"I am neither stupid nor sorry!"

Inter Milan's under fire hitman Mario Balotelli has lashed out at manager Jose Mourinho.

The long running fued between the two is now taking on the tones of a soap opera with both protagonists firing verbal shots from time to time.

In his latest outburst on Chiambretti night, Balotelli declared: "I am not so stupid to miss five (now six) matches," Balotelli said on Chiambretti night.

"If I was going to say sorry, I would have done so after the first match"

"But I am in the right, so I am not saying sorry to anyone."

This latest indiscrestion will not be looked upon favourably by Mourinho - who himself is as headstrong as they come.

It seems unlikely that the duo will continue to stay together at Inter Milan next season.

Champions League: Ferguson laments poor display

Sir Alex Ferguson admitted Manchester United simply did not play well enough after they went down 2-1 to Bayern Munich.

Ferguson added on Sky Sports 2: "We didn't play well enough to be honest, we kept giving the ball away. We caused our own defeat.

Even as striker Wayne Rooney was tapping home a Nani free-kick that had looped straight to him off Mark van Bommel to give United the lead in just 64 seconds, Ferguson sensed there was something wrong.

"I didn't think it was a fantastic start," he countered.

"We gave the ball away far too easily from minute one. It is a part of our game we pride ourselves on and has been part of the reason for our progress.

"But that was really disappointing for me."

Instead of going on to consolidate their lead, United found themselves pressed further onto the back foot.

Only the wasteful finishing of Hamit Altintop and Ivica Olic prevented Bayern from drawing level by the break.

Instead, it took a needless handball by United skipper Gary Neville to offer Bayern a lifeline 13 minutes from time.

Man-of-the-match Edwin van der Sar appeared to have Ribery's free-kick covered.

But when it ricocheted off Rooney, the veteran Dutchman was helpless as the ball flew into the opposite corner.

The goal ended United's hopes of becoming only the second English team to beat Bayern on their own ground, and ended a six-match winning streak away from home.

Yet little were they aware the worst was still to come.

After Nemanja Vidic thudded a header against the bar, Gomez emerged with the ball from his fateful tackle with Rooney.

As Rooney lay on the ground in obvious pain, Gomez raced away.

Vidic knocked Gomez off his stride but Patrice Evra was then hesitant on the ball and Olic stole in to calmly beat Van der Sar, without whom Ferguson admitted the damage would have been far worse.

"Edwin saved us time and time again," he said.

"He made so many fantastic saves and kept us in the game.

"Yes, we had some chances but Edwin kept us in the game.

"It wasn't a good goal to lose but the second leg is at home and I believe we have a strong chance."

"Bayern were the better team, we can't complain about that, but we're better than that in possession. We kept giving it away and that was our downfall.

"The first goal was a bit of luck with a deflection but the last goal, I don't know how you describe it.

"The game was done and we gave a terrible goal away."

The second leg is at Old Trafford next week and Ferguson added: "Old Trafford will be a different game obviously.

"We will be much better, no doubt about that, and hopefully we can recover.

"We have the away goal and we'll go out to win the game."

Bayern Munich 2-1 Manchester United

Wayne Rooney limped off with what looked like an ankle injury as Man United suffered an agonising Champions League defeat to Bayern.

Rooney was lying injured in his own half as Bayern broke forward on their fateful attack.

Ivica Olic applied the cool finish for Bayern's winner after robbing Patrice Evra of possession in the box, and at that moment United medical staff instantly ran to Rooney, who appeared to land awkwardly on his right ankle after trying to avoid having his left foot trodden on by Mario Gomez.

Rooney had earlier scored his 34th goal of the season before deflecting Franck Ribery's free-kick past Edwin van der Sar 13 minutes from time.

The initial fear was that it was another of those dreaded metatarsal injuries and while that did not seem to be the problem on closer inspection, any enforced lay-off at this stage of the season will be bad news in particular for Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

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The night could scarcely have started better for the England striker.

Even by Rooney's remarkable standards, meeting his boss' demand for an away goal after just 64 seconds was a staggering achievement.

Much of the period that did elapse was for treatment to Nani, who had been so needlessly chopped down near the corner flag by Bayern's man-in-the-mask Martin Demichelis.

It turned out to be the start of a complete disaster for the Argentina defender, who slipped as he attempted to reach the ball when Nani eventually took the free-kick and it looped skywards off Mark van Bommel.

All on his own, four yards out, Rooney had the simplest of tasks to tap home and leave the hosts, already without Arjen Robben, in a state of complete shock.

By the time they revived themselves, the hosts could have been out of the contest completely as Paul Scholes, surprisingly preferred to Antonio Valencia, put the ball over.

United knew the fightback would come though. German teams are not noted for giving up on their own patch, especially not a club with a tradition as proud as Bayern's.

It was probably just as well for the Red Devils that Robben was missing for with a bit of additional guile, Bayern would surely have been on terms at the break.

The first came through a moment of brilliance from the mercurial Franck Ribery, who chipped beyond the United defence, straight to Hamit Altintop.

A first-time finish was demanded. Unfathomably, with only Edwin van der Sar to beat, the Turkey star tried to control and succeeded only in rolling the ball through to the veteran Dutchman.

Ribery was the architect of Bayern's second opening too as Van der Sar punched away his angled drive.

Altintop failed to make a decent connection with his shot, but the direction caught Rio Ferdinand out as it rolled through to Ivica Olic.

To his team-mates' disbelief, Olic failed to make any contact and the ball trundled wide.

Although he had not given that impression before half-time, Altintop can clearly play, judging by the twinkle-toed way he danced through the United defence in a one-sided start to the second period.

Van der Sar was intent on not being beaten though.

He may have another year's contract that will keep him at Old Trafford beyond his 40th birthday, but the veteran Dutchman knows opportunities to appear on the greatest stage are reducing and his save to deny Altintop suggested he wants to reach a third final in a row in Madrid on May 22.

There was nothing Van der Sar could do to prevent Bayern's equaliser 14 minutes from time though.

Gary Neville will have plenty of time to reflect on the handball near the edge of his area that cost him a booking and offered Ribery the chance to shoot.

After causing so much damage to opposition defences this season, maybe it was a collective defenders' retribution that ensured Rooney was the man who Ribery struck to send the ball flying into the corner.

It was the least Bayern deserved.

But worse, possibly much worse, was to follow after Nemanja Vidic had thundered his header against the crossbar.

Gomez tried to burst forward after his collision with Rooney, and although Vidic's challenge steered the ball towards Evra, the Frenchman was caught unawares by Croatia striker Olic who steadied himself before steering the ball past Van der Sar.

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Fergie plays down Rooney injury

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson does not think the ankle injury suffered by Wayne Rooney against Bayern Munich is "terribly serious".

Wayne Rooney left the Allianz Arena on crutches and faces an anxious wait over an ankle injury that could have dire consequences for Manchester United and England.

Rooney left the stadium in Munich with a protective boot over his left ankle, using the crutches for added support, following a challenge with Mario Gomez in United's 2-1 Champions League quarter-final first leg defeat to Bayern Munich.

But it is also claimed Rooney hurt his right foot in the same incident, although there appeared to be no strapping or support on that foot as he left the stadium.

The United striker, who had earlier scored his 34th goal of the season to put his side in front at the Allianz Arena, will have further tests on Wednesday before United boss Sir Alex Ferguson knows the full extent of the damage.

But clearly he is a doubt for Saturday's Premier League encounter with Chelsea and the return against Bayern at Old Trafford next Wednesday.

The major fear will be that Rooney could be consigned to an extended spell on the sidelines that brings his participation in the remainder of the season and even the World Cup into question.

