IP addresses are NOT logged in this forum so there's no point asking. Please note that this forum is full of homophobes, racists, lunatics, schizophrenics & absolute nut jobs with a smattering of geniuses, Chinese chauvinists, Moderate Muslims and last but not least a couple of "know-it-alls" constantly sprouting their dubious wisdom. If you believe that content generated by unsavory characters might cause you offense PLEASE LEAVE NOW! Sammyboy Admin and Staff are not responsible for your hurt feelings should you choose to read any of the content here. The OTHER forum is HERE so please stop asking.
Introducing Adrian: the Arsenal target to follow in Cazorla's footsteps
The Gunners are set to move for the Atletico Madrid star in January and the 24-year-old could prove to be as successful as some of his countrymen have been in north London
Oct 18, 2012 11:00:00 AM
Ben Hayward
Following the spectacular success of Santi Cazorla's signing in the summer, Arsenal have now set their sights on another Asturian: Adrian Lopez. And much like the midfielder before him, he could be exactly what they need in January.
Adrian has represented Spain at almost every level since the age of 16 but is 25 in January and can be considered as something of a late bloomer in La Liga. Perhaps his potential remained unfulfilled in a dour Deportivo La Coruna side which eventually suffered relegation in 2010-11.
Adrian had led the line with dignity and diligence for the Galicians, but lacked sufficient support and had never been a prolific goalscorer in any case. The burden, in the end, proved too great, and not even he could save his side from the drop.
But from the moment he marched through the Barcelona defence to net a stunning solo strike as a substitute at Camp Nou in 2006-07, his potential has been there for all to see.
And after relegation with Deportivo, he played a starring role in Spain's success at the Under-21 European Championship in Denmark last year, linking up intelligently with fellow Asturian and friend Juan Mata and scoring a tournament-high five goals as La Roja recorded yet another victory.
More success came last season following a move to Atletico, where he has been used in a variety of different positions across the front line, behind the main striker (usually Radamel Falcao), up front on his own or even out wide on occasions.
Adrian scored just seven times in La Liga last term, but it was in Europe where he did most damage, netting 12 to become the club's all-time top scorer in a single European season, before he was overtaken by Falcao later in the Europa League, which was won by Diego Simeone's side.
In total, the 24-year-old ended the campaign with 19 goals in 57 appearances - one every three games. That tally represents by far his best contribution over a season, and although he has yet to score in the current campaign as Simeone has chopped and changed, it is his flexibility which will interest Arsenal.
Outstanding in the air, quick-footed on the ground and an excellent dribbler, Adrian's ability to cut inside, drop deep and link up with others make him an ideal choice to cover a number of forward positions at the Emirates, especially with Theo Walcott's future uncertain and Gervinho off to the Africa Cup of Nations in January.
Adrian scored on his debut for Spain against Serbia just before Euro 2012 but missed the cut ahead of the summer showpiece. "His time," coach Vicente del Bosque said later, however, "will come."
So soon, with Cazorla outstanding so far in 2012-13 and featuring increasingly in his national team, two Asturians could be shining brightly for both Arsenal and Spain.
Cole hit with £90k fine for 'bunch of t***s' tweet that's about five days' work
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 12:10 GMT, 18 October 2012 | UPDATED: 12:11 GMT, 18 October 2012
Ashley Cole has been fined £90,000 after admitting a Football Association charge in relation to his profane outburst on Twitter.The Chelsea and England full-back labelled the FA a 'bunch of t***s' on the social networking site after an independent regulatory commission of the governing body investigating the John Terry racial abuse case had cast doubt on Cole's evidence.
In hot water: Ashley Cole is set to be charged by the FA and left out of the England side to face San Marino
His comments were swiftly removed but the FA reacted quickly and charged Cole, who has requested a non-personal hearing, which will determine his punishment.A statement on the FA's website read: 'Chelsea's Ashley Cole has been fined £90,000 after he admitted an FA charge in relation to a Twitter comment which was improper and/or brought the game into disrepute. 'Cole, who had requested a non-personal hearing, was also warned as to his future conduct.'Cole's furious outburst was retweeted more than 19,000 times and provoked large condemnation from the footballing world.
The comments prompted him to apologise to FA chairman David Bernstein, who confirmed two days ago that the England squad had been spoken to about a new code of conduct. The new code will be in place in time for next month's friendly with Sweden in Gothenburg.
One year on, Terry FINALLY says sorry for racist abuseas he misses games with Rio AND special Kick It Out campaign
By CHARLES SALE PUBLISHED: 16:32 GMT, 17 October 2012 | UPDATED: 16:23 GMT, 18 October 2012
John Terry has finally said sorry for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand and has accepted the four game ban and £220,000 fine from the FA. By accepting the ban it means he will miss two games against Rio Ferdinand's Manchester United and also the Kick It Out week of action which takes place this weekend.Terry had until 6pm on Thursday to appeal the four-match ban imposed on him for racially abusing QPR's Ferdinand, but decided against it.
Chelsea also released a statement saying that they have taken 'confidential' disciplinary action against their captain. It is unclear whether he will remain as skipper, although he is available for Tuesday's Champions League match away to Shakhtar Donetsk. In a statement, Terry said: 'After careful consideration, I have decided not to appeal against the FA judgment.
Flashpoint: John Terry and Anton Ferdinand clash at Loftus Road in October 2011 GAMES TERRY WILL MISS
Tottenham (Premier League A) - October 20
Man United (Premier League H) - October 28
Man United (Capital One Cup H) - October 31
Swansea (Premier League A) - November 3
First game back:
Liverpool (Premier League H) - November 11
'I want to take this opportunity to apologise to everyone for the language I used in the game against Queens Park Rangers last October.'Although I'm disappointed with the FA judgment, I accept that the language I used, regardless of the context, is not acceptable on the football field or indeed in any walk of life.'As I stated in the criminal case, with the benefit of hindsight my language was clearly not an appropriate reaction to the situation for someone in my position.'My response was below the level expected by Chelsea Football Club, and by me, and it will not happen again.
Banned: John Terry is serving a four-match suspension
'Looking forward, I will continue to do my part in assisting the club to remove all types of discriminatory behaviour from football.'I am extremely grateful for the consistent support of Chelsea FC, the fans and my family. Chelsea followed it up with a statement that read: 'Chelsea Football Club believes John Terry has made the correct decision by not appealing against the FA judgment relating to language he used at the QPR match last October.
'Chelsea also appreciates, and supports, John's full apology for the language he used. The club firmly believes such language is not acceptable and fell below the standards expected of John as a Chelsea player. 'The board has conducted its own investigation into the matter, and considered the various issues involved. The Board has taken further disciplinary action in addition to the four-match suspension and £220,000 fine imposed by the FA. In accordance with our long-standing policy, that disciplinary action will remain confidential.
'Chelsea enjoys support all over the world. We have players and supporters from many different countries and cultures and our club is committed to eradicating all forms of discriminatory behaviour. John is fully committed to continue supporting that ongoing work.' It means he will miss he will miss Saturday's game with Tottenham as well as the game with Manchester United on October 28 and then the Capital One Cup clash between the two sides three days later. Chelsea's trip to Swansea will be the final game of his suspension.
His first Premier League game back will be against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on November 11 where he will come up against Luis Suarez, who was banned last season for racial abusing Patrice Evra. Terry will, however be available to play for Chelsea in the Champions League tie against Shakhtar Donetsk on October 23 at the Donbass Arena. His decision to accept the ban means he will avoid coming face-to-face with his former England team-mate and Anton's brother, Rio, in the pre-match handshakes. The Chelsea captain and his advisers had two weeks to study the full written reasons of the decision by an FA independent regulatory commission.
Flashpoint: Terry was banned for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand (left)
The commission described Terry's version of events at Loftus Road as 'improbable, implausible and contrived' in their written reasons for issuing the ban.The three-man panel also questioned why Terry's team-mate Ashley Cole had changed his statement to give more support to Terry's story, sparking a furious response from the Chelsea and England defender who described the FA as a "bunch of t***s" in a tweet sent on October 5. Cole has since issued a full apology for that and has admitted a misconduct charge.The commission said in its written reasons: 'The commission is quite satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that there is no credible basis for Mr Terry's defence that his use of the words 'f****** black c***' were directed at Mr Ferdinand by way of forceful rejection and/or inquiry.
Over and out: Terry retired from international football with England
'Instead, we are quite satisfied, and find on the balance of probabilities, that the offending words were said by way of insult.'Accordingly, the commission finds that there is 'clear and convincing' evidence.'
The commission said that character references from a number of people, including black players, made it clear that Terry was not racially prejudiced.'It is accepted by everyone involved in the criminal and disciplinary proceedings that Mr Terry is not a racist,' added the commission.
Apology: Terry has said sorry for his racist language
Terry had been cleared in Westminster Magistrates Court in July of a racially-aggravated public order offence, partly helped by the testimony of Cole.However, the commission found that there were discrepancies in Cole's initial statement to FA interviewers of what he heard Ferdinand say to Terry compared to later statements.Cole did not mention the word 'black' in the initial interview with the FA on October 28. On November 3, Chelsea club secretary David Barnard asked the FA for the specific word 'black' to be inserted into Cole's witness statement, suggesting that Cole may have heard Ferdinand use the term.The commission saw an email exchange between the FA and Barnard and said that should be regarded as 'cogent new evidence'.
JOHN TERRY TIMELINE
2011: October 23 - Releases a statement denying he made a racist slur against Anton Ferdinand during Chelsea's defeat at QPR after videos had circulated on the internet.
