║║║║║ Barclays Premier League Season 2012-13 ║║║║║

[Drogba]

Thank God I have left Brendan Rodgers, says Sahin

By Oliver Platt
Mar 14, 2013 12:30:00 PM

The Borussia Dortmund loanee has blamed the Reds manager for his unsuccessful spell on Merseyside earlier this season, complaining that he played him in out of position

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Nuri Sahin has hit out at Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers following his unsuccessful loan spell at Anfield.

Sahin joined the Reds from Real Madrid on a season-long deal in August but the agreement was terminated in January after the Turkish playmaker made just seven Premier League appearances.

The 24-year-old has since sealed an 18-month loan move to former side Dortmund and blamed Rodgers for playing him in the wrong position during his time on Merseyside.

"I did not fail at Liverpool," Sahin told AS. "Brendan Rodgers wanted me to play as a '10'. But I do not play behind the forwards. I spoke with him and asked him why I was playing there. It is not my real position.

"The boss could not answer me... still, I do not regret it. To play in the red jersey and at Anfield is something marvellous. Maybe if I had not gone there I would not have been able to return to Borussia Dortmund. For that, I am happy. But I have left Brendan Rodgers, thank God."

Sahin insisted that his relationship with Jose Mourinho remains healthy despite his lack of opportunites in Madrid before adding that recent results over Manchester United and, domestically, Barcelona prove los Blancos' credentials in the Champions League.

"We speak often on the telephone," he added. "We chat about football and life. The boss feels good. I believe the game against Manchester United is very important for Madrid. Now they are in a perfect position.

"People talk more about [referee] Cuneyt Cakir's decision [to send off Nani] than Madrid's performance, but Madrid played a very good game. They are going very well. It is not easy to beat Barcelona twice. The truth is Madrid are one of the big favourites for the Champions League."

 

[Drogba]

EXCLUSIVE: Szczesny and Vermaelen facing Arsenal exit after Wenger loses patience with duo

By SAMI MOKBEL PUBLISHED: 22:14 GMT, 14 March 2013 | UPDATED: 22:46 GMT, 14 March 2013

Wojciech Szczesny is set to clash with manager Arsene Wenger over the Arsenal manager's plans to sign a new goalkeeper. And skipper Thomas Vermaelen is also facing a fight to save his Gunners career as the Gunners boss gets tough with his underachievers.

Future in doubt: Wojciech Szczesny could be on his way out of Arsenal

Wenger said concerns over Szczesny's 'mental' state were behind his decision to drop the goalkeeper for the clash against Bayern Munich on Wednesday night. But Sportsmail has learned that Wenger has been hugely disappointed with Szczesny's recent displays and made that clear when informing the keeper of his decision to axe him.The Gunners manager has made a new No 1 a top summer priority, with Stoke keeper Asmir Begovic, Simon Mignolet of Sunderland and Liverpool's Pepe Reina all being considered.

However, having established himself as the club's first-choice keeper, Szczesny, who was angered at his dropping, will not settle for being second-choice, leaving Wenger in a quandary over his summer plans. Behind the scenes problems have contributed to Szczesny's disappointing campaign.It is understood certain players are unhappy with the goalkeeper's ultra-confident attitude, with many believing his performances do not merit such cockiness.

Szczesny's immediate concern is to win his place back from Lukasz Fabianski, who was one of Arsenal's star performers in Wednesday's 2-0 win in Germany. Vermaelen is facing a similar fight after being dropped for the Bayern clash. As Sportsmail revealed last Thursday, Wenger is losing patience with his captain over a string of below-par displays.And Vermaelen is sweating on a first-team recall after his replacement, Laurent Koscielny, also impressed in the Allianz Arena. But the former Ajax man could find himself heading for Emirates exit as Wenger starts plotting his summer shake-up, with Barcelona long-term admirers of the central defender.
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[Drogba]

English teams no longer European heavyweights but Premier League will recover, says Neville

By SIMON STONE, PRESS ASSOCIATION PUBLISHED: 17:01 GMT, 14 March 2013 | UPDATED: 17:01 GMT, 14 March 2013

Gary Neville is not convinced England's Champions League decline will be a long-term phenomenon. Arsenal's heroic failure to overturn a first-leg deficit in their clash with Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena leaves the Premier League without a representative at the quarter-final stage of Europe's most prestigious tournament for the first time since 1996. Many would argue it underlines a general decline in English football, with Arsene Wenger expressing dire warnings immediately after last night's game.

