Huge News For 2013!

The Soccerholic365 blog site will permanently be moving to Unfitreferee.com.

Daily content has been increased. trending news and video--plus, original features and analysis.

Everything begins on January 1st, 2013.

Here's the link, and see for yourself....

http://unfitreferee.com/

In the Hunt For Zaha

Despite how badly Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway wants to keep Wilfried Zaha at Selhurst Park, the likely-hood of losing his star player in January has become all the more real. Four-clubs are already being linked to a reported eight figure swoop--a day before the window has been opened.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham are allegedly on the brink of a bidding war for Palace's 20 year-old winger. The asking price would be in the region of £15-20 million, with Eagles chairman Steve Parish insisting upon the highest fee. Both, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger are huge admirers of the talented English international—albeit a six-minute substitute appearance against Sweden in a friendly.

Holloway has said the right things, insisting on Zaha stay with the club at least until the end of the current campaign, and concentrate on his football.  It's proper advice, especially with Palace currently residing in fourth place in the Championship table, and in the fight for promotion.

United has been suspected of having a £8 million projected bid turned down—it could very well be only a rumour.

We all know how this time of the season goes, with more fake stories than real ones. But, if he does make the jump into the Premier League, is it a bit premature? Zaha believes the time is right, having played over 100 games in the Championship, and very badly wanting to prove his quality at the top level. 

"To be honest, if I had the chance in January and Palace agreed, it's something I'd want to go for," admitted Zaha.

Reports claim that £10 million is the cut-off point, and Palace wants to wrap up any potential sale within the first week.

Let the auction begin.

Sepp Says The Darndest Things

It's hard to envision a time when FIFA president Sepp Blatter would talk and the football world actually gave a damn. The usual response being a quick shake of the head--similar to what you would give to a naive old-timer that is out of touch with modern society.

Whether it be his rant on adding sex appeal to women's football through skimpier outfits, or a good old handshake being the remedy for discriminatory behaviour on the field. When Mr. Blatter chooses to comment on matters pertaining to the beautiful game, it's safe to say, his judgement is not ideal.

Corruption in FIFA? That's an absurd notion. Future World Cup hosts Russia and Qatar are both shining examples of a squeaky clean image. Discrimination and Human rights violations are apparently of minimal importance. Not to mention his initial stance to goal-line technology.

But, that's another issue all together.Uncle Sepp was at it again over the weekend--having a dig at Major League Soccer.

 "There is no very strong professional league (in the U.S.)," Blatter said. "They have just the MLS but they have no professional leagues which are recognized by the American society."

Ouch!

And here I thought that a consistent rise in attendance proved otherwise--increasing from approximately 15,500 in 2006 to almost 19,000 last season. Add into account an additional seven new franchises in the same time period, including expansion into Canada.

The final statistic that disproves Blatter's ridiculous claim--13 franchises from a possible 19 have erected soccer specific stadiums. More proof of continuous growth and development of the sport in North America.

Adopting a league schedule that mirrors Europe is the only argument of Blatter's that has some merit. Although, it's a concept that is difficult to implement by MLS commissioner Don Garber--considering some of the venues have to put into consideration the demands of the NFL and MLB schedules.

"They have to play and adapt themselves to the international calendar," Blatter has previously stated. "If they do that, they can have success.

Judging by the numbers, and the exposure gained through David Beckham's arrival onto the scene, which has been followed by a good number of European football's biggest names--the MLS is laying down a solid foundation into the American professional sport's market.

Proving once again that Blatter suffers from a strong case of foot-in-mouth disease.

Boys Among Men

It took under a half hour for Liverpool to earn a convincing 3-0 victory at Loftus Road on Sunday.

Within 16 minutes, Luis Suarez had scored a brace through two splendid individual efforts, and Daniel Agger sealed it with 63 minutes left to play off a decisive header from a short corner kick.

