Champagne bottles still corked for '72 Dolphins American football team

Champagne bottles still corked for '72 Dolphins American football team

MIAMI (AFP) - Players from the 1972 Miami Dolphins have gathered annually to drink a champagne toast to their undefeated National Football League season once the last undefeated team in a season has lost.

But those champagne bottles remain corked this time after the New England Patriots completed a perfect 16-0 run through the NFL season on Saturday by edging the New York Giants 38-35 for the first unbeaten season since 1972.

The Dolphins went 14-0 in the regular season in 1972, six years before the NFL added two games per team to the schedule, then won two playoff games and the Super Bowl to complete the only undefeated championship run in NFL history.

To match that feat, the Patriots will need to win two home playoff games and the Super Bowl on February 5.

"They've done a heck of a job thus far but now the exhibition season is over and the real season begins," 1972 Dolphins guard Bob Kuechenberg said.

"Obviously, if they can win their first playoff game, beat an even more dangerous Colts team, and then (Green Bay's) Brett Favre or the Dallas Cowboys in the Super Bowl, I will be the first to take my hat off to them."

The defending champion Indianapolis Colts went 14-2, losing a November showdown to the Patriots, and could face New England again in the American Conference final. Dallas or Green Bay could meet the Pats in the Super Bowl.

"If they can pull it off, they will have earned it, but my heart is set against it," Kuechenberg said. "The '72 team in uniquely immortal in American sports, and I don't want us to lose that special place."

No one knows wears that badge of honor with more pride than former Dolphins running back Mercury Morris.

"It doesn't matter to me whether or not they win them all because it doesn't affect anything we've done," Morris said. "It's not the number in the front that matters, it's the 0 that's behind it.

"When all the dust clears, the best they can do is to stand beside us and in the end, that's not a bad thing," Morris said. "I will welcome them to the mountain but first they have to join us on top of the mountain."

Kuchenberg figures that even with the greater number of games and teams in the NFL compared to 35 years ago, the Dolphins' feat will remain the milestone because it came first.

"We will forever be immortal and if they win every game in front of them, then they will join us among those ranks. They will have deserved it and I will congratulate them," Kuechenberg said.

"But something in my heart makes me feel that we accomplished something so special that it forever sets the standard of excellence in sports. Imperfect is mortal, perfect is immortal."

reference: "eurosport"

Premier League - City chess game ends in stalemate

Premier League - City chess game ends in stalemate

Manchester City and Liverpool played out a goalless draw at the City of Manchester Stadium that keeps them fifth and fourth in the league table respectively.

After a weekend full of fast-paced and high-scoring matches in the Premier League, this game was more of a fine exhibition of technique and tactics, and was very much a battle of wits between the two managers.

The tone was set by the cagey fashion in which the match started, with City and Liverpool both defending their respective exemplary home and away records.

Both bosses were forced to field unfamiliar defences, with full back Alvaro Arbeloa filling in at centre back in the absence of both Sami Hyypia and Daniel Agger for Liverpool, while Michael Ball and Nedum Onuoha had rare starts for City, with regular right back Vedran Corluka deployed in an advanced midfield role.

It was Rafael Benitez's side who were given the time to keep more of the ball, though Sven Goran-Eriksson's team were content to sit deep and try to hit on the break through the pace of Martin Petrov and find lone front man Darius Vassell.

It was difficult for either side to carve open a clear-cut opportunity, though there were plenty of shots blocked and timely interceptions.

Steven Gerrard and Petrov both found themselves set up with chances by team-mates, but neither opportunity fell to them on their favoured foot in good positions.

In addition, Dirk Kuyt's effort from Fernando Torres' knock down was thwarted by Micah Richards midway through the half, while Jamie Carragher did the same for an Elano shot a few minutes later.

Torres was starting his seventh consecutive match for Liverpool, a rarity bearing in mind Benitez's strict rotation policy.

The Spaniard was bereft of opportunities in the first half, but could have had two goals within the first five minutes following the restart.

First Harry Kewell pulled back a pass from the byline, only for the former Atletico Madrid striker to fire straight at goalkeeper Joe Hart from close range.

Barely a minute later, he found himself all alone to chase a ball over the top of the defence, but could only divert the ball wide of the target past a stranded Hart.

Yossi Benayoun also had a few good chances, including a solid half-volley from distance that Hart had to tip over the bar.

Captain Richard Dunne, who had been imperious throughout, came to City's rescue twice in the last few minutes, as first he hacked Dirk Kuyt's header off the line after it slipped through Hart's fingers, and then blocked Benayoun's close range effort after Gerrard squared the ball to him on the edge of the six-yard box.

reference: "eurosport"

Premier League - Bentley breaks Derby hearts

Premier League - Bentley breaks Derby hearts

Derby suffered their 15th defeat of the season as Blackburn Rovers came from a goal down to win 2-1 at Pride Park.

Rams captain Matt Oakley opened the scoring for the home side before Roque Santa Cruz's equaliser, a minute after Brad Friedel saved a Steve Howard penalty, and David Bentley's strike from distance gave Mark Hughes' side all three points.

The result leaves Paul Jewell and his team eight points adrift at the bottom of the table, while Rovers move above West ham into ninth.

Although Derby had to endure large spells of Blackburn possession and creativity, they were positive going forward themselves, and just before the half hour mark Lewis' diagonal ball was knocked on by Giles Barnes for captain Oakley to mark his 250th league appearance by firing the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Friedel.

The goal marked the consecutive game in which Blackburn had conceded the first goal, and it knocked the visitors out of their stride somewhat, and soon afterwards Ryan Nelsen fouled Kenny Miller in the area.

Referee Peter Walton had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, but resisted handing the Blackburn captain a second yellow card to go with the one he picked up just a few minutes previously.

In what proved to be the start of two minutes of heartbreak for Derby, Howard's spot-kick was saved by Friedel, who dived low to his right and kept hold of the ball.

Blackburn went straight up the other end and Lewis Price could only parry Benni McCarthy's shot into the path of Santa Cruz for a close range finish.

Things got worse for Derby three minutes later when the impressive Bentley made space for himself to shoot from 25 yards out and his low swerving shot had Price well beaten for what proved to be the winning goal.

It had looked as though Santa Cruz was destined not to add to his seven goals in his previous four matches when his header from a corner was cleared off the line by Tyrone Mears in the sixth minute.

