Why I don't blame Michael Owen for ignoring Newcastle

Not exactly the most welcoming of faces in the world (picture on the left). That is the face Michael Owen would be welcomed by if he somehow idiotically decided to join one of England's worst clubs which seems set for a dodgy relegation battle this season. So, if you were to ask a 25 year old earning big bucks and playing at a club that lets you soak in the Spanish sun 75 percent of the year to change all that to join a damp rainy city of Newcastle and every footballer's managerial nightmare (Souness), the response would normally be immediate and assured.

Thus, the silence and denial of Owen's Representatives from a confirmed £18 million pound approach from Newcastle is totally understandable. I for one could not understand why Owen would go to a club that is not in Europe, near the bottom of the Premiership, and has two of the most unpopular people in the club at the helm, Souey and Shepherd. The irony about the arguably comical situation at the Northeast club is that both Freddy Shepherd, and Graeme Souness, are in a catch 22. If Shepherd were to sack Souness after a run of 1 win in 13 premiership games (and a disastrous start to the season) the Newcastle Chairman would probably be ridiculed by the Toon faithful for appointing the high-tempered Scot in the first place.

On the other hand, if Shepherd allows Souness to continue his work (or lack thereof) at the club, then the Toon Army could be spreading their good will in the Coca Cola Championship. Souness has a similar simultaneous sort of dilemma. He could resign, but then he would face the barrage of the press and fans that he was at fault for Newcastle's decline, and he would leave a colorful career with a dampened reputation. However, if he stays at Newcastle and the downward spiral continues, he will face the utter embarrassment of taking a club that had qualified for the Uefa Cup in the 2004-2005 season, into a relegation dogfight - and the sack would surly follow.

If you add all those worrying facts into the melting pot, a dangerous mix follows. A mix that a striker of Michael Owen's caliber is not worhty of. I am positive that the England striker would rather spend the majority of the season on the bench with Madrid, as apposed to starting every game at a club that is in real limbo as to whether they stay in the top flight or not. Furthermore, Newcastle's lack of width after the sales of Laurent Robert and Craig Bellamy (both after fall outs with Newcastle's under-fire manager) would not help Owen in search of goals. Although Owen is a great player, every striker needs ammunition, and I do not see enough creative quality at Newcastle for Owen to get a decent goals tally.

Some more food for though for Owen would be Souness' man managing skills. The Scot seems to have a worrying nack of following out with a football club's best players, Bellamy, Robert, David Dunn and Dwight Yorke are to name a few of who Souness has shown the boot because of bad relations. Michael Owen probably does not want to go through a similar sort of turmoil - he is a decent player - and Souness has an ugly habit of getting rid of good players.

Also, Liverpool seem set to begin negotiations over a possible return for their prodigal son. Liverpool Chief Executive gave a big hint to the Sun yesterday by saying he would "keep his fingers crossed" over a possible move. Also, Liverpool seem set to sell Cisse to make way for Owen, the Frenchman joined the club for a record £14 million pound from Auxerre in 2004.

Who's your Daddy Michael? Would you prefer the sunshine of Madrid, coupled with the security of fellow England captain David Beckham. Or would you rather make a swansong fairy-tale return your boy-hood club where the fans worship you. Or finally, would you like to join every decent player's nightmare, a know-it-all all action manager who seems to become more unpopular with every on the pitch and off the pitch failure.

Euro Masters on collision course

The Champions League draw was just announced and inevitably Liverpool and Chelsea (who met in an epic and controversial semi final last year) will meet each other again in this seasons first group stage. It is understandably a draw that neither side will have wanted. Sure, Mourinho will want instant revenge against the reining European Champions, but he would have preferred to have done this in this seasons Premier League fixtures - where Chelsea finished more than 30 points above Liverpool last season.

Furthermore, Mourinho has made a complaint about how Chelsea have to play away from home after the Champions League fixtures, he made this jibe against Arsenal who have David Dein as a key Representative at the FA. Arsenal play at home after virtually every Champions League fixture this season.

Speaking of Arsenal, they have been drawn in a relatively easy group along with Ajax, Sparta Prague, and Thun - an unknown Swiss outfit. I do not anticipate any problems whatsoever for Arsene Wenger's men, and they will be buoyant after beating Ajax 1-0 in the Amsterdam tournament in pre-season.

Manchester United have a slightly more challenging prospect in their group, they must face Everton's conquerors Villarreal. Lille and Benifica should represent no problems whatsoever for Ferguson's team, who usually stroll through the group stages with utter ease.

Rangers undoubtedly have the most challenging task as they have to face FC Porto (who won the competition in 2004) and Inter Milan (semi finalists in 2003). They also face Artmedia Bratislava, a Slovakian team, who will surly be the whipping boys of that group. Rangers will have to look to pick up maximum points against them to maintain any Hope of qualification to the knockout stage, and hope to pick up as many points at home against the other more challenging teams in the group.

(Full draw, British teams in bold)

GROUP A
Bayern Munich Juventus Club Brugge Rapid Vienna

GROUP B ARSENAL Ajax Sparta Prague Thun

GROUP C Barcelona Panathinaikos Werder Bremen Udinese

GROUP D MAN UTD Villarreal Lille Benfica

GROUP E AC Milan PSV Eindhoven Schalke Fenerbahce

GROUP F Real Madrid Lyon Olympiakos Rosenborg

GROUP G LIVERPOOL CHELSEA Anderlecht Real Betis

GROUP H Inter Milan Porto RANGERS Artmedia Bratislava

Wenger's Gunners fire blanks

I was a disgruntled Arsenal fan watching his team lose to Chelsea on Sunday. Arsenal's first loss at Stamford Bridge for 10 years had a certain inevitability about it when Drogba, the first of a £72 million pound bonanza of substitutions who was introduced at halftime (which included new 26 million pound man Mikel Essien), scored in the 72nd minute. In truth, Chelsea are a wee bit stronger than Arsenal.

It does hurt admitting that, but Chelsea have invested deeply in the past, and not been successful. In-fact, had Roman Abramovich not brought his Russian billions to the London outfit, they could have possibly been facing administration, they were in debt up to their eye-balls - the dream of lifting the premiership trophy looked more realistic in 2055, 100 years after their first league crown, rather than the 50 year exile which was ended so emphatically by Mourinho at Bolton in 2005.

How times have changed. Now Chelsea's players are seething with frustration at 2 semi final appearances in the Champions League in as many seasons, and are aiming to emulate Arsenal as the best ever Premiership side by going an entire season unbeaten. Sunday's game was proof of that, Arsenal's invincibility against their London rivals was extinguished with a less than convincing victory which saw Mourinho keep his calm and Wenger vent his anger.

For the long term, the consequences of the result are unknown. Arsenal have bounced back in the past from serious disappointments, in 2003 they surrendered the league to Man United, but then responded with an unbeaten season. One must not forget about what happened last season when Arsenal lost to their biggest rivals (Man Utd), they collapsed, and only took 5 points from their next 6 games, which probably cost them a shot at the title last season. If the latter is true this season, (if History repeats itself again) then the Gunners can forget the title.

Despite the horrific statistics against Arsene's players, Wenger still professes that the only thing that his team is not doing is failing to realize their potential. If this is true, then are Arsenal's players waiting to prosper like a bunch of All star chickens at a farm that are not hatching eggs? Forgive the analogy, but if Wenger continues to stress that breeding players of youth is all that he is interested in, then what will happen to the groomed professionals like Henry, Ljungberg, Pires, and Sol Campbell? Will they get a bit fed up of people reminding them that they are in their late 20's, as apposed to their late teens? Will they begin to question the club's ambition? Will they follow Patrick Vieira out of the Arsenal trap door for forgotten stars who are frustrated with the clubs lack of growth and consistency in success.

These questions that infuriate Arsenal's bewildered looking manager will continue as long as the quest for perfection goes on at Highbury. Yes, Wenger was talking up a perfect game ahead of the Chelsea clash, a perfect game that consisted of "4 chances", and an absent minded Swiss defender, and finally a cruel deflection that should have never happened because it is a sin to give your opponent the opportunity to have luck. Yes, I am confused too, some perfect game.

We will all have to wait and see how they respond against Fulham on Wednesday night, but Arsenal will have a monkey on their shoulder after the lethargic performance against Chelsea, in seasons gone by, that has ultimately been their downfall. Let's hope that this season's traditional lethal injection has come too early to cause the deterioration which has previously ended Arsenal's chances of contending for the League crown.

499.... and counting. Wenger nears an historic milestone

I was listening to the radio the other night, and I heard that Arsenal's titanic clash with Chelsea on Sunday will be Arsene Wenger's 500th match in charge at Arsenal. I was immediately astonished and bewildered that the Japanese speaking Frenchman had been around that long!

