Transfer News: Manchester United finally agree Angel Di Maria fee

Manchester United and Real Madrid have finally agreed a fee for Angel Di Maria's pending move to Old Trafford.

The English side will pay 75 million euros upfront, with up to 15 million euros of add-ons and incentives attached, split into three potential payments of five million euros.

With the way the deal would be structured, United will most likely end up paying 80 million euros for the 26-year-old.

It remains to be seen whether that figure will tally with the figures publicly released by United, given recent disputes over exact money paid in deals between English clubs and the Spanish giants, most notably those for Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale.

The stated fee would match what Madrid paid to sign James Rodriguez from Monaco earlier this summer, and would help club president Florentino Perez to appease the club's fans amid dissatisfaction at the sale of Di Maria.

The Argentina winger is expected to travel to Manchester to complete the deal on Monday, and has been promised the No. 7 shirt at Old Trafford. He is expected to sign a five- or six-year deal.

Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti had confirmed earlier on Sunday that Di Maria is on his way out of the Bernabeu.

"It is not fully done, but he is close to a transfer," Ancelotti said. "He came to say goodbye. We thanked him for what he has done for this team and we wished him luck for the future. It is not official, but it is resolved."

Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso -- formerly of Liverpool -- also tweeted: "Thank you for everything Fideo! I wish you the best, even though it is Manchester United :) We will never forget the zigzag in extra time in Lisbon."

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Boko Haram Territory: Gwoza in Borno state is no longer part of Nigeria- Abubakar Shekau

Boko Haram's leader has declared an Islamic caliphate in a northeast Nigeria town seized by the extremist militants earlier this month.

Abubakar Shekau, the terrorist behind the kidnapping of more than 200 schoolgirls four months ago, made the statement during a video which shows a group of prisoners being shot with assault rifles as they lie in a ditch.  

He declared that Gwoza, in Borno State, now has 'nothing to do with Nigeria' and said 'by the grace of Allah' they will not be leaving the town.

'Thanks be to Allah who gave victory to our brethren in (the town of) Gwoza and made it part of the Islamic caliphate,' he claims during the 52-minute video.  

'By the grace of Allah we will not leave the town. We have come to stay,' said Shekau, who has been designated a global terrorist by the United States and sanctioned by the UN Security Council.

The United Nations humanitarian office (OCHA) earlier this month confirmed reports that Gwoza was under rebel control.

Boko Haram is also believed to be in control of other areas near the seized town in southern Borno, as well as large swathes of territory in the north of the region and at least one town in neighbouring Yobe state.

Mapping the precise areas which have fallen into Islamist hands is nearly impossible.

There are few humanitarian workers on the ground in the northeast, travel is dangerous and the region, which has been under a state of emergency since May of last year, has poor mobile phone coverage.

Experts have described Boko Haram's gains in recent weeks as unprecedented, saying the group was closer than ever to achieving its goal of carving out a strict Islamic state across northern Nigeria.

But many analysts believe the military has the capacity to reverse the insurgents' advance.

Soldiers this week refused to deploy to Gwoza without better weapons in an apparent mutiny. 

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Sunderland - Man United: Van Gaal defended Ashley young after yellow card booking for diving

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal criticised referee Martin Atkinson for booking Ashley Young for simulation during the 1-1 draw at Sunderland but admitted the winger had exaggerated the contact.

Van Gaal -- who refused to be drawn on Real Madrid's Angel Di Maria -- is still searching for his first Premier League win after Jack Rodwell's header cancelled out Juan Mata's opener on Sunday.

Both Robin van Persie and Ashley Young saw penalty appeals turned down in quick succession in the second half, and Young picked up a yellow card for simulation after going over Wes Brown's leg, but Van Gaal defender the player.

He told Sky Sports: "He was free at the ball -- he lifted the ball across the player and the opponent is kicking him. After that he was jumping too much, but what counts is that he was kicked by the opponent and then the referee can give a penalty.

"He was tackled in my opinion, but after that he was exaggerating -- but it is not diving because he was touched by the opponent."

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Anaconda accident: One of Nicki Minaj's 'Anaconda' Dancer was Bitten by Snake During a Rehearsal

One of Nicki Minaj's backup dancers was reportedly bitten by a snake during a rehearsal for the star's upcoming performance of "Anaconda" at MTV Video Music Awards. TMZ reports that the 6-foot long reptile, ironically believed to be an anaconda, bit the female dancer in front of everyone when the raptress was performing onstage.