October 25 - Scotland Yard announce they are assessing allegations of racist abuse of Ferdinand by Terry after a complaint from the member of the public. November 1 - The Metropolitan Police confirm they have launched a formal investigation. November 5 - England manager Fabio Capello confirms Terry will be selected for the friendlies against Spain and Sweden. November 28 - Terry is interviewed under caution. December 1 - Scotland Yard announce they have passed a file towards to prosecutors. December 21 - The Crown Prosecution Service announce Terry will be charged with racially abusing Ferdinand and is due to appear before West London Magistrates' Court on February 1, 2012. 2012: January 28 - The FA cancels the pre-match handshakes before the FA Cup fourth-round tie between QPR and Chelsea "to defuse further tensions" relating to the Terry-Ferdinand situation. February 1 - District Judge Howard Riddle orders that Terry should stand trial in the week beginning July 9 - following Euro 2012 - after hearing a number of other Chelsea players would not be able to appear as witnesses until the end of the football season. February 3 - Terry is stripped of the England captaincy for a second time. The decision was taken by members of the 14-strong FA board, without consulting Capello. February 8 - Capello resigns as England manager two days after criticising the decision to strip Terry of the captaincy. July 13 - Cleared at Westminster Magistrates' Court of making a racist insult to Ferdinand. June 24 - Plays the full 90 minutes and extra time as England suffer more penalty heartache, losing their Euro 2012 quarter-final to Italy on penalties. July 27 - Charged by the FA with using abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards QPR defender Ferdinand. It is further alleged that this included a reference to the ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race of Ferdinand. Terry denies the charge and requests a personal hearing. August 30 - Recalled to England squad, after missing friendly against Sweden, for September's World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine. September 9 - Withdraws from England squad for Ukraine game after picking up ankle injury in 5-0 win in Moldova. September 23 - Announces his retirement from international football, shortly before the start of his personal hearing to answer the FA charge. September 27 - Banned for four matches and fined £220,000 by an FA independent regulatory commission. October 5 - FA reveal written reasons behind independent commission's ruling, insisting Terry's racist language towards Ferdinand was used as an insult and finding "no credible basis" for his defence that he was only repeating words he believed the QPR defender said to him. October 18 - Terry decides not to appeal against the four-match ban and fine. Terry also apologises for the language he used in the match against QPR.
Revolt over racism: Roberts leads players' boycott of weekend's Kick It Out campaign in Premier League
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 13:43 GMT, 18 October 2012 | UPDATED: 15:30 GMT, 18 October 2012
Reading striker Jason Roberts is refusing wear a Kick It Out shirt at Anfield on Saturday in protest at what he says is the organisation's lack of action against racism in football in the last year.Kick It Out are planning a week of action in response to several high-profile recent incidents of racism in football, most notably John Terry's abuse of Anton Ferdinand, Luis Suarez's comments to Patrice Evra and the abuse suffered by England Under 21s defender Danny Rose in Serbia on Tuesday. Roberts, who is also a pundit for BBC Radio 5 Live, is set to be part of the Royals' squad that takes on Liverpool in a Barclays Premier League fixture. Suarez, who was given an eight-game suspension for racially abusing Manchester United's defender Evra, is expected to line up for the hosts.
Show of support: The West Ham squad back the Kick It Out campaign in training at Chadwell Heath on Thursday
Referring to the incidents involving Terry and Suarez, Roberts told BBC Sport: 'I won't wear one. I find it hard to wear a t-shirt after what happened last year.'Roberts added: 'I'm totally committed to kicking racism out of football but when there's a movement I feel represents the issue in the way that speaks for me and my colleagues, then I will happily support it.
'I think people feel let down by what used to be called "Let's Kick Racism Out of Football".' Roberts also said that Terry's apology has come 'a year too late' and the FA punishment was too lenient.'The four-match ban was, for me, not a heavy enough sanction for what happened,' said Roberts.'I'm not happy. Certainly they should have given him a longer ban. The sanction is nowhere near harsh enough.'
Roberts has been calling for football's authorities to take stronger action over racist incidents, and has also urged players to take matters into their own hands should they be subjected to abuse. Following the shameful scenes in Serbia on Tuesday night, in which Rose was sent off after reacting to racial abuse, Roberts aired his thoughts on Twitter. He said: 'DRose, well done! I propose next time everyone walks STRAIGHT OFF THE PITCH!!! Then we will see how quickly "authorities" take to sort it...'On Thursday Terry finally said sorry for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand and has accepted the four game ban and £220,000 fine from the FA.
Making a stand: Reading striker Jason Roberts (right) is also a pundit on BBC Radio 5 Live
By accepting the ban it means he will miss two games against Rio Ferdinand's Manchester United and also the Kick It Out week of action which takes place this weekend.But Chelsea have been criticised by Kick It Out for keeping their punishment of Terry secret. The club said they had taken 'further disciplinary action' against the defender after Terry decided to accept the ban and fine.Chelsea said they would be keeping their action 'confidential' due to club policy.Lord Herman Ouseley, chairman of Kick It Out, said that stance could damage Chelsea in the eyes of those people who had been waiting many months to see how the club handled the case.Ouseley said: 'I believe Chelsea need to be open about the action they have taken. A lot of people will be dissatisfied that Chelsea have not been much more up front about the standards they set and the values they have.
At last: John Terry (left) has said sorry for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand (right)
'If they are not prepared to say, it will further damage the trust of those people who still have suspicions about Chelsea's sincerity in dealing with this matter. 'I do welcome what they have said, but they need to be saying more and doing more if they are going to win back the confidence of people who have lost trust in them rather than to sit back and be silent.'Meanwhile, Chris Hughton, the only black manager in the Premier League, has called for UEFA to be 'brave' and order national associations found guilty of racist abuse from supporters to play behind closed doors or be banned.'
This gives UEFA a really good opportunity now to stamp their authority on this situation. It is not the first time,' said Hughton.'Fortunately here in England we have done a lot of good work and have reaped the benefits from it. However, it seems to be a situation in Europe which seems to be rearing its ugly head on a lot of occasions.'There is an opportunity now for them to be big and brave, to stamp down on it and I sincerely hope they do, because it deserves it. 'What we have seen over the last few years are fines which are so minimal, they are no deterrent. The only way for it to be a deterrent, certainly abroad, is to play games behind closed doors and ban teams.
History: Luis Suarez is set to line up against Roberts for Liverpool on Saturday
'Fines don't work, they are paid off very quickly and they are no deterrent. All of us in the game want to see improvements made. We have made great strides here in England, and for that to happen abroad, there has to be stronger deterrents.' Hughton, 53, admits he was subjected to racist abuse during his time as a player, but feels recent initiatives such as Kick It Out and Show Racism The Red Card have made a positive impact on the domestic game.
The former Tottenham defender believes it is also the responsibility of match officials to take the appropriate action during games where racism occurs. 'There is no doubt none of us want to go through those circumstances or for our players to, but there has to be a correct way of doing it, that is from team leadership to the referee. The referee does have a responsibility to act upon what he sees and hears,' Hughton said.
'There has to be correct procedure - any player that happens to has to make his captain and his manager aware of what the circumstance is. 'It is then a responsibility for the referee, and he has it within his powers to act upon that. That has to be the correct way of going about it.'
Arsenal revealed as most expensive day at football as fresh figures show how fans are being priced out at matches
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 08:09 GMT, 18 October 2012 | UPDATED: 10:32 GMT, 18 October 2012
Year-on-year average cheapest ticket price (2011-12)
Premier League: £24.87 - £28.30
Championship: £20.37 - £21.07
League One: £15.52 - £18.54
League Two: £15.29 - £17.06
Overall: £19.01 - £21.24 - an overall rise of 11.7 per cent
Despite the economic gloom gripping Britain, the cost of attending football matches has risen more than FIVE times the rate of inflation since last year.The cheapest adult tickets in the top four divisions of English football have gone up by 11.7 per cent, according to the BBC's Price of Football survey, which recorded the most expensive and cheapest, season and adult matchday tickets across Britain, as well as the cost of a cup of tea, a pie and a programme.Arsenal have the most expensive adult matchday ticket at £126 and season ticket at £1,955, while Scottish Football League Division Three side Montrose's are the cheapest at £9 and £90 respectively. The cheapest season ticket available to watch the Gunners still costs more than the most expensive season tickets on offer at all but three of their Premier League rivals.
It'll cost you: Watching Arsenal play remains an expensive past-time for most supporters
Matchday essentials
Tea
Most expensive:
Manchester City, Manchester United - £2.50
Cheapest:
Alloa, Brechin - 50p
Pie
Most expensive:
Kidderminster Harriers - £4
Cheapest:
Alloa, Albion, Forfar - £1
Programme
Most expensive:
Leeds United - £4
Cheapest:
Inverness Caledonian Thistle - 50p
The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) measure of inflation stood at 2.2 per cent last month, down from 2.5 per cent in August, but the BBC's survey found the average cost of the cheapest ticket had gone up 11.7 per cent. Malcolm Clarke, chairman of the Football Supporters’ Federation, has called for clubs to cut the price of tickets, calling Arsenal's pricing 'shocking'.'Despite the difficult economic times we live in, prices at some clubs and at some levels of the game are still exceedingly high,' he told the BBC. 'It is quite shocking that at Arsenal, for example, the cheapest season ticket is only £15 short of £1,000.'We would like to see a much greater effort to reduce ticket prices and in particular give the benefit of the massive amounts of media income that comes in at the top of the game to the match-going fan.'
Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis defended his club's ticket-pricing policy, saying the cost rises are reflective of a wider issue in sport and insisting that the club still offers good value tickets.Top-price matchday tickets at the Emirates Stadium are £126, but the cheapest league ticket is £26, a £9 reduction on last season.'We’ve seen ticket prices rise across the game,' Gazidis said. 'This isn’t just a football issue.'If you look at the prices of entertainment across the board they have gone up significantly in recent years and clearly we now have an environment where people are economically challenged.
'What we have done is try to hold those prices down, for example our Capital One Cup prices have been £10 for adults and £5 for children.'What we know, because of the tremendous take up, is that there are people who want to watch top class football but for whom price is a factor. That is something we have to be continually conscious of.' Former FA chairman Lord Triesman has warned that watching football could soon become the preserve of the wealthy and blamed spiralling player wages for the price hikes.
Value for money? Manchester City offer season tickets at a bargain £275... but a cup of tea costs £2.50
'I think it will prevent the next generation from really seeing live football other than on very unusual occasions every so often when clubs will give the tickets away,' he said.'Most of the causes of the increases are driven by the salaries paid to players.'As it is, it will become a sport in which relatively well-off people will be able to go and watch it live and nobody else. That seems to me to be a tragic historic reverse.'