If every picture tells a story, it is perhaps fitting that the picture on the left hand side has nearly 500 wrinkles to match the predictable stress and strain that would naturally accompany 500 games in charage. There are therefore some questions to be answered after his unprecedented reign at the Gunners. How far has he taken Arsenal? When/where, if ever, did he go wrong? And finally, what does the future hold for the modern version of Arsenal in a new blockbuster 60,000 seater stadium?

Without question, no human being can argue that Wenger has transformed Arsenal into a neo-futuristic modern club brimming with over sea's talent. Wenger had work to do when he arrived at Arsenal all those years ago in 1996. He has a defence that was only just beginning to age, a superstar striker in the form of Ian Wright, and one of England greatest disappointments Paul Merson in midfield. Wenger clearly did not feel that the English contingent at Highbury was the way to go, although he did not eradicate the spine of Bruce Rioch's Arsenal immediately, instead he slowly bedded in a new team with an international flair. Throughout the mid to late 90's, Wenger brought in unknown superstars such as Patrick Vieira, Marc Overmars, Nicolas Anelka, and Emaneul Petit. Wenger stuck with England's infamous old guard, which only conceded 17 goals in the 98-99 season and truly that is year that certain back four of Seaman, Adams, Keown and Dixon and Winterburn reached their peak. During that spell, Arsene worked his magic and Arsenal won the League and Cup double in 97/98, wrestling the power away from Old Trafford to infuriate a seemingly impregnable Alex Ferguson and his gutsy Man Utd side. One of Arsenal's best ever performances came in the 1-0 win at Old Trafford in 98 when Overmars struck to swing the pendulum in Arsenal's direction, helping them clinch the title later that year with a virtuoso 4-0 demolition of Everton in which Tony Adams struck his picture book left foot volley to round off the scoring.

Although Utd went on to dominate the late 90's and early 2000's, Wenger was not quite done polishing his Arsenal side. I for one believe the sale of Anelka set Arsenal back slightly in their quest for Silverware, but in 1999 an unknown Thierry Henry arrived from Juventus. It had been Wenger's plan and dream to partner the two Frenchmen, but that plan failed when Anelka left for a whopping 20 million pounds to Real Madrid in 1999. Had Wenger partnered the two, only the football gods themselves may know where Arsenal could have gone (Henry is 27, and Anelka is still only 26).

But during the 99-2001 period, Arsenal fans endured some horrific results and performances (and worst of all, no real silverware) from an Arsenal team undergoing a significant transformation. One such result was the disappointment at Bradford City in 2000 when they lost 2-1 to the Bantams. I remember listening the five live in the car and I was totally ashamed. Another Arsenal performance to toss in the "I don't remember that" category was Arsenal's 4-0 whopping at Liverpool in the same year. But none of those annihilation's come close to matching the look on Wenger's pale shell shocked visage after the 6-1 mauling at Old Trafford. In that particular fixture, Arsenal had beaten Man Utd at home earlier in the campaign, but Dwight Yorke ran a merry dance around Arsenal's excuse for a defence that day and completed an easy Hat-trick. And to round of Arsenal's most heart-breaking season, in may 2001, Arsenal dominated a rejuvenated Liverpool side in the FA Cup final, but lost 2-1 to a late brace from Michael Owen. Ces't La Vie?

Obviously, there have been numerous European disappointments, everyone seems to have forgotten Wenger has taken Arsenal to a European final, where they narrowly lost to Galatasary 0-0 on penalties in 2000. Despite the obvious frustration in defeat, in that year, Arsenal finished the season with the most credit out of any English club after being the last one standing in Europe. But worse was to follow. Who can forget John Carew's vendetta against the Gunners, twice in two years he struck late on to dump Arsenal out of the competition in 2001 and 2003? But none of those setbacks on foreign soil came close to matching Arsenal's disappointment after the thrashing at Man Utd. It's hard to believe, but back then, Arsenal could not get consistent results away from home. That next summer, in 2001, Wenger took a big bite into the transfer market, spending over 25 million pounds on players like Jeffers, Van Bronckhorst, Campbell, Richard Wright, and Junichi Inamoto.The sudden influx of players brought in at Highbury that summer most probably sent a message to Arsenal's so called big performers that better performances are needed... or else. There was more competition for places. Furthermore, players like Adams, Dixon, and Winterburn were slowly beginning to be replaced by the likes of Laruen, Ashley Cole, and Sol Campbell respectively. Whatever the case, Arsenal wrestled the title away from Mancheser United, won the League and Cup double, and went unbeaten away from home in the Premiership. Ironically, they clinched the title at Old Trafford, winning 1-0 with a Sylvan Wiltord goal, the same ground where just one season ago everyone had said that Arsenal would never catch United in the new decade after being beaten 6-1! Incredible.

That is something Wenger did right, he corrected Arsenal's poor away form and matched it with their performances at home, it won them the title. And although more disappointments followed, both in Europe and in the domestic front (In 2003 when Arsenal surrendered a 5 point lead to Man utd) Arsenal went unbeaten in the 2003-2004 season in the Premiership, and were labeled the invincibles!

Having said that, I would definitely say that Arsenal have been a success under Wenger's helm. The only real blemish on Wenger's record has been trying to get Arsenal to seriously compete in Europe. I mentioned the loss to Galatasary in 2000, many people seem to have forgotten that successfull voyage by Wenger's men - in truth it was a game that could have gone either way- and perhaps the result justified Wenger's euro hell that has seen the club only make 2 quarter final appearances in the Champions League in his 9 years in charge come the end of this season. Naturally, Wenger has always hinted that Arsenal's inability to compete financially with the Euro super giants has been the contributing factor to their demise in the competition, but with a new 60,000 seater stadium on the way that can no longer be an excuse. It is time for Arsenal to get their act together in Europe.

On the financial side, it is interesting that Wenger has hinted that he prefers to sign so called nobodies and turn them into the best. People forget that Wenger has recouped enormous sums of money with the sales of Anelka, Overams/Petit, and Vieira. Those players came at a fraction of a cost and were sold for roughly a 65 million pound profit. Goes to show that a PHD in economics can go along way in the modern transfer market. Although that statistic is incredible, if you asked him privately, Arsenal's manager would bite Roman Abramovich's hand off for an "entree" of Chelsea's financial power and transfer budget.

I would simply say that the new stadium is a reward for Arsenal's recent success throughout the late 90's and early 2000's, and it is a stepping stone in establishing Arsenal with the Euro giants they deserve to be associated with. Their immediate future looks bright too, with youngsters like Fabregas, Flamini, and Van Persie coming through, and they will surly fill a section of the void left by their former captain Vieira. Can Arsenal beat Chelsea on Sunday? The last time the Gunners were approaching a feat of this magnitude was this time last season when they went to Old Trafford, nearing 50 league games unbeaten. On that occasion Arsenal were bowled out for 49, let us hope this time around Wenger sees this particular milestone as too personal not to accomplish, and satisfy Arsenal's needs with a victory to seal 500 games in charge in style.

An online article by the BBC, examing the differences between Cricket and Football

I was reading BBC sport online and I found a delightful article by Johnathon Stevenson which points out why football should take a back seat to the Cricket which currently has England on the edge of their seats at the moment.

What I loved about reading the article was the pathetic truth that football exhibits some of the ugliest scenes in sport, whilst on the other hand displaying the work of art that is an entertaining football game.

In Cricket on the other hand, such deliquent images as the one your eyes are probably staring at right now are rarley present. There are not the 22 men brawls when a player is fouled, the players do not dish out fowl lanague when a decision by a match official does not go their way - and most importantly there is a greater mutual respect between the opposition.

The reason this article strikes an emotional chord for me is because it brings to mind the vicious problems that exist in football. The main one being racism - football's ugliest face. We have seen it recently in Russia when Liverpool played there, we have seen it in Spain, when the Spanish national coach labelled Thierry Henry a "black sh*t", and we even got a taste of racism in the premiership when Dwight Yorke returned to Ewood Park, and received monkey chants from the Rovers faithful. Ridiculous behaviour.

There is not much to say about racism, besides it being the most disgusting piece of a global sport. Ironically, more ethnic minorities play football professionaly than caucasians, though such a poignant statement should not be needed to slap the high beams on a problem that cannot be stamped out of the "beautiful" game. The British media themselves were even exposed when Ron Atkinson's off air blast at Chelsea's Marcel Dessailly, apparently for "poor defending" in a Champions League game against Monaco, (a fuc*ing lazy ni**er) raised specific questions about the elevation of racism at the very top of the game. Pathetic once again, on football's part.

So when the FA are asking themselves why they are seeing empty seats at football grounds around the Premiership, consider this - there are some people in Britain who would rather spend a morally satisfying afternoon supporting their country defeat Austrailia, rather than spend 90 mins listening to racist yobs crying monkey chants to players of a different colour.

Where would you rather put your passion?

