Fulham vs Manchester United - Highlights

Manchester United ended the year in spectacular fashion destroying Fulham 5-0 away from home. The win sees United keep the two point gap at the top of the table, leaving them in second position. Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov both scored spectacular goals in the thrashing. CHECK IT OUT!

Manchester City vs Stoke - Highlights

Manchester City downed Stoke 3-0 ahead of the Christmas break seeing them finish the year on top of the English Premier League. Goals from Aguero and Johnson  secured the victory!

Check out the highlights below!

Blackburn vs Bolton - Highlights

Blackburn needed a victory against Bolton to help their struggling season, but found no sympathy from Wanderers.

Check out the highlights below:

Chelsea vs Manchester City - Highlights

Chelsea 2:1 Manchester City

Reaction:

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas: "Our objective was to shorten our distance to the leaders and we did exactly that. We take no extra flavour for being the first team to beat Man City. But now the title race is very much alive. A lot of teams are still competing and I think the December fixtures could be decisive. I think our players did brilliantly tonight - they reacted to circumstances, they felt the game, and we were patient in our efforts to get the goal we deserved and the win we deserved."

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini: "The game changed with the sending off and in the first half. The referee was very sure in the second half when [Daniel Sturridge] shoots and Joleon Lescott is five metres away [for the penalty], but in the first half he was also three meters away when David Silva was brought down. I hope we can do another 14 games without losing."

Chelsea match-winner Frank Lampard: "Some of the football they [Man City] played showed we needed to win to stay in the title race. Ten points is a big gap and luckily we've closed that. I had a feeling in the second half that it was going to be our night. You've got to be big enough to stand up and take them [penalties] and I was very relieved when it hit the back of the net."





C-M footyroom.com by footyroom

Liverpool's Alberto Aquilani to head to AC Milan

Alberto Aquilani, perhaps the most underrated player in the all of the Premier League, looks set to leave Liverpool yet again to Italy as AC Milan secure his services for the upcoming season.
Aquilani will head to Milan on a loan deal where he will serve as the replacement for Juventus signing Andrea Pirlo.

Last season, Aquilani also played in the Serie A with Turin side Juventus. During his time at Juventus, Aquilani made a great impact in the midfield, proving to be one of their best players in the 2010-2011 season.

However, in an absurd act, Juventus did not choose to permanently sign Aquilani, rather letting him return to Liverpool.

Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli commented on the Aquilani move:

"I want to pay tribute to the way Alberto has conducted himself during these discussions...Throughout the entire process, his only desire has been to play football and he has put this ahead of any other considerations and at personal cost to himself. We wish him well for the season ahead."

Aquilani has failed to make an impact at Liverpool, mainly due to the constant run of injuries he had during his time at the club. Performances would indicate he is fit to play in the Liverpool starting XI, but it just wasn't to be for the former Roma man.

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City Vs Swansea: Predicting the Starting 11

By Adrian Meta
City take on Swansea in the Blue’s Premier League season opener. The match will be at the Etihad Stadium, and with new signings potentially coming into the 11, here’s how I expect City to line up.

The back pretty much picks itself with the exception of Aleks Kolarov. I’ve given him the nod over Gael Clichy purely because Swansea are lightweight opposition and Kolarov will be given freedom to bomb forward, knowing he will be covered. He will give City an extra advantage.

Moving to midfield, I’ve picked Milner over Barry because recent fixtures indicate that he is ahead of Gareth Barry in the pecking order, and for me, he’s the better player.

Up front, Balotelli ahead of Aguero. Why? Aguero won’t be completely fit and should be given as much a rest as possible, with a view to a 15-20 min debut appearance. I expect Dzeko to start most games this season. No Tevez because he’s only just came back to training.

There it is. Hopefully I’m right, because with this lineup City should fairly easily overcome Swansea.

Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Wesley Sneijder Says He Is 'for Sale'

Wesley Sneijder has fueled a possible move away from Inter Milan after stating that he is "for sale if the right offer comes in." The statement made by the Dutch superstar followed Inter's narrow loss to AC Milan in the Coppa Italiana where he had a brilliant free kick.

