hallo guys. hope you been doing good. Poleni sana for he extreme silence. so much has happened in my life lately and thats the reason i have been away from what i love doing most.yes God is faithful, after so many of search i finally got a job and all my thanks are to the most high! so i have been pretty occupied but you guys know where my love is and i pray the same good God that brought this job by will lead me to the promise land which is A world wide reputed football commentator!AMEN!
 Tomorrow is the date for this seasons champions league semifinal draw with the date set for the Lisbon party still drawing near. Three of the four qualified teams have  won the most prestigious competition in the football world  which makes the upcoming semifinal match ups epic encounters spiced up the presence of the the team to beat(Athletico Madrid). So who is winning it! Frankly speaking i cant call it. Chelsea yet to play like true contenders despite the Demba Ba strike, Bayern Munich reining champions and we are still yet to see any team defend it, Real Madrid poor showing at the Signal Iduna Stadium raises more doubts than answers, the surprise package  Athletico Madrid how long will their fairy tale story go? Only time will tell see you in Lisbon!

Revenge secured!

Hallo Guys, am glad to be back after a short break.  Plenty to talk about  especially with the mouth watering return of the champions league. The knock out round 16 takes place this week with some delicious matches to look out for.How about Man city verses Barcelona getting us underway at the Etihad stadium tomorrow night.Wow! i cant wait for that one for many reasons and one of them being its the first time these two sides meet in  the champions league.The return to form of Lionel Messi must be a big worry for Pelegrini.City might have gotten there sweet revenge against Chelsea but the form they bring into this encounter is not vintage enough even with the returning of Fernandinho in that holding role alongside the big Ivorian.I do City the first time will face probably the stiffest of Challenge this season. Yes the win against the reigning Champions might give them a glimmer of hope but its the home form that they must seek to protect if they want to stand any Chance of progressing to the quarter finals. Do they have a chance. Oh yes! Why not? against the Pep Guardiola's Barcelona they would have not chance whatsoever, Valencia have proven that this Tat Martino's Barcelona is indeed beatable and the should be give them some clue of how to do it.
Next up is the much awaited Arsenal verses the team that is resetting the football standards all over again.Yes much awaited not forgetting  Arsenal have never won the Champions league but the huge following Arsenal FC enjoys makes them Champions league winners with a fans title to show for. Hahaha!Can we expect another reigning champion make an early exit as was the case of Chelsea? Poor Arsenal fans, that's not about to happen hence the weekends 2-1 over Liverpool in the FA Cup will prove crucial if  Arsenal's title drought is to come to and END! Guess i have already showed my biased opinions but in honest in two weeks time i will be vindicated affirmatively on both calls.
Revenge is sweet especially against the self proclaimed special one. Congratulations to the Man City fans for dumping us out of the FA CUP. Truly well deserved win but the postponed Sunderland match had some bearing on that encounter but the Chelsea's performance does not warrant any excuse at all so City were clearly and by good margin the better side.
Jose Mourinho selection was poor and that might have had the impact on the outcome on that match. After getting it so right twelve days ago how could he get it so wrong yesterday knowing very well there is the option  of a return leg on the card if at all he can get the required result.Beating Man City three times consecutively was always going to be next to impossible. Moreover the risk of making an early exit in another cup competition might have some serious ramifications! The confidence of a team gets a massive boost with the players knowing that their risks are well diversified and therefore they can take some calculated risks as they watch what is unfolding in the market.And that means remain relevant in the  race for the titles that are available!With the Champion League and the Premier League being the only lets titles for Chelsea sake one wonders whether they  are any realistic chances of finishing with a trophy on the second coming of the"messiah"With a blunt striking force the champion league is indeed a farfetched wish for Chelsea and that lives only the Premier League as their only faint hope for some silverware. Yes  faint for the simple reason their are serious vested interests from Man City and the thirsty Arsenal throats.
Ramires playing behind Eto'o? seriously with Oscar on the bench? Hazard always starting thereby enjoying some burn out?Mohamed Salah been thrown into such a situation on his second premier league taste? Obi despite giving a good account of him self but the  dominance of Yaya raises questions about the possibility of a MATIC /RAMIRES PARTNERSHIP?

