Arsenal showed great determination last night and displayed an ability to stay in there when the going was tough to come from behind and beat Barcelona 2-1 at The Emirates Stadium in the first leg of the last 16 of the Champions League.
Arsene Wenger’s men were second best for large periods of the first half and Lionel Messi could have put Barca ahead before David Villa did just that. Arsenal were much stronger in the second half and led by an impressive Jack Wilshere in the middle of the park, clawed their way back into the match in a excellent five minute spell. First Robin van Persie equalised from a tight angle, then Andrey Arshavin finished off a flowing counter attack to set up an intriguing second leg at the Nou Camp.
So what FIVE things did we learn about Arsenal last night?
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CSKA Moscow winger Milos Krasic is attracting a lot of attention this summer, the 25-year-old Serbian will be hoping to have a good World Cup so that he can earn a move to a bigger club.
The tricky winger has been likened to a Serbian Pavel Nedved due his marauding runs down the flanks, his strong physical presence, and of course his long blonde hair. Before his step up to the senior Serbia squad, Krasic was an integral part of the Under-21 team and helped them finish as runners up in the Euro 2004 Under-21 Championships. He has now gone on to make his presence felt in the main team, he will definitely be one to watch in South Africa and is the kind of player whose price tag could go up by another £10m should he have a good tournament.
He has won all the major honours in Russia, on several occasions, winning the Russian Premier League twice in 2005 and 2006, the Russian Cup in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009 and the Russian Super Cup in 2006, 2007 and 2009. He will now be looking to test himself in a stronger league and the Premiership would fit the bill perfectly.
Arsenal and Manchester United are the two sides believed to be interested in securing Krasic’s services, and the latter will no doubt be the more familiar with him, after he scored at Old Trafford in CSKA’s 3-3 draw with United in the Champions League. According to the latest reports, Juventus are in fact in pole position for his signature, but no deal has been done yet and with the Premier League currently having a stronger pull than Serie A then by no means are they out of the running. Both of the sides could do with an extra midfielder and Krasic fits the bill perfectly, particularly for Arsenal as they really need to sure up their midfield with some strength. With Krasic offering that plus being a good passer of the ball he would be just what they’re looking for.
Krasic will definitely be hot property this summer and could well make a difference for Serbia in the World Cup. With Juventus said to be in the driving seat, Premier League clubs will need to move fast to secure his services and if someone can land them then he could be a key player for them next season.
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Everton manager David Moyes has praised Tim Cahill, as the attacking midfielder looks to add to his five previous goals against Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on Saturday.
The Australia international was a doubt for the clash, as he was suffering from a shin injury, but to Toffees fans relief he has been declared fit to play against the Anfield club.
Ahead of the clash, Moyes has labelled Cahill as one of the best signings he has ever made.
“From day one, Tim has been nothing but magnificent. The way he goes about the job, the way he puts himself over, he’s been magnificent,” the Scottish coach stated in a press conference.”He is going to be one of a kind in our time, and I just hope he has something to show for it, a trophy, when his time comes to an end.”He is massive because of his attitude and energy. He beats the drum and keeps everybody at it. And he has a great record of scoring when it matters, important goals and that won’t change.”He has helped me, because part of any new manager who comes into a job is to make good signings to help your own position and to help the team get better. Tim was such a great early signing for me,” he concluded.Cahill’s inclusion will be a massive boost to Everton, as he has become a lynchpin in the Goodison Park team and will be sure to be a handful for Liverpool on Saturday.Written By Gareth McKnight[divider]FREE football app that pays you to view ads[ad_pod id=’qs-2′ align=’left’]
Veteran goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni was on target as Sao Paulo beat Portuguesa 3-2 in the Campeonato Paulista on Sunday.
Fernandinho opened the scoring for visitors Sao Paulo on 29 minutes at the Estadio Dr. Oswaldo Teixeira Duarte, before Ceni struck the 98th goal of his 19-year career six minutes before half-time from a free-kick outside the box.
Heverton pulled one back for the hosts three minutes before the hour mark, before Rhodolfo restored the two-goal cushion in the 75th minute.
Heverton was on target again four minutes from time, but Sao Paulo held out to record a win which keeps them four points behind leaders Palmeiras.
Elsewhere, Mirassol came from a goal down to beat Sao Caetano 3-1 at home.
