Chelsea had to come from behind in the highly-anticipated clash between last season’s Premier League runners-up and reigning champions Manchester United, a match that ended in a 1-1 stalemate.



In a fast-paced clash at Stamford Bridge, the visitors took the lead in the 18th minute as Park Ji-Sung following up Petr Cech’s parry and slotted the ball home, before substitute Salomon Kalou headed his side level with 10 minutes remaining.

Sir Alex Ferguson surprisingly opted to drop Carlos Tevez to the bench, with the Argentinean joining Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the many attacking options the Premier League champions could call upon.

Similarly, Jonny Evans retained his place in the line-up ahead of Wes Brown, while Chelsea were dealt a major blow prior to kick off as Deco injured himself in the warm-up, meaning Michael Ballack had to step in to take the Portugal international’s place.

First Half

Both teams looked lively in the early exchanges, with the visitors belying suggestions that they would look to sit back and absorb the pressure as Darren Fletcher had an effort blocked and then fired wide early on.

The Red Devils went close to breaking the deadlock after ten minutes in an astonishing run of play. Cech’s clearance reached only as far as Dimitar Berbatov 40 yards out, and the Bulgarian’s volley found Wayne Rooney on the edge of the box. The England striker’s own volley then flew just wide in what would have been an extraordinary goal.

There was to be a further injury blow for The Blues as Ricardo Carvalho had to be replaced by Alex due to suspected ligament damage, and with the hosts having to reorganise themselves once again, United pushed on.

Nicolas Anelka’s wayward ball was collected by Berbatov, who in turn played in Rio Ferdinand of all people, and the defender’s subsequent effort required the full attentions of Cech who tipped it over.

The pressure finally paid off for Ferguson’s men, and it came courtesy of some fine link-up play between the blossoming Rooney-Berbatov partnership. Patrice Evra burst down the left, played the ball into the middle which saw the two Red Devils strikers bamboozle The Blues’ defence, and it was eventually played into the six yard box. While Berbatov’s initial effort was saved by Cech, the Chelsea goalkeeper couldn’t keep hold of it, allowing Park to fire home the rebound.

The home side rallied in the hope of finding an equaliser, and they were almost gifted one as Gary Neville’s tame headed backpass towards Edwin van der Sar was collected by Florent Malouda, but the Frenchman’s shot was blocked by the visitor’s goalkeeper to hand his team-mate a reprieve.

However, the Dutch shot-stopper forced the Red Devils into a change of their own as he sustained an injury, with Ferguson having to call upon the services of Tomasz Kuszczak, and he was immediately required as he collected Frank Lampard’s blocked shot.

Chelsea were beginning to gain a foothold of processions, Alex being the next in line to shoot on goal from 25 yards out, and while the Brazilian’s effort was parried by the Poland international, Ferdinand was the first to the ball and he cleared.

The visitors had a glorious chance to extend their lead as Rooney picked up the ball on the right and played it to Berbatov’s feet, and all the Red Devils’ forward needed to do was find Park with a simple lay-off for a great opportunity. However, the Bulgaria hit-man played a sloppy ball behind the midfielder, and the chance went begging much to the fury of Ferguson on the touchline.

Second Half

As expected by the home crowd, Didier Drogba was introduced to proceedings just two minutes into the second half as Malouda made way, and he immediately made his presence felt with aerial battles against Evans and then Kuszczak.

United were still dangerous on the break and, as Chelsea committed men forward, it allowed Rooney to dispossess Mikel John Obi and burst forward in a move that eventually saw goalscorer Park fire well over from 20 yards.

Ferdinand was in imperious form as he cut out a dangerous ball from Joe Cole in a piece of defending that could quite easily have ended in an own goal, and shortly after Ronaldo was added to the game in a bold move by Ferguson – the visitors had three forwards in the game, despite their 1-0 lead.

Chelsea were still toiling and a superb interchange between Drogba and Ballack saw the latter play an inch-perfect ball over-the-top for Joe Cole to run onto, but his shot - in what was a guilt-edged chance to equalise - was straight at Kuszczak who collected it comfortably.

