Abel RKay

I’m not sure what was on Sir Alex Ferguson’s Christmas list, but if it was a seven-point lead in the Premier League standings, then that’s what he got! It didn’t exactly come as a gift though, as Manchester United had to work for it. Three times they came from behind against Newcastle, before grabbing the winner in stoppage time for a 4-3 victory Wednesday. Incredibly, United has now rescued 24 points this season coming back from losing positions. Take those points away, and the Red Devils would be in the bottom half of the table. Whatever it is that powers Manchester United’s resilience and never-say-die attitude, Manchester City could sure use some of it. City was sorely lacking that kind of drive and determination in its 1-0 Boxing Day loss away to Sunderland. That’s been one of the differences between the two Manchester powers this season: United finds the goals that it needs, while City struggles, especially away from home. City has the much better defence...

1. Manchester United vs. Newcastle: Score, Grades and Post-Match Reaction Manchester United fought back brilliantly at Old Trafford on Wednesday, coming back from three one-goal deficits to win 4-3 over Newcastle United. James Perch opened the scoring early in the fourth minute, putting Newcastle up 1-0 on a rebound shot. Twenty minutes later Manchester United's Jonathan Evans leveled the match at 1-1. A controversial own goal by Evans three minutes later put Newcastle up 2-1 heading into halftime. Patrice Evra would level the match at 2-2 in the 58th minute. Ten minutes later, Newcastle's Papiss Demba Cisse scored to give Newcastle the lead for the third time, 3-2. But Robin van Persie would level just three minutes later. Javier Hernandez played the hero for Manchester United in the waning moments, scoring in the 90th minute to break the deadlock and lift the home squad to a win and three big points. Before the match, BBC Sport tweeted the following s...

Via CNN -- Gunmen in northern Nigeria attacked a church's Christmas Eve services, killing six people and setting the building on fire, police said. A pastor was slain in the incident, police said. It was the latest strike against Christians in the region. More than 30 people died in a wave of Christmas Day attacks in the north last year, blamed on Boko Haram, a militant group that has targeted Christians and Muslims it considered insufficiently Islamist. "Suspected members of the group have bombed or opened fire on worshipers in at least 18 churches across eight northern and central states since 2010. In Maiduguri, the group also forced Christian men to convert to Islam on penalty of death," Human Rights Watch said in an October report. It is not immediately known if the group was behind the latest attack. The Christmas attack came as families whose kin died in last year's killings delivered graveside prayers for a peaceful holiday pe...

The Queen has used her Christmas broadcast to respond to the outpouring of affection and enthusiasm shown by the nation during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.  Her Majesty described how she was left humbled by the huge crowds that turned out to mark her historic milestone. As her momentous year draws to a close, she said she was struck by the "strength of fellowship and friendship" shown by well-wishers, most memorably during the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant when more than a million people lined the banks of the river. Despite the cold conditions and persistent downpours, the crowds who witnessed the once-in-a-lifetime flotilla were "undaunted by the rain", she said in her address. The Olympic and Paralympic Games were another highlight of 2012 for the Queen. She paid tribute to the athletes, Olympic torch bearers and volunteer Games Makers for either inspiring the nation with their efforts or devoting themselve...

1. Fergie: RVP could have been killed Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed Swansea captain Ashley Williams could have killed Robin van Persie when he struck the ball at the Dutchman's head during the teams' 1-1 draw at the Liberty Stadium. Van Persie reacted angrily when Williams fired the ball at him from close range - apparently to make a clearance although the whistle had already gone for a foul in United's favour - leading referee Michael Oliver to show yellow cards to both players. Ferguson, though, told Sky Sports after the game that he believed Williams' actions had been "absolutely deliberate" and that they were extremely dangerous. "The whistle has gone, the game is stopped and he's done that right in front of the referee," the United boss said. "He could have really killed the lad. It's a disgraceful act. He should be banned for a long, long time." Football Association rules mean no retrospective action can ...

Here are the top two Tweets that generated the most Retweets for the year, plus honorable mentions for a few other Tweets that caught attention around the world. FOUR MORE YEARS President Obama comments on his reelection Before he took the stage to affirm his election victory, President Obama marked his win via Twitter. Within hours, this Tweet simultaneously became the most retweeted of 2012 — and the most retweeted ever, sent by people in more than 200 countries around the world.      JUSTIN BIEBER   Justin Bieber says goodbye to a fan Suffering from a rare form of brain cancer, six-year-old Avalanna Routh was big Justin Bieber fan, and the pop star had grown close to her during her illness. When she passed away in September. Bieber paid tribute to her in a Tweet, and many, many Twitter Beliebers responded.      “29 gold, 17 silver, 19 ...

• Midfielder injured groin in last weekend's win at Newcastle • Doubt for Reading, Sunderland, Norwich and Stoke games Samir Nasri could miss the majority of the festive period for Manchester City following a groin injury suffered during Saturday's 3-1 win at Newcastle United. The midfielder is a major doubt for the weekend visit of Reading with the club fearful he could be out for longer as Roberto Mancini attempts to close the six-point gap to the Premier League leaders Manchester United. The Frenchman had been impressive for City in the first half against Newcastle before suffering the problem and being replaced after 37 minutes. After Reading, City travel to Sunderland and Norwich City, before finishing the holiday fixtures with the visit of Stoke City on 1 January.