REACTION: EARLY GOAL IS KEY

In the wake of our draw with West Ham and an opportunity to top the Barclays Premier League spurned, the mood was obviously subdued after the game.

It was an afternoon full of mixed emotions, as legends Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke returned to our home in the claret and blue colours of West Ham, Didier Drogba returned to league action and the Blues once again failed to make the most of opportunities.

'The result is not good for us because we wanted to win and we needed to win to be first in the Premier League,' said Deco after the game before explaining, 'but they [West Ham] defended well, they played the counter attack and they scored for 1-0, so it was difficult for us.

'In the second half we played better, scored for 1-1. We tried to score a second goal but we couldn't. It was a difficult game but we have to follow up on this now.'

With the introduction of Drogba at the break, the impact was almost immediate, as the Ivorian and Frank Lampard combined to open up the defence for Nicolas Anelka to even the scores.

'With Didier we have presence in the box, we are stronger of course, because he is big, he is strong, he is a great player and for us it is important in midfield to have a player like Didier,' added Deco.

Despite Drogba's return, Petr Cech was more concerned with our home results, and addressed the issue head on.

'We are not able to win at home at the moment. We will try to work it out and now the important Christmas period is coming. I hope we are going to get it right,' said the goalkeeper.

'It's hard to explain because you can see the effort and the way we try to break the opponents down. The early goal is key. We have been doing that away from home and that has made the games slightly easier.

'But it is disappointing because we have already had two chances to go top,' said Cech.

Results away from home contrast our recent achievements at Stamford Bridge, and it is frequently suggested that could be down to the way teams play when they visit west London. It's something the Blues have to deal with in future fixtures.

'We have lost many points at home and we will have to try and play better here,' said Deco.

'It just has to work, we want to play like we do away and we are trying.

'We have more weeks to be training, and we are progressing. In the future I think we will do better.'

www.chelseafc.com

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Adebayor - We must forget 'Big Four' wins

Emmanuel Adebayor has warned his Arsenal team-mates that previous wins over the Big Four will count for nothing when Liverpool arrive at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

This weekend’s game will be crucial for both teams. Rafa Benitez’ side have led the Premier League for much of the campaign but have slipped up recently after three successive draws at Anfield. Arsenal, meanwhile, are still playing catch-up after a couple of surprise defeats early in the season.

That said, Wenger’s men have won both games against fellow members of the so-called Big Four. Yet, according to Adebayor, those 2-1 wins should be the last thing on their minds on Sunday.

“We have to forget about what we have done against Chelsea and Manchester United,” said the striker. “We have done that so the most important thing is just to keep focussed against Liverpool.

“If we think because we have beaten Man United at home, Chelsea away so we are going to win easily against Liverpool then we have got everything wrong.

“Every weekend comes a massive game, massive game, massive game for us. [Each is] the game of the season. We all know how important this is for the Club so we will just try to keep our dreams alive.

“For us the most important thing is to keep positive. We have a good chance because we play at Emirates Stadium in front of our own fans. We always play quite well there.”

Last season Liverpool knocked Arsenal out of the Champions League at the Quarter-Final stage in dramatic fashion. It still rankles with Adebayor but, at the same time, adds to the allure of one of the most glamorous fixtures on the English calendar.

“For sure, they broke our dreams last season,” said the 25-year-old. “But what they have done they have done. That happened last season. The most important thing is what we want to achieve now.

“All the people will be talking about it and that will make it a big game for everybody.

“As a player you dream of playing in these big games. When I was young I had a chance to watch Arsenal against teams likes Liverpool and Manchester United. Now I have a chance to be in those games.

“That is why I say to myself whenever I wear the shirt I have to keep giving 100 per cent.”

www.arsenal.com

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Zarate, Pandev Singkirkan Milan

Meskipun Coppa Italia tergolong kompetisi kelas dua di Italia, kedua tim menurunkan sebagian besar pemain andalannya. Clarence Seedorf, Ronaldinho, dan Kaka tampil untuk Milan, sementara Tommaso Rocchi dan Goran Pandev memimpin lini depan Lazio.

Di babak pertama, kedua tim sama-sama ingin lolos ke perempat-final, sehingga mereka saling menyerang di babak pertama. Rossoneri berhasil keluar dari tekanan pada menit ke-18 lewat peluang yang gagal dimanfaatkan oleh Andriy Shevchenko.

Dida harus berjibaku pada menit ke-34, setelah Aleksandar Kolarov memanfaatkan tendangan bebas pada menit ke-34, akibat pelanggaran tak perlu yang diberikan Kakha Kaladze.

Di babak kedua, lagi-lagi Lazio menekan pada menit-menit awal, apalagi ditambah dengan kartu kuning kedua yang diterima Emerson akibat pelanggaran terhadap Cristian Ledesma yang membuatnya diusir wasit dari lapangan.

Setelah gagal memanfaatkan beberapa peluang emas, Shevchenko memecahkan kebuntuan 13 menit sebelum pertandingan berakhir lewat tendangan kaki kirinya.

Lazio pun bangkit dari tidurnya, dan meski Milan tampaknya hampir mengambil tiket ke babak berikutnya, Giuseppe Favalli menjatuhkan Goran Pandev di kotak terlarang.

Zarate tak ragu memanfaatkan peluang untuk menyamakan kedudukan dari titik putih tiga menit sebelum bubaran.

Skor 1-1 bertahan hingga 90 menit, dan memaksa digelarnya perpanjangan waktu. Lazio kembali menggebrak dan Pandev (foto) mencetak gol penentu kemenangan hanya dua menit setelah perpanjangan waktu dimulai.

