Villas-Boas To Spend £150 Million in January Transfer Window

Andre Villas-Boas will be working overtime in the January market to overhaul his squad.

The Daily Express reported that the Chelsea boss has been given £150million by Roman Abramovich to transform Chelsea from title has-beens to recharged challengers.

Villas-Boas wants four players to revamp his ageing squad, and has already discussed his targets with owner Abramovich. He will kick off his spending with the £7m capture of Bolton central defender Gary Cahill when the January transfer window opens. He also wants a right-back, a midfield play-maker and a striker.

Villas-Boas knows he will probably have to wait until the summer to do the bulk of his business, but that will not stop him making a number of fresh enquiries next month.

He remains keen on Porto defender Alvaro Pereira, who he believes he can convert into a specialist right-back, while Chelsea officials have sounded out Everton over midfielder Jack Rodwell.

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PL Wrap:Liverpool beat Newcastle UTD 3-1

Two goals from Craig Bellamy against his former club gave Liverpool a 3-1 win over Newcastle United on Friday.

As well as Bellamy's tireless efforts, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard continued his impressive return from injury, scoring a goal and providing some much-needed impetus as the Reds ran away with the match in the second half.

The Magpies had taken the lead at Anfield in the first half courtesy of Yohan Cabaye's deflected header, but Bellamy equalised just four minutes later and double his tally in the second half, before Gerrard put the icing on the cake with a late third.

Stuart Downing was the first to test Krul, cutting in from the right and hitting a low drive towards the bottom corner which the big Dutchman held well.

The hosts were bossing the possession, but they were unable to create any telling chances and on 25 minutes, the visitors struck first.

Ryan Taylor cut in from the left and angled a cross in towards Yohan Cabaye, whose flicked header took a nick off the arm of Agger and nestled in to the Liverpool net, with Reina helpless as he moved the other way.

The goal was the spark the hosts needed, however, and within four minutes they were level as Craig Bellamy rifled in a low drive from the middle of the box after Newcastle failed to clear their lines following good work from Charlie Adam.

The Reds continued to look dangerous down the wings, with Bellamy in particular looking lively, but they failed to significantly trouble a Newcastle defence which was brilliantly marshalled by

Fabricio Coloccini, who won almost every aerial duel against Andy Carroll.

Alan Pardew would have been keen for his side to retain better possession in the second half, and his team duly obliged as they frustrated Liverpool after the restart, who themselves were unable to pick up the tempo of the game.

Dalglish waited until the hour mark to introduce captain Gerrard, and the talismanic midfielder threatened immediately after his introduction, whipping an inviting cross towards Andy Carroll which flashed across the goal mouth.

The frustrated Carroll then spurned a glorious chance, as he latched on to another incisive Gerrard pass only to touch the ball in to the grateful gloves of Tim Krul.

Liverpool's frustration was not to last, however, as Bellamy rifled in a free kick from 25 yards which bounced between Krul and Danny Simpson to put the hosts in front.

Newcastle almost hit back immediately when Ba was played through by Cabaye, but his well-placed chip over Reina was brilliantly hooked off the line by Skrtel.

And a moment later, Carroll almost netted against his former club with a close-range header, but it cannoned back off the crossbar.

And with just over ten minutes to go, the captain made the points safe, slotting home between Krul’s legs from a tight angle after being played in by Jay Spearing.

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Donovan eager to help Everton

Everton loan signing Landon Donovan believes he is at the peak of his career as he prepares for his second stint at Goodison Park.

The United States international and Los Angeles Galaxy forward impressed in his loan spell at Everton in January 2010, netting twice in 13 games.

With the MLS season over, Donovan, 29, will return to Everton on a two-month loan as David Moyes looks to give his side spark in the attacking third.

Donovan said on Friday he felt he was in the best form of his career after improving since his last spell in the English Premier League.

"Confidence is always important as a football but I think more importantly, I'm more experienced and better player than I was two years ago and, before you hit the back end of your career physically, you get better (mentally)," he said.

"I feel like I've grown a lot over the last two years. I had a World Cup in between that helped a lot. I feel like these are the best years of my career."

Donovan is likely to feature for 10th-placed Everton against Bolton on January 4, while his last appearance in the two-month loan deal could be the Merseyside derby at Liverpool on February 25.

The former Bayer Leverkusen forward said he was ready for the pressure of needing to provide almost immediately in the front third.

