Norwich City striker James Vaughan out for months with knee injury

 

Vaughan's three appearances for Norwich have all come from the bench 

 

Norwich City manager Paul Lambert says striker James Vaughan will be out for "three or four" months after suffering a knee injury.

The 23-year-old hobbled out of Monday's 2-1 win over Sunderland, just 10 minutes after coming off the bench.
"He's going to be out for about 16 weeks or so, it's a blow for him and us," Lambert told BBC Radio Norfolk.
The Scot also confirmed midfielder Korey Smith will be out until next year with an ankle injury.

VAUGHAN IN THE WARS

• September 2005: Operation to fix knee ligament injury while at Everton
• April 2007: Suffers severed artery in leg
• August 2007: Dislocates shoulder
• March 2008: Undergoes knee surgery
• November 2008: Has more work done on troublesome knee
• October 2009: Loan spell at Derby cut short by injury
• May 2011: Ruled out of the start of Norwich's season with knee injury
• September 2011: Receives plastic surgery on cut lip
• September 2011: Has another knee injury after hobbling out win over Sunderland

Meanwhile, defender Zak Whitbread will not recover from a hamstring problem in time to feature at Manchester United on Saturday.
Vaughan, who has made three appearances for Norwich since joining from Everton in May, said on social networking site Twitter: "So not good news on my knee, I will be out for a few months!
"I'm absolutely gutted but I will work hard and make sure I come back stronger!"
Lambert added: "He had an operation the other day, his meniscus [cartilage in the knee] has been repaired.
"He was shattered the other night and you can understand why, because he battled really hard to come back and every injury he's getting seems to be a long one."
Injuries blighted Vaughan's time at Goodison Park, restricting him to only eight Premier League starts in six years.
He was forced to miss the start of the current campaign with a separate knee injury and has had three previous operations across both of the joints.

Dalglish returns to where he left off

The last time Kenny Dalglish stood in the Goodison Park dugout as Liverpool manager, he knew he was only days away from leaving a job that would ultimately take 20 years to get back.
Dalglish watched impassively as Liverpool carelessly cast aside the lead four times to draw in an FA Cup fifth-round replay at Everton that has taken its place in Merseyside derby folklore for events on and off the pitch.
It was Wednesday, 20 February 1991. Dalglish had already made up his mind to quit and events at Goodison Park - where he later admitted his trademark decisiveness deserted him during the game - only confirmed the decision in his own mind.
The next morning, broken by the pressures of an entire career spent dealing with the stresses of football at elite levels with Celtic and Liverpool - and the burden of guiding the Anfield club through the tragedy of Hillsborough and its emotional aftermath - he informed then chairman Noel White and chief executive Peter Robinson of his decision to resign.
Dalglish confirmed his departure at a press conference on the Friday morning and it appeared an iconic Liverpool figure had concluded his career at the club where he won eight league titles as player and manager, claimed the European Cup three times and won the Double in his first season as player-manager.

Kenny Dalglish will return to where his first spell at Liverpool ended.

On Saturday, refreshed, rejuvenated and leading the club into a new era of optimism under the ownership of Fenway Sports Group with a squad he has expensively restructured, Dalglish returns to the place where his first spell at Liverpool ended.
Dalglish's delight at being back at the helm since succeeding Roy Hodgson is rarely disguised but it would be no surprise if his mind drifts back a couple of decades when he walks up the tunnel at Goodison Park.
He has been back to Everton as manager with Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United of course but Merseyside derbies are different and Dalglish's story within the fixture provides an historical context.
Jan Molby played in that fateful game. Indeed Dalglish later confessed his hesitation about whether to move the Dane back from midfield into defence that night helped to confirm his decision to leave.
Molby recalls: "The build-up to the game was normal. We spent our time in our hotel and there was no suggestion Kenny was considering his future.
"It was a crazy game and we couldn't believe how we didn't win it. We gave away some terrible goals and, when we got back to the dressing room, there was an altercation between [goalkeeper] Bruce Grobbelaar and [coach] Ronnie Moran over one of them.
"Kenny didn't get involved but he rarely did over things like that. He was very quiet but you assumed that it was just disappointment at drawing a game we should have won, not any indication there was something wrong.
"We had a day off on the Thursday and I remember we arrived at Anfield on the Friday as we were leaving early to train on Luton's plastic pitch. The whole place was alive with activity and the girl on the reception said she thought we were about to announce a major signing.
"When it became clear Kenny Dalglish was resigning it was total shock and disbelief around the whole club. The players were stunned, the whole club was in shock.
"If we had been told John Barnes had been sold we could have taken that in because that's football but Kenny leaving Liverpool was something else altogether. He was one of the greatest figures in the club's history and was in charge of a team at the top of the league and in the FA Cup. Nothing was broken.
"When the full reasons came out we totally understood. If he was not well he needed time to recover and he felt the best way to do that was to leave management - absolutely the right decision in his own best interests. He had made so many decisions in Liverpool's best interests that he was right to make one in his own if he was concerned about his health."
Even now, the day Dalglish left is remembered as if it was only an instant ago by those of us covering Merseyside football at the time.
As a reporter on the local morning newspaper, I recall taking a phone call from chief executive Robinson, the great Liverpool administrator, summoning us to Anfield with the words: "I know you joke about holding the back page but this time you should hold the front as well. It's quite sensational."
Dalglish, full of emotion at leaving the club he and his family grew to be an integral part of, made his announcement in Anfield's Bob Paisley Suite before driving his white Mercedes out of The Shankly Gates. It seemed he was now as much a part of Liverpool's past as his legendary predecessors.
Now he is back and attempting to write another chapter in his Liverpool story but, even in the sadness of his departure on that Friday, he was still keen to jealously guard the club's reputation.
Hearing on the Merseyside rumour mill - always fertile ground for gross misinformation - that he had actually left after a row with Liverpool's hierarchy, another more surprising call came into the newspaper office early on that Friday evening.

It was Dalglish, sounding relaxed, to tell me that the reasons he had cited for leaving, the increasing pressure that was starting to impact on his health, was simply the truth of the matter. And so it was. There was never a hidden agenda, no secret story that has never been told - there never was.
Molby says: "It was one of the most incredible, memorable days of my career and I am sure he will have a little think when he takes his place in the dugout at Goodison Park because I suppose he might have thought that [it] was the place where his career might be ending.
"If Kenny felt he had to walk away from a club he loved so much, then I suppose he must have wondered if he would come back anywhere else, which he then did so successfully at Blackburn."
Moments of black humour did emerge from the uncertainty - including one involving Dalglish's great friend, double-winning Liverpool captain and now Match of the Day pundit Alan Hansen.
Molby says: "A couple of weeks later Alan Hansen came in and told us all he had been appointed player-manager. He told us we would now train on Sundays, we would go through videos time and again after games to see where we were going wrong, told us he was taking the captaincy off Glenn Hysen and giving it to Steve Nicol and that he knew every pub we drank in on the Wirral and in Southport and they were now all out of bounds.
"You can imagine the faces of everyone in the dressing room as he walked out. I bet he was listening at the door to hear what we all thought about him, which wouldn't have been nice, and then came back in a bit later to tell us he was actually retiring from the game and would not be involved with the club at all."
Unlike Hansen, Dalglish has returned to Liverpool and any old ghosts that may be lingering at Goodison Park will have been replaced by a fierce determination to give his Anfield story a happy ending.

Tottenham stadium: Club offered White Hart Lane deal

 

White Hart Lane's current capacity is just over 36,000

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club has been offered a deal which could save it £17m, if it stays in north London.

