Manchester City cut losses by 50%

Premier League champions Manchester City have announced annual losses of £97.9million.

Although the sum is still enormous, it is less than half the £197.5million announced 12 months ago.



And with City reporting turnover in the 2011-12 season of £231.1million, the highest in the club's history, it underlines the rapid progress being made by the Premier League champions in establishing themselves as one of Europe's elite clubs.



Although failure to progress from the Champions League group stage has had an obvious impact on turnover, this year and last, the club are still delighted with the performance.



And they are confident even the huge losses confirmed today will not have an impact on their ability to meet UEFA's strict Financial Fair Play guidelines as £15million comes from infrastructure and youth development costs.



More importantly, approximately £80million comes from contracts that pre-date 2010, from which City expect to get some kind of relief.



City's annual statement for the year ending May 31 2012 also confirms the "capital base of the club has also been strengthened through the issuing of £169million in new equity during the year, avoiding debt-based funding and continuing to ensure that the club is virtually debt free".



Clearly, the largesse of owner Sheikh Mansour is still required to make the club viable in the short-term.



However, with plans for the state-of-the-art academy and training facility across the road from the Etihad Stadium now well advanced, club officials believe within the medium term that the club, who ended a 35-year wait for a trophy when they won the FA Cup in 2011, will be self-sustaining.



Chief executive Ferran Soriano said: "What I have found is a club on the verge of a historic transformation, reinforced by a genuine commitment to doing things well.



"It is a club with a rich history and the potential for an even brighter future."

Top-selling official EPL player jerseys

Robin van Persie’s popularity at Manchester United since joining from Arsenal in the summer is demonstrated by news that his is the best-selling official Barclays Premier League shirt in North America this season.



Figures released by Sporting ID, which produces the names, numbers and sleeve badges of the Barclays Premier League, show that the United forward, who has scored 11 Premier League goals so far, leads his United strike partner Wayne Rooney, who was found to have had the best-selling shirt in the League’s history. In third is Chelsea striker Fernando Torres.

"North American soccer fans support the Barclays Premier League as fanatically as anywhere else"

Robert Thayne

United States striker Clint Dempsey is the biggest mover, rising to sixth after his move from Fulham to Tottenham Hotspur in August. Dempsey is the first US player to make the top 10 in North American sales.

"North American soccer fans continue to support the Barclays Premier League as fanatically as anywhere else, often waking at 4am to catch games on TV," said Sporting iD’s global sales and marketing director Robert Thayne. "Players like Van Persie, Eden Hazard, Clint Dempsey, Steven Gerrard and Jack Wilshere are top-class players playing for the biggest clubs in the world and their fans in North America are really no different than the ones who live in the UK.

“They are clearly showing their support of these players and their club by personalizing jerseys with official Premier League player names, numbers and sleeve badges.”



Top-selling official Barclays Premier League player jerseys in North America : -



1. Robin van Persie (Manchester United)

2. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

3. Fernando Torres (Chelsea)

4. Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

5. Frank Lampard (Chelsea)

6. Clint Dempsey (Tottenham Hotspur)

7. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

8. Javier Hernandez (Manchester United)

9. Shinji Kagawa (Manchester United)

10. Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)

Premier League's top 10 dribblers

Dribbling has been described as an art form, as pace wingers and creative maestros slalom in between opposing players. The Premier League boasts some of the best dribblers and technicians in world football,Thanks to Opta, we bring to you the Premier League's top ten dribblers, in order of most dribbles completed (stats correct up to 13 December 2012).



Newcastle's slaloming Frenchman is top of the tree, completing over half of his attempted dribbles. Ben Arfa's impressive ability with the ball at his feet also sees him top the list as Europe's best dribbler so far this season.

Suarez has been Liverpool's talisman so far this season, finally finding his goal scoring boots with ten league goals. The Uruguyan is also leading the charts with the most attempted dribbles, however he has been pipped to top spot in terms of completed dribbles.

At joint third are Santi Cazorla is enjoying his brilliant debut seasons in the Premier League, with Cazorla showing just why he is one of Europe's top midfielders.

Raheem Sterling to become a "special talent" for Liverpool in the future, the wonder-kid justifies the hype surround his fledging talent.

