Football news

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Barcelona's Thierry Henry Doubtful For Athletic Bilbao Encounter
Discomfort in both Achilles set to rule striker out of Super Copa.

Barcelona striker Thierry Henry looks certain to miss Sunday's Supercopa de Espana first-leg encounter with Athletic Bilbao due to an Achilles injury.

The former Arsenal captain is suffering pain in the tendons of both ankles, and the club's website reports that the injury intensified during the 1-1 draw with Mexican side Chivas in San Francisco.

Henry has already withdrawn from the France team which travelled to the Faroe Islands for their Group 7 World Cup qualifier, and club doctor Ricard Pruna won't be taking any chances.

"Right now it's doubtful. We will see how it develops and an ultrasound later in the week will decide whether he plays against Bilbao or we what until the Gamper," Pruna told the press.

Barcelona host Manchester City in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Wednesday, August 19.

 

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Kaka: Argentina Aren't Doing Too Well
The Brazilian superstar believes Diego Maradona's side are struggling.

Thinking ahead to the decisive World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina in early September, Kaka only had harsh words for Los Albicelestes.

"Argentina aren't too well, while Brazil, with a victory, will qualify for the World Cup," said Kaka.

In the weeks leading up to the highly anticipated clash between the South American rivals in Rosario, Argentina, several players have had their say on the form of their respective team and that of their rivals.

Kaka's national team teammates Robinho, of Manchester City, affirmed that if Brazil manage to play good football during the game they will moved closer towards another World Cup appearance.

"We need to play well against Argentina, we need to claim a victory and pick up the three points."

In recent weeks Diego Maradona, the coach of Argentina, explained that because his side will face Brazil it will definitely be a "complicated" match, but that his squad will play their "hearts out" in order to win the match.

 

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Rapids Midfielder Colin Clark Tears ACL
Colorado Rapids winger Colin Clark has injured his ACL and will miss the rest of the 2009 season.

Colin Clark has a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee, the Colorado Rapids confirmed. The left winger suffered the injury during training Tuesday and is expected to miss the rest of the 2009 Major League Soccer season.

Surgery is scheduled for early next week.

Clark had been in sizzling form for the Rapids, notching five assists on the season. His bright and pacy play down the left has been a big part of the reason Colorado is in the playoff hunt. Any success this season will now have to come without the 25-year-old.

 

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Gonzalo Higuain: Real Madrid Can Win Everything
The Argentine striker is keen to follow Raul's example.

Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain has told AS that he believes the current crop of Galacticos can emulate Barcelona's treble success of last season.

The Argentinian said that the players were obliged to try to capture all three trophies, given the level of expectation generated in European football by Florentino Perez's summer acquisitions.

"What he did [Perez] is almost unbelievable. So we have an obligation to try to win it all because the expectations are being created," he said.

Higuain also said that the players would have to be prepared to "make sacrifices" with the choices available to coach Manuel Pellegrini, and pointed to Madrid veteran Raul as an example to follow.

"He [Raul] is a top class player. Playing at the top level for 15 years, top goalscorer in the Champions League..." he said.

"It is a privilege to play alongside him. Despite everything he has won he still retains the same hunger. It's admirable."

Higuain hopes that a good season with Los Merengues will enable him to force his way into the plans of Argentina coach Diego Maradona for next year's World Cup in South Africa.

Although he scored 22 league goals for Madrid last season he is still uncapped, although he has represented Los Albicelestes at the Olympics.

Despite being born in France, he has declared publicly that he intends to represent Argentina, the birthplace of his father Jorge.

"My highest dream is to play with Argentina in the World Cup. It is just around the corner and this year will be very important. I hope I have a great season," Higuain added.

 

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I Am Getting Old Now, Admits Italy Cap Leader Cannavaro
Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro talked about becoming the new all-time Azzurri appearance record holder.

Tomorrow will undoubtedly be a special day for Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro. He will make his 127th appearance with the Azzurri's shirt in the friendly against Switzerland, making him the new record holder when it comes to appearances with La Nazionale. The record was previously held by Paolo Maldini.

"Achieving a target like this is very gratifying," Cannavaro said to Sky Sport 24. "Am I old now? Yes, now I am really getting old.

"However, I do not consider tomorrow's match to be anything special. It's just a match like many others, a match we have to win, and which we will try to play well. We want to make steps forward, because next year we want to go to the World Cup."

Cannavaro made his national team debut in January 1997 under Cesare Maldini. He has been the first choice centerback for Italy in every major tournament since then.

The highlight came, of course, three years ago when he lifted the World Cup as captain, on the night of his 100th appearance with the Azzurri. This led to him winning both the FIFA World Player award and the Ballon d'Or in 2006.

