Japan wins their first WWC & other news

INTERNATIONAL

• Sergio Batista won't quit Argentina: Sergio Batista; the Argentine national team manager, has stated that he won't quit the job despite the failure in Copa America. Argentina struggled during the group stages and merely qualified for the knock out phase where they lost on penalties to bitter rivals Uruguay.
• Brazil & Argentina out, Copa for the underdogs: Both Brazil and Argentina have been eliminated by Paraguay & Uruguay respectively on penalties. Both the former nations were tipped as favourites to win the Copa. However disappointing performance and a lack of success ended in a short cup run. Uruguay will face Peru while Paraguay will be playing Venezuela for a spot in the Final. 
• Gabon & Guinea Equatorial will host the AFCON 2012: It's been officially stated that Gabon & Guinea Equatorial will be co-hosting the African cup of nations 2012. Egypt were the proud winners of the last cup. 
• Japan wins Women World Cup in a dramatic victory: The national women team of Japan win their first ever world cup by beating USA in the final on penalties. Young Alex Morgan scored in the early moments of the game for the USA. It was equalised by Miyama in the 80th minute. However in extra time Abby Wambach scored for USA. But just when it was over, Sawa, the Japanese skipper, managed to pull a very late equaliser to take the game, scoring her fifth goal of the tournament. The game went to the penalties where Japan defeated USA.

English Premier League

• Guangzhou Evergrande wants Park Ji-Sung: After signing Dario Conca, the world's third highest paid player, Chinese big spenders now seek to sign Park Ji-Sung after offering him a yearly contract of €8 million per season.
• Aston Villa sign Shay Given: Aston Villa have signed the Irish #1 Shay Given from Manchester City for an undisclosed fee. Given signed a five year contract with Villa and hopes to impress the fans with his performances at Villa Park.
• Sao Paolo sign Denilson: The Brazilian club have signed the Arsenal youngster on a loan for the 2011/12 season. With talks of Fabregas & Nasri both leaving, Denilson's departure clearly states that the club is in financial crisis and needs to lay off expensive players.

La Liga 

• Klinsmann believes that only Germany can provide Spain with some real competition: Jurgen Klinsmann believes Germany are Spain's biggest threat for future titles in Europe as well as globally. The former striker stated that the current German squad has what it takes to beat the talented and golden Spanish side in major competitions. Spain who won a close game against Germany last year during the World Cup were under severe pressure while playing against the Germans with only Charles Puyol managing to score the only goal of the game.
• Atletico sign Adrian from Deportivo: Atletico Madrid have signed the top scorer for the U-21 Euro for the Spanish national side. The youngster has been bought from Deportivo for a 4 year contract. Adrian had scored vital goals during the tournament ensuring his national side's victory.
• Arsenal gives deadline to Barcelona for Cesc Fabregas: The North London based club has provided the Catalan side with a two weeks deadline for signing their longtime target; Cesc Fabregas. Although they have placed a 45 m tag price on him while Barcelona are only willing to offer 40 m.

Serie A 

• Roberto Baggio earns a coaching license: Italian legend and former striker Roberto Baggio has earned himself a coaching license. However fans would not be able to see him managing a Serie A or B because his license only permits him to manage teams till the third divison of Italian football. 
• Inter chasing Ever Banega: The Nerazurri are currently negotiating with the player's agent for a possible summer deal. Ever Banega whose proved to be an exceptionally good midfielder at Valencia lost season. Valencia are said to be willing to let Banega go for around €10 million, but Inter are hopeful a €9m bid could be enough to tempt the Spanish side. 
• Lazio sign Italy's future #1: The Rome based club have signed Fredrico Marchetti from Cagliari. Marchetti was Italy's goalkeeper for most of the FIFA World Cup 2010 because of Buffon's injury. The Italian hopes to show his class at Lazio and earn a place in the starting line up.
• Ganso wants Milan, not PSG: Ganso's agent has clearly stated that his client is interested in move to AC Milan. Following in the footsteps of Kaka & Pato. However, he seems to appreciate PSG's interest in him but he doesn't desire or wish a move to the Paris based club.
• Juventus closing in on Arturo Vidal: Vidal has stated that his agent is currently in Turin discussing terms with Juventus. Vidal also stated that he would love to play for Juve, a club that he loves. And he appreciates his good time at B. Leverkusen.  
• Nesta says he won't be retiring soon: AC Milan defender Alessandro Nesta has stated that he doesn't plan to retire anytime soon. And that retiring is something that he hasn't thought about yet. Nesta currently plays in the starting line up for Milan and has a good partnership with Thiago Silva at the back. 

