Kalou signs new Chelsea deal

Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou has signed a new three-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

The Ivory Coast international's deal was set to expire at the end of the season but Chelsea have moved to tie the striker down on a longer contract.

Kalou, who reached the World Cup finals with the Ivory Coast when they drew 1-1 with Malawi at the weekend, now joins Didier Drogba, Ashley Cole and John Terry in pledging his future to the Blues.

"I am very pleased that Salomon has signed a new contract with us as he is an important player for this club," Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti said.

"He is always well motivated and works hard at his game at all times. Because of this, I am sure that Salomon will become an even more important player for Chelsea in the future."

Leaders Chelsea travel to Aston Villa for their next Barclays Premier League match on Saturday.

Read more!

Bruce tips Turner for England

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce believes Michael Turner must be closing in on an England call-up.

Having stood out last season for Hull City, the defender was snapped up by Bruce on deadline day for a reported £6m.

The 25-year-old has already established himself at the heart of the Black Cats defence and Turner has seen his England international credentials talked up.

With in-form Sunderland striker Darren Bent omitted from Fabio Capello's squad for the World Cup qualifiers with Ukraine and Belarus, Bruce feels the Italian must have been impressed with Turner's performance in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United before the international break.

"Everybody's been caught up with Benty and his goals, and rightly so. Darren has already played for England and I am sure he will again," he said.

"But if Mr Capello is looking for players, then he must have been impressed with Michael Turner last weekend. I thought he was immense for us and he could not have chosen a better time for that kind of performance than in front of the England manager.

"It wasn't a one-off either. Michael has been fantastic since he came here and he has been a big influence in both boxes."

Despite enjoying a glittering career as captain at Old Trafford during his playing days, Bruce never received a single England cap.

"I didn't have a bad career and came out of it with a lot of achievements I was proud of," he added.

"But I never got anywhere near a squad and it was a frustration at the time because I would have loved to play for England. There were times when I wondered if it was going to be my time, but it never came."

Read more!

Benitez remains upbeat

Rafael Benitez is confident Liverpool can mount another Barclays Premier League title bid this season.

Doubts have been raised over whether a sustained challenge can come from Anfield considering the team have already lost three times - one more than the whole of the previous campaign - to lie six points behind leaders Chelsea after eight matches.

Benitez believes running champions and arch-rivals Manchester United close last term, finishing four points behind the Old Trafford club, has brought positives and negatives and he maintains the mounting criticism is unjustified.

"The most difficult thing this season is to manage expectation," the manager said. "Last season we finished with 86 points and everyone was talking about this being the year.

"It's a long race and if we make mistakes and give up too early it will be impossible. So the main thing for everyone here is to try to be calm and keep working hard."

Benitez is hopeful the return of centre-back Daniel Agger, who has not played a first-team game since the end of May after a summer back operation, and the inclusion of £20m former Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani, who is yet to make his debut after ankle surgery, will provide a boost to the squad.

"We have some players coming back from injury, so we have time," added the Spaniard. "We need to keep the mentality, keep scoring goals and we will see."

Read more!

European minimum for Osman

Everton midfielder Leon Osman says European qualification is a minimum requirement.

Manager David Moyes spent around £17m in bringing in defenders Johnny Heitinga and Sylvain Distin from Atletico Madrid and Portsmouth respectively and Lokomotiv Moscow midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.

That outlay has been overshadowed by the likes of Manchester City, Aston Villa, Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur.

However, Everton have finished fifth the last two seasons and despite a shaky start Osman is convinced they will challenge again.

"We like to do things quietly here, stay under the radar and keep chipping away at things," he said.

"Hopefully we can finish in a European slot again.

"There are two or three clubs not in the top four last season who have been throwing cash around and they'll be expected to get European qualification, but we're the same.

"We set our targets on European qualification as a minimum, but the great ambition for the club is to start winning silverware."

Read more!

International round-up - Sat 10th Oct

A review of international matches featuring Barclays Premier League players.

Two goals in as many minutes from Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos teed up a comfortable victory for visiting Switzerland as their hopes of qualification from Group Two were boosted by a 3-0 win in Luxembourg.

Centre-back Senderos netted in the sixth minute to put his side ahead before repeating the feat just two minutes later to put the Swiss firmly in control of both the match and Group Two.

Benjamin Huggel made it three after 22 minutes and the hosts were unable to muster a response.

Wales' hopes of finishing third in World Cup European Qualifying Group Four were ended in the Olympic Stadium by a 2-1 defeat against Finland.

Manchester City's Craig Bellamy scored a fine first-half goal to make himself Wales' fifth-highest scorer of all time but the Welsh efforts drifted away in a disappointing second period.

Roni Porokara put Finland ahead in the opening minutes before Bellamy's equaliser. But defender Niklas Moisander drove home the winner with 14 minutes left.

Spain remained on course to complete a perfect record in qualifying as they made it nine wins from nine with a 2-1 victory over Armenia in a rain-drenched Yerevan.

In a match between a Spanish side who had already secured their spot in next year's World Cup finals and an Armenia team whose outside hopes of going to South Africa had vanished long ago, it was the European champions who came out on top thanks to Juan Mata's second-half penalty. His goal came just six minutes after Armenia had stunned their visitors by equalising through Robert Arzumanyan.

Spain had earlier taken the lead with a brilliant goal from Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas midway through the first half.

England's 100 per cent record in their World Cup qualifying group came to an end after Serhiy Nararenko's deflected strike earned Ukraine a 1-0 victory in Dnipro.

Nazarenko's shot struck Ashley Cole and flew past substitute goalkeeper David James in the 30th minute to halt England's run of eight successive wins.

James came on after West Ham United's Robert Green was sent off for bringing down Artem Milevskiy in the 13th minute, but Andriy Shevchenko's spot-kick hit the post.

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov was on target but Bulgaria's slim hopes of clinching a World Cup play-off place were ended as Cyprus ran out 4-1 winners in their Group Eight qualifier in Larnaca.