His comments are expected to refuel interest from Premier League clubs Manchester United and Manchester City as they had inquired about Sneijder earlier in the transfer window.

According to Goal.com Sneijder said that Inter were willing to sell him if the price is right because the club needs money. Just how much money do they need? Well earlier in the transfer window it was reported, also by Goal.com, that Sneijder would be allowed to move with a bid in excess of €40 million.
Sneijder was linked strongly with a move to the Premier League after Manchester United apparently approached the player. Suggestions of such a move were cooled by Sir Alex Ferguson when came out and said they were not interested. Nevertheless, reports in the media continued to suggest a move away from the San Siro.

Manchester City also got themselves involved with Sneijder, but with the signing of Sergio Aguero, Sneijder would most likely oust an already competent player out of the squad. City manager Roberto Mancini also insisted reports of interest in the Dutchman are not true. "He is an Inter Milan player. We never spoke about him," he stated after his team's Community Shield loss.

After their strong performance against Manchester City, Manchester United did not look like a squad in need of a player of Sneijder's calibre. The attacking combinations of Ashley Young, Nani, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck seemed to push forward well against Manchester City. And creativity was definitely not lacking, something which Sneijder is renowned for.

Blow for Liverpool as Steven Gerrard Gets Ruled out Until September

After signing a host of new players, Liverpool were having the perfect preseason. But it would seem that all good things come to an end, as inspirational captain Steven Gerrard has been ruled out until September with a groin infection.
According to a report by the Guardian Gerrard will continue to receive treatment on his troubled groin well into the beginning of the season.

Liverpool have stated that, "He [Gerrard] is expected to remain in hospital for several days while the precautionary procedure is completed."
Gerrard missed the end of last season due to the injury, and it would seem that the No. 8 is looking at shaking off the injury once and for all.
Potentially Gerrard will only miss three matches, maybe four. As things stand he is expected to return against Stoke, but between then and now is the anticipated match against Arsenal—a crucial match in any circumstance. He will also miss England's international friendly with Holland and the Euro qualifiers against Bulgaria and Wales.

It is exciting times at Liverpool with the signings of Adam, Henderson, Downing and the return of Aquilani. With Gerrard out each player will have to step up, to provide a creative link between the midfield and forwards.

Reports would suggest that Gerrard is receiving the best possible treatment, as was confirmed by a statement made by the club, "The player will then return to Melwood to continue his rehabilitation programme and is expected to be available for selection in September."
From the neutral Premier League supporter perspective, it would be a great shame to see Gerrard to miss any more football. Hopefully, he gets back on the pitch as soon as possible.

How would you tweak the lineup to compensate for the absence of Gerrard?

Hulk Will Not Be Sold, as an €80 Million Bid Gets Rejected by Porto

According to a Goal.com report FC Porto have rejected an €80 Million Bid for striker Hulk. The Brazilian powerhouse really proved himself on the world stage in both Portugal and in the Champions League. As is always the case with performers such as Hulk, the big clubs come calling and in this situation Chelsea and Manchester City look to be hot on his heels.

Hulk's agent Teodoro Fonseca told the Portugese newspaper (Record) "I would be lying if I said there hadn't been offers for the signing of Hulk. I believe the highest was for €80 million, but FC Porto didn't even want to negotiate."

According to ESPNStar, when asked about which club had made a bid for Hulk, Fonesca went on to say that "I cannot reveal that. But it is not hard to see because there are only three or four clubs who are able to present those kind of numbers for a player." With reference to the four clubs the report suggests that AC Milan were also in the market for Hulk.

With Villas-Boas leaving Porto to coach Chelsea, one could assume that Chelsea was most likely the club that bid for the star man. Nevertheless, there is no news or hints from the Chelsea camp with regards to a bid being tabled for Hulk. Any club that is more than desperate to secure the services of Hulk to the upcoming season, can guarantee a release of the player if they bid in excess of €100 million.
Whether Hulk is worth the €80 million let alone €100 million is questionable. However if he is able to produce the 36 goals and 21 assists for the club of his destination, he may just prove to pay for himself.

