5 Large (UK) Football Club Sponsorship Deals Spanning a Decade

Who's Behind These Football Club Sponsorship Deals?

English Football Banter, as always, is pivotal in keeping you abreast of the latest football news, topics and debates. In this edition we take a step back and dive into the mud and grit to give recognition to some impressive UK sponsorship deals spanning a decade. For EFB, it's a time to reflect and give credit to sponsorship deals that have acted as supporting pillars in aiding FC clubs and the sport to thrive in recent years; deals that helped shape English football into what it is today.

As a plethora of sponsorships get penned in this game on a perpetual basis, it's often too easy to become ignorant of the businesses that aid and fund the sport.. Just what exactly are some of the entites sponsoring club football teams? Where are they located? What do they do and what role do they play? Listed below (in alphabetical order) are sample case studies giving recognition to some key businesses and driving forces behind club sponsorship deals within the English football arena.

Summary of (UK) FC Club Sponsorships: 

Navigate (UK) FC sponsorship deals that interest you within the article using the anchor tag links provided here:

Alpari (UK) & West Ham United FC - [Undisclosed]

Emirates Airline & Arsenal - £90m approx over 15 years

Etihad Airways & Manchester City - £400m approx over 10 years

Nike & Manchester United - £303m approx (Net) over 13 years

Samsung Electronics & Chelsea - £90m approx over 10 years

#1 Alpari (UK) Limited & West Ham United (WHUFC)

Official Sponsorship Details:

There's much speculation involved regarding Alpari (UK) Limited's involvement with WHUFC. Monetary details remain undisclosed to the public, but it has been rather modestly 'understated' as a major Partnership agreement. The 3 year deal was signed in July 2011 and lasts up until 2013. A timely sponsorship that seems a necessity under the current climate of WHUFC's stadium bid to host the Olympic games and a cash boost to its status due to the revenue loss suffered shortly after relegation..Suffice to say, the grounds 'West Stand' has since become the 'Alpari Stand'. Alpari's brand appears in match day programmes and the company has been given rights to promote 'money can't buy' events at the stadium as a part of its branding campaign. The Communications Director for WHUFC (Barry Webber) had this to say:

“We are delighted to sign this partnership agreement with Alpari (UK). It will have a significant and positive impact on the club, and the deal demonstrates that West Ham United remains an attractive proposition to prospective partners, especially in the key world of business and finance.”

Cited src: http://www.alpari.co.uk/en/about_alpari/press/release/37.html

Cited src: http://www.whufc.com/articles/20110719/alpari-uk-and-west-ham-united_2236884_2395660

Read more news from Google results: Alpari (UK) and West Ham "sponsorship"

Company Description:

Alpari (UK) Limited are a global foreign exchange ("Forex ", "FX") broker founded back in 1998, currently operating in London's financial distict of Bishopsgate directly in the buzz that is the City of London. Classed as a seperate entity to the other worldwide Alpari companies (present in over 50 countries and employing over 630 people). The London based company offers financial services and utilities such as Forex brokerage, financial spreads and CFD trading platforms to independent financial traders and investors.

Misc Information: Alpari (UK) Limited also have a 5 year sponsorship in the World Match Racing Tour ~ http://www.wmrt.com

(UK) Headquarters: Alpari (UK) Ltd, 201 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 3AB, UK
Website: http://www.alpari.co.uk

#2 Emirates Airline & Arsenal

Official Sponsorship Details:

This partnership between Emirates Airline and the gunners landed way back in 2006. At the time it was the largest of its kind with a record breaking whopping 15 year deal. The deal is set to expire in 2021 and Emirates has been quoted as saying that is hopes to renew the partnership agreement with Arsenal Football Club upon expiry. Publicised figures document that the sponsorship is valued at $160m / £90m GBP over the course of the 15 year agreement. The airline acquired naming rights to the 60,000 seat home grounds in North London and also gained considerable brand awareness outside of the grounds. The 'Emirates' naming rights were estimated at a value of £2.8m for every year in the10 year consectuive period of extension (£28m in entirety). £48m of the deal is estimated to have been distributed towards shirt sponsorship. Emirates truly brandished its airlines identity here as a powerful driving force to a humongous audience. Research suggests that Arsenal's worldwide fan base comprises of over 27 million supporters.

