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Liverpool's Lucas plays down title talk The Brazilian is just concentrating on securing a top-four finish for the first time since 2009 despite the Reds topping the Premier League table on Christmas Day
Vydra may start against Tottenham, reveals Downing The on-loan Czech Republic striker has yet to make a single start for the Baggies since arriving from Udinese in the summer but scored the equaliser against Hull City last weekend
Redknapp backs Sherwood for success at Tottenham The former Spurs manager is delighted the man he brought back to the club in a backroom role has the chance to impress in a high-profile position, calling him a "strong character"
Gerrard: Top four still the aim for Liverpool The England captain believes the Reds can be considered title contenders if they are still in the race with 10 remaining but is adamant that finishing in the top four is paramount
Wilshere: Manchester City fans insulted my kids The England international took to Twitter to reveal the reason behind his offensive gesture during the second half of Arsenal's 6-3 defeat at the Etihad Stadium
Suarez can get even better, warns Lucas The Uruguayan has fired Brendan Rodgers' men to the top of the Premier League with 19 goals in just 12 matches, but his team-mate believes there is even more to come
Larsson unfazed by Everton trip The Swedish midfielder believes the side's victories over Manchester City and Chelsea in the league and Capital One Cup respectively can give them confidence to beat the Toffees
Cabaye could get 'lost' at another club, warns Pardew The Newcastle manager believes the France international's interests would be best served at St James' Park as the midfielder continues to be linked with a move away
Dempsey completes two-month Fulham loan move The 30-year-old will return to the club which he served with distinction for five years before moving to London rivals Tottenham in acrimonious circumstances in August 2012
West Ham boss Allardyce hints at Gyan move The 59-year-old admits the club have enquired about the Ghanaian, while also commented on James Tomkins, who was charged with assaulting a police officer
Moyes challenges Welbeck to maintain scoring run The Manchester United boss has praised the England international, who has five goals in 11 Premier League outings this season, and is hopeful he will overcome a knee problem
Flanagan faces fitness test ahead of Manchester City trip The 20-year-old has started in all of Liverpool's last six matches but suffered a hamstring injury during the club's 3-1 victory over Cardiff City last Saturday
Valencia vindicated on shirt number change The Ecuador international reverted to his old No.25 over the summer after a disappointing 2012-13 season wearing the club's famous No.7 and is pleased with his "change of fortune"
Zabaleta in line for surprise return against Liverpool The right-back was expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury but trained on Tuesday ahead of Manchester City's fixture on Boxing Day
Heitinga keen on Serie A switch The Dutch defender has yet to make a Premier League appearance under Roberto Martinez and is keen to explore his options with his contract set to expire at the end of the season
'It's a proud moment' - Sherwood revels in Tottenham chance The 44-year-old, who had previously been the club's technical coordinator, is delighted to have been trusted with a permanent deal that puts him in charge until 2015
'No question' that Barkley will stay in January, insists Roberto Martinez The Everton manager is adamant that, even should "a Gareth Bale-size valuation" be tabled for the young midfielder, the Toffees will not disrupt their top-four push
Sterling could force his way to the World Cup, says Liverpool boss Rodgers The young winger has excelled with three goals in his last five games and the Northern Irishman believes that he could soon add to his solitary international cap
Chelsea boss Mourinho hits out at 'crying' Arsenal The Blues manager feels that the Gunners' foreign contingent were too keen to moan about refereeing decisions in Monday's 0-0 draw and praises "English blood in football"
Cech tips Neuer to end Casillas's reign as FIFPro World XI goalkeeper
Dec 24, 2013 9:00:00 AM
The Chelsea star joins the Germany international on the FIFPro World XI shortlist for the No.1 spot, with all positions announced for the team of the year on January 13
EXCLUSIVE
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has tipped Bayern Munich No.1 Manuel Neuer to bring an end to Iker Casillas's dominance and win a spot in the FIFPro World XI.
Casillas has been selected as the FIFPro World XI goalkeeper for the past five years, with the Spain international once again nominated for the award that will be announced on January 13 and recognises the team of the year in world football.
But Cech, himself a candidate for the goalkeeper spot, believes that Neuer's exploits in winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League during an incredible 2012-13 season for Bayern should see him take the crown.
"Bayern won the league, the Champions League, the treble so I think it may be Neuer, in my opinion, who might end [Casillas's] reign but I am always happy to be selected among the top five," Cech told Goal.
"It's very difficult to choose who is the best because everyone plays in different competitions and different leagues so it is very hard to compare. To be selected amongst the best makes very happy and whoever wins deserves it.
"It's always nice to get the recognition from your fellow professionals because they have a different understanding of the game and it shows you that they respect you so it's really great. The shortlist is not one of those things which you have to be in to know you're doing well but it's always nice."
Cech also discussed the Premier League and insists that England still boasts the best league around despite last year's FIFPro World XI not containing a single representative from their division.
"I think the Premier League, for me, is the best league," the Czech Republic goalkeeper added. "When you select the best players, it can be a coincidence. It depends how well the teams were doing in the European competitions.
"We won the Champions League and the Europa League in the last two years and we didn't have any players representing the team in the FIFPro World XI which is very surprising so you see how dependable is the choice of who is in the FIFPro World XI.
"It doesn't mean that if you have six people from La Liga, La Liga is a better competition than the Bundesliga because it depends also how the teams were doing, how you do with the national team so it is not only about the league."
Mourinho hits out at Arsenal: Boring is a team that plays at home and cannot score
By Alex Young31
Dec 26, 2013 7:30:00 AM
The Portuguese took exception with Mikel Arteta's view that "Chelsea only wanted to defend" against the Gunners, while he hinted that Liverpool are only top due to their schedule
Jose Mourinho has described Arsenal as "boring" following Monday's 0-0 draw with Chelsea, before hinting that Liverpool are only top as they are not competing in Europe.
Gunners vice-captain Mikel Arteta said after the game that "Chelsea only wanted to defend and we wanted to win", with home supporters chanting 'Boring, boring Chelsea' as the visitors left the field of play.
Arsenal registered just two shots on target during the Emirates Stadium clash - half the Blues' total at the other end - and Mourinho feels the accusations of negative tactics are being directed towards the wrong club.
Mourinho is quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror: "They called us boring - but I think boring is a team that plays at home and cannot score a goal. That's boring!
"Because you go to your stadium and you fill your stadium, in weather like we had on Monday, to see victories.
"There is not a home fan in any club in the world who goes to the stadium and expects his team not to score or win. If any team was boring, they were boring because Petr Cech made zero saves.
