Neville claims agents 'should be removed from football'

Manchester United captain Gary Neville wants agents to be removed from football, claiming he does not know many good ones.
The role of representatives has been under the microscope for some time thanks to the large amounts of money being charged for brokering deals between players and clubs.

Neville, who has been with United for his entire professional career, believes their influence is now too great and wants to see a backlash.

He told Sky Sports News: 'I'd like to see the removal of agents from the game - make players not so reliant on them.

'We've got the PFA - and they want to give, not take.'

Asked if there were any good agents, he said: 'I don't know many. There is a concern for me, and it always has been.

'Our guy can go in [to a deal] and expect to be giving hundreds of thousands or, in this day and age, even millions [to an agent] - and that money is going out of the game.

'The clubs should keep that money - or, if they're earning it, the players.'

Neville admits, however, change will only come about through the direct action of the players themselves.

He added: 'It won't change until players become more responsible for their actions.

'They think they need them - but it's not the case.

'They need good advice and good accountants - but they don't need people taking hundreds of thousands off them.'

Gordon Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, appreciates Neville's frustrations.

Speaking at the launch of Profile, the official PFA community magazine, Taylor said: 'Gary always speaks his mind. He speaks as he finds - and he is entitled to his opinion.

'It's one of the reasons why the PFA have always been keen to make clear to our members that we've the best experience in the world - and we're happy to help them all with contracts and negotiations.

'That's what we're about - but having said that, there are a number of players who have agents we work with on different issues.'

Taylor agrees with Neville that some agents do not look after the best interests of their clients.

He continued: 'I worry they trawl their nets too wide sometimes for youngsters in the hope they can pick one up - and then don't give enough care.

'Of the 600 youngsters who enter the game at 16, five out of six will be out of it by the time they are 21.

'So I'll be interested to see how many agents help young players to get through university, or job re-training, or look after their operations in later years.

'Obviously there are players who need a 24-hour service, and that is not always possible for us to provide - because we do have 4,000 members.

'But certainly that side of affairs is developing and building up (within the PFA).'

Current pros make good prospect comparisons

One of the easiest and best ways a front office can determine how a prospect's skills translate to the NFL level is to compare him to a player in the league. Is Cal DC Daymeion Hughes the next Champ Bailey or the next Ronde Barber? Is Fresno State WR Paul Williams the next Chad Johnson or Ashley Lelie?

In Williams' case, Minnesota Vikings WR Travis Taylor immediately comes to mind because Taylor is a poster boy for unrealized potential. Both possess a rare blend of size, athletic ability and speed that they just haven't taken advantage of on a consistent basis. They round routes off, give up on plays to the opposite side of the field and fail to come down with what should be routine catches. The good news for Williams is he is considerably younger so he has more upside.

Of course, prospects aren't clones. While they share key traits they aren't exact matches. Houston QB Kevin Kolb is an excellent example. Kolb compares favorably to Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck. Both show good pocket presence, can lead receivers when throwing underneath and are leaders on the field. It's also worth noting that Hasselbeck didn't start a game until his third season in the league because Kolb should need some time to get acclimated to the NFL. The differences are that Kolb loses the strike zone more than Hasselbeck but is slightly more athletic.

Illinois' Carlwell should be released by the weekend

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- An Illinois basketball player injured in a traffic accident earlier this week is expected to make a full recovery.

Freshman center Brian Carlwell, 19, suffered a severe concussion Monday night when a car driven by teammate Jamar Smith struck a tree in heavy snow. Carlwell, who is from Maywood, remained at an Urbana hospital Thursday in fair condition, according to university officials.

Coach Bruce Weber said in a statement that Carlwell should be released from the hospital by this weekend.

Smith, a 19-year-old sophomore guard, suffered a less severe concussion in the accident. He drove the car from the accident in Champaign to the apartment complex where he lives, about a mile away, before authorities were called, university officials have said.

Two women at the apartment complex who saw the wrecked car called 911, Brown said.

Police cited Smith for improper lane usage, but have said further charges are possible depending on the outcome of the investigation. They have declined comment on details.

The Illini are off until they host Northwestern on Sunday.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

Doan signs five-year deal with Coyotes

The Phoenix Coyotes signed their captain, Shane Doan, to a five-year contract Thursday.

Financial terms were not disclosed, although a source familiar with the negotiations said the deal will pay the 30-year-old Doan an average of $4.5 million per season.

Doan, the only member of the team who was with the franchise when it moved from Winnipeg to Phoenix after the 1996 season, could have become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

A gritty, talented forward, Doan was highly coveted by a number of teams, either as a rental player for the balance of this season or as a potential long-term signing. But the Coyotes have long insisted they believe Doan is an important part of their team moving forward.

"He's skilled and physical and a very good person," the source told ESPN.com Wednesday afternoon. "He's a very dedicated guy."

Doan, the seventh player chosen in the 1995 draft, has 35 points in 48 games this season, although he's been hampered by injury. He had a career-best 30 goals last season and was named to Canada's Olympic team.

Information from ESPN.com NHL writer Scott Burnside was used in this report.

Hopkins, Wright to fight at 170 pounds in July

Former middleweight and light heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins is coming out of retirement to fight former junior middleweight champ Winky Wright on July 21 at 170 pounds. The site has not been determined.

Hopkins (47-4-1, 32 KOs) last fought against Antonio Tarver in June, dismantling him in what was at the time Hopkins' retirement fight.

Wright (51-3-1, 25 KOs) is coming off a unanimous decision over Ike Quartey and a controversial draw with middleweight champion Jermain Taylor. According to media reports the fight was signed last week and will be shown on HBO PPV.

Hopkins, 42, had said his fight against Tarver last June would be his final bout, win or lose. But having bulked up with the help of fitness guru Mackie Shilstone, Hopkins decided he still felt fit and that he still had fights left in him.

Hopkins said he originally pondered moving all the way up to heavyweight to challenge WBC champ Oleg Maskaev. When that didn't pan out, he asked Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, to get him a fight against as big a name as possible. Bouts with super middleweight champ Joe Calzaghe, cruiserweight champ O'Neil Bell and Roy Jones Jr. were considered before the Hopkins-Wright match was made.

"At the end of the day, I think things worked out better for me. Almost everyone has Winky ranked up there among the top three or four pound-for-pound fighters. Beating him puts me right back there again, and at 42 years old, too," Hopkins said, according to the Philadelphia Daily News.

