Transfer news...

[h=2]Big interview[/h] [h=1]Joe Cole embraces life with Lille to reinvigorate his England hopes[/h] Winger has refound his joie de vivre since moving to France, so much so he has gone back to school to learn the language




  • 'It's about flinging yourself in. The ones who mix settle better,' says Joe Cole of his new career across the Channel with Lille. Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

    Early afternoon drinking decaffeinated espresso at a cafe just off Lille's Place du Général de Gaulle, the placarded stragglers from a trade union protest against austerity measures adding to the hustle and bustle on the cobbled street, and the Englishman abroad seems at ease. Content, even. Joe Cole has training scheduled for later in the day before he and his wife, Carly, attend a first classroom French lesson since their schooldays. Life is hectic but, as the drone from the strikers' megaphones recedes, there is time to take it all in.
    "Our feet haven't touched the floor since we arrived but we're slowly getting the most important things sorted out, like the French classes," Cole says. "When I can, I've been doing this: sitting in cafes, flicking through L'Equipe. I've been trying to immerse myself in the culture. I've just stopped short of putting a beret on and a string of onions round my neck. This is a beautiful city. I didn't know what to expect but life is good. There's a saying here: 'When you arrive in the north of France, you cry. But when you leave, you cry even more.' People fall in love with the place and its sense of community. It just feels right."
    It is refreshing to find Cole so positive. The 29-year-old's career appeared to have veered off course, the expiry of his contract at Chelsea in the summer of 2010 confirmed as he lingered on the fringes of an England side labouring ignominiously at the World Cup finals in South Africa. A free transfer to Liverpool was supposed to rejuvenate, the move initially appearing a natural fit, only for patchy form, a sending-off, niggling injuries, a managerial change and upheaval in the boardroom to cast him back to the periphery. The real surprise is that it has taken a season-long loan move across the Channel to Ligue 1, a path not trodden by an England international who should be in his pomp since Chris Waddle joined Marseille 22 years ago, to spark Cole back to life.
    Some five games into his domestic career at Lille Olympique Sporting Club (Losc) and the midfielder is already adored. A stream of autograph hunters interrupts the conversation over coffee, with most wandering up merely to say "thank you". Presumably for signing in the first place. A shimmy, swerve, dart and assist in his first involvement as a substitute at Saint-Etienne last month set Cole's upbeat tone. A blistering 25-yard goal that burst beyond Lorient's Fabien Audard maintained the grand entrance. Lille are fifth, four points from money-flushed Paris Saint-Germain, and entertain Internazionale, now coached by Cole's former Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri, in the Champions League on Tuesday. They are a team prospering in one of the most technically proficient leagues in Europe, and a club who will move to a 55,000-seat stadium next summer. Cole has reason to suppose his luck has turned.
    Feeling as if he belongs still requires work. "People think of the Englishman abroad and it's typically about sinking 10 pints of lager and attacking the karaoke but, regardless of the football, this was a chance for me and my family to live in another country," he says. "I'm a lad from Camden Town who never dreamed he'd have the opportunity to live or play football in France. Notoriously, we don't export our players often. But I'd like to hope I could help change that perception. It's about flinging yourself in. I've seen foreigners come to England and the ones who mix, go on the nights out with team-mates and buy into the English mentality, settle better. Those who are a bit tentative or shy struggle. So I'm trying to mix as much as I can.
    "The language is part of that. If I'd had a crystal ball I'd have paid more attention back at school in my French lessons but it just didn't interest me. Now I'm starting almost from scratch. We're doing the Michel Thomas audio book French course, and we'll have classroom lessons every week. I can order a coffee, a mineral water, and am picking up silly things. I asked the guys this morning 'à quelle heure' we would be training 'cet après-midi'. Little things like that."
    Proper integration takes time. The midfielder departed Losc's training complex Domaine de Luchin clutching a well-thumbed copy of Alexandre Dellal's Le foot en 7 langues. His 19-month-old daughter, Ruby, starts nursery next week and will grow used to the family speaking French around the rented apartment in central Lille. When Cole finally gets round to buying a television they will watch local channels, their intake of the Premier League limited to Canal Plus's Match of ze Day.
    "It'll be very difficult to be fluent in nine months but I'd like to be able to get by. I guess you need to put this into context. I grew up with Richard Garcia at West Ham and he'd left Australia at 15 to come to England. That's leaving home. My career had taken me from east to west London before Liverpool, and you can be in London in no time on the Eurostar from here but we don't have a house in England and it's not something I'll do often. You have to broaden your horizons sometimes. Experience different things. Like I had frogs' legs the other day, and they were really nice. Just like oily chicken wings. Beautiful. There's a place in central Lille that does them. You should try them."
    That was said with a chuckle but this is a player who is attacking a new life with gusto on and off the pitch. The form he has already displayed for Losc will baffle Liverpudlians frustrated that lingering memories of Cole's first year at the club are more of a dismissal on Premier League debut and only sporadic flashes of his talent thereafter. The club who are supplementing his wages, and could take him back next summer, confront Manchester United on Saturday.
    "I just didn't play enough," he says. "I was suspended and then came back into a struggling side and, under Roy [Hodgson], the tactics didn't suit me. I'd never criticise him – he had a tough job at the time – but the team weren't playing well and, when that happens, the first players to be dropped are always the flair players and the youngsters. That's just the way it is.
    Under Kenny [Dalglish] I'd had a few injuries and the side was settled. As a youngster, at West Ham and Chelsea, I'd been lucky enough to make an impact when I came on and earned the chance to stay involved. At Liverpool, I felt like a young player again. I always needed to do something special just to earn another chance. And it didn't happen for me. I'm not going to blame anyone else and I like the club and I'm sure they'll get where they need to go. But I had to come here and play again. Traditionally, it takes players time to settle in a new country. It's rare you get one who hits the ground running like Luis Suárez. But I don't have that luxury. I've not signed for four years. I'm here initially for nine months."
    His own explosive start suggests he is suited to Ligue 1, where referees offer more protection than in the Premier League and the pace of the game is more precise than helter-skelter. Rudi Garcia's attack-minded Lille side share his philosophy. The only shock has been the reality that he has to clean his own boots – "In England, once you're a pro, you leave all that behind" – with Cole revelling alongside the talented Eden Hazard. "Domestic games are tactically like Champions League matches but everyone in the division we've come up against so far has tried to play football the right way," he says. "European referees allow technical players to flourish, whereas they let more go back in the Premier League.
    "The tempo of the game doesn't change in the final third, the urgent part of the pitch where defenders still shut you down. But, sometimes, teams drop off and we get to be a bit more patient in our buildup. You have to be cleverer with your movement. I've been making runs I don't need to make, charging forward to close down a full-back as I would in the Premier League. That's what I've been programmed to do. Back home, you'd have team-mates screaming at you to 'push up on him'. But when I do it over here I look back over my shoulder and my team-mates are, like: 'What are you doing? Conserve your energy.' I'm learning but that's to be expected. Once you stop learning, there's no point playing. You'd have mastered it. And no one's mastered football yet."
    Still, should the momentum of his first six weeks be maintained, then Cole could yet have a long-term future in France, perhaps thrusting him up alongside Waddle as a cult figure across the Channel. Certainly, success at the top of the division and in Europe would offer Fabio Capello a reminder that here is a player who would relish adding to his 56 caps, the last of which came in humiliation to Germany in Bloemfontein. "I miss playing for my country," he says. "I was a regular in the squad for 10 years and perhaps took it for granted I would always be there. Now, having not been picked for a year, turning 30 next month and with the young players having come in and done well, you start to wonder: 'Are they still looking at me?'
    "I hope I will be noticed. A lot of people in England questioned why I came over here and maybe wrote me off. Perhaps they're now thinking I'm not finished after all. It's not that I want to prove them wrong – that would be the wrong motivation – but I do want to prove to myself that I'm still a top player. This an environment where I can do that. I see John Terry mentioned the other day that he and I had wanted to go swimming with sharks in South Africa. In a cage, of course. We weren't allowed but I'm one for trying different things. Swimming with sharks. Living in France … " This Englishman abroad already feels at home.