Drama at Anfield and a chcken fight at Carrow Road

Chelsea  for the first time since August sit  on top of the Barclays Premier League table thanks to an Eden Hazard inspired performance. What a dramatic Saturday it was with some surprise results. I must admit Arsenal’s 5-1 thumping  by Liverpool at Anfield was very shocking but  equally to was  the 0-0 draw at Carrow Road. It appears the midweek defeat to Chelsea still hard some effect to a lack luster Man City side who couldn’t get past a resilient Chris Houghton side. After suffering their first defeat in 20 matches, City looked a pale shadow of themselves as they failed to find a way past a well organized and stubborn Norwich City. After watching the mauling of Arsenal at the hands of Liverpool, a win for City would have taken them to the summit of the table a position many premier league believe they ought to be maybe not now but come May when the curtains falls.
With both City and Arsenal on their travels, Chelsea welcomed Newcastle United one of the three teams to have beaten them this season. Chelsea buoyed by their brilliant performance at the Etihad stadium despite only one goal to show for ,Jose Mourinho’s home perfect record was under severe threat against a side that  had beaten him convincingly 2-0. Chelsea didn’t look at their best but with the wealth of attacking talent at his disposal, Jose Mourinho was leaving no room for complacency as he fielded a full strength side. The Brazilian Oscar returned to starting line up together with Frank lampard joining Namanja Matic in the midfield with David Luiz switching back to his preferred position alongside the very impressive Gary Cahill at the heart of the defense.
Allan Pardew side were looking to bounce back after their derby  defeat by Sunderland. With several key players missing through injuries and suspensions, Newcastle proved to be no much against an average Chelsea performance. Cheik Tiote, Loic Remy,Fabricio Collocini,Pappise Cisse,Shola Amaobi and the now departed Yohan Cabaye formed part of  the lengthy list  absentees for Allan Pardew. After containing threat that Chelsea posed in the opening exchanges, Newcastle approach seemed to be working.
Eden Hazard recent sentiments of wishing to be mentioned in the same realm with the Messi’s and Cristiano Ronaldo’s  today’s football greats, proved to be some source of inspiration much to the glee of the forty thousand Chelsea fans watching at Stamford Bridge. A master class performance from the very impressive Eden Hazard proved to be the difference of the two sides. Hazards performance rolled back a few years ago as Chelsea fans  were reminded of the little Italian Magician Gianfranco Zola. The nonchalant touches, the mesmerizing dribbles, the exquisite finishes, the arrogance, the art, the craft all packed in the sleek footed Eden Hazard.
The little Belgian Magician  walked of to sumptuous standing ovation as he gave way to another little dynamo Mohamed Salah for his league debut. Chelsea cruised to convincing win much to the delight of the capacity filled Stamford bridge. Newcastle United had some chances to change the complexion of the game but despite not taking them they were indeed humble in defeat to a supreme talented Eden Hazard. The thought of him just 23yrs is mind boggling. He’s got the world at his feet if only he can keep his feet on the ground and continue the hard work. Under the former teacher now turned the special one, you bet his in the safest hands possible
The Anfield incidence exposed the frails in the Arsenal side and the failure to bring in quality additions especially in the attacking department  with  of Theo Walcott not returning this season, raises serious questions about Arsenal’s title credentials. I still feel the Arsenal of the 2004 is yet to be rebuilt . Until we have the Viera’s,the Henry’s,the Tony Adams, the Bergkham,the Kanu’s,the Gilberto Silva’s,the Sol Campbell’s you name them, not in person but in character,steel,experience,mentailty and more importantly the quality, am seeing the trophy dry spell persisting.
The question begs how long are the Arsenal fans willing to wait?  I believe financial gains Arsenal football clubs enjoys by maintaining healthy books of accounts do give a soothing relief to the continued trophy disappointments. The recent 40 million pound buy of Mesut Ozil might have signaled a change in the status quo hence the trophy drought might be coming to an end but only with more such quality signings. Therefore its safe to say Arsenal might threaten to win this seasons title but in honest they would be sincere and legitimate candidates for next season’s title quest. Thats not say the race is already decided especially with thirteen games remaining but for my money i wouldn’t put my money on Arsenal carrying the day.
Manchester City failing to pick up maximum points against Norwich City was surprising despite City’s well documented struggles on their travels. That proves a leaking pipe within the engine of the formerly turbo charging City machine might have some serious impact its performance. Therefore the sooner Mr Pellegrini gets the leakage fixed coupled with the returning of both Sergio Aguerro and Fernandinho the better for their title chances. Despite this weeks blip City for my money still remain everyone’s true title contenders but Chelsea might be salivating with their mischief appetite just incase City drops the button.

THATS MY CALL, WHAT’S YOURS?

Curtis is fun loving person and when he’s not busy earning his daily wage he prefers to write and comment of the happenings in the world of football.

Could this be the beginning of the end of Lionel Messi?

By Matt Jones

0

Feb 6, 2014 9:37:00 PM

The four-time Ballon d'Or winner has become "bored after 15 years of marriage to the game", according to his fellow Argentine

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Former Barcelona assistant coach Angel Cappa has accused Lionel Messi of losing his passion for football.

The 67-year-old Argentine, who worked at Camp Nou under Cesar Luis Menotti in the 1980s, claims that his compatriot's performance in Saturday's 3-2 defeat at home to Valencia offered the clearest evidence yet that the Blaugrana No.10 has fallen out of love with the game.

Cappa felt that Messi seemed slightly more motivated in Wednesday night's Copa del Rey win over Real Sociedad but nevertheless maintains that the 26-year-old attacker is these days a shadow of the player who claimed four successive Ballon d'Or awards.

“To play football you need boundless passion, like Messi had, like the great players like [Diego] Maradona ... any important player in the Primera Division: Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets,” Cappa told La Xarxa.

“You need enormous passion, you need that energy that comes from an absolute love of the game.

"[On Wednesday against Sociedad], he participated [in the game] a little more, but the day they played Valencia, I couldn’t understand how a player could play football so dispassionately.

"And especially him, because if we look at a game of his from three or four years ago, there was that craziness, that passion that he had for playing.

"And I don’t know why or for what reason, but that is coming to an end."

Cappa says, though, that it is obvious that the drive that turned Messi into a superstar of world football is now conspicuous by its absence.

“That love of the game, that passion that makes him go and look for the ball on the left, on the right, in the middle, take players on, beat one, then two ... I see Messi has lost that,” the 67-year-old declared.

"He has extraordinary quality, he’s wonderful and at any moment he can come up with a wonderful play, but it’s as if he has been married for 15 years to football and got bored of it.”