He was denied again in the first half when Bentley turned Dean Leacock inside out on the left wing before sending in a perfect cross for the Paraguayan to head in, only for the goal to be ruled out because the cross had swung out of play before it reached the far post, before having another effort cleared off the line late on as Derby pushed for the equaliser that never came..

reference: "eurosport"

NHL Results

NHL Results

Atlanta Thrashers 5 Boston Bruins 0

Calgary Flames 5 Anaheim Ducks 3

Colorado Avalanche 1 Los Angeles Kings 3

Columbus Blue Jackets 4 Carolina Hurricanes 1

Dallas Stars 5 St Louis Blues 4

Minnesota Wild 5 Edmonton Oilers 4

Nashville Predators 2 San Jose Sharks 5

New York Islanders 5 New Jersey Devils 2

Ottawa Senators 6 Washington Capitals 8

Phoenix Coyotes 2 Detroit Red Wings 4

Pittsburgh Penguins 2 Buffalo Sabres 0

Tampa Bay Lightning 2 Philadelphia Flyers 4

Toronto Maple Leafs 1 New York Rangers 6

NHL - Round-up:Four-star Ovechkin lifts Caps

NHL - Round-up: Four-star Ovechkin lifts Caps

Alexander Ovechkin contributed four goals and an assist to lift the visiting Washington Capitals to an 8-6 victory over the Ottawa Senators.

The Russian scored once in each of the first two periods and twice in the third, hitting the empty net in the final minute to complete his first career four-goal game and reach the 30-goal mark for the season.

Ovechkin had received stitches to close a cut on his leg on Friday before returning on Saturday with his third career hat-trick.

Michael Nylander scored twice for the Capitals, who have won both games played at Ottawa this season.

Mike Fisher scored his first career hat-trick and Daniel Alfredsson scored twice for the Senators in the high-scoring game which ended Ottawa's three-game winning streak.

Experienced goalie Ty Conklin won his fourth straight start, stopping 26 shots as the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Buffalo Sabres 2-0 in Pittsburgh. Conklin has emerged for the Penguins since starter Marc-Andre Fleury became injured.

The teams meet again on Tuesday in Buffalo when they will stage the Winter Classic in front of over 70,000 people outdoors at Rich Stadium, the home of the NFL's Bills.

Sidney Crosby set up both goals for the Penguins. The Penguins lost 41-year-old left wing Gary Roberts with a broken leg.

Kari Lehtonen made 26 saves for his second shutout of the season as the Atlanta Thrashers beat the visiting Boston Bruins 5-0. Boston lost its sixth straight game. The teams play again on Monday in Boston.

Defenseman Andy Sutton's first goal of the season helped the New York Islanders register a 5-2 home victory over the New Jersey Devils.

It was New York's fourth win in as many games against New Jersey this season and ended a three-game winning streak for the Devils.

Kapur, Howell complete Trophy line-up

Kapur, Howell complete Trophy line-up

India's Shiv Kapur and England's David Howell have completed the line-ups for next month's Royal Trophy between Asia and holders Europe, organisers have announced.

Kapur's selection for Naomichi 'Joe' Ozaki's team comes after his debut year on the European Tour. He spent the first two seasons of his career on the Asian Tour after turning professional in 2004.

The 25-year-old player makes his debut in the Royal Trophy matchplay event against the Europeans, who triumphed by just two points in 2006 but returned a year later with a far stronger team to thrash Asia 12-1/2 to 3-1/2.

Howell, a former winner of the Dubai Desert Classic, the Champions Tournament in Shanghai and the European PGA Championship, returns to Seve Ballesteros's team having played in the first edition in 2006.

The contest will take place from January 11-13 in Chon Buri province, east of Bangkok, at the Amata Springs Country Club, and will feature fourballs, foursomes and singles competitions.

Teams:

Europe: Raphael Jacquelin (France), Gregory Havret (France), Anders Hansen (Denmark), Paul McGinley (Ireland), Robert Karlsson (Sweden), Lee Westwood (England), Graeme Storm (England), Darren Clarke (Northern Ireland) David Howell (England).

Asia: Charlie Wi (South Korea), Thongchai Jaidee (Thailand), Prayad Marksaeng (Thailand), Chapchai Nirat (Thailand), Toru Taniguchi (Japan), Hideto Tanihara (Japan), Jeev Milkha Singh (India), Lee Dong-Hwan (South Korea), Shiv Kapur (India).

reference: "eurosport"

Nba Results

Nba Results

Dallas Mavericks 97 Atlanta Hawks 84

Houston Rockets 91 Toronto Raptors 79

Indiana Pacers 92 Detroit Pistons 98

Milwaukee Bucks 95 New Jersey Nets 97

New Orleans Hornets 86 Cleveland Cavaliers 76

Orlando Magic 104 Charlotte Bobcats 95

Seattle Supersonics 109 Minnesota Timberwolves 90

Utah Jazz 98 Boston Celtics 104

Washington Wizards 96 Miami Heat 74

Serena ready for Hopman challenge

Serena ready for Hopman challenge

Serena Williams has belatedly arrived at the Hopman Cup, ready to represent the United States in the first match against the Czech Republic.

The world number seven missed the United States's opening match because of illness, with stand-in Meghann Shaughnessy and Mardy Fish winning their singles matches to seal a 2-1 win over India.

Williams, who will defend her Australian Open title in Melbourne next month, said she was ready to win the Hopman Cup for the second time, having teamed up with James Blake to lift the trophy in 2003.

"I just had the stomach flu - I was really sick," she said after a one-hour practice session. "That's not fun to have but I am fine now.

"I'm feeling really good, I recovered really fast. I really wanted to come."

Williams arrived in the early hours of Sunday after flying from Miami via New York and Dubai.

"I was so glad when I heard that [Shaughnessy] won and Mardy won yesterday," she added. "I was really excited. I owe her a big thank you."

Last year, Williams played in the WTA event in Hobart the week before the Australian Open, losing to Sybille Bammer of Austria in the quarter-finals.

Ranked 86, she was given little chance at the Australian Open but stormed through the draw to win her eighth grand-slam title.

This time, though, the American said she was leaving nothing to chance.

"Last year was cutting it close," she said. "I never really like to play a week before a grand slam. Especially as defending champion, I really want to make sure I am here, trying to get ready.

"I feel really prepared and am here to win it like everyone else in the draw."

