Friday, December 31, 2010

VACATION!!




I'll be back January 10.


Happy New Year!!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Five things we learned from watching the Premier League this week




Liverpool's Roy Hodgson must go now and Gérard Houllier's Aston Villa side are not too good to go down.

The Mill +




Thursday's Rumours




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England: Wednesday's Premier League Reports


Chelsea 1 - 0 Bolton
David Hytner at Stamford Bridge
Paul Hayward at Stamford Bridge

Wigan 2 - 2 Arsenal
Richard Jolly at DW Stadium
Paul Wilson at DW Stadium

Liverpool 0 - 1 Wolves
Tim Rich at Anfield

Grant Wahl: From Princeton to Pretoria, a year of fútbol across the world


The final days of 2010 are upon us, so it's natural to look back on the year in sports -- or, in my case, the year of soccer. It was a memorable year if you're a fútbol fan, and it was for me too. Here are some of my stories behind the stories, my memories of chasing the game in 2010:

Quotes of the Year


This year has seen Diego Maradona lead Argentina to the World Cup, Ian Holloway make his debut in the Premier League and Rafael Benitez reinvent himself as a poet.

ESPNsoccernet puts together a selection of some of the year's finest quotes.

"Messi can do some amazing things, but anything he can do Joe can do as well, if not better. I really fancy Joe for the [player of the year] award this season" - Steven Gerrard misplaces his confidence in new Liverpool signing Joe Cole (August)

"I'm not suited to Bolton or Blackburn. I would be more suited to Inter or Real Madrid. It wouldn't be a problem to me to go and manage those clubs because I would win the double or the league every time" - Sam Allardyce talks up his abilities three months before his dismissal at Blackburn (September)

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Carlo Garganese's Calcio Debate: 10 Reasons Why Rafa Benitez Was A Failure At Inter

With Rafa Benitez now gone from San Siro, Carlo Garganese dissects the reasons for his failure at Inter...

Spain: Guillem's Gold Stars




2010 was another vintage year in La Liga - and for the Spanish national team - and our resident expert Guillem Balague has whittled down the contenders and handed out his annual awards.

Football Review 2010

As the ice sets on another year of drama in the football calendar skysports.com's team of journalists recount all that has passed to dish out the gongs that really matter. 2010 was the year that the 'Special One' stole the coaching plaudits, Chelsea reclaimed their crown as English football's top dogs, England slumped depressingly in South Africa and Manchester City made light of these austere times to splash the cash. It was also the year in which super-injunctions became the must-have fashion accessory for any Premier League star worth his salt, while two declarations of dying love in Manchester dominated the column inches.

England: Wednesday's Premier League Previews




Chelsea vs. Bolton

Wigan vs. Arsenal

Liverpool vs. Wolves

The Mill +




Wednesday's Rumours




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Manchester City move for Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko



Manchester City are in talks with Wolfsburg over the transfer of Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko.

Reports in Germany have suggested that the Premier League outfit are now on the verge of signing the 24-year-old forward for a record Bundesliga fee.

England: Tuesday's Premier League Review & Reports

Manchester United regained top spot in the Premier League on Tuesday but there were no celebrations from Alex Ferguson after his team gave up another late goal in a 1-1 draw at Birmingham City. Earlier Mario Balotelli hit a hat-trick, including two penalties, to help Manchester City beat Aston Villa 4-0 and briefly occupy top spot. Spurs struggled to break down Newcastle until Aaron Lennon struck after 57 minutes but the Londoners were reduced to 10 men for the second successive game when Younes Kabul was sent off for a head butt eight minutes later. However, just as in their Boxing Day win at Villa Park, Spurs still went for it and got their reward when Gareth Bale scored their second nine minutes from time with another trademark run and low shot. Chris Baird had not scored a goal for almost four years but got two in the first 11 minutes for Fulham against Stoke to earn some breathing space for under-fire manager Mark Hughes as his team secured their first away league win for 16 months.

