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Under-fire Blackburn manager Steve Kean has stated that he was happy with the 1-1 draw his side recorded against Fulham on Sunday, and feels the performance could be a springboard to better results.

The Ewood Park outfit had lost all three opening Premier League fixtures, but a gutsy effort at Craven Cottage saw the Lancashire team get their first point of the season.

“We played a lot of good stuff and dealt with the Fulham threat. We’ve got confidence in abundance, we have spirit and togetherness,” he told Sky Sports.

“The speculation doesn’t affect me, honestly. I have the dressing room and the backing of the owners. If the fans stay with us, we’ll see many away performances like that where we win more than one point.

“I’m sure if the fans stay with us we’ll finish in the top half,” he concluded.

Fulham boss Martin Jol was not happy with the draw however, and felt his side should have won the game.

“I felt we deserved more today. We are playing at home and we didn’t succeed. We know we have to win our home games and we didn’t today,” he admitted.

The Dutch coach felt that his side lacked a killer instinct in front of goal to finish off Blackburn, and has stated his team have work to do to eradicate this.

“In the second half we put a lot of pressure on them and we had a lot of opportunities, but we were not efficient enough. We got plenty of crosses in, but they defended well.

“We lack some creativity. What you would say in England is the cutting edge and that’s a nice phrase,” he stated.

Despite the point Blackburn are still bottom of the pile, whilst a slow start for Fulham sees them in the relegation places also, as they sit in 18th position.

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Benoit Assou-Ekotto scored a rare goal as Tottenham swept past Everton at White Hart Lane to move just three points behind league leaders Manchester City and put themselves firmly in the title race.

Harry Redknapp’s side also drew level on points with second place Manchester United after goals in each half from Aaron Lennon and Benoit Assou-Ekotto saw them ease to victory over the Toffees. It was a third consecutive defeat for David Moyes’ men who haven’t picked up a point since Boxing Day and saw their European ambitions take a further hit. Despite providing a few early scares they were unable to fully trouble Spurs who took control once Lennon opened the scoring 10 minutes before time before Benoit-Assou Ekotto wrapped up the points just after the hour. The game was initially supposed to take place on the opening day of the season only to be postponed due to the London riots and the away side threatened to upset the established order by threatening early on.

A poor clearance from Younes Kaboul fell to Louis Saha but the Frenchman could only shoot off target before the home side started to dominate with Emmanuel Adebayor missing a number of chances. The on-loan Manchester City striker shot over from close range and could only toe poke wide after the ball fell to him following Assou-Ekotto’s cross. Luka Modric and Jake Livermore, in for the injured Scott Parker, ran the show in midfield with their passing a moving proving too much for Everton in the first half. Rafael Van Der Vaart also proved too hot to handle and went close to opening the scoring curling over before Lennon broke the deadlock on 35 minutes. Collecting a diagonal pass from Assou-Ekotto the winger beat Leighton Baines before shooting left footed past Tim Howard.

The hosts continued their dominance after the break and Gareth Bale came close to doubling their lead with a marauding run down the left only to see his shot saved by Howard. At the other end Saha found himself presented with another chance seeing his near post effort deflected wide from Baines’ cross before Marouane Fellaini headed over as the Toffees threatened to nick an equaliser. However just as they looked like getting back into the game Spurs struck a real hammer blow with Assou-Ekotto scoring the all important second goal to seal victory. With no options on either side of him the Cameroonian left back took aim from distance drilling the ball into the net from 30-yards to ensure the hosts moved to within three points of top spot. Adebayor and Bale then wasted chances to increase Tottenham’s lead before Royston Drenthe saw his appeals for a late penalty turned down by referee Martin Atkinson.

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The reasons for a team losing a game of football vary. Sometimes a team does not play well, sometimes they lose to a better side. But usually the manager does not take the blame, instead an outside influence is ‘at fault’.

Considering the amount of pressure managers are under these days, it is no surprise that they have to justify every loss with an exact reason. But when there is no reason, managers and players are often guilty of creating them out of thin air, and they have become very good at it.

In the list that follows are some of the most unlikely excuses and some of the most ridiculous excuses that have been used in the world of football.

