http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/?service=Rss http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/premier-league-roundup-city-held-by-burnley-1816828.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/premier-league-roundup-city-held-by-burnley-1816828.html ]]> <p> A late goal from substitute Kevin McDonald earned Burnley their first away point of the Barclays Premier League season in an entertaining 3-3 draw with Manchester City. </p> Premier League Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:00:41 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/benitez-holds-champions-league-crisis-talks-1816760.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/benitez-holds-champions-league-crisis-talks-1816760.html ]]> <p> Rafael Benitez has held talks with his Liverpool bosses over the implications if the club fail to reach the last 16 of this season's Champions League. </p> Premier League Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:38:31 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/chelsea-set-to-follow-liverpool-in-seeking-to-stifle-champions-1816611.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/chelsea-set-to-follow-liverpool-in-seeking-to-stifle-champions-1816611.html ]]> <p>Carlo Ancelotti has claimed Manchester United lost more than just three points when they were beaten 2-0 by Liverpool a fortnight ago; they gave away the key to how to beat them.</p> Premier League Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ancelottis-milan-success-still-pains-united-manager-1816612.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ancelottis-milan-success-still-pains-united-manager-1816612.html <p>Carlo Ancelotti said in the aftermath of his Milan side's 3-0 win over Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United in a rainswept San Siro two and a half years back that he had just witnessed his greatest win as manager of the <I>Rossoneri</I>. </p> Premier League Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ferguson-refuses-to-point-finger-at-fragile-defence-1816613.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ferguson-refuses-to-point-finger-at-fragile-defence-1816613.html ]]> <p>For a manager whose championships have been built on rock-solid defence – just 24, 22 and 27 goals conceded in the past three title-winning seasons – Sir Alex Ferguson's explanation yesterday of his side's sudden defensive fallibility was odd.</p> Premier League Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/hines-brings-hammers-hope-1816620.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/hines-brings-hammers-hope-1816620.html <p>An injury list longer than an Icelandic IOU is becoming almost as much of a West Ham tradition as the nurturing of home-grown talent, and the inevitable consequence of the former is to create yet further opportunities for the latter. Step forward Zavon Hines. The 20-year-old Anglo-Jamaican has done much to lift the mood at Upton Park, his adroit strike against Aston Villa on Wednesday bringing a first league win since the opening day of the season to inch the club out of the bottom three and help conjure a switch of perception. In a flash, nine games without a win has become three without defeat.</p> Premier League Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ashley-cole-we-need-to--pull-clear-of-united-before-we-lose-didier-1816615.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ashley-cole-we-need-to--pull-clear-of-united-before-we-lose-didier-1816615.html ]]> <p>Most footballers manage to escape the pressures of competition when they drive through the electronic gates of their home, but the same cannot be said of Ashley Cole. His wife, Cheryl, this week achieved the rare feat of topping both the album and the singles charts at the same time. Her first solo album 3 Words entered the charts at No 1 on Sunday, and her debut release "Fight For This Love" stayed on top of the singles charts for the second week running. The missus has already "done the double" – now it's over to Ashley. </p> Premier League Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/torres-advised-to-take-a-threeweek-break-1816614.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/torres-advised-to-take-a-threeweek-break-1816614.html <p>Fernando Torres has returned from his flying visit to a medical clinic in Valencia to tell his manager, Rafael Benitez, that he still wants to avoid surgery for the hernia injury which restricted his movement in Liverpool's agonising Champions League draw at Lyons in midweek. </p> Premier League Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ancelotti-plays-down-manchester-united-fixture-1816401.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ancelotti-plays-down-manchester-united-fixture-1816401.html ]]> <p> Carlo Ancelotti has tried to play down the importance of his side's clash with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. </p> Premier League Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:43:09 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/bent-unconcerned-by-tottenham-return-1816330.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/bent-unconcerned-by-tottenham-return-1816330.html <p> Darren Bent will not allow his return to Tottenham to overshadow Sunderland's search for three more Barclays Premier League points. </p> Premier League Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:44:49 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/moyes-wants-old-firm-in-premier-league-1816315.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/moyes-wants-old-firm-in-premier-league-1816315.html ]]> <p> Everton boss David Moyes wants to see the Old Firm playing in the Barclays Premier League. </p> Premier League Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:23:03 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/chelsea-granted-transfer-ban-reprieve-1816149.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/chelsea-granted-transfer-ban-reprieve-1816149.html ]]> <p> Chelsea look set to be able to trade in the January transfer window after the Court of Arbitration for Sport agreed to suspend their FIFA-imposed transfer ban until a final decision is made in the case of the signing of Gael Kakuta. </p> Premier League Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:22:45 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ferguson-plays-down-kuszczak-row-1816139.