Cristiano Ronaldo: United Don't Miss Me

Cristiano Ronaldo does not believe Manchester United are missing him despite his contribution at Old Trafford before his move to Real Madrid.

The 25-year-old moved to the Bernabeu last summer after six seasons with the Red Devils, where he became pivotal both domestically and in the Champions League.

His goalscoring and attacking contribution meant the Portuguese's absence was always going to be apparent, although Wayne Rooney has stepped up in front of goal this season.

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Evra backing for Rafael

Patrice Evra is tipping Manchester United team-mate Rafael da Silva to become one of the club's greatest defenders.

Evra believes Rafael will emerge stronger for his recent red card against Bayern Munich which sparked a shock Champions League exit.

Most pundits have pointed to the youngster's dismissal early in the second half as the pivotal moment in the quarter-final United appeared to have under control.

As the Red Devils subsequently failed to overcome Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park to slip four points adrift of Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea, it appears as though it may be a seminal moment in United's entire campaign.

Yet Evra is confident the Old Trafford outfit will gain a major benefit in the long run, as he is convinced Rafael is destined for great things.

"It is a good experience for Rafael and he will definitely be a better player because of what happened," said Evra.

"I know Rafael's mentality. When he gets some experience he will be different class. I am sure about him. He has a lot of hunger.

"This was just part of the development process. He will go on to become one of the best right-backs Manchester United have ever had."

Evra was older and more experienced when he arrived at United in a £5m deal from Monaco in January 2005.

Yet even he struggled at first, which is why he feels confident about Rafael.

"When I came here I was 24. I was already playing with the French national team and had reached the final of the Champions League with Monaco," said Evra.

"But the first six months were difficult. It was a big slap in my face. But I had enough experience and character to do much better and show why Manchester United bought me from Monaco."

And he is convinced Rafael da Silva will learn from his dismissal adding: "Rafa did something that maybe, with more experience, he would not do. 

"But I am not certain. Someone might make the same mistake at 32. The point is, you need to make mistakes to become a big player.

"You learn. You have to be mentally strong because anyone can do something stupid."

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Pepe Reina Determined To Win Europa League With Liverpool

Silverware is Spaniard's aim... 

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is determined to win trophies with the Reds despite the disappointing nature of their campaign so far.

Rafael Benitez's men saw their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League fade somewhat with a draw at Birmingham City at the weekend, leaving the Europa League as their only real chance for any meaningful success this season.

Liverpool welcome Benfica to Anfield on Thursday night for the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie trailing 2-1, but Reina insists that the Reds will be fully motivated as they look to end the season on something of a high.

"This is the only trophy we can lift this season,” said Reina, according to The Liverpool Echo.

"It is massively important. All the players here want to lift silverware and this is our last chance to do that.

"To win a trophy is always good. We, the players, are the first ones who know that the season hasn’t been great. It hasn’t been good enough. We should have done better.

"But as long as we have that opportunity to lift a trophy, it is always important for a club and it is for the players. Now it is up to us to lift it up and we have to be persistent.

"No matter what an individual does, it is all about the team. If you play well as an individual, it doesn’t make a difference if the team has not performed.

"It was always going to be difficult to repeat the 86 points, as that was a massive achievement and the league was always going to be tougher. But we have had one bad season.

"English football is not easy. We were so close last season, that’s why we have been so disappointed with how things have gone this season."

The Spain international does not expect Thursday's game to be easy against a Benfica side who carry such an obvious attacking threat.

He does think that Liverpool's experience and home advantage could give Benitez's team a crucial edge, however.

"I hope we will be able to keep another clean sheet and turn the result around," he added.

"I hope that I will have nothing to do but I don’t think that will be the case.

"We know it is going to be tough but there have been many times in the past when it has been tough and we have been able to manage.

"With Anfield behind us and the supporters ready from the beginning, showing desire, passion and commitment, the effort will be 100 per cent tonight. There is absolutely no doubt about that." 

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Riera confirms he wants to move to Russian

Spaniard hopes Russian move will bring back the sunshine on his career...

