ZOUMA - Would you let him leave on loan next season

 

Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero openly admitted he is "trying to get Kurt Zouma" this summer as he looks to strengthen the physical presence of his team. I ask Chelsea fan read this if you think you should consider letting him go on loan?

 

Zouma impressed everyone with his performance in defense and, surprisingly, also in the role of defensive midfielder (just ask Marouane Fellaini) this season. He answered the call and made a real name for himself with fans taking to heart.

 

However, at least for next season (and I would have to believe that this is the case of JT signing a new contract for one year) Zouma would have to settle for a place on the bench behind Gary Cahill and new JT as They seem the preferred choice of Jose Mourinho.

 

So where does that leave Zouma? It would be used in the same way next season by the manager and introduced to the side to play a key role in the games That's enough to Zouma when you have to play regularly to help in its development?

 

Besides the interest of the president of Sampdoria. Good talk recently, Massimo Ferrero revealed that he intended to appoint the legendary goalkeeper Walter Zenga as their new manager following the departure of Sinisa Mihajlovic and affected Zouma main objective.

 

His particular interest is as it seems and Sampdoria would be able to offer regular first Zouma football team in what will be a season with major European leagues all to come next year.

 

Players must be playing football regularly if they want to be considered for the tournament and I can not see that Zouma settle for the same stage this time at Chelsea.

 

Personally, I let myself go for a loan, because we cover defense season. Branislav Ivanovic defender Cesar Azpilicueta can play with the movement of the right side. Filipe Luis, if I could not still play left back or if the reports are correct, they could sign of Toby Alderweireld athletic and can play on the left or in the middle of the back.

 

What do you think we should do about Zouma Let him go on loan or play much next season at Chelsea? If so, it is instead of the band

 

I am interested in reading many of your opinions

Asia Unites Against Poaching

Representatives from 13 Asian countries committed to immediate action to stamp out poaching at the conclusion of a four-day symposium hosted by the Nepal government in Kathmandu from February 2-6, 2015.

The Symposium: Towards Zero Poaching in Asia adopted five recommendations:

• Swift and decisive action to elevate the importance and effectiveness of antipoaching initiatives and cooperation among all relevant ministries, departments and agencies within their borders, while at the same time strengthening international cooperation in the face of this serious criminal activity.
• Adoption of the Zero Poaching Tool Kit and assessment of current antipoaching responses to determine improvements and close serious gaps.
• Increase and improve collaboration as a successful antipoaching response is critically dependant on effectively engaging a diverse number of shareholders
• Improve standards, training and support for rangers, other frontline staff and prosecutors.
• Commit to identifying a Zero Poaching national contact point to effectively coordinate transboundary efforts to stop poaching.

Tika Ram Adhikari, Director General of Nepal’s Department of Wildlife Conservation and Soil Conservation, said: “Nepal was proud to host this vital conversation in Asia because we recognize that poaching is robbing us of our wildlife wealth, which includes tigers, rhinos and elephants. We cannot allow wildlife crime to continue to wrap its tentacles deeper into the region. Our individual efforts may win us a few battles, but we can only win the war if Asia presents a united front to stop the poaching, end the trafficking and wipe out demand.”

Mike Baltzer, Leader, WWF Tigers Alive Initiative, said: “This is the beginning of the end for poaching across Asia. WWF is proud to have supported this landmark meeting and is committed to be part of the new determined movement for Zero Poaching in Asia.”

Nepal was the natural host for the symposium having achieved zero poaching for two years in the past four years. At the symposium, representatives from local communities, protected areas as well as enforcement agencies shared their lessons lea

At the closing ceremony, Nepal’s legendary Chitwan National Park (CNP) also became the first global site to be accredited as Conservation Assured Tiger Standard (CA|TS).Despite the threats that CNP faces, the protected area has seen an increasingly effective management and protection regime. This further demonstrates the commitment of Nepal towards zero poaching.

Thirteen Asian countries participated in the symposium: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Viet Nam, Malaysia, Russia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Lao PDR. Partner NGOs and other organisations included IUCN, TRAFFIC, CITES, UN Office on Drugs and Crime, US Department of Justice, SMART Partnership and Southern African Wildlife College.

WWF co-hosted the symposium with Global Tiger Forum, National Trust for Nature Conservation and the South Asian Wildlife Enforcement Network.

The symposium provides valuable direction on tackling poaching in advance of the Kasane Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade to be hosted by the Botswana government on 25th March 2015. This meeting follows the London Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade hosted by the UK government in February 2014, where 41 governments committed to taking “decisive and urgent action….” through the agreed declaration.

Revista de la Liga Manchester City players confident of bid for Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Graham Hunter

The Real Madrid star's future has been ferociously debated over recent months, coinciding with his drop in performances for Carlo Ancelotti's side.

And speaking on Revista de La Liga, Hunter says his future is still not certain, but admits the decision will always lie with the player rather than the selling club.

Manuel Pellegrini's City were knocked out of the Champions League by Real's rivals Barcelona last week

"I know that the players at Manchester City were talking very, very firmly that they believed there was a successful move coming from that club over the last couple of weeks," said Hunter.

"Whether that makes it true or not, I wouldn't like to say.

"What we know is the mega clubs, with petrodollars, there's never been a better time to say: 'Well, would you like to cash in on your chips?'"

"Ultimately, it will always be down to the player. When you are No 1 in the world, he will decide."

Graham Hunter on Ronaldo

Ronaldo fuelled speculation upon picking up the Ballon d'Or in January, saying "only God knows" where his future lies, despite insisting he was happy at Real Madrid.

But with the tag of 'world's best player' comes power, and Hunter says Ronaldo will have the final say on any transfer out of the Bernabeu, rather than the Los Blancos bosses.

The Spanish football expert added: "Ultimately, it will always be down to the player. When you are No 1 in the world, he will decide. 

"I don't think he has decided to leave yet."

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Top 7 iPhone applications for sports enthusiasts

Madden 2010

 

The best football game for the iPhone, Madden 2010 provides a miniaturized version of the game, you know the game consoles of the year.

We have hours of time to play this game lost, especially like how it takes advantage of the touch screen of the iPhone. Our only complaint: It's easy.

 

DirecTV SuperFan

DirecTV live football video offers iPhone with this new application. Note: The application is free, but the service is very expensive: You must be a subscriber to DirecTV, pay $ 300 for the NFL Sunday Ticket, and another $ 100 for the SuperFan service. But if you already do, the iPhone app is an obvious add-on.

This application is also available for the Palm Pre and select BlackBerry and Windows Mobile devices.

CBS Sports: College

 

CBS broadcast on live college games - a football and basketball a week - for the iPhone with its new CBS Sports: College application.

Streaming video over 3G and Wi-Fi.

 

MLB At Bat

The best application of live sporting events of all is still in Major League Baseball stick to the iPhone, which better and better with the approach of baseball playoff series.

