Allardyce named Blackburn manager

Blackburn Rovers have appointed Sam Allardyce as their new manager on a three-year contract.

The Lancashire club sacked Paul Ince on Tuesday and said they wanted a new boss for Saturday's home game against Stoke.

Neil McDonald, who was at Bolton with Allardyce, is the new assistant boss, while former assistant Ray Mathias and first-team coach Archie Knox make way.

Allardyce, 54, had been out of work since being dismissed as manager of Newcastle on 9 January.

McDonald worked with Allardyce at Bolton, but Ray Mathias and first-team coach Archie Knox have been sacked.

Allardyce has been out of work since he was dismissed as manager of Newcastle United on 9 January.

"Rovers are delighted to announce the appointment of Sam Allardyce as manager," said a club statement.

The new manager will be officially unveiled at the 1600 GMT news conference on Thursday.

"I'm very pleased indeed, I'll say more at the news conference on Thursday," said 54-year-old Allardyce.

Ince was dismissed by Rovers after only 17 Premier League games in charge.

Rovers are second from bottom of the Premier League and have not won in the league since they defeated Newcastle on 27 September.

After a winning start under Ince's tenure, Rovers have won only three of their top-flight matches this season and are on a run of 11 straight games without a victory.

Premier League Transfer news and gossip

Mon 15th Dec 2008

New Real Madrid boss Juande Ramos wants to bring Aston Villa's Ashley Young to the Bernabeu, but the club fear they may have to pay up to £27m for the in-form winger. The Spanish giants have already enquired about Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra and have been told they must pay £18m. (Spanish newspaper Marca, 1210 GMT)

Blackburn manager Paul Ince's job is hanging by a thread after their run of defeats continued against Wigan on Saturday - and former Rovers boss Graeme Souness is the clear favourite to replace him. (Daily Mirror)

Souness will return on a short-term basis and his backroom staff would include popular Blackburn midfielder Tugay. (Daily Mirror)

The prospect of Souness returning has met with opposition on Blackburn's board because of the way he left the club to take charge at Newcastle in 2004. (The Guardian)

The directors at Ewood Park are split over who should succeed Ince, with ex-Bolton boss Sam Allardyce and former Charlton manager Alan Curbishley also being considered. (Daily Mirror)

Allardyce has ruled himself out of the Blackburn job if it does become vacant. (The Sun)

Burnley boss Owen Coyle is also among the contenders for the Rovers post. (Daily Telegraph)

Most of the Blackburn squad flew to Dublin for their Christmas party following Saturday's 3-0 defeat by the Latics but Ince did not join them. (Daily Mirror)

Some Rovers players, including striker Roque Santa Cruz, did not travel to Dublin either. (Daily Mail)

Allardyce is keen on the Black Cats job but is yet to be approached by the Wearsiders. (Various)

Sunderland's caretaker manager Ricky Sbragia could stay in charge until after Christmas as the club continue their search for Roy Keane's successor. (The Times)

Manchester City will have to pay £18m to capture Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz because of a clause in the Paraguayan striker's contract. (Daily Mirror)

Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho has hinted that striker Adriano will be allowed to leave the San Siro in the transfer window - sparking rumours of a possible swap deal for Chelsea front-man Didier Drogba. (The Sun)

Middlesbrough will demand Wales international left-back Gareth Bale from Tottenham as part of a £15m deal for Stewart Downing, who has become Spurs manager Harry Redknapp's top January target. (Daily Mirror)

Celtic are set to scupper Birmingham's hopes of signing highly rated Hungarian winger Szabolcs Huszti but Everton, Bolton and Blackburn are also watching the Hannover star. (Daily Mail)

Manchester United are set to pull out of a deal for Partizan Belgrade's Serbian winger Zoran Tosic in a row over his personal terms. (Daily Mirror)

Everton are keen on Wolves striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake but Molineux boss Mick McCarthy says the Championship leaders will not be selling any of their stars. (The Guardian)

Tottenham have made an £8m offer for Bordeaux striker Fernando Cavenaghi. (Daily Mirror)

West Ham midfielder Nigel Quashie wants to turn his loan stint at Birmingham into a permanent move. (The Sun)

Bolton are weighing up a bid of about £3m for Hearts defender Christophe Berra. (Daily Record)

Preston boss Alan Irvine is keen to sign on-loan Scotland defender Ross Wallace on a permanent basis from Sunderland. (Daily Record)

Owen offered new contract

Newcastle have offered England striker Michael Owen a new contract to extend his stay at St James' Park.

Owen's current deal ends in the summer of 2009 - when he could walk away from the Magpies for free.

The 29-year-old has scored 29 goals for Newcastle since joining the club from Real Madrid for £17m in 2005.

Magpies manager Joe Kinnear has already said Owen will not be sold in the January transfer window - even if he cannot agree terms on a new contract.

Owen scored in Newcastle's 3-0 win over Portsmouth on Sunday and Kinnear said afterwards: "Michael knows I want him to stay and we won't be accepting any offers for him.

"There is no point in taking any money for Michael when he can score 15 or 20 goals a season for us."

It is understood the Magpies have presented the terms of the deal to Owen's representatives and are now awaiting their response.

Premier League Results for 14th Dec 2008

Chelsea	1-1 (HT 0-1)	West Ham
Anelka 51		Bellamy 33
Bookings: Mikel 21 Ballack 33 A Cole 37		Bookings: Cole 40 Bellamy 45+1

Chelsea missed the chance to go top of the Premier League as Gianfranco Zola's West Ham held on for a spirited draw.

Craig Bellamy volleyed the visitors in front, with Chelsea claiming Mark Noble had handled the ball in the build-up.

The introduction of Didier Drogba inspired Chelsea and Nicolas Anelka levelled after a neat one-touch move.

Frank Lampard wanted a penalty after he appeared to be tripped by Lucas Neill, while Carlton Cole had a great chance to win it for West Ham at the death.

It was a frustrating afternoon for Luiz Felipe Scolari's Chelsea side who failed to turn their dominance into goals. But for the Hammers, the point was reward for an industrious and determined performance, typified by former Blue Scott Parker.

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, Ashley Cole, Mikel (Belletti 80), Deco, Ballack (Drogba 46), Lampard, Joe Cole (Kalou 74), Anelka.
Subs Not Used: Hilario, Ivanovic, Bridge, Ferreira.

Booked: Mikel, Ballack, Ashley Cole.

Goals: Anelka 51.

West Ham: Green, Neill, Upson, Davenport, Ilunga, Collison (Boa Morte 87), Parker, Noble (Mullins 72), Behrami, Bellamy (Di Michele 90), Cole.
Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Faubert, Tristan, Sears.

Booked: Cole, Bellamy.

Goals: Bellamy 33.

Att: 41,675

Ref: Mike Riley (Yorkshire).

---

Portsmouth	0-3 (HT 0-0)	Newcastle
		Owen 52 Martins 77 Guthrie 89
Bookings: Distin 38 James 78 Davis 85 Defoe 88		Bookings: Gutierrez 70

Newcastle made Portsmouth pay for missed chances as they convincingly ended a five-game winless run.

Jermain Defoe could easily have scored a hat-trick, but he and Peter Crouch wasted several good chances for Pompey.

Obafemi Martins hit the post in the first half, before Michael Owen put Newcastle in front after the break with a superb chipped finish.

Martins slotted in the second before Danny Guthrie turned Shola Ameobi's cross through the hands of David James.

Newcastle's impressive performance belied their lowly Premier League position, but it could have so easily gone in Portsmouth's favour if they had not been so wasteful in front of goal.

The home side enjoyed the better start as they stroked the ball around confidently, but the visitors were always a threat on the counter-attack.