Another painful loss was the inevitable outcome despite over an hour left in the match--the fans knew  it, and judging by their performance after conceding the opener, embarrassingly, the QPR players knew it as well.I would love to have been inside the Rangers dressing room at the break--a gutless performance that lacked any passion or urgency, definitely earned the players a famous Harry Redknapp obscenity fuelled tongue lashing.

Liverpool were without Brendan Rodgers on the sideline barking out orders, due to illness, but, the team responded with a convincing 90 minutes of dominating football. The passing game was superb, and more importantly, the Reds were clinical in front of goal, finishing early chances to put the match out of reach.

Without taking away from Liverpool's positive display, the dismal performance by Rangers on their home ground needs to be mentioned. They offered up zero resistance to their opponents relentless charge--practically ball watching and allowing Liverpool to take 4-5 touches on every possession. It was utterly disgraceful at this level, playing as if they are already relegated.

Heads will roll, especially with Redknapp as manager. Unfortunately, errors from the previous regime has left the team bloated with personnel, with virtually no room for new blood to be purchased during the winter window. Redknapp must find a way to sell at least a half dozen players, most being on fat contracts that are undeserving of their qualities and output this season--making them practically impossible to offload in January.

What makes things worse is the majority of players on massive contracts have no relegation clause written into their deals. Should they drop down to the Championship--which is looking more likely game by game--The long term sustainability of the club comes into question.Owner Tony Fernandes spent heavily to keep his clubs Premier League status, backing his manager almost to a fault, having no experience in running a football club--it's a tough lesson learned.

The best example of this irresponsible behaviour is by looking at Jose Bosingwa's ridiculous wage packet--earning more money than every player currently under contract at Redknapp's former club Tottenham. And the list sadly goes on and on.

Redknapp has pulled off miracles in the past, but,  looks set-up and destined to fail at Loftus Road

Mistaken Identity

Oops!

Turns out referee Mick Russell booked the wrong man. Sheffield Wednesday's Jeremy Helan was adjudged to have made two bookable offences in the match against Huddersfield Town on Saturday--at least that's what Terriers manager Simon Grayson had thought when the incident occurred 25 minutes into the first half.

However, a red card never followed. 

The official later admitted to have written the number of Helan's teammate Michail Antonio for the initial foul early in the match. Even some of the players were fooled, thinking Antonio was booked for a dive, not Helan for a challenge.

Either way, A mistake was made, and Russell accepted responsibility. Unfortunately, the admission of guilt doesn't change the result, which ended 0-0. But, having an extra man for 65 minutes could have made a difference.

Even at the professional level, nobody's perfect, though it was a bush league error and Russell deserves some sort of punishment. Huddersfield must take it on the chin and move on.

All Hail King Theo

Emirates Stadium was treated to an 10 goal thriller on Saturday, with Theo Walcott taking centre stage in a 7-3 victory over Newcastle.

Arsene Wenger handed Walcott the responsibility of leading the Gunners front line--his favoured position--and the response was electric, scoring a hat-trick and earning man of the match honours.

It was the perfect ending to 2012--a complete performance by the hosts, showing great determination to make sure all three points were secured, despite a valiant effort by the Magpies.

Arsenal held the lead on three separate occassions, only to see Newcastle battle back each time. Judging by the history between these two clubs--remember the four goal comeback by the Magpies in February 2011--the mood was tense inside the Emirates.

But, Walcott turned out to be the saviour by scoring his second of the match in the 73rd minute to ease Wenger's anxiety. Another three goals followed before the final whistle, with Walcott collecting the match ball with his third tally--also adding two assists.

As Thierry Henry cheered from the stands, watching his successor produce one of his best performances of the season, the importance of Walcott signing a contract extension were heightened. Wenger successfully transitioned Henry from a wide-man to one of the Premier League's best strikers, and hopes to do the same with Walcott should he convince him to stay in North London.

After Saturday, clubs might test Arsenal's resolve and table a significant bid for Walcott in January. In his last seven league matches, Walcott has scored six goals and five assists--having netted 14 times  total in all competitions with eight deliveries.

