Arsenal take slender lead to Italy while United hold Inter to goalless draw

All in all it was a decent night for English sides in the Champions League this evening.

Arsene Wenger's Arsenal beat Italian side Roma 1-0 at the Emirates to give themselves a really good chance of progressing to the quarter-finals. The Gunners scored the only goal of the game minutes before half-time when Robin Van Persie converted from the spot after he himself was taken down in the area.

Meanwhile, In the San Siro, Manchester United drew 0-0 with Serie A leaders Inter Milan, however Sir Alex Ferguson's men may feel they should have got that all important away goal. Cristiano Ronaldo had a host of free-kicks which were expertly saved by Julio Cesar in the Inter goal.

I would be surprised if both Arsenal and United don't go through now after tonight's results. Arsenal really could of done with another goal or two but having said that I think they will have enough to get a draw in Italy in two weeks time. If United play like they did tonight, I am sure they will have no problems in seeing off Inter, however Jose Mourinho's men are bound to get better in the second-leg.

Everton have today been rocked by the news that midfielder Mikel Arteta will be out for the rest of the season. The Spanish international ruptured his cruciate knee ligament in Everton's 0-0 draw with Newcastle yesterday which now leaves David Moyes without his star man for the rest of the campaign.

The Toffees currently sit sixth in the Premier League with 12 games remaining and personally, I think they will struggle to hang onto to that spot with Arteta.Arteta isn't the only player who Everton will have to do without for the final third of the season. We all know that Yakubu is also sidelined for the rest of the season and for me, they are their best players. No doubt about it.

Arteta is simply irreplaceable for Everton. Without him they are a totally different team. The 26-year old is Everton's joint top-scorer this season and has several assists to his name already so without him I feel they could really struggle to find the net in the coming weeks and months.

Arteta's injury should lead to Segundo Castillo earning a starting role in Moyes' midfield and for me, Castillo isn't half the player Arteta is. It will be very interesting to see how manage without their number 10 over the next few weeks, starting with the visit of Premier League strugglers West Brom on Saturday. What do you think? Will Everton be able to cope without Arteta. Comments below please.

Benitez rejects latest contract offer then sees Liverpool's title hopes disappear, so is it only a matter of time before he leaves Anfield?

It was an interesting day for Liverpool football club to say the least. First, it was revealed that Rafa Benitez had rejected a new contract at the club, then the Spaniard saw his side's chances of winning this season's Premier League title disappear.

Benitez has repeatedly rejected new contract offers from American owners George Gillet and Tom Hicks. Benitez has no problems with the money being offered, however he does have a problem with some of the terms of the contract. The former Valencia manager has insisted he will only sign a new deal at Anfield if he is given full control of all dealings regarding transfers at the club.

As most of us will know by now, Liverpool fans don't like the owners. Simple as that.

It has been reported in recent weeks and days that the summer could bring radical change at Anfield. Either the owners go or Rafa goes and we all know what the fans would prefer. Despite the majority of fans wanting Benitez to stay, I personally feel he will walk once the season ends.

The owners are clearly reluctant to give into Benitez' demands and I think that coupled with the fact that Liverpool won't be collecting any silverware come the end of the season will see Benitez' five year spell at the club end. So, Liverpool fans (or any football fans in general) what do you think? Will Benitez stay or will he go? Leave your comments below please.