Former Tottenham captain Dave Mackay dies, aged 80

The north Londoners have paid tribute to the man George Best described as "the hardest man I have ever played against"

Tottenham have announced that former captain Dave Mackay has passed away at the age of 80.

The former Scotland international won the Double for Spurs in 1961 and also led Derby to the league title as manager.

Mackay won 22 caps for Scotland, scoring four times, and was once described by George Best as “hardest man I have ever played against and certainly the bravest”.

Mackay joined Spurs from Hearts, where he won the league and both cups and the north Londoners have paid tribute to their former skipper.

“We were saddened to hear of the death of our former captain Dave Mackay who passed away at the Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham on Monday 2 March. He was 80,” it read.

“He was a superb player who possessed all the technique, passing ability and talent to be the complete footballer.

“He was the heart-beat of our 1961 ‘Double’ side, was then a key member of the team that retained the FA Cup the following season and, although injury kept him out of our 1963 European Cup Winners’ Cup final triumph, he had played a vital role in getting us there.

“He formed a marvellous midfield combination with Danny Blanchflower and, when the Northern Ireland international left us in 1964, Mackay took over as Spurs captain and led us to another FA Cup triumph in 1967. He twice broke the same leg in our cause but, each time, came back stronger than ever.”

Adam Johnson arrested over underage sex allegations

The 27-year-old was arrested at his home on Monday morning and will play no further part for the Black Cats while the police investigation is ongoing

Sunderland winger Adam Johnson has been arrested on suspicion of having sex with a 15-year-old girl.

A spokesperson for Durham Police said: "A 27-year-old man was arrested earlier today on suspicion of sexual activity with a girl under 16.

“He remains in police custody and is helping officers with their enquiries.”

A further statement from Durham Police is expected on Monday.

Sunderland have also released a short statement confirming the player will be suspended for the duration of the investigation.

"Sunderland AFC has confirmed that Adam Johnson has been suspended from the club, pending the outcome of a police investigation. No further comment will be made at the present time."

Johnson joined the Black Cats in a £10 million deal from Manchester City in August 2012 and has made 28 appearances for Gus Poyet’s side this season.

Terry, Costa & Co. kickstart new Chelsea era

The Blues are on course to secure a domestic double after they triumphed in the League Cup final with a 2-0 victory against rivals Tottenham

John Terry once again lifted a trophy after a cup final wearing his full kit - but this time there is no need for internet jokes about the Chelsea captain.

You don't have to like him - a lot of football fans don't - but Terry showed why he is still one of the best around as he inspired Chelsea to glory in the League Cup final against rivals Tottenham here.

The Blues captain missed the Champions League final in 2012 and Europa League final a year later - but still donned his kit to lift the trophies, to much hilarity.

This time he climbed the steps in this famous stadium as a matchwinner after scoring Chelsea's opener just before half-time and leading the defence to a clean sheet in a classic Jose Mourinho-inspired performance.

It was not often pretty from west Londoners but the end result - their first trophy since Mourinho's return to the club - will have looked beautiful to the 31,000 Chelsea fans as they danced in the north London rain.

In the end, it was a comfortable victory for Mourinho's men, especially once they doubled their lead in the 56th minute through Kyle Walker's own goal as the Spurs defender deflected Diego Costa's strike into his own net.

For Mourinho, this is a first trophy in two and a half years and his first since returning to Chelsea in 2013. As he punched the air before the final whistle had even been blown, Mourinho's old swagger returned after his sour-faced complaints about officials, pundits and virtually everything else in recent weeks.

If last year he liked to portray his side as the "little horse", the team that he put out at Wembley were thoroughbreds, even without the suspended Nemanja Matic who was replaced brilliantly by Kurt Zouma.

This is just the start for Mourinho and Chelsea this season. Liverpool's victory over Manchester City earlier in the day leaves them five points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a game in hand. 

Mourinho started his first spell at the Blues with a League Cup victory in 2005 and followed it up with the club's first Premier League triumph in 50 years that season.

