Liverpool FC

MLS strike averted

2010-03-20T22:28:15+00:00

There had been some trepidation as to whether or not the season would kick off in time after members of the MLS Players' Union had voted for strike action unless a new Collective Bargaining Agreement was brought in. After their previous ‘CBA’ concluded at the end of last year, players were keen for a new one covering five seasons and allowing for more freedom of movement within MLS and guaranteed contracts, among other things, to be drawn up.

It had looked like that might not happen but MLS commissioner Don Garber and MLSPU executive director Bob Foose have confirmed that they have come to an agreement that, in principle, sees a new CBA commencing with the 2010 season and continuing through to December 31, 2014.

Everton’s hopes of seeing Landon Donovan return for an extended spell on loan at the club from LA Galaxy had already been declared dead, though some fans were still hopeful that the strike would see him return. However, USA striker Donovan himself had joined the talks.

And he was quoted as saying: "We have a deep appreciation for the commitment shown by the owners both historically and through this process to make MLS one of the top leagues in the world."

Foose said: "The Union is happy with this agreement as it addresses the core issue of players' rights and we look forward to working co-operatively with the League going forward."

Garber added: "This new agreement allows us to work with our players to continue our mutual efforts to build the sport of soccer in North America.

"We worked hard during the past few months to develop a new agreement that addressed many of the players' most important issues and look forward to a meaningful and productive new relationship over the next five years.''

Philadelphia Union take on the Seattle Sounders in the first game of the new MLS season on Thursday.

Wenger bemoans Vermaelen red

2010-03-20T22:14:30+00:00

The win at the Emirates Stadium saw Arsenal go above Manchester United and Chelsea at the top of the Premier League but the Gunners chief's joy at his side’s fine display was tempered a little by the loss of the Belgian who saw red just before half-time after referee Martin Atkinson had adjudged that he had pulled down Guillermo Franco in the area.

Allesandro Diamanti’s resultant penalty was saved by Manuel Almunia and, while Denilson and Cesc Fabregas’s goals earned the points for Arsenal, the Gunners will now face their next game with Birmingham City without Vermaelen, who has excelled in his first year in England.

"I felt it was very harsh," Wenger said of the decision. "We have seen this situation so many times in the game without it being punished at all."

Wenger’s frown turned into a smile when he discussed how his team had overcome the Hammers, who did see plenty if the ball at times.

"I believe we had an outstanding game," the Frenchman also said.

"We played with class and spirit and we kept our nerve when the situation became difficult, so overall we have shown a good attitude, good maturity, and in the important moments in any department we were decisive.

"Everybody adapted very well to the situation and technically I believe we were outstanding today."

On the title race, which now has just two months to run, Wenger added: "We are not under any special pressure because we are beyond expectation.

"We want to win the trophy because we are all conscious we have won nothing yet - the hunger is there, the talent is there and I think the nerves are there.

"All we can do is rely on the other results of the other teams, so the only thing we can do is master our own results.

"We have a good chance to do it this year. It will be exciting, tight and the response we gave today in the second half was very important in future games."

Pompey strike late to ruin Dowie's day

2010-03-20T18:35:42+00:00

Caleb Folan had twice given the visitors the lead in the first half. His first came when he made the most of an effort by Craig Fagan, deflecting a shot that had been going wide into the Portsmouth goal.

Portmouth equalised eight minutes from half-time from a corner. Jamie O'Hara crossed for Frederic Piquionne, who returned the ball to the danger home for Tommy Smith to prod home.

Folan's second came after a touch by referee Phil Dowd, Richard Garcia slipping his team-mate in to slot home.

That set up a grandstand finish. First, O'Hara curled a brilliant free-kick past Boaz Myhill, with Kanu bagging the winner a minute later from Nadir Belhadj's cross.

Everton leave it late v Bolton

2010-03-20T17:44:24+00:00

In a first half notable for the absence of much style, Everton were dealt a blow when Victor Anichebe had to be stretchered off to be replaced by Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.

Mikel Arteta made frequent attempts to control the game for the home side but, with Louis Saha on the bench and Yakubu still a shadow of his former self, the Toffees could not trouble Jussi Jaaskelainen.

For all their dominance, it was Bolton that came closest to opening the scoring when Chung-yong Lee and Jack Wilshere released Kevin Davies but Tim Howard managed to come out and stifle the threat.

The second half chugged along at half pace until the 70th minute, when Gretar Steinsson was sent off for a professional foul on Yakubu. Arteta stepped up for the free-kick, beating the wall and the Bolton keeper to put Everton 1-0 up.