The impossible dream: Arsenal's heroic victory in Munich last night was not enough to see them reach the quarter-finals

But, speaking on his return to old club Bury Juniors FC as part of the FA Community Awards 2013 presented by McDonald's, Neville said he does not think the situation is that bad. 'We are not in a strong moment. There is no point denying it,' said Neville.'From 2005 to 2012 we had eight or nine finalists, which is a ridiculous success rate when you include semi-finals as well.'But Barcelona and Real Madrid are stronger, the German teams are stronger, Juventus look like they are getting back to it.

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Dashed: Manchester United's run in the competition was halted by Cristiano and Real Madrid

'It works in cycles. You cannot always be at the top. Maybe we are having a period where we are in a little bit of a dip.'But it may change around completely next year or the year after.'

Speaking from experience: Gary Neville won the Champions League twice at Manchester United

Neville will be getting his head back to England matters next week, with manager Roy Hodgson due to name his squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro tomorrow. The major focus will be on whether Rio Ferdinand gets a recall given Phil Jagielka has been ruled out with an ankle injury, Joleon Lescott has started just one game of the last four for Manchester City, Chris Smalling was reduced to Under-21 duty at Manchester United on Monday and Gary Cahill has been struggling for form at Chelsea.

Underachievers: English champions Manchester City were knocked out at the group stage for the second year running

It would represent a major climbdown for Hodgson to select Ferdinand, having continually given the impression he wanted to "move on" from the 34-year-old. Nevertheless, the obvious alternatives, Tottenham duo Michael Dawson and Steven Caulker, lack Ferdinand's experience, which could be vital in Podgorica against a dangerous Montenegro outfit that represent the greatest danger to England's hopes of automatic qualification.

Fallen idols: Chelsea became the first holders of the Champions League to crash out at the group stage of the next years competition

Arsenal's Jack Wilshere is out with an ankle injury but Ben Foster is expected to receive his first call-up since confirming he was willing to end his exile from the international fold.
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[Drogba]

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[Drogba]

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[Drogba]

Wenger: Pre-season injury damaged Koscielny's early form
The Arsenal manager has hailed his central defender, believing that the Frenchman has finally shaken off the pre-season injury that affected some of his performances

Fellaini is too important to Everton to drop, admits Moyes
The Belgian was involved in an angry confrontation with fans during Saturday's FA Cup defeat to Wigan, but the Scot insists he needs his best players to take on ManchesterCity

Giggs: Manchester United squad can cope with fixture congestion
The Red Devils' veteran midfielder believes that Sir Alex Ferguson has deep enough player resources to cope with April's heavy schedule, such as tackling two games in 48 hours

Benayoun could be set for third West Ham spell
The Chelsea midfielder could move to Upton Park yet again in the summer, on a freetransfer, having been a Hammer from 2005 to 2007 before rejoining them on loan earlier this term

Fiorentina's Jovetic fuels Manchester City rumours
The Premier League champions have negotiated a first option agreement for the 23-year-old with Fiorentina, who would prefer not to sell to domestic rivals Juventus

Riise: Bale has no reason to leave Tottenham
The Fulham defender has warned the in-form Wales international sensation that leaving the Premier League to join one of Europe's biggest clubs might not be in his best interests

Mancini: Manchester United fatigue could help us retain title
The Italian manager has admitted that Manchester City will be hoping the league leaders suffer from tiredness, as his team attempt to close the 12-point gap at the top of table