Read more news from Google results: Emirates Airline & Arsenal "sponsorship"

Company Description:

Emirates is considered to be the largest airline in the middle east with 22 years of consecutive profits. Emirates has won awards for its services including "Airline of the Year" in 2011.. Based at Dubai International Airport and having administrative offices all over the world; the company operates at an average rate of 2,500 flights every single week to over 120 citiies in 70 different countries in pretty much every continent besides...well...Antarctica?

Misc Information:

Emirates have a consistent and impressive portfolio of football sponsorships comprising of FIFA 2007-2014, AC Milan, Asian Football Confederation, as well as the US Open Series in Tennis and more.

(UK) Ticket Office: First Floor, Gloucester Park, 95 Cromwell Road, London SW7 4DL, UK
Website: http://www.emirates.com/uk

#3 Etihad Airways & Manchester City

Official Sponsorship Details:

Stirring up the football scene in July 2011 was Manchester City's ground shattering record 10 year deal for £400m with airline Etihad Airways. This event was crowned the largest single sponsorship deal signed off in sport full stop! Hence the heat it gained along the way...Tim Payton the Trust spokesman is recorded to have stated: "The deal at Manchester City stretches credulity to the limit." There is no doubt that this deal attracted immense waves of speculation, in both positive and negative spheres - to the point that UEFA were pressured to question the fairness of this 10 year sponsorship deal even after Manchester City consulted with the federation to ensure that the deal stuck to all the regulations that governed sponsorships. To say that this deal simply dwarfed the previous record set by JP Morgan Chase' is an understatement.A vast area surrounding the stadium is renamed 'the Ethiad Campus' that engulfs the training grounds, sports science centre and City Square fans' village. New and major developments are still under negotiation whilst planning applications are under scrutiny.

Company Description:

National airline of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways began commercial aviation services on route to Beirut in early November 2003. Renowned for putting in a bid for the largest aircraft purchase in the history of aviation totalling a mahoosive $8 million contract for 24 x air buses,4 x A380-800s and 4 x Boeing 777-300ER's. The company has grown immensely and now services cargo and passenger flights to over 82 destinations from its HQ operation in Abu Dhabi.

Misc Information:

The airline has forged partnerships with Ireland’s Gaelic Athletic Association in February last year and has sponsorship deals with GAA Photos and in Formula 1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This coporation seems keen to identify strong allegions in the sporting world and encourages associations to file applications via the online sponsorship form: http://www.etihadairways.com/sites/etihad/global/en/aboutetihad/oursponsorships/Pages/eSponsorship.aspx.

London (UK) Administrative Office: 200 Hammersmith Road, W6 7DL, London, United Kingdom, UK
Website: http:/www.etihadairways.com

#4 Nike & Manchester United

Official Sponsorship Details:

The Nike & Manchester United union was another hefty record breaking sponsorship back in 2002 with Man U netting a colossal £303m from the sportswear manufacturers, Man United were keeping up with the Jones' very well spreading the duration of this advertising deal over a 13 year period. Nike became the official kit suppliers and as the team's offical sponsor retain global rights to Manchester United's merchandise and retail operations. United was expected to receive 50% of Nike's net profits generated from the licensing of the club's merchandise - under the condition that they remained key players in the top half of the Premiership.Already a global brand it seems Nike can't get enough giving an estimated £23.3m a year. Nike's deal whacked Vodafone out of the equation entirely with a whopping 310% increase in sponsorship a year over the previous £30m 4 year contract that expired in August 2002.

Company Description:

Let's face it - we all know about this sports wear legend and powerhouse. In fact it's hard to avoid their branding. Here's a little factoid about the company: It might surprise you to know however that Nike was previously known as BRS (Blue Ribbon Sports) and was originally founded by Philip Knight and Bill Bowerman 48 years ago. Bill coached Philip in athletics on the track at the University of oregon. Nike began trading and distributing on behalf of Onitsuka Tiger (a Japanese shoe maker).

Misc Information:

The list of Nike sponsorships are so vast that it's only feasible to list a few examples in this post - for more information refer to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Nike_sponsorships. Recent UK sponsorship deals include the new sponsorship agreement with Everton (A well negotiated kit sponsorship in close union with 'Kitbag' worth £10m over 3 years).

