Credibility of Wenger’s grand scheme is at stake February 27, 2011 DEFEAT leaves Arsenal facing a mammoth challenge in the remaining three months of the season. And there is far more than a domestic pot resting on it; nothing less than the credibility of manager Arsene Wenger’s masterplan is at stake. The Frenchman (right) has tested the patience of even the most ardent Gunners fan over [...]
Rooney set to miss Chelsea trip as FA ponder elbow ban February 27, 2011 MANCHESTER UNITED will learn today whether striker Wayne Rooney is available or banned for tomorrow night’s heavyweight Premier League clash at Chelsea. Rooney faces a possible three-match suspension after he appeared to elbow Wigan’s James McCarthy during Saturday’s 4-0 win, which saw United re-establish a four-point lead at the top of the table. But the [...]
Hero captain Parker shrugs off pain February 27, 2011 WEST HAM (3) vs LIVERPOOL (1) WEST HAM manager Avram Grant praised captain Scott Parker after a valuable victory which lifted them off the bottom of the Premier League table. Parker (right), a major doubt with a damaged shoulder, produced an inspired display in midfield capped with a wonderfully inventive finish with the outside of his [...]
Hughes upset at Mancini gesture February 27, 2011 FULHAM manager Mark Hughes accused Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini of disrespect after a draw that all but ended any Premier League title hopes at Eastlands. City striker Mario Balotelli fired home from outside of the box, but Damien Duff levelled when he turned in Andrew Johnson’s cross. And Hughes said: “Maybe I misread it [...]
Blues chief McLeish savours his finest hour after glorious upset February 27, 2011 BIRMINGHAM manager Alex McLeish toasted the greatest achievement of his career after seeing his underdogs snatch late glory against Arsenal. McLeish won seven trophies with Rangers, including two Scottish Premier League titles, but rates yesterday’s triumph as his finest. “Relatively speaking, it is my greatest achievement,” he said. “With Glasgow Rangers I was expected to [...]
Class of 2011 excite record breaker Wilko February 27, 2011 ENGLAND fly-half Jonny Wilkinson believes Martin Johnson’s emerging side are beginning to show similar characteristics to that of the 2003 World Cup winning team. Saturday’s attritional 17-9 win over France at Twickenham kept alive England’s hopes of a first RBS 6 Nations clean sweep since that era of Red Rose dominance eight years ago. Wilkinson, [...]
Mixed feelings for Strauss as England nearly snatch defeat from jaws of victory but escape with a tie February 27, 2011 ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss admitted he was suffering mixed emotions after his side snatched an unlikely draw against World Cup co-hosts India. Strauss’s career best one-day international score of 158 put his side in with a strong chance of chasing down India’s Sachin Tendulkar inspired 338 all out. But a flurry of late wickets appeared [...]
Brit Donald trumps new No1 Kaymer February 27, 2011 ENGLAND’S Luke Donald overcame the new world No1 Martin Kaymer to land the biggest prize of his career, the WGC Match Play in Arizona. The 33-year-old beat his German opponent 3&2 to land the £864,838 winners’ cheque, and as a result of victory he jumps six places to No3 in the world rankings. Kaymer usurped [...]
Robinson fumes at ref Owens February 27, 2011 SCOTLAND (18) vs IRELAND (21) SCOTLAND head coach Andy Robinson slammed referee Nigel Owens as his side suffered a 21-18 defeat to Ireland in an error-strewn RBS 6 Nations contest at Murrayfield. Converted tries from Jamie Heaslip, Eoin Redden and Ronan O’Gara put the visitors in charge and, despite the kicking of Scott Paterson and [...]
Goode kicks Sarries to Wasps win February 27, 2011 Saracens secured a hard fought 26-15 win over London Wasps thanks largely to the boot of Alex Goode to move five points behind Premiership leaders Leicester. Full-back Goode kicked 21 points with flanker Andy Saull scoring the only try of the game after two minutes. Wasps had three men sin binned.