Thursday's B*l**x (updated)
Posted: Thu Jan 02, 2014 8:26 amTHE BOLLOX
City to squeeze in Abu Dhabi friendly this month - report
Manchester City could be in the UAE on January 14 for a friendly fixture to open a new stadium.
Manuel Pellegrini may not be too happy if the club presses ahead with plans to play a friendly against Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates on January 14, to open that club’s new stadium.
The Blues insist that the match is not definite yet, but it has been reported by Abu Dhabi newspaper The National as a certainty.
The game comes two days after the away league trip to Newcastle, and four days before the Blues entertain Cardiff, in the middle of a rare week-long break from action.
But City were quick to say the game is not set in stone, and Pellegrini also clarified his position on his team’s hectic schedule.
He said: “I've not complained about too many matches, I've just complained about playing 44 hours between Boxing Day and December 28, not the amount of matches.”
City's January schedule:
Jan 1 - Swansea (a)
Jan 4 - Blackburn (a)
Jan 8 - West Ham (h)
Jan 12 - Newcastle (a)
Jan 14 - Proposed friendly date (UAE)
Jan 18 - Cardiff (h)
Jan 21 - West Ham (a)
Jan 29 - Spurs (a)
GOLDEN BOLLOX 2-1-2010
E.ON Great Saves No.1: Bert Trautmann
FA Cup final, May 5, 1956
Goals from Joe Hayes, Bobby Johnstone and Jack Dyson saw Manchester City get their hands on the famous trophy for a third time. But it was the remarkable heroics of former Prisoner of War Bert Trautmann for which this FA Cup final will forever be remembered
Manchester City
Joe Hayes (3)
Bobby Johnstone (62)
Jack Dyson (64)
Birmingham
Noel Kinsey (15)
Wembley, Referee: Alf Bond, Fulham, Att: 100,000
Manchester City were leading 3-1 with 73 minutes on the clock, when Birmingham forward Peter Murphy outpaced his marker and looked certain to set up a grandstand finale. But Bert Trautmann had other ideas, as the City stopper came tearing out of his goal and dived bravely at the feet of Murphy to win the ball. Trautmann suffered a sickening blow to the neck from the right knee of Murphy in the process, knocking him unconscious. Several minutes of treatment ensued before Trautmann unsteadily returned to his feet and insisted on playing out the remainder of the match. Trautmann, clearly suffering from the clash, then proceeded to thwart Birmingham on a number of occasions, with his crowning glory a typically brave dive at the feet of Murphy which ensured the match remained 3-1. The stop was made all the more impressive when, three days later, Trautmann discovered he had played out the game with a broken neck.
Key Figures
Bert Trautmann
After serving as a German paratrooper during the Second World War, Trautmann was captured by the British and sent to a Prisoner of War camp at Ashton in Makerfield, near Wigan. It was there Trautmann honed his football skills in camp matches, first as an outfield player, before an injury saw him try his hand at goalkeeping. Trautmann proved a natural between the sticks and joined local team St Helens once the war ended, where he impressed so much that First Division Manchester City handed him a contract in 1949. Despite fierce opposition to the signing of an ex-POW, Trautmann soon became a fans' favourite and his heroics in the FA Cup final cemented his status as a City legend.
Peter Murphy
The forward had netted five times in Birmingham's run to the final, but could find no way past an inspired Trautmann at Wembley. Bearing down on goal with 17 minutes left, Murphy seemed certain to drag his team back into the match but didn't bargain on Trautmann diving head-first at his feet to prevent him from pulling the trigger. Despite Trautmann suffering immense pain for the remainder of the game, Murphy was again thwarted late on by the incredibly brave City stopper.
Did You Know...?
When Trautmann joined Manchester City in October 1949, more than 20,000 people attended a demonstration to express anger over the club’s decision to sign the former AXIS paratrooper. Fifteen years later Trautmann was handed a testimonial by City, where a crowd in excess of 47,000 paid tribute to him.
Trautmann was the first German to play in an FA Cup final when he appeared for Manchester City against Newcastle in 1955. A year later he became the first German to win the competition and, in 1956, was also the first goalkeeper – and foreigner - to win the Football Writers' Footballer of the Year award. In 2004 he was appointed an honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for promoting Anglo-German understanding through football.
