Mirror Football

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham: The Sunday Mirror match report

Steve Stammers — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 21:22:18 GMT

Gunners show grit and resolve of champions to move top

Gunners move top after Hammers defeat

Pa Sports — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:41:01 GMT

Arsenal overcame the sending off of defender Thomas Vermaelen to battle back to the top of the Barclays Premier League with a 2-0 win over struggling West Ham.Denilson fired the Gunners in front after only five minutes as Arsene Wenger's men looked to leapfrog Manchester United and Chelsea, who do not play until Sunday.However, Vermaelen was deemed to have been the last man when he pulled down Guillermo Franco, and was shown a straight red card, but Manuel Almunia saved Alessandro Diamanti's ...

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham: Ten-men Gunners shoot back to the top of the table

MirrorFootball — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:40:01 GMT

Denilson and Fabregas score as Arsenal win despite Vermaelen red card

HT Arsenal 1-0 West Ham: Denilson opens scoring but Gunners down to 10 men

MirrorFootball — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:29:38 GMT

Alessandro Diamanti misses penalty after Thomas Vermaelen shown red

Pictures of the Week, March 14-20, 2010

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 13:23:40 GMT

Welcome to our new Pictures of the Week gallery, your pictorial guide to the past seven days in football.

And what a week it's been: Euro glory - and despair; managerial sackings - and appointments; and, of course, that injury to David Beckham.

Come back next - and every - Saturday for more amazing football pictures from the week that was,

Follow all today's football LIVE!

MirrorFootball — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:24:56 GMT

Text commentary, pictures and stats from all of today's games, plus match reports on the whistle

What do you think will happen in today's games?

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:02:49 GMT

It's shaping up to be a great weekend for football, with the best of the action likely to happen at Old Trafford tomorrow, when Liverpool face Manchester United.There's still plenty of great games to get your teeth into today, however.In the Premier League, Arsenal can do their title ambitions a world of good by beating troubled West Ham, while the race for fourth place sees Spurs travel to Stoke, Villa host rivals Wolves and Everton take on Bolton. And at the bottom, Iain Dowie will manage H...

Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Saturday's papers

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 11:52:54 GMT

From today's Daily Mirror: Benitez: I would rather have Torres than Rooney Reina: I will sign a new deal - I am lucky to be at Liverpool Paolo Di Canio 'dreams' of becoming West Ham boss Zola denies David Gold dressing room rift Tamas set to seal permanent West Brom deal Forest close to clinching permanent deal for midfielder Phillips urges Birmingham to spend wisely this summer From today's other papers:Portsmouth's Serbia international Dusko Tosic is expected to join Swansea on an emer...

Zola happy with owners' interest

Pa Sports — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 11:01:04 GMT

Gianfranco Zola is adamant David Gold and David Sullivan are not compromising his role as West Ham manager by interfering in first-team affairs at Upton Park. The former Birmingham owners rescued the Hammers from the brink of financial meltdown when they took control of the club in a £50million deal in January. The east London club sit just three points above the relegation zone ahead of there Barclays Premier League clash with Arsenal. Zola admits he meets Gold and Sullivan on a regular bas...

Zola denies David Gold dressing room rift

Darren Lewis — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:00:22 GMT

Italian insists he has no problem with the West Ham co-owner visiting the players before games

Paolo Di Canio 'dreams' of becoming West Ham boss

MirrorFootball — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 23:00:11 GMT

Hammers legend plans to kick-start his managerial career next season

3PM Extra: The best things we've found on the internet today - Friday, March 19, 2010

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:25:54 GMT

We don't know if the internet's funny guys are all watching the Cheltenham Gold Cup or what, but there's a distinct dearth of videos doing the rounds today.Still, these crackers should tide you over until it's time to spend your winnings/drown your sorrows come beer o'clock.1) Forget Kauto Star v Denman, the only debate we care about is who's better: Messi or Rooney? Our new star columnist Jermain Defoe had his say earlier on today, and now you can make your own mind up courtesy of this handy...

The Plugger vs...The Rifles

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:49:07 GMT

You know how it is with celebrities these days - they're always trying to flog you something. Well, we thought it was about time they did something for us in return.So, from now on, anyone wanting to hawk their wares on the pages of MirrorFootball will have to submit to an interrogation by The Plugger first.If you want us to buy your DVD/book/video game/embossed tea-towel etc, then you need to tell us, amongst other things, if you've ever had sex in a football shirt. Seems like a fair deal, n...