Transfer Saga, Copa America & other news (14.7.11)

International

• Kun Aguero sends Argentina to the knock-out round: The host had been facing disappointing results since the start of the tournament despite the fact that they are the host of the Copa America 2011. Brazil had been victims of the same results somewhat. Los Seleccao will play against Ecuador for earning the right to play in the knock out round. Aguero has scored when it matters the most for Argentina, hence establishing himself as their prime striker and the savior for the Sergio Batista's team. Argentina will face Uruguay in the knock out round.

• Champions League Qualifications: The champions league qualification round took place today. Here are the results:

 

English Premier League:

• Corinthians to offer 40 m for Carlos Tevez: The Brazilian club has offered a sum of 40 m for Carlos Tevez. The Argentine has already expressed interest in moving to South America because he wants to move close to his family and does not seek to join any other European club. Corinthians have however stated that they would not raise their primary offer of 40 m, just in case if Manchester City expects them to match their price tag of 56 m.
• Liverpool following Aaron Lennon: Liverpool are expected to turn their attention to Lennon, as manager Kenny Dalglish looks to bring in players who can create chances for his deadly striker duo. The Reds seek to sign Lennon as a part of long term plan.
• Sneijder's future still uncertain: Manchester United and Inter Milan are having talks of a possible 40 m deal of Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder for his move to Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson who requires a replacement for retired midfielder Paul Scholes is desperate to get Sneijder on his squad before the start of the season. 

La Liga 

• Villarreal sign Christian Zapata: The yellow submarines have signed their long time target Christian Zapata from Udinese. Despite having Gonzalo, Godin, Marchena & Cicinho in their backline, they still seek to bolster their defence.
• Pepe & Ramos sign contract extensions with Real Madrid: Pepe and Sergio Ramos have extended their contracts at Real Madrid for four more years. As manager Jose Mourinho seeks to lay down a foundation for the future as well.
• Jose Mourinho: We need another striker. Real Madrid manager has expressed his desire in signing another striker. He believes that the team is in good shape but he might need another striker to bolster his attacking options. He considers Adebayor a more comprehensible option compared to Kun Aguero & Neymar.
  

Serie A

• Lazio bolster their attack options by signing Klose & Cisse: Roma based club Lazio has been active in the transfer window looking out for strikers. Since the departure of Lichtestiener, they have bought two new strikers; Miroslav Klose from Bayern Munich & Djibril Cisse from Panathinaikos. Lazio will be playing the Europa League this season and placed 5th during the last season's campaign.
• Napoli sign three more: Napoli have completed the signing of versatile midfielder Mario Santana from Fiorentina. Napoli will be playing in the Champions League next season and therefore seek to improve their squad with the new signings. They have already signed Gokhan Inler and Miguel Britos.

Madrid sign Coentrao & other reports

International: 

• A resilient Venezuela: Venezuela defy the odds to hold Brazil to a 0-0 draw in their opening against the favorites. Earlier Brazilian Coach Mano said that Venezuela were not a dead chicken and they certainly proved it. Ganso And Neymar the Brazilian duo were the flops. Eduardo was influential in the midfield for Venezuela.  Whereas, in the other game Paraguay and Ecuador ended up in a draw leaving Group B all square.
• Mexico vs Chile - A game of set pieces: The game was a highly anticipated game. As both sides are said to be equally balanced with El Tri leading in FIFA rankings. Mexico took the victory during the first half, but Chile came  from behind and scored two to gain all three points. The goals were scored on corner kicks. Arturo Vidal's goal was the best among the three of them. Mexico will have to win it's next two games if they want to qualify for the knock out stages. 

