Qualifications for the main event in European football, Champions League, are over and we have 32 clubs ready to fight for the desirable trophy.

Arsenal had a great day today. They demolished Twente and Arsenal’s new boy Samir Nasri continues to impress by scoring the first goal today. William Gallas doubled their advantage after the break. A lovely third goal were scored by Theo Walcott. Bendtner sent the Dutch home with the 4th goal.

Liverpool were a bit lucky today to avoid a penalty shootout against Standard Liege. Dirk Kuyt saved the day by scoring in 117 minute.

Atletico Madrid crashed Schalke tonight by winning 4-0. Goals can be seen HERE

Shakhtar were to strong for Croatian side Dinamo and won in Zagreb 3-1. Highlights can be seen HERE.

Two horrible defender mistakes allowed Marseille to win tonight against Brann. Check out the highlights HERE.

To start, every week I’ll write a match report on a game in which Mini-Robinho choses and so he’s chosen Stoke’s first home game of the season against Martin O’Neill’s Aston Villa.

Following a 3-1 defeat against Bolton, all three of the opposition’s goals coming in the final ten minutes of the first half, Tony Pulis will most likely be looking to try and cement his defence for a more tougher opponent in Aston Villa. Meanwhile, Villa on the other hand got off to a brilliant start to the season with a 4-2 thrashing of Manchester City at Villa Park, with Gabriel Agbonlahor grabbing a hat-trick midway through the second half.

The first goal didn’t come without any controversy with Gabriel Agbonlahor getting brought down inside the box by Stoke defender Seyi Olofinjana but referee Mark Halsey waved play-on, the Potters then countered and won a penalty at their end after Rory Delap was tackled by Martin Laursen. Up stepped Liam Lawrence to take the penalty and, while Freidel went the right way, the Stoke midfielder wasn’t to be denied scoring the first Premiership goal at the Britannia Stadium. This would be the only goal of the first half although the controversies surrounding the penalty still went through O’Neill’s head and at the stroke of half time the Ulsterman followed the referee into the tunnel demanding why Villa weren’t awarded a penalty while Stoke were. Whatever happened to that R.E.S.P.E.C.T thing, eh?

Obviously a really tempered half time was in order in the Villa dressing room as the team came fired up for the second half. Taking note of how poorly the Potters defended in the previous game against Bolton, Villa soon began to use their aerial threat to full effect. However, like Villa, Pulis was also aware of their poor defending last match and Stoke began to show a more sturdy aerial defense infront of their fans. With the air a no-go zone, the away team began to exploit the defense playing the ball on the floor and after Ashley Young and John Carew linked up to score the equaliser.

With Villa now with the momentum, Stoke had to defend from a number of chances with Gareth Barry coming the closest. Although, despite having the chances, it was Stoke who took the lead for the second time in the match with Ricardo Fuller getting on the end of a Liam Lawrence pass; showed the Villa defender a set of clean heels and scored past Freidel from a very tight angle.

Villa weren’t to be denied the “honour” of being the first team to lose against Stoke this season and soon exploited the weakness highlighted against Bolton with Martin Laursen scoring from an Ashley Young corner kick. However, after one failed attempt by Rory Delap and Carl Cort to combine and grab a late winner from a throw in, it was a Cort-Sidibe combo with resulted in a late winner for the Potters.

The newly promoted club’s first win puts them into 14th in the table, while Villa slip down the table to sixth, surprisingly behind newboys Hull City.

Meanwhile, in the other matches in the Premiership Chelsea only just came away with a win at Wigan after an early Deco free kick although Wigan had several chances to equalise. The win leaves last year’s runners-up leading the way in the Premiership. Wigan, however, have slipped down to 19th in the table. Meanwhile, the only other team to have a 100% record at this stage, Liverpool, took a late win against Middlesbrough after Steven Gerrard grabbed a late winner for the Reds. Boro meanwhile, lie tenth in the table.

Paul Ince continues an impressive start to the year with a 1-1 against new boys Hull City, Jason Roberts grabbing the first goal of the game for Blackburn but Hull equalised almost immediately with Richard Garcia. The result leaves the clubs 3rd and 4th respectively.

Michael Owen came off the bench to grab the only goal for Newcastle United this weekend against Bolton. The Englishman was subbed on for Obefemi Martins who was complaining of a groin problem. The Magpies took up fifth position with Bolton slipping down to 8th.

Manchester City climb up the table after their 3-0 home win over injury-hit West Ham United, youngster Daniel Sturridge grabbed the first and Brazilian midfielder Elano helped himself to the other two goals. The Hammers, however, slip down to a worrying 15th place.

