Rafa’s hanging by a thread November 4, 2009 LYON (1) vs LIVERPOOL (1) CAPTAIN Jamie Carragher leapt to the defence of boss Rafael Benitez last night as Liverpool’s Champions League campaign hung by the thinnest of threads. Lisandro Lopez’s injury-time equaliser heaped more pressure on the under-fire Spaniard with the Reds on the verge of a humiliating European exit. Ryan Babel earlier gave [...]
Wilkinson heads the England old guard November 4, 2009 INJURY-PLAGUED Jonny Wilkinson is set to win his first England cap for 18 months on Saturday after boss Martin Johnson opted to stick with the old guard for the visit of Australia. Wilkinson, 30, is rewarded for his excellent form with Toulon this season by being named as one of three World Cup winners selected [...]
Wenger hails Gunners after Alkmaar rout November 4, 2009 ARSENAL vs AZ ALKMAAR (1) ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger hailed his free-flowing side after they all but booked their place in the Champions League last 16 with a stylish display. Two goals from Cesc Fabregas and strikes from Samir Nasri and Abou Diaby ensured the Gunners crept ever closer to reaching the knockout stages for [...]
‘Last year I was the new guy’ November 4, 2009 IF newcomers to the England set-up want advice on how to make an impact at Test level, they could do far worse than speak to Ugo Monye. In the space of 12 months the versatile Harlequins back has gone from uncapped hopeful to a key figure in Martin Johnson’s England side, and a British and [...]
Huge losses forces Toyota to walk away from F1 November 4, 2009 TOYOTA dealt Formula One another savage blow yesterday when it became the third manufacturer to abandon the sport in less than a year. The surprise move, which Toyota blamed on “severe economic realities” and takes effect immediately, came after the Japanese company recorded its worst ever set of financial results earlier this year. Toyota’s departure [...]
Hines fires late to hand Zola a lift November 4, 2009 WEST HAM (2) vs ASTON VILLA (1) A DRAMATIC late winner from youngster Zavon Hines handed the Hammers their first Premier League victory since the opening day of the season last night. The 21-year-old stabbed home three minutes into injury time to lift Gianfranco Zola’s men out of the drop zone for the first time [...]
Haye: I’m more than a mouthy Englishman November 4, 2009 DAVID HAYE says he will prove he is more than a “mouthy little Englishman” when he locks horns with Nikolay Valuev for the WBA world heavyweight crown. The Londoner has taunted the 7ft 2in Russian throughout the build-up to the Nuremberg showdown on Saturday, but plans to back up his words with a champion performance [...]
St James’ gets Sports Direct branding November 4, 2009 NEWCASTLE fans reacted with dismay yesterday after chairman Derek Llambias announced their historic stadium is to be re-branded as sportsdirect@St James’ Park. Owner Mike Ashley, who also owns the retailer Sports Direct, last week declared his intention to sell the naming rights to the club’s home of 117 years. The change will be effective for [...]
Storrie lands tax charge November 4, 2009 PORTSMOUTH chief executive Peter Storrie was formally charged with tax evasion yesterday over the controversial transfer of Amdy Faye. Storrie is accused of concealing a signing-on fee made to the Senegalese midfielder via agent Willie McKay. The charges relate to Faye’s £1.5m transfer to Fratton Park from Auxerre in August 2003 where it is claimed [...]
Toffees going for revenge November 4, 2009 FOOTBALL: Everton will be looking to avenge their five-goal Europa League thrashing by Benfica a fortnight ago when the pair meet in the reverse tie at Goodison Park tonight. Victory will see David Moyes’ men all but clinch a place in the next round, but the Toffees have been hit by an injury setback to [...]