Welsh wizard has proved to himself he is world class November 2, 2010 I REMEMBER being told a few years ago by Brian Flynn, the Wales Under-21 coach, about a player he had called Gareth Bale. He said this lad had five gears, maybe even six, although the most people usually saw was third. Well last night we all saw Bale firing on all cylinders. I don’t think [...]
Fletcher and Nani injuries mar United Turkey blitz November 2, 2010 BURSASPOR vs MANCHESTER UTD MANCHESTER UNITED need just a point from their remaining two group games to ensure a place in the competition’s last 16 after their hammering of Bursaspor. Following a goalless but entertaining first half United struck three times after the break through Darren Fletcher, the influential Gabriel Obertan and substitute Bebe as [...]
Stare back at the haka, says Maori Hape November 2, 2010 ENGLAND centre Shontayne Hape knows more about the haka than most and is urging his team-mates to stare right back when New Zealand perform their war dance at Twickenham on Saturday. Auckland-born Hape took part in the haka himself when representing his native country at rugby league, before switching codes and joining Bath in 2008, [...]
Ponting’s a defeat away from sack November 2, 2010 FORMER England captain Michael Vaughan has warned Australia skipper Ricky Ponting it will be a case of three strikes and you’re out if he fails to regain the Ashes this winter. Ponting’s position is already the subject of intense scrutiny following the recent drawn series in England against Pakistan and last month’s defeat in India. [...]
Ancelotti dismisses talk of a January bid for striker Torres November 2, 2010 CHELSEA vs SPARTAK MOSCOW CHELSEA manager Carlo Ancelotti has ruled out a January bid for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres as his side look to clinch their place in the knockout stages tonight. The Blues have hardly struggled for goals this season, hitting eight on their way to maximum points from three games in Group F. [...]
Wenger pleasantly surprised by Wilshere’s rapid progress November 2, 2010 SHAKHTAR DONETSK vs ARSENAL ARSENAL?manager Arsene Wenger is without his influential captain Cesc Fabregas for this evening’s Group H clash in Donetsk, but the Frenchman is confident Jack Wilshere will prove a more than capable deputy. The 18-year-old prodigy signed a new long-term contract with the north London club on Monday and will deputise for [...]
Murray breezes through in Spain November 2, 2010 TENNIS: Britain’s Andy Murray completed the first stage of the defence of his Valencia Open title with a straight sets win over Spain’s Feliciano Lopez. Top seed Murray was on court for one hour and 27 minutes, eventually winning 6-3 7-6 (7-1) and securing a place in round two where he will face Argentine Juan [...]
Woods targets Nicklaus record November 2, 2010 GOLF: Deposed world No1 Tiger Woods has set his sites on overhauling Jack Nicklaus’s Major record. Woods’ 281-week reign as the sport’s top dog was ended by England’s Lee Westwood last weekend. The American is on 14 Major titles, four behind the legendary Nicklaus, and hopes 2011 will see him edge closer to the Golden [...]
Harry fears a sloppy start will scupper his Italian job November 1, 2010 TOTTENHAM vs INTER MILAN TOTTENHAM manager Harry Redknapp has urged his players to go for the jugular from the off against Champions League holders Inter Milan this evening. White Hart Lane is set to host its biggest European night in 26 years and Redknapp knows a repeat of the sluggish start in the San Siro [...]
Injury scare for England as Swann hurts thumb in nets November 1, 2010 SPINNER Graeme Swann gave England an injury scare yesterday in the first practice session since the squad arrived in Australia to defend the Ashes. Swann needed ice treatment and strapping (right) after being hit on his bowling hand by a delivery from Tim Bresnan during a nets session in Perth. The key bowler missed the [...]