Monday 30 September 2013

Facebook editing function raises concern over misuse - BBC News

A new feature allowing Facebook users to edit their status updates may result in "stitch-ups", an expert has warned.

Previously, an update would have to be deleted and reposted with any changes, losing any comments or "likes".

But the new capability, introduced to help users correct spelling and grammatical errors, means posts can be modified, and their content changed.

Facebook users who liked or interacted with the original post are not notified of any changes made.

A spokesman for Facebook explained that the update was intended to help people address typos or auto-correct errors, but wouldn't comment on the potential vulnerabilities.

The capability to edit posts is already available on rival social networks, and Facebook has allowed its users to edit photo updates and their comments on other people's updates for some months.

'Real concerns'

However the lack of notifications means that users who may have liked an innocuous post, such as "I love my cat", could find their name beside a post which says something entirely different, or even offensive.

"The latest update from Facebook to allow editing of posts after they have been published raises some real concerns amongst individuals I know and business clients of mine," Kieran Hannon, director of social media consultancy eSocialMedia, told the BBC.

"Start Quote

The opportunity to 'stitch up' friends or foes on Facebook has increased dramatically"

End Quote Kieran Hannon Director, eSocialMedia

"A like or a comment made on a previously static piece of content is now open to misinterpretation - a fact that many less informed users are currently unaware of.

"The opportunity to 'stitch up' friends or foes on Facebook has increased dramatically."

Reducing errors

Updates that are modified are marked as edited.

A history of the edits made is available for users to view.

The editing facility comes after Facebook revealed more than half its users accessed the site on mobile phones, which are more prone to typing errors.

"It's unlikely this will have any impact beyond making it easier to correct spelling mistakes," said Matt Owen, of digital business specialists Econsultancy.

"If this update allows people to stay in control of their social profile, ultimately they will be happier with it and use the product more.

"It's a win-win for both Facebook and its users."

The new edit feature does not yet apply to company pages.

But Mr Hannon says he will be advising his business clients to be cautious.

"It is a concern that a brand could like or comment on a post that is later updated to something that undermines or potentially damages the company's brand," he said.

Breaking Bad Finale: Fans Flood Twitter - Sky News

The last episode of US cult series Breaking Bad has been broadcast, sending Twitter chat into overdrive.

The hashtag #goodbyebreakingbad trended worldwide after its Sunday night conclusion in the US, with celebrities also tweeting their praise.

Breaking Bad, about a high school chemistry teacher who starts making and selling the drug crystal meth, wrapped up after five series.

Fans had been busy speculating about how the show would finish in the days leading up to the final episode - and most on Twitter seemed more than happy with the ending.

Cliff Bleziniski wrote: "Breaking Bad nailed it. That finale delivered. Sploosh."

Another Twitter user, Melissa Gilbert, added: "I've seen the end of the end of the best show on television, in my lifetime. @BreakingBad_AMC Smart. Moving. Thought provoking. Perfect."

Trendsmap
Breaking Bad hashtags flooded Twitter on Sunday night. Pic: Trendsmap

US Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres was also tucked up on the sofa to see the fate of Bryan Cranston's now iconic character, Walter White.

"No more murderous drug dealers and horrifying criminals. I miss it already," she tweeted.

Actor Ewan McGregor posted: "Breaking Bad. Ends Tonight. #gotthebluesalready."

Even the world's most famous investor, multi-billionaire Warren Buffet, got caught in the Breaking Bad frenzy and posted a mocked-up picture of himself as Walter White.

Cranston has said he is happy with how things turn out for his character.

US-ENTERTAINMENT-EMMY AWARDS-PRESS ROOM
The cast were all smiles afer winning the Emmy for best TV drama

The 57-year-old California-born actor told Entertainment Weekly the climax was "very satisfying" and "unapologetic".

Breaking Bad first aired on the AMC network in the US in 2008 and has been widely praised by critics and fans for its depiction of meek chemistry teacher 'gone bad'.

It also turned some of the show's locations in Albuquerque, New Mexico, into unlikely tourist attractions.

Many UK fans discovered the show through word of mouth, with DVD box sets tempting them into marathon viewing sessions.

Breaking Bad's success was capped last week when it won the prestigious Emmy award for best television drama series. Previously, Cranston, 57, had won the best actor award three times for playing Walter White.

Fans of the series will not have to mourn for too long as a spin-off based on the character Saul Goodman was recently given the green light.

Women's Super League: Natasha Dowie says Liverpool title is surreal - BBC Sport

Liverpool Ladies striker Natasha Dowie has described the Reds's Women's Super League title win as "surreal".

The WSL top scorer helped her side to a 2-0 victory over Bristol Academy in Sunday's championship decider , but she said the feat "had not sunk in".

"It was nerve-wracking. I didn't enjoy any second of the game until the final whistle blew," said the 25-year-old.

"But to win the title feels unbelievable. To kiss and touch and hold the trophy was just surreal."

Liverpool Ladies' 2013 signings

Gemma Bonner (England), Lucy Bronze (England), Amanda Da Costa (United States), Natasha Dowie (England), Becky Easton (England), Whitney Engen (USA), Louise Fors (Sweden), Jessica Holbrook (England), Katrin Omarsdottir (Iceland), Nicole Rolser (Germany), Corina Schroder (Germany) and Fara Williams (England)

Dowie, the niece of former Northern Ireland striker Iain, scored 19 goals as Liverpool finished the season five points clear of Bristol at the top of the FA Women's Super League table.

She got an assist in Liverpool's crucial victory at Halton Stadium, laying the ball off for Katrin Omarsdottir to give the Reds a 2-0 lead.

Louise Fors had earlier put Liverpool ahead from the penalty spot in a dominant display, but Dowie admitted there had been pre-match nerves.

"People try to play it down and say we'll just play our normal game, but we know football's a crazy game and anything can happen," said Dowie.

The England forward experienced FA Cup glory with Everton in 2010, but she said winning the league was her greatest achievement.

"This is the best day of my footballing career. People can go through their whole career and never have this opportunity," Dowie said.

"We deserved to win the title. The football we played this year was really attractive and we were the better team today."

Liverpool manager Matt Beard, who overhauled the squad at the start of the season after major investment from the club's American owners, said: "The players have been fantastic and they deserve it.

League title winners since 2003

The FA Women's Premier League:

2003 Fulham

2004-2010 Arsenal

The FA Women's Super League:

2011 Arsenal

2012 Arsenal

"We've a completely new squad that we've built together, and they just deserve the utmost respect and credit for what they've achieved this year.

"It just shows that if you get the right characters in and you've got that mindset and work hard, you can achieve anything.

"Our plan was always to challenge at the top end of the table. We recruited good players with the right character and that has shown throughout the year. They've put in a tremendous shift and deserve their success.

"They have done this themselves by spending time together off the pitch and creating a great team spirit."

"Huge congratulations to Liverpool," added Bristol manager Mark Sampson. "They have been the best team in the division. For us, we've done well overall and now have Champions League football to look forward to."

The FA Women's Super League was launched in April 2011 in a bid to improve the fortunes of the game in England.

Eight teams make up the division, with each having a minimum budget of £140,000, of which £70,000 must be generated by the club with a further £70,000 supplied by the FA.