Wenger must act fast to avoid losing yet another one of his top players in the summer, but, this time for free and without compensation.

Alone In The Forest

Nottingham Forest shocked their supporters and some of their players with the firing of manager Sean O'Driscoll last Wednesday. The manner in which the sacking took place was tasteless to say the least, following a 4-2 victory at their City Ground that lifted them to within a single point of a playoff place in the table.

The Al Hasawi family lost patience with O'Driscoll after a poor run of form that brought with it two wins from the teams last six matches—the Kuwaiti owners expected to be in the race for automatic promotion at this point of the season.

The decision to sack the manager was largely unpopular among Forest fans, and the owners found a way to make things even worse by appointing Alex McLeish as O'Driscoll's successor.

Considering the rumour mill was throwing out the names of Mark Hughes, Roberto Di Matteo and Forest hero Roy Keane—ending up with McLeish was a shot in the gut.

McLeish had a disastrous run with Aston Villa last season that earned him the axe last May, playing a brand of football that was unappealing and more importantly ineffective. The Scotsman is confident of winning over the fans with victories, but, that remains to be seen.

Currently, McLeish is a lone wolf in the Forest despite his optimism.

The Reds hosted Crystal Palace on Saturday, with McLeish sitting in the directors box and assistant coaches Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Rob Kelly in temporary charge of the first team for the match.

Forest ended up earning a hard-fought 2-2 draw, with Billy Sharp scoring an injury time equalizer. McLeish was able to witness first-hand his new team's determination and never-say-die attitude after coming from behind twice to avoid defeat.

Look Who's The Boss

After signing on in October as player-manager, Edgar Davids has now taken full control of Barnet.
The legendary Dutch midfielder surprisingly decided to get involved with the League Two club in an attempt to help the Bees avoid relegation. Davids lives in North London and was previously involved  in local amateur soccer, his decision to share responsibilities with Mark Robson at Barnet Lane was a way for him to continue his passion for youth development on the bench, and on the field.

He now takes over complete control of first team duties following the departure of Robson. It's the Dutchman's inaugural foray into management. Since Davids arrival, Barnet has moved out of relegation, earning 19 of a possible 39 points--after starting the season with only three draws from their first 11 matches.

The Bees currently sit three points clear of the drop zone, so their is much more work still to be done if they plan to keep their Football League status.

Clearly, Davids has made a difference at Underhill Stadium since joining the club. Only time will tell if Barnet can continue the progress already made since his arrival. His on-field activities will now take a backseat to full-time management--having started 11 times for the Bees thus far.

FA Scared Of Fergie

Everyone abides by the same rules—except if your name is Sir Alex Ferguson.

It's quite remarkable that Fergie escaped punishment from the FA for his on-field tirade of referee Mike Dean and his team of officials. The confrontation happened at the start of the second-half, revolving around Dean overruling his linesman and allowing Newcastle's second goal, which gave them the lead heading into the break.

It wasn't a physical altercation—more like a scolding of a petulant child in an aggressive manor. I’m not insinuating that the war of words affected Dean's judgment or professionalism in the second-half, but, the talking-down by Fergie was not professional.

Alan Pardew voiced his opinion that a charge by the FA was warranted for Fergie's outburst—having been on the receiving end of a couple FA charges for altercations with assistant referee's down the touchline. Granted, the United managers actions weren't of a similar nature and does not deserve similar punishment. But, rules are rules, and his conduct on Boxing Day at Old Trafford warranted some type of slap on the wrist at the very least.

Red Devil fans would be in agreement had the shoe been on the other foot. Any type of aggression towards an official during a match is unacceptable.

Never short of words and always ready for a confrontation, Fergie lashed out at Pardew for his comments against him and blowing the incident out of proportion. Surely, he should be the last person to be accusing someone else of that type of behaviour. Just three days before, Fergie stated with a straight face that Robin van Persie could have died on the pitch following Ashley Williams’ deliberate kick of the ball to the back of his head. Could this have resulted in a mild concussion? Maybe. But death? Absolutely not. 

