Sunday 29 November 2009
Wayne Rooney’s hat-trick inspired Manchester United to a 4-1 victory against bottom-of-the-table Portsmouth in Avram Grant’s first game in charge at Fratton Park.
Ryan Giggs scored the other goal for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side as they kept up the pressure on Premier League leaders Chelsea, who visit Arsenal on Sunday.
Elsewhere,
West Ham beat Burnley 5-3 in a pulsating clash at Upton Park. Five different scorers put the Hammers 5-0 before Burnley clawed three goals back but were unable to complete a memorable comeback.
And Manchester City played out an astonishing seventh draw in a row at home to Hull City. Shaun Wright-Phillips put Mark Hughes’ side ahead on the stroke of half-time but
Jimmy Bullard’s late penalty rescued a point for the visitors.
Elsewhere in a day that saw four draws in the Premier League,
Wigan bounced back from last weekend’s humiliation at Tottenham with a 1-0 win against Sunderland, Aston Villa drew 1-1 with Spurs, Fulham 1-1 at home to Bolton, and neither side could break the deadlock at Ewood Park in a 0-0 draw between Blackburn and Stoke.
The story of the day in the Championship was Marlon Harewood’s double in
Newcastle’s 3-0 victory over Swansea.
Newcastle stay top ahead of
West Brom, who won 4-0 at Sheffield Wednesday; while down on the South coast Plymouth’s clash with Barnsley was postponed after 58 minutes due to a waterlogged pitch with the visitors 4-1 up.
There were no fixtures in
League One because of The FA Cup while Macclesfield and Grimsby drew 0-0 in the only game in League Two.
Barcelona midfielder
Xavi has urged his team-mates to exhibit their attacking flair against Real Madrid on Sunday evening. The two Spanish giants clash in ‘El Classico’ and Xavi said: “We have to try and dominate possession and play like we know how, which is to go forward. We want to play our own game and maintain the style that has brought us good results so far.”
Arsenal striker
Robin Van Persie could be out for up to five months. The Dutch international sustained the injury while playing in a friendly against Italy but early indications showed the injury was not as bad as first feared. But a scan has revealed Van Persie now requires surgery on his injury and a statement released by Arsenal said: “The club’s medical team anticipate that a full recovery will take between four and five months.”
FIFA vice president
Jack Warner has backed England’s bid to host the World Cup in 2018. Warner, head of the Concacaf union of North American and Caribbean football associations, said: “England has the best infrastructure to stage the tournament. After a 52-year gap this is England’s time.”
Everton manager
David Moyes has urged his team to show grit and determination in order to win the 212th Merseyside derby. Moyes’ men, four points off the relegation zone, are in need of a victory against their bitter rivals Liverpool and the Scot said: “Our biggest strengths are our character, our spirit and our endeavour. When the players cross that white line they need to take responsibility.”
Saturday 28 November 2009
Arsene Wenger has revealed Kieran Gibbs will be out of action for three months at least, after surgery on Friday morning on a broken metatarsal. The Arsenal and England Under-21 full-back was injured in the 2-0 victory over against Standard Liege on Tuesday and will be one of several Arsenal stars missing from Sunday’s derby against Chelsea.
But Chelsea have been boosted by the return to fitness of England midfielder Frank Lampard..The Chelsea midfielder picked up a thigh injury on England duty a fortnight ago, but manager Carlo Ancelotti said: “He is fit and ready to play.”
Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Avram Grant to keep Portsmouth in the Premier League. Manchester United will be Grant’s first opponents, after taking over from Paul Hart at Fratton Park, when the two teams meet on Saturday.
Fulham defender Brede Hangeland has followed manager Roy Hodgson’s example and committed his future to the club. The Norwegian defender, a target for a host of leading clubs, signed a new contract until 2013.
Harry Redknapp says England striker Jermain Defoe has been ‘buzzing’ in training this week since his five-goal haul against Wigan last week. The Spurs striker is the Premier League’s top scorer, with 11 goals, and Redknapp says: “We’re hoping he can score again at Aston Villa this weekend.”
