English Premier League 2015/2016 fixtures released

Saying that many English Premier League fans across the globe cannot wait for the 2015/2016 Season to kick off will not be an exaggeration as the fixtures have been released by the league on Wednesday morning.

League champions will play host to Swansea in their opening game at the Stamford bridge while second place Manchester City will be away against West Bromich Albion while Arsenal will be at home to Westham United.

Day one games are scheduled for 8th August, 2015.

See all fixtures below:

8 August 2015
AFC Bournemouth v Aston Villa #BOUAVL
Arsenal v West Ham United #ARSWHU
Chelsea v Swansea City #CHESWA
Everton v Watford #EVEWAT
Leicester City v Sunderland #LEISUN
Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur #MUNTOT
Newcastle United v Southampton #NEWSOU
Norwich City v Crystal Palace #NORCRY
Stoke City v Liverpool #STKLIV
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester City #WBAMCI

15 August 2015
Aston Villa v Manchester United #AVLMUN
Crystal Palace v Arsenal #CRYARS
Liverpool v AFC Bournemouth #LIVBOU
Manchester City v Chelsea #MCICHE
Southampton v Everton #SOUEVE
Sunderland v Norwich City #SUNNOR
Swansea City v Newcastle United #SWANEW
Tottenham Hotspur v Stoke City #TOTSTK
Watford v West Bromwich Albion #WATWBA
West Ham United v Leicester City #WHULEI

22 August 2015
Arsenal v Liverpool #ARSLIV
Crystal Palace v Aston Villa #CRYAVL
Everton v Manchester City #EVEMCI
Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur #LEITOT
Manchester United v Newcastle United #MUNNEW
Norwich City v Stoke City #NORSTK
Sunderland v Swansea City #SUNSWA
Watford v Southampton #WATSOU
West Bromwich Albion v Chelsea #WBACHE
West Ham United v AFC Bournemouth #WHUBOU

29 August 2015
AFC Bournemouth v Leicester City #BOULEI
Aston Villa v Sunderland #AVLSUN
Chelsea v Crystal Palace #CHECRY
Liverpool v West Ham United #LIVWHU
Manchester City v Watford #MCIWAT
Newcastle United v Arsenal #NEWARS
Southampton v Norwich City #SOUNOR
Stoke City v West Bromwich Albion #STKWBA
Swansea City v Manchester United #SWAMUN
Tottenham Hotspur v Everton #TOTEVE

12 September 2015
Arsenal v Stoke City #ARSSTK
Crystal Palace v Manchester City #CRYMCI
Everton v Chelsea #EVECHE
Leicester City v Aston Villa #LEIAVL
Manchester United v Liverpool #MUNLIV
Norwich City v AFC Bournemouth #NORBOU
Sunderland v Tottenham Hotspur #SUNTOT
Watford v Swansea City #WATSWA
West Bromwich Albion v Southampton #WBASOU
West Ham United v Newcastle United #WHUNEW

19 September 2015
AFC Bournemouth v Sunderland #BOUSUN
Aston Villa v West Bromwich Albion #AVLWBA
Chelsea v Arsenal #CHEARS
Liverpool v Norwich City #LIVNOR
Manchester City v West Ham United #MCIWHU
Newcastle United v Watford #NEWWAT
Southampton v Manchester United #SOUMUN
Stoke City v Leicester City #STKLEI
Swansea City v Everton #SWAEVE
Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace #TOTCRY

26 September 2015
Leicester City v Arsenal #LEIARS
Liverpool v Aston Villa #LIVAVL
Manchester United v Sunderland #MUNSUN
Newcastle United v Chelsea #NEWCHE
Southampton v Swansea City #SOUSWA
Stoke City v AFC Bournemouth #STKBOU
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City #TOTMCI
Watford v Crystal Palace #WATCRY
West Bromwich Albion v Everton #WBAEVE
West Ham United v Norwich City #WHUNOR

3 October 2015
AFC Bournemouth v Watford #BOUWAT
Arsenal v Manchester United #ARSMUN
Aston Villa v Stoke City #AVLSTK
Chelsea v Southampton #CHESOU
Crystal Palace v West Bromwich Albion #CRYWBA
Everton v Liverpool #EVELIV
Manchester City v Newcastle United #MCINEW
Norwich City v Leicester City #NORLEI
Sunderland v West Ham United #SUNWHU
Swansea City v Tottenham Hotspur #SWATOT

17 October 2015
Chelsea v Aston Villa #CHEAVL
Crystal Palace v West Ham United #CRYWHU
Everton v Manchester United #EVEMUN
Manchester City v AFC Bournemouth #MCIBOU
Newcastle United v Norwich City #NEWNOR
Southampton v Leicester City #SOULEI
Swansea City v Stoke City #SWASTK
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool #TOTLIV
Watford v Arsenal #WATARS
West Bromwich Albion v Sunderland #WBASUN