"I can still compete at a high level. Time beats every athlete eventually, but it hasn't beaten me yet. I'm the Jerry Rice of boxing. My best fights are yet to come. I'm not saying I got 10 or 20 fights left in me, but I'm ready to fight the fights that matter and that need to happen."

Singletary interviews for Chargers coaching job

SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Chargers began their coaching search so quickly that the first candidate to be interviewed ran into the guy he hopes to replace.

Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Singletary, the assistant head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, met with team executives Wednesday, less than 48 hours after Marty Schottenheimer was fired.

The former Chicago Bears great said he crossed paths with Schottenheimer, who was still cleaning out his office.

"I saw him and said hello," Singletary said.

Singletary, interviewing for a head coaching job for the third time since early January, thinks he's ready to move up after four seasons as an assistant.

"There's no doubt in my mind," Singletary said after emerging from his interview. "Absolutely."

Schottenheimer was fired Monday by Chargers president Dean Spanos, who said there was a "dysfunctional situation" between the coach and general manager A.J. Smith. San Diego was an NFL-best 14-2 last season before falling apart in its playoff opener, a 24-21 loss to New England.

Shortly after being fired Monday night, Schottenheimer said he had no working relationship with Smith.

"I don't have a whole lot of working knowledge on what happened in the past," Singletary said. "It's unfortunate, but every organization has something going on and I think for me, I'm just really excited to have the opportunity to come here and make the most of the opportunity."

The Chargers are generally regarded as having the best talent in the NFL, led by MVP LaDainian Tomlinson.

"All you have to do is turn on the film," Singletary said. "You can watch the offensive side of the ball and watch them run up and down the field, throw the ball and move the ball. I see a lot of potential on that side.

"Look on the defensive side of the ball and there's a lot of exciting things happening so there's a lot to get excited about here. The nucleus of a great team and having a great run is very exciting, very intriguing about this team."

One thing the Chargers need, Singletary said, is "leadership ... somebody to come in and really bring everybody together and get everybody on one page. If that happens, something very exciting is going to happen here."

The Chargers apparently learned a lesson from the Schottenheimer-Smith feud.

During the interview with Singletary, a leader on the Bears' 1985 Super Bowl championship team, Spanos discussed his organizational structure "and what's expected of the head coach," Smith said in a statement released by the team. "We discussed the roles of the general manager and head coach and how they will work together to win a championship. The goal of this search is to find the man that can help us get where we want to go. We want candidates to have a full awareness of what's being asked of them."

After retiring in 1992, Singletary spent 10 years as a motivational speaker. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998, he began his coaching career in 2003 as the inside linebackers coach of the Baltimore Ravens. After two years in that job, he became assistant head coach-linebackers with the 49ers in 2005. Last season his title was assistant head coach-defense.

Singletary said he's heard the talk about his relative lack of coaching experience.

"If I hadn't played the game, if I hadn't been around the game as long as I've been around it and if I hadn't coached it for the time that I've coached it in the role that I've been in, I think I might agree with that," he said. "My question is always, 'Do you want experience or do you want results?' I think that's what I'm all about."

Singletary also interviewed for the head coaching jobs with Atlanta and Dallas. The Cowboys' job went to Wade Phillips, who had been the Chargers' defensive coordinator. Singletary interviewed last year for the Detroit Lions' job.

Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, the son of former NFL head coach Buddy Ryan, is scheduled to interview Thursday.

"He's been ready for a long time," Buddy Ryan said by phone Wednesday. "He deserves a good shot."

Baltimore's defense gave up the fewest yards and points in the NFL last season.

Other candidates the Chargers have received permission to interview are Norv Turner, a former head coach with Oakland and Washington; Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera; and Mike Zimmer, recently hired as Atlanta's defensive coordinator after doing the same job for Dallas.

Turner was offensive coordinator with the Chargers in 2001. He's currently the 49ers' offensive coordinator. He interviewed for the Dallas Cowboys' head coaching job that went to Phillips.

Singletary and Rivera also interviewed for the Cowboys job.

Spanos said Monday that the exodus from Schottenheimer's staff -- two coordinators became NFL head coaches and two assistants became coordinators -- contributed to a difficult situation that resulted in the coach being fired.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

More than words needed to halt hooligans

There is no 'I', albeit a lot of ego usually, in 'column', so apologies for beginning this with a personal note, but you'll understand why. I am currently in Miami, covering the Super Bowl as I do every year, for one of the few Italian newspapers which treat it like a great sporting event and not just a kitschy exhibition of Americana.
This makes me thousands of miles away, physically, from Catania, site of Italy's latest horrific episode in a long list of football violence, and a couple of universes away on a metaphorical level, as I listen to the Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears coaches speak gracefully about the upcoming match, watch fans mingle peacefully with each other and bask in the chance to be at a sporting event where you don't have to watch your back at all times - unless you fear pickpockets. You have read the news: a police officer, Filippo Raciti, was killed and another was seriously injured by a smoke bomb hurled by rioting Catania fans waiting to ambush rival Palermo supporters in one of the six Sicilian derbies this season, the region's other side being Messina. The match itself had to be held up for a few minutes when a cloud of tear gas from the clashes outside the stadium wafted in, players and officials having to rinse their eyes and cover their mouths in order to breathe. In a tragic coincidence, a minute's silence had been held before the Catania-Palermo match in memory of Ermanno Licursi, a director of an amateur side, again in Italy's South, who had been kicked to death just a week earlier after he tried to separate players who had been going at each other at the end of a match. Soccernet readers will remember the many times I have already written about the desperate, hopeless state of football - and society - in my country, the most recent a little over a month ago, and it is extremely disheartening and sad, although hardly unpredictable, to see that again Italy is in the news for the wrong reasons. The World Cup triumph of last summer is as far from memory, and from everyday events, as it could possibly be. Not for us the deep sociological analysis that may pop up somewhere else, but the roots of the problem are so deep that I would never want to be in the shoes of those called to eradicate them. Simply said, Italians - and I DO NOT mean ALL of them, but a growing number of them who pat each other on the back every time they avoid paying a bus ticket or light up despite the no-smoking sign - are reluctant to follow the rules and look at any restraint on their freedom as a nuisance that must be avoided or disposed of. Local and regional rivalries are still felt strongly throughout the country, and each derby match presents the less responsible supporters with a chance to exact revenge for a previous episode of violence or disrespect, or to establish bragging rights until the next encounter. The planning of confrontations, now greatly aided by the internet and mobile phones, is often intercepted and disrupted by intelligence work done by the police forces, but that has in turn made the security services more and more the fans' 'real' enemy throughout the country. They have been targeted even in some instances which had nothing to do with football, which proves the theory that political influence among the 'ultras' and hardcore fan groups is growing and bringing non-football issues into the arena. Only last month in Livorno, three carabinieri - the police branch of the Army - were pelted with rocks, bottles and sticks by dozens of youths whose carelessly parked cars had been blocking the path of a fire-fighters' truck responding to an emergency. So the violence - or 'ambushing' as one police officer described the Catania tragedy - is part of each weekend's fare throughout Italy, or every time a police presence is required for public safety reasons, which in turn is seen by any group of protesters, fans, activists as, er, 'provocation'. And it was somehow not surprising to learn that in some places - Palermo, Livorno and Piacenza - walls had been spray-painted with words celebrating the slaughtering of the Raciti as a revenge for what happened in 2001, when a young protester was killed during the G8 meeting in Genoa. Please note that the young man was shot by a carabiniere while in the act of hurling a fire extinguisher at him through the back window of a van, but this has not stopped many from making him a martyr. A room in the Italian Parliament building was even named after him, while the carabiniere must watch his back wherever he goes, and not even the fact the police forces also did some dirty tricks during that God-forsaken weekend (a few policemen are under trial for allegedly planting bombs inside a schoolroom which was being used a shelter by protesters) can mask the absurdity of the situation, which sits uneasy with many.

