Arsenal's hopes of mounting a genuine challenge for the Barclays Premier League title looked under serious threat after Arsene Wenger's side were embarrassed by a rampant Liverpool at Anfield.
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Liverpool produced one of the most stunning opening 20 minutes seen at Anfield - and arguably one of the best ever - to blow away Arsenal and give their own title hopes a shot in the arm.
Brendan Rodgers' rampant Reds fired four goals before the visitors knew what had hit them, and they were incapable of finding a response.
The irony was that the league's leading striker Luis Suarez, whom Gunners boss Arsene Wenger tried so hard to sign in the summer with a cheeky £40,000,001 bid, did not get near any of them.
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Suarez, who deserved a goal for a brilliant volley which beat goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny but not the post, could claim an assist for Raheem Sterling's first of two but Liverpool were well in control by then thanks to two from defender Martin Skrtel - the first after just 52 seconds.
There was a sense of incredulity around Anfield when Daniel Sturridge caressed home the fourth with less than a quarter of the match played but for Arsenal it was more a feeling of bewilderment as an eight-game unbeaten run came to an end with Mikel Arteta's second-half penalty no consolation.
It left a question mark hanging over their ability to sustain a challenge on three fronts with Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, quickly followed by Liverpool in the FA Cup and then Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Liverpool's first home league win over Arsenal since March 2007 moved them to within five points of their opponents, who started the day with a two-point advantage over Manchester City and Chelsea at the top of the table.
Rodgers has ruled his side in - and then out - of the title race but anything close to a repeat of this form in the remainder of the campaign and he may have to reconsider once again.
An 11th home victory in 13 attempts, their best record since 1987-88, indicates where their strength lies and with Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham all still to come to Anfield Liverpool should be able to set their sights higher than merely securing fourth place - providing they can avoid some inconsistency on the road.
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Arsenal arrived with the joint-best away record in the top flight but the dismantling of that began inside a minute.
Per Mertesacker fouled Suarez wide on Liverpool's left and Steven Gerrard's wickedly inswinging free-kick was turned in six yards out by Skrtel, although there was a suspicion of offside about it.
Full-back Jon Flanagan almost made it 2-0 on the end of a flowing move down the right involving the industrious Jordan Henderson and Sturridge but from Gerrard's resulting corner Skrtel flicked in a header over Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the line.
The goal doubled the Slovakia international's tally for the season and equalled his best goalscoring campaign (2011-12) for the club.
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Still Arsenal were powerless to prevent Liverpool rampaging forward and when Suarez played Sturridge in the England striker should have done better with his clever chip over the advancing goalkeeper which drifted wide.
Suarez smacked a sumptuous volley against an upright from Gerrard's corner with Kolo Toure unable to divert the rebound into the empty net, but there was no respite.
Henderson robbed the anonymous Mesut Ozil on halfway. Suarez's cross from the right had Sturridge and Sterling queuing up but the latter got their first.
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Sturridge was not to be denied, however, and when a trademark Philippe Coutinho through-ball sent the striker scampering between Arsenal's statuesque centre-backs a confident clip past the goalkeeper got its just reward.
A quick glance at the Anfield scoreboard showed the time elapsed was 20 minutes - Arsenal's players looked like they were already halfway home to London.
The visitors created just two chances in the first half, one via a mix-up between goalkeeper Simon Mignolet with Skrtel clearing the danger from Nacho Monreal, and the other a Mertesacker header flashed across goal.
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Any fanciful hopes Arsenal had of recreating a thrilling 4-4 draw like the Andrey Arshavin-inspired one here in 2009 which contributed to Liverpool not winning the title were ended 10 minutes into the second half.
Toure's ball over the top was seized upon by Sterling, who reacted quickest when his shot rebounded back off Szczesny to make it 5-0.
Rarely is Suarez overshadowed but try as he might he could not get into the main action, with his 35-yard free-kick destined for the top corner until the Gunners goalkeeper tipped it over.
Arteta scored a penalty after Gerrard's needless foul on Oxlade-Chamberlain and was denied by Mignolet's low save from his free-kick but the game had been lost long before.
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Match facts
LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1): Mignolet 7: Flanagan 8, Skrtel 9, Toure 8, Cissokho 7: Gerrard 8 (Ibe 76mins 6), Henderson 8: Sturridge 8 (Allen 66mins 6), Coutinho 8, Sterling 9: Suarez 9 (Aspas 86mins)
Unused: Jones, Luis Alberto, Moses, Kelly
Goals: Skrtel (1, 10), Sterling (15, 52), Sturridge (20), Arteta (69 pen)
Booked: Henderson
ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Szczesny 4: Sagna 4, Mertesacker 4, Koiscielny 4, Monreal 3 (Gibbs 61mins); Arteta 5, Wilshere 4: Oxlade-Chamberlain 6, Ozil 3 (Rosicky 60mins 6), Cazorla 3: Giroud 4 (Podolski 60mins 5)
Unused: Fabianski, Bendtner, Jenkinson, Gnabry
Booked: Henderson, Giroud, Wilshere
Man of the Match: Raheem Sterling
*Player ratings by DOMINIC KING at Anfield
Unused: Jones, Luis Alberto, Moses, Kelly
Goals: Skrtel (1, 10), Sterling (15, 52), Sturridge (20), Arteta (69 pen)
Booked: Henderson
ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Szczesny 4: Sagna 4, Mertesacker 4, Koiscielny 4, Monreal 3 (Gibbs 61mins); Arteta 5, Wilshere 4: Oxlade-Chamberlain 6, Ozil 3 (Rosicky 60mins 6), Cazorla 3: Giroud 4 (Podolski 60mins 5)
Unused: Fabianski, Bendtner, Jenkinson, Gnabry
Booked: Henderson, Giroud, Wilshere
Attendance: 44,701
Referee: M Oliver 8Man of the Match: Raheem Sterling
*Player ratings by DOMINIC KING at Anfield
Liverpool 5-1 Arsenal: League leaders are humiliated in 20 mad minutes as Skrtel, Sterling and Sturridge run riot at Anfield
ByCarl Markham, Press Association|
Liverpool produced one of the most stunning opening 20 minutes seen at Anfield - and arguably one of the best ever - to blow away Arsenal and give their own title hopes a shot in the arm.
