Portsmouth manager blamed a lack of a cutting edge for his side's 1-0 defeat by Manchester City.

Portsmouth manager Paul Hart blamed a lack of a cutting edge for his side's 1-0 defeat by Manchester City. Pompey remain without a point from their opening four games, but Hart insists there is plenty of reason for optimism after running big-spending City close at Fratton Park. The south coast side should have claimed their first point of the campaign when substitute David Nugent fluffed a glorious late chance. "I thought we played very well, I was pleased with the way we went about our job," said Hart. "I think we lacked a bit of forward movement because when we got behind them we caused them problems. "It was a great opportunity (for Nugent) to score at the end and I'm disappointed we didn't." Meanwhile, Hart has denied reports claiming David James missed the game as the England goalkeeper had asked for a transfer. "He's the best goalkeeper in England," added Hart. "At the moment he's injured so you would think that would limit it."

Atletico Madrid have rejected claims that Sergio Aguero could be heading to Chelsea.

Atletico Madrid have rejected fresh claims that Sergio Aguero could be heading to the Premier League to join Chelsea.

Weekend reports claimed the Argentina international striker had been the subject of a club record £45million offer from the Blues.

Manchester United are also rumoured to be interested in signing the diminutive 21-year-old forward.

However, Atletico insists that Aguero is not for sale and have included him in their squad for Wednesday's Champions League play-off clash with Panathinaikos to illustrate their desire to keep hold of him.

"Aguero travelled with us (to Athens) to play and there is no chance of a sale," warned coach Abel Resino.

"This rubbishes all the rumours that have been in the newspapers."

A similarly bullish club president Enrique Cerezo added: "We have not received an offer from Chelsea.

"This story happens each summer but our answer is always the same. Sergio will stay with us."

Mach review :Sunderland v Chelsea

Both clubs have new managers at the helm since they met at the Stadium of Light on the final day of last season. And both got off to winning starts with their new clubs.

Carlo Ancelotti guided Chelsea to a 2-1 victory at home to Hull City on the opening day, the eighth successive year they have won their first fixture - a Premier League record.

Steve Bruce led Sunderland to a 1-0 win at Bolton Wanderers thanks to a goal by Darren Bent who netted on the opening day for the fourth time in five years.

Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League meetings with the Black Cats since 2001.

Sunderland have never won their opening two fixtures in the Premier League but the Blues have achieved that feat in five of the last six seasons.

Wenger paints a European picture

The Arsenal boss flew in to Glasgow on Monday for the first leg of the Champions League play against Celtic on Tuesday night and claimed that there was no financial pressure on him to get to the group stages of the competition.

However, in the context of discussing whether Celtic or Rangers would be a welcome addition to the Premier League, Wenger expanded his views on the future of the game.

And in doing so, the Frenchman claimed greed could eventually put an end to the Champions League.

"I believe you have two parts of Scottish club football; you have Rangers and Celtic and then the rest," the Frenchman said.

"I would say that Celtic and Rangers could compete, certainly, in the Premier League in the top eight. "The other teams at the moment are not equipped for that.

"But I see more of a European League developing in time anyway. "The national leagues will survive, but maybe in 10 years you will have a European League.

"The way we are going now financially, even the money coming in from the Champions League for some clubs who spend so much money will not be enough anymore because the income is basically owned by UEFA and they distribute the money to the clubs.

"I'm not sure 100 per cent that I am right, but I feel that there are some voices behind the scenes in our game aiming to do something about a European league, especially if the rules become too restrictive for the big clubs as things currently stand."

Wenger continued: "If a European league (does happen) the question is whether clubs will transfer from a national league or whether it is a franchised European league.

"That's the question people will have to answer.

"I personally believe only in sporting merit, so if one league is created there has to be promotion up and down. "But that would be, practically, very difficult to resolve.

"I do not want to kill the national leagues so each team should have to play in the national league and in Europe.

"That means the Euro league taking place in midweek and the national league over the weekend.

"All this would mean having two teams, basically."

Al-Fahim: Takeover on track

Portsmouth chairman Sulaiman Al-Fahim has insisted that his takeover the club is running smoothly, despite the worry of the club's fans.

