PATRICK VIEIRA has every confidence Arsenal could yet salvage their own double from this season.

ALEX FERGUSON is convinced Manchester United are a match for Chelsea despite the new champions’ massive 17-point advantage.

Man Utd 1 Everton 1

DENIS IRWIN has apologised to Alex Ferguson over his reported comments linking the Manchester United boss with the Republic of Ireland coaching role.

DON GIVENS last night welcomed the return of Graham Barrett, the Arsenal striker on loan to Brighton, to Ireland’s U21 squad for their European Championship tie against Albania today (2pm).

ALEX FERGUSON is willing to write Ruud van Nistelrooy out of Manchester United's Premiership title push for the next two months to ensure he is ready for their assault on Europe.

TODAY'S kickabout between Manchester United and Shelbourne should be a lively affair but it will be nothing as fast or furious as the wrestling matches going on in the Tolka Park stands.

LIVERPOOL and Everton will be praying that the draw today does not transform the final Champions League qualifier into the most tense and dramatic Merseyside derby of all time.

GLENN HODDLE yesterday followed revelations that Leeds' £8 million-rated striker Robbie Keane is on Tottenham's shopping list by confirming his plans to delve into the transfer market.

Simon Lewis looks at the events that captured the sporting imagination during 2002.

LETHAL Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has committed his future to Manchester United until 2008 and underlined the importance of keeping Sir Alex Ferguson as manager.

GEORGE BEST’S family hit back yesterday at critics of a decision to rename Belfast City Airport after the soccer legend.

LIVERPOOL are facing a race against time to get top scorer Michael Owen fit for tomorrow’s lunchtime showdown at Manchester United.

FURIOUS Manchester United will launch a vigorous defence of under-fire duo Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo.

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger yesterday made his two most important signings of the summer as he attempted to upstage bitter rival Alex Ferguson.

FORGOTTEN man Liam Miller is itching for the chance to prove he is capable of making his Manchester United breakthrough.

JOHN MAGNIER and JP McManus have not been offered a price for their stake in Manchester United by US businessmen seeking control of the club.

PAUL SCHOLES has shrugged off Arsenal’s complaints about Manchester United’s rough tactics in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park.

BELEAGURED Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has revealed there is a 'sense of shock' around Old Trafford at Rio Ferdinand's failed missed drugs test appeal.