Barclays Premier League Season 2011/2012

[Didier Drogba]

Wednesday 3rd August 2011

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New Arsenal deal for Kyle Bartley

Arsenal have confirmed that defender Kyle Bartley has penned a new deal with the club.

The 20-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Sheffield United and Rangers, has made just one competitive appearance for Arsene Wenger's first-team.

However, with the Gunners having failed to land a big-name signing at centre-half so far this summer, Bartley may feature in the Frenchman's plans.

Loan spells have no doubt enhanced the youngster's experience, having taken part in a relegation battle with the Blades and two Old Firm derbies last year.

A club statement, which failed to disclose the length of the new terms, read: "Everyone at the club is looking forward to Kyle's continued contribution and development."

Bartley's sole competitive Gunners appearance came against Olympiakos in the UEFA Champions League in 2009, but he participated in the Emirates Cup last month.

He has captained Arsenal's reserves and was an FA Youth Cup winner with the club in 2009.

 

[Didier Drogba]

Thursday 4th August 2011

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Tevez to miss Community Shield

Carlos Tevez will return to Manchester City on Monday after manager Roberto Mancini agreed to extend the South American's summer holiday by a few days.

Tevez was initially due at Eastlands on Thursday, his arrival eagerly anticipated given the huge amount of speculation about his future.

However, it had started to become apparent that the South American would not be in Manchester, sparking speculation about another rift between player and club.

But sources from both sides have now confirmed Tevez is in receipt of official documentation from City stating his actual training date is Monday, August 8.

It means Tevez will miss Sunday's Community Shield encounter with his former club Manchester United at Wembley. That was probable anyway given the player's involvement in the Copa America has meant he has missed all of City's pre-season campaign so far.

With their opening Premier League encounter with Swansea put back 48 hours to August 15, it leaves Tevez with seven days to get fit and put himself in contention for a place in Mancini's starting line-up.

There is bound to be more talk about a potential move to Inter Milan though, with the Italian giants now looking the most likely to offer Tevez his hoped-for move away from Manchester during the present transfer window.

For now, it does seem the player is committed to training with his team-mates, with relations between him and Mancini said to be extremely cordial over his latest absence.

 

[Didier Drogba]

Thursday 4th August 2011

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Fergie drops Berbatov PSG hint

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has indicated that Dimitar Berbatov could join Paris St Germain.

Following a Manchester United XI's defeat to Marseille on Tuesday, Ferguson was quizzed by reporters on French television station Direct 8.

When asked if PSG fans could expect to see the Bulgarian striker turn out for their side next season, Ferguson abruptly replied "Yes" before moving on.

Despite finishing as the club's top scorer last season, Berbatov's United career has been in doubt since his omission from the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona in May.

With Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez expected to be Ferguson's first-choice pairing this season, Berbatov could be tempted by a move to French football.

Capital club PSG have new-found wealth through owners Qatar Investment Authority and are believed to be prepared to meet Berbatov's demands to make him their marquee signing.

However, Berbatov revealed last month he was planning to stay at United as the 'only way is down' for a player once they head out of Old Trafford.

His agent later confirmed the Bulgarian would see out the final year of his contract and it remains to be seen whether Ferguson seriously expects him to go to PSG.

 

[Didier Drogba]

Thursday 4th August 2011

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Chelsea sign Barcelona starlet

Chelsea on Thursday completed the signing of Oriol Romeu from Barcelona on a four-year deal.

The 19-year-old is the second arrival of the Andre Villas-Boas era and will link up with his new team-mates at the end of Spain's Under-20 World Cup campaign. Reports in Barcelona have suggested Oriol has cost the Blues 5million euros (£4.35million) up front although that could eventually rise to 10million euros.

The fee was agreed 11 days ago for the midfielder, who was quoted this week as saying: "Chelsea is a great option for me. "Leaving Barca hurts, but you have to take your chances." Oriol's agent, Magico Diaz, reportedly jetted out to Columbia this week to seal the deal.

That is where Oriol is currently based, having played 90 minutes in Spain's opening two 4-1 and 2-0 victories over Costa Rica and Ecuador respectively at the Under-20 World Cup. His arrival at Stamford Bridge will help offset the loss of Michael Essien, who faces six months out with a serious knee injury.

Speaking after the fee had been agreed, Villas-Boas said: "It is a part of the squad in which we are struggling with numbers because of Michael Essien's injury and Oriol is a player with a bright future. He still has to evolve as a player. "The Barcelona B team had a magnificent year in the Spanish second division, they finished third.

