Mirror image Moyes is Fergie 2.0

Sir Alex Ferguson may have given up the seat of power at Manchester United but his spirit lives on in the dugout through replacement David Moyes, according to Ryan Giggs.

The former Everton boss has endured an indifferent start to the Premier League season, though he has impressed in the Champions League group stages.

And when asked on Absolute Radio whether he had noticed big differences between the two Scots, Giggs replied: “No, not really. I think they're both quite similar.

“Of course the manager's come in to the champions, he doesn't want to change too much but he's going to want to put his own stamp on it.

“I think slowly over time, it will probably change a little, but at the moment, not a lot's changed.”

The rest of the Premier League will be left ruing Giggs' words if Moyes goes on to match Ferguson's astonishing record of success at Old Trafford.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013 12:21

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You’re fired! Villas-Boas hits back at Lord Alan Sugar

Andre Villas-Boas has angrily hit back at former Tottenham chairman Lord Alan Sugar after the 66-year-old claimed to be “baffled” by the Portuguese’s tactics at Spurs.

Star of television show ‘The Apprentice’ Lord Sugar also said he would be happy to see Sir Alex Ferguson come out of retirement and take over at White Hart Lane.

However, speaking after Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United Villas-Boas responded to Lord Sugar claiming he has an “agenda” before also lashing out at the media, demanding more respect.

Monday, December 2, 2013 11:45

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Ramsey the dragon fires up Arsenal

Aaron Ramsey struck twice on his return to Cardiff City, the club where he began his career, as Arsenal increased their lead at the top of the Premier League table with a 3-0 win in the Welsh capital.

The 22-year-old joined the Bluebirds at the age of eight, rising up the club's ranks before earning a £5 million move to north London in 2008, and has since established himself as a regular for Wales, who are nicknamed 'the Dragons'.

Despite his ties to Cardiff, Ramsey did not let up as his hot streak in front of goal continued with a fine double. The first was a well executed header, the second a powerful finish to wrap up the victory.

Out of respect for the club that nurtured his development, Ramsey opted not to celebrate as he brought his tally for the season up to 13 goals, underlining his status as the Premier League's most in-form player.

Sunday, 1 December 2013 09:00

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Stubborn mule Mourinho refuses to budge on failing forwards

Jose Mourinho has insisted Chelsea will not sign a striker when the transfer window reopens in January and says that he is happy with the club's current forward line.

Blues strikers Demba Ba, Samuel Eto'o and Fernando Torres are conspicuous by their absence in the Premier League's topscorer list with Oscar currently the club's top marksman in the league with six goals.

Rumours have linked the club with a big-money move for Jackson Martinez, but Mourinho has dismissed claims he could sign the Porto man and looks set to dig his heels over his misfiring forward line.

Saturday, November 30, 2013 10:03

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AC Milan now and then

AC Milan in the era of Galliani and now with Barbara Berlusconi who wants to take control

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One thousand eyes on Real Madrid’s attack

Real Madrid take on Valladolid on Saturday with coach Juan Ignacio Martinez claiming his side will need "1,000 eyes" to handle los Blancos star-studded attack.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men have scored 40 league goals already this season and a staggering 20 in their last four Liga games and Martinez is wary ahead of the clash.

"Madrid leave you with very few options,” he was quoted as saying by Marca.

“It's clear they are superior and we know it will be difficult, but in football nothing is impossible, although we will have to go out there with a thousand eyes because in the game last Wednesday they scored four goals with one less player".

Friday, November 29, 2013 11:41

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Guardiola & Rummenigge turn Sherlock & Watson to seek out the Bayern spy

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has revealed his frustration after discovering tactics and information have been leaked to the press.

German newspaper Bild revealed Guardiola's tactical plan for Borussia Dortmund prior to the game and have also been exact with their predicted line-ups in recent months.

Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has warned any player found to be responsible will be in “big trouble” with the duo set to turn into Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson mode in order to detect their mole.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013 11:45

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Men in the mask: Real Madrid spook Gala with Ronaldo facade

Real Madrid were without Cristiano Ronaldo for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Galatasaray but the star man's presence was still felt as los Blancos romped to a 4-1 win over Roberto Mancini's men.

Approximately 45,000 supporters inside the Bernabeu wore masks of the man himself, to show support for Ronaldo's bid to win this year's Ballon d'Or.

Ronaldo has scored a staggering 25 goals for Real already this season but his absence did not stop the goals flowing with Gareth Bale, Alvaro Arbeloa, Angel Di Maria and Isco all on target.