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ferguson-plays-down-kuszczak-row-1816139.html ]]> <p> Sir Alex Ferguson today played down talk of a rift between goalkeepers Tomasz Kuszczak and Edwin van der Sar. </p> Premier League Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:07:44 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ferdinand-to-miss-manchester-united-trip-to-chelsea-1816136.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ferdinand-to-miss-manchester-united-trip-to-chelsea-1816136.html ]]> <p> Rio Ferdinand is facing an extended period on the sidelines as Manchester United try to get to the bottom of his latest injury concern. </p> Premier League Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:04:30 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ferguson-happy-with-valencia-progress-1816088.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ferguson-happy-with-valencia-progress-1816088.html ]]> <p> Sir Alex Ferguson feels Antonio Valencia is finally starting to make his mark at Manchester United. </p> Premier League Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:21:17 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/wenger-focused-on-wolves-task-1816081.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/wenger-focused-on-wolves-task-1816081.html ]]> <p> Arsene Wenger has nothing else on his mind other than making sure Arsenal get the result they need at Wolves tomorrow. </p> Premier League Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:13:46 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/benitez-ponders-torres-and-gerrard-surgery-1816080.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/benitez-ponders-torres-and-gerrard-surgery-1816080.html ]]> <p> Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez will not rush to decide whether Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard should have operations. </p> Premier League Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:11:33 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/mccarthy-linked-with-portsmouth-transfer-1816076.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/mccarthy-linked-with-portsmouth-transfer-1816076.html ]]> <p> Portsmouth midfielder Aaron Mokoena would love to see former Blackburn team-mate Benni McCarthy join him at Fratton Park. </p> Premier League Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:05:03 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/i-never-thought-of-quitting-says-hart-1815576.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/i-never-thought-of-quitting-says-hart-1815576.html ]]> <p>The Portsmouth manager, Paul Hart, insists he never considered walking away from the club, despite being under severe pressure when his side failed to collect a single point from their opening seven matches.</p> Premier League Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/hillwood-gives-kroenke-blessing-as-billionaire-raises-stake-1815581.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/hillwood-gives-kroenke-blessing-as-billionaire-raises-stake-1815581.html ]]> <p> The American billionaire Stan Kroenke was given further endorsement by Arsenal chairman, Peter Hill-Wood, yesterday when the latter sold him 100 of his 500 shares in the club, worth £850,000. Kroenke spent another £850,000 buying another 200 as well to take him within 0.09 per cent of having to bid for the entire stock. </p> Premier League Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/benitez-to-quell-crisis-by-focusing-on-league-1815583.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/benitez-to-quell-crisis-by-focusing-on-league-1815583.html ]]> <p> There was some grim ironic timing to Liverpool's announcement yesterday that they have struck a deal with a local BMW dealership, which will become their official supplier for this season. Road may soon replace air as this club's most significant mode of travel. </p> European Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/chelsea-target-163150m-deal-for-stamford-bridge-naming-rights-1815585.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/chelsea-target-163150m-deal-for-stamford-bridge-naming-rights-1815585.html ]]> <p>Chelsea's new chief executive, Ron Gourlay, has admitted the club are ready to sell off the naming rights to Stamford Bridge and hope to raise up to £150m.</p> Premier League Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/kuszczak-laments-lack-of-help-from-van-der-sar-1815584.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/kuszczak-laments-lack-of-help-from-van-der-sar-1815584.html ]]> <p>The Manchester United reserve goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak has accused his team-mate Edwin van der Sar of failing to offer him support at Old Trafford and suggested it is because the Dutchman does not like him.</p> Premier League Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/torres-and-gerrard-may-need-surgery-1815434.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/torres-and-gerrard-may-need-surgery-1815434.html ]]> <p> Under-fire Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has admitted star duo Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard might need surgery to solve the injury problems which have plagued their season. </p> Premier League Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:43:18 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/kroenke-on-the-verge-of-arsenal-takeover-1815188.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/kroenke-on-the-verge-of-arsenal-takeover-1815188.html ]]> <p> Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood, who once said of Stan Kroenke "we don't need his money and we don't want his sort", has delivered the American to the brink of a formal takeover of the north London club. </p> Premier League Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:30:11 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/aguero-flattered-by-chelsea-link-1815396.