Charles N'Zogbia Close To Signing for Aston Villa from Wigan

According to ESPN, Wigan has agreed to sell Charles N'Zogbia to Aston Villa for £9.5 million (€10.79 million). The move is close to completion.

A previous bid of £9 million was turned down by Wigan.

After a lacklustre season in 2010/2011 Aston Villa were looking to add some fire power upfront. The signing of Darren Bent was a great acquisition at the halfway mark of last campaign, and now the addition of N'Zogbia will make Villa a real force to be reckoned with as they attempt to climb into Europe.

According to a July 14 Daily Mail report, Aston Villa may also look to acquire Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Over the past few years, Aston Villa have seen their squad change dramatically. With star players such as James Milner, Stewart Downing and Ashley Young leaving the side in recent times, Villa have had some shoes to fill. N'Zogbia has shown his club in the Premier League playing for club side Wigan Athletic. The French international is a real creative spark up front and could prove key in developing a link-up between the midfield and Darren Bent.

Athletic had shown that they are capable of EPL football, finishing off the season last year on a high. With N'Zogbia being the key spark behind that resurgence, do not be surprised to see this bid rejected.

Manchester City Star Mario Balotelli Wants More Silverware

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli cannot wait for the season to get started and firmly believes it will be a successful one for the Etihad Club. He is also very excited about playing in the Champions League with City.

Balotelli, speaking to mcfc.co.uk, is currently with the City squad in US, where he is "relaxed". He said, "Everything is going really well and I’m feeling good.  I enjoyed my first year in Manchester, though I admit I took a while to settle down, but I can do better and will be looking to improve and help us win more trophies.”


About playing in the CL he said that City have a great squad and are capable of going "all the way", and that when he came he was determined to bring City to the CL. He is delighted City achieved its goal.


Balotelli went on to say he is not bothered about who his strike partners are, that he will work hard for the team, which is all that matters to him.


On winning the Premier league, he believes that City have to play at the same level against small teams and big teams, and they must have the belief.


Balotelli is expected to have a big year, along with the rest of the boys in Blue. For the fully story, go to www.mcfc.co.uk.

Manchester City Accept Corinthians Bid for Carlos Tevez

Manchester City captain Carlos Tevez could be leaving the Premier League after manager Roberto Mancini admitted that City had accepted a bid made by Corinthians. The news comes after the bid which was rejected just days ago from the Brazilian side.



The bid previously rejected was in the vicinity of $56.3 million, and as reported by the daily mail Corinthians had improved their bid to $64.4 million just a week later. There is no word on whether this will be the final price paid to Manchester City, but in terms of a pricing this was the rough amount City was hoping to receive for Tevez. There is no doubt that Tevez wanted to leave City.

He made no secret of his desire to leave the Premier League and perhaps move back hope to South America. Despite his best efforts to secure a transfer away from the club last year, he remained at Etihad. His sublime form throughout the season saw him score twenty goals in City's surge to the top of the English Premier League. In the end City qualified for the Champions League, also winning the FA Cup in the process.

The reason behind Tevez's desire to leave the club is unknown. One would think that Tevez would like to stay and compete in the Champions League with City after spending a few years working to get the club in the prestigious competition.

Mancini went on to say "We have an agreement with Corinthians but Carlos now is still a City player." If all goes according to plan Tevez will agree to personal terms with the club and leave City after signing from Manchester United. It is believed that a big sponsor of the Brazilian side is willing to foot much of Tevez's salary.

He is currently in Argentina after missing the penalty which saw Argentina ultimately lose to Uruguay and get knocked out of the Copa America

Andre Villas-Boas: Luka Modric's Price Tag Is "Incredible"; Blues Can Do the Job

Both Chelsea and Manchester United have been in the hunt for an attacking midfielder this transfer window. United fans would be no stranger to the Sneijder transfer saga. Chelsea - not to be outdone - have gone on the hunt for Luka Modric. Yet things do not seem to be moving along in this transfer, as Andre Villas-Boas seemed to suggest.

