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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Head & Shoulders above Hart: Pantilimon in at City

The England goalkeeper may have a lucrative shampoo sponsorship deal but he'll be tearing his hair out after being dropped for Manchester City's game against Norwich on Saturday.

Costel Pantilimon, the 6'8" Romanian, will get his chance between the sticks after Hart committed a string of errors in the opening weeks of the season.

Saturday, November 2, 2013 11:00

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