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/aguero-flattered-by-chelsea-link-1815396.html ]]> <p> Atletico Madrid forward Sergio Aguero has welcomed suggestions he could be a Chelsea target and insists he is flattered to be linked with the Barclays Premier League leaders. </p> Premier League Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:30:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-liverpool-and-manchester-city-chase-krasic-1815265.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-liverpool-and-manchester-city-chase-krasic-1815265.html ]]> <p> Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are considering a move for CSKA Moscow winger Milos Krasic according to reports. </p> Premier League Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:04:02 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/jones-fined-by-sunderland-1815248.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/jones-fined-by-sunderland-1815248.html <p> Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones has been fined by the club for his sending-off against West Ham. </p> Premier League Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:47:57 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-united-linked-with-pound12m-di-maria-1815244.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-united-linked-with-pound12m-di-maria-1815244.html ]]> <p> Manchester United are interested in signing Benfica ace Angel Di Maria in a £12m deal according to reports. </p> Premier League Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:44:19 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-uniteds-fletcher-desperate-to-avoid-surgery-1815197.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-uniteds-fletcher-desperate-to-avoid-surgery-1815197.html <p> Darren Fletcher is hoping a pain-easing injection will delay the need for ankle surgery until next summer. </p> Premier League Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:57:25 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/secret-to-blues-success-smells-like-team-spirit-says-drogba-1814745.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/secret-to-blues-success-smells-like-team-spirit-says-drogba-1814745.html ]]> <p> Chelsea's in-form striker Didier Drogba has highlighted the club's rediscovered team spirit as the key reason for their current revival under coach Carlo Ancelotti. </p> Premier League Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/modric-back-in-running-but-lennon-still-struggling-1814748.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/modric-back-in-running-but-lennon-still-struggling-1814748.html ]]> <p>Tottenham Hotspur winger Aaron Lennon is expected to miss Saturday's Premier League match against Sunderland, although Harry Redknapp can take encouragement from Luka Modric's return to light training.</p> Premier League Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fletcher-intends-to-play-through-pain-at-chelsea-1814750.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fletcher-intends-to-play-through-pain-at-chelsea-1814750.html ]]> <p>Darren Fletcher has revealed he needs an ankle operation, although he is prepared to delay surgery until the summer. There was a time, not so very long ago, when the prospect of losing the midfielder would have been a minor irritant for Manchester United. That was, however, before Fletcher blossomed into one of the Premier League's finest and certainly most under-rated midfielders.</p> Premier League Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/bruce-backs-cattermole-to-make-fast-return-from-injury-1814749.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/bruce-backs-cattermole-to-make-fast-return-from-injury-1814749.html ]]> <p>Steve Bruce, the Sunderland manager, is keeping his fingers crossed that key midfielder Lee Cattermole could return from injury a month earlier than expected.</p> Premier League Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/golden-hines-strikes-to-hand-hammers-crucial-win-1814968.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/golden-hines-strikes-to-hand-hammers-crucial-win-1814968.html <p> The latest of strikes from the 20-year-old Zavon Hines, brought on after Carlton Cole limped off with a hamstring injury after half an hour, won West Ham their first match in 10 last night and lifted them out of the bottom three. </p> Premier League Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/evra-eager-to-avoid-controversy-on-return-to-stamford-bridge-1814631.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/evra-eager-to-avoid-controversy-on-return-to-stamford-bridge-1814631.html ]]> <p> Patrice Evra returns to the scene of his "battle with the groundsman" on Sunday eager to put the controversy behind him and help Manchester United overcome the team he regards as the biggest threat to their hopes of a title four-timer. </p> Premier League Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:36:31 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/dossena-agent-denies-liverpool-exit-1814614.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/dossena-agent-denies-liverpool-exit-1814614.html ]]> <p> The agent of Andrea Dossena has denied reports he is in talks with Napoli to negotiate the transfer of the Liverpool defender to the Serie A outfit in January. </p> Premier League Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:37:45 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/azpilicueta-dismisses-manchester-city-rumours-1814564.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/azpilicueta-dismisses-manchester-city-rumours-1814564.html ]]> <p> Osasuna full-back Cesar Azpilicueta insists he has no plans to leave the club despite reported interest in his services from Manchester City. </p> Premier League Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:34:20 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-red-card-appeal-rejected-1814466.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-red-card-appeal-rejected-1814466.html <p> Liverpool's manpower crisis was not eased today when they lost their appeal over full-back Philipp Degen's red card in Saturday's defeat at Fulham. </p> Premier League Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:31:55 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/gerrard-devastated-by-alonso-exit-1814457.