RVP not ready for new deal

Robin van Persie has revealed he is in no rush to sign a contract extension at Arsenal but insisted he is happy with his current deal and focused on doing the business on the pitch.

The Gunners lost two of their most influential players over the summer as Cesc Fabregas returned to boyhood club Barcelona and Samir Nasri was lured to Manchester City.

Arsene Wenger announced last week that the process of signing up the likes of Van Persie would begin immediately, after voicing concerns that Arsenal could not match the rewards on offer elsewhere.

Van Persie, who was made captain at Emirates Stadium following the departure of Fabregas and scored his 100th goal for the club against Bolton on Saturday, is coming towards the final 18 months of his contract.

He maintains that he is satisfied with the situation as it stands and does not believe it is the right time to discuss an extension at such a busy stage of the season.

"I still have almost two years left here, so for the moment that's fine. But I don't know, we will have to look," said the Dutch striker.

Right moment

"I'm happy with my contract, I'm good. That's how it is, I can't say much more. I can't look into the future."

Asked if he might discuss a new deal soon, Van Persie added: "Maybe I'll leave it because the main thing for me is the team and that we play well.

"I do believe you have to look for a right moment to sit down and speak about your own stuff.

"It's not only about me, it's about the team. We are not talking now because we are so busy - we have games every three or four days. I don't think it's clever to do that during the season."

Torres regrets Gower challenge

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres says that he never meant to hurt Swansea's Mark Gower after being sent off on Saturday.

The Blues forward was dismissed for a two-footed lunge on the Swans midfielder after scoring his second goal of the season, but his team-mates went on to win the match 4-1.

It culminated a dramatic six days for the Spaniard who went into the weekend's clash looking to move on from his embarrassing open goal miss against Manchester United a week earlier.

Gower has escaped any serious injury, revealing afterwards that he had only been grazed by the ta
ckle,

but admitted that it was a needless foul by the 27-year-old.

Torres will now miss the next three domestic matches but is available to play in Chelsea's UEFA Champions League clash at Valencia on Wednesday.

Arrived late

"Obviously, I didn't want to do anything bad against the other player, I tried to take away my legs, but I arrived late to kick the ball and I kicked him a little bit.

It's a pity and I'm really disappointed for that. It is the first time I have received a red card in the Premier League and I hope it is the last one."

Torres had put Chelsea in the lead after 29 minutes on Saturday, meaning that he has already scored more goals for the Blues this season than he did in 19 appearances last term.

And the club's record signing has thanked the fans who have backed him despite a frustrating few months at Stamford Bridge.

He said: "Obviously, when you are doing great, scoring goals from the first day and doing good performances, it's easy for the fans to love and support you.

"But the first six months for me at Chelsea have been very, very difficult and I have been struggling, and I have always had the support of the fans.
"From the first day till now, every time I talk with them on the street, the café, everywhere, I can feel the support they are giving me so it is nice to start scoring for them."

Cristiano Ronaldo imitates Michael Jackson

City pay respects to United

Manchester City will pay their respects to those who died in the 1958 Munich air crash when they visit Germany on Tuesday.

A delegation of officials, including Life President Bernard Halford, will lay a wreath at the memorial of the accident.

City play Bayern Munich in their first-ever UEFA Champions League away game this week and wish to dedicate their visit to honour the lives of the 23 people who died.

The victims of the air crash included Manchester United players, officials and journalists who were travelling back from a European Cup game against Red Star Belgrade.

Frank Swift, a goalkeeper who made almost 400 appearances for Manchester City before becoming a journalist, also died in the crash.

Refreshing

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "It's refreshing, we appreciate that from Manchester City.

"And of course one of their own players was killed in the crash, their former players anyway.

"I think it's a good sign that the game is not as bad as sometimes we think, I think there's an element of supporters' contribution in a different way which is not nice.

"We appreciate what Manchester City are doing if that's the case, well done."

Magpies soaring

The new Premier League campaign has got off to a largely predictable start, with Manchester United and Manchester City setting the pace at the top of the table and Chelsea just behind.

Tottenham and Liverpool are going fairly well, while the promoted clubs are battling hard and Arsenal's stuttering form is not a complete surprise considering what a turbulent summer it has been at Emirates Stadium.

But there is one team that has exceeded expectations, having been tipped for relegation in some quarters ahead of the big kick-off.

Newcastle currently sit fourth in the standings, proudly occupying the final UEFA Champions League spot after extending their unbeaten record with an impressive 3-1 victory over Blackburn on Saturday.

Rewind a couple of months and Magpies supporters could be forgiven for feeling very anxious about their prospects going forward, following a series of typically baffling stories during the close season.

The sale of Kevin Nolan to West Ham raised eyebrows considering his influence last term, while Joey Barton and Jose Enrique were both critical of the club's board prior to sealing moves elsewhere.

There were not the big-money signings that were promised following Andy Carroll's £35million switch to Liverpool in January, with the players that Alan Pardew did recruit exciting but mainly untried in the Premier League.

Pre-season hardly ran smoothly on the field either, as their game against Darlington was marred by crowd trouble and a pitch invasion, the clash with Fiorentina was abandoned because of bad weather and performances hardly inspired confidence.

With lingering resentment towards owner Mike Ashley and managing director Derek Llambias, boss Pardew struggling to match predecessor Chris Hughton in the popularity stakes and a group of players lacking obvious star power, even fans were unusually downbeat ahead of the season opener at home to Arsenal.
Sense of optimism

Barton was still at the club at this point despite being made available for transfer and perhaps inevitably stole the headlines following incidents involving Alex Song and Gervinho, but the most important thing gained from that match was a sense of optimism following a hard-fought goalless draw.

The Magpies went on to beat North East rivals Sunderland away from home a week later, which will always produce a lasting feel-good factor, and have carried that momentum through to the end of September.

They have claimed creditable draws away to Queens Park Rangers and Aston Villa, whilst also beating Fulham and Blackburn at home, but where has this good form come from?

Well, for starters, Newcastle look a well-balanced, hard-working team, prepared to dig in when under pressure like they did against QPR but also capable of providing an attacking threat.

A strong defensive base is always the first thing a manager looks for and Pardew will have been delighted with the way his back four have played so far, conceding just three goals in six games.

Captain Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor, back to full fitness after an injury nightmare in 2010, have been imperious in the centre and have been well supported by Danny Simpson and Ryan Taylor, with Tim Krul growing in maturity between the posts.

At the other end of the pitch the cutting edge has been delivered by Leon Best and Demba Ba, two strikers that may have been unfairly considered journeymen prior to the season but who complement each other nicely and have shown predatory finishing to date.

Pardew deserves credit for bringing in a player such as Ba, having spotted that he had something to offer during a stint with relegated West Ham last season.

The signings of Gabriel Obertan and Yohan Cabaye in midfield have also proved shrewd acquisitions, swelling the French contingent at St James' Park and adding a new dimension to their attack.

Cabaye, in particular, has linked up well with Cheick Tiote in the middle of the park to give Newcastle the right mix of steel and creativity in such a key battleground, while the return from injury of Hatem Ben Arfa will bring further flair as well as increasing competition for places.
Blinkered

It is still very early days, though, and Pardew has told his players not to get carried away with their unbeaten start.

The fixture list has been fairly kind to Newcastle so far and at this stage of the season a team can plummet from fourth to fourth-bottom in the space of a few weeks.

So, the question arises, just how high can they set their sights this season?

Even the most blinkered of fans will accept that Newcastle are not going to finish in the top four, while fifth or sixth may be out of reach too if other clubs with stronger squads perform as they should.

Relegation certainly should not be a worry and, with a few new arrivals in the January transfer window, the Magpies can realistically aim for a top-half finish and perhaps a little better.
Seventh place in the Premier League or a long run in one of the cups would be good enough for the majority of supporters, so dreams of Europe may not be too fanciful after all.

KEMP TRYING TO WIN ELUSIVE NATIONAL LEAGUE TRIPLE CROWN

By the time Matt Kemp bats in the last game of the regular season Wednesday night he hopes to be ready to enter some of the rarest territory in baseball.

In a quiet way, Kemp catapulted himself toward a possible Triple Crown run with a productive September. But after a tough three-game series against the San Diego Padres over the weekend, Kemp's quest has become a lot more difficult.

Although Kemp has a comfortable lead in RBIs (119) and is tied with St. Louis' Albert Pujols in home runs (37), the Dodgers' slugger has fallen nine points behind Milwaukee's Ryan Braun in the NL batting race. If Kemp is to become the first player to win the Triple Crown since Boston's Carl Yastrzemski in 1967 and the first NL player since St. Louis' Ducky Medwick in 1937, he will have to pick up the pace in Phoenix in the final three games.