24 October 2015
AFC Bournemouth v Tottenham Hotspur #BOUTOT
Arsenal v Everton #ARSEVE
Aston Villa v Swansea City #AVLSWA
Leicester City v Crystal Palace #LEICRY
Liverpool v Southampton #LIVSOU
Manchester United v Manchester City #MUNMCI
Norwich City v West Bromwich Albion #NORWBA
Stoke City v Watford #STKWAT
Sunderland v Newcastle United #SUNNEW
West Ham United v Chelsea #WHUCHE

31 October 2015
Chelsea v Liverpool #CHELIV
Crystal Palace v Manchester United #CRYMUN
Everton v Sunderland #EVESUN
Manchester City v Norwich City #MCINOR
Newcastle United v Stoke City #NEWSTK
Southampton v AFC Bournemouth #SOUBOU
Swansea City v Arsenal #SWAARS
Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa #TOTAVL
Watford v West Ham United #WATWHU
West Bromwich Albion v Leicester City #WBALEI

7 November 2015
AFC Bournemouth v Newcastle United #BOUNEW
Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur #ARSTOT
Aston Villa v Manchester City #AVLMCI
Leicester City v Watford #LEIWAT
Liverpool v Crystal Palace #LIVCRY
Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion #MUNWBA
Norwich City v Swansea City #NORSWA
Stoke City v Chelsea #STKCHE
Sunderland v Southampton #SUNSOU
West Ham United v Everton #WHUEVE

21 November 2015
Chelsea v Norwich City #CHENOR
Crystal Palace v Sunderland #CRYSUN
Everton v Aston Villa #EVEAVL
Manchester City v Liverpool #MCILIV
Newcastle United v Leicester City #NEWLEI
Southampton v Stoke City #SOUSTK
Swansea City v AFC Bournemouth #SWABOU
Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United #TOTWHU
Watford v Manchester United #WATMUN
West Bromwich Albion v Arsenal #WBAARS

28 November 2015
AFC Bournemouth v Everton #BOUEVE
Aston Villa v Watford #AVLWAT
Crystal Palace v Newcastle United #CRYNEW
Leicester City v Manchester United #LEIMUN
Liverpool v Swansea City #LIVSWA
Manchester City v Southampton #MCISOU
Norwich City v Arsenal #NORARS
Sunderland v Stoke City #SUNSTK
Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea #TOTCHE
West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion #WHUWBA

5 December 2015
Arsenal v Sunderland #ARSSUN
Chelsea v AFC Bournemouth #CHEBOU
Everton v Crystal Palace #EVECRY
Manchester United v West Ham United #MUNWHU
Newcastle United v Liverpool #NEWLIV
Southampton v Aston Villa #SOUAVL
Stoke City v Manchester City #STKMCI
Swansea City v Leicester City #SWALEI
Watford v Norwich City #WATNOR
West Bromwich Albion v Tottenham Hotspur #WBATOT

12 December 2015
AFC Bournemouth v Manchester United #BOUMUN
Aston Villa v Arsenal #AVLARS
Crystal Palace v Southampton #CRYSOU
Leicester City v Chelsea #LEICHE
Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion #LIVWBA
Manchester City v Swansea City #MCISWA
Norwich City v Everton #NOREVE
Sunderland v Watford #SUNWAT
Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United #TOTNEW
West Ham United v Stoke City #WHUSTK

19 December 2015
Arsenal v Manchester City #ARSMCI
Chelsea v Sunderland #CHESUN
Everton v Leicester City #EVELEI
Manchester United v Norwich City #MUNNOR
Newcastle United v Aston Villa #NEWAVL
Southampton v Tottenham Hotspur #SOUTOT
Stoke City v Crystal Palace #STKCRY
Swansea City v West Ham United #SWAWHU
Watford v Liverpool #WATLIV
West Bromwich Albion v AFC Bournemouth #WBABOU

26 December 2015
AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace #BOUCRY
Aston Villa v West Ham United #AVLWHU
Chelsea v Watford #CHEWAT
Liverpool v Leicester City #LIVLEI
Manchester City v Sunderland #MCISUN
Newcastle United v Everton #NEWEVE
Southampton v Arsenal #SOUARS
Stoke City v Manchester United #STKMUN
Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion #SWAWBA
Tottenham Hotspur v Norwich City #TOTNOR

