3D TV becomes a reality. Sky set to telecast United v Arsenal in 3D this weekend

3D TV appears to have finally arrived with Sky sports deciding to broadcast the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Manchester United in 3D this weekend. This telecast would only be aired at select pubs in UK which have been fitted with 3D ready screens. Sky expects to make 3D TV experience publicly available very soon however there are concerns over both the cost of viewer equipment as well as the gear required to record and telecast images in 3D.

Some more exciting news along with this EPL initiative by Sky is that Sony has also agreed with FIFA to record some of the football world cup matches in 3D later this year in South Africa.

I am not sure about the cost and availability of 3D TV’s as well as the preparedness of broadcasters at this time but whenever it comes, it would be a game changer forever.

ESPN will unveil it's 3D network in 2010 as well. It will showcase a minimum of 85 live sporting events during its first year, beginning June 11 with the first 2010 FIFA World Cup match, featuring South Africa versus Mexico.

http://sportsbizfreak.blogspot.com/2010/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-in-3d.html
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=4796555

Carling Cup: Manchester United V Manchester City highlights video

Here is the highlights package of last nights match and it has some brilliant moments including some super goals especially the Tevez flick to level things up and than the Rooney winner followed by his unusually acrobatic celebration.  The video takes a little while to load so have patience cos it's worth a watch ...

Carling Cup: United beat City in a cracker. To play Villa in the finals.

I missed the match last night cos my DTH service did not have the channel that aired it live. From what I have seen and read I believe I missed a cracker. Of course it had to be a cracker after the drama of the first leg and all the chatter that followed.

All I can now do is try and watch the videos and see as many pics on the web. For all the poor souls like me, I would try and post some of the good one's as and when I lay my hands on them. Below are just a few from

http://www.guardian.co.uk/ and http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport

Tevez calls Neville a "boot-licking moron" :)

Carlos Tevez's response on the pitch was spectacular when he scored both goals to secure a famous win for City but alas he slipped up on his promise of "responding on the pitch". Tevez launched a severe counter salvo on Neville by calling him a "boot licking moron" and the one who just "sucks up to the manager".

Picture taken from http://www.guardian.co.uk/

I am not sure whats coming next but whatever Neville says would pale in front of the "moron" line. Neville needs to get really creative now to salvage anything from this duel which Tevez seems to have sealed as of now.

News Source:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jan/21/carlos-tevez-gary-neville-boot-licker

Neville fingers Tevez

Tevez was out to prove a point in the Manchester Derby and he did quite spectacularly. He scored both goals to secure a remarkable win over United. City are now one match away from their first Final appearance since 1981. 

Tevez was quite incensed with the way Gary Neville had written about him recently but decided to respond on the pitch. "I just think Gary was very disrespectful which, to be fair, is out of character, but he didn't know the whole story of why I left Manchester United and I believe I deserved his respect," Tevez said last night. "We achieved a lot together at United, I was the second top scorer there in my first season at the club and I deserve respect from my fellow professionals."

Tevez's reaction after scoring the first of his two goals on the night.

Picture taken from http://www.guardian.co.uk/

This was Neville's resposne from the bench.

Picture taken from http://www.guardian.co.uk/

Full story at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jan/20/carlos-tevez-gary-neville

Manchester City replace United in partnership with Sporting Lisbon

I personally had no idea about an agreement between United and Sporting Lisbon that allowed United first shot at their players. Sporting has a history of producing some outstanding players including CR7, Figo, Nani, Quesresma, and Moutinho amongst others. Just the fact that Ronaldo arrived at Old Trafford in 2003 is courtesy of this agreement where Sporting were required to inform United of any bids and allow them first refusal.

That agreement between United and Sporting is now kaput which has allowed city rivals Manchester City to take lead. Mancini's City has now signed a similar agreement which would allow them first shot at any exceptional talent from Lisbon.

Read the complete story at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jan/11/manchester-city-partnership-sporting-lisbon

David Villa set for Premiership. United-Chelsea likely suitors.

Valencia and Spain striker David Villa is all set to spark a bidding war between United and Chelsea. Villa, who had decided to stay at Valencia last summer due to 'family' reasons, has now expressed his desire to play in the Premiership.

So how much will he cost and who has the money? Liverpool is out of the race straight away and it would be a fight between United, City and Chelsea. All 3 clubs seem to have the pockets deep enough and it appears that United are set to offer 35 million.

Of the 3, United would be the most eager considering their lack of firepower upfront. Berbatov might be in line to be offloaded to part pay for Villa. John Terry had mentioned Villa sometime in 2008 to Abramovich and it wouldn't be a surprise if Chelsea throws in some more to take Villa away from United. City are likely to give Mancini some free hand in the summer transfer window and he will surely bid if Villa is available.

My personal view is that Villa is most suited for United and it would be a better career move considering how many more minutes he would get to play for United. At Chelsea he would risk sitting on the bench more often.

Clearly Villa is one of the premier strikers today and he would be a great asset whichever team he decides to play for. How the bidding war would turn out is going to be make headlines coming summer.

Just to add, Valencia might put few more players including David Silva and Mata up for sale considering their financial plight and that would mean more opportunities for English clubs.

http://www.clubcall.com/intl-football/villa-tempted-england-move-995728.html

United feel the heat at Fulham. Gunners biggest benificiary.

United were wounded even before the game and the crushing 3-0 loss to Fulham could spell doom for their premiership chances this season. The way this year’s championship is poised this loss could be hugely damaging for United.

With loads of lower ranked teams springing surprises, the season is far from over however the gap at the top is widening and Chelsea have a great chance to make it 6 by the time this weekend is over.

Gunners are the biggest beneficiary of United’s loss and they have responded well with a fine 3-0 win over Hull. They are looking to find back their feet and could soon be moving above United in the standings.

The game itself was dominated by Fulham with United appearing a pale shadow. Zamora and Duff were exhilarating while United missed some key players in defense. As the season progresses, loss of Ronaldo is starting to hurt even more.

"We were playing against a wounded Manchester United," said Hodgson, "Alex has my sympathy. But it was up to us to take advantage and we did it from first minute to last."

Sir Alex was quite candid when he said "The way the league is at the moment I hope it is not too damaging," he said. "I hope it doesn't cost us the league. It was a dreadful day for us, but given the fragility at the back, I have some sympathy for the players in that respect."

The other results on Saturday mean both Spurs and Villa continue to take right steps forward and Liverpool continue to slide into oblivion.

Find all match day results at:
http://www.premierleague.com/page/FixturesResults/0,,12306,00.html

City brings smiles in Manchester!!!

Holders Manchester United's thrashing of West Ham was followed by City's brilliant come from behind victory against the leaders –Chelsea. It capped a brilliant day for both Manchester sides. City desperately needed a win to put their season back on track and they were excellent all around barring last few minutes where they threatened to let the advantage slip away - once again.

City was good all through as they out played Chelsea for most part. They however came really close of getting another draw when Frank Lampard stepped up to take the penalty in the 81st. Shay Given saved the day for City after brilliant Tevez free kick had put City ahead. Chelsea's lead at the top has now been reduced to only 2 points but more importantly City have also showed that Chelsea is not unbeatable.

Detailed match report at:
http://www.premierleague.com/page/MatchReports/0,,12306~48535,00.html