What Happened Next
A few months after the final, tragedy struck for Trautmann when his first-born son John was killed in a car crash at the age of five. Trautmann was also forced to spend a lengthy period out of the game due to his neck injury, missing most of the 1956-57 season. He eventually managed to regain full fitness, however, and remained at Maine Road until 1964 - making 545 appearances for the club over 15 years.
This season E.ON is celebrating Great Saves - great energy saves at home and great goalkeeping saves on the pitch. To win an exciting range of football prizes, with everything from signed football and shirts to a set of four family tickets at the FA Cup final go to eongreatsaves
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/archive ... 71729.html
Cup king Roberto Mancini is targeting Wembley glory to add to his 10 Coppa Italias.
Mancini virtually owns Italy’s equivalent of the FA Cup, having won it six times as player with Sampdoria and Lazio between 1985 – when Graeme Souness was his team-mate - and 2000. He maintained his Midas touch as a manager and lifted it again with Fiorentina in 2001 and Lazio in 2004. His success with Lazio was the first of three consecutive triumphs as he went on to win it again in 2005 and 2006 with Inter Milan.
The Manchester City boss knows all about the tradition and history of the FA Cup and is desperate to get his hands on the famous old trophy. “I won the Coppa Italia six times as a player and four times as a manager with three different clubs and it would be great to think I could do that at City too,” said the Italian. “In Italy the cup is perhaps not taken so seriously until teams reach the semi final stages, but here it is different. “We are excited by the FA Cup. I know that in England it is a very important competition.” Mancini refuses to downgrade today’s third-round tie at Middlesbrough to concentrate on Wednesday’s huge Carling Cup semi against Manchester United.“We want to do well and to do that we must win at Middlesbrough,” he said.“I have told the players that they should not be thinking about the semi final either.“We must have full attention on the FA Cup and then prepare for the next game as soon as the final whistle goes.”
Pellegrini enthused by City fight
Manchester City Manuel Pellegrini hailed the character of his side after they kicked off 2014 by beating Swansea 3-2 to record a fifth-straight Premier League win.
Fernandinho had fired City into an early lead at the Liberty Stadium, only for Wilfried Bony to head Swansea level in first-half stoppage time.
But Yaya Toure put the visitors back in front with his 12th goal of the season and Aleksandar Kolarov got their third with an excellent solo goal.
Bony got his second in time added on to give Swansea hope, but City held on for the win.
City's previous visits to Swansea had ended in a defeat and a draw but, after a difficult period either side of the break, they recovered to claim victory on this occasion.
City have now dropped points in just one of their past nine games and this three points moved them top of the table, at least until Arsenal face Cardiff later this afternoon.
The result continued the recent upturn in City's away form and Pellegrini was delighted by the grit his side showed after Bony had equalised, a goal the Chilean felt had been offside.
He said: "I think the most important part of the performance was to score the second and the third goal.
"After the offside goal, Swansea grew and they had a lot of chances in the second half and we knew that it would be very difficult for us. But the team, the same as in other games, had the character to change it."
Pellegrini added: "That character is very important because at the beginning of the season we dropped too many points away.
"I think it's not good for this team to win just 11 points out of 27 in the first half of the season.
"Winning here, the first game away (in the new year), is very important for us.
"I think the key to the better away form was to continue playing exactly the same way we did at the beginning; we didn't lose the games against Cardiff and Aston Villa because we didn't play well. We made a lot of mistakes and conceded easy goals."
But Pellegrini remained coy on his side's title chances, despite extending their unbeaten run to nine games.
"We will try that is why it is important to win in any way you can," he said.
"We have difficult games away from home if we are to win the title, and difficult games at home as well. There are 18 difficult games and I am sure five or six teams will be fighting right to the end to try and win the title. The team that copes best will win it."
City are also understood to be considering playing a friendly in the United Arab Emirates against Al Ain on January 14, between Premier League fixtures against Newcastle and Cardiff, although an FA Cup replay could force the game to be scrapped or moved to a different date.
Swansea boss Michael Laudrup was disappointed to see his side's winless run extend to six games, but heaped praise on Bony.
The Ivorian scored his first goals since November 10, and his superb performance was undoubtedly his best since his £12million move from Vitesse Arnhem.