Bolton sent on Matthew Taylor in an attempt to get back into the game, but it was Everton that doubled their lead just before the end, Steven Pienaar slotting home after good work by Leon Osman.

Spurs narrowly beat Stoke

2010-03-20T17:39:49+00:00

In a blustery opening with little by way of skilful football, Gareth Bale was twice targetted for tough tackles by Tony Pulis' side. First, a challenge by Robert Huth left the Welshman needing treatment before Ricardo Fuller was booked for an obvious foul on the youngster.

The tough nature of the game clearly got to Spurs' striker Roman Pavlyuchenko, who was forced off to be replaced by Eidur Gudjohnsen.

The long throws of Rory Delap were causing difficulty, particularly in the 35th minute when one of the Irishman's 'rockets' was met by Dave Kitson. Heurelho Gomes fumbled the ball but Spurs managed to clear.

The second half was twenty seconds old when Spurs scored the opener. Gudjohnsen played a give and go with Crouch and showed good strength to hold off Abdoulaye Faye and fire past Sorensen.

Three minutes later, Stoke were down to ten men. Dean Whitehead was sent off for the second time in his career for a challenge on Modric. He had earlier been booked.

Midway through the half, Stoke were level against the run of play when Benoit Assou-Ekotto stupidly challenged Kitson in the box. A penalty was awarded, with Matthew Etherington scoring.

Assou-Ekotto made up for his error thirteen minutes from time, however, when he crossed from the left. Gudjohnsen cleverly left the ball for the onrushing Niko Kranjcar, who scored the winner.

Rod' joy for Wigan

2010-03-20T18:32:04+00:00

Hugo Rodallega, a thorn in the Burnley side all game, eventually found a way past Brian Jensen in injury time to give Roberto Martinez’s men a vital win.

For long periods it looked like it would be one of those games where nobody would break the deadlock but Rodallega threw himself headlong at a Victor Moses cross to win the game.

Rodallega had one effort cleared off the line by Wade Elliott and he also struck a post in the second half.

Burnley themselves threatened to score on a few occasions, but when a Martin Paterson volley from a Graham Alexander cross struck the bar, you sensed it was not to be their day.

James McCarthy was felled in the box by Leon Cort in what looked like a clear penalty shout but the offence was waved away by referee Jones.

One nasty incident in the second half saw Chris Kirkland hit with a projectile from the crowd, but the police quickly intervened to dampen down any further trouble in this local derby.

The final result leaves Burnley in deep trouble while Wigan can now look upwards rather than down.

Bent double joy for Sunderland

2010-03-20T18:32:28+00:00

Both Bent goals came within the first 10 minutes, and both were close-range efforts, tapped home by the England hopeful inside the six-yard box after good work by Steed Malbranque.

Birmingham had Joe Hart to thank for keeping them somewhat in touch as he pulled off a superb save from Malbranque just minutes later.

After that terrific start, Birmingham managed to fight their way back into the game, with Cameron Jerome proving the biggest threat to the home side’s goal.

The Blues striker was presented with a gilt-edged chance after 30 minutes, but he blazed a Liam Ridgewell cross over when it was easier to score.

The second half was a similar story, with Jerome through one-on-one with the Black Cat’s ‘keeper Craig Gordon shortly after the break but he allowed the Scottish international to deny him.

But, just minutes later, Jerome tucked away his most difficult chance of the day, coolly evading the Sunderland defenders to slot one home for Birmingham.

His strike partner Christian Benitez then tried to get in on the act, forcing a good save out of Gordon and when Stephen Carr followed up the rebound, Gordon was equal to it again.

It was looking like a good day for both custodians as both made further good stops, especially Gordon as Ridgewell tested him with a drive 15 from the end.

Alex McLeish threw on former Sunderland hero Kevin Phillips but he was unable to get a crucial second and Frazier Campbell wrapped up the game with Sunderland’s third two minutes before the end.

Ten-man Gunners go top

2010-03-20T19:33:59+00:00

Denilson’s early goal and a late penalty from Cesc Fabregas earned the points for Arsene Wenger’s men. They did not have it all their own way though as Thomas Vermaelen was sent off just before half-time to the ire of Wenger. However, Allesandro Diamanti saw the resultant penalty saved by Manuel Almnuia.

Arsenal were in front after just five minutes. Denilson claimed possession from Valon Behrami just on the edge of the Hammers area and exchanged a neat one-two with Nicklas Bendtner as he moved into space and fired a low effort past Robert Green.

