Welcome to Edin Dzeko Day...

Today we are dedicating mcfc.co.uk to our popular Bosnian striker in the first of a series of dedicated player days we’ll occasionally have this season.

Edin has made a great start to the 2012/13 season and remains one of the most popular at the Club, so we thought we’d bring you the best of his time at City so far.

There will be a gallery of his best moments with the Blues since his arrival in January 2011, a video of his ten best goals to date, a graphic showing when his goals for City went in and a chance to see the entertaining #askedin video he shot with close pal Aleks Kolarov this summer.

There’s also a special Dzeko announcement this morning plus a downloadable wallpaper to save for your PC.

So, keep checking back throughout the day for everything Edin and let us know what you’re thinking via our official Twitter, Google+ and Facebook pages.

Now how does that Edin song go again…?

WorldFootball Ticket Exchange is purely dedicated for football tickets. It provides Football Tickets for football fans for their favorite football teams

race for Falcao?

The international ‘break,’ may be upon us, but Roberto Mancini has shown that he has no intention of taking his eye off the ball as he sat in the stands at Vicente Calderon on Sunday.

According to Mark Ogden of the Telegraph, the City boss was on a personal scouting mission as he watched alleged transfer target Radamel Falcao help his Atletico Madrid side overcome Malaga in the Spanish capital.

“Mancini’s presence at Atletico’s 2-1 weekend victory over Malaga, in which Falcao scored his eighth goal in six La Liga games so far this season, highlighted growing interest in the former Porto striker among Europe’s leading clubs,” writes Ogden.

Despite the Italians presence at the weekend, it seems he will have a fight on his hands if he is to peruse the in-form striker.

“Mancini’s visit to Estadio Vicente Calderon has done little to unsettle Atletico, however, with president Enrique Cerezo insisting that the club’s position on the player is unchanged,” continues Ogden.

“Chelsea’s interest in Falcao is long-standing, dating back to Andre Villas-Boas’s reign as manager, and the European champions are believed to be Falcao’s favoured destination next summer, when Atletico are expected to sell for a figure in the region of £45m.

“However, Atletico are determined to hold onto Falcao, who scored 36 goals last season until the summer, in order boost the Europa League holders’ prospects of qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since the 2009-10 campaign.”

Of course, if there are any developments on this in the coming weeks, we will be first to let you know.

Elsewhere this morning, West Brom’s James Morrison has called on his team to be “smart,” when the Blues travel to The Hawthorns a week on Saturday.

The Baggies were one of the few sides to take any points from City last season, drawing 0-0 at The Hawthorns on Boxing Day and Morrison told the Birmingham Mail there’s no reason why they can’t do the same this time around.

“It’s a tough game for us next Saturday,” the Scotland midfielder admitted.

“I remember last season we defended like lions and after that game it killed us for a bit. We couldn’t win after that because it took a lot out of us.

“We’re going to have to do the same again and be smart against them.

“At the start of the season we wanted to make this a tough place to come and improve on our home form.

WorldFootball Ticket Exchange is purely dedicated for football tickets. It provides Football Tickets for football fans for their favorite football teams.

CAULKER'S DELIGHT

Steven Caulker was happy to claim a slice of luck for his first Spurs goal - he was simply delighted to make the key breakthrough against Villa.

The defender was in the right place at the right time to open the scoring in the 57th minute in the Premier League encounter at the Lane on Sunday.

Gareth Bale’s deep cross fell to Jermain Defoe, the striker took aim and his shot clipped off Steven’s heel and flew into the net.

Aaron Lennon soon added the second and it was one-way traffic at 2-0 as we made it four wins on the trot in the Premier League.

“I’ve got to be honest, Jermain went for goal and it hit me and went in,” he said. “I was just delighted to get the team 1-0 up.

“It was very fortunate but it’s my first goal for Spurs and hopefully the first of many.”

Fortunate or not, the importance of the goal cannot be underestimated.

“I thought Villa were a good side and they set up well,” added Steven. “That’s why it was important to get that first goal.

“From there, we pushed on and controlled the game. Villa were a threat, they’ve some good strikers, so we’re delighted with a clean sheet.

“We’re on a fantastic run of form and hopefully we’ll continue that after the international break.”

WorldFootball Ticket Exchange is purely dedicated for football tickets. It provides Football Tickets for football fans for their favorite football teams.

THE DATA DAY: CHELSEA V NORWICH CITY

The story of our dominance over the Canaries is told by a season-high number of passes for the Blues, with impact from our three attacking midfielders easy to spot...

Chelsea attempted 732 passes, 81 more than in any other league game this season, and completed 665. That's a 91 per cent success rate, and we had 69 per cent possession across the 90 minutes. Of those, only 34 were deemed to be long passes

Juan Mata and Eden Hazard were both influential, and had identical passing stats, completing 80 from 87 attempts each. Of those, 53 of Hazard's were in the final third, with 49 finding their man. John Mikel Obi was also frequently on the ball, with 79 of 87 passes completed while Ashley Cole impressed by losing possession just three times from 74 passes.

Mata found Hazard 21 times in the game, a number matched by John Terry picking out Cole to his left.
Of Chelsea's 10 starting outfielders, only Fernando Torres (21) was outpassed by any Norwich individual, the other nine all attempted and completed more than the visitors' top passer and playmaker, Wes Hoolahan.
Much has been made of Chelsea's narrow play, with Hazard, Mata and Oscar all interchanging positions and exchanging possession frequently. This allowed Cole and Branislav Ivanovic to spend more time in the opposition half providing width than they did defending. In spite of this, Mata attempted more crosses (six) than any of his team-mates. In total Chelsea attempted 30 to Norwich's 15.

Chelsea tried 24 shots, just under one every three minutes, and is comparable to the 27 attempted against Reading in our first home game of the campaign. Only nine were on target, however.

Much of Norwich's success last season came from Saturday's goalscorer Grant Holt, but after his early strike the forward struggled to influence the game and was well shackled by John Terry and David Luiz. Of seven aerial challenges he attempted, Holt won just two. Terry won four from six and David Luiz one from one.

Only 10 fouls were committed during the game, seven by Chelsea, and referee Anthony Taylor was able to enjoy a quiet afternoon without producing a card.

WorldFootball Ticket Exchange is purely dedicated for football tickets. It provides Football Tickets for football fans for their favorite football teams.

ARSENAL 2 - O READING

Arsenal Under-21s delivered a slick display full of poise and promise to return to winning ways against Reading at Underhill on Monday night.

