Football news round-up 7-13 Sep

Sunday 13 September

Chelsea kept their 100 per cent record and extended their lead at the top of the Premier League after a late striker from Florent Malouda gave them Blues a 2-1 win at Stoke. Didier Drogba had earlier equalised Abdoulaye Faye’s opener for Stoke.

Manchester City also have maximum points after their 4-2 win over Arsenal, which moved them into third place. Emanuel Adebayor scored against his former side but was booked for his excessive celebration.

Manchester United came from behind to win 3-1 at Tottenham and move into second place. England striker Jermain Defoe put Spurs ahead in the first minute, but England team-mate Wayne Rooney scored a brilliant solo goal after Ryan Giggs and Anderson scored for United.

West Brom went top of the Championship and kept up their unbeaten record after coming from behind to win 3-1 at Plymouth. Middlesbrough are close behind after beating Roy Keane’s struggling Ipswich side 3-1.

Charlton moved above Leeds at the top of League One despite losing their 100 per cent record when they were held to a draw by Southampton. Leeds had drawn at Southend the night before.

Sammy Igoe scored twice as Bournemouth went top of League Two with a 3-1 win over Lincoln. Dagenham and Redbridge are second after being held to a 1-1 draw at Cheltenham.

Oxford maintained their lead at the top of the Conference Premier with a 1-0 win at Wrexham, with James Constable scoring the game’s only goal.

In Scotland, Celtic missed a chance to overtake Rangers at the top of the table when they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Dundee United. Rangers had a goalless draw at Motherwell.

England and Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves could be back in action next month after missing most of last season with a knee problem.

Saturday 12 September

Carlos Tevez faces a race against time to be fit for next week’s Manchester derby after injuring his knee on international duty with Argentina. Manchester City boss Mark Hughes said: “The Argentine medical people said it would be two or three weeks. We think it might be less than that but he is a doubt for the derby next week.”

Chelsea’s Portuguese international midfielder Deco has been ruled out of his team’s game against Stoke after injuring his calf. But he hopes to be fit to face Porto in the Champions League in midweek.

Leeds United were held to a goalless draw at Southend United in League One but it was enough to take them to the top of the table above Charlton. In League Two Accrington Stanley beat Darlington 2-1 thanks to a late goal from Billy Kee. Andy Proctor had earlier put the home side ahead before Kevin Gall equalized The result leaves Darlington bottom of the table.

Mexico striker Guillermo Franco is set to sign for West Ham, subject to a medical. The former Villarreal player is a free agent.

Ryan Babel has been told he will not be allowed to go out on loan despite his frustration at being left out of the first team this season. Manager Rafa Benitez said: “I will talk to Ryan. But I do not want him going on loan, he needs to work and fight for his place here.”

Robert Green has won praise from West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola for his performance for England against Croatia and is being tipped to become his country’s regular number one. Zola said: "I am not surprised because I have been working with him for a year now and he is a player you can rely on. He is consistent and does so well for the team.”

Bradford City have allowed goalkeeper Matthew Convey to join Blue Square North side Hyde United on a month’s loan.

Forest Green Rovers of the Conference Premier have signed three players after appointing Dave Hockaday as their new manager. Wycombe midfielder Lewis Spence has arrived on loan with ex-Southampton defender Jeffrey Imudia and former Crystal Palace keeper David Wilkinson have also agreed terms.

In Scotland, Hibernian have signed former Celtic and Manchester United midfielder Liam Miller, 28,m on a two-year contract after he was released by QPR.

Friday 11 September

Andrey Arshavin is out of Arsenal’s games against Manchester City, Standard Liege and Wigan after aggravating a groin injury in Russia’s 3-1 World Cup Qualifying win against Wales in Cardiff on Wednesday night. The recurrence angered Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who said: "He did not play in Russia's first game, but played last night against Wales. He should not have played and is injured."

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has revealed he sold popular centre-half Danny Collins to Stoke because he thought there was a replacement coming in to the Stadium of Light. The versatile defender, 29, joined Tony Pulis’ Stoke for £3.3m, an offer Bruce admitted was “too good to turn down”.

Emile Heskey wants to play more often for his club, Aston Villa, and cement his place in the England side for next summer’s World Cup. Heskey was instrumental in England’s 5-1 thrashing of Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday night, but said: "I've got to get into the Villa team but I'm confident in my ability. I don't know why it hasn't gone so well at Villa.”

Tottenham defender Sebastien Bassong should play against Manchester United on Saturday despite missing Cameroon’s midweek clash against Gabon with a knee injury. Spurs are currently facing a defensive injury crisis but are hopeful that club captain Ledley King will also be fit to start against the Premier League champions.

Franck Queudrue says the Birmingham players are fired up for their derby clash with city-rivals Aston Villa at St Andrews on Sunday. "We all know exactly how the fans feel about this. They are on at us all the time about beating Villa,” said the Blues’ captain.

Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez says he will be taking a good look at Cameroon international Modeste M'Bami, who is on trial with the Latics. Martinez will let the 26-year-old former Marseille and Paris St Germain midfielder regain his fitness in training before making a judgement on whether to sign him permanently.

David Nugent has plenty to prove on his return to his hometown on Saturday, according to Burnley manager Owen Coyle. The on-loan striker, 24, makes his Premier League debut at Anfield against Liverpool, the club where he started his career, and Coyle said: “He has got a spring in his step, he wants to play, he wants to score goals and he has got a point to prove.”

Thursday 10 September

Scotland's World Cup hopes were left in tatters after George Burley’s side were defeated 1-0 by the Netherlands at Hampden Park. Elijero Elia’s strike coupled with Norway’s win over Macedonia saw the Scots miss out on second place and a potential play-off tie.

Northern Ireland's hopes of reaching the World Cup Finals suffered a setback after they tumbled to a 2-0 home defeat against Slovakia. Goals from Stanislav Sestak and Filip Holosko leaves Nigel Worthington’s men facing an uphill task to qualify from Group Three.

James Collins netted his second international goal for Wales but it was not enough to prevent John Toshack’s side from falling to a 3-1 home defeat against Russia. The visitors maintained their fine form under Guus Hiddink and remain just one point behind leaders Germany at the top of Group 4.

European champions Spain made it eight wins out of eight to book their place in South Africa. Vicente Del Bosque’s men thrashed Estonia 3-0 with Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas on the scoresheet.

Italy need just a point from their final two games to ensure they are able to defend their World title next summer. Fabio Grosso and Vicenzo Iaquinta gave Marcelo Lippi’s side a comfortable 2-0 win over Bulgaria.

Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky made his first competitive appearance in 20 months after completing 56 minutes of the Czech Republic’s 7-0 win over San Marino.

Peter Reid has left his role as national manager of Thailand after agreeing to become assistant manager of Stoke City.

Aston Villa defender Curtis Davies has undergone shoulder surgery and will be out of action for up to four months following the operation.

Tranmere Rovers have signed Grenada international striker Kithson Bain. Rovers manager John Barnes made the move for the 27-year-old following the forward’s impressive performances against Jamaica.

Mark Robins has left Rotherham to take up the post of manager at Championship side Barnsley. The 39-year-old replaces Simon Davey at Oakwell following the Yorkshire club’s poor start to the season.

Forest Green Rovers have named Dave Hockaday as their new manager following the departure of Jim Harvey. The 51-year-old was recommended after enjoying a successful coaching career with younger players at both Watford and Southampton.

Wednesday 9 September

Jamie Carragher says Liverpool are still making the Premier League title their number one priority despite a disappointing start to the season. The Reds have already lost two league games but Carragher maintained: “There is a long way to go.”

Kyle Lafferty could be out of Rangers’ UEFA Champions League opener next week as well as Northern Ireland’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Slovakia on Wednesday night. The Rangers striker has a knee injury.

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has injury concerns about two of his key men after Carlos Tevez and Robinho limped out Argentina’s clash with Brazil at the weekend. Tevez is out of City’s clash with Arsenal on Saturday and Robinho is also struggling to be fit.

Oxford United beat Luton Town 2-0 to go five points clear at the top of the Conference Premier on Tuesday night. Jamie Constable put Oxford ahead minutes after missing a penalty, and James Cook made it two to send Luton to their first defeat of the season, while the home side, watched by a crowd of over 10,000, are still unbeaten.

Everton could end up paying compensation to Leeds United of £1.5m for England U17 international Luke Garbutt, a tribunal has ruled. Everton must pay an initial £600,000 fee which could rise according to appearances and caps for the 16-year-old defender.

Liam Lawrence scored a stunning free-kick to give Republic of Ireland a confidence-boosting win over World Cup hosts South Africa in Limerick on Tuesday. The Stoke midfielder curled a beauty past Rowen Fernandez shortly before half-time in the friendly international.

Scotland’s main concern ahead of their make-or-break World Cup qualifier against Holland is the fitness of keeper Craig Gordon, who has a thigh injury. The Sunderland 'keeper is rated only 50/50 for the Glasgow clash against the Dutch, who have already qualified.

Southampton will be able to give Senegal strker Papa Waigo N’Diaye his debut this weekend after being give international clearance following his move from Fiorentina. The 25-year-old striker is on a season’s loan starting at Charlton on Saturday.

Tuesday 8 September

Marcello Lippi is not unduly worried with Italy's lacklustre World Cup qualifying campaign. The Azzurri are one point ahead of the Republic of Ireland in Group Eight but Italy coach Lippi has been criticised for the team's lack of a cutting edge. Ahead of Wednesday's clash against Bulgaria, Lippi said: "This is our story - in qualifying we have never shined."