Owen had the first real chance, but his first-time effort from Jonas Gutierrez's cross drifted harmlessly wide, while at the other end Defoe's attempted lob failed to trouble Shay Given.

Defoe was at it again as he tested the Newcastle goalkeeper with a fierce left-footed drive, while Crouch was wasteful from 25 yards.

Habib Beye missed arguably the best chance of the half for Newcastle as he headed Guthrie's well-delivered free-kick wide when unmarked.

Portsmouth: James, Pamarot, Campbell, Distin, Belhadj, Mvuemba (Armand Traore 58), Davis, Hughes (Kanu 70), Kranjcar, Crouch, Defoe.
Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Lauren, Hreidarsson, Nugent, Wilson.

Booked: Distin, James, Davis, Defoe.

Newcastle: Given, Beye, Bassong, Coloccini, Jose Enrique, Gutierrez, Butt, Guthrie, N'Zogbia, Martins (Ameobi 79), Owen.
Subs Not Used: Harper, Cacapa, Duff, Geremi, Taylor, Viduka.

Booked: Gutierrez.

Goals: Owen 52, Martins 77, Guthrie 89.

Att: 19,416

Ref: Chris Foy (Merseyside).

Premier League Results for 13th Dec 2008

Aston Villa	4-2 (HT 2-1)	Bolton
Agbonlahor 25 Davies o.g. 40 Agbonlahor 67 Young 78		Elmander 17 Davies 86
		Bookings: O'Brien 28

Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young inspired Aston Villa to a victory which took them above Arsenal into fourth.

Bolton took the lead through Johan Elmander's cute near-post backheel.

But Agbonlahor controlled a long ball before slotting in the equaliser and Villa went ahead when Kevin Davies headed into his own net.

Agbonlahor nodded in a brilliant Young cross and then set up his England team-mate for a deflected finish, before Davies headed a consolation for Bolton.

The hosts could even have had a fifth had referee Lee Probert spotted what looked an obvious penalty claim in the first half but that might have been too much for the Villa Park faithful, who had not seen a league goal since 9 November.

Aston Villa: Friedel, Cuellar, Laursen, Davies, Luke Young, Sidwell, Petrov, Barry, Milner (Reo-Coker 68), Agbonlahor (Shorey 87), Ashley Young (Harewood 81).
Subs Not Used: Guzan, Delfouneso, Knight, Gardner.

Goals: Agbonlahor 25, Davies 40 og, Agbonlahor 67, Ashley Young 78.

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, Andrew O'Brien, Samuel, Davies, McCann, Nolan, Muamba (Gardner 53), Taylor, Elmander (Smolarek 74).
Subs Not Used: Al Habsi, Riga, Shittu, Basham, Obadeyi.

Booked: Andrew O'Brien.

Goals: Elmander 17, Davies 86.

Att: 35,134.

Ref: Lee Probert (Wiltshire).

---

Liverpool	2-2 (HT 2-2)	Hull
Gerrard 24 Gerrard 32		McShane 12 Carragher o.g. 22
Bookings: El Zhar 83 Hyypia 88 Alonso 90+3		Bookings: McShane 25 Boateng 45+3 Marney 47

Steven Gerrard scored twice as league leaders Liverpool came back from two goals down against Hull in a match the Reds should have won after dominating.

Hull took a surprise lead when defender Paul McShane headed Marlon King's cross into the roof of the net.

A Jamie Carragher own goal then doubled Hull's lead before Gerrard's goals, both from six yards, levelled matters.

The Reds had the better of the second half, with a Sami Hyypia header hitting the post and Nabil El Zhar going close.

In the build-up to the match, Rafael Benitez predicted that Liverpool would have "an 80% possibility" of ending the season as champions if they were still leading the Premier League in three weeks.

That percentage will surely now have lowered after this draw, their third on the trot at Anfield following stalemates against West Ham and Stoke.

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Hyypia, Carragher, Dossena, Mascherano (Leiva Lucas 87), Alonso, Benayoun (El Zhar 74), Gerrard, Riera (Babel 82), Kuyt.
Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Agger, Keane, Ngog.

Booked: El Zhar, Hyypia, Alonso.

Goals: Gerrard 24, 32.

Hull: Myhill, McShane (Marney 27), Zayatte, Turner, Ricketts, Mendy, Ashbee, Boateng (Halmosi 66), Geovanni, Barmby (Windass 77), King.
Subs Not Used: Warner, Garcia, Cousin, Giannakopoulos.

Booked: McShane, Boateng, Marney.

Goals: McShane 12, Carragher 22 og.

Att: 43,835

Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire)

---

Man City	0-1 (HT 0-0)	Everton
		Cahill 90+2
		Bookings: Fellaini 90

Tim Cahill's winner deep into injury time gave Everton a dramatic victory against Manchester City at Eastlands.

Cahill rose to meet Leon Osman's corner to head past City's Joe Hart as the game looked certain to end in deadlock.

Mikel Arteta struck the bar with a free-kick early on and Shaun Wright-Phillips hit the woodwork for City.

Marouane Fellaini forced a fine save from Hart, while Everton's Tim Howard did well to deny Robinho and Stephen Ireland to set up the late win.

Everton boss David Moyes was ecstatic at the final whistle, especially after seeing his own side fall victim to an injury-time strike against Aston Villa last Saturday.

City, in contrast, were jeered off by their own fans, unhappy that they had been unable to break down an injury-hit Everton side.

Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Richards, Dunne, Ball, Ireland, Kompany, Elano, Wright-Phillips, Mwaruwari (Jo 46), Robinho (Vassell 82).
Subs Not Used: Schmeichel, Onuoha, Fernandes, Hamann, Ben-Haim.

Everton: Howard, Neville, Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott, Osman, Pienaar, Fellaini, Castillo, Arteta, Cahill.
Subs Not Used: Nash, Hibbert, Baines, Van der Meyde, Rodwell, Jutkiewicz, Gosling.

Booked: Fellaini.

Goals: Cahill 90.

Att: 41,344

Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).

---

Middlesbrough	1-1 (HT 1-1)	Arsenal
Aliadiere 29		Adebayor 17
		Bookings: Diaby 47

Arsenal's Premier League title hopes suffered another blow as they were held to a draw at Middlesbrough.

Emmanuel Adebayor headed the visitors in front after 17 minutes from Cesc Fabregas's corner.

But Boro hit back and former Gunners striker Jeremie Aliadiere headed a fine equaliser from Tuncay Sanli's fierce cross 12 minutes later.

Robin van Persie wasted a good chance after the break, while keeper Manuel Almunia parried Stewart Downing's shot.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will view this as two points wasted as they try to keep in touch with the title pace-setters - seeing his side dominate possession but fail to take advantage.

Boro boss Gareth Southgate saw his revamped defence hold firm in the closing stages to earn a valuable point.

Middlesbrough: Turnbull, McMahon, Riggott, Huth, Pogatetz, Johnson (Emnes 90), Digard (Shawky 90), Arca, Downing, Sanli, Aliadiere. Subs Not Used: Jones, Alves, Bates, Hines, Grounds.

Goals: Aliadiere 29.

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Djourou, Clichy, Denilson, Fabregas, Song Billong, Diaby (Bendtner 82), Van Persie, Adebayor. Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Vela, Ramsey, Silvestre, Wilshere, Eboue.

Booked: Diaby.

Goals: Adebayor 17.

Att: 27,320

Ref: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).

---

Stoke	0-0 (HT 0-0)	Fulham
Bookings: Fuller 11		Bookings: Gera 44

Fulham remain without an away win in the Premier League this season after neither side could find a cutting edge.

Stoke lost Mamady Sidibe through injury in the opening moments, and Rory Delap later aggravated a shoulder injury and so could not take his dangerous throws.

