WENGER ENJOYS VELA RETURN

Arsenal fc manager Arsene Wenger hailed the performance of Mexican striker Carlos Vela, who scored in the 2-0 home win over West Bromwich Albion in the Carling Cup third round. The 20-year-old was making his first appearance of the season for the Gunners and wasted little time in getting on the scoresheet.

Wenger told the club's official website: "When he came on straight away he made a difference because he is dangerous in his control and in his movement. "His class gives you something special but I feel overall it was a good game. "It would have been a great game certainly if it had stayed 11 against 11, but we were patient and we played with cohesion and intelligence.

We didn't make mistakes and in the end the natural outcome was there. "Carlos needs more time, he is not ready. He was not even ready to start tonight but he needs to work. We have Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner, Eduardo and Vela as strikers, because we count Theo Walcott more as a midfielder, as a right-winger. "Of course he (Vela) is in my plans, he can play as a winger as well. He can play wide left, wide right, he can play central, he gives you plenty of options."

Fernando Torres saves the day for Liverpool Fc

Liverpool fc won hard fought three points by the skins of their teeth against West Ham united at Upton park.Fernando Torres scored twice to secure the win for Liverpool fc the win over the Hammers.Torres put the reds ahead in the 19th minute but the reds conceded a goal through a penalty which gave former Livorno player Alessandro Diamanti a debut goal.

Dirk Kuyt restored a goal in the 40th minute but Carlton Cole leveled the match.

It took Torres to Produce a quality header to secure the three points late in the 75th minute

this takes Liverpool to the 3rd spot with 12 points from 6 games.

With this Rafael Benitez's side are on a three game wining streak which started with a shaky start to it's season.

Liverpool will face Phil Browns Hull City on the 26th of September

Liverpool eyeing new stadium.

Liverpool believe their record-breaking shirt sponsorship deal could finally kick-start their new stadium project. The Reds have agreed a four-year deal with Standard Chartered Bank which will see them replace Carlsberg as the club's main sponsor from the start of next season. The deal is worth a reported £80million and managing director Christian Purslow believes the club can finally look to start work on their protracted new stadium project. Liverpool have planning permission in place to build a new 60,000-seater stadium on Stanley Park, but the club's American owners have been reluctant to start work on the project due to a lack of funds. "The overall financial health of our football club is a key ingredient of being able to get the stadium project back up and running," said Purslow. "This is a huge step forward for the club financially and that can only be helpful to create the conditions in which we can restart the stadium project."

Green feels down inspite of a smashing international performance.

Robert Green has accepted that West Ham United's display at Wigan Athletic was simply not good enough. After representing England against Slovenia and Croatia, the 1-0 defeat at the DW Stadium was something of a let-down for the former Norwich City goalkeeper. Green said: "The result does put a dampener on it because what you do with your club reflects on what you do internationally. "Wednesday (England's 5-1 win against Croatia) was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my career. You want to take the guys here on to another level from the experiences you've had with England and we didn't do that. "Realistically with one shot on target from the whole game, you're not giving yourself a great chance of coming away with a result if you're going to concede. "After this result, it's not a great start. We've played Blackburn and Wigan away, two games we won last season and we've got a point from those two games without scoring a goal. "That tells you everything you need to know. It's a reality check and we've got to wake up."

Mark Hughes defends Adebayor for his clash with Van Persie.