Lescott set for loan move: Spurs, Newcastle and Monaco keen on City defender
Manchester City are ready to let defender Joleon Lescott go out on loan this January.
The 31-year-old's contract is set to expire at the end of the season and he has found opportunities increasingly limited, with Matija Nastasic and Martin Demichelis frequently picked ahead of the England centre half.
Sportsmail understands manager Manuel Pellegrini yesterday informed Lescott that he will be allowed to leave on loan this month, as the player craves regular first-team football and looks to force his way into the reckoning for England's World Cup squad in Brazil.
Talks are believed to be underway with Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and French side Monaco.
Monaco may be City's preferred destination for Lescott, as they would be prepared to pay his full wages, while the others would require a contribution from City to make the deal viable.
It would also mean he wouldn't be playing for a Premier League rival.
Lescott has played 13 times this season for City, making eight league appearances. He has yet to be booked this term, or score a goal.
Turkish side Besiktas are also monitoring Lescott's situation.
Manchester City fighting Joleon Lescott transfer to Besiktas in January window
Defender is still expected to leave in the summer when his contract expires but Pellegrini needs him for Blues' Quadruple push
Besiktas claim they want to lure Joleon Lescott from Manchester City - but the Blues do not want him to leave the Etihad this month.
Lescott's future at City is unsure, and the England defender's £90,000-a-week contract expires in the summer.
City appear to be in no hurry to open talks over a new deal, and Lescott is now free to talk to interested clubs.
This has alerted Besiktas, and the Turkish club claim they have opened talks.
"We are negotiating with Manchester City over defender Joleon Lescott," said director Ahmet Kavalci.
However, City manager Manuel Pellegrini does not want Lescott to leave this month with his men challenging on four fronts domestically and in Europe.
Vincent Kompany has just returned from injury and Pellegrini does not want to weaken his defensive options by letting Lescott go - even though he will probably leave in the summer.
Arsenal need Manchester City stars Yaya Toure and Vincent Kompany to get injured if they are to win Premier League title, claims Gary Neville
The former Manchester United defender says the title is City's to lose - but the arrival of Dimitar Berbatov at the Emirates wouldn't do the Gunners' hopes any harm
Gary Neville says Arsenal's best hope of winning the Premier League title is that Manchester City lose key players to injury.
The former Manchester United right-back believes that despite the Gunners remaining at the top of the table after late goals secured victory over Cardiff yesterday, Manchester City are the team to beat this season.
Taking part in a Q&A session on Twitter, in response to the question: "What do you think Arsenal need to give them the best chance of winning the league?", the England assistant manager replied: "{Vincent] Kompany and Yaya [Toure] injured!"
Neville also confirmed that he agreed with Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho's assessment that the title is "City's to lose".
Manuel Pellegrini's side have moved up to second in the league, just one point behind Arsenal, after a strong run of results that has seen them win their last five league games.
The Sky Sports pundit also gave his views on some January transfer window rumours, including the suggestion Fulham striker and his former Manchester United team-mate Dimitar Berbatov could move to Arsenal.
"Berbatov to Arsenal fits for me," he said. "Awareness of runs / plays that extra pass and tempo in the last third would suit him." When asked if he was being serious, Neville clarified that he only saw such a deal as a "short term solution".
