Tag Archives: runners

South Africa 2 Morocco 2

Posted on by

South Africa 2 Morocco 2: Hosts secure top spot after snatching last-gasp leveller

By
John Drayton

PUBLISHED:

19:29 GMT, 27 January 2013

|

UPDATED:

19:47 GMT, 27 January 2013

South Africa grabbed a late equaliser to draw 2-2 with Morocco on Sunday and take top spot in the final Group A table at the African Nations Cup.

Morocco, eliminated after drawing all three matches, were four minutes away from beating the hosts before defender Siyabonga Sangweni levelled.

Issam El Adoua opened the scoring for Morocco in the 10th minute at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Top of the group: South Africa's May Mahlangu celebrates his goal against Morocco

Top of the group: South Africa's May Mahlangu celebrates his goal against Morocco

South Africa players celebrate

May Mahlangu pulled South Africa level with a curling shot in the 71st minute only for substitute Abdelilah Hafid to restore Morocco's lead with a breakaway goal 11 minutes later.

South Africa will stay in Durban for their quarter-final against the runners-up in Group B who will be determined on Monday.

Close: Morocco came within minutes of earning their first win of the competition

Close: Morocco came within minutes of earning their first win of the competition

Close: Morocco came within minutes of earning their first win of the competition

Australian Open: Andy Murray hails Novak Djokovic"s incredible record

Posted on by

Murray hails Djokovic's 'incredible' Australian Open record after four-set defeat

By
Steven Donaldson

PUBLISHED:

13:08 GMT, 27 January 2013

|

UPDATED:

13:08 GMT, 27 January 2013

Andy Murray paid tribute to Novak Djokovic after losing in the Australian Open final on Rod Laver Arena on Sunday.

The Serb was too hot to handle for Murray in the third and fourth sets as he ran out 6-7 7-6 6-3 6-2 in Melbourne.

Djokovic sealed his fourth Australian Open title and Murray praised the champion's 'incredible' record Down Under in the post-match presentation.

Beaten: Andy Murray had no answer to Novak Djokovic's onslaught in the third and fourth sets

Beaten: Andy Murray had no answer to Novak Djokovic's onslaught in the third and fourth sets

'I would like to congratulate Novak – his record here is incredible,' said Murray.

'Very few people have managed to do what
he has done here. He is a very well-deserved champion.

'To his team… I know you can't do this on your own and he has great people around him.

'I'd like to thank my team – they've done a great job with me.'

Force: Djokovic was too good in the end for Murray as the Brit was forced to settle for the runners-up trophy

Force: Djokovic was too good in the end for Murray as the Brit was forced to settle for the runners-up trophy

Force: Djokovic was too good in the end for Murray as the Brit was forced to settle for the runners-up trophy

Djokovic, who lost the US Open final to Murray, responded: 'I have to thank Andy for his kind words.

'We have played so many thrilling
matches over the last few years. Bad luck tonight and I wish you luck
for the rest of the season.

'What a joy. It's an incredible
feeling winning this trophy again. It's definitely my favourite grand
slam, my most successful grand slam. I love this court.'

Champion: Djokovic claimed his fourth Australian Open title with the four-set win

Champion: Djokovic claimed his fourth Australian Open title with the four-set win

Champion: Djokovic claimed his fourth Australian Open title with the four-set win

Missed chances: Murray won the first set but failed to take three break points early in the second

Missed chances: Murray won the first set but failed to take three break points early in the second

Fighter: Djokovic was on the ropes in the opening part of the match but he eventually wore Murray down

Fighter: Djokovic was on the ropes in the opening part of the match but he eventually wore Murray down

Hampered Murray had treatment for blisters

Hampered Murray had treatment for blisters

Edge: Djokovic has won his last three matches against Murray since the US Open final

Edge: Djokovic has won his last three matches against Murray since the US Open final

Edge: Djokovic has won his last three matches against Murray since the US Open final


Repeat: It was the second time Djokovic played Murray in the Australian Open final after the Serb won in straight sets in 2011

Repeat: It was the second time Djokovic played Murray in the Australian Open final after the Serb won in straight sets in 2011

Winner: Djokovic also beat Murray in the semi finals last year

Winner: Djokovic also beat Murray in the semi finals last year


Too good: A Murray fan looks glum as the Scot couldn't live with Djokovic

Too good: A Murray fan looks glum as the Scot couldn't live with Djokovic

Nick Barmby and Paul Cox favourites to take over at Barnsley

Posted on by

Barmby and Cox front runners for vacant Barnsley job

PUBLISHED:

16:29 GMT, 10 January 2013

|

UPDATED:

16:44 GMT, 10 January 2013

Mansfield Town manager Paul Cox has emerged as one of the contenders to take over at Barnsley, with former Hull City boss Nick Barmby also in the frame.

