After all the headlines surrounding departures from the Emirates, Arsenal fans will be relieved to hear that there are plans in place to bring re-inforcements to North London.
Read more at http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/08/12/arsene-wenger-plans-triple-swoop-to-boost-arsenal/46845/
Friday, 12 August 2011
Cricket: Cook and England Pile On Misery For India
England planned to bat for the bulk of day three and did just that, declaring on 710-7 and then reducing a rattled India to 35-1 by the close. Alastair Cook was relentless in taking his score to a career best 294 while Eoin Morgan chipped in with 104.
While the scoring rate could have been quicker and thus a declaration earlier, Cook's concentration was admirable as he sought to become the first Englishman to score a triple hundred since Graham Gooch. He fell just short but by then the game was well out of India's reach. Morgan played sensibly on the way to his ton, keeping Ravi Bopara waiting in the wings. Bopara eventually arrived at the wicket late in the day with England looking for quick runs and fell for just 7.
India were once again a shambles in the field, producing a performance packed with poorly executed dives and a lack of enthusiasm. As England cruised to their mammoth total, the embarrassment only grew for proud former players, though the 11 on the field showed little stomach for the fight.
Faced with 13 overs to handle before the close, the Indians got off to another wretched start as Virender Sehwag completed a king pair, edging his first ball to Andrew Strauss at first slip. Rahul Dravid joined Gautam Gambhir to negotiate the remaining overs but, with two full days to go, the result is surely a formality.
England have proved once again that they deserve to move into the number one slot in the world rankings and, with the pitch providing support for the spin of Graeme Swann and Kevin Pietersen late on day three, a 3-0 lead should be wrapped up tomorrow.
While the scoring rate could have been quicker and thus a declaration earlier, Cook's concentration was admirable as he sought to become the first Englishman to score a triple hundred since Graham Gooch. He fell just short but by then the game was well out of India's reach. Morgan played sensibly on the way to his ton, keeping Ravi Bopara waiting in the wings. Bopara eventually arrived at the wicket late in the day with England looking for quick runs and fell for just 7.
India were once again a shambles in the field, producing a performance packed with poorly executed dives and a lack of enthusiasm. As England cruised to their mammoth total, the embarrassment only grew for proud former players, though the 11 on the field showed little stomach for the fight.
Faced with 13 overs to handle before the close, the Indians got off to another wretched start as Virender Sehwag completed a king pair, edging his first ball to Andrew Strauss at first slip. Rahul Dravid joined Gautam Gambhir to negotiate the remaining overs but, with two full days to go, the result is surely a formality.
England have proved once again that they deserve to move into the number one slot in the world rankings and, with the pitch providing support for the spin of Graeme Swann and Kevin Pietersen late on day three, a 3-0 lead should be wrapped up tomorrow.
Football: Weekend Predictions
With Tottenham's clash with Everton postponed, there are now nine fixtures on the schedule this weekend. We look at which teams will make a flying start and which will find themselves under more pressure heading into week 2
Blackburn v Wolves: Two relegation candidates, though Wolves have strengthened over the summer. McCarthy's men should be good enough to secure a point on the road.
Fulham v Aston Villa: Two new managers, two teams with similar objectives. Home advantage should help Fulham make a winning start, so long as they keep Darren Bent under wraps.
Liverpool v Sunderland: Sunderland have enjoyed a fruitful summer but this is a tough start, especially given the new optimism at Anfield. Even without Gerrard, Liverpool will be too strong.
QPR v Bolton: Bolton fizzled out last term but will relish the role of party poopers here. QPR will play with passion but Coyle's men should capitalise on the newcomers' inexperience to make a winning start.
Wigan v Norwich: Two sides expected to be in the thick of the relegation battle. Norwich will take time to adjust to the top flight, which will help Wigan sneak to victory. Solid home form is the only hope for Martinez's men.
Newcastle v Arsenal: Both clubs have had turbulent summers but the Gunners still boast a far superior squad. Adjusting to the new era will take time for the Arsenal players but an opening day victory will help settle the nerves.