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/gerrard-devastated-by-alonso-exit-1814457.html ]]> <p> Steven Gerrard was "devastated" when Xabi Alonso left Liverpool and admits the Reds have missed the Spaniard. </p> Premier League Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:22:55 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/wenger-confident-over-gibbs-ability-1814454.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/wenger-confident-over-gibbs-ability-1814454.html ]]> <p> Arsene Wenger is confident youngster Kieran Gibbs will thrive in an unexpected run at left-back in the first team. </p> Premier League Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:20:29 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/oneill-wants-aston-villa-to-go-fourth-1814450.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/oneill-wants-aston-villa-to-go-fourth-1814450.html ]]> <p> Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is keeping his feet firmly on the ground as his side go in search of the win at West Ham that would catapult them into the top four of the Barclays Premier League. </p> Premier League Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:15:09 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arteta-suffers-injury-setback-for-everton-1814448.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arteta-suffers-injury-setback-for-everton-1814448.html ]]> <p> Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta has suffered a setback in his recovery from a serious knee injury, manager David Moyes has confirmed. </p> Premier League Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:12:36 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/kroenke-can-wait-to-seal-arsenal-deal-1814060.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/kroenke-can-wait-to-seal-arsenal-deal-1814060.html ]]> <p>Arsene Wenger's focus returns to European domination tonight as his side face AZ Alkmaar but Arsenal's billionaire American shareholder Stan Kroenke has no immediate plans to rule the boardroom via a full takeover. </p> Premier League Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/curbishley-in-line-for-1632m-payout-from-west-ham-1814062.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/curbishley-in-line-for-1632m-payout-from-west-ham-1814062.html ]]> <p>West Ham United tried to sue Alan Curbishley for £2m – the initial cost of replacing him with Gianfranco Zola – it emerged yesterday after the former Hammers manager won his case for constructive dismissal.</p> Premier League Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/sunderland-must-not-get-carried-away-warns-bruce-1814068.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/sunderland-must-not-get-carried-away-warns-bruce-1814068.html <p>The Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is refusing to get carried away by the club's strong start to the season.</p> Premier League Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/maicon-moving-to-city-would-be-unthinkable-says-agent-1814069.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/maicon-moving-to-city-would-be-unthinkable-says-agent-1814069.html ]]> <p>The agent of Maicon has laughed off reports linking the Inter Milan full-back with a move to Manchester City.</p> Transfers Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/wenger-calm-over-kroenke-investment-1813954.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/wenger-calm-over-kroenke-investment-1813954.html ]]> <p> Arsene Wenger has no problem with Stan Kroenke's continued investment in Arsenal - so long as it never impacts on the way he runs the team. </p> Premier League Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:49:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/west-ham-face-curbishley-payout-1813949.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/west-ham-face-curbishley-payout-1813949.html ]]> <p> West Ham are facing the prospect of a multi-million pound compensation pay-out after Alan Curbishley today won his claim against the club for constructive dismissal. </p> Premier League Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:45:22 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/maicon-manchester-city-rumours-denied-1813926.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/maicon-manchester-city-rumours-denied-1813926.html ]]> <p> The agent of Maicon has laughed off reports linking the Inter Milan full-back with a move to Manchester City. </p> Premier League Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:05:57 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/riise-dismisses-liverpool-return-1813849.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/riise-dismisses-liverpool-return-1813849.html ]]> <p> Norway international defender John Arne Riise has dismissed reports linking him with a move from AS Roma back to Liverpool. </p> Premier League Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:42:21 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fletcher-recognition-delights-ferguson-1813774.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fletcher-recognition-delights-ferguson-1813774.html ]]> <p> Darren Fletcher returns to the Manchester United side tonight with Sir Alex Ferguson delighted his fellow Scot's industry is now receiving full acclaim. </p> Premier League Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:24:10 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/kroenke-increases-arsenal-stake-1813769.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/kroenke-increases-arsenal-stake-1813769.html ]]> <p> Stan Kroenke has purchased another 427 shares in Arsenal's parent holding company, at a cost of some £3.6million, as the American edges closer towards the takeover threshold. </p> Premier League Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:17:10 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/pearson-plans-clearout-at-hull-1813668.