London Address: Nike Id Studio 14-16 Neal Street, Covent Garden London, WC2H 9LY, UK
Website: http://www.nike.com

#5 Samsung Electronics & Chelsea

Official Sponsorship Details:

The year is 2008 and Samsung Electronics extends and renews their multi million pound agreement (first signed in 2005) with London's very own Chelsea (owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich). Again this sponsorship deal was valued at $160m over a 10 year partnership up until 2018. The renewed agreement has had significant impact on the Samsung Electronics brand as Mr SH Shin (President & CEO of Smasung Electronics Europe) stated: "it (the partnership) has raised our premium brand awareness, which has in turn helped significantly increase our sales and market share..." and to quote his attitude towards key business areas in the UK "...our turnover has more than doubled in the last five years".
There is no doubt that this sponsorship deal has been and continues to be a vested mutual affair all round. Chelsea FC lapped up a 400% increase in its global fan base since the sponsorship began in 2005 through its past successes on the pitch. This investment has enabled significant growth throughout the whole squad.

Company Description:

Samsung Electronics Europe; a subsidary flagship to the Samsung Group, are maufacturers and industry leaders in hi-tech electronics markets throughout Europe and the world. Dedicated in inventing and creating ground breaking products amidst the digital revolution the company has been in operation for over 70 years. Samsung are true pioneers of the digital age. Recent successes include the launch of OMNIA 7 (the first Windows 7 phone) and 'Winners of 5 European EISA Awards'.

Misc Information:

Samsung is a bonfide sponsor of the Olympic Games through to 2016, other sports related sponsorships include title sponsorship for 'Honda UK's British Superbike team' for the 2012 season, and a 3 year deal with sports personality Maria Sharapova (the worlds top paid female athlete) which began (1st April 2012) this month.

(UK) Headquarters: Samsung House, 1000 Hillswood Drive, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 0PS, UK
Website: http://www.samsung.com/UK

Where to Find Sponsorship Deals:

Need to source sponsorship deals or build relations with companies? Need to find suitable partners to sponsor? Have a look at this online database of UK sponsorship opportunities: http://www.uksponsorship.com/spt1.htm - a place where sponsors and sports associations negotiate and interact.


Clubs and sporting associations can get the visibility they need to receive sponsorship enquiries by getting listed on the aforementioned website. Companies and Coporations interested in increasing brand awareness via a wide spread audience can get feeds of the latest applicants directly via RSS for the latest in UK sports sponsorship opportunities.
Alternatively you can strtategically query search engines for such sponsorships using specific terms like: sponsor | sponsorship "proposal request form" [+ your chosen sporting field] (click link to view search result).

History of Football Sponsorship Deals in the UK

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_football_sponsorship

A vast topic to be covered in another post - perhaps a timeline infographic would be more suitable in this instance?

"Never Say Die" Rooney Inspires Man United Fightback

England striker Wayne Rooney scored 2 penalties and produced an inspiring second half display as Manchester United fought back from a seemingly hopeless position at Stanford Bridge. Trailing by a single goal at half time, even the most die hard of United supporters must have thought all was lost when a disastrous start to the second half saw early goals from Chelsea playmaker Juan Mata (who buried a stunning volley) and a deflected set piece header from centre back David Luiz treble the home side's advantage in a sequence of events that all Chelsea fan's must surely have believed would put the game to bed as a contest.
     However, Rooney was to once again prove the driving force for the reds with a determined performance of both grit and technique in equal quantity - picking up the man of the match award and proving that there would be no greater football boots for manager Sir Alex Ferguson to try and fill should the Liverpool born forward pick up an injury during United's end of season title run in.
     Following the final whistle Chelsea fans vented there frustration at seeing yet another opportunity to make up ground on the Premier League front runners pass them by, whilst in contrast a beaming Rooney suggested in his post match interview that the response from his team was typical of his club's attitude and approach -  even when all seems lost. The game was to prove a fantastic advert for English football, and a great indication of Manchester United's team spirit and unerring desire to succeed in their pursuit of yet another Premier League title.

