Wenger Rages At 'Farcical' Penalty, Vows To Fight Charge

Arsene Wenger slammed the "farcical" penalty decision that cost Arsenal in its thrilling 2-2 draw against Chelsea and vowed to fight a Football Association (FA) charge in his latest furious attack on the authorities.
Wenger was seething after referee Anthony Taylor awarded a penalty for Hector Bellerin's challenge on Eden Hazard in the second half of Wednesday's heated London derby at the Emirates Stadium.
The Arsenal manager felt there was not enough evidence of a foul to justify Taylor's decision and Hazard rubbed salt into the wound by converting the spot-kick to cancel out Jack Wilshere's opener.
After Marcos Alonso put Chelsea in front with six minutes left, Bellerin enjoyed a sweet moment of redemption as he blasted Arsenal's 90th-minute equalizer.
But Wenger's anger was not soothed by dramatic intervention and, recalling the controversial penalty awarded for a handball by Arsenal's Calum Chambers in Sunday's draw at West Brom, he launched another broadside at the officials.
"We got again a farcical decision on the penalty, but we knew that (could happen) before the game," Wenger said.
"You could give 10 penalties like that a game. Since the start of the season it is what we have to take.
"I'm fed up with that. At the moment we have to face surprising decisions.
"Nothing will change and we have to deal with that."
Wenger was hit an FA charge for his conduct towards referee Mike Dean after the Chambers penalty incident.
But although he risked further censure with his latest outburst, the Frenchman, who could be given a touchline ban, insisted he has every intention of stating his case in front of the governing body.
"(I will contest the charge) 100 percent. You can listen to every interview and I stick to everything I said without any problem," he said.
"I am 35 years in soccer and I know what I said.
"What I find terrible is we just saw a great game and we talk only about this and for me it would be nice if we think about soccer for a change."
Once he had calmed down, Wenger reserved praise for Arsenal midfielder Wilshere, who scored his first league goal for the club since May 2015.
Wilshere appeared to have no future with the Gunners when he was sent on loan to Bournemouth last season, but now Wenger says he deserves an England recall.

Steven Griffiths
Agence France-Presse/London

Malaysian Club Agrees To PSSI Request

Malaysian soccer club Selangor FA has agreed to an arrangement initiated by the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) regarding Indonesian players playing on its team.
Selangor FA has said it will give leeway to its Indonesian if they are summoned to defend their country in international matches.
Indonesians Evan Dimas and Ilham Udin are playing for Selangor FA this season.
As reported by pssi.org, Selangor FA president Dato Sri Subahan Kamal said the PSSI's request was reasonable as both nations were preparing for the 2018 Asian Games.
The agreement was a positive follow-up to a previous statement by PSSI chief Lt. Gen. Edy Rahmayadi, who said he would prohibit Indonesian players from playing overseas, especially in Southeast Asian countries. Edy also threatened to scrap their names from the national team.
The chief's reasoning was that he wanted the players to focus on developing the country's soccer and defending the nation in international tournaments.
Selangor FA agreed to PSSI's request, Subahan said during his visit to Jakarta on Wednesday. In response, Edy said he appreciated Subahan's decision.

JP/Jakarta

Juventus Into Coppa Italia Semifinals

Douglas Costa and Mario Mandzukic scored in either half as defending champion Juventus advanced to the semifinals of the Coppa Italia on Wednesady with a 2-0 win over city rival Torino.
Brazilian Costa opened after a quarter of an hour in the Allianz Stadium with Croatian Mandzukic adding the second amid conteoversy on 69 minutes to set up a meeting with Atalanta, who eliminated Serie A leaders Napolj 2-1 on Tuesday, in the final four.
Lazio, finalist in 2017, will meet AC Milan in the other semifinal played over two legs on Jan. 31 and Feb. 28.
The winning team will earn a direct entry to the group stages of the Europa League.
"We've reached the semifinal for the fourth year running and the lads took the right approach to this game," said coach Massimiliano Allegri. Torino had wanted a free-kick for Sami Khedira's challenge on Afriyie Acquah in the build-up to Mandzukic's goal which was awarded after consultation with the video assistant referee (VAR).
"I didn't see the incident and I will not comment. I never comment on VAR. I will just say we could have scored another couple of goals at least."
Allegri added that the three-time reigning champions were not taking anything for granted against Atalanta who won their only ever title in the Italian Cup back in 1963.