Williams's first match at the Hopman Cup will be on Monday against Czech Lucie Safarova, while she will also have to face local favourite Alicia Molik when the US play Australia in their final group match.

"I played [Safarova] this time last year in Hobart and had an extremely tough match," she continued.

"I know she's a good player and I'll have to be ready. Then Alicia's going to be a fan favourite, but I'm used to playing fan favourites."

reference: "eurosport"

Nadal focused on Beijing Games

Nadal focused on Beijing Games

Spaniard Rafael Nadal has targeted the 2008 Beijing Olympics after ending a third consecutive year as world number two behind Swiss maestro Roger Federer.

The 21-year-old French Open champion is the top seed at the Chennai Open next week where he will also play in the doubles with compatriot Bartolome Salva-Vidal.

"This year there is special significance because of the Olympic Games," Nadal said.

"The Davis Cup is also there, but importantly the Olympics comes along only once in four years. It is a special tournament, special motivation."

Nadal said he could still improve his game from 2007 but was unconcerned about Federer.

"I'd love to be number two for 50 more years," he said. "Especially in my situation: 5,600 or 5,700 points, that is a lot."

Nadal earned 5,735 ranking points to Federer's 7,180 in 2007. "In a normal moment in the history of tennis, I'd have been number one."

The claycourt specialist won six titles in 2007 and pushed Federer to the brink in an epic five-setter on grass in the Wimbledon final.

However, he was subdued in the hardcourt grand slams, losing in the quarter-final at Australian Open and in the US Open fourth round.

"It is difficult to play better," Nadal said. "I played very well on grass, clay and on indoor too.

"I'm not worried about Roger, he is better than the other guys at the moment. But a lot of young guys are coming from behind at the present time."

reference: "eurosport"

Premier League - Sunday preview

Premier League - Sunday preview

A Derby side desperate for points host Blackburn in the Premier League before this season's form away side Liverpool travel to Manchester City, unbeaten at home this season under Sven-Goran Eriksson.

See the team news and prospective line-ups for Sunday's Premier League matches by clicking on the links underneath the photograph.

Derby v Blackburn [13:30]

Rovers midfielder Robbie Savage and left-sided defender Stephen Warnock return after suspension but centre-half Andre Ooijer (hamstring) is out.

County goalkeeper Stephen Bywater is a major doubt after injuring himself while warming up before the defeat to Liverpool, during which stand-in Lewis Price performed admirably, while Stephen Pearson (dislocated shoulder) joins Robert Earnshaw, Andy Griffin and Marc Edworthy - all calf victims - in the stands.

Paul Jewell has recalled striker Jon Macken from a loan at Barnsley to replace Earnshaw on the bench.

Manchester City v Liverpool [16:00]

Fifth-placed Manchester City welcome fourth-placed Liverpool looking to bounce back with a win after losing their 100 percent home league record in Thursday night's 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers.

Midfielder Michael Johnson could play after an abdominal strain while Finnish central defender Sami Hyypia is Liverpool's main doubt.

Winger Jermaine Pennant (broken leg) is missing while centre-half Daniel Agger is set to make a return from a broken foot. Striker Peter Crouch serves the final match of a three-game ban.

reference:"eurosport"

Well's O'Donnell dies

Scottish Premier League - 'Well's O'Donnell dies

Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell has died after collapsing during his side's 5-3 win over Dundee United.

The 35-year-old former Celtic and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder was taken to hospital having regained consciousness following the collapse.

"Phil was rushed to Wishaw General Hospital by ambulance after collapsing during today's game," the club said in a statement.

"Motherwell Football Club and Dundee United medical staff believe he suffered a seizure and efforts were made to revive him en route to hospital.

"Despite the efforts of the two club's medical staff and medical staff at the hospital Phil did not regain consciousness and was pronounced at 17:18."

Motherwell owner John Boyle said: "This is an unspeakable tragedy for Phil's family. At this stage we do not know the exact cause of but the club is obviously liaising with the medical staff at Wishaw General.

"Everyone at Motherwell is shocked to the core and we are sure that everyone involved in Scottish football will feel the same. Phil was not only an inspirational player for Motherwell and club captain, but was an inspirational person."

O'Donnell had just been substituted when he fainted and was treated on the pitch before for five minutes being taken to Wishaw General Hospital.

The player's nephew, David Clarkson, also played in the match, scoring twice, but was taken off soon after the collapse.

O'Donnell - who was capped once by Scotland and started his career at 'Well - is the second high-profile player to die during a game this season after Sevilla and Spain left back Antonio Puerta passed away following an on-pitch heart attack.

Wednesday's SPL match between Gretna and St Mirren has been postponed as a mark of respect to O'Donnell.

reference: "eurosport"

Megson: No Anelka offers

Premier League - Megson: No Anelka offers

Bolton manager Gary Megson has again insisted that the club has received no offer for striker Nicolas Anelka.

The Frenchman played the full 90 minutes in his side's Premier League defeat at Sunderland against the backdrop of speculation that Chelsea have tabled a bid for his services.

However, Megson denied any offer has been received and confirmed the club is determined to hang on to their prized asset.

He said: "It's been going on for so long, and Nicolas is probably more used to it than most players in the country, I suppose.

"But from my own point of view, it becomes normal, actually, because all it is is speculation.

"I would tell you if a club had actually come to me, or if the chairman told me a club had come to him.

"I would tell you because there is no point hiding the fact. But at the moment it just seems to be things that are in the papers and in the media that you have to cope with.

"But I think most people will be in the same boat."

Megson now finds his side level on points with the Black Cats - who dragged themselves out of the relegation zone with just their second win in 14 games - and will look to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window.

However, he admitted his activity may be largely governed by what happens with Anelka.

"It would probably affect what we have to do, but nobody at Bolton Wanderers wants Nicolas Anelka to go anywhere, and I mean nobody.

"If Nic isn't of the same opinion, then we will have to deal with that as and when.

"But we are not at that point yet."

reference: "eurosport"

Gebrselassie wants to lower record

Gebrselassie wants to lower record

World marathon record holder Haile Gebrselassie believes he can lower his mark still further when he takes part in the Dubai marathon on January 18.

The twice Olympic 10,000 metres champion, who will be running his final race over 42.195 kms before the Beijing Olympics, clocked two hours four minutes 26 seconds in Berlin last September.