 
Rutashubanyuma said:
fafanua sijakuelewa hata chembe..........................mithali uchafu upi ambao wataka uondolewe?
Click to expand...

uchafu huu yaani unafanya copy paste bila ku edit! .. paragraph hazikai kwa mpangilio basi hata hamu ya kusoma inakwisha! .. we huoni ni uchafu
 
[h=2]Liverpool 1-1 Manchester United[/h] [h=1]David de Gea shrugs off his dodgy mantle to rise above the occasion[/h] The Manchester United goalkeeper showed that he has overcome his uncertain start to life in the Premier League




  • The Manchester United goalkeeper, David de Gea, saves a shot from Liverpool's Jordan Henderson. Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

    When it is Liverpool and Manchester United, no opportunity is too good to pass up when it comes to taking malicious pleasure from your rival's discomfort. Rio Ferdinand – defender, cheerleader, wind-up merchant – encouraged Danny Welbeck to turn his back to the away end at the final whistle and pointed triumphantly at his team-mate's shirt. No prizes for guessing Welbeck's number on a day when United's supporters had armed themselves with gloating "19" banners.
    Sir Alex Ferguson opted for a more subtle form of put-down, with a different target in mind. United, he said, had "played all the top teams now", as if it was a trick of the imagination that Manchester City, their opponents next weekend, are in the process of bulldozing a way to the forefront of English football. This was the weekend City climbed above United to the top of the league but – classic Ferguson – there was no recognition of City's new status, just as there will be precious few compliments from his side of the fence this week.
    The general point Ferguson was trying to make was a genuine one, though, and it was that his team were emerging in a strong position from an opening run of fixtures that were challenging enough for Ferdinand, one pre-season evening in Seattle in July, to observe that "our enemies couldn't have picked it any better".
    The derby against City means United will have played all five of the clubs who finished directly beneath them last season, in their opening nine games. They are unbeaten so far and Ferguson is entitled to consider they are in decent shape even if, deep down, he was disappointed by their performance at Anfield. In theory, things should get easier before the end of the year, with eight of their 10 opponents after this weekend currently in the bottom half of the table.
    They should also have Wayne Rooney back against City, providing his mind is a little clearer of the turmoil that led to Ferguson removing him from Saturday's starting line-up. Nemanja Vidic is fit again for the first time since the opening weekend of the season. Tom Cleverley should be in contention, leaving only Rafael da Silva on the injury list, and the trip to Anfield also provided the clearest evidence yet that David de Gea has overcome the difficulties of earlier in the season.
    "The game against Stoke [three weeks ago] was a pivotal moment for him," Ferdinand would later say of the Spaniard's improved goalkeeping. "There was a lot of pressure on him there in terms of people expecting things to go wrong because of the size of the opponents and how Stoke put pressure on the goalkeeper. He dealt with that game brilliantly and it was huge for him confidence-wise. He has just got better and better from there."
    In turn, the picture has changed. Opposition players have stopped peppering him with hopeful long-distance shots because they realise now it is a futile exercise. There were no cries of "dodgy keeper" from the Kop, just long, anguished cries as he kept out everything bar the one moment when Ryan Giggs broke from the wall and Steven Gerrard scored with a free-kick through the gap.
    "He made three huge saves," Ferdinand said. "I didn't notice a change in him after Stoke because he is not an emotional type of guy, or someone who is particularly animated, but he is showing now why the club spent so much money on him and went out to get him."
    Here was a day when the animosity between Manchester United and Liverpool sank to a new low, with accusations of racist insults on the pitch. But amidst all the allegations and counter-allegations after the match, there was also the sight of Pepe Reina, Liverpool's goalkeeper, warmly embracing De Gea in the Anfield corridors.
    "He made a couple of fantastic saves; it shows the potential of Spanish goalkeepers and we are very proud there are now two Spanish lads playing for Liverpool and Manchester United," Reina said. "He will have poor performances, like all of us, but he will have a lot of good ones as well. It is about finding consistency, but he will do that because he is a talent."

 
uchafu huu yaani unafanya copy paste bila ku edit! .. paragraph hazikai kwa mpangilio basi hata hamu ya kusoma inakwisha! .. we huoni ni uchafu
Click to expand...

rahisi kuona kasoro za mwenzio kwani nyani haoni kundule........................
 
[h=1]Liverpool lifted by Steven Gerrard's display against Manchester United[/h] • Steven Gerrard fit and firing again for Liverpool
• Kenny Dalglish: ground is being made on Manchester United





  • Andy Hunter at Anfield
  • guardian.co.uk, Sunday 16 October 2011 23.00 BST Article history
    Steven Gerrard scores Liverpool's goal against Manchester United with a second-half free-kick. Photograph: Michael Mayhew/Sportsphoto/Allstar

