During the month of October Chelsea only conceded one goal in five games (away at Blackburn) while up front the Blues hit the back of the net just eight times so I’m sure no one is too surprised that the candidates for the player of the month are mostly defensive players. They are as follows:

Petr Cech Branislav Ivanovic John Mikel Obi Yuri Zhirkov

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Petr Cech was a colossus between the sticks, pulling off a string of saves in every game, including some big ones at home to Arsenal (one notably from a Arshavin strike) and away to Spartak where he made save after save, while also being dominant in the penalty area as a whole at Aston Villa and at home to Wolves. Indeed, the only goal he conceded in seven and half hours of football came in another good display in the win at Blackburn!

Branislav Ivanovic was the pick of the defenders last month, contributing excellent performances away at Villa and at home to Wolves, while also scoring a dramatic late headed winner at Blackburn from the right back position.

John Mikel Obi continued his consistent and assured displays in the heart of midfield, playing alongside multiple teammates due to injury and team selection and his defensive screening aided the team in their excellent defensive record during the month. His best display came away from home in the impressive win at Spartak Moscow.

Finally, Yury Zhirkov sneaks into the nominations for last month despite only playing three and a half games during October. However, he was arguably Chelsea’s best player at Villa after coming off the bench at half time, played well and scored a screamer against Spartak in his homeland and provided an assist for Florent Malouda’s opener against Wolves as well as standing up a great cross for Ivanovic’s winner at Blackburn!

If it’s hard to pick a winner from those four, try separating these goals for October’s goal of the month award!

Drogba v Arsenal Alex v Arsenal Zhirkov v Spartak Anelka v Blackburn

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First up is Didier Drogba’s ‘twirly backflick’ to open the scoring against Arsenal. The goal happened so quickly that even after seeing many replays I’ve had trouble determining what he actually did. It came from an incisive break down the left hand side and was made even more delicious by the fact that Ashley Cole crossed the ball from right in front of the visiting Arsenal fans for Drogba to knock in off the inside of the near post.

Do I really need to describe Alex’s free kick in the same game, one hit so hard that he actually injured himself in taking it? Okay, I’ll give it a go… Crash, bang wallop!

Next is Yury Zhirkov’s screamer, condemning the ghosts of the Luzhniki stadium. A long ball dropped down to him running towards the edge of the penalty area and on the half volley he leathered it into the far top corner, giving the ‘keeper no chance. The technique he used was supreme!

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Finally, a goal that would probably win in any other month; Anelka’s equaliser at Blackburn. Reminiscent of a Gianluca Vialli strike at Barnsley in the mid 90’s, Petr Cech launched a ball out to the left where Florent Malouda played a delicious diagonal lofted pass for Didier Drogba to nod down for an onrushing Nicolas Anelka to bury past Brad Friedel.

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To vote on Chelsea’s player and goal of month awards for October please click here.

You can also follow Ross Mooring on twitter by clicking here!

Blackburn striker Jason Roberts has blasted Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton for lashing out at Morten Gamst Pedersen during Rovers' 2-1 win at St James' Park.

Barton seems certain to face action from the FA after punching Pedersen in the stomach during the game, with Roberts defending his team-mate to the hilt.

He said:"Morten's turned round to apologise if you watch the footage to say sorry about that foul.

"We've all seen the footage, we all saw what happened, so it will be interesting to see what happens from now going on.

"Morten is a lovely lad and he's never going to say anything to be controversial or make any wild statements, but you could see he was disappointed by what happened.

"From his point of view what he was saying was anyone who was watching the video will see what happens.

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"He didn't want to comment too much because he wouldn't say boo to a goose and that's what makes it even more disappointing.

"It's all right doing it to people who are not that way inclined."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

This week the Scottish FA announced that they are putting a plan in place which would see Irish referees officiate Scottish league games this weekend. The action comes in response to the expected strike of Scotland’s grade one referees which will affect around 20 games in their Premier League and First Division. But what has caused such extreme action and how has it come to this?

The Scottish Referee’s Union agreed unanimously to strike in response to fears for their personal safety and the amount of criticism that they have received in recent months.

The pivotal moment in this saga relates to a moment on the 17th October when referee Dougie McDonald awarded Celtic a penalty against Dundee United, and then changed his mind. The decision wasn’t questioned. “The committee reached a unanimous view that the overturning of the original decision was correct” said the SFA in a statement. But what caused problems was the way that McDonald reported the incident to Celtic manager Neil Lennon after the game. McDonald claimed after the match that he was encouraged to over-turn the decision on the advice of his assistant Steven Craven who had called him over to discuss the incident. However the event was investigated further by the Scottish Football Association after linesman Steven Craven resigned from his post as a result of how the incident was handled.

