Jose: 'money Can't Buy This'

[IRANIAN_4_LIFE]

Jose Mourinho has pointed to the hard-fought win over Manchester City as evidence Chelsea's multi-talented squad is not full of money-grabbing stars.

Even without Frank Lampard and despite not being at their best for long periods, the Barclays Premiership champions were still able to grind out another win as Joe Cole's late strike moved the Blues 11 points clear as the domestic campaign reaches its halfway point.

At a time when most of Europe's star names are putting their feet up, Chelsea are steamrollering through the festive period in familiar fashion and it now appears only a matter of time before the Stamford Bridge outfit seal a second successive title.

"I know the image people have of us," said Mourinho. "But I don't believe you will see many teams in the world fighting like we did to get this victory.

"Some might say it is the power of money, but I don't agree. This is the power of a group of friends working together, who have been together since the first day and are ready for anything."

Having dropped points in just two games so far this season, it is virtually inconceivable for Chelsea to trip up badly enough to allow Liverpool or Manchester United an opportunity to launch a credible challenge.

The options at Mourinho's disposal appear too vast. When Lampard pulled out with a virus 10 minutes before kick-off - a move that ended his record run of 164 successive Premiership appearances - Eidur Gudjohnsen stepped in. When Didier Drogba and Damien Duff faltered, Hernan Crespo and Arjen Robben arrived off the bench.

And Chelsea also had Cole, who sealed victory with his 14th goal since Boxing Day last year when Gudjohnsen's shot landed in his path after striking Richard Dunne, David James and Crespo.

"At this moment, Joe Cole is untouchable," said Mourinho, whose side were recording their seventh straight win since losing at Old Trafford on November 6.

"He was fantastic in every aspect of the game.

"Physically he was amazing. He is strong, has control under pressure. He is great one-on-one and has an appetite for goals. He is unbelievable - a fantastic player."

For all their industry, the hosts lacked a cutting edge, with Joey Barton wasting their best effort when he crashed a shot into Petr Cech's legs in the opening stages.

"You don't anticipate anything in this game but we did hope our endeavour would bring us something," said City boss Stuart Pearce.

"It was not to be but my players could not have given me any more."


http://fs.football365.com/Home/story_172642.shtml

[IRANIAN_4_LIFE]

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[IRANIAN_4_LIFE]

Pires Poised For Key Talks

The Frenchman's existing deal expires in the summer, which means he can start negotiating with other interested clubs from January 1.

However, Pires, 33 next month, is keen to speak to Gunners boss Arsene Wenger to see what his long-term plans for him are.

"I have a meeting planned with Arsene Wenger in the next few days," he told The Sun. "I don't know what will come of it but we'll see what the future holds.

"If I am to stay I will do so with great pleasure. If not then I'll try elsewhere.

"What I want is to play, even though I'm on the bench at the moment."

http://fs.football365.com/Matches_St...y_172315.shtml

[IRANIAN_4_LIFE]

Solskjaer Warns 'unrealistic' Fans

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has cautioned against Manchester United fans' unrealistic expectations of him following the popular striker's return to action at Birmingham on Wednesday.

Solskjaer ended an 18-month exile from senior duty when he replaced Cristiano Ronaldo seven minutes from the end of United's 2-2 draw at St Andrews.

Although the Norwegian, who has had two rounds of knee surgery since making his last first-team appearance in the 2004 FA Cup final defeat by Millwall, was unable to seal his emotional return with a goal which would have kept the Red Devils' flagging title hopes alive, his introduction was greeted with rapturous applause from the visiting fans.

Solskjaer has an indelible place in supporters' hearts, not just because of his injury-time winner in the 1999 Champions League final, but also due to his wholehearted devotion to the Old Trafford cause.

The 32-year-old will forever be grateful for the backing but he has warned it will take him time to reach the level of performance United have become used to down the years.

"The fans have been fantastic," he said. "It is surreal in a way and maybe a bit unrealistic.

"They have seen me come back now but hopefully they will see a few better performances from me.

"It was a great feeling just to get back on the pitch again and to be able to wave to the supporters at the end.

"I am back in the squad now and available if the manager needs me. But it is going to take time to get the proper match fitness back."

Solskjaer's return was the one bright spot from an otherwise miserable trip to the midlands for United.

Having beaten Birmingham comfortably in the Carling Cup only eight days previously, Sir Alex Ferguson's men were confidently expected to snaffle another three points in their quest to catch Chelsea.

With a New Year's Eve visit from a Bolton side fully refreshed after having their clash with Middlesbrough postponed last night to be followed by a key clash with Arsenal at Highbury on January 3, Ferguson felt confident enough to leave out Ryan Giggs and Park Ji-sung from a side already lacking defensive duo Wes Brown and Mikael Silvestre.

