Middlesbrough forward Tuncay Sanli has been ruled out for six weeks with a knee injury.
The Turkey international picked up a slight tear to his medial ligament while on World Cup qualifying duty last week, lasting just 13 minutes of the encounter with Belgium having netted in their previous match with Armenia.
There had been reports that Tuncay could be sidelined for four months, but he is being lined up for a return against Manchester City on 28th October.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Terry red card rescinded
Chelsea captain John Terry has won an appeal against the red card he picked up at Manchester City.
Terry was dismissed at Eastlands on Saturday after bringing down City striker Jo as the Brazilian threatened in the 77th minute.
Referee Mark Halsey deemed it a professional foul and showed Terry the red card, but Chelsea protested, and submitted a claim for wrongful dismissal.
Terry was dismissed at Eastlands on Saturday after bringing down City striker Jo as the Brazilian threatened in the 77th minute.
Referee Mark Halsey deemed it a professional foul and showed Terry the red card, but Chelsea protested, and submitted a claim for wrongful dismissal.
Liverpool and Chelsea triumph
It was a winning night for Barclays Premier League sides Liverpool and Chelsea in the Champions League.
Steven Gerrard ensured Liverpool got their Champions League campaign off to the best possible start with both goals in a 2-1 win at Marseille.
Liverpool are also paired with PSV and Atletico Madrid in Group D so manager Rafa Benitez will be delighted to have seen them open up with a victory at the Stade Velodrome.
Steven Gerrard ensured Liverpool got their Champions League campaign off to the best possible start with both goals in a 2-1 win at Marseille.
Liverpool are also paired with PSV and Atletico Madrid in Group D so manager Rafa Benitez will be delighted to have seen them open up with a victory at the Stade Velodrome.
Marseille 1-2 Liverpool
Steven Gerrard's brace helped Liverpool to a hard-fought win at Marseille in their Champions League Group D opener.
Lorik Cana beat the Reds offside trap to slot the French side ahead but Gerrard curled in a sublime outswinging 22-yard shot to level.
Gerrard scored his 99th goal for Liverpool when he slotted in a retaken penalty after Ryan Babel was fouled.
Mamadou Niang glanced a header wide and had a strike saved by Pepe Reina late on but the Reds held on for a win.
Liverpool had beaten Marseille 4-0 last December but found the current side a much-improved unit and hungry to avenge that defeat.
Marseille gave the Reds a stern test but found Liverpool's defence - in particular Reina - in stubborn mood, while Gerrard again rose to the occasion.
Lorik Cana beat the Reds offside trap to slot the French side ahead but Gerrard curled in a sublime outswinging 22-yard shot to level.
Gerrard scored his 99th goal for Liverpool when he slotted in a retaken penalty after Ryan Babel was fouled.
Mamadou Niang glanced a header wide and had a strike saved by Pepe Reina late on but the Reds held on for a win.
Liverpool had beaten Marseille 4-0 last December but found the current side a much-improved unit and hungry to avenge that defeat.
Marseille gave the Reds a stern test but found Liverpool's defence - in particular Reina - in stubborn mood, while Gerrard again rose to the occasion.
Chelsea 4-0 Bordeaux
Chelsea opened their Champions League campaign in emphatic fashion with a comfortable win against Bordeaux.
Frank Lampard headed Chelsea in front after only 14 minutes from Jose Bosingwa's perfect right-wing cross.
Joe Cole then glanced in Lampard's corner on the half-hour as Chelsea took complete control.
Florent Malouda added the third with a driven left-foot shot eight minutes from time and Nicolas Anelka tapped in a fourth in injury time
Bordeaux were tame opposition, with Chelsea keeper Petr Cech not forced into serious action at any point, but it was still an impressive show as the Premier League leaders continued the form that has taken them to the summit.
Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, predictably, named the same team that outclassed Manchester City on Saturday - and they continued in imperious form.
It took last season's runners-up only 14 minutes to take the lead, Lampard arriving in a central position only six yards out to head Bosingwa's superb cross beyond Ulrich Rame.
Rame then saved well from Anelka and John Terry headed Lampard's free-kick just wide before Joe Cole deservedly doubled Chelsea's advantage on the half-hour.
Lmpard swung a corner into the near post and the England midfield man rose above the Bordeaux defence to glance home a neat header.
Lampard should have piled on the misery for Bordeaux three minutes later, but he uncharacteristically dragged a simple finish wide from close range.
Bordeaux, as they had to, showed greater ambition after the break and Fernando gave Chelsea a moment of anxiety after 50 minutes when he shot just wide.
Scolari, with the game seemingly under control, decided to make a change on the hour when he sent on fit-again Michael Ballack for Deco.
And Anelka should have wrapped things up almost immediately, but he shot into the side-netting from an angle.
Chelsea had taken their foot off the gas after the break and Scolari went through his full range of arm-waving as he became increasingly agitated with his side.
And his theatrics had the desired effect as they scored a beautifully fashioned third with eight minutes left.
Jon Mikel Obi opened up the Bordeaux defence with a powerful surge, and when Lampard released Malouda with a clever flick, the Frenchman fired an emphatic left-foot finish across Rame.
Ricardo Carvalho then headed against the bar and Anelka drove inches wide as Chelsea ended the game as they begun it, in complete control.
And they rounded off the night in style when Anelka slotted in a simple fourth after substitute Juliano Belletti's long-range shot rebounded into his path off the bar.
Frank Lampard headed Chelsea in front after only 14 minutes from Jose Bosingwa's perfect right-wing cross.
Joe Cole then glanced in Lampard's corner on the half-hour as Chelsea took complete control.
Florent Malouda added the third with a driven left-foot shot eight minutes from time and Nicolas Anelka tapped in a fourth in injury time
Bordeaux were tame opposition, with Chelsea keeper Petr Cech not forced into serious action at any point, but it was still an impressive show as the Premier League leaders continued the form that has taken them to the summit.
Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, predictably, named the same team that outclassed Manchester City on Saturday - and they continued in imperious form.
It took last season's runners-up only 14 minutes to take the lead, Lampard arriving in a central position only six yards out to head Bosingwa's superb cross beyond Ulrich Rame.
Rame then saved well from Anelka and John Terry headed Lampard's free-kick just wide before Joe Cole deservedly doubled Chelsea's advantage on the half-hour.
Lmpard swung a corner into the near post and the England midfield man rose above the Bordeaux defence to glance home a neat header.
Lampard should have piled on the misery for Bordeaux three minutes later, but he uncharacteristically dragged a simple finish wide from close range.
Bordeaux, as they had to, showed greater ambition after the break and Fernando gave Chelsea a moment of anxiety after 50 minutes when he shot just wide.
Scolari, with the game seemingly under control, decided to make a change on the hour when he sent on fit-again Michael Ballack for Deco.
And Anelka should have wrapped things up almost immediately, but he shot into the side-netting from an angle.
Chelsea had taken their foot off the gas after the break and Scolari went through his full range of arm-waving as he became increasingly agitated with his side.
And his theatrics had the desired effect as they scored a beautifully fashioned third with eight minutes left.
Jon Mikel Obi opened up the Bordeaux defence with a powerful surge, and when Lampard released Malouda with a clever flick, the Frenchman fired an emphatic left-foot finish across Rame.
Ricardo Carvalho then headed against the bar and Anelka drove inches wide as Chelsea ended the game as they begun it, in complete control.
And they rounded off the night in style when Anelka slotted in a simple fourth after substitute Juliano Belletti's long-range shot rebounded into his path off the bar.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Stoke City 2: Everton 3
Tim Cahill celebrated his return to Everton's starting line-up with the winning goal against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium.
Cahill had missed the start of the season with a broken metatarsal that blighted him for much of the last campaign. But he marked his surprise inclusion by striking the decisive blow, heading home Mikel Arteta's corner in the 76th minute.
Everton looked like they would cruise to victory when goals either side of half-time from Yakubu and Victor Anichebe put them firmly in the driving seat.
But Stoke showed grit, and aided by the potent weapon of Rory Delap's long throw they fought back and restored parity through Seyi Olofinjana and Phil Jagielka's own goal.
However, they were denied what looked like an unlikely point when Cahill had the final word.
Cahill had missed the start of the season with a broken metatarsal that blighted him for much of the last campaign. But he marked his surprise inclusion by striking the decisive blow, heading home Mikel Arteta's corner in the 76th minute.
Everton looked like they would cruise to victory when goals either side of half-time from Yakubu and Victor Anichebe put them firmly in the driving seat.
But Stoke showed grit, and aided by the potent weapon of Rory Delap's long throw they fought back and restored parity through Seyi Olofinjana and Phil Jagielka's own goal.
However, they were denied what looked like an unlikely point when Cahill had the final word.
Blackburn Rovers 0: Arsenal 4
Emmanuel Adebayor was the hat-trick hero this time as Theo Walcott returned to club duty in a comfortable victory for Arsenal.
The 19-year-old returned to the side after his superb treble for England and set up the opening goal for Robin van Persie in the eighth minute.
Walcott looked full of confidence following his demolition of Croatia and with a Champions League match against Dynamo Kiev to come on Wednesday, he played only 63 minutes.
He was given a rapturous reception by the visiting supporters and a few of the home ones as well.
It was Adebayor who carried the main threat in this match and he was in irrepressible form.
Arsenal stamped their mark on the match with a marvellous goal in the eighth minute and Walcott was at the heart of the move.
He cut inside and weaved his way past a couple of players before picking out van Persie in the penalty area. The Dutch international showed the deftest of touches to beat goalkeeper Paul Robinson with a shot into the corner.
The 19-year-old returned to the side after his superb treble for England and set up the opening goal for Robin van Persie in the eighth minute.
Walcott looked full of confidence following his demolition of Croatia and with a Champions League match against Dynamo Kiev to come on Wednesday, he played only 63 minutes.
He was given a rapturous reception by the visiting supporters and a few of the home ones as well.
It was Adebayor who carried the main threat in this match and he was in irrepressible form.
Arsenal stamped their mark on the match with a marvellous goal in the eighth minute and Walcott was at the heart of the move.
He cut inside and weaved his way past a couple of players before picking out van Persie in the penalty area. The Dutch international showed the deftest of touches to beat goalkeeper Paul Robinson with a shot into the corner.
Fulham 2: Bolton Wanderers 1
Andrew Johnson finally made his Fulham debut but it was two other summer arrivals who starred as Roy Hodgson's side survived a late scare at Craven Cottage.
Zoltan Gera opened his account with an emphatic 15th minute finish and Bolton Wanderers cracked for a second time when Bobby Zamora pounced shortly before half time.
The visitors' defence was tormented by the irrepressible Zamora all afternoon and his goal was a moment of individual brilliance, evading two defenders before expertly finding the net.
Kevin Davies took advantage of a moment of hesitancy in Fulham's defence to pull one back with nine minutes to go as Bolton struck out of the blue.
It would have been an injustice had Gary Megson's team snatched a late point but Fulham should have made more of their chances.
For Fulham fans it was a glorious afternoon as Hodgson's passing philosophy - tailor made for the guile-free Trotters - reigned at sun-kissed Craven Cottage.
Mark Schwarzer had one save to make, keeping out a fine effort by Gavin McCann, until Bolton's late flurry sparked by Davies' fortuitous score.
Zoltan Gera opened his account with an emphatic 15th minute finish and Bolton Wanderers cracked for a second time when Bobby Zamora pounced shortly before half time.
The visitors' defence was tormented by the irrepressible Zamora all afternoon and his goal was a moment of individual brilliance, evading two defenders before expertly finding the net.
Kevin Davies took advantage of a moment of hesitancy in Fulham's defence to pull one back with nine minutes to go as Bolton struck out of the blue.
It would have been an injustice had Gary Megson's team snatched a late point but Fulham should have made more of their chances.
For Fulham fans it was a glorious afternoon as Hodgson's passing philosophy - tailor made for the guile-free Trotters - reigned at sun-kissed Craven Cottage.
Mark Schwarzer had one save to make, keeping out a fine effort by Gavin McCann, until Bolton's late flurry sparked by Davies' fortuitous score.
Newcastle United 1: Hull City 2
Newcastle United suffered a 2-1 home defeat by Hull City at St James' Park. A promising start was dashed by Marlon King's 34th-minute penalty, and by the time King doubled his tally nine minutes after the break, they saw no return. Debutant Xisco pulled a goal back nine minutes from time, but it was too little too late.
The Spaniard, one of two deadline day arrivals, headed a 13th-minute Charles N'Zogbia corner over the bar and then failed to get in a shot after being picked out by Geremi inside the box.
Danny Guthrie went close with 19 minutes gone then skipper Michael Owen, playing behind a front two of Xisco and Shola Ameobi, almost broke the deadlock 14 minutes before the break.
The England international timed his run to perfection to meet Geremi's free-kick, but keeper Boaz Myhill produced a fine reaction save to keep out his deft header.
Newcastle did not have it all their own way and Shay Given had earlier been forced to make a smart 14th-minute save from King's snapshot.
The Spaniard, one of two deadline day arrivals, headed a 13th-minute Charles N'Zogbia corner over the bar and then failed to get in a shot after being picked out by Geremi inside the box.
Danny Guthrie went close with 19 minutes gone then skipper Michael Owen, playing behind a front two of Xisco and Shola Ameobi, almost broke the deadlock 14 minutes before the break.
The England international timed his run to perfection to meet Geremi's free-kick, but keeper Boaz Myhill produced a fine reaction save to keep out his deft header.
Newcastle did not have it all their own way and Shay Given had earlier been forced to make a smart 14th-minute save from King's snapshot.
Portsmouth 2: Middlesbrough 1
Jermain Defoe's two second-half goals gave Portsmouth their first home win in six months - but not before manager Harry Redknapp had revert from his new 3-5-2 system.
Middlesbrough, with a raft of injured international stars missing, led against the run of play when burly striker Mido slotted in a chance created by Brazilian Afonso Alves.
But in the second half it was virtually a procession to their goal - Defoe passing up a hat-trick of other chances.
Pompey were lucky to survive in the fourth minute when Sol Campbell failed to cut out Didier Digard's cross from the right. Alves was so surprised he forgot to shoot, with only David James to beat.
With the hosts apparently dominating, Mido then caught them cold. Alves controlled a long ball down the left from Chris Riggott and found Mido with a sliderule pass.
Pompey's defence was slow to cover, and the big Egyptian slipped through neatly past the dozing Younes Kaboul to slot home.
Middlesbrough, with a raft of injured international stars missing, led against the run of play when burly striker Mido slotted in a chance created by Brazilian Afonso Alves.
But in the second half it was virtually a procession to their goal - Defoe passing up a hat-trick of other chances.
Pompey were lucky to survive in the fourth minute when Sol Campbell failed to cut out Didier Digard's cross from the right. Alves was so surprised he forgot to shoot, with only David James to beat.
With the hosts apparently dominating, Mido then caught them cold. Alves controlled a long ball down the left from Chris Riggott and found Mido with a sliderule pass.
Pompey's defence was slow to cover, and the big Egyptian slipped through neatly past the dozing Younes Kaboul to slot home.
Wigan Athletic 1: Sunderland 1
Amr Zaki continued his remarkable Barclays Premier League scoring record by blasting his fourth goal of the season to rescue Wigan Athletic a point and spare Titus Bramble's blushes at the JJB Stadium.
Bramble's 13th-minute own goal looked set to gift the three points to Roy Keane's Sunderland, before the 25-year-old Egyptian struck with a low shot past Craig Gordon 12 minutes from time.
It was a rich reward not only for the impressive Zaki but for Steve Bruce's men, reduced to 10 in the 85th minute by Lee Cattermole's sending-off, who had applied almost constant pressure.
Kevin Kilbane, Emile Heskey, Maynor Figueroa, Olivier Kapo and Zaki himself all had chances but were denied by a mixture of misfortune in front of goal and fine last-ditch defending by the Black Cats.