Terry Burton’s side may have been stocked with first-team players including the impressive Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong, but it was one of the Club’s rising stars who really caught the eye.

Serge Gnabry has been hailed as a “star of the future” by Arsène Wenger and, in front of his manager, the German youth international turned in another thrilling display.

The 17-year-old opened the scoring with a well-taken strike in the 42nd minute after a flowing move involving Frimpong, Wilshere and Thomas Eisfeld - and tormented the Royals throughout.

Arsenal doubled their lead in the 59th minute when Wilshere’s corner was flicked on by Ignasi Miquel and Chuba Akpom headed home from close range.

On a hugely-positive night for the Club, Bacary Sagna completed an hour unscathed on his return from a broken leg, while there were bright performances all over the pitch from the effervescent hosts.

Burton named his most-experienced side of the season for the visit of the Royals, with Wilshere and Frimpong continuing their rehabilitation at Underhill. Having played 63 and 70 minutes respectively at West Brom last week, this would be another important stepping stone towards the first team for the midfield pair.

Elsewhere, Sagna and Andre Santos took the full-back positions, while Francis Coquelin bolstered the midfield. Having come off the bench at The Hawthorns, last week, Gnabry was also handed a starting spot, while England Under-19 international Akpom was named up front.

Reading, meanwhile, included former Arsenal goalkeeper Stuart Taylor in their starting XI, along with Niall Keown - the son of Club legend Martin. There were also places for the experienced trio of Danny Guthrie, Adam Le Fondre and Jason Roberts.

The match started brightly, with both sides moving the ball about nicely in midfield. The focus may have been on Arsenal’s more senior stars, but Gnabry looked determined to make his mark in front of the watching Wenger and came close with a curling effort in the seventh minute.

Moments later Reading came close themselves, as Roberts fed Guthrie on the edge of the area. He moved into space and curled the ball past James Shea but beyond the far post.

It was end-to-end stuff and soon afterwards the influential Frimpong fed Akpom to the left of the area. The striker did well to escape his marker by cutting back inside, but bent his shot over the bar. Soon afterwards, Wilshere found Eisfeld on the overlap on the right flank but the German midfielder’s drilled effort flew harmlessly past the far post.

With Wilshere and Frimpong much improved on their showing at The Hawthorns, Arsenal were dominant in midfield, although it was Gnabry who caught the eye most throughout the first half. Wilshere was clearly enjoying himself, and one delightful backheel to send Eisfeld clear demonstrated his increasing confidence.

For all their possession, Burton’s side struggled to fashion clear-cut chances as the half wore on, but just before the interval they made the breakthrough.

It was a goal that owed much to the tenacity and drive of Frimpong, who chased down a seemingly lost cause on the right flank. The midfielder duly claimed possession, before feeding Wilshere. The 20-year-old then found Eisfeld with a good ball, and the German moved it on to Gnabry.

There was still much work to be done, but the 17-year-old kept his composure to cut in from the right of the box and curl the ball into the far corner. It was a strike that said everything about his rich potential.

The second half almost started with a bang as Sead Hajrovic’s error allowed Le Fondre to run through on goal. He eased his way past Miquel and tried to chip the onrushing Shea but only found the goalkeeper’s hands.

Arsenal started to warm up, and had a golden chance to extend their advantage in the 55th minute as Matthew Partridge’s clearance went straight to Coquelin. The France Under-21 international fed Frimpong in the area, but with the goal gaping he could only scuff his shot wide.

It mattered not. Just four minutes later Wilshere whipped in a corner from the right, Miquel flicked it on at the near post and Akpom powered a header home from close range. It was no more than they deserved.

The goal provoked an almost instant response by Reading, and they had two big chances to halve their deficit through Roberts and Jack Taylor - but missed them both. The second opportunity in particular was as gilt-edged as they come as Taylor somehow scooped the ball over from five yards.

Roberts had another big chance in the 68th minute when he pushed aside Hajrovic to run through into the area, but curled his effort high and wide.

Sagna lasted an hour, while Wilshere eventually made way after 74 minutes, but both will have every reason to be delighted with their performances.

Slowly but surely, Arsenal’s injured stars and biggest hopes for the future are marching towards the first team. And on this evidence, we will not have long to wait until we see them there.

WorldFootball Ticket Exchange is purely dedicated for football tickets. It provides Football Tickets for football fans for their favorite football teams.

MATCH REPORT: CHELSEA 4 NORWICH CITY 1

SummaryChelsea's impressive start to the season continues after we came from behind to earn a convincing win against Norwich at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The visitors went in front early through forward Grant Holt, but Fernando Torres quickly levelled with a fine header, and 10 minutes later we were ahead when Frank Lampard rattled home a superb half-volley.

A swift counter-attack from Juan Mata allowed him to create a third for Eden Hazard, and Branislav Ivanovic smashed a fourth in the second half to maintain our unbeaten start to the campaign and move us four points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Team news

Roberto Di Matteo made three changes to the side that beat FC Nordsjaelland on Tuesday night, with Hazard and John Terry both back in the team, and John Mikel Obi recalled to play his 250^th Chelsea game.
Those three replaced Victor Moses, Gary Cahill and Ramires, all of whom were on the bench. Hazard started on the left, with in-form Mata on the right with the licence to cut inside. Ashley Cole also started despite making the headlines in the newspapers.

Norwich, beaten 5-2 by Liverpool last weekend, were much-changed, with former Spurs centre-back Sebastien Bassong returning in defence, and last season's top scorer and captain Grant Holt leading the attack.

Chelsea's bench included Cesar Azpilicueta, who would make a late appearance for a league debut.

First half

Chelsea should have been in front inside three minutes, when Fernando Torres beat the offside trap and was set free by Mikel's lofted pass. The striker ran on, but then inexplicably opted to try and turn into a crowded penalty area rather than shoot with his stronger right foot. The hesitation allowed Bassong in to block.

It was not long before we were made to pay, as Holt fired Norwich in front on 10 minutes, striking hard and low past a helpless Petr Cech after Leon Barnett had nodded Wes Hoolahan's cross down. The visitors had been afforded far too much space both in delivering and meeting the cross, and Holt was typically uncompromising with his blasted finish.

Torres had some making up to do, and was quickly demonstrating his instinctive best as he headed Chelsea level three minutes later. Branislav Ivanovic combined with Mata to whip a cross into the box from the right, and the former Liverpool hitman was on hand to meet the ball and direct it hard into John Ruddy's bottom right-hand corner. Honours even and Torres forgiven for his earlier indecision.


