United at 5/4 leaves no room at the top for big Phil Scolari August 15, 2008 It’s the big kick-off in the Premier League tomorrow and the “Big Four” are already starting to jostle for position. John Terry’s claim that Manchester United have “already peaked” may light the blue touch paper, but new Chelsea coach Luis Felipe Scolari could manage that all by himself. The 59-year-old Brazilian, nicknamed ‘wooden leg’ during [...]
Brace yourself for Bayor August 15, 2008 Emmanuel Adebayor may have been on the verge of leaving Arsenal this summer, but back the lanky forward to prove his newfound loyalty by ensuring West Brom endure a miserable return to the top flight. The Baggies face a daunting trip to the Emirates Stadium tomorrow as the Premier League season kicks off – and [...]
Barry exit scuppered as Villa win Euro match August 15, 2008 Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry all but resigned himself to another season at the club after setting them on their way to a European victory last night. The Liverpool target drastically reduced his chances of a dream move to Anfield by figuring against FH Hafnarfjordur, but put thoughts of a move to one side as he [...]
Mutu forced to pay Blues £13.7m for drugs shame August 15, 2008 Former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu faces financial ruin this morning after being ordered to pay the club a world record £13.68m in damages for his drugs shame. The Romanian striker had his contract terminated by the Blues in October 2004 after testing positive for cocaine. But now the Fiorentina frontman will have to pay Chelsea [...]
Holmes: Gold rush will spur on track stars August 15, 2008 Double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes believes Great Britain’s athletes will be buoyed by the successes of their Team GB colleagues as they prepare for the start of today’s track and field events. Britain have so far landed seven medals at the Beijing Games including golds for swimmer Rebecca Adlington and cyclist Nicole Cooke. [...]
Wenger vows to strengthen ‘light’ Arsenal August 15, 2008 Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has promised to splash the cash on a new arrival by the end of the month after resigning himself to losing another of his young Guns. Wenger was without no fewer than nine of his first team stars for the hard-fought 2-0 Champions League win against FC Twente on Wednesday night [...]
I fancy Chelsea, but Spurs will trail again August 15, 2008 As a former darling of White Hart Lane, Chris Waddle is well placed to judge whether Tottenham are ready to break the iron grip of the Premier League’s big four. But on the eve of the new top-flight season, the former England winger has a stark warning for Spurs boss Juande Ramos. Waddle believes big-spending [...]
Two more golds for Phelps sees him become the greatest ever Olympian August 14, 2008 Michael Phelps etched his name into Olympic history in Beijing yesterday by taking his career tally of gold medals to a record 11. The American became the most successful swimmer, and indeed Olympian, of all time with a double success yesterday in the Water Cube. Phelps, 23, won his fourth gold medal of the Games [...]
Lampard finally seals new Chelsea contract August 14, 2008 Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard finally committed the rest of his career to the club yesterday after agreeing to a wage compromise. The 30-year-old got the five-year deal he had insisted on, while it is understood Lampard accepted a lower salary than had been on offer for a four-year deal. Rather than earning £140,000 a week [...]
Elder Gunner Gallas saves his misfiring colleagues August 14, 2008 Arsenal take control of tie but Wenger’s lack of strength in depth is laid bare Arsenal took a huge step towards the promised land of the Champions League group stage with a laboured victory in Holland last night. Captain William Gallas showed his callow team the way by bundling home the opening goal, before striker [...]