http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/?service=Rss http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/zola-warns-suitors-off-carlton-cole-1824670.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/zola-warns-suitors-off-carlton-cole-1824670.html ]]> <p> West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has issued a firm "hands off" warning to potential suitors of Carlton Cole as the England striker prepares for his return to first-team action. </p> Premier League Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:30:59 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-can-cope-without-van-persie-says-wenger-1824428.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-can-cope-without-van-persie-says-wenger-1824428.html ]]> <p> Arsene Wenger maintains Arsenal have the strength to cope without injured frontman Robin van Persie. </p> Premier League Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:24:20 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-united-identify-ferdinand-injury-problem-1824408.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-united-identify-ferdinand-injury-problem-1824408.html ]]> <p> Sir Alex Ferguson is confident Rio Ferdinand will not be consigned to a lengthy period on the sidelines after identifying the root of his current injury problems. </p> Premier League Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:17:58 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/johnson-responds-to-placenta-treatment-1823931.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/johnson-responds-to-placenta-treatment-1823931.html ]]> <p>Glen Johnson's encounter with placenta specialist Marijana Kovacevic appears to have elicited some rapid results, with the right-back, whose defensive weaknesses are "not as bad as people think" according to his manager, Rafael Benitez, ready to start for Liverpool against Manchester City tomorrow lunchtime.</p> Premier League Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/chelsea-target-boro-winger-in-1634m-loanback-1823933.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/chelsea-target-boro-winger-in-1634m-loanback-1823933.html ]]> <p>Chelsea are to planning to offer £4m for Middlesbrough's England Under-21 winger Adam Johnson in January, and then loan him back to the Championship side for the rest of the season.</p> Transfers Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/aquilani-desperate-for-liverpool-start-1823557.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/aquilani-desperate-for-liverpool-start-1823557.html ]]> <p> Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani may have to be patient for a little longer before getting his first start for Liverpool since his £20m summer move from Roma. </p> Premier League Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:55:18 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/gattuso-not-joining-manchester-city-says-agent-1823489.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/gattuso-not-joining-manchester-city-says-agent-1823489.html ]]> <p> AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso is not on the verge of joining Manchester City, according to his agent. </p> Premier League Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:22:15 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-city-star-barry-could-haunt-benitez-1823469.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-city-star-barry-could-haunt-benitez-1823469.html ]]> <p> Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will get a close-up of the missing piece of his jigsaw puzzle on Saturday when Gareth Barry runs out for Manchester City at Anfield for a match with huge implications for both clubs. </p> Premier League Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:29:22 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenals-gibbs-on-course-for-chelsea-clash-1823458.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenals-gibbs-on-course-for-chelsea-clash-1823458.html ]]> <p> Arsenal have confirmed Kieran Gibbs' foot injury is not as bad as first feared - and he could now be fit to face Chelsea later this month. </p> Premier League Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:24:37 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-hire-dealmaker-to-fill-vacant-dein-role-1823046.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-hire-dealmaker-to-fill-vacant-dein-role-1823046.html ]]> <p>The director of football role that has remained unoccupied at Arsenal since the abrupt departure of David Dein two years ago has now unofficially been filled in part by an American who once scouted for the club in South America.</p> Premier League Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/aurelio-and-johnson-join-the-pilgrimage-to-placenta-guru-1823052.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/aurelio-and-johnson-join-the-pilgrimage-to-placenta-guru-1823052.html ]]> <p>Rafael Benitez has turned to the mystery horse placenta healer from Serbia to solve Liverpool's injury crisis it emerged last night, when Glen Johnson and Fabio Aurelio both flew into Belgrade to get treatment from the controversial Marijana Kovacevic.</p> Premier League Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/eduardo-signs-new-arsenal-contract-1822983.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/eduardo-signs-new-arsenal-contract-1822983.html ]]> <p> Arsenal striker Eduardo has signed a new "long-term" contract at the Emirates Stadium. </p> Premier League Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:34:18 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-gets-furred-up-for-charity-1822969.