"I know it will take a lot to go past (Braun)," Kemp said. "I'm not going to try for hits, but I'm going to just keep doing what I have been doing and that is take good hacks and stay within myself."

Kemp, who went 3 for 13 against the Padres at pitcher-friendly Petco Park, is at .324 while Braun is at .333.

Los Angeles manager Don Mattingly, a former AL MVP and lifetime .307 hitter with the Yankees, thinks Kemp has a shot, although it will take an exceptional combination of circumstances.

"One guy has to kind of collapse and the other guy catches fire," Mattingly said. "You kind of need one of those 5-for-5 days and the other guy has to go 1 for 5. But we have seen Matt get hot before."

Kemp's torrid six-game stretch of multiple hit games leading into the San Diego series got him back in the Triple Crown conversation. Kemp was hitting .321 on Sept. 1 but trailed New York's Jose Reyes (.335) and Braun (.331). Two weeks later, his average had dropped to .314.

But then on Sept. 16, Kemp began his multihit barrage with 15 hits in six games that culminated with a 4-for-5 performance in the Dodgers' final home game Thursday. That raised his average to .326, four points behind Braun.

"If I have any chance at getting there, my mindset, my approach can't change," Kemp said. "I'm not going to be trying to hit home runs or worrying about hits. Once I start to do that, that's when I lose my focus and I won't be successful. I have to stay focused and do the same things that have gotten me to where I am at right now."

Through it all, Kemp has kept his sense of humour.

"Someone was screaming at me when I went to bat, 'Braun got two hits. Forget about it, man,'"

"I just started laughing. He's actually one of my favourite players."

One thing Kemp promises is this: He won't think about trying to smash the ball. He hasn't done it all season and won't do it now.

"I'm not going to change it up. I just have to relax. When I try to hit home runs and hit too hard, I'm not too successful."

If Kemp somehow pulls off this Triple Crown, Mattingly thinks the feat will have big implications.

"Just look at the game of baseball," Mattingly said. "The last time it was done was '67. Right there that tells you a lot. A lot of great players have come through the league and done a lot of good things. But to be able to put this combination together is huge."

Heath Bell, the Padres' 33-year-old closer, marvels at the difficulty of a Triple Crown.

"Think of it this way — 1967. That was 10 years before I was even born, and I'm not one of the young guys in the league," he said. "He'd be doing something that none of the great players in the last 40-some years did. That's pretty mind blowing, pretty impressive."

Said Dodgers pitcher Ted Lilly: "It would be an unreal ending to what has already been a great year. Just on its own, this season has been tremendous. Now you add the Triple Crown and that puts it in a completely different category all by itself."

Kemp has hit well at Chase Field, where he has a career average of .304 with seven homers and 19 RBIs in 148 at-bats.

"It would be unbelievable if I could do this," Kemp said.

REPORT: CALVILLO FREE OF CONCUSSION SYMPTOMS AFTER HUGE HIT

Three days after a hard hit that left him unconscious on the field, Montreal Alouettes quarterback Anthony Calvillo was studying film with his fellow quarterbacks on Monday.

Calvillo is not suffering from post-concussion symptoms and if the pivot remains symptom-free on Tuesday, he will practice with the team.

Calvillo felt fine on both Sunday and Monday after the incident, but is considered day-to-day and hasn't done any exercise yet. He will follow post-concussion protocol during the week to determine if he will play on Friday against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

With seven seconds left in the third quarter on Friday night in Edmonton, Calvillo looked to be badly injured following a massive hit by Marcus Howard after a fumble. Howard connected squarely with Calvillo's left shoulder and knocking the future Hall of Famer's head against the turf.

"That was the first time I have ever been completely knocked out," Calvillo said. "I've had concussions before, but I have never been knocked out. That was a bit scary.

"I remember fumbling the ball and getting hit but after that I don't remember anything until the trainers were talking to me. I guess I was completely out for about 20 seconds. It's way too early right now to determine if this will keep me out or not."

Adrian McPherson came in to replace Calvillo and led the Alouettes to a 34-21 win.

BLUE BOMBERS LOSE RBS REID AND VOLNY FOR THE SEASON

The running game of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers got a double whammy on Monday with news that Fred Reid and Carl Volny are out for the season with knee injuries.

Both players suffered torn anterior cruciate ligaments in their knees during Saturday's loss to the Toronto Argonauts.

"Losing both of our talented running backs is never an easy thing," said Blue Bombers vice-president and general manager Joe Mack. "Unfortunately injuries are part of the game and we have to move on and look ahead at our other options. We wish both Fred and Carl the best in their recoveries."

Reid is currently second in the league in rushing with 759 yards and four touchdowns this season. Volny has appeared in four games and has 72 yards on nine carries.

Chris Garrett is currently on the practice roster and Bloi-Dei Dorzon of Jackson State University will be added to the roster this week.
The Blue Bombers face the Montreal Alouettes on Wendy's Friday Night Footballat 7pm et/4pm pt.

RISING STAR ON UAE NATIONAL TEAM KILLED IN ACCIDENT

The United Arab Emirates player who became an Internet sensation earlier this year when he scored a backheeled penalty has been killed in a car accident.

Theyab Awana, 21, died when a car he was in collided with a truck late Sunday while on the way back to Abu Dhabi after attending a national team training session in Al Ain.

"I feel the loss of one of my family," UAE football president Mohammed Khalfan al-Rumaithi said Monday on the national federation's website. "I felt bitter tragedy. May the almighty bless him and may he rest in eternal peace."

Al-Rumaithi praised Awana's commitment to the UAE. The winger was considered a rising star on the country's national team, but his biggest claim to fame was the backheeled penalty he scored in a 7-2 drubbing of Lebanon in July.

Awana jogged up to the ball before spinning and flicking the ball past the goalkeeper with his right hee
l. The YouTub video of the penalty has been viewed more than 1.2 million times.

Awana, who also played for UAE club Bani Yas, had been injured and was due to fly to Germany for treatment.

The national team's training session was cancelled Monday so the players could attend Awana's funeral in Bani Yas. The UAE next plays at South Korea in a World Cup qualifier on Oct. 11.

The Asian Football Confederation expressed its sympathy in a statement

"On behalf of AFC and the Asian football family, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the UAE football community, family and friends of Awana," acting president Zhang Jilong said. "His demise at such a young age is a great loss to Asian and UAE football in particular."

The roads in the United Arab Emirates are among the region's most dangerous. A goalkeeper for the Under-23 side was badly injured in a car crash last year.

BRADY HAS MOST YARDS PASSING IN ANY THREE-WEEK NFL SPAN

om Brady has the most yards passing for any three-weespan in NFL history.

The New England quarterback has thrown for 1,327 yards, surpassing the 1,257 Drew Brees compiled in 2006. Brady also beat Kurt Warner's 1,221 yards in 2000 that were the most for the first three weeks of a season.

Brady has thrown for 517, 423 and 387 yards as the Patriots have gone 2-1. He also has 11 touchdowns and five interceptions.

At his current pace, Brady would throw for more than 50 TDs, the record he set in 2007, and more than the 5,084 yards Dan Marino had in 1984.

SOURCE: NBA PLAYERS AND OWNERS TO MEET TUESDAY

A person familiar with the plans says representatives for NBA players and owners will meet Tuesday and perhaps Wednesday.

The players' association has cancelled a regional meeting with players Tuesday in Miami so its negotiators can meet with league officials in New York instead, the person told The Associated Press on Monday on condition of anonymity because the details are supposed to remain confidential.

The bargaining sessio
n, first reported, comes just days after the league cancelled 43 pre-season games scheduled for Oct. 9-15.

HAT TRICK EARNS DE ROSARIO PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONOURS

Dwayne De Rosario's historic hat trick has earned the Canadian midfielder player of the week honours in Major League Soccer.

The D.C. United midfielder recorded the fastest hat trick in MLS history against Real Salt Lake on Saturday, scoring in the 22nd, 27th and 31st minutes.

The 33-year-old Toronto native has an MLS-best 13 goals on the season.

The weekly award was De Rosario's third this season.

He's also the first player in D.C. United history to record two regular-season hat tricks in the same season. His first was on Aug. 6 versus his former club Toronto FC.

De Rosario has 10 and six assists in 13 MLS matches since he was acquired by D.C. United.

MUCH IS RIDING ON CANADIAN RESULT AGAINST JAPAN

Canada's rugby team is preparing for the biggest test of their rugby careers. The result versus Japan tonight will determine a great deal of futures in the Canadian rugby world.

A loss to the higher ranked Japanese would leave Canada at the foot of the Pool A table. That's the same disappointing position Canada held in the last disastrous World Cup campaign in France four years ago. Such is the cruelty of top level international sport, as this team has won a thrilling game against Tonga - unlike the 2007 team that only managed a tie against Japan.