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
Arsenal are closing in on the £2m signing of Fulham's 32-year-old former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov. Sun
And the Gunners could also sign France striker Loic Remy, 27, after Queens Park Rangers player said that he does not know if he will return to Loftus Road after his loan at Newcastle ends. Times
Newcastle's £22m-rated midfielder Yohan Cabaye, 27, will only move to Paris St-Germain if the French club can offload players in the January transfer window. Sun
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to bring 18-year-old midfielder Mats Moller Daehli with him from Molde once he has been named manager of Cardiff City. Daily Telegraph
Jose Mourinho has left the door open for midfielder Juan Mata, 25, to quit Chelsea this month, despite insisting he doesn't want the Spaniard to leave. Metro
Manchester United are considering a club record bid to sign Juventus' Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal, 26. Daily Mirror
And United manager David Moyes is also closing in on Dinamo Zagreb's £6m-rated striker Robert Muric, 17, for a bargain £300,000. DSSC
Arsenal are preparing a January bid for Manchester United's Mexico striker Javier Hernandez, 25. Caughtoffside
Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis is lining up a £2.5m bid for Blackburn defender Scott Dann, 26. Daily Mirror
Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp wants to use the January transfer window to ease the pressure on 24-year-old top-scorer Charlie Austin. Daily Telegraph
West Bromwich Albion caretaker boss Keith Downing, 48, is refusing to enter the running for the vacant manager's job despite ending the club's poor run of form. Daily Express
Celtic manager Neil Lennon believes 26-year-old midfielder Joe Ledley will sign a new contract to stay at the Scottish Premiership leaders. Daily Record
Sacked Cardiff City boss Malky Mackay watched his former club Celtic kick off the new year on Wednesday with a 1-0 Scottish Premiership win over Glasgow neighbours Partick Thistle. Wales Online
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo will take on Paris St-Germain's Zlatan Ibrahimovic in a battle-of-the-superstars friendly in Doha on Thursday. DSSC
GOLDEN BOLLOX 2-1-2011
Man City want Chelsea youth chief Arnesen
Manchester City want to keep Chelsea’s departing director of football Frank Arnesen in England – raising doubts about Brian Marwood’s long-term future at Eastlands.
Arnesen, 54, will leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season and was being lined up to become Ajax’s new head of recruitment.
But sources in Denmark claim that he is now listening to an “interesting” offer from City. Arnesen would not contemplate anything other than a senior role.
Marwood oversees player recruitment at City, alongside chief executive Garry Cook. But the pair were criticised by Carlos Tevez when he put in a transfer request before deciding he wanted to stay at the club.
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak rang Edin Dzeko's representatives on New Year's eve to try and save the Wolfsburg striker's £30m move to Eastlands by offering him an improved £150,000 a week, still short of the £180,000 the player is demanding.Mail on Sunday
WAG OF THE DAY - Zaira Nara
The insanely beautiful Nara—an Argentinian model who bears a striking resemblance to Brazilian model Adriana Lima (the WAG of NBA player Marko Jaric)—is the WAG of Uruguayan World Cup hero Diego Forlan.
Interestingly enough, Nara's sister Wanda is the ex of former Argentina national team coach Diego Maradona.
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
more bollox soon
City to squeeze in Abu Dhabi friendly this month - report
Manchester City could be in the UAE on January 14 for a friendly fixture to open a new stadium.
Manuel Pellegrini may not be too happy if the club presses ahead with plans to play a friendly against Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates on January 14, to open that club’s new stadium.
The Blues insist that the match is not definite yet, but it has been reported by Abu Dhabi newspaper The National as a certainty.
The game comes two days after the away league trip to Newcastle, and four days before the Blues entertain Cardiff, in the middle of a rare week-long break from action.
But City were quick to say the game is not set in stone, and Pellegrini also clarified his position on his team’s hectic schedule.
He said: “I've not complained about too many matches, I've just complained about playing 44 hours between Boxing Day and December 28, not the amount of matches.”
City's January schedule:
Jan 1 - Swansea (a)
Jan 4 - Blackburn (a)
Jan 8 - West Ham (h)
Jan 12 - Newcastle (a)
Jan 14 - Proposed friendly date (UAE)
Jan 18 - Cardiff (h)
Jan 21 - West Ham (a)
Jan 29 - Spurs (a)
GOLDEN BOLLOX 2-1-2010
E.ON Great Saves No.1: Bert Trautmann
FA Cup final, May 5, 1956
Goals from Joe Hayes, Bobby Johnstone and Jack Dyson saw Manchester City get their hands on the famous trophy for a third time. But it was the remarkable heroics of former Prisoner of War Bert Trautmann for which this FA Cup final will forever be remembered
Manchester City
Joe Hayes (3)
Bobby Johnstone (62)
Jack Dyson (64)
Birmingham
Noel Kinsey (15)
Wembley, Referee: Alf Bond, Fulham, Att: 100,000
Manchester City were leading 3-1 with 73 minutes on the clock, when Birmingham forward Peter Murphy outpaced his marker and looked certain to set up a grandstand finale. But Bert Trautmann had other ideas, as the City stopper came tearing out of his goal and dived bravely at the feet of Murphy to win the ball. Trautmann suffered a sickening blow to the neck from the right knee of Murphy in the process, knocking him unconscious. Several minutes of treatment ensued before Trautmann unsteadily returned to his feet and insisted on playing out the remainder of the match. Trautmann, clearly suffering from the clash, then proceeded to thwart Birmingham on a number of occasions, with his crowning glory a typically brave dive at the feet of Murphy which ensured the match remained 3-1. The stop was made all the more impressive when, three days later, Trautmann discovered he had played out the game with a broken neck.
