Balotelli Banned 4 Matches

Manchester City likely to accept Mario Balotelli's four-match ban

The Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli is likely to accept his four-match ban for violent conduct. 

The Manchester City assistant manager, David Platt, has hinted that the club will reluctantly accept Mario Balotelli's four-match suspension.

Balotelli was charged with violent conduct by the Football Association on Monday after appearing to stamp deliberately on Scott Parker during Sunday's 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. He will automatically receive a four-match ban unless City successfully appeal.

Platt confirmed no talks had taken place among the City hierarchy and a final decision would not be made until all relevant parties had an input into discussions.

However, while City do have grievances over the manner in which Balotelli's alleged stamp on Scott Parker has been dealt with, Platt accepted the slow-motion pictures "do not look good". "We are likely to be without a player for four games," said Platt.

City have until 6pm on Wednesday to make their decision. If it is decided to accept the ban, Balotelli would be suspended for Wednesday night's Carling Cup semi-final second leg at Liverpool. However, if City submit an appeal which is considered by the FA to be frivolous, though the Italian forward could play against Liverpool, he could then have his suspension increased to five games.

And, as City failed to overturn a four-match suspension for Vincent Kompany earlier this month for a far less obvious incident against Manchester United, it would appear they have little chance of success anyway.

"We found out the information last night and we have not sat down as a group to discuss it," said Platt. "But I don't think anybody thought we would win an appeal with Vincent Kompany, even though the majority of people didn't feel he deserved a red card or a four-match ban. It shows the futility of an appeal sometimes. This looks poor when you slow it down."

City feel aggrieved that the FA took over the decision making after the referee Howard Webb did not act during the match. "It seems inconsistent," said Platt. "I have seen it from an angle where I can think the referee saw it live, like I did.

"Other people saw it live and didn't react, nobody, not one of the Tottenham players or staff. The referee didn't react live. It is when you slow it down that all the reactions come. I don't know what has gone on but there seems a huge inconsistency in refereeing matches on a Monday morning. Shouldn't you revisit everything that has happened over the weekend?"

Platt confirmed he had been asked to address the media by Roberto Mancini this morning in an effort to avoid the Italian's difficulty with the nuances of the English language further fuelling an already delicate situation. "He spoke to me last night and asked me to do it," said Platt. "A lot of words needed saying and we are in a cauldron where a half phrase can become bigger.

"Whatever I say today can get topped and tailed and, in some quarters, won't be reported in the manner I have said it, and I am not talking about the people who are here, but those who are not."

Source: the guardian

Premier League 16 january

Wigan   0 - 1   Man City

Edin Dzeko's header saw Manchester City beat Wigan to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to three points over Manchester United.

Manchester City have won all nine Premier League games Dzeko has scored in

The Bosnian leapt to deftly flick home David Silva's free-kick from the left midway through the first half.

Ali Al Habsi then denied Dzeko a second with a fine save before matching it by keeping out Silva's follow-up shot.

But, although James McArthur and James McCarthy had good chances, the hosts could not find a way past Joe Hart.

City could have made the game safe, with Dzeko's deflected effort again saved and Sergio Aguero shooting wide from 12 yards late on.

There was a moment of late controversy when Wigan defender Maynor Figueroa escaped with a yellow card after handling the ball on the halfway line to stop Aguero racing clear.

But City will be grateful for a hard-fought victory, their first away from home since beating QPR on 5 November and a return to winning ways after consecutive cup defeats.

While Wigan defended compactly, they could not contain their high-scoring opponents, who, in 21 games, are now on 57 goals, just three short of the total number they scored last season.

Defeat for Roberto Martinez's team means that they remain at the bottom of the table, continuing a miserable run of form at home, where they have not won in the league since August.

With Silva back in the side following an ankle injury, City had a good rhythm to their passing as they probed throughout the first half.

They suffered an early scare when, in a frantic passage, Hugo Rodallega could not capitalise on Joleon Lescott's error, Gareth Barry nudged over Jordi Gomez in the penalty area to wild appeals and McArthur's shot was deflected wide.

But, once they rode that storm, Silva proved his worth by floating into space and, although several moves broke down, the visitors were dominating possession.

Dzeko flashed a header wide from Gael Clichy's cross but that the lead came from a set-piece showed how hard Martinez's team were working with their five-man defence.

It took a fine jump by Dzeko to turn in Silva's free-kick, after the Bosnian had been tripped, and the striker's 14th goal of the season settled the visitors down.

Wigan did have their moments on the break with Victor Moses, playing behind Rodallega, firing over and McArthur testing Hart, although when City committed men to attack they were quick to counter and Al Habsi saved well from Aguero before half-time.

Despite their poor home record, the hosts had already drawn with Liverpool and Chelsea at the DW Stadium this season and they started the second period brightly, but only Al Habsi will know how he prevented City doubling their lead soon after the break.

The Oman keeper made a superb double stop to deny Dzeko, then Silva, and when Aguero dribbled his way into the six-yard box both the Argentine and Dzeko failed to make proper contact and the chance was spurned.

While Wigan were hanging on they always posed a threat, with Jordi Gomez impressive in midfield. And they were a toe's width from equalising when Rodallega put McCarthy through, his left-footed shot being well thwarted by England keeper Hart, who ensured his ninth Premier League clean sheet of the campaign.

Substitutes Ben Watson and Franco di Santo added some extra zeal to Wigan's play, although City had the better chances towards the end, Dzeko and Aguero both failing to take advantage of good opportunities.

