Barclays Premier League

Saturday 11th February 3pm

Sunderland AFC v Arsenal

Founded in 1879 as Sunderland and District Teachers AFC, Sunderland joined the Football League in 1890 and went on to win the League the following season.

Why Fernando Frequently Fails to Fire - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Useless. Flop. Goddamn waste of money. Adjectives are not too hard to come by when Fernando Torres is the topic of discussion. Few footballers have fallen as far and as fast as the former Liverpool hit man has in the past 2 seasons.

Chelsea-Manchester United is live on Fox at 7:30 a.m. A preview is here. The "game before the game" marks the second live Barclays Premier League game in two weeks on Fox. On Jan. 22, Fox drew 1.3 million viewers nationwide for Arsenal's 1-2 loss to Manchester United, making it the

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is extremely impressed with Swansea City's home record and suggests that the toughness of the Welsh outfit at Liberty Stadium should ensure survival in the Barclays Premier League.

Following last night's 1-1 draw with the Blues, the Swans are now nine points clear of the relegation zone with a little over a third of the season left to go.

Liverpool recorded their first Barclays Premier League victory of 2012 with an...

Fulham have stunned both Footballing Worlds by signing American Football player Tim Tebow on a free transfer.

"After being healed from my rib, lung and chest injuries suffered during the defeat to the Patriots earlier this month, I had a calling from God that I should try my hand at another sport this off-season," Tebow said.

Former New England Revolution star Clint Dempsey could be changing teams before England's January transfer window comes to a close at 6PM ET on Tuesday. The current Fulham FC midfielder has been lighting it up in the Barclays Premier League with 15 goals through all competitions and could see a dream move to one of the top clubs in the league before Tuesday's deadline.

Arseblog has teamed up with Thomas Cook Sport, official travel partner of Arsenal, to offer two lucky fans the chance to win a pair of tickets to their Barclays Premier League clash with Blackburn Rovers on Saturday 4th February.

The Gunners will be in search of three valuable points against and some revenge against a Blackburn side for whom we scored two goals back in September.

Okay, you can all relax now. Turns out that our hero, Arsenal captain Robin van Persie, will NOT be sanctioned for allegedly throwing an elbow in the face of defender Carlos Cuéllar, after all. Had the Football Association chosen to sanction him, and there certainly seemed to be justification for doing so, the punishment to both Robin as an individual and Arsenal as a cohesive whole would have been severe enough, considering the awful timing, to virtually end the team's season on quite a sour note.

Okay, you can all relax now. Turns out that our hero, Arsenal captain Robin van Persie, will NOT be sanctioned for allegedly throwing an elbow in the face of defender Carlos Cuéllar, after all. Had the Football Association chosen to sanction him, and there certainly seemed to be justification for doing so, the punishment to both Robin as an individual and Arsenal as a cohesive whole would have been severe enough, considering the awful timing, to virtually end the team's season on quite a sour note.

Stoke City defender Robert Huth admits that getting anything out of tomorrow evening's trip to Old Trafford will be difficult but hopes that Manchester United are not at their best.

Huth, who is aware that the Potters have not defeated United in over 30 years, has seen the defending champions bounce back strongly from every setback and is worried that a backlash awaits following this weekend's 2-1 FA Cup defeat at Liverpool.

To the Liberty Stadium! Huzzah!

What could have been

By all accounts, this is going to be a difficult fixture. Face facts, we're playing poorly at the moment, and unfortunately hung up on numbers. Despite our medical staff's best efforts, we're shorthanded and facing the very real prospect of losing another face or two come Tuesday night?

Daniel Agger is feeling great after Liverpool's back-to-back Cup wins against Manchester opponents to knock City out of the Carling Cup and United out of the FA Cup but believes that there is plenty of improvement needed ahead.

Agger has always been a vocal critic of the Reds' struggles in recent years and thus, it comes as no surprise that despite scoring a brilliant headed goal to open the scoring in the 2-1 home victory over United, he is not satisfied.

Today as expected, Alex signed for PSG and ex Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti after asking to leave the club towards the end of last year.
The Official Chelsea Website posted up confirmation this afternoon with a statement that reads:

"Chelsea Football Club can confirm we have agreed terms for the permanent transfer of Alex to Paris St Germain.