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-gets-furred-up-for-charity-1822969.html ]]> <p> Top Arsenal players have been dressing up in furry animal costumes to raise cash for sick children. </p> Premier League Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:19:34 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/injury-crisis-deepens-at-arsenal-1822880.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/injury-crisis-deepens-at-arsenal-1822880.html ]]> <p> Mikael Silvestre is ready to ease Arsenal's defensive crisis after an ankle injury to left-back Kieran Gibbs. </p> Premier League Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:35:48 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ferguson-laments-fragile-stars-1822876.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ferguson-laments-fragile-stars-1822876.html ]]> <p> Sir Alex Ferguson admits the toughest part of his job these days is dealing with today's "fragile" footballers. </p> Premier League Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:31:06 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-sign-luton-youngster-moli-1822838.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-sign-luton-youngster-moli-1822838.html <p> Liverpool have paid an undisclosed fee for Luton youngster Dave Moli. </p> Premier League Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:47:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/bentley-linked-with-shock-manchester-city-move-1822830.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/bentley-linked-with-shock-manchester-city-move-1822830.html ]]> <p> Mark Hughes could save David Bentley from his Tottenham nightmare with an £8m move in January. </p> Premier League Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:17:36 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/chelsea-move-in-on-pound40m-aguero-1822808.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/chelsea-move-in-on-pound40m-aguero-1822808.html ]]> <p> Chelsea will push through a £40m deal for Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero it was reported today. </p> Premier League Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:58:20 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/west-ham-insist-no-takeover-bids-have-been-received-1822779.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/west-ham-insist-no-takeover-bids-have-been-received-1822779.html <p> West Ham today maintained there has not yet been any new formal takeover bid for the Barclays Premier League club. </p> Premier League Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:47:23 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arteta-wants-longterm-everton-stay-1822778.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arteta-wants-longterm-everton-stay-1822778.html <p> Injured Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta has a vision of getting fit and remaining at Goodison Park for the rest of his career. </p> Premier League Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:46:10 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/benitez-desperate-for-premier-league-glory-1822730.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/benitez-desperate-for-premier-league-glory-1822730.html ]]> <p> Rafael Benitez would rather win the Barclays Premier League trophy than another Champions League title. </p> Premier League Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:27:30 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/only-chelsea-can-challenge-manchester-united-says-ferguson-1822728.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/only-chelsea-can-challenge-manchester-united-says-ferguson-1822728.html ]]> <p> Sir Alex Ferguson believes the Premier League will turn into a two-horse race as usual this season. </p> Premier League Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:26:14 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/terry-and-cole-back-in-training-to-boost-chelsea-1822323.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/terry-and-cole-back-in-training-to-boost-chelsea-1822323.html ]]> <p>Chelsea duo John Terry and Ashley Cole both returned to first-team training yesterday and could yet be fit for the Premier League leaders' match against Wolverhampton on Saturday.</p> Premier League Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/city-widen-net-to-catch-talent-of-tomorrow-1822324.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/city-widen-net-to-catch-talent-of-tomorrow-1822324.html ]]> <p>Manchester City, who have arguably British football's best recent track record in developing local talent, are embarking on an Arsène Wenger-style model of bringing in young players from outside, amid concerns that the current crop of youngsters do not have what it takes to help fulfil the club's huge ambition.</p> Premier League Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/benitez-willing-to-let-four-depart-1822325.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/benitez-willing-to-let-four-depart-1822325.html ]]> <p> Liverpool appear to be ready to release as many as four players in January, with Ryan Babel, Andrea Dossena, Andrei Voronin and Philipp Degen among those who may leave as part of the club's attempts to lower the wage bill. </p> Premier League Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/gibbs-injury-adds-to-wengers-worries-1822327.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/gibbs-injury-adds-to-wengers-worries-1822327.html ]]> <p>Arsene Wenger's injury crisis took another turn for the worse last night when his current first-choice left-back Kieran Gibbs limped out of the England Under-21s game against Lithuania. With Gaël Clichy already out for another month, it leaves Wenger casting around for a third-string replacement in his defence.