Anelka had another half-chance to volley his side level, but his connection with the ball from 12 yards was weak and the ball dribbled wide, and events took a turn for the worse as the Frenchman missed failed to convert an effort into the open goal.

Joe Cole, who was increasingly influential as the game progressed, got beyond Evra and played in a dangerous ball which evaded Kuszczak but Anelka, unmarked at the far post, unbelievably failed to find the net. Scolari had his head in his hands, and it was no surprise as another chance for Chelsea went begging.

The Premier League champions responded with an opportunity of their own which could have sealed the points, Ronaldo crossing in from the left towards Rooney at the back post, but the former Everton man could only find the side-netting.

Chelsea finally found a way through the stern United defence, but it was a goal that will have left Ferguson seething with his players. Kalou, introduced with 15 minutes to go, rose highest to meet a free-kick and head into the back of the Red Devils’ goal, despite the forward being surrounded by a host of opposing players.

After an initial lull following the equaliser, The Blues had a chance to seize the lead as Kalou’s shot was deflected just over by Neville after a rapid counter-attack, and then it was United’s turn to go close as Alex dived in superbly to block Fletcher’s goal-bound shot.

There were to be no further clear-cut chances for either side as the final minutes were played out, and as the final whistle was blown, both manager’s will have been satisfied with the point – Scolari after starting defeat in the face for so long in the game, and Ferguson having seen his players perform to a much higher standard after last weekend’s defeat.

Teams:

Chelsea: Petr Cech, John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho (Alex 12'), Ashley Cole, Jose Bosingwa, Frank Lampard, Florent Malouda (Didier Drogba 46'), Deco, Michael Ballack (Salomon Kalou 74), John Mikel Obi, Nicolas Anelka, Joe Cole. Substitutes (Not Used): Carlo Cudicini, Wayne Bridge, Paulo ferreira, Juliano Belletti.

Manchester United: Edwin van der Sar (Tomasz Kusczcak 32'), Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, Patrice Evra, Paul Scholes (Cristiano Ronaldo 55'), Darren Fletcher, Park Ji-Sung (John O'Shea 75'), Owen Hargreaves, Dimitar Berbatov, Wayne Rooney, Substitutes (Not Used): Wes Brown, Ryan Giggs, Carlos Tevez, Nani

Goals

Chelsea: Kalou (80')

Manchester United: Park (18')

Will Wood

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What: Barclays Premier League
Who: Liverpool (2nd, 7pts) v Manchester United (9th, 4pts)
When: Saturday, 13th September, Kick-off: 12:45 BST
Where: Anfield, Liverpool

The Eighteenth Hole

Mark Hughes may like to think that his Manchester City side’s clash with Chelsea later on Saturday takes star billing in this weekend’s Premier League fixture list, but some 45,000 fans inside Anfield - plus, no doubt, a global TV audience of millions - will beg to differ when Liverpool and Manchester United lock horns again in a lunch-time showdown that will inevitably offer clues about this season‘s title race.

The ‘Clash of the Cash’ at Eastlands in the early evening will be a fascinating encounter for all sports of reasons, but few would accept that a meeting between the North-West’s two red-clad armies is no longer the main event. And while City and Chelsea may boss the richest sugar-daddies in the League, neither Liverpool nor United can be accused of penny-pinching, having this summer alone sunk more than £50 million between them into parting Tottenham from their strike-force.

United‘s deadline-day swoop for Dimitar Berbatov followed Liverpool‘s earlier capture of the Bulgarian‘s erstwhile scoring partner at White Hart Lane, Robbie Keane. Typically, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson sought to lob a psychological doubt into the Liverpool camp by questioning the high price Rafa Benitez was prepared to pay for Keane, a player whose value he has previously implied is somewhat inflated. Fergie’s mischief-making with the press is unlikely to cut much ice at Anfield, where the only sensible response is to ram his words down his throat on the pitch, though that has proved to be easier said than done in recent seasons.