Thursday, November 28, 2013 11:56

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Klopp, Wenger & Benitez struggle with Group of Death permutations

The final round of group fixtures in Champions League Group F sees Arsenal, Napoli and Borussia Dortmund all still in with a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.

Arsene Wenger’s men lead the way with 12 points following their 2-0 defeat of Marseille and travel to Italy in their final game to take on Rafael Benitez’s Napoli.

Dortmund lie second on nine points, and face Marseille, yet to score a single point, in their fixture making them heavy favourites to progress.

Yet Napoli also have nine points and know that a three-goal victory over Arsenal will also send them through with a nerve-jangling night of action in prospect.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013 09:29

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Spurs sink under Man City's wave

Tottenham were the latest team to feel the full force of Manchester City's stunning home form as Andre Villas-Boas' charges collapsed to a 6-0 defeat.

Doubles from Jesus Navas and Sergio Aguero, along with a Sandro own goal and Alvaro Negredo's strike made it six wins out of six for Manuel Pellegrini's men at home in the Premier League this season, while defeat has left Spurs ninth in the table, but only two points behind fourth place.

Monday, November 25, 2013 12:00

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Gotze leaves jilted bride Klopp in tears

After leaving Borussia Dortmund for Bundesliga title rivals Bayern Munich in the summer, it was almost inevitable that the Germany international would eventually come back to haunt his old club.

And, just over four months after moving the the Allianz Arena, Gotze made a telling contribution on his return to Signal-Iduna Park.

The 21-year-old came off the bench to a chorus of boos and broke the deadlock shortly after, firing past Roman Weidenfeller.

Bayern completed a 3-0 win thanks to Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben, but it was Gotze who Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp believed to have changed the game.

"I do not care how badly we lost," he said. "The second and the third goal do not represent this match.

"Bayern played differently. They played many long balls and they were very patient. We had the bigger chances until the 1-0 and we had a huge chance for the 1-1.

"But you have to convert these chances. After the second goal you could see the team had a crack. I don't care about the third goal."

Sunday, November 24, 2013 12:30

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Merseyside gears up for demolition derby

Everton host Liverpool on Saturday lunchtime in what is sure to be a feisty affair.

Last season, Luis Suarez was credited with two goals and celebrated by diving in front of the Toffees' then manager David Moyes. The Uruguayan then had a last-minute winner incorrectly ruled out to leave the Reds furious.

Both sides have started the current campaign in fine form, and victory would mean third place for Everton or first place for Liverpool - ahead of the 3pm kick-offs, anyway.

With so much at stake, it's sure to be chaotic.

Saturday, November 23, 2013 08:30

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DRAXULER! Schalke star seduces top bosses

The race for Schalke star Julian Draxler is hotting up - and doesn't he know it!

The Germany international has emerged as one of Europe's most exciting young prospects in recent years, with the likes of Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea strongly linked, as well as Real Madrid.

But the latest twist in the saga, after Goal had exclusively revealed David Moyes' side had joined the race for his signature, has resulted in Draxler fluttering his eyelashes in Arsenal's direction.

With more twists and turns still to come, you can count on the Draxuler saga being one you can sink your teeth into!

Friday, 22 November 2013 12:00

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Missing superstars make World Cup plans

So that's it. Uruguay became the 32nd team to qualify for next summer's World Cup, completing the line-up ready to compete for football's biggest prize in Brazil.

But spare a thought for the stars of the game that will miss out on a trip to South America after their qualification campaigns ended in failure.

Ice cream and tissues will undoubtedly be at the ready for the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Gareth Bale and Robert Lewandowski, who will all be forced to watch the action unfold from the comfort of their sofas.

Thursday, 21 November 2013 12:00

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Zlatan, Blatter & the football world bow to mighty Ronaldo

Just when it looked like Zlatan Ibrahimovic might have sparked an incredible comeback for Sweden, Cristiano Ronaldo blew him out of the water with a magnificent hat-trick that sent Portugal through to World Cup 2014.

The Real Madrid superstar delivered three finishes of the utmost quality to roar back into the Ballon d'Or race.

Despite any mickey-taking from Fifa president Sepp Blatter, Ronaldo's performance - which saw him equal Pauleta's national record of 47 goals for the Seleccao - made the world stand up and take note.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013 08:19

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Fat Chance! Bendtner won't get Barca or Madrid move

After missing out on a move to Crystal Palace because he was deemed overweight, it is fair to say that Spain's two biggest clubs won't be knocking on Nicklas Bendtner's door any time soon.

