Football news round-up 16-22 Nov

Sunday 22 November 2009

Chelsea remain five points clear of Manchester United at the top of the Premier League after a convincing 4-0 win at home against Wolves. Michael Essien was the star of the show, scoring twice, while Florent Malouda and England's Joe Cole completed the rout.

United were more than happy to keep up with the pace, though, after beating Everton 3-0 at Old Trafford, Darren Fletcher with the pick of the goals.

But Arsenal’s title hopes suffered a blow as Darren Bent’s late strike proved enough to secure a 1-0 victory for Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. The day’s other big match saw Liverpool and Manchester City draw 2-2 at Anfield.

The game of the day was at the KC Stadium, where Hull City and West Ham played out a 3-3 thriller. Elsewhere in the top flight, Birmingham beat Fulham 1-0, and Burnley drew 1-1 with Aston Villa.

But there was some unfortunate news as it emerged Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce will miss his side’s next three League games as he requires an operation on a coronary artery. And there was also sad news from Cardiff City, when it was announced Stephen McPhail, their 29-year-old midfielder, is to undergo treatment for a form of cancer, stage one MALT lymphoma.

On the pitch, West Brom gave notice of their credentials in the Championship with an impressive 4-1 win at home to Bristol City that sees them go a point clear of Newcastle, who have a game in hand.

Andy King’s injury-time winner saw Leicester move up to third after they beat Plymouth 1-0, and there were also wins for Reading, Sheffield United, Watford and Barnsley.

Leeds United are now six points clear at the top of League One after inflicting a first defeat of Gus Poyet’s reign as Brighton boss, winning 3-0 on the south coast.

Second-placed Charlton drew 1-1 at Yeovil, while the day’s surprise result came at Millwall, who saw their bid for a play-off place derailed as Wycombe – whop were bottom of the table going into the game – stunned their hosts by winning 2-0 at the New Den,.

Bournemouth have moved back to top spot in League Two after their 2-1 win at Macclesfield. That was because the game of the day saw leaders Dagenham and Redbridge host Rochdale – and it was the visitors who won 2-1, leapfrogging Dagenham, who drop to third.

Oxford United are still the team to beat in the Vauxhall Conference as James Constable ensured his side bounced back from their loss to Kidderminster by winning 1-0 at home to Barrow.

Stevenage Borough are still hot on their trail, though, and remain five points behind after winning 1-0 at Forest Green.

Saturday 21 November 2009

A penalty from Lee Barnard secured a dramatic stoppage-time win for Southend against high-flying MK Dons at Roots Hall. The visitors took the lead early through Sam Baldock but and own goals from striker Aaron Wilbraham levelled for Southend. Barnard stepped up to seal a dramatic win from the spot after Dean Lewington had fouled Francis Laurent

Federico Bessone's late left-foot strike broke Derby County's resistance and sent Swansea City into third place in the Championship. Swans boss Paulo Sousa said: "It was a fantastic goal with great quality. We probably had 70% possession. It's not easy to win these games when one team only defends. We have a long way to go, but I think we are getting closer to the right match routine."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has denied reports that goalkeeper Ben Foster is leaving Old Trafford in January. The England stopper The 26-year-old started the season as the club's number one but is now behind Edwin van der Sar and Tomasz Kuszczak. Ferguson said: "He is definitely staying. He will be a terrific keeper."

Tottenham goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini left hospital after undergoing wrist and pelvic surgery, but is unlikely to play again this season. The 36-year-old Italian fractured both his wrists and injured his pelvis in a motorcycle accident last week. "I think he will be out for the rest of the season," said Spurs boss Harry Redknapp.

The French Football Federation turns down the Republic of Ireland's request for a replay of their controversial World Cup play-off game. An FFF statement said "The federation never sought to deny the refereeing error which saw the equalising French goal allowed. At the end of the match and because French football itself has suffered in the past by events of a similar nature, the FFF management expressed their regrets and sympathy to their Irish counterparts. The FIFA decision is binding and applies to both federations."

Barcelona players Yaya Toure and Eric Abidal are put in isolation after contracting swine flu and will miss the Primera Liga clash with Athletic Bilbao on Saturday night. "We'll get through this," said Barca boss Pep Guardiola. "We knew a lot of people have it and we were at risk. Now it has arrived here and we have to make sure it doesn't spread which is why we have isolated them."

Friday 20 November 2009

Scotland have been confirmed among the third seeds for February's Euro 2012 draw. The Scots failed to reach the World Cup and have slipped to the 26th best side in Europe. England are among the nine top seeds while Wales are in Pot Four - both could face Scotland, the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland, who are all seeded third.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits he is relieved with the good news concerning Keiran Gibbs' injury. The England Under-21 star limped out of the Euro 2011 qualifier in Lithuania on Tuesday. Wenger said: "It was feared he had broken a metatarsal but it is much better news. He could be fit for the Champions League match with Standard Liege on Tuesday."

