[[tmz:video id="0_pyxwotju"]] Manchester City soccer superstar Samir Nasri was rollin' around Hollywood in a $300k Rolls-Royce this week ... not giving a flying [you know what] about his driver's license controversy in France. Fyi, Nasri is one of the highest paid soccer players in the world ... and has penchant for Very expensive cars. But there's drama back in France ... where the 28-year-old was reportedly named in a police investigation for allegedly illegally buying a driver's licence for 8,000 euros without passing the proper tests.
- 5/20/2016
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Paulo Duarte/AP
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is renowned worldwide for his shrewd business in the transfer market. Though their recruitment policy has evolved in the last couple of years, the North Londoners are known as a club which develops young talents into household names (and then usually sells them).
The Gunners’ reputation as a feeder club for Europe’s elite is fast-fading though. Big money arrivals Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez announced a new Arsenal – a one which is willing to splash out on the best players available. Make no mistake, however, Wenger will continue to develop his own talent alongside big name arrivals. Players such as Thierry Henry, Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas flourished into international superstars under the Frenchman since the turn of the decade.
Does Arsene Wenger always get it right in the transfer market though? Arguably, no. The man who bought Nicolas Anelka for £500,000 and...
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is renowned worldwide for his shrewd business in the transfer market. Though their recruitment policy has evolved in the last couple of years, the North Londoners are known as a club which develops young talents into household names (and then usually sells them).
The Gunners’ reputation as a feeder club for Europe’s elite is fast-fading though. Big money arrivals Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez announced a new Arsenal – a one which is willing to splash out on the best players available. Make no mistake, however, Wenger will continue to develop his own talent alongside big name arrivals. Players such as Thierry Henry, Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas flourished into international superstars under the Frenchman since the turn of the decade.
Does Arsene Wenger always get it right in the transfer market though? Arguably, no. The man who bought Nicolas Anelka for £500,000 and...
- 8/15/2015
- by Ryan Elliott
- Obsessed with Film
French soccer star Samir Nasri -- who plays professionally for Manchester City -- says the United States is the Hero in the big FIFA scandal ... saying the world "needed" America to put a stop to the corruption. The 27-year-old -- who has played in 41 games for the French national team -- was leaving Craig's in West Hollywood when we asked about the FBI investigation that led to 14 arrests. "Everyone knew [FIFA] was a little bit corrupt,...
- 6/1/2015
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Martin Rickett/Pa Archive
Manchester City will be hoping that history does not repeat itself when they take on Barcelona in the Champions League round of 16 tonight.
The fixture is a repeat of the tie at the same stage of the competition last season, when the Catalan giants came out on top with a 4-1 victory on aggregate.
Last season’s first leg, like tonight’s game, was played at The Etihad with Barca running out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Lionel Messi and Dani Alvez.
Still young in Champions League terms, City have shown they are finally acclimatising to the competition after coming through a very tricky group.
The Citizens finished second in group E that included Bayern Munich, As Roma and Cska Moscow. Goals from Samir Nasri and Pablo Zabaleta sealed a memorable 2-0 win over in Rome in the last group game to secure Manuel Pellegrini...
Manchester City will be hoping that history does not repeat itself when they take on Barcelona in the Champions League round of 16 tonight.
The fixture is a repeat of the tie at the same stage of the competition last season, when the Catalan giants came out on top with a 4-1 victory on aggregate.
Last season’s first leg, like tonight’s game, was played at The Etihad with Barca running out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Lionel Messi and Dani Alvez.
Still young in Champions League terms, City have shown they are finally acclimatising to the competition after coming through a very tricky group.
The Citizens finished second in group E that included Bayern Munich, As Roma and Cska Moscow. Goals from Samir Nasri and Pablo Zabaleta sealed a memorable 2-0 win over in Rome in the last group game to secure Manuel Pellegrini...
- 2/24/2015
- by Ross Tweddell
- Obsessed with Film
Andrew Matthews/Pa Wire/Press Association Images
Profligate Premier League champions Manchester City have recently tied most of their biggest stars down to new contracts, with captain Vincent Kompany and midfield duo David Silva and Samir Nasri earning bumper new deals. When you put their wages together, the trio take home a combined £520,000-a-week.
Welcome to the wacky world of the Premiership where stars are awarded with heaps of cash for the pleasure of kicking around a bag of air once every weekend (or twice a week if they’re in the Champions League, the poor souls). England’s topflight clubs pay recession-defying, eye-watering figures to their biggest stars, with the division’s biggest earner picking up a pay-packet that could probably rescue a third world country from poverty twice over.
But then, the Premier League has always been about commercial revenue. Since its inception in 1992, the league has gone...
Profligate Premier League champions Manchester City have recently tied most of their biggest stars down to new contracts, with captain Vincent Kompany and midfield duo David Silva and Samir Nasri earning bumper new deals. When you put their wages together, the trio take home a combined £520,000-a-week.
Welcome to the wacky world of the Premiership where stars are awarded with heaps of cash for the pleasure of kicking around a bag of air once every weekend (or twice a week if they’re in the Champions League, the poor souls). England’s topflight clubs pay recession-defying, eye-watering figures to their biggest stars, with the division’s biggest earner picking up a pay-packet that could probably rescue a third world country from poverty twice over.
But then, the Premier League has always been about commercial revenue. Since its inception in 1992, the league has gone...
- 8/22/2014
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Clint Hughes/AP/Press Association Images
As the end of the summer transfer window edges ever nearer, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is still looking to make one or two additions to his squad, as they prepare an assault on both the Premier League and Champions League in 2014/15.
With the likes of Dejan Lovren, Javier Manquillo and Alberto Moreno bought in to bolster the defence, and central midfield options boosted by the signings of Emre Can and Adam Lallana, the only real area the Northern Irishman is probably looking at strengthening now is wide areas and up front.
According to SkyBet, the Reds are now 10/11 favourites to sign Manchester City utility man James Milner, who invariably occupies a wide attacking role but can also flourish in central midfield or at full-back. The 28-year-old’s versatility is certainly something that would appeal to Rodgers, while his endless running and hard work make...
As the end of the summer transfer window edges ever nearer, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is still looking to make one or two additions to his squad, as they prepare an assault on both the Premier League and Champions League in 2014/15.
With the likes of Dejan Lovren, Javier Manquillo and Alberto Moreno bought in to bolster the defence, and central midfield options boosted by the signings of Emre Can and Adam Lallana, the only real area the Northern Irishman is probably looking at strengthening now is wide areas and up front.
According to SkyBet, the Reds are now 10/11 favourites to sign Manchester City utility man James Milner, who invariably occupies a wide attacking role but can also flourish in central midfield or at full-back. The 28-year-old’s versatility is certainly something that would appeal to Rodgers, while his endless running and hard work make...
- 8/21/2014
- by Henry Jackson
- Obsessed with Film
Geoff Caddick/Pa Archive/Press Association Images
Football is loved word-wide and part of its far-reaching appeal to fans is down to the sheer emotion it evokes. From agony to ecstasy and happiness to despair, the so-called ‘beautiful game’ conjures up a canvas of feelings up and down the country. Sometimes, those feelings drift towards hate and resentment.
It seems as though everyone has an opinion on the sport these days, and as such, football is one of the single-most divisive topics around. One player can be loved and adored by legions while at the very same time be hated and reviled by others – and that’s particularly true of Arsenal, who have boasted more than a few contentious characters in their ranks over the last few years.
Gunners fans have been left feeling betrayed in recent times by star turns jumping ship and joining a ‘bigger club’ instead, with...
Football is loved word-wide and part of its far-reaching appeal to fans is down to the sheer emotion it evokes. From agony to ecstasy and happiness to despair, the so-called ‘beautiful game’ conjures up a canvas of feelings up and down the country. Sometimes, those feelings drift towards hate and resentment.
It seems as though everyone has an opinion on the sport these days, and as such, football is one of the single-most divisive topics around. One player can be loved and adored by legions while at the very same time be hated and reviled by others – and that’s particularly true of Arsenal, who have boasted more than a few contentious characters in their ranks over the last few years.
Gunners fans have been left feeling betrayed in recent times by star turns jumping ship and joining a ‘bigger club’ instead, with...
- 7/23/2014
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Manu Fernandez/AP/Press Association Images
Arsenal’s reputation in recent years has been of a club that lets superstars when they should be fighting tooth and nail to keep them and build on them. The likes of Robin van Persie, Patrick Viera, Cesc Fabregas, Thierry Henry, Ashley Cole and Samir Nasri were all sold when it was believed they still had far more to offer.
Though Arsenal most certainly are guilty of releasing players they should have fought to keep, there are also many players who arguably should have either left Wenger’s team before they did or never even signed with the Gunners to begin with. Whether because they didn’t win any silverware in north London or because they spent long bouts receiving little to no time on the field, there is a contingent of players who we believe wished they never made the move to north London.