    Steven Gerrard longs for normality at Liverpool and, though experience may have taught him to appeal in hope not expectation, 13 years inside the Anfield soap opera have not diminished his influence over its return.
    No sooner had Liverpool's captain urged the club to move on from off-field controversies and re-immerse themselves in the game than Patrice Evra and Sir Alex Ferguson walked into the referee's room at Anfield to lodge a complaint of racist abuse against Luis Suárez. Elsewhere Manchester United defenders lined up to accuse Charlie Adam of diving. Gerrard will have to wait another day to impart his advice without interruption. It will console Liverpool for now that he is fit and able to give it.
    For seven months the Merseyside rumour-mill has been awash with tales of the 31-year-old's premature demise through injury then illness and his first start since March silenced those whispers in typically authoritative fashion. The 90 minutes were as important to Kenny Dalglish as the level of performance and, uniquely for this fixture, both sides could celebrate the free-kick Gerrard miscued into the United goal after Ryan Giggs had instinctively placed the preservation of his crown jewels before that of a clean sheet and moved out of the wall.
    The breakthrough marked the moment Ferguson abandoned his defensive formation and returned to United's adventurous DNA. For 22 minutes at least there was a spectacle worthy of the occasion and cause for Gerrard to believe that the one-year anniversary of Fenway Sports Group's takeover of Liverpool, and the spotlight that inevitably placed on the club's turbulent recent past, was an appropriate point for the club to move on.
    "Enough has been said about the previous regime. A bit more has been said this week with Pepe [Reina]'s book being serialised," the Liverpool captain said. "The new owners have come in, steadied the ship and there is a lot more positivity around from top to bottom in the club. That's what Liverpool Football Club is all about. Quiet up above and making all our noises on the pitch. It's nice to be talking about how well the team is doing rather than the owners."
    Deflation replaced elation as the over-riding feeling of the home dressing room for the first time in four years following a visit from United. Yet in Ferguson's tactical approach – "a compliment", according to Dalglish – the strength of the home bench and the reaction to Javier Hernández's late equaliser, another instinctive header from the Mexican striker from a corner by his fellow substitute Nani, Liverpool's claims of progress did not appear groundless.
    Gerrard added: "We can't be too down over letting the lead slip. We've got to put it into perspective. We were playing probably the best side in the league. It goes to show how far this team and this squad has come that we're disappointed not to have taken maximum points off Manchester United. I thought we more than matched them over the course of the game.
    "Both teams showed each other too much respect and in the first half that's probably the reason why the first 45 minutes were a little flat. But in the second half we were really positive. Right until the final whistle we were pushing for that winner.
    "There have been times when Manchester United have come here and in the last 20 we've been hanging on. That's probably because they've been a lot better and their squad has been a lot stronger. But we've proved we're up there with the best in the league. We have improved and are a lot stronger. We are really confident we can push on now and put a real fight in for the top four."
    But for an exemplary performance from David de Gea in the United goal, who saved impressively from Suárez, Dirk Kuyt and Jordan Henderson, Liverpool would have taken a merited win. "I thought he was supposed to be struggling," said Dalglish of the young Spanish goalkeeper.
    Both sides had optimistic penalty appeals for handball dismissed by the impressive referee Andre Marriner, who also handled the game's clear controversy correctly when Adam won the free-kick that produced Gerrard's fifth goal against United. Walls have tumbled more quickly and with more grace than the Scotland midfielder did to a slight touch from Rio Ferdinand, who again excelled in this fixture, but contact was made and the free-kick was just. The subsequent debate over whether Ferdinand deserved a second yellow card was embarrassing.
    Adam said: "I felt a touch and, if I hadn't gone down, I would have been clear through on goal so there must have been contact. I'm not that type of player. It was a foul and that is why the referee gave it and the goal was just different class. That is why he is one of the best players in the world."

 
[h=1]Robin van Persie gives relieved Arsenal victory over Sunderland[/h]




  • David Hytner at Emirates Stadium
  • guardian.co.uk, Sunday 16 October 2011 15.47 BST Article history
    Robin van Persie, right, scores his and Arsenal's second goal against Sunderland. Photograph: Anthony Devlin/PA

    Where would Arsenal be without Robin van Persie? It is a question they dare not contemplate, even if it threatens to become an issue next summer – and the reason was writ large upon this vital but nervous victory.
    The captain's contribution from the start was eye-catching, but it was the waft of his left boot with nine minutes remaining that provided the decisive moment, and one that led to an outpouring of relief in this corner of north London.
    His team had performed their usual trick of turning a position of strength into one of weakness in what had seemed like no time at all. Sunderland, who dug in for their embattled manager, Steve Bruce, could reflect upon costly misses in the second part of the first half.
    Arsenal recovered to control the second period without creating too much of clear-cut note, and it looked as if Sunderland might hang on for a battling point. Van Persie, though, refused to allow that story-line to play out. He won a free-kick from Wes Brown after a surging run and, having placed the ball, sent it spinning over the defensive wall and into the top corner. If his team were just about value for the win, he fully deserved his ovation at full-time.
    Van Persie's dream calendar year goes on. His two goals here took his tally for Arsenal to 28 in 34 games. It is little wonder that the club are desperate for him to extend his contract beyond June 2013 and why the Dutchman's preference for waiting until next summer to open talks has prompted such anxiety.
    "Unfortunately, the ideal situation does not exist often," said the manager, Arsène Wenger. "The ideal situation is that he extends his length of contract but if he does not, we have to respect that. What is important is that he plays like he plays. For me, commitment is not how long you are at the club, it is as long as you are there, you give 100 per cent until the last day of your contract.
    "Robin knows that we are ready to talk. The most important thing is what you do today and how much you are committed to the cause for as long as you are at the club."
    Van Persie has grown weary of the furore surrounding his desire to postpone the contract discussions, which has been interpreted as a sign that he does not want to commit long-term just yet. He was asked after the game whether his future was at the club. "I'm committed, as I said," he replied. "This is my eighth year. If you can see one player who is committed, it is me."
    Nobody doubts Van Persie's commitment when he crosses the white line and it was his impishness that inspired Arsenal to a fine start. He punished Sunderland for their early sleepwalking with a predator's finish on 29 seconds, which was Arsenal's quickest goal of the Premier League era. The he almost added a gem. Having beaten Kieran Richardson with a languid Cruyff-turn, he chipped sumptuously towards the left top corner: think Eric Cantona for Manchester United against Sunderland in 1996. Unlike Cantona, however, he was denied by the woodwork.
    Arsenal were in charge midway through the first-half but by half-time had surrendered the lead and were fortunate not to be trailing. It was a shocking turnaround and they left the field to a smattering of boos. Wenger spoke of a "confidence wobble" and it represented further evidence of his team's brittleness. Sunderland's equaliser came after Mikel Arteta's needless handball gave Sebastien Larsson the opportunity of a free-kick from 25 yards and the former Arsenal midfielder curled the ball to perfection.
    Bruce's team went for the jugular and he felt that the result would have been different if Lee Cattermole had converted a header from point-blank range, rather than seen Wojciech Szczesny save sharply. Jack Colback also volleyed over when well placed. Van Persie's brilliance ensured that Arsenal escaped with the three points.

