What The Sports Pages Say

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THE TIMES: Roberto Mancini conceded last night that Manchester City's hopes of ending their 44-year wait for the title will be over if Manchester United win their next two matches. Also: Arms raised, chest stuck out, roaring into the wide blue yonder, we have seen it all before from Novak Djokovic, the iron man of men's tennis.

THE INDEPENDENT: Kenny Dalglish turned on two of his own players as Liverpool's disintegrating season suffered another huge blow in a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle. Also: When it was all over yesterday and he was asked whether he was relieved that Tottenham Hotspur had at last emerged from their slump in the league, Harry Redknapp bristled with the kind of annoyance that suggested the pressure of finishing above Arsenal might just have been starting to tell.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Andy Carroll left the pitch swearing at Kenny Dalglish and close to tears. Pepe Reina departed after being shown a red card for his reckless butt on James Perch. Liverpool headed home both pointless and humiliated. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson claims David De Gea's emergence as a key figure in Manchester United's title bid can be traced back to being blamed for the New Year's Eve defeat against Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford.

DAILY MIRROR: Andy Carroll let rip with a volley of f-word abuse at boss Kenny Dalglish as Liverpool went into meltdown. Also: Roberto Mancini has admitted the title race will be over if Manchester United win their next two games.

THE SUN: Andy Carroll launched an F-word rant at Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish as his return to Newcastle turned into a nightmare. Also: Angry Manchester City players believe Mario Balotelli is costing them the title.

DAILY STAR: Mario Baloteeli is at the centre of another storm following a dressing-room fight with Yaya Toure. Also: Pepe Reina lost the plot as Liverpool completely lost their heads at Newcastle.

THE GUARDIAN: Roberto Mancini fears Manchester City's hopes of winning the Premier League could be over before their next match. Also: Kenny Dalglish has ordered Andy Carroll to deal better with his frustration.

DAILY EXPRESS: Andy Carroll endured a nightmare return to Tyneside yesterday as Liverpool's fall from grace continued. Also: Roberto Mancini last night admitted Manchester City's title hopes will be over if rivals United open up an eight-point lead by next Sunday.

DAILY MAIL: Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool reign plunged into deeper crisis yesterday. Also: Gavin Henson faces the sack from Cardiff today.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Manchester United said Vallelujah last night as they went five points clear at the top of the Premier League. Also: Stiliyan Petrov's acute leukaemia was uncovered when the Aston Villa squad underwent heart tests after the collapse of Fabrice Muamba. Also: Gavin Henson's rugby career looks to be over after he was axed by Cardiff following his latest shame.

DAILY MAIL: Sir Alex Ferguson is closing in on yet another Barclays Premier League title after two stunning late goals broke Blackburn's stubborn resistance. Also: Liverpool's owners will demand answers from Kenny Dalglish when they conduct a major strategic review on how to take the club forward. Also: Roberto Mancini's future at Manchester City will be under threat if the club's problems continue between now and the end of the season.

DAILY MIRROR: Manchester United struck a mighty title blow with a double-A performance. Also: Chelsea will this week urge the FA to put kids and the safety of the fan first - and change their Wembley semi-final kick-off against Tottenham. Also: Andy Carroll will be warned he is running out of chances at Liverpool.

DAILY EXPRESS: Sri Alex Ferguson was celebrating as Manchester United soared five points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League. Also: Marouane Chamakh has sent his Arsenal career up in smoke after being caught in a London shisha bar following their 2-1 defeat at QPR.

DAILY STAR: Manchester United produced a stunning late show to go five points clear at the top of the table last night. Also: Kenny Dalglish will not walk out on Liverpool, according to former team-mate Mark Lawrenson.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: This was not a performance of champions, but it was enough to ensure Manchester United earned the victory that extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to five points. Also: Kenny Dalglish, the Liverpool manager, will be required to provide a full written report to the club's American owners at the end of the season to explain an unacceptable league slump.

THE TIMES: Roberto Mancini's position will be reviewed at the end of the season if Manchester City miss out on the Barclays Premier League title. Also: Tottenham Hotspur's players have tried to persuade Emmanuel Adebayor to remain at the club on a permanent basis when his temporary contract expires in the summer, according to Rafael van der Vaart.

THE GUARDIAN: It was another night when Manchester United showed they are not in the mood to relinquish their grip on the championship trophy. Also: Gavin Henson faces an uncertain future after his sacking by Cardiff Blues yesterday for drunken antics on a flight from Glasgow left him looking for his fourth club in little more than a year.

THE INDEPENDENT: Roberto Mancini's Manchester City future is not guaranteed beyond the end of the season and the club's chairman, Khaldoon al-Mubarak, will review whether the Italian's abrasive management style is helping to move the club forward, if they lose out to Manchester United in the title race. Also: Kenny Dalglish will turn to a goalkeeper who has not even completed a full friendly for Liverpool - he dislocated his finger against Rangers on his one start - and who conceded seven goals on his previous appearance in England.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Wayne Rooney dreams of winning the Premier League in Manchester City's backyard. Also: Nigel De Jong has told Mario Balotelli to stop acting the fool. Also: Roberto Di Matteo last night warned his Chelsea players not to blow their chance of Champions League glory.

DAILY MAIL: Manchester City will resist any attempts by Real Madrid to take their record £38million signing Sergio Aguero back to Spain this summer. Also: Lee Westwood and Luke Donald came out firing at the Masters yesterday after a prestigious American magazine claimed that Rory McIlroy versus Tiger Woods was 'the only story in golf'.

DAILY MIRROR: Roberto De Matteo last night warned his Chelsea players not to wreck all their hard work by taking Benfica for granted. Also: Roberto Mancini's problems piled up last night as Real Madrid targeted Sergio Aguero. Also: John Aldridge has slammed Liverpool's alarming loss of form.

DAILY EXPRESS: Ramires claims Roberto Di Matteo has made Chelsea respected again and has helped them believe once more that they are great players in a great team. Also: Nigel De Jong has deepened the dressing-room rift that threatens to destabilise Manchester City's title bid by branding Mario Balotelli a fool.

DAILY STAR: Dopey Joleon Lescott sparked a medical panic at Manchester City last night. Also: Stand-in Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo last night told his players: Win me the job full-time.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: There are often casualties in a campaign and Chelsea midfielder Ramires last night suggested that Andre Villas-Boas's brutal departure from the club had led to a release of pressure which allowed the players to find "new confidence". Manchester City will resist all attempts by Real Madrid to lure Sergio Aguero from the Etihad Stadium this summer amid claims that the Argentina forward is unsettled in England and keen to move to the Bernabeu.