Arsenal’s reputation in recent years has been of a club that lets superstars when they should be fighting tooth and nail to keep them and build on them. The likes of Robin van Persie, Patrick Viera, Cesc Fabregas, Thierry Henry, Ashley Cole and Samir Nasri were all sold when it was believed they still had far more to offer.
Though Arsenal most certainly are guilty of releasing players they should have fought to keep, there are also many players who arguably should have either left Wenger’s team before they did or never even signed with the Gunners to begin with. Whether because they didn’t win any silverware in north London or because they spent long bouts receiving little to no time on the field, there is a contingent of players who we believe wished they never made the move to north London.
- 7/19/2014
- by Sam Heard
- Obsessed with Film
FIFA
On June 12th, 32 teams from around the world will compete for the ultimate prize in football, sending supporters in their respective countries into four weeks of hysteria. Everyone will experience dizzying highs and inevitable heartbreak, save for one nation. The football may not have started yet, but the World Cup competition is already well under way.
With the 2010 final alone generating estimated viewing figures of at least 1 billion people, it’s no wonder these companies have been vying for your attention. Advertising agencies around the world have done some of their finest work in previous competitions. For World Cup ‘98, Ronaldo (the fat one) and the rest of the Brazil team amazed with their skills in airport. With that advert, Nike stuck its flag in the ground and brands have been battling for World Cup supremacy ever since.
For all the many messages and deafening noise given off by these companies,...
On June 12th, 32 teams from around the world will compete for the ultimate prize in football, sending supporters in their respective countries into four weeks of hysteria. Everyone will experience dizzying highs and inevitable heartbreak, save for one nation. The football may not have started yet, but the World Cup competition is already well under way.
With the 2010 final alone generating estimated viewing figures of at least 1 billion people, it’s no wonder these companies have been vying for your attention. Advertising agencies around the world have done some of their finest work in previous competitions. For World Cup ‘98, Ronaldo (the fat one) and the rest of the Brazil team amazed with their skills in airport. With that advert, Nike stuck its flag in the ground and brands have been battling for World Cup supremacy ever since.
For all the many messages and deafening noise given off by these companies,...
- 6/6/2014
- by Nick Barnes
- Obsessed with Film
Adam Davy/Empics Sport
Manchester United are this week being tipped to join derby rivals Manchester City in the race to sign Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna.
Incoming manager Louis van Gaal has reportedly identified the 31-year-old as a summer target and wants the defender to compete with Rafael for a fullback slot at Old Trafford.
Cross-city rivals City however are also interested, with some reports suggesting the new Premier League champions are set to offer Sagna a four-year deal worth somewhere in the region of £100,000-a-week.
Both Manchester clubs have plucked players from the Emirates in the past, with City doing so quite memorably when they signed Emmanuel Adebayor in 2009, while Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy have both swapped the Emirates for the Etihad in the past. United meanwhile landed Robin van Persie from the Gunners in 2012.
But is Sagna really the ideal solution for either side’s defensive issues?...
Manchester United are this week being tipped to join derby rivals Manchester City in the race to sign Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna.
Incoming manager Louis van Gaal has reportedly identified the 31-year-old as a summer target and wants the defender to compete with Rafael for a fullback slot at Old Trafford.
Cross-city rivals City however are also interested, with some reports suggesting the new Premier League champions are set to offer Sagna a four-year deal worth somewhere in the region of £100,000-a-week.
Both Manchester clubs have plucked players from the Emirates in the past, with City doing so quite memorably when they signed Emmanuel Adebayor in 2009, while Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy have both swapped the Emirates for the Etihad in the past. United meanwhile landed Robin van Persie from the Gunners in 2012.
But is Sagna really the ideal solution for either side’s defensive issues?...
- 5/19/2014
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Martin Rickett/Pa Wire/Press Association Images
Edin Dzeko continued his fine goal scoring form as Manchester City moved within touching distance of their second Premier League title in three seasons.
During an initially frustrating night for City, all their goals came in the second half, Dzeko netting twice, with Stevan Jovetic and Yaya Toure getting in on the act to bring up 100 league goals for the home side.
Manuel Pellegrini’s team dominated possession throughout the encounter and were worthy winners in the end, despite a spirited defensive performance from Villa.
The victory means that City can seal the Premier League title with victory over West Ham on Sunday, although given their superior goal difference a draw should be enough.
City went into the match having made two changes from the side that beat Everton on Saturday, David Silva and Aleksander Kolarov replacing Gael Clichy and the injured Sergio Aguero.
Edin Dzeko continued his fine goal scoring form as Manchester City moved within touching distance of their second Premier League title in three seasons.
During an initially frustrating night for City, all their goals came in the second half, Dzeko netting twice, with Stevan Jovetic and Yaya Toure getting in on the act to bring up 100 league goals for the home side.
Manuel Pellegrini’s team dominated possession throughout the encounter and were worthy winners in the end, despite a spirited defensive performance from Villa.
The victory means that City can seal the Premier League title with victory over West Ham on Sunday, although given their superior goal difference a draw should be enough.
City went into the match having made two changes from the side that beat Everton on Saturday, David Silva and Aleksander Kolarov replacing Gael Clichy and the injured Sergio Aguero.
- 5/7/2014
- by Simon Collings
- Obsessed with Film
Richard Sellers/Empics Sport
Edin Dzeko scored twice and Yaya Toure bagged a third as Manchester City moved to within three points of Premier League leaders Chelsea by ruthlessly disposing of neighbours United.
Dzeko put the visitors in front after less than fifty seconds with a simple tap in and completed his brace after half time after running into the United box unmarked to convert Samir Nasri’s cross.
And Toure added the gloss his side’s performance deserved on 90 minutes with a drive into the bottom corner as the champions crashed to their second defeat of the season to their derby rivals.
United, struggling under new manager David Moyes, were subjected to another sobering evening at Old Trafford less than a fortnight on from their heavy home defeat to Liverpool.
And things weren’t much better here as their once ‘noisy neighbours’ proved the balance in power has well and truly shifted in Manchester.
Edin Dzeko scored twice and Yaya Toure bagged a third as Manchester City moved to within three points of Premier League leaders Chelsea by ruthlessly disposing of neighbours United.
Dzeko put the visitors in front after less than fifty seconds with a simple tap in and completed his brace after half time after running into the United box unmarked to convert Samir Nasri’s cross.
And Toure added the gloss his side’s performance deserved on 90 minutes with a drive into the bottom corner as the champions crashed to their second defeat of the season to their derby rivals.
United, struggling under new manager David Moyes, were subjected to another sobering evening at Old Trafford less than a fortnight on from their heavy home defeat to Liverpool.
And things weren’t much better here as their once ‘noisy neighbours’ proved the balance in power has well and truly shifted in Manchester.
- 3/26/2014
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Dominic Lipinski/Pa Wire/Press Association Images
Date: Monday, February 3 Venue: Etihad Stadium Kick-Off: 20:00
Can Manchester City avenge their defeat to Chelsea last October and move back to the summit of the Premier League when the two sides clash at the Etihad?
Team News
Manchester City will be without their leading goal-scorer Sergio Aguero for at least a month after the striker suffered a hamstring injury against Tottenham last week.
Midfielders Samir Nasri and Javi Garcia are also unavailable with respective knee and muscle problems.
Chelsea will assess the fitness of Mohamed Salah ahead of kick-off following the winger’s arrival from Basel.
Salah missed last week’s draw with West Ham, as did Fernando Torres, who remains out.
(BBC)
Key Stats
Andre Schurrle and Fernando Torres scored in a 2-1 win for Chelsea when these two sides last met, at Stamford Bridge back in October.
Chelsea’s last...
Date: Monday, February 3 Venue: Etihad Stadium Kick-Off: 20:00
Can Manchester City avenge their defeat to Chelsea last October and move back to the summit of the Premier League when the two sides clash at the Etihad?
Team News
Manchester City will be without their leading goal-scorer Sergio Aguero for at least a month after the striker suffered a hamstring injury against Tottenham last week.
Midfielders Samir Nasri and Javi Garcia are also unavailable with respective knee and muscle problems.
Chelsea will assess the fitness of Mohamed Salah ahead of kick-off following the winger’s arrival from Basel.
Salah missed last week’s draw with West Ham, as did Fernando Torres, who remains out.
(BBC)
Key Stats
Andre Schurrle and Fernando Torres scored in a 2-1 win for Chelsea when these two sides last met, at Stamford Bridge back in October.
Chelsea’s last...
