Feast of Steven : Liverpool 3 Newcastle 1

STEVEN GERRARD tucked into his first goal in 10 weeks as Liverpool roared into the Premier League's top five.

RED ALERT ... for scorer Steven Gerrard

The Kop skipper came off the bench to seal a victory set up by Craig Bellamy's double against his old club.

Toon took the lead thanks to Daniel Agger's own goal before Reds took control to climb above Arsenal in the table.

Gerro, back to full fitness after two months out, said: "It's great to be back and it felt wonderful to score a goal as well.

"I'm glad to see the back of 2011 to tell you the truth because I've had so many injuries. Now I just hope I can get a run of games and help the team to improve in the new year.

"It was a really good win for us tonight because we have not been doing too well at home lately.

"So to get the three points and score three goals was very important."

Kop boss Kenny Dalglish said: "When Steven is not playing he is influential.

"You can add the word hugely in front of influential when he is playing. He is getting back to fitness.

"He has got a lot of years to go yet which we can look forward to. The injury he had was a freak.

"I am just delighted for the boy as he has worked so hard to get back fit.

"We thoroughly deser-ved the win on the balance of play. Some of the football was good. We could have had more goals but we're certainly very happy with three."

Welsh striker Bellamy, who needed four stitches in a cut eye after an apparent elbow from Fabricio Coloccini, said: "I don't know why but I always seem to do well against Newcastle.

"I had a great time there under a great manager in Bobby Robson — but now they seem to be a lucky team for me.

"The most important thing was to get back to winning ways and it was a good victory."

Andy Carroll replaced the banned Luis Suarez up front but failed to score against his former club, who he left for £35million last winter.

Gerrard added: "We are all trying our best for Andy but it's not quite going for him at the moment. He's doing well in training and the scoring problem concerns all of us — not just one player."

Toon boss Alan Pardew argued: "It was never a free-kick for their second goal, I'm not sure what he gave it for.

"We could have played better tonight but, having said that, it's a tough place to come and when Gerrard came on he lifted the whole stadium. He has that presence."

Cesc: “It feels like my career has started all over”

“I needed new motivations and returning to Barça was a step forward for me”

“Apart from Arsenal and Barça, I can’t see myself playing for any other team”

The British channel Sky Sports has put together a report called 'Cesc in Barcelona' in which the player speaks frankly about his time at Arsenal under Arsène Wenger and his first half-year at Barça under Guardiola. "Both managers seem to love their jobs" he says. "They put their heart and soul into it. They love football. Wenger is a very special person for me. He put his faith in me from day one and I am where I am thanks to him."

The midfielder spent eight seasons at Arsenal, years he will never forget: "I want to stay at Barça a long time and perhaps retire here. Return to Arsenal? Perhaps, why not? You never know in life. If I had to go anywhere, it would be to Arsenal. Apart from Arsenal and Barça, I can't see myself playing for any other team."

It was always Cesc Fàbregas' dream to come back to the club where he learned so much, and he knows the significance of being here. "When you leave FC Barcelona, it is almost impossible to ever come back. The day I was presented at Barça was one of the happiest of my life. But the day before had been one of the saddest," he added, referring to having to say goodbye to everything he had come to love about Arsenal. "But I wasn't as motivated as I was when I was 16. Like anybody, I needed a change in life, to start all over, and that's the way I felt when I came here."

And it's all gone brilliantly. "My arrival was a surprise. Winning two titles in ten days was very special, especially as one of those was against Real Madrid," said Cesc, who is clearly delighted to be back where his heart truly belongs. He has won the respect of both his colleagues and the supporters and his duty now is to make sure that this glorious period at FC Barcelona can be continued further into the future.

Cesc Fabregas Would Like to Make Arsenal Return: Barcelona Midfielder In Shock Admission

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has spoken of his desire to one day play for Arsenal again.

The Spanish international left the Emirates Stadium in the summer after a protracted transfer saga involving the Gunners and the club where he first began his career.

The 24-year-old eventually joined the European champions for an initial fee of £25 million, but says that leaving north London was a deeply emotional time for him.

“If I have to leave Barcelona, I will go back to Arsenal – I would like to,” Fabregas told Sky Sports News. “I am not embarrassed to say that the day I left I could only say ‘Thank you very much’, I couldn’t say more.

“I’m not embarrassed to say that I nearly cried. Arsene Wenger, I have never met someone that loyal. He is one of the best, I really believe that.”

Would the former Gunners skipper be welcomed back by his former fans? There was certainly a certain amount of anger among some Arsenal fans when the former Barcelona youth team graduate left North London for the Nou Camp though most probably accepted the fact that the midfielder longed to return to his first club.

Clearly any possible move back to the Emirates Stadium would be some time in the distant future as the Spanish international has started his second spell at the Catalan club with a bang. Some assumed the 24 year old midfielder would struggle to get first team football at Barcelona but thus far this season Fabregas has started 15 matches and has netted an impressive 11 goals in the process.

Fabregas has also picked up the Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup winners medals in his first few months at the club.

Chelsea Complete £7m Deal to Sign Bolton Centre Back Gary Cahill

England international Gary Cahill is set to leave Bolton Wanderers in January, with Chelsea having reached agreement with the Lancashire club on a £7 million fee which will take the defender to Stamford Bridge.