Cappa also suggested that Messi's malaise is merely the result of grander problems at Camp Nou.

“I’m talking about Messi, but Barcelona have also lost that passion," he argued. "Before, you couldn’t miss even a second of the 90 minutes because there was always something.

"Now Barca have the ball, sure, and they do things now and again, but they have also lost that boundless enthusiasm they had before.”

Its a fine Thursday afternoon as we usher in some calm  coastal evening breeze while saying goodbye to the hot sun.' I CAME  I SAW AND I CONQUERED' are the wards in every Chelsea fan's lips.Truly well deserved sentiments from all Chelsea fans after an emphatic win against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Monday night .I must concede  the rousing celebrations after the 4 min added time were  brought to a close by Mike Dean were not purely from  Chelsea Fans. Such was the  importance of that particular fixture that despite it running well past midnight, many Arsenal, Liverpool and Man United fans braved the lure of sleep to witness the brutal battle that was about to happen at the Etihad Stadium.
The build up to that match heightened the stakes beyond the three massive points. Customarily Jose always had his digs towards the clam , collected Mr Pellegrini. Jose was a man on mission and he knew very well that before the whistle blew for the rumble of the jungle clash to begin, he had to do it the Mohamed Ali way  by piling the pressure on his opponents and the frustrations form the frequent yelling of the Captain Kompany were good signs of things to come. Maybe 'AM GONNA MAKE YOU  RUN OUT GAS' were not his exact choice of wards but with a single blow George Foreman 48 match unbeaten record was about to come to an end. City were a team on roll and the message was they were making their procession to the title. Smarting from a 5-1 dismantling of fellow Landon neighbors,Chelsea needed some seasoned guts to attempt to bring down the 20 match unbeaten  record.
My first insight of who would have carried the day was surprisingly from Mr Pellegrini responding to the pre- match interview as he claimed he had no idea as to how Chelsea were going to line up against his team. That was the level of arrogance City were playing and before that match you wouldn't read some naivety from Pellegrini.Am inclined not to believe those remarks but with Fernandinho missing i smelt some trouble brewing in that City midfield. Sergio Aguerro  absence might not have been a key casing point especially  with both Edin and Alvaro firing from all cylinders but with a subdued performance from Nergredo and with Dzeko having forgotten his scoring boots at home,10mins break was not enough for a quick dash to collect them as the story of fluffing his chances continued.
Know your enemies and you bet Jose had perfect knowledge as his team selection was spot on. Maybe a fit Torres would have come for Hat trick hero at Stamford bridge a week prior coupled with Eto's failure to find the net on the travels. Willian in place of Oscar was a surprise call but you hardly find Jose missing on the key details beyond our normal imaginations. Switching Ramires out wide on the right had detailed instructions to take care of the threat City posed  with Kolorov and David Silva. Playing with two center forwards was the confidence Pellegrini had with his Mid field Marshall Yaya Toure thereby  denying his team some natural width with possession  and an extra man in midfield when without possession. City had just played themselves into Chelsea's hand  and despite Ramires lacking the killer instincts and the woodwork dawning the City colors the damage was to  come from the most unlikeliest source. Bransilav Ivanovic has built a repute of scoring very vital goals in recent past. After sucking plenty of pressure from City's Left flank, in his first in-row into the City's backyard he's left foot belter proved to be the key beyond a rejuvenated Joe Hart.
From that point onwards there was only one team that deserved and new how to do it and with Chelsea enjoying the meanest defense in league there was no other chapter to be written as Chelsea made their procession in spectacular disciplined Jose Mourinho style to secure a title 'winning' three points.
Indeed City have probably the best squad in the league but the f rials of this multi- million assembled side  are there for the upcoming opponents to see and i bet it wont be business as usual for City there on.The title is far from being decided but the but the nature of the race might have just taken a whole new turn.Sincerely i still fancy City to win it but if they fluff their chances Chelsea and maybe Arsenal might creep their hands to the title.I mention Arsenal for purely nine years has been such  a long wait and with football being a human beings game i hope they can bring forth their pregnancy timely enough less the baby dies with seconds to the whistle with yet another Sergio Aguerro hammer blow.

I love doing this and all this is for the love of the game with absolute purity devoid of any malice.

Lets end it by saying, THATS MY CALL WHAT YOURS?

Showdown

Once Upon A Time In The...North...West. Man City and Chelsea are preparing for what could be a classic showdown at the top of the Premier League but how will their super-strength squads compare over the rest of the season? We look at a magnificent seven key men...

By Words: Peter Fraser - Graphic: Sam Kallen | Last Updated: 03/02/14 8:13am

 

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Aguero and Torres will not play on Monday but could influence the title race

The Etihad Stadium could be renamed the OK Corral on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football when two of the Premier League's top teams meet for what many believe will be a title showdown and potential fight to the finish.

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Man City vs Chelsea

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Whether in the dugouts or on the field, there are tense head-to-heads everywhere you look between the Manchester City and Chelsea squads. Never mind a few dollars more, it is a billion dollars more contest as England's nouveaux riche face off with renowned managers, superstar players and expensive imports.
From the gunslinging forwards, protective goalkeepers, hustling playmakers and tactical bosses, both clubs have what are considered the best squads in the league. The game itself therefore has all the hallmarks of a Wild West classic but how will the key comparisons in personnel develop beyond Monday and over the remainder of the campaign?

