Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal: Hazard the star of the show as Gunners are put to the sword at the Bridge... and furious Wenger SHOVES Jose

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MARTIN SAMUEL - CHIEF SPORTS WRITER AT STAMFORD BRIDGE: A one-man team? Chelsea are so much more than that this season. Those who believe the title race rests on the hamstrings of Diego Costa may have to reconsider after this. For a good 75 minutes, Arsenal snuffed out Costa's threat. It did not matter. Chelsea were still on course for victory, through the quite brilliant Eden Hazard. Just when Arsenal began imagining they might get a point from the game, a perfect long pass by Cesc Fabregas killed them. Outstanding at the back, tireless through midfield, this Chelsea team is the real deal.

Bianchi having surgery on severe head injury after crash with recovery vehicle cuts short Japanese Grand Prix

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Jules Bianchi has had surgery on a severe head injury sustained after he crashed into a vehicle recovering Adrian Sutil's car during Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix. The race was ended after the incident involving the Marussia driver, who failed to respond when his team radioed to ask if he was OK.

Courtois taken to hospital for tests after being KO'd by Sanchez knee

A paramedic team rushed to the Chelsea dressing room just moments after Thibaut Courtois was substituted after just 23 minutes at Stamford Bridge.

Massa: I was screaming for the race to be stopped before Bianchi's crash

Jules Bianchi is undergoing surgery after sustaining a serious head injury in a collision with a recovery vehicle sent out to retrieve Adrian Sutil's Sauber.

Stones to be assessed in next 48 hours after injuring ankle ligaments

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 05:  John Stones of Everton is stretchered off during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on October 5, 2014 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Roberto Martinez has confirmed that John Stones injured his ankle ligaments during Everton's 2-1 defeat against Man United and will be assessed over the next 48 hours.

Manchester United 2-1 Everton: De Gea in sensational form as Falcao and Di Maria secure another nail-biting win for Van Gaal

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IAN LADYMAN AT OLD TRAFFORD: It would appear that David de Gea's transformation from Manchester United weak link to one of the Barclays Premier League's top goalkeepers is now complete. De Gea, of course, proved himself a fine goalkeeper some time ago. Last season he was one of the bright spots of United's awful campaign under David Moyes. Here at Old Trafford, however, the Spaniard produced something on a different level entirely to ensure that Louis van Gaal's team clung on to three points they will perhaps badly need ahead of games against Chelsea and Manchester City in the coming weeks.

Tottenham 1-0 Southampton: Eriksen strike hands Pochettino victory against his former club and Spurs a first win in five

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Southampton fans teased Mauricio Pochettino about his linguistic limitations but a single strike by Christian Eriksen in the first-half translated into Tottenham's first win in four games in the Barclays Premier League.

OLD TRAFFORD PLAYER RATINGS: De Gea the star performer as Naismith and Stones shine for Everton

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea makes a save near the end of the game

Manchester United held on to record a 2-1 win over Everton in their Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Sunday.

MATCH ZONE: Falcao and Van Persie fail to live up to their reputations but Colombian finally gets his first goal

He left the field to an ovation fit for a hero. Radamel Falcao had his first goal for Manchester United and it proved to be decisive in clinching victory over Everton at Old Trafford.

Di Maria named official man of the match but Argentine says De Gea deserved award after string of saves

Oct 5th 2014 - Manchester, UK - MANCHESTER UTD V EVERTON  - Man Utd DAVID DE GEA CELEBRATES AT FINAL WHISTLE 2-1 
PIcture by Ian Hodgson/Daily Mail

Man of the match Angel di Maria said his award should have gone to Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea after his side recorded a 2-1 win over Everton.

MATCH ZONE: Cesc makes a mockery of Arsenal's taunts with masterclass

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 05:  Cesc Fabregas of Chelsea points during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on October 4, 2014 in London, England.  (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

It only took 10 minutes for the first 'F*** off Cesc Fabregas' chants from the away end. But the Spaniard made light of them to produce a brilliant performance in the London derby.

