In the midst of transfer deadline day drama there was an important night of Premier League football on Tuesday that saw five of the top seven clubs in action.
League leaders Manchester City continued their poor form at Goodison Park after going down 1-0 with United old-boy Darron Gibson scoring the winner. That result gave Manchester United the chance to move level on points at the top of the league with their rivals, and Sir Alex Ferguson’s men didn’t disappoint as they recorded a comfortable 2-0 win over Stoke.
Tottenham also took advantage of City’s slip-up by beating bottom club Wigan 3-1 at White Hart Lane thanks largely to a brace from Gareth Bale. Chelsea lost further ground on third place after needing a last minute own goal to secure a 1-1 draw away at Swansea, while Liverpool were able to close on the Blues after a superb display saw them beat Wolves 3-0.
Watch BBC MOTD highlights from each game below, with videos provided by 101greatgoals.com:
Article source: http://football-talk.co.uk/58980/video-watch-goals-highlights-from-tuesdays-premier-league-games/
3 February 2012
Last updated at 10:30 ET
The Premier League has enjoyed a number of lucrative TV deals since its formation in 1992
The Premier League and the importers of foreign satellite TV decoder boxes and cards are both claiming victory after their latest court battle.
Satellite systems from other parts of the EU were sold to pubs for less then that charged by Sky and ESPN, who have exclusive UK deals with the league.
Now, after a High Court hearing, the league says it will take action against pubs for breach of copyright.
But the satellite importers claim they are free to carry on their business.
Copyright v competition
The Premier League had initially taken out a civil action against QC Leisure (a digital box supplier), and SR Leisure Limited (a publican).
That case was sent to the European courts – along with that of pub landlady Karen Murphy, who had shown games in her pub using a QC decoder – for legal advice and guidance on points of law.
It meant that UK prosecutions for using these systems had been put on hold while the case went to the European courts.
Last autumn, the European courts ruled that national laws that prohibit the import, sale or use of foreign decoder cards were contrary to the freedom to provide services.
But is said while live matches were not protected by copyright, any surrounding media, such as any opening video sequence, the Premier League anthem, pre-recorded films showing highlights of recent Premier League matches and various graphics, were “works” protected by copyright.
High Court ruling
Now the High Court has said that in some aspects the importers of foreign satellite equipment had been in breach of Premier League copyright by allowing the showing of foreign broadcasts.
But it also said that the Premier League had only proved its claims of breach of copyright “to a limited extent”.
Lord Justice Kitchen added that “the defendants who are continuing to trade must be entitled to carry on their business in a way which avoids infringement of [Premier League] copyright if they are able to do so”.
Furthermore, he said that clauses in Premier League TV contracts with national broadcasters that prohibit them from broadcasting Premier League games outside their own country’s borders may constitute “a restriction on competition”.
‘Court declaration’
The Premier League said: “It is clear that the law gives us the right to prevent the unauthorised use of our copyrights in pubs and clubs when they are communicated to the public without our authority.
“We will now resume actions against publicans who are using European Economic Area foreign satellite systems to show Premier League football on their premises unlawfully and without our authority.”
Anand Pattani, is a lawyer at Smithfield Partners legal firm, which has represented QC Leisure and other defendants.
“Our clients are extremely pleased that, in line with the finding of the European Court, the judgment confirms that the majority of claims against our clients are to be dismissed,” he said.
“Insofar as there has been a finding of infringement relating to a limited number of artistic works our clients also welcome Lord Justice Kitchin’s confirmation that they must be entitled to carry on their business in a way which avoids any such infringement. “
Investment
Daniel Geey, of FFW legal firm, is an expert on sport broadcasting issues.
He says the High Court will now “make a declaration which will set out the precise infringing acts established against QC Leisure and the other defendants”.
And he said the overall effect of the High Court ruling, with its observations with regard to territorial sales of TV rights, “may may have significant implications for the way that the Premier League will be able to tender its matches in the next rights auction”.
Sky has pumped billions into top flight English football since the league was founded in 1992, with the money given to clubs allowing them to buy some of the top names in the world.
The Premier League’s television income from mainland Europe is about £130m, less than 10% of their total £1.4bn overseas rights deal.
Ms Murphy’s case will be heard in the High Court later this year.
Article source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16852324
Chelsea‘s latest Premier League outing against Swansea saw the Blues end up with a tame draw, which ended what “little” chances they had of making a fight for the EPL title. The draw saw them fall seven points adrift of third-place Tottenham and 12 points behind the two Manchester clubs.
