Malaysian club hit with season-long home ban

Malaysian soccer club Kelantan have been given an unprecedented season-long home ban by the Malaysian Football Association (FAM), following fan violence at their Kota Baru stadium.


The north-eastern club was also fined a total of 90,000 ringgit ($24,970) for disturbances in two matches against Negri Sembilan on March 31 in the Super League and last Tuesday in the FA Cup semi-final first leg at the Sultan Mohamed IV Stadium.

FAM disciplinary board chairman Kamaruddin Abdullah said the club would also have to foot the cost of all damages.

"We view the incidents seriously. They are repeated offences," Malaysia's Star newspaper quoted Kamaruddin as telling a news conference.

The decision marked a first for FAM, who have previously ordered teams to play a limited number of matches at neutral venues but never for the rest of a season.

Kelantan have eight remaining home fixtures in the Super League in addition to three preliminary round home matches in the Malaysia Cup.

FAM secretary-general Azzuddin Ahmad said the ban was a bid to prevent a repeat of Tuesday's incident when several vehicles were damaged while a police four-wheel drive was overturned and set ablaze.

"We believe this decision was the best in light of the circumstances. The home ban applies to all FAM-sanctioned tournaments," he told the New Straits Times newspaper.

Arsenal reject Atletico Madrid bid for Eboue

Arsenal have rejected a bid from Atletico Madrid for Emmanuel Eboue, according to the Ivorian's agent.

Eboue was the target of abuse from Gunners earlier this season but is clearly part of Arsene Wenger's plans as the Arsenal boss reportedly wants to open talks on a new deal less than two years after the player had signed a new one.

Franjo Vranjkovic, Eboue's representative, said: "We received an official request from Atletico Madrid which was passed to Arsenal.

"I have the fax from director Ken Friar who wrote to me to say they are not interested in the offer.

"Then I received a call from Arsene Wenger, who invited me to go to England to start negotiations over a renewal. I see no possibility that the player will leave Arsenal."

Meanwhile, Zenit St Petersburg appear to have softened their stance on the fee demanded for target Andrei Arshavin.

Following the rejection of a £12million offer which included add-ons, it now appears a compromise could be reached which would allow Arshavin, 27, to complete his dream move to the Gunners - whom he claims are his ''team of the future''.

Zenit are resigned to losing their star man and confident matters will be concluded - despite the claims of Arshavin's agent, Dennis Lachter, that their inflated demands were unreasonable.

''We are certainly conducting negotiations directly with the Arsenal chief executive,'' Zenit general director Maksim Mitrofanov told Russian newspaper Sport Express. ''The footballer's agent is not taking part in them. Because of this he simply does not know all the details of the process of negotiation, and in this sense his comments should not always be trusted.

''As regards the process itself, as I have already said, it is not simple, but it is moving and we hope that it will lead to its logical conclusion.''

Arsenal are understood to have set a deadline of Monday for the matter to be resolved one way or another before they would then look to pursue other targets - reported to be West Ham's former Gunners defender Matthew Upson and Le Mans' Ivory Coast striker Gervinho.

Real Madrid target Arsenal boss Wenger

Real Madrid presidential contender Florentino Perez will make the appointment of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger the cornerstone of his election campaign.

"Florentino wants to make Wenger both coach and general manager of Real this summer - and will promise it will happen," a source close to Perez told The Mirror.

Perez is the favourite to win the presidency following the resignation of Ramon Calderon over a vote-rigging scandal and will also target Gunners skipper Cesc Fabregas and Kaka, from AC Milan.

The 61-year-old Perez was the architect of Real Madrid's galactico era between 2000 and 2006 and was elected as president on the back of a promise to sign Luis Figo from arch-rivals Barcelona.

And the former Bernabeu chief is hoping the same trick will work twice.

"With Kaka and Fabregas as players and Wenger as coach, Florentino will take Real back to where they should be," the Perez contact said.

Wenger has twice rejected Perez's overtures during his 13-years as Arsenal manager; but the dual role of coach and general manager - which would mean the departure of sporting director Predrag Mijatovic - would mean far greater control at Real than previous coaches have enjoyed.

Many a Madrid president has swept to power on the promise that they will sign some of football's biggest names and have failed to deliver. Calderon promised to lure Kaka and Cesc Fabregas to the Bernabeu during his election campaign but neither arrived.