The Greater London Authority (GLA) and Haringey Council have offered to relieve the club of all community infrastructure payments that planners would normally require.
The GLA's £8.5m contribution would fund regeneration in the Tottenham area, rather than the stadium itself.
There is consent for a new stadium on the current White Hart Lane site.
GLA funding for regeneration works associated with the project would come from a £50m regeneration fund to improve areas of London affected by the riots.
Haringey Council, meanwhile, has agreed to scale down a list of community projects it wanted Tottenham to contribute to, saving the club a further £8.5m.
'Final offer' Representatives of the GLA and Haringey Council have urged the club to press ahead with its plans for the venue at Northumberland Park.
The package laid out includes improvements to transport links to and from the area at Tottenham Hale and White Hart Lane stations.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "The club knows there is no more money available from the public purse and I sincerely hope that they accept the offer we have made."
Tottenham wants to become the long-term tenant of the Olympic Stadium after next year's Games.
The club mounted a legal challenge against West Ham's winning bid.
'Critically important' It has won the right to a judicial review which is due to be heard on 17 October.
In 2008, the Northumberland Development Project was launched by Spurs to turn White Hart Lane into a 60,000-seat stadium.

However, soaring costs meant the plan, which involved building a new stadium on the current site, was shelved.

Haringey Council leader Claire Kober said: "It is critically important that Spurs commit to Tottenham to help drive forward regeneration in this very deprived area."
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy confirmed that talks had taken place but said it would be "wholly irresponsible" to announce whether it was proceeding without the necessary agreements.
He added: "The overall scheme requires a complex package of financing of which the correct level and nature of public support is critical."
The club said it has already spent £60m on assembling land and £25m on planning, with the Northumberland scheme likely to cost hundreds of millions of pounds once complete.

Wake-up call: Manchester United boss frustrated with 'careless' Manchester United performance

Sir Alex Ferguson after the game

 

Sir Alex Ferguson labelled his players "careless" and "lax" after Basle came close to inflicting a home humiliation on Manchester United.

Ashley Young's last-minute header rescued a point for United but Ferguson was not happy with the 3-3 draw.

He said: "I thought there was a carelessness about us throughout the game. The attacking part was very good at times - we played some very good football, particularly in the first half.

"But there was a carelessness about us and really, they could have scored three goals in the first half.

"I suppose in many ways, it is 'welcome to European football' because they were very lax for parts of the game."

He added: "We were careless. It's a wake-up call in many ways. A lack of concentration saw us give the game away really, but we rescued it."

United had appeared to be cruising through two goals in 80 seconds from Danny Welbeck but the Swiss side, who had missed some clear chances in the first half, stunned Old Trafford to go 3-2 up.

Two goals from Alex Frei, one from the penalty spot, and one from his namesake Fabian Frei, saw United come close to their first home defeat for 17 months.

Ferguson insisted Italian referee Paolo Tagliavento had been wrong to award a penalty against Antonia Valencia for a foul on Marco Streller.

He said: "We are disappointed with the penalty decision - I don't think it was ever a penalty kick, and a poor decision I felt.

"But it turned out to be a fantastic game with a great end in terms of excitement."

Ferguson said his defence still should have had enough experience to cope with Basle even with 19-year-old Phil Jones in central defence but admitted they are suffering from inconsistency.

"There is still enough quality in the back positions - Evra and Ferdinand are very experienced. But you always like to have a back four playing consistently and we don't have that at the
moment.

"It is not a problem for us because of the quality we have in the forward positions guarantees us goals, and we really should have put that to bed tonight in the first half.

"We played with too many forward on the pitch tonight, far too many. I think that is possibly because we were playing a team like Basle, who in the players' minds, although we prepared properly, are a team where they can do that.

"In doing that, they left so many gaps in the back four and really if everybody had concentrated on the defensive part, I don't think we would have had so many problems."

Ferguson did praise Welbeck's contribution, saying the 20-year-old "did very well" in the first half but had tired in the second.

Basle coach Thorsten Fink - who was a player for Bayern Munich when they were beaten by United in the 1999 Champions League final - said: "It was a great result for us - I don't imagine many teams go two goals down here and then turn the game around. It was a great achievement.

"It was a great game for the fans, I think we were rather nervous in the first half but we settled down after the break and were able to take some chances.

"We deserved at least to draw and as a coach it feels good to come to a club like Manchester United and get such a result.

"The final in 1999 was more of a negative experience and I'm glad my team is able to celebrate tonight."

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce bemoans errors against Norwich

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce said that his team were let down by poor individual displays as they lost to Premier League newcomers Norwich.

The Black Cats won their previous fixture 4-0 against Stoke but did not compete until after Leon Barnett and Steve Morison scored for the hosts.
And although Kieran Richardson scored late on to give some hope Bruce said he was disappointed with his big players.
"That was the big thing on the night, we made too many mistakes," he said.
"Big players kept giving the ball away in silly areas and putting us under pressure.
"The resilience was there to make something out of the game, but we needed to score 10-15 minutes earlier than that and then it might have been a different story."

ANALYSIS

It was a really good performance by Norwich, who definitely deserved to win. It was too little, too late by Sunderland, I wondered where they were for most of this game, they just don't convince

Bruce said he was surprised by the media's "mass hysteria" before the Stoke win, where in some quarters it was deemed that his job was under pressure after the Black Cats failed to win any of their first four Premier League games.
But he said the defeat by Norwich was a result of his players not performing to their normal standards.
"The one thing that we did very well against Stoke was to take care of the ball and certainly at this level if you keep surrendering possession like we did then it is going to be a hard night and that's summed up with the two goals," he said. "We switched off defensively and we got punished.
"On the night we had too many of our players playing below the level that they can set themselves.
"And to win a game in the Premier League you have to have eight or nine playing well like last weekend and tonight we did not have enough unfortunately."
Norwich manager Paul Lambert said his team's first home victory, which lifted his side to ninth in the Premier League table, was down to a fine team performance.
They were hanging on towards the end, especially when substitute James Vaughan went off injured with the Canaries having used all their replacements.

 

Lambert - we were excellent

But Lambert was pleased his side delivered back-to-back wins.
"I just think there were big performances from the players," he told
"When we stick together collectively we are a decent side but I thought that individually we were very good.
"Being in the top half is great and I am delighted with the start we have had, the desire, work rate and hunger has been great."
The only sour note was the injury to Vaughan, who also had stitches after being elbowed by West Brom defender Gabriel Tamas just over a fortnight ago.
"His knee is locked, which doesn't look great," added Lambert. "It is a bit of a nightmare for him at the minute with injury after injury, which is a shame, but hopefully it isn't too bad."

Premier League - Dunne OG hands QPR point

Richard Dunne's late own-goal gave 10-man Queen's Park Rangers a 1-1 Premier League draw against Aston Villa at Loftus Road.