"Oriol had an injury during the season but he came back late on and was in time to play for the first team. "So he is one of the most promising young players in that position." Oriol made his first-team debut for Barca at the end of last season but head coach Pep Guardiola deemed him surplus to requirements.

Chelsea have already signed Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from Genk, immediately loaning him out to Atletico Madrid. And that is unlikely to be the end of the Blues' spending before the start of the season.

They have seen two bids for Luka Modric rejected this summer and were this week pondering to make a third and final offer for the Tottenham playmaker. There have also been reports linking Yury Zhirkov and Alex with moves away from Stamford Bridge.

 

[Didier Drogba]

Saturday 6th August 2011

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Liverpool confirm Jovanovic exit

Milan Jovanovic has left Liverpool to join Anderlecht after a single season at the Anfield club.

The Reds confirmed on Friday night that the out-of-favour forward had completed a deal to join the Belgian side.

Jovanovic, now 30, joined Liverpool on a free transfer from Standard Liege last summer, but he was unable to establish himself in the Premier League.

"Milan Jovanovic has today [Friday] completed his move from Liverpool to Anderlecht," a statement on Liverpool's official Twitter page read.

Jovanovic, who had long been linked with Anderlecht, had been due to undergo a medical on Friday after the two clubs agreed terms on Tuesday.

The skilful Serbian had been a huge success in Belgium with his previous club, boasting an impressive goals-per-game strike rate and catching the eye in the Champions League group stages in 2009.

 

[Didier Drogba]

Friday 5th August 2011

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Gunner Bartley joins Rangers on loan

Arsenal defender Kyle Bartley is on his way back to Rangers on a season-long loan deal.

Bartley, 20, played for the Gers last season after joining in January and made nine appearances before an injury against PSV Eindhoven in the Europa League ended his campaign.

He has been with the Gunners' first-team squad in pre-season but manager Arsene Wenger has opted to send him back to Ibrox for the duration of the 2011/12 campaign.

Bartley, who has captained Arsenal's reserve side and made his debut for the first team in a Champions League clash with Olympiakos in 2009.

Competition at the Emirates Stadium has prevented him making his first-team breakthrough and he spent two loan spells in the Championship with Sheffield United.

The defender impressed during his time with Rangers, scoring the only goal in a tight match at St Mirren and taking the man-of-the match award.

Light Blues boss Ally McCoist has been working hard to re-sign the player, who is now expected to play some part in a friendly against Chelsea on Saturday.

 

[Didier Drogba]

Friday 5th August 2011

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Routledge completes Swansea switch

Swansea have completed their second signing of the week after Wayne Routledge completed his move from Newcastle.

The Premier League new boys sealed a move for Leroy Lita on Wednesday and Routledge has followed suit for an undisclosed fee after completing his medical.

The 26-year-old former England Under-21 international has put pen to paper on a three-year contract and will compete with Scott Sinclair and Nathan Dyer for a wing spot at the Liberty Stadium.

Routledge told the club website: "I'm looking forward to the challenge. "It's taken a couple of days to get everything agreed, but I'm excited about getting started."

Routledge has plenty of top-flight experience having had spells at Tottenham, Portsmouth, Fulham, Aston Villa and Newcastle. He impressed during his loan spell at QPR last season, and was a key figure in helping the London club to the Championship title.

And Routledge says he is eager to work with Swans' manager Brendan Rodgers having admired the south Wales' club's attractive style of play. "I've had a good chat with the manager and he really impressed me," he said.

"I had heard a lot of good things about him and the chat only reinforced my belief that moving to Swansea was the right thing to do. "Having watched Swansea last season, I think everyone would agree they were the best footballing side in the Championship.

"It's going to be a difficult first season in the Premier League; it's going to be tough. But everyone is confident and looking forward to it. After all, playing in the Premier League is what you dream of. "I'm excited about it."

 

[Didier Drogba]

Saturday 6th August 2011

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Man City complete Pantilimon signing

Manchester City have signed goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon from Poli Timisoara.

The 24-year-old Romanian joins the club as cover for number one Joe Hart following the departure of Shay Given to Aston Villa.

Pantilimon made his senior international debut in 2008 and played against City twice in the Europa League last season, conceding three times.

