Football Comment: Judgement day looming for London bosses at both ends November 4, 2013 FOR TWO managers of London clubs the moment of truth is drawing near, and this week could have a decisive impact on their fortunes. At Arsenal, Arsene Wenger is poised to discover just how realistic his side’s trophy aspirations are in two testing away fixtures, at Borussia Dortmund tomorrow and Manchester United on Sunday. Beating [...]
Premier League: Tottenham go fourth after brave Lloris defies doctors November 3, 2013 EVERTON 0 vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 0 TOTTENHAM manager Andre Villas-Boas praised the determination of goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who defied medical advice to help secure his 11th clean sheet of the season at Goodison Park yesterday. The France captain needed four minutes of treatment after a heavy second-half collision with striker Romelu Lukaku left him unconscious [...]
There is no sporting comeback to rival Nadal’s, says Becker November 3, 2013 THE ASTONISHING rise from the verge of retirement to world No1 by Rafael Nadal following seven months out with a knee injury represents the greatest sporting comeback ever, according to six-time grand slam champion Boris Becker. Nadal, who begins his ATP World Tour Finals campaign this week, was sidelined by tendinitis following last year’s Wimbledon [...]
No excuses for loss, says Cech November 3, 2013 CHELSEA goalkeeper Petr Cech insists there can be no excuses for the Premier League title hopefuls’ surprise 2-0 away defeat at Newcastle on Saturday. Strong winds and rain made for tough conditions at St James’ Park, yet Cech said it should have been possible to break down the hosts. “Apart from the wind, we can’t [...]
Jol determined to save his job November 3, 2013 DEFIANT Fulham manager Martin Jol is not entertaining thoughts of the sack, despite home supporters at Craven Cottage turning against him during Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester United. Fans chanted “Jol out” as the Cottagers suffered their third defeat in a row and the Dutchman is favourite with bookmakers to be the next Premier League [...]
Welsh derby joy for Cardiff November 3, 2013 CARDIFF striker Craig Bellamy said the three points earned in yesterday’s 1-0 victory against Swansea could be vital to the newly-promoted club. The game was the first top flight Welsh derby since the Premier League was formed in 1992, with Steven Caulker’s second-half header sparking wild celebrations in the home end. “As well as it [...]
Wenger wants feel-good factor to start winning run for Arsenal November 3, 2013 ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger hopes that the positive feeling surrounding the club propels his players towards two vital victories this week. The Gunners extended their lead at the top of the Premier League with Saturday’s 2-0 win against Liverpool, but now face crunch ties against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday and Manchester United on Sunday. “The [...]
Chelsea snap up African teenage sensation Traore October 31, 2013 CHELSEA have finally completed the signing of African prodigy Bertrand Traore – four years after first targeting the midfielder. Traore, who shone for the Blues on their pre-season tour of Asia – officially as a triallist – and turned 18 in September, has committed to the club until 2018. Work permit issues and his minor [...]
Gunners can extend stay at Premier League summit by shooting down Reds October 31, 2013 ARSENAL may have seen their brilliant opening to the season stutter a little of late, but they should be backed to beat Liverpool in what promises to be an informative clash in the late kick-off tomorrow. Having suffered a rather unlucky 2-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League 10 days ago, Arsene Wenger’s [...]
Capital One Cup: Keep calm, Wenger tells players after derby defeat October 29, 2013 AT EMIRATES STADIUM ARSENAL 0 v CHELSEA 2 ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger last night urged his players not to panic after Chelsea further punctured their early-season optimism with victory in their Capital One Cup clash. Goals in each half from Spain duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Juan Mata extended Jose Mourinho’s unbeaten run against Wenger to [...]