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Ramsey out of Chelsea clash, confirms Wenger The Welshman, Mikel Arteta and Jack Wilshere all came off injured in the Gunners' 1-1 draw with Tottenham leaving his manager disappointed
Van Gaal: Rooney red was right The club captain was sent off after a rash challenge on Stewart Downing and his manager admitted it was a fair decision, saying it was a "professional foul"
Liverpool monitoring Hart situation The England No.1 is currently behind Willy Caballero while there are doubts over Simon Mignolet's ability.
Pochettino dismisses Wenger complaints The Arsenal manager had a problem with Tottenham's defensive style as their north London rivals held the Gunners to a 1-1 draw at the Emirates
Pellegrini leaps to Mangala's defence after Hull horror show The France international headed into his own net before bringing down Abel Hernandez as Manchester City suffered a scare against Hull City before triumphing 4-2
Wenger slams 'defensive' Tottenham The Frenchman believes his Gunners side did well to create as much as they did against opponents content to sit deep and play on the counter-attack
Mourinho: Spain shouldn't call up Diego Costa The Chelsea boss admitted his in-form striker is doing "almost nothing" in training but believes he can fully recover if given a break from international duty
Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham: Oxlade-Chamberlain rescues derby point for Gunners The 21-year-old hammered the ball past Hugo Lloris on 74 minutes to earn a deserved draw for the Gunners, who lost both Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey to injury
Reckless Rooney anything but the leader that Manchester United sorely need Though the striker opened the scoring in a 2-1 win over West Ham, he risked undoing all of their work with a pointless and deserved red card when he should have set the example
Injured Ramsey limps out of Arsenal's derby clash with Tottenham The Welshman pulled up clutching his hamstring on the stroke of half-time and immediately signalled for a substitution, with Arsene Wenger bringing on Santi Cazorla
Rodgers: Superior Liverpool denied clear penalty against Everton The Reds Boss feels his side deserved to win the first Merseyside derby of the season, especially after seeing a spot-kick appeal turned down within the opening 10 minutes
The Hammers boss saw his side fall to a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford on Saturday and took aim at his players' sloppiness in possession and quality in front of goal
Sam Allardyce says West Ham were the architects of their own downfall as their sloppy defending and poor finishing gifted 10-man Manchester United a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.
Wayne Rooney netted his 176th Premier League goal to become the third-highest scorer in the division's history before Alex Song was dispossesed to allow Radamel Falcao to find Robin van Persie.
West Ham fought back and halved their deficit through Diafra Sakho, but wastefulness in front of goal meant they were unable to claim an equaliser despite the 59th-minute dismissal of Rooney.
"If we hadn't been so stupid in the first place by gifting them two goals I wouldn't be sat here being as frustrated as I am," said Allardyce at his post-match media conference.
"Our sloppy start was just something I didn't expect. Manchester United have got gifted players and if you make silly mistakes like we did they will punish you, and they punished us twice, especially the second one.
"We came back from that and scored from a corner and had several chances to score more goals but I'm afraid our quality of finishing was not good enough on the chances we created.
"[At] both ends we've had enough chances to score more goals but we fluffed them, we blew it."
Kevin Nolan looked to have levelled the score with two minutes remaining, only for his effort to ruled out for offside, much to the frustration of Allardyce.
"Somebody's suggesting [Nolan's] head was offside," added the West Ham boss. "If [the assistant referee] can see that his head is offside then he is a super human being.
"I thought it was onside, there's no doubt about that in my mind, that would have got us a 2-2 [draw] but really it's our own fault today. Referees make mistakes; we have to accept that."
The now-Chelsea forward was on the brink of a move to Anfield this summer before the Reds pulled the plug on a deal, citing a failed medical as the reason
Chelsea striker Loic Remy has confirmed that Liverpool snubbed the chance to sign him due to medical concerns over his heart.