But this total disrespect for any form of policing, which has nothing to do with football and has allowed all forms of criminal activities to flourish in Italy, is just a component of a problem that has many facets. Again, I have already written a few times about them and it is discomforting to have to repeat them each time something tragic happens, while knowing all along little will be changed unless something drastically modifies the collective Italians' psyche. And this could hardly happen, could it? A couple of years ago, former Home Secretary Giuseppe Pisanu drafted tougher measures against football violence, with clubs required to build an exterior perimeter fence, install turnstiles, require that all ticket buyers give their name to be printed on their ticket and match those credentials with an ID card - all Italians have one - at the gate. At the time, many clubs protested because in most cases they do not own the grounds so the improvement work would have to be done in conjunction with local authorities, which is one of the nightmare scenarios in modern Italy, while others claimed this measures would put off fans who had to go through too much grief before finally being allowed to sit inside dirty, outdated grounds with rudimentary facilities. Some relief, eh? You may also remember that a common practice of the Italian way is to allow fans way too much leverage in the day-to-day running of the clubs. There are many examples of this. Current Lazio owner Claudio Lotito has become the subject of a hate campaign by the hardcore sections of the fans because he'd wrestled control of the club's merchandising away from the ultras and had refused to continue his predecessors' habit of paying them thousands of euros each week for banners and fireworks. Footballers are also to blame because in order to appease the fans and avoid trouble they sometimes give in mindlessly to stupid behaviour. After scoring a goal in December, Palermo's Brazilian striker Amauri lifted his jersey to reveal a message supporting a few dozen 'Ultras' who have been 'diffidati' and hit with a restraining order keeping them away from any sporting venue. But it's not just those intrinsically involved with the clubs who can affect change, we'll need some help from the media and casual fans too. The media should immediately stop praising the supporters' displays of fireworks - which have been banned for a while, but still regularly make earth-shaking appearances - although it can be difficult in the smaller markets where writers, often working for a pittance and in no hurry to become martyrs, can be easily intimidated if they refuse to play along with the cliché of 'we have great fans' and dare to criticize the petty episodes of violence which occur regularly at all levels. Of course, a responsible media is not something we enjoy a lot of in Italy, with most weekday talk shows ending in shouting contests and the vulgarization and oversimplification of concepts resulting in the impression, to the less discerning and more belligerent, that the actual game-day experience is a war between opposites who could or should never meet. The media usually rebuke this concept, but I have been working as a journalist long enough to be disillusioned both about the attitudes and agendas of too many of my colleagues, especially those working for TV networks. They have no desire to provide a balanced view and some sort of guidance through the complexity of sports, preferring instead to bring out the lowest common denominator. The decision by the Italian Football Federation's chief Luca Pancalli to cancel this and next week's matches was the least he could do, under the circumstances. But it was anger-provoking and unsettling, and other colleagues here in Miami share this view, re-uttering statements like 'we now need drastic measures', 'this can't go on anymore', 'violence has no place in sports' and 'clubs must stop subsidizing fans' travel'. Hey, those same words were heard more than thirty years ago, after a rocket fired from Roma's end travelled the length of the Stadio Olimpico and exploded in Lazio fan Vincenzo Paparelli's face, twelve years ago when Genoa supporter Vincenzo Spagnolo was stabbed to death by Milan fans, and any time something bad has happened since. And what effect did those words have? Zilch. So it is only natural that scepticism has arisen once again, and a simple column like this was never going to be able to explore all avenues and give a complete, thorough analysis but, hey, you and I saw the pictures and read the stories, and the anger and frustration were simply not going to be kept inside, at least in my case.

Stephen Ames

News: Ames is in the field for this week's Nissan Open.
Notes: This will be Ames' fourth entry of the 2007 season. He tied for 11th at the season opening Mercedes where the field is small, and hasn't made either of his last two cuts. Therefore, your lineup strength will determine whether you want him in there against a typically strong Nissan field. Ames typically plays this tournament, but hasn't done anything noteworthy in his last six tries.

Knight reprimanded for calling officiating 'horrendous

LUBBOCK, Texas -- The Big 12 has issued a public reprimand of Texas Tech coach Bob Knight for his comments about officiating in a double overtime loss at Oklahoma State.

After Saturday's 93-91 defeat, Knight said a call on a charge was "horrendous" and "maybe as bad a call as I've ever seen."

Knight's statement violated the Big 12's principle and standards of sportsmanship, which prohibit coaches from commenting critically in public about officials, according to the Big 12. The rule "goes for coaches, players, administrators, everyone," Big 12 spokesman Rob Carolla said Thursday.

Knight had no comment on the reprimand, Tech spokesman Randy Farley said.

Carolla said the conference rarely issues public reprimands during the season. The reprimand was issued Wednesday.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

Waltrip says he nearly withdrew from embarrassment

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Michael Waltrip almost didn't race on Thursday.

Embarrassed over three days of a NASCAR investigation that resulted in the indefinite suspension of his crew chief and competition director, Waltrip was ready to pull out of his 150-mile qualifying race that determines the field for Sunday's Daytona 500.

Were it not for the urging of his wife, manufacturer, sponsor and NASCAR president Mike Helton, he likely would have sat out the race and spent the day as the owner of his other two Toyota teams.

