Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has accused Liverpool’s Luis Suarez of racially abusing him during the 1-1 draw between the teams at Anfield on Sunday.
With pair had running battles in the tense stalemate on Merseyside, with Javier Hernandez equalising after Steven Gerrard had given the home side the lead.
The France international was visibly upset with Suarez in the second half after something the South American had said to him, which he claims was racist.
“There are cameras, you can see him say a certain word to me at least 10 times. There is no place for that in 2011,” Evra told French media sources.
With the seriousness of the claims, the FA is set to look into the incident further.
“Referee Andre Marriner was made aware of an allegation at the end of the fixture and subsequently reported this to the FA,” an official statement reads.
“The FA will now begin making enquiries into the matter.”
The Uruguay international has rebuffed Evra’s claims however, and maintains his innocence.
“I’m upset by the accusations of racism. I can only say that I have always respected and respect everybody,” he told The Daily Mail.
“We are all the same. I go to the field with the maximum illusion of a little child who enjoys what he does, not to create conflicts.”
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It will be a difficult task for the FA to get to the bottom of what really happened, and determine whether Suarez has a case to answer or if it can just be put down to the built up nature of an important Premier League fixture.
Bolton head to the Hawthorns on Saturday looking to make it back-t0-back wins against a West Brom side who have a serious problem scoring goals at home.
Roy Hodgson’s men have failed to replicate the form that saw them shake off their notorious yo-yo tag and finally prove that they are capable of making an impression in the Premier League. The former Liverpool boss’ arrival in February was credited as a turning point for the club with the Hodgson providing some vital inspiration and experience to guide the Baggies to within inches of a top-half finish. However the current campaign has been far from positive with three wins in their 11 games so far and some seriously drab performances with their home form proving the most alarming of all. The Hawthrons faithful have had to endure three defeats in their five home fixtures with the Baggies managing only one win and three goals on their own turf. Their struggles to find the net at home haven’t been helped by injuries to last season’s top scorer Peter Odemwingie and record signing Shane Long with understudies Simon Cox and Marc Antoine Fortune failing to adequately step into to replace the pair. At one point, however, it did look like Hodgson’s men were turning a corner with a run of four games without defeat which included a morale boosting win away at Midland’s rivals Aston Villa. Unfortunately they slipped back into old habits although failing to put up so much as a fight against Liverpool and Arsenal before the international break. The well travelled Hodgson will need to get his team working in tandem and scoring goals at home if they are to steer themselves clear of the dreaded drop zone.
Moving clear of the bottom three is the only task on Bolton boss Owen Coyle’s mind after watching his side dismantle Stoke at the Reebok Stadium a fortnight ago. The Trotters finally buried the ghost of their FA Cup Semi Final defeat to the Potters – seen as the catalyst for their poor start to the season – smashing five past them without reply. It was only their third win since the opening day of the season with Coyle seeing his side slip to eight defeats in nine games since then. That dreadful run of form saw the club slide down the table and into the relegation zone which was a position many tipped them to be well clear of coming into the festive period. Injuries to key players haven’t helped Bolton whilst a run of games against five of last season’s top six was always going to be difficult. New signings like Chris Eagles, Darren Prately, Nigel Re0-Coker and David N’Gog took a while to get going but have now fully integrated themselves into the side and all four played a part in their first home win of the season. Eagles in particular was the star of the show scoring twice and dictating the play displaying the sort of game winning talent that Sir Alex Ferguson saw in him as a youth at Manchester United. Should the Trotters emerge victorious from this one it will be the first time they have managed consecutive wins in the Premier League this season and will move them out of the drop zone.
West Brom – 14th
Last Five
Lost 3-0 v Arsenal (A), Lost 2-0 v Liverpool (H), Won 2-1 v Aston Villa (A), Won 2-0 v Wolves (H), Drew 2-2 v Sunderland (A)
Potential Starting X11
1. B. Foster 12. S. Reid 3. J. Olsson 23. G. McCauley 20. N. Shorey 14. J. Thomas 21. Y. Mulumbu 7. J. Morrison 11. C. Brunt[C]* 17. G. Dorrans 31. S. Cox
Injury News
Albion are without three of their key players with strikers Peter Odemwingie and Shane Long ruled out with knee injuries along with Austrian Paul Scharner who is suffering from a similar problem
Key Player
Chris Brunt – It’s been a rather dull start to the season from the Baggie’s inspirational skipper and now is the time for Brunt to stand up and be counted. Brunt has the ability to turn the game on it’s head with one swing of that deadly left foot although it hasn’t been seen as regularly this season. Should he have his focus and feet finely tuned on Saturday he could cause havoc for the Bolton defence.