Key Figures
Bert Trautmann
After serving as a German paratrooper during the Second World War, Trautmann was captured by the British and sent to a Prisoner of War camp at Ashton in Makerfield, near Wigan. It was there Trautmann honed his football skills in camp matches, first as an outfield player, before an injury saw him try his hand at goalkeeping. Trautmann proved a natural between the sticks and joined local team St Helens once the war ended, where he impressed so much that First Division Manchester City handed him a contract in 1949. Despite fierce opposition to the signing of an ex-POW, Trautmann soon became a fans' favourite and his heroics in the FA Cup final cemented his status as a City legend.
Peter Murphy
The forward had netted five times in Birmingham's run to the final, but could find no way past an inspired Trautmann at Wembley. Bearing down on goal with 17 minutes left, Murphy seemed certain to drag his team back into the match but didn't bargain on Trautmann diving head-first at his feet to prevent him from pulling the trigger. Despite Trautmann suffering immense pain for the remainder of the game, Murphy was again thwarted late on by the incredibly brave City stopper.
Did You Know...?
When Trautmann joined Manchester City in October 1949, more than 20,000 people attended a demonstration to express anger over the club’s decision to sign the former AXIS paratrooper. Fifteen years later Trautmann was handed a testimonial by City, where a crowd in excess of 47,000 paid tribute to him.
Trautmann was the first German to play in an FA Cup final when he appeared for Manchester City against Newcastle in 1955. A year later he became the first German to win the competition and, in 1956, was also the first goalkeeper – and foreigner - to win the Football Writers' Footballer of the Year award. In 2004 he was appointed an honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for promoting Anglo-German understanding through football.
What Happened Next
A few months after the final, tragedy struck for Trautmann when his first-born son John was killed in a car crash at the age of five. Trautmann was also forced to spend a lengthy period out of the game due to his neck injury, missing most of the 1956-57 season. He eventually managed to regain full fitness, however, and remained at Maine Road until 1964 - making 545 appearances for the club over 15 years.
This season E.ON is celebrating Great Saves - great energy saves at home and great goalkeeping saves on the pitch. To win an exciting range of football prizes, with everything from signed football and shirts to a set of four family tickets at the FA Cup final go to eongreatsaves
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/archive ... 71729.html
Cup king Roberto Mancini is targeting Wembley glory to add to his 10 Coppa Italias.
Mancini virtually owns Italy’s equivalent of the FA Cup, having won it six times as player with Sampdoria and Lazio between 1985 – when Graeme Souness was his team-mate - and 2000. He maintained his Midas touch as a manager and lifted it again with Fiorentina in 2001 and Lazio in 2004. His success with Lazio was the first of three consecutive triumphs as he went on to win it again in 2005 and 2006 with Inter Milan.
The Manchester City boss knows all about the tradition and history of the FA Cup and is desperate to get his hands on the famous old trophy. “I won the Coppa Italia six times as a player and four times as a manager with three different clubs and it would be great to think I could do that at City too,” said the Italian. “In Italy the cup is perhaps not taken so seriously until teams reach the semi final stages, but here it is different. “We are excited by the FA Cup. I know that in England it is a very important competition.” Mancini refuses to downgrade today’s third-round tie at Middlesbrough to concentrate on Wednesday’s huge Carling Cup semi against Manchester United.“We want to do well and to do that we must win at Middlesbrough,” he said.“I have told the players that they should not be thinking about the semi final either.“We must have full attention on the FA Cup and then prepare for the next game as soon as the final whistle goes.”
Pellegrini enthused by City fight
Manchester City Manuel Pellegrini hailed the character of his side after they kicked off 2014 by beating Swansea 3-2 to record a fifth-straight Premier League win.
Fernandinho had fired City into an early lead at the Liberty Stadium, only for Wilfried Bony to head Swansea level in first-half stoppage time.
