Andy Carroll and Joey Barton combined to hand Alan Pardew a winning start to his Newcastle reign as jeers turned to cheers at St James' Park.
The 21-year-old England international's 10th goal of the season cemented a priceless victory for the Magpies after Scouser Barton's 80th-minute strike had restored their lead.
Skipper Kevin Nolan, another native Liverpudlian, had got the Magpies off to the perfect start with a 15th-minute opener, but Dirk Kuyt looked to have snatched a point for the visitors when his 50th-minute shot was deflected past keeper Tim Krul by the unfortunate Steven Taylor.
A delighted crowd of 50,137 had arrived determined to voice their fury at owner Mike Ashley's decision to sack Chris Hughton, and they did just that.
EPL Today
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Blackpool 1-0 Stoke City
The Blackpool bandwagon rolls on with DJ Campbell scoring a second-half winner against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium.
It means Ian Holloway's side have now collected six wins and 22 points from 16 games - a remarkable tally given they were widely tipped for relegation.
Prior to kick-off a montage of the late Sir Stanley Matthews, who served both clubs and England with distinction, was well received by home and away supporters.
Matthews would have been proud of the way Blackpool not only kept the ball but showed resilience when needed.
Stoke huffed and puffed but were left deflated as their five-match unbeaten run came to an end.
It means Ian Holloway's side have now collected six wins and 22 points from 16 games - a remarkable tally given they were widely tipped for relegation.
Prior to kick-off a montage of the late Sir Stanley Matthews, who served both clubs and England with distinction, was well received by home and away supporters.
Matthews would have been proud of the way Blackpool not only kept the ball but showed resilience when needed.
Stoke huffed and puffed but were left deflated as their five-match unbeaten run came to an end.
Fulham 0-0 Sunderland
Sunderland climbed one place to sixth in the Premier League after drawing with Fulham in a low-quality contest at Craven Cottage.
Neither side could complain with the outcome, though Fulham will be frustrated that a series of second-half chances were foiled by some resolute defending.
At one point in the second half Sunderland had a four-on-one overlap and a goal appeared certain, but an abysmal pass from Darren Bent ruined the moment.
It was a dismal spectacle that improved a little in a second half controlled by Fulham, with Clint Dempsey the focal point of their attack.
Neither side could complain with the outcome, though Fulham will be frustrated that a series of second-half chances were foiled by some resolute defending.
At one point in the second half Sunderland had a four-on-one overlap and a goal appeared certain, but an abysmal pass from Darren Bent ruined the moment.
It was a dismal spectacle that improved a little in a second half controlled by Fulham, with Clint Dempsey the focal point of their attack.
Everton 0-0 Wigan
Wigan displayed unfamiliar defensive resilience to earn a point from a goalless draw against Everton at Goodison Park which left home fans deeply unimpressed.
Despite dominating for the majority of the game, the closest the Toffees came to making a breakthrough was when Tim Cahill's second-half header rebounded off a post.
Neither side has been particularly prolific this season but Everton created enough chances to have put the result beyond doubt and their failure to do so will be a concern for manager David Moyes.
The result extended their winless run to seven matches and, with just three victories in the current campaign, they remain two points above the relegation zone.
Wigan, for their part, could not be criticised for hanging on at times in the hope they would get a chance to snatch victory.
Despite dominating for the majority of the game, the closest the Toffees came to making a breakthrough was when Tim Cahill's second-half header rebounded off a post.
Neither side has been particularly prolific this season but Everton created enough chances to have put the result beyond doubt and their failure to do so will be a concern for manager David Moyes.
The result extended their winless run to seven matches and, with just three victories in the current campaign, they remain two points above the relegation zone.
Wigan, for their part, could not be criticised for hanging on at times in the hope they would get a chance to snatch victory.
Aston Villa 2-1 West Bromwixh Albion
Stewart Downing and Emile Heskey provided a much-needed lift for Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier as their goals earned victory over derby rivals West Brom at Villa Park.
Downing struck his sixth goal of the campaign after 25 minutes and fit-again Heskey wrapped up the points 10 minutes from time before a late consolation from Paul Scharner.
Victory ended a run of three successive Premier League defeats and eased Villa's relegation fears.
It was also a boost for Houllier, who had come in for criticism from Villa fans for his behaviour when returning to Liverpool for Monday's clash.
He was warmly applauded by the Holte End when making his way to the dug-out and then saw Downing and Heskey ensure Villa remain unbeaten against Albion since 1985.