Mancini: Failing to replace Kompany has cost Manchester City
The Belgian has managed just 15 Premier League appearances for the defending champions this season, while Manchester United have opened up a 12-point lead at the top of the table

Hooiveld says Suarez's style could cost him Player of the Year
Southampton's Dutch defender reveals that his vote for the Players' Player of the Year award went to the Manchester United striker rather than the controversial Liverpool hot-shot

Wenger: Szczesny and Vermaelen will have to earn recalls
The Arsenal manager has warned that nobody is guaranteed a place in the side – even the club captain - and is confident in Lukasz Fabianski’s ability to step up

Valencia's rapid Manchester United decline continues to baffle
The winger looks a completely different player from the single-minded crossing machine that terrorised Premier League left-backs last season, and it is hard to say what went wrong

Gallas ‘disappointed’ with racist chants endured in Milan
The Tottenham defender has voiced his displeasure at racial taunts suffered by Spurs players at San Siro on Thursday and understands why abused players walk off the pitch

Cazorla: Arsenal can improve on Munich triumph
The Gunners came close to a memorable comeback victory over the runaway Bundesliga leaders in midweek and the Spaniard is eyeing another win against Swansea on Saturday

Lineker: Walcott not in the same league as Bale
The former Tottenham striker says that the 23-year old is on a different level to the Arsenal forward - but warns the Welshman to eradicate diving from his game

Zabaleta wary of 'tough' away day against Everton
The Argentine defender has warned his team-mates of a tricky trip to Goodison Park this weekend, claiming they will have to be “very organised and fight for every ball”

Pearce: You never know at Old Trafford
The 24-year-old admits that his team were disappointed at the defeat to Aston Villa, but says they could still earn something at Manchester United with a "proper team performance"

Jol: Bale the best player in the Premier League
The Fulham manager says he convinced the Welsh winger to join Tottenham, and even tried to sign him on loan as boss at Hamburg, but says Spurs have done well to hold onto him

Pochettino: Coutinho has that same quality as Ronaldinho and Messi, but much to prove
Ahead of Southampton's clash with Liverpool on Saturday, the Saints boss has hailed the Brazilian midfielder's ability and compared him to the South American stars

Kuyt happy to avoid Chelsea & Tottenham in Europa League draw
The 32-year-old Fenerbahce forward says his side are "eagerly anticipating" their quarter-final clash with Lazio but admits he is relieved to have bypassed the London clubs

PSG sporting director Leonardo denies Rooney bid
The Brazilian was coy on a move for the reportedly unsettled Manchester United striker, insisting that no approach has been made and his team's sole focus is on-field matters

Chelsea and Tottenham are Europa League heavyweights, says Rui Costa
The Benfica sporting director says he is pleased to have avoided the two London clubs in Friday's draw, but still has a lot respect for their next opponents Newcastle

Liverpool have ‘nine cup finals’ to clinch Champions League, says Sturridge
The striker has impressed since joining the club in January - netting five goals in eight appearances - but is keen to shake off niggling injuries to aid his team for the run-in

Arsenal must win at all costs against Swansea, insists Wenger
The Gunners boss saw his side knocked out of the Champions League on Wednesday, and admits his team must be victorious this weekend if they are to finish in the top four

Ferguson concerned over Rio Ferdinand's England inclusion
The Manchester United manager admits he is "surprised" that the 34-year-old has been included in Roy Hodgson's squad and is worried about the defender's fitness

Newcastle midfielder Ben Arfa ruled out until end of season
The France international made a comeback in the first leg of their Europa League tie with Anzhi Makhachkala, but a recurrence of his hamstring problem will require an operation

12:30
Mancini confirms Kompany and Aguero out of Everton game
City have been without their captain since January while the Argentine striker has struggled with a knee injury, but the Italian says they will be back for the Newcastle clash

Suarez is phenomenal, says Liverpool's Coutinho
The 20-year-old Brazilian has made a big impact since his January transfer from Inter, but says he is a big admirer of his Uruguayan team-mate, who "gives himself" to the squad

