Football Corner

Even Gareth Southgate would have to admit that Middlesbrough won't be playing in the Premier League next season.

Despite taken an early lead at St James' Park this evening, Boro still managed to come away with nothing in their six-pointer with Alan Shearer's Newcastle. The result now leaves them three points away from safety and with only two games to go, you would have to say it would take a miracle for them to avoid the drop now.

The simple fact of the matter is, Boro just didn't score enough goals this season. Just 26 goals in 36 games is quite frankly pathetic for a side who were challenging for honours on the European stage only three years ago. Players like Afonso Alves and Stewart Downing just haven't performed this season and I am sure it is players like those who will be first to leave the Riverside when the transfer window opens on July 1st.

Boro fans, have your say on your side's performance tonight and indeed over the course of the season by leaving a comment below.

It seems as though every day, there is someone new being linked with a move to Manchester City.

This time it's Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.

With the summer transfer window set to open in less than two months, Mark Hughes is apparently preparing a £18 million bid to try and lure Spanish international to Eastlands.

Having recently stated his desire to keep Alonso at Anfield, Rafa Benitez is unlikely to let go of the 27-year old without a fight. It is widely expected that Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry will arrive on Meryseyside in the summer, which would free up the possibility of Alonso leaving the club, however I am sure if you ask any Liverpool fan who they would prefer between Barry and Alonso, the large majority would tell you Alonso.

I must admit I am a massive fan of Alonso's. Personally, I think he is one of the best midfielders in Europe and I feel Benitez would be mad to let him go. Having said that, as a City fan myself, I would be more than happy to see him arrive at the City of Manchester Stadium this summer. If we really are serious about becoming one of the biggest clubs in the world, players like Alonso are just what we need.

What do you think? Is Benitez mad enough to let one of his most prized assets go? Comments below please.

"Fergie, sign him up."

That was the cry from the Manchester United faithful this afternoon after Carlos Tevez turned in a magnificent display to help Sir Alex Ferguson's men return to the top of the Premier League table.

The Argentine international showed why the United fans love him so much just before the half-time whistle was blown. Tevez' all but put the game to bed even before the half-way stage when his 20-yard strike cannoned off the inside of the post and fortunately (if you are a United fan) into the back of the net.

Following the goal, Tevez sprinted towards the United dug-out and cuffed both ears, as if to say "Where's my offer?".

Before a ball was even kicked at Old Trafford this afternoon, Tevez had this to say in many of Sunday's papers : "To be honest, I don't think I will be a Manchester United player next season. It makes me sad because I don't feel I deserve to be in the position that United have not made me an offer. My time is over and I have to concentrate on my future, my family's future and so I think at the end of this season I will move to another club."

As a football fan, I'm glad to hear Tevez wants to leave United because, as we have seen today, he is too good to be sitting on the bench every weekend. There has been talk in recent days that Tevez will end up at either Anfield or Eastlands, however I'm not convinced that will be the case. No matter where he does end up though, I'm sure he will prove to be a massive success and I for one, hope he stays in England.

How good was Tevez today? Where do you think Tevez will be next season? Comments below please.

Let's face it, Richard Dunne is right. Cristiano Ronaldo is a diver.

Yes, the Manchester City captain has today added even more spice to Sunday's eagerly anticipated Manchester Derby by claiming the FIFA World Player of the Year is, in fact, a diver.

Speaking about the Portuguese winger, Dunne had this to say : "Ronaldo is the best player in the world, but he plays the game to his advantage. At times, he can be running so fast that any nick could send him tumbling. He makes the most of the situation, I suppose."

"Some referees give free-kicks and some don’t, but whether he’s diving or not diving, he’s impossible to mark when he’s on form."

I'm glad someone has finally come out and has admitted what the majority of other players in the Premier League feel. There is no doubt that Ronaldo is, on his day, head and shoulders above anyone in the league but when he starts with his stupid antics, he really does lose a lot of respect amongst his fellow pro's and indeed opposing sets of fans. It's no wonder he is booed every other week when United travel away from Old Trafford.

I am just praying now that Dunne and Ronaldo are involved in a few questionable decisions during tomorrow's game. Is Dunne right? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.