Wenger paints a European picture

Arsene Wenger believes the unquenchable thirst for money among top clubs will lead to a European League being formed in 10 years time.

The Arsenal boss flew in to Glasgow today for the first leg of the Champions League play against Celtic tomorrow night and claimed that there was no financial pressure on him to get to the group stages of the competition.

However, in the context of discussing whether Celtic or Rangers would be a welcome addition to the Barclays Premier League, Wenger expanded his views on the future of the game.

And in doing so, the Frenchman claimed greed could eventually put an end to the Champions League.

"I believe you have two parts of Scottish club football; you have Rangers and Celtic and then the rest," the Frenchman said.

"I would say that Celtic and Rangers could compete, certainly, in the Premier League in the top eight. "The other teams at the moment are not equipped for that.

"But I see more of a European League developing in time anyway. "The national leagues will survive, but maybe in 10 years you will have a European League.

"The way we are going now financially, even the money coming in from the Champions League for some clubs who spend so much money will not be enough anymore because the income is basically owned by UEFA and they distribute the money to the clubs.

"I'm not sure 100% that I am right, but I feel that there are some voices behind the scenes in our game aiming to do something about a European league, especially if the rules become too restrictive for the big clubs as things currently stand."

Wenger continued: "If a European league (does happen) the question is whether clubs will transfer from a national league or whether it is a franchised European league.

"That's the question people will have to answer.

"I personally believe only in sporting merit, so if one league is created there has to be promotion up and down. "But that would be, practically, very difficult to resolve.

"I do not want to kill the national leagues so each team should have to play in the national league and in Europe.

"That means the Euro league taking place in midweek and the national league over the weekend.

"All this would mean having two teams, basically."

Super six for joyful Wenger

Arsene Wenger basked in the glory of Arsenal's 6-1 win at Everton and insisted they are aiming to prove their critics wrong.

And while Wenger was purring over the performances of Cesc Fabregas and co at Goodison Park, Everton chief David Moyes said he "took responsibility for the performance" by his own side.

Everton slumped to their worst home defeat since 1958, with Fabregas scoring twice in the second half adding to first period efforts from Denilson, William Gallas and new boy Thomas Vermaelen.

Substitute Eduardo got the sixth in injury-time, before Louis Saha grabbed a consolation for Everton.

Wenger said: "I was surprised by the result, especially at Goodison. Everton were not at the level we usually face. The international week clearly disrupted them and their preparation.

"But we showed cohesion, attitude, team spirit and desire to play together, all these things were the reasons that we won.

"We have lost two good players, two great players (in Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor) in the summer to Manchester City, but when great players leave that allows space for other players to come in and prove they are good enough.

"People have been writing us off. But what is important is not what others say, but what we do.

"From being told we were not competitive before the game to now being told we are super-favourites is strange. But it is right to say that this is just the first game and we aim to continue to give our best.

"We have matured and this is a good basis to continue like that and to show what we want to do.

"Before the game we were seemingly being ruled out by everybody, and now we have won 6-1 there are two very big extremes.

"We are told we do not have the squad, well we want to show that we do have the squad."

He added: "Everton were not at their usual standards. But we did take every chance that came our way in the first half. They seemed flat, physically, usually their energy level is very high.

"That was not there and we were able to dominate physically from the start."

Everton boss Moyes, furious ahead of the game with Manchester City's conduct in their battle to sign Joleon Lescott, again dismissed claims from City boss Mark Hughes the deal was still on.

He said: "There is no deal, is there? And I have said often enough that Everton are not selling."

Moyes added: "We need to do better, I need to do better and coach them better to make sure we stop that happening again.

"There are no excuses for that. I take the responsibility and do better with the players that I have got.

"I have to do something about it (bringing people in). But that was virtually the cup final team, so the players have to take their responsibility to head the ball out of the box, mark people and go with runners at set-pieces.

"These things should be their basics. Things we should be doing naturally.

"There was too much wrong to mention. It was a disappointing result and it has knocked our confidence."

Arsenal skipper Fabregas revealed he had dedicated his two goals to his friend Daniel Jarque, the Espanyol captain who died of a heart attack recently.