Despite leading twice through Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney, who were netting for the 17th and 11th times respectively this term, the Red Devils were unable to hold on to their advantage and Walter Pandiani delivered a crushing blow with his late leveller.

Incredibly, although United have picked up 23 points from their last nine games, beating Chelsea along the way, they have just fallen further behind Jose Mourinho's men.

The Red Devils now trail Chelsea by 11 points.

Given the Londoners have dropped points only twice this term - and crucially have already played all seven sides immediately below them away from home with the single exception of Bolton - the chances of Ferguson's side reclaiming their crown are virtually non-existent.

No-one at Old Trafford will publicly give up the fight just yet but the disappointment etched over Van Nistelrooy's face as he summed up United's plight told its own story.

"The gap is there," said the prolific Dutchman, who is now three clear of Frank Lampard in the race to finish as Premiership top scorer.

"Chelsea won again in the last minute. That is what they do. They keep clean sheets, score a goal and win their game.

"This is a disappointing result for us because we had the lead twice and should have done the job.

"At 2-1, we were in complete control and looking to get the third.

"But there is no time to dwell on it. There is another game waiting against Bolton on Saturday, which is a massive one for us.

"We must forget what has happened, come out and make sure we show everyone what we are made of."

http://fs.football365.com/Teams/Man_...y_172682.shtml

[IRANIAN_4_LIFE]

http://fs.football365.com/Teams/Man_...y_172639.shtml

[IRANIAN_4_LIFE]

Terry Wants Rivals To Give Up Hope

Skipper John Terry has warned the chasing pack at the top of the Barclays Premiership to prepare themselves for the slow realisation they will not stop Chelsea from lifting the title for the second successive season.

The England international defender wants the players of Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool to feel the same sense of hopelessness as Chelsea did when they were sitting behind the leaders in previous years.

"If we keep winning and the other teams behind us keep winning, it's going to be so frustrating for them," declared Terry. "We were in the same situation a few years ago when Arsenal kept winning and winning during that great season they had."

He added: "When we were winning and trying to catch them, the belief that you are not going to get there slowly kicks in as the season goes further and further on and hopefully that's what other teams are feeling now."

Chelsea face Birmingham on Saturday with Terry set to make his 250th senior appearance for the Blues and he remains adamant there will be no slip-ups on the way to their second successive top flight crown.

While Chelsea's football has not been as pretty or as exciting as last season, it is their ability to grind out results when playing below standard that has pleased Terry more than anything.

"Last season was a good achievement for us but we have improved again since then," said Terry. "That is our target - to keep improving each season.

"We lost at Manchester United and drew with Everton but other than that we have looked solid.

"In the nitty-gritty games when things may not have gone our way, we have ground out results and that has been the key for me. When we've not played well, we've still picked up three points."

http://fs.football365.com/Teams/Chel...y_172827.shtml

[IRANIAN_4_LIFE]

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[IRANIAN_4_LIFE]

Cisse Blasts Marseille Link

Djibril Cisse has launched a staggering attack on his own brother in an attempt to end speculation that he is on his way to Marseille.

The Liverpool striker is furious his brother Hamed, his one-time agent, had said a deal to join the French club was "90% done".

But Cisse said: "There is no truth whatsoever in this and I am really annoyed with my brother, who I have no contact with, for this. I cannot emphasise strongly enough how happy I am here at Liverpool."

The Marseille link had earlier prompted manager Rafael Benitez to make it clear he did not want to sell Cisse and to say of Marseille's constant interest: "They talk and talk but they do not talk to us. We do not want to sell Cisse."

Now the Reds hitman admits he is fed up with constant speculation about his future and added: "This is my club. I waited a long time to come here and I'm here to stay. The fans are amazing, my team-mates and manager are amazing, and it's just a fantastic club.

"I have had no contact with Marseille and the ongoing speculation about my future is boring. It has caused me a lot of problems but I won't let if affect me.

"My mind is focused only on doing my best for Liverpool. We have some tough games coming up and I am fully concentrated on them.

"I'm in Liverpool for three more seasons and I'm not going to leave. The stuff is rubbish, I'm here to stay. It hurt me because it's my own family who talk rubbish.

"I just wanted the stuff to be clear and to be honest with the fans, who are very important to me.

"Don't believe what was said. I feel good here, we have a really good team and performances at the moment."

http://fs.football365.com/Home/story_172834.shtml

[princeofpersia1]

Djibril is a class act!

[IRANIAN_4_LIFE]

Henry: I'm Staying With Arsenal

Thierry Henry has ruled out leaving Arsenal in the summer.

The French striker, who had been linked with a move to Barcelona, has instead vowed to stay with the Gunners who move to their new Emirates Stadium next season.

The 28-year-old told The Sun: "The truth is I love this club and I've made my mind up to stay."

He added: "I can say to all my fans and the people who care about me I want to lead the team out in the new stadium."