City's fans were spitting mad when Figueroa only received a yellow card when, with Aguero on his shoulder, he handled the ball on the halfway line late on to stop another City counter-attack.

But, on a freezing night, City boss Roberto Mancini will be content to send his team's fans home with a victory which is evidence that, after a small blip, they have again warmed to their title challenge.

Source: BBC Sport

Swansea City 3 - 2 Arsenal

Golden Graham seals famous victory

Danny Graham struck the winner as Swansea claimed the first major scalp of their maiden Premier League campaign with a thrilling victory over Arsenal at the Liberty Stadium.

The Gunners had silenced the home support by taking an early lead through captain Robin van Persie, but Scott Sinclair levelled from the penalty spot for Welsh side.

Nathan Dyer then fired Swansea ahead before Theo Walcott equalised, but Arsenal paid the price for a loss of concentration as Graham ran in to slot his ninth goal of the season less than a minute later to move the Swans up to 10th in the table.

Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers had called on England manager Fabio Capello to visit south Wales to watch his side in action, with Dyer and Sinclair having been linked with a call up to the national squad, and with the Italian in attendance the duo could not have done much more to enhance their aspirations in an enthralling encounter.

But there had been little hint of the drama to come when Arsenal took a fifth-minute lead.

Arsene Wenger had recalled Van Persie to his side after his recent extended break, and it did not take the Dutchman long to get back in the swing of things.

Andrey Arshavin's pass carved Swansea apart, and the striker made no mistake as he checked before firing past Steven Caulker and goalkeeper Michel Vorm from a tight angle for his 22nd goal of the season.

The breakthrough initially knocked the wind out of Swansea's sails - but they were level after 16 minutes.

After sharp play down the left by the excellent Joe Allen, Dyer went down under Aaron Ramsey's challenge for referee Michael Oliver to award what looked a soft penalty. Sinclair converted into Wojciech Szczesny's left-hand corner to maintain his 100% record from the spot this term.

The game was living up to predictions of an entertaining contest and the Gunners could have re-established their lead just two minutes later as Ramsey skipped past Vorm and pulled the ball across the six-yard box, only for a fortunate ricochet off Angel Rangel to land in the keeper's arms.

The visitors continued to carve out the clearer chances, and Van Persie should have done better when played in just before the half-hour mark.

Swansea captain Ashley Williams was caught hopelessly upfield after Leon Britton had been dispossessed by Yossi Benayoun, the Israeli's pass found his Dutch team-mate in acres of space but Vorm stood up well to repel his right-footed shot.

Arsenal could have mirrored their first half start but failed to make the most of two presentable chances in the opening moments of the second period.

Walcott blazed over after being located down the right channel by Van Persie, while Arshavin was equally wasteful after being teed up in space on the edge of the box.

But there was no let such let off at the other end when Dyer put Swansea ahead after 57 minutes.

Ramsey was easily robbed by Wales team-mate Allen and the midfielder picked out Dyer for the winger to shoot high into the net and give Swansea a merited lead.

Wenger had seen enough and Thierry Henry was sprung from the bench along with Tomas Rosicky as the ineffectual Arshavin and Benayoun made way.

Swansea were having their best spell of the game but they were made to pay for a poor lapse in defence as Johan Djourou's pass split Neil Taylor and Williams for Walcott to clip the ball over Vorm and level after 69 minutes.

But the parity lasted less than a minute as substitute Gylfi Sigurdsson's pass saw Graham race in and make the most of Szczesny's hesitancy in advancing from his line to put Swansea back in front.

Per Mertesacker should have levelled barely two minutes later but the German defender horribly scuffed his effort wide, then Ramsey aimed his bullet header from Walcott's cross straight at Vorm as Arsenal threw numbers forward.

The Gunners' last chance came when Rosicky drove to the edge of the Swansea box and forced Vorm to beat out his drive before gathering Laurent Koscielny's follow-up as the home side held out to spark delirious celebrations at the final whistle.

Source: ESPN

Manchester City 2-3 Manchester United

FA CUP

Rooney hits brace & Scholes returns as 10-man hosts are dumped out of FA Cup in five-goal classic

After giving up the opening three goals and defender Vincent Kompany seeing red, Roberto Mancini's side roared back into the tie with a remarkable second-half display

Manchester United were given an almighty scare but did just enough to hold off Manchester City’s spirited, ten-man fight-back to secure a 3-2 victory and progression to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

A Wayne Rooney header gave the visitors an early lead and, moments later, the hosts' task was made infinitely harder as Vincent Kompany saw red for a challenge on Nani.

Danny Welbeck then added to City's woes with a fine volley before Rooney added his second and United's third, nodding in from close range after seeing his spot kick initially saved.

However, Roberto Mancini’s side roared back with ten men after the break and goals from Aleksandar Kolarov and Sergio Aguero brought them agonisingly close to an incredible comeback.

Mancini chose to rest first-choice goalkeeper Joe Hart, with 24-year-old Romanian Costel Pantilimon handed a place in the starting 11. City’s two leading strikers, Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko, missed out through injury, forcing Aguero to operate in a more advanced forward role. Yaya Toure, along with his brother Kolo, were absent after joining the Ivory Coast squad for the Africa Cup of Nations and Gareth Barry was suspended meaning James Milner partnered Nigel de Jong in the centre of midfield.

United were boosted by the shock return from retirement of midfielder Paul Scholes, who took his place on the bench. Anders Lindegaard was preferred to David De Gea in goal, while Chris Smalling returned to the defence. Welbeck partnered Rooney in attack, with Javier Hernandez left on the bench and Dimitar Berbatov out of the squad entirely.

