Tim Sherwood delighted to see Tottenham end winless home run against Stoke

Tottenham head coach Tim Sherwood was impressed with his side as it brushed aside Stoke City 3-0 at White Hart Lane.

Roberto Soldado gave Spurs a first-half lead with a 37th-minute penalty before Mousa Dembele and Aaron Lennon secured Sherwood's first home win in charge.

The 44-year-old made five changes to the side held by West Brom on Thursday and was delighted with the effort shown by those players he had called.

"I thought we were excellent from start to finish and I'm really pleased with the performance," he told Sky Sports. "It's great to play well, to win the game and it could have been more. We're all delighted. It's all about winning, we didn't take all our chances but did enough to score some goals. It was important to get a home win, we haven't had one since October, so it was good to get that off our backs.

"It was a good performance, and I'll take the three points, but we know there are tougher tasks to come and we'll wait for the big boys in the next two games."

Tottenham faces Manchester United on Wednesday in the Premier League before a trip to Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on January 4

Ribery & Ronaldo deserve Ballon d'Or - Xavi

Barcelona star Xavi has admitted that Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo and Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery both deserve the Ballon d'Or.

Blaugrana attacker Lionel Messi has dominated the award in recent years and though the Spaniard is adamant that the 26-year-old is still the best player in the world, he feels his team-mate could lose out this year.

"Ribery and Cristiano deserve to win the Ballon d'Or, but there's no doubt that the best player now, and of all-time, is Messi. In any case, I don't vote," he told reporters.

Barca were beaten 7-0 over two legs by Bayern in last season's Champions League semi-finals and Xavi is eager for revenge against the Bavarians.

"I hope that if we play each other again we can be more competitive than last year. Obviously we recognise that they are the favourites."

Spain defend their World Cup crown in Brazil next summer and the veteran midfielder has ackowledged that the hosts will provide stiff opposition.

"We’re looking forward to it. We know it will be difficult and especially against the hosts Brazil, who are big rivals, as we saw in the Confederations Cup. We'll try to regain our title."

Xavi: Barcelona miss Guardiola at times

Barcelona midfielder Xavi admits that the Catalan giants miss certain aspects of former head coach Pep Guardiola's football philosophy.

Guardiola enjoyed a trophy-laden four years at Camp Nou, during which his side secured three La Liga titles and two Champions League triumphs.

The 42-year-old departed the Spanish champions in 2012, taking a short sabbatical before joining Bundesliga holders Bayern Munich in the close-season.

And Xavi hailed the "extraordinary project" engineered by Guardiola during his time in Spain.

"Pep made his job in Barcelona. We are so proud he was our manager," he said. "(We had) four years when we won plenty of trophies. He led an extraordinary project until he decided to leave for a gap year and nowadays he is doing a brilliant job in Bayern Munich.

"Obviously, we miss things from him, as (we do) the other managers who left the club. We have another coach, we had [Tito] Vilanova last year and Tata [Gerardo] Martino this season.

"Each person has a different way to work. Guardiola had his way, Vilanova too and Martino as well. All of them are good managers and we were lucky with Guardiola because we made history."

Giroud: Arsenal don't need a new striker in January

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has urged Arsene Wenger not to buy a striker in the January transfer window.

Goal understands the Gunners have drawn up a wish list of five stellar names to pursue when the market reopens on Wednesday, while many pundits suggest Wenger needs a quality forward to compete with Giroud.

The Gunners came from behind to beat West Ham on Boxing Day thanks to two goals from Theo Walcott and one from the returning Lukas Podolski, before Giroud struck the decisive goal against Newcastle on Sunday, and the France striker believes the club are well-stocked in attack.

"We have the players to play up front," he said in an interview aired by Canal+ on Sunday morning, before his strike saw off the Magpies at St James' Park. "Lukas is having a good come-back. Theo can play as a striker. We have the quality and the quantity. If the coach wants me to rest, he can do it without buying a new striker. I would rather not see a new striker come in.

"I always have to recover, to get massages, to eat well, to sleep well. This is how we live. I am lucky to not be injury-prone. I have a body that tolerates the accumulation of games."

Giroud's winner against Alan Pardew's side was his first league goal in five outings, and he admitted that things have not been going well for him following a blistering start to the campaign.

"Not to score, for a forward, is a bit boring," he continued. "There's a lack of luck... not being in the right place at the right time. Luck was on my side at the start of the season. Not any more.

"I know my quality, I know it's going to come back. As a striker, I'm the first defender of the team. It’s always a pleasure to help the team win back the ball. This is modern football, it's all about pressing."

Ibrahimovic: Why wouldn't I want to play for Celtic?

Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hinted at a desire to play for Celtic before the end of his career.

The Scottish club was the home of the 32-year-old's fellow Swede Henrik Larsson and the former AC Milan striker has voiced his admiration for the famous atmosphere at Parkhead.

"Celtic is a club with a big tradition and a place any top player would want to end their career," he is quoted as saying by the Scottish Sun.

"How could I say I wouldn't want to play for those fans every week?

"Henrik was good enough to play for any team in Europe. But after playing at Celtic Park it is easy to understand why he chose to stay there for so long."

Responding to the link, Celtic boss Neil Lennon jovially told BBC Sport: "He'd have to play well to get in our team.

"It's one of those stories - I don't know how true it is - but it would be wonderful if we could get that type of player to the club.

"I think that's a long way off yet."

Ibrahimovic has scored 15 goals in 18 Ligue 1 appearances for PSG this season.

'I'll be happy whether or not I win Ballon d'Or' - Ribery

Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery insists he will be happy whether he wins the Ballon d'Or in January or not.

The French winger, who is on the shortlist along with Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid, is being tipped to take the crown by some after a stellar year which has seen him win the UEFA Champions League, as well as being named the UEFA Best Player in Europe.

But Ribery admits he is happy to have made the top three and will be satisfied whatever the outcome.

"Whether I win or not I will still be happy," he said. "To me it is a pleasure to be on the shortlist of candidates with Cristiano and Messi.

"This year I have won everything with Bayern and I think I helped a lot.

"I'll see what happens January 13. The important thing is to keep coming with this run of success."

Speaking about the atmosphere at Bayern, Ribery added: "The key is that we enjoy playing. We're like one big family. Bayern I think is the strongest club in the world.

"German football is like a train that will not stop and we're so proud of it."

Bayern currently sit seven points clear of Bayer Leverkusen at the top of the Bundesliga - which is in the midst of a mid-season break.

Arsenal have 'special' mental strength - Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that his side have developed something "special" by way of their improved mental strength after watching them beat Newcastle 1-0.

The visitors took the lead midway through the second half through Olivier Giroud and, not for the first time this season, they showed great resilience as they staved off late pressure from the Magpies to take all three points.

The Gunners have consistently been at the right end of the table but have not won the title since 2004 and Wenger feels that they have finally taken a step forward mentally this season.

"There is something in the team that is special on that front, on the mental front, where we have many times been questioned," the Frenchman told the press.

"We have shown that at West Ham when we were 1-0 down and we have shown it [on Sunday] with our backs against the wall a little in the last 15 minutes. There is a great solidarity and a great spirit in the side.

"For years we were younger. We have always been up there at the top. This time last year we were out of the championship race but in 2013 we have been very consistent."

The Arsenal boss would not be drawn on whether or not his side are capable of winning the league, though, stating that it is still to early for title talk just yet.

"We believe in ourselves and we are determined to give our best absolutely and to turn back on this season at the end and think we have given our best," he remarked. "I hope it will be enough, of course, but it's a long way to go, it's too early to say that."

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew, meanwhile, expressed his disappointment with some of the decisions made by referee Lee Probert at St James's Park but argued that his players could take a lot of encouragement from their performance.

"Really and truly, we've come out on the wrong side here," the Magpies boss claimed. "A few breaks went against in terms of decisions and that was probably the difference.