Premiership Review

Wow! What an opening weekend of Premiership football we were all treated to. I obviously would like to highlight Arsenal's tame performance against Newcastle, it was enough for a win after referee sent off Jermaine Jenas, but he has since downgraded that card to a yellow.

Personally, I hate when players get sent off, I think it ruins the pattern of the game, it is like taking a jigsaw piece out of a Rembrandt - sending someone off needlessly ruins the grand spectacle that is a Premiership football match. On a lighter note, Arsenal will need more killer instinct if they are to shoot down other teams more successfully this season; Newcastle's Magpies aren't exactly firing on all cylinders at the moment.

A good word for West Ham, who bounced back emphatically to the Premiership with a 3-1 win over Blackburn. Sherringham is 39 and will be 40 when the season ends, and he is still one of the best players on any football pitch he plays on. Is he a bad tackle away from collapsing on stage, or has he been watching too much Peter Pan in his twilight years? Whatever the case, I believe Sherringham could still do a job for England. With Scholes gone, there is no longer a creative link between the midfield and the strikers - that is what the golden English Lion does the best.

Man Utd eased past Everton 0-2. The atmosphere died in my opinion after Van Nistlerooy scored, Everton never recovered from going a goal down. That is going to be Everton's problem this season, the 4-1-4-1 formation is brilliant if you score first and then defend, but conceding first then rescuing the game makes life difficult because it is difficult for a side with limited resoucres like Everton to change mentality so quickly in a game. I do not think their success last season was a fluke, but replicating the trick this time around will be twice as hard due to other team's knowledge of their tactics, formation, and players.

And let's not forget Wigan. Watching them tame Chelsea's multi million pound greyhounds to a leash for 92 and a half minutes was pure entertainment for an Arsenal fan, but Crespo's killer strike at the death brought everyone in the JJB right back down to reality. That reality being that no matter how hard you pound any team in this league, no result is certain until the fat lady sings her final whistle. Wigan could hear that whistle in the distance on Saturday but Mourinho's men made sure there was still time for an encore of the Chelsea of last season - win it late away from home 0-1! I, like every other true footballer lover in the country, felt for Wigan, but as I have found out many times in football and in life, nice guys finish last. It was like watching a classic Shakespearean Tragedy.

Don't forget, Chelsea's rich boys play Wenger's "Vieiraless" Arsenal on Sunday, both have points to prove, and points to earn.


Opening Weekend Results


West Ham 3 Blackburn 1

Sunderland 1 Charlton 3

Portsmouth 0 Tottenham 2

Middlesbrough 0 Liverpool 0

Man City 0 West Brom 0

Fulham 0 Birmingham 0

Everton 0 Man Utd 2

Aston Villa 2 Bolton 2

Wigan 0 Chelsea 1

Atsenal 2 Newcastle 0

Prem Preview (Portsmouth vs Tottenham)

Portsmouth Boss Alain Perrin knows that this will be the time when people will be judging him, he did well to steer Pompey away from relegation last season, but now will be the time for Pompey to perform. New signings like Andy O'Brien, and Laurent Robert from Newcastle will add strength, depth and experience to the squad, and we will surely learn more about the style of football the Frenchman will want to adopt on the south coast.

Spurs enjoyed a transformation under Martin Jol, and Edgar Davids is a signing that certainly could not have been dreamed of when Tottenham were dangling near the relegation zone the season before last. Jol will want his team to gel, and there is talk of the Champions League at White Harte Lane. Pompey play very well at home, and Spurs do not travel well, expect Pompey to come out on top.

My Tip: Portsmouth 2 Tottenham 1 (Expect the Pompey chimes to be ringing on Saturday)

Prem Preview (Everton vs Man Utd)

Everton will have been left frustrated after a 2-1 defeat to Villarreal, and their bid to qualify for the Champions League may now be over.

Alex Ferguson has stressed that a good start is vital if they are to challenge for the title, "the bar has been raised". After summer mayhem at Old Trafford following the Glazor takeover, Utd will want to make sure there is nothing more for the fans to complain about and let their football do the talking against Everton.

My Tip: Everton 0 Man Utd 2 (Expect the Red Devils to start on fire with Fergie knowing a bad start could spell the end of him at United with new owners in town)

Prem Preview (Man City vs West Brom)

Man City Boss Stuart Pearce will be disappointed at losing their best player Shaun Wright Phillips to Chelsea, but ever since Pearce was installed to replace Keegan last year, he transformed City and but for Robbie Fowler's penalty miss against Middlesbrough, that would have been secured. The fans are unsure about Vassel and Cole, who have been brought in to bolster City's strike force.

West Brom performed the greatest of all escapes last season, and Bryan Robson will be hoping his new signings ensure they do not have to endure a final day scrap like they did last season. This is a difficult game to predict, but with more consistency installed in City since Pearce's arrival, a City opening day win should be firmly on the cards.

My Tip: Man City 2 West Brom 0 (Expect City to find their feet an impress their fans on opening day)

Prem Preview (Middlesbrough vs Liverpool)

Boro have one of the league's best strike force, having signed "the Yak" Yakubu from Portsmouth this summer. Securing European football on the last day of the season against Man City was also a big highlight.

Liverpool are under going a revolution under Benetiz, who has endeared himself to the anfield faithful after a 3-3 Champions League triumph over the fancied AC Milan. This is a fixture that Liverpool have struggled in recently, but expect the European Champions to be at their best after a series of impressive new signings including Peter Crouch from Southampton.

My Tip: Middlesbrough 1 Liverpool 2 (Boro don't usually lose at home, bu expect Rafa to have his troops fired up as he will be keen to close the massive gap last season between themselves and Chelsea)

Prem Preview (Wigan vs Chelsea)

Every neutral might start laughing when they look at this fixture. I remember telling my parents, and other friends that Wigan are in the Premiership - and nobody believed me! Nonetheless, I have been impressed with some of their signings, Henchoz could provide the stability at the back to keep them in the league, while up front Jason Roberts will need to do better than he did for West Brom the last time he played in the top flight if Wigan are to have a chance against the Champions.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are looking as solid as ever under Jose Mourinho. The only way I can see anything but an away victory is if Chelsea under-estimate the opposition, but even then, I still think Chelsea have enough in their locker to ease their way to victory. Although as an Arsenal fan, I would love to be wrong.

My Tip: Wigan 0 Chelsea 3 (A comfortable win for Chelsea against one of the relegation favourites)

Prem Preview (Sunderland vs Charlton)

Sunderland are one of the few teams I am going to criticize. I think they have signed too many new players (although their latest signing Andy Gray will be a positive addition), I think when teams do that, too early, the team becomes disrupted. I think the Black Cats have come a long way since the miserable Wilko days under Mick Mcarthy, but the BBC reports that Sunderland may field as many as 10 new signings on Saturday; I do not believe they have been given enough time to gel.

Charlton, on the other hand, are one of the Premierships surprise teams. You never know what you are going to get from them. They seem to peak in the middle of the season, but they just go downhill as the season comes to a close and it usually ends up costing them a European spot. I do not honestly know what to expect from this fixture, the Addicks have a host of injuries going into this game, and I am going to sit on the fence and call it a draw.

My Tip: Sunderland 0 Charlton 0 (This game could end up 4-4, but I believe that neither side will want to lose and 0-0 is a realistic prediction)

Prem Preview (West Ham vs Blackburn)

Ironically enough, I remember the last time these two sides played this corresponding fixture in the Premiership, and I am sure West Ham fans will too. The hammers won 2-1, it was their first home win of a miserable campaign which saw them relegated from the top flight in 2003.

That night, Defoe hit the winner for West Ham, but this time around Alan Pardew will be hoping for old boy Teddy Sheringham, and powerhouse forward Marlon Harewood to do the trick.

As for Rovers they have enjoyed a mini revolution since Mark Hughes joined them at the beginning of the last season. They enjoyed some good results away from home last season, including 0-0's at White Hart Lane and Old Trafford, and I expect more of the same here from Blackburn; grit and determination against a side who love to play "attractive" football.

My Tip : West Ham 1 Blackburn 1 (Expect the clash of two footballing styles, attacking vs defensive minded, to cancel each other out)

Prem Preview (Fulham vs Birmingham)

Fulham generally make a good start at home on the opening day of the season, so I am anticipating another home win here. Chris Coleman will also be delighted at managing to keep Boa Morte and Malbranque, both have been linked with bigger clubs this season but he has managed to fend off any interest.

The Blues will be buoyed by the return from injury of long term absentees David Dunn and Lazaridis, but they are not a team who travel very well. Steve Bruce, who has molded this Birmingham side into a potential European outfit from an average first division side, will want to improve on last season's mediocre 12th placed finish.

My Tip: Fulham 3 Birmingham 1 (Nothing less than a comfortable home win for Fulham at their old home Craven Cottage)

Prem Preview (Aston Villa vs Bolton)

I'm tipping Villa for this one. David O'Leary will be looking to build on last seasons 10th placed finish and get off to a good start at home Bolton.

