Funny Goalkeeper

Lampard attacks the defence

Frank Lampard warned his team-mates they cannot afford any more basic defensive errors against Manchester United.

The Blues' indifferent form in recent weeks has seen them slip three points behind leaders Liverpool at the Barclays Premier League's summit.

Defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday could leave them six points adrift of the Reds who face struggling Stoke.

Chelsea have been working on defending from set-pieces in training this week as coach Luiz Felipe Scolari attempts to stamp out errors that are beginning to cost his team dearly.

"The errors have been very frustrating for everyone involved because we do work on them in training anyway," Lampard said.

"Sometimes it has been an individual error or a collective one, but it has been very important because we have dominated the last two games and we lost out on a set-piece in the final minute each time.

"We can't afford to let that happen against a team of Manchester United's calibre."

Chelsea have conceded costly goals against Liverpool, Roma, Arsenal, Bordeaux and West Ham during the past three months.

Late goals in their last two games against Fulham and Southend have increased Scolari's concerns.

Chelsea squandered 15 chances to kill of plucky Southend in their FA Cup third-round tie last weekend and Scolari initially focused on their poor finishing.

However, the Brazilian coach has now turned his attentions to the opposite end of the pitch with more emphasis on defending free-kicks, throw-ins and corners.

Clint Dempsey was unmarked when he headed an unlikely last-gasp equaliser for Fulham and Ricardo Carvalho's poor header allowed Peter Clarke to earn Southend a third-round replay at Roots Hall next week.

Scolari has now added England Under-21 defender Michael Mancienne to his squad after a two-month loan spell with Wolves.

The Brazilian wants the youngster, who turned 21 yesterday, to remain part of his first-team squad.

But Mancienne has not ruled out a further loan period in the build-up to the Under-21 European Championships this summer.

Mancienne is certain to be part of England's squad for the competition and he said: "I need match fitness coming up to the Championships.

"But I am now where I wanted to be at 21 - around the Chelsea first team but also playing first-team football as well by going on loan and getting experience.

"I have the experience now of playing pressure football, football with lots of fans and the expectation to win games, so that has matured my game."

Chelsea will welcome back captain John Terry for the trip to Old Trafford. The defender has missed the last three games through suspension after being sent off against Everton.

Midfielder Michael Ballack is also available again after serving a one-match ban against Southend in the FA Cup.

(espnstar.com)

Martin wants fans to lift Villa

Martin O'Neill believes the Aston Villa supporters can help carry them towards Champions League qualification.

Villa are currently fourth in the Barclays Premier League and in a dogfight with Arsenal for a top four spot.

And ahead of the local derby with West Brom this weekend, O'Neill told AVTV: "I am sure it will be a great atmosphere on Saturday.

"From here on in, if we can keep the momentum going, I can imagine Villa Park being really vibrant.

"The fans have been tremendous. And it's great to know they are firmly behind us."

Everton striker Victor Anichebe is keen for an injury-free run until the end of the season after making his comeback from a back problem in the FA Cup victory against Macclesfield.

Ahead of Hull's visit, he told evertonTV: "I just need to get all these injuries behind me and hopefully 2009 will be a good year for myself and the club.

"I'm just looking to get my head down and work hard and see what the year brings for me."

Midfielder Dean Marney believes eighth-placed Hull are capable of getting back to winning ways at Goodison Park after losing their last three Premier League games.

He said: "It has been a difficult period for everyone and from a personal point of view I've been disappointed - but after a 5-1 defeat (at Manchester City) the manager is always going to make changes.

"But we have come back to where we were at the beginning of the season, working hard and being hard to beat. Maybe we got a bit open and teams were exploiting that."

Portsmouth manager Tony Adams has been given a timely boost ahead of tomorrow's visit of Manchester City with the assurance he will not have to sell any more of his star players.

Lassana Diarra and Jermain Defoe have already left the club with others linked with moves but executive chairman Peter Storrie said: "Let's make it abundantly clear, there will be no more players sold.

"We do not to sell any more players. Jermain wanted to go so he went and I can assure you he is the only one."

Wigan manager Steve Bruce is confident his back-up goalkeepers can cope in the absence of injured number one Chris Kirkland.

Kirkland suffered a groin injury in the warm-up before the Bolton clash on December 28 and Bruce has played both Mike Pollitt and Richard Kingson in the two subsequent games.

Bruce, whose side play Tottenham on Sunday, said: "The injury shows why you need to carry three goalkeepers in the Premier League - you need sufficient cover. We've got two good back-up keepers in Pollitt and Kingson."

Gareth Southgate does not believe Tottenham would have been the right move for Stewart Downing even if Middlesbrough had been prepared to let him go.

The Teessiders this week rejected a transfer request from the 24-year-old after rebuffing two bids from the Londoners, insisting they will not sell any of their better players.

Southgate said: "We don't feel it is in the interests of our football club to accept that (bid) - or actually, in the interests of Stewart, if I am to be honest, because I think it wouldn't look good for him to leave this club at this time.