Transfer activity throughout the summer has seen players leave Fratton Park rather than arrive, concerning Pompey fans.

And as Al-Fahim missed current owner Alexandre Gaydamak's one-week deadline to takeover the south coast club, fears that the deal had fallen through had increased.

But the Dubai businessman has claimed that the process is still ongoing.

"The takeover is still on course and in fact has never strayed off course," said spokesman Ivo Ilic.

"That is why he was there and I think the white coat was a statement of intent."

Meanwhile, caretaker manager Paul Hart admitted he was in the dark about the situation, which is concerning his squad of players.

"I treat the players with respect and try to keep them informed of what's going on," he claimed.

"Of course, the players want to know what is happening. They ask questions and I try to give them answers.

"But I can only give answers to the questions I know the answers to...it's all getting a bit like Fawlty Towers."

Rafael Benitez furious with the match official decision.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez launched a stinging attack on the match officials after seeing his side lose their opening game of the season 2-1 to Tottenham.

Benitez was outraged after referee Phil Dowd turned down two penalty appeals with his side trailing to goals from Benoit Assou-Ekotto and debutant Sebastien Bassong.

Assou-Ekotto appeared to block off Andriy Voronin and then handle the ball in the penalty area, but each time Dowd turned down the Reds' appeals.

"Everybody could see there was a penalty against Voronin. It was so clear, it is unbelievable," said Benitez.

"With this referee, I knew this (another penalty) was impossible.

"We had a meeting the other day and they said we cannot talk about the referee as a person or the decisions, but I think everybody today could see the situation."

Benitez was also unhappy with fourth official Stuart Atwell after seeing his number two, Sammy Lee, sent to the stands for protesting.

"For the fourth official, he is a young referee and maybe he has to calm down a little bit," added the Spaniard.

"I do not know how old he is, but the fourth official is too young."

David Beckham rules out chances of Premier League return

England manager Fabio Capello last week warned Beckham that he stood no chance of being on the plane to South Africa next June if he did not negotiate another loan spell with a top European club, and Beckham has taken heed of this warning but is adamant he will not return to English football.
Recent months have seen he 34-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder linked with Tottenham and Chelsea, but Beckham, while acknowledging that he must find a club, has ruled out any notion of truth in the speculation.
Related Articles Beckham's World Cup warning Milner and Defoe book World Cup spotsCapello reassures star duo Big-money signings suffer on England duty Defoe comes of age Capello: England made stupid mistakes When asked if he will return to the Premier League, Beckham told the Sun: "No. It's important I'm playing in a European league leading up to the World Cup [but] I enjoyed my time at Milan and they want me to go back, Milan is one of the top clubs in the world."
News that he will once again return to play in Europe is unlikely to earn him any more fans on the West coast of America.
Beckham has been involved in a number of altercations with fans since returning from Italy last month, with LA Galaxy supporters calling into question his commitment to the club.
However, focusing on England, Beckham, who this week was handed his 113th cap against Holland, expects the scrap for places in Fabio Capello's squad to hot up when the Premier League season starts this weekend.
Despite starting in midweek, Theo Walcott remains first choice over Beckham on the right flank, with Shaun Wright-Phillips, James Milner and Aaron Lennon breathing down their necks.
"Without a doubt competition for places is growing stronger," Beckham said. "It's like that week-in, week-out and it's what you want in a World Cup year."
"Hopefully once we qualify that will continue because you want competition, it's what makes great teams. If no-one is pushing you then you are not pushing yourself so it's important we've got that."

Essien up for elusive trophy

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien believes new manager Carlo Ancelotti could be the missing piece in their Champions League jigsaw.

The Blues have reached five semi-finals and one final in the last six seasons, but Essien is confident that the arrival of the Italian coach can help them secure an elusive first European crown.

Ancelotti won the Champions League twice with former club AC Milan.

"We are already enjoying his company and methods," said Essien. "Everyone knows we have been in five Champions League semi-finals in six years and one final.

"We are desperate to win the biggest trophy in club football and I strongly believe our new boss can help us do it.

"He has been there, done it and got the shirt for it and we are already getting the vibe from him.