PLAYER RATINGS: Terry proves his worth with colossal performance

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 05: John Terry of Chelsea celebrates victory during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on October 4, 2014 in London, England.  (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

NEIL ASHTON AT STAMFORD BRIDGE: Chelsea continued their unbeaten start to the Premier League season with a confident 2-0 win over Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

Three in a row for Hamilton as he extends lead over Rosberg... but celebrations are tempered at Suzuka amid fears for Bianchi

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Lewis Hamilton notched up his third straight victory to move 10 points clear of title rival Nico Rosberg after winning a rain-affected Japanese Grand Prix that was overshadowed by a crash involving Jules Bianchi. The Brit pulled off a stunning overtake on his Mercedes team-mate on lap 29 and never looked back, pulling clear to win his eighth grand prix of the season at Suzuka. But Hamilton's celebrations were muted after Marussia driver Jules Bianchi was taken to hospital following a crash with a recovery vehicle.

Wenger shoves Mourinho as old rivalry boils over in Arsenal's trip to Stamford Bridge

Arsene Wenger manager / head coach of Arsenal goes over to Jose Mourinho the head coach / manager of Chelsea and pushes him resulting in a scuffle between the two managers

Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho's rivalry spilled over at Stamford Bridge on Sunday when the Arsenal manager shoved his counterpart. Wenger was furious with Gary Cahill's rash tackle on Alexis Sanchez which saw the Chelsea defender booked in a fiercely-contested encounter. 

Celtic 0-1 Hamilton: Accies go top as Crawford heaps misery on Bhoys

Ali Crawford's second-half strike gave Hamilton an historic 1-0 victory over Celtic as Accies enjoyed their first win at Parkhead in 76 years.

Nottingham Forest 2-2 Ipswich: Last-gasp Antonio header denies Tractor Boys after Murphy brace

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Michail Antonio's late header salvaged a point for Forest and maintained their unbeaten start to the Championship campaign.

Fabregas: Arsenal fans will be in my heart forever but I'm at Chelsea now and I want to win everything 

Cesc Fabregas told Arsenal fans they would be in his heart 'forever' after helping Chelsea beat the Gunners 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Roy's Rooney slip-up! Hodgson in gaffe over captain's Liverpool accent

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 24:  England manager Roy Hodgson shouts instructions as Stewart Downing looks on during the England Training session on May 24, 2012 at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England.  (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

England manager Roy Hodgson suggested that Wayne Rooney would not be able to stand up and lecture a room full of people because of his accent.

Refereeing error cost us a point at Old Trafford, insists Everton boss Martinez

Roberto Martinez accused referee Kevin Friend of costing Everton a point at Manchester United because of refereeing blunder at Old Trafford.

Premier League team of the day: Aguero and Cisse supply firepower in Saturday's star XI... but who else makes the cut? 

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Each week Sportsmail gathers up the ratings from our team of reporters to provide the best Premier League starting XI of the day. Saturday saw Liverpool get back on track with a 2-1 home win over West Brom and Manchester City keep in touch with leaders Chelsea after their win at Aston Villa. There were wins too for Hull City and Sunderland, while Leicester City vs Burnley and Swansea vs Newcastle ended two-apiece.

Arsenal should have had THREE men sent off, insists Mourinho before rare catch-up with Abramovich

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Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho thought Arsenal trio Laurent Koscielny, Calum Chambers and Danny Welbeck should have bee sent off during Chelsea's 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge but refused to criticise referee Martin Atkinson. The Portuguese boss thought the three Arsenal stars, who were all cautioned, should have seen red rather than yellow. 

Phelps set to take a break from swimming to 'better understand' himself following drink-driving arrest

Michael Phelps of the US reacts following the men's 100 m butterfly heat at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre on the Gold Coast on August 23, 2014. The Pan Pac swimming competition continues until August 24. AFP PHOTO / PATRICK HAMILTON ---IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE---        (Photo credit should read PATRICK HAMILTON/AFP/Getty Images)

Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps has confirmed that he will take a break from swimming to attend a programme following his arrest for drink driving.