The Wanderers are anything but a pushover, however, and they will be keen to get the new campaign off to a flier but I think that playing in Asia beforehand in pre-season will be a disadvantage.

My tip : Aston Villa 2 Bolton 1 (Expect O'Leary to have his Villa side eager for a good start)

Prem Preview (Arsenal vs Newcastle)

The Gunners will be hoping to get over last weeks disappointment with an opening day victory against last season's biggest under achievers Newcastle United.

Graeme Souness is under enormous pressure at Newcastle, his popularity with the fans is at an all time low and he is one of the favourites in the Managerial sack race. Also, the disappointment at not signing a new striker, and injuries and suspensions ruling out Ameobi and Chopra, Souness will be tempted to play a scarecrow up front along side Alan Shearer against Arsenal.

Wenger meanwhile has had equal disappointments in the transfer market this summer. Baptista seemed set for the Gunners before he opted to join Real Madrid instead. Despite this, and the frustration at losing against Rivals Chelsea in the Community Shield, Wenger will know his Gunners side go into this game as overwhelming favourite.

Arsenal (from): Lehmann, Almunia, Lauren, Hoyte, Cole, Clichy, Toure, Senderos, Cygan, Gilberto Silva, Fabregas, Flamini, Pires, Ljungberg, van Persie, Hleb, Bergkamp, Henry.

Newcastle (from): Given, Harper, Carr, Babayaro, Taylor, Elliott, Boumsong, Moore, Parker, Emre, Jenas, Bowyer, Faye, N'Zogbia, Shearer, Dyer, Milner.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger:

"Newcastle can be one of the dangerous teams this season.

"No-one expects them to be but they are a good side, especially in the middle of the park where they have made some good additions with Emre and Parker.

"They already had a very good midfield, so they're a very good side and a great performance will be needed to win."

Newcastle boss Graeme Souness:

"We are under no illusions that it will be a very hard game for us but if we can enjoy a bit of luck and perform we can win any game.

"We've had them watched and there's things we think we can exploit.


My tip: Arsenal 3 Newcastle 0 (Gunners way too strong for a Newcastle side struggling with a paper thin strike force)

(Team news/manager quotes provided by www.bbc.co.uk/football)

Reds Run Rampant in Russia

Liverpool took a giant step towards Champions League qualification with a 3-1 win in Russia against CSKA Sofia.

Steven Gerrard, who has been in outstanding pres-season form, gave another unbelievable performance, he set up Djibril Cisse for Liverpool's first, his low left footed shot squeezed in past Sofia's goalkeeper Evgheni Hramuc.

After which, a Gerrard free kick was headed powerfully into the net by Liverpool's Spanish striker Fernando Morientes.

Although being 2-0 down clearly deflated CSKA Sofia, they did pull a goal back when Dimitrov headed in at the far post to reduce the deficit. The goal sent the home crowd into raptures, who unfortunately were alleged to have delivered racial abuse to Liverpool's Djibril Cisse.

Liverpool ignored any abuse to seal a fine performance as Liverpool's captain once again surged forward to set up Morientes again for a close range finish.

Liverpool will no be firm favourites to qualify as the Russians will need to score at least 3 goals at Anfield to have any chance of progressing.

Liverpool Manager Rafael Benitez:

"The players concentrated and in the end it was a good result," he said after the third-round, first leg Champions League qualifier.

"They ran a lot and played good football but we have done a good job."

"It is important to score and if the strikers score more it will give them confidence."


CSKA Sofia: Hmaruc, Zabavnik, Matic, Todorov, Gueye, Silva, Gargorov, Hidiouad, Yanev (Petar Dimitrov 35), Velizar Dimitrov (Sakaliev 59), Zadi (Yordanov 80).Subs Not Used: Maksic, Ivanov, Matko, Yurukov.

Booked: Hidiouad.

Goals: Velizar Dimitrov 45.

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Hyypia, Carragher, Riise, Luis Garcia, Gerrard (Sissoko 70), Alonso (Hamann 64), Warnock, Morientes (Barragan 79), Cisse.Subs Not Used: Carson, Baros, Whitbread.

Booked: Luis Garcia, Warnock.

Goals: Cisse 25, Morientes 31, 58.

Att: 16,512

Ref: Jan Wegereef (Holland).

(All match reaction/team info supplied by www.bbc.co.uk/football)

European Round up

Man Utd 3-0 Debrecen


Manchester United were thankful for a virtuoso performance from their young 19 year old wondkerkid Wayne Rooney as they all but sealed qualification to the group stages of the Champions League.

Perhaps fittingly, it was the first competitive game the Glazer brothers had attended, and they will have been delighted with the seemingly inevitable £10 million bounty that will follow Champions League qualification.

An in-form Ruud Van Nistlerooy nearly put United ahead in the fourth minute, but his strike as correctly ruled out for offside.

Rooney made amends in the 7th minute after excellent link up play with Van Nistlerooy as the England striker tucked the ball in the corner past the opposition's goalkeeper, Csernyanszki, who could only watch the ball trickle into the corner of the net.

United's lead was nearly double when Ronaldo's intelligent footwork put him clear through on goal but Csernyanszki made an unbelievable stop when the sight of the balling hitting the back of the net seemed a formality.

United came out in the second half expecting much more of the same. Total domination, and most importantly, more goals. But the Old Trafford crowd was stunned into absolute silence when Halmosi brushed aside Gary Neville and fired a rasping drive past Edwin van der Sar, only for his goal to disallowed for a foul on the United defender in the build up. The decision looked extremely harsh when the replay was shown, and United will have been grateful to have not conceded an away goal.

Nonetheless, it was business as usual for Manchester United in the rest of the second half. Ruud Van Nitslerooy doubled their lead in the 49th minute after being put through exquisitely by Rooney, and Ronaldo added a third via good work from United's man of the match, Rooney, down the right wing.

The result leaves United in pole position to book their places in the Champions League, which starts in September, and the Glazor brothers will be delighted as they were treated to a classic Manchester United masterclass against inferior opposition. Repeating the act again on Saturday against Everton may be a bit more tricky, however.

Manchester United Boss Sir Alex Ferguson :

"Wayne got 17 last season which was a great return when you consider the time it took for the transfer to go through and the recovery from his injury.

"Hopefully there will be more from him now he has started right away.

"Ruud is our main source of goals and there are 30 extra goals there, we know that, and he is off to the start he would have hoped for.

"It was our first competitive game and I am pleased with the state of our fitness.

"Debrecen had played seven competitive games before this and we expected this to be a test.

"We acquitted ourselves very well - and the game will help us for the start of the league season."

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Silvestre, O'Shea, Fletcher, Scholes, Keane (Park 67), Ronaldo (Smith 67), van Nistelrooy (Rossi 82), Rooney.Subs Not Used: Howard, Heinze, Miller, Richardson.

Booked: Keane.

Goals: Rooney 7, van Nistelrooy 49, Ronaldo 63.

Debrecen: Csernyanszki, Nikolov, Eger, Mate, Szatmari, Dombi (Boor 85), Sandor, Vukmir, Halmosi, Kerekes (Ibrahima Sidibe 52), Bogdanovic (Kiss 60). Subs Not Used: Tomic, Madar,
Komlosi, Bernath.

Booked: Mate, Vukmir, Nikolov.

Att: 51,701.

Ref: Luis Medina Cantalejo (Spain).


Everton 1 Villarreal 2

A typical workmanlike display from Everton could not prevent them from slumping to a 2-1 home defeat to La Liga side Villarreal.

An angled shot from Luciano Figueroa, who was ironically rejected by Premiership side Birmingham this summer, put Villarreal in front against the run of play. Although James Beattie equalized, Josico's diving header put the visitors back in front, and Everton struggled to come to terms with the shock of scoring, then conceding just before half time.

Everton's fans were right behind their team from the word go and Goodison Park was a cauldron of noise, hysteria, and passion as the game kicked off.

The Merseysiders made a bright start, Kevin Kilbane delivered a terrific cross in from the left after good combination play with Pistone, but Beattie's effort was well saved.

Despite early dominance from Everton, Villarreal scored with their first attack of the match. An astute pass by Marcos Senna put Figueroa in on goal and he delivered an accurate finish which left Nigel Martyn in Everton's goal with no chance.

It was the classic European sucker punch which left Everton reeling, though they responded positively when Beattie struck. Phil Neville, starring in his first game for the Toffees, delivered a wicked cross in and Beattie reacted best to his own header to fire the ball past Villarreal keeper Mariano Barbosa and give Everton fresh hope.

However, whilst Everton were dreaming of Champion's League football, Villarreal repeated the act of scoring whilst the opposition team is on the ascendancy. Josico restored the Spanish side's lead with an accurate header from Sorin's cross. It was a real body blow to Everton as it came just before half time, totally against the run of play.

