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Thursday, August 30, 2007

Middlesbrough 2-0 Northampton: Fab-ulous strike











































Middlesbrough2 - 0Northampton
53'Fabio Rochemback
1 - 0





66'Dong-gook Lee2 - 0







2






0



















































Match Stats






MiddlesbroughNorthampton
Shots (on Goal)17(8)14(7)
Fouls914
Corner Kicks58
Offsides04
Time of Possession56%44%
Yellow Cards01
Red Cards00
Saves75















South Korean striker Dong Gook Lee finally grabbed his first Middlesbrough goal as the 2004 winners rode their luck against Northampton to book their place in the Carling Cup third round with a 2-0 win.

Lee drove home a powerful low shot from the edge of the box in the 66th minute to wrap up victory for Gareth Southgate's men after Fabio Rochemback's free-kick had broken the deadlock.

But it could have been a different story for spluttering Boro had the bright Coca-Cola League One outfit capitalised on early chances, the best of which saw Ian Henderson's diving header hit the post.

Lee, who had failed to hit the net in his handful of appearances since joining Boro in January, was one of six new faces introduced by Southgate after Sunday's draw with Newcastle.

Full Report: Soccernet.com

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Newcastle 2-0 Barnsley: Owen back on target











































Newcastle2 - 0Barnsley
57'Michael Owen
1 - 0





86'Obafemi Martins2 - 0







2






0



















































Match Stats










NewcastleBarnsley
Shots (on Goal)15(12)4(1)
Fouls148
Corner Kicks82
Offsides31
Time of Possession61%39%
Yellow Cards12
Red Cards00
Saves26
















Michael Owen ended his 20-month wait for a Newcastle goal as the Magpies finally saw off stubborn Barnsley with a 2-0 win.

The 27-year-old England international struck 12 minutes after the break, finding the net in a competitive game for his club for the first time since December 17, 2005.

It was just Owen's 14th start and 17th appearance in total for Newcastle and came two days before he celebrates two, injury-wrecked years on Tyneside.

If Owen and his manager Sam Allardyce were delighted, both by the goal and the passage it helped to secure to the Carling Cup third round, it will have been no less welcome to England boss Steve McClaren, whose dearth of strikers ahead of vital Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia makes the form of his most experienced hitman a cause for national concern.

Full Report: Soccernet.com

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Bristol City 1-2 Man City: Bianchi's matt finish















































Bristol City1 - 2Manchester City
17'




0 - 1Emile Mpenza
69'Bradley Orr1 - 1




81'




1 - 2Ronaldo Bianchi

1




2




















































Match Stats




Bristol CityMan City
Shots (on Goal)13(6)12(4)
Fouls913
Corner Kicks61
Offsides96
Time of Possession54%46%
Yellow Cards00
Red Cards00
Saves12
















Sven-Goran Eriksson's most expensive purchase as Manchester City manager spared his embarrassment at Bristol City as the Blues squeezed into the Carling Cup third round with a 2-1 win.

At £8.8million, Rolando Bianchi did not come cheap. But the former Reggina star was the City hero, lashing home from 20 yards to give the Blues victory.

The win was totally deserved and should have been achieved without the late fright Bradley Orr provided Eriksson with when he levelled Emile Mpenza's first-half opener.

But Bianchi's name figured prominently in a list of missed City chances, and a nervy ending would have been given a dramatic injury-time twist had Mark McIndoe's cheeky back-heel not correctly been ruled out for offside.

When the two finalists take their place at Wembley on February 24, 32 years will have elapsed since City last won a major trophy.

Full Report: Soccernet.com

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Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Middlesbrough 2 - 2 Newcastle



















































Middlesbrough2 - 2Newcastle United
22'
0 - 1Charles N'Zogbia
28'Mido1 - 1
77'
1 - 2Mark Viduka
80'Julio Arca2 - 2

2
2



Full Report: Soccernet.com

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Man Utd's Super-Substitute, Solskjaer, set to retire from football

Manchester United's legend and former Norway forward, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will announced his retirement from football today.

The 34-year-old bowed to the inevitable after consultation with medical staff and is expected to confirm the news today, with concern about the impact on Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad outweighed by the sense of loss felt by all at Old Trafford.

Solskjaer is certain to be remembered as one of the most popular players in United’s history, having scored the dramatic stoppage-time goal that beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League final in Barcelona in 1999. Teammates often joked that he could have retired on the back of that goal, but, almost as much, it was his professionalism that secured his place in the affections of United’s supporters, players and officials, with the club eager to find a position that will enable him to stay on in either a coaching or an ambassadorial role. He is also certain to be offered a testimonial in view of his service since joining United from Molde for a bargain fee of £1.5 million in the summer of 1996.

Ferguson will lead the tributes to Solskjaer today, having often described him as the best substitute the game has seen and one of the most loyal servants in the club’s history. It was partly in a bid to reward that loyalty that the club offered him a new two-year contract in March 2006, after he had spent 2½ years fighting what had appeared a losing battle against cruciate ligament damage. Against all expectations, Solskjaer made a significant contribution to United’s title success last season, scoring 11 goals, including seven in 19 Premier League appearances.

Solskjaer, having scored 126 goals in 366 appearances for United, was hopeful of reappearing this season when he underwent a minor knee operation in Norway in June, but his rehabilitation has been more problematic this time. He recently admitted that he expected this to be his last season, but a setback in the past fortnight led to renewed fears about his future and, finally, after consultation with numerous experts, he has taken the decision to retire.

Full Report: timeonline.co.uk

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Monday, August 27, 2007

New Away Kits(Jersey) for Manchester United for season 07/08

Manchester United is going to launch their new Away Kits on 13th of September 2007. Its available for pre-order now in ManUtd.com


Away Kits with Tevez Labeling (Backview)

Away Kits with no Labeling (Backview)

Manchester United Badge

Away Kits (Frontview)

Red Devil Badge

United will be wearing the new Away Kits, when they visit
Everton at Goodison Park on 15th of September 2007.

Source: ManUtd.com

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Man Utd bounced back with Nani's goal, Manchester United 1 - 0 Tottenham

Manchester United was bounced back with a superb goal from Nani against Tottenham at 68'.

Carlos Tevez had several chance, but couldn't score any goal for Manchester United yet, he was substituted out with Flecther at 77'.





































Manchester United1 - 0Tottenham
68'Luis Nani1 - 0



1

0


On the other hand, Tottenham's Manager, Martin Jol, was in doubt to keep his job, after Spurs being defeated by Manchester United.

After 4 matches, Tottenham only able to get 1 win against Derby County last week, with 3 points on hand. Meanwhile Manchester United current had 5 points with 2 draw, 1 lose, and a win to keep their championship hopes on.