Ferguson's initial impression was that the problem was not "terribly serious" but admitted a more thorough assessment would have to wait until Wednesday.

Ferguson said: "He's obviously hurt his ankle, we'll know better tomorrow. It's too early to say. I don't think it's terribly serious, but we'll wait and see."

Asked if he could feature against Chelsea in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday, Ferguson added: "I can't answer that, we need to wait until tomorrow."

Ibra: I have nothing to prove!

Zlatan Ibrahimovic insists he has nothing to prove as he prepares to put Arsenal to the sword in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.

Barcelona's Swedish forward is an admirer of Arsene Wenger's side and believes their clash will be a winner with the global TV audience.

Arsenal's fluent style of play is often compared to Barcelona's, but Ibrahimovic has always struggled to find his best form against English clubs.

Ibrahimovic has scored 18 goals in 33 appearances for Barca this season, but the former Inter Milan, Juventus and Ajax star failed to make any impact when Milan crashed out of the Champions League to Liverpool and Manchester United in the previous two seasons.

However, he is adamant he has nothing to prove after winning six league titles in the last six seasons.

"I think I haven't performed my best in games against English teams," Ibrahimovic admitted.

"But the last time was with Inter against Manchester United and it is harder playing for Italian teams against English teams because Italian teams are more concerned with not conceding.

"Obviously Barcelona saw what they bought. I had five fantastic years in Italy and played in Holland before that.

"The people who know football know the way I can play and I don't think I have to demonstrate that to anybody.

"I have six league titles in a row so I don't know how much more I have to prove after that. But I came to Spain to win more important titles and keep improving myself.

"When people criticise you, you hear it from somebody even if you don't read it, but the biggest criticism is from myself. I have had hard times but I'm playing well now.

"Barcelona's mentality is always attack, attack. It is very important to score an away goal and if we can win that would be great. At home or away we always try to win.

"I think Barcelona are the favourites because we are the European champions. Wherever we go we are the favourites. We have a good team who can win whoever we play."

Barcelona have also proved to be capable of winning with style, while Arsenal's free-flowing style has been good to watch but has brought them little trophy success recently.

Ibrahimovic added: "When I saw the draw I said immediately the whole world will see two fantastic matches. These two teams are the ones we like to watch.

"But when you play attractive football it is important to win titles also. If you don't, people say these teams don't win by playing that way and maybe they should change their style.

"Personally I like the way Arsenal play because they are a very strong team. They have many young players and play attractive football and have a coach who has been there for a long time."

Arsenal will have to face danger man Lionel Messi tomorrow night and Ibrahimovic hopes that the 22-year-old will remain on top of his game for the rest of his career.

But he warned that the only obstacle to preventing Messi from becoming one of the world's greatest players is the Argentinian's own motivation.

"He is a fantastic player," he added. "But he is still young. He is 22 years old and has big future in front of him. I hope he can keep up the level where he is now.

"I hope he can continue and not lose his motivation. That is the biggest threat for him because he is only 22."

Bayern skipper admits Rooney fears

Bayern Munich captain Mark van Bommel admits his team will have to change their strategy to combat Wayne Rooney.

Rooney has been in rampant goal-scoring form of late and his exploits are sending shivers down defensive spines across Europe.

Van Bommel's side are next in the striker's crosshairs when Bayern Munich and Manchester United meet in the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday night.

In comments reported by The Sun, the Dutchman revealed special precautions are being taken to contain the red-hot forward.

"We normally man-mark players like him but I don't think we can with him because he is too good"

"We will have to defend zonally so that more than one player can take care of him."

Van Bommel knows that in United, Bayern have a mountain to surmount if they are to progress into the last four.

"It will be a very difficult tie because United, along with Barcelona, are the favourites to win the Champions League.

"I also don't think it is an advantage for us to play the first game at home.

"But we played the first game at home against Fiorentina in the last round and we came through.

"If we draw 0-0 here and score in Manchester then we will have the advantage."

Bayern's task could become that much more difficult if Franck Ribery is ruled out of the match. He is one of the talismen of the team and his absence could be a huge setback.

"Any team in Europe is glad if you have a great player like Ribery in your team," said Van Bommel

"I hope he is fit against United. He is a very good player and we need him."

"We have scored goals and won matches without him in the team. But he is one of the best wingers in Europe."

"If we have everybody fit then we are able to make a surprise against Manchester."

That might be overly optimistic, given that Louis Van Gaal's men are coming off two successive defeats in the Bundesliga. However, Van Bommel believes domestic form has nothing to do with European performance.

"It doesn't matter what you do in the game before a Champions League match.

"I know Manchester United won but it doesn't matter."

Stuttgart was the teams that beat Bayern most recently, but their keeper Jens Lehmann defended Van Bommel's men.

"It's only human Bayern weren't fully concentrating," he said.

"United have a lot of quality but it will be tough for them because they will come up against typical German efficiency."

Rooney reveals the boxer within

Wayne Rooney has revealed he gets the punch bag out if he wants to get rid of some excess anger.

The Manchester United star is no longer the firebrand he was in his younger days, flying off the handle at every little problem.

But the 24-year-old, who aims to down Bayern Munich in the Champions League tonight, retains an ultra-competitive edge that occasionally requires an outlet.

When those situations occur, Rooney is happy to pull the boxing gloves on, as he learned to do when he was still at school.

"I used to do boxing and football," he told Champions magazine.

"I was training every night with one of them and when I got to about 15, Everton said I had to stop boxing if I wanted to carry on playing football.

"I had a good chance of making the first team, so I stopped.

"I still love watching boxing. It is a big thing in my family. I can still do a bit now after training, but obviously not fighting.

"I enjoy it. It is a good way to get rid of some anger."

Sir Alex Ferguson hopes there will be no reason for Rooney to get angry in the Allianz Arena as the striker returns from a bruised foot for the quarter-final first-leg tie.

Rooney has established himself as one of the most feared forwards in Europe thanks to his 33-goal contribution to United's season.

However, Ferguson believes it is the presence of another England man who missed Saturday's four-goal destruction of Bolton that is even more crucial to United's chances of recording a record seventh successive away win in the competition, £29.1million defender Rio Ferdinand.

"The return of Ferdinand and Vidic to keep our back four solid is significant," said Ferguson.

"Along with Edwin van der Sar there was a time when all those players were injured. It wasn't easy and we were very fragile.

"But you can see the solidity now. You can see the experience of these players and it is making a massive difference to the performances of the team.

"It is a true saying strong at the back, strong as a team. We are looking very strong now."

With Chelsea to follow on Saturday, Ferguson is now aware that Vidic will escape any FA action for his challenge on Johan Elmander at the Reebok Stadium that drew such a stinging rebuke from Trotters chief Owen Coyle, who labelled it a "terrible tackle".

The United camp did not see the incident in the same way, and neither did referee Martin Atkinson, who confirmed he had a clear view.

"What is the old saying about people in glass houses?" countered Ferguson.

"When Nemanja Vidic came off at half-time he had a lump on his head the size of an egg, his jaw was swollen and he had a black eye.

"I didn't see them all but I know it was the best central defensive performance in the world this weekend.

"It was the best central defensive performance I have seen for years.

Van Gaal: United should be scared

Bayern Munich manager Louis van Gaal respects Manchester United's quality but insists Alex Ferguson's men should fear the German side.

In the build-up to Tuesday's quarter-final first leg at the Allianz Arena, Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge suggested his team were scared about trying to keep Wayne Rooney quiet.

As the man who must overcome a team who hail from the "level one" station he can only dream of eight months into his work, Van Gaal could have done without the suggestion of an inferiority complex.