The South Yorkshire club are seeking a replacement for Keith Hill, who was sacked on December 29 following a 3-1 home defeat by Blackburn Rovers which left them bottom of the Championship.

In the running: Mansfield manager Paul Cox is a contender for the Barnsley job

In the running: Mansfield manager Paul Cox is a contender for the Barnsley job

Contender: Former Hull boss Nick Barmby is also in the running

Contender: Former Hull boss Nick Barmby is also in the running

Inverness manager Terry Butcher was also linked with the vacant position but has said he will be remaining in Scotland, while recently fired Nottingham Forest boss Sean O'Driscoll also turned it down.

Cox, 41, is contracted at Mansfield until 2014 having joined the club in 2011. He guided the Stags to the third round of the FA Cup, where they were unfortunate to lose 2-1 to Liverpool last weekend.

Sacked! Barnsley manager Keith Hill was fired after the defeat by Blackburn

Sacked! Barnsley manager Keith Hill was fired after the defeat by Blackburn

Former England midfielder Barmby, 38, was last at the helm of Hull City last season but was sacked in May last year after making comments about the owners and his transfer budget.

Andy Murray pictures show added muscle ahead of Australian Open 2013

Posted on by

Muscle-bound Murray shows off bulked-up frame ahead of latest shot at Aussie Open

has left him hungry for more.

Murray enjoyed a breakthrough season last year when he became the first British male to win a grand slam in 76 years with his success at the US Open, while he was also crowned Olympic champion during a fairytale summer for the Scot.

The world No 3 is not ready to settle for that, though, and has spoken of his determination to keep on improving and adding to his title collection.

Andy Murray

Murray looks on during practice ahead of the Australian Open

Watch out, Australia: Andy Murray practices serving as coach Ivan Lendl looks on at Melbourne Park

Murray serves as his coach Ivan Lendl watches on during practice at Melbourne Park

Focused: Murray has his sights set on the Australian Open, which begins next Monday

Murray serves as his coach Ivan Lendl watches on during practice at Melbourne Park

Murray once again spent December building his fitness at a gruelling training camp in Miami before flying home briefly for Christmas and then on to Australia via the Middle East. While in Florida, Murray worked hard on his physical strength, doubling his weekly weightlifting sessions from two to four, in a bid to boost his shot power.

The result is an added three pounds of muscle to his already impressive frame. And, judging by the impressive pictures taken of the Scot in practice in Melbourne today, he is in peak physical condition ahead of his latest tilt at the year's opening grand slam title.

Speaking ahead of the upcoming Australian Open, where the 25-year-old will aim to improve on runners-up finishes in 2010 and 2011, Murray told the Daily Telegraph: 'The US Open and the Olympics made me extremely motivated.

'It wasn’t a case of, “Oh, everything’s done now”. It’s taken a long time to get there and to win those sorts of events.

Murray has been hard at work building his fitness over the winter

Murray has been hard at work building his fitness over the winter

What a specimen: Murray has been hard at work building his fitness during the break over the winter

Murray has been hard at work building his fitness over the winter

'I know the feeling when you do win them now and it’s worth all of the work that you put in.'

Prior to his success at Flushing Meadows, Murray had won 22 singles titles but had never managed to go all the way in a grand slam tournament, tasting defeat in four finals and reaching numerous semi-finals.

He added: 'In the past, there were loads and loads of questions. I wasn’t physically strong enough. I wasn’t mentally strong enough. I didn’t listen to my coaches. I was spoilt. Whatever it was, none of that really bothers me any more.

'I’m just looking for ways to keep improving.'

Although Murray has been working hard on the physical side of his game, he is adamant that the real difference between victory and defeat comes from brains, not brawn.