The France striker underwent a medical at the Merseyside club in the close-season and appeared on the verge of a move from QPR to Anfield, only for the deal to collapse.
Remy, who subsequently left Loftus Road to switch across London to Chelsea, has now revealed how his proposed transfer to Liverpool fell through and expressed frustration about the negative speculation that surrounded it.
"I came for the medical tests and everything was fine and after that they wanted to be sure everything was fine with my heart," said the 27-year-old in the Daily Star.
"They asked for a specialist for the heart and apparently the guy said they did not 100 per cent agree if I could keep going or had to stop football.
"I didn't understand because they knew before I came. I just told my agent if it is not happening it is because it is not for me.
"Now I am much better here at Chelsea, I'm very happy to be here and that's why I say everything happens for a reason.
"There are a lot of players with the same case as me. I don't know why the people think it is a big thing that can stop me playing football.
"I was more confused by Liverpool saying that I had medical problem because it is not fair.
"I have seen the best specialist in London and he has told me I can still play so it was not good from them.
"Even if they don't want to sign me, okay, but they don't have to put that in the newspapers because, then, all the other clubs after are afraid."
Real Madrid tell Ronaldo: Manchester United move is not happening
Sep 28, 2014 09:16:00
The Liga side have refused to discuss the possibility of the 29-year-old returning to Old Trafford next summer, while the player is not willing to give up Champions League football
By Duncan Castles
Real Madrid have made it clear to Cristiano Ronaldo that they have no intention of allowing him to return to Manchester United this summer, Goal understands.
New Old Trafford manager Louis van Gaal publicly stated an interest in signing the 29-year-old last week, but the Champions League holders have ruled out the possibility of Ronaldo leaving the Bernabeu at the end of the season and have refused to discuss a price for the forward.
Ronaldo, who has endured an ambivalent relationship with Madrid despite record breaking achievements in his five years there, has regularly expressed his “love” for United, encouraging hope of an Old Trafford return.
Extensive efforts were made to put together a deal to re-sign the forward in 2013 before his contract renewal with Madrid and the subject has been floated again this year, with United having already spent an unprecedented sum of over €257 million on transfer fees alone.
Any deal for Ronaldo would require a further record spend. Madrid paid United €102m for him in 2009 and consider the forward so valuable - both as a player and a generator of commercial revenue - that they have refused to even discuss a fee for the 29-year-old. The five-season contract agreed with Ronaldo last September re-established him as the game's best-paid individual on a guaranteed €21m (£16.4m) a year, after tax.
It has been suggested that Ronaldo would accept a cut on his basic pay to facilitate a return to United. The player, however, regards his status as football's top earner as a badge of honour. At current exchange and tax rates, just matching his current terms would require United to fund a gross weekly wage of £760,000 before bonuses.
Madrid's refusal to sell and Ronaldo's financial terms are not the only factors working against United. The club's worst ever start to a Premier League season coupled with Van Gaal's concession that his ideas are “maybe too much” for his new charges at present have increased the possibility of the club missing out on Champions League participation and revenue for a second consecutive season.
Twice a winner of the competition and its leading scorer for the last two campaigns, the idea of giving up Champions League football has no appeal to Ronaldo.
Earlier this year, United warned investors that a failure to return to the Champions League “would negatively affect our ability to attract and retain talented players and coaching staff, as well as supporters, sponsors and other commercial partners”.
The club has forecast an overall revenue drop of between €48.9m and €61.7m for the coming financial year, based on a third-placed finish this season. Income from a record €97m-a-year kit deal with Adidas will automatically fall to €67.2m in the event of a second season away from Europe's top competition.
United's decision to switch kit suppliers from Nike to Adidas has also complicated their approach to Ronaldo, whose personal sponsorship deal remains with the American company. No player in football has greater commercial potential than Ronaldo. With 30.1m Twitter followers and 98.8m on Facebook his social media reach comfortably exceeds that of both United and Madrid, a point not lost on his current employer.
