Fa Barclaycard Premiership Result Update

English Premiership Result.

26 December 2008

Stoke C. 0 - 1 Manchester United

Chelsea 2 - 0 West Bromwich A.

Portsmouth 1 - 4 West Ham U.

Tottenham H. 0 - 0 Fulham

Liverpool 3 - 0 Bolton W.

Manchester City 5 - 1 Hull City

Middlesbrough 0 - 1 Everton

Sunderland 0 - 0 Blackburn R.

Wigan Athletic 2 - 1 Newcastle U.

Aston Villa 2 - 2 Arsenal

by livescore

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 25 December 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Liverpool determined to stay top
Fa Barclaycard Premiership reaches halfway mark of the day after Christmas with Liverpool holding a narrow lead at the top.

Liverpool, who face Bolton at Anfield, have not won the title since 1990 but are a point ahead of Chelsea.

Rafael Benitez team has had a bigger lead but have established their last three home games.

"It was so long since Liverpool won the title, I was a 12-year old Everton fan the last time it happened," said Reds defend Jamie Carragher.

"We had some runs and we must begin to turn in those victories but we are still high."

Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee insists that the reds can retain their title charge.

"I know that at the beginning of the season, nobody thought we could be the other top of the table, but we have done," Lee told the club website.

"We do not prepare to fail, we thought we could be at the top, and we believe we can stay there. We are not surprised by the position we are in."

Chelsea have moved to the top of the table if they beat Everton on Saturday - a game which finished goalless and saw John Terry dismissed.

Terry will now miss the Blues fixture at home to bottom side West Brom, and the Sunday game against Fulham and the FA Cup tie against Southend.

The draw against Chelsea caramels also completed the sequence of 11 successive away victories.

But manager Luiz Felipe Scolari is boost by the news that the central defense Ricardo Carvalho is close to a return from a knee injury.

"This is the first time Ricardo has trained normally with us and I think that, after seven days - 10 days - he will start playing," said Scolari.

Surprise package Aston Villa are five points behind Liverpool in third - and Martin O'Neill's team take on fifth placed Arsenal in what could be the day after Christmas the most important fixture.

The Gunners can move level on points with Villa if they win, but Arsene Wenger team go into the fixture without injured skipper Cesc Fabregas, who is out for several months after damaging his middle knee ligaments.

Wenger's team are also without striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who is suspended, while Theo Walcott (shoulder), Eduardo and Tomas Rosicky (Hamstring tendon) remain sidelined.

Despite the injury problems at Arsenal, O'Neill hopes the current generation of players at the club to grow into a great team.

"Arsenal have been able to produce very fine side," said the Villa boss.

"I think this side, they have at present has the potential to be a great team."

O'Neill has injury worries over Martin Laursen and Carlos Cuellar.

Manchester United have played 16 accessories - two less than their title rivals - and return to the Premier League after their trip to Japan, where Sir Alex Ferguson of the team won the European Champions League.

Title Rivals Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal have all failed to win any United have been in Japan.

And boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "The same thing happened when we went to Brazil for the world championship in 2000.

"While we were there, our title rivals Arsenal and Leeds two has been unable to secure a victory.

"I would obviously be rather high, Christmas Day, but I always wanted to be close to the leaders entering the new year and we managed that."

United, who are seven points behind Liverpool, Stoke travel to one side looking for their first victory since Nov. 22.

The last time traveler United Stoke for a league fixture was on Boxing Day 1984 - a match that Potters won 2-1.

"Manchester United has always been a great game for fans Stoke 20 odd years back, and I'm just glad it is mounted on the unit we can all look forward to the day after Christmas," said Stoke boss Tony Pulis.

"No disrespect to Barnsley and Plymouth, but we were playing clubs outside last Christmas and this year we United at home and then go to West Ham."

Hull are in sixth place in the table - and only eight points separate the Tigers and the 11 teams below them.

Phil Brown's side to play in difficulty Manchester City on Boxing Day, with Mark Hughes later spending Christmas in the relegation zone.

City have won one of their last nine Premier League games.

"It is difficult for everyone at the moment. We need to return to the means of obtaining as quickly as possible, because that term was too long," said Hughes.

But Hull boss Brown is looking to pile on the misery when they meet.