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes claims there was "no malice" in Emmanuel Adebayor's controversial challenge which left Robin van Persie nursing a facial wound during Saturday's stormy 4-2 victory over Arsenal. Adebayor's conduct at Eastlands is likely to lead to Football Association action after he was involved in two flashpoints during City's meeting with his former club. The Togo striker chose to run the length of the pitch before celebrating his second-half header in front of the travelling fans. He also appeared to make contact with van Persie's face with what has been described by the Gunners striker as a "mindless and malicious stamp". But amid suggestions that Adebayor could be banned for up to six games following a FA probe, Hughes has launched a staunch defence of his striker. "Emmanuel Adebayor sustained a tremendous amount of personal abuse from the kick-off but strongly maintains that there was no malice intended in the challenge on Robin van Persie and apologised to him when he hugged him on leaving the field of play at the end of the game," Hughes told his club's official website. Adebayor's clash with van Persie followed a wild challenge on him by the Dutchman and Hughes believes there are mitigating circumstances which the FA must take into account. The striker came out immediately after the match and apologised for his goalscoring reaction, but did not mention the van Persie incident. "The referee had a great view of the challenge from Ade and the one that preceded it by van Persie and deemed at the time that neither were worthy of either a yellow or red card," added Hughes. "There has been much discussion over the weekend regarding the various incidents in Saturday's game which is understandable. "We expect high standards of behaviour from our players and it is easy in the cold light of day, when the adrenalin has died down, to talk about what players should and shouldn't do in that situation. "Ade again immediately apologised but we know the FA will be reviewing the matter."

Fabio Aurelio ready to make his first start for Liverpool after injury.

Liverpool defender Fabio Aurelio has declared himself fit and ready to make his first appearance of the season against Burnley on Saturday.

The Brazilian full-back has been out of action since a summer knee cartilage operation after picking up an injury while playing beach football on holiday.

Aurelio is now hoping to impress Reds boss Rafael Benitez during a practice game on Thursday.

He explained: "I am feeling good and working hard to try and get back into the squad for Saturday.

"The international break came at a good time for me because I have been able to work hard and not miss too many more games.

"I'm playing in a practice game on Thursday and I hope to prove my fitness and be involved against Burnley.

"I have been training for three weeks now and I can't wait to get back."

UNITED MAY FACE FRESH PROBE

Manchester United could face more scrutiny over the capture of another youngster following confirmation that Fiorentina have contacted FIFA over teenage defender Michele Fornasier's move to Old Trafford.

Fiorentina have written to the game's governing body after losing the Italy Under-16 captain to the Premier League club.

The Italian side have not lodged an official complaint but FIFA may ultimately launch an inquiry into the transfer.

United are adamant that they broke no rules when signing Fornasier as he was not under contract to Fiorentina at the time.

"We can confirm that Fiorentina have contacted us," said a FIFA spokesman.

"However, so far no formal investigation was opened since the relevant documentation still needs to be completed.

"Only then will we be in a position to evaluate possible future steps to be taken."

It is the second time in the space of a week that the conduct of the Old Trafford club has come under the spotlight.

United chief executive David Gill has been forced to defence their signing of youngster Paul Pogba from Le Havre.

The French club have suggested that United breached FIFA rules in bringing the teenager to England, a move which prompted the Red Devils to threaten legal action if such insinuations continue.

Post transfer window Gossip!!

Dunne deal for Aston Villa

Aston Villa have completed the signing of Richard Dunne following a delay in his £6million move from Manchester City.

The former City skipper agreed terms with the Midlands club before Tuesday's 5pm transfer deadline and the relevant paperwork was lodged with the authorities.

Babel hints at Liverpool exit

Liverpool winger Ryan Babel has suggested that he is keen to head out on loan in a bid to boost his World Cup chances.

Babel, 22, has started the new season again out of Rafael Benitez's starting line-up and has admitted that he is beginning to fear for his place in Holland's squad for South Africa next summer.

Kranjcar: I'm no Modric sub

New signing Niko Kranjcar has warned Tottenham Hotspur that he will not be happy just to deputise for injured compatriot Luka Modric.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp raided former club Portsmouth to sign the Croatia international midfielder on transfer deadline day.

Pompey: No offers for James

Portsmouth have revealed that no offers were made for David James after the veteran goalkeeper ended transfer deadline day still at Fratton Park.

Tottenham Hotspur were heavily linked with a move for the England international, but James will now spend at least the next four months with the south coast club.

Cole signs new Blues contract

England international Ashley Cole will spend the next four years with Chelsea after agreeing a new contract at Stamford Bridge.

