Real Madrid's Bid for Jermaine Pennant

As revealed by skysports.com, Pennant was attracting interest from La Liga and now Real have made a bid for Liverpool man as they look to bring in a new winger in the January transfer window.

New Real coach Juande Ramos has made a new right-sided winger one of his top priorites and they have been linked with a host of players including Ashley Young, Aaron Lennon and CSKA Moscow's Milos Krasic.

Real have been priced out of the move for the trio and now they have turned their attentions to forgotten Liverpool man Pennant.

Pennant has made just four appearances for Liverpool this season and it appears he does not figure in Rafa Benitez's long-term plans.

The former Birmingham and Arsenal ace is out of contract in the summer and he could agree a pre-contract with any interested continental sides next month.

Real are now hoping to do a deal with Liverpool to bring Pennant to El Santiago Bernabeu when the transfer window reopens.

Liverpool could be willing to cash-in on Pennant next month rather than risk losing the 25-year-old for nothing at the end of the season.

Premier League Boxing Day Fixtures

Aston Villa v Arsenal, 17:15 

Chelsea v West Brom, 13:00 

Liverpool v Bolton, 15:00 

Man City v Hull, 15:00 

Middlesbrough v Everton, 15:00 

Portsmouth v West Ham, 13:00 

Stoke v Man Utd, 12:45 

Sunderland v Blackburn, 15:00 

Tottenham v Fulham, 13:00 

Wigan v Newcastle, 15:00

All times in GMT.

Premier League Boxing Day Fixtures

Aston Villa v Arsenal, 17:15 Chelsea v West Brom, 13:00 Liverpool v Bolton, 15:00 Man City v Hull, 15:00 Middlesbrough v Everton, 15:00 Portsmouth v West Ham, 13:00 Stoke v Man Utd, 12:45 Sunderland v Blackburn, 15:00 Tottenham v Fulham, 13:00 Wigan v Newcastle, 15:00

All times in GMT.

Blackburn Back To Winning Ways

Blackburn 3-0 Stoke

Rovers reign got off to the perfect start with an impressive win against Stoke City.

Benni McCarthy's penalty, awarded after Ibrahima Sonko fouled Morten Gamst Pedersen, opened the scoring in the ninth minute.

Jason Roberts bundled home the second from close range and McCarthy turned in a third before half-time.

Roberts was denied by Stoke keeper Steve Simonsen after the break and McCarthy also shot against the post.

Allardyce will have been delighted by the endeavour and cutting edge displayed by his new team, while Stoke City's display was the perfect illustration of why they have not won away from home in the Premier League this season.

Stoke did manage a revival of sorts in the second half, but Blackburn were never in serious danger of seeing their lead clawed back.

New boss Allardyce was given a rousing reception when he was introduced to the Blackburn fans prior to kick-off - and they were rapturous again after a dream first 45 minutes for Paul Ince's successor.

Roque Santa Cruz was ruled out with a calf strain sustained in training on Friday, but McCarthy and Roberts hinted that life will go on at Blackburn if the striker, who is again being linked with a move to Manchester City, leaves Ewood Park in January.

Stoke lost keeper Thomas Sorensen with a finger injury in the warm-up, and deputy Simonsen soon found himself picking the ball out of the net.

Referee Peter Walton had a simple decision when Sonko's horribly mistimed tackle felled Pedersen, and McCarthy blasted home the spot-kick.

Blackburn doubled their lead after 18 minutes, Roberts scrambling home from close range after Brett Emerton's cross rebounded into his path off Ryan Shawcross.

Allardyce's new charges were out of sight nine minutes later when McCarthy slotted in from 12 yards after Simonsen had saved from the former Porto striker.

Stoke pressed to try and gain a foothold in the game after the break and almost succeeded, with Amdy Faye heading over from inside the six-yard area and Glenn Whelan curling a 20-yard free-kick just wide.

Roberts should have added his second and Blackburn's fourth with 15 minutes left, but Simonsen plunged at his feet to save as he raced clear.

McCarthy almost grabbed his hat-trick from the resulting corner but his powerful low drive bounced away off the outside of an upright.

Stoke had at least threatened after the interval, and Seyi Olifinjana's 20-yard shot brought a fine save from Blackburn keeper Paul Robinson, with Ricardo Fuller steering the rebound wide.

Richard Cresswell then saw his shot strike the woodwork but Blackburn were in control and Allardyce's mission to save them from the drop is up and running.

Aston Villa Move Into Third Place in the EPL

place in the Premier League after James Milner's deflected late goal sank West Ham.

An open first half saw Ashley Young hit the post for Villa after running on to a poor Scott Parker back-pass but West Ham dominated after the break.

Carlton Cole headed an easy chance over and was denied twice from close range by Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

The visitors looked short of ideas until Milner's 78th-minute cross looped off Lucas Neill and into the net.

The goal was harsh on the Hammers, who had looked by far the most likely to break the deadlock but instead saw their miserable home form continue.

Villa, meanwhile, move above Manchester United and are now only four points behind leaders Liverpool, although they have played more games than all of their title rivals.

Martin O'Neill's men arrived at Upton Park having enjoyed the luxury of resting senior players in the midweek Uefa Cup defeat in Hamburg, their progress already sealed in that competition.

But, while the visitors may have been refreshed, it still took them time to get into the swing of things and it was the Hammers who began much the brighter.

Craig Bellamy had already seen one snap-shot saved by Friedel when he met Herita Ilunga's long ball and fired in an angled effort that the goalkeeper did brilliantly to push away.

Neill should also have done far better when Calum Davenport headed a Mark Noble free-kick into his path, swinging at the ball as it flew invitingly across the six-yard box and seeing his mis-hit volley fly wide.

An inability to find the net is the root of the Hammers' problems this season - they began the game just a point and a place above the relegation zone after scoring only four goals in their previous 10 league games.

And they were handed an early warning about their wastefulness here as Villa began to wake from their slumbers.

Villa's first chance saw Steve Sidwell fire just wide from Ashley Young's quickly-taken free-kick.

