Essien targets Nations Cup glory

Michael Essien, the indefatigable Chelsea midfielder, will be one of the many high profile African players missing from the Premier League in January when the African Nations Cup takes centre stage.

Essien, who plays his international football for Ghana, the country staging the 2008 edition of the tournament, speaks to ESPNsoccernet on a variety of matters from Chelsea's Champions League draw and life at Chelsea under Avram Grant as well as the host country's chances in January's Nations Cup.

ESPNsoccernet: Michael, we've had the Champions League draw and Chelsea have been drawn with Olympiacos. What do you think of that?

Essien: I think it's a good draw for us and I think Olympiacos are a very good side. I think it's going to be interesting. We are looking forward to beating them and moving onto the next stage.

ESPNsoccernet: Disappointed that you didn't get your former club Lyon, or are you saving them for later? Maybe a final?

Essien: Well for me, I don't mind playing anyone. So it's good that we got Olympiacos and we'll show them what we can do.

ESPNsoccernet: How has it working with Avram Grant as the new manager?

Essien: I think so far so good. He's doing really well. We are getting our points. We are winning games. So I think he is doing well at the moment. Hopefully things will get better at the end of the season.

ESPNsoccernet: Chelsea will be very sad to lose you for the African Cup of Nations. Of course, it's a proud moment for you particularly that it's in Ghana, where you're from. How do you feel about going back home?

Essien: I feel great. We are hosting the Nation's Cup. I think the nation is expecting more from us. I think that puts pressure on us, but I think we can do it. For leaving my club to go and play is a little bit sad, but I have no choice. I have to go and help my country as well.

ESPNsoccernet: And just having a look at your group, you've got Namibia, Guinea, and Morocco. Not too bad, is it?

Essien: Well, for me, I think it's really tough, you know. Football now, you can't underrate anybody. Everybody can do it, so we have to take it seriously and work really hard. Hopefully we can win the group and go to the next stage.

ESPNsoccernet: The opening game is on the 20th of January and that's against Guinea. What sort of atmosphere do you think that'll be for the opening game?

Essien: It's going to be massive. I think that the nation just can't wait for us to start the tournament. It's going to be a really good game and I think hopefully we can win it.

ESPNsoccernet: Ghana had a great World Cup. How much has the team improved since that time?

Essien: Yeah, I think we did really well during the World Cup. Ever since, I think we won all of our friendly games. We only lost to Brazil I think, one to nil. I think the team is doing really well at the moment and we are confident that we can do something

ESPNsoccernet: You've got one of the most enviable midfields in the world with Appiah, Sulley Muntari, and yourself. How do you rate that as a midfield?

Essien: I think our strongest is in the midfield. Me, Muntari, and Appiah in the midfield I think is one of the best midfields in the world. They expected more from us so we've got a big, tough task ahead of us.

ESPNsoccernet: And if Ghana go all the way, who do you think would be your opponent in the final?

Essien: I don't know. I can't predict, but I would just say anybody. Anybody can get to the final.

ESPNsoccernet: In your opinion, what are the strongest sides out there? Maybe give us three or four names.

Essien: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia.

ESPNsoccernet: It's a great shame of course that Chelsea will be losing you, but not only you. There's some phenomenal African players such as (see if you can cut this part out) Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, and John Obi Mikel. How do you think Chelsea will cope in your absence?

Essien: I think it's a massive blow for the club. They will lose four important players. I think we've got great players who can do the job while we are away. So for me I don't think it'll be a big problem, because they can do the job.

Sir Alex Ferguson Reads The Riot Act

Sir Alex Ferguson, 66 tomorrow, was incensed when his Manchester United first-team squad let down themselves and the club with an infamous Christmas Party of excess that attracted lurid headlines and resulted in one of his players being accused of rape.

Now Ferguson has warned all his players that they face the chop if they step out of line again.

He said: "Football has changed but you cannot lose your control.

"We make changes here at Manchester United when we see anyone interfering with that control. When we see this it's time for them to go."

Until now, Ferguson has kept his counsel, at least in public, about the party that led to Jonny Evans being arrested.

But he is said to be furious about the damaging publicity the pre-Christmas binge inevitably attracted.

Ferguson's mood was unlikely to have been lightened by his team's surrendering of top spot in the Premier League to Arsenal by losing 2-1 at West Ham on Saturday.

The man whio has been in charge at Old Trafford for 21 success-laden years, explained: "Times have changed for me as a manager.

"But this club is based on everyone together. When anyone starts going off at tangents you have to make changes."

And he accused some of today's top players of being selfish and obsessed with a 'celebrity' culture.

"What annoys me about some footballers today is the personal glory thing," he added.

"They score a goal and knock players out of the road so they can get personal gratification and play to the fans.

"The present day footballer needs to be noticed with his ear-rings and tattoos. But people in general need to be noticed, it's not just footballers.

"They don't go to small, intimate restaurants, they go to places that are big and bright where you are seen and get noticed. It is difficult to control."

Man City 0-0 Liverpool

Manchester City survived a second-half onslaught to prevent Liverpool ending 2007 with three league wins in a row.