"It is not a coincidence that before the Arsenal game we had time to work, a whole week, which we haven't had since the summer. I had three days to work tactically, on everything I wanted to work on.
Before adding, hinting at Liverpool less hectic schedule: "I worked on everything because it was a special week for us. It was the kind of week Liverpool has every week."
English Premier League: 5 things to know about Boxing Day program
December 25, 2013 - 11:10am ROB HARRIS THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Chelsea's John Terry, left clears the ball as Arsenal's Olivier Giroud attempts to tackle during their English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates stadium in London, Monday, Dec 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
MANCHESTER, England — Boasting the Premier League’s most dangerous attacking units, Manchester City and Liverpool should provide a glut of goals when the title challengers play during Thursday’s packed Boxing Day program.
Liverpool is at the top at Christmas for the first time since 2008 after scoring 42 goals.
Only Manchester City has been more lethal in front of goal, with the team — a point behind Liverpool and Arsenal in third — scoring 51 goals in 17 games.
With Europe’s leading leagues on their winter breaks, every Premier League team is in action on Boxing Day. Here are five things to know about Thursday’s games:
———
TITLE FACEOFF
The short trip to Manchester will be a test of the depth of Liverpool’s resources — as well as its title credentials — with only 17 players fit to travel across the northwest.
“Our squad is very thin at the moment,” Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said. “None of the guys who have been out have returned and there is still the timeline which was set for them.”
Among the casualties are captain Steven Gerrard, defender Jose Enrique and striker Daniel Sturridge.
Crucially, though, striker Luis Suarez is fit and in form, scoring 10 times in four straight victories.
“We will need to keep him quiet,” City midfielder James Milner said. “But Liverpool are a top side having a good season and it’s not just about stopping him, because they have plenty of other players who can do damage as well.”
———
BLUES BOUNCE BACK
Chelsea was 11 points behind the leaders at this time last season under Rafa Benitez, but is now within two points of Liverpool going into Thursday’s match against Swansea.
“We don’t go to Christmas as leaders, but we go with evolution because last season the championship was already lost by this point,” Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said. “Now, we are there … we are completely alive.”
Chelsea and Arsenal drew 0-0 on Monday to leave the Gunners two points ahead in second.
Arsenal has another derby on Thursday against West Ham.
———
MERRY MARTINEZ
With only one loss in 17 league matches, Roberto Martinez has spent his first season at Everton trying to downplay expectations. The Merseyside club is only out of the top four due to Chelsea’s superior goal difference.
“I feel we haven’t reached our full potential and that excites me,” Martinez said ahead of Thursday’s match against last-place Sunderland.
Last year it was Martinez in charge of a struggling team, with Wigan going on to be relegated before he was handed the Everton job. A draw against Sunderland would put Everton on 37 points, surpassing Martinez’s total haul of 36 points with Wigan last season.
As for the man Martinez replaced? David Moyes and Manchester United travel to Hull in eighth place, six points behind Everton.
———
JOB HUNTING
West Bromwich Albion travels to Tottenham still searching for a manager almost two weeks after firing Steve Clarke.
Tottenham only dismissed its manager, Andre Villas-Boas, last week, but has already replaced him. Tim Sherwood was surprisingly entrusted with his first managerial job.
“We’re two sides who are a probably little bit unsettled at the moment,” West Brom interim manager Keith Downing said.
But Sherwood isn’t exactly inheriting a Tottenham team in crisis, despite the club feeling the need to fire Villas-Boas last week.
While in temporary charge on Sunday, Sherwood oversaw a 3-2 victory at Southampton that put Tottenham within four points of fourth-place Chelsea.
While the 44-year-old Sherwood’s appointment was a surprise, given his lack of managerial experience, he does know Tottenham, having been part of the coaching setup since 2008.
“I’ve known it from the grass roots right up to the first team, worked at every level of the football club and played here, so I know it better than most,” Sherwood said.
———
CARDIFF STAND-OFF
Malky Mackay remains in charge at Cardiff for Thursday’s game against Southampton.
Mackay was asked to quit by owner Vincent Tan — and looked set to be fired — before being handed a reprieve on Sunday.
But with Mackay’s fractured relationship with Tan yet to be healed, chairman Mehmet Dalman concedes the south Wales club might still have to act swiftly to bring in a new manager to restore stability.
Mackay proud of Cardiff reign after sacking The 41-year-old, who was relieved of his duties following the 3-0 defeat to Southampton on Boxing Day, hopes his departure does not have a negative impact on the club's season
Jagielka: Defeat will relieve pressure on Everton Sunderland shattered the Toffees' hopes of going the entirety of 2013 unbeaten at home, but the Englishman believes they can now concentrate on their football
Sacking Mackay was the right thing to do, says Cardiff life president Sam Hammam The club's former owner criticised the Scot's spending during the summer transfer window and urges Vincent Tan to take "complete control"
Cardiff owner Tan points finger at Mackay for making feud public The Welsh club's Malaysian owner blamed the Scot for airing "far too much dirty linen" this season, drawing focus away from the on-pitch challenges the side have faced
Rodgers stands by Mason comments The Liverpool boss branded the level of officiating "horrendous" after Thursday's defeat to Manchester City and questioned the selection of a Greater Manchester referee
Pellegrini against mid-season break The Chilean, who is managing in the Premier League for the first time this season, is enjoying the busy festive schedule but does feel players need longer breaks between games
Rodgers facing FA investigation over Mason comments The Liverpool boss criticised the performance of the officials in the Reds' 2-1 loss at Manchester City on Wednesday, citing the place of birth of the referee as a key concern
Sherwood insulted by stop-gap talk The coach has been handed the reins at White Hart Lane until the end of next season and while he says he is under pressure to perform he insists the club have nobody else in mind
Cardiff sack Mackay The Scot has worked under a cloud of uncertainty in the past couple of months as owner Vincent Tan considered the manager's future and he has now been relieved of his duties
Wenger hails returning Arsenal striker Podolski The German came off the bench to score the Gunners' third in a 3-1 come-from-behind win over West Ham, and his manager has praised his mental strength after four months out
Mourinho: Liverpool have title race advantage The Chelsea manager has praised Brendan Rodgers' achievements this season but points out that regularly playing midweek European fixtures is detrimental to their rivals
Ivanovic hails Chelsea's fantastic five The Blues centre-back, who is on the defenders' shortlist for the FIFPro World XI, believes Terry, Cole, Luiz, Cahill and Azpilicueta help form one of the game's best back lines
Manchester City show why they are title favourites with grit as well as glamour Manuel Pellegrini's men overcame a tough test against Liverpool to prove that they are the team to beat in the second half of the Premier League season
Pellegrini pleased with Manchester City character The Etihad Stadium side came from a goal down to beat Liverpool 2-1 on Boxing Day, and the Chilean is anticipating a six-team battle for the Premier League title
Liverpool boss Rodgers slams 'horrendous' officials The Northern Irishman questioned the decision to have referee Lee Mason, from Greater Manchester, take charge of the 2-1 defeat to City at the Etihad Stadium on Boxing Day
'They kill me' - Mourinho feared Chelsea would be punished for missed chances The Blues boss admitted his team should have wrapped up three points against Swansea more comfortably than they did after Eden Hazard's first-half goal sealed a narrow 1-0 victory
West Brom equaliser a 'kick in the privates', says Sherwood The Spurs manager felt his side were capable of much more in his first game in charge since signing a permanent contract to replace Andre Villas-Boas at White Hart Lane
Wenger rules Ramsey out for festive period The Arsenal midfielder faces a spell on the sidelines after injuring his thigh during the Gunners' 3-1 win at West Ham on Boxing Day, and could be out for a number of weeks
Moyes: Manchester United still in title race The Red Devils fought back to beat Hull City in a thrilling 3-2 Boxing Day clash and the Old Trafford manager believes the reigning champions can retain their Premier League crown
Malky Mackay has been sacked by owner Vincent Tan
Malky Mackay lost a destabilizing power struggle with Cardiff's divisive owner on Friday, and became the fourth Premier League manager to be fired this month.