That’s underlined by the fact that United are chasing a sixth successive Premier League victory over their Merseyside rivals, and their third in a row at Anfield. Indeed, Liverpool have suffered more Premier League defeats (18), dropped more points (68) and conceded more goals (48) to Manchester United than to any other club.

Those statistics make painful reading for anyone associated with Liverpool, and one can only imagine what the ghosts of Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley have made of the last 18 seasons. Eighteen, of course, is a highly evocative number in the context of battles between these two giants, separated by 33 miles of East Lancs Road or, if you prefer, M62 motorway.

For while Liverpool can still proudly boast more top-flight English titles - 18 - than any other club, they haven’t added to their haul since 1990. And with consecutive triumphs in the last two seasons, United have closed to within one title of their bitter rivals. When you consider that, at the time Kenny Dalglish’s Reds lifted the club’s 18^th title in 1990, United’s tally was a modest seven, the seismic nature of the power-shift in Lancashire can be graphically understood. If United successfully defend their title again this season, they will not only claim an unprecedented second hat-trick of championships, but also equal Liverpool’s record total of titles. That is a prospect almost too awful to contemplate for many Reds fans. Never has Liverpool’s quest for that elusive next title been more urgent.

Advantage Liverpool?

The good news for Liverpool is that they can go three points clear at the top of the table - for two hours at least - if they can achieve their tenth successive home league victory. To do so at United’s expense would be sweet indeed. United are down in ninth at the moment, partly because they’ve played a game fewer than all except Fulham, their clash wityh the Cottagers having been postponed while they went to Monaco for their ill-fated Super Cup defeat by Zenit St Petersburg.

But United were the only opponents who left Anfield with all three points last season - and Ferguson boasts an unbeaten record against Benitez of seven wins and one draw. Rafa’s one success was in an FA Cup fifth round tie in February 2006.

The context for this match is that both sides have been without most of their squads for ten days because of the international break - and that both will be seeking the boost to morale of a win to carry them into their first Champions League group matches next week.

Noises Off-Stage

Inevitably in the build-up to such a big game there have been plenty of comments, and some verbal sniping, from both camps. As noted, Fergie has queried the wisdom of Liverpool’s purchase of Robbie Keane, the Irishman shrugging off the slight by insisting football is a game of opinions - and adding that in his, John O’Shea should start every game for United. Meanwhile, Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa, reflecting on the bitter disappointment of last season’s home defeat by United, claimed that the game is worth much more than three points.

“If we beat Manchester United at home, we will have 10 points and much more confidence, but everyone will also be very, very happy.”

His team-mate Fabio Aurelio (famous among other things for the fact that his surname uses every available vowel), chipped in with: “We need to try and change the history. In recent years, it has been difficult against them, but we have a great opportunity to change that on Saturday.”

Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano, who recklessly got himself sent off during last season’s showdown between the teams at Old Trafford, reckons: "It’s a match we need to win if we want to compete for the title. We can do that and push for honours. The fans deserve it."

The trick, of course, is walking the walk as well as talking the talk, as Reds defender Jamie Carragher knows only too well. He admits United have been better than Liverpool in recent derbies, and told BBC Radio Merseyside: "I'm not a great believer in being lucky or unlucky. I'm a big believer in 'you get what you deserve'.

"United over the last few years have probably edged it with us and small details in football make a difference. That's why they've been better than us and that's something we need to liven up.”

Meanwhile, from Old Trafford, there have been some bullish noises too, including former United defender Gary Pallister saying Liverpool will again fail to contest the title this season. He insists the Reds cannot sustain a challenge over the course of the whole season. He even suggests that things could quickly go pear-shaped for Benitez if he a loser again at Anfield.

"I can't see them challenging this year. I thought they might put together a sustained challenge last year and they didn't manage to do so. I don't feel as though they can this year either," he told the Daily Star. “Under Benitez they've been playing for fourth spot. That's not good enough for Liverpool fans. They expect to be up there fighting for league championships - and that hasn't happened. It would have a big effect on their season if they lose. If they lose badly it would be even more damaging. To lose at home to one of your main rivals is a huge blow."

