By JOHN BOSCHINI

Liverpool must be getting tired of Manchester.

Kenny Dalglish and Co. face off against a Manchester side for the seventh time this season when United and Liverpool clash in a match full of significance. Manchester United are trying to survive a brutal run of fixtures and keep pace with their cross-town rivals.

What do you think of United's result against Chelsea last night, was it a fair one? Andres Villas-Boas does not. In fact, it would have been a famous victory for him had it not been for Howard Webb awarding the Red Devils two penalties that changed the face of the game.

VIllas-Boas who believes United's second penalty should have never been awarded, claimed that Webb seemed to be making up for decisions he made against United in the First half.

By JOHN BOSCHINI

A substantial portion of America will be treated to an extra helping of soccer on the biggest sporting day of the year as Manchester United takes on Chelsea live on Fox on Super Bowl Sunday.

This is the second time in less than a month a Premier League game will be seen on network television.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits that going four games without a win is frustrating but believes that a top-four finish remains achievable as long as the Gunners make an early impact on their matches.

Last night's goalless draw at Bolton left Wenger's side in seventh place, five points behind fourth-place Chelsea and another seven behind bitter cross-town rivals Tottenham Hotspur in third.

I was surprised when i learnt that Milan had signed Ghanaian Sulley Muntari on loan from cross town rivals Inter considering his form the past couple of seasons. Muntari who is on international duty with Ghana in the African Cup of Nations, will be with the Rossoneri until the end of the season when his current contract with Inter is set to expire.

Football's a simple game. If you score more or concede less than the other side, you win the match. So I thought it would be worth taking a look at which teams have been doing better than their opponents. The simplest way of doing just that is to calculate differentials for the stuff that matters most - goals - and the stuff without which - shots - the stuff that matters most usually doesn't happen.

Everton has leapfrogged West Ham, Queens Park Rangers, and cross-town rivals Liverpool in being the front-runners to sign Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic.

The Toffees, who have scored only 22 goals this season a total that is only higher than bottom-club Wigan are in search for a finisher with a proven pedigree and Jelavic offers an affordable option to cover their needs.

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas made headlines yesterday when he came across as extremely non-committal in discussing prospective signings such as Genk's Kevin De Bruyne and Shakhtar's Willian.

The Portuguese manager has followed up by explaining that his stance stems from the unappealing nature of the January transfer window.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas insists that he is not the right man to discuss a potential deal for Genk youngster Kevin De Bruyne and also feels that "certain issues" will prevent the club from signing Brazil international Willian from Shakhtar Donetsk.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea's FA Cup visit to cross-town rivals QPR a fixture that Villas-Boas desperately wants to win in order to get one step closer to silverware the Blues gaffer told reporters that neither De Bruyne nor Willian were in his immediate plans.

By JOHN BOSCHINI

Those who woke up early on Sunday morning were treated to one of the best Premier League games of the season.

Manchester City used a last-minute penalty from Mario Balotelli to beat Tottenham 3-2 and go six points clear at the top of the table.

It's out of the frying pan and into the fire for Arsenal as they take on Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on Sun. Jan 22. It's going to be interesting to see how the Gunners psyche will be affected considering United laid an 8-2 beating on them at Old Trafford back on Aug. 28. You can get your Arsenal tickets for this classic matchup starting at £220 and it could end up being the game of the season since the Gunners are sure to want revenge for the Old Trafford debacle.

Arsenal were dealt yet another blow in their bid for a top four finish as a dismal 3-2 defeat away to Swansea City leaves Arsene Wenger's men with a lot of work ahead of them.

Goals from Scott Sinclair (penalty), Nathan Dyer, and Danny Graham ensured that the Swans overcome impressive goals from Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott either side of the interval.

It was a dream re-union for Manchester United as old boy Paul Scholes scored the opener for United in their 3-0 win over Bolton Wanderers. However it's not one happy camp at Old Trafford as Sir Alex Ferguson has given a warning to under performing striker Wayne Rooney who missed a penalty.