English Premier League:

•  Liverpool to sign Charlie Adam: Reds are set to sign the Blackpool skipper Charlie Adams whose proved to be a revelation for the team last season. His famous assists against Manchester United proved his worth. And Reds have since been interested in signing the veteran.
• Redknapp confirms interest in young Rossi: Tottenham Boss; Harry Redknapp, has confirmed his interest in the young Italian striker whose been interested in a different challenge other than Villarreal. Due to the last seasons' poor performance by strikers, Redknapp is ready to have different options.
• Spurs reject Modric transfer request: Chelsea and Manchester United target Luka Modric's transfer requested has been turned down by the club owners saying that the Croatian would not be sold at any price to any club and is expected to complete his tenure at White Hart Lane.

La Liga:

• Iker to be stripped of captaincy? Rumours are coming from Spain that Iker Casillas maybe stripped of his captaincy as Mourinho wants an outfield player to communicate better with the rest of the team. Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso have been considered the best options so far. However, Casillas has laughed out such rumours saying they are just gossips, and nothing is such is going to happen.
• Barcelona sign Hercules' Kiko: Barcelona have signed Hercules youngster Kiko Femenia. Kiko was signed for a price of 2 million euros from Hercules. 
• Madrid sign Fabio Coentrao: The Portugese stated that he will be shown the exit door after training ground bust-up with Jorge Jesus, the Benfica coach. However, Real Madrid have made it clear that they won’t offer more than 15 Million euro and a player for Coentrao which “might” not add up to be equal to Benfica valuation. And after all these reports, Madrid finally decided to pay 30 million euros and the offer was accepted.
• Neymar wants to stay at Santos: Brazilian youngster, Neymar has recently stated a in a press conference that he wants to honour his contract at Santos i.e. till 2015. Neymar is currently chased by big European clubs including Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid. The club president has stated that he wouldn't be sold for less than his 45 million release clause.

Serie A:

• Atletico wants 45 million euros for Aguero: Atletico Madrid's spokesman has stated that they want the release clause met by the club that wants to buy Sergio Aguero. He has a 45 million release clause. Manchester City, Real Madrid and Juventus are reported to have been interested in signing the striker. However, his wage demand and price tag seems to be a problem in signing the Argentine.

The future of Samir Nasri & other news (03.07.11)

International

• Bolivia defy the hosts: The opening game in La Plata proved to end in a shocking result as the favourites Argentina had to settle with a draw at their home ground. Argentina, who along with Brazil are the favourites to win the cup, were shockingly behind after Edivaldo's goal for Bolivia. Aguero later saved the Argentines from humiliation as he pulled an equaliser. While in other games Colombia managed to beat Costa Rica 1-0. And climb to the top of the group.
• Change in Ranks: Germany have recently climbed to 3rd spot in world rankings. While Spain and Netherlands keep their places fixed on 1st and 2nd. England moves two spots up to 4th, while Mexico climbs 19 places to arrive at number 9, ahead of Argentina, France and rivals USA. 

English Premier League

• Nasri & the English Premier League: Since rumours of Nasri running of his contract at the Emirates Stadium and not having a desire to sign a new contract with the provided salary, offers have been coming nearly from every where for the highly rated Frenchman. Chelsea have now also expressed their interest in Nasri after both Manchester clubs having expressed theirs as well. However, Arsene Wenger is committed to keep the Frenchman at Arsenal as he doesn't want to loose more of his big stars.

La Liga

• Real Madrid to bid for Fabregas: Reports from Spain suggest that Real Madrid will be preparing a bid for arch rivals target; Cesc Fabregas. Fabregas has been a product of Barcelona youth system and has expressed his desire to rejoin his boyhood several times in the last two years. And now Barcelona are ready to get him this season, but not for an exaggurating price. However, Madrid on the other hand are prepared to offer a lucrative offer for the Spaniard.
• Pedro Leon to Leave Real Madrid: The former Valladolid youngster who was signed by Real Madrid last season as a hot prospect now finds himself out of favours under Jose Mourinho. As he has expressed that he has no need for P. Leon in his tactical plans for the upcoming. Due to which he'll most probably be sold to another club.
  

