Barclays Premier League Table Top scorers

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Barclays Premier League

Top Scorers

Name	Team	GS↓	PEN	MP
Dimitar BERBATOV	Manchester United	19	0	24
Carlos TEVEZ	Manchester City	18	4	25
Andy Carroll	Liverpool	11	0	19
Kevin Nolan	Newcastle United	11	1	24
Robin VAN PERSIE	Arsenal	10	1	15
Rafael VAN DER VAART	Tottenham Hotspur	10	3	19
Darren BENT	Aston Villa	10	3	26
Javier HERNANDEZ	Manchester United	9	0	18
Samir NASRI	Arsenal	9	1	21
Peter ODEMWINGIE	West Bromwich Albion	9	1	22
Tim CAHILL	Everton	9	0	22
NANI	Manchester United	9	0	23
Asamoah GYAN	Sunderland	9	0	24
DJ Campbell	Blackpool	9	0	24
Didier DROGBA	Chelsea	9	2	25

La Liga Top Scorers

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Liga BBVA

Top Scorers

Name	Team	GS↓	PEN	MP
Lionel MESSI	FC Barcelona	26	2	22
CRISTIANO RONALDO	Real Madrid	24	5	25
David VILLA	FC Barcelona	17	0	24
Fernando LLORENTE	Athletic Bilbao	14	0	25
PEDRO	FC Barcelona	13	0	25
Giuseppe ROSSI	Villarreal CF	12	3	23
NILMAR	Villarreal CF	11	0	20
Felipe CAICEDO	Levante UD	10	0	18
David TREZEGUET	Hércules CF	10	2	22
LUIS FABIANO	Sevilla FC	9	2	19
Adúriz	Valencia CF	9	0	22
Alvaro NEGREDO	Sevilla FC	9	2	25
Frederic KANOUTE	Sevilla FC	8	2	19
Jose RONDON	Málaga CF	8	0	19
Sergio AGUERO	Atlético Madrid	8	0	20

Birmingham win Carling Cup final

Birmingham City have won the Carling Cup for the first time since 1963 after beating Arsenal 2-1 at Wembley.

Blues substitute Obafemi Martins scored a last-gasp winner to earn his side a shock Carling Cup final success.
The on-loan Rubin Kazan player took advantage of a mix-up between Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny and Laurent Koscielny.
Nikola Zigic had given Blues the lead only for Robin van Persie to level before half-time.

Manchester City 1-1 Fulham

Fulham battled back from behind to salvage a point and deal Manchester City's title chances a further blow.
Mark Hughes enjoyed his return to Eastlands as Damien Duff's second-half strike proved enough to earn Fulham a draw at Manchester City.
Mario Balotelli had put the Blues in front with his ninth goal of the season.
But City never looked convincing and Fulham could easily have claimed victory instead of merely extending an impressive run of just one defeat in eight away matches in the league with City.

West Ham United 3-1 Liverpool

West Ham United secured victory over Liverpool to climb off the foot of the table.

The Hammers produced arguably their best display of the season to give their survival hopes a boost and all but kill off Liverpool's faint Champions League hopes.
Goals from Scott Parker, Demba Ba, rapidly developing into one of the signings of the January transfer window, and Carlton Cole secured all three points at Upton Park and kept the pressure on the Hammers' relegation rivals.
Glen Johnson pulled one back for Liverpool but their late rally was in vain as their revival under Kenny Dalglish suffered its first major setback.

Wigan Athletic 0-4 Manchester United

Manchester United began their week on the road in perfect fashion with a four-goal romp over Wigan Athletic.

Stiffer tests at Chelsea and Liverpool are still to come but with a four-point lead over Arsenal, United can approach their task in confident mood.
Javier Hernandez put the Red Devils on their way with a smartly-taken double before Wayne Rooney and Fabio scored late on against a Latics outfit who had performed so well before crumbling.

Aston Villa 4-1 Blackburn Rovers

Aston Villa eased to victory against Blackburn Rovers at Villa Park.

Aston Villa's impressive revival continued as inspired performances from two-goal Ashley Young and Stewart Downing enabled them to comfortably dispose of Blackburn.
Young's penalty broke the deadlock early in the second half and, after an own goal from Rovers defender Grant Hanley, Downing also got on the score-sheet before Nikola Kalinic's late consolation.
Young's stunning strike completed the scoring eight minutes from time.
Blackburn captain Ryan Nelsen was sent off in injury time after his second bookable offence.

Newcastle United 1-1 Bolton Wanderers

Ten-man Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers played out a draw at St James' Park.

Daniel Sturridge, on loan from Chelsea, struck seven minutes before the break to cancel out former Wanderers midfielder Kevin Nolan's 13th-minute opener.
However, the Magpies had to stage a concerted rearguard action to claim a draw after Ryan Taylor was dismissed for a 54th-minute two-footed tackle on Johan Elmander.

Everton 2-0 Sunderland

Jermaine Beckford struck twice as Sunderland suffered yet more misery at Everton.

The former Leeds United striker found the net in the first half to lift Everton further away from Barclays Premier League relegation danger and send Sunderland home from Goodison Park empty-handed again.
The Black Cats, without a league win at the ground since 1996, went close when Tim Howard saved well from Stephane Sessegnon but Beckford's second just before the interval blunted their threat.

Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0 Blackpool

Wolverhampton Wanderers lifted themselves out of the bottom three with this big win over 10-man Blackpool.