"All athletes at this level have a responsibility and come under pressure and it's something you deal with," Donovan said.

"The beauty of this for me is that I want to enjoy myself. Last time I played best when I was enjoying myself."

New York Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry is set to return to Arsenal on a two-month loan deal, and Donovan backed the Frenchman to have an impact.

"I played against him four times this year and he's a very good player," Donovan said.

"He doesn't look like he's lost much pace at all. He's a class guy and a very good player and there's no question he will help Arsenal if he goes."

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Henry to join Arsenal on Loan

Frenchman Thierry Henry is set to be offered the chance to return to Arsenal on a two-month loan deal, according to reports.

The New York Red Bulls forward has been training at Emirates Stadium in a bid to maintain his fitness during the MLS off-season, and has reportedly impressed Arsene Wenger with his sharpness and attitude.

Wenger is believed to be targeting attacking reinforcements in January, both to cover the departures of Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh to the Africa Cup of Nations, and to ease the pressure on in-form captain Robin van Persie, who tops the English Premier League scoring charts.

Cologne striker Lukas Podolski has also been linked to a move to Arsenal, but Henry appears likely to be signed on a short-term deal, according to the Daily Mail.

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker said on Thursday he would be delighted to have Henry in the squad after being impressed by the 34-year-old in training.

"I am very happy training with (Henry), very happy. He is playing very, very good. I am happy to play against him in training and it is a great experience," the German said.

"He is a great opportunity for us, but I'm not the manager, I couldn't find a decision or what is possible for him or for us."

"In training he shows his class and to have him with us is great because he shows his attitude, his experience. He still has the same attitude he showed in a lot of games at Arsenal."

Henry remains Arsenal's all-time record goalscorer with 226 goals to his name between 1999 and 2007, and his outstanding contribution was recently honoured with the unveiling of a statue outside Emirates Stadium.

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Hulk may move to Chelsea

The agent of Porto star Hulk won’t rule out a move to Chelsea for the Brazilian.

Hulk played for Blues manager Andre Villas-Boas at Porto and has been linked to a reunion with his former coach.

“Hulk to Chelsea? Anything is possible,” said agent Theodoro Fonseca.

“But his buyout clause is €100 million so his future depends on an agreement between the clubs.”

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Chelsea Target Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain

Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain has emerged as a target for Chelsea with the club seeking to get hold of the player’s representatives to see if he would be interested in a move to Stamford Bridge.


According to The Times, Andre Villas-Boas will find out if the 24-year-old is available as he seeks to re-adjust his faltering forward line.

The Argentine has a phenomenal scoring record with the Spanish giants and averages a goal every 53 minutes this season, having netted 12 times in La Liga despite making just seven starts.

Daniel Sturridge has proved to be a real bonus on the wing for Villas-Boas with nine goals in the Premier League and Juan Mata has slotted well on the other flank in his debut season following his summer move from Valencia.

However, the Portuguese boss has problems in the forward line with star strikers Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba both having scored just two goals in the league apiece.

Drogba, who goes to the Africa Cup of Nations next month, has yet to agree a new deal with the club and is known to be a target for Shanghai Shenhua, who want to pair him with up current team-mate Nicolas Anelka as the Frenchman is due to join the Chinese side in the transfer window.

It is also reported that Chelsea would be willing to listen to offers for Florent Malouda - who recently threatened a move away - and Salomon Kalou as the Blues look to reignite their season.

The Londoners are expected to sign Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill next month but with problems persisting up front they could make a move for Higuain, who has had to settle for a place behind Karim Benzema in the starting line-up as Jose Mourinho only plays one striker in his system.

However, any move would rely on the former Chelsea boss being willing to sell the 24-year-old to his protege while Madrid are top of La Liga and targeting success in three competitions as they seek to end the dominance of rivals Barcelona.

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Alex wants Santos move

Chelsea defender Alex has revealed his desire to return to Santos after handing in a transfer request at Stamford Bridge.

The 29-year-old began his career with the Brazilian outfit before moving to Europe in 2004.

The centre back has not hesitated in naming the club with which he won the 2002 Brazilian Serie A title with as his preferred destination, but admits a move may be problematic with his contract not set to expire until 2013.

"My first option will be Santos, but it depends on a lot of things. First, on a proposal from the club, it isn't just my decision," Alex told Terra.

"The biggest problem is that I still have a year-and-a-half on my Chelsea contract, it will be difficult to get released. If I had less time on the contract a return to Brazil would be easier."