Brendan Rodgers' rampant Reds fired four goals before the visitors knew what had hit them, and they were incapable of finding a response.
The irony was that the league's leading striker Luis Suarez, whom Gunners boss Arsene Wenger tried so hard to sign in the summer with a cheeky £40,000,001 bid, did not get near any of them.
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On top of their game: Liverpool celebrate their humiliation of title rivals Arsenal on Saturday afternoon
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Hit the road, Jack: Arsenal midfielder Wilshere can't believe his side's capitulation against their rivals
Match facts
LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1): Mignolet 7: Flanagan 8, Skrtel 9, Toure 8, Cissokho 7: Gerrard 8 (Ibe 76mins 6), Henderson 8: Sturridge 8 (Allen 66mins 6), Coutinho 8, Sterling 9: Suarez 9 (Aspas 86mins)
Unused: Jones, Luis Alberto, Moses, Kelly
Goals: Skrtel (1, 10), Sterling (15, 52), Sturridge (20), Arteta (69 pen)
Booked: Henderson
ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Szczesny 4: Sagna 4, Mertesacker 4, Koiscielny 4, Monreal 3 (Gibbs 61mins); Arteta 5, Wilshere 4: Oxlade-Chamberlain 6, Ozil 3 (Rosicky 60mins 6), Cazorla 3: Giroud 4 (Podolski 60mins 5)
Unused: Fabianski, Bendtner, Jenkinson, Gnabry
Booked: Henderson, Giroud, Wilshere
Attendance: 44,701
Referee: M Oliver 8
Man of the Match: Raheem Sterling
*Player ratings by DOMINIC KING at Anfield
Unused: Jones, Luis Alberto, Moses, Kelly
Goals: Skrtel (1, 10), Sterling (15, 52), Sturridge (20), Arteta (69 pen)
Booked: Henderson
ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Szczesny 4: Sagna 4, Mertesacker 4, Koiscielny 4, Monreal 3 (Gibbs 61mins); Arteta 5, Wilshere 4: Oxlade-Chamberlain 6, Ozil 3 (Rosicky 60mins 6), Cazorla 3: Giroud 4 (Podolski 60mins 5)
Unused: Fabianski, Bendtner, Jenkinson, Gnabry
Booked: Henderson, Giroud, Wilshere
Attendance: 44,701
Referee: M Oliver 8
Man of the Match: Raheem Sterling
*Player ratings by DOMINIC KING at Anfield
There was a sense of incredulity around Anfield when Daniel Sturridge caressed home the fourth with less than a quarter of the match played but for Arsenal it was more a feeling of bewilderment as an eight-game unbeaten run came to an end with Mikel Arteta's second-half penalty no consolation.
It left a question mark hanging over their ability to sustain a challenge on three fronts with Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, quickly followed by Liverpool in the FA Cup and then Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Liverpool's first home league win over Arsenal since March 2007 moved them to within five points of their opponents, who started the day with a two-point advantage over Manchester City and Chelsea at the top of the table.
Rodgers has ruled his side in - and then out - of the title race but anything close to a repeat of this form in the remainder of the campaign and he may have to reconsider once again.
An 11th home victory in 13 attempts, their best record since 1987-88, indicates where their strength lies and with Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham all still to come to Anfield Liverpool should be able to set their sights higher than merely securing fourth place - providing they can avoid some inconsistency on the road.
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Flying start: Martin Skrtel (left) prods home the first goal after just 52 seconds at Anfield
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Roar of delight: The Slovakia centre-half wheels away in celebration after his opening strike
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Head boy: Skrtel (left) doubled Liverpool's advantage with a superb finish while leaning back
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Back of the net: Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny dives in vain to try and stop Skrtel's header
Arsenal arrived with the joint-best away record in the top flight but the dismantling of that began inside a minute.
Per Mertesacker fouled Suarez wide on Liverpool's left and Steven Gerrard's wickedly inswinging free-kick was turned in six yards out by Skrtel, although there was a suspicion of offside about it.
Full-back Jon Flanagan almost made it 2-0 on the end of a flowing move down the right involving the industrious Jordan Henderson and Sturridge but from Gerrard's resulting corner Skrtel flicked in a header over Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the line.
The goal doubled the Slovakia international's tally for the season and equalled his best goalscoring campaign (2011-12) for the club.
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Predator: Raheem Sterling adds the third goal by tucking away a simple finish at the back post
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Sterling job: The Liverpool winger is hoisted into the air by team-mate Luis Suarez to celebrate
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Join the party: Daniel Sturridge slots into the back of the net with his left foot to make it four-nil
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Trademark: Sturridge performs his dancing goal celebration while Szczesny is forced to watch
Suarez smacked a sumptuous volley against an upright from Gerrard's corner with Kolo Toure unable to divert the rebound into the empty net, but there was no respite.
Henderson robbed the anonymous Mesut Ozil on halfway. Suarez's cross from the right had Sturridge and Sterling queuing up but the latter got their first.
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All too easy: Sterling was left with an easy finish for the fifth goal after his first effort was saved
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Face it: Arsenal were left staring at humiliation after Sterling's (right) second goal
A quick glance at the Anfield scoreboard showed the time elapsed was 20 minutes - Arsenal's players looked like they were already halfway home to London.
The visitors created just two chances in the first half, one via a mix-up between goalkeeper Simon Mignolet with Skrtel clearing the danger from Nacho Monreal, and the other a Mertesacker header flashed across goal.
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No consolation: Gunners midfielder Arteta scores his side's solitary reply from the penalty spot
Any fanciful hopes Arsenal had of recreating a thrilling 4-4 draw like the Andrey Arshavin-inspired one here in 2009 which contributed to Liverpool not winning the title were ended 10 minutes into the second half.