28 December 2015
Arsenal v AFC Bournemouth #ARSBOU
Crystal Palace v Swansea City #CRYSWA
Everton v Stoke City #EVESTK
Leicester City v Manchester City #LEIMCI
Manchester United v Chelsea #MUNCHE
Norwich City v Aston Villa #NORAVL
Sunderland v Liverpool #SUNLIV
Watford v Tottenham Hotspur #WATTOT
West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle United #WBANEW
West Ham United v Southampton #WHUSOU

2 January 2016
Arsenal v Newcastle United #ARSNEW
Crystal Palace v Chelsea #CRYCHE
Everton v Tottenham Hotspur #EVETOT
Leicester City v AFC Bournemouth #LEIBOU
Manchester United v Swansea City #MUNSWA
Norwich City v Southampton #NORSOU
Sunderland v Aston Villa #SUNAVL
Watford v Manchester City #WATMCI
West Bromwich Albion v Stoke City #WBASTK
West Ham United v Liverpool #WHULIV

12 January 2016
7.45pm kick-offs unless stated
AFC Bournemouth v West Ham United #BOUWHU
Aston Villa v Crystal Palace #AVLCRY
8pm Liverpool v Arsenal #LIVARS
Swansea City v Sunderland #SWASUN

13 January 2016
7.45pm kick-offs unless stated
Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion #CHEWBA
Manchester City v Everton #MCIEVE
Newcastle United v Manchester United #NEWMUN
Southampton v Watford #SOUWAT
Stoke City v Norwich City #STKNOR
8pm Tottenham Hotspur v Leicester City #TOTLEI

16 January 2016
AFC Bournemouth v Norwich City #BOUNOR
Aston Villa v Leicester City #AVLLEI
Chelsea v Everton #CHEEVE
Liverpool v Manchester United #LIVMUN
Manchester City v Crystal Palace #MCICRY
Newcastle United v West Ham United #NEWWHU
Southampton v West Bromwich Albion #SOUWBA
Stoke City v Arsenal #STKARS
Swansea City v Watford #SWAWAT
Tottenham Hotspur v Sunderland #TOTSUN

23 January 2016
Arsenal v Chelsea #ARSCHE
Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur #CRYTOT
Everton v Swansea City #EVESWA
Leicester City v Stoke City #LEISTK
Manchester United v Southampton #MUNSOU
Norwich City v Liverpool #NORLIV
Sunderland v AFC Bournemouth #SUNBOU
Watford v Newcastle United #WATNEW
West Bromwich Albion v Aston Villa #WBAAVL
West Ham United v Manchester City #WHUMCI

2 February 2016
7.45pm kick-offs unless stated
Arsenal v Southampton #ARSSOU
8pm Crystal Palace v AFC Bournemouth #CRYBOU
Leicester City v Liverpool #LEILIV
8pm Manchester United v Stoke City #MUNSTK
Norwich City v Tottenham Hotspur #NORTOT
Sunderland v Manchester City #SUNMCI
Watford v Chelsea #WATCHE
8pm West Bromwich Albion v Swansea City #WBASWA
West Ham United v Aston Villa #WHUAVL

3 February 2016
7.45pm Everton v Newcastle United #EVENEW

6 February 2016
AFC Bournemouth v Arsenal #BOUARS
Aston Villa v Norwich City #AVLNOR
Chelsea v Manchester United #CHEMUN
Liverpool v Sunderland #LIVSUN
Manchester City v Leicester City #MCILEI
Newcastle United v West Bromwich Albion #NEWWBA
Southampton v West Ham United #SOUWHU
Stoke City v Everton #STKEVE
Swansea City v Crystal Palace #SWACRY
Tottenham Hotspur v Watford #TOTWAT

13 February 2016
AFC Bournemouth v Stoke City #BOUSTK
Arsenal v Leicester City #ARSLEI
Aston Villa v Liverpool #AVLLIV
Chelsea v Newcastle United #CHENEW
Crystal Palace v Watford #CRYWAT
Everton v West Bromwich Albion #EVEWBA
Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur #MCITOT
Norwich City v West Ham United #NORWHU
Sunderland v Manchester United #SUNMUN
Swansea City v Southampton #SWASOU

27 February 2016
Leicester City v Norwich City #LEINOR
Liverpool v Everton #LIVEVE
Manchester United v Arsenal #MUNARS
Newcastle United v Manchester City #NEWMCI
Southampton v Chelsea #SOUCHE
Stoke City v Aston Villa #STKAVL
Tottenham Hotspur v Swansea City #TOTSWA
Watford v AFC Bournemouth #WATBOU
West Bromwich Albion v Crystal Palace #WBACRY
West Ham United v Sunderland #WHUSUN