Multiple sources have confirmed to FOX Soccer that an agreement is in place, with club and player having also agreed to personal terms.

Cahill’s move will end a three-season run at Bolton that has seen the former Aston Villa-man make 127 league appearances for the club. However, with Cahill in the last year contract, a departure from the Reebok had been expected, with the 26-year-old linked to Tottenham, Arsenal as well as Inter Milan and Barcelona.

For Chelsea, Cahill’s addition will help reinforce thinning central defense. Branislav Ivanovic was forced from Thursday’s game at Tottenham with a muscle injury, while David Luiz (injury) and Alex (transfer request accepted) were not dressed for the game, forcing 34-year-old Paulo Ferreira to make his first appearance of the season.

Barcelona Plot Move to Sign Arsenal Goal Machine Robin Van Persie

Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola is reportedly considering launching a bid to sign Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie as he looks to replace Spanish international David Villa who suffered a season ending injury whilst taking part in the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan.

The Nou Camp boss has earmarked a move for the prolific Dutchman and will may make an offer for the Gunners captain when the transfer window re-opens although a summer deal may be a more likely scenario that Guardiola will adopt. Prior to his foot injury David Villa has struggled with form this term and had netted just five goals in 15 La Liga appearances this season and the former Valencia man is now facing a struggle to be fit for the Euro 2012 finals in the summer.

Van Persie on the other hand has been scoring with alarming regularity but worryingly for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger the 28 year old is yet to enter talks to sign a new deal and now has less than 18 months to run on his current contract which had led to fears that he may be considering his options.

The former Feyenoord man is now in his eighth season at the North London club but has just one FA Cup success to show for his efforts and a number of sides are said to be keen on snapping up the Arsenal striker and now Barcelona are set to join the likes of Man City and Real Madrid in the chase for the talented Rotterdam born striker.

If Arsenal have not secured significant silverware by the summer, or at the very least retained their spot in the top four, then there is a very real chance that Van Persie will leave the club. Wenger watched as Samir Nasri ran down his contract to it’s last year and then felt he had no choice other than to accept Man City’s bid for the French international, Barcelona may well be looking to repeat the trick.

Indeed Van Persie has recently stated his admiration for the Catalan side by saying ‘I am still a lover of the beautiful game and always will be but I have become more realistic. It is too romantic to think that you can win matches by playing beautiful football alone. Barcelona are the exception – and I have to admit they and Arsenal are the only teams that I often watch on TV.’

Drogba wants to quit Chelsea – Lampard may follow him

DIDIER DROGBA is determined to quit Chelsea next month — and Frank Lampard could follow him.

Drogba, 33, is furious the club have rejected his demands for a new two-year contract.

And he has resolved to make a lucrative move to China in the January transfer window rather than wait until his contract expires next summer.

The Ivory Coast international has been offered a two-year deal by Chinese club Dalian Aerbin worth £200,000 per week while Chelsea are only prepared to give him 12 months at £125,000 a week.

That means Drog can earn £20MILLION in China or £6.5m at the Bridge.

Drogba's decision is a massive blow at a time that club legend Lampard is considering his future.

Lamps is offended and mystified at his recent treatment by manager Andre Villas-Boas.

The England star wants to know where he stands at the club he has served for the past 10 years and believes he deserves an explanation for his absence from Chelsea's starting line-up.

Yet he has been left in the dark by AVB, who insists he will not be making any special allowances for the midfielder.

Villas-Boas said: "Plenty of players are pushing for selection and Frank is not the only one.

"Lamps and John Terry represent the best in the history of this club.

"But every player must be treated as fairly as possible."

Lampard has 18 months of his £170,000-a-week Chelsea contract to run and is unhappy at being on the bench for the last two games against Valencia and Manchester City.

He voiced his frustrations after coming on as a sub to score the winning penalty against league leaders City on Monday.

Villas-Boas said last night: "I speak with Frank every day and he will continue to be important for this club.

"I know that Steve Kutner, Frank's agent, has contacted Ron Gourlay (Chelsea chief executive) about Frank's contract situation. But we have not decided yet."

Those claims were denied by Kutner, who said: "I did not call Ron Gourlay to specifically discuss Frank's contract.

"It is true we had a meeting a while ago but we do fairly frequently.

"We discussed Frank's importance to the club off the pitch on matters such as sponsorship and merchandising, as well as his importance on the pitch.

"We are very happy with the 18 months left on his contract.

"As far as the manager speaking to Frank is concerned, I can only rely on what Frank is telling me."

Chelsea will let Nicolas Anelka leave for Shanghai Shenhua in January but are unlikely to agree to Drog's departure while they fight for the title and Champions League.

The team encourages Villa

The squad that travelled to Japan met with David Villa after his stay at hospital to show him their support

Barça’s number 7 was encouraged and is in good spirits.

David Villa felt the affection that his teammates have for him after he returned to the hotel from his hospital visit. In a wheelchair and with a heavily bandaged left leg, El Guaje was encouraged while he received the support from his team. The Director of the Sport Area, Andoni Zubizarreta and Pep Guardiola made it a point to stay and chat with the striker.

