Barclays Premier League Season 2011/2012

[ballsathome]

Saturday 27th August 2011

Barton debut delayed

New signing Joey Barton will have to wait for his QPR debut despite declaring himself available for Saturday's clash at Wigan.

The 28-year-old completed his move from Newcastle to west London yesterday, penning a four-year deal at Loftus Road.

Barton pronounced himself fit and available for Saturday's clash at the DW Stadium upon signing, but it now appears he was not registered in time for the game.

As a result, the midfielder's QPR debut is likely to come in two weeks against his former club Newcastle, which Barton knows will be a difficult experience.

"There is an important game at Wigan first and foremost then we will start concentrating on the Newcastle game after that," he told QPR Player.

"It will be strange. I have still got a lot of friends at the football club and spent four and a half happy years there. "It will be difficult but that is football.

"Ships in the night, that is the philosophy we live by and that is a prime example of it."

 

[ballsathome]

​

Transfer wrap: AC Milan take Aquilani on loan​

27 August 2011

​

Alberto Aquilani has joined AC Milan on a season-long loan from Liverpool, with a view to a permanent deal. The 27-year-old midfielder joined the Anfield outfit in 2009 for a fee of 20 million pounds from Roma, but never settled at the club, making just 28 appearances in all competitions.

He spent last season on loan at Juventus before the off-season signings of Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing made it clear he would not feature in manager Kenny Dalglish's first-team squad, despite impressing in pre-season. The loan deal will see him at Milan for the season, with Massimiliano Allegri's side having the option to purchase the midfielder if he makes at least 25 appearances for the club.

Aquilani will replace Andrea Pirlo, who joined Juventus, and Dalglish explained that his decision to allow the Italian to leave was down to family and his crowded squad. "It's a great move for Alberto," Dalglish told Liverpool's official website. "He's got his wife and kid over there. It was difficult for him here. When he came back his pre-season training was excellent. We gave him a few games, he did well in those games.

But the problem for us was trying to get him in the team. We couldn't get him in the team." "Obviously everybody wants to play and Alberto is moving over to a fantastic football club. He goes there with the best wishes of everyone and we hope it works out for him, because he was never a problem in any way, shape or form."

In other transfer news, Manchester City defender Dedryck Boyata has joined Bolton Wanderers on loan until the end of the season. Boyata, 20, won the Young Player of the Year award at City last season and has joined Bolton in the hope of gaining first-team experience.

Tottenham appear to be the likely destination for England midfielder Scott Parker, with West Ham manager Sam Allardyce admitting dialogue between the two clubs was ongoing in regards to Parker's future. QPR are set to sign Aston Villa defender Luke Young while Arsenal are rumoured to have made an enquiry for Hamburg winger Eljero Elia.

 

[ballsathome]

Sunday 28th August 2011

Chelsea sign Young Mexican Davila

Chelsea have announced the signing of Mexico Under-20 international Ulises Davila from Chivas Guadalajara.

The Blues have already recruited youngsters Oriol Romeu, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois this summer and have followed that with the capture of 20-year-old attacking midfielder Davila.

The diminutive Mexican has signed a five-year contract with the Stamford Bridge club.

Blues technical director Michael Emenalo told the club's website: "Ulises has been a highly-scouted player by a lot of clubs, and has made great progress in the last couple of tournaments we have seen him play in.

"We are delighted to have been able to get this deal done.

"Chivas is a superb club with a strong reputation in player development and world football, and we are confident Ulises will be able to continue his fast development to become an important Chelsea first-team player."

 

[ballsathome]

Sunday 28th August 2011

QPR sign Luke Young from Villa

QPR have completed the signing of Aston Villa right-back Luke Young for an undisclosed fee.

The 32-year-old becomes the second signing at the Rs since AirAsia boss Tony Fernandes completed his takeover of the club last week. Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton joined the west London club and Young has now followed suit by penning a three-year deal. "I am ready for a new challenge," he told the club's official website.

"There are big things that are going to happen at this football club and I am really pleased to be a part of it. "Myself and Joey signing here shows the intent of the club. "I am really looking forward to getting started and pulling on the blue and white shirt." Young begun his career at Tottenham, before spells with Charlton, Middlesbrough and Villa.

The Harlow-born defender has won seven England caps during his career and QPR manager Neil Warnock believes he is a great addition to the squad. "I've been looking for a defender with vast Premier League experience for a while now and Luke certainly fits the bill," he said. "He can play anywhere across the back four and that versatility will stand us in really good stead.