Sidwell missed the target again with another shot soon afterwards but only by a fraction after Gabriel Agbonlahor capitalised on a heavy touch by Neill and escaped down the left before sending in a low cross.

side were under pressure and they did not help their cause when Parker attempted to play the ball back to Green but instead only found Ashley Young, who rounded Rob Green but then hit the outside of the post.

The visitors also had a case for a penalty when Neill tangled with Gareth Barry as the ball flew over their heads inside the area and Green had to keep out shots by Milner and Barry before the break.

At that stage things looked ominous for West Ham but, strangely, Villa lost their way completely at the start of the second half.

Ashley Young and Agbonlahor, so prominent earlier on, disappeared from view and it was the Hammers who should have taken the lead when Cole met Neill's cross at the far post but failed to keep his header down with the goal gaping.

Only a last-ditch Luke Young tackle denied Cole again seconds later when he tried to meet Bellamy's cross at the near post but he still forced Friedel into a save after picking up the loose ball.

And Friedel was forced into yet another stop when Cole managed to find space to get his shot away from an even tighter angle in a similar position.

Villa had barely threatened since the interval but they still collected all three points thanks to a massive stroke of luck.

Milner was trying to cross the ball from the left-hand side of the penalty area but instead it hit Neill and left Green helpless as it dropped under the crossbar and over the line.

Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool

Robbie Keane struck a stunning equaliser as Liverpool remained top of the Premier League and maintained an eight-point advantage over Arsenal.

Robin van Persie put Arsenal ahead after collecting a long pass from Samir Nasri that he brilliantly controlled before smashing home.

Keane's equaliser was equally spectacular, drilling home a long punt upfield on the half-volley.

Emmanuel Adebayor saw red in the second half after picking up a second yellow.

Liverpool had been on top at the time of Adebayor's 62nd-minute dismissal but the home team competed manfully after losing their Togo striker and were good value for their point.

The visitors could now lose top spot in the league if Chelsea defeat Everton on Monday, while Arsenal remain fifth in the table.

Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas said in the week before the game that defeat for his team would have effectively spelled the end of their title challenge

Having drawn the fixture the Gunners remain in the hunt but an injury to Fabregas on the stroke of half-time does little to improve their prospects.

Rafael Benitez, whose team have already beaten Chelsea and Manchester United this season, missed the game as he recovers from surgery to remove kidney stones but the Liverpool boss did pick the team.

Keane, an unused substitute against Hull last weekend, returned as one of four changes from the team that drew with Hull last weekend.

Steven Gerrard played just behind the Irishman and the two combined after 10 minutes for the opening opportunity of the game. Keane looked to be yards offside as he collected a long ball but Gael Clichy had played him on and the striker laid the ball off to Gerrard, whose shot from 20 yards was saved by Manuel Almunia.

Arsenal took time to settle, struggling to play their fluent passing game. However, Adebayor forced a save from Pepe Reina with a header after he met Bacary Sagna's cross from the right.

And Van Persie put Arsenal ahead with a goal of individual brilliance.

Nasri, returning after injury, picked out the Dutch forward with a raking pass but Van Persie was closely marked by Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger as he brought the ball down on his chest.

Van Persie created a yard of space with his second touch and smashed the ball into the corner with his third.

Clear-cut chances remained at a premium but it was another moment of brilliance that saw Keane equalise with his third Premier League goal of the season.

Arsenal had been troubled previously by long balls upfield and failed to deal with a long punt over the top from Agger that Keane smashed home spectacularly on the half-volley.

Liverpool might have led at the break but Gerrard could not quite find the target after sliding in the meet a low cross from Kuyt, who then went close himself with a low shot across goal that Almunia did well to save.

And the half ended on a sour note for Arsenal when skipper Fabregas sustained a knee injury challenging Xabi Alonso for the ball and was replaced by Vassiriki Diaby.

Leiva Lucas tested stand-in captain Almunia with a strike shortly after the resumption and the home team's travails worsened when Adebayor was dismissed.

The striker had his foot raised as he competed with Alvaro Arbeloa and caught the defender with his elbow as he spun, prompting referee Howard Webb to issue a second yellow card.

But Arsenal, who had struggled since the resumption, rallied after losing Adebayor and enjoyed a spell of pressure in and around the Liverpool box.

However, it was Liverpool who came close to a late winner, with a long-range strike from Agger narrowly missing the target and Nabil El Zhar heading wide.

Key shareholder to leave Arsenal

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood insists a major boardroom reshuffle will not alter their policy of trying to keep the club's ownership in-house.

Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith, Arsenal's third-largest shareholder, left the board on Wednesday.

Hill-Wood said he was not sure whether Bracewell-Smith would sell her shares.

But if her 15.9% stake was to become available, Uzbekistan metals magnate Alisher Usmanov could pass the 30% mark which would force a takeover bid.

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood insists a major boardroom reshuffle will not alter their policy of trying to keep the club's ownership in-house.

Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith, Arsenal's third-largest shareholder, left the board on Wednesday.

Hill-Wood said he was not sure whether Bracewell-Smith would sell her shares.

But if her 15.9% stake was to become available, Uzbekistan metals magnate Alisher Usmanov could pass the 30% mark which would force a takeover bid.

Usmanov already owns 24% through his Red & White Holdings company, having initially bought former vice-chairman David Dein's 14.5% stake in the club.

American sports tycoon Stan Kroenke, who holds a stake of about 12% in the Gunners' parent company, accepted an offer to become a non-executive director on the Arsenal board in September as ties with his Kroenke Sports Enterprises group were strengthened.

If Kroenke were to buy the shares, he would become the club's majority shareholder with a 27.9% stake.

Unlike Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, Arsenal remain under British ownership and have so far resisted attempts by overseas investors to take a controlling share.

Arsenal's board had reached a "lockdown" agreement until April 2009 in which shares would only be sold to "permitted persons" such as family members.

A longer-term agreement until October 2012 required directors to give fellow board members first option on any shares for sale.

