England strong enough for title January 29, 2014 LOCK Joe Launchbury has warned England’s Six Nations rivals they are made of sterner stuff this year, as they seek to avenge their 2013 title surrender, starting in France on Saturday. England required victory against Wales 13 months ago to clinch a first grand slam since 2003, but were outmuscled in a 30-3 defeat. There [...]
Arsenal poised to sign Draxler January 29, 2014 ARSENAL were last night closing in on the signing of midfielder Julian Draxler from Schalke, after a club delegate flew to Germany to tie up the deal ahead of tomorrow’s 11pm deadline. Draxler has a £37m buyout clause in his contract, though the Gunners are thought unwilling to meet it. The 20-year-old, currently sidelined with [...]
Vettel calm after testing trouble January 29, 2014 FORMULA ONE: World champion Sebastian Vettel is refusing to panic after a troublesome start to pre-season testing in Jerez, having completed just 11 laps in two days. Formula One has changed rules regarding engine specification and chassis design. Vettel said: “With such a big rule change it’s usual to have teething problems.”
Lukaku injury not as bad as feared January 29, 2014 FOOTBALL: An ankle injury suffered by Everton’s Romelu Lukaku during Tuesday’s 4-0 derby defeat to Liverpool is set to keep the striker out for “weeks rather than months” the club have confirmed. Manager Roberto Martinez said: “There is no ligament damage and the injury is not as bad as we first thought.”
Premier League: Arsenal drop points as title push stutters with 10 men January 28, 2014 SOUTHAMPTON 2 vs ARSENAL 2 ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger bemoaned the “harsh” dismissal of midfielder Mathieu Flamini last night after his side handed the initiative to Premier League title rivals Manchester City and Chelsea and suffered more injury woe. The Gunners recovered from Southampton defender Jose Fonte’s early goal to surge into the lead with [...]
Moyes delight at Mata debut January 28, 2014 MANCHESTER United manager David Moyes hailed the debut performance of Juan Mata after last night’s 2-0 victory over Cardiff, but insists there is more to come from his record signing. Mata, signed from Chelsea for £37m at the weekend, laid on the second goal for Ashley Young after the returning Robin van Persie opened the [...]
Fulham turn to transfer market January 28, 2014 FULHAM boss Rene Meulensteen is bracing himself for a “hectic” end to the transfer window, after his side’s 2-0 defeat at Swansea last night did little to boost their relegation fears. Midfielder Adel Taarabt was left out of the 18-man squad amid interest from AC Milan. His team-mates held firm until the 61st minute when [...]
Lightning strikes twice in Jerez as Hamilton crashes new car in test January 28, 2014 BRITISH racer Lewis Hamilton put on a brave face yesterday after suffering a crash during Formula One pre-season testing in Spain for the second year running. Hamilton escaped unhurt after hurtling across the gravel and into barriers as he put his 2014-specification Mercedes through its paces for the first time in Jerez. It came 12 [...]
England to give youth a chance as Ashton and Youngs are axed January 28, 2014 ENGLAND head coach Stuart Lancaster felt the form of his young players was too good to ignore after axing experienced pair Chris Ashton and Ben Youngs last night from his 26-man squad to travel to France for Saturday’s Six Nations opener. Uncapped backs Luther Burrell, George Ford, Jack Nowell and Anthony Watson are included ahead [...]
Premier League: Liverpool to strengthen further after derby glory January 28, 2014 LIVERPOOL 4 vs EVERTON 0 LIVERPOOL manager Brendan Rodgers revealed last night he hoped to add a major last-minute signing to the team which romped to their biggest Merseyside derby victory since 1982. In a blistering display at Anfield last night, skipper Steven Gerrard opened the scoring, Daniel Sturridge netted twice in the first half, [...]