It was quite some performance from Keane's new boys George McCartney and Anton Ferdinand to suppress the hottest goalscorers in the country - who had notched 11 goals in their last two matches alone.
Despite a patchy start to the season, Keane will take heart from a hard-earned point - which could have been more if Djibril Cisse had converted two clear chances in front of goal.
Sunderland had started well, camping inside the Wigan box from the kick-off and gaining an early reward after Kieran Richardson's bright run down the left had ended in Chris Kirkland turning his low shot past the post.
Bramble's 13th-minute own goal looked set to gift the three points to Roy Keane's Sunderland, before the 25-year-old Egyptian struck with a low shot past Craig Gordon 12 minutes from time.
It was a rich reward not only for the impressive Zaki but for Steve Bruce's men, reduced to 10 in the 85th minute by Lee Cattermole's sending-off, who had applied almost constant pressure.
Kevin Kilbane, Emile Heskey, Maynor Figueroa, Olivier Kapo and Zaki himself all had chances but were denied by a mixture of misfortune in front of goal and fine last-ditch defending by the Black Cats.
It was quite some performance from Keane's new boys George McCartney and Anton Ferdinand to suppress the hottest goalscorers in the country - who had notched 11 goals in their last two matches alone.
Despite a patchy start to the season, Keane will take heart from a hard-earned point - which could have been more if Djibril Cisse had converted two clear chances in front of goal.
Sunderland had started well, camping inside the Wigan box from the kick-off and gaining an early reward after Kieran Richardson's bright run down the left had ended in Chris Kirkland turning his low shot past the post.
Manchester City 1: Chelsea 3
Manchester City slipped to defeat against Chelsea despite a debut-day opener from record signing Robinho.
The £32.5m man paid off the first instalment of his British record price-tag by putting Mark Hughes' men ahead with a superb 13th-minute free-kick.
But it was downhill all the way after that as Chelsea scored three times without reply, with Ricardo Carvalho, Frank Lampard and Nicolas Anelka scoring, to register a seventh straight win over City even though England captain John Terry was sent off for a professional foul.
It was a reality check Hughes did not need, although it should ensure expectations are lowered - until January's transfer window opens - and in Robinho the Blues have a talent to savour.
And it was perhaps no surprise Robinho should make the perfect start. Carvalho was unhappy at the free-kick in the first place as Jo went down for a foul.
It just added to the theatre as Robinho ushered away all his team-mates, before reintroducing Vincent Kompany as a token presence. He then took aim and calmly stroked the ball into the corner.
The £32.5m man paid off the first instalment of his British record price-tag by putting Mark Hughes' men ahead with a superb 13th-minute free-kick.
But it was downhill all the way after that as Chelsea scored three times without reply, with Ricardo Carvalho, Frank Lampard and Nicolas Anelka scoring, to register a seventh straight win over City even though England captain John Terry was sent off for a professional foul.
It was a reality check Hughes did not need, although it should ensure expectations are lowered - until January's transfer window opens - and in Robinho the Blues have a talent to savour.
And it was perhaps no surprise Robinho should make the perfect start. Carvalho was unhappy at the free-kick in the first place as Jo went down for a foul.
It just added to the theatre as Robinho ushered away all his team-mates, before reintroducing Vincent Kompany as a token presence. He then took aim and calmly stroked the ball into the corner.
Liverpool 2 : Manchester United 1
Rafael Benitez has finally got something to smile about after watching Liverpool beat Manchester United for the first time in his Anfield career thanks to an own goal from Wes Brown and Ryan Babel's winner.
The Liverpool manager had never beaten United in nine previous league matches, with the champions having won the last five meetings between these two giants.
But United wilted under a relentless second-half pressure, had Nemanja Vidic sent-off and saw substitute Babel secure victory.
Carlos Tevez put United ahead early on. But after a torrid opening period, Liverpool were level with a Wes Brown own goal before Liverpool dominated the second half and grabbed a priceless win with 13 minutes left.
Liverpool gave new signing Albert Riera his debut but Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres were not risked any closer to the initial action than the bench.
For the champions, Michael Carrick returned after an ankle problem, but all eyes were on £30m striker Dimitar Berbatov on his first appearance for his new club.
The champions were ahead after just three minutes. Berbatov was allowed to get to the line by some sloppy marking and covering, and Liverpool's defence was nowhere to be seen when his pulled back cross was lashed home by Tevez.
United were quicker and more mobile all over the pitch while Liverpool continually conceded possession.
The Liverpool manager had never beaten United in nine previous league matches, with the champions having won the last five meetings between these two giants.
But United wilted under a relentless second-half pressure, had Nemanja Vidic sent-off and saw substitute Babel secure victory.
Carlos Tevez put United ahead early on. But after a torrid opening period, Liverpool were level with a Wes Brown own goal before Liverpool dominated the second half and grabbed a priceless win with 13 minutes left.
Liverpool gave new signing Albert Riera his debut but Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres were not risked any closer to the initial action than the bench.
For the champions, Michael Carrick returned after an ankle problem, but all eyes were on £30m striker Dimitar Berbatov on his first appearance for his new club.
The champions were ahead after just three minutes. Berbatov was allowed to get to the line by some sloppy marking and covering, and Liverpool's defence was nowhere to be seen when his pulled back cross was lashed home by Tevez.
United were quicker and more mobile all over the pitch while Liverpool continually conceded possession.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Toffees seal Jacobsen deal
Everton have completed the signing of Denmark right-back Lars Jacobsen on a free transfer.
Jacobsen, 28, underwent a medical on Monday and the free agent, who was with German club Nurnberg last season, has agreed a one-year deal.
Everton confirmed on Tuesday morning Jacobsen has finalised his switch to Goodison Park.
The defender will wear the number 15 shirt for the Merseysiders.
Jacobsen, 28, underwent a medical on Monday and the free agent, who was with German club Nurnberg last season, has agreed a one-year deal.
Everton confirmed on Tuesday morning Jacobsen has finalised his switch to Goodison Park.
The defender will wear the number 15 shirt for the Merseysiders.
United to call on England pair
Sir Alex Ferguson has pledged to take the encounter with UEFA Cup winners Zenit St Petersburg seriously after losing out to Lazio the last time United played in the match following their Champions League triumph over Bayern Munich in 1999.
Liverpool 2-1 Middlesbrough
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard fired a stunning stoppage-time winner to floor Middlesbrough after they threatened an Anfield shock.
England head coach Fabio Capello suggested in midweek that Gerrard is not fully fit, but he was still going strong late in the game against Boro as Liverpool came from behind to claim three points.
Boro had not won in the league at Anfield since 1976, and when Mido came off the bench to put them ahead with 20 minutes left that record looked likely to be consigned to history.
But Jamie Carragher saw a 20-yard cross-shot deflect home off Emanuel Pogatetz for an own goal with five minutes of regulation time remaining, and then Gerrard rifled home a 20-yard winner deep into injury-time.
A pre-match injury to goalkeeper Brad Jones meant Ross Turnbull was thrust into action at the last moment.
He was put under immediate pressure by Liverpool. After three minutes Fernando Torres surged towards the penalty area and fed Dirk Kuyt whose fierce drive was turned aside at full stretch by Turnbull.
Then Andrea Dossena fired over a swirling cross-shot which Turnbull pushed behind.
Torres saw a flicked header go wide before there was a lengthy delay when Dossena and Jeremie Aliadiere clashed heads, both leaving the field.
Boro's French forward returned with his head heavily bandaged, while Dossena needed a stitch before being allowed back into the fray.
It then took a fine flying save from Jose Reina to touch over an 18-yard shot from Boro's Andrew Taylor.
England head coach Fabio Capello suggested in midweek that Gerrard is not fully fit, but he was still going strong late in the game against Boro as Liverpool came from behind to claim three points.
Boro had not won in the league at Anfield since 1976, and when Mido came off the bench to put them ahead with 20 minutes left that record looked likely to be consigned to history.
But Jamie Carragher saw a 20-yard cross-shot deflect home off Emanuel Pogatetz for an own goal with five minutes of regulation time remaining, and then Gerrard rifled home a 20-yard winner deep into injury-time.
A pre-match injury to goalkeeper Brad Jones meant Ross Turnbull was thrust into action at the last moment.
He was put under immediate pressure by Liverpool. After three minutes Fernando Torres surged towards the penalty area and fed Dirk Kuyt whose fierce drive was turned aside at full stretch by Turnbull.
Then Andrea Dossena fired over a swirling cross-shot which Turnbull pushed behind.
Torres saw a flicked header go wide before there was a lengthy delay when Dossena and Jeremie Aliadiere clashed heads, both leaving the field.
Boro's French forward returned with his head heavily bandaged, while Dossena needed a stitch before being allowed back into the fray.
It then took a fine flying save from Jose Reina to touch over an 18-yard shot from Boro's Andrew Taylor.
Manchester City 3-0 West Ham United
Manchester City were monitoring the progress of Micah Richards after their comfortable 3-0 victory against 10-man West Ham United at Eastlands.
While Elano scored a brace following the opening goal from Daniel Sturridge, the mood of delight was tempered by the injury to the young England defender.
Richards, watched by national team manager Fabio Capello, was left in some distress a minute into the second half after being poleaxed following a collision with team-mate Tal Ben Haim.
He was treated on the pitch for eight minutes before being carried unconscious to the dressing room by a bank of medics.
However he later came round in the dressing room and was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary for further checks.
City regrouped and went on to make their advantage pay after West Ham midfielder Mark Noble was sent off in the 39th minute for two yellow cards.
City dominated the match from the off and came close to making the breakthrough in the 13th minute when Stephen Ireland's shot was cleared off the line by Valon Behrami.
While Elano scored a brace following the opening goal from Daniel Sturridge, the mood of delight was tempered by the injury to the young England defender.
Richards, watched by national team manager Fabio Capello, was left in some distress a minute into the second half after being poleaxed following a collision with team-mate Tal Ben Haim.
He was treated on the pitch for eight minutes before being carried unconscious to the dressing room by a bank of medics.
However he later came round in the dressing room and was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary for further checks.
City regrouped and went on to make their advantage pay after West Ham midfielder Mark Noble was sent off in the 39th minute for two yellow cards.
City dominated the match from the off and came close to making the breakthrough in the 13th minute when Stephen Ireland's shot was cleared off the line by Valon Behrami.
West Bromwich Albion 1-2 Everton
Everton recovered from a poor opening 45 minutes to register their first win of the campaign thanks to second-half goals from Leon Osman and Ayegbeni Yakubu.
David Moyes' side, shorn of several key players through injury, looked to be suffering a hangover from their last-gasp defeat by Blackburn Rovers against an West Bromwich Albion side who played some fluent football.
But they lacked the killer touch - bar a late penalty from Roman Bednar - and were given a taste of the harsh realities of Barclays Premier League football as the Toffees took advantage of the few chances that came their way.
Baggies manager Tony Mowbray again opted to play only the one out-and-out striker in Ishmael Miller and they failed to create many chances.
But they were still able to pin the visitors back for long periods until Everton play-maker Mikel Arteta started to impose his class on proceedings.
Albion will need to find that firepower if they are to survive but on this performance Everton have still to reach their best.
The first half saw Albion showing virtually all the attacking intent in their first home match in the top flight since being relegated at the end of the 2005/06 campaign.
David Moyes' side, shorn of several key players through injury, looked to be suffering a hangover from their last-gasp defeat by Blackburn Rovers against an West Bromwich Albion side who played some fluent football.
But they lacked the killer touch - bar a late penalty from Roman Bednar - and were given a taste of the harsh realities of Barclays Premier League football as the Toffees took advantage of the few chances that came their way.
Baggies manager Tony Mowbray again opted to play only the one out-and-out striker in Ishmael Miller and they failed to create many chances.
But they were still able to pin the visitors back for long periods until Everton play-maker Mikel Arteta started to impose his class on proceedings.
Albion will need to find that firepower if they are to survive but on this performance Everton have still to reach their best.
The first half saw Albion showing virtually all the attacking intent in their first home match in the top flight since being relegated at the end of the 2005/06 campaign.
Fulham 1-0 Arsenal
Fulham held on for a famous victory over Arsenal which was secured by big defender Brede Hangeland's first goal for the club.
Arsenal's Robin van Persie missed a golden chance before Norwegian Hangeland turned in a corner from Jimmy Bullard in the 21st minute.
Emmanuel Adebayor hit the right post with a header for Arsenal soon afterwards, but that was as close as the Gunners came to an equaliser.
Arsenal tried to impose their possession game in the early stages but were caught out when Zoltan Gera slipped a fine ball through to Bobby Zamora in the inside left channel in the eighth minute.
The former West Ham United striker glided in behind the defenders but chipped a shot over the crossbar from a difficult angle.
And Arsenal were grateful to Gael Clichy for getting back to dispossess Zamora a few minutes later when the former West Ham striker came raiding again - this time down the right.
Arsenal's first shot finally came after 12 minutes when van Persie's pass found Adebayor and the big Togo forward neatly controlled but fired a low drive off-target from 20 yards.
Danny Murphy hit a volley over the bar when the Gunners, briefly down to 10 men with Emmanuel Eboue limping off, could only half-clear Gera's cross.
Arsenal should have gone ahead in the 18th minute. Walcott's cross from the right was miskicked by newcomer Nasri - and van Persie slammed an inviting chance wide.
Arsenal's Robin van Persie missed a golden chance before Norwegian Hangeland turned in a corner from Jimmy Bullard in the 21st minute.
Emmanuel Adebayor hit the right post with a header for Arsenal soon afterwards, but that was as close as the Gunners came to an equaliser.
Arsenal tried to impose their possession game in the early stages but were caught out when Zoltan Gera slipped a fine ball through to Bobby Zamora in the inside left channel in the eighth minute.
The former West Ham United striker glided in behind the defenders but chipped a shot over the crossbar from a difficult angle.
And Arsenal were grateful to Gael Clichy for getting back to dispossess Zamora a few minutes later when the former West Ham striker came raiding again - this time down the right.
Arsenal's first shot finally came after 12 minutes when van Persie's pass found Adebayor and the big Togo forward neatly controlled but fired a low drive off-target from 20 yards.
Danny Murphy hit a volley over the bar when the Gunners, briefly down to 10 men with Emmanuel Eboue limping off, could only half-clear Gera's cross.
Arsenal should have gone ahead in the 18th minute. Walcott's cross from the right was miskicked by newcomer Nasri - and van Persie slammed an inviting chance wide.
Portsmouth 0-1 Manchester United
It was only their second victory in the last six visits to Fratton Park and it was thanks to a scruffy 33rd-minute goal claimed by Darren Fletcher which will probably go down as a Sylvain Distin own-goal.
Patrice Evra's cross from the left struck both Sol Campbell and Fletcher - United's scorer in a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United last week - and was creeping past a stranded David James when Distin's frantic attempt to clear off the line sent the ball spiralling into the roof of the net.
Patrice Evra's cross from the left struck both Sol Campbell and Fletcher - United's scorer in a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United last week - and was creeping past a stranded David James when Distin's frantic attempt to clear off the line sent the ball spiralling into the roof of the net.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Portuguese striker joins Chelsea
Chelsea have signed Sporting Lisbon striker Fabio Paim on loan with a view to securing him on a permanent deal.
Chelsea have agreed a deal with the Portuguese club for the 20-year-old to join on an initial one-year loan.
Striker Claudio Pizarro recently left Stamford Bridge to join Werder Bremen on loan, while Andrei Shevchenko's future remains unclear.
Sporting have an excellent record in developing young players, most notably Cristiano Ronaldo.
Chelsea have agreed a deal with the Portuguese club for the 20-year-old to join on an initial one-year loan.
Striker Claudio Pizarro recently left Stamford Bridge to join Werder Bremen on loan, while Andrei Shevchenko's future remains unclear.
Sporting have an excellent record in developing young players, most notably Cristiano Ronaldo.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Santa Cruz keen to stay at Rovers
Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz has played down speculation that he is seeking a move away from Ewood Park.
Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing the Paraguay international.
But Santa Cruz, 26, who scored 23 goals last season, says he is ready to continue his Blackburn career.
"A lot of people said my transfer to a bigger club was about to happen, but I live in the present and I'm focused on Blackburn," he told Paravision TV.
Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing the Paraguay international.
But Santa Cruz, 26, who scored 23 goals last season, says he is ready to continue his Blackburn career.
"A lot of people said my transfer to a bigger club was about to happen, but I live in the present and I'm focused on Blackburn," he told Paravision TV.
Winterburn given Blackburn role
Former Arsenal full-back Nigel Winterburn is to join manager Paul Ince's backroom team at Blackburn to work as defensive coach.
The 44-year-old will travel with Rovers to their pre-season training camp in Germany on Wednesday.
After retiring in 2003, Winterburn has been working in the media.
Rovers chairman John Williams said: "Pulling together a new backroom team with the right balance of skills, experience and ideas is important."
The 44-year-old will travel with Rovers to their pre-season training camp in Germany on Wednesday.
After retiring in 2003, Winterburn has been working in the media.
Rovers chairman John Williams said: "Pulling together a new backroom team with the right balance of skills, experience and ideas is important."
Fowler to link up with Blackburn
Robbie Fowler is joining Blackburn for pre-season training after rejecting a pay-as-you-play deal from Cardiff.
The ex-England striker was expected to sign a new one-year deal with the Bluebirds but told the club on Thursday he would be linking up with Rovers.
Fowler, 33, has not played since December because of a hip injury that required surgery in the United States.
He will be reunited with new Blackburn manager Paul Ince - an old friend since their time together at Anfield.
The ex-England striker was expected to sign a new one-year deal with the Bluebirds but told the club on Thursday he would be linking up with Rovers.
Fowler, 33, has not played since December because of a hip injury that required surgery in the United States.
He will be reunited with new Blackburn manager Paul Ince - an old friend since their time together at Anfield.
Aston Villa make move for Bentley
Blackburn boss Paul Ince has revealed that Aston Villa have lodged an offer for midfielder David Bentley.
The England international, 23, did not play in Blackburn's pre-season victory at Macclesfield on Monday because of a calf problem picked up in training.
Bentley has made it clear that he wants to leave Blackburn and has also been linked Tottenham, who Ince says are yet to make an approach.
"We have had an offer from Aston Villa, but I do not want him to go," he said.
"But he is injured and he will have a couple of days off and I hope to take him to Germany on Wednesday for our training trip."
The England international, 23, did not play in Blackburn's pre-season victory at Macclesfield on Monday because of a calf problem picked up in training.
Bentley has made it clear that he wants to leave Blackburn and has also been linked Tottenham, who Ince says are yet to make an approach.
"We have had an offer from Aston Villa, but I do not want him to go," he said.
"But he is injured and he will have a couple of days off and I hope to take him to Germany on Wednesday for our training trip."
Why Man City must ditch Ronaldinho plan
Manchester City's pursuit of Ronaldinho has been an interesting sideshow to the summer of speculation - and for their sake let's hope it becomes nothing more than that.
The latest development, coming from a source that has proved almost 100% reliable on all matters Manchester City in recent weeks, is that an e-mail containing an offer for £22m has been sent to Barcelona, and no doubt very gratefully received.
Barcelona would presumably wrap Ronaldinho in cotton wool and supervise his safe arrival to the gates of Eastlands for that sort of cash.
Ronaldinho's arrival at Manchester City would undoubtedly cause a frenzy of interest, but what happens when the novelty wears off?
I, and many others, fall into the "believe it when I see it" category when it comes to the idea of Ronaldinho playing for Manchester City.
And while the notion of Ronaldinho plying his trade in the Premier League would have been a truly fanastic prospect two or three seasons ago, I genuinely believe AC Milan would be doing City a huge favour if they outflanked them on this deal.
What would City be getting for their vast transfer outlay and a wage packet that has been speculated upon as being around £200,000-a-week?
They would get someone who was once the world's greatest talent, but is now 28 and has to answer huge questions about his form, fitness and attitude.
The latest development, coming from a source that has proved almost 100% reliable on all matters Manchester City in recent weeks, is that an e-mail containing an offer for £22m has been sent to Barcelona, and no doubt very gratefully received.
Barcelona would presumably wrap Ronaldinho in cotton wool and supervise his safe arrival to the gates of Eastlands for that sort of cash.
Ronaldinho's arrival at Manchester City would undoubtedly cause a frenzy of interest, but what happens when the novelty wears off?
I, and many others, fall into the "believe it when I see it" category when it comes to the idea of Ronaldinho playing for Manchester City.
And while the notion of Ronaldinho plying his trade in the Premier League would have been a truly fanastic prospect two or three seasons ago, I genuinely believe AC Milan would be doing City a huge favour if they outflanked them on this deal.
What would City be getting for their vast transfer outlay and a wage packet that has been speculated upon as being around £200,000-a-week?
They would get someone who was once the world's greatest talent, but is now 28 and has to answer huge questions about his form, fitness and attitude.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Bentley is still a Rover - Nelsen
Blackburn Rovers captain Ryan Nelsen has said no-one at the club has a problem working with want-away midfielder David Bentley.
The England international requested a transfer at the end of last season as he wants to move to a bigger club.
"For us he's a team-mate and will be until the club decide otherwise," Nelsen, 30, told BBC Radio Lancashire.
"We understand where he's coming from and we understand he might stay at the club as well.
Villa complete Sidwell transfer
Aston Villa have made their first signing of the summer after Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell finalised his £5m move and signed a three-year deal.
The 25-year-old passed a medical on Thursday and is now expected to join Villa's pre-season tour of Switzerland.
"I am over the moon," Sidwell told the club's website. "It's taken a while but I'm looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and playing football.
Arsenal 'offer Adebayor to Milan'
AC Milan claim Arsenal are ready to sell Emmanuel Adebayor, a month after insisting he was not available.
The Gunners told Milan on 13 June that the striker, 24, was not for sale.
But Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani revealed the Gunners have since written to the Italian club to say they have changed their position.
Galliani told Italian TV station Antenna 3: "I have a letter from Arsenal that says 'we will consider a deal if it still interests you'."
However, the clubs still need to agree a fee, with Milan unwilling to meet Arsenal's £36m valuation of the Togo international.
Trezeguet lashes out at French manager
Former France striker David Trezeguet has lambasted Les Bleus boss Raymond Domenech, reiterating that it was the the decision not to sack the coach that forced him to call time on his international career.
Trezeguet has been an ever present for his country for 10 years but has rarely seen eye to eye with Domenech and threatened to quit international football before, when he was overlooked for several of France's Euro 2008 qualifiers
The Juventus star did not carry out his threat and was recalled by Domenech for the friendly against England in March, but the France federation's decision to keep faith in their man led to Trezeguet's surprise announcement on Wednesday at the age of just 30.
'We are all conscious of the fact that Domenech is not at the level to be in charge of the France team,' Trezeguet told France sports daily L'Equipe. 'But no one carries out the consequences.
'We don't take into account the opinion of millions of people in France and old footballers, and I'm not talking about those of 1998.
'Michel Platini supported Domenech because he doesn't get on well with Didier (Deschamps - who was favourite to replace him). But it's the sporting side that counts.'
Trezeguet slammed Domenech's decision to omit him from France's Euro 2008 squad, despite stunning domestic form.
The Juve striker fired home 20 goals in Serie A last season, ending the campaign with only one less than the league's top goalscorer - team-mate Alessandro Del Piero - but was forced to watch from the sidelines as Les Bleus crashed out of the tournament at the group stage.
'At a certain time, to be in the France team implied that you were playing matches in your club and being at the top level,' added Trezeguet. 'That's what high class is.
'I have just had an exceptional year for my club. I should have been there, among the 23.'
Trezeguet has scored 34 goals in 71 international appearances and is third behind Thierry Henry and Platini in France's all-time list of goalscorers.
But, shocked at the decision not to sack Domenech, and at the coach's decision not to resign which he believes 'was an obligation', he has vowed never to pull on the France shirt again.
The striker has enjoyed huge highs but also severe lows with Les Bleus. He followed up a World Cup win in 1998 by firing home the winning goal against Italy in the Euro 2000 final.
However, Trezeguet will also be remembered for being the only player to miss his spot kick as France lost to Italy on penalties in the World Cup final two years ago.
Trezeguet has been an ever present for his country for 10 years but has rarely seen eye to eye with Domenech and threatened to quit international football before, when he was overlooked for several of France's Euro 2008 qualifiers
The Juventus star did not carry out his threat and was recalled by Domenech for the friendly against England in March, but the France federation's decision to keep faith in their man led to Trezeguet's surprise announcement on Wednesday at the age of just 30.
'We are all conscious of the fact that Domenech is not at the level to be in charge of the France team,' Trezeguet told France sports daily L'Equipe. 'But no one carries out the consequences.
'We don't take into account the opinion of millions of people in France and old footballers, and I'm not talking about those of 1998.
'Michel Platini supported Domenech because he doesn't get on well with Didier (Deschamps - who was favourite to replace him). But it's the sporting side that counts.'
Trezeguet slammed Domenech's decision to omit him from France's Euro 2008 squad, despite stunning domestic form.
The Juve striker fired home 20 goals in Serie A last season, ending the campaign with only one less than the league's top goalscorer - team-mate Alessandro Del Piero - but was forced to watch from the sidelines as Les Bleus crashed out of the tournament at the group stage.
'At a certain time, to be in the France team implied that you were playing matches in your club and being at the top level,' added Trezeguet. 'That's what high class is.
'I have just had an exceptional year for my club. I should have been there, among the 23.'
Trezeguet has scored 34 goals in 71 international appearances and is third behind Thierry Henry and Platini in France's all-time list of goalscorers.
But, shocked at the decision not to sack Domenech, and at the coach's decision not to resign which he believes 'was an obligation', he has vowed never to pull on the France shirt again.
The striker has enjoyed huge highs but also severe lows with Les Bleus. He followed up a World Cup win in 1998 by firing home the winning goal against Italy in the Euro 2000 final.
However, Trezeguet will also be remembered for being the only player to miss his spot kick as France lost to Italy on penalties in the World Cup final two years ago.
Real offer €20m for van der Vaart
Real Madrid have offered €20million to sign Hamburg midfielder Rafael van der Vaart for five seasons, Spanish sports daily Marca said.
The report comes one day after rival sports daily AS reported that the Spanish champions' cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid had offered €15 million for the 25-year-old Dutch international.
Real Madrid and the Dutch player are in 'total' agreement over the transfer, Marca reported without citing sources.
Last week Hamburg's new coach, Dutchman Martin Jol, said he was counting on the midfielder for the next season which gets underway in mid-August.
Van der Vaart, who joined Hamburg in 2005 and has a contract until 2010, has said that he would like to play in Spain.
'Spain is my preference because my mother Lolita is Spanish,' he told Focus magazine in January.
The player wanted to join Spanish side Valencia last season but the management of the German team refused to give the move the green light.
Benitez expresses interest in Keane
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has admitted he is considering a move for Ireland captain Robbie Keane after pulling out of the race for Valencia's David Villa.
Benitez wants another striker after agreeing to sell Peter Crouch to Portsmouth and had been linked with Villa and Keane.
Villa is valued at €40m and has already declared his desire to stay in La Liga, forcing Benitez to call off the chase for the Spaniard forward.
But Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ready to listen to offers for Keane and Benitez has put the Ireland star high on his transfer shopping list.
'We know Villa is a very good player, we know the price and we know the players we have, so when you consider everything we decided he was one of the names, but at this moment, not our target,' Benitez said.
'I said the other day that he is one of the names we had on our list, but I can say at this moment that it is not an option for us.
'Keane is one of the other names and okay we are still working with other names. We were in contact and we will see now.'
O'Callaghan seals move to Tranmere
George O'Callaghan has joined Tranmere Rovers from Cork City.
The 28-year-old midfielder has signed a two-year deal with the English League One side.
During his last spell in England, O'Callaghan played with Ipswich Town and spent time on loan at Brighton, before returning to Cork City.
Ronaldo: 'I am a slave'
In an utterance as remarkable as any he has issued this summer, Cristiano Ronaldo declared last night that he agreed with the Fifa president Sepp Blatter's assertion that Manchester United should stop treating him like a "modern-day slave" and release him to Real Madrid.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Madrid revels in Spanish triumph
Euro 2008 champions Spain have arrived home to a heroes' welcome from about one million ecstatic fans in Madrid.
They arrived at Madrid Barajas airport about 1840 BST in a plane with "Campeones" (champions) written on it.
They then paraded the Henri Delaunay trophy on an open-top bus on their way to a packed Plaza de Colon.
As the bus travelled down Madrid's main Paseo de la Castellana avenue the crowd chanted "Si, si, si la copa ya esta aqui" (yes, yes, the cup is now here).
The crowd also chanted "Luis quedate!" (Luis stay), in a plea to 69-year-old coach Luis Aragones to reverse his decision to quit.
Journalists travelling on the team plane said the players had also encouraged him to continue
They arrived at Madrid Barajas airport about 1840 BST in a plane with "Campeones" (champions) written on it.
They then paraded the Henri Delaunay trophy on an open-top bus on their way to a packed Plaza de Colon.
As the bus travelled down Madrid's main Paseo de la Castellana avenue the crowd chanted "Si, si, si la copa ya esta aqui" (yes, yes, the cup is now here).
The crowd also chanted "Luis quedate!" (Luis stay), in a plea to 69-year-old coach Luis Aragones to reverse his decision to quit.
Journalists travelling on the team plane said the players had also encouraged him to continue
Lampard wants to stay - Scolari
Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari says Inter Milan target Frank Lampard wants to stay at the London club.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Flag Euro 2008
There’s only one tried and trusted way of correctly predicting final group standings at major international tournaments.
But replacing every single player and referee with robots would be time consuming and expensive.
So we’ll try the next best (and far cheaper) method: Close our eyes and hope for the best.
Predictions for Group A below:
But replacing every single player and referee with robots would be time consuming and expensive.
So we’ll try the next best (and far cheaper) method: Close our eyes and hope for the best.
Predictions for Group A below:
UEFA Euro 2008
The 2008 UEFA European Football Championship, commonly referred to as Euro 2008, will take place in Austria and Switzerland from 7 June to 29 June 2008. It is the second successful joint bid in the competition's history, following the UEFA Euro 2000 hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. The 2012 competition in Poland and Ukraine is scheduled to become the third jointly-hosted tournament.
A total of 16 teams will participate in the tournament. Austria and Switzerland automatically qualified as hosts; the remaining 14 teams have been determined through qualifying matches which started in August 2006. Austria and Poland will be making their first appearance in the tournament. The winner of Euro 2008 will represent UEFA at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa, unless Italy wins the tournament, in which case the runner-up will be entered, as Italy is already entered as the winner of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
A total of 16 teams will participate in the tournament. Austria and Switzerland automatically qualified as hosts; the remaining 14 teams have been determined through qualifying matches which started in August 2006. Austria and Poland will be making their first appearance in the tournament. The winner of Euro 2008 will represent UEFA at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa, unless Italy wins the tournament, in which case the runner-up will be entered, as Italy is already entered as the winner of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Bid process
The two countries jointly bid to host the games, and faced major competition from Greece/Turkey, Scotland/Ireland, Russia, Hungary, Croatia/Bosnia-Herzegovina and a 4-way Nordic bid from Norway/Sweden/Denmark/Finland. Austria had already bid with another country before, which was Hungary for Euro 2004. They had eventually lost to Portugal.
Austria/Switzerland, Greece/Turkey, and Hungary were recommended before the final vote. Greece and Turkey were rejected and let Hungary and Austria/Switzerland battle for the win.