But having stood down from the board of both the club and its holding company, Bracewell-Smith, whose family association with Arsenal spans more than 50 years, has been removed from the agreement.

Hill-Wood, though, insisted it remains business as usual at the club, who have Ivan Gazidis starting as their new chief executive on 1 January.

"Lady Nina is no longer representing the club and therefore is released from the lockdown. However it was created to maintain stability in the club and those participants are committed to maintaining the ownership structure as it is," he said.

"I don't know for certain what she wants to do with her shares. I do know that the Bracewell-Smith family have been involved with the club for many, many years and are great supporters.

"We hope that she would remain a shareholder but she has not spoken to me about it lately. She is no longer in the lockdown so she is free to do what she wishes to do.

"The philosophy of the club remains the same. Our efforts are directed towards stability and making the club successful. Changes of personnel will not alter the directors' view of how we should proceed in the future."

Hill-Wood added that if the shares were to become available, existing board members - who include director Daniel Fiszman, the largest stakeholder in the club with 24.11% - could buy them to prevent them being bought by external investors.

"The board is very keen to retain control of the club to ensure that its values and traditions are upheld and live on for many years to come," he said.

Long-standing board member Richard Carr also stood down as a director of Arsenal's holding company, although he will remain on the football club's board.

Clubs back 'home-grown' rule

The Football League has voted overwhelmingly in favour of implementing new quotas on home-grown players from the start of next season.

At least four players in every 16-man match-day squad will have to have been registered domestically for at least three years before their 21st birthday.

Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney praised the clubs for their decision.

He said: "This is a very significant day. Players coming through will have a greater chance to show their talent."
The new rule is in line with Uefa's approach and means players who have spent long enough registered to a domestic club will be considered as "home grown" regardless of their nationality.

Fifa had proposed a "six-plus-five" rule - which would have limited the number of foreign players to five - but this ran into problems with European law.

Mawhinney added: "I believe we are the first major league in Europe to have brought in this rule.

"This may not have a widespread effect immediately but it's about what happens in the years ahead. We agree with Uefa president Michel Platini that young players are the backbone of the teams.

Page last updated at 15:56 GMT, Thursday, 18 December 2008 E-mail this to a friend Printable version

Clubs vote for 'home-grown' rule

Important to develop young talent - Mawhinney The Football League has voted overwhelmingly in favour of implementing new quotas on home-grown players from the start of next season. At least four players in every 16-man match-day squad will have to have been registered domestically for at least three years before their 21st birthday. Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney praised the clubs for their decision. He said: "This is a very significant day. Players coming through will have a greater chance to show their talent." It won't have a massive impact in the lower divisions and I think it's probably another publicity stunt by the Football League Grimsby Town boss Mike Newell The new rule is in line with Uefa's approach and means players who have spent long enough registered to a domestic club will be considered as "home grown" regardless of their nationality. Fifa had proposed a "six-plus-five" rule - which would have limited the number of foreign players to five - but this ran into problems with European law. Mawhinney added: "I believe we are the first major league in Europe to have brought in this rule. "This may not have a widespread effect immediately but it's about what happens in the years ahead. We agree with Uefa president Michel Platini that young players are the backbone of the teams. Premier League must follow suit - Fry "We are encouraged that many others in football and the media think this is a significant more forward." The Football League proposal was voted in at a meeting at Derby County's Pride Park ground. Only one of the 67 clubs represented did not support it. Mawhinney said: "I would like to compliment Football League clubs for having the foresight to make changes that will benefit the wider game. "League clubs are at the forefront of developing young playing talent for the domestic game and are investing more than £40m a season in this important area." Preston North End's Derek Shaw was among the club chairmen who backed the move. "We are very much in favour of it," said Shaw. "At Preston, we want to be bringing our own youngsters through because it's something that we've not been doing as well as we should have. "However, this rule can only help the chances of our young players establishing themselves in the first-team squad and there are a few lads looking to push their way through at the moment." And Peterborough director of football Barry Fry hopes it is only a matter of time before the rule is replicated in the Premier League. "I think it is good that the Football League are showing the initiative," he told BBC Radio Five Live, "and I'm sure the Premier League will look at it. "Hopefully in years to come there will be a quota in the top flight too. We've got to adopt it if we're going to be a force in world football." However, Grimsby Town boss Mike Newell was less enthused, telling 5 Live: "I take it with a pinch of salt. It won't have a massive impact in the lower divisions and I think it's probably another publicity stunt by the Football League."

European Clubs Await Champions League draw

Holders Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal will learn their Champions League fate at 1100 GMT on Friday when the last 16 draw is held.

The group winners from the last stage will play the runners-up, other than teams from their own pool or nation.

United and Liverpool will hope to avoid Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

Arsenal and Chelsea, who came second in their groups, could face the likes of Barcelona or Juventus, and will also play the second leg away from home.

Last season, three of the English teams made it through to the semi-finals.

United won last season's competition, beating Chelsea 6-5 on penalties in Moscow after the pair had been locked at 1-1 after extra-time.

The Red Devils have made strong progress again this season, and manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes his side are better placed to retain the trophy than they were after their previous triumph in 1999.

Chelsea, meanwhile, made hard work of reaching the last 16 - they went into the last group game against CFR Cluj still needing points to ensure progress and endured some nervy moments before securing a 2-1 win.

Liverpool managed to top their group with an away win against PSV Eindhoven, and manager Rafael Benitez is delighted his side will be at Anfield for the second leg of their tie.

England's other representatives, Arsenal, came second to Porto in their group and now face a potentially more difficult draw.

The Gunners, along with Chelsea, could be drawn against Spanish giants Barcelona, who topped their group and scored 18 goals along the way.

The two London clubs will also be keen to avoid Italian side Juventus, who are unbeaten in the competition so far.

Group winners:

Barcelona
Bayern Munich
Juventus
Liverpool
Manchester United
Panathinaikos
Porto
Roma

Runners-up:

Arsenal
Atletico Madrid
Chelsea
Inter Milan
Lyon
Real Madrid
Sporting Lisbon
Villarrea

Adebayor Champions League Claim

Emmanuel Adebayor has told skysports.com he is confident Arsenal can claim UEFA Champions League glory this season.