West Ham's midfield enforcer come in at joint fifth, Diame joined West Ham from Wigan last summer for a fee of £5.5million.

QPR's Moroccan magician continues to impress despite they are still in search for a win.

QPR's Samba Diakite is arguably surprising entrants, He is very effective going forward, completing 30 dribbles this season.

Newcastle's Davide Santon is one of the most underrated player in Premier League with 30 dribbles completed this season.

Tottenham's understated powerhouse comes in at nine. Dembele has been a revelation since arriving in the Premier League, and has continued to impress since joining Tottenham earlier in the season.

At number ten is Chelsea's Belgian wizard Eden Hazard. The attacker has flourished since joining the European champions this summer and rightfully features in this list.

Mikel pens five-year with Chelsea

Midfielder John Obi Mikel has signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea, the Barclays Premier League club has revealed.



The 25-year-old midfielder committed his future to the European champions until 2017 - something that would see him complete 11 years at Stamford Bridge.



Mikel, who joined Chelsea in the summer of 2006 after controversially pulling out of a move to Manchester United, told the club's official website, www.chelseafc.com: "Chelsea seems like my home now because I have been here for over six years and I enjoy my time here.



"I come into the training ground every day to work and I value my time there. I am happy and want to keep going and win trophies for this club."



Mikel has endured a rollercoaster season and still faces punishment from the Football Association for confronting Mark Clattenburg in the referees' room after Chelsea's Barclays Premier League defeat to Manchester United in October.



Nigeria international Mikel was furious after being told he had been called a "monkey" by Clattenburg - something of which the official was last month cleared.



Mikel was a key player in Chelsea's Champions League triumph last season and has also won one Barclays Premier League title, four FA Cups and a League Cup.



However, he has not been universally appreciated among the club's fans, partly because of his lack of goals - he has scored only two - and assists.



He added: "I have basically won everything with Chelsea and those years have been really special for me, winning trophies with big names like Didier Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard who have had very long Chelsea careers.



"Last season, to win the Champions League was even more special and I hope these next five years will bring even more success and I can win trophies with the new players we have here.



"Being 25, I think I am now hitting my peak but as a player you want to improve every day and there is still room for that.



"I want to learn from the players and the manager and I just want to keep going."

New Swansea deal for Davies

Teenage Swansea City defender Ben Davies has signed a new three-and-half-year contract with the Premier League club.



The 19-year-old left-back had 18 months left on his existing deal, but Swansea was keen to tie him to a long-term contract after impressing so far this season.



Davies was thrust into the first team after Neil Taylor suffered a broken ankle against Sunderland at the start of September, and his form was rewarded with his inclusion in Chris Coleman's Wales side for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Scotland and Croatia.



Davies told the club website: "I'm delighted to have signed a new deal here.



"It shows the faith the club has in me and I've been rewarded for my performances so far."



The Neath product has come up through the academy system with the Swans, and is looking forward to continuing his development at the Liberty Stadium after committing until June 2016.



He said: "It is more security for me and that will allow me to keep working as hard as possible to continue my development here.



"I have already learned a lot from not only playing, but by working hard in training with the manager, coaching staff and team-mates and taking as much advice as possible from them.



"It's a great time to be at Swansea City - whether you are a player or supporter - and I'm delighted to be a part of it."

Redknapp on the brink at QPR

Harry Redknapp says he is looking forward to the challenge of attempting to lead QPR away from the Premier League relegation zone.



The 65-year-old is poised to take over the reins at Loftus Road after Mark Hughes was sacked on Friday morning, and is on the brink of agreeing a deal following a day of negotiations.



Rangers are four points adrift at the bottom of the table after failing to win any of their opening 12 matches but Redknapp believes he can guide them to safety.



"I'm hopeful we can get it done tonight, there shouldn't be any problems," said Redknapp, who has been out of work since leaving Tottenham in the summer.



"I fancy getting back into the Premier League. QPR is a good club, with great fans and a great atmosphere.



"I am looking forward to it. It's a big challenge. It will be a tough job to take on but I am up for the challenge."

Premier League wages hit record high of £1.6bn

The rise in player wages has achieved record levels in the Premier League ahead of the introduction of UEFA's financial fair play rules.



