Dec 25 : Liverpool has fired a confident warning to the rest of the Premier League clubs that they are determined to stay on the top.

The Reds are top of the group at Christmas for the first time since 1996 ahead of tomorrow's clash with Bolton at Anfield, The Daily Express reported.

Assistant manager Sammy Lee, who is in charge while Rafa Benitez recovers from a kidney stones operation, is confident the crown is heading back to Anfield for the first time in 19 years.

Bhaichung Bhutia, the outstanding striker of the Indian team, has been chosen as the `player of the year' (2008) by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Speaking on this, an elated Bhutia said, “I feel honoured, I feel humbled.”

“It was great leading India to the AFC Challenge Cup title. Overall it has been a very productive year,” Bhutia said.

Sunderland, England  - Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari broke his media silence on Tuesday to condemn referee Phil Dowd's decision to send off John Terry during Monday's 0-0 draw at Everton.

Terry was dismissed for serious foul play by referee Phil Dowd after a reckless lunge on Leon Osman.

Scolari refused to attend the usual post-match press-conference, something for which he explained his reasoning on Chelsea TV.

London  - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed on Tuesday that his captain Cesc Fabregas is likely to miss four months with his knee injury.

"The news is not good," Wenger told reporters. "It will take three to four months, we count four.

He will be working hard to come back earlier but I count four months."

Fabregas suffered a partial rupture to the medial ligament after making a block tackle on Liverpool's Xabi Alonso in Sunday's 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium.

London  - England captain John Terry was sent off as Chelsea's run of away victories came to an end with a goalless draw at Everton on Monday.

The draw leaves Chelsea second in the table, a point behind the leaders, Liverpool.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's side had won eight in a row away from home from the start of the season, but never looked like taking that to a record nine after Terry's 34th-minute dismissal.

His lunge at Leon Osman was probably not malicious, but it was reckless enough to persuade referee Phil Dowd to show him the red card.

Madrid  - Spanish Liga club Almeria announced at midnight Monday the sacking of coach Gonzalo Arconada.

Club president Alfonso Garcia made the announcement five hours after Sunday's 1-0 defeat away to Sporting Gijon, which leaves Almeria fifth from bottom, with 16 points from 16 games.

According to the digital version of Marca, the favourite to replace Arconada is former Mallorca and Betis boss Hector Cuper.