"I was demonstrative. I am always demonstrative. Everyone knows that. I am an emotional guy. But I was not abusive." Ferguson stated. Talk about playing down your actions. But, everyone is entitled to their opinion—Im just not buying it.

It didn't end there; Fergie took it to the next level with this comment about everyone overreacting to the incident, "The only person they have not spoken to is Barack Obama because he is busy. It is unfortunate but I am the manager of the most famous club in the world. Not Newcastle, a wee club in the north-east."

Luckily, the two sides will not meet again this season unless they are drawn together in the FA Cup. If that does happen, Fergie should hope the fixture is on home ground and not at St. James Park.

Geordie nation will forever remember his words as a slap in the face.

Third Time's A Charm

No one can deny Arsene Wenger is a bit nostalgic. 

Instead of putting his energy towards acquiring a long-term solution, Wenger has decided to focus his attention on the possibility of a second short-term loan for the Gunners all-time goal-scoring leader Thierry Henry.

In seven games last season, Henry scored two match-winners—a decent output for a player on the wrong end of 30, but then he was gone and Arsenal were left with the same problem.

Henry's relationship with his former French manager is almost father-like, as Wenger allows the striker to train with the club during the MLS off-season. Sure, Henry still has something left in the tank, but, a second short loan spell is not smart business on Arsenal's part.

Yes, it will sell tickets and jerseys—making even more money for the responsibly rich club, though, none of those funds are ever invested into the on-field product. Gunners fans have become accustomed to their best players jumping ship, and Wenger never properly filling the holes left in the aftermath.

That's not to say Wenger doesn't deserve some credit for his summer purchases. Santi Carzola was a steal, with Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud also great pick-ups. Given Arsenal's track record, it’s only a matter of time before these players are poached.

Wenger obviously needs help in his striking positions. Gervinho is terribly inconsistent, Giroud is fresh and still learning the ropes of the Premier League and Marouane Chamakh is a lost cause. With Theo Walcott's long-term future still up in the air, transforming him into an all-out striker is not the priority at the moment.

The price for Demba Ba seems like the best option—as a bid of £7.5 million would trigger a sell clause in the Senegalese striker's contract. Surely, this would be the smartest and easiest decision Wenger has to make—yet, he has talked down of a move for Ba and continues to leave the door open for a Henry's temporary arrival on a first team basis.

Sorry Gunners fans, but Henry is not the answer to your woes.

Pardew Issue's Ultimatum

Newcastle striker Demba Ba has been a revalation ever since his move to St James Park in the summer of 2011, producing a superb strike rate and consistency that spearheaded the Magpies top six finish last season.

The Senagalese hitman makes £80 million a week, and Alan Pardew wants nothing more than to secure his future with the club--a task that has been further complicated by a stipulation in Ba's contract that can be activated by any club who bids £7.5 million. It is a problem that Pardew insists will be sorted out quickly.

The constant worry of Ba's departure, considering his conversion rate and the small fee that could trigger his sale has kept Pardew guessing as to his players level of commitment to the club.

As the January transfer window imminently approaches, speculation of Ba's future with Newcastle has taken over the headlines in the North West of England.  Should Pardew keep hold of his striker, the manager made it a point to confirm that the clause in Ba's contract will either be restructured or a sale in the summer will be the unfortunate outcome.

Ba has helped the rumour mill churn by confirming his desire to play for his hometown club PSG, even welcoming a move with a passive aggressive come and get me plea. QPR, Tottenham and even Liverpool are just a few clubs interested in his services and could trigger his sale clause by issuing a bid.

Pardew should expect many sleepless January nights.

Venky's Late Christmas Gift

Ever since taking over control of Blackburn Rovers, the Indian chicken giants Venky's has made a mockery of a once proud and sustainable Premier League club--reducing them to a mid-table Championship side through poor and ill-advised decision making.

