Premier League: Chelsea 1 Stoke 0

Chelsea maintained their place at the top of the Premier League with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Stoke City at Stamford Bridge.

 The visitors looked to have held on for a deserved point until the 85th minute, when Ashley Cole coolly finished from close range to notch his first top-flight strike for two years and keep the Blues on top of the pile.

 Brazil starlet Oscar made his first Premier League start for the Blues after his stunning goal-scoring debut in the Champions League in midweek, while Petr Cech took the captain's armband as John Terry and Frank Lampard were consigned to the substitutes' bench.

 The hosts began to dictate play from the off, with Stoke seemingly content to get as many men behind the ball as possible while allowing the likes of Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Oscar to keep possession so long as they didn't encroach on the penalty area.

 Despite their early monopoly of the ball, Chelsea struggled to find a way to break down Tony Pulis' side and were fortunate not go a goal behind on the 20-minute mark.

 Glen Whelan whipped in a dangerous delivery from a free-kick to the right-hand side, where John Walters ghosted in completely unmarked at the near post and flicked a header goalwards only to see the ball clip the top of the crossbar, with Cech motionless in the middle of his goal.

 Chelsea responded with some sustained pressure and Branislav Ivanovic had a shout for a penalty waved away after he turned past Robert Huth in the box, with replays showing he went to ground a little too readily for referee Michael Oliver's liking although there was some contact between the players.

 The Blues continued to dictate without finding a way through to Asmir Begovic's goal, until Fernando Torres missed the best chance of the half for the hosts.

 Juan Mata clipped a simple ball over the top of the back four from the edge of the area, but the Spain striker couldn't quite bring it down on his chest and Begovic was off his line smartly to smother the danger.

 Stoke's resilience began to frustrate Roberto Di Matteo's side. David Luiz tried his luck with an ambitious free-kick and Hazard scuffed a cross-come-shot wide of the far post, which only added to the tension around Stamford Bridge.

 Indeed, the hosts had Cech to thank for preventing their frustration from growing as the Czech keeper was twice called into action as the half drew to a close.

 First he denied Marc Wilson from long-range as Chelsea failed to close him down, before diving smartly to save from Michael Kightly's header after good interplay between Peter Crouch and Geoff Cameron.

 Chelsea started the second half brightly and were denied another appeal for a penalty when Oscar burst through the middle before going down under a challenge from Huth.

 The Blues continued their assault, though, with first Oscar and then Torres being denied by the Begovic, before Crouch attempted a spectacular volley at the other end which sailed over the bar as Stoke tried to regain a foothold in the match.

 Mata thought he had finally found a way through after some brilliant interplay between Oscar and Moses, but a terrific last-ditch tackle from Ryan Shawcross denied him at the near post.

 Both sides continued to look lively going forward going into the final period of the game.

 First John Obi Mikel wasted a great chance as he dragged his shot wide of Begovic's left-hand post following Torres' pass, before substitutes Michael Owen and Kenwyne Jones combined to tee up Matthew Etherington inside the area, who likewise fluffed his lines.

 It was a miss which Etherington and Stoke would ultimately rue, however, as Chelsea finally broke the deadlock with just five minutes remaining.

 Cole burst forward with the ball from the edge of his own area and continued into the box after laying off to substitute Lampard. He found a team mate, whose cross went beyond Mata and Cole was left to dink the ball over Begovic from just six yards out to the relief of the home fans inside the Bridge.

 Stoke tried to rally in the closing minutes but Chelsea held on for all three points, keeping them top of the Premier League pile and putting pressure on the Manchester clubs ahead of their huge respective clashes against Liverpool and Arsenal on Sunday.

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Premier League preview: Manchester City v Arsenal

Lukas Podolski will hope he can continue his bright start with Arsenal when they travel to reigning champions Manchester City on Sunday.

 The English Premier League clash pits one of the best attacking sides in the competition (Manchester City) against the best defensive outfit (Arsenal) but it is up the other end where the game could be decided.