"There are a lot of pressure on Mark Hughes and I hope that we can to this complex situation with a good performance," said Brown.

"It will be a game difficult, a tough - Man City were supposed to be in the top six at the start of the season."

Blackburn are second from bottom in the table but go into their match with Sunderland BUOY by their victory over the weekend Stoke - their first match under new manager Sam Allardyce.

The future of Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz is the subject of recent speculation Paraguay and misses the match with a calf injury.

Ricky Sbragia is currently in charge of the Black Cats after the departure of Roy Keane - Allardyce and supports the man who was a member of his coaching staff in Bolton to land the job permanently.

"He keeps saying he does not want the job, but I think with the experience he has gained over many years in many clubs, it is more capable than it takes a dabble," said Allardyce said.

"I've always been a very good coach, but if this work is long, I seriously consider if I were him, I would not be rejected."

West Ham is one place above the relegation zone and ahead of their match with Portsmouth manager Gianfranco Zola denied that he might be forced to sell players during the transfer window.

Players such as Craig Bellamy has been linked with other clubs, but Zola said: "For me, no, they will not be underway. The club have told me I will not be selling these players.

"I would be very annoyed if we did."

The day after Christmas other fixtures in the Premier League Newcastle travel to see Wigan, Middlesbrough and Everton visit Entertain Fulham Tottenham at White Hart Lane on a rare day when all 20 parties are in action.

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has warned his players to forget all about Christmas.

"Christmas in the enjoyment of food and beverages is out of the window, as far as I'm concerned," said Boro boss.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 25 December 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Redknapp issues transfers warning
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has insisted he will not pay overinflated prices for goals when the transfer window opens in January.

Redknapp wants to strengthen his team with new players for 2009 - but only at the right price.

"One or two players that we have mentioned, people were crazy to talk about price," said Redknapp, who reported the offer to West Ham by Craig Bellamy rejected.

"If we can not improve the players to the team, I will not save anyone."

Tottenham are one point off the relegation zone and Redknapp has a quality striker to solve his club's goal-scoring crisis.

Wales international striker Bellamy has only hit the net twice for the Hammers this season, but 29 years is also reported to generate interest from Manchester City.

Tottenham have made an offer of around £ 6m, but troubled West Ham are said to be held as £ 7.5m they paid for Bellamy to Liverpool in July 2007.

However, Redknapp said that the uncertain economic climate could force a number of British clubs to temporarily relieve the players in an effort to reduce labor costs sharply, raising hopes for Tottenham to bring players in the loan.

"With the current situation, they turn to the players on their payrolls," said 61-year-old.

"I spoke with the president, but we have not actually made an offer for anyone.

"But I will not be borne by us with players that are not better than we have."
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 25 December 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Ferguson will not buy in January
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said he will not add to his team in the transfer window.

"I do not think there will be any transfers in January, I'm happy with what I have," he said.

"We are likely to bring a couple of young players who were on loan. This May just give us additional protection," he added.

"We took 23 players to Japan and they are important players. I would be happy to play any of them."

United won the World Club Cup in Yokohama on Sunday by beating LDU Quito 1-0 in the final.

Ferguson added: "Winning the competition was a great boost to the club and players. It was a great success and the important thing is they played well.

"They showed the good grace to match the enthusiasm and good concentration. We came through it well."

Ferguson's only signing during the summer transfer window was striker Dimitar Berbatov, who cost £ 30m from Tottenham.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 24 December 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Owen 'owes Magpies another year'
Former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd believes Michael Owen "is" the club at least another season.

Newcastle have offered Owen a new three-year deal, but he insists he will not make a decision about his future until the end of the season.

The 29-year-old, who helped sign Shepherd for £ 17m from Real Madrid in 2005, will be a free agent this summer.

"There should be at least a thread of loyalty. Morally, I Newcastle has another year," said the pastor.

Owen, who has been linked to the likes of Tottenham, his former club Chelsea and Liverpool, he said "no intention of leaving the club during the January transfer window.

"I hope this is seen as a positive, not in any way unfair," he said Monday.

Owen has been marked by several injuries since his move to St James's Park in August 2005, making only 52 starts and scoring 29 goals.

