All Sports News - Page 5

Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea
By John Sinnott



The dismissal of Boulahrouz (r) proved costly for Chelsea
Chelsea's draw with Arsenal handed Manchester United the Premiership title for the first time since 2003.

Champions for the previous two years, Chelsea found themselves a man and a goal down after Khalid Boulahrouz was sent off for fouling Julio Baptista.

Gilberto Silva put away the penalty as keeper Petr Cech went the wrong way.

Chelsea mounted a spirited rearguard action after the break and with 20 minutes left Michael Essien pulled them level with a courageous diving header.


Interview: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger
Interview: Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho
Report: Man Utd secure Premiership title

606: DEBATE
Give your thoughts on the match

Chelsea did not relinquish their title easily - their second-half performance was nothing short of remarkable - but they badly missed Didier Drogba, who was ruled out of the game with an ankle injury.

Salomon Kalou stood in for Drogba, but the former Feyenoord striker struggled to hold the ball and allow Chelsea's midfielders to come into the game.

This was the first time these two sides had met since Chelsea's Carling Cup final win, a match that had ended with a mass brawl.

Sunday's game also proved something of a scrap, though more in the sense of some protracted periods of disjointed play than of the players squaring up to one another.

With the game disrupted by a spate of free-kicks it took nearly near 35 minutes before a goalkeeper had to make a save, Cech comfortably holding an effort from Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

Two minutes before the break Boulahrouz's dismissal left Chelsea in all sorts of problems.

It was the first time Boulahrouz had played for Chelsea since 17 March and his lack of match practice was evident as he allowed Baptista to nip ahead of him.

Boulahrouz compounded his error by scything down the Brazilian from behind, in the process earning himself a red card.

Cech had no success in saving any of Liverpool's penalties in the Champions League semi-final shootout and the Czech goalkeeper proved similarly incapable of stopping Gilberto's spotkick.

In the second half, Arsenal failed to capitalise on their numerical supremacy and, after William Gallas missed a good chance, Essien's flying header revived Chelsea's hopes of securing a miraculous win.

Shaun Wright-Phillips had flitted in and out of the game up to this point, but he dramatically flitted in when he sent over a cross to the near post that was flicked past Jens Lehmann by Essien.

Soon afterwards the former Lyon midfielder volleyed over the bar following a corner, while Frank Lampard forced a good save from Lehmann.

In stoppage time Kalou's shot was somehow tipped over the bar by Lehmann, while Emmanuel Eboue thrashed an effort against the crossbar.



------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger:
"We wanted to win the game and leading 1-0 with our 11 men against their 10 men we could have.
"That's where we have shown we were too easy and we were punished for it.

"We're still a bit too young to keep our focus, but credit to Chelsea for fighting to the last minute - that is why football is so great."


Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho:
"This was a game to remember and showed how big Chelsea are as a club.
"I'm very proud of my players. Normally when a team has a lot of success and loses a championship it's lack of motivation, not the same spirit or ambition, but it was exactly the opposite.

"My team was brilliant."



------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------

Arsenal: Lehmann, Eboue, Gallas, Toure, Clichy, Diaby (Hoyte 79), Fabregas, Silva, Denilson (Hleb 59), Adebayor, Julio Baptista.
Subs Not Used: Almunia, Senderos, Djourou.

Booked: Adebayor.

Goals: Silva 43 pen.

Chelsea: Cech, Ferreira, Boulahrouz, Terry, Bridge, Mikel (Diarra 74), Essien, Lampard, Wright-Phillips (Sinclair 80), Joe Cole, Kalou.
Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Makelele, Sahar.

Sent Off: Boulahrouz (43).

Booked: Mikel, Essien.

Goals: Essien 70.

Att: 60,102.

Ref: A Wiley (Staffordshire).

Federer breezes through in Rome

Federer finished runner-up in Rome in 2003 and 2006
Roger Federer made a solid start in his bid to win a first Rome Masters title, beating Nicolas Almagro in round one.
The world number one came through 6-3 6-4 against the Spaniard, who won on clay in Valencia last month.

"I think it was a good performance," said Federer. "Nicolas is a good player, especially on clay, and the first round is always difficult."

