Southampton versus. Chelsea: Blues Missing Power in Depth

If the teams were announced at St. Mary's on Saturday, Southampton must have been rubbing their hands along with glee at the idea of facing the Chelsea array Rafa Benitez had released. With an Cup quarterfinal replay against Manchester United following only two days latera'while also taking Thursday's Europa League clash with Rubin Kazan into considerationa'something had to offer for the Blues and this fixture was it. Of the starting XI, there have been just five who could be considered vital, established first-team players. Peter Cech, Frank Lampard, John Terry, John Mikel Obi and Branislav Ivanovic have been area of the material at Stamford Bridge, but beyond them on Saturday, Chelsea lacked any real authority. Fernando Torres' struggles are well-documented, while Victor Moses, Ryan Bertrand, Cesar Azpilicueta and Marko Marin aren't yet the stars they've the potential to be. The picture of Oscar's endeavors as part of the fighting three behind the striker pretty much summed up the morning, because the Blues fought for supremacy but without any real conviction. In a few ways, a cup game was reflected by this outing on the south coast significantly more than any such thing. As Saints had sniffed out weaknesses in their damaged opponents and, with a separate house group behind them, did sufficient in the future out at the top, 2-1, the underdog. It was an excellent win for the Premier League strugglers, yet up to it outlined their desire to remain in the very best flight, the victory was also a reminder of Chelsea's disadvantages this term. Benitez has are available in for some criticism following his staff selection, and as the Spaniard will shoulder his share of guilt for a beat many will consider a major upset, manager. It is as that not as easy, though, and should not be looked at therefore, often. In the final phases of the season, Chelsea are in a hard situation. On one hand, the Blues own it all to play for, fighting on all three fronts in the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League. As the installation obstruction their pot activities carry could very well mean they finish the growing season empty-handed but while it may be fascinating, it's equally unnerving. No top-four position, no FA Cup and no Europa League trophy. Benitez is trying to achieve this with a threadbare squad. They lack the ability to capitalize on the problem in which they end up, whilst the Blues seem strong in numbers. It comes home to this notion of change, and while their squad record may read like a who of fantasy baseball, the stark reality is it's all come a touch too early for them. Beyond the usual suspects at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are coping with players expected to function as the heroes of the following generation, however, players who've to prove themselves. Wednesday discussed very much and while they'll learn from defeat, this season could very well have come too soon for them.

Via: [Live Football] Fulham FC - Queens Park Rangers - English Premier League

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Link: UD Levante - FC Sevilla - Liga

Hamilton Academical Barcelona: The Enigma that is Alexis Sanchez - Barca Blaugranes (weblog)

The continuing future of FC Barcelona's forward Alexis Sanchez is a hot topic yet again currently, with a move back to Italy rumored. But is it truly the best time for Alexis to leave the Catalan capital? Lots of personal (and actual) ink has been used to create about Alexis Sanchez, by authorities and non-experts. Among both groups opinions are divided, with the existing speaking level being: "Why do you want a winger that may maybe not score?." So, let's start this at that very point. Alexis never in his, although relatively brief, career been seen as a scorer. Never has that been his major expertise. In fact, Alexis' concluding has often been questioned even before he joined FC Barcelona. His job high in goals scored is a "measly" 15 tallies, reached last time, in his first year with Barcelona. Prior to that his job high was 12, accomplished the growing season before last. But think of it,15 goals is nothing to sneeze at, especially when you see that goals from the right side have been difficult ahead by for BarAa in recent years. This season hasn't been very kind to times have been only scored five by Alexis, who up to now. It was not for the lack of trying, nevertheless. The Chilean is usually one of the most dangerous participants on the Blaugrana team. Virtually the only problem in his sport is his finishing. His confidence that wasn't also helped by the fact some of the best saves against Barcelona were made on Alexis. I'm maybe not trying to make excuses for him, as the simple the fact is that Alexis should've scored more than he has. But has Alexis' strong competitor for the starting right side place, Pedro, done any benefit? Only by a smidgen, yet somehow his problems have eluded the wrath of fans. Pedro is a former 20+ goalscorer, but although that he and Alexis have similar scoring records in the last period and a half just Alexis gets ridiculed for his poor finishing. Pedro is almost an ongoing Barcelona person, joining Barcelona's youth rates at age 17. So unlike Alexis, he's entirely knowledgeable about the Barcelona system, helping to make his lack of form more uncertain. Alexis, meanwhile, remains a pupil of "tiki-taka." Right about now, a number of of you're thinking: "But he is been with the staff for per year and a half, simply how much time does he need?" And you're right, partly at the very least. Alexis has received ample time for you to adjust to Spain and the style of football played on the Iberian Peninsula, but are 20 weeks enough? Rare are a seamless transition that has been made by footballers to Barcelona in recent history. Alexis, clearly, isn't one of these. Alexis hasn't in his career seen any such thing remotely similar to BarAa's football, despite playing professional football in three countries, therefore I am positive he'd enjoy more time to find yourself in the BarAa flow. To create one last offensive evaluation between Alexis and Pedro before I move on to Alexis' better features. Alexis is really a very versatile person. He can perform on both wings and can, if necessary, fill out at striker and also at false No. 9. Pedro, nevertheless, is "only" a, but like Alexis he also could perform on both sides of the pitch. Which made me think; does the fact Alexis can play those positions really hurt him? He has been used at the point of the strike as well, especially in his first season in Catalonia, while it holds true that he highlighted mostly on either side in his Barcelona job. What I am wanting to say is, had Alexis been used only at his favored position, the best side, would he be in a better position than he is now? I personally think so. Why? While he would be able to concentrate on one situation and not try to impress on two, even three, at the same time frame. Both side roles, initially sight, do not seem to be completely different, nevertheless they really are. Not only could be the message "the wrong way around" once you play on one other side, there are tactical differences between your side positions also. If it were very easy to modify wings Pedro would be great on both sides, but he's better on the right. Cristian Tello also likes one wing to another, the left, as does David Villa. The same holds true for whole backs, most of whom do not understand how to play on the opposite side. Just a select few are very comfortable on both sides of the message, but those too choose someone to the other. But enough with the negativity. Let where Alexis really excels us now have a look at places. First, he's continually on the go. Take a peek at any game record and you'll very rarely see him standing still. He is always seeking to get open and receive a pass. His action also allows other people, Messi for example, more space. Hardly any participants exist that can keep such activity, with therefore many long sprints, over a full 90 minutes. And subsequently, Alexis is an excellent defender. In as it pertains to protecting my opinion, he is actually one of many best wingers on the planet. He is a master at tracking back and pressuring the ball carrier. The fact that he is better at defending than Pedro is quite a statement, because Pedro is very good in that facet of the overall game. But why would a team even need a winger that's good at protecting you ask? Well, because in a team like BarAa, where both total shells have therefore many attacking responsibilities it is essential that they get support from wingers. When the Chilean is on the message and like it or not, depending on you're posture on Alexis, Barcelona is a better group defensively. Perhaps you have asked yourself, at any point this year, why therefore many goals were obtained down Barcelona's left side? It is because Jordi Alba hasn't gotten almost just as much support defensively as Dani Alves has. And that is because we've seen primarily Andres Iniesta or Villa on the left wing, which can be in charge of helping Alba. When Alexis has performed there Alba wasn't revealed as much, and that is only one example of Alexis' essential part in the offense. During the last approximately 1,000 words I have gotten a lot off my chest regarding Alexis. But if I had to sum it all up in one word it'd be: Alexis deserves to have one more season at FC Barcelona, and a chance to nail down a starting XI location. Most of the work he is place in, coupled with many accidents, especially in his first time, should not go unnoticed. And if Pedro is considered an automatic "keeper" for next season, Alexis should really be also.

Link: [Live Football] Real Garcilaso - Tolima - Copa Libertadores

Ravens vs. 49ers: Colin Kaepernick Is Too Versatile for Baltimore to Slow Down

The San Francisco 49ers offense might be most effective because of a brawling offensive line and strong running scheme, but the team also flourishes because it boasts a versatile attack.

The Niners can beat you with multiple running backs, athletic tight ends, a slew of talented wide receivers, a mauling offensive line and, oh yeah, a young quarterback who may already be the most versatile player at his position in the NFL.

The NFL has had a hard time adjusting to the many talents of Colin Kaepernick this season. I expect the Baltimore Ravens will fail to slow him down in the Super Bowl as well.

When you look at Kaepernick, you're seeing the future of the quarterback position in the NFL. He's got ideal height to see over the line. He's very accurate and generally makes smart decisions, though admittedly the 49ers' passing game isn't the most complex in the league.

He's got excellent arm strength and stretches defenses vertically. He's an excellent runner when the tucks the ball himself, making the 49ers' pistol/read-option attack all the more devastating.

Unlike Robert Griffin III, he doesn't seem injury-prone. And he has a cool demeanor and doesn't seem to be too fazed by the bright lights. The Super Bowl is a whole different story, of course, but Kaepernick seems up to the challenge.

Plus, Kaepernick and the 49ers offense pose a different sort of challenge for the Ravens, as Bill Barnwell of Grantland notes:

During this postseason, the Ravens have had to contend with the Broncos and Patriots—teams who try to create mismatches against tired defenses by running different sorts of no-huddle attacks. Baltimore has been able to withstand those attacks by staying in a Nickel defense that has done a good job of matching up against the sorts of personnel sets the Broncos and Patriots tend to run. In the Super Bowl, don't be surprised if the 49ers try to attack the Ravens with a seemingly counterintuitive strategy: forcing them back into their traditional 3-4 alignment.

As Barnwell notes, the Ravens have actually become very proficient in the nickel, and it might be the team's best alignment. But the Niners will test the team's base 3-4 by bringing on extra offensive linemen and attempting to win the line of scrimmage in the running game.

Of course, stacking the box against the Niners is a risky proposition, as Barnwell goes on to add, because Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree and Kaepernick are more than capable of beating single coverage down the field.

