From the Back Pages, December 18: Sunderland knock Chelsea out of Capital One Cup
Talent show winner Sam Bailey tried to inspire her beloved Leicester City, but there was only one team with the X-Factor. Premier League title-contenders Manchester City continued their recent stunning form with another convincing display. They led 2-0 at the break after goals by Aleksandar Kolarov from a brilliant free-kick and Edin Dzeko. (The Mirror)
David Moyes has warned skipper Nemanja Vidic he cannot expect to walk straight back into the Manchester United team. (Daily Mail)
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Hide AdArsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has been charged by the Football Association over an alleged gesture made during the fixture with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. (The Independent)
One of the great myths about modern football is that it is purely a results business. Of course results matter — and two catastrophic defeats in four weeks undermine a manager’s position enormously — but if you are managing Tottenham Hotspur, results will bring only limited protection unless you can get along with Daniel Levy. (The Times)
ENGLAND did not surrender the Ashes quite as meekly as might have been expected after a barnstorming century by all-rounder Ben Stokes kept hopes alive of a famous victory. (The Express)
Andy Flower’s long-term future as head coach could be decided at meetings in Sydney in the new year with Paul Downton, the new managing director of English cricket. (The Telegraph)