The Villa captain put through his own net in the third minute of stoppage time, as an attempted Stephen Warnock clearance ricocheted in off the luckless Irishman.
Dunne is the Premier League's record own-goal scorer, and increased his tally to nine with this latest misfortune.
It cancelled out Barry Bannan's controversial 58th-minute penalty, which was awarded for a slight shirt-pull by Armand Traore, who was sent off late on for a second bookable offence.
A draw was probably a fair result after a fiercely competitive encounter in which six Villa players were booked.
After last week's win against Wolves, QPR boss Neil Warnock lamented the focus on Joey Barton's personal feud with Karl Henry, which rather ignored a fine team performance.
Another unwanted consequence is that Barton has become the Premier League's ultimate marked man - the equivalent of somebody playing football with a large 'KICK ME' sign stuck to their back.
When Stephen Warnock flew into a rash challenge a few minutes before half-time, you did not need to ask who had just been left in a crumpled heap.
Such is Barton's lot these days, though his competitive instinct is robust enough to relish the physical challenge.
Barton's arrival risked marginalising last season's player of the season Adel Taarabt, who lost the captain's armband to the controversial midfielder.
But the Moroccan was in lively form here, smacking the outside of Shay Given's post with an audacious banana shot early on.
That set the tone for a long spell of Rs dominance, and Taarabt might have scored when fed inside the box by Shaun Wright-Phillips, but he saw his effort deflected for a corner.
Jay Bothroyd then flashed a header wide from a Barton corner - for all his all-round play Bothroyd is not a natural finisher and such a player will surely be high on Neil Warnock's January shopping list.
Villa hit back late in the first half, coming close through a superb Bannan free-kick that brought a diving save from Paddy Kenny.
The visitors' dominance continued after the break, when Fabian Delph saw one goalbound effort blocked, and prodded just wide when he beat the onrushing Kenny to a ball at the edge of the box.
Referee Michael Oliver caused controversy when he penalised Traore for his microscopic infringement on Gabriel Agbonlahor. It was a tough decision - there was a tug of the shirt, however slight, but Agbonlahor certainly made the most of it.
Bannan converted with a low effort that just beat the diving Kenny's glove to the right corner of the goal.
Wright-Phillips came close to levelling with a low shot that brought a brilliant save from Given, before referee Oliver turned down Rs penalty appeals when Alan Hutton blocked a goalbound Shaun Derry header with his hand.penalised Traore for his microscopic infringement on Gabriel Agbonlahor. It was a tough decision - there was a tug of the shirt, however slight, but Agbonlahor certainly made the most of it.
Bannan converted with a low effort that just beat the diving Kenny's glove to the right corner of the goal.
Shaun Wright-Phillips came close to levelling with a low shot that brought a brilliant save from Shay Given, before referee Oliver turned down Rs penalty appeals when Alan Hutton blocked a goalbound Shaun Derry header with his hand.
Oliver turned down a second, less convincing appeal, for handball against Hutton, before Traore saw red for a reckless foul.
Just as Loftus Road threatened to explode with frustration the equaliser finally came.
Subsitute Heidar Helguson crossed low from the left, and Stephen Warnock could only clear into the body of Dunne, which diverted the ball into the Villa net.

Torres turns hero and villain for Chelsea

Torres turns hero and villain for Chelsea

Fernando Torres scored his second goal in a week for Chelsea before being sent off in their match against Swansea.
The £50 million Spanish signing opened the scoring for the Blues on 29 minutes, but was given a straight red card ten minutes later for diving in studs first on Mark Gower.
Two goals from Ramires and one from Didier Drogba, with a lone consolation from Ashley Williams saw ten-man Chelsea win 4-1 against the Premier League new boys.
In the early kick-off, second-half substitutes Mario Balotelli and James Milner both scored to help Manchester City see off Everton at the Etihad Stadium 2-0. Roberto Mancini's men had lost their previous four meetings with the Toffeemen.
Arsene Wenger's nerves were calmed with a comfortable 3-0 win over Bolton at the Emirates. The visitors had a man sent off as Robin van Persie scored twice to take his Gunners goal tally to 100.
Liverpool put an end to their two-match losing run by beating Wolves 2-1 at Anfield.
A hat-trick by Senegal international Demba Ba saw Newcastle beat Blackburn 3-1 at St James' Park.
Ten-man Wigan went down fighting 2-1 at home to Tottenham, with Steve Gohouri's dismissal making it tough to overcome first-half goals from Rafael van der Vaart and Gareth Bale.
West Brom keeper Ben Foster ensured his team came away with a point with some great saves during their goalless draw with Fulham at The Hawthorns.
In the late kick-off, Stoke halted Manchester United's 100 per cent start to the season. Peter Crouch's first goal for his new club, cancelling out Nani's first-half strike, with the champions held to 1-all draw at the Britannia Stadium.

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere out for months after ankle surgery

 

Wilshere was injured during Arsenal's friendly with New York Red Bulls 

 

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere will be out of action until Christmas as his ankle injury has not responded to treatment.

The England player sustained the injury in the Gunners' pre-season friendly against New York Red Bulls on 31 July.
It was only expected to rule him out for a short while, but has proved far more troublesome for the 19-year-old.
"The bone is not responding. I will have surgery on my right ankle on Monday," Wilshere wrote on Twitter.
"Hopefully I will return to action around Christmas time. I am in good hands! Thanks for your support everyone!", he added.
Arsenal released a statement on their website which added: "Wilshere has recently been wearing a protective boot aimed at allowing a stress fracture of the ankle time to heal naturally and avoid surgery.
"However, scans this week have revealed that the fracture has not responded positively during this period.
"Throughout Jack's injury, the club has been guided by the continuous advice of several world-renowned specialists. The information attained this week has led to the conclusion that surgery is now required to gain an optimal response.
"Wilshere is now expected to be out for a period of months. Following surgery these timescales will become more specific."
Wilshere's absence adds to the disappointment surrounding the start of the season at the Emirates Stadium. After losing key midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, Arsene Wenger's side lie 17th in the Premier League table having lost three of their first five matches.

JACK WILSHERE - APPEARANCES

ARSENAL 2010-11: 49
GOALS: 2
ENGLAND 2010-11: 5

On the plus side, the arrivals of Yossi Benayoun and Mikel Arteta have strengthened Arsenal's midfield. On Friday Wenger said he had not given up hope of winning the title, despite the poor start to the campaign.
Wilshere was wearing a protective boot to guard the affected right ankle, which Wenger claims was first damaged before the US pre-season trip, when the youngster was on England duty against Switzerland.
Wenger won his running battle with England Under-21 counterpart Stuart Pearce over Wilshere's selection for the summer's European Championships in Denmark, but the rest he was able to enjoy in the close season was not sufficient to cure the problem.

Kenny Dalglish wary of England recall for Steven Gerrard

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish hopes Steven Gerrard is not rushed back into England duty after making his club return against Brighton on Wednesday.

Gerrard had been out for six months with a groin problem and Dalglish says his comeback must be carefully managed.
England's next game is a Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro on 7 October.
When asked if it would be a risk for England to call up Gerrard, Dalglish said: "I just hope they are as intelligent as we have been."
Gerrard, who has won 89 caps for his country, has missed England's last six games - including four qualifiers - since his last international appearance, a 2-1 friendly defeat by France in November 2010.
England are still unbeaten and top of Group G, and will secure their place in the finals if they pick up a point against Montenegro in Podgorica.
Dalglish added: "I don't pick England's team. Whatever they have to do, they have to do."

We will just continue in the intelligent manner that we have done. We can look forward to him getting even fitter. There will be no timescale or programme, we'll just take it as it comes

Kenny Dalglish on Steven Gerrard's comeback

 

Gerrard, 31, played 16 minutes of Liverpool's 2-1 Carling Cup win over the Seagulls after six months out with a groin injury that required surgery.
And Dalglish stressed that the Reds' captain's recovery and rehabilitation is not something that will be rushed, even now he has returned to first-team action.
"He's done fantastic coming back and it's fantastic for the whole club that he is back but the most important person in all of it is Steven himself.
"He's missed an awful lot of football through injury so he's done brilliant to get where he is.
"We will just continue in the intelligent manner that we have done. We can look forward to him getting even fitter. There will be no timescale or programme, we'll just take it as it comes.
"He's the captain and the talisman of the football club and he's just played around 20 minutes for us. Steven coming back certainly makes our squad a whole lot stronger.
"For us it's a real, real addition to the squad. To get your talisman back on the right road is, selfishly, great for us but more importantly is great for Steven."

Joey Barton claims Gervinho incident stopped Arsenal move

 
Barton was in talks with several clubs over the summer, including Arsenal 
 

New Queens Park Rangers captain Joey Barton claims he was very close to joining Arsenal last month.

But the midfielder, 29, a Newcastle player at the time, said an incident in the Magpies' draw with Arsenal which led to opponent Gervinho's dismissal ended his hopes of a move.
Barton was criticised for going to ground too easily as the forward was red-carded by referee Peter Walton.
"If I hadn't played against Arsenal, I may have signed for them," Barton said.
"There were a couple of conversations [with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger] but that's different to actually signing.