Review

Birmingham City 1 - 1 Manchester United
Kevin McCarra at St. Andrew's

Tottenham 2 - 0 Newcastle
Dominic Fifield at White Hart Lane

Manchester City 4 - 0 Aston Villa
Daniel Taylor at Eastlands

Norman Hubbard: Premier League Top Performers





Some Premier League playes have started as they mean to carry on. Top of their particular class at the half-way stage of the season are:

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Tim Vickery in South America

When he was first making his name with Santos, former Manchester City striker Robinho often spoke of his big ambition to be elected Fifa World Player of the Year.

True, he was seeking to place himself in a tradition of some of his illustrious compatriots, but even so I always found it a depressing declaration. For what it is worth, my view is that far too much attention is given to these individual awards.

In some collective sports the star can make the team. But football is so fluid that it can only happen the other way round - the great player emerges when the collective balance of the side is correct. The team makes the star - and 2010 provides us with some compelling evidence...

2010's Five Best Moments in U.S. Soccer

It's been a big year for American men's soccer. The national team surprised most everyone by winning its group -- with England, Algeria and Slovenia -- at the World Cup in South Africa. It also had a legitimate shot to advance to the semifinals for the first time since 1930, when a mere 13 countries participated. Although Landon Donovan & Co. fell just short against Ghana in a tough loss, it did little to damper the enthusiasm for the sport that gripped the U.S. during the tournament. Meanwhile, MLS took another big step forward, thanks to high-profile player signings and an exciting playoffs.

Here are our five favorite moments from a memorable 2010:

England: Tuesday's Premier League Preview & Predictions



Birmingham host Manchester United, Manchester City go to Villa, Stoke face Fulham, Sunderland welcome Blackpool, Tottenham host Newcastle, West Brom welcome Blackburn and Everton go to West Ham.

Preview

Lawro's Predictions

Americans In The UK: Boxing Day Freeze Out

Clint Dempsey, Fulham

Vs. West Ham United, 1-3, (54 minutes)

Dempsey started but was curiously removed after just 54 minutes. The removal of Dempsey sparked chants of “You don’t know what you’re doing” from the supporters, in reference to manager Mark Hughes. The 3-1 loss dropped Fulham into the relegation zone and Hughes’ job is seriously in jeopardy.

Next Match: Tuesday, away to Stoke, and Saturday, away to Tottenham.

The Rest

The Mill






Tuesday's Rumours

England: Monday's Premier League Reports & Analyses






Arsenal
3 - 1
Chelsea










Kevin McCarra at Emirates Stadium
Phil McNulty at Emirates Stadium
Richard Williams at Emirates Stadium
David Hytner at Emirates Stadium

Player Ratings

Cassano, Ronaldinho head for Milan training camp


Italy forward Cassano, whose move from Sampdoria will be made official when the January transfer window opens, was cheered by fans at Milan's main airport when he turned up in a Rossoneri tracksuit.

Norman Hubbard: Premier League Underperformers



As the season approaches the mid-way point, there are plenty of players with reasons to hope the second half goes rather better than the first. With "could do better" by their names in their managers' mid-term reports are:

Monday, December 27, 2010

Monday Night Football


Who:
Arsenal vs. Chelsea
When:

3pm EST

Where:
Emirates Stadium, London
U.S. TV:
ESPN2

Preview I
Preview II


Alan Smith:
Return of Cesc does not solve problems


Phil Thompson:
Arsenal will come up short again

Soccer Star Landon Donovan Wants His Soon To Be Ex-Wife To Cut The Check


Citing “irreconcilable differences,” Donovan is seeking spousal support from Kajlich, who appears on CBS’ Rules of Engagement. He is also requesting she pay his attorney’s fees.

Martin Rogers: Controversial Benitez shows up in Liverpool

The bizarre saga of Rafa Benitez and Inter Milan is soccer’s most compelling current soap opera, and the most outrageous plot twist of all could be yet to come.