Fabio Aurelio came closest to scoring in a cagey first half, his long-range strike tipped over by City's Joe Hart.

Fernando Torres squandered two good chances and Hart palmed away a fierce effort from Yossi Benayoun as the Reds poured forward after the interval.

Dirk Kuyt had a glorious opportunity in the 87th minute but Hart and Richard Dunne combined to clear his header.

It meant Liverpool will go into the new year 10 points behind leaders Arsenal, with a game in hand.

Their previous clash against Manchester opposition, a 1-0 defeat by United, had finished with searching questions being asked about their title credentials.

This time they will be wondering how they failed to see off a City team that could not get close to the fluency they began the season with.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez again shuffled his pack, making five changes to the team that stole three points at Derby in their last outing.

And with the hosts in the middle of an uncertain spell, following two successive draws in the league and a Carling Cup exit, both teams struggled to establish any attacking rhythm early on.

Indeed, considering the talent and reputations on display, the first quarter was surprisingly bereft of genuine quality.

The first shot on target arrived after 25 minutes - a Harry Kewell strike collected by Hart at the second attempt - but it appeared to spark the game briefly into life.

A brave block from Jamie Carragher in the box denied City's subdued playmaker Elano a clear opening and Michael Ball deflected Kuyt's effort wide at the other end.

Reds defender Aurelio then twice came close to embarrassing Hart with two long-range strikes: the first bounced just past the post, while the second was helped over by the England Under-21 keeper's fingertips.

The game needed perking up and Liverpool did their best to break the deadlock with a flurry of chances in the opening 20 minutes of the second half.

Aurelio surged down the left and his cross fell at the feet of Torres, who shot tamely at Hart, with a fourth goal in three Premier League games beckoning.

Steven Gerrard then played the Spanish striker through after Stephen Ireland gave away possession, only for Torres' effort to roll wide after squirting through Hart's legs.

Although City were being roared on by the majority of a record Eastlands crowd all the action was taking place in their goalmouth.

Gerrard, who had gone close with a free-kick, strode through acres of space and the ball was worked through to Benayoun before the Israeli international unleashed a stinging drive that Hart palmed behind.

City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson replaced the off-colour Elano with Rolando Bianchi in a bid to ignite his team into action but his defensive players continued to be overworked.

Liverpool fans and Benitez were fuming when Dunne appeared to haul down Torres with the in-form forward in full flight.

Torres was then booked for a challenge on Micah Richards and the visitors' frustration was complete when the ball was worked back into the box after an Aurelio corner.

With the goal gaping, Kuyt failed to get enough power on his header, Hart clawed it away and Dunne hacked away from under the bar.


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Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson:"I think we defended very well. It was a good game but there were not a lot of chances. "I am happy with one point and happy with a clean sheet, which is good against Liverpool.

"We're not disappointed. When you play like we did against a team like Liverpool, you can't be disappointed. But I'm not 100% happy, because we wanted to win the game."

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez: "We're a bit frustrated. We had a lot of chances, played well and had lots of possession. I'm pleased with the team but disappointed with the result. "We had enough chances to win against a good team who are difficult to beat at home, and the commitment of all the players was fantastic.

"A clean sheet when you are playing away from home is a good thing but after 17 attempts on goal, you think you must win."


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Man City: Hart, Onuoha, Richards, Dunne, Ball, Ireland (Gelson 61), Hamann, Corluka, Petrov, Elano (Bianchi 70), Vassell (Geovanni 74).Subs Not Used: Isaksson, Garrido.

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Arbeloa, Aurelio, Benayoun, Gerrard, Mascherano, Kewell (Babel 74), Torres, Kuyt.Subs Not Used: Itandje, Riise, Voronin, Alonso.

Booked: Torres.

Att: 47,321

Ref: Uriah Rennie (S Yorkshire).

BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Manchester City's Richard Dunne 6.91 (on 90 minutes).

Derby Pay For Penalty Miss

Derby went one up just before the half-hour mark against the run of play, and Blackburn were looking doomed to another defeat when Ryan Nelsen conceded a penalty a few minutes later. Steve Howard stepped up but his sub-standard penalty was saved by Brad Friedel, and within 90 seconds Roque Santa Cruz had drawn Rovers level.

David Bentley (pictured) put in a Man of the Match performance, which was capped with the match-winning goal from 25 yards out just before the break. Derby fought admirably from then on, but were ultimately unable to break through Blackburn's defenses, with both sides having chances to kill the game in the second half.

First Half

The game began quietly, but Blackburn looked the stronger side, with David Bentley and Roque Santa Cruz posing the main threats.

The latter did well from a throw-in to nod the ball on to Benni McCarthy, whose tame shot was saved, as his goal drought now stretches to nine games.

On 20 minutes Blackburn had a goal ruled out, with David Bentley doing exceptionally well on the left to eventually cross in for Santa Cruz to head home, but the cross had unfortunately curled out of play while in the air before curling back in for the Paraguayan to knock in.

It was Derby who took a shock lead on 27 minutes when a ball skimmed into the area was touched on neatly by Giles Barnes for captain Matt Oakley to hammer home through the legs of Brad Friedel.