City started the match at great speed, forcing Sir Alex Ferguson’s side to weather an early storm in the Manchester rain, but as that pressure began to subside the hosts were hit by a stunning double blow.

Rooney has had a disappointing few weeks to say the least but he looked ominously sharp as he sprung a United counter-attack with the help of Ryan Giggs. Antonio Valencia, so often the Englishman’s partner in crime since his return from injury this season, found some space on the right and fired in a first-time cross that Rooney superbly converted from ten yards with his head.

If that was a setback for Mancini’s team, their hopes took a more devastating blow minutes later. Referee Chris Foy’s decision to show Kompany a red card for a challenge on Nani will ignite debate and divide opinions; the Belgian defender appeared to win the ball but flew into his tackle with two feet in a reckless enough manner to immediately draw the protestations of Rooney and the subsequent early bath.

To their credit, City responded strongly with ten men. Aguero was frequently at the centre of their attacking play and curled an effort at goal shortly after Kompany’s dismissal that Lindegaard did well to palm around his post.

They were undoubtedly held back by the numerical disadvantage, however, with Milner withdrawn to right-back and Micah Richards moved into the centre of defence. United, looking comfortable when their opponents did get on the ball, gradually began to assert more control.

Their lead was doubled when Evra, attacking Milner aggressively down the United left-hand side, was able to send a low cross into the City box after Nani’s run inside left him with room to manoeuvre. When that ball hit a leg and flew into the air, Welbeck was on hand to react quickest with a tremendous volley on the turn that sailed past Pantilimon.

United’s 6-1 loss to their Manchester – and now Premier League title – rivals at Old Trafford in October was apparently fresh in their minds, because Ferguson’s side were by no means content to see the game out with the security of a two-goal lead.

Welbeck had Richards and Kolarov for company when Giggs’ pass slipped him into the City penalty area and some neat footwork drew a clear foul from the latter. Foy had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and, after his penalty was well-saved by the unfortunate Pantilimon, Rooney reacted well to head home the rebound and extend his side’s lead.

Welbeck almost made it four moments later when he just failed to touch home a superb Valencia cross and by the break Mancini had seen enough to acknowledge the game was well out of his side’s reach. David Silva and Adam Johnson’s legs were rested as they were withdrawn at half time for Pablo Zabaleta and Stefan Savic. City reverted to a 5-2-2 formation with Zabaleta and Kolarov operating as wing-backs.

Great blue hope | Aguero second sparked hope of an unlikely comeback

Kolarov in fact almost immediately made up for the error that led to the United penalty by pulling a goal back shortly after the restart to offer the most optimistic of City fans a glimmer of hope. After Richards’ charging run forward was ended prematurely by Evra, the Serbian curled the resulting free-kick over the wall and beyond Lindegaard.

Not long after his goal, Kolarov again appeared to commit a foul in his own area which could have truly ended the tie. This time he impeded Valencia’s run but Foy was unmoved.

Ferguson was confident enough to introduce the returning Scholes on the hour mark, but one of his first touches was not the finest of his illustrious career. The 37-year-old weighted a simple pass from a throw-in incorrectly, allowing the tireless Milner to steal in. His cross found Aguero, who put City on the verge of a remarkable comeback by poking home the rebound after Lindegaard had saved his initial effort.

A reinvigorated Etihad Stadium might have thought the comeback was on but as the minutes ticked away the reality of City’s situation, with ten men, became more apparent. United began to retain the ball with increasing ease, with Scholes, unperturbed by his earlier error, dictating the play like he had never been away.

Kolarov, very much at the centre of this match, had time to send in a cross that Phil Jones appeared to block with his arm before firing in a free-kick in the dying moments that caused panic in the United box but Ferguson’s side did just enough to ensure they moved into the fourth round.

Source: goal.com

Chelsea 2 - 1 Man City

Frank Lampard's late penalty earned Chelsea victory and condemned leaders Manchester City to their first Premier League defeat of the season.

Lampard - once again excluded from Chelsea's starting line-up by manager Andre Villas-Boas - came off the bench to score the winner with seven minutes left after Joleon Lescott handled Daniel Sturridge's shot.

Mario Balotelli gave City a lead their early domination deserved but Chelsea forced their way back into contention through Raul Meireles's equaliser before half-time.

Roberto Mancini's side were reduced to 10 men early in the second half when Gael Clichy was sent off, leaving Chelsea to make the most of their numerical advantage and record a third win in succession to leave City with a two-point lead over neighbours Manchester United at the top of the table.
City will regret not putting the game out of reach in an imperious opening spell - but Chelsea demonstrated the resilience of old to survive that siege and emerge with a win that puts them only seven points off the Premier League summit.

Villas-Boas insisted Chelsea were showing signs of a revival after beating Newcastle United and Valencia following a torrid spell. This, however, was a serious examination of their recovery and they passed the test successfully.

And Lampard, pushed to the margins in the last two games, proved his character to step up under pressure in the closing minutes to convert that vital penalty. Villas-Boas revealed afterwards that Juan Mata had been the designated spot-kick taker, but after a brief discussion with the Spaniard Lampard took responsibility.

City's unbeaten league run came to an end after 15 games - now Mancini and his players must regroup ahead of Sunday's meeting with improving Arsenal at Etihad Stadium.

Chelsea made one enforced change, with Jose Bosingwa replacing the suspended David Luiz - while Balotelli was recalled to instant effect for City.