Villa will be out of action for four to five months because of a fractured tibia sustained in the game against Al-Sadd. In the coming hours he will return to Barcelona, via Frankfurt, to undergo surgery.

Cesc: This was brutal

CESC FABREGAS called Barcelona's El Clasico triumph "brutal" after he bagged the clincher against Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid.

The former Arsenal skipper headed Barca's crucial third goal in a 3-1 triumph in Madrid and set his sights on winning the Club World Cup.

Fabregas, 24, struck after 66 minutes and insisted this win was almost as sweet as lifting the World Cup and Euro 2008 with Spain.

He said: "This was brutal. I've won important things in my career but this is very special for me. The first half was difficult but in the second half we played a great game.

"We played 70 minutes with a three-man defence and to win 3-1 here at the Bernabeu says a lot about this team. This gives us confidence for the Club World Cup."

Barca immediately flew to Japan for the global club showpiece as European champions.

Pep Guardiola's La Liga title-holders go level on points at the top of the table though Madrid have a game in hand.

An estimated half a billion TV viewers saw Madrid go in front after 22 seconds as Victor Valdes gave the ball away and Karim Benzema pounced.

But Argentine wizard Lionel Messi set up Alexis Sanchez for the equaliser and when Xavi's shot was deflected home off Marcelo early in the second half Barca were in the clear.

Real's Cristiano Ronaldo missed gilt-edged chances at crucial times before before Fab's clincher.

Mourinho said: "We had a chance for 2-0 that normally Cristiano, who's a fantastic player, would score."

Moyes in bid to land Henry

DAVID MOYES has made a cheeky bid to sign Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.

The cash-strapped Everton boss saw the French superstar striker at The Emirates on Saturday where he was a guest as the Gunners celebrated their 125th birthday.

And he wasted no time in seeing if Henry, training with Arsenal during the US close-season, fancied joining Everton.

Moyes revealed: "I saw some fantastic players and I acknowledged them. I asked Thierry Henry on the way in, he'll tell you. I said if he wants a game to let me know."

Moyes is desperate to add a cutting edge to his side. He said: "We're trying, we're looking round the club to see if we can solve that. We have done it with some young players and tried to look at other solutions.

"It's a manager's job to find it if you can't get it from anywhere else."

One option could be Conor McAleny, 19, who came on as a substitute at Arsenal and nearly scored.

Moyes said: "He's energetic and quick. That's why we gave him the nod over someone else in that period of the game."

Wojciech Szczesny Kisses Robin Van Persie’s Left Boot (Image)

Wojciech Szczesny Kisses Robin Van Persie’s Left Boot, after a winning goal by RVP's left foot with a great volley  and celebrate 125th Arsenal's anniversury...

Sachin Tendulkar to create history Down Under

Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar, who just left the Indian shores with six other players for Australia, is all set to complete yet another feat upon his arrival Down Under. Not many anticipated the 38-year-old Tendulkar’s return to the Aussie soil three years later.

It is not the hundred centuries in international cricket that fans all over are waiting for but the batting maestro will become the first Indian to tour Australia for a record fifth time. Dilip Vengsarkar held the Indian record for four Australia tours (1977-78, 1980-81, 1985-86 and 1991-1992). Vengsarkar was also part of the Indian team that won the 1985 World Championship of Cricket in Australia.

The last time India toured Australia was in 2007, led by Anil Kumble. That trip was not short of any spectacular moments, to which all the India-Australia encounters have lived up to in the past. In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, 2007–08, Tendulkar became the leading run scorer with 493 runs in four Tests, despite consistently failing in the second innings. Sachin scored 62 runs in the first innings of the first Test at the MCG in Melbourne, but couldn`t prevent a heavy 337-run win for Australia. In the controversial New Year`s Test at Sydney, Tendulkar scored an unbeaten 154 in which India lost the Test. This was his third century at the SCG, earning him an average of 221.33 on the ground.

In the third Test at the WACA in Perth, Tendulkar was instrumental in India`s first innings score of 330, scoring a well compiled 71, as India went on to record a historic triumph at the WACA. In the fourth Test at Adelaide, which ended in a draw, he scored 153 in the first innings, involving a crucial 126 run stand with VVS Laxman for the fifth wicket to lead India to a score of 282 for 5 from 156 for 4. He secured the Player of the Match award.

In fact, if you consider the matches since 1990, Tendulkar comes second in the best Test averages list by overseas batsmen in Australia – the first being his compatriot Virender Sehwag. Out of 16 matches Sachin scored 1,522 runs at an average of 58.53. Sehwag averages 59.50 out of 7 matches with a score of 833. VVS Laxman comes third with an average of 54.05 (minimum qualification: 750 Test runs).

Indore ODI: Sehwag’s immortal 219 seals the series for India

Indore: It was an astounding display of strength by Team India, led by record breaking captain Virender Sehwag as the home team won by a whopping 153 runs, sealing the series 3-1 in their favour.

In the first half, it was an epic unfolding for Sehwag as he became the man with the maximum runs in an innings in ODI history (219), surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s double hundred.

In the later part, West Indies stared down a humili
ating defeat at the hands of a formidable looking Indian outfit right from the start as the pressure was simply insurmountable. They lost track of their game-plan early-on and kept on losing wickets with clinical precision.