There would be some of the harsher critics who would question the direction of the national men's program. Issues raised would include: the lack of exposure for the domestic players to the top level of professional play and whether the growing resources are being utilized to the fullest by Kieran Crowley and his team.

The reality is comparisons of this team to the 2007 team are completely inaccurate and spurious. The spirit and class this team has displayed has been exemplary. They have restored a work ethic and respect to the jersey. They are affable and proud. This matters! And in my books is it also a great foundation for maximizing your potential when you are representing a whole nation.

I had the privilege of addressing the current team alongside other former Rugby World Cup captains Mark Wyatt and Al Charron. We were asked to share a few thoughts from our various RWC campaigns over the years. I respect both these men immensely. Their ability, as Canadians to break down barriers in the rugby world was an inspiration to me and my teammates over the years but it was also critical to getting Canadian rugby to new thresholds just like we find tonight. Mark set world records, got pro contracts in Europe and led Canada to a RWC quarter final while Al got selected to world XV's, scored huge tries on the biggest of stages and was generally feared and respected by all his international opponents.

The theme that came from all three of us in our meeting with the team was to prepare to seize the moment when it comes. For me Rugby World Cups are a series of moments within a campaign. Against France we faltered at the key moments. Al talked about the X-Factor. This was everywhere in the victory over Tonga. Individuals like DTH Van der Merve and Adam Kleebrger brought the X-Factor. They produced the unexpected in the highest pressure situations. They owned the key moments.

When Mark's team made the quarter-final in 1991 his team was loaded with individuals who stepped up and dominated their opposite numbers. When enough players do that you have the foundation for success and upsets on the international rugby stage.

A victory over Japan tonight will depend on current members of Pat Riordan's squad taking the same, no-nonsense approach and dealing with the very dangerous Japanese team facing them.

Everyone is aware of the possibilities opened up by a positive result tonight. Automatic RWC Qualification for 2015 in England, increased funding from all sources and opportunities to get back to the major stadiums of Europe through inclusion again in the fall test match schedule.

As the team sits quietly and nervously in their hotel rooms awaiting kick-off, they know they will be judged tonight on the outcome. That is their reality. I have every confidence that they will play in a manner that makes Canadians proud. If they also bring the X-Factor they too will be breaking down barriers and they will be making their own massive contribution to the future of Rugby in Canada.

Go get 'em boys!

CROSBY SAYS HE'S GETTING CLOSER TO CONTACT PRACTICE

Sidney Crosby believes he is getting closer to beingcleared for contact.

The Pittsburgh Penguins' star was pleased after going through another trouble-free practice Monday, a day after taking part in a scrimmage in which hits were banned.

"Obviously, the more good days you have, the nearer you get, and, hopefully, we'll get there shortly," said Crosby, who is recovering from a concussion that occurred more than eight months ago.

Crosby, who hasn't played since Jan. 5, has not yet been officially ruled out for the Penguins' Oct. 6 opener at Vancouver. However, it seems highly unlikely he will be ready by then as he has yet to take part in any contact work.

Crosby sat out the Penguins' three pre-season games last week and isn't expected to participate in any of the three this week, all of which are on the road.

While Crosby skips any training camp scrimmaging that includes contact, he has looked fast and in shape while going through his regular on-ice work. He has been jostled during some drills, but has reported none of the concussion-related symptoms, including headaches, that bothered him for months after he was hurt.

"When you go through this for a while, you just want to feel good out there," Crosby said. "Right now I feel good. When it's ready to get that point (contact), I want to make sure I'm comfortable and confident."

Crosby said he has gone at a 100 per cent exertion level since camp began Sept. 17, if only to get back to playing at a game-like speed.

"I think our practices are pretty intense," Crosby said. "That's just one aspect. You throw physicality in there and it's a little different. It's a little bit more fatiguing. It definitely changes things a bit."

During Sunday's scrimmage, Crosby failed on a shootout attempt against goaltender Scott Munroe.

Crosby was on pace for his best season production-wise with 66 points in 41 games before he absorbed two hard hits in a span of five days in early January. He was subsequently diagnosed with a concussion that affects the vestibular system, the part of the brain that controls a person's movement and balance.

Penguins coach Dan Bylsma is giving no hints when Crosby might be cleared to engage in full contact in practice, the final step before he is ready to play in games.

DECISION EXPECTED TODAY ON STAUBITZ, WISNIEWSKI SUSPENSIONS

The NHL is expected to hand down a pair of rulings regarding the length of suspensions for Wild forward Brad Staubitz and Blue Jackets defenceman James Wisniewski.

Staubitz and Wisniewski were suspended indefinitely Saturday pending a hearing and the completion of a review by the NHL's department of player safety. The hearings are set for today.

The suspensions stem from separate incidents that occurred in Friday night's game in St. Paul, which Minnesota won 4-3 in overtime.

Staubitz received a major penalty and game misconduct for checking from behind on Blue Jackets forward Cody Bass early in the third frame.

Wisniewski, meanwhile, received a minor penalty for an illegal check to the head of Minnesota forward Cal Clutterbuck, after time had expired in the third period.

Both players have been previously suspended by the NHL.

The bans will be the latest in a busy pre-season for new Senior Vice President of Player Safety Brendan Shanahan who has already punished Buffalo Sabres forward Brad Boyes, Philadelphia Flyers forward Jody Shelley and Calgary Flames forward Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond.

HARTNELL TO SEE CARDIOLOGIST AFTER ELEVATED HEART RATE

Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Hartnell is scheduled to see a cardiologist on Tuesday after he was found to have an elevated heart rate during a pre-season game on Friday in Detroit.

The 29-year-old experienced some twitching in his right arm after a shift in the second period, and he noticed his heart was racing.

"{The heart rate] wouldn't go down, even after rest, during the intermission," Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren explained to the media on Sunday. "We'll just continue to monitor him and get him tested."

Hartnell did not return to Friday's game, and was held out of team practices on the weekend. He will skip Monday's pre-season game at home against the New York Rangers.

"They checked his heart rate and it was elevated more than it should have been after a period of time after play had stopped. So they held him out and we'll just continue to monitor and run some tests on him," Holmgren said.

COLTS OWNER: MANNING NOT EXPECTED BACK THIS SEASON

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said Monday that superstar quarterback Peyton Manning likely won't play this season because of his lingering neck issue, then clarified his earlier comments with a more definitive statement.

Irsay, at a meeting of companies who helped bring this season's Super Bowl to Indianapolis, said Manning might be able to practice by December, but that the team was looking for him to return for the 2012 season.
After numerous media outlets reported that Irsay's comments loosely translated into his believing that Manning would be out for the rest of the season, the outspoken owner and social media maven further explained his initial remarks

"I didn't say Peyton out 4season FOR SURE,keeping him on ActiveRoster n taking it month by month/Outside chance of return n December possible," Irsay tweeted.

Manning underwent a neck procedure in May and in early September followed with a third operation in a span of 19 months. His first neck surgery came in March of 2010, but he did not miss a game that season.

Until this year, Manning had never missed a game since the Colts made him the top choice of the 1998 draft. A timetable has never been set for Manning's return.
The Colts are off to an 0-3 start this season, their worst since Manning's rookie year.

VICK'S HAND IS BRUISED, NOT BROKEN; STATUS UNCERTAIN

Michael Vick's injured right hand is bruised, not broken asoriginally thought.Eagles coach Andy Reid said a CT scan Monday showed the star

quarterback bruised his hand in Philadelphia's 29-16 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday. Reid said X-rays taken during the game showed Vick may have a fracture.

"Today, he had a scan and it showed there was no break," Reid said. "It was a blood vessel sitting above the bone. That happens at times with X-rays. The blood vessel makes it look like it was a fracture. There is still a bunch of swelling. It is sensitive to the touch. The positive is there is not a fracture there."

It's uncertain if Vick, who throws left-handed, will play when the Eagles (1-2) host the San Francisco 49ers (2-1) next Sunday.

"We will see how he does over the next couple of days," Reid said. "We have to get the swelling where it is manageable and he feels comfortable."

Vick was injured on a hit from Chris Canty after completing a 23-yard pass to Jeremy Maclin in the third quarter. He finished off the series and led the Eagles to a go-ahead field goal.

Vick left for X-rays, but returned without missing a play. He then left the game for good after another series.

The hit from Canty didn't sit well with Vick. He blasted officials for not calling a roughing-the-passer penalty, and said he wants to be treated like other quarterbacks.

"His best interest is always in my mind, when he's on the football field, in particular," Reid said. "I know he's a marked man. I think it's important that we all keep a close eye on him."

COWBOYS HOST REDSKINS IN NFC EAST BATTLE

It is starting to look as if the Dallas Cowboys will have quarterback Tony Romo on the field for tonight's contest against the undefeated Washington Redskins.