</p> Premier League Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/vidic-unfazed-by-ferguson-ban-1822266.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/vidic-unfazed-by-ferguson-ban-1822266.html ]]> <p> Nemanja Vidic insists Sir Alex Ferguson's two-game touchline ban will not make any difference to Manchester United. </p> Premier League Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:57:31 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/coyle-committed-to-burnley-amid-scotland-rumours-1822234.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/coyle-committed-to-burnley-amid-scotland-rumours-1822234.html ]]> <p> Owen Coyle has ruled himself out of the running for the Scotland manager's job by committing his future to Burnley. </p> International Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:58:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/baptista-agent-plays-down-tottenham-link-1822175.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/baptista-agent-plays-down-tottenham-link-1822175.html ]]> <p> The agent of Julio Baptista has brushed aside reports linking his client with a move to Tottenham in the winter transfer window. </p> Premier League Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:18:14 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/kitson-joins-middlesbrough-on-loan-1822094.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/kitson-joins-middlesbrough-on-loan-1822094.html ]]> <p> Middlesbrough have signed Stoke striker Dave Kitson on a two-month loan. </p> Transfers Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:20:08 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/gerrard-set-for-manchester-city-clash-1822019.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/gerrard-set-for-manchester-city-clash-1822019.html ]]> <p> Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is confident of facing Manchester City on Saturday following a nagging groin injury. </p> Premier League Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:32:13 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/benitez-would-quit-liverpool-if-torres-was-sold-1822015.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/benitez-would-quit-liverpool-if-torres-was-sold-1822015.html ]]> <p> Rafael Benitez will quit as Liverpool boss if star striker Fernando Torres is sold against his will. </p> Premier League Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:30:04 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/terry-expects-chelsea-signings-in-january-1822012.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/terry-expects-chelsea-signings-in-january-1822012.html ]]> <p> Captain John Terry expects Chelsea to make the most of the January transfer window. </p> Premier League Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:28:31 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/pearce-hails-fulham-defender-smalling-1822007.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/pearce-hails-fulham-defender-smalling-1822007.html ]]> <p> England Under-21s manager Stuart Pearce is in no doubt Fulham defender Chris Smalling has a big future. </p> International Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:26:04 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/subotic-denies-manchester-city-transfer-rumours-1821999.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/subotic-denies-manchester-city-transfer-rumours-1821999.html <p> Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic has dismissed rumours linking him with a move to Manchester City this winter by affirming his desire to stay with the Bundesliga club. </p> Premier League Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:19:53 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/barcelonas-tour-hints-at-united-or-chelsea-move-1821782.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/barcelonas-tour-hints-at-united-or-chelsea-move-1821782.html ]]> <p>Unsettled Barcelona midfielder Yaya Touré is ready to leave the Nou Camp, with Chelsea or Manchester United his favoured destination.</p> Premier League Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/who-needs-the-magic-sponge--van-persie-turns-to-newage-healer-1821785.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/who-needs-the-magic-sponge--van-persie-turns-to-newage-healer-1821785.html ]]> <p> Robin van Persie has been permitted by Arsenal to visit a Serbian doctor who has been known to use fluids from placentas to heal her patients, although the Arsenal medical department have serious misgivings over her credentials and whether she will have any effect on his ruptured ankle ligaments. </p> Premier League Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/chelsea-will-splash-out-says-terry-1821788.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/chelsea-will-splash-out-says-terry-1821788.html ]]> <p>The Chelsea captain, John Terry, has said he expects the club to have a very busy January as they try to cram three transfer windows' worth of deals into one month.</p> Premier League Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/babel-upset--at-playing-role-of-liverpools-supersub-1821787.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/babel-upset--at-playing-role-of-liverpools-supersub-1821787.html ]]> <p>The Liverpool winger Ryan Babel has spoken of his growing frustration over his lack of first-team opportunities under manager Rafael Benitez this season.</p> Premier League Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/foster-wants-out-of-united-to-claim-england-no-1-shirt-1821789.