Giving Paul Ince his first win last time out, Everton looked out to prove critics that they are better than that and proved that they did with a 2-1 win over West Brom. Leon Osman and Yakubu grabbing the two goals for Everton while Roman Bednar grabbed the only goal for the Baggies. With that, Everton sit 9th in the table and West Brom 18th.

Fulham grabbed an impressive win over Arsenal this weekend, with Brede Hangeland grabbing the only goal goal of the game after a less than unimpressive display. Fulham now ride in 11th place, miles away from the relegation zone and Arsenal two places behind in 13th.

Between those two teams are Sunderland, who themselves grabbed a 2-1 sin over Tottenham at White Harte Lane. Jermaine Jenas put Spurs infront initially, but Kieran Richardson and Djibril Cisse grabbed a goal a piece to put Sunderland infront and move the club up to 12th. Spurs meanwhile put themselves just above the relegation zone in 17th.

Meanwhile, Manchester United, who drew against Newcastle 1-1 last time, and Portsmouth, who lost against Chelsea 4-0, play each other today (Monday). Results for the game to but included when they are availible.

Nigeria blasted their way through to the finals of the Olympics U23 Championships, with a crushing 4-1 victory over Belgium, to take them to the finals of the Olympics. They will face the reigning champions Argentina in the finals for Gold.

Nigeria were the first of the two games, and they started brightly playing some attacking football. They pushed and dominated the Belgians who started nervingly, and it went against them as the African’s took the lead after just 16 minutes. A poor clearance was caught by Olubayo Adefemi, who shot it into the bottom corner. Despite getting a hand to it, the Belgian keeper couldn’t avoid going a goal down.

Belgium improved after that, becoming more controlled and starting to look a team. But again the next big chance went to Okoronkwo, who stuttered and was caught by the defender, forcing him into a poor shot that didn’t threaten at all. Belgium continued to try and attack, but no concrete chances led them to go into the second half 1-0 down.

A mix up between the Belgium defence caused Nigeria a good chance, but more craze as one Nigerian striker tackled another just as he was about to shoot, losing a good chance to double their lead. At the other end the lead was nearly cut but some good saves from Vanzekin kept their lead going.

And it became 2-0 when Anichebe played through Obasi to slot in, giving them a comfortable 2-0 lead. Anichebe then was given the glory of an open goal from 2 yards, after a glorious pass through by Ekpo, but he fires wide unbelievably. But it didn’t matter as Obasi quickly made it 3 with a brilliant strike from out of the area.

Another long goal this time from Okonkwo, settled the deal, with a consolation goal from Belgium by Ciman with a beautifully struck freekick straight past the wall into the corner. But it was a dominant win for Nigeria, who deserved their victory and a place in the finals. Some pleasing performances from them, and they have shown real talent that could convince some European clubs to go for. Attacking football with great fluidity, a joy to watch for spectators.

In the South American match, it started very differently. The first half was hardly the most of exciting to watch, particularly for the neutrals. While both sides did play to attack, neither side created any major chances and it ended a bore goalless first half. The second half however was more interesting, with the two teams really showing their attacking flair as they pushed even further.

It was Argentina’s Aguero who got the first goal of the game, when he hit in a cross to put them ahead, and he doubled their lead when hit another goal in from close range. That left Brazil in a very sticky situation, but they reacted well. Ronaldinho then hit the post with a glorious free-kick, and Pato had a goal ruled out for offside as he tapped in a cross, and Brazil just couldn’t create anything else.

In the end, Riquelme was awarded a penalty to give them a 3-0 win over their South American rivals, who went down to 9 men as midfield duo Lucas and Thiago Neves were both sent off. Altogether a pleasing game for the fans, some good football in the second half and a good win for Argentina. Brazil have once again failed to win the Olympic medal, the only thing left out of their trophy cabinet.

Two goal-blessed games, who impressed you most? Your views on the match very much appreciated

Man City midfielder Michael Johnson has rejected a new contract from the club. It is believed that he wants a move away from Eastlands, with Arsenal looking to add up on their midfield following the departures of Flamini, Hleb and Gilberto Silva. But Tottenham also appear to be interested, following their inability to snap up Corluka, who said he wants to stay and progress before moving on to pastures new. Arsenal have also been linked with another midfielder, Yaya Toure, who would join up with brother Kolo, however Barcelona have reiterated that the player is not for sale at any price.