It is a host of other injuries that could deny Dallas its first victory in its third home opener at new Cowboys Stadium, however. The lack of healthy bodies could also lead to Washington's first 3-0 start in six years.

After taking some heat for late mistakes in a Week 1 loss to the New York Jets, Romo suffered a fractured rib and pneumothorax early on in last Sunday's meeting with San Francisco. He missed nearly all of the third quarter, but returned to the game and helped rally his club to a 27-24 victory in overtime, hitting Jesse Holley on a 77-yard pass to set up Dan Bailey's 19-yard game- winning field goal.

Bailey forced OT when he connected on a 48-yard kick as time expired in the fourth quarter.

"That was a great win for a lot of different reasons," said Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett. "We talk all the time that it takes everybody (to win) and we certainly found that out (Sunday)."

Romo did not practice on Thursday or Friday, but reports have indicated that his lung injury has healed. Therefore, it could just be a case of how much pain he can tolerate in his rib area as to whether he can start or not on Monday night.

Jon Kitna replaced Romo during his absence on Sunday and would get the nod versus the Redskins if the Dallas starter can't way.

While Kitna is preparing in case he has to start, he isn't counting his teammate out.

"I think (Cowboys owner) Jerry (Jones) said it best, it's really Tony's decision for how he feels he can execute. So we'll see what happens," said Kitna. I fully expect him to play."

If Romo isn't able to go, he would have plenty of company on the Dallas sidelines. Starting guard Derrick Dockery (fractured tibia/MCL sprain) and wide receiver Miles Austin (hamstring) are both expected to miss the game, while wideout Dez Bryant could sit out his second game in a row due to a quadriceps ailment. Center Phil Costa (knee) and running back Felix Jones (shoulder) are also questionable, though cornerback Terence Newman is likely to make his season debut after missing the first two contests with a groin issue.

With the Cowboys ailing, the Redskins will try to take an early edge in the NFC East and improve to 3-0 for the first time since 2005. They hadn't won their first two games of the season since 2007 before this one, and will try to win their first two division games in back-to-back years for the first time since 1973-74.

Washington found the victory column in Week 1 against the fellow NFC East member New York Giants before winning its second straight at home to start the year with a come-from-behind 22-21 triumph over the Arizona Cardinals last weekend.

Quarterback Rex Grossman led the comeback by hitting Santana Moss for an 18- yard touchdown on 4th-and-3 early in the fourth quarter before engineering a drive that set up Graham Gano's 34-yard field goal with under two minutes left in regulation.

"We feel good about where we're going," said Grossman afterward. "We feel we're heading in the right direction. We have a lot to get better on, but at the same time we feel excited that we're headed in the right direction."

Redskins safety LaRon Landry was inactive for a second straight week due to an Achilles' injury, but thinks he can play on Monday for the first time since Nov. 15 of last season.

SERIES HISTORY

The Cowboys have a 60-38-2 advantage in the all-time regular-season series between the divisional foes and has won four of its five most recent meetings with Washington. The Redskins' lone victory over that stretch occurred in last year's season opener
, a 13-7 decision at FedEx Field, with

Dallas exacting revenge via a 33-30 home triumph in Week 15. The Cowboys swept their 2009 season set with Washington, and the Redskins have left with a loss in four of their last five visits to Dallas, with the lone win a 26-24 verdict in 2008.

Washington has prevailed in each of its two previous postseason clashes with Dallas, besting the Cowboys in both the 1972 and 1982 NFC Championship Games.

Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan owns a 4-2 lifetime record against Dallas, including a 3-1 mark during his 14-year tenure with the Denver Broncos from 1995-08, and had defeated the Cowboys four straight times prior to last December's setback. Garrett won his only head-to-head matchup with both Washington and Shanahan with the above-mentioned Week 15 result from last season.

WHEN THE REDSKINS HAVE THE BALL

While Grossman (596 passing yards, 4 TD, 2 INT) rightfully received a lot of credit for last week's win, the Redskins also rode the legs of running backs Tim Hightower and rookie Roy Helu to a total of 170 yards on the ground. Hightower (168 rushing yards, 1 TD) got the bulk of the work with 20 carries for 96 yards, while Helu added 10 totes for 74 yards. Grossman, though, threw for both of Washington's touchdowns, connecting with both Moss and tight end Fred Davis. He finished with 291 passing yards and extended Washington's franchise record of consecutive games with a touchdown pass to 17, but was also picked off twice. Dallas will have to be aware of Washington's dual tight-end threat of Davis (11 receptions, 1 TD) and Chris Cooley (2 receptions), with Davis recording a team-leading six

catches for 86 yards against Arizona and topping all Redskin players in receiving yards in both games so far this year. Cooley and Moss (11 receptions, 1 TD) both have six career touchdown catches against the Cowboys, while both Moss and Jabar Gaffney (8 receptions, 1 TD) made five catches for over 60 yards in last Sunday's victory.

Despite the close score last week, the Cowboys' defense limited the 49ers to just 206 yards of offense, while running back Frank Gore had only 47 yards on 20 carries. Washington's
tendency to run the ball will keep nostackle Jay Ratliff (5 tackles, 1 sack) and linebackers Bradie James (3 tackles) and Sean Lee (23 tackles, 1 INT) busy for another week. Dallas would love to simulate the pressure it got last Sunday, when it sacked San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith six times and grabbed one interception. Cornerback Alan Ball (8 tackles, 1 INT) had the pick, while right end Jason Hatcher (7 tackles, 2 sacks) and outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (6 tackles, 4 sacks) finished with two sacks each. Ratliff and linebacker Anthony Spencer (5 tackles, 2 sacks) also had sacks, while Lee matched a game-high with 10 tackles and safety Gerald Sensabaugh (8 tackles) was second with five.

WHEN THE COWBOYS HAVE THE BALL

While Kitna is a veteran backup, the Cowboys are a better club with Romo (687 passing yards, 4 TD, 1 INT) under center. He threw for 345 yards on 20-of-33 passing versus the 49ers, tossing a pair of touchdown strikes to Austin (14 receptions, 4 TD) as well. Kitna also completed a scoring throw to Austin, giving the wide receiver a new career high, but was 6-of-10 passing with two interceptions. Austin had a big game with nine catches and 143 yards, but former reality star Holley (3 receptions) and Kevin Ogletree (4 receptions) will need to step up if both he and Bryant (3 receptions, 1 TD) miss the game. Tight end Jason Witten (13 receptions) will also serve as a safety net for either Romo or Kitna after making seven catches for 102 yards last week. Felix Jones (69 rushing yards, 1 TD) led the Cowboys with just 25 rushing yards on nine carries against San Francisco, while rookie DeMarco Murray had six carries for 21 yards. Tashard Choice would likely see a bigger role in the offense if Jones is unable to play or limited.
Washington will have a heavy hitter in its secondary if Landry can play forthe first time in almost a year and line up with free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe (9 tackles) for the first time this season. The Redskins could also use the help after watching Arizona wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald post 133 receiving yards last week, a healthy portion of that coming on a 73-yard touchdown. Washington did an otherwise decent job on Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb, sacking him three times and notching an interception. Linebacker London Fletcher (14 tackles, 1 INT) grabbed the 17th pick of his career in the win, while rookie linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (8 tackles, 1 INT) had the first sack of his career. Fellow linebackers Rocky McIntosh (15 tackles, 1 sack) and Brian Orakpo (4 tackles, 1 sack) also got to Kolb, with McIntosh leading the way with eight tackles. Safety Reed Doughty (17 tackles) added six stops, while both Fletcher and cornerback DeAngelo Hall (10 tackles) finished with five tackles.

KEYS TO THE GAME

The Redskins have done a great job keeping opposing offenses off the field this year. Their offense ranks sixth in the NFL with 25 first downs per game and is tops in the league in time of possession at 35 minutes and 33 seconds. On the other side, Washington's defense is fourth in the league with just 15.5 first downs allowed per game.

If he does play, Washington will need to get to Romo quickly -- and legally -- to make it a long night for the quarterback.
Dallas' offensive line

already features rookies at both right tackle (Tyron Smith) and left guard (Bill Nagy), so the loss of Dockery hurts. If the Redskins don't hit Romo early, they run the risk of letting him get comfortable and pain-free.

Dallas' secondary will also need to stop the Redskins' run game and force Grossman into making some mistakes. It failed to handle the quarterback the last time he faced the Cowboys, as Grossman connected on four touchdown passes in that meeting last December.

OVERALL ANALYSIS

This game could very well come down to how effective Romo is, assuming he plays. He showed last week that he is a difference-maker, but his injury as well as the absence of several top targets could seriously hinder Dallas' ability to move the ball on offense. Grossman, meanwhile, is picking up
confidence, so it will come down to how well he reads the Cowboys' defense. Washington is one of the more surprising 2-0 clubs and would really send out some shock waves by winning a third straight game.