Austria/Switzerland, Greece/Turkey, and Hungary were recommended before the final vote. Greece and Turkey were rejected and let Hungary and Austria/Switzerland battle for the win.
Final tournament schedule
Saturday 7 June 2008
1 Grp A Switzerland 18:00 Czech Republic Basel - St. Jakob-Park
2 Grp A Portugal 20:45 Turkey Geneva - Stade de Genève
Sunday 8 June 2008
3 Grp B Austria 18:00 Croatia Vienna - Ernst Happel
4 Grp B Germany 20:45 Poland Klagenfurt - Wörthersee
Monday 9 June 2008
5 Grp C Romania 18:00 France Zurich - Letzigrund
6 Grp C Netherlands 20:45 Italy Berne - Stade de Suisse
Tuesday 10 June 2008
7 Grp D Spain 18:00 Russia Innsbruck - Tivoli Neu
8 Grp D Greece 20:45 Sweden Salzburg - EM Stadion Wals-Siezenheim
Wednesday 11 June 2008
9 Grp A Czech Republic 18:00 Portugal Geneva - Stade de Genève
10 Grp A Switzerland 20:45 Turkey Basel - St. Jakob-Park
Thursday 12 June 2008
11 Grp B Croatia 18:00 Germany Klagenfurt - Wörthersee
12 Grp B Austria 20:45 Poland Vienna - Ernst Happel
Friday 13 June 2008
13 Grp C Italy 18:00 Romania Zurich - Letzigrund
14 Grp C Netherlands 20:45 France Berne - Stade de Suisse
Saturday 14 June 2008
15 Grp D Sweden 18:00 Spain Innsbruck - Tivoli Neu
16 Grp D Greece 20:45 Russia Salzburg - EM Stadion Wals-Siezenheim
Sunday 15 June 2008
17 Grp A Switzerland 20:45 Portugal Basel - St. Jakob-Park
18 Grp A Turkey 20:45 Czech Republic Geneva - Stade de Genève
Monday 16 June 2008
19 Grp B Poland 20:45 Croatia Klagenfurt - Wörthersee
20 Grp B Austria 20:45 Germany Vienna - Ernst Happel
Tuesday 17 June 2008
21 Grp C Netherlands 20:45 Romania Berne - Stade de Suisse
22 Grp C France 20:45 Italy Zurich - Letzigrund
Wednesday 18 June 2008
23 Grp D Greece 20:45 Spain Salzburg - EM Stadion Wals-Siezenheim
24 Grp D Russia 20:45 Sweden Innsbruck - Tivoli Neu
Thursday 19 June 2008
25 QF Winner Grp A 20:45 Runner-up Grp B Basel - St. Jakob-Park
Friday 20 June 2008
26 QF Winner Grp B 20:45 Runner-up Grp A Vienna - Ernst Happel
Saturday 21 June 2008
27 QF Winner Grp C 20:45 Runner-up Grp D Basel - St. Jakob-Park
Sunday 22 June 2008
28 QF Winner Grp D 20:45 Runner-up Grp C Vienna - Ernst Happel
Wednesday 25 June 2008
29 SF Winner #25 20:45 Winner #26 Basel - St. Jakob-Park
Thursday 26 June 2008
30 SF Winner #27 20:45 Winner #28 Vienna - Ernst Happel
Sunday 29 June 2008
31 F Winner #29 20:45 Winner #30 Vienna - Ernst Happel
1 Grp A Switzerland 18:00 Czech Republic Basel - St. Jakob-Park
2 Grp A Portugal 20:45 Turkey Geneva - Stade de Genève
Sunday 8 June 2008
3 Grp B Austria 18:00 Croatia Vienna - Ernst Happel
4 Grp B Germany 20:45 Poland Klagenfurt - Wörthersee
Monday 9 June 2008
5 Grp C Romania 18:00 France Zurich - Letzigrund
6 Grp C Netherlands 20:45 Italy Berne - Stade de Suisse
Tuesday 10 June 2008
7 Grp D Spain 18:00 Russia Innsbruck - Tivoli Neu
8 Grp D Greece 20:45 Sweden Salzburg - EM Stadion Wals-Siezenheim
Wednesday 11 June 2008
9 Grp A Czech Republic 18:00 Portugal Geneva - Stade de Genève
10 Grp A Switzerland 20:45 Turkey Basel - St. Jakob-Park
Thursday 12 June 2008
11 Grp B Croatia 18:00 Germany Klagenfurt - Wörthersee
12 Grp B Austria 20:45 Poland Vienna - Ernst Happel
Friday 13 June 2008
13 Grp C Italy 18:00 Romania Zurich - Letzigrund
14 Grp C Netherlands 20:45 France Berne - Stade de Suisse
Saturday 14 June 2008
15 Grp D Sweden 18:00 Spain Innsbruck - Tivoli Neu
16 Grp D Greece 20:45 Russia Salzburg - EM Stadion Wals-Siezenheim
Sunday 15 June 2008
17 Grp A Switzerland 20:45 Portugal Basel - St. Jakob-Park
18 Grp A Turkey 20:45 Czech Republic Geneva - Stade de Genève
Monday 16 June 2008
19 Grp B Poland 20:45 Croatia Klagenfurt - Wörthersee
20 Grp B Austria 20:45 Germany Vienna - Ernst Happel
Tuesday 17 June 2008
21 Grp C Netherlands 20:45 Romania Berne - Stade de Suisse
22 Grp C France 20:45 Italy Zurich - Letzigrund
Wednesday 18 June 2008
23 Grp D Greece 20:45 Spain Salzburg - EM Stadion Wals-Siezenheim
24 Grp D Russia 20:45 Sweden Innsbruck - Tivoli Neu
Thursday 19 June 2008
25 QF Winner Grp A 20:45 Runner-up Grp B Basel - St. Jakob-Park
Friday 20 June 2008
26 QF Winner Grp B 20:45 Runner-up Grp A Vienna - Ernst Happel
Saturday 21 June 2008
27 QF Winner Grp C 20:45 Runner-up Grp D Basel - St. Jakob-Park
Sunday 22 June 2008
28 QF Winner Grp D 20:45 Runner-up Grp C Vienna - Ernst Happel
Wednesday 25 June 2008
29 SF Winner #25 20:45 Winner #26 Basel - St. Jakob-Park
Thursday 26 June 2008
30 SF Winner #27 20:45 Winner #28 Vienna - Ernst Happel
Sunday 29 June 2008
31 F Winner #29 20:45 Winner #30 Vienna - Ernst Happel
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Italy rocked by Cannavaro injury
Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro will miss Euro 2008 after tearing ligaments in his left ankle during training.
The Real Madrid defender collided with Giorgio Chiellini in a practice match at Italy's base in Austria on Monday.
After the incident, Cannavaro lay on the pitch for about 20 minutes before being stretchered off.
Fiorentina's Alessandro Gamberini has been called up as his replacement, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon likely to take over the captaincy.
Italy had been in Austria for just six hours when Cannavaro suffered his injury.
A statement issued by the Italian Football Federation said: "The news we feared was confirmed in Baden late on Monday evening.
"Fabio Cannavaro will say goodbye to our European adventure, before it has even begun.
"The captain has suffered torn ligaments, which happened the moment his foot made contact with the ground. His ankle twisted awkwardly."
Cannavaro, 34, capped 116 times, skippered Italy to 2006 World Cup glory in Germany, winning the World Player of the Year award.
His absence is a serious setback for Italy, who are in Euro 2008's 'Group of Death' with France, the Netherlands and dark horses Romania.
However, the emergence of centre-back Andrea Barzagli, who has produced some assured displays for Italy in the last year, will slightly cushion the blow.
Defender Marco Materazzi is also in the squad while Chiellini and Christian Panucci can play at centre-back rather than full-back.
Italy open their campaign against the Dutch on Monday 9 June in Berne.
The Real Madrid defender collided with Giorgio Chiellini in a practice match at Italy's base in Austria on Monday.
After the incident, Cannavaro lay on the pitch for about 20 minutes before being stretchered off.
Fiorentina's Alessandro Gamberini has been called up as his replacement, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon likely to take over the captaincy.
Italy had been in Austria for just six hours when Cannavaro suffered his injury.
A statement issued by the Italian Football Federation said: "The news we feared was confirmed in Baden late on Monday evening.
"Fabio Cannavaro will say goodbye to our European adventure, before it has even begun.
"The captain has suffered torn ligaments, which happened the moment his foot made contact with the ground. His ankle twisted awkwardly."
Cannavaro, 34, capped 116 times, skippered Italy to 2006 World Cup glory in Germany, winning the World Player of the Year award.
His absence is a serious setback for Italy, who are in Euro 2008's 'Group of Death' with France, the Netherlands and dark horses Romania.
However, the emergence of centre-back Andrea Barzagli, who has produced some assured displays for Italy in the last year, will slightly cushion the blow.
Defender Marco Materazzi is also in the squad while Chiellini and Christian Panucci can play at centre-back rather than full-back.
Italy open their campaign against the Dutch on Monday 9 June in Berne.
EURO video game – on sale now!
The passion fans have for their national teams and all of the excitement of the UEFA European Football Championship™ can be experienced with the only official, exclusively licensed videogame of UEFA EURO 2008™.
World's best players
UEFA EURO 2008™, published by Electronic Arts, features stunning visual representations of the world’s best players, playing in a more accessible, faster-paced and responsive version of the market-leading EA SPORTS™ football engine, and all of the teams and official stadiums that will be part of UEFA EURO 2008™.
Drama and excitement
Take on the challenge of leading one of over 50 European national teams to glory as UEFA EURO 2008™ recreates all of the drama and excitement of the official tournament in Austria and Switzerland. Play as your favorite country from qualification right through to a virtual reproduction of the championship tournament.
Face the challenge
A new game mode called Captain Your Country enables gamers to customize them on the pitch and wear the shirt of their national team. Work through eight status levels to earn the captaincy of your team and then lead your country into battle for championship glory against your rivals. Go online in Battle of the Nations to earn status points for yourself and your country in a competition for global supremacy. Go for the biggest upsets to earn the most points and then watch you and your country move up the leader boards. Face the challenge and pressure of competing in the championship rounds in the EURO Online Knockout Draw to test your skills against the world’s best.
Experience the thrill
UEFA EURO 2008™ captures the look and feel of the journey from qualification to the finals with rain and mud dynamics that impact playing conditions, real-time player ratings that change based on player performance, and a penalty kick mode that re-creates the elation and agony of a penalty shoot-out as if you were on the pitch. Experience the thrill of scoring the goal that sends your country through to the next round and then choose how to celebrate it with all-new interactive user-controlled celebrations.
Play with heroes
Captain your country, play alongside your heroes, and inspire them to championship glory in the official videogame of UEFA EURO 2008™.
Man Utd could report Real to Fifa
Manchester United have threatened to report Real Madrid to Fifa over their interest in signing Cristiano Ronaldo.
A United statement read: "We have watched with growing irritation the comments attributed to Real Madrid over their alleged desire to sign Cristiano.
"We will have no alternative but to report Real if it continues to behave in this totally unacceptable fashion."
But Real president Ramon Calderon said: "We know they aren't a selling club. It is a problem between player and team."
United's statement came after Madrid coach Bernd Schuster claimed the 23-year-old Portuguese winger was the club's number one summer transfer target.
The statement from Old Trafford added: "These public attempts to unsettle the player are completely against the regulations and the club will not tolerate them any longer.
"The player is on a long-term contract and his registration is held by Manchester United. The player is not for sale.
"We haven't done anything and we are not going to do anything that goes against the wishes of a club we regard as a friend," he added.
The simple fact is Cristiano has another four years left on his contract
Sir Alex Ferguson
"No-one should be in any doubt that Manchester United will do everything in its power to keep its best players."
Calderon insisted his club were not trying to unsettle the star.
"We aren't going to start a conflict. If a club doesn't want to sell why would we insist they sell him?"
The comments from both clubs are the latest twists in a story that has rolled on for months, with Ronaldo refusing to state publicly and unequivocally that his future lay with United.
After United's victory in the Champions League final over Chelsea, he told BBC Sport: "I don't promise nothing. I don't promise nothing to my mum, I don't promise nothing to supporters."
However, United chief executive David Gill subsequently told BBC Radio 5 Live: "He's got four more years with us and we're sure he'll be with us for many years."
And the club's threat to report Real to Fifa follows manager Sir Alex Ferguson's comments on the matter last week, accusing the Spanish champions of "lacking morals".
"Schuster's talking and Calderon's talking," he said. "Real think they can ride roughshod over everyone, but they won't do it with us. They have no moral issues."
Lux-Aeterna
And Ferguson drew a comparison with Real's fierce rivals Barcelona as he fought to draw a line under continuing speculation surrounding the 23-year-old Portuguese winger's future.
He said: "In terms of great clubs, Barcelona have far better morality than Real Madrid will ever have. Real use this Marca newspaper as a vehicle to unsettle players.
"Do you not think we have had many expressions of interest about our players from big clubs in Europe?
"Real Madrid are not the only club interested in Ronaldo. But the others are not saying so. They don't get into this nonsense.
"Calderon makes that great statement 'slavery was abolished many years ago'. Did they tell General Franco that? Give me a break.
"The simple fact is Cristiano has another four years left on his contract."
United have sold David Beckham, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Gabriel Heinze to Real in recent years, but Ferguson insisted the case of Ronaldo was different.
He said: "Yes, we sold them Van Nistelrooy and Beckham but we did that because we wanted to."
And Argentine defender Heinze was transferred to Real last summer after failing in a public battle to secure a move to United's arch-rivals Liverpool.
A United statement read: "We have watched with growing irritation the comments attributed to Real Madrid over their alleged desire to sign Cristiano.
"We will have no alternative but to report Real if it continues to behave in this totally unacceptable fashion."
But Real president Ramon Calderon said: "We know they aren't a selling club. It is a problem between player and team."
United's statement came after Madrid coach Bernd Schuster claimed the 23-year-old Portuguese winger was the club's number one summer transfer target.
The statement from Old Trafford added: "These public attempts to unsettle the player are completely against the regulations and the club will not tolerate them any longer.
"The player is on a long-term contract and his registration is held by Manchester United. The player is not for sale.
"We haven't done anything and we are not going to do anything that goes against the wishes of a club we regard as a friend," he added.
The simple fact is Cristiano has another four years left on his contract
Sir Alex Ferguson
"No-one should be in any doubt that Manchester United will do everything in its power to keep its best players."
Calderon insisted his club were not trying to unsettle the star.
"We aren't going to start a conflict. If a club doesn't want to sell why would we insist they sell him?"
The comments from both clubs are the latest twists in a story that has rolled on for months, with Ronaldo refusing to state publicly and unequivocally that his future lay with United.
After United's victory in the Champions League final over Chelsea, he told BBC Sport: "I don't promise nothing. I don't promise nothing to my mum, I don't promise nothing to supporters."
However, United chief executive David Gill subsequently told BBC Radio 5 Live: "He's got four more years with us and we're sure he'll be with us for many years."
And the club's threat to report Real to Fifa follows manager Sir Alex Ferguson's comments on the matter last week, accusing the Spanish champions of "lacking morals".
"Schuster's talking and Calderon's talking," he said. "Real think they can ride roughshod over everyone, but they won't do it with us. They have no moral issues."
Lux-Aeterna
And Ferguson drew a comparison with Real's fierce rivals Barcelona as he fought to draw a line under continuing speculation surrounding the 23-year-old Portuguese winger's future.
He said: "In terms of great clubs, Barcelona have far better morality than Real Madrid will ever have. Real use this Marca newspaper as a vehicle to unsettle players.
"Do you not think we have had many expressions of interest about our players from big clubs in Europe?
"Real Madrid are not the only club interested in Ronaldo. But the others are not saying so. They don't get into this nonsense.
"Calderon makes that great statement 'slavery was abolished many years ago'. Did they tell General Franco that? Give me a break.
"The simple fact is Cristiano has another four years left on his contract."