YAYA TOURE WATCH: He scored the opener but remains an enigma

JACK GAUGHAN AT VILLA PARK: Is Yaya back? You can't tell. For every searing drive there is a lazy waft of the right boot and shrug of the shoulders.

City were not entirely convincing... but they did what they needed to do

Manchester City's players celebrate with Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero, after he scores their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Manchester City at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on October 4, 2014. Manchester City won the game 2-0. AFP PHOTO/BEN STANSALL
RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images

PATRICK COLLINS: City remembered their duty to play like champions. Two goals in the dying embers of a testing match restored their confidence that their title can be retained.

'It's f****d!': Burgess battles on after fracturing cheekbone in NRL Grand Final... his last game before moving to Bath

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Sam Burgess ensured he'll leave South Sydney Rabbitohs with an indelible place in the club's folklore after playing almost the entire NRL Grand Final with a suspected fractured cheek bone. The England forward, bound for Bath in the Aviva Premiership at the season's end, clashed heads with countryman James Graham after taking the first hit-up of the match against Canterbury-Bankstown. He carried on regardless, his heroics made all the more sweet as the Rabbitohs went on to claim their first premiership in 43 years.

Park unveiled as Manchester United ambassador alongside Fergie

The pair enjoy a joke on the pitch at Old Trafford, before Park Ji-sung is unveiled as a club ambassador

Former Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung was unveiled as a club ambassador at Old Trafford on Sunday, and was joined by his former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Sale 25-14 Wasps: Arscott continues good form as Sharks show bite to hold off Wasps and secure win 

Tom Arscott scored his fifth Aviva Premiership try of the season as Sale secured their second victory with a 25-14 triumph over Wasps.

City to consider Toure's future and champions could line up ex-United youngster Pogba or Toon star Tiote

Toure has had a poor start to the season in the wake of the bizarre spat he had with the club at the end of last season and has caused consternation at the Etihad.

Reus tracked by City after he refuses to sign new contract with Dortmund

Manchester City have asked to be kept informed on developments with Marco Reus at Borussia Dortmund. who has a £20m release clause.

Pietersen's autobiography hits the shelves tomorrow... here are the questions he should answer (but probably won't)

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Kevin Pietersen's much anticipated autobiography is published on Monday and English cricket waits to see the extent of his score-settling at the end of a chequered international career. Yet KP seems intent on avoiding difficult questioning, with no press conference planned for the cricketing media and one-on-one interviews being refused, even to the likes of respected BBC correspondent Jonathan Agnew. Here, cricket correspondent PAUL NEWMAN asks the questions that, with respect to Graham Norton and the presenters of Blue Peter, he is unlikely to face.

Liverpool 2-1 West Brom: Relief for Rodgers as Henderson strike earns win

epa04431629 Liverpool's Jordan Henderson (R) celebrates with his teammate Steven Gerrard (C) after scoring the 2-1 lead during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool FC and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield in Liverpool, Britain, 04 October 2014.  EPA/PETER POWELL DataCo terms and conditions apply 
http://www.epa.eu/files/Terms%20and%20Conditions/DataCo_Terms_and_Conditions.pdf

JOE BERNSTEIN AT ANFIELD: Liverpool returned to winning ways with Everton fan Adam Lallana scoring his first goal for the club since his £23million summer move from Southampton.

To lose my father was terrible, but it made me determined to succeed, admits West Ham striker Sakho

27 September 2014 - Barclays Premier League - Manchester United v West Ham United - Diafra Sakho of West Ham scores a goal past the stranded David de Gea of Manchester United - Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

When Diafra Sakho left the desperate poverty of west Africa to begin his footballing career in France, he had more than enough inspiration to succeed.