The site notes that Anacondas are non-venomous snakes, but they are capable of transmitting bacteria that can lead to serious infections. The dancer was taken to a local hospital for treatment while the snake was removed from the stage in a container.

Now that the snake has harmed someone, it's unclear if the animal will still be used for the performance.

Minaj is scheduled to take the VMA stage at the Forum in Inglewood, California, on Sunday, August 24. She will also join Jessie J and Ariana Grande to open the event with their collaboration hit "Bang Bang".

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Liverpool may sign Samuel Eto'o if Balotelli deal falls through

Liverpool are continuing to consider Samuel Eto'o as a back-up option if Mario Balotelli's move falls through.

Balotelli arrived in England on Friday after the Reds agreed a 16 million-pounds fee with AC Milan. The striker has accepted a significant pay cut to join Liverpool, but manager Brendan Rodgers wants to be absolutely sure that the deal is right for the club before committing to it.

For that reason, Rodgers has refused to close the door on a deal for Eto'o, sources said.

The Cameroon international, 33, has been without a club since Chelsea released him last summer, and is also thought to be interesting Everton.

Liverpool, though, will only pursue a move for Eto'o if they were to pull out of a deal to sign Balotelli.

The Italian forward met Rodgers after undergoing the first part of his medical on Friday, with the second part scheduled for Saturday.

If all goes according to plan, Balotelli is likely to become a Liverpool player early next week.

He is set to be offered a three-year contract, with an option for an extra 12 months after that.

Reports suggest that the forward will be paid a basic salary of between 80,000 pounds and 90,000 pounds, a significant drop on the 160,000 pounds weekly salary he is believed to have been earning at AC Milan.

However, he will be able to increase his salary by adhering to good behaviour clauses stipulated in his contract.

But whatever happens, the 24-year-old will not be available to face his former club Manchester City in the Premier League on Monday, as he has missed the registration deadline for that match.

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Nicki Minaj 'Anaconda' Music Video Breaks Record

Nicki Minaj's "Anaconda" music video has officially broken Vevo's record for the most views in 24 hours. It's announced on Friday, August 22 that the twerk-filled clip racked up 19.6 million clicks on the first day of its release, besting the 19.3 million views by previous record holder Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball".

After learning of the news, Minaj shared her excitement on Instagram, writing, "WE BROKE THE RECORD BABY!!!!! Anaconda Video 19.6 million views in 24 hrs!!!!" The much-discussed clip, which also features a cameo from Drake, has so far been played more than 43 million times on Vevo.

This is not Minaj's first time to have set the single-day watch record. In October 2012, her collaboration with Justin Bieber "Beauty and a Beat" broke the record with 10.6 million video views. In January 2012, her "Stupid Hoe" clip scored 4.8 million plays.

"Anaconda" is the latest single off Minaj's "The Pink Print" album. She'll perform the song live during the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, August 24 after kicking off the event with "Bang Bang", her collaboration with Jessie J and Ariana Grande.

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Carlo Ancelotti denial reports of Di Maria departure to United

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has denied reports that Angel Di Maria was left out of Friday's Spanish Super Cup 1-0 second leg defeat at Atletico Madrid because the Manchester United target is about to leave the La Liga club.

But the Blancos boss did admit that Sami Khedira -- who might also be of interest to the Old Trafford outfit as well as fellow Premier League club Arsenal -- was being allowed to leave the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

Ancelotti was speaking after a lacklustre Madrid side were outbattled and outplayed by a super-spirited Atletico team, who went ahead early through new centre-forward Mario Mandzukic and deserved to hold on to win 2-1 on aggregate even after coach Diego Simeone was sent to the stands.

The Italian coach told his post-match news conference that it had been a sporting decision not to include Di Maria in his 18-man squad, but Khedira had not been selected as he was close to leaving the club.

"It was a technical decision not to play Di Maria," Ancelotti said. "I did not need him today. Khedira has permission to leave. I am not interested in where he goes."

Some speculation has suggested that Madrid might use any money raised through player sales to sign another centre-forward -- with Monaco's Radamel Falcao a long-time favourite of club president Florentino Perez. However Ancelotti said he did not want another No. 9 as he was happy with current striker Karim Benzema, despite the French international having now scored just once in his last 15 club games.