JOEY BARTON'S CAREER STATS

  Manchester City, 2002-2007
130 appearances, 15 goals
Newcastle United, 2007-2011
81 appearances, 7 goals
Queens Park Rangers, 2011-
2 appearances, 1 goal

"The Gervinho incident happened and there's nothing I can do about it now. If it happened again, I'd like to think I'd deal with it differently.
"Things happen for a reason and there's a lesson to be learned from it. Right now we sit above Arsenal in the table - hopefully that's the case in May."
Barton was made available on a free transfer by Newcastle after the player criticised the way the club was being run on Twitter.
He played two games for Newcastle this season - against Arsenal and Sunderland - before making his QPR debut against his former club.
Barton said: "There were a couple of offers on the table but now I'm really happy to be at QPR and in London. We play an expansive and exciting brand of football and can hopefully surprise a few people this season."
Barton was in the news this week for claiming Wolves midfielder Karl Henry was an "idiot" and "inferior" after a clash between the pair in QPR's 3-0 victory. Henry responded by calling the former Manchester City player "embarrassing".

Arsene Wenger wants 'another 14 years' at Arsenal

 

Frenchman Wenger has received the full backing of the Arsenal board 

 

Arsene Wenger says he is unfazed by the current pressure on him and wants to manage Arsenal long into the future.

Critics have questioned the Frenchman's position with the embattled Gunners 17th in the Premier League having sold key players in the summer.
But, after the 3-1 Carling Cup win over Shrewsbury, Wenger said: "I am not bothered at all by this speculation.
"I have had 14 years at this club and kept them 14 years in the Champions League. I hope it lasts another 14."
Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis told BBC Sport on Tuesday that sacking Wenger was not an option they wished to pursue.
The club needed to come from a goal down to beat League Two side Shrewsbury on Tuesday with a side made up, largely, of promising youngsters and reserve players.

I can understand people are unhappy and criticise. But, you know as well as I, that people are very quick to go overboard

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

 

Much of the focus on Wenger has centred on the strength of his squad after club captain Cesc Fabregas left for Barcelona and fellow midfielder Samir Nasri joined Manchester City in August.
In the final days of the transfer window, Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta,striker Park Chu Young,
full-back Andre Santos and centre-half Per Mertesacker all signed for the Gunners, while Wenger also brought Yossi Benayoun in on loan from Chelsea.
But the upheaval has affected them on the pitch, with Arsenal securing just one league win out of five while registering the worst goal difference in the top flight.
"I can understand that people are unhappy and criticise, but you know as well as I know that people are very quick to go overboard," said Wenger, whose lowest point came when his team were hammered 8-2 by Manchester United in late August.
"When we do well we take all the plaudits, so we have to take all the blame when it doesn't go as well - but we have, on both sides, to take some distance.

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis insists Wenger will stay

"When it goes well we must not completely believe what people say - and when it does not go as well, we must not completely believe it."
James Collins headed Shrewsbury ahead after 16 minutes on Tuesday but Arsenal hit back when Kieran Gibbs levelled ahead of half-time before recent recruit Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain fired in a 25-yard effort on the hour after which Benayoun wrapped things up late on.
Of 18-year-old Oxlade-Chamberlain, a £10m signing from Southampton, he added: "You could see that he will be a first-team player here, that is for sure. He has still things to work on but, very quickly, he will be knocking on the door."

Tottenham Hotspur right to keep Luka Modric - Kevin Bond

 

Modric scored Spurs' opening goal in the 4-0 win over Liverpool 

 

Tottenham assistant manager Kevin Bond believes the club's decision not to sell Luka Modric has been vindicated by the Croatian's impressive recent form.

Chelsea were keen to sign Modric, who reportedly asked to leave White Hart Lane, but Spurs rejected all bids.
Modric scored a stunning goal as Spurs beat Liverpool 4-0 on Sunday and Bond said: "You could see Luka has got his head round the situation.
"It'll prove a really wise decision on behalf of the club not to let him go."
Chelsea's pursuit of Modric culminated with a £40m bid on transfer deadline day, but Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy stood firm on his desire to keep the 26-year-old.

Perhaps we're not going to be in the top two but we had a fantastic experience in the Champions League and I don't think it's beyond us to get there again

Kevin Bond

 

However, the speculation linking him with a move to Stamford Bridge had already caused Modric to be left out of the Tottenham side that was beaten 3-0 by Manchester United in their opening Premier League game of the season.
But the Croatia international, who joined the London club for about £15m from Dinamo Zagreb in 2008, has since been restored to the Spurs starting XI and began the rout of Liverpool with a magnificent 20-yard shot into the top corner.
"Everybody in football has got a price," added Bond. "If someone offers you more than a player is worth because they want him so badly then it might make good business sense to let him go.
"In the end I don't think it was making any sense on the last day [of the transfer window].
"Had they offered absolute fortunes and the chairman and [Spurs boss] Harry [Redknapp] thought the squad could have benefited from it they would have taken a view but they didn't think it was right for us."

SPURS' PREMIER LEAGUE RECORD

2010-11 Fifth
2009-10 Fourth
2008-09 Eighth
2007-08 11th
2006-07 Fifth

Bond admitted it was difficult for Spurs to sustain a challenge against teams capable of offering vast wages, such as Manchester City and Chelsea, or with the massive revenue of champions Manchester United, whose Old Trafford ground has a capacity of 76,000.
"Our stadium holds 35-odd thousand people where the other clubs are holding almost twice as many," he said.
"It's difficult to compete on the same financial level but we have got a really good squad of players which we all believe is capable of finishing at least in the top four.
"That hasn't changed and Luka Modric will benefit us a great deal. Perhaps we're not going to be in the top two but we had a fantastic experience in the Champions League and I don't think it's beyond us to get there again."

Man Utd unmoved but Chelsea buoyed

Crazy. Chaotic. Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas showed a commendable command of understatement after a game that offered comfort to the connoisseur and hope to the hopeless.
It was in keeping with the twisted logic of Manchester United's 3-1 win against Chelsea that Villas-Boas seemed more satisfied in defeat than the pursed-lipped Sir Alex Ferguson in victory.
This says much for Ferguson's standards but also for a Chelsea performance that offered plenty of encouragement to their young, but highly self-assured, manager.

The final reckoning saw United complete their 18th successive victory at Old Trafford, equalling a record that has stood since 1904/05 and - ominously for their challengers - Ferguson's best start to a league season at United.
And yet there was so much more to this match than simply the scoreline. Manchester United's Wayne Rooney and Chelsea striker Fernando Torres showed a finesse that was beyond mere mortals but also a fallibility that showed the simple marshes hackers that football can even make fools of the best.
Rooney, inevitably, played his full part and scored as United went into a flattering 3-0 half-time lead, adding to Chris Smalling's suspiciously offside header and Nani's magnificent strike. He then suffered what Chelsea captain John Terry might call a "Moscow Moment" when his feet disappeared from under him as he scuffed a penalty embarrassingly wide.
 
