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Sheva set to return

2006-10-10T08:04:00.000+08:00

Andriy Shevchenko is set to return for Ukraine in Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Scotland after shaking off a viral infection.
The Chelsea striker returned to training on Monday evening after having missed Saturday's 2-0 reverse against Italy and is now expected to line up in Kiev.
The news will come as a boost for Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin, who's side desperately need points to get their qualification campaign back on track.
Ukraine currently lie second bottom of Group G, with just two points from three games, but a win against surprise group leaders Scotland would drag them back into contention.

Rio back in training

2006-10-10T08:02:00.000+08:00

England defender Rio Ferdinand took part in training on Monday and is likely to be in Steve McClaren's side to face Croatia on Wednesday. A back problem had kept him out of the weekend's goalless draw against Macedonia.
But Ledley King, who replaced Ferdinand at Old Trafford on Saturday, sat out the training session as a precautionary measure. The Tottenham defender underwent surgery on his knee over the summer and sometimes suffers a slight reaction after some games.
"Rio trained today and it's good to have him back with us," said McClaren.
"He will be travelling with the squad and we expect him to train tomorrow in Croatia, providing there's no reaction.
"Ledley King missed training but is also expected to train with the rest of the squad tomorrow."
Ferdinand is set to partner captain John Terry in the heart of England's defence once again, but not necessarily at the expense of King. The Spurs stopper could be moved into a holding role in midfield if McClaren decides to tinker with his side.

Carrick: "we'll bounce back"

2006-10-10T08:00:00.000+08:00

Midfielder Michael Carrick believes England are capable of bouncing back from their dismal goalless draw against Macedonia at the weekend, despite a tough test in Croatia awaiting them.
Steve McClaren's honeymoon period in charge of England ended with a bang at Old Trafford on Saturday as his charges failed to score against an obdurate Macedonian side, and they will be further tested by a tricky trip to Croatia on Wednesday.
McClaren came in for some stiff criticism following the result, but Manchester United's Carrick believes the best team always bounces back.
"It's a test for us to go there and win," he said. "Confidence and belief hasn't been knocked.
"You just have these days and we're trying to get it out of our system as quickly as possible.
"You've got to forget about the Macedonia game. What's happened has happened. It didn't quite go our way but even if we'd won the game it would still be difficult in Croatia.
"We spoke after the game about keeping our heads up and doing the right things.
"The confidence is there, the belief is there, the attitude is there but sometimes you have those games.
"It's a new manager and a new regime and we want to be doing things right."
Standing in their way is a Croatia side who are on top form and high in confidence after a 7-0 drubbing of Andorra on Saturday. With four points from two games, the Croats will leapfrog England should they win in Zagreb.
"This is a big game for them, with England coming to town, and they want to do well but we've got our own agenda and we need the three points," Carrick continued.
"We won't go into the game thinking about what happened on Saturday.
"We know we're better than that and we have to get on with it."

Berbatov threatened with fine

2006-10-10T07:59:00.000+08:00

Bulgaria striker Dimitar Berbatov has been threatened with a fine following his comments about Bulgarian Football Union vice-chief Iordan Lechkov.
The Tottenham Hotspur goal ace reacted angrily to a perceived jibe made by Lechkov following the nation's 1-1 draw against the Netherlands on Saturday in a Euro 2008 qualifier.
"Some of the team leaders didn't give everything they can give," Lechkov said, to which Berbatov replied: ""If he (Lechkov) thinks so, we should let him play."
The comment from the former Bayer Leverkuen player was out of character, but he is expected to be punished nonetheless.
"He will be fined for his remarks in accordance with the regulations," said Lechkov. "But don't expect me to tell you the amount of the fine."
Berbatov is somewhat of a national icon, and his effort has never been brought into question before. Indeed, he played for more than an hour in Bulgaria's 2-2 draw with Romania last month after a pain-killing injection.
Bulgaria have five points from three games in their qualification campaign and currently lie in third place in Group G.

Podolski banned for two

2006-10-10T07:57:00.000+08:00

Germany striker Lukas Podolski has been hit with a two game ban for the red card he received on Saturday, although he will only be suspended for friendly matches.
The Bayern Munich hitman saw red for kicking out at defender Zurab Khizanishvili in Germany's 2-0 friendly win over Georgia at the weekend, prompting action from the German Football Association.
As the game was a friendly, neither UEFA nor FIFA wished to sanction the World Cup star, leaving him free to play against Slovakia in Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier.
Podolski was thought to have lashed out in frustration at not being a fixture in Bayern's first XI since his summer move from Koln, according to German daily Bild.

Defence the key, says Rio

2006-10-06T08:03:00.000+08:00

Rio Ferdinand believes a sound defensive platform will allow England to build for future international success. England have not conceded a goal since Steve McClaren took over from Sven-Goran Eriksson after the disappointing World Cup performance in the summer.
And defender Ferdinand says the whole team should take the credit for the much-improved displays.
"It's down to the whole unit," Ferdinand said as England prepare for the visit of Macedonia to Old Trafford on Saturday.
"Defensively for quite a few games we've been consistent, but I wouldn't just put that down to the keeper or the back four. It's the whole team.
"If we are going to be successful then the front boys have to start the defensive duties and we have to follow it through to the goalkeeper."
Meanwhile, although goalkeeper Paul Robinson admits he has not been in the best of form for club Tottenham Hotspur this season, he says he is full of confidence and ready to help his country to a fifth successive clean-sheet.
"If you don't count the penalties against Portugal in the World Cup, then I've only conceded in one game out of the last nine and hopefully I can extend that record," Robinson explained.
"My recent record is very good and I'm going into these games feeling confident of extending that run. Myself and the defence work as a unit and we pride ourselves on keeping clean sheets.
"We know that if we keep the other side out and the strikers can score, then we will obviously be winning matches."

Basile tells Argentina duo to move on

2006-10-06T07:59:00.001+08:00

Argentina coach Alfio Basile has told Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano to leave West Ham for the sake of their careers. Both players have struggled for form since joining the Hammers in a shock deadline-day move from Brazilian club Corinthians at the end of August.
The Hammers have failed to win since their arrival, and Basile claims the two young players - stars for Argentina during the summer World Cup - are simply going through the motions in the Premiership.
"I hope both of them leave that club as soon as possible," he told TyC Sports.
"I think they are half-hearted and I'm really worried about that. They play as if they are unenthusiastic.
"I hope for God's sake that Mascherano can go to Juventus as it has been said, even if he has to play in the second division (in Italy).
"And Tevez can play in any position in the attacking line, but not as a left-winger like he is currently playing."

LuaLua: not ready yet

2006-10-06T07:59:00.000+08:00

Portsmouth striker Lomana LuaLua has admitted he is not yet ready for Premiership football after making his first start of the season in Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Tottenham.
The Congolese goal ace damaged his ankle celebrating a goal against Arsenal with a trademark somersault at the back end of last season, and has struggled to regain fitness ever since.
The 25-year-old was set for a return to action at the beginning of the current campaign, but he aggravated the injury pre-season and only made his first appearance of the season, as a substitute, last weekend.
But his performance did not fill the Kinshasa-born player with confidence, and he still feels some way off full fitness.
"I wasn't happy with how I played against Spurs. It was disappointing.
"But it was my first real game, and on reflection I'm not as fit as I could be. I'm lacking sharpness.
"I just wanted to play. But on balance, it might have been better waiting. When I was injured I was trying to get over the ankle problem. I wasn't concentrating on my running and fitness so much.
"I would like a run in the team, but to do that I need my sharpness. I would be happy with just some kind of run-out against West Ham (Pompey's next Premiership opponents) - but to be honest, I would understand it if I didn't start."
LuaLua is currently away on international duty with the Democratic Republic of Congo for an African Nations Cup qualifier against Libya, and with it comes the chance to get some playing time under his belt.
"I have a game for Congo now and I need to play for my fitness," he said. "I need to play - and they need me.
"I know I have to fight for my place at Pompey, and so I want to get back to the right level quickly."

Luque targets return

2006-10-06T07:57:00.000+08:00

Tyneside flop Albert Luque has targeted Newcastle's next Premiership match for his first-team comeback. The 28-year-old Spain forward has shown little since his £9.5million move from Deportivo last year, scoring once in 16 games, although a midweek brace for the reserves makes a case for his return.
Newcastle play Bolton a week on Saturday and Luque feels he has a chance at making the first team after scoring a brace in the 4-1 reserve team win over Liverpool on Wednesday.
"I will continue to work hard and maybe I can get back into the team for the next game against Bolton," he told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle.
"I was very happy to score the two goals - I remembered how to score them from when I was in Spain!" joked the Barcelona-born forward.
Luque endured a torrid start to his St. James' Park career, picking up a hamstring injury in his second league game for the Magpies after being bought by Graeme Souness. By the time he had regained fitness, Glenn Roeder was in charge and Luque was out of favour and lacking in confidence.
"It is hard for me to play in the reserves," he continued. "I have to be honest and say that I did not expect top be playing in the second team when I moved from Spain."
"But life changes and when Glenn asks me to play in the reserves I will play - no problem."
"I am a professional and I know I have to show the right attitude. The team against Liverpool was a very young one and I as a senior player I know I have to help them and try and give an example."

Alonso hits back at critics

2006-10-06T07:55:00.000+08:00

Xabi Alonso has hit back at Liverpool’s critics telling them to wait to the end of the season before judging the side.
Liverpool have received criticism from sections of the media after making a poor start to the season but Alonso thinks they are too quick to criticise.
“In England I have found that the media are not interested in the bigger picture,” he told the club's official magazine.
“As far as they are concerned you are only as good, or as bad, as your last result. If you have won comfortably then you are great team and you are going to be challenging for the title at the top of the league.
“Yet if you have lost, then you have big problems and something has to be done to change things. All week they will talk about it but then if you win the next week you are a much better team again.
“We know that we can still do better things than we are doing now, but it is not a problem for us. We have nothing to fear if we keep playing like we did against Newcastle, Chelsea and Spurs.”
Alonso also claimed that the World Cup and Champions League qualifiers had played their part in Liverpool's slow start.
“With the way that FIFA have the schedule now, with all the international matches to be played, it's only normal that teams are taking time to find their feet and it's no surprise to me, or anybody at the club, that around Europe a lot of big teams are starting their seasons slowly,” he added.
“I would say that none of the so-called giant teams have started the season they ended last season but not every club receives the same level of criticism.
“But that's okay because we are only interested in ourselves. We have just started the season and we will see where we are in May.”

Rio "gutted" about captaincy

2006-10-06T07:54:00.000+08:00

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was left upset by the club's decision not to appoint him as captain after Roy Keane exited Old Trafford, but the central defender refuses to give up hope of one day wearing the armband.
Manager Alex Ferguson made the decision to make Gary Neville the United skipper after Keane left for Celtic, leaving Ferdinand "gutted" not to have been chosen.
I would be lying if I said I wasn't gutted about not getting the captaincy," the England stopper said.
"The manager said in the past I could be the next captain after Keaney," he continued. "The lads were asking what had happened between me and the gaffer, but nothing had happened.
Ferdinand was embroiled in a contract dispute at the time of Keane's departure and many United fans were angered by what was seen as a lack of loyalty on the player's behalf. Ferdinand believes this was the reason he was overlooked.
"I figured it was because of what had gone on with the contract," he said. "But there weren't any explanations and I didn't expect the manager to speak to me. I didn't need to be spoken to about it or reasons given. I wasn't captain before Gary so there was no need for him to say anything to me and tell me why he'd done it."
Despite his disappointment, Ferdinand remains 100% behind United, and Neville, saying his England colleague is "a great captain."
"There are no arguments from me on that score. He is a Manchester lad, United through and through, and you couldn't ask for anyone better.
"However, I would definitely still love to be captain and carry the great traditions on. It remains an ambition."

Chelsea respond in Real row

2006-10-06T07:53:00.000+08:00

Chelsea have hit back at Real Madrid after being accused of inflating European transfer fees. The Premiership champions were accused by Real president Ramon Calderon of having a "very dangerous" affect on prices, but responded by saying they were investing money in football.
Calderon had said Roman Abramovich's massive wealth had made it impossible to compete with the Blues in the transfer market.
"It's a problem, prices are high. It's very dangerous," said Calderon.
"Abramovich is paying a lot of money for players but we have to compete with it. In his case he admitted to having lost £150million last season."
But Chelsea director of communications Simon Greenberg said: "The money that we have spent has been invested into football - the majority of it.
"A very small amount of Roman's investment went on purchasing the club. The rest of it has gone into football and filtered down through football.
"Although we made a substantial loss last year, there were a number of one-off payments that won't be repeated this year.
"We run ourselves as much as we can as a plc (public limited company) and we are completely transparent about our accounts - which is something that cannot be said for many European clubs including, I would say, Real Madrid."

Shevchenko in Italy doubt

2006-10-05T08:24:00.000+08:00

Ukraine talisman Andriy Shevchenko could be a doubt to face Italy on Saturday because of a fever. The Chelsea striker had been expected to lead the charge against an Azzurri side featuring former Milan team-mates Andrea Pirlo, Gennaro Gattuso, Alessandro Nesta and Filippo Inzaghi.
Shevchenko has something to prove at international level having failed to impress at the World Cup in Germany, where he was hampered by a lack of match fitness.
The break for Euro 2008 qualifying has given the 30-year-old a timely break from club football, where he has now gone seven games without a goal and is struggling to adapt to life in the Premiership.
However, both he and Milan have rubbished reports that he could be about to return to the San Siro, where the misfiring Rossoneri have gone three games without a goal.
Club vice president Adriano Galliani denounced the rumours as a media invention.
"Sheva is a Chelsea player and he will end his career there. It's useless feeding false hopes to the fans," Galliani said.
Meanwhile Shevchenko insisted: "There is no chance of me returning to Milan."
"Players go through difficult times and it happens to everyone. But I feel young and full of energy.
"I chose Chelsea and I will continue on this path. Nothing can change my choice. Life goes beyond football."

Crouch wants Rooney partnership

2006-10-05T08:20:00.000+08:00

Liverpool attacker Peter Crouch is keen to forge a striking partnership with Manchester United star Wayne Rooney for England.
The pair have only played together in the draw with Sweden during the World Cup but many pundits feel their styles can complement each other.
Although Rooney has been out of touch domestically, by his own admission, the former Everton striker is keen to rediscover his best form for his country after returning from suspension.
England face Macedonia on Saturday at Old Trafford after winning in Skopje courtesy of Crouch's strike.
"Maybe it's not going for you at club level so it's nice to get away and have a fresh start again," opined Crouch at a press conference.
"He's looked lively in training and I'm sure he'll be right come the game.
"Given the chance to play together, I think we can work well. We've played together in training and complement each other well.
"Wayne likes to drop off deep and it gives me opportunities to get into the box so I think it could work well.
"I'm not sure if the manager's saying that [Rooney is an automatic selection], maybe for this game he could be, but Wayne's a top, top talent.
"People are making a big thing of a couple of games when he's not been the best player on the pitch. Remember how young he is. He's a top player and, given the opportunity, he'll probably prove a few people wrong on Saturday.
"It's not for me to give Wayne any advice. He's his own man - a great player in his own right. Even if he's not scoring, he gives the team so much. I think it's only a matter of time before he is scoring goals again. Other than that, he works so hard for the team and creates so much, he's one of those players you want in the team.
"I've played with a few partners recently for England. Wayne's another one now. I think he's such a creative player and that can only be good for me.
"I think I'll be the one to try and play as high as possible and get Wayne in and around me. Hopefully, my job will be to hold things up, play people in, get into the box and get on the end of things."
Crouch is delighted with his form as he has bagged 11 goals in his last 10 England caps.
"You can analyse it but I just want to get on and continue it," he said. "Hopefully, it'll be the case but they are two important games here and it's important whoever scores the goals but I'd love to keep that record going.
"Macedonia did surprise us to be honest. They did surprise us how much ability they had and the pitch was difficult but, at Old Trafford, hopefully we can beat them by a bigger margin.
"It's been an amazing year for me. Any time I walk out on the pitch for England at the moment, I feel I'm going to do well and score as well. I'm as confident as I've ever been.
"It's been a great year for me international-wise."