Serie A

• Juventus sign Lichtsteiner: Juventus have signed Lazio fullback Stephan Lichtsteiner. The Swiss has penned a 4 year deal expiring June 2015 for a fee of €10 million. He will join Andrea Pirlo, Reto Ziegler and Michele Pazienza as summer the new summer signings for Juventus.

SUMMARY: Copa America and other details (01.07.11)

International:

• Copa America starts today in La Plata: The Copa America 2011 will kick off today in La Plata, Argentina. The tournament will start from July 1 & ends on July 24. Argentina are the favorites for winning this year's Copa America. The event will include big names like Neymar, Falcao, Sanchez, Messi, Pato, Chicharito, Dani Alves and many more. The current year's participants are Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Chile, Mexico, Ecuador, Paraguay, Venezuela and Uruguay.
• Frank Rijkaard takes charge of Saudi national team: After the arrival of Carlos Quirez as the Iranian national team manager. Saudia Arabia also decided to follow the footsteps. Saudi national team has confirmed the hiring of former Barcelona coach as the

 

English Premier League:

• Manchester wants Nasri: City rivals Manchester City and Manchester United are trailing the highly rated Frenchman whose shown his quality during his time at Emirates. Manchester United is already planning to launch a £20m bid for Samir Nasri. With his Arsenal future, still in doubt it's not known where he'd be next season.
• Clichy to City for £7m: Arsenal is having problems to keep their top players due to financial constraints. The Frenchman will be departing to Eastlands, and will be wearing blue next season. The transfer is said to be finalised soon enough.
• Redknapp eyes Rossi: Tottenham have resumed their pursuit of Villarreal striker, Guiseppe Rossi. Rossi's hopes of moving to Barcelona were finished as they turned to Sanchez and Fabregas. While Redknapp seeks to boost his attack options for the upcoming season. And with upcoming offers from other clubs for his players, he just might have the right amount of cash to lure him to White Hart Lane.
• De Gea seals United move: David De Gea's move to Old Trafford has finally been finalized. The young talented Spaniard could just prove to be another Cristiano Ronaldo or Javier Hernandez for Manchester United. De Gea would be replacing Van der Sar as #1 at Old Trafford.

La Liga:

• Thiago Alcantara signs 2015 extension: After the his performances at the U-21 Euro, Barcelona has decided to extend the youngster's contract to 2015 despite rumoured arrivals of Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas.
• Messi is better than Ronaldo - Former Real Madrid stars: There has been a recent lack of support for Cristiano Ronaldo at the Santiago Bernabeu. Recently current Besiktas playmaker and former Real Madrid player, Guti Hernandez, said that he thinks Messi is better than Ronaldo as he delivers when it's required of him unlike Ronaldo. While another former Real Madrid player, Quique Wolff stated that Ronaldo is not a team player. Unlike Messi, who plays for the success of the team and not his individual success.
• Barcelona to sign Fabregas and Sanchez on Friday: Barcelona are ready to officially announce Fabregas and Sanchez's arrival at Camp Nou on Friday. President Sandro Rossell will fly to South America to ensure Sanchez's signing whose training for Copa America.

Serie A:

•     Hamsik wants to leave Napoli: Slovakian skipper and midfielder is consider a move to a bigger clubs after shining at Napoli last season. However, management doesn't wants to sell him. But a lucrative offer could change their minds.
• Zanetti wants Argentina to play like Barcelona: Veteran fullback, Javier Zanetti, wants his national side to play how the Catalans play. He believes his team will do better in that manner and it would deliver considerable success.

Top 5 Celebrity Fans of Real Madrid

Real Madrid is a team whose squad is filled with superstars. But it's not just the players who have superstar status, their fans too are big names at what they do. Here's a look on some of their famous fans:

1.     Tom Cruise: He’s big in Hollywood. And he certainly hangs around with the biggest. Whether he supported Real Madrid because of Beckham or was it their superstar status that impressed him is regardless, the important fact is the mission impossible main star supports Real Madrid.