1 March 2016
7.45pm kick-offs unless stated
AFC Bournemouth v Southampton #BOUSOU
Arsenal v Swansea City #ARSSWA
Aston Villa v Everton #AVLEVE
Leicester City v West Bromwich Albion #LEIWBA
8pm Liverpool v Manchester City #LIVMCI
8pm Manchester United v Watford #MUNWAT
Norwich City v Chelsea #NORCHE
Sunderland v Crystal Palace #SUNCRY
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur #WHUTOT

2 March 2016
7.45pm Stoke City v Newcastle United #STKNEW

5 March 2016
Chelsea v Stoke City #CHESTK
Crystal Palace v Liverpool #CRYLIV
Everton v West Ham United #EVEWHU
Manchester City v Aston Villa #MCIAVL
Newcastle United v AFC Bournemouth #NEWBOU
Southampton v Sunderland #SOUSUN
Swansea City v Norwich City #SWANOR
Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal #TOTARS
Watford v Leicester City #WATLEI
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United #WBAMUN

12 March 2016 AFC Bournemouth v Swansea City #BOUSWA
Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion #ARSWBA
Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur #AVLTOT
Leicester City v Newcastle United #LEINEW
Liverpool v Chelsea #LIVCHE
Manchester United v Crystal Palace #MUNCRY
Norwich City v Manchester City #NORMCI
Stoke City v Southampton #STKSOU
Sunderland v Everton #SUNEVE
West Ham United v Watford #WHUWAT

19 March 2016
Chelsea v West Ham United #CHEWHU
Crystal Palace v Leicester City #CRYLEI
Everton v Arsenal #EVEARS
Manchester City v Manchester United #MCIMUN
Newcastle United v Sunderland #NEWSUN
Southampton v Liverpool #SOULIV
Swansea City v Aston Villa #SWAAVL
Tottenham Hotspur v AFC Bournemouth #TOTBOU
Watford v Stoke City #WATSTK
West Bromwich Albion v Norwich City #WBANOR

2 April 2016

AFC Bournemouth v Manchester City #BOUMCI
Arsenal v Watford #ARSWAT
Aston Villa v Chelsea #AVLCHE
Leicester City v Southampton #LEISOU
Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur #LIVTOT
Manchester United v Everton #MUNEVE
Norwich City v Newcastle United #NORNEW
Stoke City v Swansea City #STKSWA
Sunderland v West Bromwich Albion #SUNWBA
West Ham United v Crystal Palace #WHUCRY

9 April 2016
Aston Villa v AFC Bournemouth #AVLBOU
Crystal Palace v Norwich City #CRYNOR
Liverpool v Stoke City #LIVSTK
Manchester City v West Bromwich Albion #MCIWBA
Southampton v Newcastle United #SOUNEW
Sunderland v Leicester City #SUNLEI
Swansea City v Chelsea #SWACHE
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United #TOTMUN
Watford v Everton #WATEVE
West Ham United v Arsenal #WHUARS

16 April 2016
AFC Bournemouth v Liverpool #BOULIV
Arsenal v Crystal Palace #ARSCRY
Chelsea v Manchester City #CHEMCI
Everton v Southampton #EVESOU
Leicester City v West Ham United #LEIWHU
Manchester United v Aston Villa #MUNAVL
Newcastle United v Swansea City #NEWSWA
Norwich City v Sunderland #NORSUN
Stoke City v Tottenham Hotspur #STKTOT
West Bromwich Albion v Watford #WBAWAT

23 April 2016
AFC Bournemouth v Chelsea #BOUCHE
Aston Villa v Southampton #AVLSOU
Crystal Palace v Everton #CRYEVE
Leicester City v Swansea City #LEISWA
Liverpool v Newcastle United #LIVNEW
Manchester City v Stoke City #MCISTK
Norwich City v Watford #NORWAT
Sunderland v Arsenal #SUNARS
Tottenham Hotspur v West Bromwich Albion #TOTWBA
West Ham United v Manchester United #WHUMUN

30 April 2016
Arsenal v Norwich City #ARSNOR
Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur #CHETOT
Everton v AFC Bournemouth #EVEBOU
Manchester United v Leicester City #MUNLEI
Newcastle United v Crystal Palace #NEWCRY
Southampton v Manchester City #SOUMCI
Stoke City v Sunderland #STKSUN
Swansea City v Liverpool #SWALIV
Watford v Aston Villa #WATAVL
West Bromwich Albion v West Ham United #WBAWHU

7 May 2016
AFC Bournemouth v West Bromwich Albion #BOUWBA
Aston Villa v Newcastle United #AVLNEW
Crystal Palace v Stoke City #CRYSTK
Leicester City v Everton #LEIEVE
Liverpool v Watford #LIVWAT
Manchester City v Arsenal #MCIARS
Norwich City v Manchester United #NORMUN
Sunderland v Chelsea #SUNCHE
Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton #TOTSOU
West Ham United v Swansea City #WHUSWA