 

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Amauri: Next Month I Will Get My Italian Passport
Juventus striker Amauri has announced that, if all goes well, he will become an Italian citizen next month and therefore be eligible for the Italian national team.

It seems more and more likely that Juventus star Amauri will soon be seen wearing the Azzurri's shirt. The Brazilian-born striker is close to getting his Italian passport, which will allow him by law to be called up by Italy, since he has never made an appearance for the Seleçao.

"If everything goes well, next month I should receive my Italian passport," the 29-year-old said to Sky Sport 24. "I am awaiting the last documents to come in from Brazil.

"Will I get called up by Italy? As soon as I become an Italian, I will be able to talk about my eventual future with the national team."

Amauri has always said he wants to play for Italy to repay the country for bringing him success as a footballer.

He was signed by Parma in 2001, but did not make a single appearance for the club as he was soon loaned out to Napoli.

After unmemorable stints at Piacenza, Empoli, and Messina, he broke through at Chievo, and was eventually signed by Palermo. His impressive performances with the Rosanero earned him a prestigious move to Juventus last summer.

 

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Fabio Capello Rules Out Arsenal's Almunia As England Replacement
Almunia won't be winning his first England cap anytime soon it seems.

England boss Fabio Capello revealed today that he will not consider Arsenal shot-stopper Manuel Almunia as a solution to his goalkeeping problems.

The Italian coach finds himself low on options due to Pompey 'keeper David James taking an extended leave to solve an ongoing injury problem and Manchester United's Ben Foster sidelined after recently picking up a small knock.

Almunia has previously stated that he is wary about setting up shops between the sticks for England due to his Spanish heritage, and it is exactly that which has prevented Fabio Capello from taking him on board.

Even though it is unlikely the 32-year-old Almunia will find a spot in the Spanish squad ahead of Iker Casillas and Pepe Reina, Capello insists that Spain is the only team he should be eligible to play for.

"Almunia, for me, is Spanish. He is Spanish and he plays for the Arsenal team," Sky Sports quote him as saying.

While Joe Hart had been earmarked as a replacement for Foster, it appears that West Ham glovesman Robert Green will be awarded his fifth cap instead.

 

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Americans On The Continent: New Beginnings
This weekend signaled the beginning of the new season for many of the continental European leagues, with new 1860 Munich signing Kenny Cooper getting his side off to a winning start in the German 2. Bundesliga.

Following his summer signing for 2. Bundesliga side 1860 Munich, former Dallas Burn standout Kenny Cooper made his bow in the 1860 colors over the weekend. Starting brightly, Cooper was presented with his first chance for Die Lowen in the ninth minute, but was unable to get off the mark straightaway as his first attempt at goal was easily corralled by American goalkeeper David Yelldell.

Not to be denied, however, Kenny Cooper latched onto Romanian midfielder Florian Lovin’s cross just eight minutes later. Left free in the box, Cooper directed his headed effort off the bottom of the crossbar and past the helpless TuS Koblenz ‘keeper’s goal.

Staying in the thick of the action, Cooper was involved in a number of other chances before half, with only David Yelldell’s excellent work keeping the scoreline at 1-0.

The second half was much of the same, as Munich doubled the lead on 62 minutes when Kenny Cooper’s strike partner Benjamin Lauth received a deflected pass in the box and buried it with aplomb. Despite having a pair of chances after the 70th minute, Cooper was unable to add to his opening strike, but left the field in the 72th minute to a standing ovation from the 1860 supporters.

Kenny Cooper, 1860 Munich (Germany)
vs. TuS Koblenz, 2-0, 72 minutes, 1 Goal

See above.
Next up: Away to Hansa Rostock, Saturday, August 15

Michael Bradley, Borussia Monchengladbach (Germany)
Away to VfL Bochum, 3-3, 70 minutes, Yellow Card

Michael Bradley and Borussia Monchengladbach’s opening match nearly ended in disaster as lax defending and foolish mistakes allowed VfL Bochum the chance to snatch victory at home. M’Gladbach’s hero at last season’s end, Dante, who scored the goal that kept the Prussian club in the top flight was sent off, and Bradley was yellow carded as Die Fohlen allowed Bochum to return from 3-0 down to draw 3-3.
Next up: vs. Hertha Berlin, Sunday, August 16

Steve Cherundolo, Hannover 96 (Germany)
Away to Hertha Berlin, 0-1, 90 minutes, Yellow Card

After a long injury layoff at the end of last season, Steve Cherundolo returned for Hannover 96 over the weekend, putting in a decent performance but unable to save his side from falling 1-0 away to Hertha Berlin. Hertha midfielder Gojko Kacar found himself on the end of substitute Valeri Domovchiyski’s pass in the 82nd minute, and he slotted clinically past Robert Enke for the winning goal.
Next up: vs. FSV Mainz

