Global Futbol

Chelsea v Arsenal

2008-11-30T16:06:27Z

Open thread for this top of the table game where Chelsea will want to ensure they keep a lead against Utd and Arsenal will want a win to restore confidence that they can win the title.

Manchester United Wins Derby 1-0 as Rooney Scores

2008-11-30T15:27:47Z

Man Utd won the Manchester derby 1-0 as they powered further up the table in the early game. They will now sit back and hope that either Arsenal can win against Chelsea or perhaps even better the game finishes in a draw. It is interesting that Utd, despite their indifferent start are moving steadily up the table - their depth of squad will be crucial over the winter months in particular. City will learn and get better - particularly after the Jan window. I wonder what the Chelsea brain trust will take away from this game?

Manchester v Manchester Open Thread

2008-11-30T15:17:10Z

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/nov/30/manchester-city-united-live-football

0-0 in this one

Decent amount of action on both sides

ROONEY!!

43rd min ish

1-0 to the CHAMPIONS

Half Time

Citeh want one bad!

80th min - time ticking down.

Liverpool for the Title?

2008-11-24T15:25:19Z

I have been monitoring Liverpool with some interest this season and feel that they are close to getting a group together that is ready to challenge for the title. If I was advising Rafa I would suggest that he try and add Upson and Neil from West Ham. The Neil signing would require Rafa to forgive the Aussie for choosing West Ham over Pool recently but would be worth it. Additionally, would Rafa be willing to overlook the way Owen left Liverpool and bring him back in Jan? These three players would not post a lot in fees but would add to the wage bill, however - they could also blend in well and get Liverpool the title they so badly want. Here is what Hansen says about the side:

The spine of their team was in place last season, with Pepe Reina an excellent goalkeeper, Jamie Carragher outstanding at the heart of defence, Javier Mascherano providing perfect insurance in midfield - and Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres providing genuine world class.

Liverpool have been able to improve around the edges of that this season, which has given them the appearance of a team that can make a real impact in the Premier League title chase.

Xabi Alonso, who could have left in the summer if Benitez had signed Gareth Barry from Aston Villa, has had his best season since he arrived at the club in 2004.

Dirk Kuyt was a player who always worked tirelessly but left you asking what other major contribution he made. This season he has looked a much better player and has also scored vital goals.

Cap Happy with 2-1 Win

2008-11-20T14:06:37Z

Fab Cap is rightly happy with the 2-1 win over Germany last night. In particular he will have taken a lot of pleasure from the performance up front from Gabi and Defoe. Carrick and Barry also controlled midfield in the absence of Lampard and Gerrard.

"Gabriel did very well. He used space and his movement was excellent. He gave us balance when we went forward and when we defended. But I don't like to speak about one player because the whole performance was so good. All of them played well, and it's the spirit we have now which is very important. I am very happy for these [selection] problems. We have plenty of time to decide upon the next squad. It shows the strength in depth of the squad, which is vital. You're not always going to have everyone available."

England are starting to have some interesting options and Cap's last comment was interesting, was it a throw away comment or a subtle message to a missing Liverpool midfielder?

Cap v Rafa

2008-11-19T14:38:29Z

Phil weighs in:

He has, even in his short reign, emphasised several times the importance of the national team and how players who do not show full commitment will be left behind as the bandwagon rolls on to South Africa in 2010.

Capello had seen his squad stripped by pull-outs before Gerrard's withdrawal, but Manchester United pair Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney were not hauled down to Hertfordshire because they both missed the win against Stoke onSaturday through injury.

Not the Liverpool FC of Old

2008-11-19T14:35:02Z

Not the Liverpool FC of Old

Tribute to Ronaldo

2008-11-19T14:33:03Z

Ronaldo May Retire

2008-11-19T14:32:40Z

He led his friends in a charity game against Zidane's crew in the fight to end poverty. He made these comments to Gazzetta dello Sport:

"I don't know if I will continue to play or if I will retire. I have not taken a decision yet. I am in no hurry to make a decision. I want to complete my recovery."

Whenever he retires he will be known as one of the very best to ever play the beautiful game.

Messi v Maradona

2008-11-18T15:35:56Z

Ronaldo v Maradona

2008-11-18T15:34:06Z

Hansen votes for the Argentine star:

This is in no way meant as any criticism of Ronaldo, but he would not be in the same stratosphere as Maradona. It was June and the hottest day in Glasgow for 30 years and we could hardly get near him. He was just magnificent. Unbelievable, and just a kid as well.

You look at his achievements in winning the World Cup with Argentina in 1986 and inspiring them to the final and you see how good he was, but there are other stories as well.

Benni to Play in Mandela Game

2008-11-18T15:31:13Z

Benni to Play in Mandela Game

Obama Opens Doors

2008-11-18T15:29:32Z

An interesting comment at the end of this article focused on Boeteng's decision to play for Holland instead of Ghana:

Boateng may still be an active player but that has not stopped him thinking about a career in management after he hangs up his boots.

And that is something he feels is now as much an option for black players as anyone else.

"It's great to have a black manager in the Premier League but I don't feel it matters anymore. It's 2008, it was a big thing that Paul Ince got the (Blackburn Rovers) job, but the door is open now," Boateng added.

"We've just got the first black American president - the chance to succeed is there, you just have to reach out and grab it."

Obama is a Hammer

2008-11-17T13:49:48Z

Not politically....I mean from a futbol standpoint!

Check out the details here.

Steve Bruce to Newcastle?

2008-11-17T13:45:47Z

Under a new ownership group that is a possibility according to his current boss:

"Steve's special. He doesn't get over-excited or shout at people. He is very tough but nice about it. Paul Jewell was a great manager but he used to shout. You never hear Steve shout at the players but he has them under great control. He's got what it takes to be one of the best managers.

"I don't want to lose Steve but in the end I suppose I'll have to, one of the big clubs will come for him. He's been linked with Newcastle before. He's from here. He loves Newcastle."

Gerrard in the Middle

2008-11-17T13:43:01Z

The club v country issue flares a bit between England and Liverpool:

Fabio Capello risked straining his relationship with the Liverpool manager, Rafael Benítez, last night by insisting that Steven Gerrard link up with the England squad at their Hertfordshire hotel despite the midfielder having apparently been ruled out by his club for up to 10 days with a torn muscle in his right leg.

I think it is good to see Fab push Pool a bit - they need to understand that not every player is a Carra (ie club before country) and players need their national team coach to fight for them when they cannot.

Maradona Hits Scotland!

2008-11-17T13:39:14Z

Maradona Hits Scotland!

The place goes wild!

Chelsea Out of Carling Cup!

2008-11-13T14:13:10Z

The West London stars lost on penalties to Burnley! Details here.

Meanwhile Spurs beat Liverpool 4-2 - hurrah!

Sir Trevor Brooking Worried about English Youth

2008-11-13T14:09:19Z

Sir Trevor Brooking Worried about English Youth

He feels key opportunities are being missed.

What a Goal!

2008-11-12T19:20:05Z