Italian giants Juventus enter race to sign United winger Nani
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 09:14 GMT, 18 October 2012 | UPDATED: 09:28 GMT, 18 October 2012
Juventus are set to go head-to-head with AC Milan for the signature of Manchester United winger Nani. Milan are at the head of the queue to sign the out-of-favour Portugal wide man, and are keen to sign the player for a cut-price £12million.
On the move: Nani is wanted by both Juventus and AC Milan
The 25-year-old, who featured in Portugal’s 1-1 draw with Northern Ireland on Tuesday, looks almost certain to leave Old Trafford next year as talks over a new contract continue to stall, with Juve ready to sound out the player via third parties, according to Goalcom.
Despite having played over 200 times for the United since joining in July 2007, Nani has struggled to earn a regular spot in the starting side this season.
It is believed that Ferguson is prepared to part with the winger but is keen on receiving a figure in line with the £20m he originally shelled out for the then 20-year-old five years ago.
Juventus currently sit top of the pile in Serie A after six wins from the opening seven games, with the Nani camp seemingly viewing the Turin-based club as an ideal next destination for the player.
Manchester City will retain Premier League title, says West Brom boss Clarke
The former Chelsea, West Ham and Liverpool assistant coach knows his side face a tough task this weekend against the champions - who he deems as favourites in the title race
Rodgers insists Liverpool will 'fly' with consistency
The Reds' boss aims to turn Anfield into a fortress despite the club recording just two home wins in 2012, while revealing he is always looking for new motivational techniques
Sir Alex Ferguson unsupportive of Roberts' stance against 'Kick It Out'
The Manchester United manager believes the Reading striker is sending the wrong message by refusing to wear the anti-racism group's shirt in protest to a supposed lack of action
Suso signs new long-term Liverpool deal
The 18-year-old was over the moon to have extended his stay at Anfield, citing his manager's trust in him as a key factor, while Rodgers lauded the youngster's technical ability
Ferguson looking forward to Stoke aerial challenge
The Manchester United boss is optimistic his side can continue their excellent run of form against the Potters and insists Ashley Young remains a key figure for the team
Wilshere returns to Arsenal squad ahead of Norwich clash
The midfielder's agent has confirmed on Twitter that the youngster is set to travel with the Gunners squad to Carrow Road after a series of successful Under-21 appearances
Kompany content with Manchester City's start to the season
Despite being third in the Premier League, many have said the reigning champions have stuttered early on in the season but the team’s captain is content with their form.
'Luis Suarez is a diver and deserves to be criticised' - Goal.com debates Liverpool's controversial striker
Carlo Garganese and Peter Staunton go head to head in our latest bout
Hitzlsperger joins Everton on short-term contract
The former Aston Villa and West Ham man has signed a deal to keep him at Goodison Park until January and is available to face QPR on Sunday
Rodgers must avoid the mistakes at Liverpool that ruined his Reading reign
The Liverpool boss will face a stark reminder that his fledgling managerial career has not always run smoothly when the Reds take on the Royals at Anfield on Saturday
Sir Alex Ferguson hails Manchester United’s new partnership with Toshiba as a 'big signing'
With €14.7 million of medical equipment that the Japanese company are providing, along with the refurbishment of Carrington, the Red Devils' manager hopes to have fewer injuries
Villas-Boas hopes to have Parker back before Christmas
The midfielder has been out of action since undergoing Achilles surgery at the start of August but the Tottenham boss hopes to have him training in a couple of weeks
Allen: I have a long way to go to be as good as Modric
The Liverpool midfielder has also admitted that his £15 million price tag following his summer move to Merseyside has brought added pressure to perform and is a new experience
Wilshere could return for QPR game, claims Wenger
The 20-year-old midfielder has not played a first-team game for over a year but is potentially just one Under-21 appearance away from featuring for the Gunners'
Ashley Young is fit again, says Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson
After picking up numerous injuries during the start of the season, the Red Devils boss is boosted by news that one England international is fit with another progressing.
Wenger confirms Koscielny and Walcott will miss Arsenal clash with Norwich
As many as seven first-team players could be unavailable for selection on Saturday, with several squad members likely to return next weekend for the Gunners' game against QPR
Giroud aiming to emulate Bergkamp at Arsenal
After scoring his first Premier League goal against West Ham, the Frenchman want to build on that performance and have the same success in north London as the legendary Dutchman
Terry has damaged the reputation English football, blasts FA chairman Bernstein
An independent panel found the Chelsea skipper guilty of racially abusing the QPR defender, and he has since decided not to appeal the four-match ban and fine imposed on him
Freund ready to help take Tottenham 'to another level' after being cherry-picked by Villas-Boas
The 42-year-old, who spent five years with the north London club, was appointed assistant by the club's Portuguese boss and is living the dream in his new role at White Hart Lane
Manchester City on alert as De Rossi future enters make-or-break stage
Roberto Mancini remains a big admirer of midfield star, whose days could be numbered at Roma if he is not recalled to the team on Sunday
'You'll see the real me' - N'Zogbia promises more to Aston Villa fans
The 26-year-old winger admits that he has failed to find his best form during a difficult first season with the club but is confident that he can become a success at Villa Park
Villas-Boas could recall Friedel against Chelsea
The American goalkeeper looked to have lost his status as Spurs' first-choice shot-stopper to Hugo Lloris, but could regain his place when the Blues visit White Hart Lane
Wilkinson: Manchester United should be afraid of Stoke
The 28-year-old defender hails the work done by Potters manager Tony Pulis, insisting that his side are now a match for any team in the Premier League, including Saturday's hosts
Liverpool boss Rodgers not considering Carroll recall
A clause in the 23-year-old's loan terms would allow him to return to Anfield in January, with the Reds short on forward options following Fabio Borini's foot fracture
Revenge not on the cards for Villas-Boas ahead of Chelsea clash
The Tottenham boss is leaving personal feelings out of the meeting with his former club but admits that his players may want retribution for missing out on the Champions League
Reina in race to be fit for Reading clash, reveals Liverpool boss Rodgers
The Spain international picked up the strain while on international duty and is a doubt for Saturday's game, with the Reds aiming for a first home league win of the season
I would only consider managerial jobs at top-level clubs, says Redknapp
The 65-year-old, who missed out on the England job before being dismissed as Tottenham manager, is open to the possibility of coaching a rival national team
Manchester United chief executive David Gill appointed as FA vice-chairman
The 55-year-old, who has been on the FA Board for six years, will also be put forward as the FA's candidate in the elections for the UEFA Executive Committee
Villas-Boas backs Rose & urges harder Uefa stance over racism after
The Spurs head coach has offered his full support to the left-back, who has reported that he had stones thrown at him and was subjected to monkey chants against Serbia Under-21s
Terry is STILL Chelsea captain but Di Matteo bizarrely refuses to confirm that shamed star will retain the armband
By NEIL ASHTON PUBLISHED: 12:42 GMT, 19 October 2012 | UPDATED: 17:19 GMT, 19 October 2012
John Terry WILL retain the Chelsea captaincy despite manager Roberto Di Matteo's bizarre refusal to confirm that his defender will keep the armband.Terry was banned for four matches and fined £220,000 after an independent Football Association regulatory commission found him guilty of racially abusing the QPR defender Anton Ferdinand. Terry accepted the sanctions on Thursday and issued an apology for the language he used, while Chelsea said they had also taken internal disciplinary action against the player, but insisted the nature of the punishment would remain confidential.
Captain, leader, trainer: Chelsea's John Terry (centre) trains with team-mates Branislav Ivanovic (front) and Louis Baker (right) at the club's Cobham HQ today
Boot-iful: Captain Terry trains today in his all-white boots ahead of tomorrow's crunch tie against Spurs
However, Sportsmail understands that stripping Terry of the captaincy has proved a sanction too far for the Chelsea board. It was therefore even more perplexing that Di Matteo refused to be drawn on the matter. Di Matteo said that Terry knows whether he remains Chelsea captain - but the manager refused to make that decision public.'We do not discuss publicly the disciplinary matters we take against our players. They remain confidential. You will have to wait and see,' Di Matteo said.'They are internal matters, the action we take against our players, and we are not going to discuss it.'
Secretive: Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo speaks to the press on Friday
Asked whether it was suitable for Terry to remain captain in the circumstances, Di Matteo said: 'Over the many years he has been here he has shown a lot of qualities.'He has realised that on that day he fell below his standards and the club's standards. For that he has received a ban and a fine and more action from the club.'He is being punished for what he has said. We have all made mistakes in our life before.'
Chelsea have come under fire from Lord Herman Ouseley, chairman of football's equality group Kick It Out, for keeping the details of Terry's punishment secret.The club have also been accused of double standards after a supporter was banned from Stamford Bridge for life for racially abusing former Blues striker Didier Drogba.Di Matteo insisted the action being taken against Terry was 'appropriate' before a Chelsea spokesman, sitting alongside him, explained there was no contradiction.'Every situation is dealt with according to the circumstances,' the spokesman said.
'People have highlighted a particular case of a supporter who is getting a lifetime ban for racist abuse of Didier Drogba.'He received the lifetime ban because he was successfully prosecuted in court as a result of a criminal prosecution.'Similarly with staff members, Chelsea's policy is they would go through a disciplinary process on a case-by-case basis.'We recognise and appreciate people will want to know (details of the disciplinary action against Terry).'But it is our right as an organisation with the disciplinary process we have, it is a personnel matter, it is an HR (human resources) matter, and many organisations deal with it in the same way and we feel that dealing with it as a confidential matter is the way we should continue to go forward.'