Coupet ready for "hot" Glasgow

2006-10-05T08:17:00.000+08:00

Goalkeeper Gregory Coupet is confident that France can respond to the "hot" Hampden Park atmosphere and maintain their 100% record in Group B when they meet leaders Scotland in Euro 2008 qualifying on Saturday.
Les Blues beat world champions Italy 3-1 last month and defeated the Scots 5-0 when the sides last met at the Stade de France four years ago.
But France's only previous visit to Glasgow in a competitive game ended in a 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat in 1989 and the Lyon shot stopper is aware of the hostile reception he will face but remains confident.
He said: "Scotland is a good and strong team and particularly at home with their supporters, so it will be very 'hot'.
"But I'm expecting that, it will be a pleasure and if we manage to win that challenge we will get out of it stronger.
"We can be very ambitious after the way we played in particular against Italy. We will be very disappointed if we cannot manage to make something in Scotland.
"So we are conscious that it will be a difficult match but we are optimistic because we're feeling well and we're play well."

Kuyt unhappy with Van Nistelrooy

2006-10-05T08:14:00.000+08:00

Holland hit-man Dirk Kuyt is unhappy with Ruud van Nistelrooy's public spat with coach Marco van Basten.
The Liverpool forward is one of the players profiting from Van Nistelrooy's continued international exile but he was not pleased to hear the Real Madrid marksman explaining his frustration in the media.
"Ruud has an opinion and we must respect that opinion," Kuyt informed NOS Langs de Lijn.
"But I do find that you should always keep your criticism private.
"This is not an attack on Ruud because I really rate him highly - both as a person and as a footballer."
Van Basten's side face Bulgaria and Albania during the next programme of Euro 2008 qualifiers.

Dida calls time on Brazil career

2006-10-03T13:22:00.000+08:00

Brazil goalkeeper Dida has effectively called time on his international career, coach Dunga said on Sunday.
"He has called us saying that it is not in his plans to play for Brazil any more," Dunga said in a television interview.
The new coach implied that he was unlikely to be sympathetic to any future change of heart on the part of the softly-spoken goalkeeper.
"We don't want any player who doesn't want to represent Brazil, who doesn't have any pleasure in being here," said Dunga, who replaced Carlos Alberto Parreira following the World Cup.
"The player has to put his soul and his heart with the team as well as his body."
Dida, 32, has not played for Brazil since the World Cup quarter-final defeat against France.
The AC Milan player was in Brazil's squad at the last three World Cups, although he had to wait until the 2006 tournament to get a game.
He played in all five of Brazil's games in Germany conceding only two goals.
He made his international debut against South Africa in 1997 and went on to win 92 caps. He also played in the 1996 Olympic Games when Brazil won the bronze medal.
Meanwhile, Brazil and Ecuador will play their October 10 friendly in Stockholm, Swedish media reported on Sunday.
The match, which was originally scheduled to be played at the Nou Camp in Barcelona, will take place at the Rasunda stadium in Solna, a suburb just north of the Swedish capital.
"This will be an interesting test on how many people an international game without Sweden can attract," the Swedish FA chairman Lars-Ake Lagrell told the daily Dagens Nyheter's website.
The stadium will be rented by Swiss company Kentaro Group, who own the rights to Brazil's training matches.

Capello slams "cheat" Torres

2006-10-03T13:20:00.000+08:00

Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello has slammed Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres for his part in getting defender Sergio Ramos sent off in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 21-year-old dropped to the ground holding his face after tussling with Ramos in the 62nd minute of the game, and referee Undiano Mallenco promptly showed the centre-back his second yellow card, infuriating Capello.
"Torres is a cheat and must be punished," the Italian raged. "He has deceived the referee and it is not fair."
The Atleti skipper insisted there was contact, saying: "Capello needs to do less talking and watch the video."
The match finished level after Mista had put the visitors ahead after six minutes, only for Real to reply through captain Raul just before the break, though Capello admitted he was unsatisfied with his side's showing early on.
"In the first half, Guti, (Mahamadou) Diarra and Emerson did not play in their positions," he said. "In the second half we were better, until the sending off."

Beckham: No complaints

2006-10-03T13:18:00.000+08:00

David Beckham has admitted he has no grounds for protest after bring dropped from the Real Madrid team for four consecutive matches. The former England captain has failed to impress new Madrid coach Fabio Capello, with the Italian preferring loan signing Jose Antonio Reyes.
"I can't complain about not starting," Beckham told As newspaper. "There are a lot of players on the bench who are in the same situation."
"I've got to adapt to this new situation and work hard to win Capello's confidence."
Beckham has been a virtually automatic choice for Madrid since his arrival from Manchester United in 2003, having never been left on the bench for two consecutive games until this season.
Having also been left out of the England squad, Beckham has targeted the international break as an opportunity to gain match fitness and work his way back into first-team contention.
"Now there is a break coming up which will be very good for some of the players to improve their fitness," he said.
Madrid have nearly two weeks before their next Liga match, away to Madrid rivals Getafe. They drew 1-1 against Atletico Madrid on Sunday, with Beckham making a brief substitute cameo.
The 31-year-old is currently in talks over a new contract, with his current deal expiring next summer, leaving him free to negotiate an exit from the Santiago Bernabeu as of January.

Mancini attempts to quell unrest

2006-10-03T13:17:00.000+08:00

Internazionale coach Roberto Mancini responded to Adriano’s angry reaction at being substituted at the weekend, by stating that the changes he made were for the good of the team. Adriano was hauled off just five minutes before the end, and replaced by Argentinian forward Mariano Gonzalez.
But the burly Brazilian showed his disgust at the change, kicking a water bottle lying by the side of the pitch and refusing to acknowledge his manager.
"I only make changes for the good of the team," Mancini insisted. "I sent on Gonzalez because he is a quick player who has good movement off the ball.
"Adriano didn't do enough, just like everybody else in the team."
Goalscorer Fabio Grosso was also reportedly unhappy, and exchanged angry words on the touchline with Mancini as the coach debated whether to replace him with Argentinian defender Nicolas Burdisso.
Though he later sought to diffuse any talk of discontent, stating: "Those comments were not addressed to anybody in particular. They were just expressing personal frustration."

Moore could miss season

2006-10-03T13:15:00.000+08:00

Aston Villa striker Luke Moore could miss the rest of the season after aggravating a shoulder injury against Chelsea at the weekend. The 20-year-old is likely to have an operation on the long-standing problem and boss Martin O'Neill thinks it will be the end of the campaign for the youngster.
Moore was taken off after a challenge with Frank Lampard on 38 minutes and O'Neill admitted: "I believe Luke's injury could be a season-threatening injury. It looks like - and I don't want to pre-empt things - he will need an operation.
"It's the first time he has not been able to put the shoulder back in again straight away after it's come out.
"If Luke needs an operation, it will be a major blow to us because it will take months and months. It's a real blow for him but he needs the shoulder tightening up and he needs it strengthened."
O'Neill is reportedly lining up a short-term move for former Celtic forward Chris Sutton, recently released by relegated Birmingham, as he is desperately short of striking cover with Juan Pablo Angel, Milan Baros and teenager Gabriel Agbonlahor - who has been playing wide right this season - the only senior attackers left in his squad.
The 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Saturday leaves Villa sixth in the Premiership and unbeaten in eight competitive matches.

Solskjaer hails team-mates

2006-10-03T13:12:00.000+08:00

Manchester United's returning hero Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed on Monday that Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney inspired him while he suffered his injury hell.
"The prospect of playing with Cristiano and Wayne was one of the things I used as inspiration when I was injured," said Solskjaer.
"I was really motivated to play with them. I am 33 now but I don't believe I am too old to learn, and I can definitely learn a lot from both of them."
Ronaldo in particular has been on top form recently. Against Newcastle on Sunday he hit the post with shots on three separate occasions, the first of which Solskjaer followed up to open the scoring.
The Norwegian then scored a lucky second, deflecting home a Nemanja Vidic shot to put United top of the league on goal difference from Chelsea as the Premiership embraces a two week break from action, due to the Euro 2008 qualifying calendar.
"When you are top at any stage it gives you a good feeling," Solskjaer continued. "We will definitely be there for two weeks and we intend to be there for longer than that."

Jol: "Campbell has respect"

2006-10-03T13:10:00.000+08:00

Spurs boss Martin Jol has stood up for Portsmouth's Sol Campbell after the defender suffered more abuse from the fans on his return to White Hart Lane.
"I think [Campbell] is one of the best defenders of the last 15 years and everybody respects him," Jol said. "I even think that our crowd respects him."
Campbell has withstood a hate campaign ever since he left Tottenham for bitter North London rivals Arsenal in 2001. Jol's comments are unlikely to be appreciated by Spurs fans, many of whom saw fit to chant obscenities at Campbell throughout Sunday's match.
"I'm not someone who can make the world better," Jol continued. "Everybody can make their own decisions and we should leave it in the past."
Jol also said that defender Michael Dawson will be monitored this week after he suffered concussion in the game. He should be able to resume training by the end of the week.

Robin's Reds Best

2006-10-03T13:08:00.000+08:00

Arsenal attacker Robin van Persie has hailed the stunning strike at Charlton Athletic on Saturday as the best goal of his career.
The outstanding volley from Emmanuel Eboue's clever cross enabled the Gunners to pick up a 2-1 victory and was Van Persie's second goal of an entertaining game.
Although the Dutchman had earlier survived a possible red card incident involving fellow countryman Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, his moment of magic lit up The Valley.
"I have seen the goal on TV and yes, it was my best goal," said Van Persie.
"Before that, there was the goal against Blackburn but now there is this one.
"It was a fantastic cross and there was a little bit of a curve at the end. When I saw the ball coming to me I was just focused on one thing, hit it straight and in the heart of the ball.
"When I did that I thought I had put it a bit high. I thought at first the ball would go over the bar. At the end, it came just under the bar.
"It was a fantastic goal but it was important as well.
"Liverpool lost 2-0 [to Bolton Wanderers] and Chelsea dropped some points as well. It was a great goal but it was important for the team.”

Pompey pay the penalty

2006-10-03T13:03:00.000+08:00

Tottenham beat Portsmouth 2-1 at White Hart Lane to lift themselves out of the bottom three, but the victory was not without controversy. Their second goal came after referee Chris Foy awarded the home side a penalty in the first half but Didier Zokora clearly dived.
Pompey fought back from the injustice but they couldn"t do enough to earn a point in a thoroughly entertaining game.
Tottenham had not scored in the Premiership for 433 minutes and welcomed Dimitar Berbatov and Ledley King back from injury. Hossam Ghaly was also handed a first league start.
Portsmouth also handed first starts of the season to Lomana Lua Lua and new signing Niko Kranjcar. Andy Cole was also handed a place on the bench, alongside Benjamin Mwaruwari.
Spurs' goal drought ended in emphatic fashion as Danny Murphy put the home side ahead with just 39 seconds on the clock. Jermain Defoe crossed for Berbatov who headed straight at David James.
The former England keeper could not hold it and as Glen Johnson attempted to shield the ball from Berbatov he fell on it, pushing it into the path of Murphy who improvised cleverly to flick home.
It was all Tottenham in the early stages, and it was Murphy again who came close to making it 2-0 with a curling left footed strike from just outside the box. This time however he was denied by James at full stretch, who tipped the ball over the bar.
Portsmouth were beginning to get into their stride when Foy awarded a penalty to the home side in the most unjust fashion. Zokora blatantly dived as he turned Pedro Mendes in the box, there was no contact but the ref pointed to the spot.
Jermain Defoe was the man who doubled Spurs' lead, scoring his first goal of the season with a coolly taken penalty into the bottom corner.
The injustice seemed to invigorate Pompey and within five minutes they were back in the game. The impressive Gary O'Neil delivered an inch perfect cross from the right and Kanu headed home his fifth goal of the season to make it 2-1 at the interval.
The second half saw some good football from both sides, but clear cut chances were few and far between. Jermaine Jenas drew a good save from James but it was the visitors who had the better of things.
Despite the majority of possession Pompey could not find the net and indeed Jenas twice came close before Defoe drew a great one handed save from James.
Portsmouth's best opportunity came deep in injury time as Mwaruwari's cross was met by the head of Lua Lua at the far post. However the DR Congo hitman was denied brilliantly by Paul Robinson.
A very important win for Tottenham and their season could now be up and running after two victories in four days.

Cisse optomistic

2006-09-22T18:41:00.000+08:00

France and Olympique Marseille striker Djibril Cisse could resume training next month as he continues his recovery from a broken leg, the Ligue 1 club said on Wednesday.
"What I've heard from the medical staff and from the lad himself let me think he could resume training in October," OM chairman Pape Diouf told the club's Web site.
"Let's be optimistic, we might see him on the pitch at the end of October," he added.
Cisse missed the World Cup finals in Germany after he broke his leg during France's last warm-up match against China on June 7.
The striker joined Marseille from Liverpool in a season-long loan in July.

Cisse a month away from fitness

2006-09-22T18:40:00.000+08:00

Olympique Marseille striker Djibril Cisse says he is on target to return from his broken leg next month. Cisse, who joined Marseille on a season-long loan from Liverpool in July, has set his sights on returning in the Ligue 1 match against champions Lyon on October 21.
"That is my challenge," Cisse told French newspaper L'Equipe on Friday. "But we shall see as I have been injured for three and a half months."
The 25-year-old Cisse broke his leg during France's last warm-up game for the World Cup finals against China on June 7, but has started jogging and will begin light training soon.
This is the second time in two years Cisse has been sidelined with a broken leg following a horrific break during a Premier League game against Blackburn in October 2004, although the France international remains positive.
"What happens makes you stronger. You have to put things in perspective," he said.

Henry reveals Liverpool affection

2006-09-22T18:37:00.000+08:00

Arsenal attacker Thierry Henry claims that he would have liked to represent Liverpool, had he not become such a firm favourite in North London.
Speaking at the launch of 'Impact Art', a charity which looks after seriously ill young adults, the Frenchman admitted he could never play for another Premiership side.
However, he does respect Liverpool and made the revelation that, had things worked out differently, he could have been an Anfield idol.
"I could never play for another English club after spending so long at Arsenal but, maybe, if there could ever have been another team, it would be Liverpool," he told The Mail.
"I say them because I would have loved to play with Steven Gerrard and then also I love their fans.
"There is something special about Anfield which is amazing and, when I see The Kop with their scarves in the air, singing 'You'll Never Walk Alone', that is awesome."

Morientes critical of Premiership

2006-09-22T08:47:00.000+08:00

Valencia striker Fernando Morientes has admitted that he is not a fan of Premiership football following his disappointing spell at Liverpool.
The 30-year-old has rediscovered his best form at La Mestalla, scoring two goals in two league matches and bagging a superb hat-trick at Olympiakos in the UEFA Champions League.
It has left some pundits scratching their heads as to why Morientes could not produce the goods at Anfield following a &euro9.4 million (£6.3 million) move from Real Madrid in the 2005 January window.
After claiming only eight goals in 41 Premiership appearances, the former Monaco marksman believes the style of the league simply did not suit him.
"I wanted to return to what I knew and play the kind of football in which I felt more comfortable," said Morientes.
"I didn't like the physical nature of the game in England or the referees who let more things go, and who blow for fewer fouls than they do here.
"I wanted to return to what I knew and play the kind of football in which I felt more comfortable.
"A striker isn't protected from rival defences there and they gave me a really hard time," he told Sport.