Stoke City v Chelsea: With Torres likely to miss the game, Drogba has the chance to make a statement as the spearhead of the 4-3-3 formation. Stoke is a tricky place to go but the Blues ought to edge to the three points.
West Brom v Manchester United: Hodgson has the Baggies targeting the top half but United arrive after a rampant pre-season and an impressive comeback at Wembley. A sharp Rooney, Nani and Ashley Young attack will pose all sorts of problems en route to a comfortable win.
Manchester City v Swansea: Exciting times for the Welsh club but this won't be a memorable start. Mancini needs to make a bright start and this should be a gentle opener, with memories of Wembley banished. Lots of intrigue for Aguero's first appearance.
Blackburn v Wolves: Two relegation candidates, though Wolves have strengthened over the summer. McCarthy's men should be good enough to secure a point on the road.
Fulham v Aston Villa: Two new managers, two teams with similar objectives. Home advantage should help Fulham make a winning start, so long as they keep Darren Bent under wraps.
Liverpool v Sunderland: Sunderland have enjoyed a fruitful summer but this is a tough start, especially given the new optimism at Anfield. Even without Gerrard, Liverpool will be too strong.
QPR v Bolton: Bolton fizzled out last term but will relish the role of party poopers here. QPR will play with passion but Coyle's men should capitalise on the newcomers' inexperience to make a winning start.
Wigan v Norwich: Two sides expected to be in the thick of the relegation battle. Norwich will take time to adjust to the top flight, which will help Wigan sneak to victory. Solid home form is the only hope for Martinez's men.
Newcastle v Arsenal: Both clubs have had turbulent summers but the Gunners still boast a far superior squad. Adjusting to the new era will take time for the Arsenal players but an opening day victory will help settle the nerves.
Stoke City v Chelsea: With Torres likely to miss the game, Drogba has the chance to make a statement as the spearhead of the 4-3-3 formation. Stoke is a tricky place to go but the Blues ought to edge to the three points.
West Brom v Manchester United: Hodgson has the Baggies targeting the top half but United arrive after a rampant pre-season and an impressive comeback at Wembley. A sharp Rooney, Nani and Ashley Young attack will pose all sorts of problems en route to a comfortable win.
Manchester City v Swansea: Exciting times for the Welsh club but this won't be a memorable start. Mancini needs to make a bright start and this should be a gentle opener, with memories of Wembley banished. Lots of intrigue for Aguero's first appearance.
Golf: Stricker's 63 stirs hopes of a first US major victory in 2011
The 93rd USPGA Championship saw Steve Stricker fire a superb opening round 63 to lead from compatriots Jerry Kelly and former champion Shaun Micheel.
A missed birdie chance at the closing hole was all that separated the 44 year old from an 8-under-par total in Atlanta which would have seen him record the low round in major championship history.
Stricker, the highest ranked American in the world, is still seeking a first major and in the process aiming to put an end to the US major drought, which currently stands at 6.
From Stricker to stricken, US Open champion McIlroy injured his wrist on the 3rd yet showed remarkable courage to battle to a very competitive level par total of 70. Should he get the all-clear following an MRI scan, the Northern Irishman is very much in contention.
As for Tiger Woods, it was a day to forget for the former world number one. A 77 represented his worst ever start to a major, and this comes on the back of Adam Scott's stunning victory at Firestone, with Wood's former bagman Stevie Williams instrumental in the Australian's success.
If Woods has any hope of being around for the weekend then he'll need to uncork his 2000 vintage. Anything less will see him slide outside the world's top 30.
Other players still in contention after Thursday include the afore-mentioned Scott (-1) and the world's top two players, Englishmen Luke Donald and Lee Westwood at level and +1 respectively.
Performance of the day was undoubtedly Stricker's but look out for young Matteo Manassero, the Italian prodigy produced a flawless 68 and at age 18 is definitely a future winner of this tournament.
We'll be back tomorrow to assess potential winners going into the weekend...
Patrick Kendrick
A missed birdie chance at the closing hole was all that separated the 44 year old from an 8-under-par total in Atlanta which would have seen him record the low round in major championship history.
