It’s an early kick off for next year’s SPL February 28, 2011 THE SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE have announced that next season will kick off on 23 July. The earlier start date has been chosen to help SPL clubs get up to speed for the early rounds of European football and to reduce the number of midweek fixtures in the winter. The SPL board have allowed clubs to [...]
Gunners blow big chance by shooting themselves in foot February 27, 2011 ARSENAL (1) vs BIRMINGHAM (2) ● Birmingham snatch Carling Cup with gift of a late winning goal ● Scapegoats Koscielny and Szczesny ‘destroyed’ by costly blunders CRESTFALLEN Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger called on his players to prove they have the resilience to resume their quest for long-awaited silverware after surrendering the Carling Cup to Birmingham [...]
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 [...]
Captain Fabregas ruled out of Carling Cup final February 24, 2011 ARSENAL captain Cesc Fabregas faces a race to be fit for next month’s emotional homecoming Champions League clash at Barcelona after admitting defeat in his quest to play in Sunday’s Carling Cup final. Fabregas was last night ruled out of leading the Gunners at Wembley as they go in search of a first trophy for [...]
WIN AND A PRAYER February 23, 2011 ARSENAL1 vs STOKE 0 ARSENAL captain Cesc Fabregas last night vowed to win his race to be fit for Sunday’s Carling Cup final after injuries to him and Theo Walcott soured a victory over Stoke that lifted the Gunners to within one point of Premier League leaders Manchester United. Fabregas (right) was taken off with [...]
Cech: Blues still on for a double February 23, 2011 CHELSEA goalkeeper Petr Cech is refusing to give up on an unlikely Champions League and Premier League double this season, despite the Blues’ four-month malaise. Europe’s biggest prize has consistently eluded the west Londoners even during their trophy-laden recent years, while Carlo Ancelotti’s men are as close to mid-table as they are top-flight leaders Manchester [...]
Walk in the Parken February 22, 2011 FC COPENHAGEN 0 vs CHELSEA 2 CHELSEA manager Carlo Ancelotti claimed his big-name strikers are comfortable with being part of a rotation policy after a Nicolas Anelka double all but booked his side’s place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Since the arrival of Fernando Torres, Ancelotti has unsuccessfully attempted to harness the Spaniard, [...]