Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal

An injury-time strike from Zat Knight denied Arsenal victory in dramatic style on Boxing Day at Villa Park.
Having survived a haunting first period when the home team hit the post three times, Arsène Wenger’s side seemed to have hauled a crucial victory out of the fire with goals from Denilson and Abou Diaby either side of half time.
However Villa were thrown a lifeline in the 64th minute when William Gallas felled Gabriel Agbonlahor and Gareth Barry scored from the spot.
Martin O’Neill’s outfit threw everything at Wenger’s men in the final half-hour but the away side seemed set to hold on until Knight lashed home a loose ball just before the final whistle. It was a body blow to Arsenal’s title hopes as the other member of the ‘Big Four’ all won. They are now 10 points behind leaders Liverpool.
That said, Villa were the top flight’s in-form side and it is telling that they were more relieved than the injury-hit visitors.
But Arsenal must play a supreme game of catch-up in 2009 if they are going to play a role in the title race.
We knew before kick-off that Arsène Wenger would be without two of his most influential players for a fixture of ever increasing importance. In the end he would lose two more before kick-off.
The draw with Liverpool last Sunday had seen Cesc Fabregas sidelined for around four months with knee ligaments while Emmanuel Adebayor was suspended for this game after being sent off against Rafa Benitez’ side.
However it was not widely known that Gael Clichy was aggravated a calf problem against the Anfield side. As a result he started as a substitute and Mikael Silvestre slotted in at left back.
In addition Johann Djourou tweaked his calf in the warm-up and dropped out at the last minute so Kolo Toure was an emergency elevation from the bench.
Wenger decided against swapping like for like and bringing in Nicklas Bendtner for Adebayor up front. Instead he pushed up Diaby just behind Robin van Persie. Emmanuel Eboue and Samir Nasri provided the width around central midfielders Alex Song and Denilson.
It was a bitter Boxing Day night in Birmingham. This game was always going to be crucial for both sides but victories for the other three sides in the top five cranked up the pressure still further just before kick-off.
The game began at a startling pace. Given their form, it was unsurprising that Villa were the more confident of the two teams.
They might have taken in the lead as early as the sixth minute when Silvestre gave away a corner on the left. Barry swung it in to the near post and Steven Sidwell thundered a header against the bar.
Four minutes later, Villa had an even better opportunity when Barry floated over a cross from the left and an unmarked Curtis Davies – who had stayed up for the preceding corner – steered a header woefully wide. Replays show it had actually came off his shoulder.
Almost immediately the big defender had to hack clear from under the nose of Robin van Persie after the striker had momentarily raced clear on to Diaby’s clever clip forward.
However Villa were still in control and attacking in waves. One ended with Manuel Almunia tipping over the bar from Luke Young’s deflected drive. Another, in the 20th minute, saw the Spaniard save sharply from Gabriel Agbonlahor but the ball ran loose to Sidwell. Only a braveheart challenge from Gallas saw his shot deflect wide. It seemed only a matter of time until Arsenal went behind.
That time nearly arrived in the 35th minute James Milner ghosted in at the far post to meet a floated crossfield ball from Ashley Young. The former Leeds midfielder slid his shot onto the post and the ball bounced back into the grateful arms of the prostrate Almunia.
Two minutes later Villa would hit the woodwork again. This time it was Curtis Davies, who sent an arching right-foot shot onto the top of the bar from just outside the area.
The Arsenal goal was now starting to live a charmed life but, on 40 minutes and just to prove fairy tales can happen, the visitors scored.
The goal was all Denilson’s own work. He robbed Nigel Reo-Coker 10 yards outside the area then darted forward to beat Sidwell and clip the ball over the advancing Brad Friedel.
The 20-year-old raced to the Arsenal fans did a samba to celebrate his fourth goal of the season. It was pretty surreal given the previous 39 minutes.
But, at this point, it looked like it was simply not Villa’s day. That feeling only intensified two minutes before the break when Agbonlahor beat Almunia to a cross from Reo-Coker. The floating ball looked certain to drop into the unguarded net but Sagna roared back and flung himself goalward. His overhead kick cleared just before it crossed the line.
The whistle blew seconds later and Villa went into the dressing room scratching their heads at the scoreline –who could blame them?
Three minutes after the break, Arsenal would add to their confusion. Diaby’s backflick sent Eboue sprinting clear on the right but the Frenchman did not stand and admire his work. He hared forward and caught the Ivorian just in time to receive a return pass. Diaby thumped home an angled drive from 12 yards.
Suddenly Arsenal had all the swagger.
They should have gained a third in the 56th minute when Aaron Ramsey, who had replaced Song just before the break, squared a pass to Van Persie at the far post. The Dutchman sent a sidefoot shot against the inside of the post and his follow up was snaffled behind.
Gallas guided a header across goal from the corner and, just before the hour, Eboue had a goal-bound shot blocked.
Arsenal were starting to canter now but their heels would be clipped in the 64th minute. Milner sent Agbonlahor through in the right-hand channel and Gallas felled the striker five yards from the byline. Referee Lee Mason pointed to the spot and Barry dispatched his third Premier League goal from the penalty spot.
Villa had come into the game as the Premier League’s counter-puncher but now they had to chase the game. They asked interesting questions of the Arsenal defence but this was an evening when Wenger’s men seemed to have all the answers.
They were not necessarily eloquent – Wenger brought on Clichy in midfield and Arsenal were happy to run the ball into the corner – and it seemed to be enough.
In fact it wasn’t.
The fourth official has just raised his board when Knight – up front for his nuisance factor alone – thumped home a knockdown from just outside the area.
It was sickener for Arsenal after a rollercoaster of a game.
Before Denilson’s opener much of the travelling support would have snatched at the opportunity to take home a point but, at the final whistle, it felt like a thumping defeat.