Charlie Davies, Sochaux (France)
Away to AJ Auxerre, 19 minutes

Charlie Davies made his Sochaux debut on the opening day of Ligue 1 play, looking dangerous as his new side beat Auxerre 1-0 away. Davies was brought on in the 71st minute for Czech striker and 39th minute goalscorer Vaclav Sverkos. The pacey forward immediately threatened the Auxerre defense, nearly notching a debut goal in the 82nd minute, but was unable to get off the mark so quickly.
Next up: vs. Bordeaux, Saturday, August 15

Carlos Bocanegra, Rennes (France)
vs. Boulogne, 3-0, 90 minutes

Carlos Bocanegra and his Rennes teammates dominated the match summarily against newly promoted Boulogne, as Bocanegra went the full 90 for Les Rouge et Noir. Goals from Ismael Bangoura in the seventh minute, Mangane in the 45th, and Jerome Leroy just before the death assured the comfortable win for the Brittany side.
Next up: at Nice, Sunday, August 16

Square Passes

Matt Taylor made his debut for FSV Frankfurt as a second-half substitute, but was unable to rescue them from falling 2-1 to MSV Duisburg.

Benny Feilhaber started in the midfield and went the full 90 as AGF Aarhus beat HB Koge 2-1. Jeremiah White played the last 20 minutes as a sub, helping Aarhus remain at the top of the Danish league.

Michael Parkhurst played the full 90 in FC Nordsjælland’s 3-0 win over Silkeborg.

 

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Aston Villa's Closer To Sneijder As Inter Struggle To Meet Valuation
The Villans may sign Sneijder for a steal as the end of the transfer window draws ever closer.

Aston Villa have recieved a huge boost in their attempts to sign Real Madrid attacking midfielder Wesley Sneijder.

The Dutch international is one of a number of players on the exit list at The Bernabeu as the Spanish giants desperately try to cover some of their massive financial outlay this summer.

Villa's chances of signing the 25-year-old have been raised as the player's agent admitted that Inter were unable to agree a price with Madrid and may now pull the plug on the proposed deal.

"For some time there has been talk of a move to Inter for Sneijder, but the reality is that there is nothing happening. A few days ago I heard from someone of Inter, but the problem is the money required by Real," Sneijder's agent, Soren Lerby, told The Daily Mail.

"Currently, Real Madrid has set the price, so, anyone who wants to buy him should simply satisfy the demands of the club."

Villa themselves may struggle to reach the £21 million asking price but are confident they could get upto £5m knocked off the fee and Lerby believes his client is good value for money.

"The €25m [£21.5m] referred to seems a lot, but [Inter president] Massimo Moratti has recently asked for €40m [£34m] for Maicon, who despite being the best in his role, is still a full-back."

Reports suggest that Inter may now attempt to sign Yoann Gourcuff from Bordeaux after failing to lure Sneijder to the San Siro.

 

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Barcelona Are Favourites To Win 2009/10 Champions League
Despite Real Madrid spending big and Carlo Ancelotti becoming Chelsea manager, the Catalan club remain the ones to beat in the eyes of the bookmakers.

Barcelona - Champions League Final (Mexsport)
The buzz surrounding the Champions League has started after Arsenal and Celtic were paired together in the play-off to decide which team would progress to the group stages. The Gunners are 2/7 favourites with bet365 to qualify, while Tony Mowbray’s men are available at 5/2 to dump them out of Europe at an early juncture.

However, it’s Barcelona who are the team to beat, according to bet365 - who have reported money for Pep Guardiola’s men at 4/1. Barca have added Zlatan Ibrahimovic to their ranks this summer, although Samuel Eto’o has gone to Inter. They are marginally favourites ahead of free-spending Real Madrid, who bet365 price up at 9/2 on the outright market.

Real have signed Xabi Alonso, Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo this summer, three players who have already won Champions League winner’s medals. However, whether they will be defensively sound is another matter. Chelsea are the shortest price among the English challengers, with bet365 offering 6/1 that Carlo Ancelotti finally helps to land the European Cup for the Blues.

 

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Report: Manchester City Set To Launch Final Bid For Lescott
The England international will be subject to one last deal as the purse strings finally tighten at Eastlands.

Reports suggest that Manchester City are set to launch their final attempt to sign Everton defender Joleon Lescott.

The England international had handed in a written transfer request to his club after finally showing his hand in the transfer saga.

However, the Toffees have displayed their own stubbornness over Lescott's future by rejecting the request in the same manner that they rebuffed the two previous offers from Manchester City.

Manager David Moyes reaffirmed his intentions in a statement on Everton's official website, "I have always said that we are not selling any players and that hasn't changed."