Matt Jarvis gave manager Mick McCarthy's men the perfect start with a second-minute opener before a moment of madness from Blackpool leading scorer DJ Campbell saw him sent off in the 43rd minute.
Wolves then made their numerical advantage count after the break as Jamie O'Hara and then substitute Sylvan Ebanks-Blake with a brace eased them off the foot of the table into 17th.

Real hopes take another body blow

Real Madrid's title hopes suffered a damaging blow after they were held to a goalless draw by Deportivo La Coruna, a result that leaves Jose Mourinho's men seven points adrift of leaders Barcelona. Madrid dominated the match but a mixture of the woodwork, good goalkeeping by Depor custodian Daniel Aranzubia and poor finishing meant the capital club endured another miserable trip to the Riazor.

Madrid had gone 18 years without a win at Depor's home prior to last season's 3-1 victory, and tonight's slip-up means Barca are a step closer to winning their third successive La Liga crown. With Barca having beaten Real Mallorca 3-0 earlier in the evening, Madrid would have been desperate for a victory over Depor to keep the pressure on Pep Guardiola's men, and the Whites were quickly in charge in Galicia.

However, despite enjoying plenty of possession and trying their luck through Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso, Karim Benzema and Mesut Ozil, Madrid rarely tested Aranzubia before the break. The visitors did manage to get the ball in the Depor net on one occasion when Ronaldo volleyed in Kaka's pass, but the Portugal international's effort was ruled out for a marginal offside.

Mourinho opted against making any changes at the break, and his side needed just 20 seconds of the second period to do what they failed to do in the whole of the first half - give Aranzubia something serious to worry about. Ronaldo let fly from 25 yards out and a deflection off a Depor defender meant Aranzubia had to scramble to his right to turn the ball behind for a corner.

Aranzubia then had to deal with another deflected shot, this time from Kaka, before Mourinho sent on attacking reinforcements in the form of Emmanuel Adebayor and Angel Di Maria. Like the first period, Madrid were largely camped in the Depor half, although the occasional foray forward from the home side meant the visitors defence needed to stay alert.

Woodwork defies Real
The final 15 minutes saw Madrid do almost everything but score as they increasingly piled forward in search of a match winner. Ronaldo brought a good diving save out of Aranzubia from a free-kick before Adebayor struck the woodwork. Ozil's cross picked out the on-loan Manchester City man and, although he did not connect cleanly with his left-footed volley, it struck the base of the near post and then hit the diving Aranzubia before going for a corner.

Three minutes after that it was Ronaldo's turn to hit the frame of the goal, the world's most expensive player driving into the area before smashing a low effort against the far post. The rebound from that effort was picked up by Di Maria on the edge of the box, but his shot was superbly turned behind by Aranzubia, who was proving to be his side's hero for the second successive match. Last weekend. Aranzubia headed in a last-gasp equaliser as Depor drew 1-1 at Almeria.

Madrid had another great chance with six minutes remaining when Ronaldo's first-time cross looked perfect for Benzema to slot in in the middle. However, the France international, who scored his side's goal in their 1-1 Champions League last-16 first leg draw with Lyon in midweek and also struck twice in last season's win at the Riazor, fluffed his shot and Madrid would come no closer in the closing stages as they dropped two vital points.

Top scorers seal Barcelona win

Lionel Messi, David Villa and Pedro Rodriguez were all on the scoresheet as Barcelona saw off Real Mallorca 3-0 in convincing fashion to power on at the top of La Liga. Messi gave Barça a first-half lead with his 26th league goal of the season before second-half strikes from Villa and Pedro helped Barça provisionally move eight points clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who play Deportivo La Coruna later this evening.

Barça were without key quartet Xavi, Carles Puyol, Victor Valdes and Dani Alves through a mixture of injury and suspension and they looked set for a testing night at the Iberostar Stadium as Michael Laudrup's Mallorca started brightly.

Valdes' replacement Jose Pinto was the busier of the two goalkeepers early on as Pierre Webo and Jose Luis Marti tried their luck, although it was Barça who created the first decent chance of the match in the 31st minute. Messi and Andres Iniesta cut open the Mallorca defence with a quick one-two but the Argentina ace side-footed his shot just over with only Dudu Aouate to beat.

Messi will probably feel he should have tucked that chance away, but the FIFA Ballon d'Or winner made amends with his next opportunity seven minutes later as he put Barça ahead. Seydou Keita created the opening with a superb chip over the Mallorca defence which Messi raced onto and, after his first touch deflected the ball up into the air, he sent a looping header over the stranded Aouate and into the net.

Top marksmen on song
That goal left Messi two clear of Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of the scoring charts. In third place on that list is Villa, who took his own tally for the league campaign to 17 just before the hour-mark to put Barça 2-0 ahead. The offside flag stayed down as Sergio Busquets put his Spain international team-mate clear through the middle and Villa did the rest, skipping past Aouate as the Mallorca goalkeeper raced out of his box before rolling the ball into the net to score for the fourth successive game.

Nine minutes after that Barça ensured the points would be heading back to the mainland with them as Pedro, another member of their FIFA World Cup™-winning contingent, made it 3-0. The winger cut inside near the top right-hand corner of the net before unleashing a thumping effort that, possibly with the aid of a slight deflection off a Mallorca foot, dipped over Aouate. That was Pedro's 13th league goal of the season, meaning Barça's top three goalscorers had all improved their tallies this evening.

Barça's fourth leading scorer, Iniesta, almost added to his collection in the 73rd minute as well. However, after getting past Aouate the stand-in Barça captain could only fire his shot into the side-netting as he was pushed wide of goal. That mattered little to Barça, though, as they already had the points sewn up.