Owner Vincent Tan said he was compelled to dismiss Mackay because he felt the "dirty linen" being exposed about the dispute was creating a distraction.
Mackay, who took Cardiff to its first League Cup final in 2012, was dismissed only five days after being told by the south Wales club he would remain in charge for the "foreseeable future."
Despite that assurance, there was a caveat that the former Celtic and Norwich defender had to heal his rift with Tan, which seemed unlikely given the owner's apparent reluctance to meet with him in recent months.
The Malaysian owner and Mackay clashed over the dismissal of head of recruitment Iain Moody in October. And Mackay's future after two years at the south Wales club seemed to be doomed when he received an ultimatum last week from Tan to resign or be fired in an email that listed grievances against the manager, linked to the transfer strategy.
Tan finally decided on Friday, a day after a 3-0 loss to Southampton, to fire the manager and go public about the turmoil at the club.
"There has been a good deal of publicity generated by and about Mr. Malky Mackay over the last few months. Indeed far too much dirty linen has been exposed to the public gaze," Tan said in a statement. "But, I stress, not by me. Indeed, I have deliberately not responded to this, hoping that the club can be judged on its football rather than personalized arguments about who said what to whom.
"I have, however, regretfully concluded that it is no longer fair to the club, its players, its fans, or the public more generally, for this uncomfortable state of affairs to continue. Cardiff City Football Club means far too much to us all for it to be distracted by this."
Mackay, who had a contract through June 2016, thanked the players, coaching staff and fans for backing him, "especially in these recent turbulent months."
"I leave with my head held high," Mackay added in a statement.
But Cardiff President Sam Hammam complained that Mackay took too much credit for Cardiff returning to the topflight after a 51-year absence this season.
"Far more important it was Vincent Tan's money," Hammam told BBC Wales.
"Yet all the accolades and so on went to Malky, and then Malky was spending like there was no tomorrow."
Tan, who bought Cardiff in 2010, had already alienated some supporters by changing the club's colors from blue to red and adopting a new crest.
The lingering uncertainty over Mackay's future fuelled further protests against Tan's running of the club at matches, with the tensions overshadowing Cardiff's first season in the Premier League.
Now the team is only a point above the relegation zone.
Upset by the axing of the popular Mackay, the main fans' group urged Tan to listen to their concerns.
"Recent off the field controversies have damaged the relationship between the club and fans," the Cardiff City's Supporters' Trust said in a statement. "One way Mr. Tan could build bridges with supporters would be to return the playing kit to blue."
Assistant manager David Kerslake and first-team coach Joe McBride have been put in temporary charge.
The bookmakers' favorite to replace Mackay is former Manchester United forward Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has established himself as a manager in his home country of Norway, winning the league twice with Molde.
Solskjaer "can make a good manager," according to Hammam.
"He will have had very good basic grounding (at Molde) to what is needed now," the Cardiff life president said. "We need a manager whose feet are on the ground and not just telling Vincent Tan, `Give me your money,' as if all
Vincent Tan is a cash cow."
Hammam said he doesn't want a move for Sven-Goran Eriksson, who had been linked with Cardiff, claiming the former England and Manchester City manager would want a "hell of a lot of money."
Solskjaer would be swapping apparent job security in Norway for a high-pressure relegation battle in the Premier League.
Five of the bottom six teams have now changed their managers this season, with Cardiff following Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Fulham, and West Bromwich Albion - Mackay's potential next club.
The only firing in the top half of the standings so far was Andre Villas-Boas by Tottenham last week. He was replaced by Tim Sherwood.
Chelsea host Liverpool in the game of the round (Reuters File)
By Rob Harris
Only six points separate the top six teams in the Premier League.
Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Everton and Newcastle lead the way this season. Last season, the gap was already 13 points after 18 games before Manchester United cruised to the title by 11 points.
It's a sign of how unpredictable this season is turning out that United is down in seventh, yet only eight points from the top.
By the end of this weekend, every team will have played each other once, with the headline match on Sunday seeing third-place Chelsea hosting fourth-place Liverpool.
Here are five things to know about this weekend's matches:
Festive Season -
It seems more like cricket or baseball. Less than 43 hours after completing its victory over Liverpool, Manchester City is back in action against Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.
No wonder manager Manuel Pellegrini is frustrated.
Although every team played on Boxing Day, City's game against Liverpool was the late game. And Liverpool has an extra day's rest, with its game at Chelsea not until Sunday.
"All the other countries stop and I think it is very important for the players to have a break because they play too much, too many games," Pellegrini said.
"It is incredible that the games are so near another. I think that to play two games in less than 72 hours is not a good thing. The players are not recovered in less than 72 hours normally. Playing again, after 40 hours, I think, is a very bad thing."
Particularly when City has to face a Palace side now out of the relegation zone after beating Aston Villa.
Contrasting fortunes -
Chelsea might be third in the standings, but the failure of the team's misfiring strikers to kill off games could prove costly in the title run-in.
The Blues labored to a 1-0 victory over Swansea, leaving manager Jose
Mourinho exhausted.
"They kill me - every game I'm tired in the end," Mourinho said of his players. "We don't score the second goal and you feel like the opponent now believes and the opponent is keen to risk a bit more and put in a second striker. In this moment you are a bit in trouble."