Rijkaard rules out taking vacant Feyenoord job

Former Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard has ruled himself out of the running for the vacant Feyenoord coaching post.

The Rotterdam club parted company with Gertjan Verbeek last week, leaving assistant coach Leon Vlemmings in charge on an interim basis.

Rijkaard has been out of work since stepping down as Barca coach at the end of the 2007/08 season, and recent reports have linked him with the Feyenoord post.

But the 46-year-old, who spent five years at the Nou Camp, insists he has no plans to return to coaching just yet.

"My phone is off," Rijkaard told De Telegraaf. "It was not for nothing that I took a sabbatical. At the start of the season I said I would not work for a year and I am sticking by that.

"I think I will be open to another job in football in the new season. What and where, I do not know yet. Anything would be fun, but I do prefer a club to a job with the FA. For the time being their are no concrete plans or talks, though."

A 3-1 defeat to Heerenveen last Friday has left Feyenoord lying a disappointing 12th in the Eredivisie.

Fabregas warning for City over Kaka pursuit

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has warned Manchester City that their vast wealth will not guarantee success after their £107 million bid to bring AC Milan ace Kaka to Eastlands.

Fabregas, who is currently on the sidelines recovering from a serious knee injury, has followed manager Arsene Wenger's lead and warned fans against expecting instant results.

The Spain international told The Sun: "A team is not built by the cheque-book alone. Money is not the most important thing in football.

"I think the important thing is not to rush into signing a new player just because money is available.

"A good team will develop naturally and trying to speed up this process with lots of money can be dangerous.

"If the club is well run, and the money they now have is well spent on building a good team, Manchester City will be dangerous. But money cannot work a miracle overnight.

"For example, Manchester United have an expensive team. Yet they won the title because they were a strong group of players, who played good football and had the belief.

"Their philosophy of attacking football was clear and they were rewarded for that."

Fabregas prefers Arsenal's approach to the game, where young talent is nurtured by Arsene Wenger, and he insists no team has a divine right to success.

He added: ""At Arsenal we prefer to develop young players and give them their chance, as I was given my chance when I was a teenager.

"Other clubs can spend what they like but we are happy with the way we do things here. I have to say I feel lucky to be at Arsenal and part of the club's philosophy.

"I am sure City will now have bigger ambitions. But only time will tell how successful City become. At Arsenal, we do not have the right to qualify for the Champions League every season. And City do not have that right either just because they are now very rich.

"In the future, City can perhaps be a top four team. With the foundations they have and what may happen in the future, anything is possible."

Man City make Kaka bid

Manchester City have opened talks with Italian side AC Milan over a possible world record transfer bid of £100 million for Brazilian playmaker Kaka.

A City delegation led by chief executive Garry Cook flew to Italy on Tuesday to begin negotiations and are reported to be willing to pay Kaka a weekly wage of £250,000 or £13.65 million per season.

Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi could only claim he was "hopeful" that Kaka would remain at the San Siro and sources claimed that City want the 26-year-old "at all costs".

EPL: Arsenal 4 - 4 Tottenham

Last-gasp Lennon saves Spurs

Harry Redknapp's magic touch worked again as Tottenham grabbed a last-gasp equaliser through Aaron Lennon to draw a thrilling clash against Arsenal 4-4 at the Emirates Stadium.

Trailing to David Bentley's stunning opener, Arsenal exposed Spurs' weakness at defending set-pieces to lead through Mikael Silvestre and William Gallas.

Emmanuel Adebayor added his obligatory goal - he now has eight from seven starts against Spurs - before Darren Bent pulled one back.

Robin van Persie, who had a hand in Arsenal's previous goals, netted his 50th goal for Arsenal but Spurs have a new resilience under Redknapp and Jermaine Jenas' late strike gave them hope before Lennon struck at the death.

Redknapp's first week in charge just gets better and better.

Spurs remain bottom of the Premier League but the comeback proved Cesc Fabregas wrong after he said Arsenal's ladies team would give Redknapp's men a run for their money.

Aside from that remark, there were plenty of points to prove for Spurs' players, and none more so than Bentley, who found his opportunities at Arsenal limited before getting loaned out and sold in 2006.

There was also Luka Modric, who Gunners boss Arsene Wenger deemed too lightweight to succeed in England. Gareth Bale, meanwhile, still has not won a league game with Spurs since arriving 18 months ago from Southampton.