Downing struck his sixth goal of the campaign after 25 minutes and fit-again Heskey wrapped up the points 10 minutes from time before a late consolation from Paul Scharner.
Victory ended a run of three successive Premier League defeats and eased Villa's relegation fears.
It was also a boost for Houllier, who had come in for criticism from Villa fans for his behaviour when returning to Liverpool for Monday's clash.
He was warmly applauded by the Holte End when making his way to the dug-out and then saw Downing and Heskey ensure Villa remain unbeaten against Albion since 1985.
Manchester CIty 3-1 West Ham United
Manchester City put talk of dressing room disharmony aside to produce the perfect team display as Roberto Mancini's multi-million pound squad moved level on points with Premier League leaders Arsenal.
City, without suspended former Hammers striker Carlos Tevez, dominated from kick-off, and it was no surprised when Yaya Toure rifled in the opener on the half-hour mark.
The home side rallied after the break and had appeals for a penalty turned down for handball against Yaya Toure.
However, the Ivory Coast midfielder then helped the visitors double their lead when his shot hit the post and went in off goalkeeper Robert Green, before substitute Adam Johnson wrapped things up with nine minutes left.
City, without suspended former Hammers striker Carlos Tevez, dominated from kick-off, and it was no surprised when Yaya Toure rifled in the opener on the half-hour mark.
The home side rallied after the break and had appeals for a penalty turned down for handball against Yaya Toure.
However, the Ivory Coast midfielder then helped the visitors double their lead when his shot hit the post and went in off goalkeeper Robert Green, before substitute Adam Johnson wrapped things up with nine minutes left.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Van Der Vaart out versus Chelsea
Rafael van der Vaart has been ruled out of Tottenham's clash with Chelsea on Sunday because of injury.
Van der Vaart has made a huge impact since making a summer move from Real Madrid, but fitness has been a problem.
Harry Redknapp had hoped to bring him back against Chelsea, but the midfielder has failed to respond to treatment and Spurs will go into the derby without one of their most potent creative forces.
Van der Vaart has made a huge impact since making a summer move from Real Madrid, but fitness has been a problem.
He limped off early on in the 2-1 win over Liverpool on November 28 and has not featured since. He was said to be in contention for the midweek Champions League clash with Twente, but he remained on the sidelines and is still struggling with a hamstring injury.
Fulham won't give up Clint Dempsey
LONDON -- Fulham will reject any offers for American Clint Dempsey in the January transfer window, manager Mark Hughes said Friday.
The 27-year-old forward and midfielder from Texas is Fulham's top scorer this season with six goals, including five in the Premier League.
"I'm sure there is interest in Clint. Most good players are mentioned at some point in time leading into a window," Hughes said. "There's been no contact from any clubs for Clint or any other player nor would we encourage it because Clint's very happy here, is enjoying his football and is having an impact for us.
"If there are any inquiries about Clint, they'll be getting short shrift."
Going into Saturday's match against Sunderland, Fulham (2-5-9) sits one place above the three-team Premier League relegation zone thanks to goal difference.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
The 27-year-old forward and midfielder from Texas is Fulham's top scorer this season with six goals, including five in the Premier League.
"I'm sure there is interest in Clint. Most good players are mentioned at some point in time leading into a window," Hughes said. "There's been no contact from any clubs for Clint or any other player nor would we encourage it because Clint's very happy here, is enjoying his football and is having an impact for us.
"If there are any inquiries about Clint, they'll be getting short shrift."
Going into Saturday's match against Sunderland, Fulham (2-5-9) sits one place above the three-team Premier League relegation zone thanks to goal difference.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Manchester United's knockout stage possibilities
Manchester United won their group with the first three matches. Although they did struggle versus Valencia in both matches. Now, they don't have to worry about Valencia, Barcelona, Real, Bayern, Chelsea, and Tottenham; things seem to be coming together well for the Red Devils.
Tottenham's knockout stage possibilities
Tottenham were unexpectedly the winners of Group A over defending champs Inter Milan. That is significant for two reasons. Reason one is that they will not face Inter any time soon. Reason two is that winning the group spares them from facing Barcelona and Real and Bayern in the next round.
Chelsea's knockout stage possibilities
Chelsea do have the advantage of winning the group and avoiding Barcelona and Real in the next round but bad form has lowered expectations significantly.