However reports from The Press Association suggest the Citizens are ready to try once more.

It is believed that the Citizens' are working to complete a deal for Lescott with a budget of around £20 million and will be unable to stretch that figure.

If this bid is rejected in the same fashion as the previous two, City will turn their attention elsewhere as they look to find a new recruit before the end of the transfer window.

City have other targets but will not pursue bids for West Ham United's Matthew Upson or former City skipper Sylvain Distin until a conclusion is reached with Lescott.

 

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Guus Hiddink Laments Lack Of Money When At Real Madrid
The Dutch tactician claims things were much different back then.

Guus Hiddink was appointed as coach of Real Madrid in the summer of 1998, only to be sacked the following year after a series of bad results.

Having watched the Spanish giants spend €250 on signings this summer, the Russia head coach has now lamented the fact that he did not have the same transfer budget.

"During my time there was not a single peseta to spend," Hiddink told EFE. "I had to work with the squad I had at the time.

"Now it seems there is no limit to the money and it is possible to buy, like [president] Florentino Perez has demonstrated, a great team.

"I hope with the spending made by Real Madrid they will be in the Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu."

 

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Everton Reject Joleon Lescott Transfer Request
Toffees' boss David Moyes will not allow Lescott to leave the club.

Everton manager David Moyes has rejected a written transfer request from defender Joleon Lescott.

The England international has been tracked by Manchester City this summer, but the Toffees have thus far rejected advances for the player, coming in the form of two bids reportedly worth firstly around £15 million and then £20m.

Lescott is understood to have handed in the request in an attempt push for a move to Eastlands, but Moyes has insisted the stopper will not be leaving Merseyside.

"Joleon Lescott put in a written transfer request which I immediately rejected," Moyes told the Liverpool Echo.

“We will continue to work with him as we appreciate his many qualities as a player.

“I have said all along that I have no intention of selling my best players.

“Joleon is simply not for sale.”

It has been speculated this week that the Citizens may turn to West Ham United's Matthew Upson if they fail to sign Lescott.

 

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Report: Barca Have A Week To Do Cesc Fabregas Deal With Arsenal
Fabregas likes the idea of going back to the Camp Nou, now Arsene Wenger must be persuaded.

Barcelona have been given the green light to make an approach to Arsenal for Cesc Fabregas, according to a report.

The Blaugrana have set their sights on re-signing the midfielder who left them to join the Gunners six years ago, and believe that they have just a week to put a deal in place.

Arsenal take on Celtic in the Champions League qualifiers on August 18, and the Catalan giants want to tempt manager Arsene Wenger into selling before then to stop Fabregas from playing and therefore becoming cup-tied.

If he does appear in the first leg of the European encounter, Barca will be forced to forget about signing him, so an offer is due to be made this week, El Mundo Deportivo believe.

A phone call to the representatives of the playmaker saw Barcelona encouraged to make a move. They were supposedly told that Cesc would like the idea of returning to the Blaugrana if Arsenal could be persuaded.

But Wenger is unlikely to willingly let another key player go after a summer that has already seen him lose Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure.

A fee of €40 million or €50m will be required to give Barcelona a chance of signing the playmaker, especially as Wenger is not interested in the likes of Eidur Gudjohnsen in part exchange.

 

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Blackburn Rovers 0 - 2 Manchester City: Adebayor & Ireland Seal Victory For Citizens
Citizens secure comfortable if unspectacular win against Rovers...

Blackburn Rovers 0-2 Manchester City
Premier League Fixtures, Results

Blackburn Rovers slumped to an opening day Premier League defeat to Manchester City at Ewood Park.

Blackburn probably had the better of the first half, but it was Emmanuel Adebayor who opened the scoring for the visitors with an excellent finish. City struggled to combine going forwards at times in the first half, and Rovers were able to exploit some ensure defending.

Allardyce's side engineered chances but didn't capitalise and went into the break 1-0 down. The Citizens emerged from the break with a bit more attacking endeavour, this was interrupted by heavy rain that made it more difficult for City to play their game.

However, they increasingly imposed themselves on the game and Blackburn ran out of ideas. In the end Manchester City were comfortable in securing victory.

Blackburn had a good chance early on. El-Hadji Diouf crossed in from the right, it was met by Benni McCarthy who headed the ball goal wards. Richard Dunne did well to get it away, clearing the ball off the line.

City immediately broke on the counter with Adebayor releasing Shaun Wright-Phillips down the right flank. The Englishman skinned Stephen Warnock and cut inside, squaring the ball across the edge of the penalty area. Adebayor advanced onto the ball, and sent a curling right foot strike beyond Paul Robinson in the Blackburn goal.

Rovers responded with a period of sustained pressure on the Manchester City goal, Morten Gamst Pedersen swinging in four excellent corners. Kolo Toure did well to get a block onto a Keith Andrews shot to deny one opportunity.