The Scot's love of boxing is well known – he counts David Haye as a close friend – so he was thrilled to meet former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis while filming for the BBC's SPOTY programme, where the pair talked training – and winning.

'Heavyweight boxing is the pinnacle of sport really, especially when he (Lewis) was fighting,' said Murray. 'So to get to pick his brains about certain things was nice.

'I asked a lot of questions about current boxers and how you train. He was saying boxing is 70 per cent mental, 30 per cent physical in the actual talent you need, and I think that applies to a lot of sports.

'The difference in how guys hit a ball is not that huge, but it’s about how you deal with the pressure moments and who can hold their nerve.

'When you get towards the end of sets, some guys make more mistakes than others.'

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES…

Murray at Melbourne Park last year

Murray flexes his muscles back in 2009

Murray's torso is noticeably less ripped during practice at Melbourne Park last year (left) while, despite his best Incredible Hulk impression, his still-impressive physique from 2009 (right) is not as muscular as today

Wayne Rooney spends 80,000 on racehorses

Posted on by

United's Rooney spent 80k on racehorses last year… but only managed 5k return in winnings

PUBLISHED:

11:55 GMT, 29 December 2012

|

UPDATED:

11:56 GMT, 29 December 2012

Despite spending nearly 80,000 on racehorses last year, Wayne Rooney’s investments have only earned him a paltry 5,000 in winnings.

The Manchester United striker’s returns were published in the accounts of Stoneygate 48 Ltd, the company which handles his image rights and other commercial ventures.

Rooney needn’t be too worried about the measly returns from his horse racing investments over the past year, as he is almost 3million up in that one company alone – coupled with his bumper wage packet at Premier League leaders United.

Quids in: Wayne Rooney (right) hasn't made a great initial return from his racehorse investments

Quids in: Wayne Rooney (right) hasn't made a great initial return from his racehorse investments

The company’s accounts show net assets of 2.93million for the year to March 2012 – up from 1.59million the previous year.

It’s not all plain sailing for the 27-year-old though. One of his horses, Switcharooney, ran a disappointing race yesterday at Lingfield, finishing seventh of 11 runners on its debut.

Rooney, who netted twice to help his side prevail in the Manchester derby earlier this month, is hoping United will be able to topple the visiting West Brom at Old Trafford today.

Brendan Rodgers says Liverpool forced Aston Villa defeat on themselves

Posted on by

Villa damage was self inflicted, says Rodgers after Liverpool stunned at home

|

UPDATED:

19:05 GMT, 15 December 2012

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers criticised his side's defending for a self-inflicted 3-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa.

Striker Christian Benteke scored twice either side of Andreas Weimann's well-worked goal before Steven Gerrard struck a late consolation as the hosts' three-match winning run was ended.

Rodgers felt his side should have been awarded a penalty for Ciaran Clark's pull on Daniel Agger's shirt early in the second half with the score at 2-0 but had no excuses for their defensive display.

Disappointed: Brendan Rodgers said Liverpool's mistakes and careless play let Aston Villa take the game

Disappointed: Brendan Rodgers said Liverpool's mistakes and careless play let Aston Villa take the game

'We are very disappointed and to be honest I didn't see that coming as our momentum and confidence coming into the game was probably as high as it's been,' said the Reds boss, whose side dominated before Benteke's 29th-minute opener.

'We probably got punished for our decision-making in that first 20 minutes, we were a bit careless.

'We could easily have been 3-0 up in the game and if we do that we can control it much better but we didn't have that final pass and bit of quality at the top end of the field.

'Then we went on to concede some poor goals. We weren't quite at it today with our intensity and pressure in the game and they were a threat on the counter-attack and got the goals.

'I thought we were flat. It was important for us to get the first goal – with them playing 3-5-2 – to open up the game but we had those chances early on and didn't take them.

'Once that happens, combined with sloppy play and giving the ball away in poor areas, we contrived to concede bad goals.

'Benteke was outstanding today but he got his shot in too easy for the first.

'The second goal we never tracked the runners into the box and then the third goal we've given it away in our half and he's broken through and nearly runs to the edge of the six-yard box before finishing.

'It was so unlike us because we're usually strong defensively. It was very much self-inflicted today.