Arsenal's knockout stage matchups
Arsenal may have been the EPL team to end up in the worst possible situation going into the round of 16.
Champions League Draw Information
As everyone already knows, the final 16 for the UEFA Champions League is set. Now, there must be a draw to decide who plays who in the knockout stages. Lets take a look at the teams and who they might play.
There will be two pots when the draw ceremony begins at 12.00CET next Friday December 17th: one of group winners and one of runners-up. The winners will be away in the round of 16 first legs on 15/16 and 22/23 February and at home in the return matches on 8/9 and 15/16 March. No team can play a club from their group or any side from the same association.
There will be two pots when the draw ceremony begins at 12.00CET next Friday December 17th: one of group winners and one of runners-up. The winners will be away in the round of 16 first legs on 15/16 and 22/23 February and at home in the return matches on 8/9 and 15/16 March. No team can play a club from their group or any side from the same association.
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Gibbs out for three weeks
England international Gibbs sustained the ankle injury in Wednesday's UEFA Champions League win over Partizan Belgrade.
Gibbs underwent scans on the problem on Thursday and it has been confirmed he faces a spell on the sidelines.
It means Gibbs will miss Monday's trip to Manchester United as well as a number of games over the busy festive period.
However, Gael Clichy is set to be fit for the clash at Old Trafford after recovering from the illness which forced him to miss the Partizan tie.
Gibbs underwent scans on the problem on Thursday and it has been confirmed he faces a spell on the sidelines.
It means Gibbs will miss Monday's trip to Manchester United as well as a number of games over the busy festive period.
However, Gael Clichy is set to be fit for the clash at Old Trafford after recovering from the illness which forced him to miss the Partizan tie.
Carroll set to stay with Newcastle
By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
Andy Carroll has pledged his future to Newcastle United amid speculation he will move on in the January transfer window.
Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham have all been linked with a move for Carroll, who made his England debut against France last month, and he is known to have been close to Chris Hughton. However, a source close to the player told ESPNsoccernet moments after the appointment of Alan Pardew that Carroll wants to stay at St James's Park.
"Andy is not going anywhere, especially in the January transfer window, for a number of reasons," the source said. "He loves Newcastle, he loves the fans, he loves the ground. He is a Geordie who loves the club and who sees his entire career playing for Newcastle.
Andy Carroll has pledged his future to Newcastle United amid speculation he will move on in the January transfer window.
Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham have all been linked with a move for Carroll, who made his England debut against France last month, and he is known to have been close to Chris Hughton. However, a source close to the player told ESPNsoccernet moments after the appointment of Alan Pardew that Carroll wants to stay at St James's Park.
"Andy is not going anywhere, especially in the January transfer window, for a number of reasons," the source said. "He loves Newcastle, he loves the fans, he loves the ground. He is a Geordie who loves the club and who sees his entire career playing for Newcastle.
Ronaldinho to Liverpool? Liverpool midfielder Lucas Levia wants it.
Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva says that he would be pleased if Brazilian team-mate Ronaldinho joined him at Anfield.
Ronaldinho has been linked with a move away from AC Milan in January, with Liverpool and clubs from Brazil and the MLS interested in securing his services and, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, the playmaker looks like he may move on.
The former World Player of the Year has slipped down the pecking order at the San Siro, with team-mate Robinho preferred of late, and Liverpool's Lucas thinks he would fit in well at Anfield.
Ronaldinho has been linked with a move away from AC Milan in January, with Liverpool and clubs from Brazil and the MLS interested in securing his services and, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, the playmaker looks like he may move on.
The former World Player of the Year has slipped down the pecking order at the San Siro, with team-mate Robinho preferred of late, and Liverpool's Lucas thinks he would fit in well at Anfield.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Round of 16 Squads
Group A
- Tottenham
- Inter Milan
- Shalke 04
- Lyon
- Manchester United
- Valencia
- Barcelona
- FC Copenhagen
- Bayern Munuch
- AS Roma
- Chelsea
- Marseille
- Real Madrid
- AC Milan
- Shakhtar Donetsk
- Arsenal
Arsenal 3-1 Partizan Belgrade
Arsenal moved into the last 16 of the Champions League with a laboured 3-1 win over Group H whipping boys Partizan Belgrade at Emirates Stadium.
Successive away defeats to Shakhtar Donetsk and Braga had left the Gunners - who opened their European campaign with three straight victories - still needing a result to secure safe passage through to the knockout stages for the 11th successive season.