Fulham had good quality possession and saw penalty claims ignored but Stoke substitute Richard Cresswell had the best chance, firing over from 15 yards.

Simon Davies shot wide for the visitors after the break but a draw was fair.

Stoke, with victories over Tottenham and Arsenal at the Britannia Stadium already this season and unbeaten in their last five home league matches, would have been confident of improving that record given Fulham's lack of goals on their travels.

But their plans were soon disrupted when Sidibe was stretchered off after falling awkwardly in the opening seconds.

Stoke: Sorensen, Wilkinson, Abdoulaye Faye, Sonko, Higginbotham, Delap (Tonge 61), Amdy Faye, Whelan, Pugh (Pericard 68), Sidibe (Cresswell 5), Fuller.
Subs Not Used: Simonsen, Olofinjana, Cort, Davies.

Booked: Fuller.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Konchesky, Davies, Bullard, Murphy, Gera, Dempsey, Johnson.
Subs Not Used: Zuberbuhler, Nevland, Gray, Etuhu, Stoor, Andreasen, Kallio.

Booked: Gera.

Att: 25,287

Ref: Stuart Attwell (Warwickshire).

---

Sunderland	4-0 (HT 3-0)	West Brom
Jones 22 Jones 24 Reid 40 Cisse (pen) 47
Bookings: Ferdinand 73		Bookings: Carson 47 Robinson 56

Sunderland produced an inspired display to outclass bottom-of-the-league West Brom and claim their first win since the departure of Roy Keane as manager.

Kenwyne Jones opened the scoring when he profited from some non-existent marking to head past Scott Carson.

Jones tapped in after two fine saves by Carson, and Andy Reid made it three before half-time with a back-post header from Steed Malbranque's cross.

Djibril Cisse then drilled in from the spot after Roman Bednar's handball.

Such a comfortable margin was the least Sunderland deserved for their overwhelming superiority against a West Brom side who are six points adrift of safety.

Caretaker manager Ricky Sbragia will have been delighted with his side's attitude and application as the hosts hauled themselves out of the relegation zone at the expense of neighbours Newcastle, who play on Sunday.

Sunderland: Fulop, Bardsley, Ferdinand, Nosworthy, Collins, Malbranque (Edwards 59), Tainio, Richardson, Reid (Leadbitter 79), Cisse, Jones.
Subs Not Used: Colgan, Diouf, Miller, Murphy, Yorke.

Booked: Ferdinand.

Goals: Jones 22, 24, Reid 40, Cisse 47 pen.

West Brom: Carson, Zuiverloon, Olsson, Meite, Robinson, Brunt (Kim 46), Borja Valero, Koren, Morrison (Bednar 46), Greening, Moore (Beattie 68).
Subs Not Used: Kiely, Cech, Barnett, Filipe Teixeira.

Booked: Carson, Robinson.

Att: 36,280

Ref: Lee Mason (Lancashire).

---

Tottenham	0-0 (HT 0-0)	Man Utd
Bookings: Huddlestone 56		Bookings: R Da Silva 62

Manchester United failed to make up ground on leaders Liverpool as they were held by a stubborn Spurs side.

David Bentley's 25-yard volley forced a fine save from Edwin van der Sar, who also denied Aaron Lennon as Spurs had the better chances in the first half.

After the break, Cristiano Ronaldo had a goal disallowed when he was ruled to have handled the ball before scoring.

Rio Ferdinand and Ji-sung Park went close and Heurelho Gomes superbly saved Ryan Giggs' free-kick as Spurs held on.

Tottenham: Gomes, Corluka, Dawson, Woodgate (Huddlestone 10), Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Zokora, Jenas (O'Hara 62), Bentley, Modric, Pavlyuchenko (Bent 54).
Subs Not Used: Cesar, Bale, Gunter, Boateng.

Booked: Huddlestone.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Rafael Da Silva, Ferdinand, Vidic, O'Shea, Park, Fletcher (Scholes 69), Carrick, Ronaldo, Berbatov, Tevez (Giggs 69).
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Neville, Anderson, Nani, Evans.

Booked: Rafael Da Silva.

Att: 35,882

Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).

---

Wigan	3-0 (HT 2-0)	Blackburn
Heskey 10 Valencia 12 Cattermole 77
Bookings: Brown 64		Bookings: Nelsen 81

Antonio Valencia inspired Wigan to victory over Blackburn to pile more pressure on Rovers boss Paul Ince.

Emile Heskey's backheel, followed two minutes later by Valencia's low drive, gave Wigan a perfect start as they dominated the first half.

Substitute David Dunn gave Rovers more attacking threat, but their best chance came from Ryan Taylor's near own-goal.

And the visitors were caught off guard when Valencia's cross fell to Lee Cattermole to wrap up a 3-0 win.

Rovers have now lost six successive league games and are without a win in 10, leaving them second from bottom.

Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot (Kilbane 79), Bramble, Scharner, Figueroa, Valencia (De Ridder 87), Cattermole, Brown, Taylor, Zaki, Heskey (Camara 83). Subs Not Used: Pollitt, Kingson, Koumas, Cywka.

Booked: Brown.

Goals: Heskey 10, Valencia 12, Cattermole 77.

Blackburn: Robinson, Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock, Emerton, Kerimoglu (Roberts 61), Andrews (Treacy 78), Pedersen (Dunn 46), Roque Santa Cruz, Derbyshire. Subs Not Used: Brown, McCarthy, Villanueva, Simpson.

Booked: Nelsen.

Att: 18,003

Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).

Premier League result for 8th Dec 2008

West Ham	0-2 (HT 0-0)	Tottenham King 68 O'Hara 90
Bookings: Behrami 79 Noble 90+2

Ledley King and Jamie O'Hara scored the goals which earned Tottenham victory in a hard-fought derby against West Ham.

Spurs striker Roman Pavlyuchenko hit the post just before half-time but defender King met Aaron Lennon's cross on 68 minutes to open the scoring.

West Ham almost levelled but Heurelho Gomes made a fine double stop from Lucas Neill and David Di Michele.

From that chance, Spurs broke and substitute O'Hara fired in a superb shot to seal the victory.

The victory, manager Harry Redknapp's fourth consecutive success at Upton Park, saw Spurs replace the Hammers in 15th place in the Premier League table.

West Ham: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Mullins (Di Michele 73), Parker (Tristan 83), Faubert (Noble 58), Cole, Bellamy. Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Boa Morte, Davenport, Collison.

Booked: Behrami, Noble.

Tottenham: Gomes, Corluka, Woodgate, King, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Zokora, Jenas, Bentley (O'Hara 81), Modric, Pavlyuchenko (Bent 54). Subs Not Used: Cesar, Bale, Huddlestone, Dawson, Boateng.

Goals: King 68, O'Hara 90.

Att: 34,277

Ref: Chris Foy (Merseyside)

Premier League results for 7th Dec 2008

Everton	2-3 (HT 1-1)	Aston Villa
Lescott 30 Lescott 90+3		Sidwell 1 Young 54 Young 90+4
Bookings: Fellaini 45+1 Lescott 90+4		Bookings: Young 31

Ashley Young scored an injury-time winner to shatter Everton, who had equalised only seconds earlier.

Steve Sidwell smashed in from 20 yards in the first minute but Joleon Lescott prodded home a deserved equaliser.

Marouane Fellaini had a header cleared off the line and hit the bar with another before Phil Jagielka's woeful backpass allowed Young to slot home.

Lescott scored with an acrobatic volley to bring Everton level again but Young snatched the points when he curled in.

It was a dramatic end to game that had started in equally thrilling fashion.

