Moyes wants more

Everton boss David Moyes is demanding even bigger things from his players as they prepare for a thrilling finale to the season.

The Toffees eased their way into fifth place in the Barclays Premier League with a comfortable win at Sunderland, and have already qualified for the Europa League by virtue of their presence in the FA Cup final.

Moyes said: "We have got to go up again. We have got to be slicker, we need to be crisper than we were, and we need to be sharper."
He added: "But it's a time of the season when there is a lot of tiredness. We have all been at it probably since the start of July now, and we are into May and we are all flagging.

"It's tough for the players at this time, but the good teams - that's why I admire all the managers and the teams who keep doing it because they have got to be fresh and good for this time of the year.

"I am going to try to get out boys into tip-top condition for the weeks to come."

Despite having to do without Phil Jagielka, Tony Hibbert and Leon Osman on Wearside, Everton were simply too good for the Black Cats, who passed up an opportunity to ease their relegation fears with another insipid display.

The visitors enjoyed much the better of the first half, but had to wait until the 48th-minute to get their noses in front.

They did so when Jo turned Anton Ferdinand to feed Steven Pienaar, who stabbed the ball past Marton Fulop from close range.

Everton completed the victory 19 minutes from time when Pienaar took full advantage of some woeful marking to square for Marouane Fellaini, who calmly slipped the ball past the stranded Fulop.

Gerrard the Reds star attraction

Steven Gerrard made sure he had his picture taken with actor Daniel Craig after guiding Liverpool to a comprehensive 3-0 destruction of Newcastle at Anfield but it is the Geordies who need the help of James Bond to get themselves out of their relegation mess.

Liverpool, led by Gerrard in typical swashbuckling fashion, had destroyed Alan Shearer's side with a 3-0 scoreline that could easily have been doubled, with three more efforts hitting the woodwork.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is waiting for the "two big mistakes I still believe United will make" in the title race.
He said: "Manchester United are a good team with good players, and they will need to make two big mistakes to let us in. But I still believe they can be caught and they will make mistakes.

"All we can do is to continue to win our matches and see how they handle pressure. We must win all our games to see how that affects them at the top."

The problems for temporary Newcastle boss Alan Shearer continue to mount. He was furious with Barton for his "stupid" tackle on Alonso.

The midfielder will be fined two weeks' wages and did his troubled time at St.James Park no good at all with his wild challenge in front of the Kop.

Shearer said: "He deserved to be sent off, he has let me, himself and the club down.

"He was not unlucky, the referee was spot-on. There was no need for him to do that in such a position."

And Shearer pulled no punches with his assessment of Newcastle's performance, saying: "We were lucky to keep it down to three, how many times did they hit the bar?"

Ferdinand boost for United

Manchester United have been given a major lift ahead of their Champions League semi-final with Arsenal as Rio Ferdinand returned to training.

It had been feared the England defender would miss Tuesday's second leg at the Emirates Stadium after suffering damage to his ribs and a bruised lung at Old Trafford last week.

But the presence of Ferdinand on the Carrington training ground this morning suggests he will face Arsene Wenger's men.
Such was the damage Ferdinand suffered in a collision with Edwin van der Sar that he was coughing up blood in the United dressing room last Wednesday.

He spent the night in hospital, although scans revealed the £29.1million England international had not suffered any extensive damage to his ribs.

Ferdinand was left out of Saturday's trip to Middlesbrough but given the importance of Tuesday's game, when United will attempt to defend a single goal lead, Sir Alex Ferguson wants the former West Ham skipper if at all possible.

Derbyshire 'hopeful' of Olympiacos switch

Blackburn's Matt Derbyshire hopes to seal a permanent switch to Greek double winners Olympiacos.

The 22-year-old striker, who moved to Greece in January on a six-month loan deal, was a pivotal figure in the Greek Cup final on Saturday, netting twice for Olympiacos as they won 15-14 on penalties against AEK Athens to take the double - the 14th in the club's trophy-laden history.