It would take a disaster for Chelsea to lose their grip on a league and cup double this season, while they will be among the favourites in the Champions League if they get past Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16.

As Chelsea saw out the victory, Terry and Costa embodied Mourinho's big-game attitude - the mentality that makes the Portuguese a serial winner.

Terry took advantage of some woeful Tottenham defending from a corner to fire in the opener via a deflection just before half-time and, in the second half, he was a man on a mission, determined to deny Spurs even a sniff of a goal.

Even in the last minute, Terry through himself into a diving tackle in the penalty box to deny Harry Kane just when the Tottenham striker finally appeared to have escaped the attentions of the Blues defence.

The veteran has played all 26 league matches as part of the meanest defence in the division, conceding just 22 goals. Any suggestion that the 34-year-old does not still have plenty to offer has been blown out of the water by the quality of his displays this season.

At the other end, Costa led the charge. He is a player in Mourinho's image and he snarled, fought and got under the skin of the Spurs players and supporters. When the chance came he took the ball out of his feet and fired towards the far post, with a flick off Walker's boot sending it past Lloris.

Costa has scored 17 goals in 30 matches for Chelsea this season and it bodes well for him that he delivered on the big stage if he is to truly become the heir to Didier Drogba, who is the master of such moments.

Chelsea were compact and organised. They defended deep and denied Tottenham any of the time and space they were given in their humbling 5-3 defeat at White Hart Lane at the start of January.

Christian Eriksen hit the crossbar for Spurs early on but, otherwise, Petr Cech was barely tested. You wonder if that might be the most pleasing aspect of the performance for Mourinho.

It certainly will be for Terry, who ended the game in full kit, shinpads, a muddy shirt and yet another medal for his collection.

Transfer Talk: Raphael Varane wants Man United move; Mario Balotelli to MLS?

United could lead race for Varane

The race is on for Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane, with the Express reporting that the young defender has set his sights on a summer switch to Manchester United.

Varane, 21, joined los Blancos from Lens in 2011 but has struggled to command a starting role in Carlo Ancelotti's side this season. The France international is apparently desperate for first-team football, and, according to the Express, is keen on working with Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils are searching for a quality centre-back given their struggles for a settled back four this season, and Van Gaal could green-light a 30 million-pound bid to beat Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal to Varane's signature.

City to offload Nasri to buy Real star?

It's a brave new world for Manchester City having already felt the bite of UEFA's financial fair play restrictions, and the Premier League champions must balance their books rather than go on expensive spending sprees.

With that in mind, the Express reports that City are willing to offload Samir Nasri in order to fund a move for Real Madrid's emerging midfield star Isco, who has become a fine central-midfield option for Carlo Ancelotti this season.

With the futures of Yaya Toure and James Milner uncertain beyond this summer, Manuel Pellegrini will need a strong midfield presence -- if he remains as manager, that is -- and Isco fits the bill. Real fans are smitten with Isco and were disappointed at the 22-year-old's withdrawal during Sunday evening's draw with Villarreal.

The trouble is that City will need to sell in order to buy and Nasri could be the fall guy despite playing a starring role in City's run-in last season. Juventus are reportedly interested if they lose Paul Pogba this summer. Swings and roundabouts...

Champions may break the bank for Suarez

Moving on from stories of Manchester City's more frugal future, the Mail blows that out of the water by suggesting that the club are set to have a Dr. Evil moment and bid 100 million pounds for Barcelona star Luis Suarez.

Suarez, 28, scored twice at the Etihad in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, but Barca are privately open to letting the Uruguayan leave the club, according to the paper.

A summer transfer is unlikely given Barca's transfer ban until January 2016, though the Primera Liga side may well try to tempt City into letting Sergio Aguero join up with best buddy Lionel Messi at Camp Nou by dangling Suarez in front of the Premier League champions as a tasty swap deal. Unlikely? Sure. A lovely rumour? Most definitely.