Rooney has in the recent few weeks struggled to consistently perform and this has led to rumours that the striker could leave United.

Following a string of impressive performances, the Daily Star is suggesting that Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is lining up a move for Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote. The Ivorian has been an integral figure in the heart of Newcastle's midfield, and Mancini is insistent that City's billionaire owners keep the check book open.

Arsenal's summer signing Mikel Arteta has backed manager Arsene Wenger's belief that there was no lack of effort from the Gunners in their 1-1 draw at home to the Wolverhampton Wanderers yesterday.

The hosts, who led through an early goal from Gervinho, were punished when Steven Fletcher struck an equalizer right before the interval.

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Each week the languagecaster team will explain a football phrase or cliche for learners of English who love the sport. On this week's show we feature the phrase To lay down a marker.

Tweet my Goal! Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City

Manchester City stunned the champions at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, putting six past their cross-town rivals to leave Alex Ferguson stunned. Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City Visitors rout the Champions to go five points clear at the top These were the funniest Tweets on the game from our @MirrorFootball feed :

View the full story here: The Mirror

A news article on 2011-10-23 18:06:25 from: The Mirror

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

As the red half of Manchester attempts to come to terms with United's 6-1 thumping at the hands of cross-town rivals City at Old Trafford, the Red Devils faithful will be pleased to know that they are not alone.

Citizens defender Micah Richards has admitted that despite his side's confident performance, it is a result that even the Premier League leaders are finding it hard to believe.

A depressing Derby...for one man...

TSG's Eric Giardini recounts the horrors of Sunday's Roma-Lazio Derby

Heading into Sunday afternoon's Derby della Capitale I had every intention of writing an unbiased review of one of the most hotly contested derbies in world soccer.

Manchester City are alone at the summit of the table, for now at least, and are beginning to look more and more like potential favorites to lift the trophy, or at least provide a very serious threat to their cross-town rivals Manchester United as well as last season's runners-up Chelsea.

But one of the key components of this rise, a man whose signing was a signal of intent to the world, is now left to train by himself and wonder what will become of his future, which surely lies away from the Carrington training grounds he now practices on by himself.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas believes that Liverpool dropping points at Anfield yesterday was just as important as reigning champions Manchester United doing the same.

United's 1-1 draw certainly helped cross-town rivals Manchester City go two points clear at the top of the table with a 4-1 destruction of Aston Villa but Villas-Boas, who saw his side move within three points of the leaders, has tipped the Reds to remain in the mix of things as well.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that vice-captain Thomas Vermaelen has returned to training and is set to make his return in a fortnight.

Vermaelen was last seen during the Gunners' 2-1 UEFA Champions League win over Udinese in August but following an Achilles injury that required surgery, he has been watching from the sidelines as the team's defense continues to struggle.

In less than 72 hours, Anfield will be host to an epic Barclays Premier League battle that has drawn fierce passion from all corners of the globe.

While Sir Alex Ferguson has toppled the Kop off it's perch by clinching Manchester United's nineteenth EPL title, the fire will not burn any less stronger when England's two most successful clubs clash heads at Merseyside.

Gonzalo Higuain scored an impressive hat-trick in Barcelona as Real Madrid claimed an emphatic 4-0 victory over Espanyol in Sunday night's late kick-off.

Earlier on, Espanyol's cross-town rivals Barca had cruised to the top of the La Liga table as Adriano's lone strike guided the reigning champions to a 1-0 win at Sporting Gijon.

Arsene Wenger has acknowledged that a deficit of 12 points to the league leaders after only seven matches this season has prompted his men to reevaluate their title topes.

Despite putting up a fight in their 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, the Gunners did not impress at White Hart Lane as only Francis Coquelin, Alex Song, and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny made a case to be on the winning team.

Sergio Aguero struck an impressive hat-trick to lead Manchester City to the top of the Barclays Premier League table, where cross-town rivals Manchester United could join them with a win over Bolton in this evening's late kick-off.