This year, added the match live radio link and video channels on demand, and recently allowed users to purchase live broadcasts individual games for $ 0.99 each. The league also offers a BlackBerry application.

 

ESPN Radio

 

New ESPN Radio app offers live broadcasts over 15 ESPN Radio stations across the country, including live broadcasts of college football.

 

ESPN Zoom Deluxe

The same set of "photographic hunting" are used to playing in a sports bar, but on your iPhone. ESPN and EpicTilt.

NFL App for Sprint

Sprint customers - no iPhone, but Palm Pre and BlackBerry - can access a single application Sprint NFL, including video streaming live NFL Network, and radio live NFL games.

Sprint says that more than 1.5 million subscribers have downloaded.

 

45 Baby Names that Mean Music

For some parents, the definition of a name is just as important as the sound. Music is universal and names with musical definitions make great choices for your little ones. Musical names come from many countries and heritages. They have simple and creative spellings and various sound options. Let's take a look at the great name options that have musical definitions.

(1) Shira: (female) Shira is Hebrew for song. I love the sound of Shira!

(2) Apollo: (male) Meaning God of music and poetry, this Greek name is a strong choice for a baby boy.

(3) Ranit: (male or female) Hebrew for song, Ranit is a great choice for a little boy or girl.

(4) Nazim: (male) Nazim is Indian for song and has a great sound. Naz is a great nickname as well.

(5) Alahya: (female) This Indian name means musical tone or color. It's so beautiful and I love the spelling.

(6) Lirit: (female) This Hebrew name means lyrical and has a great simple sound. It's like a better Merrit.

(7) Dewon: (male) Dewon is Irish for song and fits right into the popular sound for boys names today.

(8) Melody: (female) Melody is of Greek origin and is a wonderful choice. The melody is the most important part of a song!

(9) Roni: (male or female) Hebrew for song, Roni could work on a little boy or girl.

(10) Saron: (male or female) Meaning his song in Hebrew, Saron has a wonderful sound to it.

(11) Aria: (female) This English name means gentle music. It's more of an obvious choice musically speaking, but still beautiful.

(12) Philomela: (female) This Greek name means lover of music. It is a bit of a mouthful, but fits right in with Gabriella or Isabella.

(13) Leron: (male) The Arabic meaning of Leron means the song is mine. It's a wonderful definition for your child and has a great, modern sound.

(14) Sora: (female) Sora is Native American for chirping songbird. It's a softer Zora and has such a pretty sound.

(15) Brage: (male) This is the Norwegian name for the god of music. It has a really cool sound.

(16) Rina: (female) Rina is Hebrew for joyous song. It's beautiful and is a great choice for parents who don't like nicknames.

(17) Alima: (female) Alima is an Arabic name that means learned in dance or music. It has a simple spelling and a pretty sound to it.

(18) Lark: (male or female) The American meaning of Lark is songbird. I think it could work on a boy or girl.

(19) Ranim: (male or female) Arabic for reciting in a sing song voice, Ranim is a wonderful choice for your baby boy or girl.

(20) Cadence: (female) This American name means musical beat. It another choice that is a bit more obvious, but has such a great sound and energy to it.

(21) Philyra: (female) Like Philomela, Philyra means lover of music. It is a simpler spelling, so much more relate-able for modern parents.

(22) Chantal: (female) From the French verb to sing, Chantal is a beautiful name with many alternate spelling choices.

(23) Binali: (female) With the cute nickname Nali, the Hindi name Binali is a beautiful choice. It means musical instrument.

(24) Piper: (male or female) Piper literally means a flute player. It's gender bending, so you can consider it for your baby boy or girl.

(25) Lyric: (female) Lyric is Greek for melodic word. While it is obvious, I love this name!

(26) Aika: (male or female) Aika means love song in Japanese. It has such a great definition and a very unique sound.

(27) Ruana: (female) This Hindi name means musical instrument and the nickname Ru is absolutely adorable.

(28) Musetta: (female) Musetta is French for a song. It is a really pretty name and frilly as well. I like Muse and Etta as nicknames.

(29) Bethany: (female) This is a recognizable name that means house of music in Hebrew. It's a great way to honor music and your daughter, without the name being that out there.

(30) Charmaine: (female) In Latin, Charmaine means to sing. It has a pretty sound and is definitely a bold choice.

(31) Harper: (male or female) This name literally means harp player. It's gaining popularity and can be used on a little boy or girl.

(32) Carol: (female) The French meaning of Carol is melody and song. You could also do Carolyn, Caroline, or Carollie.

(33) Daina: (female) Daina means song in Lithuania. It's a cooler spelling then Dana, and is easy to say.

(34) Jaron: (male) Meaning to shout and sing in Hebrew, Jaron is a really cool choice for your baby boy. It is much cooler than Jayden!

(35) Gita: (female) Gita is Hindi for song and has such a cute energy and sound.

(36) Kotone: (male) Kotone means harp sound in Japanese. I really like the cool sound to this name. It's very strong.

(37) Mavis: (female) This name has a very unique sound, but is super easy to spell. It is the name of a bird that means song thrush.

(38) Carmen: (female) The Latin and Spanish definition of Carmen is song. It's also the name of a beautiful opera.

(39) Riya: (female) Riya means singer in Hindi. It can also be spelled Ria, but I really love it with the "y."

(40) Zamir: (male) Hebrew for songbird, Zamir is an awesome choice for your baby boy. I love Z names, and this is a great way to take a departure from Zachary.

(41) Chyna: (female) Chyna means musical instrument. If you are a music lover who loves place names, this could be your top choice.

(42) Harmony: (female) Another obvious choice, Harmony is a great option for parents who want a recognizable musical choice.

(43) Kousan: (male) In Armenian, Kousan means singer. I really love the sound of this name, and think it should be on any music lovers list of possiblities.

(44) Zimri: (male) Zimri means my music in Hebrew. It has a really cool, unique sound and would make a great choice!

(45) Calliope: (female) Meaning beautiful voice in Greek, Calliope has such a cool sound and a great nickname in Calli.

Football News Merson's predictions: Man Utd to draw at Newcastle, but Tottenham, Chelsea, City and Liverpool tipped for wins

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Villa are without a win in the league since December 7

This is a tough one, especially for a Midlands derby, but I’ll go for a draw. West Brom haven’t conceded too many, keeping seven clean sheets in 10 in all competitions, and it’s all down to Tony Pulis. It’s a phenomenal record, he’s different class, a great manager for getting a side out of a rut and stabilising them.

Villa boss Tim Sherwood needs a point, he needs to get going somewhere and can’t afford to lose this one. They’re well and truly in a relegation battle and the remaining games will go to single figures soon. It’s a massive, massive game.

Sunderland were beaten 2-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday

Hull have been very good at home recently, and I think they’ll be too strong for Sunderland. The Black Cats could easily go down this season, I watched them against Manchester United and they were good for about 10 minutes, but in the second half they got dominated.