The Citizens were caught offside in a couple of instances, Craig Bellamy playing off the shoulder of the last defender as usual. Gareth Barry and Stephen Ireland combined to release Bellamy in the 15th minute. The Welshman was frustrated by the flag, but had still sent his shot into the side netting.

Jason Roberts had a good chance a few minutes later, a throw in from Pedersen was nodded back to the Norweigan on the right flank and he swung the ball into the box. The cross was helped on by Samba and found Roberts in space 12 yards from goal, but the striker volleyed over the bar with his instep.

A mix-up between Given and Dunne almost gifted Blackburn a goal, a nothing long-ball forward saw Given come to collect. The Irishman collided with Dunne, but gathered the loose ball before McCarthy could latch onto it.

Given was called into action again, Diouf swung in a corner from the right and the cross was met with a powerful header from Samba. Given produced a wonderful one-handed save low to his right to deny Parisian defender.

Blackburn continued to press towards half-time, but the best remaining chances of the half fell to Robinho for Manchester City. The first came in the 36th minute with Robinho hitting a viscous strike from 20 yards out on the left, forcing Robinson to tip over the bar.

The second came from a Barry free-kick out of the right, won by the Englishman after he showed quick feet. Barry sent an in-swinging cross towards the back post where Robinho was unmarked, but the Brazilian didn't make proper contact and sent his shot into the side-netting.

Manchester City started the second half more brightly, with Wayne Bridge hitting a left-footed drive across the goal mouth in the 49th minute. Robinho was lurking at the far post but he couldn't quite reach the ball to turn it into the net.

Adebayor became increasingly influential, with his movement causing Blackburn problems at the back. The Togo international instigated a move involved Ireland, Wright-Phillips, and Robinho before Gael Givet tackled expertly to deny Adebayor an opportunity at goal.

Roberts had a headed opportunity from 10 yards out, Diouf crossed in from the right and the former-Wigan forward nodded the goal wards. Given reacted well and saved to his left, Roberts should have got more power onto his header.

Robinho unleashed an excellent shot on goal minutes later. Attacking from the right, the Brazilian came inside onto his left foot, and rifled a curling strike towards the bottom corner. Robinson was stretching and got his right glove onto it to push the ball out for a corner.

It was Robinho's last meaningful contribution of the game, as he was withdrawn and replaced by Carlos Tevez who was making his competitive debut for City. Bellamy moved out to the left so Tevez could partner Adebayor up front.

Blackburn won a free-kick in a dangerous position, it was stuck with some venom by McCarthy and it cleared the bar by inches. Given was furious with the referee, Diouf was blocking his view and was in an offside position.

Coming into the final 10 minutes Samba was sent into an emergency striker role as Blackburn pumped balls forward hoping to pick up the scraps, but little came of the tactical change.

City sealed the win with an Ireland goal in stoppage time, Wright-Phillips played the ball forward for Ireland and Givet failed to cut the ball out. Ireland tried to round keeper Robinson, but was held up by the Blackburn goalie.

The midfielder kept his composure as three defenders got back to cover, but Ireland slotted the ball past Robinson at the near post from 10 yards.

 

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Bolton 0–1 Sunderland: Darren Bent Fires Black Cats To Victory
Darren Bent was the hero as his early goal stood up as the game winner to give new manager Steve Bruce his first victory as the Wearsiders' new manager.

Bolton Wanderers 0-1 Sunderland - Lineup/Stats
Premier League Fixture/Results

Steve Bruce made his managerial debut for Sunderland as they travelled to the Reebok to lock horns with the hometown Trotters.

Bolton manager Gary Megson handed debuts to four of his new recruits as Sam Ricketts, Paul Robinson, Zat Knight and Sean Davis were all named in the starting lineup.

But it was the Black Cats’ new summer signing who paid instant dividends as Darren Bent gave the visitors an early lead.

In the fifth minute, Bolton failed to clear the ball to safety and were forced to concede a free kick. Steed Malbranque’s ensuing delivery was met at the back post by Bent, who rose high above Kevin Davies to head in off the post and give the Black Cats the lead.

Three minutes later, Bent played in Kenwyne Jones but his fierce shot was struck straight at a Bolton defender.

The visitors were running rampant and wild and should have doubled their advantage in the 21st minute when Kieran Richardson was played clear through on goal but he could only manage to hit his shot straight at Jussi Jaaskelainen

Bent was playing like a man possessed as five minutes later he executed a neat one-two with Malbranque before rifling in a low shot that Jaaskelainen did very well to parry and then swipe away.