The Chief: Pellegrini v Mourinho

Scathing Mourinho

Master tacticians, leaders of men and focused on winning but, at the same time, often good, bad and ugly personalities mean there is a longstanding grudge. The pair do not get on and the dislike was emphasised in the return fixture earlier in the season when pragmatic City boss Manuel Pellegrini refused to shake charismatic Jose Mourinho's hand after Chelsea's dramatic injury-time victory at Stamford Bridge. The reason for the feud is seemingly Mourinho's decision to offer a thinly-veiled criticism of Pellegrini after succeeding the Chilean as Real Madrid manager in 2010. Pellegrini, having notched a record points tally at the time, had been sacked and was less than impressed. He has apparently proceeded to hold a resentment regarding Mourinho ever since. Mourinho, though, has the upper hand and lost just once in seven games against former Villarreal and Malaga boss Pellegrini in La Liga and the Copa del Rey, winning five of them. That, combined with Mourinho's past experience of winning Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles, just about makes him the meanest manager in the business.

La Liga - Pellegrini v Mourinho
Games	5
Wins	1
Draws	1
Losses	3
Goals For	6
Goals Against	20
Win %	20

The Deputy: Kompany v Terry

Will Terry play for England again?

No good posse operates without an enforcer in the heart of the battle to ensure their chief's orders are carried out, and rival captains, City's Vincent Kompany and Chelsea's John Terry, are those men. Both are Premier League title winners and are respected in world football as two of the best in the business with a mixture of footballing knowhow and brawn. Kompany averages 6.4 clearances per game in the Premier League and has made 89 clearances overall in the season. He may have suffered with injuries but he remains a colossus of a defender and leader for City. Likewise, Terry - who is waiting to see if he will get a new contract - is one of the finest centre-backs in Europe. The Chelsea skipper may be ageing but his experience means he remains a feared opponent. The former England international averages more clearances per game (seven) than any of his club-mates and has made almost double that of Kompany at 162 clearances in the campaign. Terry (0.7) also blocks more shots per game on average than Kompany (0.4). But this is balanced out by the fact Kompany averages more interceptions, successful offside traps and tackles per game than Terry. It is therefore a head-to-head which is impossible to call.

PL Head-to-Head	Clearances Per Game	Blocked Shots Per Game	Interceptions Per Game	Successful Offsides Per Game	Tackles Per Game
Vincent Kompany	6.4	0.4	1.8	0.9	2.4
John Terry	7	0.7	1.1	0.5	0.9

The Rancher: Hart v Cech

Hart back to his best?

Keeping things safe at the back and protecting the land of the penalty area, both goalkeepers - Joe Hart and Petr Cech - are vitally important for City and Chelsea, respectively. It has been a turbulent season for Hart, resulting in him losing his place in the City team for a period after a series of blunders - including in the game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The England No.1 has consequently only made 16 appearances in the Premier League this season while Cech has been a typical ever present for Chelsea with 23 outings. Hart has made more saves per game than Cech but the latter has made more overall saves as a result of playing more games. Interestingly, Hart has been forced to make almost double the total of saves of Cech from shots from outside the area while the latter has made more saves from efforts inside the penalty box. Cech (70.2 per cent) just edges Hart (68.9%) in terms of his shot saving success while Chelsea's long-serving goalkeeper, owing to playing more matches, has made 27 catches to Hart's 17 at the same time as having failed to produce a single drop. If it came down to a head-to-head, Cech is the safer custodian.

PL Head-To-Head	Saves	Saves (Shots Inside Box)	Saves (Shots Outside Box)	Save %	Catches	Drops
Joe Hart	43	19	23	68.9	17	1
Petr Cech	48	34	13	70.2	27	-

The Hustler: Silva v Hazard

Hazard praise

Clever, sneaky and with all the tricks in the book to try and unlock their rivals, David Silva and Eden Hazard are the key playmakers for City and Chelsea. As they drift around the pitch, they are lethal weapons in outwitting opponents for both of their respective sides and have the skills to open up the tightest of defences. Hazard has fulfilled his potential this season to mean he is Chelsea's top scorer in the Premier League with nine goals and he has also produced his club's most assists (five), key passes on average per game (2.6) and dribbles on average per game (3.5 - the second highest total in the Premier League). In eight less Premier League appearances this season, City's Silva may have scored fewer goals (four) but he has seven assists (the third highest total in the Premier League) and 3.9 key passes per game, which is the best average in the division. Hazard may be the master dribbler but for that little bit of hustling ingenuity to lead to a goal, Silva is not nicknamed Merlin for no reason.

PL Head-To-Head	Goals	Assists	Key Passes Per Game	Dribbles Per Game
David Silva	4	7	3.9	1.1
Eden Hazard	9	5	2.6	3.5

The Bartender: Fernandinho v Ramires

Fernandinho: Unsung hero?

Doing all the hard work while others have their fun, this is not quite the role of the water carrier but is perhaps the unsung hero. Fellow Brazilians Fernandinho and Ramires will be in the centre of the midfield tussle on Monday night and then they will go a long way to deciding where the title race war is won or lost. Fernandinho has been excellent in his debut season in the Premier League, eclipsing Ramires - who has the greater experience of England's top flight having joined Chelsea in 2010 - in almost every key area. In two less appearances, Fernandinho averages more tackles (3.3), interceptions (2.4) and passes (56.4) per game than his compatriot and has also scored more goals and produced more assists. If Chelsea want to try and stop City, Ramires will need to prevent Fernandinho from providing the service.

