Arsenal back in title race after beating Chelsea .... I think not

Many people have claimed that Arsenal are back in the race to win the Premier League following their 2-1 win against Chelsea today, however I don't believe that's the case. The Gunners now lie just eight points behind leaders Chelsea and Liverpool, a margin that can increase to eleven points if Liverpool can manage to beat West Ham tomorrow.

William Gallas' recent comments about his team-mates (which lost him his captaincy) were spot on. Arsenal are not brave enough to win a title. They are too inexperienced and although I back Wenger's decision to give Cesc Fabregas the armband, I don't think that will be enough to win them the title.

Arsene Wenger's men have already been beaten five times this season and personally I think that's one defeat too many. I understand that we are not even half-way through the season, however I feel Arsenal have lost too many games to go on and seriously challenge for the title.

Stoke City, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Hull City and Fulham have all beaten Arsenal this season and let's be honest if you want to win a title you can't be losing to these kind of teams. Arsenal's main rivals for the title (Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea) have only lost five games between them and I feel Wenger will end up ruing their early season form.

Liverpool to make cracking £2 million bid for former Anfield hero

Liverpool are to make a £2 million January bid for Newcastle United striker Michael Owen. The former Liverpool front man's contract runs out at St James' Park at the end of the season, so Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear must cash in on Owen in January or face letting him leave on a free at the end of the season.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is desperate to add another striker to his squad once the transfer window opens on January 1st and Owen is now seen as a possible acquisition. The 28-year old has had a terrible time with injuries since joining Newcastle back in 2005 and has only managed to make 58 appearances for the Magpies.

Personally I think Owen would be a bargain at £2 million. I am sure the majority of Liverpool fans would love to see him return to Anfield and I feel Benitez should do his best to sign him. Obviously Owen has become quite injury prone and that may be a problem, however I still believe should Liverpool manage to persuade him to return he may turn out a quality signing.

The former Real Madrid man costs just £6.5 million in this season's "You the Manager" and I feel he is definitely worth a look. So follow the link below to enter your team to be in with a chance of winning some great weekly and monthly prizes.

Fed Up Man United star ready to swap England for Spain

Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez is ready to leave Old Trafford to join La Liga giants Real Madrid. The Argentine international is understood to be fed up with sitting on the bench at the Premier League Champions and is now preparing for a January exit.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has always spoke of his desire to sign Tevez on a permanent basis after his two-year loan deal expires, however as yet the club haven't agreed a fee to sign him. Real Madrid manager Bernd Schuster is desperate to bring a new striker to the Bernabeau in January, with Ruud Van Nistelrooy currently out of action for some time.

United will have to cough up £32 million to sign Tevez, a figure which the Champions League Champions are currently unwilling to pay. Following the arrival of Dimitar Berbatov at the club in the summer, Tevez has found first team opportunities hard to come by making a January move to Madrid a real possibility.

It will be a real shame to see Tevez leave England because he is a magnificent player. I personally feel he has been harshly treated at United because during his first season he was tremendous and played no small part in the club winning two trophies. Tevez is a fighter and I am sure Premier League defenders will love to see the back of him. Wherever he does end up, I certainly wish him all the best.

United beat City, but what was the noise that Ronaldo heard?

Manchester United have today beaten local rivals Manchester City 1-0 at the City of Manchester Stadium, however the main talking point has to be Cristiano Ronaldo's red card. Wayne Rooney grabbed the only goal of the game to hand United all three points but it was Ronaldo who grabbed all the headlines.

The Portuguese winger was shown his second yellow mid-way through the second-half after he handled the ball inside the City box. Despite the United protests Ronaldo was given his marching orders by referee Howard Webb. Ronaldo jumped up for the header and for some strange reason he decided to put his hands over his face and handle the ball with both hands.

The 24-year old later claimed that he heard a noise as he jumped up for the header, but just what was that noise. As we all know any derby game in the Premier League is bound to be noisy and today's game was no exception. Personally, when I was watching the incident I didn't have a clue why he handled the ball. He wasn't pushed and the referee definitely didn't blow his whistle before he put his hands over his face.

There seemed to be a loud noise just as Ronaldo rose to head the ball, however the noise was clearly a horn from the crowd. So what else may he of heard?