Sergio Aguero must take much of the credit with a turn that left John Terry trailing and a sublime pass with the outside of his right foot into the path of Balotelli. The young Italian may be turbulent elsewhere, but in the penalty area he is calmness personified, as he proved by dismissing the attentions of Branislav Ivanovic to round Petr Cech to score.

City were in command and should have doubled their lead after 14 minutes when Aguero brushed aside Bosingwa and wrong-footed Ashley Cole, only to drag his shot wastefully wide.

David Silva then appealed for a penalty when he fell under Bosingwa's challenge - but referee Mark Clattenburg waved play on while declining to punish the Spaniard for diving.

Chelsea, as much by force of will as any real superiority, dragged themselves into a game which had been completely in City's control and were rewarded with an equaliser 11 minutes before the break. Once again the goal owed almost as much to the creation as the finish, with the impressive Sturridge escaping from the toiling Clichy before crossing for the incoming Meireles to volley powerfully past City keeper Joe Hart.

Former Manchester City player Sturridge was one of Chelsea's leading lights on a stormy evening and he was only just off target with a rising drive a minute after the restart from Mata's free-kick.

City went down to 10 men just before the hour when Clichy, who had been booked early in the second half for fouling Sturridge, tripped Ramires to earn his second yellow card. It capped a miserable night for the defender, who had suffered in the face of Sturridge's pace and threat.

Chelsea, having been outplayed in the early stages, now sensed victory and Villas-Boas introduced Lampard with 17 minutes left in an attempt to make their numbers count.

Mancini appeared to have settled for a point by removing Aguero for Kolo Toure and sending on Nigel de Jong for Silva - but Chelsea were not to be denied.

And Lampard it was who put Chelsea in front with seven minutes left. There were few complaints from City after Sturridge's shot hit the raised hand of Lescott - leaving Lampard to drill the penalty straight down the middle before celebrating with the supporters behind the goal in the Matthew Harding Stand.

Source: bbc mobile

Both Manchesters eliminated from the Champions League

Three-time European champion Manchester United was eliminated from the Champions League on Wednesday When It dissolves 2-1 at FC Basel.

Its local rival Manchester City joined on the sidelines despite beating Bayern Munich.

United needed to avoid defeat in Switzerland to secure a 15th-round knockout Champions League appearance in 16 seasons. It now drops Into the Champions League, facing the likes of Legia Warsaw and Metalist Kharkiv, while Basel Advances.

"It's incredible," Basle goalkeeper Yann Sommer said. "A Swiss team, a little country, against Manchester United, one of the biggest teams in the world - it's crazy."

City, the English Premier League leader, Also Heads Into the second-tier tournament despite a 2-0 win over Bayern Already qualified. Napoli's 2-0 win at Villarreal firing the Italian side through INSTEAD.

Lyon won 7-1 at Dinamo Zagreb to complete a remarkable turnaround and Qualify ahead of Ajax, All which lost 3-0 to Real Madrid. CSKA Moscow won 2-1 at Inter Milan to take the final spot and complete the 16-team lineup for the next round.

After losing three of the last four Champions League finals, United was expected to join Chelsea and Arsenal in the next round after the London club Progressed Tuesday. But with United defender Chris Lockhart Ling lying dazed from a collision with teammate Nemanja Vidic, Basel captain Marco Streller put His team ahead with a ninth-minute shot fits goalkeeper David de Gea.

"Manchester are a good team, they're had a lot of pressure and Sometimes we were lucky not to concede a bit, and this is a crazy night," Sommer said. "We are through and Manchester are out - it's great."

Things got worse for United in the 43rd When captain Vidic was Carried off on a stretcher after twisting knee while making a right His challenge. And despite almost constant pressure from United, Basel doubled its lead When Alex Frei scored in the 84th.

United's Phil Jones got a late goal and his team twice hit the crossbar.

"It feels like a dream," said United defender Patrice Evra. "I feel I will wake up tomorrow and we feel like have qualified. But it's not a dream it is the reality. We Should Have Woken Up EARLIER in this competition. We deserve to be out.

"Even if it is a friendly, when i pull on (a) United shirt I do my best to win That trophy. But it's embarrassing to be in the Europa League. I play for Manchester United to play in the Champions League but some players dream of playing for United in any competition and you have to respect that. "

Benfica topped Group C with 12 points after a 1-0 win over Otelul Galati. Basel finished with 11 points and United had two Further back.

City needed to beat Bayern to have any chance or ProLong its first season in the Champions League and did so with ease, scoring a goal in Each half, by David Silva and Yaya Toure.

But Gokhan enrolling and Marek Hamsik scored second-half goals to secure Napoli's place as the Group A runner-up to four-time European champion Bayern.

Napoli struggled to find a way through the Villarreal defense before enrolling Launched a 25-yard drive That left goalkeeper Diego Lopez in the 65th minute motionless. Hamsik added a second goal 11 minutes later with a close-range finish.

Napoli finished with 11 points to Bayern's 13. City had 10, while Villarreal Became the first Spanish club to poke six straight defeats group stage.

"We're very sorry for our fans and I'm sorry for our players," City manager Roberto Mancini said. "I think we need to Improve as a team Because we got a tough group this year."

Lyon started its match at Dinamo Zagreb three points behind Ajax and Needing a seven-goal swing to turn on the Dutch club's advantage on goal difference.

Real Madrid, All which was Already assured of the top spot in Group D, Helped out by Completing this season's only perfect first-round record. But Lyon did much of the hard work Itself With The rout of 10-man Dynamo.