By Richard Clarke

LEE HAILS TWO-GOAL KEANE

Sammy Lee praised the quality of Robbie Keane after the striker's brace kept Liverpool top of the Barclays Premier League with an emphatic 3-0 win over Bolton at Anfield.
The Reds assistant manager was delighted with the home side's overall display and was quick to hail the number seven's contribution. "It's always nice to see Liverpool players score goals, whether it's Robbie Keane, Dirk Kuyt or Sami Hyypia," he said. "Robbie's been working tirelessly and he's kept on going. We know the quality of the lad, that's why we brought him here. "If you speak to him he may give you a better answer, but for me, he's never been lacking in confidence. "We've had no doubts in Robbie's ability. His work rate and commitment and what he adds to this club is immense. We've had no doubts about him. We know what he's capable of." The Reds had drawn their previous three league matches at Anfield prior to the victory over the Trotters and the assistant manager was delighted to see them pick up the three points and put an end to that run. "It's always important to win at home," he said. "We've tried not to get hung up about our recent home performances because you have to give credit to the opposition. But it's always nice to win, particularly at home. "The patience and quality in our play was paramount. The crowd's patience was also impressive. They were with us all the way. They realised what we were trying to do, passing the ball and using the width of the pitch to create chances." Lee also admitted that the Reds' impressive win was the perfect tonic for boss Rafael Benitez who maintained overall control of the side despite watching from the directors' box. "Throughout his illness he's been in total control," he said. "It's the measure of the man that in spite of his pain, he had total control of everything that was going on. "He's put a great team in place to implement his plan. So if he's not there, we still have a plan. But it was nice to have him back in today." Liverpool now head to the North-East to face Newcastle United in our final match of 2008 at St James' Park. A win would guarantee the Reds of top spot as they head into the New Year but Lee is refusing to get carried away. "It's very important to be top," he said. "We prepare to be top and it's nice to be top going into the clash with Newcastle. Hopefully we'll recover in time. We know it will be a difficult task but we are looking forward to it. "We can't get carried away because it's only December. But it's nice to go into the last match of the season against Newcastle in this position and it is pleasing. It shows our improvement. We are top at this moment but know it will be difficult going to Newcastle. "We prepare to try and win games. If we win more than the other teams then hopefully we can win trophies, that's the nature of our club - to win." When asked about the likely return to action of Fernando Torres, he added: "When he's ready we'll decide when we will put him in. He's working hard on his rehabilitation."