SINCLAIR TO LEAD CANADA'S PAN AMERICAN GAMES SOCCER TEAM

Veteran striker Christine Sinclair will lead Canada's women's soccer team at the Pan American Games.

The 28-year-old from Burnaby, B.C., scored eight goals in six matches to lead Canada to the bronze medal four years ago in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Canada's all-time leading goalscorer is one of eight players with previous Pan Am Games experience.

New women's coach John Herdman is using the Games as part of the team's preparations for the Olympic qualifying tournament in January in Vancouver.

Canada is coming off a disappointing World Cup performance in Germany where the team went winless through the preliminary round.

The Canadians are in a group with Costa Rica, Argentina and Brazil at the Games, Oct. 14-30 in Guadalajara, Mexico.

YOUR! CALL: IS NANI THE BEST OFFENSIVE PLAYER IN THE EPL?

In the 26th minute of Manchester United's road draw with Stoke City on Saturday, Nani once again proved why he is among the elite players in the league.

With leading scorer Wayne Rooney out of the starting lineup with a hamstring injury and Javier Hernandez substituted following an early game collision with Stoke's Jonathan Woodgate, United needed to find scoring.

Enter Nani, who easily made a solo run at the Stoke defence and hammered the ball into the net to give the Champions a 1-0 lead.

During the 2010-11 campaign, United's second without all world midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani lead the Premier League with 14 assists and also chipped in with nine goals.

This season his name is once again near the top of both charts. In six games, the 24-year-old as produced three goals and three assists.

But his best performance so far this season may have been striking a psychological blow against title contenders and rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield.

With City holding a 2-1 lead in the second half, Nani danced around Joe Hart and tied the game and then in second half stoppage time, took advantage of a defensive mistake by Vincent Kompany and slotted home the winner.

He recently told Inside United, the official team magazine, that he wants to be the best player in the world, but is he currently the best offensive player in the EPL?

With the amount of transfer money that has been splashed around the English League in the last few seasons, there is no shortage of great players to choose from.

Following a season where he had a contract dispute and saw his goal total slip to 11, Rooney is back in fine form in 2011-12.

He leads the league with nine goals and has been an unstoppable force for the defending champions.

The 25-year-old Liverpool native had back-to-back hat tricks in heavy victories over Bolton and Chelsea and the only league game he did not participate in is also the only game United did not win.

It only took eight minutes of play in the season opener before Manchester City's Sergio Aguero made his presence felt in this his debut season playing in England.

The 60th minute substitute against Swansea City would score twice, including an absolute rocket for his second, and add an assist for a three point debut. Since then he's been consistently on the score sheet for City, currently second in the league with eight goals, helping lead them to a tie at the top of the table.

In the City midfield, another player is looking like one of the best in the league. Spaniard David Silva has been a huge reason why City has stepped up to the next level.

Silva is tied with teammate Samir Nasri for second in the league with four assists but his impact can be seen on the field as he continues to be the main cog in the build up to many of City's goals.

There are many other players that also deserve consideration among the best in the league.

There's 2011 Professional Footballers Association player of the year Gareth Bale from Tottenham; Chelsea striker Didier Drogba; Arsenal's Robin Van Persie and Aston Villa's Darren Bent - all at the front of the class.

So our question to you is simple - Is Nani the best offensive player in the Premier League?
It's Your! Call.

CANADIAN MEN FALL ONE PLACE TO NO. 12 IN RUGBY RANKINGS

Canada has dropped one spot to No. 12 in the latest International Rugby Board world rankings.

The Canadian men had jumped three places to No. 11 thanks to their opening World Cup win over Tonga. But Canada paid for its ensuing loss to France.

Japan, Canada's next opponent, slipped two spots to No. 15.

Argentina moved up one place to No. 8 at the expense of Scotland (No. 9).

Samoa (No. 10), Tonga (No. 13) and Georgia (No. 14) each rose two places. Fiji fell two rungs to No. 16 while Italy slipped one spot to No. 11.

FLYERS WILL PLAY RANGERS AT WINTER CLASSIC IN PHILADELPHIA

The Philadelphia Flyers will host the New York Rangers in the Winter Classic on Jan. 2 at Citizens Bank Park, the NHL has formally announced.

The 45,000-seat ballpark is the setting for the fifth classic.

The game is not held on its traditional Jan. 1 date because it conflicted with the final week of the NFL's regular season.

Flyers chairman Ed Snider calls it an honour for the city to host the event.

DEVILS SET TO RETIRE DEFENCEMAN NIEDERMAYER'S NO. 27

The New Jersey Devils will raise Scott Niedermayer's No. 27 to the rafters, the club announced Monday.

The Edmonton-born defenceman will have his sweater retired in a ceremony to be held Dec. 16 at the Prudential Center when the Devils host the Dallas Stars.

Niedermayer, who retired in June 2010 after 17 NHL seasons, was a member of all three of New Jersey's Stanley Cup championship teams.

He played in New Jersey for 12 of those years, from 1991-92 through 2003-04. He finished his career in Anaheim after playing five seasons.

Niedermayer also won a Cup with the Ducks in 2007, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player that year.

"You don't really think about it, but then when you do get that call and you do have the time to think about it, it means a lot," Niedermayer said in a statement. "I was in New Jersey for a long time and had a lot of great things happen to me there. It's a special honour, for sure."

BLUE BOMBERS LOSE RBS REID AND VOLNY FOR THE SEASON

The running game of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers got a double whammy on Monday with news that Fred Reid and Carl Volny are out for the season with knee injuries.

Both players suffered torn anterior cruciate ligaments in their knees during Saturday's loss to the Toronto Argonauts.

"Losing both of our talented running backs is never an easy thing," said Blue Bombers vice-president and general manager Joe Mack. "Unfortunately injuries are part of the game and we have to move on and look ahead at our other options. We wish both Fred and Carl the best in their recoveries."

Reid is currently second in the league in rushing with 759 yards and four touchdowns this season. Volny has appeared in four games and has 72 yards on nine carries.

Chris Garrett is currently on the practice roster and Bloi-Dei Dorzon of Jackson State University will be added to the roster this week.

The Blue Bombers face the Montreal Alouettes on Wendy's Friday Night Football at 7pm et/4pm pt.

PHILLIES ON TOP; RAYS, CARDS CLIMB IN MLB POWER RANKINGS

Despite an eight-game slide, the Philadelphia Phillies remain in top spot.

a spot they haven't relinquished in the past eight weeks.

There has been a certain stability at the top, with the top six unchanged in the last four rankings, but the jockeying for position begins after that point, with the Tampa Bay Rays and St. Louis Cardinals -- both suddenly within a game of a playoff spot -- climbing to seventh and eighth, respectively.

It's not as if the Rays and Cardinals have done anything more than make the stretch run more interesting, yet, but there is something to be said for their late charges.

Tampa Bay has capitalized on Boston's September collapse (during which they are 6-18) and might have tied the Red Sox for the AL Wild Card if not for a Jacoby Ellsbury home run in the 14th inning of the nightcap of the Red Sox-Yankees doubleheader on Sunday. Needing to make up one game, the Rays face the Yankees while the Red Sox have a seemingly favourable opponent, the Baltimore Orioles. Boston took three of four from Baltimore at Fenway Park last week, so the Rays do appear to face long odds but a month ago they weren't facing any odds to make the playoffs -- it was assumed that the Red Sox were in.

In the National League, St. Louis has been making the most of Atlanta's swoon (9-15 in September) down the stretch, but the Cardinals appear to have the schedule on their side moreso than the Rays. St. Louis takes on Houston, owners of baseball's worst record, while Atlanta hosts Philadelphia, owners of baseball's best record.

The Toronto Blue Jays rank 14th, which has been pretty standard. They've ranked between 11 and 15 for much of the season.

Europe win Solheim thriller

Europe won the Solheim Cup for the first time in four renewals after a dramatic finish to the final day's singles saw them emerge with a 15-13 victory at Killeen Castle in Ireland.

After a promising start it looked gloomy for the hosts as they trailed 12.5 - 11.5, but Christel Boeljon levelled and Suzann Pettersen, Caroline Hedwall and Azahara Munoz saw them to a 15-13 victory.

With those three pairs left out on the course, all eyes were on the duel between Pettersen and Michelle Wie. The American was one up going into the 16th when Pettersen sunk a putt to level, the pair then going into the final hole all square.

Pettersen held her nerve with a superb second shot while Wie found the bunker, and the Norwegian holed her putt for a birdie-birdie-birdie finish and a fine win.

And fellow Scandinavian Hedwall sealed victory when she won the last hole to halve her match with Ryann O'Toole.