Things Looked bad for Lyons When Dinamo Zagreb overcame the 28th-minute sending off or Jerko Leko for a second yellow card, putting the home side Mateo Kovacic ahead five minutes before halftime.

But Bafetimbi Gomis equalized just before halftime and scored another three goals after the break, with Maxime Gonalons, Lisandro and Jimmy Briand adding the others.

Jose Callejon scored twice and Gonzalo Higuain once to give Madrid the win at Ajax, All which had two goals DISALLOWED, leaving Lyon tied in points with the Dutch side but ahead on goal difference.

A late winner from Vasily Berezutsk earned victory at CSKA Moscow and Inter a place along side the home team in the last 16.

Chelsea, Marseille and Zenit St Petersburg clinched Their places on Tuesday, joining Bayer Leverkusen Already qualified, Arsenal, APOEL, defending champion AC Milan and Barcelona.

The draw for the last 16 Will be held on December 16, with the matches being Played in February and March.

Source: ESPN Soccer

Premier League 03 december

Aston Villa 0-1 Manchester United

 Phil Jones' first career goal gets Red Devils back on track after League Cup exit

The England starlet registered the only strike of a game dominated by Sir Alex Ferguson's visitors but had Javier Hernandez stretchered off within the first 10 minutes

Manchester United got back on track as Phil Jones scored the first goal of his young career to secure a 1-0 victory away against Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Not everything went the Red Devils' way in a muted match, however, with striker Javier Hernandez being forced off on a stretcher within the opening 10 minutes having appeared to injure his ankle.

Jones' strike came after 20 minutes, an impressive finish at the end of an athletic run into the box, where he met Nani's left-sided cross.

Sir Alex Ferguson had opted for Anders Lindegaard in goal ahead of the benched David de Gea, while Wayne Rooney lined up just behind Chicharito in attack as the visitors looked to bounce back from their midweek League Cup disappointment. 

Captain Stilyan Petrov returned to the substitutes' bench for Alex McLeish’s home side, with Charles N’Zogbia left out after reportedly 'breaking a club rule'.

An early blow came for United when Hernandez went down in the box having appeared to twist his ankle nastily, immediately signalling to be withdrawn, with Antonio Valencia replacing him in a tactical reshuffle which saw Young move into a central role behind Rooney.

The visitors dominated the opening 20 minutes without finding much quality in the final third, but eventually Villa lost sight of Patrice Evra in the space in front of the back four. With all the time in the world, the Frenchman slipped Nani through down the left, who delivered a clipped cross towards Jones, who made a run into the box and struck right-footed to impressively score the first goal of his senior career.

Nani might have made it two a minute later, but the Portuguese offered a very tame header having been teed up by Valencia on the right, and Shay Given had no trouble holding it.

In a rare opportunity inside the away half, Gabriel Agbonlahor showed some threat cutting in from the left flank and jabbing a smart pass into Barry Bannan, but the Scot’s first touch saw him carry it too far wide and the chance petered out.

McLeish then reacted in apoplectic manner after the Villa defenders stood off Valencia, allowing the Ecuadorean space to hammer a 25-yard effort just over the crossbar.

More bad news for the Scottish manager arrived moments later when Given, having rushed out to scramble a clearance, was forced off with an apparent hamstring problem, necessitating the introduction of Brad Guzan for only his second Premier League appearance.

After eight minutes of injury-prompted stoppage-time were played out, United went into half-time in unchallenged control.

Bad day at the office | Given's injury summed up a disappointing evening for Villa

Ten minutes into a sedate second half, Stephen Warnock shut down a potentially-dangerous United move when he expertly slid in to rob Rooney on the edge of the area.

There followed yet another sudden injury when Jermaine Jenas, only making his first start for Villa since arriving from Tottenham in the summer, appeared to trip over something in the pitch and was also stretchered off.

His replacement, Emile Heskey, seemed to give the hosts another option going forward, being targeted immediately from a corner. The ex-England striker was found at the far post after Richard Dunne flicked a header on but he nodded high to waste a decent chance.

Young responded for the visitors by cutting inside from the left wing and slicing a long-range effort low and just wide of Guzan’s near post.

With 15 minutes remaining, Villa finally forced Lindegaard to make a save, with James Collins heading powerfully towards the top corner from a corner only to be denied by the leaping Dane. 

Late substitute Danny Welbeck nearly lit up the turgid second half as he beat three home defenders in a skilful, weaving run into the penalty area. Unfortunately for the Manchester United striker, though, he could not quite skip past the final man at the post and lost the ball.

Rooney then had a chance to finish the game as he careered forward on the break and bore down on the Villa area, but he opted to pass into the path of Welbeck, who put the ball in the net but was comfortably offside.

Manchester City 5-1 Norwich

Aguero & Nasri set up stunning rout as Premier League leaders extend 100 per cent home record

Roberto Mancini's side edge further clear at the top of the table thanks to a resounding win over the Canaries at the Etihad stadium

Roberto Mancini's side were dominant from the off, with Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli and Samir Nasri among the scorers, and move seven points clear for the time being, with rivals Manchester United featuring at Aston Villa later on Saturday.

Mancini decided to line up with  Aguero and Edin Dzeko up front, while Balotelli started from the bench after serving a suspension in midweek.

Steve Morison was playing in an isolated lone role up front for Norwich but still managed to cause Kolo Toure problems on a rare Premier League for the Ivorian.

First Toure dithered with a bouncing ball and Morison latched onto it, hitting an effort from 40 yards which sent Joe Hart scrambling to his right, before a mix-up between both City centre-backs saw Morison through on Joe Hart's goal, but a heavy touch from the striker let England's No. 1 shut off the opportunity.

