Monday, January 20, 2014

Hat-trick hero Eto'o the star of Stamford Bridge

Samuel Eto’o struck his first hat-trick in English football to fire Chelsea to a 3-1 victory over Manchester United on Sunday.

After both Arsenal and Manchester City registered wins on Saturday, the pressure was on Jose Mourinho’s side to keep pace at the top of the Premier League.

As for Manchester United, defeat at Stamford Bridge has left David Moyes’ men in seventh spot, 14 points behind leaders Arsenal, and their hopes of retaining the title in tatters.
Monday, 20 January 2014 07:00

Villa sting Liverpool in title rally

Liverpool's Premier League title challenge was stopped in its tracks on Saturday as Aston Villa claimed an unlikely point at Anfield.

Paul Lambert's side raced into a two-goal lead in the first half through Andreas Weimann and Christian Benteke, who capitalised on a Simon Mignolet error.

But Daniel Sturridge pulled a goal back before the break, and the Reds were level when Steven Gerrard scored from the penalty spot after Luis Suarez went down following a Brad Guzan challenge.

Liverpool are now eight points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal, and only two ahead of rivals Everton, who have a game in hand.
Sunday, 19 January 2014 12:00

Wenger: Draxler sightings like UFOs

With the January transfer window in full swing, rumours and speculation continue to whirl in the Premier League.

But claims that Schalke's Julian Draxler was spotted at Arsenal's training ground were met with a smirk by Arsene Wenger during Friday's press conference.

"Like with the unidentified flying objects - some see them everywhere," joked the Arsenal boss.

"Are we close to signing anybody? I would say no."
Saturday, 18 January 2014 12:00

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Love is in the air for Ibrahimovic & Klopp

The strong bond between Jurgen Klopp and Zlatan Ibrahimovic continues as the Dortmund boss claims he adores the striker's "antics".

The Paris Saint-Germain forward had previously joked to Klopp at the Ballon d'Or ceremony that he would join the German club for free, although the Dortmund coach concedes, in reality, such a transfer is unlikely to happen.

"I like it, I love his antics, he is an extraordinary player. However, there is no option of recruiting a player of that level," Klopp told DPA.

"He told me that I should let everyone at Dortmund know that he enjoys watching us play football.

"There were years in which he probably did not even know there was a football club in Dortmund. Now he knows and likes us - that says it all."
Friday, 17 January 2014 12:00

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Ronaldo fires Real Madrid past Osasuna


Fresh from winning the Ballon d'Or, Cristiano Ronaldo was back in action as Real Madrid took on Osasuna in the Copa del Rey.

Carlo Ancelotti's men held a 2-0 lead from the first leg and quickly added to that tally with Ronaldo opening the scoring after just 20 minutes.

The Portuguese unleashed a free kick which flew straight at goalkeeper Andres Fernandez with the shot-stopper trying to punch the ball clear and succeeding only in forcing the ball onto the ground, between his legs and into the back of the net.