But Shepherd believes Owen, who has fallen out of the England under new coach Fabio Capello squad, should be liable to stay another season and the repayment of Newcastle's belief in his abilities.

"He was injured much of the time since I signed and he played just an hour in four games he could have done had he been good," said Pastor Daily Express.

"It should be remembered that the club is for him, especially after his injury in World Cup 2006 in Germany. We looked after him and he assured the best care for next year.

"I personally went to (FIFA President) Sepp Blatter, and as such we have changed for insurance coverage not only £ 50,000 a player salaries, but £ 100,000.

"Michael did not want to hear what I say but it's the way it is. They say that there is no loyalty in football any more, but it is an extreme case.

"It was very well paid, paid handsomely for four years, and there should be some return to Newcastle.

Newcastle interim manager Joe Kinnear said he is "optimistic" that Owen will remain at Newcastle where he has just taken a decision.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 24 December 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Fabregas faces four-month lay-off
Cesc Fabregas Arsenal captain has been ruled out for up to four months after the breakdown of knee ligaments in Sunday Fa Barclaycard Premiership draw with Liverpool.

21 years, the Spanish midfielder suffered the injury during a 50-50 challenge with compatriot Xabi Alonso.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger admitted he could now make an effort for new players in the January transfer window.

"It is more likely, but we also have internal solutions and we are not desperate," said Wenger.

"But we also have a small team that we must be realistic."

Fabregas blocked off the pitch in obvious discomfort after embarking on the challenge with Alonso at full stretch, just before half-time in the 1-1 draw at Emirates Stadium.

"The news is not good. It will take three to four months, we have four hours," added Wenger.

"We will work hard to return earlier, but I count four months."

Wenger if the assessment is correct, Fabregas will be away until the end of April, and miss all but the last five or six Arsenal's Fa Barclaycard Premiership.

The Gunners are eight points of leaders Liverpool in fifth place and facing a meeting with the third placed Aston Villa on Boxing Day.

Fabregas will be the Champions League quarter-final, where Arsenal is past Roma in the last 16 stage.

"He will be missed, of course, but how much is difficult to say," added Wenger.

"We must find a way and we want to find a way to compensate for the fact that it is not on the ground to give everyone a little more. I'm sure we can cope with it.

"When he returned, he can help us to go on line in recent months. I believe we are able to do it. "

The Gunners are already without Tomas Rosicky circles and Theo Walcott, who are not into the new year.

Fabregas's injury leaves Wenger short of options and experience with midfielder Alex Song, Abou Diaby, Denilson and Aaron Ramsey likely to contest the position left by the skipper.

Wenger is yet to decide who will take the captain armband Fabregas.

The goalkeeper Manuel Almunia took over when William Gallas was stripped of the captaincy and Fabregas has served a suspension.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 24 December 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Allardyce holds Santa Cruz talks
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce Roque Santa Cruz has said he wants to stay despite the call attacking comments on its future "very bad time."

Santa Cruz told BBC 5 Live, last Friday, the eve of the first match Allardyce, I would like to leave Ewood Park if a better or an ambitious club, came to him.

"Of course, it seemed a little sinister, date it, but we decided that," said Allardyce.

"I told him I do not want to leave. This is probably the end of it. "

Santa Cruz has been linked throughout the season with a meeting with Manchester City manager Mark Hughes, the man who signed him for Rovers from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2007.

Since Allardyce took over at Rovers last Tuesday, it was suggested the Paraguayan striker who could command a fee of £ 15 and £ 20 million, will be offloaded in January to generate the funds necessary for rebuilding brigade.

But the former manager of Bolton and Newcastle, said that this was not the case.

"You can never be 100% of anything in this game, but I did not come here to sell my best players," he said.

Santa Cruz, 27, Hinter he wished to move to a bigger club.

"I would like to continue to improve and better than I am doing now," Santa Cruz told the BBC.

"And if a club or an ambitious and want to come to me the chance, I want to take it."

Santa Cruz has admitted that it would be difficult for him to leave Ewood Park, however.

"My contract with Blackburn is clear and that I need to continue with the club.

"But I need to play again in a side that is high in Europe and trying to earn a championship.

"I must say that people here are fantastic at Blackburn. I am very pleased with the fans, but I do not want to miss the chance to play with a great side.