It was Bale who had the first opportunity of the match, racing onto Tom Huddlestone's ball over the top in the third minute and finding the side-netting.

But the visitors were ahead 10 minutes later through Bentley's moment of magic.

Arsenal failed to clear convincingly from defence, leading to Modric heading the loose ball over his head towards Jenas.

Jenas chested the ball to Bentley, who took one touch to keep the ball in the air before unleashing a 40-yard volley which swerved over Manuel Almunia.

Van Persie then went close twice, going wide from the edge of the area each time, the first with a free-kick and the second after Theo Walcott laid the ball back.

Gallas also went close, this time after the type of fumble from goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes that has become commonplace. The ball broke to Gallas but the finish cleared the crossbar.

Wenger appeared frustrated on the bench as Spurs clattered into challenges and the hosts tried to convert their possession to an equaliser.

Walcott drilled straight at Gomes and Gael Clichy fired over the crossbar in their next moves.

Gomes was then at full stretch to deny Fabregas but Arsenal were level from the corner. Van Persie swung over the set-piece and Silvestre headed home as Gomes flapped.

It took Arsenal less than a minute to take the lead after the restart following a foul by Huddlestone when he hauled back Van Persie.

Van Persie took the free-kick and Gallas climbed above Vedran Corluka at the near post to head home his fourth goal of the campaign.

Sensing Spurs' fragility at set-pieces, Silvestre almost added another from a corner, his header flashing past the upright.

There was action in all areas of the pitch, with Benoit Assou-Ekotto booked for tripping Walcott, then Redknapp sent on Lennon for Bale to inject some pace.

Bentley also picked up a caution for a reckless tackle on Clichy, while Huddlestone went in the notebook for blocking the same player.

Adebayor flashed wide from the edge of the area, but he made no mistake when Arsenal broke in the 64th minute.

Van Persie sent Samir Nasri through to lob Gomes, with Adebayor beating Alan Hutton to the ball to force it home.

Bent was sent on and pulled a goal back after Huddlestone's drive was not held cleanly by Almunia, but Van Persie restored the two-goal advantage in the next move.

Hutton's sloppy pass was picked up by Adebayor, who fed Van Persie to lash home.

That looked like game over but Jenas found the top corner with a minute of time remaining, setting up a frantic finale in which Lennon snatched a point with a tap-in after Modric hit the post.

Wenger argues Ramos sacking was premature

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has taken a swipe at Tottenham ahead of Wednesday night's north London derby.

Wenger believes Spurs acted too hastily in sacking Juande Ramos at the weekend and bringing in Harry Redknapp from Portsmouth as his replacement.

''I don't think he'd have been sacked if he had only arrived at Tottenham in July,'' Wenger said of Ramos.

''But the fact is he arrived in the middle of last season and people were less patient with their league position. What sometimes happens in this league is when a team doesn't go for Europe and wins the Carling Cup, they suddenly switch off.

''Without anyone noticing, slowly you lose results. And then, if you don't start the next season well, which is what happened to Ramos, his environment slowly lost confidence in him.

''I am very surprised it didn't work for Ramos and I feel sorry for him because I rate him as a coach and as a man. It takes time to get your ideas through. I understand Tottenham have to make decisions but you would want anyone to be given more than eight or nine games.

''Now they have gone a completely different way and done away with the director of football because they were suddenly convinced it doesn't work for them. Only time will tell whether Harry Redknapp will be a success.''

Maradona to become next coach of Argentina

Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona is set to be named coach of the national side after he came out of a meeting with Argentinian Football Association president Julio Grondona on Tuesday.

The Albicelestes have been without a coach since Alfio Basile stepped down for personal reasons on October 16 and although Grondona has yet to announce it to the press, reports suggest that the official presentation will take place on Thursday.

Former Argentina coach Carlos Bilardo was also at the meeting, and it is understood he could become a technical director in the new set-up.

Maradona told Radio La Red: "My first job will be watching the players. I'll try to talk to them one by one and then work at the training camp in Ezeiza with them.

"I arrived from Georgia at 10am and three hours later I was having a shower to meet Julio (Grondona). As I was going to the meeting, I thought it was some kind of hidden camera (show).