Toure's ball over the top was seized upon by Sterling, who reacted quickest when his shot rebounded back off Szczesny to make it 5-0.
Rarely is Suarez overshadowed but try as he might he could not get into the main action, with his 35-yard free-kick destined for the top corner until the Gunners goalkeeper tipped it over.
Arteta scored a penalty after Gerrard's needless foul on Oxlade-Chamberlain and was denied by Mignolet's low save from his free-kick but the game had been lost long before.
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Would have been goal of the season: Suarez hit the post with an incredible 40-yard volley in the first half
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Painful viewing: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger (centre) reacts during his team's miserable defeat
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Read it and weep: The scoreboard at Anfield says it all on a miserable afternoon for Arsenal
Sochi fail: Olympic ring fails to light up
Teenage footballer's temper gets the better of him
Charlie Webster strips off for FHM photoshoot
Moyes says Vidic leaving Man Utd was a mutual decision
Biggest "like" ever? Watch Carlos Tevez's wonder kick here
Andrea Pirlo and Stephan Lichtsteiner star in new Juventus...
Neymar's girlfriend drops her towel in saucy Brazilian show
Paul Pogba shows off epic football skills wearing blindfold
Arsene Wenger looking to dominate Liverpool in upcoming...
Mourinho says everything's mind games ahead of Newcastle...
Alec Stewart on the end of Kevin Pietersen's England career
Pellegrini says Mourinho's Chelsea are a very rich horse
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Come and get me! Vidic looking to land £4m per season AFTER...
PREMIER LEAGUE LIVE: Chelsea and Man City bid to take top spot as Gunners stumble... Follow the action as it happens
Follow Sportsmail's coverage of the Barclays Premier League as Chelsea host Newcastle at Stamford Bridge in one of six matches kicking off at 3pm. The Blues boosted their title hopes with victory at Manchester City last Monday, and are looking to build on a run which has seen them take 23 points from their last nine games.
Click through today in pictures
CHAMPIONSHIP LIVE: Follow all the action from around the grounds
Follow Sportsmail's coverage of the Championship as Yeovil host Leeds at Huish Park at 12.15pm to begin the weekend's action. LIVE SIX NATIONS: Ireland vs Wales - Follow all the Dublin drama
Ireland take on Wales in one of the biggest games of the RBS 6 Nations. Follow every key pass, kick, scrum and crunching tackle with NIK SIMON right here. EUROZONE LIVE: All the news with Bayern and Dortmund in action
Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich take on struggling Nurnberg on Saturday afternoon as they aim to increase their lead over Bayer Leverkusen. MARTIN KEOWN: Why is quitter Vidic running away? United have shown faith... but as soon as it get tough he wants out
I was stunned to hear that Nemanja Vidic will be leaving Manchester United at the end of the season. It looks as though as soon as things have become a bit tough at Old Trafford, their captain wants out.
JAMIE CARRAGHER: City cannot afford to be glorious failures... and it's time Ozil showed why Wenger paid £42m for him
They are the overwhelming favourites for the title and the thrilling brand of football they have played has been a joy to watch. But here’s a question: how long do you think Manchester City have spent at the top of the table this season?
Yeovil 1-2 Leeds: Warnock and the wind combine to snare victory
Brian McDermott's return to the dugout saw Leeds come from behind to earn a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Yeovil at a very windy Huish Park. QPR star Danny Simpson is 'arrested in iron bar attack' over stolen iPhone
Queens Park Rangers defender Danny Simpson has been arrested over claims he attacked a man with an iron bar, after tracking him down. Shakhtar's Brazilian striker Maicon killed in Donetsk after car accident
Shakhtar Donetsk Brazilian striker Maicon Pereira de Oliveira died in a car accident early today, the club have confirmed. I didn't learn much at Arsenal! Gervinho takes swipe at Wenger
Gervinho claims he is enjoying his football again at Roma - because, unlike Arsene Wenger, he has a manager who believes in him. SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: England must forget style and just grind out the victory (or we'll be hearing about it for 20 years!)
It goes against my normal coaching philosophy, but this is not a Test match for style and razzmatazz.
VIDEO: Watch Tevez celebrate Juve's 10 millionth Facebook 'like' with stunning 100-YARD volley
Carlos Tevez was given the job of celebrating Juventus' 10 millionth Facebook like as he fired a football at a thumbs-up target on the other side of a pitch.
Out with the old! Rio and Evra set to follow Vidic out of the Old Trafford exit... not that Moyes seems bothered
Manchester United are ready for the prospect of Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra following captain Nemanja Vidic out of Old Trafford at the end of the season. De Jong set to start against Chelsea as injuries force Newcastle to shuffle
Luuk de Jong is set to make his first start for the club at Chelsea. Joe Kinnear's single January signing appeared as a substitute in the derby defeat. Keeping Suarez away from Arsenal made me a better boss, says Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers believes he emerged from Arsenal's pursuit of Luis Suarez as 'a better manager' and is determined to prove it. THE NUMBERS GAME: Martinez has transformed dour Everton into tiki-taka wonders... but do they need some old Moyes steel to get Champions League football?
- Martinez urges Everton to think about the damage THEY can do to teams rather than vice versa, reveals Toffees keeper Howard
- Baines snubbed Moyes to stay with Martinez because Everton boss has 'freshened up the place'
CHARLIE SKILLEN: Everton, for years the plucky underdogs, have been transformed by Roberto Martinez into genuine Champions League candidates. The Spaniard has brought about an immense change in style, outlook and ambition at Goodison Park.
EDGE OF THE BOX: Balding on frontline of Winter Olympics with plenty of baggage (and I'm not talking ski boots!)
Sochi is certainly a winter Olympics that comes with plenty of baggage. And I'm not just talking about the puffa jackets, salopettes and ski boots.