Particularly on Sunday against a team which has little trouble scoring.
Although Luis Suarez failed to score in Thursday's loss at City, the
Liverpool striker has 10 goals in December.
In contrast, former Liverpool forward Fernando Torres has scored only twice in the league for Chelsea this season.
Arsenal Boost -
A thigh injury will rule Aaron Ramsey out of Arsenal's match at Newcastle on Sunday.
But, unlike most players, Jack Wilshere will be back and fresh after missing Monday's draw against Chelsea and Thursday's victory at West Ham through suspension.
And Lukas Podolski is back from injury at a key time for the leaders, scoring and setting up a goal after returning from four months out on Thursday.
"I try to get him slowly back to competitiveness," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said. "He has shown he can have a huge impact because he can score and make goal."
Steady Progress -
With the focus on the movement in the top four, it can be easy to miss
Manchester United coming through in the slipstream. A third successive league victory - at Hull on Thursday - pushed the champions up to seventh, only five points behind fourth-place Liverpool.
Next up on Saturday is a Norwich side that was stunned at home by struggling Fulham on Thursday.
"We've had our setbacks this season," United defender Chris Smalling said. "We need to make sure that we don't have any more and that we keep winning."
Cardiff Chaos -
The rift between Cardiff owner Vincent Tan and Malky Mackay came to a head on Friday, with the manager being fired. Tan complained about "dirty linen" being exposed in public, but Mackay said he left after two years with his "head held high."
Now Tan must find a new manager willing to work for him after a standoff with Mackay played out in public for several months.
Cardiff will begin life without Mackay by hosting the league's bottom team, Sunderland. However, the visitors may not be an easy opponent for the temporary coaching team - Sunderland travels to south Wales on the back of a surprise win at fifth-place Everton.
Wenger deserves to win the Champions League, says Pardew
By Chris Davie28
Dec 29, 2013 8:19:00 AM
The 52-year-old says the Frenchman deserves to win the trophy for his impressive career in north London, and insists every club can learn from the Gunners' approach
Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew believes Arsene Wenger deserves to win the Champions League this season.
The Magpies host the Gunners at St James’ Park on Sunday and the 52-year-old claims English football owes a debt to the Frenchman for highlighting the wealth of options in the overseas transfer market.
“I’m very *disappointed that I don’t have more British players in my squad. I do want more but I can’t argue with my French contingent because they’ve been absolutely *brilliant,” Pardew told reporters.
“Football is a world market and maybe Arsene Wenger saw that before other managers or chairmen. In that respect, we owe him a debt.
“I think clubs can learn from Arsenal. What a job Arsene has done. No-one can ever take away from him what he has achieved, especially that ‘Invincibles’ season.
“I really hope he wins the Champions League this season. I think he deserves it for the career he’s had.”
Pardew joined Newcastle in 2010 and is the second longest-serving manager currently working in the Premier League, behind Wenger.
The former West Ham boss, who works alongside Joe Kinnear at St James' Park, admitted that he is concerned managers at other Premier League clubs have their roles diluted by the presence of directors of football and other decision makers.
“I think longevity is *important, I really do,” the Englishman continued.
“There is a lot of decision-making for managers these days and only an experienced manager can make those calls.
“But a lot of decisions are being taken away from us, not particularly at Newcastle but at other clubs.
“It’s hard to get longevity too because there’s not that loyalty. The game needs to look at that.”
Everybody makes mistakes' – Mourinho defends Suarez
By Ewan Roberts2
Dec 29, 2013 7:42:00 AM
The Portuguese says he would have had no qualms about welcoming the 26-year-old back into his squad and argues the forward's “magnificent” form proves he is committed to the Reds
Jose Mourinho has played down the visit of Luis Suarez to Stamford Bridge as the Uruguayan prepares to face Chelsea for the first time since biting Branislav Ivanovic.
The Liverpool striker received a 10-match suspension for the incident, missing the first five games of the season, but has since netted 19 goals in 13 league appearances and tops the Premier League scoring charts.
When asked whether he would have brought back a player who had bitten an opponent, Mourinho offered a defence of Suarez, saying: “Everybody makes mistakes.”
The Portuguese was then reminded that the former Ajax forward had bitten a player once before during his time in Amsterdam, to which he joked: “He did it twice? Yes? Well, if he does one per country ...”
Suarez had been linked with a summer move away from Anfield but Liverpool fought off suitors to retain their star striker, and Mourinho believes his recent performances show he is committed to the club.
“Every player is different and every player has his own personality,” continued the Chelsea boss.
“It happens a lot in the summer, players want to leave and after that it depends on them when they are forced to stay; it depends on them whether they will have revenge by not performing, not being committed.
“Ever since Suarez was forced to stay, I think his answer was magnificent. You can see his motivation.”