2.     Abdullah II: The King of Jordan is perhaps the most important fan of Real Madrid. Maybe it’s the royalty that took him away as Los Blancos is his favourite club. The premier has been in power since 1999, and his loyalty in the world of football lies to Real Madrid only.

3.     Usain Bolt: The world’s fastest man enjoys pretty good relations with Cristiano Ronaldo. Bolt is a close friend of Real Madrid's CR, and apparently, the sprinter's love for his friend extends itself over the whole team, which is Bolt's favorite football side as it did when he was with the Red Devils.

 

4.     Rafael Nadal: Like his favourite club he’s one of the two best in world at what he does. Although he likes of Barcelona, but the Spaniard vowed his allegiance to the Madrid based club. He also enjoys a pretty good relations with the current Real Madrid skipper; Iker Casillas.

5.     Shakira: Perhaps the most famous entertainer in the history of football. She’s been associated with FIFA World Cup 2006 and was the primary face for 2010. Her song, ‘Waka Waka’ was the official song of the world cup in South Africa.

What happened to Chelsea?

The big question that roam around everyone’s mind these days is what happened to Chelsea? A question whose answer everyone would love to have. The Blues who started the season on a high note, and suddenly they’re in a state of chaos. It’s not the first time that Chelsea had to face injury problems.

Drogba, Terry, Lampard all of them had their turns. But Chelsea didn’t stumbled as much as they did now. The manager is the same that lead them to win the double. The team that won is same. And they also had a headstart this season. Then all of a sudden, what exactly went wrong?

It’s often said that the true maestro lies behind the curtains. That’s exactly what happens in this case. It’s something called Ray Wilkins. He was the assistant manager for the Blues since 2008 season. His tenure at the Stamford Bridge saw Chelsea rise to the position of serious title contenders and the one formidable threat to Manchester United’s dominance of the English Premier League.

It was Wilkin’s hardwork alongwith the rest of the team that kept Mourinho’s discipline inside the squad, and making them a better team, and more consistent performers. While Chelsea enjoy Mourinho’s foundation, Inter Milan struggle to achieve what they desire through it.

However, Wilkins contract was due to expire in October 2010. And that’s when the administration decided to part ways with him, as they decided not to extend his contract. Following omission of Wilkins, it was disaster for the blues. They failed to perform, their defence was shaky and they didn’t posses the quality they once had. Including losses to Everton and Sunderland and both home and away respectively. Since then Chelsea’s title hopes have considered a serious blow.

Chelsea’s current manager, spoke highly of Ray Wilkins and believed he played a vital role in winning the double in the 2009/10 season. The sacking of Wilkins, alongwith aging players, lack of talent from youth, no new signings and Roman’s continous involvement in making decision has really damaged their reputation as a serious title contender.

Chelsea need to get a remedy, and they need it quick. If they can just get their stuff right quick enough, they’ll be back in the title race in no time. Now here are a few things that they need to do.

1.     Sign some new players: Chelsea really need that. They sold of their older players but didn’t bring any suitable replacements for them. Ballack, Carvalho, Joe Cole, Belleti were all sold. While only Ramires and Benayoun were signed.

2.     Reformation among Youth: Chelsea’s current youth system isn’t working much for them. They need to sort it out somehow. Their seriously lacking young talent. Are Daniel Sturridge, Kalou and Ramires really the players they can count on?

3.     The Russian desires: Roman needs to stop his involvement in team management decisions and let the managers handle it for him.

WAG of the Month: Sophie Reade

Sophie Reade
WAG of the Month - January


Sophie Reade got introduced to world of entertainment when she won Big Brother Season. Since then she made headlines every now and then. Including news, rumours, gossips and SOME photoshoots. Well the glamour girl couldn't resist the passion of football as she got introduced to Mario Balotelli who just arrived at Manchester following his transfer from Inter to Manchester City. Apparently she was good enough for Balotelli to drop his ex-girlfriend whom he started dating through Facebook hardly a month back. But finally he decided to go on with Reade.