Sorry: Terry has apologised for the words he used towards Ferdinand (left)
Terry, 31, was cleared of a racially-aggravated public order offence at Westminster Magistrates' Court in July.Di Matteo confirmed internal disciplinary action was also being taken against Ashley Cole, who was yesterday fined £90,000 for an offensive tweet aimed at the FA.'We encourage players to use social media, obviously within the boundaries and within the responsibilities that brings,' Di Matteo said.'He (Cole) is getting fined by the FA. There is a disciplinary process against Ashley as well from the club.'Di Matteo also confirmed that all Chelsea players will wear Kick It Out t-shirts before their game against Tottenham in support of the anti-racism campaign group.
Reading striker Jason Roberts said yesterday he would refuse to wear the shirt in protest at what he feels is the group's lack of action against recent incidents of racism in the English game.'We strongly support the Kick It Out campaign. All our players are very supportive of that. Every player will wear it,' said Di Matteo, who did not want to comment on Roberts' decision.'It (racism) is a wider problem than just football, it is a society problem we are discussing and we all need to do more to respect each other and to educate everyone to respect other ethnic groups.'It is a problem not just for football but for society.'
Asked whether he feels UEFA is doing enough to stamp out racism in football, in the wake of the Serbia v England Under-21 match, Di Matteo said: "UEFA is working towards it, the FA in England is working towards it.'We are all trying to do our duties to educate and eradicate these problems. It is not just a football issue.'But Di Matteo questioned whether fines are the most appropriate way of punishing players.'You hurt people when you fine them. It is a deeper issue. I am not sure with a fine you are going to eradicate their behaviour,' Di Matteo said.
Gerrard is selfish he would rather score and Liverpool lose, claims Diouf
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 11:17 GMT, 19 October 2012 | UPDATED: 17:22 GMT, 19 October 2012
El Hadji Diouf has launched an astonishing attack on Steven Gerrard - claiming the Liverpool captain is selfish. Diouf has burned his bridges at almost every club he's been at and the controversial striker can certainly forget about returning to Anfield.
Rivals: Steven Gerrard (left) and El Hadji Diouf (right, now at Leeds) used to be team-mates at Anfield
COMMENT
Sportsmail's Mark Alford
Steven Gerrard, captain of Liverpool and England, and El Hadji Diouf, 'sewer rat', have both been professional footballers for 14 years.
The pair made their debuts in 1998 - Gerrard, now 32, for Liverpool. Diouf, now 31, for Sochaux in France.
Gerrard, to borrow a someone else's line, is fittingly regarded as a captain, legend, leader. He's represented one club and one club only with distinction, pride, passion and poise.
He's known around the world for his game-changing displays; his ambassadorial stature off the pitch; his fire and drive on it.
The cringe-worthy Channel 5 fly-on-the-wall series, Being Liverpool, shows him revelling in a role Brendan Rodgers asked him to perform in mentoring Anfield's next generation.
Steven Gerrard is a player - a man - whom football is rightly proud of.
Diouf is famous the world over for spitting. For fouling; for spiteful aggression; for abusing prone and seriously injured opponents (Jamie Mackie). He is a scroat.
Unfortunately, for us Leeds fans, he's now our scroat. He's also now our captain and will lead the side out at Sheffield Wednesday for tonight's white-hot Yorkshire Derby. There's every chance, in such an atmosphere, it will all end badly for the Senegalese.
It always augurs well at the start for old El Hadji. It has at all 10 of his different clubs - seven of them in Britain. The problem is it always ends badly.
Follow Mark Alford on Twitter @AlfieDM
Now at Leeds, the 31-year-old forward played for the Reds between 2002 and 2004. Diouf told L'Equipe: 'Gerrard was jealous of me back then as I had the world at my feet. There's no one more selfish... he doesn't care about anyone else. 'Gerrard would rather Liverpool lost and he scored. The old Liverpool guys can't stand him. I won't even start with [Jamie] Carragher.'During his Liverpool days Diouf was banned and fined for spitting at a Celtic fan during a UEFA Cup tie at Parkhead.
Diouf is now strutting his stuff as captain of Leeds in the Championship for a manager, Neil Warnock, who once labelled him a sewer rat. His other clubs include Sochaux, Rennes, Lens, Bolton, Sunderland, Blackburn, Rangers and Doncaster but despite the many moves, Diouf has no doubts when it comes to his own ability. He added: 'I once took a private jet with Maradona. He shook my hand and told me he'd enjoyed (watching me play). That makes me happy.'
Senegal capped Diouf 69 times and he said: 'Back in Senegal, I'm a demi god. People went and burned tyres simply because I wasn't picked for the play-off against Ivory Coast.' After Diouf left for Bolton Wanderers, Gerrard questioned the Senegal international's commitment during his time at Anfield. 'I wasn't Diouf's number one fan,' wrote the Liverpool captain in his 2007 autobiography.
'Being around Melwood and Anfield I knew which players were hungry, which players had Liverpool at heart. Diouf was just interested in himself. 'His attitude was all wrong. I felt he wasn't really a***d about putting his body on the line to get Liverpool back at the top.' Diouf, who was signed by Gerard Houllier for £10m, has now hit back at Gerrard's remarks. 'What he said is only of interest to him. 'All I worried about was the Senegal team, I took them to the World Cup quarter-finals in 2002.
Outburst: El Hadji Diouf has had a go about Steven Gerrard
'I was in Pele's 100 players of the century. Not him. 'I respect him as a footballer, but there is nobody more egotistical than him.' Diouf also said Gerrard, who has been at Liverpool his entire career and captained them to a Champions League title in 2005, was not a popular figure at Anfield.'He does not care about others. I spoke to the major figures at Liverpool and nobody can stand him. And I am not talking about (Jamie) Carragher.'
Captain: Gerrard led England against Poland in midweek
Laughing matter: Diouf scoffs at his bad boy tag
Diouf took the opportunity to defend his own actions over a career littered with controversial moments, including spitting incidents and accusations that he taunted Jamie Mackie as the QPR forward lay on the ground with a broken leg. The latter incident led to his current manager at Leeds, Neil Warnock, comparing Diouf to a sewer rat. Diouf said: 'I have done things but others have done worse. I am an easy target, people talk about me no matter what.
'Okay, I have hurt people and I regret that. But I have never been to prison, I have never injured anyone on the pitch. 'After people gave me the 'bad-boy' image, I had to deal with it. Bad boy? It makes me laugh. 'It doesn't bother me. I prefer that people talk about me, whether good or bad. I leave my mark wherever I go.'
Shut it! Fergie blasts Roberts for urging black players to boycott Kick It Out as Rio agrees to pull on campaign t-shirt
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 09:11 GMT, 19 October 2012 | UPDATED: 18:23 GMT, 19 October 2012
Rio Ferdinand and his Manchester United team-mates will wear Kick It Out shirts ahead of Saturday's game against Stoke - as Sir Alex Ferguson stuck the boot into Jason Roberts over leading a boycott of the campaign. The United players will take a stand in the week Chelsea's John Terry accepted his four-match ban and £220,00 fine for using racist language in an incident with Ferdinand's brother Anton during a match last year.Reading striker Roberts believes Terry's punishment was too lenient and urged his fellow professionals not to wear the tops, claiming the anti-discrimination body had failed.
All in: Rio Ferdinand (left) and Patrice Evra will be wearing Kick It Out t-shirts before facing Stoke
But United manager Ferguson condemned the Royals forward, saying: 'I have to disagree with Jason Roberts. I think he is making the wrong point.'Everyone should be united, with all the players in the country wearing the Kick It Out warm-up tops.'I don't know what point he is trying to make. I don't know if he is trying to put himself on a different pedestal from everyone. But he really should be supporting all the rest of the players who are doing it.
Full of running: (from left) Alexander Buttner, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes train on Friday
Standing together: Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed all the Manchester United players will wear Kick It Out t-shirts
'When you do something, and everyone believes in it, you should all do it together. There shouldn't be a lone sheep wandering off. I think he is making the wrong message.'All the players are wearing it. I have only heard that Jason Roberts is different - but he is very different. He plays a game and is in the studio 20 minutes after it. That is a great privilege.'Roberts does not feel Kick It Out have been strident enough in their response to the Terry and Luis Suarez racial abuse incidents.He told BBC Sport: 'I find it hard to wear a T-shirt after what has happened in the last year. I won't wear one.
Rejection: Jason Roberts (right) has urged his fellow professionals not to wear the Kick It Out t-shirts
'I'm totally committed to kicking racism out of football but when there's a movement I feel represents the issue in the way that speaks for me and my colleagues, then I will happily support it.'I think people feel let down by what used to be called "Let's Kick Racism Out of Football". People don't feel like they have been strong enough.'Kick It Out chairman Lord Herman Ouseley however, insisted it was 'ridiculous' for players not to wear t-shirts.
He told BBC Radio Five Live: 'It's ridiculous to say that by not wearing a t-shirt or by not supporting Kick It Out you are actually going to change things.'Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger feels the fight against all forms of racism is 'never won'.
'Against stupidity the best way is information, knowledge of things and examples of behaviour, of attitudes,' said Wenger. 'That is much more efficient than punishment, but you have to do both because some behaviours cannot be tolerated. 'It is not only racism, black and white, it is against all kinds of insults we still have in the stadiums. We must fight more against it. 'You look at some faces when you walk around the pitch, what they shout at you is scary. That is, for me, racism. You are insulted because you are not in their clan. That is a kind of discrimination.
Support: West Ham players backed the Kick It Out campaign this week
'There is still a lot to do, but I think it's good that society fights against it. I am thinking that it is getting better, but it is never won.''I feel that (black players) are the main targets and if they do not join in it makes the whole thing not efficient and not credible. We need all to fight together against that,' he said. 'They have faced the most abuse, so I think it is important they are on board.
'If they feel the punishments are not hard enough they have to express that in a different way, but I think that it would be sad if they do not join in.' It has been suggested other players will follow Roberts' lead but Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert insists his players will support the anti-racism campaign. Lambert claimed reports that the black players at Villa would not back the campaign because of the lack of action by the governing bodies against racism were inaccurate.
When asked if his players would wear Kick It Out shirts, Lambert said: 'Absolutely, yes. I don't see any issue with that at all. The lads will go and do it.'Contrary to some reports saying they weren't going to do it, that is totally misinformed and I'm not happy with that. But the lads won't have a problem with it.'Is that a definite? As far as I'm concerned, the lads will back it, and quite rightly so.'Lambert has urged FIFA and UEFA to take action against anyone guilty of racism.