THE TIMES: Roberto Di Matteo has been hailed as the man who restored Chelsea's self-respect after the traumatic reign of Andre Villas-Boas. Also: Manchester City insisted yesterday that they have no intention of selling Sergio Aguero and have refuted suggestions that the Argentina striker is unsettled in the face of growing interest from Real Madrid.

THE GUARDIAN: Chelsea are looking to force a passage beyond Benfica this evening in to the semi-finals of the Champions League, where they would face Barcelona, the holders and conquerors last night of Milan. Also: After another gruelling day in the sun England were clinging on to their hopes of retaining their world No1 status yesterday, battling back late on the first day to give themselves a fighting chance of winning the second Test.

THE INDEPENDENT: The Chelsea midfielder Ramires said last night that the team had regained its "respect" after the departure of manager Andre Villas-Boas, as they prepare to reach the club's sixth Champions League semi-final in nine years in tonight's second leg against Chelsea. Also: Manchester City believe Real Madrid may be engaging in a deliberate campaign to unsettle Sergio Aguero and, with the future beyond this summer already uncertain for three of their strikers, the club will refuse any notion of the Argentine leaving for the Bernabeu.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Frank Lampard last night roared 'Bring on Barcelona' - just as Jose Mourinho wrote off Chelsea's hopes. Also: Sergio Aguero has declared he should be fit for Manchester City's make-or-break trip to Arsenal on Sunday...Dirk Kuyt and Maxi Rodriguez are likely to be the high-profile casualties of Liverpool's summer rebuilding.

DAILY STAR: Chelsea are on course for a titanic Champions League semi-final showdown with Barcelona. Also: Real Madrid believe an offer of £16.5m will land them either Glen Johnson or Kyle Walker...Darren Bent is still hoping for a frantic late dash on to England's Euro 2012 plane.

DAILY MIRROR: Frank Lampard put Chelsea on the road to a Champions League semi-final blockbuster against Barcelona. Also: Lee Westwood warmed up for the Masters - by negotiating a couple of tricky five-footers...Roberto Mancini is ready to swallow his pride in one last desperate title gamble.

DAILY EXPRESS: Frank Lampard's nerveless penalty and a late strike by Raul Meireles earned Chelsea a place in the semi-finals of the Champions League last night - and a date with Barcelona. Also: Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal has predicted sheer weight of numbers will ensure Europe's Masters drought ends this weekend.

DAILY MAIL: Chelsea set up a Champions League semi-final rematch with Barcelona by knocking out Benfica last night despite a late scare. Also: Dirk Kuyt is set to lead an Anfield exodus this summer as Liverpool begin the task of rebuilding their squad.

THE TIMES: Chelsea endured a frantic finale against ten-man Benfica last night to tee up a mouth-watering Champions League semi-final with Barcelona, a repeat of the clubs' infamous meeting at the same stage in 2009. Also: Dirk Kuyt could become the unexpected casualty of Liverpool's summer plans to overhaul their underperforming squad, with Maxi Rodriguez and Fabio Aurelio also set to leave the club.

THE GUARDIAN: Stamford Bridge, once again, feels like a happy place to be. Also: Real Madrid's destination was never in doubt, the question was which route they would take.

INDEPENDENT: In 2009, Chelsea and Barcelona met in the semi-final of the Champions League and Andres Iniesta broke Blue hearts in the third minute of stoppage time. Three years on, the two teams will meet again in the last four and it will be an achievement on the grandest scale if Roberto Di Matteo's charges exact revenge. Also: At a time when some of Europe's highest-spending clubs are waiting to see if any of their competitors might mount a legal challenge to Uefa's Financial Fair Play regime, the Football League appears likely to water down plans to introduce a stringent regime to the Championship from next season.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: And now for Barcelona. Chelsea last night advanced into the last four of the Champions League for the sixth time in nine years and, once again, will meet their old nemesis. Also: Owen Coyle has revealed that Fabrice Muamba is now able to walk as he continues his recovery from the cardiac arrest that almost killed him.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Lee Westwood was back on familiar territory last night, joining the leaders of the Masters after an explosive start to his first round at Augusta National. Also...Roberto Mancini has claimed he would punch Mario Balotelli every day if he was a team-mate of the Manchester City forward after he admitted he understood why senior players were becoming frustrated with the controversial Italian.

THE TIMES: Roberto Mancini admitted yesterday that if he had been a team-mate of Mario Balotelli he would have given the striker a "punch in the head" every day. Also...Arsene Wenger admitted yesterday that he has questioned himself this season, but believes his most experienced players have helped Arsenal through a rollercoaster campaign.

DAILY EXPRESS: Roberto Mancini admitted last night he would be tempted to punch bad boy Mario Balotelli if he was still a player. Also...Britain's Paul Lawrie paid tribute to his long-time coach Adam Hunter after firing two eagles in three holes to take an early lead at the Masters.

DAILY MAIL: The Football Association are expected to make an official approach inside the next fortnight to the man they hope will be the new England manager, with Harry Redknapp understood to be at the top of their list. Also...World number one Luke Donald survived a worrying scorecard muddle last night that at one point looked like getting him disqualified from the Masters.

THE SUN: Roberto Mancini reckons the title race could be over on Sunday. Also...Luke Donald was at the centre of a dramatic scorecard mix-up at the Masters last night.

DAILY MIRROR: Roberto Mancini admits Mario Balotelli frustrates him so much he could punch him. Also...Tiger Woods admitted his golf swing was a mess after shooting a level-par 72 in the first round of the Masters.

DAILY STAR: Paul Ince has held secret talks about becoming the new manager of Wolves. Also...John Terry is ready to risk his Euro 2012 dream and play for Chelsea with two cracked ribs.

THE INDEPENDENT: Tiger Woods was left ruing "some of the worst shots I've ever hit" as he struggled to a level-par first round at Augusta yesterday. Also...In the glorious history of Test cricket, there has probably never been an over like it.