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/foster-wants-out-of-united-to-claim-england-no-1-shirt-1821789.html ]]> <p>Manchester United's Ben Foster is considering asking Sir Alex Ferguson for a loan deal to boost his chances of seizing a starting place for England in next summer's World Cup.</p> International Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/van-persie-to-undergo-radical-treatment-1821687.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/van-persie-to-undergo-radical-treatment-1821687.html ]]> <p> Robin van Persie intends to do all he can to get back into action for Arsenal as soon as possible - and will travel to Serbia for radical medical treatment that involves massage using fluid from a placenta. </p> Premier League Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:16:57 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-target-inler-is-not-for-sale-1821636.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-target-inler-is-not-for-sale-1821636.html ]]> <p> Udinese have no plans to sell Gokhan Inler despite several clubs having expressed an interest in the Switzerland international. </p> Premier League Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:36:49 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/wenger-to-put-faith-in-eduardo-after-van-persie-injury-1821611.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/wenger-to-put-faith-in-eduardo-after-van-persie-injury-1821611.html ]]> <p> Arsene Wenger looks set to turn to Croatia marksman Eduardo as the new head of Arsenal's frontline after Robin van Persie was ruled out for at least six weeks with an ankle injury. </p> Premier League Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:16:29 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/chelsea-interested-in-brazil-youngster-piazon-1821572.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/chelsea-interested-in-brazil-youngster-piazon-1821572.html <p> Chelsea are stepping up their interest in Brazilian wonderkid Lucas Piazon it was reported today. </p> Premier League Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:54:15 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/barcelona-to-make-cash-plus-players-offer-for-fabregas-1821564.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/barcelona-to-make-cash-plus-players-offer-for-fabregas-1821564.html ]]> <p> Barcelona will offer Yaya Toure and Bojan Krkic to Arsenal in order to clinch the signing of Cesc Fabregas it was reported today. </p> Premier League Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:41:28 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/upson-committed-to-west-ham-cause-1821492.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/upson-committed-to-west-ham-cause-1821492.html ]]> <p> Matthew Upson insists being involved in a relegation battle at West Ham is not affecting his own performances as he looks to nail down a place in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad. </p> Premier League Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:21:27 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/foster-wont-demand-manchester-united-exit-1821491.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/foster-wont-demand-manchester-united-exit-1821491.html ]]> <p> Ben Foster has no intention of banging on Sir Alex Ferguson's door and demanding to know why his World Cup dream is in jeopardy. </p> Premier League Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:20:09 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/van-persies-ankle-injury--hits-arsenal-1821296.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/van-persies-ankle-injury--hits-arsenal-1821296.html ]]> <p> THe Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has been ruled out for up to six weeks after partially rupturing the ligaments in his right ankle. He was carried off in Saturday night's 0-0 friendly draw with Italy after a heavy challenge from Giorgio Chiellini. </p> Premier League Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/city-facing-euro-ban-if-they-dont-break-even-1820872.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/city-facing-euro-ban-if-they-dont-break-even-1820872.html ]]> <p>The Manchester City chief executive Garry Cook has said the club cannot put a date on when they will begin to break even, despite the Uefa president Michel Platini's proposal that clubs who fail to balance their books within three years will be barred from European competition.</p> Premier League Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/everton-turn-down-16314m-chelsea-bid-to-lure-rising-star-rodwell-1820447.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/everton-turn-down-16314m-chelsea-bid-to-lure-rising-star-rodwell-1820447.html ]]> <p>Chelsea have made their first significant move since their transfer embargo was suspended by making a preliminary £14m offer for the Everton teenager Jack Rodwell, which has been rejected by the Merseyside club.</p> Premier League Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/brazil-demand-respect-from-manchester-city-in-robinho-row-1820343.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/brazil-demand-respect-from-manchester-city-in-robinho-row-1820343.html ]]> <p> Brazil's verbal sparring with Manchester City over Robinho continued tonight with the national team manager Dunga suggesting that the club should show greater respect. The player himself said it was in his best interests to be here, even though he is not fit to play against England tomorrow. </p> Premier League Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:53:54 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/robinho-ruled-out-of-england-game-1820273.