"I just felt like ... there would be a cloud over whatever I accomplished because of what happened," the two-time Daytona 500 winner said in an emotional press conference prior to the race.

"We're here to do all we can to hopefully race our way into the race, but mostly to start to rebuild people's faith and trust."

After his car failed inspection Sunday, Waltrip said he was devastated when his 9-year-old daughter wondered why her father had cheated.

Waltrip said his organization has launched an internal investigation to find out who was responsible for putting an unspecified substance into his fuel system before qualifying.

Crew chief David Hyder and competition director Bobby Kennedy were escorted out of Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday and suspended indefinitely. Hyder also was fined $100,000.

While a source close to the situation said Hyder would be fired, Waltrip, who was penalized 100 championship points, said he has not fired anybody and did not plan to until the investigation is complete. Scott Eggleston, Waltrip's crew chief when he won the 2001 Daytona 500, has assumed Hyder's role.

General manager Ty Norris said he and Waltrip have a feeling of betrayal. He said the organization has begun searching credit card records as part of the investigation, but said the process is difficult because NASCAR hasn't identified the substance to the team.

NASCAR has said only that the substance was odorless and Vaseline-like and didn't belong in the engine.

Asked if anybody had been removed from the organization, Norris said, "I'd rather not talk about that."

"We're going to find out who did it and why they did it," he continued. "There will be vindication for Michael, myself and the entire organization."

Chelsea's Spy In The Camp

Chelsea's Spy In The Camp has been bringing inside news, banter and comment for 20 years in the matchday programme, on Chelsea TV and now on the web. He's found worldwide reaction to Lassana Diarra speaking English.

Lassana Diarra has been hit by the power of new media technology.

He was forced into giving his first English language Chelsea TV interview on Big Match Countdown two weeks ago by his team-mates. That interview has now received a wider airing.

Basically, the only way to get him to speak in English was by 'gentle' persuasion, so Didier Drogba, Gérémi (his second Dad), Michael Essien, Claude Makelele and Salomon Kalou were enlisted to hold him firm in front of the camera until he spoke.

So entertaining were their efforts that various television stations jumped on the film, including a French one which carries a Sunday morning programme similar to Sky Sports' Soccer AM.

Apparently, it's been on African television too - probably in Ivory Coast, Ghana and Cameroon.

Lassana has been swamped with texts, phone-calls and all sorts of messages. He's not happy!
He stated to me in clear English this week: 'That is it! No more interviews!'

I pointed out that a good English interview now would prove all the mickey takers wrong.

Swift as a Diarra tackle he replied in good English: 'Good English. Fine! In 2010!'

If you haven't seen the interview yet, you can catch it on YouTube.

With so many overseas players here now, language is vital. The ones who seem to develop the best English are those who speak it at home, and that tends to be those who are living with English speaking women.
So of all the overseas players Chelsea has had, Gianluca Vialli and Roberto Di Matteo have become the most fluent speakers. Luca's wife is South African, and Robbie's girlfriend is Irish.

Others have settled in English speaking environments having retired from football, and their English becomes very fluent. Ken Monkou lives in Harrogate. Frank Leboeuf lives in Los Angeles.

Fortunately Ken has yet to pick up a Yorkshire accent, and Frank still has a French one.

The problem for someone like Lassana is that with so many French speakers around, he can get anything important that he doesn't understand easily translated.
What's more, if the manager speaks very good French as well as English, Portuguese and Spanish, not to mention some passable Italian, when there's a message that needs making, it can be made in the player's language.

For those who don't find learning a new language easy, there's plenty of opportunity to avoid learning.

What seems to make people who are struggling with the first basics of English popular with fans, is if they try and give interviews and do their best with the language. Gianfranco Zola started his popularity roll by doing that. Now it is no problem to him to hold an English conversation on the telephone.

This season's signings are coming along well. Khalid Boulahrouz had good English when he joined, and it has improved. As one of the Socom players in the team, he is screaming it off the pitch at regular intervals.

Michael Ballack's English has improved with ease. Salomon Kalou learned English more easily without lessons while living in Holland than he learned Dutch with lessons. Andriy Shevchenko is improving at a better rate now than at first and is becoming comfortable in conversation.

But us English are the worst people in the world to talk about language. Anyone who was in Los Angeles for the press conference introducing John Mikel Obi following his signing must cringe at recollecting the question from the man from The Sun.
'You're English is excellent, where did you learn it?'

Mikel stayed cool. 'Well in Nigeria we speak English. English is the general language.'

Blues wait on Ballack news

Chelsea face an anxious wait to discover the extent of a thigh injury picked up by Michael Ballack in Germany's 3-1 victory over Switzerland on Wednesday evening.

The Germany captain limped off the pitch just before the half-time interval in Dusseldorf and is rated as doubtful for Saturday's visit of Middlesbrough to Stamford Bridge.

"It is definitely a strain but I hope it's not serious," confirmed Ballack.

"We have to wait and see in the next few days how the pain is. I hope it does not get worse.

"I've been getting through the season quite well in terms of injuries so picking up a knock is annoying and unfortunate."

Chelsea Cruise Past Boro

Didier Drogba hit a brace to keep the heat on Manchester United as Chelsea clinically dispatch a spirited Middlesbrough side 3-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Two pile-driving free-kicks by the Ivorian were sandwiched between an own goal by Abel Xavier.

John Terry returned to the Blues fold following his 14-match lay-off, but Boro's England centre-back Jonathan Woodgate missed the match with a hamstring injury suffered playing for England in the midweek defeat to Spain.

Drogba had the first attack on goal on seven minutes, when he latched on to an inch-perfect through ball by Frank Lampard but the striker blasted too high from just inside the penalty area.

A minute later and Drogba flashed a left-footer inches wide of Mark Schwarzer's right post.

But Boro should have gone into the lead with their first attack. Mark Viduka missed a sitter on 12 minutes from six yards when he somehow managed to head wide of Petr Cech's goal from a brilliant Stewart Downing left-wing cross.

Middlesbrough survived an attack on goal on 20 minutes when Lassana Diarra went on a mazy run along the edge of the penalty area. He let fly with a shot but Emmanuel Pogatetz beat it down then Xavier prevented Andriy Shevchenko from getting through.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho's frustration spilled over on to the touchline on 33 minutes when he and Boro boss Gareth Southgate squared up to each other following a challenge between Pogatetz and Drogba. The fourth official calmed both men down.

But Chelsea took the lead on the stroke of half-time through Drogba's wonderful free-kick from just outside the penalty area.

