The biggest soccer game of the day was televised early in the US at 7:45am.  I was eager and happy to wake up for such an anticipated battle.

Chelsea made the short trip across town to the North London side to play Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.  Both teams went into this game undefeated for the season.  This match was said to be a true test to see if Arsenal’s excellent form of late would be good enough to consider them a title contender.

From the start, Chelsea was on the attack with a very quick pace and retained control and possession most of the  match.  Arsenal’s defending was tested often but the Gunners kept damages to a minimum, closing the half with a score of 1-1.  Goals by both Fernando Torres and an equalizer by Arsenal winger Gervinho made it a nail biter for those up early enough to watch it live.

The second Chelsea goal was scored on a free kick by David Luiz.  The ball took a deflection off Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny just outside the net.  Goalkeeper Vito Mannone misjudged the ball and allowed the go-ahead goal around the 60th minute.

Arsenal kept up the pressure, clearly believing and wanting an equalizer, but Chelsea’s defending was just too good.

Chelsea finished sixth in the league last year, but I predict they won’t repeat that again.  Manager Roberto Di Matteo has inherited a talented and threatening team.  With the likes of Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and a very in-form Fernando Torres, Chelsea’s front line will give the Manchester sides a run for their money, pun intended.  Overall, a solid game for Chelsea and they wholeheartedly deserved the win.

If this was a test for the Gunners, they obviously failed, but they didn’t look completely weak or dominated by Chelsea.  As an Arsenal fan, I still believe my team can compete for the title but we have work to do.  It’s still early in the season and many new players have yet to live up to their potential.  Both teams will certainly be exciting to watch as the season unfolds.  COYG!

Monday marks the start of a new week for footy! And we’ve got all the headlines you need.  Check out your Monday Daily Kick Around!

La Liga

After weeks of speculation, the Croatian and former Tottenham Hotspur Luka Modric has signed a 5-year deal with the reigning Spanish champions, Real Madrid after a pending medical exam. How can the 26-year old fit in with Madrid? Being one of the most creative players in the Premier League, Modric is sure to bring creativity in the midfield while being a key player in assisting goals. He’ll be a positive influence on on the midfield which seems to lack in confidence from time to time.

“I chose Madrid because they are the best club in the world. They’ve won so many things, so many titles. It’s amazing for me to be here.”

Bienvenidos a Madrid Luka!

FC Barcelona captain Carles Puyol suffered a fractured right cheekbone in their match against Osasuna Sunday after a collision with Roland Lamah. Puyol is currently undergoing tests today and nothing has been confirmed if he’ll be playing in the second leg of Supercopa de Espana on Wednesday.

English Premier League

Things could be looking up for Chelsea FC after the signing of Eden Hazard this summer. On Saturday the Blues defeated Newcastle 2-nil after a goal by Hazard and Fernando Torres, who had one of the worst goal-scoring droughts last season. Alan Pardew, manager of Newcastle, said that Hazard could lead the Blues to a title this year.

“You can see why so many top clubs were chasing Hazard and he has certainly given Chelsea an extra dimension in the first few games of this season.”

Pardew also praised Torres:

“That was as good as I have seen Torres play in some time and I have seen a lot of him. He looks to have a little something back in his game and looked dangerous playing Hazard. It is still the old Chelsea in many ways, but Hazard and Torres are giving them a little extra up front and they will have a good season.”

Bundesliga

Bayern target Javi Martinez is still training with Athletic Bilbao despite reports he was to fly out to Munich today. The 23-year old has been linked with various clubs this summer yet Bayern are keen on signing him.

A busy Sunday in the footy world as news pours in from all the major leagues. With the new month of June, summer becomes a time where footy fans begin to worry as the transfer window is officially open. Dun, dun, dunnnn!

Transfer Rumors

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini wants Robin van Persie, claiming the Gunner would be a more ‘realistic’ target than Edinson Cavani. RvP’s contract expires in the summer of 2013 but rumors have it the Dutchman is looking at other options.