The current United players have been fairly muted about Liverpool. Berbatov has been insisting he’s not lazy; Ryan Giggs has been predicting the Bulgarian will be an instant success for United; and Wayne Rooney has been talking more about resurgent England than the Premiership this week, having ended his 11-month goal drought for the Three Lions with an impressive performance.

But the other significant off-stage noise surrounding this gamer could well come from Liverpool fans planning to protest against the clubs two American owners, George Gillett and Tom Hicks. Will that strike a chord among United fans who wanted nothing to do with the Glazer-buy-out of their club? It should do, but parochial enmity could well mean United fans mocking rather than sympathising with their Scouse rivals.

FORM GUIDE

Liverpool have lost one of their last 16 games in all competitions - a 2-3 reverse at Stamford Bridge at the hands of Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final second leg. They are unbeaten in 10 Premier League matches, of which they’ve won seven and drawn three. Ironically, their last League defeat was a 3-0 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford in March. And their last home defeat was also by United nine months ago. That 1-0 defeat, inflicted by a Carlos Tevez goal, was Liverpool’s only loss at Anfield in their last 24. But they’ve not not beaten a fellow 'Big Four' club in six attempts. This season, the Reds have beaten Sunderland away, Middlesbrough at home and drawn with Aston Villa away in the League, while squeezing through in extra-time against Standard Liege in a Champions League qualifier to secure entry to the lucrative group stage.

United’s last outing was that 2-1 defeat by Zenit St Petersburg in the European Super Cup on 29th August. They’ve played only two Premier League fixtures to date, a 1-1 home draw against Newcastle United and a 1-09 win at Fratton Park against Portsmouth. They’ve won 10, drawn three and lost one of their last 14 Premier League games, collecting 10 points from the last 12 on offer since Chelsea beat the 2-1 away on 26th April. That was United’s first reverse in their last eight games against fellow 'Big Four' clubs.

Last Five Matches

Liverpool

31 Aug: Aston Villa 0-0 Liverpool (EPL)

27 Aug: Liverpool 1-0 Standard Liege (CLQ)

23 Aug: Liverpool 2-1 Middlesbrough (EPL)

16 Aug: Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool (EPL)

13 Aug: Standard Liege 0-0 Liverpool (CLQ)

Manchester United

29 Aug: Man Utd 1-2 Zenit St Petersburg (N) (Super Cup)

25 Aug: Portsmouth 0-1 Man Utd (EPL)

17 Aug: Man Utd 1-1 Newcastle Utd (EPL)

10 Aug: Man Utd 0-0 Portsmouth (N) (Community Shield) (Utd won 3-1 on pens)

04 Aug: Peterborough Utd 0-2 Man Utd (Friendly)

TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Benitez was given a major boost today when two of his key players, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, were both declared fit to face United.

Gerrard missed England's 4-1 win in Croatia on Wednesday after undergoing a minor groin operation, and Torres has recovered from a hamstring tear, so both stars are included in Rafa’s squad after successfully completing Friday’s light training session.

"They are both much better," said Benitez. "They came through a full training session this morning. It's important for us to have these two players of quality who can change a game. I'm not surprised they are available because the medical staff have done a good job and the players have been working really hard with the physios to get fit."

Albert Riera is in line to make his Liverpool debut after joining the club from Espanyol on transfer deadline day. But Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva will miss the game after a long-haul flight back to Merseyside from international duty in South America. And both Sami Hyypia and Philipp Degen could miss out with hamstring and groin injuries, respectively.

Squad: Reina, Cavalieri, Dossena, Hyypia, Keane, Gerrard, Torres, Aurelio, Alonso, Benayoun, Arbeloa, Agger, Kuyt, Babel, Mascherano, Carragher, Ngog, Plessis, El Zhar, Skrtel, Riera.