Munoz had nervelessly holed out to go down the last one up and, once order was restored, halved the last to earn a full point and a two-point winning margin for Europe.
Passion

Captain Alison Nicholas said: "The players showed such heart and passion, I hand it all to them.

"They were so up for it and believed in themselves, the rookies were fantastic and the experienced players have done well as well."

She reserved special praise for Pettersen and Hedwall, saying of the former: "She's a champion, and that's what champions are made of."

On Hedwall, she added: "What a great rookie performance, she's a star of the future - watch out for her."

Hedwall added: "It's a great win, it's nice to win it on home soil. It's been a great atmosphere all week, it's one of the best weeks of my life."

On a day disrupted by the weather, with driving rain and wind and the threat of lightning forcing play to be suspended three times, Europe had moved into a 10-8 lead after Catriona Matthew's dominant victory followed Cristie Kerr's withdrawal through injury.
Momentum

The pendulum kept swinging from one team to the other, with the United States reducing the deficit to one point when Brittany Lang had a dominant 6&5 victory over Sandra Gal.

However, moments later Europe restored their two-point lead when Sophie Gustafson won two up against Stacy Lewis for her third win in four matches this week.

Morgan Pressel came from two down to win 2&1 against Anna Nordqvist and Europe led only 11-10.

The tussle between Laura Davies and Juli Inkster was a fascinating one and, following yet another break because of the threat of lightning, the players returned and when the former just missed on her final putt it meant the match finished all-square, taking the score to 11 1/2 - 10 1/2.

American Christina Kim enjoyed a dominant victory over Maria Hjorth, 4&2, to take it to 11 1/2 - 11 1/2 before Vicky Hurst's two-up victory put the USA ahead, only for Europe to roar back.

Tiote enjoying Cabaye partnership

Cheick Tiote believes Yohan Cabaye's presence is helping him recuperate the sort of form he managed for Newcastle last season.

Tiote was one of the Magpies' key performers last season, but the Ivorian midfielder has endured a slow start to this campaign.

However, he believes his partnership with Cabaye in the centre of the park is set to flourish after coming on leaps and bounds against Aston Villa last weekend.

The pair were instrumental in earning the 1-1 draw and Tiote hopes Newcastle fans will now see his best form once again.
"Last week I think we played very well together. It is good and it is working well," he said

Nolan comparisons

"Last season was different with Kevin Nolan, it was a different style of play. Kevin went forward more and scored goals.

"Yohan is a more technical player and uses a different style. They are both good players.

"But Yohan likes to play with the ball more - he brings the best out of me. If you are a winning team the most important area is the midfield."

Newcastle are fourth in the Premier League table with nine points from five games, and Tiote is eyeing up three more points against Blackburn on Saturday.

He said: "We are in a good position and we need to stay in that position. We are focused on every game and if we win Saturday we will stay in the top four, which is great.

"It's good at the moment, we need to stay focused and stay strong together."

Best - I can be Toon talisman

Leon Best says he is the man to lead the line for Newcastle this season.

Fans have made their feelings clear on the Magpies failing to spend big on a striker to replace Andy Carroll who joined Liverpool in January, but Best feels he can fill the void.

Best has spent much of his first 18 months on Tyneside sidelined with injury, but the former Coventry player is now determined to make his mark for club and country, having last played for the Republic of Ireland in the 2-0 defeat by Brazil in 2010.

The Nottingham-born forward scored both of Newcastle's goals against Fulham to take his tally to eight in 10 Premier League starts for the club.

Best said: "I have not played that many Premier League games, but it's good for me because the games I have played in, I have scored in.
"It's a good ratio for me and I intend keeping up that goals-to-game ratio the same.

"I have had no injuries, touch wood, and got some goals as well, so I am very confident."

Replacements

A host of strikers including Kevin Gamerio, Gervinho, Mevlut Erding, Modibo Maiga and Bryan Ruiz were all linked with Newcastle over the summer, but none of them joined the club.

Best, however, claims he was unfazed by the speculation and was concentrating on being ready to take his chance once he got it.

He added: "You have just got to get on with it, that's part of football.

"Whoever is coming to the club, they are to make the club better and make the team stronger."

Ireland

The striker faces a challenge to convince Giovanni Trapattoni to recall him to the Ireland team.

West Brom duo Shane Long and Simon Cox have emerged as back-up to Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle, pushing Best further down the pecking order.

He remains keen though to add to his seven caps for his adopted nation.

"If I keep scoring, even if the manager has forgotten about me, he's going to see me in the paper and when he sees it hopefully he remembers who I am.

"I don't know why I haven't been called up. It's the same thing with Ireland - I have never really been given a run, a good chance to prove that I am an international, as well as a Premier League player.

"But it will all come. If I do well for Newcastle and continue to score and play well and prove that I am a Premier League striker, then I should be given a chance.

"It's a funny game because when I was in my lows at Coventry I got a call up out of nowhere.

"Now I'm doing well at Newcastle, but I'm not playing international football."

Coyle - Sending off hurt us

Owen Coyle felt Bolton's game was over as soon as they went down to ten men against Arsenal.

Centre-back David Wheater received a straight red card for pulling down Theo Walcott as the last line of defence on the edge of the area.

Up until then, Bolton could have got themselves back into the game following Robin van Persie's crisp finish when Chris Eagles was through on goal but fired a weak effort at Wojciech Szczesny.

Van Persie added his second with a tap-in and Alex Song struck the third which meant it was curtains for ten-man Wanderers.

"It was lost from the point we went down to ten men, it certainly made it difficult," Coyle said

"We had a great chance when Chris Eagles raided from a great ball from Petrov.

Outstanding

"The first half we were terrific and I think the goalkeeper made an outstanding save from early on in the game but that's what he's there for, he's a top-class goalkeeper.

"We were comfortable in the game, nil-nil, and I felt we had the platform to go on and win the game in the second half but if you lose a goal in 43 seconds it makes it difficult for you and David Wheater being sent off then after that it was always going to be a difficult afternoon from that point on."

The Scotsman had to re-jig his side after Arsenal target Gary Cahill was not taken to the Emirates because of illness and Stuart Holden's knee was troubling the American midfielder.

Coyle was disappointed with the manner in which the Trotters conceded their goals, particularly the first.

Terrible opener

"We've lost a terrible opener from our point of view, Van Persie will be delighted with it, but for me it was too easy for him to score and it could've been avoided in two or three different incidents defensively," he said.

"I'm sure the lads will pick the bones of it tonight and see that and that's what's disappointing."

Wanderers now have the worst defensive record in the Premier League, however Coyle is not too worried because he said it was expected considering the teams they have faced so far.

He added: "We knew the set of fixtures we were given at the start of the season, with the teams we were set to face.

"We've now played four of the teams that'll finish in the top six this season so we always knew we were in for a difficult start but we always believed we could get points from those games."

RVP proud of achievement

Robin van Persie revealed his delight at becoming only the 17th Arsenal player to score 100 goals after the home win against Bolton.

The Gunners picked up only their second victory of the season to move away from the relegation zone and the Dutch ace was the destroyer-in-chief scoring a brace against the Trotters in a comfortable 3-0 success at the Emirates.

Arsene Wenger's side had dropped down to 17th in the Premier League standings but Saturday's win saw them climb five places to 12th.

The Arsenal skipper was clearly happy to reach the landmark and was relieved to help lift the gloom at the Emirates Stadium.

Proud

"I'm very proud. I'm only the 17th player in the history of Arsenal players to pass 100 goals. It is a big achievement," Van Persie said.

"The ball will get a nice place in my living room now. The fans were amazing again. It has been hard for them and us but we can move forward now.

"You could see everyone smiling after, saying 'this is what we want'."

And manager Arsene Wenger admits the former Feyenoord forward is a hugely important part of his team and hopes he can stay away from injuries.

"It's difficult to imagine our team without him. Let's hope, touch wood, that he remains with us in every single game," the Frenchman said.

"To score 100 goals at the top level is very, very difficult. In 2011 Robin has scored 26 goals in 31 games. That's absolutely magic."

RVP - Arsenal still have time

Robin Van Persie has spoken of his frustration following Arsenal's poor start to the season.

Going into half-time with the lead at Blackburn on Saturday, the Gunners failed to capitalise on their early advantage, losing 4-3 to leave them fourth from bottom. They have now lost three of their opening five Premier League games

With Manchester United racing ahead at the top of the table, the Dutchman knows it's imperative Arsenal find their form soon in order to have any chance of success this season.

Speaking to the Arsenal official website, the captain said: "There is lots of time [left this season], but at some point you need to pick yourself up and prove what you are capable of," he said. "We are not doing that at the moment and are not consistent enough.

"It just frustrates me, and it is happening too often. Every time we start positively we just keep making the same mistakes and that is surprising.