THE GUARDIAN: Just another fascinating Thursday at Augusta National, a day when the "Tiger and Rory show" opened to mixed reviews and Lee Westwood planted his flag at the top of the leaderboard in the opening round of the 2012 Masters. Also...John Terry has declared himself available for Chelsea's cluttered fixture list despite a scan confirming the defender suffered two fractured ribs in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Benfica last week, an injury he went on to aggravate in the return fixture.

 

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THE SUN: Roberto Mancini believes he could be sacked in the summer if Manchester City do not win the title. Also: Lee Westwood's Masters bid was rocked by an 18th hole wobble.

DAILY MAIL: Papiss Cisse continued his remarkable scoring record with a third successive brace as Newcastle beat Swansea 2-0. Also: Chelsea have written to the FA, accusing them of putting supporter safety at risk by deciding to schedule their FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham at 6pm on Sunday.

DAILY MIRROR: Arsene Wenger claims Manchester City's cash means nothing if they can't cope with "money-time". Also: Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy suffered late drama, but are still in the running for Masters glory.

DAILY EXPRESS: Arsene Wenger has told Manchester City that, despite their millions, it is still United on the money with the title D-Day looming. Also: Roberto Mancini believes Manchester City have made enough progress this season to safeguard his future as their manager; Lee Westwood faces the ultimate test of nerve at the Masters as he seeks to land his first major at the age of 38.

DAILY STAR: Sir Alex Ferguson has taunted Manchester City and insisted they are running out of time to save their title bid. Also: Arsene Wenger reckons Manchester City will have blown the title because they didn't have the bottle to cope with the "money time"; Hotshot Papiss Cisse's double catapulted Newcastle into fifth place in the Premier League last night.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: The Augusta patrons joined last night in a sharp intake of breath. For Rory McIlroy, whom they had embraced 12 months ago in pity and whom they cheered yesterday in mass adoration, was back in the hunt at the Masters. Also: Victoria Pendleton overcame a sickening crash to win the sixth, final and most memorable world sprint crown of her career.

THE TIMES: Rory McIlroy, seeking redemption for his Masters meltdown in 2011, made all the right moves yesterday to get himself in the mix heading into the weekend at Augusta National. Also: Roberto Mancini is optimistic he will avoid being sacked at the end of the season, although if the Manchester City manager remains in charge he will have to plan ahead without a highly regarded lieutenant after it emerged last night that the club's technical director has resigned.

THE GUARDIAN: There is something about Fred Couples and August National. A marriage made in heaven perhaps? A beautiful romance, no doubt. Also: Roberto Mancini has admitted that he could lose his job but said that even if he were sacked as Manchester City manager he would still admire Khaldoon Al Mubarak and that any successor would be lucky to work with the club's chairman.

THE INDEPENDENT: Thirty years separate Fred Couples and Rory McIlroy, yet at golf's timeless arena there is but one single shot between the pair as they head into this Masters weekend. Also: Arsene Wenger introduced a new phrase to the lexicon of the title run-in yesterday when he said that Manchester United's ability to "deal with the money-time" was what separated them from rivals Manchester City.

 

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THE SUN: Mario Balotelli's tackle landed him on the front pages at the weekend. And a horror tackle on Arsenal's Alex Song has cost him his Manchester City career. Also: Paul Scholes kept up his inspired form to put Alex Ferguson's men on the brink of the title...Tiger Woods slumped to his worst Masters finish as a pro.

DAILY MIRROR: Roberto Mancini told Mario Balotelli he will never play for Manchester City again and blamed him for blowing the title. Also: The only race Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods had last night was the dash to the airport. Their on-course rivalry will have to wait.

DAILY STAR: Roberto Mancini last night told Mario Balotelli: You've played your last game for Manchester City. Also: Mark Hughes last night launched a furious attack on the standard of referees after his QPR side became the latest victim of their cock-ups.

DAILY EXPRESS: Mario Balotelli may have played his last game for Manchester City after being sent off in the 1-0 defeat at Arsenal yesterday that has all but ended the club's title challenge. Also: Ashley Young was touted as a potential Olympic diving partner for Tom Daley after being caught up in a cheat storm at Old Trafford yesterday...Sir Chris Hoy won his 11th World Track Championship title yesterday but admitted he had no idea how he had done it.

DAILY MAIL: Roberto Mancini watched Manchester City's title hopes all but disintegrate yesterday after a crushing defeat at Arsenal and admitted Mario Balotelli might not play for the club again. Also: As Manchester City collapse spectacularly and painfully, their closest neighbours and rivals roll on.

THE TIMES: Roberto Mancini said last night that he has run out of patience with Mario Balotelli. Also: Louis Oosthuizen got the final day of the 76th Masters off to the most dramatic of starts last night with a spectacular albatross at the par-five 2nd hole at Augusta National that set the tone for the day ahead.

THE GUARDIAN: Roberto Mancini suggested last night that Mario Balotelli has played his last game for Manchester City after their 1-0 defeat at Arsenal left his side eight points from the top of the Premier League and effectively curtailed the club's pursuit of a first league title in 44 years. Also: After winning the fourth world keirin title of his career with the most outrageous of moves in the final banking, Sir Chris Hoy hopes it has earned him a place in the event at London 2012.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Mario Balotelli wore gloves but he left his fingerprints all over the scene of the crime in north London, the scene surely of Manchester City's surrender to Manchester United in the race for the Premier League. Also: Mario Balotelli appears to have played his last game for Manchester City after Roberto Mancini declared that his wayward striker's season was over and that he would "probably" try to sell him this summer.

THE INDEPENDENT: Roberto Mancini opened the door to the possibility that Mario Balotelli could be sold this summer following a performance in which he was sent off for the second time this season in a 1-0 defeat that was catastrophic for Manchester City's title hopes. Also: Mark Hughes, the Queens Park Rangers manager, last night suggested that managers have lost faith in referees after the dubious dismissal of his captain, Shaun Derry, had rendered defeat even more inevitable to a Manchester United side who can now afford to lose two games and still be crowned Premier League champions.

 

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THE TIMES: Newcastle United's attempts to gatecrash the top four of the Barclays Premier League and secure an unlikely Champions League spot worth up to £40million gathered steam yesterday after they won and their main rivals both suffered setbacks. ALSO: Manchester City stand to lose about £60million if they manage to offload Mario Balotelli and at least three other unwanted strikers this summer.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Clint Dempsey headed his 16th Premier League goal of the season to earn Fulham a thoroughly deserved point against Chelsea last night. The real winners were Newcastle United in the race for the Champions League positions. ALSO: A contrite Mario Balotelli yesterday outlined his desire to remain at Manchester City and could still get the chance to redeem himself this season if he escapes a six-game ban for his extraordinary indiscipline against Arsenal.