Alex recognised that if he were to return to Santos he would face a substantial wage drop, but he insisted that he was not fazed by the prospect.

"I have been aware of it since I asked for the transfer. I know that if I go back to Brazil the salary will not be the same, it will be tough to keep it even close. But that is not an issue for me, players who go back know they will lose out financially," he stated.

Alex has appeared 14 times for the Brazil national team and was part of the side which lifted the 2007 Copa America in Venezuela.

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Arsenal not to bid for Gourcuff

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has ruled out a January move for France international Yoann Gourcuff.

The Lyon midfielder has been hampered by an ankle injury this Ligue 1 season but is slowly returning to match fitness, and rumours have suggested that the 25-year-old could be on his way to the English Premier League club in January's transfer window.

But while Wenger believes that Gourcuff, 25, will return to his best in the second half of the campaign, he has distanced himself from speculation linking him with a move for the player.

"We have choices in midfield," he told the club's website.

"We have (Abou) Diaby and (Jack) Wilshere coming back from injury so we have lots of people in there."

"However, I see a positive future for Gourcuff. I think he will come back to his best level. He has been out for four or five months and what happens to him now is normal."

"He's played his first few games only on his desire and, after an injury, it's normal to have a dip."

"Between January and June will be the key moment for him but I think he will be back to his best."

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Corluka linked with Roma

Serie A club Roma are attempting to sign Tottenham's Vedran Corluka, according to reports.

Corluka arrived at White Hart Lane from Manchester City three years ago and initially fought off competition from Alan Hutton, who moved to Aston Villa in the close season, for the right-back spot.

However, the Croat has been limited to just three appearances in the Premier League this season due to the emergence of Kyle Walker.

And with Euro 2012 coming up at the end of the season, he is worried about losing his spot in the national squad due to a lack of first-team football.

His agent Nikky Vuksan has said he would be happy to see Corluka playing in a Roma shirt, according to The Sun.

It is understood the Italian side have made an enquiry for the full-back and that the player himself is interested in a move to Italy.

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Redknapp praises Bale as 'Unplayable'

Harry Redknapp heaped praise on an 'unplayable' Gareth Bale after the winger scored both goals in Tottenham's 2-0 victory over Norwich City.

Spurs were frustrated in the first half of their English Premier League clash on Tuesday, but Bale made the breakthrough shortly after the interval before adding another with a chipped finish after a brilliant run.

Redknapp was pleased to see the Wales international winger flourish in a free role afforded to him at Carrow Road.

"I freed him off today," Redknapp told Sky Sports. "We played a different system today, to be honest."

"I played with the three midfield players and let him and Rafa (van der Vaart) play spare."

"I said, 'Just go and play where you want to play basically and when we lose possession just get in a little slot. If you can get wide, do a job there, if you're out of the play one of the midfield players will slot over'."

"He gets in those holes and when he gets the ball and turns and runs at you, he's unplayable."

Redknapp was delighted with the performance on Tuesday, which leaves Spurs four points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea with a game in hand.

"(It was a) good result today for us. When you're up there you have to keep picking up results," he said.

"I thought it would be a difficult game tonight and we kept the ball well, moved the ball and passed it great tonight. There was real quality about our play."

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PL Wrap:Norwich City 0 Tottenham 2

Tottenham put daylight between themselves and their Champions League rivals with a convincing 2-0 victory over Norwich City at Carrow Road.

Two goals from Gareth Bale - the second a majestic solo effort - were enough to settle the English Premier League encounter on Tuesday, as Harry Redknapp's side dominated from start to finish against Paul Lambert's brave City.

Tottenham were buoyed by the return of Rafael Van Der Vaart to the starting XI, as they looked to secure a win which would put some distance between themselves and the chasing pack of Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Norwich, meanwhile, opted for a 4-4-2 system, with Steve Morison paired up front with Grant Holt as the hosts looked to add to their impressive haul of 27 goals - more than any other side outside the top five this season.

The match kicked off in front of a vociferous sell-out crowd at Carrow Road, with the home side looking to continue their fine home form against a Spurs team bidding to haul in the Manchester clubs at the top of the table.

The visitors controlled the proceedings for the first half-hour but were unable to convert their possession into chances, with wayward shots from Kyle Walker and Younes Kaboul and a deflected Bale strike the only efforts Spurs could muster.

