Ancelotti’s made us patient and so deadly, insists Ballack September 21, 2009 CHELSEA midfielder Michael Ballack believes their ruthless start to the season stems from a fresh approach instilled by new boss Carlo Ancelotti. The Blues have gained maximum points from their opening six Premier League matches, setting a record 11th straight win in the process and bagging 15 goals to boot. The German has excelled [...]
Sir Bobby honoured at star-studded memorial September 21, 2009 STARS flocked to Durham cathedral yesterday for a moving tribute to former England manager Sir Bobby Robson, who died in July after a battle with cancer. Gary Lineker and Paul Gascoigne, key figures in Robson’s 1990 World Cup squad, were joined at the service by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and current England head [...]
Zola hoping Franco factor gives Hammers cup boost September 21, 2009 NEW West Ham signing Guillermo Franco is set to be thrust into action as Gianfranco Zola looks to ignite his side’s stuttering start to the season in the Carling Cup. The Hammers have struggled thus far in the Premier League, winning one from five, and sit just above the drop zone on goal difference. Franco, [...]
Drogba dazzles but injury mars milestone victory September 20, 2009 CHELSEA manager Carlo Ancelotti insists his side can cope without Didier Drogba after the talismanic striker was carried off in the win over London rivals Tottenham. Drogba continued his impressive early season form, setting up Ashley Cole for the opener and scoring himself to seal a club-record 11th successive Premier League victory that keeps Chelsea [...]
Chelsea can continue amazing home record September 17, 2009 CHELSEA vs TOTTENHAMSunday 4pm, Sky Sports 1 CHELSEA V BOLTON, Saturday 13th December 2003, won’t resonate with most football fans, but that was the last time Chelsea tasted defeat in the league at Stamford Bridge against non Big Four opposition. They are now unbeaten at home against such teams in an astonishing 91 Premier League [...]
United easier without Ron, taunts Micah September 17, 2009 MANCHESTER CITY defender Micah Richards has fanned the flames ahead of Sunday’s local derby by insisting Manchester United miss Cristiano Ronaldo. United sit second in the Premier League but have yet to find top gear this season, since selling £80m winger Ronaldo to Real Madrid over the summer. And Richards believes that makes them ripe [...]
SPORT IN BRIEF September 17, 2009 Four-midable Hagen marches onCYCLING: Norway’s Edvald Boasson Hagen swept to his fourth successive stage win to extend his lead in the Tour of Britain. The Team Columbia finished ahead of Martin Reimer and Britain’s Russell Downing to claim the sixth stage, from Frome to Bideford to extend his overall lead to 19 seconds. Stage seven [...]
Early hurdles cleared just September 16, 2009 IT’S crucially important to get a good start in the Champions League group stages, but it is also devilishly difficult – as English teams ably demonstrated this week. All won, but by a single goal, and all made heavy weather of games that, on paper at least, looked straightforward. Arsenal particularly will analyse their poor [...]
Blues chief exec Kenyon to leave role next month September 16, 2009 CHELSEA chief executive Peter Kenyon will leave his full-time role at the end of October, after six years at the forefront of the most successful spell in the club’s history. The Blues said yesterday that Kenyon, 55, would retain a role as non-executive director and continue to represent the Premier League leaders on European committees. [...]
Ancelotti laughs off European pressure September 14, 2009 CHELSEA manager Carlo Ancelotti insists his survival at Stamford Bridge does not depend on delivering the club’s first European Cup. Ancelotti, who has lifted the trophy twice as a player and twice as a coach, begins his first Champions League campaign as Blues boss tonight against Porto. The Italian’s European pedigree was one of the [...]