Chelsea started the second half as the first and could have increased their lead on 48 minutes, but Julio Arca cleared a fine Shevchenko header off the line following a Lampard corner.

Chelsea had a let-off when Boro hit the woodwork as Andrew Taylor sent in a hopeful left-wing cross on 50 minutes. The ball swerved towards the top right-hand corner of the net but Cech managed to get a touch to it and the ball ricocheted off the angle of crossbar and right post.

Middlesbrough's counter-attacking policy almost struck gold on the hour when the ball was fed to Yakubu, who went round Paulo Ferreira and then Claude Makelele before letting fly from just outside the area. Luckily for the Blues the left-footer was high and wide of Cech's goal.

Arjen Robben had been on the pitch for a mere 30 seconds on 65 minutes before he went past Downing and Taylor on the right before falling in the penalty area.

However he got up to produce a one-two with Salomon Kalou before sending in a cross which was deflected past Schwarzer by the hapless Xavier for an own goal.

Schwarzer was called into action ten minutes from time when he acrobatically tipped away a fierce Drogba drive after a woeful clearance by Xavier.

Goal number three came three minutes later - again from the boot of Drogba.

Wide on the left, the striker sent over a powerful right-footed curler of a free-kick, which deflected off the head of Andrew Davies in the wall and sailed past the despairing dive of Schwarzer and into the net.

Mourinho left assistant Steve Clarke to do the talking as he said: "Jose is off for a few days holiday and is rushing to the airport.

"It was a fair result. It was a difficult first half and a great time to score right on half-time. After that we never looked back.

"That's the fifth or sixth clean sheet in a row. Yes, it was great to have John Terry back, but the defence has been playing really well in recent weeks and looking great.

"Didier Drogba is having a great season. Not just scoring goals but is work rate is fantastic. He is rightly getting lots of praise.

"We don't play a league game for a while now, but we have to concentrate on the next three cup games (FA Cup, Champions League and Carling Cup final).

"Manchester United could be 12 points ahead of us but we have to focus on what we have to do."

Boro boss Gareth Southgate added: "The first goal was a turning point, but we should have dealt with it before it became a free-kick.

"The players gave me everything and they are flat out in the changing room.

"We don't point the finger at anyone and Mark Viduka has scored vital goals for us in recent weeks.

"As for Jose, and me well apparently I'm not allowed to have an opinion on a decision. I'm entitled to speak my mind and Jose did not agree with that.

"But there is no problem now. Jose has become a breath of fresh air and I'm just new to management, but I will stand my corner."

Hiddink rejects Chelsea link

Guus Hiddink has played down speculation that he is being lined up to replace Jose Mourinho as Chelsea boss for next season.

The experienced Dutchman is currently head coach of the Russian national team which has lead to speculation that he has been earmarked by the Blues to replace a reportedly unhappy Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea's Russian owner Roman Abramovich is thought to have helped secure the 60-year-old former PSV Eindhoven and Holland national team boss for his own national side.

However, Hiddink claims he is not thinking of taking the Chelsea helm in the summer should Mourinho decide to end his three-year tenure.

"I have definitely not spoken to Roman Abramovich about moving to Chelsea this summer," he said in The Mail on Sunday.

"I have definitely not spoken to Roman Abramovich about moving to Chelsea this summer," he said in The Mail on Sunday.

Terry relieved to be back

Chelsea defender John Terry was delighted to finally come through 90 minutes of football unscathed after starring for Jose Mourinho's side in their 3-0 victory against Middlesbrough.

A back injury had kept Terry on the sidelines for almost two months and Saturday's Stamford Bridge appearance was his first start since the 1-0 victory against Newcastle United on December 13.

The 26-year-old told the club's official website: "'I felt fit, no cramping, nothing like that, and it was great to come back after almost eight weeks out into a game we won 3-0.

"For four or five years I've not had a serious injury like that and to have the operation was a last resort. I was expecting a quicker return but the nerve seemed to take a little bit longer.

"It has been a little bit easier watching from the sidelines the last few games when the lads out there have been performing and getting results.

"Now I'm delighted to be back involved just as the title race really kicks in. We're turning the last corner and it's the two of us really battling it out now.

"We need to put pressure on. Man United keep winning but sooner or later they're going to drop points and we need to worry about ourselves. There's no point looking to them and dropping points ourselves.

"They've got key players playing very well but we've got Arjen Robben back, Petr Cech back and Joe Cole is on his way back. We're getting big players back

Cole boost for Blues

njured Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole is hoping to be back in training in the next couple of weeks, with his recovery from a knee injury going to plan.

The 26-year-old England international has been sidelined since the end of January after being injured in the 3-0 home win over Blackburn Rovers.

However, Cole is upbeat about his recovery and is looking forward to getting back into training as soon as possible.

He told the club's official website: "I'd like to be back training before the Carling Cup final, but sometimes when you set yourself targets and you don't meet them, you get down.

"But if I can get back training in another two weeks then I will be happy.

"I didn't actually rip the cruciate which is a good thing. If I had it would have been maybe eight to nine months out. Now it is probably six to eight weeks.

"I am hitting the targets a little bit early. The knee is getting stronger and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now."

Meanwhile, Joe Cole is also hopeful of returning to action this season after undergoing surgery on a stress fracture in his left foot.

He added: "I am starting to do partial weight bearing and everything is going to plan.

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT TIME-WASTING?

The issue of time-wasting has raised its ugly head recently, most notably in two matches at the Emirates Stadium where Arsenal have had to come from behind to win amidst claims that their opponents were deliberately wasting time. First Edwin van der Sar and now Chris Kirkland have come under fire for eating up valuable seconds by moving their goal kicks from one side of the area to the other against the Gunners.

Thierry Henry was booked for taunting Kirkland after Arsenal equalised on Sunday, offering him the ball to see if he wanted to waste even more time, but should it be the time-wasters who are punished rather than those who react to it? Phil Dowd came under fire for his refereeing because of two incidents involving Mathieu Flamini, but his time-keeping has also been questioned after the way he let Wigan run down the clock, but then only added on four minutes of injury time.

Players who are seen to be wasting time are supposed to be booked for it, but this seems to be happening less and less recently, and certainly the ability of goalkeepers to choose which side to take their goal kicks from has allowed them an easy opportunity to waste a few seconds. Should referees be given more power to stop this? What should be done to stop players unfairly denying their opponents the time to win matches?