The latest annual review of football finance by analyst Deloitte highlighted the fact increase in wages outstripped revenues growth.

That has resulted in a wages/revenue ratio of 70% in the English top-flight, a record figure that has gradually increased from the low-to-mid 60s five years ago.

Wages went up by £201m in 2010-11 to almost £1.6bn, a 14% rise, with overall revenues up by 12% to £2.27billion, largely due to a healthy increase in overseas TV rights.

Alan Switzer, director in the sports business group at Deloitte, has warned clubs must be careful to ensure wages do not spiral out of control.

"If the wages to revenue ratio is 70% or higher it's very difficult to make an operating profit," he said.

"In our view it is too high as a league and the clubs need to be edging back to the low 60s. Every 1% that it drops should increase operating profits by £20m to £25m."



TOP PREMIER LEAGUE WAGE BILLS 2010-11



Chelsea - £191m (up from £174m in 2009-10)

Manchester City - £174m (£133m)

Manchester United - £153m (£132m)

Liverpool - £135m (£121m)

Arsenal - £124m (£111m)



PREMIER LEAGUE FINANCES 2010-11



- Revenues of 2.5bn euros, 769m euros ahead of second highest revenue earning league, the Bundesliga.

- Total operating profits of 75m euros, second behind the Bundesliga's 171m euros.

- Total revenues up by 12%.

- Matchday revenues up by 4%.

- Broadcasting revenue up by 13% and commercial revenues up by 18%.

- Majority of increase in commercial revenues down to Man Utd, Man City and Liverpool.

- Record loss of £82m at Man City.

- Man Utd generated operating profit greater than £100m for first time.

- Pre-tax losses of £380m, with only eight clubs recording a pre-tax profit.

Aguero targets 'run of trophies'

Sergio Aguero is hopeful that Manchester City's Premier League success this season will propel the club to further silverware in the near future.



City clinched their first league title since 1968 with a dramatic final day victory over QPR, ultimately pipping their rivals United to the top of the table on goal difference.



The club have benefited from the financial muscle of Sheikh Mansour in recent years, and it is anticipated manager Roberto Mancini will continue to tweak his squad this summer in a bid to bring further glory to Eastlands.



Aguero, who scored the title-winning goal in injury time, said: "It's all about City now, not United. What we've done there is manage to pull it out of the fire and win it at the very last minute and hopefully it's the start of big things for City in the future.



"It was almost lost but we managed to save ourselves in the last minutes. I'm really, really happy obviously, given that it's a massive thing winning the Premier League. It's a fantastic moment.



"It would have been a real body blow (to lose the title) but the main thing is to concentrate on the fact that we did win it, and the effect is opposite; the total opposite. It's going to be a real boost, a real positive effect on the side going into the future.



"I came here to win trophies. I think City have become a great side. I think you can say we are up there with the big boys with that victory and a league title. Let's hope it is the start of a run of trophies."



Of his decisive strike against QPR, the Argentina international said: "In my career so far it's the most important goal. You score the goal in the last minute to win the title. You're not sure if that's ever going to happen in your career again.



"I wish I could tell you how I did it but I can't. I thought for all the world that Mario (Balotelli) was going to have a go himself but he just moved it on one more and it fell at my feet and I just thought: 'Hit the target, hit it as hard as you can and hit the target.' And it went in."



Aguero also expressed his hope that strikers Edin Dzeko and Balotelli will remain at the club, amid speculation they could be sold this summer following a mixed 2011-12 campaign for the pair.



He said: "In terms of what their personal decisions are, it's nothing to do with me. I hope they stay because both of them as individuals are great players and have brought a lot to the side during the season.



"Let's hope they do stay because it would be a good thing for City [with] the quality they bring to the club."

Scharner set for West Brom departure

West Brom midfielder Paul Scharner has confirmed he will be leaving the club at the end of the season when his current contract expires.



Austria international Scharner, 32, has failed to trigger a 12-month extension option after making less than the required 25 appearances this season and is resigned to moving from the Hawthorns.



"I think I've concluded my mission at West Brom by helping them to stay in the Premier League," Scharner said. "I've never been relegated and I'm very proud of this.



"I didn't take up the [contract] option because it was impossible as I have not played enough games. To do so [to stay] would need new negotiations - and that won't be happening.