After a lacklustre start, Robin van Persie fired the home side ahead from the penalty spot - his first goal of the season - and after Cleo had netted a shock equaliser, substitute Theo Walcott volleyed Arsenal back into the lead before man-of-the-moment Samir Nasri swept home a third.
Arsenal finished the game with 10 men when defender Bacary Sagna was shown a red card for a professional foul on 85 minutes.
Successive away defeats to Shakhtar Donetsk and Braga had left the Gunners - who opened their European campaign with three straight victories - still needing a result to secure safe passage through to the knockout stages for the 11th successive season.
After a lacklustre start, Robin van Persie fired the home side ahead from the penalty spot - his first goal of the season - and after Cleo had netted a shock equaliser, substitute Theo Walcott volleyed Arsenal back into the lead before man-of-the-moment Samir Nasri swept home a third.
Arsenal finished the game with 10 men when defender Bacary Sagna was shown a red card for a professional foul on 85 minutes.
Marseille 1-0 Chelsea
Marseille piled more pressure on Chelsea's under-fire boss Carlo Ancelotti as a second-half goal from Brandao brought their unbeaten Champions League run to an end.
Having already won Group F, the Blues were lethargic and passionless despite Ancelotti's call for a return to the free-flowing football they produced at the start of the season.
Although the game had nothing riding on it apart from pride, the English champions looked a shadow of the side that took defences apart with ease last season.
The Blues have now recorded just two wins out of their last eight games in all competitions and the storm clouds will continue to gather over Ancelotti until they reverse their alarming slump.
Having already won Group F, the Blues were lethargic and passionless despite Ancelotti's call for a return to the free-flowing football they produced at the start of the season.
Although the game had nothing riding on it apart from pride, the English champions looked a shadow of the side that took defences apart with ease last season.
The Blues have now recorded just two wins out of their last eight games in all competitions and the storm clouds will continue to gather over Ancelotti until they reverse their alarming slump.
Olympique de Marseille v Chelsea FC Press Kit
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
2010/11 SEASON
MATCH PRESS KIT
Olympique de Marseille Chelsea FC
Group F - Matchday 6
Stade Vélodrome, Marseille
Wednesday 8 December 2010
20.45CET (20.45 local time)
Arsenal Fc v FK Partizan Press Kit
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
2010/11 SEASON
MATCH PRESS KIT
Arsenal FC FK Partizan
Group H - Matchday 6
Arsenal Stadium, London
Wednesday 8 December 2010
20.45CET (19.45 local time)
Twente Enschede 3-3 Tottenham
Tottenham capped an unforgettable Champions League Group A campaign with another thriller as they secured top spot despite a draw at FC Twente.
No matter how Harry Redknapp's men fare in the knockout stage, the manner in which they have gone about getting there has been both entertaining and dramatic and it was no exception on Tuesday.
Needing to win to be certain of finishing above Inter Milan, Spurs led three times through a calamitous Peter Wisgerhof own goal and Jermain Defoe's first strikes since August.
Each advantage was quickly cancelled out, through a controversial twice-taken Denny Landzaat penalty and goals from Roberto Rosales and Nacer Chadli, but a draw proved enough as Inter lost at Werder Bremen.
Harry Redknapp kept to his word to field some fringe players, with Vedran Corluka making his first appearance for more than two months and Niko Kranjcar handed a rare start, while there were recalls for the fit-again Jermaine Jenas and Roman Pavlyuchenko.
No matter how Harry Redknapp's men fare in the knockout stage, the manner in which they have gone about getting there has been both entertaining and dramatic and it was no exception on Tuesday.
Needing to win to be certain of finishing above Inter Milan, Spurs led three times through a calamitous Peter Wisgerhof own goal and Jermain Defoe's first strikes since August.
Each advantage was quickly cancelled out, through a controversial twice-taken Denny Landzaat penalty and goals from Roberto Rosales and Nacer Chadli, but a draw proved enough as Inter lost at Werder Bremen.
Harry Redknapp kept to his word to field some fringe players, with Vedran Corluka making his first appearance for more than two months and Niko Kranjcar handed a rare start, while there were recalls for the fit-again Jermaine Jenas and Roman Pavlyuchenko.
Manchester United 1-1 Valencia
Manchester United lost their perfect Champions League defensive record but still managed to claim top spot in Group C thanks to Anderson's second-half equaliser.
