SCOLARI DROPPED DROGBA FOR SOUTHEND

Didier Drogba has been sensationally axed from Chelsea's side to face Southend United in the FA Cup as manager Luiz Felipe Scolari's adopts a get-tough policy. In the wake of the Blues' 3-0 mauling by Manchester United on Sunday, Scolari blasted that some of his players had only performed to "35 per cent" of their potential in the last five games.

 

Drogba's exclusion for the trip to Roots Hall has placed a huge question mark over the future of the Ivory Coast striker, who has been linked with a return to Marseille or a reunion with former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan.

 

Scolari also hinted at more major changes after giving his squad of highly-paid players enough opportunities to impress him since the summer. The Brazillian insists he has the backing of his players ahead of what he is viewing as their biggest game of the season against Southend in the FA Cup.

BOLA BOYZ  CHELSEA

RONALDO BAGGED FIFA WORLD BEST PLAYER

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the Fifa World Player of the Year for 2008 during a glittering awards ceremony in Zurich. The Portuguese superstar sees his achievements from the 2007/08 season rewarded with football's most prestigious individual honour.

 

The 23-year-old becomes the first player from the English top-flight to take the award and succeeds AC Milan playmaker Kaka as the best player on the planet. He fended off competition from the likes of second-placed Lionel Messi, third-placed Fernando Torres, Xavi and Kaka.

 

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

TORRES WANTS TO CREATE RECORD

Fernando Torres plans to etch his name into Liverpool folklore by hitting new goal-scoring heights. The Spanish striker has netted 29 times in the Premier League since his arrival from Atletico Madrid in July 2007.

 

Though, he still has some way to go to eclipse Roger Hunt's record 245 league goals for the Anfield club, Torres admits he is motivated by the thought of setting new benchmarks for the Reds so long as personal glory does not come at the expense of team success.

 

BOLA BOYZ  LIVERPOOL

VAN PERSIE CONFIDENT FOR A SILVERWARE

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has stressed that the club will not change their philosophy in a bid to end their search for silverware. The Gunners last lifted a trophy when they defeated Manchester United on penalties in the 2005 FA Cup final.

 

Arsene Wenger's side has since come in for criticism after struggling for consistency. Dutchman Van Persie, though, is adamant the team will stand by their style of play, insisting their ethos will soon deliver.

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL

MAN UTD 3 – CHELSEA 0

Manchester United has issued an early warning to Liverpool as they destroyed Chelsea 3-0 at Old Trafford. The Red Devils begin the match nervously as the Blues seem to have made the earlier impact. Park Ji Sung and Berbatov missed the chances to open the scoring.

 

Cristiano Ronaldo and Ricardo Cavalho were shown yellow cards as both Portuguese argued with each other. Nemanja Vidic scored from a corner right after Ronaldo's goal was disallowed.

 

Things were just not right for Felipe Scolari's team as Didier Drogba missed golden opportunities to bring them back into the game. Big names like Deco, Michael Ballack and Ashley Cole also failed to impress. Wayne Rooney scored a second from Patrice Evra cross and Berbatov completed the Devil's feast with a lightning tap in from Ronaldo's cross,

 

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD  CHELSEA

ARSENAL 1 - BOLTON 0

Nicklas Bendtner came off the bench to score a late winner as Arsenal ended Bolton's stubborn resistance in a 1-0 win at Emirates Stadium. The Gunners had dominated possession, but failed to break the visitors, who put 10 men behind the ball.

 

Only when time looked to be running out, Bendtner arrived at the far post to volley in a first goal since November and renew hopes Arsene Wenger's men can force their way back into the race for the Premier League title.

 

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL

STOKE 0 - LIVERPOOL 0

 

Liverpool threw away the chance to go 6 points clear at the top of Premier League as they were held to a goalless draw at Stoke. Chelsea is now just 4 points behind, with the Blues to play away to Manchester United.

 

They failed to break down a Stoke side which had failed to win in their previous six league games. Steven Gerrard twice hit the woodwork in the last five minutes. Benitez must have been left speechless at his side's overall performance.

 

BOLA BOYZ  LIVERPOOL

AC MILAN HOPES BECKS TO STAY LONGER

AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti would like to see David Beckham extend his two-month loan deal at the San Siro but admits that is an unlikely prospect. The Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder is in Italy in order to maintain match fitness during the American close-season as he bids to remain in the England reckoning.