15 May 2016
Arsenal v Aston Villa #ARSAVL
Chelsea v Leicester City #CHELEI
Everton v Norwich City #EVENOR
Manchester United v AFC Bournemouth #MUNBOU
Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur #NEWTOT
Southampton v Crystal Palace #SOUCRY
Stoke City v West Ham United #STKWHU
Swansea City v Manchester City #SWAMCI
Watford v Sunderland #WATSUN
West Bromwich Albion v Liverpool #WBALIV

Steven Gerrard reveals the best moment of his career in a letter to Liverpool fans

Having spent over 17 years at Anfield, Liverpool Captain Steven Gerrard would be saying his good-bye soon but he writes to the club supporter as he makes that move to the MLS this summer.

The letter reads: 

To all my fans,

Saying goodbye hasn't been easy.

Liverpool Football Club has been such a massive part of my life since I was eight years old and I know how much I'm going to miss it.

It's been an emotional time for my family and I with my final game at Anfield against Crystal Palace and then my last appearance away to Stoke City.

But I've been blown away by the send-off I've been given by the supporters and I'd like to thank every one of you. It's been very humbling and it's something I'll cherish for the rest of my life.

It's been an absolute privilege to represent this football club for so long.

When I was a kid, kicking a ball around in Ironside Road in Huyton, all I ever wanted to do was play for Liverpool. I dreamed of pulling that shirt on just once.

I never thought I'd get close to achieving that so to be able to look back on a first-team career of 710 appearances spanning 17 years I'm immensely proud.

I've loved every minute of playing for the best supporters in the world.

It's been an amazing journey. There have been some glorious highs and some crushing lows, but throughout you have given me fantastic support and I'll never forget that.

The highs have been all the sweeter because they have been achieved with my boyhood club. We have shared those special moments together.

Of course the pinnacle of my career arrived in Istanbul 10 years ago. That was the best night of my life. When I lifted the European Cup, there was no prouder man on the planet.

It meant so much to me to deliver that trophy for you. The supporters played such a big part in helping to inspire that famous comeback against AC Milan. I'll never forget how they helped to lift our chins off the floor after that nightmare first half.

People have often asked me about the pressure on my shoulders to deliver for Liverpool but I've never seen that as a burden. There's been huge responsibility on me but I've always loved and embraced that.

It's been a massive honour to be captain of this club for so long. I've always given my best and tried to lead by example.

I've been very fortunate to play alongside some incredible players and for managers who have all helped me to improve and develop. I'm proud of what I've given back - the sacrifices, the dedication and the loyalty over the years.

But more than anything I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to play in front of these fans for so long.

Liverpool is my home and I love this city. But I believe the time is right to open a new chapter as I prepare to move to America.

I want to keep playing every week in the final few years of my career and I'm looking forward to embarking on a new challenge with Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS.

I'll be away for the next couple of years but this isn't the end of my long association with Liverpool FC. I've been a supporter all my life and that will continue.

I hope to get the opportunity to come back and serve the club again one day. I feel that I can make a contribution in some role in the future.

But today is all about looking back and saying thank-you to the fans for the magnificent support you have given me over the past two decades. You have helped me to fulfil my dreams over and over again and given me memories I wouldn't swap for anything.

Thank you.

Steven Gerrard

Source: Liverpoolfc.com

NFF clears the air on Nigeria/England proposed friendly

The Nigerian Football Federation through its General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, on Thursday made clarification on the new making the rounds about the proposed friendly between the Super Eagles and the Three Lions of England.

He stated that the meeting between the NFF president Mr Amaju Pinnick and Chairman of English FA, Mr Greg Dyke has been overblown. (According to reports on the Federations Twitter account @thenff)

''It is understandable that any news of a proposed friendly between Nigeria and England would generate global interest, as it has done.

''However, we must say at this stage that the proposal is still at the level of discussions and nothing concrete has been agreed as to when the match will hold. We are awaiting feedback from the FA and will report on the outcome accordingly.''

Both teams last met at senior level about 13 years ago.

NFF and English FA to cement relationship

As part of plans to take Nigerian Football to the next level, the Federation President Amaju Pinnick has met with the English Football Association Chairman Greg Dyke in order to foster their relationship.

Source: Thenff.com (FA Chairman and NFF President)

The meeting was held at the FA''s office inside Wembley Stadium, London on Tuesday, Pinnick revealed that the FA is keen to work with loyal friends, and will do what they can to help.