Arsenal will be underdogs against Barcelona, admits Wenger

John Cross — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:56:20 GMT

Manager urges his players to concentrate on West Ham rather than Champions League, though

'This is where it starts to matter, where every game counts' - Martin Lipton previews a crucial weekend in the title race

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:56:54 GMT

A week off for United and Arsenal. A week of woe for Chelsea.And with a potentially titanic and pivotal weekend to come, the shape of the title race could take a dramatic and decisive shift.Arsene Wenger and his players know this is their opportunity to really turn up the heat.Beat West Ham at The Emirates - something they should accomplish with the minimum of fuss - and the pressure will really be turned up on their rivals.The three-point haul that is within the Gunners' grasp would take Ars...

Listen to the new MirrorFootball podcast - March 19, 2010

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:19:24 GMT

Welcome to the new MirrorFootball podcast - available to download from MirrorFootball.co.uk every Friday, and also via subscription on iTunes.This week: Daily Mirror assistant sports editor Alan McKinlay, 3PM columnist Steve Anglesey and Daily Mirror reporter Darren Lewis look ahead to a massive weekend of Premier League action.Can Liverpool upset Manchester United at Old Trafford? Will Chelsea recover from their Champions League exit to stay on course for the Premier League title? Can West H...

Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Friday's papers

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:33:00 GMT

From today's Daily Mirror:Robinho set for early City return due to Santos salary row Riera banished from Liverpool due to bust-up with young reserve player - Exclusive Arsenal and Man City target Yaya Toure rules out move to Premier League Sunderland offer olive branch to Spurs in bid to land defensive star McLeish warns West Ham they won't get Brum stars by using a FIFA loophole Fergie Jnr hoping dad will sell him midfielder in the summer Blackpool set to raid Crystal Palace for veteran defe...

MirrorFootball's Best XI: Beardies

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:00:21 GMT

After the soaraway successes of our Baldy XI and our Ginga XI, this week we want your help to compile the all-time Beardy XI.That's right, those fells with the best facial fuzz in the business are about to get their moment in the sun.To help you out, we've compiled the magnificent gallery of hirsute heroes above, but no doubt you will have plenty of thoughts of your own.You can nominate your players by leaving a comment below, posting on our Facebook page or joining in the debate on our Twitt...

Exclusive Carlton Cole interview: Injuries, West Ham's relegation battle and the World Cup

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:00:56 GMT

Carlton Cole claims he is winning the battle against his wounded knee after support from fellow patient Fabio Capello. The West Ham striker missed two months of action after snapping his posterior cruciate ligaments back in November. But as he faces a crucial two months for club and country, he revealed he has been boosted on his road to recovery by the England boss who underwent his own knee replacement op in January. "He spoke to me when I was out injured," revealed Cole. "He had a knee ope...

McLeish warns West Ham they won't get Brum stars by using a FIFA loophole

James Nursey — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:45:20 GMT

Sebastian Larsson and Liam Ridgewell will not be reunited with Sullivan and Gold

Portsmouth set to field weakened side against Hull in response to nine point penalty

Alex Crook — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:45:11 GMT

Avram Grant says winning the FA Cup is now the team's priority

Hitchcock lands Hammers role

Pa Sports — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:11:05 GMT

West Ham have appointed Kevin Hitchcock as their new goalkeeping coach following the departure of Ludek Miklosko.Miklosko made 375 appearances for the Hammers during a seven-year period at the club before joining the coaching staff at Upton Park in 2001.Hitchcock, who held a similar post at Blackburn and Manchester City, will take charge of coaching West Ham's number one stopper Robert Green as the Hammers look to avoid relegation from the Barclays Premier League.A statement on the club's off...

Strawberry blond? Who are you kidding! The best Ginga XI of all-time

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:15:12 GMT

So, ladies and gentlemen, here it is... the best Ginga XI - EVER!In honour of Paul Scholes scoring his 100th Premier League goal for Man United recently, we wanted your nominations for a team packed with carrot-topped heroes.Thanks to all of you who sent us your suggestions via Twitter and Facebook.There will be another one later this week, so keep an eye out on our Twitter and Facebook pages for the details.But now, without further ado, here is the definitive all-time Ginga XI...Goalkeeper: ...

Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Thursday's papers

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:51:28 GMT

From today's Daily Mirror:Chelsea planning dream team pairing of Drogba and Torres Abramovich will stick with Ancelotti and bankroll £140million summer spree Villa target £9m deal for Spurs ace - Exclusive Wolves star Hahnemann targets survival and a new deal Interest grows in QPR's Alejandro Faurlin Riera's broadside at Rafa's 'sinking ship' Gary Johnson faces Bristol City axe Other rumours and gossip:Pavlyuchenko pledges future to Spurs Mancini reassures Toure over Man City future Villa to ...