Premier League team news and stats for every match ahead of the weekend
Ahead of another Barclays Premier League weekend, Sportsmail brings you the latest squad news and stats on every top flight fixture as it breaks. Brentford and Colchester matches called off as weather wreaks havoc
The clashes at Brentford and Colchester United have been postponed because of waterlogged pitches, while rain has decimated the schedule. Ronaldo blow for Real as three-game ban is UPHELD... but controversial referee is suspended for four weeks
Real Madrid begin life without Cristiano Ronaldo in Saturday's La Liga clash with Villarreal after the Portuguese forward had his appeal against a ban rejected. ANDREW FLINTOFF TALKS TO MARTIN SAMUEL: England made piles of money out of KP, now they have hung him out to dry
- Gifted but selfish, cold and unloved... KP was a character that never belonged
- EXCLUSIVE: Shock return on the cards for Moores as coach is lined up by England, five years after KP fallout led to sack
CHIEF SPORTS WRITER: Freddie Flintoff sits down and spells out why he wishes to talk about England's Ashes debacle. 'I haven't said anything all winter,' he tells me. 'I've been asked, but I haven't spoken. Then you see something happening and you think, "No, that's just not right".'
Which Olympian is having a SMASHING time in Sochi?
The Sochi Winter Olympics got off to a bang for one athlete who was forced to break down his bathroom door after being locked in.
Jose's a LIAR! Pellegrini blasts title rival Mourinho over claim referees are favouring Manchester City
JOHN EDWARDS AND SAMI MOKBEL: Manuel Pellegrini has branded Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho a liar as their bitter war of words escalated. Molinari and Lee lead race for precious Open spots as Joburg Open heats up
Former Ryder Cup player Edoardo Molinari and Scotland's Craig Lee head into the weekend at the head of the field at the Joburg Open. Bifouma has the raw ingredients to become the next Balotelli, says Mel
West Brom's new striker Thievy Bifouma has what it takes to become as good as Mario Balotelli, and not just because of his ostentatious hair style. Eccentric Chelsea star Luiz reveals his favourite place in Britain is... Legoland!
David Luiz's eccentric reputation looks set to be boosted further by the revelation that his favourite place in Britain is not a Michelin-starred restaurant, posh hotel or trendy nightclub... but Legoland.
Brady accuses Chico of 'worst case of bad sportsmanship in 20 years'
Swansea defender Chico Flores committed one of the 'worst cases of bad sportsmanship' West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has ever seen. Test Championship but Champions Trophy is reprieved in ICC shake-up
Changes to the governance of cricket have been approved at a meeting of the ICC board, with England, India and Australia handed newly powerful roles. Scraps of the Day! Eight points between 11 teams... how the managers at the bottom are coping with a £40m trap door under them
- Newcastle and Norwich both fined by FA following Carrow Road fracas
- West Ham lose appeal to have Carroll ban overturned after taking FA to arbitration hearing
MATT BARLOW: Whoever goes down is likely to suffer a hit of more than £40million - and no team have bounced back with automatic promotion since Newcastle and West Brom in 2010.
Season at glance
- Premier League
- Premier League
- Championship
- League One
- League Two
- Scottish Premiership
- Scottish Div 1
- Scottish Div 2
- Scottish Div 3
Fixtures
Saturday 8 February
- FTLiverpool5 - 1Arsenal
Monday 3 February
- FTMan City0 - 1Chelsea
Sunday 2 February
- FTArsenal2 - 0Crystal Palace
- FTWest Brom1 - 1Liverpool
Saturday 1 February
- FTStoke2 - 1Man Utd
- FTHull1 - 1Tottenham
- FTFulham0 - 3Southampton
- FTEverton2 - 1Aston Villa
- FTCardiff2 - 1Norwich
- FTWest Ham2 - 0Swansea
- FTNewcastle0 - 3Sunderland
Wednesday 29 January
- FTTottenham1 - 5Man City
- FTSunderland1 - 0Stoke
- FTChelsea0 - 0West Ham
- FTAston Villa4 - 3West Brom
Tuesday 28 January
- FTLiverpool4 - 0Everton
- FTCrystal Palace1 - 0Hull
- FTSwansea2 - 0Fulham
- FTSouthampton2 - 2Arsenal
- FTNorwich0 - 0Newcastle
- FTMan Utd2 - 0Cardiff
Monday 20 January
- FTWest Brom1 - 1Everton
Sunday 19 January
- FTChelsea3 - 1Man Utd
- FTSwansea1 - 3Tottenham
DON'T MISS...
MARTIN KEOWN: Quitter Vidic has let United down... he's left as soon as things got tough at Old Trafford I was stunned to hear Nemanja Vidic is off 
FLINTOFF EXCLUSIVE: England made money out of KP... now they've hung him out to dry MARTIN SAMUEL: Freddie Flintoff sits down for coffee and a chat 
CHARLES SALE: Laudrup sacked after snubbing January loan deals for Chadli, Holtby and Ince Why Michael Laudrup's was surprisingly axed 
JAMIE CARRAGHER: City can't afford to be glorious failures... and it's time Ozil showed why Wenger paid £42m How long have Man City been on top of the table? 
SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: England need to forget style and grind out a victory against Scotland (or we'll be hearing about it for 20 years!) 
WIN tickets to Manchester City v Sunderland in the Capital One Cup final Sportsmail has SIX pairs of tickets to the showpiece clash 
KEVIN KILBANE: It's unfair that an everyday training ground bust-up ultimately contributed to Laudrup's brutal axing as Swansea boss Training ground fights 
Worms can't turn it for Scotland as England are on to a winner despite pitch farce CHRIS FOY: The Calcutta Cup script rarely alters much 
With Vidic and Rio off, Sportsmail reveals the 11 players to fill the gaping hole in United's central defence SIMON JONES reveals who is on the radar 
Money buys you happiness! City, Chelsea and United top the net-spend charts and ultimately dominate the silverware Arsenal lie in 18th place!