Liverpool winger Albert Riera has admitted that a move to the Russian Premier League presents itself as an "interesting option", while hoping that a deal is concluded before the turn of the week.

The Spaniard fell afoul of Reds boss Rafael Benitez after calling the Merseyside club a "sinking ship" while alluding to the manager as one who lives in an ivory tower with little or no contact with his charges.

The midfielder was subsequently frozen out of the squad, while reports pointed towards a fine owing to the derogatory comments that culminated in an alleged bust-up with a reserve player.

Presently, the former Espanyol player insists that he is keen on securing a move to Russia in the hope that sign Riera on loan for the season. 

"Russia presents a very interesting option for me," Riera is quoted as saying in Russian newspaper Sport Express

"For one, it's the only prestigious league in Europe where the transfer window is open.

"And secondly, if I play there regularly, I may be able to earn my ticket to the World Cup in South Africa."

The 27-year-old hopes that the deal will be chiselled out before the end of the week.

"I hope that the question of my transfer will be resolved by this week," he said.

It was initially believed that CSKA Moscow was to be the destination, with their arch-rivals Spartak also in the chase to secure the player's signature. But the former have since ruled themselves out of the race.

"The 'Army Club' are surprised to learn [from the media] that they are [a] candidate for the signing of Liverpool's Spanish midfielder Albert Riera," reads a statement from CSKA.

"We know of similar cases where CSKA is additionally recommended for a football player seeking a new place of work.

"However, to those who are trying to bring extra interest to the player, we can give advice: to specify an interested party, we would say Barcelona or Manchester United.

"By the way, this will be more interesting to lovers of rumours."

It is consequently believed that Spartak will sign Riera on loan for the season. 

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Carew backs Young for England

Aston Villa striker John Carew believes winger Ashley Young deserves a place in England's World Cup squad.

Young starred for Villa in front of the watching national coach Fabio Capello during last Saturday's 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

And Carew feels Young has done enough to justify his place on the plane to South Africa, especially as David Beckham has been ruled out of the tournament through injury.

Carew said: "That is just how football is. There are injuries and other people get a chance but you always wish that everyone is fit.

"Beckham had been working hard to be a part of the England squad so you will always feel sorry for him.

"But then when he gets injured, new opportunities open for other people and we will be really pleased and proud for Ashley if he gets in there.

"I think he deserves it. Fabio saw that Ashley was absolutely wonderful against Wolves and he should be on the flight."

Villa manager Martin O'Neill feels Young has been a key player for the team all season and refutes suggestions his form has dipped.

He said: "I am going to dispute that because I don't think he has been out of form. I think he has been terrific all season. That is my view and I remain steadfast about that."

Carew more than most appreciates what Young brings to the team as the Norwegian thrives on the chances the former Watford man creates. His first goal against Wolves came from a Young cross.

Carew's double against Wolves took his tally for the season to 13 and he aims to end the campaign with a flourish as Villa bid to finish fourth and reach the final of the FA Cup.

"I hope I can continue to be an important part of the team until the season is over because we have a very important few weeks left," Carew, who struggled with injury at the start of the season, added.

"I am still trying to improve all of the time. We can always do better but we are doing quite well and have great potential in the whole team and I think all the players can improve despite different ages.

"I have been working very hard to get 100 per cent fit and it has been paying off. I was struggling with injuries at the start and struggling to get fit.

"Finally I got rid of the pain and the small niggles and now I am 100 per cent fit.

"I've been fit for a month now, things have been going great the last few weeks, and I am enjoying being back playing at 100 per cent fitness and happy to be an important part of the team.

"We have a lot to play for as we are in the semi-finals of the FA Cup and we are still fighting for fourth place.

"We are doing great. Even though we only got a point against Wolves, we are still in there and I think we can still have a fantastic and memorable year."

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European minimum for Osman

Everton midfielder Leon Osman says European qualification is a minimum requirement.

Manager David Moyes spent around £17m in bringing in defenders Johnny Heitinga and Sylvain Distin from Atletico Madrid and Portsmouth respectively and Lokomotiv Moscow midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.

That outlay has been overshadowed by the likes of Manchester City, Aston Villa, Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur.

