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Chalkboards: Analyse the top-flight action

Chalkboards

You are the Ref

Click to enlarge, and debate the strip below the line. Keith Hackett's official answers appear in Sunday's Observer and here from Monday.Keith Hackett's answers 1) Order the kick to be re-taken. As soon as the goalkeeper moves off his line you must be ready to act. Base your decision on the outcome...

Premier League: Manchester City 4-3 Sunderland

If Old Trafford is the Theatre of Dreams, Manchester City play at the Comedy Store – 13 managers in the last 20 years, and it's the way they sack 'em. Mark Hughes's dismissal on Saturday was badly mismanaged, as was that of his predecessor, Sven-Goran Eriksson, and so many before...

David Pleat's tactical report: Arsenal v Hull

Arsenal's front men were sprightly, dragging their markers out of position, as Hull's lone striker found himself isolatedHow were Arsenal set up? Shorn of Fábregas and without a physical presence up front, Arsène Wenger had the task of arranging a system that compensated for the loss of...

Terry's future clouded by cash-for-tour claims

John Terry will put his England captaincy in jeopardy if allegations are proved that he offered secret, unsanctioned tours of the Chelsea training ground in return for £10,000 in cash with a ticket tout acting as his middleman.

Bellamy lights up end of an era

Roberto Mancini will meet his players for the first time this morning, but the Italian can expect a lukewarm reception from a splintered squad dismayed at the dismissal of Mark Hughes, who lost his job in the wake of his side's thrilling, if flawed, victory at Eastlands. Hughes's departure has...

Don't believe the hype about Mancini's feats

One thing is for sure in the uncertain weeks ahead for Manchester City: there won't be many more scorelines like Saturday's. The Italian coaches like Roberto Mancini, who earn their coaching badges at the Coverciano in Florence, are taught to understand that you build a team around a solid defence....

Hughes furious over board's broken promises

Mark Hughes laid bare his feelings of betrayal by Manchester City yesterday, with the central dispute between club and outgoing manager revolving around whether the increased 70-point target Hughes was set – after a £100m-plus summer of spending that exceeded all expectations –...