"He and I are sure that he can do under 2:04," his Dutch manager Jos Hermens said. "But he's 34 and this might be his last chance."

Hermens said Gebrselassie, who has been training in his native Ethiopia, had run a 15-km race this month.

"His preparation is going well," Hermens said. "He's in great shape." Gebrselassie, who has set 26 world records, will be paced by former world half-marathon champion Fabiano Joseph of Tanzania and the winner of the 2002 Boston and New York marathons Rodgers Rop of Kenya.

The prize pot for Dubai is $1 million (£500,000) with a record $250,000 (£125,000) for the winners of the men's and women's races. If Gebrselassie does break the world record he will earn a bonus of $1 million.

reference: "eurosport"

Donald set for Qatar Masters

Donald set for Qatar Masters

World number 17 Luke Donald has decided to compete in next month's Qatar Masters which offers a record purse of $2.5 million (£1.25 million).

The 30-year-old Briton will join world number seven Adam Scott, number 12 Sergio Garcia and holder Retief Goosen in the chase for the first prize of $416,660 (£208,330) in Doha from January 24-27.

"When we look at the progress of golf in Qatar, it's hard to believe we've come so far in such a short space of time," Qatar Golf Association chairman Hassan Al Nuami said.

"Over the years we've welcomed some great players to Doha but with a field including Sergio Garcia, Retief Goosen, Adam Scott and now Luke Donald, as well as record prize money of $2.5 million, we are looking at pushing the bar even higher in 2008."

Next month's tournament will be the 11th edition of the European Tour event.

It also represents part two of the tour's three-week 'Gulf Swing', sandwiched between the Abu Dhabi Championship and the Dubai Desert Classic.

reference: "eurosport"

Schumacher on verge of retiring after split

Schumacher on verge of retiring after split

Ralf Schumacher and his Austrian manager Hans Mahr have parted company by mutual agreement after barely a year of working together.

The 32-year-old, brother of seven-times world champion Michael, has been out of contract since his Toyota contract expired at the end of October.

Schumacher seems set to join his elder brother Michael in retirement.

Ralf admitted he was contemplating quitting after an unsuccessful test drive for Spyker last month.

According to Mahr, the split was agreed months ago with the Austrian now set to work on other projects.

"We have seperated by mutual consent and do so immediately," Mahr told German sports agency SID.

"Of course, if I can help him in anyway in the future, I will."

reference: eurosport"

Arsenal top table with fighting win

Premier League - Arsenal top table with fighting win

Arsenal finish the year at the top of the league after beating Everton 4-1 in a bitter encounter at Goodison Park.

Eduardo da Silva scored twice for the Gunners, including one stunning goal, before substitute pair Emmanuel Adebayor and Tomas Rosicky rendered Tim Cahill's opener for the home side almost insignificant.

However, the match was overshadowed by the second half red cards for Nicklas Bendtner and Mikel Arteta.

Referee Martin Atkinson was given no choice but to send off Bendtner for his dangerously high challenge on substitute Andy Johnson, having already booked him in the first half for barging Joseph Yobo.

In truth, the Dane deserved a straight red for that challenge, and he will now only serve a one-match suspension for two yellow cards.

Unfortunately for Arteta, he was awarded a straight red card for his forearm making contact with Francesc Fabregas, and is set to miss three matches for Everton.

To compound the home side's misery, the two late goals they conceded made the scoreline look more humiliating than they deserved.

As Everton chased the game at only 2-1 down, Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia's goal kick was left by Yobo, unaware of the lurking Adebayor. The Togo international pounced to round keeper Tim Howard and tap the ball in for what must be the easiest goal of his career.

Then, in the fourth minute of injury time, Rosicky received the ball on the edge of the area from Bakary Sagna and struck a low finish in at the near post to make the score 4-1.

At the final whistle, Everton's virtuoso first-half performance felt like a long time ago.

The pace of defender Kolo Toure and the power of striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu had made for an intriguing battle throughout the half, and one such face-off led to the creation of the opening goal.

The burly Nigerian forward was chasing a long ball into the corner, when Toure swooped and stole in front of him, only for the Ivorian centre back to be forced into conceding a corner due to the physical presence of his opponent.

Arteta swung the resulting set piece to the far post, where striker Bendtner bungled his clearance. With the ball in mid-air, Yakubu stooped to head it over the line, only for Tim Cahill's boot to just beat him to it.

It took the stuttering Gunners just two minutes after the break to equalise. Gael Clichy's cross was not cleared by Phil Jagielka and Eduardo span round and finished with his left foot from the penalty spot.

That was followed ten minutes later by a superb goal form the Croatia international, as he chested down a long ball, flicked it round Jagielka and left the defender on the floor before slotting a cool finish past Howard to give the Gunners a 2-1 lead.

That goal promised to give the match a real lift before the dismissals and fracas ruined the game as a spectacle.

reference: "eurosport"

La Liga - Valencia keen to keep veteran stars

La Liga - Valencia keen to keep veteran stars

Valencia are not looking to get rid of dropped players David Albelda, Santiago Canizares and Miguel Angel Angulo, club president Juan Bautista Soler has said.

"It is a technical decision taken by [coach Ronald] Koeman. They haven't been separated from the squad, or sacked. They simply haven't been selected," Soler stated.

Koeman has told the experienced trio that they no longer featured in his plans after the club fell out of European competition and off the pace in the Liga title race.

"This is the official version from the club. The coach said he did not count on them for now. No one has said they will not be recalled to the side again. I hope they will return to play for the club," Soler added.

Both Albelda and Canizares believed they were being forced out and have asked the club to honour and release them from their contracts so they can seek transfers.

Spain midfielders Albelda and Angulo and former Spain goalkeeper Canizares are three of the longest-serving members of the squad.

"These types of things have happened in other clubs. Real Madrid decided to get rid of Ronaldo, and dropped David Beckham, Raul and Guti last season and these same players ended up coming back to win them the league," Soler added.

"It is a temporary situation. The people who hold the key to reversing the decision are the players. It is in the hands of the players and the coach."

Valencia are seventh in the standings, 15 points behind leaders Real Madrid.

reference: "eurosport"

Dortmund In For Lehmann - Report

Dortmund In For Lehmann - Report

Representatives of Borussia Dortmund have flown to London in a bid to sign Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, according to reports in Germany.

With Borussia goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller facing three months out with a shoulder injury, his predecessor has emerged as their No 1 target this winter.