Beckham to sign new deal soon

2006-09-22T08:08:00.000+08:00

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has revealed that David Beckham will sign a new contract with the club within the next three weeks.
The ex-England captain was dropped for Sunday's clash with Real Sociedad but came off the bench to score in a 2-0 victory.
After ruling out a Premiership return, because he could never face playing against former club Manchester United, a new deal at the Bernabeu seems the likeliest option for the 31-year-old.
"In the next 15 or 20 days, we will resolve it [Beckham's contract]," Calderon told City FM. "Because [coach Fabio] Capello, like the club, is extremely happy with the player."
Beckham is facing a fight for his place at club and international level and, despite his ambition to reach 100 England caps, it seems unlikely that coach Steve McClaren will recall him to the fold.

Villarreal will not replace Pires

2006-09-22T08:06:00.000+08:00

Villarreal will not delve into the transfer market to replace crocked summer signing Robert Pires, according to the club's general manager Jose Manuel Llaneza.
The transfer deadline has passed, but FIFA rules allow clubs to replace seriously injured players. Llaneza, however, told Spanish sports newspaper Marca that they have no plans to sign anyone.
"We don't have an urgent need to find a player," he said. "If we saw something important was lacking we would act on it.
"As this isn't the case, we have decided not to use the moratorium."
Pires tore the cruciate ligament in his left knee before the season started after joining from Arsenal and will not be available until March.
Villarreal are yet to score a goal after three league games so far this season and are 17th in La Liga.

Henry - "Wenger is unique"

2006-09-22T08:03:00.000+08:00

Thierry Henry has praised his manager Arsene Wenger's contribution to Arsenal, declaring him "unique" in changing perceptions of the club. Wenger took Arsenal from derided as "boring" days under George Graham to being heralded as one of the most attractive footballing sides in Europe.
"The way he sees the game and the way he wants his players to play. He is unique," Henry said.
"It's like when you used to see Ajax, they had this tradition of passing the ball and that's what Arsene has brought here."
Henry understands that there are still times when Arsenal have to scrap for a result - highlighting his side's epic battles with Manchester United over the years.
"We did win some ugly games like the FA Cup final against Manchester United - if that was a boxing match they would have stopped the game.
While Arsenal are now generally regarded to be one of the top passing sides in world football, Henry admits that the old style was effective too.
"Everybody has their own way. I don't know if 'boring, boring Arsenal' was fair. They won some stuff too, even playing like that.
"But now we are winning stuff, playing like this. Arsene has changed the view people have of the club."
"When I walk in London or even abroad, people come up and say: 'I'm not an Arsenal fan but I love to see you play'.
Despite a poor League season in 2005/6 and - until the win against Manchester United at the weekend - Arsenal have won seven major trophies including three Premiership titles and two doubles under Wenger and went the entire 2003/4 season unbeaten in domestic competition.

Jol blames midfield for goal drought

2006-09-22T08:02:00.000+08:00

Spurs boss Martin Jol blames their goal drought on a lack of creativity in midfield. Tottenham have not scored for almost six hours. He feels the problem is due not being able to field a settled side, although the loss of Michael Carrick to Manchester United has a part to play.
"We have not played with the same midfield and I don't like to chop and change the team around. I like a settled side," Jol said.
"It's not about having a bad spell. Our defence is better than ever but it's up to the imagination of the midfield and attacking players. We have to be creative."
Midfielder Danny Murphy is likely to continue in the starting line-up by returning to face his former employers at Anfield this Saturday:
"Danny did pretty well against Fulham. You cannot say he is not a creative player," Jol admitted.
"It's about chances and if he gets his chance he must grab it. He showed me last year he is a good player."
Aaron Lennon, meanwhile, will be out for at least another five weeks after undergoing surgery.
Jol said: "Lennon has started training but needs another five weeks. He is looking okay. He had a little bit of pain but that's normal after a cartilage operation. He had a bit of cartilage removed.
"He is doing light training and trying to get power back in his leg because after an operation you lose all the strength in it."

Berbatov facing groin operation

2006-09-22T08:01:00.000+08:00

Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after aggravating a groin injury in training, which could now require surgery to fix.
The Bulgarian international is now doubtful for his country's Euro 2008 qualifiers against the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
"He is going to take some time to recover," confirmed Spurs' manager Martin Jol. "It could take another couple of weeks for him to come back.
"We pushed him to come back because we needed him and he was pushing himself. But he could not come back against Fulham last week and it has proved the case again this week.
"He is still feeling pain and we will have to wait for him to come back. We are having problems scoring goals at the moment and we are looking for the attacking players to be more productive for us."
Since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, the target man has played just three times, scoring once, but was expected to return to the side for this weekend's match against Liverpool.
The setback comes as a blow to Jol, who's side has struggled to find the back of the net this term

McDermott hits out at 'upstart' Bellamy

2006-09-22T07:59:00.000+08:00

Newcastle United coach Terry McDermott has hit out at Craig Bellamy by describing the Liverpool striker as a 'little upstart' following an altercation in the tunnel at Anfield on Wednesday.
McDermott, who starred for Liverpool in his playing days, rowed with Bellamy after Newcastle's 2-0 defeat and confirmed that an incident took place away from the public eye.
Although he worked with the Wales international at St James' Park, there is no love lost between the pair.
"I was talking to the referee at the edge of the tunnel when Bellamy appeared on the scene and suddenly started calling me names," revealed McDermott to The Evening Chronicle.
"I thought he was just joking and I put my arm around him. But he kept on calling me names and that's when it all kicked off.
"I had my say and, when he got to the top of the stairs, he started shouting at me again, but of course he had security guys around him.
"I was talking to the referee - it had nothing to do with anyone else and I take exception to little upstarts like him.
"I do not like it when people like to think they are bigger than clubs.
"When he was at Newcastle, he thought he was a big cheese.
"When he went to Blackburn, he caused trouble there and everywhere he has been he has been in bother - and it is all starting again at Liverpool.
"There was no need for it at all and he was 100 percent out of order."

Ronaldo happy at United

2006-09-22T07:57:00.000+08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo insists that he is happy to remain at Manchester United and is in no rush to leave Old Trafford despite making comments in the summer that he wanted to move to Spain.
Ronaldo was the subject of a strong negative media campaign in England after he was judged to have influenced the referee in Wayne Rooney sending off during England's World Cup quarter-final loss to Portugal.
The press back-lash – as well as the reception he received from neutral fans during his country's semi-final loss to France – led Ronaldo to announce that he did not want to return to the Premiership.
But he now believes that returning to Manchester United was the best thing for him and that his comments in the summer were ill-advised.
“It is true that – before returning to Manchester – I said in an interview that anything could happen,” the Portugese star told PortuGOAL.net.
“But this was a club that gave me a lot of support, and where I have won a lot of things, and the situation needed to be analysed calmly. With the support of the president Jorge [Mendes] and of Alex Ferguson I took the decision to stay very calmly and I really think it was the best decision.
“When we are hot-headed sometimes we say things we don't mean to or, at least, that are not appropriate. If that happens we don't want to accept that we were wrong or that some people were wrong. What's important is that things turned out well.”
Ronaldo went on to say that he believes that United is the perfect club for him.
“I have been here since I was 18-years-old. I have felt and I still feel very happy about that,” added Ronaldo.
“I hope that things will continue to carry on in the same way for me, or even better. There's one thing I'm sure of: Manchester United is the ideal club for me.”
The 21-year-old also admitted that he wishes to leave a permanent mark at the club.
“What I want to do is leave a permanent mark on Manchester, leave my mark on the club as the first Portugese who played there, to leave the door open for others, my colleagues, to go there to play one day.”

Harper devastated by goal

2006-09-22T07:54:00.000+08:00

Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper has admitted that he will be haunted by Xabi Alonso’s goal that saw Liverpool sink them 2-0 on Wednesday.
Spain midfielder Alonso won the ball in his own half and - spotting Harper off his line put up a lob that bounced into the bottom right hand corner of the net leaving the keeper desperately backtracking in vain.
"I was really enjoying the game," Harper told The Evening Chronicle.
"I felt great, and I don't understand it. I was playing quite high up to counteract Craig Bellamy's pace, but I was no further out than the penalty spot. I was just backpedalling to try and catch it, and as I tried to change direction I went over.
"I'm going to see that for the rest of my life now - it's just devastating."
It was not the quite the start that Harper wanted to his life as Newcastle's number one goalkeeper - standing in for Shay Given who is expected to be out for at least six weeks recovering from abdominal surgery after he tore his bowel in Newcastle's 2-0 victory over West Ham last week.
Harper had been relishing the chance to play at Anfield but is well aware that people are going to remember the goal he let in rather than the saves he did make.
"I was straight at it, and made a few saves but nobody's going to remember that," he added.
"They're just going to remember the goal. It was just one fatal slip at the wrong time. If you're an outfield player and you slip, there's somebody there to cover it for you.
"I'm not looking forward to seeing it, but its history now and we've got to go out there on Sunday and put it right.
"It was a horrible thing to happen, but it happened. The good thing is that I've got a chance to go out there and get it out of my system."

Ancelotti: We'd have Sheva back

2006-09-20T09:00:00.000+08:00

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted he would welcome Andriy Shevchenko back at the club - but not for the €45 million fee that Chelsea splashed out on him.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich bankrolled a deal in excess of £30 million such was his determination to bring his favourite player to Stamford Bridge.
The Ukrainian, who was idolised in Milan, has struggled to adapt to life in the Premiership and toiled again in Sunday's win over Liverpool before being substituted for Arjen Robben.
The Rossoneri were sad to lose their leading striker and Ancelotti made the cheeky remark at a press conference.
"We want to do well in the next games in order to make our mark in the league and Champions League," he stated. "But, for the moment, we have done nothing [the club are still on -2 points in the Serie A table].
"We have only demonstrated that we are competitive and the new players are valid acquisitions for this squad.
"If Shevchenko wanted to return, we would have him back. But not for &euro45 million!"
Jose Mourinho has urged Shevchenko to start displaying his best form and there is little doubt that he has the class to make a massive impact in West London.

Rooney admits dip in form

2006-09-20T08:44:00.000+08:00

Striker Wayne Rooney has admitted that his form for Manchester United has been poor in recent games. Rooney struggled to make an impact after serving out his three-match ban for a pre-season dismissal, with lacklustre performances against Celtic and Arsenal last week.
And the England international has spoken of his frustration:
"I am disappointed with my own form in the last two games", he told the club's TV station.
"It has not been up to the standard I normally play. I am disappointed with that but I will keep working hard and hopefully my game will come back again."
PRESSURE
Rooney was substituted along with Paul Scholes towards the end of the 1-0 defeat against Arsenal, a decision which was greeted with jeers by sections of the Old Trafford crowd, although the player himself believes that his manager Sir Alex Ferguson as right to take him off.
"It was a big game and there was a lot of pressure on us to win it", he said.
"I spoke to Paul (Scholes) after the match and we were both quite tired. Nevertheless, losing against Arsenal was a big blow. We have made a good start to the season and we wanted to continue".
"Sunday's game was one we could have won and we let ourselves down in that respect".

Lennon: "I'll come back stronger"

2006-09-20T08:35:00.000+08:00

Aaron Lennon has vowed to come back even stronger than before after being forced to miss six weeks of the season with a knee injury.
Lennon underwent surgery on Saturday to cure a cartilage injury he sustained prior to Tottenham's clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The England winger initially thought that the injury was nothing serious when he first felt the pain in his knee but he will now miss England's two Euro 2008 qualifiers with Macedonia and Croatia as well as a number of Premiership games.
“I tried to do a sharp turn and felt a pain in the side of my knee. I didn't think much of it but the physio said to go and have a scan.
“The scan showed a little tear in the side of my cartilage. I am a fast healer so I shouldn't be out for too long.
“It is horrible, there are big games coming up and there is also Europe. It is a part of football and a learning experience. I'll be strong and come back stronger – I'll be alright.”
Meanwhile, Egypt striker Mido insists that it will only be a matter of time before Spurs start smacking in the goals in the Premiership.
Only Jermaine Jenas and Dimitar Berbatov are on the scoresheet so far this season and Spurs have failed to score in the last three games.
The lack of goals and victories is causing real concern to coach Martin Jol as he tries to compensate for the loss of Michael Carrick in midfield.
Carrick joined Manchester United in the summer and so far Tottenham have failed to replicate the king of service strikers like Mido, Jermain Defoe and Robbie Keane thrived on last season.
But Mido – who joined Tottenham on a permanent basis in the summer following an 18 month spell on loan from Roma – believes that the slow start to the season is not a cause for concern in the long run.
“A lot of teams who didn't start strongly last season played very well and finished strongly in the end – like Blackburn for example,” said the Egyptian.
“Others started well and faded. We still have a lot of games and a lot of things to do to get results. We will get started very soon.”
Mido could find himself back on the bench against Liverpool this weekend if Berbatov recovers from his groin injury.
But the Egyptian is not worried.
“It is unusual to play every game and if you do, you won't be able to play your best all the time.
“With Martin Jol, I know how it is. He picks the best players for each game and each one is different. Different games call for different strengths and I understand his thinking.
“When you are sure the manager is fair to you – even if you are not playing – you don't have a problem with it.”

Good news for Magpies

2006-09-20T08:28:00.000+08:00

Roeder bemused by reactionNewcastle United manager Glenn Roeder has received three pieces of positive news on the injury front ahead of the Premiership clash with Liverpool on Wednesday.

The Magpies boss feels Shay Given, who suffered a nasty stomach injury at West Ham, will only be out for a matter of "weeks not months" while there are positive updates on Kieron Dyer and Shola Ameobi.

Given tore his bowel after being caught by Marlon Harewood and required surgery in a bid to repair the damage.

"The surgen said he has never seen an injury like this happen through football," explained Roeder.

"He has seen it happen in car crashes where there has been impact, and I suppose that is what has caused it this time.

"Shay is going to spend a few days in hospital. He had an operation in the lower part of his stomach where he had a one-centimetre tear in his lower bowel that had started to leak.

"I don't know the period of time before Shay plays again - whether it'll be five, six or seven weeks. Our doctor said they're not talking about a long period of time and it'll be a period of weeks rather than months."

Meanwhile, Dyer is back in training but is not being considered yet for selection and Ameobi is set for a place in the squad for the trip to Liverpool, despite being troubled by a hip injury.

There may be the need for Ameobi to undergo surgery but, for the time being, he seems prepared to play through the pain barrier.

Benitez not concerned

2006-09-20T07:52:00.000+08:00

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez says he is not concerned by his side’s slow start to the season, despite the fact that they have only taken four points from their first four games.
Liverpool play Newcastle on Wednesday and already nine points behind the early leaders Portsmouth, although they do have one game in hand.
Their four league games have so far produced a 2-1 win over West Ham, a 1-1 draw with Sheffield United and defeats to Everton (0-3) and Chelsea (0-1).
They also have not scored any of their last three games which includes the Champions League 0-0 draw with PSV Eindhoven.
“It's a long race and after four games you need to be calm,” Benitez told reporters.
“You need to look at the bigger picture. We want to be top of the table from the beginning of the season. But we are thinking about the whole season and we want to win one of more trophies at the end of the season not just one or two games now.”
Benitez has also been critical of the treatment referees are given to midfielder Mohammed Sissoko – who has been booked in all three of his Premier League games this season.
“Some of football's big names do not see a lot of yellow cards and their tackles are worse than Momo's,” Benitez added.
“It's hard for a young player like Momo as he does not have the reputation of a big player yet and is booked for lesser tackles.”
Sissoko was on the receiving end of a stamp from German international Michael Ballack at Stamford Bridge on Sunday which earned an immediate red card for the Chelsea player.

Trio in for Sutton

2006-09-19T16:27:00.000+08:00

Three clubs are believed to be jostling for the signature of free agent Chris Sutton, including his former club Blackburn Rovers.
The former Ewood Park favourite, who formed a lethal partnership with Alan Shearer dubbed 'SAS' in the press, is looking for a new club after recovering from a groin injury.
After a spell with Birmingham City last term, the versatile forward is keen to resume his career and has no shortage of admirers.
Aston Villa are also reportedly in the frame with Martin O'Neill well versed in Sutton's abilities after managing him at Celtic.
The third bidders are not yet known but a decision on his future is expected to be taken soon.
The 33-year-old is able to move on due to his current status as an out-of-contract player despite the fact that the transfer window closed last month.

