Transfer news...

Transfer news...

[h=1]EXCLUSIVE: Mancini frustrated City won't get him De Rossi[/h] Published 22:25 14/01/12 By Simon Mullock

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...for-Roma-Daniele-De-Rossi-article853495.html#
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Roberto Mancini fears Manchester City's title bid is being undermined by the club's refusal to hand him more transfer cash.
The City boss is becoming *increasingly frustrated after being told by the club's hierarchy that the need to meet Financial Fair Play Regulations means he will be *unable to address his concerns over a lack of squad depth in the transfer window.
Mancini has identified Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi as the perfect player to give City a lift as he looks to land the club's first championship for 44 years.
But Sunday Mirror Sport understands that the City boss wants the resources to bring in a forward and defender as well as the versatile De Rossi.

The Italian has been monitoring Fiorentina's attacker Stevan Jovetic, although the 22-year-old Montenegrin is rated in the *£25million bracket.
The growing tensions between Mancini and his employers have been the talk of City's Carrington training ground.
A City insider said: *"Mancini is unhappy that the club are saying they can't, or won't, back him in the market this month.
"He understands that FFP is already having an impact, but he feels that after investing so many resources to get to the top of the league, the challenge could be *undermined by the reluctance to bring in one or two more players."
Mancini has been told that the club's position is unlikely to change even if they are able to find buyers for Carlos Tevez, Wayne Bridge and Nedum Onuoha this month.
But that will not stop the Italian from going back with a warning that he must be allowed to spend again to keep City on course for the title.
The Blues remain top of the table ahead of tomorrow's trip to Wigan, but they have suffered successive home defeats at the hands of Manchester United and *Liverpool in the FA Cup and Carling Cup.
Mancini has been bankrolled to the tune of £230million over the past two years.
He has recouped less than £35million in player sales and the club have had to allow big-money signings like Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz to leave on loan to ease a growing wage bill.
City are also continuing to pay Tevez's £197,000-a-week wages despite the Argentine's continuing refusal to return to the club. Inter Milan have offered £25m, but Tevez would prefer to join AC Milan.
Milan have offered to take Tevez on loan and pay his wages in full, but that was not acceptable to City, who don't want the Tevez problem to return at the end of the season. Talks are expected to resume again this week and Mancini hopes any deal will once again loosen the purse strings at the Etihad.
EXCLUSIVE: De Jong reveals how fatherhood ended rift with thieving dad
Wenger shows sympathy for City's congested fixture list
'Cool' Mancini ready to dominate for long time, fears Martinez
 
[h=1]EXCLUSIVE: Kalou prepared to wait and leave for nothing[/h] Published 22:20 14/01/12 By Paul Smith

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...ool-Tottenham-and-Everton-article853503.html#
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Salomon Kalou will *resist attempts by Chelsea to sell him in the January transfer window and walk out on the Blues for *nothing in the summer.
Kalou is with the Ivory Coast preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations and isn't due to return to *Stamford Bridge until next month. But he has *dismissed reports of a cut-price move to Arsenal after failing to agree a new *contract with Chelsea and up to ten clubs are ready to enter an auction for his signature when he *becomes a free agent.
Tottenham, Liverpool, Everton and a host of European clubs including cash-rich French giants PSG are interested.
Although Chelsea have not given up complete hope of convincing him to sign a new deal, the break-down in negotiations have tempted them to sell him at a reduced price this month, with the Gunners early *favourites to sign him.

But the 26-year-old's *advisers believe he will be in a far more advantageous position to move at the end of the season when he will no longer command a fee.
It is the lack of first-team football and not money that has led Kalou to turn down Chelsea's offer of a new £70,000-a-week deal.
Chelsea 1-0 Sunderland: Sunday Mirror match report
Hughes eyes neighbours Chelsea ahead of Rangers revolution
Chelsea monitoring situation of in-demand Grimsby striker
 
[h=1]EXCLUSIVE: Pavlyuchenko being priced out of move, moans agent[/h] Published 22:19 14/01/12 By Darren Witcoop

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...e-says-agent-Oleg-Artemov-article853518.html#
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Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has come under attack for pricing striker Roman Pavlyuchenko out of a January move.
Levy is loathed to take a big loss on Pavlyuchenko, who cost £13.8million in 2008.
Pavlyuchenko's agent Oleg Artemov said: "We can't agree about the price with Mr Levy. He values Pavlyuchenko according to his own gauge. This is by how much the club spent, his goals and he also wants some profit on him. I don't really know how he's counting."