James Blake, Tomas Berdych and Marcos Baghdatis were other winners, while Tommy Haas retired with an injury.

Cypriot Baghdatis had an impressive 6-2 6-3 win over 2004 Rome champion Carlos Moya and ninth seed James Blake eliminated Gael Monfils 7-6 (7-4) 6-3.

Haas trailed Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic 6-3 3-2 when the German pulled out with a right shoulder injury.

Former number one Marat Safin overcame a shaky start before beating American qualifier Amer Delic 2-6 6-3 6-4.

"He started pretty well and was hitting unbelievable winners on the lines - I couldn't get into the game," said Safin.

"But then I tried to make him run and play more. It was just a matter of time."

How Man Utd ousted Chelsea
By Paul Fletcher


BBC Sport looks at how Manchester United prevented Chelsea from claiming a third successive Premiership title.

Sir Alex Ferguson's ninth league success at Old Trafford came without his side kicking a ball as Chelsea drew 1-1 at Arsenal on Sunday.

Chelsea finished eight points clear of United last season and 18 the season before - but following the Blues' draw, Ferguson's team have an unassailable seven-point lead with two games to go.

But how have United managed to overtake Jose Mourinho's team to land their first title since 2003?

SOLID AT THE BACK THE ENGINE ROOM WORKING OUT WIDE FINDING THE NET HARMONY AND HEARSAY WINNING WAYS



SOLID AT THE BACK
Chelsea are a brilliantly organised team who remain extremely difficult to break down.

Even though they have lost their Premiership title they have kept more clean sheets than the champions, with 21 to United's 15.

However, unlike in the previous two seasons under Mourinho they have found themselves over-stretched defensively - particularly in the centre.

William Gallas and Robert Huth left the club last summer while John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho and Khalid Bouhlarouz have all missed games through injury.

Mourinho faces defensive concerns
Influential skipper Terry missed a crucial eight weeks of the season during December and January. And it is no coincidence that Chelsea conceded twice in each of the first four games Terry missed over the Christmas period.


Chelsea's defence has suffered injury problems at key times

The lack of numbers in the centre of defence was an issue that Mourinho wanted to address in the January transfer window but he was not given the funds to do so.

The knock-on effect was that Michael Essien often found himself drafted into defence and his all-action displays were sorely missed in the heart of the Chelsea midfield.

Keeper Cech has surgery on skull
And Petr Cech, widely regarded as the world's best goalkeeper, missed several months with a fractured skull - further weakening Chelsea's defensive unit. Ashley Cole has also suffered from injury problems.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had struggled to fill the goalkeeping void left by Peter Schmeichel following his departure from the club in 1999.

A succession of keepers have been and gone but in Edwin van der Sar, Ferguson has finally found a suitable replacement.

Hard-man Vidic tipped to star in England
Serbia defender Nemanja Vidic has also enjoyed a fine season in the centre of defence, with his no-nonsense defensive style complementing Rio Ferdinand's more cultured approach.

Patrice Evra has matured at left-back while Gabriel Heinze has proved versatile and effective when required.

United also suffered from injuries - but Ferguson's team already had a solid lead at the top of the Premiership by the time Gary Neville, Vidic and Ferdinand were sidelined in the latter stages of the season.

Carrick completes move to Man Utd
United's defence has often been regarded as error prone over recent seasons but it has had a more solid look this time around - and been excellently protected by summer signing Michael Carrick.

And although United have kept fewer clean sheets than the Londoners, they have only conceded one goal or more in a game five times compared to nine by the Blues.


THE ENGINE ROOM
One crucial difference between this season and last has been the return of Paul Scholes.

Scholes missed five months of the last campaign with an eye problem and his presence has restored craft and maturity to the United midfield.


Carrick and Scholes have been superb in the centre of midfield

His range and accuracy of passing has allowed United's myriad attacking talents to flourish and he has formed a superb combination alongside Carrick, whose form has gone a long way to silencing those who questioned the value of his 18.6m transfer fee.

One of Chelsea's big summer signings was Michael Ballack who joined on a free transfer from Bayern Munich.

