More refs required to tackle penalty debate

Sergio Aguero scores a penalty for Manchester City against Everton (Action Images)

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Yet again this weekend there was controversy over penalty kicks – over those that were awarded and those that were not.
In the main this season, the controversy seems to be surrounding holding offences as much as physical fouls. Players appear to be going to ground at the merest touch in the penalty box and it is making life difficult for both referees and fans.
To use an example from this past weekend of Premier League action, Everton's Romelu Lukaku was blatantly fouled by Matija Nastasic of Manchester City – who shoved him in the back – but a penalty was not given.
While in the same game City were given a penalty for the slightest of infringements in the penalty area.
In my view they were both penalties – but the frustration and confusion that abounds is clearly indicative of a wider inconsistency.
Firstly, players have to realise they cannot get away with even slight tugs in the box any more – that will see the amount of times players come together in the box down rapidly.
Secondly, it is clear that a referee cannot be everywhere at the same time and more sets of eyes should be brought in to help the situation.

Boko Haram: Army foils plans to attack Bama, kills over 30

Over 30 insurgents were killed in Borno State on Saturday and another unspecified number killed on Sunday by troops of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in its continued fight against terrorism in Borno State.
Acting spokesman of the 7 Division, Captain Aliyu Ibrahim Danja in a statement on Monday made available to newsmen in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, said troops of the division launched a pre-emptive attacks on Boko Haram concentration at Izza town of Borno State in the afternoon of October 6, 2013.
According to him, the operation which involved air strikes and ground attacks on Boko Haram terrorists was conducted following a report by military intelligence about plans by the terrorists to attack Bama town.
He said, during the attack, 5 Hilux vehicles mounted with anti-air craft guns conveying terrorists and one 18-seater bus conveying terrorists were destroyed.

Boko Haram: Army foils plans to attack Bama, kills over 30

Over 30 insurgents were killed in Borno State on Saturday and another unspecified number killed on Sunday by troops of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in its continued fight against terrorism in Borno State.
Acting spokesman of the 7 Division, Captain Aliyu Ibrahim Danja in a statement on Monday made available to newsmen in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, said troops of the division launched a pre-emptive attacks on Boko Haram concentration at Izza town of Borno State in the afternoon of October 6, 2013.
According to him, the operation which involved air strikes and ground attacks on Boko Haram terrorists was conducted following a report by military intelligence about plans by the terrorists to attack Bama town.
He said, during the attack, 5 Hilux vehicles mounted with anti-air craft guns conveying terrorists and one 18-seater bus conveying terrorists were destroyed.

Giggs and Evra helping me grow - Januzaj

Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj (Action Images)

Manchester United midfielder Adnan Januzaj has revealed team-mates Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra are two of his major influences as he looks to secure a regular first-team spot.

The 18-year-old was handed his United debut in his side's 2-0 Community Shield victory over Wigan Athletic at the beginning of the season and made his first start for the club against Sunderland at the weekend.

The Brussels-born midfielder scored twice for the Red Devils on Saturday to earn his men three points after they went a goal behind to the Black Cats.

After his stellar performance on his full debut, the youngster has now said he often turns to Giggs and Evra for advice as he looks to continue to improve his game.

Everton's Deulofeu rubbishes Messi talk

Barcelona's Leo Messi celebrates after scoring against Almeria during their Spanish First Division soccer match at Juegos Mediterraneos stadium in Almeria September 28, 2013. REUTERS/Francisco Bonilla

Barcelona play well without Lionel Messi, according to Everton loanee Gerard Deulofeu.
The Catalan giants beat Valladolid 4-1 at the weekend to ensure they stay ahead at the top of La Liga. Forward Lionel Messi was a notable absentee as he continues to recover from a thigh injury. Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez benefitted from the Argentine’s absence netting two goals in the win against Valladolid, with Neymar and Xavi scoring the other two.
Deulofeu, who is currently on loan at Everton from Barcelona, thinks that Barcelona are more than capable of winning without what many to be the world’s greatest player despite suggestions otherwise.
Deulofeu told the Spanish press: "Any Barcelona player can do perfectly without Messi. When he's there he gives them a lift, because he's the best player in the world, but they are playing very well".
The Spanish U21 player has enjoyed his time in England so far proclaiming to be “delighted” with the situation although a permanent move to Everton seems unlikely.

Boko Haram: Army foils plans to attack Bama, kills over 30

Over 30 insurgents were killed in Borno State on Saturday and another unspecified number killed on Sunday by troops of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in its continued fight against terrorism in Borno State.
Acting spokesman of the 7 Division, Captain Aliyu Ibrahim Danja in a statement on Monday made available to newsmen in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, said troops of the division launched a pre-emptive attacks on Boko Haram concentration at Izza town of Borno State in the afternoon of October 6, 2013.
According to him, the operation which involved air strikes and ground attacks on Boko Haram terrorists was conducted following a report by military intelligence about plans by the terrorists to attack Bama town.
He said, during the attack, 5 Hilux vehicles mounted with anti-air craft guns conveying terrorists and one 18-seater bus conveying terrorists were destroyed.

Sami Khedira backs Mesut Ozil to help deliver title joy for Arsenal

Sami Khedira believes the 'genius' of Mesut Ozil will help to end Arsenal's long wait for Premier League title success.

Khedira played alongside Ozil at Real Madrid and is an international colleague of the highly-rated playmaker in the German national side.
He considers the 24-year-old to be among the best players on the planet, and one capable of influencing the destination of major silverware.
Khedira said of Ozil: "Arsenal had a strong team anyway, but Mesut makes them the best team in England.

"Mesut is a genius on the field, there is no other way to describe him."