Fussball » Stuart Broad says hes pleased to see Gary

LONDON -- John Obi Mikels first English Premier League goal helped to end Chelseas four-game winless run in a 2-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday. After Oscar powered in the opener early in the second half, Mikel sliced the ball into the net in the 84th minute of the west London derby. "They have been killing me about it -- going to the national team and scoring but not here," the Nigeria midfielder said. "Im sure the guys will give me a lot of stick." Mikel had previously scored only twice for Chelsea, in the FA Cup in January 2007 during Jose Mourinhos first reign as manager. Mourinhos return has not gone to plan, presiding over the clubs worst start to a season since Roman Abramovichs investment started a decade ago. This victory, however unconvincing, enabled Chelsea to dislodge Liverpool from the top of the standings ahead of Sundays games. "We know our fans have been disappointed about a few performances going into these games so we wanted to give them something to cheer," Mikel said. But the season is barely a month old, enabling Mourinho to dismiss the early criticism. "To lose is a normal thing and it looks like for us its the end of the world," Mourinho said. "Some of (the teams) started the Premier League in a brilliant way, we started in a very bad way ... I read it was a disaster." Chelseas ability to remain among the title contenders will hinge on rediscovering the cutting edge thats been missing. To achieve that, Mourinho has shown hes willing to risk antagonizing his squad with public criticism. Midfielder Juan Mata and defender David Luiz were both in Mourinhos firing line on Saturday as they were left out of the squad and saw their abilities called into question. Mourinho knows his return to Chelsea after six years has not matched the expectations of fans who were ecstatic when the season began with a pair of wins. A draw and a loss domestically was followed by a losing start to the Champions League group stage, provoking a smattering of boos at Stamford Bridge after Wednesdays loss to Basel. "Sorry about your disappointment," Mourinho wrote in the matchday program. "But we will give you happiness." Maintaining harmony in the squad will be as important. The ostracizing of midfielder Mata, last seasons player of the year, has baffled many. Matas displays this season so far were "not convincing," Mourinho said as he justified dropping the Spaniard again on Saturday and warning that he has to "fight and work for his opportunities." That will come in the League Cup against Swindon on Tuesday. "I hope he tells me on the pitch, You are wrong, Im the best and I have to play every game," Mourinho said. "I would love that. Im waiting for a professional reaction." Mourinho also publicly castigated Luiz for his defensive performance in the 2-1 loss to Basle on Wednesday. Yet, Mourinho kept faith with Samuel Etoo to lead the strike force against Fulham, despite publicly doubting his sharpness against Basel. Etoo rarely came close to opening his account for Chelsea since joining from Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala, volleying wide and heading off target in the first half. Fulham, though, was even more ineffective up front as it slumped to a ninth loss in 12 matches stretching back to last season. "The first 50 minutes they were really worried," Fulham manager Martin Jol said. "They couldnt find the space, they couldnt find a solution and that is probably the moment you have to punish them and we couldnt do that." And the visitors were breached seven minutes into the second half. Goalkeeper David Stockdale parried from Andre Schurrle and couldnt keep hold of Etoos shot before Oscar blasted in the goal. To cheers, Etoo was replaced in the 64th by Fernando Torres, the only Chelsea striker to find the net this season. After Torres had a header pushed over Stockdale, the second goal came from the resulting corner from the unlikely source of Mikel after John Terry nodded the ball into this path. "The second half they stepped up a gear, they were more aggressive than us and that is what showed," Jol said. Ecco Shoes On Sale Australia . Erik Logan, president of the network, said Friday that the postponement was made after meetings with the St. Louis Rams. Cheap Ecco Shoes Australia . - The Baltimore Ravens have hired Steve Spagnuolo to be their secondary coach and assistant head coach. http://www.cheapeccoaustralia.com/ . - Urijah (The California Kid) Faber finds himself in an unaccustomed position Saturday night at UFC 175 — on the preliminary card. Ecco Shoes Australia Wholesale . The 30-year-old Kottaras served as Kansas Citys backup catcher last season after being claimed off waivers from Oakland in January. Ecco Shoes On Sale . Scolari says that although Brazilians have the right to complain about the government and demand improvements, perhaps the protests wont be coming at the "right time.Gary Ballance is happy to be back in Englands Test team ahead of the series against Pakistan, starting at Lords on Thursday, live on Sky Sports. The Yorkshire middle-order batsman admitted to being surprised at the call-up, but is delighted to get another opportunity at Test level.So far this season, Ballance has hit 585 runs at an average of 36.56 in first-class cricket, including two centuries. The 26-year-old told Sky Sports News HQ: Its just great to be back. Coming to Lords is a special place and in the past its been good for me.I was a little bit surprised to get the call. I didnt even know they were selecting a team. Was having a normal day, when I got a phone call and it was great to get good news. Stuart Broad says hes pleased to see Gary Ballance recalled to the England squad for their first Test against Pakistan Ballance has made four centuries during his Test career, two of which have come at Lords.ddddddddddddHowever, Sky pundit Dominic Cork believes he may need to change his positioning and stance at the crease.The problem has been his position when hes batting - his crease position, Cork told Sky Sports News HQ.Against Australia last year, he was deep in the crease, near enough on top of the stumps. As a bowler, that tells you to pitch it up. He has changed that, but I still think hes got some work to do.Hes done this because he tries to give himself more time, so instead of being on the crease line he goes back. But I think hes got to be positive, get over the top of the ball, and not be pushing back. Get a Sky Sports Pass Dont miss the next Test. Watch from ￡6.99 on NOW TV, no contract Also See: Broad: Amir can do some damage Paul Nixon praises Jonny Bairstow England fixtures/results Pakistan fixtures/results ' ' '