"There is a certain level where, if he was going to leave this football club, he should go to."

Boro host Sunderland this weekend with Black Cats boss Ricky Sbragia admits the transfer window has come too early in his reign.

The 52-year-old Scot, who was appointed permanent manager between Christmas and New Year, is having to balance the process of trying to drag his side away from the Barclays Premier League relegation zone with the search for reinforcements this month.

However, he will not be panicked into buying before he has been able to make a personal assessment of his targets.

He said: "I could have done without it [the window]. It has come probably too early for me.

"The one thing I want to do, if I want to bring players in, I want to have seen them play. That's important."

Matthew Etherington is eager to savour the Britannia Stadium experience tomorrow when Stoke face Liverpool.

The 27-year-old midfielder looks certain to make his debut after signing a three and half year deal following his move from West Ham.

Etherington watched on TV when Stoke entertained Manchester United on Boxing Day and was amazed at the passion of the supporters.

He said: "I cannot wait to face Liverpool as I am looking forward to playing in front of those fans.

"I saw the game against Manchester United and the atmosphere was unbelievable."

Steve Harper is tipping Newcastle team-mate Obafemi Martins to be back in action within weeks of his visit to renowned specialist Dr Ulrike Muschaweck, who also operated on the Newcastle goalkeeper's hernia.

The 33-year-old travelled to Germany himself in November 2006 for a similar operation and was available again within a matter of weeks.

Harper said: "Our medical staff at Newcastle United are second to none, and if they are sending Oba out to Germany to see Dr Muschaweck, it's because she is the best at what she does in the world."

He added: "Hopefully, now Oba is going over there, it's a good thing. It won't be long before he is back on the pitch and scoring goals for Newcastle."

The Magpies host West Ham tomorrow.

Bolton travel to Arsenal tomorrow aiming to put another dent in the Gunners' fading Barclays Premier League title aspirations.

Trotters boss Gary Megson admits the Londoners will be red-hot favourites to collect all three points but he sees no reason why his side cannot record a shock victory.

Megson said: "We expect a good performance and that the level we play at competes with Arsenal.

"We always try to do our very best against whoever we play against.

"I know that the bookies won't expect us to go down there and get anything, but that's not what we expect ourselves."

Tomorrow's other game sees Fulham host Blackburn.

(espnstar.com)

Lucas hungry for bigger lead

Liverpool midfielder Lucas has urged his team-mates to give themselves a six points lead at the top of the table.

Third-placed Manchester United host Chelsea, currently second, 24 hours after the leaders go to Stoke.

Given the Reds' impressive away record this season - they have won seven of their 10 league matches on the road - Lucas believes they cannot afford to drop points this weekend.

"We want to win because we want to stay on top of the league," said the Brazil midfielder. "Each point will be really important for us in the race for the title.

"We have confidence and we have quality. We are producing some good performances and we are playing well as a team. We feel we can beat anyone.

"Liverpool have waited a long time to win the Premier League title and now we have a chance to win it.

"Christmas was a crucial time for us with a lot of games in a row but we got a lot of points which was good.

"If we can win on Saturday we can relax and then see what happens in the other game."

Lucas watched from the bench as Stoke frustrated Liverpool at home in a goalless draw back in September and knows it will not be easy at the Britannia Stadium tomorrow.

"We had a difficult game against them at Anfield when we could only draw which was very frustrating," said Lucas.

"Hopefully we will have more space on Saturday to pass the ball well and create more chances and put them away.

"In the game at Anfield we had about 70% of the possession but it was really difficult to break them down because they were really narrow.

"They are near the bottom of the table so they will be trying to get the points but we will be ready for the game and we know what we have to do."

With Xabi Alonso doubtful with a foot injury Lucas could return to the starting line-up after dropping to the bench for last week's FA Cup victory at Preston despite impressing in the 5-1 win at Newcastle.

"I think that was my best performance for Liverpool," said Lucas of his Newcastle display.

"I think I am improving a lot and I have got confidence. I always try to improve in every game and try to take my chance.

"When you get your chance you have to take it, because with the quality of players we have here you know if you drop your level it will be more difficult to get another chance."

(espnstar.com)

Lazio set to sell Zarate?

Manchester City have made a stunning 30m pound bid for Lazio's prolific Argentine striker Mauro Zarate.

The Manchester side have been in the news since the January transfer window opened due to their cash rich Dubai owners, with players such as Gianluigi Buffon, David Trezeguet and even Kaka being rumoured to be in their sights.

Mark Hughes' attacking options have given him little joy with his summer signing, Jo, still yet to adapt to the English style of play.

Zarate, who has already played in England for Birmingham City, will prove to be a great addition with his strong physique and direct style of play.

"The only way Lazio would part with Mauro at the moment is through a loan, but even that is highly unlikely," Lazio official Alberti told Novantesimo.it.

"It is true that Manchester City have contacted the club, and are interested in signing our striker this month.