Gary Cahill Completes Chelsea Switch for £7 Million

West London giants Chelsea have finally completed the signing of England centre back Gary Cahill from fellow Premier League side Bolton Wanderers after a protracted transfer negotiation with the player over personal terms. Having completed a medical examination at the weekend, Cahill now joins Chelsea's star studded squad as they look to get their title challenge back on track - and at just 26 may be viewed by the club as a long term replacement for fellow England defender John Terry at Stamford Bridge.

     The transfer fee paid for Cahill is thought to be in the region of £7 million, thereby presenting arguably good value for both Bolton and Chelsea - particularly with the player's contract rapidly expiring at the Reebok stadium and the Lancashire club therefore fearful of losing him for nothing in the summer.
     For Bolton boss Owen Coyle however, losing such a key player in their battle for Premier League survival must surely be a bitter blow, although it is thought that Cahill's transfer fee will be made available to him in order to recruit replacements for his struggling squad during the current January transfer window.

Spurs Maintain Hard-Line Stance Over Modric Transfer

Spurs are set to continue their hard-line stance against rival clubs as they continue to pursue the signing of their midfield star Luka Modric – in spite on the insistence of the player that Tottenham chairman Levy has now reneged on an agreement made with the Croatian.

Modric insists he struck up a verbal deal with his club’s chairman in Dubrovnik during the summer of 2010 that would allow him to leave White Hart Lane, should a higher profile club come in for his services and the North Londoners could agree a suitable fee. Modric insists that this was a key reasoning behind him extending his contract with the club, and that by refusing to open negotions about his future, he alleges that Levy has gone back on his word.

What is clear however at this stage, is that Levy has publically insisted the club’s prize asset is currently not for sale at any price, having already beaten away a £22 million pound bid from London rivals Chelsea – a bid which Spurs manager Harry Redknapp was quoted as describing as as “ridiculous”.

Although Modric had earlier this week refrained from handing in a formal transfer request, he has openly revealed this weekend that Levy has essentially presented him with the option of carrying on playing for Tottenham or becoming a non-participating spectator at White Hart Lane, as the club refuse to entertain any offers for the player from Premier League rivals or from overseas.

Ferguson Turns Up Heat on Ancelotti Ahead of Quarter Final Clash

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has turned up the heat on rival Carlo Ancelotti, claiming Chelsea have become obsessed with the pursuit of European club football's biggest prize. The taunt comes ahead of tonight's critical Champions League quarter final second leg clash at Old Trafford, with United taking a 1 - 0 advantage into the game courtesy of an excellent goal from Wayne Rooney.

While Ferguson's claims are no doubt an example of the great manager's mind games in the build up to such a key fixture, it must be noted that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has made no secret of his desire to succeed in Europe - having pumped millions of pounds into the London club. However, it remains a trophy that has so far eluded the Blues, in spite of progressing to the knockout stages with extreme regularity in recent seasons.

In spite of the pressure building upon his broad shoulders, Ancelotti has however stated that he feels his job is not under threat - even if his side fail to turnover tonight's deficit and face elimination from the Champions League. The Italian was keen to point out that he has a year remaining on his current contract, and having received huge backing from the chairman in the form of the purchases of Fernando Torres and David Luiz in the January transfer window it seems unlikely that he will meet an immediate demise. However, defeat tonight would test Abramovich's patience further - with Guus Hiddink being touted as a possible replacement at the end of the season.

9 Year Unbeaten Home Record Makes Mourinho Truly Special

This weekend marks another incredible landmark in the sparkling career of Jose Mourinho. The self dubbed “special one” can celebrate an incredible 9 years unbeaten at home in league football – a record that stretches across 4 countries and 4 of the world’s top football clubs: Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and his current club Real Madrid. The Portuguese manager has not exactly been starved of success, records, trophies and accolades over the last few years – but to go the best part of a decade without succumbing to defeat in front of your own fans is something that even he must surely have not realistically expected.