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[h=1]Bentley prepared to move to MLS to get career back on track[/h] Published 23:00 14/01/12 By MirrorFootball

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...-get-career-back-on-track-article854060.html#
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A full version of this story appears in today's People. Read it online at People.co.uk
David Bentley is going to make a summer loan move to Major League Soccer in America in a bid to finally get his career back on track.
The Tottenham midfielder is undergoing a rehabilitation course following a knee injury and expects to be fully fit by the beginning of March.
Bentley, 27, reckons it will be the first time he has been in top condition in TWO years.
 
[h=1]Chelsea monitoring situation of in-demand Grimsby striker[/h] Published 23:00 14/01/12 By MirrorFootball

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...rimsby-striker-Liam-Hearn-article854062.html#
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A full version of this story appears in today's People. Read it online at People.co.uk
Grimsby striker Liam Hearn is being watched by a number of Premier League and Championship clubs, including Chelsea and Reading.
Read the full version of this story at People.co.uk
Chelsea 1-0 Sunderland: Sunday Mirror match report
 
[h=1]EXCLUSIVE: Mark Hughes set to ditch QPR bad boy Barton[/h] Published 22:25 14/01/12 By Paul Smith

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...eady-to-ditch-Joey-Barton-article854007.html#
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Joey Barton is set to be one of the first casualties in Mark Hughes' QPR revolution.
Bad boy Joey, 29, is *suspended and will miss today's trip to Newcastle.
But highly placed *Rangers sources believe Barton is unlikely to figure in *Hughes' *long-term plans.
Hughes took over last week, following the sacking of Neil Warnock, and vowed to grab the chance to build a club of substance.

Warnock was the boss who recruited controversial Barton on a free transfer last August and made him Rangers' captain.
Another high-profile star at risk is Shaun Wright-Phillips, who has failed to make any real impact since a summer move from Manchester City. Hughes accepts that he has a major rebuilding job at the club and is looking to off-load a number of players.
But, with only two weeks of the transfer window *remaining, the time may not be right for sweeping changes at the club.
Hughes is targeting at least six new signings.
Rangers agreed a fee *yesterday to sign centre-back Alex from Chelsea.
The Loftus Road *hierarchy will now have to agree *personal terms with the Brazilian defender.
Hughes is also hoping to recruit rising young Brazil star Henrique – work *permit permitting – on an 18-month loan deal from Sao Paulo with an option to buy him for around *£5million.
Hughes fears Al-Fayed will price him out of move for Zamora
QPR boss prepares £5m bid for England goalkeeper
Hughes eyes neighbours Chelsea ahead of Rangers revolution
 
[h=1]Liverpool add Spain's Llorente to their striker wish list[/h] Published 23:00 14/01/12 By MirrorFootball

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...o-their-striker-wish-list-article854061.html#
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A full version of this story appears in today's People. Read it online at People.co.uk
Liverpool are continuing their hunt for firepower – with Spain striker Fernando Llorente a possible target.
Kop boss Kenny Dalglish and director of football Damien Comolli continue to monitor several options as Andy Carroll struggles to settle.
They are also keeping tabs on other hitmen including Newcastle's Demba Ba and Aston Villa's Darren Bent, but 26-year-old Llorente who would cost at least £20m, is also on their radar after some fine displays for Athletico Bilbao and Spain.

Read the full version of this story at People.co.uk

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[h=1]QPR boss prepares £5m bid for England goalkeeper[/h] Published 23:00 14/01/12 By MirrorFootball

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...-for-West-Brom-Ben-Foster-article854050.html#
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A full version of this story appears in today's People. Read it online at People.co.uk
Mark Hughes believes he can tempt Birmingham to part with goalkeeper Ben Foster.
New QPR boss Hughes is preparing a £5million bid for the former England shot-stopper – with Paddy Kenny battling to save his job.
Foster is on loan at West Brom until the end of the season but that deal can be broken if the money offered is high enough.