Benitez was fired by Inter on Wednesday after a series of disputes came to a head last weekend, when he criticized owner Massimo Moratti in a public rant. Inter sent Benitez a message on Monday to inform him his actions were a breach of contract.

While the storm of acrimony swirled, Benitez took the extraordinary step of uprooting himself from Milan and returning to his former home in Liverpool. Benitez was fired as Liverpool boss at the end of last season, and there is no coincidence about the timing or location of the place he sought sanctuary from the controversy brewing in Italy.

The Mill +






Monday's Rumours




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Michael Essien receives a hero's welcome on his return to his hometown in Ghana




When Michael Essien was growing up, he was told that only “street boys” played football. In Ghana — a country that places huge value on education — the barefoot games, on scraggy, rock-strewn pitches in his hometown were seen as a distraction from the serious business of studying.

Freddie Ljungberg poised to sign for Celtic


The former Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg is due in Glasgow tonight to hold talks about a possible contract at Celtic. The 33-year-old has been without a club since leaving the Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire in October. Celtic officials have been keen to play down the notion that Ljungberg will be on trial, although he is expected to train with the first-team squad this week.

Inter, the Leonardo era has begun


The Brazilian has replaced Benitez, becoming the 15th coach of the Moratti era: he has signed a contract until June 30, 2012. On December 29 he will preside over his first practice as the head coach of Inter. Moratti: "His arrival is a slap in the face to AC Milan? I would regret it if it were perceived in that way"

Barcelona announce US trip


Barca's summer schedule is:

21 and 22 July: Audi Cup matches (Munich)

25 July: Friendly (Split)

30 July: Manchester United v Barcelona (Washington DC)

3 August: AC Milan v Barcelona (Miami)

6 August: America (Mexico) v Barcelona (Dallas)

England: Premier League Weekend Review, Reports & Analyses

Manchester United remain in charge at the summit after seeing off Sunderland, with Manchester City on their heels following victory away to Newcastle, while Wolves' home defeat to Wigan saw them fall to the foot of the table.

West Ham came from behind to beat Fulham as the Cottagers slipped into the drop zone, Tottenham won away to Aston Villa with just 10 men, new Blackburn boss Steve Kean watched his side come unstuck at home to Stoke and Bolton overcame West Brom at the Reebok Stadium.

Review

Aston Villa 1 - 2 Tottenham
Kevin Palmer at Villa Park

Newcastle 1 - 3 Manchester City
Louise Taylor at St. James' Park

Manchester United 2 - 0 Sunderland
Daniel Taylor at Old Trafford

Five Things We Learned

The Fifth Official



Players and managers hate Christmas, but we, the salivating footy public, love it. While we fill ourselves to the stitching with turkey, roast potatoes and, for the freaks among you, sprouts, all washed down with a concoction of wine, beer and port, the Premier League's finest have to put their chiselled limbs through the trauma of four games in ten days.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Happy Holidays!

Inter confirm Benitez dismissal





A club statement read: "Inter Milan and Rafael Benitez can announce that they have reached a mutually satisfactory agreement for the early termination of his contract.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Sid Lowe in Spain




The 5-1 win was the kind of brilliant that often goes unnoticed, the kind that destroys the clichés and facile assumptions.

Barcelona were brilliant at Espanyol. But this was another kind of brilliant.

Martin Rogers: Galaxy willing to work with Beckham

The Los Angeles Galaxy hope to reach a compromise with David Beckham over the England midfielder’s wish to return to Europe for a loan during the MLS offseason. Instead of allowing Beckham to embark upon a full loan which would see him play matches for another team, the Galaxy may permit him to train in Europe, like he did with Arsenal in 2007, which should be enough to keep him happy.

The Mill +




Tuesday's Rumours





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Americans In The UK: Snow Days




Only Stuart Holden and Jonathan Spector saw action last week as snow ravaged the soccer schedule across the pond.