Villa went into the match on the back of two consecutive goalless draws in the league but it took only 31 seconds to ensure the run would not stretch to three games.

Everton: Howard, Neville (Van der Meyde 84), Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott, Osman, Fellaini, Arteta, Pienaar, Cahill, Anichebe (Baines 86).
Subs Not Used: Nash, Castillo, Jutkiewicz, Gosling, Kissock.

Booked: Fellaini, Lescott.

Goals: Lescott 30, 90.

Aston Villa: Friedel, Cuellar, Laursen, Davies, Luke Young, Sidwell, Petrov, Barry, Milner, Agbonlahor, Ashley Young.
Subs Not Used: Guzan, Harewood, Delfouneso, Knight, Reo-Coker, Shorey, Gardner.

Booked: Luke Young.

Goals: Sidwell 1, Ashley Young 54, 90.

Att: 31,922

Ref: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire).

____________________________________________________________________

West Brom	1-1 (HT 1-0)	Portsmouth
Greening 39		Crouch 58
Bookings: Olsson 60		Bookings: Diop 42 Johnson 90+4

West Brom remain bottom of the Premier League after Peter Crouch's second-half equaliser earned Portsmouth a draw in an entertaining match at The Hawthorns.

Jonathan Greening gave West Brom a deserved lead when Chris Brunt's free-kick ricocheted off the bar and the captain side-footed in from six yards.

Crouch then levelled matters with a stunning 25-yard strike.

In a pulsating second half, David James saved from Ishmael Miller while Glen Johnson shot wide from six yards.

In the final 10 minutes Scott Carson nearly gifted victory to Portsmouth when the West Brom goalkeeper palmed Johnson's cross towards goal only to recover and scramble to scoop the ball away to safety.

West Brom have now collected just two points from nine games and remain without a victory since their defeat of Fulham on 4 October.

West Brom: Carson, Zuiverloon, Meite, Olsson, Robinson, Morrison, Borja Valero (Bednar 67), Greening, Koren, Brunt, Miller (Moore 76).
Subs Not Used: Kiely, Cech, Barnett, Kim, Filipe Teixeira.

Booked: Olsson.

Goals: Greening 39.

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Pamarot, Davis, Diop, Belhadj (Little 46), Kranjcar, Defoe, Crouch (Kanu 90).
Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Hreidarsson, Nugent, Mvuemba, Wilson.

Booked: Diop, Johnson.

Goals: Crouch 58.

Att: 24,964

Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).

Premier League gossip and transfer news

Sunday 7th Dec 2008

Roy Keane and chairman Niall Quinn communicated only by text message at Sunderland before Keane quit. Alternatively, if the message needed more than 160 characters, the pair used the club secretary as a go-between. (Sunday Times)

There have been 33 "serious applicants" for Keane's old job at the Stadium of Light. (Various)

Gerard Houllier heads Quinn's list of contenders for the post, with the club ready to back any new manager with £30m in transfer funds. (Sunday Mirror)

Harry Redknapp wants to bring £20m Liverpool flop Robbie Keane back to Tottenham Hotspur, and expects to pay just £5m to get him. (Various)

Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing is also set to sign for Spurs in a deal worth £12m. (Mail on Sunday)

Valencia striker David Villa's agent will fly to England this week to seal a £52m January move to Manchester City. (News of the World)

City will also tie up a £20m deal for French star Franck Ribery next month. (Sunday Express)

Chelsea and Manchester United have joined the race to sign Hearts captain Christophe Berra. Fulham are also keen. (Sunday Times)

Manchester United's Brazilian midfielder Anderson is touting for a move to Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan in January. (News of the World)

United are now favourites to sign Lyon striker Karim Benzema after Real Madrid ruled out a move. However, Lyon want nearly £90m for the 20-year-old. (Sunday Express)

West Brom want to take Arsenal's teenage Mexican striker Carlos Vela on loan. (News of the World)

Aston Villa striker Marlon Harewood is being lined up for a £4m move to Stoke City. (News of the World)

Newcastle's squad are worried owner Mike Ashley will try to offload as many players as he can in a January fire sale, to raise funds for manager Joe Kinnear, who has Roma star John Arne Riise in his sights, among others. (News of the World)

Celtic could move for West Brom left-back Paul Robinson if Norwegian Erlend Hanstveit does not impress on trial. (Sunday Express)

Prmier League results for 6th Dec 2008

Arsenal	1-0 (HT 1-0)	Wigan
Adebayor 16
Bookings: Van Persie 83		Bookings: Palacios 26 Figueroa 63

Emmanuel Adebayor's first-half strike handed a below-par Arsenal victory, ending Wigan's five-game unbeaten run.

Wigan came close to opening the scoring when Wilson Palacios' deflected shot was smartly saved by Manuel Almunia.

Instead, Adebayor broke the deadlock when he slotted home a low effort after collecting a pass from Cesc Fabregas.

Adebayor almost doubled the lead but Chris Kirkland tipped his shot onto the post and Denilson also saw his drive cannon back off the woodwork.

The two sides met in the Carling Cup last month, when Arsenal's youngsters ran out 3-0 winners against a near full-strength Wigan team.

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Djourou, Clichy, Denilson, Fabregas, Song Billong, Nasri (Eboue 32), Van Persie, Adebayor, Eboue (Silvestre 90).
Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Vela, Ramsey, Wilshere, Bendtner.

Booked: Van Persie.

Goals: Adebayor 16.

Wigan: Kirkland, Taylor, Boyce (Kilbane 63), Bramble, Figueroa, Valencia, Palacios, Cattermole (Koumas 77), Melchiot, Heskey, Camara (Zaki 66).
Subs Not Used: Kingson, Brown, De Ridder, Kapo.

Booked: Palacios, Figueroa.

Att: 59,317

Ref: Steve Bennett (Kent).

____________________________________________________________________

Blackburn	1-3 (HT 0-0)	Liverpool
Santa Cruz 86		Alonso 69 Benayoun 79 Gerrard 90+5
Bookings: Andrews 43 Warnock 60		Bookings: Babel 20 Arbeloa 59

Goals from Xabi Alonso, Yossi Benayoun and Steven Gerrard were enough to keep Liverpool top of the table and leave Blackburn without a league win in 10.

Stephen Warnock stopped Benayoun giving Liverpool the lead before Morten Gamst Pedersen fired against the crossbar.

After half-time Alonso sidefooted past Paul Robinson to open the scoring and Benayoun shot low to double the lead.

Roque Santa Cruz's header gave Rovers hope but Gerrard found an empty net after poor defending from the hosts.

Blackburn manager Paul Ince is likely to come under increased pressure after his side slumped to their fifth successive league defeat.

Blackburn: Robinson, Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock, Emerton, Andrews, Kerimoglu (Vogel 84), Pedersen (McCarthy 81), Roque Santa Cruz, Derbyshire (Treacy 90).
Subs Not Used: Brown, Villanueva, Simpson, Fowler.

Booked: Andrews, Warnock.

Goals: Roque Santa Cruz 86.

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Insua, Benayoun (Riera 87), Mascherano (Leiva Lucas 83), Alonso, Babel (El Zhar 64), Gerrard, Kuyt.
Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Dossena, Agger, Keane.

Booked: Babel, Arbeloa.

Goals: Alonso 69, Benayoun 79, Gerrard 90.

Att: 26,920

Ref: Andre Marriner (W Midlands)
____________________________________________________________________

Bolton	0-2 (HT 0-2)	Chelsea
		Anelka 9 Deco 21
Bookings: Davies 18 O'Brien 65		Bookings: Ballack 82

Nicolas Anelka returned to haunt his former club with the opener as Chelsea returned to winning ways in impressive fashion at the Reebok Stadium.

