LONDON (Reuters) – Arsenal striker Theo Walcott has described his side’s home game against West Ham United on Wednesday as “massive” as the north Londoners attempt to stay in touch with those above them in the Premier League.

For the second season in a row, Arsene Wenger’s side move towards the finishing straight with title dreams extinguished and even off the pace in the battle to safeguard their long-standing membership of England’s “top four” club.

LONDON, Jan 21 (Reuters) – Arsenal striker Theo Walcott has described his side’s home game against West Ham United on Wednesday as “massive” as the north Londoners attempt to stay in touch with those above them in the Premier League.

For the second season in a row, Arsene Wenger’s side move towards the finishing straight with title dreams extinguished and even off the pace in the battle to safeguard their long-standing membership of England’s “top four” club.

LONDON (Reuters) – Chelsea’s old guard demonstrated that they still have plenty to offer the club on Sunday with left back Ashley Cole signing a new contract and Frank Lampard scoring his 195th goal since arriving at Stamford Bridge.

Cole’s contract was to expire at the end of the season but the England international has agreed a new deal, manager Rafa Benitez said on Sunday after a 2-1 home victory against Arsenal.

LONDON, Jan 20 (Reuters) – Chelsea’s old guard demonstrated that they still have plenty to offer the club on Sunday with left back Ashley Cole signing a new contract and Frank Lampard scoring his 195th goal since arriving at Stamford Bridge.

Cole’s contract was to expire at the end of the season but the England international has agreed a new deal, manager Rafa Benitez said on Sunday after a 2-1 home victory against Arsenal.

LONDON (Reuters) – Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was left to rue his side’s unusual late generosity and a controversial refereeing decision as his side’s Premier League title charge was slowed by a snowy 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

So often seen celebrating last-gasp goals like a schoolboy, Ferguson watched as Clint Dempsey swept in Tottenham’s equaliser three minutes into stoppage time after Robin van Persie had given United the lead midway through the first half.

LONDON, Jan 20 (Reuters) – Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was left to rue his side’s unusual late generosity and a controversial refereeing decision as his side’s Premier League title charge was slowed by a snowy 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

So often seen celebrating last-gasp goals like a schoolboy, Ferguson watched as Clint Dempsey swept in Tottenham’s equaliser three minutes into stoppage time after Robin van Persie had given United the lead midway through the first half.

LONDON (Reuters) – Manchester United received a taste of their own medicine as a last-gasp equaliser from Tottenham Hotspur’s Clint Dempsey deprived the Premier League leaders of a valuable win on Sunday.

A 1-1 draw in Arctic conditions in north London meant United’s lead over champions Manchester City at the top has been cut to five points with 15 matches remaining.

LONDON, Jan 20 (Reuters) – Manchester United received a taste of their own medicine as a last-gasp equaliser from Tottenham Hotspur’s Clint Dempsey deprived the Premier League leaders of a valuable win on Sunday.

A 1-1 draw in Arctic conditions in north London meant United’s lead over champions Manchester City at the top has been cut to five points with 15 matches remaining.

LONDON (Reuters) – As the latest custodian of the England team, Roy Hodgson knows the buck stops with him when it comes to results but he believes a brainstorming session with those who went before him could help him restore the country’s footballing pride.

One of the most highly-paid and prestigious jobs in world football has been too much for a succession of some of the game’s most decorated coaches – the task of emulating the class of 1966 always ending in frustrating failure.

LONDON, Jan 17 (Reuters) – As the latest custodian of the England team, Roy Hodgson knows the buck stops with him when it comes to results but he believes a brainstorming session with those who went before him could help him restore the country’s footballing pride.

One of the most highly-paid and prestigious jobs in world football has been too much for a succession of some of the game’s most decorated coaches – the task of emulating the class of 1966 always ending in frustrating failure.