THE INDEPENDENT: Mario Balotelli will find out today if he faces a potential nine-game ban - a decision dependent on whether or not the referee Martin Atkinson tells the Football Association he saw the Manchester City striker stamp on Alex Song in Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Arsenal. ALSO: They might be in the Champions League this season but with every mistake, and every point thrown away, Chelsea edge towards the catastrophe of failing to qualify for the competition next season.

THE GUARDIAN: Roberto Mancini is fighting for his future as the Manchester City manager. The Italian needs a convincing finish to the season to strengthen his case for a new contract. ALSO: Tony McCoy, the champion jockey, has spoken of his excitement at trying to make racing history by riding Synchronised to victory in the Grand National.

DAILY EXPRESS: Roberto Mancini is set for a summer clear-out if he can keep hold of his job as Manchester City boss. ALSO: Alan Pardew hailed his Newcastle heroes after their best Premier League run in six years took them level with fourth-placed Tottenham in the race for a Champions League slot.

DAILY MAIL: Newcastle were the big winners as the fight for fourth place and a £30million Champions League bounty took another twist last night. ALSO: Mario Balotelli is facing a nine-game 'totting up' ban after the FA revealed they are deciding whether to punish his studs-up tackle on Arsenal's Alex Song, which referee Martin Atkinson missed.

DAILY MIRROR: Harry Redknapp has conceded that rivals Arsenal are third-place favourites after Spurs' Bank Holiday shocker. ALSO: Newcastle are on course for the Champions League thanks to a piece of Barca magic by Hatem Ben Arfa.

THE SUN: Mario Balotelli last night said sorry to boss Roberto Mancini - and could now get one more chance to save his Manchester City career. ALSO: Chelsea will struggle to crack a chocolate Easter egg let alone the top four.

DAILY STAR: Newcastle notched up their fifth successive win with a 2-0 success against Bolton - and could be in Europe by Saturday night. ALSO: Mario Balotelli last night issued a public apology for his red-card shame - in a bid to save his Euro 2012 dream.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Brad Jones paid an emotional tribute to his sons on another Premier League night of raw emotion at Ewood Park. Also: Roberto Mancini has ordered his Manchester City side to win their last six games.

DAILY STAR: Roberto Mancini has told his shell-shocked players: 'Don't let Manchester United win the title on our ground.' Also: Liverpool's third-choice keeper Brad Jones paid a poignant tribute to his son last night.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: After this madcap match, the club that once boasted the illustrious goalkeeping likes of Tommy Lawrence, Ray Clemence and Bruce Grobbelaar go into Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Everton with their third-choice, Brad Jones, between the famous Wembley sticks and the England Under-17 goalkeeper, Tyrell Belford, likely to be on the bench. Also: England's Euro 2012 plans suffered another blow with the news that Jack Rodwell, the Everton midfielder, requires extensive treatment for a chronic hamstring condition and is unlikely to play until next season.

DAILY EXPRESS: Kenny Dalglish was plunged into an FA Cup goalkeeping crisis last night as Andy Carroll snatched a last-gasp winner for Liverpool as Blackburn. Also: Tottenham have called a team meeting to try to save their season ahead of the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea on Sunday.

THE INDEPENDENT: English football reacted with surprise and dismay yesterday when Mario Balotelli was given a reprieve for his stamp on Alex Song, meaning he will face no retrospective action for the foul but Shaun Derry's soft red card against Manchester United was allowed to stand. Also: Kenny Dalglish returned to Blackburn talking darkly of refereeing conspiracies. He would have left Ewood Park wondering whether Howard Webb would be warming up for Saturday's FA Cup semi-final from behind a grassy knoll.

DAILY MIRROR: AC Milan and Inter are preparing to slug it out this summer to take troubled striker Mario Balotelli back to Italy. Also: Andy Carroll's late header sent Liverpool into Saturday's FA Cup semi-final on a high - even though they have a keeper crisis.

THE TIMES: The debate over the competence of Barclays Premier League match officials escalated last night after Mario Balotelli escaped a six-match suspension for a dangerous challenge that his own manager felt deserved a red card. Also: It was hard to work out what was the most curious aspect of this topsy-turvy game: the sight of Liverpool rushing into a 2-0 lead, the turn of events that will see their third-choice goalkeeper play at Wembley on Saturday or the unexpected re-emergence in stoppage time of Andy Carroll as an aggressive centre forward, which deepened Blackburn Rovers' fear of relegation.

THE GUARDIAN: Mario Balotelli escaped a nine-match ban for his dangerous challenge on Arsenal's Alex Song on a farcical day for the Football Association's disciplinary procedures, which caused disbelief within the game and left many elite match officials disillusioned at the disquiet directed at their fraternity. Also: Wasps, one of the most successful clubs in the professional era, need to find £2m by the middle of next month or face going into administration after the eleventh-hour collapse of a takeover deal.

DAILY MAIL: English football's disciplinary system was shown to be a joke after Mario Balotelli escaped punishment for a horror tackle - minutes after Shaun Derry's appeal against a controversial red card was thrown out. Also: Arsenal are determined to land Fulham forward Clint Dempsey this summer after regular scouting reports since the turn of the year convinced Arsene Wenger he would fit perfectly into their system.

 

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THE SUN: Roberto Mancini saw his City side roar within five points of leaders United but insisted: We still can't win the title. Also: Manchester United got a huge boot up their title-chasing backsides last night. Also: Joey Barton last night made up with the QPR fans who booed him - by scoring against Swansea.

DAILY MAIL: They thought it was all over...but the race for the Barclays Premier League title was back on last night. Also: Brad Jones has spoken about his 18 months of anguish as the Liverpool goalkeeper insisted he would be ready for the biggest day of his career.

DAILY MIRROR: Wigan blew the title race wide open on a night Wayne Rooney was substituted after a lacklustre performance. Also: Carlos Tevez scored on his first start for seven months to fire City back into the title hunt. Also: Juventus aim to gear up for a return to the Champions League with a summer swoop for Nemanja Vidic and Fernando Torres.