"I cannot rule anything out," said Dortmund director of sport Michael Zorc. "It is logical that the name Lehmann is linked to us."

Furthermore, Friday's Bild newspaper shows pictures of Lehmann in Dortmund before Christmas, where he bought a new car from a local showroom.

Lehmann left the Westphalian club for 3.5million euros to join the Gunners in 2003 having won the Bundesliga with Dortmund in 2002.

The 38-year-old lost his place in the first-team place at the Emirates Stadium to Manuel Almunia earlier this season and is keen to play top-flight football to cement his place in the Germany squad for Euro 2008.

Bundesliga - Schlaudraff happy at Bayern

Bundesliga - Schlaudraff happy at Bayern

Bayern Munich striker Jan Schlaudraff has said that he will stay with the club despite limited playing time since joining from Alemannia Aachen in the summer.

Schlaudraff, 24, cannot currently get a game because of the preference for team-mates Miroslav Klose, Luca Toni and Lukas Podolski.

However he told Kicker that he wants to extend his current deal: "I hope to stay even longer."

Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has already said that he has no intention of allowing Schlaudraff to leave the Allianz Arena.

"[Other clubs] can save themselves the phone call," he said. "We are not in any way prepared to discuss Jan Schlaudraff."

reference: "eurosport"

WTA Tour - Jankovic to cut back schedule

WTA Tour - Jankovic to cut back schedule

World number three Jelena Jankovic has promised to cut back on her playing schedule in 2008 in an attempt to focus on the Grand Slams and avoid long-term injury.

The Serb played a WTA Tour-high 97 matches as she won four titles last season but struggled for fitness and form as the year progressed, with many feeling she was risking serious injury by playing too much.

"I can say that I played too much," Jankovic said at the Hopman Cup on Saturday, the eight-nation mixed team event where she and Novak Djokovic will represent Serbia, the number one seeds.

"I had so many matches during the year, not much time off and it was difficult. I will cut back a little bit on my schedule and play a lot less and mainly focus on the big tournaments, the grand slams and Tier Ones."

The 22-year-old, who also won the mixed doubles at Wimbledon with Scot Jamie Murray, said she was still short of full fitness after having surgery on her nose in November to cure breathing problems.

"I was completely in bed for three weeks," Jankovic said. "My only activity was going to the toilet and back.

"After lying there and feeling terrible, I wanted to do things. As an athlete we play a lot, we are active people, I couldn't accept just to be in bed the whole day."

Her recuperation meant that she began training a little later than she would have liked and Jankovic admitted it would take time to regain top form.

"I just practised for two weeks before I came here," she said. "I didn't have as much time as I wanted, but I will try my best to play some good matches and get match tough again.

"I don't have any expectations, I just want to play as many matches as possible and try to get back in form."

In the long run, though, Jankovic is confident she has the ability to win a Grand Slam title.

"I want to keep improving some of the things in my game, just believing in myself and my time will come. Whichever (Grand Slam) comes first I wouldn't mind."

reference: "eurosport"

NBA - Round-up: Rip tears Paces apart

NBA - Round-up: Rip tears Paces apart


Richard "Rip" Hamilton scored 23 points and delivered nine assists to fire the Detroit Pistons to a 114-101 victory over the Indiana Pacers, their seventh win in a row.

The Pistons blew the game wide open in the second quarter when they scored 40 points to take a 64-41 lead at the intermission.

"That was as good as it gets right there (in the second quarter)," the Pistons' Chauncey Billups said.

"Executing, getting stops, I mean shots were just going and we just really opened the game up."

Reserve forward Jarvis Hayes, who missed Thursday's practice because of food poisoning, scored all 13 of his points in the period, including three three-pointers.

"I got an easy basket when I first got in the game and that kind of triggers a lot of other stuff for me," Hayes said.

Tayshaun Prince added 15 points and Billups had 14 for the Pistons.

Jermaine O'Neal led the Pacers with 25 points.

* The Orlando Magic withstood a career-best equalling 48 points by Dwyane Wade in regulation and beat the Miami Heat 121-114 in overtime. Wade was shut out in overtime.

Dwight Howard had 29 points and 20 rebounds to pace the Magic. Hedo Turkoglu added 22, including five consecutive points in the extra session to give Orlando a 119-114 lead.

Miami's Daequan Cook sent the game into overtime with a three-pointer with 1.9 seconds to play.

* The Portland Trail Blazers rolled to their 12th straight win with a 109-98 home victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Brandon Roy paced the win with 22 points.

* Yao Ming's 22 points, 12 rebounds and five blocked shots paced the Houston Rockets to a 103-83 road win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

* Allen Iverson scored 39 points and Carmelo Anthony had 30 and the Denver Nuggets outran the Golden State Warriors for a 124-120 road win. Stephen Jackson had 32 and Baron Davis 29 for Golden State.

* Kobe Bryant had 31 points in three quarters of play as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz 123-109.

* Ben Gordon's 31 points keyed the Chicago Bulls to a 103-99 win over the visiting Milwaukee Bucks.

* Richard Jefferson scored 26 points and Vince Carter 24 to help the New Jersey Nets edge the Washington Wizards 109-106. Caron Butler contributed 28 and Antawn Jamison 27 for Washington.

* David West provided 20 points and 10 rebounds in the New Orleans Hornets' 99-85 road win over the Charlotte Bobcats. Chris Paul added 17 points and 11 assists. Jason Richardson scored 25 points for Charlotte.

reference: "eurosport"

Wigan 1-2 Aston Villa

Wigan 1-2 Aston Villa

Gabriel Agbonlahor (r)
Agbonlahor scores his seventh goal of the season
Aston Villa came from behind to hand Wigan their first defeat in four games.

Titus Bramble outmuscled Martin Laursen at a corner to thump a header into the net and give Wigan a deserved lead.

But Villa, who last lost away from home back in August, pulled level early in the second half when Curtis Davies angled a header past Chris Kirkland.

Villa's winner showcased the skills of their emerging young players as Ashley Young teed up the ball for Gabriel Agbonlahor to flick home a header.

Wigan initially mastered the testing conditions - a rutted pitch and blustery wind - more competently than Villa and deserved to go in at the interval ahead.

Luis Antonio Valencia was particularly impressive for Wigan on their right wing in the opening period and he gave Wilfred Bouma all sorts of problems.