Elsewhere Rangers defender Cuellar has again been linked to the Premier League, though Smith insists the player is not for sale. However all that could be needed is a high bid to lure him away from the Scottish champions. It now appears more likely following their dismal loss to FBK Kaunas, leaving them with no European prospects at all for the rest of the season - something which could cause many ambitious players to leave for bigger clubs, such as striking pair Nacho Novo and Kris Boyd. Novo has said he is happy at Rangers, while Bayer Leverkuson have already denied making a bid for Boyd, however appear to be very interested.

Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic looks set to join AC Milan for a believed value of around half of what he signed for last season. He failed to make a single first team appearance during his time at Chelsea, and despite playing during pre-season, he could be on his way to Italy. Chelsea are also looking to sell Pizarro, with Hull manager confirming they are in talks with the striker. He managed just 21 appearances during his 2 seasons, scoring just 2 goals.

With lots of shopping still to do for many clubs, it looks like more pannicking as the transfer window draws to a close in three weeks, with deals being rushed through. We’ll keep you updated on the latest transfer news as it happens

Your views on any transfer news are appreciated

England is set for yet another high-intensity Premiership season, and with some top signings for a variety of clubs, it appears more unpredictable than ever before. With clubs spending heavily in the transfer market, and still with three weeks left until time is over, who knows what will unfold in the coming season. Here is a quick run through of what the new season has to offer, and what prospects lie ahead.

The big 4 were amongst the least active teams in the transfer window. Man United did not bring a single player, and only sold Pique, to Barcelona. But with such a strong squad anyway it appears that it’ll be pretty hard to stop them regaining the prestigous crown for a third successive season. New Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari wasted no time in bringing Portugese pair Boswinga and Deco to the club. He also allowed veteren Makelele move back to France, and Steve Sidwell to go to Aston Villa after hardly ever playing under Avram Grant. Chelsea have a good squad, but once again time will tell whether they can outclass Man United.

Arsenal have seen Flamini, Gilberto Silva and Lehmann all leave the club very cheaply, while Hleb set off to sunny Spain for a hefty 11 million. But Arsenal have only got French wonderkid Samir Nasri for the midfield, where it appears they lack reinforcement. Youngster Ramsey looks likely to take his time to make a big impact, but Vela is finally able to play for the club and could be a big prospect to look to. Liverpool appear to still have serious boardroom problems, and it could take it’s toll on the team. Only 4 players came in, keeper Cavalieri, right-back Degen from Germany, and left-back Dossena from Italy - all pretty modest signings. Only Keane appears to be impressive, and could be crucial if they want to challenge for the title. With Crouch, Kewell and Riise all going the other way, Liverpool will have to once again call on Torres and Gerrard once again to perform or else they could slip down.

But will there even be a big 4 next season? Tottenham boss has clearly stamped his mark at Tottenham, as he managed to attract some big name signings to the club, thought with some big price tags. Croatian talent Luka Modric signed for 16.5 million, followed by hot prospect Giovani Dos Santos from Barcelona for a bargain price of between 5 and 9 million dependent on appearances. Brazillian goalkeeper Gomes from PSV then joined to replace the outgoing “not good enough” Robinson. Youngster John Bostock was snapped up as well from Crystal Palace, and only for 700,000, which looks to be a big bargain. It appears that Tottenham could seriously challenge Liverpool and Arsenal for the 4th or even 3rd spot, but with no Keane they’ll need to find goals from somewhere to climb that high up.

Elsewhere in the league, big name signings include 19 million Man City striker Jo from CSKA Moskow, and 11 million Bolton signing Jonas Elmander - who will need to score if he is to help Bolton avoid another relegation scrap at the bottom. Newcastle were busy as well, with Jonas Gutierrez and Danny Guthrie joining, and potentially Coloccini if a deal can be agreed with the player soon. The first pair have performed well in pre-season, and together with Coloccini could make Newcastle fans have a reason to be optimistic. But will it be just another year for the Geordies, a new manager mid-way through the season and more disappointment?

Everton have not brought in a single player, and could suffer at the hands of some of the big spending clubs going for UEFA Cup qualification. Unless Moyes gets his backing quickly, he could fail to take Everton anywhere higher than a mid-table. Man City could perform this season, with new manager Mark Hughes at the helm, while at his old club Blackburn Paul Ince is looking to make his mark in the top flight for the first time. West Ham will be looking to get higher than simply another mid-table mediocracy, and Portsmouth look set to try and push up with a good striker in Peter Crouch. Fulham brought in 8 players and Hodgson could be looking to try and achieve a safe mid-table position away from the bottom. Hull and Stoke appear to be in for serious danger, while West Brom return to the Premier League, and could be there to stay for longer than the single season.

An exciting season is set to commence, and everyone awaits the big kick-off in the biggest league in the world…..

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