 
[h=2]Liverpool 1-1 Manchester United[/h] [h=1]Liverpool want Patrice Evra ban if Luis Suárez race claim is groundless[/h] • 'Upset' Liverpool striker will fight any FA disciplinary case
• Manchester United may need statements from other players




  • Andy Hunter and Daniel Taylor
  • guardian.co.uk, Sunday 16 October 2011 22.31 BST Article history
    Liverpool's Luis Suárez exchanges words with Manchester United's Patrice Evra during the Premier League match at Anfield. Photograph: Andrew Yates/AFP

    Liverpool have given their firm backing to Luis Suárez over his denial that he racially abused Patrice Evra at Anfield on Saturday – and want the Manchester United defender to receive a ban from the Football Association should his accusations prove groundless.
    The Uruguay international has vehemently denied Evra's allegations that he racially abused him during Liverpool's 1-1 draw with United and will fight to clear his name if the FA decides to open a disciplinary case.
    Suárez has also received a show of support from his employers. A Liverpool spokesman said: "Luis is adamant that he has not used language of that nature and the club is totally supportive of the player."
    The inquiry will begin with the FA asking to speak to Evra on Monday to ascertain whether he intends to make an official complaint. Evra's accusation is that he was called "a nigger" – the Senegal-born Frenchman said he heard it "at least 10 times" – but Suárez insists it is not true.
    "I'm upset by the accusations of racism," he said. "I can only say that I have always respected, and respect, everybody. We are all the same." Liverpool have accepted Suárez's version of events and, given the potential repercussions for their striker if Evra's allegations are proven, believe the France international should have a disciplinary case to answer if allegations of this magnitude are dropped.
    Evra, accompanied by Sir Alex Ferguson, asked to see the referee Andre Marriner, after the match to report the alleged incidents and later expressed his anger in an interview with Canal Plus.
    "In 2011, there are things you can't say any more," he said. "The referee knows and there will be an investigation. But I don't want to repeat what he said." The interviewer asked if Suárez had used racist words and he replied: "Yes, he did. We can see thanks to the television what he said. He said it at least 10 times. We can read it on his lips."
    Evra's complaints have been included in Marriner's match report but the referee has also informed the FA and the Premier League that the first he knew of it was after the match. The two players could be seen exchanging words at various points of the second half but it may count against Evra that he did not raise the alleged offence with Marriner during the game.
    On that basis, Evra will almost certainly need back-up statements from his United team-mates if the FA is to decide there is evidence to make a case against Suárez. United would not say if there were witnesses to Evra's allegations but, without them, the authorities may decide it is a case of one man's word against another.
    In 2008 Evra was at the centre of accusations that he was racially abused by a groundsman at Chelsea while warming down. But an FA hearing into the allegation – which was made by a Manchester United employee – found that it was not proven. Evra was subsequently banned for four games and fined £15,000 for his part in the post-match altercation with the groundsman. The controversy comes at a particularly bad time given that Saturday's match launched Kick It Out's three-week "One Game, One Community" action programme, with players from both sides wearing anti-racism T-shirts, and every manager through the leagues wearing one of the organisation's badges.
    A message was read out before the game saying that Liverpool did not tolerate racism of any form, and there was a message in the club programme, including a telephone number for supporters to report anyone guilty of offences.
    Lord Herman Ouesley, the chairman of Kick It Out, said any footballer guilty of racism should face "severe action" both from the FA and the player's club, but "you would have to be able to prove it beyond reasonable doubt".
    He added: "There were incidents in the second half and Evra seemed to get very agitated so something was obviously bugging him because he was quite incensed. But if this happened he should have brought it to the attention of the referee at the time."

 
[h=2]Liverpool 1-1 Manchester United[/h] [h=1]Liverpool want Patrice Evra ban if Luis Suárez race claim is groundless[/h] • 'Upset' Liverpool striker will fight any FA disciplinary case
• Manchester United may need statements from other players




  • Andy Hunter and Daniel Taylor
  • guardian.co.uk, Sunday 16 October 2011 22.31 BST Article history
    Liverpool's Luis Suárez exchanges words with Manchester United's Patrice Evra during the Premier League match at Anfield. Photograph: Andrew Yates/AFP

    Liverpool have given their firm backing to Luis Suárez over his denial that he racially abused Patrice Evra at Anfield on Saturday – and want the Manchester United defender to receive a ban from the Football Association should his accusations prove groundless.
    The Uruguay international has vehemently denied Evra's allegations that he racially abused him during Liverpool's 1-1 draw with United and will fight to clear his name if the FA decides to open a disciplinary case.
    Suárez has also received a show of support from his employers. A Liverpool spokesman said: "Luis is adamant that he has not used language of that nature and the club is totally supportive of the player."
    The inquiry will begin with the FA asking to speak to Evra on Monday to ascertain whether he intends to make an official complaint. Evra's accusation is that he was called "a nigger" – the Senegal-born Frenchman said he heard it "at least 10 times" – but Suárez insists it is not true.
    "I'm upset by the accusations of racism," he said. "I can only say that I have always respected, and respect, everybody. We are all the same." Liverpool have accepted Suárez's version of events and, given the potential repercussions for their striker if Evra's allegations are proven, believe the France international should have a disciplinary case to answer if allegations of this magnitude are dropped.
    Evra, accompanied by Sir Alex Ferguson, asked to see the referee Andre Marriner, after the match to report the alleged incidents and later expressed his anger in an interview with Canal Plus.
    "In 2011, there are things you can't say any more," he said. "The referee knows and there will be an investigation. But I don't want to repeat what he said." The interviewer asked if Suárez had used racist words and he replied: "Yes, he did. We can see thanks to the television what he said. He said it at least 10 times. We can read it on his lips."
    Evra's complaints have been included in Marriner's match report but the referee has also informed the FA and the Premier League that the first he knew of it was after the match. The two players could be seen exchanging words at various points of the second half but it may count against Evra that he did not raise the alleged offence with Marriner during the game.
    On that basis, Evra will almost certainly need back-up statements from his United team-mates if the FA is to decide there is evidence to make a case against Suárez. United would not say if there were witnesses to Evra's allegations but, without them, the authorities may decide it is a case of one man's word against another.
    In 2008 Evra was at the centre of accusations that he was racially abused by a groundsman at Chelsea while warming down. But an FA hearing into the allegation – which was made by a Manchester United employee – found that it was not proven. Evra was subsequently banned for four games and fined £15,000 for his part in the post-match altercation with the groundsman. The controversy comes at a particularly bad time given that Saturday's match launched Kick It Out's three-week "One Game, One Community" action programme, with players from both sides wearing anti-racism T-shirts, and every manager through the leagues wearing one of the organisation's badges.
    A message was read out before the game saying that Liverpool did not tolerate racism of any form, and there was a message in the club programme, including a telephone number for supporters to report anyone guilty of offences.
    Lord Herman Ouesley, the chairman of Kick It Out, said any footballer guilty of racism should face "severe action" both from the FA and the player's club, but "you would have to be able to prove it beyond reasonable doubt".
    He added: "There were incidents in the second half and Evra seemed to get very agitated so something was obviously bugging him because he was quite incensed. But if this happened he should have brought it to the attention of the referee at the time."