In a press conference after Chelsea's pre-season friendly against Portsmouth Villas-Boas was asked about the transfer situation with Modric. He responded "We respect whatever position Tottenham takes and the prices we are talking about is an incredible amount of money." During the conference he also went on to talk about the possibility of Yossi Benayoun slotting in as a Central Attacking midfielder. The comments came after Benayoun's performance against Wycombe, where he played a key role, he said "But here you saw we adapted Yossi [Benayoun]'s position in the middle and also against Wycombe he was marvellous in the position."

The comments fuel speculation that Chelsea will not spend big in the window, rather trying to improve on the signings made last season, most notably solving the Torres goal drought (perhaps with different link up plays). It is no secret that Chelsea want Modric, rewind two weeks back to when the £27 million bid made was shot down by Tottenham.

Although they were dominant in terms of possession in their pre-season friendly against Portsmouth, Chelsea actually failed to find the back of the net. Rather their solitary goal came from a Portsmouth own goal.

Against a quality side (no disrespect to Portsmouth) Chelsea will not be given such gifts. They have a lot of work to do before the commencement of the EPL. Perhaps setting their sights on somebody other than Modric would be the wise move in this situation.
Would you sign Modric?

Aly Cissokho Looks to Complete Move from Lyon to Liverpool

As Liverpool look to add to their signings this transfer window, they have lined up young gun Aly Cissokho. Liverpool have compiled a bid in the region of €10 million to try and land the recent French International.

The 23 year old left back signed for Lyon from Porto in 2009 and since then has developed into a first team player for Lyon, resembling a certain Michel Bastos in his style of play. Liverpool have been in the hunt for a wing back for the duration of this transfer window, they even made an attempt to open talks with Arsenal over a move for Clichy (who went on to join Manchester City) - although Clichy admittedly turned them down.

Lyon have been in poor form recently, both on the pitch and financially. The financial situation is so dire that they sale of Cissokho for €10 million would see them make a loss of €5 million from the original purchase from Porto. If the deal occurs, it is set to be complete by the end of next week. He would be on a list of great additions to the Liverpool squad, who are looking to return to Champions League football, or the Europa League at worst.

Cissokho has made 60 appearances for Lyon and gained one international cap for the French side.
Liverpool are currently in Malaysia on their pres season tour, winning 6-3 against the Malaysian XI, with Charlie Adam getting his first goal for the club.

Ferguson has "no real interest" in signing Wesley Sneijder

After weeks of discussion and rumour, Sir Alex Feguson has come out and denied that Manchester United are in the hunt for Wesley Sneijder. The statements come after Ferguson was questioned about the replacement of Paul Scholes and the likelihood of Sneijder filling the role.

Ferguson is quoted as saying "I keep reading about this, there's absolutely nothing at all to that";"first of all I don't think Inter are prepared to sell him. You get conjecture and you get speculation every week unfortunately." It is believed that the €40 million price tag, combined with the extremely high wage demands of Sneijder have proved to much for United. The question of whether they were ever in the hunt for a replacement for Scholes still remains. Luka Modric may be on the cards as well as a host of other names.

Although one must not forget the face that United have already signed David de Gea, Phil Jones and Ashley Young this window. The signings push Manchester's total spending to way over €50 which was the intended limit. It would certainly seem by the way that Ferguson answered to the rumours would suggest that United are not pursuing, and were never pursuing him.

Wesley Sneijder still has a few years left on his contract at Inter, and to jump ship after one below average season (mind you they did win two trophies), would certainly question his loyalty to a club which has propelled him onto the world stage.

Ferguson concluded that there was "nothing imminent" in terms of transfers for the remainder of the window. Perhaps, investing the money in the youth of United would be the correct move?
Would you sign Sneijder?

Official: Arsenal sign Gervinho

As quickly as this tranfer rumour popped up, it was completed. No one saw it coming but Lille striker Gervinho has officially signed with Arsenal in a deal believed to be worth 12 million Euros. The news of the signing was made apparant by Arsene Wenger himself and comes after the loss of Clichy to City and very soon Samir Nasri as well.