England defender Matthew Upson is out of West Ham’s clash with Burnley because of a hamstring injury, but manager Gianfranco Zola expects his skipper to be back in action soon.
Garry O’Connor of Birmingham City could be out for at least three months after learning he needs surgery on a hip problem. The Scotland striker has played only a handful of games since having groin surgery that has led to the hip problem.
Valencia have admitted they are likely to sell David Villa in the January transfer window, putting some of Europe’s leading clubs on red alert. The Spain striker is said to be wanted by Chelsea, Manchester United and City, but may choose to stay in Spain with either Real Madrid or Barcelona.
Paul Gascoigne is back at Newcastle United working with the youth team and academy scholars. The former England and Spurs star began his career with Newcastle, his hometown club, and has been offered a coaching role by former team-mate Peter Beardsley.
Friday 27 November 2009
Portsmouth have confirmed that Avram Grant is to become their next manager. Grant will take charge of his first game against Manchester United on Saturday after Paul Hart was relieved of his duties. Portsmouth Chief Executive Peter Storrie said: "Avram is a very experienced and respected manager, who has managed at the highest level. The Board believes he is the man to help steer the club out of the relegation zone."
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has agreed a new deal to remain at Craven Cottage. Hodgson, 62, said: "I spoke to the chairman and it's not been a difficult discussion. I can't put a timescale on it but we are basically in agreement." Influential defender Brede Hangerland is also set to commit his future to the club.
Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic admits he has no intentions of leaving Old Trafford and wants to help the club win more trophies. Vidic is under contract until 2012 and said: "I have never said I want to go and play in another country. Other people have spoken or written about it and I am not happy with that. If I could be one of the bases on which a new team is built I would be very happy."
Sunderland have received a major boost after learning Darren Bent could be fit to face Wigan this weekend. Bent picked up a hamstring strain during the 1-0 win over Arsenal, but manager Steve Bruce said: “The scans have revealed that there is no real tear there, so it was probably a matter of cramp and tightness. We will see how he is on Friday, but that would obviously be a huge boost to us all if I have got him available."
Everton admit they would consider a ground-share with rivals Liverpool after having plans for a new £400m stadium rejected by the local government. Everton Chief Executive Robert Elstone said: "It's certainly one of the options that we will need to cover. We are going to look forward and look forward positively. A shared stadium is perhaps an option if it's affordable."
Burnley manager Owen Coyle admits he is keen to complete the permanent signing of on-loan striker David Nugent from Portsmouth in January. Coyle said: "David Nugent has been a breath of fresh air since he came here and I want him here permanently. There are a number of factors to be looked at but what I would say in terms of David as a lad and a player, I am absolutely thrilled with how he has done."
Bolton have suffered a major blow after manager Gary Megson revealed that midfielder Sean Davis could be struggling to play again this season. Davis has been struggling with a knee injury and Megson said: "Sean is going to be out for a long spell but whether it will be for the season only time will tell. It will be touch and go."
Derby have completed the loan signing of Leicester striker DJ Campbell. Manager Nigel Clough beat off competition from Sheffield Wednesday to bring him to Pride Park. Meanwhile, Wednesday have since signed Warren Feeney from Cardiff on a month's loan. The Northern Ireland striker is hoping to make his debut against West Brom on Saturday, subject to international clearance being received in time.
Thursday 26 November 2009
Manchester United suffered their first home defeat in the Champions League in 23 matches after going down 1-0 to Besiktas at Old Trafford. United, who have already qualified for the next stage, had not lost since Milan triumphed in February 2005.
Chelsea ensured they qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League following a 1-0 win over Porto. Nicolas Anelka scored the only goal of the game to give Carlo Ancelotti’s men all three points in Portugal.
Hull City survived a late Everton onslaught to record a precious 3-2 win at the KC Stadium. The hosts raced into a three-goal lead with Stephen Hunt, Andy Dawson and Dean Marney all scoring before the break. The visitors fought back in the second half and but an own-goal by Kamil Zayatte and a Louis Saha penalty were not enough to salvage a point for David Moyes’ side.