Wenger would consider 'special' Arsenal signing The Frenchman is open to the idea of reinforcing his squad but will only do so if it is someone he feels would dramatically improve the Gunners' chances of winning silverware
I should have seen red, admits Eto'o The Chelsea forward escaped a booking for an ugly challenge in the opening stages of the Blues' 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Sunday, going on to score the winner
Rodgers: No looming arrivals at Liverpool The Northern Irishman rejected suggestions that Barcelona winger Cristian Tello will arrive at Anfield, adding that he did not expect any imminent arrivals in January
Paulinho suffers 'significant' ankle ligament damage The Brazilian took a heavy blow to his right ankle in Tottenham's 3-0 win over Stoke at White Hart Lane on Sunday and is expected to be sidelined for around a month
Rodgers hits back at Mourinho over Suarez jibe The striker was accused by performing an "acrobatic swimming pool jump" by Jose Mourinho following Chelsea's win on Sunday, but his manager has dismissed the jibe
Rodgers: Liverpool not dependant on Suarez The Uruguayan striker has scored 19 goals in 14 Premier League appearances this season, but the Reds boss is keen to promote the club's lofty position as a group effort
Tottenham must play with freedom against Manchester United - Eriksen The Dane has encouraged his team-mates to approach their upcoming clash at Old Trafford without fear and admits he is enjoying the more positive style of play under Tim Sherwood
Terry: Mourinho has brought the magic back to Chelsea The Blues captain says the Portuguese has boosted the squad's waning winning mentality, with the side third in the Premier League and just two points off the top
Arsenal growing confident of title win - Walcott The Gunners won the most points of any Premier League side during 2013 and top the table heading into 2014
Manchester City's Nasri: 'Quenelle' not racist After Nicolas Anelka stirred up controversy with his allegedly anti-Semitic goal celebration, his fellow Frenchman has been criticised for making the same gesture two months ago
Anfield form key for title bid, says Liverpool boss Rodgers The Northern Irishman is remaining upbeat on his side's hopes of being crowned champions come May - despite consecutive league defeats
Pardew confident Newcastle can sign Remy permanently The France striker has scored 10 goals for the club since joining on loan from QPR in the summer, after opting to move to Loftus Road over St James' Park a year ago
Anelka vows not to repeat 'quenelle' celebration The Baggies confirm that they have spoken to their forward about his controversial gesture after netting against West Ham but will continue to use him while under investigation
Aguero expected back in January, says Pellegrini The Argentina international had to be substituted with a calf injury against Arsenal earlier in December but his projected comeback is earlier than initially feared
Manchester United boss Moyes sets Welbeck 20-goal target With the Red Devils having to work without Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie at times this season, the Scot wants the young forward to push on after his encouraging recent form
Dembele believes Tottenham can 'surprise everyone' against Manchester United A 3-2 victory last season was Spurs' first win at Old Trafford since 1989 and the Belgian believes his resurgent side are more than capable of repeating the feat
Jagielka out for 'up to four weeks' The Toffees centre-back could be sidelined throughout January with a hamstring injury picked up over the festive period, though his manager is hopeful of an early comeback
Laudrup eyes improvement from Swansea The Swans have struggled to cope with European as well as domestic fixtures this term but the Dane is confident of an upturn in form to match last season's 9th-place finish
Mourinho hails 'amazing' Terry after 600th Chelsea game The Portuguese has paid tribute to his centre-back's landmark appearance tally as well as underlining the defender's impressive contribution this season
Pochettino positive Southampton can recover The Saints boss has pointed to the impending return of a number of first-team players as reason to stay upbeat about his side's fortunes, despite their recent downturn in form
Manchester City's win over Crystal Palace 'massive', says Kompany The skipper has hailed his side's fine recent form throughout the busy winter schedule and praised the "great game" enjoyed by Joe Hart against Tony Pulis's outfit
Essien could leave Chelsea in January - agent The 31-year-old could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge with a decision on his future likely to be made within the next 10 days, though a return to Bastia has been ruled out
Aguero’s father rules out Manchester City forward leaving for Barcelona The Argentina international, who is currently recovering from injury, has been linked with a move to Spain but his father says there is "nothing at all" in the rumours
Liverpool skipper Gerrard could return for Hull clash
Tue Dec 31, 2013 7:24am GMT
Liverpool's Steven Gerrard wipes his face during their English Premier League soccer match against West Ham United at Anfield in Liverpool, northern England December 7, 2013. REUTERS/Phil Noble
(Reuters) - Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is close to a return to action following injury and could feature in their English Premier League clash at home to Hull City on Wednesday, manager Brendan Rodgers said.
The 33-year-old England midfielder hurt his hamstring in the 4-1 win over West Ham United on December 7 and his impending return is a welcome boost for Rodgers, whose side has been hit by a raft of injuries.
"Steven has rejoined training so we'll see how he is for Hull," Rodgers said at a news conference on Monday.
"We will assess that over the next 24 hours," he added when asked if he would feature.
Liverpool are fifth in the table following a 2-1 loss at Chelsea on Sunday which was compounded by injuries to midfielder Joe Allen and defender Mamadou Sakho.
"Joe will probably be a few weeks with an abductor strain. Sakho, we're just waiting for confirmation on his hamstring strain. Glen Johnson came off but that was tactical and wasn't injury enforced," said Rodgers.
"Jordan Henderson is fine. He's on his first day of recovery today. He's still sore, but he's a real soldier and should be fine.
"There were one or two other niggles that we'll just assess in the next 24 hours.
Buoyed by the stand-out form of striker Luis Suarez, Rodgers had steered Liverpool to the top of the table at Christmas before dropping six points back of leaders Arsenal following the 2-1 losses at Manchester City and Chelsea.
The fixtures are kinder for Liverpool, though, over the next few weeks starting with Hull, who they lost 3-1 to on December 1, before a home FA Cup third round tie against Oldham Athletic.
They then travel to take on Stoke City on January 12, a fixture Rodgers hoped would see the return of striker Daniel Sturridge and defenders Jose Enrique and Jon Flanagan.
"I would think that probably by the Stoke game we'll have a number of the others who'll not be too far away," said the former Swansea City, Reading and Watford boss, who is midway through his second season in charge.
"It's just been unfortunate. The medical team aligned with our training philosophy have meant the players have been fit for the majority of the time I've been here.
"It's just really in this last period of four or five weeks, which have unfortunately dealt us a big blow in the squad."
(Writing by Patrick Johnston; editing by Sudipto Ganguly)
Fulham appoint former boss Wilkins as assistant coach
Tue Dec 31, 2013 4:28am GMT
(Reuters) - English Premier League strugglers Fulham have appointed former manager Ray Wilkins as assistant to new boss Rene Meulensteen to aid their battle against relegation.
Meulensteen was only appointed manager at the start of December after stepping up from the role of head coach, which he held for a matter of weeks, to succeed the sacked Martin Jol.
The addition of former England, Manchester United, Chelsea and AC Milan midfielder Wilkins, who managed Fulham for the 1997-98 season in the third tier, follows the appointment of ex Charlton Athletic and West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley as technical director.
"I am delighted that the Chairman and the CEO have, again, backed my desire for further experience and support within the backroom staff," former Manchester United assistant Meulensteen told the club's website of Wilkins, who was previously assistant at West London rivals Chelsea.
Fulham are 18th in the table after suffering some crushing defeats of late, including a 6-0 mauling at the hands of Hull City on Saturday and 4-1 loss at Everton earlier this month.
They host Curbishley's former club West Ham, also in the relegation zone, in a pivotal London derby on Wednesday.
(Writing by Patrick Johnston; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)
Hart fit to play for City after cut, says Pellegrini
LONDON Mon Dec 30, 2013 2:42pm GMT
Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart is seen with a cut under his eye as he salutes fans after winning their English Premier League soccer match against Crystal Palace at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, northern England December 28, 2013. REUTERS/Phil Noble
(Reuters) - Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, who needed five stitches to a cut under his eye after being injured against Crystal Palace on Saturday, is fit for the visit to Swansea City on New Years Day, coach Manuel Pellegrini said on Monday.
The England goalkeeper, who has returned to the side in excellent form after being rested by Pellegrini for six weeks, was man of the match in the tight 1-0 win over Palace at the Etihad Stadium as City made it 10 home league wins out of 10 this season.
He suffered the wound just under his left eye in an early collision with Palace's Cameron Jerome but stayed on the field and denied Palace with several key saves.