Beckham is set to return to Galaxy on 9th March for the start of the MLS campaign but Ancelotti hopes the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star will remain in Europe. However, according to Beckham's spokesman, Simon Oliveira, recently stated that the 33-year-old will definitely leave after two months, to honour his agreement with Galaxy.

TIME IS GOLD FOR SIR ALEX

Manchester United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson feels the job security he has at Old Trafford gives him the edge over his Stamford Bridge counterpart Luiz Felipe Scolari. The main difference between Chelsea and Manchester United is that Chelsea has changed their management structure three times in recent seasons.

 

He added that the longevity he is having at Old Trafford gives him the ability to look at the bigger picture all the time. Sir Alex admit that he can look and plan for maybe three of four years ahead, whereas a manager coming into another club doesn't have that same time.

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

NOW ADEBAYOR JOINS GALLAS

Emmanuel Adebayor has backed former Arsenal captain, William Gallas and said he was right to publicly question his team-mates' stomach for a fight. Gallas was stripped of the captaincy in November after criticising his team-mates, while he also revealed the rifts in Arsenal's dressing room that have threatened to derail the Gunners' season.

 

However, Adebayor, who feels Gallas is like his 'big brother', says the defender's outburst may have been just the thing Arsenal needed as they attempt to stay in the hunt for the league title. He also believes there is truth in what Gallas said, and it is right for someone to say something to make each person face up to their responsibilities.

 

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL

LAMPARD WARNED DEFENDERS

The Blues' midfielder Frank Lampard has warned his team-mates they cannot afford any more basic defensive errors when they face Manchester United on Sunday.  Chelsea's unimpressive form in recent weeks has seen them slip three points behind leaders Liverpool at the Premier League's summit.

 

Defeat against the Red Devils at Old Trafford on Sunday could leave them six points adrift of Liverpool who face struggling Stoke. Chelsea have been working on defending from set-pieces in training this week as coach Luiz Felipe Scolari attempts to stamp out errors that are beginning to cost his team dearly.

 

BOLA BOYZ  CHELSEA

LUCAS DREAM OF SIX POINTS CLEAR

Lucas has called Liverpool team-mates to take advantage of this week meeting between their main two rivals by moving six points clear at the top of the Premier League. Manchester United host Chelsea, currently second, 24 hours after the leaders go to Stoke.

 

The Reds' have an impressive away record this season, they have won seven of their 10 league matches on the road. Lucas believes they cannot afford to drop points this weekend. Lucas watched from the bench as Stoke frustrated Liverpool at home in a goalless draw back in September and knows it will not be easy at the Britannia Stadium tomorrow.

 

BOLA BOYZ  LIVERPOOL

DERBY 1 - MAN UTD 0

Manchester United have plenty to do in their Carling Cup semi-final with Derby County after a 1-0 first leg defeat to the Championship strugglers. A Kris Commons blockbuster in the first half separated the sides and the Rams, with newly appointed boss Nigel Clough having only a watching brief in the stands, were good value for their lead. United need far better in the second leg at Old Trafford.

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

BENITEZ TO SKIP JANUARY TRANSFER

Rafa Benitez has no plans to sign any new faces in the January transfer window. The Liverpool Manager insists he is happy with the squad to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League.

 

Liverpool has been linked with Emile Heskey and Glen Johnson, but Benitez has denied the rumours and expressed confidence to stick with the players already at Anfield. Benitez also believes the return to fitness of Fernando Torres, Martin Skrtel, Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Aurelio has boosted his options.

 

BOLA BOYZ  LIVERPOOL

GIGGS MAY RETIRE IN MAY

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has dropped a strong hint that could retire from football at the end of this season. The United winger, who holds the club's all-time appearance record and recently overtook Bill Foulkes as the player with the longest spanning United career, told The Sun: "I will keep playing as long as I enjoy it, I am fit and the manager wants me".

 

"If one of those three things stops, I will consider retiring. It could be at the end of this season."

 

Giggs' 28 winners medals include two Champions League victories, a record 10 Premier League championships and four FA Cup wins. "I am at the end of my contract in May," said Giggs. "So we will see. At the minute there hasn't been any contact with United.

 

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

ARSHAVIN GETTING CLOSER TO EMIRATES

Zenit St Petersburg confirms that talks are taking place with Arsenal regarding a deal for Andrei Arshavin. The club's general director, Maxim Mitrofanov, has expressed his hopes a deal can be done within the next two weeks.