"There was definitely a foul on [Vurnon] Anita, without a shadow of a doubt. I don'’t want to say the referee had a poor game but sometimes he sees these calls and sometimes they go your way, sometimes they don't. At Stoke we had all the calls go our way and today perhaps we're on the other side of it.

"A lot of my players can take massive players in the way they performed in that game.

"We've got our best players fit - if we can keep them fit for the rest of the season then we can replicate what we've done in the first half of the season, maybe even better it."

Ogbonna: I rejected Roma

Juventus defender Angelo Ogbonna has revealed that two potential moves to Roma have broken down earlier in his career.

The 25-year-old spent seven years with Torino before opting to cross the Turin divide and join the reigning Serie A champions over the summer, but says he could well have been a Giallorossi player had things turned out differently.

“Roma had a look at me in 2011, but I spoke to [Torino] president Urbano Cairo and coach Giampiero Ventura, so I decided to stay with the Granata,” Ogbonna told Tuttosport.
“In 2005 I was just a youngster and Torino went bankrupt, which meant I became a free agent. Roma even gave me trial, but they didn’t have a place for non-EU players and the FIGC took too long to provide an executive order.

“Therefore I returned to Torino and the directors were able to resolve the problem, proving I was Italian.”

Ogbonna's form in recent seasons has seen him win 11 caps for Italy, but he has made just 10 appearances in all competitions for Juventus this season, with Antonio Conte's rotation policy restricting his outings so far

Rodgers critical of 'wild' Eto'o challenge on Henderson

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has criticised Chelsea's Samuel Eto'o for a "wild" challenge on Jordan Henderson.

The Merseyside outfit fell to a 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge, with Eto'o notching the decisive goal with a close-range effort 11 minutes before the break.

Liverpool opened the scoring after just three minutes courtesy of Martin Skrtel's tap-in, which came about when the visitors were awarded a free kick for Eto'o's high tackle on Henderson.

But Rodgers believes the Cameroonian should not have been on the pitch at that stage, though he refused to criticise referee Howard Webb.

"I know we scored from it, but that was a wild challenge where he's [Eto'o's] raked down his [Henderson's] knee and shin and didn't even get a yellow card," the Northern Irishman told reporters.

"He never even got booked for that, but he's a top referee Howard - he's a world-class referee."

Rodgers also confirmed defender Mamadou Sakho is set for a spell on the sidelines after he suffered a hamstring injury late in the game, while Joe Allen will also be assessed after being withdrawn due to an abductor issue.

Transfer Gossip

Fiorentina target Vidic

Nemanja Vidic could be on his way out of Manchester United as Fiorentina have shown an interest in signing the experienced defender.

Source: Tuttosport
Sunday, December 29, 2013 07:04

Real Madrid plan Paulinho bid

Tottenham could face a battle to keep Paulinho in January as Spanish giants Real Madrid are weighing up a bid for the Brazil midfielder.

Source: Daily Telegraph
Saturday, December 28, 2013 23:52

Arsenal & Juve enter Ter Stegen race

Barcelona face competition from Arsenal and Juventus for the signature of Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who has long been touted as Victor Valdes' successor.

Source: Bild
Sunday, December 29, 2013 13:52

Cuenca heading for Barcelona exit

Isaac Cuenca appears to be on his way out of Barcelona this winter and Elche are ready to snap up the young winger.

Source: Mundo Deportivo
Sunday, December 29, 2013 07:54

Napoli set sights on Agger

Napoli are desperate to strengthen their defence this winter and have earmarked Liverpool centre-back Daniel Agger as the perfect addition.

Source: Corriere dello Sport
Sunday, December 29, 2013 07:06

Inter keeping tabs on Mata

Inter are closely monitoring the situation of Chelsea's Juan Mata as they are looking to add some more creativity to their squad.

Source: Corriere dello Sport
Sunday, December 29, 2013 07:03

Juventus step up Menez interest

Juventus are hopeful of signing Paris Saint-Germain winger Jeremy Menez on the cheap in the January transfer window.

Source: Tuttosport
Sunday, December 29, 2013 07:02

Milan ponder Dzeko swoop

AC Milan are ready to make a move for Manchester City attacker Edin Dzeko at the end of the season if Mario Balotelli were to leave the Rossoneri.

Source: Corriere dello Sport
Sunday, December 29, 2013 07:00

Atleti to tempt Chelsea into Courtois sale

Atletico Madrid could offer Diego Costa or Koke to Chelsea as part of a deal to sign Thibaut Courtois permanently.

Source: The People
Saturday, December 28, 2013 23:50

Spurs still keen on Klinsmann

Tottenham could still attempt to make Jurgen Klinsmann their manager after the World Cup, if Tim Sherwood fails to change fortunes at White Hart Lane.

Source: The People
Saturday, December 28, 2013 23:47

Anelka defends controversial 'quenelle' celebration

West Brom striker Nicolas Anelka has defended the controversial quenelle celebration that could land him a hefty FA ban due to its anti-Semitic connotations.

The former France international performed the action after scoring his first of two goals against West Ham on Saturday, causing uproar in his homeland due to its connotations with right-wing political viewpoints.

Anelka tweeted after the match that he acted in tribute to his friend Dieudonne M'Bala M'Bala, a controversial comedian, who himself claims the gesture is anti-establishment rather than anti-Semitic.

France's minister for sport, Valerie Fourneyron, branded the act "disgusting", with many in France deeming the gesture a reverse Nazi salute.

Anelka has again taken to Twitter to defend himself, urging people not to be fooled by varying definitions suggested by members of parliament and circulated online and in newspapers.

"Meaning of quenelle: anti-establishment. I don't know how the word religion has come to be a part of this," he said.

"This quenelle was a dedication to Dieudonne. Concerning the ministers who have given their own interpretation of my quenelle, they are the ones who create controvery and confusion without knowing what the gesture really means.

"I ask people not to be duped by the media and, of course, I'm neither antisemitic or racist."

The FA have confirmed that they will investigate the celebration, with Anelka facing at least a five-match ban if found guilty of anti-Semitism.

Mourinho slams 'wild' Suarez for 'swimming pool' dive

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho accused "wild" Liverpool striker Luis Suarez of trying to con his way to a penalty with "an acrobatic swimming pool jump" during a fiery encounter at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues won 2-1 on Sunday thanks to goals from Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto’o after Martin Skrtel had given the Reds an early lead.

But Mourinho was furious when Suarez went down in the penalty area late on under a challenge from Eto’o - and the Portuguese claims referee Howard Webb should have booked the Liverpool man.

“[Cesar] Azpilicueta was leaving with the ball and then Suarez does an acrobatic swimming pool jump. Webb was only 10 metres away and the only mistake Webb did was not to give a yellow card.

“It looks like someone has shot him in the back and that is a clear yellow card.

“Brendan [Rodgers] is doing a fantastic job on Suarez because there’s no doubt he’s changed. But in a situation like this you see the wild nature of the player, the cultural nature of the player.

“I have lots of respect for his quality and his attitude and his ambition to win every game but he tries too much to provocate certain situations."

Rodgers, who could face an FA charge after criticising referee Lee Mason in the Boxing Day defeat at Manchester City, disputed Mourinho’s interpretation of the incident but refused to attach blame to Webb.

“You’ve seen them given – Eto’o’s not even looking at the ball,” said Rodgers. “He was being streetwise and cute. If he’s intentionally blocking his man it’s a penalty is it not?

“I think Howard is a top referee, world class. I’ll stay calm today!”

Transfer Gossip

Juve join Di Maria battle

Juventus are poised to battle a host of Premier League clubs to sign Real Madrid's Angel Di Maria next summer. Manchester, Tottenham and Arsenal are also said to be interested in the Argentine.

Source: talkSPORT
Friday, December 27, 2013 17:39

Inter turn attention to Lamela

Inter are keen to lure Erik Lamela away from Tottenham Hotspur as they are looking to add some more creativity to their squad ahead of the second half of the season.

Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport
Friday, December 27, 2013 06:00

Valencia interested in Dzeko

Valencia are said to be planning a big-name January swoop, with Manchester City's Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko rumoured to be their top target.

Source: Marca
Friday, December 27, 2013 17:45

Liverpool looking to strengthen in attack

Liverpool are to be hopeful of upgrading their attacking options in the winter window, with Javier Pastore, Koke and Mitroglou all amongst their transfer targets.

Source: Mirror
Friday, December 27, 2013 17:30

Atletico looking at Lamela

Atletico Madrid are weighing up a move for forward Erik Lamela, who is getting very little playing time since his summer switch to Tottenham.

Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport
Friday, December 27, 2013 13:01

Pastore to leave PSG in January

Paris Saint-Germain are said to be willing to loan out Argentine midfielder Javier Pastore to Inter in the winter transfer window.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport
Friday, December 27, 2013 12:53

Atletico Madrid interested in Benteke

Atletico Madrid are rumoured to be interested in Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke - if Diego Costa leaves the club.

Source: talkSPORT
Friday, December 27, 2013 12:37

West Brom in talks with Pepe Mel

West Brom have held talks with former Real Betis coach Pepe Mel as they continue their seach for a replacement for Steve Clarke.

Source: Sky Sports
Friday, December 27, 2013 11:20

Ajax in Ola John talks with Benfica

Ajax are keen to sign Benfica winger Ola John on loan until the end of the season and have opened negotiations with last year's Europa League finalists.

Source: A Bola
Friday, December 27, 2013 10:53

Iniesta: I will cry when Valdes leaves

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta has admitted he will be in tears when Victor Valdes finally leaves the club next summer.

The goalkeeper, who has been a member of the first-team squad at Camp Nou for 12 seasons, announced in May that he will not be extending his contract when it expires in 2014.

Iniesta says his team-mate's departure will come as a blow to a squad he feels is progressing well under new coach Gerardo Martino.

“There is no doubt I will cry when Valdes leaves,” the 29-year-old told reporters.

“We just have to hope we can win trophies this season so that he enjoys a good departure.

“The squad’s connection with Tata has been great from the start. He is a good person and a real football man - he knows exactly how players feel."

The Spain international, who has recently signed a new contract to keep him at Barcelona until 2018, has said he is now expecting to see out the remainder of his playing career with the club.

Iniesta also attempted to play down recent critical remarks made by Lionel Messi about vice-president Javier Faus and backed the Argentine to win the Ballon d’Or in January.

He said to La Sexta: “Messi is a fundamental player for both me and the club. Sometimes things are said without thinking or without meaning to cause hurt.

“I would love for him to win the Ballon d’Or. Everyone in the squad would feel like part of the success.

“I went to my contract signing with my parents and my daughter. I thought about a lot and I was the proudest person in the world. My dream is to end my career at Barca.”

Barcelona return to match action against Elche on January 5 before they meet Getafe in the first leg of their Copa del Rey tie three days later.

Bale plays better without Ronaldo - Villas-Boas

Former Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas feels Real Madrid star Gareth Bale has performed far better this season without Cristiano Ronaldo in the side.

The 24-year-old delivered some exceptional displays for los Blancos after initially struggling for fitness following his €100 million summer move, notching nine goals and six assists in 15 games in all competitions prior to the winter break.

However, Villas-Boas believes his one-time Tottenham talisman has only been able to showcase his true potential when Ronaldo has not been vying for the spotlight alongside the Welshman.

"Bale performs better without Ronaldo, he has a far greater role in Madrid's play when Cristiano isn't playing," he told O Jogo. "When there are two reference points like those two in the team, the options end up being divided.

"At Tottenham Bale got used to playing a style of football that offered him the chance of being the main man, that made him the team's reference point. That's a natural consequence of a team recognising that a player is in outstanding form. They receive the ball more and have more chance of having an impact in the play. It also increases their responsibility."

Villas-Boas went on to suggest Bale could be a future Ballon d'Or winner, but only if he is able to hit the heights of his final season with Tottenham whilst playing alongside 2013's standout performer Ronaldo.

"He's already one of football's biggest players. The question is whether he'll repeat his performances at Tottenham while he's playing alongside the best player in the world in 2013," the former Chelsea and Porto boss added

Wenger hails returning Arsenal striker Podolski

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger praised Lukas Podolski after his goalscoring return and feels the striker proved he can have a "huge impact".

The 28-year-old striker had been absent since suffering a hamstring injury against Fenerbahce in August, but came off the bench to net his side's third goal on his comeback in the 3-1 triumph at West Ham on Thursday.

And Wenger is thrilled to welcome the Germany international back into his squad.

"Podolski made a huge difference because we had good width and created many problems," he told reporters.

"He's been out for four months and not played one game.

"I tried to get him slowly back to competitiveness and he's shown he can have a huge impact because he can score and make assists."

Arsenal had fallen behind at Upton Park when Carlton Cole capitalised an error by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

Wenger introduced Podolski in an attempt to trigger a response, a move the Frenchman conceded was a risk with an array of attacking talent already on the pitch, potentially leaving the side vulnerable in defence.

He added: "When you have [Podolski], Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud, Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla on the pitch, you know you can lose the ball and be vulnerable, but we had to go for it."

Arsenal's triumph came on the back of three Premier League matches without a win and saw Wenger's leapfrog over the likes of Liverpool into top spot.

The leaders now continue the club's title challenge with a difficult trip to Newcastle United on Sunday

Benitez: Napoli can still win title

Rafael Benitez has insisted that Napoli remain in the Serie A title race and is convinced that they will challenge rivals Roma and Juventus to the very end of the season.

The Partenopei are currently third in Italy's top flight and sit 10 points behind leaders Juve, but Benitez - who replaced Walter Mazzarri after he opted to leave for Inter during the summer - is happy with the campaign to date.

"It's been so far a satisfactory season for us," Benitez stated in an interview with Corriere dello Sport.

"We have won 36 points in league, better than the past few years. To be above us, our opponents have needed to accomplish extraordinary feats.

"We are, however, participating in a marathon and still have 21 games remaining."

The 53-year-old took was complimentary of both Juventus and Roma for their respective efforts so far this term but believes there will still be a few twists and turns before the season reaches its conclusion.
 
Benitez added: "With 60 points available, our fate has yet to be written."

Napoli's league campaign resumes on January 6 with a home fixture against Sampdoria after the conclusion of the international break

Pellegrini against mid-season break

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini insists he does not want a mid-season break in the Premier League, but feels teams need longer to recover.

The Chilean has enjoyed a superb first half to what is his first season at the Etihad Stadium, with the club second in the Premier League, just one point adrift of leaders Arsenal.

City's home form has been particularly impressive, with the club winning all nine league fixtures played on their own turf.

Pellegrini's side face Crystal Palace on Sunday - just 48 hours after their 2-1 win over Liverpool and the former Real Madrid boss believes the lack of rest between games is far from ideal.

"I am not talking about playing so many games because all the teams play exactly the same [number of] games," he told reporters.

"What I think is that we must have at least 72 hours from this game to another.

"All the other teams at the top of the table apart from [Manchester] United play 72 hours afterwards. These days we play so closely that it must be the same for the rest of the teams. I don't want a winter break."

Pellegrini was thrilled with the victory against Liverpool and particularly revelled in the way his side dealt with the threat of forward Luis Suarez, the Premier League's leading scorer with 19 goals.

He added: "They did very well, especially against Luis Suarez. He is a great striker.

"He is in his best moment so it was very difficult for our team not to lose him for one second in the whole match."

Eagles depart for CHAN January 7

Nigeria will jet out of the country on January 7 to South Africa where they will make their debut appearance at the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The home based lads have been training hard under the watchful eyes of Stephen Keshi for about three weeks and have engaging in some warm up matches to put the team into the right shape.

Before departure to the Rainbow country, they will play two warm-up games against a Port Harcourt Selected XI and league champions Kano Pillars.

