Vida's captain debut    And Velencia still emotionless after scored 

Vida's captain debut    And Velencia still emotionless after scored 

would like to watch ski vs pompey, but no live tonite eh in astro.....

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes he will be back on the pitch in the 'not too distant future'.

Ferdinand has been out of action since the Red Devils lost 2-0 at Liverpool on 25th October, sidelined with a calf problem.

But that is connected to his long-standing back complaint, although Ferdinand is working hard in the gym and hopes to return soon.

The 31-year-old told Sky Sports News: "It's okay - obviously I'd love to be playing now, that's my passion and what I love doing, but I've been injured for a little while now.

Good road

"I'm on a good road and hopefully I can see light at the end of the tunnel and it won't be too long."

He added: "I've had the problem for maybe close to 18 months, and just played on with it and stuff.

"But hopefully we have seen the last of it, fingers crossed.

"I'm getting treatment, I'm working hard in the gym and doing a lot of stuff in the gym to make sure there is no reoccurrence of any problems.

"Hopefully (I will return in the) not too distant future."

Manchester United winger Gabriel Obertan is confident his first goal for the Red Devils is not too far away.

Obertan moved to Old Trafford from Bordeaux during the summer but saw his first few months with Sir Alex Ferguson's side hampered by injury.

Despite a delayed start in Manchester, the Frenchman has since displayed the skills that made him one of Europe's most wanted young players.

The 20-year-old has made nine appearances but has yet to find the back of the net for United, having infamously failed to score a tap-in on his debut against Blackburn in October.

"I hope I will score soon," said the France Under-21 international.

"It is possible. I had those chances against Blackburn.

"I do have to work more on my finishing but I am confident it will come."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger slammed the Premier League's fixture compilers and Wolves boss Mick McCarthy after his side were frustrated by Burnley.

The result was a setback to Arsenal's title hopes and came 24 hours after rivals Manchester United had cruised to a 3-0 win against a below-strength Wolves. Wenger was frustrated at having to face tougher opposition and was also angered that this weekend's opponents, Hull, have not played this week.

Hull had originally been scheduled to face Everton this week but the fixture was moved to November because of the Merseyside club's European commitments. Wenger said: "I think the Premier League has a basic promise to organise the fixtures in a normal way.

"The guy who organised the fixtures this season must have come out of a special school, because he is more intelligent than I am! For sure, he has never played football, organising midweek games in a week when you have a Europa League.

"We have some teams who do not play at all. We play Sunday and Wednesday away and at home on Saturday against Hull, who have not played all week. It is also damaging for Burnley.''

On the subject of McCarthy's team selection, the Frenchman was equally forthright. Wenger said: "It is sad, but what can I do about that? I am responsible for Arsenal. We compete with Manchester United over 37 games instead of 38. I believe it is a problem for the international credibility of the Premier League, but it is not my problem, it is a Premier League problem.''

In a further blow for the Gunners, Fabregas was forced off with a hamstring injury before half-time and will definitely miss the Hull clash. I always wanted six points,'' he said. "Really I expected more to drop two points at Liverpool than here but I believe Burnley had a very good time tonight. They did not have one moment when they lost focus.''

Burnley also have a say in the Wolves debate as they now travel to Molineux to face a presumably well-rested side on Sunday, but boss Owen Coyle was unwilling to criticise. Coyle said: "If that is the motivation for Wolves, to galvanise them, then so be it.

"Mick McCarthy is an outstanding manager and fantastic man, somebody I have a lot of time for. He has done a fantastic job at Wolves and does what he sees fit for Wolverhampton. They have not been found wanting under his tenure so far. He has made that decision and has a squad of players that are good enough to wear the Wolverhampton shirt. We have to make sure we are ready, come the game on Sunday, to give our best.''

Coyle was delighted with his side's performance in a compelling encounter in which both sides had numerous chances. Coyle said: "It was a very valauble point, no doubt. Both sides will feel at different stages they could have taken all three.

"The lads showed real character, dug in and got back into the game. They really took the game to Arsenal. I do believe if they continue to perform at that level they will earn points in this league. Our goal is to maintain our Premier League status and we need performances like that to make sure we do.''

Wenger slams fixture compilers
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=269801&cc=4716

Big LOL at Wenger..frustrated by Burnley and you choose to blame the premier league's fixture and Mick McCarthy.     

Tell me you genius where is the logic here?

i like the part where he say "The guy who organised the fixtures this season must have come out of a special school, because he is more intelligent than I am"

new trend for blames, not to referee, but to injuries and fixtures

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Added on December 17, 2009, 9:43 am
bro, post this on arsenal thread. See their response