Reyes salvages point for Atletico

Jose Antonio Reyes netted a late equaliser against former club Sevilla to earn Atletico Madrid a share of the spoils in a hugely entertaining 2-2 clash between two of La Liga's struggling big guns at the Vicente Calderon.

Sevilla, who this week were knocked out of the Europa League, twice took the lead through goals from Alvaro Negredo and Ivan Rakitic but Atletico hit back both times to deservedly claim a point. Teenager Jorge Koke cancelled out Negredo's strike with his first league goal for the club, while Reyes, who came up through the youth ranks at Sevilla, netted Atletico's second equaliser with 14 minutes to go.

Both clubs will be pleased to have avoided defeat against one of their main rivals for a UEFA Europa League place, but they could find themselves even further adrift of the top six if Athletic Bilbao beat Valencia tomorrow.

Atletico started the better but, after Reyes, Sergio Aguero and Raul Garcia had all tested visiting goalkeeper Javi Varas, it was Sevilla who took the lead four minutes before half-time. Mouhamadou Dabo's deep cross was chested down by Diego Perotti to the edge of the area, where former Real Madrid striker Negredo struck an unstoppable left-foot shot past David De Gea.

Atletico will have been bitterly disappointed to have gone behind after looking on top, but they almost drew level in first-half injury-time when Koke poked Diego Forlan's low cross goalward, and it needed an outstretched foot from Varas to deny the youngster.

Koke strikes back
Varas was left helpless by Koke two minutes into the second half however as the 19-year-old got on the end of another Forlan cross to cushion a header just inside the far post. That was the perfect start to the second period for Atletico, but they were fortunate to still be on level terms soon after as Negredo missed a great chance for Sevilla before Luis Fabiano saw a powerful header saved by De Gea.

As the game swept from one end to another, Atletico went close themselves in the 58th minute but Varas denied Aguero before Koke's follow-up was also blocked. Atletico once again looked to be gaining the upper hand, but they fell behind for a second time in the 65th minute as Sevilla scored a superbly-worked breakaway goal.

Aguero was muscled off the ball in the Sevilla area by Julien Escude, and Gary Medel and Fernando Navarro combined to set Perotti away down the left. Perotti then cut inside Tomas Ujfalusi before picking out Jesus Navas, who promptly laid the ball back to the edge of the box where Rakitic side-footed into the far corner of the net.

Sevilla again could not hold onto their lead, however, as Atletico drew level with 14 minutes to go when Reyes was put through by Antonio Lopez and he slotted a low shot past Varas. That was the end of the scoring, but it was not the end of the chances and both sides came close to snatching all three points in the closing stages.

Aguero had three good attempts, the final of which was a magnificent opening with ten minutes to go after Varas had picked up a back-pass from team-mate Sergio Sanchez. Atletico midfielder Tiago quickly grabbed the ball off the bemused Sevilla custodian and immediately passed to Aguero, but with a goal looking a certainty, Varas redeemed himself by throwing himself at the Argentinian's shot and managing to deflect it for a corner.

That was a huge let-off for Sevilla, but Atletico were also left breathing a sigh of relief in the 87th minute when Negredo's superb 25-yard effort came back off the underside of the crossbar with De Gea beaten.

Planet football hails O Fenômeno

As part of our regular ‘The things they say’ series, Salhi Goal.com has brought together selections of the choicest phrases ever uttered by such footballing luminaries as Romario, Diego Maradona and Eric Cantona, to name just three. We have decided to mix things up a little in the case of Brazilian goal-getter Ronaldo, who last week announced his retirement, choosing to highlight one of his final statements as an active pro as well as a host of tributes from some of planet football’s biggest names.

“After yet another groin injury, I gave it a lot of thought and decided I’d reached a point where I had nothing more to give and that the sacrifices were too great, something I never thought would happen. Once I’d made the decision it felt as if I was in Intensive Care with a terminal condition, and that this announcement would be like passing away. Giving up something that’s made me so happy is very tough, I’ve always loved the game and would give anything to carry on. But you can’t win them all and I’ve been beaten by my own body.”
Ronaldo
“He’s the best striker I’ve ever seen.”
Lionel Messi“Ronaldo is the man and I don’t care what y'all say. [He’s the] best striker ever, hands down, and anyone who doesn’t agree has problems.”
Jozy Altidore
“He went to Holland, Spain and Italy and enhanced the reputation of Brazilian football in all three countries. He came back home and breathed new life into the Brazilian championship and Corinthians. Brazilian people should be grateful for what he’s done for our football.”
Pele

“He was a one-off in terms of ability and had the skill to turn a half-chance into an incredible goalscoring opportunity. He was phenomenal when one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Those who saw him play know what I’m talking about. It’s not easy to put it into words, but I’m not exaggerating by any means.”
Zinedine Zidane
“I’d like to have played alongside him, because I’d have been able to put him through on goal all the time. He’s always in the right place to receive the ball and he thinks really quickly. It wasn’t by chance that he was the world’s best player on several occasions. He also did his bit for A Seleção, being a part of two World Cup wins and one second place. He even went on to become the highest scorer in World Cup history. That was a phenomenal feat, in keeping with his nickname.”
Zico
“I didn’t need any time to gel when playing alongside Ronaldo. He knew how I played and I knew where he liked to receive the ball. It was very easy to play with him because he was great at finding the right positions both inside and outside the box. As soon as I picked up the ball, he already knew what I was going to do with it.”
Rivaldo
"He was always an example for young people to look up to, for the way he overcame adversity. I was fortunate enough to play alongside him, my idol, for many years and we had so many great times together. He was always an idol of mine and will always be a friend.”
Ronaldinho