"If you're asking me if I'd like to stay here then yes, of course," the England Under-21 international told PA Sport when asked where he would like to continue his career next season. "But it isn't down to me it's down to Blackburn Rovers and Olympiacos. I'm hopeful that something will happen."
He added: "There haven't been any talks at all at the moment.

"Obviously I will have to wait until the end of the English season to see what happens with Blackburn and negotiations will hopefully start then."

Derbyshire also revealed that Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce, whose team are still not safe from relegation after Saturday's 3-1 loss at Manchester City, had not been in contact at all with the striker since he moved to Greece.

"There's been no contact whatsoever," he said. "It doesn't bother me though to be honest because he's going through a difficult period where he's fighting relegation.

"He has to concentrate on everything he has to do at Blackburn and I appreciate that."

Chelsea reveal wings of desire

Chelsea's wing wonders have revealed how the heartache of losing last year's Champions League final is driving them on to win the trophy this season.

Florent Malouda, who scored one of the goals in their 3-1 victory over Fulham on Saturday, has flourished under Guus Hiddink's managerial tenure and Salomon Kalou, who popped up with the winner against West Ham the previous week, has finally begun to realise his full potential.

"Last year, to be in the final, was a very good experience but also bad," said former Lyon winger Malouda. "We are all determined now to get to Rome and win the trophy because we have come close before."
He added: "This now means that our desire is even stronger than it has ever been. The Champions League is a very important competition for any player."

The pair hope to be tormenting the Barcelona defence on Wednesday night in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final.

But after a majestic attacking display from Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba against Fulham, one of them may well lose out.

Anelka and Drogba both got on the score sheet while Kalou had to be content with a place on the bench and that is where the Ivorian may remain when the team is announced for return clash with the Spanish giants.

Chelsea have a slight advantage going into the second leg after their goalless draw in Spain, but Malouda and Kalou are in unison when it comes to revealing the impetus behind the team's desire to win the Champions League.

Malouda added: "For me, my emotion started at Lyon because we tried to win it but never passed the quarter-finals and now at Chelsea, we have a very good chance because our team is strong.

"We all know going to Rome is going to be difficult but we have ambition and the ability to win the competition. We know we can do it. We need to stay focused on our target and achieve our goal."

Chelsea reveal wings of desire

Chelsea's wing wonders have revealed how the heartache of losing last year's Champions League final is driving them on to win the trophy this season.

Florent Malouda, who scored one of the goals in their 3-1 victory over Fulham on Saturday, has flourished under Guus Hiddink's managerial tenure and Salomon Kalou, who popped up with the winner against West Ham the previous week, has finally begun to realise his full potential.

"Last year, to be in the final, was a very good experience but also bad," said former Lyon winger Malouda. "We are all determined now to get to Rome and win the trophy because we have come close before."
He added: "This now means that our desire is even stronger than it has ever been. The Champions League is a very important competition for any player."

The pair hope to be tormenting the Barcelona defence on Wednesday night in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final.

But after a majestic attacking display from Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba against Fulham, one of them may well lose out.

Anelka and Drogba both got on the score sheet while Kalou had to be content with a place on the bench and that is where the Ivorian may remain when the team is announced for return clash with the Spanish giants.

Chelsea have a slight advantage going into the second leg after their goalless draw in Spain, but Malouda and Kalou are in unison when it comes to revealing the impetus behind the team's desire to win the Champions League.

Malouda added: "For me, my emotion started at Lyon because we tried to win it but never passed the quarter-finals and now at Chelsea, we have a very good chance because our team is strong.

"We all know going to Rome is going to be difficult but we have ambition and the ability to win the competition. We know we can do it. We need to stay focused on our target and achieve our goal."

Phillips fires Blues to promotion

Birmingham clinched automatic promotion to the Barclays Premier League with a 2-1 win over Reading, condemning their hosts to the play-offs.

Reading goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann gifted the visitors the lead in the 19th minute when Keith Fahey's curled effort from outside the box squirmed through his grasp and over the line.

Kevin Phillips doubled their lead on the hour but seconds later Marek Matejovsky reduced the deficit.
The result ended Sheffield United's hopes of sneaking into the automatic promotion places as their goalless draw at Crystal Palace had little effect on the standings.