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Click on Pepe Reina below to see the Top TEN

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Chelsea playmaker Juan Mata has thanked Andre Villas-Boas for all his help after the Portuguese coach was dismissed as the club’s manager on Sunday.

With The Blues sitting in fifth place and risking missing out on Champions League football for next season, Roman Abramovich gave the 34-year-old the axe.

Mata was one of Villas-Boas’ signings at Stamford Bridge, and the Spaniard was quick to wish his former boss the best of luck in the future.

“It hasn’t been an easy day for those who, like me, are part of Chelsea,” he stated on Facebook.

“I would like to thank the manager and wish him luck. We have to keep working hard and better days will come. Thanks for your support,” he commented.

Roberto Di Matteo is set to assume control of the team to the end of the season before a new permanent boss is appointed, and former Blues assistant manager Ray Wilkins feels this is the right move.

“Di Matteo has managed in the Premier League, he’s been around quite a while and I would say it’s probably better Robbie takes over until the end of the season than somebody coming in until the end of the year,” he told Sky Sports.

“Robbie’s the right guy to do it, along with (first-team coach) Steve Holland, that would be the perfect match. We’ll see where they go at the end of the season.”

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Rafael Benitez has emerged as the favourite to succeed Villas-Boas, but there have also been links with Pep Guardiola, Harry Redknapp and former boss Jose Mourinho.

By Gareth McKnight

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Bolton face Manchester City in the Premier League this weekend and you have the opportunity to see the Trotters in action! We have teamed up with 188BET to give away five pairs of tickets to the match at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday. You can see Owen Coyle’s men in action against the riches of Man City in what is a top of the table clash.

Both clubs go into the match in good form and it should turn out to be a cracker. On the opening weekend Bolton travelled to newly promoted QPR and trounced them 4-0; the same score line achieved by Man City against fellow Premier League new boys Swansea. Gary Cahill, Kevin Davies, David Silva and Sergio Aguero are just some of big names in action, and to see them you’re going to have to be quick off the mark!

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In traditional fashion this is a first come, first served competition. The five pairs of tickets will go to the five of you that sign up to 188BET and make a £10 bet using the link below. There’s no prize draw and no disappointment. If you get in there first you’ll win the tickets – it’s as simple as that. The first five win tickets to Bolton v Man City.

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The competition closes at 11am on Friday 19th August, so as long as you sign up and make your bet before then you’ll be in with a shout of winning. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up, make your bet and enjoy watching Bolton v Man City at the Reebok!

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The dictionary defines Underachieving as ‘do less well than expected’ and that isn’t a difficult thing to do in football. There are a ton of players who have fallen by the wayside and failed to make the strides expected of them during their career. They come in all shapes and sizes from expensive foreign talents to fresh faced youngsters preparing themselves for first team football only to suddenly become aware of the fact it’s 15-years into the future and they’ve failed to live up to their potential.

Since the birth of the Premier League in 1992 you could argue there has been more underachieving players than there has been successful ones. Obviously that is down to the fact only Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Blackburn Rovers have managed to lift the famous trophy but success isn’t always measured on the trophy scale. Even those clubs have had certain players who have failed to make the grade and underachieved to a frightening level. All too often you see players like this who are labelled as ‘dependable members of the squad’ or ‘great characters in the dressing room’ where in reality they are actually mediocre out on the pitch but too good to let go.

They are players who divide opinions in the stands with one half admiring his dedication and 100% effort out on the field whilst the other half see lack patience and see him as someone who will never improve or harness the talent that was once afforded to him. Unfortunately in the unforgiving realm of top flight football it is all too easy to be float effortlessly into obscurity and end up with a career showed in what might have beens.

Click on Fernando Morientes to see the top 10 great underachievers

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Putting together a list of 10 underachievers was a challenge in itself so if you think my choices are unsuitable and you have a better suggestion please drop by my twitter and we’ll enter into a discussion about it. Follow me @Kajynnep 

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Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has stated that he is unsure whether his club are interested in signing Tottenham winger Gareth Bale, and fears that the Premier League club’s asking price would stall any potential deal.