Substitute Alberto Gilardino broke Republic of Ireland hearts as a last-gasp equaliser got World Cup holders Italy out of jail in a 2-2 draw at Croke Park.

Gilardino struck in the final minute of normal time just as it looked as though Sean St Ledger's 87th-minute header had blown the race for automatic qualification from World Cup European Group Eight wide open.

Ireland, who were already guaranteed a play-off spot thanks to Cyprus' win over Bulgaria earlier, had taken the lead through Stoke City midfielder Glenn Whelan's eighth-minute strike, but Mauro Camoranesi levelled with 26 minutes gone as the reigning champions booked their ticket to South Africa.

Arsenal's William Gallas and Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka were on target as France beat the Faroe Islands 5-0. André-Pierre Gignac (2) and Karim Benzema scored the others for France, who must qualify through the play-offs after Serbia booked their place in the finals thanks to a 5-0 win over Romania.

Didier Drogba scored the equaliser for Ivory Coast as a 1-1 draw against Malawi ensured they made next year's finals.

Hull City striker Daniel Cousin was on target as Gabon secured a surprise 3-1 victory over Morocco.

Read more!

Milner: Stability suits me

Aston Villa's James Milner believes he is benefiting from the most settled period of his career.

The midfielder is looking to cement his place in England coach Fabio Capello's plans.

Milner burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old with Leeds United at the same time Wayne Rooney was starting to make an impact with Everton.

But the midfielder feels the off-field problems at Elland Road and then Newcastle United, plus a string of different managers, was not the ideal scenario.

That has changed under Martin O'Neill at Villa and the solid ownership of Randy Lerner, and Milner has forced his way into Capello's squad, retaining his place for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers with Ukraine and Belarus.

Milner said: "This is the most settled period of my career. I've never started and finished a season with the same manager and hopefully this will be the first season.

"To have that stability off the field as well, with a club which is run very well, where the owner has been fantastic, with the players that have been signed, is fantastic.

"It is being built for the future. In the past I've been unfortunate with Leeds and Newcastle, two great clubs going through tough periods and changing managers is not easy.

"As much as you like to concentrate on your on-field form, it does get to players when you don't know how long your manager is going to be there and finances and stuff like that."

Milner has won a record number of Under-21 caps and now has added three senior ones to his tally but the goal is to stay in the squad.

He said: "When you are working as hard as you can all the way through your career, and played a lot of Under-21 games, to get the first full caps is nice and just gets that out of the way.

"I don't think it ever played on my mind. It is your aim to play for England and now I've done that and the next aim is to stay in the squad and stay in the team.

"It's nice to move that goal on one more time and stepping up a level, to keep getting in the squads and pushing for a place in the team.

"I don't think it adds to my confidence. It might change the way other people feel about you but obviously you've got that self-belief and confidence in your ability."

Read more!

Hargreaves slowly nears return

Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves believes his injury nightmare is almost at an end.

The England international played his last match for the Red Devils in September 2008 and has since had two knee operations.

However, he returned to the club's Carrington training complex a fortnight ago after long-term rehabilitation in Colorado under the watchful eye of renowned knee surgeon Dr Richard Steadman and that has boosted his hopes about playing again.

"It is difficult to say an exact date but I do feel I can see light at the end of the tunnel now," the 28-year-old said.

"Coming back to Manchester was a big step. Having people from United around me also makes me realise I am getting closer.

"I am coming back to have a massive effect and to play well and for us to win titles.

"It is not about getting back for one game or for one day, I want to come back and be back for another six or eight years.

"I have thought about playing again a lot. It is human nature to have doubts obviously. I had little moments but I never had one moment of major doubt that I'd be back."

Read more!

Given backing for Bellamy

Shay Given feels Craig Bellamy is as valuable to Manchester City as any of their big summer signings.

The striker's future at Eastlands was cast into doubt ahead of the new campaign after City splashed out on Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz.

However, with Santa Cruz only just returning from injury and Adebayor recently serving a suspension, Bellamy has come to the fore.

He grabbed his fourth goal of the season against Aston Villa on Monday, to earn City a point, and has earned high praise for the manner in which he has gone about forcing his way into Mark Hughes' plans.

City goalkeeper Given is just one of those to have been impressed by Bellamy's attitude this term, although he does admit that the temperamental forward is still partial to the odd moan.

"He is a very valuable player to us and his work-rate is phenomenal," the Irish shot-stopper said.

"The ProZone stats show he is right up there with running, distance covered and sprints - he works his socks off and he's popped up with some great goals.

"Does he ever stop moaning? He has his moments, but not very often. He probably moans in his sleep too, but that's the way he is.

"He is a fiery little guy and he demands the best out of the players around him because he is a winner and he wants the people out there with him to be the same."

Manager Hughes has also lauded the efforts of his striker, claiming Bellamy is currently in top form.

"He always thinks he is the best player out there, irrespective of who else is on the pitch with him - and for most of our games this season, he has probably been right," he said.

"He has seen the quality of all these guys coming into the team and he's used it as a challenge - and the response has been fantastic.

"I'm pleased for Craig because he has been criticised in the past, and rightly so at times, but he is doing outstandingly well whether we play him down the middle, wide left, wide right or sitting deep."

Read more!

Michael Owen: Goals Will Get Me To World Cup

Front man still has designs on making it to South Africa.

Manchester United's striker Michael Owen still has ambitions of being a part of Fabio Cappelo's England squad for next summer's World Cup in South Africa.

Owen has found opportunities under Capello almost non-existent, but claims that he knows what he must do to win a place in the side.

"It's obviously nice to see England doing so well, but unfortunately every time a squad comes along I seem to have picked up a slight injury, like this time," Owen told Sky Sports News.

"Even though I'm back to fitness now and at Newcastle I was maybe a bit out of form, there has always been a reason. There's no excuses, I just need to play well for my club and score a few goals.

"I've always been optimistic. I've never changed as a player. I will always score goals and I have got the record to show that. I think everyone knows what they will get from me and I have proven that at World Cups before.