The dysfunction continued on Wednesday with the sacking of manager Henning Berg after only 57 days in charge. Ok, results have been poor, with Berg only winning once in 10 matches in the Championship--collecting a mere six points as Blackburn sit 17th in the table. But, the decision to bring in the former Rovers player was risky, and expecting promotion from a manager with limited experience at this level was even worse.


Assistant manager Eric Black, first team coach Iain Brunskill and goalkeeping coach Bobby Mimms have all left Ewood Park as well.

Now Venky's is in search of their fourth manager of the season,  and the prospect of bouncing straight back up to the Premier League looks uncertain.

Venky's should stick with what they know best--chicken, and leave the football to people who know what they're doing.

Into The Blue

What will it take to get David Villa at Stamford Bridge?

A Spanish manager? Check. A Spanish striking partner? Check. A wealthy owner that can bankroll positive results and afford to hand out a lucrative long-term contract? Check.

Chelsea has become the latest club that are reported to be inquiring about the availability of Villa, with Barcelona looking eager to sell to the highest bidder, though, a permanent move away from the Camp Nou is probably unlikely in January—unless Roman Abramovich makes an offer that is impossible to refuse. Any money earned in the Villa sale would be used towards purchasing Neymar from Santos, the prime Barca target,

From the outside, the move looks to be smart business for both parties involved.

Villa would make a ferocious pairing with Fernando Torres, the duo have played well together for the Spanish national team and would need minimal time to get acquainted. The shape of the team would need to change, as Rafa Benitez has continued to play a lone striker formation since his arrival, and Villa would need assurances before agreeing to a move. 

Either one of Eden Hazard, Oscar or Juan Mata might have to take a seat to make room should Villa move to the Bridge. My guess it wouldn't be Mata or Oscar that would shift to the bench, both of their form has stayed consistent in the Benitez rein. Hazard has been hot and cold, which could easily make him the odd man out. Competition for places is precisely what might be needed.

Villa is clearly not happy at Barcelona—having missed the majority of last season through injury, he returned to a team that has moved in a different direction tactically, making his minutes scarce. The striker has only started six matches in La Liga this season, with another six appearances from the bench.  Despite being minimally used by Barcelona thus far, Villa will not be sold just because he's unhappy.

A loan deal makes more sense at this stage of the season, with a permanent deal happening in the summer. Chelsea has the cash to facilitate a sale, and proven not to be shy in making a huge splash during the winter transfer window. With Torres resurrecting his game under Benitez and finding the net on a more consistent basis--a cash and swap deal with Atletico Madrid for Radamel Falcao is unlikely.

That leaves Villa as the main target for Benitez's Blue's. 

United Resilient, City Fall Behind

A continuous theme in the Premier League season continued on Boxing Day.

Manchester United came from behind to claim all three points at Old Trafford on Wednesday, with Chicharito scoring the match-winner in the 90th minute—condemning Alan Pardew's Newcastle to a hard-fought defeat.

With Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young and Danny Welbeck all out through injury and illness, the Red Devils showed why they are deserving of top spot in the table and the team to beat heading into the new year. The Magpies had the lead on three separate occasions, yet, United somehow managed to put out the fire and avoid defeat. Following a slight stumble in Swansea by the Premier League leaders on Sunday that cut their lead from six to four points at the summit, Sir Alex Ferguson made sure a repeat performance was evaded against an opponent that has gone 40 years without victory at the Theatre of Dreams.

Referee Mike Dean was the focal point of much controversy following his allowance of a Jonny Evan's own goal that gave Newcastle their second lead of the match. Papiss Demba Cisse was clearly offside on the initial shot by former Red Devil Danny Simpson which was parried by David De Gea into Evans, but was adjudged to have not been interfering with the United defender before the ball went in. The linesman flagged for offside but was overruled by Dean—who received an earful by Ferguson as he came back onto the field for the start of the second-half. On further review of countless replays, Ferguson had every reason to feel his side were on the wrong end of that call.