 
[h=1]Silva: My form is down to Mancini[/h] Published 15:37 17/10/11 By MirrorFootball

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...ason-behind-his-good-form-article814356.html#


Manchester City playmaker David Silva claims if he really is one of the best players in the world, it is down to manager Roberto Mancini.
The World Cup-winning Spaniard was put in that bracket by Mancini last week after an outstanding start to the season.
Yet the 25-year-old says he could not have raised his game to such a level without the support of his club boss, who signed him from Valencia for £26million last year.
Silva, speaking alongside Mancini at a press conference to preview tomorrow's Champions League game against Villarreal, said: "I am very grateful for the comments he has made.

"But first and foremost I am even more grateful for the faith he has shown in me since I signed for the club.
"It is always very difficult when you are changing countries, changing leagues, changing style of football.
"But now I am in my second season here I feel more settled than ever and I am very happy both on and off the field.
"That is thanks to the man sat next to me, his backroom staff and my team-mates.
"Because I am happy off the field I am showing good form on it now."
Mancini this morning remained effusive in his praise for Silva, who has been one of the chief inspirations for City's rise to the top of the Barclays Premier League.
Silva, a member of City's FA Cup-winning side last season, also caught the eye with a double strike in Spain's Euro 2012 qualifying win over Scotland last week.
Mancini, the former Inter Milan boss, said: "I think Silva is one of the best players in Europe and the world.
"I think Silva can play for Real Madrid, Barcelona. He is an incredible player.
"He has improved a lot in the last year as a guy and as a player.
"I saw him for the first time when I played in the Champions League several years ago - Inter v Valencia. He was young then but he was incredible."
Silva now hopes to carry his form into tomorrow's vital clash against Villarreal at the Etihad Stadium.
City have collected just one point from their opening two Champions League Group A games against Napoli and Bayern Munich and need to win to kickstart their European challenge.
Silva, a substitute for Saturday's Premier League win over Aston Villa as Mancini rotated his squad, said: "It is a very important match for us. We have got to get those three points.
"If we don't get those three points there is going to be some distance between us and the teams at the top. It would be very tough after that."
Silva has also stressed the need to put thoughts of next weekend's eagerly-anticipated derby against Manchester United at Old Trafford to one side for now.
He added: "The weekend is a very important game against Manchester United and we are aware we need the points in that one too because they are right behind us in the league.
"But for now we are just concentrating everything on tomorrow."


​
 
[h=1]Van Persie WON'T quit Arsenal in January[/h] Published 00:01 18/10/11 By John Cross

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...Paris-St-Germain-or-Anzhi-article814403.html#


Robin van Persie will snub a potential January move to give Arsenal every chance of keeping him.
Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris St Germain and billionaire-backed Russian side Anzhi are all ready to pounce for the Dutch forward and could be ready to make offers in the winter window.
But Van Persie, who will have just one year left on his contract at the end of the season, will make it clear he is determined to stay for the rest of the campaign and see if the club can meet his ambitions.
The 28-year-old is keen to stay in the Champions League and is anxious Arsenal have a squad strong enough to remain competitive, but has also reiterated his commitment to the club.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has already hinted he is ready to buy again in January if the squad needs strengthening, and the club will be desperate to finish in the top four so they will be in Europe's top competition again next season.
However, unless Van Persie signs a new deal, Arsenal will face a similar dilemma to the one involving Samir Nasri last summer.
Eventually, they sold Nasri to Manchester City for £22million rather than allow him walk away for free next year.
Arsenal hope to start negotiations with Van Persie soon, but it is unlikely the Dutchman will commit himself before the end of the season.
Wenger believes he can persuade his captain to stay.
He said: "I don't think I will lose Robin. But if a player who has a choice of two clubs with the same *ambition, they'll go for the club who pay more.
"If the players leave it's not linked to titles. Players don't go to Manchester City for titles, they go for money.
"We're coming back slowly. We're not too far from fourth place, but first place is out of reach at the moment."
Gunners legend Nigel Winterburn, however, says the club face a battle to keep their skipper.
Winterburn, told talkSPORT: "Robin van Persie is looking at the situation at Arsenal and he's just seen two of the top players [Nasri and Cesc Fabregas] leave, so he's not going to sign a new contract at this moment in time.
"How do you change that? Well, the team needs to start winning games and Arsene Wenger needs to strengthen the team, if he thinks he needs to, in January. Then [strengthen] again at the end of the season.
"If Arsene Wenger does that, Van Persie will sign again.
"If he doesn't, then there's always the possibility that Van Persie will say, 'Listen, I've given my all to Arsenal, but I'm now going to let my contact run down and at the end of it I need a fresh challenge.'"



​
 
[h=1]Everton snap up free agent McFadden[/h] Published 17:31 17/10/11 By MirrorFootball

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...free-agent-James-McFadden-article814396.html#


Everton have completed the signing of former forward James McFadden, the club have confirmed.
The Scotland international has rejoined three years after he left the Toffees to sign for Birmingham.
McFadden had been without a club since leaving the npower Championship side, relegated last season, in the summer.
He had trained with Wolves and both Mick McCarthy's side and Celtic were keen on signing the 28-year-old.

However, McFadden has opted to link up again with David Moyes on Merseyside in the hope of resurrecting a career hit by injury in the last year or so.
Everton have signed the Scot on a free transfer until the end of the season.
McFadden originally joined the Blues from Motherwell in 2003 and scored 11 times in 109 appearances.
After moving to the midlands for £5million the Scot scored 13 times in 82 games until a cruciate knee ligament injury curtailed his involvement last season.
He was released following Blues' relegation in May but is fit again and will provide another attacking option and experience for manager David Moyes.