Read the full version of this story at People.co.uk
EXCLUSIVE: Mark Hughes set to ditch QPR bad boy Barton
Hughes eyes neighbours Chelsea ahead of Rangers revolution
Hughes fears Al-Fayed will price him out of move for Zamora

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[h=1]Villa ponder summer swap deal of Bent for Carroll[/h] Published 23:00 14/01/12 By MirrorFootball

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...or-Liverpool-Andy-Carroll-article854059.html#
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A full version of this story appears in today's People. Read it online at People.co.uk
Aston Villa will test Liverpool's resolve to hang on to misfiring striker Andy Carroll in the summer – and could offer Darren Bent in a deal.
The £35million forward has struggled this season and was left out of the starting line-up for yesterday's game against Stoke. Despite reports linking Carroll with a move back to Newcastle PEOPLE SPORT understands there is absolutely no chance of Liverpool ditching him this month.
Indeed, in a phone call from Villa boss Alex McLeish, boss Kenny Dalglish could not end the conversation quick enough when Carroll's name cropped up.

Read the full version of this story at People.co.uk
Aston Villa 1-1 Everton: Sunday Mirror match report

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[h=1]Wenger considers taking Real Madrid starlet on loan[/h] Published 23:00 14/01/12 By MirrorFootball

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...rid-Alvaro-Morata-on-loan-article854063.html#
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A full version of this story appears in today's People. Read it online at People.co.uk
Arsenal are considering a bid to take Spain Under-19 striker Alvaro Morata on loan.
The youngster plays for Real Madrid's B team but is not in the plans of first-team boss Jose Mourinho.
Morata has instructed his agent to try to seal a move to England at the end of the season and Gunners chief Arsene Wenger has indicated he could be willing to offer him a deal.

Read the full version of this story at People.co.uk
Vermaelen set to make Gunners return for United showdown
Diaby goes globetrotting in bid to save Arsenal career
Wenger wants January window wide open or slammed shut
EXCLUSIVE: Petit reveals the passion behind Henry's return
EXCLUSIVE: Wenger admits interest in Man United rebel

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[h=1]Diaby goes globetrotting in bid to save Arsenal career[/h] Published 22:15 14/01/12 By Steve Stammers

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...o-save-his-Arsenal-career-article853960.html#
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Abou Diaby is going *intercontinental in a *frantic bid to resurrect his Arsenal *career.
The 25-year-old French star has been plagued by injury problems since his £2.5million move from Auxerre six years ago.
He was seen as the natural successor to Patrick Vieira in midfield, but his progress has been cruelly *interrupted several times.
In his latest attempt to regain fitness, Diaby has spent the last fortnight in Qatar where he has *undergone rehabilitation after an ankle problem.

This week he will switch bases to Miami, Florida, where he will work with a fitness trainer.
The *projected date for his first-team return is *mid-March.
Diaby's problems started in May 2006 – just as he was impressively adapting to the English game.
During a meaningless end-of-season game at The Stadium of Light in May 2006, he was the victim of a horror tackle from *Sunderland's Dan Smith.
It meant he missed out on any involvement in the 2006 Champions League Final in his home city of Paris against Barcelona.
Diaby needed three *operations before he was able to play again.
He then picked up a thigh injury in March 2008, which kept him out until October.
In September 2010, Diaby suffered an ankle injury in another challenge.
Vermaelen set to make Gunners return for United showdown
EXCLUSIVE: Petit reveals the passion behind Henry's return
Wenger considers taking Real Madrid starlet on loan
EXCLUSIVE: Wenger admits interest in Man United rebel
 
[h=1]EXCLUSIVE: Petit reveals the passion behind Henry's return[/h] Published 22:16 14/01/12 By Steve Stammers

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...erry-Henry-Arsenal-return-article853937.html#
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It was in the privacy of the home team dressing room that Emmanuel Petit witnessed just what the return to Arsenal meant to Thierry Henry.
Almost an hour had passed since Henry made his triumphant return to the club he once served alongside Petit.
The 34-year-old *striker was still coming to terms with scoring the winning goal against Leeds in an FA Cup third-round tie.
"You know what I saw?" said Petit, who went to the dressing room to congratulate his old pal. "I saw so much *passion in his face and heard pure love of football in his voice. Thierry is still a winner. I could see it in his eyes.