Sickening: Danny Rose was subjected to racist abuse during England Under 21s' clash with Serbia this week
Disgusting: Ugly scenes marred England Under 21s' victory in Serbia as black players were abused
He said: 'There is no place for racism, none whatsoever in any walk of life. It's disgusting really that it keeps going on. You keep hearing the same argument that FIFA and UEFA need to do something. 'You've got to do something now. There is no point in talking about it.'Lambert added: 'I've heard the argument that players should not be put through it.'I've heard that argument and it is a real valid point that you should bring your players off (during a game).'It can affect individuals. It is wrong and disgusting really.'
Punished: John Terry was fined and banned for using racist language towards Anton Ferdinand last year
Abramovich is the only true boss at Chelsea, says former forward Kalou
The Ivorian left for Lille after winning the Champions League, and has suggested whatever Roberto Di Matteo does, the Russian billionaire will always be No.1 at Stamford Bridge
Sir Alex Ferguson: We have a great chance of winning Champions League - if our defenders are fit
The 70-year-old manager has won the famous trophy twice in his career, and insists reaching Wembley again is a great incentive
Balotelli must follow Dzeko's example & prove he can be trusted by Manchester City
The big Bosnian has climbed up from the bottom of the City striker pecking order following a series of key goals this season
Arsenal cannot afford to bank on their Cazorla get-out clause
The Spaniard's poor performance against Norwich indicates the reliance the Gunners already place on him after they fell to defeat at Carrow Road
Tottenham's split personality leaves Villas-Boas & Defoe at a crossroads
The diminuitive English forward scored his 200th career goal, but has come to embody the successes and failures of the Lilywhites' clashing home and away philosophies
Liverpool step up Holtby pursuit ahead of free summer move
The Anfield outfit have highlighted the Schalke star, whose father supports Everton, as a target ahead of his contract expiring with the Bundesliga club at the end of the season
200 not out: Rooney continues to fascinate at Manchester United after 10 years at the top
He remains rough around the edges and may never be totally smoothed but the 26-year-old's performance against Stoke City proved that he has plenty yet to celebrate
Granero: Juan Mata convinced me to join QPR
The Spanish midfielder has revealed his move to Loftus Road was encouraged by his ex-Real Madrid team-mate but says he did always want to test himself in English football
'We should take Falcao' - Manchester City scout reveals interest in Atletico Madrid star
Carlo Cancellieri reveals the Premier League champions' interest in the Colombian hotshot, while also claiming they would be interested in a move for Cesc Fabregas
Wenger confirms Oxlade-Chamberlain will miss Schalke clash after suffering hip injury
The Gunners boss confirms doubts over the youngster’s problem, picked up during his side’s defeat at Norwich, and reveals he considered introducing Jack Wilshere at Carrow Road
Manchester United step up Vidic recovery with defender set for rehab
The Old Trafford captain will return to gym work at the club's Carrington training complex with Sir Alex Ferguson wary of rushing the central defender back to action too soon
Platt hails Dzeko's importance after late double gives Manchester City victory at West Brom
The Bosnian struck twice, including a last-minute winner, and the coach is happy with his display and the team as a whole after coping with James Milner's dismissal
Aston Villa deserved a point at Fulham, insists Lambert
The Villans manager saw his side concede a late Chris Baird goal from a John Arne Riise set-piece that home side manager Martin Jol described as "the worst corner kick ever"
'It's been a long time coming' - Rodgers delighted by first Anfield league win
The Northern Irishman led his side to just their third league victory at home in 2012, as the Merseyside outfit edged out the Royals on Saturday afternoon
Norwich City 1-0 Arsenal: Holt winner leaves blunt Gunners 10 points off title pace
The Canaries register their first Premier League win of the season as Arsene Wenger's side fail to create clear-cut chances despite dominating possession at Carrow Road
Premier League players including Rio Ferdinand and Lescott snub 'Kick It Out' campaign
The Manchester United defender could find himself in hot water after not wearing the anti-racism charities t-shirt ahead of Saturday's clash with Stoke at Old Trafford
Sir Alex Ferguson slams Rio Ferdinand after Kick It Out t-shirt snub
The Manchester United manager says he is "disappointed" after the defender is the only player not to wear the t-shirt in the pre-match warm-up at Old Trafford
West Brom 1-2 Manchester City: Super-sub Dzeko saves champions with dramatic double
Roberto Mancini's team rescued victory from the jaws of defeat after Shane Long had given the home side a 67th minute lead and James Milner had been sent off in the first half
Manchester United 4-2 Stoke City: Rooney recovers from own goal to fire hosts to victory
The Red Devils bounce back after going behind early as the England international strikes for the first time this season while Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck also find the net
Liverpool 1-0 Reading: Sterling strike gives Rodgers first home league win
The Merseyside outfit toiled in front of goal against a Royals side reluctant to leave their half but were let off by the 17-year-old's well-taken first-half goal
Chelsea are more than Mata and Hazard – Di Matteo
The Blues' forward line caught the eye in their 4-2 win over Tottenham on Saturday but the Italian was at pains to highlight the contributions of John Obi Mikel and Ramires
Sir Alex Ferguson: I wish Shawcross was still at Manchester United
The Scot says recent injuries to some of his key defenders have made him regret allowing the Stoke captain to leave Old Trafford as he is a "quality player"
Tottenham 2-4 Chelsea: Marvellous Mata inspires Chelsea comeback
The Blues win a thrilling a London derby with the Spaniard grabbing a double and Gary Cahill and Daniel Sturridge also on target as Villas-Boas loses to his former team
Russell Martin: Arsenal are better off without Van Persie
The Norwich City defender believes that Arsene Wenger has actually improved his side since selling the Dutch striker by investing in new players to deal with his departure
David Moyes: Wayne Rooney will return to Everton
Ten years on from the Manchester United forward's first goal in the Premier League, his former manager has expressed his belief that he will one day return to his first club
'The image of the club has suffered' - Di Matteo admits John Terry's charge has damaged Chelsea
The Italian believes the independent hearing's guilty verdict for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand has brought 'a cloud' and negative atmosphere over the Stamford Bridge outfit
Chelsea apologise to Ferdinand family over Terry saga
The Blues chairman admits the year-long racism row has taken its toll on the QPR defender and his brother, and has offered them an apology for the pain caused
Mancini defends 'cocky' Hart in the wake of Keane criticism
Following the former Ireland international's comments, the Manchester City manager has praised his goalkeeper's attitude and insists he is one of the best in the world
John Terry to remain Chelsea captain despite accepting FA racism charge
Blues boss Roberto Di Matteo had been coy on the issue of the armband, but high-ranking club officials have revealed the 31-year-old's position as skipper is not under threat
Carrick only interested in impressing 'main man' Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United
The 31-year-old also recognises the duty to pass down valuable experience to the younger members of the Red Devils' squad, while lauding Robin van Persie's impact since joining
Outsider Nasri has chance to shine in Silva's absence
The Spaniard has been ruled out of Manchester City's matches against West Brom and Ajax, granting the French playmaker an opportunity to make himself City's main creative force
Artful Arteta: The other Spaniard at the heart of Arsenal's improvement along with Cazorla
The reinvention of the €12m purchase from Everton at the base of the Gunners' midfield has provided the platform upon which the new signing from Malaga has shone at the Emirates
Andre Villas-Boas: I've had no contact with Abramovich since sacking
In the build up to the hotly-anticipated London derby between Tottenham and Chelsea, the current Spurs manager has revealed that he has not spoken to the Blues' owner since March
Newcastle chairman Ashley cleared to buy stake in Rangers
The Magpies owner's retail group Sports Direct recently signed an agreement with the Ibrox outfit but he is now interested in buying a stake in the Scottish club
Oct 19, 2012 10:57:00 PM
By Joe McPhee
Newcastle United chairman Mike Ashley has been cleared to buy a stake in Rangers, according to the Scottish club's chief executive Charles Green.
Ashley's sports retail company Sports Direct recently signed an agreement with the Gers, but the Englishman has now set his sights on taking a stake in the club itself.
And Green, who relaunched the Ibrox club as a newco following their liquidation, is keen to get more investors on board.
"As you know we've been trying to get the position clear where Mike can buy shares in Rangers," Green told Sky Sports.
"We finally got clearance from the Football League after they had a board meeting recently and the meetings this afternoon were to make sure the path's clear for Mr Ashley to invest.
"He's obviously keen to do that and I'm sure that will get completed in the next few days. I think we've already stated previously that he's not allowed to take a material stake because of the dual ownership position.
"It was made clear to the football league that it would be single-digit percentages. So it's below what I said to the financial authorities that no-one would hold more than 10 per cent. Mike will be under the 10 per cent level.
"There's lots of things that we want to do with Sports Direct. Mike's very, very influential."
Manchester United 4 Stoke 2: Rooney scores at both ends as Red Devils run riot
By JOE BERNSTEIN PUBLISHED: 15:53 GMT, 20 October 2012 | UPDATED: 21:57 GMT, 20 October 2012
Wayne Rooney began his second decade as a bona fide superstar exactly as he has spent the previous 10 years - making plenty of headlines, good and bad. Anyone of voting age will recall the most talented and controversial British footballer of his generation marking his arrival as a 16-year-old with a wonder goal for Everton against Arsenal on October 19, 2002. Saturday was no less eventful for the former kid from Croxteth who is now a proud father to son Kai and with a second child on the way.
The right end: Wayne Rooney (No 10) cancels out his own goal with a header to draw Manchester United level
MATCH FACTS
Man United: De Gea, Da Silva, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Valencia (Nani 74), Scholes (Anderson 70), Carrick, Welbeck (Hernandez 78), Van Persie, Rooney
Goals: Rooney 27, 65, Van Persie 44, Welbeck 46
Subs not used: Sorensen, Jones, Upson, Wilkinson
Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)
Rooney headed into his own net to give Stoke the lead, then gave the ‘Jolly Green Giants’ of Stoke - copyright Sir Alex Ferguson - a taste of their own medicine by heading the equaliser.