The Gunners reached the final of Europe's most prestigious competition in 2006 but were defeated by Spanish giants Barcelona at Stade de France.

Arsene Wenger's charges fell against PSV Eindhoven a year later, and then exited the tournament at the quarter-final stages last term following a thrilling tie with Liverpool.

This campaign they have shone in Fenerbahce but struggled at Porto, ultimately finishing second in Group G and could now face the likes of Juventus, Bayern Munich and Barcelona in the first knockout round.

And ahead of Friday's draw, which can be seen live on Sky Sports News from 10.30am, striker Adebayor is eyeing Champions League success, expressing his belief that Arsenal can beat anyone on their day.

When asked if Arsenal can lift the trophy this season, Adebayor told skysports.com at the Launch of FIFA 09 from EA SPORTS: "Why not?

"We were unlucky against Liverpool last season. We beat Fenerbahce in Turkey. This proves we can beat anyone. And the team that won in Milan (last season) is missing only one or two players now.

"The squad has changed in a good way. We have a good chance. We have the players that believe we can lift that trophy next year."

Ferguson denies Cristiano Ronaldo Claims to Join Real Madrid.

The Manchester United winger dominated headlines throughout the summer, with Real believed to be willing to smash the world transfer record in order to get their man.

However, the Portuguese superstar ultimately opted to remain at Old Trafford - for one more year at least.

While it appeared that decision had put the saga to rest, the imminent reopening of the transfer window in January has seen the issue resurface.

One of Real's directors, Pedro Traporte, was quoted this week as saying an agreement had been reached with United regarding a summer sale of Ronaldo.

However, Ferguson insists that is not case and has angrily hit back at his Spanish counterparts for attempting to unsettle his player.

"Do you think I would get into a contract with that mob? Jesus Christ, no chance. I wouldn't sell them a virus," said the Scot after watching his side beat Japan's Gamba Osaka 5-3 on Thursday to reach the final of the Fifa Club World Cup.

"That's a no," he added.

"There is absolutely no agreement at all between the clubs."

Blackburn Appoints Allardyce as Manager

Blackburn Rovers have appointed Sam Allardyce as their new manager on a three-year contract.

The Lancashire club sacked Paul Ince on Tuesday and said they wanted a new boss for Saturday's home game against Stoke.

Neil McDonald, who was at Bolton with Allardyce, is the new assistant boss, while former assistant Ray Mathias and first-team coach Archie Knox make way.

Allardyce, 54, had been out of work since being dismissed as manager of Newcastle on 9 January.

McDonald worked with Allardyce at Bolton, but Ray Mathias and first-team coach Archie Knox have been sacked.

Allardyce has been out of work since he was dismissed as manager of Newcastle United on 9 January.

"Rovers are delighted to announce the appointment of Sam Allardyce as manager," said a club statement.

The new manager will be officially unveiled at the 1600 GMT news conference on Thursday.

"I'm very pleased indeed, I'll say more at the news conference on Thursday," said 54-year-old Allardyce.

Ince was dismissed by Rovers after only 17 Premier League games in charge.

Rovers are second from bottom of the Premier League and have not won in the league since they defeated Newcastle on 27 September.

After a winning start under Ince's tenure, Rovers have won only three of their top-flight matches this season and are on a run of 11 straight games without a victory.

Allardyce had also been linked with the managerial vacancy at Sunderland.

He was highly successful during eight years at the helm of Rovers' Lancashire rivals Bolton, establishing them in the Premier League during his time in charge at the Reebok.

The Trotters also reached the final of the Carling Cup in 2004 and qualified for the Uefa Cup for the first time in their history in 2005.

Rovers play successive Premier League fixtures against Newcastle and Bolton in January.

Former Blackburn striker Kevin Gallacher told BBC Sport: "It is not a surprise choice.

"Blackburn needs someone who can put the club back together again and I think he can do that."

Allardyce has also managed Blackpool and Notts County.

At Bolton he was renowned for innovative thinking, using scientific techniques to keep players fit.

Veteran Sheffield United midfielder Gary Speed, who played for Allardyce at Bolton, said: "He gets the best out of players, he's a very approachable, likeable man and I'm sure the players will enjoy his training and his company.

Regarding the style of football Allardyce would favour at Blackburn, Speed said: "He's clever enough to know if you haven't got the players to play direct, you don't play direct."

Graeme Souness, who managed the club from 2000-2004, had also been linked with the job but had already ruled himself out of the running.

"I'm afraid you are talking to the wrong man," Souness told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph newspaper.

"I don't know anything and have had no contact at all from Blackburn Rovers. I'm not your man, I can definitely say that."

Ferdinand dismisses Arsenal's Title hopes

Rio Ferdinand has ruled Arsenal out of the race for the Premier League title.

Arsene Wenger's men are currently eight points adrift of league leaders Liverpool and Ferdinand feels it will eventually prove too big a gap to bridge.

Speaking ahead of Thursday's Club World Cup encounter with Gamba Osaka in Yokohama, Ferdinand said: "It is not beyond Arsenal but it is my personal opinion that it will be between the other three this season."

"At the moment it looks like being nip and tuck but usually from Christmas onwards the teams who are going to be there at the end start pulling away.

"I can see that happening this season. I presume ourselves, Chelsea and Liverpool will pull away, then it will be down to two and finally one."

For the second time in a month none of the 'big four' managed a win this weekend.

On Saturday evening, it seemed United had blown an excellent chance to close on Liverpool, who had been held at home by Hull, when they failed to overcome Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

But, at Heathrow Airport on Sunday, as they waited for their flight to the Far East, United's players heard Chelsea had drawn with West Ham at Stamford Bridge.

"It looks like teams will drop points," said Ferdinand.

"Hull going to Anfield and getting a draw is a massive result for them. Who would have said that before the season kicked off?