Manchester United goalkeeper De Gea handed Spain call-up
The 22-year-old has been rewarded by national boss Vicente del Bosque and could make his debut for the senior side in the upcoming friendlies against Finland and France

'Several' Russian clubs interested in Bendtner, claims agent
Despite failing to impress while on a season-long loan deal with Juventus, the Arsenal striker is attracting admirers from England, Italy and the oil-rich league

Injury-plagued Rodwell faces uncertain future at Manchester City
Roberto Mancini sees the Englishman as a central defender later in his career, but the former Everton man must first find a way to overcome his persistent injury problems

Szczesny left out again as Fabianski retains his place in Arsenal goal
Arsene Wenger is ready to stick with the 27-year-old Pole in goal, who deputised in Munich, ahead of his younger countryman for Saturday's Premier League meeting with Swansea

 

[Drogba]

Ferguson: English teams were not European flops

By Matt Davis
Mar 16, 2013 8:35:00 AM

The Manchester United manager does not believe that football in England is in decline, despite there being no Premier League representatives in the Champions League quarter-finals

Sir Alex Ferguson has played down fears that English football is on the decline, after no Premier League sides made it into the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in 17 years.

Manchester United and Arsenal both suffered defeats in the round of 16, going out of the competition to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, respectively, after Manchester City and Chelsea both failed to make it out of their groups.

However, Sir Alex has dismissed Arsene Wenger's comments which claimed that the rest of Europe has caught up with England's footballing ability.

“You can’t put us all in the one basket,” the Manchester United manager told reporters.

“Our performance against Real Madrid was outstanding. We should have been in the last eight. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be.

“But I don’t think you can put us all in one basket in terms of deterioration. I don’t believe that at all.

“It’s also a little bit cyclical. Look at the performance level of Borussia Dortmund, and Bayern Munich have improved this year; Spain has been like that for a few years now."

Furthermore, Sir Alex believes that the past five years have shown that English teams are still up there with the best in Europe.

In the past five Champions League finals, there have been two English teams who have won the competition: Chelsea and Manchester United. Barcelona lifted the trophy twice too, with Inter also proving victorious.

When including second place too, five of the ten finalists have been English representatives, with Bayern Munich and Barcelona representing their countries twice, alongside the 2009-10 winners Inter.

Sir Alex continued: "Going back a few years, English teams were in the semi-finals and finals quite regularly.

"It’s a bit of a cycle at the moment with the German teams progressing.”

 

[Drogba]

Car-less Tevez

Manchester City star Carlos Tevez faces a possible spell in prison after being charged for driving while disqualified and without insurance today, with a six month jail sentence being the maximum punishment if found guilty.

The Argentine striker was arrested last week near his home in Alderley Edge after allegedly being caught behind the wheel despite having been given a six months driving ban seven weeks prior.

Tevez reported to Middlewich police station today and has been bailed until 3rd April upon which his case will be heard at Macclesfield magistrates court.

Chesire Constabulary released a statement explaining that they had: 'charged a 29-year-old man from Alderley Edge with offences of driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.'

'The man was arrested on the A538 in Macclesfield at 5.13pm on Thursday, March 7, and later released on police bail.'

'He answered bail today at Middlewich Custody Suite and was formally charged. He will appear at Macclesfield Magistrates' Court on April 3.'

It is understood that Tevez will be represented by Gywn Lewis who has earned the nickname 'Merlin the magician' because of his ability to make driving charges disappear for his clients.

Lewis's magic wand has previously got former City stars Joey Barton, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Danny Mills off the hook for driving offences.