As Everton surged forward in the second half, they were nearly made to pay on the counter-attack as ex Man Utd player Diego Forlan sent a rasping drive into the side netting as Goodison Park held its breath.

The closest Everton came in the second half was when Marcus Bent went close after a tangle with the Villarreal keeper, though Barbosa eventually collected the ball after neatly denying the former Ipswich Town forward.

Although Everton through on the talismanic figure of Duncan Ferguson towards the latter stages of the game, the equalizer never came and they will be facing an uphill battle in Villarreal if they are to somehow resurrect Champions League football from a disappointing night at Goodison.

Everton Manager David Moyes :

"We could maybe have done better in the build up but you cannot fault the finishes."

"The second goal was a killer. If anything it looked like we might sneak one."

"They scored two here so we've got to believe we can score two in Spain. It's not beyond us.

"It will need a big effort, though. But I have seen the way games have gone in the past.

"Maybe we will get the rub of the green and the ball will bounce kindly for us."


Everton: Martyn, Hibbert, Yobo, Weir, Pistone (McFadden 80), Cahill, Arteta, Neville, Davies, Kilbane (Ferguson 62), Beattie (Bent 63).Subs Not Used: Wright, Kroldrup, Li Tie, Osman.

Booked: Hibbert.

Goals: Beattie 42.

Villarreal: Barbosa, Rodriguez, Quique Alvarez, Javi Venta, Arruabarrena, Riquelme, Josico, Senna, Sorin (Pena 89), Forlan (Guayre 85), Figueroa (Tacchinardi 65).Subs Not Used: Lopez Vallejo, Hector Font, Kromkamp, Valencia.

Booked: Forlan, Figueroa, Rodriguez, Riquelme.

Goals: Figueroa 27, Josico 45.

Att: 37,685

Ref: Tom Ovrebo (Norway).



Anorthosis Famagusta 1-2 Rangers



Scottish side Rangers took a giant leap towards qualification to the group stages with a 2-1 win over Cyprus' Anorthosis Famagusta.

The Gers were indebted to second half strikes from Novo, and Ricksen for the win, though Frousos pulled a goal back immediately for Famagusta.

Ranger's got off to the bright start, Novo tested goalkeeper Georgallides, who needed to be at full stretch to prevent the Spaniard from opening the scoring.

Ian Murray was teed up by Novo later on in the first half but he ballooned his shot well over the bar.

The home side did come back into the game, and virtually dominated play until Ricksen struck in the second half.

First Frousos got in behind the Rangers back line only for the ball to flick off his chest and trickle wide of the post.

Frousos was again at the heart of another Famausta attack as he clipped the post with a chip which was intended to beat the scrambling Wattereus. The Dutch goalkeeper was then called upon to save a free kick which look destined for the back of the net from Anorthosis player-coach Temuri Ketsbaia just before half time.

Rangers had defended like lions for the majority of the match, though Novo gave them a priceless lead on the 65th minute after he reacted quickest to the rebound of a saved overhead kick from Fernando Ricksen.

The latter doubled Rangers' lead in the 71st minute as he tucked th pall past the oncoming keeper after being put through by Croatian striker Dado Prso.

Despite the inevitable euphoria which followed Ricksen's goal, Famagusta wasted no time in getting back into the game when Frousos, the player who had been a constant threat to Rangers throughout the match, fired home from just outside the box.

Predictably, the home side pressed for an equalizer and it nearly came when Waterreus saved well with his feet to deny substitute Kampantais what seemed a certain goal.

Rangers will be delighted with the win, but know that the tie is not nearly over after having to weather the storm for the majority of the match against their plucky Greek opponents.

Rangers manager Alex McLeish :

"We really have given ourselves a great chance,"

"But we remain cautious. It was a good result, but Anorthosis Famagusta created chances here and can make chances at Ibrox.

"I was disappointed to lose a goal after going 2-0 up, but I'm happy and my midfield three were terrific."


Anorthosis Famagusta player-coach Temuri Ketsbaia:

"I think that we can compete with Rangers in the second leg."

"For me, a draw would have been a fairer result. We had the better chances even though they scored twice."


Anorthosis Famagusta: Georgallides, Poursaitides (Tsolakides 74), Haxhi, Louka, Xenidis, Maragos (Konstantinou 83), Frousos, Kinkladze, Ketsbaia, Tsitaishvili (Kampantais 70), Nicolaou. Subs Not Used: Kokkinos, Markou, Samaras, Parmakis.

Booked: Xenidis, Haxhi.

Goal: Frousos 72.

Rangers: Waterreus, Pierre-Fanfan, Andrews, Rodriguez, Ball, Ricksen, Ferguson, Murray, Buffel (Lovenkrands 58), Novo (Burke 79), Prso (Thompson 74). Subs Not Used: Klos, Malcolm, Alex Rae, McCormack.

Booked: Ball, Ricksen, Andrews.

Goals: Novo 64, Ricksen 71.

Att: 16,900

Ref: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium)

(All team info/match reaction provided by www.bbc.co.uk/football)

Figo... a world star who must not be forgotten

I remember being in the Black Forest on a school trip, getting ready to watch England take on Portugal in Euro 2000. I was only 13 at the time, and every English person in that room predicted a comfortable, easy win for England. Sure enough, England were two nil up and coasting, until Luis Figo unleashed a bolt from the blue, a titanic 35 yard strike which David Seaman could only watch as if it were a shooting star.

As the goal thundered into the net, it sparked the revival of a Portuguese comeback which saw them remarkably win the match 3-2. More importantly though, that tournament sealed the the start of a golden year for Figo, Portugal reached the semis, he was named European Footballer of the year, and sealed what was at the time a world record $56 million transfer from Barcelona to Real Madrid. It would be an understatement to say that 2000 was Figo's breakthrough year! To top it all off, Figo unleashed a rant that year at Zidane pipping him to World Player of the Year, claiming that people should not have just looked at Zizou's performances in Euro 2000, and looked at the year as a whole for a broader picture. In 2001, Figo was voted World Player of the year.

Now, five years on, Figo has been axed from Real Madrid after falling out with Real's coach Wanderley Luxemburgo. Figo was reportedly furious at constantly sitting on the bench for Real last season, and has been moved on unceremoniously to Inter Milan. Along with this, Figo could not resist the attempt to take a parting shot at his former coach, saying he would have preferred to say goodbye to the Madrid fans in a different way.

“I had hoped to leave Real in another way. I wanted to salute the fans, given that in five years they always treated me really well,” said the 32 year old Portuguese winger.

“My conscience is clear though. I always behaved in the manner of a serious professional and I know that the fans wish me well.

“At Madrid, I met a person who did not have faith in me but in sport and life that happens – you meet people who have more or less belief in you,” Figo added.

“I was disappointed with the man who was in charge of the team but it was a fantastic experience for me at Real and I wish them all the best.”

I for one am bitterly disappointed that Figo did not opt to spend the twilight of his career in the Premiership. He had been linked frequently with European Champion's Liverpool this summer, but the move seemed unlikely when Real demanded a fee for Figo.

Undoubtedly, at his peak, Figo was one of the best players to ever grace a football pitch. His mouthwatering performances at Euro 2000, in particular his display against Turkey in the quarter final, will live on in memory for years to come. And although his reputation has been questioned with some below par performances in Korea and Japan in 2002, and again in Euro 2004 (Despite Portugal reaching the final), he is a footballer that gave a new meaning to an attacking right sided midfielder, with his ability to cut inside and terrify the living daylight out of the opposition's defence. One of the last remaining of Portugal's so-called "Golden Generation" of players who won the world youth championship in 1989, Figo is a true footballing prodigy.

Becks wants to get "Real" with a new deal

David Beckham is willing to commit his long term future with Real Madrid. Beckham's current deal with the Spanish giants ends at the end of the 2006-2007 season, which means that in early 2007 he could begin negotiations with another club about a move elsewhere.

But Beckham's spokesman (Simon Oliveira) told BBC sport: "We are due to sit down before the end of the year but to suggest we have done a deal is wide of the mark.

"But when there is goodwill on both sides things tend to move quickly."

Real Madrid would also look to be more than willing to discuss new terms with Becks, as the Spanish Giants would not want to face a similar situation they encountered this summer with Luis Figo, who left "on a free transfer" to Inter Milan.

Despite various reports in the Spainish media that claimed Beckham had either "signed" or "agreed" a contract extension until 2009, Oliveira denied such claims suggesting that there is "desire" on both sides of the table to secure the 30 year old England International's future.

Oliveira said: "There's no time scale but there's an inclination on both sides.

"David has expressed his desire to end his career at Real and on the flip side, Real have expressed their desire for him to stay."

Beckham will be sure to remind Real Madrid that he is more than a footballer at the club. David will want to make sure that his superstar status, as well as image rights and his value in terms of merchandise and marketing, will be taken into consideration when and if he is offered a new contract.