"The last thing I want to do is start a campaign and say all the reasons why I could be or should be involved, I'm at ease with myself and the situation. I know what I've got to do and that's play well for Man United.

"There is plenty more to life if I'm not picked in the England squad. I'm playing for a top, top team playing for top honors, so we will see where it takes us."

Owen has also not discussed the situation directly with Capello, as he feels that there would be little point with the situation as clear as it is.

"Not about the situation recently, but I don't need to. I know the situation," he added.

"I need to play well and score goals for Man United. If I do that then I could get picked.

"But I don't lie awake at night thinking about it. It's a simple equation, play well and you will be in, don't play well and you won't be in."


Read more!

Terry ready for 'biggest season'

England captain John Terry says he has the "biggest season" of his career ahead of him.

Terry concedes it is "unthinkable" his career will come to a close without tasting real success in either the Champions League with Chelsea or at international level.

The defender is preparing to lead the national team in their penultimate World Cup qualifier in Ukraine at the weekend secure in the knowledge that Fabio Capello's side are already assured of a place in South Africa next summer.

Seven wins out of eight at the start of the season have taken Chelsea to the summit of the Barclays Premier League, while two wins out of two in the group stage has given the Blues a perfect start to their Champions League campaign.

It has been a strong start to what could be a career-defining season for the 28-year-old Terry, who is determined to banish the memory of England's failure to reach Euro 2008 by achieving success on all fronts in the coming months.

"This is my biggest season ahead of me and it's important to stay fit and keep playing well for Chelsea," Terry said.

"And when the England games come up, I need to show how important I am to the team and to the manager, and keep the lads moving in the right direction.

"Everybody knows the determination within myself to go on and win the Champions League with Chelsea, there is no bigger challenge than that.

"And with the England situation, I was captain of that side that didn't qualify and I took that very personally, and took a lot on my shoulders.

"I want to make sure that in my career I win the Champions League and go to the World Cup confident we can do well.

"It would 100 per cent always annoy me if I retired without a Champions League winners' medal with Chelsea or some real success with England.

"To end my career without either of those things is unthinkable."

past agonies

The Chelsea captain admits his motivation levels are fuelled by past agonies, chief among which are his penalty miss against Manchester United in the 2008 Champions League final and the pain of England's quarter-final exit against Portugal - also on penalties - at the 2006 World Cup.

"What happened in the Champions League final I have to deal with every day," Terry revealed.

"Whether it be five, 10, 15 or 20 times a day, I deal with it in my way and try to use it as a positive.

"With England it's the same. We went to 2006 as potential winners and not reaching that level or beating a side we dominated, and going out on penalties, is hard to get your head around for weeks, months, years and even now.

"I still remember (Cristiano) Ronaldo winking at the bench. Things like that live with you forever."

Read more!

Van der Sar issues United challenge

Edwin van der Sar has challenged Manchester United to go on another winning run.

After eight successive victories, the Red Devils were brought crashing back to earth on Saturday when only an injury-time Anton Ferdinand own goal allowed them to grab a point from a poor display against Sunderland.

Given it took an even later Michael Owen strike for them to gain victory over a Manchester City side they led on three separate occasions and United were unconvincing in beating Arsenal, critics are lining up to condemn Sir Alex Ferguson's team even though they lie second in the table behind Chelsea.

However, a clearer picture will emerge after the current international break.

The month that follows features trips to Liverpool and Chelsea, plus a Champions League double-header with dark-horses CSKA Moscow that could allow the Red Devils to secure a knock-out berth with two matches to spare.

Little wonder, therefore, van der Sar is demanding United hit winning form again when they resume against Bolton Wanderers at Old Trafford on 17th October.

"It was disappointing to drop points against Sunderland," he said. "It is always nice if you can go away for the internationals with three points.

"Now we have to get a run going without losing any more. For the lads who have not gone away, there is plenty of hard work before then, and we will also have to see how everyone comes back.

"But we have to get back to business, forget about the draw at the weekend and start getting positive results again."

Read more!

Carragher: I've been below par

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher concedes he has not been playing to his best so far this season.

Carragher has come under fire following some below-par performances and Liverpool have shipped 12 goals in eight league matches this season.

Carragher is determined to get back to his best and help Liverpool rediscover their defensive strength in the next few weeks.

"We aren't playing well as a back four and I'm not playing well personally," Carragher told the club's website. "I need to hit better form and hopefully that will come in the next few games.

"Over the last five or six years we have been renowned as a team who have kept a lot of clean sheets and for keeping it tight. I think that's why we get a bit more criticism because people don't expect it of Liverpool - and rightly so.

"We take the plaudits when things are going well so you have to take the criticism when it's not going well.

"I know I need to improve myself and we also need to improve as a team."

Liverpool have endured a difficult start to the season, losing three of their opening eight matches and Carragher admits it has made their bid to win the Barclays Premier League title even tougher.

No side has won the championship after losing three of the first eight league matches since Manchester United in 1967, but Carragher is refusing to be pessimistic about Liverpool's chances of finally ending their long wait for the title.

"You can shape statistics to make them look however you want them to," added Carragher.

"We've now got the same points as Manchester United had at this point last season. That's another statistic you could look at because they went on to win the league with 90-odd points.

"Whatever statistic you throw at us, we know we haven't made a good start. We don't need to look at them because we know ourselves that we haven't performed as well as we would have liked in certain games. We now have to put that right.

"Points are what matter and how many you end up with at the end of the season. We've lost six games in our previous two Premier League seasons.

"To lose that many in 76 games - that's some achievement and yet we still haven't won the league. Man United have lost more than us and won the league for the past two years.

"So as far as we are concerned it's now all about getting points on the board."

Read more!

Manchester United 2-2 Sunderland

Manchester United scored in injury time to secure a draw at home to Sunderland.

Anton Ferdinand's stoppage-time own goal rescued a 2-2 draw for Manchester United against Sunderland at Old Trafford.