"The squad has been together for a long time and we are all yearning and hungry for more trophies."

Chelsea are planning contract negotiations with Nicolas Anelka

Chelsea are planning contract negotiations with Nicolas Anelka, according to the agent of the France striker. Anelka, 30, has been at Stamford Bridge since January 2008 and agent Doug Pingisi is expecting to hold talks over a new deal for his client. The well-travelled striker scored 19 Premier League goals for the Blues last season. "I think we will be having talks with Chelsea next week about Nicolas' contract," revealed Pingisi. "Nicolas has two years left on his present contract and I think Chelsea would like to extend it. "We plan to sit down and have talks with Chelsea about Nicolas' future." The former Bolton Wanderers, Manchester City, Arsenal and Real Madrid striker has scored 27 goals in 75 appearances for Chelsea.

Cesc Fabregas remain for Arsenal believes Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger has categorically ruled out the possibility of Cesc Fabregas leaving Arsenal for Barcelona this summer. The Gunners boss has, on several occasions in the past, denied reports linking the Spain international midfielder with a return to his boyhood club. But on the eve of the new Premier League season and following a fresh wave of reports in recent days linking Fabregas with a £45million move to the European champions, Wenger has issued a firm denial. "Do you really think we sell now our players one day before the championship starts, players who are basic players of the team? There is no chance," he declared. "You cannot stop people from having a lot of creative imagination during their sleepless nights, but that does not mean we will do it." Meanwhile, Wenger has again insisted that he is not close to completing any moves to bolster his own squad. "If we need to add one or two more, the transfer period is open until August 31," he added. "Ideally you want not to move any more, but you always have to adjust. If there is a need there, we will do it."

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has confirmed his interest in signing Newcastle United winger Damien Duff

The Republic of Ireland international is believed to have been the subject of a £4million bid from the Cottagers and Newcastle are considering whether to sell the 30-year-old wideman.

Duff spent three seasons with Fulham's west London rivals Chelsea and has previously worked under Hodgson at first club Blackburn Rovers.
"The clubs are talking and I hope the deal will go through. He's a player that interests us," confirmed the Fulham boss.
"Damien and I go back a long way from when we worked together at Blackburn. He wants to come back to west London.
"Damien had injury problems at Chelsea and has done well at Newcastle given the turmoil there.

"Every time he's played for Ireland he's consistently been one of their best performers.
"We know what we'd be getting with Damien. He's an experienced and quality player."
Meanwhile, Hodgson has revealed that former Newcastle striker Mark Viduka will not be joining the Cottagers.
The veteran Australia striker met with Hodgson on Thursday but is not looking to play on in the Premier League.
"I wanted to know if he wanted to continue playing in the Premier League but by the end of our discussion it was pretty clear he'd made his decision to leave it behind and start a new life," added Hodgson.
"With Mark it was always going to be a long shot because we realised when he left Newcastle it wasn't to go somewhere else, it was to start a new life."

New contract signed by Torres for Liverpool.

Fernando Torres has put pen to paper on a new and improved contract which potentially ties him to Liverpool until 2014. The Spain striker agreed terms earlier in the summer and has now signed the new deal on the eve of the new Premier League season. Torres is under contract at Anfield until summer 2013 and the Reds have an option for a further year's extension in the new deal. "Fernando is one of the best strikers in the game and, at his age, can only get better," said manager Rafael Benitez. "Every major side would want him in their team, but he has shown how much he wants to achieve success at Liverpool by committing his future to the club. "He's a special talent, but still has the hunger to improve his game." Torres has scored 50 goals in 84 appearances since joining the Reds from Atletico Madrid two years ago. The 25-year-old hot-shot has now set his sights on winning the Premier League with Liverpool. "I am not thinking can we win the title, I am thinking we have to win the title," he claimed. "We came so close last season but for many of the players it was their first time experiencing the pressure of a Premier League title race."

Chelsea win the FA community sheild beating Champions ManU in penalties 4-1

Chelsea lifted the Community Shield after a 4-1 penalty shootout victory over Manchester United at Wembley. Ninety three incident-filled minutes ended with the FA Cup winners and Premier League champions level at 2-2.