Beckham joined Real in 2003 for £25 million after a turbulent end to a fractious relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson.

British Quartet aim for Euro Qualification

Four of Europe's most famous clubs will be aiming for European qualification in the next 48 hours. Rangers, Liverpool, Manchester United and Everton will all be aiming to secure a place in Europe's most famous club competition and the financial rewards that come with it

Anorthosis Famagusta v Rangers

Rangers will aiming to seal qualification to the group stages for the second time in Alex Mcleish's era at the helm of the Scottish champions. Rangers face a tricky test away at Anorthosis Famagusta, from Cyprus.

The match already has extra spice to it, with the Cyprit's player coach claiming that Rangers are not as technically gifted as Trabzonspor. Anorthosis Famagusta's coach incidentally is Former Dundee and Newcastle midfielder Ketsbaia. Mcleish is unfazed by his opposition manager's claim, though.

"A lot of the European teams do have the technical edge over the Scottish teams," said McLeish.

"But we do have a few foreign players in our team who are brought up in the art of building from the back."

Incidentally, Rangers beat Anorthosis Famagusta 1-0 on aggregate at a similar stage in the competition in 2000.

CSKA Sofia v Liverpool

Liverpool, meanwhile, will be expecting a tougher showing against CSKA Sofia, a Bulgarian outfit. The Liverpool manager is expecting a far tougher test than the previous encounters against TNS and FBK Kaunas. Liverpool cruised past TNS 6-0 on aggregate, and similarly against Kaunas 5-1 on aggregate.

Benitez told Liverpool's website: "We know CSKA Sofia are a better team than the last one we played and we must be careful. They play good football, have a compact defense and have some good players. I have seen some videos and had a scout report and they are a good team.

"We know this will be a more difficult game than the other two but we prefer to concentrate more about what we will do."

Liverpool will be hoping to secure qualification to the group stage after being made to play in all of the qualifying stages despite winning the Champion's League, due to the fact they only finished 5th in the Premier League.

Everton v Villarreal

On the other hand, Everton have possibly the toughest test of all of the British teams, with a difficult test against Spanish outfit Villarreal, who finished fourth in La Liga.

Villarreal ironically opted to sign Manchester United reject Diego Forlan, who has been a revelation at Villarreal, sharing the Golden Boot with Thierry Henry last season.

David Moyes is in upbeat mood however, claiming that it feels like Christmas Eve at Goodison Park ahead of the historic Champions League tie.

Moyes told Everton's website: "It is like Christmas Eve and you know what that feels like. I am excited and I can't wait for the game to come.

"We want to get into the game because it is something we worked so hard for last year. You hear so many teams this year talking about wanting to qualify for Europe. Well Everton have done that, not by finishing fifth of sixth, but by finishing fourth.

"Today makes us realise what a great achievement that was. It was the players who earned this with their performances on the pitch last season. It is the players who have taken us here."

Moyes will be hoping to capitalize on the opportunity to take Everton into uncharted territory after silencing the critics last season with a sensational fourth placed finish.

Man Utd v Debrecen

Manchester United face an intreuging tie against Hungarian Champions Debrecen. United have been forced to play the qualifying stage twice in the past three seasons after two third places finishes in the Premiership (First in 2002, and again in 2004, and now again in 2005). Although United eased to a 5-1 aggregate win over Dynamo Bucharest last year, they were given a scare in 2002 when Zalaegerszeg shocked the Red Devils and beat them 1-0, though United eventually progressed 5-1 on aggregate.

Ferguson though, is hoping a rejuvenated Ruud Van Nistlerooy - who is on a high after a recent hatrick against Royal Antwerp - can fire them to qualification.

"Last season was a fragmented one for Ruud but now he's fit and we expect and know he'll deliver," said Ferguson.

"That'll be a great boost to us. When he hits goalscoring form it makes a massive difference to us."

Anything less than a comfortable victory will be an absolute embarrassment for United, who will seek to do their best in this year's competition after a series of early exits from the Champions League since their semi final appearance against Bayer Leverkusen in 2002.

Essien Saga Unfolds with a Deadlock

The deal to take Lyon midfield maestro Michael Essien to Chelsea seems to have hit a deadlock with both clubs tight lipped about the future of the 22-year old.

Lyon's president Jean-Michel Aulas seemed to have re-opened the debate last night by claiming he had again been contacted by Chelsea about the Ghanaian International.

Aulas last night told the club's website, www.olweb.fr: "It's been a difficult week. This evening, Michael is still a Lyon player. Chelsea seem to be forcing the issue but they are not doing what they need to.

"Ten minutes ago I would have told you that the deal was blocked and that (Chelsea chief executive) Peter Kenyon should return to London. Then the phone rang just now to suggest I meet (Chelsea owner) Roman Abramovich on Tuesday, I am in two minds.

"If I get a fax during the night with the price I have asked for exactly to the nearest centime then we will have a meeting."

Chelsea will still be keen to add Essien to their squad before the first Premiership fixture against Wigan Athletic. Aulas' meeting with Abramovich on Tuesday will be crucial, and should be the final straw at either end of the biggest transfer story of this summer, most probably the most prolonged in any summer except for Patrick Vieira on-off summers with Arsenal and Real Madrid.

The debate has not just affected affairs on Chelsea's side of the channel. Lyon Manager Gerrard Houllier is standing firm in not playing any player whose future is unresolved.

The former Liverpool manager told the club's website www.olweb.fr: "I consider he is not yet ready to play a match until his situation is resolved completely."

The sheer grit and determination of both clubs this summer has been gripping, like watching two 5 year olds fight over possession of a brand new toy. Chelsea seem to have their sights firmly set on Essien after failing in a sudden £32 million pound raid for Liverpool's midfield dynamo Steven Gerrard.

If Chelsea get their man, it will add to their already flourishing squad littered with youth, talent and experience. Mourinho has already added to his squad this summer with the signings of Asier Del Horno from Athletic Bilbao, and Shaun Wright Phillips from Manchester City. There will be no more eager a spectator to Tuesday's show down talks between Abramovich and Aulas than Mourinho, where the Lyon president will be keen to remind Chelsea that possession is 9/10's of the law!

"Re-United"- Rio Pens New Deal

Rio Ferdiand has ended fears he will leave Old Trafford by signing a new four year deal which will keep at him at the club until June 2009.

There has been persistent speculation towards the back end of last season and throughout the summer that Ferdinand, 26, had been offered a £100,000 a week deal, but was holding out for a figure closer to £120,000 (per week).

Fans have been lambasting Ferdinand of late, calling him a "Chelsea Rent Boy" in the clubs recent 6-1 friendly win over Royal Antwerp. Loyal Supporters also felt Ferdinand was being greedy because of how the club aided him during his 8 month ban from football after he failed to show up for a drugs test.

Ferguson initially defended Ferdinand during the saga, however he then urged the England International to sign, saying that United did not need the speculation surrounding the player and the club. David Gill, United's Cheif Execuitve, also was quick to defend Rio.

"You have to think about your worth. I respect him for that", Gill said.

However, with the contract sealed, United have one less worry off their minds after a summer of discontent at Old Trafford following the friction between the club and loyal supporters following the Malcom Glazer takeover.

With the contract signed, Ferdinand is now expected to play in United's Champions League Qualifier against Debrecen on Tuesday.

Mixed Messages... What is Wenger really thinking?

Arsenal's defeat to Chelsea in the Community Shield on Sunday may have been brushed aside like dirt under the carpet by a normally astute and well spoken Arsene Wenger, but the result will leave the Highbury faithful quaking in their boots with the new season on the brink for the Gunners. The sheer range and variety of Wenger's post match interviews were like that of what a little boy would expect from a mix and match bag of chocolates from the local sweet shop. That is, at least the way I felt after reading/hearing some of the Frenchman's "ambiguous" post match comments.

Wenger was quoted by the BBC before the game, as saying that he enjoyed the Community Shield because "It shows you have won a trophy". After the match, however, Wenger had a different message for reporters.

"We've won four Community Shields and nobody counted it as a trophy. For me this was a friendly.

Sour grapes? Maybe so, but the petulance of accusing Chelsea for time wasting in the same post match intervew might be an indication that defeat was hard to swallow for the man they call the professor in North London.

"I dont see the point in a charity game to do that. But they did it."

Maybe Chelsea thought it was important to secure the win to install confidence on the dawn of the new season season? Or maybe they just wanted to rub salt in the wounds of Mr. Wenger, who is still clearly bitter about the Ashley Cole tapping up saga.

"We can never forget what happened, but we can forgive if the attitude and behaviour changes."

Sour grapes again? Quite possibly. But maybe the most disconcering aspect for Arsenal fans is Wenger's rock solid stance on NOT signing another player. Ashley Cole himself urged the Gunners to sign new players this summer in an interveiw with the New Nation Weekly in April.