And the Dutchman was quick to turn it on its head, even though he accepts Rooney has a special talent that will not be easily quelled.

"I never have fear and my players don't have any fear either," said Bayern manager Van Gaal.

"We value Rooney's quality. He is a super footballer.

"When he was younger, I often wondered whether he had the vision in his game.

"He has developed that now and is very hard to mark out of the game.

"But we can manage because we also have quality. Ferguson and his players should be scared of that."

Bayern are sweating on the fitness of former Chelsea star Arjen Robben, who aggravated a groin injury in Saturday's defeat by Stuttgart.

It is the kind of muscular problem that has plagued Robben throughout his career and he has never given the impression of being too keen to try to play through.

Van Gaal will give his fellow countryman every chance, knowing he is capable of the individual brilliance that helped dispose of Fiorentina in the last round.

But he has vowed no chances will be taken.

"We need a player like Robben against Manchester United but if he is not 100%, he doesn't play," Van Gaal said.

"You have always got to be a bit careful with a player who dribbles at such high intensity. He is not injured but his muscle is tired."

Robben's wing twin Franck Ribery is more likely to be involved despite a nagging ankle injury, although goalkeeper Jorg Butt seemed to suggest Bayern would adopt a cautious approach, possibly more geared towards preventing United bagging an away goal rather than worrying too much about whether they find the net themselves.

Yet to achieve that, Bayern need the one component he believes United have in abundance and his own squad are still trying to generate, organisation.

"Organisation at United is always good," Van Gaal said. "I am jealous of it.

"If we had this organisation at Bayern Munich we would be a step ahead."

There is a link between Van Gaal and the most famous of the seven meetings between Bayern and United, given he was coach of Barcelona, whose Nou Camp stadium was the scene of that staggering Red Devils triumph in 1999.

Van Gaal was present to witness Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scored the injury-time goals that changed the course of United's history.

Like most who were present, he still struggles to comprehend exactly what happened.

"It was incredible. I still find it incredible," Van Gaal recalled.

"I was in the stadium and I remember what a high intensity occasion it was.

"It was fascinating to watch, although I was not at Bayern Munich then. Now I don't think I would find it so good."

Fergie relishing European "dream"

Sir Alex Ferguson sends his Manchester United team out to battle in one of Europe's great arena admitting it is the stage he loves best.

For a competitive game, the magnificent Allianz Arena is a new stadium for United.

Their previous three trips to Munich were all to the equally glamorous Olympic Stadium, in the days before Bayern took up residence in a futuristic new home built for the 2006 World Cup.

It provides the perfect backdrop to an eagerly awaited Champions League quarter-final first-leg clash between two of Europe's superpowers, who have seven competition wins between them.

And, for all the weight of trophies Ferguson has amassed down the years, it is the place he feels most comfortable.

"I have always dreamed about being involved in Europe," he said.

"When I first went into European football with Aberdeen, we played Real Madrid in the Cup Winners' Cup final in 1983. That was the start of the dream.

"We played Bayern in the quarter-final that year and Liverpool on one occasion. They were nights you wanted to have all your life.

"When they changed the old format of the European Cup to the Champions League, (it was) all the best teams.

"You always hoped to play against the likes of Milan, Juventus, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern.

"They are all in the tournament now. We have got our cake and everyone who is involved in Europe is eating it."

It is a meeting that goes beyond normal boundaries, right into the heart of downtown Seoul according to Park Ji-sung.

"The people in South Korea are very interested in this game," he said. "Both clubs have created a lot of history in European football and people back home know what happened in 1999."

There is certainly a wariness inside the United camp merely because of the history they are facing.

"I respect Bayern Munich," said Ferguson.

"I have great admiration for them as a club. That is what we are playing. We are playing history. A team with history has a certain pride and we have to remember that."

How much that history counts once the action starts is a moot point.

Seven trophies did not do AC Milan much good when they were battered by United in the last round and the odds are on a Red Devils advance to an Anglo-French semi-final against either Lyon or Bordeaux.

Louis van Gaal is happy enough to play the underdog card anyway, although Ferguson feels a bit of kidology is at play.

"He is a clever man," smiled the United chief.

"But I don't pay any attention to that.

"I haven't seen all Bayern's games this season but we have watched video footage over the last two days.

"They have had one or two bad results recently but it doesn't mean they are a bad team.

"We are not going to get carried away for one moment that this could be an easy game. It won't be."

The presence of Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand in the travelling party makes a difference though, given the pair have shrugged off foot and groin problems respectively that kept them out of Saturday's four-goal thumping of Bolton.

There is an element of that advantage being countered by the knowledge that Chelsea are now resting up, preparing themselves for a Premier League blockbuster at Old Trafford on Saturday that will have a major influence on the destination of the title.

Bayern will then have to be faced again as the twin peaks of an unprecedented fourth consecutive title and third Champions League final on the bounce edge ever closer.

Little wonder Ferguson's competitive juices are running hot.

"It is a massive week for us," he said.

"In the space of eight days, you have two great games against Bayern and another against Chelsea.

"You have to enjoy it but it is also the time of year when it is crucial.

"It is going to be an exciting week and you hope not to make any mistakes."

Giggs wary of Bayern threat

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs says his side cannot treat the threat of Bayern Munich lightly.

Speaking to manutd.com, the veteran said: We're in the quarter-finals, so they're all going to be tough games, but we're always wary of teams who have a great history in the European Cup."

United are familiar with the Allianz Arena - having played in the stadium during last year's pre-season.

"We know the stadium after playing there in pre-season, we know what we're up against and we know it's going to be difficult - it always is against top German sides."

Giggs warned that Bayern possess significant quality in their side.

"They have a lot of trickery in their team, with Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben, and they have some good players and matchwinners. But we fancy ourselves if we play to the best of our abilities."

With such rich history on both sides, the United legend was confident that the match would live up to the expectations.

"We've won the European Cup three times, they've won it four times. We are two teams with real pedigree, experience and great players, so hopefully it'll be a good spectacle as well as a great game to play in."

"We're going to win in Munich"

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has declared his side's intentions of coming away with a win in Germany.

However, the defender is aware that United's opponents cannot be taken lightly - given that in Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, they have two players who can turn the tie through pieces of individual brilliance.

In comments reported on the club's official website, the Serb said: "Bayern build things up well from the back and they have a few players with real quality on the ball - people like Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben."

"They have pace and skill and can beat defenders one on one."

In addition, the Bavarians possess some good poachers like Mario Gomez who could punish any defensive errors made by Fergie's men.

"They also have a few big forwards who are very good in the penalty area - they're old-fashioned goalscoring strikers," said Vidic.

"Like every team, Bayern have strengths and weaknesses. They'll try and play to their strengths, while we'll look to exploit their weaknesses.

"We're going to Munich looking to win the game," concluded the centre-back.

Ancelotti: No more Blues for Chelsea

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti was relieved to get back to winning back to winning ways with a 5-0 thrashing over Portsmouth.

Chelsea moved to within one point of leaders Manchester United thanks to braces from Florent Malouda and Didier Drogba while Frank Lampard rounded off the win with an injury-time header.

The victory came after Saturday's draw at Blackburn and a defeat to Inter Milan which knocked Ancelotti's side out of the Champions League.

Chelsea always looked in control of tonight's encounter against financially-troubled Pompey and Ancelotti admits he hopes the win will boost the Blues' confidence with the end of the season now only seven league matches away.

"We needed to have this performance, we needed to win," said the Italian.

"I hope that bad period for us is finished. We'll only know on Saturday whether it has but tonight we played well, stayed focused for 90 minutes and put in a good performance. It was necessary to do this."