- 2/3/2014
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Scott Heppell/AP/Press Association Images
Newcastle United took on Man City in an enthralling encounter at St James’ Park yesterday afternoon. The pulsating match ended in a 2-0 win for the Sky Blues, but the score line only tells half of the story. The match was full of controversy and drama; with a packed stadium witnessing sublime play, disallowed goals and some abysmal refereeing decisions.
City took the lead early through Edin Dzeko’s close range finish, the Bosnian striker profiting from a fine Kolarov cross. Newcastle worked hard to get back into the game and around the half hour mark the home fans thought that Tiote’s sweet strike had drawn their team level. After deliberation the officials bizarrely ruled the goal to be offside, causing much uproar amongst the fans and the home team bench.
Buoyed by a sense of injustice the Magpies threw everything at City in the second half,...
Newcastle United took on Man City in an enthralling encounter at St James’ Park yesterday afternoon. The pulsating match ended in a 2-0 win for the Sky Blues, but the score line only tells half of the story. The match was full of controversy and drama; with a packed stadium witnessing sublime play, disallowed goals and some abysmal refereeing decisions.
City took the lead early through Edin Dzeko’s close range finish, the Bosnian striker profiting from a fine Kolarov cross. Newcastle worked hard to get back into the game and around the half hour mark the home fans thought that Tiote’s sweet strike had drawn their team level. After deliberation the officials bizarrely ruled the goal to be offside, causing much uproar amongst the fans and the home team bench.
Buoyed by a sense of injustice the Magpies threw everything at City in the second half,...
- 1/13/2014
- by Andrew Temperley
- Obsessed with Film
Owen Humphreys/Pa Wire/Press Association Images
A 2-0 win to City may sound like a fairly routine result in this fixture but the score line does little to reflect the controversy and drama that surrounded events on the pitch at St James’ Park this afternoon.
Newcastle had the better of the opening exchanges with some high tempo pressing but the Magpies fell behind in the eighth minute to a slick passing move, the kind of which have become a trademark of Pellegrini’s side. Silva’s pinpoint through ball found Kolarov and with Yanga Mbwia nowhere to be seen, the City full back wasted little time in whipping in a cross for Dzeko to finish from close range. The Bosnian striker left Steven Taylor in his wake as he muscled past him for a tap in en-route to handing the Citizens the lead.
The goal took the wind out...
A 2-0 win to City may sound like a fairly routine result in this fixture but the score line does little to reflect the controversy and drama that surrounded events on the pitch at St James’ Park this afternoon.
Newcastle had the better of the opening exchanges with some high tempo pressing but the Magpies fell behind in the eighth minute to a slick passing move, the kind of which have become a trademark of Pellegrini’s side. Silva’s pinpoint through ball found Kolarov and with Yanga Mbwia nowhere to be seen, the City full back wasted little time in whipping in a cross for Dzeko to finish from close range. The Bosnian striker left Steven Taylor in his wake as he muscled past him for a tap in en-route to handing the Citizens the lead.
The goal took the wind out...
- 1/12/2014
- by Andrew Temperley
- Obsessed with Film
Dave Thompson/Pa Wire/Press Association Images
Alvaro Negredo hit a hat-trick as Manchester City steamrollered hapless West Ham in the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final at the Etihad. Yaya Toure and Edin Dzeko with two were also on target as Manuel Pellegrini’s team got this tie won at halfway.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce handed on-loan defender Roger Johnson his debut straight away, but his back four was breached a dozen minutes in. Negredo guided a precise first-time volley into the bottom corner from Toure’s lofted through-ball after getting between the centre halves.
Dave Thompson/Pa Wire/Press Association Images
Adrian in the visiting goal then parried a David Silva effort and later tipped behind from Samir Nasri. City doubled their lead and Negredo his tally on 25 minutes. The Spaniard applied an emphatic finish, running between the West Ham centre backs again, following an exchange with strike partner Dzeko.
Alvaro Negredo hit a hat-trick as Manchester City steamrollered hapless West Ham in the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final at the Etihad. Yaya Toure and Edin Dzeko with two were also on target as Manuel Pellegrini’s team got this tie won at halfway.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce handed on-loan defender Roger Johnson his debut straight away, but his back four was breached a dozen minutes in. Negredo guided a precise first-time volley into the bottom corner from Toure’s lofted through-ball after getting between the centre halves.
Dave Thompson/Pa Wire/Press Association Images
Adrian in the visiting goal then parried a David Silva effort and later tipped behind from Samir Nasri. City doubled their lead and Negredo his tally on 25 minutes. The Spaniard applied an emphatic finish, running between the West Ham centre backs again, following an exchange with strike partner Dzeko.
- 1/8/2014
- by Jamie Clark
- Obsessed with Film
Sang Tan/AP/Press Association Images
Date: Wednesday, 8 January 2014; Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester; Kickoff: 19:45Gmt
Manchester City have only lost one of their last 15 meetings with West Ham as Manuel Pellegrini’s team entertain the East Londoners at the Etihad in the Capital One Cup semi-final.
Jack Collison scored a second half winner for the Hammers at Upton Park in March 2009, but that is the only victory they’ve recorded over City since back-to-back wins in 2006. Sam Allardyce remains short of striking options, so West Ham fans shall fondly remember Dean Ashton’s brace during an Fa Cup run to the final.
The Hammers are not much better off defensively either and come into this two-legged tie off the back of four defeats in their last five. Big Sam chose the Fa Cup third round tie at Nottingham Forest to blood youngsters en masse – a move that resulted in a 5-0 thumping.
Date: Wednesday, 8 January 2014; Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester; Kickoff: 19:45Gmt
Manchester City have only lost one of their last 15 meetings with West Ham as Manuel Pellegrini’s team entertain the East Londoners at the Etihad in the Capital One Cup semi-final.
Jack Collison scored a second half winner for the Hammers at Upton Park in March 2009, but that is the only victory they’ve recorded over City since back-to-back wins in 2006. Sam Allardyce remains short of striking options, so West Ham fans shall fondly remember Dean Ashton’s brace during an Fa Cup run to the final.
The Hammers are not much better off defensively either and come into this two-legged tie off the back of four defeats in their last five. Big Sam chose the Fa Cup third round tie at Nottingham Forest to blood youngsters en masse – a move that resulted in a 5-0 thumping.
- 1/8/2014
- by Jamie Clark
- Obsessed with Film
Martin Rickett/Pa Wire/Press Association Images
Championship team Blackburn Rovers caused the first shock of Fa Cup third round weekend when they held 2011 winners Manchester City at Ewood Park. Skipper Scott Dann earned a replay for Gary Bowyer’s side by cancelling out an Alvaro Negeredo goal.
Both strikes came from corners and now Manuel Pellegrini has yet another midweek game to plan for in January on top of two Capital One Cup semi-final legs with West Ham. City had Belgian defender Dedryck Boyata sent off at Blackburn for two bookings.
Rovers boss Bowyer handed ex-England goalie Paul Robinson his first start since December 2012 after a troublesome back problem and career-threatening blood clot on his lung. Top scorer Jordan Rhodes dropped to the bench prompting fears from home fans he would be sold.
D. J. Campbell also made way as Blackburn made three changes from their away win over Leeds.
Championship team Blackburn Rovers caused the first shock of Fa Cup third round weekend when they held 2011 winners Manchester City at Ewood Park. Skipper Scott Dann earned a replay for Gary Bowyer’s side by cancelling out an Alvaro Negeredo goal.
Both strikes came from corners and now Manuel Pellegrini has yet another midweek game to plan for in January on top of two Capital One Cup semi-final legs with West Ham. City had Belgian defender Dedryck Boyata sent off at Blackburn for two bookings.
Rovers boss Bowyer handed ex-England goalie Paul Robinson his first start since December 2012 after a troublesome back problem and career-threatening blood clot on his lung. Top scorer Jordan Rhodes dropped to the bench prompting fears from home fans he would be sold.
D. J. Campbell also made way as Blackburn made three changes from their away win over Leeds.
- 1/4/2014
- by Jamie Clark
- Obsessed with Film
Manchester City have temporarily gone top of the Premier League table with a 3-2 victory at Swansea. Fernandinho, Yaya Toure and Aleksandar Kolarov were all on target for Manuel Pellegrini’s team in wet Wales in this win despite a Wilfried Bony brace.
Swans manager Michael Laudrup made two changes to the XI that drew at Aston Villa. Goalscorer Roland Lamah and Dwight Tiendalli dropped to the bench as Angel Rangel and Wayne Routledge returned.
City coach Manuel Pellegrini meanwhile brought Samir Nasri, Alvaro Negredo and Yaya Toure back after resting the trio for the narrow home win over Crystal Palace. Aleksandar Kolarov and Pablo Zabaleta came into the fullback berths too. Dedryck Boayata, Gael Clicy, Javi Garcia, James Milner and David Silva dropped out.