'It was surprising because we haven't shown that in the last few months.'

On the penalty incident early in the second half Rodgers added: 'I thought when it was 2-0 we should have had a penalty so I'm not sure what we are going to have to do to get one.

'The referees are asked to look at the shirt pulling. I thought Agger was outstanding today but he gets pulled to the floor, it goes to 2-1 and you have most of the second half to apply the pressure.

'But as soon as the third goal went in we looked deflated and then Villa have no need to come out and go after the game and they just sat.

On fire: Christian Benteke (centre) pounced twice as the Reds lost at home

On fire: Christian Benteke (centre) pounced twice as the Reds lost at home

'For us it was a bad day at the office.'

It was the first time Villa had scored more than once in any half of league football this season and extended their unbeaten run to five matches with only a second away win in 17 away league games.

Only a fifth Anfield victory in 34 visits also almost doubled their league away goals tally, which now stands at seven.

'I think the whole performance was fabulous, the goals were excellent as was the way we defended,' said manager Paul Lambert.

'I thought we were excellent. The goals were brilliant: the second goal, with the movement and the backheel, especially.

Made to pay: Andreas Weimann struck the other as Villa ran out 3-1 winners

Made to pay: Andreas Weimann struck the other as Villa ran out 3-1 winners

'Benteke has been unbelievable while Andy Weimann knows where the goal is, he's a natural finisher and his enthusiasm and work ethic are second to none.

'The back three were terrific and put their bodies on the line when they had to.

'I am pretty sure Liverpool will give anyone a game here.

'It is just about trying to hold your nerve and trying to see it through, which is what we have done.'

As Arsenal, West Brom, Everton and Spurs clash – who is in best shape to reach the Champions League?

Posted on by

As Arsenal, West Brom, Everton and Spurs clash – who is in best shape to reach the Champions League

|

UPDATED:

15:19 GMT, 7 December 2012

The two Manchester clubs may be running away in the race for the league title, but the battle for the Champions League spots is as tight as ever.

Just five points separate Chelsea in third from Arsenal in 10th as traditional front runners and new contenders scrap for the right to compete amongst Europe’s finest teams next season.

Four of those sides come head-to-head this weekend as Everton host Tottenham and Arsenal welcome West Brom to the Emirates Stadium.

With the teams having a vastly mixed record when it comes to reaching the top four, Sportsmail assesses how the clubs shape up for a Champions League battle ahead of their respective duels this weekend.

Talking tactics: Andre Villas-Boas (left) has brought the best out of Jermain Defoe (right) since taking charge of Tottenham in pre-season

Talking tactics: Andre Villas-Boas (left) has brought the best out of Jermain Defoe (right) since taking charge of Tottenham in pre-season

Tottenham
Last season: 4th (69 points) Currently: 4th (26 points)
Top four pedigree: Often the bridesmaid for a Champions League spot since 2006 – but serious contenders.

Season so far: There was no honeymoon period for new manager, Andre Villas-Boas after taking just two points from his first three games, but Tottenham have improved greatly since their slow start.

A first Premier League win at Manchester United underlined potential, but a leaky defence has been exposed by many including London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea who have found nine goals between them against Spurs this term.

Confidence will be high going into the game at Everton having recorded four straight wins scoring 11 goals and conceding just three.

Xmas fixtures: Dec 9 Everton (a), Dec 16 Swansea (h), Dec 22 Stoke (h), Dec 26 Aston Villa (a), Dec 29 Sunderland (a), Jan 1 Reading (h).

January funds: Andre Villas-Boas can expect some financial backing next month to push for a top four spot should he require it. Porto playmaker, Joao Moutinho is a long term target for the Spurs boss.

Will they last the distance Many questioned Tottenham’s pedigree after selling key attackers Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaart in the summer, but players are adjusting well to life under Villas-Boas who is slowly rebuilding his reputation after being sacked less than a year into his Chelsea tenure.

Inconsistency will hurt a Tottenham team still in transition but there will be little surprise if the north London side are still in the Champions League hunt when May comes around.

