http://youtu.be/wrbvqR_XcB0
We’re a day away from the newspapers shifting emphasis away from the week that was to the weekend that’s to come.
For that reason, we begin in traditional style, with a spot of transfer gossip from inside the back pages.
Today’s name to add to your list of rumoured targets is that of St Etienne defender, Kurt Zouma.
City are reportedly ready to rival Arsenal and Chelsea for the France under-21 international in January – that’s according to the Daily Mirror’s John Cross.
“Arsene Wenger is ready to do battle with Jose Mourinho over French prospect Kurt Zouma,” the story reads.
“Chelsea boss Mourinho is in pole position to sign Saint Etienne and France Under-21 defender Zouma and wants to land him in January.
“Manchester City are also watching
developments closely on Zouma, who
is rated as one of the best young
prospects in Europe but is banned until
February over a horror tackle that
broke an opponent's leg.”
...Daily Mirror...
Obviously, we’ll be the first to bring you confirmed transfer stories in the January window which is coming up in just a couple of weeks’ time.
Elsewhere in the papers that you’re waking up to, the Guardian’s Barney Ronay has penned an excellent tribute to James Milner after his heroics in the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night.
Ronay believes that the 27-year old’s masterful performance made a mockery of some of the criticism the Yorkshireman has faced at times in his England career.
“The anti-Milner bile has tended to be based on his performances-to-order for England in a rigid shuttle-running position on the right flank," Ronay argues.
“But against Bayern, operating from the more fluid role on the left of City's midfield that uses his relentless movement as a sword as well as a shield, this was a display of Total Milner.
“When City began their counterattack Milner's steadiness made him an excellent counterpart to the high speed straight lines of Jesús Navas on the opposite flank.
“As they began to dictate play he was
an intelligent, probing presence,
evading Philipp Lahm three times to
create City's goals and even showing in
the finish for the winner a hint of
un-Milner-ish arrogance, producing a
beautifully cushioned pass into the
corner that had a touch of the Agueros
about it.”
...Barney Ronay on James Milner...
That one is worth a read in full as it’s always refreshing to read one of the squad’s unsung heroes receiving the praise they deserve.
Meanwhile, new Wigan Athletic boss Uwe Rosler has called upon his players to summon up the spirit of City in Munich when they take on Maribor tonight.
The Latics must beat the Slovenian champions and hope Zulte Waregem slip up against group winners Rubin Kazan to progress to the knockout stages of the Europa League.
“My players can be inspired by what City did in Munich, and I will be mentioning it to them,' said Rosler, appointed on Sunday and in charge for the first time tonight.
"The result and performance was very important for English football and for City, who will build confidence from it.”
Good luck, Uwe!
Finally, the Champions League group stages were completed last night which confirmed the list of teams that City could potentially face in the knockout stages.
"Pellegrini’s men will definitely face one
of Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Borussia
Dortmund, PSG or Real Madrid who all
finished in top spot of their respective
groups."
Easy peasy, then...
Manchester City midfielder James Milner: We’re ready for anyone
JAMES MILNER believes Manchester City’s outstanding comeback against Bayern Munich will make the rest of Europe’s leading sides sit up and take notice.
City hit back from 2-0 down to triumph 3-2 against the holders, with the midfielder hitting the 62nd-minute winner.
Boss Manuel Pellegrini did not realise that Milner’s goal had put them within one of swapping places with Bayern atop the table and ensuring an easier draw.
The miscalculation means City, second in the group, will face one of the top guns in Monday’s draw.
But Milner said: “We’ll take anyone in the next round. We will just be concentrating on us. It’s going to be a tough team whoever we get but we’ll take confidence from this and know we can progress.
“It couldn’t be tougher than Bayern. They are the reigning champions.
“They’re obviously one of the top teams and have been the last few years. So to be able to come here and win is pleasing. Hopefully it shows the quality we have and gives us all a massive confidence boost.