From Fowler's quickfire treble, to Henry's Highbury haul, Liverpool v Arsenal is fixture which boasts most hat-tricks in Premier League history 
RAY PARLOUR: It's always scapegoat Wenger's fault, but he's had no money... this could be the end of Arsenal's barren spell at long last 
BETTING SLIP: Liverpool can derail Arsenal title charge with City and Chelsea ready to pounce Premier League tips and ones to watch 
It's his time to shine! After just one goal in eight World Cup games, Messi says he'll peak in Brazil as Argentine star gears up for his most important summer yet 
SPECIAL REPORT: Real story behind dirty war MATT LAWTON: Even by the standards of Leeds United, the past seven days at Elland Road have been extraordinary 
JEFF POWELL: No cheap goals or tantrums, just skill under pressure - this is the closest the English game has been to emulating Bayern 
SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: Gatland must be ready to meet O'Driscoll at the circus Rarely has a decision by a head coach been more heavily scrutinised... 
GEORGE NORTH: We have firepower but we'll have to be at our best Wales versus Ireland is exhilarating and exhausting to play in and I'm sure it's fun to watch 
KP was a character that never belonged MICHAEL HENDERSON: What moves him? What is in his blood? Nobody ever had to ask that question of Ian Botham 
SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND: Berbatov set for Monaco bow against Ibrahimovic, south Wales rivals square up and Rangers and Celtic in cup action 
Fancy Outsmartin' Martin? Take on Keown and win a FREE BET... the ex-Arsenal man is tipping Liverpool to hold the Gunners and wins for Chelsea and Spurs 
FANTASY FRIDAY: SAS are the league's sharpest attack but will they triumph against twin peaks of Arsenal's rock-solid defence? RIK SHARMA's latest 
MUNICH REMEMBERED: Neville, Sir Bobby and United fans flock to Old Trafford to remember 1958 air disaster Luminaries and fans paid their respects 
Welcome to the Putin show! JONATHAN McEVOY: Russia's leader has splashed $51bn on these Games (shame my TV doesn't work!) 
Ice queens and the fridge kids - the Brits to watch in Sochi From curling to alpine skiing, we have the lowdown on Britain's brightest prospects... 
Sochi Winter Olympics guide: Find out what to watch and when to watch it with our interactive graphic The 22nd Winter Olympic Games gets underway... 
From Manchester United to St Mirren He was billed as the new Roy Keane. It took just 20 appearances for United supporters to reach a different verdict 
MARTIN SAMUEL - THE DEBATE: 'Little horse' is Jose's latest ploy and it's amazing how many fans lap it up. Chelsea are hypocrites but we're lucky to have them 
Every club has a player who can't be trusted... be it dodgy Demichelis or calamitous Kolo! So who is your weak link? The players who cannot be trusted
TODAY'S POLL
- LIVE: Liverpool v Arsenal - follow the Premier League action as it happens
- LIVE: Follow all the Premier League action from around the grounds as it happens
- LIVE: Follow all the Championship action from around the grounds as it happens
- LIVE SIX NATIONS: Ireland vs Wales - Follow all the action as it happens from Dublin
- EUROZONE LIVE: All the action from Germany as Bayern and Dortmund play
- MARTIN KEOWN: Quitter Vidic has let United down... he's left as soon as things got tough at Old Trafford
- JAMIE CARRAGHER: City cannot afford to be glorious failures... and it's time Ozil showed why Wenger paid £42m for him
- QPR star Danny Simpson is 'arrested in iron bar attack on man after his iPhone vanished on night out'
- Shakhtar's Brazilian striker Maicon killed in Donetsk after car accident
- I didn't learn much at Arsenal! Gervinho takes swipe at Wenger for not 'believing' in him
- Out with the old! Rio and Evra set to follow Vidic out of United... not that Moyes seems bothered
- SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: England need to forget style and grind out a victory against Scotland (or we'll be hearing about it for 20 years!)
- Just like that! Tevez celebrates Juve's 10 millionth facebook follower with spectacular 100-yard volley on training ground
- De Jong set for first start against Chelsea as injuries force Newcastle to shuffle their pack
- Rodgers: Keeping Suarez from Arsenal's clutches has made me 'a better manager'
- Get ready for muddy hell! England must deal with 'trench warfare' in Murrayfield clash
- THE NUMBERS GAME: Martinez has transformed dour Everton into tiki-taka wonders... but do they need some old Moyes steel to get Champions League football?