DAILY EXPRESS: Wigan breathed life into the title race last night when they inflicted a first Premier League loss on Manchester United since January 4. Also: Bernie Ecclestone has spoken to the leader of one of the Bahrain protest groups and advised them that ruining the country's grand prix would turn people against them.

DAILY STAR: Shaun Maloney threw the title race back into the melting pot last night. Also: Carlos Tevez left Manchester City wondering what might have been as he celebrated his first start in eight months with his first goal of the season. Also: Robin van Persie took just nine minutes to get back among the goals and pile on the misery for downtrodden Wolves.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Roberto Mancini will still need a comeback worthy of Lazarus and a Manchester United capitulation worthy of, well, Manchester City to seize the Premier League crown, but his side recovered their form with an empathic victory over West Bromwich Albion. Also: Fifa has made it clear that all national associations, including the English FA, are free to review their disciplinary procedures this summer so that retrospective action could be widened to include incidents such as Mario Balotelli's tackle on Alex Song.

THE TIMES: Wigan Athletic threw the title race open last night with their first ever victory over Manchester United at the DW Stadium. Also: Mohamed Al Fayed, the Fulham chairman, joined the chorus of criticism over the standard of referring in the Barclays Premier League yesterday, writing to the FA to accuse officials of being in thrall to the county's most powerful clubs.

THE GUARDIAN: So much for the procession towards title number 20, Manchester United's eight-point lead was cut to five as relegation-haunted Wigan Athletic produced a stunning win to enhance their hopes of survival and perhaps those of Roberto Mancini as manager of Manchester City. Also: Uefa caused outrage yesterday after fining Manchester City £24,735 for being one minute late back on to the pitch - around £8,000 more than Porto were charged for their fans directing racist abuse at Mario Balotelli and Yaya Toure a month earlier.

THE INDEPENDENT: The gap at the top of the Premier League narrowed to just five points last night as Manchester City beat West Bromwich Albion 4-0 at home to make ground on their rivals Manchester United who were beaten 1-0 at Wigan Athletic. Also: The Fulham chairman, Mohamed Al-Fayed, last night launched a scathing attack on the standard of referees in the Premier League and accused officials of being "all too easily influenced" by the "more powerful clubs and individual owners".

 

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THE SUN: Kenny Dalglish was last night assured his job is safe - for the immediate future. Also: Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has launched a scathing attack on Manchester City.

DAILY STAR: Kenny Dalglish has been told his Liverpool job is safe after he survived a mass cull at Anfield. Also: Branislav Ivanovic last night lost his appeal against a three-game ban as Chelsea's FA Cup and top-four hopes were hit.

DAILY MAIL: Kenny Dalglish has been told his job is safe after Damien Comolli was made a scapegoat for Liverpool's wretched Premier League campaign. Also: Chelsea must confront Gareth Bale minus defender Branislav Ivanovic in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham.

DAILY MIRROR: Liverpool's owners sacked Damien Comolli as director of football yesterday for his failure in the transfer market. Also: Manchester City have been branded a team of individuals whose lack of spirit has cost them the title.

DAILY EXPRESS: Kenny Dalglish has been left under no illusions that Liverpool's form must improve dramatically after the club's American owners demonstrated their ruthless streak by sacking director of football Damien Comolli. Also: England are urgently looking for a backs coach after the collapse of the RFU's pursuit of Andy Farrell from Saracens yesterday.

THE GUARDIAN: Tom Werner, the Liverpool chairman, has confirmed Kenny Dalglish retains the full support of Fenway Sports Group despite the exorbitant transfer policy that cost Damien Comolli his job as director of football at Anfield. Also: England are set to appoint a temporary backs coach for the summer tour to South Africa after Andy Farrell put club before country and opted to remain with Saracens. Wayne Smith, a member of the All Blacks' World Cup-winning management team, is the favourite to succeed him in the long term.

THE TIMES: Kenny Dalglish has been told that his job is safe, but the Liverpool manager has been left under no illusions about Fenway Sports Group's ruthlessness after the club's owners dismissed Damien Comolli as director of football. Also: After revitalising Manchester United's Barclays Premier League campaign, Paul Scholes is sure to be considered for an England recall, according to Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, his Manchester United team-mates.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Kenny Dalglish was given a stark warning of the consequences of a dismal Liverpool league performance after the club's American owners on Thursday sacked director of football Damien Comolli. Also: Chelsea have suffered a significant blow ahead of Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur after Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic's three-match ban for violent conduct was upheld by the Football Association.

INDEPENDENT: Kenny Dalglish last night said he accepted full responsibility for the £112m worth of signings that have led to Liverpool's director of football, Damien Comolli, losing his job on the eve of their biggest game of the season - tomorrow's FA Cup semi-final with Everton. Also: The feelgood factor may be nice while it lasts, but it leaves a bad feeling when it suddenly disappears. Andy Farrell, the former Great Britain rugby league captain who took his first steps as a Test coach during the Six Nations and was instrumental in restoring England's reputation in the eyes of supporters who pretty much gave up on them during five weeks of World Cup purgatory last autumn, yesterday severed his links with the national team.

 

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DAILY EXPRESS: Roberto Di Matteo has broken the Premier League gag to reveal Chelsea's England players want Harry Redknapp to be appointed national team manager. Also: David Moyes sends Everton into an FA Cup semi-final showdown against Liverpool today adamant that the whole country wants his players to lift the trophy.

DAILY STAR: David Moyes last night told Kenny Dalglish: The whole country wants us to beat you. Also: Roberto Di Matteo last night risked a row with Tottenham and landed himself in hot water with the Premier League by backing Harry Redknapp for the England job.

DAILY MAIL: Liverpool suffered a pre-Wembley setback yesterday after being warned their bold ambition to recruit Johan Cruyff is doomed to fail. Also: Manchester United's peculiar £7.5million transfer of misfit striker Bebe is being investigated by anti-corruption police in Portugal, it emerged last night.

DAILY MIRROR: David Moyes believes the entire country is behind Everton's bid to humble rich neighbours Liverpool at Wembley today. Also: Bookies are running scared of a £10million hammering as a gamble on Girl Power gathers pace ahead of today's John Smith's Grand National at Aintree.

THE SUN: Luis Suarez admits he would repeat his shameful World Cup handball at Wembley today. Also: Luis Suarez last night told Kenny Dalglish: Play me alongside Andy Carroll.

THE GUARDIAN: David Moyes believes Everton have the support of the neutrals in their FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed Roberto Mancini's mind games will not affect his Manchester United players.