Most would have expected the equaliser to settle the nerves around Stamford Bridge, but defensively the
Blues still looked incredibly unorganised. Hoolahan's cross was met by Alexander Tettey who couldn't direct the header, and then with another bite of the cherry Bradley Johnson could only side-foot straight at Cech.
This time it was Norwich who would regret their profligacy, as Frank Lampard converted a superbly-struck half-volley from the edge of the box, after Torres had seen an overhead kick blocked by a defender.

It was Lampard's 189th Chelsea goal, and his 129thin the Premier League, to take him ahead of Roy Bentley and level with Bobby Tambling for club league strikes.

It was turning into a good afternoon for the Stamford Bridge faithful, and it would get even better on the 30-minute mark when Mata robbed the ball in his own half following a Norwich corner, and broke fast into opposition territory.

With options right and left, he went left, and found Hazard with a perfectly weighted pass, allowing the Belgian the simple task of side-footing beyond Ruddy to double our advantage.

Norwich are yet to win this season, and Hughton had demanded a reaction after the Liverpool defeat last week. They provided one with the ingenuity of Hoolahan, the diminutive midfielder, at the heart of all they did good. It was his low cross, aimed for Holt, that forced Terry to almost divert into his own goal.

Back on the front foot, Oscar, until this point quiet, danced around two challenges inside the box before passing the ball low towards goal, bringing a lively save from Ruddy.

Shortly before the break there were signs once again that defensively, Chelsea were not as tight as we have been. Johnson's deep cross found Holt with space, though Terry did just enough in closing him down to force the striker off-target with his header.

Second half

The second period began in the same fashion as the first ended, Holt glancing a header just wide under pressure from Terry as Norwich sought a way back into the game.

Had referee Anthony Taylor seen things a little differently they might have been well out of it by the 53rd minute, with Hazard tripped by Barnett inside the box when chasing a pass. There was a clear obstruction of the Chelsea man, who felt he should have had a penalty.

Ruddy then made two decent stops, one from Oscar, the next from Hazard, who was denied by the keeper's legs after tidy Chelsea passing.

Ramires was brought on for Lampard to add a little more protection, but further up the pitch there was still fun to be had as Ivanovic crashed home a fourth to put us in complete control.

Oscar crossed from the left, eventually finding Mata, whose flick into the air fell perfectly for the Serbian to hammer home into the bottom corner.

With the game won it was time for Chelsea's great entertainers to enjoy themselves, with the fantastic three of Mata, Hazard and Oscar running Norwich's midfield ragged, while sub Oriol Romeu twice went narrowly wide as he sought a first league goal to add to his Capital One Cup penalty against Wolves last week.




Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic (Azpilicueta 78), David Luiz, Terry (c), Cole; Mikel (Romeu 82), Lampard (Ramires 67); Mata, Oscar, Hazard; Torres.

Unused subs Turnbull, Cahill, Bertrand, Moses.
Goals Torres 14, Lampard 21, Hazard 30, Ivanovic 76

Norwich City (4-4-1-1): Ruddy; R Martin, Barnett, Bassong (R Bennett 78), Garrido; E Bennett, Howson, Tettey, Johnson (Pilkington 68); Hoolahan; Holt (c) (Morison 77).

Unused subs Bunn, Snodgrass, Turner, Jackson.
Goals Holt 10

WorldFootball Ticket Exchange is purely dedicated for football tickets. It provides Football Tickets for football fans for their favorite football teams. 

WEST HAM UNITED 1-3 ARSENAL

Arsenal came from behind to secure a barnstorming 3-1 win at West Ham on Saturday evening.
Olivier Giroud was crucial in the revival. After Mohamed Diame had fired the hosts in front, it was the Frenchman who touched home Lukas Podolski's cross just before half-time.

Then having soaked up their fair share of pressure in a see-saw game, Giroud's touch sent Theo Walcott through to fire Arsenal in front with 13 minutes left.

Santi Cazorla's 25-yard strike was all his own work and secured the points seven minutes from time.
This was a superb win for Arsenal, one in which their character shone through. They utterly controlled the first half-hour only to fall behind. West Ham always made matters uncomfortable for the visitors but Arsène Wenger's side stayed true to their passing principles in a performance which repairs much of the damage done in last weekend's defeat to Chelsea.

This result lifted Arsenal up to fifth in the Premier League but, more importantly, it allows the Club's supporters to feel genuinely optimistic about their title chances this season.

Wenger's team selection suggested he had this game labelled as the toughest of tests. The big men - Giroud and Per Mertesacker - returned at either of the pitch. The Frenchman's inclusion meant Gervinho reverted to a role on the right-hand side. Laurent Koscielny and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made way.

The other change was straightforward - Aaron Ramsey for Francis Coquelin.

West Ham was a familiar cauldron at kick-off. The east London side had started the weekend above Arsenal in the table and welcomed back Andy Carroll for his first start since that spectacular debut against Fulham.

However, perhaps surprisingly, Arsenal dominated from the off. Cazorla, Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey ran the midfield, pushing back West Ham in the process.

There were chances too. Giroud's snapshot forced Jussi Jaaskelainen into a low save at his near post. Then Cazorla met Kieran Gibbs' low cross with a first time shot that was deflected wide.

Arsenal were having all the pressure at this stage. Carl Jenkinson's dangerous low cross was blocked and from the resulting corner Giroud's curler hit Carroll with Jaaskelainen stranded.

In the first 15 minutes, the stats said Arsenal had enjoyed over 80 per cent of possession - an incredible figure. However at times they had not delivered the final ball well enough and, midway through the half, West Ham would make them pay.

The move began when Guy Demel cleverly won the ball on the right and eventually it was swept wide to Diame on the left of the area. The Senegalese midfielder fooled his way past Ramsey and, from an acute angle, curled a wonderful shot into the far corner.

Naturally West Ham kicked on as a result with, as ever, Carroll their focus. Noble's corner was met powerfully by the England striker but Mannone plucked the ball out of the air.

However, having digested the goal, Arsenal recovered as half-time approached. Mertesacker's header was diverted the ball away from the onrushing Giroud.

Four minutes the break, the Frenchman would get the goal his tireless running deserved. Podolski reached the byline on the left-hand side and sent a low cross into the area. Giroud timed his run perfectly to prod home with power at the near post. It seemed a crucial turn around but, at the death, Noble's free-kick was won by Carroll at the far post and Nolan nudged the ball past the upright with Mannone stranded.