Fabregas said: "He was my friend and what has happened was terrible. We were in the same under-21 side for two seasons, and his death is a great loss. I dedicate my goals to his memory."

Ancelotti wary of league strength

Carlo Ancelotti insists the Premier League title will be tougher to win than the Serie A crown.

The Italian coach guided AC Milan to Serie A success in 2004 but the quality of the opposition in the English top flight promises to provide him with a lot more obstacles.

Ancelotti will take charge of his first match at Stamford Bridge when the Blues face Hull City in the lunchtime kick-off tomorrow.

Ancelotti remains unbeaten since taking over from interim coach Guus Hiddink but the pre-season niceties will be dispensed when the real action gets under way.

Chelsea will face a gritty Hull side who will be determined to go one better than the goalless draw they achieved at the Bridge last season.

That competitive spirit inside the Premier League caught out former boss Luiz Felipe Scolari to such an extent that he was sacked last February.

Ancelotti insists he is "not stepping into the dark" as he prepares for his first game in the English league and is equally realistic when it comes to his appraisal of the task that lies ahead.

"This is my first season outside Italy so it is a bit different, but I want to do well with my team," said Ancelotti. "I am happy, not afraid. There's no tension or pressure.

"It is new but not the unknown. I'm not in the dark. I know my team very well. I appreciate the squad over the month I've had here, and the quality of this team.

"The ambition is to remain competitive until the end of the season in all the competitions - in the FA Cup, the Premiership and the Champions League.

"We want to arrive well in March and April in all the competitions. If we have strength and the right mental attitude, we can win at the end.

"In England the championship is more competitive because, in Italy, three or four teams can win. Here I think that more teams can win the league.

"To win a season in England is not easy for any team. It's not easy for Chelsea, Liverpool or Manchester United, and also for Arsenal.

"To win here is very difficult. It's a difficult start tomorrow. We'll have to overcome difficulties in every game.

"We have to work to improve because the situation on the pitch has to be natural. Now it's not natural because some things are new for the players.

"But, with work, it will become automatic. We have to put continuity into the games. That wasn't the case in the last game - some periods of the game were very good, others not. We need to put continuity on the pitch."

Ancelotti has gathered inner resilience from the recent flurry of contract activity at Stamford Bridge.

Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba and defender Michael Mancienne - who has now joined Wolves on loan - have both signed new deals recently and the Italian now wants Ashley and Joe Cole to follow suit.

"I am happy that Didier signed a new contract because he is a very important player for this team, not only for now but for the future," said Ancelotti.

"He's a very important striker who did very well for the team and will do very well for the team.

"We spoke with Mancienne and we found a right solution for him because he needs to play games. He will be a Chelsea player for the future.

"Didier is a top striker. I don't know in the standings, but he is a top striker like Fernando Torres and Emmanuel Adebayor.

"I'm hopeful that Ashley and Joe will stay with us. For sure. This is the opinion of the club."

Tsonga knocks out Federer

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga battled back from 5-1 down in the deciding set to beat a stunned Roger Federer in the last eight at the Rogers Cup.

The Frenchman beat the world number one 7-6 (7/5) 1-6 7-6 (7/3) in two hours and 19 minutes in Montreal.

He will play Andy Murray in the last four after the Scot made short work of Nikolay Davydenko, beating the Russian 6-2 6-4 earlier.

Tsonga took the first set on a tie break after saving two break points, but Federer looked on course for victory when he raced through the second for the loss of just one game and moved 5-1 ahead in the third.

The seventh seed dug deep to reel off five straight games though, and had three match points at 6-5 and 40-0 against the Federer serve, only for the Swiss to save them all.

Tsonga was not to be denied in the tie-break, as Federer handed him victory with an uncharacteristic double fault.

Earlier Murray capitalised on the catalogue of errors by Davydenko, who had gone into the game on a 12-match winning streak, to claim victory in one hour and 21 minutes.

Murray converted all four of his break points, the last in the final game of the match when Davydenko went long with yet another unforced error.

The Scot dropped his serve once in the opening set, but that was to prove the only impact his opponent made.