“With them being champions, the manner in which we won was great.
“The way the game went with us being 2-0 down, and the character we showed to turn that around – it was pleasing to be part of that.
“I’m not sure teams will want to face us after that. We just need to concentrate on our own game. But it was a big boost for us to be able to come here and win our game and score three goals, because it’s important you can score goals in the knockout stages.”
Milner also believes the game could prove to be a pivotal point for England team-mate Joe Hart who has been out of the side after a dip in form.
The midfielder is sure Hart will bounce back even better and that national boss Roy Hodgson will have a stronger goalkeeper into the bargain.
Hart recovered from the shock of conceding two in the opening 11 minutes to turn in an accomplished display, the highlight of which was a point-blank save from Mario Gotze who beat the City offside trap. “Nothing has changed with him,” said Milner.
“Everybody has ups and downs in their careers. Nobody’s career goes in one nice straight line because you will always have peaks and troughs.
“It’s not easy when you’re in and out of the team, so to perform how he has when called upon is a great credit to him. He will come back stronger – absolutely. Not that you need this, and it’s not nice for anyone, but it makes you stronger.
“You learn from this sort of thing. And anything that your career then throws at you going forward, you can deal with.”
Pellegrini's Munich mistake is a scandalous cock-up that could cost Man City millions and millions', fumes old boy Hamann
Ex-midfielder says boss's gaffe has cost City a 'bye tie' against minnows
A 4-2 win would see City avoid Real Madrid and Barca in knockout stages
Pellegrini waited until 88th minute to make final substitution
Souness: 'It was one of the strangest substitutions I've seen in a long time'
Goalscorer Milner admits team 'thought it needed to be 5-2'
Jamie Carragher said: ‘He must know he can’t play any English team and the ones left — Barca, Real Madrid, maybe Atletico — could be massive’
Didi Hamann fears Manchester City’s ‘ridiculous and scandalous’ Champions League blunder in Munich will cost his old club millions of pounds.
City beat European champions Bayern Munich 3-2 at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday but did not send on leading scorer Sergio Aguero to chase the one further goal they needed to top Group D because manager Manuel Pellegrini thought his team had to score another two.
It meant that, rather than finishing ahead of Bayern on the head-to-head ruling following their 3-1 defeat by the Germans at the Etihad in October, City ended up second. They are now almost certain to be paired with one of the heavyweights of European football in Monday’s draw for the first knockout round.
‘It’s a cock-up,’ said Hamann on Wednesday. ‘It shouldn’t have happened. The whole City coaching staff haven’t covered themselves in glory here. It’s a poor effort.
‘They say the manager is only as good as his backroom staff. He must have had six, seven, eight people around him. For none of them to know and make him aware of the magnitude another goal would have is ridiculous and scandalous in a way.
Pellegrini unaware City needed one more goal to overtake Bayern
SKY SPORTS: You're 3-2 up, you've got quite a bit of time to get this goal which would have topped the group, were you not tempted to put on (Sergio) Aguero, your best striker?
PELLEGRINI: I was tempted if we scored the fourth goal of course, that's why I sent out Aguero to warm up but also I think that it was a risk to continue with (David) Silva, he can't play more than 70 minutes.
‘Even a player doesn’t go to the manager and say, “Bring Aguero on”.’
Interviewed by the radio station talkSPORT radio, Hamann added: ‘It looks like in the last 16 they are going to face Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona or Real Madrid.
‘City have a belief they have a chance of winning it but, if they’d won the group they would have faced Basle, Schalke, Leverkusen, Zenit St Petersburg or Porto. They’d have had a bye.
‘Bayern made £60-£70million by winning the Champions League. Going out at the last 16 could cost millions of pounds.’
Pellegrini’s lack of awareness was even more embarrassing because the club’s Twitter feed pointed out they only needed one more goal to go through as group winners.
