A Chelsea return may be a Stamford Bridge too far for Romelu Lukaku. The apparent rift between Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and on loan striker Romelu Lukaku is approaching the stage where it may prove difficult for the Belgian to return to Stamford Bridge. It’s difficult to understand why the rumpus has occurred at this moment when the cause apparently dates back to the European Super Cup game against Bayern Munich at the beginning of the season. – Full Story via Football.co.uk
Ray Wilkins impressed by Chelsea’s power as they beat Southampton. Ray Wilkins was impressed by Chelsea’s power, especially in the second half, as they beat Southampton 3-1. Stamford Bridge was silenced in the first minute of Sunday’s Premier League clash when Jay Rodriguez punished a Michael Essien error to put Saints ahead. But second-half goals from Gary Cahill, John Terry and substitute Demba Ba produced an emphatic turnaround and kept the Blues hot on Arsenal’s heels in the title race. – Full story via Sky Sports
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has played down renewed speculation over the future of Sergio Aguero. The striker has scored 15 goals in his last 13 appearances and impressed again during Sunday’s comfortable 3-0 Premier League win over Swansea at the Etihad Stadium. – Full Story via Sky Sports
Wigan Athletic sack manager Owen Coyle after 23 games in charge. Coyle’s 23-game spell in charge of the Latics came to an end following Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to Derby County, their third home loss in nine days. The Scot met with chairman Dave Whelan after the Derby defeat and the pair agreed to part company. -Full Story via Sky Sports
Wojciech Szczesny is confident Arsenal can win the Premier League this season providing the team maintain their current form. Arsenal’s 3-0 victory at Cardiff City on Saturday was a tenth league win in 13 games and kept Arsene Wenger’s side four points clear of Chelsea at the top of the table. – Full Story via Sky Sports
Manchester United manager David Moyes says the club have no plans to open contract talks with Wayne Rooney any time soon. There is no rush for the Red Devils, with their in-form frontman having 18 months left to run on his current deal. The England international’s future at Old Trafford has been called into question on a regular basis in recent years and he was a target for Chelsea. – Full Story via Sky Sports
Manuel Pellegrini wants Manchester City to be top of the Premier League table by the time 2014 comes around. City currently trail leaders Arsenal by six points after a mixed start to the season which has brought seven wins from seven games at home, but just one victory in six away fixtures. – Full Story via Sky Sports
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers bemoaned defensive mistakes after his side suffered a first-ever loss to Hull City on Sunday. The Tigers claimed the three points thanks to strikes from Jake Livermore and David Meyler and an own goal from Martin Skrtel, while Steven Gerrard scored for the Reds. – Full Story via Sky Sports
Stoke City boss Mark Hughes hopes there is business to be done in the January transfer window and has played down speculation linking Asmir Begovic with a move elsewhere. The Potters’ need to strengthen in the New Year has been heightened by a run which has brought just one win in their last 10 Premier League outings. – Full Story via Sky Sports
David Moyes believes a 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur has left Manchester United with no margin for error in the Premier League title race. While the Red Devils hit back from a goal down on two occasions to claim a share of the spoils at White Hart Lane, stalemate in the capital has left them nine points adrift of table-topping Arsenal. There are still 25 games to come this season – making 75 points available – but United require a swing of three results in their favour just to draw level with the frontrunners. -Full Story via Sky Sports
Ian Holloway the early favourite to replace sacked Wigan boss Owen Coyle. Holloway is available and, having achieved promotion to the Premier League with Blackpool and Crystal Palace before, is reported to be on Latics chairman Dave Whelan’s radar. – Full Story via Sky Sports