Premier League: Arsenal march on at summit with 2-1 win at Swansea - SkySports

Aaron Ramsey: On target in Arsenal's 2-1 win at Swansea

Aaron Ramsey: On target in Arsenal's 2-1 win at Swansea

Arsenal opened up a two-point lead at the top of the Premier League thanks to a 2-1 victory over Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.

A four-minute spell in the second half proved decisive as goals from Serge Gnabry and the in-form Aaron Ramsey sealed an eighth consecutive away win in the league for the Gunners.

Ben Davies reduced Swansea's arrears in the 81st minute to set up a thrilling finale, but Arsenal held on to capitalise on dropped points from their rivals on Saturday and cement their position at the summit.

There was little in the way of goalmouth action in an uninspiring first half as the two sides cancelled each other out.

Jonjo Shelvey, back at the Liberty for the first time since his startlingly mixed performance against Liverpool, initially played a prominent part in a bright Swans start, his range of passing helping get the hosts in motion.

The midfielder also had the first meaningful effort on goal - one of very few during the opening 45 minutes - bringing down a high ball and fizzing a fierce drive narrowly over Wojciech Szczesny's bar.

Arsenal began to find their rhythm with Ramsey delivering a pinpoint cross for Per Mertesacker to head wide, before the Welshman arrowed a low shot around a yard wide from the edge of the area.

A lull followed, but Olivier Giroud should have had Arsenal ahead in first-half stoppage time.

Gnabry slalomed his way between three Swansea players to find the striker unmarked, but he dragged wastefully wide.

Gnabry was the man to finally force one of the keepers to make a save as he fired tamely at Michel Vorm five minutes after the break.

The German then gave the Gunners the lead as he rounded off a lovely, flowing passage of play with Ramsey at its heart.

Wenger: 17 years in the job

The visitors worked Swansea from one side of the pitch to the other before picking them off through the middle as Giroud and Ramsey teed up Gnabry to shoot low beyond Vorm and become Arsenal's second-youngest Premier League goalscorer.

It should have been 2-0 a matter of moments later. Ramsey drove at the heart of the Swans' defence to find an unmarked Mesut Ozil, but Vorm stood up well to make the save.

But there was no reprieve in the 62nd minute. Arsenal again broke with purpose as Jack Wilshere and Giroud found Ramsey, who kept his cool to adjust and fire home, despite Vorm getting a hand to the shot.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Sky Sports subscribers can watch highlights of Arsenal's 2-1 win at Swansea. Click here to view.

Swansea had sent on Wilfried Bony between the two goals, but the Ivorian's introduction already appeared a case of too little, too late for the hosts.

Nathan Dyer forced Szczesny into a flying save, before Bony shot straight at the keeper after seizing on a Wilshere back pass.

Ramsey: Man of the match

They did manage to pull one back with nine minutes to go, Davies and Bony exchanging passes for the left-back to poke past an exposed Szczesny.

Arsenal had to survive a late penalty appeal when Bacary Sagna's attempted clearance appeared to strike Mathieu Flamini on the arm, but they were not to be denied another three points.

The Faces of Facebook: Discover and explore the profile pictures of all 1.15 ... - Daily Mail

  • The Faces of Facebook interactive image lets you browse the public profile pictures of 1.15 billion members
  • Its designer claims it would take 36 years, 5 months, 9 days and 6 hours to view all of the images individually
  • Members can find their own image by connecting a Facebook account to the Faces of Facebook app
  • All the pictures are shown in chronological order and the number of a face is their member number
  • Users can also search for a friend's name to see whether they joined the social network before or after them

By Victoria Woollaston

|

It may just look like a webpage of television static, but the picture below is in fact the profile pictures of every single Facebook member from across the world, in one place. All 1.15 billion of them.

The Faces of Facebook online app has scanned the public profile images of each member, which equates to one seventh of the Earth's population, and its makers claim that if you were to browse all of them individually it would take 36 years, 5 months, 9 days, 6 hours, 46 minutes and 16 seconds.

Each face has been added to the site in chronological order, based on the date in which they joined the site, and if a user connects their account to the app, it will tell them their Face Number. 

This number can be posted on a person's Facebook wall, and users can also search for their friends' faces to see whether they joined the site before or after them.

To connect a Facebook account, users should click the location pin in the top right-hand corner of the app.

Faces of Facebook was designed by creative technologist Natalia Rojas from Miami. 

Rojas said: 'This is an infinite and collaborative project that organizes all of our profile pictures, one next to the other, in chronological order: from Zuckerberg's to the very last person who signed up just a moment ago.

'Because there we are, all mixed up: large families, women wearing burkas, many Leo Messis, people supporting same-sex marriages or r4bia, Chihuahuas, Indian Gods, tourists pushing the leaning Tower of Pisa, selfies, newborns, Ferraris, studio black and white portraits, a lot of weddings but zero divorces, ID photos, faces framed in hearts, best friends, manga characters, politic logos, deep looks, love messages, eyes, memes, smiles, sweet grandparents and some not-yet-censured pictures.'

The only photos shown on the site are the images people have set as their profile pictures - this means that no other images are accessible from the site.

The Faces of Facebook online app has scanned the public profile images of each member.

The Faces of Facebook online app has scanned the public profile images of each member. Its makers claim if someone was to browse all of them individually it would take 36 years, 5 months, 9 days, 6 hours, 46 minutes and 16 seconds. Each face has been added to the site in chronological order, based on the date in which they joined the site, and hovering over a thumbnail shows that individual's number and name

All profile pictures and cover images are set to public, by default, on Facebook, despite an individuals privacy settings and are done so to make people easier to find.

Rojas used computer code to collect and organise all the images: 'We are not breaking any Facebook privacy rules because we don't store anyone's private information, pictures or names.

'We've just found a harmless way to organize and show our public data, which is not even considered in the security policies,' continued Rojas.

As each new member joins their picture is added automatically and the amount of new users can be seen by the ever increasing number on the app's homepage.

As Rojas explained: 'It is infinite because this network won't stop growing, and collaborative because every person who accesses this website will help to fill it.

'If you connect via Facebook you will be able to see which FACE# you are, where in the gallery your friends are and which of them was the first to join Facebook.'

This is what the full collection of Facebook pictures looks like when zoomed out.

This is what the full collection of Facebook pictures looks like when zoomed out. If a user connects their account to the app, it will tell them their Face Number. This number can be posted on their Facebook wall, and users can also search for their friends' faces to see whether they joined the site before or after them. To connect a Facebook account, users should click the location pin in the top right-hand corner of the app, pictured






 

The comments below have not been moderated.

So, this person has been allowed to use Facebook account holders profile photos with their permission? Or do they give up ownership of their image once they sign up? Glad I've got no part in this.

It's the place where all the sad narcissists of the world can compete for attention.

left facebook years ago, do i miss it? do i eck

Alarming! Talk of Orwellian society. George Orwell had the foresight to write about it.

I have better things to do with my time than facebook, sadly 1.15 billion people haven't.

mugs !

facebook has no security...you can't even stop non friends contacting you

Great idea I think I was 1.2 billon in on the 305 million row. It reminds me of wheres wally books. Im shore their will be someone who will search trough every name.