Rooney's penalty slip deprived him of a 10th goal in five Premier League games

And Torres, who showed flashes of the movement and menace that made him so feared for Liverpool and Spain, followed up a finish that hinted at old glories for his first goal of the season with a miss that evoked memories of that lesser Anfield light Ronny Rosenthal.
As someone who was privileged - and the word is used advisedly - to be at Aston Villa 19 years ago when Rosenthal hit the frame of an unattended goal from eight yards, it was a moment that provoked a haunting flashback.
If there was consolation for Torres once the taunts of the Stretford End died, it was that the sum total of everything he had done previously, from his goal to the intelligent running and the unselfish creation of a crucial first-half chance that Ramires missed, added up to arguably his finest performance since he signed for Chelsea in January.
There are still as many questions as answers surrounding Torres. When he chose to square for Ramires in the first half Old Trafford's panel of judges was divided. Did he pass up an opportunity to shoot that a striker in full flow, and sure in his powers, would have grasped at, or is he still so clear-headed in his struggles that he calculated Ramires was obviously better placed?
To these eyes it was the latter. The fault lay with Ramires' hesitation that allowed United keeper David de Gea to save rather than Torres relinquishing his true responsibility.
And if the Spaniard had taken that most presentable of chances after 83 minutes, Chelsea would have had a total of 12 minutes, including stoppage time, to fashion an equaliser. Evidence for the prosecution certainly, but balance suggests Torres showed enough here to confirm he can still regain some of the old lustre.
There is not normally much mileage in asking a manager if he has uncovered consolation in his first league loss since April 2010, a 3-2 home defeat by Benfica when in charge at Academica in Portugal, but Villas-Boas could take heart from Chelsea's performance.
Chelsea were a bolder beast from the one that surrendered so tamely under Carlo Ancelotti at Old Trafford late last season. They created 21 opportunities, demonstrated a tactical boldness that reflected well on their 33-year-old leader, and left Old Trafford with an increased sense of their own importance in the Premier League title race.
Villas-Boas has a touch of his mentor Jose Mourinho about him in his concrete-clad confidence, if not in his more obvious attacking intent then certainly in his willingness to make a decisive substitution. It came at half-time when a labouring Frank Lampard was removed to allow Chelsea to offer the swifter support Torres requires in the shape of the impressive Juan Mata, Daniel Sturridge and Nicolas Anelka.
Anelka ran left, Sturridge foraged right and Mata - looking quality in everything he did - set the charges in the hole. This may represent Chelsea's way forward with Torres and result in Lampard sitting out more action.
And yet, for all this, United again found the way to win when not at their best. Not only this, but they also strengthened their position as Chelsea were beaten and Manchester City showed a fallibility that coach Roberto Mancini hoped had been forgotten by conceding a two-goal lead at Fulham.
If there was a measure of solace for City, it came in the huge roar that swept around Old Trafford when their result was announced at half-time - a sure sign that United know where their most serious threat is coming from this season.
This was where the comfort ended, though, because for all Ferguson's obvious annoyance at the concession of chances and wasting of possession in crucial areas, United continue to win in a manner that will worry the contenders who will note their best form normally arrives with the turn of the year.
United also demonstrated their great range of attacking threat. Rooney was not quite at his best and Ashley Young subdued - so step forward Nani with a brilliant goal and a performance to terrorise Chelsea's defence.
The movement of Javier Hernandez was also a constant danger until his game was cut short by a shocking late challenge by Ashley Cole that should have brought a red card for the England defender.
United's outstanding player, however, came in defence. Phil Jones may be a rookie at 19, but he looks the complete back four player, marauding forward to play his part in United's third goal while offering a towering, inspirational presence that belies his youth.
Villas-Boas left Old Trafford with a renewed belief Chelsea can be title contenders. Ferguson, for all the scowls, departed with the three points. And this is why even now there is a growing belief that United are already on course to claim a 20th title.

Blackburn 4 - 3 Arsenal

Blackburn's victory lifted the early-season gloom for manager Steve Kean

Blackburn Rovers eased the pressure on manager Steve Kean as they came from behind to beat Arsenal in a thrilling match at Ewood Park.

Rovers' first win of the campaign lifted them off the bottom of the table to earn Kean, who was the target of a modest pre-match protest, some much-needed breathing space while counterpart Arsene Wenger has seen his side lose three times already.
It was an end-to-end encounter in which defending appeared to be a lost art for long periods.
Arsenal were twice in front but two own goals and a determined Blackburn comeback sealed victory for the home side.

KEY STATISTICS

• Arsenal suffered their 100th away defeat in Premier League history
• Arsenal did not have a single Englishman in their starting line up - the first PL club this season to start with a team of 11 foreigners.

The Gunners took the early initiative though, when Gervinho fired past Paul Robinson from 12 yards but Blackburn equalised through debutant Yakubu's deft finish.
Arsenal's Mikel Arteta scored from just inside the box after Aaron Ramsey's intelligent cutback before Alex Song put the ball into his own net from Ruben Rochina's free-kick.
Yakubu tapped in Steven Nzonzi's shot across goal for 3-2, then Laurent Koscielny bundled past his own keeper after Martin Olsson's fine run and cross.
Marouane Chamakh's late headed consolation completed the scoring but Arsenal had late chances to rescue a point and had a last-gasp appeal for a penalty turned down.
The Rovers manager maintained throughout the week that he was the right man to turn around the club's fortunes, and this result will go some way to convincing the sceptics that he is up to the job.
His side were seemingly beaten at the break, being comprehensively outplayed and lucky to be only 2-1 down.
Woeful Blackburn defending allowed Song to find the totally unmarked Gervinho, whose decent low strike took a slight deflection on its way past Robinson in the home goal.

This was topsy-turvy and terrifically entertaining

But Rovers were posing their usual threat from set pieces, with Chris Samba twice heading wide when he should have hit the target while at the other end Robinson was keeping them in the game with saves from Andrey Arshavin and Gervinho.
Just as Arsenal seemed on the verge of adding to their lead, Blackburn grabbed a lifeline with debutant Yakubu scoring his first goal for the club with a deft finish past the on-rushing Wojciech Szczesny following a fine pass from David Hoilett.
Crucially though, Blackburn could not hold on until half-time. Arteta restored the visitors' lead, smashing the ball into the net from the edge of the box for his first Arsenal goal after Ramsey's pass.
Kean's men showed great spirit after the restart and totally outmuscled a fragile Arsenal unit in the second half.
They were back in the game soon after the break in admittedly fortuitous circumstances after Song turned Rochina's free-kick into his own net.
The goal proved to be the catalyst they needed to mount a stunning comeback.

Wenger says Arsenal lacked confidence

Moments later Rovers should have taken the lead with Rochina firing straight at Szczesny when one-on-one following Hoilett's superb pass.
But Blackburn's amazing turnaround was not to be denied. The marginally onside Yakubu tapped in from close range following Nzonzi's wayward shot across goal.
Their 3-2 lead soon became 4-2 when Arsenal put the ball into their own net for the second time. Koscielny turned Olsson's cross past Szczesny following a fine run from his own half by the Blackburn man.
Moments later, though, Blackburn were thankful to Robinson after he pulled off a superb reaction save from Robin van Persie's powerful header.
Any hopes the home fans might have had of a relaxing few minutes were dashed when Arsenal pulled one back through Chamakh who headed van Persie's cross past Robinson from close range.
The goal breathed life into Arsenal's challenge and in stoppage time they should have been level but Per Mertesacker inexplicably headed over.
The drama continued, with substitute Theo Walcott going down under Robinson's challenge. Despite the howls of protest coming from the visiting fans, referee Andre Mariner waved away appeals for a penalty.
Rovers survived Arsenal's late flurry and a rumoured post-match protest from some of Blackburn's fans never materialised.

Liverpool's Kenny Dalglish calls for more referee talks

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish believes there should be more communication between managers and match officials.

Dalglish met with referees' chief Mike Riley on Monday after voicing frustration at a number of decisions during his side's 1-0 loss at Stoke.
"We had an extremely informative and amicable discussion, which has given us all a better understanding of how things operate," said Dalglish.
"Maybe it's something that should happen more often."
Following his discussions with Professional Game Match Officials' general manager Riley at Liverpool's Melwood training ground, Dalglish added: "It's our job to best represent the club and protect its interests.
"But we have the utmost respect for the job referees do and have never wanted or asked for any form of preferential treatment - simply a level playing field for everyone.
"We will continue to conduct ourselves in a dignified and respectful manner at all times.

 

If I feel the club is suffering in any shape or form I will need to go the same route other people go and see if we can gain some benefit from that

  "From our perspective it was certainly worthwhile sitting down together."

During Saturday's game at Stoke, Dalglish took issue with the penalty awarded against his side for Jamie Carragher's challenge on Jonathan Walters - who then converted the resulting spot-kick - and two rejected penalty claims of their own for handball against home players.
And Dalglish said the Stoke game was far from an isolated example.
"The first four games have had contentious decisions in them and every one has gone against us," he said after the Stoke match.
"If I feel the club is suffering in any shape or form I will need to go the same route other people go and see if we can gain some benefit from that.
"I'll speak to the owners first and see what they say because the last thing I want to do is for my behaviour to impinge on the club's success in any way."