"West Ham getting a draw at Chelsea was a surprise as well. There have been quite a few unusual results this season but I am sure it is good for the fans."

Paul Ince Sacked as Blackburn Manager

Blackburn chairman John Williams hopes to have Paul Ince's successor in place by Saturday, but confirmed Archie Knox, Ray Mathias and Karl Robinson have been put in temporary charge of team affairs.

Ince, in his first top-flight job, has been sacked as Rovers boss after 17 matches in charge and only six months into a three-year contract.

An emergency board meeting was held on Monday, and Ince was informed of his fate on Tuesday morning.

Williams said: "Appointing a new manager is our total focus.

"We acknowledge that timelines are tight for we are in a very worrying situation concerning our Premier League status.

"We will endeavour to have a new manager in place for Saturday's game with Stoke City at Ewood Park, but there are no guarantees and we must ensure that we get the right man.

"In the meantime, the day-to-day training will be carried out by Archie Knox, Ray Mathias and Karl Robinson. Our coaching staff and all of the players fully understand the importance of this weekend's game.

"Our supporters can rest assured that we will do everything in our power to get the team climbing the Premier League table as soon as possible."

Blackburn have sacked manager Paul Ince after less than six months in charge with the club second-bottom of the Premier League.

Ince, 41, joined Rovers from MK Dons in June but Blackburn's last league win was at Newcastle on 27 September.

Chairman John Williams said: "Three wins in 17 games has seen a squad which finished seventh last season fall to 19th place.

"We are currently in danger of becoming detached from the pack."

The decision to sack Ince was taken after a Blackburn board meeting and Williams made it clear that the need to keep the club in the top flight was behind the move.

Williams said the club intends to appoint a new manager in time for Saturday's match against Stoke, with former boss Graeme Souness an early front-runner, possibly assisted by veteran Blackburn midfielder Tugay.

The former Bolton and Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce, who was considered for the post in the summer before Ince got the job, and ex-Charlton and West Ham boss Alan Curbishley have also been linked.

Williams was publicly critical of Blackburn's display in what proved to be Ince's final game, the 3-0 defeat at Wigan on Saturday.

He added: "The survival of the club in the Premier League is paramount and our focus is on finding a replacement who will be able to maintain our top-division status.

"Paul will bounce back, he is a fighter and we wish him well."

A statement released on the Blackburn website said: "The board, having selected Paul Ince back in June, were desperate for him to succeed and wanted to give him as much time as possible in the unforgiving environment of the Premier League, where time is such a precious commodity."

The Blackburn squad returned to training on Tuesday after their Christmas party in Dublin and they were put through their paces by assistant manager Ray Mathias while Ince met with the board.

Mathias, first-team coach Archie Knox and assistant first-team coach Karl Robinson will take charge against Stoke, although Chairman Williams said the club hoped to appoint someone before the weekend but added there were "no guarantees".

Ince was appointed on 22 June on a three-year contract after spells with Macclesfield, who he helped avoid relegation from the Football League, and MK Dons, who he led to the League Two title and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in his first season in charge.

Despite Rovers' promising start to the campaign, the former Manchester United and England midfielder saw performances and results begin to deteriorate.

Rovers have lost their last six league games and there have been reports of dressing-room unrest.

But Mathias insisted that there was no unrest at Blackburn and that had no part to play in Ince's departure.

"It is a load of rubbish. There is no happier a dressing room than ours - you would go a long way to beat that," he said.

"It is a massive disappointment Paul has gone. Everyone is feeling it; the players, you can see it in their eyes.

He added: "At the end of the day we are professional enough. Unfortunately the decision on the gaffer has been made, and we have to go along with what the club has said.

"It is a small number of games for any person to be judged on, but we have to get on with our job now."

Following the defeat at Wigan, Williams told the Lancashire Telegraph: "After all the signs coming out of Brockhall (Blackburn's training ground) this week, I was led to believe we would get a top performance.

"Without taking anything away from Wigan I have to say I was jvery disappointed with what I saw.

"The worry is the league table is beginning to stretch out and now we need two wins just to get back among the pack at the bottom."

Blackburn's part-time defensive coach Nigel Winterburn felt Ince should have been given more time to prove himself at Ewood Park.

"I'm not surprised with all the pressure Paul has been under or been put under with the results that he has been sacked," Winterburn told BBC Sport.

"He knows and I know in the Premiership it is a cut throat world and it is a results driven industry that is run by fear.

"I would have loved for him to be given time in the transfer window in January to bring in his own players.

"I'm positive that he would have seen results improve but the board have decided that isn't the case.

"I think people were starting to panic. The results have not picked up and they've decided they need someone else in place to drive the club forward."

Winterburn though believes that Ince would soon be back in the game despite his departure from Blackburn Rovers.

He said: "I think Paul has done really well and he'll be back in the game very quickly.

"He did well at Macclesfield and also MK Dons and I'm sure there will be several clubs looking at him already."

Former Blackburn striker Kevin Gallagher told BBC Radio 5 Live that the club is desperate to avoid relegation and the resultant loss of income.

"I thought he would get a little bit more time, maybe to get into the transfer market, spend a bit of money and see how it went," said Gallagher. "But having seen the chairman's face on the TV at the weekend that told a massive story.

"The club have a trust fund and they have been trying to sell the club. If the club go down that's a lot of money lost and the valuation of the club goes down as well. I think they've been possibly putting a lot of pressure on the board.

"The board have been trying to back Paul as much as they could but the display at the weekend was the final straw - the pressure told and something had to give. Unfortunately it was Paul."

Gallagher admits the club is not currently the most attractive proposition for an incoming manager.

"Who's going to want to turn to the club now, sitting second bottom?" he added. "They're struggling a little bit, there's not a lot of finances there, there are quite a few injuries.

"Steve McClaren was mentioned but he's doing very well in Holland (at FC Twente) and I've heard a small rumour about Roberto Mancini, there'll be a lot of names brandished about.