"The direction Julio wants for the national team is the same Bilardo and I have. My job will be watching the players and picking up the ones who are in the best form."

Maradona has little coaching experience, having been in charge of Deportivo Mandiyu for two months in 1994 and Racing Club for four months in 1995.

Now, he faces the task of helping Argentina improve their form with the Albicelestes having won just one of their last seven World Cup qualifiers to lie third in the South American Zone.

The former Argentina captain told FOX Sports: "The offer from Julio Grondona attracted me a lot. As soon as it is confirmed, I will start working, but I can say I am very proud.

"I'm putting everything aside for this. There is nothing that can make me look past the national team. Today my path is the national team, my task is to talk to the players and build a solid group. I am sure the guys and Argentinian football will pull through.

"I think we must make the players understand that our shirt is the most important thing, that they cannot exchange money for glory. Glory is much more than money. I know they know that, but we must make them remember that every day.

"We have enough quality to calm the nation. The road to the World Cup is not easy, but I believe in the Argentinian players. Everybody wants to play at the World Cup but we must show our traditions and our style on the field."

Prior to the meeting, Grondona told Uruguayan radio station Colonia the Argentinian Football Association were considering ditching the traditional one-coach system in favour of a committee.

"Responsibility cannot only be on one person and we are analysing whether we continue with the one-coach system or we change it by forming a coaching body," Grondona told Colonia.

"One person can never control everything. That system is not working. Coaches are only staying in charge for two or three games. When a forward misses a goal, everybody is looking at the coach and immediately pointing at him.

"I really don't know if all the coaches agree with the idea of a group. Anyway, we are not in a hurry."

Meanwhile, Pedro Troglio, coach of Paraguayan club Cerro Porteno, claims he has already been approached by Maradona to become a member of the new Argentina set-up.

"I am extremely happy, but I must keep my feet on the ground," Maradona's former international team-mate told the Ole newspaper. "The world's best player has called me.

"It was a huge surprise. Being aware that your name is included as possible coaching staff is amazing, but we'll have to wait to see whether Diego is selected."

The 48-year-old Maradona - who almost single-handedly led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup trophy - won crucial support last week in his bid to become the next Argentina coach when the man charged with finding Alfio Basile's successor threw his weight behind the World Cup winning skipper.

"I'd like Maradona to be the next coach," said Noray Nakis, the president of the Argentina Football Association (AFA) selection commission.

Maradona faced competition for the job from Carlos Bianchi, the former coach of Boca Juniors, whom he led to four national league titles, San Lorenzo coach Miguel Angel Russo and Sergio Batista who took the Under-23 squad to Olympic gold in Beijing in August.

Liverpool and Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano said that Maradona, widely regarded as the world's greatest ever footballer, is an ideal candidate to take the reins.

"Maradona can contribute to the team all of his experience," he told the Daily Mail. "What he has given us as a player, no other player could give that to Argentina. He has given us so much."

Maradona is not expected to take charge of the team until after the friendly against Scotland on November 19, a game in which Under-21 boss Batista will probably oversee.

His first official game as coach should be a friendly against France on February 11.

Spanish Cup: Krkic gives weakened Barca win

Teenage striker Bojan Krkic gave a second-string Barcelona side a 1-0 victory over third-tier Benidorm in a King's Cup last-32, first-leg match on Tuesday.

Barcelona, resting several key players including Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta, created a host of chances at a rain-drenched Municipal de Foietes stadium in Benidorm but were unable to break the deadlock until the second half.

The 18-year-old Krkic, who fired wide with only the goalkeeper to beat in the first half, picked the ball up in midfield in the 54th minute, ran at the defence and curled a measured shot into the right-hand corner.

Barcelona have the most King's Cup triumphs with 24 but have not lifted the trophy since 1998. Last season, Valencia beat Getafe 3-1 in the final to claim their seventh Cup.

In Wednesday's ties, the lowest-ranked side left in the competition, Portugalete of the Tercera division (fourth tier), play Primera Liga leaders Valencia.

The arrival of the top-flight clubs in the tournament also sees third-tier Real Union play league champions and 17-times winners Real Madrid on Thursday. Return matches are scheduled for Nov. 12.

Kaka to Join Man City Next Year?

AC Milan's playmaker Kaka drop a hint that he could join Manchester City revolution as early as January next year if they qualified to European Champion's League next season. Man City also being linked with several stars such as Buffon, Cristiano Ronaldo and Berbatov.