Clint Dempsey scored twice as Fulham eased to a 3-0 victory over Blackburn at Craven Cottage. Erik Nevland fired the hosts ahead just before the break before Dempsey’s double lifted Fulham up to 10th in the Premier League table.
Alex Song has pledged his future to Arsenal after signing a five-year deal with the club. The Cameroon international will stay with the Gunners until 2014 after enjoying a successful spell at Emirates Stadium.
Frank Lampard is set to make a shock return for Chelsea’s London derby clash at Arsenal on Sunday. The England star had been ruled out for up to a month with a thigh problem but is now expected to figure in manager Carlo Ancelotti’s plans.
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to action as a second-half substitute as Real Madrid saw off FC Zurich 1-0 in the Champions League. The £80m man, who has missed the last ten matches with injury, has not featured since the home clash with Marseille on 30 September.
Aldershot have signed Bristol City striker Marlon Jackson on a one-month loan deal. The 18-year-old, who previously enjoyed a loan spell at Hereford earlier in the season, is new boss Kevin Dillon’s first signing.
Kettering Town defender Exodus Geohaghon has joined Championship side Peterborough United on a month’s loan with a view to a permanent move. The 24-year-old will link up with former boss Mark Cooper, who replaced Darren Ferguson at London Road earlier this month.
Lewes sneaked through to the first round of The FA Carlsberg Trophy with a 1-0 victory over Conference South rivals Eastleigh at the Dripping Pan. Dan Royce scored the winner midway through the first half to earn his side a tie at Hampton & Richmond Borough in the next round.
Wednesday 25 November 2009
Steven Gerrard has set his sights on winning the Europa League after Liverpool were knocked out of the Champions League last night, despite winning 1-0 in Hungary against Debrecen with a goal from David Ngog. Fiorentina’s victory over Lyon means Liverpool can no longer finish in the top two in Group E. Gerrard said: “It’s disappointing we’re out, the main prize is gone. But we’re in the Europa League and hopefully we’ll go on and win that.”
Rafa Benitez has been told by club managing director Christian Purslow his job is safe at Liverpool despite their European disappointment.
Arsenal are through to the knock-out stages of the Champions League after beating Liege 2-0 at the Emirates thanks to goals from Samir Nasri and Denilson. Elsewhere, Rangers went out after losing 2-0 at home to Stuttgart while Barcelona went clear at the top of Group F by beating Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan 2-0.
Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs, tipped as a future England international, suffered a broken metatarsal during the final minutes of his team’s victory over Liege and will undergo an operation today.
Portsmouth have sacked manager Paul Hart and put coaches Paul Groves and Ian Woan in temporary charge of the team. The club hopes to appoint a permanent replacement quickly. Avram Grant and Darren Ferguson are said to be contenders but there has been no confirmation from Fratton Park.
Substitute Max Gradel scored an 89th minute winner for Leeds as they beat Leyton Orient 1-0 in League One to stay top of the table. But promotion rivals Charlton beat Bristol Rovers 4-2, while Colchester won 2-0 against Stockport and high-scoring Norwich crushed Brighton 4-1. Southampton continued their revival by coming from behind to win 3-1 at Hartlepool but MK Dons made it three defeats in a row after losing a 4-3 thriller at home to Carlisle.
League Two leaders AFC Bournemouth were held to a goalless draw at home to Dagenham and Redbridge, who are now fourth. Rochdale closed the gap in second after coming from behind to beat Notts County 2-1 thanks to goals from Chris Dagnall and Chris O’Grady.
A goal from James Constable helped top-of-the-table Oxford win 1-0 at Forest Green Rovers in the Conference Premier in a match that was delayed because of floodlight failure. Stevenage kept up the pressure in second place by beating Chester 2-0 with goals from Yemi Odubade and Mark Roberts.
England striker Darren Bent has undergone a scan on a suspected hamstring injury, with Sunderland fearing he could be out for up to three weeks.
