Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini plans to appeal against Mario Balotelli's red card in Sunday's 2-0 win at West Brom.
Referee Lee Probert dismissed the former Inter Milan star, who had scored two first-half goals, for two yellow cards.
A furious Mancini said after his side's victory:"I absolutely do not agree with the referee about this sending-off.
"A red card for what? He played a fantastic game, he scored two goals, but the sending-off was very strange.
"I want to know why it was a direct red card. For me this is not correct and the referee must explain.
"I am angry because I explained to him before the game – pay attention with the referee. I wanted to change Adam Johnson for Mario, but I didn't have time to make the change.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"We played a fantastic game – we played football very well, all the team.
"We scored two goals and we could have scored another two. For us, Carlos (Tevez) is very important up front. I am very happy with the result."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
A second half collapse saw Arsenal throw away three vital points at the Emirates this afternoon that Arsene Wenger simply put down to silly mistakes. The Gunners’ home form is becoming something of a concern and it is something that Wenger needs to address if Arsenal has any hope of challenging for the title this season.
This week at FFC we have seen a variety of blogs which has included; Wenger’s transfer priority in January, the Nicklas Bendtner poser and time for Jack Wilshere to take centre stage.
We also have a look at Arsenal’s best stories on the web.
Time for an Arsenal clearout?
The Nicklas Bendtner Poser
Whatever happened to Michael Thomas?
One signing all Arsenal fans would welcome this winter
Arsenal’s Ultimate XI – Left Back
Wenger should go all out to secure January deal
Arsenal signings – hit or miss?
Time for Jack Wilshere to take centre stage?
Would Arsenal fans really be sad to see him sold on?
Patience is a virtue for Arsenal’s disgruntled star
Progress Report: Sanchez Watt at Leeds
The liberation of Alex Song
VIDEO: Top TEN Audacious Penalties
The Top TEN club returns from hell
*
Click here to see the Best ARSENAL BLOGS around the Web this week
Best of Web
*
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Is it time for Carlos Vela to move on? – Highbury House
Arsenal’s New Set Of Brass Balls – A Cultured Left Foot
One time Spurs player, lifetime Arsenal fan – Online Gooner
Arsene Wenger, time to say goodbye. – Le Grove
Pires reassures any doubters and Bendtner’s attitude is so wrong! – Highbury House
Stunning photo of Manchester United legend Paul Scholes with the Premier League Trophy – personally hand signed by Paul Scholes at a private signing session for A1 Sporting Memorabilia on 12/11/2010 in Manchester £50.Approximate size: 16 x 12 inches – Get 10% Discount with the Promo Code TTT10
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has returned to the Emirates in order to maintain his fitness, following the conclusion of another MLS season. Surely the homecoming of one of Arsenal’s greats can only have a positive effect on the current squad?
The 33-year-old arrived at the London Colney base on Monday where he has been training with Arsene Wenger’s squad. The new MLS season begins in March, and although the deal is short-term, Henry will use his time at his former club to stay fit, as well as lend a helping hand to Arsenal’s attacking players.
Although Arsenal are the Premier League’s top goal-scorers, recently, the Gunners have found it hard to find the net, and most importantly, convert their countless chances into goals. Henry’s advice would unquestionably be beneficial to those who lack the killer instinct in front of goal. Not only the ability to finish, but the Arsenal legend could teach the younger members of the squad how to employ their movement and speed in the correct way.
A player that could really profit from Henry’s presence is Theo Walcott. I expect the 21-year-old to spend a lot of time with the former Arsenal skipper, as the Englishman is likened to the New York Red Bull striker. Primarily, Walcott is a striker, but Wenger has decided to utilise the speed merchant on the wing since his arrival in 2006.
[divider]
Wenger signed Henry from Juventus in 1999, who at the time was a winger. However, the speedy Frenchman was successfully converted into a striker during his time at Arsenal, which resulted in Thierry Henry becoming one of the Premier League’s top strikers. Undeniably, Arsene Wenger will be hoping to do the same with Walcott in the near future.
Walcott clearly has the ability to become a great forward for the Gunners, but his decision-making has been questioned on a number of occasions. However, with the tuition of Henry (even for a few weeks) Walcott could add that killer instinct that has been lacking.