Park: I'm doing fine

2006-09-19T08:18:00.000+08:00

Manchester United winger Park Ji-sung has revealed that his ankle operation was a success as he starts the long road back to full fitness.
The South Korea international damaged his ligaments towards the end of the recent win over Tottenham and faces several months on the sidelines.
Park is in plaster and will have been disappointed by United's defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, a game in which he scored last season.
However, he is keen to get back in action for club and country as soon as possible.
"The operation went well," he told Chosun Ilbo. "The doctors told me that I am doing fine, and my ankle is in plaster.
"Apart from my leg, I feel fine.
"I will be out of action for about three months.
"I feel frustrated that I won't be able to play but am confident that, after the operation, I will be stronger than before."

Carrick looking forward to challenge

2006-09-19T08:16:00.000+08:00

Michael Carrick has admitted that he is still struggling for match fitness but has already targeted a regular spot in the Manchester United team as his aim for the season.
Carrick - who was Sir Alex Ferguson's only major signing of the summer – insists he has settled at the club despite playing only two games before picking up an injury.
The 25-year-old will have been disappointed to have started United's biggest game so far this season – against Arsenal – on the bench.
But Carrick – rather than being discouraged by the set-back – is viewing it as a challenge.
“Match fitness will take a few games, but I'm looking forward to it. I'm taking everything as it comes, I just want to get in the team and stay there.
“But I'm not taking anything for granted, there is a lot of quality here.”
Ferguson has no worries about Carrick living up to the expectations of United fans.
“He's an excellent footballer, and definitely a Manchester United player,” Ferguson told the club website.
Meanwhile Ferguson has also been playing down fears that fellow midfielder Ryan Giggs is facing yet more long-term hamstring trouble.
The veteran Welshman is set to miss at least another three weeks after injuring his right hamstring in United's Champions League win over Celtic last weekend.
Ferguson has been quick to play down the latest fears but admits that given the form Giggs was producing it is a massive blow for the team to lose him.
“It was absolute agony to lose him. He has been the leader of the team in many ways,” the Reds boss told Manchester United radio.
“It is the first time Ryan has ever suffered a hamstring injury in his right leg, so we are hoping it won't take too long to heal.”

Pedersen getting back to form

2006-09-19T08:04:00.000+08:00

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes believes Morten Gamst Pedersen coming back in to his best form. Pedersen scored one and played a part in another as Rovers beat Manchester City 4-2 on Sunday and recorded their first victory of the season.
And Hughes is hoping the Norwegian winger is returning to the sort of form that saw him net 10 goals as Rovers finished sixth last season.
"At times this season his set-play work has not been up to the level of the past.
"He has struggled for form of late, and struggled to affect games as much he has done in other seasons, but he is slowly getting there.
"Certainly his delivery at set plays was much improved against Manchester City. It caused them plenty of problems.
"Every time we had a set piece, be it a corner or a free kick, we always looked dangerous.
"That's an important factor for us. We need Morten putting balls in the right areas because we will get goals from it."

McCarthy helps Blackburn to thrilling win

2006-09-18T17:01:00.000+08:00

South Africa striker Benni McCarthy was on target as Blackburn beat Manchester City 4-2 at Ewood Park on Sunday.
McCarthy scored his side's third goal to restore their lead after half-time and Paul Gallagher added a fourth to ensure Blackburn won for the first time this season.
Mark Hughes's side had taken the lead through a Trevor Sinclair own goal but Joey Barton equalised for City. Morten Gamst Pedersen put Rovers back in front just before half-time before an Andre ooijer own goal drew City level again.
McCarthy has now scored three times in just six matches since his 2.5 million pounds pre-season move from Portuguese club FC Porto.
City boss Stuart Pearce gave first starts to German midfielder Dietmar Hamann and Tunisia's Hatem Trabelsi.
And the visitors nearly snatched the lead in the first minute when Sinclair curled in a shot that Brad Friedel kept out with a sprawling stop.
Trabelsi, Paul Dickov and Barton were all narrowly off-target as City dominated the early stages.
But Blackburn snatched the lead thanks to a lucky break in the 18th minute.
Pedersen's free-kick hit Sinclair and looped off the City midfielder past stranded goalkeeper Nicky Weaver.
Australia defender Lucas Neill was forced to head off the line from Barton's free-kick as City strived for an equaliser.
City's pressure finally paid off in the 39th minute when Bernardo Corradi and Dickov combined to set up Barton and he finished well with a precise drive past Friedel.
Blackburn refused to be discouraged by that setback and Hughes's team were soon ahead again.
Once more a Pedersen free-kick was the source of the goal as the midfielder curled his 44th minute set-piece beyond Weaver.
The drama didn't end there though and an incredible half climaxed when Blackburn defender Ooijer turned Corradi's cross into his own net to draw City level for a second time.
McCarthy restored Blackburn's lead in the 66th minute when he collected Pedersen's pass and produced a cool finish from close range.
Australia defender Brett Emerton set up Gallagher, on as a replacement for McCarthy, in the final minute and the striker beat Weaver to seal the points.

Eto'o feels pain in Spain as Beckham bites back

2006-09-18T16:40:00.000+08:00

Spanish league rivals David Beckham and Samuel Eto'o were among the players making the headlines on Sunday - but for distinctly opposite reasons. Beckham, still hurting from recently learning that he is for the moment no longer part of the England team, scored Real Madrid's second goal in a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Former Arsenal forward Jose Antonio Reyes opened the scoring for Real in the 69th minute, and Beckham's 90th minute goal sealed the points which kept Fabio Capello's under-fire side within touching distance of their arch rivals.
Barcelona are not top of the Spanish league, but after their 3-0 away humbling of Racing Santander they are only behind on-form Sevilla on goals difference.
Racing got off to a lively start, and were unlucky not to have taken a two-goal lead inside the first 20 minutes.
However Barcelona, the reigning European and Spanish champions, showed their class soon afterwards when Eto'o broke the deadlock with a superb strike from long range.
The Cameroonian international's swerving shot from 25 yards bounced just before it reached Racing's keeper, and slipped almost inexplicably past his grasp and into the net.
Barcelona were forced into a nervous wait throughout the second half before Frenchman Ludovic Giuly doubled their lead in the 84th minute.
That gave Barce the freedom to roam, and Brazilian showman Ronaldinho added their third goal from the penalty spot.
Sevilla top the table thanks mainly to the goalscoring efforts of former West Ham and Tottenham striker Frederic Kanoute, who grabbed a goal in each half before Brazilian Renato Dirnei scored an 85th minute winner for the Andalusians in a 3-2 win against Real Betis.
It means Sevilla, Barcelona and Valencia remain the only unbeaten teams in the league after three league matches.
Real are in fourth two points adrift and just ahead of Deportivo La Coruna on goals difference after the Galicians' 2-0 win over Villarreal on Saturday.
Barcelona's win warmed the hopes of their fans and their coach Frank Rijkaard, but it ended with a tinge of regret.
Eto'o, who in the past has been the victim of racist taunts which almost led to him walking off the pitch last February during a game against Real Zaragoza, was once again the victim.
Spanish radio Cadena Ser reported that after his goal Eto'o the striker was taunted by Santander's supporters.
Real's star-studded side meanwhile will have cause for relief after a victory which will go part way in appeasing their 2-0 domination by French champions Lyon in midweek Champions League action.
However Capello, in his second spell at the nine-times European champions, will still have cause for concern.
Real struggled to find an opening against Sociedad in the first half and walked off to jeers and whistling at the interval.
In a more convincing second half, Real were liberated by Reyes' goal, a direct free kick which indirectly led to their second goal.
The former Gunner went off to the widespread approval of the applauding Bernabeu public, and was replaced by Beckham.
Beckham's goal came in injury time, his individual effort beating Asier Riesgo to put the match beyond reach of their visitors.

Ab fab for Arsenal

2006-09-18T16:17:00.000+08:00

Arsene Wenger is preparing a £10m swoop for Eric Abidal as he chases a long-term successor to Ashley Cole, the News of the World reports. The French international has revealed that Arsenal are on his trail and earlier this summer said a move to north London would be too good to turn down.
"Arsenal wanted me this summer and they're following my progress this season," said Abidal. "I know Arsene Wenger likes me. I know that they will continue to follow me."
The Gunners are short of ready-made options at left-back following Cole's acrimonious sale to Chelsea.
William Gallas, the player acquired in part exchange for the England star, is an accomplished left-back but much of his disillusionment at Stamford Bridge grew from being deployed 'out of position' in that role.
It is likely that the 29-year-old will be used mainly in his preferred central defensive role alongside Kolo Toure, with Gael Clichy, Justin Hoyte and Mathieu Flamini competing for a place on the left.
But having made a lacklustre start to life in the Emirates Stadium and with a tidy war chest to spend following the Cole deal, Wenger will be encouraged to splash out on an experienced campaigner and appears to have found his man in Gallas' international colleague.

Boro agree Woody fee

2006-09-18T12:51:00.000+08:00

Middlesbrough have agreed a fee with Real Madrid for defender Jonathan Woodgate if his loan move is made permanent at the end of the season, according to Boro manager Gareth Southgate.
Woodgate, 26, is on a season-long loan at his hometown club. He initially planned to use the year to impress Madrid coach Fabio Capello, but after an impressive start on Teeside, may be persuaded to change his mind.
"We have a fee agreed with Real Madrid. Now our job is to encourage him to stay with us," said Southgate.
"The fans have already shown how much they think of him. Now we have to prove we can give him what he wants and develop him as a player."
Woodgate, once considered a certainty for England squads, has been largely injured for the two years he has been in the Spanish capital and seems to be enjoying his resurgence.
"I am definitely here for the year whatever happens and then we will see. Right now I don't know," he said.
Southgate - whose place Woodgate now occupies after the former international defender retired in the summer - continued: "Jonathan has a presence that filters throughout the side.
"I sensed his desire immediately. It is great to have someone come from the club he has and set the example he does."

Barca, Valencia, Sevilla continue runs

2006-09-18T12:47:00.000+08:00

Barcelona, Sevilla and Valencia maintained their 100% records with wins while Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad 2-0 in La Liga on Sunday. Barca won 3-0 at Racing Santander, Sevilla came from behind to win the derby with a 3-2 home victory over Betis while Valencia beat Getafe 2-0 at the Mestalla.
Barcelona overcame an indifferent start to Sunday's rescheduled match against Racing Santander thanks to a poor goalkeeping error from the hapless Tonio.
Racing had actually started much better than the League and European champions, forcing good saves from Victor Valdes in the first ten minutes.
But after Tonio let a daisy-cutter by Samuel Eto'o bounce off his body and into the botom left corner on 18 minutes Racing never really recovered.
Tonio almost gifted Barca a second when he played a clearance directly to Leo Messi who should have scored but fired over, and from that point onwards Barca totally dominated the match and should have won by four or five.
Substitute Guly secured the three points with a tricky run and deflected finish with six minutes remaining before Tonio - who had gone some way to redeeming his early mishaps with a series of impressive saves - was sent-off for bringing down Eidur Gudjohnsen, Ronaldinho making no mistake with the injury-time spot-kick for hsi first goal of the season.
Barcelona go joint-top with Sevilla, who won the Seville derby with a 3-2 win over Betis, while Valencia - who beat Getafe 2-0 - are third on goal difference.
REAL GET WIN
Real Madrid finally got their first home win of the season with an unconvicing 2-0 victory over ten-man Real Sociedad on Sunday.
Fabio Capello's under-fire men dominated the game but were thwarted by profligate finishing by Raul in particular and good goalkeeping by Asier Riesgo.
They finally took the lead when Jose Antonio Reyes sent a 69th minute free-kick into the top right-hand corner, although Riesgo perhaos could have done better.
The match was effectively finished when Mikel Aranburu was harshly sent-off for tripping Sergio Ramos, who made a meal of the contact.
Substitute David Beckham - benched for Reyes - came on to pick up a booking and a late second goal, breaking from his own half to slide the ball past Risego after Sociedad had over-committed for a corner.
IN BRIEF...
In other Liga matches, Atletico Madrid hammered Athletic Club 4-1 in Bilbao thanks to goals from Maxi Lopez, Martin Petrov, Sergio Aguero and Luciano Galletti, while Espanyol beat Celta Vigo 2-1, Osasuna scored in the first and final minutes to down Nastic and Levante ended Recreativo's good start to the season with a late win in Huelva.

Blackburn beat City in goalfeast

2006-09-18T12:44:00.000+08:00

Mark Hughes' double substitution at half-time for Blackburn propelled them to a dominant second half, and 4-2 victory over Manchester City at Ewood Park.
In a highly entertaining game, Blackburn were fortunate to go in front after 15 minutes, through a Trevor Sinclair own goal. City had been the brighter of the two teams at the start, but against the run of play a deflection from Morten Gamst Pedersen"s cross put their hosts ahead.
Three goals in the six minutes before half-time meant there was plenty for the fans to talk about over their meat pies in the break. In the 39th minute Joey Barton - the only player to have scored for City this season going into the game - doubled his season tally. He tucked the ball into the bottom-right corner, having been put through by Paul Dickov, who was playing against his old club.
They didn't stay level for long, however, as Pedersen's 43rd minute free-kick from the left ghosted into Nicky Weaver's goal, perhaps getting a touch from the unfortunate Sinclair. Blackburn relaxed, thinking they would go into the break 2-1 up.
They relaxed too much though. City equalised through another own goal – this time it was Andre Oojer's turn to want the ground to swallow him up, and he diverted Bernardo Corradi's cross-cum-shot past Brad Friedel.
Francis Jeffers and Tugay made way for Shabani Nonda and Aaron Mokoena at half-time as Mark Hughes pushed for the win. It worked. Pedersen, again, provided the assist for Benni McCarthy in the 66th minute to get Blackburn's noses in front. The game-killing goal was struck by substitute Paul Gallagher in the penultimate minute.
Hughes was happy, as were his fans and neutral viewers after an enthralling game. City manager Stuart Pearce was scratching his head though, as Joey Barton is still the only City player to have his name on the scoresheet so far this season.

Stalemate for Spurs

2006-09-18T12:43:00.000+08:00

Boos echoed around the ground as Spurs' supporters made their disappointment known after the 0-0 draw with Fulham.
While Fulham boss Chris Coleman will be happy to take a point away from White Hart Lane, the Tottenham faithful will want things to improve, and quickly.
Martin Jol's team could muster only four shots on target in a game that was instantly forgettable. Five yellow cards – two for Tottenham and three for Fulham – hinted at the frustration both teams felt in a gritty game.
The first half was slow, and Fulham had the better of the early exchanges. Spurs came back into it after 30 minutes, winning a number of corners. That was all they managed to achieve.
Despite England striker Jemain Defoe coming on with twenty minutes to go and Jol switching this tactics so that Spurs had a three pronged attack – Mido, Keane and Defoe – his team could still not break the deadlock.
The draw gave Tottenham their first point in three games, after consecutive defeats by Everton and Manchester night. More pressure will be piled on Jol if he fails at Anfield against Liverpool next Saturday. Fulham, meanwhile, will play host to champions Chelsea

Martins scores as Newcastle beat Hammers

2006-09-18T12:41:00.000+08:00

21-year-old striker Obefemi Martins scored his first goal for Newcastle and provided the assist for Damian Duff as his team defeated West Ham United 2-0 at Upton Park.
Despite both of West Ham United"s Argentinean Internationals starting, Alan Pardew"s team failed to score at home. Carlos Tevez came close to breaking his West Ham duck with a spectacular free-kick in the 18th minute. Shay Given, who was later stretchered off, saved Tevez"s shot however, and the Hammers didn"t have any better efforts.
After a niggly first half - where Tyrone Mears for West Ham, and Celestine Babayaro for Newcastle were booked - the second half proved more entertaining. It took Damian Duff just five minutes to score after the restart, with a sweet shot passed Roy Carroll, having been assisted by Martins. Duff drilled a left-footed shot from the left hand side of the penalty area. Martins got the assist.
Martins capped his performance with a goal in the 75th minute, and gave his faithful manager Glenn Roeder, visiting his old club for the first time in three years, something to smile about.