It seemed the Black Cats were about to record their first win at the stadium since 1968 when they entered the time added on clinging to a lead provided by Kenwyne Jones' header after Darren Bent's opener had been cancelled out by Dimitar Berbatov's exquisite volley.

But once again United fought back and Ferdinand turned an off-target Patrice Evra shot into his own net to earn the champions a share of the spoils..

For an in-depth match report, click here.

Read more!

Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-1 Portsmouth

Portsmouth got their first three points of the season with victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

On-loan Benfica player Hassan Yebda netted after 20 minutes for the only goal of the match.

Kevin-Prince Boateng sent over a right-wing cross and Yebda was perfectly positioned to head past Wayne Hennessey into the corner of the net.

For an in-depth match report, click here.

Read more!

Hull City 2-1 Wigan Athletic

Hull City claimed a vital victory over Wigan Athletic at the KC Stadium.

Goals from Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Geovanni earned all three points.

The pair both struck in the second half of a scrappy Barclays Premier League contest to end a dismal sequence of results for the Tigers.

Substitute Scott Sinclair headed an 87th-minute reply for the visitors but Hull held on.

For an in-depth match report, click here.

Read more!

Bolton Wanderers 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur twice came from behind to earn a draw at the Reebok Stadium.

Croatia full-back Vedran Corluka secured a point for Tottenham at the Reebok Stadium by heading home in the 73rd minute.

The visitors found themselves chasing the match with Ricardo Gardner opening the scoring for Bolton after two minutes.

Nico Kranjcar dragged Spurs level only for Kevin Davies to put the home side back in the driving seat.

For an in-depth match report, click here.

Read more!

Burnley 2-1 Birmingham City

Burnley extended their 100 per cent home record to four matches with victory at Turf Moor.

Steven Fletcher's first Premier League goal in the 53rd minute broke the deadlock and defender Andre Bikey opened his account for the club nine minutes later.

Midfielder Lee Bowyer spurned Birmingham City's best chance in the first half when he missed an open goal from four yards before Sebastian Larsson curled home a consolation free-kick in the fourth minute of stoppage-time.

For an in-depth match report, click here.

Read more!

Torres and Ferguson claim Barclays awards

Fernando Torres and Sir Alex Ferguson won the Barclays Player and Manager of the Month awards for September.

Five goals in the month of September has seen Liverpool striker Torres named the Barclays Player of the Month.

The Spanish hitman played an influential role in his side's four goal defeat of Burnley at Anfield before hitting a brace - including the winner - in the hard-earned 3-2 win over West Ham United at Upton Park.

Torres ended September in scintillating fashion with a sensational hat-trick as the Merseysiders comfortably saw off the challenge of Hull City (6-1) and moved into third place in the Barclays Premier League table.

Torres has now scored eight Barclays Premier League goals, a tally which sees the 25-year-old lead the race for the Barclays Golden Boot ahead of Sunderland's Darren Bent, Didier Drogba of Chelsea and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney (all six goals).

Ferguson has capped a perfect month by landing the Barclays Manager of the Month award for September.

Ferguson led Manchester United to the top of the Barclays Premier League table after taking maximum points from testing fixtures at Tottenham Hotspur and Stoke City as well as a tempestuous Manchester derby against local rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford.

Despite falling behind early on, the Red Devils recovered to beat high-flying Tottenham (3-1) at White Hart Lane. United then beat their resurgent local rivals in a Barclays Premier League classic which saw Michael Owen score an injury-time goal to secure a 4-3 win.

Manchester United maintained their 100 per cent record in the month after second-half goals from Dimitar Berbatov and John O'Shea saw off the challenge of Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium, to move last season's champions to the top of the table at the expense of Chelsea.

This is Ferguson's 24th Barclays Manager of the Month honour.

Read more!

Man Charged Over Robbery Of Liverpool's Gerrard

Arrest made Stevie G burglary

Police have charged a 22-year-old man in connection with the burglary and robbery of Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard nearly two years ago.

On the evening of December 11, 2007, four masked raiders invaded the Formby home of Reds star Gerrard and even confronted his wife, Alex Curran.

Gerrard was away with Liverpool on Champions League duty in Marseille at the time while the burglars fled the scene with items of jewelery.

It would be appear that one of the culprits involved is being brought to justice, however, as an arrest has been confirmed by Merseyside Police.

"Police have arrested and charged a 22-year-old man from Stockbridge Village, Liverpool, with burglary and robbery following an incident at a house in Formby on December 11, 2007," a police spokesman said.

"Martin Wilson will appear at North Sefton Magistrates' Court on October 30."

Read more!

* » Comments (5) * Print Story * Send to Friend * Contact Us * Bookmark Rooney: Manchester United Different Without Cristian

Roo relishes being a main man.

Wayne Rooney has admitted that things have been different at Manchester United following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer.

The England forward suggested that Sir Alex Ferguson used to build his team around Ronaldo, who joined Real Madrid for a world record £80 million fee, but that United were now coping well without the Portuguese star.

The 23-year-old also said that he was relishing his role as the main goalscorer, having spent much of last season playing in wide positions.

"As a footballer you want to be the best and I'm no different," Rooney said to The Daily Mirror. "It would be nice to be the main man, but for me the team is the most important thing.

"It's different without Cristiano [Ronaldo] here. When he was here, the team was basically built around him and we went from there.

"But now he's gone, everyone knows their positions and what we have to do to break teams down.

"It's a different way of playing, and any team would miss a player like Cristiano, but we feel like we're doing well without him.

"We do everything together as a team, but if it means I'm the one who has to score the goals now he's gone, then I hope it happens.

"I always try to score more goals than the previous season, and now I'm taking penalties, I could maybe get an extra five or six goals.

"I'm happy with the position I'm playing in now. I'm scoring goals and hopefully that will continue.

"Last season I played on the left a lot, and I'm always happy to do whatever the manager wants.

"But I've always said I prefer to play up front, and thankfully I've played every game there this season. Now it's up to me and the rest of the team to show what we can do."