Barring Denesh Ramdin (96), who was the last man to fall, all other batsmen failed to even offer any resistance to the Indian total and perished haplessly.

Ravindra Jadeja and debutant Rahul Sharma got three wickets a piece while the entire unit complemented the efforts with the bowling as well as the fielding. West Indies on the contrary, dropped crucial catches and awarded overthrows while their batsmen and bowlers lost the plot in front of the Delhi Blaster.

Suresh Raina had picked up a wicket to send Andre Russell (29) back into the pavilion as the batsman was stumped with the agile gloves of Parthiv Patel. Ravichandran Ashwin also pitched in with a wicket, getting Darren Sammy (2) caught in the deep as the scorecard read 145/7.

India were on top of their game as Jadeja got the second wicket in the form of Lendl Simmons (36) to wipe the openers away and expose the middle order early. The third fell in the form of Marlon Samuels (33) and Rahul Sharma got his first ODI wicket with the batsman.

West Indies had started the run chase on a woeful note as Kieran Powell was run out with the scorecard reading 13/1. The fall of the first wicket put more pressure on the visitors after Sehwag had given a performance of a lifetime.

Indian Innings & Sehwag The Mauler

The entire cricketing world was treated to an encore of an unbelievable feat as Delhi Blaster Virender Sehwag bullishly slammed an ODI double century, a rarity only achieved once before by Sachin Tendulkar.

Sehwag was pitted as the man to be the first one to reach Tendulkar’s record by the Master himself and he stood true to the reputation. Becoming the highest run-scorer in ODI history (219), Sehwag not only crossed Sachin but also helped India post a formidable 419-run target against the visitors.

The 418/5 was also India’s highest total in ODI matches.

The Indian top order, facing flak over their recent failures to fire, came out all guns blazing at the Holkar Stadium. They were led by Sehwag, who etched his name in the nightmares of West Indies outfit like a man possessed, smashing boundaries by the dozen.

Gautam Gambhir was the victim of a run out at a score of 67 runs. The scorecard read 176/1 (22.5 Ovs) at the fall of the first wicket. Suresh Raina also looked crisp, slamming a fifty in the process of occupying crease with Sehwag but was run out too.

The dangerous opening pair started the proceedings in their signature style, hoping to seal the series on green looking pitch, the pair got the stadium in a cheering mood with a flurry of boundaries.

For the first time in the series, India captain Sehwag decided to bat first after winning the toss against the West Indies. It was a decision that paid rich dividends, specially for the skipper himself.

India lead the five match series 3-1, going into the final tie at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.

United in Vidic out for year fear

NEMANJA VIDIC could be out for the season, it emerged last night.

Skipper Vidic hobbled back home on crutches yesterday after being crocked as Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League against Basel.

Fears are growing in the United camp that he will be sidelined until at least April.

Vidic arrived back at Manchester Airport nursing a medial ligament injury after United's 2-1 defeat in Switzerland.

The 30-year-old centre-back went off just before the break on Wednesday night after tangling with Marco Streller — who inadvertently fell on the United star's right knee.

It is a major blow to United, who had enjoyed six clean sheets in eight games with Vidic in the side since his return from a calf injury.

The Serbian star will have a scan today to assess the full extent of his injury.

But boss Alex Ferguson was not optimistic after the match.

Vidic was replaced by Jonny Evans as United were knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage for only the second time since 1994.

They are now in the Europa League with Manchester City for the first time in their history.

Uefa Champions League Group Stage's Final Point Table

Shock Exit Of Manchester United & Manchester City

Group A                            Match     Points

1               Bayern                                    6          13

2               Napoli                                    6          11

3               Man. City                               6          10

4               Villarreal                                 6          0

Group B                            Match     Points

1               Internazionale                        6          10

2               CSKA Moskva                       6          8

3               Trabzonspor                           6          7

4               Lille                                        6          6

Group C                            Match     Points

1               Benfica                                   6          12

2               Basel                                       6          11

3               Man. United                           6          9

4               Oţelul Galaţi                           6          0

Group D                            Match     Points

1               Real Madrid                            6          18

2               Lyon                                       6          8

3               Ajax                                        6          8

4               Dinamo Zagreb                      6          0

Group E                             Match     Points

1               Chelsea                                   6           11

2               Leverkusen                             6           10

3               Valencia                                  6           8

4               Genk                                      6           3

Group F                             Match     Points

1               Arsenal                                   6          11

2               Marseille                                 6          10

3               Olympiacos                            6          9

4               Dortmund                              6          4

Group G                            Match     Points

1               APOEL                                  6          9

2               Zenit                                      6          9

3               Porto                                      6          8

4               Shakhtar Donetsk                   6          5

Group H                            Match     Points

1               Barcelona                                6          16

2               Milan                                      6          9

3               Plzeň                                      6          5

4               BATE                                     6          2

Basel 2 Manchester United 1

WAYNE ROONEY could find himself out of the two biggest competitions of his season by this afternoon.

FREID ... Alexander Frei celebrates his late goal as United's
Champions League campaign went up in smoke

His misses last night contributed to Manchester United's shock exit from the Champions League and tumble into the Europa League.

