Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Light shines on Rooney in the Craven Cottage darkness

For a few minutes at Craven Cottage on Saturday, the pitch looked as black and empty as the scoresheet when the floodlights cut out during Fulham v Manchester United.
When power was eventually restored, the goals still would not come until, in the 79th minute, the light finally shone on Wayne Rooney, who continued his recent renaissance with a curling finish.

Martin Jol's men were left fumbling in the darkness as the United hero ensured that the spotlight was all his, the goal putting 10 points between his side and rivals Manchester City ahead of the Premier League title-holders' Sunday clash with Liverpool.

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Cristiano Ronaldo scores his first Own Goal

Was not fare worse for Jose Mourinho to see his team lose with the team star Cristiano Ronaldo scoring an own goal, in the match with Cordoba in the La Liga, and Who may be the worst season for the Portuguese.


Ronaldo, who scored on all the clubs that played against , now he scored in his team's goal, Real Madrid add to record Spanish clubs that Portuguese scored on.

Beckham takes centre-stage amid Deadline Day madness

In a typically entertaining and frantic January transfer window, if not a spending one, there were many sagas and late deals that caught the eye.

Peter Odemwingie tried, but ultimately failed, to take his transfer into his own hands by effectively abandoning West Brom, only to be refused entry to QPR - despite Harry Redknapp showing his desire to flash the cash once again.

Tottenham's chase for a striker was unsuccessful, though north London rivals Arsenal managed to sneak a late signing in the shape of full-back Nacho Monreal, while Anzhi proved their muscle with a deal for Willian which broke the £30 million barrier.

However, there was only ever going to be one winner for the move of the window award when PSG announced that David Beckham was joining them until the end of the season - and is donating the wages from his five-month contract to charity.

Young cub Varane proves he could be Madrid's new king

When Real Madrid and Barcelona meet, as they did in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on Wednesday night, it is normally the two best players in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who grab the headlines.
So, for a 19-year-old centre-back to draw all the plaudits, he must be something special. Raphael Varane did not only demonstrate fantastic defensive ability and athletic prowess in a superb display, he also kept Madrid in the tie with a thundering header.

Pepe and Sergio Ramos may well now be worried about their positions, after a potential new king of the Bernabeu has been announced to the world.

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Firecracker Mario Balotelli rockets off to Milan

Mario Balotelli may have only graced British shores for two-and-a-half seasons, yet his imminent Manchester City exit to join AC Milan represents the end of an era in the Premier League.

From fireworks to training ground bust-ups, struggling to wear training bibs to effortlessly revealing that notorious 'Why Always Me?' t-shirt against Manchester United, the Italian's spell in England has provided us with a whirlwind of memories.

Love him or hate him, you will never forget Balotelli - but for now it is time to say goodbye to Super Mario as he shoots off back to Milan.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Drogba jumps ship to join Sneijder at Galatasaray

Didier Drogba has become the latest player to ditch Shanghai Shenhua for pastures new, with the Ivory Coast striker opting to join Wesley Sneijder at Turkish giants Galatasaray.
Fellow former Chelsea player Nicolas Anelka ended a similarly problematic spell in Asia to join Juventus on loan this month - leaving the Chinese club's dreams seemingly in tatters.

However, despite interest from a host of Serie A clubs, Drogba has opted for the fiery atmosphere of Istanbul, signing a one-and-a-half year deal with the Super Lig side...

doodling Astro Boy

Kim Thayil caricature

Balotelli to AC Milan

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Premier League casualties pile up during week of Cup giant-killings

It may well be a cliche but the 'magic of the FA Cup' returned with a vengeance at the weekend as Premier League clubs far and wide found themselves dumped out of the competition by lower league opposition.

Millwall got things started on Friday night, adding to Aston Villa's woes by sending Paul Lambert's men packing with a 2-1 win at The Den.
Saturday saw yet more surprises with MK Dons thrashing QPR and non-league Luton upsetting Norwich at Carrow Road.

And Sunday saw yet more shocks with Leeds humbling Tottenham, Brentford holding European champions Chelsea and Liverpool booted out of the competition by Oldham.