Derby sought to double their advantage, as they were now playing with a confidence not oft-associated with this season’s bottom club, and as Miller charged at Nelsen, the Blackburn man was booked for blocking him off.

A few minutes later Nelsen could have had his second yellow of the game and his third red of the season when his trailing leg took Miller down in the area. He avoided the booking but not the penalty, as Blackburn’s miserable run looked set to continue.

However, Brad Friedel guessed right and went low to his right as an average penalty from Steve Howard was crucially saved. Eddie Lewis was booked for an overzealous follow-up which saw him clash with Friedel, much to the disdain of the goalkeeper’s team-mates

That served as an omen, within 90 seconds Blackburn were level. David Bentley did brilliantly on the right hand side and his cross was brought down well by Benni McCarthy, his snap-shot was saved by Price, who could only watch as goal-machine Roque Santa Cruz tapped in the rebound.

Within three minutes Blackburn were in front, Tugay intercepting well, then McCarthy and Mokoena showing good strength to maintain possession and Bentley, from 25 yards out, only needed that little bit of space to drill it into the bottom corner.

Derby did have a chance to draw level before the interval, when a corner floated in was struck not once but twice by Matt Oakley – the second being well saved by Brad Friedel.

Second Half

Paul Jewell made a substation, with Leacock being substituted for Benny Feilhaber.

It was the substitute who fashioned the first chance of the second half as he ran at Blackburn and his long-range shot was well-saved by Friedel.

Morten-Gamst Pedersen found himself in space a few minutes later, but opted to go alone when a fuming Benni McCarthy had space in the middle.

It went straight back down the other end with Lewis threading an excellent through-ball to Kenny Miller, but his first touch wasn’t quite perfect and Emerton was in quickly to snuff out the danger.

The action continued with David Bentley breaking for Blackburn on 53 minutes, he laid it off for Benni McCarthy, who failed to get it out of his feet with his first touch and his shot was saved.

Amidst the end-to-end action Mokoena was lucky to avoid being sent off; he was booked for a high challenge and referee Peter Walton was lenient when a repeat offence occurred moments later.

The game slowed down, with both sides now looking to hit each other on the break, and both were found wanting with poor touches in the final third squandering many of the chances created.

Derby began pressing around 70 minutes but failed to pierce the Blackburn defense, and they broke excellently on 74 minutes, with Warnock delivering a ball across that went all the way to Bentley on the other side, whose cross was headed by Roque Santa Cruz and tipped over excellently by Price.

Santa Cruz had another weaker effort cleared off the line from the corner following a scrap for the ball, and Bentley then cut inside from the right to rifle a left-footed shot against the bottom of the near post as Derby could count themselves lucky to still be in the game at all.

Derby were the side pressing for the final 15 minutes but failed to fashion a genuine chance out of it, as Blackburn held on for a crucial victory.

Line-ups:

Derby County (4-1-3-2): Price – Mears, Davis, Johnson (Fagan, 59), McEveley – Leacock (Feilhaber, 46) – Barnes, Lewis, Lewis – Howard, Miller (Macken, 79)

Unused Substitutes: Hinchliffe, Teale

Blackburn Rovers (4-4-2): Friedel – Emerton, Khizanishvili, Nelsen, Warnock – Bentley, Tugay (Dunn, 93), Mokoena, Pedersen (Olsson, 84) – McCarthy (Derbyshire, 87), Santa Cruz

Unused Substitutes: Brown, Berner

Goals

1-0 (Derby) Oakley, 271-1 (Blackburn) Santa Cruz, 391-2 (Blackburn) Bentley, 41

Missed Penalty: (Derby) Howard, 37

Bookings

(Blackburn) Nelsen, 32(Derby) Lewis, 37(Blackburn) Mokoena, 50(Blackburn) Warnock, 61

Referee: Peter Walton

Attendance: 30,048

Ghana Skipper Appiah Forced Out Of Nations Cup

Fenerbahce midfielder Stephen Appiah had been forced out of action for two months by complications surrounding a long-term knee injury.

Appiah has been to Italy to undergo tests on the injured knee and obtain a second opinion, but doctors have confirmed that he will not be fit enough for the prestigious tournament.

"The news has come as a bitter blow to Stephen," a statement on the player's website said.

"[He] has been working hard in the last week or so to prove he is fine and fit.

"Stephen [would] like to say a big thank you to all his fans and well wishers who have sent him get well soon messages in the last few weeks.

"He is very grateful for your support."

The statement also thanked the Ghana Football Association for its patience and understanding.

The GFA had given their captain as much time as he needed to try to prove his fitness.

Now Claude Le Roy, coach of Ghana, who are hosting the 2008 Nations Cup, is searching for a replacement captain.

Appiah's absence will be a huge blow as the skipper is an inspirational leader on and off the pitch for the Black Stars

He captained Ghana as they became the only African side to reach the knock-out stages of the 2006 World Cup in Germany, scoring the winning penalty in their victory over the United States that took them through to the last 16.