"It's all speculation, speaking about my future,” said Ronaldo last week. “My future is Madrid. I'm happy. The season is going well and I'm not talking about my future, it doesn't make sense."
Chelsea have taken the first step towards a possible temporary move to Twickenham after making an approach to the Rugby Football Union.
Sunday 28th September 2014
The RFU has confirmed it has been sounded out about the prospect of the Premier League club using the 82,000-capacity home of English rugby if Stamford Bridge is redeveloped.
Chelsea announced in June that they are looking at possible expansion plans for their stadium, although dates for any work have not been specified. It had previously been mooted that the club could seek out a permanent new home, however suitable London sites are in short supply.
The Scottish Rugby Union has allowed Murrayfield to be used for club football, with Celtic playing European games at the Edinburgh stadium earlier this year while Celtic Park and Hampden were tied up during the Commonwealth Games.
Twickenham has previously refused football teams permission to move in for short periods, with the then RFU chief executive Francis Baron saying in 2001, when Fulham were seeking a temporary home, that "we are not interested", citing difficulties with segregation of supporters along with traffic and policing issues.
The RFU said in a statement: "We are regularly contacted by a variety of organisations, within and outside sport, on a wide range of opportunities concerning use of what we believe is a world-class stadium. We have had an enquiry from Chelsea FC but have not had any discussions of any substance.
"While we don't comment on any specific confidential conversations, each request is taken on its merit, assessing a variety of factors, such as the effect on the pitch, availability, transport and local considerations and other important implications."
It is understood the RFU considers the enquiry to be a long way short of indicating that Chelsea have chosen Twickenham as the stadium they specifically would want to move to, should redevelopment work at Stamford Bridge necessitate a ground move.
There are thought to be other stadiums under consideration by the club owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. Tottenham have recently been linked with a move to play a number of games at Wembley in the 2017/18 season while their new home is built.
Under-fire Pardew expects 'serious conversations' with Ashley
By Matthew Scott
Sep 29, 2014 23:59:00
The Newcastle boss saw his side succumb to Stoke City on Monday, extending their winless streak, and admits he will discuss the situation with the club's owner this week
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is preparing for "serious conversations" regarding his future with owner Mike Ashley after Monday's 1-0 Premier League loss to Stoke City.
Defeat at the Britannia Stadium - Peter Crouch's first-half header was all that separated the teams - leaves the Magpies still without a league win in 2014-15 and puts Pardew under even further pressure after a week in which Ashley was reported to have claimed that the sack would follow a negative result.
Pardew was jeered by the travelling support as the game wound to an end, and has borne the brunt of fan frustrations for several weeks, but the 53-year-old has vowed to continue to fight to save his job.
When asked if he expected to face crunch talks in the immediate aftermath of Monday's game, Pardew told Sky Sports: "No, we will have some serious conversations before Saturday. He [Ashley] doesn't want to lose and neither do I.
"I've never really been in this situation before, it's a bit unique. But I'm a professional football manager and that's what I'll continue to do."
Jack Colback rattled the crossbar from four yards in the game's dying stages as a point slipped out of reach and Pardew conceded a lack of spark up front had cost his team throughout.
"We didn't come up with the answers tonight," he said. "We just need a little bit of something in that final area.
"Jack is beating himself up in there, I thought his game was terrific tonight against a good midfield.
"We let ourselves down on the goal and that was the difference really. It leaves us in a position where we are in the bottom three. I have to fight, the team has to fight, to turn this around."
Mourinho: I will only leave Chelsea if they sack me
By Liam Twomey
Sep 30, 2014 10:10:00
The Portuguese admits he would be willing to manage elsewhere in the Premier League but insists his priority is and will always be remaining at Stamford Bridge
Jose Mourinho insists he will only leave Chelsea if he is sacked, though he has not ruled out the possibility of one day managing a Premier League rival.