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/robinho-ruled-out-of-england-game-1820273.html <p> Brazil forward Robinho will not play in tomorrow's friendly against England in Doha as he continues his recovery following an ankle injury. </p> International Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:04:51 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/barry-wants-robinho-to-stay-at-manchester-city-1820232.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/barry-wants-robinho-to-stay-at-manchester-city-1820232.html ]]> <p> Gareth Barry has urged Brazilian star Robinho to stay at Manchester City, and claimed: "Any team in the world would welcome him." </p> Premier League Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:30:59 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/cudicini-set-to-undergo-wrist-surgery-1820163.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/cudicini-set-to-undergo-wrist-surgery-1820163.html ]]> <p> Tottenham goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini will today undergo wrist and pelvic surgery. </p> Premier League Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:15:22 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/gordon-blames-defoe-for-injury-1820189.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/gordon-blames-defoe-for-injury-1820189.html <p> Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon has blamed Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe for the challenge which left him with a broken arm. </p> Premier League Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:26:36 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/time-to-get-liverpool-season-started-says-benitez-1820164.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/time-to-get-liverpool-season-started-says-benitez-1820164.html ]]> <p> Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes there are only minor issues to address with his faltering side and has urged his players to start their season afresh after the international break. </p> Premier League Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:17:58 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/referee-union-may-pursue-ferguson-legal-action-1820160.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/referee-union-may-pursue-ferguson-legal-action-1820160.html ]]> <p> Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's two-match touchline ban for criticising referee Alan Wiley may not yet be the end of the matter. </p> Premier League Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:11:36 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/nani-attempts-to-play-down-ferguson-row-1820159.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/nani-attempts-to-play-down-ferguson-row-1820159.html ]]> <p> Manchester United winger Nani insists he has "no problem" with manager Sir Alex Ferguson. </p> Premier League Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:10:12 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/win-eased-pressure-admits-brown-1820157.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/win-eased-pressure-admits-brown-1820157.html ]]> <p> Hull boss Phil Brown has admitted last weekend's win over Stoke has eased the pressure on both him and the squad. </p> Premier League Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:06:38 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/birmingham-hit-by-lengthy-oconnor-injury-1820153.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/birmingham-hit-by-lengthy-oconnor-injury-1820153.html <p> Birmingham striker Garry O'Connor is set to miss around four months and is likely to need another operation because of complications arising from his groin injury, manager Alex McLeish has revealed. </p> Premier League Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:03:26 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/english-top-flight-rejects-the-old-firm-1819804.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/english-top-flight-rejects-the-old-firm-1819804.html ]]> <p>England's 20 elite clubs yesterday killed off any hopes that Celtic and Rangers held of joining the Premier League in the foreseeable future by voting against proposals to invite them south. The idea of the Old Firm joining the League was described in an official League statement as "not desirable or viable". One source said: "In a vote, the clubs came up with an emphatic 'no' to the idea". The League's chief executive Richard Scudamore said yesterday that the Old Firm would "never" be welcome. </p> Premier League Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/cook-pledges-to-keep-on-disturbing-the-neighbours-1819806.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/cook-pledges-to-keep-on-disturbing-the-neighbours-1819806.html ]]> <p>No manner of Robinho crises – and there was another one brewing last night – will transport Manchester City to the depths of winter and the misery when the deal to bring Kaka to Eastlands collapsed in January. Then, the executive chairman Garry Cook was slumped on the sofa with his American wife, Wendy, gazing blankly at a TV screen and wondering where it had all gone so wrong.</p> Premier League Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/cudicini-in-motorbike-smash-1819807.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/cudicini-in-motorbike-smash-1819807.html ]]> <p>The Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini fractured his wrists and injured his pelvis after being involved in a serious road accident yesterday morning. The Italian was admitted to hospital after his motorbike collided with a car in Walthamstow, East London. </p> Premier League Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/referees-union-attacks-fa-over-ferguson-1819810.