Patrice Evra tied the match on the hour mark, before the game's pantomime villain Cisse put the visitors ahead for the final time through a great cross from another former United player Gabriel Obertan. It lasted less than three minutes, as Robin van Persie tied the match for the host's—cuing up a thrilling end to a chaotic match. 

A debatable decision on Fabricio Coloccini handling the ball went against the hosts. De Gea terribly misreading a Sammy Ameobi shot that luckily for the keeper hit the post. The match resembled a basketball game—it was back and forth, before Chicharito scored the decider.

To make matters worse for Newcastle, Vurnon Anita was stretchered off following a horrendous tackle by Antonio Valencia that went unpunished which led to a tremendous amount of abuse from the Magpies bench—assistant John Carver leading the way--towards the linesman and fourth official.

The victory was amplified for the red side of Manchester following the news of their city rivals slip-up at the Stadium of Light.

The Wearside jinx continued to haunt Roberto Mancini, losing 1-0 for the third successive time against Sunderland on their ground. It was made even worse by Adam Johnson scoring the match-winner. The England winger was sold for £10 million this past summer by City after falling out of favour with Mancini—never really being high on the Italian manager’s depth chart during his stay.

Despite having a sub-par season to date, Johnson got the last laugh against his former teammates, scoring a ridiculous dipping strike that caught Joe Hart off-guard in the 53rd minute. Mancini was furious at the referee for not signalling for a free-kick in the lead up to Johnson's eventual goal, with Pablo Zabaleta feeling hard-done by the official.

Martin O'Neill should be extremely pleased by his team's performance on this day, as the Black Cats produced one of their best outings of the season. Johnson was the hero, but, Simon Mignolet deserves equal plaudits for earning the clean sheet and keeping Sunderland in the game. The visitors had 67 percent of the possession, firing 23 total shots at Mignolet—doubling the Black Cats final tally.

The loss by City, coupled by United's comeback victory has stretched the gap to seven points between the two rivals as the close of 2012 approaches. 

Reds Making Moves

Reports have surfaced recently that will please every Liverpool supporter worldwide—and it has to do with their beloved captain.

Brendan Rodgers is ready to offer Steven Gerrard a contract extension that will make sure he ends his football career as a Red--not that there was any doubt. Gerrard's current deal expires in 18 months—expiring at the end of the 2013-14 season—and the news of a new deal is obviously a big hit around Anfield.

Sure, Gerrard might have lost a step and not contributed as much in the goal department for Liverpool in recent years, but, his experience on the field and in the dressing room is extremely important to the club—especially with a new crop of talent now taking their initial steps into the first team, Gerrard's presence and guidance in nurturing their development is seen as a high priority by Rodgers.

Liverpool have also acted quickly in the transfer market--despite the window not opening for another week—Rodgers has potentially added to his depleted forward line by agreeing personal terms with Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge and a transfer fee of around £12 million.

Obviously, nothing can be officially confirmed until the transfer window opens, but the deal is expected. Sturridge has already undergone a medical and is poised to become Rodgers' first signing of 2013. 

Hopefully for Liverpool, the English striker can rediscover his form, having been used mainly as a spectator on the bench since the arrival of Fernando Torres two years ago. His playing time has dwindled significantly with the additions of Victor Moses, Eden Hazard and Oscar as well, with Chelsea's preference of playing with a lone striker.

Cheap Shot!

The consequences from the blatant cheap shot by Swansea City's Ashley Williams on Robin van Persie are not yet confirmed, but its hard to argue his action of kicking the ball to the back of the United's strikers head was not malicious.

You be the judge.

On a side note, van Persie's aggressive behaviour towards the referee after the incident could also bring a fine and maybe even a suspension.

Michu Leveller, Eight At The Brigde

The table-toppers dropped crucial points in Wales on Sunday, as Manchester United played out a 1-1 draw at Swansea. Patrice Evra opened the scoring for the Red Devils through a header off a corner kick, but, it was Michu again that salvaged points for the Swans.