Van Gaal is a control freak! Old rival Cruyff is quick to point out flaws

EXCLUSIVE BY ROB DRAPER: It is clear that Johan Cruyff, one of the world's finest ever footballers, is less than impressed with Manchester United's current manager.

ANGEL DI MARIA EXCLUSIVE: They say size doesn't matter... I'll prove them right and become a star like Hazard and Silva

Being the Premier League's most expensive player can feel like a curse - just ask Robinho, Andriy Shevchenko and Fernando Torres. But for Manchester United's record £60million buy Angel di Maria, signed from Real Madrid in the summer, there have been few teething problems so far in adjusting to life at Old Trafford - apart from the language.

Bayern stars don their Lederhosen in trip to Oktoberfest

This picture of Thomas Muller was posted by Bayern Munich's Twitter account with the caption, '#Müllered'

After an unbeaten start to the Bundesliga season, Bayern Munich's players were rewarded with a visit to Oktoberfest on Sunday. Bayern have won five and drawn two of their opening seven games, and were treated to a day off to don their Lederhosen, in what has become an annual trip to the festival.

Sunderland 3-1 Stoke: Fletcher double gives Poyet's side first league win

Steven Fletcher of Sunderland celebrates his second goal of the game

NICK HARRIS AT THE STADIUM OF LIGHT: Steven Fletcher scored his first goals since last December to put Sunderland on the road to their first Premier League win.

Hull 2-0 Palace: Diame and Jelavic condemn Warnock to first defeat

04 October 2014 Premier League Football ; Hull City v Crystal Palace ; Mo Diame celebrates after scoring a goal for Hull.
Photo: Mark Leech

JAMES McMATH AT THE KC STADIUM: Steve Bruce spent close to £40m in the summer, but he can't have done better than signing Mohamed Diame and Andy Robertson.

Leicester 2-2 Burnley:Wallace nets dramatic 96th-minute equaliser

MARTHA KELNER AT THE KING POWER STADIUM:As the Leicester players trudged downcast into the tunnel, Sean Dyche marched onto the pitch to congratulate his.

Toure answers critics with opener before Aguero caps impressive showing with second for City to ruin Benteke's return

Sergio Aguero  of Manchester City celebrates scoring his sides second goal

ASTON VILLA 0-2 MANCHESTER CITY - ROB DRAPER AT VILLA PARK: He had not dominated the midfield; there were not the rampaging runs of old; at times he even looked a little bit lost, as he has all season. Yet as the game closed in and City grew ever more desperate, slowly, surely the influence of Yaya Toure began to be felt.

Sharapova beats Kvitova to win China Open and return to No 2 in the world

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Maria Sharapova outlasted Petra Kvitova 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 to win the China Open and return to No 2 in the rankings. The fourth-seeded Sharapova won her fourth title of the year and first since capturing her fifth Grand Slam title at the French Open in June. With the win, the 27-year-old will jump over Simona Halep and Kvitova to the No 2 spot in the rankings, behind Serena Williams. 

Real's current crop are BETTER than last season's Champions League winners, insists Ancelotti

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CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST: Carlo Ancelotti believes that his current Real Madrid side are better than last season's Champions League winners.

Silva is one of the best foreign imports of all time, raves Carragher

Manchester City's Spanish midfielder David Silva runs with the ball during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Manchester City at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on October 4, 2014.  AFP PHOTO/BEN STANSALL
RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images

Jamie Carragher has heaped praise on David Silva after the playmaker dazzled in Manchester City's win against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Balotelli needs to score more goals, warns Liverpool boss Rodgers 

Former Manchester City and AC Milan forward Mario Balotelli needs to score more goals, according to Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers.