For good measure, he then helped set up goals for Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck before adding a fourth himself to keep United right in the title hunt four points behind Chelsea. It also marked the personal milestone of scoring 200 goals in club football.
‘I didn’t know about that until after the game. Obviously I’m delighted,’ said the smiling two-goal hero. ‘But we’ll have to tighten up defensively, better teams will punish us.’
England manager Roy Hodgson might have been left wondering why he did not play like that in Warsaw on Wednesday, but maybe having Van Persie and Antonio Valencia around him, rather than James Milner and Jermain Defoe, makes a difference.
Nonetheless, United boss Ferguson was pleased with his star striker as United fought back again, having conceded the first goal in six of their eight League games so far.
‘It was good to see Wayne get off the mark,’ the manager said. ‘He had the injury and will get better with games. The kind of movement we saw between Wayne and Robin bothers teams. It’s good that they are starting to gel, it was a very fluid move for our equaliser. Robin put in a cross from the left and it was a fantastic header by Wayne.
That's more like it: The familiar feeling of scoring at the right end delighted Wayne Rooney
‘There’s no doubt our attacking play is the best part of the team at the moment. Our forwards got us out of trouble again because our defending has been slack. We recovered well from losing the goal early.’
Rio Ferdinand provided the pre-match talking point by warming up in a bright red tracksuit rather than the Kick It Out anti-racism T-shirt that Sir Alex expected all his players to wear. But once referee Anthony Taylor blew his whistle, it was normal service resumed, with all eyes on Rooney.
Ground force: Robin van Persie watches his effort find the net for Manchester United against Stoke
His first major contribution after 11 minutes was certainly unexpected. Charlie Adam’s free-kick was aimed towards former United trainee Ryan Shawcross but Rooney ensured it did not get there by heading it while facing his own goal.
Not surprisingly, it flew past hapless Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea, who will have to claim those kind of crosses at some stage if Ferguson is not to lose patience.
At that stage, Rooney had scored more Premier League goals for Stoke than United this season, but the odd statistic was not to last long as next week’s birthday boy grabbed his first of the campaign on minute 27, the age he turns on Wednesday.
Ouch: Stoke keeper Asmir Begovic collides with Robin van Persie as he attempts to clear the danger
Van Persie was the architect, floating to the left in United’s fluid system and delivering a pearler of a centre that Rooney had no trouble nodding in. By doing so, he became the first United player since another footballer-celebrity, David Beckham, to score for both teams in the same game.
Until then, Stoke had matched United, with Adam forcing a save from De Gea. But the equaliser shifted the momentum.
Danny Welbeck twice had good opportunities, clipping the top of the crossbar with one strike, before, just before half-time, Rooney found Valencia and the winger’s cross was so good, Van Persie only had to jab out a leg from close range to score.
Oh no: Wayne Rooney wanted the ground to swallow him up after giving Stoke the lead
‘We had one or two opportunities but they have top players,’ said Stoke manager Tony Pulis, whose side have not won at Old Trafford since 1976. ‘We are usually difficult to play against but they step up a gear when they need to. They have great players.’
The game appeared over when Rooney’s cross was headed in by Welbeck soon after the restart. Stoke were wobbling and goalkeeper Asmir Begovic then had to make a world-class save to deny Jonny Evans.
Low blow: Danny Welbeck hit the deck as he helped himself to a goal at Old Trafford
But the visitors doggedly fought their way back just before the hour, Michael Kightly getting a bit of fortune when the ball cannoned off Ferdinand’s heel for him to finish a strong run by hitting a bobbly finish past De Gea. They even sent on ex-United player Michael Owen for a rare outing. It was left to Rooney to sort things out. Van Persie’s corner bounced around the penalty area and he finished with ease to end Stoke dreams. Expect plenty more highs and lows in the next 10 years.
Three and easy: United forwards Wayne Rooney (left), Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck (right) all scored
Tottenham 2 Chelsea 4: Pain for AVB as Mata the magician puts Spurs under his spell
By ROB DRAPER PUBLISHED: 13:39 GMT, 20 October 2012 | UPDATED: 21:09 GMT, 20 October 2012
As Andre Villas-Boas surveyed the scene, the thought must have occurred to him that the scenario was near-perfect: a slickly-entertaining Chelsea team was playing high tempo, yet intricate, football and winning a thrilling game without Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard or John Terry. In other words, precisely the mission Roman Abramovich had charged him with a little over a year ago. The only downside, of course, is that Villas-Boas is now manager of Tottenham. And well though they contributed to an excellent London derby, they were not a match for this new Chelsea side.
Mata of fact: Chelsea had Juan Mata to thank for inspiring a comeback win against Tottenham
The fact Juan Mata, signed under Villas-Boas, sparkled as he danced his way through Tottenham challenges, can only have added to the ruefulness of the Spurs manager. ‘I thanked him for that,’ said his former assistant, Roberto Di Matteo, with a rare smile.And difficult though it is to argue with Abramovich’s decision to dispense with Villas-Boas, given that the Champions League was subsequently won, it is hard to escape the conclusion that had he been asked to work with this team, his task would have been an awful lot easier.‘The players they have are on a level of form and so connected with each other, so creative, you can only compliment teams that play like this,’ said Villas-Boas.
‘You have to agree both teams played a good game but you have to accent the trio up front behind the striker were amazing.‘I think the game was won on individual brilliance from Oscar, Mata and Eden Hazard, who were tremendous today. These are people who can unlock doors and create problems and manage to find gaps and find people because they are extremely creative.‘This kind of form is what we saw last year with Manchester City.’ As for his new club, they are a different proposition without Gareth Bale and Mousa Dembele.While Aaron Lennon, Jermain Defoe and Jan Vertonghen all contributed performances which at times exposed the vulnerabilities of Chelsea, ultimately, Spurs cannot do without their two most creative players.
Cracker: Chelsea's Gary Cahill opened the scoring with a contender for goal of the season, volleying home
A clutch of players shone for Chelsea — Villas-Boas might have added Ramires to the list — but Mata was the star. He scored two, made another and missed a sitter; all this from a player who cannot make the Spain squad.Chelsea’s early superiority translated into a goal on 17 minutes with a superb volley from Gary Cahill that belied his status as a centre half, though William Gallas’ clearing header that looped into his path was poor.Tottenham lurched out of their complacency and Defoe responded with a shot that Petr Cech parried, while Ashley Cole had to hook away before Clint Dempsey struck. Lennon delivered a troublesome cross which Cahill managed to clear but only to Gylfi Sigurdsson, who fired wide.
French fancy: William Gallas equalised shortly after half-time with his first goal for Tottenham
Chelsea had the best chance to score the second goal of the game when Ramires broke from midfield and fed Mata, whose strike was smartly saved by Brad Friedel. The rebound fell to Mata eights yards out but he scooped his shot over.The period prior to and immediately after half-time saw Tottenham in full flow.
First came the chances from Dempsey, desperately blocked by John Obi Mikel, and Defoe, cleared off the line by Cole.Then came the equaliser after the break, with Tottenham level within 90 seconds when Tom Huddlestone’s free-kick was headed back across goal by Vertonghen for Gallas to head in almost on the goal-line.
Just deserves Jermain Defoe worked tirelessly up front on his own, and was rewarded with Spurs' second
By the time Tottenham went ahead on 55 minutes — Defoe meeting Lennon’s through-ball with an excellent finish — White Hart Lane was in full voice and Chelsea were on the back foot.But momentum was transformed again by that man Mata with two goals in three minutes. First, Oscar crossed and Gallas again cleared weakly, allowing Mata to strike into the bottom right-hand corner.
Start as I mean to go on: Mata blasted Chelsea back on level terms from the edge of the box
Double trouble: Mata then latched onto Eden Hazard's pass to smash home the winner
Then came the move of the match, Oscar, Mata and Mikel combining to bamboozle Tottenham before Hazard provided such a perfect, threaded ball through for Mata, that it would have been a travesty not to score. Mata was equal to the task, finishing calmly.Though Lennon and Kyle Walker tested Cech with long-range strikes, Chelsea grabbed their fourth when Walker dallied, allowing Mata to steal the ball and square along the goal-line for substitute Daniel Sturridge to tap in.‘Andre, Andre, what’s the score?’ chanted the Chelsea fans, gleefully.It was harsh on a man who surely was pondering what might have been.
That settles it: Daniel Sturridge came off the bench to poke home the fourth
West Brom 1 Manchester City 2: Super sub Dzeko doubles up to save 10-man champions
By MALCOLM FOLLEY PUBLISHED: 15:55 GMT, 20 October 2012 | UPDATED: 22:13 GMT, 20 October 2012
Roberto Mancini jumped from his seat and punched a fist as he twisted in mid-air to acclaim Edin Dzeko's exquisite, dramatic, injury-time winner for Manchester City at The Hawthorns. His jubilation at a second goal from Dzeko - a man he had only summoned from the bench in the 79th minute - illustrated the importance Mancini placed on banking three points from an afternoon when City had played for 67 minutes with 10-men. Until Dzeko's two-goal intervention, City seemed destined to fall seven points behind Chelsea after Roberto Di Matteo's team had manufactured a comeback of their own against Tottenham at White Hart Lane in the lunchtime match.
Turnaround: Edin Dzeko celebrates his second goal
Tucked away: Dzeko bags the winner
MATCH FACTS
West Brom: Foster, Ridgewell, Olsson, McAuley, Tamas, Yacob, Mulumbu, Dorrans (Odemwingie 63) , Morrison (Gera 72), Fortune, Long (Lukaku 81).
Subs not used: Luke Daniels, Popov, Rosenberg, Jara Reyes.
Booked: Tamas, Yacob, Long, Fortune.
Goal: Long 67.
Man City: Hart, Clichy, Lescott, Kompany, Richards, Milner, Barry (Dzeko 79) Nasri, Toure, Balotelli (Aguero 63), Tevez (Kolarov 82).