​
 

[h=2]Match report: Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City[/h] [h=1]Sir Alex Ferguson feels the pain of his 'worst-ever day'[/h] • 'It's the worst result in my history, ever,' says Ferguson
• Roberto Mancini praises 'crazy' Mario Balotelli after 6-1 romp
• Daniel Taylor: five things we learned




  • Daniel Taylor at Old Trafford
  • guardian.co.uk, Sunday 23 October 2011 18.03 BST Article history
    A stunned Sir Alex Ferguson leaves the pitch after Manchester United's 6-1 defeat against Manchester City at Old Trafford. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA

    The word Sir Alex Ferguson used was "shattered". The last time Manchester United were humbled so comprehensively by Manchester City, a 5-1 defeat at Maine Road in September 1989, Ferguson went home and lay for hours with his head buried under a pillow. This 6-1 defeat will certainly have hurt even more. "I can't believe it," he said. "It's our worst-ever day."
    United have not lost this heavily at home to City since 1926. One more goal for Roberto Mancini's team would have equalled United's worst home defeat, inflicted by Newcastle United the following year. As for Ferguson, his record books have been scarred forever. "It's the worst result in my history, ever," he said. "Even as a player I don't think I ever lost 6-1. It's an incredible disappointment."
    Mancini tried to play down the achievement when he was asked whether United's first home defeat in 38 games represented one of the more satisfying results of his career. "No," he replied, "I'm satisfied because we beat United away and I don't think there are a lot of teams that could win here. But in the end there are only three points – we don't take six points."
    But this felt like far more than just another win. Darren Fletcher described United's performance as "naive" and Ferguson accused the 10 men of being carried away by United's history of improbable comebacks.
    "It was hard to believe we were 1-0 down but that's retrievable. The sending off [of Jonny Evans] was the killer blow. After that, we kept attacking. It's all right playing the history books but common sense has to come into it. When we went to 3-1, 4-1 we should have settled for that. We kept attacking and we should have just said: 'We've had our day.' But our two full-backs were playing like wingers. At times it was two versus three at the back. And that was suicidal, crazy."
    Mancini had generous words for the beaten side. "This is important for our confidence but we should appreciate the mentality United have. United are too strong for this [to affect them]. They know, like me, there are only three points and this is only one game."
    United, he said, are "still one yard above us. We can change this only after we win the title. After that, maybe it will be different but, for now, United are still better than us."
    Mancini could afford to laugh at Mario Balotelli's latest self-inflicted controversy, the striker's house catching fire after he and four friends let off fireworks from a bathroom window in the early hours of Saturday.
    "If we want to talk about Mario as a football player, I'd put him in the first five players in the world," City's manager said. "The problem is his age. He is young and he can make mistakes.
    "As a player, he is incredible and I hope for him, and for football in general, we arrive at the day when Mario has completely changed his mentality because, after that, he becomes one of the best three players in the world, like [Lionel] Messi, like Cristiano Ronaldo."
    The message Balotelli revealed on his T-shirt – "Why always me?" – after scoring the first of his two goals summed it up. "It's Mario," Mancini said. "He's crazy. But I love him because he's a good guy. I don't know what happened with the fireworks. The good thing is he was not hurt. But all I know is that he is sleeping at a hotel now."
    The day ended in angry scenes outside Old Trafford, with missiles thrown at the car taking the Glazer family away from the stadium.
    "We have to recover," Ferguson said. "In the history of Manchester United this is another day and we will recover. But that kind of defeat will make an impact on the players. There's a lot of embarrassment in that dressing room and quite rightly so."
    Ferguson once derided the modern-day City as being "all talk". Now he has hard evidence that Mancini's team are the most serious threat to United's title hopes. "People call us the noisy neighbours," Micah Richards, the City right-back, said. "Well, here we are."

 
[h=1]Monday's gossip column - transfers and rumours[/h]

TRANSFER GOSSIP
Fulham are monitoring Stuttgart striker Pavel Pogrebnyak after the Russian impressed while at Zenit St Petersburg alongside midfielder Andrei Arshavin.
Full story: Daily Mail
Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala are planning a £10m swoop for Arsenal's Arshavin and defender Sebastien Squillaci in the January transfer window.
Full story: Inside Futbol
Inter Milan are set to go head-to-head with Arsenal for the signature of Marseille winger Andre Ayew.
Full story: Metro
Manchester United are planning a move for £20m-rated Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic in the January transfer window.
Full story: Caught Offside
Liverpool and Tottenham are continuing to monitor Werder Bremen's German international playmaker Marko Marin, with Arsenal and Chelsea also interested in the midfielder.
Full story: Daily Mail
England winger Theo Walcott is ready to snub a big-money move to Juventus by signing a new contract with Arsenal.
Full story: Metro
Brighton will step up their chase for out-of-favour Leeds striker Billy Paynter after failing to sign him in August.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Arsenal are looking at Macclesfield Town's teenage defender Elliott Hewitt. The 17-year-old has already played for the Wales Under-21 side.
Full story: Daily Mail
Swansea City have opened contract talks with winger Scott Sinclair who has 18 months left on his current deal.
Full story: Daily Mail
Coventry chairman Ken Dulieu has flown in to take charge of the club's vital contract negotiations, with the retention of Sammy Clingan and Martin Crainie top of the list.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper is set to leave the club and join Brighton on loan after losing the number one spot to Tim Krul. The 36-year-old has fallen further down the pecking order following the arrival of Rob Elliot from Charlton.
Full story: the Sun
Rangers will this week give a trial to Sweden Under-21 striker Joe Sise, currently with Halmstads. (Various)

OTHER GOSSIP
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas is set to face an FA charge after Sunday's bad-tempered defeat at the hands of QPR which saw both defender Jose Bosingwa and striker Didier Drogba sent off and the manager outspoken in post-match comments over the performance of referee Chris Foy.
Full story: Daily Mirror
LA Galaxy reckon they have a 50-50 chance of keeping former Manchester United midfielder David Beckham. The 36-year-old's five-year deal ends next month and he has been linked with Tottenham, Paris St Germain, QPR and Leicester.
Full story: the Sun
AND FINALLY
Wolves captain Roger Johnson has rounded bitterly on the club's disgruntled fans after they expressed their unhappiness at manager Mick McCarthy in Saturday's Premier League game against Swansea.
Full story: Daily Mail
 
[h=1]Football transfer rumours: Andrey Arshavin to Anzhi Makhachkala?[/h] Today's tittle-tattle has a massive bruise on its left knee



  • Andrei Arshavin: a rosy-cheeked riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an under-achieving Russian midfield shoulder-shrug. Photograph: Sean Dempsey/PA