According to report on the NFF's official website, ''Greg Dyke was visibly interested in the goings-on in Nigeria. He was asking lots of questions and seemed satisfied with our answers, especially regarding the direction we are taking Nigerian football,” Pinnick said. “I made it very clear to him that we look up to England, not with envy but with awe at their organizational ability and we want to learn from them.''

The NFF boss, who returns to Nigeria next week, disclosed further: ''I have requested that the FA should consider formalizing our relationship through a Memorandum of Understanding, and have detailed our Special Envoy to explore ways of getting that formal document in place, subject to the FA’s approval; capturing areas through which we will benefit from their expertise, and present it to them, so that we can have a formal signing soon''.

Chelsea are champions of England! City, Arsenal, United left in chase for UCL

Jose Mourinho's men have won the premier league title after defeating Crystal Palace by a lone goal courtesy Eden Hazard follow-up on his saved penalty.

Manchester City also pipped Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 to further strengthen their place on the log for a champions league spot.

Sergio Aguero cemented his position as the premier league top scorer as he grabbed the headlines at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Arsenal will be away at Hull City on Monday night as Arsene Wenger's men battle for a comfortable spot.

Old Trafford and Emirates Stadium are best grounds in the Premier League

Old Trafford

Arsenal and Manchester United playing grounds (Emirates Stadium and Old Trafford) have been adjudged the Ground Team of the season in the Premier League.

This award shows that tireless efforts of the men working behind the scene is being recognized

Emirates stadium

Run by the Playing Surfaces Committee in conjunction with the STRI, there is a scoring system in place which is compiled using marks from match officials and match delegates.

There is also a pitch assessment visit by Dr Stephen Baker, head of sports surface technology at the STRI, and an assessment of each club's management of the pitch, whilst also factoring in elements such as environmental issues, shade from the sun and pitch usage throughout the season.

Barclays Premier League Grounds Teams of the Year, 2014/15

Winners: Manchester United (grounds team led by Tony Sinclair), Arsenal (led by Paul Ashcroft)

Highly commended: Aston Villa, Southampton, Swansea City

Source: Manutd.com

Yakubu Aiyegbeni joins Reading Football Club #DeadlineDay

Former Super Eagles striker has agreed a short-term deal to join Reading Football club.

The former Everton forward makes a return to England as a free agent from Al Rayya in Qatar. 

From the club's official Twitter account, ''Our new signing holds the hoops aloft at Hogwood after sealing his Madejski move''

The Yak as he's fondly called has played for Portsmouth, Leicester City and Blackburn Rovers in the English Premier League in the past.

English FA Cup: Do you know what this Rosicky's Pass against Brighton Albion is called in Nigeria?

Tomas Rosicky showed the lads at Brighton Albion he still got some stuff when he tricked their defenders looking one way and passing to Ozil on the other way.

Image: Stadiumnews.com

Theo Walcott opened scoring early in the first half for the Gunners while Rosicky scored and assisted Mesut Ozil to edge Brighton by 2-3.

Phil Neville said he would have double-footed the Arsenal midfielder for the trick.

Some say it's ''No look Pass'' but in Nigeria we call it ''Soju Nu Pass'' or ''Throway Face'', meaning, Look one way and passing the other way.

Arsenal draw Hull City again in FA Cup 3rd round (see fixtures)

Arsenal will again clash with Hull City in the 3rd round of the FA Cup after Monday draw pitch both Premier League teams for a date.

It could be recalled that Hull City lost a 2 goal lead to Arsenal in the final which saw the Gunners end their trophy drought after winning 3-2 at Wembley last season.

Jose Mourinho's men play host to Watfod, Manchester City face Sheffield Wednesday while Liverpool will travel to Wimbledon.

Southampton vs Ipswich Town

Stoke City vs Wrexham

Charlton Athletic vs Blackburn Rovers

Dover vs Crystal Palace

AFC Wimbledon vs Liverpool

Manchester City vs Sheffield Wednesday

Aldershot/Rochdale vs Nottingham Forest

West Brom vs Gateshead

Blythe Spartans vs Birmingham City

Aston Villa vs Blackpool

Rotherham vs AFC Bournemouth

Huddersfield vs Reading

Oxford United/Tranmere vs Swansea City

Cardiff City vs Colchester United

Bolton Wanderers vs Wigan Athletic

Sunderland vs Leeds United

Burnley vs Tottenham Hotspur

Millwall vs Bradford City

Derby County vs Southport

Brentford vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Fulham vs Wolves

Leicester City vs Newcastle Town

Scunthorpe/Worcester City vs Chesterfield*

Everton vs West Ham

Cambridge/Mansfield vs Bury/Luton

Chelsea vs Watford

Barnsley/Chester vs Middlesbrough

QPR vs Sheffield United

Accrington/Yeovil vs Manchester United

Preston vs Norwich

Doncaster vs Bristol City

*Chesterfield charged with fielding an illegible player so could be replaced by MK Dons.