Pantilimon, who was signed for an undisclosed fee, is expected to overtake Stuart Taylor and Gunnar Nielsen - City's other keeping options - to act as Hart's deputy.

Given joined Villa earlier this summer after losing his battle to displace the England goalkeeper.

Pantilimon is Roberto Mancini's fourth summer purchase, following left-back Gael Clichy from Arsenal, defender Stefan Savic from Partizan Belgrade and Argentina star Sergio Aguero, who arrived from Atletico Madrid in a deal worth around £38million.

Arsenal and Inter Milan had also been interested in the player, according to reports.

Manager Roberto Mancini said earlier that he hopes to bring in "another two or three players" before the transfer deadline at the end of the month.

 

[Didier Drogba]

Saturday 6th August 2011

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Nou thanks: Fresh Cesc bid rejected

Arsenal have reportedly turned down Barcelona's latest bid for captain Cesc Fabregas.

The Catalan giants have already seen two bids rejected for Fabregas this summer, and now their latest offer has seemingly been shunned.

Sky Sports sources believe Arsenal are standing firm on their £40million (45million euros) valuation of Fabregas.

The latest offer from the European champions is reported to have been 29million euros plus 6million euros in future add-ons, whilst Fabregas was also believed to be putting a 3million euros sum towards the move.

But the overall package - worth 38million euros - is still some 7million euros short of what the Premier League club are demanding.

The news comes just a day after Arsenal avoided any embarrassment over Fabregas' involvement in their annual Members Day as he faced supporters for the first time in more than three months.

Fabregas could have been forgiven for expecting a frosty reception as he took to the pitch with the rest of his Gunners team-mates for an open training session at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday.

But there were no jeers for the 24-year-old, despite his apparent desire to quit the club for Barcelona, although things might have been different had Arsenal decided upon their usual roll call as the players entered the field.

The Catalan side's long-running bid to recapture their former youth team player - who left Barca as a 16-year-old to join the Gunners in 2003 - has dragged on for more than two years.

 

[Didier Drogba]

Saturday 6th August 2011

Fergie sets target for new season

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes the competition in the Premier League will be so fierce that 84 points will secure the title.

Ferguson believes that Liverpool and Tottenham will join the top four to battle it out in what he describes as "the best product in football". He said: "To win the league in England is very difficult and it doesn't matter how you get the points, you just have to get them. You'll need 84 points to win the league next season - definitely.

"There will be increased competition in the league - I expect Liverpool to be better and added to the top four you have got Tottenham, although they have not done any buying this summer which is surprising, so you expect it's going to be a really tough league. "You are looking at a top six fighting for a top four and that can only add to the excitement of the Premier League, which I think is the best product in the game now.​

"In Germany next season all the season tickets are taken up in every ground and that will create a fantastic atmosphere in German grounds, but United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea have full houses every week and I still think we are the best product." Ferguson also dismissed reports linking Paris St Germain for a move for Dimitar Berbatov as "nonsense", adding: "There's no encouragement for us either."

The United boss is also unconcerned about the effect of internationals taking place on Wednesday, just three days before the start of the Premier League season. He added: "They have been doing it for two or three years now so why should it be any different this year. I've no issue with it, some players may need a game during the week.

"We may have two or three players that actually need 90 minutes. "England have done their very best under the circumstances to reduce the playing time for players - there's no replays in the Cup or the semi-final of the Cup, it goes to penalty kicks, the European clubs don't come into the League Cup until the later stages.

"We are trying to condense the English game as best we can to help players because you can't keep on playing the number of games and it not having an adverse effect. "But with more and more internationals something has got to give and that's a big issue."

 

[Wayne Piew]

Wah, no more football updates in the sport section.
No thanks to "Mini LKY" Singveld!!

 

[ballsathome]

Wah, no more football updates in the sport section.
No thanks to "Mini LKY" Singveld!!

It's ok i will take over from here except that you won't find it as colorful as they are before.

 

[ballsathome]

FA Community Shield: Man City 2 Man Utd 3

7 August 2011

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Manchester United lifted the Community Shield for the 19th time after their pulsating, comeback victory over Manchester City 3-2 on Sunday.

Portuguese winger Nani was the hero for United, scoring two brilliant goals - including a mercurial injury-time effort to seal the win.

Earlier, City went ahead through a Joleon Lescott header on 38 minutes, and their lead was doubled when Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko fired a 30-yard cracker past a diving David de Gea to give the Blues a 2-0 lead at the break.