Big Brother and your neighbours are watching YOU ...

Scary

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Saturday football: Aston Villa v LiverpoolLive - BBC Sport

Aston Villa: Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar, Okore, Luna, Bacuna, Westwood, Delph, Weimann, Benteke, Agbonlahor. Subs: Clark, El Ahmadi, Helenius, Steer, Herd, Sylla, Tonev.

Liverpool: Mignolet, Johnson, Toure, Agger, Jose Enrique, Gerrard, Lucas, Henderson, Aspas, Coutinho, Sturridge. Subs: Cissokho, Brad Jones, Alberto, Allen, Borini, Sterling, Wisdom.

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear)

Duck Tours boat blaze in London - ITV News

Series of recent incidents involving boat tour buses

A Yellow Duckmarine vessel sank in Liverpool in June. Credit: Press Association

Around 30 passengers were rescued today after a fire broke out on a tour boat on the River Thames.

It is the latest in a series of incidents involving the amphibious tour bus in recent months.

An investigation was launched in June after one of the vessels sank in Liverpool's Albert Dock and 27 out of 31 passengers were taken to hospital due to shock and exposure.

In March, the entire fleet was ordered out of the water after a bus, which was not carrying passengers, also sank in Liverpool.

Read: Duck Tours boat blaze in London

Read: Investigation launched after tour bus sinks in Liverpool

Brendan Rodgers: Suarez and Sturridge delight Liverpool boss - BBC Sport

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers praised his strikers after Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge inspired a 3-1 win at Sunderland.

It was Uruguay forward Suarez's first league game since serving a 10-match ban and he converted two chances created by Sturridge, who also scored.

The Luis Suarez effect

"He's getting the reward for his hard work over the period he was off," said Rodgers, whose side moved up to second.

"He and Daniel Sturridge are a great partnership, they combined very well."

Suarez, 26, made his comeback in Liverpool's League Cup defeat to Manchester United on Wednesday, but he and Sturridge posed a more potent threat at the Stadium of Light.

The 24-year-old England striker opened the scoring from a Steven Gerrard corner before crossing for Suarez to double the advantage.

Sunderland pulled a goal back through Emanuele Giaccherini after half-time, but Sturridge again set up Suarez to secure the points.

"I thought he was excellent the other night at Old Trafford," Rodgers said of Suarez, who had been suspended for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic.

"Him and Daniel up front are a real, real handful. We've changed our system a bit to a 3-4-1-2 and it's working well."

Liverpool are two points behind leaders Arsenal in the table and ahead of Tottenham on goal difference.

They lost at home to Southampton last weekend before the 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford - and Rodgers was pleased to see a return to winning ways.

"On the back of a really tough game where we played well during the week, today was always going to be physically demanding game for us," he added.

"I thought the work we put into it was exceptional."

Sunderland interim boss Kevin Ball takes heart from performance in Liverpool loss - SkySports

Kevin Ball insisted there were positives to take from Sunderland's performance despite losing 3-1 to Liverpool at the Stadium of Light.

The visitors took a two-goal half-time lead, which was a touch harsh on Sunderland, who had earlier hit the bar through Sebastian Larsson before Emanuele Giaccherini pulled a goal back in the 52nd minute.

Try as they might, the Black Cats could not find an equaliser and were undone by a counter-attack as Luis Suarez clinched victory for Liverpool in the closing stages.

"We spoke at half-time and I thought you saw a great reaction. They gave it a really good go in the second half," said Sunderland's interim head coach Ball, who was taking charge of his first Premier League match following Paolo Di Canio's sacking last weekend.

"We took it right to the death but unfortunately you're susceptible to that counter-attack where 3-1 - and I don't mean this as disrespect to Liverpool - flatters them a little bit.

Ball - Score flatters Liverpool

"It was a shame because I thought the lads had a real good go today and that's something we need to take heart from."

The final touch for Liverpool's opening goal came from the arm of Daniel Sturridge but Ball preferred to concentrate on the defensive deficiencies of his side rather than criticise the officials.

He said: "It did come off Daniel's arm but that is one of those things and the point that I'm more interested in is that he had a lot of space and we could have done something more to prevent it happening."

Ball added: "I think you saw today a hard-working, committed performance, but there was a lot of good football in there as well and we can take heart from that.

"Lee Cattermole was excellent for the time that he lasted on the pitch again, so that bodes well for the future."

Swansea City 1 Arsenal 2 match report: Aaron Ramsey puts Arsenal on front foot ... - The Independent

Ramsey set up Serge Gnabry's first goal for the club before scoring the second himself, as Arsenal issued a statement of intent to leave Arsène Wenger celebrating the 17th anniversary of his reign on top of the pile.

"Winning is better than any cake," Wenger said. "The other results came as a surprise but added pressure because you feel guilty if you don't take an opportunity. During the season you have to grab the chance when you have it.

"Swansea were sharper than us in the first half but then we played in a more compact way and took advantage every time we won the ball to be dangerous.We have seen a different Arsenal, much more clinical and playing with much more purpose."

That was embodied by Ramsey, who provided the impetus for the surge in tempo that caught Swansea cold and earned his eighth goal in as many games.

Wenger added: "People became a bit impatient with him and put pressure on him when he had some bad games. When he was questioned, that was the turning point.

"It's an important period in the life of a football player and can he deal with that? Does he go back to basics and practice even harder or feel sorry for himself and give up? When I saw him respond, that's when I thought he would always come back. It's why I kept faith in him."

Swansea stifled the visitors for close to an hour but Michael Laudrup was made to pay for a conservative team selection by two goals in the space of five minutes in the second half.

That saw Arsenal clinch a club record eighth successive away win in the League, while Swansea have now failed to win their last eight League games at the Liberty Stadium.

Laudrup said: "It has been a tough start at home but we can't change that. We have the same number of points as at this stage last season. But we want to get back to winning ways at home."

Ramsey was always assured of a frosty reception this side of Wales given his affiliation with bitter rivals Cardiff City, where he began his career. He was in the thick of it, however, nipping at the heels of his opponents – which eventually brought a warning from Mark Clattenburg.

An early effort was wide but for all of Arsenal's intricacies it was as close as they got in the first half. Denied the incisiveness of Theo Walcott, handing a second League start for Gnabry, and the ingenuity of Santi Cazorla, Arsenal lacked penetration. Even Mesut Ozil struggled to dig out a moment of inspiration from the shadow of Jose Canas.

Yet even after 17 years in charge, Wenger proved he can still inspire. Whatever was said in the dressing room worked wonders. Arsenal emerged with far greater purpose and speed, they were first to the ball, quick to attack and when the goal finally came, it was sumptuous.

Ozil proved the instigator and Olivier Giroud the pivot, turning Swansea's defence inside-out before Ramsey released 18-year-old Gnabry, who finished with a confidence that defied his age.

Arsenal released the shackles and Ramsey handed Ozil what appeared a formality from close range only to be denied superbly by Michel Vorm. But when Giroud found Ramsey loitering with intent on the edge of the box, the Welshman thumped home an emphatic response to the Swansea hecklers.