The German has had a disappointing season, not gelling with Frank Lampard in the middle of the park and looking a shadow of the player who was so dynamic for Germany at last year's World Cup.

Nigerian Jon Obi Mikel has been impressive since Christmas and has started to justify the hype but injuries elsewhere have meant that all-too-often Essien has been played in defence.


WORKING OUT WIDE
Pat Nevin on Chelsea's tactical shift
Mourinho's first two seasons at Stamford Bridge saw him favour the use of three in midfield, with two wide players and a solitary striker in front of them.

The Chelsea boss had an impressive pool of wide players in Joe Cole, Arjen Robben, Damien Duff and, for his second season at the helm, Shaun Wright-Phillips.


Ronaldo has been brilliant for Man Utd this season

But Cole, so impressive for Chelsea in recent years, has missed all but a handful of games this season, while Robben has also spent large spells on the sidelines.

With Duff sold to Newcastle last summer and Wright-Phillips often overlooked, Chelsea have not been as effective down the flanks.

United boss Ferguson also understands the importance of width and in the evergreen Ryan Giggs has a veteran winger who is both consistent and potent.

But the revelation has been Cristiano Ronaldo.

His Premiership future seemed in doubt when he was accused of playing a role in Wayne Rooney's dismissal against Portugal at the World Cup last summer.

Ronaldo secures PFA awards double
But the Portuguese youngster has been the Premiership's best player this season.

The 22-year-old has learnt to refine his vast array of skills. Instead of constantly overplaying he has used his gifts to hurt the opposition - as his return of 17 Premiership goals testifies.


FINDING THE NET
Didier Drogba's third season in English football has been an unqualified success.

The Ivorian is the Premiership's top scorer with 19 goals and his combination of physical power and finishing ability has proved too much for many defences.

Shevchenko not in Mourinho elite

Unfortunately for Chelsea their 30m summer signing last summer Andriy Shevchenko has endured a difficult first season in England.

The Ukraine star's return of four Premiership goals from 22 starts and eight substitute appearances tells its own story.

His inclusion in the side alongside Drogba required a change of formation, while rumours that his signing was instigated by owner Roman Abramovich cannot have helped.


Drogba (left) has been excellent but Shevchenko has struggled

United sold Ruud van Nistelrooy to Real Madrid last summer.

The Dutch striker was prolific for United, with 95 Premiership goals in 137 starts - but with his presence came a relatively fixed style of play.

United's forward line this season - with the likes of Louis Saha, Wayne Rooney, Henrik Larsson, Giggs and Ronaldo - has been fluid and inventive and have not relied on van Nistelrooy to apply the finishing touch.


HARMONY AND HEARSAY
The good times have rolled down the Kings Road in the past two seasons as Mourinho, financed by the millions of new owner Abramovich, delivered back-to-back Premierships to wrestle the balance of power from Manchester United and Arsenal.

This season, however, the relationship between Mourinho and Abramovich has been the subject of constant speculation.


Relations have been frosty between Abramovich (pictured) and Mourinho
Their relationship is reported to have soured, leading to repeated suggestions that the Portuguese will not be in charge of the club next season.

Abramovich is said to have favoured a more attacking style of play and wants to win the Champions League above all else.

Mourinho, on the other, was extremely candid in January, explaining that although he wanted to sign a defender, the board would not provide the necessary funds.

My future is clear, says Mourinho
Chief executive Peter Kenyon made it clear in April that Mourinho would remain at the club - but the months of rumours may have unsettled a group of players trying to close the gap on United.

Recent seasons have seen unrest and uncertainty at Old Trafford - a situation that arose prior to, and following, the takeover of the club by Malcolm Glazer.

Glazer completes takeover at Man Utd
Fans rage at Glazer takeover
The American borrowed heavily to finance the purchase and many supporters feared it would necessitate radical and unwanted changes to their club.

Their worst fears have not materialised, while the Glazer family, with Malcolm's five sons and one daughter occupying six of United's seven boardroom seats, have maintained a low-key presence.

Ferguson does not seem to have been hamstrung in the transfer market and without the constant distraction from off-the-field issues the manager has been able to ensure everyone has been focused on what matters most - winning games.