"I am very happy with Benzema," Ancelotti said. "Although he did not score he is useful for the team. We do not need another solution at centre-forward."

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I Would Get Married Again- Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez says she likes being in a relationship and will get married for the fourth time despite her previous divorces. The singer made the comments as she appeared in a Thursday, August 21 episode of "Chelsea Lately" where she talked about her love life with Chelsea Handler.

"I would get married again," she told the show's host. "I like being in a relationship, I do. I'm not one to whore around, that's not my thing." The two went on talking about Lopez's preference in dating. When asked if she had dated older guy, the mother of two explained, "I date mostly my age, but then I dated one younger guy. I dated Beau, that was my last relationship."

The "American Idol" judge and her boyfriend Casper Smart split earlier this years after two and a half years of dating. Speculations whether the two are going back together emerged after the former lovers were seen in a BMW convertible while sporting matching topknots on August 18.

"Casper was driving and J.Lo was in the passenger seat. They had the music on loud and were both grooving to the music and laughing together," a source told Us Weekly. When the "Same Girl" hitmaker noticed the paparazzi, she "was sliding down as low as she could in her seat so she wouldn't be seen. Casper put the top up and then they went back to her house."

Another source claimed that Lopez and the dancer still have feelings for each other. "They still have a lot of love for each other and are incredibly close. It doesn't surprise me to hear they are hanging out and having fun," the source explained.

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Now that the US Ebola patients are free from the deadly virus, are they free to perform their house duty to their spouse?

I've already noted that Ebola can be spread by body fluids — blood, vomit, feces. Studies have also shown that, at least in theory, the virus could also be spread by infectious semen and vaginal fluids. In one paper, live Ebola virus was isolated from semen 40 days after the patient first became ill. Others found similar results using molecular methods: Semen was positive for molecular markers of Ebola as long as 91 days after symptoms appeared in one publication, while others found that semen could be positive for as long as 101 days and vaginal fluids for 33 days.

Theory is one thing, but is there any epidemiological evidence to suggest that Ebola has ever been spread this way?

Maybe.

An instance of possible transmission via sex has been reported, but with more reservations than Manhattan restaurants on New Year's Eve. The study followed up with individuals who had survived Ebola virus disease during the 1995 outbreak in Kikwit, Democratic Republic of Congo, and their household members. Samples of blood and other body fluids were taken to examine presence of Ebola virus and antibodies against the virus, which would indicate an infection had occurred, even if the patient showed no symptoms. A woman did test positive for Ebola antibodies in one test, but not in another test carried out almost 2 years later. Her partner was also positive for Ebola virus in his semen, and they noted that condoms were not always used during sex. Far from definitive proof, but between that anecdote and the positive fluid samples, the authors recommended condom use for at least 3 months after recovery from the disease.

With the present cases in the United States, it seems that physicians did pass this recommendation along to Brantly — no news on whether any similar recommendations were provided to Writebol, even though she could still be within the infectious phase as well.

The question of what to do with recovered Ebola patients highlights gaps in our Ebola knowledge. While more than 1,300 patients have now died in this outbreak, more than a thousand have seemingly recovered. The ability to study them would immensely increase our knowledge about Ebola virus disease. We already know that some people can have chronic symptoms that appear after the infection, like joint and bone pain or an eye condition that can cause blindness, but we don't know exactly why some people experience this and others don't.

The odds are very good that Brantly and Writebol are not a risk to their partners, even in the case of unprotected sex. Additional studies of Ebola survivors will let us say more definitively if this holds true. 

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Justin Bieber's Entourage are accused of Bribing Canadian Border Official

Justin Bieber's crew has been accused of bribing a Canadian border official so that his two American friends could gain entry to the country when he performed. According to a Thursday, August 21 report by TMZ, a female officer at the Niagara Falls has been fired for accepting $10,000 in backstage pass from the 21-year-old pop star's entourage.
Canada may not allow people with criminal record to gain entry to the country. It is unclear when the incident took place, but Bieber performed twice in the country last year. The story allegedly emerged after Bieber's other friends demanded similar treatment at the border. The Canadian performer's camp has not responded to the story.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has confirmed that they are aware of claims including "accepting gifts, hospitality and other benefits; acceptances of travel offer from a third party and misuse of government electronic networks; abuse of authority; and, engaging in preferential treatment." A spokesperson for CBSA Esme Bailey said in an email to Huffington Post that "upon learning of allegations of serious misconduct in the Southern Ontario Region, the Agency took immediate action."