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/referees-union-attacks-fa-over-ferguson-1819810.html ]]> <p>The referees' union last night accused the Football Association of "flunking" an opportunity to make an example of Sir Alex Ferguson, despite him becoming the first manager to be banned from the touchline for making post-match comments about officials.</p> Premier League Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/chelsea-title-hopes-hit-as-lampard-limps-home-1819813.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/chelsea-title-hopes-hit-as-lampard-limps-home-1819813.html ]]> <p>There were fears last night that Frank Lampard could be facing six weeks out of action after he injured a thigh during England training yesterday in the Middle East. The Chelsea midfielder flew back to London for further treatment on an injury that will cause major problems for his club.</p> International Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/more-bad-news-for-city-from-robinho-1819809.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/more-bad-news-for-city-from-robinho-1819809.html ]]> <p>Robinho was last night at the centre of another of the controversies which have bedevilled Manchester City's trip to Abu Dhabi, as Brazil declared they may play him in one or both of the nation's internationals, against the club's express wishes.</p> Premier League Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/old-firm-will-never-join-premier-league-says-scudamore-1819590.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/old-firm-will-never-join-premier-league-says-scudamore-1819590.html ]]> <p> Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore today insisted the campaign for Celtic and Rangers to be allowed to join the English top flight is over for good, saying: "No means no." </p> Premier League Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:08:57 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-hit-with-benayoun-and-riera-injury-blows-1819505.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-hit-with-benayoun-and-riera-injury-blows-1819505.html ]]> <p> Liverpool pair Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera could be out for at least three weeks with hamstring injuries. </p> Premier League Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:18:14 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/tottenham-keeper-cudicini-badly-hurt-after-accident-1819413.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/tottenham-keeper-cudicini-badly-hurt-after-accident-1819413.html ]]> <p> Tottenham goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini has fractured his wrists and injured his pelvis after he was involved in a serious road accident earlier today. </p> Premier League Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:38:52 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/old-firm-rejected-by-premier-league-clubs-1819410.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/old-firm-rejected-by-premier-league-clubs-1819410.html ]]> <p> Premier League clubs today overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to allow Celtic and Rangers to join the English top flight. </p> Premier League Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:31:13 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ferguson-handed-fourmatch-touchline-ban-1819402.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ferguson-handed-fourmatch-touchline-ban-1819402.html ]]> <p> Sir Alex Ferguson was today handed a four-match touchline ban for his comments about referee Alan Wiley after Manchester United's 2-2 draw against Sunderland. </p> Premier League Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:18:47 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-consider-pavlyuchenko-loan-deal-1819387.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-consider-pavlyuchenko-loan-deal-1819387.html ]]> <p> Want-away Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko has emerged as a loan target for Liverpool. </p> Premier League Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:15:06 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/bosingwa-injury-may-force-chelsea-to-spend-1819257.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/bosingwa-injury-may-force-chelsea-to-spend-1819257.html ]]> <p> Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti may now delve into the transfer market in January after Jose Bosingwa was ruled out for three months. </p> Premier League Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:27:34 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/mcleish-backs-old-firm-to-head-south-1819251.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/mcleish-backs-old-firm-to-head-south-1819251.html ]]> <p> Alex McLeish has become the latest Barclays Premier League manager to back plans for the Old Firm to join the competition. </p> Premier League Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:21:02 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/nani-reveals-ferguson-fury-1819249.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/nani-reveals-ferguson-fury-1819249.html ]]> <p> Winger Nani has described Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson as a "complicated man" while also admitting to being on the receiving end of some of his infamous rants. </p> Premier League Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:18:51 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/pavlyuchenko-has-to-leave-1818902.