However, Everton have finished fifth the last two seasons and despite a shaky start Osman is convinced they will challenge again.

"We like to do things quietly here, stay under the radar and keep chipping away at things," he said.

"Hopefully we can finish in a European slot again.

"There are two or three clubs not in the top four last season who have been throwing cash around and they'll be expected to get European qualification, but we're the same.

"We set our targets on European qualification as a minimum, but the great ambition for the club is to start winning silverware."

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Milner: Stability suits me

Aston Villa's James Milner believes he is benefiting from the most settled period of his career.

The midfielder is looking to cement his place in England coach Fabio Capello's plans.

Milner burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old with Leeds United at the same time Wayne Rooney was starting to make an impact with Everton.

But the midfielder feels the off-field problems at Elland Road and then Newcastle United, plus a string of different managers, was not the ideal scenario.

That has changed under Martin O'Neill at Villa and the solid ownership of Randy Lerner, and Milner has forced his way into Capello's squad, retaining his place for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers with Ukraine and Belarus.

Milner said: "This is the most settled period of my career. I've never started and finished a season with the same manager and hopefully this will be the first season.

"To have that stability off the field as well, with a club which is run very well, where the owner has been fantastic, with the players that have been signed, is fantastic.

"It is being built for the future. In the past I've been unfortunate with Leeds and Newcastle, two great clubs going through tough periods and changing managers is not easy.

"As much as you like to concentrate on your on-field form, it does get to players when you don't know how long your manager is going to be there and finances and stuff like that."

Milner has won a record number of Under-21 caps and now has added three senior ones to his tally but the goal is to stay in the squad.

He said: "When you are working as hard as you can all the way through your career, and played a lot of Under-21 games, to get the first full caps is nice and just gets that out of the way.

"I don't think it ever played on my mind. It is your aim to play for England and now I've done that and the next aim is to stay in the squad and stay in the team.

"It's nice to move that goal on one more time and stepping up a level, to keep getting in the squads and pushing for a place in the team.

"I don't think it adds to my confidence. It might change the way other people feel about you but obviously you've got that self-belief and confidence in your ability."

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Hargreaves slowly nears return

Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves believes his injury nightmare is almost at an end.

The England international played his last match for the Red Devils in September 2008 and has since had two knee operations.

However, he returned to the club's Carrington training complex a fortnight ago after long-term rehabilitation in Colorado under the watchful eye of renowned knee surgeon Dr Richard Steadman and that has boosted his hopes about playing again.

"It is difficult to say an exact date but I do feel I can see light at the end of the tunnel now," the 28-year-old said.

"Coming back to Manchester was a big step. Having people from United around me also makes me realise I am getting closer.

"I am coming back to have a massive effect and to play well and for us to win titles.

"It is not about getting back for one game or for one day, I want to come back and be back for another six or eight years.

"I have thought about playing again a lot. It is human nature to have doubts obviously. I had little moments but I never had one moment of major doubt that I'd be back."

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Given backing for Bellamy

Shay Given feels Craig Bellamy is as valuable to Manchester City as any of their big summer signings.

The striker's future at Eastlands was cast into doubt ahead of the new campaign after City splashed out on Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz.

However, with Santa Cruz only just returning from injury and Adebayor recently serving a suspension, Bellamy has come to the fore.

He grabbed his fourth goal of the season against Aston Villa on Monday, to earn City a point, and has earned high praise for the manner in which he has gone about forcing his way into Mark Hughes' plans.

City goalkeeper Given is just one of those to have been impressed by Bellamy's attitude this term, although he does admit that the temperamental forward is still partial to the odd moan.

"He is a very valuable player to us and his work-rate is phenomenal," the Irish shot-stopper said.

"The ProZone stats show he is right up there with running, distance covered and sprints - he works his socks off and he's popped up with some great goals.

"Does he ever stop moaning? He has his moments, but not very often. He probably moans in his sleep too, but that's the way he is.

"He is a fiery little guy and he demands the best out of the players around him because he is a winner and he wants the people out there with him to be the same."