The Frenchman put Chelsea ahead when he headed home Jose Bosingwa's cross after nine minutes, and Deco wrapped up the points with a superb scissors-kick.

The Blues had chances for a third, but Bolton responded valiantly late on.

Gary Cahill wasted their best chance, though, as Chelsea set a new record of 11 straight top-flight away victories.

It surpassed the record set by Tottenham in 1960 and Chelsea will be encouraged by the omens as Spurs went on to win the league in the 1960-61 season.

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, Andrew O'Brien, Samuel (Smolarek 80), Davies, McCann, Nolan, Muamba (Gardner 46), Taylor, Elmander.
Subs Not Used: Al Habsi, Riga, Shittu, Basham, Obadeyi.

Booked: Davies, Andrew O'Brien.

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa (Ivanovic 89), Terry, Alex, Ashley Cole, Mikel, Kalou (Ferreira 83), Lampard, Ballack, Deco, Anelka.
Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Sinclair, Mineiro, Stoch, Woods.

Booked: Ballack.

Goals: Anelka 9, Deco 21.

Att: 22,023

Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).

____________________________________________________________________

Fulham	1-1 (HT 1-1)	Man City
Bullard 27		Benjani 6
Bookings: Pantsil 61 Bullard 90+1		Bookings: Ireland 74

Jimmy Bullard's fine strike saw Fulham come from behind and deny Manchester City a rare away victory.

Benjani nodded the visitors ahead when he outmuscled two Fulham defenders to head in Pablo Zabaleta's teasing cross.

But Fulham levelled following a flowing move which culminated in Bullard smashing the ball past keeper Joe Hart.

Both sides had chances to win the game with Andrew Johnson and Bobby Zamora going close for Fulham and Zabaleta having a rasping shot tipped just wide.

A City winner would have been harsh on a Fulham side who undoubtedly had the bulk of possession and created the better chances.


Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Davies, Murphy, Bullard, Dempsey, Johnson, Zamora.
Subs Not Used: Zuberbuhler, Nevland, Gera, Etuhu, Stoor, Andreasen, Kallio.

Booked: Pantsil, Bullard.

Goals: Bullard 27.

Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Dunne, Ben-Haim, Ball, Wright-Phillips, Kompany, Hamann, Vassell, Ireland, Mwaruwari (Evans 77).
Subs Not Used: Schmeichel, Berti, Onuoha, Logan, Jo, Caicedo.

Booked: Ireland.

Goals: Mwaruwari 6.

Att: 24,012

Ref: Rob Styles (Hampshire).
____________________________________________________________________

Hull	2-1 (HT 0-0)	Middlesbrough
Turnbull o.g. 82 King (pen) 85		Sanli 79
Bookings: Ashbee 57		Bookings: Sanli 75
		Sent off: Wheater 84

A Ross Turnbull own-goal and a Marlon King penalty helped Hull City come from behind to beat 10-man Middlesbrough at the KC Stadium.

After a lifeless first half 'Boro took the lead through Tuncay when he flicked in Justin Hoyte's low cross.

A minute later Bernard Mendy's shot crept under Turnbull, struck a post and deflected back in off the goalkeeper.

David Wheater was sent off for hauling back Geovanni in the area and King dispatched the resulting penalty.

The win represents Hull's first in six matches and keeps them in the race for Champions League qualification - a testimony to their incredibly impressive start to their first season in the top flight.

However, Middlesbrough remain precariously placed in a mid-table pack separated by only a five points from the relegation zone


Hull City: Myhill, McShane, Turner, Zayatte, Ricketts, Boateng, Ashbee, Marney (Cousin 61), Barmby (Mendy 61), Geovanni (Halmosi 86), King.
Subs Not Used: Duke, Windass, Garcia, Giannakopoulos.

Booked: Ashbee.

Goals: Turnbull 82 og, King 85 pen.

Middlesbrough: Turnbull, Hoyte, Wheater, Pogatetz, Taylor, Aliadiere, Arca, Digard (Hines 87), Downing, Sanli, Alves.
Subs Not Used: Jones, Emnes, Johnson, McMahon, Grounds, Walker.

Sent Off: Wheater 84.

Booked: Sanli.

Goals: Sanli 79.

Att: 24,912

Ref: Steve Tanner (Somerset).
____________________________________________________________________

Man Utd	1-0 (HT 0-0)	Sunderland
Vidic 90+1
Bookings: Rooney 90+2

Nemanja Vidic scored in injury time to hand Manchester United a victory against managerless Sunderland.

The Wearsiders looked set to earn a stunning point after a resolute defensive effort until defender Vidic tapped in after Michael Carrick had hit the post.

Sunderland keeper Marton Fulop was in inspired form and United missed a string of chances as they dominated throughout.

Dimitar Berbatov headed over and Anderson was denied by a last-ditch challenge before Vidic saved the day.

His goal came as United looked set to fall further behind their title rivals as they headed for a rare goalless draw at Old Trafford.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Rafael Da Silva, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Park (Tevez 57), Fletcher (Anderson 68), Carrick, Ronaldo (Giggs 68), Berbatov, Rooney.
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Neville, Nani, Evans.

Booked: Rooney.

Goals: Vidic 90.

Sunderland: Fulop, Chimbonda, Ferdinand, Collins, Bardsley, Yorke (Tainio 60), Malbranque, Whitehead (Edwards 76), Reid, Diouf, Cisse (Jones 69).
Subs Not Used: Colgan, Nosworthy, Murphy, Leadbitter.

Att: 75,400

Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).

____________________________________________________________________

Newcastle	2-2 (HT 2-0)	Stoke
Owen 8 Owen 24		Sidibe 60 Ab Faye 90+1
		Bookings: Griffin 84

A late Abdoulaye Faye equaliser ensured Stoke came from behind to secure a deserved point against Newcastle.

Newcastle took the lead when Michael Owen was put through by Jonas Gutierrez and the striker doubled the lead with a tap-in from an Obafemi Martins cross.

Stoke improved after the break and halved the deficit after Mamady Sidibe converted Ricardo Fuller's square ball.

And in the 90th minute the visitors drew level when Faye tapped-in from a Glenn Whelan free-kick.

Newcastle: Given, Beye, Coloccini, Bassong, Jose Enrique, N'Zogbia, Geremi (Cacapa 82), Guthrie (Taylor 46), Gutierrez, Owen, Martins (Viduka 74).
Subs Not Used: Harper, Xisco, Edgar, Carroll.

Goals: Owen 8, 24.

Stoke: Sorensen, Griffin, Sonko, Abdoulaye Faye, Higginbotham, Delap (Fuller 57), Amdy Faye (Tonge 78), Diao (Whelan 21), Pugh, Cresswell, Sidibe.
Subs Not Used: Simonsen, Olofinjana, Cort, Davies.

Booked: Griffin.

Goals: Sidibe 60, Abdoulaye Faye 90.

Att: 47,422

Ref: Mike Riley (Yorkshire).

Roy leaves Black Cats

Roy Keane has resigned as manager of Sunderland after 27 months in charge.

Keane, 37, took over in 2006 but chose to step down with the club lying 18th in the Premier League following five defeats in six matches.

First team coach Ricky Sbragia has been placed in temporary charge, assisted by coaches Neil Bailey and Dwight Yorke.

"Roy's decision sums up his desire to always do what is best for the club, despite the club's efforts to keep him," said chairman Niall Quinn.

"Roy deserves huge respect for his contribution and the manner in which he guided the club from the depths of the Championship back to the Premier League.

Niall Quinn expresses his disappointment at the departure of Roy Keane

"His winning mentality and singled mindedness were just what this club needed. Even in his departure he has been more concerned for the welfare of the players and his staff than himself.