"Moving back home to London will also serve him well and I'm really looking forward to seeing him in action for us - he's got so much to give and his experience will be vital."

 

[ballsathome]

Monday 29th August 2011

Malaysia stars set for Premier League

Two Malaysian stars could soon be given a chance to prove their worth in the Barclays Premier League, according to new QPR owner Tony Fernandes.

Fernandes, a Malaysian entrepreneur who owns budget airline Air Asia, recently completed his takeover of QPR and has already promised to invest heavily in the club. However, it now seems as though he is looking to also introduce some Asian flair at the club, in the form of compatriot Safee Sali, who is regarded as one of the best players Malaysia have ever produced, as well as another unnamed player.

According to Fernandes, QPR manager Neil Warnock is aware of the talent the 27-year-old striker has, and is considering giving him a chance to prove his worth in person. "Neil Warnock saw tapes of Safee and he was very impressed," Fernandes told radio station Hitz.fm on Sunday. "We're hoping to bring him and one other over for a trial after the transfer period closes.

"The potential for a Malaysian [footballer] to be noticed is much bigger now that we are here in England." A huge stumbling block in Safee's potential move is the difficulty in getting work permit to play in England. The general criteria requires a player to be a regular of his national team who are ranked at least 70th in the FIFA rankings.

However, Fernandes is unfazed by the potential hurdle, and will handle it when the time comes. "We have some issues with the ranking [of the Malaysia national team] and work permit. [But] we'll deal with it when the time comes." Safee, who currently plays in Indonesa with Pelita Jaya, has scored sixteen goals in 31 appearances for Malaysia.

 

[ballsathome]

Monday 29th August 2011

QPR close to signing Wright-Phillips

Queens Park Rangers boss Neil Warnock believes he is edging closer to tying up a deal for Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Four clubs have had an offer accepted by City, with the England international having spoken to all of the interested parties. He is, however, believed to favour a switch to Loftus Road.
Warnock is confident he will get his man, with QPR working hard to get a transfer pushed through before Wednesday's deadline.

He is confident that his side hold all the right cards, with the chance to take in a second spell in the capital appealing to former Chelsea man Wright-Phillips. Warnock said: "We have made an offer and it's been accepted. "There are four clubs who have agreed and it's really down to the player.

"Joey (Barton) has spoken to him, I think they were room-mates at Man City so that might help. "I think the big draw for Shaun is going back to London. His mum is there and he's got a house there."

 

[ballsathome]

Monday 29th August 2011

Inter defender set for Newcastle move

Inter Milan full-back Davide Santon is in talks to join Newcastle, according to the player's agent.

The Italy international is under contract with the Serie A giants until June 2014 and is also a reported target of Roma.

"At this time there is no possibility that Santon can join Roma because right now the aim is Newcastle," said Santon's agent Claudio Vigorelli to Corriere dello Sport.

The 20-year-old has been with Inter since 2008 and made 16 appearances in all competitions during the first half of last season before going on loan in the second half of the campaign and making 11 league appearances for Cesena.

 

[ballsathome]

Monday 29th August 2011

Santa Cruz joins Betis on loan

Real Betis have confirmed the signing of Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz on a one-year loan from Manchester City.

Thirty-year-old Santa Cruz joined City from Blackburn in 2009 but has struggled to tie down a first-team berth with the big-spending Barclays Premier League club and returned to Rovers on loan for the second half of last season.

Prior to joining Blackburn in 2007, Santa Cruz spent seven years at German giants Bayern Munich having begun his career with Olimpia in his homeland.

 

[ballsathome]

Monday 29th August 2011

Biggest Premier League Victories

Manchester United's 8-2 rout of Arsenal today is one of the Premier League's most one-sided contests. Since its inception in 1992, the Premier League has been regarded as one of the most exciting competitions in world football. Breathtaking football that result in absolute thrillers have become something of a norm in England's top flight. Yet once in awhile, we bear witness to absolute thumpings, when one every thing just clicks into place for one side, and everything just falls apart for another. Here's a look back at some of the biggest trashings in Premier League history.​

Man Utd 9-0 Ipswich - March 1995

Andy Cole led the way with five goals, with Mark Hughes (2), Paul Ince and Roy Keane also netting for United against an Ipswich team who finished bottom at the end of the season.

Tottenham 9-1 Wigan - November 2009

Striker Jermain Defoe scored five times and Aaron Lennon, Peter Crouch, David Bentley and Niko Kranjcar also found the target, with Paul Scharner replying.