Swansea finally responded when Ben Davies caught Bacary Sagna off guard to finish Wilfried Bony's neat lob but Arsenal were not to be denied.

Line-ups:

Swansea (4-3-3): Vorm; Tiendalli, Chico, Amat, B Davies; Canas, Shelvey (Bony, 61), de Guzman; Dyer, Routledge (Pozuelo, 64), Michu.

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Flamini, Ramsey; Gnabry (Arteta, 78), Ozil, Wilshere (Jenkinson, 90); Giroud.

Referee: Mark Clattenburg.

Man of the match: Ramsey (Arsenal)

Match rating: 6/10

Sunday 29 September 2013

Bollywood gala event comes to London - BBC News

An increasing number of Bollywood films are being shot in London and this weekend a host of Indian celebrities are flying into the capital for a special charity gala event to celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema.

BBC London's entertainment correspondent, Brenda Emmanus, spoke with Pranab Kapadia, president distribution of Eros International Ltd., Bride and Prejudice director Gurinder Chadha and Indian fashion designer Manish Malhotra.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger reveals failed chase for Gonzalo Higuain - SkySports

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted he tried to sign Gonzalo Higuain in the summer as he prepares to face the Napoli striker in the UEFA Champions League.

Wenger made Higuain one of his top targets in the summer as he looked to bolster his attacking options, but lost out to Napoli for the former Real Madrid hit-man.

Higuain will line-up against Arsenal in the Champions League and Wenger admits he is a big admirer of the Argentine international

"We were working on two or three targets and he was one of them," Wenger told Arsenal's official website. "It didn't come off in the end, that doesn't take anything away from his quality.

"Napoli took advantage of that at the right moment, it's more about timing as well.

"In the end Real Madrid sold two great players, one of them went to Napoli, one [Mesut Ozil] went to Arsenal so it's 1-1 on that front."

Meanwhile, Higuain claims he has no regrets about choosing Napoli over Arsenal and believes the Gunners have got a bargain in landing his former Real Madrid team-mate Mesut Ozil.

The two former Real stars will lock horns on Tuesday night at the Emirates and Higuain rates Ozil as one of the best players in the world.

"I had the pleasure to play with Mesut and he is one of the best players in the world," Higuain is quoted as saying in the Sunday People

"As a striker he is a dream to play with because you know he is going to create you chances.

"When you look at some of the crazy fees that players moved for this summer, you have to say that Mesut was a great deal for Arsenal."

Higuain insists he is happy with his decision to snub other interest to make the move to Napoli.

"I am very happy that I have joined Napoli," continued Higuain. "We have started well in the league in Italy and have got off to a good start in Europe too.

"I know there was other interest from England and Italy, but I am very sure that I made the right choice by joining Napoli and have no regrets.

"It is a club where I can achieve everything I want."

Women's Super League: Liverpool beat Bristol to win title - BBC Sport

Liverpool Ladies clinched their first Women's Super League title by beating Bristol in the end-of-season decider.

The visitors started the match two points behind the Reds and needed a win to snatch the championship as the campaign went down to the wire.

But the hosts dominated from the start, taking the lead through a Louise Fors penalty after Nicole Rolser was fouled.

Katrin Omarsdottir's fine finish sealed the 2-0 win to end Arsenal's nine-year dominance in the women's game.

The Gunners won eight consecutive Women's Premier League titles from 2004 and finished top for the first two seasons of the WSL.

But these two sides usurped the Londoners to battle it out at the top of table all season, culminating in a winner-takes-all encounter at the Halton Stadium.

The triumph completes a remarkable turnaround for Liverpool, who finished bottom of the table for the last two seasons.

But after huge investment from the club's American owners, manager Matt Beard overhauled the squad for the 14-game league season and saw his side lose just twice.

The pre-match scenario invited comparisons with the dramatic finale to the men's First Division title in 1989, when George Graham's Arsenal travelled to Liverpool needing a 2-0 win, which they famously sealed with Michael Thomas's last-minute goal.

Any winning scoreline would have done for Bristol, but the hosts made the stronger start and the influential Rolser curled one effort over before being denied by a superb save from goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain.

It was no surprise when the German forward was involved in the opening goal, drawing a foul after twisting and turning in the penalty area, with Fors lashing the spot-kick past Chamberlain.

Bristol created a rare chance moments later when Laura del Rio tried to lob Rachael Laws, but although the Liverpool keeper was beaten the Spaniard's shot rolled inches wide.

The visitors have made a habit of coming from behind this season, but they struggled to break down Liverpool's defence as the Reds sat back after the break.

It was the home side who had the better chances on the counter-attack, with Amanda da Costa sending a simple header over the bar after finding herself unmarked 10 yards out.

The decisive second goal came 10 minutes from time when Natasha Dowie laid off a free-kick to Omarsdottir, who took a touch before rifling past Chamberlain from 15 yards.

Tourists rescued from Thames after London Duck boat catches fire - Telegraph.co.uk

Donna Wood, an Australian passenger, said: "We saw smoke, we saw fire and my husband and I said 'I think we better jump into the river', and we did. We're Australian, we can swim."

Londoner Elissa Wood, who was on the tour with her parents, who were visiting from Australia, said the first they knew of the fire was when they noticed smoke pouring from the front of the craft.

She said: "We saw the tour guide and the captain look at each other like 'this is a real problem' and then they encouraged us to put life jackets on and jump off. It was really hot. The flames were really hot and it was confusing. We weren't sure what was happening so it was scary."

While all of the passengers and crew were quickly accounted for, the emergency services admitted the incident could have easily had tragic consequences.

London Fire Brigade station manager Simon Tuhill said most of those on board were visitors to the UK, with some coming from Holland, Sweden, Brazil and Australia.

"They were pretty pragmatic about it all," Mr Tuhill said.

"Obviously it was pretty scary for them. It isn't every day you sink in a boat in the Thames."

The boat is one of a number of amphibious vessels belonging to the London Duck Tours company, which offers pleasure cruises along the Thames.

Similar tours operate in other parts of the country and the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh took a trip on one last year during a trip to Liverpool.

But the refurbished craft, which are the same style as those used to ferry troops during the D-Day landings, have been beset with problems in recent months.

In June, 31 people had to be rescued from Albert Dock on the River Mersey when a duck boat got into difficulties and sank.

In July the Marine and Coastguard Agency grounded seven out of nine of the boats operated by London Duck Tours over safety concerns.

The company has been running tourist services on the River Thames since 2002, carrying more than 200,000 passengers.

The fire ravaged vessel was towed away from the scene by the London Fire Brigade and the Port of London Authority announced it would be holding an investigation into the incident.

Luis Suarez: Marked his Premier League return with two goals - SkySports

Luis Suarez: Marked his Premier League return with two goals

Luis Suarez: Marked his Premier League return with two goals

Luis Suarez scored twice on his first Premier League appearance of the season as Liverpool increased the pressure on bottom club Sunderland with a 3-1 win at the Stadium of Light.

Liverpool broke the deadlock with a controversial goal in the first half as Daniel Sturridge turned the ball in with his arm, before Suarez quickly doubled their lead.