"The board has reluctantly accepted his decision and wish him and his family well for the future."

Quinn, who held talks with Keane over three days in an attempt to persuade him to stay, added: "He lifted this place off its knees, he is a tremendous influence.

"Five weeks ago (after beating Newcastle) people were dancing in the streets of Sunderland. It's a funny world football and I hoped I'd never have to do this day.

Keane took charge of Sunderland in August 2006

"I spoke many times about Roy and I being in a partnership and it feels like the partnership has dissolved now.

"I wish him real well in the future. He'll get a bit of time to himself now to re-charge but I think we all know the Premiership hasn't seen the last of him. He's got great things to come."

Premier League result for 1st Dec 2008

Liverpool	0-0 (HT 0-0)	West Ham
Bookings: Alonso 54		Bookings: Mullins 20

Liverpool moved to the Premier League summit after a draw with West Ham - but they failed to produce a glittering advert for their title credentials on a night of frustration at Anfield.

Rafael Benitez's side needed only a point to edge ahead of Chelsea at the top of the table after the Londoners' home defeat against Arsenal.

It was duly achieved, but in unimpressive fashion in the face of a resilient defensive display from Gianfranco Zola's side.

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Dossena, Benayoun, Gerrard, Alonso, Riera (Babel 78), Kuyt, Keane (Ngog 66).
Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Agger, Mascherano, Leiva Lucas, Insua.

Booked: Alonso.

West Ham: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Faubert (Boa Morte 86), Parker, Mullins, Behrami, Bellamy, Cole.
Subs Not Used: Noble, Lastuvka, Tristan, Davenport, Collison, Di Michele.

Booked: Mullins.

Att: 41,169

Ref: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).

Premier League gossip and transfer news for this week

Thursday 4th Dec 2008

Didier Drogba's agent Thierno Seydi says the Chelsea striker has not met up with Inter Milan officials to discuss a possible transfer. (Daily Star)

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is lining up a £3m bid for England and Wigan forward Emile Heskey. (Daily Star)

West Ham striker Dean Ashton will be sold in the January transfer window, with the Hammers desperate to raise funds in light of the Carlos Tevez saga. (Daily Mirror)

Other players set to be shown the door at Upton Park include Nigel Quashie, Lee Bowyer, Luis Boa Morte, Calum Davenport, Danny Gabbidon and Jonathan Spector. (Daily Mirror)

Everton manager David Moyes is lining up Portsmouth striker David Nugent after Toffees forward Yakubu was ruled out for the rest of the season. (The Sun)

Chelsea are considering a loan move for CSKA Moscow's Brazilian striker Vagner Love. (The Independent)

Chelsea are also interested in Wigan striker Amr Zaki and Lyon forward Karim Benzema but may have to offload Wayne Bridge, Florent Malouda and Alex first. (The Independent)

Chelsea are also chasing Fluminense defender Thiago Silva, who claims he has been offered a contract by the Blues. (Daily Mail)

Liverpool and Arsenal will battle it out for French midfield wonderkid Paul Pogba from Le Havre. (The Sun)

Manchester United defender Danny Simpson, who is currently on loan at Blackburn, says he will quit Old Trafford if he is not a first-team regular next season. (Daily Mirror)

Blackburn Rovers are lining up a move for former Liverpool defender Steve Finnan, who is currently playing in Spain for Espanyol. (Daily Mirror)

Hull manager Phil Brown is planning a £2.5m swoop for Monaco defender Nicolas Nikolou. (The Sun)

Wigan will make loanee left-back Maynor Figueroa's move from Deportivo Olimpia permanent in the January transfer window. (Daily Mirror)

Tottenham and Newcastle are lining up Sporting Lisbon's £20m Brazilian striker Liedson. (Daily Mirror)

Wednesday 3rd Dec 2008

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has rejected a move to Manchester City. The Premier League big spenders tabled a world record £129m bid. (Private Spanish radio station Cadena Ser)

Manchester City are determined to spend £70m to sign a "world superstar" in the January transfer window with Kaka, Lionel Messi, Fernando Torres, Carlos Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Samuel Eto'o all in the frame. (Independent)

Manchester City and Chelsea are leading the race to sign 26-year-old Valencia striker David Villa. (Mirror)

Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz wants a move to Manchester City in January. Rovers turned down a £12m bid from City in the summer, but are prepared to up their offer to £15m, with defender Nedum Onuoha thrown in. (Daily Mail)

City boss Mark Hughes is also contemplating a £6m bid for Italy's World Cup winning left-back Fabio Grosso, 31, from Lyon. (Daily Mail)

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp will make a £3m move for Portsmouth keeper David James in the January transfer window. (Mirror)

Meanwhile, Newcastle's Shay Given insists he has no plans to join Spurs as a replacement for under-fire keeper Heurelho Gomes. (Various)

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled out making any big money signings in the transfer window. (Guardian)

Liverpool centre-back Daniel Agger is a target for AC Milan after new pay talks stalled. (Various)

Wigan boss Steve Bruce is ready to bring Marlon King back from his season-long loan deal at Hull if Emile Heskey joins Aston Villa in the transfer window. (Mirror)

Bruce has been told there will be no money to spend in the January transfer window unless he sells first. (Sun)

Villa, Liverpool and Manchester United are eyeing £7m-rated winger Antonio Valencia could be good news for the Wigan boss. (Mirror)

Spanish giants Barcelona are ready to hijack Portsmouth's bid to permanently sign on-loan defender Nadir Belhadj for £3.5m from Lens. (Mirror)

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish will pay £1m to lure Lee Bowyer from West Ham. (Various)

Newcastle and Sunderland are set to fight for Sheffield United defender Kyle Naughton. (Sun)

Tuesday 2nd Dec 2008

Manchester City's Robinho has urged the club to buy Brazilian defenders Kleber and Thiago Silva. (Various)

Everton are lining up a shock move for 37-year-old striker Henrik Larsson, who is a free agent after ending the Swedish season at Helsingborg. (Various)

Arsenal are weighing up a £6m move for Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure, the brother of Gunners defender Kolo. (The Sun)

Liverpool and Manchester United have their eyes on Argentina midfielder Franco Zuculini. (Sun)

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill will be handed £18m to sign a new striker in January. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is at the centre of a fresh tug-of-war between the Blues and Inter Milan. (The Sun)

Arsenal defender Armand Traore, who is on loan at Portsmouth, is wanted by Middlesbrough. (Mirror)

West Ham have failed to sign Juventus striker Sebastian Giovinco as the Italians see the 20-year-old as part of their first-team plans. (Mirror)

West Brom boss Tony Mowbray is lining up a £1m bid for Doncaster midfielder Brian Stock. (Various)

Wigan striker Marlon King is eager to make his loan move to Hull a permanent switch in January. (Daily Star)

Hull defender Wayne Brown, 31, has been assured he does have a future at the club. (Star)

Ajax forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar will reject a move to the Premier League in favour of joining Real Madrid in a £17m switch. (Various)

Monday 1st Dec 2008

Manchester United will sign Serbian teenager Adem Ljajic from Partizan Belgrade once he has won an international cap. (Daily Mirror)

West Ham want to agree a loan deal for 20-year-old Juventus forward Sebastian Giovinco. (Daily Mirror)

Wigan are keen to sell striker Emile Heskey in January rather than lose him for nothing when his contract expires in the summer. (Various)

Liverpool and Manchester City are both keen on Heskey. (Daily Mirror)

West Brom are to give a trial to Bohemians' Lithuanian midfielder Mindaugas Kalonas this week. (Daily Express)

West Ham's Icelandic owners have rejected three offers to buy them out as they are well short of their £120m valuation. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea's Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka and Sunderland's Djibril Cisse and El-Hadji Diouf are among the stars invited to attend a huge Christmas party hosted by hip-hop artists Lil Wayne and Akon. However, their clubs have banned them from attending the Florida bash. (The Sun


Sunday 30th Nov 2008

William Gallas could be set for a shock move to London rivals Tottenham with Harry Redknapp ready to take on the Arsenal defender. (Sunday Mirror)

"Get Lost Gallas" says the Star. The Gunners board are reported to be putting boss Arsene Wenger under pressure to offload the former skipper in the January sales. Paris St Germain and AC Milan are believed to be interested.

