Michael Owen is now “desperate” for his Stoke career to take off after making the briefest of debuts for his new club against Manchester City.

MOST of the post-match discussion was, understandably, about Robin van Persie, after the Dutchman’s double undid Stoke and helped Arsenal move up to seventh in the table.

SOMETIMES heroes have to stand up and Nikola Zigic has stood taller than most in Birmingham’s time of need. The Birmingham goal hero has overcome the doubters and become a key part of their Barclays Premier League survival battle.

Stoke have completed a £3.25m deal for Portsmouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.