 Podolski, who has scored three goals in as many games, could be key for the visitors.

 The 27-year-old German forward scored Arsenal's first league goal of the season in their 2-0 triumph over Liverpool before getting involved in the 6-1 thrashing of Southampton and starting the London club's comeback in their 2-1 Champions League victory against Montpellier on Tuesday.

 Podolski has arguably been Arsenal's buy of the European transfer window and will hope to take advantage of Manchester City's porous defence at Etihad Stadium.

 The reigning champions have already let in six goals in four league games this season and conceded three times in 17 minutes to lose 3-2 to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.

 Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini reportedly chased central defenders Daniel Agger (Liverpool) and Victor Ruiz (Espanyol) during the latest transfer window in a quest to find a decent partner for captain Vincent Kompany and that failure looks to have cost the club so far.

 Neither Joleon Lescott nor Matija Nastasic seem consistent enough, while Mancini does not appear interested in playing Kolo Toure again.

 With Arsenal having scored 10 goals in their past three games, Arsene Wenger's side are surely excited at the prospect of taking on Manchester City's misfiring defence.

 Wenger must still do without Wojciech Szczesny, Lukasz Fabianski, Marouane Chamakh, Bakari Sagna, Thomas Rosicky, Jack Wilshire and Emmanuel Frimpong against City, as all seven are injured, but Arsenal's manager must be thrilled with how his team is playing.

 Arsenal's new assistant coach Steve Bould has done a great job as defensive coordinator, while Abou Diaby, Mikel Arteta and Santi Cazorla have quickly come together as a formidable midfield trio.

 Mancini will be sweating on the fitness of French midfielder Samir Nasri, who injured his hamstring in Madrid, while full-back Micah Richards remains on City's injury list.

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Fellaini stuns Man Utd

Robin van Persie's much-anticipated debut for Manchester United failed to prevent Everton delivering an early reality check in their bid to regain the Premier League title.

 While defending champions and near-neighbours City achieved a come-from-behind win against Southampton yesterday the Red Devils were second best for most of the night at Goodison Park.

 The thorn in their side was midfielder Marouane Fellaini, who was a constant threat and deservedly capped an impressive performance with the only goal early in the second half.

 Van Persie, a £24million acquisition from Arsenal, was brought in to provide the additional firepower needed to challenge City but in a late substitute appearance he did not register a shot on target.

 His team-mates had not done much better in the previous 70 minutes , however, as the Toffees dominated.

 It was the first time United had failed to win their opening fixture since 2008 but it was a first victory in five seasons for the Toffees, perennial slow starters.

 For once, though, they began the campaign where they had left off as after losing eight of their first 14 league games last season they went on a nine-match unbeaten run up to its conclusion.

 One of those was a 4-4 draw at Old Trafford in which Fellaini played a key part, scoring in one of his more dominant performances, to help swing the title race in City's favour.

 Sir Alex Ferguson should have learned from that but he was hamstrung by the fact United started the match with just two recognised defenders: Nemanja Vidic, who had not played since December because of knee injury, and Patrice Evra, whose future has been a matter for debate all summer.

 Winger Antonio Valencia was deployed at right-back while midfielder Michael Carrick was positioned alongside Vidic in the absence of the injured Rio Ferdinand.

 That was a telling factor in David De Gea being the busiest - and most impressive - player in the first half.

 However, he was run a close second by Fellaini, playing just behind striker Nikica Jelavic, who was the dominant force in United's penalty area.

 The Belgium international had already headed over Leighton Baines' corner before he collected a throw-in and turned into the penalty area, holding off Carrick, to hit the post from the narrowest of angles.

 He was also the creator as his aerial power and strength on the ball saw him chest one back for Steven Pienaar to slice wide and then knock down a cross which Leon Osman did superbly well to hit on the turn only for De Gea to bat away the shot.

 The United goalkeeper, who arrived last season from Atletico Madrid and quickly earned a reputation for being suspect under pressure which he took a while to shake off, was on top form throughout.