“Just as I’d believed he’d be one of the best players in our Seleção back then, I believe that he’s made the right decision now. I understood that if I backed him he’d be an important player for us (in Korea/Japan). I wish him the very best because he remains one of my best and closest friends, and he was a vital player in a triumph that had a huge impact on him and us.”
Luiz Felipe Scolari
“I’m a huge fan of Ronaldo, I’ve followed his career since his time at Barcelona. I once asked my uncle Miguel Angel [Nadal] if I could get a photo with him. So I even got to go in the dressing room and have a photo taken with one of my biggest idols. There’s no doubt that overcoming adversity, making it back to the very top of the game and winning trophies deserves huge credit.”
Rafael Nadal, the tennis superstar whose uncle was a team-mate of Ronaldo’s at Barça

“One of the most talented footballers ever, Ronaldo won two World Cups with A Seleção and remains the leading scorer at World Cup finals. He was already a genuine legend, even while still playing, and exemplified how to overcome adversity. All of us will be eternally grateful for the joy he gave us and what he did to boost Brazil’s prestige.”
Dilma Rousseff, Brazilian President

Maradona keen on role in Spain

Diego Maradona intends to continue his career as a coach and would like to work in Spain, the former Argentinian great told Spanish sport daily Marca today.
"My desire [to coach] remains intact and I reckon I could do it in Spain," said Maradona.
"After the 2010 World Cup, I received two or three interesting proposals. But they didn't suit me. I thanked [the clubs] and said the time wasn't right. But now that the summer has passed, I'm approaching things differently."

My desire [to coach] remains intact and I reckon I could do it in Spain.

Diego Maradona

Maradona, 50, took charge of Argentina at last year's FIFA World Cup in South Africa but saw them thrashed 4-0 by Germany in the quarter-finals.
The Argentinian Football Association (AFA) subsequently decided not to prolong his contract.
At the beginning of January he claimed to have received an offer to coach an English club, which at the time was rumoured to be Fulham.

Bruce signs new Black Cats deal

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has committed himself to the club until 2014 by signing a new contract.

The 50-year-old, who arrived at the Stadium of Light in the summer of 2009, has been in discussions with the Black Cats for some time and has now put pen to paper.
Sunderland are currently seventh in the Barclays Premier League and bidding for a first top-flight top-10 finish in a decade.
Bruce said: "I'm delighted to have signed a new contract. It's a magnificent club from top to bottom with wonderful support and everything is in place here for a manager.
"We have the makings of a fantastic young team.
"It's been a great challenge so far and one that my backroom team and I have relished, so we are looking forward to continuing with that over the next few years."

Unique Passion

Chairman Niall Quinn, who along with owner Ellis Short has provided Bruce with the financial backing to rebuild the squad, was delighted to have reached an agreement.
He said: "It was hugely important to bring stability to this football club and I firmly believe that in Steve we have the man to do just that.
"In only 18 months he has reshaped our squad beyond recognition, bringing in some fantastically talented players, many of whom are young and desperate to achieve and improve.
"He embodies the ethos of team-work and the importance of camaraderie in creating a wonderful spirit of togetherness amongst the players and staff.
"As someone born and bred in the north east he fully understands the unique passion for football in this region.
"He has already raised the aspirations of not only the players, but also the supporters, and instilled a belief in everyone that we can go on to achieve the sustained success that we all crave for this club."

Hodgson: Team must share burning ambition

Roy Hodgson wants West Bromwich Albion to embrace "the burning ambition" of the club and avoid relegation.

Albion sit one place and once point above the Barclays Premier League relegation zone heading into Monday's tough trip to Stoke City. While they are only three points off 13th position, the Baggies are also just three off bottom-placed Wolves.
Hodgson, whose side drew 1-1 with Wolverhampton Wanderers courtesy of Carlos Vela's added-time equaliser last weekend, insists everyone involved is aware of West Brom's precarious position and expects the players to step up in the remaining 11 matches of the season.

Burning Ambition

"I don't think anyone needs to keep highlighting the fact this is not an easy job," Hodgson told his club's website. "People have been understanding and sympathetic of that so far. People within the game, the media and other managers realise what the job is.
"But, most importantly, we need to get over to the players how important the job is, so that they understand that their desire and fear of failure must be every bit as great as that of the board and the staff.
"They have to share our burning ambition to stay in this league because they can actually affect it. If I was to go on the evidence of my one game in charge, I'd say there is that burning ambition because we were by no means bullied in a strong, physical game against Wolves - in fact we got an equaliser."
www.wba.co.uk

Kuyt harbours top-four hope

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt believes a Champions League qualifying place is still within reach.

The Reds have climbed to sixth in the Barclays Premier League after embarking on a six-match unbeaten run under caretaker manager Kenny Dalglish.
They remain eight points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur but the Londoners' loss at Blackpool in midweek and Liverpool's improving form has kept hope of a late charge alive.

Dropping Points

Kuyt said: "I think in the league this season, where so many teams are dropping points, a lot of things are possible.
"But we have to look to ourselves - we are unbeaten for a while now, let's have another three points on Sunday and then let's see where we are in five or six games.
"If we can close the gap a little bit more, who knows what is possible? It is always good when you see your rivals dropping points, but at the end of the day you have to bring the points in yourself.
"That is why the team was disappointed with the draw against Wigan, but now another game is coming up against West Ham and hopefully it will be another away win."