Manager Hughes has also lauded the efforts of his striker, claiming Bellamy is currently in top form.

"He always thinks he is the best player out there, irrespective of who else is on the pitch with him - and for most of our games this season, he has probably been right," he said.

"He has seen the quality of all these guys coming into the team and he's used it as a challenge - and the response has been fantastic.

"I'm pleased for Craig because he has been criticised in the past, and rightly so at times, but he is doing outstandingly well whether we play him down the middle, wide left, wide right or sitting deep."

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Michael Owen: Goals Will Get Me To World Cup

Front man still has designs on making it to South Africa.

Manchester United's striker Michael Owen still has ambitions of being a part of Fabio Cappelo's England squad for next summer's World Cup in South Africa.

Owen has found opportunities under Capello almost non-existent, but claims that he knows what he must do to win a place in the side.

"It's obviously nice to see England doing so well, but unfortunately every time a squad comes along I seem to have picked up a slight injury, like this time," Owen told Sky Sports News.

"Even though I'm back to fitness now and at Newcastle I was maybe a bit out of form, there has always been a reason. There's no excuses, I just need to play well for my club and score a few goals.

"I've always been optimistic. I've never changed as a player. I will always score goals and I have got the record to show that. I think everyone knows what they will get from me and I have proven that at World Cups before.

"The last thing I want to do is start a campaign and say all the reasons why I could be or should be involved, I'm at ease with myself and the situation. I know what I've got to do and that's play well for Man United.

"There is plenty more to life if I'm not picked in the England squad. I'm playing for a top, top team playing for top honors, so we will see where it takes us."

Owen has also not discussed the situation directly with Capello, as he feels that there would be little point with the situation as clear as it is.

"Not about the situation recently, but I don't need to. I know the situation," he added.

"I need to play well and score goals for Man United. If I do that then I could get picked.

"But I don't lie awake at night thinking about it. It's a simple equation, play well and you will be in, don't play well and you won't be in."


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Terry ready for 'biggest season'

England captain John Terry says he has the "biggest season" of his career ahead of him.

Terry concedes it is "unthinkable" his career will come to a close without tasting real success in either the Champions League with Chelsea or at international level.

The defender is preparing to lead the national team in their penultimate World Cup qualifier in Ukraine at the weekend secure in the knowledge that Fabio Capello's side are already assured of a place in South Africa next summer.

Seven wins out of eight at the start of the season have taken Chelsea to the summit of the Barclays Premier League, while two wins out of two in the group stage has given the Blues a perfect start to their Champions League campaign.

It has been a strong start to what could be a career-defining season for the 28-year-old Terry, who is determined to banish the memory of England's failure to reach Euro 2008 by achieving success on all fronts in the coming months.

"This is my biggest season ahead of me and it's important to stay fit and keep playing well for Chelsea," Terry said.

"And when the England games come up, I need to show how important I am to the team and to the manager, and keep the lads moving in the right direction.

"Everybody knows the determination within myself to go on and win the Champions League with Chelsea, there is no bigger challenge than that.

"And with the England situation, I was captain of that side that didn't qualify and I took that very personally, and took a lot on my shoulders.

"I want to make sure that in my career I win the Champions League and go to the World Cup confident we can do well.

"It would 100 per cent always annoy me if I retired without a Champions League winners' medal with Chelsea or some real success with England.

"To end my career without either of those things is unthinkable."

past agonies

The Chelsea captain admits his motivation levels are fuelled by past agonies, chief among which are his penalty miss against Manchester United in the 2008 Champions League final and the pain of England's quarter-final exit against Portugal - also on penalties - at the 2006 World Cup.

"What happened in the Champions League final I have to deal with every day," Terry revealed.

"Whether it be five, 10, 15 or 20 times a day, I deal with it in my way and try to use it as a positive.

"With England it's the same. We went to 2006 as potential winners and not reaching that level or beating a side we dominated, and going out on penalties, is hard to get your head around for weeks, months, years and even now.

"I still remember (Cristiano) Ronaldo winking at the bench. Things like that live with you forever."

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Van der Sar issues United challenge

Edwin van der Sar has challenged Manchester United to go on another winning run.