January signing Jermain Defoe is the key for them but they need to get the ball to him. At Old Trafford they were lumping the ball to him in the air - he’s got absolutely no chance if that’s the way they’re using him. They need to get the ball down.

Alan Pardew is looking to get one over on another of his old clubs after beating West Ham on Saturday

Saints are struggling at home and Alan Pardew went to St Mary’s earlier in the season to claim the win in the FA Cup. Southampton are running out of luck and look a bit tired, and this plays into Palace’s hands because Saints will have to attack.

Palace will hit them with their pace and I can see this going their way. Pardew has done a great, great job. He’s extinguished any relegation talk very quickly and they can keep building now. He won at another of his old clubs on Saturday and I can see him haunting Saints again.

Manchester City's title hopes took a dent at Liverpool on Sunday

City have to win, but I do like Leicester. Nigel Pearson’s side always give it a go and are capable of scoring goals, they showed this at Anfield earlier in the season and nearly got something at the Emirates.

I expect City to win this, but it won’t be easy. They turn up too confident, thinking: “They’re not as good as us, so naturally we’ll win.” It doesn’t work like that. They’ve struggled at home because of their attitude against these lesser sides. I think Leicester have got every chance of staying up, they’ve just been bang out of luck. I don’t see many of the bottom teams winning bar Hull this week, so they’re still in it.

Manchester United bounced back from defeat at Swansea with a win against Sunderland

Manchester United played better the other day against Sunderland, but there’s still something big missing there. It’s another opportunity for Angel di Maria to defy the critics. His confidence is so low, and you feel for someone when you can see it so clearly.

This is the hardest league in the world and his struggles have proved it. He played in a team at Real Madrid who beat everyone, and the opposition often gave up at 2-0 or 3-0, and now he’s come over here and found it tough.

Newcastle are comfortably mid-table, and despite the win against Villa perhaps masking how the Toon fans are feeling, I think they'll get a positive point here.

Arsenal responded to their defeat by Monaco by seeing off Everton

Arsenal win these games. They bounced back well on Sunday with a professional performance against Everton after a devastating defeat midweek against Monaco. They tend to do this, and I see it continuing again. Their season has been full of small runs met by big defeats.

I think Leicester have more of a chance of staying up than QPR if I’m honest, despite the five-point gap. Their away performances have improved and one or two wins against the teams around them could give them a huge boost.

Peter Crouch scored the only goal as Stoke beat Hull 1-0

Everton are struggling, and I never go against Stoke at home. They’re such a hard team to beat and I thought Everton kept possession well against Arsenal but didn’t have that cutting edge.

They pass it around a bit too much for me under Roberto Martinez this season - it’s got to go forward more, especially with Romelu Lukaku up front. They have the makings of a good team with those players, but hard-to-beat teams are easily able to adapt. I'm not sure Everton have that quality.

Spurs have been tipped to bounce back from their Capital One Cup final defeat by Chelsea

I see Spurs bouncing back here after their defeat against Chelsea in the Capital One Cup final on Sunday. They started off well at Wembley, but I think if they were still playing now they wouldn’t have scored! It just wasn’t their day, especially with two deflected goals. This is a huge game for Spurs - they must get going again straight away if they want to finish in the top four.

But this isn’t a slight on Swansea. Garry Monk has done really well for a young Premier League manager, and if I’m honest, I didn’t expect him to.

Chelsea travel to West Ham after picking up the first major silverware of the season

The crowd are on Sam Allardyce’s back at Upton Park. It’s harsh, but after starting off so well people thought they were going to carry on, but it’s hard. The top teams come to the fore right at the end, and West Ham and Southampton now just seem to be a little bit short.

You could tell after the final at Wembley that Chelsea were buzzing. That’s one of three potential trophies this season and you could see Mourinho’s delight. He’s a winner, and I don’t think they’ll slip again. especially at Upton Park against a wounded West Ham.

Liverpool are on fine form, seeing off Man City on Sunday

Liverpool are playing as well as anybody at the moment. I like the way Burnley have a go at teams, but I don’t see how anyone will stop Liverpool on their run. I think they’ll get top four ahead of Manchester United.

Brendan Rodgers hasn’t thrown Daniel Sturridge back in because he’s so happy with the way they’re playing, that says it all. He has options now. Not having to rush Sturridge back will please him so much, and the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling will destroy anyone on their day.

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Football News Chelsea will win the Capital One Cup final, while Liverpool, Arsenal and United will all claim wins, says Paul Merson

Sky Sports' Paul Merson gives his predictions ahead of another action-packed round of Premier League fixtures, as well as his tip for Sunday’s Capital One Cup final.

Liverpool v Manchester City - Super Sunday, 12pm (live from 11.30am, SS1)

Liverpool host champions City at Anfield on Sunday lunchtime

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I am just going for Liverpool here. They have really picked up of late, while Brendan Rodgers has rested a couple of players for the trip to Besiktas in Philippe Coutinho and Jordan Henderson, and for me this game on Sunday is bigger than the Besiktas match.

Getting beaten by Barcelona on Tuesday will have really knocked the stuffing out of City. And I think that Liverpool are at home and are on a right roll at the moment, so I see them winning this game 2-1.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (9/1 with Sky Bet)

Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur - Capital One Cup final, Sunday, 4pm (live on SS1 from 2.30pm)

Merse has tipped his former club Arsenal to see off Everton on Sunday at the Emirates

It will be a tight game. There is no Nemanja Matic, which makes a massive difference for Chelsea. I think Chelsea will just win 2-1, although it will be a hard, hard game for them - and a good game too.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (15/2 with Sky Bet)

Arsenal v Everton - Sunday, 2.05pm

Burnley will beat Swansea 2-1 at Turf Moor on Saturday, predicts The Magic Man

Arsenal will win this match quite easily. Everton are struggling quite badly at the moment and only got out of jail last week with a last-minute goal at home to Leicester.

It is Arsenal all over really, they will get back to normal and then their disastrous Wednesday against Monaco will all be forgotten about. So I do not see anything other than a 3-0 Arsenal win here.

PAUL PREDICTS: 3-0 (9/1 with Sky Bet)

West Ham United v Crystal Palace - Saturday, 12.45pm (live on SS1 from 12pm)

Merse tips United to beat Sunderland 3-0 at home this weekend

I am just about going for a home win here. I know West Ham have hit a bit of a rocky patch recently, but I still think that they will just have a little bit too much for Palace at home.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (15/2 with Sky Bet)

Burnley v Swansea City - Saturday, 3pm

Merson thinks Newcastle will overcome one of his former teams Villa at St James' Park on Saturday afternoon

Burnley need to win this match. Swansea had a great result last Saturday against Manchester United, while Burnley have got some big games coming up - this is a must-win one for them. I am going for 2-1 to Burnley.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (9/1 with Sky Bet)

Manchester United v Sunderland - Saturday, 3pm

Stoke will beat Hull 2-0 this weekend, says the Magic Man

Sunderland are struggling badly at the moment and they cannot score goals, while Manchester United had a bad result last week at Swansea.

