Van Persie out of Barcelona match March 1, 2011 STRIKER Robin van Persie has been ruled out of next week’s Champions League trip to Barcelona after being told he will need at least three weeks to recover from a knee injury. Winger Theo Walcott will also definitely miss the second leg of the last 16 tie, which the Gunners lead 2-1, but captain Cesc [...]
We won’t fire Cole over gun incident, says Ancelotti February 28, 2011 CHELSEA MANCHESTER UTD CHELSEA manager Carlo Ancelotti last night defended Ashley Cole, insisting the full-back does not deserve to lose his job, or even his place in the team, for accidentally shooting a work experience student with an air rifle. Ancelotti confirmed Cole would face Manchester United in tonight’s crucial Premier League fixture at Stamford [...]
Gunners were petrified of us, says Blues star Gardner February 28, 2011 BIRMINGHAM CITY midfielder Craig Gardner has accused Arsenal’s players of being “petrified” by his side’s all action approach in Sunday’s Carling Cup triumph. A farcical last minute Obafemi Martins goal, presented to him on a plate by Laurent Koscielny and Szczesny, ultimately denied Arsenal the chance end to their six-year trophy drought. But Gardner believes [...]
After defeat on the pitch Arsenal hit by a loss off it February 28, 2011 ARSENAL’S off-field fortunes have followed their on-field ones in taking a dip after the club confirmed a £2.5m loss for the six months up to November 2010. The Gunners, who lost Sunday’s Carling Cup final, reported a record annual pre-tax profit of £56m in September, but a number of factors have curtailed that healthy performance. [...]
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 [...]