Somebody else on the move is Carlos Tevez. Real Madrid are getting their Euros ready to take on the Manchester United striker struggling to make the starting XI this season. (Sunday Express)

And the Man United boss is one person not going anywhere. Sir Alex Ferguson plans to stick around until he is 70. "Why would I pack it in at the moment?" (News of the World)

According to Sir Alex there's only one thing going to stop him quitting. "If my health deteriorated, that solves the problem for everyone. You would be rid of me for good." (News of the World)

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is close to signing a new deal at Anfield. Despite interest from Real Madrid the Spaniard has told the board he wants to stay. (News of the World)

Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari had a spat with Didier Drogba after the striker failed to acknowledge the Blues fans at the end of the draw with Bordeaux in midweek. (News of the World)

Middlesbrough are set to spark a three-way scrap for Stewart Downing with Spurs, Liverpool and Manchester City ready to splash out £12m. (News of the World)

Bayern Munich striker Lukas Podolski could be off to Eastlands with Man City leading the chase for a cool £12m. (Star) Sounds like a bargain.

Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear has been told he won't have any cash to spend in the January sales. (Sunday Express)

Elsewhere at St James' Park, Michael Owen could return to Anfield for a cut-price £2m. (News of the World)

Pascal Chimbonda has issued a come-and-get-me plea to Lyon, with the French champions set to make an offer for the Sunderland defender. (Sunday Express)

Micah Richards has found a new way of keeping up with opposing strikers. The Man City defender has bought a Harley Davidson, but there's only one problem...he doesn't have a licence. (News of the World)

Man City boss Mark Hughes has a headache ahead of the Manchester derby as he faces a battle to keep hold of Robinho. The Brazilian superstar wants assurances over the future of his fellow countrymen Elano and Jo. (The Star)

Premier League Results for 30th Nov 2008

Chelsea	1-2 (HT 1-0)	Arsenal
Djourou o.g. 31		Van Persie 59 Van Persie 62
Bookings: Terry 61 Ivanovic 85

Arsenal's up and down season is in the ascendancy again after Robin van Persie struck twice in three second-half minutes to stun Premier League leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Johan Djourou turned Jose Bosingwa's cross into his own net after 31 minutes to give Chelsea the lead as Arsenal's title challenge looked to be in danger of suffering a potentially fatal blow.

And then, with Chelsea the dominant force, Van Persie delivered two crucial blows to earn Arsene Wenger's side a priceless victory.

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, A Cole, Mikel (Malouda 69), Deco (Stoch 81), Ballack, Lampard, Kalou, Anelka.
Subs Not Used: Hilario, Bridge, Ferreira, Mineiro, Alex.

Booked: Terry, Ivanovic.

Goals: Djourou 31 og.

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Djourou, Clichy, Denilson, Fabregas, Song Billong, Nasri, Adebayor (Bendtner 83), Van Persie.
Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Vela, Ramsey, Silvestre, Wilshere, Gibbs.

Goals: Van Persie 59, 62.

Att: 41,760.

Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).

____________________________________________________________________

Man City	0-1 (HT 0-1)	Man Utd
		Rooney 42
Bookings: Ireland 41 Vassell 45+1		Bookings: R Da Silva 21 Fletcher 33 Ronaldo 59 Evra 66 Carrick 85
		Sent off: Ronaldo 68

Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off as Wayne Rooney's 100th club goal proved enough to give Manchester United a derby win.

United were dominant early on but Manchester City came closest to scoring when Stephen Ireland grazed a post.

Rooney followed up Michael Carrick's shot to break the deadlock before Ronaldo was sent off for a second booking after inexplicably handling.

Richard Dunne almost levelled but saw his shot cleared off the line before Joe Hart kept out a late Rooney lob.

Man City: Hart, Richards (Sturridge 76), Kompany, Dunne, Garrido, Wright-Phillips, Ireland, Hamann (Elano 46), Vassell (Zabaleta 46), Robinho, Mwaruwari.
Subs Not Used: Schmeichel, Ball, Jo, Ben-Haim.

Booked: Ireland, Vassell.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Rafael Da Silva, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Fletcher, Park (O'Shea 90), Rooney, Berbatov (Giggs 83).
Subs Not Used: Foster, Anderson, Nani, Evans, Tevez.

Sent Off: Ronaldo (68).

Booked: Rafael Da Silva, Fletcher, Ronaldo, Evra, Carrick.

Goals: Rooney 42.

Att: 47,320

Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).

____________________________________________________________________

Portsmouth	3-2 (HT 0-0)	Blackburn
Crouch 49 Defoe 53 Davis 79		Derbyshire 62 Kerimoglu 67
		Bookings: Ooijer 42

Sean Davis's winner saw Portsmouth edge a thrilling second half over battling Blackburn to earn Tony Adams a first Fratton Park win as boss.

Peter Crouch hit his own post in a lively first period but easily nodded in the opener after 48 minutes.

Jermain Defoe soon slotted in Pompey's second but Blackburn hit back through substitute Matt Derbyshire's looped header and Tugay's fizzing 20-yarder.

Davis clipped in late on to leave Paul Ince's side winless in nine games.

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Distin, Pamarot, Belhadj, Little (Kranjcar 46), Diop, Hughes, Armand Traore (Davis 76), Crouch (Kanu 69), Defoe.
Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Hreidarsson, Mvuemba, Nugent.

Goals: Crouch 49, Defoe 53, Davis 79.

Blackburn: Robinson, Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock, Emerton, Andrews, Kerimoglu, Pedersen (Villanueva 87), Roque Santa Cruz, McCarthy (Derbyshire 61).
Subs Not Used: Brown, Mokoena, Simpson, Fowler, Roberts.

Booked: Ooijer.

Goals: Derbyshire 62, Kerimoglu 67.

Att: 18,111

Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).

____________________________________________________________________

Tottenham	0-1 (HT 0-0)	Everton
		Pienaar 51
Bookings: Assou-Ekotto 33		Bookings: Pienaar 51 Fellaini 64 Cahill 77

Steven Pienaar struck to earn Everton a narrow victory in David Moyes's 300th game in charge and end Tottenham's 100% home record under Harry Redknapp.

The South African latched on to Mikel Arteta's quick free-kick and his shot cannoned in off Vedran Corluka's shin with Heurelho Gomes stranded.

It was no more than they deserved at that point, after Gomes had denied Louis Saha and Pienaar earlier on.

Spurs responded, but Tim Howard denied Roman Pavlyuchenko to seal the win.

Tottenham: Gomes, Corluka, Woodgate, King, Assou-Ekotto (Bale 68), Lennon, Zokora, Huddlestone (Boateng 76), Bentley, Bent (Campbell 62), Pavlyuchenko.
Subs Not Used: Cesar, Gunter, Dawson, O'Hara.

Booked: Assou-Ekotto.

Everton: Howard, Neville, Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott, Arteta, Osman (Baines 88), Cahill, Fellaini, Pienaar, Yakubu (Saha 11), Saha (Anichebe 71).
Subs Not Used: Nash, Castillo, Rodwell, Gosling.

Booked: Pienaar, Fellaini, Cahill.