 He denied Jelavic, tipped over a long-range Pienaar header and flung himself to his left to save the South Africa midfielder's low shot before preventing Baines' deflected free-kick sneaking into the top corner.

 But it was not all one-way traffic as United had chances of their own, though not as good or as numerous as their hosts.

 Danny Welbeck, the player with most to lose from Van Persie's arrival, had one shot blocked by Phil Jagielka and hooked another wide under pressure from the centre-back.

 Former Evertonian Wayne Rooney was quiet by his standards, hitting two shots too close to Tim Howard and seeing a late first-half header punched clear. Fellaini's ravaging of the United defence continued after the interval as his header across goal was smashed against the crossbar by Leon Osman with De Gea, for once, beaten.

 And the big Belgian was finally rewarded for his outstanding display with a goal in the 57th minute when former Red Devil Darron Gibson swung over a corner and he left Carrick sprawling on the turf to power home a header.

 The presence of one of United's other summer signings Shinji Kagawa in the starting line-up had prompted a slight tweak in formation to accommodate the advanced role favoured by the attacking midfielder.

 He had plenty of good touches around the penalty area, the best of which in the second half teed up Welbeck who was denied by Jagielka's perfectly-judged tackle. The Everton defender's timing was even better when he cleared Tom Cleverley's shot off the line before, in the 68th minute, Van Persie was finally sent on.

 Rooney moved out to the left to allow the Dutchman to slot in up front but it was Kagawa who was next to threaten, forcing Howard to race off his line to block his run and shot.

 Everton had won only twice at home against United in 17 years but this result proved, if they can maintain a half-decent start, they are destined for bigger things this season.

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Manchester City 3-2 Southampton: Dzeko & Nasri earn champions thrilling comeback victory

Manchester City began their Premier League title defence in much the same way as they had claimed the championship months earlier by coming from behind to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Southampton at the Etihad Stadium.

 The excellent Carlos Tevez gave City a first half lead, although Roberto Mancini had been dealt an early blow when Sergio Aguero left the game on a stretcher with a knee injury.

 Southampton had been largely confined to their own half before they stunned the hosts by racing into a 2-1 lead in the second half courtesy of goals from substitutes Rickie Lambert and Steven Davis.

 But Edin Dzeko quickly grabbed an equaliser and Samir Nasri, the architect of much of City's best play, completed the comeback with 10 minutes to play.

 Mancini handed new signing Jack Rodwell his City debut in central midfield, where he partnered Yaya Toure in the absence of the injured Gareth Barry, while Joe Hart was passed fit to start in goal.

 Seventeen-year-old midfielder James Ward-Prowse made his first ever league appearance in midfield for the Saints, with last season's Championship top scorer Lambert left on the bench as Guly do Prado started in attack. Having written his name into the history books at the end of last season, Aguero started the new campaign with a moment that he will hope will not last so long in his memory.

 The Argentine forward appeared to twist his knee under the sliding challenge of right-back Nathaniel Clyne – who cleanly won the ball – and, after one attempt to get back to his feet, left the Etihad Stadium on a stretcher.

 Almost unnoticed amidst the worries of Aguero, Southampton had settled into the game nicely, with Ward-Prowse rushing forward with confidence from central midfield and Joleon Lescott under scrutiny for a tackle on Rodriguez in the City box.

 Soon after Dzeko had replaced Aguero, Nasri flicked David Silva's pass into the path of Tevez, who spun past centre-back Jos Hooiveld into the box and was tripped by the Dutch defender's outstretched leg, leaving Howard Webb no choice but to point to the spot.

 With Aguero withdrawn and other regular takers Mario Balotelli and James Milner on the bench, Silva had the chance to send City in front but his penalty was poorly struck and Kelvin Davis saved to his left.

 Southampton found breaks forward more difficult to come by as the half wore on but defended resolutely, keeping Dzeko away from crosses aimed by full-backs Pablo Zabaleta and Gael Clichy.

