Lunchtime Report: December 20

Rafa Benitez believes Chelsea are continuing to improve under his stewardship after their 5-1 league cup win over Leeds last night.

Gareth Bale has been declared fit for Tottenham’s weekend clash against Stoke at White Hart Lane.

Arsenal’s billionaire shareholder Alisher Usmanov says the Gunners made a mistake in selling Robin van Persie to Premier League rivals Manchester United.

Darren Fletcher has hailed Manchester United’s never say die spirit ahead of their fixture against Swansea on Saturday.

Samir Nasri looks set to miss Manchester City’s Christmas fixtures after picking up a groin injury against Newcastle last week.