Theo: World Cup snub the making of me February 7, 2011 ARSENAL’S Theo Walcott firmly believes missing out on last summer’s World Cup has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Having featured in the three warm-up matches leading up to the announcement of Fabio Capello’s squad, despite some indifferent form, Walcott was expected to play a significant role in South Africa. Capello, however, lived [...]
3-5-2 is back and it adds up to trouble for Chelsea February 7, 2011 IT’S a system that drifted out of fashion in the Premier League some years ago, but 3-5-2 worked a treat for Kenny Dalglish and Liverpool at Chelsea on Sunday. It smothered the attacking threat of the home side’s three forwards, allowing the improving Reds to spoil Fernando Torres’ debut with a shock win. Lining up [...]
Liverpool ruin Torres’ Blues bow February 6, 2011 CHELSEA (0) vs LIVERPOOL (1) CHELSEA manager Carlo Ancelotti defended Fernando Torres and insisted the Spaniard needs time to settle into his new surroundings after his miserable debut ended in defeat against his former club. The Spaniard, who signed for a British record £50m a week ago, was substituted after 65 minutes and could only watch [...]
Barton sticks knife into ‘stupid’ Diaby February 6, 2011 NEWCASTLE midfielder Joey Barton has taunted Arsenal by branding Abou Diaby “stupid” for earning a red card in Saturday’s historic 4-4 draw. The Gunners spectacularly capitulated, becoming the first team in the Premier League ever to squander a four-goal lead, after Diaby was sent off for lashing out at Barton following a challenge. Title-chasing Arsenal’s [...]
Zigic gives Grant a miserable birthday February 6, 2011 WEST HAM (0) vs BIRMINGHAM (1) WEST HAM boss Avram Grant admits that defeat to relegation rivals Birmingham ruined his birthday. Grant, who turned 56 yesterday, watched his side lose 1-0 at Upton Park as a 65th minute goal from Nikola Zigic gave Birmingham a vital three points. “How can I celebrate?” Grant said after [...]
Di Matteo stunned at his sacking February 6, 2011 ROBERTO DI MATTEO admitted he was “surprised and disappointed” after being sacked by West Bromwich Albion. The former Chelsea midfielder was placed on gardening leave yesterday with the Baggies outside the relegation zone on goal difference. A statement released by Di Matteo through the League Manager’s Association read: “I was extremely surprised and disappointed to be relieved of [...]
Chelsea recruit Luiz relieved to have Torres on his side February 3, 2011 CHELSEA’S latest Brazilian recruit David Luiz admits he is glad he’ll be lining up alongside rather than facing Fernando Torres in the Premier League. Luiz played against Torres in last season’s Europa League quarter-final when the World Cup winner scored twice in a 4-1 victory for Liverpool at Anfield, and is therefore well aware of [...]
HISTORY IN reverse February 3, 2011 THE ESSENTIALS of what makes a mechanical watch tick have barely changed in 400 years. Back then, it was the British who were leading the way in the world of cogs, escapements and balance wheels, and the thread of that history can still be found in many watches produced today. We’ve covered that on page [...]
Sky may lose out in Pub TV football case February 3, 2011 THE Premier League’s battle with a Portsmouth-based publican suffered a major setback yesterday. A senior advocate from the European Court of Justice (ECJ) threw her weight behind landlady Karen Murphy in a landmark case, paving the way for a decision that could change the landscape of sports distribution rights in Europe and cost Sky £70m [...]
FERNANDO WHO? February 2, 2011 LIVERPOOL 2 vs STOKE CITY 0 LIVERPOOL manager Kenny Dalglish tipped Luis Suarez to take the Premier League by storm after the £23m deadline-day signing scored just 17 minutes after climbing off the bench for his debut. Suarez wasted no time in filling the void left by former Kop darling and new Chelsea recruit Fernando [...]