However, while United have not been playing well recently, I still expect them to beat Sunderland 3-0.

PAUL PREDICTS: 3-0 (7/1 with Sky Bet)

Newcastle United v Aston Villa - Saturday, 3pm

Merse predicts West Brom to draw with Southampton at the Hawthorns on Saturday

Newcastle got rinsed last week, while Villa have a new manager – I thought it was a good decision bringing in Tim Sherwood, but nothing really changed against Stoke on Sunday. They had just three shots last week, only two on target and I thought they would have had a lot more than that.

So I think Newcastle will bounce back this week and win 2-0.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (13/2 with Sky Bet)

Stoke City v Hull City - Saturday, 3pm

I do not like going against Stoke, they had a decent result at Villa last week. Hull have really picked up in recent weeks, they’ve had some big wins, but I am going to go 2-0 Stoke.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (13/2 with Sky Bet)

West Bromwich Albion v Southampton - Saturday, 3pm

Southampton dominated big chunks of the game against Liverpool on Sunday, without ever really looking like scoring. It was hardly backs-against-the-wall stuff with Southampton ripping then open and goalmouth scrambles.

Meanwhile, West Brom are decent at home and I do not see them losing here, so I am going to go 1-1.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (9/2 with Sky Bet)

Think you know better than Merse? Prove it with our Super 6 game and win £250,000

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Manchester United News Man Utd goalkeeper David de Gea says he has not fallen out with Louis van Gaal

David de Gea has hit back at reports claiming he has fallen out with Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.

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Reports in Spain claimed that his relationship with Van Gaal had broken down, with the pair not having spoken in months.

But the goalkeeper rejected that notion out of hand during an exclusive interview with MUTV on Friday.

"Everything that has been written in the press about us not getting on is a lie," said De Gea.

"Everything that has been written in the press about us not getting on is a lie."

David de Gea

"We both want the best for the club and the team, and the stories are complete lies."

After signing seven players in his first year at the club, Van Gaal is expected to make more additions in the summer.

But for many United fans, the Dutchman's priority should be extending De Gea's contract, which expires at the end of next season.

The 24-year-old Spaniard has rescued United on countless occasions this season.

Few would have thought he was capable of such performances when, at the start of his United career, he made a series of howlers. He thinks those days are firmly behind him, though.

"I think this is the best period of my career," added De Gea, who has been linked with a big-money move to Real Madrid.

"I am playing the best football that I've ever played.

"I'm really enjoying it at the moment and I'm just trying to improve with every training session and every game that goes by, giving 100 per cent and concentrating to the maximum. That's the way I want to continue."

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Champions League News Manuel Pellegrini defends Manchester City tactics after defeat by Barcelona

Manuel Pellegrini stood by his decision to set Manchester City up with two strikers against Barcelona after a hard-fought second-half performance saw his side hang in their Champions League last-16 tie.

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Despite Barcelona running out 2-1 winners, Lionel Messi saw a late penalty saved by Joe Hart, missing an open goal on the rebound to keep City in the tie going into the second leg at the Nou Camp.

And Pellegrini, who saw his side outlcassed in the first-half by two Luis Suarez goals, said the second-half show justified his offensive tactics.

Manchester City go into the return leg at the Nou Camp needing to score twice

Pellegrini said: "I'm very happy with the way we played. It was the way we must play against Barcelona, we demonstrated that in the second half with the same names.

"Barcelona will always dominate some parts of the game, but with the same players in the second half and losing 2-0 in the second half it was difficult. I think we showed it was the way we must play from the first minute."

Pellegrini sent out City in a 4-4-2 formation with Edin Dzeko partnering Sergio Aguero up front, and the latter halved the deficit with 21 minutes remaining.

Luis Suarez had Barcelona 2-0 up in the first half

And Pellegrini admitted his team played two different halves, finally finding their flow after the break.

He said: "In the second we did what we talked about before the game, we played well. It's not easy to play against Barcelona.

"We are going to play at Barcelona and try to do it the way we normally do in Europe. We have a chance."

The Chilean also conceded he owes a debt of gratitude to Hart for saving Messi's penalty, which was awarded after the Barca superstar was fouled by Pablo Zabaleta.

"It was a very important save," Pellegrini added. "It gives us more chance to try and win in Barcelona...3-1 is a very difficult score to try and erase.

"It was a very unnecessary penalty."

When asked whether he would hand penalty-taking duties to another player in future, Barca boss Luis Enrique said: "No. We know penalties can be missed in this game of ours and he will take the next one.

"Tonight is a night to celebrate. All the first half was fantastic from every player, every person on the pitch.

"I can't complain about the attitude of the players."

The two teams meet for the return leg at the Nou Camp on Wednesday, March 18.

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Manchester City News Manuel Pellegrini hails Manchester City home display in Newcastle rout

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has expressed his delight at seeing his side produce a dominant home display in their 5-0 demolition of Newcastle.

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City went 3-0 up inside the opening 25 minutes as they cruised to victory and closed the gap on Premier League leaders Chelsea to five points.

Pellegrini’s men have often struggled to impose themselves and break teams down at home, but the City boss believes they may have turned a corner.

“The last three here we didn’t win, so it’s important to have three points more, to continue playing the way we did today, as we always try to be a scoring team, and also not to concede goals,” he said.

Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko is confident his side can catch Chelsea in the title race

“I don’t know if it was the best, but it was a good performance here at home because I think we’ve lost too many things here.

“We lost the FA Cup, we lost the Capital One Cup here at home without scoring goals. So I think it’s important to be a scoring team at home.”

City’s game came after Chelsea were surprisingly held at home by Burnley, while Manchester United slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Swansea.

But Pellegrini was adamant his players were not thinking about the fortunes of their title rivals, and they are just thinking about their next match.

“We didn’t think about Chelsea and Manchester United,” he added.

“I said before the game ‘we are not thinking of other teams, we are just thinking of our performance and of the next game’.

'Nobody knows'

“After now, we are going to start thinking about Barcelona, and after that Liverpool, but the other teams, we can do nothing about what they do in their games so we are not worried about that.”

Saturday’s results have injected life into the Premier League title race but, with teams at the top regularly dropping points to bottom-half sides, Pellegrini believes there will be several twists and turns before the season is up.

“I think all teams will drop points,” he said.

“We must try not to drop one more because we’ve already dropped too many points, but after this game we have 36 more points to play for and nobody knows who will win the title.

“Of course the more points you have the better but nobody can know what will happen in the future.

“The only way is to continue to try to play the way we did today, try to win all our games, and at the end of the season we will see which team has more points.”