Chigozie Agbim, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Solomon Kwambe and Benjamin Francis are expected to make the final 23-man squad set to be released by the national team handlers in a few days.

Star midfielder Sunday Mba is expected to be dropped from the squad after deciding on a move to Bastia in France. 

Nigeria are drawn in Group A that parades hosts South Africa, Mali and Mozambique. Keshi’s men will play their opening Group A game against Mali on January 11 in Cape Town.

Rodgers stands by Mason comments

Brendan Rodgers has stood by his comments about referee Lee Mason following Liverpool's 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on Thursday.

The Northern Irishman labelled the performance of the match officials as "horrendous" during his side's Boxing Day reverse, feeling particularly aggrieved by the decision to disallow a goal from winger Raheem Sterling with the score still at 0-0.

His words are set to be investigated by the Football Association, but Rodgers insists he was telling it as he saw it and would not be taking back the comments.

"I'm not one that is berating referees after games, I'm always respectful and I ask my staff to be respectful, on the pitch we're never chasing fourth officials or anything on a match day," he said.

"I've had a number of referees in here to help and support what they do.

"I think they know that when I come out and make a statement like I did, it was obviously emotional after the game of course, but it was something that I will speak honestly on. As I said, whatever action they will take, they will decide.

"I have to speak on behalf of the supporters of the club, a club that has an emotional investment for many many of millions of people throughout the world."

In a particularly controversial excerpt, Rodgers questioned the appointment of Mason to referee the Premier League encounter as he is from nearby Bolton.

"In terms of geography, it wasn't the case at all, I certainly wasn't questioning the integrity of the referees," he added.

"As I said before, I fully understand the job, it was more the logic of it, in terms of having a referee from that particular part of the world refereeing a game in Manchester, I wouldn't suspect that Mike Dean from the Wirral has refereed many games for Liverpool over the years."

Milito: I want to stay at Inter

Diego Milito has announced his desire to sign a new contract with Inter ahead of the last six months of his existing deal.

The striker moved to San Siro in 2009 from Genoa and has scored 64 times in 113 appearances for the Nerazzurri, but with his contract set to expire in the summer, the Argentine is keen to extend his stay at San Siro.

"I feel at home. For me, there won't be any problem in putting a signature and remaining for another year," he told Sport Mediaset.

Last season the 34-year-old suffered an Achilles injury that ruled him out of the second half of the campaign and a thigh injury has limited his playing time so far this term.

And he says his own physical wellbeing is his primary concern at present rather than any impending talks over a new deal.

He explained: "I don't think what will happen in June. I live in the moment and the only thing that interests me is to come back playing."

Speculation has suggested that Milito may not be offered a new deal by coach Walter Mazzarri, resulting in rumours linking him with a return to his homeland and former club Racing – whom he made over 100 appearances for between 1999 and 2003.

It is a possibility that Milito does not want to explore just yet, but the player does concede that it could be an option come June.

"No one from Racing has called me yet, but they are really an important team in my career.

"My deal with Inter expires in June and my dream is to retire with this shirt. I don't exclude the possibility of returning to Argentina. We will see in June."

'Costa staying at Atletico' - Caminero

Atletico Madrid sporting director Jose Luis Caminero has ruled out the possibility of prolific striker Diego Costa leaving the Vicente Calderon in January.

Speculation of a potential exit has been fuelled by the €38 million release clause within the player's contract, which he signed in August this year.

However, Caminero insists the 25-year-old, who has scored 19 goals in 17 league games, will not be leaving the club, despite interest from several parties.

“Right now, Costa does not think of leaving, he is hooked with Atletico,” he explained in an interview with Marca.

Under the management of head coach Diego Simeone, Atletico have gradually bridged the gap between themselves and city rivals Real and currently sit joint top of La Liga with Barcelona.

Nevertheless, a regular theme in recent years has been the departure of key players – most recently the summer sale of Radamel Falcao to Monaco – but Caminero is not interested in selling more top stars.

The sporting director continued: “Diego is happy here. He just renewed his contract, demonstrating that he wants to stay here,

“He knows how this club works, money won't be a problem."

The Copa del Rey holders are through to the last 16 of this season's Champions League to face AC Milan and could be contenders for further silverware this campaign.

Whilst Caminero rules out Costa's departure, the director does believe the club will be busy during next month's transfer window, stating "there will be changes".

However, one area he is not worried about is the goalkeeper situation, with No.1 goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois on loan from Chelsea and Daniel Aranzubia.

He added: “We have three great goalkeepers, two of them on loan. This position is not our worry now.”

Cardiff owner Tan points finger at Mackay for making feud public

Cardiff owner Vincent Tan has blamed Malky Mackay for the furore surrounding the club after sacking him as manager on Friday.

Mackay - who led Cardiff to the Premier League for the first time in their history - was relieved of his duties, following weeks of speculation he would depart the club.

The relationship between the two became strained when the Malaysian reportedly issued an ultimatum telling Mackay to resign or be sacked, after growing frustrated with the Scot's public request to sign three players in the January transfer market.

Tan responded by criticising the pre-season dealings done by Mackay and head of recruitment Iain Moody, who also paid with his job in October.

It appeared as if manager and owner would attempt to rebuild their damaged relationship, with chairman Mehmet Dalman claiming Mackay would remain in charge, but the long-running saga was finally ended on Friday.

And Tan believes the issue had become too high-profile to ignore and is in the best interest of supporters.

In a statement by Tan reported by walesonline, he said: "There has been a good deal of publicity generated by and about Mr Malky Mackay over the last few months.

"Indeed far too much dirty linen has been exposed to the public gaze. But, I stress, not by me.

"Indeed, I have deliberately not responded to this, hoping that the club can be judged on its football rather than personalised arguments about who said what to whom.

"I have, however, regretfully concluded that it is no longer fair to the club, its players, its fans, or the public more generally, for this uncomfortable state of affairs to continue. Cardiff City Football Club means far too much to us all for it to be distracted by this."

Cardiff's first game in the post-Mackay era is a home fixture against Sunderland, with Mackay's former assistant David Kerslake and first team coach Joe McBride reportedly set to take temporary charge.

Jagielka: Defeat will relieve pressure on Everton

Phil Jagielka hopes Everton's first home league defeat of 2013 can quell talk of records and allow the players to concentrate on playing.

Roberto Martinez's men succumbed to a 1-0 loss at the hands of struggling Sunderland on Thursday, falling just two games short of going a calendar year unbeaten at Goodison Park.

But captain Jagielka feels the club's failure to reach that milestone will now relieve some of the pressure.

"Maybe that's a little monkey off our backs and we can go out and play well on Sunday [against Southampton], get those three points and climb back up the table," he told the club's official website.

Everton will be without suspended duo Tim Howard and Gareth Barry against Mauricio Pochettino's charges, but Jagielka feels the squad has strength in depth.

"It's pretty simple," Jagielka added. "Joel [Robles] will obviously come in for T-How. He's been waiting for his chance and he's played well in some of the cup games.

"The manager will then decide what he'll do with the midfield, how he'll rejig that.

"But we've got a decent squad and some good players to come in, some fresh players as well - which is obviously important over this period - so hopefully they can come in, freshen up the squad, and we can put in a good performance on Sunday."

Transfer Gossip

Hull plan £6m Steven Fletcher move

Hull City want to sign Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher for £6 million after the Scot fell out of favour under at the Stadium of Light under Gus Poyet.

Source: Daily Mirror
Friday, December 27, 2013 9:33 AM

Chelsea to include Ba in Guarin deal

Chelsea will use Demba Ba as part of their bid to sign Inter's Fredy Guarin. The two clubs have not yet agreed a fee with the Serie A side unwilling to lower their £16.5m valuation.

Source: talkSPORT
Friday, December 27, 2013 9:15 AM

Nicolas Anelka on the move ?