The striker said he would like to move to Barcelona or Real Madrid after he leaves Arsenal, and even though both clubs are in the market for a striker you would not bet on Sandro Rosell or Florentino Perez being seduced by the Great Dane.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013 08:00

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Elephants and Lions join Super Eagles in Brazil

The 2014 World Cup continues to take shape, with more nations booking their places in the tournament next summer.

The Elephants of Ivory Coast secured their spot in Brazil with a two-legged victory over Cameroon on Saturday, as Salomon Kalou killed off the challenge from Senegal in stoppage time of the second leg.

And on Sunday, Cameroon's Indomitable Lions thrashed Tunisia after a goalless draw in the first leg to ensure Samuel Eto'o and Co. will be heading to South America.

Both sides will be joining the Super Eagles of Nigeria, who edged past Ethiopia, with the likes of Sweden and Portugal still battling it out for a place at the World Cup.

Monday, November 18, 2013 12:00

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Super Eagles book World Cup spot

Nigeria are one of the latest teams to have booked their place at next summer's World Cup following a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia on Saturday.

The Super Eagles secured their spot in Brazil thanks to Victor Moses' penalty and Victor Obinna's late free-kick.

Stephen Keshi's men will also be joined by Ivory Coast, who eased to a 4-1 aggregate victory over Senegal.

Sunday, November 17, 2013 12:00

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Zozulya plucks France feathers

Roman Zozulya and his mates conqured France on the final European round of the World Cup qualifications. Ukraine beated France 2-0 to make things harder for the French team to qualify.

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Ronaldo lands crucial blow in Ibrahimovic battle

Cristiano Ronaldo struck the first crucial blow in the battle between Portugal and Sweden for a place in the 2014 World Cup.

Much of the talk prior to the game surrounded which of football's superstars in Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic would come out on top.

And it proved to be the Real Madrid star, who scored the only goal of the game in the 82nd minute, and he might have had a second but was denied by the woodwork.

Ibrahimovic, meanwhile, cut a peripheral figure in Lisbon and was unable to influence the game in his own inimitable style.

There is still plenty of time for the Paris Saint-Germain man to strike back however, with the second leg on home soil for the Swede.

Saturday, November 16, 2013 12:45

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Round One: Zlatan & Ronaldo fight for World Cup place

They are two of the biggest stars in world football, but only one can go to the 2014 World Cup - Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cristiano Ronaldo will go head to head for a trip to Brazil next summer.

The Paris Saint-Germain striker and Real Madrid giant are expected to line up for Sweden and Portugal respectively in Lisbon on Friday night in the first game of a two-legged qualifier.

And while both coaches - Paulo Bento and Erik Hamren - have insisted there is more to the clash than just Ibrahimovic and Ronaldo, they have also conceded the pair are potential match winners.

Can either land a crucial blow in the first leg ahead of the return tie in Sweden?

Friday, November 15, 2013 11:30

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Moyes left to balance Manchester United injuries

David Moyes has been given little time to enjoy Manchester United's 1-0 victory over Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The Scot saw Robin van Persie pull out of the Netherlands' friendlies against Japan and Colombia due to ongoing problems with his toe and groin.

Michael Carrick and Danny Welbeck, meanwhile, have also been forced to withdraw from international duty with England, who face Chile and Germany over the coming days,

The trio of injuries could leave Moyes balancing his options at Manchester United after the international period and hoping their good form in recent games does not fall apart.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013 08:00

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Bale declares admiration for Ronaldo

Gareth Bale has never kept his appreciation for Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo a secret.

Even prior to his move to the Bernabeu, the former Tottenham man indicated his preference for the Portugal star over Barcelona's Lionel Messi.

And having witnessed Ronaldo's quality first hand in Madrid, the Welshman has again declared his admiration for the 28-year-old.

"Cristiano is incredible, he scores hat-tricks every week," Bale told Real Madrid TV. "It's a pleasure to play with him."

But Bale has ambitions to continue to improve despite a promising start in Spain following his recovery from injury.

"The best is yet to come," he stated. "I've just finished my preseason and I can still give more.

"Now I'll be able to score more goals and help the team achieve success.

"It was just a matter of time until I got to 100 per cent. Now everyone is seeing what I can do. I need to keep working and hopefully there will be more goals."

Thursday, November 14, 2013 11:35

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Ballon d'Or rivals tend to injured Messi

Barcelona may have been left reeling by the news that Lionel Messi could be out of action for eight weeks with a hamstring tear.

But with the announcement of the winner of the Ballon d'Or just around the corner, the injury may be considered something of a blessing for some of the game's biggest stars.