Falcao agent to thrash out United future

Radamel Falcao had a rare weekend to remember for Manchester United, showing such fine close control it presumably confused referee Roger East into sending off Wes Brown rather than John O'Shea before Wayne Rooney finished from the penalty spot.

Given that timely impact from the striker, his agent Jorge Mendes is set to meet with Old Trafford officials this week in a bid to work out whether the Colombian will be signing for United permanently come the end of the season, according to the Mirror.

The Monaco loanee has not done enough to suggest Louis van Gaal will extend the striker's stay in Manchester of the agreed 43.5 million-pound fee, while The Sun reports that Valencia have emerged as shock favourites for Falcao's signature.

The 29-year-old's future remains uncertain, but could be clear by the end of play this week -- if that's the case, the striker could certainly do with a goal or two away at Newcastle on Wednesday.

Everton to offer 15-20 million euro for Kovacic

Everton will do everything to get Mateo Kovacic from Inter in Summer. They have contacted the club last week and the price could be between 15 and 20 million euro.

Balotelli to make MLS move?

What could be better than Mario Balotelli in MLS? Not much, really -- and the Express has picked up on reports that Orlando City could be keen on adding the enigmatic Liverpool stroller to their roster alongside Kaka.

The duo played together at Milan and could strike up a formidable partnership in the U.S. if such an audacious deal comes off, with the Italy international sure to provide some headlines along the way regardless of his form.

With Divock Origi set to make his long-awaited move to Anfield after being loaned back to Lille last summer, time is running out for Balotelli to convince Brendan Rodgers of his talents. Then again, with the coach naming four strikers on the bench against Manchester City and not starting a recognized centre-forward, the writing may already be on the wall for Mario.

Kane: League Cup final defeat, 'the worst feeling in the world'

The Spurs striker deflected John Terry's strike into his own goal during Sunday's showpiece at Wembley, and admits that he was left heartbroken by the 2-0 loss

Harry Kane has admitted Tottenham's loss to fierce rivals Chelsea in the League Cup final was "the worst feeling in the world".

The Spurs striker provided the final touch on John Terry's opener at Wembley, as the ball deflected off him into his own net - though he was spared the dishonour of an own goal, as the Chelsea defender's initial shot was on target.

Kyle Walker was not so lucky, however, as Diego Costa's strike from an acute angle struck the full-back and beat goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

Kane says that Chelsea were lucky with both of their goals, but admits that their good fortune did little to dull the pain of defeat in Spurs' first cup final since 2008.

"It's the worst feeling in the world losing, and losing in a final on the big stage even worse," Kane told SpursTV.

"When you see Chelsea lift that trophy at the end it gives you that fire in your belly.

"It's disappointing - the lads gave it everything and I thought we played well.

"In these big games you don't always get the luck you need and I felt Chelsea did with a couple of deflected goals which on another day wouldn't go in."

Kane revealed, however, that manager Mauricio Pochettino was proud of his charges after their run to the final during his first season in charge at White Hart Lane.

"Just to be proud of ourselves," Kane replied when asked what Pochettino had said at full-time. "We've come a long way. It's a very young team with a new manager. To be in a final in the first season is great."

Giroud scores, still not enough for Arsenal

Arsenal put their poor Champions League performance behind them with a 2-0 win against Everton on Sunday. Goals from Olivier Giroud and Tomas Rosicky gave Arsenal an easy win.

It is quite difficult to know what to make of Olivier Giroud. Watching him against Monaco midweek and even at points in Sunday's game against Everton, when he contrived to miss a virtually free header from about six yards out not once but twice, it's difficult to disagree with Miguel Delaney's assessment earlier in the week that the Frenchman simply isn't good enough. Giroud is arguably an average player who will almost inevitably fluff any big chance that comes his way.

Yet Giroud is in fine scoring form, his neat volley against Everton representing his ninth goal in the last 13 games, while he also has some evidence to defend himself against the charge that he is a flat-track bully. This season, Giroud has scored against Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United while also notching a point-saving 90th-minute equaliser against Everton earlier in the season.