Pressure had increased on Ancelotti following Chelsea's Champions League exit and he now faces a tough game at Aston Villa on Saturday before next week's showdown against United at Old Trafford.

"We'd lost some confidence in our play in the last few weeks, but we played well here," the former AC Milan boss said.

"This performance will improve our confidence.

"We are involved in the Premier League and the FA Cup, so maybe eight or nine games until the end of the season, so we need to maintain this period and this spirit to play."

"We have to prepare for these remaining games like they are finals.

"It won't be easy, but it's important to stay involved in the Premier League."

The game took a controversial twist just before half-time when Pompey full back Ricardo-Rocha had to be stretchered off with a suspected broken cheekbone after clashing with Florent Malouda.

Pompey defender Hermann Hreidarsson was adamant that Malouda had elbowed Rocha and the France international was given a yellow card for the challenge by referee Lee Mason.

Pompey boss Avram Grant chose not to take part in his post-match press conference to go to hospital to see Rocha, who will have an x-ray on the injury.

"Ricardo has gone to hospital to see how bad the damage is and Avram has gone with him," said Pompey assistant manager Perry Groves, who also confirmed that Tommy Smith went to hospital with a suspected broken nose following a challenge with Daniel Sturridge.

"Ricardo may not play again this season. I thought the challenge merited a yellow card but I only had half an eye on the incident when it happened."

Ancelotti believes Malouda did not intend to harm the former Spurs player.

"I saw what the referee saw. It was a challenge with two heads," said Ancelotti.

"Malouda put his head to take the ball, and Rocha was unlucky.

We're disappointed for him because he's injured, but Malouda did not mean to hurt him. It was an accident."

"The referee gave him a yellow card, which was right. Malouda put his head in, not his arm."

Portsmouth learned hours before kick off that they would be allowed to sell players outside of the transfer window to help ease their financial woes.

Groves admits Pompey's squad is already threadbare but insists the team will not be distracted by worries of a fire sale at the club.

"There's not too many fit players left," said Groves.

"You look at the back four and we had two right-footers playing at left back and right back and in the middle you have Marc (Wilson), who's been playing most of the season in midfield.

"From a financial point of view it's out of our hands. It's something that will be dealt with by other people.

"There's always been a fantastic spirit amongst them and they'll always grind out results for you."

Ancelotti, meanwhile, faces an anxious wait to see if Ricardo Carvalho will be fit for Saturday's game after he came off clutching his ankle in the first half.

"Ricardo turned his ankle," said Ancelotti.

"We don't know now if it's a big problem or not."

Mancini: I just wanted the ball back!

Roberto Mancini played down his touchline fracas with David Moyes after Man City's 2-0 defeat against Everton ended in explosive fashion.

The rival managers confronted each other as a compelling Barclays Premier League encounter at Eastlands went into injury time.

The remarkable incident was sparked by Moyes, who caught the ball ahead of making a late substitution.

Mancini interpreted the Scot's action as time-wasting and went over to remonstrate angrily.

Fourth official Howard Webb intervened and after Mancini had finally been becalmed, referee Peter Walton sent both to the stands.

The Football Association will now await Walton's report before considering whether further action is necessary.

"I've spoken now with David and if I made a mistake I am sorry," said Mancini, who is under pressure to deliver fourth place and Champions League football.

"I wanted to get the ball because there was another five minutes at the end.

"This can happen in a game but it is finished now.

"I was frustrated for the players because we played a good game and sometimes it can happen where scoring a goal is impossible."

Mancini added: "It was a difficult game because Everton have a good squad but we didn't deserve to lose this game.

"I think we have a good spirit and we are a good team. If we believe in ourselves we can get the fourth position."

Moyes: I might have helped City

David Moyes has defended his actions in the touchline fracas with Roberto Mancini and claims he might even have been doing Man City a favour.

Moyes engaged in some on-the-pitch dramatics with the Manchester City boss near the end to the game and had to be separated by the match officials.

Moyes said: "Next time I might just let the ball run through.

"I caught it because I was making a substitution, I would have thought it would actually have helped him.

"I was very surprised, I didn't know what I had done wrong.

"Maybe I held onto the ball a second or two longer than I should have done but I was trying to make a substitution.

"But if I had let the ball go, let it run down the touchline - I actually speeded it up."

Moyes felt the decision to send him off was harsh and questioned Mancini's conduct throughout the game.

He added: "I wasn't the one waving my hand for bookings.

"I shouldn't have been sent off, simple as."

Moyes, however, insisted there would be no hard feelings and said he would try to have a drink with Mancini.

"He showed his passion for his team and his club and I can accept that," said Moyes.

Victory provided considerable satisfaction for Moyes after feeling badly treated by City over the transfer of Joleon Lescott at the start of the season.

Moyes was highly critical of City as they vigorously pursued the England defender over several weeks and eventually signed him for £22million.

Moyes said: "We had a terrible start to the season and a lot of that had to do with Manchester City.

"I would rather come here tonight and show a bit of dignity with our result.

"What we should be talking about is the performance of Everton, which was outstanding."

Victory maintained Everton's late charge for Europe but put a dent in City's Champions League aspirations by denying them fourth.

O'Neill: Race for fourth wide open

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill believes the race for a Champions League spot is still wide open.

This despite his side dropping two more points in the home draw with Sunderland.

Villa needed a John Carew goal - his 14th of the season - to cancel out an earlier effort from Sunderland striker Fraizer Campbell.

That followed on from Saturday's disappointing 2-2 home draw with Wolves.

But, with Manchester City being beaten at home by Everton, O'Neill is still optimistic about a top four finish even though Villa now trail Tottenham by four points.

He said: "We just couldn't get that elusive second goal and we were disappointed in the dressing room afterwards. But the Manchester City result keeps us in there still.

"Tottenham will be delighted that the two of us have dropped points but we all have some tough fixtures ahead.

"It is going to be really tight and there will be many twists and turns in the final part of the season before things are settled."

O'Neill's main concern is a trio of injuries with Emile Heskey, Richard Dunne and James Milner all facing scans to determine the extent of their respective Achilles problems.

Heskey limped off early in the first half and Milner followed suit after the break to leave O'Neill with a few fitness headaches ahead of Saturday's trip to title-chasing Chelsea.

He said: "Emile came off with an Achilles problem and James did well to play for as long as he did because he was sore beforehand.

"Richard Dunne also has an Achilles problem and the three of them are all going for a scan.

"It is partly down to the number of games we have played. Overall we have been lucky with injuries, but the number of games does take its toll."

Pep Guardiola: That didn’t go well

Pep Guardiola has revealed that he made a mistake picking the team in Barcelona’s 2-0 win over Osasuna.

Late goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Bojan Krkic gave a 2-0 victory to Barca at home as they struggled mightily in the first half against Osasuna.

"I wanted to try something and it didn't go well," Guardiola told Marca after the game. "I have not made the right decision and we were not good, we played very poorly in the first half.

"In the second half we were back on our game, we were quicker and played higher."

Guardiola admitted that the his side needed a change in the early going of the game.

"We struggled to tighten up and support each other. We lacked the fluency I had imagined. I have made a mistake, I imagined a game that has not happened. In the sixth minute I decided to change it. When Pedro plays with Dani [Alves], both are good," he noted.

The Barcelona coach hailed ibrahimovic, stating that the striker has displayed his class in helping the team to a victory.

"When he scores we do well, because he is a goalscorer. His quality depends on himself and nobody else."

Zambrotta: It just didn’t go our way

Gianluca Zambrotta insists that AC Milan are still in the race for the Scudetto, despite their 1-0 setback against Parma.