The 49ers have become brilliant at forcing teams to make tough decisions. Do you focus on the inside handoff or Kaepernick on the read draw? Do you stack the box and risk the downfield throw or stay in your base defense and risk losing the line of scrimmage when the Niners run unbalanced lines?

These decisions are made so difficult because Kaepernick presents so many different types of threats to defenses. If you allow him to, he'll kill you on the ground (ask the Green Bay Packers). If you allow him, he'll methodically carve you apart through the air (ask the Atlanta Falcons).

If you focus too much attention on the other weapons the Niners have, Kaepernick will find your weaknesses and exploit them.

Look, I know he's still a young player. He threw a pick-six against the Packers. He can be pressured into mistakes. It's possible he'll choke.

But if he plays like he has since taking over as starter for the 49ers, he'll prove too dangerous a weapon for the Ravens to stop. And because of that, the Niners will be crowned Super Bowl champions on Sunday night.

More Info: FSV Frankfurt - 1. FC Union Berlin - German 2. Bundesliga

Everton 1 Stoke City 0: match record - Telegraph.co.uk

Mirallas performed like a possessed with the vigour and confidence he showed ahead of his hamstring injury early in the growing season, making his travel 10 minutes from with a groin injury so maddening. Pulis must wonder the way the winger was permitted to work 80 yards to score without so much as an expert foul to worry about, but it was however a thrilling time out of keeping with what choose to go before. aThat was the Kevin Mirallas from earlier in the season,a said Moyes. aHis goal was some thing else.a It leaves Stoke staring at the fixture list with apprehension. This seemed to be a favourable time to visit Everton. Marouane Fellaini and Steven Pienaar were restricted and Moyes was forced to change to a new 3-5-2. Stoke had chances. They nearly led on 3 minutes when Ryan Shottonas expanded chuck-in found the pinnacle of Robert Huth. Bob Howard, right back from injury, saved and Jon Walters was sad his effort from the jump bounced onto the bar. Howard displayed more acrobatics to press a Walters long-range strike wide five minutes prior to the period. There is also a quantity of 56 minutes on the typical set-pieces, among which will have exhibited a equaliser for Huth. Pulis insisted his side does not get enough credit due to their agood footballa. It absolutely was a debateable statement. aItas our fifth season in the Premier League and our absent shows have been definitely better this year,a he insisted. aItas 40 points we want to get, nevertheless we get them.a They'll probably survive because there are three worse teams in the league, but regardless of how their director wants to be perceived, their vertical move in 2013 is reflective of the very fact they have depended on a single measurement for too long. Corners, free-kicks and throw-ins remain their chief aspiration.While Everton ensured Arsenal and Chelsea are still looking over their shoulder, Pulis left Goodison Park still increasingly aware of exactly what is getting over his.

Link: [Live Football] FC Bunyodkor - Beijing Guoan - AFC Asian Champions League

FilGoal|News|Basel advance in Europa League

Egypt duo Mohamed Salah and Mohamed Al-Nenni highlighted as their place was booked by Basel in the Europa League last 16 with victory over Dnipro. A 1-1 attract Ukraine gave a 3-1 blend success to the Swiss champions as they face the success of the tie between Liverpool and Zenit St. Petersburg. Egypt celebrity Salah started for Basel before being replaced by compatriot Al-Nenni about a minute from the end as a Fabian Schar punishment cancelled out another from Evgen Seleznyov. Both teams were paid off to twenty men after the period, with Nikola Kalinic and Fabian Frei receiving directly whites.

Czech starlet eyes Baggies loan - Clubcall

Vitesse Arnhem defender Tomas Kalas says West Brom could be the ideal stepping stone for him on his way to making the grade at Chelsea.

The 19-year-old Czech defender is on loan at the Eredivisie club from Stamford Bridge, but was watched by Baggies boss Steve Clarke earlier this month and is understood to be available for a loan at another Premier League side.Kalas can play at right back and in the centre of defence - which makes him an interesting option for the Baggies - who enjoy a good relationship with Chelsea."I'm not even the best player of Vitesse, how can I dream of Chelsea?" Kalas told Voetbal International. "You must come to your own club level, rise above and then look further."However, Kalas does not expect to be back at Arnhem to play next season."I still have an intermediate step. Somewhere at the top of Germany or France, or at a mid-table club in England. Somewhere like Stuttgart, Wolfsburg, Olympique Marseille, but also West Bromwich Albion. That would be ideal. The step from Vitesse to Chelsea is too big."Chelsea signed Kalas from Sigma Olomouc in 2010 for £600,000 - a huge sum for a 17-year-old who had made only a handful of senior appearances, but he played regularly in the side that reached the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup in 2011 before going out on loan last season.He won the Talent of the Year prize at the Czech football awards in February.

More Info: [Live Football] FC Seoul - Vegalta Sendai - AFC Asian Champions League

Real Madrid C.F. - Official Web Site - Real Madrid are keen to ...

The business end of the season has arrived for Real Madrid. There are two months left to fight it out for the trophies and the Whites want to keep up their sparkling form which they have shown in 2013 so that they can challenge for them all. After the international break, Mourinho's men today travel to La Romareda (8pm, C+ Liga and Gol T) before their crunch game against Galatasaray with the aim of becoming the first team to surpass the 4,000-point mark in the league. An important game against Zaragoza, a team which is situated one place above the drop zone and which needs to win to climb the table.

"We want to win and continue our winning streak and the impressive form we showed before the international break" said Aitor Karanka to the media. This is because Real Madrid accumulated seven wins on the spin before the 17 first-team players were called up by their national teams and the team goes into the 29th league fixture of the season with the aim of maintaining their good form and run of results so far in 2013. They travel to a ground where they are unbeaten on their last eight visits, which include three wins in the last three games.

José Mourinho has named a 21-man squad for the game. The Real Madrid manager, who surpassed 1,250 goals as a top flight manager against Mallorca last time out, will be looking to add to these statistics against Zaragoza, where he will have Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Özil available. The Real Madrid forward, who has scored 43 goals in all competitions this season, is the fourth leading goal scorer in the history of the club away from home in the league with 60 goals, while the German midfielder has the most assists in the League in 2013 after setting up six goals..Zaragoza go into the game in 17th position in the table on 26 points, two above the drop zone, after recording seven wins, five draws and 16 losses. They have played 13 games at home, of which they have won three (Osasuna, Sevilla and Deportivo), drawn three and lost seven. Hélder Postiga, with 10 goals and Apoño, with seven, are the leading goal scorers of the maño outfit.

Newcastle United mention latest economic records - ChronicleLive

As the club publish their latest reports the state of Newcastle Unitedas finances is today unveiled St James' Park Billionaire Mike Ashley has secured his 2nd successive year of earnings with the St Jamesa Park membership. Over all income was recorded at A1.4m following player amortisation that has seen Newcastle re-enter the worldas top 20 revenue-generating clubs after increasing turnover to A93.3m a representing a 5.4% increase on a year ago. A fifth-place finish in the group saw TV revenue swell by 14.6% with the team set to take advantage of a settlement on broadcasting for next year. Regular attendance at St. Jamesa Park rose to 49,936 a' an increase of 2,190 on this past year. But after season ticket prices were frozen by the club their ticket income has fell by 7%. As a result of these initiatives the membership saw a hugely significant increase in the number of season ticket holders and members. The number of season ticket holders reached its highest level since 2007. Commercial income fell by 12.7%, though the latest results don't include revenue from the clubas new partnership cope with Wonga. That alliance, which will be effective from the 2013/14 year, shows a substantial increase on the clubas past commercial contracts. While operating costs have remained steady at A21.6m, operating income is down from A13.3m to A7.5m. A key issue can be an escalation in the clubas wage bill, which has grown by 20% to A64.1m following a signings of numerous key players, including Cabaye, Marveaux, Santon, Ba and Cisse. That puts the clubas wages-to-turnover at 68.7%, an increase of 8.1% rise relative to last yearas percentage.

Link: [Live Football] Sarpsborg - Viking Stavanger - Norwegian Elitserien

Ryan Giggs can become oldest oufield Premier League person...

The Manchester United expert, 39, signed a one-year contract extension earlier this month that may see him join Gordon Strachan and Teddy Sheringham in the utmost effective flightas over 40s team. And Fergie said: aRyan is definitely an exceptional individual. aHe has never experienced a serious injury, has never carried any fat and never misses a training period. He's still at the head of the group during pre-season. aHe just has this insatiable hunger to carry on playing. aHe can play next year and who knows he may play for another year after that. aI am certain that he'll arrive at 41 and nevertheless be playing because he is this type of match lad.a Video: Ferguson couldn't do still another task - Amaechi

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes unfazed by records | Football ...

Jupp Heynckes says records are meaningless to him as his Bayern Munich side aims for an eighth successive Bundesliga victory at promoted Fortuna Duesseldorf on Saturday.

Munich:  Jupp Heynckes says records are meaningless to him as his Bayern Munich side aims for an eighth successive Bundesliga victory at promoted Fortuna Duesseldorf on Saturday.

No team has ever started the league with eight wins, but Heynckes says "records are for encyclopedias, for statistics."

Heynckes is wary of the league's second-best defense — Bayern, with two goals conceded, has the best — but says "we will continue where we left off two weeks ago (before the international break)."

The 66-year-old coach says Brazilian defender Dante has a knee problem, while Dutch winger Arjen Robben won't play as he continues his recovery from muscular problems.

Via: Montrose - Rangers FC - Scottish Premier League

Real Madrid's Ramos: Benzema doubters are INSANE! - Tribalfootball.com

"Questioning a player like Benzema is insane. For Real Madrid and the French national team he is an extraordinary striker who makes the difference. Everyone is free to express their opinions, but when Benzema is happy few can reach his level," declared Ramos.