Grant sets sights on transfer targets

Grant lost Frank Lampard on Boxing Day for up to month with a thigh tear, joining senior players John Terry, Didier Drogba and Claude Makelele on the sidelines.

The more immediate concern is covering for Ashley Cole after the left-back got sent off for handball against Aston Villa and lost his appeal with the Football Association.

Cole is suspended for the clash against Newcastle at Stamford Bridge tomorrow, along with Ricardo Carvalho after the centre-back's horror tackle on Gabriel Agbonlahor.

If Grant's squad is stretched now, he will also lose more players when the African Nations Cup starts next month, with Chelsea expected to strengthen in the transfer window.

Grant hinted at looking for long-term investments as well as short-term solutions.

'We are thinking about this and need to think about this,' said Grant. 'We are following players.

'In every position, even where we have good players, if there is a player good for us we will take them. Especially now when we have injured players and the African Nations.'

Despite Andriy Shevchenko's recent goals, Chelsea have been persistently linked with Nicolas Anelka, while a potential move for Luka Modric seems to have been made easier as Tottenham are not expected to pursue the Croatia midfielder.

One position Grant is not looking for is goalkeeper. Petr Cech has been guilty of errors against Arsenal and Villa but his boss has backed him to return to his normal impressive form when he is fully recovered from a side problem.

'Petr Cech is a great goalkeeper,' said Grant. 'He is not his best from a physical side so we have to think what is best for him and for the team.

'Every goalkeeper has bad days. We are not happy from this and he is not happy from this. But he is still the best goalkeeper in the world, for me.

'He is a very nice guy and he's very strong mentally.'

Chelsea slipped up at this stage last year and are behind the pace this time around after dropping points against Arsenal and Villa - but Grant insists they are still in the title race.

'Last year it was nine points or 12 points in March and everyone said that nothing was finished,' he said. 'We are not even in January. It's seven points, so anything can happen.

'I'm very optimistic by nature. Thinking about the negative things is not the right way to think about it.

'The last three months was not easy and not for one day did I have the whole squad available. I'm sure it will happen one day but I don't know when.

'When there is a fact and you can't change it, my nature is to get used to it quickly and get the best out of the situation. Like we did last time.'

Grant, however, also accepts that after significant progress since taking over in September, he is now facing a huge challenge to maintain momentum.

'For me, a difficult time is a challenge,' he said. 'It was a big challenge from the first day and now it is bigger.

'I hope we continue as we were before the injuries and suspensions. Seven points is not the end of the world.'

The Premier League manager who appears to have a biggest challenge at the moment appears to be Sam Allardyce in his bid to change the fortunes of Newcastle.

'I respect him a lot, he's a great manager and I know him personally,' said Grant. 'But pressure is the name of the game. I don't see a club without pressure - fighting relegation or at the top.

'There is always pressure in football to make the right decision.'

Man City 2-2 Blackburn: Santa claws it back

Manchester City's perfect Premier League home record bit the dust amid huge controversy as Roque Santa Cruz scored twice to earn Blackburn a 2-2 draw.

The Paraguayan had already levelled once for Blackburn after Darius Vassell nodded City ahead.

Yet Rovers quickly found themselves behind when skipper Ryan Nelsen slid into his own net and Sven-Goran Eriksson's men seemed certain to be celebrating victory until David Bentley swung over a right-wing cross six minutes from time.

The nearside linesman Darren Cann immediately raised his flag as Santa Cruz powered home his 13th goal of the campaign, only to then advise referee Howard Webb he had made an incorrect decision in ruling a non-active David Dunn offside.

• Hughes delighted with officials

Given Rovers boss Mark Hughes had spent most of the second period berating the officials for a series of borderline decisions that went against his team, it was an ironic ruling which not only ended City's nine-match winning streak at Eastlands and cost them fourth spot in the table but also did scant justice to the tremendous efforts of Martin Petrov.

Among the glut of eight new faces Eriksson introduced at City within days of his installation as manager, Petrov and Elano have been the two undoubted stars.

Yet, while City have continued to over-achieve, the influence of the stand-out pair has started to wane.

With Elano demoted to the bench, Petrov seemed to feel a return to top form was overdue and, in Rovers full-back Zurab Khizanishvili, the Bulgarian had just the opponent required.
Khizanishvili is not a bad player, far from it. But the Georgian's lack of pace was ruthlessly exposed and he was left to look distinctly second class as Petrov zoomed past him at regular intervals.

Three times the winger reached the by-line at top speed having outsmarted the Blackburn defence. That City only scored twice was more to do with an atrocious miss by Rolando Bianchi than anything Petrov did wrong.

Bianchi is a favourite of the City faithful, who have seen enough misfiring strikers down the years to recognise a top notch talent in their midst.

Finally, Eriksson has recognised it too and been rewarded with three goals in Bianchi's last three games.

Yet the £8.8million striker must have been wishing the ground would open up and swallow him after Petrov had galloped onto Stephen Ireland's return pass, then rolled across along the face of the Blackburn goal which left an unmarked Bianchi with a two-yard tap-in. Inexplicably, he missed.