WBA's Gabriel Tamas accepts violent conduct charge

 

Vaughan was left bloodied after clashing with Tamas 

 

West Brom defender Gabriel Tamas has accepted a Football Association charge of violent conduct following a clash with Norwich's James Vaughan.

The Romanian will begin a three-match ban with immediate effect after he elbowed striker Vaughan in his team's win at Carrow Road on Sunday.
Tamas will miss Premier League games against Swansea, Everton and Fulham.
Norwich boss Paul Lambert confirmed Vaughan needed hospital treatment after the incident.

James Vaughan has gone to see the plastic surgeon. It's a bad one

Norwich City boss Paul Lambert

 

"James has gone to see the plastic surgeon. It's a bad one," Lambert said after the game.
Vaughan wrote on Twitter: "Back home! plastic surgeon sorted me out! think i will have to bite my lip over the 'incident' o wait already done that!"
Lambert added: "It has gone straight through the lip and they can't just stitch it up. The specialist has got to look at it."
West Brom boss Roy Hodgson defended his player, claiming Tamas did not mean to hurt Vaughan.
"As [Vaughan] turns, Tamas catches him with his elbow, but I am 100% convinced it is unintentional," he said.
"It does not make it any better for Vaughan whether you have got caught intentionally or accidentally - it is still a painful blow."

Tottenham's Rafael Van der Vaart annoyed by Europa League omission

 

Van der Vaart was Tottenham's top goal-scorer last season with 13 goals 

 

Tottenham's Rafael van der Vaart has said he is annoyed at being left out of the club's Europa League squad.

The 28-year-old hobbled off during Spurs' 5-1 defeat to Manchester City and had originally expected to be out for six weeks with a hamstring injury.
But, despite now expecting to be fit for the Liverpool match next week, the omission means the playmaker will miss Spurs' six Europa group matches.
"Spurs could at least have consulted me," he told his official website.

Spurs' upcoming fixtures

15/9 - PAOK (A) Europa Lge
18/9 - Liverpool (H) Premier Lge
20/9 - Stoke (A) Carling Cup
24/9 - Wigan (A) Premier Lge
29/9 - Shamrock (A) Europa Lge
2/10 - Arsenal (H) Premier Lge

In a section headlined "annoying" on his website, the Dutch international said: "I still think it's a peculiar situation.
"Anyway, it's up to the point of no return. I will be focusing on the game against Liverpool.
"I'm pretty convinced I will be fit by then."
The former Real Madrid player missed Holland's Euro 2012 qualifiers and was also sidelined as Harry Redknapp's team secured their first win of the season against Wolves on Saturday.
Redknapp intends to blood a number of youngsters such as Harry Kane, Tom Carroll and Jake Livermore in the Europa league to keep his squad fresh for a top four push in the Premier League.
Spurs kick off their Europa League campaign against PAOK Salonika in Greece on Thursday.
If they get through the group stages, they will be allowed to add three new names to their squad.

Kevin Davies apologises to Tom Cleverley for tackle

 

Cleverley hobbled off the pitch after a challenge by Bolton's Davies 

 

Bolton captain Kevin Davies has apologised to Tom Cleverley after his challenge left the Manchester United midfielder with ligament damage.

Davies' wife, Emma, said: "For all the ill-informed haters... Kevin spoke to Tom Cleverley on the phone. He would never intentionally hurt anyone."
The injury occurred in the fifth minute of United's 5-0 win at Bolton and the 22-year-old will be out for a month.
Cleverley was substituted and left the ground in a protective boot.

We expected it, it was a bad tackle

Sir Alex Ferguson

 

The injury means Cleverley will miss England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro in October in addition to club matches.
"It was unfortunate," Ferguson told BBC Sport of the injury. "We expected it, it was a bad tackle."
Davies was not cautioned for the incident but shortly afterwards picked up his 100th Premier League booking after a challenge on Patrice Evra.
Cleverley has made a name for himself since returning to United this summer following loan spells at Leicester, Watford and Wigan.
He has won 16 caps for England's Under-21 team and was called up by Fabio Capello for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Wales last month, but is yet to make his senior England debut.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish ponders referee action

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish says he will consult the club's owners over how to deal with what he perceives to be poor refereeing so far this season.

The Reds boss was unhappy with a number of decisions during his side's 1-0 defeat at Stoke on Saturday.
And afterwards he said: "The first four games have had contentious decisions in them and every one has gone against us.
"We would like to be respectful to referees but more important is having respect for my football club."
He added: "If I feel the club is suffering in any shape or form I will need to go the same route other people go and see if we can gain some benefit from that.
"The first four league games have had contentious decisions in them and every one has gone against us.

If we continually get battered by things outside of our control we are not going to get much chance.

Kenny Dalglish Liverpool manager

 

"I'll speak to the owners first and see what they say because the last thing I want to do is for my behaviour to impinge on the club's success in any way."
Dalglish insisted he did not have a problem with Stoke's approach in the match at the Britannia Stadium, but admitted his frustration that Liverpool got nothing out of the game.
He also did not believe Jamie Carragher had fouled Jon Walters for the winning penalty.
"I think it is a bit of an understatement to say we deserved something from the game," added the Scot.
"We can only do what we can do ourselves, sometimes other things are taken outside your jurisdiction.
"If we continually get battered by things outside of our control we are not going to get much chance.
"We don't have any complaint about Stoke; they played hard and played well, they got the goal and defended courageously at times and maybe at times they got a bit of luck.
"But I just cannot see how [Stoke's winner] is a penalty kick."
Stoke boss Tony Pulis took a counter view to Dalglish, saying: "I think Kenny will be as biased [to Liverpool] as I am to Stoke.
"I respect his opinion and whether the decisions were (less than impartial) or not I don't know."

We're good enough to finish top - Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas

Andre Villas-Boas shrugged off the Manchester clubs' starts to the season and insisted his Chelsea side are good enough "to grab them".

United and City head the the Premier League table after scoring a total of 25 goals in their opening three games.
Chelsea are two points adrift of their title rivals but have managed to score only five times.
"We want to grab them. We have to improve on a weekly basis," said the Chelsea manager.

I'm very happy that we have been creating enough chances to win games and this is a good sign for us

Andre Villas-Boas

 

"It's good for them. They've gone on to score a lot of goals and it's good for British football.
"We just hope to score one more goal than the opponents.
"Our objective is on shortening distance and not on what the others do in terms of performance."
Villas-Boas admitted the quality of Chelsea's game needed to improve ahead of Saturday's trip to Sunderland.
"I think it can be better and our objective is to transform it," he said.
"It's what people expect from us - to get fluency in the way we play.
"I'm very happy that we have been creating enough chances to win games and this is a good sign for us.
"We just need to improve on the quality and fluency of the game.
"Let's see what kind of response we have now."
Villas-Boas has options to freshen up his attack, with Juan Mata shining as a substitute against Norwich, Daniel Sturridge back from suspension, and Raul Meireles having signed from Liverpool on transfer deadline day.

Alan Pardew irked at Newcastle's lack of new strikers

 

Pardew has no ill will towards Joey Barton despite the player leaving

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew says he is frustrated the club's board did not allow him to buy a striker.

He spent much of the summer insisting they would end their seven-month search for a forward, but that did not happen before the transfer window shut.
Pardew said: "The criticism that's going to come from not getting a striker in has some validity to it because seven months is a long time.
"We bid for three or four players and none of them came to fruition."
The Newcastle manager's comments about the board are unlikely to appease owner Mike Ashley. Pardew said: "I can only say that, from my point of view, we put the targets in front of the board and then it comes down to financial decisions, and that financial decision didn't take place."
Over the summer, late interest in FC Twente's Bryan Ruiz and Sochaux's Modibo Maiga did not lead to deals being struck. The news was greeted angrily by fans who had spent much of the close-season speculating on just how much of the proceeds of former striker Andy Carroll's £35m sale to Liverpool in the January transfer window would be re-invested.

Joey is a controlled animal now on a football pitch. He's an aggressive player, but he has brought that under control.