The Rest

Americans On The Continent: Back in Uniform




It was a landmark day for Charlie Davies as he dressed for Sochaux for the first time since October after his terrible accident.

The Rest

Manchester City striker and Golden Boy award winner Mario Balotelli says 'only Lionel Messi better than me'






"There's only one that is a little stronger than me: Messi," he said. "All the others are behind me. I am delighted to receive the award, but who else would have won if not me?

Paolo Bandini in Italy




'Benítez is out,' proclaims today's Gazzetta dello Sport as Inter hog the headlines despite a Serie A weekend off.

Has Rafael Benítez picked a fight he has no chance of winning at Inter?

Raphael Honigstein in Germany




German football heroically defied the big freeze, while snood-infested, big-girl's-blouse-kind-of-leagues packed it in.

Bayern beat Stuttgart and the cold as Bundesliga delivers goal avalanche.

Guardian.co.uk readers' Premier League team of the season so far

Analysis of your player ratings for every league game so far this season ranks Bolton's Stuart Holden as the No1.

Readers' ratings team of the season so far (4-4-2) ...

Richard Kingson (Blackpool); Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), Leighton Baines (Everton); Samir Nasri (Arsenal), Stuart Holden (Bolton), Luka Modric (Tottenham), Rafael van der Vaart (Tottenham); Johan Elmander (Bolton), Andy Carroll (Newcastle).

England: Monday's Premier League Report




Manchester City
1 - 2
Everton


Richard Jolly at City of Manchester Stadium

Phil Ball in Spain

It's true that there's been a lot of focus on Barcelona recently, so I'll try to keep them to a minimum this week. Their 5-1 away win in the Catalan derby, however, warrants an early mention for several reasons - the least significant of which (perhaps) was the fact that they scored five again. It's the fourth occasion in this season's league programme that they've managed 'a little hand', not forgetting the extra three fingers for the eight-goal romp at Almeria.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Monday Night Football




Manchester City
vs.
Everton


Preview

The Mill +





Monday's Rumours




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Georgina Turner on Arsene Wenger

The sacking season is upon us. In the past couple of weeks, Newcastle has fired Chris Hughton and Blackburn Rovers has dismissed Sam Allardyce. It's difficult to believe that at least one more chairman won't mark the turn of the year by pulling the trigger -- Hughton and Allardyce were in mid-table, after all. West Ham's Avram Grant must be nervously running a finger inside his shirt collar.

Arsene Wenger is one manager who will lose no sleep fretting over a call from the office. Wenger, sacked? Unthinkable. So why are there Arsenal fans thinking about just that?

Team USA: January camp a chance to impress


Most of us gaze with only passing interest as U.S. Soccer begins each year with a national team training camp in January -- a month ranking low in domestic soccer happenings.

These January camps may serve a purpose, but they mostly fall into the category of "covering all the bases." It's an opportunity that most national teams don't get, so U.S. coach Bob Bradley happily takes advantage. These camps are all about MLS-based talent, along with talent from Scandinavian leagues on winter break. So the bulk of the ballyhooed difference makers won't be around.

However, maybe we should pay a bit more attention to the 2011 edition, a camp shaping up to be more intriguing than most.

Italy: Serie A Weekend Review




AC Milan saw their lead cut to three points as Napoli and Lazio both took advantage of a slip from the 17-time champions. Juventus failed to join Napoli and Lazio on 33 points as they were pegged back to a 1-1 draw by Chievo.

Review

Spain: La Liga Weekend Review


Angel Di Maria struck 13 minutes from time to sink Sevilla and lift Real Madrid back to within two points of Barcelona. On Saturday, Pedro and David Villa struck a brace apiece as Barcelona brushed aside Espanyol 5-1 in the Catalan derby at Cornella to end their city rivals' perfect home record in the league this season.

Review