French striker, fully fit, was not in the WBA group on Thursday. He only played 7 games and did not return to the pitch since the 26th of October. L’Equipe says that the 34 year old sriker could be leaving this winter

Source: L'Equipe
Friday, December 27, 2013 7:51 AM

Michael Essien to Ligue 1 ?

France Football claims that Michael Essien wants to leave this winter in order to show himself enough to feature in the World Cup. Bastia could be interested.

Source: France Football
Friday, December 27, 2013 7:49 AM

Diego Ribas urges €310.000 bargain money

It is believed that Diego Ribas negotiates with Santos about a transfer in January. The midfielder is said to urge €310.000 bargain money and €247.000 salary per month.

Source: Globoesporte
Friday, December 27, 2013 7:46 AM

Hannover close to Castillo

Hannover 96 could sign youngster Nicolas Castillo from CD Universidad Católica. Just a few details have to be clarified. Castillo has a value about €150.000

Source: Various
Friday, December 27, 2013 7:45 AM

Inter eyes on Lamela

Paris Saint-Germain has offered Javier Pastore to Inter on loan, but Nerazzurri seem more attracted to Erik Lamela, more suitable to Mazzarri's ideas.

Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport
Friday, December 27, 2013 7:00 AM

São Paulo wants to sign Fabrício, from Internacional

São Paulo wants to sign Fabrício, from Internacional. The left back could go to the Tricolor Paulista on loan

Source: Globoesporte
Thursday, December 26, 2013 7:24 PM

Lamela, in the sights of Inter

The Italian team have already started negotiations to sign the Argentine who plays for Tottenham, in case do not get Lavezzi

Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport
Thursday, December 26, 2013 7:24 PM

Everton close to rejoin Flamengo

Atlético Paranaense´s Everton is expected in Rio de Janeiro to sign for Flamengo. The played for the Rubro-Negro between 2008 and 2009

Source: Globoesporte
Thursday, December 26, 2013 7:19 PM

Casillas reveals condition for Real Madrid exit

Iker Casillas has dropped the biggest hint yet that his future lies away from Real Madrid.

The goalkeeper, who is currently understudy to Diego Lopez at the Bernabeu, has spoken of his desire to be first choice again at club level.

Casillas has been linked with a string of top European sides ahead of next summer's World Cup when he faces a battle to keep his position as Spain's No.1.

The 32-year-old was expected to attend a training camp in Doha - backed by the Iker Casillas Foundation - for around 20 specially selected, young goalkeepers from around the world.

But, due to the possibility of his wife, Sara Carbonero, giving birth to the couple's first child this week, he opted out after medical advice.

Casillas instead spoke to the keepers on a conference call on Friday, dispensing advice from his own experiences and passing on tips for career progression.

At the end of the discussion, he took questions from the group and was asked directly if he was interested in joining Manchester City, the Premier League club managed by his former Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini.

"I'm not going anywhere I'm going to be No.2," said Casillas, who is under contract with Madrid until 2017.

Casillas has been linked with City after Pellegrini recently dropped Joe Hart, but the England goalkeeper has since won his place back and started in the 2-1 victory against Liverpool on Thursday.

But, intriguingly, the Spanish icon - who has a record 152 caps for his country - has left the door open for any club where he would be guaranteed to be first choice.

Ronaldo deserves Ballon d’Or, says Asamoah

Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah has tipped Cristiano Ronaldo to win the 2013 Ballon d’Or.

The Real Madrid forward has been named on a three-man shortlist to lift the prize, alongside Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery on the back of his efforts over the past 12 months. 

The 28-year-old has enjoyed a staggering year of personal success after scoring a record 69 times for los Blancos, making him the most prolific hitman in European club football in 2013, and Asamoah believes the Portuguese simply has to be awarded the trophy.

“In my opinion it will be Ronaldo,” the ex-Udinese midfielder said upon receiving the Goal Ghana Player of the Year 2013 Award.

“He did so well last season and this season he is continuing from where he left off and has been consistent, so he deserves it.”

Asamoah, 25, came up against Ronaldo and Gareth Bale during the Bianconeri's clash with Madrid in the group stages of the Champions League and he discussed the difficulties in trying to keep the former Manchester United man under wraps.

He added: “It wasn’t easy. That game was my first even playing at full-back. It wasn’t easy because these are players who have got speed and are very skilfull and know how to shoot.

"The smallest chance you give them they’ll punish you. With them I have learnt something out of it because with these players the more you play with them the more you learn something out of it too."

Sunday Mba heads to Bastia

Midfielder Sunday Mba may not be available for the African Nations Championship (CHAN), according to national team coach Stephen Keshi.

Keshi has disclosed that Mba is on his way to France to join Bastia, the French side that first indicated interest in the player after the Nations Cup triumph.

It is said that the player could leave camp as early as Friday, as he was not one of the players listed for the friendly game in Port Harcourt on Saturday against a Rivers selected side.

“We have resigned ourselves to fate and are working hard to discover those who can fill Mba’s shoes, as he seems to have nicked a deal with Bastia and may not be part of the CHAN tourney. We just have to brace up and wish him the best because it’s a career thing,” he said.

Also on Thursday, the weeding process of the CHAN Eagles continued with three players exiting camp. Keshi who addressed the players once again told them that they have all it takes to play for the national team but there was not time enough to fit into the system and he would continue to monitor them for future call ups.

“Take heart because as I always say, many are called but few are chosen, we would soon be back knocking on your doors.”

Those who left camp on Thursday were Sunshine Stars’ Kingsley Onome Eduwo, Bendel Insurance’s Bello John Ikeleji and Eric Kwame of Plateau United. More players are expected to exit the camp of the national team after the training game in Port Harcourt and Monday’s other practice match against Nigeria league champions, Kano Pillars.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles medical team has assured the technical crew that Kano Pillars striker Gambo Mohammed will be ready in time for the CHAN tourney.

Gambo has been out with a hamstring problem, recovered last week but there was a relapse in the course of the week which forced him out of Thursday’s training. “He should be back and better,” assistant coach Daniel Amokachi said

Napoli linked to Alex Song

Italian daily newspaper Il Corriere dello Sport understands that Napoli are showing interest in Barcelona midfielder Alexander Song.

The Azzurri are expected to make a real splash in the winter transfer market in their attempt to revive their Serie A title bid, with central defender, full-back and holding midfielder expected to arrive this winter.

And while Daniel Agger and Luca Antonelli appear to be top of their hit-list when defenders are concerned, Barcelona’s Alexander Song has surprisingly emerged as a top target for the centre of the park.

Napoli seem to have cooled off interest in Lyon captain Maxime Gonalons and instead look set to try and lure the Cameroon international to Stadio San Paolo.

Given that the 26-year-old continues to play second fiddle to Sergio Busquets at Camp Nou, the Azzurri are hoping the Catalans would consider a January sale

Martinez not ruling out Porto exit

Prolific Porto striker Jackson Martinez has admitted he is unsure where his future lies amid reports he could be on the move in January.

The Colombia international took his goal tally for the season to 15 when he was on target in his side’s 4-0 thrashing of Olhanese in the Primeira Liga last Friday.

Martinez also caught the eye last season when he scored 26 league goals in his first campaign at Porto, and Chelsea are one of several top European clubs to be linked with a move for him.

The 27-year-old is under contract with the Portuguese champions until 2016, but is in no rush to enter talks over a new deal while also refusing to rule out leaving.

He told Portuguese newspaper Record: “It is they who have to decide what they want to do with me, If it is to continue here, or send it to a transfer depends very much on them.

“If something happens, and more than thinking in economic conditions, I think there are opportunities that can be taken.

“But I continue to think of the club and now I leave my future in the hands of God.

“I will only give my maximum and not look to hasten things, because they will happen in due time.

“For now I do not feel the need to talk with FC Porto. I am calm without denying or closing, or trading any possibility that some part of the club is interested in keeping me.”

Barkley not for sale at any price, says Martinez

Everton manager Roberto Martinez says the club will not sell Ross Barkley in January, even if they receive a world-record transfer bid.