Goals: Pienaar 51.

Att: 35,742

Ref: Steve Bennett (Kent).

Premier League results for 29th 2008

Aston Villa	0-0 (HT 0-0)	Fulham
		Bookings: Dempsey 3 Pantsil 84

Aston Villa and Fulham played out a draw in a low-key encounter at Villa Park as the hosts missed the chance to move into third in the table.

Villa had by far the better chances, with Ashley Young again underlining his England potential with a fine display.

He was the creator as Steve Sidwell and Gareth Barry both headed off target from close range, while the winger himself had a stinging shot well saved.

Aston Villa: Friedel, Cuellar, Laursen, Davies, Luke Young, Sidwell, Petrov, Barry, Milner, Agbonlahor, Ashley Young.
Subs Not Used: Guzan, Harewood, Delfouneso, Knight, Salifou, Shorey, Gardner.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Davies, Murphy, Bullard, Dempsey, Johnson, Zamora (Gera 85).
Subs Not Used: Zuberbuhler, Nevland, Gray, Etuhu, Stoor, Kallio.

Booked: Dempsey, Pantsil.

Att: 36,625

Ref: Mike Jones (Cheshire).

____________________________________________________________________

Middlesbrough	0-0 (HT 0-0)	Newcastle
Bookings: Arca 68		Bookings: Bassong 81

Middlesbrough and near neighbours Newcastle played out a stalemate in a match desperately short on quality at The Riverside.

Newcastle's Obafemi Martins came closest to breaking the deadlock with a shot that hit the bar after 35 minutes.

He also saw a deflected shot fly just off target after the break.

Afonso Alves shot inches over for Middlesbrough and Magpies keeper Shay Given saved well from Justin Hoyte's effort with 16 minutes left.

Joe Kinnear, confirmed as Newcastle manager until the end of the season 24 hours before kick-off, will be happy with a point that takes them out of the bottom three of the Premier League as arch-rivals Sunderland fall into the drop zone.

Middlesbrough: Turnbull, Hoyte, Wheater, Pogatetz, Taylor, Aliadiere (Mido 77), Arca, Digard, Downing, Sanli, Alves.
Subs Not Used: Jones, Emnes, Johnson, Hines, Grounds, Walker.

Booked: Arca.

Newcastle: Given, Beye, Coloccini, Bassong, Jose Enrique, Gutierrez, Guthrie, Butt, N'Zogbia, Martins (Viduka 65), Owen.
Subs Not Used: Harper, Cacapa, Geremi, Taylor, Edgar, Carroll.

Booked: Bassong.

Att: 32,160

Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).

____________________________________________________________________

Stoke	1-1 (HT 0-1)	Hull
Fuller (pen) 73		King 45+2
Bookings: Griffin 45+2 Diao 83		Bookings: Windass 45+1 Myhill 72 Zayatte 88

Ricardo Fuller's penalty cancelled out Marlon King's first-half strike at a very foggy Britannia Stadium.

Stoke showed the greater early ambition but could only manage tame efforts from Fuller and Mamade Sidibe.

Hull took the lead with their first shot, King putting the ball in the top corner from eight yards.

Boaz Myhill saved a Fuller header but brought down the striker later in the game, the Jamaican stroking home the spot-kick to salvage a draw.

It was a fair scoreline as neither side were able to exert their authority on the game or create many chances.

Stoke: Sorensen, Griffin, Abdoulaye Faye, Cort, Higginbotham, Soares (Tonge 62), Amdy Faye, Diao, Delap, Sidibe, Fuller.
Subs Not Used: Simonsen, Olofinjana, Whelan, Cresswell, Dickinson, Sonko.

Booked: Griffin, Diao.

Goals: Fuller 73 pen.

Hull: Myhill, McShane, Turner, Zayatte, Ricketts, Marney, Boateng (Cousin 78), Ashbee, Barmby (Halmosi 69), Geovanni (Garcia 90), King.
Subs Not Used: Duke, Windass, Mendy, Giannakopoulos.

Booked: Windass, Myhill, Zayatte.

Goals: King 45.

Att: 27,500

Ref: Keith Stroud (Hampshire).

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Sunderland	1-4 (HT 1-3)	Bolton
Cisse 11		Taylor 18 Cahill 21 Elmander 39 Elmander 55
Bookings: Richardson 21 Nosworthy 42 Bardsley 64 Chimbonda 88

Sunderland slipped into the bottom three on a miserable day for Roy Keane's side as Bolton ran riot at a disgruntled Stadium of Light.

The hosts had taken an early lead through Djibril Cisse's classy strike.

But Bolton soon equalised via Matthew Taylor's header and swiftly stole the lead through Gary Cahill's low drive.

Woeful defensive errors then let Johan Elmander put away clinical goals either side of half-time as Sunderland fell to their fifth defeat in six league games.

It was Keane's 100th game in charge of the Black Cats, but many Sunderland supporters left before full-time while boos rang out around the stadium at the final whistle following the club's third straight home defeat.

Sunderland: Gordon, Bardsley, Nosworthy, Collins, Chimbonda, Malbranque (Tainio 62), Whitehead, Richardson (Leadbitter 46), Reid (Miller 63), Cisse, Jones.
Subs Not Used: Fulop, Diouf, Murphy, Ferdinand.

Booked: Richardson, Nosworthy, Bardsley, Chimbonda.

Goals: Cisse 11.

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, Andrew O'Brien, Samuel, Muamba, Davies, Nolan, McCann, Taylor (Gardner 46), Elmander (Basham 89).
Subs Not Used: Al Habsi, Smolarek, Riga, Shittu, Obadeyi.

Goals: Taylor 18, Cahill 21, Elmander 39, 55.

Att: 35,457

Ref: Chris Foy (Merseyside)

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Wigan	2-1 (HT 0-0)	West Brom
Camara 61 Boyce 87		Miller 47
		Bookings: Miller 48 Greening 86

Emmerson Boyce headed Wigan's winner five minutes from time to deny luckless West Brom.

Boyce's first goal in three years completed Wigan's comeback, after Henri Camara capitalised on Paul Robinson's mistake to equalise.

West Brom took a deserved lead when Ishmael Miller took advantage of Titus Bramble's error to slot home.

Wigan's hero was goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, who produced four brilliant second-half saves to deny Albion.

James Morrison made an instant contribution on his recall to the West Brom team, wriggling to the dead-ball line in the opening minute where his pull-back almost found the stretching Miller

Wigan: Kirkland, Taylor (Melchiot 70), Bramble, Boyce, Figueroa (Kilbane 81), Valencia, Brown (Koumas 60), Cattermole, Palacios, Heskey, Camara.
Subs Not Used: Pollitt, Kingson, De Ridder, Cywka.

Goals: Camara 61, Boyce 87.

West Brom: Carson, Zuiverloon, Meite, Olsson, Robinson, Morrison (Moore 89), Koren, Greening, Borja Valero, Brunt (Bednar 89), Miller.
Subs Not Used: Kiely, Cech, Barnett, Kim, Filipe Teixeira.

Booked: Miller, Greening.

Goals: Miller 47.

Att: 17,054

Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).

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Premier League result for 24th Nov 2008

Wigan	1-0 (HT 0-0)	Everton
Camara 51

Wigan climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone after Henri Camara's strike sank a poor Everton side.

Louis Saha wasted a good chance on the break as the Toffees started well.

But Wigan pushed forward and Wilson Palacios somehow headed over before Tim Howard superbly saved Lee Cattermole's shot and a Paul Scharner header.

Substitute Camara met Luis Antonio Valencia's pass to break the deadlock and, after Yakubu and Tim Cahill missed good chances, Wigan held on to win.