School bully: Mourinho teases 'failure' Wenger

The war of words is well under way between Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger, with the Chelsea boss labelling his rival as "a specialist in failure”.

Wenger had suggested Mourinho's reluctance to consider Chelsea as title contenders was down to a "fear to fail”, and this spat looks set to last for the remaining 12 Premier League games.

But can Wenger gain the upper hand in the battle of wits and guide Arsenal to their first league title in 10 years?

Saturday, 15 February 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Kroos warned not to play poker with Bayern over contract

Mehmet Scholl has urged Toni Kroos not to ‘play poker’ with Bayern Munich over his contract situation.

The 24-year-old midfielder has yet to sign an extension to his current deal which expires in 2015, while Manchester United manager David Moyes was spotted with the player’s agent during a scouting trip in January.

"I think it's not wise for Toni to play poker too much with Bayern," Scholl told TZ.

"That's how it seems at the moment. His current wages are enough for him to have warm food on the table twice a day already!"

Friday, February 14, 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Higuain eyes Maradona's crown

Gonzalo Higuain has set himself quite the task.

In similar fashion to Diego Maradona, the 26-year-old forward wants to help guide Argentina to the World Cup in Brazil before inspiring Napoli to the Serie A title.

"This is an important moment for me and for my career," Higuain told La Gazetta dello Sport.

"I want to do what Maradona did: first win the World Cup and then the Scudetto. He triumphed in Mexico with Argentina in 1986 and, a year later, he made Napoli go crazy.

"If I could do this it would really be the ultimate dream. I want to stay in Naples for a long time - here I'm going to be a king."

No pressure, Gonzalo.

Thursday, February 13, 2014 12:00

New version of the cartoon without Rafa

Tweet Follow @omomani

My Dzeko cartoon in sugar packets

I was happy when BHDragons.com (Bosnian sports coverage website) notified me that there is a Bosnian restaurant is using my (Dzeko and the dragons to the Mondial) cartoon as a print on there sugar packets.

For me I wish for the Bosnian team a sweet journey to Brazil as much sweet was that news to me and the sugar inside the packets.

Tweet Follow @omomani

Mou's 'little horse' stumbles at West Brom

King of words Jose Mourinho produced another gem last week when he labelled his Chelsea team a "little horse" in the Premier League title race.

But everything had been going pretty well in the Stamford Bridge stable, with the impressive victory over Manchester City followed up with another convincing win over Newcastle to keep the Blues at the top of the pile as we approach the home straight.

That was until Pepe Mel's West Brom came along.

Chelsea had looked to be riding towards another three points after Branislav Ivanovic's first-half strike although a late equaliser from Victor Anichebe earned a point for the Baggies and stopped Mourinho's horse in its tracks.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 08:30

Tweet Follow @omomani

Watch & learn: Benzema in awe of Ronaldo

Karim Benzema equalled former Brazil striker Ronaldo's goal tally at Real Madrid on Saturday, with his two strikes against Villarreal moving him onto 104 for the Liga club.

But just where does the former Lyon star draw inspiration from?

Yep, you guessed it. It's the legendary former Inter, Barcelona and Madrid sensation himself - Ronaldo. Speaking to AS, Benzema said: "He inspired me in many respects. Firstly, his will to score goals. But I have also learned a lot from him in terms of movement in front of goal.

"I followed Ronaldo as a child and I still watch videos of him before matches."

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Moyes rues luck as Man United send in 81 crosses

Manchester United sent in a staggering 81 crosses in their 2-2 draw with Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday - the most of any side in the Premier League since 2006.

The hosts scored twice, through a Robin van Persie tap-in and a deflected Michael Carrick effort - but the bombardment from wide areas resulted in no goals.

But David Moyes was quick to blame his side's bad luck this season, rather than tactics, as struggling Fulham clinched a point with a stoppage time header from Darren Bent.

"It's been a bit like that this season so far," Moyes said after the game. "But today was probably as bad as it gets.

"We completely dominated the game and being 1-0 down was bad enough, but the amount of attempts and chances and the play we had, how we didn't win the game comfortably, I've no idea."