"The start was important," Murray said afterwards on Sky Sports Xtra.

"When he broke me back in the first set it was important for stay strong there because he was actually making quite a lot of mistakes in the first set and I didn't want to let him back in, let him get into a rhythm.

"I felt pretty comfortable after the first set. My serve was helping me out, I didn't give him many chances in the second set.

"It's very difficult playing against him. He stands so close to the baseline, he hits the ball really hard and flat, you need to be on the defensive a lot against him. I managed to defend well and use my slice to change the pace of the ball."

The quarter-final line-up at Montreal featured the top eight players in the world, with Andy Roddick taking on Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin Del Potro playing Rafael Nadal in the other two last-eight matches.

Real deny Ronaldo has swine flu

Real Madrid have officially confirmed new signing Cristiano Ronaldo has not contracted swine flu.

The club insists Ronaldo has contracted the normal strain of flu.

Rumours had persisted over Ronaldo's health after the winger pulled out of Portugal's midweek game against Liechtenstein because of the illness.

There were speculation that Ronaldo contracted swine flu during the club's tour of the United States.

Having played a few minutes against DC United with the symptoms, fears were raised that he could have spread the virus and those were heightened as he suffered on the return flight to Madrid.

But Los Merengues have issued an official denial that Ronaldo has anything other than a normal strain of flu and that he will recover in the next few days.

"The player is recovering from the common flu", Real Madrid gave a basic message to fans about the star's current condition," the statement read.

"Cristiano Ronaldo returned from Washington DC with the flu and has been told to rest at home and was prescribed medication."

Wenger believes in Gunners squad

Arsene Wenger admits he could head into the Barclays Premier League campaign with the squad he has now - and will "trust" his men to deliver.

The Gunners completed their build-up at Valencia on Saturday night, losing 2-0 in the Mestalla which was the only defeat of pre-season.

With the majority of the first-team squad now set to be away on international duty - including Theo Walcott with England and youngster Jack Wilshere in the Under-21s - Wenger is keeping his fingers crossed he will have no fresh injury concerns when the players return ahead of Saturday's trip to Everton, which is set to be closely followed by the first leg of the Champions League qualifier against Celtic in Glasgow.

Moves for former captain Patrick Vieira and Bordeaux's £12million-rated Morocco striker Marouane Chamakh appear no further forwards, while Arsenal have also been linked with St Etienne midfielder Blaise Matuidi.

Defender Philippe Senderos is expected to join Everton, if a fee can be agreed, although the club will not entertain any interest in captain captain Cesc Fabregas, who has, not for the first time this summer, been linked with a transfer to Barcelona.

Wenger has complete faith in the men already at Emirates Stadium.

"Not at the moment, no," said Wenger when asked if there was any imminent news on the transfer front.

"We work always, but it would be pretentious to say that we signed anybody now before the season starts."

He told Arsenal TV Online: "I am very optimistic about the season and I am very positive about this team.

"We always have to listen to peoples' opinions, but you also have to trust what you see in the games and in training.

"Overall it was very positive preparation, and I believe we have shown quality in every game.

"It is unfortunate that now everybody goes away on international games, which is why we have to cross our fingers that everybody comes back in good shape.

"But overall, physically, everybody is ready to start."

Thomas Vermaelen is, so far, Wenger's only summer signing, with Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor and defender Kolo Toure the main departures as they joined Manchester City.

The Belgian centre-half did not feature in the final three friendlies because of a groin problem, but is expected to be available for this weekend.

"He is very close," said Wenger, who is without both injured wingers Tomas Rosicky and Samir Nasri.

"If we had wanted to take a gamble then we could have played him against Valencia, but we did not want to.

"He should be available for next weekend."

Walcott played the second half on Saturday, in what was his first appearance of pre-season having been given some extra time off following a busy summer of international football, which included the European Under-21 Championships, where England reached the final.

Wenger feels some more match against for the 20-year-old forward during Wednesday night's friendly in Holland would be beneficial.

"[England manager Fabio] Capello told me they would call him up so I am not surprised," Wenger said.

"Theo needs competition so if he plays it is good for us."

