Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Christmas comes early for Sneijder & Santa

Christmas has come early in Wesley Sneijder's household as the midfielder has been sent on a premature festive break by Inter.

A short statement from Inter on Tuesday confirmed the following: "It was the last training session of 2012 at the Angelo Moratti centre for Philippe Coutinho and Wesley Sneijder today.

"The two players, at the behest of the club and head coach Andrea Stramaccioni, will rejoin their families for Christmas from tomorrow."

Palacio also great as a goalkeeper

Marlon Brando Caricature

From The Missouri Breaks

Club World Cup champions Corinthians deliver Benitez knockout blow

Just when it appeared Rafa Benitez might be on the verge of receiving some goodwill from Chelsea fans, Corinthians spoil the party.

The Blues romped into the Club World Cup final with a convincing 3-1 victory over Monterrey.

But Benitez and his charges came unstuck against the Brazilian outfit, who won the competition by knocking out the Stamford Bridge side with a single Paolo Guerrero goal.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Rooney and Van Persie have the Premier League at their mercy

Manchester United maintained their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a 3-1 victory over Sunderland on Saturday, and once again, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie were on hand to fire their team to victory.

The Dutchman grabbed his 12th league goal of the season to open the scoring at Old Trafford, and strike partner Rooney was not far behind with his seventh of the campaign.

Now having disposed of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and arch-rivals Manchester City already this year, the gigantic partnership of Rooney and Van Persie has the Premier League scurrying for cover...

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Wenger & Bould display united front as press hounds demand answers

Arsene Wenger's long reign at Arsenal hit what was arguably its lowest point on Tuesday when the Gunners were knocked out of the Capital One Cup by League Two side Bradford City.

The defeat led to renewed questions regarding the relationship between Wenger and his new assistant, Steve Bould. Reports claimed a rift between the duo, with Bould's separate defensive training sessions supposedly having been stopped.

Wenger, though, denied the accusations when he faced the press in the wake of Arsenal's elimination and insists that he and Bould are part of a "united staff".
 

Friday, December 14, 2012

Chelsea prepare for 'football party' at Club World Cup against Corinthians

The boos from Chelsea fans aimed at Rafa Benitez may not have been completely silenced by the Stamford Bridge club's convincing win over Monterrey on Thursday.

But on the pitch at least, the mood was visibly lifted as Juan Mata opened the scoring, while Fernando Torres was also on target and David Luiz dominated the midfield.

And Mata summed up the atmosphere best after the game as he looked ahead to the Club World Cup final clash with Corinthians.

"We have confidence about winning but we know Corinthians are one of the best teams in South America," he said.

"It will be a football party and hopefully we will win."