Local hero Shola Ameobi came off the bench to hand Newcastle a welcome three points and manager Alan Pardew the perfect Christmas present - a 1-0 win against QPR. The 31-year-old striker produced an assured 81st-minute finish just as it looked as though the Magpies would have to settle for a draw in a game they knew was a must-win affair. It was no more than they deserved on a day when they do...Full Story »

Gareth Barry headed a last-gasp winner as champions Manchester City denied Reading an unexpected and morale-boosting point with a 1-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium. City created numerous chances in a mostly one-sided affair completed in heavy rain but the visitors looked set to hold firm and lift themselves off the bottom of the Barclays Premier League. But City fought to the end and Barry got...Full Story »

Stoke lived up to their billing as one of the best defensive units around as they put in a stubborn display to deny Tottenham victory in a goalless draw at White Hart Lane. Spurs could have gone third in the Barclays Premier League with a win but the visitors proved too hard to break down thanks to a predictably tough display from Tony Pulis' side. Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas and his assistan...Full Story »

Mikel Arteta's penalty proved enough for Arsenal to defeat Wigan and make it three Barclays Premier League victories in a row for the first time since March. There was very little between the sides and it was the hosts who had the best chance of the first half but it was wasted by Arouna Kone. The goal came on the hour mark after Jean Beausejour was deemed to have fouled Theo Walcott, much to ...Full Story »

Michel Vorm is set to return from a groin injury when Swansea welcome Premier League leaders Manchester United to the Liberty Stadium on Sunday. The Dutchman has been out for eight weeks but is set to replace Gerhard Tremmel between the sticks, while Pablo Hernandez returns to the squad after a thigh injury. Angel Rangel is likely to miss out again with the calf problem that kept him out of th...Full Story »

Rafael Benitez cannot guarantee John Terry will be fit for Chelsea's Christmas fixtures. Terry's recovery from knee surgery is proving more problematic than first thought and he will definitely miss Sunday's Barclays Premier League game against Aston Villa. Ramires and Gary Cahill return from suspension but John Obi Mikel is still banned. Daniel Sturridge is available for selection after his h...Full Story »

Moving on: Marouane Chamakh is set to quit Arsenal in January Inter Milan are ready to rival West Ham in the hunt for Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh. The 28-year-old has been told he can quit Arsenal during the January transfer window after slipping down the pecking order and has already held talks with West Ham over a loan move. However, Serie A giants Inter Milan have also been recommende...Full Story »

Patrice Evra has told Cristiano Ronaldo he needs to return "home" to Manchester United if his talent is ever to be fully appreciated. Four seasons after Ronaldo left Old Trafford for Real Madrid in a world record £80million transfer, the 27-year-old is on his way back for the Champions League knockout stages. Yet by the time those fixtures are played, it is virtually certain Ronaldo wil...Full Story »

Rafael Benitez told Frank Lampard it was up to him to prove Chelsea wrong over their decision not to offer him a new contract. England midfielder Lampard last week appeared resigned to leaving Stamford Bridge when his current deal expires at the end of the season. But the 34-year-old still has it within his power to make himself indispensable to the club where he has become a legend during 1...Full Story »

From the very first moment, it is clear this will not be a routine interview. Mario Balotelli is in the room and he's not really supposed to be. 'What's this?' he enquires, standing at the door. 'It's an interview, Mario.' 'What interview? Why?' he asks. 'Joe and the Daily Mail. Nothing to do with you.' Hart stopper: Balotelli did his best to hijack Ian Ladyman's interview with Manchester...Full Story »