fantastic for us and his enthusiasm will rub off on other players around him.

'The chairman has been tremendous in backing me and bringing these players back. I know Daniel (Levy) worked very hard to try and keep Robbie here in the first place and just as hard to get him back.

'Robbie knows what he's doing, you can rely on him; he's a clever player and plays with that enthusiasm.'

CECH: WE WILL PUT PRESSURE ON

CECH: WE WILL PUT PRESSURE ON
Posted on: Tue 03 Feb 2009

After Sunday's defeat, Petr Cech admits control of the title race is now out of our hands but is far from abandoning hope.

The Czech international knows our rivals from north-west must drop unexpected points for Chelsea to take another championship although past seasons prove this is not an impossible scenario.

'Eight points in football, especially in the Premier League, means anything can happen,' reckons Cech.

'You can see that from last year. Arsenal were eight points clear and ended up third, so we will keep playing, we will try to keep winning and we will put the pressure on the others.
'We are behind and we need to keep winning so if Man United or Liverpool drop points we can close the gap. This is the only way now for us to get back into it. We need to keep winning because we don't have the control in our hands.'

Sunday's result was the culmination of an unfortunate run of events for Chelsea, including Frank Lampard's red card, and Cech believes the little things are what make the difference.
'We were a bit unlucky with the odd bounce of the ball, and all the small details went against us, so it is up to us to think about it, because that is down to our concentration.
'But we need to think about it and try to sort it out because against Middlesbrough we controlled the game.

'For a long time against Liverpool they got nothing from all the corners and free-kicks, but they finally scored from a cross.'
One matter that is concerning Cech is Manchester United's confidence. Any side that doesn't concede will feel strong heading into their next game, and the Blues keeper feels this will be Chelsea's biggest obstacle.

'At the moment they have had a great run and they know they are solid.
'They haven't conceded any goals and this is a massive boost for the team. When you don't concede a goal, you know one goal is enough to win the game and to get three points and it makes a big difference. It is great for confidence.

'We need to win every game,' Cech continues, turning his thoughts to Saturday's visit by Hull.
'There is no good in beating Arsenal away and dropping points against Hull at home, because then an away win at Arsenal doesn't make any difference.'

03/02/2009 12:28, Report by Adam BostockLiverpool victory helps UnitedPaddy Crerand welcomed Liverpool's last-gasp win over Chelsea on Sunday.

Liverpool victory helps United

Paddy Crerand welcomed Liverpool's last-gasp win over Chelsea on Sunday.Prior to the Anfield clash, Sir Alex Ferguson had joked, "I hope they both lose, that would be a good result." But although the Merseysiders later emerged with all three points, Paddy still feels it was a positive outcome.

"Liverpool winning didn't bother me," said Paddy, in his Monday night show on MUTV."I would have preferred a draw but the one thing I didn't want was a Chelsea win because I think they're a bigger threat. I think Chelsea are a better all-round side than Liverpool.

"Optimistic fans of United's arch-rivals might point to a possible omen following Sunday's match, but Paddy won't be persuaded."There was a statistic on television, I think from Andy Gray (Sky Sports), that when Liverpool last did the double over Chelsea, they won the league. They've done it now this season but I honestly don't think Liverpool are a threat in the title race."The threat to United now is United themselves. Injuries and things like that are the only problem now.

I fancy United strongly to win the league championship."Crerand did concede, however, that United's lead at the top of the league table may not survive the coming weekend. On Saturday, Liverpool visit beleaguered Portsmouth, who haven't won a league game since 30 November.

The champions could well be in second place, therefore, when kick-off comes around at Upton Park on Sunday."I think West Ham will be a very difficult match, we always find it difficult there," he added.

Arsenal Finally Complete £15million Arshavin Transfer In A Day Of High Drama At The Emirates

Arsenal Finally Complete £15million Arshavin Transfer In A Day Of High Drama At The Emirates

Russian International Andrei Arshavin has finally completed his protracted transfer from Zenit St Petersburg to the Premier League with Arsenal for £15million, according to Sky Sports news.
In a transfer saga that has run the entire course of the winter transfer window, 27-year-old Arshavin has become a Gunners player, with the Russian putting pen to paper on a three-and-a-half year deal, which will tie the Euro 2008 star to Arsenal until 2012.