PL Head-To-Head	Tackles Per Game	Interceptions Per Game	Passes Per Game	Goals	Assists
Fernandinho	3.3	2.4	56.4	3	3
Ramires	3.2	1	49.8	1	2

The Gunslinger: Negredo v Torres

Negredo on target

This head-to-head is a good, old-fashioned face-off between two sharpshooters from the west. Madrid natives Alvaro Negredo and Fernando Torres, the latter of which is not fit for Monday night, could be the men to score the goals to down their opponents over the course of the season but, on paper at least, there is only one winner. City slicker Negredo has taken the Premier League by storm. Chelsea's Torres, who scored the deciding goal between these two teams at Stamford Bridge after having an excellent game, is more mobile in his average dribbles of 1.2 per game compared to Negredo's 0.4 but the latter is otherwise superior in all other important areas for a striker. Negredo has played more games, scored more goals, made more assists and averages more shots and key passes per game. It would be a one-sided 10 paces at dawn.

PL Head-To-Head	Goals	Assists	Shots	Key Passes Per Game	Dribbles Per Game
Alvaro Negredo	9	3	2.7	1	0.4
Fernando Torres	4	2	1.8	0.8	1.2

The Bounty Hunter: Aguero v Eto'o

Aguero the hero

Highly skilled, cunning and ruthlessly clinical, these men are not to be underestimated. Manchester City's Sergio Aguero is a master of his art and in the form of his life but the hamstring injury he sustained in the line of fire against Tottenham Hotspur is a big blow after it ruled him out for a month. Chelsea's Samuel Eto'o, meanwhile, is the old hand who has seen it all before and has the experience of being a three-time UEFA Champions League winner. Aguero, the Premier League's second top goalscorer behind Liverpool's Luis Suarez, is the better marksman than Eto'o this season with more goals, assists, shots, key passes and dribbles on average per game. However, as Eto'o has demonstrated time and again, particularly with his recent hat-trick against Manchester United, he is a man for the big occasion and when the chips are down.

PL Head-To-Head	Goals	Assists	Shots	Key Passes Per Game	Dribbles Per Game
Sergio Aguero	15	5	4.1	1.6	1.5
Samuel Eto'o	6	1	2.9	0.9	0.6

Its a Monday and with it comes a massive match that will be taking place at the Etihad Stadium tonight. I bet all the football lovers around the world are yearning for this  encounter as the premier league race goes overdrive.Huge stakes at hand for both sides, a win for either side might prove very crucial and might just determined the destiny of this season's title.A win for Man City will move them six points clear above Chelsea and remove Chelsea in the Title race. Yes i think Chelsea might not recover to win the title for the simple reason Chelsea appears to be the only team capable of taking away points from the free scoring Manuel Pellegrini’s side if the round one losses to Arsenal, United and Liverpool are anything to go by.Maybe Liverpool fans might mummer thanks to the Raheem's Sterling disallowed goal.  So is today's match a title decider? I bet in some sense it is because if City Win tonight  the go back to the summit of the table and there on with three remaining fixtures against  Liverpool, Arsenal and Man United, i cant envisage City dropping  more than three points in those three matches. I do agree with the Champions league resuming in two weeks time there will be fixture  congestion especially with City gunning for all Trophies and that might throw a spanner in the quarks.The relegation battle might also play apart in the title race as teams fighting relegation will copy the West Ham approach just to rescue every possible point.The easy with which City have brushed off sides raises no doubts of Man City chances of continuing with their procession towards the Title.
Remember am diehard  Chelsea  but i guess my opening views do very little to confirm that.Ok, lets look at what a win for Chelsea would mean. Wow! that would be fantastic if Chelsea can mastermind a win and end City's unblemished home record in the league. That is quite an ask for Chelsea but if there is a team who  can do it, it has to be a  Jose Mourinho  led side as he enjoys an impressive record against Mr Pellegrini.Chelsea have to take heart from their 2-1 win early in the season and City's inability to keep clean sheets. those two factors have to good source for motivation for the chelsea players. Jose has very quick to play his customary mind games trying to relieve the pressure from his players and weather or not that pays off only after the fat lady sing's will the judgement be rendered.
I imagine everyone is looking forward to a fascinating nighty minutes of football but i would caution you to hold your horses especially with the stakes being extremely very vital for both sides. I think both managers would gladly take a point each if it were given to them now but we the fans would miss out on the big battle.Are Man City on a revenge mission?I think the calm and collected Chilean will approach them game with the focus it deserves knowing very well that the Stamford loss was self inflicted but i win  tonight would surely make up for that nights disappointments in double folds. Jose has been quick stating that his team will be going out for a a win but that is typical Mourinho falsehood for the simple reason he does not want to lose and have more points to chase. We saw it at the Emirates stadium and the rebranded Old Trampford. My predictions have been wayward so far but am still talking to my football gods for some anointing and therefore i go for a 2-2 draw.