Match Fact
Goals have been hard to come by at the Hawthorns this season and the Baggies will need to start scoring if they are to secure all three points having won only once in 10 games against a visiting Bolton side.
Bolton – 18th
Last Five
Won 5-0 v Stoke (H), Lost 3-1 v Swansea (A), Lost 2-1 v Arsenal (A) Lost 2-0 v Sunderland (H), Won 3-1 v Wigan (A)
Potential Starting X11
22. J. Jaaskelainen 39. J. Riley 5. G. Cahill 31. D. Wheater 4. P. Robinson 7. C. Eagles* 6. F. Muamba 19. N. Reo Coker 11. M. Petrov 17. I. Klasnic 14. K. Davies [C]
Injury News
On loan Manchester City fullback Dedryck Boyata is the only injury concern for Coyle with the five other players in the treatment room unlikely to return until next year.
Key Player
Chris Eagles – After a slow start to his career at the Reebok Eagle’s has emerged from the shadows in recent weeks turning in some splendid performances much to the delight of his manager. The former Manchester United winger has finally started to display the promise that many saw in him during his early days with his two goals last week showing his intelligence and composure in front of goal.
Match Fact
The Trotters enjoy their trips to the Midlands and will be expecting to pick up some valuable points on the road once again having managed to avoid defeat in three out of the last four Premier League fixtures at the Hawthorns.
Last Time at The Hawthorns
Premier League 2nd October 2010
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West Brom 1-1 Bolton
Elmander, 64
Morrison, 78
Attendance: 22,846
Referee: Peter Walton
PREDICTION
Bolton have had a dreadful start to the season but have picked up most of their points on the road and will be confident of taking something away from the Hawthorns. West Brom have real issues playing in front of their own fans and it’s imperative that they start picking up points on home soil if they want to avoid being sucked towards the bottom of the table. This weeks visitors are on a high after their recent victory and the Baggies will need to be on their game if they are to avoid another home defeat.
Arsenal target Patrick Herrman has emerged on the radar of Napoli, who look set to rival the Gunners for his signature (Talksport)
The 20 year old Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder has attracted the interest of a number of clubs, notably of Arsenal, according to reports in Germany.
The youngster made his debut in 2009 and made 15 starts last season. A talented German under-21 international, Herrmann has made a superb start to the season, scoring twice in the first 10 games as his team sit 3rd in the table.
Source in Italy today confirmed that Napoli have registered an interest in Herrmann and are currently considering making a bid in January.
Arsenal will be ready to act if the club from Naples do make a bid, with reports suggesting that a bid of as little as £3 million may be enough to tempt Monchengladback to part with their talented youngster.
Meanwhile, Napoli have this week moved to confirm that talented trio Marek Hamsik, Edson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi are categorically not for sale following interest from Manchester City, who have recently sent chief scout Carlo Cancellieri to watch the stars.
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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has admitted that he is happy with the 1-1 draw against Liverpool on Sunday, which keeps the current Premier League leaders unbeaten.
Vincent Kompany opened the scoring for the visitors in the first half, before Joleon Lescott turned a Charlie Adam shot into his own net to square things up.
With substitute Mario Balotelli sent off late in the game, Mancini is glad to have left Anfield with a point.
“It is a good result, especially because we played the last ten minutes with ten men. It is very important,” the Italian coach told Sky Sports.
“Joe saved the situation but with ten men we had a big, big chance to win it at the end through David Silva. But it was very important to remain unbeaten because it says we are a strong team.
“For us it was a good result because it was difficult,” he stated.
Kenny Dalglish meanwhile felt that his side did enough to claim all three points, but was happy with his team’s display in the stalemate.