Mourinho’s Magical Home Record: -

• FC Porto – Played 38, Won 36, Drawn 2, Lost 0 
• Chelsea – Played 60, Won 46, Drawn 14, Lost 0
• Inter Milan – Played 38, Won 29, Drawn 9, Lost 0
• Real Madrid – Played 11, Won 11, Drawn 0, Lost 0

The last team to beat one of Mourinho’s sides was Beira Mar on the 22nd of February 2002 when Porto were beaten 3 – 2, but even then Jose’s team finished the game with only 9 men. The harshest critics would argue that Mourinho’s record is somewhat influenced by his counter attacking style and – particularly in his time at Chelsea and Inter – a strong focus on keeping clean sheets and shutting out the opposition. However, it is also a testament to the man’s unwavering desire and drive to succeed, to win trophies and prove to the footballing world that he is truly special. 

Big Sam Backtracks on “Managing Worlds Top Clubs” Claims

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has today backtracked on his somewhat outrageous claims made earlier this week that he would be fit to manage any of the worlds top clubs and “would win the double or the league every time”. Big Sam has however claimed that his somewhat amusing comments had been purely meant as a tongue in cheek way of expressing his personal desire and driving ambition to improve as a manager and ultimately drive his managerial career to the highest levels in world football.

Blackburn have enjoyed a solid start to the new Premier League season under Allardyce and remain unbeaten so far, but his claims that his combative and often direct “long ball” style of football under which his teams tend to operate would be welcome at the likes of Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Manchester United has been a source of great banter and debate by English football fans and the media alike this week. However, as ever Big Sam remains unperturbed and will look to drive his Blackburn side forward when they face Aston Villa in tonight’s League Cup 3rd round clash at Villa Park.

English Premier League Set for Big Kick Off in 2010/2011 Season Opener

This afternoon the 20 English Premier League clubs across the length and breadth of the country are in the process of making their final preparations for the opening day fixtures of the 2010/2011 English Premier League season. The first round of Premier League fixtures are set to take place this weekend, and it seems that 2 of the newly promoted teams are set for a baptism of fire with tough away games on the cards.

Last years Championship winners Newcastle United travel to Old Trafford for a testing opener against Manchester United (set to take place Monday night), while current Premier League Champions Chelsea will welcome West Brom to Stamford Bridge on Saturday. However, arguably the most exciting fixture of the Premier League’s first round is Arsenals visit to Anfield to take on Roy Hodgson’s Liverpool side. Both teams will be looking for a serious title challenge this season after both finished last year without a trophy in spite of multi million pounds squads.

Scholes Nods Vital Winner in Pulsating Manchester Derby

Evergreen Paul Scholes capped a fantastic individual display with a vital winner in a pulsating Manchester Derby. The midfielder was perfectly placed to power home a Patrice Evra cross for his sixth goal of the current campaign, heading into the bottom corner beyond the despairing dive of Shay Given deep into the third minute of time added on. The 35 year old once again proved his wealth of experience is vital to United with a display combining both quality of passing and tenacious desire. The former England star showed strength in the tackle and a desire to win back possession for his side that belied his years - and having just signed another 1 year contract extension, the Salford born star is seemingly set to go from strength to strength for Manchester United. United had created the better chances during the first half of an intriguing encounter with Giggs and Rooney both going close, yet in spite of a frenetic final 10 minutes the game was looking set for a draw until Scholes was on hand to snatch the 3 points for United. Scholes’ winner may yet prove even more important in the broader context of the Premier League as Chelsea’s defeat to London rivals Tottenham later that afternoon has cut the Blues lead to just 1 point, meaning that the title race is now wide open again.

Premier League Stars Face Ultimate Test of Fitness as Season Crunch Time Approaches

The Premier League title race in 2010 is the closest in years, with 3 of English football’s leading teams all still in with a strong shout of claiming the biggest prize in English domestic football. Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal face a fight to the wire to see who will claim the Premier League crown, and as the games come thick and fast as season approaches crunch time, fitness levels of the club’s top stars are certain to play a key part in deciding who will take the season’s big prize. Although the majority of the Premier League’s leading sides now have extensive squads and player rosters at their disposal, maintaining the fitness levels of key players is paramount at this critical stage in proceedings – and their daily fitness regimes play a critical part in maintaining their optimum performance levels week in week out. As well as drills on the training ground with their fellow squad members, premier league players also face gruelling fitness programmes in the gym – completing aerobic workouts on the treadmill, exercise bike and commercial cross trainer amongst others - as they seek to gain a competitive edge over their league rivals. At this level the smallest margins can often decide the final results of matches – with Manchester United in particular famed for their goals at the final stages of games as their superior fitness levels and concentration come into play over some of the leagues less established opposition. Likewise, much has been made in the English tabloids of the “maturity” of Chelsea’s squad in comparison to their title rivals – with players such as Michael Ballack seemingly reaching the latter stages of their career. With key aspects such as this in mind, it seems very possible that the fittest team may indeed be the one that goes on to claim this season’s title.