Mourinho first departed Stamford Bridge in September 2007 after a breakdown in relations with Blues owner Roman Abramovich put an end to a trophy-laden three years in west London.
The Portuguese went on to achieve success in Italy and Spain with Inter and Real Madrid, but made a dramatic return to Chelsea in the summer of 2013 following the departure of Rafa Benitez.
It was widely reported at the time that Mourinho's preferred choice for a return to England was succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager, only for the Scot to instead select David Moyes as his replacement.
But while the Special One will not dismiss his chances of ever managing another Premier League giant, he is adamant he is fully committed to Chelsea.
"If it had to be, yes," Mourinho replied when asked if he would ever manage another English club.
"My priority will always be Chelsea and I never think about the interest of others. But I know football and know I won’t be here five, eight, ten years if I don’t manage to win. Of course not.
"That’s not my essence as a coach, because I don’t like to live in those comfort zones. It doesn’t fit my personality.
"I will only leave when they want me to leave. There’s no other country, club or investment that motivates me. I will only leave when Mr Abramovich calls me to tell me it’s over.
"Only on that day will I look for other solutions. But to answer the question, I will say that when I have to think about the matter, then we’ll see."
Christian Benteke could return for Aston Villa this weekend - with boss Paul Lambert considering his comeback.
Monday 29th September 2014
The striker has been out since April after rupturing his Achilles but Lambert is assessing his fitness ahead of Saturday's clash with Manchester City.
Benteke, who also missed Belgium's World Cup campaign this summer, returned to training this month and may feature against the Barclays Premier League champions at Villa Park.
"We'll see how he does this week," Lambert told the club's official site.
"You've got to remember he's been out for five months and has only been in full training for two weeks. I'll have that dialogue with him. We'll see how he feels.
"If we think he's justified to go in with his fitness levels then that's something that myself and the staff will decide.
"First and foremost I don't think there's any pressure on him. You don't heap pressure on somebody that's just coming back from that injury.
"If Christian can do what he did in his first year and up until he got injured last year then that's great."
Benteke has scored 34 goals in 67 games for Villa since his £7m move from Genk in 2012 and Lambert insists he can be world class.
"Christian is one of the best number nines I've seen - even as a player - and I played with no slouches, that's for sure," he said, after Villa's 3-0 defeat at Chelsea on Saturday.
"I probably played with three of the greatest strikers in the world at one time (Karl-Heinz Riedle, Henrik Larsson and Stephane Chapuisat) and he's certainly up there.
"If he can have the career those guys had then he'll be doing well for himself.
"He's only 23. He has a long way to go and he's got a chance if he keeps at it.
"He's a lot younger than the lads that I played with but when he's on his game he's excellent."
Local MP Vince Cable has expressed his concerns over Chelsea's possible temporary move to Twickenham.
Tuesday 30th September 2014
The RFU has confirmed the Blues have made an enquiry about using the 82,000-capacity home of English rugby should they opt to redevelop Stamford Bridge.
However, Mr Cable, Liberal Democrat MP for the area and Business Secretary, has revealed he too has contacted the governing body to voice his misgivings.
Mr Cable tweeted: "I have written today to RFU about Twickenham Stadium and possible use for a year by Chelsea FC. V serious concerns and need for facts ASAP."
Chelsea announced earlier this summer that they might look to redevelop their stadium, although no timescale has yet been drawn up.
The RFU has previously rejected requests from football clubs to play their fixtures at Twickenham with Fulham's approach in 2001 being rebuffed.
The RFU said in a statement: "We are regularly contacted by a variety of organisations, within and outside sport, on a wide range of opportunities concerning use of what we believe is a world-class stadium.
"We have had an enquiry from Chelsea FC, but have not had any discussions of any substance.
"While we don't comment on any specific confidential conversations, each request is taken on its merit, assessing a variety of factors, such as the effect on the pitch, availability, transport and local considerations and other important implications."
