Holders Chelsea crash out October 27, 2005 Charlton knocked holders Chelsea out of the Carling Cup but only after a penalty shoot-out at Stamford Bridge. It was the Blues’ first taste of defeat this season, coming on the back of their first dropped points in the Premiership at Everton’s Goodison Park last weekend. Defender Robert Huth was the only player to miss [...]
Liverpool are in reverse and Rafa is to blame October 27, 2005 If there were any remaining doubts that Liverpool’s post-Istanbul party was well and truly over, they were blown away at Selhurst Park on Tuesday night — the champions of Europe humbled by a Championship side. Well done, Crystal Palace but what on earth is going on at Anfield? The answer, for me, is simple: Liverpool [...]
Inamoto puts Brom through October 26, 2005 Former Fulham midfielder Junichi Inamoto scored the extra-time winner for West Brom after the home side had twice recovered from a goal down in an enthralling Carling Cup tie at Craven Cottage. Rob Earnshaw opened the scoring for the visitors after just three minutes. His goal, having capitalized on a mistake from the Fulham defence, [...]
England set for challenge October 25, 2005 England leave for their tour of Pakistan this morning confident of a safe stay on the subcontinent but also well aware that it will be a difficult couple of months. The squad gathered at Heathrow yesterday with the right noises being made about security in a country recently devastated by the Asian earthquake. Captain Michael [...]
Expect Monty to make his move at Masters October 25, 2005 The European season comes to a close this week with the traditional finale at Valderrama — the Volvo Masters. And I fully expect Colin Montgomerie to crown a remarkable return to form with an unprecedented eighth Order of Merit title. Monty goes into the tournament knowing exactly what he’s doing. The man is on very [...]
Murray will face Henman October 25, 2005 Tim Henman and Andy Murray will meet in anger on a tennis court for the first time tomorrow in round one of the Swiss Indoor Tournament in Basel. Murray was given a wild card for the event while Henman is the sixth seed as well as a two times former champion. The match is Murray’s [...]
Boro seal first win October 21, 2005 Middlesbrough made a competent, if somewhat nervy, start to the group stage with a win away at Grasshoppers. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was the only goal scorer in Zurich to give Steve McClaren’s side the start they were hoping for in UEFA Cup Group D. McClaren decided to play two up front — partnering the Dutchman [...]
Rusedski out in Madrid October 19, 2005 Greg Rusedski was knocked out by Ivo Karlovic in the first round of the Madrid Masters yesterday — all three sets going to a tie-break. It was a disappointing and distracted performance from the British number two who allowed some poor line calls to affect his display. The first set went to serve but Rusedski [...]
Record return for King Henry October 19, 2005 Two goals for the returning Thierry Henry left Arsenal on the verge of qualification for the knockout rounds of the Champions League. The striker, not even sure of making the squad after returning from a groin injury, finished the match as the most prolific scorer in Arsenal’s illustrious history. Despite their domestic troubles, Arsene Wenger’s [...]
England need mental and physical strength October 19, 2005 I know summer doesn’t seem that distant a memory but in less than a week’s time England will be on their way to Pakistan for the first leg of their winter schedule. The fans, pundits but especially the players are still basking in the glory of winning back the Ashes and the national adulation that [...]