Motherwell captain O’Donnell dies
Premier League round-up
Namibia coach passes away
Motherwell midfielder Phil O’Donnell has died after collapsing during his side’s 5-3 win over Dundee United at Fir Park. O’Donnell collapsed to the ground as he was about to be substituted and received five minutes’ treatment before being stretchered to an ambulance. The 35-year-old - who also played for Sheffield Wednesday and Celtic as well as winning one cap for Scotland - died after going to hospital.
Motherwell manager Mark McGhee said:
“I don’t want to say anything more than how devastated everyone at the club is for his wife and his young children. That’s what we are all feeling tonight, nothing else matters. Obviously from the club’s point of view we’ll gather round to give his family as much support as they need.”
Motherwell’s match with Hibernian on January 2 has been postponed as a mark of respect.
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Arsenal moved back to the top of the Premier League after a 1-4 victory over Everton at Goodison Park. Top spot was available after Manchester United lost 2-1 against West Ham United at Upton Park. The Red Devils took the lead on 14 minutes through Cristiano Ronaldo but he also contrived to miss a second-half penalty before the home side took control. Substitute Anton Ferdinand headed home after 77 minutes and eight minutes from time Matthew Upson scored the winner with a firm header. West Ham have now beaten Alex Ferguson’s men in the last three league meetings.
Elsewhere, Dimitar Berbatov scored four goals as Tottenham Hotspur beat Reading 6-4 at White Hart Lane, Sunderland jump out of the relegation zone with a 3-1 home win over Bolton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic replace the Black Cats in the bottom three after a 1-2 defeat by Aston Villa at the JJB Stadium, Chelsea beat Newcastle United 2-1 a Stamford Bridge courtesy off a controversial 87th minute strike from Kalou who appeared to be yards offside, Fulham’s Hameur Bouazza was sent-off but the West Londoners held on for a 1-1 draw with Birmingham City at St Andrews and Portsmouth’s goalless home streak continued as Tuncay Sanli helped Middlesbrough to a 0-1 success at Fratton Park.
On a sad day for football, it was also announced that Namibia coach Ben Bamfuchile has died following a short illness. Bamfuchile, 47, died in his home country of Zambia on Thursday night.
Nathan Davies