City close on Reds in scrap for top four February 9, 2010 MANCHESTER City boss Roberto Mancini hailed new-boy Adam Johnson after the deadline-day signing inspired the Blues to take another step towards their dream of a Champions League spot. Strike duo Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor scored the goals for the home side but it was deadline-day signing Johnson who caught the eye on his full [...]
Angry Wenger hits back after Ballack jibe February 9, 2010 ARSENE WENGER has angrily hit out at the British media, accusing them of continually twisting his words. The Arsenal boss felt he was misquoted after his side’s 2-0 defeat to title rivals Chelsea on Sunday when he congratulated the Blues on their victory before adding: “we didn’t get a demonstration of football”. Chelsea midfielder Michael [...]
Italians ready for a battle, warns Moody February 9, 2010 LEWIS MOODY has warned England to expect a strong, physical battle when they lock horns with a powerful Italian side in Rome on Sunday. The Leicester flanker, nicknamed ‘Mad Dog’ for his combative style, is again expected to lead the England front line against an Azzurri front row which is seen by many as the [...]
Jones spared the axe for Scotland visit February 9, 2010 WALES coach Warren Gatland has kept faith with Alun-Wyn Jones for Saturday’s Six Nations clash against Scotland despite his role in last week’s opening defeat to England. Jones was sin-binned at Twickenham and England took full advantage, amassing 17 points without reply on their way to a 30-17 victory. Gatland tore into Jones post-match but [...]
Pompey bid to cut deal over winding-up hearing February 9, 2010 DESPERATE Portsmouth appeared to lurch closer to becoming the first top flight club to go into administration last night when talks with HM Revenue and Customs were believed to have broken down. The south coast outfit is expected to ask for an adjournment when they appear in the High Court this morning to face a [...]
Wigan fail to keep lead again February 9, 2010 TURKEY striker Tuncay netted a late header to preserve Stoke’s unbeaten start to 2010 and plunge Wigan into a relegation battle. Latics midfielder Paul Scharner gave the home side the lead their sparky opening deserved when he headed in from 16 yards in the 14th minute. Striker Hugo Rodallega almost made it 2-0 when his [...]
Murphy sparks Cottage cheers February 9, 2010 FULHAM rediscovered their shooting boots in controversial fashion to condemn struggling Burnley to their 12th top flight defeat of the season. Danny Murphy, David Elm and Bobby Zamora all hit the target against the Clarets, who have just earned just one Premier League point on the road. Fulham tripled their goal haul for the last [...]
Hammers owners will add extra spice, says Ridgewell February 9, 2010 BIRMINGHAM captain Liam Ridgewell believes David Gold and David Sullivan’s takeover of West Ham will add a little extra spice to tonight’s clash at Upton Park. Sullivan and Gold spent 17 years in charge at St Andrews before selling to new owner Carson Yeung and buying a 50 per cent share in the Hammers last [...]
Sullivan refuses to back down after Zola outburst February 9, 2010 WEST HAM co-owner David Sullivan last night refused to apologise to Gianfranco Zola after suggesting the manager was overpaid. Sullivan also riled Zola for hinting he would ask all of the hard-up club’s staff to take a pay cut in the summer. The Italian hit out at the comments yesterday, criticising the timing, ahead of [...]
Ennis to miss home event February 9, 2010 ATHLETICS: World heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis will miss this weekend’s indoor UK Championships and world trials in her home town of Sheffield with a foot injury. Ennis suffered a slight ligament strain competing in Glasgow last week and said: “I have to rest it in the short term, which means missing the trials in front [...]