In other news, last week Bieber paid over $10,700 for his pet monkey Mally which he abandoned in Germany last year, Central European News reports. Back then, the pop star was not allowed to bring the animal into the country because he could not show the paper work. The German Federal Nature Conservation Agency said the money would be used to cover the monkey's living expenses at the shelter.

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I want to be England manager- Rio Ferdinand

When Rio Ferdinand completes his coaching badges, the former England defender has it all mapped out. He wants the biggest job of the lot.

This is his England dream; a vision and a philosophy that he believes will get the best out of the country’s players under his guidance. It feels good to hear someone care so much.

‘Everyone has dreams of playing for England and my dream after football is to manage England,’ he revealed.

‘I don’t expect the chance now, but once I get the badges I am there. If I don’t get a job in management I will wonder why.’ 

Ferdinand started out on the coaching pathway when his career at Manchester United came to a close. It fills him with enthusiasm and now he wants more.

To listen to him talk about the national team, to hear the passion in his voice, leaves you wanting to know more. ‘I will give myself the best opportunity of getting the job by getting all the badges,’ he added.

‘I don’t think people should start shouting the odds about the opportunity to manage clubs until they have their badges. I am not sitting here saying “give me a job” because I don’t have them yet.’

He is on the UEFA B licence course and the next step is the A Licence and then the ProLicence. After that, he cannot be ignored. Ferdinand, who turns 36 in November, has too much to offer after a lifetime in the game. He has experienced almost everything.

He admires the young coaches; the guys who were given a chance in their thirties. Ferdinand believes they have a better connection with the dressing room. 

‘Low, Klinsmann were young geezers when they started out with Germany,’ he added. ‘Look at Van Basten, Mourinho, Guardiola and Luis Enrique — they are not old fellas but they were given a chance. It is different in this country. We are 10 years behind in certain situations. We have to do what’s best for English football.’

Ferdinand has the bug for it. He would be a tracksuit manager, taking England’s players through sessions as they prepare under a player who won 81 caps for his country during a distinguished international career.

He speaks of radical changes needed with the national set-up, adapting the structure to suit an England team that would be encouraged to play Ferdinand’s way. After 50 years of failure, it has to be worth a shot.

‘Maybe I’m not their (the FA’s) type, but I don’t know what their type is,’ added Ferdinand. ‘Maybe it’s an unblemished track record, but everybody deserves a second chance. Glenn Hoddle is a prime example. He’s the best one you had and he is gone, never to be seen again with England. We are on our knees.’

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Nicki Minaj 'Anaconda' Music Video receive mix feeling from Grandmaster Flash

Grandmaster Flash has voiced his opinion about Nicki Minaj's twerk-filled "Anaconda" music video. In a new interview with BBC Radio, the rapper admitted he wasn't impressed by the raunchy clip he thought was "totally unnecessary."

He said that Minaj is too successful to make such music video. "I think an artist of her stature, it wasn't necessary, although it could be considered fun from her point of view," he explained. "I just think maybe if she was up-and-coming maybe, but to have done all the things that she has done, and all the power she already has, it wasn't totally necessary."

The 56-year-old musician also revealed another reason why he's not a fan of Minaj's latest work. "I've got a stepdaughter, 12, and I got a daughter, 15, and if I was walking by her room and she was watching the video and she was actually trying to emulate that, I don't know. I'd be pretty much upset," he added.
"Anaconda" is the latest single to be lifted off Minaj's upcoming "The Pink Print" album.

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Transfer News: Balotelli leaves AC Milan for Liverpool after the clubs agreed a fee of £16m

Mario Balotelli has said his goodbyes to his AC Milan teammates and the club's staff ahead of his proposed move to Liverpool after the two clubs agreed a fee of 16 million pounds (20 million euros, $26.5 million).

Balotelli trained for probably the last time with the Rossoneri on Thursday morning before leaving the club's headquarters at Milanello.

The Italy striker's next session is likely to be at Melwood after the two clubs agreed a fee for the 24-year-old, who could be signed in time to make his debut at former club Manchester City on Monday night.