Sometimes his ineptitude is so stark and frankly comic that he simply cannot be considered a first-choice centre-forward for a team that tells you it is a title challenger, but he does play a slightly wider role as the "big No. 9" type who can provide space, layoffs and a focal point for the myriad other attacking options that Arsenal have.

Before his goal, Giroud seemed painfully aware of the pressure and criticism; he was visibly desperate to score, often shooting when he should have passed. Admittedly, the perennial strike against Arsenal is that they pass when they should shoot, so they might think they can't win, but as with most things, the key is to find a happy medium.

The truth about Giroud is that he probably should be an option but not the option. The problem is that the signing of Danny Welbeck was just enough of an improvement to make Arsenal better but not enough to make them as good as they need to be. Perhaps more damagingly, his arrival will probably prevent Arsene Wenger from making another big transfer splash on the (not entirely unreasonable) basis that they already have so many talented attackers that there is no need for another.

In many ways, Giroud represents exactly what Arsenal have become: often very good but rarely exceptional or quite good enough, a side that has finished third or fourth in its last nine campaigns. In some respects, the player and the club are perfect for each other.

Coutinho the scourge of City again

Philippe Coutinho netted a sumptuous winner for Liverpool as they beat Man City 2-1 to continue their surge up the table.

Brendan Rodgers' side are top of the Premier League form standings since the turn of the year after taking 20 points from a possible 24 and are up to fifth in the table, above Southampton.

After netting a scintillating opening goal last week against Saints, Coutinho was at it again at Anfield on Sunday, curling home a majestic effort from 20 yards with 15 minutes left to play.

Jordan Henderson had given Liverpool a first-half lead with an equally brilliant strike on 11 minutes before Edin Dzeko rounded off a fantastic team move to equalise 14 minutes later.

Despite both sides' European exertions in midweek, the pace of the game was frenetic throughout and Adam Lallana had two goals disallowed for the hosts while Sergio Aguero hit the post for City, who remain five points behind Chelsea in the title race. The Blues now have a game in hand.

Both teams made fast starts but it was Liverpool who crafted the better early chances, with Lallana heavily involved.

The England international drew a save from Joe Hart with a low toe-poked shot after eight minutes and then had a goal disallowed for offside 60 seconds later after brilliantly controlling Raheem Sterling's pass and finishing from a tight angle.

City did not heed the warning though, because the net was rippling again in the 11th minute - and this time, the goal stood.

After Vincent Kompany had lost a 50-50 with Coutinho, the Brazilian fed Henderson, who picked out Joe Hart's top left-hand corner with a superb strike.

City responded well and could have levelled two minutes later when Aguero capitalised on a mix-up in the Liverpool defence, but his hooked left-foot shot cannoned back off the post.

The chance lifted City and they deservedly equalised with a fine team goal after 25 minutes.

David Silva fed Aguero in the right channel, and the Argentina striker brilliantly slipped in Dzeko, who beat Simon Mignolet with a low right-foot shot.

Lallana had another goal disallowed on 54 minutes when Martin Skrtel was in an offside position when nodding down a free-kick to Lallana, who finished from close range.

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, who was on co-commentary duty, described the way City were playing as "embarrassing" as they repeatedly were cut open in midfield by a relentless Liverpool attacking unit.

Coutinho was the spearhead and it was he that conjured up the match-winning moment on 75 minutes. 

It was an effort very similar to Henderson's as Sterling fed Coutinho on the left corner of the box, and he then cut inside and swept a brilliant right-foot shot into the far corner.

City stepped up their intensity after the goal as Liverpool tired slightly and with the clock ticking down, Silva shot agonisingly wide from inside the area after Yaya Toure had bulldozed his way through the Liverpool midfield and defence. 

But an equaliser would have been harsh on Liverpool, who restricted City to just one shot on target throughout the game - the fewest they have had in any Premier League game this season. 

Liverpool march on, with Burnley next up at Anfield on Wednesday night, when Manuel Pellegrini's City host Leicester at the Etihad.