~murshidism~

Champions League: Arsenal 4-0 Twente Enschede

This update is brought to you by Soccernet

Arsenal brushed aside the challenge of Steve McClaren's FC Twente to secure a place in the lucrative group stages of the Champions League with a 4-0 victory at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners - who were already leading 2-0 from the first leg in Holland - impressed from kick-off and it was no surprise when they went ahead through French midfielder Samir Nasri after 27 minutes.
Captain William Gallas added another at the start of the second half, before England hopeful Theo Walcott got the goal his all-action display merited and Nicklas Bendtner tapped in late on to make it a miserable return home for former national-team head coach McClaren, who must now make do with the UEFA Cup.
For Arsenal, though, an estimated £25million jackpot awaits following qualification to Europe's elite club competition for an 11th straight campaign.


It certainly was a controlled start by the hosts, who forced the first corner after five minutes following a brave run by Walcott down the right.
The delivery from Robin van Persie flew across the six-yard box, but no-one was able to get a touch.
Denilson gave the ball away carelessly on the edge of the Arsenal penalty, but was fortunate Theo Janssen drove his low shot wide.
Twente defender Cheick Tiote fouled Bendtner 20 yards out, conceding a free-kick in a dangerous, central position.
Van Persie struck it well, but his effort was too straight and Nicolay Mihaylov collected comfortably.
Arsenal continued to dominate and it seemed only a matter of time before their aggregate lead was extended to wrap up the tie.
Nasri did well to stay on his feet and nip in down the left before cutting the ball back into the path of van Persie - only for the Dutchman to blaze his effort high over the crossbar.
The goal eventually came after 27 minutes.
Walcott broke down the right once more, and pulled the ball back to the far side of the box where van Persie stretched to prod it into the path of Nasri.
The £12million Frenchman weaved past his marker before sending in a low shot, which took a slight defection as it rolled into the net.
It was no more than the hosts deserved, with McClaren's men having been pressed onto the back foot from kick-off as the Gunners marched towards the Champions League proper again.
Arsenal now looked back to their free-flowing best - and Denilson should have added a second when another slick passing move released the Brazilian into the right side of the Twente box, but his low shot was blocked by the legs of Mihaylov.
The Gunners contrived to miss a string of further golden opportunities before the break - van Persie somehow curling a sitter wide from 10 yards after Walcott had again broken down the right.
Nasri - who missed the first leg a fortnight ago because of injury - was given a rest at the restart, replaced by Emmanuel Eboue.
The hosts continued their aggressive approach and doubled their advantage after 52 minutes.
The ball dropped to Bendtner on the left side of the penalty area and he cut inside before firing in a low shot, which the Twente keeper could only push back into the path of captain Gallas - who slotted home from close range, just as he had done in the first leg.
With the contest now over, it just seemed a matter of how many Arsenal would score to further embarrass the former England boss, who had entered this tie hoping to prove a point or two.
To their credit, Twente - playing with three frontmen - continued to push forward, but that left them vulnerable on the break. Wenger made more changes as the match entered the final 25 minutes with Togo frontman Emmanuel Adebayor replacing van Persie.
It was 3-0 soon after when Walcott scampered clear and produced a cool finish into the bottom right corner to get the goal his performance merited.
With the job now done there was no point in taking any risks and so Cesc Fabregas - in his first appearance of the season after a hamstring injury - came off for Alex Song - the Cameroon man just back from the Olympics.
Bendtner added a tap-in with a minute left, but for McClaren, the final whistle could not come soon enough.

Milan set to sign Arsenal defender Senderos

Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos is expected to become the second Gunners player to join AC Milan this summer.

The 23-year-old Switzerland international joined Arsenal from Servette in 2003 and became a regular member of Arsene Wenger's back four.

His former Arsenal colleague Mathieu Flamini moved to the San Siro at the start of the summer.

Reports in Italy state that Arsenal and Milan have agreed a deal which will see Senderos move initially on a one-season loan, with the Serie A giants then having an option to make the transfer permanent.

This update is brought to you by Soccernet

Olympics Update: Final Football

Nigeria 0-1 Argentina: Messi inspires golden moment

BEIJING - For much of the men's Olympic soccer tournament, the focus has been on Argentine star Lionel Messi, and given his undeniable skill on the ball, much of that attention is deserved.