Aguero opened the scoring early against Wigan at Etihad Stadium and added two second half goals within a six-minute time span after compatriot Carlos Tevez had missed a penalty won by David Silva.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has urged his side to stay focused on the long season ahead rather than getting carried away with their dominant 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

Mancini enjoyed from the touchline as his star-studded squad ran rampant against the Spurs thanks to four goals from Edin Dzeko and another from Argentine striker Sergio Aguero.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has admitted that his side failed in a bid for Spanish midfielder Juan Mata. The highly rated midfielder is set to clinch a move to Chelsea, and while speaking to talkSPORT Harry Redknapp was surprised to learn that Mata was heading to their cross-town rivals.

It was shaping up to be a packed weekend, with some interesting EPL matchups and the start of the La Liga season in Spain. But alas, Spanish football is still in shambles, with the players on strike over unpaid wages. Hopefully that will be resolved over the coming week so that we'll see those interesting fixtures next weekend.

Despite enjoying his Manchester United side come from behind to convincingly defeat cross-town rivals Manchester City 3-2 in the Community Shield on Sunday, Sir Alex Ferguson acknowledges the Citizens' status as title contenders.

Many pundits have tipped the upcoming year to end up being a three-horse race between defending champions United, runners-up Chelsea, and FA Cup holders City.

Former Manchester City striker Robinho has once again fired a parting shot at his old club and old city, saying that he understands Mario Balotelli's current dilemma in Manchester.

Balotelli has been unsettled at Manchester City of late and has admitted to reporters that he is homesick, and now Robinho has jumped to the defense of the young striker.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has warned cross-town rivals Manchester City ahead of this Sunday's Community Shield clash at Wembley. After a successful preseason tour of the United States, Rooney has cautioned United's closest rivals that the Red Devils are looking for a great start to the season beginning with a win at Wembley.

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images(Bleacher Report)It is truly almost that time. This weekend sees the Barclay's Premier League fans get a glimpse at two of the most talked about teams for next season. With Manchester United out to defend their record 19th English Championship, their cross town rivals Manchester City hope to knock the mighty Red Devils off their perch.

Manchester United legend Eric Cantona believes the club's cross-town rivals will need to invest in youth development rather than big-name players if they are to reach United's level of success.

On the same day that Manchester United unveiled their new away shirt, cross-town rivals Manchester City have launched their home shirt. Don't be surprised if the 2011-12 season becomes very Manchester focused as both teams go head-to-head to try to...
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An Apology for Carlos Tevez - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

An apologetic ... for Carlos Tevez? Just days after a scathing open letter? The same guy writing both? I guess stranger things have happened remember Julian Faubert once played for Real Madrid.

Less than a week ago, I suggested Carlos Tevez finally "end his Manchester hell" and return once and for all to South America, the Copa Libertadores and probably a smaller pay packet.

An Apology for Carlos Tevez - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

An apologetic ... for Carlos Tevez? Just days after a scathing open letter? The same guy writing both? I guess stranger things have happened remember Julian Faubert once played for Real Madrid.

Less than a week ago, I suggested Carlos Tevez finally "end his Manchester hell" and return once and for all to South America, the Copa Libertadores and probably a smaller pay packet.

Two Andalusian derbies will return to La Liga as we look at the three newly promoted sides which include football royalty from Seville and a bolt of lightning from Madrid.

Real Betis Balompié
Sevilla will welcome their regally endorsed cross-town rivals Betis back to the Liga when they meet at the Estadio Benito Villamarín on the first day of the new season.

Let me start off by admitting that I am a die-hard Manchester United fan, but I will try and keep my analysis of our bitter cross-town rivals as objective as possible. Ever since Sheikh Mansour's takeover at Eastlands, money has been pumped into...
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This season marks the first time in 35 years that Manchester City have won a trophy, and only the fourth season in the last ten when Chelsea haven't. Yet, despite the unprecedented success these clubs have enjoyed of late, and the vast amounts of cash sloshing around their bank accounts, they remain, now and forever, without class.