The 24-year-old told New Nation Weekly: "The club definitely needs to invest to avoid being left behind.

"It is quite hard when you see Chelsea, and even Manchester United, chucking their money around. You would love your club to be able to buy great players.

"We have a great young squad but in vital games we needed more experience."

Cole is not the only player in the Arsenal squad to have questioned Arsenal's reluctant stance in the transfer Market. Freddie Ljungberg, who recently penned a new deal at Highbury, also voiced his dissaporval and told the Daily Express in June he doesn't know how the club will win the Chamions League while relying on the youth set up at Highbury.

"I can't see how we can win the Champions League if we are relying on bringing in 18 and 19-year-olds", Ljungberg said.

Furthermore, whenever the Arsenal boss is asked if he is linked with any sort of player the Frenchman acts as if signing another player would be like shooting himself in the foot.

"What is important is to focus on the quality we have."

The Frenchman then chose to belitte Garth Crooks of the BBC when he suggested Arsenal needed Owen.

"That is why I am glad I make those decisions."

Now hold the phone, any person with an ieota of intelligence would surley predict that after loosing the likes of Keown, Van Bronckhorst, Wiltord, Jeffers, Kanu, Parlour, Edu, and Vieira the Gunners would need to seriously strengthen. In fact, I seem to remember a certain story by the BBC in which Keith Edleman, Arsenal's sporting Director was interviewed where he promised transfer funds for this summer would be made available.

"The money is there. Don't worry we've got it," Edelman told BBC Sport.

"Hopefully, we'll spend it this summer and in the coming years. Arsene attends all our board meetings and he knows our finances are very strong."

Now, not to panic, it could just be that Wenger does not want to spend the money because he fears people might brand him a "Chelsea wannabe", or he might just believe that in the hundreds of footballing leagues in the hundreds of footballing countries on this planet that only one player this summer would fit into the Arsenal team?

The phrase "Je ne sais quoi" is bearing a resemblence to this issue. If the funds were promised, and the need for new players is obviously there, then why has the money not been spent? That is a question that I cannot answer, but when players of Vieira's caliber are leaving because they question the club's intent and potential, surely it is viable for Arsenal to prove them (Players leaving the club) wrong by showing a whisker of ambition in the transfer market? I am not saying it is impossible to win trophies with young players but if you highlight the clubs who have had recent success in England, Chelsea and Liverpool picking up the Premiership and Champions League respectively, why are Arsenal not following the big spenders lead by burning some of the midnight oil that was promised before the transfer market opened?

One clear message to come out of Arsene this summer is that he believes in his team. That is always positive and I respect that. But when Arsenal capitulate to Chelsea as they so clearly did on Sunday, and lose their captain in the same summer, a fan like myself has a divine right to question (not criticize) the manager's bemusing comments which lead me to wonder if this season could have the bitter and sour taste of a glass of French wine with the parts of the cork still floating around in it.

Touché Monsieur Wenger!

Chelski steamroller Gunners (Chelsea 2 Arsenal 1)

Didier Drogba struck twice to give the Premiership champions a 2-1 victory over Arsenal in the Community Shield at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday. The Ivory Coast international brushed aside Arsenal's Phillipe Senderos in the 8th minute to collect a long ball from Asier Del-Horno and slot Chelsea in front.

The goal stunned Arsenal, who came into the game with an heir of confidence after lifting the Amsterdam torment in Holland last Sunday. As Arsenal pressed for equality throughout the half, Kolo Toure came agonizingly close to restoring parity with a 25 yard shot which was quite brilliantly tipped round the post by Chelsea's "panther like" Goalkeeper Peter Cech.

Ljungberg was also a constant threat down the right hand side of Midfield, he sent a 30 yard shot into the side netting, which Cech seemed content to watch roll the wrong side of the post.

Chelsea meanwhile, were giving Arsenal a taste of their own medicine. Typically in past meetings between the two sides it was Arsenal who seemed content to sit back and hit the opposition on the break, but Chelsea were executing the trick to a tee. Arjen Robban was giving Senderos and Cole a headache on the left hand side of midfield, and the Dutch winger thought he had won a penalty when he went down under Senderos' challenge inside the box. Howard Webb waved play on, however.

As the first-half ended with Arsenal largely the dominant force, the seond began with much of the same. Arsenal made three changes, Van Persie came on to replace the unusually anonymous Bergkamp, Silva came on for a labored looking Pires, and new signing Hleb replaced the industrious Flamini. With Arsenal setting a dominant tempo at the start of the second half, one would have expected the a Gunners' equalizer to be the inevitable outcome. Not so. With 33 minutes remaining, Drogba stuck again. Gudjohnsen flicked the ball into the path of the Ivorian, and despite seemingly desperate recovery tackles from Lauren and Senderos, Drogba showed impeccable composure to slam the ball into the room of the net with Lehmann stranded.

The goal all but killed off any Arsenal hope of winning the match, but there was still time for the FA Cup winners to register a goal, Fabregas pounced after confusion in the Chelsea penalty area via good work from Ljungberg on the right wing. Despite a slight resurgence from the Gunners, a series of substitutions followed, which disrupted the flow of the game and subsequently stifled Arsenal's rhythm and chances of getting back into the match.

All in all, a good work out for both teams. Chelsea will be pleased with Drogba, who seems set to answer his critics this season and adopt to Mourinho's lone striker formation, and the Londoners will also be happy with new signing Shaun Wright Phillips, and a rejuvenated Hernan Crespo, who both impressed after coming on as substitutes in the second half. As for Arsenal, they have a lot to ponder before their opening day test against Newcastle, not forgetting round two against Chelsea in a fortnight's time at Stanford Bridge.


Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger:

"What is important is to focus on the quality we have."

"We have lost many great players in the past and miss all of them.

"But life goes on and you have to look at what is in front you - and I think the future is bright.

"Our younger players will be better this year, they will improve and we have a lot so we can only be better.

"Maybe we were a bit too confident last season and it became a bit too easy for us.

"This year we will be on our toes and hungry."


Chelsea Manager Jose Mourinho:

"Didier was great the way he scored the goals"

"The first goal changed the game and it was more difficult for them and if the quality of our last pass, the penetration pass was better, we would have scored more goals.

"It was a good game, especially for this moment, and the quality of the game will make everyone think we can have a good Premiership."


Chelsea: Cech, Paulo Ferreira, Gallas, Terry, Del Horno, Makelele, Lampard (Geremi 90), Duff (Joe Cole 74), Robben (Wright-Phillips 69), Drogba (Crespo 59), Gudjohnsen (Tiago 58).Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Ricardo Carvalho.
Booked: Makelele, Lampard.
Goals: Drogba 8, 57.

Arsenal: Lehmann, Lauren (Hoyte 78), Toure, Senderos (Cygan 72), Cole, Ljungberg (Reyes 72), Fabregas, Flamini (Hleb 45), Pires (Silva 45), Bergkamp (Van Persie 45), Henry.Subs Not Used: Howard.
Booked: Fabregas.
Goals: Fabregas 65.

Att: 58,014.

Ref: Howard Webb (England).

(Team info/Match reaction provided by www.bbc.co.uk/football)

Campbell Constantly Crocked - Will Sol ever play for Arsenal again?

Sol Campbell will miss the start to Arsenal's season as he continues to fight his injury hell that kept him out of the latter part of Arsenal's team last season. The 30 year old England International has a calf injury, and there are rumors circulating that he could even miss England's qualifiers against Wales and Northern Ireland in September.

The powerhouse defender was reportedly gutted at being left out of the FA Cup final as Arsenal squeaked past Man Utd on penalties. Wenger does believe Campbell will recover, though.

Wenger said: "I'm confident that Sol Campbell will not have a season like he did last year, but nobody knows how many games he will play this season."

Wenger added he expects Sol to be fit within "two to three weeks". Despite the Gunners Boss' assurance, many around Highbury will be wondering if there is something else going on behind the scenes at Highbury. Campbell sustained the first injury in the 4-2 home loss against Man Utd, back in Februaury, but even then Sol was only expect to be out for two or three weeks. The reality of which is getting close to 6 months!

With Vieira having left for Juventus this summer, due to the fact he feels he will never win the Champions League with the Gunners, it is a possibility that Campbell will be feeling a similar sort of frustration. Campbell has been linked with Newcastle this summer; possibly with in a player exchange deal for Jermaine Jenas, and with Jenas reportedly unhappy at St James Park- and Newcastle's defence in disarray (as evidenced against Deportivo La Coruna)- the move could be back on.

As the Sol Campbell mystery continues, Arsenal are likely to start their season with Kolo Toure and Phillipe Senderos as their centre back pairing, starting with Chelsea on Sunday in the Community Shield.

Old Rivals square up for a Blockbuster Curtain Raiser!