Henry spent eight highly successful years at Arsenal, where he managed to win two Premier League titles, two FA Cups and become the clubs top goal-scorer of all-time with 226 goals in 370 appearances.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Personally, I’m glad to see Henry back home, even if it’s for some training. The man is a legend, who deserves acknowledgement for what he did whilst at the North London club. I hope that his personality rubs off on the team, and more importantly, gives the squad a positive energy whilst he’s here.
This article was first published on Gunnersphere.com – you can follow Tony Merakli HERE on Twitter
[divider]
Love fantasy football? Love live footy? You’ll love live fantasy football! Take part in the Ipswich v Arsenal match and play Picklive for FREE Go on, give it a go!
A host of Premier League clubs are chasing promising young Spanish footballer Oriol Romeu, according to reports in Spain.
The Barcelona midfielder has recently signed a new contract with the Spanish league leaders, but that hasn’t put off potential suitors Everton, Blackburn and Manchester United from making enquiries for the player.
Romeu has recently been promoted to first team affairs after playing 45 games for Barcelona’s B team. He has risen the ranks in a similar fashion with the Spanish national team, having played for the Spanish U-17, U-19 and U-20 sides.
It is thought that Arsene Wenger has also previously been interested in the services of the 19 year-old and sent scouts to watch him earlier in the season.
Romeu plays as a defensive midfielder, but can also switch to centre back if required.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Blackburn’s new owners will be keen to get fans back onside with a big signing in January after the controversy of the Sam Allardyce sacking. The addition to the squad of an exciting Barcelona youth product could be just what is required at Ewood Park and could fill the hole left by the injury to Phil Jones. Everton will be hoping that they can agree a loan deal with Barcelona as their transfer budget is unlikely to be able to stretch far enough to sign the player permanently.
West Bromwich Albion and Wigan settled for a point apiece in a lively 1-1 draw at the Hawthorns on Tuesday.
Despite Peter Odemwingie’s early opener the hosts trailed by half-time courtesy of free kicks from Wigan’s Charles N’Zogbia and Ben Watson, only for Marc-Antoine Fortune to climb off the bench and grab Albion an honourable draw eleven minutes from time.
The result might keep them in the thick of the relegation mire but both teams will be happy to have claimed something from the game.
Less than five minutes in, Jerome Thomas received the ball in the centre circle and threaded a perfect pass through to Odemwingie whose well-timed run allowed for a simple finish past the onrushing Ali Al Habsi.
Albion looked confident until the visitors struck against the run of play with a 20th minute equaliser.
Yousouff Mulumbu was culpable in fouling N’Zogbia just outside the area and then deflecting the Wigan winger’s resulting free kick past Boaz Myhill.
Myhill suffered contrasting fortunes just before the break as first he blocked N’Zogbia excellent close range effort before allowing Watson’s aimless in-swinging free kick to drift in to his far corner to gift Wigan the lead.
An opening half that had begun with Albion full of bright and inventive attacking play ended with their frailty to both indiscipline and set pieces around the box fully exposed.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Despite trailing, Albion began the second half as positively as they had the first with Thomas trying his luck without success as Wigan opted for quick counter attacks.
Chris Brunt saw his late snap shot hit the frame of the goal before Fortune met Thomas’ centre at the near post to snatch a draw.
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has hit out at Fernando Torres’ record-breaking move to Chelsea on the final day of the January transfer window.
Speaking on Friday in Perth, Fowler was part of a radio promotion to raise money for Queensland flood victims, where Perth Glory players had to wear a ‘Shirt that Hurt’.
Although many expected Fowler to wear a Manchester United or Everton jersey, he chose a number nine Liverpool top, worn backwards and emblazoned with Torres’ name.
The 35-year-old striker took the opportunity to express his displeasure at Torres’ 50-million-pound move to the London club.
“There is nothing wrong with the front of the shirt but it’s just the name on the back,” Fowler told the Perth Glory website.
“With what’s happened this week it’s a shirt that not only myself but many Liverpool fans would rather not wear just yet.”
“He (Torres) did not leave the club in great hands or great shape but thankfully they managed to go out and buy a couple of decent players.”
The stunt was Fowler’s second crack at Torres after the striker used his column in the West Australian newspaper to fire the first shot.
“There’s something not quite right about the Spaniard’s last-minute transfer to Chelsea,” Fowler wrote.
“As a Liverpool fan it was disappointing to see Torres leave because on his day he’s a world-class player and I want the best players at the club. But if I was a manager and a player said he didn’t want to be at the club I’d try to get the best deal I could.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“Only a couple of weeks ago Torres was talking about how much he loved the fans and the club. He won’t be getting a warm welcome next time he plays at Anfield.”