The 28-year-old left-back has joined Blues and England captain John Terry in pledging his long-term future to the club in recent days after putting pen to paper on a new deal.

Harewood failed to join Hull

Aston Villa striker Marlon Harewood failed to secure a deadline day move to Hull City, according to his agent.

Harewood, 30, was reported to be in line for a loan switch to the KC Stadium with a view to a permanent transfer in January.

Lilywhites draft in Collins

Preston North End have signed Wolves defender Neill Collins on loan until the end of the year, with a view to a permanent move if he impresses.

The 26-year-old has made nearly 100 appearances for the Molineux club, but has not featured in the Premier League this season.

Harper agrees Blades loan

Sheffield United have snapped up midfielder James Harper on loan from Reading until the end of the season.

The 28-year-old has made nearly 350 appearances for the Royals, but has recently fallen out of favour under new manager Brendan Rodgers.

Rovers secure double deal

Doncaster Rovers made a double deadline day swoop to sign Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp former Hibernian youngster Jack Wilson.

Twenty-three-year-old Sharp has joined on a season-long loan, having struggled to become a first-team regular during his two seasons with the Blades.

Chairboys seal Betsy return

Wycombe Wanderers have brought winger Kevin Betsy back to the club on a four-month loan from Southend United.

The 31-year-old scored 13 goals in 89 appearances for the Chairboys earlier on in his career and boss Peter Taylor is delighted to Betsy back in the fold.

Lions snap up Schofield

Millwall have signed Yeovil Town midfielder Danny Schofield for an undisclosed fee on a two-year contract.

The 29-year-old had been with the Glovers for just over a year, having made his name during a lengthy spell with Huddersfield Town.

Mancini agent cools Milan talk

Former Internazionale coach Roberto Mancini is unaware of any interest from AC Milan, according to his agent.

The future of new Rossoneri boss Leonardo has already been brought into question after Milan were thrashed 4-0 by city rivals Inter last weekend.

Ribery denies Real agreement

Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery has dismissed speculation suggesting that a deal is already in place for him to join Real Madrid next summer.

The 26-year-old France international has been linked with the likes of Real, Barcelona and Manchester United during the transfer window which has just closed.

ZHIRKOV UNSURE OVER RETURN

Winger Yuri Zhirkov has admitted he still doesn't know when he will be fit enough to make his first Chelsea appearance. The Russia international is yet to make his competitive debut for the Blues following his £18million arrival from CSKA Moscow.

Zhirkov suffered a knee injury on the eve of the new season and remains sidelined, much to his frustration.

"My knee is still hurting me, but it is better than two weeks ago when it was agony even to step on the foot," he explained. "I wish I had a usual kind of injury when I would know exactly that, say, in a month it will all be over.

"But when I can't fully comprehend my situation, and even the doctors do not say anything definitively, it is unbearably hard.

"My biggest dream now is to wake up one day and realise that the pain in my knee is all but gone."

Spurs sign sign Kranjcar from Portsmouth

Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Croatia playmaker Niko Kranjcar from Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee. The 25-year-old joins a couple of fellow former Pompey stars at White Hart Lane, with strikers Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch already among Harry Redknapp's squad. Kranjcar moved to Fratton Park in the summer of 2006 and scored 12 goals in exactly 100 appearances for the South Coast club, helping them win the FA Cup final in May 2008. While Kranjcar arrives at Spurs, a potential swap deal involving Alan Hutton and Sunderland centre-half Anton Ferdinand has failed to materialise. Another player who had been keen to join the north London club was Manchester City winger Martin Petrov, but he has now remained at Manchester City. His agent, Luchezar Taney, told Bulgarian radio station Darik: "I can say that Martin wanted to join Tottenham. "You see that he has some problems at City and that's why he decided to look elsewhere and Spurs made an offer for him. "But it's not the end of the world. He has one year of his contract left and we'll see after that."

Portsmouth manager blamed a lack of a cutting edge for his side's 1-0 defeat by Manchester City.

