Hart saves the day for Manchester City

 

Manchester City had Joe Hart to thank on Wednesday as the England goalkeeper produced a superb performance in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund.

The City shot-stopper was in top form at the Etihad making several sensational saves as the German champions took the lead through Marco Reus and threatened to add many more in a dominant second-half showing.

Ultimately it was Mario Balotelli who showed nerves of steel to net a late, late penalty and salvage a draw for the Premier League champions, but there was no denying that the real hero was City's No.1.
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Bayern Munich slain by BATE the giant-killers

 

Bayern Munich's impressive run of results came to an abrupt end, after a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Belarus champions, BATE Borisov.

After maintaining their 100 per cent record in the league, Bayern's loss was their first of the season, having won every single match since their maiden competitive fixture in August.

Having scored 19 goals, conceding only two, Bayern were the clear favourites for Tuesday's Champions League tie against BATE; however, the fixture, which was played at a neutral venue, did not quite go to plan.

Despite sitting joint top of Group F after defeating Valencia 2-1, the German side found the minnows from Belarus too much to handle. Jupp Heynckes' decision to rest Bastian Schweinsteiger backfired, with other big name stars such as Javi Martinez, Franck Ribery and Thomas Muller failing to stand up and be counted.
 

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Jack Wilshere's return sparks celebration at Arsenal

 

Jack Wilshere's return from injury, after spending around 15 months out with an ankle issue, has given Arsenal a reason to celebrate.

The 20-year-old played for the Gunners Under-21s on Monday as he continues to work towards reaching full fitness after the long lay-off.

Arsenal were beaten at home by Chelsea 2-1 in the Premier League this weekend, but the talented young England midfielder's addition to the squad in October could be like a new signing for Arsene Wenger.

Although he is unlikely to feature immediately in the Arsenal first-team, expect Wilshere to filter into matches through the month, challenging the likes of Mikel Arteta and Abou Diaby for a starting spot.

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Gerrard's genie can't deliver his title wish with Liverpool

 

Steven Gerrard's analysis of his own chances of winning the Premier League with Liverpool was summed up in five words. It will be a miracle.

The Premier League title is the only domestic honour which has eluded the 32-year-old, who is now entering the final years of his career at Anfield which also boasts triumphs in the Uefa Cup and Champions League during his time on Merseyside.

But, with the level of competition in the top flight increasing by the season, Gerrard admits his ambition of being crowned a Premier League champion may remain unfulfilled.

"It will be a miracle if I now realise my dream of winning the title with Liverpool," Gerrard wrote in his recently published autobiography, My Liverpool Story.

"I say that because of my age and where we finished in the league the past couple of years. And also the situation we're in with the rivalries.

"There's not just United and Arsenal now but City, Chelsea and Tottenham. Newcastle coming as well. The Premier League has become a lot more difficult to win for everyone."
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كاريكاتير فيصل القاسم و الاتجاه المعاكس

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Manchester United legends Giggs & Ferdinand crumble against Tottenham

 

Tottenham sent shockwaves around the Premier League on Saturday by beating Manchester United and securing their first victory at Old Trafford in 23 years.

Jan Vertonghen, Gareth Bale and Clint Dempsey got the goals as Spurs overwhelmed their hosts with blistering pace and direct running as the likes of Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand showed their age.

Giggs lasted just 46 minutes before being withdrawn in favour of Wayne Rooney, while Ferdinand endured a torrid afternoon, and was arguably at fault for all three of Tottenham's goals.

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Kaka: I belong to Brazil

 

After spending two years wandering in the international wilderness, Kaka has been welcomed back to the Brazil national fold - and he could not be happier about it.

Though he has not played a minute of competitive football for Los Blancos this season, the playmaker has been identified as the man to safeguard Mano Menezes's job in charge of the Selecao as he was handed a recall to the squad for their
The former AC Milan icon himself admitted that he was surprised to have been included in the squad given his lack of playing time this season with the Liga champions, but revealed that the news was like receiving his first call-up all over again as he looks to reignite his seemingly-dwindling career.

A deeply religious man, Kaka has become renowned for displaying a t-shirt bearing the phrase 'I Belong To Jesus' in the Champions League final win against Liverpool. Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani imagines how the 30-year-old might demonstrate his loyalty to the national side following what could prove to be a hugely significant moment for player and country alike...

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Pardew takes Newcastle back to the future

 

With Alan Pardew signing a new eight-year contract with Newcastle United on Thursday, the 51-year old is set to stay at the Sports Direct Arena until 2020.

Pardew guided Newcastle to a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League last season, while the club's managing director Derek Llambias wants the Magpies to replicate the managerial longevity of Arsenal and Manchester United.

"If you look at clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger have shown that stability gives you the best platform to achieve success, and that is the model we wish to emulate here," said Llambias.

"Alan has done a fantastic job over the last couple of years and has proved what a great Premier League manager he is. I have total respect for him in all football matters and have an excellent relationship with him which I think benefits the club enormously."

Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us an idea of the problems Pardew could be facing if he sees out his new deal...
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Lifesaver El Shaarawy at the double to keep Allegri afloat

 

With just one win from four Serie A games, Massimiliano Allegri's position as AC Milan boss looked under severe threat ahead of his side's clash with Cagliari on Wednesday evening.

Fortunately for Allegri, who guided AC Milan to the Serie A title in 2011, a goal in each half from Stephan El Shaarawy secured his side a valuable three points at San Siro to ensure last season's runners-up are in with a chance of making up for their poor start to the campaign.

"The victory is for Allegri and the fans," El Shaarawy said. "We are with him, he has our trust.

"I'm happy because of today's victory. It will give us a lot of morale for the next games."

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Copy-cat Mourinho looks to emulate Sir Alex

 

At 49, Jose Mourinho is already part of the managerial furniture in world football but the Real Madrid boss insists he wants to emulate the coaching lifespan of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 70-year-old is just over a month shy of his 26th year in charge at Old Trafford but Mourinho admits he is likely to continue his own career along the same path as the Scot.

"I understand perfectly why Alex is still in the job [at the age of 70] and I think I will be the same," Mourinho said.

"I love football so much, I love coaching so much. I will still be very young when I become 50 and I believe I have a lot in front of me.

"Fifty is a number with a certain impact - it's a number I believe sometimes has a psychologically negative impact on many people because they realise the world spins very, very fast and our lives are very, very short.

"It's a number that makes me think and look back but also look forward too. I'm such a happy person because what I have done so far I think is amazing."

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