Eveything seemed perfect for Reade until she found out that his boyfriend 'cheated' on her with her best friend and then suddenly dumped her before she can even ask if that rumour was true. Heartbroken, she took her frustration through her Twitter account.

But despite all that Miss Reade has decided to move on with life and perhaps move to the next step. Sophie claims that she was once approached by Cristiano Ronaldo when he used to play with Manchester United and asked her number, but her then boyfriend took her away before she can do so.

Since Sophie is now part of the WAG category, though former it maybe, she's once against approached by Cristiano Ronaldo's agent to meet him back in Madrid. Sophie since then, was and is, a huge Cristiano Ronaldo fan. Besides, what could be a better way to mend a broken heart when you have the world's best player with you? Balotelli? Who cares?

Gunning or Being Gunned Down?

By Haider Ali

Round of 16 of CL is around the corner and there is much talk about going who is going to win the Game of the Tournament so far. Yes a game between two former CL winners. Arsenal vs Barcelona, truly a clash of the titans. Both the teams have a history between them.

It all started in 1999 when these two teams met. In that year Barcelona defeated Arsenal in a two game leg. First drawing at home 1-1 and beating Arsenal in their away game.

In 2006 when they met in the final of the Champions league. It was the pinnacle of the rivalry between the two teams. Arsenal ending up on the losing side by two goals to one. Samuel Eto’ and Belletti scoring for Barca whereas Sol Campbell scored for Arsenal.

These teams met again 3 years later but this time in Quarter Final of the CL. Arsenal losing the away game 4-1 whereas made a fantastic comeback in the home game, coming from 2 goals behind and ending up the game in a draw.

They will again face off on 16 Feb 2011 and this time it is the knockout round of 16.

Barcelona and Arsenal both have been really strong at home but away they have faced difficulties. Arsenal have played total of 36 games this season whereas Barcelona have played 33 games this season.

At home Barcelona have been relentless in all the competitions. Out of the 33 games they have played they won 25 of them, 5 ending in a draw and they only lost 3. They have a win percentage of 75.8%. Whereas, Arsenal have played 36 games and won 22 of them and lost 8 and only 6 ending up in a draw. They have  a win percentage of 61.1 %.

But the interesting to note is that both the teams have won 4 games out of the 6 UEFA CL games. And both have been unbeaten in their home games. However, Barcelona have won one and draw two away from home where Arsenal have been gunned down twice away from home.

This fact makes the encounter very interesting. Both teams have class players, capable of winning you games. So what will be the result of this encounter?

In the league, for Barcelona it has been a one way show. They have a 100% record away from home. Although they have not been very strong at Camp Nou. They have 82% record at home only fourth best in the league. They have best away record in the league.

Whereas, gunners have played 23 games in the league and they happen to be the best team away from home having a win percentage of 58% , though best, but is far less from the win percentage of Barcelona.

Barcelona have only lost at home where Arsenal have lost most of their games at home. One might tip Barcelona to win the game but it is very much even.

Since Arsenal will be playing first leg home so they must be very cautious. In last two fixtures between these two teams at Gunners home have ended up in a draw. Both happened to be the first leg matches however it the second legs Blaugrana have been ruthless. They will not be giving Arsenal any chance. So Arsenal’s hope lies with doing good at home but Barcelona is a hard team to break down they have yet to suffer a defeat in CL this season.

Whereas, Gunners have lost twice out their three games they played away from home.

Stats clearly favor Barcelona to win this. But Arsenal will give them a tough competition. Arsenal might turn out to be a wall of steal or they might end up being a sand wall that’s what kind of team Arsenal is.

It will be hard to take down Barcelona.

But in the end it will be Arsenal GUNNED DOWN! But again, that's just an opinion...

Golden Goose Prediction:

Arsenal 1-0 Barcelona

Barcelona 3-0 Arsenal

Barcelona to win 3-1 on aggregate.