"The Arab who owns the property is very interested actually, as he knows of Zarate from his time at Al-Sadd," he added.

"A month ago they spoke to the club, and they told me that their interests from the Serie A were [Gianluigi] Buffon, [David] Trezeguet and Mauro Zarate.

"They are prepared to offer us 30 million pounds and, in my opinion, they are hoping to reach the levels of Real Madrid in the golden age," he concluded.

City have yet to confirm the rumour, but considering their spending power and interest in almost any player on the planet, it might just be true.

(espnstar.com)

Deco denies Scolari bias

Chelsea playmaker Deco has slammed reports insinuating he is only playing because he is Luiz Felipe Scolari's pet.
According to the Sun, the Brazilian-born Portgual international has also refuted suggestions that he doesn't deserve a first-team place.

“It is absolute nonsense to claim that he is biased towards me," he said.

“I do not need to defend myself but it is a fact that I have won many titles in my career without Scolari.

“It is just that I am rarely on the subs’ bench at Chelsea. But that has been the case throughout my career. I have always been a first-team player.

“Scolari and I simply just work together on a daily basis, which is a good experience because he is a fantastic person.”

Deco, 31, who played under Scolari for Portugal, is Big Phil’s only signing for Chelsea, having joined from Barcelona for US$12 million in August.

But he has failed to impress all his team-mates as the Blues have struggled for consistency.

Deco has 18 months of his Stamford Bridge agreement to run with the option of a further 12 months.

But he admits he is likely to finish his career in the land of his birth when his US$135,000-a-week Chelsea contract expires.

He said: “I am very eager to return to living in Brazil. I have been away from home for 12 years and I miss my friends and family.

“I loved living in Portugal, where I was well treated and had many friends. And Barcelona was also a fantastic city. But Brazil is where I truly feel at home.”
(source espnstar.com)

Arshavin compromise sought

Zenit St Petersburg will have to lower their demands for Andrei Arshavin if they are to strike a deal with Arsenal.
The Russians suggested on Tuesday that a US$30million move for the 27-year-old playmaker, who shot to prominence during Euro 2008, was set to be concluded - with the Emirates Stadium his likely destination.

However, while Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has long been a fan of Arshavin, the Barclays Premier League club are not prepared to meet such a exaggerated price tag, in a package which would be further increased by the player's wage demands.

Arshavin is reported to have visited Arsenal's Hertfordshire training ground during a trip to England earlier this year, while it has also been claimed the player is in fact already in London to put the final touches to the move - which came as news to his representative, Dennis Lachter, who remains overseas and is in constant contact with his client.

While Zenit boss Dick Advocaat, the former Rangers manager, is resigned to losing Arshavin - who helped his side reach the Champions League group stages for the first time this season - Lachter maintains any talk of a done deal is premature.

"For now, there are not any negotiations going on, but I believe in the near future he will be on the move and that next week will bring some news," Lachter said.

"I am sure that any club would be interested in the services of a quality player like Andrei, but it all depends on the money Zenit are asking for.

"However, I do not believe that they can get the money they want - the pound is going down and there is all this difficult financial situation which does not help."

While Zenit may well remain determined to hold out for a hefty fee, they could be forced to offload the unsettled player at a cut price - with Arshavin having threatened to invoke new FIFA regulations and buy out the remaining 18 months of his contract to become a free agent.

For their part, Arsenal are on the look out for a midfielder to bolster Wenger's options following the loss of captain Cesc Fabregas to injury, but will not be held to ransom.

The record signing of the traditionally prudent Gunners remains the £13million paid for Frenchman Sylvain Wiltord after Euro 2000 and a similar overall package for Spain winger Jose Antonio Reyes, with neither move proving successful in the long term.

Yet while Wenger maintained last week people were in "dreamland" if they thought the club would break the bank under the current gloomy economic outlook to land a star name just for the sake of it, he indicated they would be prepared to buy an "exceptional talent" - even if, like Arshavin, the player was cup-tied for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Arsenal have also been linked with Everton's Spain international Mikel Arteta - which Wenger rejected out of hand at last week's media conference.

However, when pressed on any interest in Arshavin, the Gunners manager was less abrasive, perhaps indicating he was hopeful of eventually landing his man.

"At the moment, there is no progress," he said ahead of last Saturday's FA Cup tie against Plymouth.

"If there is any progress made, you will be informed I promise you."

One Arsenal player hoping for a chance to impress in 2009 is Wales international Aaron Ramsey.

The midfielder, who only turned 18 on Boxing Day, started his eighth match for the Gunners in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Coca-Cola Championship side following a £5million summer move from Cardiff - whom his new club will face in round four.

Wenger, though, has urged for patience to be shown towards Ramsey and fellow promising teenager Jack Wilshere, now signed on professional forms.

"He can play in some games, but if you are asking me if he can play every week, every three days, I don't think he is ready yet," said Wenger.

"But he shows that he has the quality, that he can do it soon. I really think he will be a great player."

(source espnstar.com)