The trouble with English goalkeepers

There was once a time when English football boasted two such fine goalkeepers that the England management was not sure which one to put in the side.

Benitez hails 'on-fire' Torres

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez hailed Fernando Torres as "on fire" after the Spanish striker hit his second successive Anfield hat-trick to lift his club into fourth spot on the Premier League table on Wednesday. Torres sentenced West Ham to their second 4-0 defeat in four days after a sizzling performance by Benitez's side.

Top English trio start New Year in triumph

It was a case of as you were at the head of the English Premier League as the top three sides all enjoyed a winning start to 2008. Leaders Arsenal remained two points in front with a 2-0 New Year's Day victory over West Ham at the Emirates Stadium. Elsewhere on Tuesday, Manchester United stayed hot on Arsenal's heels after a 1-0 success at home to Birmingham City.

Adebayor sends Arsenal five points clear

Emmanuel Adebayor sent Arsenal five points clear at the top of the Premier League as Arsene Wenger's side won 2-1 against Aston Villa on Saturday. Adebayor headed the winner to extend Arsenal's lead over second placed Chelsea after Mathieu Flamini had cancelled out Craig Gardner's opener at Villa Park.

Spurs denied late win by West Ham keeper

Tottenham had an injury-time penalty kick saved in a 1-1 draw Sunday at West Ham in the Premier League. West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green dived to his left to save the shot from Jermain Defoe, who had earned the penalty after being brought down by Lucas Neill.

United fly high as Chelsea hit City for six

Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez fired Manchester United back to the top of the Premier League on Saturday, as Chelsea served warning that their own title challenge is still alive after the departure of Jose Mourinho. United's 4-1 demolition of Middlesbrough at Old Trafford continued a rich vein of form for the champions, who have won eight consecutive matches in the league.

Hleb injury takes shine off winning run

Arsene Wenger admitted a serious injury to Alexander Hleb had stripped the gloss from Arsenal's 1-0 victory at West Ham. The Belarussian international was stretchered off mid-way through the first half at Upton Park after being felled by a crude, shin-high lunge from Mark Noble.

Reds on top after Derby demolition

Liverpool brandished their credentials as potential English Premiership champions with a 6-0 demolition of Derby on Saturday as champions Manchester United continued to recover from their slow start to the season. The pressure on Tottenham boss Martin Jol increased after his side drew in a six-goal thriller at Fulham.

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