Liverpool and City ready to join Spurs in the race to sign £12 million England midfielder

Liverpool and Manchester City have today joined Tottenham in the race to sign Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing. The England international has been heavily linked with a January exit from the Riverside, with Spurs boss Harry Redknapp understood to be winning the race, however now both Mark Hughes and Rafa Benitez are ready to start a massive bidding war for the player.

The 24-year old only recently signed a new long-term deal at Boro which will keep him at the club until 2013 and Gareth Southgate has recently spoke of his desire to keep Downing at the club. Downing has been at Boro for over seven years now since joining back in 2001 and has since gone on to make over 180 appearances for the club.

It appears unlikely now that he will remain a Boro player any longer with Benitez, Redknapp and Hughes all prepared to meet the club's valuation of £12 million for the player. Personally, I feel that on his day, there is no better left winger in the Premier League than Downing, however for me he doesn't have enough of those days. I think a lot of people will agree with me when I say, he is a bit overrated and that whoever does eventually sign him may be making a big mistake.

Either Liverpool, Spurs or City will have to pay more than £5.5 million for Downing, but you won't. Yes, the former Sunderland man costs just that in this season's "You the Manager" and he may be worth a look. So follow the link below to enter your team to be in with a chance of winning some terrific weekly and monthly prizes.

It official, the FA's "Respect the Ref" campaign isn't working

Yes, during a poll that has been running on Football Corner over the past week or so, you the readers were unanimous in your decision. We asked you whether or not you thought the FA's "Respect the Ref" campaign was working and the answer by some distance was no.

Here is the full result of the poll :

No - 40 votes (67%)
Kind of - 10 votes (17%)
Yes - 9 votes (16%)

Total Votes : 59

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who voted and I would encourage all of you to vote in our latest poll. Who will be top of the Premier League on Christmas day? The poll can be found on the top right of the site, so place your votes now.

Fulham defender a surprise target for Arsenal and Spurs

Tottenham and Arsenal have today been linked with a move for Fulham defender Brede Hangeland. The Norwegian defender is stalling a signing a new contract at Craven Cottage and now both Harry Redknapp and Arsene Wenger are keen to take advantage of the situation.

The former FC Copenhagen man has been one of Fulham's top performers this season and has caught the attentions of both North London clubs. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is desperate to bring a new centre-back to the Emirates come January, with William Gallas likely to depart after his recent troubles.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has been linked with several defenders since arriving at the club, however Hangeland is now seen as a possible acquisition. I have always thought that Hangeland has never really got the credit he deserves because he has been brilliant since arriving the Premier League. He is only 27 and I feel he would be a very decent signing for either Spurs or Arsenal.

Hangeland must be worth a look in this season's "You the Manager". The 6ft 5in defender costs just £3 million and I would strongly really recommend you put him in your team. So follow the link below to enter your team to be in with a chance of winning some terrific weekly and monthly prizes.

Pressure mounts on Keane as Sunderland humiliated

The pressure is mounting on Sunderland boss Roy Keane after his side fell to their 8th Premier League defeat this afternoon in humiliating fashion. The Black Cats were beating 4-1 at home to Bolton Wanderers, a defeat which leaves everyone wondering how long Keane will remain at the club.

The former Manchester United captain yesterday spoke about possibly leaving the club at the end of his current deal, which expires at the end of the season. Sunderland currently lie 18th in the Premier League after today's results and look in desperate need of a result.

It doesn't get any easier for Keane. His side travel to Old Trafford next weekend to face the Premier League and Champions League Champions, Manchester United. Although we are not even half-way through the season, I personally worry for Sunderland. People often talk about second season syndrome and I feel that is just what is happening to Sunderland.

Today marked Keane's 100th game in charge of the club and I am sure not many results will have annoyed him as much as the one today. Keane brought in a whole host of new faces in the summer, many of which have failed to make any sort of impact. Although I doubt Niall Quinn will have the balls to sack Keane, I don't think Keane will remain Sunderland manager beyond the end of this campaign.