Thankfully, Vassell was not so profligate shortly afterwards when he rose to power home a far-post header after Petrov, leaving Khizanishvili gasping in his slipstream, delivered the perfect cross.

It was the trigger for a goal explosion as, within a four-minute spell, Blackburn levelled before City went in front again.

Santa Cruz must wonder if he is cursed at the moment. Scorer of a hat-trick against Wigan earlier this month, then two against Arsenal in Blackburn's following game, the Paraguayan finished a loser on both occasions.

He netted his 12th goal of an excellent campaign to level matters for Rovers, flicking David Bentley's curling free-kick beyond Joe Hart, yet Mark Hughes' men barely had time to catch their breath before they were behind again.

Petrov was the architect once more, producing a carbon-copy cross to the one Bianchi had wasted earlier. Again, the Italian was hunting a goal but on this occasion Nelsen saved him the bother sliding the ball into his own net from four yards.

The least surprising event of the night was that Khizanishvili failed to re-appear for the second half, put out of his misery by Hughes who presumably could only see major problems if the defender remained on the field.

Hughes' move worked to the extent Petrov's space was closed down by Brett Emerton, although the arrival of Benni McCarthy did little to lift an out-of-sorts visiting attack, Santa Cruz excepted.

The introduction of Elano just after the hour mark threatened more, especially when the Brazilian neatly controlled Christopher Samba's poor clearance on his chest and then sent a dipping volley inches wide.

With Blackburn's threat withering, there appeared only one outcome.

It still appeared the case even when Santa Cruz nodded home Bentley's late corner.

But, after discussion between Webb and his brave assistant, Blackburn had their point and City's proud home record had gone.

• Hughes delighted with officials

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes backed the 'brave' call of assistant referee Darren Cann which wrecked Manchester City's 100 per cent home league record.

'The flag went up very early and when you see that, you expect the goal to be chalked off,' said Hughes. 'In fairness to the assistant, he was strong enough and brave enough to admit that he had made a mistake. We are grateful for that, although it was the right decision.'

Hughes admitted the massive grey area which now exists over the offside rule makes controversy inevitable.

However, the Blackburn chief has fallen victim to debatable decisions often enough in the past to feel justice was done this evening.

'Sometimes, it is very difficult to know the difference between black and white,' he said. 'There seems to be more grey now. That is where the debate will always be.

'We have had examples in the past where we have felt hard done by, where decisions relating to phase one and phase two have gone against us.

'But if the referee explains it, I think most people would say it was the correct decision.'

Having seen his side concede an equally controversial goal at Tottenham recently, City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson could be forgiven for feeling somewhat hard done by.

Yet the Swede remained his usual ice-cool self, although he indicated he felt the ruling was wrong.

'Dunn was in an offside position and he tried to flick the ball but it went over him,' observed Eriksson.

'By being in that position, Dunn decides what our goalkeeper is going to do. Whether that is interference according to FIFA I don't know but to me it is interference. I asked the referee to explain it to me afterwards and he did say it is a big grey area.'

The result denied City fourth spot in the Premier League table ahead of Sunday's eagerly-awaited clash with Liverpool.

And it also did scant justice to the efforts of wide man Martin Petrov, who was a constant threat throughout the contest, created both City goals for Darius Vassell and Ryan Nelsen, who unfortunately turned the ball into his own net, and would have had a third assist if Rolando Bianchi had not inexplicably failed to convert a two-yard tap-in.

Yet, even Petrov could not argue against Santa Cruz's right not to finish on the losing side again.

Having scored a hat-trick against Wigan and been beaten and then netted twice against Arsenal in Blackburn's next game and gone down in that one as well, it would have been harsh in the extreme on the South American if his team-mates had failed him again.

'Roque makes things happen in the box,' said Hughes. 'He is a big guy and an intelligent player who makes great runs.

'He is frustrated, as we all are, about the fact his goals have not brought us greater reward but we have just been giving ourselves too much to do.'

Calcio Debate: ‘Worst’ Serie A Team Of The Year So Far

Goalkeeper: Nelson Dida (Milan) – It was a straight fight between Dida and Marco Ballotta for the goalkeeping jersey, however the Brazilian wins the dreaded honour following a catalogue of gaffes this campaign. His play-acting at Celtic in the Champions League was shameful, while the disastrous error which allowed Esteban Cambiasso to score the winner in the Milan derby just summed up Dida’s season so far.

Right Back: Massimo Oddo (Milan) – Perhaps this choice is a little harsh but the truth is that Oddo has been a shadow of the player who was so impressive in the second-half of last season. The wing-back has been at fault on many occasions this term and rumours persist that Milan may look for a replacement. Oddo has also lost his place in the Italian national team to Christian Panucci.

Centre Back: Philippe Mexes (Roma) – Mexes’ improved performances in recent weeks almost cloud over just how poor he was at the beginning of the season. I greatly admire the Frenchman and am certain he will become one of Europe’s best defenders very soon, however he was chiefly to blame for the dreadful sequence that saw the Giallorossi concede a whopping 16 goals in just eight games in September and October.