Bolton started to settle down and win more possession as the first half was coming to an end and Gary Cahill almost found an equaliser just before the half-time whistle when he met Matthew Taylor’s delivery from the corner spot but could not head past Marton Fulop who made an excellent close-range save.

Bruce made one change to start the second half as he brought on Jordan Henderson for Steed Malbranque. Megson kept the same starting eleven and his faith almost paid off as Taylor came close in the 50th minute when he latched onto a flick from Johan Elmander but could not hit the target from inside of the penalty area.

Bolton pushed forward looking for the all important equaliser but were lacking any cutting edge in the final third of the pitch.

Davies almost gave the home fans something to cheer about in the 64th minute when he squished his way through two defenders and sent in a looping header that Fulop parried away.

Sunderland had a chance to put the match to bed two minutes later when Jones was pulled down on the edge of the penalty area but Richardson’s ensuing delivery sailed high over the crossbar.

Bruce was forced to make his second change of the match after Richardson could not continue after clashing heads with Fabrice Muamba in the 75th minute.

Fraizer Campbell trotted on to the pitch to make his debut for the Black Cats and he quickly picked up a silly yellow card for a rash lunge on Cahill.

Time was running out for the home side to find an equaliser but it was the visitors who pushed forward as Bent’s long range effort failed to hit the target in the 87th minute.

Two minutes later, the Black Cats almost found the insurance goal they were looking for but the ball would not stand still for Bent who sent his shot over the bar.

There were three minutes of extra time tacked on and Bolton had a fantastic chance right at the death to steal a point but somehow Fulop kept the ball out of the net with a majestic save to give Sunderland their first victory of the Bruce era.

 

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Chelsea 2-1 Hull City: Didier Drogba's Persistence Two Much For Tigers
The Blues were made to work hard for their victory, in a game that required an added time winner after Hull got themselves in front courtesy of a Hunt poach.

Chelsea 2-1 Hull City - Lineups/ Stats
Premier League Fixtures, Results

The highly anticipated start to the 2009-10 Premier League season began in fiery fashion on Saturday lunchtime, as Chelsea entertained Hull City at Stamford Bridge with Stephen Hunt - the man whose challenge in a Reading shirt led to Petr Cech requiring the headgear that is now synonymous with his frame - pencilled in for potential catcalling by unforgiving Blues fans.

As had been widely expected, new manager Carlo Ancelotti fielded a strong line-up in the promised 4-4-2 diamond formation, with Frank Lampard sitting 'in the hole' behind powerfully-built nuisance box-player Didier Drogba and last season's Golden Boot winner Nicolas Anelka. Michael Essien - a driving engine from deep - initially lined up on the right, while Nigerian John Obi Mikel sat in front of a four-man defence that picked itself.

Hull City, meanwhile, would have gone into the game looking at damage limitation. Under the guidance of Phil Brown, the last season's Premier League new-boys won more points on away turf than they did at home, but any positive result gained at the bookies' favourite for the title would have surely been regarded as a bonus.

It did not take long for Republic of Ireland international Hunt to raise the hackles on the backs of the home crowd as, in the opening minute, he went in studs-up on Chelsea favourite Lampard.

Moments later, and the Blues could have gotten off to the perfect start as Drogba was gifted a pin-point opportunity from close-range to blast the ball into goal. The delivery from roaming right-back Jose Bosingwa - who needs no invitation to hurl himself forward - was met on the volley by Drogba, but he fired agonisingly wide of the mark.

Down the other end and Hull's patient build-up play began to pay dividends, after Chelsea were so dominant in possession, as a Hunt corner eventually fell to captain George Boateng but Cech - off-balance - managed to block the chance with his feet.

Ten minutes later Boateng was again trying to drive the Tigers forth and his blocked shot opened up a route through to goal for boo-boy Hunt and the former Royal, fresh from his summer transfer, silenced his west London critics by sneaking Hull City in front.

Chelsea equalised in the 37th minute as Drogba capitalised from set-play. The Ivory Coast hero opened up his right foot and accurately found the corner of goal after guiding the ball up-and-down the wall and past Boaz Myhill.


On The Hunt | Tiger Steph strikes on debut

Chelsea's midfield, despite containing four established members, was new in layout, yet Ancelotti must have been working hard on the fluency in training. Understanding was evident, communication had been key. When Mikel strode forward, Essien remained central, and Frank Lampard - a fierce box to box player last season - was again one of the most prominent players in the team's drive. The Italian boss, though, deemed Mikel to be worthy of replacement, as Ballack was brought on in the second half.

Chelsea could have gotten themselves in front within seconds of the commencement of the concluding half, as Drogba fed in Anelka, but the Champions League winner with Real Madrid shot tamely at Myhill. The Blues looked a lot livelier than they did in the opening stages, and the two-man strike partnership that had drawn criticism from some quarters appeared to be working in tandem.