Alan Pardew Newcastle manager

 

Asked if he would be back in the market for a striker again in January, Pardew said: "Absolutely. Yes, absolutely."
Pardew lost Joey Barton in the summer transfer window as the midfielder joined QPR. Barton could make his debut for his new club against the Magpies at Loftus Road on Monday night.
Barton departed when his stand-off with the board reached the point of no return. The Newcastle manager made no secret of his desire to keep the former Manchester City man at St James' Park, and he will bear no ill will as their paths cross once again.
Pardew said: "Joey is a controlled animal now on the football pitch. He's an aggressive player, but he has brought that under control.
"He's a very, very good player and somebody we need to make sure doesn't influence the game as much as he did for us.
"He hasn't got anything to prove to me or the staff here because the players all know how good he is. Obviously, there was a falling-out with the board that wasn't going to be rectified, so Joey has moved on.
"He's got himself a contract that he has earned through not just his ability, but the way he has conducted himself in the last couple of years especially, and we wish him well."

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans feared for Old Trafford future.

 

Evans is a graduate of Manchester United's academy 

 

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has admitted he feared for his future at Old Trafford after his poor form cost him his place last season.

The 23-year-old has played in every game of the new campaign so far but feels he still has a point to prove.
Evans said: "If I had another season like that I am sure the manager wouldn't want me around.
"I wasn't playing consistently to a good enough standard. I went away and thought, 'Maybe I have another year'."
United's regular central defensive pairing of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic have been absent through injury since the opening day of the season, allowing Evans to forge a partnership with new £18m signing Phil Jones.
Fellow defenders Wes Brown and John O'Shea both left United for Sunderland in the summer but Evans was confident he would not follow them out of the club.

JONNY EVANS FACTFILE

• Joined United in 2004
• Made his senior Northern Ireland debut in September 2006
• Made his senior United debut in September 2007

The Northern Ireland international added: "The manager never said anything to me and I never went to see him.
"I was pretty confident the manager wouldn't get rid of me.
"I have always thought he has a bit of faith in me. Maybe you do have the odd doubt but I thought it would have been unfair if I had left, considering the two seasons I had before.
"Last year wasn't a total disaster. There were times when I did feel good and others where I felt I needed that level of consistency every week. I have gone back to basics and worked hard.
"I was on holiday when I heard John and Wes were in talks with Sunderland and would be leaving.
"It did make me think there was room but, no matter who the manager gets rid of, or signs, there are so many players who can step into so many different positions it is crazy.
"If you are not in his plans he will move you on. If you are here you have a great chance of being involved."

New Everton striker aims to emulate Carlos Tevez

 

Stracqualursi (left) scored 22 goals for Tigres last season 

 

Everton new boy Denis Stracqualursi wants to emulate fellow Argentine Carlos Tevez and make a major impact in the Premier League.

The striker, 23, arrived on a season-long loan on transfer deadline day along with midfielder Royston Drenthe.
He was joint top scorer in Argentina last season with 22 goals for Tigres.
"I saw the way he [Tevez] went about the task at West Ham and the two Manchester clubs and I would like to think I can copy that model," he said.

"He is an icon at all those clubs. It is all about dying for the shirt, sweating for the club.
"I think England will suit my style.
"I'll be trying to score as many goals as possible to help Everton."
Stracqualursi is only one of two frontline forwards available to Everton boss David Moyes - along with Louis Saha - after Jermaine Beckford joined Leicester and Yakubu departed for Blackburn.
But he does not feel any extra pressure, adding: "Players are quite powerful and strong here and football is played quite a bit in the air. I am pretty good in the air.

 

Drenthe's Real Madrid contract ends next summer 

  "I had a pretty good season in terms of goalscoring in a team which was fighting to stay alive and I have never been one to shy away from targets.
"I don't think there is any extra pressure. I am a reasonably confident guy and I see it as a challenge."
Netherlands international Drenthe is looking to reinvigorate his career as his contract with Real Madrid will not be renewed at the end of this season.
"I have something to prove because my time at Real Madrid has ended already," he said. "I think Everton is a really good and important step for me."

Bolton boss Owen Coyle urges Gary Cahill to ignore transfer gossip

 

Cahill joined Bolton in £5m move from Aston Villa in in January 2008 

 

Gary Cahill must forget about recent transfer speculation if he is to hold down his England place, according to his manager at Bolton, Owen Coyle.

Arsenal and Spurs were both recently reportedly interested in signing him.
The 25-year-old was hugely impressive during England's 3-0 win over Bulgaria.
Coyle said: "The reason he was in the squad was because of his performances for Bolton and that is what he has to continue to do to become an integral part of Fabio Capello's squad."
With his Bolton deal expiring next June, Cahill is expected to be the subject of more speculation during the next few months.
And while Coyle accepts it will be difficult for him to hang onto Cahill, he does not have any concerns about the former Aston Villa man's focus.

Gary is in the driving seat in regards his contract and speculation won't go away but it doesn't faze me

Owen Coyle

 

"There might have been a tinge of disappointment as there was a lot for speculation about this protracted move he was going to have," Coyle said.
"When that didn't come to fruition it said a lot about him in terms of mentally preparing himself (for international duty) and besides the goal he put in a huge performance for England.
"To have a Bolton player score a goal for England for the first time since 1959 is a fantastic achievement and I'm delighted for Gary as well."
In January, Cahill will be able to speak to foreign clubs about a move and at the end of the season he can leave the Reebok Stadium for nothing.
While Coyle has not ruled out offering him new contract he knows the player is keen to test himself in the Champions League.
He said: "Gary is in the driving seat in regards his contract and speculation won't go away but it doesn't faze me.
"If something comes hard and fast and concrete then I'll deal with it head-on - we've been very open regarding the situation."

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere out for two to three months

 

Wilshere was injured during Arsenal's friendly with New York Red Bulls

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere says his ankle injury will keep him out of action for up to three months.

The England player sustained the injury in the Gunners' pre-season friendly against New York Red Bulls on 31 July.
It was only expected to rule him out for a few days, but has proved far more troublesome for the 19-year-old.
"I will be out for around 2-3 months! I am working hard in the gym to stay fit and I am gutted but I will be back stronger," Wilshere wrote on Twitter.
Wilshere's absence is a significant blow to Arsenal considering the summer departure of key midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.
Like Fabregas and Nasri, Wilshere was a first-team regular for the Gunners last season and Arsenal have already lost two of their three Premier League games this term.

JACK WILSHERE - APPEARANCES

ARSENAL 2010-11: 49
GOALS: 2
ENGLAND 2010-11: 5

However, the deadline-day arrivals of Chelsea's Yossi Benayoun and Everton's Mikel Arteta should ensure Arsenal are suitably covered in that area until Wilshere's return.
Wilshere is wearing a protective boot to guard the affected right ankle, which Wenger claims was first damaged before the US pre-season trip, when the youngster was on England duty against Switzerland.
Wenger won his running battle with England Under-21 counterpart Stuart Pearce over Wilshere's selection for the summer's European Championships in Denmark, but the rest he was able to enjoy in the close season was not sufficient to cure the problem.
He will now miss crucial matches for club and country, including England's final Euro 2012 qualifying group game in Montenegro next month, and Champions League and Premier League fixtures for Arsenal.
Speaking just prior to Arsenal confirming Wilshere would need an extended break, his club colleague Theo Walcott expressed hope that Wilshere would be back soon.
Walcott said at an England press conference: "Jack's a very important player for us. It's a shame he's had this ankle problem.
"But he's a bright lad - he'll be back as soon as he can.
"We're going to miss him but he's professional enough to get on with it."

Spurs blow as Van der Vaart is ruled out for six weeks

 

Van der Vaart was Tottenham's top goal-scorer last season with 13 goals

Spurs midfielder Rafael van der Vaart could be out of action for up to six weeks after suffering a hamstring tear.