Barkley has emerged as one of the hottest properties in the Premier League following a string of hugely impressive performances this season.

The midfielder, who turned 20 earlier this month, has broken into Roy Hodgson’s England squad and enhanced his growing reputation with a sublime free-kick that secured victory for Everton at Swansea on Sunday.

Unsurprisingly, Barkley’s form has fuelled speculation of a potential move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Yet Martinez is adamant Everton, who sit just two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, will be holding on to their young star, claiming not even a bid to match the reported £100m Real Madrid paid Tottenham for Gareth Bale would force a sale.

The Spaniard said: “Ross is in a moment of his career where first, he knows that he needs to carry on developing and this is the perfect place to do that.

“Second, he is a mad Evertonian and enjoying every single second. And third, we are in the middle of a season where we would never, ever consider disrupting what we have got in our squad now.

“It is not the right time for the player or the club to consider anything. Even if we got a Gareth Bale-size valuation we would never even consider it in January.”

Martinez is confident Everton are in a strong position when it comes to resisting any offers for Barkley.

“What is very important is that if anything happens, it is our club that dictates how and when,” he added.

“If we had a financial problem or were facing a financial disaster then we would not be in control of those aspects and I would be telling you: ‘Look, we are in the lap of the Gods.’

“We are not in that situation at all. We are probably in the strongest financial position we have been for a long time.

“All we are going to make is football decisions. If we were going to lose a player it would be to end up with three or four replacements and in a stronger position. That is always the case.

“Ross is an icon for us. He represents everything we are trying to do this season, so even if a stupid offer arrived in January it would never affect us. It is important for us as a football club to show we are making the right football decisions.

“There is no question mark over Ross’ future; he is in the best moment of his time and is everything we want a player to represent at Everton.

“There is not even a question mark against whether he is going to be here in February or not.”

Chelsea not aggressive enough against Arsenal, admits Mourinho

Jose Mourinho bemoaned Chelsea's lack of sharpness in attacking areas following their 0-0 draw at Arsenal on Monday.

Chances proved to be few and far between at the Emirates Stadium but the Blues created several good openings, with Frank Lampard going closest as he struck the underside of the bar in the first half.

The visitors were left to settle for a point - a result that extends Mourinho's unbeaten run against Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger to 10 matches - and the Portuguese felt that his side controlled the game.

"It was a tactical match," Mourinho told Sky Sports. "A match that Arsenal want to win but didn't want to lose and Chelsea wants to win but doesn't want to lose.

"The goalkeeper was not in the game, we controlled the game defensively. It was important not to lose and be five points behind the leaders."

But Mourinho was quick to criticise his side for failing to capitalise on their few attacking openings in the game, and hinted that their profligacy forced him to play for a draw.

"We had the biggest chance of the game," he added. "I'm glad we have goalline technology so nobody could complain when Frank Lampard hit the crossbar.

"We were not aggressive enough to attack defenders and go for the goal. We want creative players who use the ball and kill opponents.

"But there are some matches where we have to take one step backwards and play with a different philosophy."

Michu out for 'up to three months' with ankle injury

Swansea striker Michu is set to be out of action for three months after scans on Monday showed he is likely to need ankle surgery.

The Spaniard was forced to sit out the Swans' 2-1 defeat to Everton on Sunday and assistant coach alan Curtis says the Welsh side will decide on Tuesday whether the former Rayo Vallecano man will have to go under the knife.

"They will decide when the operation will be, if an operation is required. It probably will be," he told reporters.

"Hopefully we're looking at something maybe around the six-week mark [out].

"It will be a blow obviously to lose him for that length of time, but possibly we were looking at two to three months.

"But to be fair to him it's something that needed to happen, because he's been struggling with his knees and his ankles.

"It's interrupted his training and he's missed a fair chunk of game-time this year.

"So we've missed him, likewise Nathan Dyer we've missed a lot, and Michel Vorm had a cartilage operation midweek.

"Ashley Williams has been out, Ben Davies has been out, Leon Britton has been out - some big players for us that have missed a fair portion of the season.

"That allied to the European football, if we can get some of these players back we can concentrate a little bit more on the [Premier] League and I'm sure results will improve."

Transfer Gossip

Inter to swoop for Lavezzi

Inter have made Ezequiel Lavezzi their top priority for the January transfer window, with the Nerazzurri hoping to convince PSG to let the Argentine join on loan.

Source: Tuttosport
Tuesday, December 24, 2013 07:58

Mourinho wants Diego Lopez at Chelsea

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is considering making a move for Real Madrid goalkeeper Diego Lopez as he aims to replace current first-choice Petr Cech.

Source: A Bola
Monday, December 23, 2013 17:12

PSG want Yohan Cabaye in January

PSG have made Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye their no.1 winter target but will have to pay a premium for the 27-year-old French international whose current contract runs until 2016.

Source: L'Equipe
Tuesday, December 24, 2013 07:47

Chelsea eye Benfica double deal

Chelsea are keen to bring back Nemanja Matic from Benfica, and are also weighing up a January move for teenage winger Lazar Markovic.

Source: Daily Mirror
Monday, December 23, 2013 23:10

Former Betis coach on West Brom shortlist

Pepe Mel, the former coach of La Liga side Real Betis, has become a contender for the manager's job at West Brom.

Source: Daily Mail
Monday, December 23, 2013 23:05

Trapattoni could take Lazio role

Lazio head coach Vladimir Petkovic is set to be sacked, and former Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni is a candidate to take the post, although Edy Reja is leading the race.

Source: Corriere dello Sport
Monday, December 23, 2013 10:47

Arsenal to lose out on Sanabria

Arsenal are set to lose the battle for 17-year-old Barcelona wonderkid Antonio Sanabria. Roma have moved to the head of the queue and are prepared to pay the £3.6 million release clause for the forward.

Source: Daily Mirror
Monday, December 23, 2013 00:49

Arsenal & Liverpool keep tabs on Pedro

Barcelona forward Pedro has hinted that he may exit the club in the summer with Liverpool and Arsenal tracking the 26-year-old. The Spain international netted a hattrick on Sunday in Barcelona's 5-2 win over Getafe.

Source: Daily Express
Monday, December 23, 2013 00:29

Tottenham consider LVG

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal could be a candidate for the next Tottenham manager.

Source: Mirror
Sunday, December 22, 2013 11:50

Roma want Ntep in January

Auxerre forward Paul-Georges Ntep, said to be an Arsenal target, has also caught the eye of Roma, who could table an offer for the 21-year-old in the January transfer window.

Source: TF1
Sunday, December 22, 2013 10:53

Falcao: Ronaldo better than Messi

Monaco striker Radamel Falcao believes that Real Madrid icon Cristiano Ronaldo is a better player than Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.

The Colombia international is a huge admirer of both players, having played alongside them in La Liga for two years before leaving Atletico Madrid for Monaco during the summer.

However, as far as Falcao is concerned, the Portugal international is the slightly superior talent.

"Messi and Cristiano are the two most important players in the world today but, for me, Ronaldo is the best," the 27-year-old striker told El Tiempo.

Falcao only returned to the Monaco line-up just before the winter break after a spell on the sidelines with an injury that some reports suggested was merely a convenient way of covering up an alleged falling-out with coach Claudio Ranieri.

However, the former Porto forward insists that there was no truth in the rumours that he had been dropped and was trying to force through a move away from the Stade Louis II.

"I had a physical problem and it was not convenient to play," he stated. "It was risky. It was not a serious injury, but it could have turned into something worse."

Schalke confirm Keller will stay on as coach

Under-pressure Schalke coach Jens Keller has been granted a stay of execution by the club's board.

It was thought that the 43-year-old trainer would be dismissed during the winter break, with Die Knappen currently seventh in the Bundesliga standings.

However, Schalke confirmed after a meeting on Monday that Keller will remain as coach.

"All topics were discussed constructively and openly, also with a clear analysis of what has to be improved," read a club statement.