 

Arshavin has been looking to leave the Uefa Cup holders in search of a move to a major European league. He impressed at Euro 2008 and was linked with Arsenal's after the tournament.

 

Recently, he was given permission to discuss his departure from Zenit and increased the possibility of January move to Arsenal. Reports suggest Zenit are demanding a £20million fee for Arshavin, which is not what the Gunners had expected.

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL

 

SOUTHAMPTON 0 – MAN UTD 3

World Champion, Manchester United cruised in style to the FA Cup fourth round as they snatched a 3-0 victory at Southampton. Sir Alex Ferguson took it easy for the match as he rested Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez, Park Ji Sung and captain, Rio Ferdinand. Johnny Evans and Danny Welbeck were on the starting line up.

 

The Red Devils dominated the through the match with Southampton struggling to find their ground advantage. Danny Welbeck break the deadlock with a header after John O'Shea efforts denied by Davies. Southampton was then reduced to 10 men for a reckless tackle on Nemanja Vidic. Nani and Darren Gibson added more goals in the second half to complete a miserable night for the home side.

 

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

IT'S POOR FINISHING SAID SCOLARI

Southend became the latest side to make the most of Chelsea's home jitters and John Terry's enforced absence by claiming a deserved 1-1 draw in the FA Cup third round on Saturday. However, Luiz Felipe Scolari insists the absence of suspended Terry has not been the reason behind a string of defensive lapses.

 

The Blues dominated the game but once again their poor finishing let them down. Terry, banned for three games following his red card in the goalless draw at Everton, watched his teammates draw with Southend. But Scolari insists his absence was not a factor in another disappointing home draw, it was the consequence of missed chances.

 

BOLA BOYZ  CHELSEA

LIVERPOOL 2 - PRESTON 0

Liverpool recorded a comfortable 2-0 victory over Preston and avoided the pitfalls that had befallen some of their Premier League rivals. Albert Riera opened the scoring with a superb solo effort in the 25th minute as the Reds dominated the first half, carving out several chances that went begging.

 

They were nearly made to rue those misses as Preston enjoyed a fine spell midway through the second period, with a Sean St Ledger goal disallowed and a confident penalty appeal turned down. However, substitute Fernando Torres, on his return from injury, tapped home a Steven Gerrard pass in the 90th minute for a late second goal.

 

 BOLA BOYZ  LIVERPOOL

ARSENAL 3 - PLYMOUTH 1

Arsenal advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 3-1 victory over Plymouth at Emirates Stadium. Plymouth, languishing in the bottom half of the Championship table, defended superbly in the first half to keep Arsenal at bay and goalkeeper Romain Larrieu pulled off a number of fine saves.

 

However, their hopes of causing an upset were dashed within seven minutes of the restart as the Gunners opened up a 2-0 lead thanks to a Robin van Persie header and David Gray's own goal. Karl Duguid quickly pulled one back for Plymouth but Arsenal continued to dominate and sealed the win with Van Persie's second of the afternoon five minutes from time.

 

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL

CHELSEA 1 - SOUTHEND 1

It is though a draw that may steal the headlines in Sunday's papers, as Chelsea's Stamford Bridge blues continued with Southend coming away from West London with a 1-1 draw. Chelsea dominated the match from the outset and took the lead through Salomon Kalou after he headed in Frank Lampard's corner on 31 minutes.

 

Southend defender Peter Clarke hit the bar on 82 minutes following teenage full-back Johnny Herd's cross. But Clarke would not be denied a second time as he headed Herd's throw-in in front of 6000 away fans.

 

BOLA BOYZ  CHELSEA

TEVEZ WANTS TO REMAIN A RED DEVIL

Carlos Tevez has revealed his disappointment over speculation suggesting that he had rejected a new contract to stay at Old Trafford. The Argentina striker insists he wants to stay with Manchester United and he could not explain where the media reports were coming from.

 

Tevez declared that they have not started talks with the club yet, though he is keen to stay. Sir Alex Ferguson has told him that he wants him to remain a Red Devil and that is certainly Tevez's desire too.

 

Carlos Tevez's economic rights are owned by an investment fund headed by Kia Joorabchian. The striker's contract ends in the summer and both parties have agreed to sit down at the end of the season and discuss a new contract.

 BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

BECKHAM’S FIT UNTIL 38?