Liverpool youngster Suso set for two-month lay-off
By Peter Hanson
Oct 2, 2014 13:02:00
The 20-year-old has been suffering with a groin injury and will now undergo surgery, sidelining him for up to eight weeks, but is looking forward to returning "stronger than ever"
Liverpool midfielder Suso could miss two months of action as he requires surgery on a groin injury.
The 20-year-old was part of the travelling party for Liverpool's 1-0 Champions League defeat to Basel on Wednesday, but was not included among the substitutes.
Subsequently, the Spaniard has revealed that he has been suffering with a groin complaint and is set to go under the knife next week.
"Just to tell you I'll be out of the team for a couple of months," Suso wrote on Instagram.
"I'm having surgery next week because of my groin. I'll be back soon. Stronger than ever."
Suso made his senior Liverpool debut in September 2012, but has struggled to nail down a regular first-team place at Anfield and spent last term on loan at Almeria.
His only appearance this season saw him come off the bench to score in the League Cup third-round victory over Middlesbrough.
The former Three Lions defender says he was shocked at the freedom given to others teams at the recent World Cup as Roy Hodgson kept his squad away from the limelight
Former England captain Rio Ferdinand slammed the Football Association for restrictive treatment of players on national duty.
The 35-year-old represented his country on 81 occasions from 1997 to 2011, retiring in May 2013 and was in Brazil for the World Cup as a commentator, and recalled when the Netherlands squad were out at a bar.
Ferdinand was stunned by the Dutch players' freedom to roam, and slammed England's FA for their controlling tendencies on national team players in his soon-to-be-released autobiography.
"One evening we were in a bar at the hotel with Fabio Cannavaro, waiting for Christian Vieri to come along. All of a sudden almost the entire Dutch team turn up in this bar," Ferdinand wrote in his book, '#2sides'.
"I sat down next to Wesley Sneijder and said 'What's going on? Are you allowed in here?' He was like, 'Yeah, the manager said to go. As long as we're back in the hotel by 11, it's fine'.
"Our players are treated like complete babies.
"It doesn't really matter whether that's because people have made mistakes in the past, or the manager doesn't trust the players or he doesn't trust the media who would make a story of it.
"I don't think the Dutch media even mentioned it. Their players looked free and relaxed."
Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino has defended underfire Emmanuel Adebayor saying he "believes" in the Togo striker.
Thursday 2nd October 2014
Adebayor has come under pressure for only managing to find the net once this season despite starting all six Barclays League games to date.
The striker was particularly ineffective in last weekend's 1-1 derby draw at former club Arsenal, but Pochettino was quick to defend his front man from criticism.
"I believe in Emmanuel Adebayor," he said. "We know always a striker maybe during some periods finds it difficult to score, but he made a lot of effort for the team.
"The more important thing is that we are convinced that he or another team-mate can arrive at the possibility to score, but I am happy with his performance.
"It is true that he knows he needs to score because a striker always lives to score, but I believe in him and have no problem."
Adebayor is likely to drop out of the starting line-up for Thursday's Europa League clash with Besiktas at White Hart Lane with Roberto Soldado in line to come in as his replacement.
Pochettino says he has no problem with rotating his squad as he looks to balance playing in Europe and coping with the domestic games.
"I think we have a strong squad. Roberto Soldado and Harry Kane play in the same place as a striker like Emmanuel Adebayor and have a future in Tottenham," the Argentine added.
"I need to pick some players in different games but we believe in all the players we have."
Danny Rose and Etienne Capoue are doubts for the Group C clash, but the only definite absentee is right-back Kyle Walker.
"At the moment it is impossible to give you the date," Pochettino said when asked when the England full-back would return from abdominal surgery.
"It is a good recovery at the moment. We are happy but it's impossible to predict the time, when he is maybe ready to train with the team and to start to play."
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has said he would welcome the chance to speak to ex-manager David Moyes.