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Manchester City News Jamie Redknapp labels David Silva a maestro after another sparkling performance from the Spanish playmaker

Jamie Redknapp hailed the performance of David Silva after the Spaniard inspired Manchester City to a 5-0 demolition of Newcastle.

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Silva scored twice and set up another as City ran riot at the Etihad to close the gap on leaders Chelsea to five points, with Samir Nasri, Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero also on the scoresheet.

Newcastle had no answer to the impact of Silva, and Redknapp praised just how influential the former Valencia man is to City’s title push.

Silva celebrates after scoring Manchester City's fourth goal

“He is absolutely exceptional,” Redknapp told Sky Sports’ Saturday Night Football.

“The little man (Silva) was involved in everything, but he was given the freedom of the park.

“He is the maestro, he knows where the passes are going to go.

Samir Nasri: Also amongst the goals at the Etihad

“He runs the game. His goal was a lovely finish. He is truly exceptional. A joy to watch."

Craig Bellamy believes that the title race is wide open, and tipped City to emerge victorious come May.

“I said Man City at the start,” Bellamy added.

“While Chelsea have been exceptional, I am sticking with Man City.

“With this run City have, and on the back of such a crucial win that they got today, then they should close the gap.”

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Chelsea News Chelsea racists should be jailed, says victim of abuse on Paris Metro

The man who was abused by Chelsea supporters in Paris on Tuesday night says the men involved should be jailed.

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Shocking footage of the incident showed a black man being prevented from boarding a Paris metro, twice, by Chelsea supporters, who then sang “we’re racist, and that’s the way we like it".

Police in London and Chelsea have launched an investigation to identify those responsible.

The fans have been condemned by FIFA president Sepp Blatter, UEFA, the FA and Chelsea, who say they will ban any fan identified.

The man, named by Le Parisien newspaper as 'Souleymade S’ works as a farm manager near the Richelieu-Drouot station where the incident occurred.

The 33-year-old told the French paper: "I wanted to get into the carriage but a group of English fans blocked me and pushed me away.

“I tried to force the passage, I again tried to return. In the scramble, I lost my phone.

"They told me things in English but I did not really understand the meaning of their words. I do not speak a word of English.

"I understand also that they were attacking me because of the colour of my skin. You know, I live with racism, I was not really surprised by what happened to me even if it was a first in the subway."

He admitted he had not been aware than the incident had been filmed by a British ex-pat, and when he returned home that evening he did not mention it to his wife or their three children.

“I went home without telling this story to anyone, not my wife or kids. What can I say to my children? That daddy was abused on the metro because he is black?

“One person came up to me and said I was brave to resist them like that. But no-one came to my defence but to be fair, what could they do?

"These people, these English fans must be found, punished and must be locked up. What happened should not go unpunished.”

Former England captain Rio Ferdinand believes football has done a lot to combat racism and that a wider problem exists in society as a whole.

In a series of tweets, the QPR defender said: "The racist scene on the metro with the Chelsea fans-disgraceful behaviour obviously. But can football change this? Does it have the power?

"Does football want to change this? Do the people in the game that hold the power really want to put the hard yards in to eradicate racism?

"Football has come a long way since the 70's & 80's but are we all guilty of becoming a bit complacent ??

"Football has done a lot over the years to combat racism..but society has to do more to make change or is there too much hatred in society?"

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Champions League News Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho confirms Diego Costa will start Champions League game with Paris Saint-Germain

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed striker Diego Costa will start their Champions League round of 16 game with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.

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Costa has just served a three-match domestic ban after being found guilty of stamping on Liverpool's Emre Can during their Capital One Cup semi-final victory.

Mourinho has given the Spain international the green light despite previously admitting concerns over throwing him straight back in for such a crucial match.

"Yes, I start him. But I don't think it's good for a player to be three weeks or three matches without starting a game," so I don't think he's in the best of his condition," said the Portuguese.

Midfielder John Obi Mikel was the only player not involved in Monday morning's training session and did not travel with the remainder of the squad to Paris as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.

Chelsea will hope for a similar outcome to last season when the two sides met at the quarter-final stage of the competition.

The tie finished 3-3 on aggregate, with Eden Hazard’s penalty in the 3-1 first leg defeat in Paris proving crucial.

The Blues will go into the game in good spirits, having finished comfortably top of their Champions League group, while continuing to set the pace in the Premier League.

listen to ‘Mourinho: Costa will start’ on audioBoom

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Champions League News Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho warns PSG his side is stronger since losing in Paris last season

Jose Mourinho has promised Paris Saint-Germain fans they will see a different Chelsea side to the one that lost 3-1 at the Parc des Princes last season.

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The sides met in the quarter-finals of the competition last season, with PSG winning at home before being knocked out on the away goals rule after losing 2-0 in the return leg at Stamford Bridge.

"I'm not saying we won because we were better than Paris. We won because we scored a goal away and we didn't concede at home."

Jose Mourinho

David Luiz moved between the two clubs over the summer for £50m and with the money raised from the sale of the Brazil international, Chelsea were able to add to their squad.

Luiz has claimed Chelsea are a better team since he left but Mourinho refused to be drawn on that.

"I'm not here to comment what opponents say, even being David. I don't want to comment,” he said.

UEFA Champions League Highlights

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"We beat them, but we lost. And we lost in Paris and again knockout competition was decided in the last minute. A detail makes a difference.

"I'm not saying we won because we were better than Paris. We won because we scored a goal away and we didn't concede at home.

"Paris are a great team and are basically the same team as last season, with David Luiz. Same team, same coach, same dynamic, same profile.

"They have conditions to be better. When you have stability you can always improve. Chelsea are a different team. We have some different players, we change a little bit the profile of our game, the identity of our game.

"I don't want to say we are better or not better. I'm saying that we change the profile of our game, so I believe that tomorrow Parc des Princes will see a different Chelsea than last season."

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Manchester United News Louis van Gaal: Roy Hodgson right to play Manchester United's Wayne Rooney as a striker

Louis van Gaal has admitted he would play Wayne Rooney up front if he were manager of England.

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Van Gaal has been using Rooney in midfield at Manchester United in the interests of "balance", even dropping him into a deep-lying position for part of the recent victory over Burnley.

Hodgson this week said he had no plans to alter Rooney's role as his captain closes in on Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time goalscoring record, and van Gaal reckons the England manager is right.

He said: "In the composition for Mr Hodgson, Rooney is probably giving more contribution to the English team in the striker's position, then I would put him there too if I was the English manager.

"He has to compare Rooney with other strikers in his line-up and that is another consideration I have to make. I have to choose between Radamel Falcao, Robin van Persie and all the other strikers I have, then it is my consideration that is a different way."

Van Gaal even said he rates Rooney as "maybe the best striker (I have)," but that does not mean United's third-highest scorer in history will be starting further forward any time soon.