Home fans quickly sensed blood and Bendtner was soon off target with a 20-yard effort, while Andrey Arshavin just failed to connect with a teasing Emmuanel Eboue cross.

Mido similarly could not convert a Junior Stanislas set-up at the other end, yet West Ham had a golden chance to go level just before the break. Guiilermo Franco looked to be outpacing Vermaelen as he entered the Gunners’ penalty area and, on the advice of his assistant, referee Martin Atkinson opted to award a penalty and send the Belgian off.

There was no further punishment for Arsenal,however, as Almunia – not quite on his line – did superbly to deny the Italian Diamanti.

Alex Song reverted into Vermaelen’s centre-back role for the second half and produced one great saving tackle on the advancing Fabio Duprela, while Denilson and Sol Campbell both came close to extending Arsenal’s lead at the other end.

Carlton Cole – on fro Franco – then clipped the outside of Almunia’s post as West Ham began to see much more of the ball, but they could not capitalise on it and were punished for that with eight minutes to go when Matthew Upson was ruled to have handled in their own area.

Despite having already been booked no further punishment was dished out to the defender to the anger of the home fans, but their mood soon improved when Fabregas smashed the ball home to ensure the Gunners would be going to bed on top of the pile.

Carew saves point for Villa

2010-03-20T15:05:23+00:00

The Norwegian striker put his side into the lead on 16 minutes and followed a flowing move on the break from Villa. Kevin Doyle saw his effort blocked by international team-mate Richard Dunne, and was picked up by Ashley Young.

The former Watford man fought off the challenge of Ronald Zubar before crossing for Carew to prod the ball home from six yards.

The match turned on its head soon afterwards, however, as a free-kick from David Jones deflected off Zubar and into the path Jody Craddock, who scored his fifth goal of the season. Wolves built on this with some impressive play and got their reward when a cross by Matt Jarvis - intended for Jones - was deflected into his own net by James Milner.

Villa pressed and pressed in the second half, with chances for Carew and Stewart Downing among others, and the striker eventually got his second when he scored the rebound from a shot by Steve Sidwell.

Wolves appealed for off-side against Carew but the goal stood and Villa had a point.

Fergie stokes up Liverpool clash

2010-03-20T14:34:23+00:00

The United boss has fanned the flames ahead of Sunday's clash between the north west rivals clash by repeating his assertion that Liverpool over-performed by finishing second - four points behind his team last season.

"I thought it was an exceptional season for them and I thought it would be difficult to achieve that again. That was just my opinion," he told the Daily Star.

"Did they over-perform? Yes. I think they did very well. When they got that run going they showed form and consistency. "

I don't know what they are mired in.

"I think that their challenge last year was championship form, but sometimes a team peaks with that particular team and sometimes it's difficult to do again."

City in 'new Zidane' talks

2010-03-20T13:12:37+00:00

The 20-year-old Grenoble ace is out of contract in the summer and has been harshly criticised by his club for concentrating on his next move rather than his team's current relegation plight.

Valencia tried to sign him in January but the fall out scuppered the deal and now his agent claims to be in talks with City.

He told Buteur: "Sofiane is expected to sign shortly for a great European club. I am currently in England to finalise an agreement with Manchester City officials. Negotiations are at an advanced stage."

Feghouli has been out of action since October when he was diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his knee but the talented playmaker of Algerian heritage, who has already been labelled the 'new Zinedine Zidane', is now fit again.

Mancini makes Ireland claim

2010-03-20T12:30:37+00:00

The attacking midfielder has struggled for a run of games under the Italian which has led to speculation over his long-term future, but Mancini insists he is a fan of the 23-year-old.

He said: "I have a lot of respect for Stephen Ireland because he is a good player. "

In the week of the Chelsea game he had an injury.

But now he has recovered and is ready to play.

"I have a number of options in midfield and Stephen is an important player for us."

Ancelotti sets sights on double

2010-03-20T12:04:00+00:00

The Blues were eliminated from the Champions League by former boss Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan on Tuesday night and Ancelotti has now focused on domestic matters.

The Italian argues that Chelsea's "destiny is in our hands" if they win every game left this season.

He said: "It's not the time now to plan - we have other things to think about. I want to put this team in the best position until the end of the season. "

We have to look to the next game.

We have 11 matches left until the end of the season and, after them, we'll have a lot of time to speak about the future of this team.

"It's normal that, with a new season, there are new faces. Really, now, I want to think about this team."