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/pavlyuchenko-has-to-leave-1818902.html ]]> <p>The Tottenham Hotspur striker Roman Pavlyuchenko is planning showdown talks with his manager Harry Redknapp after the international break during which he will "insist" on being allowed to leave the club in January.</p> Premier League Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ireland-robinho-is-a-changed-man-1818908.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ireland-robinho-is-a-changed-man-1818908.html ]]> <p>For a clue as to which Manchester City player has looked Robinho hard and unflinchingly in the eye this week and searched for evidence that he is really has the spirit for City's journey, cast your mind back to 11 May 2008 and the 8-1 defeat at Middlesbrough which marked the end of Sven Goran Eriksson's reign. </p> Premier League Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ferguson-to-reignite-row-over-unfit-referees-1818909.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ferguson-to-reignite-row-over-unfit-referees-1818909.html ]]> <p>An unrepentant Sir Alex Ferguson will risk further condemnation over his attack on referee Alan Wiley today by telling a Football Association tribunal that the fitness of officials should be better.</p> Premier League Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/barcelona-play-down-robinho-rumours-1818688.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/barcelona-play-down-robinho-rumours-1818688.html ]]> <p> Barcelona technical secretary Txiki Begiristain has played down speculation linking the Catalans with a move for Manchester City forward Robinho. </p> Premier League Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:34:57 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-linked-with-carlton-cole-1818622.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-linked-with-carlton-cole-1818622.html ]]> <p> Liverpool are planning a January swoop for West Ham striker Carlton Cole according to reports. </p> Premier League Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:52:03 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/pavlyuchenko-will-insist-on-tottenham-exit-1818599.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/pavlyuchenko-will-insist-on-tottenham-exit-1818599.html ]]> <p> Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko is planning showdown talks with manager Harry Redknapp after the international break during which he will "insist" on being allowed to leave the club in January. </p> Premier League Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:35:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/transfer-planning-never-stops-says-hughes-1818555.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/transfer-planning-never-stops-says-hughes-1818555.html ]]> <p> Mark Hughes' planning for the January transfer window began virtually the day after the summer one shut. </p> Premier League Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:29:27 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-search-for-agger-cure-1818552.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-search-for-agger-cure-1818552.html ]]> <p> Liverpool will work feverishly during the international break to find a solution to Daniel Agger's on-going back problem. </p> Premier League Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:25:10 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/hargreaves-eyes-manchester-united-comeback-1818551.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/hargreaves-eyes-manchester-united-comeback-1818551.html ]]> <p> Owen Hargreaves is determined to look back on his 14-month long absence as a positive experience. </p> Premier League Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:22:24 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/benitez-stays-upbeat-after-johnson-rues-awful-run-1818124.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/benitez-stays-upbeat-after-johnson-rues-awful-run-1818124.html ]]> <p>Liverpool began the process of regrouping yesterday amid a mounting sense of crisis at Anfield. Monday night's fortunate draw with Birmingham saw two more players added to a rapidly expanding injury list and left manager Rafael Benitez calling for "realism" and Glen Johnson describing recent events as "awful." Rarely can an international break have been more welcome. </p> Premier League Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/hughes-on-a-mission-to-fulfil-hosts-big-dream-1818125.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/hughes-on-a-mission-to-fulfil-hosts-big-dream-1818125.html ]]> <p>it was not so much the sight of Mark Hughes explaining the finer points of his side's training session to a group of Arabs in flowing traditional thobes which caught the eye here last night, as the seating laid out for a few of the dignitaries to view the whole business. Two dining chairs and a table laid out with starched linen cloth were positioned on the touchline of the pitch where Robinho, Stephen Ireland and Craig Bellamy raced around under brilliant floodlights in the warmth of the evening, amid the manicured grounds of the seven-star Emirates Palace hotel. </p> Premier League Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/city-warn-mischief-makers-over-robinho-transfer-claim-1818127.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/city-warn-mischief-makers-over-robinho-transfer-claim-1818127.html ]]> <p>The Manchester City executive chairman Garry Cook warned Robinho's representatives against "mischief making" last night after another day of intrigue surrounding the player's future threatened to derail an important trip here to parade the club in front of its Abu Dhabi owners. </p> Transfers Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/redknapp-says-old-firm-would-be-welcome-in-english-league-1818126.