Chelsea 8-0 Wigan - May 2010

Carlo Ancelotti's side hit seven or more goals for the fourth time in 2009-10 against Wigan, who had defender Gary Caldwell sent off on the half-hour. Didier Drogba (3), Nicolas Anelka (2), Salomon Kalou, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard's penalty left Chelsea champions and on the brink of a League and FA Cup double.

Newcastle 8-0 Sheff Wed- September 1999

Alan Shearer bagged five goals - including two penalties - as relegation-bound Wednesday were routed at St James' Park. Aaron Hughes set the ball rolling, while Kieron Dyer and Gary Speed netted in the second half.

Nottm Forest 1-8 Man Utd - February 1999

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer came off the bench to fire four goals in the last 10 minutes in this rout of Forest, who went down at the end of the campaign. Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke each got two goals, with Alan Rogers briefly levelling matters for Forest.


PREMIER LEAGUE'S BIGGEST WINS

Man Utd 9-0 Ipswich - Mar 95

Tottenham 9-1 Wigan - Nov 09

Chelsea 8-0 Wigan - May 10

Newcastle 8-0 Sheff Wed - Sep 99

M'brough 8-1 Man City - May 08

Nottm For 1-8 Man Utd - Feb 99

Chelsea 7-0 Stoke - Apr 10

Arsenal 7-0 Everton - May 05

Blackburn 7-0 Nottm For - Nov 95

Man Utd 7-0 Barnsley - Oct 97

Arsenal 7-0 M'brough - Jan 06

​

 

[ballsathome]

Park snubs Lille for Gunners

29 August 2011

​

Arsenal will complete the signing of South Korea captain Park Chu-Young from Monaco on Monday. Park passed the second part of his medical at Arsenal's London Colney training ground on Sunday and has agreed personal terms after the Premier League club dramatically stole him from French champions Lille on Saturday morning.

"I had to make a decision between Arsenal and Lille. And the decision had to be what I want and won't regret," the 26-year-old striker said on arriving at Incheon Airport in Seoul on Monday to prepare for South Korea's World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on Tuesday week. Park's move to Arsenal, which will cost an initial fee of around three million pounds, has been endorsed by Cho Kwang Rae, the national team manager.

"He (Park) will playing many games in the EPL, he will be able to grow into a better player. It might be helpful for the national team," Cho said. Park did not show for the second part of his medical on Saturday morning after undergoing the first part on Friday afternoon. Lille officials discovered that his hotel room was empty, with not a word about where he had gone, and tracked him down at the Eurostar terminal, where Park told them he was heading for London to sign for Arsenal.

Park's u-turn has left a sour taste at the French club, who had fully expected to unveil him at the weekend after all but finalising the player's move back to Ligue 1 from Ligue 2, where Monaco were relegated last season. How long Park will be at Arsenal is unclear, as all able-bodied men in South Korea must begin military service for the country's armed forces before the age of 28. Unless the darling of the national team is excused service, he will have to leave Arsenal in 2013.

 

[ballsathome]

Transfer wrap: Cole lands at Lille, Parker makes Spurs move

31 August 2011

​

French champions Lille have secured the services of Liverpool winger Joe Cole on a season-long loan deal. The 29-year-old has made just 20 appearances for Liverpool since arriving from Chelsea in July 2010, and has not been used by Reds manager Kenny Dalglish this season.

With places in the Liverpool midfield harder to come by since the arrivals of Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson, Cole has opted for a loan move to Lille amid the lure of Champions League football. "With the arrival of England international Joe Cole, LOSC has clearly added to its squad both in quantity and quality," a statement on Lille's official website read.

"The club is pleased and proud that the challenges facing us and our project have attracted a player of this magnitude." Tottenham have struck a deal with West Ham to bring England international midfielder Scott Parker to White Hart Lane for a fee believed to be in the region of six million pounds. The 30-year-old Parker handed in a transfer request at Upton Park on Tuesday.

Parker joined West Ham from Newcastle in 2007 and won the Football Writers' Association’s Footballer of the Year award last season. Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Brazil defender Andre Santos from Turkish champions Fenerbahce. The 28-year-old left-back moves to north London for an undisclosed fee.

He will fill the void left by Gael Clichy who departed for Manchester City earlier in the transfer period, and Armand Traore, a Queens Park Rangers signing on Tuesday. Stoke look set to snare Birmingham striker Cameron Jerome after agreeing a fee with the Midlands club. Jerome, 25, scored three league goals in 34 appearances for Birmingham last season.