Tomorrow we pick up the rest of the reactions of last night match together with tonight intriguing matches
Chlesea vs West Ham i have to go with PAUL MERSON'S prediction of 2-0 win for the blues.  Man City vs Tottenham will be an epic clash.I don't think there will be repeat of the  a 6-0 drubbing but still City still have plentyb of fire power for the Tottenham defense so Tim Sherwood' fielding will be crucial especially in mid field. Paulinho is still injured and they will miss him against the two midfield power houses of Yaya and Fernandinho. 4-2 win for the Citizens will be respectable for Tottenham.
Goodbye guys i have to go to class lets do it all over again tommorow.

Next up was the battle between Michael Laudrup's side and Rene Meulensteen side at the Liberty stadium. After suffering defeats in there last three premier league matches and  going through their worst form since 2008-2009 season Swansea needed to turn their fortunes around. After a 0-0 1st half with both teams wasting their chances, second proved different as Swansea broke the deadlock with a deflected 25yards screamer from the former Liverpool player to take the lead. A glancing header from the Spanish center half  Chico Flores ensured three crucial points for Walsh side while Fulham continued with their poor form by loosing three out three matches in the league.

wansea City beat Fulham to earn their first win in eight Premier League games

Last Updated: 29/01/14 12:15am

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Jonjo Shelvey: Deflected strike made it 1-0

Two second-half goals helped Swansea to a 2-0 win over Fulham, their first victory in nine Premier League games.

Second-half efforts from Jonjo Shelvey and Chico Flores gave Swansea a valuable three points at the Liberty Stadium.

Best of the match:

• Man of the match: Chico takes it for his clinching goal, as well as a imperious defensive performance
• Goal of the match: Hard to choose when both owed a fair bit to deflections!
• Turning point: Hangeland missed a golden opportunity to put Fulham 1-0 up when they were dominating
• Talking point: Are Fulham doomed? And are Swansea now safe?

After hitting the crossbar during a goalless first half, Shelvey fired the Swans into the lead on 61 minutes after his 25-yard strike took a wicked deflection off Brede Hangeland, leaving goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg with no chance.

Michael Laudrup's side doubled their lead 15 minutes from time thanks to centre-back Chico, whose glancing header from a Jonathan De Guzman free-kick flew into the Cottagers' net, via a nick off Dimitar Berbatov.

Both sides had opportunities in the first-half to take the lead, with Fulham's Ashkan Dejagah and Clint Dempsey spurning decent chances.

However, Rene Meulensteen's side were left rueing their missed opportunities as the Swans capitalised on their second-half pressure, winning their first game in the Premier League since early December.

Laudrup had warned his team they may have to suffer in order to end their worrying winless run, their worst run of league form since the 2008-09 season, and so it proved.

Michael Laudrup admitted his Swansea side needed a victory after their 2-0 win at home to Fulham.

There was plenty of anxiety among the home support during a tight first hour, but the Welsh club have opened up some valuable breathing space ahead of the weekend trip to West Ham.

Given both sides' poor recent form and precarious position in the table, it was little surprise that the opening exchanges were decidedly cagey.

Swansea had plenty of the ball but Fulham had little difficulty in sitting deep and soaking up the pressure.

It took 12 minutes for there to be a genuine effort on goal, with Bony's looping header dropping on the roof of the net from Ben Davies' cross.

Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen admitted their away loss to Swansea was a missed opportunity.

A couple of minutes later Shelvey fired well over after nice interplay between Pablo Hernandez and Angel Rangel had teed him up on the edge of the area.

Fulham weathered that flurry and carved out the two best chances of the half.

Keiran Richardson's superb set-piece delivery picked out captain Hangeland near the penalty spot, but the Norwegian headed well over.

Alexander Kacaniklic's surging run created another headed opportunity, but Dejageh failed to test Gerhard Tremmel as his effort was straight at the Swansea keeper.

Tremmel then pushed away a deflected Clint Dempsey strike and the tension among the home support was palpable.

Swansea rallied, with Shelvey's fierce drive rattling the crossbar from Hernandez's lay-off.

It sparked a strong start to the second period for the hosts, with Stekelenburg making a superb save to keep Flores' header out of the far corner from Jonathan de Guzman's set-piece delivery.

De Guzman and Shelvey tried their luck from distance, and it was the latter who broke the deadlock just past the hour mark.

Substitute Nathan Dyer set up Shelvey after nice work from Bony and his strike from the edge of the box took a couple of deflections, the second - and most notable - off Hangeland to beat Stekelenburg and nestle in the bottom of the net.

Fulham had to come out in search of an equaliser, and De Guzman almost picked them off with a driving run and left-footed shot that Stekelenburg leapt high to his right to keep out.

The points were sealed with 15 minutes to go. De Guzman's free-kick was flicked goalwards by Flores and hit Berbatov on its way win, leaving Fulham with no way back.

Such a fine evening its shaping to be of what has been a very sunny hot day at the coastal city of Mombasa

Welcome to our today's reactions of yesterdays matches in the Barclay s Premier league.we begin our discussion with the 0-0 draw between Norwich City and Newcastle united. A big point for Chris Hughton side in what turned out to be tempered match with two sending off. for me despite Loic Remy being a constant threat for Newcastle, Norwich defended well and deserve a draw for thier efforts. Newcastle might feel a grieved not to get maximum points but they have ruin their wasted chances and lack of lady luck.

Premier League: Norwich hold Newcastle to goalless draw as two are sent off

By Tim Oscroft.   Last Updated: 29/01/14 12:13am

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Loic Remy and Bradley Johnson both saw red after this altercation late in the game

Norwich and Newcastle fought out a goalless draw in a game where both teams were reduced to 10 men.