Subs not used: Pantilimon, Zabaleta, Sinclair, Toure.
Booked: Balotelli, Y Toure.
Sent off: Milner.
Goals: Dzeko 80, 90.
Ref: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear).
Att: 24,891
But for Dzeko, those two goals did nothing to mask his unhappiness. He has scored six goals so far - but started just four times in making 11 appearances this season and said: 'I cannot be content to be a super sub. I just want to play.'
While nothing may ever match the theatrical nature of Sergio Aguero's late goal that captured the title for City five months ago, the scenes of celebration at West Bromwich, where Albion had won their four home matches, told their own story.
Goalkeeper Joe Hart travelled the length of the field to throw his gloves into the City supporters; Joleon Lescott and Mario Balotelli, substituted in the second half, distributed their shirts to fans singing: 'That's why we are champions.'
Lescott and fellow defenders Micah Richards, Gael Clichy and Vincent Kompany played themselves almost to a standstill, while Yaya Toure ran and ran. Mancini had shouted himself hoarse, causing assistant David Platt to articulate the relief, pride and satisfaction at delivering a victory won by hard graft, imagination and camaraderie after James Milner had been shown a red card in the 23rd minute for a foul on Shane Long.
'We set off last year like Chelsea have done,' said Platt. 'It is too early to say how important these points will be but they are certainly nice to have.
Red card: Mark Clattenburg sends off James Milner after a cynical foul
'You can't drop that many points if you expect to win the championship. People talk about the expensive players we have at this club but there's also a lot of spirit, as we showed again today.
'You don't win championships without that kind of spirit. We won our last six games last season to be champions.
'Aguero's goal will be remembered as the one that won the title but people forget that it was Dzeko who equalised when we were behind against QPR. 'Dzeko is always a goal threat. A lot of the goals he has scored for Manchester City have been "heavy" goals, ones that have been very important to the club.'
On Saturday City never lost the belief that victory was within reach. Even when down to 10 men and trailing to Long's goal, poached in the 63rd minute, Mancini retained two strikers; at first, Balotelli and Carlos Tevez, then Aguero and Dzeko.
Pop: Dzeko heads in the equaliser
Pure delight: Dzeko celebrates his stoppage time winner
'By keeping two up front, we wanted to keep West Brom guessing,' said Platt, 'even if that meant a great deal of work for our three midfield players.'
In truth, it was difficult at times to tell City had a man short. 'When they went down to 10 men, City showed they were champions for a reason,' admitted Albion manager Steve Clarke.
His team had taken the lead after he had introduced Peter Odemwingie from the bench. With 27 minutes left, the Nigerian cut in from the left to unleash a shot.
It was not the best of his career, it has to be admitted but Long appeared beyond Lescott to take a deft touch that placed the ball beyond Hart.
Taken down: Milner fouls the pacy Long
Take that: Mario Balotelli crashes into Long
Mancini had already substituted Balotelli, who, typically, had shown a glimpse of his brilliance and a sight of his still-suspect temperament.
Only an intuitive save with his leg from West Bromwich keeper Ben Foster had denied him a first-half goal after a shimmering dribble by the Italian but, having already been booked in the 19th minute, he risked a second yellow card by clattering into Long moments before half time.
Denied: Joe Hart blocks off Graham Dorrans
Aerial battle: Gareth McAuley contests a header with Vincent Kompany
Block party: West Brom repel a free kick
In Dzeko, though, City possess a more conventional striker. And on Saturday, with his second touch, he rose to head City level from a tantalising free-kick from Tevez. Foster was caught in no-man's land, just as Hart had been in Warsaw on Wednesday, and was nowhere near the ball as the Bosnian equalised.
Even then, Romelu Lukaku had two chances to seize a second goal for Albion before City hit them on the break after poor use of a corner. Once the ball arrived at the feet of Aguero, the Argentine instinctively swept the ball into the path of Dzeko, who shaped his shot around Foster's despairing dive.
Mancini may have left the talking to Platt but he still has plenty to say in the destination of this title race.
First in: Kompany beats Long to the ball
Not his day: Balotelli could not make an impact
Decisions: Micah Richards did not wear a Kick It Out top before the game
No way: Joleon Lescott (right) refused to wear one
Norwich 1 Arsenal 0: Holt pounces on Mannone error to give Canaries shock win
By PETER HIGGS PUBLISHED: 18:22 GMT, 20 October 2012 | UPDATED: 23:10 GMT, 20 October 2012
Arsene Wenger accused his players of lacking what is required to make a top team as struggling Norwich outfought and outsmarted Arsenal to climb out of the bottom three. Grant Holt’s 19th-minute goal was enough to clinch the Canaries’ first win of the season and a first victory in 13 matches against the Gunners.
Holt from the blue: The Norwich skipper (right) celebrates his early goal
MATCH FACTS
Norwich: Ruddy; R Martin, Turner, Bassong, Garrido; E Bennett (Snodgrass 79), Tettey, Johnson, Pilkington; Hoolahan; Holt (Morison 90).
Subs not used: Rudd, R Bennett, Howson, Surman, Jackson.
Subs not used: Martinez, Djourou, Wilshere, Coquelin, Arshavin.
Referee: Lee Probert
Attendance: 26,825.
The shock result gave the Chris Hughton era lift-off at Carrow Road but left Wenger bitterly disappointed.The Frenchman candidly admitted that his players, who could have gone fourth in the table had they won, may have taken their opponents too lightly.
‘Maybe we underestimated the difficulty we faced today,’ said the Arsenal manager. ‘If you are not ready for a fight in the Premier League you will have all these bad surprises. ‘We lacked what a team at the top level needs. It was a disappointing performance and it missed the necessary focus and sharpness.
‘It was a shock for the team and I hope it will have a positive impact. We had players away on international duty and some, including Santi Cazorla, were not at their best physically. But it’s not an excuse. When you are better players you have to be able to cope.’
Arsenal started listlessly and were second best to Norwich’s spirited determination, but the goal that settled the match will go down as a goalkeeping error by Vito Mannone.
Old acquaintances: Norwich boss Chris Hughton (left) and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger (right)
However, the defence must shoulder some of the blame as they allowed Alex Tettey too much space for a shot from 25 yards. The Norway midfielder took advantage with a thumping, swerving drive which Mannone could not hold and Holt tapped in his third goal of the season from five yards.Wenger refused to criticise his goalkeeper. ‘We don’t blame Mannone because other players made mistakes, too,’ said the Frenchman. ‘We had to put it behind us and come up with a better performance.’
Midfield battle: Aaron Ramsey (right) and Wes Hoolahan fight for possession
Arsenal felt no need to panic but were never able to find the fluency to break down a Norwich defence which had conceded nine goals in its previous two Premier League matches.
Hughton had clearly worked hard on improving his defence and the team responded with a hard-working, disciplined display to deny Arsenal space and limited their celebrated visitors to a handful of chances.
Assist: Norwegian midfielder Tettey created Norwich's goal
John Ruddy, in fact, had a quiet night, pulling off an important save near the end when, unlike Mannone, he safely gathered in Mikel Arteta’s fierce low drive. When Gervinho finally found space in the penalty area, Sebastien Bassong flung himself to make a crucial blocking tackle.
Nothing would go right for Arsenal, for whom Lucas Podolski and Olivier Giroud looked sluggish, and their miserable night was compounded when England forward Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain limped off with a bruised hip nine minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Back on the bench: Arsenal's Jack Wilshere (centre) made a matchday squad for the first time in over a year
Hughton said: ‘This result will mean a lot to the players and the fans and more so because we deserved it. That’s what’s most pleasing. Every game is going to be tough for us in this division but if we do it right, we have enough quality to do well.’
As for Arsenal, a big improvement is needed in their Champions League match against Schalke on Wednesday.
Welcome to Norwich: Michael Turner fouls Olivier Giroud
Ruddy good show: The Norwich goalkeeper celebrates at the final whistle
Liverpool 1 Reading 0: Boy wonder Sterling claims a small piece of Anfield history
By BOB CASS PUBLISHED: 15:56 GMT, 20 October 2012 | UPDATED: 22:05 GMT, 20 October 2012
Raheem Sterling carved himself a niche in Liverpool's football history by becoming their second youngest player - after Michael Owen - to score at the highest level.The Jamaican-born winger, who will not be 18 until December 8, provided the clinical finish to a superbly chipped pass from Luis Suarez in the 29th minute.If the goal underlined the wisdom of former manager Rafa Benitez's acquisition when he paid Queens Park Rangers an initial £600,000, rising to a possible £5million, for a kid who was then just two months past his 15th birthday, it also prevented the focus of the Merseysiders' first home league win of the season falling on controversial Uruguay striker Suarez.
Give youth a chance: Raheem Sterling scored his first goal for Liverpool to secure a vital home win
Subs not used: Stuart Taylor, Gunter, Pearce, Le Fondre, McCleary, Robson-Kanu, Roberts.
Booked: Mariappa
Referee: Roger East (Wiltshire)
Att: 44,874
Such is the gallows humour of the Kop, they led a minute-long standing ovation when Roger East booked Kaspars Gorkss for bringing down Suarez in the 38th minute.But the referee got the full confrontational treatment from Steven Gerrard and Co when he failed to award Suarez another free-kick on the stroke of half-time.The South American, tumbling under another challenge from Gorkss, appeared to be caught on the thigh by the Latvian defender's knee and it was enough for him to limp disconsolately off the pitch at the interval, giving every indication that his afternoon's work could be over.
But Suarez was still there at the end, even if the injury looked to have taken the edge off his pace. He even managed a wry smile when he was clearly fouled in injury-time by Adrian Mariappa, who earned himself a yellow card.It is a pity that when anybody thinks of Suarez, they regard his talent for going to ground as being more conspicuous than his superb vision, brilliant passing and ceaseless workrate.When he was on his feet, he showed little signs of his 14,000-mile round trip playing for Uruguay against Bolivia three days earlier. The chances he missed, and there were several, were the only blemish on a performance of the highest merit.
