Kevin de Bruyne and Raheem Sterling were on top-form as Manchester City cruised to a 4-1 Capital One Cup victory at Sunderland to end a two-game losing run in explosive fashion.

Defender Per Mertesacker accepts Arsenal only have themselves to blame for their nightmare start to the Premier League season but perhaps it was just what the squad needed to refocus for the battles ahead.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger challenged his side to quickly recover from a 2-0 defeat in their opening Barclays Premier League match at home to West Ham and not allow it to derail ambitions for the season ahead.

West Ham had their recent poor disciplinary record laid bare again on Thursday as both defender James Collins and manager Slaven Bilic were sent off in a 2-2 draw with Astra Giurgiu.

Now that the dust has settled on the January winter transfer window, a number of clubs hoping to have made the signings that will make the difference for them between now and May.

Deadline Day Moves in Bold

Mauro Zarate has pledged to "show what I can do" to West Ham boss Sam Allardyce after completing his loan move to QPR.

All the team news from around the grounds ahead of Week 16 in the Premier League - more to follow as it comes in.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce passed up the opportunity to sign Swansea forward Wilfried Bony – with Andy Carroll brought in instead.

Everton 2 West Ham 1

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce was “baffled” by the decision which handed Everton their opening goal in the 2-1 win at Goodison Park.

Chelsea beat 10-man West Brom today to strengthen their grip at the top of the Premier League and also set a club record for starting the campaign with an unbeaten 12-game run.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has been left counting the cost of the international break as both striker Diafra Sakho and midfielder Stewart Downing are doubts for the Barclays Premier League trip to Everton.

All the team news from around the grounds ahead of Week 10 in the Premier League - more to follow as it comes in.

Defender Martin Skrtel returned for Liverpool at West Ham after recovering from a knee injury.

West Ham have announced the signing of Barcelona midfielder Alex Song on a season-long loan.

Summer signing Mauro Zarate volleyed a debut goal in West Ham's 3-1 Premier League victory at Crystal Palace today to ease the pressure on manager Sam Allardyce.

Premier League team news for 3pm kick-offs.

West Ham joint chairman David Sullivan has revealed the club have made a number of offers for strikers as they target cover for the injury-enforced absence of Andy Carroll.

Didier Drogba said he couldn’t turn down the chance to work with Jose Mourinho again after agreeing a one-year deal at Chelsea yesterday.

West Ham have announced the signing of Pachuca striker Enner Valencia on a five-year contract, with the Ecuador international awaiting a work permit to complete the deal.

West Ham have taken steps to improve their style of play by appointing former Hammers and England striker Teddy Sheringham as the club’s new attacking coach.

REAL MADRID made it two wins from two in Champions League Group D with a clinical dismissal of Ajax at the Bernabeu last night.

ARSENE WENGER lost another battle to keep one of his star players at Arsenal yesterday after an agreement was reached to allow Samir Nasri to join Manchester City.

Arsene Wenger lost another battle to keep one of his star players at Arsenal today after an agreement was reached to allow Samir Nasri to join Manchester City.

Defender Dorin Goian scored the only goal as Palermo shocked Serie A leaders AC Milan to win 1-0 in the San Siro.

Lazio coach Edy Reja has brushed aside reports linking Mauro Zarate with a move to Juventus or any other club before the end of the transfer window.

Lazio president Claudio Lotito does not consider it a failure the club did not secure the services of Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz.

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho has expressed his disbelief that Roma captain Francesco Totti escaped severe punishment for the provocative gestures he made at fans of relegation-threatened Lazio on Sunday.

BARCELONA slumped to their first Primera Division defeat of the season last night, going down 2-1 at Atletico Madrid.

Inter Milan 1 Lazio 2

Lazio beat Sampdoria 6-5 in a penalty shootout to win the Coppa Italia tonight after the sides had drawn 1-1 after extra-time.

Chile international Carlos Villanueva is close to joining Blackburn, according to his agent.

Birmingham 4 Blackburn 1

Birmingham central defender Radhi Jaidi has admitted the stakes could not be higher as he prepares to “go to war” in tomorrow’s crucial clash at relegation rivals Fulham.

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish made three changes from the side thrashed 5-1 by Aston Villa for the home clash with Liverpool.

MARTIN O’NEILL raised more than a few eyebrows when he purchased Ashley Young for £9 million (€11.4m) just over a year ago, but the doubters have suddenly fallen silent.

Birmingham City will give late fitness tests to striker James McFadden and midfielder Sebastian Larsson before manager Alex McLeish finalises his side for Sunday’s derby at Aston Villa.

Birmingham 1 Everton 1

Wigan 2 Birmingham City 0

Mauro Zarate’s agent has hinted that the Argentinian striker could remain on loan at Birmingham for another season.