Saturday, March 29, 2014

Moyes on plane protest lookout

As if David Moyes didn't already have plenty to worry about.

After a couple of positive results - against Olympiakos in the Champions League and West Ham at Upton Park - the pressure is back on the Manchester United boss after the 3-0 thrashing at the hands of rivals City.

The result, along with a season which has fallen way below expectations following the arrival of the Scot in place of the retired Sir Alex Ferguson, has prompted a response.

One group of fans has raised the money to fund a 'fly-past' protest, with a plane set to carry a banner reading 'Wrong One - Moyes Out' over Old Trafford during the clash with Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.
Friday, 28 March 2014 12:00

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Bayern prepare for Man Utd clash after title party

Bayern Munich were crowned Bundesliga champions on Tuesday with an incredible seven matches still to play.

Pep Guardiola's side beat Hertha Berlin 3-1 to ensure the title party could get started, as goals from Toni Kroos, Mario Gotze and Franck Ribery were enough to make it 25 league wins for the season for the ruthless Bavarians.

Asked how they would celebrate the title win, Arjen Robben said: "I don't know what follows now. We will see. If Schweini (Schweinsteiger) plans a party, he usually does that good. There will be a beer shower."

But the celebrations won't last too long - with Bayern preparing to take on Manchester United in the Champions League on April 1 as their quest for more trophies in 2013-14 continues...!
Wednesday, March 26, 2014 12:00

Smoking Bacca leaves Ronaldo & Co. in his wake

It was the Carlos Bacca show at the Ramon Sanchez on Wednesday.

The Colombian striker put a huge dent in Real Madrid's title challenge as he scored both goals in a famous 2-1 win for Unai Emery's side, with Pepe and Raphael Varane struggling to deal with the 27-year-old.

Real Madrid had taken the lead early on in the contest, courtesy of Cristiano Ronaldo although there was nothing stopping Bacca thereafter, with the former Club Brugge man scoring twice to leave Madrid three points behind Atletico at the top.
Thursday, 27 March 2014 12:02

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Manchester City ready to tackle in-form Rooney

A mini-revival has seen Manchester United qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals and throw their hat back in the mix for European football and it has been largely down to Wayne Rooney's form.

The England international scored one of the goals of the season against West Ham on Saturday, lobbing Adrian from all of 59 yards.

However, Tuesday night brings about a more fearsome prospect as United host Manuel Pellegrini's City at Old Trafford. David Moyes will be desperately hoping his side can avenge the 4-1 rout at the Etihad earlier this season and recognise that the form of his star striker is pivotal to that prospect.
Tuesday, 25 March 2014 09:55

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Messi the only sheriff in Clasico town

Lionel Messi came to Barcelona's rescue in an enthralling Clasico encounter on Sunday night, with the Argentine bagging a hat-trick as the Catalans twice came from behind to claim a 4-3 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Barca boss Gerardo Martino had been under increasing scrutiny in the build-up to the match, with the Camp Nou outfit needing to win to retain any realistic hopes of winning La Liga.

And with his countryman in the last-chance saloon, Messi virtually single-handedly dragged Barca towards all three points to ease the pressure on Tata.

Despite losing out on the Ballon d'Or to Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi showed he remains the dominant force in Clasico contests, becoming the all-time leading scorer in the fixture.

His first-half goal was followed by two perfect penalties, and he even set-up Andres Iniesta's opener as well as threading the pass that saw Sergio Ramos sent off, proving he's the only sheriff in town.

Monday, 24 March 2014 13:00

Monday, March 24, 2014

Mourinho spoils Wenger's party

Arsene Wenger travelled to Stamford Bridge on Saturday looking to celebrate his 1000th match in charge of Arsenal and eager to silence Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

But it was the Portuguese, who had dubbed his counterpart a “specialist in failure”, who came out on top in the London derby, as a humbling 6-0 rout and perplexing sending off overshadowed Wenger's special day.

After the defeat, the Frenchman made a swift exit and missed his post match press conference as the club bus “had to leave” – if only Arsenal had parked it in front of their goal!
Sunday, 23 March 2014 09:00

Wenger celebrates 1000th Arsenal game

Arsene Wenger celebrates a huge milestone on Saturday as he takes charge of Arsenal for the 1000th time.

The Gunners travel to league leaders Chelsea in a crucial clash in the title race at Stamford Bridge.

Victory for Arsenal will leave them just a point behind the Blues although Wenger will be well aware he has never beaten Jose Mourinho.
Saturday, 22 March 2014 11:08

Van Persie rescues sinking Moyes

Robin van Persie came to Manchester United’s rescue on Wednesday night, scoring a hat-trick against Olympiakos to ensure safe passage into the Champions League quarter-finals.

The Red Devils went into the game 2-0 down after a dismal display in the first leg in Greece and with David Moyes coming under intense pressure following Sunday's 3-0 humbling by Liverpool in the Premier League.

Yet Van Persie was not to be denied, scoring all three goals at Old Trafford to seal a dramatic comeback victory and throw Moyes a lifeline.
Thursday, 20 March 2014 11:49

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Eto'o sees off Drogba to emerge as top dog

Chelsea’s Champions League clash with Galatasaray at Stamford Bridge saw Samuel Eto’o overshadow Didier Drogba as the Blues secured a 2-0 second leg victory.

The two sides came into the game still on level terms, after a 1-1 draw in Turkey, but Eto’o's fourth minute goal gave Chelsea the lead in the tie.

Gary Cahill added a second as the Blues ran out 3-1 winners on an emotional night for Drogba who could not find the target on his return to Stamford Bridge.
Wednesday, 19 March 2014 09:30

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Return of the king: Chelsea welcome back Drogba

Tuesday’s Champions League clash between Chelsea and Galatasaray sees Didier Drogba return to Stamford Bridge for the first time since he left the club in 2012.

The Ivorian enjoyed great success during his time with the Blues winning the three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and, famously, the Champions League in his last ever game for the club.

Jose Mourinho has already insisted Drogba will return to Chelsea in some capacity one day as he prepares to welcome the striker on what is sure to be an emotional evening in west London.
Tuesday, 18 March 2014 12:15