Portsmouth manager Paul Hart blamed a lack of a cutting edge for his side's 1-0 defeat by Manchester City. Pompey remain without a point from their opening four games, but Hart insists there is plenty of reason for optimism after running big-spending City close at Fratton Park. The south coast side should have claimed their first point of the campaign when substitute David Nugent fluffed a glorious late chance. "I thought we played very well, I was pleased with the way we went about our job," said Hart. "I think we lacked a bit of forward movement because when we got behind them we caused them problems. "It was a great opportunity (for Nugent) to score at the end and I'm disappointed we didn't." Meanwhile, Hart has denied reports claiming David James missed the game as the England goalkeeper had asked for a transfer. "He's the best goalkeeper in England," added Hart. "At the moment he's injured so you would think that would limit it."

Atletico Madrid have rejected claims that Sergio Aguero could be heading to Chelsea.

Atletico Madrid have rejected fresh claims that Sergio Aguero could be heading to the Premier League to join Chelsea.

Weekend reports claimed the Argentina international striker had been the subject of a club record £45million offer from the Blues.

Manchester United are also rumoured to be interested in signing the diminutive 21-year-old forward.

However, Atletico insists that Aguero is not for sale and have included him in their squad for Wednesday's Champions League play-off clash with Panathinaikos to illustrate their desire to keep hold of him.

"Aguero travelled with us (to Athens) to play and there is no chance of a sale," warned coach Abel Resino.

"This rubbishes all the rumours that have been in the newspapers."

A similarly bullish club president Enrique Cerezo added: "We have not received an offer from Chelsea.

"This story happens each summer but our answer is always the same. Sergio will stay with us."

Mach review :Sunderland v Chelsea

Both clubs have new managers at the helm since they met at the Stadium of Light on the final day of last season. And both got off to winning starts with their new clubs.

Carlo Ancelotti guided Chelsea to a 2-1 victory at home to Hull City on the opening day, the eighth successive year they have won their first fixture - a Premier League record.

Steve Bruce led Sunderland to a 1-0 win at Bolton Wanderers thanks to a goal by Darren Bent who netted on the opening day for the fourth time in five years.

Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League meetings with the Black Cats since 2001.

Sunderland have never won their opening two fixtures in the Premier League but the Blues have achieved that feat in five of the last six seasons.

Wenger paints a European picture

The Arsenal boss flew in to Glasgow on Monday for the first leg of the Champions League play against Celtic on Tuesday night and claimed that there was no financial pressure on him to get to the group stages of the competition.

However, in the context of discussing whether Celtic or Rangers would be a welcome addition to the Premier League, Wenger expanded his views on the future of the game.

And in doing so, the Frenchman claimed greed could eventually put an end to the Champions League.

"I believe you have two parts of Scottish club football; you have Rangers and Celtic and then the rest," the Frenchman said.

"I would say that Celtic and Rangers could compete, certainly, in the Premier League in the top eight. "The other teams at the moment are not equipped for that.

"But I see more of a European League developing in time anyway. "The national leagues will survive, but maybe in 10 years you will have a European League.

"The way we are going now financially, even the money coming in from the Champions League for some clubs who spend so much money will not be enough anymore because the income is basically owned by UEFA and they distribute the money to the clubs.

"I'm not sure 100 per cent that I am right, but I feel that there are some voices behind the scenes in our game aiming to do something about a European league, especially if the rules become too restrictive for the big clubs as things currently stand."

Wenger continued: "If a European league (does happen) the question is whether clubs will transfer from a national league or whether it is a franchised European league.

"That's the question people will have to answer.

"I personally believe only in sporting merit, so if one league is created there has to be promotion up and down. "But that would be, practically, very difficult to resolve.

"I do not want to kill the national leagues so each team should have to play in the national league and in Europe.

"That means the Euro league taking place in midweek and the national league over the weekend.

"All this would mean having two teams, basically."

Al-Fahim: Takeover on track

Portsmouth chairman Sulaiman Al-Fahim has insisted that his takeover the club is running smoothly, despite the worry of the club's fans.