Red leaves them dead: Sterling outpaced the Reading defence and blasted home with aplomb
For Brendan Rogers, these overdue three points - only Liverpool's third home league win in 14 matches this year - was a satisfying poke in the eye for Reading, the club who dispensed of his services after barely six months in charge just before Christmas in 2009. And his former club did not make it easy, causing many anxious moments in the home defence in the closing stages after Gareth McCleary wasted a great chance of an equaliser in the 53rd minute.Rodgers revealed that Suarez had needed extensive treatment at halftime for a dead leg and said: 'He was again fantastic today. He got back late Thursday, trained Friday morning and then still goes out and runs and works and gives his all for the team. He didn't want to come off. He's an incredible character.
Young at heart: Fresh from signing a new deal, Suso produced the goods for Brendan Rodgers
Tumble and fall: Luis Suarez was a constant nuisance and there was no sign of his theatrics
'He missed some chances and he'll want to be a wee bit more clinical in his finishing, but going forward we need to get players around him who will take the load off him as well.' Rodgers had a special word of praise for Sterling, declaring: 'I am very pleased for him. It's a part of his game we've been working on. It was a wonderful finish because he was going away from the goal and he has a quick defender tracking him and he finishes it really well across the keeper. He's a terrific talent.
Head for heights: Nuri Sahin continued to adapt to life in England and was given a hard time
Ticking it over: Despite Mikele Leigertwood's efforts, Joe Allen was able to dominate the pace in midfield
'We should have had three points here long before today. But on the back of an international break and players travelling all around the world, I though it was a terrific performance. We need to improve our finishing - we had 19 shots at goal - but as long as we get the three points and keep a clean sheet, I am delighted.' Reading boss Brian McDermott was aggrieved at leaving Anfield without any reward. 'We can take a lot of positives out of the game. I honestly thought we deserved a point. We've only been out of the game once this season, against Tottenham, and we were definitely in this one.'
Manchester United legend Viv Anderson slams Rio Ferdinand's T-shirt protest
The former Old Trafford man says that the defender should have toed the party line and worn the Kick it Out slogan despite his personal misgivings about the campaign
Walker closes Twitter account after abuse from Tottenham fans
The 22-year-old right-back was at fault for the final goal in Spurs' 4-2 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday and checked out of the social network site after being insulted
Villas-Boas deserves time to prove himself at Tottenham, says Gary Neville
The former Manchester United defender thinks the Portuguese coach was lucky to get a good job so soon after being sacked by Chelsea, but feels he should be given a chance at Spurs
Sir Alex Ferguson: I would support players walking off over racist abuse
Manchester United manager would stand by footballers who choose to walk off in protest against racist abuse from the stands after the treatment of England's Danny Rose in Serbia
Van Persie: Rooney keeps getting better
The Dutchman has hailed his Manchester United team-mate whilst saying that there is still more to come from the duo as their understanding improves daily
Schalke star Holtby refuses to rule out Premier League move
Goal.com understands Liverpool want to sign the Germany Under-21s captain when his contract expires next summer, but the Bundesliga player has a soft spot for city rivals Everton
Ryan Babel: Benitez stopped me from being Liverpool star
The Ajax player has accused his former Anfield manager of going against his word by not allowing him to play in consecutive Premier League games for the Reds
Manchester United are the best club for me, insists Anderson
The 24-year-old midfielder has struggled to earn a place in Sir Alex Ferguson's midfield since joining from Porto in 2007, but still feels Old Trafford is the right place for him
'I felt like I was hit by a baseball bat' - Kirkland
The Sheffield Wednesday keeper has called for new safety measures in football after Friday's attack saw him floored by a pitch-invading Leeds United fan at Hillsborough
Chelsea and Tottenham made summer offers for Shakhtar attacker Willian
The Brazilian will line up for the Ukranian giants against the Blues on Tuesday evening but admits he would have struggled to pick between a switch to Stamford Bridge and Spurs
Di Matteo backs Terry as Chelsea captain but Kick It Out chief angry at decision
The Blues boss insists the former England captain should still be seen as the club's leader providing he is not embroiled in any further controversy, but Lord Ouseley disagrees
Show Racism the Red Card urge summit meeting after player boycott of Kick It Out t-shirt campaign
The anti-racism organisation has stated its support of the players who boycotted the campaign, and believes more has to be done by the authorities to tackle racism in football
Ferguson: Rafael is maturing into a great player
The Red Devils manager feels the right-back is improving all the time and has everything required to become the complete footballer
Ex-Valencia man Pablo Hernandez loving life in the Premier League
Swansea City's record signing has adapted well after moving from Valencia during the summer, scoring his first goal for the club during Saturday's 2-1 win over Wigan
Chelsea captain Terry asked to wear anti-racism armband by Uefa
The Champions League's governing body requests that all captains wear 'Unite Against Racism' armbands during a fortnight of European matches, with the Blues traveling to Donetsk
Wilshere nears recovery after grabbing assist for Arsenal Under-21s
The Gunners midfielder has been out of action for 14 months after struggling to recover from knee and ankle injuries but played a full 90 minutes on Monday afternoon
Cech: Villas-Boas' involvement added spice to Chelsea's derby win over Tottenham
The Blues keeper insists that, while it was nice to see his former manager, his presence did heighten the atmosphere around White Hart Lane during his side's 4-2 victory
T-shirt row resolved but Rio Ferdinand rested for Manchester United against Braga
Sir Alex Ferguson insists that the matter is now resolved, suggesting that his reason for resting the centre-back is purely tactical with Sunday's clash against Chelsea in mind
Gerrard: Sterling can go all the way to the top
The Reds icon believes that the young winger has the potential to be one of the best for club and country, but warns he still must improve his goalscoring return
Manchester United look to slash Ferdinand salary with new deal
The 33-year-old has yet to open talks with the Old Trafford outfit over his new contract but will be offered a cut-price 12-month package worth around £60-70,000-a-week
Carrick wants swift Champions League progression for Manchester United
The midfielder believes getting through in Europe as quickly as possible will benefit the Red Devils' push towards the top of the Premier League, but urges concentration
Bridge wants to make Brighton move permanent
The former England international defender is looking to end his disastrous Manchester City spell and sign with Gus Poyet’s Brighton on a full-time deal following his loan spell
Norwich had a game plan to beat Arsenal, says Holt
The Canaries striker was also quick to dismiss suggestions that they had been suffering a hangover from last season, while Sebastien Bassong backs Olivier Giroud to settle
Chelsea loanee Kakuta blasted by Vitesse boss Rutten over time-keeping
The Frenchman is yet to make his Eredivisie debut since moving temporarily in the summer and his current manager has warned him to improve his attitude if he wishes to play
Begovic calls for tougher racism punishments
The Stoke City goalkeeper believes that fines are not enough of a deterrent for national associations and suggests points deductions or forfeits may be more effective
Vertonghen frustrated by Tottenham inconsistency
The Belgium defender has urged Spurs to maintain their best form for more sustained periods after they conceded three second-half goals in a 4-2 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday
House of Commons due to hold parliamentary debate on Hillsborough disaster
The contents of the report published by the Independent Panel will be discussed on Monday after the Attorney General announced his application for new inquests
Rodgers giving Sterling 'tough love' after bright start
The Liverpool manager admits to being critical of the teenage midfield sensation after 17-year-old becomes the second-youngest scorer in the club’s history against Reading
Arteta urges Arsenal to be patient in attack
The Spanish midfielder recognised that the Gunners did not create the chances that reflected their possession of the ball in the 1-0 defeat to Norwich City on Saturday
Glen Johnson predicts more to come from Sterling after first Premier League goal for Liverpool
The right-back believes the England Under-21 international will continue to impress and improve after notching against Reading in the narrow 1-0 win on Saturday
'I need more time to adapt' - Kagawa unhappy with start to Manchester United career
The summer signing from Borussia Dortmund has vowed to improve his performances for new club after branding them sub-standard, adding that he isn't at all satisfied
Hitzlsperger eyes long-term deal at Everton
The former Germany international is hopeful of earning an extended stay on Merseyside has signing a deal at Goodison Park that currently lasts until January
Draw with Sunderland feels like a win, says Newcastle goalkeeper Krul
The shot-stopper was delighted to walk away from the clash against their bitter rivals with a point, particularly after losing Cheikh Tiote to a red card in the first half
Andre Santos affirms Arsenal commitment amid Galatasary rumours
The full-back has been linked with a move to the Turkish giants recently, but he is keen to stay at Emirates - however a reduction in match action at Gunners is concerning him
Moyes & Hughes target referee after 1-1 draw between Everton & QPR
The 41-year-old official sent off the away side's Steven Pienaar for two soft fouls and denied the hosts a late spot-kick in a "frustrating" performance at Loftus Road
Aston Villa rebuff claims players protested against ‘Kick it Out’ campaign
The Midlands club are unhappy with a report in the Mail on Sunday which claims their squad threw the campaign group's t-shirts to the ground "in disgust" ahead of Saturday's game
Wenger looking for Arsenal response against Schalke
The Gunners boss was unhappy with his side’s performance in their 1-0 defeat at Norwich City and is hoping for an immediate improvement in Wednesday night's Champions League clash
'It was like watching Bobby Moore' - Pardew hails Newcastle captain Coloccini
The Argentina international returned to action in Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby and received high praise from his manager after helping secure a 1-1 draw against Sunderland
Chelsea star Mata unconcerned by Spain snub
The Blues attacking midfielder inspired his club to a 4-2 derby win over Tottenham on Saturday after recently being omitted by La Furia Roja coach Vicente del Bosque
Dzeko wants to be more than just a 'super-sub' for Manchester City
The Bosnian striker is his side's top goalscorer so far this season but is growing frustrated at starting on the bench every week for the Premier League champions
Man arrested on suspicion of attacking Kirkland
A suspect has been taken into custody after the on-pitch attack on the Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper during Friday's derby match with Leeds at Hillsborough in the Championship
PFA supporting Rio Ferdinand's Kick It Out stance
The players' union chief, Clarke Carlisle, says that the defender is right to stand up for that in which he believes and that his freedom of speech must not be impaired