Emanuele Giaccherini reduced Sunderland's arrears on 52 minutes but, despite a spirited performance, Kevin Ball's men could not find an equaliser and Suarez netted again in the closing stages to lift Liverpool to within two points of leaders Arsenal.

Suarez, returning to Premier League action following a 10-match ban, showed that he had not lost any sharpness with an early run and powerful shot just wide, while Martin Skrtel also had a goal disallowed inside the opening 10 minutes for offside after Keiren Westwood had brilliantly kept out a Steven Gerrard free-kick.

Sunderland played their part in a lively first 20 minutes, though, and there was a vibrant atmosphere at the ground as the home players showed an intensity which belied their standing at the foot of the table.

Sebastian Larsson struck the crossbar with a curling free-kick and Giaccherini had a penalty appeal turned down following a challenge by Kolo Toure, before Liverpool took the lead in fortuitous fashion on 28 minutes.

Sturridge leant in for a header from Gerrard's corner but ended up knocking the ball in with his arm and the incident was not spotted by referee Howard Webb or his assistant.

Sturridge turned provider eight minutes later as he collected a sublime Gerrard pass and beat his defender for pace before squaring an inviting cross across the six-yard box for Suarez to add the simplest of finishes at the far post and make it 2-0 to Liverpool.

Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, making his first return to Wearside since a summer transfer from Sunderland, had a couple of anxious moments but did make a tremendous save just before the interval, rushing off his line to deny Craig Gardner with an outstretched right leg.

Mignolet could perhaps have done better early in the second period, however, as he could only parry Ki Sung-Yueng's low shot from 20 yards straight back out to Giaccherini and the Italian made no mistake from the rebound to pull a goal back for Sunderland.

It was almost level moments later as Mignolet reacted quickly to get down to his left and get the slightest of touches to a Gardner strike from the edge of the area.

Jozy Altidore also hit a ferocious effort from distance straight at Mignolet as Sunderland enjoyed a spell of sustained pressure, before Liverpool started to re-emerge as an attacking force and the game ebbed and flowed in an open finale.

A rasping 20-yard drive from Victor Moses was tipped over the bar by a strong one-handed stop by Westwood, while the Sunderland keeper also saved well from Toure and Suarez fired wide from the edge of the area.

The crowd spurred Sunderland on in the final 10 minutes and there were some tense times at the back for Liverpool before Suarez finally settled any nerves in the 89th minute with another finish from close range after good work by strike partner Sturridge on the break.

New Liverpool contract for Rodgers on the agenda as Reds fear losing their ... - Mirror.co.uk

Liverpool want to tie manager Brendan Rodgers down to a new contract.

Rodgers, appointed as manager in June 2012, has under two years remaining on his deal and the Anfield giants are wary of taking any risks over his future.

The Liverpool board are yet to discuss a new contract with Rodgers, but it is believed to be on the club's agenda.

Rodgers has admirers at Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham, and could even be considered as a potential successor to Roy Hodgson if England fail to qualify for the World Cup.

Despite a run of three games without a win ahead of Sunday's trip to Sunderland, Liverpool have started the season well.

Rodgers and striker Daniel Sturridge won the Premier League Manager and Player of the month for August.

The 40-year-old Northern Irishman also impressed his bosses with his handling of the Luis Suarez saga.

Saturday Transfer News: Liverpool want Arsenal target Pastore & Willian signed ... - Express.co.uk

The summer deadline has now slammed shut, but that doesn't stop transfer speculation from churning on. Here is a roundup of all the latest news, rumours and gossip...

Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Javier Pastore could the subject of a bid from Liverpool in the January transfer market, amid interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.

Chelsea's £30m summer signing Willian signed a contract with London rivals Tottenham before completing a sensational U-turn and joining the Blues.

Manchester United and Manchester City target Andres Iniesta has poured cold water on speculation he wants to leave the Camp Nou.

Tottenham, Sunderland and Fulham are all keeping an eye on Olympiakos defender Kostas Manolas ahead of the January transfer window.

Colombian midfielder Fredy Guarin could be a target for Manchester United after the player's agent revealed that David Moyes is a fan of the former Porto star.

Swansea City v Arsenal: match preview - Telegraph.co.uk

Team News
Captain Ashley Williams is a major doubt ahead of Swansea's Premier League clash with Arsenal.

The Wales defender, believed to be a summer target for Arsenal, has been struggling with an ankle injury and manager Michael Laudrup says he has less than a 50 per cent chance of featuring against the Gunners, with Jordi Amat set to deputise.

Pablo Hernández will again miss out to due to a hamstring injury.

Arsenal, meanwhile, will give fitness tests to midfielder Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini ahead of Saturday's Premier League trip to Swansea.

England forward Theo Walcott has responded well to surgery on a minor abdominal problem, but is now set for up to five weeks recovery time.

Czech playmaker Tomas Rosicky could return for next week's Champions League game against Napoli, but Santi Cazorla, Yaya Sanogo, Lukas Podolski, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Abou Diaby are all out.

Match Notes
After such a positive start to the season, there are signs of strain within the Arsenal squad.

Mathieu Flamini and Aaron Ramsey required late fitness tests and, with their four first-choice wide players also out, Serge Gnabry is likely to start on the right.

Swansea are on a three-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, although they were unexpectedly beaten at Birmingham in the Capital One Cup in midweek.

Betting: Home 23-20, Away 11-10, Draw 11-5.

Stat of the game: Arsenal will equal their best run of away league wins if they win on the road for an eighth game in succession.

Jeremy Wilson's prediction: Swansea City 1 Arsenal 1.

Saturday 28 September 2013

Liverpool to launch swoop for PSG's Javier Pastore? Transfer gossip and ... - Mirror.co.uk

The transfer window may have slammed shut, but that doesn't mean talk of moves has died down.

Find out the latest here in our transfer gossip round-up from all the day's papers and websites.

Transfer news and gossip from today's Daily Mirror

Chelsea outcast Juan Mata still feels wanted at Stamford Bridge.

David Moyes eyes new deal for Manchester United wonderkid Adnan Januzaj.

Saido Berahino striving for a new West Brom deal after impressing in midweek cup tie.

Jose Mourinho hits out at "kid" Andre Villas-Boas after Spurs boss discusses fractured friendship.

David Moyes warns Manchester United squad they are ALL playing for their places.

Arsene Wenger wants to stay at Arsenal "forever" as he gets set to celebrate 17 years in charge.

Adnan Januzaj in action with Danny Gabbidon
New deal? David Moyes wants to keep hold of Adnan Januzaj

 

EXCLUSIVE: Michael Dawson hails Tottenham supremo Joe Lewis for turning Spurs into a Premier League superpower.

Sunderland caretaker boss Kevin Ball puts ketchup back on the menu but warns he's no pushover.

Manchester United team told to go and win their next five games by David Moyes.

Manuel Pellegrini tells Samir Nasri to stay on-song following electric derby day performance.

Sam Allardyce hails Ravel Morrison for showing dedication but warns starlet that he is always watching.

Simon Mignolet insists he always got on with Paolo Di Canio as he returns to Stadium of Light.

Under pressure Ian Holloway not feeling the strain as his farmer pal keeps him feeling chirpy.

