Sticky route for Toffees as classy Benfica cruise November 5, 2009 EVERTON (0) vs BENFICA (2) EVERTON’S hopes of progressing to the next phase of the Europa League suffered a setback as they were blitzed by Benfica for a second time in as many weeks. David Moyes’ men were looking to avenge a 5-0 thrashing by the Portuguese side a fortnight ago, but were undone again [...]
Takeover looms as Kroenke ups stake to 29.9% November 5, 2009 ARSENAL’S largest shareholder Stan Kroenke yesterday crept to the brink of a takeover bid when he increased his stake to 29.9 per cent. Billionaire Kroenke, who has been steadily building his shareholding since first investing in April 2007, will be obliged to make a formal offer for the Premier League club if he reaches 29.99 [...]
Dallaglio: Thompson is key for England November 5, 2009 LEGEND Lawrence Dallaglio believes veteran hooker Steve Thompson could prove crucial in giving England the edge against the Wallabies tomorrow. The 31-year-old lines up for his first international start in three years at Twickenham having ‘retired’ from the game in 2007 with a serious neck injury. Reborn at French club Brive, Thompson got the nod [...]
IT’S SACHIN TON-DULKAR November 5, 2009 INDIA legend Sachin Tendulkar smashed a sublime century to become the first batsman ever to pass 17,000 one-day runs, but it still wasn’t enough to stop Australia winning a thrilling fifth one-day game by three runs in Hyderabad and opening up a 3-2 series lead. Tendulkar fired a superb 140-ball 175 but Shaun Marsh’s maiden [...]
Lavelle’s Jack is looking for a Crack at the big time November 5, 2009 CRACK AWAY JACK goes under the microscope at Sandown tomorrow as he looks to justify his favouritism for the Arkle on his eagerly-awaited chasing debut. The Emma Lavelle-trained five-year-old is many bookies’ fancy for the Cheltenham showdown in March after a fine fourth-place finish in last season’s Champion Hurdle. But with Lavelle opting to duck [...]
Watney leads in Shanghai November 5, 2009 GOLF: American Nick Watney fired a course record-equalling 64 to set the early pace in the HSBC Champions event in Shanghai. Watney missed out on the record by dropping a shot at the last, but still leads German duo Martin Kaymer and Ryan Moore, and Ireland’s Shane Lowry by two shots. World No1 Tiger Woods [...]
the INSIDER November 4, 2009 I’m really looking forward to the Breeders’ Cup and the Europeans have outstanding chances in a number of championship races. Pounced looks to have a great opportunity in the Juvenile Turf tomorrow night, but I'm not sure if he really is in the same league as Donativum who won this for the same stable last [...]
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 [...]