Dani Alves thinking about his future

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Are you Messi in disguise? Hazard is Chelsea's idol

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, himself deeply impressive since making the move to Stamford Bridge this summer, declared team-mate Eden Hazard on Tuedsay to be the Blues' version of Lionel Messi.

"He is the link between midfield and attack for us; he is our Messi because he makes the difference," Fabregas told Cope of the Belgian forward, who won and converted the penalty that sent Jose Mourinho's men on their way to a 2-0 win over Arsenal on Sunday.

Hazard continues to shine at Chelsea as he matures following his 2012 switch from Lille - is he already on the level of a player like Messi?

Wednesday, October 8, 2014 12:38

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Royal rumble in Roma-Juve title clash

A dramatic Serie A title clash between reigning champions Juventus and challengers Roma almost descended into farce on Sunday evening, with a host of controversial decisions dominating post-match conjecture.

Referee Gianluca Rocchi awarded three penalties in the contest, as well as sending off Alvaro Morata and Konstantinos Manolas, though the decisions were very controversial, with both of the offences which resulted in penalties for Juve appearing to have happened outside the box.

Roma coach Rudi Garcia even found himself sent to the stands by Rocchi, before centre-back Leonardo Bonucci became the unlikeliest of heroes for the Old Lady by blasting an audacious volley into the bottom corner to seal a 3-2 win.

Giallorossi skipper Francesco Totti was furious with the refereeing afterwards: "We came here to play and the performance was good, but what happened [with the referee] conditioned the game.

"It's terrible to have to say it but these things that affect the game have been happening for years. Juventus certainly didn't beat us. There were three incidents that changed a game that we wanted to win. There's a lot of anger but we must lift our heads after a game like this.

"I've always said it: they should play in their own league. They always win by hook or by crook. We train to win but then these things happen. There's not even a need to look at the replays. We already saw everything on the field."

Monday, October 6, 2014 14:00

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Fabregas set for Arsenal clash under Mou the Hutt

Cesc Fabregas is set to renew acquaintances with former club Arsenal on Sunday as Chelsea host the Gunners at Stamford Bridge.

The Spaniard was adored at the Emirates, earning the captaincy during his spell at the club, but will hope to strike a hammer blow to Wenger's team by scoring in the London derby.

Wenger, meanwhile, is likely to field summer signings Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck, as Arsenal look to build on their 4-1 win over Galatasaray in midweek.

Sunday, October 5, 2014 11:31

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Valencia dragon burns Atletico and scare Liga giants

I redrew the cartoon in 2019 

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Mourinho and Wenger set to clash again

Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger will renew their rivalry once again on Sunday when Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.

Mourinho’s men thrashed the Gunners 6-0 in the same fixture last season in a game Wenger has subsequently described as “horrendous”.

Indeed the Gunners boss says is desperate to put things right on Sunday but will be aware that in 11 meetings he is yet to get the better of Mourinho.

Saturday, October 4, 2014 11:26

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Golden Oldie: Totti shines again on the big stage for Roma

Francesco Totti showed he can still cut it at the highest level after his sublime chipped finish earned Roma a 1-1 draw against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

The 38-year-old’s well-taken effort has kept Rudi Garcia’s side in the driving seat to progress to the knockout stages as they sit two points behind Bayern Munich but three ahead of City.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014 12:00

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Wenger unveils new Arsenal signing

Mesut Ozil became the latest Arsenal star to pick up an injury this season as the Gunners’ woes – and casualty list – continue to grow.

The Germany international is unlikely to play again until 2015 after being ruled out for 10 to 12 weeks with a partial knee ligament tear suffered against Chelsea.

Ozil’s setback means he joins, among others, Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Debuchy, Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey on a treatment table that might need reinforcing.

Arsene Wenger has previously admitted being concerned by his side’s bad injury luck, and had appointed a new fitness guru, Shad Forsythe, in the summer, and will surely be keeping his fit players wrapped in cotton wool from now on.

Arsenal have also been given a scare by the news that Laurent Koscielny has withdrawn from the France squad, with the centre-back continuing to nurse a long-standing Achilles problem.

Thursday, October 9, 2014 14:00

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Congraziano Pelle: Balotelli given the boot by Italy

Mario Balotelli has endured a miserable start to the 2014-15 season since joining Liverpool and has now been snubbed by Italy, in favour of Southampton's in-form striker Graziano Pelle.

Pelle has scored four Premier League goals for the Saints this season, while Balotelli is yet to hit his first domestic goal for the Reds.

As a result, he has lost his place in the Italy squad. "Mario has started a new path," Antonio Conte said when asked about his decision. "It's not an easy one and I believe he must be given the necessary time to adapt at Liverpool," said the former Juve boss.

"We are following him just as we monitor all Italians that play abroad. I make selections not exclusions, which is something completely different. Graziano represents what I've always said. Meritocracy leads to a place in the national team for a player who in two years has scored 50 goals.

"Today he is becoming a star in the Premier League after an adventure in Holland.I am curious to see him from close quarters in order to understand if he can help us. He deserved this call-up from all points of view."

Tuesday, October 7, 2014 11:51

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'Soft' Liverpool fall to Basel defeat

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard labelled his side 'soft' after the Reds fell to a 1-0 loss to Basel in Switzerland.

Paulo Sousa's side are building something of a reputation for defeating English sides, having beaten Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham in the last few years.

This win leaves Brendan Rodgers' side struggling to qualify with two games against Real Madrid around the corner and plenty of work still to be done.

In another game Arsenal's Danny Welbeck scored a hat-trick on Galatasaray to secure a win to his team.

Thursday, October 2, 2014 13:30

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