And if a panel in Nyon do not look favourably upon the England striker this morning when he pleads for a reduction of his three-game Euro 2012 ban, he might not figure in that at all.

The flight back with the rest of his United team-mates promises to be a grim one no matter what, with United out of the Champions League at the group stage for only the second time since 1994.

Exactly six years to the day it last happened in 2005 when they went down 2-1 to Benfica to finish bottom of their group.

But everyone connected with the club was quite happy when this group draw came out of the hat in Monaco back in August.

In the end, their six games brought just two wins — and both against minnows Otelul Galati.

Last night's defeat was United's first away from home since losing to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals two season's ago.

Yet it was a home draw with Benfica and particularly the one at Old Trafford with Basel after leading 2-0 that has done for them.

Now they too will have to suffer the taunts of 'Thursday night channel 5' as they enter the unchartered territory of the Europa League.

And this for a club who have contested three of the last four Champions League finals. Unthinkable, yet it could be a rethink is needed and a major dive into the transfer market if United are going to reclaim their place as European champions.

Amid it all, Rooney cut the most dejected of figures.

This is a player made for the biggest of platforms yet this season he made it up only the first steps of one and may not even appear with England on another.

He is struggling right now and has not scored from open play in the league for United since September 18 in the 3-1 defeat of Chelsea.

That was during a purple patch when he hit successive hat-tricks against Arsenal and Bolton, banging in nine goals in six games.

Since then, he has mustered just three goals, two being penalties, all against Romanians Otelul Galati.

It is not just Rooney but the whole team who have gone off the boil since that early-season promise.

A derby drubbing has led to a five-point gap opening up between them and neighbours Manchester City in the Premier League.

And let's not forget they were dumped out the Carling Cup last week by Crystal Palace. Now this.

There was a moment near the end when Rooney just looked defeated as he stayed out on the wing rather than pile into the box as United tried to perform some last-gasp heroics. Rio Ferdinand was shouting at him asking him why?

Rooney knew the game was up. He had been pushed around all night with little protection but he had also wasted some fine chances.

Chances that needed to be taken after United fell behind in the ninth minute as David De Gea produced some more erratic goalkeeping.

Xherdan Shaqiri fired a low cross into the six-yard box and De Gea just stuck out a foot deflecting the ball out to the unmarked Marco Streller to fire gleefully back past him.

Skipper Nemanja Vidic quickly remonstrated with De Gea, no doubt asking what he was doing.

Rooney had his golden chance to equalise on the half hour as Nani delivered the cross from the right and Rooney was there unmarked three yards out.

He swung his right boot, but missed the ball as it bounced sideways off his standing left leg.

Rooney had a chance of redemption five minutes late.

A wonderful reverse pass from Ryan Giggs put him in but his shot was weak and easily gathered by Sommer.

The real Rooney powers on to those balls and leaves the goalkeeper grasping at thin air.

Giggs would supply him with another chance just after the break but Rooney curled his shot wide of the far post.

Basel's goal frame would rock in the 66th minute when Markus Steinhofer walloped a clearance off his own bar.

But it would be United's net that bulged again when the home side added a second in the 84th minute as Alexander Frei stooped at the far post to head home.

Phil Jones scrambled one back in the 89th minute but there would be no last-gasp heroics to grab a point as there had been at Old Trafford.

No, the joy was Basel's, the exit United's.

Mancini: Exit will make us improve - Man City 2 Bayern Munich 0

ROBERTO MANCINI vowed Manchester City would learn their lessons and bounce back stronger after bowing out of the Champions League.

And the Italian insisted they will console themselves over the early exit by winning the Europa League instead.

The City boss said: "We're disappointed not to be in the Champions League any more but next year we want to be better.

"We can learn as a team. This is normal, it's our first time and we got a tough group.

"We want to improve the squad for the competition next season. We made some mistakes in it this year.

"But we are disappointed and I'm sorry for the club and the supporters because they deserve to still be in the Champions League."

City did their part of the bargain with a 2-0 win over group winners Bayern Munich thanks to goals from David Silva and Yaya Toure.

However their fate was sealed in Spain as Villarreal could not stop Napoli from winning and claiming second spot.

City became only the fifth team in the history of the competition to get 10 points yet fail to qualify for the next stage.

Mancini added: "I think with 10 points teams always go through — 99 per cent of the time. It was a strange and difficult group.

"Maybe it was the game in Naples that was the one because we played a good game there. I thought at half-time we could go through but our lives are not finished now."

The City boss has yet to lift a European trophy in his managerial career — so he now plans to take the Europa League seriously.

The Premier League leaders face a hectic start to 2012 as they face key games in the three domestic competitions plus an extra round of European football.

But Mancini said: "We go into the Europa League but it's another trophy and we need to win trophies.

"Maybe now we are thinking it is not an important trophy because we've never won it.

"But if we can arrive in the final, it will become important. We went out from the Champions League but we are still a fantastic team."

Meanwhile Mancini warned AC Milan to forget about signing Carlos Tevez on loan as City are only interested in washing their hands of him.

He said: "We want to sell Tevez — we won't loan him."