Cole 'desperate' for Euro glory

Ashley Cole is desperate to help Chelsea finally win the Champions League.

Cole, whose penalty miss against Everton allowed Phil Neville to win last Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round replay, began the process of redemption in Tuesday night's Champions League last-16 first-leg win at FC Copenhagen.
But with the Barclays Premier League title all but surrendered, nothing less than fulfilling Chelsea's long-held dream of lifting the European Cup will do for Cole this season.

Amazing Achievement

"It is something not many players from here have won so it means a lot to us," said Cole, a runner-up in 2006 with Arsenal and two years later with Chelsea.
"I have been in the final twice and defeated twice and it is not a good feeling.
"Hopefully this season will be different, it will be one to remember.
"I am just desperate to win the Champions League and if I can do it in a Chelsea shirt that will be an amazing achievement for me.
"After starting the season so well, we then had this dip in form, it wasn't going for us, and of course it has left us where we are now.
"It is not a good position for us, we know we have to do better, we want to do better.

"We are out of the FA Cup, the Carling Cup, we're never going to give up on the league but the Champions League is probably now the main focus for us to win because obviously not many people here have won that one."
Of his penalty against Everton, which he blazed high over the crossbar, England left-back Cole said: "It's one of those things.
"Every day in training I take penalties and I score. I didn't mean to go that high obviously. I thought the goalie was going to dive that way so I tried to put it above him.
"It was not a good moment for me but I just have to keep going now and try and make it up for the team."

Tiote signs Newcastle deal

Cheick Tiote has signed a new contract which commits him to Newcastle United until the end of the 2016/17 season.

The six-and-a-half-year deal follows his arrival from FC Twente last summer, with manager Alan Pardew delighted to be keeping the 24-year-old Ivory Coast player on a long-term basis.
Pardew said: "Cheick has been immense for us this season and is exactly the type of player I want in my squad. He is fantastic on the pitch and in the changing room and is vital for everything we want to achieve.
"Cheick offers us strength and presence in midfield and has proved himself to be one of the best in his position in the Premier League.
"He's adapted brilliantly to the English game and I'm delighted he's signed a new deal with us."

Great Club

The midfielder has impressed in his first season in England, and hit a stunning equalising goal for Newcastle when they fought back from 4-0 down to draw 4-4 with Arsenal at the start of February.
He and captain Kevin Nolan have become established in the centre of midfield, and Tiote is delighted to be staying at the club.
"I am very happy today to have signed this new deal with Newcastle United," he said.
"The experience of playing in the Premier League has been better than I ever hoped it could be.
"This is a great club and the fans have been brilliant - I have never known support like it."

Larsson thanks Arsenal for start

Birmingham City winger Sebastian Larsson has fond memories of his time at Carling Cup final opponents Arsenal.

Larsson left the Gunners five years ago to join Blues in pursuit of regular first-team football and has no regrets over that decision.
The Sweden international retains a lot of affection for his former club but that will be put to one side as City look to spring an upset on Sunday.
Larsson said: "Arsenal is a club that means a lot to me, definitely. I had five great years there.
"It was the best football education I could have had so I will always be grateful for that.
"I always want Arsenal to win and do well - apart from when they play us, including Sunday, of course.
"I have played against them a few times now and it's not like I played 100 games for their first team.
"But, like I said, it is a club that means a lot to me."

Larsson would have missed out on the final had he agreed personal terms with Newcastle United last month.
He is out of contract in the summer but maintains all his focus is on the final.

Decent Display

He said: "Listen, what happened in January happened. That's in the past.
"Ever since the transfer window shut, that was the end of it. It doesn't affect me at all.
"I am just focusing on football and enjoying my time at the club, as I've said I've always done, and I do as much as ever.
"I just want to go out there on Sunday and do the club proud. I have always maintained that I am happy here."
Larsson believes Arsenal will be under more pressure to win after more than five years without a trophy but that will not lessen his or Birmingham's desire to triumph.
He said: "It takes a bit of pressure off. There's more pressure on them to get the trophy than us.
"But once you have got to a game like this, a major cup final, there's only one thing you want to achieve - and that's to get the trophy.
"It will be a massive occasion. Playing in these type of games, you dream of as a kid.
"It's taken a while since I came to the club to get there, but we finally are and hopefully we can put on a decent display. We want to win."

Ameobi targets early return

Newcastle United's Shola Ameobi may return in as little as two weeks after being fitted for a protective mask.

The 29-year-old striker travelled to Detroit last week for a consultation with specialist Jeremy Murray after undergoing surgery to repair his fractured cheekbone, and is now back on Tyneside and has resumed light training.

He hopes to start working with his team-mates again some time next week, and then to be available for selection quicker than was first expected.

safety-wise

Ameobi told the club's official website: "Hopefully if I can keep on working hard this week and next, then I might join in training some time next week. Then I'll probably be looking at a week to 10 days from there, so hopefully not too long."
He added: "It all depends on the fitness. The mask is there to protect it, but I also have to get used to wearing it.
"We have to make sure that safety-wise it works, it will protect me, and that I can get the confidence in it.
"I'm hoping to halve the time of the recovery with this mask, so it would be good for that to be the case."
www.nufc.co.uk

Rolfes: Bayer can beat anybody

Bayer Leverkusen captain Simon Rolfes has set his sights on UEFA Europa League glory after his goal steered the Bundesliga club towards a 6-0 aggregate victory over Metalist Kharkiv.
The 29-year-old midfielder and Michael Ballack were on target in a 2-0 win at the BayArena last night as the hosts eased into the last 16, where they will now face Spanish outfit Villarreal, and Rolfes believes they have what it takes to go all the way.
"Of course we have a tough draw, but I always look forward to games against top clubs because we too are a top club," he said. "We can beat anybody and then in the end, maybe we can finish on top."