In a press conference, SFA chief executive Stewart Regan announced that when McDonald gave his account of the events to the FA during the investigation his story had changed. Rather than being called over and encouraged to change his mind, McDonald went to speak to Craven ‘unprompted’ to ask whether or not he thought Dundee United’s goalkeeper has touched the ball. In regards to McDonald’s altered account of events, Regan said: “If you want to mark it down as a lie, mark it down as a lie.”

While the decision didn’t change the outcome of the game (Celtic went on to win anyway) the whole affair has left a sour taste in the mouths of Scottish football fans and has brought into question the integrity of officials. This had led to Scottish MPs calling for referee’s to declare their footballing alliances in order to protect the authority of the referee.

Aside from their game against Dundee United, Celtic have had a large part to play in the refereeing controversy. After their 3-1 Old Firm defeat, Celtic were angered that Rangers were awarded a penalty and that Lee McCulloch wasn’t sent off. As a result Celtic wrote to the Scottish FA asking for referee Willie Collum to explain his decisions, and reportedly this isn’t the first time the FA has received such a letter from Celtic. Amid all the fuss, referee Collum received threatening phone calls at his family home. But as former Scottish referee Kenny Clark explained, Celtic’s enquiries only act to damage refereeing integrity further: “If a decision is given in Celtic’s favour, people will inevitably say that’s because Celtic have been making complaints. Should a decision be made against Celtic, again they will say that’s because of the complaints Celtic have been making. It puts the match officials into something of a no-win situation.”

But of course it isn’t only Celtic who are putting referees under pressure, and it’s the increasing level of criticism and threats to themselves and their families that have caused the decision to strike. The Scottish Senior Referee’s Association announced: “statements questioning honesty and integrity have been aimed across refereeing in general and have led to an unprecedented level of abuse and genuine concerns for safety and for the ability to carry out normal family and business commitments.”

Refereeing modern football is increasingly difficult and Hamilton manager Billy Reid has voiced his concerns over the the pressure referee’s are under: “I feel for him (McDonald), but they do make mistakes. Maybe refs do that too many times, but it’s maybe due to the pressure they’re now being put under. I think it has to calm down a little for the sake of everybody.” – but of course it is easier to call for calm when it’s not your team on the wrong end of this decision.

Whether or not the strike will improve the working conditions of referees is debatable. Referee’s shouldn’t be sheltered from criticism, but the levels that it has reached is indefensible. But then it should also be remembered that the jobs of players and managers rest on the decisions of officials, and in these situations emotions and passion will be running high. There is no way that pressure in football can be relieved, and as a result referees will remain under the same scrutiny as before.

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With another year almost up, and a new one on the way, we can officially enter the ‘assessment’ period. Who has impressed this year? Who is likely to kick on in 2011 and grab some headlines? The Premier League is full of talented young players and the aim of this list is to determine the cream of the crop. All players included are 21 or under (with one exception) and have already managed to impress in some way this season. It’s heartening to see that this list is so populated by young British talent. Given the furore that currently accompanies the state of the England team, the amount of young English talent in the Premier League can only bode well for the future. But this isn’t a list of young British talent – this is a celebration of young talented players from every origin currently playing in the Premier League. Without further ado, I present you with the top ten young Premier League prospects for 2011.

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CLICK THE PICTURE BELOW TO VIEW THE TOP 10!

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Stoke have secured the services of Aston Villa striker John Carew on loan until the end of the season.

The 31-year-old has fallen out of favour at Villa Park since the Midlands club appointed Gerard Houllier as manager, starting just six games this season.

Carew was outspoken of Houllier earlier in the campaign, and the arrival of Darren Bent from Sunderland on Tuesday paved the way for the Norwegian’s departure.

The former Valencia and Lyon marksman had a medical at Stoke on Thursday and is expected to be included in the squad for their trip to Fulham on Saturday.

“This is a fantastic signing,” Stoke manager Tony Pulis said. “John’s record speaks for itself because he has scored goals at the highest level throughout his career.”

“As well as all the experience he has gained at international level, he has top played for some top, top clubs across Europe and performed in the Champion League for many seasons, including an appearance in the final for Valencia.”