"I have to look at where each player can make the biggest contribution. It's the composition, which is more important than the individual player."

Louis van Gaal on Wayne Rooney's role

"It is not that anybody isn't a good player in my selection," he said. "I have to look at where each player can make the biggest contribution. It's the composition, which is more important than the individual player."

The Dutchman was more guarded in his praise of goalkeeper David De Gea, who was this week picked out as United's key performer this season by Kevin Davies, the veteran Preston striker he will face in the FA Cup on Monday.

Asked whether De Gea is now the world's best he said: "I never speak about that because I can never judge other goalkeeper, I can only judge mine.

"He doesn't save any points as he is my goalkeeper and his obligation is to hold balls and you are thinking that is an exception for other goalkeepers? It is not like that."

De Gea is still likely to start at Deepdale as Victor Valdes continues to build up his fitness after a long-term knee injury.

Van Gaal said: "When you are out for more than one year, you have to show yourself at a lower level. Like Ashley Young is doing, like Michael Carrick did, it's always the same, it is normal."

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Football News England boss Roy Hodgson happy to welcome back Daniel Sturridge

Roy Hodgson insists there is no simmering tension with the Liverpool hierachy as the England manager prepares to recall Daniel Sturridge.

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Friction appeared to mount after the 25-year-old's season was thrown off kilter in September by an injury during a training session with the national team.

As the injury problems mounted Sturridge went to the United States to aid his recovery and, five months after his last Liverpool appearance, made a goalscoring return in a 2-0 win against West Ham on 31 January. He was also on the scoresheet in the 2-1 FA Cup win at Crystal Palace.

The forward is now set to return to the England fold for next month's matches against Lithuania and Italy.

"Of course I am excited to have him back," Hodgson said. "As long as he playing well and playing.

"I haven't had to the pick the team yet or squad yet - I have a few weeks to do that. But, of course, I have always said that Daniel, for me, is a player that I think has the talent we are looking for.

"I am really delighted that he is not suffering from his muscle problems any more and we have the chance to bring him back."

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers initially felt the forward's injury could have been avoided, saying his tailored training programme was ignored by the England coaching staff, but Hodgson believes all the blame can not be laid at his door.

"It was unfortunate that Daniel got injured as he did and we were sad about that, but he has had a few injuries since then and I haven't seen too many people writing about that or has that been put down to our count as well?

"The other three muscle injuries he has picked up since our one, is that due to England and the way we work as well? I don't think so.

"It is just one of those things. It is unfortunate that Daniel has had a period of time where he has been plagued by injuries, but I am pleased he is not that way any more and that he is back playing. I thought he played well the other night (against Tottenham)."

Hodgson penned a four-year deal with the FA in 2012 taking him through to Euro 2016 - a competition England look all-but certain to qualify for having won all four Group E matches to date.

The 67-year-old admits he has not given thought to life beyond that tournament – but the much-respected coach admits he may still be open to a fresh challenge.

He said: "At the moment I feel quite good and I don't feel anything like my age and I hope that will continue for a good few more years to come, so you never know.

"I prefer to let the future take care of itself and have my clearly focused goals. As times go on, we will see what develops from there.

"I must say that it is not something that really occupies me at the moment. I am quite confident that when the day comes, I will know what the right the thing to do is and then I'll do it.

"But I don't want to think about it now because I have got important things to think about, I have got an important job to do that I really enjoy, so 2018 and 2020 we will see."

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Queens Park Rangers News Huddersfield manager Chris Powell backs Chris Ramsey to save QPR from relegation

Huddersfield manager Chris Powell has backed Chris Ramsey to do a good job as caretaker manager of Queens Park Rangers.

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Ramsey is widely expected to be given the role at Loftus Road until the end of the season after leading the team to their first away win of the season on Tuesday against Sunderland.

A host of names have been linked with the vacancy, including Tim Sherwood and Michael Laudrup, but Powell has thrown his support behind his friend to lead QPR away from relegation and raised the possibility of Ramsey getting the job long-term.

"Hopefully for Chris, if he carries on the way he has, he will have a chance beyond the end of the season"

Huddersfield manager Chris Powell

“Well he’s only caretaker but he’s done very well in the two games he has been in charge,” Powell told Sky Sports News HQ.

“He has managed to get around the group and galvanise them. He is a very good football man, he knows the game and been around it a very long time at academy level and first team level at Spurs.

“He has done his dues. He has coached in England, abroad and with national teams. He is someone I know really well and look up to. It is good for him and I hope he does very well.

“It’s very tight down there, I think people tend to write sides off very early. I think QPR have as much chance as anyone else of getting out the bottom three and make sure they are a Premier League side next year.

“Hopefully for Chris, if he carries on the way he has, he will have a chance beyond the end of the season.”

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Aston Villa News Scott Marshall wants experienced manager to replace Paul Lambert at Aston Villa

Caretaker manager Scott Marshall says Aston Villa need an experienced man to take over from Paul Lambert.

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Marshall was placed in temporary charge following the sacking of Lambert on Wednesday night with the Midlands' club sitting in the relegation zone.

Lambert was sacked after just two wins in 21 league games which left Villa in the relegation zone. Marshall, who worked with Lambert at previous club Norwich before going to Villa Park, will take charge of his first game against Leicester City in the FA Cup.

The former Arsenal defender admits he was sad to see Lambert go and has ruled himself out of the running to take the job due to his lack of experience.

"This is a big club and it's not somewhere for someone to cut their teeth," he said.

"This is a big club and it's not somewhere for someone to cut their teeth"

Aston Villa caretaker manager Scott Marshall

"It's certainly a big club and I would say there's not many things which are going to prepare you for this experience so I think a manager with experience is probably necessary but it's not really my decision or my call.

"He (Lambert) has been really good for me. He brought me in at Norwich and gave me an opportunity there, and brought me here and gave me a great opportunity to work at a great club.

"I'm hugely disappointed that it's not going to continue."

Marshall admits he may yet seek Lambert's advice before the Leicester game. He said: "If I had a conversation and asked him something I'm sure he'd be a positive help.

"You can only explain so much to get advice back but you try and call upon all your experiences before and try to make the best decision going forward. That's what I'm trying to do now. I'm pretty sure we'll have another conversation before the game."

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Aston Villa News Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner defends squad investment in wake of Paul Lambert sacking

Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner has defended the club's transfer dealings during Paul Lambert's time as manager.

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Villa dismissed Lambert after 32 months on Wednesday in the wake of a defeat at Hull which left them in the Premier League relegation places and with just 12 goals in 25 games.

But Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher partly laid the blame for Villa's long-term troubles at the door of the board, claiming "lack of investment is killing the biggest club in the Midlands."

And in a statement released through the League Managers' Association on Thursday Lambert revealed Lerner had told him the Villa job would be "the toughest challenge of my working life".

