Aston Villa 1 Chelsea 2: This felt like a defining day in the destiny of this season’s Premier League title race.

Chelsea 3 Aston Villa 0

Tax officials in Switzerland said France has asked for information relating to a Swiss bank account held, or once held, by retired French soccer star Patrick Vieira.

Having witnessed some of the finest midfielders in the modern game play this week in the Champions League quarter-finals, it made me think about how the central midfield position has changed over the years.

To properly comprehend the full dimensions of another mind-boggling Real Madrid transfer, it is perhaps worth going back to the base of it all. Or, at least, the beginning of Florentino Perez’s first stint at the club in 2000.

Four first-phase clashes at Euro 2012 have a historical resonance, says Paul Kelly.

Ben Lyttleton on the young guns who’ll fire in Poland and the Ukraine

Manchester United will play in Norway for the first time in 10 years this August as part of their 2012/13 pre-season tour.

The ‘Why always me?’ jokes are starting to wear thin now but from the latest Mario Balotelli escapade to dealing with Carlos Tevez, Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City continue to drive on towards a first title in 44 years.

John Terry has suffered the humiliation of being stripped of the England captaincy for a second time, and he may yet be forced by circumstances to rule himself out of representing his country at Euro 2012.

CARLO ANCELOTTI has been confirmed as new coach of Paris St Germain, the club announced at the Parc des Princes yesterday.

THE only previous time Chelsea have dropped points at the DW Stadium, they went on to beat Wigan 8-0 later in the season on the way to winning the title.

UZBEK billionaire Alisher Usmanov has laid the blame for Arsenal’s failure to secure any silverware in the last six seasons squarely at the door of the club’s board.

Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov has laid the blame for Arsenal’s failure to secure any silverware in the last six seasons squarely at the door of the club’s board.

ALEX FERGUSON admits he still gets envious when he compares Manchester United’s European record to that of the continent’s other heavyweights.

Arsene Wenger praised Jack Wilshere’s offensive skills as title-chasing Arsenal sent Wolves to the bottom of the Barclays Premier League with a fine attacking display at the Emirates.

MODEL Noemie Lenoir is on the mend following her apparent suicide bid, it was disclosed yesterday.

DIDIER DROGBA provided a frank assessment of Chelsea’s Champions League exit and is only hopeful there is more to come from the current squad in the competition.

MANCHESTER CITY midfielder Patrick Vieira has admitted that he does not know how much longer his body can stand up to the rigours of playing in the Premier League.

MAYBE the spirit of Patrick Vieira lives on after all.

FLORENTINO PEREZ isn’t afraid to spend.

Chelsea captain John Terry has strongly rejected claims made by former team-mate Claude Makelele that he was in any way responsible for Jose Mourinho’s sacking in September 2007.

LASSANA DIARRA admitted the lure of Spanish giants Real Madrid was just too great to turn down after completing his “dream” switch to the Bernabeu from Portsmouth.

Cameroon international Lauren believes Real Madrid have got themselves a potential star if they complete the signing of his Portsmouth team-mate Lassana Diarra.

CHELSEA manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has bolstered his squad by signing Brazilian midfielder Mineiro until the end of the season.

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has bolstered his squad by signing Brazilian midfielder Mineiro until the end of the season.

MICHAEL BALLACK is determined to put his summer misery behind him and focus on winning silverware for Chelsea.

CHELSEA striker Nicolas Anelka has rubbished reports linking him with a return to Paris St Germain.

Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has rubbished reports linking him with a return to Paris St Germain.

Chelsea 1 Tottenham 1

MIKEL JOHN OBI is confident he can take over from Claude Makelele in the Chelsea midfield after the departure of the veteran Frenchman.

Chelsea have denied making a bid for Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o despite claims from the Cameroon international he has received offers from the Blues, Tottenham and Inter Milan.

The squad new Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari will lead into battle for domestic and European honours appeared to become clearer yesterday.

NEW Paris St Germain signing Claude Makelele insists it has long been his dream to end his career in the French capital — but believes he may continue to play for some time yet.

New Paris St Germain signing Claude Makelele insists it has long been his dream to end his career in the French capital – but believes he may continue to play for some time yet.

Former France international Claude Makelele is set to sign for Paris St Germain, the Ligue 1 club confirmed on Monday.

Frank Lampard’s future at Chelsea is under further scrutiny today after new coach Luiz Felipe Scolari made Barcelona playmaker Deco his first signing.

CHELSEA last night confirmed the signing of Portugal midfielder Deco from Barcelona.

MARRIAGE may be in the offing for Raymond Domenech, but his divorce from France’s national team should be finalised in the coming weeks after their abject showing at Euro 2008.

Lilian Thuram joined France team-mate Claude Makelele in retiring from international football after Les Bleus’ elimination from Euro 2008.

France 0 Italy 2

FRANCE v Romania. Oh dear. Let’s blame it on the weather, shall we?

Alex Ferguson insisted fate propelled his Manchester United side to a second Champions League triumph in a dramatic penalty shootout against Chelsea.

Chelsea expect defender Ashley Cole to be fit for tonight’s Champions League final against Manchester United.