Left Back: Luciano Zauri (Lazio) – The captain of a team is supposed to be someone who everyone looks up to for inspiration. Perhaps this explains Lazio’s dreadful season so far. Zauri has been simply awful for the Biancocelesti and has been to blame for numerous goals conceded. I would advise the rest of his team-mates to look for inspiration elsewhere.

Centre Midfield: Sergio Almiron (Juventus) – Signed from Empoli in the summer for €9m, Almiron was immediately hailed as the “new Sebsatian Veron”. However he has made just eight league appearances and looks certain to be sold either in January or in June.

Centre Midfield: Tiago Mendes (Juventus) – Tiago was Juventus’ big-money summer signing from Lyon and was trusted to provide the power and authority that had been lacking in midfield since the sales of Patrick Vieira and Emerson. Tiago has certainly resembled Emerson this season – unfortunately that is no longer a good thing.

Right Midfield: Bosko Jankovic (Palermo) – Palermo beat off the likes of Barcelona and Chelsea to sign Jankovic from Mallorca in the summer. The Serbian was rated as one of the best young talents in Europe, however he has badly struggled to settle in Sicily. The 23-year-old has made just 10 league appearances and has done little to justify what all the fuss was about.

Left Midfield: Domenico Morfeo (Parma) – Supremely talented attacking midfielder who never for one reason or another fulfilled his potential. At times Morfeo can look like a world-beater, at other times he can drive you insane. The latter has been the case this season. He had a pre-season bust-up with his coach, while he got himself stupidly sent-off against Juventus just seconds after coming on as a substitute.

Centre Forward: Ronaldo (Milan) – I accept that there is likely to be a catalogue of complaints about this choice, considering his lack of action, however the truth is that Ronaldo’s inability to stay fit is costing his side dear. The 31-year-old has played just once all season, and he even managed to get injured doing a calf stretch before a Champions League game against Benfica.

Centre Forward: Marco Di Vaio (Genoa) – In Genoa’s first season in Serie A for 12 years, Di Vaio was hoped to provide some much-needed experience and fire-power to the team. Unfortunately he did neither and he has hit the back of the net just once in 12 games.

Centre Forward: Adriano (Inter) – I was tempted to select Milan’s Alberto Gilardino, however the fact that he has scored five times in Serie A saves him the embarrassment. I do not want to be too harsh on Adriano as he has been dealt with pretty harshly by the Italian media given his personal problems. However the truth is that he could still be one of the best strikers in the world, if only he could sort out his mind.

Advantage United As Arsenal Drop Points At Pompey

Harry Redknapp's plan was clearly to take the sting out of Arsenal's attack, and it worked to perfection thanks to some rugged defending.

Sol Campbell put in a man of the match display against his former team, and Sylvain Distin was an able ally, keeping Emmanuel Adebayor surprisingly quiet.

Mathieu Flamini and Cesc Fabregas were also hassled throughout, and though they still managed some neat passes, the incisiveness in the final third was missing.

The first half was a cagey affair that saw both sides cancel each other out in the final third, and neither David James nor Manuel Almunia had to do anything.

Arsenal were obviously the side more keen on the win, and went for it after the break.

However, Benjani almost made them pay against the run of play, tucking a long ball past an onrushing Almunia, but too far away from him as well, allowing Gael Clichy to track back and just about clear.

The Gunners enjoyed the majority of the possession, but no clear chances until very late in the game. They have scored quite a few late winners to rescue three points, but this was an evening on which they would not.

A loose ball from Cesc Fabregas indirectly found its way to William Gallas four minutes from time, but the Arsenal skipper, who has been inspirational in scoring key goals, put it over from point blank range, leaving Wenger clutching his hair in frustration.

Tomas Rosicky also had a chance in the 93rd minute after substitute Nicklas Bendtner squared the ball to him, but the Czech fired inches wide from ten yards out as the home side held on for a share of the spoils.

The result means that Manchester United take over at the top of the table, now leading Arsenal by one point. The Gunners are away to Everton next in what is another testing game.

Chelsea Held In Eight-Goal Villa Thriller

Chelsea Held In Eight-Goal Villa Thriller Chelsea 4-4 Aston VillaGareth Barry’s last-ditch penalty rescued a point for Aston Villa in a truly memorable Boxing Day encounter at Stamford Bridge.

What a game! Moments of genius, stupidity and refereeing blunders all combined to create an unforgettable festive feast of football at Stamford Bridge as nine-man Chelsea and ten-man Aston Villa played out a 4-4 draw.

Villa made by far the better start to the game, deservedly taking the lead through Maloney before doubling their advantage courtesy of Cech's blunder.
Andriy Shevchenko's penalty and wonderstrike put the Blues level before Alex completed the turnaround.

Laursen's equaliser, Ballack's free-kick, Gareth Barry's late penalty and red cards for Ashley Cole, Ricardo Carvalho and Zat Knight added to the chaos as it ended honours even.

First Half

Villa came racing out of the blocks, but Ashley Young’s poor effort failed to trouble Cech, who was passed fit at the eleventh hour.

The visitors then forced several corners, troubling Ferreira down Chelsea’s right, before young nutmegged Pizarro in the six-yard box and Carew flashed a header over the bar.