Zambrotta stated that the Rossoneri will attempt to gain ground on Inter and Roma at the weekend, when they host Lazio at the San Siro.

"It was a difficult match against a team that was in form, but we tried, and it did not go our way," Zambrotta told ACMilan.com. "We are still ready to fight, as there is still a long way to go in the campaign, and many more possibilities.

"The defeat does not serve us, but with Inter and Roma playing one another, we play at home and have the opportunity to take some points.

"The season is long, and at the end of every season, there are always some surprises. Lately, we have not been finding avenues to goal, and we shall evaluate this aspect with the coach," he concluded.

Allardyce takes a shot at Ancelotti

Sam Allardyce has taken a swipe at Carlo Ancelotti for becoming the latest coach to belittle his Blackburn side.

Chelsea manager Ancelotti accused Blackburn of playing a long-ball game during the second half of Sunday's 1-1 draw at Ewood Park, a result that damaged the Blues' title aspirations.

Allardyce appreciates such a tag has followed him around since his time at Bolton, and whilst insisting he can handle the criticism, he believes it is unfair his Blackburn players are tarnished with the same brush.

"The performance in the second half, irrespective of what Ancelotti said that we played long and all that rubbish again, shows we have another top coach who is unable and unwilling to give us the credit we deserved, which is a bit of a shame," said Allardyce.

"Considering how many top players we had out, which was more than Chelsea, it was a fantastic result and a great performance in the second half with some really good football played.

"There's no doubt I have this tag, but just because it has followed me - which as I've always said is a perception not a reality anyway - it shouldn't apply to my players.

"As always, when you're one of the smaller clubs that gets a big result against one of the big boys, then you very rarely get the praise you deserve.

"In particular, it now seems, from the coach you are up against, which is a great shame.

"Ancelotti is a big man in the world of football, but for me he has come down in my estimation after listening to his interview on Sunday."

Allardyce is adamant since he pitched up at Blackburn, his players have always attempted to play football, often causing their own downfall in games.

"I'm okay with it (the long-ball tag), but I just know it's not a true reflection of me or the team," insisted Allardyce.

"They have always gone out and tried their best, and particularly at home have been very entertaining and played some great football this season.

"Even away from home we've played far too much football, if you like, at places such as Liverpool and Tottenham.

"We've ultimately paid the price because we have ended up being exposed defensively due to our attacking flair in those games."

Allardyce maintains, though, he can read through the comments when the likes of Ancelotti and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger refuse to give credit where it is due and instead taint the opposition.

"I even heard Wenger try to tag Martin O'Neill with it," added Allardyce with a smile.

"You have to try and read between the lines, and if you do then you might not see it the way they do, and instead see it in the correct manner.

"It's to cover themselves, their own deficiencies in the main, because your team has done better than theirs on that particular day.

"Because it shouldn't have done, they need to find some excuse to divert the attention away from themselves."

Allardyce is unlikely to come across such problems tomorrow when Blackburn face another typically hard-working side in Birmingham at Ewood Park.

Victory will lift Rovers 14 points clear of the bottom three and virtually guarantee their survival in the top flight for another year.

"With our form at Ewood Park, taking 13 points out of 15 in the last five home games, we should be looking forward to this one," added Allardyce.

"We've done a fantastic job at home, so as good a season as Birmingham are having, we have to view this as an opportunity for another win."

Allardyce, though, is again almost certain to be without goalkeeper Paul Robinson (calf), captain Ryan Nelsen (knee), Gael Givet (groin), Lars Jacobsen (hernia) and Vince Grella (calf).

Loan striker Franco di Santo is available after being ineligible to face parent club Chelsea, whilst midfielder David Dunn looks set to figure after coming off in that game with tightness in his calves.

Arshavin: We need new players

Andrey Arshavin believes Arsenal's lack of strength in depth will hamper their Barclays Premier League title challenge.

The Gunners sit second in the table, two points behind Manchester United and two ahead of Chelsea.

But the Russia star believes Arsenal's lack of summer signings - along with injuries to Robin van Persie, Kieran Gibbs and Aaron Ramsey - leaves them disadvantaged.

"I am still of the opinion that to win trophies Arsenal needs more players," Arshavin is quoted as saying in The Sun.

"There is the simple fact that last summer we sold two players and bought only one. So there is an obvious deficit of at least one. Then we lost Van Persie, Gibbs and Ramsey for a long time. So for me it is natural we need new players.

"Without the variety of players we have less diversity in attack. That allows our opponents to read our combinations more easily. Finally, it results in less ball possession for us and our defence comes under more pressure.

"The Premier League is very interesting, at least as long as we continue fighting to win it. But without new experienced players, real stars, it will be difficult to achieve success.

"Ideally we need three or four such experienced players and then among our youths there should be guys who are not only good at playing football but have real character."

"It's the most difficult moment"

Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti admits his side are in the midst of their toughest period since he took charge in the summer.

The Italian has watched his side stutter with defeat by Inter Milan in the Champions League followed by a 1-1 draw with Blackburn at Ewood Park.

But Chelsea have the chance to cut Manchester United's lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League to just a point by beating Portsmouth at Fratton Park tonight.

Ancelotti accepts nothing less than a win will suffice against crisis club Pompey as they look to return to winning ways.

"It's the most difficult moment of the season, this is true," said Ancelotti.

"It's more difficult now and we shouldn't be afraid to admit that. We're working hard to try and close this moment with a victory.

"Every team has had a difficult moment in the season. Now is a very important moment and we have to end it immediately.

"The start of this moment was the defeat to Manchester City and during this period we had a lot of injuries.

"But we have to look forward. I'm sure that, with our first victory, we'll come back to playing well."

Ancelotti remains convinced he will see out the remainder of his three-year contract even if he fails to bring any silverware to Stamford Bridge this season.

Chelsea have a history of replacing managers who don't bring success to the club but Ancelotti insists all that is in the past.

"I am here to change the history of this club," he added. "I am an optimistic man. I have a very good relationship with the club and with Roman (Abramovich). My position is not in discussion.

"I think the owner now is thinking what I think - to win the Premier League and to win the FA Cup."

Ancelotti has set his side a target of 86 points in order to win the title but there is one game, against Manchester United at Old Trafford in early April, he knows the Blues cannot afford to lose.

"We don't have to lose at Manchester United," said Ancelotti. "We can't afford to lose there. That is the only thing.

"We have nine or 10 games until the end of the season - eight in the Premier League and maybe two in the FA Cup - and that's not a lot of time. Maybe 50 days of training. Our aim is to stay focused for these 10 games.

"I don't like to count them down, 10 games, we have to win 10 games. The players have courage. They have personality. We have to have energy, strength, confidence to win every game."

Premier League:Ivanovic out for a month

Chelsea's title hopes have been dealt a blow with news that Branislav Ivanovic is facing up to a month on the sidelines.

The Serbian full-back has damaged medial ligaments in his right knee and is expected to be out for at least a month.

The uncompromising defender underwent scans on Monday, having sustained the injury during the Blues' 1-1 draw with Blackburn 24 hours earlier.

Chelsea are now desperately short on defensive options as they attempt to keep their fading dreams of claiming the top-flight crown alive.

Carlo Ancelotti has seen his back four decimated by injuries this term, especially down the right-hand side.

Jose Bosingwa has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, and is set to miss this summer's World Cup, having undergone knee surgery, while Juliano Belletti has also struggled with niggling knocks.

Such problems had allowed Ivanovic to make the right-back position his own, but he too has been laid low.