This week Rooney celebrated the fifth anniversary of his breathtaking United debut, when he scored a hat-trick in a 6-2 win over Fenerbahce at Old Trafford.

"The last five years have flown by but I've really enjoyed them, especially the last three when we've been successful," Rooney continued.

"After the first year I was here I thought it might be a while before we won our first trophy, because Chelsea looked so strong.

"I was thinking it could be a while before we won the league again. Chelsea won it the first two years I was here, then we won it and have really kicked on since then.

"Having been champions for the past three seasons, we all know this is a massive season for us, to show we're still the top team in the country.

"Apart from losing at Burnley early on, we've been able to grind out results, even when we haven't played that well, which is a good sign."
Read more!

Europa League round-up - Thurs 1st Oct

A review of the action involving Barclays Premier League clubs in the Europa League.

Tim Cahill capped a superb comeback by Everton with the winning goal as they beat BATE Borisov 2-1 in Group I.

The Australian midfielder found the target after 77 minutes, when he sprung the offside trap then hoisted a shot over the goalkeeper.

Everton had equalised nine minutes earlier through Marouane Fellaini, who cancelled out the opener from Dmitri Likhtarovich.

The Toffees beat AEK Athens 4-0 in their first match.

Fulham halted their three-match losing streak and surged to the summit of their Europa League group with a 1-0 victory over Basle.

Danny Murphy struck the decisive goal in the 57th minute, driving home Andrew Johnson's superb pull-back for the club captain's third goal of the season.

Johnson had a late penalty appeal rejected after tumbling beneath defender Behrang Safari's tackle and the former England striker was lively throughout.

Fulham now have four points in Group E after their 1-1 draw against CSKA Sofia in the first match.

Read more!

Terry Ready for Reds Showdown

John Terry says Chelsea will be ready for the visit of Liverpool on Sunday.

The Blues captain is confident of a good display at Stamford Bridge despite an unconvincing win over Apoel Nicosia in the Champions League.

Nicolas Anelka's 18th-minute goal earned them a 1-0 victory but the performance did not please coach Carlo Ancelotti, who claimed he was "not satisfied" with his players.

But captain Terry promised the Blues would be ready for the Merseysiders. "The confidence wasn't knocked at Wigan (a 3-1 defeat) - you can't afford not to believe in yourselves or your team-mates," said Terry. "It was important that we realised we went wrong at Wigan and that we responded well. You don't get much time to think about it with the games coming thick and fast, and we did a good job here.

"We responded well against Apoel. We're top of the group with six points from two matches, in a good position, and now we go back to the Premier League for the Liverpool game on Sunday.

"We have to be better against Liverpool. They are a very good side who had a tough result on Tuesday. They will be up for it and they are a big club, so we will have to respond again when we play them."

Read more!

Allardyce won't rush new arrivals

Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce is refusing to throw his summer recruits into battle too soon.

The Rovers chief enjoyed a productive foray into the transfer market during pre-season, with a number of fresh faces added to his squad.

Renowned for his ability to wheel and deal, the former Bolton Wanderers manager spent much of his time scouring foreign fields.

His efforts paid off as he was able to secure the signatures of Nikola Kalinic, Michel Salgado, Steven Nzonzi and Elrio van Heerden.

Allardyce has high hopes for the quartet, despite his reluctance to hand them regular football, and is expecting all to become integral parts of the Ewood Park set-up.

He is, however, keen to ease them in gently, citing Chelsea's treatment of Andriy Shevchenko in 2006 as a perfect example of how not to go about helping a newcomer acclimatise to life in England.

"This wasn't a young man, this was an old experienced player," Allardyce said.

"Because Chelsea put him in too quickly, and because he wasn't ready he became a complete flop.

"It was far too quick for him, far too physical and the lad's confidence just drained away. He never, ever got to it.

"So when I say adapting, I talk about three, six, nine and 12 months. Not two and three games like you lot (the media) talk and the fans talk about."

Read more!

Owen suffers fresh setback

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Manchester United's Michael Owen will be out for two to three weeks with a groin injury.

It ends any lingering hope Owen had of being involved in England's final two qualifiers against Ukraine and Belarus next month and has ruled him out of United's Barclays Premier League matches against Sunderland and Bolton Wanderers.

And, given Fabio Capello was at Old Trafford to witness Owen limping off after just 20 minutes of United's 2-1 Champions League win over Wolfsburg, there must now be a huge question mark over the 29-year-old forward's ability to force his way into the Italian's plans before England head to South Africa for the World Cup next summer.

"Michael felt a slight groin injury after training on Sunday," revealed Ferguson.

"He thought he was fine to play but on a wet surface, when he tried to turn quickly, it came back again.

"It is not a serious one and I am not worried because players do get them, but he will be out for two to three weeks.

"The only good part is that his fitness levels are very good."

Read more!

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal edged past Fulham at Craven Cottage thanks to a second-half goal.

Robin van Persie struck a brilliant winner for the Gunners after 52 minutes.

Vito Mannone made several important saves as Fulham created a number of chances.

However, it was Arsenal who got the crucial breakthrough on 51 minutes through a fine finish from Dutch striker van Persie.

For an in-depth match report click here.

Read more!

Stoke City 0-2 Manchester United

Manchester United secured a deserved victory away to Stoke City.

Dimitar Berbatov and John O'Shea struck in the second half to give United the win.

United were struggling to make their dominance pay until Ryan Giggs' introduction 10 minutes after the break.

The veteran Welshman provided a tap-in for Berbatov before O'Shea celebrated his 350th appearance by nodding home Giggs' curling free-kick.

For an in-depth match report, click here.

Read more!

Liverpool 6-1 Hull City

Liverpool ran out emphatic victors against Hull City at Anfield.

Reds striker Fernando Torres scored a brilliant hat-trick to blow away struggling Hull.

The Spain striker scored twice in the first half either side of Geovanni's equaliser and added a third soon after the interval.