The visitors went ahead through Ailton 29 minutes in, but Mirassol hit back to lead at half-time thanks to goals from Wellington Amorim and Diego Correa.
Sao Caetano were given a route back into the match when Esley was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 61st minute, but 10-man Mirassol put the result beyond doubt when Xuxa netted a third with seven minutes to go.
A first-half brace from Finazzi helped Bragantino beat Ituano 2-1, while Anselmo Ramon’s last-minute strike salvaged a 1-1 draw for Oeste at home to Mogi Mirim.
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Paulista drew 0-0 at home to Corinthians, who finished the match a man down following Paulinho’s dismissal with four minutes to go.
Romulo’s first-minute goal proved to be the winner for Ponte Preta in a 1-0 victory away to Sao Bernardo.
Gareth Bale returned to feature for Tottenham in a 1-1 draw against LA Galaxy on Wednesday night, causing a controversy.
The Wales international was initially selected for Stuart Pearce’s Team GB squad, but pulled out due to a back injury.
However, with the winger featuring for Spurs before the Olympics has even started, Sky Sports state that Pearce may well make a complaint to Fifa over the White Hart Lane man’s conduct.
Sepp Blatter has also confirmed that Bale could well be in line for a disciplinary charge should the Team GB coach lodge a complaint.
“The principle is that if a club does not release a player then this association can come to FIFA and we will then ban this player during the duration of the Olympics,” said Blatter.
“So far nobody came to FIFA to say we should, but it is a possibility we could ban these players if they are not at the disposal of the national team.
“They complain and then we say let this player go or he cannot play for the club. FIFA’s position has never been so clear than it is now for the Olympics 2012 and 2016.”
Meanwhile Bale has confirmed that his return was earlier than expected.
“After about 65 minutes my calf started to cramp up a bit but it was a good workout. It was one that I needed and it was good to get a goal as well,” he told the side’s official website.
“My rehab’s gone very well at the club – we are well ahead of schedule.
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“I am glad to be back. It’s important to get a pre-season under my belt for the season forthcoming so I am just delighted to be back now without any problems,” he concluded.
could be on his way out of Liverpool after Serie A giants Inter Milan made a move for the Liverpool striker, the Daily Mail understands.
It’s the second time in 12 months that the Italian club have tried to sign Kuyt and speculation was fierce that he could be on the move.
That was heightened after the Dutchman was left on the bench for the opening day draw against Sunderland but returned to the fray in Saturday’s 2-0 against Arsenal.
His agent Rob Jansen revealed that Inter had been in contact again as they seek a replacement for Samuel Eto’o who is poised to leave the San Siro for Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala.
Jansen said: “Inter Milan have made an attractive offer for Dirk. However, the clubs have yet to agree a deal.”
Despite the interest from Italy it’s thought that Kuyt would be unwilling to leave Anfield where he is a big part of Kenny Dalglish’s plans.
Since signing for the club in 2006 he has become a firm fans favourite with his work ethic and cult hero status endearing him to the Kop.
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The 31-year-old only signed a contract extension at the end of last season and it’s unlikely that he would be prepared to disrupt his family who are settled on Merseyside.
Even Giampaolo Pazzini’s wildest dreams did not include a two-goal debut in Inter Milan’s comeback win over Palermo on Sunday.
It was little wonder the Italy striker – who only signed for the Milan club on Friday from Sampdoria – was over the moon at having inspired his new side to an unlikely three Serie A points.
Trailing 2-0 at home after just 36 minutes, Pazzini fired a 16-minute, second-half double salvo before fellow striker Samuel Eto’o converted winning penalty – after Pazzini was felled in the box – in the 76th minute.
Part of an attacking troika alongside Eto’o and Diego Milito, Pazzini was delighted to begin his Inter career on such a promising note.
“Well, I’d have never imagined a debut like that,” he admitted.
“I’d like to thank my team-mates and the coach for making me feel part of the group from the very beginning. It has been really good.”
“The choice of three forwards was really brave, but necessary to help us recover the result from 2-0 down. Someone said it would have been difficult to play with Milito and Eto’o, but it went very well.”
“I have felt really good since they are two champions who’ve made me feel at ease. Diego, who played close to me, has helped me and talked to me. We have played well together, so everything has gone pretty well.”
