Can London halt rise of Manchester? August 16, 2012 THE crucial question this season surrounds whether the two Manchester clubs, United and the champions City, can truly be challenged. It’s difficult to see that happening, but I am very interested in seeing how Chelsea evolve. Before it became clear that Robin van Persie was going to leave Arsenal, they would have been rivals too, [...]
Manchester rivals set to dominate title race again August 16, 2012 THE 2011/12 Premier League season will go down in history as one of the most dramatic ever. It was like a heavyweight title fight where both contenders dusted themselves off from a ‘nine-count’ to floor their opponent in the next round, until Sergio Aguero landed the knockout blow in the 94th minute against QPR at [...]
Magpies and Spurs to cancel each other out August 16, 2012 NOT even the most passionate of Newcastle fans would have predicted 12 months ago that their side would end the season in fifth place. It was a magnificent effort from everyone at the club and Alan Pardew must take special credit as he wasn’t the most popular appointment back in December 2010. Demba Ba was [...]
Strong Suit can give Hannon another win in Hungerford Stakes August 16, 2012 NEWBURY racecourse received plenty of rain on Wednesday, but the forecast is much better over the next couple of days and it should be nearer good-to-firm by the time tomorrow’s card gets underway. That is good news for STRONG SUIT, who has always been very well regarded by Richard Hannon, and is much better on [...]
Finn fights back as England save series hopes August 16, 2012 SEAMER Steven Finn played down suggestions England had been fired up by the Kevin Pietersen saga after his three wickets helped the hosts take control on the first day of the third Test against South Africa. Fellow paceman James Anderson (3-58) also took a trio of scalps at Lord’s, including opposition captain Graeme Smith, as [...]
“He excites me more than any other player” August 16, 2012 WHO WILL WIN THE TITLE? Kevin Keegan: Manchester City are the team everyone’s got to catch. They have got a very powerful squad and I wouldn’t be worried that they’ve only signed Jack Rodwell. The only problem they could have is if they argue among themselves, because they have so many good players. Craig Burley: [...]
Liverpool sign winger Assaidi August 16, 2012 FOOTBALL: Liverpool are to sign Heerenveen’s Morocco international winger Oussama Assaidi, 24, for £3m, and further recruits could follow. Manager Brendan Rodgers said: We hope in the next couple of days we’ll have one or two coming in.”
Anita heads to Newcastle August 16, 2012 FOOTBALL: Newcastle have signed Vurnon Anita for £6.7m from Ajax.
Wenger has no choice with RVP August 16, 2012 FOOTBALL: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists the club has little choice but to sell Robin van Persie because he only has one year left on his contract.
Murray continues fine form August 16, 2012 TENNIS: Andy Murray yesterday reached the third round of Cincinnati Masters with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over America’s Sam Querrey.