Henry, 28, joined Arsenal from Juventus in August 1999 and has since broken Ian Wright's club goalscoring record.

Ironically it was Wright who predicted Henry would depart after seven years of service, saying: ''my gut feeling is Thierry is going to leave and, if I was in the same position, I would''.

But the former England striker looks to have spoken too early, and Gunners boss Wenger had earlier on Friday claimed he was ''confident'' of keeping his star man.

Henry told The Sun how he was tempted to leave in the wake of compatriot Patrick Vieira's exit last summer, adding: ''I'm still only 28. But when I see the fans and the way they talk to me, it helped make my decision.

''They didn't boo me or make life difficult for me on the pitch.''


http://fs.football365.com/Home/story_173542.shtml

[IRANIAN_4_LIFE]

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[IRANIAN_4_LIFE]

Van Persie Signs Up

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie confirmed that he has committed his long-term future to the club until 2011.

Van Persie, 22, has agreed an extension to his current deal after impressing Arsene Wenger with his form so far this season.

The Dutch international told BBC Radio Five Live: "I've been here for 18 months, really enjoyed it and it was never a financial thing so I sorted out the new contract in about two or three days.

"I am really happy to be moving to the new stadium next season and it's something that I want to be part of."

http://fs.football365.com/Teams/Arse...y_173499.shtml

[IRANIAN_4_LIFE]

Gunners Go For Midfielder - Grimandi

Arsenal are targeting a midfielder from the French league during the January transfer window, club scout Gilles Grimandi has revealed.

Grimandi did not reveal the identity of Arsene Wenger's potential targets, with the Arsenal boss having previously ruled out a move for St Etienne's Didier Zakora.

However, the former Arsenal midfielder, who now scouts for the Gunners, told French radio station RMC: "I have been travelling a lot these days, to nearly every country! But there are a lot of great players in Ligue 1 in France. We may propose a contract to a midfielder who plays there."

Wenger is short of central midfield cover following the sale of Patrick Vieira, although he does have Alexandre Song on loan with a view to a permanent move, along with Gilberto, Cesc Fabregas and Mathieu Flamini.

Mexican youngster Carlos Vela was, meanwhile, reportedly due in England for talks over his future this week, with Arsenal set to farm him out on loan to Celta Vigo as he awaits a European passport.

Arsenal have recently concluded an agreement with the Spanish club for the mutual development of players and that could be the ideal staging post for Vela.

"There isn't anything official yet from Celta Vigo. I suppose I will know something this week once I get to England and meet the officials of Arsenal," Vela said, according to www.skysports.com.

"Then it will be decided where I will play but for the moment there isn't anything for sure with Celta. I'll travel to England and, once I get there, they will tell me which team I will play for."


http://fs.football365.com/Teams/Arse...y_173257.shtml

[Darvish11]

Devils beat Sabres

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- Brian Rafalski had a goal and an assist, and Martin Brodeur made 26 saves to help the New Jersey Devils beat the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 on Saturday night.

Jamie Langenbrunner and Scott Gomez also scored for the Devils, who have won three straight for the first time since November.

New Jersey improved to 5-5 under general manager and interim coach Lou Lamoriello, who took over behind the bench after Larry Robinson resigned last month.

Brodeur won for the fourth time in his last five starts, preserving the win with 14 saves in the third period, including consecutive saves from in close on Jochen Hecht, Derek Roy and Maxim Afinogenov in the final seconds.

Afinogenov and Thomas Vanek scored for the Sabres, 2-2 on their six-game homestand.

Buffalo opened the scoring in the first period while on Afinogenov's power-play goal. Brodeur made a sprawling save on Nathan Paetsch's shot, but Derek Roy picked up the rebound and quickly passed it to Afinogenov, who put the puck into the empty net.


Langenbrunner tied it at 1 with 44 seconds left in the first, shoveling the puck past goalie Ryan Miller from the right side of the crease.

New Jersey took the lead following Rafalski's goal 2:36 into the second, and pushed the advantage to 3-1 on Gomez's 16th of the season 3 1/2 minutes later.

Vanek made it 3-2 with 1:38 remaining in the third.

Miller finished with 24 saves.

Buffalo was missing co-captain Chris Drury, the team's second-leading scorer, and defenseman Toni Lydman, who leads the team in ice time. Drury was held out because of a mild groin strain, while Lydman was sick.

The Sabres failed in their attempt drew to within a point of Northeast Division-leading Ottawa. The Senators lost Saturday to Montreal.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- Brian Rafalski had a goal and an assist, and Martin Brodeur made 26 saves to help the New Jersey Devils beat the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 on Saturday night.

Jamie Langenbrunner and Scott Gomez also scored for the Devils, who have won three straight for the first time since November.