AFP/Turin

Klopp Juggles Coutinho, Salah, Van Dijk

Mohamed Salah's fitness, Philippe Coutinho's future and Virgil Van Dijk's arrival are the key issues facing Liverpool as they prepare to host neighbor Everton in the FA Cup's outstanding third round tie on Friday.
Salah, Liverpool's 23-goal top scorer, missed Monday's 2-1 Premier League victory at Burnley because of a groin injury, and manager Jurgen Klopp has indicated that he remains a doubt.
Despite that, Klopp was happy for Egypt international Salah and Senegal forward Sadio Mane were both allowed to fly to Ghana for an awards ceremony taking place on Thursday.
Both men are on the shortlist for the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) player of the year award, and Klopp says is important that they are at the ceremony, even though it is so close to the Everton match.
"If it had been a match day, they wouldn't have asked," Klopp said. "For our side, it is just a sign of respect. We sleep in a hotel, they sleep in a plane. That is all the difference. If Mo is not fit, it will not be because of that."
Salah, Mane, Coutinho and Roberto Firmino are widely considered to be Liverpool's four key forwards, though the Senegal international was the only one who started at Burnley, as Dominic Solanke was given a rare start.
Firmino was used only as a substitute, undoubtely to keep him fresh for the Everton match, while Coutinho was omitted from the squad altogether with a thigh problem, amid reports that Barcelona were preparing a new attempt to sign him.
Defender Van Dijk, meanwhile, is eligible to make his debut, having officially completed his £75 million (US$90.5 million) move from Southampton on Monday.

AFP/Liverpool

Guardiola Fears City Stars In Danger Over Fixture Pile Up

Pep Guardiola saw Manchester City return to winning ways at the end of the Premier League's exhausting holiday schedule, but warned the English game is in danger of destroying its top stars.
City beat Watford 3-1 on Tuesday, 48 hours after the leaders saw its game is in danger of destroying its top stars.
City beat Watford 3-1 on Tuesday, 48 hours after the leaders saw its 18-game winning streak come to an end in a draw at Crystal Palace.
A spell of four games in 11 days has taken its toll, with City's Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus sustaining a knee ligament injury which will sideline him for four to six weeks.
Full-back Kyle Walker also limped off after the victory over Watford with what appeared to be a groin injury.
"We are going to check it out, he (Walker) might have a little problem," Guardiola said. "But what everyone saw in the last weeks is how many injuries the players have. We are going to kill them.
"The federation bosses have to reflect a little bit. It's not normal to play (Dec.) 31st and two days later.
"I know the show must go on, but (...) that is not normal.
"They (the authorities) have to control it. They don't protect the players and they are who the people come to watch.
"Here in England you don't protect the players, you have to look for the quality, not the quantity."
Guardiola is the latest in a long list of high-profile managers to question the traditional English fixture schedule this season, his Manchester United counterpart Jose Mourinho being chief among them.
And while the City manager believes in the traditions of the English game, he believes the Premier League will have to review television schedules which have led to a lopsided fixture list with some teams playing on two day recovery and others up to five.
"Of course, space them out. I'm not saying change Boxing Day (Dex. 26) but you cannot play at midday at Selhurst Park, come back, celebrate New Year's Eve but are thinking about the game two days later," he said.
"People say it's impossible. It's not basketball or tennis, the players need recovery. Just see how many players have muscular injuries.
"The show must go on but were have a lot of people here, to take care of them but the schedule does not protect the players."
Meanwhile, Jesus' loss is a blow to player and club, especially in a World Cup year that promises so much for the 20-year-old Brazilian star.
"Hopefully he will be back as soon as possible," Guardiola said.
De Bruyne's performance against Watford was a particularly impressive effort, given that he only passed himself fit four hours before kick-off.
"Kevin went out on the pitch in the afternoon and wanted to play," said Guardiola. "He had some pain but wanted to play, if he wants to play then I want him to play."
The same was true of the returning David Silva, who had been absent due to complications involving the health of his pregnant wife.
The midfielder has been travelling between Manchester and Spain and Guardiola is prepared to give the Spanish international more time off if he requires it.
"We are very happy David is back," he said. "We don't know how long but he made another exhibition. He's essential, he showed how important he is for us.
"Maybe (he will return). He's free to stay or leave, it depends. He wants to stay because he enjoys it but family is the most important thing in life.
"It doesn't mattet if we drop a lot of points, I'd never push him. Some days he will be here, some he will be out, it depends how his family is."
In the meantime, Mauricio Pochettino does not believe fatigue will be an issue for Tottenham when it faces West Ham in Thursday's London derby.
Pochettino's side will host its rival at Wembley just 48 hours after its 2-0 victory at Swansea on Tuesday, which lifted the visitor above Arsenal into fifth place in the Premier League.
An opening goal from former Swansea striker Fernando Llorente that appeared offside and a late strike from Dele Alli made it six victories in seven matches for Tottenham in all competitions.
But even hia players have little time for recovery, Pochettino believes it will be the same for both sides.
West Ham also played on Tuesday, beating West Brom 2-1, and Pochettino said: "I am not going to complain. I think we will arrive in the same condition as West Ham.
"It will be difficult for the players. We will need to rest and maybe make some changes to give fresh lega to the team. But it will be an opportunity for the other players in the squad.
"I know how it (the fixture list) has been. It was impossible to play before this time. We need to rest and make good decisions."
Pochettino suggested Harry Kane will be fit to start on Thursday.