QPR have agreed a fee with Sunderland to sign defender Anton Ferdinand. Ferdinand, younger brother of Manchester United and England centre back Rio Ferdinand, becomes QPR boss Neil Warnock's third acquisition in the space of a week following the arrivals of Luke Young and Joey Barton.

Inter Milan's signing of Copa America winner Diego Forlan headlines Tuesday's Serie A transfer news. Uruguay stiker Forlan, 32, heads to the San Siro on a two-year deal from La Liga club Atletico Madrid, with whom he won the Europa League in 2010. Inter have not disclosed the transfer fee.

In the Bundesliga, Wolfsburg have signed Belarus midfielder Alexander Hleb on a loan deal from La Liga and European champions Barcelona. The 30-year-old former Arsenal player, under contract with Barcelona until 2012, has spent loan spells at Stuttgart and Birmingham over the last two seasons.

 

[ballsathome]

Transfer Zone

 

[ballsathome]

Latest Transfer News

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Brazil full-back Andre Santos, and and are closing in on German defender Per Mertesacker.

Tottenham have completed the signing of Football Writers Association Player of the Year Scott Parker from West Ham.

Recent reports indicate that Chelsea made a big money move to try to sign Franck Riberyfrom Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has admitted his club will not be doing any more business this summer.

New Liverpool signing Sebastian Coates has admitted that it was compatriot Luis Suarez who convinced him to join the club.

Vincenzo Iaquinta will not be looking to leave Juventus this summer, according to the striker's agent.

Samir Nasri insists Arsenal can no longer afford to spend big in the transfer market.

Charlton keeper Rob Elliot has completed his move to Newcastle for an undisclosed fee.

Wigan are in talks with Celtic about signing forward Shaun Maloney, chairman Dave Whelan has confirmed.

Joleon Lescott insists Manchester City can maintain their push for honours throughout the season and believes Owen Hargreaves' arrival will help.

Liverpool have completed the signing of Uruguay international defender Sebastian Coates "on a long-term contract" from Nacional.

Ligue 1 champions Lille have snapped up Poland striker Ireneusz Jelen on a free transferfollowing his release by Auxerre.

Liverpool have announced they have reached an agreement with French side Evian for the transfer of Christian Poulsen.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew finally got his hands on a new left-back tonight when Italian Davide Santon completed his move from Inter Milan to Newcastle.

Juventus have released Zdenek Grygera ahead of a move to Barclays Premier League side Fulham.

Eljero Elia has undergone a medical in Turin as he closes on a move to Juventus.

Lyon have completed the signing of French defender Mouhamadou Dabo from Sevilla, the French club have confirmed.

Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish is hoping to bring in two players - including Tottenham full-back Alan Hutton - before the transfer window closes on Wednesday.

Manchester United striker Federico Macheda could be set to join Newcastle on loan, according to the player's agent.

QPR are hoping to complete a deal for Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand.

 

[ballsathome]

New Gunners settle into North London

2 September 2011

​

New Arsenal signings Per Mertesacker and Yossi Benayoun are delighted to have joined the North London outfit. Mertesacker, 26, was one of four deadline day signings made by Arsene Wenger as he looked to inject quality into a squad that lost the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri in the transfer window.

The last-minute purchases were also a reaction to Arsenal's embarrassing 8-2 defeat at Manchester United in their last English Premier League match, with Mertesacker - a German international -pleased with his move. "Of course I did a bit of sight-seeing already," Mertesacker said of his visit to London.

"I also held up and tried on the jersey a number of times. But I've been cultivating the emotional connection for some time - as a young player I even walked around in an Arsenal jersey." "It brings back wonderful memories, and they all come together now, which I will address when I go to training or a match."

Germany boss Joachim Loew feels Mertesacker's move is a good one, indicating that playing football at Arsenal may help his national team hopes in the future. "I think it will be very good for his career," Loew said.

"In England especially at Arsenal, they play a very fast football, a technical very advanced football. So I think with his new coach, in his new team, Per will further develop as a player, as a person. So I'm very happy for him." Israeli Yossi Benayoun also joined Arsenal, signing a season-long loan deal from London rivals Chelsea.

"I am very happy, first, to join to a club like Arsenal," Benayoun said. "It's a big club, it's a good opportunity for me and a big challenge. And, well, when I finish with the national team I am waiting to go back and meet my new friends and start a new challenge in my career."