That was until just after the 30-minute mark, when two clear-cut chances came in quick succession.

First, Bale robbed Russell Martin on the edge of the area, before driving in to the box only to fire his shot well over John Ruddy's crossbar.

Emmanuel Adebayor then had an opportunity after being played through from a glorious long ball from Luka Modric, but his first touch was too heavy and he only succeeded in poking the ball out of play beyond the on-rushing Ruddy.

Bale then teed himself up on the edge of the box with a glorious first touch, but his left-footed shot was well parried by the goalkeeper.

At the other end, Morison tried to curl a shot beyond Spurs shot-stopper Brad Friedel after being played in by Holt, but got his angles wrong.

The hosts were struggling to create anything of note, however, as the visitors dominated possession, with Modric pulling the strings in the middle of the park.

Tottenham had a shout for a penalty turned down on the cusp of half-time when William Gallas was tripped deliberately by Morison in the run-up to a corner kick, but the clash went unnoticed by the officials and the scores remained level at the break.

The second half started at the same high tempo, with Spurs continuing to look dangerous in wide areas whenever Bale and Modric got in to space.

It was Norwich, however, who came closest to opening the scoring. Andrew Surman was brought down by Gallas on the edge of the area, and the midfielder curled the resulting kick inches wide of Friedel’s post on 51 minutes.

It proved to be the hosts' one and only clear opportunity.

Because just as Norwich looked to be asserting themselves on the match, Spurs finally broke the deadlock.

Van Der Vaart slipped the ball through to Adebayor in the box, and the Togo striker showed some great footwork to keep hold of the ball.

He then played it across to Gareth Bale, who slotted home low under Ruddy to hand Spurs the lead after 56 minutes.

Walker then had the chance to double the advantage a few minutes later after being teed up by Benoit Assou-Ekotto, but his shot once again flew wildly over the bar.

The visitors did not have long to wait to double their lead, however.

Bale was played through by Modric on 67 minutes, and the Welshman ran straight through the heart of the Norwich rear-guard before chipping coolly over Ruddy to dampen the spirits of the home fans.

The Norwich faithful tried to rouse their beleaguered side, but Spurs were in total control of the game, with Modric majestic in midfield alongside Sandro and Scott Parker.

Harry Redknapp was able to use his substitutions to give a handful of first-team stars a well-earned rest, as his side cruised through the final few minutes to victory.

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PL Wrap:Swansea 1 QPR 1

QPR grabbed a deserved away point against Swansea to lift themselves three points clear of the relegation zone.

The Swans led at half-time thanks to a fine drive from Danny Graham, before Jamie Mackie's second-half strike helped the visitors to a share of the points.

The game between two sides playing in England's second-tier last season began in an attacking manner.

Graham managed to latch onto a Joe Allen corner kick only to see it cleared by QPR's defence, before the striker just failed to meet Wayne Routledge's curling cross.

It came as no surprise when the Swans notched the opener in the 14th minute.

Graham received Routledge's chipped pass before curling a superb drive into the bottom right-hand corner.

Ex-Newcastle United man Joey Barton almost got the equaliser for the visitors only minutes later, when his thunderous 25-yard strike was palmed over by Netherlands international goalkeeper Michel Vorm.

Allen's corner for the hosts saw Ashley Williams head an effort a wide of the goal, with Graham poking his cheeky effort into the side netting.

Graham was back in action not soon after when he impressively held off Fitz Hall on 37 minutes, but saw his low drive saved by QPR goalkeeper Paddy Kenny.

QPR mounted an attack in the closing moments of the first half, when Luke Young's clever cross successfully found Heidar Helguson in the box.

But the Icelandic striker's header narrowly flew over the crossbar from eight yards out.

The 34-year-old went close to equalising again when he nodded over a ball from Barton.

QPR began the second half the more impressive team, with Adel Taarabt - restored to the starting XI - showing off his skills by exchanging passes with Barton before drilling a fierce shot wide of the Swansea goal.

The Londoners then drew level with just over half an hour to go.

Kenny hit a long ball upfield and, after a defensive error from Swansea's Leon Britton, Mackie ran through before lifting the ball over Vorm.

Swansea were lucky not to concede another goal only minutes later, when Vorm produced a miraculous save from another Mackie effort.

With 18 minutes left to run, the home side had a penalty shout turned down when Armand Traore brought down Graham, only to see referee Lee Probert wave play onward.