THE INDEPENDENT: A lack of silverware irks Everton manager David Moyes, who is delighted to be the underdog today. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has said that Manchester United are too experienced to be drawn into any mind games.

DAILY STAR: David Moyes last night told Kenny Dalglish: The whole country wants us to beat you. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson last night taunted Roberto Mancini and said: 'Keep your mind games - they don't fool me.'

THE TIMES: Police in Portugal have launched an investigation into the controversial move of Bebe to Manchester United. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Roberto Mancini that "mind games" will not wash with him or his players.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Jamie Carragher says criticism of Kenny Dalglish has crossed the line. Also: Alex King, the Clermont Auvergne assistant coach, has emerged as the front-runner to replace Andy Farrell.

 

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Latest Paper Talk at 10:58 BST


SUNDAY APRIL 15

THE SUN

Mario Balotelli is ready to see a psychiatrist to save his Manchester City career.

Edin Dzeko wants Luka Modric to join Manchester City this summer.

Everton loanee Royston Drenthe is ready to cross the city to join Liverpool.

Chelsea's £8m keeper Thibaut Courtois wants to stay another season out in Spain.

Manchester City are after Ander Herrera, labelled the 'Spanish Steven Gerrard' for £16million.

Vedran Corluka wants to quit Tottenham and join Bayer Leverkusen in a permanent deal.

THE PEOPLE

Spurs will cash in on Luka Modric if they miss out on a Champions League place.

Roberto Mancini has already lined-up a replacement for Carlos Tevez - Newcastle sensastion Papiss Cisse.

Sir Alex Ferguson's interest in Athletic Bilbao winger Iker Muniain is hotting up.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is ready to swoop for Swedish star Rasmus Elm.

Norwich boss Paul Lambert is eyeing up a double summer swoop for Burnley hitman Jay Rodriguez and Wolves centre-half Roger Johnson.

West Brom will consider handing Michael Kightly a Premier League lifeline.

Derby boss Nigel Clough wants to snap up striker Simon Cox.

Blackpool will fight it out with Charlton for Fleetwood's £1million-rated striker Jamie Vardy.

Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is ready to send Connor Wickham and Keiren Westwood out on loan next season.

Evergreen Reading star Ian Harte is a target for Sam Allardyce at West Ham.

Spurs are looking at Scunthorpe keeper Sam Slocombe as cover for Brad Friedel.

Leeds boss Neil Warnock is ready to make a £500,000 move for Leicester centre-half Sol Bamba.

Ipswich want Sheffield Wednesday striker Gary Madine.

Everton are tracking Portuguese right-back Miguel Lopes.

Jussi Jaaskelainen has been offered a two-year contract by Bolton amid interest from West Ham and West Brom.

SUNDAY MIRROR

Gael Givet refused to play as Blackburn Rovers slid even closer to relegation with defeat at Swansea.

Bayern Munich are set to hand Manchester City misfit Edin Dzeko a return to Germany.

West Brom, Aston Villa and Stoke are keeping tabs on Jamie O'Hara's future.

Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray has warned of pay-cuts and a summer shake-up.

SUNDAY EXPRESS

Manchester United are lining up a £20million bid for Athletic Bilbao's exciting winger Iker Muniain.

Manchester City are preparing a summer raid on Newcastle for their latest goalscoring sensation Papiss Cisse.

SUNDAY MAIL

Artur Boruc last night revealed he wants to rejoin Celtic.

 

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THE SUN: Ref Martin Atkinson said sorry to Harry Redknapp for awarding Chelsea a ghost goal that wrecked Spurs' FA Cup hopes at Wembley. Also: Ashley Young sparked another cheat storm last night following his theatrical tumble against Aston Villa.

DAILY MAIL: Harry Redknapp accused Martin Atkinson of guessing after the referee incorrectly awarded Chelsea a 'ghost goal' in their 5-1 demolition of Tottenham last night. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson last night warned Ashley Young that he is in danger of being branded a diver after the Manchester United winger won his second controversial penalty in the space of a week.

DAILY MIRROR: Martin Atkinson apologised to Spurs for Wembley's greatest goal-line controversy since the 1966 World Cup final. Also: Ashley Young was at the heart of a fresh diving controversy last night after winning another dodgy penalty for Manchester United.

DAILY EXPRESS: Spurs boss Harry Redknapp was left raging last night at the goal that never was - as Chelsea booked a fourth FA Cup final in six years. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson warned Ashley Young he is in danger of gaining a reputation as a 'diver' after Manchester United were caught up in another cheat storm yesterday.

DAILY STAR: Blunder ref Martin Atkinson last night issued a grovelling apology to Tottenham after his FA Cup howler. Atkinson awarded Chelsea a goal that never was as they romped to a semi-final victory against Spurs. Also: Ashley Young was in the spotlight again after winning ANOTHER controversial penalty for Manchester United.

THE GUARDIAN: Harry Redknapp suggested he had received an apology from the referee Martin Atkinson over the phantom goal that played a part in Chelsea beating his Tottenham Hotspur team 5-1 in the FA Cup semi-final but it did nothing to soften his pain. Also: There may be drama yet in the struggle for the Premier League title, but it was banished from Old Trafford as Manchester United re-established a five-point lead with this 4-0 victory over Aston Villa.

THE INDEPENDENT: It was a frantic, fiery, no-holds-barred kind of FA Cup semi-final between clubs that cannot stand the idea of one another and two teams whose form has soared and dipped this season. Such a pity it will be remembered for a stupid refereeing mistake that could so easily have been avoided. Also: Roberto Mancini said he had no faith in Aston Villa's ability to keep Manchester United's lead down to two points and Mystic Mancio was proved more right than he could ever have feared.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham manager, has accused referee Martin Atkinson of "guessing" for his award of Chelsea's crucial second goal yesterday and called for the immediate introduction of goal-line technology. Also: Manchester United might be falling over themselves to win the Premier League title at Manchester City in two weeks' time, but Ashley Young's inability to stay on his feet could yet be the X factor which carries them over the line.

THE TIMES: Harry Redknapp has accused Martin Atkinson of guessing before awarding Juan Mata's controversial goal in the FA Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley yesterday. Also: The driver who had not won in his Formula One career took victory in the car they tried to ban for a team who have waited 57 years and spent hundreds of millions of pounds trying to relive old glory.