Of course we have a tough draw, but I always look forward to games against top clubs. We can beat anybody and then in the end, maybe we can finish on top.

Simon Rolfes of Bayer Leverkusen on facing Villarreal

Rolfes is also relieved that Bayer will not have to brave the freezing temperatures they faced in the Ukraine a week ago.

"The main thing is we are heading south, where it is warm," he said. "It was incredibly cold in Kharkiv."
Heynckes laments missed chancesMeantime Bayer coach Jupp Heynckes, who was critical of his side's finishing, says the competition will now get interesting.

"The Europa League season starts now," he said. "Kharkiv could not handle us in the two legs and we could even have scored more goals.
"I am definitely critical of our conversion rate today. We should not be wasting chances so easily, especially not the young players."

Wenger: We'll win it for Cesc

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger wants to win the League Cup for Cesc Fabregas after the captain was ruled out of Sunday's final against Birmingham.
A hamstring injury sustained in Wednesday's Premier League win over Stoke will keep Spaniard Fabregas sidelined for the Wembley showpiece. The 23-year-old limped off after just 14 minutes of the Stoke match, and although he had hoped to shake off the problem in time for the weekend, Arsenal last night ruled him out of their plans.
Wenger told Arsenal TV Online: "It is a very small injury but certainly Cesc will be out for Sunday. For how long [beyond that] I don't know, but definitely for Sunday. He is disappointed. We all feel sorry and sad for him. The only way we help him now is to win the Carling Cup as he contributed a lot in this competition."

We all feel sorry and sad for him. The only way we help him now is to win the Carling Cup as he contributed a lot in this competition.

Arsene Wenger on Cesc Fabregas

Fabregas will be determined to be fit for the second leg of Arsenal's Champions League tie with Barcelona on 8 March. However Wenger would not give a firm indication of when his star man would be next available. "It is very difficult to give a deadline," Wenger said. "It is impossible."
Theo Walcott will also miss the League Cup final after being carried off on a stretcher in the Stoke game. His absence for the final was confirmed in the immediate aftermath of the Emirates Stadium clash with the Potters. Wenger said: "He has a classic ankle sprain. We don't think there is any more damage to it, but it is still a sprain. We are sad for him too. He is out for Sunday and maybe one or two weeks more."
Robin van Persie, Laurent Koscielny and Abou Diaby are expected to be available for Wembley after they all missed the Stoke game.  Van Persie sat out the match with a hamstring problem, Koscielny was missing with a back problem and Diaby, who was suspended, should be fit after a calf complaint.
Wenger added: "All the three will be available. That's the good news. And everybody else is all right from the Stoke game too.

Xavi: Injuries not a concern

Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez has dismissed suggestions that the team are buckling under the strain of so many demanding matches following a glut of injuries recently, insisting they are no worse off than title challengers Real Madrid.

Xavi will be missing along with Carles Puyol and Victor Valdes for the trip to Real Mallorca while Leo Messi had a knock but has been given the green light to play. With Dani Alves also suspended it means that coach Pep Guardiola will have to make several changes. The injuries have come during a key part of the season with the club having reached the final of the King's Cup as well as competing in the domestic league and the UEFA Champions League.

While they have continued to show their eye-catching football in spells in recent matches they have not been as consistent as earlier in the campaign. They were lucky to draw with Sporting Gijon ahead of their Champions League tie with Arsenal, which they lost 2-1 in London, and then last weekend they scraped home a 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.

"Every year teams have these kinds of injuries, we have had a lot of games but there is no reason to be alarmed as it is something quite normal," said Xavi. "Barcelona are playing well, we are dominating games and creating chances. It is all down to us and I don't think (Real) Madrid are improving and we are getting worse, that is just fans' talk. They are still a very strong side and we need to be wary of them."

Momentum building for RealReal have won their last three league games and reduced the gap at the top to five points while they managed an important away goal in their 1-1 draw with Lyon in the Champions League. As they prepare to take on Deportivo La Coruna this weekend, coach Jose Mourinho tried to relax his players by saying that even if they do finish second then the season would have been far from a disaster.

"We have to go our own way and look for stability. If we don't win the league and then change everything in the summer it would be a case of starting all over again," said Mourinho. "It is important to go in the right direction and it is logical that the young players we have will get better and win things. I am not saying we will finish second though and we could still win the treble."

Valencia have taken advantage of a slump in form from Villarreal to move into third place but they now face a tough match away to Athletic Bilbao who have a strong home record and will be looking to bounce back from the Barcelona defeat. Villarreal travel to Racing Santander having picked up just one point from three games as their extra commitments in the UEFA Europa League appear to be taking their toll.

Espanyol are still in a Europa League place despite losing their last four games and they now take on Real Sociedad who are among the teams below them trying to close the gap. So too are Atletico Madrid and Sevilla who go head-to-head at the Calderon.

The battle is also fierce at the other end of the table and the bottom two sides Malaga and Almeria meet each other. Zaragoza have slipped back into the bottom three after a brief recovery and they now play Sporting Gijon while Levante take on Osasuna and Hercules entertain Getafe.

United check Marseille momentum

Round of 16, First leg - 23/02/2011 - Stade Vélodrome - Marseille

Marseille

0-0

Man. United 

 

Olympique de Marseille 0-0 Manchester United FCNeither side were able to fashion a breakthrough in a tight encounter at the Stade Vélodrome to leave the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg.