Burnley goalkeeper Brian Jensen will not give up on his World Cup dream. The 34-year-old Dane has vowed to fight for his place in the squad for South Africa next summer. Jensen, yet to earn a cap for his country, said: "At the moment I'm probably fifth choice from his point of view, but hopefully I can fight my way into the squad. It will be my last chance, but fingers crossed I will do enough at the end of the season. Only time will tell."

Rafael Benitez has told Alberto Aquilani to be patient in his pursuit of a first start for Liverpool. The Italian midfielder has struggled with injuries following his summer move from Roma and is likely to start on the bench for the visit of Manchester City on Saturday. Manager Benitez said: "Alberto wants to play for us and he is so desperate to be involved as quickly as he can but he understands the reasons he cannot start yet."

Meanwhile, Craig Bellamy, who hopes to start at Anfield, reckons persistent knee injuries has given him around two more years left in the game. The Welshman, 30, said: "Maybe I've got one or two years at the most and it'll be all over before I know it, so I'm just enjoying it."

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti says he will put his faith in youth when the African Nations kicks off in January. Didier Drogba, Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel could be away for up to a month but Ancelotti is unfazed. "We have two boys with a great future: Daniel Sturridge and Fabio Borini," said Ancelotti.

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Hans-Jorg Butt admits this weekend's Bundesliga clash against leaders Bayer Leverkusen could define their season. Bayern are eighth, six points off the pace, but could move up to second if results go their way. Former Leverkusen goalkeeper Butt said: "There can be no excuses - Leverkusen is a direct rival, we are playing at home and we have got to win."

Blackburn midfielder Steven Reid has joined Queens Park Rangers on a month's loan. QPR manager Jim Magilton said: "Steven's arrival will give everyone a lift and hopefully help us kick on over the coming weeks."

Thursday 19 November 2009

The Republic of Ireland suffered play-off heartache as they drew 1-1 against France in Paris to miss out on a place in the World Cup Finals. Robbie Keane put the Irish ahead to level the scores after they lost 1-0 in the first leg in Dublin. But a controversial extra-time goal from William Gallas, after Thierry Henry had appeared to handle the ball, sent Giovanni Trapattoni’s men out.
 
A goal form Antar Yahia in the 40th minute was enough to give Algeria a place in the World Cup Finals as they beat Egypt 1-0.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal will also be there. The Real Madrid man wasn’t fit for his country’s play-off tie against Bosnia but Portugal still won 1-0 with a goal from Jose Raul Meireles in Zenica.
 
Slovenia are through, too, after beating Russia 1-0 while Greece pulled off a shock to go through with a 1-0 victory in Ukraine. Dimitris Salpigidis scored the clincher.
 
European champions Spain once again proved their quality in a friendly against Austria by winning 5-1 in Vienna. Cesc Fabreas was among the goalscorers. But Germany were held 2-2 by the Ivory Coast, saved only by a late goal from Lukas Podolski. Meanwhile Denmark beat the USA 3-1 and Italy won 1-0 against Sweden.
 
Croatian striker Eduardo,26, has signed a new long-term contract at Arsenal.

Wednesday 18 November 2009

Dave Kitson has signed for Middlesbrough after agreeing a two-month loan deal with the Teessiders. The Stoke City striker has scored just two goals in 25 Premier League games since his £5.5m move from Reading in the summer of 2008.

Christopher Samba has pledged his future to Blackburn Rovers after extending his stay at Ewood Park until 2014.  The 25-year-old defender joined Rovers for £400,000 from Hertha Berlin in January 2007.

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is set to start against Manchester City on Saturday after recovering from a troublesome groin problem.

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to resume training with Real Madrid on Friday after stepping up his recovery from an ankle injury. The £80m man sustained the blow against Marseille in the Champions League on 30 September and has been forced to miss the last nine matches.

Bruce Grobbelaar could be in line for a shock return to action with non-League side Winterbourne United. The former Liverpool keeper has been asked to play in a one-off cup tie against local rivals Patchway by club boss and former team-mate Nicky Tanner.

Weymouth have accepted an offer for the club from a consortium headed by local businessman Chris Ryan.  The move will help the Conference South side avoid liquidation with the deal expected to be finalised later this week.

Histon have completed the loan signing of Tottenham starlet Sam Cox. The 19-year-old midfielder will join the Conference club for an initial one-month spell following the sale of Josh Simpson to Peterborough.