Possible Starting XI: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Dossenaa, Kuyt, Mascherano, Gerrard, Riera, Keane, Torres.

Manchester United

The club’s expensive transfer deadline-day recruit, Dimitar Berbatov, will almost certainly make his debut for the club, despite his fitness levels having been questioned by United’s coaching staff following his arrival from Tottenham.

Ferguson had doubts about the fitness of three potentially key men, but has been boosted by the prospect of having the trio back in contention for United’s first Premier League game in almost three weeks.

Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick all now look likely to be fit and available to face Liverpool. Ferdinand missed England's 2-0 victory over Andorra on Saturday because of neck and back injuries, but recovered to play his part in the Three Lions’ resounding 4-1 thrashing of Croatia in Zagreb last night.

Giggs, 34, had been suffering with a hamstring problem but could be involved if he comes through a late fitness test. And Carrick is now expected to be available following an ankle injury.

But Cristiano Ronaldo and Owen Hargreaves are still undergoing treatment.

Squad: Van der Sar, Neville, Evra, Ferdinand, Brown, Anderson, Berbatov, Rooney, Giggs, Park, Vidic, Carrick, Nani, Scholes, R. Da Silva, O’Shea, Evans, Fletcher, Tevez, Kuszczak.

Possible Starting XI: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Anderson, Fletcher, Scholes, Tevez, Rooney, Berbatov.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

All eyes will inevitably be on former Tottenham strike partners Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov, now on opposite sides and keen to prove t5hey were worth their respective big fees. Keane has appeared over-anxious so far for the Reds, so a more measure approach to this titanic struggle could pay dividends for him. Trying too hard is not an accusation Berbatov has often had directed at him, but he show more than his usual economy of movement oh his debut for United. Like Keane on moving to Anfield, Berba described his switch to Old Trafford as a ’dream’ (cue yawns). It may well be a dream move for Rooney, whose game has cried out for some time for the sort of vision, touch and guile that Berbatov can provide in the form of telling assists. On the other hand, Jamie Carragher will be at his most dogged and determined in trying to turn the tide in these North-West derbies, and will neither ask nor give a quarter to either United front man.

PREDICTION

Recent history points to United maintaining their hex on Liverpool, but then neither side have found anything like approaching top gear so far this season. This is the just the type of game to sort the men from the boys, the serious contenders from the mere hopefuls, though at this stage of the campaign no outcome will be decisive - and you’d still expect both sides to be in contention next April when the season moves towards its climax.

Their recent dominance over Liverpool means United may turn up at Anfield expecting to win, which could suit Liverpool. If United do win, they will have to halt a run: Liverpool have won their last nine home league games and are unbeaten at Anfield in the league this calendar year. Perhaps surprisingly, too, since February the Reds have been the best team in the Premier League with 13 wins, four draws and one defeat from 18 games. Meanwhile United have won only one of their four games so far this season during the regulation 90 minutes. And the last time Liverpool endured an eight-match winless streak against United in the league (1996-2000), they endede the sequence in the ninth meeting by winning 1-0 (and going on to do the double over United that season).

It’s also true that in none of the last eight clashes between these two sides have both teams got on the score-sheet - but that could change tomorrow with a scoring draw.

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester United

Graham Lister

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Sir Alex Ferguson has come out firing following Mark Hughes' claim that he Manchester City - Chelsea clash has become a bigger fixture than Manchester United against Liverpool on the same day.

"I had better check what Mark has had for his breakfast because something must be upsetting him," scoffed Ferguson.

"How many games did he play for United against Liverpool? Our game is the biggest. It is a great game."

The fact is that the 'Clash of the Cash' set for Saturday tea-time, by which time the outcome of the Anfield clash will be known, is a sell-out at Eastlands, despite being shown live on Setanta Sports. And the pre-match interest from the media is so great that the venue of Hughes' scheduled press conference has had to be moved to the stadium to accommodate the high number journalists and film crews eager to catch it.