United have sold David Beckham, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Gabriel Heinze to Real in recent years, but Ferguson insisted the case of Ronaldo was different.
He said: "Yes, we sold them Van Nistelrooy and Beckham but we did that because we wanted to."
And Argentine defender Heinze was transferred to Real last summer after failing in a public battle to secure a move to United's arch-rivals Liverpool.
Beckham urges Ronaldo to stay put
Former Manchester United star David Beckham has urged Cristiano Ronaldo not to follow in his footsteps by leaving Old Trafford to sign for Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants are tracking the 23-year-old, despite being warned off by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Beckham, who joined Real in 2003, said: "I believe he's at the right club now, a club he should stay at.
"He's only been there a few years. He's got a lot of people around him there who will protect him."
Beckham added: "As much as Real are a great team and one of the biggest clubs in the world, he's only just starting at United."
Ronaldo, who scored 42 goals as his side won the Champions League and the Premier League last season, says he will clarify his future in the next few days.
He's priceless. He's not going anywhere
Lux-Aeterna
Ferguson is sure the Portuguese winger will stay, saying: "I'm confident about that. I'm very confident.
"It's a game Real play all the time, In the past they've done it with Beckham, they've done it with Ronaldo, they've done it with my fitness coach last summer when they took him away from us, so we're used to it.
"It's a compliment to the standard of players we have, and we always seem to produce, but I am more than confident Cristiano will be with us next year."
"The Glazer family will not be messed about in this situation.
"We want Cristiano to stay for a long, long time. He is on a fantastic contract and quite rightly so - he's the best player in the world."
The Spanish giants are tracking the 23-year-old, despite being warned off by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Beckham, who joined Real in 2003, said: "I believe he's at the right club now, a club he should stay at.
"He's only been there a few years. He's got a lot of people around him there who will protect him."
Beckham added: "As much as Real are a great team and one of the biggest clubs in the world, he's only just starting at United."
Ronaldo, who scored 42 goals as his side won the Champions League and the Premier League last season, says he will clarify his future in the next few days.
He's priceless. He's not going anywhere
Lux-Aeterna
Ferguson is sure the Portuguese winger will stay, saying: "I'm confident about that. I'm very confident.
"It's a game Real play all the time, In the past they've done it with Beckham, they've done it with Ronaldo, they've done it with my fitness coach last summer when they took him away from us, so we're used to it.
"It's a compliment to the standard of players we have, and we always seem to produce, but I am more than confident Cristiano will be with us next year."
"The Glazer family will not be messed about in this situation.
"We want Cristiano to stay for a long, long time. He is on a fantastic contract and quite rightly so - he's the best player in the world."
Euro 2008 Kits.
The latest Euro 2008 football Kits will be released in the next few weeks.
Many fans who will be traveling and touring to Austria and Switzerland from across Europe will be trying to get hold of the latest football kit of their national team.
So far teams that will not be changing their football kits for the Euro 2008 include big teams such as Portugal, Italy and Spain.
The Euro 2008 kit for Greece will be changing, and their white shirt will now become the default kit which they play in for all their Euro 2008 fixtures. Make sure if you travel to Switzerland that you have all the Euro 2008 kits and football tickets.
Some of the biggest Euro Cup fixtures will be: Spain Vs Russia, Holland Vs France, Switzerland Vs Portugal, Greece Vs Spain , Austria Vs Croatia. So make sure you get hold of a Croatia kit for the Euro 2008 if you are a Croatian fan. We will have all the latest Euro 2008 livescore and results from all the fixtures.
Many fans who will be traveling and touring to Austria and Switzerland from across Europe will be trying to get hold of the latest football kit of their national team.
So far teams that will not be changing their football kits for the Euro 2008 include big teams such as Portugal, Italy and Spain.
The Euro 2008 kit for Greece will be changing, and their white shirt will now become the default kit which they play in for all their Euro 2008 fixtures. Make sure if you travel to Switzerland that you have all the Euro 2008 kits and football tickets.
Some of the biggest Euro Cup fixtures will be: Spain Vs Russia, Holland Vs France, Switzerland Vs Portugal, Greece Vs Spain , Austria Vs Croatia. So make sure you get hold of a Croatia kit for the Euro 2008 if you are a Croatian fan. We will have all the latest Euro 2008 livescore and results from all the fixtures.
Fans Flock To Switzerland For Euro 2008.
The Euro 2008 is just a few days away and fans have been gathering in Austria.
Finding accommodation in Austria and Switzerland is virtually impossible with almost all the hotels being completely booked out. Football fever has hit Switzerland hard, with the opening match of the Euro 2008: Switzerland Vs Czech Republic taking place in the capital.
There have been many international football friendlies this last week, and now teams will be getting ready to participate in the Euro Cup.
Many fans have bought the new Portugal kit for the Euro 2008. There will be a sale for all the new kits which include teams such as Greece, France, Spain, Holland, Austria. We will have all the live scores and results from the Euro 2008 as well as fan pictures and photographs from the event.
We are counting down the days to the Euro 2008 and all fans around the world will be doing the same! Get ready for Europe's greatest footballing show. The Euro 2008 is just a few days away!
Finding accommodation in Austria and Switzerland is virtually impossible with almost all the hotels being completely booked out. Football fever has hit Switzerland hard, with the opening match of the Euro 2008: Switzerland Vs Czech Republic taking place in the capital.
There have been many international football friendlies this last week, and now teams will be getting ready to participate in the Euro Cup.
Many fans have bought the new Portugal kit for the Euro 2008. There will be a sale for all the new kits which include teams such as Greece, France, Spain, Holland, Austria. We will have all the live scores and results from the Euro 2008 as well as fan pictures and photographs from the event.
We are counting down the days to the Euro 2008 and all fans around the world will be doing the same! Get ready for Europe's greatest footballing show. The Euro 2008 is just a few days away!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Archive: France 2-1 Italy - Euro 2000
Sylvain Wiltord and David Trezeguet come off the bench to spark a dramatic comeback and win the 2000 European Championship for France.
Archive: Portugal 0-1 Greece - Euro 2004
Angelos Charisteas scores the only goal of the final of Euro 2004 to give Greece a shock victory over the hosts Portugal.
Chelsea boss - latest gossip
Chelsea are hunting for a new manager after sacking Avram Grant last month.
BBC Sport monitors the latest speculation on who might succeed him at Stamford Bridge.
BBC Sport monitors the latest speculation on who might succeed him at Stamford Bridge.
Thaksin denies plan to sell squad
Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra has denied a newspaper's claim that he has put the club's entire first team squad up for sale.
Thaksin told City's website: "There is absolutely no truth to this story or any of the allegations.
"I appreciate the progress and performance of the whole squad, managed by Sven-Goran Eriksson, this season."
On Thursday Thaksin dined with Eriksson and City players in Bangkok, where they face a Thai All Star team on Saturday.
Thaksin added that the claim that deputy chairman John Wardle had apologised to players for selling the club was "without any foundation".
A Manchester City spokesman said the club was considering legal action over the claims.
606: DEBATE
Who will leave Man City this season?
Thaksin has already indicated to former England manager Eriksson that his services will not be required next season.
City finished ninth in the Premier League this season, but lost their final match of the campaign 8-1 to Middlesbrough.
They will play in the Uefa Cup next season after winning a place through the fair play league.
Thaksin told City's website: "There is absolutely no truth to this story or any of the allegations.
"I appreciate the progress and performance of the whole squad, managed by Sven-Goran Eriksson, this season."
On Thursday Thaksin dined with Eriksson and City players in Bangkok, where they face a Thai All Star team on Saturday.
Thaksin added that the claim that deputy chairman John Wardle had apologised to players for selling the club was "without any foundation".
A Manchester City spokesman said the club was considering legal action over the claims.
606: DEBATE
Who will leave Man City this season?
Thaksin has already indicated to former England manager Eriksson that his services will not be required next season.
City finished ninth in the Premier League this season, but lost their final match of the campaign 8-1 to Middlesbrough.
They will play in the Uefa Cup next season after winning a place through the fair play league.
Dunne set for Man City departure
Manchester City are resigned to losing captain Richard Dunne after he turned down a new contract - with Spurs leading the chase to sign the defender.
BBC Sport understands Dunne, 28, has rejected a long-term deal, leaving City facing the prospect of him leaving on a free transfer at the end of next term.
Spurs are now closing in on a £5m deal for the Republic of Ireland star, with Portsmouth keen on his signature too.
Newcastle and West Ham have also been linked with the 28-year-old.
606: DEBATE
What do you make of Man City's summer of uncertainty?
City were desperate to keep Dunne, but his reluctance to commit his future to the club sparked fears of a repeat of Sylvain Distin's move to Portsmouth last summer, when he left on a free transfer after turning down a new deal.
And City are now resigned to losing their reigning player of the year and raking in the cash towards their summer rebuilding plans.
Dunne's imminent departure only adds to the uncertainty at Eastlands, with manager Sven-Goran Eriksson effectively waiting to be sacked by owner Thaksin Shinawatra, a move that has angered City's fans.
The powerful Irishman has become a hugely popular figure at City since signing in a £3m deal from Everton in October 2000, being voted the fans' player of the year for the last four seasons
BBC Sport understands Dunne, 28, has rejected a long-term deal, leaving City facing the prospect of him leaving on a free transfer at the end of next term.
Spurs are now closing in on a £5m deal for the Republic of Ireland star, with Portsmouth keen on his signature too.
Newcastle and West Ham have also been linked with the 28-year-old.
606: DEBATE
What do you make of Man City's summer of uncertainty?
City were desperate to keep Dunne, but his reluctance to commit his future to the club sparked fears of a repeat of Sylvain Distin's move to Portsmouth last summer, when he left on a free transfer after turning down a new deal.
And City are now resigned to losing their reigning player of the year and raking in the cash towards their summer rebuilding plans.
Dunne's imminent departure only adds to the uncertainty at Eastlands, with manager Sven-Goran Eriksson effectively waiting to be sacked by owner Thaksin Shinawatra, a move that has angered City's fans.
The powerful Irishman has become a hugely popular figure at City since signing in a £3m deal from Everton in October 2000, being voted the fans' player of the year for the last four seasons
Eriksson's reign at Man City ends
Manchester City have split with manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.
Despite guiding City to a Uefa Cup place last season, Eriksson was told by Thai owner Thaksin Shinawatra he was no longer wanted as long ago as April.
"I have enjoyed my time at Manchester City very much and I would like to thank the fans, players and staff for their amazing support," said the Swede.
Former England boss Eriksson took over as City manager last summer and still had two years left on his contract.
City chief executive Alistair Mackintosh said: "The board of directors and all at Manchester City would like to thank Sven for his efforts and contributions throughout the season.
"We wish him well for the future. Sven remains a friend of the club
Despite guiding City to a Uefa Cup place last season, Eriksson was told by Thai owner Thaksin Shinawatra he was no longer wanted as long ago as April.
"I have enjoyed my time at Manchester City very much and I would like to thank the fans, players and staff for their amazing support," said the Swede.
Former England boss Eriksson took over as City manager last summer and still had two years left on his contract.
City chief executive Alistair Mackintosh said: "The board of directors and all at Manchester City would like to thank Sven for his efforts and contributions throughout the season.
"We wish him well for the future. Sven remains a friend of the club
The pain of Spain
I love Spain. I love the food, I love the price of wine in restaurants, I love the fact that I don't feel like a complete imbecile when I'm there because I can speak a little of their language, and I love the fact you can watch top-flight football without your bank account taking a pounding.
But there are things about Spain that trouble me, peculiarities that defy reasonable explanation.
One of them, for example, is the curious way in which some Spanish men drape pastel coloured V-neck sweaters over their shoulders.
Another is the poor record of Spain's national football team. So many talented players but so little success at major tournaments equates to one of life's great imponderables.
Netherlands 2-0 Wales
The Netherlands completed their warm-up for Euro 2008 with a comfortable win over a young Wales side in Rotterdam.
Real Madrid duo Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder produced flashes of brilliance either side of half-time to ease the Dutch to victory at De Kuip stadium.
Robben's run from deep and cool finish put the hosts ahead before Sneijder curled in a stunning free-kick.
Wales keeper Wayne Hennessey pulled off a string of fine saves to ensure John Toshack's side were not humiliated.
Toshack's team arrived in Rotterdam following three successive victories, but the Netherlands proved far stronger opposition than Norway, Luxembourg and Iceland.
The Dutch are among the favourites to win Euro 2008 and within half-and-hour Hennessey could vouched for why.
606: DEBATE
I'm disappointed that Aaron Ramsey didn't get on
voiceofreason2008
The Wolves giant showed why Premier League clubs are tracking his progress with a hat-trick of fine fingertip saves from long range.
Sneijder twice tested the young keeper, once with a quick free-kick, while Rafael van der Vaart forced a full-stretch save.
Robben gave a reminder of his attacking craft and quality as the winger gave young full-back Chris Gunter a torrid time down the Dutch right-flank.
Robben waltzed past the Tottenham defender to tee-up up club-mate Ruud van Nistelrooy but the former Manchester United striker was expertly thwarted by Craig Morgan's last-ditch challenge.
Toshack praised his young side's attitude
And it was no surprise that Robben was the man to ignite the 50,000 capacity De Kuip crowd as he made a mockery of the Wales defence on 35 minutes.
The ex-Chelsea man capitalised on Carl Robinson's misplaced header to sprint 40 yards past Gunter and slide the ball past the helpless Hennessey.
Robben's ninth international goal inspired an air of authority about Marco van Basten's men in their final game before the European Championships.
Dutch keeper Edwin van der Saar was not tested until two minutes before the break but Freddy Eastwood's shot from edge of the area was easily gathered in.
The Netherlands were in cruise control as Wales grafted hard just to remain in touch.
Robben again tore through the visiting defence but his angle after rounding Hennessey was too acute and he failed to convert.
Sneijder, though, did find the net in the 55th minute as the 23-year-old superstar whipped in a sublime 25-yard free-kick.
He unintentionally almost doubled his goal account as another long-ranger was deflected on to the bar by Swansea defender Ashley Williams.
Bellamy demands his side improve
Young Ched Evans set substitute Craig Bellamy free for a rare goal-scoring chance for Wales but the striker's rasping shot was beat out by Van der Sar.
His opposite number Hennessey had to perform heroics once again as his 6ft 4ins frame somehow denied substitute Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink from point blank range.
The Dutch will not be permitted to remain in cruise control in Euro 2008's 'Group of Death.'
Wales' youngsters, on the other hand, have been given a masterclass by the total football architects of what it is like at the very top
Real Madrid duo Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder produced flashes of brilliance either side of half-time to ease the Dutch to victory at De Kuip stadium.
Robben's run from deep and cool finish put the hosts ahead before Sneijder curled in a stunning free-kick.
Wales keeper Wayne Hennessey pulled off a string of fine saves to ensure John Toshack's side were not humiliated.
Toshack's team arrived in Rotterdam following three successive victories, but the Netherlands proved far stronger opposition than Norway, Luxembourg and Iceland.
The Dutch are among the favourites to win Euro 2008 and within half-and-hour Hennessey could vouched for why.
606: DEBATE
I'm disappointed that Aaron Ramsey didn't get on
voiceofreason2008
The Wolves giant showed why Premier League clubs are tracking his progress with a hat-trick of fine fingertip saves from long range.
Sneijder twice tested the young keeper, once with a quick free-kick, while Rafael van der Vaart forced a full-stretch save.
Robben gave a reminder of his attacking craft and quality as the winger gave young full-back Chris Gunter a torrid time down the Dutch right-flank.
Robben waltzed past the Tottenham defender to tee-up up club-mate Ruud van Nistelrooy but the former Manchester United striker was expertly thwarted by Craig Morgan's last-ditch challenge.
Toshack praised his young side's attitude
And it was no surprise that Robben was the man to ignite the 50,000 capacity De Kuip crowd as he made a mockery of the Wales defence on 35 minutes.