Tuesday 24 November 2009
Kevin Nolan’s 74th minute goal was enough to secure Newcastle a 1-0 win at Preston North End and send his side back to the top of the Championship table on Monday evening.
Wigan Athletic captain Mario Melchiot has confirmed the club’s players have offered to refund supporters who made the trip to north London on Sunday and paid to see the humiliating 9-1 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur. He said: “We feel that as a group of players we badly let down our supporters yesterday.”
Liverpool have injury problems ahead of their crucial Champions League game away to Debrecen on Tuesday night. Ryan Babel is the latest to join Fernando Torres and Albert Riera on their injury list. Liverpool must win to remain in contention, but will still go out if Fiorentina beat Lyon.
Portsmouth have recalled goalkeeper Asmir Begovic from his loan spell at Ipswich Town. The Bosnia-Herzegovina international is needed while England goalkeeper David James recovers from a hamstring problem.
Former player and youth team coach Neil Woods has been named as new manager of Grimsby Town. He replaces Mike Newell, who was sacked in October, after a temporary spell in charge.
Barcelona striker Thierry Henry has revealed he considered retiring from international football amid the arguments that followed his handball in France’s World Cup play-off win over the Republic of Ireland.
American billionaire Stan Kroenke now owns 29.9 per cent of Arsenal after buying 10 more Arsenal shares and taking a step closer to the 30 per cent holding that would require him to make a formal takeover bid.
Wales forward David Cotterill is joining Swansea City from Sheffield United on a loan deal that is planned to become a permanent move in the January transfer window.
Aston Villa duo Nathan Baker and Eric Lichaj have extended their loan deals at Lincoln City until 2 January.
Non-League Oxford United have signed Barnsley’s Nigerian striker Onome Sodje on loan.
Monday 23 November 2009
Tottenham Hotspur recorded their biggest ever victory in the Premier League when they thrashed Wigan 9-1 at White Hart Lane. England striker Jermain Defoe hit five goals to help the north London club move back into the top four.
David Beckham's dreams of MLS glory were ended last night in dramatic fashion as LA Galaxy were defeated on penalties. Having reached the MLS Cup final in Seattle, Beckham's Galaxy lost out to Real Salt Lake 5-4 from the spot despite having taken the lead through Mike Magee.
Blackburn Rovers managed to end a run of ten successive defeats on their travels with a 2-0 win over Bolton. Despite manager Sam Allardyce being forced to miss the game as he prepares for heart surgery, strikes from David Dunn and an own goal from Sam Ricketts gave him something to smile about.
Ricardo Fuller scored the crucial matchwinner for Stoke as they beat Portsmouth 1-0 at the Britannia Stadium. England keeper David James was forced to miss the game as he suffered a calf injury in the warm-up but is not expected to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Dundee United beat Celtic 2-1 in the Scottish Premier League. Barry Robson had fired Celtic into the lead, but Jon Daly grabbed an equaliser and Darren Dods scored a dramatic late winner for the home side.
Valencia kept the pressure on Real Madrid and Barcelona at the top of La Liga with a 3-1 away win over Osasuna who were reduced to nine men. Villarreal maintained their winning run when they recorded a 3-1 home victory over Real Valladolid. Real Mallorca hit two goals in the last two minutes to beat Almeria 3-1.
Newcastle United have signed Fabrice Pancrate after he impressed on trial. Pancrate is a free agent after leaving Paris Saint Germain during the summer and has agreed a contract until the end of the season.
Fernando Torres is set to miss the Merseyside derby against Everton next weekend with a groin injury which has kept him out of the last two games. Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said: "Torres had a plan of fitness that would take three weeks working with the physios. You can see he is improving all the time, but I would say that he is still maybe ten days away from being right.”
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce believes Darren Bent has all the qualities to be a major player for England at the World Cup next summer. Bent scored the winning goal against Arsenal on Saturday and Bruce said: "For me, he would have to be in the squad because he scores a goal - he has scored against all the big clubs. But it's not just his goalscoring, his appetite and his work-rate are absolutely unbelievable.”