Loan star: Romelu Lukaku's season-long arrival from Chelsea has boosted West Brom's attacking prowess this term

Loan star: Romelu Lukaku's season-long arrival from Chelsea has boosted West Brom's attacking prowess this term

West Brom
Last season: 10th (47 points) Currently: 5th (26 points)
Top four pedigree: None, finishing in the top 10 was a big success last season.

Season so far: Losing Roy Hodgson to England was a massive blow for the club having just recorded their best Premier League finish, with many expecting a season of struggle under new rookie boss, Steve Clarke.

But Clarke has put all his knowledge from assistant roles at Chelsea and Liverpool to good use and has the Baggies well on course to smash last season’s points total.

West Brom have just suffered consecutive league defeats but the last time that happened they went on a four-game winning run which included a victory over Chelsea.

Xmas fixtures: Dec 8 Arsenal (a), Dec 16 West Ham (h), Dec 22 Norwich (h), Dec 26 QPR (a), Dec 29 Manchester United (a), Jan 1 Fulham (h).

January funds: Just because the Baggies are hanging around the Champions League spots, it doesn’t mean the board will release any more funds for Clarke. Squad unity has been a key component and big name arrivals look unlikely.

Will they last the distance Stranger things have happened but it’s hard to see West Brom maintaining their challenge over the course of the season.

Rivals with more financial muscle will hope to make it count in the transfer window, while the Baggies will still be focusing on avoiding an alarming slump in form during the second half of the campaign. Europa League is a more realistic, if still challenging, target.

Belgian brilliance: Marouane Fellaini's performances for Everton this term have seen him emerge as a target for the Premier League's leading teams

Belgian brilliance: Marouane Fellaini's performances for Everton this term have seen him emerge as a target for the Premier League's leading teams

Everton
Last season: 7th (56 points) Currently: 6th (23 points)
Top four pedigree: Secured fourth against all odds in 2005 but have struggled to hit the same heights since.

Season so far: Usually slow starters, Everton opened up with a bang by defeating Manchester United and have turned Goodison Park into a fortress by remaining unbeaten there this season.

With a prolific striker in Nikica Jelavic and attacking midfielder Marouane Fellaini playing his best football, the Toffees have looked menacing in attack and have been extremely tough to defeat.

The only problem is they are failing to win now too with seven draws in their last nine games.

Xmas fixtures: Dec 9 Tottenham (h), Dec 15 Stoke (a), Dec 22 West Ham (a), Dec 26 Wigan (h), Dec 30 Chelsea (h), Jan 2 Newcastle (a).

January funds: The purse strings have been loosened over the last year with Jelavic and Kevin Mirallas coming into the club, but funds will still be restricted compared to Champions League rivals.

Will they last the distance Much will depend on any injuries or suspensions picked up. Everton’s first XI can defeat anyone but scratch beneath the surface and there is a serious lack of depth.

David Moyes should aim for adding competition for places next month in the transfer window which should also provide fresh legs for the end-of-season run-in when the Toffees traditionally shine.

Hitting his stride: After a slow start, Olivier Giroud is starting to find form

Hitting his stride: After a slow start, Olivier Giroud is starting to find form

Arsenal
Last season: 3rd (70 points) Currently: 10th (21 points)
Top four pedigree: Part of the Champions League furniture since 1998.

Season so far: After starting off with a solid back-four and new stars in Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski, the Gunners looked set to build on a strong end to the previous campaign.

But points, form and results have dried up and Robin van Persie’s goals look more missed than ever.

The threat is still there as Tottenham and Liverpool have been put to the sword, while Manchester City were left hanging on for a point at the Etihad Stadium earlier in the season.

But just one league win in six has seen the Gunners slump to their worst position at this stage since 1994 – back then they went on to finish 12th.

Xmas fixtures: Dec 8 West Brom (h), Dec 11 Bradford (a)(Capital One Cup), Dec 17 Reading (a), Dec 22 Wigan (a), Dec 26 West Ham (h), Dec 29 Newcastle (h), Jan 1 Southampton (a).

January funds: The funds are certainly there, the question is will Arsene Wenger (be allowed to) use them

Crystal Palace starlet Wilfried Zaha has emerged as a 9million target in a month where the Gunners need to add proven class rather than more potential.

Will they last the distance Awful start or not, Arsenal will be challenging for a top four spot right at the end of the season. The recent loss of form should not mask over the calibre of quality the club possess.