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“On top of that, he was Aston Villa’s leading scorer last season with 17 goals, so we have acquired a striker with outstanding pedigree.”

Emmanuel Adebayor hopes he can begin a new chapter of his career at Real Madrid after a torrid spell with Manchester City.

The Togolese striker fell out of favour at Eastlands under the reign of Roberto Mancini, after being signed from Arsenal in a 25-million-pound deal under Mark Hughes, and has now agreed to a six month loan deal by Jose Mourinho as the Real boss looks to bolster his attacking stocks.

Real also have the option to buy Adebayor outright come the end of the season.

Aside from his inability to win a spot in the City starting line up, Adebayor is lucky to be alive after being injured by a terrorist attack on his country’s team bus at the African Cup of Nations 12 months ago – prompting his retirement from international football.

The 26-year-old said he wants a fresh start under Mourinho at the Bernabeu, and is keen to put the dramas of the last year behind him.

“After Arsenal, when I went to Man City, don’t get me wrong, it’s true that I had an up and down time, and I was nearly dead as well on the way to the African Nations Cup,” Adebayor said.

“I was a little bit traumatised by all those kinds of things and it was a very difficult moment for me. Last year started very badly, but 2011 started very well by signing a contract with Real Madrid.”

“Hopefully there’s a lot of good coming my way, so I have to praise God that I’m still alive and I get the chance to wear the white shirt of Real Madrid.”

“I’m very honoured and very, very happy to join this club. And for all that has happened over the last six months today I’m more comfortable, more relieved and I’m very happy.”

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“I’m a footballer and what I need is to play football, to be out there on the pitch.”

“The most important thing for me is to enjoy myself here and everybody is making me feel at home. I’m going to talk to the boss (Mourinho) to see how I can help the team win things.”

“I’m here to learn. Players never stop learning. I will learn and from then I will have to improve my game. I have to score goals, I have to create goals, I have to make things happen.”

Until you really start to think about it, we all tend to forget just how good football was back in the ’90s. We were treated to some of the greatest goals in the greatest matches from the greatest of players. I’ve decided to list the top 10 iconic moments in football in the 1990s. Such a mammoth task is, of course, open to debate so feel free to add what you would consider the best moments.

David Beckham scoring from the half-way line: In 1995, at Selhurst Park, a young David Beckham wearing the number 24 shirt for Manchester United, announced himself to the world. Comparisons were made with legends like Rivaldo after he lobbed Neil Sullivan and he didn’t fail to live up to that reputation!

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Michael Owen against Argentina: Talking of people announcing themselves, Michael Owen didn’t do too bad a job in the quarter final of the 1998 world cup against old foes Argentina. Although it was slightly over-shadowed after the game, his wonder goal made the teenager who one of the most talked about prospects in world football.

[youtube gY6f8dqLEIE]

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer against Bayern Munich: In 1999, Manchester United won an historic treble in the most spectacular of fashion. 1-0 down in the final of the Champions League with one minute to go, Teddy Sheringham and then Solskjaer scored to crown Alex Ferguson’s side European champions for the first time since 1968.

[youtube HcSt08-Qy50]

England V Scotland Euro 1996: England hosted a major competition for the first time since 1966 and the Euro’s threw together the ‘Auld enemy’ in a competitive match for the first time since 1984. England won 2-0 and Paul Gascoigne scored one of the goals of the tournament as he dinked it over Colin Hendry and then volleyed home. The celebration wasn’t bad either.

[youtube g0NT6aUwN8c]

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Kevin Keegan: The It’s been played to death but still incredibly funny to watch. In 1996, Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan embarked one the most memorable rant live on T.V. Talking about Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson, Keegan blasted: “I’d love it if we beat them. LOVE IT!”

[youtube YXpUdBlRZe8]

Steve Bruce: Manchester United won the inaugural Premier League title quite comfortably in the end. It was a huge moment for the club who hadn’t won the title in 26 years. However, the turning point in the 1992/93 season came in a game which United were losing at home to Sheffield Wednesday. After equalising, Steve Bruce headed home a 97th minute winner from a Gary Pallister cross. Old Trafford erupted and Fergie time had arrived…

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Forest 1-0 Liverpool 1992: Not a classic by any means. But it was the first ever Premier League game to shown live on Sky Sports TV. If you think of how Sky dominate football in modern times, it was quite significant time for football. Teddy Sheringham scored the only goal of the game and has the pleasure of being the player who scored the first ever live Premier League goal.