 

[ballsathome]

Hargreaves owns up to frustrations

2 September 2011

New Manchester City signing Owen Hargreaves has admitted his time away from football was 'incredibly frustrating'. Hargreaves, who signed for City on a free transfer, made just four appearances in the last three seasons for Manchester United as persistent knee and hamstring problems sidelined him extensively, almost cutting short his playing career.
​

But the 30-year-old is hopeful his problems with injury are behind him, after a gruelling pre-season. "It was incredibly frustrating," Hargreaves said. "I missed Champions League finals, I missed World Cups, I missed so many games that I'd have loved to be a part of." "It's difficult for people outside looking in. You think 'there's something going wrong there.

The guy is made out of glass,' but anyone who knows me and knows the way I play will know I take it very seriously. I'm very professional." In a bid to prove his fitness, the England midfielder posted a series of videos of himself exercising on popular website YouTube.

Despite not being with a club in the summer, he attracted the interest of Aston Villa, Tottenham and West Bromwich Albion, before signing with City after their bids for the likes of Mark Van Bommel and Daniele De Rossi failed.

"I've basically just spent all summer training and seeing improvements in myself, that I can work hard on a sustained basis that is demanded of a professional football player," he said. "I had made my mind up this summer, I just wanted to train hard and see how it felt. I didn't use an agent. I think in life you can't chase things, you just have to let things happen."

"I'm just happy that that chapter is behind me, and I'm looking forward to getting back to playing football and having a good time joining in with the lads and competing again. I'm looking forward to the future." Hargreaves could make his City debut against Wigan on September 10.

 

[ballsathome]

"Nasri killed Sneijder-Tevez swap"
According to Carlos Tevez's agent, Kia Joorabchian, Manchester City had offered his client to Inter Milan in exchange for Wesley Sneijder.

Blackburn Rovers confirm Yakubu signing
Blackburn Rovers have confirmed the signing of Everton forward Ayegbeni Yakubu.

Anton Ferdinand joins QPR
Queens Park Rangers have confirmed that they beat the deadline to secure the signature of Anton Ferdinand.

Arteta takes paycut to join Arsenal
Mikel Arteta was so desperate to join Arsenal that he accepted a huge pay cut to leave Everton.

Manchester United post record profits
Manchester United posted record operating profits of £110.9million for the past financial year.

Chelsea complete swoop for Meireles
Chelsea have succeeded in another last-gasp raid of Liverpool after completing the signing of Raul Meireles with minutes of the transfer window remaining.

Everton snap up Royston Drenthe
Everton have signed Dutchman Royston Drenthe from Real Madrid on a season-long loan.

Yossi Benayoun joins Arsenal on loan
Yossi Benayoun has completed a season-long loan move to Arsenal from Chelsea.

Bolton swoop for David Ngog
Bolton have completed the signing of Liverpool striker David Ngog, who has signed a three-year contract with Wanderers.

Blackburn sign Scott Dann
Blackburn have signed centre-back Scott Dann from Birmingham on a four-year contract.

Everton sign Stracqualursi on loan
Everton have signed striker Denis Stracqualursi on season-long loan from Argentinian side Tigres.

Peter Crouch seals Stoke move
Stoke have spent a club record £10million to bring in England striker Peter Crouch from Tottenham.

West Ham complete Bentley deal
David Bentley has joined West Ham from Tottenham on a season-long loan.

Darnel Situ signs for Swansea
Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers has completed the signing of Darnel Situ, subject to Premier League clearance.

Mikel Arteta makes Arsenal switch
Arsenal completed a sensational last-gasp swoop for Mikel Arteta as the transfer window slammed shut.

 

[ballsathome]

Saturday 3rd September 2011

2011/12 Premier League Squads

The Premier League have released the 25-man - or mostly fewer - squads for all 20 teams in England's top-flight.

Each club must have a squad containing no more than 17 players who do not fulfil the home-grown player criteria, with the remainder - up to a total of 25 - having to be home-grown. A home-grown player means one who, irrespective of his nationality or age, has been registered with any club affiliated to the Football Association or the Football Association of Wales for a period, continuous or not, of three entire seasons or 36 months prior to his 21st birthday (or the end of the season during which he turns 21).

Players under the age of 21 (for the 2011/12 campaign those born on or after January 1, 1990) are eligible over and above the limit of 25 players, which explains why the likes of Mario Balotelli are not listed at Manchester City even though he is a part of the first-team.

