Football Insane

Chelsea regained their dominant place in the Premier League title race with a 3-0 win at the Emirates on Sunday that restored their five-point lead over Manchester United.

Two goals from Didier Drogba and a Thomas Vermaelen own goal made the difference as Arsenal, who had won their previous 11 home games in all competitions, struggled to make an impression on a Chelsea defence that has conceded just eight goals in 14 league games.

The match encapsulated the key differences between the two London sides as Chelsea’s powerful lineup outmuscled Arsenal’s lightweights and, when in sight of goal, went for the jugular.

In contrast, Arsenal were content to play endless passes around the box in attacks that all too often petered out thanks to over-elaboration.

Chelsea top the standings on 36 points, five clear of United, who won 4-1 at Portsmouth on Saturday with a Wayne Rooney hat-trick. Tottenham Hotspur are third on 26 with Arsenal, who last won the title in 2004, fourth on 25.

Liverpool, who won 2-0 at Everton earlier on Sunday, are fifth on 23.

Read more…

Swedish supersub Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the hero as 10-man Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 1-0 in an enthralling ‘El Clasico’ at Camp Nou to move top of the table by two points on Sunday.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who was exceptional, both started but it was Ibrahimovic who stole the limelight volleying in a 56th minute winner just five minutes after coming on.

Barca were reduced to 10 men when Sergi Busquets stupidly handballed just after the hour mark and needed some heroics from captain Carles Puyol, who produced three crucial blocks, against a Real side that missed some clear-cut chances.

It was a third successive Clasico win for Barca who are still unbeaten this season and nudge Real off the summit holding a two-point lead over their rivals.

Ronaldo started for the first time since the end of September with Real coach Manuel Pellegrini feeling his ankle was strong enough.

Ronaldo’s return saw Karim Benzema drop to the bench while captain Raul had to be content with a place on the bench.

Read more…