The SW6 side were relentless in attack, and Anelka took it upon himself to try to penetrate through to a strikeable area, but the timing in the challenge of Andy Dawson - brother of Tottenham Hotspur's Michael - was impeccable.

Salomon Kalou was brought on with ten minutes to the game's death in order to win his outfit maximum points, and almost scored with his first touch when fellow sub Deco chipped the ball into his path, but the technically-gifted Ivorian headed high.

As Brown could be seen mock-laughing to himself that six minutes of added time would be played out, Drogba went on search for the winner, but some good defending from Turner denied Didier, however, that did not perturb the no. 11, as Deco - whose passing since his introduction to the game was nothing short of decisive - found Drogba on the left and the striker ingeniously dinked the ball over Myhill from an acute angle to give Ancelotti a winning start to life in England.

 

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Stoke City 2-0 Burnley: Set Piece Lapses Mean Opening Day Defeat For Clarets
A free-kick and a Rory Delap throw-in inspired a home win for Stoke...

Stoke City 2 - 0 Burnley - Line-Ups/Stats
Premier League Fixtures, Results


Stoke City ousted Burnley in the Clarets' opening Premier League
tie with two first half goals serving up a harsh lesson in the importance of set-piece defending for Owen Coyle's side.

Ryan Shawcross, from a free-kick, and a Rory Delap-inspired own goal did for Burnley, although there was to be encouragement for the promoted side. They caused the Potters problems throughout and were perhaps unlucky not to add at least a consolation.

Stoke, one season veterans of this division, made no secret of the recipe for consolidating their position last term, heavily favouring aerial tactics and placing importance on home wins, notching ten in all.

On the evidence of this afternoon, Tony Pulis will not be changing the formula this time around. It took his physically imposing side only 20 minutes to edge into the lead during a first half in which they caused the new-boys no small amount of trouble in the air.

Burnley started brightly though, Robbie Blake turning Wade Elliot's cross goalwards, but Andy Wilkinson was well placed to block. Graham Alexander then provided for Blake, but he failed to make Thomas Sorensen work hard with his 25-yard shot.

Stoke responded after a dull opening and when Elliot fouled Ricardo Fuller on the left, the Clarets knew what to expect.

The free-kick was swung in by Liam Lawrence and Ryan Shawcross rose well at the back post to aim a header past Brian Jensen.

Burnley had a chance for parity soon after when Martin Paterson beat Rory Delap and crossed for Elliot; his header earned only a corner.

However, the promoted side were two behind just after the half-hour mark - the goal being prompted by a familiar source. Rory Delap launched a long throw into the area and Stephen Jordan could only head past his own goalkeeper.

It could have been three just before the break when Jensen misjudged the flight of the ball and allowed Ricardo Fuller to loop a header on target, however, Tyrone Mears was alert to clear.

There was to be a warning sign for the hosts right on the half-time whistle; Elliot crossed for Steven Fletcher but Burnley's record signing could not make contact.

The visitors continued to compete in the second half; Elliot driving over from 25 yards with only two minutes on the clock.

Stoke attempted to hit back through James Beattie, who volleyed wide after Matthew Etherington crossed well. Lawrence was next to try his luck, making Brian Jensen work on 53 minutes.

What then followed was an uncomfortable decision for Steve Bennett, the referee. Following the first booking of the encounter, for Abdoulaye Faye, the Senegal defender hacked Tyrone Mears. The man in the middle decided against a quick-fire second yellow.

Chris McCann then teed up Blake for a strike, as Owen Coyle's team asked questions of the Potters. The veteran forward forced a save from Sorensen with a fine free-kick on the hour.

Fletcher then went close, after a dribble and shot, but was denied by Thomas Sorensen. Jordan was lucky not to see red moments later as he scythed down Etherington on the edge of his own box, however, the referee was lenient on this occasion.

Burnley continued to be positive; Sorensen had to be bright to clear a Fletcher through-ball from the path of McCann. Shortly after, the Danish shot-stopper dropped a clanger, missing a Chris Eagles cross, and Andy Wilkinson was lucky not to put through his own net.

Just prior to that though, Fuller ought to have done better for Stoke with Etherington for company in the 75th minute. He elected to shoot off target instead of seeking his colleague.

Substitute Dave Kitson, looking to impress Tony Pulis this season, then rattled the upright with a well-struck drive after some neat approach play.

Burnley continued their search for a consolation, with Tyrone Mears joining the attack, and left some gaps in the rear-guard. Richard Cresswell, with the last action of the game, might have added a third but dragged his effort wide.

Burnley regroup and have Manchester United to face on Wednesday night. For Stoke, it's to Anfield; a source of an unlikely point last season.

