Van Persie injury curse hits Arsenal February 22, 2011 ARSENAL could close to within one point of Premier League leaders Manchester United tonight but will have to do so without their most in-form attacker, Robin van Persie, after the Dutchman’s injury curse struck again. Van Persie, who has 11 goals in eight games, and centre-back Laurent Koscielny are both sidelined for the visit of [...]
Fergie: Nani can become new Ronaldo February 22, 2011 MARSEILLE vs MAN UNITED MANCHESTER UNITED manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Nani is showing signs that he is capable of emulating the success Cristiano Ronaldo enjoyed at Old Trafford. Ronaldo spearheaded United’s successful Champions League campaign in 2008 and so dramatic has Nani’s transformation from bit-part player to automatic starter this season been that it [...]
Milestone as velodrome is unveiled February 22, 2011 THE 2012 Games may still be more than 550 days away, but London officially received its first Olympic venue yesterday when the velodrome was declared open. British cycling stars Sir Chris Hoy, who helped to design the 6,000-seat venue, and Victoria Pendleton were in attendance at the Olympic Park in Stratford for the unveiling. The [...]
Bopara digs sorry England out of a crisis February 22, 2011 ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss admitted his side got out of jail after Holland came within a whisker of causing a major World Cup upset. Ryan ten Doeschate’s magnificent 119 helped Holland set a challenging target, boosted by some woeful bowling and comical fielding, of 293. Strauss led from the front in response with 88, but [...]
England set to keep faith with Tindall February 22, 2011 ENGLAND coach Martin Johnson is expected to again entrust Mike Tindall with the England captaincy after opting not to recall Lewis Moody to the starting line-up for Saturday’s crunch RBS 6 Nations clash against France at Twickenham. Moody, who has only just returned after five weeks out with a knee ligament strain, may yet be [...]
Four-match ban for Milan skipper Gattuso February 21, 2011 AC MILAN captain Gennaro Gattuso has been banned for an additional four matches by Uefa for his headbutt on Tottenham coach Joe Jordan during last week’s Champions League defeat at the San Siro. Meanwhile, Spurs have suffered a blow ahead of tonight’s Premier League trip to Blackpool after forward Rafael van der Vaart was ruled [...]
BAHRAIN GP AXED February 21, 2011 PLANS for the 2011 season have been plunged into chaos after Bahrain pulled out of staging the curtain-raising grand prix less than three weeks before the race. The Gulf kingdom’s crown prince informed Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone of his decision yesterday afternoon, bringing to an end days of speculation following civil unrest that last [...]
Der Hammer finally announces himself at Upton Park as Burnley are thrashed February 21, 2011 WEST HAM 5 VS BURNLEY 1 WEST HAM manager Avram Grant believes the return to fitness of Thomas Hitzlsperger could be the turning point in the club’s season. The Premier League strugglers cruised into the last eight of the FA Cup following an easy win over Burnely, with Hitzlsperger opening the scoring via a trademark [...]
Haskell eyes battle after war of words February 21, 2011 ENGLAND flanker James Haskell has hit back at France coach Marc Lievremont’s jibes, insisting they will not back down when Les Bleus visit Twickenham for a colossal RBS 6 Nations contest on Saturday. Lievremont lit the touchpaper ahead of a match already being billed as a championship decider by saying all the other five countries [...]
Dutch star Kervezee eager to catch England’s attention February 21, 2011 HOLLAND batsman Alexei Kervezee hopes to inspire his country to a famous World Cup victory over England today and in the process enhance his dream of ultimately representing the Three Lions. The 21-year-old (inset), who has already been compared to Graeme Hick, and not just because of his Worcestershire ties, becomes eligible to represent England [...]