"It's very important [to get back on track]. Even before the game on Saturday I said to the boys, 'today is a big, big day'. We have to get back-to-back wins, and we just cannot do that at the moment. That is our aim for the next couple of games, we have to win them after each other.

"We just need a couple of good weeks in the Premier League where we get a lot of points, and hopefully we can start next week against Bolton."

Coloccini - No goal worries

Newcastle skipper Fabricio Coloccini does not believe there is a problem for the club in scoring goals.

The Magpies remain unbeaten in the league but have managed just three goals in four league games this season and drew a blank in two of those matches - the last a goalless draw with QPR on Monday.

Leon Best, Peter Lovenkrands, Shola Ameobi and Demba Ba all failed to reach double figures last season and they are under increasing pressure to chip in with some goals.

But United skipper Coliccini believes goals will come as the club have creative players.
No worries

He said:

"I do not have any worries about our attacking. I know we have a side that is capable of creating chances and scoring goals and you will see that in the next few games.

"It was difficult on Monday because I thought QPR played a very good game and prevented us from creating too many chances. They pressured the ball very well.

"But I don't think there is any issues in terms of us creating things - we scored three goals in the two games before that.

"We have very good creative players. We have strong attackers and strong midfielders - I really don't think there will be a problem in terms of scoring goals."

Wenger - RVP is exceptional

Arsene Wenger has heaped praise on striker Robin van Persie after his double meant he has notched his 100th goal for the club.

The Gunners skipper struck just seconds after the restart and then doubled his lead with a tap-in following great play from Theo Walcott. Alex Song then killed off any sign of a comeback from Bolton who were reduced to ten men when David Wheater was sent off in the 55th minute.

Those strikes meant the Dutchman secured his 99th and 100th goals for the club which has endured a turbulent start to their season with player departures and horrendous thumpings.

"Van Persie is an exceptional goalscorer, he is an untypical centre forward because many times I hear 'Why do you play him centre forward?' because he's not what you call the typical striker,"

"Positional-wise he's a bit like (Lionel) Messi, he drifts in and out and plays five minutes centre forward then after that comes back.

"The club knows he is an exceptional player but the crowd as well knows that he is a real lover of the club and he has Arsenal in his heart and they appreciate that especially with the times we have gone through."

Nervy start

It was a nervy start for Arsenal who could have been behind in a matter of minutes were it not for Wojciech Szczesny's superb save to deny Darren Pratley from six yards out.

However, once Van Persie netted the opener that seemed to instil confidence into an Arsenal outfit that have endured their worst start to the season since the 1950s.

"It was a game we had absolutely to win and it was a question of patience as well, dominating our nerves and slowly taking over. In the second half it happened," said Wenger.

"We were a bit nervy at the start and it took us time to get into the game and that shows you just how difficult it is to play football when your back is to the wall.

"We slowly got back into the game and became stronger and stronger in the second half, it was basically back to our usual game."

Pardew praises high-flying Mags

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has refused to get carried away with his high-flying side's unbeaten start to the Premier League season.

The Magpies are sitting pretty in fourth place after their 3-1 demolition of struggling Blackburn at St James' Park.

Pardew's men boast the best defensive record in the top flight but had struggled for goals until summer signing Demba Ba broke his duck with a fine hat-trick against Rovers.

Unsurprisingly Pardew praised Ba's individual display but also was quick to declare himself happy with the whole team's performance.

Control

He said: "We were brilliant today.

"Blackburn going down to ten men was an injustice really because we controlled the game.

"We've had a good start to the season. But you can only take one performance at a time."

He added: "I was pleased for Demba Ba. He had a slow start and he had a couple of cameos as a sub where you could see he was getting up to speed.

"Then he had a terrific performance against Villa last week without threatening the goal. But he's got his goals today.

"He's a player who will move in the box. If you move in the box you'll score."

Torment

Pardew also paid tribute to Hatem Ben Arfa, who made his first Premier League appearance for almost a year after breaking his leg last October.

The Newcastle boss added: "I was pleased for Ben Arfa.

"I put him on because of the torment he's had in terms of injury.

"He's worked very hard to come back so I knew he would get a good reception. It was nice for him."

Johnson finally has something to smile about

With 20 minutes remaining at Otago Stadium, some poor unfortunate decided it would be a grand idea to stamp his authority on the game. A few minutes later, when Chris Ashton went over for his hat-trick, the England manager's shoulders were fairly rolling. "I always look pretty angry," said Johnson at Thursday's pre-match media conference, "even on a good day." So those rolling shoulders spoke volumes.

However, Johnson was not about to get too carried away.

"You get hyped up [by the press], you get knocked down," said Johnson after the game. "Things get sensationalised - but often the truth lies somewhere in the middle."

And so it was on Saturday: at the end of a week when many of international rugby's puffed-up minnows became deflated again, England ran in 10 tries and gave a much-improved display - albeit against a largely second-string Romania.

The most heartening aspect of England's victory was the fluency and the accuracy, especially from England's back-line.

Centre Manu Tuilagi did what he does best, running angles and barrelling through tackles, while Northampton wing Ashton, seemingly never at home on the right wing, snapped and crackled and was so pumped up he looked ready to pop.

Mark Cueto, meanwhile, scored more tries in 12 first-half minutes than he had in his previous 28 internationals - what you might call a rust-busting performance.

With Jonny Wilkinson getting his midfield playing on the gain line with some perfectly-pitched flat passes, much of England's back-play before the break was crisp and clinical. Support runners on shoulders, linking between backs and forwards, knowing when to take it to ground or when to offload, retention of the ball - realism allied with adventure.
The breakdown, an area of much concern in England's first two games against Argentina and Georgia, was also improved, creating a platform for attacking waves. Skipper Lewis Moody, England's man of glass, looked almost back to full fitness, while his fellow back-rowers, James Haskell and Tom Croft, also showed well in the loose.

If last week, against Georgia, England looked like a side still shrouded in scaffolding, perhaps this was the week when the scaffolding started to be removed. And not a moment too soon. "We tried to start next week at half-time," said Johnson. "That's when [this World Cup] really starts in a way, against Scotland. We'll see what happens on Sunday [when Scotland play Argentina in Wellington] - hopefully it's an incredibly physical game."

While Johnson declared himself happy with his side's improved discipline, England still managed to leak 12 penalties, and with a kicker of the quality of Chris Paterson in the Scotland line-up, that is a few too many. And against the Scots, a few too many penalties could condemn England to a quarter-final clash against New Zealand in Auckland.

As I wrote this blog, the All Blacks were demonstrating exactly how big the difference between finishing first or second in Pool B could prove. While England appear to be heading in the right direction, the gap in class between Johnson's men and the hosts looks to be an insurmountable one.

Against Marc Lievremont's flaky French, however, England would stand much more than a fighting chance of reaching the semi-finals.

So credit where credit is due - England needed to raise their game against Romania and they did so. And while not exactly giggling himself to sleep tonight, perhaps Johnson will lie back, reflect on a deeply frustrating few weeks and come over all Churchillian: now is not the end, it is not even the beginning of the end, but it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.

Mancini savours ugly win

Roberto Mancini - with fruit pastilles in one hand and Mario Balotelli in the other - savoured the taste of knowing Manchester City can win ugly as well as with beauty.

Sharing his favourite sweets with right-hand man Brian Kidd was just about the only pleasure Mancini enjoyed against obdurate Everton until Balotelli showed the other side of this peculiar footballing beast by proving the catalyst for victory.

Such was the relief around Etihad Stadium when Balotelli finally broke through Everton's royal blue wall of resistance shortly after emerging as a substitute that Mario, whose loved ones might even accept he can be a bit moody, ran into the waiting arms of a manager who has wanted to embrace him warmly by the throat on several occasions since his signing.

City have taken accolades for the finesse of performances such as the 5-1 win at Tottenham, but title challenges are not built on style alone. Mancini's side also needed to prove, to themselves as much as outsiders, that they could demonstrate persistence when faced with stubborn opponents intent on stifling their skills.

And that occasion arrived on Saturday. If Mancini has released the handbrake on City's attacking instincts, David Moyes was happy to try and park several buses in the way of Sergio Aguero and company.
Everton may have won on their last four visits to City but a point was clearly the prime objective this time as Moyes once again used Tim Cahill as an auxiliary attacker and devised a less than subtle ploy - sometimes legal, sometimes not - to subdue David Silva by detailing Jack Rodwell to shadow his every move.

It was not an unqualified success despite Moyes' claim that Everton had "done a job" on the Spaniard. The close attention resulted in bookings for Rodwell and Phil Neville, while Silva hit a post before creating a late second for James Milner.

Of course the sums do not add up when you put the value of City's team against Everton's, so only the romantics would have expected Everton to stand toe to toe with City. They massed ranks around goalkeeper Tim Howard and set City a test of patience.