- EDGE OF THE BOX: BBC put Balding on the frontline for the Winter Olympics with plenty of baggage
- All the Premier League team news and stats for every match ahead of the weekend
- Brentford and Colchester matches called off as weather plays havoc with football schedule again
- Real without Ronaldo for three games after appeal against Bilbao send off rejected... even though referee was suspended
- FLINTOFF EXCLUSIVE: England made piles of money out of KP... now they've hung him out to dry
- Smashing start! American bobsledder Quinn tears through his bathroom door after getting stuck in Sochi hotel
- Jose's a LIAR! Pellegrini blasts title rival Mourinho over claim refs are favouring City
- FLINTOFF EXCLUSIVE: England made piles of money out of KP... now they've hung him out to dry
- MARTIN KEOWN: Quitter Vidic has let United down... he's left as soon as things got tough at Old Trafford
- JAMIE CARRAGHER: City cannot afford to be glorious failures... and it's time Ozil showed why Wenger paid £42m for him
- Come and get me! Vidic looking to land £4m per season AFTER TAX in final pay-day with Inter and Galatasaray interested
- CHARLES SALE: Laudrup sacked after snubbing January loan deals for Chadli, Holtby and Ince
- LIVE: Liverpool v Arsenal - follow the Premier League action as it happens
- Ince open to stay at Palace beyond end of the season after lauding chairman Parish
- Out with the old! Rio and Evra set to follow Vidic out of United... not that Moyes seems bothered
- With Vidic and Rio off, Sportsmail reveals the 11 players on United's radar to fill the gaping hole in the centre of their defence
- Jose's a LIAR! Pellegrini blasts title rival Mourinho over claim refs are favouring City
- Rodgers: Keeping Suarez from Arsenal's clutches has made me 'a better manager'
- Pardew rubbishes Mourinho's claims Chelsea won't win the title as he takes his beleaguered Newcastle team to the Bridge
- Just like that! Tevez celebrates Juve's 10 millionth facebook follower with spectacular 100-yard volley on training ground
- KEVIN KILBANE: It's unfair that an everyday training ground bust-up ultimately contributed to Laudrup's brutal axing as Swansea boss
- EXCLUSIVE: KP agrees England pay-off and gets set for IPL - then the tell-all book deal
- Money buys you happiness! City, Chelsea and United top the net-spend charts and ultimately dominate the silverware... while trophyless Arsenal lie in 18th place
- Baines snubbed Moyes to stay with Martinez because Everton boss has 'freshened up the place'
- Redknapp, Flintoff and Corden try their hand at NETBALL in all-star lineup
- Fulham defender Hangeland raised £45,000 at his wedding to fund Cambodian school
- Martinez urges Everton to think about the damage THEY can do to teams rather than vice versa, reveals Toffees keeper Howard
- Watch out for Roy! FAI can't prevent Keane from opening old wounds in his new book
- Scraps of the Day! Eight points between 11 teams... how the managers at the bottom are coping with a £40m trap door under them
- 'Do me a favour and call the game off': Former ref Gallagher lifts lid on Fergie's 'influence' of referees
- Referee who sent off Ronaldo at Bilbao is suspended for a month and barred from taking charge of Real games this season
- MOST READ IN DETAIL
SPORTSMAIL HALL OF FAME
- Sir Steve Redgrave: The British Bulldog who refused to lose and who set the gold standard for our Olympians
- George Best: Confident, fast, fearless, the most gifted star to grace British football
- Michael Johnson: A record-breaker who owned the track and was so special he could even pull off those golden spikes
- Diego Maradona: He had the Hand of God and a divine left foot and was perhaps the greatest footballer of all-time
- Richie McCaw: The All Blacks' most decorated captain who is one of the true rugby greats
- Desert Orchid: Glorious grey who won the hearts of the nation
- Ayrton Senna: Master of the track who lived life on the edge and whose shadow still hangs over F1
- Tiger Woods by Derek Lawrenson... the man who ripped up the record books to elevate golf to new heights
- Muhammad Ali by Jeff Powell... The world's greatest in and out of the ring
- Seb Coe by Matt Lawton... from Olympics glory to running London 2012, why he's Britain's Golden Boy
- Graham Gooch by Nasser Hussain... he was the best cricketer I ever played with
- Roger Federer by Mike Dickson... the tennis legend is the first into our Hall of Fame
SPORTS EDITOR'S SIX OF THE BEST
- ANDREW FLINTOFF TALKS TO MARTIN SAMUEL: England made piles of money out of KP... now they've hung him out to dry
- SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: England need to forget style and grind out a victory against Scotland (or we'll be hearing about it for 20 years!)
- JAMIE CARRAGHER: City cannot afford to be glorious failures... and it's time Ozil showed why Wenger paid £42m for him
- MARTIN KEOWN: Quitter Vidic has let United down... he's left as soon as things got tough at Old Trafford
- CHRIS FOY: Worms can't turn it for Scotland as England are on to a winner despite pitch farce
- KEVIN KILBANE: It's unfair that an everyday training ground bust-up ultimately contributed to Laudrup's brutal axing as Swansea boss
With Vidic and Ferdinand off, Sportsmail reveals the 11 players on United's radar to fill the gaping hole in the centre of their defence
SIMON JONES' SPECIAL: When Nemanja Vidic revealed he would not be renewing his contract at Manchester United and hence be leaving at the end of the season, attention turned to who could replace the big Serb. The announcement, coupled with the form and fitness of the aging Rio Ferdinand, leaves David Moyes with little internal options to replace the pair at centre-half.
SIX NATIONS
Worms can't turn it for Scotland as England are on to a winner despite pitch farce
CHRIS FOY: The Calcutta Cup script rarely alters much and it does not need to; it is a time-honoured and potent scenario. England invariably go in as favourites and Scottish fear at being dismissed by the ‘auld enemy’ occasionally sparks a performance to overcome the odds.
SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: Gatland must be ready to meet his Lion O'Driscoll
Rarely has a decision by a head coach been more heavily scrutinised than Warren Gatland's call to drop Brian O'Driscoll for the third Lions Test in Sydney.
Scotland v England: Ben Kay's form guide on the two teams
England's World Cup winner Ben Kay previews Saturday's Six Nations clash between Scotland and England and identifies the key clashes. Sportsmail's interactive guide to the 2014 Six Nations
We've got all the essential information you need for this year's Six Nations on our interactive graphic. Click on a ground, a fixture or a team badge for detailed stats.
GREIG LAIDLAW COLUMN: I can follow in the footsteps the greats
Since being told I was being made Scotland captain earlier this week I have received nothing but complete support from Kelly Brown. Moody backs Englandas former captain praises United star Fletcher
The first time Lewis 'Mad Dog' Moody travelled north to take on Scotland he was left in no uncertain terms how unwelcome he was by an elderly gentleman. Wales throw down the gauntlet to 'unfit' Ireland ahead of Aviva clash
Wales are banking on Ireland running out of steam at Aviva Stadium, claiming the Six Nations champions are far fitter than Joe Schmidt's side. GEORGE NORTH: We have the firepower to beat Ireland
I love this fixture because it's always fast and furious. Wales versus Ireland is exhilarating and exhausting to play in and I'm sure it's fun to watch. 'We're ready!' Farrell insists England are fully prepared for Scotland clash
Andy Farrell admits England will step into the unknown when they face Scotland on a parasite-infested Murrayfield pitch that is expected to turn into a mudbath. From Grand Slam to rewiring toilets! Laidlaw recounts famous Scots wins
Roy Laidlaw was an electrician by occupation when a central figure in Scotland's Grand Slam of 30 years ago and he remains an electrician to this day. LATEST FOOTBALL NEWS
Is he the coolest man in football? Juve star Pirlo dons red coat in bizarre club video
- The Continental Breakfast: Real's Jese to be fast-tracked into Spain squad putting Mata and Cazorla's World Cup spots under threat
- SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND: Berbatov set for Monaco bow against Ibrahimovic, south Wales rivals square up and Rangers and Celtic in cup action
Not only is Andrea Pirlo the most laid back individual on the pitch but he can also lay claim to the same title off it. In a new tongue-in-cheek video released by Juventus the inventive midfielder shows how in tune he is with Swiss right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner, who he has set up for several goals already this season.