Everton named just 18 players - seven short of the maximum - in their official squad and - despite much speculation - Wayne Bridge, the out-of-favour left-back, was selected in Manchester City's squad of 24.

---

Arsenal: Almunia, Arshavin, Arteta, Benayoun, Chamakh, Diaby, Djourou, Fabianski, Gervinho, Gibbs, Koscielny, Mannone, Mertesacker, Park, Rosicky, Sagna, Santos, Song, Squillaci, Van Persie, Vermaelen, Walcott.

Aston Villa: Agbonlahor, Albrighton, Bannan, Bent, Beye, Clark, Collins, Cuellar, Delph, Dunne, Given, Guzan, Herd, Heskey, Ireland, Lichaj, Lowry, Marshall, S Petrov, Warnock, N'Zogbia, Jenas, Hutton.

Blackburn: Samba, Salgado, Nelsen, Roberts, Ribeiro, Dunn, Robinson, Bunn, Blackman, M Olsson, Formica, Petrovic, Givet, Pedersen, Nzonzi, Goodwillie, Grella, Vukcevic, Yakubu, Dann, Emerton, Goulon, Linganzi.

Bolton: Blake, Bogdan, G Cahill, K Davies, M Davies, Eagles, Gardner, Holden, Jaaskelainen, Klasnic, Knight, Lainton, Mears, Muamba, Obadeyi, M Petrov, Pratley, Reo-Coker, Ricketts, Robinson, Steinsson, Tuncay, Wheater, Ngog.

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, A Cole, Luiz, Essien, Ramires, Lampard, Torres, Mata, Drogba, Mikel, Malouda, Meireles, Bosingwa, Ferreira, Kalou, Turnbull, Sturridge, Terry, Alex, Bertrand, Anelka, Hilario.

Everton: Anichebe, Baines, T Cahill, Hibbert, Jagielka, Neville, Osman, Bilyaletdinov, Coleman, Distin, Fellaini, Heitinga, Howard, Mucha, Saha, Yobo, Drenthe, Stracqualursi.

Fulham: Baird, S Davies, Dembele, Dempsey, Duff, Etuhu, Gecov, Grygera, Sa, Hangeland, Hughes, A Johnson, S Kelly, Murphy, B Riise, J Riise, Ruiz, Schwarzer, Senderos, Sidwell, Somogyi, Zamora, Stockdale.

Liverpool: Jones, Johnson, Enrique, Agger, Aurelio, Suarez, Gerrard, Carroll, Rodriguez, Kuyt, Downing, Spearing, Carragher, Reina, Adam, Doni, Skrtel, Lucas, Bellamy.

Manchester City: Richards, Hart, Taylor, Lescott, Barry, Milner, A Johnson, Clichy, Pantilimon, Zabaleta, Kompany, K Toure, Kolarov, De Jong, Y Toure, Silva, Nasri, Dzeko, Tevez, Aguero, Onuoha, Bridge, Nielsen, Hargreaves.

Manchester United: Evra, Ferdinand, Evans, Owen, Anderson, Berbatov, Rooney, Giggs, Smalling, JS Park, Hernandez, Vidic, Carrick, Nani, Young, Cleverley, Fletcher, Valencia, Gibson, Kuszczak, MB Diouf, Lindegaard.

Newcastle: Ameobi, Ba, Ben Arfa, Best, Cabaye, Coloccini, Elliot, Guthrie, Gutierrez, Harper, Krul, Lovenkrands, Marveaux, Obertan, Perch, Simpson, Smith, S Taylor, R Taylor, Tiote, Williamson.

Norwich: Ruddy, Martin, Drury, B Johnson, Morison, Whitbread, Crofts, Vaughan, Holt, Jackson, Surman, Pilkington, Hoolahan, Fox, Martin, Bennett, Lappin, Barnett, Ward, Tierney, De Laet, Naughton, Wilbraham.

QPR: Kenny, Orr, Hill, Derry, Hall, Gabbidon, Taarabt, K Dyer, Campbell, Bothroyd, Faurlin, Mackie, Traore, Buzsaky, Perone, Connolly, Barton, L Young, Smith, Helguson, Cerny, B Murphy, Wright-Phillips, A Ferdinand, Puncheon.