The game was much more even at the start of the second half. Just after Gibbs made way from Andre Santos, Matt Jarvis fired over after Ramsey's miscue.

Then midway through the half Carroll beat Mannone in the air but the ball flew wide of the unguarded net.
But Arsenal had chances too. Giroud just failed to slide home Walcott's backheel and Cazorla jinked through before slashing a shot wide when he should have hit the target.

The game was becoming an end-to-end affair. Mertesacker made a crucial tackle on Nolan after he went through then Arsenal had strong claims for a penalty when Ramsey was clipped. Podolski nearly beat Jaaskelainen with the rebound.

Arsenal were now turning the screw. Podolski's shot deflected just wide and with 13 minutes left, they finally found a second. Giroud's excellent touch put Walcott through in the right-hand channel. He steadied himself and fired home.

The chances still flowed. Nolan swept a effort over the bar when he might have scored then a swivelling Mertesacker saw his shot deflect just past the far post.

It was too open for Arsenal as they now had the lead. They needed to shore up the game or find a third. They went for the later.

Walcott, under pressure, found Cazorla on the left 25 yards out. The Spaniard sent a dipping drive beyond Jaaskelainen. A wonderful effort.

There were chances at either end in the dying minutes - it was that sort of game. But Arsenal had switched to cruise control now and saw out the game.

WorldFootball Ticket Exchange is purely dedicated for football tickets. It provides Football Tickets for football fans for their favorite football teams. 

Mannone - This is my best time at Arsenal

Vito Mannone has strenuously denied he has any concerns about his future at Arsenal and, in contrast, believes this is his best period in seven years at the Club.

Media reports on Sunday morning suggested the keeper was “anxious” over a new deal and may seek to leave next summer if a contract could not be agreed. However, speaking to Arsenal.com later that day, the Italian confirmed he was focused solely on securing his place as Arsenal’s No 1.

 Mannone already has a long-term deal in place and has impressed since taking the gloves from the injured Wojciech Szczesny.

“Neither myself nor anyone from my family or friends have spoken about any deal,” said the 24-year-old, who signed from Atalanta back in 2005. “At the moment I am really happy and just focusing on training and playing well.

“I am trying to be the No 1 for this Club and win trophies. That is my only concern and I would like to make that clear.

“The boss has given me the chance. I have to keep going and prove myself in every single game. This is my best time at Arsenal so I would crazy to not take the chance to put up a fight for my place.

“I am really happy and honoured to play for this Club. I am loving every minute of each game.

 West Ham was a great win in a tough place and I was happy to give my contribution.

“I just want to tell everyone I am just trying do well and give something back to the fans who support the team as well as the boss who has given me the chance.”

WorldFootball Ticket Exchange is purely dedicated for football tickets. It provides Football Tickets for football fans for their favorite football teams. 

TEAM NEWS: CHELSEA V NORWICH CITY

There are three changes to the side that began in Denmark. John Mikel Obi returns in place of Ramires to play his 250^th game for Chelsea.

Also back in are Eden Hazard and John Terry. Victor Moses and Gary Cahill make way.
Norwich are much changed after their heavy home defeat against Liverpool. Sebastien Bassong is fit and returns to central defence. Grant Holt replaces Steve Morison up front.

Chelsea are expected to line up in the following 4-2-3-1 formation:
1 Petr Cech
2 Branislav Ivanovic
4 David Luiz
26 John Terry (c)
3 Ashley Cole
12 John Mikel Obi
8 Frank Lampard
10 Juan Mata
11 Oscar
17 Eden Hazard
9 Fernando Torres

Substitutes: 22 Ross Turnbull, 28 Cesar Azpilicueta, 24 Gary Cahill, 34 Ryan Bertrand, 6 Oriol Romeu, 7 Ramires, 13 Victor Moses.

Norwich are expected to line up in the following 4-5-1 formation:

Ruddy; R Martin (c), Barnett, Bassong, Garrido; E Bennett, Howson, Tettey, Hoolahan, Johnson; Holt
Subs: Bunn, Snodgrass, Turner, Pilkington, R Bennett, Jackson, Morison.

Fans can buy or sell the Football Tickets online at 100% secure and safe system of World Football Ticket Exchange.

NEWCASTLE UNITED Fancy A Flutter Against Man Utd?

Manchester United are the visitors to Tyneside this weekend, and ahead of the big match on Sunday afternoon, your official matchday programme is once more packed with exclusives.

In our main interview slot we talk at length to Steve Harper - the veteran goalkeeper who is back between the posts for United in his 15th season with the senior squad.

And in our popular iToons feature, midfielder Jonás Gutiérrez is the latest player to speak candidly about life on-and-off the pitch, as he covers everything from Messi and Maradona to music and his mum!

French star Yohan Cabaye looks back at his time growing up in the city of Lille in Hometown Heroes, and reveals the surprise identity of his boyhood idol, who has links to our visitors from Manchester.

Our latest Young Gun interview features Shane Ferguson - the Northern Ireland international who has leapt off the bench to great effect over the last fortnight and is hoping for more first-team action.

With England's revamped top flight now in its 20th year, Premier League Years focuses on every Newcastle season since it began, with this week's feature looking at the dramatic 1996/97 campaign.

Elsewhere, the Daily Telegraph's Henry Winter is the latest journalist to give us his views From the Press Box, as he explains why he's taking a dip in the River Tyne ahead of Sunday's clash.

And our award-winning opposition section brings you the low-down on our visitors from the North-West, including profiles of their main players and a round-up of their season so far.
The programme is on sale in our Official Club Store at the stadium, and will be available around the ground on matchday as usual.

WorldFootball Ticket Exchange is purely dedicated for football tickets. It provides Football Tickets for football fans for their favorite football teams

Fenerbahce S K 1& City 1 session 2012/13

An impressive City EDS drew their third NextGen Series encounter 1-1 with Fenerbahce in a cauldron of an atmosphere in Istanbul.

Denis Suarez gave City the lead shortly after the break but a second freak own goal in the space of a week cost the Blues’ maximum points.

All the sights and sounds of a typical Turkish Champions League night provided a unique and valuable experience for Attilio Lombardo’s men, as were greeted by flares and firecrackers from the stands as they made their way onto the field at the Maltepe Stadý.

City handed a debut to France under-16’s star Jules Ntcham and were able to welcome back Jordi Hiwula to the line-up after his successful Euro u19 Qualifying campaign with England.