After eight successive victories, the Red Devils were brought crashing back to earth on Saturday when only an injury-time Anton Ferdinand own goal allowed them to grab a point from a poor display against Sunderland.

Given it took an even later Michael Owen strike for them to gain victory over a Manchester City side they led on three separate occasions and United were unconvincing in beating Arsenal, critics are lining up to condemn Sir Alex Ferguson's team even though they lie second in the table behind Chelsea.

However, a clearer picture will emerge after the current international break.

The month that follows features trips to Liverpool and Chelsea, plus a Champions League double-header with dark-horses CSKA Moscow that could allow the Red Devils to secure a knock-out berth with two matches to spare.

Little wonder, therefore, van der Sar is demanding United hit winning form again when they resume against Bolton Wanderers at Old Trafford on 17th October.

"It was disappointing to drop points against Sunderland," he said. "It is always nice if you can go away for the internationals with three points.

"Now we have to get a run going without losing any more. For the lads who have not gone away, there is plenty of hard work before then, and we will also have to see how everyone comes back.

"But we have to get back to business, forget about the draw at the weekend and start getting positive results again."

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Carragher: I've been below par

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher concedes he has not been playing to his best so far this season.

Carragher has come under fire following some below-par performances and Liverpool have shipped 12 goals in eight league matches this season.

Carragher is determined to get back to his best and help Liverpool rediscover their defensive strength in the next few weeks.

"We aren't playing well as a back four and I'm not playing well personally," Carragher told the club's website. "I need to hit better form and hopefully that will come in the next few games.

"Over the last five or six years we have been renowned as a team who have kept a lot of clean sheets and for keeping it tight. I think that's why we get a bit more criticism because people don't expect it of Liverpool - and rightly so.

"We take the plaudits when things are going well so you have to take the criticism when it's not going well.

"I know I need to improve myself and we also need to improve as a team."

Liverpool have endured a difficult start to the season, losing three of their opening eight matches and Carragher admits it has made their bid to win the Barclays Premier League title even tougher.

No side has won the championship after losing three of the first eight league matches since Manchester United in 1967, but Carragher is refusing to be pessimistic about Liverpool's chances of finally ending their long wait for the title.

"You can shape statistics to make them look however you want them to," added Carragher.

"We've now got the same points as Manchester United had at this point last season. That's another statistic you could look at because they went on to win the league with 90-odd points.

"Whatever statistic you throw at us, we know we haven't made a good start. We don't need to look at them because we know ourselves that we haven't performed as well as we would have liked in certain games. We now have to put that right.

"Points are what matter and how many you end up with at the end of the season. We've lost six games in our previous two Premier League seasons.

"To lose that many in 76 games - that's some achievement and yet we still haven't won the league. Man United have lost more than us and won the league for the past two years.

"So as far as we are concerned it's now all about getting points on the board."

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Roo relishes being a main man.

Wayne Rooney has admitted that things have been different at Manchester United following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer.

The England forward suggested that Sir Alex Ferguson used to build his team around Ronaldo, who joined Real Madrid for a world record £80 million fee, but that United were now coping well without the Portuguese star.

The 23-year-old also said that he was relishing his role as the main goalscorer, having spent much of last season playing in wide positions.

"As a footballer you want to be the best and I'm no different," Rooney said to The Daily Mirror. "It would be nice to be the main man, but for me the team is the most important thing.

"It's different without Cristiano [Ronaldo] here. When he was here, the team was basically built around him and we went from there.

"But now he's gone, everyone knows their positions and what we have to do to break teams down.

"It's a different way of playing, and any team would miss a player like Cristiano, but we feel like we're doing well without him.

"We do everything together as a team, but if it means I'm the one who has to score the goals now he's gone, then I hope it happens.

"I always try to score more goals than the previous season, and now I'm taking penalties, I could maybe get an extra five or six goals.

"I'm happy with the position I'm playing in now. I'm scoring goals and hopefully that will continue.

"Last season I played on the left a lot, and I'm always happy to do whatever the manager wants.