Olympique de Marseille failed to find a way through Manchester United FC's resolute defence as two former UEFA Champions League winners cancelled each other out in a tactical contest in southern France.
With both teams missing key men through injury, this eagerly-anticipated contest struggled to live up to the pre-match hype, although there were positives for both sides ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford on 15 March. Despite the absence of striker André-Pierre Gignac, Marseille posed frequent problems through their lively wingers André Ayew and Loïc Rémy yet rarely tested Edwin van der Sar. Sir Alex Ferguson, meanwhile, will have been pleased with the way Chris Smalling performed in the absence of Rio Ferdinand, the young defender impressively neutralising the threat of Brandão.
Competing in a UEFA Champions League knockout tie for the first time since 1993, the year they won the trophy, the Ligue 1 titleholders were quickly on the attack, Ayew surging down the left inside the first minute and crossing for Rémy who shot wildly into the stands. Yet the visitors, who had won nine of their last ten European away games, soon steadied the ship and began posing a threat of their own through Nani.
The Portuguese winger twice got in behind former United defender Gabriel Heinze before drawing a foul from Stéphane Mbia on the edge of the box on nine minutes. From the resulting free-kick Darren Fletcher drew a sharp, low save from Steve Mandanda after Nani's centre had only been half-cleared.
Nani's frequent incursions seemed to concern the Mediterranean outfit and they began to play with more caution, Ayew dropping deeper to protect Heinze as Edouard Cissé and Charles Kaboré patrolled in front of the centre-backs. With United also struggling to find their rhythm, the goalkeepers were spectators for much of the first half. Van der Sar did, however, need to react swiftly to prevent Ayew's inswinging corner creeping inside his near post four minutes before the break.
OM were chasing a fifth straight win in this season's competition, having beaten another English side Chelsea FC in their last outing, and they began asking more serious questions of United in the second period. After Brandão had looped a header into Van der Sar's arms, Ayew almost sent Lucho González clear with a superb diagonal pass from the left that was fractionally over-hit. There was suddenly real verve about the hosts and they went close again on 62 minutes, Ayew's cross-shot flashing in front of an unmarked Brandão at the far post.
They got no reward for their efforts, however, and as Didier Deschamps' charges began to tire it was United who finished on top. Souleymane Diawara needed to make a superb block to keep out Dimitar Berbatov's goalbound effort, and Mandanda was also alert on 82 minutes, sprinting off his line to smother the ball at Nani's feet. Ultimately, though, both defences proved too strong, the goalless stalemate ensuring the tie remains wide open.

Match statistics

Marseille		Man. United
0	Goals scored	0
2	Attempts on target	2
3	Attempts off target	2
5	Corners	2
32' 22''	Possession (time)	33' 5''
49	Possession (%)	51
9	Fouls committed	14
0	Yellow cards	0
0	Red cards	0

Round of 16, First leg - 23/02/2011 -  Stadio Giuseppe Meazza - Milan

Internazionale

0-1

Bayern

• Gomez 90'

FC Internazionale Milano 0-1 FC Bayern MünchenMario Gomez's 90th-minute strike loosened the holders' grip on the trophy after a fine performance from visiting goalkeeper Thomas Kraft.

FC Bayern München take a 1-0 lead back to the Fußball Arena München after Mario Gomez stunned UEFA Champions League holders FC Internazionale Milano with an 90th-minute winner.
After a multitude of chances at both ends, a breathless match seemed destined to end goalless when Júlio César spilled Arjen Robben's shot into the path of Gomez, who tucked in his seventh goal of the competition. They may not have revenge in mind following last season's showpiece defeat, but the German side can start dreaming of a quarter-final place at the Italian titleholders' expense this time around. First, though, is the second leg on 15 March.
It is no foregone conclusion as this result was hard on the hosts, repeatedly denied by the excellent Thomas Kraft. They could have taken the lead inside two minutes when Andrea Ranocchia spurned the chance to mark his UEFA Champions League debut after ghosting in at the far post. The Italy defender was soon in more familiar territory, arresting the danger at the other end.
If his crunching tackles on Franck Ribéry and Gomez set the tone for a hard-fought contest, Luiz Gustavo's two long-range strikes in as many minutes, which both flew just wide, marked an open one. Inter retaliated with a counterattack of their own, as Samuel Eto'o cut the ball back for Esteban Cambiasso to force a fine save out of Kraft from close range.
Bayern came forward again, the vaunted Robben-Ribéry partnership combining for the latter to head the former's inviting cross flush against the crossbar on 23 minutes. The game was end to end, with Bayern's swashbuckling approach offering Inter the chance to counterattack. No sooner had Gomez skied Philipp Lahm's low centre over than the visitors had Kraft to thank for a reflex save to keep out Eto'o's wonderful left-footed shot.
Inter might have been ahead on the stroke of half-time after Maicon raced on to Dejan Stanković's through ball, but the right-back blazed wide rather than seek out the supporting runners. In the first move of the second period Thomas Müller weakly glanced another cross from the irrepressible Robben wide of the far post.
The Dutchman's pace and skill was causing Inter no end of problems and he showcased both on 53 minutes, leaving a trail of defenders in his wake before striking Júlio César's near post. True to form, the Nerazzurri responded in kind, Kraft again denying Eto'o only for Cambiasso to find the Curva Sud when it seemed easier to score. Supporters, let alone the players, were struggling to draw breath.
Kraft was soon called into action again, repelling an angled drive from substitute Houssine Kharja and in the latter stages Inter desperately sought the goal that eluded them. Sneijder's free-kick narrowly missed, Thiago Motta's powerful header was clutched by Kraft and Eto'o's shot through a crowd deflected wide. Then, after Robben tried his luck from range, Gomez supplied the sucker punch.