Via: Hertha BSC Berlin--VFL Bochum - German 2. Bundesliga

Hamilton apologises for pit-stop error - Fulham Chronicle

Lewis Hamilton was left apologising to Mercedes for a gaffe that left McLaren staff key Martin Whitmarsh with a smile on his face at the end of another difficult day. Making his first stop after six laps, Hamilton headed in to McLaren's gap package, clearly forgetting after 13 years with the Woking-based marque he'd turned to Mercedes early in the day in 2010. The 28-year-old needed to be waved through by the McLaren crew before finally taking on new tyres with his own group. Outlining his actions, Hamilton said: "I am accustomed to stopping at McLaren, it happened. I do not discover how I first got it wrong. I did so a (Button). He did that a year or two before, but large apologies to the team." As he said: "Well at that period of the competition I was laughing at least Whitmarsh could begin to see the funny side. I still employ a good relationship with Lewis and I am sure I will give a little to him of grief about it." Regardless of the error, Hamilton went on in order to complete third behind feuding Red Bull couple Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, though his podium position was not without incident. Duelling with team-mate Nico Rosberg after the final pit stops 14 laps from the conclusion, the German was told by group primary Ross Brawn to put up place despite the fact that he was much faster than Hamilton. The 28-year-old could not then cover his embarrassment on the podium, and again in the post-race press conference, feeling he'd robbed Rosberg of his rightful position. The air was removed in the team meeting that adopted, with Hamilton stating: "We had a big team talk and everyone else was excellent. I said to Ross I would have let him past, but he said 'certainly not. When I tell you this is what I want you to complete, you've to stay because of it .' "So I'm glad I stuck because of it and did not get into trouble because sense, but hats off to Nico - he did an excellent career and was driver of the day for me." Rosberg, but, was still far from happy, reiterating his opinion over the radio when he pulled into parc ferme after the competition for the group not to overlook his generous gesture, as he said: "It was an indication to them to understand that I enjoyed the game."

McIlroy texts with Tiger after losing top ranking

Mar 26 (Reuters) - Leading money winners on the 2013 PGATour on Monday (U.S. unless stated): 1. Tiger Woods $3,787,600 2. Brandt Snedeker $2,859,920 3. Matt Kuchar $2,154,500 4. Steve Stricker $1,820,000 5. Phil Mickelson $1,650,260 6. Hunter Mahan $1,553,965 7. John Merrick $1,343,514 8. Dustin Johnson $1,330,507 9. Russell Henley $1,313,280 10. Kevin Streelman $1,310,343 11. Keegan Bradley $1,274,593 12. Charles Howell III $1,256,373 13. Michael Thompson $1,254,669 14. Brian Gay $1,171,721 15. Justin Rose $1,155,550 16. Jason Day $1,115,565 17. Chris Kirk $1,097,053 18. ...

Joleon Lescott To Choose Manchester City Future At The Conclusion Of The Summer Season - caughtoffside

Obtain the CaughtOffside iPad software. Acquire the # 1 Free Sports Application from the Application Store. All of the latest footie media and much, much more. Britain centre-back keen to play first team basketball. Check in to Manchester City versus Newcastle United Joleon Lescott has suggested he's ready to leave Manchester City according to Sky Sports. The former Everton opponent has find herself progressively marginalised at the Etihad this season despite playing a vital role in the Manchester City part that removed the Premier League name last season. Area boss Roberto Mancini is willing to create place in his squad for new talent and thinks a number of that group to have become complacent. That's likely to lead the way in which for Lescott to leave the team since the player too is willing to secure first-team soccer. Lescott appeared frequently for England when Roy Hodgson was initially employed but only found himself called around the latest squad after the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Michael Dawson and Gary Cahill all pulled out. The centre-back is keen to return to first-team action as he looks to secure a spot in the national team for next summeras World Cup competition in Brazil. Lescott signed for Manchester City for a price considered to be in the region of A24 million but studies in recent weeks have encouraged City would be prepared to let him leave for as low as A4 million. Aston Villa and former club Everton have now been connected with a summer transfer for the Lescott.

Temperature still not fixated on winning talent

The La Lakers made when they racked up win after win after win for an 33 straight games it look easy. The Miami Heat, not so much. Games were won 17 by those Lakers of 1971-72 during that streak by 15 points or even more. The Warmth simply take more of a grind-it-out method, usually stepping into trouble before flipping a switch and taking away. "We are likely to get everybody's most useful chance because of the streak," Heat guard Mario Chalmers said. Why instead of savoring the 27 in a line they have already gained that is, the Warmth are bracing for perhaps one of the largest street tests so far inside their desire of those Lakers. Miami plays at Chicago on Wednesday evening, a restoration of a competition that, on paper, truly has lost some of the sparkle it had per year or two ago. The Bulls still do not have wounded level guard Derrick Rose in the choice and have lost 13 of these last 22 games. However, heat expect a playoff-type, rough-and-tumble conference. "Our old function is about successful championships," Heat star LeBron James said. "That is what we should be known for. It is section of a process. Whatever will come in between that, we could be excited about it. We did not have a goal in mind to say, 'Let us go on an extended straight win streak,' but our goal is to win every game when we are on the floor." In recent times, that has not been easy. Boston had heat down by 17 early and 13 in the next quarter. Cleveland set Miami in a 27-point pit, and in Detroit and Charlotte, the Warmth trailed by 11 before pulling away. On Monday night, the Orlando Magic and Heat were attached late in the third quarter before James keyed a 20-2 work that changed everything. "We like knowing we have that switch," guard Dwyane Wade said. "We only do not wish to utilize it too much." Detroit has crushed the Warmth once this season, on Miami's house floor. On Friday, the Warmth check out New Orleans, where the Hornets just snapped Denver's 15-game winning streak. And Sunday's sport at San Antonio is against not just the Western Conference leader and possible NBA Finals opponent, but in addition likely will have large implications for the No. 1 over all playoff seed. If the opponent is just a playoff team like Chicago or even a lottery-bound club, James said the method has been steady. "It has been hard all year," he explained. "It has not been possible for us at all. Every team has given us their finest. We know that Chicago will be described as a difficult game for all of us, and enjoying in that building. We want to turn out with your game plan... and give a chance to ourselves to win." Since Miami stumbled James and Chris Bosh to play alongside Wade in summer time of 2010, no team has confounded heat significantly more than the Bulls, and it is not really close. The Heat and Bulls have played 14 times since then, each team winning eight, and points were averaged only 90.1 by Miami in these games. That's six points significantly less than they averaged against other people in that amount, and 11 points shy of what they typically report against the rest of the league. "You can not fundamentally measure them against other teams," Heat instructor Erik Spoelstra said Monday evening, after Miami topped Orlando 108-94. "When they play against us, it's extremely competitive. They have been played by us in the playoffs. Our activities have been fiercely contested and real. You have to deal with the physical aspect but in addition the psychological aspect of staying with it, grinding possessions." Moments following the Heat extended their successful streak to 27, Spoelstra told his staff to be " thankful for this option and remain in this moment." That is his way of saying, yes, enjoy the moment but do not lose sight of the sole purpose that concerns a' another NBA title. That's what the people discussed in the locker room after the Orlando game, as they wolfed down pasta, chicken and vegetables and headed to the coach. "To be honest with you, we don't really think concerning the streak," Heat ahead Udonis Haslem said. "People may find this hard to think, but that's when you get up, if you start contemplating a talent. If you begin taking into consideration the Lakers' history, that's when you're planning to get up." Besides, streaks do not include championship rings. "Not at all," Haslem said.

More Info: New York Red Bulls - Philadelphia Union - USA Major League Soccer

Title triumph is wanted by van Persie - ESPN.co.uk

Robin van Persie has revealed his goal was to win three awards in his first period with Manchester United, but may settle for winning the Premier League title absent to Arsenal the following month. Van Persie moved to Old Trafford from the Gunners in a A24 million transfer last summer, and has been forced to regulate his goals since United were provided out of the Champions League by Real Madrid over two feet early in the day this month. The striker is currently confident the group leaders may close the domestic title when they perform Manchester City on April 8, or at Arsenal three weeks later. "My goal was to gain the treble," Van Persie is quoted as stating in the Daily Mirror. "I wanted the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup. "Now we only have the double and, yes, I do believe we could gain the name at Arsenal as well as against Manchester City. But I must say I don't care where we win it. I recently wish to seize that league title." A target for United all through his times in the Eredivisie in his homeland, Van Persie says he's now at an age when he can appreciate being at one of many Premier League's greatest clubs. "[Manchester United manager] Sir Alex Ferguson once sent a scout over to Holland to view me when I was a player at Feyenoord. But I was sent off that morning and the scout went back to England with that in his report. "Sir Alex stated that if you ask me when I reached United. He felt I wasn't yet ready for a go on to a huge English membership all those years ago - and he was right. I thought to the employer 'you had been right then, but I am prepared now'," he explained.

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Bundesliga 50: German Football in the 1980as|Bundesliga Fanatic