Ian Whittell and Graham Thomas
Agence France Presse/Manchester/Swansea

Weah Tempers Expectations, Plans Agriculture Push

Liberian President-elect George Weah on Tuesday set modest goals for his six-year term, calling for Liberia to start exporting crops and repairing decrepit infrastructure, in his first interview since winning election last week.
Weah rode a wave of youth support to capture more than 60 percent of t vote in last Tuesday's run-off, but he will need to manage expectations as he attempts to revive one of Africa's worst performing economies.
Later this month, he will replace President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa's first elected female head of state and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, in Liberia's first democratic transfer of power since 1944.
Seated outside his unfinished nee house on a quiet dirt back street near the capital Monrovia, where a concrete sign announces, "Friends of Weah say welcome," the 51-year-old ex-soccer star began to tentatively fill in some of the gaps in his vague campaign promise.
"I want for us to be self-sustained so we can export," he said, appearing at ease in a dark blue dress shirt and gold watch. "The government has a responsibility to have agricultural programs so people are able to grow their own food."
"Ghana exports, our neighboring countries export - we have the capacity to export," he continued. "They export, and we can do the same."
Liberia spent years recovering from civil wars from 1989-2003 that killed hundreds of thousands of people and then was hit more recently by low prices for its chief exports, iron ore and rubber, and an Ebola outbreak from 2014-2016.
More than 60 percent of Liberians depend on agriculture for their livelihood and multinationals like Malaysia-based Sime Darby have invested heavily in palm oil plantations. But the sector has languished due to low productivity, forcing Liberia to import more than 80 percent of its staple foods.
Weah has also made repairing Liberia's hollowed-out infrastructure a priority. He grew up in Monrovia's Clara Town slum and can look out on the derelict lots and gutted streets from the upstairs balcony where he spoke to Reuters.
"The roads for connectivity are vital. We have partners and we have revenue that we will make sure will come in to build our roads," he said.
Weah, who starred for top European clubs such AC Milan and Paris Saint Germain in the 1990s, has parlayed his rags-to-riches biography into political success but faces criticism that he lacks the experience and knowledge for the job.
He has in turn promised to surround himself with first-rate advisers and appealed to Liberians living overseas to return home.
"We will have economists who will put us on track. They will look at what is in the coffers and then work out how to move forward," he said.
In the days since he became president-elect, security guards in sharp suits and ties have appeared outside the house and a new watch tower rises above 10-foot walls reinforced with barbed wire.
But Weah insisted that his new-found status would not go to his head.
"I don't want my title to define my character," he said as he walked the property, exchanging jokes with the staff. "I don't think as a president I will change."

