Ferguson: Dutch tactician correct choice to lead United October 26, 2014 FORMER Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says this season has been case of “one step forward and two steps back” but insists Louis van Gaal is the right man for the Old Trafford hot-seat. United snatched a last-gasp draw against Premier League leaders Chelsea yesterday but it has been a difficult first few months [...]
Van Gaal fury as saviour earns stupid caution October 26, 2014 HE MIGHT have saved the day with a dramatic late leveller, but that was not enough to spare Manchester United striker Robin van Persie from the wrath of boss Louis van Gaal. Taskmaster Van Gaal labelled Van Persie “stupid” for taking off his shirt in celebration at snatching a late point against Chelsea, thereby earning [...]
Premier League: Spurs surrender perplexes Poch October 26, 2014 AT WHITE HART LANE TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1 NEWCASTLE UNITED 2 STUNNED Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino insists his toughest task is to improve the mindset of his players after Spurs’ second-half capitulation gifted Newcastle their first away win of the campaign yesterday. A double substitution at the break from counterpart Alan Pardew laid the platform for [...]
Premier League: Ruthless Eto’o brace fires improving Everton October 26, 2014 BURNLEY 1 EVERTON 3 PROUD Everton manager Roberto Martinez hailed evergreen Samuel Eto’o after the striker’s two goals earned the Toffees back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since April. Record signing Romelu Lukaku also netted for the visitors, while a first of the season for Danny Ings was insufficient to end Burnley’s wait [...]
Taarabt is still in my QPR plans, says Redknapp October 26, 2014 QPR boss Harry Redknapp insists Adel Taarabt holds a Loftus Road future despite this week engaging in a public spat with the Moroccan play-maker. Redknapp described Taarabt as “the worst professional I have ever come across” while Taarabt retaliated by criticising the training methods employed by the former Tottenham manager. And while be is unlikely [...]
Blatter wants winter Qatar October 26, 2014 FOOTBALL Association chairman Greg Dyke believes the Qatar 2022 World Cup will be held in the winter despite renewed speculation it could be staged in April or May. The influential European Club Association has mooted a late spring tournament as an alternative to summer or winter, but Dyke believes world football chief Sepp Blatter would [...]
Football Comment: Far too early for Chelsea to think of invincibility October 26, 2014 Chelsea looked really strong yesterday and, if everything goes their way, Jose Mourinho’s side should go on and win the title. But we all know the Premier League does not work that way. I don’t think rival managers would have been sitting at home hoping Chelsea didn’t win because a six-point gap at the summit [...]
Prater stars as Detroit complete remarkable Wembley comeback October 26, 2014 KICKER Matt Prater proved the star turn by hitting a 48-yard field goal in the dying seconds to complete a remarkable comeback for the Detroit Lions against Atlanta Falcons at Wembley yesterday. Quarterback Matt Ryan was the orchestrator in chief as Atlanta raced into a 21-0 lead at the break, with Devonta Freeman, Bear Pascoe [...]
O’Shea: Quins showed we can cope physically October 26, 2014 HARLEQUINS boss Conor O’Shea insists his players have proven they possess the credentials to nullify and overcome powerful opponents after dispatching London rivals Wasps 23-16 in the European Champions Cup at Adams Park yesterday. Quins lock Charlie Matthews crossed the line to cancel out scrum-half Joe Simpson’s solo try as the visitors edged the opening [...]
Murray reigns in Spain to boost O2 chances October 26, 2014 BRITAIN’S Andy Murray edged past Tommy Robredo in dramatic fashion to win the Valencia Open yesterday and take a mammoth step towards securing a place at next month’s ATP World Tour Finals in London. It was a case of history repeating itself as Murray saved five match points to claim the 31st title of his [...]