Man City could have gone through with another goal, based on their head-to-head record against Bayern
The tweet read: ‘If City were to score another and win 4-2, we’d win the group! City fans roaring their team on . . . ’
However, James Milner, scorer of City’s third goal, believes they have proved they can beat any team.
Bayern were on a record 10-game winning run in the Champions League and had conceded just twice in the competition this season.
‘We’ll take anyone in the next round,’ said Milner.
GOLDEN BOLLOX 12-12-2010
Tevez last City match has been played (featuring Angry Ashton & OD)
http://www.mancityfans.net/mcfnet/viewt ... 19&t=36186
Tevez story breaks: The early bollox on the Tevez story
http://www.mancityfans.net/mcfnet/viewt ... 19&t=36186
Winning without Tevez: Is Balotelli the answer?
http://www.mancityfans.net/mcfnet/viewt ... 19&t=36141
Ashtons thoughts on Tevez (the cunt)
http://www.mancityfans.net/mcfnet/viewt ... 19&t=36179
***The OFFICIAL club statement*** (it has stars and is Official so no further comment is required)
http://www.mancityfans.net/mcfnet/viewt ... 19&t=36171
Kia - Tevez Agent under scrutiny
http://www.mancityfans.net/mcfnet/viewt ... 19&t=36181
Options for life without Tevez
http://www.mancityfans.net/mcfnet/viewt ... 19&t=36172
Tevez captaincy dialema
http://www.mancityfans.net/mcfnet/viewt ... 19&t=36170
A sadly neglected captaincy thread
http://www.mancityfans.net/mcfnet/viewt ... 19&t=36176
Tevez caption comp
http://www.mancityfans.net/mcfnet/viewt ... 19&t=36173
Forget the gloom have a Tevez giggle
http://www.mancityfans.net/mcfnet/viewt ... 19&t=36184
The ultimate Bollox
http://www.mancityfans.net/mcfnet/viewt ... 19&t=36174
Manchester City's George Evans open to extending loan deal
GEORGE Evans says he would love to continue his football education at Crewe beyond his current loan deal.
The highly-rated midfielder, aged 18, is at Gresty Road from Manchester City until February, but is already eyeing up a longer stay under Steve Davis.
He has scored once in seven appearances so far and he is enjoying the steep learning curve in what is his first taste of senior football.
"It's a fantastic club and I've really enjoyed my time here," he said.
"I'd definitely like to stay longer. All the lads have been class with me.
"I've got to keep seeing how it goes. Hopefully I can keep playing and keep playing well. I just want to do well for the team.
"It's been massively beneficial. I've been here for six weeks and I think I've definitely improved as a player and I'm really grateful for the opportunity.
"It's been a great experience and I want to keep it going."
Manager Davis has been as impressed with Evans' attitude as he has with his ability since bringing him to the club in October.
He said: "George has done fine. He's still learning the game of course. He's still only 18, a young boy really, but he's a very mature lad and he's great to work with. He wants to do well, he's very determined and he doesn't like missing training or football. He's got a great attitude and all the credentials.
"There are a few things he needs to work at, but I think he's progressing. He's improving each game.
"He scored a fantastic goal against Vale. He needs to build on that and get more goals, but his general play is good. He's becoming more competitive and we're enjoying having him here."
Evans is one of five loanees currently on Crewe's books, although keeper Neil Etheridge is receiving treatment for a thigh injury at his parent club Fulham.
Aleksandar Kolarov open to Italy return
Manchester City defender Aleksandar Kolarov has revealed that he hopes to return to Serie A at some point in the future.
The 27-year-old, who joined City from Lazio in 2010, has recently been linked with a move to Juventus, and reports suggest that his days at the Etihad Stadium could be numbered.
However, the Serbian international said that he is enjoying more first-team exposure under new boss Manuel Pellegrini.
"I have a contract with City until 2015 - I'm playing and I'm glad," he told Sport Mediaset.