Despite Arsenal’s lack of squad depth starting to show, those above them are arguably at more risk with injuries and suspensions and also lack much more experience trying to close out a top four place. Wenger’s side still have the edge.

Just how important is Luis Suarez to Liverpool? Without him they"d be bottom on two points

Posted on by

Just how important is Suarez to Liverpool Without him they'd be bottom on two points

|

UPDATED:

23:11 GMT, 10 November 2012

Key man: Luis Suarez of Liverpool

Key man: Luis Suarez of Liverpool

Manager Brendan Rodgers has warned Liverpool they cannot afford to lose Luis Suarez like they did Fernando Torres – and well he might because without the Uruguayan, his club would be struggling even more than they are now.

In fact, if you take out Suarez's goals and assists, Liverpool would be bottom of the league, with no wins and just two points.

Here, former Arsenal midfielder STEWART ROBSON analyses why Suarez is so important.

Master of the unexpected

Defences are set up to play against the kind of passing football Rodgers favours and his side do not play quickly enough to unbalance them. Suarez is the one player who can provide the unexpected because he can go past defenders in tight areas with changes of direction, play the ball between players' legs or manipulate it on unusual angles.

Slow, slow, quick, quick, quick

Suarez is not hugely quick but he has the ability to change the tempo of a move. His speed of movement and thought to get away from markers is so impressive, and only appreciated by watching him live.

Luis Suarez of Liverpool in action during a training session

What a combination

He can combine with others to good effect, either by playing wall passes, one-touch through-balls or dropping deeper to play in runners behind defences. Without his individual brilliance, Liverpool are easy to negate.

But he needs help

For Liverpool to become a good side again, Rodgers needs two more strikers to link with Suarez. He knows the system well from playing in a front three at Ajax, but the players either side of him need to be forwards who can drift wide. They must have pace to exploit the space behind defences when he drops deeper. Borini doesn't look good enough while Suso is more of a midfield player.

Lukas Podolski wants to win Premier League title

Posted on by

EXCLUSIVE: Podolski eyes title charge (but Gunners could be 10 points behind by the weekend if they lose at Old Trafford)

|

UPDATED:

15:40 GMT, 1 November 2012

Lukas Podolski has set his sights on landing the Premier League title, despite the fact Arsenal could be 10 points behind leaders Chelsea after this weekend's fixtures.

Podolski has made an impressive start to life in north London. His performances have rightly earned him plaudits after scoring four goals in 12 performances this season.

Having a ball: Podolski is setting his sights high in his first season at Arsenal

Having a ball: Podolski is setting his sights high in his first season at Arsenal

But the Gunners face Manchester
United at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon, before the Blues head to
South Wales to face Swansea.

And if results don't go Arsenal's way, they will have fallen well behind the pace-setters at the top of the table.

He said: 'First of all, to be in the top four with Arsenal so that we qualify directly for the Champions League. That is our most important goal.

'The other goal is of course to fight for the Premier League title. You won’t have any idea of the front runners until after 15, 20 games, and obviously if you play for Arsenal, in the Premier League, there is only one goal, to be among the frontrunners for the title and that is what we are fighting for.

The Germany international also supports boss Arsene Wenger's belief that qualifying for the Champions League is a top priority for the club.

At the recent AGM, Wenger told shareholders that domestic silverware is less important than finishing in the top four.

And the former Cologne and Bayern Munich forward hopes the club can make a big impression on the competition this season.

He said: 'The goal is always to get as far as possible when you play for a top club. We have only played a couple of games, and there is still room for improvement. It’s important to get off to a good start and get out of the group.

'Then when the knock out phase starts, you have two games where it will be about all or nothing, you have to be fitter, faster, and maybe have a bit of luck to progress further.

Hit the ground running: Podolski has scored four goals in his 12 appearances for the Gunners this seasonground r

Hit the ground running: Podolski has scored four goals in his 12 appearances for the Gunners this season

Hit the ground running: Podolski has scored four goals in his 11 appearances for the Gunners this season

Podolski the goal machine…

2002-2006 Cologne
Appearances: 87 Goals: 51

2006-2009 B Munich
Appearances: 108 Goals: 26

2009-2012 Cologne
Appearances: 96 Goals: 35

2012- Arsenal
Appearances: 12 Goals: 4

And for Germany…
Caps: 105 Goals: 44

'I hope that we will get very far this season.'