Travelling Liverpool fans will soon get an opportunity to voice their displeasure as the Reds play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
And, while the Blues feature Torres up front, Chelsea’s defence will have to be wary of the strike force Liverpool bought to replace the Spanish World Cup winner in Andy Carroll, a 35-million-pound capture from Newcastle, and former Ajax striker Luis Suarez, who scored for Liverpool in midweek.
Napoli manager Walter Mazzarri believes his side may have to sacrifice some of their attacking style to make the Europa League’s last 16.
Spurred on by the performances of strikers Edinson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi and attacking midfielder Marek Hamsik, Napoli have risen to second on the Serie A table and within three points of league leaders AC Milan.
But Mazzarri believes different opposition – such as Europa League round of 32 opponent Villarreal – may require a different approach.
Napoli host the La Liga club in the first leg on Thursday before travelling to Spain on February 24.
“The more we go on in the competition the more we have to deal with new kind of pressures for us,” Mazzarri said.
“Obviously this will be a match over two legs so we need to be mature and understand that if, for example, we don’t manage playing our way at certain times in the game we need to be rational and limit the damage.”
“We shouldn’t risk something in order to play our way at any cost, only attacking. We need to do both, in the right way and being able to interpret the game itself.”
“They’re a typical Spanish team, they like ball possession and playing in a way that is somehow similar to my idea of football.”
With defender Paolo Cannavaro to miss through suspension, Edmilson Cribari will get another chance to push his claims in the first team.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Giuseppe Mascara and Jose Sosa will vie for one spot in the starting XI, but Mazzarri left no doubt as to who would lead the line against the Spanish side.
“Lavezzi should be himself and have no worries at all,” he said.
“Tomorrow he will be playing as usual and must do what he did in Rome. The judgement on Lavezzi is really wrong so I hope justice will be served on Friday, according to the current rules. Cavani is a player who touches three balls and scores twice so – even only from a psychological point of view for the rest of the team – he needs to play. He is our most important scorer.”
Inter Milan boss Leonardo is satisfied with how his players have performed since he took over, but would like to see them take more risks.Leonardo took over at Inter in December after the dismissal of Rafael Benitez, and since then the reigning Italian and European champions have looked a different side – charging up the Serie A table to sit in second place, just five points behind AC Milan.Ahead of their clash with Genoa on Sunday, the Brazilian said he would like his side to adopt a more attacking mindset as the title race reaches heads for a thrilling conclusion.”I’m satisfied for the job that has been done, since it has been a difficult and delicate situation for me,” Leonardo said. “I’m satisfied for what we have done and how we have achieved our results, for the intense and involving way in which we have experienced this. Sincerely, I’m very satisfied.””I believe that the continuity we have had up to now will bring us somewhere.””My objective is to win the match and in order to do this you should be able to score at least one goal more than the opposing team.””This means that you should take at least three or four risks since it is impossible to score a goal at the first attempt.” “Of course we try to find the balance, but the most important thing is the willingness to win.”
Football FanCast has teamed up with Zoo Magazine to bring you the Football Fans’ Survey 2011.
The survey asked all the burning questions in football right now and you may be surprised by some of the results given by you – fans of the beautiful game. We asked a range of questions to get a feel for your views of where football is at right now.
The results are featured below for you to take a look at, with some of the standout answers being that more than half of you want Harry Redknapp to be the next England manager, a whopping 82% of you would prefer your club to win their league than England to win 2012, and that you feel that Liverpool have the best supporters in Britain.
There were of course the more light-hearted questions as well, with Ryan Giggs your favourite drinking buddy and El Hadji Diouf your least favourite, three quarters of you are more disappointed by players cheating on the pitch than on their partners, while if it came down to a choice between sex and football, you’d go for the beautiful game, just!
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
[divider]
Should England’s next manager be English?
Yes
54%
No
46%
Who do you want as the next England manager?
Mourinho
18%
Allardyce
3%
Redknapp
53%
Hodgson
7%
Hiddink
9%
O’Neill
4%
Other
6%
Would you prefer England to win Euro 2012 or your club to win their league?
My Club to win their league
82%
England to win Euro 2012
18%
Would you swap a better national team for a worse league standard?
Yes
23%
No
77%
Is the Premier League better or worse than it was five years ago?