After Pardew's derby disaster, Newcastle must bounce back... but Chelsea are in no mood to do favours
Chelsea and Jose Mourinho are the men of the moment. In contrast, Newcastle United and Alan Pardew are a team in torment. On Saturday, at Stamford Bridge, they meet.
THE CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST: Inter line up move for Vidic... and Bale to take centre stage for Real Madrid again
Every day Sportsmail takes a look at several European papers to see what are the biggest sports stories creating talking points on the continent.
Adebayor determined to keep proving the 'haters' wrong at Tottenham
Emmanuel Adebayor has revealed he used criticism from certain Tottenham supporters as motivation to make his shock comeback to the Spurs frontline. Laudrup was sacked by Swansea after 'snubbing January loan deals'
The reasons for Michael Laudrup's surprise sacking by Swansea are understood to include his negative attitude around loan signings. Hammers lose Carroll appeal after taking FA to arbitration hearing
West Ham have failed to have Andy Carroll's three-match ban overturned after taking the FA to an arbitration hearing. Great news for Arsenal, but a bummer for Bayern! Ribery facing KO
Bayern Munich danger man Franck Ribery is a doubt for the Champions League last-16 tie with Arsenal after undergoing surgery on his buttocks. Cesar considering Toronto loan move to keep his World Cup hopes alive
Julio Cesar is giving 'serious consideration' to accepting an offer from MLS side Toronto to safeguard his position as Brazil's first choice keeper. Lerner HAS been attending games secretly, insists Lambert
Paul Lambert has scotched rumours that Aston Villa's Randy Lerner is no longer interested in the club, revealing that the owner has been to matches incognito. - Watch video
103120Moyes: United are taking one game at a time ahead of Fulham - Watch video
52431Pellegrini: I'm wary of Norwich after 7-0 demolition - Watch video
110760Wenger: We are looking to dominate Liverpool - Watch video
127966Mourinho: Everything is dominated by mind games - Watch video
105953Sherwood: Beating Everton will boost top four hopes - Watch video
63043Roberto Martinez says Spurs are a real challenge for Everton - Watch video
81224Garry Monk: Hard to put into words how proud I am - Watch video
85403Gus Poyet: We have to make sure Sunderland do the right things - Watch video
99359Rodgers: Every game is critical now - Watch video
96479Rene Meulensteen prepares for a return to Old Trafford - Watch video
47764Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert defends West Ham playing style - Watch video
103678Hughton: Norwich go into City game wanting to get a result - Watch video
108043Solskjær: This match is more than just a derby for Cardiff - Watch video
67756Bruce: Hull City focused on winning every point we can - Watch video
116959Pardew: We go into Chelsea game with confidence - Watch video
64389Hughes: We've got two big games ahead of us - Watch video
79157Allardyce: West Ham will be aggressive
SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND: Berbatov set for Monaco bow against Ibrahimovic, south Wales rivals square up and Rangers and Celtic in Scottish Cup action
- EXCLUSIVE: United and Chelsea face battle for £54m Cavani as PSG striker's agents hold talks in London
- Blow for Moyes as captain Vidic calls it quits at United after refusing to discuss new deal at Old Trafford
We're in a chapter of the season when teams involved in the promotion and relegation battles cannot afford to drop even a single point, let alone three. In that spirit, here's our pick of the weekend's football action.
KEVIN KILBANE: It's unfair that a training ground bust-up contributed to Laudrup's brutal Swansea axing
When you're at the wrong end of the table training ground fights become big news.
Hangeland raised £45,000 at his wedding to fund Cambodian school
Fulham's Brede Hangeland raised £45,000 at his wedding to help fund a school for 500 children in Cambodia - but didn't want anyone to know about it. Fancy Outsmartin' Martin? Your chance to take on Keown in our predictor game and win a FREE BET
It's Liverpool against Arsenal at lunchtime on Saturday and former Gunners defender Martin Keown is tipping a draw. See what else he's backing and beat him for a free bet.
Police confident of trouble-free derby as Cardiff and Swansea meet
RIATH AL-SAMARRAI: Cardiff City visit Swansea City on Saturday evening, two rivals with a mass of shared history and no shortage of incentives. EXCLUSIVE: Giggs and old pal Neville plan academy at non-League Salford
IAN LADYMAN: Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs have opened talks about investing in non-League Salford FC to develop the next crop of talented young stars. FAI can't prevent Keane from opening old wounds in his new book
The FAI are powerless to prevent Roy Keane from opening up old FAI wounds in his latest autobiography. Berbatov raring to go as new club Monaco host PSG in French battle
Dimitar Berbatov is eagerly anticipating his Ligue 1 bow against French champions Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday evening. Cardiff are out to inflict as much pain on Swansea as possible, says Jones
The Swans have a clipped wing and now Kenwyne Jones wants to wring their necks. Such is the civility of a south Wales derby, even for the new blood. Worker dies at stadium in Manaus where England are due to face Italy
Local organisers say a worker has been killed in an accident outside the World Cup stadium in the Brazilian jungle city of Manaus. No cheap goals or tantrums, just skill under pressure - this is the closest the English game has been to emulating brilliant Bayern
- EXCLUSIVE: United and Chelsea face battle for £54m Cavani as PSG striker's agents hold talks in London
- TACKLE KEOWN LIVE: Why Cole will NEVER return to Arsenal... and how Gunners face a never-before-seen fixtures run
JEFF POWELL ON FRIDAY: Man City and Chelsea delivered a serious contest. This is the closest the English game has yet come to responding to the modern German blitzkrieg which powered Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund to last season's Champions League final.