Thursday 2nd October 2014
Ferdinand has been critical of Moyes' methods at Old Trafford in his imminent autobiography.
The 35-year-old, who is now at QPR, said Moyes' approach last season unintentionally created a "negative vibe" and some of United's play under the Scot was "embarrassing".
Moyes succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson in the United hotseat in the summer of 2013 but lasted just eight months in the post.
Ferdinand has not spoken to Moyes since but asked if he would like to, the former England centre-back told CNN World Sport: "Yes, of course. I've got nothing against him as a person.
"As I said, I'm saying that he's a gentleman, a great man. As I said, I've never had any bad words to say about him at all in that respect as a person."
United won the Barclays Premier League in Ferguson's final season in charge but then slumped to seventh last term and failed to qualify for the Champions League.
New manager Louis van Gaal has since overseen a £150million facelift in the hope of pushing United back up the league.
But even though such a spending spree has been deemed necessary, Ferdinand resents suggestions that Ferguson allowed the squad to grow stale.
He said: "I don't understand how people can say (that). You've got some great players throughout the squad. You win the league by 11 points. You've got to be a top team to do that.
"So he goes and then it all falls apart? So that's his fault? How can people say that?
"I don't think the buck stops with Sir Alex Ferguson at all. I think you leave and you win a trophy. There's not many better ways to go out than that."
Ferdinand left United when his contract expired and he was released at the end of last season.
Asked if he was frustrated about how it ended, he said: "Yes. But you can't keep looking back and thinking like that.
"I think, yes, I've had thoughts like that but at the same time it's been really nice to see a lot of the young lads getting their opportunities."
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admits he is not interested in thinking about Daniel Sturridge's return for England until he is fit enough to play for his club.
Friday 3rd October 2014
While the Northern Irishman went to great lengths to play down any suggestion of a club-versus-country row over the striker he has made his position clear.
The 24-year-old was injured in training while on international duty a month ago and has not featured since, missing six matches with a thigh strain.
Rodgers complained in the aftermath that the player should been given greater time to recover but England coach Roy Hodgson, in naming his squad for his upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers and omitting Sturridge, claimed if he had to give players two days' off there would be no point in training at all.
The pair spoke on Wednesday and agreed to leave out the player, who is still not certain to return for this weekend's visit of West Brom, for this round of matches but there remains a disagreement over how the striker should be handled in the future.
"I've not spoken to Daniel (about the situation). My focus is on Liverpool, it is not on England," Rodgers said.
"I spoke to him about being available for Liverpool but I can't think about England when he is not ready to play for Liverpool.
"He's had a grade one injury for four weeks, which is a long time, and my focus is now getting him to play for Liverpool.
"I've had good communication with Roy. It was amicable. There is no issue.
"We spoke at length yesterday on the situation and I said to him 'Every individual player is different'.
"I respect he had work to do internationally but my thoughts are with Liverpool players and what their needs are.
"We agreed it was probably too soon for Daniel to meet up with England, irrespective of whether he was involved this weekend or not.
"He hasn't trained with the team at all since the injury with them and it was probably not the right time to go with them."
While Rodgers insists there is no issue between him and Hodgson when asked whether England's and Liverpool's medical departments were at odds with each other he added: "It is not something to be discussed now.
"I don't think the same thing will happen again. From the conversations with Roy they will obviously look at that.
"I understand his position where he has only a few days to work with the players and he will probably take away that intensity on that second day but you can still work players, we work players here on the second day, but it needs to be tapered to the individual player."
Even though Sturridge is currently out injured negotiations have begun over a new deal for the striker after his 23 goals last season.
"There are talks ongoing with his representatives and there is no more news other than that," said the Liverpool boss.
On Sturridge's availability this weekend he added: "We'll have to wait and see."
In Sturridge's absence, £16million summer signing Mario Balotelli has been thrust even more into the spotlight but his one goal so far - against Bulgarian minnows Ludogorets - represents a poor return.