The game then swiftly became one-way action with City trying to pick holes in Norwich's side as they kept 10 men behind the ball at all times, the creative trio of Aguero, David Silva and Nasri sharing the creative duties.

Dzeko had an effort blocked and the afternoon was threatening to become a frustrating one for City until they finally found a way through the wall of yellow shirts.

Nasri played the effervescent Micah Richards in down the right channel who played the ball into the box to Aguero and, when faced with five Norwich players, turned into space and toe-poked the ball through the crowd and into the Norwich goal.

City were not happy to sit back on their goal; Toure powered through midfield and played Nasri in down the right who again found Aguero at the back post but the Argentine fired his effort over and could have easily had a first-half hat-trick.

Norwich managed to hold out until half-time and had a great chance to equalise in the second minute of the second half, when Kompany missed his header and Elliot Bennett found himself through on goal.

The former Brighton winger rounded Joe Hart but the angle became too narrow and Bennett could only fire wide.

City then extended their lead minutes later. A free-kick was played in by Nasri, and the ball ending up in the back of the net after evading Norwich defenders and City attackers.

The home side were now fully into their attacking groove, Silva jinked into the box and hit a rasping effort towards John Ruddy's near post which was saved but fell to Aguero following up but he was denied brilliantly by the custodian.

A change was needed for Norwich and Paul Lambert decided to take the game to the hosts, bringing on Grant Holt and Wes Hoolahan for Anthony Pilkington and Elliott Bennett, forcing a change of formation and perhaps style.

The change failed to have the desired effect however as another City short corner was worked by Aguero and Nasri into Yaya Toure, who curled a sumptuous shot into the corner from 15 yards.

Mancini wasn't looking happy with just three, sending on Adam Johnson for Samir Nasri and one of the loudest cheers of the afternoon greeted Mario Balotelli as he replaced Aguero.

Norwich were still working hard however and were finally rewarded for their efforts, Surman's drifted cross was met by Morison, the Welshman powering a bullet header past Joe Hart.

City regained their three goal cushion through substitute Balotelli, played in by Johnson the Italian's initial shot was blocked into the air and as it fell the enigmatic forward hit the ball into the net with his shoulder.

And the Citizens extended their lead further in injury time, Vincent Kompany picking the ball up and finding Adam Johnson who slotted home from the right hand corner of the box.

Wigan 0-4 Arsenal 

Robin van Persie caps impressive victory as Gunners get back to winning ways

Arsene Wenger's side return to winning ways and extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to seven matches with a comfortable victory over the lacklustre Latics away.

Arsenal returned to winning ways and extended their unbeaten run in the league to seven games as they beat Wigan 4-0 at the DW Stadium.

First half goals from Mikel Arteta and Thomas Vermaelen put the Gunners in control of the game and from then they never looked like losing as Wigan struggled to get back into the game. The visitors controlled the majority of the match and extended their lead further through Gervinho on the hour mark and Robin Van Persie with 11 minutes remaining to seal all three points.

Arsene Wenger made two changes to the side who were held by Fulham, Laurent Koscielny and Gervinho recalled in place of Johan Djourou and Andrey Arshavin. Youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s performance against Manchester City in the Carling Cup earned him a place on the subs bench.

Both sides started the game confidently with some neat passing but the first chance of the game fell to the home side in the sixth minute. Conor Sammon controlled a long ball from Steve Gohouri, before finding David Jones on the left and he delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area. 

Wojciech Szczesny could only palm the ball into the path of Jordi Gomez; the Spaniard looked certain to score from 10 yards with an open goal in front of him but his effort deflected off Andre Santos for a corner.

The game had been fairly even for the opening 25 minutes but the deadlock was finally broken as Arteta fired a long range shot past Ali Al Habsi. Vermaelen broke out of defence before finding the Spaniard inside the Wigan half, Diame failed to close down the midfielder quickly enough and Arteta lashed the ball into the net from 25 yards.

Minutes later the Gunners delivered another blow to Wigan as they doubled the lead through Vermaelen. The visitors were awarded a corner on the right wing, Van Persie fired the ball in and Vermaelen rose above Caldwell and Sammon to head home at the back post.

Having conceded two goals so quickly Wigan were shell shocked and Arsenal very nearly extended their lead in the 34th minute through Van Persie. Gervinho set off on a mazy run down the left wing, he then found Van Persie on the edge of the penalty area but the Dutchman’s left foot shot was saved by Al Habsi diving to his left. 

In the second half, Wigan broke on the counterattack through Ronnie Stam,  playing in Victor Moses, who managed to wriggle free in the area but his cross was too powerful for Sammon to get on the end of and the chance was gone.

On the hour Arsenal extended their lead through the busy Gervinho. Van Persie broke into the penalty area on the left hand side, escaped two defenders but his right foot shot was well saved by Al Habsi. However, the keeper could only palm the ball into the path of Gervinho and he fired the ball into the empty net.

With the game drifting towards its conclusion Arsenal added a fourth goal with 11 minutes remaining through Van Persie. Walcott beat Caldwell to a through ball before rolling the ball back to the Dutchman who made no mistake from 12 yards and begin the mass exodus of Wigan fans.

Arsenal move to within two points of Chelsea in fourth as a result of the win, while Wigan drop to the foot of the Premier League table on goal difference.