 

[Mandzukic]

'I don't think it is really serious' - Newcastle midfielder Cabaye plays down injury fears
The France international feels his groin problem could be the result of a hectic fixture list but is hopeful it will not keep him out of action for too long

 

[Mandzukic]

Everton repaid fans with Manchester City win, says Coleman
The 24-year-old believes his side made up for their "utterly disappointing" FA Cup exitlast weekend, while stand-in captain Leon Osman also expressed his delight with the victory

 

[Mandzukic]

Hodgson: Tottenham defender Dawson deserves his England call-up
The Three Lions boss has revealed the Spurs captain's dazzling displays have earned him a return for the upcoming 2014 World Cup qualifiers

 

[Mandzukic]

Sir Alex Ferguson confirms Rio Ferdinand will accept England recall
The 71-year-old said his player will definitely join up with the Three Lions after receiving a call-up from Roy Hodgson, while praising the defender for his display against Reading

 

[Drogba]

Laudrup rues decisive first goal after Swansea defeat to Arsenal
The Swans boss was anticipating a 0-0 draw at the Liberty Stadium when Nacho Monreal opened the scoring before Gervinho added a second but praised his side's first half showing

Manchester United line up loan move for Powell
Sir Alex Ferguson is keen for the former Crewe star to get a season of first-team football under his belt next term, with Wigan a potential destination for the 18-year-old

Balotelli: Too many stories are invented about me
The Italy international has insisted rumours of his eccentric behaviour are false and that he gets on well with all of his former coaches

Manchester United in a 'great position' to seal title, says Rooney
The Red Devils striker stressed the importance of performing professionally after they overcame Reading in a 1-0 win, though he did admit they were well-placed to win the league

Steve Clarke hails goalkeeper Foster after West Brom draw with Stoke
The Baggies boss believes his goalkeeper's decision to return to international football is good news for England after he kept a clean sheet in the Saturday stalemate

Liverpool must be better in defence, admits Rodgers
The Reds' faint top-four aspirations took a blow at St Mary's on Saturday as Morgan Schneiderlin, Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriguez consigned them to a 3-1 defeat

Manchester United 1-0 Reading: Rooney edges runaway leaders closer to 20th league title
A stroke of luck helped the forward hand the Red Devils the lead in a poor first half, before they were able to hold on to the win after the break without moving through the gears

Wenger: Arsenal will give everything for a top-four finish
The Gunners boss has said that his team is ready to dig deep for a battle in order to secure qualification for the Champions League next season after a difficult campaign

Southampton 3-1 Liverpool: Saints secure priceless win in battle to avoid the drop
The Merseysiders' hopes of gatecrashing the top four are almost over following a shambolic defensive display against Mauricio Pochettino's relegation strugglers

Swansea 0-2 Arsenal: Monreal strikes vital blow in the race for fourth
The Spanish left-back beat Michel Vorm late on and Gervinho added a second at the Liberty Stadium to leave the Gunners trailing fourth-place Chelsea by only two points

 

[Drogba]

Everton 2 Man City 0: Is this the moment Mancini's title dreams were left in tatters? Fellaini handles in the area but ref awards free-kick as Osman and Jelavic seal win

By ROB DRAPER PUBLISHED: 14:38 GMT, 16 March 2013 | UPDATED: 22:18 GMT, 16 March 2013

There is never one moment when you lose your title, more a series of setbacks that culminate in failure. When Manchester City look back at the 2012-13 season, they will be able to identify several games in which that trophy, won so dramatically on a sunny spring day back in May, slipped away. But Saturday afternoon was the final surrender, a limp raising of the white flag at Goodison Park with a 2-0 defeat playing against a side with 10 men for 30 minutes indicating extensive surgery may be required in the summer.

Foul: But referee Lee Probert adjudged Marouane Fellaini to have handled the ball outside of the are

End of the road: Manchester City remain 12 points adrift of Manchester United with just nine games left

MATCH FACTS

Everton: Mucha, Coleman, Heitinga, Distin, Baines, Mirallas (Naismith 70), Gibson, Osman, Pienaar, Fellaini, Anichebe (Jelavic 90).
Subs Not Used: Springthorpe, Oviedo, Neville, Barkley, Duffy.
Sent Off: Pienaar (61).
Booked: Fellaini, Pienaar, Osman, Jelavic.
Goals: Osman 32, Jelavic 90.

Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Toure (Sinclair 83), Nastasic, Kolarov, Javi Garcia, Barry (Nasri 70), Milner (Clichy 83), Tevez, Silva, Dzeko.
Subs Not Used: Pantilimon, Lescott, Razak, Lopes.
Booked: Kolarov, Dzeko, Silva.

Attendance: 36,519
Referee: Lee Probert (Wiltshire).

They had a degree of misfortune, notably the 86th-minute penalty call when Carlos Tevez shot and Marouane Fellaini handled inside the box but referee Lee Probert capped a miserable afternoon by giving a free-kick outside the area.The only mitigation was that Leon Osman might have handled the ball marginally before, but it seemed unlikely Probert had given the decision for that. At the end, City assistant manager David Platt made all the right noises about their 'obligation' to try to win matches from now until the end of the season. But, as he pointed out: 'Nobody was shouting from the rooftops that we were chasing them (leaders Manchester United) even before today.'Even less so, now; it took 34 years to win back the title but it has been removed from their grasp rather more quickly. Roberto Mancini was said to be too angry to speak, not just with the Fellaini decision but 'everything in general', including his team's performance.

All over: Everton celebrate but Roberto Mancini reflects as City are left to rue another defeat at Goodison Park

Platt admitted: 'I'm not too sure we did deserve to win in terms of performance. I don't think we were ever dominant throughout the game. They worked us but we've got to score goals, and if you don't, you're not going to change the game.' Indeed, from the moment Edin Dzeko had a spat with referee Probert in the opening minutes, City seemed to be having a bad day at the office.In an ugly opening, they failed to get their passing going, were out-battled in midfield and later, even with a man extra, they never looked superior.In reality, this was Everton's day. Their players lingered at the end as the strains of 'It's a grand old team to play for' echoed round the ground, enjoying the moment, none more so than Osman, an outstanding midfield presence.

Getting shirty: Nikica Jelavic celebrates his injury-time goal in front of the delighted Everton faithful

There were other heroes in Seamus Coleman, Jan Mucha and Victor Anichebe, especially in those last 30 minutes. But they all played their part, even Fellaini, booed last week for his performance. For beating the champions is always a cause for celebration but the added impetus was the context, the victory coming a week after one of the most depressing days in David Moyes's reign, that 3-0 home FA Cup defeat by Wigan. On Saturday the real Everton turned up.'I'd have been disappointed if we didn't have a reaction,' said Moyes.' The players did great, playing the champions of England. And if you watch Everton regularly, you would have to say that what you saw today is what Everton do. 'I understand why people are focusing on last week, because we've given this club a bit more hope and we let everyone down last Saturday.

On target: Leon Osman struck for Everton in the 32nd minute of today's lunchtime kick-off at Goodison Park

Hitting the heights: Darron Gibson hauls Osman up by the collar after the diminutive midfielder gave Everton the lead

Over the blue moon: Osman celebrates his strike at Goodison Park

'We were rubbish last Saturday but I tell you what - we've been very good all season. Sometimes you should be careful because you're actually watching a really good Everton side and the best Everton team I've had. We've not gone away; we're still here.'Everton were unfortunate not to take an earlier lead, when Kevin Mirallas showed a superb touch and stunning finish in the 13th minute as he controlled a headed ball as the City defence advanced. The call was tight but Mirallas had timed his dart back onside just right. No matter. In the 32nd minute they were ahead with a goal of equal quality.

Early bath: Steven Pienaar received a red card after picking up two bookings - the second for a foul on Javi Garcia

Coleman could not find a way past Pablo Zabaleta but did find Osman, who unleashed a delightful curling shot that left Joe Hart standing. Goodison was reverberating with positivity and Mirallas might have headed a second in the 44th minute when Hart's palm away presented him with a clear chance. Dzeko was close to equalising in the 55th minute but City had created little before Pienaar received his second yellow card in the 61st minute, coming in with his knee high and studs up on Javi Garcia.Moyes felt it was a 'terrible decision' but it was a poor challenge.