He also said his initial remit was to "conduct a massive overhaul of the playing squad, lower the overall wage structure of the playing staff and achieve this whilst keeping the club in the Barclays Premier League."

But a statement from Lerner later on Thursday claimed his investment has left the club in a stronger position now than it was when Lambert arrived.

It read: "Following several brutally challenging years at Villa, Paul Lambert arrived with a fresh view and a proven style and track record. It was our hope, and belief, that Aston Villa would find its footing and strengthen during Paul's tenure with the club.

"Adding players and investing in the squad over the last three years has strengthened Villa, and it is our hope that given the quality, leadership and team spirit at Bodymoor Heath that we can rise to the occasion for the remainder of the season.

"I want very much to thank Paul for his commitment to me personally, and to Villa, and wish him well personally and professionally in his future endeavors."

Lambert's statement was equally gracious towards Lerner, and the Scot also thanked everyone at Villa from former chief executive Paul Faulkner to the supporters, players and coaching staff.

Villa's search for a new manager is now under way, and Derby manager Steve McClaren has already distanced himself from the position along with former Chelsea boss Avram Grant.

Tim Sherwood is Sky Bet's 1/3 favourite for the post ahead of Glenn Hoddle, Jurgen Klinsmann and Sean Dyche.

In the meantime, first-team coach Scott Marshall and goalkeeping coach Andy Marshall (the pair are unrelated), will take charge for Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round tie with Leicester.

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Football News Premier League: Vincent Kompany insists champions Manchester City will never give up on the title

Vincent Kompany insists champions Manchester City will never give up on the title.

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City crushed Stoke 4-1 on Wednesday to end a winless run of five matches but the result did not cut Chelsea’s seven-point lead at the top of the table as Jose Mourinho’s side claimed a last-gasp win over Everton.

However, the result sent out a message that City will fight on and Kompany believes history should also prove that after they came from behind to seize the crown in 2012 and 2014.

"Belief never goes,” said City captain Kompany. “Past experiences should give us enough confidence to carry on and go for it.

"It has happened before. The belief is always there, that is never the problem, even when form is not the best.

"But performances like this make us not need to talk so much. It makes it obvious we are a good team and that is what we need to show."

City have already clawed back an eight-point deficit once this season having drawn level with Chelsea on New Year's Day, only to fall back again.

Doubts were raised over their durability during their barren run but Kompany is confident City can now build some momentum.

The 28-year-old said: "This was about us. I don't think anyone thought about Chelsea's result.

"We needed to focus on our own game and when we do, it gives us enough satisfaction to not care about Chelsea.

"We know if we are in the right form we can set up a line of results, and that's what we will need for this season."

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Premier League News Premier League: James Milner urged to commit future to Manchester City after record-breaking performance

Manuel Pellegrini has urged James Milner to sign a new contract at Manchester City after a a record-breaking performance for the champions.

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Milner followed up his injury-time equaliser against Hull at the weekend by playing a starring role in City’s 4-1 win at Stoke on Wednesday night, heading in their second goal.

But his value to Manuel Pellegrini's side was further underlined by a stat that showed he had covered the most ground by a Premier League player in a single game this season - 13.56km.

The 29-year-old is yet to commit his future but City supporters at the Britannia noisily implored Milner to stay put.

Pellegrini hails 'big' win at Stoke

And while admitting contract negotiations can prove to be difficult, Pellegrini reiterated City's desire to keep hold of the England international.

"When you are trying to sign a contract you need both parties to agree to it, so maybe that's why it's not so easy to get it signed," Pellegrini said.

"But I repeat, the most important thing is that the club wants Milner to stay here, and he has to decide what he wants to do with his future."

Having spared City’s blushes with a last-minute free kick against the Tigers, Milner proved pivotal at the Britannia as City powered past a resilient Stoke side to stay in touch with league leaders Chelsea.

Player Profile

7. James Milner

• Appearances 23 (15)
• Goals 5
• Assists 8
• Yellows 4
• Reds 0
• Current Season domestic and international figures 12th Feb 2015

Milner, whose contract expires at the end of the summer, has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Liverpool as well as a number of European clubs.

Top five distances covered by a Premier League player during 2014/15 season.*

James Milner – MAN CITY v Stoke – 13.56km – 11/02/15

George Boyd – BURNLEY v Newcastle – 13.55km – 01/01/15

Tom Carroll – SWANSEA v Southampton – 13.47km – 01/02/15

George Boyd – BURNLEY v Stoke – 13.34km – 22/11/14

George Boyd – BURNLEY v Man Utd – 13.30km – 11/02/15

*Data courtesy of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, Official Player Ranking Index of the Premier League.

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Chelsea News Roberto Martinez felt Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic should have been sent off against Everton

Everton boss Roberto Martinez felt Branislav Ivanovic should have been dismissed during their last-gasp 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday night.

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Tempers flared in the closing stages when Gareth Barry tripped Willian, earning a second yellow card, before Ivanovic motioned his head towards James McCarthy in the resulting fracas.

The Everton substitute was booked for his part in the melee, but Ivanovic avoided censure from referee Jonathan Moss and could face retrospective action from the Football Association.

The Spaniard said: "If you look at the images, Ivanovic's behaviour is wrong. That shouldn't be allowed.

"If you want to be on top of the laws, that's a red card. We got nothing out of that moment."

Roberto Martinez

"He grabs James McCarthy around his neck in a very forceful manner, then he puts his head against him when James McCarthy never reacted one single bit.

"If you want to be on top of the laws, that's a red card. We got nothing out of that moment."

The resulting free-kick led to the decisive goal and Ivanovic was involved.

His header was punched out unconvincingly by Toffees goalkeeper Tim Howard to Willian, who struck home.

Martinez added: "If you want to analyse that action (when it leads to the goal), it's even more hurtful."

And Martinez rued returning to Merseyside beaten after conceding such a late goal.

"The performance didn't deserve to end up with a negative result," he said. "We produced probably the two best chances in the game. Petr Cech's reflexes were the difference."

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Arsenal News Premier League: Arsenal sweat over injured duo Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey

Arsenal may have beaten Leicester, but the win was marred by injuries to Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey on Tuesday night.

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The Gunners boosted their hopes of a top-four finish with a scrappy 2-1 victory overs strugglers Leicester, but manager Arsene Wenger's immediate concern will be the medical status to two of his key players.

Sanchez, who has only just returned from a two-week lay-off with a hamstring strain, suffered a problem with his knee in the first half at the Emirates Stadium and had to be replaced in the 68th minute.

Ramsey came on as a substitute in the second half but lasted only nine minutes before going off with what Wenger suspected was a recurrence of a hamstring injury.

Arsene Wenger thinks Arsenal's spirit got them the win after a strong Leicester second-half performance

"Sanchez got a knock on his knee," Wenger said. "From the moment he got this knock, he was never really comfortable.