 Southampton were five minutes away from reaching the break with the deadlock intact when Nasri, allowed too much time and space in the visitors' half, picked out Tevez with a chipped pass that the Argentine scurried on to – just staying in line with Jose Fonte – and rifled past Kelvin Davis at the near post. Southampton did make it to the break trailing by only a goal but the game was almost put to bed shortly after the restart. 

Nasri, perhaps only second to Tevez in influence exerted in the first half, fought off Clyne on the left-hand side before directing a low cross into the path of Dzeko, but the Bosnian failed to get proper contact on the ball from point blank range.

 Adkins had seen enough, calling Lambert to the touchline in one of two moves that would turn the game on its head, but the striker was still waiting to replace Rodriguez when Silva passed up another golden opportunity.

 Tevez sped down the right and forced Kelvin Davis to parry his powerful cross before the Spaniard volleyed on to the crossbar after Nasri had controlled the rebound. It took Lambert less time to find his range and make his mark on the top flight.

 Guiding a Southampton attack forward, the 30-year-old superbly steered home a precise shot from the edge of the box after Lescott had blocked his attempted through ball back into his path.

 The Saints' second-half possession had hovered around the 20 per cent mark and from that point it seemed that preserving their point at all costs would be the order of the day but, once again, Adkins found a way to inspire his team from the bench.

 Steven Davis was brought into the fray this time and when Rodwell's poor pass sparked a counter-attack, the former Rangers midfielder took advantage of Adam Lallana's lay-off to find the bottom corner with another fine finish.

 The story, with City trailing 2-1, seemed a familiar one and it was to take a familiar next step. This time, it did not take as long for the man who gave the fans inside the Etihad Stadium back in May a shred of hope to find an equaliser.

 Vincent Kompany returned Nasri's corner to the penalty area with a low shot and after Toure had scrapped for the ball it fell for Dzeko to slam home.

 Substitute Balotelli failed to convert a sublime low cross from Nasri as City searched for another dramatic third goal before Dzeko glanced a header narrowly wide.

 Once Dzeko had equalised, a winner seemed almost inevitable and City found it with 10 minutes still to play. Clichy's cross from the left was poorly dealt with by his opposite number Danny Fox, with Nasri making no mistake after the defender had headed the ball directly into his path.

 Fonte had one chance to grab a point as Southampton pressed for a late leveller but City held out to register their first points of the new campaign.

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Chelsea to Sign Nigeria international before Man city date

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Wigan Athletic forward Victor Moses after talks between the clubs.

 Wigan chairman Dave Whelan met Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay on Tuesday as the clubs attempted to agree a deal for the 21-year-old.

 It is understood Chelsea have been told to match Wigan's £8.5m valuation for Moses or walk away from the deal.

 Chelsea remain hopeful of including Moses in their Community Shield squad to face Manchester City on Sunday

. Having started some way apart in their valuations of the former England Under-21 international, the clubs appear to be close to agreeing terms.

 Wigan have dropped their asking price from an initial £10m to a figure Chelsea now consider more reasonable.

 Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo is understood to be extremely keen to bring in Moses, who scored six Premier League goals last season, but owner Roman Abramovich will have the final say.

 Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has said that while reluctant to see Moses leave, the club will not stand in his way if he wants to play for a bigger club.

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City want 25 million for Dzeko

Manchester City want 25 million pounds for Edin Dzeko after rejecting a loan deal from AC Milan.

 City have told the Italian club that they will not entertain any offer to take the Bosnian on a temporary basis with a view to a permanent switch next summer.

 However, Roberto Mancini is willing to listen to offers for Dzeko as he looks to raise funds and create room in the squad for other players.

 Milan wanted to take Dzeko on loan and pay his 170,000 pounds-a-week wages in full - but City rejected their approach, just as they did when the Italian giants made a similar bid for Carlos Tevez in January.

 The Premier League champions are also well aware that Milan received 50m pounds following the double sale of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva to Paris Saint-Germain last month.