But United typically fought back into the contest, pulling a goal back through Chris Smalling, who volleyed home an Ashley Young free-kick in the 52nd minute.

Nani then equalised six minutes later, chipping past City's custodian Joe Hart to finish off some sublime passing from United's front men.

Both sides had clear chances to find a winner, with de Gea saving a bullet header from Steve Richards late on, while United went forward in the 90th minute, only for Nani's powerful strike to be blocked by Lescott.

But it was that man Nani again who provided the late heroics, as he charged down defender Vincent Kompany, who was attempting to control a high-bouncing Wayne Rooney clearance from a City corner.

Nani smothered Kompany's touch, and then charged down the pitch, rounding goalkeeper Hart, and firing United to the trophy.

 

[ballsathome]

Monday 8th August 2011

Swansea eye Trezeguet swoop

Newly promoted Barclays Premier League side Swansea are eyeing their biggest signing of the summer in the form of David Trezeguet.

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The Swans are in top-flight of English football for the first time in 28 years after qualifying through the Championship play-offs last season.

And manager Brendan Rodgers is keen to strengthen the squad ahead of the new campaign.

According to The Daily Mirror, the Welsh club are hoping to snap up the services of Trezeguet, who is a free-agent after leaving Spanish club Hercules.

The 33-year-old was part of France's triumphant 1998 World Cup team and scored 34 goals in 71 internationals for Les Bleus.

Meanwhile, Swansea have agreed a £1.5million fee with FC Utrecht for Dutch goalkeeper Michel Vorm.

 

[ballsathome]

Monday 8th August 2011

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Arsenal sign Oxlade-Chamberlain

Arsenal have completed the £15million signing of Southampton winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Saints announced on their website that Oxlade-Chamberlain has moved to the Emirates Stadium for a club record fee, subject to Premier League and Football Association approval. The Gunners are to pay £12million up front and a further £3million in add-ons, Press Association Sport understands.

Arsene Wenger hailed Oxlade-Chamberlain, who turns 18 next Monday, as a player of rich potential. "We are delighted that Alex has decided to join us," Wenger told the club's official website, www.arsenal.com.

"He is an exciting young player who will provide us with creativity and offensive quality. "Alex is a versatile player who can play in a number of positions. He can play as an attacking centre midfielder, or wide left and right.

"Alex is a perceptive passer of the ball and has a great understanding of the game and looks to be a very good team player." Oxlade-Chamberlain has yet to compete at a higher level than League One but his signing will still be viewed as a coup for Arsenal, despite the size of the transfer fee.

Manchester United and Liverpool also expressed interest in the Southampton academy product, but the Gunners edged their rivals on this occasion. "Alex agreed personal terms and passed a medical this afternoon [Monday]," read a statement on Southampton's official website www.saintsfc.co.uk.

"It is one of the biggest deals in Championship history, which sees Saints' previous transfer records blown out of the water. "The deal for the midfielder, who had made it clear he saw his future away from Southampton, was done with Saints in the driving seat for the duration of the protracted negotiations and the transfer was completed on our terms."

Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was contracted at Southampton until 2013, is regarded as one of England's most promising young footballers. He played a key role in helping Southampton secure promotion to the Championship last season, firing nine goals in 34 appearances.

His style has invited comparisons with Theo Walcott, who also left Saints for Arsenal, though Oxlade-Chamberlain is considered to better defensively. "Arsenal have a great manager in Arsene Wenger, top-quality players and an attractive style of play," said Oxlade-Chamberlain.

"These were all important factors in me choosing to sign for Arsenal." Given his age and lack of experience, it is unlikely he will feature in the Barclays Premier League very often this season. His arrival will encourage Arsenal fans desperate for manager Arsene Wenger to strengthen a squad that has consistently fallen short of mounting a serious challenge for the title.

But it fails to remedy the team's defensive frailties, which have been exacerbated by injuries to Thomas Vermaelen and Kieran Gibbs during Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Benfica. Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka and Christopher Samba have been linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium throughout the summer but with little end result.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is also hardly the experienced, big-name player demanded by Arsenal fans seeking reassurance that the club retains ambitions of winning silverware in the short term. Wenger has been frustrated in his courtship of Valencia winger Juan Mata, making Gervinho and Carl Jenkinson the only new arrivals so far this summer prior to Oxlade-Chamberlain's signing.