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/pearson-plans-clearout-at-hull-1813668.html ]]> <p>Hull City are set for a January clear-out of players as Adam Pearson, who began work as chairman yesterday, undertakes the task of saving the club from financial meltdown. Pearson, who left the club £1m in the black when he departed for Derby County in October 2007 and has walked back into £27m of debts, identified a cut in the wage bill for the club's 30-strong first-team squad as his priority. The current £40m wage bill is one of the biggest in the top flight and "far too high," Pearson said. "What's the phrase? Maybe a little too much champagne; maybe not enough ale."</p> Premier League Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/baby-boy-for-wayne-rooney-and-coleen-1813398.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/baby-boy-for-wayne-rooney-and-coleen-1813398.html ]]> <p> England footballer Wayne Rooney's wife Coleen today gave birth to a baby boy. </p> Premier League Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:00:56 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/mancini-linked-with-liverpool-1813486.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/mancini-linked-with-liverpool-1813486.html ]]> <p> Former Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini has made himself available in the job market with reports linking him with Liverpool. </p> Premier League Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:45:19 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/reina-wants-new-liverpool-contract-1813483.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/reina-wants-new-liverpool-contract-1813483.html ]]> <p> Liverpool have been boosted by the news that goalkeeper Jose Reina is intent on signing a new contract at Anfield. </p> Premier League Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:32:13 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/chelsea-and-manchester-united-in-hunt-for-villa-1813454.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/chelsea-and-manchester-united-in-hunt-for-villa-1813454.html ]]> <p> Chelsea are reportedly lining up a £33m bid for Spanish striker David Villa, but will face competition from Manchester United for his signature. </p> Premier League Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:41:13 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-united-interested-in-keeper-neuer-1813440.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-united-interested-in-keeper-neuer-1813440.html ]]> <p> Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly targeted Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer as his favoured successor to Edwin van der Sar. </p> Premier League Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:30:12 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ferguson-wants-manchester-united-consistency-1813343.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ferguson-wants-manchester-united-consistency-1813343.html ]]> <p> Sir Alex Ferguson is looking for his Manchester United side to build up a head on steam in the coming months. </p> Premier League Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:19:37 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/red-card-record-for-premier-league-1813341.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/red-card-record-for-premier-league-1813341.html ]]> <p> The red mist descended on the Barclays Premier League this weekend, with Saturday's tally of eight sendings-off setting a new record. </p> Premier League Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:16:44 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/hull-confirm-return-of-pearson-1813334.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/hull-confirm-return-of-pearson-1813334.html ]]> <p> Hull have confirmed the appointment of Adam Pearson as the club's new executive chairman. </p> Premier League Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:12:06 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-injuries-add-to-pressure-on-benitez-1813214.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-injuries-add-to-pressure-on-benitez-1813214.html ]]> <p>Liverpool's Champions League future, and even Rafael Benitez's continued employment at Anfield, could be in the hands of the club's medical staff with the manager struggling to muster a decent team for Wednesday's tie against Lyons. Successive European defeats have left Liverpool requiring at least a draw at Stade Gerland but Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres head a long list of casualties.</p> Premier League Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/given-is-on-hand--to-save-poor-city-1813215.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/given-is-on-hand--to-save-poor-city-1813215.html <p>The rich men of Abu Dhabi who have funded Manchester City's assault on the elite of English football preferred to attend the Formula One grand prix in their home country yesterday to an afternoon watching their new investment toil in the Midlands. For that alone, Mark Hughes could be grateful: this was not the work of a £200m team.</p> Premier League Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/van-persie-eager-to-face-adebayor-in-carling-cup-tie-1813216.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/van-persie-eager-to-face-adebayor-in-carling-cup-tie-1813216.html ]]> <p>Robin van Persie has risked reigniting his feud with former Arsenal team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor after it was announced that the two will face each other in the Carling Cup quarter-finals early next month.</p> Premier League Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/oneill-beats-drum-for-worldclass-young-1813220.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/oneill-beats-drum-for-worldclass-young-1813220.html <p>Martin O'Neill believes Ashley Young can still wear the three lions next summer – despite signs that Fabio Capello views the Aston Villa attacker as no more essential to England's prospects of World Cup success than the squad's traditional pre-tournament tilt at the pop charts.</p> Premier League Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/brown-gains-weeks-reprieve-after-shifting-blame-1813219.