Captain Steven Gerrard added a fourth just before the hour and substitute Ryan Babel had two late strikes as Liverpool made it four league wins - including 16 goals - in succession.

For an in-depth match report, click here.
Read more!

Blackburn Rovers 2-1 Aston Villa

Ten-man Blackburn Rovers came from behind to beat Aston Villa with a late winner at Ewood Park.

Gabriel Agbonlahor gave the visitors the lead after just three minutes but Chris Samba levelled on 24 minutes.

Vincenzo Grella was sent off for Rovers who nicked the three points a minute from time with a penalty by David Dunn.

For an in-depth match report, click here.

Read more!

Tottenham Hotspur 5-0 Burnley

Robbie Keane scored four goals as Tottenham Hotspur eased to victory.

Keane has started every Barclays Premier League match this season and, despite Peter Crouch's midweek treble at Preston North End, he was given the nod again.

The Republic of Ireland striker scored from the penalty spot before splitting Burnley's defence in the build up to Jermaine Jenas' second.

Two cool finishes in the second half meant the 29-year-old was taking the ball home with him, before his fourth squeezed through the legs of goalkeeper Brian Jensen.

For an in-depth match report click here.

Read more!

Wigan Athletic 3-1 Chelsea

Chelsea's 100 per cent record came to an end with defeat against Wigan Athletic.

Carlo Ancelotti suffered his first defeat as Chelsea manager with Wigan Athletic chalking up a shock Barclays Premier League victory at the DW Stadium.

After eight straight wins in all competitions the Italian manager saw his 10-man team come unstuck and have goalkeeper Petr Cech sent off.

Titus Bramble put Wigan ahead only for Didier Drogba to pull Chelsea level. The home side regained the lead through a penalty from Hugo Rodallega and Paul Scharner made it safe in stoppage-time.

For an in-depth match report click here.

Read more!

Portsmouth 0-1 Everton

Portsmouth suffered a seventh successive Barclays Premier League defeat as they were beaten by Everton.

Louis Saha scored the only goal of the match at Fratton Park three minutes before half-time to give the Merseysiders their first away points of the season.

The Frenchman brought down a long, high ball into the box - beating Younes Kaboul in the air - and pounced, directing a clinical finish past James.
Both sides had an effort cleared off the line in the second half with Pompey also hitting the bar with a header by Aaron Mokoena. Kevin-Prince Boateng was denied by Tim Howard's fine save in stoppage-time.

The home side piled on the pressure late on but could not prevent a Premier League record seventh straight reverse from the start of a campaign. It is only the fourth time in top-flight history that a side has opened with seven defeats.

For an in-depth match report, click here.
Read more!

Kuyt banks on home comforts

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt is confident his side can pick up more points at Anfield this season

The Merseysiders lost only two matches last season but often struggled to break down teams at home.

Seven draws against the likes of Stoke City, Fulham, West Ham United and Hull City ultimately cost Rafael Benitez's side their first Barclays Premier League title as they finished second, four points behind Manchester United.

Although they have already lost to Aston Villa at Anfield this campaign - their first home league defeat since December 2007 - they also swept aside both Stoke and Burnley 4-0.

And Kuyt feels that shows they have learned important lessons about playing against sides who arrive on Merseyside looking to frustrate.

"Apart from the Villa match, I think we have shown that we can beat any side at Anfield this season," said the Holland international.

"We had difficulties last season with all the draws but now we are able to score goals in the first half.

"It's really important to score as early as possible because then it will be more difficult for them and easier for us.

"We know the Barclays Premier League is one of the hardest leagues in the world and every team is good with some fine players."

Hull City return to Anfield on Saturday nine months after they shocked their hosts in taking a 2-0 lead inside 22 minutes before they were pegged back by two goals from Reds captain Steven Gerrard.

At the time the Tigers were enjoying a dream start to their maiden Premier League season but this time around their fortunes have changed dramatically, taking just four points from six matches.

Liverpool, by contrast have won three successive league fixtures and are on a five-match winning streak.

"I believe Hull are a good team as well but we have to look at our own strengths and we must believe we can beat them," added Kuyt.

"We must focus on ourselves and respect the opponent.

"We didn't start that well and have already lost twice. But we have now started to win a couple of games in a row and we want to keep that going, beginning with Hull."

Kuyt believes part of their success at home is down to the options summer signing Glen Johnson has provided.

The England defender, who moved from Portsmouth, has probably been the Merseysiders' best player so far, scoring twice and providing a much-needed cutting edge from right-back.

Johnson, 25, may yet have to win over critics who are sceptical about his defensive strengths but there are no doubts over his ability as an attacking force.

"I think Glen has done really well," Kuyt added.

"He was a big signing for us but he has shown straight from the start that he is very important - both defensively and in attack.

"He has scored some very good goals and provided some assists. He is probably one of the best players in the team so far this season.

"He is still young and I think he will only get better and better."

Read more!

Van der Sar considers future

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar will make his mind up over his future in December.

The 38-year-old is currently on the sidelines nursing a hand injury but admits that the time to call it a day is getting ever closer.

However Van der Sar performed admirably last season as the Red Devils claimed their third straight Premier League crown leaving many to suggest that the shot-stopper could continue for years to come.
With Ben Foster challenging the Dutchman for the number one jersey at Old Trafford, despite a somewhat shaky start to the season, Van der Sar may opt to hang up his gloves while he is still at the top of his game.

"I've said for a few years that it may be my last season," he said.

"Six months before my contract with Manchester United ended in December 2006, we extended for one year and so far it has been the same every time.

"I wait each season to see how or where I stand, if everyone is happy and if I can get motivated.

"But I know, because I always get older, it is increasingly likely that this will be my last season.

"In December, it will be clear how it goes. By then, I'll have clarity. It is a horrible dilemma."

Read more!

Watt to take Henry's advice

Sanchez Watt has vowed to put the sound advice of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry to good use.

The 18-year-old forward was part of a youthful Arsenal XI which saw off the challenge of 10-man West Bromwich Albion at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, opening his account for the senior team in the second half.