Stoke: Arismendi, Begovic, Crouch, Delap, Diao, Etherington, Fuller, Higginbotham, Huth, K Jones, Nash, Palacios, Pennant, Shawcross, Shotton, Sidibe, Sorensen, Upson, Walters, Whelan, Whitehead, Wilkinson, Wilson, Woodgate, Jerome.

Sunderland: Bardsley, Bramble, Brown, F Campbell, Carson, Cattermole, Colback, Bendtner, C Gardner, Larsson, Richardson, Turner, O'Shea, Vaughan, Westwood, Elmohamady, Gyan, Mignolet, Sessegnon, McClean, Meyler, Angeleri, Gordon, Kilgallon, Nosworthy.

Swansea: Vorm, Williams, N Taylor, Tate, Bodde, Britton, Stabilin, C Beattie, Graham, Sinclair, N Dyer, Dobbie, Routledge, Monk, Cotterill, Lita, L Moore, Moreira, Rangel, Agustien, Gower, Butler, Tremmel.

Tottenham: Friedel, Gomes, Cudicini, Assou-Ekotto, Dawson, Gallas, King, Kaboul, Bassong, Corluka, Lennon, Livermore, Huddlestone, Modric, Kranjcar, Bale, Pavlyuchenko, Defoe, Van Der Vaart, Sandro, Adebayor, Pienaar, Dos Santos, Alnwick, Parker.

West Brom: Bednar, Brunt, Cox, Dorrans, Fortune, Foster, Fulop, Gera, Jara, B Jones, Long, McAuley, Morrison, Mulumbu, Odemwingie, J Olsson, Reid, Scharner, Shorey, Tamas, Thomas, Tchoyi, Daniels.

Wigan: Kirkland, Pollitt, Watson, Boyce, Caldwell, D Jones, Thomas, McArthur, Gomez, Rodallega, Diame, Figueroa, Gohouri, Alcaraz, Di Santo, Al-Habsi, Stam, Lopez, Sammon, Maloney, Crusat.

Wolves: Hennessey, Elokobi, Edwards, Stearman, Craddock, Kightly, Henry, Ebanks-Blake, Fletcher, Ward, Hunt, Ikeme, R Johnson, Berra, Jarvis, Vokes, Hammill, Milijas, Zubar, O'Hara, Doyle, Foley, Guedioura.

 

[ballsathome]

Woodgate keeps faith in Crouch
Jonathan Woodgate has backed new Stoke team-mate Peter Crouch to make a rapid return to the international stage.

Dos Santos angry at Tottenham
Giovani Dos Santos admits he has been left 'disappointed and angry' after failing to secure a move away from Tottenham Hotspur before the close of the transfer window.

Man United coach writes off Chelsea
Manchester United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen has branded Chelsea's squad 'too old' to provide any real competition for the Premier League title this season.

Gerrard planning Reds comeback
Steven Gerrard is eyeing the Barclays Premier League clash with Tottenham in a fortnight's time as a possible comeback for Liverpool.

Spurs stung by VDV hamstring tear
Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has been ruled out for six weeks after suffering a hamstring tear, his club have said.

Report: QPR plot deal for Beckham
QPR's new owner Tony Fernandes is planning a sensational swoop for former England captain David Beckham, according to reports.

Llambias defends Newcastle policy
Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias has defended the club's failure to sign a striker on the final day of the transfer window.

Tevez: It's love-hate with Mancini
Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez admits he has a love-hate relationship with boss Roberto Mancini.

Mancini admits De Rossi interest
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini admits he is a fan of Daniele De Rossi, but doubts that he will ever be able to lure him away from Roma.

Meireles: I did not betray Liverpool
Portugal midfielder Raul Meireles has rejected claims that he betrayed Liverpool by joining Chelsea on the transfer deadline day.

Rodwell ready to shine for Everton
Jack Rodwell has insisted he is finally ready to step up for club and country this season.

Borini agent reveals Liverpool interest
Fabio Borini's agent claims Liverpool expressed an interest in him before he moved to Roma.

Villa failed in bid for Davis return
Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has confirmed he made an unsuccessful attempt to bring Rangers midfielder Steven Davis back to the club.

Tevez ready for Man City action
Carlos Tevez says he expects to return to action for Manchester City again soon having looked to be on his way out of the club this summer.

Hernandez: I'm feeling older at United
Javier Hernandez is starting to feel like an elder statesman at Manchester United - but acknowledges that youthful exuberance is good for the club.

Fabregas pained by Arsenal spanking
Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has spoken of his 'suffering' at seeing the Gunners thrashed 8-2 at Old Trafford.