In a day that had seen claims that the transfer to the Emirates Stadium had been called off, with Arshavin reportedly not agreeing terms with Arsenal and heading back to Russia, while other reports claimed the Zenit player had flown to Manchester to discuss a deal with Man City.
However, Arshavin passed a medical at Arsenal and agreed personal terms to leave the Petrovsky Stadium for the Gunners, with the last stumbling block concerning a payment that Zenit wanted from Arshavin to conclude the deal seemingly overcome, despite Zenit issuing a statement that the deal would not go through, with the payment thought to be the issue.

This will come as a big relief for Arsenal manger Wenger, who stated earlier that he was confident the on-off deal would go through and sees Arshavin as a key addition to the Gunners squad, which is missing influential captain Cesc Fabregas through injury and has stuttered in the Premiership this season.

Arshavin had been at Zenit since 2000 and has 107 assists and 71 goals in his 312 appearances during his time at the Petrovsky Stadium, with the playmaker also scoring 15 goals in his 41 caps for Russia.

Wenger - Our different path to Man United

Wenger - Our different path to Man United

By Declan Taylor Arsenal have gone “a different way” to title rivals Manchester United, according to Arsène Wenger. As a result of Saturday’s results, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side now lead the Gunners by 10 points and Wenger believes the gap is a result of an overall contrast in the teams’ philosophies. Ever since his arrival in North London over 12 years and 700 games ago, Arsène Wenger has been applauded for his success with young players, without breaking the bank.

However, the manager reiterated that this method requires patience, especially considering the cash splashed by his peers. “We can of course compete but we have a young team and we have gone a different way,” he said after Saturday’s goalless draw with West Ham. “We go through a period where we have to accept maybe to be strong and patient a little bit.

“Man United bought Berbatov for £31.5m and you look at the cost of their team and you will understand why.”

The draw against West Ham took Arsenal’s unbeaten run to 10 in all competitions but the manager admitted that there is something still missing.

“We are on a good run but the big problem is once you are behind every point you drop looks like a disaster, but if you look well at our run in the last 10 to 12 games I feel the team is improving.“We lack still, I agree with you, a little bit creation and a little bit invention but overall we are consistent, we are fighting. I am not negative about the team.”

Benitez relishes vital victory

Benitez relishes vital victory

BBC Sport blog editor
1 Feb 09, 11:14 PM

Rafael Benitez looked as satisfied as any man would after recording a major triumph on the pitch and moving closer to securing a significant victory off it.

Indeed, Benitez was so pleased with Liverpool's victory against Chelsea - a win that re-ignited hopes of a first title since 1990 - that he even happily refused to discuss his new contract.
Liverpool co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett were at Anfield, although pointedly sitting well apart, to broker a deal on the proposed four-and-a-half year extension to Benitez's Anfield tenure.

And as Anfield whispers grew that a revamped package handing him increased control of transfers would be much more to the Spaniard's liking, Benitez strengthened his hand by delivering a win that revived Liverpool's faltering campaign and dealt Chelsea's own ambitions a potentially fatal blow.

Benitez brushed off talk of Robbie Keane's continued exclusion and questions about that contentious contract with small but effective repetitions: "I am enjoying today."
And enjoying it he was - which was in sharp contrast to the sad and somewhat resigned demeanour of Chelsea counterpart Luiz Felipe Scolari as he picked over a display that suggested he may just have arrived at Stamford Bridge at precisely the wrong time.
Benitez needed this win, with growing fan unrest (hardly open rebellion but certainly more open questioning) about his approach fuelled by Liverpool's lull in form following his attack on Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

He displayed iron-clad confidence about Liverpool's title chances in his post-match analysis and did not look like the agitated figure of recent times. Benitez was not, as United, Everton and Chelsea fans have suggested at various intervals this weekend, cracking up.
Fernando Torres' two late goals gave Liverpool a victory they deserved for being the one team who took seriously the task of winning a game where victory was the only result in town. A crucial fact that appeared to escape Chelsea.

Liverpool did not deliver compelling evidence that they will push United to the wire, but they were positive, persistent and went forward until the end - leaving Anfield harbouring a distinct "and then there were two" feeling about the title race at the final whistle.
If Chelsea could plead any mitigating circumstances, it would be Frank Lampard's horribly unjust red card on the hour - an incident that is only likely to continue his feud with Xabi Alonso that dates back to an incident when Liverpool's midfield man suffered a broken ankle in 2005.
Referee Mike Riley, who had a poor game, failed to detect Lampard getting a touch on the ball before Alonso made contact with his shin. And Chelsea's sense of injustice was increased by Riley's failure to punish Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard for a more reckless challenge minutes earlier.