"I would like to stay because of the supporters, who are great, but the club has other plans, so it is time to move on. But I think I still have enough to offer someone and have set myself a new challenge somewhere else. It is time to finish off the season and then decide on my future."



Meanwhile, Baggies defender Jonas Olsson has been voted the club's player of the year.

Caroll set to start tonight after producing an impact

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll is likely to start against Chelsea in the Premier League clash at Anfield this evening.



Carroll came off the bench in Saturday's FA Cup final between the teams to score Liverpool's goal in the 2-1 defeat and was centimetres away from equalising in the dying minutes at Wembley.



Front man Craig Bellamy is expected to drop to the bench while midfielder Jay Spearing could miss out after his disappointing display in the final.

Chelsea will be without David Luiz and Gary Cahill once more when they make the trip to Merseyside.



The central defenders have been stepping up their recovery from hamstring injuries, with caretaker boss Roberto Di Matteo hopeful the duo will return to full training soon.



The Blues will also be without midfielders John Obi Mikel and Raul Meireles after they both picked up minor knocks in the Wembley showpiece.

Wigan relegates Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in being relegated from the Premier League after losing 1-0 at home to Wigan, which ensured its survival with a sixth win from its past eight matches on Monday.



Blackburn needed to win to have any chance of staying up but Wigan defender Antolin Alcaraz scored with an 87th-minute header from a corner that sealed both teams' fate.



The hosts had earlier had a penalty appeal turned down by the referee when Junior Hoilett was brought down by Emmerson Boyce.



There were ugly scenes at the final whistle when some Blackburn fans ran onto Ewood Park. Earlier, a chicken was released onto the field, a pointed reminder of the home supporters' antipathy toward owner Venky's, a chicken-meat company.

Cisse slapped with four match ban

Former French international striker Djibril Cisse was suspended for four matches on Monday dealing a huge blow to his Premier League side Queens Park Rangers hopes of retaining their elite status.



The 30-year-old - who arrived from Serie A side Lazio in January -received the ban for his straight red card for a vicious tackle on Sunderland's Fraizer Campbell in Saturday's 3-1 loss.



It is the second time that Cisse has been sent-off in the short spell he has been with the club, though, the former Liverpool and Auxerre star has also scored three times in five matches.



QPR - who sacked manager Neil Warnock earlier this season and replaced him with Mark Hughes who spent heavily in January - are third from bottom with just eight matches remaining.

Premier League announce review

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has confirmed the organisation will review their medical procedures in light of Fabrice Muamba's cardiac arrest on Saturday.



The Premier League introduced new procedures after they were heavily criticised for the length of time it took for Petr Cech to be transferred to hospital after suffering a fractured skull five-and-a-half years ago.



The new procedures were evident at White Hart Lane as Muamba received expert medical attention swiftly and Scudamore officials and medical staff deserve whatever praise comes their way.



However, he believes more can be done and he has announced plans to hold a review into existing medical procedures.



"Incidents and events shape policy, shape developments, shape progress," Scudamore told the Sport Industry Breakfast club in London on Tuesday.



"What we will certainly be doing is looking at every aspect of what happened and if there are ways and means of improving, if there are ways and means of making it better in the future - just like we did in 2006-07 following the Petr Cech incident - we will do everything we can to make sure we reduce to the point of elimination, if we possibly can, things like that.



"There are no guarantees but we will do whatever we can to improve."



The Cech incident led to the introduction of ambulances being in place at stadia for the exclusive use of players and Scudamore believes Muamba's life may have been saved by the new procedures.



"It's been a difficult three days for everybody involved in the game, particularly those closest to Fabrice," he added.



"The whole of the last three days, we've played out lots of scenarios, clearly.



"Let's hope, God willing, that the progress he's making continues to be made and that he makes as decent a recovery as he can.



"In some ways, his life, if it is saved - and let's hope it has been saved - is as a result of the things a lot of us put in place after what happened with Petr Cech.



"If you saw what happened on Saturday, the immediate attention, everybody comes out of this with huge credit, the referee, the match officials, the way the medics were there.



"Jose Mourinho made some strident comments about the treatment that Petr Cech got.



"Everything that we've put in place since helped Fabrice at least have a chance."