Meanwhile, Strathclyde Police have confirmed the first leg of Arsenal's Champions League play-off against Celtic will take place as originally scheduled on Tuesday August 18.

Concerns had been raised over the timing, because pop group U2 are holding a concert at Hampden Park on the same evening.

Supporters have been advised to arrive early at Celtic Park, with the gates set to open at 6.15pm.

"Strathclyde Police acknowledge that this will be a very busy time for the city, but as with any major event, public safety will be paramount," a police statement read.

"Contingencies will be in place across the whole of Strathclyde to ensure the safety of supporters and members of the public, not only for the match, but also for the U2 concert at Hampden Park.

"High-visibility policing and additional patrols in and around the city centre, together with a robust road policing plan will ensure that these events pass off safely."

Capello leaves out Owen

Manchester United striker Michael Owen has missed out on an England recall by Three Lions boss Fabio Capello.

Although Owen has not featured for his country since the friendly defeat in France nearly 18 months ago, it was thought his surprise summer switch to Manchester United might prompt a return to international duty.

However, after watching England's fourth highest goalscorer in action at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, when Owen drew a blank in United's 2-0 win over Valencia, Capello has left him out of his squad to face Holland in Amsterdam on Wednesday.

Instead, Owen's Red Devils team-mate Wayne Rooney is joined by Emile Heskey, Jermain Defoe and Carlton Cole to form a four-man English strikeforce.

That means there is also no place for Peter Crouch, even though the Tottenham new boy was part of the England side that overwhelmed Andorra on their last outing at Wembley.

The other surprise absentee is David James.

James has been regarded as Capello's first-choice goalkeeper and was expected to return after missing the World Cup wins against Kazakhstan and Andorra after undergoing shoulder surgery.

However, even though James was part of the Portsmouth side that tackled Rangers this afternoon, he is missing from Capello's squad even though Ben Foster, who also sat out the June double-header because of a thumb operation, is in, along with Robert Green and Paul Robinson.

David Beckham will make the flight back from Los Angeles in order to take part, while James Milner gets a place in the senior ranks, although he seems unlikely to start in the Amsterdam Arena.

England Squad:

Foster (Manchester United), Green (West Ham), Robinson (Blackburn); Bridge (Manchester City), A Cole (Chelsea), Ferdinand (Manchester United), Johnson (Liverpool), Lescott (Everton), Terry (Chelsea), Upson (West Ham); Barry (Manchester City), Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), Carrick (Manchester United), Gerrard (Liverpool), Lampard (Chelsea), Milner (Aston Villa), Walcott (Arsenal), Wright-Phillips (Manchester City), Young (Aston Villa); Cole (West Ham), Heskey (Aston Villa), Rooney (Manchester United), Defoe (Tottenham).

Ferdinand fit for Chelsea clash

Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand believes he is in rude health going into the Community Shield against Chelsea at Wembley.

Ferdinand has been pleased to come through pre-season untroubled after a calf injury curtailed his preparations for the Champions League final.

He was sidelined for three weeks after sustaining the problem in the semi-final victory against Arsenal.

Ferdinand reappeared in the European Cup showdown with Barcelona, only to end up on the losing side.

The bitter disappointment of failing to retain the trophy, however, has been replaced by a feeling of well-being ahead of the new season.

United face newly-promoted Birmingham at Old Trafford on Sunday week in their first game.

And Ferdinand said: "I am fine, there are no problems. I have not missed any training sessions this pre-season, not missed any games and played a lot of minutes.

"I am delighted and feeling good. Long may that continue this season.

"The club have been really good. I've had rest and maintenance, a good pre-season tour and training. That's the most important thing. "

United are aiming for a fourth straight title and Ferdinand insists the club can continue to grow despite the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid.

The England star is not fazed by the winger's exit and added: "We have been here before.

"A lot of us have been around a few years and seen so many come through the doors and go.

"This club moves on from any individual coming and going and that's the same in this instance.

"The team is more important than one single player. That has always been the case and will always remain."

Alonso had sights on new challenge

Xabi Alonso bade Liverpool farewell after his move to Real Madrid, but admitted he had been "determined" to leave for some time.