But history has shown countless times that one-man teams don't win tournaments, and this was proven once again in Saturday's final, with Angel di Maria's goal giving Argentina a 1-0 victory over a game Nigeria side.

It was the Benfica midfielder's second game-winner in three matches, his first coming in extra time of the Albiceleste's 2-1 quarterfinal win over Holland. When combined with the way Argentina's defense stood firm, it made for a laundry list of heroes, which was manager Sergio Batista's plan all along.

"We tried to come up with a squad that would give us a good tactical variety," Batista said through an interpreter. "But the real goal is to put together a team. Each cog plays a role, and they played to their strengths. Each player contributed to this achievement."

That said, Messi's fingerprints were all over Argentina's second consecutive Olympic triumph. Pouncing on a loose ball in midfield in the 58th minute, a quick-thinking Messi stroked a gorgeous through ball, springing di Maria on a clear breakaway.

And with Nigeria's Ambruse Vanzekin off his line, di Maria's deft chip sailed over the stranded keeper and settled into the net for the game's only goal.

It was a rare moment of magic in a match hamstrung by a midday kickoff, a brain-dead decision that resulted in an on-field temperature of 42 degrees (or 107 degrees Fahrenheit).

Such oppressive conditions led FIFA to take the extraordinary step of instituting two breaks in the middle of each half so that players stayed properly hydrated. The move may have ensured the players' health, but it didn't increase the entertainment value.

"I think the heat affected both teams," Nigeria manager Samson Siasia said. "Most players weren't able to play to their level."

That was especially apparent in front of goal, where Nigeria spurned several clear chances. And it wasn't just wayward finishing that let Dream Team IV down.

Their day was summed up in the 34th minute when Sani Kaita's cross not only evaded two Argentine defenders, but surprised Promise Isaac to such an extent that the ball bounced off his shins and into the grateful arms of goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

There were other opportunities as well, with substitute Victor Anichebe's redirect of a Victor Obinna cross looking like a sure equalizer in the 84th minute, but Romero managed to deflect it just wide of his post.

"I don't know how the keeper got to it, to be fair," Anichebe said. "I put my foot to it and I thought it was going in, and then the keeper came back."

Nigeria's profligate finishing only magnified the absence of injured attacker Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi, who scored two goals - and apparently injured his shin - in the 4-1 semi-final defeat of Belgium. According to Siasia, Obasi has been in so much pain over the last few days that he couldn't even jog.

"I think we missed [Obasi] a lot," Siasia said, "because that guy can do some magic, create something out of nothing."

But for all the talk of Nigeria's woes in front of goal, the match was an even affair. Not only did Argentina enjoy a slight edge in possession, but they created some good chances of their own. di Maria had a clear look at goal in the 18th minute, only to scuff his attempt straight at Vanzekin. And five minutes into the second half the Nigeria keeper parried away a fierce drive from Messi.

It was then left to di Maria to show everyone how to finish, and his goal capped off a tournament in which he and Sergio Aguero did the most to take the pressure off Messi. And in the process, he also made a name for himself.

"[di Maria] was very important for us," midfielder Javier Mascherano said. "I think he's a great player. Everyone wants him now, and he showed his qualities as a player, no?"

That he did, as did 17 other players as well.

Story by Soccernet

EPL Wrap Up: Week 1

My English Premier League team for BPL first week is Hull City. They create a surprise when defeated Fulham 2-1 on Saturday match. The dangerman for the Tiger is Geovanni (ex-Man City and Barcelona). I really hope they can do the Reading for this season. Speaking about this fella, I bought Geovanni for my Janggi FC team in Fantasy League for only 5.5 points and it's a bargain deal with Geovanni scoring 10 points for this week. I will maintain him for another week

with an away match against Rovers this weekend.

Other EPL results for Week 1 as follows:

Arsenal 1 - 0 West Brom
Bolton 3 - 1 Stoke City
Everton 2 - 3 Blackburn
Hull City 2 - 1 Fulham
Middlesbrough 2 - 1 Tottenham
West Ham 2 - 1 Wigan
Sunderland 0 - 1 Liverpool
Chelsea 4 - 0 Portsmouth
Aston Villa 4 - 2 Man City
Man Utd 1 - 1 Newcastle

Chelsea look strong and attractive under Big Phil. I am sure Chelsea will be a real title contender this season and looking to dethroned Man U along the way. Another big scoring match was Aston Villa 4 - 2 Man City where Gabriel Agbonlahor scored hattrick (both feet and a header). Elsewhere, Johan Elmander and Samir Nasri scored in their debut for Bolton and Arsenal respectively.