Kegagalan Ronaldinho memanfaatkan tendangan bebas dan hanya membentur mistar gawang yang dijaga Nestor Muslera. Dan Lazio pun berhasil bertahan hingga peluit panjang berbunyi dan memastikan langkah mereka ke babak Coppa Italia berikutnya.

Susunan Tim

Milan: Dida, Antonini (Jankulovski '74), Senderos, Kaladze, Favalli; Flamini, Emerson, Seedorf (Zambrotta '74), Kakà, Ronaldinho, Shevchenko (Cardacio '85).

Lazio: Muslera; Lichtsteiner (Meghni '42), Rozehnal, Diakitè, Kolarov; Dabo (Mauri '84), Ledesma, De Silvestri; Rocchi (Zarate '73); Foggia, Pandev.

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David Beckham tells: I'll see you in Auckland

David Beckham has put to bed any lingering doubt that he won't be part of LA Galaxy's squad for next month's big friendly in Auckland against the Oceania Allstars.

The England midfielder has confessed that last year's visit of New Zealand was a career highlight and he is looking forward to the December 6 clash at Auckland Regional Council’s Mt Smart Stadium.

The Oceania Allstars will feature Beckham's former Manchester United teammate Mark Bosnich and ex-Real Madrid star Christian Karembeu.

Beckham declared: "Well, although the MLS season is over for us, the Galaxy squad are still in training as we’re off to New Zealand next month to play against an Oceania All-Star team.

"This gives us some time together working on things without the pressure of a match every week and it’s good to spend some time together, with Bruce Arena also getting some time to put across his ideas. The training sessions have been really positive and great fun too. We work hard, but training has been really enjoyable.

"We know next month’s match is on a friendly, but it gives us a chance to put into practice the manager’s tactics and finish the year with a good result before everyone goes on their break.

"I’m disappointed that we won’t be visiting Australia again, like we did last year, as it’s an incredibly beautiful country and I really enjoyed my last visit, but unfortunately the date of the proposed match was set during the players break with their families, which made it not possible for us to play. I look forward to going to Australia again soon."

For Bosnich, the glamour friendly is a chance to put himself in the shop window.

“Becks has scored against me before, when I was with Aston Villa and Hopefully he won’t again," he smiled. “I’m hoping this game will give me the opportunity to show I’m still able to play high level football."


For more from David, visit his blog at davidbeckham.com.

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Real Madrid signing Huntelaar: Big day has arrived!

The deal was rubberstamped yesterday and Huntelaar said: "The truth is that it's been a very long couple of days, in which people have not stopped asking me about what was happening, but I could hardly say anything.

"I had to keep everyone waiting .... and finally the big day has arrived!

"I'm very happy right now, I guess I will be much happier when I arrive in Madrid and can be with my new teammates."

Huntelaar arrives next month as a direct replacement for Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has been ruled out for the season with a knee injury.

The striker added: "Ruud was always one of my favourites as a footballer. He is an extraordinary goalscorer and I'm sorry for his recent knee injury. I hope he has a speedy recovery.

"I want to score many goals to help Real Madrid as soon as possible and it's encouraging to be thought of like that because Van Nistelrooy is the best.

"I'm Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. I'm different, but we both share the same badge, that of Real Madrid. That is why I'm extremely happy."

www.tribalfootball.com

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Bonera backs AC Milan bid for Roma's Mexes

Daniel Bonera has backed AC Milan's pursuit of Roma defender Philippe Mexes.

Milan chiefs see Mexes as the ideal successor for skipper Paolo Maldini.

"The market does not worry me, but certainly we need to improve our defensive pool," said the Italy international fullback.

"Mexes is a great player. The club has always worked well and we're in a strong position. Though, if (Adriano) Galliani decides to strengthen the Rossonero defence, that would be welcome."

www.tribalfootball.com

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Wenger suffers first lower-league defeat

Until Tuesday night's Carling Cup Quarter Final defeat against Burnley, Arsène Wenger had never lost a game against a team from below the Premier League.

The Frenchman came up against lower-league opposition for the first time in only his third game as Arsenal manager – a nervy 1-1 draw against Championship Stoke. The Gunners thrashed the Potters 5-2 in the replay at Highbury and the manager has enjoyed near-total dominance over non-Premier League sides ever since.

Tuseday’s 2-0 reverse at Turf Moor brings the manager’s incredible 34-match streak to an end. Read on for a comprehensive list of all of those fixtures…

www.arsenal.com

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Getafe president: Real Madrid paid for arrogance

Getafe president Angel Torres says Real Madrid paid for their arrogance on Saturday night.

Real were completely outplayed by Getafe and after the 3-1 win, Torres declared: "There are things I do not understand.

"I heard the players of Madrid and even the president talking about the game against Barca. It even bothered me.

"They forgot that before then, they were playing against Getafe and Sevilla and by December 14 they could be nine points behind (Barca). Today they have paid for thinking about other things."

Torres added: "The solution isn't to buy two more Higuains. It will take them too long to adjust. I think Real Madrid should resign themselves to not winning anything this season.

www.tribalfootball.com

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AC Milan will press LA Galaxy to extend Beckham deal

AC Milan intend to pressure LA Galaxy to extend the loan of David Beckham.

The Mail on Sunday says the Italian giants have tried to play down the significance of Beckham's loan spell to avoid further angering LA Galaxy.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani even claimed the club do not want Beckham beyond March.

But a source said: "Forget the public posturing - if David does well in his loan period until March, Milan will try to keep him until the end of the season. Whether or not they are successful will depend on Beckham and his relationship with the Galaxy.

"No one is talking about it in public right now because if they did, it would cause trouble between the clubs."

Beckham is meant to rejoin LA Galaxy by April 15, when the US transfer window closes, but could return earlier.

www.tribalfootball.com

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