In the second half, those two had a minor spat after a Bouma tackle angered the Ecuador international, whose influence waned.

Villa had to rejig their team after just 11 minutes when Luke Moore replaced John Carew, who was injured after being tackled by Paul Scharner.

The loss of Carew saw Villa struggle to hold up the ball in attack and it took them well over half an hour before they threatened the Wigan goal.

By then Wigan were in front as Ryan Taylor won and took the corner that enabled Bramble to power a header past Scott Carson after he got to the ball ahead of Laursen.

Shaun Maloney hinted at better things to come from Villa when he forced the first save of the game as Kirkland moved quickly across his line to gather the former Celtic forward's shot.

Moments later, Young might have done better when he picked up the ball at the far post but the Villa winger slashed widely with his shot.

Villa's equaliser also came from a corner as Davies sent an arcing header past Kirkland, with Denny Laandzat unable to clear the ball on the line.

If Bramble's career has had something of a topsy-turvy profile, Davies has had a similarly up-and-down season.

On loan from West Brom it was his first goal for Villa as he made his first full Premier League start for Martin O'Neill's side.

Davies had a disastrous debut for Villa in the Carling Cup defeat by Leicester, afterwards comparing himself to a "pub player", but he can allow himself a toast for that goal.

His strike emboldened Villa and the speed of Young and Agbonlahor began to unsettle Wigan.

Young's run and cross for Villa's second was quite superb - the former Watford winger skipped past Valencia and Mario Melchiot with nonchalant ease - and Agbonlahor's delicate headed finish was just as noteworthy.

# Wigan manager Steve Bruce:

"We deserved something from that game.

"Both sets of players deserve a pat on the back for the effort and endeavour they've put in.

"They were atrocious conditions out there. There is nothing worse than that, with horrible, swirling wind, lashing rain and a poor pitch."

# Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill on Curtis Davies' performance:

"His performance was 5,000 times better than against Leicester.

"It was a great effort from him, in particular as he has been waiting around for a while now.

"He can do it, and I hope he is here for the long haul."

Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Scharner, Bramble, Kilbane, Valencia, Landzaat (Olembe 80), Brown, Taylor, Sibierski (Aghahowa 63), Bent.
Subs Not Used: Pollitt, Granqvist, Skoko.

Booked: Bramble.

Goals: Bramble 28.

Aston Villa: Carson, Mellberg, Laursen, Davies, Bouma, Maloney (Gardner 60), Reo-Coker, Barry, Young (Petrov 90), Carew (Moore 11), Agbonlahor.
Subs Not Used: Taylor, Harewood.

Booked: Agbonlahor.

Goals: Davies 55, Agbonlahor 70.

Att: 18,806

Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).

Reference: BBC Sport

West Ham 2-1 Man Utd

West Ham 2-1 Man Utd

West Ham goalscorers Anton Ferdinand (left) and Matthew Upson (right) celebrate after drawing level with Man Utd before they went on to win 2-1
Anton Ferdinand (left) and Upson were West Ham's matchwinners
Cristiano Ronaldo's missed penalty for Manchester United proved crucial at West Ham as the Premier League champions were beaten at Upton Park.

United got an early let-off when Hayden Mullins hit the woodwork and Mark Noble blazed high from the rebound.

Ronaldo quickly made the Hammers pay when he headed in a Ryan Giggs cross.

But Ronaldo missed a penalty and that inspired West Ham into a late rally, which saw Anton Ferdinand and Matthew Upson each head in for the win.

The loss was only a below-par United's third of the top-flight campaign and was watched from the stands by manager Sir Alex Ferguson as he served a touchline ban.

He was unable to call on striker Wayne Rooney, who along with midfielder Michael Carrick, were suffering from viruses.

West Ham's fans had booed their side at the end of the last home game when the Hammers drew 1-1 with Reading but they vociferously supported their team at the start and their efforts almost reaped immediate dividends.

Lucas Neill sent a dipping shot just wide before the Hammers worked a glorious opening.

Mullins was slipped in on goal by Carlton Cole's clever touch but he angled a shot on to the crossbar as he tried beating on-rushing keeper Tomasz Kuszczak.

The ball rebounded to Noble and he looked certain to slot into a gaping net only to sidefoot high.

United quickly punished the home side with ex-Hammer Carlos Tevez, who was applauded at the start, beginning the attack on the halfway line as he held on to possession to drag right-back Neill out of position before finding Louis Saha.

Saha released Giggs into the space created by Tevez down United's left flank and the Welshman crossed for Ronaldo to nod in at the near post.

The goal briefly winded West Ham before they recovered as the game turned into a captivating contest with the home side pushing for a leveller and United a threat on the counter-attack.


Nolberto Solano had a curling 25-yard strike tipped over the bar by Kuszczak, while Giggs would have been clean through at the other end had his normally assured touch not let him down.

Hammers striker Cole had started ahead of Dean Ashton and he was found in space by Noble's cross but headed over.

Ronaldo dragged a shot wide of near post just before the end of a half which the Hammers ended the stronger.

But West Ham's main problem was their lack of ruthlessness in the final third with United's meagre defence also standing firm like so many times this season.

Solano and Scott Parker were forced off injured for West Ham shortly after the break as United tried to take the the sting out of the Hammers' play.

And the game should have been put out of the home side's reach after 66 minutes when the ball struck makeshift centre-back Spector's arm after he mistimed a dive to meet a cross.

Ronaldo stepped up to take the spot-kick only to power his strike wide.

The miss breathed new life into West Ham and their crowd and they produced a rousing finale as Anton Ferdinand equalised from a Noble corner as United defence finally broke.

Upson then rose highest to head a winner from a Noble free-kick into the top corner and the Hammers held on for only a third home win of the season.

#
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley: "If you walk along the corridor here there are pictures of all the players on the walls and I reckon I had a whole wall out injured.

"We played ever so well in the first half and we were disappointed to be a goal down.

"It's a fantastic result considering I had 16 fit players and lost two more."

#
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson:
"I have no complaints. We were beaten by the better team. We were not nearly up to our normal performance.

"Scoring the penalty would have killed the game but if you lose goals to set pieces you are not at your best.

"It's difficult to say why but they are human beings and you can't expect them to be perfect all the time."

West Ham: Green, Neill, Spector, Upson, McCartney, Solano (Pantsil 49), Parker (Ferdinand 55), Mullins, Noble, Ljungberg (Ashton 70), Cole.
Subs Not Used: Wright, Camara.