The Blues lifted the shield following a comprehensive victory in the shootout, with Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra missing their spot-kicks. Textbook 12-yard efforts from Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack, Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou sealed a first trophy win at Stamford Bridge for new manager Carlo Ancelotti. The two sides were even throughout regular time, but a stoppage-time Wayne Rooney equaliser cancelled out a controversial Lampard goal to make it 2-2. It was Sir Alex Ferguson's side which started the game the brighter, having the better of the first half, despite the first chance of the game falling to Branislav Ivanovic of Chelsea. From a corner, the full-back crashed a volley into the ground which was headed onto the crossbar by Evra, providing a narrow escape for the champions after just six minutes. But the rest of the half belonged to United, with the first goal of the game coming four minutes later.

Nani, who was the star of the show in the first period, danced his way inside from the left wing to fire a bouncing shot from 25 yards, which evaded Petr Cech at his far post. The rest of the first half saw United dominate, with Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov linking up well. Nani also showed his worth to

Sir Alex Ferguson in his bid to succeed fellow countrymen Cristiano Ronaldo as United's wing hero, but the Portuguese player was forced off in the second period favouring his arm, in what could be a serious injury. Chelsea appeared for the second half with a new sense of purpose and were rewarded with an equaliser on 52 minutes. Ricardo Carvalho crept into the United area unmarked and casually nodded the ball into an empty net after Ben Foster parried a meaningless cross. And their comeback was complete when Lampard netted 20 minutes later. The goal did not come without controversy, as referee Chris Foy allowed United an advantage with Evra on the floor holding his face after being body-checked by Ballack. Moments earlier, Foy brought play to a halt when Ballack was on the ground. But this time play continued, with Chelsea winning the ball back and racing forward. Lampard completed a simple attack, netting after the Red Devils were outnumbered in defence. This was to the fury of United's players, particularly Rooney.

The match became disjointed in the last half hour, but substitute Giggs came up with a final piece of magic in the second minute of injury time. A delightful pass behind the Chelsea back four saw Rooney race onto the ball, before neatly chipping over to earn a draw. But it all proved academic in the end result, as the brilliant penalty-taking technique of Chelsea secured an easy shootout win.

Patrick Viera – Return of a legend?

In a move that no one expected, Arsene Wenger seems to be trying to resign club legend Patrick Viera back to Arsenal. The move, which could only be eclipsed by the return of Theirry Henry, could see Viera make the move back to North London for almost nothing, four years after leaving for Italy.

Viera had been rumoured to return to London with Arsenal’s arch rivals Tottenham Hotspur, but a move to champions league football and a hero’s welcome would obviously be his preferred choice. After being voted as Arsenal’s fifth greatest player ever in 2008, Viera would be a popular signing by Wenger, although there is some debate over the motivation for the move.

Over the course of the last season, many experts agreed that Arsenal were lacking in a natural leader and dominating force in the centre of midfield, to hold the team together and provide a platform for the more attacking players to launch off. Currently the Arsenal midfield can be considered quite lightweight, and Viera’s presence would certainly harden their resolve. However, Wenger has already signed Belgian midfielder Thomas Vermaelen, so one questions why another defensive midfielder is needed, especially one in the autumn of his career.

Although players like Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Claude Makalele have all shown in recent years that older players can still compete in the Premier League, signing a 33 year old player certainly does not fit Wenger’s ethos of signing young talent, despite the signing of Mikael Silvestre last season. Instead, Viera may be seen as a back up player, whose main role is to help nurture the development of players such as Alex Song and Abou Diaby rather than an immediate solution to Arsenal’s midfield problems.

Although there is huge debate over whether Viera can perform in the league, his possible signing could very well be one of the signings of the season, up there with Michael Owen’s move to Manchester United. Viera’s last appearance in the famous red shirt was the 2005 FA Cup final, in which he scored the winning penalty; it would be poetic justice, and huge testimony to Arsene Wenger’s vision, if Viera was a key part of the squad that ended Arsenal’s four year trophy hiatus.