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“I’ve scored two goals and Samuel scored one goal, so I think this is the best I could’ve achieved.”
The win kept Leonardo’s men nine points from Serie A leaders and city rivals AC Milan with a game in hand.
Arsenal are thought to be ready to make enquiries over the availability of Robert Lewandowski and Stevan Jovetic, according to The Daily Mail.
The Gunners have been rocked by the news that captain and talisman Robin van Persie will not be extending his contract in north London, and as such must now consider their attacking options for 2012-13.
It is believed that Arsene Wenger will now look to sign a replacement, despite Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski already joining the club this summer.
Lewandowski has impressed at Borussia Dortmund over the last 12 months, winning a regular starting spot in the Signal Iduna Park line-up and firing Jurgen Klopp’s men to their second successive Bundesliga title last term.
Manchester United are thought to have an interest in the Poland international, who scored the first goal of Euro 2012.
Meanwhile, Jovetic has continued to excel for Fiorentina and as such is being touted with a move to a bigger club this summer.
The eastern European marksman is reportedly a summer transfer target for Chelsea also, but Arsenal are now considering making a move for the Viola attacker.
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Inter chief Ernesto Paolillo says a big bid for Wesley Sneijder will be considered, as speculation over the midfielder’s future rumbles on.Netherlands international Sneijder, 27, is still believed to be keen on joining the English Premier League champions, but it seems his wage demands have been a major stumbling block.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson tried to cool talk of their interest in the player after saying he knew nothing of negotiations between the clubs, while Inter manager Gian Piero Gasperini has intimated the Serie A outfit still relies on him
But Inter chief executive officer Paolillo has said a top offer from England will be evaluated and did not close the door on Sneijder leaving if United submit a suitable bid.
“If an offer we cannot refuse arrives, whether for Sneijder or other players, then we will start to think about a replacement,” Paolillo told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Sneijder is a reference point for our club, but then football always evolves and anything can happen.”
“But there are no talks, and so we are not thinking of changing.”
Sneijder is likely to play for Inter in Saturday’s Supercoppa Italiana clash against city rivals AC Milan in Beijing.
Blackpool will try to put a turbulent week for boss Ian Holloway behind them on Wednesday when they welcome West Ham to Bloomfield Road.
Holloway this week stood by his pledge to tender resignation if his team was fined for fielding a weakened side against Aston Villa in the English Premier League in November.
The Blackpool boss made 10 changes for that match – in which Blackpool were only denied a draw by a last-minute James Collins goal that gave Villa a 3-2 win – resulting in a 25,000 pound fine being handed down by the Premier League.
“He (the chairman) will be getting my resignation because that is how strongly I feel,” Holloway told the Blackpool Gazette on Friday. “It is up to him whether he chooses to take it.”
Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston, however, has refused to accept Holloway’s resignation, meaning the Englishman will be at the helm for the foreseeable future.
While Holloway has endured a hectic week, his side will try to best prepare for the visit of West Ham – a fixture in which they need to secure maximum points after a dismal January.
Since their 2-0 win over Sunderland on December 28, Holloway’s gallant side have suffered one-goal defeats to Manchester City, Birmingham, West Brom, Sunderland and Manchester United, with their only success a 2-1 win over Liverpool.
Avram Grant’s West Ham side are in dire need of three points of their own to lift them off the bottom of the Premier League, with just one win and a draw from their past five league games.
Both sides are anxiously awaiting news from the physio, with Stephen Crainey still doubtful for Blackpool with an ankle injury while Matthew Gilks and Billy Clarke are missing with knee complaints.
Chris Basham is out with a broken leg, but they will be buoyed by the return of striker Marlon Harewood, who came off the bench in their last match – a 3-2 loss to Manchester United.
David Carney will be back on deck after Asian Cup duties with Australia.
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West Ham have their own fitness concerns, with Portuguese defender Manuel Da Costa doubtful with an ankle injury and midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger to miss out with a thigh strain.
Grant will be hoping for more good form from Nigerian winger Victor Obinna, whose hat-trick on Sunday helped West Ham to a 3-2 FA Cup fourth-round win over Nottingham Forest.
It remains to be seen if new striker Robbie Keane will be available after his loan move from Tottenham.