United had the better of an entertaining contest but a succession of failures in front of goal looked set to cost them dear when Pablo Hernandez rifled the visitors in front after half an hour.
It was the first goal United had conceded in this season's Champions League and might well have proved very costly had it pitched them into combat with one of Europe's heavyweights in next Friday's draw.
But they found an unlikely hero in Anderson, who netted only his second goal for the Red Devils when he latched onto the rebound after Vicente Guaita had saved Park Ji-sung's thunderbolt.
United had the better of an entertaining contest but a succession of failures in front of goal looked set to cost them dear when Pablo Hernandez rifled the visitors in front after half an hour.
It was the first goal United had conceded in this season's Champions League and might well have proved very costly had it pitched them into combat with one of Europe's heavyweights in next Friday's draw.
But they found an unlikely hero in Anderson, who netted only his second goal for the Red Devils when he latched onto the rebound after Vicente Guaita had saved Park Ji-sung's thunderbolt.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
EPL Table December 7, 2010
| 2010-2011 English Premier League Table | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Overall | Home | Away | |||||||||||||||||||||
| POS | TEAM | P | W | D | L | GS | GA | W | D | L | GS | GA | W | D | L | GS | GA | GD | Pts | ||||
| 1 |  | Arsenal | 16 | 10 | 2 | 4 | 34 | 18 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 19 | 10 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 15 | 8 | 16 | 32 | |||
| 2 |  | Manchester United | 15 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 35 | 16 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 24 | 6 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 11 | 10 | 19 | 31 | |||
| 3 | | Chelsea | 16 | 9 | 3 | 4 | 30 | 11 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 18 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 12 | 7 | 19 | 30 | |||
| 4 |  | Manchester City | 16 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 21 | 12 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 13 | 7 | 9 | 29 | |||
| 5 | | Tottenham Hotspur | 16 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 24 | 21 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 13 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 11 | 13 | 3 | 26 | |||
| 6 | | Bolton Wanderers | 16 | 5 | 8 | 3 | 28 | 23 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 17 | 11 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 11 | 12 | 5 | 23 | |||
| 7 | | Sunderland | 16 | 5 | 8 | 3 | 20 | 18 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 10 | 13 | 2 | 23 | |||
| 8 | | Liverpool | 16 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 20 | 19 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 15 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 13 | 1 | 22 | |||
| 9 | | West Bromwich Albion | 16 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 23 | 27 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 11 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 12 | 17 | -4 | 22 | |||
| 10 | | Stoke City | 16 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 21 | 21 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 12 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 12 | 0 | 21 | |||
| 11 | | Blackburn Rovers | 16 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 21 | 25 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 11 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 19 | -4 | 21 | |||
| 12 | | Newcastle United | 16 | 5 | 4 | 7 | 24 | 25 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 16 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 15 | -1 | 19 | |||
| 13 | | Blackpool | 15 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 23 | 29 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 11 | 11 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 12 | 18 | -6 | 19 | |||
| 14 | | Birmingham | 16 | 3 | 9 | 4 | 17 | 19 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 9 | 13 | -2 | 18 | |||
| 15 | | Everton | 16 | 3 | 8 | 5 | 18 | 20 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 12 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 8 | 8 | -2 | 17 | |||
| 16 | | Aston Villa | 16 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 17 | 27 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 12 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 18 | -10 | 17 | |||
| 17 | | Fulham | 16 | 2 | 9 | 5 | 16 | 20 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 10 | 11 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 9 | -4 | 15 | |||
| 18 | | Wigan Athletic | 16 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 13 | 28 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 8 | 17 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 11 | -15 | 15 | |||
| 19 | | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 16 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 17 | 30 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 12 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 5 | 17 | -13 | 12 | |||
| 20 | | West Ham United | 16 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 14 | 27 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 12 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 15 | -13 | 12 | |||
Liverpool 3-0 Aston Villa
Liverpool's stand-in strikers shrugged off the absence of Fernando Torres to secure a comfortable victory over Aston Villa and make it an unhappy return to Anfield for former Reds manager Gerard Houllier.
With Torres given the night off to be with his wife Olalla, who had gone into labour with their second child, David Ngog and Ryan Babel ensured he was not unduly missed with first-half goals.
Maxi Rodriguez added the third in the 55th minute to make it four successive Barclays Premier League victories for Liverpool at Anfield.
In truth Villa, like previous visitors West Ham, posed little in the way of a threat but there were some encouraging performances from Liverpool all the same.