Pellegrini, who called Hart the "best goalkeeper in England" after his heroics in the 2-1 win over Liverpool on Boxing Day, is looking forward to the second half of the season after what he said was a "fantastic month" for City in December.
They start the New Year in second place, a point behind Arsenal after scoring 54 goals in 19 league matches.
Although his mathematics were slightly off - he said City won nine out of 10 matches when in fact they won eight of nine - there was no doubting his satisfaction with the team's recent run.
After telling reporters he expected Hart to start against Swansea, the Chilean added: "It was a fantastic month for us, we won nine of our 10 games and have won six of the last seven and it was very important for us to recover points on Arsenal.
"They were six points on top of us, so it was very important to finish the year by recovering six points."
Among the wins was the 6-3 victory over Arsenal on December14 and although the London club top the Premier League, Pellgrini is optimistic about the second half of the season.
"It was very important for us to finish the year in a position we wanted to be in, it's always better to be first, but I think to recover six points in a month and to still continue in the Capital One (League) Cup and the Champions League is no bad thing.
"The first half of the season has been very good for us against the opposition we have been playing and now from here we will try to win it.
"But it will be very close - the top five are separated by just five points and the second half will very close too, exactly the same."
Cardiff still hope to appoint Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as their new manager, despite reports the former Manchester United forward has turned down the Welsh club.
Tuesday 31st December 2013
Solskjaer, in charge of Norwegian club Molde, was instantly installed as favourite to take over at Cardiff City Stadium when Malky Mackay was sacked on Friday following a series of disputes with owner Vincent Tan.
Chairman Mehmet Dalman has stated he has one candidate in mind and refused to deny he had held discussions with Solskjaer, saying: " I might have and I might not have".
There have been suggestions Solksjaer has turned down Dalman's overtures, but Press Association Sport understands Solskjaer has yet to reject the chance to take over in the Welsh capital, and that Dalman hopes the promise of funds to spend in January and assurances regarding the working structure at the club will convince the 40-year-old to make the move to the Premier League.
With Dalman's recruitment hunt ongoing, Mackay's assistant David Kerslake and first-team coach Joe McBride remain in charge of the Bluebirds for the daunting New Year's Day trip to leaders Arsenal.
Kerslake insists he knows nothing about the ongoing hunt for a new manager, but has called on the club's fans to get behind the next boss.
"The new manager will have to have a big personality," he said. "They are big boots that Malky has left. But I am sure the owner and the board of directors will select correctly.
"It is certainly going to take them into a new direction and the supporters need to get on board and support whatever they do."
Taking a side to the Emirates in the Premier League should rank as one of the biggest days in Kerslake's career but he admits it will feel slightly surreal as he considers Cardiff to still be Mackay's side.
He said: "I don't feel it is my side. I am going there and doing the job the club have asked me to do. Of course it is the Premier League, a great stadium and something I am looking forward to."
Cardiff will at least avoid coming up against Aaron Ramsey. The Wales midfielder scored twice in a 3-0 Arsenal win when the sides met in Wales but has been ruled out with a thigh problem.
Not that Kerslake expects it to have an advserse effect on the Gunners.
"They could field three teams with world-class individuals so I don't think that will be any challenge to their manager," he said.
"But we have gone up against top sides before and got a result and we will take a game plan and we will stick to it and we will be okay."
Bertrand Traore completes 'dream' Chelsea switch The teenager has joined up with the Blues after the January window opened on Wednesday and the midfielder is thrilled to be working with Stamford Bridge boss Jose Mourinho
Mourinho rues Chelsea injury concerns Defender Branislav Ivanovic and midfielder Frank Lampard both picked up knocks in Sunday's 2-1 win over Liverpool, while David Luiz is suspended for the game against Southampton
Manchester City close to signing Nigerian starlet Chidi Nwakali The central midfielder, who played a key role in Nigeria's Under-17 World Cup triumph in November, is due in England to hold talks over a move to the Etihad Stadium
Everton slap £25m price tag on Baines to ward off Manchester United interest The Red Devils have renewed their interest in the England left-back over the last week, but have been met with resistance from the Toffees, who have no desire to sell
I'm proof you can leave Manchester United and move up - Fryers The 21-year-old departed Old Trafford for Standard Liege in acrimonious circumstances in the summer of 2012 before moving on to Tottenham, but insists he has no regrets
Laudrup: Swansea must take chances against Manchester City After impressing again last season, the Swans have struggled this term and their manager is keen for his squad to improve their goal return
Poyet warns Sunderland against complacency The Black Cats can move out of the relegation zone with a win over Aston Villa on New Year's Day after a run of three wins and draw from their previous four Premier League games
Hughes confident of Everton scalp for Stoke Despite wining just one of their last five games, the manager feels his Potters side can surprise the Champions League-chasing Toffees
Rooney a doubt for Tottenham clash with Van Persie ruled out The Netherlands international has been sidelined since December 10 with a thigh injury, while the England striker did not train on Tuesday due to a groin problem
Pellegrini denies Dzeko exit rumours The Bosnia international scored the winner against Crystal Palace and has played more minutes than any other Manchester City player in December
Wenger would consider 'special' Arsenal signing The Frenchman is open to the idea of reinforcing his squad but will only do so if it is someone he feels would dramatically improve the Gunners' chances of winning silverware
I should have seen red, admits Eto'o The Chelsea forward escaped a booking for an ugly challenge in the opening stages of the Blues' 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Sunday, going on to score the winner
Rodgers: No looming arrivals at Liverpool The Northern Irishman rejected suggestions that Barcelona winger Cristian Tello will arrive at Anfield, adding that he did not expect any imminent arrivals in January
Paulinho suffers 'significant' ankle ligament damage The Brazilian took a heavy blow to his right ankle in Tottenham's 3-0 win over Stoke at White Hart Lane on Sunday and is expected to be sidelined for around a month
Rodgers: Liverpool not dependant on Suarez The Uruguayan striker has scored 19 goals in 14 Premier League appearances this season, but the Reds boss is keen to promote the club's lofty position as a group effort
Tottenham must play with freedom against Manchester United - Eriksen The Dane has encouraged his team-mates to approach their upcoming clash at Old Trafford without fear and admits he is enjoying the more positive style of play under Tim Sherwood
Terry: Mourinho has brought the magic back to Chelsea The Blues captain says the Portuguese has boosted the squad's waning winning mentality, with the side third in the Premier League and just two points off the top
Manchester City's Nasri: 'Quenelle' not racist After Nicolas Anelka stirred up controversy with his allegedly anti-Semitic goal celebration, his fellow Frenchman has been criticised for making the same gesture two months ago
Anfield form key for title bid, says Liverpool boss Rodgers The Northern Irishman is remaining upbeat on his side's hopes of being crowned champions come May - despite consecutive league defeats
Pardew confident Newcastle can sign Remy permanently The France striker has scored 10 goals for the club since joining on loan from QPR in the summer, after opting to move to Loftus Road over St James' Park a year ago
Anelka vows not to repeat 'quenelle' celebration The Baggies confirm that they have spoken to their forward about his controversial gesture after netting against West Ham but will continue to use him while under investigation
Elimination from last season's Champions League group stage saw a drop in income, but the club are confident they remain within the Financial Fair Play regulations
Chelsea have announced losses totalling £49.4 million for the year ending June 30, 2013.