Star men: Sylvain Distin celebrates with stand-in stopper Jan Mucha and (right) referee Lee Probert

No-way back: It's looking increasingly unlikely that Manchester City will retain their Premier League crown

And so we waited for City to rally. When they finally did, keeper Jan Mucha was equal to the task, blocking Carlos Tevez in the 68th minute and then scrambling to his feet to deny James Milner from the rebound. He was there again, rushing out to smother a Zabaleta shot in the 79th minute. Then came the penalty-that-never-was, the one occasion on which City could claim they were unfortunate.Arrest: BBC comedian Lee Nelson is escorted away after trying to get on to the Goodison Park playing surface

By now, Goodison was in a state of fervour. So when Fellaini broke away and fed substitute Nikica Jelavic, who cut inside Gael Clichy and saw his deflected shot beat Hart, there was something close to rapture. Jelavic ripped off his shirt and raced to a corner of the Gwladys Road End to be figuratively embraced by thousands, while Moyes himself punched the air and danced a jig. They had not gone away, Everton; they were just hiding last weekend.
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[Drogba]

Everton eye Martinez if Moyes decides to leave Goodison Park in the summer

By BOB CASS PUBLISHED: 21:14 GMT, 16 March 2013 | UPDATED: 21:14 GMT, 16 March 2013

Everton wil target Roberto Martinez if David Moyes decides to quit the Merseyside club at the end of the season. Moyes reached 11 years in charge at Goodison Park last week but Wigan boss Martinez spoiled any celebrations with his team's crushing 3-0 victory in their FA Cup quarter-final.

All change: Wigan manager Roberto Martinez could replace David Moyes (left)

While Moyes says he will wait to see how the season ends before he commits himself, he could be tempted by a job in the Premier League or abroad, particularly in Germany, where Schalke are the latest to show interest. The Everton boss is set to have talks with chairman Bill Kenwright about the way he would like the club to go but he said recently: 'The way I'm hearing the players talk, they are as ambitious as I am and probably a lot of futures hinge on where we finish and what we do during the rest of the season.'Martinez is seen as an ideal replacement, having performed brilliantly to keep Wigan in the Premier League over the past three seasons.

He faces another battle to avoid relegation but his achievements, especially in guiding them to their first-ever FA Cup semi-final, will put him high on the wish list of a number of clubs this summer.He was linked with Liverpool before Brendan Rodgers took over and has remained loyal to Wigan chairman Dave Whelan, despite several opportunities to move on. But the 39-year-old Spaniard remains ambitious and the chance to manage one of England's most established football clubs would be hard to resist.
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[Drogba]

City prepared to stump up huge fee to gazump Barcelona's Neymar deal

By ROB DRAPER PUBLISHED: 22:30 GMT, 16 March 2013 | UPDATED: 22:30 GMT, 16 March 2013

Manchester City and Real Madrid are making a last-minute attempt to gazump Barcelona’s £50million signing of Brazil star Neymar. Barcelona have a pre-contract with the player, who has agreed to join the Catalan club either this summer or after the 2014 World Cup, and Neymar will have to pay a huge amount of compensation if he breaks the agreement. But City director of football Txiki Begiristain and representatives of Real Madrid president Florentino Perez are understood to have made it clear they will cover the costs of any compensation and improve Neymar’s personal terms if he would consider a move to them.

On the move: Neymar looked set to join Barcelona but could be swayed

Barcelona have become increasingly concerned about the possibility of Neymar breaking his agreement, aware that other clubs can legitimately buy out the deal.Neymar, 21, would be a natural replacement for Carlos Tevez, who has a more year left on his City contract worth more than £200,000 a week.