Alonso was presented as a Real Madrid player last night after signing a five-year contract at the Bernabeu.

The Basque midfielder joins Madrid from Liverpool for around £30million and was unveiled at the stadium.

The 27-year-old Spain international arrived in the capital after a fee was agreed between Liverpool and Real.

Alonso then underwent various tests and met his new team-mates for training.

The midfielder is Madrid's eighth summer signing, taking the Primera Division giants' spending to more than £220million in only two months.

Madrid president Florentino Perez has brought in Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Raul Albiol, Esteban Granero, Alvaro Arbeloa, Alvaro Negredo and Karim Benzema as he attempts to build a team capable of challenging Barcelona's treble winners.

"It's a very happy day for me," said Alonso. "It's an important step in my career to come to a club like Real Madrid.

"I'm very happy to be part of this club and I was very excited for this day to arrive.

"It's the best opportunity for me to develop as a footballer."

The transfer sees Alonso return to Spain after five years away from his homeland.

And, while he enjoyed his time on Merseyside, the former Real Sociedad player admitted he decided before the end of the season the time was right to move on.

"I am very grateful to Liverpool fans, they were very warm during my five years," he continued. "It will be really difficult to match their appreciation.

"I really enjoyed those five years.

"But a few months ago I took that decision as I thought it was the right moment to find a fresh challenge, to look for a new club.

"That's when Real Madrid came along. Luckily a deal has been done and I'm very happy.

"It is a personal challenge I felt is necessary for my football career."

The transfer was one of the most protracted deals of the summer but Alonso claims he always believed he would be at the Bernabeu before the start of the season.

"I didn't have all the cards in my hand but I was confident," he said. "A while back I became determined to leave.

"The end result was what I wished for, here I am and I am very happy."

Reports suggest Alonso's relationship with Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez disintegrated after he professed his desire to leave.

However, Alonso insists he has nothing but respect for his former boss.

"I have repeated over and over again that the relationship was a professional one, of mutual respect, a normal one between coach and player," he said.

"I respect him and thank him for the opportunity he gave me.

"The goodbyes were quite brief, everything happened very quickly and I didn't have time to say goodbye properly.

"I want to return to say goodbye to my team-mates and Rafa.

"As everything was very quick I hardly had time so as soon as I can I will say goodbye as I should have done."

Juve’s Poulsen may be Anfield bound

Liverpool have contacted Juventus regarding the possible transfer of midfielder Christian Poulsen.

Danish international Poulsen moved to Juventus from Sevilla for 9 million Euros last year, but the Italian outfit seem set to let him leave this summer after the arrival of Felipe Melo from Fiorentina.

Liverpool are undoubtedly searching for a replacement for Xabi Alonso, whose move to Real Madrid has been confirmed pending a medical, and while reports suggested Alberto Aquilani had been lined up, Sky Sports News today claimed that the Reds have contacted Juventus with regards to Poulsen.

Liverpool have also been linked with highly rated Standard Liege midfielder Steven Defour as an Alonso replacement, but with Poulsen's name entering the fray it remains to be seen whether that move will go through.

Fulham and Everton have also been identified as prospective buyers for the 29-year-old, but Liverpool will certainly be favourites to snap up the Dane if he does move to the Premier League.

Man United take a look at Linus Sjoberg

Manchester United have handed a trial to Swedish youngster Linus Sjoberg.

For some time the Red Devils have tended to look to the overseas market for young talent, believing the current FA academy rules on travelling time are restrictive.

Sjoberg, 15, was spotted by United's Scandinavian scouting network and is expected to link up with the club on trial later this summer.

"You have to be cautious dealing with the social and footballing parts as the social environment is important when you are younger," agent Martin Klette told Fotbollskanalen.

"There are both good and bad foreign clubs, as there are good and bad Swedish clubs.

"People have a tendency to focus on younger players that have had problems abroad and forget that there are very good clubs to grow in abroad."

Redknapp denies Bassong bid

Harry Redknapp has rubbished reports that Tottenham have submitted a bid for Newcastle defender Sebastien Bassong.