Burnley join them in the play-offs following a 4-0 win over Bristol City, thanks to two Graham Alexander penalties either side of Wade Elliott's thunderous volley and a late fourth from Joey Gudjonsson.

Preston beat QPR 2-1 to grab the last play-off spot by virtue of having scored one more goal than promotion-rivals Cardiff.

Sean St Ledger scored the crucial 74th-minute winner after Patrick Agyemang had levelled matters following Jon Parkin's first-half strike.

That ensured final day heartbreak for Cardiff, who lost 1-0 at Sheffield United with Jermaine Johnson's stunning half-volley putting an end to their Premier League dreams.

Champions Wolves wrapped up their campaign with a 1-0 home win over Doncaster, with Richard Stearman's stoppage-time winner ensuring they take the title by seven points.

Reds cruise past Magpies

Liverpool pushed 10-man Newcastle closer towards the Coca-Cola Championship while keeping their own title hopes alive with a 3-0 win at Anfield.

Newcastle were outplayed as the Reds kept the pressure on leaders Manchester United with first-half goals from Yossi Benayoun and Dirk Kuyt, and a late header from Lucas.

Newcastle's plight worsened when Joey Barton was sent off for a bad tackle on Xabi Alonso with 11 minutes left.

Yobo impresses Moyes

Everton manager David Moyes has backed Joseph Yobo to step up to the mark in the absence of injured defender Phil Jagielka.

Centre-back Jagielka is recovering from an operation in midweek to repair the anterior ligament he ruptured in last weekend's 2-1 defeat at home to Manchester City. Yobo will slot in alongside Joleon Lescott in Jagielka's absence and Moyes insists the Nigeria defender is an excellent replacement.

"I think if you look at the games we've played Yobo has played a lot of games." said Moyes. "You certainly cannot go through the season with only two centre-backs or two centre-forwards. Joe has played a big part of the season already so I don't think him coming into the team is that big news." He added: "Jack Rodwell is a possibility [to play] there if we were required to do so and maybe Phil Neville would be another if he was required as well."

Forward James Vaughan, who has missed five months of this campaign with a knee problem himself, said the latest blow on the injury front was just something the squad had to take in their stride.

Earlier in the season they lost Aiyegbeni Yakubu (Achilles), Mikel Arteta (knee) and Victor Anichebe (knee).

"Phil's probably been our best player but we've coped all season without important players and we will have to do the same again," Vaughan told the Daily Post.

"I've been there but Jags is a professional and he will get his rehab done and be back as soon as possible."

Shearer calls for team effort

Alan Shearer has warned his Newcastle players they cannot rely on their big names alone to get the club out of trouble.

The Magpies head for Liverpool on Sunday three points adrift of Barclays Premier League safety with only four games in which to save themselves and Shearer insists every single member of the squad will have to contribute.

He said: "They all hold a vital role. The experienced ones, some of them will have been in this position, some of them won't. But I am looking to everyone, not just the experienced players. Everyone has got a huge part to play, a massive role."

He added: "But the spirits have been reasonable this week considering we haven't won a game under myself, and hopefully that will change rather soon."

If it is to change this weekend, Shearer's players will have to perform considerably better than they did in the reverse fixture at St James' on December 28.

That day, the rampant Reds, led by irresistible England midfielder Steven Gerrard, tore Newcastle to shreds as they romped to a 5-1 victory, which might have been even more embarrassing had it not been for the brilliance of keeper Shay Given.

The Irishman decided enough was enough in the immediate aftermath of the debacle, signing for Manchester City in January, and his close friend Shearer admitted it did not look good from the Match of the Day sofa.

He said: "It wasn't pleasant watching, to be honest, it was a bitterly disappointing game.

"Whether it was a turning point or not, I am not quite sure, but we certainly want to avoid anything like that again."

Brown rues spitting row

Phil Brown believes the spitting row with Arsenal may have damaged people's perception of Hull.