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Namewee is back with his new album, 3rd of September 2007

Namewee is back with his creative produced new album, in the following clip, Namewee is promoting with his new album which will released on 3rd of September 2007



It will be selling at RM 13.90 (Ringgit Malaysia), are you going to support him with buying the original copies?

Source: Namewee.blogspot.com

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Sunday, August 26, 2007

Ferrari 1 2, in Turkis GP, Massa 1st, Raikkonen 2nd

Felipa Massa gone for Turkish victory from pole position, and Kimi Raikkonen get the 1st-runner up from 3rd place in the qualifying. Ferrari did a great fight back in Turkish GP.

Fernando Alonso get 3rd place with 4th in qualifying, and Lewis Hamilton downed to 5th from 2nd position.

Result summary for Nurburgring GP





























































































































































1F. MassaFerrari1h26'42"161
2K.RaikkonenFerrari+0'02"220
3F.AlonsoMcLaren+0'26"130
4N.HiedfeldBMW+0'39"640
5L.HamiltonMcLaren+0'45"050
6H.KovalainenRenault+0'46"160
7N.RosbergWilliams+0'55"770
8R.KubicaBMW+0'56"780
9G.FisichellaRenault+0'59"490
10D.CoulthardRedbull+1'11"010
11A.WurzWilliams+1'19"610
12R.SchumacherToyota+ 1lap(s)
13J.ButtonHonda+ 1lap(s)
14A.DavidsonSuper Aguri F1+ 1lap(s)
15V.LiuzziToro Rosso+ 1lap(s)
16J.TrulliToyota+ 1lap(s)
17R.BarrichelloHonda+ 1lap(s)
18T.SatoSuper Aguri F1+ 1lap(s)
19S.VettelToro Rosso+ 1lap(s)
20S.YamamotoSpyker F1+ 2lap(s)
21A.SutilSpyker F1+ 5lap(s)
22M.WebberRedbullRet: 9L

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Starting line-up for Turkish GP Formula 1

Starting line-up for Turkish GP








































































































































1F.MassaFerrari
2L.HamiltonMcLaren Mercedes
3K.RaikkonenFerrari
4F.AlonsoMcLaren Mercedes
5R.KubicaBMW
6N.HiedfeldBMW
7H.KovalainenRenault
8N.RosbergWilliams
9J.TruilliToyota
10G.FisichellaRenault
11A.DavidsonSuper Aguri F1
12M.WebberRedbull
13D.CoulthardRedbull
14A.WurzWilliams
15V.LiuzziToro Rosso
16R.SchumacherToyota
17T.SataSuper Aguri F1
18S.VettelToro Rosso
19A/SutilSpyker F1
20S.YamamotoSpyker F1
21R.BarrichelloHonda
22J.ButtonHonda

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Pole Position for Felipe Massa


Felipe Massa claimed Pole Position for the Turkish Grand Prix this afternoon from championship leader Lewis Hamilton. As ever, it came down to the very final lap of the final session and it was the Ferrari driver who took the number one position with a best lap of 1:27.329s, 0.044s ahead of his rival.

Kimi Raikkonen looked strong as he led the field out of the pit lane in the third qualifying session and was able to pull out a small advantage on his worn tyres, His two fast runs on new rubber however were not quite perfect, with a small error in turn one and at the end of the lap leaving him third on the grid....

Full Report: F1-Live.com

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English Premier League Fixture on Sunday, August 26, 2007


Tonite Fixture:




















13:30 UK
Middlesbrough - Newcastle























16:00 UK
Manchester United - Tottenham


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English Premier League Result on Saturday, August 25, 2007

Result Summary





































Sunderland1 - 0Liverpool
37'
0 - 1Mohamed Sissoko
87'
0 - 2Andriy Voronin

0
2






































Arsenal1 - 0Manchester City
67'Robin Van Persie (pen miss )0 - 0
80'Francesc Fabregas 1 - 0

1
0













































Aston Villa2 - 1Fulham
6'
0 - 1Clint Dempsey
51'Zat Knight (og)1 - 1
90'
2 - 1Shaun Maloney

21













































Bolton3 - 0Reading
32'Gary Speed1 - 0
55'Nicolas Anelka2 - 0
90'Daniel Braaten3 - 0

3
0


































Chelsea1 - 0Portsmouth
31'Frank Lampard1 - 0

1
0














































Derby County1 - 2Birmingham
1'
0 - 1Cameron Jerome
51'Matt Oakley1 - 1
63'
1 - 2Cameron Jerome

1
2








































West ham1 - 1Wigan
78'
0 - 1Paul Schamer
81'Lee Bowyer1 - 1

1
1








































Everton1 - 1Blackburn
15'
0 - 1Roque Santa Cruz
78'James McFadden1 - 1

1
1

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West Ham 1-1 Wigan

Lee Bowyer rescued a 1-1 draw for West Ham with a rare goal in a late show started by Austrian Paul Scharner's acrobatic overhead strike 12 minutes from time, after battling Wigan had been given a pounding.

Scharner looked to have won it when he took off in the penalty area and hooked the ball over his shoulder past a startled Robert Green, but although he raced to the touchline to celebrate a possible third Wigan win in a row with manager Chris Hutchings, it was to be short-lived.

Substitute Bowyer, on for Hayden Mullins, finished crisply two minutes later when fed by fellow sub Luis Boa Morte and shamed Hammers' earlier efforts to score.

Hammers manager Alan Curbishley could see more home points slipping away when he brought on England hopeful Dean Ashton for Bobby Zamora for the last 30 minutes, but it was the Hammers' two other subs who turned up trumps.

West Ham have still never beaten Wigan in the Premier League at Upton Park, but if their finishing had been anywhere near accurate, they could have wrapped this one up in the opening half.

Zamora, still preferred to Ashton as a starter after the former Norwich star's recovery from a broken ankle last season, made two spectacular misses, skewering one shot across goal for a throw-in and then letting new boy Kieron Dyer's cross run under his foot with only Chris Kirkland to beat in the 21st minute.

Anton Ferdinand's header bounced just wide of a post when he jumped head and shoulders above everybody for Mark Noble's cross and Craig Bellamy was denied by a linesman's flag when he sped through onto Dyer's pass on 33 minutes.

And referee Andre Marriner did not spot a Wigan hand appearing to haul down Noble in the six-yard box during a scramble which followed a corner.

But it was full-back George McCartney who went closest of all for West Ham in the first half - twice. His stinging shots in the sixth and 37th minutes narrowly cleared Kirkland's crossbar, the second with the aid of a deflection.

Wigan took 25 minutes to create a chance, but it was a good one when Antoine Sibierski, who was substituted 13 minutes later, crossed from the left and Scharner escaped flimsy marking to put his header wide from about 10 yards.