Monday, 10 February 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Liverpool hammering just the start of Arsenal's gruelling run

Arsenal embarked on their tricky run of fixtures by being on the wrong end of a 5-1 hammering to Liverpool on Saturday.

Arsene Wenger’s side will have their title credentials tested further on Wednesday as they host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium, and that’s before facing Liverpool once again in the FA Cup fifth round next Sunday.

Let’s not forget, the Gunners have also been tasked with knocking Bayern Munich out of the Champions League.

Can Arsenal recover from their heavy setback at Anfield to pull through?

Sunday, 9 February 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Gervinho beats Bolt by a neck

Roma star Gervinho appears to fancy himself as a sprinter.

The former Arsenal man scored twice in midweek as Roma fought hard to beat Napoli 3-2 in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg.

And afterwards, Gervinho joked that, with the ball at his feet, he would give 100 and 200-metre world record holder Usain Bolt a run for his money.

"I would beat him [Bolt] with the ball at my feet," he said. "Without the ball, he would be quicker."

Gervinho failed to establish himself in the Premier League with Arsenal, but has been in fine form since moving to Italy, scoring five goals in Serie A.

Friday, 7 February 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

The Big Grapple: Mou & Henry battle for Cole

Ashley Cole's Chelsea future is shrouded with uncertainty at the moment, with the full-back's contract expiring at the end of the current campaign and no sign of a new deal being agreed anytime soon.

Jose Mourinho has previously expressed a desire to keep the England man, despite his consistent favoring of Cesar Azpilicueta in the left-back berth, but there may well be outside interference.

Speaking in a pre-match press conference on Friday, the former Real Madrid boss suggested that Thierry Henry could be attempting to convince Cole to make the move to MLS and join him at New York Red Bulls.

Could the promise of cash and the Big Apple tempt Cole to head to the USA?

Saturday, 8 February 2014 10:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Miami Spice! Beckham announces MLS franchise

Move over, LeBron James! There's a new sporting superstar in town.

David Beckham has announced that he will be fronting the formation of a new Major League Soccer franchise in Miami.

Beckham only retired in May 2013, aged 38, following a short but successful spell with Paris Saint-Germain but has wasted little time in getting involved in football again.

"This is an exciting time for myself, my family, my friends and partners, and it is something we are really looking forward to bringing to Miami," he said.

"We're planning to bring a team that will be a global team. I want to create a team that we can start from scratch and I am going to work hard for this city to make this team very successful. It is an exciting time.

"I have worked with some of the biggest clubs and greatest players and this is a dream."

Thursday, 6 February 2014 10:15

Tweet Follow @omomani

Manchester United set for USA pre-season tour

Manchester United have endured a difficult season so far, but they have plenty to look forward to come the summer.

David Moyes's side will travel to the USA for a pre-season tour - their first visit to the country since 2011.

The Old Trafford outfit has confirmed its participation in the International Champions Cup, which will also feature rivals Liverpool, Real Madrid and AC Milan, with the final taking place at Miami's Sun Life Stadium on August 4.

The likes of Moyes, Robin van Persie, Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata will no doubt be hoping to take in some of the USA's historical landmarks.

Wednesday, 5 February 2014 10:30

Tweet Follow @omomani

Chelsea bus transforms into title-chasing juggernaut

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was expected to 'park the bus' against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Monday night.

Manuel Pellegrini's free-scoring side have notched a staggering 68 goals in the Premier League this season, and nobody had kept them from finding the back of the net at home.

But rather than setting up Chelsea to sit back, soak up the pressure and play for the draw, Mourinho abandoned the bus and went all out for victory.

The Blues harried and pressed the hosts and were more than good value for their 1-0 victory courtesy of a Branislav Ivanovic strike.

The win leaves Chelsea level on points with City, just two adrift of league leaders Arsenal with 14 games still to play.

Tuesday, 4 February 2014 07:30

Tweet Follow @omomani

Mourinho readies Chelsea bus ahead of Man City showdown

Jose Mourinho leads his title-chasing Chelsea team to the Etihad Stadium on Monday night looking to cause a shock and stop Manuel Pellegrini's free-scoring side from retaking the lead at the summit of the Premier League.