It was a highly entertaining match; however, it did have a dark moment.

Ashley Williams and Robin van Persie had a bust up involving the Swans defender deliberately kicking the ball at the back of the Dutchman's head after being tripped up at the edge of the box. Van Persie was livid and rushed Williams, before running aggressively towards the referee in disbelief that a card wasn’t produced. Calmer heads prevailed but no red card was shown.

United's lead at the top of the table now sits at four points over their city rivals.

Poor old Paul Lambert; fresh off an inspiring performance last week at Anfield that brought with it an enormous amount of confidence within the squad—suffered a major set-back with a humiliating 8-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge. One step forward, five steps back for the Villains.

For Chelsea, it was exactly what was needed, having not won a match at home in the league since October—a five match winless run.

Seven different players got on the score-sheet, with Ramires producing a double. The quality of goals was quite breathtaking as well, with Fernando Torres, David Luiz and Frank Lampard producing exquisite strikes.

Its never easy being a goalkeeper and Brad Guzan had a long night at the Bridge. The American was hung out to dry by his teammates as Chelsea cut through Lambert's three-man back line like a hot knife through butter. But, Guzan did deny a late penalty by debutant Lucas Piazon to gain back some dignity on a night he hopes to soon forget--call it a morale victory.

The win puts Rafa's Blues alone in third, 11 points behind leaders Manchester United.

Game Over!

Barcelona dedicated their 3-1 victory over Real Valladolid on Saturday to Tito Vilanova. The team received some good news about their ailing manager before the day’s events, with Vilanova having undergone successful throat surgery and was home recuperating.

The players wore shirts honouring Vilanova during the warm up, and proceeded to stay perfect on their away travels with the victory—nine straight wins. 

Lionel Messi finished 2012 with 91 goals—scoring Barca's second of the match to finish six ahead of Gerd Muller's previous record and 16 better than third place Pele for the most goals in one calendar year. Point blank, Messi deserves to be called the greatest footballer ever. The fact that FIFA has to make up records for the little Argentine to break is a testament to his dominating stature and overall quality.

Xavi opened the scoring, with Christian Tello adding a late strike for insurance—minutes after Javi Guerra pulled one back for Valladolid. 

Barcelona opened up a nine point lead at the top over Atletico Madrid, and a monstrous 16 point lead over the defending champions Real Madrid following their loss in Malaga.

Roque Santa Cruz scored a brace in a four minute span to give the host's a 3-1 second-half lead—the first coming six minutes after a lucky deflection off a Karim Benzema shot cancelled out Isco's opener. Benzema scored eight minutes from time to pull Madrid within a goal, but it wasn't enough.

Another interesting note was the omission of Iker Casillas from the starting line-up, with Jose Mourinho selecting Antonio Adan instead—it was a gamble that blew up in the "Special One's" face. Mourinho had already stated that the league title was now out of their reach while talking to the media last week, though; continuing to drop points and falling further behind the runaway leaders is driving Los Blancos supporters to their limit, with many calling for Mourinho’s head.

The rumour mill is working on overdrive with reports that Mourinho might not last the season, and a sacking is imminent should results not change in a hurry. It seems like the natural step, considering Mourinho is probably not going to be behind the Madrid bench next season, and with the league lost already, why not pull the trigger and move in a different direction.

Late Heroics Headline EPL Saturday

Gareth Barry gave Manchester City fans an early Christmas gift at the Etihad Stadium today to keep, scoring an injury time match-winner in the 93rd minute to give the hosts a 1-0 victory over Brian McDermott's Reading. The visitors were terribly unlucky not to earn even a single point on Saturday—having pushed Roberto Mancini's billionaire squad to the limit. The result allows City not to lose any more ground in the title race.

