News Headlines

The clash of the talismanic titans

The talismanic qualities of the Premier League's finest will prove invaluable to Manchester United and Arsenal in the title raceIt is usually once in a generation that a player comes along capable of hoisting a team on to his shoulders and ­carrying them towards the light.Diego Maradona...

Capello wants to see out contract

Fabio Capello intends to stay on as England manager until the European Championship in 2012.

but football's rulers look the other way

The Game That Ate Itself: That was the title of Observer Sport's 2004 campaign about English football. So where are we now?Debt is football's issue of the moment, propelled into prominence by the revelation of Manchester United's interest payments, Portsmouth's payroll problems and Crystal Palace's...

Rivalry between Arsène Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson unmatched in world sport | Paul Hayward

The hostility may have gone but theirs is a contest which surpasses all othersFrom the shipyards of Govan and a bar-restaurant in Alsace came the two romantics who have done most in modern times to imbue English football with artistry.If the world's favourite game is pretty much one long episode of...

Ancelotti gives support to troubled captain Terry

• "No debate" about Terry standing down as captain• Defender puts aside personal troubles to head winnerCarlo Ancelotti has given his unequivocal backing to John Terry after the Chelsea and England captain was accused of having an extra-marital affair with the former partner of his...

Portsmouth fan told to pay club's debts

• Lifelong Portsmouth fan sent unpaid bills and court orders• Mark Dugan bought PFC Ltd company name 'for a bit of fun'A lifelong Portsmouth fan has had sleepless nights and feels "stressed out and ill" after being sent bills for hundreds of thousands of pounds, and court orders that...

In the head of John Terry, the usual rules do not apply

Defender's behaviour suggests a difficulty in reconciling a lust for life with the responsibilities of the England captaincyJohn Terry grew up a few streets from Bobby Moore's east London family home but is an England captain from another universe. The sun-buttered hero of 1966 glowed with a kind...

South Africa's cup is failing to set the world on fire | Paul Wilson

A reputation for violence and sky-high prices mean football fans are not flocking to the 2010 World CupAccording to the wonderful American humorist Dave Barry, who has long marvelled at Miami's ability to attract visitors despite notorious gun and crime statistics, the city's official tourism...