Davenport leaves Hammers

Pa Sports — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:31:03 GMT

Calum Davenport had his West Ham contract terminated by mutual consent.The 27-year-old has not played since sustaining substantial leg injuries in a stabbing incident last October, although he had recently returned to training.A West Ham spokesman said: "After what has been a traumatic period of time for Calum, we feel that it would be in his best interests to allow him an opportunity to put what has been a difficult few months behind him and restart his career afresh."Davenport's contract wa...

Rocket science, own goals and bouncebackability - The life and times of Iain Dowie

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:24:42 GMT

Following the dismissal of Phil Brown, Iain Dowie has been appointed Hull City manager.Dowie: I'm relishing Hull challenge Dowie has been out of the managerial game for a while - despite having the perfect face for radio he has been most recently employed as a TV pundit for Sky - and now has nine games to save Hull from relegation. We wish him luck with that.MirrorFootball's Richard Arrowsmith looks at the life and times of one of the Premier League's most recognisable managers...1) The one t...

Brady to meet athletics chiefs

Pa Sports — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:21:02 GMT

West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady was on Wednesday meeting UK Athletics chiefs to discuss the future of the 2012 Olympic Stadium.UKA confirmed that Brady was holding talks with their chairman Ed Warner over the club's hopes of transforming the venue into a Barclays Premier League stadium after the Games.The meeting comes ahead of the publication of an Olympic Park Legacy Company document inviting expressions of interest in the stadium's future use.West Ham had hoped to gain sole use of the ...

3PM Extra: The best videos we've found on the internet today - Wednesday, March 17

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:08:50 GMT

It's almost Guinness o'clock! But if you've already exhausted our amazing St Patrick's Day Irish football legends archive special, then here's some ace footy vids to help while away the time until you can stuff your face with potato and cabbage and fall down drunk in the street in the name of religious martyrs.1) Following hot on the heels of Alan Shearer's legendarily brusque newspaper interview last week, we present further evidence that Wor Alan could well be the most curmudgeonly man in f...

Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Wednesday's papers

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:38:26 GMT

From today's Daily Mirror:Real Madrid target Ashley Cole Davenport seeks clean break from West Ham Blades set for sweeping cuts if promotion bid fails - Exclusive Arsenal given Fab fitness boost - Exclusive Hull appoint Dowie as new manager - Exclusive Beckham feeling 'positive' after surgery - but doc says World Cup return unlikely Portsmouth set for Premier League points penalty What's wrong with Steven Gerrard? And could he be about to leave Liverpool? From today's other papers:Arsenal t...

Davenport seeks clean break from West Ham

James Nursey — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:26:09 GMT

Defender wants to settle his contract so he can prove his fitness elsewhere

3PM Extra: The best videos we've found on the internet today - Tuesday, March 17

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:56:36 GMT

Day one of Cheltenham is over, and already the Mirror Football shirt is lost. With nothing left to play for except the fun of seeing how many days Alan Brazil will miss of his TalkSport show due to extreme thirst, we're taking solace in these brilliant football videos from the interweb.

1) Not sure, but we THINK this might be a foul...

Zola: Chelsea vs Inter will go to extra time

Neil McLeman — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:00:32 GMT

Former Blues striker reckons the sides won't be separated after 90 minutes

Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Tuesday's papers

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:59:01 GMT

From today's Daily Mirror: Spurs agree £6m deal for Brazilian wonderkid Grant refuses to commit to Pompey - Exclusive Beckham: I'll be back Campbell wins legal battle with Portsmouth I should still be Chelsea boss says Mourinho Hull want Hughes to replace sacked Brown From today's other papers:Calum Davenport has played his last game for West Ham. The defender is back in training after suffering leg wounds in a stabbing last year, but the Hammers are desperate to cut costs so have agreed...

West Ham legend Miklosko axed as goalkeeping coach - Exclusive

Alan Nixon — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:00:32 GMT

Hammers dump ex-keeper to bring in former Chelsea keeper Kevin Hitchock

3PM Extra: The best videos we've found on the internet today - Monday, March 15

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:49:53 GMT

As the nation's tanning salons and karaoke bars shut as a mark of respect for Phil Brown, here's another selection of brilliant football videos.

1) Not the greatest of weekends for David Beckham. He's out of the World Cup and, to add insult to injury, Brazilian Baiano's ripped off his greatest moment in Paulisto's win against Prudente.