Laudrup saw his injury crisis deepen when Swansea lost winger Pablo Hernandez to a hamstring problem early on. They fell behind to Fernandinho’s opener,...
Swans manager Michael Laudrup made two changes to the XI that drew at Aston Villa. Goalscorer Roland Lamah and Dwight Tiendalli dropped to the bench as Angel Rangel and Wayne Routledge returned.
City coach Manuel Pellegrini meanwhile brought Samir Nasri, Alvaro Negredo and Yaya Toure back after resting the trio for the narrow home win over Crystal Palace. Aleksandar Kolarov and Pablo Zabaleta came into the fullback berths too. Dedryck Boayata, Gael Clicy, Javi Garcia, James Milner and David Silva dropped out.
Laudrup saw his injury crisis deepen when Swansea lost winger Pablo Hernandez to a hamstring problem early on. They fell behind to Fernandinho’s opener,...
- 1/1/2014
- by Jamie Clark
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Manchester City will have to cause an unlikely upset and affect a three-goal swing on hosts Bayern Munich to top Champions League Group D.
Both sides have already guaranteed their places in the knockout stages ahead of this clash. Munich need a point to clinch top spot, but boast a fearsome and strong home record.
City lost their only previous visit to the Allianz Arena 2-0 in September 2011 with Mario Gomez bagging a first half brace. Manuel Pellegrini’s team were comprehensively beaten at home by Bayern on matchday two this term with supporting trio Franck Ribery, Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben all on target.
Team News
Munich manager Pep Guardiola may field fringe players for this dead rubber encounter, but may also be tempted to name the same XI that put seven past Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga at the weekend.
Robben, who is out until...
Manchester City will have to cause an unlikely upset and affect a three-goal swing on hosts Bayern Munich to top Champions League Group D.
Both sides have already guaranteed their places in the knockout stages ahead of this clash. Munich need a point to clinch top spot, but boast a fearsome and strong home record.
City lost their only previous visit to the Allianz Arena 2-0 in September 2011 with Mario Gomez bagging a first half brace. Manuel Pellegrini’s team were comprehensively beaten at home by Bayern on matchday two this term with supporting trio Franck Ribery, Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben all on target.
Team News
Munich manager Pep Guardiola may field fringe players for this dead rubber encounter, but may also be tempted to name the same XI that put seven past Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga at the weekend.
Robben, who is out until...
- 12/10/2013
- by Jamie Clark
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Manchester City eased past Swansea City to continue their undefeated streak at home in the Premier League thanks to a Samir Nasri double.
Alvaro Negredo opened the scoring and the Sky Blues weathered a fightback from the visitors in the first half before ending the game as a contest in the second.
The win means City remain the only side in England’s top four divisions not to have lost at home this season, and now sit 3rd in the table, two points off Chelsea.
For Swansea, this is their second consecutive defeat, having gone down 1-0 at home to Valencia in the Europa League last Thursday, with Michael Laudrup’s men dropping into the bottom half down to 13th.
Nasri was the chief architect of Swansea’s misfortunes on Sunday evening, the Frenchman scoring twice from close range to add to Negredo’s brilliant freekick after just 8 minutes.
Manchester City eased past Swansea City to continue their undefeated streak at home in the Premier League thanks to a Samir Nasri double.
Alvaro Negredo opened the scoring and the Sky Blues weathered a fightback from the visitors in the first half before ending the game as a contest in the second.
The win means City remain the only side in England’s top four divisions not to have lost at home this season, and now sit 3rd in the table, two points off Chelsea.
For Swansea, this is their second consecutive defeat, having gone down 1-0 at home to Valencia in the Europa League last Thursday, with Michael Laudrup’s men dropping into the bottom half down to 13th.
Nasri was the chief architect of Swansea’s misfortunes on Sunday evening, the Frenchman scoring twice from close range to add to Negredo’s brilliant freekick after just 8 minutes.
- 12/2/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Samir Nasri struck twice as Manchester City beat Swansea to preserve their 100% home record in the Premier League.
A further goal from Alvaro Negredo secured victory, to keep intact the Citizen’s record of being the only side in England’s top four divisions not to have lost on home soil.
Having prevailed 6-0 in their previous game against Tottenham, the question was not whether City would win, but how many they would win by, and that feeling was felt keenly when Negredo opened the scoring after just seven minutes.
The Spaniard drew a clumsy challenge from Jose Canas on the edge of the penalty area and there was little questioning who would take the free-kick, as the forward stepped up to belt his effort into the bottom corner of Gerhard Tremmel’s goal.
Nasri then ended the game as a contest in the second half, slotting...
Samir Nasri struck twice as Manchester City beat Swansea to preserve their 100% home record in the Premier League.
A further goal from Alvaro Negredo secured victory, to keep intact the Citizen’s record of being the only side in England’s top four divisions not to have lost on home soil.
Having prevailed 6-0 in their previous game against Tottenham, the question was not whether City would win, but how many they would win by, and that feeling was felt keenly when Negredo opened the scoring after just seven minutes.
The Spaniard drew a clumsy challenge from Jose Canas on the edge of the penalty area and there was little questioning who would take the free-kick, as the forward stepped up to belt his effort into the bottom corner of Gerhard Tremmel’s goal.
Nasri then ended the game as a contest in the second half, slotting...
- 12/1/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Following the completion of the European play-offs last night, all but one of the 32 places at the 2014 World Cup have been taken, with both France and Portugal dramatically booking their places on Tuesday evening.
The likes of Karim Benzema, Samir Nasri, Patrice Evra, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Nani were left to sweat over their seats on the flight to Brazil, but all five will be at next summer’s tournament.
And, with Uruguay still to take on Jamaica in the final qualifier, and commanding a 5-0 lead after the first leg, one would suspect the likes of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani will be joining them.
Not that there weren’t any fatalities along the way, of course.
With the likes of Wales, Sweden, Ukraine, Denmark and Serbia failing to make it out of the group stages, there will be some notable absentees in 2014.
And here, WhatCulture!
Following the completion of the European play-offs last night, all but one of the 32 places at the 2014 World Cup have been taken, with both France and Portugal dramatically booking their places on Tuesday evening.
The likes of Karim Benzema, Samir Nasri, Patrice Evra, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Nani were left to sweat over their seats on the flight to Brazil, but all five will be at next summer’s tournament.
And, with Uruguay still to take on Jamaica in the final qualifier, and commanding a 5-0 lead after the first leg, one would suspect the likes of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani will be joining them.
Not that there weren’t any fatalities along the way, of course.
With the likes of Wales, Sweden, Ukraine, Denmark and Serbia failing to make it out of the group stages, there will be some notable absentees in 2014.
And here, WhatCulture!
- 11/20/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Venue: Stadium of Light Referee: Mike Dean Date: 10th of November
Sunderland could struggle to cope with the 2011/12 Champions as they sit in the bottom three of the Barclay’s Premier League. Gus Poyet will be looking to maintain positivity after their victory over Southampton on Wednesday in the Capital One Cup. The Black Cats have had some fortune against The Sky Blues in the past, after they claimed a third successive 1-0 season on Boxing Day 2012, when Adam Johnson scored against his old club at the Stadium of Light.
Manchester City will want to continue their impressive form when they visit Wearside on Sunday. The combination of Sergio Agüero and Álvaro Negredo will be watched with great interest after their rampant goal-scoring display against Cska Moscow in the Champions League mid-week, which displayed the kind of attacking flair that could unnerve opponents as well as to...
Venue: Stadium of Light Referee: Mike Dean Date: 10th of November
Sunderland could struggle to cope with the 2011/12 Champions as they sit in the bottom three of the Barclay’s Premier League. Gus Poyet will be looking to maintain positivity after their victory over Southampton on Wednesday in the Capital One Cup. The Black Cats have had some fortune against The Sky Blues in the past, after they claimed a third successive 1-0 season on Boxing Day 2012, when Adam Johnson scored against his old club at the Stadium of Light.
Manchester City will want to continue their impressive form when they visit Wearside on Sunday. The combination of Sergio Agüero and Álvaro Negredo will be watched with great interest after their rampant goal-scoring display against Cska Moscow in the Champions League mid-week, which displayed the kind of attacking flair that could unnerve opponents as well as to...
- 11/10/2013
- by Michael Briggs
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Sunderland will take on Manchester City at the Stadium of Light this afternoon knowing they need to recapture form…and fast!
They’ve have had a disastrous start to the season – derby victory aside of course.
But coming up against a side that contains some of the best players in the sport can be a daunting task, especially when luck has not been on their side of late.
Both teams have their own positives and negatives in terms of positions, but it’s where these players will dictate where most of the action andwhere the game could be won and lost – it’s simple, midfield.