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/brown-gains-weeks-reprieve-after-shifting-blame-1813219.html <p>Adam Pearson, the new Hull City chairman, has granted the club's manager, Phil Brown a one-week stay of execution, with the home match against Stoke City on Sunday his last chance to keep his job. Brown's position at the helm of Hull, who have managed just three Premier League wins in 2009, was made more precarious still by defeat at Burnley on Saturday.</p> Premier League Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpools-spine-begins-to-crumble-1813218.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpools-spine-begins-to-crumble-1813218.html <p>As Liverpool supporters walked along the Thames to Craven Cottage on Saturday one was heard expressing his concern over this fixture adding, sardonically: "That's the beauty of our team now, you never know what's going to happen."</p> Premier League Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/bruce-angered-by-ilungas-embarrassing-antics-1813221.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/bruce-angered-by-ilungas-embarrassing-antics-1813221.html <p>It may suit aesthetes of Arsène Wenger's persuasion to see Sam Allardyce portrayed as a dinosaur, but the Blackburn manager is not alone in fearing that football is in danger of becoming "a game for pansies". On that point, Steve Bruce, the manager of Sunderland, is ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Wenger's <I>bête noire</I>, even though his striker, Kenwyne Jones, faces a three-match ban after his dismissal against West Ham.</p> Premier League Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/pulis-given-two-more-reasons-to-regret-giving-craddock-back-1813223.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/pulis-given-two-more-reasons-to-regret-giving-craddock-back-1813223.html <p>It is a measure of the ambitions and expectations of Wolves and Stoke City, both relative newcomers to the top division, that between them they have now gone seven league games unbeaten but feel dissatisfied.</p> Premier League Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/van-persies-street-spirit--makes-him-dream-target-1813225.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/van-persies-street-spirit--makes-him-dream-target-1813225.html <p>Robin Van Persie has responded to being given the job of Arsenal's unlikely target man by scoring in each of his last five Premier League games. But Arsène Wenger demands much more from his remarkable Dutch striker, predicting he will become the best goalscorer in English football.</p> Premier League Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/dindane-makes-amends-to-lift-pompey-1813227.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/dindane-makes-amends-to-lift-pompey-1813227.html <p>The relief was obvious, not least for Aruna Dindane. In the home defeat against Tottenham a fortnight ago, the Ivory Coast international had spurned a number of chances that could have earned Portsmouth at least a point. On Saturday he scored a hat-trick, his first Premier League goals of the season, and secured Pompey's first home league win of the season. Upon scoring his third, he knelt down on the pitch and crossed himself in thanks. The home fans – and his manager, Paul Hart – were just as grateful.</p> Premier League Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/berbatov-battles-to-win-old-traffords-affection-1813224.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/berbatov-battles-to-win-old-traffords-affection-1813224.html <p>If Tony Blair said his job would be complete when the Labour Party learned to love Peter Mandelson, then perhaps Sir Alex Ferguson can finally walk away from Old Trafford when they swoon at Dimitar Berbatov's feet.</p> Premier League Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ancelotti-enchanted-as-anelka-rejoins-elite-1813222.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ancelotti-enchanted-as-anelka-rejoins-elite-1813222.html <p>Getting a winning manager to name his best player tends to be impossible without the kind of dental treatment handed out to Dustin Hoffman's character in Marathon Man. Remarkably, Carlo Ancelotti coughed up the name of Nicolas Anelka without anyone reaching for a drill.</p> Premier League Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/superb-display-by-given-earns-city-a-point-1813126.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/superb-display-by-given-earns-city-a-point-1813126.html <p> Goalkeeper Shay Given produced a superb display to earn Manchester City a point which their below-par performance barely deserved against Birmingham at St Andrews. </p> Premier League Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:50:48 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/van-persie-makes-a-mockery-of-spurs-class-pretensions-1812823.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/van-persie-makes-a-mockery-of-spurs-class-pretensions-1812823.html <p>It was 70 minutes before the "Olés" started echoing round the stadium, but when they did there was an extra glee greeting every Arsenal touch, an audible rebuke to neighbours who had been unwise enough to suggest they might be approaching the standards set by Arsène Wenger these past 13 years. Five minutes earlier Tottenham's captain, Robbie Keane, had been hauled off, presumably regretting his words earlier in the week about the respective strength of the squads; the performance of Arsenal's understudies in seeing off Liverpool in the Carling Cup had already provided sufficient evidence to the contrary.</p> Premier League Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/king-errors-ensure-the-arsenal-reign-continues-1812824.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/king-errors-ensure-the-arsenal-reign-continues-1812824.html <p>Robbie Keane's pre-match suggestion that Tottenham are "on a par" with Arsenal these days was made to look pretty silly in the end. A more appropriate golfing analogy might be that the Premier League should consider introducing some kind of handicapping system to this fixture, so one-sided have these north London derbies become. Or perhaps Tottenham should take a mulligan and start again.</p> Premier League Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/samuels-red-card-opens-door-for-chelsea-rout-1812825.