“They started better than us but once we got into it, I thought we ran out the better team at the end,” Dalglish also told Sky Sports.
“I think also it was fortunate for us that we got the equaliser as quickly as we did, it kept the spirits up but you could see the change in attitude when we lost the goal that they wanted to go and get something back.
“You could see their attitude in the second half, they were determined they weren’t going to lose it and they tried their very best to try and win it. Unfortunately we just couldn’t get it over the line.
“The performance was fantastic but I don’t think they got what they fully deserved – I think they deserved the three points and we could quite easily have got it but we never.
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“But we won’t be feeling sorry for ourselves, we’ll just brush ourselves down and get on with it and see what happens next,” he concluded.
The draw keeps City’s five-point gap at the top of the division, whilst The Reds are in sixth place, three points adrift of the top four.
With the Premier League season reaching the half way point, supporters are in the perfect position to assess their team’s performances and the areas in which their football club need to improve. Once again the Premier League has been broken up into three tiers, with each team facing their own private battle.
Unlike previous years there has certainly been some stability on the managerial front with only Steve Bruce succumbing to the bullet so far, as clubs look to show patience with their managers to turn around their current plights. The managers may not be so patient with players at their disposal and may look to make significant changes in the January transfer window.
The January transfer window is loved and loathed in equal measures, with many managers and supporters alike welcoming the opportunity to freshen things up, while others see it as a source of distraction. History shows it is a renowned place for panic buying, as last January certainly proved, but there have been notable successes in the past that shows it can be a significant period to turn around a club’s fortunes. I feel the African Cup of Nations and the unprecedented amount of long term injuries we have seen will force many club’s hands and subsequently we can expect to see another expensive month for many Premier League chairman.
So how do you feel about Manchester United’s fortunes so far this season and would you look to see changes made this January window? Who would you like to see brought in and ultimately who would you like to see moved out in the coming weeks?
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Manchester United will be hoping to get their title challenge back on track with victory over Bolton who will be looking to emulate fellow strugglers Blackburn by winning at Old Trafford.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have lost major ground in their fight to dispossess rivals City at the Premier League summit after losing to Blackburn and Newcastle in consecutive games. Defeat against bottom side Rovers was a real shock to the system for United as it was a game they expected to win with ease. The same could be said for their loss in the North East with their defensive frailties being exposed for all to see against the Magpies. Rio Ferdinand and Phil Jones left Tyneside battered and bruised after being roughed up by Demba Ba and Shola Ameobi. The loss of Nemanja Vidic for the rest of the season has been a major blow with his physical presence proving the perfect foil to the technical abilities of Jones and Ferdinand. Midfield has also been a burning issue for the Red Devils although that has been remedied to a degree with Ferguson convincing Paul Scholes to come out of retirement until the end of the season. The Scot will demanding his players rediscover the form that saw them win five consecutive games during December and put themselves back in the title hunt.
Bolton are also desperate for a win and head to Old Trafford seeking back-to-back victories for the first time this season. Owen Coyle’s men were successful in their last outing picking up a priceless three points away at Everton coming from behind to kick start their survival bid. Not even a bizarre goal from former United Tim Howard could derail the Trotters in their mission with goals from summer signing David N’Gog and Gary Cahill putting them just a point shy of safety. However the protracted departure of Cahill to Chelsea will be another blow to Coyle who has seen his side struggle to match the performances that took them to an FA Cup semi final last season. Stopping teams from scoring has been their main problem during the campaign conceding 43 goals in 20 games and come up against a United side spoiling after two defeats on the trot.
Manchester United 2nd : 45 points
Last six: L L W W W W
Team news: The champions have been decimated by injuries in recent weeks and will host their North West rivals without eight first team players.
Key Player: Patrice Evra
With Sir Alex Ferguson constantly having to chop and change his back four Evra has been a pillar of consistency during the Old Trafford injury crisis. Despite holding the United defence together at times the Frenchman’s performances have remained consistently high.
Bolton Wanderers 18th: 16 points
Last six: W D L W L L
Team news: Bolton are still without Jussi Jaaskelainen along with six other first team players.