The ex-Chelsea man capitalised on Carl Robinson's misplaced header to sprint 40 yards past Gunter and slide the ball past the helpless Hennessey.
Robben's ninth international goal inspired an air of authority about Marco van Basten's men in their final game before the European Championships.
Dutch keeper Edwin van der Saar was not tested until two minutes before the break but Freddy Eastwood's shot from edge of the area was easily gathered in.
The Netherlands were in cruise control as Wales grafted hard just to remain in touch.
Robben again tore through the visiting defence but his angle after rounding Hennessey was too acute and he failed to convert.
Sneijder, though, did find the net in the 55th minute as the 23-year-old superstar whipped in a sublime 25-yard free-kick.
He unintentionally almost doubled his goal account as another long-ranger was deflected on to the bar by Swansea defender Ashley Williams.
Bellamy demands his side improve
Young Ched Evans set substitute Craig Bellamy free for a rare goal-scoring chance for Wales but the striker's rasping shot was beat out by Van der Sar.
His opposite number Hennessey had to perform heroics once again as his 6ft 4ins frame somehow denied substitute Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink from point blank range.
The Dutch will not be permitted to remain in cruise control in Euro 2008's 'Group of Death.'
Wales' youngsters, on the other hand, have been given a masterclass by the total football architects of what it is like at the very top
Football for All
Prior to each quarter-final at UEFA EURO 2008™, disabled players will take to the pitch to show off their skills as part of the Football for All social project.
Anyone can play
The demonstration games – split into two seven-minute halves – are designed to underline the point to visitors to the UEFA European Championship that anyone can play football. In collaboration with UEFA, the Swiss disabled sports federation, PLUSPORT, will be taking over the organisation of the four games in Basel and Vienna. The Austrian disabled sports federation, ÖBSV, will also be supporting the project.
Euro 2008: Who will you support?
England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales may not be at Euro 2008, but look closely and there is still plenty of home interest in Austria and Switzerland.
Whether you want to see how your favourite stars fare against the cream of international football, or you want to cast your eye over your club's latest - or prospective - signings, there is much to get excited about.
And as well as the usual suspects, there are always a few surprise packages to drool over and marvel at on the big European stage.
Here, we look at who might be making a name for themselves at Euro 2008 from your club.
Whether you want to see how your favourite stars fare against the cream of international football, or you want to cast your eye over your club's latest - or prospective - signings, there is much to get excited about.
And as well as the usual suspects, there are always a few surprise packages to drool over and marvel at on the big European stage.
Here, we look at who might be making a name for themselves at Euro 2008 from your club.
Euro 2008 WAGs
The cameras will no doubt be focusing on Eva Gonzalez, other half of Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who was named Miss Spain in 2003
Hiddink poised for crowning glory
Guus Hiddink has cast his shadow over world football for the last 20 years - a coaching giant for clubs and countries around the globe.
The 61-year-old Dutchman's impressive CV stretches from winning PSV Eindhoven's first European Cup in 1988 to achieving the remarkable feat of taking South Korea to the World Cup semi-final in 2002.
He took his home country to the last four of France 98 and cemented his reputation by taking part-time charge of Australia and guiding the Socceroos to the last 16 of the 2006 World Cup, where they lost cruelly to an injury-time penalty against Italy.
Hiddink was hailed as a national hero in South Korea when he gave the co-hosts their greatest moment six years ago.
And he has now achieved similar status in Russia, where his face adorns buildings around Moscow and he has even drawn rare public words of affection from prime minister Vladimir Putin
HIDDINK FACTFILE
1946 Born 8 Nov in Wisch
1984 Appointed assistant manager at PSV Eindhoven. Becomes manager in 1986
1988 Hiddink leads PSV to first European Cup win
1995 Holland coach. Reaches quarter-finals of Euro 96, and World Cup 98 semis
1998 Takes over at Real Madrid. Wins World Club Cup
2001 Becomes South Korea national coach and leads them to 2002 World Cup semi-finals
2002 Returns to PSV
2005-06 Australia coach, takes them to 2006 World Cup last 16
2006-present Takes Russia to Euro 2008
Hiddink hopes to cement his reputation as a coaching great and crown his glittering career by guilding Russia to Euro 2008 glory.
He has drawn respect from players and coaching peers, with Brazil superstar Ronaldinho moved to declare: "Anyone with an interest in soccer understands that Hiddink is a magnificent achiever and someone whose names stand for perpetual success. He is one of the top four or five coaches in the world."
And Manchester United's Ji-Sung Park, who played for Hiddink with PSV and South Korea, is even more fulsome in his praise.
He claims brief words of praise from Hiddink about his mental strength when he was injured transformed his career.
Park says in his autobiography: "If it was not for coach Hiddink, I would not be where I am now.
"Within a minute, what coach Hiddink said to me changed my life forever. I feel a bit shy thinking about what he would think after reading this, but he is my 'master' and I owe him everything and I won't be able to repay it in my life."
These words may have resonance in Soho Square after many felt the Football Association missed an open goal when they failed to appoint Hiddink as Sven-Goran Eriksson's successor and appointed Steve McClaren.
The irony was lost on no-one when Hiddink's Russia finished ahead of McClaren's England in the race to Euro 2008.
And no-one should dismiss the possibility of Hiddink finally claiming a major international honour with Russia.
606: DEBATE
Get involved in the debate over Russia's Euro chances
BBC Sport Euro 2008 pundit Pat Nevin has observed his career and methods closely and sees him as the main reason for Russian optimism as they await the start of Euro 2008.
He said: "I can see them getting to the final. They have an outstanding coach in Guus Hiddink. He is the man. On ability he is the best there is along with Sir Alex Ferguson. He managed to take South Korea to the World Cup semi-finals in 2002, so imagine what he could do with a team as gifted as Russia.
"Sure South Korea were at home, but what he did with them was a phenomenal achievement. Their style of play was superb, all the players clearly had great faith in them and no-one enjoyed playing against them.
"Hiddink is a very clever coach. He gets his players together, realises what they are best at and then decides the system. He doesn't go in there and impose a Hiddink system on players, he does what is best for the team. He has got a tremendous track record and I'm a real admirer."
The Dutchman is the master of making players believe they can scale previously unachieved heights, and his ability to gel a collection of individuals into a team with minimum preparation makes him an outstanding international operator.
Hiddink is bold tactically, has shown a happy knack of producing winning teams even when stars have been absent, is almost as fanatical about what his players do when they do not have the ball as when they have it, and is no respecter of reputations.
Ronaldinho
Hiddink is a magnificent achiever and someone whose names stand for perpetual success - Ronaldinho
He tackled a Dutch dressing room full of egos at Euro 96 and demonstrated his strength by dismissing star player Edgar Davids from the camp - an indicator of his fanatical devotion to team spirit.
Hiddink's stature as a national hero in Russia is a far cry from the controversy that greeted his appointment, with former Russian manager Valery Gazzayev saying: "I strongly believe that just being a good coach is not enough to lead our national team.
"You must be a real patriot, thoroughly understand our national identity, character and traditions, and for that you must be born here."
Hiddink answered in the way he knows best - winning games and helped by support from fellow countryman Dick Advocaat, who recently led Zenit St Petersburg to Uefa Cup triumph.
Advocaat told Hiddink's Russian critics: "Guus's record shows he is a world-class coach. You should be very happy to have him here."
And if he gets it right at another major tournament, they may have even greater reason to be grateful for his presence at the end of Euro 2008.
The 61-year-old Dutchman's impressive CV stretches from winning PSV Eindhoven's first European Cup in 1988 to achieving the remarkable feat of taking South Korea to the World Cup semi-final in 2002.
He took his home country to the last four of France 98 and cemented his reputation by taking part-time charge of Australia and guiding the Socceroos to the last 16 of the 2006 World Cup, where they lost cruelly to an injury-time penalty against Italy.
Hiddink was hailed as a national hero in South Korea when he gave the co-hosts their greatest moment six years ago.
And he has now achieved similar status in Russia, where his face adorns buildings around Moscow and he has even drawn rare public words of affection from prime minister Vladimir Putin
HIDDINK FACTFILE
1946 Born 8 Nov in Wisch
1984 Appointed assistant manager at PSV Eindhoven. Becomes manager in 1986
1988 Hiddink leads PSV to first European Cup win
1995 Holland coach. Reaches quarter-finals of Euro 96, and World Cup 98 semis
1998 Takes over at Real Madrid. Wins World Club Cup
2001 Becomes South Korea national coach and leads them to 2002 World Cup semi-finals
2002 Returns to PSV
2005-06 Australia coach, takes them to 2006 World Cup last 16
2006-present Takes Russia to Euro 2008
Hiddink hopes to cement his reputation as a coaching great and crown his glittering career by guilding Russia to Euro 2008 glory.
He has drawn respect from players and coaching peers, with Brazil superstar Ronaldinho moved to declare: "Anyone with an interest in soccer understands that Hiddink is a magnificent achiever and someone whose names stand for perpetual success. He is one of the top four or five coaches in the world."
And Manchester United's Ji-Sung Park, who played for Hiddink with PSV and South Korea, is even more fulsome in his praise.
He claims brief words of praise from Hiddink about his mental strength when he was injured transformed his career.
Park says in his autobiography: "If it was not for coach Hiddink, I would not be where I am now.
"Within a minute, what coach Hiddink said to me changed my life forever. I feel a bit shy thinking about what he would think after reading this, but he is my 'master' and I owe him everything and I won't be able to repay it in my life."
These words may have resonance in Soho Square after many felt the Football Association missed an open goal when they failed to appoint Hiddink as Sven-Goran Eriksson's successor and appointed Steve McClaren.
The irony was lost on no-one when Hiddink's Russia finished ahead of McClaren's England in the race to Euro 2008.
And no-one should dismiss the possibility of Hiddink finally claiming a major international honour with Russia.
606: DEBATE
Get involved in the debate over Russia's Euro chances
BBC Sport Euro 2008 pundit Pat Nevin has observed his career and methods closely and sees him as the main reason for Russian optimism as they await the start of Euro 2008.
He said: "I can see them getting to the final. They have an outstanding coach in Guus Hiddink. He is the man. On ability he is the best there is along with Sir Alex Ferguson. He managed to take South Korea to the World Cup semi-finals in 2002, so imagine what he could do with a team as gifted as Russia.
"Sure South Korea were at home, but what he did with them was a phenomenal achievement. Their style of play was superb, all the players clearly had great faith in them and no-one enjoyed playing against them.
"Hiddink is a very clever coach. He gets his players together, realises what they are best at and then decides the system. He doesn't go in there and impose a Hiddink system on players, he does what is best for the team. He has got a tremendous track record and I'm a real admirer."
The Dutchman is the master of making players believe they can scale previously unachieved heights, and his ability to gel a collection of individuals into a team with minimum preparation makes him an outstanding international operator.
Hiddink is bold tactically, has shown a happy knack of producing winning teams even when stars have been absent, is almost as fanatical about what his players do when they do not have the ball as when they have it, and is no respecter of reputations.
Ronaldinho
Hiddink is a magnificent achiever and someone whose names stand for perpetual success - Ronaldinho
He tackled a Dutch dressing room full of egos at Euro 96 and demonstrated his strength by dismissing star player Edgar Davids from the camp - an indicator of his fanatical devotion to team spirit.
Hiddink's stature as a national hero in Russia is a far cry from the controversy that greeted his appointment, with former Russian manager Valery Gazzayev saying: "I strongly believe that just being a good coach is not enough to lead our national team.
"You must be a real patriot, thoroughly understand our national identity, character and traditions, and for that you must be born here."
Hiddink answered in the way he knows best - winning games and helped by support from fellow countryman Dick Advocaat, who recently led Zenit St Petersburg to Uefa Cup triumph.
Advocaat told Hiddink's Russian critics: "Guus's record shows he is a world-class coach. You should be very happy to have him here."
And if he gets it right at another major tournament, they may have even greater reason to be grateful for his presence at the end of Euro 2008.
Euro 2008 build-up
Not long now - it's even catching on in Malaysia where pedestrians in Kuala Lumpur walk past a giant Uefa Euro 2008 billboard
Trinidad & Tobago 0-3 England
England were comfortable winners in their friendly at Trinidad & Tobago.
Gareth Barry put them ahead when he finished off a move involving Stewart Downing and Wayne Bridge to volley home his first goal for England
Four minutes later Downing laid on the second for Jermain Defoe to tuck past T&T keeper Clayton Ince.
Defoe got his second when a David Bentley cross fell kindly for him to volley past but he fired his hat-trick chance wide of the mark.
It was a second routine win in five days for England coach Fabio Capello, who will have been pleased with a professional performance from his side on a difficult pitch and in unusual conditions.
England's professionalism pleased Capello
Some criticised the decision to fly thousands of miles for a friendly against opposition of questionable qualities at this stage of the season.
But Capello was able to get a good look at plenty of his fringe players in what turned out to be a relatively competitive environment at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Trinidad & Tobago had talked about gaining some revenge for the defeat in their World Cup meeting two years ago.
But any chance of an upset in a game arranged to mark the centenary of football in Trinidad & Tobago lasted just over quarter of an hour
EBATE: 606
What are we going to learn from playing James in a friendly?
bizefc
The home side had already lost star striker Kenwyne Jones of Sunderland to a knee ligament injury when they fell behind after 12 minutes.
Downing sent Bridge clear down the left and he picked out Barry, who steered the ball past Ince with his left foot from inside the area.
The second came four minutes later with Middlesbrough's Downing sending Defoe clean through on goal and he kept his head to tuck home his first goal for England since September 2006.
It looked like England could threaten a cricket score on the Caribbean island but the Soca Warriors enjoyed their best spell of the game.
They caused some nervous moments at the back, with the pace and skill of Sunderland's Carlos Edwards and the bulk of Southampton striker Stern John making sure this would be no holiday for the England defence.
Beckham was surprised to captain the side
Edwards was involved in their best move of the match, setting up Darryl Roberts after some good work from Khaleem Hyland down the left, but Roberts' shot was easily held by David James.
Defoe and Dean Ashton missed chances to add to the scoreline before the half-time interval signalled the start of a glut of changes.
One of the new additions was Bentley, who took over from England's stand-in skipper David Beckham to set up the third goal.
The Blackburn star sent in a right-wing cross which T&T could not clear and Defoe was handed the simple task of volleying past Ince.
Defoe should have scored his first international hat-trick only to miscue wide but then combined brilliantly with his second-half strike partner Peter Crouch for one of the best passing moves of the game, but the Liverpool striker was denied by a sprawling Ince.
A noisy home crowd of 25,001 got their wish when their favourite Dwight Yorke was handed a 15-minute run out.
He was unable to mark his brief return from international retirement with a goal but it was still smiles all round for the home nation, and for Capello for a job well done.
England's players will now head off on holiday after a long season, although they will wish it was not all over with Euro 2008 kicking off in less than a week
Gareth Barry put them ahead when he finished off a move involving Stewart Downing and Wayne Bridge to volley home his first goal for England
Four minutes later Downing laid on the second for Jermain Defoe to tuck past T&T keeper Clayton Ince.
Defoe got his second when a David Bentley cross fell kindly for him to volley past but he fired his hat-trick chance wide of the mark.
It was a second routine win in five days for England coach Fabio Capello, who will have been pleased with a professional performance from his side on a difficult pitch and in unusual conditions.
England's professionalism pleased Capello
Some criticised the decision to fly thousands of miles for a friendly against opposition of questionable qualities at this stage of the season.
But Capello was able to get a good look at plenty of his fringe players in what turned out to be a relatively competitive environment at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Trinidad & Tobago had talked about gaining some revenge for the defeat in their World Cup meeting two years ago.
But any chance of an upset in a game arranged to mark the centenary of football in Trinidad & Tobago lasted just over quarter of an hour
EBATE: 606
What are we going to learn from playing James in a friendly?
bizefc
The home side had already lost star striker Kenwyne Jones of Sunderland to a knee ligament injury when they fell behind after 12 minutes.