Norwich's Bradley Johnson and Newcastle's Loic Remy were dismissed with 10 minutes remaining following a clash where the Magpies striker had appeared to aim a head-butt at Johnson after a clash between the pair.

Best of the game

• Man of the match: Hatem Ben Arfa gets the nod, although Louic Remy was a good bet until his moment of madness late on - more of which later. Ben Arfa was lively and industrious and at the heart of a dominant Newcastle display.
• Save of the match: Tim Krul kept his concentration until the key moment late on, when he was alert enough to deflect a diving Robert Snodgrass header around his post after making ground across his six-yard box.
• Talking point: Loic Remy and Bradley Johnson engaged in a tussle but Remy upped the ante by leaning into Johnson, who then hit the deck very quickly and too easily. Neither player came out the incident with any credit and will serve three-match bans that neither side can afford.

Newcastle dominated the first half, hitting the woodwork twice when a rebound off Johnson struck the left upright while Remy's curling effort beat goalkeeper John Ruddy but hit the other post.

Norwich were clinging on when Hatem Ben Arfa mis-hit a good opportunity into the ground and over the bar, with only a Gary Hooper effort that forced Tim Krul into action their solitary moment of note before the break.

The hosts were kept on the back foot afterwards, with Remy hitting the bar again but Hooper did likewise prior to a lively end to proceedings.

Remy and Johnson's shoving match escalated when the Newcastle striker leaned into the Norwich midfielder with his head. Referee Chris Foy sent the Frenchman off, and after consulting with his assistant Johnson also received his marching orders.

Norwich came close to claiming three points just into stoppage time when Robert Snodgrass's low header was deflected wide by Krul's left leg.

Earlier, Newcastle made a bright start in terrible conditions as the rain lashed down at Carrow Road.

Remy was fouled by Snodgrass on the left side of the penalty area, but Davide Santon's free-kick was straight into the wall.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was pleased with his side's performance but will miss Loic Remy who was sent off for his clash with Bradley Johnson.

Norwich finally came to life when a clever turn from Hooper saw the ball fed back to Leroy Fer and the Dutchman's 20-yard drive was deflected behind.

Newcastle almost swept ahead on 18 minutes when full-back Martin Olsson gave the ball away in midfield and Moussa Sissoko darted away down the right channel before cutting a ball back across the six-yard box. Remy arrived on cue, but his snapshot was saved a point-blank range by England goalkeeper Ruddy.

The Norwich goal continued to lead a charmed life as a left-wing cross from Remy was knocked against the base of the post by Canaries midfielder Johnson. A couple of minutes later Remy broke down the left flank before curling a lovely strike goalwards, which struck the outside of the other upright.

Norwich manager Chris Hughton says his players did enough in the second half to earn a draw against Newcastle.

Ruddy then had to be alert to beat away a 20-yard effort from Ben Arfa which deflected off Sebastien Bassong and Newcastle cut Norwich apart down the left again just before half-time, but Ben Arfa sent a lovely cross from Sammy Ameobi over the bar.

Finally Krul had something to do as he got down to save a low 20-yard effort from Hooper, which was touched behind before Anthony Pilkington could get to the rebound.

Frustrations boiled over as Scotland winger Snodgrass was involved in a heated exchange with home supporters in the City Stand after another poor corner before Hughton's men were booed off at half-time.

Newcastle were soon back on the offensive and the woodwork saved Norwich again on the hour when Remy whipped a free-kick up over the wall, only to see his effort crash against the crossbar.

Norwich then almost snatched the lead when substitute Nathan Redmond's cross from the left was turned goalwards by Hooper, but Krul was equal to it and pushed the ball up onto the crossbar.

The match turned ugly on 82 minutes when Remy and Johnson exchanged pushes before squaring up head-to-head on the nearside touchline. A melee ensued, before when order was restored the referee correctly showed both men a red card.

Snodgrass could have finished the hero in the final minute but somehow Krul made a crucial save.

Hallo guys welcome to our today's review of the news making headlines in the football world. We ve got plenty to talk about starting with Manchester United exit from the Capital one cup at the Hands of an incredible Sunderland side as described by the their Manager Mr Gustavo up to the 37Million pound signing of  Juan Mata by Man United.

37 Million pounds and not Euros is the much Man U are due to cough subject to Mata passing the fitness test of which we all expect him to do. Desperate situations call for some desperate measures and 37 million pounds is the extent of how dire the situation is at United. Lets hold that thought and get back to what happened yesterday night at The Theatre of Screams(Old Trample-ford).

Out of the Premiership race, FA Cup and Capital One Cup, it would be sheer madness to consider Man United still in the running for the UEFA Champions League Title. But for the sake of credibility they still have a chance on landing some silverware at the end of the season if they remain in the competition come May. Am not sure they will last until March so my small advice would be lets things going for next season with a serious push for the fourth spot in the Title race a position Man U would gladly receive with open arms if it offered to them now.

Is Man United season over? I guess hell NO! The title race is all gone but fourth title spot is still very much alive. So they better turn the corner as fast as they can before the games run dry. Remember a famous quote “United don't lose they just run out of time

‘ Games are fast running out and am not sure the former United smiling assassin will be happy taking on his former club at such a time especially with both  Rooney and Robin returning with the icing of Mata on top. I  fancy a 3-1win for United unless the arrival of Mata doesn't help lift the gloom within the reigning champions dressing room.