Spurs lining up £12 million bid for Argentine striker

Tottenham are lining up a £12 million move for Bordeaux striker Fernando Cavenaghi. Harry Redknapp is desperate to add to his striking options once the January transfer window opens after Spurs lost Dimitar Berbatov to Manchester United on deadline day last summer.

Cavenaghi, 25, has an impressive scoring record in Ligue 1 with Bordeaux, scoring a goal every other game. The Argentine international has previously been linked with a move to White Hart Lane but for whatever reasons he remains a Bordeaux player, however that may not be the case come February 1st.

Spurs have been linked with a whole host of strikers, including the likes of Lukas Podolski and Andrei Arshavin, since Redknapp's arrival at the club earlier this season. The former Portsmouth manager is likely to be given a hefty sum of money to spend in the January transfer window and Redknapp is preparing to splash a chunk of it on Cavenaghi.

Personally, I feel Cavenaghi would be a terrific signing for Spurs. Although their form has improved in recent weeks, I think it is vital they strengthen their attacking options and signing Cavenaghi would be a great start. They probably need to sign another one or two strikers if they are to challenge for a Top 6 spot in the Premier League this season.

Are Gerrard, Ronaldo and Anelka the men to fire you to £10,000?

Now here's a great chance to win a hefty some of money. The Daily Mirror's fantasy football game "You the Manager" is giving away £10,000 to the Manager of the Month for December and you never know, it could be you.

Yes, all you have to do is follow the link below to enter your team to be in with a chance of winning the top prize. There is also £500 up for grabs for 2nd place and £250 for 3rd place. It costs £5 to enter and you can also avail of an offer which entitles you to five teams for the price of four.

When you sign-up you will have a £60 million budget to spend on eleven players (you must have a 4-3-3 formation). Here are some players who I feel are definitely worth a look : Petr Cech (Chelsea) - £5 million, Jamie Carragher (Liverpool) - £6 million, Stephen Ireland (Manchester City) - £4 million, Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) - £8 million, Crisitiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) - £9 million, Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea) - £5 million.

So enter your team now by following the link below.

Will the World's Greatest player be heading for Manchester come January?

AC Milan star Kaka continues to be linked with a move to the world's richest club, Manchester City. The Brazilian international has been talking about one day moving to the Premier League and with Man City boss Mark Hughes ready to splash the cash come January, Kaka is now seen as a possible acquisition.

The 26-year old is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the world and has won several awards during his career. Since joining Milan back in 2003 from Brazilian side Santos, Kaka has made over 240 appearances for the Italian giants, scoring 80 times in the process.

Kaka has had this to say on the matter : "I like the Premier League. It's a great championship with big players and big teams ... I know it is the best league in the world. So one day, maybe - I don't know when but it would be great to play in the Premier League."

The current FIFA World Player of the Year went on to talk about his relationship with international team-mate Robinho : "I have a lot of friends who are playing there so I am watching some games ... I speak with Robinho sometimes about Manchester City."

Although I would love to see Kaka come to the Premier League in January, I just can't see it happening. I have always been a massive fan of Kaka's and I feel the sooner he comes to England the better, however I think it will be at least another year or two before we see him in the country. As a City fan myself, I must admit I am over the moon to see us linked with player's of the quality of Kaka but I don't know whether or not we will manage to get them. Stay tuned to Football Corner for all the latest news and gossip.

Now Wenger has been told he has money to spend, it must be time he used it

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had today been told he will have money to spend when the January transfer window opens. The North London club have struggled this season, currently lying 5th in the Premier League, 10 points behind leaders Liverpool and Chelsea, with fans demanding investment in the team.

The Gunners spent just £18.55 million on new players during the summer, a figure that was well behind some of their nearest rivals. Liverpool spent more money on Robbie Keane than Arsenal spent all summer, whilst Manchester United spent over £30 million on Dimitar Berbatov.

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood had this to say about the matter : "He certainly has money if he wants to spend it ... There have been suggestions we keep stopping him from buying - that is not the case ... He's very sensible with the way he approaches the transfer market, he's not going to buy anybody just because the press or fans say he should ... He's only going to buy somebody if he thinks they're going to improve what is a young squad but a very talented one."