New Jersey improved to 5-5 under general manager and interim coach Lou Lamoriello, who took over behind the bench after Larry Robinson resigned last month.

Brodeur won for the fourth time in his last five starts, preserving the win with 14 saves in the third period, including consecutive saves from in close on Jochen Hecht, Derek Roy and Maxim Afinogenov in the final seconds.

Afinogenov and Thomas Vanek scored for the Sabres, 2-2 on their six-game homestand.

Buffalo opened the scoring in the first period while on Afinogenov's power-play goal. Brodeur made a sprawling save on Nathan Paetsch's shot, but Derek Roy picked up the rebound and quickly passed it to Afinogenov, who put the puck into the empty net.


Langenbrunner tied it at 1 with 44 seconds left in the first, shoveling the puck past goalie Ryan Miller from the right side of the crease.

New Jersey took the lead following Rafalski's goal 2:36 into the second, and pushed the advantage to 3-1 on Gomez's 16th of the season 3 1/2 minutes later.

Vanek made it 3-2 with 1:38 remaining in the third.

Miller finished with 24 saves.

Buffalo was missing co-captain Chris Drury, the team's second-leading scorer, and defenseman Toni Lydman, who leads the team in ice time. Drury was held out because of a mild groin strain, while Lydman was sick.

The Sabres failed in their attempt drew to within a point of Northeast Division-leading Ottawa. The Senators lost Saturday to Montreal.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- Brian Rafalski had a goal and an assist, and Martin Brodeur made 26 saves to help the New Jersey Devils beat the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 on Saturday night.

Jamie Langenbrunner and Scott Gomez also scored for the Devils, who have won three straight for the first time since November.

New Jersey improved to 5-5 under general manager and interim coach Lou Lamoriello, who took over behind the bench after Larry Robinson resigned last month.

Brodeur won for the fourth time in his last five starts, preserving the win with 14 saves in the third period, including consecutive saves from in close on Jochen Hecht, Derek Roy and Maxim Afinogenov in the final seconds.

Afinogenov and Thomas Vanek scored for the Sabres, 2-2 on their six-game homestand.

Buffalo opened the scoring in the first period while on Afinogenov's power-play goal. Brodeur made a sprawling save on Nathan Paetsch's shot, but Derek Roy picked up the rebound and quickly passed it to Afinogenov, who put the puck into the empty net.


Langenbrunner tied it at 1 with 44 seconds left in the first, shoveling the puck past goalie Ryan Miller from the right side of the crease.

New Jersey took the lead following Rafalski's goal 2:36 into the second, and pushed the advantage to 3-1 on Gomez's 16th of the season 3 1/2 minutes later.

Vanek made it 3-2 with 1:38 remaining in the third.

Miller finished with 24 saves.

Buffalo was missing co-captain Chris Drury, the team's second-leading scorer, and defenseman Toni Lydman, who leads the team in ice time. Drury was held out because of a mild groin strain, while Lydman was sick.

The Sabres failed in their attempt drew to within a point of Northeast Division-leading Ottawa. The Senators lost Saturday to Montreal.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- Brian Rafalski had a goal and an assist, and Martin Brodeur made 26 saves to help the New Jersey Devils beat the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 on Saturday night.

Jamie Langenbrunner and Scott Gomez also scored for the Devils, who have won three straight for the first time since November.

New Jersey improved to 5-5 under general manager and interim coach Lou Lamoriello, who took over behind the bench after Larry Robinson resigned last month.

Brodeur won for the fourth time in his last five starts, preserving the win with 14 saves in the third period, including consecutive saves from in close on Jochen Hecht, Derek Roy and Maxim Afinogenov in the final seconds.

Afinogenov and Thomas Vanek scored for the Sabres, 2-2 on their six-game homestand.

Buffalo opened the scoring in the first period while on Afinogenov's power-play goal. Brodeur made a sprawling save on Nathan Paetsch's shot, but Derek Roy picked up the rebound and quickly passed it to Afinogenov, who put the puck into the empty net.


Langenbrunner tied it at 1 with 44 seconds left in the first, shoveling the puck past goalie Ryan Miller from the right side of the crease.

New Jersey took the lead following Rafalski's goal 2:36 into the second, and pushed the advantage to 3-1 on Gomez's 16th of the season 3 1/2 minutes later.

Vanek made it 3-2 with 1:38 remaining in the third.

Miller finished with 24 saves.

Buffalo was missing co-captain Chris Drury, the team's second-leading scorer, and defenseman Toni Lydman, who leads the team in ice time. Drury was held out because of a mild groin strain, while Lydman was sick.

The Sabres failed in their attempt drew to within a point of Northeast Division-leading Ottawa. The Senators lost Saturday to Montreal.

http://newjerseydevils.com/2005/html...gr01072006.php

[Rooz]

Ohhhhhhhh Chelsea Til I Die!