Some will say that City’s attacking players will play the main part of where the action will take place – you could be right but where would the attackers receive the ball in order for them to attack? You can’t see...
Sunderland will take on Manchester City at the Stadium of Light this afternoon knowing they need to recapture form…and fast!
They’ve have had a disastrous start to the season – derby victory aside of course.
But coming up against a side that contains some of the best players in the sport can be a daunting task, especially when luck has not been on their side of late.
Both teams have their own positives and negatives in terms of positions, but it’s where these players will dictate where most of the action andwhere the game could be won and lost – it’s simple, midfield.
Some will say that City’s attacking players will play the main part of where the action will take place – you could be right but where would the attackers receive the ball in order for them to attack? You can’t see...
- 11/10/2013
- by Michael Briggs
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Alvaro Negredo bagged a hattrick and Sergio Aguero produced a man-of-the-match performance as Man City ran riot at the Etihad in a convincing Champions League victory against Cska Moscow.
The home side were awarded a penalty for a foul on David Silva in the third minute of the game. Sergio Aguero scored from the resulting spot kick to put Man City 1-0 up.
The Argentine international then doubled his side’s lead after 20 minutes. Turning in the area, Aguero side-footed his shot into the bottom corner leaving the ‘keeper with no chance.
Aguero was involved in City’s third goal around the half-hour mark. Picking up the ball on the right-hand side, he waited for his strike-partner Negredo to make a run into the six-yard box where he then fed him the ball into with Negredo having the simplest of tasks in putting the ball into an empty net.
Alvaro Negredo bagged a hattrick and Sergio Aguero produced a man-of-the-match performance as Man City ran riot at the Etihad in a convincing Champions League victory against Cska Moscow.
The home side were awarded a penalty for a foul on David Silva in the third minute of the game. Sergio Aguero scored from the resulting spot kick to put Man City 1-0 up.
The Argentine international then doubled his side’s lead after 20 minutes. Turning in the area, Aguero side-footed his shot into the bottom corner leaving the ‘keeper with no chance.
Aguero was involved in City’s third goal around the half-hour mark. Picking up the ball on the right-hand side, he waited for his strike-partner Negredo to make a run into the six-yard box where he then fed him the ball into with Negredo having the simplest of tasks in putting the ball into an empty net.
- 11/6/2013
- by Crip Cooke
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
A freak Tim Howard own goal helped Manchester City put their Champions League misery behind them and put paid to Everton’s unbeaten run in a frenetic game at the Etihad.
The Toffees had beaten City nine times in twelve meetings before today’s fixture but despite leading through Romelu Lukaku, they came unstuck courtesy of Alvaro Negredo and Sergio Aguero before Howard’s misfortune.
The first meaningful chance went City’s way after only five minutes as Yaya Toure attempted a measured finish from the top of the box, forcing Howard into a low palm save.
Barely a minute later the hosts went close again after Sylvain Distin brought down Aguero just outside the box –Aleksandar Kolarov’s resulting free-kick swerved violently into Howard’s side-netting.
The visitors drew first blood through on-loan striker Lukaku on 16 minutes – latching onto Phil Jagielka’s hoof up-field, the Belgian sprang the offside trap,...
A freak Tim Howard own goal helped Manchester City put their Champions League misery behind them and put paid to Everton’s unbeaten run in a frenetic game at the Etihad.
The Toffees had beaten City nine times in twelve meetings before today’s fixture but despite leading through Romelu Lukaku, they came unstuck courtesy of Alvaro Negredo and Sergio Aguero before Howard’s misfortune.
The first meaningful chance went City’s way after only five minutes as Yaya Toure attempted a measured finish from the top of the box, forcing Howard into a low palm save.
Barely a minute later the hosts went close again after Sylvain Distin brought down Aguero just outside the box –Aleksandar Kolarov’s resulting free-kick swerved violently into Howard’s side-netting.
The visitors drew first blood through on-loan striker Lukaku on 16 minutes – latching onto Phil Jagielka’s hoof up-field, the Belgian sprang the offside trap,...
- 10/5/2013
- by Edward Owen
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Man City’s starting lineup against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last night was as follows; (4-4-2): Joe Hart, Micah Richards, Matija Nastasic, Vincent Kompany, Gael Clichy, Jesus Navas, Fernandinho, Yaya Toure, Samir Nasri, Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko.
After the final whistle, fingers were pointed at City manager Manuel Pellegrini for his tactics. In the first-half, his side were under the cosh on multiple occasions and the problems stemmed from midfield. It could be argued that Munich have benefited from Man City naming Aguero as a lone striker, and the extra man being put in midfield to either protect the back four, or as an extra option in attack.
Pellegrini opted against it, and the Citizens were annihilated as a result. Edin Dzeko was the strike-partner for Aguero, and was abject in the 55 minutes he played for. The Bosnia and Herzegovina international offered no...
Man City’s starting lineup against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last night was as follows; (4-4-2): Joe Hart, Micah Richards, Matija Nastasic, Vincent Kompany, Gael Clichy, Jesus Navas, Fernandinho, Yaya Toure, Samir Nasri, Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko.
After the final whistle, fingers were pointed at City manager Manuel Pellegrini for his tactics. In the first-half, his side were under the cosh on multiple occasions and the problems stemmed from midfield. It could be argued that Munich have benefited from Man City naming Aguero as a lone striker, and the extra man being put in midfield to either protect the back four, or as an extra option in attack.
Pellegrini opted against it, and the Citizens were annihilated as a result. Edin Dzeko was the strike-partner for Aguero, and was abject in the 55 minutes he played for. The Bosnia and Herzegovina international offered no...
- 10/3/2013
- by Crip Cooke
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
The last time Manchester City met Wigan was last season’s Fa Cup final where Ben Watson’s last-minute header was enough to earn the Latics their first major piece of silverware. The two sides now meet each other in the Capital One Cup third round and here I will preview the game and look at team news, likely starting line-ups as well as giving my prediction for the outcome of the match.
Man City
City will come into tonight’s game full of confidence after their 4-1 drubbing of local rivals Manchester United at the weekend.
Two goals from Sergio Aguero as well as strikes from Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri gave new manager Manuel Pellegrini his first derby success although his side have certainly showed signs of inconsistency throughout the early stages of the season.
Along with the win against United, City also enjoyed a...
The last time Manchester City met Wigan was last season’s Fa Cup final where Ben Watson’s last-minute header was enough to earn the Latics their first major piece of silverware. The two sides now meet each other in the Capital One Cup third round and here I will preview the game and look at team news, likely starting line-ups as well as giving my prediction for the outcome of the match.
Man City
City will come into tonight’s game full of confidence after their 4-1 drubbing of local rivals Manchester United at the weekend.
Two goals from Sergio Aguero as well as strikes from Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri gave new manager Manuel Pellegrini his first derby success although his side have certainly showed signs of inconsistency throughout the early stages of the season.
Along with the win against United, City also enjoyed a...
- 9/24/2013
- by Stephen Brown
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Sergio Aguero netted a double to help secure a famous victory against title rivals Manchester United in a one-sided affair at the Etihad stadium.
After a dominant opening 15 minutes by the hosts, it was Aguero who opened the scoring with a superb volley from an Aleksandar Kolarov cross.
Manchester United eventually managed to quell the City attack following the goal, and looked to have kept the deficit to just one goal with half-time approaching. However, they crumbled on the half-time mark, with Yaya Toure tapping-in from close range after the impressive Alvaro Negredo flicked his header towards the Ivorian international in the box.
It got worse after the break for Manchester United, as City made it 3-0 straight from the interval through Sergio Aguero. Kolarov played a through-ball to Negredo, and it was good work from the Spaniard in the area saw him tee up Aguero unmarked...
Sergio Aguero netted a double to help secure a famous victory against title rivals Manchester United in a one-sided affair at the Etihad stadium.
After a dominant opening 15 minutes by the hosts, it was Aguero who opened the scoring with a superb volley from an Aleksandar Kolarov cross.
Manchester United eventually managed to quell the City attack following the goal, and looked to have kept the deficit to just one goal with half-time approaching. However, they crumbled on the half-time mark, with Yaya Toure tapping-in from close range after the impressive Alvaro Negredo flicked his header towards the Ivorian international in the box.
It got worse after the break for Manchester United, as City made it 3-0 straight from the interval through Sergio Aguero. Kolarov played a through-ball to Negredo, and it was good work from the Spaniard in the area saw him tee up Aguero unmarked...