Lyon: Arsenal made bid for Gourcuff
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas claims that Arsenal made a late bid for Yoann Gourcuff before deadline day.

Arteta: I will fit in at Arsenal
Mikel Arteta is confident he can fit right in at Arsenal as they look to finally deliver some long overdue success in 2012.

Toure to return a new Citizen
Manchester City defender Kolo Toure hopes to return a new player after completing his ban for failing a drugs test.

Liverpool give Coates time to settle
Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates will be given plenty of time to settle into his new surroundings.

Essien confident of quick recovery
Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien believes he is recovering well from his latest knee injury.

Ferguson, Dzeko receive BPL plaudits
Both the Barclays Player and Manager of the Month of August awards will be heading to Manchester.

Djourou unrepentant about United loss
Despite enduring a 8-2 thrashing at the hands of Manchester United, Arsenal's Johan Djourou said he had a "smile on his face".

Jenas ready to move on at Villa
Jermaine Jenas is looking to rediscover his best form at Aston Villa after moving from Tottenham on a season-long loan.

Neville: England's WC loss inevitable
Gary Neville believes not even Sir Alex Ferguson would have helped England win last year's World Cup.

Wilshere returns to light training
After suffering an ankle injury that has kept him out of Arsenal's Barclays Premier League season so far, Jack Wilshere is ready to begin light training.

Lucho: Arsenal wanted to sign me
Marseille midfielder Lucho Gonzalez has admitted that Arsenal were keen on signing him during the summer transfer window.

"Torres will fire for Chelsea soon"
Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge believes that team-mate Fernando Torres will hit the back of the net sooner than later.

 

[ballsathome]

Monday 5th September 2011

Tevez in shock binge eating confession

Carlos Tevez has made the shocking confession that a bout of depression led to him binge eating which forced him into a clinic this summer.

The 27-year-old had expressed a desire to leave Eastlands this summer but saw a deal to Brazil outfit Corinthians fail to materialise. Inter Milan were also reportedly interested in City's talisman but a swap deal involving the talented playmaker Wesley Sneijder was reportedly rejected by City.

His fortunes with his national team fared little better as he missed a penalty against Uruguay in the Copa America quarter-finals. However, the former West Ham and Manchester United marksman has now revealed the anguish of his transfer saga and how the fans turned on him. "I'm not the s**t that they say I am," he told The People.

"I had a personal crisis this summer. I put on five or six kilos and had to check into a clinic. I was depressed and so I ate and ate. "Only my family and friends know this. People can criticise me if I don't play well, but they can't say 'He missed a penalty so the coach would be sacked.' It's the bad feeling towards me that I can't stand."

 

[ballsathome]

Chamberlain wants to star for Arsenal
Arsenal's summer signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is looking to impress manager Arsene Wenger in a bid to win first-team football.

Bramble: I'm no Sunderland gamble
Titus Bramble is ready to fill the boots of Anton Ferdinand after the defender left Sunderland for Queens Park Rangers.

Heskey keen to extend Villa career
Emile Heskey has expressed a desire to stay at Aston Villa beyond the final year of his contract.

Smalling's start to season a 'dream'
Manchester United defender Chris Smalling admits his performances so far in the new season has exceeded all his expectations.

Luiz ready to make Chelsea impact
After an interrupted start to the new Barclays Premier League season, David Luiz is ready to reclaim his place in Chelsea's starting eleven.

Arsenal confirm Wilshere injury blow
Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere faces a further two months out of action due to the ankle injury which has blighted his summer.

Carragher: Exciting times at Liverpool
Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes his side are at the strongest in years and will give their rivals a run for their money this season.

Neville: No point in Fergie replacement
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes that there is no point in planning for Sir Alex Ferguson's successor as Manchester United manager yet.

Determined Toure set for comeback
Kolo Toure will return to Premier League action with a determination to prove what he already knows - that he can perform without diet pills.

Walcott happy with Arsenal signings
Theo Walcott watched Arsenal's mad dash for new recruits unfold on transfer deadline day with a mixture of shock and excitement.

Cahill keep things in perspective
Bolton defender Gary Cahill has matters in perspective after his life-threatening experience 18 months ago.

Ballack backing for Ancelotti's abilities
Michael Ballack has praised the abilities of former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti who was sacked by the club at the end of last season.

Ferguson: Chelsea pose big threat
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has conceded that Chelsea pose a "big threat" to his side's title defence this season.