"I don't know for how long he will be out and whether he will be out or not. I haven't seen the doctor."

On Ramsey, Wenger added: "It looks like it (a recurrence of a hamstring injury). I don't know how bad it is yet. Just visually, it didn't look good - when a guy stops straight away and sits down, that's not good news.

"There's a recurrence now of a few muscular injuries and it's difficult - we haven't found out why."

Arsenal, who climbed up to fourth, next face Middlesbrough in the FA Cup on Saturday, before travelling to Crystal Palace on February 21 for their next Premier League commitment.

listen to ‘Wenger praises Arsenal spirit’ on audioBoom

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World Richest golfers

The world's wealthiest golfer is also the world's richest athlete, according to a July report by Wealth-X.

 

The U.S. claims three spots among the top five richest active PGA golfers, based on prize money, endorsement deals, corporate outings and licensing fees.  sour umathurman.org

 

Tiger Woods

 

Phil Mickelson

Vijay SinghNext

 

Ernie Els

Football News Merson's predictions: Liverpool to beat on-form Spurs at Anfield... and Man City will slip up against Stoke

Paul Merson expects Tottenham to follow up their north London derby win with a defeat at Liverpool on Tuesday, and can see Man City slipping up again at Stoke while Chelsea take advantage.

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It's Matchday 25 of the 2014/15 Premier League season and Merse is back to cast his expert eye over the midweek fixtures. Here's how the former England international sees the 10 games going...

Arsenal v Leicester (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

After the north London derby defeat, Arsenal need to win, and it’s a perfect game for them. The battle for fourth place is perhaps more fierce than previous seasons.

Arsenal win these games, they just don’t always win the big games, and Alexis Sanchez returning is a boost for them. Leicester’s defeat by Crystal Palace will have knocked them. It’s hard to see anything other than a comfortable home win.

PAUL PREDICTS: 3-0 (Sky Bet odds 7/1)

Arsenal should have Alexis Sanchez back for the visit of Leicester

Hull v Aston Villa (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

Villa and Paul Lambert have got to go to Hull and not lose, especially after Hull’s good result at Man City. Having been dropped for the game against Chelsea, Christian Benteke should be back for this one. I think Lambert knows that if he leaves him out again he’s got a death wish.

Benteke needs to score goals, that is what he’s there for. They probably had more crosses on Saturday than they’ve had for a while, and he wasn’t playing.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (Sky Bet odds 9/2)

Christian Benteke was dropped for Villa's home defeat to Chelsea

Sunderland v QPR (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

I just don’t see where QPR are going to win an away game this season, they just don’t have the pace. I think they’ll be relegated, especially with the games coming up.

Sunderland will be too good for them, and their new signing will keep them up comfortably with his goals at home. It was typical Jermain Defoe on Saturday, his strike against Swansea was brilliant, and I should think he’ll score again in this one.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (Sky Bet odds 7/1)

Jermain Defoe scored the opener in the 1-1 draw at Swansea on Saturday

Liverpool v Tottenham (Tuesday, 8pm)

Liverpool were good against Everton and were unlucky not to win, and they’ve been playing relatively well recently. Even though Tottenham had a great result against Arsenal, it’s another big game, and that fantastic performance may take it out of them. You could see how much they were pushing for 90 minutes flat.

Harry Kane was superb against Arsenal. Will he ever play better than he’s playing now? I don’t know. But fair play to him, he’s on fire.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (Sky Bet odds 10/1)

Merse predicts a win for Liverpool at home to in-form Spurs

Chelsea v Everton (Wednesday, 7.45pm)

Everton are struggling. I don’t think I’ve seen a more comfortable performance for Liverpool at Goodison Park. I don’t see anything other than a Chelsea win especially after the boost at the weekend with Man City not winning.

There’s still a long way to go but I think Chelsea will win the league. They’ve got a better attitude than Man City, who just turn up for the lesser games and think they will turn teams over.

PAUL PREDICTS 2-0 (Sky Bet odds 9/2)

Chelsea took advantage of Man City's slip at the weekend with a win at Villa

Man Utd v Burnley (Wednesday, 7.45pm)

If you’re Burnley, you can’t keep going 2-0 up and blowing it. They’ve done it twice in the last two home games and got one point, that’s nowhere near good enough.

I don’t think Manchester United have been very good, I went for West Ham on Sunday and thought I was unlucky, to be fair. The strikers aren’t doing it for them, but they will still be too strong for Burnley at Old Trafford.

PAUL PREDICTS: 3-1 (Sky Bet odds 10/1)

Daley Blind saved Manchester United at West Ham despite a poor team performance

Southampton v West Ham (Wednesday, 7.45pm)

There’s not a lot between these two teams. Southampton are still up there, playing well, and they’ve had a bit of luck at the same time, but the games are reeling off now.

Before you know it, we’ll be down to single-figure games, and if they’re up there, they have a big chance. This is a test for both teams, who have been surprise packages this term.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (Sky Bet odds 11/2)

Southampton host West Ham after their win at QPR on Saturday

Stoke City v Man City (Wednesday, 7.45pm)

This might be the final nail for Manchester City’s title hopes. If they draw, it will be nine points to Chelsea, who would have to lose three games and City win all their games. I don’t see that happening.

I don’t think Manuel Pellegrini truly understands lesser opposition. Jesus Navas probably had his best game at City against Chelsea, and then he’s on the bench against Hull. They were lucky against Chelsea, but look through their home games this season and the ones they haven’t won have been mostly against the lesser teams.

PAUL PREDICTS 1-1 (Sky Bet odds 11/2)

Manuel Pellegrini's Man City face a tough trip to hard-to-beat Stoke City

Crystal Palace v Newcastle (Wednesday, 8pm)

Palace are doing well and had a great result at Leicester. I don’t think they necessarily deserved to win, Leicester had their chances, but Alan Pardew has done fantastically and extinguished relegation talks.

I don’t think Newcastle have done the wrong thing in having John Carver in for the rest of the season. He’s right in referencing the number of star names they’ve had as managers that haven’t worked, and he’s a Geordie. They got booed off at the end of the draw with Stoke, but they were unlucky. It was a bit harsh.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (Sky Bet odds 17/2)

Crystal Palace saw off lowly Leicester 1-0 on Saturday thanks to Joe Ledley's goal

West Brom v Swansea (Wednesday, 8pm)

This is a hard game to call. West Brom got out of jail the other day, scoring at the perfect time just before half-time but it could have gone either way.

West Brom need Saido Berahino starting games, especially at home at The Hawthorns. Pulis started positively but he doesn’t seem overly happy with the performances, even when they drew up at Everton. Swansea will cause them problems, but this is a draw.

PAUL PREDICTS 1-1 (Sky Bet odds 9/2)

Saido Berahino was dropped by Tony Pulis for the 2-2 draw at Burnley, but was soon brought on as a sub

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