Ronaldinho was granted an injunction by the Brazilian club, Flamengo and given permission to leave the club, breaking contract due to unpaid wages. Claiming he is owed more than 16 million Euros, the Brazilian international is now a free agent with other clubs looking to sign the 32-year-old. Perhaps a move to the MLS as a designated player could be in his future?

Rumor has it (cue the Adele music) that Chelsea FC is close to signing Porto striker Hulk for a whopping £38 million even after spending £32 for Eden Hazard just a few days ago. If the deal goes through, Hulk would fill the rolde of Didier Drogba who confirmed his departure from the Blues.

Looks like MLS’ Montreal Impact could land a big name in the footy world – Alessandro Del Piero, who is apparently in talks with the French-Canadian club. But not so fast! Impact president, Joey Saputo is denying the rumors saying that Del Piero ‘was more interested in New York or Los Angeles.’

International Friendlies

We have some major matches today before the start of the 2012 Euros.

Mexico face Brazil at Cowboys Stadium at 3pm ET.

It’s a North American rivalry as Canada faces the USMNT at BMO Field at 7 pm ET. Before the game, check out our own Trista Lutgring’s thoughts on the USMNT performance against Brazil last Wednesday.

Lastly, 2010 World Cup & 2008 Euro Champions, Spain will face off against China at Sevilla FC’s home stadium, Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán at 4pm ET which will be broadcasted on ESPN3.com.

Also, England was dealt another serious injury blow yesterday as Gary Cahill broke his jaw after a collision with his own goalkeeper Joe Hart. Cahill was pulled off after the incident and the FA released a statement today he would be ruled out of the Euros. Martin Kelly of Liverpool will be in to replace him.

Check back later for full recaps of all the friendlies and remember, only 6 days until the start of the 2012 Euros!

Keep up with @AerysSoccer on Twitter for more news from this weekend’s international friendlies!

Whew, what a crazy couple of days! Eden Hazard has officially made a choice on an EPL team, there’s been a few other signings, England has an official Euro roster and hell, Liverpool might even have a manager! We’ve got the headlines in today’s Daily Kick Around.

English Premier League

Welp, Eden Hazard’s had everyone hanging around wondering what he was going to. Many have expected him to head toward Manchester United or City. But he’s snubbed them both and declared today via Twitter that he’ll head to Chelsea. Hmmm.

Man United aren’t sitting back on their heels though. Some reports from Germany are claiming the Red Devils are closing to signing Japan midfielder Shinji Kagawa.

Many have questioned the future of Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie. Rumors have swirled that he would follow in the footsteps of others like Cesc Fabregas and Nasri, and head out of Arsenal. But fans have a huge fighter in their corner. RVP’s wife Bouchra has urged her husband to repay the loyalty and faith of the club and fans and stay in London. 

So, Sky Sports reported May 12 that Swansea City manager Brendan Rodgers turned down an approach from Liverpool about filling the  position left after the Reds sacked Kenny Dalglish. However, on their twitter account this morning, Sky Sports said to watch out for more details about Rodgers being the “odds-on favorite” for the job.

La Liga

La Liga are doing their own signings too. Atletico Madrid announced on their club Web site that Porto’s  Cristian Rodriguez, who’s contract with the Portuguese side expires next month.

Mexico midfielder Andres Guardado also has a new contract in Spain. Top club Valencia announced yesterday they would sign Guardado to a four-year deal. This is a great opportunity for the young player!

Serie A

Oh dear, the match-fixing scandals in Italy are out of control it seems. Yesterday, news broke that Lazio captain Stefano Mauri was implicated in the investigation and would miss the Euros. Juventus coach Antonio Conte is also being questioned in the proceedings. Yikes!

England National Team

New Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson announced his final 23-man squad for the Euros today. Some are surprised as Liverpool’s Andy Carroll was handed the coveted No. 9 shirt.