London-born Watt has come through the Gunners ranks, learning all he can from the likes of Henry, who left for Barcelona in 2007, as well as current attack-minded players like Robin van Persie and Russian playmaker Andrey Arshavin.After being an integral part of the successful 2008/2009 FA Youth Cup side last season, Watt has set his sights on an extended run in Wenger's young team, which last season reached the Carling Cup quarter-finals.

"I was here when Thierry was here, and although I did not get to play with him, I still asked him questions off the pitch when he was free about how it was and stuff like that," said Watt, who had been named on the bench for last week's Champions League Group H opener away to Standard Liege.

"Not many people get the chance to ask players like that, so I just took it as a good chance.

"I was not nervous because when we were growing up, our manager told us you can ask them questions.

"Thierry said: 'Be calm in front of goal and when the ball is moving, you don't have to keep making long runs. Make it short and sharp and just take it from there'."

Watt added: "There are a lot of players here I have watched like Henry, (Emmanuel) Adebayor, van Persie, Arshavin - there are many players here I look up to and I even ask questions, they tell me positioning and other things to help me keep learning."

With Wenger set to continue his policy of blooding youngsters in the Carling Cup, Watt hopes to be at the forefront of the Arsenal manager's mind.

"This is one of the times when you have to push on," said Watt, who started his football at the Senrab club in east London, which boasts the likes of England duo John Terry and Jermain Defoe among its former players.

"This is where the youngsters have the chance to show what they can do and you have to take the chance.

"There are many strikers here but as long as I show what I can do, that's the best you can do and there is nothing to worry about.

"As long as you keep doing well and give the manager no choice, he has to play you.

"I am getting used to it and going with the flow."

Read more!

Carling Cup review - Weds 23rd Sept

A review of how Barclays Premier League clubs fared in the Carling Cup third round on Wednesday.

Peter Crouch made the most of only his third start of the season by claiming a clinical hat-trick to ease Tottenham Hotspur into the last 16 of the Carling Cup with a 5-1 win at Preston North End.

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp made seven changes for the third-round tie and Crouch emerged as the prime beneficiary as his predatory strikes took his season tally to five.

He made the most of his recall in the 14th minute when he dispatched Gareth Bale's deep cross with a fine volley and Jermain Defoe effectively put Preston to bed with a predatory header seven minutes before half-time.

With 13 minutes remaining, Crouch tapped home Aaron Lennon's low cross to cap a fine night for Spurs, who were given several scares by Alan Irvine's high-flying Championship outfit.

Preston pulled a goal back in the 83rd minute through substitute Chris Brown, but Spurs substitute Robbie Keane added a fourth with three minutes remaining and Crouch cheekily completed his hat-trick in injury time.

Everton were barely extended as they cruised into the fourth round of the Carling Cup with an emphatic 4-0 defeat of under-strength Hull City.

The tie was effectively settled in the opening 24 minutes as the Toffees powered ahead at the KC Stadium with goals from Ayegbeni Yakubu, Jo and Dan Gosling.

David Moyes' men, finding their form after a poor start to the season, then eased off but took their goal tally to 11 in three matches as Leon Osman added a fourth after 57 minutes.

Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole returned from his long-term knee injury to help defeat Queens Park Rangers 1-0.

The 27-year-old, named by manager Carlo Ancelotti as captain for the evening, was playing in his first match since January and set up Salomon Kalou's winner at Stamford Bridge.

Gabriel Agbonlahor ensured Aston Villa avoided more Carling Cup disappointment with his third-minute goal sufficient to overcome Cardiff City 1-0 at Villa Park.

Villa had crashed out of the competition to lower-league opposition in three of the previous four seasons.

But Agbonlahor continued his hot scoring streak after linking up with fellow striker John Carew to seal a spot in the fourth round.

Danny Welbeck struck the only goal of the match at Old Trafford as a youthful Manchester United side made light of Fabio's early red card to edge past Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0.

Fabio was given his marching orders on 29 minutes for a crude challenge on Michael Kightly and the visitors had their chances but United - for whom Michael Owen made his second start - held firm.

Manchester City captain Kolo Toure banished the club's derby blues by scoring the winner in extra-time at Eastlands to beat Fulham 2-1.

It was his first goal since he arrived from Arsenal in the summer and a welcome one at that.

City found it hard going against Fulham after losing in stoppage time against Manchester United on Sunday but Toure found the target in the 111th minute to take Mark Hughes' men into the last 16.

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson named a completely different starting XI to the one that lost to Wolves in the Barclays Premier League on Sunday and the west Londoners opened the scoring with a wonder goal from Zoltan Gera, only for Gareth Barry to pull City level.

Read more!

Trophies the yardstick for Hughes

Mark Hughes is convinced one trophy is all it will take for Manchester City to become one of England's superclubs.

After spending in excess of £120m this summer, City have already proved their ability by winning four matches on the trot and running Manchester United so close at Old Trafford on Sunday has underlined their top four credentials.

But, ahead of Wednesday's Carling Cup encounter with Fulham at Eastlands, the City chief knows either would allow his team to take the final step towards gatecrashing the game's elite.

"If you win trophies and have experience of winning trophies as a group of players and as a club, it helps you," he said.

"It shows you the qualities needed to overcome opposition and win things. We haven't got that yet. But if we can get into positions to win trophies it would allow us to go that final step."

Read more!

Wenger: Wilshere has something special

Arsene Wenger has hailed Jack Wilshere, claiming the midfielder has "something special".

The youngster turned in another fine performance as the Gunners defeated West Bromwich Albion 2-0 in the third round of the Carling Cup at the Emirates Stadium, writes Stewart Coggin.

He was also involved in the match's most controversial incident when Jerome Thomas was handed a straight red card for hitting out at Wilshere before half-time after the pair challenged for a ball.

Second-half goals from Sanchez Watt and Carlos Vela put the 10-man Baggies to the sword, but much of the post-match discussion centred around the lively Wilshere.