There are a number of indications from the Arsenal camp that there won't be any major signings arriving at the Emirates Stadium for the remainder of the winder transfer window.

For starters, manager Arsene Wenger has made it clear that the return of Bacary Sagna and Kieran Gibbs to full training diminishes the need to seek a new full-back.

Arsene Wenger has made it clear that he is strongly opposed to loan deals such as Emmanuel Adebayor's spell with Tottenham Hotspur.

Adebayor has been in fine form this season, scoring nine goals in 19 games for the Spurs after parent club Manchester City chose to loan him out at the beginning of the season.

Manchester City have officially went out from another competition, this time it's the Carling Cup after Roberto Mancini's side only managed to get a 2-2 draw against Liverpool in the competition's second leg, while getting beaten 1-0 in the first meeting.

Mancini himself was very disappointed at that failure but once again he put the blame on refereeing decision instead of his team's own performance, which the manager though already pleasing enough.

Manchester City have officially went out from another competition, this time it's the Carling Cup after Roberto Mancini's side only managed to get a 2-2 draw against Liverpool in the competition's second leg, while getting beaten 1-0 in the first meeting.

Mancini himself was very disappointed at that failure but once again he put the blame on refereeing decision instead of his team's own performance, which the manager though already pleasing enough.

Manchester City went six points clear at the Barclays Premier League summit after a late penalty conversion from Mario Balotelli ensured a thrilling 3-2 win over a resilient Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium.

After a slow first half, the hosts came alive at the beginning of the second, with goals from Samir Nasri and Joleon Lescott creating a comfortable two-goal cushion.

We're off to Carrow Road tomorrow. My suggestion? Take the morning train.

It's a fixture that promises to be kind of fascinating. For one, it wasn't easy at Stamford bridge at the end of August; it sure won't be easy in Norfolk, either, with Norwich undefeated in four and currently in ninth.

Players on both teams involved in this weekend's Barclays Premier League clash between Manchester United and Arsenal have committed to Nike's "Make It Count" campaign, pledging to make 2012 the year in which they give everything in pursuit of perfection. Rio Ferdinand, Wojciech Szczesny and Theo Walcott will be amongst the players sporting boots embroidered with "#makeitcount" and the active

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Luka Modric firmly believes that his side can win away to league leaders Manchester City this Sunday despite the hosts having a perfect record at the Eastlands this season.

Modric, who endured a shaky start to the campaign due to being distracted by a potential move to Chelsea, has rediscovered his form of late and after scoring in the Spurs' 1-1 draw against Wolves, he is approaching the clash with City with a strong mindset.

As 50 Cent once said, 'get rich or die trying'.

And 'get rich' is exactly what one man did after he posed as Yaya Touré's football agent.

Last November, an unidentified conman supposedly approached a fine wine shop in Luxembourg, France, on behalf of his Manchester City star client.

Arsenal FC: Where EXACTLY Are We Now? by Lorenzo Sallows Lying 5th In the Barclays Premier League, level on points with a distinctly average Newcastle United outfit, this season has been one of marked disappointed and frustration for all those who support Arsenal. Goals have become a priceless commodity with only Robin van Persie willingly [.

Liverpool has made Swansea midfielder Joe Allen one of their primary summer targets reports the Independent.
The 21-year-old Wales international has impressed in the Swans' debut Barclays Premier League campaign, and has captured the attention of a number of rival suitors.
His sensible use of the ball has helped teammate Leon Britton be ranked among Europe's leading passers - beating the likes of Barcelona duo Xavi and Andreas Iniesta.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa are waiting in the wings to make a move for Blackburn defender Scott Dann before the transfer window closes according to skysports.com.
The 24-year-old has made 11 Barclays Premier League starts for Steve Kean's struggling side this season, prior to picking up a groin injury just before the busy festive period.

Jamie Carragher is flattered by talk of a role at LFC after retirement - but insists extending his playing career for as long as possible is his top priority right now.
Fellow Scouser Steven Gerrard signed a new deal at the club last week which will see him adopt an ambassadorial role once his playing days are over.