UAE's Awana Diab’s backheel penalty against Lebanon

Awana Diab’s backheel penalty against Lebanon

Euro 2012 draw and schedule

Euro 2012 group-by-group breakdown

Group A

Poland
Greece
Russia
Czech Republic

Poland v Greece: Friday June 8, 5pm bst, Warsaw

Russia v Czech Republic: Friday June 8, 7:45pm, Wroclaw

Greece v Czech Republic: Tuesday June 12, 5pm, Wroclaw

Poland v Russia: Tuesday June 12, 7:45pm, Warsaw

Czech Republic v Poland: Saturday June 16, 7:45pm, Wroclaw

Greece v Russia: Saturday June 16, 7:45pm Warsaw



Group B

Holland
Denmark
Germany
Portugal
Holland v Denmark, Saturday June 9, 5pm, Kharkiv

Germany v Portugal, Saturday June 9, 7:45pm, lviv

Denmark v Portugal, Wednesday June 13, 5pm, lviv

Holland v Germany, Wednesday June 13, Kharrkiv

Portugal v Holland, Sunday June 17, 7:45pm, Kharkiv

Denmark v Germany, Sunday June 17, 7:45pm, lviv


Group C

Spain
Italy
Republic of Ireland
Croatia
Spain v Italy, Sunday June 10, 5pm, Gdansk

Republic of Ireland v Croatia, Sunday June 10, 7:45pm, Poznan

Italy v Croatia, Thursday June 14, 5pm, Poznan

Spain v Republic of Ireland, Thursday June 14, 7:45pm, Gdansk

Croatia v Spain, Monday June 18, 7:45pm, Gdansk

Italy v Republic of Ireland, Monday June 18, 7:45pm, Poznan


Group D

Ukraine
Sweden
France
England
France v England, Monday June 11, 5pm, Donetsk

Ukraine v Sweden, monday June 11, 7:45pm, Kiev

Sweden v England, Friday June 15, 5pm, Kiev

Ukraine v France, Friday June 15, 7:45pm, Donetsk

England v Ukraine, Tuesday June 19, 7:45pm, Donetsk

Sweden v France, Tuesday June 19, 7:45pm Kiev

QUARTER-FINALS

Thursday, June 21
QF1: Warsaw: Winner A v Runner-up B (19:45)

Friday, June 22
QF2: Gdansk: Winner B v Runner-up A (19:45)

Saturday, June 23
QF3: Donetsk: Winner C v Runner-up D (19:45)

Sunday, June 24
QF4: Kiev: Winner D v Runner-up C (19:45)



SEMI-FINALS

Wednesday, June 27
SF1: Donetsk: Winner QF1 v Winner QF3 (19:45)

Thursday, June 28
SF2: Warsaw: Winner QF2 v Winner QF4 (19:45)



FINAL

Sunday, July 1
Kiev: Winner SF1 v Winner SF2 (19:45)

* All times BST

DOWNLOAD UEFA EURO 2012 MATCH SCHEDULE (pdf)

Theo Walcott: Cesc Fabregas is perfect for Barcelona

THEO WALCOTT says Cesc Fabregas and Barcelona are a perfect match.

England winger Walcott and Fabregas were Arsenal team-mates for five years until the Spain midfielder got his dream move back to his boyhood club in August.

Walcott said: "He was an absolutely fantastic player for Arsenal — throughout the years he went up so many levels.

"Now he puts on a Barca shirt and it just seems to suit him.

"He was fantastic for Arsenal but he has fitted into the Barcelona team so well, he's scoring goals and enjoying himself."

The pair will face each other for the first time when Spain visit Wembley tomorrow for a friendly.

Walcott said: "It'll be nice to see him again but it will be weird playing against him."

CESC FABREGAS THE GENIUS MAESTRO

 

 

Hot Spot not to be used in India-England ODI series

The controversial Hot Spot has been a disappointment in the recent India-England ODI series and it will not be used in the five-match one-day contest between the two countries starting on October 14, according to the head of the company behind the technology.

BBG Sports chief executive Warren Brennan said that his company has decided not to bring the
Hot Spot technology for the upcoming ODI series after it did not find BCCI`s support.

"BBG Sports is disappointed at how the Hot Spot performed in the UK during the England vs India series. There were several incidents where we were hoping for better outcomes from the technology," Brennan said.

"Following the comments by Mr Srinivasan on September 20th in relation to Hot Spot and the DRS process, BBG Sports believed it did not have the support of the BCCI and promptly decided not to bring the Hot Spot to India for their upcoming home series," Brennan was quoted as saying.

During India`s ODI series in England in August, Hot Spot had proved inconclusive during referrals of several appeals for caught-behind and was subsequently criticised by the BCCI.

In July, the BCCI had agreed to a compromise with the ICC wherein the Hot Spot was made mandatory in the use of DRS while ball-tracking technology was made optional.

But upon taking over as BCCI president, N Srinivasan reverted to the Board`s original stance against the DRS following Hot Spot`s performance on the England tour.

"It is not necessary for me to dwell on the accuracy of Hot Spot, it was there for everybody to see. The BCCI will, at the next ICC meeting, raise the issue. We want to revisit it because we feel that Hot Spot is insufficient. We do not wish to use the DRS in its present form, even in its minimum standard," Srinivasan had said after the BCCI`s Annual General Meeting last month.