Booked: Pantsil, Mullins.

Goals: Ferdinand 77, Upson 82.

Man Utd: Kuszczak, Brown (O'Shea 89), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Hargreaves (Nani 80), Fletcher, Giggs, Saha, Tevez (Anderson 64).
Subs Not Used: Heaton, Pique.

Goals: Ronaldo 14.

Att: 34,966

Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).

Reference: BBC sport

Portsmouth 0-1 Middlesbrough

Portsmouth 0-1 Middlesbrough

Tuncay
Tuncay's strike was enough to hand Boro all three points
Middlesbrough secured a victory that moved them two places up the table as Portsmouth failed to score for the sixth consecutive league match at home.

Pompey started briskly but failed to create a clear opening and paid for it on 20 minutes when Gary O'Neil's volleyed cross was tapped in by Tuncay.

Boro then kept Pompey at bay with ease, while launching breaks of their own.

Portsmouth hustled and harried after the interval and almost levelled but Kanu hit the post from five yards out.

Middlesbrough went into the match looking for their first points of the Christmas period, having lost their previous two games, while Pompey had picked up only a single point.

The hosts were also hoping to end a sequence of seven-and-a-half hours without a goal at Fratton Park.

Initially it looked as though Portsmouth would boss proceedings as they made the faster start.

But too many passes went astray and anyone in a blue shirt who lined up a shot appeared to have the co-ordination of a Christmas drunk.

Boro stayed cool at the back and invited their opponents on, using Stewart Downing as an effective outlet for fast counter attacks.

And it was the England winger who created Boro's goal when he crossed from the right to find O'Neill at the far post, and the former Pompey player volleyed back across goal for Tuncay to tap in.

The pattern of play for the first half was set and the better chances went Boro's way - an O'Neil free-kick just too high, and a miss-kick from Robert Huth at the near post.

By contrast, Middlesbrough keeper Mark Schwarzer was called into action early on to smother a Niko Kranjcar effort but had time to compile his list of New Year's resolutions untroubled thereafter.

Just before half-time, Papa Bouba Diop might have changed things but skied a shot over the bar from eight yards.

Portsmouth tried to quicken the pace in the second half and had some success in that regard but still struggled to find any penetration.

And when they did create an opening on 65 minutes, Kanu wasted it.

Substitute Matthew Taylor, who had replaced Hermann Hreidarsson at half-time, swung in a free-kick from the right only for Kanu to slam the ball against the post from close-range.

Boro might have made Pompey pay almost immediately but Dong-Gook Lee failed to convert two chances in quick succession.

There was no shortage of commitment from either side - demonstrated by one or two ugly challenges - but there was a distinct lack of real quality.

And in the end, Pompey suffered the consequences for that as they fell to their first defeat by Boro in a top-flight game at Fratton Park for 54 years.

#
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp:
"Some of my players looked very tired. I expected to beat Middlesbrough but we never really got going.

"I don't know where the next goal is coming from here for us but we just keep battling on.

"We are going to have to do that because when we lose four players to the African Cup next month we'll be down to a bare 14 in the squad."

#
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate:
"We were down to just 16 fit players but they were resilient and had the desire and will to win.

"People probably looked at us and thought we'd be rolled over at a place like Portsmouth but I was delighted by the attitude we showed.

"We showed all the qualities we didn't show in the defeats against West Ham and Birmingham and it just shows you what you can achieve."

Portsmouth: James, Lauren, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson (Taylor 46), Utaka (Nugent 62), Diop, Hughes (Muntari 72), Kranjcar, Mwaruwari, Kanu.
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Traore.

Booked: Taylor.

Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Young, Woodgate, Huth, Pogatetz, O'Neil (Johnson 86), Shawky, Arca, Downing, Sanli, Lee (Hutchinson 75).
Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Riggott, Grounds.

Booked: O'Neil, Woodgate, Young, Arca.

Goals: Sanli 20.

Att: 20,089

Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).



Reference: BBC sport

Tottenham 6-4 Reading

Tottenham 6-4 Reading

Dimitar Berbatov celebrates with Young-Pyo Lee
Berbatov has now scored 11 goals this season
Dimitar Berbatov scored four goals for Tottenham as they won an amazing game.

Berbatov put Spurs ahead with a tap-in before Kalifa Cisse levelled and Ivar Ingimarsson headed Reading in front.

Berbatov smashed home an equaliser, Dave Kitson restored Reading's lead and Berbatov completed his hat-trick only for Kitson to then put Reading 4-3 up.

Steed Malbranque equalised and Jermain Defoe scored from the rebound after Robbie Keane's penalty was parried, before Berbatov got Spurs' sixth.

Tottenham - with defender Ledley King playing his second match following his comeback from a knee injury - made the perfect start, going ahead after six minutes.

Keane beat the offside trap to collect Malbranque's clever pass and cross for Berbatov to score from eight yards.

The home side looked in control but then conceded an equaliser against the run of play.

Spurs keeper Paul Robinson could only punch Nicky Shorey's long free-kick to the feet of Cisse, who made no mistake from the edge of the penalty area.

Keane then missed a golden chance to regain the lead for Spurs just before the break.

Ingimarsson slipped under pressure from Berbatov, whose low cross from the right flank left Keane with the goal at his mercy but the Irishman was unable to connect.

Keane's miss was punished eight minutes into the second half, when Ingimarsson put the Royals in front by heading in Shorey's corner.

The header was almost straight at Robinson, but the England keeper failed to react and not for the first time this season was arguably at fault for the goal.

Robinson later redeemed himself by twice diving at the feet of Kitson to deny the Reading striker.

Kitson's hesitation after Cisse's deflected shot dropped to him allowed Robinson to intervene, and the keeper again thwarted Kitson after he had linked up well with Royals midfielder Bobby Convey.

A third Reading goal seemed to be on the cards but a mistake by Graeme Murty gifted Spurs an equaliser.

Substitute Defoe found space on the right and his ball into the box was poorly dealt with by Murty, whose clearance straight to Berbatov allowed the Bulgarian to fire into the roof of the net.

But Reading - without an away win all season - hit back almost straightaway.

Again a Shorey corner was Tottenham's undoing, with Kitson heading in the full-back's perfect delivery.



Almost every attack seemed to result in a goal and with the Reading defence standing still, Berbatov poked the ball beyond keeper Marcus Hahnemann, completing his hat-trick and levelling the match at 3-3.