Jamie Carragher is flattered by talk of a role at LFC after retirement - but insists extending his playing career for as long as possible is his top priority right now.
Fellow Scouser Steven Gerrard signed a new deal at the club last week which will see him adopt an ambassadorial role once his playing days are over.

Jonjo Shelvey has spoken of his admiration for fellow central midfielder Jay Spearing and commented: 'I look up to Jay'.
Liverpool's No.33 netted his first goal in a red shirt during the FA Cup 3rd round victory over Oldham Athletic as he partnered Spearing at the heart of the Reds' midfield.
"Jay is a top, top player.

Jonjo Shelvey has spoken of his admiration for fellow central midfielder Jay Spearing and commented: 'I look up to Jay'.
Liverpool's No.33 netted his first goal in a red shirt during the FA Cup 3rd round victory over Oldham Athletic as he partnered Spearing at the heart of the Reds' midfield.
"Jay is a top, top player.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish failed to come up with the winning formula at Anfield as his side were held to a goalless draw against Stoke.
An unfamiliar line-up to combat the visitors' obvious physical strengths initially appeared to cause more problems for the Reds than it did their opponents.

United went level with Manchester City at the top of the Barclays Premier League thanks to Saturday's three-nil win over struggling Bolton. In truth, for the second home league game in a row, despite the winning margin, United made hard work of it. While the win over Bolton keeps the pressure on leaders City, it was not the performance of champions.

Chelsea fans! Why not go and try the brand new Indian Restaurant in Fulham Broadway The MASALA ZONE before or after the game tonight.
The Masala Zone has been awarded the following accreditations:
Best Restaurateur of the Year - Tatler Award
Amaya: Best Restaurant & Best New Restaurant - London Restaurant Awards
Chutney Mary: Best Indian Restaurant - London Restaurant Award
Veeraswamy: Britain's Oldest Indian Restaurant - Established 1926
Masala Zone: "10/10 for food, service & value for money" The Guardian
So if you need food before or after the game then why not head to The Masala Zone (opposite Barclays Bank) and please mention you have seen this advert on my website "Chelseadaft" for me when you go in.

Lille's determination to sign Joe Cole on a permanent deal could see coveted striker Moussa Sow head in the opposite direction.
Anfield boss Kenny Dalglish has made no secret of his desire to strengthen his attack following a meagre return of 24 goals in 20 Barclays Premier League games this season.

Too much time has been devoted to transfer activity in this space. It's time we get on with the business of matches. This weekend sees a rejuvenated Sunderland visit the Bridge for what promises to be an interesting affair. More, after the jump:

Down, but not out

In our last PL encounter, we put the screws to Wolves on the road, before a ten minute finishing salvo against Portsmouth in the FA Cup.

Who was your sporting hero growing up?

My hero was Denis Law; as a player I loved Denis Law even though he is only a couple of years older than me. He epitomised to me everything about a Scotsman. He could start a row in an empty house, fight his own shadow, unbelievable courage, electric pace, exciting and dynamic to watch – I always loved Denis as a player.

Well that did take long. About 48 hours after firing Neil Warnock, QPR have hired Mark Hughes as their new manager.

Hughes told QPR.co.uk:

"It's a great feeling to be back in football and to be the manager of QPR. I'm fully aware of the challenge in the short and long term and I am genuinely excited about the ambition of the owners.

Well that did take long. About 48 hours after firing Neil Warnock, QPR have hired Mark Hughes as their new manager.

Hughes told QPR.co.uk:

"It's a great feeling to be back in football and to be the manager of QPR. I'm fully aware of the challenge in the short and long term and I am genuinely excited about the ambition of the owners.

By Chris Wright

Not sure it was the job he had his sights set on landing when he walked out on Fulham six months ago citing the club's abject failure to match/fund his ambitions, but it has just been announced that Mark Hughes has been sworn in as QPR's new manager on a two-and-a-half year deal following Neil Warnock's acrimonious sacking earlier in the week.

LFC: Semi-final ticket update

Tickets for our upcoming Carling Cup semi final against Manchester City to be played on January 25, 2012, are now on sale to members who have attended at least one home Barclays Premier League game this season.

View the full story here: Liverpool FC

A news article on 2012-01-10 11:34:56 from: Liverpool FC

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.