 Dzeko, who cost 27m pounds and has three years remaining on his contract, has complained about a lack of first-team opportunities after finding himself out of the side for much of last season - but still managed to score 14 Premier League goals.

 And he hinted at the possibility of a summer transfer at the weekend, speaking after City's 2-0 friendly win over Wolfsburg.

 "I always follow the Italian league and one day I would like to play in it. I also know that Milan has sold two of its best players," Dzeko said.

 "For now I am a City player, but to be sure I will stay here I will have to wait until the end of the month. I'll see what happens, and if someone else comes in."

 However, Mancini insisted on Sunday that he does not expect Dzeko to leave City this summer. "It’s pretty unlikely he will leave," the Italian told reporters.

 "He is right to say it’s no fun being on the bench but when you join a big club then competition is normal."

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Dzeko: I am too good for the Manchester City bench

The 26-year-old former Wolfsburg striker joined the Premier League champions for £27 million in January of last year.

 However the Bosnian started just 16 Premier League games last season, despite scoring an impressive 14 goals, including the injury time equaliser against Queens Park Rangers on the final day of last season which set up City's fairytale title triumph.

 He told reporters: “In the second half of last season, I suddenly got to start far fewer games — and I’ve got no idea why. “I lost my rhythm. I joined City in order to play in matches.

 “I never imagined that things would turn out the way they have. “I am too good for the bench. If I continue to sit matches out, then anything is possible.”

 Dzeko began the season as one of Mancini's preferred strikers but soon fell behind Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli and later Carlos Tevez in the pecking order.

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Rooney raring to go as Man United step up preparations to wrestle title back from City

Wayne Rooney was all smiles as he gets back into the swing of things with Manchester United.

 The England striker missed their pre-season trip to South Africa and the Far East after being given extra time off after Euro 2012.

 But he is now raring to go as the squad were put through their paces at Carrington on Friday morning.

 In just over two weeks, United start their Barclays Premier League campaign away to Rooney's former club Everton on Monday night.

 Between now and then, boss Sir Alex Ferguson will hope to have Rooney in top shape as they launch their bid to wrestle the title back from arch rivals Manchester City United travel to Norway to take on Valerenga on Sunday before a friendly match against European heavyweights Barcelona three days later in Gothernburg.

 They then have a final warm-up against Hannover in Germany before returning for a week of preparations in Manchester ahead of their opening fixture.

 Rooney is one of several players who are now back in full training after Euro 2012, while David De Gea is back earlier than expected following Spain's shock exit from the group stages of the Olympic football tournament.

 Ferguson is still keen to bring in one or two new faces, with Brazilian forward Lucas Moura high on his list of priorities.

 Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell are the first two new arrivals at Old Trafford this summer.

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Man City Line Up Mammoth £35m Bid for Chelsea Defender David Luiz

Italian source are reporting that Man City are ready to make a move for Chelsea defender David Luiz as Roberto Mancini looks to beef up his Etihad Stadium side’s defence.

 It seems that Mancini is very keen to start his summer spending even though he clearly possesses a strong squad.

 However he doesn’t have all that many central defensive options in his current Man City squad so perhaps a move for a new centre-back is a necessity though forking out £35m for a player who would presumably struggle to break the pairing of Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott, who last term formed perhaps the most reliable partnership in the Premier League.

 Chelsea have done a fair amount of spending themselves this summer and it seems highly unlikely that Blues owner Roman Abramovich would consider selling Luiz to a Premier League rival, that said £35m is a fairly hefty offer and far in excess of the £21m the West London club pair Benfica for the Brazilian 18 months ago.

 25 year old Luiz has become something of a fan’s favourite at Stamford Bridge, with the amiable defender always playing with a smile on his face and being one of the player’s who helped drive Chelsea to a Champions League triumph last term.

 Luiz has notched up 53 appearances since signing for Chelsea in January 2011, securing FA Cup and Champions League winners medals along the way.