Stricker, the highest ranked American in the world, is still seeking a first major and in the process aiming to put an end to the US major drought, which currently stands at 6.
From Stricker to stricken, US Open champion McIlroy injured his wrist on the 3rd yet showed remarkable courage to battle to a very competitive level par total of 70. Should he get the all-clear following an MRI scan, the Northern Irishman is very much in contention.
As for Tiger Woods, it was a day to forget for the former world number one. A 77 represented his worst ever start to a major, and this comes on the back of Adam Scott's stunning victory at Firestone, with Wood's former bagman Stevie Williams instrumental in the Australian's success.
If Woods has any hope of being around for the weekend then he'll need to uncork his 2000 vintage. Anything less will see him slide outside the world's top 30.
Other players still in contention after Thursday include the afore-mentioned Scott (-1) and the world's top two players, Englishmen Luke Donald and Lee Westwood at level and +1 respectively.
Performance of the day was undoubtedly Stricker's but look out for young Matteo Manassero, the Italian prodigy produced a flawless 68 and at age 18 is definitely a future winner of this tournament.
We'll be back tomorrow to assess potential winners going into the weekend...
Patrick Kendrick
Thursday, 11 August 2011
NBA: UK Offer For Artest
LA Lakers forward Ron Artest is weighing up an offer from UK team the Cheshire Jets, a move that would give the NBA star the chance to play during the lockout and work on his off-court music and movie career.
ESPN.com reports the latest in what would be an exciting boost for basketball in the UK. Check out http://es.pn/nRrpNe
ESPN.com reports the latest in what would be an exciting boost for basketball in the UK. Check out http://es.pn/nRrpNe
Football: Problems Mounting for Wenger
Arsene Wenger has pulled off some masterstrokes over the past 15 years, particularly in the transfer market. The Frenchman secured bargain deals to sign Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit and Nicolas Anelka among otheres and he parted company with Vieira and Thierry Henry at the right moments. But, with captain Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri almost out the door, it is hard to see the direction in which Wenger is going this time.
While Vieira and Henry were visibly past their prime when they left North London, the same cannot be said for Fabregas and Nasri. Their prime awaits in the coming years - and it will be Barcelona and Manchester City, respectively, cashing in. Wenger has seemingly secured a fair price for both players but it is hard to see how he can re-invest those funds (around £60 million) in time to salvage the current campaign.
Liverpool and Tottenham will be licking their lips at the news that Arsenal are arguably losing their two best players. While Kenny Dalglish and Harry Redknapp have been busy preparing for the new season, it has been turbulent at the Emirates with no one quite sure what the squad will look like come September 1. The Gunners are no longer guaranteed a top four finish and will be a step behind Liverpool in the battle for a Champions League place if Fabregas and Nasri pack their bags.
Wenger must now act decisively in the transfer market but will be hindered by the fact that sellers are aware of Arsenal's need for a quick deal. Targets include Juan Mata of Valencia, Real Madrid's Karim Benzema and Everton's Phil Jagielka. Bolton's Gary Cahill, Blackburn's Chris Samba and Lille's Eden Hazard are also on the radar. Should Arsenal spend the money on two or three of these names, their prospects might well be different.
But if the Frenchman continues to be cautious with the pursestrings, a slide out of the top four is increasingly likely. No one can question the impact that Wenger has had at Arsenal and he remains in control despite the upcoming twin exodus. However, if things turn sour over the months ahead, it is not out of the question that this could be Wenger's last season in North London.
While Vieira and Henry were visibly past their prime when they left North London, the same cannot be said for Fabregas and Nasri. Their prime awaits in the coming years - and it will be Barcelona and Manchester City, respectively, cashing in. Wenger has seemingly secured a fair price for both players but it is hard to see how he can re-invest those funds (around £60 million) in time to salvage the current campaign.
Liverpool and Tottenham will be licking their lips at the news that Arsenal are arguably losing their two best players. While Kenny Dalglish and Harry Redknapp have been busy preparing for the new season, it has been turbulent at the Emirates with no one quite sure what the squad will look like come September 1. The Gunners are no longer guaranteed a top four finish and will be a step behind Liverpool in the battle for a Champions League place if Fabregas and Nasri pack their bags.