"I think he did very well, he looked lively and dangerous," said Wenger. "In a difficult part of the game he was dangerous, when it was very tight in the first half he looked to find openings.

"He was not scared, he has something it is very hard to give players, he gets the ball and takes people on, still sometimes there is a lack of experience in his decision making but there is something special there.

"I believe in the future he will be a central player but at the moment he needs education, playing wide left and wide right."

Wenger was happy to see his youthful side reach the fourth round, and praised the efforts of his players against a West Brom team leading the Championship.

"Overall it was a good game, it would have been a great game if it had strayed 11 against 11 but we were patient, played with cohesion, didn't make mistakes and in the end the natural outcome was there," he added.

Read more!

Carling Cup review - Tues 22nd Sept

A review of how the Barclays Premier League clubs fared in Carling Cup third round on Tuesday.

Arsenal's young Gunners booked a place in round four of the Carling Cup with victory over 10-man West Bromwich Albion at the Emirates Stadium.

Sanchez Watt opened the scoring just after the hour as the Baggies were eventually undone following the first-half sending off of midfielder Jerome Thomas, who once played for Arsenal. Mexican striker Carlos Vela added a second from close range.

Barnsley advanced to the fourth round after edging a five-goal thriller against Burnley at Oakwell.

Jon Macken cancelled out Steven Fletcher's 22nd-minute strike just 30 seconds later, while Anderson De Silva's spectacular effort in the sixth minute of injury time gave the Tykes a half-time lead. Burnley fought back with a goal created by Fernando Guerrero and scored by Chris Eagles, but Hugo Colace scored a bullet header with 15 minutes remaining to settle the tie.

Portsmouth recovered from a difficult start to overcome Carlisle United 3-1.

Around 600 Portsmouth fans were rewarded for their 750-mile round trip to Brunton Park with a win, but nobody was more relieved at the final whistle than manager Paul Hart, who had seen his side go 1-0 down when Ian Harte put the League One side a goal up from the penalty spot after only two minutes.

It was Aaron Mokoena who gave away the penalty after hauling down Richard Offiong, but Pompey regained their composure quickly and strikes from Aruna Dindane, Danny Webber and Anthony Vanden Borre - all their first for the club - sealed a morale-boosting 3-1 victory.

David Ngog struck the only goal as Liverpool edged out a fired-up Leeds United side.

The Barclays Premier League giants were outplayed by the League One leaders for much of the third-round tie but Ngog netted against the run of play after 65 minutes. Leeds spurned a number of chances throughout the tie as Elland Road enjoyed a big-match atmosphere once again but their lack of composure in front of goal cost them.

Benni McCarthy's fortuitous free-kick ensured a successful return to Nottingham Forest for Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce as Rovers reached the fourth round with a slender 1-0 victory at the City Ground.

Allardyce, who managed Forest's city rivals Notts County between 1997 and 1999, guiding the Magpies to the old Third Division title by a staggering 19 points in his second season, saw his side score against the run of play in the 37th minute.

Martin Olsson had been brought down on the left side of the area. McCarthy's curling right-foot cross appeared to evade everyone in the box and nestle in the far corner beyond Paul Smith's desperate dive. It was harsh on the Championship club who created the better chances throughout and missed a second-half penalty when Jason Brown superbly saved Dexter Blackstock's kick.

Stoke City snatched a place in the fourth round after a remarkable 4-3 win over Blackpool. David Vaughan and Billy Clarke put the visitors 2-0 ahead but Stoke scored three times in five minutes to take the lead.

Ben Burgess drew Blackpool level just a minute later but Andy Griffin grabbed a last-minute winner to end a thrilling contest.

Jordan Henderson and Fraizer Campbell dumped Birmingham City out of the Carling Cup as Sunderland coasted into the fourth round.

Teenager Henderson scored his first senior goal for the club with just four minutes gone, and when Campbell matched his feat 19 minutes later, the match was effectively over. John Mensah had a second-half strike chalked off for a foul, but the Black Cats never looked back on a night when they were simply too strong for the visitors.

Defender Gary Cahill was the unlikely hero for Bolton Wanderers as he produced a stunning strike in extra time to help beat West Ham United 3-1 in their third round tie at the Reebok Stadium.

The centre-back drilled home from 25 yards just six minutes into the additional period to turn things around for the home side, with Johan Elmander sliding in a third very late on. Wanderers captain Kevin Davies had struck with a header just before the end of 90 minutes to cancel out Herita Ilunga's first goal for the club on the hour.

Arsenal 2-0 West Bromwich Albion
Barnsley 3-2 Burnley
Bolton Wanderers 3-1 West Ham United (AET)
Carlisle United 1-3 Portsmouth
Leeds United 0-1 Liverpool
Nottingham Forest 0-1 Blackburn Rovers
Peterborough 2-0 Newcastle United
Scunthorpe 2-0 Port Vale (AET)
Stoke City 4-3 Blackpool
Sunderland 2-0 Birmingham City

Read more!

Shorey happy to stay with Villa

Aston Villa full-back Nicky Shorey is happy with his decision to turn down a loan move to Portsmouth.

Shorey had been lined up for a season-long switch to Fratton Park on transfer deadline day, but opted again at joining the Barclays Premier League's bottom club.

The defender was offered the chance to join Pompey after Villa manager Martin O'Neill added Stephen Warnock to his squad, shunting Shorey on to the bench.

However, Shorey does not regret rejecting Portsmouth and explained that a move to Fratton Park did not feel "right".

"The interest from Portsmouth came really late in the window," Shorey said ahead of Villa's match with Pompey on Saturday.

"I didn't have a lot of time to think about it and I decided it wasn't the right thing for me to do.

"I'd come off the back of a few good wins and I was in the team playing well, I thought. I made that decision and I'm happy with it.

"At the end of the day I didn't feel it was the right move for me and that's the bottom line.

"I have no hard feelings, they are nice people down there and I wish them all the best, but I'm a Villa player."

Read more!