Brown alleged Cesc Fabregas had spat at Tigers assistant boss Brian Horton following the teams' FA Cup tie at the Emirates Stadium. The Arsenal captain was subsequently charged with improper conduct while Brown has also been charged by the FA over his criticism of the referee, Mike Riley.

Brown admits it may have altered people's impression of the club. "Possibly it did," he told The Times. "I can't go overboard about that because it's part of an inquiry and I'm under FA scrutiny, but there was a lot (that) went on after the game."
He added: "I would have dearly loved to speak to Arsène Wenger straight after the game.

"I would have put it to him manager to manager, instead of going public, but there was no access to him.

"If there was access, none of this would have come out. But I couldn't speak to him or get any sense out of anyone else.

"Let's conduct the inquiry and then we'll see what comes out.

"I think it's something we need to look at. For as long as I've been involved in football, there has been a culture where the managers have a chat beforehand and afterwards and it doesn't spill over into personal animosity.

"We talked about a Respect campaign for the players at the start of the season. I think the League Managers' Association have a duty to make sure we all get together and say that this tension just can't go on.

"I know there's long-term battles going on with some of the big boys, but it doesn't have to be that way. We should be able to talk to each other, manager to manager."

Sbragia fumes at Keane

Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia has hit back at the perceived recent slights of his predecessor Roy Keane by advising the Irishman to focus on his own job at Ipswich.

Keane has spoken about his former club's relegation plight and confidence problems since taking over from Jim Magilton at Portman Road last month, and Sbragia - who worked for the former Manchester United captain as a coach before replacing him - appears to have taken umbrage.

"It just seems that if he wants a bit of publicity, he says something - but why not talk about Ipswich? Why is he always talking about Sunderland?" said the Scot.
"Roy left this club. He's not here and we don't talk about him, but for some reason he keeps coming back. I don't know why. Maybe he still thinks he's the manager.

"Maybe he's just bored and has nothing to do, so he thinks, 'I'll have a go at Sunderland'. I think he should just really concentrate on Ipswich. He's back in football. He should enjoy it."

Sbragia also appeared to hint at an untold story behind Keane's departure from the Stadium of Light hot seat earlier this season.

Sbragia added: "He knows the reason he left Sunderland and I know exactly why he left.

"I wouldn't want to go into print and say exactly what I know about what he said and what he did.

"But I don't know why he keeps talking about Sunderland. He has left Sunderland. I could go into more detail, but I won't."

Gerrard 'pleased' he snubbed Blues

Steven Gerrard admits he considered moving to Chelsea because he felt Liverpool were a long way from being title contenders.

The England midfielder was on the verge of a move to Stamford Bridge in 2005 and has been linked with the Blues since. However, the 28-year-old remained at Anfield and has been instrumental as Liverpool have emerged as the main threat to Manchester United in the race for the Premier League title this season.

He told the Daily Telegraph: "The reason the whole Chelsea thing came up was down to frustration that we were so far away from the title race. That's why their interest maybe turned my head slightly. But I look back now and I'm really pleased I decided to stay because I'm part of a top team here that can be successful."
As a Liverpool fan, Gerrard knows success at Anfield would have far more significance for him than winning trophies with another club.

"It would mean an awful lot more to be successful at Liverpool than it would at any other club," Gerrard continued.

"Don't get me wrong, I might have won more medals somewhere else but if I was to win the league here, along with a few more cups, that would mean a lot more than winning seven or eight trophies somewhere else.

"I can share it with my family, with the Liverpool supporters because I've been one of them all my life."

Everton boss Moyes blasts FA over cup final tickets

Everton manager David Moyes has attacked the Football Association for being 'disrespectful' and 'hypocritical' in their allocation of FA Cup final tickets.

Both the Toffees and Chelsea have been given about 25,000 tickets each for the showpiece event at the 90,000-capacity venue on May 30.

Moyes said that was woefully inadequate considering the huge demand on Merseyside with Everton in their first final since 1995.
We get 25,000, Chelsea get 25,000 and I think the FA get 40,000,' he said.

'Something is not right when 40,000 tickets have gone to corporate people.

'I understand these people are the ones putting some money into it and probably helped build Wembley in the first place but it's not right for the average punter.