- 9/23/2013
- by Crip Cooke
- Obsessed with Film
The battle for Manchester resumes this Sunday, as Manchester United travel east across Mancunian Way to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City. Even though Red versus Blue may be the starkest of contrasts, both teams come into the game in similar states. Both have new managers, both secured strong opening victories in the Champions League, and each team has gathered seven points in the English Premier League, with comprehensive wins followed by stuttering performances (City’s draw with Stoke City and United’s loss to Liverpool come to mind).
Although this game comes relatively early in the fixture list, with victory unlikely to amount to a fatal blow for the loser, each team will be confident of putting one over on their rivals.
Team News
Manchester United: David Moyes earned his first win at Old Trafford against Crystal Palace last Saturday, and swiftly followed that up with a 4-...
Although this game comes relatively early in the fixture list, with victory unlikely to amount to a fatal blow for the loser, each team will be confident of putting one over on their rivals.
Team News
Manchester United: David Moyes earned his first win at Old Trafford against Crystal Palace last Saturday, and swiftly followed that up with a 4-...
- 9/22/2013
- by Evan McCulley
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Last night we witnessed the full attacking prowess at Manchester City’s disposal as last season’s Premier League runners-up ruthlessly dismantled a 10-man Newcastle team at the Etihad.
It was the Citizen’s familiar faces who did all the damage as David Silva, Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri got their names on the scoresheet, and that’s not taking into account the exciting new talent at manager Manuel Pellegrini’s beck and call.
Jesus Navas started on the wing, striker Alvaro Negredo came on as a second half substitute while forward Stevan Jovetic, who scored thirteen league goals last season, wasn’t even on the bench.
The Sky Blue’s attacking might is frightening, and so it should be considering the £90 million outlay it took to assemble.
With arguably one of the best attacks in the division though, are there are any chinks in City’s armour?...
Last night we witnessed the full attacking prowess at Manchester City’s disposal as last season’s Premier League runners-up ruthlessly dismantled a 10-man Newcastle team at the Etihad.
It was the Citizen’s familiar faces who did all the damage as David Silva, Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri got their names on the scoresheet, and that’s not taking into account the exciting new talent at manager Manuel Pellegrini’s beck and call.
Jesus Navas started on the wing, striker Alvaro Negredo came on as a second half substitute while forward Stevan Jovetic, who scored thirteen league goals last season, wasn’t even on the bench.
The Sky Blue’s attacking might is frightening, and so it should be considering the £90 million outlay it took to assemble.
With arguably one of the best attacks in the division though, are there are any chinks in City’s armour?...
- 8/20/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Manchester City shot to the top of the table in their opening Premier League outing of the season with a comprehensive 4-0 battering of hapless Newcastle United on Monday night in the Etihad Stadium, Manchester.
It took City a mere six minutes to break the deadlock; Edin Dzeko’s deflected cross found David Silva, who hammered a header past Krul for the first goal.
It didn’t take Sergio Aguero long to get in on the act: his sublime curling shot beat Tim Krul at the far post on 22 minutes, and the Magpies found themselves 2-0 down with less than a quarter of the match played. It could have been different, as the Magpies had a goal ruled out for offside, but the early problems were compounded late in the first half thanks to a reckless decision by Steven Taylor.
Things went from bad to much worse...
Manchester City shot to the top of the table in their opening Premier League outing of the season with a comprehensive 4-0 battering of hapless Newcastle United on Monday night in the Etihad Stadium, Manchester.
It took City a mere six minutes to break the deadlock; Edin Dzeko’s deflected cross found David Silva, who hammered a header past Krul for the first goal.
It didn’t take Sergio Aguero long to get in on the act: his sublime curling shot beat Tim Krul at the far post on 22 minutes, and the Magpies found themselves 2-0 down with less than a quarter of the match played. It could have been different, as the Magpies had a goal ruled out for offside, but the early problems were compounded late in the first half thanks to a reckless decision by Steven Taylor.
Things went from bad to much worse...
- 8/20/2013
- by Diarmuid Hickey
- Obsessed with Film
Manchester City have so far been big spenders in the current transfer window, already making four big name signings – Negredo, Jovetic, Fernandinho and the subject of this article, Jesus Navas.
Navas cost City a relatively low price in this market of £17 million from Sevilla despite having been capped by the Spanish national team 28 times, admittedly many of these appearances being from off the bench. Navas was primarily used as a ‘game changer’ in a Spain system which is actually very similar to the Manchester City system in that it lacks any natural width.
The current Manchester City system is a 442/4231 with the wide players tucking right in, effectively becoming number 10′s. This means that the full backs – Zabaleta and Clichy are relied upon to provide the side with width to ensure that the side does not become too predictable. Despite the efforts of the energetic duo of Zabaleta and Clichy,...
Navas cost City a relatively low price in this market of £17 million from Sevilla despite having been capped by the Spanish national team 28 times, admittedly many of these appearances being from off the bench. Navas was primarily used as a ‘game changer’ in a Spain system which is actually very similar to the Manchester City system in that it lacks any natural width.
The current Manchester City system is a 442/4231 with the wide players tucking right in, effectively becoming number 10′s. This means that the full backs – Zabaleta and Clichy are relied upon to provide the side with width to ensure that the side does not become too predictable. Despite the efforts of the energetic duo of Zabaleta and Clichy,...
- 8/9/2013
- by Luke Regan
- Obsessed with Film
With Manchester City completing their Sevilla raid with the signing of striker Alvaro Negredo, here are five reason swhy the Spaniard will succeed at his new club.
5. Manuel Pellegrini
City’s new boss will be all too familiar with Negredo, having managed in the same country that has seen the 27-year-old turn into one of Europe’s most prolific strikers. Pellegrini managed in Spain for over 9 years, meaning he has watched the Spaniard develop as a player, both during his time at Almeria and Sevilla.
Having come up against him on numerous occasions, the Chilean will know exactly where Negredo’s strengths lye and how to take advantage of them at City. Negredo has the perfect manager to help him replicate the excellent form he achieved in La Liga last season.
4. City’s Squad
At Sevilla, Negredo mainly relied on Jesus Navas for assists because the Sevilla team held very few talented play makers.
5. Manuel Pellegrini
City’s new boss will be all too familiar with Negredo, having managed in the same country that has seen the 27-year-old turn into one of Europe’s most prolific strikers. Pellegrini managed in Spain for over 9 years, meaning he has watched the Spaniard develop as a player, both during his time at Almeria and Sevilla.
Having come up against him on numerous occasions, the Chilean will know exactly where Negredo’s strengths lye and how to take advantage of them at City. Negredo has the perfect manager to help him replicate the excellent form he achieved in La Liga last season.
4. City’s Squad
At Sevilla, Negredo mainly relied on Jesus Navas for assists because the Sevilla team held very few talented play makers.
- 8/1/2013
- by Adam Williams
- Obsessed with Film
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez’s future shows no signs of being resolved any time soon with Arsenal prepared to wait right up until the final day of the transfer window for any deal to go through, according to the Mirror.
The Gunners have already seen two bids for the Uruguayan rejected but are not prepared to give up the chase, even if it means the transfer going down to the wire.
The whole deal revolves around a contentious £40 million clause in the 26-year-old’s contract which the striker’s advisers believe entitles Suarez to leave Liverpool.
Arsenal’s second bid for the former Ajax man stood at £40 million and £1, apparently activating the player’s release clause.
However, Liverpool maintain that clause only means they are required to inform Suarez of the offer but that they do not necessarily have to sell, and indeed they mean not to.
The deal is...
The Gunners have already seen two bids for the Uruguayan rejected but are not prepared to give up the chase, even if it means the transfer going down to the wire.
The whole deal revolves around a contentious £40 million clause in the 26-year-old’s contract which the striker’s advisers believe entitles Suarez to leave Liverpool.
Arsenal’s second bid for the former Ajax man stood at £40 million and £1, apparently activating the player’s release clause.
However, Liverpool maintain that clause only means they are required to inform Suarez of the offer but that they do not necessarily have to sell, and indeed they mean not to.
The deal is...
- 7/30/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
I am a football fan but I have a confession. I am a traitor. I’ve switched allegiances not once, but twice. Any fan will tell you this crime is relatively rare and to have performed it twice is almost unheard of.
So why do I consider myself above the laws of football fandom? Well my story starts from a very early age. Being a year older than me, I worshipped my next-door neighbour like a God growing up. Everything he did I automatically did, and one of those things was support Manchester United. Now he could’ve supported Liverpool (my uncles were adamant I would be a Liverpool fan before finally giving up after the third replica shirt purchase), Arsenal or even Wolverhampton Wanderers and I would’ve done the same.
Luckily, for most of my childhood I supported the most successful team of all time including an extra...
So why do I consider myself above the laws of football fandom? Well my story starts from a very early age. Being a year older than me, I worshipped my next-door neighbour like a God growing up. Everything he did I automatically did, and one of those things was support Manchester United. Now he could’ve supported Liverpool (my uncles were adamant I would be a Liverpool fan before finally giving up after the third replica shirt purchase), Arsenal or even Wolverhampton Wanderers and I would’ve done the same.