Transfer activity throughout the summer has seen players leave Fratton Park rather than arrive, concerning Pompey fans.

And as Al-Fahim missed current owner Alexandre Gaydamak's one-week deadline to takeover the south coast club, fears that the deal had fallen through had increased.

But the Dubai businessman has claimed that the process is still ongoing.

"The takeover is still on course and in fact has never strayed off course," said spokesman Ivo Ilic.

"That is why he was there and I think the white coat was a statement of intent."

Meanwhile, caretaker manager Paul Hart admitted he was in the dark about the situation, which is concerning his squad of players.

"I treat the players with respect and try to keep them informed of what's going on," he claimed.

"Of course, the players want to know what is happening. They ask questions and I try to give them answers.

"But I can only give answers to the questions I know the answers to...it's all getting a bit like Fawlty Towers."

Rafael Benitez furious with the match official decision.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez launched a stinging attack on the match officials after seeing his side lose their opening game of the season 2-1 to Tottenham.

Benitez was outraged after referee Phil Dowd turned down two penalty appeals with his side trailing to goals from Benoit Assou-Ekotto and debutant Sebastien Bassong.

Assou-Ekotto appeared to block off Andriy Voronin and then handle the ball in the penalty area, but each time Dowd turned down the Reds' appeals.

"Everybody could see there was a penalty against Voronin. It was so clear, it is unbelievable," said Benitez.

"With this referee, I knew this (another penalty) was impossible.

"We had a meeting the other day and they said we cannot talk about the referee as a person or the decisions, but I think everybody today could see the situation."

Benitez was also unhappy with fourth official Stuart Atwell after seeing his number two, Sammy Lee, sent to the stands for protesting.

"For the fourth official, he is a young referee and maybe he has to calm down a little bit," added the Spaniard.

"I do not know how old he is, but the fourth official is too young."

David Beckham rules out chances of Premier League return

England manager Fabio Capello last week warned Beckham that he stood no chance of being on the plane to South Africa next June if he did not negotiate another loan spell with a top European club, and Beckham has taken heed of this warning but is adamant he will not return to English football.
Recent months have seen he 34-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder linked with Tottenham and Chelsea, but Beckham, while acknowledging that he must find a club, has ruled out any notion of truth in the speculation.
Related Articles Beckham's World Cup warning Milner and Defoe book World Cup spotsCapello reassures star duo Big-money signings suffer on England duty Defoe comes of age Capello: England made stupid mistakes When asked if he will return to the Premier League, Beckham told the Sun: "No. It's important I'm playing in a European league leading up to the World Cup [but] I enjoyed my time at Milan and they want me to go back, Milan is one of the top clubs in the world."
News that he will once again return to play in Europe is unlikely to earn him any more fans on the West coast of America.
Beckham has been involved in a number of altercations with fans since returning from Italy last month, with LA Galaxy supporters calling into question his commitment to the club.
However, focusing on England, Beckham, who this week was handed his 113th cap against Holland, expects the scrap for places in Fabio Capello's squad to hot up when the Premier League season starts this weekend.
Despite starting in midweek, Theo Walcott remains first choice over Beckham on the right flank, with Shaun Wright-Phillips, James Milner and Aaron Lennon breathing down their necks.
"Without a doubt competition for places is growing stronger," Beckham said. "It's like that week-in, week-out and it's what you want in a World Cup year."
"Hopefully once we qualify that will continue because you want competition, it's what makes great teams. If no-one is pushing you then you are not pushing yourself so it's important we've got that."

Essien up for elusive trophy

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien believes new manager Carlo Ancelotti could be the missing piece in their Champions League jigsaw.

The Blues have reached five semi-finals and one final in the last six seasons, but Essien is confident that the arrival of the Italian coach can help them secure an elusive first European crown.

Ancelotti won the Champions League twice with former club AC Milan.

"We are already enjoying his company and methods," said Essien. "Everyone knows we have been in five Champions League semi-finals in six years and one final.