Gervinho was in stunning form this season, making a name for himself in the 2010 World Cup. From there the striker went on to score fifteen goals and bagged 10 assists in his clubs rise to the top of Ligue 1. As well as Gervinho Arsenal also signed Carl Jenkinson, who looks to be the perfect replacement for Gael Clichy.

Gervinho may just provide some hope for Arsenal fans who are so fearful of the dual exit of Fabregas and Samir Nasri!

Nasri set for Manchester City move

Samir Nasri looks to be the second Arsenal player to leave for Manchester City in as many weeks, after City made a 25 million euro bid for the French superstar. Nasri will be offered a 6 million euro a year contract in return for his services. With Carlos Tevez looking to leave the Etihad (new stadium name) Nasri could prove to be the perfect addition to the squad.

Earlier in the week Gael Clichy completed a move to Manchester signing on for a few years. Nasri would prove to be a big loss for Arsenal, especially after his stellar season scoring ten times, even with extensive injuries. Nasri has been at Arsenal for 3 years arriving in 2008 and has made over 120 appearances for the club. Fabregas is also set to leave the Emirates, and sources say that if Nasri leaves so to will Fab, resulting in a mass transfer budget for Arsene Wenger to use before the EPL gets underway.

City are in a prime position for attracting players to Manchester,with a top three finish resulting in guaranteed Champions League football. If Nasri remains at Arsenal they would have to play through the qualification stages of Europe, not guaranteeing a spot in Europe's premier competition.

Any deal that eventuates will be signed off within the next few days. City are also in the market for Fabregas but are faced with stiff competition from Barcelona for his services.

Manchester City: Sky Blues To Take On Rivals United In Community Shield

FA Cup Champions Manchester City will take on local rivals and Barclays Premier League Champions Manchester United in the EPL's annual curtain-raiser, the Community Shield.

It will be the second Manc derby in four months, with the last being the FA Cup semi-final, when a goal from Yaya Toure saw City overcome United.

This will probably be the most intense Community Shield in a long time, with the added spice of it being a derby. The Manchester rivalry continues to intensify as City's continue to improve and United remain the juggernaut they have been for so long.

The match will take place at Wembley, at Sunday 2:30pm London time.

Official: Liverpool sign Charlie Adam

Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam has completed a deal with Liverpool after passing a medical with flying colours. The 25 year old signed on with Liverpool after Blackpool were relegated from the EPL last year.It was quite clear to everyone that Adam had something special and was on the radar of all the big clubs in Europe. However Liverpool got in there first adding Adam to a list of signings completed this transfer window.

In an interview Adam said he was delighted to have signed for Liverpool FC, stating he wants to become a better player, and believes that Liverpool will help him to achieve this feat. Charlie Adam also made a setimental thankyou to the staff and players at Blackpool, after spending a few great years at the club.


The deal is believed to be in the region of 7 million pounds, with Dalglish desperately wanting to get the signature of the Scottish player ahead of any other clubs.

Photos to follow shortly

Official: Clichy completes City move

Arsenal have relinquished the services of left back Gael Clichy to Manchester City, as Eastlands looks to add some pace and consistency to their defence. The deal is said to be worth about 7 million pounds with Clichy expected to earn in excess 85000 pounds a week. The Frenchman signed on for four years in Manchester.

Clichy had joined Arsenal to replace Ashley Cole after he had left for Chelsea, since then the 25 year old more than filled the shoes of the Englishman turning out to become one of the best left backs in the world. He is extremely well known for his pace and overlapping runs.

Clichy made over 300 appearances for Arsenal during his time at the Emirates. The left back says he had no regrets during his eight years at the club. He believes the move is the right step for his careers, allowing him to experience a different playing style. Manchester City players Kolo Toure and Patrick Viera are apparently very keen on the deal, being friends with Clichy outside football.

With Fabregas and Nasri expected also to leave in the coming weeks, Clich may be the first of a long list or Arsenal players to leave London.