Next big thing: Brazil star Neymar has been linked with a host of top clubs

The Brazilian, who disappointed when he played against England at Wembley last month but is expected to be the star when Brazil host the World Cup next year, has been a phenomenon at Santos, Pele’s former club. Begiristain, who was at Barcelona as sporting director when the club began scouting Neymar, flew to Brazil this year and he is understood to have made inquiries as to the availability of the player while there.
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[Drogba]

'I think the referee thought I was on work experience' - Dolan incensed after Man United defeat

By Sam Wells
Mar 17, 2013 12:00:00 AM

The Royals' temporary boss hit out at official Lee Mason after he felt that a penalty should have been given for Nemanja Vidic's push on Adrian Mariappa shortly after half-time

Reading caretaker manager Eamonn Dolan was left incensed by referee Lee Mason's performance in their 1-0 defeat against Manchester United, accusing the referee of treating him as if he were on "work experience".

After Wayne Rooney opened the scoring just before the 20-minute mark, the Royals failed to find their way back into the game and now lie seven points adrift of safety.

Dolan, however, felt that the referee had a large part to play in the result as, immediately after half-time, there was no penalty given despite Nemanja Vidic's apparent push on Adrian Mariappa in the box.

"It was a clear penalty but I think the referee thought I was on work experience and, 'perfect a little 1-0 loss for Reading' and [he] would be fine," he told Sky Sports.

"I wouldn't have expected that from the referee but what can you do?"

Dolan also spoke of the surprise sacking of Brian McDermott, admitting that he was as shocked as anyone to hear that his former colleague had been dismissed.

""No one was more surprised than me," he added. "It is well documented that Brian is a good friend of mine but the decision was made and we move forward."

 

[Drogba]

PICTURED: The moment BBC prankster was ARRESTED after joining Man City warm-up

• Simon Brodkin hopped onto Goodison Park dressed as alter ego Jason Bent
• Began stretching alongside City stars Joe Hart and Kolo Toure
• Stewards finally alerted by coach David Platt and he was arrested

PUBLISHED: 13:17 GMT, 16 March 2013 | UPDATED: 20:20 GMT, 16 March 2013

This is the moment BBC comedian Simon Brodkin somehow managed to get on the Goodison Park pitch and warm up with the Manchester City squad.Players, including goalkeeper Joe Hart and Kolo Toure and assistant manager David Platt looked on in bemusement as Brodkin, whose is best known for his comic creation Lee Nelson, jogged along the touchline and did stretches.In this instance, Brodkin was in the guise of footballer Jason Bent, a character from his BBC Three series Lee Nelson's Well Funny People, wearing an identical maroon tracksuit to the City players.His presence alerted players, stewards and security staff and he was escorted off the pitch and later arrested.

Who's this? Man City goalkeeper points the finger as Jason Bent, a character creation of comedian Simon Brodkin, warms up with the squad before their match with Everton

Perplexed: City assistant David Platt looks on puzzled as the BBC comedian jogs along the touchline

Get off! The japester, who was filming a prank for new BBC Three series, is hauled off the Goodison Park pitch by security officials

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: 'We can confirm that a 35-year-old from London was arrested before the Everton v Manchester City game this afternoon.

'A man was arrested on suspicion of pitch encroachment after he went on to the pitch. 'He has been taken to a police station where he will be interviewed.' Play was held up in the corresponding fixture between the two sides last season when a man ran onto the field and handcuffed himself to a goalpost. The man had been protesting about Ryanair's recruitment policy after his daughter was denied a job by the airline. Everton won today's game 2-0.

Bemusement: City players look on as 'Jason Bent' chases after a ball

Stripping off: Brodkin was wearing the identical kit sported by City in the match with 'Bent 9' on the back

Confronted: Samir Nasri looks on as Brodkin is chased down by security guards

He emerged from the crowd with just under five minutes remaining until half-time and shackled himself to the frame of City keeper Joe Hart's goal. After a hold-up which resulted in five minutes of first-half stoppage time, he was released and led away by police.

No laughing matter: The TV funnyman was arrested by police (left) - and, right, as character Lee Nelson

Protest: A man handcuffed himself to the goalpost in the corresponding fixture last season
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