 

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Daily Star: Roberto Martinez's Wigan stunned Arsenal last night to boost their hopes of Premier League survival. Also: England captain Scott Parker last demanded cock-up referee Martin Atkinson be punished for his Wembley howler.

Daily Mirror: Andres Iniesta admits Barcelona will face a Chelsea side looking for Champions League revenge. Also: Players' union boss Gordon Taylor last night sensationally claimed financial pressure had turned players into divers.

Daily Express: Roberto Di Matteo has already made his pitch to keep the Chelsea manager's job after being interviewed by their technical director. Also: Wigan, who earned Premier League survival on the final day of last season, gave themselves a relegation lifeline with a stunning win at the Emirates.

Daily Mail: Fabrice Muamba left hospital yesterday just 30 days after his dramatic collapse at White Hart Lane - and his Bolton manager Owen Coyle believes he may even play again. Also: No sooner did Arsene Wenger step into the debate about diving than his team seemed to take one against a side slaying all before them in a desperate bid to preserve their status.

The Sun: Arsenal blew the chance to take a giant step nearer the Champions League as they were stunned by struggling Wigan. Also: Andy Carroll has shot down the cynics who wrote him off as a hard-drinking wild man.

The Independent: Fear cost Chelsea in the 2009 Champions League semi-final, says Dani Alves. Also: Scott Parker has admitted that Tottenham will have "failed'' if they do not qualify for next season's Champions League.

The Times: Chelsea's preparations for tomorrow's Champions League semi-final against Barcelona suffered a setback yesterday with the news that David Luiz will miss the match. Also: Scott Parker has admitted that Harry Redknapp has started to doubt his Tottenham players.

The Guardian: Liverpool supporters face major travel difficulties for next month's FA Cup Final. Also: Chelsea play with fear and lack courage, says Dani Alves.

Daily Telegraph: Liverpool striker Andy Carroll says he has consigned his boozy image to history. Also: The Chelsea centre-back, David Luiz, is resigned to missing tomorrow's Champions League semi-final.

 

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THE SUN: Frank Lampard insists Chelsea will not be driven out of the Champions League by fear. Also: Mikele Leigertwood fired Reading into Premier League dreamland last night.

DAILY STAR: Robin Van Persie's Arsenal future has been plunged into further doubt after he was spotted meeting Barcelona officials in London. Also: Alex McLeish is facing a fight to hang on to his job.

DAILY MAIL: Cesc Fabregas lit the fuse on tonight's European showdown by claiming Chelsea have reverted to long-ball tactics under their interim boss Roberto Di Matteo. Also: Robin Van Persie had tongues wagging when he was spotted slipping out of Barcelona's team hotel late on Monday night.

DAILY MIRROR: Frank Lampard last night admitted Chelsea must stop Lionel Messi to stand any chance of reaching the Champions League final. Also: David Beckham has moved a step closer to fulfilling his last great career dream of playing for Britain in the London Olympics.

DAILY EXPRESS: Cesc Fabregas last night revealed why he thinks Chelsea have reached the Champions League semi-final - because they have become a long-ball team again. Also: Roberto Di Matteo last night declared that if Chelsea produce two "perfect" performances, they can overcome the mighty Barcelona and reach the final of the Champions League.

THE GUARDIAN: Roberto Di Matteo has conceded Chelsea must summon "two perfect games" if they are to get past Barcelona and into the Champions League final, but he has urged his team to play without fear and draw conviction from their own recent resurgent form.

THE TIMES: Tom Henning Ovrebo, the referee the last time Chelsea met Barcelona in a Champions League semi-final, has admitted that his mistakes cost the London side a place in the 2009 final.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Chelsea face the perfect storm that is Barcelona's attacking whirlwind of Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Dani Alves needing "two perfect games" to progress to the Champions League final, according to their interim head coach Roberto Di Matteo.

INDEPENDENT: Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas raised the stakes ahead of tonight's Champions League semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge when he said that Chelsea had tried to change under Andre Villas-Boas but had reverted back to their old tried and trusted direct style since his dismissal.

 

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THE SUN: Didier Drogba was saluted 'n booted after his winner stunned Barcelona. Also: Manchester City are close to snapping up Athletic Bilbao hitman Fernando Llorente for £30million... John Madejski insists Reading's new Russian owners are setting their sights on European qualification.

DAILY STAR: Didier Drogba has handed Chelsea the chance of grabbing a Champions League final spot. Also: Manchester United have revived their interest in Luka Modric.

DAILY MIRROR: Didier Drogba proved there is life in the old Drog yet as Chelsea pulled off a remarkable victory. Also: Luis Suarez says Liverpool will emerge stronger and better for the turmoil they have suffered this season.

DAILY EXPRESS: Didier Drogba led Chelsea to one of their greatest nights at Stamford Bridge as they beat the holders Barcelona in their Champions League semi-final first leg last night. Also: Reading had the mother of all parties after they secured their return to the Premier League.

THE GUARDIAN: Chelsea will take a narrow, yet precious, lead with them to Camp Nou. Also: Laurent Blanc has suggested he may be prepared to walk away from his position as France manager if talks with the national federation over an extension to his current deal remain at an impasse and an "exceptional challenge" is put to him by a leading club side.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Didier Drogba spent periods of this match horizontal but like a good heavyweight he rose from the canvas to land a hugely significant blow on Barcelona. Also: Premier League corporate investigators are conducting inquiries into Russian tycoon Anton Zingarevich's takeover of Reading, who have just secured promotion from the Championship.

THE TIMES: Didier Drogba gained partial revenge over Barcelona last night to give Chelsea real hope of reaching the Champions League final for the second time.

DAILY MAIL: Didier Drogba salutes the Stamford Bridge crowd after scoring the goal that puts Chelsea within touching distance of the Champions League final.

INDEPENDENT: Chelsea will take a crucial advantage into the Champions League semi-final second leg next week after defeating Barcelona 1-0 in the first leg Stamford Bridge last night.

 

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DAILY MAIL Disgraced sprinter Dwain Chambers will be free to compete at the London Olympics when a landmark drugs ruling finds in his favour next week. Also: England a planning a 'home' friendly against Italy in Switzerland in a move that is sure to trigger outrage among club managers.