Although Sibierski, with three goals already this season, Jason Koumas and even Scharner showed attacking intentions, Emile Heskey was often an isolated figure up front as West Ham began to dominate possession.

But Wigan suddenly came to life with a long run by Denny Landzaat and after Julius Aghahowa ran into a defender, the ball ran loose for Koumas, whose low shot grazed the foot of a post as it went behind.

Noble's follow-up shot from his own free-kick 10 minutes into the second half met a similar fate, but then so did Scharner's almost immediately at the other end, before Green pulled off a remarkable instinctive save from substitute Aghahowa, and then saw Mario Melchiot's header go wide.

Curbishley ran out of patience with the misfiring Zamora and sent on Ashton for the last 30 minutes, but it looked a move doomed to failure when the striker had two shots blocked.

Instead, Scharner struck spectacularly following Heskey's leap for a long throw by Melchiot, but it looked to be a West Ham head that helped the ball on for the Austrian's bicycle-kick act.

There was no doubting the identity of Bowyer's strike, however, as he showed West Ham's strikers the way to do it.

Source: Soccernet.com

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Everton 1-1 Blackburn

Everton stole a point from a Blackburn side still stung by being labelled 'violent' by Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger last week.

This full-blooded contest was never that, but Rovers received a slap in the face themselves when they conceded an equaliser with just 12 minutes left.

Rovers dominated the first period, and led through Roque Santa Cruz's third goal of the season, but opted to try to contain Everton in the second half.

But Everton have a reputation for late recoveries even when they are not playing well, and it was James McFadden - starting his first game of the season - who stabbed home the equaliser from Mikel Arteta's cross.

Work permit and contract delays robbed Everton of £17million of new signings with Ayegbeni Yakubu waiting for a permit, while Manual Fernandes' complicated contract has not yet been cleared by the Barclays Premier League.

It was all much simpler for Blackburn, who replaced suspended Ryan Nelsen with Andre Ooijer and called in Benny McCarthy for Matt Derbyshire.

Football, though, took very much second place ahead of the game as everyone paid their respects following the murder of 11-year-old Rhys Jones.

The build-up to the match had been overshadowed the shocking incident in nearby Croxteth.

And ahead of the match, his parents Melanie and Steve, and his brother Owen stood on the touchline flanked by managers David Moyes and Mark Hughes for a moving minute of applause.

Then, in keeping with the competitive image of both teams, the players set about each other at great pace. Ooijer set the tone on six minutes, booked for a foul on Arteta and Rovers conceded a string of free-kicks as Everton pressed.

Brad Friedel saved well from a Johnson hook and them blocked a fierce Alan Stubbs free-kick, from 25 yards out.

Then on 15 minutes, Rovers broke out and took the lead. A foul by Lee Carsley on Robbie Savage produced a free-kick that Joseph Yobo headed out.

Savage lifted the ball back into the box, Morten Gamst Pedersen hooked a shot on to the bar and Santa Cruz fired the rebound home.

Christopher Samba almost made it two when he reached a Santa Cruz corner on the far post and sent in a header that Baines cleared off the line. Then Tim Howard turned over a 20-yard effort from David Dunn.

Blackburn's strength and pace, plus their dominance in the air saw them continue to put Everton under extreme pressure.

Howard pulled down a Pedersen header following David Bentley's cross before Everton took off Carsley and sent on Phil Jagielka in central midfield, the hosts having been largely out-fought.

Moyes introduced Lescott for the second half, taking off Stubbs in a clear attempt to match Blackburn for pace, particularly against the impressive Santa Cruz.

Everton started to improve. Jagielka headed just wide from a Johnson chip and the hosts were not being as out-muscled as the first period.

But still much of their attacking was high balls aimed at Johnson, who was dwarfed by the giant Samba. That was at least addressed when Everton eventually sent on an extra forward in Victor Anichebe, withdrawing full-back Tony Hibbert.

But although Everton had more of the ball, they still were not creating anything significant. Arteta, Everton's main creative influence, was getting little change out of Stephen Warnock on the right flank.

On 74 minutes, Blackburn sent on Matt Derbyshire for McCarthy up front, but the hounding and pressing of the opponent in possession was still Rovers' best weapon.

But Everton are nothing if not persistent. And on 78 minutes they dragged themselves level.

Arteta found space at last on the right and drilled in a low cross that McFadden reached first a split second ahead of Warnock and Samba challenges and struck just inside Friedel's near post.

Blackburn were finally on the back foot and Hughes sent on Aaron Mokoena in midfield to replace Dunn.

Pedersen was booked for time-wasting in the final minutes, while Jason Roberts replaced Santa Cruz.

It still took a fine Howard save from a deflected Bentley free-kick to keep Blackburn from grabbing the points in injury time.

Source: Soccernet.com

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Bolton 3-0 Reading

Sammy Lee celebrated his first victory as Bolton manager, after succeeding Sam Allardyce at the end of last season, with a 3-0 home win over Reading.

Five games in to his tenure, the former Liverpool coach saw his team secure a crucial three points thanks to goals from Gary Speed, Nicolas Anelka and substitute Daniel Braaten.

After losing three on the trot, Lee knew it was imperative they had to take something from this Barclays Premier League match.

He must have been encouraged at seeing Bolton raise their game after losing to Newcastle, Fulham and Portsmouth in quick succession.

They set the tempo from the start and Reading found it difficult to handle Anelka and El-Hadji Diouf.

The two players showed good skill as well as pace and movement to continually trouble their opponents.

Diouf released Gavin McCann with a clever reverse ball in the sixth minute. The midfielder, though, failed to make the most of the opening after a poor first touch and Ulises de la Cruz was able to clear.

Two minutes later Anelka broke clear, only for Reading's Andre Bikey to block his effort.

Bolton almost took the lead in the 24th minute when Anelka fired in a powerful shot only for goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann to make a superb block. The ball broke to Diouf, but Bikey was able to make another good block much to Reading's relief.

Bolton made the breakthrough after 31 minutes thanks to veteran midfielder Speed. Making his 525th Premier League appearance, he beat Bryn Gunnarsson to the ball when Diouf delivered the corner and found the net with a firm header.

Speed, 38 next month, continues to defy the years and it was his speed of thought that enabled him to find the target. The player-coach's first goal of the season was no more than the home team deserved.

Bolton were growing in confidence and McCann tested Hahnemann in the 48th minute following a neat one-two with Diouf.

Reading hit back in the 53rd minute and De la Cruz carved out an opening for himself in the area. However, he hurried his effort and saw it nestle in the sidenetting much to his frustration.