With the get back of the Bundesliga for the next leg of its 50. Time, the Bundesliga 50 series continues with the 3rd part of the history of the German football league. This part will focus on the 1980s. Following the first taste of success throughout the 1960s and the absolute most productive decade for the national team, the 1970s, the 1980s found German soccer establishing a status quo. Bayernas domestic dominance became manifest with 6 category games and 3 DFB-Cups. Internationally, German clubs managed a small 2 triumphs, Hamburg in 1983 winning the European Cup while MAnchengladbach reached their fourth UEFA-Cup Final in 7 eight years in 1980, their 2nd in a row that they lost to Eintracht Frankfurt within an all German closing. The national staff also, started brightly in to the decade, allowing themselves maybe not being disturbed by the environment at the 1980 UEFA Euro in Italy, whipping Belgium 2-1 in the final. How good the team was, is reflected by the undeniable fact that 6 out of 11 players were elected for the UEFA team of the tournament: Horst Hrubesch, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Hansi MAller, Karl-Heinz FArster, Hans-Peter Briegel and a young blade by the name of Bernd Schuster. As the Belgian midfielder Jan Ceulemans done the team.aKarl-Heinz Rummenigge and 10 Robotsa only two other countries were highlighted in this XI: Italy with Tardelli, Zoff, Scirea and Gentile During the 2 World Cups Germany were able to reach the finals, losing both: 1982 to Italy, extending the disappointing history against Italian national teams considering that the 1960s. The semi-final between France and Germany became a of death and life for Patrick Battiston after he was criminally fouled by German purpose keeper Toni Schumacher. Schumacher further behaved skeptical and as if nothing had happened, chewing gum and looking forward to the overall game to carry on. Schumacher explained his absence with the fact Battiston was surrounded by angry French players and he only wanted to keep things peaceful. He was later invited to attend the French manas wedding. The foul could be seen as a 50/50 ball as Hesse-Lichtenberger has pointed out and many might accept that however it was his attitude, despite his explanations, after the foul that somehow destroyed the image of professional football in Germany and certainly did some injury for the name abroad. About the 1982 team Pele talked of aKarl-Heinz Rummenigge and twenty robots.a Needless to add that Germany won the game but were beaten in the last. It absolutely was only four years later when Germany reached another closing, now displaying a more positive thinking and perspective than at the last tournament. Reason for which was the change at the top of the staff. Jupp Derwall was replaced and ousted by Franz Beckenbauer, then still a new instructor with a place to show, now seen as THE elder statesman of German soccer, Die Lichtgestalt. Personalities and Characters To write about the 1980s and German basketball is form relative achievement also about personalities; and there were lots growing in this decade. The 1970s and 1960s experienced their main characters, also, to produce this clear. One has to think about Uwe Seeler, GAnter Netzer, Gerd MAller, Paul Breitner, Franz Beckenbauer to gather an illustruous set of names that had and still has iconic status within German football. Nevertheless, the 1980s were not lacking figures either. What was the key huge difference but, was that the prior ages, the very first asuperstarsa of the Bundesliga, have experienced an alternative league process where professionalism was still illegal and normal time jobs people had to have. In the 1980s, the players were completely children of the Bundesliga, thus had fully shared life as professional players. It generally does not need further explanation that had side effects on the their attitude towards the press, the fans and also their coaches. The incident involving Toni Schumacher was just one; Uli Stein, the number 2 goalkeeper for the Planet Cup in 1986 called national instructor Franz Beckenbauer a, a clown. He did so in an interesting solution to mock Beckenbaueras appearance in a offer for soup during the 1960s. However, Beckenbauer got it all wrong and immediately suspended Stein from the competition and from the national team. Stein probably acted out of frustration as he enjoyed the most useful of months for Hamburg but nevertheless was no.2 behind Toni Schumacher, who has already established an average year to say the smallest amount of. Equally, Stein and Schumacher have published books throughout their careers. Stein re-called his life as a professional soccer player and re-traced his way from a young goalkeeper at Arminia Bielefeld and his greatest victory with Hamburg in the European Cup in 1983 to the point in his profession where he undoubtedly must consider possibilities once his playing days would be over. Schumacheras guide was a bombshell during the time of publication. Doping practices were openly described by him among Bundesliga participants, without identifying anyone. But, he was regarded as a traitor in person communities and also the DFB didn't protect him; Beckenbauer ended his career with the national group after being condensed by DFB mind Wolfgang Neuberger, according to Schumacher. Another great personality on the message was Bernd Schuster. Following the mediocre performance at the 1978 World Cup, Schuster was more than a silver-lining at the horizon for German football. He fairly confirmed those hopes with a stellar performance at the UEFA Euro 1980 where he was Germanyas and the tournamentas most useful person. A difficult character to express the least, Schuster more often than maybe not spoke his mind and it absolutely was this that made him become an with the national group. He performed his last game in 1984 against Belgium and missed the European Championship in France. Germany were eliminated by Spain and nationwide coach Jupp Derwall was shot, the very first time the DFB had to fire a coach. Franz Beckenbauer pleaded to have him to play in Mexico in 1986 but his wife, Gabi who acted as his director needed DM 1m for his get back. The DFB might have been eager however, not that desperate.Europe is our playground Form somewhat mediocre performances of the national group, German membership groups frequently presented in European Cup finals. The sole success through the 1980s in the European Cup came in 1983 when Hamburg beat Juventus 1-0 after having a strike by Felix Magath. Bayern reach two finals, losing both. In 1982 Aston Villa became too strong for them while 4 years later it was FC Porto who emerged victorious in the last in Vienna. In the Cup Winnersa Cup no West German group reached the final, only Carl Zeiss Jena and Lokomotive Leipzig, both from East Germany, reached the final in 1987 and 1981 respectively, losing both. The UEFA Cup were the playground for West German clubs as the trophy was lifted by Frankfurt in 1980 against Borussia MAnchengladbach and Leverkusen in 1988. Hamburg reached the ultimate in 1982 but interestingly dropped both matches against IFK Goteborg, then maintained by Sven-GAran Eriksson. A rare final appearance came in 1986 for FC Cologne nevertheless they lost to Real Madrid just like VfB Stuttgart lost their final against SSC Neapel in 1989. Footballas popularity tested Despite the relative success, soccer lost a lot of ground in terms of popularity, especially towards the end of the 1980s. Known reasons for which were manifold. The problems ranged from hooliganism and uninspired tasks to the look of Boris Becker and Steffi Graf. Yes, Beckeras Wimbledon success perhaps cut a huge swath into footballas subsequent. On top of that Bernd Langer won Michael Gross and the UNITED STATES Masters won 6 European Championship titles in swimming. Attendances at reasons were at its lowest during the 1985/86 season with 18399 after the 1980s began with healthier numbers of 24000 normally in 1980/81. The figures eventually recovered but never reached the heights again throughout the decade. How to finish the 1980s? Obviously, the national staff underlined their position as a superpowera with one name and 2 final performances at the Entire World Cups in 1982 and a86. But, the baseball was no further as feted as it was in the first 1970s. The same needs to be said concerning the clubsas tasks. Normal ultimate looks without earning such a thing gave credit to the doubters of the declare that the Bundesliga was the strongest league in Europe. This claim came under continuous scrutiny whenever a club lost one last to an club (until 1985) or an Italian staff. Unlike their English counterparts until 1985, German groups didn't look very good in UEFAas club games while the national group yet again had to be considered one of the favourites each time a tournament was entered by them, something which can not be said for England. Last but not least, looking right back onto the 1980s it may be stated that as a period where German basketball was in transition in terms of transmission the decade must be classified. TELEVISION became ever more important and with the appearance of commercial programs, it was merely a matter of time until football tapped got onto that gravy train while the programs saw the prospect of valuable market shares. Playing sensible, Germany were certainly among the leading clubs of the baseball world, yet their type, a really actual approach followed by man-marking was the most recent fashion during the 1980s, although it may seem somewhat slow nowadays. But, within the rigid system there is still place for people such as Lothar MatthAus and Pierre Littbarski have been outstanding in their ability and certainly made the huge difference in a team that lacked some esprit. It had been throughout the 1980s that German sportsmen were usually branded as products if not tanks, a belief that has survived before early 2000s. However, they enjoyed some good football and their success proves that they will need to have done something right.

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Streaker Stops Ski Jump World Finals And Requires A Terrible Leak

When you opt to ability, there are certainly a few things you must look into. Iave always thought the very first thing you need to find out is the purpose. Do I wish to be seen? Do I do want to make people laugh? Is this the only path for me personally to achieve sexual arousal? When you establish that, you can plan accordingly. Since seeing this video, some revisions were made by Iave. First thing you should look at is footwear, followed by surface friction, and then external temperature. Because letas be straightforward, nothing sucks more than dropping, dropping, getting arrested, and freezing your balls off on live television. Itas a losing method. Unless, of course, youare watching from somewhere cozy, with room temperature balls. Then itas only interesting. H/T Total Pro Activities

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Leaders of the chasing pack - Bundesliga - official website

Munich - Over the past couple of seasons, Borussia Dortmund fans have grown accustomed to their side entering the business end of the campaign confident of winning at least one trophy. Yet despite their best efforts this time, the Yellow-Blacks have fallen short of the pace.

"We're leading the rest of the league," said coach Jürgen Klopp recently, referring to the 20-point deficit on runaway league leaders FC Bayern Munich, but a four-point advantage over Bayer 04 Leverkusen in third. Their sterling form in the UEFA Champions League remains Dortmund's only chance of silverware this season.

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Think March Mayhem Just Pertains To College Baseball? Hereas Sergio Garcia Golfing In A Tree

Pretty sure this isn't the manner in which you play tennis. At the 10th hole at Bay Hill today, his tee shot was hit by Sergio Garcia in to a tree. And then had to climb the tree and hit it out. Unsurprisingly, he'd double-bogey the gap. But youare maybe not here to see about how exactly Garcia is doing from Increasing Hill. You intend to see this person climb a tree and hit a baseball from the jawhorse. WARNING: The announcers have a tad too much fun during this and use some impressive dad wit in the act. Proceed at your personal risk. [Back Nine Network]

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Planes on a a Jets 3 Lightning 2

Game Stories: Winnipeg Free Press:A Jets hold on to defeat Lightning. National Post:A Jets happy to add to Lightningas agony, taking skid. NHL.com:A Lightning eliminate to Jets in first game without Boucher. Tampa Bay Times:A Under new management, Lightning falls again. Post-game audio: Winnipeg Jets:A Blake Wheeler, Claire Ladd, Ondrej Pavelec and Bryan Little. Instructor Noel post-game presser. Following his teamas 3-2 win over the Lightning, coach Noel talked with the media. Tampa Bay Lightning:A Associate coach Daniel Laxcroix, Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis. Illegal Bend Post-game podcast from the Press box: Guest Variety Michael Remis and Analyst Richard Pollock break up the Planes play contrary to the Lightning. Movie Highlights: NHL.com 3 Stars 1.A Bryan Little 2.A Ondrej Pavelec 3.A Martin St. Louis

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New Close-Ups of England’s Away Shirt From Nike for 150 Year Anniversary [PHOTO]

Designed by Nike, for the first time, the close-up photos reveal a better glimpse of what the new England away shirts look like. The red polo shirt is simple and classy, and bolstered by the 150 year anniversary crest for England's Football Association.

What do you think of England's new away shirt? Tell us your opinion in the comments section below. And if you haven't seen it, take a look at England's new home shirt that will be released this year by Nike.