For the first time, Newcastle back line look so descent with Coloccini in charged. Although his hairstyle remind me of Michael Bolton, but former Milan and Depor player look comfortable with his new team-mate. Newcastle fight fiercely to hold Man U and they deserved a win I could say. Man U was pathetic with their reserved full of unknown school boys as Sir Alex trying to emulate Arsene Wenger'a formula at Arsenal. Rumours saying that Man U trying to buy Usain Bolt to pace up their striking force.

I was eager to watch new Spurs with excellent line-up such us Luka Modric, Giovanni dos Santos, David Bentley and Gomes but Juande Ramos team was defeated 1-2 in the opening match against Boro. Hope they can do better in the week 2 againts Sunderland's Black Cat.

Click Here!

Liverpool...? Not worth saying here...maybe next time...! :p

UEFA Champions League (Qualifying Third Round)

Spartak Moscow 1 - 4 Dynamo Kiev

Review: Look like an easy game for Dynamo Kiev. They will head to group round for sure.

Barcelona 4 - 0 Wisla Krakow

Review: 2 goals from Samuel Eto'o diminished the doubt that he will be heading out from Barcelona. Another goals were from Xavi and Henry

FC Twente 0 - 2 Arsenal

Review: Arsene Wenger fielded young squad including debutant Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott, Denilson, Djourou and Justin Hoyte. However it was Arsenal captain William Gallas and Adebayor who scored last night. It will be difficult for Arsenal if they continued with young and inexperienced player ahead of group stage. Maybe Arsene Wenger should consider a buy for midfielder and defender.

Schalke04 1 - 0 Atletico Madrid

Review: Sergio "El-Kun" Aguero with Argentina squad in Bejing...so what could we say. Atletico miss the striker so much.

Juventus 4 - 0 Artmedia

Review: The Old Lady is singing again. They will head to group stage for sure. After missing from the last two edition of Champions League, Juventus will try to mark their presence.

Standard Liege 0 - 0 Liverpool

Review: HAHahahah what can I say....lucky they got Reina to save their blushes. What happen to multi million pound investment on Robbie Keane, Ngog and the gang????

Arsenal missing Fabregas for UCL qualifier

Arsenal will be without key midfielder Cesc Fabregas and several other first-team regulars for Wednesday's Champions League qualifier against FC Twente in Holland.

Fabregas (hamstring) joins the likes of Kolo Toure (hip), Abou Diaby (thigh), Philippe Senderos (hamstring) and summer signing Samri Nasri (knee/thigh) on the sidelines along with Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo, who are both recovering from long-term injuries.

The number of absentees means Wales Under-21 international Aaron Ramsey - who joined the Gunners in a £5million deal from Cardiff - could be handed a full competitive debut alongside young Brazilian Denilson in midfield.

Murshidism - Arsenal will have to deal with FC Twente wisely if want to go through to the group stage. I believe with the absence of Fabregas, Toure and Rosicky, will hamper their ambition to reach to the next stage. All the best Arsenal...!

Middlesbrough bid for Arsenal defender Hoyte

Middlesbrough owner Steve Gibson has confirmed the club are awaiting a response from Arsenal after submitting an offer for defender Justin Hoyte.

Right-back Hoyte, 23, is seen by Boro as the ideal replacement for Luke Young who was allowed to move to Aston Villa last week.

Gibson told Sky Sports News: 'We have submitted a bid and we are waiting for Arsenal to respond.

'We've given it our best offer and we hope that it happens, but if it doesn't we move on.'