Manchester City v Hull City

Brazilian superstar Robinho is slated for a possible return to action during Hull's visit to the City of Manchester Stadium on Boxing Day, with the £32.5 million striker having recovered from his sprained ankle.
Benjani Mwaruwari's injury in the defeat at West Brom at the weekend means that he misses out, while Chedwyn Evans (foot) and Darius Vassell (toe) will await the outcome of scans to assess their fitness prior to the match.
Michael Johnson (groin), Valeri Bojinov (calf) and Martin Petrov (knee) all remain on the long-term injury list.
Hull manager Phil Brown is likely to hold back Andrew Dawson, Craig Fagan and Anthony Gardner from the trip across the Pennines as they recover from their respective injuries, while Sam Ricketts is suspended following his sending off against Sunderland. Paul McShane, however, is back following his suspension.

Liverpool v Bolton Wanderers

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is set for a possible return as the Reds entertain Bolton on Boxing Day.
Torres recently suffered a recurrence of the hamstring injury which had earlier kept him out of the side for five weeks and has now not played since November 26, but assistant manager Sammy Lee claims that the Spanish star is improving.
"Fernando's progress has markedly improved," he said. "He is getting better. He improves with every training session and he has worked very hard on his rehabilitation."
Also hoping to be back on Friday is manager Rafa Benitez, who is recovering from a second operation on his kidney stone problem. Since he was afflicted Benitez has been relegated to relaying instructions via mobile phone to Lee, but he hopes to return to the dugout for the Bolton match.

Wayne Rooney scored late in the second half Sunday to lead 10-man Manchester United to a 1-0 win over Ecuador’s Liga de Quito in the final of the Club World Cup.
Rooney, who earned player of the tournament honors, took a pass from Cristiano Ronaldo in the 73rd minute and fired an angled right-footed blast into the bottom corner past diving Liga goalkeeper Jose Cevallos.

The richest club in the world is mired in the Premier League relegation zone almost halfway through the season after only one win in nine games.
This wasn’t what the billionaires of Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment had in mind when they bought Manchester City in September for a reported $300 million.
The consortium with strong links to the royal family in the oil-rich United Arab Emirates was supposed to lift City into the top five of the Premier League alongside traditional title contenders Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.

Leaders Liverpool draw 1-1 with 10-man Arsenal

LONDON, Dec 21 (Reuters) - Leaders Liverpool stayed eight points clear of Arsenal in the race for the Premier League title after the two sides fought out an epic 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Arsenal, reduced to 10 men after 62 minutes when Emmanuel Adebayor was sent off for a second yellow card after raising an elbow to Alvaro Arbeloa, continued to cause Liverpool problems throughout. But in the end the league leaders were well worth the point that keeps them ahead of Chelsea at the top of the table.
Robin Van Persie put Arsenal ahead with an excellently taken goal after 24 minutes before Robbie Keane, who has struggled to find his form for Liverpool since his move from Arsenal’s arch-rivals Tottenham in the off-season, equalised three minutes before halftime.

Although Adebayor’s controversial red card gave Liverpool the numerical supreriority, they were forced to defend resolutely to thwart Arsenal in the second half.
The result left Liverpool top with 39 points from 18 matches, two more than Chelsea who play Everton on Monday.
Aston Villa are third with 34 points from 18 games, followed by Manchester United (32 from 16). Arsenal remain fifth with 31 points from 18 games.
BENITEZ ABSENT
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was forced to stay at home and watch the match on television following surgery for kidney stones, leaving his assistant Sammy Lee in charge of the side.
However, he would have been pleased with the way his men started the match—despite the absences of striker Fernando Torres (hamstring) and Javier Mascherano (flu).
Liverpool, with skipper Steven Gerrard driving them on in midfield, had the best early chance. Keane evaded the offside trap to turn the ball back to Gerrard, but his shot was easily saved by Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia.
Keane was then roundly jeered by the home fans after a booking for a clumsy tackle on on Gael Clichy. Their jeers turned to cheers minutes later when Arsenal took the lead after 24 minutes.
Van Persie, who scored both Arsenal’s goals when they beat Chelsea 2-1 on Nov. 30, scored his first goal since then with an outstanding strike after 24 minutes.
He chested down a long ball from Samir Nasri, and although Liverpool defenders Daniel Agger and Jamie Carragher appeared to be well placed, van Persie turned away from them to smash home an unstoppable right-foot drive which Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina had no chance of saving.
Keane then had a chance to silence the Arsenal fans who had booed his every touch when he ran on to a long through ball from Alvaro Arbeloa and crashed a fierce half-volley into the roof of Almunia’s net to leave the teams equal at the break.
“It was a very good point for us, it is never easy coming to Arsenal and getting anything,” Keane told reporters.
“As for my own situation, I have no intention of leaving the club, and am totally committed to a long career here, as i have said before.”
Although Arsenal’s playmaker Cesc Fabregas hobbled off at halftime with a knee injury, the Gunners still came searching for the goal that would have revived their title challenge, but in the end, both sides were forced to settle for a point.
In the day’s other games, Newcastle United beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 with a last-minute winner from Damien Duff while bottom-of-the-table West Bromwich Albion beat out-of-form Mancheester City 2-1 with a last-minute header from Roman Bednar.
The win lifted Newcastle up to 12th in the table, while Spurs are in 16th place. West Brom remain botto.
Chelsea will replace Liverpool in first place if they win their ninth successive away league game of the season at Goodison on Monday.