Brennan hoped that the Hot Spot technology will continued to be used in the series outside the subcontinent.

"BBG Sports has continued to invest in Hot Spot technology and has purchased four new Hot Spot cameras in the past six months which we believe could improve the system dramatically," he said.

"These new cameras will be put to good use for series in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia this southern summer," he added.

Most exciting T20 game of my life: Kohli

Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman Virat Kohli said that his side`s two-wicket win over South Australia Redbacks in the nail-biting Champions League Twenty20 was the most exciting T20 game he has played in his career.

"Never been in such an exciting T20 match all my life. I also played one of my best T20 innings," an ecstatic Kohli said after RCB`s win last night which took his side to the semifinals.

"I was calm and relaxed, but of course you can`t stay assured chasing a target such as 215," said Kohli who hit a 36-ball 70 with the help of four fours and six sixes to raise the foundation of RCB`s run chase.

Asked to relive the moment when Arun Karthik hit that stunning six, he said, "I had my eyes closed on the last ball. I was talking to our coach when two balls were left. Thought if we could get boundary and a two so that scores are tied."

Kohli, who won the man-of-the-match award, said that the team management relied a lot on the start that Chris Gayle and Tillekaratne Dilshan provided.

"We thought if Chris and Dilshan could bat five or six overs, we had a fair chance."

Kohli`s skipper Daniel Vettori was at a loss of words due to excitement at how his side chased down the formidable target.

"Pretty amazing game of cricket. One thing about this ground is you can chase anything here. The last five overs that we bowled were really poor. Harris and Callum and Dan Christian batted extremely well," he said.

Mikel Arteta says it would be foolish to think he could be as good as Cesc Fabregas

MIKEL ARTETA says it would be foolish to think he could ever be as good as Cesc Fabregas.

The Spanish schemer joined Arsenal in a £10million deadline-day deal from Everton following Fabregas' £40m move to Barcelona.

And Arteta, 29, insists he knows his limitations as he battles to help Arsene Wenger's team recover from their worst start to a Premier League season.

He said: "I am not here to replace Cesc and I would be wrong to try that.

"Cesc was the best player at Arsenal and one of the top three in the entire Premier League.

"I have no aim to become that. My target is simply to try to reach my highest level as a player and to help the team.

"Cesc was at Arsenal for seven y
ears. I have been here for a few weeks. If I try to be equal to or better than him, I would be confusing myself.

"We're different personalities with a different style. I must find my own way to do well for Arsenal."

The Gunners lie 15th in the Premier League after losing four of their first seven games.

Arteta is still coming to terms with his new surroundings after six years at Goodison Park — and revealed that his big move almost never happened.

He said: "There was a lot of stress and uncertainty on deadline day. At three o'clock, I thought I was an Arsenal player then, at 6pm, it was all off.

"At 8.30, the move was back on again but there was no time for me to have a medical.

"I went to Arsenal's offices and told them they had to trust me.

"Then, at 11.10, when they were registering my transfer with the Premier League, the fax machine broke down.

"Thankfully, everything went well in the end.

"David Moyes understood my situation with Everton. When we got the offer from Arsenal on August 31, he looked into my eyes and said, 'You want to go, don't you?'

"I told him this was my big chance and that the club would be getting a big cash injection by selling me, so it was best for both parties."

Another new signing, Per Mertesacker, admits he is still having language problems at the Emirates.

The defender, 27, said: "I've only been gone a month from Germany. I have not yet properly acclimatised.

"Sometimes it feels like an extended holiday. Only slowly am I starting to get used to the fact that the centre of my life is now actually in London.

"I still have communication problems but given the circumstances this is inevitable."

Wayne Rooney Ready For England Duty Despite Father’s Arrest

England manager Fabio Capello has no worries over selecting striker Wayne Rooney against Montenegro tomorrow despite his father’s arrest today.

The 25-year-old’s dad, also named Wayne, was bailed pending further inquiries tonight after being arrested over an alleged football betting scam.

But Italian coach Capello has no worries after talking to the Manchester United forward.

“I spoke to him just five minutes ago,” Capello said. ”I found him relaxed and calm.

“There is no problem for the game, he will play tomorrow against Montenegro. He told me there are no problems.”

As well as Rooney’s father, eight other people, including his uncle Richie and Motherwell midfielder Steve Jennings were also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud.

Merseyside Police said the arrests were the culmination of a joint operation with the Gambling Commission into “suspicious betting activity”.

With his focus on tomorrow’s Euro 2012 qualifying match, Capello could pair Rooney with United team-mate Danny Welbeck in attack.

“I need to sleep tonight and will decide tomorrow morning about the forward to play with Rooney and about Welbeck,” said the coach. “I need to choose.”

Capello has no new injury concerns for the match after training in Montenegro.

“We have no injuries, we’re really good and trained really well in the last three days,” he said.

“I selected 24 players and all of those players are fit to play tomorrow.”

Arsenal to Offer Double Player Swap Plus Cash for £25m Rated Playmaker

Arsene Wenger will continue his attempts to land Lille starlet Eden Hazard this January and is ready to offer the Ligue 1 champions striker Marouane Chamakh and centre back Sebastien Squillaci in part exchange for the 20 year old playmaker.