"He looked up at me and said: ‘Manu - I think I am dreaming all this.' "He was as fired up as ever."
Petit knows Henry well. They were France team-mates when they won the World Cup in 1998 and the *European *Championships two years later.
They also played for two years *together at Arsenal, in which time they reached the final of the UEFA Cup before losing on penalties to Galatasaray.
Petit believes Henry's signing could play a major part in ending *Arsenal's trophy drought, which goes back seven years.
Petit said: "His impact will be *tremendous. He may only be there for six weeks or so, but his legacy will be to bring the mentality of a winner to the squad.
"He was as fired up as ever when I saw him after the game and that attitude will have a huge effect on the other players, especially the younger ones.
"Many of them have still got to *experience success and see at first hand what makes a man a winner.
"Thierry is a *winner. I know that for certain."
Arsenal's season has been one of sporadic success rather than *consistency.
Petit is convinced that Henry can help to change that - starting this afternoon at the *Liberty Stadium where *Arsenal face a *difficult Premier League clash with *Swansea.
"What you see with Thierry is a superb professionalism," Petit added. "He showed against Leeds that the desire is still there and the other *players would have seen that.
"What Arsenal have lacked this season is genuine *leaders. Thierry is one of those
"You need someone out there to tell Andrey *Arshavin, for *instance, not to be so greedy, pass the ball more often. Thierry will do that! But he also encourages. There were passes to him that were *over-hit and he was never going to get, but he still turned round, gave the man who passed the thumbs up for his *effort.
"That is how you get the best out of people.
"The same thing has *happened at Old Trafford with Paul Scholes.
"I can see exactly why Sir Alex Ferguson has brought him back. His influence will be like *Thierry will have at Arsenal.
"Thierry has that *quality that so few have - it is called charisma. When he warmed up the crowd were lifted.
"When he came on the field the whole stadium came to life.
"There are very few players who can have that effect. He will only be at Arsenal for six weeks or so, and he will miss the last third of the *season.
"But that may well be time enough. His influence will be immense - in training and on the pitch.
"His legacy could well be to leave a squad with a new approach, a new attitude.
"And that may well be enough to get *Arsenal their first *trophy since the FA Cup in 2004. It will help them finish in the top four, and don't forget they are still in the Champions League.
"Who knows what they can achieve now?"
EXCLUSIVE: Wenger admits interest in Man United rebel
Wenger wants January window wide open or slammed shut
Diaby goes globetrotting in bid to save Arsenal career
Vermaelen set to make Gunners return for United showdown
Wenger considers taking Real Madrid starlet on loan
 
[h=1]Vermaelen set to make Gunners return for United showdown[/h] Published 22:16 14/01/12 By Steve Stammers

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...eturn-for-United-showdown-article854005.html#
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Arsenal will be strengthened by the return of *powerful central *defender Thomas Vermaelen against *champions Manchester United at The Emirates next Sunday.
The Belgian has been out with an Achilles *tendon injury picked up against QPR last month and was close to fitness for today's visit to *Swansea.
But manager *Arsene Wenger has opted not to risk him and is confident he'll be 100 per cent ready to face United.
Arsenal flop *Sebastien Squillaci has been lined up for a return to *Monaco.
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The 31-year-old France star has not started one Premier League game this season, and has made just five appearances in all competitions.
The centre-back spent six seasons with Monaco before moving to Lyon in 2006. He joined the *Gunners from Sevilla in 2010, and played 22 league games last season.
EXCLUSIVE: Petit reveals the passion behind Henry's return
Diaby goes globetrotting in bid to save Arsenal career
EXCLUSIVE: Petit reveals the passion behind Henry's return
EXCLUSIVE: Wenger admits interest in Man United rebel
 
[h=1]Pardew emerges as surprise candidate to replace Capello[/h] Published 23:00 14/01/12 By MirrorFootball

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...ace-England-Fabio-Capello-article854051.html#
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A full version of this story appears in today's People. Read it online at People.co.uk
Toon boss Alan Pardew has emerged as the wild card in the race to succeed Fabio Capello as England boss.
Pardew, 50, is now a genuine contender alongside West Brom's Roy Hodgson and favourite Harry Redknapp after enjoying a dream first year in charge at Newcastle.
Read the full version of this story at People.co.uk


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[h=2]Newcastle United 1-0 QPR[/h] [h=1]QPR's Mark Hughes denies Joey Barton exit but chases Alex and Henrique[/h] • New manager plays down rumours of captain's departure
• Confirms interest in Chelsea defender and São Paulo striker