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Kompany commits to City : sign's long term deal

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has signed a new six-year contract with the Premier League champions.


 It is the longest deal handed out in the club's recent history and shows their faith in Kompany, who last season led City to their first top-flight crown since 1968.


 Kompany, 26, was delighted to sign the new contract and said it was his intent to deliver more trophies to Eastlands as the 'Man City project' continues.


 "Hopefully in the future I will have a bigger impact than I already have," the 26-year-old Belgium international said.


 "There are so many more trophies to win at this club that is why it makes it so special.


 He told City's official website: "For me if you are good somewhere then there is no reason to look elsewhere.


 Man City as a project is not just a project of the owners or the people employed by the club; it is also my project.


 "I have been here since the beginning and I have seen everything at the club change inside and out. I have the feeling that I have contributed to it too.


 It is good to know that I can be at City for another six years. It is a compliment that the club feels so highly of me."


 Kompany was signed by Mark Hughes from Hamburg in August 2008 and has helped transform City into one of the most high-profile clubs in Europe.


 And the City skipper believes the FA Cup and Premier League triumphs of the last two years are just the beginning of success at City.


 "Our title win was amazing and one of the best feelings ever for us and the fans," he declared.


 "That last game against QPR will be a very special part of City's history for the next 50 or 100 years but now is the time to look forward. "We have laid the foundations and now we want to win more.


 If we do that then we can be one of the most successful clubs for a long time to come and that is the aim.


 I can't wait to get started again. I am really excited about the season ahead."

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Koscielny signs new Arsenal deal

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has signed a new contract - reported to be for three years - with the North London club.

 The Gunners began talks with Koscielny, 26, earlier this month, with manager Arsene Wenger having made keeping the centre-back at the club one of his summer priorities.

 France international Koscielny arrived at the club from Lorient in summer 2010, establishing himself as one of the Gunners' key performers and starting 85 games.

 Wenger said he was delighted to have secured the defender's signature, hailing him as a player who "has been outstanding for us over the last two seasons".

 "When you consider that, until 2009, he was playing in Ligue 2 in France and that he is now performing at the very top level in the Premier League and for his country, the development that he has shown has been absolutely exceptional," he added.

 "Laurent is a top-class player and I am very pleased he has decided to commit his future to the club."

 Koscielny said: "I am delighted to have reached agreement with the club. I have had a fantastic time here and look forward to an exciting future with Arsenal."

 Koscielny has won four caps for France, and played the full 90 minutes in their Euro 2012 quarter-final defeat to Spain.

 His impressive form had seen him linked with moves to Inter Milan and Barcelona, although it is not thought either club made a firm inquiry.

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Chelsea winger Marin looking forward to playing alongside Torres

New Chelsea signing Marko Marin is looking forward to playing with his new team-mate Fernando Torres, and believes that he can help bring out the best in the Spanish striker.

 With Didier Drogba departing Stamford Bridge after the team's Champions League victory, Torres has become the Blues' main outlet up front.

 Since the 28-year-old's big-money move from Liverpool in January 2011, he has only scored seven goals in his 46 Premier League appearances with the club, a dip from his time at Liverpool where he averaged over 16 goals a season. "Fernando is a top player.

 For us wingers, it's nice for us to have a player like him up front," Marin told Goal.com. "He's fun to play to with. He's very fast and sharp. I look forward to playing with him."

 With the summer additions of the former Werder Bremen wide-man, Eden Hazard and possibly Brazilian playmaker Oscar, head coach Roberto Di Matteo has brought in players that can penetrate and create more space for Torres.

 In Marin's second pre-season appearance for the Blues, the 23-year-old star displayed why he can be a creative force in the club's 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain.

 Marin came on for the final 45 minutes and terrorised PSG's full-backs, creating opportunities on the pitch for the west London side to attack.

 Despite some promising play from the German international, he was quick to point out that he is only just starting at the club.

 "It was my second game and I enjoyed every game now," he said. "I'm happy to be here playing with such [a] high quality of players."