"Jens Keller and his coaching team will work on this when the preparations for the second half of the season begin on January 3."

Keller took charge of Schalke in December 2012, having previously looked after the club's Under-17s, and penned a two-year contract extension in May of this year.

Collins blasts 'cheating' Januzaj over dive

West Ham defender James Collins has accused Adnan Januzaj of "cheating", after the Manchester United midfielder was booked for diving at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Red Devils starlet was shown a yellow card for simulation after throwing himself to the ground with the 30-year-old centre-half in close proximity.

The 18-year-old was warned by his manager David Moyes not to let diving "creep into his play" and Collins is confident the Belgian-born youngster will heed that advice.

However, the Wales international was nontheless unequivocal in his view of the incident with Januzaj.

"It's cheating, basically," Collins told Sky Sports News.

"I don't like to see it in the game. He probably thinks I am going to stick my leg out and he's probably already thinking about going over.

"Obviously he's taken a dive. He's a young lad, a great player, I'm sure he will learn.

"David Moyes seems to have this conversation quite a lot at his club with Ashley Young.

"It happens in football. He (Januzaj) is a great player and played very well at the weekend. He's learning the game and if he carries on playing the way he is, he is going to be a top-drawer player."

Wenger: Arsenal denied '100 per cent' penalty against Chelsea

Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal should “100 per cent” have been given a penalty during Monday's goalless draw with Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.

Winger Theo Walcott appeared to be felled in the box by Willian in the 36th minute but appeals from Gunners players were turned down by referee Mike Dean.

And Wenger believes that his side were denied a clear and crucial decision against Jose Mourinho's men, one which would have turned a tight game decisively in their favour.

"[It was] 100 per cent a penalty," the Gunners boss told Sky Sports.

When asked why it had not been given, the Frenchman added: "That's a question you have to ask the referee; I cannot give it.

"In my mind, there is no doubt."

The dropped points mean that Arsenal will go into their Boxing Day clash with West Ham second in the Premier League, as Liverpool remain top the table on goal difference.

But Wenger is adamant that his side deserved the three points against Jose Mourinho’s Blues.

"I think in the final part of the game we should have won it. They came here to defend well and catch us on the break," he argued.

“We were a bit - you could see at the start of the game - edgy, and when we took control of the game in the second half we should have won it.

"It was a game of very few chances and the few opportunities we had we couldn't take. When you cannot win the game, don't lose it and that's what we did."

Cech tips Neuer to end Casillas's reign as FIFPro World XI goalkeeper

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has tipped Bayern Munich No.1 Manuel Neuer to bring an end to Iker Casillas's dominance and win a spot in the FIFPro World XI.

Casillas has been selected as the FIFPro World XI goalkeeper for the past five years, with the Spain international once again nominated for the award that will be announced on January 13 and recognises the team of the year in world football.

But Cech, himself a candidate for the goalkeeper spot, believes that Neuer's exploits in winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League during an incredible 2012-13 season for Bayern should see him take the crown.

 "Bayern won the league, the Champions League, the treble so I think it may be Neuer, in my opinion, who might end [Casillas's] reign but I am always happy to be selected among the top five," Cech told Goal.

"It's very difficult to choose who is the best because everyone plays in different competitions and different leagues so it is very hard to compare. To be selected amongst the best makes very happy and whoever wins deserves it.

"It's always nice to get the recognition from your fellow professionals because they have a different understanding of the game and it shows you that they respect you so it's really great. The shortlist is not one of those things which you have to be in to know you're doing well but it's always nice."

Cech also discussed the Premier League and insists that England still boasts the best league around despite last year's FIFPro World XI not containing a single representative from their division.

"I think the Premier League, for me, is the best league," the Czech Republic goalkeeper added. "When you select the best players, it can be a coincidence. It depends how well the teams were doing in the European competitions.

"We won the Champions League and the Europa League in the last two years and we didn't have any players representing the team in the FIFPro World XI which is very surprising so you see how dependable is the choice of who is in the FIFPro World XI.

"It doesn't mean that if you have six people from La Liga, La Liga is a better competition than the Bundesliga because it depends also how the teams were doing, how you do with the national team so it is not only about the league."

What do you predict?

EPL Monday night football

Arsenal vs Chelsea

Make your predictions known!!

Bendtner or Giroud: Who starts?

Between the two strikers, who do you think should start against Chelsea tonight.

For most of the season, Bendtner has been considered the outcast of the gunners squad. He was given an opportunity earlier in the the season in a league cup tie against Chelsea, but failed to impress the fans and the manager by putting up a diaaapointing performance. Another chance came, this time in the league against Hull City and boy did he grab his chance with a goal and an outstanding performance. Also, his most recent appearance which was coming off the bench against Manchester City wasn't a bad one. He scored a goal which was flagged offside.

On the other hand we have Giroud who has been playing well for Arsenal, leading the front line. But lately, his performance has been a shadow of his earlier form with disappointing performances against Napoli and Manchester City respectively. This is a player who has played over 23 games so far this season. Fatigue seems to be setting in and getting the better of him. I believe rest is needed.

So... Is it safe to say that the Danish striker, Bendtner is in better form than the French striker Giroud and therefore deserves to start???.......

Ribery: Ballon d'Or win would be for my dad

Franck Ribery hopes that he can secure the Ballon d'Or after his exploits with Bayern Munich in 2013, saying that it would be great for him and his family.

The Frenchman featured as the Bavarians overcame Raja Casablanca on Saturday to lift the Club World Cup, their fifth trophy in 2013 to add to their Champions League, Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Uefa Super Cup wins.

Ribery stressed that his stellar year should put him firmly in contention for the Ballon d'Or alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and that he would dedicate the win in part to his construction worker father, Francois.
 
"It was an extraordinary year, for the club, the people and for me," he told Telefoot. "We broke everything record-wise. We took a lot of pleasure on and off the pitch.

"I have put in so much effort on the pitch. I think I deserved the Uefa European Best Player award. I would be very happy to win the Ballon d'Or. It would be great for me, my wife, my kids and my father."

The future France international was two years old when he was propelled through a car windscreen as his father Francois Ribery slammed on the brakes to avoid a head-on collision, though it left his son scarred for life.

The winger also commented on team-mate Arjen Robben, playing down any disappointment at the fact that the Dutchman publicly expressed his backing for Ronaldo in the race to be named Ballon d'Or winner.

"He corrected himself quickly," the 30-year-old added. "Everyone can give their thoughts, no problem.

"It is already something extraordinary to be nominated alongside Ronaldo and Messi. I have every chance, I was there in the big games. It is the best year of my career."

The winner of the Ballon d'Or will be announced in a ceremony in Zurich on January 13.

Moyes happy to be patient with injured Van Persie

Manchester United manager David Moyes is happy with Robin van Persie's continued injury rehabilitation, but is cautious of returning the striker to the first-team fold too quickly.

Van Persie has not featured since the Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk on December 10, with a one-month spell on the sidelines the initial prognosis.

And Moyes is pleased with Van Persie's progress, but is wary of the striker's previous injury woes while at Arsenal.

"Robin is progressing, he’s coming on, and he is feeling quite good," Moyes told the club's official website.

"He had a similar injury at Arsenal on his thigh, so it is something we have to be sure about [before he returns]. It wouldn’t be much good if it got repeated, so we will try to take it steady.

"I think it probably will be [too soon to face Hull on December 26]. Obviously the medical team are controlling him, but we speak to Robin as well about how he feels and what he feels he needs to do.

"We’re doing everything we can to make sure he’s well looked after and well treated."

Transfer Gossip

Arsenal want Casillas & Morata

Arsene Wenger is planning an ambitious Real Madrid double-swoop to land goalkeeper Iker Casillas and striker Alvaro Morata as he looks to sustain Arsenal's title push.

Source: Daily Star
Sunday, December 22, 2013 00:52

Cisse close to Bastia

Djibril Cisse is on the verge of a return to Ligue 1. He will leave the Russian outfit Kuban to join Bastia on a four-year contract.