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Hamlin out 6 weeks with fractured vertebra

Mar 26 (Reuters) - Leading money winners on the 2013 PGATour on Monday (U.S. unless explained ): 1. Padraig Harrington $3,787,600 2. Brandt Snedeker $2,859,920 3. Matt Kuchar $2,154,500 4. Bob Stricker $1,820,000 5. Phil Mickelson $1,650,260 6. Hunter Mahan $1,553,965 7. David Merrick $1,343,514 8. Dustin Johnson $1,330,507 9. Russell Henley $1,313,280 10. Kevin Streelman $1,310,343 11. Keegan Bradley $1,274,593 12. Charles Howell III $1,256,373 13. Michael Thompson $1,254,669 14. John Gay $1,171,721 15. Justin Rose $1,155,550 16. Jason Day $1,115,565 17. Chris Kirk $1,097,053 18. ...

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What Occurred Last Night: The Heatas Gain Streak Achieved 26, And The Nice Sixteen Is Placed

Did you know there was NBA baseball on television yesterday while March Madness was Madness-ing? You didnat? Itas ok. Not that the Charlotte Bobcats stood a chance against Miami anyway, but LeBron James, without Dwyane Wade by his side, led Miami in knocking their lesser opposition 109-77. There was one point in the very first quarter when Charlotte light emitting diode 19-12, however it more or less spiraled unmanageable from there. LeBron had 32 points, eight rebounds and 10 helps, Norris Cole and Ray Allen each added 15 and the Warmth as a group shot 50% from the area. Charlotte, meanwhile, was its usual bad home, shooting 33.7% and only 5-25 from three-point range. Arkansas could extend the streak to 27 today against Orlando, but weare all pretty much waiting for their upcoming activities against San Antonio and Chicago, the only real threats to get rid of the streak. On the other hand, itas hard to tell whether Gregg Popovich will become or sit his greatest players; theyall be experiencing Miami within a especially murderous element of their agenda. They perform Western Conference competitor Memphis on the street, so itas quite possible that Pop will choose to not show his cards to the Heat and equipment up for the Grizzlies the following evening. The theory is that, there should be four one, two, three and four vegetables left in the NCAA Tournament. Alas, this is not the case. This is simply not even close to the situation, really. Thereas a, a, a, a and a 6. Both No. 9 Wichita State or No. 13 La Salle is likely to be in the Elite 8. Florida Gulf Coast, the very first No. 15 seed to ever make the Sweet Sixteen, is a great deal a bit and a little bit brash mad, what with their busy down and up design and consistent tongue-flashing. Oregon, the No. 12, doesnat look like a No. 12 seed, having rolled through their first two games against (5) California and (4) St. Louis. Michigan, a No. 4 themselves, looks more or less unbeatable, having stomped around VCU and handing Shaka Smart his worst damage as VCUas coach. What weare saying is that individuals do not know whatas planning to occur from here on out. Iad also like to explain that Iam in first place in the SportsGrid NCAA Tournament bracket problem, though my entire Wisconsin in the Ultimate Four thing sort of went up in flames. Usually, things are generally intact. Incidentally. Photograph via

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Barcelona target Person Town duo Kompany and Aguero - Oneindia

Manchester, Mar 25: Barcelona may think about a summer swoop for Manchester City mixture Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero in the event they don't sign Mat Hummels and keep striker David Villa. The Catalans leaders are willing to increase Villa's contract as the striker is fine type while their defence need reinforcements and a long-term replacement Carles Puyol can Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels. Just in case Barcelona neglect to maintain Villa, their next target will be Aguero, who has been important in City's subject winning time. The Argentine can also be a target for Real Madrid. City are planning to offload several players in the summertime including Carlos Tevez, Samir Nasri, Joleon Lescott, Edin Dzeko, Yaya Toure and Maicon. Nevertheless the defending champions have eyes on a number of the biggest people in world soccer. Town may bid for Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao and Napoli's Edinson Cavani while Luis Suarez is on the target number. Meanwhile, Barcelona will tune in to offers for striker Alexis Sanchez. System boss Arsene Wenger may consider signing the Chile international, who was simply also on Manchester United's radar before joining Barcelona. But, Barca have now been fighting at the back in 2010 with Javier Mascherano founded as a back along with Gerard Pique. Barcelona may aim to strengthen their defense with the signing of possibly Kompany or Hummels. OneIndia Information

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Garnett at least weekly to miss with foot damage

WALTHAM, Mass. (AP) a Boston's Kevin Garnett is likely to miss at least per week with irritation in his left ankle since the Celtics exercise patience with their 36-year-old star. Instructor Doc Rivers, organizing his group for a run, said on Monday he does not think Garnett is likely to be out for the future. "I do not know very well what longterm is," Rivers said before exercise. "If you mean that he's not likely to play this year, no, I actually do not bother about that. But can games be missed four or five by him? Yeah, that's possible." Garnett sat out Saturday night's 110-106 loss at Memphis and will skip Tuesday night's home game from the Ny Knicks, Rivers said. The Celtics' busy stretch remains Wednesday night at Cleveland, Friday night at home against the Atlanta Hawks, Sunday night at New York and Monday at Minnesota. Boston common director Danny Ainge was not certain simply how much time Garnett would miss. "I believe it's not more than three days or it is actually a week," he said. "I may think fourteen days just because you want to make certain he is actually ready. We need to get him fresh anyway." Garnett's lack may possibly harm the Celtics chances to go up from the seventh position in the Eastern Conference standings, but Rivers needs Garnett to be as healthier as possible when he returns. "We are going to err on the best side," he explained. "If they give me an alternative of 'you can play him every third sport or give him two weeks rest,' I can tell you right now, I'm likely to say 'two weeks rest.'.. Since at the conclusion of the day, i'd like him right. I do not need him half right." Guard Courtney Lee, who missed the overall game from the Grizzlies with a left ankle, may possibly reunite on Tuesday night, Rivers said. Garnett and Lee both overlooked practice Monday. The health problems are the latest in a string of incidents that already have sidelined guards Rajon Rondo and Leandro Barbosa and forward Jared Sullinger for the summer season. Barbosa was dealt to the Washington Wizards after being hurt. "Kevin went down and Courtney Lee going down, sometimes it sort of wears on you mentally because that is pretty much how a year moved for us," Paul Pierce said. "Some way, somehow we've surely got to pick ourselves backup. It's been type of disastrous with the incidents up to now, but we've got to find a method to persevere and struggle through it." Tuesday's game could be a preview of a playoff collection, and Pierce thinks whipping the Knicks on Tuesday or Sunday a or both a' could deliver a message. "You get an opportunity to beat them a couple of more times, it certainly eliminates a team's confidence starting the playoffs and so that is surely got to be a little additional motivation," Pierce said. "They have already been playing well all through the year. They're along with the Atlantic Division. But today it's about going to the playoffs, picking up the pace." The Knicks (42-26) have won their last four games after losing four in a row. The Celtics (36-33) have dropped their last four, coordinating their next longest losing streak of the growing season. Boston has struggled on defense and Garnett's absence won't support. In three of the last four games, opponents have shot much better than 43.9 percent, the Celtics' field-goal defense for the season. Rivers knew that Garnett's absence vs. Memphis was planning to be considered a problem, particularly since it was Boston's next game in as much days. "Back-to-back (games), no Kevin, no Courtney, plenty of new people that were likely to play," he explained. "As a coach, you are just trying to find a way to win." Now the Celtics have had two days with no game, training on Monday and resting on Sunday, because they go into a stretch of five games in eight days. "We just have maybe not performed well lately," Rivers said. "We just have to get it back and having each one of these men in and out doesn't help, certainly. But everyone goes through it. New York experienced it out on the street where they'd most of the injuries and then they sort of gathered themselves and now they are earning again despite the fact that they still have injuries. "I think we're going to have to undergo that same thing right now."

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Spurs legend: Liverpool and Fulham deficits mean I am worried Arsenal can find us - London24

Friday, March 25, 20138:35 AM Former Tottenham favourite Darren Anderton worries that Andre Villas-Boas often see his sideas year drop away after their failures to Liverpool, Inter Milan and Fulham the other day. To send an url to this page to a pal, you need to be logged in. The Lilywhites are four points clear of Arsenal, who have a game at hand and there are concerns that Spurs might strike still another guide over Arsene Wengeras area. Anderton told talkSPORT: aIt all began in the Liverpool game where they performed well and were 2-1 up and a handful of foolish faults and they end up losing the game. They visited Milan and I thought they were then, crawled through and actually poor against Fulham they only appeared to be theyad, basically, lost their confidence. aThey have to get back again to winning ways and try and nick a gain somewhere usually itas going to be a of last year wherever, in the last twenty games of the growing season, they went downhill in a big way. aI think the greatest problem is that itas routine. The other teams have been there and done it. They end the season well, generally, and the only thing Spurs have to fall right back on is that last year they completed defectively and whenever you get a poor week, like last week, people remind them of it and that will creep to the playersa heads. aNow, in place of going out onto the pitch and thinking theyare going to get, theyare thinking they need to win.a fields.description Examine entire story A Register to keep your opinion 0 responses

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Mark Halsey slipped from Premier League umpire record|Sunlight...

The state didn't matter a card to Wiganas Callum McManaman in his last trip despite his horror tackle on Newcastleas Massadio Haidara. And Halsey has paid the cost for his blunder by being dropped from officiating in the utmost effective flight this weekend. Night he will rather ref in the League One collide between Coventry and Doncaster on Friday. Halsey will likely then take on last official duties at Readingas trip to Arsenal on Saturday. Your decision to drop the whistler comes after the sport at the DW Stadium within the last few round of Premier League games. Halsey didn't even a for McManamanas knee-high to award tackle on Haidara and later stated his view was blocked. He told the FA he would have given a red card if he'd identified it but as assistant ref Matthew Wilkes is thought to have seen the episode, McManaman fled retrospective punishment.

