Ancelotti’s made us patient and so deadly, insists Ballack September 21, 2009 CHELSEA midfielder Michael Ballack believes their ruthless start to the season stems from a fresh approach instilled by new boss Carlo Ancelotti. The Blues have gained maximum points from their opening six Premier League matches, setting a record 11th straight win in the process and bagging 15 goals to boot. The German has excelled [...]
Sir Bobby honoured at star-studded memorial September 21, 2009 STARS flocked to Durham cathedral yesterday for a moving tribute to former England manager Sir Bobby Robson, who died in July after a battle with cancer. Gary Lineker and Paul Gascoigne, key figures in Robson’s 1990 World Cup squad, were joined at the service by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and current England head [...]
Watt vowing to light up young guns’ class of 2009 September 21, 2009 ARSENAL starlet Sanchez Watt is itching to shine as boss Arsene Wenger prepares to unleash his youngsters in the Carling Cup tonight. Forward Watt, 18, is one of the latest crop of exciting talents to break through under Wenger’s guidance and is set to feature in the third round tie against West Brom. He said: [...]
Zola hoping Franco factor gives Hammers cup boost September 21, 2009 NEW West Ham signing Guillermo Franco is set to be thrust into action as Gianfranco Zola looks to ignite his side’s stuttering start to the season in the Carling Cup. The Hammers have struggled thus far in the Premier League, winning one from five, and sit just above the drop zone on goal difference. Franco, [...]
Benitez wary of Leeds threat September 21, 2009 LIVERPOOL boss Rafa Benitez is refusing to underestimate tonight’s Carling Cup opponents Leeds. Despite their current standing in League One, Benitez is expecting a difficult contest. He said: “We know it’ll be tough. It’s a massive club despite the division they are in.” Reds defenders Fabio Aurelio and Daniel Agger are back in contention following [...]
SPORT IN BRIEF September 21, 2009 Flower’s Pietersen hopes wiltCRICKET: England coach Andy Flower admits star batsman Kevin Pietersen may miss this winter’s tour of South Africa through injury. The 29-year-old batsman is currently recovering from Achilles surgery but a subsequent infection in the area has slowed his rehabilitation. “We’re still taking it day by day,” said Flower. “We’re still not [...]
Owen strikes late to snatch derby spoils September 20, 2009 SEETHING Manchester City manager Mark Hughes railed at referee Martin Atkinson after seeing his side sunk in arguably the most scintillating Manchester derby ever by Michael Owen’s controversial last-gasp strike. Hughes was fuming after substitute Owen steered home the winning goal in the 96th minute, despite Atkinson having indicated there would be only four minutes [...]
Drogba dazzles but injury mars milestone victory September 20, 2009 CHELSEA manager Carlo Ancelotti insists his side can cope without Didier Drogba after the talismanic striker was carried off in the win over London rivals Tottenham. Drogba continued his impressive early season form, setting up Ashley Cole for the opener and scoring himself to seal a club-record 11th successive Premier League victory that keeps Chelsea [...]
Murray: GB not good enough September 20, 2009 BRITISH No1 Andy Murray refused to commit to Davis Cup duty after defeat to Poland saw Great Britain relegated to the competition’s third tier. Murray won his second singles match to set up a decider, only for 19-year-old debutant Dan Evans to lose in straight sets to Polish No2 Michal Przysiezny. World No3 Murray’s commitment [...]
Fulham slain by Wolves September 20, 2009 FULHAM boss Roy Hodgson blasted a sloppy performance after slipping to a fourth defeat in six games. Summer signing Kevin Doyle headed his first goal for Wolves to open the scoring after 18 minutes, and midfielder David Edwards rattled in a second just after half time. Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy pulled one back from the [...]