Transfer news and gossip from other newspapers and websites

Derby are set to sign Manchester United pair Michael Keane and Larnell Cole on loan. (The Sun)

Roy Keane has admitted he may never manage again - two-and-a-half years after being sacked by Ipswich. (The Sun)

Fulham could join the race for Gus Poyet's services as Martin Jol's squad believe their boss has only two games to save his job. (Daily Star)

Salomon Kalou says Jose Mourinho will win in today's North London derby, but that Andre Villas-Boas will win trophies in the future. (Daily Express)

Peter Crouch has been warned to put Stoke City before Strictly Come Dancing by his boss Mark Hughes as wife Abbey Clancy dances on the BBC show. (Telegraph)

Sunderland have spoken to Rene Meulensteen about becoming the club's new manager. (Telegraph)

Willian signed a contract with Tottenham before making a u-turn to join Chelsea. (The Times)

Liverpool are set to launch a January bid for PSG play-maker Javier Pastore. (Metro)

Domenico Criscito is a target for both Tottenham and Inter Milan. (talkSPORT)

Premiership: Bath 33-18 London Irish - BBC News

Bath made it three wins from their first four Premiership outings with a routine home win against London Irish.

The hosts claimed a bonus point within 34 minutes, with Jonathan Joseph, Guy Mercer (2), George Ford and Rob Webber all crossing in the first half.

But they were unable to add any further scores in the second period.

Shane Geraghty scored all 18 points for the visitors, including two tries, but the Exiles could not close the deficit enough to force a losing bonus point.

Much is expected of director of rugby Gary Gold's young Bath side this season and while a dominant first-half display showed their obvious promise, their failure to register a single point in the second 40 minutes shows they are still some way off the finished article.

Back to haunt the Exiles

England international Jonathan Joseph has scored tries on his first two home appearances for Bath, including one against London Irish - the club he left in the summer - on Saturday

However, they had done all of the hard work early on to ensure this game was over as a contest before the break, even recovering from the losses of captain Dave Attwood and full-back Anthony Watson to rib and muscle injuries respectively in the opening quarter.

England centre Joseph, who left London Irish for Bath in summer, barged past Geraghty's tackle to cross against his former club.

Ford set up flanker Mercer for the first of his two tries from a quick line-out, before the former Leicester Tigers man ran from inside his own half to add a score of his own.

Hooker Webber's powerful effort secured their bonus point and Mercer took advantage of gaps in the visiting defence to add a fifth home try.

Geraghty got the better of Ford to score the first of his brace of tries, but Irish suffered another blow when hooker David Paice was sent to the sin bin on the stroke of half-time for retaliation.

Prop Jamie Hagan received the same punishment for not binding on the hour mark, but the Exiles - who gave a debut to Wales international second-row forward Ian Gough from the bench - were much more competitive after the restart despite being down to 14 men for much of the second half.

They were rewarded for their efforts when Geraghty took advantage of a rebound to touch down, but the visitors never looked like mounting an unlikely comeback.

VIEWS FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

Bath coach Mike Ford:

"We were very good in the first half. We came out and put last week's defeat at Saracens to bed very early in the game.

"To score five tries in one half is pretty good. The second half was a bit scrappy from us, from the ruck area and from decisions, but we ride with it. We are very pleased with the five-point win.

"It's very hard to keep up that intensity but we've got to learn to play the full 80 minutes. We can look at the second half but we need to get quickly on to the Sale game on Friday night.

"It's a quick turnaround and we've got a few injuries but we'll assess them and keep the players fresh."

London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith:

"The second-half display was very pleasing. At half-time we didn't talk about winning - just about fight, character and dignity. And we did play with plenty of fight, pluck and courage in the second half.

"I don't question the commitment or character of our boys but the first 20 minutes of the game were a bit of a nightmare for us. It gave us a bit of a mountain to climb.

"George [Ford] is tearing up trees. England are very lucky to have him - he's a class act and it's nice to see him blossom."

SATURDAY'S LINE-UPS

Bath: Watson; Rokoduguni, Joseph, Eastmond, Banahan; Ford, Stringer; James, Webber, Wilson; Day, Attwood; Garvey, Mercer, Houston.

Replacements: Batty, Perenise, Palma-Newport, Hooper, Faosiliva, Roberts, Devoto, Biggs.

London Irish: Ojo; Yarde, Mulchrone, Sheridan, Lewington; Humphreys, O'Leary; Parr, Paice, Halavatau; Rouse, Sinclair; Danaher, Low, Treviranus.

Replacements: Stevens, Yapp, Hagan, Gough, Evans, Cowan, Geraghty, Allinson.

Sin Bin: Paice (40), Hagan (60).

Referee: Luke Pearce (RFU)

Attendance: 12,600

WSL title decider: Liverpool Ladies v Bristol Academy - BBC Sport

The Women's Super League title will be decided on Sunday as leaders Liverpool Ladies host Bristol Academy on the final weekend of the season.

The Reds are two points clear of second-placed Bristol in the table, meaning a draw or win will see them crowned champions.

But an 11th win of the season will see the Vixens claim the silverware.

It will bring to an end Arsenal's nine-year dominance as top-flight champions in the women's game.

The Gunners won eight consecutive Women's Premier League titles from 2004 and finished top for the first two seasons of the WSL.

Sampson welcomes WSL title pressure

But now Liverpool and Bristol, both founding members of the league in its current form, have the chance to lift their first domestic trophy.

"At Arsenal, everyone expected it. It was like a formality," said Bristol defender Corinne Yorston, who won the title with the Gunners in the 2009-10 season.

"They are the benchmark for women's football and everyone knows them. But I think it's great it's either going to be us or Liverpool as it adds to the competition and the excitement for next season.

"At Bristol we've worked extremely hard to get in the position we're in. We've given everything and to be in a winner-takes-all game is an amazing position to be in."

It has been a remarkable turnaround for Liverpool, who finished bottom of the table in the last two seasons and won only one game during the 2012 campaign.

But, following huge investment from the club's American owners, the Reds have won 11 of their 13 league games this term and have the best attacking record in the division.

"Privately, we were hoping for a top-two finish and qualification for Europe, which we've achieved," manager Matt Beard told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"We've been pleased with what we've done so far this year. When we were recruiting, we always knew we were building a side who could compete at the top end of the table.

"The players deserve the credit for how quickly they've understood how we want them to play.

"As a group they're fantastic to work with. Their eagerness to want to learn has been refreshing."

Much like their title rivals, Bristol Academy have been boosted this season by backing from the men's game after they signed a five-figure sponsorship deal with Bristol City.

But, while Liverpool now officially come under the Anfield brand, the Vixens remain the only stand-alone outfit in the WSL.

Bristol finished fourth last season and have twice reached the FA Cup final. For manager Mark Sampson, winning the title would prove how far they have come.

"It's been a long time coming. We've worked so hard for three years to develop this project," he told BBC Sport.

"We've progressed every year and we're well ahead of schedule. To win it would be an incredible achievement for the club, players and the city.

Beard credits Liverpool players

"This club deserves success from the way we've gone about it. It's not just about going out there and buying the best players, it's about developing the club.

"Hopefully we can take that last step to glory."