Arsenal stun United

2006-09-18T12:39:00.000+08:00

A late Emmanuel Adebayor goal gave Arsenal a 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. It was Manchester United's first league defeat at Old Trafford in 29 matches and Arsenal's first win of the season. The win takes Arsenal into the top half of the table, United stay second.
The goal came with five minutes remaining when man-of-the-match Cesc Fabregas capitalised on hesitant play by Cristiano Ronaldo and slid through a superb ball to Adebayor, who beat the offside trap to slide under stand-in United 'keeper Tomasz Kuszczak.
It was a cruel end to an excellent debut for the Polish shot-stopper only playing because Edwin van der Sar was out with a stomach upset. Kuszczak had made several good saves including keeping out a Gilberto penalty which he himself had conceded by bringing down Adebayor on 12 minutes.
The hosts had started impressively, Ronaldo sending a shot just wide and Jens Lehmann saving with his face from the Portugal international.
LACKLUSTRE
Apart from an excellent late stop from substitute Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Lehmann was relatively untested by a lacklustre looking United, although the decision to take off Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney was greeted with jeers by the home support.
Arsenal strangely looked to have more shape than the hosts, perhaps aided in a sense by the absence of misfiring striker Thierry Henry, a neat-passing 4-5-1 formation allowing the visitors to control the midfield.
Darren Fletcher looked out of his depth on the right, Ronaldo showed flashes of brilliance but no end product and Wayne Rooney was largely anonymous.
Gary Neville tried to rouse his troops but could not effect change on a laboured midfield, Scholes lacking sharpness after two games in a week and John O'Shea a fish out of water in midfield.
The defeat means Portsmouth stay top, United dropping to second permanently, while Arsenal climb from 18th to 10th in 27 hours.

Fergie: "Arsenal were stronger"

2006-09-18T12:33:00.000+08:00

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was gracious in defeat and had no complaints after the 1-0 loss to Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday. Ferguson said: "I think in the second half we looked tired and I can't deny Arsenal deserved to win.
"We had some good chances, particularly in the first half but not enough to win the match."
"I don't think we lost overall control but in the last 25 minutes I felt Arsenal were stronger."
Arsenal won thanks to an 85th minute strike by Emmanuel Adebayor which resulted from a Cesc Fabregas through ball after Cristiano Ronaldo gave the ball away in midfield.
Ferguson refused to blame his midfielder for the goal, however : "He lost possession because he always tries to beat men.
"That is the player he is and that is the player we want here.
"These things happen in football and it could have been any other player that lost the ball."

Wenger: "we can win title"

2006-09-18T12:32:00.000+08:00

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes the 1-0 win over Manchester United has laid down their credentials for a title challenge. "You can see we are a very strong side. I believe in this team and the win reinforces my belief."
The Frenchman continued: "There is no transition. We want to win the championship.
"I said before the game we can and I will say again after the game, this team has a big potential.
"I strongly believe in the ability of my team."
Arsenal won at Old Trafford thanks to a late goal by Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor feels his side have regained their confidence after their first win of the season.
Adebayor told Sky Sports: "It is very important to score my first goal of the season.
"I just focused on my job and to have done it I am very happy for the team.
"We were looking forward to our first win. We are happy and the confidence is coming back. We showed we have a good team."
Teenage midfielder and man-of-the-match Cesc Fabregas also said: "It is a really big win. We knew it would be difficult, they are a great team and confidence is very high.
"I have got to congratulate all the team. We played really fantastic and worked really hard.
"Now we just have to enjoy ourselves and do the same every week."

Ballack regret at red-card challenge

2006-09-18T12:31:00.000+08:00

Michael Ballack has apologised to Mohamed Sissoko for the challenge which earned him the first red card of his career. Ballack was sent off when he appeared to stamp on Sissoko's knee early in the second half of Chelsea's 1-0 win against Liverpool.
"It was a bad situation for me," Ballack said after the game. "I came in too late.
"I didn't want to hurt him but I've seen it on TV and it doesn't look good. I wanted to say sorry to him."
The German international midfielder - playing in only his fifth game for Chelsea after his summer move from Bayern Munich - will serve a three-match ban for the dismissal.
It means Ballack will miss the Premiership games against Fulham, Aston Villa and Reading before returninh for the home game against Portsmouth on October 21.
Ballack said: "It is the first straight red card of my career. I have had two yellows before but never a straight red.
"I saw it on TV and it doesn't look good and that's why I wanted to say sorry.
"I told Sissoko I have no problem with him at all.
"In the first half when he could have been sent off for a second yellow card I went to him and told him to calm down and be careful."

Chelsea indebted to Drogba

2006-09-18T12:28:00.000+08:00

A sensational Didier Drogba volley just before half-time was enough to hand Chelsea a 1-0 win against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. The champions played 40 minutes with ten men following the sending-off of Michael Ballack, but Steven Gerrard and Peter Crouch both missed good chances to level.
The build-up to the game focused on the supposedly feuding managers Jose Mourinho and Rafa Benitez, but the two men shook hands before kick-off, and the game's opening also lacked the fierce intensity expected of it.
Chelsea's first major chance came on ten minutes when Ricardo Carvalho and then Ballack headed across the face of goal, Andriy Shevchenko could not force his header goalwards and then Daniel Agger hacked clear off the line.
Dirk Kuyt started up front with Craig Bellamy and rattled the crossbar with a ferocious drive just after the quarter-hour, having been supplied by a brilliant Xabi Alonso through-ball.
Thereafter the first half ambled along until Drogba's bolt for the Blues three minutes before the break. He chested down a Khalid Boulahrouz cross, swivelled and cracked a left-footed volley past Jose Reina.
Just as Chelsea looked to be in control, the complexion of the game changed on 51 minutes. Michael Ballack took exception to a Sissoko challenge and went in for the second ball hard and late.
It was either a poorly-timed tackle or something worse, but the result was a stamp on the thigh for the Liverpool man and a red card for Ballack.
While Chelsea's defensive system worked to perfection, an individual error from Boulahrouz allowed Gerrard to nick the ball off his toe, but the Liverpool skipper's shot had plenty of power but little placement and cannoned back off Petr Cech's legs.
Eight minutes remained when Kuyt was presented with a great chance after a knockdown from substitute Peter Crouch, but snatched at his shot and fired over left-footed.
Crouch himself should also have equalised in stoppage time after Steve Finnan found him with a cross from the right, but the big England man directed his header straight at Cech.
As so often, Chelsea played to only a fraction of their potential but took the points, and left Liverpool with just four points from their opening four games, and with their title challenge already in trouble.

Hargreaves out for six weeks

2006-09-18T12:23:00.000+08:00

Bayern Munich's Owen Hargreaves has confirmed that he has broken the fibula in his left leg, but he should only miss around six weeks of action.
The England international was forced off after just 24 minutes of Bayern Munich's 2-1 league defeat by Arminia Bielefeld on Saturday, after he collided with opponent Thorben Marx.
It had been feared that the 25-year old was going to be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but the Canadian born midfielder confirmed the extent of the damage was not too bad on his official website.
"I need to wear a plaster for three weeks and then we will just have to see how it goes," he said.
"After we got back to Munich, we drove to see Dr Muller-Wohlfahrt, I got X-rayed and it was revealed my left fibula was broken.
"That's the way it is in football. Sometimes you are flying high and all of a sudden you are down again."
That diagnosis was confirmed by Bayern doctor Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfahrt in Munich early on Sunday morning with Bayern saying that Hargreaves could return in early November if everything goes well.
However, the news does mean that Hargreaves will miss England's next two European championship Group E qualifiers at home to Macedonia on Oct. 7 and away to Croatia on Oct. 11.
He will also be absent for Bayern's forthcoming Champions League Group B matches away to Inter Milan and then away and at home to Sporting Lisbon.
Hargreaves had been linked with Manchester United for most of the summer, but has remained in Munich, where he has been playing alongside summer-signing Mark van Bommel in midfield.
He has also established himself as a first choice player for the England national team under new coach Steve McClaren.

Depor down sorry Villarreal

2006-09-18T12:15:00.000+08:00

Two goals from Deportivo Coruna defender Joan Capdevila condemned misfiring Villarreal to a 2-0 away defeat in the Primera Liga on Saturday. Capdevila put Depor ahead after just four minutes with a spectacular long-range strike and sealed the win from close range midway through the second half.
Villarreal, last year's Champions League semi-finalists, have yet to score in the league this season and rarely looked like breaking their duck.
Depor have moved top of the table with seven points from three starts, while Villarreal have just one.
The rest of the weekend matches are on Sunday with champions Barcelona visiting Racing Santander looking to make it three wins from three.
Sevilla host city rivals Real Betis in the Seville derby, Getafe visit Valencia, and Real Madrid host Real Sociedad.
Saturday's game had barely started when Depor fullback Capdevila advanced towards the edge of the area and let fly with a dipping left-foot shot that flew over goalkeeper Sebastian Viera into the top corner.
That set the tone for the rest of the half as Depor's hustling aggression and shoot-on-sight policy unsettled the visitors at every turn.
Depor coach Joaquin Caparros completely rebuilt his side during the close season and they showed greater hunger throughout the game.
Before the break, Villarreal only threatened from set-pieces and the boot of Argentine forward Juan Roman Riquelme, who retired from international football during the week.
Villarreal showed greater purpose in the second half, putting Depor's youthful side under pressure and forcing their keeper Dudu Aouate into some sharp saves.
Guillermo Franco, Riquelme and substitute Jose Mari were all denied by Aouate but poor defending in the 67th-minute allowed Capdevila to double Depor's lead as Villarreal failed to clear Riki's free kick.

Milan, Roma claim wins

2006-09-18T12:11:00.000+08:00

Milan continued to claw back their points deficit in Serie A on Sunday with a 2-0 away win over Parma. Livorno won the first Tuscan derby of the season to keep Fiorentina rooted to the bottom of the table, and Palermo continued their recent good run of form with an away victory against Lazio.
Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf fired Milan in front in the 24th minute with a superbly struck free-kick from 30 yards but Carlo Ancelotti's side didn't have things all their own way.
Milan striker Alberto Giladino had to go off with a head injury and then in the 68th minute Croatian defender Dario Simic was at full stretch to clear an Andrea Gasbarroni effort off the line.
Victory was secured for Milan in the 86th minute when Brazilian Kaka was brought down inside the area by Parma keeper Alfono De Lucia and got up to slot home the penalty.
Milan began the season on minus eight points, imposed by the same sports tribunal, but their victory moves them to minus two.
David Di Michele scored both Palermo's goals in their 2-1 at Lazio, completing a good week for the Sicilian club after their win at West Ham United in the UEFA Cup on Thursday.
Lazio's second straight loss left them on minus 11 points due to the penalty imposed by a sports tribunal which investigated Italy's match-fixing scandal.
Meanwhile, Chilean midfielder David Pizarro scored his first goal for Roma as they maintained their winning start to the season with a 3-1 victory at Siena.Promoted sides Atalanta and Catania drew 0-0 and also lie on four points along with newcomers Messina, who drew 1-1 at Ascoli, and Empoli, helped in their 1-1 draw against Chievo Verona by the first-half dismissal of Brazil midfielder Luciano.

Inter fail to take chances

2006-09-18T08:16:00.000+08:00

Italian champions Inter Milan failed to capitalise on a series of chances and needed a late own goal to draw 1-1 with Sampdoria in Serie A on Saturday. Inter were punished for lacking the finishing touch when Francesco Flachi put Sampdoria ahead with a 47th minute penalty.
Italian champions Inter Milan failed to capitalise on a series of chances and needed a late own goal to draw 1-1 with Sampdoria in Serie A on Saturday.
Inter were punished for lacking the finishing touch when Francesco Flachi put Sampdoria ahead with a 47th minute penalty.
They continued to dominate the game but had to wait until 11 minutes from time before Sampdoria midfielder Massimo Bonanni headed the ball into his own net from a corner.
The draw, which put Inter top with four points from two matches this season, seemed an unlikely result at the start of the game at the San Siro stadium.
It seemed Sampdoria would take all three points but with 11 minutes remaining Castellazzi, who had not made a mistake all night, flapped at wildly at a corner and the ball passed between his gloves before bouncing off Bonanni into the net.
Earlier on Saturday, Reggina striker Rolando Bianchi continued his excellent start to the season by scoring in stoppage time to earn a 2-1 home win over Cagliari.
The 23-year-old, who struck a hat-trick in Reggina's 4-3 defeat by Palermo in the first round of matches last week, is the division's leading scorer.

Inter look for immediate response

2006-09-18T08:03:00.000+08:00

Inter will be hoping to bounce back from a shock midweek Champions League defeat when they take on Sampdoria at the San Siro in the Serie A match of the day on Saturday.
Inter are struggling to find consistency this season after two high scoring thrillers - both ultimately won - and a defeat.
In the season's curtain raiser, the Italian Super Cup, Roberto Mancini's side went three goals down, only to storm back to win 4-3 after extra time, and then in the opening Serie A fixture of the year, the Nerazzuri nearly squandered a three goal lead away at Fiorentina.
Most worryingly though was the 1-0 reverse in Lisbon to Sporting in the Champions League on Tuesday, and Mancini is now beginning to feel the heat after rumours of Inter president Massimo Moratti's admiration for current Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho have begun to circulate.
SAMP THREAT
Hardly the ideal start to the season, and with the pressure on his side and himself already building, the last thing Mancini would want is a tricky match against Samp at the San Siro on Saturday evening.
The Blucerchiati will also want to hit back straight away and get their season up and running after they extended their losing run in Serie A to 14 matches with a surprising home defeat against Empoli on the opening match day of this season. And it is no secret that wounded animals are always the most dangerous.
Indeed, coach Walter Novellino is fighting for his managerial life and is reportedly teetering on the brink of the sack, and getting a result against Inter is of the utmost importance.
INJURY CONCERNS
Novellino will not be helped in his cause by a long list of injuries though. The coach is still without the services of Fabio Bazzani, whilst new signings Christian Terlizzi, Pietro Accardi and Andrea Parola all miss out.
Samp will also be missing Giulio Falcone and Gennaro Delvecchio after both saw red during the defeat against Empoli.
For Inter, Alvaro Recoba and Nicolas Burdisso are both still unavailable, whilst Francesco Toldo is expected to keep his place in goal, as Julio Cesar is still out injured.
BATTLE OF THE STRUGGLERS
In the early Saturday match, struggling Reggina welcome Cagliari to the Stadio Orneste Granillo looking to make some inroads into the 15 point penalty handed out to them for their part in the Calciopoli affair.
Relegation is already a popular topic of discussion in Reggina Calabria, but three points are well within their grasp against Cagliari, who also started their season poorly.
The Sardinians slumped to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of newly promoted Catania in their first game of the season, and coach Marco Giampaolo will be hoping for better from his side against Reggina.
Following his red card against Catania, Daniele Conti will miss the trip to Calabria, and Leonardo Colucci is set to start in his place.
Reggina will also be forced into making at least one change to the team that lost to Palermo on the opening match day after Salvatore Aronica saw red and is out suspended. Antonio Giosa is set to step in as a replacement for the defender.