But Yaya Toure put the visitors back in front with his 12th goal of the season and Aleksandar Kolarov got their third with an excellent solo goal.
Bony got his second in time added on to give Swansea hope, but City held on for the win.
City's previous visits to Swansea had ended in a defeat and a draw but, after a difficult period either side of the break, they recovered to claim victory on this occasion.
City have now dropped points in just one of their past nine games and this three points moved them top of the table, at least until Arsenal face Cardiff later this afternoon.
The result continued the recent upturn in City's away form and Pellegrini was delighted by the grit his side showed after Bony had equalised, a goal the Chilean felt had been offside.
He said: "I think the most important part of the performance was to score the second and the third goal.
"After the offside goal, Swansea grew and they had a lot of chances in the second half and we knew that it would be very difficult for us. But the team, the same as in other games, had the character to change it."
Pellegrini added: "That character is very important because at the beginning of the season we dropped too many points away.
"I think it's not good for this team to win just 11 points out of 27 in the first half of the season.
"Winning here, the first game away (in the new year), is very important for us.
"I think the key to the better away form was to continue playing exactly the same way we did at the beginning; we didn't lose the games against Cardiff and Aston Villa because we didn't play well. We made a lot of mistakes and conceded easy goals."
But Pellegrini remained coy on his side's title chances, despite extending their unbeaten run to nine games.
"We will try that is why it is important to win in any way you can," he said.
"We have difficult games away from home if we are to win the title, and difficult games at home as well. There are 18 difficult games and I am sure five or six teams will be fighting right to the end to try and win the title. The team that copes best will win it."
City are also understood to be considering playing a friendly in the United Arab Emirates against Al Ain on January 14, between Premier League fixtures against Newcastle and Cardiff, although an FA Cup replay could force the game to be scrapped or moved to a different date.
Swansea boss Michael Laudrup was disappointed to see his side's winless run extend to six games, but heaped praise on Bony.
The Ivorian scored his first goals since November 10, and his superb performance was undoubtedly his best since his £12million move from Vitesse Arnhem.
Lescott set for loan move: Spurs, Newcastle and Monaco keen on City defender
Manchester City are ready to let defender Joleon Lescott go out on loan this January.
The 31-year-old's contract is set to expire at the end of the season and he has found opportunities increasingly limited, with Matija Nastasic and Martin Demichelis frequently picked ahead of the England centre half.
Sportsmail understands manager Manuel Pellegrini yesterday informed Lescott that he will be allowed to leave on loan this month, as the player craves regular first-team football and looks to force his way into the reckoning for England's World Cup squad in Brazil.
Talks are believed to be underway with Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and French side Monaco.
Monaco may be City's preferred destination for Lescott, as they would be prepared to pay his full wages, while the others would require a contribution from City to make the deal viable.
It would also mean he wouldn't be playing for a Premier League rival.
Lescott has played 13 times this season for City, making eight league appearances. He has yet to be booked this term, or score a goal.
Turkish side Besiktas are also monitoring Lescott's situation.
Manchester City fighting Joleon Lescott transfer to Besiktas in January window
Defender is still expected to leave in the summer when his contract expires but Pellegrini needs him for Blues' Quadruple push
Besiktas claim they want to lure Joleon Lescott from Manchester City - but the Blues do not want him to leave the Etihad this month.
Lescott's future at City is unsure, and the England defender's £90,000-a-week contract expires in the summer.
City appear to be in no hurry to open talks over a new deal, and Lescott is now free to talk to interested clubs.
This has alerted Besiktas, and the Turkish club claim they have opened talks.
"We are negotiating with Manchester City over defender Joleon Lescott," said director Ahmet Kavalci.
However, City manager Manuel Pellegrini does not want Lescott to leave this month with his men challenging on four fronts domestically and in Europe.
Vincent Kompany has just returned from injury and Pellegrini does not want to weaken his defensive options by letting Lescott go - even though he will probably leave in the summer.
Arsenal need Manchester City stars Yaya Toure and Vincent Kompany to get injured if they are to win Premier League title, claims Gary Neville
The former Manchester United defender says the title is City's to lose - but the arrival of Dimitar Berbatov at the Emirates wouldn't do the Gunners' hopes any harm
Gary Neville says Arsenal's best hope of winning the Premier League title is that Manchester City lose key players to injury.