Golden Goose Spotlight: 24th January - 30th January 2011

Charlie Adams

Reason: Leading Blackpool 2-0 against Manchester United due to his extra ordinary kicks.


Description: Charlie Adams has been leading the Blackpool side since their promotion to Premier League. Blackpool started impressively and they have been continuing to do so. It was Charlie Adam's corner kicks that resulted in two goals against Manchester United. It nearly costed them the first loss of the season. Sir Alex Ferguson termed his corner kicks as worth 10 million pounds.

Golden Goose Spotlight: 17th - 23rd January 2011

Darren Bent

 

Reason: Immediate impact after his move to Aston Villa.

 

 

Description: Darren Bent has been probably one of the most under rated strikers in the Premier League. He's been doing wonders for Sunderland last season. And was among the top five scorers in the league. His impressive performances have somehow no caught the eye of big clubs. But Aston Villa considered him a saviour and decided to pay 18 million for the talented Englishman. He created immediated impact after his arrival scoring the only goal of the game against Manchester City, relieving his side from relegation worries.

Aston Villa 1-0 Manchester City.

The Invincibles?

By Haider Ali

This is the term which was first used in 1880s for a team named Preston North End. They were the first team to win the Football league with an unbeaten run. That not it they also went on to win the FA Cup in the same season becoming the first team to win a double, without conceding a goal in the FA cup competition. The next time this termed was used in 2003-04 when Arsenal became the second team since 1889 to win the league season without losing a game. However, Preston NE had to play 22 games whereas Arsenal had to play 38 games to do the same.

Today again we are talking about using the same term again most likely for Manchester United as they have played 23 games in the 2010-11 season and yet to end up losing a game. But the question is whether they are capable to achieve the same?

In the past four decades two teams namely Liverpool and Leeds United came close to achieve the same what Preston NE had achieved but they only saw their dreams being shattered. They won 29 league games from the start of the league season in 1987-88 and 1973-74 season respectively but only to lose in the 30^th game of the season.

If we make a comparison between the teams that had a unbeaten run and those who came close to it than we will see that Preston NE was a dream team, only built for destroying opponents they played. They played 22 games, winning 18 and 4 ending up in a draw. They scored 74 goals, almost scoring 4 goals per game.  Preston NE was a strike force they only conceded 15 times in the season.

Arsenal in the 2003-04 season played 38 games, winning 26 of those games and 12 ending all tied. They scored 73 goals less than 2 goals a game but they went unbeaten because they held their nerves when it mattered.

Leeds United in 1973-74 went on a 29 match unbeaten run in the league but only to see lose the 30^th game ending up a 42 game season with 24 wins, 14 draws and 4 loses. They scored 66 goals less than 2 goals a game and conceded 31 times. It was the golden period in Leeds United history.

United winning the FIFA Club World Cup

1987-88 season Liverpool also came closer to winning the title of invincible but they too lost in the 30^th game of the season ending up a 40 league game season with only two loses. They found the back of the net 87 times, more than two goals a season.

Both Liverpool and Leeds United had a strong squad. One of their best in the history but they were short of achieving the greatness.

Now we have Manchester United, on the verge of setting new records this season. First winning the league title for the record 18^th time and also becoming the 3^rd team in the history of English top league football to go through a season unbeaten.

They have played 23 games and still are to play 15 games. Out of the 23 games they played they won 14 and drew 9. They found the back of the net 51 times i.e. scoring more than two goals a game. However, United’s away form has been questionable. They have been relentless at home. But only have managed to win thrice away from home.

If we compare United with Arsenal of 2003-04 than stats will say that United is doing much better than Arsenal did in n2003-04 season. They are scoring more goals on average. But Arsenal was also good in their away games.

Many say that Sir Alex didn’t have the best United squad he ever managed but still he has the better one who have gone 23 games unbeaten.

United needs nerves to hang on. The nerves that they showed in last game against Blackpool, the nerves they showed in their tremble winning season of 98-99. And we have to wait whether or not United be INVINCIBLE.