With Torres given the night off to be with his wife Olalla, who had gone into labour with their second child, David Ngog and Ryan Babel ensured he was not unduly missed with first-half goals.
Maxi Rodriguez added the third in the 55th minute to make it four successive Barclays Premier League victories for Liverpool at Anfield.
In truth Villa, like previous visitors West Ham, posed little in the way of a threat but there were some encouraging performances from Liverpool all the same.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Tottenham Hotspur FC v FC Twente Press Kit
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
2010/11 SEASON
MATCH PRESS KIT
FC Twente Tottenham Hotspur FC
Group A - Matchday 6
FC Twente Stadion, Enschede
Tuesday 7 December 2010
20.45CET (20.45 local time)
Manchester United FC v Valencia CF Press Kit
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
2010/11 SEASON
MATCH PRESS KIT
Manchester United FC Valencia CF
Group C - Matchday 6
Old Trafford, Manchester
Tuesday 7 December 2010
20.45CET (19.45 local time)
Ancelotti losing sleep via Sky Sports
Carlo Ancelotti admits to finding it difficult to relax at the moment, but insists he does not fear for his job.
A four-match winless run in the league, and only one victory in six, has seen the Blues topple into third place, two points behind leaders Arsenal.
The alarming wobble has seen Ancelotti come under fire, with last season's Double heroics counting for little right now.
Kevin Davies slams Manchester City's conduct
Bolton striker Kevin Davies has branded Manchester City's conduct as "embarrassing'' and questioned the apparently fragile team spirit at Eastlands.
Kevin Davies believes Manchester City's players were going down to easily on Saturday
City moved just three points off top spot with their 1-0 weekend win over the Trotters at Eastlands. Carlos Tevez's early goal did the damage, although the Argentinian's petulant reaction to being substituted late in the game was an even bigger discussion point.
Davies is not convinced that gave off the correct signals and he was even less impressed at so many of the City players collapsing in mock agony during a keenly-fought duel.
Kevin Davies believes Manchester City's players were going down to easily on Saturday
City moved just three points off top spot with their 1-0 weekend win over the Trotters at Eastlands. Carlos Tevez's early goal did the damage, although the Argentinian's petulant reaction to being substituted late in the game was an even bigger discussion point.
Davies is not convinced that gave off the correct signals and he was even less impressed at so many of the City players collapsing in mock agony during a keenly-fought duel.
Newcastle United sack Chris Hughton
By ESPNsoccernet staff
Newcastle United have sensationally sacked manager Chris Hughton just over a year after he was appointed the club's boss on a permanent basis.
Newcastle United have sensationally sacked manager Chris Hughton just over a year after he was appointed the club's boss on a permanent basis.
PA Photos
Spurs and Liverpool eye Parker swoop
By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool have made Scott Parker their top January transfer target, but
West Ham United are refusing to sell their prized asset.
It would take a massive bid to persuade the Hammers to change their minds, but the club are expecting a renewed bid for their influential midfielder, who only recently signed a new record-breaking five-year contract.
Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool have made Scott Parker their top January transfer target, but
West Ham United are refusing to sell their prized asset.
GettyImages
It would take a massive bid to persuade the Hammers to change their minds, but the club are expecting a renewed bid for their influential midfielder, who only recently signed a new record-breaking five-year contract.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Sunderland 1-0 West Ham
Jordan Henderson's first goal of the season sent West Ham back to the foot of the Premier League table as Sunderland ended their recent revival.
The 20-year-old England international struck 11 minutes before the break to give his side an advantage they refused to surrender despite second half pressure from the visitors.
Victor Obinna came closest to snatching a point with a 79th-minute effort which hit the outside of the post, but the Black Cats were good value for a victory which left them in seventh place.
Manager Steve Bruce has spent much of the season to date pleading with his midfielders to help out strikers Darren Bent and Asamoah Gyan on the goals front, and Henderson's contribution will have been as welcome to him as it was to the bulk of a crowd of 36,940 on a bitterly cold Wearside afternoon.
The 20-year-old England international struck 11 minutes before the break to give his side an advantage they refused to surrender despite second half pressure from the visitors.
Victor Obinna came closest to snatching a point with a 79th-minute effort which hit the outside of the post, but the Black Cats were good value for a victory which left them in seventh place.