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Mark Hughes tries to get his point across to his players at Newcastle in his first game as QPR manager. Photograph: Lee Smith/Action Images

Mark Hughes dismissed suggestions on Sunday that he would be willing to part with Joey Barton before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
Sunday newspaper reports suggested that Queens Park Rangers' new manager was willing to offload the club's captain but Hughes appeared mystified. "I saw that too," he said following the 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United. "But certainly from my viewpoint there's no suggestion of Joey leaving, he's captain and a quality player."
Barton was absent, suspended, on Sunday but he may soon have a couple of new team-mates at Loftus Road. "I've been quite busy during the last 24 hours," said Hughes, who confirmed he was "in the market" for the São Paulo striker Henrique, the Chelsea defender Alex and Blackburn's centre-back Chris Samba.
"If we can bring players into the club this month it will help us," said Hughes. "But it's difficult in January."
He appeared sanguine about the narrow defeat which leaves QPR stuck in the relegation zone. "It was always going to be difficult in terms of the opposition and the stage we were playing on. Overall I was pleased with the performance, but obviously not the result.
"We had a good shape and with a little bit more care we could have converted some of the chances we created. It's been difficult in the time we had this week because you're only able to put so much information into players but, overall, I'm pleased with what we produced. The players have impressed me all week with their application and attitude to work. Without doubt, we'll become better.
"It's important to improve our goals for column and we missed some good chances but you saw a committed team, it was pleasing the way players helped each other out. They had good understanding and communication. I think we can improve in the future, though."
Hughes claimed he did not properly see the Shaun Derry tackle on Yohan Cabaye which saw Newcastle's France international midfielder taken off on a stretcher with ankle damage and Derry merely booked, and Alan Pardew was also relatively relaxed about it.
Relieved that Cabaye does not appear to have sustained any serious damage, Newcastle's Europa League qualification-chasing manager merely said: "It was a very strong challenge, kind of borderline red and yellow but, although Yohan was upset, it was probably a yellow. There were a few heavy tackles out there but Mark Hughes teams have a bit of steel and QPR's players would want to impress him. I never thought the game would be entertaining or enthralling and it was tight with a few errors from players who haven't played first-team football for a while.
"We find ourselves above Liverpool in sixth place and we deserve to be there. We hope to get a couple more wins before the boys [Demba Ba and Cheik Tioté, Newcastle's key players] come back from the Africa Cup of Nations. I have money available to spend this month and we'll take a player if one works for us. But I've got a tight bunch here and I don't want to upset things."
 
[h=1]Monday's gossip column - transfers and rumours[/h]
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TRANSFER GOSSIP
Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is ready to test Tottenham with a £10m offer for unsettled striker Jermain Defoe, 29.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Paris Saint-Germain manager Carlo Ancelotti has offered Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez a lifeline after Alexandre Pato turned down a £29m move to PSG last week. AC Milan hoped to use the money from the sale of Pato to the French club to fund a move for the Manchester City and Argentina striker, but now Ancelotti could pounce instead.
Full story: the Times (subscription required)
However, AC Milan have not given up on their pursuit of 27-year-old Tevez, according to his agent Kia Joorabchian.
Full story: Tuttosport (in Italian)
Bolton boss Owen Coyle is ready to swoop for Tottenham's 22-year-old striker Giovani dos Santos in a £4m deal.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Manchester United forward Dimitar Berbatov is to hold transfer talks with Bayer Leverkusen, while Bayern Munich and Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala are also interested in the 30-year-old. Full story: Sky Sports
Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, 18, says he will have to consider going out on loan next season if he fails to get more first-team opportunities at Stamford Bridge.
Full story: ESPN
Manchester City are set to finalise the £3.5m signing of 15-year-old Real Madrid striker Jose Angel Pozo. He will sign a five-year deal on 15 March, his 16th birthday.
Full story: Daily Mail
Liverpool are targeting a January move for 22-year-old Swansea City winger Scott Sinclair.
Full story: Caughtoffside
OTHER GOSSIP
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has leapt to the defence of top-flight referees, claiming they are doing a good job in the face of growing scrutiny.
Full story: talkSPORT
Former Blackburn striker Kevin Gallacher believes the club's youngsters proved their critics wrong by defeating Fulham 3-1 - despite being down to 10 men.
Full story: talkSPORT
Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher fears his team's disappointing form at home is ruining their chances of finishing in the top four.
Full story: the Sun
AND FINALLY
On-loan Wolves midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong delighted Arsenal fans by pole-axing Tottenham ace Rafael van der Vaart when he fired a ball into his face from point-blank range. The term "Frimponged" quickly started trending on social networking site Twitter.
Full story: Metro
 

