Articles
Modest John O'Shea seeks winning mentality at Sunderland
"A professional who never complains", the defender hopes to revive success of Manchester United days, writes Andy Mitten.
Superior in every department
Manchester City boasted superior pace and purpose to go with their power, and in Balotelli and David Silva, two players who could conjure moments of magic. Manchester United's creators - Rooney, Nani and Ashley Young - were all quiet.
FOOTBALL AROUND EUROPE: An empty pledge for Madrid from Van Nistelrooy
Malaga striker Ruud van Nistelrooy promises not to celebrate if he scores against former club Real Madrid on Saturday. Judging his recent form, that's a good bet - he hasn't been scoring, period.
Barcelona get back to business against Viktoria Plzen
Champions League holders are made to work hard for their 2-0 win over the Czech side Viktoria Plzen.
The sporting directors are the real puppet masters
In Spain, a club's sporting director is as important as the manager. And the players know it.
Control the uncontrollable in Messi and Barcelona can be beaten
Lionel Messi has been involved in 62 per cent of Barcelona's goals this season, as Viktoria Plzen are the latest side to try and stop the playmaker.
Levante flying but fans are yet to join the ride
There are plenty of fans who claim that they don't watch Levante any more because they are routinely rubbish. Time to get out of your armchair and to the stadium because they are anything but.
A Manchester United line-up that did not quite add up
The defensive starting selection from Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United was baffling, but he was saved by his outstanding goalkeeper and super sub.
Liverpool and Manchester United are the best of enemies
Despite the similarities between the cities of Liverpool and Manchester, the hostility between the two clubs makes for a fascinating, yet turbulent, history.
Joan Laporta going public with Barcelona's dirty linen
As Joan Laporta gets ready for court, Andy Mitten examines what it means for the current regime.
Spanish minnows swimming with the big fish
The Primera Liga resumes after a two-week international break this weekend. That Barcelona and Real Madrid occupy two of the Champions League spots alongside big spending Malaga is no surprise, that Levante do, is.
Scotland ready for the tall order of trying to beat Spain
Scotland face a big task in trying to get something against Spain tonight to allow them to qualify for a Euro 2012 play-off as runner-up in Group I.
Fans of Malaga and Santander get contrasting tastes of foreign flavour
Foreign ownership has brought a feel-good factor and increased interest at Malaga, but at the opposite end of Spain, fans of Racing Santander are bitter.
Higuain gain is selection pain for Mourinho at Real Madrid
The clinical striker is back from a long absence and scores in Benzema's absence to leave Mourinho with problem of plenty.
Arteta artistry a product of Barcelona schooling
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's deadline day signing from Everton says he often wonders what would have happened if he'd stayed at Barca another year.