Newcastle 0-3 Chelsea

Daniel Sturridge shines to give Andre Villas-Boas a vital victory

A superb display from young England forward guided the Blues to three points on Tyneside despite controversial David Luiz decision and Frank Lampard's missed penalty

Daniel Sturridge capped an influential display with a goal as his strike, plus efforts from Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou, helped Chelsea past Newcastle in an end-to-end encounter at the Sports Direct Arena.

Both sides had chances but Andre Villas-Boas will feel his side deserved the three points, with Frank Lampard missing a first half penalty and Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul repeatedly denying Daniel Sturridge.

The atmosphere in the Sports Direct Arena was ignited before four minutes of play had passed. Referee Mike Dean produced only a yellow card when Demba Ba was hauled down by David Luiz – the Senegalese striker appeared to be through on goal as he raced on to Lovenkrands’ pass. Alan Pardew was furious but Ryan Taylor could only put the resulting free-kick into the wall.

Dean will not have improved the home manager’s mood when, minutes later, he awarded Chelsea a penalty. The call was correct – Yohan Cabaye had tripped Daniel Sturridge to goalkeeper Tim Krul’s left – but the Magpies might have felt that some semblance of justice was done when Lampard’s penalty was superbly turned away by the Dutchman between the posts.

Sturridge nearly corrected that miss shortly afterwards, again finding space in the penalty area before shooting powerfully against the post.

Chelsea were nearly punished for their early profligacy when more good work from Lovenkrands saw the Danish winger cross for Ba, who’s flicked effort forced an excellent save from Petr Cech.

Unfortunately for Pardew’s side, Ba’s opposite number was to do one better. A quickly taken throw-in deep into Newcastle territory found Mata who clipped a cross to the edge of the six-yard box. Drogba showed that there is still life in him yet as he powered his header into the roof of the net beyond Krul.

It could have been worse if not for the excellent Krul, who got down quickly to deny Sturridge after the young forward had raced on to Lampard’s defence-splitting pass.

Shola Ameobi was introduced in place of Hatem Ben Arfa, who had been closely watched by Oriol Romeu, after the interval in a move that suggested Newcastle might lengthen their passing in order to exploit Luiz, who had struggled with Ba’s physicality.

Pardew’s half-time switch seemed to be working, as Newcastle looked to have more of a grip on the game, but they struggled to make their possession count and create the chances that might lead to an equaliser. John Terry in particular was colossal at the heart of the Chelsea defence and the Blues started to look more and more comfortable as the half wore on.

It was not to be the Magpies' day. Torres, introduced late from the bench, saw his shot blocked but was able to recycle the ball to fellow sub Kalou who sealed the three points.

The Blues deserved the three points but the margin of victory was undoubtedly harsh on Pardew's team. Sturridge added a third in injury time to rub salt in the Magpies' wound, and cap an excellent display from the England international who continues to shine.

Source: goal.com

Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona yesterday.

Swansea City 0 - 1 Manchester City.

Early Chicharito strike keeps Red Devils within five points of leaders City

The Mexican star struck early against the Premier League new boys to give Sir Alex's Ferguson's men the spoils in a hard-fought encounter

Manchester United moved back to within five points of Premier League leaders Manchester City after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.

Javier Hernandez's 11th minute strike gave the visitors all three points, with the Mexican slotting home after Ryan Giggs played him clean through after Angel Rangel’s defensive error.

Swansea started in brave fashion in front of their home fans, opting for a 4-3-3 formation against the reigning champions, who welcomed Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs back to the starting line-up.

But just over 10 minutes into the game, Rangel saw his slack pass intercepted at the edge of his own area, allowing Giggs, playing for the first time in his home nation, to surge into the box and square for Chicharito, who calmly lifted his effort into the net from close-range.

It was a tense 90 minutes in Wales, with both sides carving out a host of chances early on. Scott Sinclair was guilty of the worst miss of the match when he allowed a cut-back to slip through his legs with the goal gaping in front of him, as the hosts squandered a glorious chance to equalise.

Swansea, who were defending an unbeaten home record in the league this season, pressed hard for a share of the spoils in the second half, with Danny Graham in particular looking a big threat to David de Gea’s goal.

But United’s rearguard, which saw Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand partnered together once more, held firm against the pressure from the Swans, and the visitors saw a handful of chances to make the points secure go begging towards the end.

Wayne Rooney came close with two efforts in quick succession and Nani curled an effort just wide of the far post after a late, twisting run.

With only one minute left on the clock, Phil Jones saw a rasping drive rattle against the post after a counter-attack which had displayed a quality of football largely lacking for much of the game.

While a second goal may have made Ferguson’s time on the touchline a little more comfortable, in the end, the clash was settled by Hernandez's early strike, with the Mexican showing just how crucial his clinical finishing could be to United's title chances this season.

The win keeps the Red Devils on the tailcoats of fierce rivals City, who had cemented their place at the top of the pile with a 3-1 win over Newcastle United earlier on Saturday.

Source: goal.com

Real win thriller in Valencia

Real Madrid went back on top of La Liga with a thrilling 3-2 win at fellow title-chasers Valencia.

After Barcelona’s 4-0 win at home to Real Zaragoza briefly put the defending champions top on goal difference - and with Los Che knowing a win would put them a point behind the Liga leaders - Madrid almost played the perfect tactical game as goals from Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos put them 2-0 up.

Former Real striker Roberto Soldado pulled one back for the hosts soon after Ramos’s goal, but that was swiftly followed by yet another strike from Cristiano Ronaldo - his 14th in La Liga this season - after Valencia keeper Diego Alves went walkabout.