It was a brief respite for Reading as a minute later Anelka raced forward and whipped in 25-yard shot that went narrowly wide of the post.

Reading, however, failed to heed the warning and the France striker extended Bolton's lead in the 55th minute.

Released by Diouf, he managed to evade a weak challenge from De la Cruz to score his third goal in four games.

Bolton were spraying the ball around well and Diouf delivered a superb cross in the 61st minute that Golbourne did well to head away.

Anelka found the net again in the 64th minute following good work by Kevin Nolan, but his effort was ruled out for an infringement.

Bolton continued to dominate the game and Nolan saw a superb volley go narrowly wide of the post in the 81st minute.

Three minutes later Anelka got on the end of a free-kick from Diouf, but Hahnemann was able to take his header cleanly.

Braaten added a third for Bolton in stoppage time with a clinical finish following a superb cross from Anelka.

It was his first goal for the club since arriving from Rosenborg in the summer and he savoured the moment.

The Norwegian's effort capped a fine performance by Bolton, but Reading manager Steve Coppell must be concerned at his side's dismal display.

Source: Soccernet.com

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Aston Villa 2-1 Fulham

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill was banished from the dug-out after a verbal blast at referee Steve Bennett and then saw substitute Shaun Maloney snatch an injury-time winner for a 2-1 success against 10-man Fulham at Villa Park.

O'Neill watched the second 45 minutes from the press box after berating Bennett as he left the pitch at half-time.

Ashley Young's shot, deflected off Zat Knight, cancelled out Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey's first-half effort and, after Chris Baird had been sent off with 20 minutes remaining, Maloney struck in the dying seconds.

O'Neill was hugged by fans at the final whistle as Villa grabbed their first win of the campaign after spurning a host of chances.

Young, in particular, was a constant threat and demonstrated why O'Neill had paid Watford £8million for him in January as Villa camped in the Fulham half after the break.

But they looked like paying for lacking the necessary finishing power in the danger area until Maloney settled the issue.

It means Fulham are still searching for their first away win since September.

Steven Davis had an early opportunity to make his mark against his former employers after seizing on a square pass from Simon Davies but, as he lined up a left-footed drive, he was on the receiving end of an excellent tackle from Mellberg.

Baird was yellow-carded for the first time after five minutes for clipping Young when in full flight.

But 60 seconds later the Cottagers stunned Villa by taking the lead through Dempsey.

Diomansy Kamara's pass took a deflection off a Villa player into the path of the midfielder, whose rising left-footed drive beat Scott Carson via the underside of the crossbar.

Young was soon tormenting Fulham and he screwed a right-footed drive just past the post.

Carew had his first clear sight of goal following a pass from Young, but the former Lyon player was not sharp enough and Paul Konchesky was able to make ground and make the tackle before he could shoot.

Fulham looked to have strong claims for a penalty in the 31st minute when a half volley from Kamara at close range appeared to be handled by Martin Laursen, but referee Bennett waved play on.

Carew had another opportunity after the ball cannoned off Konchesky into his path, but the ex-West Ham player got back quickly to put him off and the eventual low shot was easily dealt with by Keller.

Gabriel Agbonlahor had a golden chance after 35 minutes from a well measured pass from Nigel Reo-Coker. The England Under-21 player took the ball confidently enough in his stride but slipped his shot the wrong side of the post.

Wilfred Bouma became the first Villa player to be yellow-carded after 40 minutes for bringing down Dempsey.

In first-half injury-time Carew thudded a header against the post from a Young corner.

O'Neill had been involved in an angry exchange with referee Bennett when he left the field at half-time - and he took up a place in the press box for the second period after being banished from the dug-out.

Villa brought on Luke Moore for Petrov for the second 45 minutes and within five minutes the home side were back on level terms.

Reo-Coker's pass found the impressive Young in space on the left flank and he cut into the area before beating Keller with a cross-shot which took a deflection off Zat Knight into the far corner of the net.

That came a minute before Kamara had been close to doubling Fulham's lead with a low curling shot which defeated the dive of Carson but rebounded off a post to safety.

Villa were now in the ascendancy and Kelley turned a powerful shot on the turn from Moore around the post.

Carew continued to spurn decent chances, heading wide from a Barry centre and then heading just over from a Young cross.

Fulham were forced into a defensive substitution as Knight limped out of the action to be replaced by Ian Pearce.

Then the visitors were reduced to 10 men with 20 minutes remaining as Baird picked up a second yellow card for a challenge on Young just outside the box.

Dempsey almost won the game for Fulham in a rare attack, but Carson did well to keep out his close-range header - and then came Maloney's late winner.

Source: Soccernet.com

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Derby 1-2 Birmingham

Cameron Jerome repaid manager Steve Bruce's faith in him by scoring both goals - one after just 30 seconds - as Birmingham recorded their first Barclays Premier League victory of the season by a 2-1 margin at Derby.

Jerome, making his first start of the campaign, had an instant impact as he combined with Mikael Forssell to open the scoring almost straight from the kick-off.

Matt Oakley equalised for Derby in the 51st minute, but Jerome had the last word, firing home from substitute Sebastian Larsson's flick-on just after the hour.

It left the Pride Park hosts, promoted via the play-offs, bottom of the table after their joint-worst start to the Premier League, having also only taken one point from four matches in 1999-2000.

With only half a minute gone neat interplay on the edge of the penalty area saw the former Cardiff striker play a quick one-two with Forssell and burst into the left-hand side of the box before rolling a shot across Stephen Bywater and into the far corner of the net.

Gary McSheffrey produced a similar run three minutes later, but Andy Todd did enough to put off the winger and he lost possession.

Derby's first effort came in the seventh minute when Gary Teale played in Craig Fagan, but Radhi Jaidi came across to half-block his shot and the ball rolled harmlessly to the recalled Maik Taylor.

Taylor was forced into his first save when Teale unleashed a shot from 25 yards and although the Birmingham keeper tipped the ball around his right-hand post, referee Lee Probert gave a goal-kick.

Andy Griffin's pass with the outside of his right-foot then picked out Oakley running into the channel, but his cross curled invitingly across the six-yard area with no Derby player close.

Claude Davis also failed to connect with Jay McEveley's inswinging free-kick after Jaidi had climbed all over Fagan in the 20th minute.

But Birmingham could have been further in front moments later when Jerome nodded on for Forssell to fire left-footed at Bywater and, from Stuart Parnaby's resulting corner, Jaidi hit the crossbar with a header.

From a corner at the other end Teale fired into the side-netting from a narrow angle.

A flowing move from right to left involving Teale, Eddie Lewis and Stephen Pearson saw the ball transferred to striker Steve Howard 10 yards out, but he wanted too much time and Jaidi closed him down.