After Wednesday's Champions League defeat in Basle, the Italy striker marched off the pitch without a second look to the travelling supporters but Rodgers was more concerned with the player's form.
"In terms of his behaviour he is consciously trying to work hard at the aspects of the game of which we demand here in terms of intensity and work-rate," he said.
"In terms of goals he needs to improve, it is as simple as that.
"Not just him but any striker is judged on goals and at this moment he hasn't probably hit the numbers he would want to."
Balotelli was criticised for not touching the ball in the penalty area once in Switzerland but his manager offered some defence.
"That is down to the team. You have to get yourself into those areas but it was about the service arriving in and our quality last night wasn't to the standard.
"But you also have to be able to score and create goals yourself as a front player and he didn't do that.
"Confidence is a little bit low in the team and it can become about the individual but that isn't what we are about.
"This club is about the whole function of the team and when we work to that principle that is when we are at our best."
Manchester United plot sensational Bale bid Having been put off in their attempts to lure Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford, the Red Devils will turn their attentions to his team-mate
Koeman: Southampton can finish above Tottenham Despite a close-season of much change, the club currently sit second and visit their former manager's side on Sunday - a team the Dutchman feels they can better this term
Sturridge pens new Liverpool contract The striker scored 21 goals last season as the Reds mounted a credible title challenge and the England international is keen to better their efforts this campaign and win trophies
Barkley back for Everton after international break - Martinez The midfielder is yet to feature this season after injuring his toe during pre-season, but his manager has revealed he will return to full training next week ahead of match action
Swansea keen to increase Liberty Stadium capacity The club regularly sell out their 20,520-seater venue and chairman Huw Jenkins is hoping to expand the East Stand to accommodate a further 6,000 supporters.
Mourinho not surprised by Costa's Spain call-up The Chelsea manager had urged Vicente del Bosque to allow the striker to rest his injured hamstring, but will still be playing him against Arsenal on Sunday
Pellegrini not worried by Chelsea's five-point lead The reigning Premier League champions have won only three of their opening six games so far this season, while Jose Mourinho's men have dropped just two points
Van Gaal: Fellaini & Jones not fit to return Young defender Paddy McNair will make his second Manchester United start when Everton visit Old Trafford but the Dutch coach would not reveal the identity of his stand-in captain
Redknapp: Criticism of Ferdinand's QPR displays not fair The veteran centre-back has been singled out after the Rs conceded 13 goals in six games so far this season, but his manager has dismissed the negative reviews
Allardyce backs Downing for England recall The midfielder has created more chances for team-mates then another other English player since the start of last season, and his West Ham boss feels his talent must be recognised
Wenger: Fabregas wanted Arsenal return The Spain international completed a €36 million move to Chelsea in the summer but the 64-year-old claims that his former captain was keen to return to the Gunners
Mourinho refuses to apologise for calling Wenger a 'specialist in failure'
By Alex Young
Oct 3, 2014 15:31:00
The Chelsea manager was reacting to being branded "afraid to fail" after downplaying his title chances last season, but it's both can move on and focus on Sunday's clash
Jose Mourinho has refused to apologise to Arsene Wenger for the "specialist in failure" jibe he aimed at the Arsenal manager last season.
The Portuguese hit back at his counterpart in February for branding him "afraid to fail" after repeated assertions that his then-table-topping Chelsea side were not favourites for the Premier League title.
He told reporters: "I didn’t get an apology so I don’t apologise. My feeling is to get over it, forget it and to move forward without thinking about what happened, you don’t need to apologise.
"I don’t need to get an apology, I don’t need to apologise. Football people, intelligent people we don’t need that. Finish, move and let’s go for another match with a big responsibility for both of us.
"We manage two big clubs in London and have responsibility to have a good football match for millions of fans that both clubs have and the league has. So no problems."
Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge on Sunday for the first time since a humiliating 6-0 loss in Wenger's 1000th game in charge, but Mourinho sees no reason to dwell on the result despite expecting to win again.