Manager Steve Bruce has spent much of the season to date pleading with his midfielders to help out strikers Darren Bent and Asamoah Gyan on the goals front, and Henderson's contribution will have been as welcome to him as it was to the bulk of a crowd of 36,940 on a bitterly cold Wearside afternoon.
West Brom 3-1 Newcastle
West Brom climbed into the top half of the Premier League as two-goal Peter Odemwingie and Somen Tchoyi earned them a 3-1 win over Newcastle.
Tchoyi's first goal at the Hawthorns gave the Baggies a deserved half-time lead after they dominated the opening 45 minutes.
Then Odemwingie wrapped up the points with his fifth goal of the campaign and another in the closing seconds to take his side past the 20-point mark before Peter Lovenkrands' last-gasp reply.
It sealed back to back league wins for Roberto Di Matteo's side after a slump in fortunes in November and their first over the Geordies in 18 attempts.
Tchoyi's first goal at the Hawthorns gave the Baggies a deserved half-time lead after they dominated the opening 45 minutes.
Then Odemwingie wrapped up the points with his fifth goal of the campaign and another in the closing seconds to take his side past the 20-point mark before Peter Lovenkrands' last-gasp reply.
It sealed back to back league wins for Roberto Di Matteo's side after a slump in fortunes in November and their first over the Geordies in 18 attempts.
Onuoha could quit City
The 24-year-old is a product of the Blues' academy system and always hoped that he would be given an opportunity to make his mark with the club.
He has, however, been forced to look elsewhere for regular first-team football, with the riches at Eastlands increasing competition for places.
Onuoha took the decision to join Sunderland on a season-long loan over the summer in order to get games and has thoroughly enjoyed his time on Wearside.
He admits it was tough to turn his back on Eastlands, but accepts that he must do what is best for his career.
With that in mind, the former England U21 international has made it clear that he will look to leave City on a permanent basis next summer if he is not given the assurances he seeks.
He has, however, been forced to look elsewhere for regular first-team football, with the riches at Eastlands increasing competition for places.
Onuoha took the decision to join Sunderland on a season-long loan over the summer in order to get games and has thoroughly enjoyed his time on Wearside.
He admits it was tough to turn his back on Eastlands, but accepts that he must do what is best for his career.
With that in mind, the former England U21 international has made it clear that he will look to leave City on a permanent basis next summer if he is not given the assurances he seeks.
Bassong interested in PSG move
The centre-half is unhappy with a lack of first-team football at Tottenham and admits he may be forced to leave in the January transfer window.
With Younes Kaboul and William Gallas currently the favoured defensive pairing for Harry Redknapp, and with Michael Dawson also in contention, Bassong has found himself slipping down the pecking order.
The 24-year-old is not prepared to play second fiddle for much longer and is keeping his options open.
Speculation has already suggested that he could be a New Year target for Ligue 1 giants PSG and the French-born Cameroon international admits he would find it tough to turn down a switch to his boyhood heroes.
With Younes Kaboul and William Gallas currently the favoured defensive pairing for Harry Redknapp, and with Michael Dawson also in contention, Bassong has found himself slipping down the pecking order.
The 24-year-old is not prepared to play second fiddle for much longer and is keeping his options open.
Speculation has already suggested that he could be a New Year target for Ligue 1 giants PSG and the French-born Cameroon international admits he would find it tough to turn down a switch to his boyhood heroes.
Houllier interested in Michael Owen
Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier says he would "love" to be reunited with Michael Owen once again should the Manchester United striker become available.
Houllier managed Owen during the most productive years of the striker's career, with the pinnacle coming in 2001 when Liverpool won the treble of FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup, with Owen going on to be named European Player of the Year.
Owen is only a fringe member of the United squad at present, starting just one Premier League game this season, and ahead of Villa's game against their former club Liverpool on Monday, Houllier has made no attempt to disguise his interest in the player.
"I would love to bring him here," Houllier told the Mail on Sunday. "He would be good for the group and has a joyful attitude to playing."
Houllier managed Owen during the most productive years of the striker's career, with the pinnacle coming in 2001 when Liverpool won the treble of FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup, with Owen going on to be named European Player of the Year.
Owen is only a fringe member of the United squad at present, starting just one Premier League game this season, and ahead of Villa's game against their former club Liverpool on Monday, Houllier has made no attempt to disguise his interest in the player.
"I would love to bring him here," Houllier told the Mail on Sunday. "He would be good for the group and has a joyful attitude to playing."
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