Fowler's quickfire treble, to Henry's haul, Liverpool v Arsenal boasts most hat-tricks in Premier League history
The fixture between the two clubs has thrown up the most hat-tricks in Premier League history. Here, Sportsmail looks back at those five trebles, starting with the quickest hat-trick in the league's history.
Martinez urges Everton to think about the damage THEY can do to teams
Tim Howard has given an insight into Roberto Martinez's methods by revealing Everton's manager has banished two words from all conversation this week. Money buys you happiness! City, Chelsea and United top the net-spend charts and ultimately dominate the prizes
CRAIG HOPE: Money, it seems, can buy you happiness in the Premier League. Balancing the books, in contrast, leaves you short changed.
Fernandinho out for '15 days or less'... and could miss City's Barca clash
Manchester City have been dealt a Champions League blow with the probability that Fernandinho will miss the visit of Barcelona later this month. 'I wouldn't say no!' Blatter ready to bid for FIFTH term as FIFA president
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has all but confirmed he will stand for a fifth term of office. Ince open to stay at Palace after lauding chairman Parish
Tom Ince has hinted that he could remain at Crystal Palace beyond this season - and has taken a swipe at Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston. Cole will be offered new deal, says Mourinho despite fears over future
Ashley Cole will be offered a new contract with Chelsea. The defender has been frozen out by manager Jose Mourinho this season. Ajax boss De Boer admits Spurs or Liverpool job would be his 'cup of tea'
Ajax coach Frank de Boer has revealed that Tottenham and Liverpool have contacted him over their vacant managerial roles in the past. Cellino agrees deal to purchase 75 per cent stake in crisis club Leeds
Massimo Cellino has agreed a deal to buy a 75 per cent stake in Leeds. Eleonora Sport has purchased the stake subject to Football League approval. FANTASY FRIDAY: SAS are the league's sharpest attack but will they triumph against twin peaks of Arsenal's defence?
- Click here to play our stupendous Fantasy Football game
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It is the unstoppable force pitted against the immovable object. Liverpool, sporting the two most lethal strikers in the Premier League, take on Arsenal, who have kept the joint most clean sheets in the league this season.
EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United and Chelsea face battle for £54m Cavani
Manchester United and Chelsea are ready to go head-to-head in a summer battle to sign £54million striker Edinson Cavani. Rangers 4-0 Dunfermline: Shiels treble sends Gers into quarter-finals
The resurgence of Dean Shiels continued with his first hat-trick in Rangers colours, which takes his team through to the last eight of the Scottish Cup. It's top secret: Lee on Keegan, Ant and Dec and an American friend
Former Newcastle United midfielder Rob Lee reveals all about Kevin Keegan, being left out of Euro 96 by Terry Venable and his guilty pleasure on TV. Arsenal loanee Djourou fuming after having £83,000 watch nicked at hotel
Johan Djourou's loan spell at Hamburg has taken another turn for the worst after the Arsenal defender had an £83,000 watch stolen from the team hotel. FOOTBALLERS' FOOTBALL COLUMN ARCHIVE
- PETER TAYLOR - Gillingham boss
- LEON OSMAN - Everton midfielder
- GRAHAM WESTLEY - Stevenage boss
- MICHEL VORM - Swansea goalkeeper
- CHARLIE I'ANSON - Elche defender
- GRAHAM KAVANAGH - Carlisle boss
- BENITO CARBONE: Former Wednesday striker
- RICHARD LEE - Brentford goalkeeper
- LOUIS SAHA - Former Fulham and United striker
- MARK NOBLE: West Ham midfielder
- JASON EUELL: Charlton coach
- TOMASZ KUSZCZAK: Brighton goalkeeper
- STEVE HARPER: Hull goalkeeper
- MATT TAYLOR - West Ham midfielder
- MICHAEL JOHNSON - Former Derby defender
- CLINT HILL - QPR defender
- DEAN LEWINGTON - MK Dons defender
- MARTIN GRAY - Darlington boss
- JUSTIN EDINBURGH: Tottenham stalwart
- MATT JARVIS: West Ham winger
- MARTIN ALLEN - ex-Gillingham boss
- KEITH ANDREWS - Brighton midfielder
- KEVIN LISBIE - Leyton Orient striker
- PAUL ROBINSON - Blackburn keeper
- PETER ODEMWINGIE - Cardiff striker
- FRANK McPARLAND - Liverpool director
- MARCUS GAYLE: Staines Town manager
- CLARKE CARLISLE - ex-PFA chairman
- MICHAEL JOHNSON - Football League expert
- GRANT HOLT - Wigan striker
- EMMANUEL PETIT - Arsenal legend
- GEORGE ELOKOBI: Wolves midfielder
- SERGIO TORRES - Crawley midfielder
- ALAN WRIGHT - Southport boss
- BRYAN ROBSON - Former England captain
- STEVE MORISON - Millwall striker
- DANNY MURPHY - Former pro turned pundit
- GARY TAYLOR-FLETCHER - Leicester forward
- VICTOR WANYAMA - Southampton midfielder
- AHMED ELMOHAMADY - Hull midfielder
- PAULO SOUSA - Maccabi Tel-Aviv boss
- BRYAN HUGHES - ex-Birmingham star
- IAN RUSH - Liverpool legend
- NATHAN ELLINGTON - ex-Wigan forward
- ROBBIE FOWLER - ex-Liverpool striker
- HOWARD WEBB - FIFA referee
- JORDI CRUYFF - Maccabi Tel Aviv manager
- GRAHAM STACK - Barnet goalkeeper
- SEBASTIEN BASSONG - Norwich captain
- UGO EHIOGU - Spurs coach
- PETER SCHMEICHEL: Ex-United goalkeeper
- TREVOR SINCLAIR - Ex-England winger
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