There is the usual sugar and spice leading up to this season's showcase event. The Community Shield is famous for being a spectacle for the two managers of the supposed two best teams in the country to have a go at one and other, and add a more personal ingredient to the match on top of the main course; an exciting football game.

Four years ago Liverpool beat arch rivals Man Utd 2-1, and the debate then was whether Liverpool had taken over the mantelpiece of British football as England's best team after an amazing cup treble. Ironically Arsenal claimed the spoils that year with a League and Cup double. Two years ago Man Utd beat Arsenal on penalties, and Arsenal's disciplinary record was top of the agenda. Francis Jeffers was sent off for kicking during the match, and later that week Sol Campbell was dismissed against Everton - and don't forget the Battle of Trafford happened that same year. Once again, Arsenal had the last laugh going unbeaten in the Premierhsip campaign.

This season's traditional curtain raiser has just as much tension going into it. And as per usual, it seems like Wenger has supplied the "coup de gras" with his jealousy towards Chelsea's insurmountable financial dominance in the transfer market providing the main debate.

"Everyone knows that they have plenty of money and when they come in, they buy for £20m what otherwise costs £10m," said the Frenchman.

"Do you really think Wright-Phillips would have cost £21m had Chelsea not come in for him?"

"Frankly, we have to be honest. What would be his price? 10m? Exactly. When Chelsea come in it costs double, and when Chelsea are not in, then a player costs half."

Wenger's comments have likely been fueled by his frustration at losing the race to sign Wright-Phillips to Chelsea. Wenger only has a 10 million Alexander Hleb to show for his work in the market this summer.

Typically though, Wenger's comments have been shrugged off by a usually calm Mourinho like a ladybug on his shoulder.

"I prefer to just laugh and keep going. I cannot take it seriously. Words, fights, mind games don't apply to me."

"With Arsenal we have a professional relationship. Nobody treats us badly. It's correct - but it's one thing is to be correct and another thing to have a relationship."

Mourinho knows he undoubtedly has the upper hand going into this fixture with the League and Cup title in the bag from last season, and the Portugueseese Manager will be keen to let Chelsea's football do the talking on Sunday.

The only question that now remains is who will walk off the pitch in Cardiff on Sunday with more swagger, pride, and jubilance? If you were a betting man you might pick Chelsea, but as we have seen in Community/Charity shields of the past, the one who wins the battle does not always win the war...

En garde Monsieur Wenger, et Senor Mourinho!

Chelsea (from): Cudicini, Cech, Ferreira, Carvalho, Gallas, Johnson, Terry, Huth, del Horno, Gudjohnsen, Geremi, Makelele, Tiago, Lampard, J Cole, Wright-Phillips, Crespo, Drogba, Duff, Diarra, Robben, Jarosik, C Cole, Bridge.

Arsenal (from): Lehmann, Almunia, Howard, Lauren, Eboue, Hoyte, Cole, Clichy, Senderos, Toure, Cygan, Fabregas, Flamini, Gilberto Silva, Pires, Ljungberg, Reyes, Hleb, Bentley, Van Persie, Henry, Bergkamp

(Team news supplied by www.bbc.co.uk/football)

J J in a Jam - Souey admits Jenas frustration

Arsene Wenger still needs another central midfielder to replace his former skipper Patrick Vieira and with Jenas murmuring rumors of discontent at St. James Park now may be the perfect time for the Gunners Boss to make a move. Wenger has expressed a interest in the midfielder but was thought to have been put off by Souness slapping a whopping 20 million pound price tag on the former Nottingham Forest star. But with the latest comments made by Souness, a move may now be more likely. Jenas was quoted by Souness as being unhappy, with Souness saying :

"...JJ feels that it is like living in a goldfish bowl being a United player in Newcastle and that is the biggest problem."

The comments may well come as welcome news to Manchester United who are also in the market for a defensive minded midfielder to replace the ever aging warhorse Roy Keane. Although Ferguson has never expressed any clear interest in Jenas, the Newcastle star has always performed well against the Red Devils and Jenas was one of the few positives to come out of a 6-2 mauling United gave Newcastle in 2003 - Jenas opened the scoring with a spectacular 25 yard goal. Furthermore, a move for Jenas would make even more sense for Fergie, especially considering the departure of utility man Phil Neville to Everton (which was confirmed yesterday), and the seemingly inevitable exit of Brazilian World Cup winner Kleberson from Old Trafford.

Whatever the outcome it seems more and more like Souness' man management skills have been found wanting yet again. With the sales of star players like Craig Bellamy, Laurent Robert, and Andy O'Brien in the past 12 months, Souness chances of winning over the Newcastle faithful this year are looking less and less likely. Throw in a 4-2 aggregate defeat to Deportivo La Coruna to culminate an embarrassing 13th place finish last season, and Souness' time at St James Park could be winding down to the result of a tricky opening day test away at FA Cup winners Arsenal.

Where's he "G-owen"? Sven joins in on Owen Debate

The England Manager Sven Goran Eriksson has joined in on the Michael Owen transfer saga. The Swede thinks it would be ideal if Owen, 25, left current Spanish Giants for a move to the Premiership - to link up with Wayne Rooney.

"If I was manager of a big club in England I would go for Michael Owen, that is for sure," Eriksson said.

"What I read, what I've heard, is it might be a possibility that Manchester United take him, and as England coach I shouldn't complain if that is the case.

"For him to work every day with Wayne Rooney can only make England better."

The comments will add more heat to the speculation that Owen will move this summer, and it may mean that Newcastle step up their bid for Owen, with Souness confirming his interest in the England striker. One wonders what is going through the mind of Sir Alex at the moment, he will surely not like the England manager telling him who he should sign, and who he should play his new signings with. Not forgetting that the Swede seemed set to take over Sir Alex's job at Old Trafford in 2002 before a dramatic Fergie U-turn scuppered the move.

Owen may be 5th in the pecking order at Real, behind the likes of Raul, Ronaldo, Baptista and Robinho. Whatever the England Boss' opinion, a move for Owen looks likely if he is to stay at the forefront of Erikssons's plans for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Neville Set for Everton

The younger of the Neville brothers seems set to leave Manchester United as Everton confirmed a deal for Phill Neville this morning. The deal is believed to be in the region of £3m for the Manchester United star. After passing a medical, Neville, 28, is expected to sign a five year deal with the Toffees.

Moyes told Everton's website, "We are absolutely delighted to have concluded a deal with a player of Phil's calibre and vast experience".

Moyes has had some major disappointmentss in the transfer market this summer, so signing Neville will represent a real coup for Moyes as he seeks to qualify Everton for the Champions League this summer.

"TOONED" Out! Newcastle crash out of Europe

Newcastle 1-2 Deportivo (2-4 agg)
Depor win 4-2 on aggregate


Newcastle crashed out of Europe tonight with a 2-1 home defeat to Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna. The game started positively for the magpies when Milner deflected a Bowyer shot from Faye's cross as they seeked to overcome a 1-2 deficit from the previous game of this Intertoto Cup semi final. Had Newcastle managed to hold onto that advantage it would have sent them through, but Deportivo had other ideas. Newcastle's defense was looking shakey and Jorge Andrade punished them just before halftime. Andrade ghosted between defender Taylor and Shay Given to nip home Depor's equalizer just before halftime.

It left Newcastle with a mountain to climb, and the slope of that mountain got even steeper when Munitis capitalized on a poor back pass by Elliott to slot the ball into an empty net. That left Newcastle needing 3 goals to salvage European football out of a disappointing campaign last season. Although Shearer and Ameobi both went close for the Toon, Depor's progression was never in doubt.

Defeat means that domestic trophies are all Newcastle can compete for this season, and the Toon Amry will have to rethink traveling abroad and spreading their good nature for at least one season.

Newcastle Boss Graeme Souness:

"We had our chances and you can't legislate for the way we gave away the goals.

"I would hate to think that we are going to give any more goals like that away through the season.

"We had got ourselves back into game but that goal killed it for us, but these things can happen and we have got to accept that."



Newcastle: Given, Carr, Elliott, Emre (Brittain 90), Boumsong, Shearer, Bowyer, Faye (Ameobi 53), Milner (N'Zogbia 72), Parker, Taylor.Subs Not Used: Harper, Ramage, Chopra.
Booked: Parker, Shearer, Taylor, Elliott.
Goals: Milner 39.

Deportivo La Coruna: Molina, Manuel Pablo, Andrade, Capdevila, Romero, Duscher, Scaloni, Sergio (Valeron 72), Munitis, Ruben Castro (Juanma 63), Tristan (Luque 55).Subs Not Used: Dani Mallo, Victor, Acuna, De Guzman.
Booked: Tristan, Munitis, Manuel Pablo, Juanma.
Goals: Andrade 45, Munitis 48.

Att: 35,200

Ref: Helmut Fleischer (Germany).

(Team info provided by www.bbc.co.uk/football)