That means Paulo Ferreira will be awarded a prolonged run in the first-team, with the Portugal international expected to keep his place in the side for Wednesday's trip to Portsmouth.

Ancelotti sets title target for Blues

Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti has set his team a target of 86 points to win the Premier League.

Chelsea currently lie in third place with 65 points, but victory over Portsmouth at Fratton Park tomorrow would leave them just a point behind leaders Manchester United with seven games remaining.

The Blues then face Aston Villa at home and United at Old Trafford, but Ancelotti insists the title can still be won and believes 86 points will be enough to guarantee them glory.

After their disappointing 1-1 draw with Blackburn on Sunday, Ancelotti wants his side to bounce back in style against Portsmouth and rekindle their title hopes.

"I like statistics and I think that, in the past, with 86 points every team has won the title," Ancelotti said. "I think that we need to get 86 points to win.

"We have less opportunity to win after last week because we lost two points at Blackburn, but we can have a chance again to win this title and we will do everything we can to do so. It's very important for us.

"Now I want to believe we can win the championship and I want to stay focused on my job and give my players knowledge to win their next games.

"I always said that I want to give respect to my players and I want to have respect. I think this is the right behaviour and I think that, this season, everything is right with the players. I am happy with my players' attitude.

"We are disappointed about the last matches. We are out of the Champions League and lost our position at the top of the table, but everyone has kept putting in the right behaviour. The players, the club, we want to stay together at this difficult moment. This is the best thing to do at this particular moment.

"We had possibilities to win more and we didn't, so for this we are disappointed, but we put more intensity into our jobs.

"We have to have more discipline on the pitch. We have to stay more focused on our defensive positions.

"When we don't win, we are disappointed, and above all the game against Blackburn because it was a very important game, but we have a possibility to come back and win tomorrow.

"We need to win to close this moment. I'm sure that, with a victory, this moment will be behind us."

Ancelotti also believes that he will still be in charge of Chelsea even if they do not win any silverware this season.

While other managers have been shown the door for failing to win trophies, the Italian is adamant he will remain at Stamford Bridge for the remainder of his contract.

"My future is definitely at Chelsea next season," added Ancelotti. "I can confirm that. I have two more years of contract and I have no problem confirming this."

Ancelotti also made it clear that he expects England midfielder Joe Cole to be part of his plans, even though Cole said that the lack of talks over a new contract is becoming a distraction.

Cole's contract expires at the end of the season and there is no new offer on the table at the present time.

But Ancelotti said: "He will be here next season because the player wants to stay and the club wants to keep him in the squad.

"There is a time to speak about his contract. I have passed this to the club. I gave my technical opinion about this player, and nothing else.

"I think Joe is showing a pleasure to stay and play for this club. He's doing a very good job, he's very professional and he has a very good relationship with his other team-mates.

"It's a very important moment for him and the other players to show his quality to stay in the squad for the World Cup with England.

"He wants to play, I know that, and he's doing everything he can in training to show me his quality. Sometimes he's played and sometimes he's stayed out, but that's what happens at the big teams."

Premier League:Arsenal's Vermaelen appeal rejected

Thomas Vermaelen must serve a one-match ban after his appeal against the red card received in Arsneal's victory over West Ham was rejected.

Vermaelen was dismissed in the 2-0 Barclays Premier League win at the Emirates Stadium after referee Martin Atkinson judged his foul on Guillermo Franco had prevented a goalscoring opportunity.

The Football Association heard the claim for wrongful dismissal this afternoon but decided Atkinson had made the correct call.

Vermaelen, 24, will now miss Saturday's trip to Birmingham.

A statement released by the FA read: "At a Regulatory Commission hearing today, a claim for wrongful dismissal from Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen was dismissed.

"Vermaelen was shown a red card for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity during Arsenal's match against West Ham United on Saturday 20 March.

"He will now serve a one match suspension with immediate effect."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger must now decide who will replace Vermaelen against Alex McLeish's side.

William Gallas continues to be sidelined by an ongoing calf strain with Sol Campbell deputising, so Wenger may be forced to turn to veteran Mikael Silvestre to form a partnership that will have a combined age of 67.

Vermaelen has been a key presence at the Emirates this season, scoring eight goals in 41 appearances.

The 24-year-old, signed for £10million from Ajax last summer, has proved a brilliant buy as Arsenal chase silverware on two fronts.

The Gunners sit two points behind leaders Manchester United with seven matches remaining and also face a Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona.

Higuain: The title goes through Madrid

Gonzalo Higuain believes that El Clasico will decide the La Liga title, and warned Real Madrid not to lose points before then.

The Los Merengues striker was speaking to the press ahead of his century of games for the club, a match against Getafe.

"It is a source of great pride to have played 100 matches for a club as prestigious as Real Madrid. I hope to be able to enjoy it," Higuain told Marca.

The Argentina international also added that April will be an important month for Real, and that "the Liga title goes through Madrid".

Touching on the topic of his future, the hitman said talks of his contract extension was going smoothly, and said that his goal to better his scoring from last season is coming to fruition.

"I only have two goals left," said Higuain, after finding the back of the net 22 times this season.

Finally, Higuain revealed that he expected Lionel Messi to play at such a high level this season based on his observation of his fellow compatriot during international fixtures.

"It will be a pleasure to play with him in La Seleccion," he added.

Premier League:"Abramovich must back the coach"

Arsenal legend Ian Wright feels it's about time Chelsea owner stopped hiring and firing coaches.

Chelsea have endured a torrid recent few weeks. They were dumped out of the Champions League by Inter Milan last week and also relinquished their lead at the top of the Premier League after a draw against Blackburn.

Rumours are swirling around Stamford Bridge regarding the future of coach Carlo Ancelotti, with some reports suggesting that the Italian has only five more matches to save his job.

Writing in his column for The Sun, Wright commented:"It is now vital for Chelsea's Russian chief to stop hiring and firing bosses and actually back his manager.

"If Chelsea do end the season without a pot to pour champagne in, they must keep faith with Carlo Ancelotti.

"Stability on the management side has always been vitally important for both Manchester United and Arsenal. At Chelsea, this appears to have been a side issue."

Wright pointed out that in Avram Grant, Phil Scolari, Guus Hiddink and Carlo Ancelotti, the London club have had four coaches since the departure of Jose Mourinho.

"Both Scolari and Hiddink stuck to the old guard and now many of them are past 30 - and other are approaching that age."

According to Wright, the failure to nurture or sign any youngster is a glaring weakness that Chelsea must address.

"They are left with a team which is still extremely strong but with one or two exceptions, it is not getting any better. I'm not saying that all of a sudden, Ancelotti should boot Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard out of the team."

"Of course not. But I hope Ancelotti is able to feel secure enough in his own position to make changes. I don't see any young, exciting signings being brought in to keep the senior players on their toes."

They have not brought in enough substance. At Manchester United, there are no shoo-ins. But too many of Chelsea's team probably know they will play every week without anyone pushing them hard enough."

"Unless Chelsea are careful, they will wake up one day and realise they are left with an ageing team with only past glories to look at."

Wright also felt that captaincy issues as well as player power might be eroding morale in the dressing room."

"I'm sure there are issues within the dressing room that Ancelotti will want to deal with."

"He will probably be wondering whether to stick with John Terry as club captain - whether the team are all behind him, or not, after what has happened in recent weeks.

"Ancelotti will also be deciding if the player power is too strong at the club."

"If so, he needs the backing from Abramovich to smash that into tiny pieces."

"I feel the problem with Chelsea all stems back to the battle of the egos between Abramovich and Mourinho. While Abramovich won the battle short-term, he has ended up as the loser."