Hiwula was immediately involved, racing clear of the back four only to be brought down a yard outside the box by Hasan in the Fenerbahce goal – although it was early in the game, it was a surprise that the referee allow him to stay on the field and the hosts were able to defend the subsequent free-kick from Suarez.

A tight first half of few clear chances followed, with most of the action played out in the centre of the field as both sides sought to win the midfield battle but the match really came to the boil after the interval.

City’s period of sustained earned its reward in the 49^th minute when Ntcham’s cross from the right hand side was met by Suarez who turned in from close range to complete a hugely impressive week for the Spaniard who was so impressive against Crystal Palace on Monday night.



It was a lead that the Blues were able to preserve in relative comfort until the 67^th minute when a cross from the right was deflected past a wrong-footed Lawlor to level matters.

It was Wales Under-21 midfielder Emyr Huws who came closest to finding the winner, hooking a shot onto the crossbar but Lombardo will be satisfied that the Blues have claimed four points in their back to back encounters with a very talented Fenerbahce outfit.

Time will tell, but it could prove to be a point worth its weight in gold.

City EDS are next in action in the NextGen Series against Juventus away in Turin on 31 October.

WorldFootball Ticket Exchange is purely dedicated for football tickets. It provides Football Tickets for football fans for their favorite football teams

Symons' Verdict

After the disappointment of Monday’s defeat on Merseyside, Under-21s Manager Kit Symons was delighted with the response shown by his side against Chelsea at Craven Cottage on Friday evening.

A Charles Banya strike put Fulham ahead only for the visitors to strike back with a free-kick, before Marcello Trotta’s brace secured all three points for the Whites.

“I’m very pleased as it was a decent performance,” Kit told fulhamfc.com after the game. “Obviously we had a few senior players out there so it was good to get the win.”

The senior players he refers to are Philippe Senderos and Ashkan Dejagah – who both impressed in their 45 minutes on the pitch – Kerim Frei, and new signing Mickael Tavares. Frei put in a Man of the Match display with assists for both of Trotta’s goals, while Tavares demonstrated a real enthusiasm in the middle of the park.

The First Teamers in the side were perfectly complemented by some of our younger stars and Kit was pleased with the combination of youth and experience out on the pitch.

“It was a decent balance,” he said. “It’s always difficult when you have senior players coming down who haven’t been training with the group; they were all training with us yesterday but obviously, as a group, they’re normally with the First Team.

“So it can prove difficult at times but it all seemed to fit quite well tonight so it was very pleasing all round.”
Chelsea came close to finding a way back into the contest when they hit either post with free-kicks in the second half, but Kit was pleased with the way his side coped with our local rivals.

“They were trying to get back into the game and they were pushing so they were left a bit open at the back,” Symons explained. “They were committing bodies forward, as they do – they always play in the right way, they play good football and they’ve got a lot of good players, but so have we.

“We created a lot of good chances and probably should have made it more comfortable than it was in the end. Their biggest threat was from free-kicks but I thought we were dangerous with them as well; we hit the post with one ourselves.”

The opening goal is one that will likely split opinion as to what Banya’s intention was when he made contact with the ball. He deserves credit in the first instance for reaching it with a lung-busting sprint, before he volleyed the ball at full-stretch over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.

“He says to me he meant it!” Kit laughed when quizzed on the goal. “He did have a little look up to see where the ‘keeper was as the ball was coming in. I think he tried to control it to be honest but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and say it was a good finish!

“He did really well to get something on it in the first place. It was a great cross-field, diagonal ball from Philippe Senderos – that was something we spoke about before the game as we thought that was an area where we’d be able to hurt them in behind their full-backs and Charlie came up with his exquisite finish.”

WorldFootball Ticket Exchange is purely dedicated for football tickets. It provides Football Tickets for football fans for their favorite football teams

PRE-MATCH BRIEFING: CHELSEA V NORWICH CITY - PART TWO

To continue the countdown to Chelsea blue taking on Canary yellow today, club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton are joined by former player Clive Walker…

TACTICAL BRIEFThe league leaders aim to avoid a first defeat against Norwich since 1994 and take a three-point lead at the top into the international break. Former Blues winger Clive Walker weighs up how that may be achieved.

Key battles'I think Robbie Di Matteo deserves a lot of credit for the way he has picked the right team for most occasions so far,' says Clive. 'It is still early days and there is lots of hard work still to do but he has been able to set out a good tactical line-up to get the result while giving the right players game time or a rest.

'It's about getting points in the bag, the ultimate goal being to win the Premier League. From what I have seen so far I reckon we've got a chance of winning it. The players have got to believe, and the fans too. Winning the title back would be the ultimate after last year.

'John Terry is still the best central defender at the club but he was given the night off on Tuesday and we still kept a clean sheet away to what was a talented Nordsjaelland team.

'I imagine JT will be back in the team on Saturday because although any two from the three centre-halves is a good one, you want your captain leading, organising and keeping it solid.

'Norwich have not been setting the world on fire in front of goal but they have some quality upfront. Last season pundits were calling for Grant Holt to be called up for Euro 2012, and he scored against us here, after a mix-up between Henrique Hilario and Branislav Ivanovic.

'He's a big, powerful lad and he will have the bit between his teeth after scoring against Liverpool. Steve Morison too, and he's a similarly burly sort of player. Norwich will be looking for the ball behind for the forwards to run on to.

'The new boy Simeon Jackson is quicker and more mobile and has been partnering Holt upfront in a 4-4-2, but they switched to a 4-2-3-1 when the Ghanaian, Alexander Tettey, was put on in midfield and I think that's how they'll set up on Saturday.

'Paul Lambert came here and attacked, but I can see Chris Hughton thinking safety first is the best policy when you visit Stamford Bridge. It may be another Stoke, where everyone - players, crowd - have to remain patient and whoever has the chance must take it, just like Ashley Cole did.

'It really helps if you're knocking them in from set plays. You have that extra confidence every time there's a dead-ball situation and the opposition are nervous too.

'Let's be honest we haven't been scoring many free kicks in recent seasons and fans love to see more of a threat there. It's those moments that can swing a tough match. Long may it continue.

'I would have thought Tettey will be a defensive anchor in midfield, and that will be his first Premier League start since switching from Rennes in the French league. He will have his work cut out, whoever Robbie selects to play in that forward three behind Fernando Torres. I wouldn't want to face that lot straight away - any visitor making their debut against us is perfect.

'Norwich know they will have to deal with loads of pace, energy and quick passes. If they're not careful they will be giving away fouls in very dangerous areas. We saw that last week - and that was against Arsenal, who are a top side.