Pardew learning the lingo

2006-09-15T14:09:00.000+08:00

Alan Pardew has revealed that he has been practising his Spanish to help his new Argentina stars to settle at West Ham. The Hammers face their biggest test of the season on Thursday, with the arrival of Palermo at Upton Park for the UEFA Cup first round, first leg tie.
And in an effort to make deadline day signings Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez feel at home, Pardew has been trying a few tentative words in Spanish during training.
"I have been speaking Spanish this week," Pardew revealed proudly.
"I said: 'Esta manana. Dos toques. Las blancas contra los rocos, contra las naranjas.'
"That was, roughly: 'This morning, we are playing two-touch - whites v reds v oranges'.
"I don't know the Spanish for 'On me 'ed, son' yet but I'm working on it!
"I've got all the staff working on the language. It all went down well with the lads and all the staff have a little test on a few football terms!"
Yossi Benayoun, the Israel midfield player, currently translates for the pair because he learnt Spanish as a player with Racing Santander.

Moratti piles pressure on Mancini

2006-09-15T14:04:00.000+08:00

Internazionale supremo Massimo Moratti has piled the pressure on coach Roberto Mancini as speculation increases that he wants Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho to take over the reins next year.
Moratti is never one to pull his punches and he was upset with his side's poor display in the UEFA Champions League defeat to Sporting in Lisbon.
Hours after Mourinho had raised eyebrows by paying tribute to the strength of Inter's squad, the Neroazzurri crashed to an opening defeat in Europe and need to produce a much better performance against Bayern Munich later this month.
"We know we are in a really difficult group," he told La Stampa. "But the fact we had to face Sporting just 20 days ago maybe gave us the illusion that everything would have been easier.
"Instead, we played in a bad way. There are no excuses.
"I've seen players in bad form. With the exception of [Olivier] Dacourt, [Javier] Zanetti, [Mariano] Gonzalez and, in parts, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic.
"We have to present ourselves better in the next match."
Rumours are rife that Moratti is a huge admirer of Mourinho's qualities and is demanding improvement from Mancini's team.
Mourinho has guided Chelsea to consecutive Premiership titles but knows owner Roman Abramovich is targeting European glory this term.
Although pledging his future to Stamford Bridge, the former Porto chief is reportedly frustrated at seeing his first team squad trimmed this summer and was opposed to William Gallas joining Arsenal.
"Inter Milan, in terms of numbers and quality, have the best squad in the world at the moment," Mourinho opined this week ahead of his side's clash with Werder Bremen.
"We have a squad of 19 and some of the 19 are kids. They don't have a team for the future, they have a team for now."

Inter pursue 'new Ronaldo'

2006-09-15T14:01:00.000+08:00

The youngest player to appear in Chilean league football, Nicolas Millan, has been linked with a move to Internazionale in the Italian media.
The winger is only 14 years and nine months old but appeared as a substitute for Colo Colo in their recent defeat to Santiago Wanderers.
The ten-minute cameo saw Millan score a disallowed goal and reportedly attract the attention of former Inter star Ivan Zamorano, who is aware of his young compatriot's potential.
Inter are said to be ready to discuss the player with Zamorano and are excited by suggestions that the teenager is similar in style to Manchester United and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Arsenal sweat on Henry, van Persie

2006-09-15T13:59:00.000+08:00

Arsenal strikers Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie are both doubtful for their side’s Premiership clash with early leaders Manchester United on Sunday.
Holland international Van Persie suffered a hip injury during the 2-1 victory in the Champions League in Hamburg on Wednesday, while captain Henry missed the tie with an injured foot.
The pair are likely to undergo late fitness tests, and could join long-term injury victims Philippe Senderos, Gael Clichy, Lauren and Abou Diaby - who are all four to six weeks away from full fitness - on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, centre-back Kolo Touré should be fit, despite limping off midway through the first half on Wednesday.
"Kolo Toure will have no problem to play on Sunday. Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie are a bigger problem. We have to wait a little bit but there is a doubt about both of them,” manager Arsène Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.

Atleti appeal Torres red

2006-09-15T13:57:00.000+08:00

Atletico Madrid have appealed against the red card handed out to captain Fernando Torres on Saturday. The Spain striker was sent off for dissent as the rojiblancos went down 1-0 at home to Valencia.
The club have presented their case to the Spanish Football Federation's Committee of Competition hoping to get the card rescinded.
Torres was booked in the 75th minute for a seemingly innocuous challenge on Valencia goalkeeper Santiago Canizares.
According to referee Luis Medina Cantalejo, he then "repeatedly" told the official: "you have no shame" and was ordered off amid fractious scenes at the Vicente Calderon.
Medina Cantalejo is an experienced official and took charge of three high-profile matches at the World Cup.
He awarded a controversial stoppage-time penalty to Italy in their second-round match against Australia, which enabled the Azzurri to claim a 1-0 win.
If Atleti's appeal is unsuccessful, they will have to turn to former Valencia striker Mista to lead the line while Torres is suspended.

Torres signs until 2009

2006-09-15T13:53:00.000+08:00

Spain striker Fernando Torres has agreed a contract extension with Atletico Madrid until 2009. The 22-year-old international was a reported target for Manchester United and Inter Milan after the World Cup, but he rejected their approaches to stay with Atletico.
"It is an important day for the club and it's fans because Torres is more than just another player," Atletico said.
"He was developed through our youth system and for some time now has been the reference for the club on and off the pitch.
"He is an example for all the youth players who dream of playing in the Vicente Calderon one day."

Riquelme retires from international football

2006-09-15T13:51:00.000+08:00

Argentina playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme has announced his retirement from international football citing family reasons.
Riquelme who has been criticised and praised in equal measure for his performances over the years said he had taken the decision primarily because of his mother who has been suffering from health problems.
"Since the World Cup, my mother has been taken to hospital twice and my responsibility is to take care of her," said Riquelme.
"It was an easy decision to make. My family comes before the football. It will hurt me deeply not to wear the Argentina shirt again but my mother's health comes first."
Riquelme led his country when they lost 3-0 to Brazil in a friendly this month – their first match under new coach Alfio Basile – and said he feared the criticism of his international performances may have worsened his mother's health.
"There's been a lot of bad blood and I don't want to make her suffer," he said.
"My mother is my mother and I can't compare her with the Argentina shirt or anything else."
While admirers of the 28-year-old say he can control the pace of a game and open up defences with his superior passing, his critics say he often drifts out of games and has yet to prove himself on the big occasions.
In an international career spanning nine years, Riquelme won 37 caps and was a central figure in Jose Pekerman's team which reached the quarter-finals in Germany before losing on penalties to the hosts.
He started the tournament brightly against Ivory Coast and was named man of the match for the Serbia & Montenegro game, but he faded against Germany and was substituted.
Riquelme began his club career with Boca Juniors, before joining Barcelona in 2002. He failed to settle and moved to smaller Spanish club Villareal.
After winning the World Youth Cup with Argentina in 1997, he made his full international debut the same year.
However, he played intermittently until Pekerman took charge in October 2004.
Riquelme said he had told Basile of his decision. "My duty was to tell him and thank him for picking me for the first game," he said.
"It was a very short chat. I told him what I thought and he understood."

Cicinho move played down

2006-09-15T13:48:00.000+08:00

Cicinho's agent has denied that the Real Madrid defender has already agreed a January transfer to Roma. Real's financial consultant Ernesto Bronzetti revealed this week that talks were held during the transfer window between the two clubs over a loan deal for the Brazilian right-back.
But the player's agent told Marca: "Cicinho is a Real Madrid player and it is not going anywhere.
"He is very happy in Madrid and very motivated to convince Fabio Capello that he should be in the team.
"There is nothing happening with Rome. I can confirm Cicinho wants to succeed in Madrid."

Cicinho set for Roma

2006-09-15T13:42:00.000+08:00

Brazilian defender Cicinho is likely to leave Real Madrid in the January transfer window after failing to impress new coach Fabio Capello. Roma are understood to already have an agreement in principle with Real over a loan deal for the right-sided defender.
Roma's interest has been confirmed by Real's Italian agent Ernesto Bronzetti.
“In the last few days of the transfer market I spoke to (coach) Luciano Spalletti and director Daniele Prade' about Cicinho.
“We reached an agreement to take him on loan, but the problem was that Real wanted to make a permanent sale and cash in about £7m.
"I also received offers from Fiorentina and Inter for Cicinho, but I pushed for him to join the Giallorossi.
"I didn't even need to, as he had fallen in love with their fans when he came here to play as an opponent."
However, West Ham manager Alan Pardew also revealed at the weekend that he would try to follow-up his summer bid with another offer in January.
Premiership West Ham signed Argentina internationals Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez on deadline day to strengthen their squad for their forthcoming UEFA Cup campaign.

Barcelona track Porto stars

2006-09-15T13:39:00.000+08:00

European champions Barcelona have admitted they are trailing two of Porto's brightest stars as they plot their spending next year.
Sports director Txiki Beguiristain has spent some time in Portugal scouting Anderson and Lucho Gonzalez in recent weeks.
"Barcelona have not contracted anybody," explained Beguiristain.
"But we were here to see some players who interest us."
Anderson was outstanding in the goalless draw with CSKA Moscow and the 18-year-old number ten clearly has a bright future in the game.
Argentinian Lucho is also a likely target as his work in the midfield has caught the eye.

Eriksson eyeing return

2006-09-14T13:34:00.000+08:00

Sven-Göran Eriksson is eager to return to the game, and has his eyes set on a managerial post at any of the top clubs in England. While his time in charge of England ended in disappointment, and his relationship with the media deteriorated, the 58 year-old’s appetite for the game has not dried up.
“I need to get back into coaching,” he stated.
“Arsenal? Liverpool? Manchester? They are all big clubs, but I don't have any ambitions for a particular side. Any of those would be good.”
“This is my world – it's the only thing in life I can do well.”
He brushed off his failure to win over England fans, stating:
“My time with England didn't have the support of lady luck. But they were five-and-a-half beautiful years. It's a shame we didn't achieve better results – but I am still proud to have been the first foreigner on the England bench.”

Rampant Lyon dominate Real

2006-09-14T13:29:00.000+08:00

Lyon evoked memories of last year by dominating Real Madrid at Stade Gerland on Wednesday evening, running out 2-0 winners in their opening UEFA Champions League Group E match, thanks to first half strikes from Brazilian Fred and Portuguese midfielder Tiago.
Lyon proved themselves once again to be tricky customers, and Real had problems in dealing with the French champions' blistering attacking game.
As during last year's Champions League tie between the two sides - when Lyon thrashed the Spaniards 3-0 - playmaker Juninho ran the show.
The Brazilian, who they call 'Monsieur 50-50' in France, a reference to his proficiency at converting free kicks, was at the centre of most things good for Lyon, and he was unlucky not to get himself on the scoresheet.
Iker Casillas' goal was peppered throughout the match, not least by Juninho, who had several trademark free kicks - including one from fully 50 yards - repelled by the Real shot-stopper.
GREAT START
Lyon got the packed Stade Gerland thinking of last year's 3-0 demolition job when they opened the scoring after just 11 minutes through Juninho's compatriot Fred.
The Brazilian took advantage of some uncharacteristically poor defending from World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro to race onto a long through-ball and lob over the advancing Iker Casillas.
Lyon doubled the lead on 20 minutes when Sydney Govou delayed his ball through to Tiago perfectly, allowing the Portuguese midfielder to get there just ahead of Casillas and slide home.
Lyon were in control throughout, with chances flowing thick and fast, and Casillas was without doubt the busiest player on the pitch.
CASILLAS KEPT BUSY
The Spanish goalkeeper was called into action on countless occasions as Lyon prised open the visitors defence time after time.
Florent Malouda had two great chances to inflict even more damage on Real, seeing a header brilliantly saved by Casillas when he probably should have done better, before cannoning a shot off the bar following yet more poor defending from Cannavaro and Sergio Ramos.
The goalkeeper again came to Real's rescue again on 36 minutes when Anthony Reveillere was foiled by an outstretched Casillas hand.
At the other end, chances were few and far between as Real failed to find any fluency to their attack.

Milan take the points

2006-09-14T13:27:00.000+08:00

Milan were comprehensive winners in their first UEFA Champions League outing of the season, comfortably defeating AEK Athens 3-0 in the San Siro.
It was a relatively straightforward evening for the Italians, and although they were not at their best they will be happy to have passed their first European test of the season with ease. Alberto Gilardino was left on the bench, carrying a stomach injury, as new signing Ricardo Oliveira made his first European appearance for Milan but it was an old head who led from the front.
Filippo Inzaghi put in a vintage performance throughout and he opened the scoring with a well-taken header on 17 minutes. Serginho's cross was deftly nodded home by the wily poacher as Milan carved out a lead they would never relinquish.
The Athens side created a number of half chances and could have been one up just minutes before Inzaghi's opener, Andrija Delibasic heading straight at Dida. They were made to pay shortly before half time when the young French midfielder Yoann Gourcuff nodded home to double Milan's advantage after some good work down the right-hand side by Kaka.
AEK came to the San Siro to defend in numbers but, by half time, their game plan had been undone. Milan were misfiring to some extent but they had done enough to kill off any chance of an upset.
AEK's chances were few and far between in the second half, Vladimir Ivic had a great chance on 73 minutes but fluffed his header and just a couple of minutes later, Inzaghi collapsed in the box under pressure from Evangelis Moras and referee Mike Riley pointed to the spot. Kaka swept home to make it 3-0 and end any faint hopes the Greek visitors may have had of salvaging a draw.
It was not a virtuoso performance by Milan but the three points in the bag are the main thing, as city rivals Inter know after their defeat in Portugal. Inzaghi the star man, but there must be more to come from Milan.

Hamburg pay the penalty

2006-09-14T13:21:00.000+08:00

Arsenal got their UEFA Champions League campaign off to the best possible start, overcoming Hamburg 2-1 in the AOL Arena thanks to a penalty from Gilberto Silva and a long-range Tomas Rosicky drive. Boubacar Sanogo pulled one back for the hosts in injury time, but it was not enough.
Deprived of captain Thierry Henry, manager Arsene Wenger opted to deploy Robin van Persie and Emanuel Adebayor in attack, and it was the former who won Arsenal a penalty in just the 10th minute.
He latched on to a through ball from Adebayor and knocked the ball past onrushing Hamburg keeper Sascha Kirchstein, who failed to make contact with the ball, instead brushing against van Persie's ankle.
The Dutchman went down, and referee Peter Forjdfeldt pointed to the spot, before giving Kirchstein his marching orders.
Midfielder Raphael Wicky was sacrificed as reserve goalkeeper Stefan Wächter was brought on, but he could do nothing as Gilberto stepped up and converted the penalty, the home crowd looking on in rueful silence.
Hamburg pulled forward Daniel Ljuboja back into midfield, leaving Sanogo to plough a lonely furrow in attack, and the Ivorian led the line admirably.
Pacy and strong in the air, he gave William Gallas and Kolo Touré a more difficult evening than they may have been expecting - though Touré was replaced by Justin Hoyte on 25 minutes after he injured himself making a clearance.
If there were question marks over the awarding of a penalty for the first goal, there were certainly none for Arsenal's second. Van Persie laid a simple ball off to the ever-menacing Rosicky 25 metres out, and he lashed a right-footed shot past Wächter and into the top right-hand corner.
Hamburg coach Thomas Doll responded by throwing on diminutive playmaker Mehdi Mahdavikia, but, by now, Arsenal were looking comfortable.
Hamburg threw caution to the wind in the last five minutes in desperate search of two unlikely goals, and a Sanogo header was ruled out for offside right after Piotr Trochowski had rattled the Arsenal crossbar with a vicious drive from a tight angle.
In the second minute of injury time, the Hamburg front man got the goal his diligence deserved. David Jarolim and substitute José Paolo Guerrero combined well down the right and Sanogo was on hand to put the ball past Jens Lehmann.
It was too late for the hosts to go in search of a second though, and Arsenal will come away thrilled at having taken all three points from a tricky opening fixture.