Wenger must now act decisively in the transfer market but will be hindered by the fact that sellers are aware of Arsenal's need for a quick deal. Targets include Juan Mata of Valencia, Real Madrid's Karim Benzema and Everton's Phil Jagielka. Bolton's Gary Cahill, Blackburn's Chris Samba and Lille's Eden Hazard are also on the radar. Should Arsenal spend the money on two or three of these names, their prospects might well be different.
But if the Frenchman continues to be cautious with the pursestrings, a slide out of the top four is increasingly likely. No one can question the impact that Wenger has had at Arsenal and he remains in control despite the upcoming twin exodus. However, if things turn sour over the months ahead, it is not out of the question that this could be Wenger's last season in North London.
Cricket: England Domination Continues
It is hard not to feel some sympathy for India as their nightmare tour continues at Edgbaston in the Third Test. England's pursuit of the number one ranking in Test cricket has been nothing but ruthless, with the top order batsmen punishing the Indians for their below par first innings total of 244 on day one. Led by Alastair Cook (182*), the home side finished day two on 456-3 for a lead of 232.
Yesterday, it was Stuart Broad and Tim Bresnan who led the way for England, taking four wickets apiece as the powerhouses in the India batting line-up once more failed to fire. Virender Sehwag's much-discussed return lasted just one ball, Sachin Tendulkar was dismissed for 1 and even Rahul Dravid could not stand in England's way. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni cut loose for a brutal 77 but the damage had been done. The only criticism that could be levelled at England was that India were allowed to climb from 111-7 to 244 all out.
Resuming on day two at 84-0, England motored on. Andrew Strauss set the tone with 87 before being bowled by Amit Mishra off a no ball that went undetected, while Cook put his disappointing series behind him by battling through to a 213-ball ton. Ian Bell made a breezy 34 but his dismissal - bowled by Praveen Kumar - brought a pumped up Kevin Pietersen to the crease. Pietersen thumped a 53-ball fifty which took yet more fight out of the Indian attack. The body language for the tourists has reflected both the poor preparation ahead of this series and just how badly their confidence has been hit by the first two Test defeats. They seem a team in tatters and counting the days until the ODI series.
Pietersen fell for 63 but with the lead already at 150, it did little to stem England's momentum. Cook ploughed on, past 150 and onto 182* while Eoin Morgan raced to an unbeaten 44. With Ravi Bopara and Matt Prior waiting in the wings, England will look to bat all day tomorrow. For India, the misery continues. Day three should be more of the same.
Yesterday, it was Stuart Broad and Tim Bresnan who led the way for England, taking four wickets apiece as the powerhouses in the India batting line-up once more failed to fire. Virender Sehwag's much-discussed return lasted just one ball, Sachin Tendulkar was dismissed for 1 and even Rahul Dravid could not stand in England's way. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni cut loose for a brutal 77 but the damage had been done. The only criticism that could be levelled at England was that India were allowed to climb from 111-7 to 244 all out.
Resuming on day two at 84-0, England motored on. Andrew Strauss set the tone with 87 before being bowled by Amit Mishra off a no ball that went undetected, while Cook put his disappointing series behind him by battling through to a 213-ball ton. Ian Bell made a breezy 34 but his dismissal - bowled by Praveen Kumar - brought a pumped up Kevin Pietersen to the crease. Pietersen thumped a 53-ball fifty which took yet more fight out of the Indian attack. The body language for the tourists has reflected both the poor preparation ahead of this series and just how badly their confidence has been hit by the first two Test defeats. They seem a team in tatters and counting the days until the ODI series.
Pietersen fell for 63 but with the lead already at 150, it did little to stem England's momentum. Cook ploughed on, past 150 and onto 182* while Eoin Morgan raced to an unbeaten 44. With Ravi Bopara and Matt Prior waiting in the wings, England will look to bat all day tomorrow. For India, the misery continues. Day three should be more of the same.
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