Key Player: Ivan Klasnic
In a season of struggle the goal scoring form of Klasnic has been one of the few bright spots for Bolton in the first half of the season. The Croatian has found the net eight times already and will be hoping he can add to that at Old Trafford.
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PREDICTION
Despite Bolton’s win away at Everton last week there is no way they’ll be able to repeat what Blackburn did at Old Trafford. United are itching to set the record straight after two defeats on the spin and know they need three points to stay in the title race.
Excitement; the key ingredient to anything deemed successful or watchable, don’t you agree? Still beheld by many as the best and most exciting on the planet, the Barclays Premier League captivates viewers the world over. Whether it is the fact there is no winter break like other top European leagues, whether managers play more attacking football these days or simply because Mario Balotelli plays on these shores, the 20th instalment of England’s top competition has truly captured the imagination once more. With some standout results and continued uncertainty in both the race for the title, fourth spot and the scrap for survival, there is plenty more to play for this term.
But three quarters of the way through the campaign, just who is the Premier League’s most exciting team to watch? Let us analyse the 20 clubs’ merits in getting us out of our seat. Let us start with one of the league’s most exciting outfits in Arsenal.
ARSENAL
Inconsistency is the word at the Emirates, making for a great watch for neutrals. Arsenal fans have endured a painstaking season of uncertainty surrounding the chase for fourth spot. Whilst still great on the eye when it works, and just awful defensively when it goes wrong, viewers are treated to the sublime goal scoring of Van Persie and the countless errors of Johan Djourou all in one place. All under the ever-present stewardship of the growingly criticised Arsene Wenger.
Excitement rating: 5/5
ASTON VILLA
It has been a season of miserable transition at Villa Park under ex-Birmingham boss Alex McLeish. With the flair of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing long gone, the Villains have struggled to replace the rapid counter attacking style they were famed for under O’Neill. The only excitement here may come through a fans revolt against the ‘Blue Nose’ McLeish.
Excitement rating: 2/5
BLACKBURN ROVERS
Kean out! The words of the Blackburn faithful as long as can be remembered. But with Rovers at last with a chance of redemption this term, fans are starting to get behind their manager. With scenes never before witnessed surrounding fan disgruntlement, Ewood Park has been a cauldron of hate this season, making for an intrigued watch for a neutral but not for an avid Rover.
Excitement rating: 4/5
BOLTON WANDERERS
A season of struggle at the Reebok for a side more accustomed to top half finishes. Whilst Owen Coyle’s tactics may be more technical than his predecessors, Bolton have forgotten what made them a Premier League hit. With Kevin Davies now warming the bench it is all style with no substance for the Trotters.
Excitement rating: 2/5
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CHELSEA
Living in Mourinho’s shadow. The resigned fate of Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas. Heavily under fire for benching fan favourite Frank Lampard and in general for being long gone in the title race, it has been the worst season in some time for the hugely expectant Stamford Bridge faithful. Whilst patience is running out, Fernando Torres still baffles everyone with his ability to miss open goals, Drogba supposedly takes half-time team talks and Ashley Cole has publically fallen out with the gaffer.
Excitement rating: 4/5
EVERTON
David Moyes continues his impressive leadership of a Toffees side again restricted financially. It’s a case of same old, same old at Goodison Park, but recent signings Nikica Jelavic and Steven Pienaar should set the pulse racing a little more for the remainder of the campaign.
Excitement rating: 2/5
FULHAM
The Premier League’s nicest club continues to languish in mid-table; neither threatening at a European push nor close enough to the relegation trap door. It has been this way for some time at the Cottage and in terms of excitement; Martin Jol has simply continued the mediocrity as passed over by Mark Hughes.
Excitement rating: 1/5
LIVERPOOL
King Kenny has instilled some stability in the club’s results as they continue to battle for a Champions League spot, but it has been anything but stable for the club in ‘Luis Suarez gate’. The hugely controversial Uruguayan is always watchable not only for his on-field theatrics and wonderful tricky play, but his role in the Patrice Evra handshake affair. Some ugly scenes transpired earlier this month, but in terms of excitement, it made the matches against Manchester United a hostile occasion.