Liverpool had already gained the upper hand, and Lampard's departure merely confirmed their supremacy. It was only the efforts of defensive heroes such as Alex that kept them in the hunt until Torres struck with a minute to go and again in injury time.
I have been critical of Liverpool in recent weeks, with full justification after watching many of their recent stalemates, but they were good value for the win and their approach warranted three points.

Liverpool did not sparkle, but they were prepared to sweat and grasped the concept of victory, something which was lost on Chelsea. This provided a solid launchpad for their world-class talent such as Torres and Gerrard.

Chelsea, to put it charitably, were wretched. Lampard's dismissal actually only cost them a point because they never looked like getting three at any point.
And of course, Chelsea will surely now lose Jose Bosingwa to suspension after his ludicrous kung fu attack on Yossi Benayoun - an act of hot-headed madness that was amazingly missed by the officials, especially the referee's assistant, who was almost bundled over himself in the melee.
Scolari was his usual generous self as he sat disconsolately at Anfield pondering such a damaging setback. He could not say it but the careworn look said it for him. The game is up for Chelsea in a Premier League context.

And, more worryingly, Chelsea's whole performance gave off a horribly stale stench of a team in need of a major overhaul.
Petr Cech, that great untouchable of goalkeepers, looked vulnerable throughout and took up an almost disorientated position for Torres' first goal.
Chelsea's midfield looked pedestrian, lacking in ideas. Michael Ballack glided effortlessly around to no effect at all and looked an expensive passenger in comparison to the hungry Gerrard.
And then we had Didier Drogba - or at least I think we had him. He gave a cameo of sorts as substitute, a cameo which suggested he has already got his coat when it comes to his long-term future at Stamford Bridge.

Scolari was brutally realistic. He knows he will face questions, but there is more to Chelsea's decline than the arrival of a World Cup-winning coach into alien Premier League territory.
He has arrived at a time when Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has put the block on his lavish spending. He has inherited players who are handsomely paid but past their best - and he does not have any younger players of serious quality to call on from Chelsea's reserves.
Scolari must hope Abramovich revisits his new policy on spending, or that Chelsea's youth programme can throw him new gems, because he looks to be in charge of a team that is heading over the hill.

He is a dignified, likeable man and it is not a pleasurable experience to witness his discomfort in defeat, but Scolari needs to find fresh ideas, or teach some old dogs new tricks, if he is to make Chelsea serious contenders again.

Of course this may strike an alarmist note with some Chelsea fans, but one point from five meetings with their so-called closest rivals this season tells the tale.
Liverpool can now move forward with renewed optimism after a performance that at least hinted at the predictions made earlier this season that they could actually threaten to reach that Premier League pinnacle.

If Benitez can settle his differences with Liverpool's hierarchy to bring the stability off the pitch that will foster progress on it, then the great brinksman and part-time politician may yet have the last laugh on us all.

Keane, Arshavin set to move at EPL transfer deadline

Keane, Arshavin set to move at EPL transfer deadline

Last Updated: Monday, February 2, 2009 11:45 AM ET Comments1Recommend0
CBC Sports

Keane, 28, is returning to his former team, tranferring to Tottenham from Liverpool for a reported $26 million.

Striker Robbie Keane is making a return trip to his former side. Liverpool has agreed on a transfer fee for the 28-year-old Irishman, according to the club's website on Monday. The deal will send him back to his old club, Tottenham Hotspur.
Keane left Spurs in the summer to sign with Liverpool for $35.5 million US and hasn't impressed manager Rafa Benitez in his six months with the club. He has five goals in 15 games for the Reds this season.

It's the third former Spur that manager Harry Redknapp has brought back into the fold. Keane joins Jermain Defoe and Pascal Chimbonda as former Spurs who have recently returned to the squad. The struggling side sits in 14th spot but is only one point out of the relegation zone.
No terms were disclosed, but ESPN's Soccernet is reporting that Tottenham paid around $26 million US for Keane.

With the English Premier League's transfer deadline set for today, moves are happening fast and furious. Andrei Arshavin, the standout Russian striker from Euro 2008, is also set to make a move to Arsenal from Zenit St Petersburg.

The deadline has also been extended by two hours because of a massive snowstorm in London, England, which is hampering club communications.

Liverpool's Fernando Torres strikes late to sink 10-man Chelsea

Liverpool's Fernando Torres strikes late to sink 10-man Chelsea

From correspondents in Liverpool, EnglandFormer Australian CaptainFebruary 02, 2009
FERNANDO Torres struck twice in the dying minutes against a 10-man Chelsea to keep Liverpool's title dream alive in a dramatic finale at Anfield on Sunday.