'It disappoints me when all through the season when the managers get questioned about not putting out their strongest team, leaving one or two players out, in FA Cup ties.

'The biggest disrespect has come from the FA in how many tickets they have given teams who get to the final.

'It is a little bit hypocritical. They want us to support the competition, speak well about it, play everyone in it and then when we get there give the teams a limited amount of tickets.

'There is nothing Everton can do but I feel really bad for the supporters. We could probably take three times the number of tickets we have got and I'd love them to be there.

'I just hope they all get in somehow.'

Fergie warning for United stars

Sir Alex Ferguson was warned Manchester United superstars like Dimitar Berbatov no player is guaranteed first-team football – no matter what their price tag may be.

Despite his club record £30.75million price tag, Ferguson still left Berbatov out of his starting line-up to face Arsenal on Wednesday.

The on-going uncertainty over Carlos Tevez's United future will not save him either on Tuesday should Ferguson decide the Argentina star is not what he needs for the Champions League semi-final second-leg at the Emirates Stadium.
It is part of a focus that has stood Ferguson in good stead throughout his managerial career, most famously when he axed goalkeeper Jim Leighton for the 1990 FA Cup final replay with Crystal Palace after a miserable performance in the first game at Wembley.

And, no matter what the circumstances, Ferguson will not change.

'Players react differently,' said the United boss.

'Some accept it, others find it hard. It depends on the nature of the personalities. But it doesn't deflect me from picking what I feel is the correct team.

'In 1990, I made the right decision. I was disappointed for the lad at the time because Jim took it badly but that is why I speak to my players before I pick my team.

'You cannot think about how much a player costs when you are picking a team.

'Once that player is signed it is not as if you can go to the tax man and ask for a rebate if he doesn't play.

'Others might not agree with my choice and the recent FA Cup semi-final was a case in point.

'But I never allow anyone to cloud my judgement. I am very clear-minded about that.'

Almunia good enough to play for England, insists Arsenal boss Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger still believes Manuel Almunia could represent England one day and declared: 'He is the best.'

The Spaniard produced a superb display in the midweek Champions League semi-final first leg against Manchester United at Old Trafford, helping keep the score down to just 1-0.

Almunia joined the Gunners from Celta Vigo in July 2004, and so under residency laws would soon be eligible to apply to become a naturalised British citizen.
Given the 31-year-old has yet to be called up into the Spain national team, there remains genuine possibility Almunia would, under FIFA regulations, be available for selection to England coach Fabio Capello in time for the build-up to the 2010 World Cup.

However, the issue continues to draw controversy, with both former England keepers Peter Shilton and Ray Clemence voicing their concerns. Nevertheless, there are plenty of precedents.

Arsenal's Brazil-born striker Eduardo is a regular for Croatia having moved there when he was a teenager.

Manchester United and England midfielder Owen Hargreaves was born in Canada.

And Marcel Desailly, born in Ghana, and Zinedine Zidane, of Algerian descent, both helped France win the World Cup in 1998.

In other sports, England cricket captain Kevin Pietersen was born in South Africa and rugby player Riki Flutey is from New Zealand, but is now a British resident.

'There are international rules which have to be respected, but if it is possible legally, why not?' said Wenger.

'Then it is more a choice left to the English Football Association or to Manuel Almunia's desire.

'I believe he is not only good enough, but he is the best.'

The Gunners boss added: 'It is down to what you expect morally and mentally from a national team.

'I believe at some stage you have to observe just the rules and decide what you want.

'On the English side, for the national team, it is not so much a problem because if the guy decides to become English, he has had to observe and respect the rules like anybody else.

'Why should he then not be qualified to play for the national team?

'It is more a moral problem maybe for Manuel Almunia, because does he consider he has a chance to play in the Spanish national team or not?'

Arsenal head to Portsmouth tomorrow looking to extend a 20-game unbeaten run in the Barclays Premier League.

However, Eduardo is out for around three weeks with a groin problem, and defender Mickael Silvestre is struggling to face his former club again because of a similar problem.