Messi - who won last year's award - is likely to be included in the three-man shortlist for the accolade to be announced in December.

However, the extended absence of the Argentina international could allow the likes of Franck Ribery, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cristiano Ronaldo the chance to steal a march on the Barcelona superstar.

Tuesday, 12 November 2013 11:15

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Virus hits Arsenal to leave Wenger sick as a parrot

Arsenal's plans to overturn Manchester United at Old Trafford and extend their lead over their rivals to 11 points were scuppered on Sunday as the effects of a virus in their camp took their toll.

Tomas Rosicky and key defender Per Mertesacker were ruled out of the crunch match due to the illness and United ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a goal from former Gunner Robin van Persie.

Poor Arsene Wenger must have been feeling sick as a parrot after letting David Moyes win the first of their managerial battles across the historic rivalry.

Monday, 11 November 2013 07:36

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Shadow of Sir Alex looms as Moyes and Wenger face off at Old Trafford

Sunday sees a mouth-watering game take place in the Premier League as league leaders Arsenal travel to Old Trafford to take on reigning champions Manchester United.

The Gunners go into the game eight points clear of David Moyes’ men but have failed to beat the Red Devils in the Premier League on their own turf since 2002.

However, the hosts have begun the defence of their title in far from convincing fashion under new manager Moyes who knows that another defeat will leave his side a whopping 11 points behind the Gunners.

Sunday, 10 November 2013 07:43

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Barbara wrestles Galliani while Silvio is about to sleep

A conflict in the management of AC Milan between club CEO Adriano Galliani and club president daughter Barbara Berlusconi in the time of AC Milan struggling season.

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Pellegrini charms Nasri back to form

Manuel Pellegrini can be fairly pleased with his start to life as Manchester City manager - and arguably his biggest achievement is getting Samir Nasri hitting top form once again.

The former Arsenal midfielder had struggled under former boss Roberto Mancini but, if his man-of-the-match display against CSKA Moscow on Tuesday was anything to go by, he's back to his best.

Pellegrini's charm is clearly working wonders with Nasri and with Sergio Aguero also firing on all cylinders, City look well-equipped to challenge for the major honours in the 2013-14 campaign.

Friday, November 8, 2013 12:00

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The Brave Gooner

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Arsenal rock Dortmund & hit the perfect note

It had been billed as the clash between Jurgen Klopp's heavy metal brand of football and Arsene Wenger's orchestra but when it was all said and done only one team was left singing the blues.

Aaron Ramsey's 11th goal of a superb campaign gave the Gunners a marvellous 1-0 win at Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday night, pushing Arsene Wenger's side to the summit of their Champions League group.

Thursday, November 7, 2013 11:01

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Jurgen's Kloppstars host Wenger's orchestra

Borussia Dortmund host Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday night with both sides looking to gain an advantage in a hugely competitive group.

But will the 80,000 supporters in the Signal Iduna Park be taking in a football match or a battle of the bands?

Jurgen Klopp compared the two club's contrasting styles as he spoke about Wenger. "He likes having the ball, playing football, passes... it’s like an orchestra," Klopp said, miming playing a violin.

"But it is a silent song. I like heavy metal more. I always want it loud."

No matter the football on show, one thing you can be certain of in a raucous Westfalenstadion is noise.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013 10:34

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Real vultures close in on Suarez

Luis Suarez may be fully fit, suspension-free and free-scoring, but he will never shake speculation surrounding his future at Liverpool.

And so as the January transfer window approaches, what better time for Real Madrid to begin laying the foundations for a big money move?

The Liga giants may find it hard to muster the cash and convince the Reds to sell their star striker this winter, but he has certainly moved to the top of their wishlist with a series of impressive displays under Brendan Rodgers.

Expect numerous quotes from players, Florentino Perez and anyone with an affiliation to Madrid in the coming months, before a long and painful (but ultimately successful) pursuit in the summer.

The vultures are circling.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013 08:26

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Where's Wenger: Arsenal keep tabs on Llorente & El Shaarawy

After being knocked back in his attempts to sign Wayne Rooney, Luis Suarez, Gonzalo Higuain and Stevan Jovetic, Arsene Wenger might be trying a more discreet approach to player recruitment.

The Arsenal boss is keeping tabs on Fernando Llorente and Stephan El Shaarawy with a view to a January transfer, but while Juventus and AC Milan are not exactly keen on letting their attackers leave, Wenger should probably keep a low profile...

Monday, November 4, 2013 12:00

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