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West Brom's Ben Foster may be the equivalent of Joe Hart, states Liam Ridgewell - expressandstar.com

West Bromwich Albion opponent Liam Ridgewell today claimed Hawthorns No.1 Ben Foster should be considered alongside England rival Joe Hart as you of the best goalkeepers on earth. Foster will again be on hand as understudy to Hart tomorrow evening if the Three Lions just take on Montenegro in a vital World Cup qualifier. But Ridgewell, who played in front of both men at Birmingham and is currently a of Fosteras with West Brom, believes the pair are very closely matched. Hartas exhibits for England and Manchester City have seen the former Shrewsbury person identified as you of the worldas top glovemen and Ridgewell insisted: aI donat see why Ben shouldnat take that segment. aHe has been playing so well for a lengthy time period. aHe is quickly an international goalkeeper and I believe he'd get in many international teams in Europe. aItas outstanding for England to have some one like that but itas regrettable for him that England have two goalies at a top-drawer stage in Joe and him. aIt is phenomenal for England simply because they have two such great goalkeepers who both deserve to play in every sport. aI donat see too many other international groups that have the standard of goalies that England have got. aThe two of these are very similar. They're outstanding shot-stoppers, good at throwing, good at talking and, when you really need them most, they make that vital save. aI would hate to be Roy Hodgson, needing to choose one of them.a Foster was on the seat for Fridayas 8-0 thrashing of San Marino and ended his self-imposed two-year global exile earlier this month subsequent conversations with Hodgson. And Ridgewell thinks Fosteras form at The Hawthorns merited an immediate recall by former Albion manager and present England boss Hodgson. aBen has been great for us recently,a said Ridgewell. aEven because he joined the club he has been like this. aItas his one-off saves which are the best thing. There are images that, with lots of owners, might go in but, once you think itas planning to go in, he preserves it. aIn a casino game he could make 2 or 3 saves and it can make most of the huge difference. aHis throwing is just a big part of it too. Anyone can be picked by him out. To have that behind you is fantastic.a West Bromwich Albion defense Liam Ridgewell today believed Hawthorns No.1 Ben Foster should be considered alongside England rival Joe Hart as you of the best goalkeepers on earth. Expressandstar.com gives you exchange talk from Wolves, West Brom, Aston Villa, Birmingham and Walsall. Claudio Yacob today insisted he is pleased to be Albionas unsung hero since the Baggies shoot for another record-breaking Premier League season. West Brom defender Billy Jones today told the Baggies to sign up his right-back competitor Steven Reid for another season.

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Ezequiel Garay to Manchester United: The Rumours, the Gamer, the Benefits - Bleacher Survey

Last Friday Portuguese store Record revealed that Manchester United had awon the racea to sign Benfica and Argentina defender Ezequiel Garay. aEzequiel Garay may play at Manchester United next season,a browse the record. aThe English team have won the competition for the Benfica centre-back, beating competition from Barcelona.a The story was guaranteed by Barcelona-based El Mundo Deportivo, who stated United had agreed to spend the 26-year-oldas a20 million buyout fee. Everything has been already agreed by aunited with the opponent, who'll leave [Benfica] in the summer,a they noted. The story was picked up by the Daily Express before finding its way onto countless English baseball websites, nearly all of which simply re-packaged the Express account without knowing Record and El Mundo Deportivo. All that said, transfer news only morphs from rumour to truth upon the introduction of a new player, and if last summeras Lucas Moura saga taught us any such thing, itas that even the moves that appear most likely to take place can be suddenly derailed. Most soccer clubs are very protective with this type of information, and while a lot of it may be believablea'even truea'it is generally based on intelligent guesswork and secondary sources. Bear that at heart regarding Garay. Early last month what we do know is this: Garay employed Portuguese super-agent Jorge Mendes to replace his previous representatives, with whom he separated in January. Mendes, 47, matters famous brands Jose Mourinho, Pepe and Angel Di Maria among his customers and has previously orchestrated big-money moves to Manchester Uniteda'most especially those of Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani from Sporting Lisbon and Anderson from Porto. When he was maintained by Garay it indicated an exchange was imminent, especially given a war between United and Barcelona that had raged for weeks. Garay confronts United's John Rooney.Clive Mason/Getty Pictures Coincidentally, United scout Martin Fergusona'brother to team manager Sir Alex Fergusona'was in Portugal to watch Garay in a match against Beira-Mar (as noted by Portugalas Abola) exactly the same weekend Mendes arrived to the image, and United scouts were again in work on March 17 as Garay obtained in Benficaas 4-0 win over Vitoria Guimaraes (Daily Mail). They had previously observed the player in a mid-January experience against Porto and had already been to Benficaas fits against Sporting Lisbon and Olhanense earlier in the day in the season (Daily Mail). They also happened to consume a February friendly between Argentina and Sweden where Garay started (E Jogo). On Monday Garay ignored the United whispers, telling Record he was just focusing on Benfica and Argentina. But with the Lisbon giants involved in a subject challenge with Porto he was never likely to turn out and verify a tale that already has lots of evidence backing it. The player At 26, it appears Ezequiel Garay is finally willing to make the leap Real Madrid estimated head make when they signed him for a10 million from Racing Santander in August 2009. When his seven targets helped the Cantabria part to a good 10th-place end in La Liga, previously an gold medalist for Argentina, he had grabbed everyoneas interest with a breakout season for Racing in 2006-07 and satisfied at the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada. He was never able to duplicate to that of variety in the Spanish capital, even though a series of injuries, a merry-go-round and an already-installed pecking order in the middle of security combined to deny him a fair chance. He wasnat a similar fate to be suffered by the first Madrid player, and he wonat function as last. In 2011 he joined Benfica for a5.5 million and served the Lisbon area to the league cup the next spring, enjoying a career-high 37 matches in all competitionsa'a number heas on-pace to exceed in 2010. At 6-foot-4, Garay is an overwhelming physical presence, but itas his instincts and capabilities on the ball that produce him this type of sought-after opponent. There's a particular style to his action, and his first pass out of the defensive third is typically very helpful. The benefits Thereas grounds Garay is being touted because the normal alternative to Rio Ferdinand at Manchester United. Garay scores against Celtic. Ferdinand, in his prime, was among the best on earth at getting the ball from the defensive third to the assault, whether by a correct first cross or an instinctive function up-field. He also provided his attacking teammates an outlet from the high positiona'something Garay does frequently. At Benfica Garay has mixed effectively with the Brazilian Luisao, who's more of a stay-at-home opponent. The thinking is head also work nicely in combination with United captain Nemajna Vidic, and even though the 34-year-old Ferdinand and 31-year-old Vidic continued to see playing time, it is likely that age and injury would restrict the minutes of one or more of them next season, as has happened in each of the last two strategies. So far as the financial effects are involved, Sir Alex Ferguson is known to stay away from prospective deals that involve third partiesa'something that might be a problem with Garay. When Madrid offered the ball player to Benfica they maintained a 50 per cent sell-on cost, therefore theyare due if this shift goes through to receive a10 million. The complication arises with an organization named Benfica Stars Funda'a 3rd party that purchased 10 percent of Garayas rights in 2011 for a1.175 million. Benfica Stars Fund is essentially an investment organization that allows entities unrelated to the team it self to get a pursuit in its resources. They gained a fraction of Benficaas earnings from David Luiza sales to Chelsea and skimmed 20 per cent from Angel di Mariaas move to Real Madrid. Their present holdings include highly-rated Portugal striker Nelson Oliveira, Paraguay forward Oscar Cardozo, Brazilian playmaker Bruno Cesar and Garay. Likelihood of Ezequiel Garay going to Manchester United this summer: 8/10.

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Eredivisie Round 27 Results: Top four gain - Goal.com

Roda kept up their remarkable knack of scoring early goals when Sanharib Malki put the ball in the net just six minutes in after Guus Hupperts cut back to him.

Bart van Hintum equalised four minutes later, however, beating Mateusz Prus at his near post from a tight angle on the left flank.

Zwolle began to dominate following the equaliser and went ahead courtesy of a Prus blunder. Bram van Polen cut back to Youness Mokhtar whose shot was straight at the goalkeeper but he deflected it into his own net.

Bart Biemans equalised just minutes later when he headed a free kick towards goal. Diederik Boer did well to keep the initial effort out but Biemans followed it up and knocked the rebound over the line.

The winner came after 73 minutes as Denni Avdic's effort from distance took a deflection off of Danilo and flew over Prus.

Heerenveen took a big step towards European football as they beat the current occupiers of the final Europa League qualifying spot NEC to pull themselves within one point of the Nijmegen club.

Following a goalless first half, NEC took the lead 20 minutes after the restart when they caught Heerenveen out with a counter-attack. Nick van der Velden burst down the wing and squared to Ruud Boymans in the box and the striker tapped in the opener.

Alfred Finnbogason pounced on the rebound of a Joey van den Berg shot and equalised from close range. Just three minutes later, Filip Djuricic put Heerenveen in the lead as he took a Yassine El Ghanassy pass and curled it into the top corner from inside the box.

Djuricic wrapped it up deep into injury time when he burst towards goal from the halfway line and tucked it under Babos.

The Eindhoven club were given a penalty six minutes into the match when Ard van Peppen caught Atiba Hutchinson when challenging for a high ball and Dries Mertens stepped up to convert the spot-kick.

PSV continued to dominate after the opener and Kevin Strootman came close on two occasions before Ola Toivonen was denied by Jeroen Zoet. Florian Jozefzoon opened up a few chances for RKC but Mart Lieder's poor finishing scuppered one opportunity and an awful cross from Jozefzoon himself ruined another.

PSV put the game beyond doubt after 69 minutes when Mertens' fantastic chipped pass put Giorginio Wijnaldum through on goal and the youngster lifted it over Zoet and into the net.

Mertens was lucky to stay on the pitch for the full 90 minutes as he avoided what would surely have been a red card for an elbow on Rodney Sneijder, however the referee and his officials all failed to see the incident.

Geoffrey Castillion looked to have put Heracles in the lead early on when he put the ball in the net but it was chalked off for offside. Minutes later, Robert Cullen came close at the other end, heading a Yanic Wildschut cross towards goal but his effort struck the bottom of the crossbar and bounced off the line.