Over on Tyneside, Shola Ameobi was the hero for Geordie nation through a stunning 81st minute solo effort against QPR. The victory lifted the spirits of everyone associated with Newcastle following a run of poor form—winners of one match in their last eight.

The Canaries saw their 10 match unbeaten run end at the Hawthorns, as Romelu Lukaku scored eight minutes from normal time to break the deadlock. Robert Snodgrass gave Norwich City an early lead from a sublime free kick, before Zoltan Gera equalised before the break.  The home victory ceased a four-match winless run for West Brom.

Martin O'Neill was all smiles at St. Mary's, watching Steven Fletcher be the hero once again for the Black Cats and score the game’s only goal in a morale boosting victory over Southampton. O'Neil can breathe easy and enjoy his Christmas dinner after earning all three points, as Sunderland came into the contest with a slight one-point lead over their hosts, but now sit four points clear of the relegation zone.

Upton Park was up in arms over referee Anthony Taylor's decision to send off Carlton Cole for a challenge on Leighton Baines, it proved to be a pivotal moment in the match. Cole had given the Hammers a first-half lead, but, Victor Anichebe equalised three minutes before West Ham's goal scorer was sent off. Six minutes later, Steven Pienear netted the winner in the 73rd minute to hand the Toffee's a 2-1 victory and into a four-way tie on points for third spot. The referee tried to make amends by sending off Darron Gibson for a similar challenge late on, but by then the game was over.

The physicality of Stoke City was too much for Tottenham, with Andre Villas-Boas' side wasting a chance to move into sole possession of third spot by playing out a goalless draw at White Hart Lane. Even Gareth Bale's return to the squad wasn't enough to earn Spurs the victory—having been out a few weeks with a hamstring injury. Tony Pulis' defensive tactics kept the hosts at bay, frustrating both Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defoe for 90 minutes. The hard earned point extended the Potters unbeaten run to eight matches.

The late fixture on Saturday came from Anfield, which saw Liverpool crush Fulham 4-0 and surprisingly only one came off the boot of Luis Suarez— in stoppage time. Stewart Downing finally scored his first league goal for the club off a thunderous left-footed strike—it was arguably his best match in red, hustling on both ends of the field and deserving of man of the match honours. Martin Skrtel gave Liverpool an early lead, before Steven Gerrard scored in his second successive match through a brilliant set-up by Downing. Brendan Rodgers men produced their best performance of the season on home ground, suffocating the Cottagers from the first minute with exquisite distribution and pace.

In the weekend's early match, Arsenal were able to secure a 1-0 away victory over Wigan  through a spot kick effort by Mikel Arteta that left Latics manager Roberto Martinez fuming—Jean Beausejour was deemed to have tripped up Theo Walcott on the hour mark that lead to eventual winner. The Gunners moved into third place on goal difference, and secured their first three-match winning streak in the league since last March. The feel good feelings have returned to North London for the time being.

Old Lady Set Italian Record

Fresh off the news of losing Giorgio Chiellini for up to three months with a calf tear—Antonio Conte's Juve continued their winning ways on Friday through two-stoppage time goals in a 3-1 victory over homeless Cagliari in Parma.

A brace by Alessandro Matri and a goal by Mirko Vucinic ended any hopes of an enormous upset by the Sardinians—after the would-be hosts took an early lead. The Bianconeri now sit atop of the table, 10 points clear of trailing Inter Milan and 11 points ahead of third place Lazio—albeit with a game in hand—going into the Christmas break.

However, the victory was more than a simple three points earned, with Juve setting a new domestic league record by collecting 94 points in the calendar year—a tremendous achievement for any club, in any league. 

The unbeaten run may have ended at 49 matches in November, but, their impeccable rate of consistency continues to make Juventus the runaway favourites for a second Scudetto and quite possibly outside favourites for a spot in the Champions League final in May. 

The return of the Old Lady to their glory days might be hated on by the majority of Italians, but a long run in Europe will only help the country's UEFA co-efficient rankings and return the extra Champions League place lost to Germany in recent years.