Taarabt was straight up the other end moments later and struck a marvellous 25-yard effort towards the bottom corner, only to see Vorm palm the ball away to keep Swansea level.

The result moved QPR a point further away from the relegation zone, while Swansea edge to 14th.

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PL Wrap: Arsenal 1 Wolves 1

Arsenal dropped valuable home points as they failed to leapfrog Chelsea into fourth place.

A goal from Gervinho looked to have given the hosts the perfect start after 10 minutes, but they were pegged back by a Steven Fletcher header in the first half.

Then a string of brilliant saves by Wayne Hennessey throughout the game helped keep the Midland side in the hunt for a point.

Israeli international Yossi Benayoun, in for Aaron Ramsey, played a pivotal role for the home team, sending Gervinho through on goal in the opening 10 minutes.

The striker was played onside by Ronald Zubar, whose appeal gave Gervinho a free run at goal, as he rounded Hennessey before coolly dispatching the ball into the bottom corner.

Arsenal were a constant threat on the break in the opening 20 minutes, with Benayoun finding plenty space, even if his footwork let him down at times.

Robin van Persie, still looking to break the record for goals scored in a calendar year, dragged his shot wide after being put through by Gervinho.

Van Persie was soon teasing the Wolves defenders again, constantly shaping up to hit a shot with his deadly left foot before switching to his right and putting in a cross from wide on the right.

The Dutchman was later denied by a good block from Roger Johnson, and then a fine stop by Hennessey as he dived low to his right to turn the ball around the post.

Arsenal seemed comfortable in possession, but Wolves earned a way back into the match seven minutes before half-time.

A corner was whipped in by Nenad Milijas, but only partially cleared by the Arsenal defence.

Stephen Hunt juggled the ball past Rosicky on the edge of the area, but his volleyed shot was deflected by Vermaelen into the path of Steven Fletcher.

His header across the face of goal just evaded Wojciech Szczesny and crept in for a shock equaliser.

The second half began badly for Wolves as Zubar was forced off through injury.

Arsenal were dominant in possession as they went in search of a second goal, and had claims for a penalty turned down as Laurent Koscielny's cross hit Christophe Berra on the arm.

They started to turn their dominance into chances with van Persie forcing a good save from Hennessey with a free-kick before Mertesacker's header was brilliantly stopped by the Welshman.

The game threatened to turn nasty as Alex Song was put into the book for kicking Fletcher before catching Hunt high on the shin, and Thomas Vermaelen tangled with Roger Johnson.

Minutes later, referee Stuart Attwell produced a very harsh red card for Milijas.

The midfielder lost control of the ball and slid in one-footed with his leg on the floor, winning the ball in the process, with Mikel Arteta making the most of the contact.

Substitute Andrey Arshavin almost found the top corner with a toe-poked effort with 10 minutes to go, but his effort slid past the post.

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Berbatov linked with Leverkusen

Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen are keen on signing Dimitar Berbatov from Manchester United.

The German club have already been in touch with the player, a representative from the CSKA-AS-23 agency has said.

When asked by Bild about the rumours linking the Bulgarian striker with his former club, Ivan Dobrinov, a member of the group that represents Berbatov, confirmed the link.

"It's more than a rumour. Leverkusen have it on their minds to get Berbatov," he said.

"There is contact, but nothing concrete yet. It all depends on United's plans."

Berbatov, 30, has made just 14 appearances for United this season, and has a contract that is set to expire in the summer.

He has long been linked with moves away from Old Trafford, but according to Dobrinov, has a special fondness for the club where he played from 2001-06.

"The player has never forgotten Leverkusen, the club is still very dear to him. Furthermore, he has a good relationship with the leadership at Bayer."

Leverkusen CEO Wolfgang Holzhauser said he has been in touch with Berbatov, but said that a deal is still far from complete.

"I would even say that the contact is friendly," he said.

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Enrique:I deserve a chance´ for Spain

Liverpool's Jose Enrique wants a chance to prove his worth in the Spanish national team ahead of Euro 2012.

The left-back has impressed at Anfield since joining from Newcastle United at the start of the season, but has so far failed to feature for his country at senior level.

The 25-year-old is eager to receive the recognition of Spain coach Vicente del Bosque, and believes playing for an established club such as Liverpool should aid his goal of gaining a Euro 2012 call-up.