[h=1]Thierry Henry shows Arsenal's anger after Swansea send them packing[/h]




[h=2]Premier League 2011-12[/h]
Swansea City 3
  • Sinclair (pen) 16,
  • Dyer 57,
  • Graham 70
Arsenal 2
  • van Persie 5,
  • Walcott 69




Thierry-Henry-007.jpg
Arsenal's Thierry Henry gestures to the crowd after the defeat by Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium. Photograph: Michael Steele/Getty Images

Arsenal could not contain their anger after succumbing to a defeat that leaves them struggling to hold on to Chelsea's coat-tails in the race for the Champions League qualification places. First Thierry Henry became involved in a row with one of the travelling supporters. Then Arsène Wenger fiercely criticised Michael Oliver, the referee, accused Nathan Dyer of diving to win a penalty and lambasted a dreadful defensive performance from his team.
Henry's set-to with an Arsenal fan came after the final whistle, when the players went across to applaud their followers. It is understood the striker, who had replaced Andrey Arshavin in the 63rd minute, clashed with the supporter after taking unkindly to his criticism of the players, the Frenchman telling him that he should support rather than berate the side.
According to a club spokesperson Henry had said: "No matter what, you should support the team." The 34-year-old, making the second appearance of his loan from New York Red Bulls, also appeared to make a 'yapping' gesture at the fan with his left hand and pointed as if to invite the individual to address him on the pitch.
These incidents should not take all the attention from Swansea. Wenger, amid his rant, gave credit to the Welsh side, acknowledging they deserved to win a compelling game that will live long in the memory in these parts. Danny Graham delivered the final blow, the Swansea striker shooting across Wojciech Szczesny 45 seconds after Theo Walcott had hauled Arsenal back to 2-2. Arsenal could still have salvaged a point but a gilt-edged chance dropped to Per Mertesacker and the Germany international inexplicably sliced wide from inside the six-yard box, leaving Wenger struggling to come to terms with the outcome.
"Swansea played well but the game was decided by some strange decisions – the first one was the referee who gave a penalty that was a complete imagination and was a good dive. Well done to the player who did it," Wenger said. "And from then on I feel there were some other turning points, like when we came back to 2-2 we made straight away a defensive mistake, similar to Fulham [a late 2–1 defeat after leading 1–0], where there was a lack of appreciation of the goal.
"Our defensive performance was not good enough and that's why we lost the game. When we came back to 2-2, I thought we had a good chance to win the game. Their keeper made some great saves and we also missed some unbelievable chances that are very difficult to understand and explain. But apart from all that, well done to Swansea, they played well and they deserved to win."
With that Wenger got up and departed after answering one question, the Frenchman providing a couple of terse responses to inquiries about Arsenal's defensive problems as he headed out of the conference room. He had spent the best part of 10 minutes waiting for Brendan Rodgers to finish his media duties and a police escort was waiting to take the Arsenal bus back to the airport, although this sobering result gave him another good reason to get out of the Liberty Stadium as quickly as possible.
The penalty award that upset Wenger looked soft but Aaron Ramsey appeared to make slight contact with Dyer's ankle, prompting Oliver to point to the spot and give Scott Sinclair the chance to bring Swansea level after Robin van Persie had earlier beaten Michel Vorm at his near post. In that context Wenger's criticism of Dyer, who was the game's outstanding performer on an afternoon when Fabio Capello had come to watch another English winger (Walcott), seemed harsh.
There was certainly no argument with Wenger's assessment of Arsenal's defensive display, especially for the second and third goals. Arshavin, who set up Van Persie's opening goal but was otherwise anonymous and predictably withdrawn in the second half, played a careless pass to Ramsey that allowed Joe Allen to pinch possession in the lead-up to the second goal. On the third Laurent Koscielny was caught out of position, with Arsenal failing to take heed of the adage that a team are most at risk of conceding straight after scoring.
That is enough criticism of Arsenal. This was a hugely impressive Swansea display that demonstrated they have resilience within their ranks as well as flair. Ashley Williams was outstanding at the back, Allen provided some lovely touches in central midfield and Dyer carried a threat whenever he got the ball, his penetrative runs making life difficult for Ignasi Miquel, the Spanish defender who was making his first Premier League start, and just about everyone else in the Arsenal defence who tried to stop him.
There were raucous scenes at the final whistle as Rodgers punched the air after a win that lifts Swansea to 10th place. "It was a wonderful victory and performance from us. I'm very proud of the players and it's a great day for the people and the city of Swansea," said the manager, who made a point of highlighting how well his English front three – Dyer, Graham and Sinclair – played in front of Capello. "They were a massive threat and it's probably given him something to think about."
 