Chelsea can now only hope for a fourth-place finish and third place at the best. While it may be a shame seeing the West Londoners fall to such lows, there is also the fact of the squad undergoing a revolution.
Manchester United, on the other hand, saw themselves at equal points with their derby rivals City after Roberto Mancini’s men conceded defeat at the hands of Everton. The Red Devils are suffering from a severe injury crisis, with a majority of their first-team regulars sidelined by injury.
Hence, when Andre Villas-Boas’s subpar performing squad takes on Sir Alex Ferguson’s Red Devils, it is surely going to be one hell of a match with both teams having much at stake to lose. For Chelsea, it will be their fourth position, and for United the title chance.
In the following article we shall try and predict the starting 11 that Villas-Boas might field when his squad welcome the league leaders this weekend.
Given the manner in which Chelsea played against United last time, it is likely that Villas-Boas will stick to the 4-2-1-3 formation. It not only helped him solidify the defense but also allowed greater attacking options.
Petr Cech
There is no doubt as to who shall stand guard under the post for the Blues given the importance of the match, and given the Czech’s impressive performances so far there is no reason to believe he might be dropped.
Jose Bosingwa
The Portuguese had an impressive outing against Swansea. It was from his cross that the equaliser happened. Though his defensive abilities has been questioned this season, Villas-Boas is likely to keep him in the right-back position.
John Terry
Chelsea have never looked convincing at the back with their Captain Fantastic missing, and against Swansea it seemed all the more evident. With Terry sidelined by a minor injury, the Blues struggled to keep Swansea at bay. Terry is expected to be fit for the faceoff against Manchester United, and Villas-Boas is undoubtedly going to throw back his captain in the thick of the action.
David Luiz
The Brazilian has become a regular feature in Villas-Boas’s plans, and he might as well keep his place in the Chelsea defense when they welcome United at Stamford Bridge. With Ashley Cole missing the season-defining fixture serving a suspension, Villas-Boas could use his attack-minded left-footed defender in the wing-back role. Luiz is not uncomfortable playing in that role, and hence he is likely to land the left-back position.
Gary Cahill
While many might not agree with this decision, my belief is that Villas-Boas was saving his new signing for possibly their most important fixture this season. Questions have been raised over AVB’s decision to not hand a debut to his new signing, something he has defended meekly. So with a quality opposition of United’s capability, it seems very likely that Villas-Boas will test his new man’s ability at the centre of the Chelsea defense alongside his national teammate Terry.
Oriol Romeu
The youngster, who has been impressive so far, did not have a very nice outing against Swansea. He was seemingly hassled by the Swansea midfield and failed to make those creative passes. But with Mikel seemingly out of favor and Essien yet to get back his previous shine, it is likely that the Spanish midfielder shall keep his place in the holding midfield role.
Raul Meireles
With Villas-Boas likely to play the effective 4-2-1-3 formation when they face United next weekend, AVB would play Meireles in the holding role alongside youngster Oriol Romeu to give the Blues’ defensive strength as well as more attacking options. Meireles is comfortable in the deep midfield role as he proved in Chelsea’s previous fixture with the Red Devils.
Juan Mata
The Spanish winger has turned out to be the best signing for the Blues earlier this season. He has created more goal-scoring chances than the rest of Chelsea’s entire midfield. With Villas-Boas likely to stick to his 4-2-1-3 style, Mata could fit in just well in the trequartista role, a position that shall allow the Spaniard more creative freedom. Playing just behind Torres would also allow Mata to create more chances for his fellow countryman as well as trouble the injury-hit United defense.
Florent Malouda
The Frenchman has seen his playing time reduced to few sub-in roles and some starting roles occasionally this season. He was handed a starting role against Swansea but failed to leave his mark in the match. But with Frank Lampard recovering from injury and Ramires out for quite a long time, Malouda is likely to get some playing time in the coming weeks. He is expected to assist Torres in the left wing of Chelsea’s attack.
Daniel Sturrdige
To date the youngster has been Chelsea’s best player, along with Mata. He has proved his quality week after week and his on-field exploits have resulted in Villas-Boas handing him a regular spot in first-team action. Although he still lacks experience and that sharpness in front the goal, when Chelsea face a visiting Manchester United next weekend Sturridge is sure to keep it his spot at the right wing.
Chelsea’s misfiring Spaniard has looked promising in the last few weeks, though he is now more than a 1,000 minutes without scoring a goal. Villas-Boas has publicly defended his ₤50 million striker and asked for patience. But one year is a lot of time in football, and if Torres cannot start scoring goals then he as well as his manager might see the door come the end of the season.