But the night was not done as Soldado snatched a poacher’s second, setting up a grandstand finale that saw Real hold on - just, as Aritz Aduritz fired straight at Iker Casillas, while Soldado had another sublime finish ruled out for offside and hit the bar in the final seconds.

The victory puts Madrid three points clear of Barca, with Valencia in third four points behind Jose Mourinho’s side.

Both sides set out a relatively defensive stall, with Valencia operating with lone ex-Madrid striker Roberto Soldado and the visitors throwing in Lassana Diarra to congest the midfield as Cristiano Ronaldo played more as a winger.

Having been told by boss Unai Emery to “stay at home until Monday” if they were not convinced they could beat Real, Los Che started brilliantly, attacking with vigour but kick off as Tino Costa smacked an effort just wide.

In reality though Valencia had left most of their creative players on the bench, with Aduriz, Pablo Piatti and Jonas - who scored twice for Brazil against Egypt - strangely absent, as if somehow they lacked the hunger for victory even if they did boast the ability.

Real regrouped quickly enough and, with Sami Khedira elected as the attacking element of the three-man central midfield, they started to get forward with regularity as the Germany international half-volleyed wide after a Xabi Alonso free-kick created havoc in the box.

Karim Benzema, preferred to Gonzalo Higuain as the lone striker, drilled a low shot just wide after Ronaldo’s diving header was blocked, while Khedira miscontrolled after Alonso played him through again, Real now in charge of proceedings.

And they took a deserved lead on 20 minutes, thanks to quick thinking from Alonso, who lobbed a free-kick from halfway for Benzema to chase: the France striker, who has scored seven Liga goals all at home this season, broke his away duck with a delicate flick-volley combination that rasped past Diego Alves and in.

Two minutes later Real thought they had doubled the lead when Benzema lashed a ferocious finish into the roof of the net, but the ex-Stuttgart midfielder had strayed offside, while Ronaldo - sporting an early-90s style ‘step’ haircut - had a shot deflected by David Albelda off the post and wide.

Ronaldo, until then relatively quiet by his strutting standards, was finding more space and should have doubled his side’s lead after a deft through-ball from Benzema sent him scuttling clear: Alves was equal to his finish, spreading himself to keep out the attempted chip.

There were no changes from Valencia at half-time but they again started well, with Jeremy Mathieu driving a wicked low ball across the face of ball that somehow flew through the lunging Soldado.

That was about it for a good 20 minutes though as the match descended into a fit of histrionics, diving, shoving and gamesman-type attempts to get players sent off, with Jordi Alba the main culprit as he repeatedly tried to con the unflappable referee into showing Mesut Ozil a second yellow.

Valencia were the greater irritant in that respect, although six of the eight yellow cards were shown to Real players.

The match seemed to be drifting into ennui but, on 72 minutes, a Madrid corner saw Ramos rise imperiously to power a header in off the post to put his team 2-0 up.

It also sparked the hosts into life, with Emery bringing on Pablo Hernandez, who immediately raced through to force a superb save from Casillas - his first of the night. It was in vain though as Soldado drilled home the rebound, showing exceptional technique to meet the spinning ball first-time and guide it through a sea of players from a tight angle.

Within four minutes the two-goal lead had been restored, thanks in part to Alves’s rush of blood but also the brilliance of Ronaldo: the Brazil keeper raced out to clear a loose ball, losing out to Ronaldo who controlled an dragged in the finish from a tight angle.

But Valencia came back again and Soldado again put in a masterful finish, flicking the ball across Casillas and in after a clever low ball from Pablo.

It was 3-2 with seven minutes left and Los Che threw everything at Real to find a leveller, Soldado having one disallowed for offside - a shame for the purist as it was a wonderful first-time finish - and Aduriz firing straight at Casillas with Mathieu begging for the pass.

It was kitchen sink time and the real drama came in the fifth minute of stoppage time as Tino’s corner was rattled against the bar by Soldado, with Ronaldo blocking the rebound on the line with his chest.

Convinced it was a handball, Valencia surrounded the referee both then and seconds later at the final whistle, but it appeared to strike the former World Player of the Year on the chest and Madrid clung on for a superb victory.

Source: eurosport.com

Barcelona's Gerard Pique after 4-0 win over Real Zaragoza: We must continue picking up three points each week

The champions' stopper has emphasised the importance of maintaining their winning run, to give themselves the best chance of catching up with Real Madrid at the summit of La Liga

Following Barcelona's 4-0 victory over Real Zaragoza on Saturday, defender Gerard Piquesays it is imperative that his side carry on picking up points to keep up the pressure on Primera Division rivals Real Madrid.

The former Manchester United man scored the opening goal in what proved to be a convincing win for the Blaugrana, and he wants to see their ruthless streak sustained for the rest of the season.

"There are the games where the ball can be taken advantage of, especially when we have rivals closeby," Pique said after the match according to AS. "Today we have begun pressuring more and we have created more chances."

Pique then proceeded to discuss their forthcoming fixtures, which sees them travel to AC Milan in the Champions League, and Real Madrid in the first El Clasico of the season in the league, but is confident that they can come through unscathed.

"It is a complicated month, with many important games in the league such as against Real Madrid, and we want to stay top of our Champions League group," he continued. "But we have the quality to overcome it."

However, when quizzed on what he felt would be the outcome of Jose Mourinho's side's clash with Valencia, the 24-year-old preferred to put the onus back onto his team.

"We have to focus on ourselves and keep on adding three [points] out of three, because there will come a time when every game is like a final."

Barcelona temporarily go top of La Liga, but await Real's result with Valencia.

Source: goal.com