Downing sent Bridge clear down the left and he picked out Barry, who steered the ball past Ince with his left foot from inside the area.
The second came four minutes later with Middlesbrough's Downing sending Defoe clean through on goal and he kept his head to tuck home his first goal for England since September 2006.
It looked like England could threaten a cricket score on the Caribbean island but the Soca Warriors enjoyed their best spell of the game.
They caused some nervous moments at the back, with the pace and skill of Sunderland's Carlos Edwards and the bulk of Southampton striker Stern John making sure this would be no holiday for the England defence.
Beckham was surprised to captain the side
Edwards was involved in their best move of the match, setting up Darryl Roberts after some good work from Khaleem Hyland down the left, but Roberts' shot was easily held by David James.
Defoe and Dean Ashton missed chances to add to the scoreline before the half-time interval signalled the start of a glut of changes.
One of the new additions was Bentley, who took over from England's stand-in skipper David Beckham to set up the third goal.
The Blackburn star sent in a right-wing cross which T&T could not clear and Defoe was handed the simple task of volleying past Ince.
Defoe should have scored his first international hat-trick only to miscue wide but then combined brilliantly with his second-half strike partner Peter Crouch for one of the best passing moves of the game, but the Liverpool striker was denied by a sprawling Ince.
A noisy home crowd of 25,001 got their wish when their favourite Dwight Yorke was handed a 15-minute run out.
He was unable to mark his brief return from international retirement with a goal but it was still smiles all round for the home nation, and for Capello for a job well done.
England's players will now head off on holiday after a long season, although they will wish it was not all over with Euro 2008 kicking off in less than a week
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Arsenal 1 - 0 Everton
Sunday May 04 2008 01:30
Arsenal moved to within a point of Chelsea after securing a largely uninspiring 1-0 win over fifth-placed Everton.
A late headed goal by Nicklas Bendtner was enough to win all the points and keep alive their hopes of overtaking Avram Grant's side.
After a low-key start to the game, the first real shot of note came in the tenth minute from Arsenal's player of the month for April, Theo Walcott.
The youngster cut in from the left but his shot curled just wide of the right post.
Shortly after that Gilberto Silva met Bendtner's cute hoisted ball across the Everton penalty area, but the Brazilian could not stretch quite enough to guide his header towards goal.
It was Everton that came closest to opening the scoring on 28 minutes when Manuel Fernandes put through a delightful ball for Andrew Johnson to latch onto and his first-time shot was well-saved by the right boot of Lukasz Fabianski.
At the other end Emmanuel Adebayor got a toe to a couple of long ball over the top of the Everton defence, but nothing that overly troubled Tim Howard.
Gilberto again went close in the dying minutes of the first half when he rose unchallenged to meet a corner from the right, but he could not quite get over the ball so as to really test Howard.
Then, a minute later in to stoppage time, Adebayor should have made more or of Emmanuel Eboue's exquisite cross from the right, but only got a glancing connection with the ball and watched it fly agonisingly wide.
The second half began as slowly as the first with Joleon Lescott's shot being the only real chance on goal, and a half-chance at that.
While Everton did little to trouble the Gunners, they had more possession than their hosts which is a collector's item of a statistic.
Arsene Wenger tried to change things around on 70 minutes by getting Walcott to play on the right-hand side. He did that by bringing on Armand Traore as a left winger.
The tactic worked as the Gunners took the lead in the 77th minute. Bendtner found the young Frenchman with a slightly over-hit pass.
Traore got the ball under control quickly, burst down the left flank before delivering a perfectly flighted ball into the box that Bendtner powered home with a towering header.
Everton did not offer much of a response. David Moyes sent on Yakubu to try and bolster his attack, but to little avail. The Toffees' leading scorer was starved of any service as the Gunners went on to secure all the points.
Arsenal moved to within a point of Chelsea after securing a largely uninspiring 1-0 win over fifth-placed Everton.
A late headed goal by Nicklas Bendtner was enough to win all the points and keep alive their hopes of overtaking Avram Grant's side.
After a low-key start to the game, the first real shot of note came in the tenth minute from Arsenal's player of the month for April, Theo Walcott.
The youngster cut in from the left but his shot curled just wide of the right post.
Shortly after that Gilberto Silva met Bendtner's cute hoisted ball across the Everton penalty area, but the Brazilian could not stretch quite enough to guide his header towards goal.
It was Everton that came closest to opening the scoring on 28 minutes when Manuel Fernandes put through a delightful ball for Andrew Johnson to latch onto and his first-time shot was well-saved by the right boot of Lukasz Fabianski.
At the other end Emmanuel Adebayor got a toe to a couple of long ball over the top of the Everton defence, but nothing that overly troubled Tim Howard.
Gilberto again went close in the dying minutes of the first half when he rose unchallenged to meet a corner from the right, but he could not quite get over the ball so as to really test Howard.
Then, a minute later in to stoppage time, Adebayor should have made more or of Emmanuel Eboue's exquisite cross from the right, but only got a glancing connection with the ball and watched it fly agonisingly wide.
The second half began as slowly as the first with Joleon Lescott's shot being the only real chance on goal, and a half-chance at that.
While Everton did little to trouble the Gunners, they had more possession than their hosts which is a collector's item of a statistic.
Arsene Wenger tried to change things around on 70 minutes by getting Walcott to play on the right-hand side. He did that by bringing on Armand Traore as a left winger.
The tactic worked as the Gunners took the lead in the 77th minute. Bendtner found the young Frenchman with a slightly over-hit pass.
Traore got the ball under control quickly, burst down the left flank before delivering a perfectly flighted ball into the box that Bendtner powered home with a towering header.
Everton did not offer much of a response. David Moyes sent on Yakubu to try and bolster his attack, but to little avail. The Toffees' leading scorer was starved of any service as the Gunners went on to secure all the points.
Crouch to Pompey link grows
Tuesday May 06 2008 12:57
Portsmouth are expected to land Liverpool striker Peter Crouch and Southampton's highly-rated winger Nathan Dyer this summer.
Pompey boss Harry Redknapp is believed to be willing to pay £8million for England international Crouch who has been only an irregular member of Liverpool's starting line-up this season.
Dyer is out of contract in the summer and is on Redknapp's shopping list even though he has spent much of the second half of the season on the sidelines after suffering knee ligament damage five months ago.
Meanwhile, Redknapp has promised to field a full-strength side for Sunday's final Premier League game of the season against Fulham even though it comes only six days before their appearance in the FA Cup Final.
He said: "We'll get stick if I put a reserve team out but I won't be doing that next week. No way. I wouldn't disrespect other managers who are in a relegation battle by picking a very, very, very weak team.
"I wouldn't want somebody doing that to me so I wouldn't want to do that to them. It's happened in the past and I think it's disrespectful.
"If we're fit next week then they'll all play. It'll be a good atmosphere with a good crowd and we'll be having a go - I promise you.
"Even on Sunday, if we beat Fulham and Villa get beaten at West ham we may still get sixth."
Hibbert earns Moyes' praise
Tuesday May 06 2008 12:24
Everton manager David Moyes believes Tony Hibbert has been one of the key players in his side's successful season.
The unsung 27-year-old has been a regular in Moyes' first-team squad this term, and produced yet another consistent display in Sunday's narrow defeat at Arsenal.
Moyes told the club's official website: "I thought Tony Hibbert was outstanding, as was Joseph Yobo and Phil Jagielka and Joleon Lescott.
"We play Hibbo in the games that matter because he's a good defender and he doesn't let you down. He's honest in his work and he's a really good player.
"People know we're struggling with attacking players and the flair we'd like. We don't have Mikel Arteta's flair or Tim Cahill's goals which can come from nothing, and we don't have James Vaughan either.
"They say that you get what we deserve come the end, so next week against Newcastle we'll find out if we get what we deserve."
Meanwhile, Moyes continues to be linked with USA international Michael Bradley who is currently playing for Dutch side Heerenveen.
Reports also suggest Nuno Valente is on the verge of penning a new 12-month contract with the club.
Coppell won't dwell on loss
Tuesday May 06 2008 13:32
Reading manager Steve Coppell is determined to focus on Sunday's final Premier League game of the season at Derby County and not dwell on the home defeat to Tottenham - a result that left the Royals in the bottom three.
Coppell's side have failed to score in their last six games and know that, even if they win at Pride Park, they could be playing Championship football next season if other results go against them.
Coppell told the club's official website: "We had opportunities against Spurs. It was the last home game and we wanted to have a go.
"In the second half the players gave their all, and even in that first half they'd been sweating buckets because we deperately wanted to stay in the game.
"We had opportunities after the break, and a lot of potential positions 30 yards out. We needed a killer pass, the understanding, a combination. We needed a quality cross, not a floater or one that's over-hit.
"But it's in the past now and it does nobody any good to dwell on it. We've got to get up and get our focus on Derby.
"We'll be working very hard in training. Sometimes when you're not scoring there's a feeling you're more frightened to make mistakes than having a go and risking a miss.
"We need to be sharper, that's stating the obvious."
Classy United on the brink
Sunday May 04 2008 18:22
Manchester United are only 90 minutes away from retaining the Premier League title after Saturday's 4-1 victory over West ham United at Old trafford.
The Red Devils knew that victory over the Hammers in their penultimate league game would move them three points ahead of Chelsea with their title rivals not in action until Monday.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side raced into a three-goal lead within the opening half-an-hour as Cristiano Ronaldo's brace took his season's tally to 30 in the league while Carlos Tevez scored against his former side.
Dean Ashton pulled one back for the visitors, who were then given extra hope when Nani was sent off for aiming a head-butt at Lucas Neill following a spat in the penalty area.
But Michael Carrick - also against his former club - settled the nerves around Old trafford with a fourth of the afternoon in the 59th minute, meaning United will wrap up a second consecutive title should they defeat Wigan Athletic next Sunday.
The great escape remains a possibility for Fulham after they clawed their way out of the relegation places with a priceless 2-0 win over fellow strugglers Birmingham City.
Brian McBride's 52nd-minute strike put Roy Hodgson's resurgent side ahead and Erik Nevland's 87th-minute second settled a nervy encounter at Craven Cottage.
Fulham move up two places to 17th and know that victory at Portsmouth next weekend will keep them in the Premier League.
However, it's a different story for Birmingham City who are now second bottom of the table and in danger of lasting just one season in the top-flight.
Reading have also been dragged back into the drop-zone after losing 1-0 at home to Tottenham Hotspur.
Robbie Keane's 16th-minute strike separated the sides at the Madejski Stadium and left the Royals needing to defeat Derby County on the final day of the season, and hoping other results go in their favour, if they are to retain their top-flight status.
Bolton though realistically confirmed their safety with a battling 2-0 win over Sunderland.
El Hadji Diouf marked his farewell appearance at the Reebok Stadium with the opener and a Daryl Murphy own goal confirmed the points for the home side.
The Trotters are now three points clear of Reading in the final relegation place, but are basically safe by virtue of a far superior goal difference to either the Royals or Fulham.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa's hopes of toppling Everton from fifth spot are all but over after they lost 2-0 to Wigan Athletic at Villa Park. Martin O'Neill's side slumped to defeat after Luis Antonio Valencia struck twice at Villa Park.
Everton are three points clear of Villa with one game of the season left after losing 1-0 at Arsenal - Nicklas Bendtner scoring the vital goal while Fernando Torres netted as Liverpool beat Manchester City by the same scoreline.
Derby County will end a miserable season with the lowest points total in Premier League history after losing 3-1 at Blackburn Rovers.
Paul Jewell's hapless side needed to win their final two games to avoid being relegated with less than the record 15 points but, despite taking the lead at Ewood Park, lost for the 28th time this season.
Kenny Miller's 19th-minute opener was cancelled out by two strikes from Roque Santa Cruz and another from Jason Roberts.
Middlesbrough were 2-0 winners over Portsmouth at the Riverside Stadium as Gareth Southgate's side finally ended their own lingering fears of relegation courtesy of recalled defender Chris Riggott's first goal of the season and a second from Sanli Tuncay.
Torres equals Hunt record
Monday May 05 2008 11:30
Liverpool's star striker Fernando Torres was proud of having equalled Roger Hunt's club record of having scored in eight successive home league games in the 1-0 win over Manchester City.
The 24-year-old Spain international has netted 32 goals in all competitions in his first season with the Reds and has scored in his last eight outings in the league at Anfield, equalling Hunt's record from the 1961-62 campaign.
Torres told the club's official website: "I'm very proud. I knew about the record before the game and I am pleased to have scored again.
"Now I will try to do even better next season.
"The first season is normally always difficult but it has been made easy for me by my team-mates. It's thanks to them that I can keep scoring and keep improving."
Reds manager Rafa Benitez added his own tribute, commenting: "It was another good game from us and another fine goal from Fernando.
"I believe he will score more, which will be a great benefit for the club, for him and for the fans."
Newcastle United 0 - 2 Chelsea
Monday May 05 2008 04:00
Chelsea ensured that the Premier League title race will go right to the wire by securing a clinical 2-0 win over Newcastle United at St James' Park.
A polished second half saw goals from Michael Ballack and Florent Malouda confirm that the title will be decided on the final day of the season.
Chelsea end their campaign against Bolton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge while Manchester United travel to Wigan Athletic.
A win by both sides will see the crown stay at Old Trafford by virtue of their superior goal difference.
As for Newcastle, their eight-match unbeaten run was ended after a promising start and on the day Chelsea were worthy winners.Michael Owen was left with a one-to-one chance after just six minutes when he met a lob over the top from Nicky Butt, but another lob from United's leading scorer sailed well over the bar.Obafemi Martins was heavily involved in the early Newcastle play and in one darting run beat three defenders before driving weakly at Petr Cech from 30 yards.
Chelsea at this stage appeared content to soak up the pressure and then look for the counter attack to support solitary striker Didier Drogba.
Skipper John Terry came to Chelsea's rescue and kept their title hopes alive with a dramatic goal-line clearance after 28 minutes.
Once again it was Martins caused the problems on the left and drove the ball into the area where Cech blocked a Mark Viduka shot and the rebound flew to the edge of the box.
It was met by Owen, who placed his shot beyond Cech, only for Terry to prevent a certain goal with his clearance.
Chelsea had to wait until the 35th minute for their first real chance, when the surging Michael Essien stretched the home defence before playing in Ballack on the left, who screwed his shot hopelessly wide with just Steve Harper to beat.Nicolas Anelka was then given a chance seconds later in the inside-right position, but he too fired well wide.
It was a much more purposeful Chelsea after the break as they appeared to step up a notch and only the woodwork prevented them taking a 53rd minute lead.
On a previous visit to the North East this season, Terry grabbed the only goal at Sunderland.
The big defender looked to have unlocked the Newcastle defence when he rose to meet a right-wing Malouda corner, only to see his powerful header cannon to safety off the bar.
Chelsea at this stage were in total command as Newcastle struggled to clear the ball and when they did, it was returned straight back to the danger area.
And the Chelsea goal that looked like coming, duly arrived on the hour mark. Abdoulaye Faye fouled Malouda on the right of the area and from Drogba's free-kick Ballack was left unmarked and headed in his third league goal in the last two matches.
Newcastle finally got going and a clearance from a Butt free-kick dropped invitingly to Martins on the edge of the area and he turned to see his goalbound effort deflected wide.
Then a ball over the top just evaded the lunging Owen as Newcastle searched for the equaliser.
But it was Chelsea who wrapped it up with their second goal after 82 minutes and it was superbly created and finished.
It was a five-man move which ended with substitute Frank Lampard threading a superb through ball on for Malouda, who shot under Harper and into the back of the net.
Chelsea ensured that the Premier League title race will go right to the wire by securing a clinical 2-0 win over Newcastle United at St James' Park.
A polished second half saw goals from Michael Ballack and Florent Malouda confirm that the title will be decided on the final day of the season.