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West Brom reject £4m bid for Odemwingie

West Bromwich Albion have rejected a £4m bid from Al-Gharafa for Peter Odemwingie.

 After falling out with new boss Steve Clarke, Odemwingie, 31, has made it clear to Baggies' Technical Director Dan Ashworth he wants to leave the Hawthorns.

 The wantaway striker is currently part of Albion's squad for their two game tour of Scandinavia, but Al-Gharafa boss Paulo Silas is keen to land the big Nigerian and is prepared to offer him a lucrative three-year deal.

 Clarke is willing to cash in on Odemwingie just a year after the striker signed a new long-term deal, but will only do business when a replacement for last season's top scorer is found.

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Odemwingie set for exit after bust-up with Coach

West Bromwich Albion striker Peter Odemwingie could be on his way out of the Hawthorns – after a training ground bust-up with new boss Steve Clarke.

 Odemwingie, 31, has not been getting on with Clarke, who replaced Roy Hodgson as Baggies head coach in June, since returning to training earlier this month.

 The striker is understood to have had a spat with the Scot, which could see the Nigerian on his way just a year after signing a new long-term contract. And we understands Qatar outfit Al-Gharafa are ready to offer Odemwingie an escape route with a lucrative three-year deal.

 Clarke is willing to cash in on the former Lokomotiv Moscow man but will not let him go until he finds a replacement striker, after sanctioning the sale of Simon Cox to Blackburn

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Hazard anticipates Chelsea success

New Chelsea signing Eden Hazard says he has his work cut out to gain a place in the starting line-up at Stamford Bridge.

 The Belgium international completed a 32 million-pound move from Lille in June after prolonged speculation over who he would decide to sign for, with both Manchester United and Manchester City also targeting the young playmaker.

 But it was Roberto Di Matteo's team who captured the 21-year-old's signature, and Hazard knows he will have to work hard to earn a starting berth in west London.

 "I am completely aware that I am going to have to fight for my place, I can't take anything for granted," he told the club's official club magazine.

 "However, ultimately, I think this is a club where I can have a lot of success and win trophies.

 It looked likely for a long time the attacking midfielder was edging toward a move to one of the Manchester clubs, but Chelsea's victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League final proved decisive for Hazard.

 "I was fortunate enough to get a taste of the Champions League last year, although things didn't turn out as well as they might have done because I thought Lille could have gone further in the competition," he said, referring to his team's group-stage exit.

 "But now, I find myself here, playing for a club that has not only appeared in the Champions League every year in recent times, but is also the current holder of the trophy."

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Silva to sign new Manchester City deal

David Silva has denied rumours linking him to Real Madrid and has revealed he wants to sign a new contract with Manchester City.

 The 26-year-old midfielder, who played a crucial role in Spain's victory at Euro 2012, had been linked with a return to his home country to play for Real Madrid.

 But Silva has been quoted by English newspaper the Daily Star saying that negotiations had already begun to extend his contract with Manchester City.

 "I'm on holiday right now, but my agents are negotiating a new deal with City and I think it's likely we close it in a very short time," Silva said.

 Silva was signed from Valencia for 26 million pounds in 2010 and helped Manchester City win their first English Premier League title last season.

 The Spaniard has claimed he does not want to leave. "My home is at City and I am totally satisfied there," Silva said.

 My head is not at Real Madrid but at Manchester City. "I'm grateful for my experience at City and I have improved as a player, in every sense, since I joined them.

 "I didn't know if I was capable of playing like this when I left Valencia."

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Wigan warn Liverpool and Chelsea – Moses worth £12m

Liverpool and Chelsea have been told they will have to offer at least £12million to land Wigan striker Victor Moses. 

 Chelsea had a £6m bid for the frontman rejected while new Anfield chief Brendan Rodgers is also on the trail of the 21-year-old. 

 But Wigan owner Dave Whelan will play hardball over the fee in order to get the best possible deal for the Latics. Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is reluctant to lose one of his star assets but accepts the club's need to sell to survive outweighs his team-building plans. 