Edward McAllister
Reuters/Monrovia

How To Get Back Into Exercise Mode In 2018

Many of us start the year with plans to take up exercise again, but find it hard to keep the momentum going month after month. Have no fear, we've got the lowdown on how to get moving, have fun, and avoid injury.
The golden rule for anyone who wants to bring exercise back into their life is to gradually increase the level of intensity and make sure you practice regularly, while keeping in mind your age and physical condition.
It's better to opt for moderate physical activity three to four times a week, alternating muscle strengthening and cardio exercises (cycling, walking, running, etc.), rather than give it everything you've got just at the weekend.
Even if you're in good health, check that you're not lacking in any vitamins or minerals, as they are essential for exercising safely.
For instance you may need to up your vitamin D, as most people living in countries with few sunny days have low levels of this micro-nutrient. Vitamin D helps to prevent bone fractures and is found in oily fish, eggs and cod liver oil; you can also take supplements.
It's equally important to have optimum vitamin C levels for regular endurance training, especially in the cold months. Vitamin C is found in berries (blackberries, bilberries and raspberries), citrus fruit (orange and limes), kiwis and pomegranates. You can also take a natural supplement such as acerola (a small, red South American fruit) or opt for the synthetic form of the vitamin (no more than one gram per day).
Magnesium is key to alleviating tiredness and cramps: if you have low levels of this mineral, which is often the case for people who exercise regularly, your sporting performance falls off and recovery is slower. The daily recommended dose is 350 milligrams for women and 420 milligrams for men.
Sparkling mineral water that is rich in magnesium and bicarbonates can counterbalance the acidity in the body produced by physical activity. Trace elements such as iron, zinc, and manganese are also vital for practicing sport safely.
In terms of fuel, our bodies need protein (one gram per kg of body weight a day) to prevent muscle weakening. If you are training for a marathon or lift weights regularly, 1.7 grams/kilograms/day is recommended.
Lastly, one of the keys to sticking to fitness resolutions and remaining motivated throughout the year is to choose an activity you really like and is close to home or work. Anyone over 50 should try to sleep at least seven hours a night, and schedule a cardial check-up regularly.
If you are overweight or suffer from chronic pain, a specialist can provide advice on sports that would be suitable for you.
Regular physical exercise actually serves as an investment for your old age.
New research has found that taking part in aerobic exercise can help to maintain the size of the brain as we age, aiding in maintenance of brain health and memory function.
In a first of its kind international collaboration, the new study was led by researchers from Australia's National Institute of Complementary Medicine at Western Sydney University along with the Division of Psychology and Mental Health at the University of Manchester in the UK.
Together the team looked at 14 clinical trials which included 737 participants aged from 24 to 76 years and with an average age of 66.
The studies included a mix of healthy adults, people with mild cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer's disease and people with a clinical diagnosis of mental illness including depression and schizophrenia.
The team examined brain scans of participants either before and after aerobic exercise programs or in control conditions, to look at the effects of exercise on a region of the brain called the hippocampus, which is critical for memory and other brain functions.
The aerobic exerxise included stationary cycling, walking, and treadmill running, with the lenght of the interventions rating from three to 24 months with a range of 2-5 sessions per week.
Overall the results showed that altough exercise had no effect on total hippocampal volume, it did significantly increase the size of the left region of the hippocampus, with lead author Joseph Firth commenting that the study now provides some of the most definitive evidence to date on the benefits of exercise for brain health.
"When you exercise you produce a chemical called brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which may help to prevent age-related decline by reducing the deterioration of the brain," explained Firth.
"Our data showed that, rarher than actually increasing the size of the hippocampus per se, the main 'brain benefits' are due to aerobic exercise slowing down the deterioration in brain size. In other words, exercise can be seen as a maintenance program for the brain."
Brain health decreases as we age, with the average brain shrinking by approximately five percent per decade after the age of 40.
Although previous studies in mice and rats have consistently shown that physical exercise increases the size of the hippocampus, until now evidence in humans has been inconsistent.
Firth also added that as well as helping to boost regular and healthy aging, the results of the new research could have implications for preventing aging-related neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and dementia, although further research is needed. However, so far physical exercise is one of the very few 'proven' ways maintaining brain size and functioning into older age.

AFP Relaxnews