"I also understand the interest of Blackburn, as well, and they do not want to lose players. I want to be careful with me, but I think Blackburn. It is a very difficult decision."

Blackburn rejected a bid from Manchester City in August, in Santa Cruz and later linked to a new agreement until 2012.

The striker has scored four goals this season compared to term, when he found the net 23 times.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 23 December 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Owen delays decision over future
Michael Owen, he said "no intention of leaving Newcastle in January, but refused to commit to the club beyond the end of the season.

The 29 years is out of contract in the summer and has been linked to the initiatives of Chelsea and Tottenham.

Despite Refusing to sign a new three-year contract, the player insists his decision "is not a question of money" and is happy at St James' Park.

"I hope this is seen as a positive, not in any way unfair," he said.

"Following speculation about my future at Newcastle United, I decided to make it clear that I am committed to the club at least until the end of this season, and I informed that I do not take a decision on my future, until that time.

"I am happy here and enjoy the challenge. It is simply a question of thinking seriously about my future, as I was 29 last week and my career is a crucial decision.

"My decision is not about money. I told the club a few months ago that I accept a reduction of my salary.

"I have no intention of leaving Newcastle United in January during the transfer window and want to assure fans that under Joe Kinnear passionate management, I am committed to ensuring the club finished the season on good. "

Owen has scored 29 goals for Newcastle since joining from Real Madrid for 17 million pounds sterling in 2005 and remains a key player, but he was unable to force his way into the England boss Fabio Capello plans and difficulties Newcastle on and off the field have not helped its cause.

As it is out of contract at the end of the season, the former Liverpool star will be able to negotiate with other teams on a transfer from January.

While Newcastle fans will be comforted that Owen will be on site to try to help them avoid relegation, speculation about his future - with Manchester City and Everton also linked with the player - is now safe to continue throughout the season.

Kinnear, remains optimistic his first attacker, who said he had received a "very good offer" still has a long-term future on Tyneside.

"Michael told me in person, of his decision and I fully understand where he wants to come," said Kinnear in the club's website.

"We have an excellent relationship as captain and manager and will certainly continue.

"It is focused on scoring goals for Newcastle United and to help us keep Progressing this season.

"Michael will review its options during the summer but I am still optimistic that he will stay with us when it comes to making a decision.

"In the meantime, I have no doubt whatsoever that it will continue to give 100%.

"I am delighted for him to continue scoring goals for us because they are essential to what we do for the rest of the season."

As Owen, Newcastle have offered new contracts to midfielder Nicky Butt, striker Shola Ameobi and goalkeeper Steve Harper.

Kinnear said recently that he hoped they would be signed before the new year.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 23 December 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Real Madrid unveil new boy Diarra
Real Madrid paraded Lassana Diarra, after passing a medical and ready to go seal a £ 20m Portsmouth.

The 23 years, France has agreed to sign midfielder four and a half years to face Bernabeu.

Diarra will officially become a real actor in the transfer window to Reopen 1 January .

He said: "I am capable of. I have abilities and I think Real Madrid is what I needed. I need to adapt to the English game and make quickly. "

Diarra added: "I played with the big clubs, was a good experience with the national team and I want to improve."

It was compared to the former France international Claude Makelele, who also played for Real Madrid.

But Diarra said: "It is true that there are similarities, but Makelele is Makelele and I am.

"Makelele in his own style, and I myself. I'm going to Madrid for Lassana Diarra, Montreal and what I can do."

Real offers Diarra Mahamadou Diarra signs are after the same has been ruled out for the season.

The new signature bears the name of "Lassie" on both his shirt.

Diarra began his career with Le Havre before signing for Chelsea in 2005.

He moved to the last day of August 2007, the Gunners transfer window left, but five months later for Pompey.

"We always said we would we allow players to leave if we received an exceptional offer," said the spokesman for the Pompey club's Web site earlier this week.

"We could not oppose a move like this for Lassana.

"It shows how far the club is the subject of Alexander property of Real Madrid during Gayadamak been one of our players."

Pompey boss Tony Adams says he has all the money from the sale of Diarra signs new players.

"This is a substantial offer. It is my money, and I had that money before, so I'm delighted," Adams confirmed last week.