Pires, Del Piero, James and Co join forces to launch inaugural Indian Super League

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Robert Pires and Alessandro Del Piero were just two of the stars present as the Indian Super League trophy was launched ahead of the inaugural season. The league, which launches on October 12, features a blend of ageing European stars and local players. As well as Pires (FC Goa) and Del Piero (Delhi Dynamos), Freddie Ljungberg (Mumbai City), David James (Kerala Blasters), Luis Garcia (Atletico de Kolkata), Mikael Silvestre (Chennaiyin FC), David Trezeguet (Pune City) and Joan Capdevila (Northeast United) were also present. 

Watch Eibar midfielder Saul score stunning volley as Spanish minnows come from behind twice to earn 3-3 draw with Levante

Eibar midfielder Saul Berjon scored a Goal of the Season contender in a 3-3 draw with Levante

Midfielder Saul Berjon scored a Goal of the Season contender, volleying home in a style reminiscent of Manchester United legend Paul Scholes. 

Cruyff: Man United were wrong to appoint 'great manager' Moyes

Johan Cruyff says Louis van Gaal needs to organise his team better while David Moyes never should have been appointed as Manchester United manager.

Man United step up interest in Oxford as Hammers face fight to keep teen

Reece Oxford of West Ham - Fulham Under-21 vs West Ham Under-21 - Barclays Under-21 Premier League Football at Motspur Park Training Ground, Surrey - 19/09/14 - MANDATORY CREDIT: Paul Dennis/TGSPHOTO - Self billing applies where appropriate - contact@tgsphoto.co.uk - NO UNPAID USE

Manchester United are stepping up their interest in West Ham's teenage defender Reece Oxford.
The 15-year-old is already a target for Arsenal and Chelsea.

Stones recalls life-changing summer as Everton defender prepares to face Falcao in Old Trafford encounter

Highly-rated Everton youngster John Stones has revealed that one life-changing summer during his teen years prompted his mesmeric rise to the top.

GLENN HODDLE: The stars have aligned for Welbeck... he has a golden chance to take centre stage for both Arsenal and England

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A wonderful opportunity is opening up for Danny Welbeck over the next few weeks. At last, he can play where he has always wanted.  It's very unfortunate that Olivier Giroud is injured for Arsenal and Daniel Sturridge is out for England. For Welbeck, though, these circumstances have presented him with the chance to establish his credentials. For both club and country, it is all finally coming together for the 23-year-old striker.

Messi and Neymar deadly in front of goal as Barcelona beat nine-man Rayo

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RAYO VALLECANO 0-2 BARCELONA - PETE JENSON: Lionel Messi edged closer to the all-time top league scorer record in Spain with a first-half goal.

Alves will be offered new deal despite eyeing move to Premier League

epa04429719 FC Barcelona's forward Leo Messi (R) and Brazilian defender Dani Alves in action during a training session held in Barcelona, north-eastern Spain, 03 October 2014. FC Barcelona will face Rayo Vallecano in a Spanish Primera Division League soccer match on 04 October at the stadium of Vallecas in Madrid.  EPA/Toni Albir

Dani Alves will be offered a new contract by Barcelona.
He is out of contract next summer and suggested he was ready to move to England next year.

Caballero reportedly offered money to throw a game earlier this year

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart during warm-up with team-mate Willy Caballero prior to the Community Shield match at Wembley Stadium, London.

 PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday July 13, 2014. Goalkeeper Willy Caballero insists he did not join Manchester City to sit on the bench - and has warned Joe Hart he will fight for the number one spot at the Etihad Stadium this season. See PA story SOCCER Man City. Photo credit should read Nick Potts/PA Wire.

File photo dated 10-08-2014 of

Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero was offered money by match-fixers to throw a game earlier this year, according to reports in Spain.

Van Gaal will see out contract even if United don't reach Champions League

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has insisted he will serve his full term at Old Trafford - even if the club fail to qualify for the Champions League.

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Pardew lives to fight another day as Cisse double rescues Newcastle at Swansea

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SWANSEA 2-2 NEWCASTLE - RIATH AL-SAMARRAI AT THE LIBERTY STADIUM: It took 12 minutes before Newcastle's fans started their weekly invitation for Alan Pardew to seek alternative employment. The greater question is over how much more time Mike Ashley is willing to give him.