The group turnover of £255.8m is a club record, but becoming the first reigning champions to be eliminated at the Champions League group stage saw a drop in income.
However, including the £1.4m profit from 2012, Chelsea insist they are at no risk of falling prey to the Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
This is because Uefa monitor a club's figures for two years meaning the 2012 profit will help nullify the substantial loss from 2013.
Former chief executive Peter Kenyon once claimed the club would be sustainable by 2010 but the latest figures demonstrate that, three years later, they remain reliant on owner Roman Abramovich to plug large losses.
By comparison, Manchester United and Arsenal made £146m and £6.7m respectively over the same period. Real Madrid also made a profit in 2013.
The club, however, who chose to release the figures late on New Year's Eve, were keen to stress the positives in terms of FFP and their long-term strategy.
Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck said: "From the very beginning of the current ownership of Chelsea, a long-term objective was financial sustainability, and the subsequent implementation of Financial Fair Play by Uefa and by the Premier League has brought that to the top of the agenda for football clubs.
"We are pleased therefore that we will meet the stipulations set down by Uefa in their first assessment period, and by our own analysis we are progressing from a commercial viewpoint as well as continuing to add trophies to our collection, which we never lose sight of as our most important goal."
Chief executive Ron Gourlay added: "For Chelsea to achieve a record level of turnover despite our first group-stage elimination from the Champions League shows we have structured our business and are growing in the correct way for long-term stability.
"Our philosophy is we build upon success on the pitch and although in these financial results we haven't repeated the sizeable profits made the previous year from player transfers, we believe the age profile of the existing squad means we will benefit from that investment for many years to come.
"A successful team builds awareness around the world and our increased commercial revenues in 2012-13 and new or extended partnership deals demonstrate we are working hard to capitalise on that."
5 things to know about the Premier League fixtures of New Year's Day
STEVE DOUGLAS / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
DECEMBER 30, 2013 03:55 AM
Manchester City's Joe Hart with a cut below his eye, which he injured in the match looks on during the English Premier League match against Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester England Saturday Dec. 28, 2013. City won the match 1-0. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson/PA)
MANCHESTER, England - The Premier League wraps up its packed festive schedule with a full round of matches on New Year's Day, with Arsenal top of the standings but with a host of challengers tucked in just behind.
Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea have gone through the Christmas games unbeaten to lead the way in the top three, but Liverpool has slipped out of the Champions League spots after successive losses against title rivals in a four-day span.
Teams will be playing their fourth match in as little as 10 days in some cases, so managers will be seeking one last big performance from their players before the Premier League takes a break this weekend because of the FA Cup.
Here are five things to know about Wednesday's games:
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INJURIES PILING UP
The Premier League's festive pileup has turned into a survival of the fittest.
Liverpool, for example, lost two players — Joe Allen and Mamadou Sakho — to injury in its 2-1 loss to Chelsea on Sunday and was forced to play Jordan Henderson at just 70 per cent fitness as Steven Gerrard and Daniel Sturridge are already sidelined.
Other teams have lost key players, too. Chelsea players Frank Lampard and Branislav Ivanovic came off early with muscle injuries; Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney missed Saturday's win over Norwich with a groin injury; and Arsenal midfielders Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey weren't available for the 1-0 victory at Newcastle and will miss Wednesday's home match against Cardiff. Relegation-threatened West Ham hasn't got a single fit centre back.
The busy Christmas calendar is great for fans and broadcasters, but can prove tricky for managers. While the top teams can rotate their squads, the rest usually have to rely on the same players, who are running on empty.
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ARSENAL UNSCATHED
Arsenal has come through a testing run of fixtures — Chelsea at home, and West Ham and Newcastle away — since Dec. 23 with seven points from a possible nine and its lead intact.
Manager Arsene Wenger complained of his team's "absolutely horrendous" schedule, so will be relieved that its next five league matches include games against four of the bottom eight.
First up is the visit of Cardiff, which is in a state of flux following the departure of manager Malky Mackay on Friday after he lost a power struggle with the club's owner, Vincent Tan.
Arsenal will therefore be confident of carrying through its good form of 2013, when it won more points in the Premier League — 82 — than any other side.
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SPOTLIGHT ON MIGNOLET
The goalkeeping spotlight has been on Manchester City's Joe Hart for most of this season, with the England international dropped for a spell after making a string of errors.
Now it has fallen on Liverpool's Simon Mignolet.
The Belgium goalkeeper was at fault for Alvaro Negredo's winner in the 2-1 loss at Manchester City on Thursday and should have kept out Samuel Eto'o's shot that earned Chelsea a victory by the same score on Sunday.
Ahead of the team's home match against Hull, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is likely to keep faith with Mignolet, who has otherwise been in great form in his first season at Anfield.
Liverpool topped the standings on Christmas Day but is now fifth.
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WELBECK LIFTS UNITED
With Rooney and Robin van Persie missing for a number of matches in December, many wondered how Manchester United would cope without its star strikers.
Enter Danny Welbeck.
Often criticized for contributing too few goals for a striker, Welbeck has found a cutting edge this month to score four goals in three matches — the latest being the winner in United's nervy 1-0 victory at Norwich.
United manager David Moyes has said he spoke to Welbeck in November about following the example of Wayne Rooney and staying on for extra finishing practice after training, and it seems to have done the trick.
Rooney is expected to be fit for Wednesday's home game against Tottenham, where he will likely partner Welbeck as United goes for a fifth straight league win to put more pressure on the top four.
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TIGHT AT THE BOTTOM
This season's title race is the most gripping in years, with the top eight separated by nine points, but the fight to avoid relegation is also gathering plenty of interest.
Five teams in the current bottom six — Sunderland, Fulham, Cardiff, Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion — have replaced their managers since September and it has largely had a galvanizing effect, with no team languishing too far behind.
Sunderland is in last place but is unbeaten in its last four matches under Gus Poyet to move within two points of escaping the bottom three.
The team in freefall is next-to-last West Ham, which picked up just two points in six matches in December.