    Clambering from its nest fabricated from straw, old elastic bands, discarded chicken bones and carefully masticated strips torn from the pages of the Rothmans Football Yearbook 1990-91, the Rumour Mill was curious to see how the football landscape had changed in the wake of that astonishing result.
    You have to go back as far back as April this year for the last time Everton scored three goals away from home and with the remarkable victory against Fulham ensuring the Toffees captured all the Premier League headlines this morning, it's small wonder the Rumour Mill was able to sleep at all, given the raucous din created by the sound of shifting Premier League paradigms emanating from Craven Cottage.
    Of course Everton's headline-grabbing win meant that an Arsenal victory over Stoke City that would normally expect to bask in the spotlight was shunted back alongside QPR, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and the rest of the Premier League chorus line hoofers. But the Rumour Mill is happy to sprinkle its unique brand of star-dust (three parts Bisto gravy granules, one part Westland Eraza Slug and Snail Killer) on the Gunners and restore them to top billing by revealing that representatives from the Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala are preparing to reverse their money truck up to the Emirates and sand-blast it with a mixture of £50 notes, pink diamonds and molten gold in exchange for French defensive liability Sébastien Squillaci and his rosy-cheeked riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an under-achieving Russian midfield shoulder-shrug, Andrey Arshavin.
    The Dagestan outfit, home of Roberto Carlos and Samuel Eto'o, among others, are expected to make an opening bid of €12m for the pair, which will quickly rise to €150m once Arsenal realise exactly who it is that's bidding for their players. In less pleasing news for Gooners, Theo Walcott is not off to Juventus, while Marouane Chamakh's agent has declared that his client will emphatically not be going to Roma in January. "'The news about Marouane and Roma is absolutely unfounded," said Pierre Frelot, to a bemused passer-by who'd only asked for directions to the bus stop.
    Determined to hog the opening paragraphs of this Monday morning gossip-splat, Arsenal won't have it all their own way when it comes to acquiring the services of the Marseille striker André Ayew, who is also getting the glad eye from Serie A side Inter. "Arsène Wenger is a known admirer of the 21-year-old, and may see the attacker as the ideal cover for Gervinho, who is set for African Cup of Nations duty in the New Year," writes one newspaper of the Rumour Mill's acquaintance, apparently oblivious to the fact that Ayew has 32 caps for Ghana and will almost certainly be travelling to Gabon and the Republic of Equatorial New Guinea for that particular January kickabout himself.
    The Stuttgart striker Pavel Pogrebnyak is wanted by Fulham, who are cautiously optimistic that, unlike Bobby Zamora, the lantern-jawed Muscovite will come complete with the kind of gimlet eye and icy composure required to kick a football into a gaping, unguarded goal from eight yards. It's not as easy as it looks, you know? OK, it is as easy as it looks.
    With Manchester United's bolting horse a mere speck on the horizon in the wake of yesterday's narrow defeat at the hands of the noisy neighbours, Sir Alex Ferguson will close the stable door by attempting to sign the Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic for £20m in January. Dubbed "the next Nemanja Vidic", the Serbia international will prompt all sorts of Back To The Future-esque existential space-time conundrums should Fergie secure his scrawl and introduce him to a back four already boasting the current Nemanja Vidic.
    Those two unmarked Luton Transit vans parked outside Werder Bremen's Weserstadion contain tired, cramped and crotchety coffee-swilling surveillance units from Liverpool and Tottenham, who are "monitoring" German international midfielder Marko Marin.
    Having spent the majority of his career on the Newcastle bench, only to finally get a run in the first team and quickly get relegated to the bench again, goalkeeper Steve Harper has finally had enough and will move to Brighton, where, at worst, he'll get to sit on a different bench near the sea. The Seagulls also want Leeds United striker Billy Paynter, a player they failed to sign during the summer, but who has since fallen out of favour at Elland Road and is looking for an escape.
    And finally, back at the Emirates, Arsenal whelps Ignasi Miquel, Sanchez Watt, Oguzhan Ozyakup, Daniel Boateng and Chuks Aneke will be loaned out to an assortment of lower league clubs as soon as they've made their annual appearance on the bench in tomorrow night's Carling Cup tie against Bolton Wanderers.

 
[h=1]Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Monday's papers[/h] Published 09:17 24/10/11 By Football Spy

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...ssip-from-Monday-s-papers-article819611.html#


Transfer stories from today's Daily Mirror
Brighton plot return for 'unwanted' Leeds striker
Coventry chairman jets in for contract negotiations
Ancelotti desperate to make Premier League return

Transfer stories from other newspapers and websites
Arsenal are looking at Macclesfield Town defender Elliot Hewitt. The 17-year-old is also on Everton and Chelsea's radar. (Daily Mail)
LA Galaxy reckon they have a 50-50 chance of keeping David Beckham . His five-year deal ends next month and he has been linked with Tottenham, Paris St Germain, QPR and Leicester. (The Sun)
Steve Harper is set to leave Newcastle and join Brighton on loan. (The Sun)
El-Hadji Diouf and Mahamadou Diarra are set to sign for Doncaster Rovers. (The Sun)
Liverpool and Tottenham are keen on 22-year-old Werder Bremen playmaker Marko Marin. (Daily Mail)
Fulham are monitoring Stuttgart striker Pavel Pogrebnyak. (Daily Mail)
Swansea City have opened contract talks with Scott Sinclair . The winger, 22, has 18 months left on his deal and Brendan Rodgers confirmed: 'I've spoken to Scott already.' (Daily Mail)
Inter Milan are set to go head-to-head with Arsenal for the signature of Marseille winger Andre Ayew. (Metro)
Theo Walcott is ready to snub a big-money move to Juventus, by signing a new contract with Arsenal . (Metro)



​
 
[h=1]Mancini plays down title talk after thrashing United[/h] Published 09:35 24/10/11 By MirrorFootball




Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini does not accept his side have become clear title favourites despite yesterday's emphatic and potentially earth-shifting thrashing of Manchester United.
City made a bold statement to their title rivals as they stormed Old Trafford to claim a remarkable 6-1 win and move five points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League.
Man United 1-6 Man City: Daily Mirror match report
The result could prove another notable landmark in star-studded City's seemingly unstoppable march towards domestic dominance, but Mancini wants to play down expectations.

The Italian said: "I think there are four or five teams that can win the title in the end.
"The season is too long, it is very difficult every game, every three days we play.
"I think against Tottenham we played very well, and against Bolton, but this is different - we played against a strong team like United.
"But in the end there are three points - finished. We don't take six points for this game."
The champions made the better of the early running but City held firm and went ahead against the run of play through the irrepressible - on and off the field - Mario Balotelli.
The controversial striker, in the headlines again after a fire at his home started by a firework, placed a low shot beyond David de Gea and then revealed a T-shirt message which read, 'Why Always Me?'.
Balotelli then won the foul which saw Jonny Evans sent off before adding a second goal to put City in sight of only their second win at Old Trafford since 1974.
Sergio Aguero grabbed the third before Darren Fletcher pulled one back, but City ran amok in the closing minutes to condemn United to their heaviest home defeat since 1955.
Edin Dzeko got on the scoresheet twice and David Silva was also on target as City recorded their best derby win for 85 years.
Despite the emphatic nature of the victory, Mancini insisted United were still the superior side.
He said: "This is only one game. I still think United are one yard above us, still.
"I think we can only change this after we win the title in the end.
"After, maybe it will be different, but now United are better than us."
The result was 69-year-old United boss Sir Alex Ferguson's worst defeat in his distinguished career as a player or manager.
Yet it was still only United's first loss of the season and the Scot is convinced they will bounce back in characteristic fashion.
He told Sky Sports: "We will react, no question about that. It's a perfect result for us to react to because there is a lot of embarrassment in the dressing room and that will make an impact."
Stunned Ferguson: It's the worst result in my history, ever
Oliver Holt's Big Match Verdict: City won't be the only club celebrating United's humiliation

Tweet my Goal! Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City
 
[h=1]Ancelotti desperate to make Premier League return[/h] Published 22:05 23/10/11 By Neil McLeman

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...r-a-Premier-League-return-article819308.html#


Carlo Ancelotti is taking English lessons "three or four times a week" and confirmed he wants to return to the Premier League.
The Italian won the Double in his first season at Chelsea but was then sacked in the summer after a trophyless year.
The 52-year-old still spends time in London and works as a pundit for Italian TV. He said: "If it is possible to find another club here, I would like to stay in England as I love the country and the players."