A late goal by captain Gemma Bonner gave Liverpool a 4-3 win at Bristol in August - only the third game in which the Academy have dropped points.

And Reds boss Beard hopes the home fixture in Widnes will give his players the advantage.

"The players are looking forward to it," he said. "We're hoping the fans who don't go to Sunderland [for men's game] will come out to support us on Sunday.

"Bristol have got a great support, and will be bringing a few hundred to the game, so for us to get as many as we can will be fantastic.

"Hopefully it will be an occasion where we can celebrate."

Additional reporting by BBC Radio Merseyside's Ian Kennedy.

Swansea City v Arsenal: live - Telegraph.co.uk

56 mins Swansea work a counterattack and a long ball looks to connect with a great run from Michu. But the ever alert Szczesny sprints from his line and the danger is done for now.

55 mins Still passing, still Dre still probing.

54 mins Arsenal wrestle the ball back from Swansea and push forward. They pass and probe and pass and probe and pass and probe their way across the pitch but nothing is coming of it so far.

51 mins THERE HAS BEEN A SHOT ON TARGET! It was from Gnabry (who has looked like the only player interested in taking this game by the scriff of the neck) but Vorm saved easily enough.

50 mins Breaking news ... Clare are All Ireland champs having beaten Cork 5-16 to 3-16 (thanks again John Hope), which seems like a good time to add this tweet to the live blog.

48 mins There were no half-time subs to speak of by the way.

47 mins Swansea put Arsenal under some early pressure but the Gunners clear their lines and do some attacking of their own via Gnabry. The winger's work earns his side a corner but it comes to nowt.

46 mins Right, we are back. Come on lads, do try a bit harder this time. At the very least, please try muster a shot on goal. Is that too much to ask? Is it? Huh?

Patience being the operative word.

Half-time. The less said about that half the better. By the way Giroud is fine - indeed he missed a decent effort towards the end of said half after some good running from Gnabry - and last I heard it was Clare 3-11 Cork 1-16 (thanks John Hope).

45 mins There will be a 2 more minutes of this. Meanwhile, Giroud is down and looks to be in some (calf/ankle) pain.

44 mins After some more passing from Swansea, Flores finds himself on the ground after a hefty challenge from Ramsey. A host of players stand over the ball but De Guzman takes it. His effort is high and wide and woeful.

42 mins There have been five attempts on goal from both sides so far; not one has been on target.

41 mins The crowd who were all yelps, screams and shouts when the match began, sound like they have fallen asleep.

E-mail"Up the rebels!" yahoos William Hargreaves. Anyone know what score it is?

37 mins All this passing is getting a little tedious. Come back Crazy Gang/Jack Charlton/Stoke all is forgiven.

34 mins The last few minutes have seen Swansea dominate Arsenal. They are controlling possession and there is some very nice build-up play from the Swans - with Shelvey at the centre of it all - but they are failing to really threaten Szczesny's goal. They could pay for that later.

32 mins Why would Szczesny take those chances?

30 mins Just while I was copying and pasting that last entry, there was a real let-off for Arsenal. Szczesny was closed down by Michu, the keeper thought the ball had gone out when in fact it had gone to Routledge who shot goalwards (but the linesman has his flag up)

E-mail"Michael Laudrup the coolest manager in the league? Pretty spot on there. Composure is at the centre of it, I guess. Ian Holloway could be a contender but he is too vocal for my liking," reckons Nisar Khan.

26 mins Wenger must have some faith in Ramsey if he is willing to shunt Wilshere out to the wing in favour of the Welshman. Wilshere is many things to many people but he (like Ramsey) is never a wide player and he keeps drifting inside meaning Swansea have plenty of room to attack down the right which is where they have looked most dangerous so far this evening.

22 mins Flores strides forward and slices open the Arsenal defence with a wonderful pass that sends Dyer scuttling through. Gibbs recovers and snuffs out the danger however.

19 mins Swansea are tiki-takaing their way around the pitch now. Wilshere gets frustrated and takes it out on Tiendalli. Most teams would be happy to lump the resulting free-kick (just past the half-way line) into the box but Swansea's resume their tiki-takaing ways.

17 mins Anyone out there?

15 mins Ooooooooooooooooooooooh! We nearly had the first goal of the game there. Ramsey gets the ball laid up for him by Flamini about 25 yards out and his fizzer of a shot misses the target by a matter of inches.

13 mins Arsenal have finally managed to get their foot on the ball and are now stroking the leather in the way the fans expect. Deep in enemy territory, a nice pass from Ozil almost had Giroud through on goal only for a defender's foot to intercept the trouble. That could have spelled t-r-o-u-b-l-e were it not for that timely intervention.

10 mins From that corner, Arsenal did a quick counterattack that saw Gibbs pushing into the box and sending a dangerous ball across the front of the goal. Unfortunately for Arsenal fans, no one was at the back post to poke it past Vorm.

8 mins Ramsey is getting a serious case of the booooooooooooooooos from the home fans given his Cardiff past. Meanwhile, Swansea attack and earn a corner. De Guzman takes then Szczesny takes.

6 mins Pass. Pass. Pass. Pass. Pass. Pass. Clearance. Pass. Chest down from Shelvey and a shot fired over the bar. Decent effort from the former Liverpool man though.

4 mins Swansea have made more successful passes than any other team in the league this season and so far they have been hogging possession, building from the back through the middle. Arsenal yet to string a pass or two together just yet.

2 mins Swansea via Dyer put some pressure on Gibbs down the left-hand side and win the first corner of the game but they fail to trouble Szczesny.

1 min Right so. The team talks are done, the jerseys have been tucked and untucked and the players are on the pitch and are ready to get going. Swansea are in their home white and for some reason Arsenal are in their away yellow. The home side start playing right to left.

17.18 Ozil has been up to his old tricks in the warm-up.

17.06 Manchester United are in 12th. 12th! Meanwhile, it's Clare 1-3 to 2.

16.49 Here is what what you have been waiting all day for. As expected Ashley Williams is out of today's action due to an ankle injury - he is replaced by Amat who is making his Premier League debut - as are Angel Rangel and Pablo Hernandez due to some hamstring twang. Tiendalli slips into the full-back slot. Since Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini have passed fitness tests and are ready to rock and/or roll, Arsenal are unchanged from their last Premier League game. Their starters look strong but the bench does look a little on the light side though given that players like Santi Cazorla, Abou Diaby, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Lukas Podolski and Theo Walcott are all on the treatment table. Those teams in full then are as follows:

Swansea: Vorm, Tiendalli, Amat, Flores, Davies, Canas, Shelvey, de Guzman, Dyer, Routledge, Michu
Subs: Tremmel, Alfei, Taylor, Britton, Pozuelo, Vazquez, Bony

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Wilshere, Ramsey, Flamini, Ozil, Gnabry, Giroud.
Subs: Fabianski, Vermaelen, Monreal, Jenkinson, Arteta, Ryo, Bendtner

16.30 Hello. How are you you? Well?

Hilft das Bier gegen den Durst, stillt den Hunger eine Wurst und ein Deutsch stillt den Durst der Arsenal Fans nach einem herausragenden Spieler goes the old axiom. And satisfied is what every Arsenal fan should be right about now. Before today's results their team was top of the league, their team was keeping Tottenham from being top of the league and oh yeah, they have Mesut Özil in their side.