[youtube e4fnuf3ah3U]

Liverpool V Newcastle: Not so much of a ‘moment’ but certainly an iconic match. Voted the greatest ever game in the Premier League, the 1996 clash between two of the best attacking teams in the country certainly didn’t disappoint viewers. It finished 4-3 with Stan Collymore scoring in injury time. Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan, summed the moment up perfectly as he was caught hanging his head in dismay.

[youtube 6IyRjEErTbU]

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Blackburn winning the league: The most memorable moment of the 1994/95 season wasn’t just Blackburn Rovers lifting the trophy. They were losing 2-1 away at Liverpool, which wouldn’t have been enough if Man United were winning at Wimbledon. They weren’t and the whole of Anfield sat waiting for the final whistle from Selhurst Park. I’ve never known a set of fans celebrate another teams victory so much! It was a great moment which summed up the unbeatable rivalry in English football.

[youtube haR3liBeDgI]

Paul Gascoigne: There have been some fantastic moments in the FA Cup and some great moments that are worthy of a mention like Sinclair’s famous overhead kick vs Barnsley or Giggs’ solo goal that took United a step closer to achieving the treble; however I decided to plum for Gazza’s famous free-kick in the Wembley semi final in 1991 – not only a wonderful strike, but a goal that had extra significance on events off the pitch.

[youtube n0LZbyccHow]

So they are my ten – please feel free to add any glaring omissions in the comments below.

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Manchester City captain Carlos Tevez has affirmed his love for the club and dispelled rumours that he is unhappy at Eastlands.

“I don’t think anyone loves the shirt more than me,” Tevez told the club’s website mcfc.co.uk.

In December, the Argentina striker handed in a transfer request to City bosses amid reports that he was homesick, missing his children and even considering retiring from the game.

Yet he subsequently withdrew the request and now appears to be happier than ever at Eastlands.

“I never walked out of the club or wanted to do any harm to the club, not for anything in the world. I do not think there is anyone who loves the shirt more than me. I show that in every game I play. I give everything I have got,” he said.

“I do not speak very often to the press. I just have it in my head, I do my talking out there on the field, which is the most important thing.”

“People might want to have a pop at me but I am completely at ease here. I want to do my best for the City shirt.”

“It is a period in my career where I have begun to enjoy things more. I am happy and very relaxed as a result of the football I am producing.”

The Argentine, 27, now turns his attention to Saturday’s Manchester derby, with City looking to overhaul United’s five-point lead at the top of the table.

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Yet Tevez seemed to suggest that he and his team-mates would be more than happy with a fourth-placed finish.

“We are right in there battling it out for a Champions League place. That is what the team is aiming for and where the team ought to be.”

Mario Balotelli may not be scoring on the pitch but off the pitch his injuries have not been hindering his form. New Year Eve’s was supposed to be one he was spending with his then current girlfriend Sophie Reade, only to then sub her at the last minute for her best friend Faye Evette Betts.

To add insult to injury Balotelli dumped Reade by text shortly afterwards. The Italian has been in the headlines on several previous occasions already this season, mostly on the front pages.

He returns to action tonight, in the Manchester City squad to face Europa League side Aris Salonika with a possible starting place alongside Carlos Tevez. Obviously due to his latest shenanigans his fitness will not be a concern for manager Roberto Mancini. His manager will be hoping his recent scoring off the pitch can reproduced on it as City hope to recover from the derby defeat last Saturday.

Sophie Reade is said to be devastated by the betrayal of her best friend with her former boyfriend. Sophie took to her Twitter page to blast Mario, and her friend Faye. She posted: ‘Would like to let everyone know Faye Evette is a 

and slept with the guy I was seeing! What a friend and welcome 2011.’ She added: ‘Mario Balotelli is a

!!’

Whether Balotelli has any interest in making Faye Betts his long term girlfriend remains to be seen, he may just prefer to rotate his squad, to keep his run of form going.

Click on the image below to launch the steamin’ gallery

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Premier League footballers are not always the most reasonable bunch and it often seems like their money goes to their head. There have been a whole host of players who have taken action when they have sought a move in order to ensure that they can go to a bigger club and earn a bit more money. One of the first players to do this in the modern game was Pierre Van Hooijdonk who was after a move to Nottingham Forest and said of his contract dispute with Celtic that “£7,000 a week may be good for the homeless, but not for an international striker.” The Dutch international has set the trend, are here are 10 more Premier League ‘Scallywags’ who forced their transfer moves…

Click on the image below to see the TOP 10 PL ‘Scallywags’:

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