DAILY TELEGRAPH Barcelona's sporting board has made Gareth Bale its priority summer transfer target and will urge manager Pep Guardiola to sanction the signing of the Tottenham Hotspur player. Also: Petr Cech has admitted Chelsea's ultra-defensive tactics against Barcelona on Wednesday took a huge "psychological" toll on their players.

DAILY MIRROR Roberto Di Matteo could be two games away from landing the Chelsea job - but there is no way back for the 'old guard'. Also: Ashley Young has been warned by Manchester United legend Bryan Robson he risks being branded a diver by officials.

THE TIMES Formula One was forced to step up security last night as widespread civil unrest erupted in Bahrain before the grand prix on Sunday. Also: Andy Farrell's decision to reject the chance to become an England coach was prompted by the RFU's "derisory" offer of only £60,000 compensation for the remaining two years of his contract with Saracens, the Times can reveal.

THE SUN Wayne Rooney has fired a Twitter blast at Didier Drogba - telling him: Stop diving. Also: Manchester United fans have turned on Ashley Young, slamming his diving as a 'disgrace'.

THE INDEPENDENT Didier Drogba has told Chelsea he does not want further talks on his future until the end of the season, leaving it ever more likely that the 34-year-old striker, who has been such a key figure in the club's two semi-final wins over the last six days, will leave for nothing in the summer. Also: Manchester City's Adam Johnson may have to convince his club that he is capable of putting football before his lifestyle if he is to be retained beyond the end of this season.

THE GUARDIAN The paddock at the Sakhir circuit was in the clammy grip of a grim apprehension last night following the flight home of two members of the Force India team and amid reports of escalating violence in the capital, Manama. Also: The possibility of Chelsea winning the Champions League is likely to induce extreme nervousness in the Premier League, according to Alan Pardew.

DAILY EXPRESS Chelsea will push ahead with dramatic plans for a changing of the guard even though Didier Drogba and Co have rescued their season. Also: Kenny Dalglish has demanded Liverpool fans are shown more respect as they face yet more Wembley chaos.

DAILY STAR Bolton boss Owen Coyle believes miracle man Fabrice Muamba can play in the Premier League again. Also: Didier Drogba is quitting Chelsea at the end of the season - even if he fires them to Champions League glory.

 

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THE SUN

Spurs are trying to persuade Luka Modric to sign a new contract that will keep him out of the clutches of Chelsea and Manchester City.

Arsene Wenger has given Arsenal a four-day window in May to seal Robin van Persie's future.

Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel is a target for Spurs and Schalke.

Roberto Mancini will be Manchester City manager next season - whatever the outcome of the title race.

DAILY STAR

Tony Pulis feels Newcastle could struggle to hang onto top scorer Demba Ba.

There are serious concerns about Steven N'Zonzi's long-term future at Blackburn after a bust-up with boss Steve Kean.

DAILY EXPRESS

Arsene Wenger has set Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis a four-day window to sort out the future of Robin van Persie at the end of the season.

DAILY MIRROR

Arsene Wenger has given Robin van Persie a 72-hour deadline to resolve his Arsenal future.

Roberto Di Matteo has urged Chelsea chiefs to consider giving Didier Drogba the deal he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Leeds boss Neil Warnock last night dumped Republic of Ireland international Darren O'Dea.

DAILY MAIL

Danny Simpson is preparing to quit Newcastle this summer.

Mark Hughes has told Gareth Bale to ignore the advances of Barcelona and stay at Spurs until he is more mature.

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is resurrecting his interest in Manchester City defender Micah Richards.

Paul Pogba will have the final say on his future after Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed Manchester United have agreed terms on a new deal with his agent. Juventus are also chasing the midfielder.

DAILY RECORD

Northern Ireland international keeper Alan Mannus is set to sign on for another 12 months at St Johnstone.

James Fowler insists it's far more important for Kilmarnock to tie down manager Kenny Shiels than it is to sort out his own future.

Danny Lennon believes hitkid Kenny McLean can earn St Mirren their biggest windfall since the sale of Ian Ferguson.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Roll on April 30. Get ready for a manic Monday in Manchester next week: City versus united, noisy neighbours versus the champions, Carlos Tevez versus Wayne Rooney at an all-ticket, all-chanting Etihad. Also: Wolves manager Terry Connor had to fight back tears as he spoke of the crushing disappointment of the club's relegation after three years in the Premier League.

THE TIMES: With the Manchester derby next Monday now a virtual championship shoot-out, Roberto Mancini attempted to keep the pressure off his players last night by maintaining that ''only one team can win this title''. Also: They were braced for bombs and bullets and instead a motor race broke out.

DAILY STAR: Stunned Sir Alex Ferguson is bracing himself for the biggest Manchester derby in history. Also: Robin van Persie was last night crowned the PFA Player of the Year.

THE GUARDIAN: Sir Alex Ferguson admitted it was ''game on'' in the title race after Manchester United twice surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 4-4 with Everton and hand the Premier League initiative back to Manchester City. Also: Roberto Mancini is insistent that Manchester United will be Premier League champions.

THE SUN: Alex Ferguson saw Manchester United lose their grip on the title and admitted: We've thrown it away. Also: McLaren are to probe another pit-stop shocker after Lewis Hamilton was denied a chance to win (in Bahrain).

DAILY MIRROR: Sir Alex Ferguson hailed next Monday's Manchester derby as the biggest of all time. Also: Real Madrid star Xabi Alonso last night told Chelsea they need no longer fear Lionel Messi and Barcelona.

DAILY MAIL: The Manchester rivals are facing a derby day title showdown next Monday after City pulled to within three points of United. Also: Kenny Dalglish's Barclays Premier League nightmare at Liverpool suffered another demoralising blow as Roy Hodgson returned to haunt his old club... Robin van Persie was last night named PFA Player of the Year.

DAILY EXPRESS: Furious Sir Alex Ferguson admitted Manchester United's calamitous defending has handed the title initiative to neighbours City. Also: Roberto Di Matteo has hit back at critics of Chelsea's recent performances, claiming they have made his team out to be ''the worst in England''.

THE INDEPENDENT: Sir Alex Ferguson conceded that Manchester United's visit to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium a week today will be the biggest derby the two clubs have ever known after United failed to beat Everton at Old Trafford yesterday. Also: Chelsea head for Catalonia for tomorrow's Champions League semi-final second leg in far better shape than opponents Barcelona, having enjoyed an encouraging dress rehearsal at the Emirates yesterday.