​
 
[h=1]Warnock: This is the greatest day of my career[/h] Published 22:04 23/10/11 By Neil McLeman

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...greatest-day-of-my-career-article819304.html#


Neil Warnock hailed "the greatest day of my career" after his QPR side shocked Chelsea in the West London derby.
The 62-year-old admitted the atmosphere at Loftus Road yesterday was "incredible" as QPR recorded their first Premier League home win for more than 15 years.
"It is the greatest day of my career, because of the importance to the fans," Warnock beamed.
"They'll be talking about this in 30 or 40 years. The place was rocking. We've shocked people today.

QPR 1-0 Chelsea: Daily Mirror match report
QPR v Chelsea, Premier League - Picture special
AVB faces FA charge after unleashing rant at ref



​
 

[h=1] [/h]
[h=2]Match report: Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City[/h] [h=1]Regal Manchester City destroy United to threaten the old order[/h] Brilliance of David Silva and icy finishing of Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko suggested City, with a little help from Abu Dhabi, are on the brink of a glorious new era




  • David Silva after scoring City's fifth goal. The Spanish winger has added artistry to a sometimes mechanical side. Photograph: Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty Images

    "Why Always Me?" read the lament on Mario Balotelli's T-shirt. "Why Always Them?" Manchester City fans have complained about United for generations.
    Not any more. The second-best side in Europe after their Champions League final defeat to Barcelona, United now face a struggle to be seen as the No1 team in their own metropolis after their noisy neighbours made a grab for power with this stunning 6-1 victory.
    "There's a lot of embarrassment in the dressing room and rightly so," Sir Alex Ferguson said after City moved five points clear of them in the Premier League, with 33 goals in nine games. With a little help from an Abu Dhabi multibillionaire, the downtrodden have shaken off their chains. City overran United through the brilliance of David Silva and the icy finishing of Balotelli and Edin Dzeko.
    First Balotelli ignited his own house by launching fireworks through his bathroom window, then he threw a match on the old order, vindicating Roberto Mancini's decision to start him with City's first two goals. United's most optimistic followers will dismiss this as a freakish result caused partly by the dismissal of Jonny Evans on 46 minutes for a last-man foul on Balotelli. But it went much deeper. City were regal: skilful and strong in equal parts as they ran in three late goals inside four minutes to turn a win into a massacre.
    Not since 1968, arguably, has there been so much individual talent on show in a Manchester derby. The additions of Silva, Sergio Agüero and Samir Nasri to a powerful but sometimes mechanical City side have transformed England's highest league and jeopardised United's dominance. Long gone are the days when City's disciples took refuge in fatalism and humour. Now they watch Silva bamboozle the best opponents, salute rigorous defending and applaud Balotelli as he lifts his jersey to reveal a comedy T-shirt.
    Why always him? The red cards, frivolous backheels, motoring incidents and pyrotechnic mishaps may have something to do with it. A persecution complex was no hindrance to him, though, in the home of England's champions. Two minutes before he scored, Balotelli had answered back to Mancini, who was unhappy with his movement. His next act was to capitalise on some typically slick City interplay as he slid the first of City's half-dozen past David de Gea, the goalkeeper in United's worst Premier League defeat.
    Never in his long reign has Ferguson conceded that "3-1 or 4-1" would have been a mercy. He described himself as "shattered" and said: "I can't believe it. It was incredibly disappointing. The sending off was the killer blow. After that they just kept on attacking. We showed a bit of inexperience at the back. At 3-1 or 4-1 we should have settled for that. Our two-full backs were playing as wingers and left us two on three at the back. That was suicidal."
    This defeat, Ferguson said, would "leave an impact on the players", who have taken a switchback ride since winning the club's 19th English title in May. Deprived of the ball for most of Barcelona's dazzling Champions League win, they added Ashley Young, Phil Jones and De Gea in the summer, started brightly, whacked Arsenal 8-2 at the end of August and then walked into this ambush: the first six-goal concession at home in the top flight since 1930.
    For Ferguson's squad to recover they will need to somehow frame this setback as a freakish product of their own recklessness in chasing a lost game against first-rate counterattackers. But the match also highlighted United's weaknesses, especially an absence of artistry and ingenuity in midfield, where Anderson plodded and Nani, often a match-winner, was anonymous.
    At the back United were ripped apart, especially on their left-hand side, where James Milner, Micah Richards and especially Silva caused havoc as United's team shape fell apart. "Sheikh Mansour, m'lord," City fans chanted, like a rugby crowd. And: "The city is ours," followed by a fruity exhortation to United's followers to "go back to London". These old taunts assumed a fresh sharpness coming from a wedge of fans who used to think of trips to Old Trafford as a survival exercise. United will be more dynamic in midfield when Tom Cleverley returns and less limp when Ferguson has had his say at the inquest. But they will not want a second helping of the queasiness they felt when Barcelona taught them a lesson at Wembley. Playing the fall guys to the best team of their age is pretty much unavoidable in present circumstances. This is different.
    This was United being usurped on their own manor. How, they will ask, did City get so good?
    United's board will brace itself for a regurgitation of ominous statistics, principally the one showing the £473m the Glazer family have drained in bank interest, fees and charges. The juxtaposition of two ownership models now favours City. In one, debt is loaded on the club to pay. In the other, money pours in as gift, as extravagance.
    This season has brought a vital change in the outside view of City, who occupy the commanding heights despite having to deal with Carlos Tevez's apparent wildcat strike in Munich. The neutral can watch Silva, Nasri and Agüero for sheer entertainment value. This was the trick Sheikh Mansour needed to pull off: to draw converts to an idea beyond and above mere power and money.
    With their mohicans (Balotelli, Micah Richards), physical might (Yaya Touré, Vincent Kompany), industry and creativity, City have cuffed away the charge that they had yet to face anyone serious in this Premier League campaign. They have established a precedent against top-four opposition they will need to maintain when the final third of the season tests their togetherness and cunning.
    United, on the other hand, have faced down threats over the last 15 years from Arsène Wenger's Arsenal, Roman Abramovich's Chelsea and a resurgent Liverpool. This one is so close they can smell it, across town. It is inescapable on the streets and in the daily life of Manchester. Stand well back, and enjoy.

 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Discussions

Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…