Excitement rating: 4/5
MANCHESTER CITY
Their fans sing ‘we’re not really here’ and who can blame them. Treated to mediocrity over the years, City is now a great outfit intertwining solid defensive play with artistic forward bursts. Aguero and Silva have scared many a defence and Mario Balotelli has been up to his old tricks letting off fireworks at home, appearing in schools and scoring the odd stunner as well. They might just win the big prize as well.
Excitement rating: 5/5
MANCHESTER UNITED
Dubbed one of Sir Alex’ poorest teams during his tenure, United continue to battle on for Premier League supremacy. Gritty, determined and focused all describe the Red Devils, and whilst not being as entertaining as they used to be with the likes of Cantona and Ronaldo, Rooney pops up with some magic and being in contention for the title warrants high levels of excitement by default.
Excitement rating 4/5
Continue to the NEXT PAGE for the second half of the Premier League and the all-important poll…
NEWCASTLE UNITED
What a season on Tyneside. Pardew’s men have been the surprise package in their European push. Usually exciting for their boardroom misdemeanours, the Magpies’ on-field play has this time stolen the show and in Demba Ba, they have one of the league’s leading marksmen. After a stadium name change and the winter addition of another Demba in Cisse, these are exciting times for the Toon Army.
Excitement rating: 4/5
NORWICH CITY
The great overachievers thus far. Norwich City have surprised everyone with their efficiency in a squad of players more unfashionable than most. In Grant Holt and Steve Morison they have hardworking forwards and Paul Lambert’s men look safe in their first campaign back in the top flight.
Excitement rating: 3/5
QPR
Backed by the millions of Tony Fernandes and employing both Adel Taarabt and Joey Barton in the same team, QPR make for an exciting watch. Whilst results haven’t been flowing, QPR catch the eye with their mix of flair players and off-field antics. Apparently Warnock was sacked by text. How humane.
Excitement rating: 3/5
STOKE CITY
Involved in the Europa League this term, Stoke City continue to improve under the guidance of Pulis. Possessing more than simply Rory Delap’s long throw, the Potters now have another long thrower in Ryan Shotton. But seriously, Stoke are always an exciting watch when their gritty players always seem to give the top sides a run for their money at the vociferous Britannia Stadium.
Excitement rating: 3/5
SUNDERLAND
A terrible first half of the campaign followed by an impressive second half. Martin O’Neill has reinvigorated the Black Cats and in Sessegnon and McClean, Sunderland possess players who can truly get at any Premier League defence. Excitement following O’Neill’s appointment has been unprecedented and Sunderland now represent an established top flight outfit.
Excitement rating: 4/5
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SWANSEA CITY
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The great showmen. Swansea City have continued their ethos to play an attacking, pass and move brand of football and it is paying off for the first Welsh side to grace the big league. In Leon Britton, they have a passer to rival Xavi and in Scott Sinclair they have one of the most exciting wingers, flourishing with first-team involvement every week. A great debut campaign for Rodgers’ men.
Excitement rating: 5/5
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Redknapp has really forged Spurs into a top outfit this term. With the solidity of Parker, King and Friedel and the flair of Bale, Modric and Adebayor, Tottenham truly balance the squad dynamic perfectly. Assured of a place in the top four this season, Tottenham have captured the imagination with their lightning quick crusades up the pitch. A great watch for Lilywhite and football fans alike.
Excitement rating: 5/5
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
Roy Hodgson has again targeted Premier League survival as the club’s aim this term. In Odemwingie and Long, the Baggies possess a potent goal threat but a lack of flair players and inconsistency in results means West Brom aren’t the most exciting.
Excitement rating: 2/5
WIGAN ATHLETIC
The great survivors. Wigan Athletic continue to topple the odds by remaining in the top flight under Roberto Martinez. The least supported club in the league by a mile fail to capture the imagination due to their relegation scrap and Victor Moses is the only real player who can commit a full back.
Excitement rating: 1/5
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Last but not least, Wolves have struggled once more this term, so much so to part with their manager Mick McCarthy recently. Much like Wigan, the pulse is hardly set racing throughout the campaign, but Steven Fletcher has tried his best with a series of impressive strikes.