Three minutes before half-time Bywater raced off his line to deny Fabrice Muamba after the midfielder broke through, while at the other end Teale saw his hooked right-foot shot bounce agonisingly wide of Taylor's left-hand post.

The first real threat of the second half came from Birmingham, who broke swiftly from a Derby corner just 90 seconds after the restart.

Jerome picked up the ball midway inside his own half and carried it 40 yards, but his pass to Forssell pushed the Finland striker wide and he scuffed a shot off target.

Jerome wasted the chance for a second when he sprang the offside trap and pushed the ball past Bywater but opted to pull it back to Forssell rather than shoot from a wide angle and his partner's effort was deflected for a corner.

He was made to pay for that error as Derby went straight down the other end and scored in the 51st minute.

Lewis found space down the left and when he crossed to the far post, Oakley was there to volley home the equaliser.

Davis, who looked to have been carrying an injury after a first-half clash with Forssell, was replaced by Darren Moore on the hour, with Forssell also making way for Larsson.

Larsson's impact was immediate as with his first touch he flicked on a cross from Stephen Kelly and Jerome, at the far post, fired home Birmingham's second.

Having gone ahead again, Birmingham were content to eat up time in possession, but Derby stepped up the pressure and there was some frantic defending by the visitors.

However, Derby lacked a cutting edge up front and Bruce's side held on despite four minutes of added time for an important victory.

Source: Soccernet.com

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Lampard scored again! Chelsea 1-0 Portsmouth


Frank Lampard's first-half goal moved Chelsea to the top of the Barclays Premier League and cast doubt on the ability of Portsmouth goalkeeper David James to reclaim the England number one jersey.

James, who watched Paul Robinson drop a real clanger in England's defeat to Germany on Wednesday night, did not enhance his own case when he failed to prevent Lampard's effort from hitting the net in what was the only goal of the game.

James is hoping to replace Robinson for England's two European Championship qualifiers against Israel and Russia next month, so could ill afford such a blunder in front of the watching Steve McClaren.

• Mourinho backs Lamps

Chelsea began in their customary attacking fashion and almost took a first-minute lead when Claudio Pizarro sent a low drive just beyond the reach of James and his right-hand upright.

In the 10th minute the home side put together another fine move, with Pizarro and Florent Malouda combining on the left-blank. However, Malouda's left-foot shot from an acute angle could only find the side-netting.

Two minutes later a free-kick from Malouda almost paid dividends for the home side, but Pizarro's header was just too high to trouble James.

Portsmouth have never beaten Chelsea in eight meetings since they returned to the Premier League in 2003 and although they had taken five points from three games prior to their trip to Stamford Bridge, Harry Redknapp's side showed little desire to change that record.

But the visitors did enough to stifle the home side and such was their success that Jose Mourinho spent much of the first half berating his side for not taking the game to their opponents.

Chelsea found themselves having to defend for the first time in the game and, in the 23rd minute, Pompey almost took the lead.

Matt Taylor found himself with time and space in the penalty area and his curling shot deflected inches wide of Petr Cech's far post.

Moments later Lauren tried his luck from distance, but his effort failed to trouble Cech.

But Chelsea broke the deadlock in the 31st minute thanks to England midfielder Lampard.

The goal owed much to the bravery of Didier Drogba, who collected a kick in the face for his efforts as he found Lampard with a flick-on.

Lampard ran clear of the Pompey defence to drive the ball under James. The England stopper should really have done better but, although he got a hand to the drive, he could not prevent it going in.

It was his second goal in four days after the midfielder had netted for England in their 2-1 defeat by Germany at Wembley on Wednesday night.

It was the signal for Chelsea to increase the pace and moments later Shaun Wright-Phillips skied an 18-yard effort high over the crossbar.

It was all Chelsea now and in the 42nd minute Wright-Phillips almost managed to get on the end of a cross from Drogba, but the diminutive winger could not anticipate the flight of the ball adequately.

Moments later Lampard almost made it two, but James was equal to his quickly-taken free-kick and managed to save comfortably.

Chelsea began where they left off and a clever move involving Malouda and Drogba ended with Wright-Phillips shooting just wide of the target from the edge of the penalty area.

A minute later Portsmouth should have equalised when Davis collected a neat pass from Kanu, only to fire over the crossbar from eight yards.

The visitors squandered another opportunity in the 58th minute when a counter-attack caught Chelsea's defence napping, but Gary O'Neil could not find the target from the edge of the penalty area when presented with a clear shot at goal.

Portsmouth continued to push for an equaliser, but Cech gathered the ball safely when Sylvain Distin looked to prosper from Sully Muntari's long ball into the penalty area in the 67th minute.

Yet Chelsea showed they were very much in charge when Malouda sent a 20-yard effort just inches wide two minutes later.

James was at his best to prevent Drogba from adding a second goal fives minutes from time when he took advantage of a fine pass from Malouda to deliver a stinging drive which the Pompey did well to hold on to.

But Chelsea were lucky to escape three minutes from time when a header from Hermann Hreidarsson was cleared off the line by Ashley Cole.

Source: Soccernet.com

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Liverpool win on Wearside, Sunderland 0 - 2 Liverpool


Andriy Voronin struck to end Roy Keane's hopes of another dramatic Sunderland escape and finally gave boss Rafael Benitez something to cheer about. Benitez had railed against what he perceived to be a catalogue of injustices against his side this week but his mood will have lifted after Liverpool's solid display.

Full Report: Soccernet.com

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Manchester City winning streak stopped by Arsenal, Arsenal 1 - 0 Manchester City

Arsenal's Fabregas score the winning goal against Kasper Schmeichel to end the winning streak of Manchester City.

Manchester City had the early chance from Mpenza, but was saved well from Almunia, Arsenal's keeper. Arsenal had chance to take the lead when Robin van Persie got the chance to take penalty, but it was a great saved by Kasper Schmeichel.

At 80', Fabregas blasted home at the near post from Hleb's pass to spare the Dutchman's blushes.

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Friday, August 24, 2007

Injured Lehmann out for two weeks, says Wenger


Jens Lehmann has injured his Achilles tendon and will miss Saturday's home clash with Premier League leaders Manchester City, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said on Thursday.

The goalkeeper aggravated a chronic injury during Germany's 2-1 win over England at Wembley on Wednesday, Wenger told a news conference.

Wenger said: 'Jens is out and he will miss two weeks, I think. Maybe more. I don't know. He is going to see a specialist in Germany tomorrow. He had this injury before but it has got much worse.'

Wenger said Lehmann joined an injury list that included captain Frenchman William Gallas, with a groin injury, and Brazilian midfielder Emmanuel Eboue, who has an ankle injury.