Doll slams penalty decision

2006-09-14T13:14:00.000+08:00

Hamburg coach Thomas Doll slammed referee Peter Fröjdfeldt for the 10th minute penalty, and resultant red card for goalkeeper Sascha Kirschstein, that set Arsenal on their way to a 2-1 victory over Hamburg.
"I cannot understand how you can give a penalty for that and how you can send our keeper off on top of that," coach Thomas Doll told reporters. "It, of course, ruined our whole game-plan.
"For me, it wasn't a penalty. He trod on the goalkeeper's hand. You can see it clearly from the replay. When you go 1-0 down to a team like Arsenal so early in the match then of course it's difficult to win. I am convinced we would not have lost with 11 men," Doll added.
Arsenal shot-stopper Jens Lehmann, who was given his marching orders in similar circumstances in the Champions League final last year, agreed.
"I find it unbelievable," he told German television. "The rule has to be changed. I think Robin van Persie was fouled but the fact that the keeper was sent off ruined the whole match."

Rosicky targets Euro glory

2006-09-14T13:10:00.000+08:00

Tomas Rosicky has set his sights on UEFA Champions League glory after scoring a sensational winner for Arsenal in Hamburg. The Czech midfielder sent a 30-yard screamer into the top-left corner early in the second half of the Gunners' 2-1 win, his first goal for the club.
"I am very happy to have scored so well for Arsenal but most important was that we won today and Arsenal got three points," he said.
The London side were pipped 2-1 by Barcelona in the 2005/06 Champions League final, but the summer signing from Dortmund believes his new team can go one better.
"[Winning] is our goal but this competition is very strong but I think we have a very good team and anything can happen."
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger praised Rosicky, saying he expected the 26-year-old to get better and better.
"He looks very talented and is a very promising player. Physically, now he is sharper and tonight he had a very good game.
"What we need now is to get the players back physically fit and sharp and that gives them confidence."
Wenger also expressed his relief after a rocky start to the domestic season, but said the game was changed by the first-half penalty awarded to his side and the red card shown to Hamburg goalkeeper Sascha Kirstein.
"It was an important result and the performance was hard to judge after they had the goalkeeper sent off," he said. "It was like the Champions League final with the goalkeeper sent off for a foul.
"I feel it would have been a very interesting game 11 versus 11 because they started well and we started well. We dropped our urgency and they battled."
The Gunners travel to Old Trafford on Sunday for a Premiership clash that could - if they lose - see them fall a staggering 13 points behind leaders Manchester United.
The Frenchman said the European result could be the perfect catalyst to get them back on track in domestic competition.
"It was important to win to go there knowing we can win games and I feel it will be a very interesting game on Sunday," he said.
"Both teams are up for it and Arsenal-Manchester United is always very good."

United best of British

2006-09-14T13:08:00.000+08:00

Two goals from Louis Saha and one from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer saw Manchester United overcome Scottish champions Celtic 3-2 at Old Trafford. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Shunsuke Nakamura scored equalisers for the Bhoys, but could not prevent the home side taking the spoils.
Despite an electric atmosphere to mark the teams' first competitive meeting, both sets of players got off to a slow start. Only Saha provided any real goal threat for the home side, directing a glancing header just wide and volleying powerfully over in the first 18 minutes.
It was the visitors who broke through first when Rio Ferdinand failed to deal with an Artur Boruc clearance and Vennegoor of Hesselink fired in left-footed from the edge of the box, although his shot might have been saved by Edwin van der Sar.
Celtic's unstinting commitment was demonstrated when a Ryan Giggs corner was cleared towards Paul Scholes at the edge of the box, and the midfielder's shot was blocked by no fewer than three bodies.
It took a moment of controversy to get the hosts back into the game on the half-hour, when Ryan Giggs chased a long through-ball and was brushed by Boruc.
The winger seemed to go down as an after-thought, but referee Lubos Michel pointed to the penalty spot. Saha grabbed the ball and placed his effort low into the left corner, as Boruc's despairing glove failed to keep it out.
Giggs went off two minutes later and was replaced by Solskjaer, but it was a Celtic forward who had the next big chance. Vennegoor of Hesselink broke clear of his marker to meet a Nakamura free-kick but directed his free header straight at Van der Sar.
Having enjoyed a let-off at one end, United were at their clinical best at the other, as Michael Carrick won the ball off Thomas Gravesen and found Scholes, who passed brilliantly into the path of Saha.
The Frenchman's shot hit Boruc's legs, but had enough power to sneak into the far corner for Saha's second goal.
United's double goalscorer turned from hero to villain three minutes later when he failed to leap while in the wall for a Nakamura free-kick, which whistled over his head and into the right corner of the net.
The English side's disjointed first-half performance clearly prompted a half-time rocket from Sir Alex Ferguson, as they took less than two second-half minutes to retake the lead.
Scholes found Saha with another sublime through-ball and, although his initial shot was saved, the United number nine had the presence of mind to prod the ball to Solskjaer, who marked his return to the Champions League with a goal from close range.
The hosts had numerous chances to add to their lead, with Saha twice bringing phenomenal saves from Boruc.
The Polish custodian was soon at it again, sparing the blushes of Paul Telfer by palming his back-header onto the post, before denying Rooney with another brilliant stop.
Two minutes before Rooney had narrowly missed the target from close range after Rio Ferdinand came on the overlap down the right and crossed low.
The Reds' joy will be tempered by a hamstring injury to the in-form Ryan Giggs that Ferguson said would keep the winger out for three weeks.

Fergie praise for Solskjaer

2006-09-14T13:06:00.000+08:00

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to the predatory instincts of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after the Norwegian continued his remarkable comeback with the winner against Celtic.
Many were writing off the 33-year-old after a prolonged spell on the sidelines with knee problems but he notched his first Premiership goal in three years at Charlton Athletic recently.
His return to form is now in full swing after he replaced Ryan Giggs and was on hand to gleefully rap home a second-half winner in the exciting encounter with Celtic at Old Trafford.
Louis Saha struck twice with Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Shinsuke Nakamura's free kick boosting the SPL champions.
Ferguson also admitted a below-par Wayne Rooney was some way off his best form in attack.
"I think it was Wayne Rooney's first game back really," explained the Scot to Sky Sports. "He needs games.
"Think about - he had one against Fulham, one against Porto in a pre-season friendly, so it's only his third match this season. It showed - his timing and control even, at times, were not Wayne Rooney.
"By putting him wide left, it allowed Ole to use best what he is good at - his brains in the penalty box. The third goal was typical Ole.
"He knows where the ball is going to land before anyone else. It was a pure goalscorer's goal. If you get the ball in the box, if he's on the park for 45 minutes like tonight, he'll get you a goal."
Ferguson was pleased with Celtic's contribution to the five-goal show.
"Give Celtic great credit," he stressed. "Many teams come here, shore it up at the back and hope to steal something at the end.
"Celtic had a go all night, it's typical of the history of the club.
"What happened tonight was the first goal was a lapse in concentration. It gave Celtic a boost. The defending for the second goal as well, to give away a free kick at that point before half time, was bad for us."

Porto plagued by wasteful finishing

2006-09-14T13:05:00.000+08:00

FC Porto and CSKA Moscow played out an entertaining 0-0 draw at the Estadio do Dragao, though the hosts will view the result as two points lost as striker Adriano spurned a host of chances to give his side the three points.
In a game marked by impressive creativity, but ultimately poor finishing, 18 year-old midfielder Anderson delivered a sparkling performance, providing an otherwise impressive CSKA back line with some worrying moments.
After CSKA Moscow had enjoyed the lions' share of the early possession, Anderson picked the ball up 25 metres out from goal, before unleashing a fizzing drive onto the post with ‘keeper Igor Akinfeev well and truly beaten.
Ten minutes later he then burst through the defence with a jinking run, before pulling the ball back, only to find a lack of bodies having thrust themselves into the box.
Striker Adriano then passed up two headed opportunities, both whistling past the post.
CSKA composed themselves though, and spearheaded by the probing Vagner Love, fashioned a number of chances, though were invariably foiled by the central defensive partnership of Pepe and Bruno Alves.
As the game progressed, the play became scrappier, and Porto coach Jesualdo Ferreira threw on Portugal international Helder Postiga, Alan Costa and Lisandro Lopez for Vagner Love and the ineffective duo of Dudu and Sektioui.
The hosts almost snatched a last-gasp win as the clock ticked down, but Akinfeev saved smartly from Lopez, and denied Argentinian Lucho Gonzalez at the far post, after a menacing ball across the box from Postiga.
But CSKA would not be denied a potentially valuable point, and marshalled by the reliable Sergei Ignashevich, they held out.

Ferreira philosophical after stalemate

2006-09-14T13:04:00.000+08:00

FC Porto coach Jesualdo Ferreira remained philosophical after his side’s goalless draw against Russian champions CSKA Moscow. Sespite enjoying the lions’ share of possession, and fashioning a host of chances, his side was unable to find the net.
“We never thought we would lose this game as we had few problems defensively,” he said. “We were a bit anxious at the start and that prevented us from relaxing but after that we created enough chances to score at least one goal. CSKA were a team who allowed us the initiative and never took any risks.”
The 50 year-old insisted the game “served as good preparation for the tests to come although it was a bit frustrating not to get the result we wanted.”
“We have to be satisfied as this is another step towards building a stronger Porto, but we know we have to work next on improving our scoring.”
CSKA coach Valeri Gazzaev admitted his side were not at their best, though pointed out the possible after effects of the recent international matches on his attackers.
“They were better, more aggressive, than us in the opening 20 minutes, but we then found our feet and could have won the match; if our forward play was as good as our defence and midfield we would have.”
“Our Brazilian players - Vágner Love, Daniel Carvalho and Dudu - were not as effective as they have been but they've played a lot of games recently and were feeling the effects,” he said.

Capello's Real displeasure

2006-09-14T13:02:00.000+08:00

Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello was displeased by his team's performance in Lyon and said they were well behind the French champions in terms of quality.
"Lyon is a very good team physically and tactically," said Capello, who took over the reins at the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer. "Nobody wins five consecutive league titles without these characteristics.
"They are a team who have done it before and right now are an outfit superior to ourselves."
The Italian boss outlined where his players went wrong as they lost the game 2-0 to goals from Fred and Tiago.
"We did very little in this match. We did not have any chances to score. We had a couple in the second half but that is not sufficient against a rival [Lyon] like today.
"We have not had anything to do. Lyon did a lot more and technically and physically, they were better.
"We made important mistakes in defence that helped the two goals. We had touches and [lots of the] play but no authority within it."
Capello summed up the feeling behind the Spanish giants' showing and added a few words of hope for the future.
"There is still a lot of re-building work to do. We must keep believing in our ability. We are going to improve soon.
"We cannot play like we have here. [But] there will be a tomorrow."
HOUILLER PRIDE
Lyon coach Gerard Houiller meanwhile was proud of the way his team played.
"I can tell you that I'm really proud to be the coach of Olympique Lyon tonight," Houllier said afterwards. "This was an outstanding performance on our part.
"We ended up with a 2-0 victory but we could have won by a much bigger margin. The first half was simply flawless.
"Tonight we showed we have great confidence, along with the kind of experience that could prove useful in the near future."

Champions League round-up

2006-09-14T12:57:00.001+08:00

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the toast of Old Trafford after scoring the winner in a 3-2 success against Celtic while Lyon saw off Real Madrid, Arsenal triumphed in Hamburg and Milan made light work of AEK Athens.

Dynamo Kiev 1-4 Steaua Bucharest

Steaua Bucharest ran riot against Dynamo Kiev as Sergei Rebrov's strike was rendered meaningless by a four-goal show from the visitors. Sorin Ghionea, Valentin Badea and Nicolae Dica all netted in the first half and Dica added another one for good measure after the interval.

Lyon 2-0 Real Madrid

Lyon repeated last season's Champions League win over Real Madrid with first-half strikes by Fred and Tiago.

FC Copenhagen 0-0 Benfica

The match was deadlocked in Denmark as FC Copenhagen and Benfica failed to find the net. Paulo Jorge came closest to scoring when he hit the woodwork.

Man United 3-2 Celtic

Manchester United started their European campaign with a narrow win over a dogged Celtic side in the so-called 'Battle of Britain'. Louis Saha struck twice for United, once from the penalty spot, with Jan Venegoor of Hesselink and Shinsuke Nakamura replying for the Scots. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer grabbed a second half winner as the hosts missed a wealth of chances to kill the tie off.

Hamburg 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal made light work of Hamburg, winning 2-1 after home keeper Sascha Kirchstein was red-carded. A Gilberto Silva penalty and Tomas Rosicky strike did the damage. Boubacar Sanogo hit a late effort for Hamburg.

Porto 0-0 CSKA Moscow

Porto and CSKA Moscow shared the spoils after an entertaining goalless draw in Portugal.

Anderlecht 1-1 Lille

Anderlecht and Lille finished level-pegging at 1-1 as Nicolas Pareja's opener was cancelled out by Nicolas Fauvergue's equaliser.

Milan 3-0 AEK Athens

Fillipo Inzaghi's powerful header set Milan on the way to a comfortable win against AEK Athens. Yoann Gourcuff made it 2-0 before the break and a Kaka penalty wrapped things up.

Park out for three months

2006-09-14T12:44:00.000+08:00

Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung has been ruled out for three months after a scan confirmed he would require an operation on an ankle injury sustained against Tottenham.
The 25 year-old South Korea international is now likely to miss the entire group stage of the UEFA Champions League as well as around 12 Premiership fixtures.
The news will come as a bitter blow to manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who was hoping to field Park in Wednesday's Champions League clash with Celtic, and further stretches an already under-manned United midfield.
"Well, unfortunately, in the last minute of the game on Saturday, he tore his ankle ligaments," Ferguson explained to Sky Sports.
"They'll operate on him tomorrow and he'll be out for three months unfortunately.
"It's bad news for us and bad news for the boy."

Barca begin with easy win

2006-09-13T10:44:00.000+08:00

Barcelona were in amazing form in the first match of their defence of the Champions League crown, winning 5-0 thanks to goals from Andres Iniesta, Ludovic Giuly, Carles Puyol, Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho.
Frank Rijkaard's team, favourites for this season's title, swept aside a Levski Sofia team who were taking part in the club's first venture into Europe's premier competition.
Iniesta and Giuly gave the Catalans a half-time lead, before Puyol, Eto'o and Ronaldinho added to the tally after the break.
Lilian Thuram made his European debut for the club, but there was no place in the starting line-up for Argentina forward Lionel Messi.
Sofia, meanwhile, only had one player in their side with any previous Champions League experience. Their baptism of fire could not have got off to a worse start in the cauldron of the Camp Nou, as they found themselves behind after only seven minutes.
Great running down the left flank by Ronaldinho found Eto'o on the edge of the penalty area, and his perfect lay-off teed up Iniesta to fire the ball past the stranded Georgi Petkov and into the bottom left-hand corner.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst had a great chance to double their advantage three minutes later, but the Dutchman could only drag his shot wide when he really should have done better.
The visitors responded well to their harsh introduction to Champions League life, and started to enjoy a fair share of possession. However, it was the home side who grabbed the second goal of the game after 37 minutes.
Eto'o picked up the ball just past the halfway line and threaded a perfect through-ball into the path of Giuly, who sent the keeper the wrong way.
Barca started the second half in more determined fashion than they had began the first, and made it 3-0 after 49 minutes.
Petkov could only spill a driven free-kick from Ronaldinho into the path of Puyol, and the Spain captain made no mistake in tapping in his first goal in the Champions League for Rijkaard's side.
Eto'o made it 4-0 to the hosts nine minutes later with a superb individual goal which took him past four Sofia defenders before side-footing the ball past Petkov.
But Ronaldinho saved the best until last, beating his man on the left corner of the penalty area to curl an audacious shot into Petkov's top corner and bring the Camp Nou crowd to their feet.