It took City 67 minutes to solve the puzzle. And while it was not the sort of show that destroyed Spurs, it was the type of result and performances that adds weight to the argument that City will mount a serious title challenge this season.

There are greater dimensions as well as greater talents in City's team this season. They overcame the frustrations Everton foisted upon them, along with the worries of the home support, to prevail.

Aguero has been the star performer for City this season, but on a day when he only flickered, someone else stepped forward to win the game. And it was thanks to a creative substitution from Mancini.

The sages - yes that would be plenty of us in the media area - raised our eyebrows knowingly when Balotelli was chosen ahead of Carlos Tevez to replace Edin Dzeko on the hour. What was Mancini doing? Well, he was making the move that would win the game as it turned out.

The manner of their win, a slow burner rather than spectacular, may be the template for many games at Etihad Stadium this season. Everton set out to spoil and subdue - but could not survive.

It was reminiscent of many games Everton have played at Old Trafford in recent years, when Manchester United have had to wait to win but win they did, and City can take heart from copying the way of many of the champions' victories.

And as a realist rather than a romantic, Mancini may just take as much pleasure from the grind of these three points as he might from a triumph laced with goals.

I asked Mancini if this was the case and he said: "Of course it is better to win and score lots of goals but this was difficult. We played very well and Everton defended behind the ball for the whole game.

"They are so strong, and it was not easy for us to find space or a solution, but we pushed for 90 minutes. In the end we deserved to win the game and I'm very happy with my players. They played a fantastic game."

For Everton manager Moyes the taste was more sour. He was angry at the award of a throw-in to City in the build up to Balotelli's goal and felt referee Howard Webb was swayed too easily by the crowd.

He had a case but in the end his tactics were shaped by the limitations of his squad, which persuaded him to start without a recognised striker and meant Everton barely tested City keeper Joe Hart in the entire 90 minutes.

Everton did not show the ambition of a team that has won at City on such a regular basis and once "Plan A" - defend at all costs and hope for a goal on the break - was rendered redundant by Balotelli's goal it was far too late to revert to any sort of "Plan B".

Moyes defiantly, and correctly, stated he was not "going to come here for the enjoyment of Manchester City" - but ultimately this was a joyless experience for Everton rather than their opponents.

City's cash has afforded them the luxury of a variety of game plans. And you suspect they will face many similar games to this at Etihad Stadium. Mancini will be heartened by this success as City start the season with a body of work that suggests they will give Manchester United and Chelsea a real run for their money this season.

Armed police quell Brazilian fans' fury after late penalty

Police have used rifles to ward off furious supporters after a Brazilian championship match ended in chaos.

The trouble began when the referee awarded a controversial stoppage-time penalty, that Fluminense converted, to earn a 1-1 draw at Atletico Paranaense.

Dozens of Atletico fans gathered around the tunnel at the Arena da Baixada, one of the 12 venues that will be used at the 2014 World Cup, preventing the referee and his fellow officials from leaving the pitch for five minutes.

A police official on the pitch pointed a rifle towards the fans and the Brazilian media reported that rubber bullets were fired.

Police eventually went into the stands to disperse the crowd and the officials were escorted under the protection of officers wieding riot shields.

Atletico, who missed a first-half penalty, went ahead after the break through Paulo Baier's goal.

But Fluminense were awarded a spot-kick after Lanzini went down in the penalty box - television replays suggested he dived - and former Lyon striker Fred scored.

There was also trouble at Cruzeiro where around 250 fans surrounded players' cars to protest against recent results.

Bayern Munich defender Breno arrested after fire guts his home

Bayern Munich's Breno has been arrested over a fire which caused over a million euros worth of damage to his home.

The 21-year-old was held by the Munich Prosecutor's office on suspicion of grave arson after the blaze, in the early of Wednesday, gutted the house.

The defender was alone in the house when the fire broke out but managed to escape and was treated in hospital for smoke inhalation, police said.

He, his wife and their three children had been re-housed by the club.

A brief statement by Bayern Munich read: "We are surprised by the new situation that Breno will now be investigated. As we do not have any further information we cannot make any other comment."

Breno joined the club from Sao Paulo in 2008 and is currently out of action through injury. He spent time on loan at Nuremburg in early 2010.

QPR 1 - 1 Aston Villa

Richard Dunne's injury-time own goal gave Queens Park Rangers a late point against Aston Villa.

The hosts dominated the first half and Adel Taarabt hit the post while Villa's Barry Bannan had a free-kick saved.

Bannan then stepped up to give the visitors the lead from the spot on 58 minutes after Armand Traore's foul on Gabriel Agbonlahor.

But just as it got worse for QPR when Traore was sent off, Dunne was unlucky to turn in Stephen Warnock's clearance.

The Irishman could not do much to avoid the ricochet off his team-mate as Luke Young tried to get on the end of Heidar Helguson's cross.

But he will at least take solace that Villa maintained their unbeaten start to their Premier League season during a game where for large periods they were under pressure - particularly at the beginning and end of the match.

Rangers can point to two penalty appeals when Alan Hutton appeared to handball from Shaun Derry's header and, later, Tommy Smith's cross, both of which were waved away by referee Michael Oliver.

And once QPR boss Neil Warnock has congratulated his players for earning a late draw, he will still be concerned that it was Dunne who scored his team's first goal at Loftus Road this season.

Much like the goalless draw against Newcastle in their last home game, Rangers were full of enterprising play, despite the number of new recruits, but they failed to turn their superiority into goals.
Jay Bothroyd was guilty on a couple of occasions as he failed to direct Joey Barton's free-kick on target early on, while the former Newcastle United midfielder also went close from a right-wing cross.

Taarabt's curling effort was the pick of the bunch in a first half where QPR swarmed all over their visitors and showed how to make a five-man midfield function.

Villa were without the injured Darren Bent and they could not get their midfield trio of Fabian Delph, Stephen Ireland and Stiliyan Petrov close to Agbonlahor.

But for all their dominance, Rangers were thankful to goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, who made an outstanding save to deny Bannan's free-kick just before half-time.
That began a far more positive period for Villa, who looked a completely different team as the second half began and Delph went close before the opening goal arrived.

There was a tinge of controversy to the penalty as many missed Traore's tug on Agbonlahor's shirt as the Villa forward tried to get on the end of Warnock's cross.

Twenty-six year-old official Oliver had no doubt, however, booking Traore in the process, and Bannan tucked into the corner from 12 yards.

The temperature increased in Loftus Road as the home supporters grew frustrated by their team's inability to score.

And it looked as though they would suffer their second home
defeat as Shay Given stopped Shaun Wright-Phillips' effort and then Hutton blocked Derry's header, with suggestions of handball.

Hutton was again fortunate when the ball hit his hand from Smith's cross.

But just after Traore was booked for a second time following a tackle on Marc Albrighton, Dunne provided an unlikely lifeline to give Rangers fans a late cheer on a balmy afternoon in west London.

CANADA OPENS WOMEN'S OLYMPIC BASKETBALL QUALIFIER WITH VICTORY

Canada's women's basketball team rode a strong defensive performance to an opening win at the FIBA Americas Championship.

Kalisha Keane of Ajax, Ont., scored 15 points and added five rebounds Saturday as Canada swarmed Mexico early as part of 72-45 victory.

Canada led 19-4 after the first and 35-9 at the break as the team took a step towards qualifying for next summer's London Olympics.

"We've talked a lot about how tough we want to be defensively," Canada head coach Allison McNeill said. "There may be teams that score better than us, are quicker than us, but one thing we can be is a great defensive team and that was something we wanted to establish at the start of the game and we definitely did that."

S
askatoon's Krista Phillips added 11 points, while Ottawa's Courtney

Pilypaitis chipped in with 10.

"We have a lot of people that score and it's not going to be easy to just shut down one or two and hopefully that will carry us through the tournament," McNeill said.

The winner of the 10-team tournament gets an automatic spot at the Games.

McNeill said the big lead allowed her to empty the bench and get most of her players an early feel for the tournament.

"It was one of those games where you get a big lead and play a lot of people and get a lot of young players minutes and get them in the flow," she said.

Erika Gomez led the way for Mexico with 18 points and eight rebounds for Mexico.

The 12th-ranked Canadians will play sixth-ranked Brazil -- who should be their toughest opponent -- on Sunday, before facing unranked Paraguay on Monday. Canada wraps up the preliminary round Wednesday versus 49th-ranked Jamaica.

"(Brazil is) definitely the team to beat here," McNeill said. "They have good depth. They're very athletic. They really run, so we'll have to try to control the tempo a little bit and they're very good on the offensive glass.

The top two teams in each of the five-country groups move on to the quarter-finals.

Canada is gunning for its first Olympic appearance since the 2000 Sydney Games.