After my piece in defence of Aaron Ramsey on Sunday, it seemed only fitting that whoscored.com would publish this piece today, which looks at the Premier League's most creative players since 2007.
It divides the number of minutes played by the chances that a player created from open play, producing a mixture of expected and surprising results.

The long substitution

It's finally confirmed, the news that we did not want to hear. That Jack Wilshere has had a setback and would not be available in the date that we initially had hoped he would be back for. AC Milan's games were touted as his return period but that will now have to be extended.

FC Barcelona secured a semi-final birth in this season's Copa Del Rey after knocking out holders Real Madrid with a sensational 2-2 draw. Barcelona who went into the break with a 2-0 lead had to hold off a sensational fightback from Mourinho's boys to secure the semi-final birth. To an extent we had to say that we were lucky after putting up the worst defensive display of the season, and courtesy of the fact that Madrid missed a number of chances.

Understandably, none of our regular authors were inclined to write a match report following yesterday's game, so you will all have to suffer the thoughts of someone who will I'm sure, not be expressing the mainstream opinion on this site.

I couldn't go to the game as I had to work. I followed the live commentary on BBC Sport football, listened to the radio phone in on my way home and watched the lowlights on MotD through the lattice of my fingers clamped to my face.

18.01.2012 - Real Madrid recibe a Barcelona en el Santiago Bernabeu por los cuartos de final de la Copa del Rey (2012). El partido se inicia a las 22,00 hs (hora de Madrid – GMT+1).En España puede verse en directo a través de los canales CANAL+ 1 y CANAL+ 1 HD. La cadena de Qatar Al Jazeera Sports transmite en directo (sólo para sus abonados) a través de cinco canales: AL JAZEERA SPORTS +2, +4, +9, +10 y el de alta definición HD 2.

The first choice boot of FC Barcelona and Spain midfielder Cesc F bregas, the PUMA PowerCat 1.12 soccer boot has caused quite a stir in the soccer world since its introduction...

With the departure of Cesc and Nasri, no matter what you think of the players, it's obvious that our goals from the midfield area have reduced. Whether this be down to the injury of Wilshire, or the lack of width provided by the full backs, I don't know. But, with Arshavin looking increasingly on his way out, what has become clear is that Arsenal are in need of an attacking midfielder/wide player who can create and score goals in equal measure.

With the departure of Cesc and Nasri, no matter what you think of the players, it's obvious that our goals from the midfield area have reduced. Whether this be down to the injury of Wilshire, or the lack of width provided by the full backs, I don't know. But, with Arshavin looking increasingly on his way out, what has become clear is that Arsenal are in need of an attacking midfielder/wide player who can create and score goals in equal measure.

After Vito Mannone moved to Hull on loan there was some suggestion that he had made available a space for non homegrown players to arrive.

Unfortunately this isn't the case. For the 2011/12 season we named five homegrown players over the age of 21, and 17 (the maximum allowed) non homegrown players.

After Vito Mannone moved to Hull on loan there was some suggestion that he had made available a space for non homegrown players to arrive.

Unfortunately this isn't the case. For the 2011/12 season we named five homegrown players over the age of 21, and 17 (the maximum allowed) non homegrown players.

Messi celebrates second goal against Osasuna in Copa del Rey (Photo: David Ramos/Getty Images)

Barcelona kicked off 2012 the way they finished 2011: with goals.

On the back of a 4-0 FIFA Club World Cup Championship victory over Santos and a 9-0 demolition of C.E. L'Hospitalet to wrap up a memorable 2011, Barcelona returned to action without missing a beat, defeating Osasuna 4-0 at the Camp Nou in their first match of the new year.

Part 3 of the review, coming right at you.

Aaron Ramsey
Stats: 22 appearances (3 sub appearances), 6.71 average rating, 2 goals, 6 assists, 2 yellow cards.

On his first full season since coming back from the Shawcross Special, Ramsey found himself as our main playmaker with Wilshere's injury and Cesc's and Nasri's exits.

After Vito Mannone moved to Hull on loan there was some suggestion that he had made available a space for non homegrown players to arrive.

Unfortunately this isn't the case. For the 2011/12 season we named five homegrown players over the age of 21, and 17 (the maximum allowed) non homegrown players.