Wenger believes the premier league title is not yet out of reach

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger feels the premier league title is not totally out of reach for his side although they have to ''fight like mad'' to achieve that.

The Gunners sit 6th place on the log, 13 points behind leader Chelase and six point behind Southampton in third spot.

Report on the club website quotes the Frenchman: ''You cannot say the title race is over after 13 or 14 games,'' Wenger said. ''You also cannot say the six-point gap is not catchable.

''We have not started very well but we didn’t have the squad together since the start of the season. It was a post-World Cup start typically. We have to fight like mad now to come back as much as possible to show that we can compete in every single game.

''We have fought many times for the title. People always remember who won it but the fight has been very tight for long periods in the last eight or nine years.

''We have a big competition in England, we have to accept that. The Premier League level goes always up and this season Chelsea have started very well. They will be difficult to catch but everybody will fight to come back on them.''

Scholes believes Manchester United is missing Danny Welbeck

England forward Danny Welbeck was considered surplus to requirement by manager Louis Van Gaal and was sold to rival club Arsenal football club, but Paul Scholes sees the move as one which United will pay for.

Welbeck faces his former club for the first time since he left and would be ready to play his heart out on Saturday.

Google Image/DannyWelbeck

Dailymail quotes Scholes in the Evening Standard, 'In terms of United, they miss the energy that Danny once gave them in attack.

''My view has not changed: he should not have been sold and recently I have felt that United have looked a bit pedestrian going forward. As a United fan I am a little concerned for them going into Saturday’s game.

''Aside from Michael Carrick at his very best, United lack a central midfielder capable of linking play and getting the best out of their forwards. 

 

''They need that individual who can pass the ball forward, play one-twos and bring the strikers into the game. That kind of playmaker – a Cesc Fabregas, Luka Modric or Toni Kroos – is vital to any side. They are the brains of the team and without them the forwards can struggle.

''Much will be made of Danny Welbeck’s first game against the club at which he grew up. The immediate assumption will be that Danny is nurturing some grievance against United at being sold and will want to prove a point. 

''I don’t see it that way. Danny will want to play well because he would want to anyway, regardless of the opposition, and from what I see and hear he is very happy at Arsenal and with his move to London.''

Toure backs Mario Balotelli for more goals

Mario Balotelli has been tipped by teammate Kolo Toure to get more goals in the course of the season.

The 24 years old striker was introduced from the bench in Liverpool's 2-1 win over Swansea in the Capital One Cup where he grabbed his side's equalizer before Dejan Lovren scored the winner for the Reds.

Toure told Liverpool Echo after the match the the goal represent the end of an era for the Italian.

''For strikers, goals are like food,” the Ivorian, who also played with Balotelli at Manchester City, told the Liverpool Echo.

''Mario needs to feed himself by scoring goals. Now that he has got one, he will do that, definitely.

''Getting that goal will be fantastic for his confidence. He is a great player, he has just been lacking goals.

''Mario is my mate and I’ve tried to help him, like Stevie [Gerrard], the manager [Brendan Rodgers] and everyone else in the dressing room.

''We all know he’s a top player. I always tell him: ‘You need to get out there and show you are one of the best players in the world.''

''He is one of the best. He has just been missing goals but they will come now.''

Emotional Mario Balotelli relishes first goal in nine matches after he grabs the equalizer against Swansea in Capital One Cup

Instagram/Mb459

Mario Balotelli came off the bench to grab Liverpool's equalizer against Swansea in the Capital One Cup before Dejan Lovren's header which secured a 2-1 victory for the Reds on Tuesday night.

With less than 10 minutes to the end of the match, Balotelli who had earlier been benched for picking up a slight injury during warm up session was brought on by Brendan Rogers to help the team which finally paid off as the Italian finally had a chance to silence his critics. May be....

The player shared on his Social media accounts with an emotional icon which depicts crying. Baalotelli cry?

Okay, let the tears role Mario.... No player especially a striker will be happy when the goals are not forth coming. 

Cech considering Chelsea exit if Mourinho continues to use him as number two

Chelsea shot stopper Petr Cech as reported by Guardian UK, has hinted that he might just walk out of the club if he continues to be a substitute.

Cech, who has been at Stamford Bridge since 2004 has not been a starting choice since the start of a new Premier League season owing to Thibaut Courtois' presence since his return from a loan spell at Atlético Madrid.