Gael Clichy (back) will miss the Champions League second-leg against United on Tuesday, but leading scorer Robin van Persie (groin) could return next week.

Russian playmaker Andrey Arshavin is available tomorrow having been cup-tied for the Champions League clash.

Agger close to new Liverpool deal

Daniel Agger is believed to be close to signing a new long-term contract with Liverpool.

The Danish central defender has been involved in a lengthy saga over his future, and it was feared he was waiting to buy himself out of the final year of his contract.

He has been linked with AC Milan, Juventus and Barcelona in recent months with talks seemingly at a stalemate with Liverpool.

It had been thought that Agger wanted a wage rise from £50,000 a week to £70,000 a week.

However, his agent Per Steffensen has recently visited Liverpool for discussions with manager Rafael Benitez and it is thought that a deal is now on the table that suits both player and club.

Benitez said: 'These conversations have gone really well and we are very close. Maybe we will soon have a solution.'

Liverpool recently agreed new deals with Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt while verbal agreements have been made with youngsters Nathan Ecclestone, Peter Gulacsi, Krisztian Nemeth and Nabil El Zhar.

Ferdinand should be fit to face Arsenal

Rio Ferdinand could be fit for Manchester United's second-leg Champions League showdown with Arsenal after scans revealed he had not cracked a rib.

The England defender was forced off and had to be taken to hospital during the first leg of the sides' semi-final meeting at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

He will miss United's Premier League game with Middlesbrough tomorrow but manager Sir Alex Ferguson is confident he could be fit to face the Gunners.
'It's good news with Rio. It is not a cracked bone, he had a bit of bruising on the lung which was why he was coughing up blood but there has been nothing since then,' Ferguson said.

'Hopefully we can get him ready for Tuesday, he seems almost back to normal. But he won't play tomorrow.

'Of course when you see it at the time you fear the worst but now it is just a case of getting him back training, hopefully on Sunday, and getting him ready for Tuesday.'

O'Leary in injury scare

Tomas O'Leary looks certain to miss the British and Irish Lions Tour to South Africa after suffering a serious ankle injury in Munster's 29-10 Magners League win over the Scarlets.

O'Leary's injury marred Munster's 10th straight win in all competitions at Musgrave Park, with early indications that the Ireland scrum-half has a suspected fractured ankle.

He was immediately ruled out of next weekend's Heineken Cup semi-final showdown with Leinster and will almost certainly miss the trip to South Africa.
Tries from Ian Dowling, David Wallace, Keith Earls and Denis Leamy helped Munster move onto 58 points, meaning the title will be theirs if Ospreys fail to gain a point against Edinburgh on Saturday.

The reigning European champions had seven of their eight Lions in action, with tour captain Paul O'Connell the only absentee as he rested a sore hip.

Tevez loan arrangement concerns Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted Manchester United are in a position of weakness because of Carlos Tevez's complicated loan arrangement.

The South American's United days appear to be drawing to an end because of a perceived lack of opportunities. Ferguson has not given up hope of keeping him, but his bargaining position is not helped by the knowledge Tevez can walk away at the end of the season to take up any of the lucrative offers bound to come his way.

"We are vulnerable because of the loan situation, there is no question about that," said Ferguson.
"It is the weakness and when he is questioned by journalists it is loaded towards that," he added. "It can lead him into saying things he doesn't really believe or mean."

Tevez arrived under a loan arrangement with adviser Kia Joorabchian which was sanctioned by the Premier League.

An agreed price - believed to be around £30million - needs to be paid at the end of the season for United to seal Tevez's registration. But, while Ferguson still hopes it will happen, Tevez is seemingly resigned to leaving because he has not played in enough key matches.

"I don't want him to be unhappy that's for sure because he is an important player for us," said the Scot. "The difficulty is when you have the options I have got, it creates problems.

"All the good players want to play in every game but you can't do that in this league, it is impossible.

"I think he genuinely wants to stay and that is something we are trying to work towards. I have told him that repeatedly.

"Maybe at the end of the season if he has won something or achieved something, he will look at the overall picture and realise he has made a contribution. I think he will stay. I hope he does."