Excitement rating: 2/5
So there you have it, an assessment of excitability amongst the Premier League’s elite. Let us know your thoughts. Just who is the Premier League’s most exciting team? Vote in our poll.
However, if you do agree with my judgements you may be carefully nudged to follow me @ http://twitter.com/Taylor_Will1989
Roy Hodgson has stated that he was happy with his side’s display in beating Wolves 5-1 at Molineux on Sunday.
Peter Odemwingie bagged a hat-trick in the demolition, with Jonas Olsson and Keith Andrews also finding the net; Steven Fletcher scored a consolation for the below-par hosts.
Hodgson spoke of his delight after the victory and praised the players for their efforts.
“I think they deserve every credit,” The Hawthorns club’s boss told Sky Sports.
“We had to survive that harsh blow of an equaliser in added time of the first half, where really I thought we were looking very good value for our half-time lead.
“Everyone knows it can be a game-changing experience when you are coming in at half-time after playing well and you could be 2-0 or 3-0 up, but suddenly it is 1-1.
“I thought we really did well to go out and take the second half as we did the first half, and in the end we scored the goals and it was a very good victory, but it was down to the fact that the players played very well today,” he stated.
Mick McCarthy meanwhile is under added pressure after the heavy defeat, and has apologised to the fans for the performance.
“It is an understatement to say it has been a disappointing afternoon.
“It turned out to be a terrible afternoon, a disgraceful afternoon, in terms of our performance.
“We had weathered a (tough) first half and got back into it. We started the second half well and then failed to deal with two set-pieces, so we were 3-1 down and then we were caught on the break all over the place.
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“It was an awful performance and, I don’t often do it, but I’ll apologise for that one to everyone who was here watching – our fans,” McCarthy concluded.
Blackburn captain Paul Robinson has stated that his side are more united since the transfer window closed and is confident of avoiding relegation this year.
The likes of Christopher Samba left the club in the January market, with the former skipper’s future an unsettling incident for the Ewood Park club.
Robinson feels the Rovers squad are all pulling in the same direction, and does not fear that they could free-fall down the leagues like his former team Leeds.
“The difference here is that this is a stable club with a solid background,” he told Mirror Football.
“You’re not coming into the dressing room each day wondering if players are still going to be there, as was the case at Leeds.
“When we went down with Leeds, it was more about the financial situation – it was more like the Glasgow Rangers situation than what we have here.
“Here, we have got a group of players who want to be here. We’ve got a very solid foundation and I think we’ve got a very good chance of getting out of it.
“Now the transfer window has closed, we’ve got a group of players who want to be here.
“We realise the situation we’re in and everybody is pulling in the same direction.
“In every window, there is unrest and unsettlement, but now the transfer window has closed it has given us a platform.
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“We know what we’ve got and what we have to do to pull Blackburn Rovers off the bottom,” he concluded.
London rivals Fulham and Chelsea shared a point apiece in a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage on Monday.
The visitors had ambitions of moving level on points with fourth placed Tottenham, and took the lead after 45 minutes when Frank Lampard converted what looked like a soft penalty after a foul by Stephen Kelly on Salomon Kalou.
However, Clint Dempsey equalised for the Cottagers with eight minutes remaining to salvage a point for Martin Jol’s side.
Blues boss Roberto Di Matteo remained upbeat despite missing out on the chance to claw back Spurs’ advantage.
“I thought we were in control of the game and maybe we didn’t pose enough of a threat for the second goal,” he told Sky Sports.
“But we were always in a leading position and the only way they could have scored was from a set-play and unfortunately for us they did.
“But we are still in there, we are hanging in there and we knew Craven Cottage was a tough place to come and we are getting closer to the teams ahead of us,” he continued.
Mark Clattenburg’s award of Chelsea’s penalty was dubious, but Di Matteo believed that it was a fair decision; he also praised Frank Lampard, whose goal made him the first midfielder to score 150 times in the Premier League.
“Come on, there was a touch on him [Kalou] from Kelly for the penalty.
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“The record just shows what a tremendous player that Frank has been for Chelsea Football Club all these years, and he continues to do so and we are very happy he is in our team,” the trainer concluded.