A record attendance is expected at Eastlands where the home fans will have heir first opportunity to greet news of the new regime, plus Robinho, and welcome back popular winger Shaun-Wright Phillips - coincidentally sold back to City by Chelsea.

Sir Alex uncharacteristically held his tongue when reports broke that newly mega-wealthy City are already plotting to prise Cristiano Ronaldo away with a January bid that would gazump the current world record, but now he has come out swinging.

"There has been a lot of talk but it is a different matter when it actually comes to getting those players," added the Scot.

"To think they could get Cristiano Ronaldo for instance is absolutely absurd.

"Negotiations are not easy nowadays, as we found with Dimitar.

"Yes, we have bought big players, but Manchester United is not a cash cow, as people are talking about other clubs at the moment.

"At the moment it is all talk. We have seen it before and it will happen again.

"It depends how much money they want to throw at it but even then it doesn't always work," he was keen to point out.

"You can buy 11 individuals and not have a team as Sunderland proved.

"When Chelsea did it we worried because we saw the quality they were bringing in. They got Michael Essien for £27million, which was a level we could not reach.

"You could tell they would be a handful.

"It is very difficult to say what will happen with City but we should not concern ourselves with what people are planning to do because it does not always work."

Ferguson concluded by insisting that United is built to rise to any threat.

"There is always a challenge at this club," he continued.

"Four years ago when Jose Mourinho went to Chelsea it represented a different challenge from Arsenal.

"They were the new kids on the block and we had to reassess our approach. We accepted the challenge.

"What you see here today has not been created overnight.

"This club has been built up over many years and will be here for a long time."

Derek Wanner, Goal.com

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El Mundo Deportivo reports that Robinho's move to Chelsea from Real Madrid could yet be back on the agenda after it hit the rocks. Real Madrid president Ramón Calderón is apparently willing to accept €25m plus Didier Drogba for the winger...

With reports this morning indicating that Robinho's move to London had broken down due to Madrid's failure to find a suitable replacement, MD proposes a solution that could already be in the works.

With Madrid short on forward options but with plenty of wide talent, it could be the case that they seek a striker instead of a winger to compensate for the loss of the Brazilian.

Thus Didier Drogba, who had earlier entertained the notion of a move away from Stamford Bridge, could be on his way to the Spanish capital.

It is thought that Madrid will put to Chelsea the idea of the Blues' paying €25m and the Ivorian in exchange for Robinho, whom they annoucned was a major target on Wednesday.

Indeed, MD is confident that, even should Drogba stay put, Robinho will still make it to the Bridge before the transfer window slams shut after the weekend.

Drogba, 30, may provide competition to Ruud van Nistelrooy and Raúl in what would be an "old but gold" forward line.

Meanwhile Robinho is highly regarded by Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, as well as chief executive Peter Kenyon and midfielder Frank Lampard.

Steve Michaels, Goal.com

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The Robinho transfer soap opera could finally come to a close as his move to Chelsea could be completed within the next few hours.

Spanish daily Marca have speculated that the Brazilian winger could be on his way out of the Spanish capital headed for the English capital in a matter of hours.

According to the reports from the Madrid-based newspaper, Robinho last week rejected club president Ramón Calderón’s latest contract offer, which is believed to be roughly the same amount as what Chelsea were prepared to offer him. This has convinced Calderón to concede that no amount of money will be able to tempt the 24 year old to remain at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Despite coach Bernd Schuster’s optimism that the playmaker will stay on with the blancos squad, his exit has been made all the more imminent after events at the weekend.

Firstly, Robinho was heckled and jeered by a group of fans before the squad left for the game against Valencia. And just before the start of the match, he was whistled at when his name was read out on the stadium’s PA system. The most obvious sign, ofcourse, was his muted celebrations with the rest of the team in the background, away from the spotlight when Madrid eventually beat Los Ché for the Supercopa.

The question of how he will leave and for how much is a different matter altogether.

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According to the player's agent, Real Madrid forward Robinho is about to see his wish of moving to Chelsea granted...