O'NEILL WILLING TO LISTEN TO LOAN REQUESTS

Who? - Aston Villa players
Where are they? - Twiddling their thumbs
Who are they linked with? - Championship clubs
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has admitted that the club's quiet fixture list could facilitate a few loan deals for some of his players, with just one game to play in the next month: "Championship clubs have asked about a couple of our players," he told Aston Villa's official website. "Generally I wouldn't consider loan moves away from Villa Park. The only reason I'd consider it at the moment is because, if they do go away for a month, the only game they'd miss would be the Fulham one. But the deal would have to go through soon. I have an open mind on it. If that was the only game they'd miss I'd give it some consideration."

RONALDO SPECULATION RUMBLES ON

Who? - Cristiano Ronaldo
Where is he? - Manchester United
Who is he linked with? - Real Madrid, Barcelona
The speculation around Cristiano Ronaldo shows no sign of abating, with compatriot Hugo Viana weighing in this week: "He won't be at United for much longer. It's complicated for them to keep him now," Viana claimed. "Ronaldo has worked hard and, within a little time, he will be with another team more important than United. Everyone knows if teams like Barca and Madrid want a player, they end up signing him." Not everyone knows that, seemingly, with United assistant manager Carlos Quieroz insisting that Ronaldo should stay: "Very soon he could become the symbol of Manchester United," he said. "The ideal club for him is Manchester United. There is no reason for him to leave the club because he knows that United is the best club in the world. At this time, no club in the world has someone playing so consistently or at the level at which Cristiano Ronaldo is in every game. It is not just lip-service to call him one of the best in the world and the individual awards will start to arrive shortly. I have been at Real Madrid and I know the reality of the club," he continued. "Cristiano is part of the United family and if he stays he will become a symbol of the whole club. This is the best Manchester United in recent years and we are where we want to be, a step from becoming champions."

ROBINHO LAUGHS OFF SPURS TALK

Who? - Robinho
Where is he? - Real Madrid
Who is he linked with? - Tottenham Hotspur
Slightly unrealistic claims that Brazilian star Robinho might be leaving Real Madrid to join Tottenham Hotspur have been laughed off by the man himself. While he is struggling to get into the Madrid team at the moment, he has insisted that White Hart Lane is not a possible destination: "Reports that I'd move to Tottenham are wide of the mark," Robinho told Marca. "If I had to leave Real, I'd choose to join another a big club. I don't regard Tottenham Hotspur as a big club."

TEVEZ TO HEAD BACK TO CORINTHIANS?

Who? - Carlos Tevez
Where is he? - West Ham
Who is he linked with? - Corinthians
The strange tale of Carlos Tevez, Javier Mascherano, West Ham, Corinthians, MSI and Kia Joorabchian looks like it could be taking yet another twist this week, with Joorabchian saying that he would like to return to the Brazilian club as director of football and take Tevez back with him. This whole sorry saga really started when Joorabchian had a bust-up with Corinthians president Alberto Dualib and left the club, but apparently he is missing his association with them and fancies going back with Tevez (who has endured a pretty miserable time in England) as a present: "Besides the problems that I have with the officials of Corinthians I am thinking of the chance to return to the club because I have strong feelings for the supporters," he said. "The supporters of Corinthians are all the time inside my heart. I have very strong feelings for them because besides all the problems that we had, they always treated me very well. The contract with Corinthians is for ten years so there are still eight years left. MSI is a great company in the same way that Corinthians is a great club." Great...

Wenger hails Gunners spirit

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was full of praise for his players after they put their Bolton Wanderers hoodoo to bed with a 3-1 FA Cup fourth round replay victory at the Reebok Stadium.

The Gunners won through after extra-time thanks to two goals from Emmanuel Adebayor and one from Freddie Ljungberg, despite conceding an equaliser in the last minute of normal time.

Arsenal also missed two penalties during the 120 minutes, before securing only their second win in their last eight visits to the Reebok Stadium.

Wenger said afterwards: "It was an exceptional game, played at an exceptional pace.

"There were patches of total football in there, undoubtedly one of our best performances of the season.

"But, having missed all those chances and then suffered the disappointment of Bolton coming back, I thought my young players showed amazing mental strength to win the game.

"I am so proud of them because they proved they had fighting spirit, as well as excellent composure on the ball.

"The way we approached the game was very positive. We started strongly and after about ten minutes I felt really reassured.

"I always felt it would be a good challenge for my players."

VALENTE EXTENDS EVERTON STAY

Everton have taken up the option on full-back Nuno Valente's contract to keep him at Goodison Park for a further year.

Despite being unlucky with a string of injuries - he is currently sidelined with a calf problem - Valente has impressed at the Barclays Premiership club and manager David Moyes will now retain the 32-year-old until the summer of 2008.

Valente originally signed a two-year deal in August 2005, with the option of a further 12 months, when he joined from Porto.

Moyes told official club website www.evertonfc.com: “We have now decided to trigger that extra year.”

Valente has made 43 appearance for Everton and has earned 27 caps for Portugal, and was an integral member of the side that reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in Germany last summer.

The news of Valente’s extended stay comes 24 hours after Everton agree to pay Manchester United an undisclosed fee for goalkeeper Tim Howard when his season-long loan ends in the summer.

EVERTON COMPLETE HOWARD DEAL

Howard found himself forced into the background at Old Trafford and is now ready for a new phase in his career.

“The time was right to do this,” he said.

“The Manchester United chapter is over and now I have a new one just beginning.

"I am happy that it is all done and I can look to the future. I have been doing that anyway. But it's really nice to just get my head down and know that it is sorted, and we can keep going forward.

"It is a fantastic club. Obviously Manchester United is a wonderful club too. It just happened that the time was right to do this. I am delighted."

Howard is looking forward to a successful era with the Toffees.

"Now we want to win every game - you do not always achieve that, but as long as I and the team and battling together then the fans will be happy," he said.

"There were a lot of reasons that I wanted to come to Everton and get my future sorted out, and one of those was the players who are at Goodison Park.

"They have welcomed me so well, and I hope I can respond now with this new chapter in my life."

FA CONFIRM FRIENDLIES REDUCTION

The Football Association have confirmed England's commitment to friendly matches will be reduced from 20 to 18 over the course of a new four-year TV deal.