 

[ballsathome]

Monday 8th August 2011

Joe Hart pens new Man City deal

England goalkeeper Joe Hart has signed a new five-year contract with Manchester City.

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The 24-year-old, who fought off the challenge of Shay Given to establish himself as first choice, has committed himself to the club until 2016. He told the club's official website: "I'm absolutely delighted to have signed a new deal and it is a very exciting time to be a City player.

"I can't think of myself being anywhere other than City and it really feels like home. I feel very privileged to be staying here for another five years. "I've got a lot of love for this club, the way we're moving forward and for the fans who have been fantastic towards me from day one."

Hart joined City from Shrewsbury for £600,000 in 2006 and has also taken over the position as England first-choice goalkeeper. He set a new club record for clean sheets last season, and has paid tribute to Given's influence - the Republic of Ireland stopper has now moved to Aston Villa.

Hart added: "When I signed from Shrewsbury it was always my aim to become the number one here and I was prepared to do anything to achieve that, including going out on loan a few times to prove my worth.

"Shay's influence on me has been massive and being able to work alongside him has brought my game on tremendously. "I've lost a close friend and a fantastic team-mate but I'll keep in touch and talk with him on a regular basis."

 

[ballsathome]

Tuesday 9th August 2011

Obertan close to Magpies move

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is expected to complete the signing of Gabriel Obertan from Manchester United.

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The 22-year-old French player moved to Old Trafford from Bordeaux two years ago but has been unable to hold down a regular place in Sir Alex Ferguson's first team.

Obertan could be deemed excess at Manchester United after the arrival of Ashley Young. That puts the winger further down the pecking order being Young, Nani, Valencia, Park and Giggs.

Pardew believes Obertan can thrive at St James' Park, providing the attacking speed which he suggests the Magpies were missing last season.

Pardew told The Chronicle: "I said I wanted to bring pace into the team.

"It was lacking last year and Gabriel will definitely bring that to the team."

 

[ballsathome]

Tuesday 9th August 2011

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Liverpool stricken by new injury woe

Liverpool manager Kenny Daglish is facing a difficult juggling act after losing yet another senior player ahead of the new Barclays Premier League season.

According to reports in the Guardian, after their 2-0 victory over Valencia in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, scans revealed that Glen Johnson has suffered a hamstring strain, and could miss the start of the Premier League season.

The Englishman suffered the injury just seven minutes into the friendly, and could be out for a fortnight, which will leave Dalglish suffering without the star defender against Sunderland on Saturday, and against Arsenal next weekend.

There is a growing sense of an injury crisis at Melwood, with both Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel also stricken with injury.

The club captain is currently recovering from an infection related to the groin operation he underwent in March, and Skrtel has a calf problem,and still in the midst of his rehabilitation process.

 

[ballsathome]

Tuesday 9th August 2011

Arsenal U-turn on Nasri sale

Despite earlier protestations about keeping Samir Nasri, Arsenal will let him join Manchester City- for a big money deal, of course.

According to reports in the Sun, manager Arsene Wenger has finally capitulated to his compatriot's demands for a move away from the Emirates.Previous reports revealed that the Citizens made a £22 million offer for Nasri, who is on the last legs of his contract at Arsenal. However, both sides have not yet reached an agreement about the finer details of the deal, with the cash-rich Manchester club only offering a down payment of £15 million, with the remainder determined by the future impact that the midfield maestro could make at Eastlands.

This has proved to be a sticking point with the Arsenal board, who expect to be paid out immediately instead, which would allow Wenger to splash the cash this transfer window.Ex Arsenal captain Frank McLintock believes that the club should sell both Cesc Fabregas and Nasri quickly, saying to talkSPORT: "It doesn't look good for Arsenal. The vast majority of supporters would like to see two or three new players. We felt that at the end of last year and now there's the possibility that Fabregas and Nasri will leave.

"I think we were under the impression Arsene Wenger had £40m to spend, and it might have been close to £100m if Fabregas went. But nothing seems to be happening, except the arrival of Gervinho and the young lad from Charlton."It's very frustrating for the supporters, and I'm one of them. We're all very concerned. Most of us feel if we don't strengthen quite a bit we'll struggle to get into the top four.

"I'd let Fabregas go. We will miss him, he's a magnificent player, but he's had six or seven great years with us and now he's desperate to go to Barcelona. So wish him all the best and let him go. Then you've got time to bring in someone like Scott Parker. He's as close as you can get to a top class player like Fabregas. "And I'd do the same with Nasri. If the fella's adamant he wants to leave I wouldn't want someone in my club who would spread a bad feeling in the dressing room.