"I think I deserve a chance," Enrique told Marca. "I think that just for the fact that I've managed to play for a team like Liverpool, they should be thinking of me."

Valencia full-back Jordi Alba is currently first choice for the position, and Enrique was quick to note that the 22-year-old "is doing a very good job" for the national side.

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Redknapp to do big signing in the January transfers

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is looking to 'send out a message' with a high-profile signing in the January transfer window.

Spurs brought in Emmanuel Adebayor on loan from Manchester City and West Ham United's Scott Parker over the summer, but as Tottenham look to push for a top-three finish and a Champions League place, their manager is hoping to bring in a stellar name.

Redknapp believes that with the club in one of their brightest periods for a number of years, the time is right to spend big in the transfer market, but only if the right player is available.

"We've got to be a club looking to go places," he said.

"The potential is great here. We sell out every week, we've got good players."

"If we're going to make a signing, let's make one big signing. That would send out a message. But it's difficult finding that player who would make a difference."

Meanwhile, winger Gareth Bale is anticipating an exciting clash against Norwich City on Tuesday night, as Spurs look to tighten their grip on third place with victory at Carrow Road.

"They are not scared of anyone but we're good going forward too so it could be end-to-end," Bale said.

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PL Wrap:Stoke City 0 Aston Villa 0

Stoke City and Aston Villa played out a dour but willing 0-0 draw in their English Premier League encounter on Monday.

Both sides went close to breaking the deadlock but had to be content with a share of the spoils at the Britannia Stadium, with chances few in a first half which would have done little to excite the 27,739 in attendance.

Villa went into the match again without injured striker Darren Bent, though Emile Heskey returned after missing the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on December 21.

For Stoke, Kenwyne Jones was preferred as Tony Pulis' targetman, with Peter Crouch - chasing his 100th career league goal - unable to face his former club due to a virus.

It was Heskey who had the chance of note in the first half, smacking his header against the near-post after making good connection with Charles N'Zogbia's corner on 21 minutes.

Brad Guzan was called upon at the other end when he got down smartly to smother the ball before Jones could pull the trigger.

Heskey was replaced by young forward Nathan Delfouneso after experiencing Achilles pain, and the 20-year-old went close for Villa eight minutes after the re-start when the lively Gabriel Agbonlahor cut back to a dangerous position in the area.

Delfouneso made reasonable contact but could not beat Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen, who made himself big to keep his former club from breaking the deadlock.

Robert Huth headed wide for Stoke shortly after the hour mark as they upped their attacking intent, while Villa winger N'Zogbia rounded makeshift Stoke right-back Jon Woodgate with ease but fired his right-foot shot into the side netting.

Stoke nearly pinched the win on 69 minutes after Mark Wilson's powerful header from a Matthew Etherington corner needed a goal-line clearance from Agbonlahor, but the two sides could not be split when referee Mark Clattenburg called time just over 20 minutes later.

The result leaves Stoke eighth on the table, while Aston Villa stay 12th.

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Sunderland faces draw against Everton

Leighton Baines scored a second-half penalty as Everton claimed a point in a 1-1 draw at Sunderland on Monday.

Jack Colback was introduced after just 21 minutes in place of the injured Titus Bramble and five minutes later the Sunderland midfielder opened the scoring.

But six minutes after half-time, Baines converted a dubious spot-kick to ensure both sides shared the spoils at the Stadium of Light.

Australian Tim Cahill has not scored for over a year for Everton but he came close twice in the first 15 minutes, with Sunderland shot-stopper Keiran Westwood denying him on both occasions.

Louis Saha also missed an early header before Bramble limped off with injury, forcing Martin O'Neill to reshuffle his pack as Kieran Richardson moved to left-back, allowing Colback to play in midfield.

And it was the new introduction who bagged the game's first goal when he turned Stephane Sessegnon's pass into the back of the net, via a Sylvain Distin deflection.

Everton's Royston Drenthe attempted an audacious effort from distance just after but it flew wide as Sunderland went into the break with their lead intact.

O'Neill's side needed another change when Craig Gardner replaced Phil Bardsley at right-back for the start of the second half and proceedings were quickly levelled.

Referee Howard Webb pointed to the spot after Leon Osman fell to the ground with Wes Brown and Lee Cattermole closing in, but replays showed he had taken a piece of turf off the pitch as he kicked the ground and dropped to his knees.

Everton were not complaining though and Baines dispatched the penalty for his third goal of the season.

