Robbie Keane signs for Aston Villa on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy

Robbie Keane signs for Aston Villa on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy
Thursday, 12 January 2012

Aston Villa, sign Los Angeles Galaxy, striker Robbie Keane, on a six-week, loan deal,

Aston Villa have signed Los Angeles Galaxy and Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane on loan until 25 February, subject to Fifa clearance."This is only short term, of course," said the much-travelled ex-Coventry, Leeds, Spurs and Liverpool striker.

"But there has been a lot of speculation over the years linking my name to Villa and, finally, I'm here."Keane, 31, who has already been training with Villa, could make his debut at home to Everton on Saturday.Dubliner Keane, who started his career with Wolverhampton Wanderers as a 17-year-old, admitted: "I'm delighted to be back in the Premier League."I'm excited about it and I know I'll really enjoy my time here. It's only for two months, but I will do my absolute best."Villa are a great club, a club with a massive tradition and standing in the game. Villa Park is one of the finest stadiums I've ever played in."I've been training with the players here for the past few days and it's been great but I'm not naive enough to think I'll just walk straight into the team."The Republic of Ireland striker came close to joining Villa in 1999 from Wolves, only for a late hitch over the transfer fee allowing Coventry to sign him instead.It is also a case of second time lucky for McLeish regarding the capture of Keane.....

Roberto Mancini and Steven Gerrard row over Glen Johnson tackle

Roberto Mancini and Steven Gerrard row over Glen Johnson tackle
Thursday, 12 January 2012

Manchester City, boss Roberto Mancini, is involved, in an ,angry tunnel exchange, with Liverpool, captain Steven Gerrard, after his side's 1-0 Carling Cup, semi-final, first leg defeat,

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini was involved in an angry tunnel exchange with Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard after his side's 1-0 Carling Cup semi-final first leg defeat.Mancini felt a Glen Johnson tackle on Joleon Lescott should have been punished for being two-footed, claiming it was worse than the challenge that resulted in a red card for Vincent Kompany in Sunday's FA Cup tie with Manchester United.

But Gerrard disagreed and made his feelings known to Mancini.While Mancini was waiting to talk to a gathering of journalists, Gerrard approached him.The Liverpool captain, pointing a finger at the City boss then waving an imaginary card, said to Mancini: "You say to the press that Wayne Rooney tried to get Kompany sent off - and you try to get Johnson sent off."While listening to him, Mancini said "I say what I want" and "yes, yes" but what he was agreeing with was unclear.Gerrard then shook his head, turned around and walked away, then Mancini shouted back at him but what he actually said cannot be understood."Gerrard came to me and said I said something," commented the Italian, who clashed twice with the England international."Steven Gerrard can say what he wants. I said what I think. That is what I am used to doing. It is not important what Gerrard or the other players have said."Mancini claimed that his anger was directed at the inconsistency of refereeing decisions more than at Liverpool defender Johnson."I said something [after the tackle]," he said. "It was not for Johnson. It is for the tackle. This tackle was worse than Vinny's. Everyone can see it."When asked if he agreed with Mancini's view on Johnson's challenge on Lescott, Gerrard told BBC Sport: "I don't think so. It was a clear winner of a tackle......

Barcelona favourites against Osasuna: El Clasico guaranteed?

Barcelona favourites against Osasuna: El Clasico guaranteed?
Isaac Asante, January 11 2012,

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Real Madrid have already booked their place in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals and Barcelona are an inch away from joining them in the Last 8. Will there be a pair of Clasicos this month?Most likely, yes… Barcelona won their first leg encounter in the on-going stage 4-0 against Los Rojillos. That result places them in perfect position to eye two meetings against arch-rivals Real Madrid in the following round.

If ever Osasuna wish to overturn their opening leg’s score line, then they will have to keep a clean sheet this evening and score at least 5 goals. Should they concede a goal, their mission will be made harder, and being realistic; success on their behalf is not very possible at this stage.For Barcelona, a terribly shocking exit would remind them of their disgusting disqualification from the Copa del Rey almost five years ago, when they got overpowered by Getafe on aggregate despite a 5-2 victory at the Camp Nou. This is not something Barca fans are currently anticipating; but then, they should hence prepare themselves to face Madrid twice this month.Seven Clasicos were lined-up last year in La Liga, the Copa del Rey final, the UEFA Champions League semi-finals and the Spanish Super Cup. If Barcelona and Madrid play each other again in January 2012, then they will be going through the 8th and 9th Clasicos since April 2011.Only a single Clasico last year went in favour of Real, with three others ending as wins for Los Cules. The last Clasico resulted in an exciting 3-1 triumph for Pep Guardiola’s boys.Is the Spanish derby about to lose its value due to its excessive repetitions lately, or is it getting better and better?

Tottenham Hotspur in EPL title crusade: The pressure is on Manchester City!

Tottenham Hotspur in EPL title crusade: The pressure is on Manchester City!
By Angela Asante, January 12 2012,

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As the 2011/12 English Premier League season continues, leaders Manchester City are giving more reasons for Spurs to try their luck.The top three zone in the Premiership is not Tottenham Hotspur’s usual place – especially not during the second half of the campaign. The reality, this year, is that the London club can optimistically dream about lifting the prestigious trophy in May.

Of course, Spurs need long-term consistency to achieve such a feat. In addition, they have to fight against the historical and financial power of England’s top teams. These include Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City. The competition between the English Premier League’s top six contenders is tight – both in terms of points and mental strength.As things stand, City lead the way with 48 points – three above Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Chelsea (37), Arsenal (36) and Liverpool (34) are a bit further. But for these three clubs, the fight to avoid the Europa League and to gain Champions League tickets looks more like the real situation.Incredibly, Spurs seat above these big teams in third position. Since it shouldn’t hurt to dream about winning the EPL crown, Harry Redknapp and his men should just enjoy the challenge without worrying about what tomorrow may bring.“Nothing is impossible. We are in the Champions League mix but you just don't know about the Premier League. I wouldn't put that pressure on players but they believe we've got a chance,” Redknapp told the press following his side’s vital 2-0 victory over Everton on Wednesday night.Tottenham Hotspur have absolutely nothing to lose. Looking at the way things have turned out very recently, the heat is firmly on Manchester City.