 

[3xxx]

Portsmouth 0-1 Fulham: Hart Problems For Pompey As Zamora Edges It
It could be a fraught campaign on the south coast following an opening day home defeat for troubled Pompey at the hands of the upwardly-mobile Cottagers, who were lucky with their winning goal but overall deserved the three points…

Portsmouth 0-1 Fulham – Lineups/Stats
Premier League Fixtures, Results

Fulham won on the opening day of a Premier League campaign for the first time in six attempts, stretching an unbeaten run at Fratton Park to four games and maintaining an encouraging away record that now stands at one defeat in their last seven outings.

For Portsmouth, though, the problems are mounting. Manager Paul Hart has seen his squad depleted over the summer with no adequate replacements brought in, the Hampshire club drifting in limbo as the proposed takeover by Sulaiman al-Fahim drags on, raising doubts among Hart and chief executive Peter Storrie that it will ever come to fruition.

The Pompey fans have much to reflect on. They have witnessed their best players jumping ship with the ownership issue apparently no nearer resolution, whereas 12 months ago their club, with Harry Redknapp still in charge, were FA Cup holders and had a European campaign to look forward to.

Hart had handed debuts to former Blackburn midfielder Aaron Mokoena and on-loan Lyon striker Frederic Piquionne, and was able to welcome back David James, who had recovered from shoulder surgery and started between the posts.

There were no new faces in Fulham’s line-up, manager Roy Hodgson understandably keeping faith with the players who took the club to their highest-ever finish last season - seventh in the Premier League. So with strike partners Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson starting up front, new signings Stephen Kelly and Bjorn Helge Riise were on the bench.

Pompey began promisingly, with new boy Piquionne firing in an effort from outside the area in only the second minute but seeing it go wide to the left of goal. James then saved a Danny Murphy free-kick at the expense of a corner which the England keeper dealt with comfortably, before a cross from Nadir Belhadj found Piquionne, whose header inside the six-yard box flashed wide of the right-hand post.

But the visitors put a dampener on proceedings as far as the Pompey faithful were concerned by taking the lead in the 13th minute. Hayden Mullins conceded a free-kick with an unfair challenge on John Pantsil, and Clint Dempsey got on the end of it, Fulham benefiting from a huge slice of good fortune as Dempsey’s effort hit Zamora on the back deep inside the penalty area and squirted away from James into the opposite bottom corner of the net.

It may have been a fluke of a goal, but it was nevertheless a sweet moment for Zamora, who had been linked with a Craven Cottage exit during the summer - and for manager Hodgson, who had insisted he wanted to hang on to the former Brighton, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur striker.

After Niko Kranjcar shot wide for Portsmouth, Zamora forced James into a save and Andrew Johnson saw his shot on goal just clear the hosts’ crossbar. Mark Schwarzer saved from the lively Piquionne, who then had an effort blocked by Fulham’s in-demand defender Brede Hangeland, after Belhadj had a golden opportunity to equalise for Portsmouth, breaking free of his marker in the area, but missing his header from five yards out.

Play became somewhat scrappy with free-kicks being conceded and both sides wasting half-chances, and Hart elected to send on Nigerian striker, Kanu – who signed a one month contract on Friday - for midfielder Papa Bouba Diop, the former Fulham player.

But the search for an equaliser continued, Kanu making little impression and Hart making a last throw of the dice by sending on another striker, David Nugent, who made headlines for the wrong reasons during pre-season. Nugent replaced John Utaka, just after Younes Kaboul saw his close-range header at goal from a Belhadj corner go wide left of the target.

The game drifted to a conclusion with Pompey unable to force the leveller, and Fulham able to enjoy a solid start to the season with a victory that, if never entirely comfortable, was rarely seriously threatened.

 

[3xxx]

Chelsea To Lodge €47m Bid For Atletico Madrid Ace Sergio Aguero - Report
The Blues are desperate to land the Argentine ace...

Chelsea are readying a €47m offer for Atletico Madrid star Sergio Aguero, according to a report in Marca.

The Argentina international has been linked with a move to the Premier League all summer, with Chelsea and Manchester United both understood to be keen on the gifted striker.

Chelsea envoys are reportedly in the Spanish capital to conduct negotiations for Aguero, who has a buy-out clause of €60 million.

But the Blues boss, Roman Abramovic, knows he is in a race against time, since he has to wrap up a deal for Aguero before Wednesday, when Atletico meet Panathinaikos in a Champions League qualifier.

The Spanish paper further suggests that, should Aguero depart Atletico, the Colchoneros will use the funds generated by that sale to land Real Madrid duo Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder.

Chelsea will, however, have to deflect interest from Manchester United, who reportedly dispatched scouts to Moscow to check on Aguero in Wednesday's international friendly against Russia.