Juve eyeing Benitez, Torres and Masch

Juventus are looking to sign Liverpool trio of Rafael Benitez, Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano in the summer.

According to a report in Italian publication Il Corriere Dello Sport, communication channels have already been opened with the Reds manager and his players.

The paper claims that Juventus vice general director Roberto Bettega contacted Benitez when he travelled to London for the Europa league match between Fulham and Juventus last week.

The Turin club has endured a poor season so far. Coach Ciro Ferrara was sacked after a run of nightmare results and although there was a brief revival under new coach Alberto Zaccheroni, the team has slipped again in recent weeks.

They lost to Fulham in the Europa league despite arriving at Craven Cottage with a 3-1 lead from the first leg. Their Serie A form has dipped as well, with one point to show from their last two outings.

Zaccheroni's men are now sixth in the league table after their weekend 1-0 reverse against Sampdoria.

Benitez was already linked with the club when Ferrara was sacked and with Liverpool in turmoil, a big question mark hangs over his Anfield future.

The offer would be more tempting to Benitez, Torres and Mascherano if Liverpool fail to qualify for next season's Champions League and Juventus do.

Premier League:BPL Numbers Game 29

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney just can't stop scoring, Chelsea continue their woeful away record and Sir Alex Ferguson continues to dominate Liverpool.

By Eugene YS Han

1 - Manchester United have beaten Liverpool for the first time in four league games.

2 - Chelsea have won only two of their last eight away league games.

2 - Fulham have scored only two first-half goals in their last 11 Premier League games.

2 - Both Bolton and West Ham have picked up only one point after conceding the first goal this season.

4 - Tottenham recorded their fourth successive league win after seeing off Stoke.

4 - Blackburn have managed to score against Chelsea in a league game for the first time since May 2006, almost four years ago.

6 - Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six league matches against West Ham. They have also collected their sixth consecutive win.

6 - Liverpool are without an away league win in their last six matches, and they have lost three of the last four.

6 - Burnley have never won a competitive match away to Wigan. They have lost six of their 11 games away to the Latics.

8 - Steve Bruce's side have lost only one of their last eight league games, and are unbeaten at the Stadium of Light in 2010.

9 - Everton are unbeaten in nine home league matches, winning the last seven.

9 - Portsmouth are unbeaten in their last nine league games against Hull City.

10 - West Ham have not won any of their last ten Premier League London derbies.

13 - Wayne Rooney has scored 13 goals in his last eight league games at Old Trafford.

15 - Rooney has only ever scored two Premier League goals in 15 attempts against Liverpool - and the latest came from a rebound from a saved penalty.

15 - Blackburn have lost just one of their last 15 games at home.

16 - Aston Villa are unbeaten in their last 16 matches with Wolves in all competitions dating back to March 1980.

21 - Hull have not tasted victory in their last 21 Premier League away games, scoring 12 goals and keeping just one clean sheet in that run.

22 - Didier Drogba has now scored 22 league goals this season - his league best so far.

25 - Tottenham have won at Stoke for the first time in 25 years - the last time that happened, the London side finished third in the league.

26 - Rooney's 26th league goal of the season saw him surpass Ruud van Nistelrooy's best ever Premier League season's tally for Man United.

28 - United have scored 28 goals in their last eight league matches at Old Trafford.

48 - Sir Alex Ferguson has managed 48 league matches against Liverpool since his appointment as United boss in November 1986. He has won 21, lost 16 and drawn 11.

50 - Manchester City and Fulham have met 50 times in the league. City have 22 wins to Fulham's 15.

100 - It was even stevens between Aston Villa and Wolves in their 100th league meeting - both had met on the opening day of the inaugural Football League season in 1888.

200 - Former Man United stalwart Phil Neville made his 200th appearance for Everton.

250 - Ashley Young made his 250th appearance for Aston Villa.

400 - Manchester City 'keeper Shay Given made his 400th league appearance.

704 - Man United finally conceded a league goal at home after 704 minutes of league football.

Madrid fans: Messi the best ever

Lionel Messi is the greatest player ever to step on to a football pitch - in the opinion of Real Madrid fans.

This was the conclusion from a poll conducted by Madrid based tabloid, Marca.

It is noteworthy that Marca is considered to to a mouthpiece for Real Madrid and is largely read by Real fans.

Despite the obvious dislike between Real Madrid and Barcelona - the Bernabeu faithful have admitted that Messi is the best player in the history of football.

75.2% of the people cast their vote for Messi as the greatest player ever.

The Argentinian has been in divine form recently - single handedly dragging Barca back into the title race every time Real Madrid threaten to pull away.

He has scored hat-tricks in the last two La Liga encounters against Valencia and Real Zaragoza. A brace against Stuttgart in the Champions League sandwiched the two triple strikes.

In all - the 'Messiah' has scored eight of the last nine goals scored by the Catalans. The ninth goal was scored by Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Barca's 4-2 win over Zaragoza. It was a penalty. Won by Messi.

Premier League Weekend Review

Manchester United were the big winners as closest title rivals Chelsea dropped two points against Blackburn.

A second-half goal from Park Ji-Sung gave Manchester United a 2-1 win over arch rivals Liverpool to take them back to the top of the Premier League.

The Korean headed home bravely from close range following a superb Darren Fletcher cross to earn his side the points at Old Trafford.

Fernando Torres had put the visitors into a fifth-minute lead at Old Trafford with a towering header from Dirk Kuyt's cross, but Wayne Rooney soon equalised.
Manchester United vs Liverpool Player Ratings
Blackburn vs Chelsea Player Ratings

The England star netted his 33rd goal of the season, by scoring from the rebound after his penalty had been parried by Pepe Reina.

The spot kick had proved controversial with Javier Mascherano's foul on Antonio Valencia appearing to take place outside the penalty area.

Liverpool had a late chance to level but Torres was unable to control Steven Gerrard's cross. The ball looped up and Yossi Benayoun could only head straight at Edwin van der Sar.

United return to the top of the table, two points clear of Arsenal, with Chelsea now four back - albeit with a game in hand - after they could only draw 1-1 at Blackburn.

Photo Gallery

El-Hadji Diouf punished the Londoners for failing to take their chances in the first half with a superb header to pull Rovers level 20 minutes from time.

However, Chelsea felt they should have been awarded a throw instead of Blackburn just prior to the goal.

Didier Drogba's 22nd Premier League goal of the season had given Chelsea an early lead but for large parts of the game Blackburn defended well, led by the outstanding Christopher Samba, while 18-year-old debutant Phil Jones did not look out of place alongside him.

In the day's other game, Manchester City turned the heat on Liverpool with a 2-1 win away to Fulham.

The hosts still had their famous victory against Juventus fresh in the mind when they found themselves behind to Roque Santa Cruz's opener, with Carlos Tevez then extending the lead before the break.

Fulham are comfortable in mid-table and boss Roy Hodgson illustrated his Europa League and FA Cup priorities by taking off key players - but Danny Murphy pulled a goal back from the penalty spot and they could have snatched a point in a frantic final period.

City stay fifth but are now only two points behind fourth-placed Spurs with a game in hand. Roberto Mancini's men are two points better off then Liverpool having played two games less.

On Saturday, Arsenal overcame the sending-off of defender Thomas Vermaelen to battle back to the top of the Barclays Premier League for a day with a 2-0 win over struggling West Ham.

Denilson fired the Gunners in front after only five minutes as Arsene Wenger's men looked to leapfrog Manchester United and Chelsea, who do not play until Sunday.

However, Vermaelen was deemed to have been the last man when he pulled down Guillermo Franco, and was shown a straight red card.