Horror start for champions as ruthless Valencia put Atletico to the sword

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VALENCIA 3-1 ATLETICO MADRID - RIK SHARMA: Atletico Madrid were stunned by a vibrant Valencia side who scored three goals in the first 13 minutes.

McCoist praises Rangers' away record after win at Livingston stretches unbeaten spell to two years

Rangers boss Ally McCoist praised his players after Saturday's triumph over Livingston ensured they have now gone two calendar years without an away league defeat.

Balotelli left OUT of Italy squad but Southampton striker Pelle is included

Football - Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion - Barclays Premier League - Anfield - 4/10/14
 Liverpool's Mario Balotelli looks dejected
 Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Carl Recine
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Mario Balotelli has been left out of Italy's squad again by new coach Antonio Conte, who has favoured Southampton striker Graziano Pelle instead.

Podolski targeted by Juventus and Inter Milan in January window

ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 04:  Lukas Podolski of Arsenal seen during a training session at London Colney on October 4, 2014 in St Albans, England.  (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Juventus and Inter Milan will go head-to-head in January as they both try to sign Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski has found himself out of favour at the Emirates.

Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Hamburg: Lasogga compounds misery for Klopp's outfit in shock away win

Hamburg clambered off the bottom of the Bundesliga table as Pierre-Michel Lasogga compounded Borussia Dortmund's poor start to the league season. 

Van Gaal orders attacking stars to help Man United's flagging back line

Louis van Gaal believes his team will not improve until they learn to be more disciplined - with his attacking stars needing to stop giving away possession so easily.

Moore and Neville join concussion campaign amid injury concerns

Brian Moore and Gary Neville this week became the latest high-profile former international sports stars to back the Mail on Sunday's concussion campaign.

STEWART DOWNING: I was treated so badly by Rodgers at Liverpool, but I'm flying now

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Stewart Downing once had good reason to be angry with Wayne Rooney. He was pitch-side in Gelsenkirchen, warming up and ready to go on little more than an hour into a World Cup quarter-final against Portugal. 'I was desperate to be on the same pitch as players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo,' he says.

History suggests
Low is right to fear
October test as Ireland and Poland wait for Germany

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GRAHAM HUNTER'S EUROVIEW: We all know that it sometimes suits football's coaches and players to speak with forked tongue. If you are exceptional at reading what's said, but dyslexic about what's between the lines, then you're in trouble. However it may well be that when Joachim Low pin-pointed Germany's matches with Poland and Ireland as the most difficult he expected to face there was no subterfuge.

FLAMINI ON FABREGAS: My only regret is that we didn't win trophies together at Arsenal

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Mathieu Flamini has one regret concerning Cesc Fabregas. It is not that he didn't return to Arsenal this summer, nor that he will be facing the Gunners in the blue of Chelsea on Sunday afternoon. It is that the two of them never experienced winning a trophy together at Arsenal. They both grew up at the club. They became and remain great friends. And they are neighbours in north London, living almost next door to each other. But Flamini remembers great years at Arsenal which ultimately ended up as memories of what might have been.

REVEALED: How Arsenal almost signed Messi at 16... only a work permit stopped Barca star moving

Barcelona junior team group including Lionel Messi (Bottom left), Gerard Pique (Top Row 3rd from left) and Cesc Fabregas (Top Row 2nd from right)

Arsene Wenger came within a whisker of signing Lionel Messi from Barcelona when he was just 16. Wenger wanted to sign three players in 2003 - Messi, Gerard Pique and Cesc Fabregas.

I'm not a machine! Toure hails strike but City star insists he's only human

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Yaya Toure admitted it felt 'amazing' to fire his first Barclays Premier League goal of the season and drive champions Manchester City to a crucial win.