WINNING WAYS
Both Chelsea and Manchester United have enjoyed lengthy periods of excellent form.

Crucially, though, it was United who made the best start, moving to the top of the Premiership and subjecting Mourinho's Chelsea to the role of pursuers for the first time.

United lost just one of their first 17 fixtures, drawing two and winning 14.

During the same period Chelsea lost two and drew three, winning 12 to give United a five-point lead.

Chelsea won nine straight games starting on 31 January - their longest winning streak of the season. United responded with seven consecutive victories of their own before losing to Portsmouth.

It seemed as though United might crack under the pressure of Chelsea's brilliant run but Mourinho's team lost crucial momentum with draws against Newcastle and Bolton.


It was a frustrating end of the season for Mourinho
In the end it seems Chelsea left themselves just too much ground to make up on their rivals.

Chelsea have won 29 games in each of their title seasons.

Last year they drew four and lost five on their way to the title, the season before drew eight and lost just once. This season Chelsea have drawn nine and lost three - with a maximum of 26 wins possible.

Chelsea won the title in 2005 with 95 points and the year after with 91. This year they can still reach 87 points.

It is not that Mourinho's team have suffered a dramatic lowering of standards, more that for the first time they have been seriously challenged.

United finished with 77 points in 2005 and 83 in 2006. This year they have played more consistently than in recent years and with a team that has a superb blend of experience and youth, United can finish the season with 94 points.

The coming together of the two clubs owes more to United's improvement than Chelsea's decline - and it has made for a brilliant title race.



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6610085.st m

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Man Utd are close to pulling out of buying Owen Hargreaves from Bayern Munich as the German club have upped their price for the England man. (Various)

Alternatively, Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson will be handed a 50m transfer kitty - with Owen Hargreaves the number one target. (Daily Mirror)

Spain striker Fernando Torres, Southampton's Gareth Bale, Spurs' Dimitar Berbatov and Reading's Steve Sidwell are also on United's wants list. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea have snapped up Reading's Sidwell on a 50,000 per week deal. (Daily Mail)

Celtic are lining up a 3m swoop for Blackburn striker Jason Roberts. (Daily Record)

Everton boss David Moyes is set to win the race for 8m Preston striker David Nugent. (The Sun)

Man City midfielder Joey Barton has been told he will be sold as soon as someone agrees to pay 5.5m for him. (The Sun)

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is travelling to Real Madrid this week to thrash out a deal for Jose Reyes. (The Sun)

Arsenal are hoping to land highly-rated Ajax winger Ryan Babel for 6m - and Bolton youngster Kyle Bartley for 500,000. (Daily Mirror)

Bolton's Kevin Nolan says that there will be no summer exodus from the club following Sam Allardyce's departure, providing the club qualify for the Uefa Cup. (The Sun)

Marseille are among a trio of European clubs who want to sign relegated Leeds striker David Healy. (Daily Mirror)

Birmingham are leading the race to sign Middlesbrough midfielder George Boateng. (Daily Mirror)

Everton are unlikely to take up a 12m option to sign Benfica's on-loan star Manuel Fernandes. (Daily Mirror)

May 2007 calendar
Key events this month:
21 Apr-7 May SNOOKER Sheffield: World Championships
5-6 HORSE RACING Newmarket: Guineas Meeting
12 RUGBY UNION Twickenham: Guinness Premiership final
13 FORMULA 1 Barcelona: Spanish Grand Prix
16 FOOTBALL Glasgow: Uefa Cup final
17-21 CRICKET Lord's: First Test, England v West Indies
19 FOOTBALL Wembley: FA Cup final
20 RUGBY UNION Twickenham: Heineken Cup final
23 FOOTBALL Athens: Champions League final
25-29 CRICKET Headingley: Second Test, England v West Indies
26 FOOTBALL Glasgow: Scottish Cup final
27 FORMULA 1 Monte Carlo: Monaco Grand Prix
28 May-10 Jun TENNIS Paris: French Open


The month in detail:

