Hazard Apologizes For Kick

Eden Hazard has today come out and apologized for his alleged kick on a Swansea ball boy. Although only Hazard himself knows whether he was aiming for the boy or the ball, I think most would give him the benefit of the doubt and say he was trying to kick the ball from under him.

In fairness, the ball boy was acting the clown and unprofessional  In need of 2 goals, I don't think many players would have tried something too dissimilar if they were put in that situation.

It was later revealed that the ball boy had tweeted about time wasting. The tweet read,

 'the king of all ball boys is back making his final appearance #needed #for #timewasting'

It will be interesting to see how they deal with not only Eden Hazard, 22, but also the 17 year old ball boy. It's not unfair to say that there was two of them in it and I think the ball boy should be made somewhat an example of to stop any carry on of this like in the future.

What are your thoughts on this? Would you have reacted the same way Hazard did?

Feel free to leave any comments you may have.

Kompany Gets Red Card Rescinded

Vincent Kompany has today had his red card, which he received against Arsenal at the weekend, rescinded. With many professionals of the game agreeing, it is quite easy to see that Kompany was harshly treated when handed the red card.

In a game that had more yellow and red cards than any other I've seen for a while, referee Mike Dean wasn't shy when dishing out red cards when he felt it was necessary.

The game itself was quite dull with Arsenal having to play 10 men with just 10 minutes played. Man City, to their credit, made the most of it and got the job done with goals from James Milner and Edin Dzeko enough to see off the Gunners.

I think its good to finally see the FA have some sense and show a bit of discretion when it comes to decisions like these. Although, by law, it was a legitimate red card and some would say he endangered the safety of Jack Wilshere, the right decision was made by the FA to have the red card rescinded.

What do you make of this issue? Do you think it was a red card?

Please feel free to leave any comments you may have.

Big Guns Draw Each Other In Last 16

Manchester United drew Spanish giants Real Madrid today in the last 16 of the Champions League. With the prospect of Cristiano Ronaldo going back to his old stomping ground, anticipation between both sets of fans is unbearable.

Although a fixture more suited for a major final, with Real Madrid being pipped to first position by Borussia Dortmund, a difficult tie was always on the cards for the reigning Spanish champions.

Other ties include AC Milan v Barcelona and Bayern Munich versus a very inconsistent Arsenal side. Without making predictions too early, I see Barcelona and Bayern making a rather easy progression through to the semi final stage.

So as Cristiano Ronaldo tucks himself in to bed tonight, I'm sure his dreams will consist of a goal at the Theatre of Dreams but more importantly a win for his side.

What are your predictions for any of the fixtures mentioned? How do you think Ronaldo will feel about the whole occasion?

Feel free to leave any comments you may have.

Toss Of A Coin Overshadows Epic Encounter

As Rio Ferdinand got suited up for the X Factor final, just a few hours previous, he was wiping the blood from his eye as a crazed Manchester City fan threw a coin as he saw his side lose out to local rivals Manchester United.

It was an enthralling match, especially the second half as City had to overturn a two goal deficit. Carlos Tevez was yet again the difference for City after a disappointing display by Mario Balotelli.

Just as it looked set for another magical moment from Aguero, van Persie stole the headlines as he slotted home a free kick just outside the penalty area. A deflected shot off a cowardly Samir Nasri, was enough to beat Joe Hart.

As the euphoric United players joined the equally euphoric United fans in celebration, a few City fans decided to take matters in to there own hands and propelled coins in the direction of the United players, one of which hit Rio Ferdinand. Luckily no serious damage was done to Ferdinand's eye.

Although the passion of the fans is what we all like to see, the throwing of missiles such a coins is simply not and a lot will be asked of the FA to improve player protection.

What are your views on this topic? What are our thoughts on the game itself?

Feel free to leave any comments you may have.

City Crash Out Of Europe

Having been unable to get the result they needed against Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City now have to settle for no midweek football after Ajax claimed third spot. 

Although the caliber of the group was astounding, I feel City would have struggled to beat Burnley, never mind Borussia Dortmund with some of the performances they put in.

As per usual in this Champions League campaign, City really struggled to take the game into their own hands and Dortmund never looked threatened. Carlos Tevez had bright spells and was the stand out player for the Blues with no one else really stepping up to the plate.

Borussia Dortmund, even with a weakened side, looked comfortable and further showed why they are many people's pick to get their hands on the trophy in May 2013.

Man City now turn their attention to Sunday as they face league and local rivals, Manchester United. With the famous 1-6 victory still fresh in the memory of the Eastlands faithful, Kompany and co. look to add more memories come Sunday.

Whats your view on City's Champions League display? Predictions for Sunday's Manchester Derby?

Feel free to leave any comments you may have.

Wenger Adamant Walcott Will Stay

Arsene Wenger has hit out today insisting Theo Walcott will remain at Arsenal despite constant rumors suggesting a move away in January is on the cards. Arsenal take the risk of selling Walcott, 23, for nothing in the summer as his contract is due to run out.

Contract talks have been held up, leaving, I could imagine, many Arsenal fans worried. Although rather inconsistent for me, he is a threat on any given day if he just puts his head down and gets the bounce of the ball.

Reports suggest though that Walcott had rejected a 5 year deal worth £75,000 a week. Walcott is believed to rest his future on whether or not he plays in a striking role.

I think Arsenal should do just about anything to keep Walcott as long as its within reason. I say this because it's obvious he's improving technically as a footballer and if you add that to the bundles of pace he has the results are frightening.

So what do you think? Is Walcott making a bigger hassle than he's actually worth?

Feel free to leave any comments you may have.

Messi Still 'Hurt' Over Penalty Miss

Lionel Messi has today admitted he is still hurt over his penalty miss over Chelsea in April which sent Spanish giants Barcelona crashing out of the Champions League. 

Although, due to away goals, Barcelona would still have been knocked out, it was because of Messi's miss that Barcelona were scrambling to get the ball in the net with minutes to go leaving Torres with acres of space to put the ball past Victor Valdes.

Last season was a poor one by Barcelona standards as fans have become accustomed to seeing their side win countless trophies and scoring goals for fun. But with Real Madrid getting the better of them in the league, their Copa del Rey victory was the only reward to show for their efforts.

Lionel Messi though has said that he 'hopes we can get back to winning ways' and with the introduction of some new quality players such as Jordi Alba who impressed at this Summer's European Championships, there is no reason the Nou Camp faithful won't see the likes of Messi and his team mates lifting up silverware come the end of next season.

So do you think Barcelona will come back stronger or will Real Madrid just have too much for them?

Feel free to leave any comments you may have.