Villa agree £7.8m fee for Rangers star Cuellar

Aston Villa have agreed a fee with Rangers for Spanish defender Carlos Cuellar.
The 26-year-old will now discuss terms with Villa, whose bid has invoked a release clause in Cuellar's contract.
Rangers confirmed on Monday they had accepted a bid of £7.8m for the player who starred for the Gers in their run to last season's 2007/8 UEFA Cup Final.
Rangers signed Cuellar from Primera Liga side Osasuna in the summer of 2007.
Gers boss Walter Smith has expressed his disappointment at Cuellar's decision to leave.
He said: 'This has come as a surprise and I am disappointed. Carlos Cuellar has been a great player for the football club and inevitably there has been speculation about him playing in the Premiership.
'The club has received a substantial uplift in fee and we will now reinvest in the team.'
Cuellar is set to become Villa's sixth signing of the summer following Curtis Davies, Steve Sidwell, Luke Young, Nicky Shorey and Brad Friedel.

Olympics : Football Results

New Zealand 0 - 5 Brazil

Ronaldinho scored two second-half goals to lead Brazil to a 5-0 rout over New Zealand and a spot in the quarterfinals of the Olympic soccer tournament.Ronaldinho netted his first goal of the tournament with a free kick in the 54th minute, and added another with a penalty kick in the 61st. The two-time FIFA Player of the Year hadn't scored for Brazil in an official competition in nearly a year.Anderson opened the scoring less than three minutes in. Alexandre Pato scored in the 34th and Rafael Sobis added another goal in second-half injury time to keep Brazil on track for its first gold medal in soccer.The victory at Shenyang Olympic Stadium secures Brazil one of the top two spots in Group C and a trip to the second round.

Argentina 1 - 0 Australia

Ezequiel Lavezzi ended Australia's stubborn resistance and led Argentina to a 1-0 victory Sunday to put his team into the quarterfinals of the Olympic football competition.After Lionel Messi had missed three chances, Lavezzi ended a well-worked move to score a 78th-minute goal to give Argentina six points from two games. The Argentines also beat Ivory Coast 2-1.The Aussies have one point after a 1-1 draw with Serbia.

United States 2 - 2 Netherlands

The United States was within seconds of a major win and a quarterfinal berth in men's Olympic soccer. Now it's a tie away. The Americans allowed a goal on a free kick by Gerald Sibon in the third minute of injury time, forcing them to settle for a 2-2 tie with the Netherlands on Sunday night and swallow a lot of frustration. "We were very close to being in the quarterfinals, and now we are very far," U.S. coach Peter Nowak said. "Before the game, nobody gave us a chance. And I think we played pretty good. You can look at his as half empty or half full." The result left the United States with four points, tied atop Group B with Nigeria and two ahead of the Netherlands. Japan has zero. Only two teams advance. The U.S. team faces off against the Nigerians on Wednesday in the final group game for both in Beijing. The Dutch will need a victory against Japan while the United States, with a superior goal difference to Nigeria, will require only a tie to advance. "I'm still really bummed," U.S. midfielder Robbie Rogers said. "That's the best I've seen us play." The Americans fell behind in the 16th minute on a goal by Ryan Babel, but made a tactical change soon afterward and began to control the match. Sacha Klejstan and Jozy Altidore scored eight minutes apart to give the United States a 2-1 lead by the 72nd minute. Klejstan tied the game in the 64th minute, running onto a through ball from Freddy Adu, cutting inside and turning defender Kew Jaliens before blasting a right-footed shot past goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer. "When I scored that goal, we went and picked it up," Klejstan said. "Our confidence just continued to grow." Eight minutes later with the Americans pressing again, the ball squirted wide left to defender Michael Orozco, who drove it back across the penalty area and Altidore knocked it in with his right knee. But as the game wore on and the Dutch saw their Olympic chances dwindling, caution was no longer an option. Sibon entered the game in the 75th minute with fellow forward Roy Makaay, who injured his foot in the Netherlands' 0-0 draw with Nigeria on Wednesday and initially was reported to be unavailable. The United States fought off all chances until the Dutch earned a free kick 25 yards from goal, and Jonathan de Guzman and Urby Emanuelson were unsure who should take it. "When I came in, they said they weren't sure, and so I said 'I'll take it," Sibon said. "You just blast it on goal and see where it lands." Sibon's low drive eluded goalkeeper Brad Guzan to send the Dutch to its game against winless Japan with renewed hopes of reaching the quarterfinals. "If you look at the replay, it goes right under the wall," Guzan said. "Unfortunately, we were the better team for 70 minutes. We let two points get away from us. "After tonight, we'll put this behind us. We'll go to Beijing looking for a win. You don't go into these games looking for a draw, or looking to score 'x' amount of goals. We're completely confident."