'Juan Mata especially stands out at the moment. When he is on the ball he uses it very well. He's making and scoring the goals too. That rest he had has given him a new lease of life.

'For a young man Oscar does a job for the team, like limiting Mikel Arteta's contribution last Saturday, and he may have a slightly freer role against Norwich, especially if Mikel - who is having an excellent season - returns as expected. The system change, with two in there, has made him a much, much better player.

'This might be a chance for Brana to have a break - he has played every minute in the league and Champions League so far and may play for Serbia next week too. We saw Cesar Azpilicueta's all-round qualities as a right-back against Wolves and the fans took to him straight away. Having said that the management may be reluctant to break up a full-back pairing that is working so well.

'One thing Robbie and his staff might consider, though, is that City's Javier Garrido had a bit of a nightmare last time he was here with Man City, a few years back.

'We beat them 6-0 and he was pretty much at fault on every goal. Hughton will not want him switching off like he did then, but a tricky player down our right might cause him problems.'

Squad news:

Daniel Sturridge's hamstring injury will keep the striker out for one more game. He is expected to be fit for the next match after the international break.

For Norwich defender Sebastien Bassong (hamstring) and wideman Anthony Pilkington (back) could return.
Full-back Steven Whittaker is out with an ankle injury and striker Harry Kane, on-loan from Spurs, has a broken metatarsal.

WorldFootball Ticket Exchange is purely dedicated for football tickets. It provides Football Tickets for football fans for their favorite football teams

Wenger - Centre backs must be technical now

Arsène Wenger believes it is essential for centre backs to be technically proficient due to the changing structure of modern teams.

The Arsenal manager used to favour a 4-4-2 formation in his early days at the Club, but in recent years this has evolved into a fluid 4-3-3 system.

Many other clubs have followed the same trend, and Wenger believes this has had a major effect on centre backs in particular.

“[The role] is changing to increase the shape of the teams,” he said. “The traditional shape of football was 4-4-2 and the new shape is to have one isolated striker.

“In a 4-4-2 system, the two full backs get the ball first because the two strikers are in the middle and the two centre backs are marked so the keeper’s first solution is to the full backs.

“In the modern game, the two full backs are marked by two wingers or wide midfielders and the first available player are the centre backs as they are playing two against one.

“That means the importance of that technical quality is much more important. Even if they are less good defensively, they have less to deal with than two against two - they are always in a two against one situation.
“The start of the game is with the centre backs nowadays, and that’s why that technical ability has suddenly become important.” 

WorldFootball Ticket Exchange is purely dedicated for football tickets. It provides Football Tickets for football fans for their favorite football teams

Wenger - Gervinho can become a centre forward

Arsène Wenger believes Gervinho has the ability to become a successful centre forward.

The Ivorian started his Arsenal career on the flank but has been deployed as a striker this season, scoring five times in just seven appearances.

Wenger considers Gervinho’s pace and movement to be a real threat to opposing teams and is delighted with the 25-year-old’s improved finishing.

“The thinking was to use well his quality of movement and his pace,” Wenger said. “But of course you have to overcome a little bit of an obstacle that he doesn’t correspond well to the traditional image you have of a central striker.

“I did that [changed position] with Robin van Persie. He was more a technical player, it was not obvious to put him as the central striker.

“I did it with Thierry Henry, I did it now with Gervinho and I think I will do it as well with Walcott.

“They have other qualities that is well suited to our game. Our game is based on movement and technical ability and they have that.”

WorldFootball Ticket Exchange is purely dedicated for football tickets. It provides Football Tickets for football fans for their favorite football teams.

Tueart believes Blues will have the edge

 Former City star Dennis Tueart is looking forward to the visit of Sunderland perhaps more than most.

Tueart, who played for Sunderland between 1968 and 1974 before joining City and making 269 appearances as well as banging in 107 goals during two spells at Maine Road, believes there is a great affinity between the two Premier League teams that stretches back many years.

“I can see so many similarities between the clubs that it’s frightening,” he said. “Both City and Sunderland were under-achievers for many years, both well respected with big, passionate followings who hadn’t tasted success for several decades but today are two of the biggest clubs in England.

“I think there is a lot of affection between the two sets of fans and a definite affinity – there always has been.

"The scenes on the last day of last season where Sunderland fans did the Poznan after the final whistle prove as much. I think Sunderland and Newcastle have always related to City and United and it is true to this day.

“Sunderland fans still talk of the City goals I scored that beat Newcastle in the 1976 League Cup final and the hat-trick I scored against them a year or so after so I think I’m still in credit up on Wearside!”

Though Tueart has long been a City man as a player and a former director, the Black Cats will always hold a special place in his heart. He explained: “I suppose my ideal scenario would be a 2-2 draw on Saturday – if it was later in the season I may revise that slightly, but because it’s early on, a draw would be nice.

“It should be a great game because Martin O’Neill’s sides always play attractive football and they will come here to play.

"I don’t think Adam Johnson will be fit if what I read in the papers is true and that’s a shame because he would have got a great reception from the City fans and he’s an exciting player to watch. So a draw would be nice, but I expect City to win.”

WorldFootball Ticket Exchange is purely dedicated for football tickets. It provides Football Tickets for football fans for their favorite football teams.

City v Sunderland: Mancini preview

 Roberto Mancini is concerned that the Blues will face Sunderland having had just two full days to recover following the 1-1 draw with Dortmund.

The City boss is expected to make several changes against the Black Cats as he attempts to invigorate his starting eleven after an exhausting midweek battle with the Bundesliga champions.

“We played on Wednesday night and on Saturday we start at lunchtime – it doesn’t give the players much time to recover which is why I had to rest some players against Dortmund,” said Mancini.

“We need at least five or six of the team to be fresh against Sunderland – every other country has at least three days before their next game – some have four – so this is a problem for us and for the teams in this country.”

Mancini knows his team face a difficult 90 minutes against a side that took four points off City last season. The Blues lost 1-0 at the Stadium of Light before fighting back from two goals down to draw at the Etihad Stadium.

“Every time we play Sunderland they give a fantastic performance and I think it will be the same for this game,” he said.

“We only took a point against them last season, but we battled back from 3-1 down with five minutes to go to draw 3-3 and that point perhaps won us the title. We need to remember that game and how difficult it was for us – but also for the spirit and determination we showed.”

The Blues’ boss also gave praise to former City winger Adam Johnson who left the Club in the summer, admitting that the England start could quite easily have still been among his squad under different circumstances.