Although I do admire Wenger's ability to integrate one of the youngsters into the first team, I do however feel he needs to sign a £25 million player in order to have a chance of competing for titles. It may of been OK for Wenger just to spend £10 million here and there and different players five years ago, but now clubs have so much money and they are using it and if Arsenal aren't careful they could fall behind.

Liverpool striker injured .... again

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres faces another three weeks out of action after injuring his hamstring in his side's 1-0 win over Marseille on Wednesday night. The Spanish international only recently returned from a hamstring injury and this will no doubt come as a massive blow to Reds boss Rafa Benitez.

Since moving to Anfield in 2007, the 24-year old has had no fewer than three hamstring injuries, much to the annoyance of the Liverpool faithful. "Fernando has a strain in his right hamstring and will be out of action for between two and three weeks." a club spokesman confirmed.

This is really starting to worry me. It is clear that Torres has a real problem with his hamstrings and I feel the club shouldn't try and rush him back because that could lead to even more problems. This will obviously mean that Robbie Keane will play a more prominent role in the weeks to come and with his current form, I think Liverpool may struggle to keep up their great start to the season.

£11 million England midfielder heading for White Hart Lane?

Middlesbrough midfielder Stewart Downing has today been linked with a move to Harry Redknapp's Tottenham. The England international has previously been linked with a move to White Hart Lane but for whatever reasons he remains a Boro player, although that may be about to change.

With Spurs boss Redknapp desperate to add to his midfield options once the transfer window opens on January 1st, Downing is now seen as a likely acquisition. It is understood that Boro manager Gareth Southgate will not let the 24-year old leave the Riverside for anything less than £11 million and Spurs are ready to meet their valuation.

For me, Downing has always been overrated and I feel Redknapp would be making a massive mistake spending such a large amount of money on him. Personally I think Spurs would be better off going for someone like Bayern Munich's Lukas Podolski. With January fast approaching, make sure you stay tuned to Football Corner for all the latest news and gossip.

Maybe you totally disagree with me and you think Downing is a quality player, then make sure you put him in your team. Downing costs £5.5 million in this season's "You the Manager" and may be worth a look. So follow the link below to enter your team to be in with a chance of winning some terrific weekly and monthly prizes.

Italian giants prepare sensible £5 million for Arsenal ace

AC Milan are preparing £5 million bid for Arsenal defender William Gallas when the January transfer window opens. The Italian giants are keen to bolster their defensive options and are now looking to bring Gallas to the San Siro after his recent troubles at the Emirates.

The French international was recently stripped of the captaincy after he made comments about his fellow team mates. The North London club have since given Cesc Fabregas the armband and although Gallas returned for the side's 1-0 win over Dynamo Kiev in midweek, his future still remains unclear.

Arsene Wenger signed the 31-year old back in 2006 as part of the deal that took Ashley Cole to Chelsea. Since then Gallas has gone on to make over 60 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 8 times in the process. He has also been linked with a move back to France, where he began his career, however AC are determined to bring him to Italy.

As far as I see it, Gallas will not be a Arsenal player come February 1st. Even though Wenger and his agent have said he still has a future at the club, I personally feel the damage has been done and he will be gone once the window opens. If Arsenal do sell him, they will definitely have to go out into the market and find a new centre-back.

Man Utd and Arsenal on red alert as La Liga ace rejects yet another contract offer

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has moved closer to leaving the Camp Nou after it was revealed that talks over a new contract have once again broke down, news that will put Manchester United and Arsenal on red alert. The Spanish international has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time now as his contract talks continue to collapse.

The 28-year old is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world and both Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger are desperate to bring him to England. It is understood that there have been nearly a dozen meetings between the player's representatives and the Catalan club but as yet the player's future at the club remains unresolved.

Txiki Begiristain, the director of football at the La Liga giants said: "Xavi is a great player and has some large expectations. In the world of the football it is not easy to close this type of contract because of the length of the deal and the need to keep a salary equilibrium of the staff. If it was easy the deal would already would be done."

Wouldn't it be great to see a player of the quality of Xavi come to the Premier League. I have always been a huge admirer of Xavi's and I think he would be a tremendous success if he were to come to England. I am not surprised to see Xavi reject so many new contract offers because he deserves to be paid as much as some of the club's top earners are because he without doubt one of Barca's best players.