Nemanja Vidic

Nemanja Vidic made a successful return on his first start in 2010 for United, turning in a commanding defensive display in the 3-0 win over West Ham.
The Serbian has been troubled by a nerve problem in his right leg, and hadn’t played since the win over Wigan at the end of December. But his towering performance on Tuesday was a welcome sight.

“It’s nice to be back,” he told MUTV. “I enjoyed playing again. It’s a long time since I last played, but I am happy first of all that we won the game, and also that I feel OK in terms of the injury. I feel well and that’s very important for me. I didn’t feel any reaction today. So I am very happy.

“When I finished last season, I thought this season would be even better, but I’ve had the injury and this year has been very frustrating. I missed pre-season and two months recently. I hope the injury is in the past and I’m looking forward to the next games.”

United were defensively sound with Vidic marshalling the back four, and the 28-year-old was pleased with the team’s clean sheet.

“It was 3-0 but we could maybe have scored more,” he added. “We played some good football. In the beginning it wasn’t an easy game.
two forwards and tried to score. They had some good chances, but we dealt with that and deserved the three points.”

The win puts United a point behind league leaders Chelsea, who play their game in hand against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. They could reclaim a four-point lead, but Vidic isn’t worried by the Blues’ advantage.

“We believe we can win the title,” he said. “Confidence is a big word, but we believe we can do it. They could be four points in front of us [with their game in hand] but they have to come to our ground [in April]. We can do it, especially with some big players back from injury. I think we will be good for the rest of the season.”
MU.com

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John Terry Make Chealsea Win

By Alex Dimond

30 Jan 2010 20:12:00

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EPL: John Terry, Burnley v Chelsea (Getty Images)

Teams

• Chelsea

Players

• John Terry

You couldn't script it, could you? John Terry will wake up on Sunday to see his name plastered across the front pages of the newspapers, with further revelations set to come out about the various 'transgressions' (as Tiger Woods might call them) in his private life. But at least the 29-year-old will be able to console himself by turning to the back pages, where his name will also adorn the headlines — this time for all the right reasons. It speaks volumes for his character — on the pitch, at least — that Terry was able to shut out the expected abuse he received at Turf Moor ("Same old Terry, always cheating" being the favourite) to put in the sort of disciplined defensive performance that his side have always relied on him for. His late goal — his first away from home for the club in two years – earned his side a crucial three points against a determined Burnley side, points that give his side a crucial four-point advantage over their two nearest rivals, Arsenal and Manchester United, as they prepare to face off against each other on Sunday.
The subdued reaction to his goal was about the only indication of how much current events are already beginning to weigh on Terry personally, although his team-mates showed their solidarity with their beleaguered captain as they all came over to offer their congratulations.

The 2-1 win was just about deserved for Chelsea, as Burnley once again proved what a tough team they are to visit. Nicolas Anelka's opening goal, after good work from Florent Malouda and Joe Cole, looked like sending Chelsea on their way but the team had to show good character to restore their advantage after Alex had contrived to hand Steven Fletcher an easy opportunity to equalise.

The final whistle signaled the completion of a perfect January for the Blues — five wins from five in a month where the absence of the side's African contigent (the club could have played Didier Drogba at Turf Moor, but opted not to) was supposed to derail their title bid.

Instead, they have re-asserted their credentials.

"It's a testament to the squad and the lads how we've done while they've been away," Frank Lampard said after the game.

"It's a very important stage in the season, and we're in good form. Today we had to show a little bit of grit, after they pulled level, and we did that."

While being careful not to endorse Terry's off-field activities, before and after the game both Carlo Ancelotti and his assistant Ray Wilkins were keen to re-affirm that the whole squad still have faith in their captain.

"He's a fantastic player, every game he plays very well and also tonight he played an important part for us," Ancelotti said.

"That is his private life, this is about work and we don't have to say anything. He is very professional, a fantastic captain. All of Chelsea support him and his family."

The coming days, even weeks, are not going to be pleasant for the Chelsea No. 26, but he will take some comfort from Saturday's result. At a ground where both Arsenal and Manchester United failed to win, this had the feel of a defining game in the title race.

The England captain (although that might not be for too much longer) is sure to face more tough times ahead.

But at least for now his team-mates, manager and the club's fans can be assured of something they probably already knew; that no matter how bad things get off the pitch, it won't affect Terry where it matters to them most — on it.

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Villareal Club

Villarreal midfield sensation Cani hopes to find the back of the net as the Yellow Submarine look to sink mighty Barcelona at the Camp Nou on Saturday night.

After a horrendous start to the season, Villarreal are back in the top half of the table and are currently riding a three match winning streak in La Liga.

Cani wants that winning trend to continue in the new year as he hopes to pick up a vital result against the Blaugrana.

"Picking up a win would be a great way to start the new year," he said at a press conference, according to Goal.com Spain. "This will be a difficult encounter though as Barcelona are a great team and have not lost at home this season in the league.

"We have played well on the road against Barca in recent years but that does not mean we are assured of a positive result this time around. We have scored at the Camp Nou two years in a row so we hope to do the same again on Saturday."

Cani went on to lament his side's poor start to the campaign but felt that they could still finish in the European places by season's end.

"The league started very badly for us and we dropped many points. The next two months will be important for us and we must take it one match at a time so we can qualify for Europe next season," he concluded.

- Goal.com

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