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/samuels-red-card-opens-door-for-chelsea-rout-1812825.html <p>Before a week in which Chelsea could secure qualification to the next stage of the Champions' League and face a crucial encounter with Manchester United, it is fair to say Carlo Ancelotti would have preferred to avoid such a challenging fixture. The manner in which Chelsea handled one of the toughest Premier League trips on the calendar, however, should ensure more anxiety for their opponents than their coach in the coming days.</p> Premier League Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fans-turn-on-rafa-as-torres-move-prompts-reds-collapse-1812826.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fans-turn-on-rafa-as-torres-move-prompts-reds-collapse-1812826.html <p>It would have been a brave young Scally who went trick or treating at Rafael Benitez's homestead last night. After this barely credible Halloween nightmare the Liverpool manager was in no mood to indulge anyone. </p> Premier League Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/dindane-treble-raises-the-dead-at-portsmouth-1812830.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/dindane-treble-raises-the-dead-at-portsmouth-1812830.html <p>Trick or treat? This season has been one long horror show for Portsmouth but a look at the scoreline tells you this was pure delight for all concerned on the south coast. Wigan simply took fright at the pace and power of the Portsmouth forwards, Frederic Piquionne and the on-loan Aruna Dindane, with the latter scoring a hat-trick, his first goals of the season. </p> Premier League Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/out-with-the-gold-in-with-the-yu-suits-birmingham-1812832.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/out-with-the-gold-in-with-the-yu-suits-birmingham-1812832.html <p>Birmingham City's training ground on Friday morning and a sharp autumnal wind is chilling autograph-hunters, young and old, waiting by the main gate. No wonder they call these supporters Bluenoses. At least there are none of those notices seen at the bigger clubs stating that players will not stop; Birmingham have never been like that.</p> Premier League Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ryan-giggs-a-humble-genius-the-man-who-is-the-very-heart-of-united-1812841.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/ryan-giggs-a-humble-genius-the-man-who-is-the-very-heart-of-united-1812841.html ]]> <p>When Manchester United completed their historic treble in 1999, it was Ryan Giggs's miscued shot in the Champions' League final that set up Teddy Sheringham for the dramatic saving equaliser. When Sir Alex Ferguson kicked a stray boot across the Old Trafford dressing room in a fury, drawing blood from David Beckham's face, it was Giggs standing rather anxiously next to his friend, then helping to drag him away from the manager. When Rio Ferdinand missed his drugs test, who else was chosen to provide a specimen and could have saved a lot of trouble – and saved the League title from slipping away that season, he believes – by reminding his team-mate of their appointment? It is not only since moving into centre midfield that Giggs has been at the heart of United's footballing fortunes and everything connected with them.</p> Premier League Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/craddock-boxes--clever-to-drag-wolves-off-ropes-1812835.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/craddock-boxes--clever-to-drag-wolves-off-ropes-1812835.html <p>The appearance of the two-time world light-welterweight champion Ricky Hatton here yesterday provided an apt backdrop to this thrilling Midlands derby. He was promoting a world title fight in the city next month and found time to indulge in a spot of playful shadow boxing with the Stoke City mascot, Pottermus, when he strolled on to the pitch at half-time.</p> Premier League Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/west-ham-prove-a-pushover-after-jones-stupidity-1812831.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/west-ham-prove-a-pushover-after-jones-stupidity-1812831.html <p>Steve Bruce resisted the temptation to join his former boss in lambasting referee Andre Marriner, directing his anger instead towards the West Ham defender Herita Ilunga after a red card for striker Kenwyne Jones left Sunderland to recover from a 2-0 deficit with only 10 men.</p> Premier League Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/alexander-pushes-brown-closer-to-edge-1812829.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/alexander-pushes-brown-closer-to-edge-1812829.html <p>Phil Brown, the Hull manager, resembled a dead man walking last night. Two goals from Graham Alexander inflicted on Hull their fifth away defeat in six outings and the one that is expected to cost Brown his job. Incoming chairman, Adam Pearson, who will officially take office tomorrow, will have seen nothing to convince him that Hull can survive under the current management team, although Brown's misfortune was so bad, he may be given a stay of execution.</p> Premier League Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/carew-quick-on-the-draw-as-referee-comes-under-fire-1812828.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/carew-quick-on-the-draw-as-referee-comes-under-fire-1812828.html <p>A dramatic finale, in which Everton's Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Aston Villa's Carlos Cuellar were sent off, could not disguise the fact that a contest between two clubs with top-six aspirations fell far short of the entertaining standards they set last season, when the net bulged 15 times in three league and cup collisions. </p> Premier League Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/berbatov-touch-of-class-fills-void-left-by-ronaldo-1812827.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/berbatov-touch-of-class-fills-void-left-by-ronaldo-1812827.html <p>Sir Alex Ferguson has twice spent £30m or more on a footballer and while the money lavished on Rio Ferdinand was never questioned, the sums spent on Dimitar Berbatov were met with a suspicion that amounted almost to resentment. Perhaps it was because the Bulgarian appeared a stranger in an arena where they have always relished skill but only if it is accompanied by a hefty dollop of hard work. Berbatov spent too much of last season looking back in languor. </p> Premier League Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-suffer-humiliating-defeat-at-fulham-1812754.