The deal taking the 24-year-old to Stamford Bridge is set to be completed imminently, according to Wagner Ribeiro. Media stories today have suggested that the transfer is already in place, and the agent's quotes serve to substantiate these reports.

Apparently, Chelsea are on the brink of offering €33million to capture the Brazil international, who is now desperate to leave the Bernabeu.

Robinho suffered the humiliation of being booed by his own supporters at the weekend, as Madrid clinched the Spanish Super Cup against Valencia.

As of today, Wagner Ribeiro expects the deal to go through before the transfer deadline, despite admitting that the opposite was true last week.

He told the press: "The deal is about to be reached. Robinho's cycle in Spain has come to an end and he is looking forward to a new project."

Should Robinho arrive at Luiz Felipe Scolari's side, Shaun Wright-Phillips may be forced through the exit door, most probably to former club Manchester City.

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Shaun Wright-Phillips has completed a move from Chelsea back to Manchester City for an undisclosed fee, signing a four-year contract...

The England winger had moved to quell speculation that he would be joining his former club earlier in the week, but with Robinho's arrival at Stamford Bridge imminent, the 26-year-old has decided to move on.

The Eastlands darling underwent a medical this morning at the club and has put pen-to-paper on a four-year deal. The transfer fee involved will remain undisclosed.

Wright-Phillips left Manchester City for Chelsea three years ago for a fee of £23million, but was quite clearly ecstatic to have returned to his old stomping ground. He told the club's official website: "Obviously I'm delighted to come back to City and I just can't wait to get started again."

Citizens' manager Mark Hughes was equally made-up at having secured the services of the diminutive wide-man, and hailed the capture as a 'major coup' for the club.

He said: "I've always admired him and he's certainly been a target of mine since I came to the football club.

"To actually secure the deal and bring Shaun back home is a fantastic coup for us and I'm sure the supporters will be just as excited as we are to have him back at Manchester City."

Wright-Phillips will be formally unveiled tomorrow at a press conference at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Peter Staunton

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Revisiting the Robinho transfer situation, Real Madrid president Ramón Calderón has stated that, while Robinho won't be held at the Bernabéu against his will, he still deemed his recent comments to the press to be inappropriate...

Robinho said last week that he wished to depart for Chelsea, and while he bore Madrid no ill will he felt it was time to move on.

Since then Calderón has come out swinging, saying that he will not be party to the sale of the Brazilian, and the only way that Robinho can leave will be if he pays a fee of around €45m to cover his wages and transfer valuation.

Tonight he spoke to Telecinco to clarify his position. Calderón said, "His statements were unwelcome, but ultimately nobody will be at this club against their will.

"Another thing is that the president must defend the interests of the club."

He appeared to backtrack slightly by declaring that the decision as to whether Robinho stays or goes "is down to the coach (Bernd Schuster) and the footballing manager (Pedja Mijatovic.)"

Robinho did not appear in the Supercopa for Real Madrid on Sunday evening.

Steve Michaels, Goal.com

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Wigan Athletic (0) 0 Chelsea (1) 1

Portuguese international Deco shone for his new club for the second Premier League match in a row as his early free-kick proved the difference between Chelsea and a dogged Wigan Athletic at the JJB Stadium.

Deco lashed home a stunning strike from 30 yards in the third minute of a first-half that promised much.

Both sides were committed to going forward and Petr Cech in the Chelsea goal was as busy as his opposite number as chances came and went for both sides.

Mike Pollitt was called in to the Wigan goal after Chris Kirkland injured his back in the pre-match warm-up but was powerless to keep out Deco's curling effort.

The second period, in contrast, was a disappointment as the home time appeared to run out of energy and ideas whilst Chelsea settled for protecting their lead and emerged as deserved winners.

Chelsea themselves were a shadow of the team that romped to a 4-0 victory over Portsmouth in last weekend's opener, but with two wins from two the Luiz Felipe Scolari has already stolen a march on title rivals Arsenal and Manchester United.

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