Abel RKay

Premier League leaders Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw by Southampton on Tuesday evening at a rainy St. Mary's Stadium. Following a poor first 45 minutes, the Gunners trailed 1-0 to Jose Fonte's opener. Arsenal turned around the match with two quick goals early in the second half, through Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla, but Southampton equalised via Adam Lallana shortly after falling behind. The result ended Arsenal's run of seven straight wins in all competitions. The Gunners remain atop the table on 52 points, two ahead of Manchester City and three ahead of Chelsea. Both City and Chelsea play Wednesday. Arsenal ended the match with 10 minutes following Mathieu Flamini's late sending-off. The French midfielder will miss Arsenal's next three matches through suspension.   "We have shown a lot of character and resilience to respond to what happened to us in the first half," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said, per Arsenal.com. ...

  Daniel Sturridge scored twice in two minutes as Liverpool claimed their biggest victory over neighbours Everton since 1982 – but had to apologise after reacting badly having missed the chance for a hat-trick with a penalty that sailed well over the crossbar.   The striker had strong words with his manager Brendan Rodgers, at being substituted soon after the miss but said afterwards: “I would like to apologise for my reaction and for missing the penalty. I let the side down and the fans down with my reaction. At the time I was not happy but I apologise.” Steven Gerrard, who had headed the home side in front after 21 minutes, added: “I told Daniel to take the penalty. I have scored a hat-trick in a derby and I wanted him to do it as well. “ Luis Suarez added a fourth five minutes into the second half after he had run the length of the pitch to round Phil Jagielka and slot the ball past an out of position Tim Howard, who was also at fault for Sturridge...

Old Trafford showers an old hero with love and then watches a new one make himself immediatley at home    For a moment early in Manchester United 's 2-0 win against Cardiff City , Ole Gunnar Solskjaer forgot what he was doing at Old Trafford. The Cardiff City manager had stepped into his technical area for the first time, and was semaphoring signals to his players, making sharp karate-style chopping motions to indicate the lines he wanted them to take up. Spotting him there, the regulars in the Stretford End started up a chant. “Ole, Ole give us a wave,” they demanded. Temporarily putting aside his primary purpose of the evening – to inflict further misery on the United faithful – he duly obliged. He waved like it was 1999 all over again. Maybe he was practising for future times. Maybe, momentarily, he thought the grand ambition he has nursed since he retired as a player had been suddenly realised and he was now manager of ...

Forget Juan Mata -- it was the return of Robin van Persie that set Manchester United on course for three points against Cardiff City. Despite all the talk of Juan Mata's move to Old Trafford from Chelsea, it was Robin van Persie who stamped his mark on the match. Manchester United's top dog took just six minutes to break the deadlock, scrambling home at the second attempt after Antonio Valencia had nodded Ashley Young's incisive delivery against the crossbar. United might have had a rough season to date but Cardiff have had a far tougher time, and in the first half they had real problems doing anything to the hosts' defence even after they'd penetrated the midfield. Craig Noone had the best chance to draw the Bluebirds level when a Mark Hudson header bounced right in front of him, but he didn't have the dexterity to flick the ball on and David de Gea was able to save. But in the second Cardiff looked like a genuine threat. Frazier Camp...

Chelsea have confirmed that they have reached an agreement with Italian side AC Milan for the transfer of Michael Essien, subject to a medical and agreeing personal terms. The 31-year-old midfielder has struggled for regular action at Stamford Bridge this term, having made just two Premier League starts since returning from his 2012-13 loan spell at Spanish giants Real Madrid. Essien flew to Milan on Friday evening and was greeted at the airport by supporters, who presented him with the club's shirt. The Ghanaian is expected to pen an 18-month deal with the seven-time European champions - becoming new manager Clarence Seedorf's first signing. Essien leaves west London having won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the 2012 Champions League. However Essien has also suffered with two serious knee injuries since his £24million from French club Lyon in 2005. "I'm happy to be here," said Essien, speaking to the Milan Channel. "I will do...