“I have not spoken to anyone, but I think they know me well enough at the club to know that the situation is definitely not the way I would imagine,” the goalkeeper told Czech radio while on international
duty.

“With the Euros (in 2016) and the national team in mind, there is no time for me to sit on the bench and not to play. If the situation will not start to improve for me, then I will want to solve it.“

Cech is set to start for the Czech Republic against Turkey in a European Championship qualifier on Friday.

Arsenal Striker Welbeck speaks out, says no one can criticize him

Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck has lashed out at Manchester United fans who might want to criticize his finishing while with the Red devils.

The England international who cost the Gunners £16m bagged a hat-trick in the famous 4-1 bashing of Galatasary in a UEFA Champions League game at the Emirate midweek, which means he has netted four times in five games for his new side.

Welbeck scored 29 goals in six seasons for United and feels he would have done more, if he was played through the middle.

“Nobody can really criticise my finishing because they don’t really see me playing in a forward position too often,” Welbeck told reporters.

“But now I am getting into these positions I want to be sticking the ball in the back of the net. I’m sure it’s the same with every other striker.

“Obviously people can say I’ve not scored enough goals but you stick the best strikers on the wing in a four-man midfield and see if they score goals.”

Champions League: Balotelli ignores Brendan Rogers orders to applaud fans after Basel defeat

Getty Images

Mario Balotelli refused to applaud Liverpool fans after he was signaled by manager Brendan Rogers to do so at the end of the game.

Liverpool were beaten by Swiss side FC Basel by a lone goal in their champions league encounter on Wednesday night.

Dailymail UK reports that it is the second time Balotelli has ignored Rodgers order to clap the travelling fans but the Northern Irishman attempted to defuse the situation.

What do we call this,feeling disappointed at the loss or the ''Real Balotelli is surfacing'?'

Jack Wilshere makes Arsenal squad for UCL clash against Galatasary

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed that Jack Wilshere is among the squad for the UCL Clash against Galatasary on Wednesday.

Arsenal.com

Wilshere has been a doubt for the match after he sustained an ankle injury in saturday's London debry against Tottenham, but reports have it that the England midfielder trained on Tuesday morning.

Wenger however confirmed that the player may not start but will play some part in the match.

''He is in the squad for tomorrow. Will I start him? I don’t know yet but he’s in the squad.''

Speaking on other injured members of the team, he said ''I left Abou Diaby out as well because he’s not completely there yet. 

Arteta and Ramsey who both sustained injuries during the London derby match, ''To be generous with time, four weeks. If all goes well, three. Arteta is the same, maybe a bit quicker. It will be after the international break," he said.

Theo Walcott who has been out since could also return next week quoting Wenger.

Diego Costa to lead Chelsea attack against Sporting - Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has made it clear that Diego Costa will be the man to lead the attack when Chelsea confront Sporting in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday in Portugal.

According to Dailymail UK, The Blues boss confirmed that he prefers to start with the eight-goal striker after ahead of Loic Remy after leaving Didier Drogba behind due to an ankle injury.

''In this moment, if Diego can play, I play Diego,'' said MOU. ''The team had a pre-season with him. The team worked with him a lot of times. He's playing with us every match in the Premier League. So the team at this moment is more made to play with Diego.

''I think Remy is learning how to play with us. His pace is good, his movement is good, he can get behind defenders, he's not bad in the air. He has some similarities with Diego and if he has to play, no problem. But I prefer to play Diego.

''There is a risk, yes. But we assume the risk and he plays. I don't rest people. I make decisions. I don't think about Arsenal on Sunday. I think about Sporting. I'm going to start with the team I think is the best team.''

For the Special One, Sporting was where it all started for him in the early 90's.

Drogba salutes former teammate Frank Lampard

Instagram/Didierdrogba

Ivorian Didier Drogba has showered praises on former teammate at Chelsea, Frank Lampard for his professionalism after he came on to grab the equalizer for Manchseter City in Super Sunday English Premier League encounter.

Drogba shared and posted on his instagram: 

''This man... Showed again why he's my idol!!! True gentleman true leader true professional true scorer true blue!!! Good luck to you Legend!!!!!''

Despite savaging the situation for his new employers, he didn't celebrate the goal, which means a sign of respect to the fans and his former club.

Jamie Carragher sums up Liverpool situation as Suarez trend on Twitter

Former Liverpool defender turned football Pundit, Jamie Carragher watched his old club struggle to make an impact on Saturday losing  1-3 to West Ham, and he sums it all up with his tweet.

Following Liverpool's second successive defeat in the English Premier League, fans of the club have failed to come to terms that the club has moved on after the departure of their point man last season.

Luis Suarez has left Liverpool! The earlier fans realized, the better.