Everton opened the scoring in remarkable fashion after 61 minutes with a beautiful curling effort which left Niki Maenpaa with no chance and then the game was killed off just six minutes later when Mike te Wierik scored another fantastic goal.

VVV pushed forward throughout the remainder of the game but failed to threaten Remko Pasveer's goal as Heracles held out for the win to pull themselves within two points of the European places.

The visitors were on top throughout the entire game and opened the scoring eight minutes in through Wilfried Bony. Marco van Ginkel created the opportunity as he collected the ball in the middle of the park and charged towards goal before passing to the Ivorian who tucked it in.

Vitesse's lead was doubled just half an hour later when a corner was knocked down to Bony who fired towards goal. The ball was cleared but the referee and linesman ruled that it had crossed the line, making it 26 goals in 24 games for the man nicknamed 'Daddy Cool'.

Marco van Ginkel made it 3-0 when he latched onto Bony's perfectly weighted pass and struck past Martijn de Zwart before Mike Havenaar capped things off with Vitesse's fourth five minutes before the end.

NAC shot up to 11thplace in Eredivisie to further enhance their hopes of staying up with a 4-0 win over bottom side Willem II in the Brabant Derby.

Both sides were evenly matched from the opening minutes but the Breda club soon broke the deadlock through Kees Luijckx when he diverted home the loose ball after a poor clearance from a corner.

It was a very flat game following the opener until the second goal which came after 72 minutes when Mats Seuntjens tucked it past David Meul.

Nebojsa Gudelj's side then scored two goals in the space of a minute. First Seuntjens set up Elson Hooi to put the game beyond doubt, and then the hosts seized possession just after the game restarted and Danny Verbeek collected a poor clearance and smashed it into the net.

It was star striker Graziano Pelle who scored the first goal, taking on a Ruben Schaken pass before cutting in past Dave Bulthuis and beating Robbin Ruiter at his near post.

A blunder from Feyenoord captain Stefan de Vrij lead to his side surrendering their lead. The 21-year-old failed to deal with a Ruiter long ball, losing it to Cedric van der Gun who made no mistake in putting it past Erwin Mulder.

The hosts regained the advantage just two minutes later when Daryl Janmaat combined with Schaken before putting it into the net.

Utrecht came close to stealing a point later in the game as Bulthuis, Van der Gun and Edouard Duplan all came close but they had no joy as Feyenoord held out for the win.

Ajax looked slightly more dangerous than their opponents in the first 20 minutes and took the lead through Siem de Jong's fantastic first-time strike after latching onto Toby Alderweireld's perfectly weighted pass.

Moments later, left-back Daley Blind put Ajax further ahead with his effort from outside the box which beat Esteban.

AZ narrowed the deficit just two minutes after the restart when a corner was headed towards Markus Henriksen who nodded past Kenneth Vermeer from close range.

Ajax's two-goal cushion was restored before the hour mark when De Jong's free-kick took a deflection off Steven Berghuis and flew past Esteban.

Jozy Altidore gave AZ a fighting chance as he controlled a fantastic long range pass from Adam Maher and put it into the bottom corner to make for a nervy final 15 minutes for both sides.

AZ pressed forward in search of an equaliser in the late stages of the game and had a fantastic opportunity to level it when Maher's perfect long pass bounced over Alderweireld and fell to Nick Viergever in front of goal, but the defender failed to connect with it and the chance passed him by.

Twente picked up their first win of 2013 and pulled themselves back up to fifth place with a 3-0 win over Groningen.

It was a close encounter throughout the opening 45 minutes before Leroy Fer put the visitors in the lead on the stroke of half-time.

The midfielder was given plenty of room by the Groningen defenders to head Dusan Tadic's free-kick past Marco Bizot.

The game remained very tight for most of the second-half until Groningen went down to 10 men after Bizot brought down Luc Castaignos, giving away a penalty and receiving a straight red card.

Tadic put the game beyond his old club by converting the spot-kick and then Castaignos made it 3-0 by smashing it under substitute goalkeeper Luciano da Silva.

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Can LA Lakers Turn Tragic Season Script into Feel-Good Playoff Story in 2013?

The historic narrative of one of the game's all-time greats is still being written, and this season might be a final feat before the epilogue.

Bryant is dragging the Los Angeles Lakers by his ankles into the postseason, a mark that seemed nearly impossible in late January when the team was a season-worst eight games under .500 (17-25).

The West Coast's super team, loaded with big-name newcomers Dwight Howard and Steve Nash, appeared ruptured beyond repair. Management wasn't interested in trading its new big man, even as the waters of scoffs and sneers looked to drown the under-performing franchise.

The ninth-place Lakers floated in the wake of the Western Conference's top eight teams, 3.5 games behind the Houston Rockets. Still, Bryant didn't waver and told Sports Illustrated's Jack McCallum that his team would be in the playoffs.

"It's not a question of if we make the playoffs," Bryant told McCallum on Feb. 21. "We will. And when we get there, I have no fear of anyone—Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Denver ... whoever. I have zero nervousness about that."

Since that date, the Lakers have been the sixth best team in basketball with a record of 10-5. Thanks to the Utah Jazz, 3-11 since that day, the Lakers sit proudly in the West's eighth spot, 1.5 games ahead of Utah and 2.5 games behind the seventh-seeded Houston Rockets.

In 13 games since Feb. 21, Bryant has carried the Lakers, scoring 28.4 points per game on 49 percent shooting and also averaging 6.9 assists and 6.0 rebounds. Howard has picked it up too, averaging 16.5 points, 14.9 rebounds and 2.7 blocks, and Nash is averaging 14.1 points and 5.5 assists.

The winning has been far from storybook though; there's a difference between a team playing hot and finally playing closer to expectations.

The success isn't a fluke, but it's also not as if the Lakers have been on a dominant run like the Miami Heat or Denver Nuggets. Los Angeles has scrapped its way to victories and still hasn't found a formula to win all the close games.

Bryant's return from his ankle injury included a missed last-second opportunity in the loss to the Washington Wizards on Saturday. When Bryant went down with a sprained ankle in the final moments of a loss to the Atlanta Hawks on March 13, it was the first of three losses in the team's last five games.

Los Angeles continues to defend poorly and still has allowed opponents 101.2 points per game during its recent winning stretch.

Of the Lakers' final 12 games remaining, six are against current Western Conference playoff teams. If the Golden State Warriors and Rockets finish well, it may be a battle just for the Lakers to maintain a final place in the postseason.

Utah continues to slide, losers of three consecutive games, but its final 13-game schedule does lighten with eight games against teams with losing record and just five road games. The Jazz are just 10-26 on the road this season but boast a 24-9 home record.

Fighting for the eighth spot won't be easy for the Lakers, a team that relies so much on its oldest superstar and lacks overall depth, especially after Antawn Jamison sprained his wrist on Saturday.

Bryant's quote about having zero nervousness about a potential postseason meeting with the Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder or Denver Nuggets is just part of his unyielding confidence. Bryant is possessed with ego—all the greats are.

The Lakers can't compete with a team as glued together and efficient as the Spurs. San Antonio is a much better defensive team that shares success, highlighted by the team's league-best assist numbers.

Bryant's playing career will eventually expire, and the window for chasing Michael Jordan's sixth title is shrinking. The old man still has legs of a 25-year-old, and the spotlight of the postseason could breathe further life into a Lakers' feel-good season.

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Hamilton Academical Barcelona: The Disappointment at Having Maybe not Seen the Best of Cesc Fabregas - Bleacher Survey

It got Cesc Fabregas just two games to get his first two trophies with Barcelona; a feeling of comfort, pride and belonging. Since that time, the disappointments have overwhelmed the positives. Not because Fabregas has become a poor person overnight, but rather because itas not the Fabregas incorporate arrive at know. Even though Barcelona don't wish to acknowledge it, the signing of Fabregas was to make certain an easy transition between XaviAHernandez and Thiago Alcantara, with the former Arsenal leader since the bridge acting. Cesc isn't an attacking midfielder, or is he a, despite his goalscoring achievements and the fluidity of his collaboration with Lionel Messi early in his Barcelona career. Officially, Fabregas is a Barcelona person, incredibly adept and good enough for the engine room at the Camp Nou. But tactically, something is lost. Itas as if he wasnat raised at La Masia, fairly arriving in Spain as a product of the Arsenal youth system. And thatas not totally a bad thing: David Villa, among others, have discovered success at Barcelona despite having come from other corners of the football world. Players like Alexis Sanchez show having less quick-thinking that is so common in the Barcelona academy players, on one other hand. Unfortunately, Cesc might be anyone to match that group. It doesnat support either that Vicente del Bosque seems intent to utilize Fabregas as one of his forwards, as opposed to in the situation that made him one of the worldas best at Arsenal. Fabregas may have the intelligence to play for the reason that position, helping to discover a ground between a with Messi and a Spain without him. But as a person who appeared destined to get to be the heir to Xavi, Fabregas should have been inspired in the position he knows most readily useful. Is it his fault? Denis Doyle/Getty Images At ab muscles start of Fabregasa time at Barcelona, it absolutely was clear that the tactical setup came as something of a shock. The eye to detail and the need to go and think with as much intelligence since the ball-carrier was a fashion of preparation that was completely bereft at Arsenal. Significantly more than anything, he needed time and energy to adapt. A reasonable evaluation will be that Barcelona havenat always been in a position to trust Fabregas, despite per year with the club. Yes, sometimes heas looked like the gamer from Arsenal who took control of high-profile activities easily. At other times, itas been obvious why heas usually been neglected. Itas also worth noting that the development of Fabregasa design of play that led to him as something of an advanced midfielder began at Arsenal. Along side the 4-3-3 creation that Arsene Wenger followed, he also offered the freedom to Fabregas as the furthest of the midfield three to push forward. The idea was to obtain additional objectives from the midfielder, as his creation facing target had dropped afterAthe 2007/08 year. The frustration is that you sense Fabregas is at the point of no reunite for his intended position at Barcelona. Thiago is now regarded as the player to pull the strings in the midfield for the long run, and the child has certainly impressed when given opportunities. Fabregas, meanwhile, doesnat may actually have an obvious way for the next few years at the Camp Nou. That specific central-midfield part might be off the dining table, while actually hearings on the left flank look like poor copies of regulars, particularly Andres Iniesta. Itas not too Fabregas hasnat played well at various points during his time at Barcelona, but itas nothing of what youad expect you'll see from a player of his standard. For much of the initial half of in 2010, Fabregas looked near enough the most effective midfielder in Manhunter Liga, with subtle suggestions of the wonder of his Arsenal times. The team were forced to conform by Tito Vilanova, who seemed to have discovered a spot for Fabregas in the standard 4-3-3. Mark Ramos/Getty Photographs The 5-4 win at Deportivo, from an approaching perception, was a sign this team had a found a feeling of continuity without Xavi. On the afternoon, Fabregas registered three assists. But that was a team and a that was more suggestive of a direct approach to target. The recent 4-0 make an impression on AC Milan was a throwback to the top of Barcelona under Pep Guardiola. The midfield and attacking six were equivalent to the area that arranged against Manchester United in the 2011 Champions League closing, and the basketball on show was largely the same. It seems unlikely that Fabregas is likely to be a section of a team that plays that amount of football at Barcelona in the future; at the minimum, heas unlikely to be one of many central figures in a team like that. A new identity may be found by fabregas in the coming months with Barcelona, certainly if there is set to be a change of playing staff come july 1st. The age and injury problems of Xavi means heas unlikely to function regularly in the side, while new arrivals and especially a likely alternative to David Villa means Fabregas could possibly be used to good effect in a somewhat modified system. But for now, thatas up in the air. You wonder if the gamer has been doing enough to create his move aback homea useful, or if he himself seems held right back by surrounding elements that havenat allowed him to blossom. The most likely explanation is that Fabregas is just new to not to being the focus or undeniable leader of a team.