Sell them and get some star players in, not free transfers."We're paying more for anyone else to watch the game so it would be nice if Arsenal gave something back to the fans by buying three or four top class players. We are looking very vulnerable and we're the only team that doesn't seem to buy anyone."Based on recent developments, fellow Arsenal legend Ian Wright has admitted that he fears for Wenger's future at the club, with precious momentum slipping way in North London before the season begins.

The Englishman said in his column in the Sun: " Arsene Wenger is facing the most critical month since he arrived at Arsenal in 1996."Star players set to leave, barely any new signings, injuries to top players and a seriously tough batch of opening fixtures."I'm fed up of talking about Arsenal with a negative vibe but it looks like some dark days are ahead."Right now, I would love to know what is going on at my former club.

Wright gave credence to the reports indicating that both Nasri and club captain Cesc Fabregas could be on their way out of the Emirates, saying: "I'm hearing Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri could be gone within a week - and still only Gervinho, Carl Jenkinson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have arrived."Gael Clichy has left while Nicklas Bendtner and Emmanuel Eboue are on their way, with no other replacements. I often get criticism from Arsenal fans these days and came off Twitter due to the amount of stick.

"But I was only being honest and I've only ever wanted what's best for the club."To lose either Fabregas or Nasri, or both, would be a terrible blow and send out the totally wrong message."I then wonder how long will it be before Jack Wilshere, Robin van Persie, Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott decide they need to move. Manchester United were impressive against Manchester City on Sunday and even when senior players were substituted, quality youngsters were brought in.

In contrast, Arsenal's squad looks so thin."I have never agreed with Wenger's policy of giving players in their 30s only one-year contracts. Players are fitter now and their presence and experience helps to bring on the younger players."Yet it seems Wenger's revolution has ground to a halt. Now, I fear he may end up walking away", Wright added.

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[ballsathome]

Tuesday 9th August 2011

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Mancini to strip Tevez's captaincy

Carlos Tevez returned to Manchester City after an extended leave, but faced bad weather and an uncertain future.

According to reports in the Daily Mail, manager Roberto Mancini is planning to strip him of the City captaincy and replace install Vincent Kompany as club captain instead.

The Argentine arrived at the club as a passenger in a black Hummer, and emerged wearing a grey, hooded sweatshirt with 'Tevez 32' on the front. He exchanged an embrace with a security guard before going into the complex.

Tevez has made no secret of the fact that he wants a move, with the weather in Manchester one of the reasons cited by him for requesting a transfer. Brazilian side Corinthians failed in a bid last month and Inter Milan looks to be the most likely destination for the player.

He trained - in the rain - for only around 20 minutes on Monday, taking part in some stretches and sprints, before bringing the short session to an end. He left the training ground shortly afterwards.

In June, Tevez told a chatshow on Argentinian television that he would not return to Manchester ever - "not even for a vacation". He told the Argentinian television channel Telefe: "There's nothing to do in Manchester. There's two restaurants and everything's small. It rains all the time. You can't go anywhere.

"There comes a moment where you say 'Where am I going to go with my family?' and you begin to feel bad. "Of course, one trains, plays, does things, and when the family or friends come one feels bad and you can't take them to the movies because they don't understand anything.

"I will not return to Manchester, not for a vacation, not anything." Mancini broke the club's transfer record to bring Sergio Aguero to the club, in what some observers assumed to be as a replacement for Tevez.

Mancini has admitted however that he has not finished this summer's transfer business and there have been suggestions Tevez could go to Inter Milan with midfielder Wesley Sneijder coming to the Manchester club.

Meanwhile, City have rewarded their England keeper Joe Hart with a new five-year contract. Hart, 24, who fought off the challenge of Shay Given to establish himself as the first choice, has committed himself to the club until 2016.

He told the club's official website: "I'm absolutely delighted to have signed a new deal and it is a very exciting time to be a City player. "I can't think of myself being anywhere other than City and it really feels like home. I feel very privileged to be staying here for another five years.

"I've got a lot of love for this club, the way we're moving forward and for the fans who have been fantastic towards me from day one." Hart joined City from Shrewsbury for £600,000 in 2006 and has also taken over the position as England first-choice keeper. He set a new club record for clean sheets last season.