Wenger said Spaniard Manuel Almunia would replace Lehmann on Saturday for a fixture in which he hopes Arsenal will end City's unbeaten start to the season.

Looking ahead to City's visit to the Emirates Stadium, their first with former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson in charge, Wenger said it was too early to say if City would be able to maintain a challenge at the top.

'It can last but we will know more after 15 games, then we will have a better idea,' he said. 'I think we have to be patient a little bit.'

He agreed that he was surprised at their confident start to the season and three straight wins.

'When you sign a lot of players, more than three or many more, then it usually takes time for them to click. But they have super-clicked and done so super-quickly as well.'

Source: Soccernet.com

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Chelsea agree deal with Barca for Belletti

Chelsea's search for a right-back has finished with the signing of Juliano Belletti from Barcelona on a three-year deal.

After declaring an interest in Dani Alves but not agreeing a fee with Sevilla, Chelsea closed in on Belletti - underlining chairman Bruce Buck's insistence that they would not be held to ransom in any transfer deal.

Buck has also described Arjen Robben's move to Real Madrid as a 'very good business result', with Jose Mourinho's squad taking shape as Chelsea look to win back the Premier League title.

Robben's move to Spain is worth around double the £12million Chelsea paid PSV Eindhoven in 2004 for the Holland winger - a healthy return for a player who did not want to stay at Stamford Bridge.

'Value is not the right word - we had a very good business result there,' said Buck.

'We pretty much doubled our money in terms of the transfer fee we paid three years ago.'

Chelsea's transfer policy has shifted since Roman Abramovich first became owner, with chief executive Peter Kenyon outlining in the summer that money is available for the right players at the right price.

'It goes both ways in terms of not being held ransom, in respect to players we might be selling and not being held ransom in respect to players we might be buying,' said Buck.

'In all those situations we are looking to get the price we think is appropriate, either buying a player or selling a player.'

Buck added: 'In the first year we spent quite a bit of money because we felt we had catch-up to do.

'Always, the plan was for the amount we spent on aggregate for transfers each 'window' to go down every time. It has.

'It just makes sense for the club - we're looking to bring more players through the academy, which takes time to implement.

'Over time I think we'll have a better strategy towards spending money during transfer windows.'

Alves, who has been tipped to join Robben in Madrid, is seen as one of the most exciting full-backs in Europe. But in Belletti Chelsea have a 31-year-old, also Brazilian, who scored the winning goal in the Champions League final two seasons ago.

Robben's departure, meanwhile, came despite Chelsea wanting the winger to stay - although losing him has been softened by Florent Malouda's early-season form.

'Jose said when we were in the US, and I've said many times, we wanted Arjen to stay,' Buck added.

'We think he's a very good player - and he's made a real contribution to Chelsea Football Club. For reasons only he can answer, he wanted to leave. We weren't going to let him leave unless there was an appropriate business resolution.

'Peter Kenyon did some very good business there. We wish him [Robben] well.'

Buck was speaking at the launch of a team of former players, with Chelsea Old Boys playing against the West Ham Team of '86 at Tooting and Mitcham FC this Sunday.

The project, which will give its proceeds to the Chelsea Past Players' Trust, has been seen as another sign of Abramovich's commitment to the club.

'Roman is 100% committed to this club and has been since July 1, 2003,' said Buck.

'We see no change in that in the foreseeable future.'

Former Chelsea player Clive Walker said: 'We understand that football has moved on.

'These guys should earn as much as they can, because there is a long time out of football.

'These guys will not have to worry about their future - some of the guys through the 70s and 80s have fallen on hard times.'


Source: Soccernet.com

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American goalkeeper Keller signs for Fulham

Veteran goalkeeper Kasey Keller has joined Fulham.

The Cottagers have been short of options in goal this season, following an injury to first-choice Antti Niemi and with a lack of cover for Tony Warner in the Finn's absence.

Fulham manager Lawrie Sanchez believes 37-year-old American Keller could be the right man at the right time for the Barclays Premier League club.

'I'm delighted that Kasey has joined us, and I'm sure he'll be a great addition to the squad,' said Sanchez of the former Leicester goalkeeper, who has been playing most recently for Borussia Moenchengladbach.

'Obviously, with Antti being injured, it was important we added some strength and depth in that area - and Kasey is a proven professional with impeccable international credentials.

'It's vital we have cover in all areas throughout the squad, and I think he will be a valuable asset to us over the course of the season.'

Keller, meanwhile, is delighted at the opportunity to show what he can do again at the top level in English football.

'It's fantastic to be back in the Premier League after a couple of years' absence - and when the opportunity to join Fulham came up it was an exciting proposition that didn't take too much consideration,' he said.

'I am really enthusiastic about this new challenge.'

Source: Soccernet.com

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Thursday, August 23, 2007

Madrid to sign duo Heinze and Robben

Real Madrid will present Gabriel Heinze and Arjen Robben to the fans and media at 4pm today.

The Spanish champions have not revealed whether the duo have passed their medicals or signed contracts yet but appear confident of the transfers being completed by 5pm local time.

Real's long chase for Arjen Robben finally looks to have reached a successful conclusion after the Primera Liga champions agreed a deal with Chelsea for the transfer of the Dutch international winger to the Bernabeu on a five-year contract.

Full-back Gabriel Heinze is also heading to Spain with an agreement in place to bring the Argentina international to Madrid from Manchester United on a four-year deal.

Both transfers are subject to successful medicals but, providing there are no complications, the duo could well form a new-look left-hand side at Real next season.

Heinze, 29, is set to step into the full-back berth vacated by long-serving Brazilian Roberto Carlos, who departed for Turkey this summer, while winger Robben has long been a target of Real's to boost their options down the flanks.

Real president Ramon Calderon promised to bring Robben to the Bernabeu as part of his successful election campaign in 2006, but no deal was forthcoming until Chelsea announced on Wednesday they had agreed to let the player leave Stamford Bridge for Spain.

A statement on the Chelsea website confirmed: 'Chelsea Football Club and Real Madrid have reached an agreement for the transfer of Arjen Robben subject to the player agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.'

While Robben and Heinze both look poised to became Real's latest summer signings - following in the footsteps of Christoph Metzelder, Pepe, Javier Saviola, Jerzy Dudek, Royston Drenthe and Wesley Sneijder - one player who is set to leave the club is full-back Cicinho.

On the same day that the deals for Robben and Heinze were announced, Real revealed the 27-year-old Brazilian is heading to Italian side Roma.

A statement on the club's official website read: 'Real Madrid announce that they have reached an agreement for the transfer of Cicero Joao de Cezare `Cicinho' to AS Roma.

'The club wish to thank the player for his services and wish him the best of luck for the future.'