U.S. Men’s National Team

So, Clint Dempsey didn’t get a start against Scotland as he was nursing a groin injury. However, sources  - including myself, as I was at the USMNT open practice held at the University of Maryland yesterday – confirm that Dempsey has been training with the team. But it’s pretty clear he’s not quite to full strength. And even Clint says that he’s not ready to face off with Brazil.  Kind of disappointing news for the fans here in DC. But I personally would rather have him full strength for the World Cup qualifying matches coming up.

Major League Soccer

Okay, I got to brag a little bit. The Columbus Crew’s Emilio Renteria was huge this week in team’s wins against Seattle and Chicago. This earned him a top spot in MLS’ top three performers of Week 12. Check it out here! 

It’s Wednesday! That means only a couple more days until the weekend.  Get a boost to your day and get your soccer news highlights here to help you over the mid-week hump and on the downhill slide towards Friday.  Besides John Terry’s nutmegs – PLURAL -  check out why Chelsea may not play in Champions League next season, which super hot players (in ability and looks) want to make a move to the EPL and another big gambling scandal for the Italians. Just enjoy the sport piasanos!

English Premier League

Just over a week ago, Chelsea beat Liverpool to win the FA Cup. Yesterday the Reds and Blues met again and this time Liverpool prevailed.  The loss means that Chelsea can only qualify for next year’s Champions League if they win this year’s tournament when they play Bayern Munich next week.  Fat chance of that happening if Chelsea continue to play as they did yesterday.  Their disgraceful defending was led by their captain, John Terry, who was nutmegged three times in the first half, twice by Suarez.  I can’t’ tell you how happy it makes me to write things like “John Terry nutmegged”! Within nine minutes, Liverpool netted three times thanks to Jordan Henderson, Daniel Egger and an own goal by Michael Essien. The  half ended at 4 – 0, with a final score of 4 – 1.  The Blues stay in sixth place and Liverpool move to eighth, a single point behind their Merseyside rivals, Everton in seventh.

A bidding war may be taking place over the 21-year old Lille midfielder Eden Hazard.  Hazard says he likes both Red and Blue, Manchester United and City, that is.  Hazard has been a coveted purchase since last summer, and a move to the EPL for next season looks promising.

Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen fancies a move to the EPL as well.  He seems to have his sights on Tottenham, although rumors were abound that his top choice was Arsenal.  The Belgium international hopes that with one year left on his contract, Ajax do not price him out of range so he can make the move.

La Liga

Barcelona defender Carles Puyol is set to miss the Euro 2012 due to knee surgery that will keep him out for six weeks.

Serie A

The Italian football federation, known as FIGC, will place 22 clubs and 61 people under investigation in the latest match-fixing and betting scandal to mar the national sport.

Championship League

Hey Leeds United fans, want a little more at your stadium? You might just get it! Sources are reporting Elland Road could feature a casino in the future, which adds to Leeds United’s ambitions of a hotel as well. Man, clubs are getting creative to bring in the dough, aren’t they?

Getting over the Hump Day hump will be so much easier today due to mid-week match results as well as today’s fixtures.  Some exciting stuff to report from last night’s CL activity, taxes owed from some unlikely suspects, why the US Men’s team can qualify for the London Olympics and Fernando Torres’ head problems.  Grab a cup of coffee and get your daily football fix right here in Aerys Sports’ Daily Kick Around for Hump Day Wednesday.

Champions League

I don’t think anyone will be surprised to learn that Bayern Munchin soundly defeated FC Basel.  But a 7 – 0 trouncing only demonstrates the difference in quality between the various European leagues.

A late stoppage-time goal by Brandao helped Marseille advance over Inter Milan despite Nerazzuri winning the match 2 – 1.  Thanks crazy aggregate scoring!

Today’s Champions League Fixtures

Chelsea v Napoli

Real Madrid v CSKA Moscow

There is a rumor that Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho will be fired should he not lead his team to advance in today’s Champions League match against CSKA Moscow.  The Spanish club is favored to win, but no matter because Mourinho claims to be unfazed by the talk.  Despite winning the European trophy in 2010 when with Inter Milan, the talented Portuguese manager will stay focused on tonight’s match.