"We are desperate to win the biggest trophy in club football and I strongly believe our new boss can help us do it.

"He has been there, done it and got the shirt for it and we are already getting the vibe from him.

"The squad has been together for a long time and we are all yearning and hungry for more trophies."

Chelsea are planning contract negotiations with Nicolas Anelka

Chelsea are planning contract negotiations with Nicolas Anelka, according to the agent of the France striker. Anelka, 30, has been at Stamford Bridge since January 2008 and agent Doug Pingisi is expecting to hold talks over a new deal for his client. The well-travelled striker scored 19 Premier League goals for the Blues last season. "I think we will be having talks with Chelsea next week about Nicolas' contract," revealed Pingisi. "Nicolas has two years left on his present contract and I think Chelsea would like to extend it. "We plan to sit down and have talks with Chelsea about Nicolas' future." The former Bolton Wanderers, Manchester City, Arsenal and Real Madrid striker has scored 27 goals in 75 appearances for Chelsea.

Cesc Fabregas remain for Arsenal believes Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger has categorically ruled out the possibility of Cesc Fabregas leaving Arsenal for Barcelona this summer. The Gunners boss has, on several occasions in the past, denied reports linking the Spain international midfielder with a return to his boyhood club. But on the eve of the new Premier League season and following a fresh wave of reports in recent days linking Fabregas with a £45million move to the European champions, Wenger has issued a firm denial. "Do you really think we sell now our players one day before the championship starts, players who are basic players of the team? There is no chance," he declared. "You cannot stop people from having a lot of creative imagination during their sleepless nights, but that does not mean we will do it." Meanwhile, Wenger has again insisted that he is not close to completing any moves to bolster his own squad. "If we need to add one or two more, the transfer period is open until August 31," he added. "Ideally you want not to move any more, but you always have to adjust. If there is a need there, we will do it."

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has confirmed his interest in signing Newcastle United winger Damien Duff

The Republic of Ireland international is believed to have been the subject of a £4million bid from the Cottagers and Newcastle are considering whether to sell the 30-year-old wideman.

Duff spent three seasons with Fulham's west London rivals Chelsea and has previously worked under Hodgson at first club Blackburn Rovers.
"The clubs are talking and I hope the deal will go through. He's a player that interests us," confirmed the Fulham boss.
"Damien and I go back a long way from when we worked together at Blackburn. He wants to come back to west London.
"Damien had injury problems at Chelsea and has done well at Newcastle given the turmoil there.

"Every time he's played for Ireland he's consistently been one of their best performers.
"We know what we'd be getting with Damien. He's an experienced and quality player."
Meanwhile, Hodgson has revealed that former Newcastle striker Mark Viduka will not be joining the Cottagers.
The veteran Australia striker met with Hodgson on Thursday but is not looking to play on in the Premier League.
"I wanted to know if he wanted to continue playing in the Premier League but by the end of our discussion it was pretty clear he'd made his decision to leave it behind and start a new life," added Hodgson.
"With Mark it was always going to be a long shot because we realised when he left Newcastle it wasn't to go somewhere else, it was to start a new life."

New contract signed by Torres for Liverpool.

Fernando Torres has put pen to paper on a new and improved contract which potentially ties him to Liverpool until 2014. The Spain striker agreed terms earlier in the summer and has now signed the new deal on the eve of the new Premier League season. Torres is under contract at Anfield until summer 2013 and the Reds have an option for a further year's extension in the new deal. "Fernando is one of the best strikers in the game and, at his age, can only get better," said manager Rafael Benitez. "Every major side would want him in their team, but he has shown how much he wants to achieve success at Liverpool by committing his future to the club. "He's a special talent, but still has the hunger to improve his game." Torres has scored 50 goals in 84 appearances since joining the Reds from Atletico Madrid two years ago. The 25-year-old hot-shot has now set his sights on winning the Premier League with Liverpool. "I am not thinking can we win the title, I am thinking we have to win the title," he claimed. "We came so close last season but for many of the players it was their first time experiencing the pressure of a Premier League title race."