Lampard saves sloppy Blues December 20, 2009 CARLO ANCELOTTI admitted his Chelsea side were feeling the pressure of a hectic winter schedule after being held by London rivals West Ham in a tale of two penalties. Alessandro Diamanti’s spot-kick on the stroke of half-time gave the Hammers a deserved lead before Frank Lampard rescued the Blues with a thrice-taken penalty after Matthew [...]
I didn’t see the axe coming, insists betrayed boss Hughes December 20, 2009 MARK HUGHES hit back at Manchester City chiefs last night, insisting he was given no warning of his ruthless sacking. Hughes’ 18-month reign as City boss came to an end after Saturday’s 4-3 victory over Sunderland with the club’s billionaire Arabic owners announcing Roberto Mancini as his successor. On reflection, Hughes’ demeanour during Saturday’s match [...]
Bosses round on ‘moaning drain’ Wenger December 17, 2009 PREMIER League managers last night rounded on “moaning” Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger following his latest outburst on weakened sides and fixture congestion. Stoke City boss Tony Pulis accused Wenger of “moaning like a drain” after the Gunners chief hit out over Wolves’ decision to field a second-string side at Manchester United on Tuesday night. Then, [...]
No festive joy for shaky Hammers against Blues December 17, 2009 WEST HAM vs CHELSEA SUNDAY, 4.00PM SKY SPORTS 1 THE Premier League has been something of a baptism of fire for Gianfranco Zola and he has certainly suffered more than his fair share of bad luck. Financial crises and key injuries have caused big problems for the Hammers and the way they capitulated at Bolton [...]
Lampard’s spot on for Blues December 16, 2009 CHELSEA (2) VS PORTSMOUTH (1) FRANK LAMPARD rediscovered his range from the penalty spot to help Chelsea regain their three-point lead at the top of the Premier League. Lampard suffered a rare miss from the spot 11 days ago, culminating in a 2-1 defeat at Manchester City. But the England midfielder made no mistake this [...]
United cruise as sad Wolves December 15, 2009 MANCHESTER UTD (3) VS WOLVES (0) MANCHESTER UNITED moved level on points with Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table – but the spotlight was focused on Wolves chief Mick McCarthy for his controversial team selection. McCarthy made no fewer than 10 changes from the side which surprisingly beat Tottenham at White Hart [...]
High-flying Milner guides Villa to third December 15, 2009 SUNDERLAND (0) VS ASTON VILLA (2) ENGLAND hopefuls Emile Heskey and James Milner ensured Aston Villa moved up to third in the Premier League table after comfortable win at Sunderland. Heskey broke the deadlock for the visitors on 24 minutes before Milner sealed an impressive win for Martin O’Neill’s side with a superb 25-yard strike [...]
Broad and Anderson shun IPL riches for Ashes assault December 14, 2009 SEAM duo Stuart Broad and James Anderson have turned their backs on the big-money lure of the Indian Premier League in order to help steer England into a glorious new era. Broad, 23, seen by many as the natural successor to all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, shunned the chance to join the world’s elite in the spring [...]
Gunners warned to keep feet on the ground December 14, 2009 ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger has warned his side must keep their feet on the ground if they are to stay in touch in the Premier League title race. The Gunners came from behind to beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield on Sunday – a result which moved them back up to third in the table, just [...]
It’s all Gold for Hammers as ex-City duo lodge £50m bid December 14, 2009 FORMER Birmingham City co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan stepped up their expected takeover of struggling West Ham last night by lodging a formal £50m bid. The Hammers are seeking new owners following the bankruptcy of Icelandic chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, while shirt sponsors, the XL holiday company, also went out of business. Gold, meanwhile, has [...]