Sunday Sun kicks off with RVP on the north London derby & Jose Mourinho on the Carling Cup final

Sunday, February 26th, 2012

Comment & analysis round-up

Quote of the day: “I think you can probably see that it’s not been ideal. There have been certain issues. Certain players, we don’t like not to play. I’m sure we’re all frustrated at the minute. Everyone who’s involved, especially people who have got Chelsea in their hearts, who have been here a long time and want to see us performing as we should do. It doesn’t mean I want to play every game and, if I sit on the bench, I want to see Chelsea win. It’s never a case of players throwing their toys out of the pram to the detriment of the club.” – Frank Lampard.

Runner-up: “People say being leaders you have the pressure from people behind. I think it’s the opposite — you win and put pressure on people behind. There is no such thing as easy games and we have to do this every week if we want to win the league.” – Vincent Kompany.

Today’s top stories

The Lampard/AVB split

Lampard: My split with AVB! Captain-for-the-day Frank hits out after star turn against Bolton (Derek Hunter, Mail on Sunday)

Ashley Cole is NOT leaving Chelsea (Paul Smith, Sunday Mirror)

Lampard’s landmark return restores pride (Steve Tongue, Independent on Sunday)

If Abramovich had owned United he would have sacked Fergie years ago (Ian Holloway, Independent on Sunday)

Manchester City increase their lead at the top of the Premier League

Rob’s Tev blinder boosts title bid (Roy Keane, Sunday Sun)

North London derby previews

It’s time we made the fans proud again (Robin van Persie, Sunday Sun) I realise there is lots of speculation about my future at the moment. But, rest assured, the only thing in my mind right now is to get Arsenal Football Club back on track and finish the season strong. I’m just thinking about Arsenal right now and nobody else. I’m thinking about the here and now. I’m thinking about beating Tottenham at home. I’m thinking about a top-four finish to ensure there is Champions League football for Arsenal yet again next season. That would be great. And I’m thinking about an early goal against Milan and trying to pull off the improbable. That would be incredible. I’m thinking about how the Arsenal fans would love that. How they’d deserve that after a really difficult season. So I hope that makes things crystal clear. It’s only about Arsenal Football Club.”

Arsenal to shatter pay ceiling by offering £150,000 a week for Van Persie to stay (Rob Draper, Mail on Sunday)

Tottenham’s ascent leaves Arsenal with bitter lessons to learn (Amy Lawrence, Observer)

Adebayor adds extra spice to derby (Steve Tongue, Independent on Sunday)

Emmanuel Adebayor return adds even more spice to north London derby (Duncan White, Sunday Telegraph)

Carling Cup final previews

Cardiff are my Special Ones (Rob Beasley speaks to Jose Mourinho, Sunday Sun) “I believe this can be a really great match because a final is a final, Wembley is Wembley and, of course, Liverpool and Cardiff have a great opportunity of making some history. In England, something I love and respect a lot is the fact that lower division clubs have the emotional qualities to play the big teams and beat them. So in that aspect I am supporting the Welsh team, Cardiff. But, by the other way, I am always with my friends and Steve Clarke is a forever friend. So in that sense I am supporting the Reds. Anyway, for sure, England enjoy this final… I think it can be very special. And when I am back home from my game against Vallecano I will also watch this cup final because I will have it recorded.”

Liverpool look to feel at home in old second home (Henry Winter, Sunday Telegraph)

Pepe Reina has won one tr 007 Sunday Sun kicks off with RVP on the north London derby & Jose Mourinho on the Carling Cup final Pepe Reina ready to mark Liverpool’s bright new dawn in Carling Cup (Paul Wilson, Observer)