"Someday I'd like to go back to Italy, it will happen when the time is appropriate.
"I have never had contact with anyone in the past, and I am always focused on City. I'm putting in the work and I'm playing more now. We'll see what happens in the future."
Kolarov has started in eight of his 11 Premier League appearances this term.
Why history suggests Arsenal’s trip to Manchester City could be a thriller
Growing up as a Manchester City fan, Arsenal were the one team I never had any expectations of beating.
I used to dread the annual trip to Highbury. It was a fixture that for many years struck fear into the heart of every City fan.
It was a place, for nearly 40 years, where we never got anything.
Finally, in 2012, City got their first win in North London since 1975. Talk about a bogey team! James Milner and Edin Dzeko scored the goals, after the latter had missed a penalty, handing us a 2-0 victory and putting quite a few ghosts to rest.
This weekend we face our old fores once again, at home thankfully, in one of the most tasty looking fixtures so far in the Premier League campaign.
To whet the appetite, I thought I’d look back on some of the most memorable moments the fixture has thrown up over the years.
Despite our overall record against them, City were competitive against Arsenal at Maine Road throughout the 1970s – at least up until the Malcolm Allison years.
In 1977, Joe Royle scored a lovely headed goal from a Dennis Tueart cross to hand the Blues a 1-0 victory in front of a massive crowd of 45,000 fans.
During the 1980′s we were saved from humiliation against Arsenal, as we went down to the second division on numerous occasions.
However, we actually beat them in the 1986-87 season, another relegation year for us, with Imre Varadi scoring twice and Paul Stewart getting one in a rare 3-0 victory. Arsenal went on to finish that season in fourth place.
We started the early 90s under Peter Reid in happier times.
In the 1991-92 season, fan favorite David White gave us a 1-0 win with a great shot against David Seamen after a Tony Adams slip.
This was a special day as Arsenal had the likes of Alan Smith, Paul Merson and Ian Wright starting up front.
We finished that season fifth for the second consecutive year. Arsenal pipped us to fourth spot by two points. I remember they played in that awful yellow kit, nicknamed the pizza kit!
It hasn’t all been plain sailing though, and Gunners fans will remember fondly when in 2003, under Kevin Keegan, they hammered us 5-1.
Thierry Henry absolutely ripped us apart, so much so he was applauded off the pitch by the home fans at the end, something that rarely happens at Maine Road. They were just so good, all you could do was admire the talent on display. Something that has recently started happening to us.
The day we beat them 4-2 under Mark Hughes at the City Of Manchester Stadium in 2009 is one of my favorite ever games.
For most it is best remembered for Emmanuel Adebayor’s over the top celebration, running the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the Arsenal fans.
As a City fan at that match I was ecstatic, not just because the Arsenal fans had been taunting their former player all game, but because we were destroying Arsenal and this was a feeling I wasn’t used to.
Nowadays it’s a different scenario. We’ve since won the league and regularly look superb at The Etihad.
We’ve annihilated teams this season and scored goals for fun.
Can we do the same against a very in-form Arsenal who sit top of the Premier League? Both teams play a wonderful passing game and this encounter on paper should be absolutely enthralling.
Champions League power rankings: Arsenal and Manchester United both drop a place
The Champions League group stage reached its climax last night and we now know exactly who's in the pot for Monday's last-16 draw.
Arsenal squandered their chance to top Group F by conceding two late goals against Napoli, while Chelsea's 1-0 win over Steaua Bucharest ensured that they finished as Group E winners and will - in theory - receive an easier draw.
The two Manchester clubs both finished their group stage campaigns with wins on Tuesday night, but Manuel Pellegrini's maths blunder took a slight bit of gloss off an incredible comeback against Bayern Munich, as City had to settle for second place in their group.
But how does that leave them in the Champions League power rankings?
Don't forget, the power rankings are done in order of anticipated likelihood to win the competition and qualify for the next round, taking into account both long-term results and recent performances. The root of them is that too much should never be read into any single result.