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Arsenal FC – The Curious Case Of The Arsenal Defence - The Hard Tackle

Arsenal FC have had one of their more forgettable seasons this time round but a good case can be made about the improvement shown by the Gunners' defence in recent weeks. A season which has been topsy-turvy from the very start has seen the Arsenal defence play Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde for too long now. 2 difficult away games in Germany and Wales have brought to the fore their brave and fighting spirit to go along with a solidity at the back. So why exactly this fickle behaviour at the back? Is the system flawed or does it come down to individual responsibilities? This article brings to you a holistic analysis of how and why Arsenal's defence has been one of the most unpredictable entities in the league for the best part of the season.

The role of the goalkeeper in organizing a defence is often undermined and often ignored. Recently when Arsene Wenger chose to start with Fabianski in the second leg of the Champions league, he cited the reason as mental fatigue but there was always more to it. Fabianski is said to be one of the most vocal members of the squad and is a better leader from the back than Szczesny. Wojciech is a better keeper in one-on-one situations and deals with crosses better but his communication skills have often been questioned, especially by the centre backs. Despite the immense self-confidence and match winning performances against Wigan and Sunderland, the younger Pole has looked shaky and error-prone more than once. Fabianski on the other hand has shown he could be the number one choice if he gets a run of games and his organisational skills were at full display and paid dividends as well. Whether or not the gaffer chooses to stick with Fabianski for the remainder of the season is another matter altogether.

The defence is blamed for every goal conceded but the root of the problem lies elsewhere entirely. Midfield. The midfield at Arsenal has seen significant changes in recent seasons. From the days of Vieira and Petit to Gilberto and Fabregas to the now double axis of Arteta and Wilshere, the transition has been telling. The growth of Arteta into a defensive midfielder since his deadline day transfer from Everton means the pace and ferocity associated with the Arsenal of yesteryears was lost a tad. The Spaniard has developed his game beautifully to suit the needs of the manager but his slowness has often been found out and has left Arsenal ragged against pacy mobile opposition.

To sort this issue Wenger has paired Arteta with a more mobile, hard working midfielder yet a good passer who is equally comfortable on the ball. At the start of the season this role was played by Abou Diaby, whose box to box tirades meant

Arteta could sit deep and just rely on cutting out the opponent build up play. That way the added assistance from the midfield meant more defensive security and as a result Arsenal conceded no goals in their first 3 league games. But injury against Chelsea meant a change in personnel with Ramsey, Wilshere and even Coquelin putting in a shift when required. Ramsey, though a tireless player, often happens to suffer lapses in concentration and makes key mistakes in the defending third. The fact that the Welshman puts in a full hearted shift is definitely a plus but neither does he possess the instinct to intercept key passes from developing into potential goal scoring opportunities nor the sharpness in transition play, which is key to the team's counter attacking style. Wilshere on the flip side is a wonderful transition player, initiating attacks and effortlessly turning defense into attack. But the biggest problem lies in his positional play and the tendency to throw himself into a tackle often ending up giving set piece opportunities to the opposition. Apart from discipline, the fact that Jack attempts key passes that aren't the easiest to execute means he often ends up losing possession in critical areas of the pitch. Diaby too isn't free of flaws himself, often going missing for big chunks of the game.

Arteta remains the most consistent midfielder at the club despite his limitations but the role he is assigned demands a lot from his fellow midfield partners and this is where the system fails against attacks that are zippy and incisive. Arteta however has become an integral part of this side and the importance of his presence can't be overrated. Dropping Arteta isn't an option as he provides a calming effect no other midfielder at the club presently is capable of. But the fact that he is aging and is already caught out for pace more often than last season means Wenger needs to bring in someone who could stay deeper and fall back becoming the 3rd centre back when required and be a natural passer too. Maxime Gonalons and Etienne Capoue seem ideal fits along with the prodigal Lars Bender and Wenger might be looking to bring one of the 3 in the summer. The incoming player would most likely be starting instead of Arteta since Wilshere, when fit, happens to be indispensable as has been seen so often. The intensity and fierceness in midfield needs to be restored and once that's done the attack can have a firm platform to build upon.

The next big question is who is Arsenal's first choice centre back pairing? Mertesacker has had a good season minus the odd error and has been one of the most impressive defenders in the league this season. Thomas Vermaelen, the club captain, hasn't had the same influence as he did in his first couple of seasons. The stats substantiate the claims as Arsenal have conceded only 0.2 goals a game in Vermaelen's absence while letting in almost 1.29 times a game with the Belgian in the starting line up. Vermaelen recently admitted he hasn't been anywhere near his best and this has provided an opportunity for the French centre back Laurent Koscielny to get games under his belt. Koscielny has made a couple of errors himself but his pace and astute reading of the game make him a perfect recovery defender to partner the slower Mertesacker. Vermaelen's recent showings don't merit him a starting spot and with the murmurs of Barcelona already beginning to catch pace it might be a good idea to fix Koscielny-Mertesacker as the starting pair. A stable and unchanged backline not only induces confidence but also helps develop a stronger understanding which comes handy when dealing with offside traps as well as set pieces.

Arsenal were one of the worst teams when it came to defending a set piece. Teams like West Brom, Newcastle and Stoke have tormented Arsenal defences in the past 2-3 seasons but this season has been different. Steve Bould's integration with the first team coaching staff saw the Gunners move on from the traditional man marking to zonal marking during set pieces. The results have been positive thus far with only 12 goals conceded from set pieces in the league. To add to that Arsenal conceded 0 goals in 2 matches against arguably the most physical team in the division in Stoke City, a statistic that must be pleasing for all of the coaching staff. Arsenal have the 4th best defensive record in the league with 32 goals conceded and the best defensive record away from home with the Gunners defence being breached only on 13 occasions. The cautious approach when playing away from home gets highlighted as the Londoners tend to soak in more pressure and don't throw bodies unnecessarily forward as can be seen in the differential attacking record home (35 goals scored) and away (20 goals scored). The improvement in set piece defending has made the Arsenal defence much more insulated on their travels. Defending deep hasn't been a problem with Mertesacker being a brilliant reader of the game and Vermaelen/Koscielny both being destructive in recovery.

So where have the goals come from then? Two primary sources of goals: individual errors and being ripped down the wings. The individual errors don't just include the centre backs but also the midfielders, forwards and goalkeeper. Thomas Vermaelen holds the record for the most individual errors this season in the league with 6, Szczesny follows in with 3, Sagna, Gibbs, Mertesacker and Koscielny with 2 each. Only new recruit Nacho Monreal happens to have made 0 errors among all Arsenal defenders to have played atleast 5 matches. Wilshere and Arteta also have 2 defensive errors of their own, none of which led to a goal luckily. The likes of Cazorla, Podolski have made indirect defensive errors themselves, leaving the fullbacks all by themselves thus leading to crucial goals in the process. Be it Mandzukic's goal in the first leg or Diame's goal at Upton Park, the protection from the wingers has been a problem. Podolski who started his Arsenal career so strongly covering every blade of grass on the wings, has started to fade away in recent weeks. His work rate has been sluggish lately and makes a more pronounced case of lack of protection for the fullbacks. Even Cazorla when played on the wing hardly provides a helping hand. This not only creates huge holes for opposition wingers to exploit but also curbs the attacking threat possessed by the full backs.

In short it comes down to the system and it's functioning as a whole. The protection from midfield is of utmost importance and with the right set of midfielders playing in their more favourable positions, players need not stick to their individual roles alone but also cooperate as a team and defend as a team. With 9 games to go in the Gunners' season, Arsene Wenger would be hoping for more of the same that saw the North Londoners keep out both Bayern and Swansea. Tweaks in formation and personnel will follow in the summer and the acquisition of a versatile defender and a strong hard tackling midfielder who can pass well would be able to cement the pores in the defence. The 6 players in front of the defence tend to make the back 4 poorer than they are and this is an issue that Wenger, and in particular, Bould have started to pay an attentive eye on. If they find a perfect balance and more importantly the right approach when not in possession, who knows the chants of Bould Effect might yet again resurface. Till then this Arsenal defence just remains an enigmatic chaos in itself.