Luckily, for most of my childhood I supported the most successful team of all time including an extra...
- 7/9/2013
- by Tom Durrant
- Obsessed with Film
Could Arsenal’s eight-year wait for a trophy finally be nearing an end?
For the first time in a very long while, the often-beleaguered North London club appear to be making serious strides in the transfer window, with veteran manager Arsene Wenger reportedly prepared to finally loosen his notoriously tight purse strings and splash the cash on much needed new recruits.
In the past, the Frenchman has been criticised for selling the club’s best and brightest players – such as Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy, Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie, to name but a few – and not replacing them with proven, like-for-like quality.
Fears that the Gunners were turning into a “feeder club” mounted and that near-decade wait for a trophy looked set to continue indefinitely.
But finally, the club’s board have entrusted Wenger with the largest transfer kitty ever handed to an Arsenal manager as the Gunners attempt...
For the first time in a very long while, the often-beleaguered North London club appear to be making serious strides in the transfer window, with veteran manager Arsene Wenger reportedly prepared to finally loosen his notoriously tight purse strings and splash the cash on much needed new recruits.
In the past, the Frenchman has been criticised for selling the club’s best and brightest players – such as Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy, Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie, to name but a few – and not replacing them with proven, like-for-like quality.
Fears that the Gunners were turning into a “feeder club” mounted and that near-decade wait for a trophy looked set to continue indefinitely.
But finally, the club’s board have entrusted Wenger with the largest transfer kitty ever handed to an Arsenal manager as the Gunners attempt...
- 7/3/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Manchester City are set to lose out on Malaga midfielder Isco to Real Madrid, according to The Guardian.
But the deposed Premier League champions, who also look likely to miss out Edinson Cavani, another of their summer targets, are relaxed about the situation and do not view either player as “essential signings”.
The prospect of signing Cavani from Napoli is receding by the day and while former City boss Roberto Mancini was a big admirer of the Uruguayan, his successor Manual Pellegrini does not hold him in quite the same esteem.
If Isco is signed by Madrid meanwhile and turns down the option of playing once more under the former Malaga boss at the Etihad next season, Pellegrini will not ring the alarm bells and is thought to be content with the resources he has available.
City’s plan to play 4-3-3 next season puts in context their contentment with their current midfield,...
But the deposed Premier League champions, who also look likely to miss out Edinson Cavani, another of their summer targets, are relaxed about the situation and do not view either player as “essential signings”.
The prospect of signing Cavani from Napoli is receding by the day and while former City boss Roberto Mancini was a big admirer of the Uruguayan, his successor Manual Pellegrini does not hold him in quite the same esteem.
If Isco is signed by Madrid meanwhile and turns down the option of playing once more under the former Malaga boss at the Etihad next season, Pellegrini will not ring the alarm bells and is thought to be content with the resources he has available.
City’s plan to play 4-3-3 next season puts in context their contentment with their current midfield,...
- 6/25/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
According to The Sun, the Arsenal board are ready to offer Arsene Wenger a new contract at the Emirates, squashing rumours that the Frenchman doesn’t have the backing of the club.
The Gunners have been in the hands of manager Arsene Wenger ever since he signed for the club way back in 1996.
The 63-year-old is the longest serving manager in the Premier League now that former Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has retired. Despite both Manchester clubs and Chelsea having changed their manager this season, Arsenal are refusing to follow suit and are instead set to offer Wenger a new deal.
Arsenal’s chief executive Ivan Gazidis has hinted that the board back Wenger and that he will be offered an extension to his current deal soon:
“We hope that he [Arsene Wenger] wants to do what he is doing for the long term. I believe he does.”
He continued:
“So,...
The Gunners have been in the hands of manager Arsene Wenger ever since he signed for the club way back in 1996.
The 63-year-old is the longest serving manager in the Premier League now that former Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has retired. Despite both Manchester clubs and Chelsea having changed their manager this season, Arsenal are refusing to follow suit and are instead set to offer Wenger a new deal.
Arsenal’s chief executive Ivan Gazidis has hinted that the board back Wenger and that he will be offered an extension to his current deal soon:
“We hope that he [Arsene Wenger] wants to do what he is doing for the long term. I believe he does.”
He continued:
“So,...
- 6/6/2013
- by Matt Robinson
- Obsessed with Film
Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal side kept the Frenchman waiting until the last day of the season to secure Champions League football for next season. A 1-0 win over Newcastle United was enough to see off rivals Tottenham and place the Gunners in fourth place, one point ahead of Spurs.
Despite losing super-striker Robin van Persie to Premier League champions Manchester United for £24 million, Arsenal finished three-points better off than last season when the Gunners had the Dutchman in the team. Arsenal fans have been disappointed with the departure of Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabergas and Samir Nasri, players which many feel have not been replaced in the team by similar signings.
Last season Arsenal made over £40 million, with the departure of Rvp and Alex Song contributing to the fee and whilst the fans feel manager Arsene Wenger is tight with his spending, a fee of £52 million was spent on Lukas Podolski,...
Despite losing super-striker Robin van Persie to Premier League champions Manchester United for £24 million, Arsenal finished three-points better off than last season when the Gunners had the Dutchman in the team. Arsenal fans have been disappointed with the departure of Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabergas and Samir Nasri, players which many feel have not been replaced in the team by similar signings.
Last season Arsenal made over £40 million, with the departure of Rvp and Alex Song contributing to the fee and whilst the fans feel manager Arsene Wenger is tight with his spending, a fee of £52 million was spent on Lukas Podolski,...
- 6/3/2013
- by Matt Robinson
- Obsessed with Film
Arsenal are plotting a summer move for unsettled Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, according to the Daily Mail.
The Gunners have reportedly been keeping tabs on Rooney since March, ever since his unhappiness at Old Trafford came to light, and the club’s backroom team have now begun discussing a move.
They are serious about trying to land Rooney, but one major obstacle could yet prove to be the player’s wage demands.
Lukas Podolski, Arsenal’s top earner, is on just over £100,000 a week compared to Rooney’s £250,000, and clearly, the club would have to shatter their pay structure to secure the deal.
However, with a reported £70 million to spend, Wenger is at last ready to spend big with targets such as Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic also on his radar.
Whether the Gunners would be prepared to offer Rooney the sort of money...
The Gunners have reportedly been keeping tabs on Rooney since March, ever since his unhappiness at Old Trafford came to light, and the club’s backroom team have now begun discussing a move.
They are serious about trying to land Rooney, but one major obstacle could yet prove to be the player’s wage demands.
Lukas Podolski, Arsenal’s top earner, is on just over £100,000 a week compared to Rooney’s £250,000, and clearly, the club would have to shatter their pay structure to secure the deal.
However, with a reported £70 million to spend, Wenger is at last ready to spend big with targets such as Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic also on his radar.
Whether the Gunners would be prepared to offer Rooney the sort of money...
- 5/17/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Former Manchester City defender Danny Mills has spoken out about the sacking of Roberto Mancini, claiming the Italian had a poor relationship with his players.
Last year’s Premier League champions issued a statement on Monday night revealing that the club had sacked Roberto Mancini as manager after a disappointing domestic league and European campaign. The problems at the club have been apparent for sometime, with Mancini being extremely vocal about his players in recent weeks, causing unneeded friction at the Eithad.
Danny Mills, who left the club on a free transfer six months after Mancini was appointed, has revealed:
“There wasn’t the togetherness between player and manager.”
He continued to explain:
“Basically, Mancini just ignored players from day one. He was the manager, he made decisions, he made no attempt to have any sort of relationship with the players, didn’t take them under his wing. It was very much,...
Last year’s Premier League champions issued a statement on Monday night revealing that the club had sacked Roberto Mancini as manager after a disappointing domestic league and European campaign. The problems at the club have been apparent for sometime, with Mancini being extremely vocal about his players in recent weeks, causing unneeded friction at the Eithad.
Danny Mills, who left the club on a free transfer six months after Mancini was appointed, has revealed:
“There wasn’t the togetherness between player and manager.”
He continued to explain:
“Basically, Mancini just ignored players from day one. He was the manager, he made decisions, he made no attempt to have any sort of relationship with the players, didn’t take them under his wing. It was very much,...
- 5/15/2013
- by Matt Robinson
- Obsessed with Film
Manchester City have confirmed that they have sacked manager Roberto Mancini, according to a club statement released on Monday night.
The club statement read:
“It is with regret that Manchester City Football Club announces that Roberto Mancini has been relieved of his duties as Manchester City Manager.