Match statistics

Internazionale		Bayern
0	Goals scored	1
5	Attempts on target	3
6	Attempts off target	8
8	Corners	6
30' 21''	Possession (time)	36' 30''
45	Possession (%)	55
10	Fouls committed	17
3	Yellow cards	2
0	Red cards	0

Walcott out of Carling Cup final

Arsenal's Theo Walcott has been ruled out of the Carling Cup final with a sprained ankle.

The England winger fell awkwardly after a challenge from Dean Whitehead in Arsenal's 1-0 win over Stoke City on Wednesday.
Cesc Fabregas was also substituted with a hamstring injury and is a doubt for Sunday's final against Birmingham City.
"Walcott has an ankle sprain and he's out, for how long I can't tell you, but for Sunday he is definitely out," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
"Fabregas has a hamstring problem but we will assess that tomorrow, tonight it is impossible to say how serious it is. We will know more about it tomorrow."
The Gunners moved to within a point of Manchester United courtesy of Sebastien Squillaci's seventh minute header at the Emirates Stadium.

Team Realised

It was not a vintage display from Arsenal but Wenger praised his side's resolve against a Stoke team that tested them with several long balls and throws into the box.
"I think we have matured, certainly," he said. "We can win a game tonight when we are less creative, less fluent, but with intelligence, brain and calm. That is what has changed.
"Before, one or two years ago when we were not at our best, we dropped points. Tonight you could see the team realised 'let's not make the mistake' and I must give a lot of credit to my players."
Tony Pulis felt his side performed well after a difficult opening 10 minutes that saw Walcott hit the inside of the post before his side conceded.
"In the first 10 minutes of the game [Arsenal] could have been out of sight," he said.
"We looked like rabbits in the headlights to be honest. Any phase of play, whether it was from a set play or free-flowing football, they looked like they were going to score goals. It looked as though it was going to be a long night.
"Gradually we got back into the game and from our second-half showing we are desperately disappointed we didn't get anything from the game."

Arsenal 1-0 Stoke City

Arsenal moved to within one point of the top of the Barclays Premier League with victory over Stoke City.

But victory for the Gunners was overshadowed by injuries to Theo Walcott and Cesc Fabregas.
Sebastien Squillaci's seventh-minute header handed Arsenal the win but injuries to their key duo will be of more concern with the Carling Cup final and a Champions League match against Barcelona coming up.
Fabregas came off with what appeared to be a knee complaint in the first half while Walcott was carried off on a stretcher with an ankle injury after being flattened by a Dean Whitehead challenge.

Puel pleased with Lyon performance

Round of 16, First leg - 22/02/2011 - - Stade de Gerland - Lyon

Lyon

• Gomis 83'

1-1

Real Madrid

• Benzema 65'

Claude Puel and José Mourinho were satisfied if left wanting more after Olympique Lyonnais's draw with Real Madrid CF, the latter saying: "We're happy but it could have been a lot better."

Claude Puel was pleased with the effort shown by Olympique Lyonnais after they rallied after conceding a goal from former striker Karim Benzema, though with more cutting edge he felt they could have had more than Bafétimbi Gomis' 83rd-minute strike to show for their efforts. José Mourinho professed himself satisfied as Madrid avoided defeat at Lyon for the first time in their fourth visit – yet he acknowledges much work remains if his side are not to lose in the round of 16 for the seventh season running.
Claude Puel, Lyon coachWe produced a great game, a real spectacle. We dropped off the pace in the second half, when they played longer balls and put us under more pressure. They made the most of Karim coming on to score. After that we started to play our own game again and we finished very strongly to get the equaliser. It's a pity we missed opportunities, especially in the first half. Our final pass wasn't clinical enough. We deserved more because we gave our all. The scoreline is not satisfying but the performance was good.
In the second half we saw a different Madrid, but in the first we created many chances by remaining compact and keeping our shape. Both defensively and offensively we are challenged by this team but we now have a chance to advance. It's not over yet. We know we will have opportunities in the second leg – we'll have to convert them.
José Mourinho, Madrid coachWe're happy with the result but it could have been a lot better. The first half was an extremely ugly affair – as sometimes happens in these games – but the second belonged to us. We scored here for the first time and we also got our first draw. I knew it was going to be a tough, tight game with lots of pressing. When things began to open up a bit I threw on Karim. I'm happy he managed to score here on his return home; it's really fantastic for him personally and it was great for us as a team.

A draw is a fair result tonight. In the first half Lyon left us little space and put us under a lot of pressure and we didn't play well. In the second, Madrid were the better team. We got much more space to play from deep, so we started creating chances. When we broke the deadlock, I thought we could get a second which would have all but taken us through – but at 1-1 the contest remains open. We have a slight advantage but Lyon are quality rivals.
We will now be looking to the return at our stadium and we want it to produce the same effect that Lyon's home gives them. We are hoping for a memorable night at the Santiago Bernabéu to see us through to the next round.

Match statistics

Lyon		Real Madrid
1	Goals scored	1
3	Attempts on target	3
6	Attempts off target	3
5	Corners	4
23' 47''	Possession (time)	29' 18''
44	Possession (%)	56
20	Fouls committed	17
3	Yellow cards	3
0	Red cards	0