"Any decision will be with me this club, Real Madrid and when it offers a lot of money for one of your players, I have to make a decision.

"The boy wants to play for Real Madrid and it offers a magnificent for me recruitment Portsmouth.

Diarra came as a substitute in the 2-1 defeat Saturday at Bolton to make his first appearance since November 15 following an ankle injury.

Real are now the former Tottenham coach Juande Ramos and the boss wants the mid-plots defensive Mali international Mahamadou Diarra is sidelined for the season after undergoing knee surgery.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 23 December 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Adebayor vents anger at Arbeloa
Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor has accused the defense of Liverpool's Alvaro Arbeloa game action to get him sent Sunday to the 1-1 draw.

Adebayor was shown a second yellow card in the 62nd minute for a clumsy, but the Togo international challenge that the decision was hard for him.

"I can not say that I [Arbeloa] cheat, but what he did is not fair play at all," said 24-year-old.

"The defense was thrown on the floor as if I had put a knife in him."

Manager Arsene Wenger believes that the cost of sending his side the victory and was furious with referee Howard Webb, of the decision.

"I am convinced that we would have won with 11 players," said the Arsenal manager.

"We have taken control of 10 men, but imagine what it would have been like in 11?"
Robin van Persie gave the home side the lead with a brilliant after a good control before Robbie Keane leveled the match with such a good finish just before half time.

Liverpool were on top after the interval, although the chances are at a premium even before Adebayor was at the top of Alvaro Arbeloa, prompting the question, Webb, the striker's second yellow card.

"It was very sweet," said Wenger of the second reservation. "If we get that the network cards, as opponents away from home so I am very happy.

"It was not a network card, it is not a second yellow card. I do not know what it was and I am sure he (the referee) is not known.

"It's frustrating because we had a nervy first half we were under pressure to win this match and I knew we were going to finish strong.

"We played high into the second half and we could not take advantage of the fact that we were gradually taking control of The Game because we were 10 men."
Adebayor agreed with his manager and believes feelings Webb made a mistake.

"I do not think I deserved a yellow card and the referee just want to go back and watch television again," he said.

"I just wanted to protect the ball. An attacker like me, Robbie Keane, (Nicolas) Anelka and (Didier) Drogba still protect the ball and that's what happened.

"At the end of the end of the day, I made a mistake and must recognize that what he did was a small mistake."

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez was absent from the key after undergoing an operation to remove kidney stones during the week.

With the Spanish at home recovering, assistant boss Sammy Lee stepped into the vacuum and subsequently revealed that Benitez had remained in regular contact.

"We have been in contact all week and we made sure we were in contact before and during The Game," he said.

"I was at home and it testifies to his professionalism, as it was in great pain."
Liverpool are two points clear of Chelsea at the top with the club in west London, due to face Everton on Sunday and so happy, at one point, Lee was disappointed not to leave the Emirates with three.

"This is Liverpool and we expect to take three points wherever we go," said 49-year-old.

"The boys are disappointed but we have to accentuate the positive and we got a good point to a very good club.

"Part of our disappointment is that we do not use our power play but credit to Arsenal, who worked hard when they were a man down."

The purpose of Keane was his third in the league for Liverpool this season and comes after recent criticism for performance below 28 years but believes he still has much to offer this season.

"It is always nice to score a goal as a striker," he said.

"We are judged on goals and not on the rest of us. It's always nice to score, but what is important is that this is not about me, it was on the team and not to fight.

"I know I'll score a lot of goals for the club. It is nice to score today and I know there will be many more to come.

"I'd rather be judged at the end of the season and not in December."
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership Result Update

English Premiership Result.

22 December 2008

Everton 0 - 0 Chelsea

English Premiership Result.

21 December 2008

West Bromwich A 2 - 1 Manchester City

Newcastle U. 2 - 1 Tottenham H.

Arsenal 1 - 1 Liverpool

English Premiership Result.

20 December 2008

Blackburn R. 3 - 0 Stoke City

Bolton W. 2 - 1 Portsmouth

Fulham 3 - 0 Middlesbrough

Hull City 1 - 4 Sunderland

West Ham U. 0 - 1 Aston Villa


by livescore.