The Football Association have confirmed England's commitment to friendly matches will be reduced from 20 to 18 over the course of a new four-year TV deal. Friendly games are currently a topic for discussion after Steve McClaren’s assistant Terry Venables suggested they should be scrapped in favour of more meaningful training camps in the wake of last week’s home defeat to Spain. VENABLES BACKING FOR McCLAREN Such a widespread move is an impossibility given tender documents have just been released for a new four-year TV deal that will take effect from 2008. Even McClaren is happy to maintain the tradition of friendly matches, the next of which is expected to see either Argentina or Brazil invited to open the ‘new’ Wembley at the end of the season. However, the England coach does see some scope for ‘get-togethers’ in the future and has already met with senior FA figures to work out how much flexibility there is within the international calendar. And while there is scope for no more than one training camp per season, McClaren will benefit from the FA’s decision to cut the number of friendlies in the new broadcast contract. “We are all one organisation and priority has to be the success of the England team,” said FA director of communications Adrian Bevington. “Executives, including (chief executive) Brian Barwick, have already started discussing with Steve and his coaching staff the issues that have been raised. “It is accurate that we just issued a tender document for our new TV contact but we are reducing the number of friendly games that will be available from 20 to 18.” Without friendlies, England would never meet high-profile opposition from South America, Africa and Asia outside of the World Cup. And, judging by the near 60,000-crowd attracted to Old Trafford for the Spain encounter, and the eight million who watched on TV, the appetite for England games among the general public remains strong. “While we are fully committed to trying to find a way of accommodating an occasional get-together every season, we all understand the importance of friendlies,” added Bevington. “Let’s not forget, the only time we would ever be able to play South American opposition, apart from at World Cup finals, are in friendly matches, so there is real benefit there and, as Steve has said, as part of preparation for big games it has a real importance too. “Recent years have shown that there is huge interest in England international friendly matches. Indeed, last week, there were just under 60,000 at Old Trafford and over eight million watched the match live on TV.” McCLAREN: WE HAVE TO DELIVER The issue for McClaren will be to make all England friendlies as meaningful as possible. The England coach reached an agreement with Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez for Steven Gerrard only to appear for 45 minutes against Spain. In addition, McClaren discarded half a dozen players on fitness grounds, including Wayne Rooney, Wayne Bridge and Andy Johnson, who went on to play for their clubs at the weekend. However, McClaren is adamant he made the right decision and is positive he will gain the benefits next month when England visit Israel for a vital Euro 2008 qualifier next month, and then again in June when his side wrap up their season in Estonia. “We have to look after the players,” he said. “We know at this stage of the season players are carrying knocks and it was my decision whether to play them or not. “It was a very frustrating five days from naming the squad to reaching the day of the game. “But we had to look at the bigger picture and not risk anyone at this stage because we need them later on. “Some of these lads will have played 60 games by the time we get to the end of the season. It is better to look after them now than it would be to suffer in the future.” And he added: “The key thing for me is getting more time with the players. “If more time means having get-togethers with no end result and we achieve something, yes, I would like that. But I want the flexibility to be able to control when we have friendlies and when we have get-togethers. “The Greece friendly in August was a good one - and we needed a reaction in Holland in November, so it was important to get our best players available on that occasion. “Maybe this one came at a bad time. We ended up using it as an experiment, because we didn’t have seven or eight of our senior players.”

History of the English League championship

Year       Champion                   Runner-up
----       --------                   ---------
2005-2006  Chelsea                    Manchester United
2004-2005  Chelsea                    Arsenal
2003-2004  Arsenal                    Chelsea
2002-2003  Manchester United          Arsenal
2001-2002  Arsenal                    Liverpool
2000-2001  Manchester United          Arsenal
1999-2000  Manchester United          Arsenal
1998-99    Manchester United          Arsenal
1997-98    Arsenal                    Manchester United
1996-97    Manchester United          Newcastle United
1995-96    Manchester United          Newcastle United
1994-95    Blackburn Rovers           Manchester United
1993-94    Manchester United          Blackburn Rovers
1992-93    Manchester United          Aston Villa
1991-92    Leeds United               Manchester United
1990-91    Arsenal                    Liverpool
1989-90    Liverpool                  Aston Villa
1988-89    Arsenal                    Liverpool
1987-88    Liverpool                  Manchester United
1986-87    Everton                    Liverpool
1984-85    Everton                    Liverpool
1982-83    Liverpool                  Watford
1980-81    Aston Villa                Ipswich Town
1979-80    Liverpool                  Manchester United
1978-79    Liverpool                  Nottingham Forest
1977-78    Nottingham Forest          Liverpool
1976-77    Liverpool                  Manchester City
1975-76    Liverpool                  Queen's Park Rangers
1974-75    Derby County               Liverpool
1973-74    Leeds United               Liverpool
1972-73    Liverpool                  Arsenal
1971-72    Derby County               Leeds United
1970-71    Arsenal                    Leeds United
1969-70    Everton                    Leeds United
1968-69    Leeds United               Liverpool
1967-68    Manchester City            Manchester United
1966-67    Manchester United          Nottingham Forest
1965-66    Liverpool                  Leeds United
1964-65    Manchester United          Leeds United
1963-64    Liverpool                  Manchester United
1962-63    Everton                    Tottenham Hotspur
1961-62    Ipswich Town               Burnley FC
1960-61    Tottenham Hotspur          Sheffield Wednesday
1959-60    Burnley FC                 Wolverhampton Wanderers
1958-59    Wolverhampton Wanderers    Manchester United
1957-58    Wolverhampton Wanderers    Preston North End
1956-57    Manchester United          Tottenham Hotspur
1955-56    Manchester United          Blackpool FC
1954-55    Chelsea                    Wolverhampton Wanderers
1953-54    Wolverhampton Wanderers    West Bromwich Albion
1952-53    Arsenal                    Preston North End
1951-52    Manchester United          Tottenham Hotspur
1950-51    Tottenham Hotspur          Manchester United
1949-50    Portsmouth FC              Wolverhampton Wanderers
1948-49    Portsmouth FC              Manchester United
1947-48    Arsenal                    Manchester United
1946-47    Liverpool                  Manchester United
1940-45    Competitions suspended due to World War 2
1939-40    Blackpool FC               Sheffield United
1938-39    Everton                    Wolverhampton Wanderers
1937-38    Arsenal                    Wolverhampton Wanderers
1936-37    Manchester City            Charlton Athletic
1935-36    Sunderland AFC             Derby County
1934-35    Arsenal                    Sunderland AFC
1933-34    Arsenal                    Huddersfield Town AFC
1932-33    Arsenal                    Aston Villa
1931-32    Everton                    Arsenal
1930-31    Arsenal                    Aston Villa
1929-30    Sheffield Wednesday        Derby County
1928-29    The Wednesday FC           Leicester City
1927-28    Everton                    Huddersfield Town AFC
1926-27    Newcastle United           Huddersfield Town AFC
1925-26    Huddersfield Town AFC      The Arsenal FC
1924-25    Huddersfield Town AFC      West Bromwich Albion
1923-24    Huddersfield Town AFC      Cardiff City AFC
1922-23    Liverpool                  Sunderland AFC
1921-22    Liverpool                  Tottenham Hotspur
1920-21    Burnley FC                 Manchester City
1919-20    West Bromwich Albion       Burnley FC
1915-19    Competitions suspended due to World War 1
1914-15    Everton                    Oldham Athletic
1913-14    Blackburn Rovers           Aston Villa
1912-13    Sunderland AFC             Aston Villa
1911-12    Blackburn Rovers           Everton
1910-11    Manchester United          Aston Villa
1909-10    Aston Villa                Liverpool
1908-09    Newcastle United           Everton
1907-08    Manchester United          Aston Villa
1906-07    Newcastle United           Bristol City
1905-06    Liverpool                  Preston North End
1904-05    Newcastle United           Everton
1903-04    The Wednesday FC           Manchester City
1902-03    The Wednesday FC           Aston Villa
1901-02    Sunderland AFC             Everton
1900-01    Liverpool                  Sunderland AFC
1899-1900  Aston Villa                Sheffield United
1898-1899  Aston Villa                Liverpool
1897-1898  Sheffield United           Sunderland AFC
1896-1897  Aston Villa                Sheffield United
1895-1896  Aston Villa                Derby County
1894-1895  Sunderland AFC             Everton
1893-1894  Aston Villa                Sunderland AFC
1892-1893  Sunderland AFC             Preston North End
1891-1892  Sunderland AFC             Preston North End
1890-1891  Everton                    Preston North End
1889-1890  Preston North End          Everton
1888-1889  Preston North End          Aston Villa