The root of them is that too much should never be read into any single result, and explanation on certain positions can be found below.
1. Bayern Munich (no change, 3-2 defeat v Manchester City)
Still a cut above the rest of the field, even if the curious circumstances of their game against Manchester City left them so conspicuously dropping their level. The question is whether that is something to be concerned about, or just an aberration that they can learn from in the long term as with the second-leg defeat to Arsenal last season. You would guess the former, but then few would have guessed the manner in which City came back.
2. Barcelona (no change, 6-1 defeat v Celtic)
Against Celtic, Barca certainly did not miss Leo Messi, and that was because of a statement display from Neymar. Attackers of that calibre are probably the only element Bayern Munich are missing, and the only element that can temporarily bring the Catalans up to the German side’s level.
3. Real Madrid (no change, 2-0 win v Copenhagen)
Carlo Ancelotti may have a fair few tactical and structural issues, as the opening few months of the season have occasionally revealed, but they also have Cristiano Ronaldo to solve almost any problem. He may have missed a penalty against Copenhagen but he still kept up that remarkable scoring record. Real's season may well come down to this crux: will their flaws eventually outweigh the Portuguese's brilliance, or can Ancelotti fix them in time to truly fire?
4. Borussia Dortmund (no change, 2-1 win v Marseille)
Not for the first time, Jurgen Klopp’s side overcome a significant difficulty to rise to the occasion late on - and in this case into first place, a factor that further changes the complexion of what had been a complicated campaign. Even beyond the gegenpressing and the charisma of the coach, that mental resilience remains their biggest strength: that strongly evident resilience. Dortmund may not be at their best, but they are capable of rising to almost any occasion.
5. Chelsea (no change, 1-0 win v Steaua Bucharest)
Jose Mourinho said on the eve of his side’s last group game that Chelsea are not yet at the level of Bayern and the two Spanish giants, and on this evidence it’s difficult to disagree. There just remain a few structural issues with this Chelsea side, which seem to bring up a new problem every few weeks. In the two defeats to Basel earlier in this group, it seemed to be the crucial link between defence and attack. How Mourinho could do with someone like Xabi Alonso pinning it all together. At the same time, they still found a way to do what they must and finish top of the group. That sense of unrelenting assurance is arguably Mourinho’s greatest trait, and is the reason why they remain so high here.
6. Manchester City (no change, 3-2 win v Bayern Munich)
Manuel Pellegrini may well have come in for questioning after the Bayern game - and a surprise squandered chance to finish first could well put City in trouble of going out earlier than they should - but that could be all rendered irrelevant if this win also represented a ‘coming-of-age’ in Europe. City asserted themselves and their football in admirable fashion, and a far remove from what happened in the same stadium two years ago. They are not at Bayern’s level, but they are a team to be feared.
7. Atletico Madrid (up two, 2-0 win v Zenit St Petersburg)
Having strolled through their group to first place, the key is how they stand up to stronger forces. At the least, they are unlikely to meet a side of such quality until the quarter-finals, and you get the feeling Diego Simeone’s side would relish such a challenge.
8. Arsenal (down one, 2-0 defeat v Napoli)
All of a sudden, the new Arsenal have suffered from a few of their old traits. Certainly, this is a familiar Champions League route, as they again finish second in the group and will now likely have to play one of the competition favourites. The real issue is not that unnecessarily more demanding challenge, however, but the manner in which it has come about. For the second time in successive games, Arsenal squandered a chance to make even more of a statement about this undeniably developing team. On Sunday, they lost the opportunity to go a commanding seven points clear in the Premier League. On Wednesday, they lost the chance to greatly ease their entire season, as they rather desperately scraped through. What’s more, there is the threat of an element of doubt creeping back in. The team have obviously made a step in quality this season. This game raised more questions over whether they have made the psychological step up too.