Rooney and Scholes back for Reds

2006-09-13T10:35:00.000+08:00

Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes should return to the Manchester United starting line-up for the Champions League first round clash against Celtic on Wednesday for the first time since the season opener. The pair have been banned for three matches since being dismissed in a pre-season tournament.
The duo were sent-off during Manchester United's 3-1 win over Porto in the Amsterdam tournament, decisions which Sir Alex Ferguson expected to be overturned by the FA, who controversially upheld the ban.
"We've got to get Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes back playing - they haven't had a lot of football," said Ferguson. "They missed the final of the Amsterdam Tournament and only played the first Premiership game."
Manchester United have won all four of their games so far this season, although Rooney was very effective in the 5-1 opening day defeat of Fulham.
"Wayne in particular hasn't played much," continued Ferguson. "We've got a massive game on Sunday and it's important to get him back playing. So that makes it easier for me to make changes tomorrow."
Park Ji-Sung (minor knock) and Edwin van der Sar (stomach bug) both missed training on Tuesday but Ferguson expects the pair to be fit, while Cristiano Ronaldo serves a one-match ban.
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has untimely concerns over three of his four defenders.
Stephen McManus (thigh) and Gary Caldwell (heel) have been carrying injuries for some time and Strachan admits those problems were aggravated during the weekend victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
Manchester United face Celtic in the first ever competitive fixture between the British giants on Wednesday.

Champions League round-up

2006-09-13T10:30:00.000+08:00

Chelsea, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Roma were convincing winners but Fernando Morientes was the star of the night with a classy hat-trick in Valencia's 4-2 triumph against Olympiacos.

Barcelona 5-0 Levski Sofia

Barcelona showed they will not let go of the Champions League trophy without a fight as they cruised to a 5-0 win over Levski Sofia. The Bulgarians are competing at this level for the first time and they had no answer to strikes from Andres Iniesta, Ludovic Giuly, Carles Puyol, Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho.

Chelsea 2-0 Werder Bremen

Chelsea had their nervous moments, particularly when Miroslav Klose hit the woodwork, but they proved too strong for Werder Bremen. Michael Essien capitalised on a defensive slip to fire the Premiership champions ahead and Michael Ballack blasted home a penalty to make the points safe.

Bayern Munich 4-0 Spartak Moscow

Bayern Munich battered Spartak Moscow with Claudio Pizarro, Roque Santa Cruz, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Hasan Salihamidzic all finding the net.

Sporting 1-0 Inter

Sporting caused an upset in Lisbon - making it an unhappy return for Luis Figo. Inter had Patrick Vieira sent off as they crashed to Marco Caneira's 64th minute winner.

Galatasaray 0-0 Bordeaux

Galatasaray, containing new signing Junichi Inamoto, failed to break down a resolute Bordeaux defence in a bore draw in Istanbul.

PSV 0-0 Liverpool

Group C remains goalless as Liverpool, who left Steven Gerrard on the bench, played out a 0-0 stalemate in Eindhoven as PSV were unable to break the deadlock, despite some late pressure.

Olympiacos 2-4 Valencia

Fernando Morientes is the Champions League's top scorer again after a fine hat-trick for Valencia. Olympiacos had looked capable of getting a point with Michalis Konstantinou and Nery Castillo both netting but Raul Albiol crucially edged the Spaniards ahead in the closing stages.

Roma 4-0 Shakhtar Donetsk

Roma recorded an excellent 4-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk as Rodrigo Taddei, Francesco Totti, Daniele De Rossi and David Pizarro all got in on the act once the floodgates were opened.

Jose savages Lampard critics

2006-09-13T10:28:00.000+08:00

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has launched a stinging attack on midfielder Frank Lampard's critics in the media.
The England international was not at his best at the World Cup and missed a crucial penalty in the shoot-out defeat to Portugal at the quarter-final stage.
After also spurning a chance to score from the spot against Charlton Athletic last weekend, he was relieved of penalty duties during the 2-0 win against Werder Bremen with Michael Ballack slamming home the second goal from 12 yards.
"He is guilty because you have not had a player like him in 10 years," stormed the Portuguese coach in response to a question about Lampard's form.
"He's guilty because he has scored so many goals.
"He's guilty because he has played so many games.
"He's guilty because he gives 100 percent effort every game for Chelsea and England.
"He's guilty because he's such a good player.
"I think you should treat him with more respect."

Spalletti admits it was tough

2006-09-13T10:25:00.000+08:00

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti admitted his side were second best for long periods, before finally taking control of their Group D Champions League contest with Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night.
Second-half strikes from Rodrigo Taddei, Francesco Totti, Daniele De Rossi, and David Pizarro clinched the victory for Roma, but the Serie A team were dominated for long periods until the first goal went in.
“We couldn't get the measure of them at all," admitted Spalletti.
"They were well-organised and in better physical condition than us. They made us suffer a lot, but I was pleased by the signs of maturity the team showed.
"Once we'd reorganised ourselves we were able to lift our game in the second half. And that made them more tentative”
Meanwhile. Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu was furious with the way the game panned out.
"We played better for nearly 70 minutes and then – with their first chance - they scored," he complained
"Their second goal came from a corner that was not a corner. The third was clearly offside," he added.
"By that point my players were out of the match. They showed no character. Roma played very well in the last part of the match, but by then there was no contest.
"I've already spoken to my players. I hope they will remember the mistakes they made tonight for the rest of their lives".

Schaaf happy in defeat

2006-09-13T10:10:00.000+08:00

Werder Bremen started their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on Tuesday night, but despite the result coach Thomas Schaaf was happy with the performance.
The German side, who were embarrassed by Pirmasens in the German Cup at the weekend, bounced back with a combative performance, but a first-half Michael Essien strike and a Michael Ballack penalty saw them undone.
"Not many teams come to Chelsea and win. We've no right to come to Chelsea and expect that, even though we played well," said Schaaf.
"We made two mistakes and Chelsea scored," added Schaaf. "At this level you cannot afford to make mistakes."
It doesn't get any easier for the Germans however, as they have to face European Champions Barcelona in Bremen in their next Group A encounter.

Morientes treble boosts Valencia

2006-09-13T10:08:00.000+08:00

Valencia scored two late goals to sink Olympiacos 4-2 in an entertaining encounter in Athens with Fernando Morientes scoring a hat-trick for the visitors.
The Spanish side have been tipped by some pundits to go all the way in this season's UEFA Champions League and, in Morientes, they have a striker of proven pedigree at the top level.
However, Olympiacos and former Valencia nemesis Rivaldo, made life difficult for the visitors and the result was in the balance until a late effort by Raul Albiol crucially swung the balance in Valencia's favour.
Michalis Konstantinou drew first blood in the 28th minute but Morientes netted twice inside five minutes to turn the game on its head.
Nery Castillo drew the Greek side level again after 66 minutes, only for Albiol to bag a late effort and Morientes still had time to complete a hat-trick with a last-minute header from David Silva's centre.
Rivaldo flashed an early free kick across the face of goal before the hosts took a deserved lead - Konstantinou displaying marvellous chest control to slide home a beautiful pass by Ieroklis Stoltidis.
Valencia hit back with David Villa flying past Abdeslam Ouaddou to drill across the goal for Morientes to gleefully slam in. Miguel Angel Angulo was soon denied by Antonis Nikopolidis's feet but Morientes was again waiting to pounce to turn things around before the break.
Santiago Canizares did superbly to claw away Konstantinou's header from a fine Rivaldo cross but Olympiacos then did their best to tee up Villa with the Spain forward three times unable to capitalise on defensive uncertainty.
Castillo squared the game at 2-2 with another exemplary piece of control to expose Raul Albiol and lash a left-footed finish past Canizares.
Rivaldo shot wastefully over the top with the goal gaping and it was to prove a costly miss. Albiol atoned for any earlier hesitancy by rifling a terrific drive into the net with five minutes remaining, after the hosts failed to clear a corner.
A classic header from Morientes in stoppage time rounded things off, the former Liverpool forward rising powerfully to claim his 30th goal in the competition.

Attack the key - Flores

2006-09-13T10:04:00.000+08:00

Valencia’s adventurous attacking style is what saw them secure an opening day Champions League victory over Olympiacos in Athens on Tuesday night, according to their coach Quique Sanchez Flores.
A Fernando Morientes hat-trick helped the Spanish side to a 4-2 victory in the Group D encounter, with Raul Albiol also getting on the scoresheet.
"Today we won because of our attack. It was the element of our game that worked the best and meant that in the end we did not pay for our mistakes," said Flores.
"It was a good result on a bad surface and in front of a hostile crowd."
In the past Greek sides have relied on their home form to progress, but despite losing their opening game in Athens, Olympiacos coach Trond Sollied refused to write off his sides Champions League ambitions.
"It was a very strange football game where the result could have gone either way," he said.
"There are still 15 points to play for and I still think we can go through. Our aim is to make sure that we are still playing European football in the winter, whether it is in the Champions League or in the UEFA Cup."
Next up for Olympiacos is a trip to the Ukraine to face Shakhtar Donetsk, while Valencia host Roma in what should be a mouth-watering prospect.

Mourinho criticises defence

2006-09-13T10:03:00.000+08:00

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho criticised his side's defending after the 2-0 win over Werder Bremen, despite the fact that they managed to keep a clean sheet.
The Blues chief, although satisfied with his team's 2-0 win, wants his players to sharpen up ahead of the tough tasks against Barcelona in Group A.
Ashley Cole made his first start since moving across London from Arsenal as Chelsea adapt to life without William Gallas, who transferred in the opposite direction.
"The result was fantastic - three points," said Mourinho afterwards.
"The performance in the first half, I think, was very good. Everything was under control and the team played well.
"We were using Cole and the wings a lot and coming forward, passing the ball well. They were certainly not a lot of chances but enough to be in front.
"In the second half, until we scored, they were better than us. They were stronger and our team defended too deep. The defensive line was a lot behind them.
"We gave them chances to put crosses into the box in areas they were powerful and they could have scored the equaliser.
"After that, the penalty comes and the game is under control. With a bit more sharpness, we could have scored another goal but it would have been very, very unfair on a good team."

Kuyt - we could have won

2006-09-13T09:59:00.000+08:00

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt praised his side’s organisational skills, but admitted he was still somewhat frustrated as the Merseyside team opened their Champions League Group C campaign with a goalless draw at PSV Eindhoven.
In a cagey game neither side enjoyed many clear cut chances, with shots from distance providing the game with its most exciting moments.
Kuyt admitted the game was there to be won.
"I think we had a good chance. We had very good organisation, we didn't give many chances to them but we didn't score," he said.
"I think it's a good result. The main thing is you don't want to lose here and 0-0 is a good result.
"I think we are good enough to have many clean sheets. It's a good thing so from this clean sheet we go on to the next one."
Liverpool's next Champions League game is at home to Galatasaray in just over a fortnight.

Mancini disappointed with loss

2006-09-13T09:57:00.000+08:00

Inter coach Roberto Mancini was disappointed with his team’s 1-0 defeat in their opening Champions League fixture against Sporting Lisbon.
“We didn't play at a high tempo from the start in this evening's match and they gained a bit of courage from this,” said Mancini.
“We certainly didn't deserve the defeat, a draw might have been a fairer result. It became a harder match after falling behind and the dismissal of Vieira.”
The coach was happy that his team went for victory in the final part of tonight's match and philosophical aboout his team's chances of qualifying for the knockout phase of the competition.
“I have to say that in the last fifteen minutes of the game we looked for an equaliser and perhaps we were more aggressive in that last part of the game.
"We still have five matches and we have the chance to recover. We certainly aren't one hundred percent, but no Italian team is at the same level as their opponents because our leagues begin later.
“But this isn't an excuse for the defeat against Sporting."
Mancini said he might be forced to make changes for the second Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.
“We might have a few problems with our formation because Vieira will be suspended and Cambiasso has a muscular problem and we don't know if he will recover in time.”

Lyon seize top spot

2006-09-11T15:05:00.000+08:00

Juninho scored one goal and set up another as Lyon seized the Ligue 1 top spot with a clinical 2-0 home victory over Troyes on Saturday, while Lille drew 1-1 with Nantes.
Cris headed home a Juninho cross on 16 minutes to give the French champions who have won five titles in a row the advantage. The Brazil midfielder wrapped up his team's third win in succession with a trademark free kick four minutes from time.
On Sunday Marseille will have the opportunity to leapfrog Lyon if they win at arch-rivals Paris St Germain.
Lille lost two points, held to a 1-1 draw at Nantes. Nigerian striker Peter Odemwingie scored his fifth goal of the season in the 11th minute but Dimitri Payet hit back in the second half.
Lens who had conceded eight goals in their first four matches this season overcame neighbours Valenciennes 3-0. They scored three times in the opening 30 minutes through defender Yohann Demont and two goals from Ivory Coast forward Aruna Dindane.
Rennes and Auxerre both won for the first time this season with identical 2-1 score-lines, over Sochaux and Monaco respectively.
St Etienne were held 2-2 at promoted Sedan.
A FINE BORDEAUX
Earlier on Saturday, Jean-Claude Darcheville struck twice to lead Girondins Bordeaux to a 3-2 home victory over bottom of the table Nice.
Nice, who only have one point, opened the scoring on the half-hour mark courtesy of Cedric Varrault.
Earlier on Saturday, Jean-Claude Darcheville grabbed a brace to give Bordeaux a 3-2 home win over bottom-club Nice. Last season's runner-up side moved up to sixth after the result with nine points from five games.
Nice who only have one point opened the scoring on 30 minutes through Cedric Varrault.
Brazilian Wendel set up former Nottingham Forest player Darcheville for the equaliser after 43 minutes while Wendel himself doubled the tally with a good shot from just inside the box.
Darcheville made it three on 64 minutes from the penalty spot only for Brazilian Ederson to reduce the gap 14 minutes later, also from the spot.

Ribery inspires Marseille

2006-09-11T15:03:00.000+08:00

Franck Ribery produced an outstanding performance as Olympique Marseille claimed back the top spot in the Ligue 1 with a 3-1 victory at arch-rivals Paris St Germain on Sunday.
The French international, who looks set to take over from Zinedine Zidane in the playmaker's role with Les Bleus, set up a goal in a flawless display by the visitors.
"We are very happy, especially for the fans because there is such a rivalry between them and the Parisians," said Ribery.
"We scored three goals in Paris, we have shown we could do something interesting this season," he added.
Zidane himself, who was watching in the stands, told French channel Canal Plus he was impressed with Ribery.
"Franck made the difference tonight thanks to his acceleration qualities."
TOP OF THE PILE
Marseille, who now have 13 points from five matches, lead Olympique Lyon on goal difference.
The five-times champions perfectly prepared for their Champions League opener against Real Madrid next week with a clinical 2-0 win over Troyes.
At the Parc des Princes, Marseille were the first in action with Ribery a constant threat for the Paris defence.
After eight minutes referee Stephane Bre awarded a penalty for a slight foul by Mario Yepes on Marseille striker Mamadou Niang, who opened the scoring from the spot.
Bre also awarded a penalty kick to the Parisians 14 minutes later after it appeared that Niang had pulled Sammy Traore's shirt in the box.
Portugal striker Pauleta converted to level the match.
PENALTY SAVE
Midway through the second half, Niang was brought down in the box by Yepes after being set up by Ribery.
Samir Nasri, a French under-21 international, took the resulting penalty only for Mickael Landreau to save but the 19-year-old midfielder followed up to score in the empty goal.
One minute from time, Ribery outpaced the whole Parisian defence before crossing for Mickael Pagis, who wrapped up Marseille's win.
Earlier on Sunday, 10-man Toulouse fought to a last gasp 2-2 home draw against Nancy.
Midfielder Laurent Battles, who had opened the scoring after 12 minutes, was sent off on 58 minutes.
Nancy, who had equalised through Kim five minutes earlier, went ahead courtesy of a Gaston Crubelo goal on 63 minutes only for Jean-Louis Akpa to grab one point for Toulouse three minutes into stoppage time.