"Mario Balotelli left the Milanello Sports Centre at 13:30 after having said goodbye to his teammates," said a statement on the Serie A club's website. "The forward, before exiting through the gates, bid farewell to the press office staff. Around 50 fans were also grouped in front of the gates to say goodbye to him."

Balotelli's agent, Mino Raiola, is currently meeting with Liverpool representatives in England to agree personal terms over a deal that would see Balotelli return to the Premier League after just 18 months in his homeland.

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Dawn Of Justice: Henry Cavill 'Superman' showoff his physique on set

Superheros are supposed to be strong and muscular, and Henry Cavill shouldn't disappoint.

For the first time, the 31-year-old actor allowed a glimpse of his bulky physique in the blue and red superhero suit as he crossed the Detroit set of Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice on Tuesday.

Cavill displayed a brawny chest, six-pack abdomen and muscle-packed legs that were worthy of applause, along with slicked back dark hair.

The British star was surrounded by crew members as he took long strides between the trailers, his crimson boots matching the red lining of his flowing black cape.

He looked so much like Superman that one would expect him to take a flying leap and start soaring right there and then.

Soon Henry drew the robe around him in an effort to keep his costume under wraps as he finished working for the day on the highly anticipated Zack Snyder directed sequel to 2013's Man Of Steel.

Despite the hooded covering, the costume's trademark 'S' logo and red boots could be seen poking through the handsome star's garment.

Sporting the sleek slicked hairstyle, Henry's extremely buff physique even protruded through the oversized robe.

 

 

 

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BRINGBACKOURGIRLS: UK to send three Tornado reconnaissance jets to Nigeria in rescue of the Kidnapped schoolgirls

The RAF is sending three warplanes to help locate the Nigerian schoolgirls taken by an Islamist terror group, it has been reported.

Four months ago Boko Haram, which is fighting to reinstate a medieval Islamic caliphate in religiously mixed Nigeria, abducted more than 200 schoolgirls from the village of Chibok and they remain missing.

Now, three RAF Tornado GR4s outfitted with surveillance equipment are being deployed to the African nation to fly reconnaissance missions over the region the group is known to operate in.

A Government source told The Times that the fighter bombers will help the Nigerian authorities by tracking the movements of Boko Haram militants.

According to the report, the mission is dependent on a nearby nation giving them permission to use a runway.

An MOD spokesman did not deny the report about the deployment of the planes, adding: 'The UK continues to work with the U.S., France, Nigeria, its neighbours and international partners to provide advice and assistance to the Nigerian Government.

'Together with our allies we have provided continuous surveillance support to the Nigerian authorities, including satellite imagery. We are still in discussion with partners on the deployment of further surveillance capability.'

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Shakira song 'Loca' broke copyright laws- Judge

A Manhattan federal court judge has ruled that Shakira's song "Loca" is a rip-off of another song. In a ruling on Tuesday, August 19, Judge Alvin Hellerstein said that the Spanish version of the single infringed on a 1998 song called "Loca con su Tiguere" by a Dominican songwriter named Ramon Arias Vasquez.

Peaking at the top of the Latin Billboard charts, Shakira's "Loca" has reportedly sold more than five million copies worldwide. Hellerstein said the song was based on a 2007 song by Dominican rapper Eduard Edwin Bello Pou a.k.a. El Cata which also copied Vasquez's work. Pou's version of "Loca con su Tiguere" was also distributed by Sony.

Vazquez previously testified that his "Loca con su Tiguere" was "inspired by his older sister Janette's relationship with her boyfriend, who was considered a 'tiguere,' and with a suitor from a wealthy family." He then met Pou and showed him the song.

Pou denied Vasquez's story, claiming the song was inspired by his relationship with his ex-wife.

The Tuesday ruling is a victory for plaintiff Mayimba Music which holds the rights to Vasquez's work and sued Sony Corp of America and affiliates (the judge eventually found only two of them, Sony/ATV Latin and Sony/ATV Discos, liable for distributing Shakira's song).

Sony's attorney declined to comment on the case. A trial on damages will be held later this year.

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Baby on motion: A Pregnant American Olympic track and field star gives birth to baby girl

A U.S. Olympic track and field star who continued to run at more than eight months pregnant has given birth to a baby girl.

Middle-distance runner Alysia Montaño announced the happy news on her Instagram account on Sunday, posting a picture of her newborn baby's hand.