"The CVs that were put in a cupboard six months ago when Paul got the job will be coming back out again."

Blackburn's record scorer Simon Garner thinks the club have acted at the right time, and given his successor a chance to turn things around.

Garner told BBC Radio Lancashire: "Results have gone badly and the board have acted quickly.

"You have got to admire them for trying to get it sorted out and keep Blackburn in the Premier League.

"It is a results business, especially in the Premier League. You have got to stay in that division.

"The transfer window is coming up and you can see why they have done it. They want to get someone in place to say which players have got to go and which ones have to come in."

Ince becomes the sixth Premier League manager to leave his post this season following the departures of Kevin Keegan (Newcastle), Alan Curbishley (West Ham), Juande Ramos (Tottenham), Harry Redknapp (Portsmouth) and his former Manchester United team-mate Roy Keane (Sunderland) on 4 December.

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill believes that young managers are not being given long enough to prove they can do the job.

O'Neill also felt that Ince should have been given time to build his own squad before being shown the door at Ewood Park.

"It's getting harder and harder for young managers trying to make their mark," he told BBC Sport.

"He's lost a couple of players immediately and has not had a chance to replace them and build his own side as I'm sure he would have hoped.

"It seems like he's been in the job for only three minutes, which he has been, and it is exceptionally difficult. You are getting judged so quickly."

"We are in the results business and we accept that point, but 17 games doesn't seem a lengthy period of time to be judged on."

Barcelona Wins 'El Clasico' At the Camp Nou

Barcelona 2-0 Real Madrid

Two goals from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi clinch win for Barcelona against Real Madrid in a game which lived up to expectations.
Barcelona avenged last season's 4-1 defeat away to Real Madrid with a good performance to say the least although credit should also be given to Real Madrid who played well with Royston Drenthe, one-on-one, but the keeper races from his line to block the Dutchman's effort.

Villa Climb To 4th on Premier League Table

Villa Climb To 4th on Premier League Table with a 4-2 win against Bolton.

Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young inspired Aston Villa to a victory which took them above Arsenal into fourth.

Bolton took the lead through Johan Elmander's cute near-post backheel.

But Agbonlahor controlled a long ball before slotting in the equaliser and Villa went ahead when Kevin Davies headed into his own net.

Agbonlahor nodded in a brilliant Young cross and then set up his England team-mate for a deflected finish, before Davies headed a consolation for Bolton.

The hosts could even have had a fifth had referee Lee Probert spotted what looked an obvious penalty claim in the first half but that might have been too much for the Villa Park faithful, who had not seen a league goal since 9 November.

Following successive home stalemates against Manchester United and Fulham, the hosts would have welcomed the goal drought lasting longer than the 18 minutes it took for Bolton to snatch the lead.

With their first attack of note, Davies picked up a loose ball on the right and crossed for Elmander to beat Brad Friedel with a clever backheel, the Swede's fifth league goal of the season.

The hosts had every right to be shell-shocked, having had much the better of the opening quarter of an hour.

The electric pace of Young and Agbonlahor had a lumbering Bolton defence in all sorts of trouble - but they were struggling to beat the linesman's offside flag.

Bolton display disappoints Megson

Bolton almost added to their lead, Gretar Steinsson heading against the bar, before Agbonlahor finally did stay onside to head the ball away from his marker and finish expertly with his left foot.

That was the cue for the hosts to take complete control, Agbonlahor terrorising the defence with his pace and movement, and they took a deserved lead five minutes from time when Davies headed into his own net under pressure from Martin Laursen.

They will still be wondering how they were not further ahead at the interval. Probert inexplicably waved away Villa's penalty claims when Gary Cahill had used his arm to clear a corner.

Villa continued to control the game in the second half, but the excitement level dropped markedly - that is, until Young produced a touch of magic on the left wing, twisting and turning to make the space before whipping in a fabulous inswinging cross that Agbonlahor only had to glance home.

Bolton were forced to chase the game, and that only played into the hands of their counter-attacking opposition.

O'Neill admits 'absolute joy' about Villa duo

Agbonlahor picked up the ball on the left, and found Young inside the penalty box, the winger's fierce shot hitting Steinsson before beating keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Bolton, who came into the match on a run of three successive away wins under manager-of-the-month Gary Megson, kept working and were rewarded when Davies headed in at the far post from Steinsson's right-wing cross in the 86th minute.

That made it 10 away goals in four games, but a comeback was too much to hope for.

Indeed, Villa spurned two more clear chances, both by Steve Sidwell, first failing to tap in Marlon Harwood's dangerous ball across goal and then seeing his shot blocked.

Arsenal Draw Against Middlesbrough

Arsenal's Premier League title hopes suffered another blow as they were held to a draw at Middlesbrough.

Emmanuel Adebayor headed the visitors in front after 17 minutes from Cesc Fabregas's corner.

But Boro hit back and former Gunners striker Jeremie Aliadiere headed a fine equaliser from Tuncay Sanli's fierce cross 12 minutes later.

Robin van Persie wasted a good chance after the break, while keeper Manuel Almunia parried Stewart Downing's shot.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will view this as two points wasted as they try to keep in touch with the title pace-setters - seeing his side dominate possession but fail to take advantage.

Boro boss Gareth Southgate saw his revamped defence hold firm in the closing stages to earn a valuable point.

Wenger counts cost of early-season form

Wenger's side opened with real intent, with Van Persie shooting just wide after a glorious passing move and Abou Diaby forcing Boro keeper Ross Turnbull into a block at his near post.

And the Gunners took a deserved lead after 17 minutes, although Southgate will be furious at his defence for allowing Adebayor so much time and space to head home Fabregas's corner.

Diaby then tested Turnbull again after another corner caused more problems, before Middlesbrough hit back with a surprise equaliser after 29 minutes.

Tuncay was the creator with an instant driven cross, with Aliadiere reacting first to get in ahead of William Gallas and flash a fine header beyond Almunia.

The visitors were given a reprieve by referee Peter Walton five minutes later when he waved away justified penalty appeals as Adam Johnson tumbled under a challenge from Gael Clichy.

