Benitez blast at board and fans leaves job in doubt February 27, 2013 FA CUP MIDDLESBROUGH 0 vs CHELSEA 2 CHELSEA boss Rafael Benitez plunged his immediate future at Stamford Bridge into doubt last night, after launching an astonishing attack on the club’s fans and board, believing the supporters hold an unhelpful agenda against him and that holding the title of interim manager is a massive mistake. Benitez, [...]
Why I believe Bale will stay put February 27, 2013 FOOTBALL COMMENT I VIVIDLY remember a chat I had around six years ago with Brian Flynn, who was then in charge of the Wales Under-21 team. He was raving about a player who was only 16 or 17 but already in his set-up and had, he said, two gears more speed than anybody else. That [...]
Mutiny? Blues players right behind me, says Benitez February 26, 2013 CHELSEA manager Rafael Benitez has played down suggestions of a training ground bust-up with captain John Terry and admits he will have failed if the Blues miss out on a top three Premier League finish. The Blues lost 2-0 to champions Manchester City on Sunday and a frank discussion between Benitez and his squad took [...]
Villas-Boas backs brilliant Bale for Player of the Year February 25, 2013 PREMIER LEAGUE WEST HAM UNITED 2 vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 3 TOTTENHAM manager Andre Villas-Boas tipped Gareth Bale for Player of the Year after the Welshman’s two goals, including a breathtaking last-minute winner, hoisted Spurs up to third in the Premier League. Bale’s brace bookended a gripping London derby that West Ham led with 15 minutes [...]
BT takes on BSkyB in the battle for pay-TV with ESPN purchase February 25, 2013 BT has agreed to buy ESPN’s UK and Ireland television business as it bids to loosen BSkyB’s grip on the pay-TV sports market with the launch of its own channels. The deal, which includes the ESPN and ESPN America channels, will see BT take on ESPN’s live sports rights package in Britain and Ireland, including [...]
Mancini: Victory over Chelsea has kept our title chase alive February 24, 2013 MANCHESTER CITY 2 vs CHELSEA 0 MANCHESTER City manager Roberto Mancini refused to admit defeat in his team’s bid to retain their Premier League crown, having gained confidence from yesterday’s convincing win over Chelsea. The visitors were made to pay the price for Frank Lampard’s early second-half penalty miss, as excellent strikes from Yaya Toure [...]
Five-star Swansea land first major trophy February 24, 2013 BRADFORD CITY 0 vs SWANSEA CITY 5 TWO goals apiece from midfielders Nathan Dyer and Jonathan de Guzman helped Swansea to a record victory over League Two club Bradford at Wembley yesterday, landing the Swans their first trophy in the club’s 100-year history. Spanish star Michu was also among the goals in the biggest margin [...]
Benitez: Top four spot will be scrap now February 24, 2013 CHELSEA boss Rafael Benitez admits his team have been dragged into a scrap for a top four finish, after suffering a second loss in three Premier League games. Goals from Yaya Toure and Carlos Tevez followed a squandered penalty from Blues captain Frank Lampard, determining yesterday’s 2-0 defeat at Manchester City. Tottenham could leapfrog Chelsea [...]
Swansea lift first silverware at Wembley February 24, 2013 SWANSEA City skipper Ashley Williams lifted the Capital One Cup at Wembley Stadium yesterday, alongside club captain Garry Monk, as the Premier League side thrashed Bradford City of League Two 5-0. It was the Welsh club’s first-ever major trophy win.
Newcastle beat struggling Saints February 24, 2013 FOOTBALL: January signing Moussa Sissoko scored his third in six games as Newcastle beat fellow strugglers Southampton 4-2 to climb clear of the Premier League relegation battle yesterday. Sissoko cancelled out Morgan Schneiderlin’s early goal before Papiss Cisse put Newcastle in front. Rickie Lambert equalised for Saints, who then conceded a penalty, converted by Yohan [...]