Terry May Face Bridge In FA Cup Quarter Final

Former England captain John Terry may possibly be set to face Wayne Bridge in the quarter finals of this years FA cup after his Chelsea side were drawn at home against either Manchester city or Stoke City. If City can beat Stoke in their cup replay they will then face a daunting trip to Stamford Bridge to face the might of current cup holders and Premiership frontrunners Chelsea. The draw has presented the possibility of a potential classic cup encounter between two Premier League heavyweights that would be made all the more fiery if Chelsea’s captain was to come face to face with former team mate Bridge. The relationship between the two former close friends and team mates has reportedly broken down following the publication of a report surrounding Terry’s private life concerning an extramarital affair with Bridge’s former partner - an issue that has recently been the subject of much coverage in the English sporting press and tabloid media, and that has ultimately led to Fabio Capello relieving Terry of the England captaincy. However, Bridge and his City team mates must first make their way past Tony Pulis’ battling Potters to reach the next round. The quarter final ties will take place on the 6th and 7th of March 2010.

England Face Up To Major World Cup Injury Scare Following Cole Surgery

England are facing up to a potential crisis at summer following emerging news that Chelsea left back Ashley Cole may struggle to be fit for the 2010 World Cup. Cole has been an England stalwart in recent years, establishing himself as a near automatic selection on the left hand side of England’s defence. The Chelsea star recently suffered a broken ankle playing for his club against Everton on Wednesday night and at first it was believed he would be missing for around 3 months. But now it appears the injury could be even worse than first feared after he underwent surgery earlier today. Although Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti was hopeful of a return before the end of the season, he has admitted he is still unsure whether Cole would be back to fitness in time to play for Chelsea before this summers footballing showcase in South Africa. England’s alternatives at left back are arguably very limited, although Manchester City’s Wayne Bridge is a natural alternative in this position. However he lacks the speed of Cole and the same level of experience at international level. He may also struggle to form a bond in defence with England’s John Terry following the recent emergence of the controversial extramarital affair and personal issues concerning the private life of the former England captain.

Chelsea Send Warning To Tital Rivals Ahead Of Sunday Showdown At Anfield

Chelsea sent a major warning to title rivals Liverpool and Manchester United ahead of today's massive clash at Anfield by demolishing a poor Blackburn Rovers side at The Bridge. The Blues never moved out of third gear in their 5 - 0 victory over Rovers who saw their dreadful away form continue. A dominant performance from Chelsea hitman Didier Drogba and a continuation of England midfield star Frank Lampard's return to form swept aside a Blackburn outfit that must now face a further daunting away trip to Old Trafford next weekend. Ghana international Michael Essien also fired in from long range on an afternoon of total Chelsea domination, where The Blues could have racked up a cricket score. The 5 nil rout was in fact Chelsea's biggest ever win against the Lancastrians and sent them back to the Premier League summit ahead of Man United's visit to Anfield this afternoon. United can however go back to the top of the Premier League if they beat Rafa Benitez' struggling Reds this afternoon.

Liverpool Suffer Gerrard Injury Blow

Liverpool's challenge for silverware this season has been hit by a second major blow in a week. After the embarrassing mauling at home by Chelsea in the Champions league quarter final first leg a few days ago, it has now emerged that the Kop hero Steven Gerrard has suffered a recurrence of a niggling groin injury which will limit his appearances in Liverpool's title run in. It has emerged in the UK tabloids today that he is unlikely to start in Saturdays premier league game against Blackburn, and may also miss the return leg against Chelsea at the bridge - a game in which Liverpool must score at least 3 times. This news must be a huge blow to morale of the Liverpool team following the crushing defeat at Anfield earlier in the week and leaves a young squad to whom every game is now crucial without their inspirational figurehead in midfield. While Liverpool need all but a miracle in the champions league, their recent Premiership form and poor results for title rivals United have reignited their slim hopes of snatching the biggest prize in English football away from the holders. However, this news may all but extinguish their realistic hopes of silverware this season.