Better
74%
Worse
26%
Who is the best Premier League player?
Nemanja Vidic
6%
Wayne Rooney
4%
Paul Scholes
4%
Gareth Bale
12%
Luka Modric
4%
Steven Gerrard
21%
Frank Lampard
2%
Rafael van der Vaart
7%
Samir Nasri
11%
Cesc Fabregas
14%
Carlos Tevez
13%
Other
6%
Which club do you hate the most?
Man United
35%
Arsenal
8%
Liverpool
13%
Tottenham
6%
Newcastle
2%
Everton
1%
Bolton
1%
Chelsea
16%
Man City
8%
Other
10%
If you had to support another club, after yours, who would you choose?
Tottenham
20%
Arsenal
19%
Man United
7%
Man City
3%
West Ham
12%
Chelsea
4%
Liverpool
13%
Other
22%
Who are the best away supporters in Britain?
Celtic
8%
West Ham
6%
Leeds
5%
Newcastle
14%
Everton
2%
Liverpool
28%
Man United
12%
Man City
5%
Tottenham
8%
Other
13%
Which is the best away ground to visit in Britain?
White Hart Lane
7%
Emirates Stadium
27%
Anfield
19%
Old Trafford
22%
Britannia Stadium
4%
Villa Park
4%
Elland Road
4%
Other
12%
Which footballer would you most like to go for a pint with?
Jimmy Bullard
22%
Wayne Rooney
9%
Ryan Giggs
25%
Van der Vaart
8%
Kevin Nolan
13%
Anyone who’s buying
23%
Which footballer would you least like to go for a pint with?
Steven Gerrard
14%
Joey Barton
17%
Andy Carroll
4%
Gary Neville
25%
Rio Ferdinand
4%
El Hadji Diouf
30%
Other
6%
Does your club offer value for money?
Yes
67%
No
33%
Do you feel that your club treat you as A) a supporter, or B) a customer?
A) a supporter
66%
B) a customer
34%
What disappoints you more: players who cheat on the pitch or cheat on their partners?
Players who cheat on the pitch
75%
Players who cheat on their partners
25%
Sex or football: if you could only have one, which would you choose?
Sex
46%
Football
54%
Should England’s next manager be English?Yes54%No46%Who do you want as the next England manager?Mourinho18%Allardyce3%Redknapp53%Hodgson7%Hiddink9%O’Neill4%Other6%Would you prefer England to win Euro 2012 or your club to win their league? My Club to win their league82%England to win Euro 201218%Would you swap a better national team for a worse league standard? Yes23%No77%Is the Premier League better or worse than it was five years ago? Better74%Worse26%Who is the best Premier League player?Nemanja Vidic6%Wayne Rooney4%Paul Scholes4%Gareth Bale12%Luka Modric4%Steven Gerrard21%Frank Lampard2%Rafael van der Vaart7%Samir Nasri11%Cesc Fabregas14%Carlos Tevez13%Other6%Which club do you hate the most? Man United35%Arsenal8%Liverpool13%Tottenham6%Newcastle2%Everton1%Bolton1%Chelsea16%Man City8%Other10%If you had to support another club, after yours, who would you choose?Tottenham20%Arsenal19%Man United7%Man City3%West Ham12%Chelsea4%Liverpool13%Other22%Who are the best away supporters in Britain? Celtic8%West Ham6%Leeds5%Newcastle14%Everton2%Liverpool28%Man United12%Man City5%Tottenham8%Other13%Which is the best away ground to visit in Britain? White Hart Lane7%Emirates Stadium27%Anfield19%Old Trafford22%Britannia Stadium4%Villa Park4%Elland Road4%Other12%Which footballer would you most like to go for a pint with? Jimmy Bullard22%Wayne Rooney9%Ryan Giggs25%Van der Vaart8%Kevin Nolan13%Anyone who’s buying23%Which footballer would you least like to go for a pint with?Steven Gerrard14%Joey Barton17%Andy Carroll4%Gary Neville25%Rio Ferdinand4%El Hadji Diouf30%Other6%Does your club offer value for money? Yes67%No33%Do you feel that your club treat you as A) a supporter, or B) a customer?A) a supporter66%B) a customer34%What disappoints you more: players who cheat on the pitch or cheat on their partners? Players who cheat on the pitch75%Players who cheat on their partners25%Sex or football: if you could only have one, which would you choose?Sex46%Football54%