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-suffer-humiliating-defeat-at-fulham-1812754.html <p> Rafael Benitez grimaced on the touchline as nine-man Liverpool were given a mauling in a humiliating defeat at Craven Cottage. </p> Premier League Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:57:36 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/chelsea-put-four-past-bolton-to-stay-top-1812753.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/chelsea-put-four-past-bolton-to-stay-top-1812753.html <p> Chelsea stayed at the top of the Premier League today by outplaying Bolton 4-0, and Arsenal beat Tottenham 3-0 before Liverpool had two players sent off in a 3-1 loss at Fulham. </p> Premier League Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:55:34 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-cruise-to-victory-in-north-london-derby-1812595.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/arsenal-cruise-to-victory-in-north-london-derby-1812595.html <p> Arsenal forward Robin van Persie struck twice to earn his side bragging rights in north London and put a question mark over whether rivals Tottenham can sustain a top-four challenge in the Barclays Premier League. </p> Premier League Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:52:33 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/crouchs-aerial-prowess-will-rattle-gunners-says-redknapp-1812141.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/crouchs-aerial-prowess-will-rattle-gunners-says-redknapp-1812141.html <p> Arsene Wenger said yesterday that he believed Arsenal could deal with the threat of Peter Crouch in the air despite his team's recent weakness from set-pieces. Arsenal conceded against West Ham and AZ Alkmaar in the Champions League after failing to defend high balls. </p> Premier League Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/spurs-long-to-turn-tide-of-history-1812142.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/spurs-long-to-turn-tide-of-history-1812142.html ]]> <p>There is very little for Tottenham to celebrate in their recent rivalry with Arsenal, but Harry Redknapp demonstrated yesterday, that does not mean you cannot still wind up the old enemy. The Spurs manager claimed that Arsenal were not real contenders for the Premier League title because their young team would be no match for the experience of Chelsea and Manchester United.</p> Premier League Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/gerrard-joins-johnson-and-aquilani-on-sick-list-1812144.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/gerrard-joins-johnson-and-aquilani-on-sick-list-1812144.html <p>Steven Gerrard may have to undergo surgery next week to repair an injury to his groin, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez revealed yesterday.</p> Premier League Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/moyes-feels-strain-over-cruel-luck-1812147.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/moyes-feels-strain-over-cruel-luck-1812147.html ]]> <p>David Moyes won't look back on October 2009 with much pleasure. In fact, he will positively wince whenever he recalls the period which has seen him suffer some of his darkest hours since becoming Everton manager.</p> Premier League Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/anelka-was-worth-the-wait-says-ancelotti-1812148.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/anelka-was-worth-the-wait-says-ancelotti-1812148.html <p>Carlo Ancelotti is not a man to bear a grudge. Ten years ago Ancelotti, then manager of Juventus, tried to sign the youthful if temperamental Nicolas Anelka from Arsenal, describing the 20-year-old striker as "the Van Basten of the new millennium".</p> Premier League Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/gerrard-causing-concern-for-benitez-1812090.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/gerrard-causing-concern-for-benitez-1812090.html <p> Steven Gerrard's long-term fitness holds the key to what Liverpool can still achieve this season. </p> Premier League Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:59:41 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/tottenham-on-a-par-with-arsenal-claims-redknapp-1812089.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/tottenham-on-a-par-with-arsenal-claims-redknapp-1812089.html ]]> <p> Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp insists the gap with Arsenal has been closed and there is little to choose between the bitter rivals ahead of their Barclays Premier League clash this weekend. </p> Premier League Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:58:09 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/wenger-ignores-adebayors-fabregas-claims-1812035.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/wenger-ignores-adebayors-fabregas-claims-1812035.html ]]> <p> Arsene Wenger insists his preparations for tomorrow's north London derby will not be affected by Emmanuel Adebayor's claims that Cesc Fabregas could leave Arsenal. </p> Premier League Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:41:44 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/gerrard-and-aquilani-miss-fulham-trip-1812012.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/gerrard-and-aquilani-miss-fulham-trip-1812012.html ]]> <p> Steven Gerrard will miss his third successive Liverpool match tomorrow with the groin injury he picked up playing for England in Ukraine earlier this month. </p> Premier League Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:23:42 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/vidic-and-ferdinand-doubts-for-manchester-united-1811984.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/vidic-and-ferdinand-doubts-for-manchester-united-1811984.html ]]> <p> Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is refusing to dwell on finishing second best to Liverpool. </p> Premier League Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:27:55 +0000