21 Apr-7 May SNOOKER Sheffield: World Championships
3-6 GOLF Milan: Italian Open
3-6 GOLF North Carolina: Wachovia Championship
3-6 EQUESTRIAN Badminton Horse Trials
4-6 RALLYING Argentina Rally
5 ATHLETICS Osaka Outdoors
5HORSE RACING Louisville: Kentucky Derby
5-6 ATHLETICS Desenzano: Combined Events
5-6 HORSE RACING Newmarket: Guineas Meeting
6 ATHLETICS Great Edinburgh Run
6 ATHLETICS Berlin 25k
6 ATHLETICS Vancouver Marathon
6 MOTOR CYCLING China: MotoGP
7 MOTOR CYCLING Oulton Park: British Superbikes
7-13 TENNIS Rome: International Championships
7-13 TENNIS Berlin: German Women's Open
7-13 TENNIS Prague: Prague Women's Open
9-11 HORSE RACING Chester: May Meeting
10-13 GOLF Florida: Players Championship
11 ATHLETICS Doha Outdoors
12 RUGBY UNION Twickenham: Guinness Premiership final
12 ATHLETICS Skopje Outdoors
12 ATHLETICS Gothenburg Half Marathon
13 FORMULA 1 Barcelona: Spanish Grand Prix
13 MOTOR CYCLING Italy: World Superbikes
14-20 TENNIS Hamburg: Masters Series
14-20 TENNIS Rome: International Women's Open
14-20 TENNIS Rabat: Women's Grand Prix
14-20 SQUASH Liverpool Open
16 FOOTBALL Glasgow: Uefa Cup final
16-18 HORSE RACING York: Trials Meeting
17-21 CRICKET Lord's: First Test, England v West Indies
17-20 GOLF Limerick: Irish Open
17-20 GOLF Georgia: BellSouth Classic
16-19 HORSE RACING Newbury: Lockinge Meeting
18-20 RALLYING Italian Rally
19 FOOTBALL Wembley: FA Cup final
19 ATHLETICS Luxembourg Marathon
20 RUGBY UNION Twickenham: Heineken Cup final
20 MOTOR RACING Valencia: World Touring Car Championship
20 MOTOR CYCLING Snetterton: British Superbikes
20 MOTOR CYCLING France: MotoGP
20 ATHLETICS Great Manchester Run
20 ATHLETICS Belem Outdoors
20 ATHLETICS Copenhagen Marathon
21-27 TENNIS Dusseldorf: ATP World Team Championship
21-27 TENNIS Poertschach International
21-27 TENNIS Strasbourg Women's Open
21-27 TENNIS Istanbul Women's Cup
23 FOOTBALL Athens: Champions League final
23 ATHLETICS Nijmegen Global Athletics Outdoors
24-25 HORSE RACING Goodwood: Trials Meeting
24-27 GOLF Wentworth: PGA Championship
24-27 GOLF Texas: Crowne Plaza Invitational
25-29 CRICKET Headingley: Second Test, England v West Indies
26 FOOTBALL Glasgow: Scottish Cup final
26 RUGBY UNION Australia v Wales, South Africa v England
26 ATHLETICS Hengelo Outdoors
26-27 ATHLETICS Gotzis Combined Events
27 FORMULA 1 Monte Carlo: Monaco Grand Prix
27 MOTOR CYCLING Silverstone: World Superbikes
28 May-10 Jun TENNIS Paris: French Open
29 ATHLETICS Bucharest Outdoors
31 May-3 Jun GOLF Newport: Wales Open
31 May-3 Jun GOLF Ohio: Memorial Tournament

Corrales dies aged 29 in accident

Corrales had two epic fights with Jose Luis Castillo
Former two-weight world champion Diego Corrales died on Monday in a Las Vegas motorcycle accident, exactly two years since his finest moment in the ring.
The 29-year-old Californian will be remembered for his epic win against super-featherweight and lightweight champion Jose Luis Castillo.

Corrales dragged himself off the canvas to force a thrilling stoppage victory, but lost the rematch.

His final record was 40 wins (33 knockouts) and five defeats.

After the Castillo bouts, Corrales lost his next two fights against Joel Casamayor, in 2006, and again against Joshua Clottey last month.