Bendtner facing weeks out with ankle injury, says Wenger The striker faces a spell on the sidelines after injuring his ankle during the 2-0 win against Cardiff, but the Gunners boss is unsure if he will bring in a replacement
Crystal Palace 1-1 Norwich: Puncheon pounces to earn crucial point Bradley Johnson's opener for the hosts was cancelled out immediately by the Eagles winger, who registered from the penalty spot to give Tony Pulis' men a draw at Selhurst Park
Sunderland 0-1 Aston Villa: Agbonlahor earns Lambert a first win in seven games The Villa forward's early strike proved enough for the visitors, who held on for all three points and compounded more misery on Gus Poyet's struggling Black Cats
West Brom 1-0 Newcastle: Berahino penalty downs 10-man Toon Tim Krul's late foul cost the visitors a point after Mathieu Debuchy had been earlier sent off, and the Baggies earn their first win in 10 Premier League outings
Southampton 0-3 Chelsea: Torres, Willian & Oscar keep up pressure on leaders The Blues finally had a striker score away from home as Jose Mourinho's substitutions prompted a slew of second-half goals at St Mary's Stadium on New Year's Day
Arsenal 2-0 Cardiff: Bendtner & Walcott keep Gunners top with vital late goals Late goals from the Dane and the Englishman helped Arsene Wenger's weakened side overcome a wasteful display and gritty Bluebirds defending to claim three points
Stoke City 1-1 Everton: Late Baines penalty saves point for Toffees Oussama Assaidi struck early in the second half before the left-back salvaged a result from the spot, though Roberto Martinez's side still dropped out of the top four
Liverpool 2-0 Southampton: Agger & Suarez get Reds back to winning ways The Uruguayan netted his 20th goal of the season and 14th in six matches at Anfield with a superb 25-yard curling free-kick after Daniel Agger had headed the Reds in front
Fulham 2-1 West Ham: Sidwell & Berbatov punish 10-man Hammers The Bulgarian found the net on 66 minutes to give the Cottagers a vital three points and pile further pressure on beleaguered Hammers boss Sam Allardyce
Swansea City 2-3 Manchester City: Kolarov seals seventh straight win for Pellegrini's pacesetters Wilfried Bony scored near the end of each half but goals from Fernandinho, Yaya Toure and the left-back were enough to secure a New Year's Day win for the visitors
Cardiff job favourite Solskjaer attends Arsenal clash Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan arrived at the Emirates Stadium with the current Molde manager, suggesting that the Norwegian's appointment could be announced imminently
Soldado urges Tottenham to attack Manchester United The Spain international is confident that Spurs can repeat last season's success at Old Trafford and feels that his partnership with Emmanuel Adebayor will improve
Bertrand Traore completes 'dream' Chelsea switch The teenager has joined up with the Blues after the January window opened on Wednesday and the midfielder is thrilled to be working with Stamford Bridge boss Jose Mourinho
Manchester City close to signing Nigerian starlet Chidi Nwakali The central midfielder, who played a key role in Nigeria's Under-17 World Cup triumph in November, is due in England to hold talks over a move to the Etihad Stadium
Everton slap £25m price tag on Baines to ward off Manchester United interest The Red Devils have renewed their interest in the England left-back over the last week, but have been met with resistance from the Toffees, who have no desire to sell
I'm proof you can leave Manchester United and move up - Fryers The 21-year-old departed Old Trafford for Standard Liege in acrimonious circumstances in the summer of 2012 before moving on to Tottenham, but insists he has no regrets
The former Everton boss reveals that he will be looking to overhaul his squad in the coming months and years and insists that Sir Alex Ferguson would have done the same thing
Manchester United manager David Moyes has revealed that he is planning a rebuilding process at the club.
The reigning Premier League champions, who host Tottenham on New Year's Day, have made an unspectacular start to life under the Scot and sit in sixth place in the table - eight points adrift of league leaders Arsenal.
As such, the 50-year-old is keen to improve and strengthen his squad in the January window, though admits it may take several years to rebuild a club that has stuttered in the absence of Sir Alex Ferguson.
"Everybody is aware this is a club that continually evolves," Moyes said, as quoted by the Daily Telegraph.
"In the coming months and years, there will be a rebuilding, I’ve got no doubt about that. We’ll be looking to do that and we’ll aim for that in the future.
"If Sir Alex was still here, he would have said there needed to be a rebuilding job, but it’s a continual rebuilding job going on here all the time.
"That’s part of the job and if you play for this club, you always know there’s going to be competition for places. I think if you manage this club there are always going to be big decisions to make."
United have won six games in a row, despite injury to last season's top scorer Robin van Persie, and Moyes, who is still convinced his side can challenge for the title, believes being part of the chasing pack is providing motivation for his squad.
"I think the players needed a challenge," the former Everton boss continued. "The challenge is now, ‘Well, hey, we’re not in the position we should be, let’s get back to where we want to be’.
"I do think they’ve got the bit between their teeth at the moment and I want that to continue week in, week out.
"We’re definitely in it, but we’ve got a long way to catch up. We’re not breathing down the necks of the teams above us at the moment, and we’ve got to try to get a bit closer, because once we get in that position, people will know exactly what Manchester United are capable of."
The former Manchester United striker, who won two Norwegian Tippeligaen titles in his native country with Molde, succeeds axed manager Malky Mackay at the south Wales club
Cardiff City have confirmed the appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as their the club's new manager.
Solskjaer takes over at the Welsh club from Malky Mackay, who was sacked by controversial owner Vincent Tan last month following weeks of speculation.
David Kerslake has taken charge of Cardiff's two Premier League games since Mackay's dismissal, guiding them to a 2-2 draw with Sunderland and a 2-0 defeat at Arsenal.
However, former Manchester United striker Solskjaer will now take the reins for Cardiff's FA Cup tie at Newcastle United on Saturday.
"It's a fantastic challenge for me," Solskjaer told the club's official website. "Cardiff are ready to take the next step up, I hope I can help them.
"I've always dreamt of being a manager in the Premier League and I'm delighted to get the opportunity."
Chairman Mehmet Dalman added: "There was only one name in my head from the very beginning. We're delighted to welcome Ole to Cardiff."
The 40-year-old made his first steps into management at Norwegian side Molde, taking over in 2011 and leading them to two Norwegian Tippeligaen titles and a Norwegian Cup crown.
And he will now attempt to continue that success with the Welsh capital club by ensuring they retain their Premier League status.
Although a key factor in Mackay's dismissal was Tan's dismay at his pre-season spending, Solskjaer will reportedly have considerable funds to deal with in the January window.