9. Manchester United (down one, 1-0 win v Shakhtar Donetsk)
At various stages in the first half, and particularly after successive home defeats, it seemed as if David Moyes’ side were in what Andre Villas-Boas described as “the spiral of negativity”. Nothing was going right. As has been the case in so many recent games, every attempt at something different backfired. Donetsk could evidently sense a fear. Consequently, even if this was not the most commanding performance, the key could be in the potential effect of Phil Jones claiming a win out of nothing. With nerves steadied again, Moyes and the team must build on it.
10. Paris Saint-Germain (no change, 2-1 defeat v Benfica)
It is just as well a forgiving group allowed PSG first place because, unless Zlatan Ibrahimovic is firing at 100%, they still look a little short of taking on the top sides. At the same time, no-one will want to face them.
11. Galatasaray (up 10, 1-0 win v Juventus)
Was this Roberto Mancini’s greatest European achievement? Given the start Galatasaray had to this group, and given the very fact they changed manager in the middle of it, qualifying for the last 16 deserves huge credit - not least for the resilient manner in which that late winner against Juventus came about. That illustrated a durability to the team, which is enhanced by the dynamic quality of players like Didier Drogba and goalscorer Wesley Sneijder.
12. Bayer Leverkusen (up five, 1-0 win v Real Sociedad)
The curiosity is why it’s so difficult to square the side that got thrashed by Manchester United with one who have qualified for the last 16 and already conquered Borussia Dortmund this season? Did they show the English champions too much respect? Either way, Leverkusen are themselves deserving of more respect than after that reversal.
13. Schalke (up seven, 2-0 win v Basel)
Displayed hugely creditable response to their difficulties in this group by doing the double over Basel, and will represent quite a complication for any finer side they face.
14. Olympiakos (no change, 3-1 win v Anderlecht)
Did enough to get into the last 16, and that will likely be far enough barring an upset. Awkward opponents but few will fear them.
15. Milan (down two, 0-0 win v Ajax)
It’s remarkable to think that the most troubled and dysfunctional Italian side are the only one of the three in the second round, but that is the nature of knock-out football. On the evidence of this desperate draw against Ajax, they will need a lot more luck to go any further.
16. Zenit St Petersburg (down three, 4-1 defeat v Austria Wien)
The first team in history to go through to the second round with just six points. As such, unlikely to go any further.
17. Juventus (down six, 1-0 defeat v Galatasaray)
There are a fair few teams in the last 16 notionally worse than Juventus but that’s not how knock-out football works. What’s more, the 1996 winners only have themselves to blame after giving themselves so much to do, and then leaving it so open so late. A regrettable campaign, but not the only Italian side feeling like that.
18. Napoli (down three, 2-0 win v Arsenal)
Rafa Benitez clearly has an aptitude for European football but, on this occasion, the ‘control’ which served him so well in the past could have cost him. How Napoli must lament the reserved manner they played the ball about having gone ahead at Arsenal, when a siege was ultimately required. A lost opportunity, and one of Benitez’s worst Champions League campaigns.
19. Basel (no change, 2-0 defeat v Schalke)
It remains hugely difficult to square a team that couldn’t beat Steaua Bucharest at all with one that has now done the double over Chelsea, but the discrepancy did mean they ultimately dropped out of the group after another defeat to Schalke. A good outside bet, however, for the Europa League.
20. Shakhtar Donetsk (down four, 1-0 defeat v Manchester United)
Sensed a certain trepidation at Old Trafford and initially suggested they were capable of something but, like in the group itself, failed to grasp the nettle.
21. Ajax (down three, 0-0 draw v Milan)
A young, growing side lacked the maturity to make a real opportunity count in the San Siro, but they can take heart from this campaign.
22. Benfica (no change, 2-1 win v Paris Saint-Germain)
Too little, too late.
23. FC Porto (no change, 2-0 defeat v Porto)
A hugely disappointing campaign and a deserved elimination.