Mourinho has a number of famous career highlights in away games and although he has blamed visiting teams at Stamford Bridge for 'parking the bus', he may be wise to adopt such tactics at City.

Monday, February 3, 2014 07:23

Tweet Follow @omomani

Fortress Barcelona comes crashing down

Barcelona’s long unbeaten home record came to an abrupt halt on Saturday night as Valencia triumphed 3-2 in an enthralling game at Camp Nou.

A miserable night for the hosts also saw Jordi Alba sent off as Gerardo Martino's men suffered their first home league defeat since April 2012.

The result throws yet another twist into the title race and hands the initiative over to Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, who both have the opportunity to move ahead of the Catalans on Sunday.

Sunday, February 2, 2014 11:50

Tweet Follow @omomani

Galliani Banknote

Tweet Follow @omomani

Time's up! Who sealed their deadline-day deals?

It was a frantic close to transfer deadline day, even if some of the big deals did not go through.

There was still plenty of action, with Dimitar Berbatov swapping Fulham for Monaco and Kostas Mitroglou replacing him from Olympiakos.

Dani Osvaldo clinched his move from Southampton to Juventus, and Adel Taarabt also left for Serie A, namely AC Milan.

Arsenal had been hopeful of signing Julian Draxler throughout January but would not match Schalke's valuation. They also wanted Blaise Matuidi and considered Mogran Schneiderlin, but ended up with Kim Kallstrom on loan from Spartak Moscow.

There was bad news for Liverpool, too, as they missed out on a late deal for Yevhen Konoplyanka.

If you want to find out how deadline day panned out in more detail, check out Goal's in-depth guide.

Saturday, February 1, 2014 10:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Last chance! Deadline day targets exit through transfer window

The clock is ticking and the January transfer deadline is fast approaching - could there be some late moves before the window closes?

Arsene Wenger has ruled out the signing of Julian Draxler, but Arsenal are in talks to sign both Lazio striker Miroslav Klose and Spartak Moscow midfielder Kim Kallstrom.

Southampton look set to say goodbye to Dani Osvaldo, who is in Turin for a medical with Juventus ahead of a loan move.

Dimitar Berbatov is also on the move. Tottenham looked favourites to re-sign the striker after Lewis Holtby moved to Fulham, but Monaco have stolen ahead in a move for the Bulgarian.

Plenty of moves have been confirmed and there are a lot more expected before the deadline - stay with Goal for all the latest updates!

Friday, 31 January 2014 13:30

Tweet Follow @omomani

19th century West Ham keep out Chelsea

Jose Mourinho let his frustrations be known on Wednesday night after West Ham somehow managed to hold Chelsea to a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea bombarded Sam Allardyce's side, who stood firm against chance after chance with a well-manned defensive line that simply would not budge.

But Mourinho took exception to West Ham's strategy and voiced his disapproval after the game.

"This is not the best league in the world, this is football from the 19th century," said Mourinho.

"The only thing I could bring was a Black and Decker to destroy the wall."

Allardyce though, was quick to brush off the criticism.

"He can't take it, can he?" he replied. "He can't take it because we've outwitted him - he just can't cope."

Thursday, January 30, 2014 15:30

Tweet Follow @omomani

Wheels beginning to fall off Arsenal bandwagon

Arsenal’s season took a turn for the worse on Tuesday as the Premier League leaders were held to a 2-2 draw at Southampton.

The result means Arsene Wenger’s men could be knocked off top spot should Manchester City beat Tottenham on Wednesday.

However, there was worse to follow with news that midfielder Aaron Ramsey, so often the star of the show for the Gunners this season, would be out for another four to six weeks through injury.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014 13:14

Tweet Follow @omomani

Wenger hoping to ride Puma to success

Riding the crest of a... Puma?!

It may be not be a phrase that rolls off the tongue but that is exactly what Arsenal could be doing afteragreeing a commercial partnership with the German sportswear company.