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/redknapp-says-old-firm-would-be-welcome-in-english-league-1818126.html ]]> <p>Tottenham's Harry Redknapp yesterday became the latest Premier League manager to voice support for the Old Firm joining England's top division. David Moyes of Everton has already endorsed a plan to include Celtic and Rangers while Aston Villa's Martin O'Neill has said he would "certainly support the idea". </p> Premier League Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/obertan-targets-regular-manchester-united-spot-1818072.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/obertan-targets-regular-manchester-united-spot-1818072.html ]]> <p> Manchester United new-boy Gabriel Obertan has given himself a year to become an Old Trafford regular. </p> Premier League Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:03:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/awful-liverpool-must-pull-together-admits-johnson-1818031.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/awful-liverpool-must-pull-together-admits-johnson-1818031.html ]]> <p> England defender Glen Johnson concedes Liverpool are in "awful" form as they confront the end of their Barclays Premier League title dreams. </p> Premier League Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:04:32 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/benitez-calls-for-realism-at-liverpool-1818029.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/benitez-calls-for-realism-at-liverpool-1818029.html ]]> <p> Rafael Benitez has for the first time played down Liverpool's title dreams and asked for "realism" as the club fight to end a run of disastrous results. </p> Premier League Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:00:55 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/tottenham-spending-eclipses-big-four-1817972.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/tottenham-spending-eclipses-big-four-1817972.html ]]> <p> Tottenham's latest financial results have revealed transfer spending of almost £150m in the last 16 months, surpassing the traditional Barclays Premier League top four and coming second only to Manchester City. </p> Premier League Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:08:22 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-united-show-chamakh-interest-1817961.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-united-show-chamakh-interest-1817961.html ]]> <p> Manchester United have been tracking the performances of Marouane Chamakh and could make a move for the Moroccan in January according to reports. </p> Premier League Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:36:11 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/robinho-staying-at-manchester-city-insists-hughes-1817941.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/robinho-staying-at-manchester-city-insists-hughes-1817941.html ]]> <p> Mark Hughes insists Robinho's future still lies with Manchester City. </p> Premier League Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:41:28 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/bendtner-to-undergo-operation-1817936.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/bendtner-to-undergo-operation-1817936.html ]]> <p> Nicklas Bendtner is to undergo surgery on his injured groin, according to the Arsenal striker. </p> Premier League Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:23:04 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/hughes-comes-to-defence-of-bridge-1817920.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/hughes-comes-to-defence-of-bridge-1817920.html ]]> <p> Mark Hughes has launched a passionate defence of Wayne Bridge after his vicious Match of the Day caning by Alan Hansen. </p> Premier League Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:41:56 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/benitez-hoping-luck-has-changed-1817919.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/benitez-hoping-luck-has-changed-1817919.html ]]> <p> Maybe Rafael Benitez will look back on Liverpool's fortunate 2-2 draw with Birmingham last night at Anfield as the moment his luck changed. </p> Premier League Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:39:23 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/tottenham-register-record-profits-1817917.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/tottenham-register-record-profits-1817917.html ]]> <p> Tottenham registered record pre-tax profits of £33.4m in the year ending June 30, 2009. </p> Premier League Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:37:55 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/redknapp-backs-old-firm-to-join-premier-league-1817914.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/redknapp-backs-old-firm-to-join-premier-league-1817914.html ]]> <p> Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has become the latest Barclays Premier League manager to back the Old Firm's bid to join the competition. </p> Premier League Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:36:27 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-saved-from-humiliation-by-gerrard-1817794.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-saved-from-humiliation-by-gerrard-1817794.html <p> In the good old days, when Rafael Benitez found himself in a tight spot, he would call upon Steven Gerrard and the skipper, with the figurative Superman cape fluttering behind him, would do the business and send Anfield into raptures. </p> Premier League Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:27:39 +0000