NYON, Switzerland – European soccer’s gods of fortune clearly have a wicked sense of humor.

As the draw for the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League unfolded on Friday and the countless permutations shrank, the contest everyone wanted to see remained on the table until the last possible moment before being snatched away.

Any meeting between Manchester United and Real Madrid, the world’s two biggest and most illustrious teams, would be a blockbuster. However, in the current climate of undisguised hatred between the two giant clubs, such a clash would have been a heavyweight battle of epic proportions.

In the end it came down to a 50-50 shot, with the Spanish side destined to face either United or Liverpool as the draw headed towards its conclusion. To collective groans from a soccer public craving fireworks, it was Liverpool’s name that was plucked from the Swiss goldfish bowl that so often holds European club dreams within its confines.

Make no mistake, this draw sets up some intriguing marquee matchups and can only be considered a disappointment in one way: that it denied us the opportunity to see Sir Alex Ferguson’s United square off against the club to which he “wouldn’t sell a virus, let alone Cristiano Ronaldo.”

The ongoing furor surrounding Real’s attempts to pry away United’s best player is reminiscent of the scenario involving David Beckham in 2003.

Beckham was left on the bench for the second leg of the quarterfinal between the teams before coming on late and scoring twice to spearhead a gallant but ultimately futile United comeback. Multiply the ill feeling between United and Real back then by about a hundred, and you might be close to grasping the simmering tension currently flying backwards and forwards between the clubs.

But if Real Madrid vs. Manchester United was the one that got away on Friday, there are still plenty of fascinating subplots to look forward to in February.

There are many rumours of Chelsea making a January move for Zenit St Petersburg playmaker Andrei Arshavin. This morning’s Daily Star suggests however that Chelsea may now be turning their attention elsewhere.
The newspaper says that talks with Arshavin have hit problems in relation to money and Chelsea are now starting to pursue Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano. Scolari is reported to be considering a £20million move for the twenty-eight year old Brazilian.

Nemanja Vidic (R) scored first for Manchester United, which then rolled to a 5-3 win over Gamba Osaka in a Club World Cup semifinal

YOKOHAMA, Japan (AFP) - Manchester United overpowered Japan's Gamba Osaka 5-3 to book their place in the Club World Cup final on Thursday, with six goals in a breathless 17 minutes.
First-half headers from Nemanja Vidic and Cristiano Ronaldo, both from Ryan Giggs corners, set them on their way but it was the second period that set the game on fire.
Gamba pulled one back through Masato Yamazaki in the 74th minute before Wayne Rooney pounced a minute later soon after coming on as a substitute. Another substitute, Darren Fletcher, made it 4-1 on 78 minutes before Rooney bagged another seconds after the restart.
Adding to the drama, Gamba won a penalty when Gary Neville handled the ball and Yasuhito Endo converted the spot kick with five minutes left. Hideo Hashimoto then made it 5-3 in injury time.

The 25-year-old leads European soccer with 30 goals this season and is likely to leave Austrian league leader Red Bull Salzburg next month.
“There are a lot of great clubs, but I clearly prefer to play in England,” Janko said Wednesday, three days after the Austrian league began a two-month winter break. “There are several candidates, but there is no agreement yet.”

Britain’s third largest bank has held naming rights to the league since 2001 but its current three-year, $101 million deal ends at the end of the 2009-10 season.