English Clubs Enjoy A Great Week in Champions League

After another great week of champions league action, all 4 English clubs involved in Europe's top club competition enjoyed a successful week. The best result undoubtedly belonged to Liverool, who without injured talisman Steven Gerrard still managed to claim an excellent 1-0 win in Madrid - including the all important away goal. Elsewhere, in spite of a dominant performance away from home, Manchester United had to settle for a creditable goalless draw against Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan side - but should still be favourites to progress with the second leg of the tie still to follow at Old Trafford. New Chelsea manager Guss Hiddink was delighted to claim a 1-0 victory at home against Italian giants Juventus through Drogba's early scuffed volley - but with the blues' solid defense you would expect them to hold firm in the away leg to go through. Arsenal's position is perhaps the most fragile of all the English clubs, in spite of a 1-0 win through Robin Van Persie's penalty. There away form and unpredictability this season may yet prove to be their downfall.

Blues Beatable at the Bridge!?!

A fantastic weekend of Premiership fixtures climaxed with the much anticipated clash between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon with a largely unexpected result. With the visitors supposedly in complete meltdown following the well documented spat of former captain Gallas, it was one of the players that the Frenchman had widely villified - Robin Van Persie - whos double strike sent the Gunners into dreamland. Arsenal fought back well against the run of play having previously fallen behind to a first half own goal, and even the most die hard of north Londoners could surely not have predicted a result that would see Chelsea collapse into a third home defeat of the season under the management of Big Phil Scolari. The once impenetrable fortress of Stamford Bridge is now being burned to the ground, having already suffered more home defeats this year than in the previous 3 seasons under the guidance of The Special One and Avram Grant. While Chelsea remain top of the league and hot favourites to regain the Premiership title, this victory will surely instill greater belief into visiting sides that they can indeed beat the blues at the bridge.

Drogba May Face Police Charge After Coin Incident

Latest news reports suggest that controversial Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba may be soon facing up to separate investigations by both the police and Football Association following an incident which occurred during Wednesday nights League cup fourth round defeat at the hands of Burnley. The striker was apparently hit by a coin by one of the travelling supporters during his goal celebrations after giving Chelsea the lead at Stamford bridge, and promptly returned the favour by tossing the offending item back into the away enclosure. There were no Burnley fans reported injured following the incident, and Drogba has subsequently made a full public apology for his actions, but the consequences of them are yet to be fully determined. Drogba received a booking from the match referee Mr Keith Stroud for his part in the incident but may now face a more lengthly FA ban or even the possibility of a police charge, pending the results of the enquiry. Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was once sent off at Highbury during an FA cup tie with Premier League rivals Arsenal for a similar incident in which he threw a coin which had been directed at him back into the terraces. For me there is little doubt that such acts from so called football supporters go far beyond the realms of what can be deemed acceptable football banter, but the actions of the player concerned are also certainly not what should be expected of an experienced international star, who has never remained far from the tabloid headlines for his conduct. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea are to lose their star forward through suspension having already missed him for much of the season through injury, but the incident last night certainly marred what was otherwise a fantastic English cup tie.

Big Boys Crash Out Of League Cup

Last night saw a fantastic night of giant killing in the league cup, with 2 of the so called English "big 4" clubs crashing out of the competition. A second string Liverpool side were unceremoniously dumped out of the cup by an in form Tottenham side at Anfield, with some shocking goalkeeping from both sides resulting in a high scoring 4 - 2 win in favor of the visiting North Londoners. However, the major shock of the evening occurred at Stamford Bridge, where a strong eleven featuring international superstars Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba put out by the Premier League favorites Chelsea were knocked out by Championship side Burnley on penalties after a 1 - 1 draw. Both these sides suffered humiliating defeats at the hands of Barnsley in last seasons FA cup and must now face up to the prospect of an early exit from another major domestic cup competition. such results may now open the door for Arsenal and Manchester United's young guns to show their experienced managers that they have the ability to break into their regular first choice 11.