606: TRIBUTES
He died way too young, what a shame. His first fight with Castillo will live on forever in our memories

Khan

Promoter Gary Shaw said: "I am proud to have promoted one of the true warriors of the game.

"My heart goes out to his wife and kids. Boxing has lost one of the most exciting fighters in the ring."

Corrales, who had recently bought a racing motorcycle, ran into the back of a car about 10 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip on Monday night.

"He fought recklessly and he lived recklessly," said Shaw. "That was his style."

bbc.co.uk

Defender Cole misses Russia match

Cole gives a painful look as he is taken to the dressing room
England left-back Ashley Cole has been ruled out of the Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia in Moscow on Wednesday because he has an ankle injury.
Middlesbrough defender Luke Young, who has seven caps, has been called up to the squad as cover for the 26-year-old.

The full extent of Cole's injury is not known, with the Chelsea player expected to have a scan after he was carried off during the 3-0 win over Estonia.

"He rocked his ankle blocking a shot," said England head coach Steve McClaren.

606: DEBATE
How good is Lescott?

McClaren must now decide who should replace Cole for a game which would seal England's place at Euro 2008 if they won.

England are already without Chelsea's injured defender Wayne Bridge and Liverpool's Jamie Carragher, who can play at full-back, has retired from international football.

Joleon Lescott, who played at left-back when Cole was taken off, or Reading left-back Nicky Shorey, could replace the former Arsenal man.

Lescott came on against Estonia for Rio Ferdinand, who was taken off as a precaution to avoid picking up a yellow card and being suspended for the game against Russia.

The former Wolves defender started in central defence with Sol Campbell but moved to left-back after Cole was substituted.

England captain John Terry missed the win over Estonia after picking up a knee injury in training last week but is battling to be fit to face Russia.

"He has improved a lot," said McClaren. "We are assessing him daily and hope he will train on Monday.

"But there is a long way to go and he is still a big doubt."


source

bbc

Lampard does not deserve jeers

McClaren eyes improvement
By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer at Wembley



Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney will be England's main threat

England coach Steve McClaren knows he is on the brink of turning around a Euro 2008 campaign and a tenure in charge that was in chaos just months ago - but the biggest hurdle now awaits.

And McClaren was honest enough to admit that England need to up the levels if they are to get the win they need in Moscow on Wednesday after the stroll against Estonia at Wembley.

Victory against Russia will mean England can make their plans for Austria and Switzerland next summer, but defeat will bring all the old pressures to bear on McClaren.

England's victory over Estonia was, literally at times, a stroll played out in a Wembley atmosphere that was often eerily quiet.

But in the second 45 minutes it led to a lack of urgency and sloppiness that cannot be repeated against Guus Hiddink's side.

McClaren said: "In the second half we didn't perform well. It was not the performance we wanted. I could understand us going a bit flat but our performance could have been better.

"But if you had asked me before would I take being 3-0 up after half an hour and have the three points pretty much won I would have been delighted."


England's players celebrate Wayne Rooney's goal

McClaren will have been pleased with Wayne Rooney's re-introduction to England duty, ending his competitive goal drought and suggesting he and Michael Owen can pose a serious threat to Russia.

Owen could not finish off his performance with a goal, but with 70 minutes under his belt a fortnight after a groin operation, his simple presence against the Russian side he destroyed at Wembley is a real bonus.

The usual dilemma, injury doubts over John Terry and Ashley Cole aside, will be the central midfield and whether room should be made for Frank Lampard.

Lampard was treated disgracefully by sections of the Wembley crowd during his brief appearance as a substitute, and his disappointment is likely to be increased because he will surely be marginalised again in Moscow.

606: DEBATE
Give your reaction to the booing of Frank Lampard
Gareth Barry and Steven Gerrard dove-tailed well in midfield, although the Liverpool captain just seems short of his best at the moment - some of the drive is missing and it is to be hoped he recovers it quickly.

But both England and McClaren have responded with real character to the crisis that threatened to engulf them and the criticism they rightly received prior to the win against Andorra in Barcelona.

Now they can finish the job off on Moscow's artificial surface and victory will add to McClaren's confidence and further wipe away doubts about his credibility as England coach.



source

bbc