"But I've always said I prefer to play up front, and thankfully I've played every game there this season. Now it's up to me and the rest of the team to show what we can do."

This week Rooney celebrated the fifth anniversary of his breathtaking United debut, when he scored a hat-trick in a 6-2 win over Fenerbahce at Old Trafford.

"The last five years have flown by but I've really enjoyed them, especially the last three when we've been successful," Rooney continued.

"After the first year I was here I thought it might be a while before we won our first trophy, because Chelsea looked so strong.

"I was thinking it could be a while before we won the league again. Chelsea won it the first two years I was here, then we won it and have really kicked on since then.

"Having been champions for the past three seasons, we all know this is a massive season for us, to show we're still the top team in the country.

"Apart from losing at Burnley early on, we've been able to grind out results, even when we haven't played that well, which is a good sign."
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Kuyt banks on home comforts

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt is confident his side can pick up more points at Anfield this season

The Merseysiders lost only two matches last season but often struggled to break down teams at home.

Seven draws against the likes of Stoke City, Fulham, West Ham United and Hull City ultimately cost Rafael Benitez's side their first Barclays Premier League title as they finished second, four points behind Manchester United.

Although they have already lost to Aston Villa at Anfield this campaign - their first home league defeat since December 2007 - they also swept aside both Stoke and Burnley 4-0.

And Kuyt feels that shows they have learned important lessons about playing against sides who arrive on Merseyside looking to frustrate.

"Apart from the Villa match, I think we have shown that we can beat any side at Anfield this season," said the Holland international.

"We had difficulties last season with all the draws but now we are able to score goals in the first half.

"It's really important to score as early as possible because then it will be more difficult for them and easier for us.

"We know the Barclays Premier League is one of the hardest leagues in the world and every team is good with some fine players."

Hull City return to Anfield on Saturday nine months after they shocked their hosts in taking a 2-0 lead inside 22 minutes before they were pegged back by two goals from Reds captain Steven Gerrard.

At the time the Tigers were enjoying a dream start to their maiden Premier League season but this time around their fortunes have changed dramatically, taking just four points from six matches.

Liverpool, by contrast have won three successive league fixtures and are on a five-match winning streak.

"I believe Hull are a good team as well but we have to look at our own strengths and we must believe we can beat them," added Kuyt.

"We must focus on ourselves and respect the opponent.

"We didn't start that well and have already lost twice. But we have now started to win a couple of games in a row and we want to keep that going, beginning with Hull."

Kuyt believes part of their success at home is down to the options summer signing Glen Johnson has provided.

The England defender, who moved from Portsmouth, has probably been the Merseysiders' best player so far, scoring twice and providing a much-needed cutting edge from right-back.

Johnson, 25, may yet have to win over critics who are sceptical about his defensive strengths but there are no doubts over his ability as an attacking force.

"I think Glen has done really well," Kuyt added.

"He was a big signing for us but he has shown straight from the start that he is very important - both defensively and in attack.

"He has scored some very good goals and provided some assists. He is probably one of the best players in the team so far this season.

"He is still young and I think he will only get better and better."

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Van der Sar considers future

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar will make his mind up over his future in December.

The 38-year-old is currently on the sidelines nursing a hand injury but admits that the time to call it a day is getting ever closer.

However Van der Sar performed admirably last season as the Red Devils claimed their third straight Premier League crown leaving many to suggest that the shot-stopper could continue for years to come.
With Ben Foster challenging the Dutchman for the number one jersey at Old Trafford, despite a somewhat shaky start to the season, Van der Sar may opt to hang up his gloves while he is still at the top of his game.

"I've said for a few years that it may be my last season," he said.

"Six months before my contract with Manchester United ended in December 2006, we extended for one year and so far it has been the same every time.

"I wait each season to see how or where I stand, if everyone is happy and if I can get motivated.

"But I know, because I always get older, it is increasingly likely that this will be my last season.

"In December, it will be clear how it goes. By then, I'll have clarity. It is a horrible dilemma."

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Shorey happy to stay with Villa

Aston Villa full-back Nicky Shorey is happy with his decision to turn down a loan move to Portsmouth.