Reports emerged on Sunday that Newcastle had rejected a £10million bid from Spurs after the club's chief scout watched the 23-year-old Frenchman in action in the friendly at home to Leeds in midweek.

Redknapp is likely to be in the market for a defender with Jonathan Woodgate and Michael Dawson set to miss the start of the season through injury while Ledley King has yet to kick a ball this summer.

But, speaking in Hong Kong following Tottenham's 2-0 defeat to South China in an exhibition match, Redknapp denied the club have made a bid for Bassong.

"It is not true. Not since I have been here," he said.

"He is a player that I was interested in. I like Bassong, he is a young player with a good future and a good central defender.

"I don't think we have made an offer as far as I know. I am sure the chairman has not made an offer."

Tottenham's defeat at the Hong Kong stadium was their first in the Far East this summer after they beat Premier League rivals West Ham and Hull last week to win the Barclays Asia Trophy in Beijing.

With the game being Spurs' fourth in the space of a week Redknapp fielded several young players, although sprung something of a surprise at half-time by bringing Robbie Keane into central midfield.

With Tottenham able to boast Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko in attack as well as Keane, it may appear he is considering an alternative position to accommodate the Republic of Ireland captain.

"I brought him on at half-time as JJ (Jermaine Jenas) had a bit of an injury and I didn't want to push him too far," added Redknapp.

"Robbie came on, he played in there but he is a good player and he can play several positions.

"He is a good player. He is always enthusiastic and he loves to play wherever he is asked to play."

Spurs now head back to England following a busy few weeks but Redknapp believes the intense schedule will prove beneficial for the players come the start of the season.

"It has been tough but we go home now and have a break this week while even next week in the last friendly before the start of the season I won't take chances with many of the players because a lot have international games before the Liverpool game," he said.

"I changed things around an awful lot (today) and gave the ones who haven't played a game a chance. It was a good experience for the younger players as they had not played on this trip."

Friendlies: Premier League Clubs

A review of Saturday's friendlies involving Premier League sides, action that saw Arsenal win while Chelsea and Manchester City drew.

Andrey Arshavin emerged off the bench to score twice as Arsenal secured a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in the Emirates Cup.

Arshavin looked to have won the game when he guided home with five minutes remaining, although their Spanish counterparts replied immediately though German Pacheco.

Just when it looked like being a frustrating day's work for Arsene Wenger's men at the Emirates, Arshavin squeezed the ball home from a virtually impossible angle to snatch the victory.

The competition had earlier got off to a tepid opening as Clydesdale Bank Premier League champions Rangers beat Paris St Germain 1-0 thanks to a scrappy winner from defender Madjid Bougherra.

The four-team tournament began with a minute's applause for Sir Bobby Robson, who died on Friday, aged 76.

The tribute to the former England manager was immaculate with the travelling Scottish fans joining in enthusiastically.

But the football served up by both sides was, for much of the game, typical of a pre-season affair.

The Scottish champions finally broke the deadlock in the 75th minute when a corner from Pedro Mendes was headed into the net by defender Bougherra via the underside of the crossbar and the back of Claude Makelele.

Kolo Toure hobbled out of his Manchester City debut after an hour as Mark Hughes' side played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at Barnsley.

City enjoyed long periods of dominance but substitute Daniel Bogdanovic was allowed room chase down a long ball and fire past Shay Given with seven minutes remaining, before Martin Petrov grabbed an 88th minute equaliser.

Toure was withdrawn following a tangle defending a Barnsley corner, but didn't appear to be in great discomfort as he departed down the tunnel.

Two goals in the final two minutes saw Chelsea fightback to earn a 2-2 draw with Reading at the Madejski Stadium.

A strong Chelsea team, which included the likes of Petr Cech, Ashley Cole, Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka, were behind at the break following Jimmy Kebe's strike and Scott Davies' free-kick.

Chelsea were a constant threat and the Reading defence had done well to keep the Blues at bay, but Salomon Kalou slotted home in the final minute and Reading captain Alex Pearce turned Florent Malouda's cross into his own net.