Sniejder! Cesc! Carroll! Torres! Dodgy Liverpool kits! Your Top 50 most-read stories of 2011

Relive the year's biggest and best stories on MirrorFootball.co.uk

View the full story here: The Mirror

A news article on 2011-12-30 11:14:00 from: The Mirror

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

Luckily we're no Abe Simpson.

Mick McCarthy's Wolverhampton Wolves (or Wanderers, properly) visit the Emirates for the first of our trio of games over a six-day span. Wolves sit just above the relegation zone, one point ahead of Wigan. They have a pretty dreadful record on the road, having managed just one away win and six away goals in eight games.

Catalunya's Annual Match. Professionals from six clubs playing for their heritage.

Victor Valdés: "You will be unstoppable"

Xavi: "You make the difference"

Gerard Piqué: "The superstars are you"

Carles Puyol: "We play for you"

Andreu Fontas: "We are your selection"

Joan Verdu: "We'll wait at the stadium"

Cesc: "For many years I have wanted to play in this game"

Álvaro Vázquez: "You have already won"

Johan Cruyff is the manager, striving for Total Football.

In the spirit of Christmas 2011, FC Barcelona and Spain midfielder Cesc F bregas was photographed with Santa Claus at a PUMA event earlier this week. Since moving to Barca from Arsenal over the summer, F bregas has signed an endorsement deal with PUMA and has been turning in some impressive performances in the firm's new PowerCat [.

So here we are, nearly halfway through the 2011-12 season. Arsenal have play 17 league matches with Wolves coming up next on Tuesday. It was originally scheduled for Monday on Boxing Day, but due to the London Tub Strike, it has been rescheduled. The halfway mark of the season has QPR coming to the Emirates and but this time we hope to have completed the mid-season review.

Barcelona ha arrollado al Santos brasileño por 4-0 y se ha coronado campeón del mundo en Japón en una final en la que el equipo de Pep Guardiola ofreció un nuevo recital y logró su segundo título del Mundial de Clubes.Tras el golpe de autoridad azulgrana, no sería justo destacar solo la figura de Messi, descomunal durante todo el encuentro, ya que fue el equipo entero, valiente, voluntarioso y brillante, el que realizó un partido perfecto.

FC Barcelona were crowned the 2011 World Club Champions following a brilliant 4-0 victory against South American Champions Santos. The battle between the Champiosn of Europe and Champiosn of South America were a mismatch with Barca controlling the proceedings for the majority of match.

It's the greedy bastards vs. the cash-strapped, plucky underdogs!... except it really isn't, since Arsenal are a multi-million dollar organization.
Whatever, City still sucks.

Manchester City
League Form: 1st, 12-2-1 (yay!), 49 GF, 15 GA, +34 GD, 38pts
Home Form: 10P, 10W, 24 GF, 4 GA, +20GD
Last Meeting: Arsenal 0-1 Manchester City (November 29)

Ah.

By Chris Wright

Presenting: The 'perfect fun gift for a Birmingham City supporting family member or friend who enjoys football banter with a Aston Villa fan'.

Now correct us if we're wrong here, but isn't 'banter' supposed to be, by it's very definition, a two-way thing?

Croatian/ Tottenham footballer, Niko Kranjcar, was spotted looking worse for wear after leaving night club C London last night.

O-M-G Niko. Please have a seat. We need to chat.

You know we lurve you and every inch of your toned thighs and tousled hair.

But this macabre ensembe concerns us.

While Barcelona's Clásico win at Real Madrid captured headlines around the world, it was not the only significant result in Europe this weekend.

Spain
The Liga focus fell squarely on the Santiago Bernabéu this weekend as Barcelona injected fresh drama into the title race with a 3-1 comeback win at Madrid.

Till the start of Yesterday El Clasico I was naming Mourinho as the best coach in our planet today. However, after yesterday defeat, I am doubting that statement, and at least might give that title to Guardiola.
Coaches today play chess, and it was apparent that after the first 30 minutes, Guardiola touches on the game, and how he reacted to very difficult start was impressive.

Real Madrid 1-3 Barcelona: Cesc seals comeback Clasico win

Benzema opened scoring after 23 seconds before Sanchez, Xavi and Fabregas strikes

View the full story here: The Mirror

A news article on 2011-12-11 10:22:39 from: The Mirror

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

Check out all the news (and the Manchester jokes), right after the jump.