I don't mean to sound disrespectful of Cardiff City and Ole Gunner Solsjkaer the timing of the fixtures against the top sides have not been fair for Ole to get his house in order, lasts weekend 4-2 defeat at the hands of the true title contenders had some positives and I only  would hope for a good showing from Cardiff but i still think United will have too much for Cardiff to stomach.

I have been Juan Mata's fan and i still remain and i hope he gets the Ozil factor as he begins his United Career.

Then the question will beg is 37 million pounds money well spent? my Obvious answer would be a resounding Yes! echoed by the shift in transfers policies in today's modern game. I still feel there’s  need to have some checks as how a player’s quality is evaluated and matched with the correct financial valuation of the player.

Last time Chelsea did business with Manchester United was way back during the sale of Juan Sebastian Veron to Chelsea. Coincidentally  another Juan is involved but this time its a return trip to United. Good bye Mata am happy we don't get to meet until next season. Chelsea fans will always love you even more so if you can help take care of both our two noisy neighbors(Arsenal and Man City), that would be fantastic! Lets ends our today’s debate by posing the question on everyone’s lips, who’s winning this years title?

 Record breaking switch from a player to a manager!  Will the gamble pay for the Rossoneri? His got no managerial experience but his got the intangibles so they say. Only time will tell for the Dutch legend.
All the best MR SEEDORF but please pick some lesson or two Andres Villas Boas.

Clarence Seedorf arrived in Italy on Wednesday evening to a hero's welcome ahead of his official unveiling as AC Milan's new coach.

GettyImagesSeedorf was mobbed by fans on his return to the San Siro.

• Marcotti: Born ready?
• Vickery: Opportunity knocks
• Paul: A leap into the unknown
The Rossoneri were leading Spezia 3-0 when the biggest applause of the night was reserved for the new boss. The Dutchman made his return to the San Siro following a transatlantic flight which saw him not only cross several time zones, but also make the transition from footballer to coach.
He arrived in Milan's Linate airport to be immediately surrounded by hordes of fans and reporters, pronouncing his first words as new Milan boss.
"I'm very emotional and feel a sense of duty," the 37-year-old told reporters. "I left Milan in May 2012, closing a cycle. My job now is to reopen another one."
Milan are languishing in 11th place in Serie A, 10 points adrift of the top five and a place in Europe next season. He could therefore have a lot to thank caretaker Mauro Tassotti for with the Coppa Italia perhaps offering the easiest route into Europe next season -- Wednesday night's 3-1 win set up a quarterfinal tie with Udinese.
Tassotti kept the bench warm for just the one game following Massimiliano Allegri's dismissal on Monday. Seedorf will take his place against Hellas Verona on Sunday night.
"We've got a lot of hard work ahead to take Milan back to the top again," Seedorf said. "I'm delighted. Two years ago, president [Silvio] Berlusconi predicted everything. It can't be said that I've come back because I never truly left. To see all of this enthusiasm is crucial for me."
He was given a warm embrace by the club's general manager, Adriano Galliani, on his arrival at the San Siro, as the pair resumed their working relationship after little over 18 months of separation. Their paths had crossed only a few weeks ago in Brazil for what Galliani claimed was just a casual meeting.
There, the first foundations were laid for Seedorf to become Milan coach in the summer. A 4-3 defeat to Sassuolo on Sunday night meant Milan could no longer wait that long to make a change.
"We can aim to do great things for the fans," Seedorf said to Milan Channel at the San Siro. "I've got to give 100 percent to rebuild the squad and to give them enthusiasm and self-belief."
Apart from climbing Serie A during the second half of the season, Seedorf will also be looking to take the Rossoneri as far as they can in the Champions League, a competition he won twice for them as a player. Italy's only remaining club in that competition face Atletico Madrid in the last 16.

The Winter transfer season is on and surprisingly there ain't much activity apart from Namaja Matic the Serbian returning to Chelsea and Aiden McGeady the talented winger  making the switch to the Goodison park from Spartak Moscow. Both buys are very good for the two teams and am not surprised both  players have been handed lengthy contracts of five and half and four and  half years respectively. Jermain Defoe's switch to Toronto FC must have shocked not only to  his fans but the entire football world. At 31yrs the diminutive  striker has got plenty to offer but i don't see him maintaining his high standards as good as his done over the years. The timing doesn't look good enough especially with Roy Hodson yet to name his dancers for the upcoming Rio Bonanza in June.His last goal in the colors of Tortenham might do him some good but i don't see the England manager making the trips up North to check on his welfare. We can do nothing despite the letdown but wish him well.

CR 7

Hallo guys, i have been away from my blog but you bet i been very much alive  to the headlines that have been rocking our screens and causing drama in the soccer world. For me the highlight of all the news has to been the end of Ronaldo's four year chase of the Fifa Ballon D' or trophy. For me deservedly Ronaldo has won it and he better enjoy the moment while it lasts before the owner comes calling again.Lionel Messi coming a close second despite an injury layden year is true testament of the quality that little Argentinian posses.Am sure the LEGENDARY PELE afetr emotional and finally receiving the coveted Trophy(Honorary) will  be kind enough to appreciate that if he were paying in today's Messi era he too would have  a had a rough time as Cristiano Ranaldo knows too well!
Needless to conclude that Messi will be taking back his trophy come next year if manages to stay free of injuries.