The agreement, announced on Monday, will be the club's "biggest commercial deal ever", with Puma replacing Nike as the club's official kit supplier ready for the 2014-15 Premier League campaign.

Speaking about the deal, chief executive Ivan Gazidis told the club's official website: "We are excited to be partnering with PUMA, a company whose football heritage and record of innovation have a strong affinity with our own.

"This represents another important step forward in Arsenal's progression on and off the pitch."

Tuesday, January 28, 2014 11:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Mourinho snatches Salah from Liverpool as Mata moves on

With just days to go, the January transfer window is beginning to hot up with the big clubs starting to splash the cash.

Manchester United have sealed the biggest transfer of the window so far, signing Juan Mata from Chelsea for a club-record £37.1 million.

However, the Blues have also been active, snapping up Mohamed Salah from FC Basel from under the noses of Liverpool.

Monday, January 27, 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Rosell's special delivery for Neymar's parents

The controversy surrounding the resignation of Barcelona president Sandro Rosell rumbles on in Spain.

Rosell stepped down on Thursday, following the announcement of an investigation into the transfer of Neymar to Camp Nou.

At a press conference on Friday, Rosell's replacement, Josep Maria Bartomeu, was adamant the deal to sign the Brazil international cost €57.1 million.

Of that €57.1m transfer fee, €40m went to Neymar's parents, with the deal - including a signing-on fee, commission, marketing and other add-ons - totalling €86.2m.

"I guarantee we have not lied," Bartomeu said, denying any wrongdoing. "Football games are won on the field of play and we have always been highly responsible in the way we have dealt with our contracts. My colleagues have a high level of expertise."

Saturday, January 25, 2014 12:00

Tweet Follow @omomani

Crocked Falcao sucked into World Cup abyss

Radamel Falcao is set to be another high-profile star missing from the World Cup after being ruled out for six months through injury.

The Colombia international tore his anterior cruciate ligament while playing for Monaco against Chasselay in the Coupe de France meaning he will play no part in this summer’s tournament in Brazil.

The striker insists he still retains a small hope he will be fit in time, but it is expected that like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who missed out on qualification with Sweden, he will have to make do with simply watching the action.

Friday, January 24, 2014 12:10

Tweet Follow @omomani

Manchester United pay the penalty in Capital One Cup

Manchester United’s season took another turn for the worse on Wednesday night as they crashed out of the Capital One Cup in the semi-final second leg Old Trafford.

Phil Bardsley thought he had sent Sunderland to Wembley after scoring deep into extra-time before Chicharito’s even later strike ensured the game went to penalties.

A far from impressive set of spot-kicks ensued with the Black Cats triumphing 2-1 in the shoot-out with Danny Welbeck, Adnan Januzaj, Phil Jones and Rafael all missing for the Red Devils.

Thursday, January 23, 2014 10:44

Tweet Follow @omomani

Moyes tries to sneak Mata away from Mourinho

With his team struggling in the Premier League, Manchester United manager David Moyes is understandably keen to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window.

One man on the Scot’s radar is Chelsea bench-warmer Juan Mata who Jose Mourinho has previously claimed he does not want to sell.

However, Manchester United are not to be deterred and have stepped up their interest in the Spaniard who they hope they can convince to swap Stamford Bridge for Old Trafford.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 11:42

Tweet Follow @omomani

Cry-baby Ribery throws his toys out of the pram

Franck Ribery has not taken losing out on the Ballon d’Or to Cristiano Ronaldo at all well, if his latest comments are anything to go by.

The Bayern Munich man finished third behind the Real Madrid ace and Lionel Messi despite winning a historic treble with the Bundesliga side last season.

"I won everything I could win with Bayern and individually. Ronaldo on the other hand did not win anything," he told AZ.

"I am not sad that I missed out, but it does hurt a bit. I deserved to win the Ballon d'Or.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014 11:47

Tweet Follow @omomani

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

Tweet Follow @omomani

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

Tweet Follow @omomani

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

Tweet Follow @omomani

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

Tweet Follow @omomani