English Premier League

Yesterday’s Merseyside derby, between Liverpool and Everton of course, took place at Anfield.  A delightful hat-trick from Liverpool team captain Steven Gerrard clinched the win 3 – 0.   This was the 217th derby between the two sides and also marked Gerrard’s 400th league appearance.  Gerrard has to retire soon doesn’t he?  Better luck next time Everton.

Lille’s talented midfielder Eden Hazard has long been linked with a summer move to Arsenal and admired by Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp.  Yet despite those rumors, Hazard recently praised Manchester United’s manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The highly regarded manager visited Lyon this past weekend to watch the rising star in action. Look out Arsenal, Manchester United wants to steal another of your prospects…. ugh.

Acting Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo admits that striker Fernando Torres has some psychological problems he needs to get over before he can start scoring again.  Really?  You think?  Read all about it here.

U.S. Men’s National Team

The U.S. Men’s National Team coach Caleb Porter has finally picked the 19-man roster that will make up the team for the upcoming CONCACAF Olympic Qualifiers.  Being heavily favored, the USMNT has a good chance of advancing as one of two teams to qualify for the London Olympics!  Come on USMNT!

La Liga

First it was EPL manager Harry Redknapp and now it is the entire Spanish League having tax problems.  A statement released late yesterday claim the league owes $982 million to the Spanish government.  I’d be a little worried if I were a player in the Spanish league right now.  Can someone say pay cut?

Entertaining news in the footy world as a new Tuesday is upon us! We cover everything from Harry Redknapp’s tax evasion scandal, Ibra’s 3 match-ban, Fergie’s stance on racism and more John Terry drama! Enjoy today’s DKA!

La Liga

Not even a year with Sevilla FC and manager Marcelino Garcia Toral has been fired. The reason for this departure was the lack of results for the Sevillistas, who land in #11 on the Liga table. The Andalusian side gained only two points in their last 7 matches. However, Sevilla FC were quick on their feet to find another manager to take the reigns. Former Getafe manager, Michel will lead the club until the end of the season, unless he can get them into the Champions League. Michel won 6 La Liga titles and 2 UEFA Cups during a his 14-year playing career with Real Madrid while also making 66 appearances for Spain.

English Premier League

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp’s tax evasion trial will take place tomorrow after his jurors were sent home early. Ummm, what?! For a background on the case, you can read more about it here.

Too bad for Robert Huth, who is forced to serve his 3-match ban after Stoke’s appeal was rejected. Huth was sent off during Stoke’s match against Sunderland after a bad challenge on David Meyler. His suspension means he’ll miss 2 Premier League matches plus Stoke’s FA Cup match against Crawley on Feb. 19th.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claims that he’s still interested in signing Eden Hazard but the need to generate profit for the club could prevent the signing. “You should know that each season, it is imperative to show a profit of between fifteen and twenty million pounds. I would add that the purpose of a coach is to always buy at a price he sees fit.”

Fergie takes a hard stance against racism in football. The Manchester United manager is surprised at the revival of racism in the sport, especially when it’s his players at the receiving end. You’re not the only one, Fergie.

Cats are overtaking Europe! Saturday, a black cat scampered across the pitch at the Barca-Real Sociedad match at the Camp Nou, while Monday another whiskered feline crashed the Liverpool-Spurs match, halting play. Just one question, who let the cats out?

Serie A

There’s a lot of 3-match bans going around the foot world, Serie A included. AC Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic was hit with one after violent conduct against Napoli on Sunday. Ibra slapped Salvatore Aronica in an off-the-ball incident. Milan plan on appealing the ban.

International

John Terry now has England manager Fabio Capello on his side. Capello is to hold talks with the FA after he objected the stripping of the John Terry’s captain’s armband. Will the drama ever end?