Real's trio of transfer deals came just three days before they launch the defence of their Primera Liga title with a mouth-watering home clash against local rivals Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

The build-up to that game has been far from smooth however, with the team having lost six of their 10 pre-season matches under new coach Bernd Schuster.

The latest of those losses came at the Bernabeu last weekend when Real were beaten 5-3 by Sevilla en route to a 6-3 aggregate defeat in the Spanish Super Cup.

That saw the first piece of silverware of the season slip through their grasp, but the moves for Robben and Heinze - a double swoop which could cost Real almost 50million euros (£34million) in total according to the Spanish media - shows the champions are not going to take it lying down.

Source: Soccernet.com

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Eriksson set to buy to replace injured Bojinov

Table-topping Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is determined to bring in a replacement for injured striker Valeri Bojinov.

The Bulgarian will be out for at least five months and probably longer after suffering cruciate knee ligament damage in Sunday's win over Manchester United.

Bojinov had only been on the field for six minutes before he sustained the injury in a collision with United defender Patrice Evra and now the 21-year-old is facing a major battle to play any part in the remainder of the campaign.

While Eriksson has nothing but sympathy for Bojinov - the youngest foreign player to appear in Serie A when he turned out for Lecce aged just 16 - the Swede recognises he is now short on firepower.

Aside from £8million new-boy Rolando Bianchi, Eriksson has only last season's mis-firing quartet of Georgios Samaras, Bernardo Corradi, Darius Vassell and Paul Dickov to call on ahead of Saturday's trip to Arsenal.

And, as he is also lacking midfield options, Eriksson is keen to do some more shopping ahead of the August 31 transfer deadline.

'Work is going on in the office,' he told the club website.

'We didn't want to have to do it but we have to look carefully at the situation because when you have a player who needs this kind of operation and rehabilitation, you can never be sure how long it takes to come back.

'To lose one player for such a long time is a big blow.

'But it is not only a striker, we need one or two midfielders as well to be covered properly.'

Bojinov's injury has seen Eriksson switch his thoughts away from reinforcing his goalkeeping pool even though a move for Livorno's Marco Amelia has long been touted.

Instead, it appears increasingly likely the former England coach will stick with Kasper Schmeichel, who has started his senior career with three consecutive clean sheets, and England Under-21 international Joe Hart, knowing he will have more experienced back-up in Andreas Isaksson once his fellow countryman recovers from a broken thumb.

'I would say the goalkeeping situation is on ice at the moment,' he said.

Source: Soccernet.com

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Real Madrid agree deal for United's Heinze

The messy Gabriel Heinze saga has finally reached its conclusion after the Manchester United defender agreed a four-year contract with Real Madrid.

Heinze was still considering whether to launch an appeal against the Premier League decision to block his preferred to Liverpool when Real made their move.

United, aware the 29-year-old's Old Trafford future was non-existent, were quick to agree a fee with the Spanish champions, believed to be well in excess of £5million, forcing the issue back into Heinze's court.

Although the Argentina World Cup star still wanted to explore the Liverpool option, he knew that by dragging the situation out even further, his chances of moving out of England before the August 31 transfer deadline would effectively disappear.

Having already had one lot of talks with Real earlier in the summer, Heinze has now opted to join the Spanish champions instead - a move which will no doubt disappoint Rafael Benitez, who expressed his disgust for the verdict reached by the Premier League 24 hours earlier.

In contrast, United will be glad to get rid of a player who became a firm fans' favourite in the immediate aftermath of his move from Paris St Germain in 2004 but became a pariah amongst supporters for so actively pursuing a move to their fierce north-west rivals.

Heinze must still pass a medical but providing there are no problems, he will join Bernd Schuster's squad within the next 48 hours as a replacement for long-serving Brazilian Roberto Carlos, who left the Bernabeu for Turkey this summer.

The move concludes a story which dogged United throughout their Far East tour and left Sir Alex Ferguson bemused about the player's intentions.

Those were made perfectly clear earlier this week when Heinze attending the Premier League hearing himself to claim a letter, signed by Red Devils chief executive David Gill, confirming a fee at which United would be willing to do business, constituted a promise to sell.

The panel disagreed, having also heard the startling revelation of Crystal Palace chief executive Phil Alexander who told the three-man inquiry team he was approached by one of Heinze's representatives with a proposal for the player to join the Eagles before then being moved on to Liverpool.

Such a move may have attracted the attention of FIFA, whose rules forbid a player joining three clubs in one season, but ultimately never came to fruition.

However, it does emphasise the scale of Heinze's desire to become the first player to move from United to Liverpool since Phil Chisnall in 1964.

The whole episode has left a nasty taste in the mouth of Benitez, who must now look elsewhere for a left-back following Heinze's decision to accept Real's offer.

'I would like to ask the Premier League a number of questions. How can a player with a signed agreement be treated like this?' Benitez told the Liverpool Echo.

'He has a document which is clear, but the Premier League prefers to believe the word of someone else who made a mistake. I know there were accusations made against Liverpool in the hearing which were unbelievable. How can this be allowed?'

And broadening his attack from the Heinze issue, Benitez said: 'Then I would like to ask the Premier League why is it that Liverpool always plays the most fixtures away from home in an early kick-off, following an international break?

'We had more than the top clubs last season and we have four already to prepare for this season.

He then - somewhat bizarrely given the story dominated the news agenda for most of the close-season - claims it was 'so easy' for United to sign Tevez.

Benitez added: 'Then I want to ask the Premier League why it was so difficult for Liverpool to sign Javier Mascherano, when we had to wait a long time for the paperwork, but it was so easy for Carlos Tevez to join Manchester United?

'It's going to be very difficult for us to win the Premier League because the other teams are so strong, but I want our supporters to know that despite the disadvantages we have, we will fight all the way.

'We will fight to cope with our more difficult kick-off times and all the other decisions which are going against us.'

Source: Soccernet.com

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Robben set for Real Madrid switch

helsea have agreed to sell Dutch winger Arjen Robben to Spanish champions Real Madrid, the London club said on Wednesday.

Real confirmed the agreement and said the 23-year-old would sign a five-year deal with the club after undergoing a medical.

Spanish media reported that the nine-times European champions would pay around €36 million for the player.

Robben had been stalling over signing a contract extension at Chelsea, even though his existing deal has two years to run.

The news of Robben's signing came just a few hours after Real announced they had agreed to buy Argentine defender Gabriel Heinze from Manchester United for a reported €12 million.

He becomes Real's eighth signing of the close season following defenders Heinze, Christoph Metzelder, Pepe, Dutch duo Wesley Sneijder and Royston Drenthe, Argentine striker Javier Saviola and former Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek.