Chelsea were out of sorts and in the 14th minute were made to pay. Agbonlahor whipped in a left-footed cross to Carew, the Norwegian nodded the ball down and Maloney was on hand to tap past Cech.

Frank Lampard blazed wide for Chelsea but the Blues continued to waver: Agbonlahor’s shot from an angle beat Cech, but also the post. Villa were cutting through Chelsea’s defence with ease and Essien did well to thwart a buoyant Carew on several occasions.

An injury to Lampard then forced Avram Grant to send on Michael Ballack for his Premiership return. Joe Cole’s skill in the area met a disappointing end as he failed to make Carson work, while at the other end Villa continued to threaten as Agbonlahor almost doubled the visitors’ lead.

Cech came to the rescue then, but was made to look foolish minutes later. Maloney zipped down the right wing, cutting inside before launching a speculative effort from 20 yards. The diving Cech let the ball bounce in front of him and into the net.

Just as Chelsea’s long unbeaten home record looked in jeopardy, the Blues earned a penalty on the stroke of half-time as Zat Knight nudged Ballack. The German fell very easily: the jury is out over whether the challenge merited a spot-kick. But referee Phil Dowd had to follow the letter of the law by showing Knight the red card. Regardless, Shevchenko’s cool dispatch sent Carson the wrong way to reduce Chelsea’s deficit.


Second Half

Reduced to ten men, Martin O’Neill sacrificed double goal scorer Maloney for the defensive-minded Davies. Chelsea were lifted by their late first-half penalty, and with Villa now lacking options going forward, the Blues took advantage.

Shevchenko’s hit a tame effort at Carson, but within five minutes of the re-start an absolute pile driver from the Ukrainian had put the home side level. 25 yards out, Shevchenko’s blast left Villa’s keeper with no chance. The crowd sensed the tide had turned, but had no idea what awaited them.

Young’s pacey run-and-shot forced a corner for Villa, but another cracker put Chelsea in front. Defender Alex ran forward with the ball, beating Curtis Davies thanks to a beautiful one-two with Shevchenko and a classy finish into the bottom corner of the net.

Pizarro and Shevchenko had further efforts for Chelsea, but just as the result seemed beyond doubt, Aston Villa incredibly got themselves back into the match. Young’s 72nd-minute free-kick from the left evaded all bar an unmarked Martin Laursen at the back post. The Dane tapped the ball past Petr Cech from six yards to make it 3-3.

The Boxing Day drama continued as Ricardo Carvalho’s shocking two-footed challenge on Agbonlahor earned him a straight red. Fortunately the Villa star was injured, but it was now ten against ten. But Chelsea were undeterred and continued to push for a fourth goal.

Joe Cole put a menacing cross into the area for Kalou before winning a free-kick in the D with three minutes to go. The decision was dubious but Michael Ballack confirmed his return by expertly side-footing the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal. A simple, yet tremendous finish.

This game had everything, and there was one final twist as a goalmouth scramble at the other end saw Ashley Cole stop a goalbound effort on the line using his arm. A Penalty, a red card and a rocketed shot into the net from Gareth Barry made it and 4-4 rounded off the action in an incredible game that neither side deserved to lose.


Line-ups:

Chelsea (4-4-2): Cech – Ferreira, Alex, Carvalho, A Cole – Kalou, Essien, Lampard (Ballack 26), J Cole – Pizarro (Obi 85), Shevchenko (Wright-Phillips 82)

Subs not used – Hilario, Ben Haim


Villa (4-4-2): Carson – Mellberg, Laursen, Knight, Bouma (Harewood 90) – Maloney (Davies 46), Reo-Coker, Barry, Young – Agbonlahor, Carew (Moore 78)

Subs not used – Taylor, Gardner


Goals:
0-1 Maloney, 14 (Carew)
0-2 Maloney, 44 (unassisted)
1-2 Shevchenko, 45pen (Knight fouled Ballack)
2-2 Shevchenko, 50 (Kalou)
3-2 Alex, 66 (Shevchenko)
3-3 Laursen, 72 (Young)
4-3 Ballack, 87 (unassisted)
4-4 Barry, 90 pen (handball by A Cole)

Cards:
Yellow: Essien, Alex, Ballack / Reo-Coker, Harewood
Red: Carvalho (serious foul, 80), A Cole (handball, 90)/ Knight (professional foul, 45)


Attendance: 41,686

Carling Cup : Blackburn 2 -3 Arsenal

Idealism is often misguided, beloved of dreamers but usually defeated by the forces of pragmatism. But Arsene Wenger is a footballing romantic, one whose vision is occasionally decried when a reluctance to compromise can cost them against more prosaic opposition.

Wenger's vindication, then, is as easy on the eye as it is pleasing for the purist. Progress to the Carling Cup semi-finals came courtesy of an illustration of Wenger's idealism, and one accomplished by a team shorn of 16 players. Conservatism normally accompanies the onset of greater age, but Wenger is increasingly adventurous, not least in his team selection. While Arsenal's encounters with Blackburn are invariably laced with controversy - and this, including the dismissal of Denilson, was no exception - the abiding memories should not be of the predictable flare-up, nor even of a forceful Rovers comeback that brought a brace for Roque Santa Cruz. Instead, aided by Eduardo's calm finishing, they should be of the achievement, and the admirable approach, of a fresh-faced Arsenal side.