 But Whelan and Martinez are pointing to the £9.5m they received from Aston Villa for Charles N'Zogbia last summer to help set the benchmark figure for Moses, who has chosen to play for homeland Nigeria despite playing for England at youth and under-21 level. 

 Wigan will argue that Moses' potential and youth makes him a far more valuable asset than N'Zogbia and that the £12m fee is not only realistic but also a firm stand they will not back down from, putting the onus back on both Chelsea and Liverpool.

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High-flying Chelsea seal airline deal with Delta ahead of tour to America

Chelsea have announced Delta Air Lines as the Barclays Premier League club's new official global airline partner. 

The European champions have agreed a two-year tie-up with Delta and will join Chelsea on their pre-season tour of the United States.

 Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay said: 'It is a fantastic opportunity for Chelsea Football Club to partner ourselves with Delta Air Lines, an industry leader in aviation.

 'Delta's passion for innovation and first-class service around the world make them a perfect match for us and we look forward to working together as we continue to develop the Chelsea name across the globe. 

It further demonstrates our commitment to growing our activities in America, highlighted by our 2012 summer tour that will take in Seattle, New York, Philadelphia and Miami.

 Delta's senior vice-president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa Perry Cantarutti added: 'Partnering with a leading club in the Premier League is an exciting way to strengthen our brand both in the UK and around the world.'

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Everton’s Victor Anichebe to replace Victor Moses at Wigan

With the beginning of the 2012/13 English Premier League season about 60 days away, transfer dealings are going up a notch.

 And as Wigan are readying themselves for the loss of their inspirational winger Victor Moses to one of the top clubs in the Premiership, they have identified another Nigerian, Everton’s Victor Anichebe as his possible replacement.

 Anichebe has been plagued by a lot of injuries but at just 24 years old, the Roberto Martinez side might be willing to take the risk.

 Anichebe has made 135 appearances in all competitions, mostly as a substitute and has scored 18 goals since he made his debut in the 2005/06 season.

 Though mostly he has been played on the wings by Everton’s coach David Moyes. And rated at £6million, he will be a bargain if Dave Whelan gets his way by selling Moses for £10 million and above.

 Moses has one year left on his contract after joining from Crystal Palace for £2.5million in 2010.

 “We’ve made him a very good offer involving a doubling of his wages over three years,” said Dave Whelan. 

It’s down to whether the lad listens to sense or his agent,” Whelan added. But Moses is keeping his cool over all the speculation and said, 

I’ve heard a lot of offers are on the table. Wigan have the final say but, for me, the highest bidder would take the day. But right now I’m a Wigan man.”

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Premier league clubs and their season fixtures

Manchester City will start their Barclays Premier League title defence at home to newly-promoted Southampton. 

The champions will be confident of starting their campaign with three points when they kick off at the Etihad Stadium on August 18. 

It is the beginning of what many will feel is a relatively straightforward start for Roberto Mancini's side.

 BELOW ARE THE TABLE......

Arsenal Premier League fixtures 2012-13

Aston Villa Premier League fixtures 2012-13

Chelsea Premier League fixtures 2012-13

Everton Premier League fixtures 2012-13

Fulham Premier League fixtures 2012-13

Liverpool Premier League fixtures 2012-13

Man City Premier League fixtures 2012-13

Man United Premier League fixtures 2012-13

Newcastle Premier League fixtures 2012-13

Norwich Premier League fixtures 2012-13

QPR Premier League fixtures 2012-13

Reading Premier League fixtures 2012-13

Southampton Premier League fixtures 2012-13

Stoke Premier League fixtures 2012-13

Sunderland Premier League fixtures 2012-13

Swansea Premier League fixtures 2012-13

Tottenham Premier League fixtures 2012-13

West Brom Premier League fixtures 2012-13

West Ham Premier League fixtures 2012-13

Wigan Premier League fixtures 2012-13

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