But Manuel Almunia saved Alessandro Diamanti's penalty and captain Cesc Fabregas made it 2-0 with nine minutes left from the same spot following a handball by Matthew Upson.
Stoke vs Tottenham Player Ratings
Arsenal vs West Ham Player Ratings

Substitute Eidur Gudjohnsen put Spurs ahead just 18 seconds into the second half when he nipped onto the end of a delightful chip from Peter Crouch to fire a left-foot shot into the roof of the net.

And things got worse for the home side four minutes later when Dean Whitehead was sent off for his second bookable offence after clattering Luka Modric in the centre circle.

But they drew level when Benoit Assou-Ekotto was adjudged to have fouled Dave Kitson in the box and Matthew Etherington sent Heurelho Gomes the wrong way from the penalty spot.

Assou-Ekotto redeemed himself, though, when he crossed for Niko Kranjcar to net the winner with 13 minutes remaining.

That saw Spurs capitalise on Aston Villa's draw against Wolves - a result which could have been even worse for Martin O'Neill's men.

John Carew salvaged a point for Villa after Wolves had looked set for their first win over their local rivals for 30 years, Jody Craddock's equaliser and James Milner's own goal putting them in front.

But Carew followed up his opener with his 13th goal of the campaign with only seven minutes remaining to make the final score 2-2, benefiting on each occasion from marginal offside decisions.

Photo Gallery

Hull slipped closer to relegation after a late capitulation at rock-bottom Portsmouth.

After Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink had headed against a post, Craig Fagan's strike was deflected into the net by Caleb Folan to give Hull the lead in the 27th minute.

But Pompey were level 10 minutes later as Jamie O'Hara's cross following a short corner bounced into the path of Tommy Smith, who back-heeled past Boaz Myhill.

Folan restored the Tigers' lead, beating the offside trap and producing a composed finish across keeper David James.

But O'Hara levelled two minutes from time with a superb curler after a 20-yard free-kick and Richard Garcia's howler saw Nadir Belhadj tee up Kanu to seal a dramatic 3-2 win.

Hugo Rodallega's injury-time header saw Wigan boost their own survival hopes with a deserved 1-0 win over Burnley.

The Latics created the most meaningful chance of the opening 45 minutes when Gary Caldwell struck the right-hand post with a firm header.

There was a delay early in the second period when Latics keeper Chris Kirkland appeared to be struck by an object thrown from the crowd, moments after Wigan were denied a clear penalty when Leon Cort brought down James McCarthy.

Wade Elliott cleared Rodallega's looping header off the line but the Colombian was not to be denied when he met Victor Moses' 93rd-minute cross.

Darren Bent's early brace set Sunderland on their way to a 3-1 win over Birmingham.

The striker stabbed home the first inside five minutes after Benjani Mwaruwari's shot was blocked and jinked inside Scott Dann to add a fine second six minutes later.

Cameron Jerome ran onto Michel's superbly weighted through-ball to halve the deficit with a neat curling finish but Fraizer Campbell grabbed a late clincher for the Black Cats.

Everton eased to a 2-0 win over Bolton at Goodison Park.

Wanderers were reduced to 10 men when last man Gretar Steinsson bundled over Yakubu as he raced clear and Mikel Arteta stepped up to double the punishment by curling a superb free-kick over the wall.

Leon Osman then laid the ball back for Steven Pienaar to slam in a late second.

Match Reports

Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool

Blackburn 1-1 Chelsea

Fulham 1-2 Manchester City

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Aston Villa 2-2 Wolves

Stoke 1-2 Tottenham

Portsmouth 3-2 Hull

Sunderland 3-1 Birmingham

Wigan 1-0 Burnley

Everton 2-0 Bolton

Match Reactions (Video)

Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool

Blackburn 1-1 Chelsea

Fulham 1-2 Manchester City

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Aston Villa 2-2 Wolves

Stoke 1-2 Tottenham

Everton 2-0 Bolton

Wigan 1-0 Burnley

Portsmouth 3-2 Hull

Sunderland 3-1 Birmingham

Ancelotti: It is more difficult now

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti admitted it had been a tough week after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Blackburn in the Premier League.

This result followed the disappointment of their Champions League exit against Inter Milan, managed by former Blues favourite Jose Mourinho.

"It has been a hard week, but every week is hard as you have to prepare for the games," the Italian said.

"It was a difficult game, with a lot of fight on the pitch.

"We tried to play football, but lost some confidence as they put us under pressure and won more second balls.

"We tried, but were unlucky."

The Chelsea coach, however, maintained all was not lost, despite his side now down in third place, four points behind leaders Manchester United, although with a match in hand against bottom club Portsmouth next week.

"Now is a difficult moment, but we do not have to lose our confidence," he said.

"We are behind now and have to catch up, but I think we can still do it.

"The pressure was already on us as we needed to win, but we did not.

"It is more difficult now, but we have to think about the game on Wednesday [at Portsmouth] and have to come back to win."

It's all going wrong for Liverpool

Rafael Benitez will argue it was all going exactly to plan at Old Trafford until the intervention of referee Howard Webb.

In truth the Merseysiders are nowhere near where they want - or need - to be.

A Fernando Torres goal inside the first five minutes was exactly what the Spaniard would have wanted and may even briefly have raised hopes of last year's 4-1 win at the home of Manchester United.

Those dreams evaporated within five minutes when Webb pointed to the spot for Javier Mascherano's foul on Antonio Valencia, even though initial contact had been outside the area.

It was downhill from that point for Liverpool and the 2-1 defeat once again leaves Benitez poring over what might have been.

His side are now four points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham, having played one match more, with rivals Manchester City and Aston Villa also having games in hand on them.

Champions League football next season looks a long way off at the moment and Benitez's December 'guarantee' of fourth place is sounding increasingly hollow by the week.

As Liverpool warmed up at Old Trafford their shorts and socks looked more faded yellow than gold - a pertinent metaphor for the club's current status having dominated English football two decades ago.

That 4-1 Old Trafford victory was only 53 weeks ago but on the basis of this performance it could have been from a different generation.

At the time the win, the middle one of three in succession against United, raised expectations that Liverpool would finally end their 19-year championship drought.

It did not as the Reds finished a close second to United even though that game was one of nine victories in the last unbeaten 10 matches of the season.

But that result and subsequent runner-up finish was supposed to be the springboard for a renewed and sustained title bid.

Those hopes were virtually dashed by the second week of the season as Liverpool had lost two of their first three fixtures - as many as they had done in the whole of the previous campaign.

Things have not improved much since as, after early exits from the Champions League and FA Cup, the Reds are still playing catch-up but now it is only for fourth and not first place.

Pressure will grow now on Benitez but even if he does survive beyond the summer the Spaniard's hands are tied.

Co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are not the generous benefactors who will hand their manager a transfer kitty to bring in the five quality players star striker Torres claims they need to persuade him he has a long-term future at Anfield.

Without Champions League football another income stream is diminished and the quest for outside investment has still to come to fruition.

It leaves Liverpool in no man's land - where they have been for most of this season - with no light at the end of the tunnel.

There may yet be time for the players to turn things around in the remainder of the season but that will only paper over the cracks for so long.

Their performance against United from the moment they conceded the equaliser, and even more so when they went behind, showed they currently do not have the quality to turn the big matches.

Not like they famously did in the 2005 Champions League final, which tellingly remains Benitez's greatest achievement at the club in his first season in charge.

Despite nearly six years at the helm and a couple of hundred million on transfers Liverpool are no closer to winning the title than when the Spaniard took over.

And for a club the size of Liverpool that has to change. Whether Benitez is around to effect it remains to be seen.