Those of you who have watched him from the Bundesliga to the Bernabéu via Die Mannschaft will know what a superbly gifted player Özil is. (Frankly, why Real Madrid were happy to get shot of him is utterly beyond belief). The chances he creates are numerous, his touch is the softest of silks and there are fewer better people currently employed as full-time professional footballers who can create space for themselves when on the ball. But he's going to take time to get used to the rough and tumble and pace and power of the Premier League, right? Wrong! Two games he has played - 160 minutes to be exact - and already he has more assists than any other player in the entire league. Not even man-handling's Stoke could ruffle his pinnae.

But the German is not the only fancy, free flowing feather in Arsenal's plumage these days. The Good News Department is happy to announce that Aaron Ramsey seems to have finally got over that utterly horrific leg break and is playing what must amount to the best football any Arsenal fan has ever seen from him. He looks confident, he looks strong and, like Olivier Giroud, he looks like he is going to score a hell of a lot more goals this season. All of which means that Swansea face one hell of a tough match this evening.

Swansea have kept last season's swag and style but it's been a patchy start to the season so far hasn't it? There has been some impressive wins in the Europa League but no so much in the Premier League and their defence of the League Cup is done, dusted and destroyed already. And while Michael Laudrup won't be too worried about their league form just yet, he is worried about the (mental) tiredness in his team already. "Because of all the games players can lose a bit of focus," he said the other day. "It's not even the number of games but the fact that you can have three matches in three different competitions in six days, like we have just had."

Well there has been no such high flying and jet setting for them this week and thus no such excuses to roll out. They were able to get the better of Arsenal away last season but if they are to stop the Gunners from equalling their best run of Premier League away wins, then all the stops are going to have to come out too. Team news will be with you shortly. Promise.

Jose Mourinho to deploy under-21 side against Arsenal in the Capital One Cup ... - The Independent

Chelsea will play Arsenal at the Emirates on 29 October, two days after they face City at home in the Premier League. Arsenal play Crystal Palace a day earlier on 26 October. There are also fourth round games scheduled for the following day, Wednesday, but the Football League have decided that Chelsea must play on the earlier of the two days.

Asked about the timing of the fixture today, Mourinho said: "My thought is that I have to make a decision, and my answer is the under-21 team will have a very good experience in the Capital One Cup. We play Sunday against Manchester City, and Tuesday against Arsenal when the people decide the fixtures.

"The players have ... two days. It's something I have to accept because I have no other option, but I have to prioritise, yes. The league is more important. After that we go to Newcastle, too, and probably it will be a good chance for the kids to play a good match."

Chelsea's Under-21s squad itself has been considerably weakened by the club's policy of loaning out many of its players who are just outside the first team group. Chelsea currently have 26 players out on loan, many of whom would be eligible to play Under-21s football including the likes of Nathaniel Chalobah, Josh McEachran and Lucas Piazon.

The Football League has been put in an impossible position by the schedule. The Arsenal v Chelsea tie, as well as City's Capital Cup tie against Newcastle have both been selected for live broadcast by Sky Sports. As such, one has to be played on Tuesday and one the day later.

In the previous round, City played Wigan in the Capital One Cup two days after beating Manchester United at Old Trafford. It is felt that it would be fair if, this time, City had the extra day's rest.

It has also been noted that Tottenham also played their Capital One Cup tie on Tuesday against Aston Villa two days after their Premier League game against Cardiff City. They too are due an extra day's rest. The Chelsea tie cannot be scheduled on the same say as Spurs play because the Metropolitan police will not permit both north London clubs to play at home on the same evening.

Ahead of tomorrow's Premier League game against Tottenham, Mourinho refused to discuss his opposite number Andre Villas-Boas, who worked with him as an opposition scout at Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan. The relationship between the two has gradually deteriorated since Villas-boas left Mourinho during his time in charge of Inter to pursue his own coaching career.

Mourinho said: "I'm not keen to discuss relationships with the media. It's a personal thing, and I'm not here to discuss that. I don't care about what he says. I'm not here to comment on what he says. I'm not interested."

Swansea v Arsenal will reveal sides' standings, says Jamie Redknapp - SkySports

Swansea host Arsenal on Saturday Night Football and I'm looking forward to this game as much as I've looked forward to a game in a long time.

Both teams are in good form, playing great football and the match will tell us a lot about where the Welsh side currently stand and whether Arsene Wenger's men will be able to mount a title challenge this season.

"If Swansea want to go to the next level they have to start winning these big games and Arsenal will be a real test for them."

Jamie Redknapp

The visitors were on an incredible run of 10 away wins in a row in all competitions before seeing West Brom off on penalties on Wednesday night after drawing 1-1 in the League Cup, and will be full of belief heading to the Liberty Stadium.

It seems that since Mesut Ozil's arrival the whole team have had an injection of confidence, while Aaron Ramsey has been the star of the season so far, for me.

The Wales international had a lot of ability as a youngster and everyone was talking about him, but after being made Wales captain he suffered that horrific injury and struggled to regain his best form, even getting stick off his own fans.

We wondered, with the likes of Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta making their mark in the first team, whether he was going to be the one to miss out this year but he's taken on the challenge and been brilliant.

LIVE ON SKY SPORTS

Swansea v Arsenal
5pm, Sat, Sky Sports 1 HD

He's scored seven goals and his performances have been fantastic; he looks like he's full of confidence and feeling good about his game, which comes from his manager showing faith in him.

Arsenal also have an in-form Olivier Giroud leading the line.

Comparisons with the likes of Thierry Henry and Ian Wright have made it tough for the France international but Giroud is a good forward in his own right.

He's not Robin Van Persie but he's a good player and, like a lot of Arsenal players, has hit form at the start of the season.

The Gunners' lack of depth could be a problem if they get a spate of injuries but they can have a good season.

They may still be a player or two away from genuine title contenders but there's a lot for Arsenal fans to be excited about.

Outstanding

Swansea, meanwhile, have been outstanding in the last couple of weeks - their Capital One Cup defeat to Birmingham aside.

That loss was more down to resources than anything else - they haven't got the strength in depth to attack the League Cup as well as the Premier League and Europe.

But their performance against Valencia was fantastic; I know Valencia have been struggling and were down to 10 men but Swansea played them off the park.

Their football philosophy was established by Roberto Martinez a few years ago and has been taken to another level by subsequent managers. They've been getting better and better and have the potential to become a real force in the Premier League.

The one thing detracting from them this season, though, is the fact they've lost the two games they've had against top opposition, in Manchester United and Tottenham.

If you want to go to the next level you have to start winning these big games and Arsenal will be a real test for them.

It will be interesting to see how Michael Laudrup approaches the game - whether he goes with Michu behind Wilfried Bony, or just plays the Spaniard up front on his own - because this is a real chance for Swansea to put down a marker in terms of where they are and where they can go to this year.

For Arsenal, if they win this one, we'll be asking if they can push for the Premier League title; these are the sort of games you have to win to be considered title contenders.

However, given the strengths of both sides, I reckon this could be a tight, score draw. Either way, it should be a fantastic encounter.