The former Manchester United right-back believes that despite the Gunners remaining at the top of the table after late goals secured victory over Cardiff yesterday, Manchester City are the team to beat this season.
Taking part in a Q&A session on Twitter, in response to the question: "What do you think Arsenal need to give them the best chance of winning the league?", the England assistant manager replied: "{Vincent] Kompany and Yaya [Toure] injured!"
Neville also confirmed that he agreed with Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho's assessment that the title is "City's to lose".
Manuel Pellegrini's side have moved up to second in the league, just one point behind Arsenal, after a strong run of results that has seen them win their last five league games.
The Sky Sports pundit also gave his views on some January transfer window rumours, including the suggestion Fulham striker and his former Manchester United team-mate Dimitar Berbatov could move to Arsenal.
"Berbatov to Arsenal fits for me," he said. "Awareness of runs / plays that extra pass and tempo in the last third would suit him." When asked if he was being serious, Neville clarified that he only saw such a deal as a "short term solution".
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]Arsenal are closing in on the £2m signing of Fulham's 32-year-old former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov. Sun
And the Gunners could also sign France striker Loic Remy, 27, after Queens Park Rangers player said that he does not know if he will return to Loftus Road after his loan at Newcastle ends. Times
Newcastle's £22m-rated midfielder Yohan Cabaye, 27, will only move to Paris St-Germain if the French club can offload players in the January transfer window. Sun
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to bring 18-year-old midfielder Mats Moller Daehli with him from Molde once he has been named manager of Cardiff City. Daily Telegraph
Jose Mourinho has left the door open for midfielder Juan Mata, 25, to quit Chelsea this month, despite insisting he doesn't want the Spaniard to leave. Metro
Manchester United are considering a club record bid to sign Juventus' Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal, 26. Daily Mirror
And United manager David Moyes is also closing in on Dinamo Zagreb's £6m-rated striker Robert Muric, 17, for a bargain £300,000. DSSC
Arsenal are preparing a January bid for Manchester United's Mexico striker Javier Hernandez, 25. Caughtoffside
Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis is lining up a £2.5m bid for Blackburn defender Scott Dann, 26. Daily Mirror
Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp wants to use the January transfer window to ease the pressure on 24-year-old top-scorer Charlie Austin. Daily Telegraph
West Bromwich Albion caretaker boss Keith Downing, 48, is refusing to enter the running for the vacant manager's job despite ending the club's poor run of form. Daily Express
Celtic manager Neil Lennon believes 26-year-old midfielder Joe Ledley will sign a new contract to stay at the Scottish Premiership leaders. Daily Record
Sacked Cardiff City boss Malky Mackay watched his former club Celtic kick off the new year on Wednesday with a 1-0 Scottish Premiership win over Glasgow neighbours Partick Thistle. Wales Online
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo will take on Paris St-Germain's Zlatan Ibrahimovic in a battle-of-the-superstars friendly in Doha on Thursday. DSSC
GOLDEN BOLLOX 2-1-2011
Man City want Chelsea youth chief Arnesen
Manchester City want to keep Chelsea’s departing director of football Frank Arnesen in England – raising doubts about Brian Marwood’s long-term future at Eastlands.
Arnesen, 54, will leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season and was being lined up to become Ajax’s new head of recruitment.
But sources in Denmark claim that he is now listening to an “interesting” offer from City. Arnesen would not contemplate anything other than a senior role.
Marwood oversees player recruitment at City, alongside chief executive Garry Cook. But the pair were criticised by Carlos Tevez when he put in a transfer request before deciding he wanted to stay at the club.
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak rang Edin Dzeko's representatives on New Year's eve to try and save the Wolfsburg striker's £30m move to Eastlands by offering him an improved £150,000 a week, still short of the £180,000 the player is demanding.Mail on Sunday
WAG OF THE DAY - Zaira Nara
The insanely beautiful Nara—an Argentinian model who bears a striking resemblance to Brazilian model Adriana Lima (the WAG of NBA player Marko Jaric)—is the WAG of Uruguayan World Cup hero Diego Forlan.
Interestingly enough, Nara's sister Wanda is the ex of former Argentina national team coach Diego Maradona.
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[/spoiler]more bollox soon