International friendly preview: Italy v France

France manager Didier Deschamps is determined to reshape the culture of the team when they travel for Wednesday’s friendly against Italy. Deschamps, who has guided France to two wins, two draws and one loss since his appointment in July, believes his charges are undisciplined and spoilt. “What is lacking in the French players? Order, respect, rules? All of this. In France, players have too much… Read more

Fabregas: Wenger will lead Arsenal to titles

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas believes Arsene Wenger will launch a Premier League title challenge with Arsenal this season. Fabregas, who left Arsenal in August 2011, believes the 62-year-old has a ‘special talent’ for developing young players and maintains he still monitors the progress of his former club. “Arsene Wenger is amazing and I’m sure he will prove it again this season. He always finds the… Read more

UEFA Champions League Group B preview: Giroud returns to Montpellier

Olivier Giroud makes an emotional return to Montpellier as Arsenal start their Champions League campaign on Tuesday. The French striker impressed for the Ligue 1 champions last term before making the move to the English Premier League. But he has taken time to settle at the Emirates Stadium, still goalless for the north Londoners heading into the Group B encounter at the Stade de la… Read more

Arsenal chairman talks up title hopes

Chairman Peter Hill-Wood believes Arsenal can win the Premier League for the first time since 2004 after starting the season unbeaten. The Gunners drew 0-0 against Sunderland and Stoke City before beating Liverpool 2-0 and, while Hill-Wood is unconcerned by their trophy drought, he thinks they can challenge for silverware this season. “We have a pretty good chance of challenging for the Premiership,” he told… Read more

Owen signs for Stoke

Stoke City have confirmed the signing of Michael Owen on a one-year contract. The 32-year-old, who was released by Manchester United in the summer, will join Tony Pulis’ side subject to approval from the Premier League. The striker moved to Old Trafford back in 2009 as Sir Alex Ferguson looked to bolster his attacking options following Cristiano Ronaldo’s 80 million pounds to Real Madrid. Despite… Read more

Cristiano Ronaldo has our full support, says Kaka

Kaka has stressed that Cristiano Ronaldo has the full support of his Real Madrid team-mates in the wake of his admission that he is unhappy at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Portugal international cited ‘a professional issue’ as the reason behind his revelation , but the Brazilian has made it clear that he has the backing of his colleagues on the matter. “Cristiano is a key… Read more