AC Milan loan signing David Beckham can continue playing for another five years at least, by which time the midfielder will be 38 years old as confirmed by club doctor Jean Pierre Meersseman. He is also confident that Beckham will be at his top level again in 2-3 weeks.

 

Beckham has not played since the end of the MLS season in October, but captain Maldini is also confident the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star will be match fit again soon. Beckham officially becomes a Milan player on January 7 and could make his debut four days later, against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. The England midfielder is in Dubai with the rest of the Milan squad after joining the team on a short-term deal from the LA Galaxy and took part in his first training session with his new team-mates today.

 

BOLA BOYZ  MAN UTD

LAMPARD BELIEVES CHELSEA CAN FIGHT ON

Frank Lampard insists Chelsea have the fighting spirit required to mount a title challenge in the new year. The London side drew three of their four games over the Christmas fortnight and head into 2009 three points behind Premier League pace-setters Liverpool. Manchester United will overhaul Chelsea if they win all three of their games in hand, making the Blues' trip to Old Trafford on January 11 a vital fixture. Chelsea have dropped 11 points from their last available 21 but Lampard is confident they can rekindle the resilience that carried them to the title under Jose Mourinho in 2005 and 2006.

 

Lampard, sporting the captain's armband with John Terry suspended, embodied that attitude at Craven Cottage where he was Chelsea's outstanding player. Unfortunately for Scolari the same attention to detail was not evident at the back as Lampard's best efforts were undone by poor set-piece defending.

 

BOLA BOYZ  CHELSEA

LIVERPOOL WILL PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR GERRARD

 

Liverpool has assured that captain Steven Gerrard will get "all the support he needs" after the England star was charged with assault and affray on Tuesday. The 28-year-old midfielder was charged in relation to an incident at a Southport bar in the early hours of Monday morning that left the venue's DJ requiring hospital treatment. According to the club spokesman, Gerrard has been an outstanding servant to Liverpool for the last 10 years and the club will give him all the support he needs at this time.

 

However, Gerrard was released from Southport police station after been bailed together with three other men who were arrested in connection with the incident on Tuesday morning. Merseyside Police also confirmed that Steven Gerrard, 28 years, of Formby, Sefton, John Doran, 29, and Ian Smith, 19 years, both from Huyton, Liverpool, has been charged for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray following an incident at Bold Street in Southport in the early hours of Monday, December 29. The three men will be appearing at North Sefton Magistrates' Court on January 23.

 

BOLA BOYZ  LIVERPOOL

ALMUNIA WANTS TO BRING BACK THE REAL GUNNERS

Manuel Almunia has called on his team-mates to find the "real Arsenal" as the Gunners bid to get their inconsistent Premier League campaign back on track in the second half of the season. Arsenal will see in the new year in fourth place in the league, 10 points behind leaders Liverpool, while injuries to the likes of Theo Walcott, Cesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky continue to cast a cloud over the Emirates Stadium. However, the goalkeeper believes it is the steely identity, which saw Arsenal win so many trophies with the likes of Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry.

 

Almunia also believes William Gallas is still the real leader of Arsenal despite having been stripped of the captaincy. With the Frenchman's successor, Fabregas, now sidelined, the armband has passed to Almunia who believes the form of Gallas could be key in the second half of the season. Almunia insists the inspiration still comes from Gallas and cites the manner in which Arsenal players celebrated Gallas' winning goal against Portsmouth on Sunday as evidence that there are no lingering problems over the defender's autobiography in which he questioned his team-mates' bravery and accused one Arsenal player of disrupting morale.

 

BOLA BOYZ   ARSENAL

DROGBA LOSING FIRE POWER?

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has revealed he became disillusioned with football over the summer. Drogba had a troubled end to last season and was linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, while he was criticised by fans for not trying hard enough. Moreover, the Ivory Coast international did himself no favours as he was sent off in the Champions League final defeat to Manchester United at the end of the campaign.

 

Chelsea had to suffer the ignominy of ending the season empty-handed after being on the verge of triumphing at home and abroad and Drogba admits he started to lose interest in the sport. The 30-year-old has struggled with injury and disciplinary issues this season and has been forced to play second fiddle to Nicolas Anelka at Stamford Bridge. Drogba insists he is happy to bide his time, although he admits he is baffled as to why the pair are not played in the same team more often.

 

BOLA BOYZ CHELSEA