Astonishingly, Reading regained the lead with their next attack. This time Kitson was released by Stephen Hunt's perfect pass and calmly lifted the ball over Robinson.

Spurs' response was equally emphatic.

They dug out another equaliser on 76 minutes when Tom Huddlestone picked out Malbranque, who shrugged off Sonko's challenge and found the corner of Hahnemann's net.

Three minutes later, Tottenham were awarded a penalty after Sonko fouled Keane.

Hahnemann saved Keane's spot-kick but Defoe was on hand to score from the rebound with a close-range header.

The outstanding Berbatov still managed to have the final say, latching on to Younes Kaboul's long ball and past the beleaguered Hahnemann to finally complete the scoring.

#
Tottenham assistant coach Gus Poyet:
"The positive is that we've shown we are capable of coming back even when we are conceding too many goals.

"We have to look at the positives, be happy with the six goals and three points, and move on.

"It was a great game for Match Of The Day, but not a great game if you were one of the managers."

#
Reading manager Steve Coppell:
"It was great entertainment and if you were impartial it would have been a magnificent game to watch.

"Once we got in front three times we should have put the game to bed, but our nature is to attack.

"As a unit, we've got to question some of what we did. Defensively, we made some bad decisions."

Tottenham: Robinson, Chimbonda, Kaboul, King (Defoe 61), Lee, Lennon (Boateng 67), Jenas, Huddlestone, Malbranque, Berbatov, Keane (Tainio 80).
Subs Not Used: Cerny, Taarabt.

Goals: Berbatov 7, 63, 73, Malbranque 76, Defoe 79, Berbatov 83.

Reading: Hahnemann, Murty (De la Cruz 71), Sonko, Ingimarsson, Shorey, Hunt, Cisse, Harper, Convey (Long 84), Doyle, Kitson.
Subs Not Used: Federici, Lita, Bikey.

Booked: Cisse, Shorey, Long.

Goals: Cisse 16, Ingimarsson 53, Kitson 69, 74.

Att: 36,178

Ref: Keith Stroud (Hampshire).

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

Michael Essien celebrates after putting Chelsea ahead
Essien celebrates after putting Chelsea ahead
Salomon Kalou's late winner sank Newcastle and increased the pressure on under-fire Magpies boss Sam Allardyce.

A depleted Chelsea side took the lead when Shaun Wright-Phillips' shot fell for Michael Essien to slide home.

Magpies keeper Shay Given made a string of fine saves before his side levelled when Wayne Bridge turned Charles N'Zogbia's cross into his own net.

But Kalou had the last word when, despite looking offside, he met a loose ball in the area and fired home.

It has been a miserable festive period for Newcastle, who have picked up just one points in their three games so far.

But this performance will at least give their supporters some heart even if the result will provide scant consolation for Allardyce.

Three Premier League managers have been sacked this season immediately after losing to Chelsea and this latest setback will certainly not help his cause.

Things had looked promising for Newcastle in the early stages, with the visitors enjoying plenty of possession and carving out a couple of decent chances for Obafemi Martins.

And Chelsea, forced into seven changes by injury and suspension, were looking more vulnerable on home turf than they have done for most of their 72-game league unbeaten run here.

But Avram Grant's side gradually found their way into the game and a flurry of chances for the home side followed.

Kalou forced Given into his first save of the match at his near post and the Republic of Ireland international superbly clawed away John Mikel Obi's deflected effort before brilliantly keeping out Alex's close-range heade.

Newcastle were hanging on by now but, although their determination could not be doubted, the defensive problems that have haunted them since Allardyce took charge were again their undoing.

A long throw was only cleared as far as the unmarked Wright-Phillips on the edge of the box and although his shot hit Kalou, it meant Given was stranded and Essien beat Steven Taylor to the loose ball before firing home.



Chances continued to come thick and fast for Chelsea and if Wright-Phillips had found Kalou with his pull-back or directed his header from Joe Cole's cross then the game would have been up for Newcastle by half-time.

Things did not improve for the visitors straight after the break either, with Butt forcing Given into another fingertip save while trying to clear a Wright-Phillips cross.

But Allardyce's men did not give up, with last-ditch blocks by Taylor and Faye typifying their spirit.

And they got their reward in bizarre fashion when N'Zogbia made headway down the left and, although neither Martins or Butt could force his low cross over the line, Bridge, in attempting to clear could only put through his own net.

That set up a thrilling final half hour and Given was again Newcastle's hero, keeping out Kalou's header and diving low to stop Michael Ballack's 25-yard shot.

The Magpies were still threatening too however and only a last-gasp Juliano Belletti clearance stopped Damien Duff from scoring against his old side.

Michael Owen's appearance from the bench after almost two months out with a thigh injury was another lift for Newcastle.

And it seemed they had picked up a hard-earned point until Kalou struck with under three minutes to go.

Obi's shot rebounded off substitute Claudio Pizarro and the ball bounced into the path of Kalou, who appeared well offside but rounded Given to slot home a dramatic winner.

Chelsea manager Avram Grant on Salomon Kalou's controversial goal:
"I didn't see it but we created so many chances that we deserved to win anyway.

"You saw the spirit of the team, they showed great spirit.

"We played some good football, especially in the first half, to create a lot of chances, then showed a lot of character at the end of the game."

#
Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce on Kalou's winner:
"It hurts deeply - not just for me but the players in particular.

"A result has been taken away from us by no fault of our own, by an assistant referee that has got a horrible decision wrong.

"You have to complain when a decision like this is made and it has cost us a crucial result."

Chelsea: Hilario, Belletti, Alex, Ben-Haim, Bridge, Essien, Obi, Ballack (Sinclair 76), Wright-Phillips (Sidwell 90), Joe Cole (Pizarro 65), Kalou.
Subs Not Used: Taylor, Ferreira.

Booked: Alex.

Goals: Essien 29, Kalou 87.

Newcastle: Given, Beye, Taylor, Cacapa, N'Zogbia, Milner, Butt, Faye, Smith (Rozehnal 70), Duff (Viduka 89), Martins (Owen 74).
Subs Not Used: Harper, Emre.

Booked: Faye, Given.

Goals: Butt 56.

Att: 41,751

Ref: Mike Riley (Yorkshire).

BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Chelsea's Michael Essien 7.48 (on 90 minutes).