Shorey had been lined up for a season-long switch to Fratton Park on transfer deadline day, but opted again at joining the Barclays Premier League's bottom club.

The defender was offered the chance to join Pompey after Villa manager Martin O'Neill added Stephen Warnock to his squad, shunting Shorey on to the bench.

However, Shorey does not regret rejecting Portsmouth and explained that a move to Fratton Park did not feel "right".

"The interest from Portsmouth came really late in the window," Shorey said ahead of Villa's match with Pompey on Saturday.

"I didn't have a lot of time to think about it and I decided it wasn't the right thing for me to do.

"I'd come off the back of a few good wins and I was in the team playing well, I thought. I made that decision and I'm happy with it.

"At the end of the day I didn't feel it was the right move for me and that's the bottom line.

"I have no hard feelings, they are nice people down there and I wish them all the best, but I'm a Villa player."

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Senderos targets Gunners recall

Philippe Senderos wants to force his way back into the Arsenal team after almost leaving the club in the summer.

The Switzerland international spent last season on loan at AC Milan and Gunners manager Arsene Wenger admitted he could be prepared to sell the centre-half.

Everton held talks over a possible move for Senderos, but the transfer window closed with the 24-year-old still at Emirates Stadium.

Now fit again, Senderos is eager to prove to Wenger that he is capable of dislodging current partnership William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen.

"For a while the club and myself decided that maybe it was the best to separate, but then in the end the best thing was for me to stay," Senderos said.

"Playing for Milan was a great experience for me, I have learned a lot and hopefully I can show it when I am on the pitch.

"But I am delighted to be back at Arsenal, it was always my goal to stay at the club and hopefully I can give my best for the team.

"I want to get back into the team and play as many games as possible."

He added: "I think we have started the season pretty well with a very good win and then the last two (Premier League) games we have lost, but hopefully we can get back into winning again.

"I hope this team comes back and I am sure we have got the quality to do it."

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Gerrard: Reds getting it together

Steven Gerrard has an ominous warning for rivals that Liverpool are beginning to get their act together.

The Reds travel to Upton Park on Saturday to face a West Ham United side against whom Gerrard scored twice last season in a convincing 3-0 win as Liverpool homed in on second spot in the Barclays Premier League.

He senses it is a lucky ground for Rafael Benitez's men, and says: "We got a really good win at West Ham last season, we were well organised and very dangerous on the counter-attack, and I am sure that will be the plan again at the weekend.

"The title race seems to be becoming a big six, and at the weekend we have the Manchester derby while Chelsea play Tottenham. So something will have to give.

"So hopefully we can get a good win at West Ham, concentrate on our own performance and pray the results will fall in our favour by the end of the weekend.

"We are slowly getting back to where we want to be with three wins on the spin and hopefully another at West Ham.

"The confidence is starting to come back into the squad now, losing those two early games (against Spurs and Aston Villa) close together was not good but we are building slowly back to the form we want.

"It takes a while to get back to your best, but we are happy with the reaction from everybody so now we aim to go and get a good win at West Ham on Saturday.

"It is still very early, but it was important that we recovered from that poor start. This is only the beginning for us.

"We have seen Manchester City, Tottenham and Chelsea start well, and some of the big teams without important players, so it is going to be an interesting fight this season."

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Anelka hails captain Terry

Nicolas Anelka has paid tribute to the inspirational qualities of Chelsea captain John Terry.

The Blues ran out 1-0 winners against Portuguese side Porto in their opening Champions League group match on Tuesday night thanks to Anelka's strike early in the second half.

England international defender Terry was briefly knocked unconscious in the first half at Stamford Bridge before recovering to complete the 90 minutes.

"John is a warrior," said the Frenchman. "He can play when his leg is broken.

"He's our captain and wants to play every game. He gives us spirit to fight and we fight when we see him on the pitch."

Anelka believes it is a major boost for the Blues to have Joe Cole back from a long-term knee injury after the England midfielder was an unused substitute on Tuesday.

He said: "Joe was ready to play but I think the pitch was too heavy for him. He's going to train tomorrow and will be fully fit this weekend."

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