Salisbury City have agreed to extend the loan spells of QPR duo Lee Brown and Joe Oastler. The talented teenagers will remain with the Conference club until 20 December after impressing during their two-month spell.

Tuesday 17 November 2009

George Burley has been dismissed as Scotland manager after just under two years in the job. His assistants, Terry Butcher and Paul Hegarty, have also been sacked.

Arsenal have dismissed reports that star striker Robin van Persie could miss the rest of the season with the ankle injury he sustained on international duty for Holland at the weekend. A club statement revealed: “Van Persie will be out of action for approximately six weeks.”

England striker Carlton Cole, who missed the international against Brazil due to a hamstring strain, is on course for a return from injury this weekend when West Ham face Hull City.

Stoke City forward James Beattie is also confident the international break will have solved his knee problems. Beattie said: “I keep picking niggles up on my knee. Hopefully in this two-week break, we can get rid of the injury and kick on.”

Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie has appeared in court accused of one count of cheating the public revenue between July 1, 2003 and November 28, 2007. He was bailed to appear at Southwark Crown Court in January next year.

Conference side Kettering Town have replaced Peterborough-bound Mark Cooper with goalkeeper Lee Harper as player-manager until the end of the season.

Former England, Morecambe, Blackpool, Preston and Wrexham centre-forward Ray Charnley has died aged 74.

New Lincoln manager Chris Sutton is waiting to learn if he will face any further punishment after being sent off from the touchline in the weekend game against Cheltenham, which featured four red cards including Sutton’s.

Former Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini has admitted he wants his next job to be in England. He said: “I've annulled my deal with Inter because I want to come back coaching. Where? I'd prefer the Premiership.”

Monday 16 November 2009

Fabio Capello reckons five-time winners Brazil will be the team to beat at next summer's World Cup. Brazil beat England 1-0 in a friendly in Doha on Saturday and Capello said: "Spain are really good technically. They pass the ball a lot. But they are not as strong and they don't defend as well as Brazil. I think Brazil are very difficult to beat."
 
Despite Capello's ringing endorsement of the Brazilians, England captain John Terry is convinced the team can compete with the best the world has to offer. "We have to look at our own strengths and qualities and I think we can mix it with the best sides in the world. Listen, Brazil has got their weaknesses, like we have," Terry said.
 
Brazilian maestro Kaka reckons David Beckham should play in next summer's World Cup. Beckham will move to AC Milan next year for a loan spell in a bid to keep his hopes of making the England squad alive. Kaka, who used to play for Milan, said: "There is no-one else with the experience and quality of Beckham. He would help England at the World Cup."
 
Argentina manager Diego Maradona has been suspended for two months from any football-related activity. The ban is punishment for his comments to critics following Argentina's 1-0 victory over Uruguay last month, which sealed his country's place in the World Cup. Maradona, 49, has also been fined £14, 800. He will return to coach Argentina on 16 January.
 
Arsenal striker Robin van Persie injured ankle ligaments in Holland's 0-0 draw against Italy on Saturday. He could be out for up to three months.
 
Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni is convinced his side can still reach the World Cup. France will take a 1-0 advantage to Paris on Wednesday but Trapattoni said: "There is another great opportunity in Paris because France have conceded many goals away and also at home."
 
England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce thinks Arsenal star Kieran Gibbs has a lot to offer The Three Lions. Gibbs was deployed in a more advanced role in England's Euro 2011 qualifying victory against Portugal on Saturday and Pearce said: "There is more to come from Kieran and we will get more out of him on Tuesday in Lithuania, if selected."
 
Tottenham are confident Carlo Cudicini will make a full recovery from his motorcycle accident. The goalkeeper broke both wrists and his pelvis but Spurs were given a boost on Sunday when doctors told them the Italian's condition is improving.
 
Portsmouth are confident their transfer embargo will be lifted by the middle of the week. Minority owner Sulaiman Al-Fahim said: "We met with financial advisors of the consortium and the threat of the petition on the club is no longer there."
 
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson says he would welcome the chance to extend his contract at Fulham. His current deal expires at the end of the season and the former Inter Milan manager said: "If I could feel they really want to continue along these lines, and they want me to be the man to do it, I don't have itchy feet at all."
 
Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic will step up his comeback from a calf injury this week. The Serbian defender will play in a friendly against South Korea in a bid to be fit in time for the visit of Everton on Saturday. Vidic played 45 minutes in Serbia's 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland on Saturday.
 
Gus Poyet's first managerial job has begun brightly. His Brighton side beat Southampton 3-1 at St Mary's on Sunday. The Seagulls moved up to 19th in League One as Poyet celebrated his 42nd birthday in style.