Ask John Cross your football questions in our live webchat on Monday lunchtime

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:00:52 GMT

Want to talk about the weekend's football? Want to get something off your chest? Want to ask something about your club? Want to know about life as a leading football journalist?Then join Daily Mirror football writer John Cross, our king of the back page exclusives, online on Monday from 12.30pm-1.30pm in our Monday Mouth-Off series - the new place for you to chat with Daily Mirror reporters about everything that happened on another wild weekend in the Premier and Coca-Cola Leagues.To ask a qu...

Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Monday's papers

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:45:18 GMT

From today's Daily Mirror: Liverpool set for cash boost - but still face losing Torres Birmingham owner vows to spend big this summer Beye escapes O'Neill wrath after admitting he wants to quit Villa Parker not giving up hope of England World Cup call-up Beckham's World Cup dream ended by torn Achilles tendon From today's other papers:Trying to sign Wayne Rooney and linking him up with former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo has beocme an "obsession" for Real Madrid, says pres...

Chelsea 4-1 West Ham: The Daily Mirror match report

Martin Lipton — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:30:47 GMT

Mourinho holds no fear for Blues after brilliance of Malouda and co

Parker not giving up hope of England World Cup call-up

Martin Lipton — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:00:25 GMT

West Ham midfield star desperate to add to his three international caps

West Ham chief plays down Carlton Cole injury concerns

MirrorFootball — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:00:24 GMT

Gianfranco Zola insists there is no long-term problem with striker's knee

Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Sunday's papers

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:57:20 GMT

Stories from today's Sunday Mirror:Liverpool set sights on Stephen IrelandTorres warns Liverpool: Buy top-class players or I am offManchester United to make summer swoop for Brazil aceYobo poised to quit Everton after Moyes rowStories from today's other papers:Spanish giants Real Madrid have made Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard their number one transfer target and believe they can tempt the midfielder away from Anfield with a £30m bid. (People)Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has ope...

Chelsea 4-1 West Ham: The Sunday Mirror match report

Paul Smith — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:00:07 GMT

Didier Drogba hits double to put Blues back on top

Chelsea go top after Hammers triumph

Pa Sports — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:21:03 GMT

Chelsea went back to the top of the Barclays Premier League with a comfortable 4-1 win over West Ham at Stamford Bridge.Brazilian defender Alex headed Chelsea in front in the 15th minute but Scott Parker levelled with a stunning volley on the half-hour.Didier Drogba rose unmarked to restore Chelsea's lead in the 55th minute and Florent Malouda added a third 14 minutes from time. Drogba then added his second of the game in the 89th minute to put Carlo Ancelotti's side one point clear of Manche...

Chelsea 4-1 West Ham

Mirror Football — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:05:06 GMT

Didier Drogba, Florent Malouda and Alex ruin Gianfranco Zola's Bridge return and put Blues back on top

HT: Chelsea 1-1 West Ham

Mirror Football — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:03:16 GMT

Parker wonder goal cancels out early Alex strike

Follow all today's football LIVE!

MirrorFootball — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:39:54 GMT

Text commentary, pictures and stats from all of today's games, plus match reports on the whistle

Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Saturday's papers

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:26:14 GMT

From today's Daily Mirror:Liverpool keeping a close eye on Alex McLeish's contract talks with Birmingham as Rafa Benitez continues to struggle at AnfieldEverton ready to offer TEN players new long-term dealsManchester City chasing Benfica strike star Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini tells Shaun Wright-Phillips to stop moaning over his new contract and focus on the fight for fourth spot From today's other papers:Real Madrid are said to have had informal talks with Manchester United over a ...

Big Interview: Alessandro Diamanti - 'I want to be a West Ham legend like Paolo Di Canio'

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:45:02 GMT

By Neil McLemanAlessandro Diamanti wants to save West Ham like Carlos Tevez and be loved like Paolo Di Canio.But the the Italian gem, who has shone in his first season in English football, admits he still has to prove his mettle to join the list of Irons legends. Scoring the spectacular winner at Stamford Bridge with his left foot tomorrow - as Di Canio did in 2002 - would definitely help.The 26-year-old's stunning individual goal against Bolton last weekend was certainly reminiscent of Upton...

Zola targets 10 more points to beat the drop

MirrorFootball — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:01:29 GMT

Hammers chief: 'I think we have enough quality here to do it'

3PM Extra: The best videos we've found on the internet today - Friday, March 12

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:42:19 GMT

It's double feature Friday at 3PM Extra today, where we bring you two brilliant videos for the price of one. Well, six for the price of three if you're being pedantic.

1) When he's not brawling in the park with Nicky Barmby, Hull's Jimmy Bullard is out filming spoof shampoo adverts...