Podolski already looks comfortable with life in the Premier League and has conceded the English top flight is of a better quality than the one in Germany.

He said: 'I think the Bundesliga can hold its own, but you realised in my first game that the level is a different one.

'Like Germany, the stadiums are always full in England and there are many new stadiums.

'I would say that overall the level appears to be a bit better and I am delighted that I took this step and that I can play at this level.'

Testing times: The former Cologne striker feels the English top flight is better than the Bundesliga

Testing times: The former Cologne striker feels the English top flight is better than the Bundesliga

VIDEO: Podolski predicts bright future at Arsenal

DM.has('rcpv1938486581001','BCVideo');

Superstorm sandy: New York marathon still on

Posted on by

New York Marathon still on as NBA and NFL stand up to Superstorm Sandy

|

UPDATED:

10:52 GMT, 31 October 2012

The big hitters of American sport are refusing to be beaten by Superstorm Sandy with the NBA and NFL set to go ahead as planned over the next few days.

The New York marathon is also expected to take place on Sunday despite fears that many of the 50,000 runners will not be able to make it to the start at Staten Island.

Race against time: Runners need the Staten Island Ferry - but the terminal was forced to close

Race against time: Runners need the Staten Island Ferry – but the terminal was forced to close

It's back: The NBA returned this week and Brooklyn are set to face New York on Thursday night

It's back: The NBA returned this week and Brooklyn are set to face New York on Thursday night

The show must go on….

Fixtures on the east coast this week

NBA
31/10 – Philadelphia v Denver
1/11 – Brooklyn v New York
2/11 – New York v Miami
Boston v Milwaukee
Cleveland v Chicago
3/11 – Washington v Boston
Brooklyn v Toronto
4/11 – New York v Philadelphia

NFL
4/11 – New York Giants v Pittsburgh
Washington v Carolina
Cleveland v Baltimore

New York Marathon – Sunday, November 4

The subway is flooded and, along with most of the city's bridges and tunnels, was closed just five days before the 26.2-mile race through the five boroughs.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg warned that the underground system may not be running by the weekend but New York Road Runners president Mary Wittenberg said in a statement: 'The marathon has always been a special day for New Yorkers as a symbol of the vitality and resiliency of this city.

'We will keep all options open with regard to making any accommodations and adjustments necessary to race day and race weekend events.

'The city is rightfully focused on assessment, restoration and recovery.'

At least 22 people have been killed in New York with the total death toll hitting 50 as Sandy wrecked the Eastern Seaboard.

Hammered: Cars were left under water in the East Village as Superstorm Sandy devastated New York

Hammered: Cars were left under water in the East Village as Superstorm Sandy devastated New York

Flattened: Over 100 homes were lost as fire ripped through Breezy Point in Queens

Flattened: Over 100 homes were lost as fire ripped through Breezy Point in Queens

Ripped up: Trees came crashing down all over the Big Apple as Sandy hit the region hard

Ripped up: Trees came crashing down all over the Big Apple as Sandy hit the region hard

As the clean-up begins, the cost is expected to hit $50bn while President Obama described the storm as a 'major disaster'.

Almost 20,000 international runners hope to take part in Sunday's marathon and JFK Airport was due to reopen on Wednesday. It is unknown at this stage when LaGuardia and Newark would be back in business.

Runners who can't get to New York should have until Saturday instead of Wednesday to withdraw from the race and reserve a spot in the 2013 marathon. But they won't get a refund and will have to pay again next year.

Race organizers were expected to reschedule the elite runners' flights to get them in on time.

In basketball, the Nets play the first match at their new Brooklyn home against the Knicks on Thursday evening while the New York Giants entertain NFL rivals the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

Bring it on: The Giants are due to play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday

Bring it on: The Giants are due to play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday

Baltimore Ravens had their training disrupted as they were forced to run off a generator after losing power but the Giants, Buffalo, Cleveland, Phildelphia and New England reported no damage despite the east coast of the country taking a battering.

Next year's US PGA Championship has also been hit as Oakhill Country Club in Pittsford, New York has lost several trees.