'Team Montaño has added a new member to the line-up on August 15, 2014 at 2:29am. Coming in at 7lbs 15 ounces and 19.5 inches long, please welcome Linnea Dori Montano!'

With the approval and encouragement of doctors, Montaño continued to compete and train throughout her pregnancy.

At 34 weeks, Montaño ran the 800-meter race at the U.S. Track and Field Championships at the end of June in Sacramento, California.

The 28-year-old former University of California track star finished last in her heat, but that didn't matter for the then-expectant mom.

'That took away any fear of what the outside world might think about a woman running during her pregnancy,' Montaño said at the time.

'What I found out mostly was that exercising during pregnancy is actually much better for the mom and the baby. ... I did all the things I normally do ... I just happened to be pregnant. This is my normal this year.'

Montaño finished the race with a time of 2 minutes and 32 seconds, 35 minutes slower than her personal best of 1 minute and 57 seconds.

'I've been running throughout my pregnancy and I felt really, really good during the whole process,' Montaño said. 'I just didn't want to get lapped and be the first person to get lapped in the 800.'

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Cristiano Ronaldo's injury doesn't call for worry- Ancelotti

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has professed to be unworried over the unspecified injury which forced Cristiano Ronaldo off at half time in Tuesday's 1-1 Spanish Super Cup draw with Atletico Madrid at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

Ronaldo had seemed back to full fitness when scoring twice in last week's European Supercup win against Sevilla, with concerns he had not fully recovered from the tendinitis issue in his left knee that affected him through the end of the 2013-14 campaign.

The Portugal international however lasted just 45 minutes of the season opening showpiece game against Atletico, being surprisingly replaced at the break after another subdued showing.

The Italian coach told his postgame news conference that it was too early yet to know the extent of the injury, which is thought to be a left hamstring problem, but the early signs were not too bad.

"Cristiano had a strain and after the first half was not comfortable," Ancelotti said. "We will evaluate it tomorrow, and do the tests. At first it does not seem so serious."

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Anaconda is finally here

The highly-anticipated music video of Nicki Minaj's "Anaconda" is finally here. Hitting the web on Wednesday, August 20 at midnight, the Colin Tilley-directed clip features the raptress in numerous skin-baring outfits as she shakes her famous butt at various locations.

At first, Minaj and some scantily-clad back-up dancers are seen showing off their twerking skills in a rainforest. She later hits the gym in a pink sports bra and a super tiny G-string before provocatively spraying whipped cream on her breast and eating a banana in the kitchen.

The video also features a cameo from Drake, who looks surprisingly cute sitting still on a chair while Minaj gives him a lap dance.

Produced by Polow Da Don and Da Internz, "Anaconda" features a sample of Sir Mix-a-Lot's 1992 hit "Baby's Got Back". It serves as the second single off Minaj's new album "The Pink Print" that's scheduled to be released later this year. The Young Money artist is slated to perform the track live during the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, August 24.

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Champions League Playoff: Arsene Wenger suprised by Aaron Ramsey's sending off

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger branded Aaron Ramsey's late sending off against Besiktas "unbelievable" following his side's goalless draw in the Champions League playoff first leg.

Already on a yellow card, Ramsey pulled back Oguzhan Ozyakup's shirt in the dying minutes at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium and was subsequently shown the first red card of his club career by referee Milorad Mazic.

The midfielder will now miss next week's return leg at the Emirates Stadium.

"Both yellow cards for Aaron Ramsey are unbelievable. When you see the fouls they have made today it's not serious. Just not serious," Wenger told ITV.

Besiktas forward Demba Ba proved a constant threat for the home side as the former Chelsea striker went close on numerous occasions, while substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain saw a late effort tipped on to the post.

Wenger conceded it was a frantic game and both teams wasted chances to take a lead to North London. However, the Frenchman believes his side are capable of doing the job at home in order to secure their place in the group-stage draw.

He added: "It was a difficult game played at a frenetic pace from the first minute to the last. We could have won it but they had chances as well, in the first half alone. In the end we didn't lose and hopefully we will make it at home.

Despite seeing Ramsey red-carded and Mikel Arteta walk off the pitch with a suspected ankle injury, Wenger took solace in a pleasing performance from summer signing Calum Chambers.

Wenger said: "I think he was once again very good tonight and very convincing in his performance. He coped with the pressure, won the challenges and played on a pitch that was not easy. He did very well."

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