Sunderland may not be in trophy-winning form this season, but their victory in the always-eventful 'sack race' may prove to be a blessing in disguise.

After looking tame and lacking confidence for much of this campaign under Steve Bruce, with a paltry 11 points from 14 matches their return, new club chairman Ellis Short felt the club needed to go in a new direction.

Norwich star 'hit by racist Twitter abuse'

Police called in over messages sent to striker James Vaughan

View the full story here: The Mirror

A news article on 2011-11-21 20:41:51 from: The Mirror

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.

Liverpool and Norwich will both look to build on some encouraging recent results when they lock horns at Anfield on Saturday evening. Kenny Dalglish's Reds have bounced back from a couple of defeats in September to re-establish themselves in fifth place in the Premier League. Having beaten Wolves and Merseyside rivals Everton, they drew 1-1 with Manchester United last Saturday after being pegged back by Javier Hernandez's equalizer.

Norwich City make their first trip to Anfield since the 2004-2005 season, currently situated ninth in the Premier League and winners of three of their last four. Each of the newly promoted sides have impressed this season, but the Canaries are the top of the heap thus far. Liverpool have strung together seven points from their last three and will hope to continue their string of positive performances in what could potentially be a very tricky match.

Little introduction needed for tomorrow's match, which marks the 216th Merseyside Derby. Last season's encounter at Goodison was farcical from a Liverpool perspective, with the hosts dominating the match and deservedly earning a 2-0 victory that sent the Reds into the bottom three. Thankfully fortunes have changed, but what's sure to be the same is the fiery temperament that's come to be associated with the match-up, especially in recent years.

By Alan Duffy

Owen Coyle's Bolton lost again, this time at home to new-boys Norwich City, and suddenly the pressure is starting to mount on the former Republic of Ireland international.

The Canaries were already two up, courtesy of goals from Anthony Pilkington and Bradley Johnson, when striker Ivan Klasnic was sent off for a rather weak attempt at a head-butt.

For the second year in a row, Liverpool start the Premier League season at home, looking to get the first full season of Kenny Dalglish's renewed reign off on the right foot. We say it every year, regardless of the action during the summer this is what we've all been waiting for. The transfer deadline keeps a bit of nonsense around until the end of August, but we're ever closer to having a singular focus on the Premier League season, and that's about as good as it gets.

Quick Reminder, Real Life The beginning of last season was OK but the real damage was done in the second half. After losing 2-0 at home to Pompey on December 11th, Norwich only lost one more match for the rest of the season (@ fellow promoted side Swansea City in early April. Not bad for a team in their first year back in the Championship.

The summer transfer market window is now open as teams look at adjust their squads ahead of the new summer. The summer transfer window will end on 31 August. Here is a list of all the confirmed Premier League deals during this transfer window.

Updated August 12
Arsenal
Incoming:
Alex Chamberlain(£15m)
Gervinho (undisc.

The FIFA corruption investigation has reached its most prominent target.

President Sepp Blatter is now under investigation by FIFA for reportedly looking the other way at alleged bribes paid to Caribbean voters and not reporting the indiscretion despite knowing about it.

Everton striker Victor Anichebe signed a new four-and-a-half year contract last week for the Toffees, and now he is talking about his future with the club and how his injury-plagued career has helped put things in perspective for him.

"I am 22 now and 17 seems a long time ago. I am not really one to dwell on the past.

UPDATE: According to Everton's official website, Everton have loaned out striker James Vaughan to Crystal Palace for the rest of the season with the option of making the deal permanent in the summer.

September 16th, 2010: According to Ian Doyle at the Daily Post, Everton striker James Vaughan admitted that he would not mind extending his loan with Crystal Palace.

Everton striker James Vaughan has been loaned back to Crystal Palace for the remainder of the season. After Vaughan began this season on a three month loan, the striker is headed back to help keep Crystal Palace in the second tier.

The 22-year-old made 14 appearances, scoring five goals during his brief Championship spell.

+ Jan. 17, 2011 - Glenn Loovens to leave Celtic?
+ Jan. 17, 2011 - Celtic now after Everton's James Vaughan