Didier Drogba signs a new contract

Didier Drogba has ended speculation over his future by signing a new contract with Chelsea. The Ivory Coast striker has put pen to paper on a three-year contract with the Blues to keep him in West London until 2012. Drogba's previous contract was due to expire in 2010. The 31-year-old endured an indifferent start to the 2008-09 season, but produced some of his best form in the run-in, netting in the Blues' FA Cup final victory over Everton. Drogba has scored 55 goals in 134 league appearances for the Blues. "I have decided to extend my contract with Chelsea for two extra years and I am very happy and proud to continue to wear the blue of Chelsea until then," he told the club's official website. "I love the club, I feel good here and I want to continue to win titles with them. "But my number one objective is to win the Champions League. I am convinced that this year we can go to the end and finally lift this trophy.

"I'd like to take advantage of this message to thank the Chelsea supporters who have always encouraged me with fervour as well as all my fans."

Xabi Alonso on his way to Real Madrid

Liverpool have confirmed that they have agreed an undisclosed fee for the sale of Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid.

The 27-year-old has let it be known that he wants to leave Anfield and head to the Bernabeu and he now only has to pass a medical to seal a return to his homeland.

A fee of around £30million has been rumoured, after Liverpool were initially reluctant to enter discussions about a deal.

Alonso joined Liverpool in the summer of 2004 from Real Sociedad and has gone on to score 18 goals in 210 appearances for the Reds in all competitions.

He almost left Merseyside 12 months ago, coming close to joining Italian giants Juventus, before returning to the fold and enjoying a fine season for Rafe Benitez's side.

Alonso is now poised to follow compatriot Alvaro Arbeloa in heading home, with the full-back having already sealed his move to the Bernabeu.

Liverpool eye Alberto Aquilani to replace U know "who"

Christian Purslow, the Liverpool managing director, met Jose Angel Sanchez, his Real Madrid counterpart, before the Liverpool's 3-0 defeat to Espanyol in Barcelona to discuss Alonso's move after Real requested face-to-face talks.
And should Madrid stump up the £30 million asking fee, Benitez could offer a chunk of that fee to Roma for Italy internatioanl Aquilani.
Related Articles Alonso relieved by Real progress Benitez: I want Alonso to stayAlonso poised for Real dealReal set to improve Alonso bidLiverpool to move for VillaLiverpool not budging on Alonso Roma great Giuseppe Giannini believes Aquilani would be a success at Anfield should he leave the Italian capital.
"Aquilani would do well at Liverpool," said Giannini. "He would not have any problems adapting to the Premier League. English football is perfect for Aquilani.
"He has all the right characteristics to do well there. He will show Liverpool what he is all about.
"I have no doubts that Liverpool will sign a great player in Aquilani. I think his future will be in the Premier League."
This morning's Daily Mail claims that Stephen Defour, the Standard Liege midfielder, is also on Benitez's radar

Everon in search for ex-Gunner Senderos

Everton have confirmed that they have opened talks with Arsenal's Switzerland international Philippe Senderos.

However, chairman Bill Kenwright insists no deal for the 24-year-old, who spent last season on loan at AC Milan, has been finalised.

The Swiss Football Federation claimed on Monday evening that Senderos had agreed to move to Goodison Park.

However, Kenwright told the Toffees' official website: "We have been negotiating with Arsenal for the transfer of Philippe.

"Nothing has been concluded yet but talks are ongoing."

Senderos joined the Gunners from Servette five years ago and has featured in more than 100 first-team games for Arsene Wenger's side.

During his season-long loan spell at the San Siro, the defender played 19 matches for the Rossoneri.

De Rossi cools Gunners link

AS Roma's Italy international midfielder Daniele De Rossi has dismissed renewed rumours linking him with a move to England to join Arsenal.
The 26-year-old has been mentioned as a target for several clubs in England, but De Rossi insists that he is in no rush to leave the Italian capital.

De Rossi told the Italian media: "Arsenal? I have not heard anything.
"Roma have said I am not for sale and I only want to stay here.
"Obviously things would change if Roma wanted to sell me, but they have always wanted to keep me."
De Rossi has spent the whole of his professional career with Roma, while he has also won close to 50 caps for the Italy national team.