Source: L'Equipe
Sunday, December 22, 2013 08:01

Montpellier target Zaccardo

After closing in on M'Baye Niang, Montpellier want to loan another AC Milan player. Cristian Zaccardo, world champion in 2006, seriously interests MHSC's directors. The discussions will take place next week.

Source: L'Equipe
Sunday, December 22, 2013 07:56

Inter want Erik Lamela on loan

Tottenham have already rejected a part-exchange deal for Fredy Guarin so Inter will return with a loan offer for Erik Lamela.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport
Sunday, December 22, 2013 07:35

Ashley Cole to retire at the end of the season

Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole is considering retiring from football at the end of this season after falling out of favour with Jose Mourinho. Cole, 33, would compete in World Cup 2014 before hanging up his boots.

Source: Daily Mail
Sunday, December 22, 2013 01:36

Eriksson to replace Mackay at Cardiff

Vincent Tan is set to hand the managerial reins to Sven-Goran Eriksson once he removes Malky Mackay from the Cardiff hotseat.

Source: Daily Mail
Sunday, December 22, 2013 01:00

Cardiff eye Sven to replace Mackay

Controversial Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan wants former England boss Sven Goran-Eriksson to be the club's new manager, with Malky Mackay likely to be sacked.

Source: Daily Mail
Sunday, December 22, 2013 00:54

Buttner to leave Man Utd in January

Alexander Buttner will leave Manchester United in the January transfer window with Serie A clubs Roma and Genoa both vying for his services.

Source: Daily Star
Sunday, December 22, 2013 00:50

Rooney heads six-man Chelsea shortlist

Jose Mourinho has six transfer targets currently on his list ahead of the January transfer window. Wayne Rooney, Radamel Falcao, Jackson Martinez and Nemanja Matic are all options, as well as Inter duo Guarin and Ranocchia.

Source: Daily Star
Sunday, December 22, 2013 00:47

Valdes has choice of Monaco or Man City

Victor Valdes will join either Monaco or Manchester City when his Barcelona contract expires in the summer. The presence of Joe Hart at the Etihad means the Ligue 1 side are currently favourites.

Source: Marca
Sunday, December 22, 2013 00:31

Baines is not for sale, reiterates Martinez

Roberto Martinez has reiterated Everton's desire to keep hold of England left-back Leighton Baines.

Baines was the subject of a rejected bid from Manchester United during the summer and with the January transfer window approaching, the 29-year-old’s future is set to come under scrutiny again.

However, Martinez insists Everton do not need to sell and are under no pressure to raise funds, while he also revealed that the club have yet to enter negotiations over a new deal for the defender.

"If I want a player I need to match the valuation to then put the other club and the player in a situation to make a decision," the Spaniard told the Sunday Mirror.

"We have never been in a situation where the valuation has been matched with Leighton.

"We don't want to sell Leighton. When you are in a position when you have to bring money then you are relying on what you can sell. We are not in that position.

"As a club we don't need the money. We don't need to balance the books and that is a situation we wanted to have - to make football decisions, not financial decisions.

"We're not in talks with him about a deal. We don't have to say it publicly but nobody is for sale."

Martinez, who succeeded current United boss David Moyes at Goodison Park, has been hailed by midfielder Steven Pienaar for placing trust in Everton's players.

The Toffees sit fifth in the Premier League having lost just once this season and Pienaar is delighted to see Martinez’s style of play reaping rewards.

"This season we've been more patient. His [Martinez's] philosophy is if you keep the ball, you're not going to work as hard as the other team," said the South African.

"The trust the manager has in his players is unbelievable. He wants us to go out there and dominate a game. It takes a lot of courage and hard work. To keep the ball is not only passing – you have to move, you have to be fit.

"He came in and told us, 'Listen, you have to get over your fears now – just go out and enjoy the game'. He is so positive and it carries over to the team and makes us more relaxed."

Pellegrini: Suarez could make Man City suffer

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini admits his side face a battle to contain Liverpool's Luis Suarez on Thursday.

City moved up to second in the Premier League on Saturday, a point behind Liverpool, with a 4-2 triumph at Fulham representing their eighth win in nine games across all competitions.

However, the visit of Liverpool will see Pellegrini's men come up against the top flight's in-form player - Suarez has scored an astonishing 10 goals in his last four outings, taking his tally to 19 from 12 Premier League games this season.

Looking ahead to Thursday's match, Pellegrini noted the threat of Suarez and also suggested up to six teams remain in contention for the league title.

"[It will be] very difficult because Liverpool are a very good team," Pellegrini told reporters. "Suarez is in a very good moment.

"We are just finishing the first half of the Premier League, two more games, [but] this Premier League is not only about Liverpool and Manchester City. Five or six teams will fight to the end."

City will head into the Liverpool game in confident mood having won all eight of their home league fixtures this season, scoring 35 goals in the process

Motta set to sign new PSG contract

Thiago Motta has revealed that he is close to agreeing a contract with Paris Saint-Germain and is keen to extend his stay in France.

The Brazil-born midfielder has played 57 times and scored six goals since moving to les Rouge et Bleu from Inter for a reported €11.5 million in January 2012.

In recent months speculation has been rife that Motta was considering a move away from the French capital, with Juventus said to be taking an interest, but the player dismissed those stories and claimed he will stay at PSG.

"The contract will be done very shortly," the 31-year-old told L'Equipe.

"It's been discussed with the club, there are a few points to confirm but I do not see why we would not continue together."

Motta will hope to continue a glittering career that has seen him lift two Champions Leagues with Barcelona and Inter, as well as earning 18 caps for Italy - despite representing his native Brazil in two friendlies previously.

"For my style of play, I feel completely Italian," he continued, when asked about opting to represent the Azzurri at senior level.

"It was an unexpected opportunity [to play for Italy]. But it is right, I had earned it on the field thanks to my own merits. It is almost a personal trophy."

The midfielder also spoke about his time at Barcelona and why was such a formative experience in his development, helping him to appreciate the defensive side of the game.

"Barca are a great club and they offered me a long-term contract," he added. "They helped me to grow. When you are alone in a foreign country, it changes everything. I listened, I spoke a little and I learnt a great deal.

"In Brazil I played No.10 and I did not like to defend. I was an attacker, I scored goals. At Barcelona I learnt how to defend."

Ozil completes the puzzle for Arsenal - Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has hailed Mesut Ozil's impact in the Premier League, describing him as the final piece of the puzzle as Arsenal look to win a first title in a decade.

The German was a surprise club-record €50 million deadline-day signing at the Emirates Stadium, notching four goals and a league-high seven assists since his arrival.

Mourinho worked with Ozil for three years at Real Madrid, and he feels the midfielder - along with the maturing talents of Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott - can guide Arsenal to the title.

"Mesut is a phenomenal player, one of these players that you buy to complete the puzzle of your team," Mourinho is quoted as saying by The Guardian.

"You don't need time with him, you need nothing. The player just arrives. His quality and his maturity and his leadership... You put him in and you know automatically your team becomes better.

"There are many ways to improve your team. One of them is to work with young players and another is to go directly to the market and buy one of these finished products. Arsenal had the chance to do it with Mesut and they did very well.

"I think, in the deep of their souls, [Arsenal] think they can [win the title]. In my previous time here, Walcott was a kid. He's now a man. Other players are in the best moment of their careers - [Jack] Wilshere, Ramsey and [Kieran] Gibbs."

Mourinho - who missed out on No.1 target Wayne Rooney during the summer - was less positive about Chelsea, hinting that fans will have to wait until next season for the first piece of silverware of the Portuguese's second spell.

"Next season, Chelsea will have a phenomenal team," Mourinho said. "Between the work we are doing [on] the evolution of the players and a couple of clinical signings [next summer].

"When you buy two clinical players to complete the puzzle you are building, I think that Chelsea next season will have a really very good team."