Rafa Benitez's side looked to be heading for another frustrating draw as Chelsea held out after Frank Lampard's second-half dismissal for a lunge on Xabi Alonso. But Torres struck in the 89th minute when he latched on to a cross by Fabio Aurelio before cementing the points deep into stoppage time after being teed-up by Yossi Benayoun.

They were the Spanish international's first Barclays Premier League goals since October and put Liverpool two points behind leaders Manchester United, who have a game in hand. More importantly, the result almost certainly ended Chelsea's title challenge for another season as Luiz Felipe Scolari's side self-destructed.

Scolari insisted referee Mike Riley was to blame for Chelsea's defeat after Lampard was sent off for a foul on Xabi Alonso. Scolari was furious with Riley's decision and called on the official to rescind the card, which would stop Lampard being banned for three matches. “After what happened with Lampard it is normal that we lose because they had more possession and chances but before this, no,'' Scolari told Sky Sports. “If the referee looks at it on the television maybe he changes the red card for Lampard. As I looked at it, it was a foul by the other player, not Lampard. “I don't understand (the decision) but maybe now after he looks at it again, if he understands what is wrong, he will change the red card and Lampard can play in the next game.

“He can't play in the next three games because of a mistake. It is not possible the people in the FA see this and agree.'' Scolari conceded that Chelsea had been poor for much of the match but he was adamant they would still have held out for a draw if Lampard had stayed on. “We were not good. I think Liverpool were better than us for all of the game. But after the red card they are the only team and they scored the goals,'' he said. The Blues are five points behind United and have yet to beat any of their 'big four' rivals this season.

While Scolari opted to keep faith with the 11 who started the 2-0 win over Middlesbrough in midweek, Benitez made three changes from the side which stumbled to a 1-1 draw at Wigan. Robbie Keane's omission only fuelled speculation that the out-of-favour Republic of Ireland striker could be on his way out of Anfield before Monday's transfer deadline with his former club Tottenham touted as a possible destination for the frustrated 28-year-old. Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez hopes his side's first win in four matches will provide the morale boost that gets the Reds back on track after a stuttering spell. “We were better than them through the game. The question was to create more clear chances to win the game,” Benitez said. “

We had to wait until the end even though they were playing with 10 men but I thought we were better than them. “It is always important to win and play well. We were in a fantastic position before and we are much better now. We have to keep going and have confidence in ourselves.” With Manchester United having pulled five points clear at the summit the previous day, nothing but a win would do for either side. Yet with the stakes so high, chances were few and far between in a cagey first half which saw Liverpool carve out the better chances without causing any damage. Alonso marked his return to the side by bringing a scrappy opening to life with a missile of a shot from 25-yard which Petr Cech was forced to turn over his bar in the 12th minute. Chelsea struggled to create a noteworthy chance and they were fortunate to escape in the 18th minute when Cech spilled Javier Mascherano's long range effort, but there was no red shirt following up.

Mascherano, who has been involved in a niggling battle with Michael Ballack, became the first player to enter referee Mike Riley's notebook and he was quickly followed by Chelsea defender Ashley Cole during a bruising first half. The temperature at sub-zero Anfield increased dramatically on the half-hour mark as Torres, without a Barclays Premier League goal for four months, had a goal-bound effort blocked by Brazilian defender Alex inside the Chelsea area following a super cross by Jamie Carragher. A tame header by John Terry was all Chelsea could offer in reply yet Liverpool lacked a killer instinct. The deadlock was almost broken five minutes before half-time when Cech, who was having a poor game, spilled another effort, this time from Albert Riera, and the ball cannoned off Cole just past the corner.

If Chelsea had trouble unlocking the Liverpool defence in the first half then their task was made twice as hard when they were reduced to 10 men in the 60th minute following Lampard's crunching challenge on Alonso. The England midfielder could have few complaints after leaving Alonso in a heap in the centre circle and his team a man short with half an hour to play. Liverpool spent the final half an hour bombarding the Chelsea defence but to no avail. The busy Alonso went close with a stinging effort which deflected off Alex, who was outstanding in the visitors defence, and crashed against the bar. And 11 minutes from time, Cech made amends for his first half spills with a belting save to thwart substitute Benayoun before Torres had the final say.

The Spanish striker was in the right place at the right time to nod Aurelio's cross past Cech and give Liverpool the three points they craved. Then deep into stoppage time, the Chelsea defence capitulated, Torres cementing the points after being teed-up by Benayoun following a mistake by Cole.