The Netherlands international suffered the injury during last weekend's 5-1 home defeat by Manchester City.
Tottenham are bottom of the Premier League after losing their opening matches to Manchester United and City.

Tottenham's upcoming fixtures

. 10/9 Wolves (A) Premier League . 15/9 PAOK (A) Europa League
. 18/9 Liverpool (H) Prem
. 20/9 Stoke City (A) Carling Cup
. 24/9 Wigan Athletic (A) - Prem
. 29/9 Shamrock Rovers (A) Europa
. 2/10 Arsenal(H) Prem
. 16/10 Newcastle Utd (A) Prem
. 20/10 Rubin Kazan (H) Europa

Manager Harry Redknapp told The Sun newspaper: "It's the last thing we need. It's a bad injury and he was in good form for us."
The attacking midfielder has been a major hit since signing from Real Madrid for £8m in the 2010 summer transfer window.
Van der Vaart is set to miss Premier League games against Wolves, Liverpool and Wigan, and the north London derby against Arsenal at White Hart Lane.
He will also be unavailable for the start of Spurs' Europa League campaign, including games against PAOK Salonika and Shamrock Rovers.

Edin Dzeko and Sir Alex Ferguson win Barclays Premier League awards

 

Manchester City's Edin Dzeko has scored six goals in three Premier League games, despite netting just twice last season 

 

Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko has won the Player of the Month prize for August after scoring six goals in the first three Premier League games.

In a Manchester double, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson took Manager of the Month after winning all three matches.
Dzeko, 25, joined City from Wolfsburg for £27m in January and only scored two league goals before this season.
And his goals have helped City to second place in the table, only behind United on goal difference.
The Bosnian striker netted in City's opening fixtures against Swansea and Bolton, with Roberto Mancini's team winning 4-0 and 3-2 respectively.

EDIN DZEKO FACTFILE

• Born on 17 March 1986 in Sarajevo
• Debut for FK Željezničar in 2003
• Joined FK Teplice in 2005
• Top scorer in the Gambrinus Liga and joins VfL Wolfsburg for €4m in July 2007
• Joined Man City in January 2011 for £27m

He then hit four goals in the 5-1 demolition of Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
United have been in equally-impressive form, beating West Brom 2-1 at The Hawthorns, then defeating Spurs 3-0 and Arsenal 8-2 at Old Trafford.
It is the 26th time Ferguson has won the Manager of the Month award since its inception in 1993. He has also been Manager of the Season 10 times.

Steve Kean happy with his Blackburn transfer business

 

Kean's Blackburn have lost all three of their first Premier League matches 

 

Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean says that he is delighted with the additions that he has made to his squad over the summer.

Rovers have signed eight players this summer, including deadline day trio Yakubu, Scott Dann and Jordan Slew, and let 12 leave Ewood Park.
Kean told Radio Lancashire: "People thought we were going to lose players. We've managed to keep the majority.

"We've managed to bring in fantastic quality right on the last day."
The signing of centre-back Dann could potentially become Blackburn's record transfer based on appearances and various incentives.

Kean said: "I've worked with him before. He's a fantastic leader but more importantly he's a top player."
Nigeria striker Yakubu agreed a three-year deal with Rovers after being out of favour for almost a year at Everton.
"When we found out his was available we moved swiftly," Kean said. "To get somebody with a track record of scoring goals at this level is great.

"Everybody knows that if you can get him in the box and get him the service then he scores. So I think it's a brilliant signing."
The capture of 18-year-old striker Jordan Slew from Sheffield United for around £1m will see him join the club's development squad.

Meireles and Arteta among transfer deadline day movers

 

Meireles left Liverpool in one of the deadline's dramatic and surprising moves 

 

Raul Meireles and Mikel Arteta swapped the city of Liverpool for London in dramatic deals on a busy transfer deadline day.

Meireles moved from Liverpool to Chelsea, while Everton's Arteta joined Arsenal along with Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun.
In a frantic final day of the transfer window, Premier League clubs took their summer spending to £485m, business analysts Deloitte said.
That outlay represents a 33% rise on the same period in 2010, an increase of £120m.
Arsenal also signed Germany defender Per Mertesacker and left-back Andre Santos from Fenerbahce for £6.2m, as Arsene Wenger reshaped his squad after Sunday's 8-2 defeat by Manchester United.
Manchester City completed the free transfer of ex-Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves and allowed out-of-favour forward Craig Bellamy to rejoin former club Liverpool.

WHO WENT WHERE?

A complete list of all the deadline-day moves
Transfers - August 2011

Two players departed Anfield for France, Joe Cole moving to Ligue 1 champions Lille on a season-long loan and midfielder Christian Poulsen joining Evian.
Manchester United did not make any deadline-day deals, with Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder revealing on Twitter that he would be staying in Italy.
Sport pundit Martin Keown said he has reservations about how many of the late transfers will prove to be successful.
"On the whole, deals involved players with Premier League experience already," he commented. "That indicates what clubs are after at the moment.
"We have got to see how well these deals pan out, of course. You can be sure that a lot of them will not turn out to be successes.
"But I do not think we have had this many late signings in the past and the day really had a feeling of last-chance saloon about it.
"We will also remember this transfer window for the deals that never happened. Despite lots of speculation, Carlos Tevez, Luka Modric and Wesley Sneijder have all stayed where they are - at Manchester City, Spurs and Inter Milan respectively."

I am absolutely washed out. I've been on the road at 5am every morning and it's a waste of time going to bed

Harry Redknapp 

One club who looked outside of the Premier League to bolster their attacking options was Fulham, who bought Bryan Ruiz from FC Twente for £10.6m, beating off a late rival bid from Newcastle United. The Cottagers also recruited Orlando Sa for free from Porto.
Stoke broke their transfer record to sign Tottenham's Peter Crouch for an initial £10m - a fee which could rise to £12m - and added Wilson Palacios from Spurs for around £6m.
Spurs also let Jermaine Jenas and Alan Hutton move to Aston Villa, the latter opting for the West Midlands over a move to Fulham.
Tottenham winger David Bentley joined West Ham on a season-long loan.
Spurs completed a deal for West Ham United's Scott Parker, but failed to sign Bolton defender Gary Cahill.
Sunderland ended their search for a striker when Nicklas Bendtner moved from Arsenal on a year-long loan deal.
Arsenal also let young forward Joel Campbell, who only signed last week, join French side Lorient on loan, following team-mate Gilles Sunu, who made a permanent switch to the Ligue 1 outfit.

AUGUST DEADLINE DAY BIGGEST MOVES

• 2010: Asamoah Gyan [Rennes - Sunderland] £13m
• 2009: Richard Dunne [Manchester City - Aston Villa] £6m
• 2008: Robinho [Real Madrid - Manchester City] £32.5m
• 2007: Glen Johnson [Chelsea - Portsmouth] £4m
• 2006: Ashley Cole [Arsenal - Chelsea] £5m p/e
• 2005: Michael Owen [Real Madrid - Newcastle] £17m
• 2004: Wayne Rooney [Everton - Manchester United] £27m
• 2003: Claude Makelele [Real Madrid - Chelsea] £16.6m

QPR added Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips and Sunderland's Anton Ferdinand to their squad. Their move for Spurs defender Sebastien Bassong fell through due to Spurs' failure to sign Cahill.
As well as keeping hold of their prized defensive asset Cahill, Bolton added new faces by sealing a permanent deal for Liverpool striker David Ngog and a loan switch for Chelsea midfielder Gael Kakuta.
Blackburn raided Goodison Park to sign striker Yakubu, and also completed moves for Birmingham defender Scott Dann and Sheffield United frontman Jordan Slew.
Everton made two loan signings: Real Madrid's Royston Drenthe on loan and striker Denis Stracqualursi from Argentine side Tigres. The Toffees let Jermaine Beckford join Leicester.
Wigan completed three deals, signing Celtic winger Shaun Maloney for a fee of £1m, Almeria winger Albert Crusat for an undisclosed fee and Chelsea defender Patrick van Aanholt on loan.