This has been a difficult decision for the owner, Chairman and Board to make and it is the outcome of a planned end of season review process that has been brought forward in light of recent speculation and out of respect for Roberto and his extensive contributions to the Football Club.”
The statement continues to mention the disappointing season Manchester City has endured and that the club felt that removing Mancini was the best decision going forward.
Assistant Manager Brian Kidd will take charge of City’s remaining two league fixtures this season and the summer tour of the United States.
In his...
The club statement read:
“It is with regret that Manchester City Football Club announces that Roberto Mancini has been relieved of his duties as Manchester City Manager.
This has been a difficult decision for the owner, Chairman and Board to make and it is the outcome of a planned end of season review process that has been brought forward in light of recent speculation and out of respect for Roberto and his extensive contributions to the Football Club.”
The statement continues to mention the disappointing season Manchester City has endured and that the club felt that removing Mancini was the best decision going forward.
Assistant Manager Brian Kidd will take charge of City’s remaining two league fixtures this season and the summer tour of the United States.
In his...
- 5/13/2013
- by Matt Robinson
- Obsessed with Film
When Cesc Fabregas left the Gunners for his homeland, it left Arsenal fans with an uncomfortable feeling. There weren’t many hard feelings toward the Spaniard; in truth, the move made sense for him. The messy departures of Samir Nasri to Manchester City and Van Persie to Manchester United certainly made Fabregas’ journey home much easier to swallow. Even so, it’s hard to lose a captain. For the most part, though, Cesc hasn’t lost the respect of the Arsenal faithful.
There have been rumors swarming about recently about a possible return to the Emirates for the former captain, fueled by his inconsistent playing time at Camp Nou and some property purchases in London. This has stirred up debates all over the web about whether or not a return would be in the best interest of either the club or the player. In truth, no one is sure what...
There have been rumors swarming about recently about a possible return to the Emirates for the former captain, fueled by his inconsistent playing time at Camp Nou and some property purchases in London. This has stirred up debates all over the web about whether or not a return would be in the best interest of either the club or the player. In truth, no one is sure what...
- 5/9/2013
- by G.M. Hill
- Obsessed with Film
Venue: Liberty Stadium Date: Saturday, 4th May K/o: 15:00 BST Team News
Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup is unlikely to make too many changes to the side that lost 2-0 to Chelsea last weekend.
Neil Taylor made an appearance from the bench in that game to complete his comeback from a lengthy spell on the sidelines and he could start in place of Ben Davies.
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is however expected to ring the changes for Saturday’s visit to Wales. Matija Nastasic is expected to replace Joleon Lescott while James Milner and Javi Garcia are both pushing for starts.
Sergio Aguero is expected to keep his place in spite of the upcoming Fa Cup Final with Wigan Athletic.
Key Stats
Swansea City have failed to win any of their last six league matches, losing four and drawing two.
Man City have only lost five games in the league this season,...
Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup is unlikely to make too many changes to the side that lost 2-0 to Chelsea last weekend.
Neil Taylor made an appearance from the bench in that game to complete his comeback from a lengthy spell on the sidelines and he could start in place of Ben Davies.
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is however expected to ring the changes for Saturday’s visit to Wales. Matija Nastasic is expected to replace Joleon Lescott while James Milner and Javi Garcia are both pushing for starts.
Sergio Aguero is expected to keep his place in spite of the upcoming Fa Cup Final with Wigan Athletic.
Key Stats
Swansea City have failed to win any of their last six league matches, losing four and drawing two.
Man City have only lost five games in the league this season,...
- 5/3/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is plotting a major summer clear-out that could see at least five players axed, according to the Metro.
Defenders Joleon Lescott and Maicon, midfielders Samir Nasri and Scott Sinclair, as well as striker Edin Dzeko are all in line for the chop, as the Italian tries to build a team capable of wresting the Premier League title back from Manchester United’s grasp next season.
Mancini blames his side’s failure to defend their league title on the club’s shortcomings in the summer and January transfer windows. The Italian continues to blame City’s inability to land Arsenal’s Robin van Persie last year as a major contributing factor in United winning the Premier League, while he also continues to rue missing out on Eden Hazard, who ended up at Chelsea.
He also wanted to bring in Javi Martinez and Daniele Di Rossi, but ended up with Jack Rodwell,...
Defenders Joleon Lescott and Maicon, midfielders Samir Nasri and Scott Sinclair, as well as striker Edin Dzeko are all in line for the chop, as the Italian tries to build a team capable of wresting the Premier League title back from Manchester United’s grasp next season.
Mancini blames his side’s failure to defend their league title on the club’s shortcomings in the summer and January transfer windows. The Italian continues to blame City’s inability to land Arsenal’s Robin van Persie last year as a major contributing factor in United winning the Premier League, while he also continues to rue missing out on Eden Hazard, who ended up at Chelsea.
He also wanted to bring in Javi Martinez and Daniele Di Rossi, but ended up with Jack Rodwell,...
- 4/30/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Manchester City winger Scott Sinclair will seek a move away from the club this summer having started just two games all season for the former Premier League champions.
The England international is growing increasingly frustrated by the lack of first team action at the Etihad and could look into a loan move at the end of the season, with the likes of Everton, Aston Villa and West Brom all thought to be interested in the former Swansea star.
However, the 24-year old is prepared to stay in Manchester and fight for his place in City’s starting xi, but only if manager Roberto Mancini is sacked by the deposed champions.
Having fallen out of favour with the Italian, Sinclair does not see an immediate future for himself in Manchester, and though he does not want to leave the club permanently, he could still move out on loan to get some...
The England international is growing increasingly frustrated by the lack of first team action at the Etihad and could look into a loan move at the end of the season, with the likes of Everton, Aston Villa and West Brom all thought to be interested in the former Swansea star.
However, the 24-year old is prepared to stay in Manchester and fight for his place in City’s starting xi, but only if manager Roberto Mancini is sacked by the deposed champions.
Having fallen out of favour with the Italian, Sinclair does not see an immediate future for himself in Manchester, and though he does not want to leave the club permanently, he could still move out on loan to get some...
- 4/25/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Yesterday, White Hart Lane played host to a highly entertaining and enjoyable game of Premier League football between fifth placed Tottenham Hotspur and second placed Manchester City.
Spurs deservedly emerged as victors from the game, after having been behind for much of it, following a seven minute spell in which they terrorised the City defence and quickly grabbed three quality goals.
Clint Dempsey, Jermain Defoe and Gareth Bale all scored for Spurs in an awesome second half spell for the Lilywhites, following Samir Nasri’s early first half opener for the Citizens.
The match was important for both teams, with Spurs needing the win to keep them in the race for the Champions League places and Manchester City needing the win to keep their tiny chances of catching city rivals United alive in order to retain the title they won so dramatically last season.
The match was an eye-opener for...
Spurs deservedly emerged as victors from the game, after having been behind for much of it, following a seven minute spell in which they terrorised the City defence and quickly grabbed three quality goals.
Clint Dempsey, Jermain Defoe and Gareth Bale all scored for Spurs in an awesome second half spell for the Lilywhites, following Samir Nasri’s early first half opener for the Citizens.
The match was important for both teams, with Spurs needing the win to keep them in the race for the Champions League places and Manchester City needing the win to keep their tiny chances of catching city rivals United alive in order to retain the title they won so dramatically last season.
The match was an eye-opener for...
- 4/22/2013
- by Kev Stewart
- Obsessed with Film
A bright and sunny afternoon at White Hart Lane played host to a mouth-watering top of the table clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, which Tottenham ultimately emerged from as 3-1 victors.
Spurs kicked the game off with the returning Gareth Bale and former City man Emmanuel Adebayor in the centre circle looking to keep themselves in the race for Champions League football.
The home team started brightly, attacking with quick football, and Bale tested Joe Hart for the first time in the fourth minute, curling an awkward thirty yard effort into the appreciative arms of the England stopper.
A minute later the Welshman found Dempsey on the right and the American drove in a low shot-come-cross which Hart gathered again.
But it was Manchester City who took the lead with their first attack just a few seconds later. Carlos Tevez kept possession well and found James Milner on the Tottenham byline.
Spurs kicked the game off with the returning Gareth Bale and former City man Emmanuel Adebayor in the centre circle looking to keep themselves in the race for Champions League football.
The home team started brightly, attacking with quick football, and Bale tested Joe Hart for the first time in the fourth minute, curling an awkward thirty yard effort into the appreciative arms of the England stopper.
A minute later the Welshman found Dempsey on the right and the American drove in a low shot-come-cross which Hart gathered again.
But it was Manchester City who took the lead with their first attack just a few seconds later. Carlos Tevez kept possession well and found James Milner on the Tottenham byline.
- 4/21/2013
- by Kev Stewart
- Obsessed with Film
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.