Bassong set for loan move to Championship rivals Watford

Sebastien Bassong of Norwich City celebrates after scoring the equaliser with team mates Ryan Bennett (L) and Anthony Pilkington (R) during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Norwich City at Goodison Park on November 24, 2012 in Liverpool, England.  (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Sebastien Bassong is poised to join Watford on loan next week.
Bassong, 28, was captain under Chris Hughton but has fallen out of favour with manager Neil Adams.

Sturridge signs new five-year Liverpool deal which could see him earn up to £150,000-a-week

Liverpool FC ?@LFC 1m1 minute ago

#LFC are delighted to confirm that Daniel Sturridge has committed his long-term future to the club #SturridgeLFC

Daniel Sturridge has agreed a new five-year contract with Liverpool which will keep the striker at Anfield until at least 2019 and see him earn up to £150,000-a-week.

Leeds takeover in 2012 allegedly part-funded by Iranian government

Leeds new owner Massimo Cellino -------------------- Ben Queenborough / BPI Sky Bet Championship 2013/14 QPR v Leeds United Loftus Road (London, GB) 01 March 2014  2014 Ben Queenborough / BPI, all rights reserved

Leeds United were embroiled in fresh controversy amid claims the club takeover in 2012 may have been partly financed by a fund co-owned by the Iranian government.

Sturridge, Cahill and Henderson appointed 'unit leaders' by Hodgson

It is often said that the greatest leaders are those who delegate responsibility. World leaders have all spoken through history of spreading power amongst the right people.

All Blacks' 22-game unbeaten run finally ended as South Africa convert late penalty

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NEW ZEALAND 25-27 SOUTH AFRICA: Patrick Lambie's late long-range penalty consigned New Zealand to just their second defeat in 38 Test matches as South Africa edged to a Rugby Championship victory at Ellis Park. New Zealand had expected Dane Coles' first Test try that overturned an 11-point deficit to tie up victory in Johannesburg.

Vettel's £50m-a-year deal set to spark driver shake-up and could spell the end for Button

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Sebastian Vettel has left Red Bull and will join Ferrari in a deal worth about £50million-a-year, making him the highest paid driver in history. He broke the news about his departure by sending a text to his boss Christian Horner, asking him to come to his hotel room at Red Bull's hotel in Suzuka, where the Japanese Grand Prix will take place tomorrow.  Sportsmail understands that Vettel was in tears as he told Horner his heart was set on a move to Ferrari. 

Back in the Mood! World Cup-winner Lewis loving his first coaching role... in Wiltshire!

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It was when Lewis Moody met up with his former England team-mates earlier this week that it struck him just how much he had missed rugby and how glad he is to be back in the game again. On Wednesday night, the 36-year-old was among familiar faces at the Dorchester Hotel in London to take his place at Jonny Wilkinson's testimonial dinner. The following evening, he was a world away from that glittering occasion, taking training at Bradford-on-Avon RFC in his new role as the club's director of rugby.

Watson takes 'full responsibility' for 2014 Ryder Cup loss against Europe

Phil Mickelson of Team US (R) speaks with US Team Captain Tom Watson on the sixth tee during the fourball match on the first day of the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Gleneagles Hotel in Gleneagles, Scotland, on September 26, 2014. AFP PHOTO/GLYN KIRK        (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)

USA captain Tom Watson was openly criticised by Phil Mickelson, just two hours after the contest ended in a 16.5 points to 11.5 victory for the hosts at Gleneagles.

Lancaster's new deal won't prevent him coaching Lions, promises RFU

Stuart Lancaster's record six-year contract will not stop the England boss coaching the British and Irish Lions in 2017.

Pietersen is 'most gifted but difficult' player to lead, says his former captain

Kevin Pietersen of England walks from the ground after he was dismissed by Peter Siddle of Australia during day three of the Second Ashes Test match between Australia and England at Adelaide Oval on December 7, 2013 in Adelaide, Australia.  (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

The captain who tipped Kevin Pietersen's kitbag out of the dressing room window has described his former team-mate as a 'most gifted but difficult' player.