“Adam Johnson was a terrific player for us, but he needed to play every game and we couldn’t guarantee that for him.

“I’m sure he will do really well for Sunderland and maybe even go to another top team in the future because he deserves this. I like Adam, he is a fantastic guy and I know he will do well for his club and his country.”

Though tomorrow will probably come too soon for Micah Richards, England defender Joleon Lescott could be in line for a recall.

“Joleon is a very important player for us and a very good defender,” said Mancini.

“Matija Nastasic played well at Fulham which is why he started against Dortmund but we will need fresh legs against Sunderland. It is a long season and we need all our best players to contribute.”

WorldFootball Ticket Exchange is purely dedicated for football tickets. It provides Football Tickets for football fans for their favorite football teams.

NEW DEAL SIGNED WITH SINGHA

Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce we have signed a new five-year deal with our official beer partner Singha.

The agreement will see the Thai beer company remain a sponsor of the club until 2017 and further underlines Chelsea FC's growth and popularity across Asia.

Chief executive Ron Gourlay said: 'We are pleased to have renegotiated and extended our partnership with Singha Beer.

'We have enjoyed a fantastic relationship with Singha over the past two years and certainly a highlight for the football club was taking the first team to play a game in Bangkok in 2011 as part of our Here to Play, Here to Stay pre-season tour of the region. The youth team also visited Bangkok this summer playing the Leo All Stars side in front of 7,500 local fans.

'Singha have been an excellent partner and we look forward to working with them over the next five years.'
Piti Bhirom-Bhakdi, board member of Singha Beer, said: 'We have embarked upon an incredible relationship with this great team and it has been our privilege to be associated with Chelsea Football Club.

'Working with Chelsea FC has been a wonderful experience from day one and we at Singha are very proud to be part of this club during its most successful period in its history.

'Singha is delighted to be given a chance to extend this fruitful relationship until 2017 and hopefully many more years afterwards. Next year is Singha's 80th anniversary and we see no better fitting way to celebrate this than continuing with this successful relationship with Chelsea FC.'

This weekend's Premier League fixture against Norwich will mark the occasion and fans attending the game at Stamford Bridge will get the opportunity to experience some of Thailand's culture.

A tuk tuk will be located at Stamford Gate for supporters to pose for photos and nearby 20 Thai dancers in traditional dress will perform. On the pitch prior to kick-off a number of Thai football freestylers will also show off their skills.

Brewed by Boon Rawd Brewery Co, Ltd - the first and largest brewery in Thailand since 1933 - Singha Lager has earned a reputation as one of the finest quality lagers in the world, receiving numerous international awards with a strong global presence in over 50 countries worldwide.

Singha Beer is sold exclusively at Stamford Bridge including stadium kiosks, bars, restaurants and hotels.
This year has seen Chelsea FC launch an official Blue Pitch in Thailand, the third in Asia having already opened facilities in Hong Kong and Malaysia.

The announcement follows recent sponsorship news that Gazprom, Audi, Sauber F1 and Delta Air Lines have all become Chelsea FC global partners. Samsung have also exercised their right to extend their partnership with the club until 2015.

WorldFootball Ticket Exchange is purely dedicated for football tickets. It provides Football Tickets for football fans for their favorite football teams.

Arsenal 3-1 Olympiacos

Arsenal took a major step towards qualification from Champions League Group B with a hard-fought 3-1 win over Olympiacos at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.

With Arsène Wenger serving his suspension in the stands once again, Steve Bould’s side struggled for real cohesion throughout but they certainly did enough to edge a tight encounter.

Gervinho’s low drive put the home side in front just three minutes from the break but, in truth, Olympiacos were worth their excellent equaliser from Kostas Mitroglou on the half-time whistle.

Still, Arsenal steeled themselves in the second half and Gevinho set up Lukas Podolski to thunder home a second at the near post. They seemed to have control well before substitute Aaron Ramsey ended the argument in injury time from Oliver Giroud’s clever flick.

With Schalke and Montpellier drawing 2-2 in Germany, Arsenal now have clear daylight at the top of Group B.

This was not a memorable European night by any means. But Arsenal did what they needed to do.

And, over the course of a long, hard season, that is sometimes perfectly good enough.

Bould made two changes from the side beaten by Chelsea at the weekend - both in midfield. Francis Coquelin came in for the injured Abou Diaby and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain replaced Ramsey. Mikel Arteta passed a late fitness test to play but Per Mertesacker was omitted from the squad due to sickness.

Arsenal and Schalke had scraped narrow away wins on Matchday One. Both were at home this evening and another win would have left Group B about a dichotomous as possible - two teams on six points and two on zero.

This was third visit of Olympiacos to Emirates Stadium in four seasons. They had been beaten on the two previous occasions - albeit narrowly - and Wenger suggested their potentially parlous position made them dangerous this evening.

As the rain swept over Emirates at kick-off, Arsenal had clearly decided to fight fire with fire. There was a positivity about their play, a spark that suggested they were eager to regain the stylish reputation that had taken a dent after Saturday’s defeat.

Kieran Gibbs and Santi Cazorla were the outstanding attacking threats. They combined for Arsenal’s best chance on the quarter-hour. The Englishman was hauled down on the left and the Spaniard’s fizzing free-kick was tipped over by Balazs Megyeri.

For the first half of the first half, Arsenal were persistent and probing. But they could not keep up the pace.

As the game wore on, Olympiacos grew in stature. Just before the half-hour, Mitroglou fired a low shot through a thicket of defenders. Vito Mannone saw it late but managed to clutch the ball on the stretch.

A few minutes later, Giannis Maniatis whipped over a cross from the right and the unmarked Paulo Machado prodded the bouncing ball over the bar from close range. A major let-off.

It seemed Arsenal were under scrutiny and so, perhaps, you could argue their goal was against the run of play.
Three minutes before half-time, Gibbs cut the ball back from the left flank towards Arteta who was dispossessed by Jose Holebas in the D. Gervinho collected the ball and threaded an acute low shot back across the keeper and into the corner.

It seemed to be a crucial breach; a heartbreaker for Olympiacos.

Except that they would be level three minutes later.

Leandro Greco whipped in wonderful ball in from the left and Mitroglou, high and seemingly hanging in the air, guided a accurate header into the far corner.

Arsenal seemed determined to impose themselves at the start of the second half. They were not a their best tonight but sheer will hauled them back into the ascendency.
Gervinho was becoming increasingly influential. He set up Cazorla, who sidefooted wide when he should have tested the keeper.