It has been, in many ways, both an eventful and uneventful week for the Arsenal. A disappointing performance in Greece was mitigated by the fact that the match was meaningless. And there has been a noticeable lack of the omniscient transfer rumors this week.

Image via Gerard Pique

We would like to take at least some of the credit for this event; our case against Cesc and his hair had to have something to do with him taking action to rectify the terrible situation.

According to Twitter evidence, his sister Carlota Fabregas is the one who snipped away at the problem.

We rather liked the look of Moritz Leitner when he replaced Sven Bender in Arsenal's victory over Dortmund last night. Further investigations confirmed that he is indeed the type of tender, succulent manmeat we thrive on. Anyone else feeling peckish? Image: Getty Images.

Marginally better that Tuesday night's action, if your criteria includes clothing removal, short-tents and potential for sarcasm.

Arsenal 2 (Van Persie 49, 86) Borussia Dortmund 1 (Kagawa 90)
(Champions League)

You should never get ahead of yourself in football. Sing the praises of a team too early, and they can fade away and make you seem foolish (see the pundits handing Chelsea the title after five games of last season).

Who's ready for a good old fashioned England-Germany turf war?

With City at the hands of the Footballing Gods after their 1-2 loss to Napoli, United not so good themselves after their 2 Hilarious Mistakes-2 Benfica draw at Old Trafford, and Chelsea sucking right now, it's fair to say that England haven't exactly covered themselves in glory in Europe this season.

Pique celebrates goal against Zaragoza (Photo: REUTERS/Gustau Nacarino)

Barcelona continued their impeccable home form this season, cruising to a comfortable 4-0 victory over bottom feeders Real Zaragoza.

With a critical group stage match against AC Milan looming on the horizon, Guardiola rested regulars Abidal, Iniesta, Busquets and Villa.

FC Barcelona made shot work of the visiting Zaragoza side with a brilliant 4-0 victory at the Camp Nou. With this win, Barca had briefly moved to the top of standing, equalising with Real Madrid, who will be playing Valencia shortly. In a night after the international break, Pique, Messi, Puyol, Villa all scored for Barca.

We fear that all of these book-related events are going to make us do something crazy, so we present you this last one before drinking away the memories.

It wouldn't be a proper scene if these two were necking in the corner front row.

Joan Pique (Gerard's dad) was in good company Thursday evening at the presentation of his book "Dues Vides" in Barcelona.

I don't think anyone who has seen Jack Wilshere play doubts his talent. Even anti-Arsenal hacks and pundits, and purveyors of ignorant, spiteful opinions in the Arsenalsphere rave about the youngster. From football legends like Wenger and Capello to common fans like this blogger, everyone has lavished undiluted praise on the next great English hope ever since he was a schoolboy.

By CALEB SONNELAND

Former Arsenal captain and long-time fan favorite Cesc Fabregas issued a statement of caution to current captain Robin van Persie.

Van Persie, now 28, has 18 months left on his current contract with the London club, but hasn't seemed to be in a rush to put pen to paper.

After becoming a first-team regular at Barcelona since his move to the Nou Camp, ex-Gunner Cesc Fabregas has offered some sound advice to both former teammate Robin Van Persie and to Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger. Fabregas said, "I don't know if they will keep him. It is his decision. At his age, if he wants [.

Morning all. Weekends are too short, aren't they?

Still, at least we'll start seeing the light at the end of the tunnel this week. At the moment it's pitch black and scary but soon we'll see that tiny dot and we'll all go into the light and then football will return. There's little to amuse us this morning either, really, apart from a few quotes from Cesc about Robin van Persie's situation.

Iniesta's goal takes first leg of Copa del Rey 0-1 (Photo: AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

A 42nd minute thunderbolt from Andres Iniesta proved enough to see Barcelona past modest third division rivals CE L'Hospitalet in the blaugrana's first Copa del Rey match of the season.

The game was moved up several weeks due to Barcelona's participation in the Club World Cup next month.

Arsenal youngster Jack Wilshere has pledged to remain with the Gunners for life. The forward who is out with an ankle injury also explained how much he hoped to part of the new wave of Arsenal players along with team mates Aaron Ramsey and Kieran Gibbs who will take the club to greater heights.