Chelsea end their campaign against Bolton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge while Manchester United travel to Wigan Athletic.
A win by both sides will see the crown stay at Old Trafford by virtue of their superior goal difference.
As for Newcastle, their eight-match unbeaten run was ended after a promising start and on the day Chelsea were worthy winners.Michael Owen was left with a one-to-one chance after just six minutes when he met a lob over the top from Nicky Butt, but another lob from United's leading scorer sailed well over the bar.Obafemi Martins was heavily involved in the early Newcastle play and in one darting run beat three defenders before driving weakly at Petr Cech from 30 yards.
Chelsea at this stage appeared content to soak up the pressure and then look for the counter attack to support solitary striker Didier Drogba.
Skipper John Terry came to Chelsea's rescue and kept their title hopes alive with a dramatic goal-line clearance after 28 minutes.
Once again it was Martins caused the problems on the left and drove the ball into the area where Cech blocked a Mark Viduka shot and the rebound flew to the edge of the box.
It was met by Owen, who placed his shot beyond Cech, only for Terry to prevent a certain goal with his clearance.
Chelsea had to wait until the 35th minute for their first real chance, when the surging Michael Essien stretched the home defence before playing in Ballack on the left, who screwed his shot hopelessly wide with just Steve Harper to beat.Nicolas Anelka was then given a chance seconds later in the inside-right position, but he too fired well wide.
It was a much more purposeful Chelsea after the break as they appeared to step up a notch and only the woodwork prevented them taking a 53rd minute lead.
On a previous visit to the North East this season, Terry grabbed the only goal at Sunderland.
The big defender looked to have unlocked the Newcastle defence when he rose to meet a right-wing Malouda corner, only to see his powerful header cannon to safety off the bar.
Chelsea at this stage were in total command as Newcastle struggled to clear the ball and when they did, it was returned straight back to the danger area.
And the Chelsea goal that looked like coming, duly arrived on the hour mark. Abdoulaye Faye fouled Malouda on the right of the area and from Drogba's free-kick Ballack was left unmarked and headed in his third league goal in the last two matches.
Newcastle finally got going and a clearance from a Butt free-kick dropped invitingly to Martins on the edge of the area and he turned to see his goalbound effort deflected wide.
Then a ball over the top just evaded the lunging Owen as Newcastle searched for the equaliser.
But it was Chelsea who wrapped it up with their second goal after 82 minutes and it was superbly created and finished.
It was a five-man move which ended with substitute Frank Lampard threading a superb through ball on for Malouda, who shot under Harper and into the back of the net.
Pressure's on United
Tuesday May 06 2008 08:17
Chelsea boss Avram Grant believes Wigan Athletic can shock Manchester United on Sunday to give his side the chance of clinching their third Premier League title in four seasons.
Monday's 2-0 win at Newcastle United has left the Blues equal on points with Sir Alex Ferguson's side with just Bolton to play at Stamford Bridge while United must travel to face the Latics.
Both Bolton and Wigan ended their relegation fears at the weekend but Grant remains optimistic, saying: "The advantage is with United but it will not be easy at Wigan.
"This season has been one of our best. We achieved our aim of getting to the Champions League final and we have also improved our play on the pitch.
"Now we must beat Bolton and see what United do. The pressure is on them.
"We have to battle with things on and off the pitch, but the team have got better and better, especially in recent months.
"In the first half against Newcastle we were poorer than we've been for a while. Maybe that was down to tiredness because we have played a lot of long, hard matches this campaign.
"In the second half, though, we played fantastically and got the result we wanted.
"All I have asked the players is to do what we need to do - we can't affect anything else.
"United are a great team and we have given them a good battle. We wanted to keep that going."
Chelsea boss Avram Grant believes Wigan Athletic can shock Manchester United on Sunday to give his side the chance of clinching their third Premier League title in four seasons.
Monday's 2-0 win at Newcastle United has left the Blues equal on points with Sir Alex Ferguson's side with just Bolton to play at Stamford Bridge while United must travel to face the Latics.
Both Bolton and Wigan ended their relegation fears at the weekend but Grant remains optimistic, saying: "The advantage is with United but it will not be easy at Wigan.
"This season has been one of our best. We achieved our aim of getting to the Champions League final and we have also improved our play on the pitch.
"Now we must beat Bolton and see what United do. The pressure is on them.
"We have to battle with things on and off the pitch, but the team have got better and better, especially in recent months.
"In the first half against Newcastle we were poorer than we've been for a while. Maybe that was down to tiredness because we have played a lot of long, hard matches this campaign.
"In the second half, though, we played fantastically and got the result we wanted.
"All I have asked the players is to do what we need to do - we can't affect anything else.
"United are a great team and we have given them a good battle. We wanted to keep that going."
Manchester United 4 - 1 West Ham
Saturday May 03 2008 12:45
Manchester United's comfortable 4-1 win over West Ham piled the pressure back on Chelsea in the race for the PremierLeague title.
Defeat for the Londoners at vastly improved Newcastle United on Bank Holiday Monday will give the Red Devils their tenth Premier League title.
First-half goals by Cristiano Ronaldo (two) and Carlos Tevez made it a stroll in the sun for United.
The one dark cloud came with the 37th minute dismissal of Nani.
After falling over attempting an acrobatic kick, the Portuguese winger was shown the red card by Mike Riley when he appeared to butt Lucas Neill as the Australian tried to pull him to his feet.
United were left to play almost an hour with only ten men, but the Hammers failed to capitalise on their advantage.
The Reds enjoyed the perfect start with a goal in the third minute.
United goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar's kick came off the head of West Ham's James Tomkins when he went up with Nani.
It fell to Ronaldo on the right and he cut into the West Ham box from the wing, leaving Neill in his wake, before scoring with a low right-foot shot from 12 yards.
West Ham almost equalised four minutes later when United made a hash of clearing Scott Parker's corner.
Tomkins nodded the ball on to Bobby Zamora, whose header was hacked clear by Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand.
United made it 2-0 after 24 minutes when Ronaldo scored his second and probably the luckiest of his 40th goal in all competitions and 30th in the league this season.Owen Hargreaves' cross form the right corner of the penalty area bypassed a wall of defenders and went in off Ronaldo's right thigh from close range at the far post.
The third and best of United's goals came two minutes later.
Saturday May 03 2008 12:45
Ronaldo's cross from the left inside to Tevez saw the Argentinian take the ball in his stride before hitting a ferocious right-foot 30-yard drive over goalkeeper Robert Green and into the roof of the net.
West Ham reduced the areas two minutes later.
Bobby Zamora's cross from the right was headed up in the air by United defender Wes Brown and Dean Ashton scored with a spectacular overhead kick from 10 yards out at the far post.
But any doubts about the result were ended in the 59th minute when Michael Carrick picked up a loose ball midway inside the West Ham half and was allowed to run on before scoring with a right-foot shot from 20 yards which was deflected in off the hapless Neill.
United could have had a fifth when Darren Fletcher's 71st minute shot cannoned back of a post.
The chance set up following good work from Evra and substitute Ryan Giggs.
Manchester United's comfortable 4-1 win over West Ham piled the pressure back on Chelsea in the race for the PremierLeague title.
Defeat for the Londoners at vastly improved Newcastle United on Bank Holiday Monday will give the Red Devils their tenth Premier League title.
First-half goals by Cristiano Ronaldo (two) and Carlos Tevez made it a stroll in the sun for United.
The one dark cloud came with the 37th minute dismissal of Nani.
After falling over attempting an acrobatic kick, the Portuguese winger was shown the red card by Mike Riley when he appeared to butt Lucas Neill as the Australian tried to pull him to his feet.
United were left to play almost an hour with only ten men, but the Hammers failed to capitalise on their advantage.
The Reds enjoyed the perfect start with a goal in the third minute.
United goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar's kick came off the head of West Ham's James Tomkins when he went up with Nani.
It fell to Ronaldo on the right and he cut into the West Ham box from the wing, leaving Neill in his wake, before scoring with a low right-foot shot from 12 yards.
West Ham almost equalised four minutes later when United made a hash of clearing Scott Parker's corner.
Tomkins nodded the ball on to Bobby Zamora, whose header was hacked clear by Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand.
United made it 2-0 after 24 minutes when Ronaldo scored his second and probably the luckiest of his 40th goal in all competitions and 30th in the league this season.Owen Hargreaves' cross form the right corner of the penalty area bypassed a wall of defenders and went in off Ronaldo's right thigh from close range at the far post.
The third and best of United's goals came two minutes later.
Saturday May 03 2008 12:45
Ronaldo's cross from the left inside to Tevez saw the Argentinian take the ball in his stride before hitting a ferocious right-foot 30-yard drive over goalkeeper Robert Green and into the roof of the net.
West Ham reduced the areas two minutes later.
Bobby Zamora's cross from the right was headed up in the air by United defender Wes Brown and Dean Ashton scored with a spectacular overhead kick from 10 yards out at the far post.
But any doubts about the result were ended in the 59th minute when Michael Carrick picked up a loose ball midway inside the West Ham half and was allowed to run on before scoring with a right-foot shot from 20 yards which was deflected in off the hapless Neill.
United could have had a fifth when Darren Fletcher's 71st minute shot cannoned back of a post.
The chance set up following good work from Evra and substitute Ryan Giggs.
Nani asks for forgiveness
Tuesday May 06 2008 08:43
Manchester United winger Nani has apologised for being sent off in Saturday's 4-1 victory against West ham United.
The Portugal international was dismissed for head-butting Hammers defender Lucas Neill in the first half of the Old trafford clash when United were winning 3-1.
Nani admitted: "I recognise my action was a thoughtless one. But I also have to say I was provoked and attacked.
"I regret what I did and want to publicly ask for forgiveness."
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had been unimpressed with Nani's behaviour, saying after Saturday's win: "The game was marred by immaturity from Nani, real immaturity.
"He retaliated when he didn't need to and the referee didn't have any option but to send him off after he'd spoken to the linesman.
"He showed a measure of immaturity and we'll deal with it."
Manchester United winger Nani has apologised for being sent off in Saturday's 4-1 victory against West ham United.
The Portugal international was dismissed for head-butting Hammers defender Lucas Neill in the first half of the Old trafford clash when United were winning 3-1.
Nani admitted: "I recognise my action was a thoughtless one. But I also have to say I was provoked and attacked.
"I regret what I did and want to publicly ask for forgiveness."
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had been unimpressed with Nani's behaviour, saying after Saturday's win: "The game was marred by immaturity from Nani, real immaturity.
"He retaliated when he didn't need to and the referee didn't have any option but to send him off after he'd spoken to the linesman.
"He showed a measure of immaturity and we'll deal with it."
Monday, April 21, 2008
Aston Villa VS Birmingham
Ashley Young and John Carew both scored twice as Aston Villa outclassed Birmingham, keeping their local rivals deep in relegation trouble.
Young's rasping shot gave Villa the lead and Carew nodded home the winger's free-kick shortly before the break.
Carew tapped in from close range for Villa's third and Young beat two players before scoring his second goal.
Mikael Forsell scored a consolation for Birmingham, but there was still time for Gabriel Agbonlahor to grab a fifth.
Villa have now scored 15 goals in their last three Premier League games as they keep the pressure on Everton - who they meet next Sunday - for a Uefa Cup place.
Birmingham enjoyed a decent spell of possession early on, culminating in an effort at goal from David Murphy, but the visitors failed to really test Villa keeper Scott Carson.
The home side soon began to stamp their authority on the game as they over-ran Birmingham in midfield, with Carew going close with a header from an inswinging corner and the influential Gareth Barry firing narrowly wide with a snap-shot from inside the area.
Birmingham, with in-form striker Mauro Zarate desperately short of service up front, were almost non-existent as an attacking force, and Villa had the next chance - Barry's free-kick drawing a reasonable save from Maik Taylor.
Stiliyan Petrov's swirling effort caused problems for the Blues keeper, and the dam finally burst when Olof Mellberg's mishit pass bounced into Young's path.
There was a hint of controversy in the build-up though, with referee Mark Clattenburg breaking up a confrontation between Young and Mehdi Nafti with a full-blooded shove to the Birmingham defender's chest as play went on.
Undoubtedly fired up by the unexpected intervention, Nafti beat two players in a narrow space moments later before firing over for the Blues.
But it was not long before Villa surged further ahead, as Young's accurate free-kick found an unmarked Carew inside the six-yard box, allowing the big striker to nod home from point-blank range.
McLeish admitted it was a 'bruising' defeat
It was more of the same after the break, with Birmingham's defensive frailties ruthlessly exposed by a rampant Villa.
Young was involved again as his long ball found Barry - coming back from a borderline offside position - and the England midfielder unselfishly squared for Carew to guide the ball into an empty net.
With the match effectively over as a contest, Young scored his second on 63 minutes, beating two players before firing a low shot towards goal.
Taylor saved the initial effort but the ball bounced perfectly into the 22-year-old's path and he slotted home to cap an excellent individual display.
With his team's fans pouring out of the ground by the minute, Blues substitute Forssell - on for Zarate, who had a mini-tantrum as he left the pitch - cut the gap after a good passing move.
But the final goal went the home side's way after a howler from ex-Villa defender Liam Ridgwell allowed Agbonlahor to race through the middle and slide the ball into the centre of the goal.
It seaed his side's biggest derby win since 1988 - and kept Birmingham in the bottom three of the table.
Young's rasping shot gave Villa the lead and Carew nodded home the winger's free-kick shortly before the break.
Carew tapped in from close range for Villa's third and Young beat two players before scoring his second goal.
Mikael Forsell scored a consolation for Birmingham, but there was still time for Gabriel Agbonlahor to grab a fifth.
Villa have now scored 15 goals in their last three Premier League games as they keep the pressure on Everton - who they meet next Sunday - for a Uefa Cup place.
Birmingham enjoyed a decent spell of possession early on, culminating in an effort at goal from David Murphy, but the visitors failed to really test Villa keeper Scott Carson.
The home side soon began to stamp their authority on the game as they over-ran Birmingham in midfield, with Carew going close with a header from an inswinging corner and the influential Gareth Barry firing narrowly wide with a snap-shot from inside the area.
Birmingham, with in-form striker Mauro Zarate desperately short of service up front, were almost non-existent as an attacking force, and Villa had the next chance - Barry's free-kick drawing a reasonable save from Maik Taylor.
Stiliyan Petrov's swirling effort caused problems for the Blues keeper, and the dam finally burst when Olof Mellberg's mishit pass bounced into Young's path.
There was a hint of controversy in the build-up though, with referee Mark Clattenburg breaking up a confrontation between Young and Mehdi Nafti with a full-blooded shove to the Birmingham defender's chest as play went on.
Undoubtedly fired up by the unexpected intervention, Nafti beat two players in a narrow space moments later before firing over for the Blues.
But it was not long before Villa surged further ahead, as Young's accurate free-kick found an unmarked Carew inside the six-yard box, allowing the big striker to nod home from point-blank range.
McLeish admitted it was a 'bruising' defeat
It was more of the same after the break, with Birmingham's defensive frailties ruthlessly exposed by a rampant Villa.
Young was involved again as his long ball found Barry - coming back from a borderline offside position - and the England midfielder unselfishly squared for Carew to guide the ball into an empty net.
With the match effectively over as a contest, Young scored his second on 63 minutes, beating two players before firing a low shot towards goal.
Taylor saved the initial effort but the ball bounced perfectly into the 22-year-old's path and he slotted home to cap an excellent individual display.
With his team's fans pouring out of the ground by the minute, Blues substitute Forssell - on for Zarate, who had a mini-tantrum as he left the pitch - cut the gap after a good passing move.
But the final goal went the home side's way after a howler from ex-Villa defender Liam Ridgwell allowed Agbonlahor to race through the middle and slide the ball into the centre of the goal.
It seaed his side's biggest derby win since 1988 - and kept Birmingham in the bottom three of the table.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