The visitors re-asserted their supremacy after the interval, but Middlesbrough were always a threat on the break.

And it took a fine save from Almunia to turn Downing's shot to safety after Arsenal had been caught out by a raking pass from Julio Arca.

But most of the action was at the opposite end, with Van Persie shooting across the face of the goal from Diaby's pass and then blasting over.

Southgate bemoans denied penalty

Diaby shot straight at Turnbull as Arsenal enjoyed plenty of possession without creating many clear-cut opportunities.

The Gunners introduced Nicklas Bendtner in the closing stages, and he almost made an impact as he forced Turnbull into another block at his near post, then headed off target when well placed.

They were Arsenal's final chances of a frustrating afternoon as Boro held out for a draw.

Hull City Creates Difficulty for League Leaders

Liverpool 2-2 Hull City

Steven Gerrard scored twice as league leaders Liverpool came back from two goals down against Hull in a match the Reds should have won after dominating.

Hull took a surprise lead when defender Paul McShane headed Marlon King's cross into the roof of the net.

A Jamie Carragher own goal then doubled Hull's lead before Gerrard's goals, both from six yards, levelled matters.

The Reds had the better of the second half, with a Sami Hyypia header hitting the post and Nabil El Zhar going close.

In the build-up to the match, Rafael Benitez predicted that Liverpool would have "an 80% possibility" of ending the season as champions if they were still leading the Premier League in three weeks.

That percentage will surely now have lowered after this draw, their third on the trot at Anfield following stalemates against West Ham and Stoke.

And Benitez's men could find themselves usurped by Chelsea at the top of the league should Luiz Felipe Scolari's men beat West Ham at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Three goals in the opening 25 minutes made for a pulsating start after Liverpool had started brightly, with Yossi Benayoun and Alvaro Arbeloa causing Hull problems on the right flank.

But, for all of the home side's slick passing, it was Hull who broke the deadlock when McShane rose above the hapless Andrea Dossena to head home.

Sam Ricketts was called into action to clear Dossena's left-wing cross away from Benayoun, who was waiting for a simple tap-in, before Anfield was stunned into silence as the visitors doubled their advantage.

Hull draw frustrates Benitez

Bernard Mendy got the better of Dossena on the right with a surging run into the box, and his subsequent cross across the face of the goal caused a disorientated Carragher to divert the ball into his own net.

As is so often the case, Gerrard came to Liverpool's rescue with two goals in 10 minutes.

Dirk Kuyt's cross from the right fell kindly to his captain who drilled the ball in with the outside of his boot.

And, in the 33rd minute, the impressive Benayoun hooked Kuyt's downward header towards Gerrard, who equalised with a rasping shot into the right corner.

Xabi Alonso, Kuyt and Albert Riera all had chances to give Liverpool the lead before the break, but Hull remained typically resolute.

Liverpool dominated the second half but lacked a cutting-edge in the final third as £20m summer signing Robbie Keane was left languishing on the bench.

Hyypia's header did beat Boaz Myhill only for the post to come to the goalkeeper's rescue.

Brown aggrieved at Anfield draw

In the 63rd minute, a fine last-gasp Michael Turner tackle prevented Benayoun from troubling Myhill before the Welshman was called into action to palm away Riera's menacing 25-yard drive.

Liverpool brought on El Zhar and Ryan Babel as they searched for the winning goal, with the former forcing Myhill into great save low to his right.

And Hull, who had already won at Newcastle, Arsenal, Tottenham and West Brom this season, held on for the draw.

Tottenham Hold Man Utd To A Draw

Manchester United could only manage a draw at White Hart Lane thanks to a stubborn tottenham side.

David Bentley's 25-yard volley forced a fine save from Edwin van der Sar, who also denied Aaron Lennon as Spurs had the better chances in the first half.

After the break, Cristiano Ronaldo had a goal disallowed when he was ruled to have handled the ball before scoring.

Rio Ferdinand and Ji-sung Park went close and Heurelho Gomes superbly saved Ryan Giggs' free-kick as Spurs held on.

United's next Premier League fixture is not until Boxing Day as they leave for Club World Cup duty in Japan on Sunday.

And despite a determined start, they missed the chance to close the gap on domestic front-runners Liverpool after the Reds' 2-2 draw with Hull earlier in the day.

Although the visitors dominated possession for the opening few minutes, there was a lack of pace and incisiveness in their approach play.

Instead it was Spurs who had the first serious attempt on goal when Bentley flipped the ball up with his right foot and cracked a 25-yard volley with his left, forcing Van der Sar into a smart save.

But the hosts suffered a blow three minutes later when Jonathan Woodgate was forced off with a back problem after an innocuous-looking challenge with Carlos Tevez.

On came Tom Huddlestone to play in midfield, with Didier Zokora moving to right back and Vedran Corluka replacing Woodgate at centre-back.

United quickly tried to test Spurs' right flank, with Ronaldo sending in a cross for Dimitar Berbatov, who could only loop a header into Heurelho Gomes's arms.

That was the story of Berbatov's return to White Hart Lane for the first since his acrimonious transfer, as he narrowly failed to silence the deafening boos that accompanied his every touch.

Redknapp praises 'terrific performance'

The Bulgarian was denied a certain goal when Gomes superbly diverted Ronaldo's low cross and was inches away from getting his head to John O'Shea's cross as United continued to attack down their left.

Tottenham also went close to breaking the deadlock, first when Aaron Lennon's low shot brought a fine save out of Edwin van der Sar and then when Luka Modric sent a diving header just off target.

United tried to step up the tempo after the break and Berbatov set off on a menacing run but was thwarted again when Michael Dawson nicked the ball away as he was about to shoot.

From the corner, Ronaldo controlled the ball and lashed home, but the goal was disallowed for a handball.

Phelan happy with a point at Spurs

The warning was there for Tottenham, who tried to hit back and Bentley tested Van der Sar with a well-struck free-kick.

However, it was only a brief respite for Spurs as they came under increasing pressure.