Warrington adds European title with stunning display against Dieli in Leeds

Josh Warrington celebrates his victory over Davide Dieli to win the European Featherweight title contest at the First Direct Arena, Leeds. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday October 4, 2014. See PA story BOXING Leeds. Photo credit should read: Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire

Josh Warrington won the vacant European featherweight title in his home city with a fourth-round TKO of Davide Dieli at the First Direct Arena in Leeds.

Nishikori claims Japan Open title after defeating Raonic in three sets 

US Open runner-up Kei Nishikori has beaten Milos Raonic of Canada 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-4 in the final of the Japan Open to win his fourth ATP Tour title of the season.

Wigan 16-12 Warrington: Burgess the hero as Warriors leave it late

WIGAN, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 03:  Anthony Gelling of Wigan Warriors celebrates scoring a second half try during the First Utility Super League Qualifying Semi-Final match between Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves at DW Stadium on October 3, 2014 in Wigan, England.  (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Joe Burgess grabbed a Grand Final place for Wigan with a dramatic try two minutes from the end. Burgess touched down in the left corner after a flowing move with the semi-final locked at 12-12.

JAMIE CARRAGHER: My anger at Sterling contract story... Why this back page left me seething ahead of crunch West Brom clash

It has been another difficult week for Liverpool. A last-minute equaliser conceded in the Merseyside derby followed by a Champions League defeat to Basle has put the club in the spotlight. Amid all that gloom, though, is one shining light: Raheem Sterling. So on Friday morning, when I saw the back page of this newspaper, I was sent into a rage. A headline reading 'Kop fight to keep Sterling' was not what was needed before a game of huge significance for Liverpool.

PATRICK COLLINS: Wonga's name spoils Newcastle's shirts... it's time for football to stop swimming with loan sharks

Roland Aarons of Newcastle United

Wonga, the payday loan company, has been required to write off £220million of debts for 330,000 customers. The FCA has taken action because Wonga had been granting loans to customers without checking that they could afford the repayments.

MARTIN KEOWN: Mourinho's Chelsea are driven, tenacious and hungry and can be new Invincibles

Chelsea

Could we be seeing the first signs of a team who can go unbeaten all season? Chelsea look impressive and have it in them to go the distance without defeat - they can become the new Invincibles.

LAURIE WHITWELL: Benteke will be the boost Villa need, but fans have to remain patient until striker is fully fit

MIDLANDS COLUMN: Christian Benteke made his return to match action for Aston Villa's U21s, but fans must be patient.

ADRIAN DURHAM: Balotelli is an overpaid penalty taker! Rodgers is setting himself up for a fall

Mario Balotelli is an overpaid penalty taker who no longer takes penalties. Brendan Rodgers will need more than good luck to come out of this one looking clever.

JAMIE REDKNAPP: Never write off Gerrard, Dzeko is invaluable and Rooney could have hurt himself

I had to laugh this week when people started writing Steven Gerrard off. Liverpool have a few bad results and all of a sudden it's his fault? Don't be ridiculous.

MARTIN SAMUEL: Rooney sees red but so did Keane, Gerrard and Vieira - and no-one called them bad captains

MARTIN SAMUEL: Wayne Rooney was shown a red card for Manchester United and, predictably, many would have him shown the door as captain, too. I didn't agree and wrote about it. Over to you...

MATT LAWTON: Fergie in disguise? Van Gaal refuses to answer questions and takes aim at the press

MATT LAWTON: Louis van Gaal clearly sees something of himself in Wayne Rooney. It will be why he chose him - a similar reason why Sir Alex Ferguson opted for Roy Keane as his skipper.

NEIL ASHTON: Lampard, Beckham and rest of 'Golden Generation' should be the next England boss

Frank Lampard is one of the Golden Generation, players from the Sven Goran Eriksson era who can help to shape the future of the English game.