He had scored one of his three goals in a Chelsea jersey against United last year. The match against United could prove to be his return to glory or further humiliation.
Substitutes
Michael Essien ( likely needs some time to get back to full fitness), Branislav Ivanovic, Frank Lampard (he might make an early appearance if Malouda fails to impress), Ryan Bertrand and Romelu Lukaku.
Article source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1048326-chelsea-fc-vs-manchester-united-predicting-the-probable-starting-xi
NICKNAME: The Red Devils
FOUNDED: 1878 as Newton Heath LYR FC
MANAGER: Sir Alex Ferguson
GROUND: Old Trafford, 75,811
Official Website
By any standard, Manchester United has been the most successful team in British football over the past two decades. Since the Barclays Premier League was formed in 1992, United have won more titles than any other team.
Manchester United was formed in 1878 as Newton Heath LYR Football Club. In contrast to the red and white of their famous soccer kit, the club’s original colors were green and gold. The club changed their name to Manchester United in 1902.
— Get in the Gear of Manchester United Football Club. The World Soccer Shop has the best selection of official gear of the Red Devils from soccer jerseys to training gear, to hats and more. —
The newly named club quickly started building and by 1906 were promoted to the first division and won the title, the club’s first, in 1908. The following season Manchester United won the inaugural Charity Sheild.
The first true era of dominance for Manchester United started in October of 1945 when Matt Busby was named the new manager. Under Busby’s guidance, Manchester United won multiple trophies but the most important came in 1968 when the Red Devils became the first English team (the second British team) to win the European Cup, now known as the UEFA Champions League.
Busby’s era was not all happy times. The Munich Air Disaster on February 6, 1958 claimed the lives of 23 including 8 United players as they traveled home from a European Cup clash with Red Star Belgrade.
The second run of dominance started in November 1986 when Sir Alex Ferguson was named manager. The Scotsman has re-written the record books and is still adding to his numbers.
In 1999, the Red Devils had the most successful year in English football history when they won a rare treble with silverware in the Premier League, FA Cup, and the UEFA Champion’s League.
Manchester United has also turned into a global brand during their recent incredible run of success. The globalization of the club has led them to be constantly among the top 3 wealthiest clubs in the world. The club plays its home games at Old Trafford which outside of Wembley Stadium is the most famous ground in England.
Manchester United face cross-town rivals Manchester City in the Manchester Derby. Manchester United’s other main rival in the Premier League is Liverpool.
Domestic
League
First Division (until 1992) and Premier League: 19 – 1907–08, 1910–11, 1951–52, 1955–56, 1956–57, 1964–65, 1966–67, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11
Second Division: 2 – 1935–36, 1974–75
Cups
FA Cup: 11 – 1908–09, 1947–48, 1962–63, 1976–77, 1982–83, 1984–85, 1989–90, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1998–99, 2003–04
League Cup: 4 – 1991–92, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10
FA Charity/Community Shield: 19 (15 outright, 4 shared) – 1908, 1911, 1952, 1956, 1957, 1965*, 1967*, 1977*, 1983, 1990*, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011 (* shared)
European
European Cup/UEFA Champions League: 3 – 1967–68, 1998–99, 2007–08
UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup: 1 – 1990–91
UEFA Super Cup: 1 – 1991
Worldwide
Intercontinental Cup: 1 – 1999
FIFA Club World Cup: 1 – 2008
Doubles and Trebles
Doubles:
League and FA Cup: 3 – 1993–94, 1995–96, 1998–99 (as part of the Treble)
League and League Cup: 1 – 2008–09
European Double (League and European Cup): 2 – 1998–99 (as part of the Treble), 2007–08
“The Treble” (League, FA Cup and European Cup): 1 – 1998–99
Article source: http://www.soccer365.com/news/premier_league/premier_league_team_profiles/10426/manchester_united_football_club
Arsenal traveled to Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League hoping to imptove on their sixth place, with a win putting them ahead of fourth-placed Chelsea.
But the Gunners could not nab the points, held to a 0-0 draw.
Arsene Wenger was hoping to bounce back strongly after their 2-1 loss against the Trotters at The Reebok last season.
Watch the video for the highlights.
3 News
Article source: http://www.3news.co.nz/VIDEO-HIGHLIGHTS-Bolton-Vs-Arsenal-0-0-English-Premier-League-2012/tabid/415/articleID/241570/Default.aspx