With Ruud van Nistelrooy having signed for Real last season, Robben's signing brings the club's Dutch contingent to four.

Real's total expenditure since Fabio Capello was sacked following their victory in the Spanish championship is in the region of €120 million.

The winger has been a long-time target of Real's and together with Cesc Fabregas and Kaka was one of the players Ramon Calderon promised to sign when he became president last July.

The pacy, left-footed winger joined the Londoners from PSV Eindhoven for £11million in 2004, and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, helping them win back-to-back league titles in 2005 and 2006.

He weighed in with 15 league goals in three seasons but was dogged by inconsistency and injury and made just 51 Premiership appearances. He underwent knee surgery at the end of March and has not played since.

Robben's future was thrown into futher doubt when Chelsea moved to sign France midfielder Florent Malouda from Olympique Lyon last month, though they denied he was a replacement.

The winger will compete with Brazilian Robinho and Drenthe for a place on the left of midfield though his versatility allows him to operate on both flanks and he is perhaps more likely to act as a replacement for David Beckham down the right.

• Meanwhile, Real Madrid have agreed to sell Brazil right back Cicinho to AS Roma, the Spanish champions said on Wednesday.

Roma confirmed the deal and said the player would arrive at the Italian club on Thursday.

The 27-year-old defender joined Real from then world club champions Sao Paulo in December 2005 for an estimated fee of €5million.

He played regularly in the second half of that campaign before tearing the cruciate ligament in his right knee in September 2006 and playing only seven games last season.

Cicinho follows in the footsteps of fellow countryman Emerson who also left Real this week for Italy, the midfielder joining AC Milan for around €5millionmillion.

The deal to sell Cicinho ended a frenetic night at Real who also announced the signings of Argentina left back Gabriel Heinze from Manchester United and Dutch winger Arjen Robben from Chelsea for an estimated total outlay of €48million.

Source: soccernet.com

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Monday, August 20, 2007

Torrest score his first goal for Liverpool, but equalize by Lampard penalty, Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea

Liverpool and Chelsea played out a 1-1 draw which suggested the Barclays Premier League season could be a war of attrition right to the end.

The two clubs have played each other 16 times in three seasons and familiarity clearly breeds contempt with nine bookings and Hampshire referee Rob Styles coming in for flak from both sets of players as he fought to maintain order.

Fernando Torres' excellent first goal for Liverpool was all but forgotten as the yellow cards were waved, five for Chelsea and four for Liverpool. Captains Steven Gerrard and John Terry were among the bookings.

• Benitez laments 'unbelievable' decision

Chelsea battled away after going behind and were rewarded with a controversial penalty that Frank Lampard drove past Jose Reina.

Steve Finnan was adjudged to have brought down Florent Malouda, but the incident looked more like the Frenchman jumping between Finnan and Jamie Carragher before crashing to the ground.

The incident set the tone for the rest of a fractious match in which Styles almost lost control. In the latter stages he appeared to book Michael Essien for a second time without sending off the Ghanaian only for the fourth official reveal the booking had been issued to Terry.

Broken toe or not, Gerrard was there to skipper Liverpool against a Chelsea side who had their own captain Terry back from injury.

It was never a cordial meeting between international skipper and his deputy, the pair involved in frequent verbal exchanges during an increasingly feisty clash.

Chelsea included Essien in their defence, who was pressed into service despite a groin injury because Jose Mourinho was without defenders Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira.

Chelsea used Essien at right-back and John Obi Mikel as a holding midfielder, with Salomon Kalou trying to push on from midfield to aid Didier Drogba.

Malouda, who chose Chelsea ahead of Liverpool when he moved from Lyon in the summer, and Shaun Wright-Phillips were also quick to attack in a brave Mourinho system.

Liverpool went for a straight-forward 4-4-2 with Riise keen to exploit any unfamiliarity to right-back from Essien.

And the threat was demonstrated when Riise appeared in yards of space to take a Steve Finnan cross-field ball only for Petr Cech to come flying off his line to avert the danger.

Essien was booked for sending Alvaro Arbeloa flying on the touchline, then Chelsea's vulnerability on their right flank saw them a goal behind on 16 minutes.

Gerrard played the ball with the outside of his right foot, finding Torres heading into the area.

The Spain international took on Tal Ben-Haim, leaving the ex-Bolton man in just a couple of yards before squeezing a clever side-foot shot just inside Cech's far post.

Anfield went wild and the £20million man was an instant hero as he was mobbed by his delirious colleagues.

Chelsea responded with a Drogba free-kick that was deflected wide and Kalou saw a six-yard box chance disappear as he failed to shoot quickly.

Gerrard mopped up with a ferocious challenge on Drogba to clear.

The match got more heated and Dirk Kuyt was booked for a trip on Lampard.

The atmosphere deteriorated further after Chelsea complaints to referee Rob Styles over challenges on Malouda and Terry, the latter involved in an exchange of words with the perpetrator, Torres.

Pennant was then booked for dissent after being penalised for a foul.

Gerrard was next into the book for a foul on Mikel, the half ending with Torres limping away after a heavy challenge and plenty of exchanges between England colleagues on both sides.

Chelsea brought on Claudio Pizarro for Kalou at the break, to provide better support for Drogba. And the Peruvian made an instant impact.

First he nodded on a Lampard corner for Terry to head just over, and then he stretched at the far post to head wide himself.

Much of Liverpool's play in the opening half was geared to containment, but they were more adventurous attacking the Kop end and Gerrard and Xabi Alonso both saw chances go wide while a Riise free-kick was charged down.

But on 61 minutes, Chelsea were level from the penalty spot. It was a controversial decision by referee Styles to penalise Steve Finnan for a challenge on Malouda.

It looked as if Malouda had jumped between Finnan and Carragher before tumbling and Carragher was booked for arguing before Lampard drove the spot-kick home.

The bookings continued and Ben-Haim's for dissent soon after was the third caution in four minutes.

On 67 minutes, Ryan Babel replaced Pennant, who had just set up Riise for a power drive just wide.

Lampard was soon booked for dissent, with Terry following, Chelsea fuming at what they perceived as a Torres dive looking for a free-kick.

There was more argument involving Essien before the free-kick went Liverpool's way. The Ghanian appeared to be booked for a second time but Styles later confirmed that only Terry had been yellow-carded.

What was certain was that the game had deteriorated into a nasty, spiteful battle.

Cech did well to keep out a close-range Riise effort as Liverpool pressed again. Crouch taking over from Riise with seven minutes left.

Kuyt's flicked header just cleared the bar before Alex came on for his Chelsea debut in place of Malouda.

Chelsea were now intent on the point, which they achieved after Babel skimmed a late effort inches wide.

Source: Soccernet.com

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