"The 6-0 is once every 50 years," said Mourinho. "Me against Arsene Wenger? I never had the pleasure to play one-on-one against him. It's Chelsea and Arsenal and even that doesn't play a part.
"What happens in the past, is the past. It's a difficult match against a good team.
"I expect a difficult match, it doesn’t matter their approach or what they try to do. They will always be a difficult opponent. But I always expect [to win] every game, every opponent. Nothing changes that."
Wenger confident of avenging 'horrendous' 6-0 defeat at Chelsea
By Harry Sherlock
Oct 3, 2014 10:34:00
The Gunners were thumped at Stamford Bridge on the Frenchman's 1000th game in charge and he has now admitted that he is keen for his side to take their revenge this weekend
Arsene Wenger wants Arsenal to avenge their "horrendous" 6-0 defeat to Chelsea when the two sides clash at Stamford Bridge this weekend.
The Blues ran out comfortable winners the last time they met, with Samuel Eto'o, Andre Schurrle, Eden Hazard, Oscar - twice - and Mohamed Salah all getting on the scoresheet in Wenger's 1000th game in charge of the Gunners.
Arsenal were not helped by Kieran Gibbs' wrongful dismissal - Andre Marriner misidentified the culprit of a handball in the penalty area, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain the guilty party - but Wenger accepted responsibility for the thrashing after the game.
"This is my fault," he said. "We got a good hiding. You don't prepare all week to experience that."
But Wenger is confident that his side - now bolstered by the additions of Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck - can defeat the Blues this weekend, with the Gunners coming into the game off the back of an impressive 4-1 win over Galatasaray in the Champions League.
"Chelsea was a horrendous day last season. We have an opportunity to put that right and I’m confident we can take it," he told reporters.
"Football is not made of history, football is made of performance and it is the next game that counts."
Wenger also played down his rivalry with Blues boss Jose Mourinho, despite failing to beat the Portuguese in their past 11 meetings.
"It is not a game between two managers, it is a game between two clubs," he added.
Meanwhile, Wenger does not expect to make significant changes to his starting XI for the clash, with Nacho Monreal the only player returning to contention.
"The only player who might be back for us in the squad is Monreal. Everybody else... there is no major change," he said.
The new Arsenal striker, revelling in consistent game time at centre forward, scored his first career hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Galatasaray and expects plenty more to come
Danny Welbeck has criticised Manchester United for playing him on the wing as he revels in his goalscoring start at Arsenal.
Welbeck netted a hat-trick as the Guners thrashed Galatasaray 4-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday, taking his tally to four goals for the club since his €20 million move on transfer deadline day.
The 23-year-old was often deployed on the flanks during his time at United, scoring just 29 times in six seasons, but feels that his good form in front of goal should be no shock following his move to north London, as he is playing in his preferred position.
"Nobody can really criticise my finishing because they don't really see me playing in a forward position too often," Welbeck told reporters.
"But now I am getting into these positions I want to be sticking the ball in the back of the net. I'm sure it's the same with every other striker.
"Obviously people can say I've not scored enough goals but you stick the best strikers on the wing in a four-man midfield and see if they score goals."
With Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney joined by Radamel Falcao at United this summer, Welbeck was unlikely to get many opportunities up front and now expects to grow even more confident as he continues to lead the line for Arsene Wenger's men, with Olivier Giroud sidelined until January.
The England international added: "If you're getting goals and getting a run of games in your preferred position, your confidence is going to grow and performances are going to grow as well. That is something I am really looking forward to doing, building on those performances.
"I wouldn't say I feel different [than at United]. Maybe, beforehand, sometimes I wasn't getting through on goal if I was coming from a four-man midfield.
"Obviously it's difficult to leave your position and go and get goalscoring opportunities but I'm getting into these positions much more regularly now and I'm looking forward to sticking the ball in the back of the net."