Celtic warmed up for the second leg of their Champions League qualifier against Dinamo Moscow in Russia on Wednesday in disappointing fashion as they slumped to a 2-1 friendly defeat against Sunderland.

Trailing 1-0 from Wednesday's first leg at Celtic Park, Hoops manager Tony Mowbray used this match to increase the fitness levels of his squad but he may have expected some more encouragement from the display.

Goals either side of the break from Kieran Richardson and Kenwyne Jones gave the visitors a well-deserved lead until Hoops midfielder Marc Crosas put a better spin on proceedings when he pulled a goal back.

An injury-time goal from Arnaud Mendy earned Derby a 2-2 friendly draw with Stoke.

Tony Pulis' Premier League side took the lead through Liam Lawrence's opener seven minutes in, only for Stephen Pearson to level four minutes after the break.

Ricardo Fuller then restored Stoke's lead with 25 minutes to go before Mendy again brought Nigel Clough's side back on even terms.

Marcus Tudgay's late strike helped Sheffield Wednesday recover from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with Blackburn at Hillsborough.

The Premier League club raced ahead through goals from Ryan Nelson and Jason Roberts.

Akpo Sodje reduced the Owls' arrears but Blackburn had a chance to restore their two-goal advantage when Richard Wood was penalised for a foul on Steven Nzonzi.

However, El-Hadji Diouf's tame penalty was saved by Lee Grant and the rebound was scrambled clear by the Wednesday defence.

Brian Laws' side equalised through a superb volley from Tudgay.

Nottingham Forest saw off Birmingham 2-1 to complete their pre-season programme in impressive style.

Goals from David McGoldrick and substitute Robert Earnshaw secured the victory in a game they should have won by a greater margin.

City gave themselves a lifeline with 10 minutes remaining when Lee Carsley struck goal but the hosts held on comfortably.

Burnley were beaten 2-1 by League One side Leeds in their friendly at Turf Moor.

Despite missing a number of key players to injury, Leeds went ahead through Mike Grella and extended their lead thanks to Andy Robinson's strike.

David Edgar grabbed a consolation for Burnley late on.

Wigan's preparations for the new season suffered a setback at Carrow Road as they lost 3-2 at League One Norwich - after twice being ahead.

The Latics went in front after just nine minutes through Charles N'Zogbia's cool finish, but the impressive Canaries were back on level terms before the break as Chris Martin sidefooted home Jon Otsemobor's cross after some poor defending on the right.

Wigan quickly regained the lead through Cho Won-Hee who produced a superb finish after being set up by Jason Scotland's clever pass.

But the hosts had the final word, quickly equalising through Martin's second goal of the game before grabbing a winner after 76 minutes when Simon Whaley slipped the ball past keeper Mike Pollitt.

Steve Finnan limped off on his debut for Portsmouth, who were crushed 4-0 by Benfica in their second and final match in the City of Guimaraes Trophy.

Oscar Cardoza's curling 16th-minute free-kick gave the Portuguese giants the lead and four minutes later the same player doubled the advantage when he rounded off a flowing move.

Finnan was introduced for the second half but within 25 minutes he went off injured with what appeared to be a hamstring injury and before substitute Luke Wilkinson could replace the former Liverpool defender, Benfica made it 3-0 when Weldon headed home Carlos Martin's cross.

And Benfica's emphatic victory was sealed with five minutes left when Wilkinson turned Di Maria's cross into his own net.

Davydenko eases into Croatia Open final

Nikolay Davydenko breezed into the final of Croatia Open with a 6-1 6-1 defeat of Jurgen Melzer in Umag.

The top seed never gave his Austrian opponent a sniff, overpowering him with the help of five breaks of serve.

In tomorrow's final, he will play Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero, who faced a stiffer test as he beat Andreas Seppi in the other semi.

The fifth seed looked set for a similarly easy day when he claimed the first set 6-1.

However, the second set went into a tie-breaker, which the Italian won 7-1, and the third looked to be heading the same way before Ferrero finally prevailed 6-1 6-7 (1/7) 7-5.

Davydenko, who recently returned to the world's top 10, has won two of four previous meetings against Ferrero, including their most recent encounter in Estoril this year.