The Wales winger has been a revelation over the last 12 months, and excellent performances domestically and in the Champions League led the wideman to win the PFA Player of the Year award last season.

Reports in the press have linked the Catalan giants with a move for Bale, who allegedly feel that the Spurs man would provide an excellent attacking option at left back.

Despite this, the European champions’ executive has refused to state an interest in the former Southampton starlet.

“I do not know if Bale interests us,” Rosell told Al Jazeera.

“If he did, I would not say, because his price would go up. [Tottenham] would not ask for €40million [£33.2m], but €50m [£42.8m].

“In any case, even if we wanted him, we would never pay €40m for him,” he concluded.

Bale is currently in contract at White Hart Lane until June 2015, after putting pen to paper on a new deal back in March.

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By Gareth McKnight

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Bolton’s club doctor Jonathan Tobin has admitted that he has had conversations with Fabrice Muamba, and the midfielder has stated that he is fine.

The former England under-21 international collapsed on the White Hart Lane pitch last weekend in the Potters’ FA Cup game with Tottenham, and had to be rushed to hospital.

With his life in the balance, Tobin revealed that Muamba needed 15 shocks to get his heart started again, but that the player is making progress.

“I’m glad to say that the early signs of recovery have continued,” the medical man told reporters, recorded by Sky Sports.

“I went to see Fabrice last night. I went in and he said ‘Hi, doc.’ I asked him how he was and he said ‘Fine’.”

“I explained to him what had happened. That’s the sort of level of communication I have had with Fabrice,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, former Arsenal team-mate Thierry Henry jetted back to the United Kingdom to visit Muamba, and after spending an hour with the ill man also felt that his health was improving.

“Leaving back to America – Fabrice is getting a lot better which is fantastic. I will let you know more when I’m back in the US,” he stated on his Twitter page.

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By Gareth McKnight

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United picked up a valuable three points this afternoon to keep the pressure on at the top of the table. It was the perfect tonic for Sir Alex Ferguson who today celebrated his 25th anniversary at Old Trafford.

At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Manchester United blogs that includes a reason to love Phil Jones; a luxury Fergie can do without, the answer to the Red Devils mess.

We also look at the best Manchester United articles around the web this

Three youngsters causing a stir at Old Trafford

The answer to Manchester United’s mess?

A luxury that Manchester United can do without?

An unfortunate trend in football that shows no sign of dying

Sir Alex’s ‘Greatest XI’ in his 25 years…well in my view!

The Football media needs to end this continual farce

Fergie considering £20m move for Dortmund ace

Does Fergie’s transfer interest suggest an answer to the Giggs conundrum?

Another reason to love Phil Jones

Should Fergie and Wenger take this transfer punt in January?

Best of WEB

The Fans’ Responsibility – Red Flag Flying High

Ole takes first steps on long road to Old Trafford – United Rant

My Favourite Fergie Era Moments – The Busby Way

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Did Sir Alex Ferguson Nearly Jinx Ole Gunnar Solskjaer? – The United Religion

Women are football educated too, y’know – 7Cantonas

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Click on image below to see Gigi’s latest lady

The Daily Telegraph are reporting that Chelsea are set to make a £17.5 million bid for Porto wing back.

New boss Andre Villas-Boas is interested in bringing the 25-year-old Uruguayan to Stamford Bridge as he looks to stamp his mark on the team.

The Portuguese coach was Pereira’s boss at Porto last season and the pair could be reunited in West London.

However the Primeira Liga champions value the Uruguay international at around £26 million after his star performances in the Copa America.

They have already signed a replacement in the form of £8.3 million Alex Sandro from Santos but aren’t willing to let one of their key players leave on the cheap.

Villas-Boas is keen to fill the gap left by the recently departed Yuri Zhirkov and held talks last month only to back away when hearing of Porto’s demands.

The Chelsea boss keen to bring a player in from his former club as they understand the way he works.

It will certainly leave question marks hanging over the head of some players in the current squad.

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The 33-year-old coach could sacrifice the like of Alex, Joe Boswinga and John Obi Mikel to raise the funds capable of bringing Pereira to the club.

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