A Richardson corner nearly flew straight in while Saha almost headed in an own goal as Sunderland looked for a quick response.

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard nearly spilled a cross over the line late on, but that was as good as it got in the dying stages for the hosts.

The match petered out in the final stages and both sides were happy with a point that pulls them further away from the relegation zone.

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United thrashed Wigan 5-0

Dimitar Berbatov's hat-trick helped Manchester United crush a 10-man Wigan side for a fifth successive league win.

Park Ji-Sung opened the scoring after eight minutes following a thrilling run by Patrice Evra, before striker Conor Sammon was sent off for elbowing Michael Carrick near the half-time interval.

Berbatov opened his account in the 41st minute, before a fine turn from saw him notch United's third in the 58th minute and then Antonio Valencia buried a fantastic long-range strike on 75 minutes.

Three minutes later the Bulgarian striker scored from the penalty spot to round off his three-goal tally, awarded for a foul by Antonio Alcaraz on Park on the edge of the area.

Evra forged the breakthrough in the eighth minute beating multiple defenders before pulling back to Park, who, with little space, aimed a clinical finish into the corner of the net.

Wigan almostcreated an equaliser against the run of play, with Ronnie Stam finding space to cross from the right, but Sammon failed to connect with his head.

United were on top as the half-hour mark approached, and Nani nearly doubled the hosts advantage when he dispatched a free-kick just past the post from an excellent central position.

Again on the counter, Wigan put together some quick combinations outside the penalty area ending with Sammon receiving the ball on the edge of the box with his back to goal, yet the Irishman could only a muster a tame shot on the turn that was easily saved.

A terrible two minutes for the visitors then began when Sammon was harshly red-carded for what referee Phil Dowd judged was an attempted elbow on Carrick.

The blow was compounded when Berbatov immediately capitalised, displaying strength and technique to take the ball away from the clutches of Alcaraz and finish stylishly past the helpless Ali Al-Habsi.

United brought on youngster Zeki Fryers for Jonny Evans at half-time while Wigan turned to Franco di Santo to recreate the focal point in attack that Sammon's dismissal had left.

Midfielder David Jones made an admirable attempt to pull one back when Wigan were awarded a free-kick from 25 yards out, but his left-footed effort flew past Anders Lindegaard's post.

United extended their lead just before the hour with Berbatov displaying a delightful spin on the ball to take Gary Caldwell out of the equation before slotting home.

It did not take too much longer for the rampant hosts to score again, with Carrick's simple pass supplying Valencia on the right following a Wigan clearance.

The Ecuadorian took one touch before rifling into the far corner in style to compound his former club's misery.

Things then went from bad to worse for Wigan when Alcaraz was adjudged to have fouled Park in the area.

The penalty was awarded despite the Paraguayan's insistence that the offence occurred outside the box, and Berbatov wrong-footed Al-Habsi to seal his hat-trick.

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Newcastle beat Bolton 2-0

Newcastle United got their first three points in seven games thanks to a 2-0 victory over a disappointing Bolton on Boxing Day.

The defeat at the Reebok Stadium leaves Owen Coyle's side just one point ahead of bottom side Blackburn, while Newcastle stay seventh.

The game awakened in the last 20 minutes of the tie, with Hatem Ben Arfa finally opening the scoring after coming on from the bench, before Bolton's fate was sealed as Demba Ba poked in a second two minutes later.

A scrappy first-half saw little goal action from either side, with a couple of almost identical free-kicks the only highlights of a boorish 45 minutes.

Ryan Taylor and Mark Davies fired set-pieces for their respective outfits, with the opposing goalkeepers making smart saves to stop the efforts.

The second period of the game looked to mirror the first, with the exception of Newcastle seemingly getting closer to getting an opener.

Bolton looked to have no attacking spirit at all and were punished on 69 minutes as a great run from Ryan Taylor allowed the full-back to whip the ball in for substitute Ben Arfa to blast past Jaaskelainen, giving goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen no chance of getting to his low powerful effort.

Just two minutes later the Magpies had doubled their lead. A good run on the other side from Gabriel Obertan saw the Frenchman cross the ball in front of goal and onto the toe of Ba, who held off a defender to glance the ball into the top left corner of the net.

The hosts remained a desperate outfit looking for the slightest sniff on goal, but a lack of positive movement and uninspiring substitutions saw Bolton succumb to their 14th defeat from 18 matches this season.

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