The Arsenal boss has long tracked the young Belgian international and may feel that a move for the youngster in the January transfer window may bear fruit, not least if the Stade Metropole side is not in the running to retain their title, which given the resurgence of cash rich PSG may well prove to be the case.

Wenger will feel he can afford to offload Squillaci, who has failed to adapt to life in the Premier League, as he has brought in experienced German international Per Mertesacker over the summer. The 31 year old Frenchman may be interested in a move back to Ligue 1 after three years away.

Marouane Chamakh had an up and down season last term, starting with a succession of goals but ending with a goal drought. The Moroccan international has barely had a look in during the current campaign and is yet to start a Premier League match and therefore can be happily used as a makeweight in a deal to sign Hazard.

The Lille attacking midfielder has been in fine form this term, netting four goals and three assists in nine matches, and is a player being pursued by many of Europe’s elite and even though Arsenal’s potential purchase of Hazard in January would result in the player being cup tied and ineligible to play for the North London side in the Champions League this season Wenger is eager to snap up the player before he is lured elsewhere.

Hazard is valued at around £25m and Wenger will hope that the inclusion of two international level players, both with significant Ligue 1 experience, may aid any move to tempt Lille boss Rudi Garcia into allowing his prized asset to leave the club.

Fabregas joins top earners

Cesc Fabrgeas signs new deal - David Beckham & Cristiano Ronaldo lead the way

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has turned his back on Nike in order to sign a lucrative £16 million boot deal with sportswear giant Puma.


The former Arsenal captain has put pen to paper on a five-year contract and has already been spotted watching his new Puma PowerCat 1.12 footwear.



At £3.2 million-a-year, the 24-year-old now has one of the biggest boot deals in history and joins a stable of stars including the likes of Thierry Henry, Nemanja Vidic, Samuel Eto’o and Mario Gomez.

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero - who is on a reported £1.25 million-a-year - was also recently unveiled by Puma but the capture of Fabregas is an even greater coup.

After this announcement, GMF has decided to take a look at football's other top-earners when it comes to boot sponsorship deals...




David Beckham, Adidas (£7 million-a-year)

David Beckham will forever by synonymous with Adidas, having signed his first deal with the sportswear manufacturers early on in his playing career.

The former England captain still wears operates in Adidas predators and has a unique deal in which he gets a cut of every boot sold.

Beckham also takes a percentage from the sale of clothing and shinpads he personally endorses.



Cristiano Ronaldo, Nike (£5 million-a-year)

Cristiano Ronaldo signed a whopping £20 million deal with Nike in 2010, and stands to rake in £5 million-a-year.

The Real Madrid forward is an advocate of Nike's Mercurial range and netted an incredible 53 times last season - including 25 times with his right boot and nine with his left.



Lionel Messi, Adidas (£2 million-a-year)

Despite being awarded the Ballon d'Or in consecutive seasons, Lionel Messi fails to boast the world's most lucrative boot contract.

This week the 24-year-old moved into joint second in Barcelona's all-time scoring charts and does the business in Adidas F50s.



Wayne Rooney, Nike (£1 million-a-year)

Wayne Rooney picks up a relatively paltry £1 million-a-year for wearing the Nike Total 90 Laser III but, should he continue his current form, the 25-year-old could be in a strong bargaining position.

The Manchester United hotshot has netted 11 times for club and country this season, and is likely to rival Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi when it comes to end-of-season accolades.

Xavi: "Cesc’s presence is improving my football"

Xavi Hernández has admitted that "I am very happy with Cesc. I think his presence on the field improves my football”.]

Cesc and Xavi are clearly compatible. Cynics had suggested that there was no room for two in the same side, but they have been proven wrong in dramatic style. "I and we are very happy on the pitch. I think we complement each other quite well. I he goes up I stay back and cover for him or vice versa. We have shown that many times this year. I think Cesc makes my football better” said Xavi today.

3-4-3 :
Asked about the system that has been used in recent Liga matches, Xavi said "this system is quite good. Considering we are a team that maintains a lot of possession of the ball, it is a good idea to have an extra man in the middle … It does make it harder in defence, but I think it is better to be balanced towards having a stronger midfield. I think we’ve dominated all of the games so far this season, and
have done so well ".

Not a two-horse race :
Xavi also thinks it is important to note that neither Barça nor Madrid have won all of their games. "I don’t think there are only two teams in this league. The other clubs train very hard, they have quality, strategies, fitness and talent. Saying that is a cruel insult to many good professionals. We are all very close here, and I don’t believe in a bipolar league".

The draw at Mestalla :
Xavi said that anything can happen at Mestalla and that "we could have come back with all three points, but it’s also true that Valencia could have won the game in the first half. It was a very nice, dynamic match, with constant changes of tactics and goals. For example, there was at least one clear penalty on Messi and so, although I don’t like to draw, a point isn’t bad given the circumstances”.

As for referees, Xavi made it clear that "they have a very difficult job. They have to make decisions in a tenth of a second and suffer like we do. They do the best they can, they are human, and also have the right to make mistakes, just like we do”.