Manchester United maintains five-point Premiership lead

By Adrian Curtis Special to PA SportsTicker (takes from http://sports.yahoo.com)

Manchester United maintained its six-point lead over champions Chelsea with a 2-0 victory over Charlton on Sunday that had Sir Alex Ferguson refusing to look over his shoulder as the title run takes shape.

Park Ji-Sung headed home after 24 minutes and Darren Fletcher made the game safe with a second.
"We are playing well and with a lot of confidence" Ferguson said. "Sometimes in these situations, there is a tendency to look over your shoulder and concentrate on the team that is chasing. I prefer to look forward because we have some really promising games coming up."

Chelsea saw off Middlesbrough, 3-0, at Stamford Bridge with two goals from Didier Drogba and an own goal from Abel Xavier keeping them in touch with the leaders.

The Blues have won their last five games, and Mourinho wants his side to maintain the pressure on United.

"I wanted Chelsea to win and win and win and, in the main, that is what we have done," Mourinho said. "Now we must keep on doing it. Credit to Manchester United, they are doing it too this season. We are in a battle. We cannot afford not to keep on winning, neither can they. We are enjoying it. To go on enjoying it, we must keep on winning. It is a simple philosophy."

A controversial penalty gave Newcastle a 2-1 win over Liverpool at a soaked St James' Park.

Liverpool went ahead through Craig Bellamy, but Obafemi Martins equalized before Nolberto Solano hit the winner from the penalty spot.

United boss Glen Roeder hailed the spirit of defender Celestine Babayaro, who played just hours after learning his younger brother had died at a London hospital.

"His younger brother has been suffering from tuberculosis and at 11:30 p.m. on Friday night, he lost his life," Roeder said. "After consulting his older brothers, who thought his younger brother would have wanted him to play, he came out and played."

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez said his side should have capitalized on their first-half chances.

"After the first half, the score could have been 0-3 or 0-4," he said. "But we conceded a stupid goal and then a stupid penalty, and after that, it is difficult to win."

Bolton briefly went into fourth place following its 2-1 win over Fulham.

Gary Speed opened the scoring from the penalty spot and Kevin Nolan added a second. But Zat Knight pulled one back, and Bolton boss Sam Allardyce had goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen to thank for a crucial save in the dying moments.

"He is the best goalkeeper in the Premiership. That save proved it," Allardyce said. "His concentration was great and so was his positioning. He was there at such a crucial time and won us the three points."

Later Sunday, Arsenal leapfrogged back into fourth place, coming from behind yet again to beat struggling Wigan.

The Latics took a shocking lead on 35 minutes with a brilliant strike from Dutch midfielder Denny Landzaat. But an own goal from Fitz Hall and a winner from Tomas Rosicky gave Arsenal victory.

Wigan boss Paul Jewell was furious with referee Phil Dowd, who failed to award a penalty when Emile Heskey was fouled by Mathieu Flamini late in the second half.

"I thought we should have had a penalty which would hopefully have made it 2-0," Jewell blasted. "It is (a) penalty. He (Flamini) puts his hand on his shoulder. Why would Emile want to go down? Some of the officials don't understand the game.

"He (Dowd) has cost our team the points. It could cost us 50 million pounds."

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley refused to condemn the fans after a 1-0 loss in a relegation battle to bottom club Watford at Upton Park thanks to Darius Henderson's penalty.

The fans chanted that the players were "not fit to wear the shirts." To make matters worse, Marlon Harewood missed a second-half penalty.

"It's not nice, but the fans - and I'm not patronizing them - have been constant in their support for us," Curbishley said. "They have turned out in their droves and got behind us from the kickoff but we haven't delivered."

Andrew Johnson scored an early winner for Everton against Blackburn at Goodison Park just days after missing England's friendly with Spain due to an ankle injury.

Tottenham coach Martin Jol insists he is not under pressure after his side went down, 2-1, to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Jermaine Jenas put Spurs ahead, but Rob Hulse and a penalty from Phil Jagielka left them still looking for their first league win this year.

"We are very concerned. We have to get it right," Jol said. "It's not hopeless, but we are not as strong a team as we were last season. No. The only pressure I put myself under is to win, but we have to be a lot stronger than we are."

Steve Sidwell's brace earned European hopefuls Reading a 2-0 win over Aston Villa at the Madejski Stadium. Sidwell has yet to sign a new deal, but manager Steve Coppell says there will be no pressure placed on the player, even though his current deal expires in the summer.

Portsmouth substitute Kanu put his team back on the winning track with a late winner against Manchester City after Pedro Mendes had opened the scoring before suffering a bad injury courtesy of Joey Barton.

Bernardo Corradi grabbed a 62nd-minute City equalizer before Kanu's heroics nine minutes from time.