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Page last updated at 06:50 GMT, Monday, 16 January 2012

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Swansea defeat Arsenal in thriller


3 / 3​

Arsenal's hopes of closing on the top four are dented by stylish Swansea City as the Welsh side win an enthralling game 3-2.
We were incredible - Rodgers

Unbelievable defending - Wenger

Wenger angered by penalty award
Swansea resolve delights Rodgers
McEachran to join Swans on loan
Sunday football as it happened

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KEY INFO: Transfers | Club news on mobile
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Only ourselves to blame - Hodgson
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Lambert only has eyes on survival
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O'Neill questions penalty decision
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Villas Boas hails Torres display
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Moyes praises Donovan influence
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McLeish disappointed with Everton draw
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Pulis praises 'brilliant' Stoke display
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Dalglish wants attacking edge
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[TD="width: 226"] Newcastle United 1-0 QPR Hughes retains interest in Samba Arsenal prepare for Nigeria trip Man Utd 3-0 Bolton Aston Villa 1-1 Everton Blackburn 3-1 Fulham Chelsea 1-0 Sunderland

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[TD="width: 226"] Liverpool 0-0 Stoke City Tottenham 1-1 Wolves West Brom 1-2 Norwich City Wigan v Man City (Mon) Barton going nowhere - QPR chief Redknapp cools Spurs title talk Absent Samba set for tests - Kean Alex talks continue - Villas-Boas

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[TD="class: text"] Garth Crooks's team of the week
Do you agree with our football expert's side this week?
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Liverpool hold firm

"The best reaction Suarez can give is to come back and score," says Ian Ayre


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The best of the action from the Premier League

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[TD="width: 126"] A manager's mindset

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez on pressures of his job

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[TD="width: 126"] Hansen on Spurs' title bid

How Tottenham have become genuine title contenders

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[TD="width: 126"] Lawro's Premier League predictions

Mark Lawrenson goes head-to-head with Bobby George

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[TD="width: 126"] Transfer list

A definitive list of all the January transfer window moves

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[TD="width: 126"] Top 50 January transfer targets

BBC Sport profiles the top 50 January transfer targets

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CLUB NEWS


[TD="width: 226"] ARSENAL ASTON VILLA BLACKBURN ROVERS BOLTON WANDERERS CHELSEA EVERTON FULHAM LIVERPOOL MANCHESTER CITY MANCHESTER UNITED

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[h=1]Blackburn Rovers board's dismay at Venky's conduct revealed in letter[/h] • Board not consulted about appointment of Steve Kean
• Venky's asked to explain role of sports agency in transfers




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The Blackburn Rovers board were not consulted over the sacking of Sam Allardyce and the appointment of Steve Kean, above. Photograph: Carl Recine/Action Images