Though other managers talk of using the Carling Cup to involve fringe players, Wenger has taken the policy to its logical extreme by omitting almost anyone with any semblance of experience. Arsenal's ingénues responded by playing Blackburn off the pitch for much of the first half. Only Eduardo could be described as an established player and, at 24, the Croat was the oldest Gunner by two years. The omission of Gilberto and, still more so, Jens Lehmann, reduced the average age dramatically, to 20, revealing Wenger's futuristic blueprint.

It was men against boys and ultimately a triumph for youth, even if a comparative veteran delivered it with the extra-time winner. If their immaturity was apparent in the challenge that led to Denilson's departure, Arsenal played with the zest of a team whose attacking intent has not been nullified by a need to compromise.Optimism should abound. Ewood Park provides an intimidating enough atmosphere for seasoned professionals and Blackburn, their recent slump notwithstanding, present an awkward test for Premier League regulars. Arsenal's first team only drew there in August. What is effectively their reserves won.

Yet they are recognisably an Arsenal side. This is a club with a shared ethos, a mutual commitment to passing that seems to spread from their marquee players through the ranks at the Emirates Stadium. Overconfidence can be their undoing, and threatened to be, yet it was the assured emergence from the back of Alex Song that led to Eduardo's decisive goal.
Wenger's bold project to win a major trophy without use of his strongest side continues. 'We want to finish the job,' Wenger said. 'We got the taste of the final last year and this shows it was not a coincidence.'

Hughes was impressed, though quick to suggest they had a financial as well as a footballing advantage: 'They're a very athletic team and they can retain possession in tight areas. They will always have quality but these young kids, they don't come cheap. Arsenal have a fantastic squad and they can put out two exceptional teams. It's not a question of reserves.'The fraught finale, with Christopher Samba heading against the post in the 120th minute, contrasted with the composed opening. Arsenal, intricate and excellent, swift and self-assured, were soon into their stride. There were flicks aplenty from Nicklas Bendtner. Such was the Dane's dexterity at skipping away from his markers that a cliché may need amending. As was evident throughout, he has a great touch for a big man. So, too, does Abou Diaby, the gangly, right-footed Frenchman who makes for a particularly unconventional left-sided midfielder but, at Ewood Park, a very effective one. Lassana Diarra, apparently complaining about his infrequent opportunities, seized this to exert control from the centre circle.

With passing as incisive as their supposed superiors', they were soon rewarded with a lead. Bendtner's deep cross was been misjudged by Steven Reid, a makeshift right-back, but Diaby's response was both delicate and devastating. Meeting it on the half-volley, he guided his left-footed shot over Reid and across Brad Friedel into the far corner. “I believe very strongly in them ”— Arsene WengerA second, similarly sublime, shot almost yielded another goal. Bendtner played a one-two with Diaby, with his curler clipping the Blackburn bar. Then it was 2-0. Denilson guided his pass past the stretching Samba and, with similar precision, Eduardo placed his sidefooted shot into the bottom corner.

Cue a Rovers recovery, a sure sign of spirit. Santa Cruz volleyed in his 10th goal of the season from Matt Derbyshire's cross. The prolific Paraguayan was denied a second by the outstretched arm of Lukasz Fabianski but, when he met David Bentley's free kick with a powerful header, his fifth goal in two games duly arrived. When Arsenal were reduced to 10 men, as Wenger said: 'It was a mental test and we stood up to it. Denilson lost his nerves a little bit, but we cannot say anything against the red card, but we found the resources to get a third goal. 'I believe very strongly in them. I'm not surprised, today I'm very proud. They are all good Premiership players, their quality is not questionable.'
It is not. Bill Shankly famously remarked that the two best teams on Merseyside were Liverpool and Liverpool Reserves.

Judging by the manner in which they dismantled Blackburn, Arsenal's second-string side must rank among the 10 best teams in England.

• MAN OF THE MATCH: Nicklas Bendtner - His strike partner decided the tie, but Bendtner illuminated it.

• MOAN OF THE MATCH: Or the Robbie Savage category. Denilson's dismissal was inevitable, given that he had already been cautioned, but Savage's attempts to ensure it were unedifying. For someone who takes his red cards so badly, Savage certainly does his utmost to ensure others suffer a similar fate.

• BLACKBURN VERDICT: Normally one of the most consistent sides around, they have now only won one of the last eight games. An uncharacteristic lack of solidity does not help, and neither does Morten Gamst Pedersen's extended slump in form, but being outmanoeuvred in midfield was the main cause of their difficulties tonight.

• ARSENAL VERDICT: The one department where the development of the next generation is less accelerated is in the heart of the defence, and it was one cause of Blackburn's comeback. Had Kolo Toure and William Gallas played, then Arsenal would surely have won within 90 minutes. The future seems rosier for Arsenal's energetic left-back, Armand Traore, their midfielders and strike duo.