In the 56th minute, he set up the second. The Ivorian’s initial cross came back to him on the left-hand byline. His second attempt found Podolski at the near post. The German’s shot was so fierce it went through Megyeri.

A third nearly followed straight away. After Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was stopped in his tracks on the right, Koscielny nodded the resulting free kick over the bar from six yards out.

Olympiacos were still ambitious and, in response to the goal, began to flex their muscles again. Bould brought on Theo Walcott to exploit their exertions on the break and Giround to add a focal point.

The Frenchman nearly converted a cross soon after coming on. A minute from time, Ramsey’s backheel sent Cazorla scuttling through on the left. His cutback was met by a fierce shot from Giroud. It hit the back of the unaware Dimitris Siovas and flew wide.

It was that kind of night for Arsenal; effective in some places, off-beam in others.

Ramsey clipped home a third in added time after being released by Giroud’s accurate nod on.

It gave Arsenal security for the first time in the night - and also three valuable points.

World Football Ticket Exchange is purely dedicated for football tickets. It provides Football Tickets for football fans for their favorite football teams.

Continental Cup Final countdown begins

The final countdown to the pinnacle of the domestic women's football calendar begins when Arsenal Ladies play Birmingham City Ladies in the 2012 FA WSL Continental Cup Final on Wednesday 10th October (7pm KO) at the Underhill Stadium, Barnet FC.

The match promises to be a spectacular finish to a massive year for the women's game and football fans of all ages are urged to come out in force, to see the two best professional women's teams in the country, compete for a chance of silverware.

With a family ticket costing only £15, the Continental Cup Final offers a perfect evening of top class football at an affordable price. In a 'first' for football, fans will be able to experience a special in-match show with Radio 1 and 5Live's Comedy Dave. Fans will receive an earpiece as part of their ticket price (or can pay £2 on the day) to hear Comedy Dave talking with a host of England and FA WSL special guests throughout the match.

In addition, The FA Girls' Football Festival will be coming to Barnet FC from 3.30pm, with the aim of providing girls of all ages and ability the opportunity to experience football. The FREE event allows girls to sample football through interactive games, FA coaching, the ContiWarmUp programme, as well as the chance to meet the stars of the FA WSL.

Following the success of the 2012 Olympics which saw record breaking crowds, huge TV audiences and positive media coverage, both Arsenal Ladies and Birmingham City Ladies are hoping to continue the momentum and excite football fans in front of a roaring crowd, in the crowning match of the FA WSL season.

World Football Ticket Exchange is purely dedicated for football tickets. It provides Football Tickets for football fans for their favorite football teams. 

Champions League: Robin van Persie brace seals United win over Cluj

Manchester United beat Cluj 2-1 in Champions League while Chelsea triumph over Nordsjaelland 4-0

Robin van Persie, who scored twice, has a shot for Manchester United against Cluj

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie continued his scoring streak as his two goals secured a 2-1 victory over CFR Cluj in the Champions League.

Despite Sir Alex Ferguson’s concerns about United suffering slow starts to matches, United were forced to come from behind again after Pantelis Kapetanos fired the Romanian champions into a 14^th-minute lead.

Van Persie equalised 15 minutes later when he met Wayne Rooney's free kick and the ball looped off his shoulder and over goalkeeper Mario Felgueiras. But, there was nothing fortunate about his second goal four minutes after the break, the forward showing a deft touch to flick another Rooney pass past Felgueiras.

Having failed to get out of their group last season, United are well placed in Group H to advance this time with two wins from two.

Ferguson's defensive concerns after his side conceded three in losing to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday appeared valid when Cluj took the lead. A crossfield pass found Modou Sougou on the right and he crossed for Kapetanos to score.

The departure of Cluj’s Sougou, who went off injured midway through the first half, appeared to hand United momentum. Van Persie levelled and then saw Felgueiras block another shot before Rooney glanced a header wide.

United's second goal appeared to kill off the tie David de Gea came to his side's rescue at the end when he beat away Rafael Bastos's header.

Van Persie has scored seven times for United since joining from Arsenal just before the start of the season and Ferguson took heart from the developing partnership between the Dutchman and Wayne Rooney after they started together for the first time.
"There are good combinations between all the players in attacking positions,” he said. "The strength of this squad is in attacking positions. If you look at the way they kept going to the end, they're good crossers of the ball.

"They kept us under pressure the whole time and kept us on edge. I'm really pleased that the possession was really good tonight and apart from their goal we defended really well.”

In the other tie in the group, Braga beat Galatasaray 2-0 in Istanbul, meaning that United lead on six points with Cluj and Braga on three and Galatasaray yet to earn a point.

Chelsea's Juan Mata opens the scoring against Nordsjaelland

FC Nordsjaelland 0-4 Chelsea

Two goals from Spain midfielder Juan Mata inspired Chelsea to an ultimately comfortable victory over Nordsjaelland in Copenhagen.

The defending champions went ahead in the 33rd minute when Fernando Torres robbed midfielder Enoch Adu and passed to Frank Lampard, who deftly set up Mata to fire home with his left foot.

Joshua John twice went close for the home team, hitting a post on one occasion, before David Luiz made it 2-0 with a curling free kick in the 79th minute. Mata sidefooted the third goal in the 82nd minute before Ramires completed the scoring from close range.

Nordsjaelland, who were beaten 2-0 at Shakhtar Donetsk in their opening match last month, made a jittery start but gradually their confidence grew and they gave the champions several worrying moments after Mata's opening strike.

Centre back Jores Okore almost set up a goal when his lofted ball found Mikkel Beckmann unmarked 10 metres out and his looping header sailed just over the bar.
Chelsea's anxieties were eased when Torres had his shirt pulled just outside the box and Brazil defender David Luiz shot in off the woodwork. Mata grabbed his second goal after nimbly picking his way through the defence before Brazil midfielder Ramires latched on to a pass from compatriot Oscar to convert the simplest of tap-ins.

In the other Group E tie, Shakhtar moved level with Chelsea on four points after holding Juventus to a 1-1 draw in Turin. The Italian champions have two points and Nordsjaelland none.

Group E results

FC Nordsjaelland 0-4 Chelsea
Juventus 1-1 Shakhtar Donetsk

Group H fixtures

CFR Cluj 1-2 Manchester United (
Galatasaray 0-2 Braga.

World Football Ticket Exchange is purely dedicated for football tickets. It provides Football Tickets for football fans for their favorite football teams.