Blackburn Rovers' controversial ownership is once again under scrutiny after the publication of a remarkable letter signed by three members of the previous board revealed the depth of their concerns about the way the club was being run as long as a year ago.
The letter, dated 4 January 2011, revealed by the website sportingintelligence.com was written by John Williams, the chairman at the time, Tom Finn, the former managing director, and Martin Goodman, then the finance director. It was sent to Blackburn's co‑owner, Anuradha Desai, less than two months after the takeover by Venky's. Blackburn supporters have been strongly opposed to the club's ownership – as well as the appointment of Steve Kean as manager – and the latest revelations are sure to deepen their anger.
The document lays bare the dismay Williams and the two directors felt at the direction the club was heading under the Indian owners, highlighting Venky's failure to consult with the board over the surprising decision to sack Sam Allardyce and replace him with Kean. They also express their unease that Kean, under instruction from the owners, had no need to report to the board in relation to transfers.
Williams, Finn and Goodman wrote: "We now find the board are not even being consulted on some of the most fundamental decisions this or any other football club ever makes. This includes the termination of the manager's employment [Allardyce] and the appointment of a new manager [Kean]. We have had no input into the terms of this appointment and presumably discussions are taking place with Steve Kean concerning additional staff appointments, again without an input from the board.
"In addition, and of greatest concern, as we enter the transfer window, is your instruction that the manager is to no longer report to the board on transfer matters. The board's role seems to be merely one of processing the transfers as opposed to delivering a strategy based on discussions with you as owners and working to pre-agreed financial budgets."
The letter also asks for clarification on the role being played by the SEM agency – headed by Jerome Anderson, Kean's agent – in transfers. Last week, Anderson defended his involvement and claimed he was "very successful" in bringing players into the club last January.
One of those players was the then 19-year-old Rubén Rochina, who was signed for €450,000 (£372,000) from Barcelona. His agent, Manuel Salamanca Ferrer, received a £1.65m fee. Anderson worked on the deal with Ferrer but has said he made no money from the transfer.
 
[h=1]Newcastle in control as Hatem Ben Arfa's tricks leave QPR baffled[/h] Newcastle's left-footed midfielder displayed creativity that proved far too inventive for Queens Park Rangers


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Hatem Ben Arfa, the Newcastle United midfielder, slips away from Clint Hill of Queens Park Rangers. Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

The absence of influential players, such as Demba Ba and Cheik Tioté for Newcastle and Alejandro Faurlín and Joey Barton for Queens Park Rangers, led to adjustments for both managers.
Mark Hughes bravely decided to play two orthodox front men, which gave his midfield more responsibility away from home. With Newcastle United also naming Leon Best and Shola Ameobi as a striking duo there was always the prospect of this being an open game.
Alan Pardew's team, however, started listlessly. Luke Young got forward well from right‑back, instigating Rangers' early attacks and forcing Jonás Gutiérrez to defend. Shaun Wright-Phillips and Jay Bothroyd both came close to scoring.
But the injury to Yohan Cabaye, Newcastle's schemer, gave Pardew the opportunity to introduce Hatem Ben Arfa and the diminutive left-footer did not disappoint. He is a confident creator and, with his presence in midfield, the game swung Newcastle's way.
To accommodate his lack of defensive qualities, Pardew shrewdly switched Gutiérrez and pushed Best into a wide left position, with Ameobi central – in effect splitting his front three.
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Hatem Ben Arfa's introduction and the interchanging of the players supporting Shola Ameobi stretched Rangers' defence and allowed Newcastle to dominate. Earlier Newcastle had aimed long in an attempt to utilise the aerial presence of their big front men. But now Ben Arfa spread the play (see diagram), held the ball and cleverly switched the point of attack.
Newcastle mixed and matched their players and rotated positions. Up front only Ameobi, shielding the ball well, held his position. Ben Arfa spent time both centrally and wide right later on, when his intricate footwork baffled the more powerful Clint Hill.
Gutiérrez drifted from the right flank to the left flank – and even popped up in the centre – with his insatiable running power. Best gave Newcastle width on the left, an area where he is less comfortable, but vitally Newcastle kept their width and stretched Rangers, giving Ryan Taylor, Danny Guthrie and Ben Arfa more room to work.
Ameobi stayed central, furthest forward, doing much good work with his back to goal and proving a dependable outlet. When Best was replaced by Dan Gosling, Ben Arfa spent more time on the right. His control teased Rangers' defenders and illustrated the value of a player who is capable of keeping the ball, buying time and occasionally making the clever pass rather than taking the easy option.
Pardew bolted the door early with James Perch replacing Taylor and Tim Krul had a quiet second period.
Mark Hughes will be satisfied with the application of his side but without the drive of Barton and the wiles of Adel Taarabt, his team is bereft of top quality. Young, Jamie Mackie and his centre-backs did well to compete with the hardworking and physical Ameobi's shielding skills. Hughes was honest enough, however, to understand that although Bothroyd could have scored twice in the second half, it would have given a false impression of 90 minutes in which Pardew's manoeuvring came out on top.
 
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