Ghana star Michael Essien has revealed his delight at helping his country reach the World Cup. The Black Stars have booked their place in next summer's showdown in South Africa and Chelsea midfielder Essien, 26, said:  "What a fantastic feeling to be the first African country to qualify for the first World Cup to be staged in Africa. It is special for us."

David Nugent hopes his move to Burnley will see him rediscover the type of form that propelled him into England reckoning. Nugent scored on his England debut against Andorra in 2007 but he has fallen off the radar since. He is at Burnley for an initial six months and hopes he still has a future with The Three Lions. Nugent said: "I've played for my country and hopefully I can start playing well and get a recall. I've got to work really hard and prove people wrong first."

Former England captain Terry Butcher has hailed Scotland manager George Burley for taking Scotland to within 90 minutes of a World Cup play-off place. A 2-0 victory over Macedonia on Saturday has given Scotland hope and Burley's men need to beat the Netherlands on Wednesday to stand a chance of making the play-offs. Assistant manager Butcher said:  "George is a strong character. I didn't realise how tough the job was but, having seen George in it, he has handled it very well."

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has promised the fans he will help fund a new stadium when the economic situation improves. Liverpool need around £500million to build a new home but Hicks is set to earn £450million from the sale of his baseball franchise Texas Rangers.  "Liverpool will obtain stadium financing when the financial market opens back up. We have all of our permits and will be ready when the market is ready," Hicks said.

Crystal Palace almost lost rising star Victor Moses on the final day of the transfer window, according to Eagles manager Neil Warnock. He said:  "I spoke to three or four Premier League clubs about Victor on Tuesday. What I think will happen now is they look at him and make a decision on him by Christmas."

Stewart Gilmour has stepped down as St Mirren chairman. A consortium including the Scottish club's board members has been set up and a 52 per cent stake in the club is available. Gilmour said: "There's a fresh input required of finance and, more importantly, energy."

Former Manchester United assistant Brian Kidd has been appointed technical development manager at Manchester City. Kidd, 60, played for City in the 1970s and will coach the academy and run the in-service training of the staff.

Non-League Grays Athletic are holding interviews for a new manager. Current boss Gary Phillips has not been sacked and he is among the list of applicants. Athletic have had 12 managers in the past three years and current boss Phillips said: "I'd like to finish what I've started here, I've been here a little while now and thoroughly enjoyed it, so fingers crossed something will come out of it."

TRANSFER TALK: West ham target Luca Toni says he wants to remain at Bayern Munich - but admits he will consider his options if he is not playing regularly once fit; Motherwell have snapped up highly rated Ross County starlet Ryan Scanlon; Blackburn chairman John Williams says replacing Stephen Warnock with Pascal Chimbonda has filled a hole in the club's wage bill and Holland coach Bert van Marwijk has backed Rafael van der Vaart's decision to remain at Real Madrid.

Monday 7 September

The England Women's team have reached the Final of the European Championship for the first time since 1984 after a dramatic extra-time victory over Holland. Jill Scott headed home five minutes from time to seal a 2-1 win.

Emile Heskey says his rivalry with Jermain Defoe, for a place in Fabio Capello’s starting line-up, is driving both to new heights when playing for England. “We're in competition but it's good competition. It puts you on your toes knowing you've got to do well," he said.

Wales have been rocked by the news that Jason Koumas has decided to retire from international football. The 29-year-old has scored ten goals in his 34 appearances for his country.

Scotland forward Kenny Miller is adamant his side can beat Holland in Wednesday’s must-win clash, using past victories over both the Dutch and France as inspiration. “We’ve done it before, so there’s no reason we can’t do it again,” said Miller.

Arsenal have been dealt a blow after it was revealed defender Johan Djourou will be out for six months with a knee injury. Arsene Wenger had thought the Swiss centre-back would only be sidelined for a month but the damage is worse than first feared.

Robbie Keane is confident Republic of Ireland can beat Italy and top their World Cup Qualifying Group. "If we get second, so be it, that would be great. But we certainly want to win the group, and there's no reason why we can't,” said the Tottenham striker, who scored the winner in Saturday’s victory over Cyprus.

Northern Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty looks set to miss Wednesday’s crucial World Cup Qualifier against Slovakia due to a knee injury.

David James believes Portsmouth can avoid relegation this season. "I know a lot of people are expecting us to struggle and I've hear the pundits say it is a foregone conclusion that we will be relegated,” the England goalkeeper told The Observer. “But I remember the same things being said the year I joined Portsmouth. It all feels a bit like starting over."

Wesley Sneijder is winning his fitness battle to face Scotland on Wednesday. The midfielder injured his ankle in Holland’s 3-0 friendly victory over Japan.

Lincoln vice-chairman Bob Dorrian has suggested the club could look to either Kettering’s Mark Cooper or Cambridge’s Gary Brabin as the club’s new manager. "Gary Brabin's exactly the type of manager we're interested in,” said Dorrian. “Cooper's under contract at Kettering but they both fit the criteria of the type of manager we'd like to recruit."