Gomes had to be alert to keep out Nemanja Vidic's shot and Ferdinand headed narrowly over as United pressed.

The Brazilian keeper, much criticised of late, was showing he can also hit the headlines for the right reasons and he brilliantly saved from Ji-Sung Park.

His finest save was to come late on, when he tipped substitute Giggs' free-kick on to the bar.

United do not now play until their trip to Stoke on Boxing Day because of their involvement in the Fifa Club World Championship.

Liverpool Triumphant in Eindhoven

Liverpool came from behind to beat PSV Eindhoven and qualify for the Champions League last 16 as winners of Group D.

PSV took the lead when Danko Lazovic poked in from close range after Javier Mascherano failed to clear a corner.

Ryan Babel equalised with a glancing header from Lucas Leiva's cross and Albert Riera put them ahead with a 25-yard drive that found the top corner.

PSV's Dirk Marcellis hit a post, before David Ngog latched on to Robbie Keane's pass and slotted in to seal the win.

Liverpool's victory was reward for a much-improved performance after the interval.

It also gave manager Rafael Benitez his wish to claim top spot in the group, which means Liverpool will play the second leg of their last 16 match at Anfield.

Benitez had made clear before the match that it was important to achieve that, but he still sent out a team with seven changes from Saturday's win against Blackburn.

And unsurprisingly, there was little fluency about Liverpool's play early on, with only Riera looking bright and alert.

There was little to admire in PSV's work, either, as the Dutch side could do no more than match Liverpool's lethargic tempo.

Timmy Simons' drive was comfortably beaten away by Diego Cavalieri as the hosts finally got a shot in on goal.

With an absence of creativity and urgency it was hard to see where a goal might come from.

Yet PSV got themselves in front when Mascherano missed his header as he tried to clear a corner and the ball fell for Lazovic, who stroked the ball past Cavalieri.

Liverpool finally found some rhythm and David Ngog had a chance to equalise but headed straight at Andreas Isaksson.

There was no such profligacy from Babel in first-half injury time when his downward header bounced into the top corner to put Liverpool on level terms.

After the break, Liverpool pressed for another goal and they might have had one Babel had released Keane rather than opted to shoot.

But when the goal came, it arrived in emphatic style when the impressive Riera struck a magnificent shot from distance that flew into the top corner.

PSV responded and Marcellis struck the outside of the post from a tight angle.

But any hopes the Dutch side had of a comeback were dashed when Keane played an inch-perfect pass through to Ngog and he produced a composed low finish to score his first goal for Liverpool.

Liverpool might have won by an even greater margin but Lucas missed a good chance after Keane had again fashioned the opportunity.

Chelsea Win To Finish Second In Group

Chelsea 2-1 CFR Cluj

Luiz Felipe Scolari has presided over a stuttering campaign in the group phase, and so it proved again as Chelsea produced an unimpressive display before finally achieving the victory they required.

Salomon Kalou scrambled home Chelsea's opener to break the deadlock six minutes before the interval, only for Cluj to set alarm bells ringing around Stamford Bridge when Yssouf Kone headed an equaliser after 55 minutes.

Didier Drogba emerged from the substitutes' bench to steer home the winner with 19 minutes left, but Roma's win against Bordeaux means Chelsea finish second in Group A and face a potentially hazardous last 16 draw.

Although they will not meet former boss Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan side until at least the quarter-finals after the Italians could only claim second spot in their group.

Scolari insisted he was feeling no pressure, despite failing to secure qualification before the final group game, but Chelsea's nerves betrayed them for long periods before they finally overcame their battling Romanian opponents.

Chelsea will need to improve markedly in the knockout phase, but for now Scolari will simply be satisfied to have successfully negotiated his way, albeit unconvincingly, into the latter stages of the tournament.

Cluj even threatened a shock in the early exchanges, but were overpowered long before the end.

Chelsea, without the suspended Frank Lampard, needed a fast start to ease the nerves inside Stamford Bridge - but it was Cluj who posed the first threat after six minutes when Petr Cech had to push away Alvaro Pereira's shot.

Alex had Chelsea's first opportunity, but he wasted a clear chance when he headed off target from Deco's free-kick.

Cluj were playing with real freedom in the early stages, and it was only the intervention of Jon Obi Mikel that stopped them from stunning the home support after 16 minutes.

Juan Culio's far-post cross was met by Hugo Alcantara, whose header was smuggled to safety by Mikel with Cadu waiting to pounce.

Chelsea were starting to move into the ascendancy as the interval approached, with Nicolas Anelka firing just wide and Kalou seeing a shot deflected just over.

But just as it looked as if Cluj would survive to the interval unscathed, Chelsea made the priceless breakthrough after 39 minutes.

Deco's free-kick caused confusion in the Cluj penalty area, with John Terry heavily involved, and when the ball ran loose to Kalou, he hammered an emphatic finish past Nuno Claro.

Chelsea finally found some rhythm in the early stages of the second half, with Joe Cole and Nicolas Anelka both testing keeper Claro.

Scolari's side looked to be finally establishing a stranglehold on the game, but Cluj punctured the air of anticipation around Stamford Bridge with an equaliser after 55 minutes.

It was a goal of stunning simplicity, with Panin's cross finding Kone at the far post to power a header high past Cech.

Chelsea's response was instant and Joe Cole was again denied by a superb save from Claro at point-blank range.

Scolari took Cluj's equaliser as the signal to send on Drogba, and he was introduced at the expense of Kalou.

And he provided the cutting edge Chelsea required as he restored their lead with 19 minutes remaining.

Joe Cole was the provider with a neat pass that Drogba controlled expertly before beating Claro to score only his second goal of an injury-affected season.

The goal deflated Cluj and for the first time they appeared resigned to their fate as Chelsea were finally able to exert total control on their resilient opponents.

Chelsea saw out the victory in comfort, but the applause that greeted the final whistle smacked more of relief than celebration - a clear sign that they must find another gear if they are to make a real impact on the Champions League this season.