24. Copenhagen (no change, 0-2 defeat v Real Madrid)
Bottom of the group, but not without being bolstered by some respect.
25. Celtic (no change, 6-1 defeat v Barcelona)
26. Austria Vienna (up three, 4-1 win v Zenit St Petersburg)
27. Steaua Bucharest (down one, 1-0 defeat v Chelsea)
28. Viktoria Plzen (up four, 2-1 win v CSKA Moscow)
29. CSKA Moscow (down one, 2-1 defeat v Viktoria Plzen)
30. Real Sociedad (down one, 1-0 defeat v Bayer Leverkusen)
31. Anderlecht (down one, 3-1 defeat v Olympiakos)
32. Marseille (down one, 2-0 defeat v Arsenal)
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]Chelsea will revive their interest in signing Wayne Rooney from Manchester United, with the 28-year-old's contract due to expire in 18 months. Daily Mirror
Tottenham are to send club-record signing Erik Lamela out on loan to Atletico Madrid, which could pave the way for Koke to leave Spain. The 21-year-old is wanted by Liverpool, Manchester United and AC Milan. Daily Express
West Ham want to sign former Newcastle forward Obafemi Martins to solve their problems in front of goal. The 29-year-old Nigeria international is currently with Major League Soccer side Seattle Sounders. Daily Telegraph
Arsenal are closing in on Real Sociedad winger Antoine Griezmann. The 22-year-old Frenchman is rated at £20m. Metro
Hull City want to sign Sunderland's 28-year-old midfielder Sebastian Larsson. Daily Mirror
Manchester United boss David Moyes is keen on Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke, 21, and was in the crowd to watch him play against Porto in the Champions League on Wednesday. Inside Futbol
Chelsea are keen to buy back midfielder Nemanja Matic, but the 25-year-old Benfica player, who left as part of the deal that brought David Luiz to Stamford Bridge, could cost £25m. DSSC
Chelsea are in pole position to sign Zouma, but Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been tipped off by his French scout Gilles Grimandi and could make a bid. Daily Mirror
Galatasaray midfielder Wesley Sneijder has ruled out a move to Manchester United. The 29-year-old Dutchman says he is happy to stay in Turkey. Goal.com
Ashley Young knows he has a reputation for diving but the 28-year-old Manchester United winger will not apologise for his actions.
Guardian
A fan has been arrested after Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and players were dazzled with a laser pen during the Champions League game against Steaua Bucharest at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. London Evening Standard
West Brom boss Steve Clarke has been told that he will have no money available to strengthen his squad in the January transfer market. Sun
Newcastle and Southampton will have to wait until the summer to move for Cheikhou Kouyate. The Senegalese defender, 23, is keen to stay with Anderlecht for the remainder of the season. Talkshit
Former Chelsea defender Dan Petrescu would like to manage in England when he eventually leaves Dynamo Moscow. Sky Sports Understands
Tottenham will use a revolutionary blood-spinning technique to try to get defender Jan Vertonghen, 26, back from his ankle injury before Christmas. Independent
Former West Ham manager Billy Bonds claims that the club need to sign a back-up striker even if Andy Carroll, 24, returns to action in the coming weeks. Talkshit
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti says his "office door is always open" if Angel Di Maria wants to sort out any problems. The Argentine midfielder, 25, has been linked to AS Monaco for a winter transfer. Marca
Paris St-Germain's sporting director Leonardo believes former Manchester United player Paul Pogba, 20, will become "one of the best midfielders in the world". Tuttosport
Chelsea could exchange their midfielder Kevin De Bryune, 22, for German club Schalke's 20 year-old Julian Draxler. Bild
A young mascot appeared to be in floods of tears as he walked out on to the pitch with Arsenal's Mikel Arteta ahead of Wednesday's clash with Napoli. DSSC
GOLDEN WAGVENT BOLLOX 12-12-2009
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]more bollox later
