David Beckham was looking forward to the play-offs after playing an integral part in Los Angeles Galaxy's 2-0 victory over San Jose Earthquakes which confirmed his side as winners of the MLS Western Conference.
The England international was given a standing ovation when he was replaced by Jovan Kirovski four minutes from time which contrasts with his confrontation with some fans who jeered him on his return from Milan in July. Beckham said: "We wanted to finish off on a high. It was important we won the game, to be top in our division.
"It pleased the fans that it made us the top but we don't stop here. There is still a lot of work to be done."
Swine flu: Rovers match to go ahead
Blackburn have announced today's League Cup tie against Peterborough will go ahead despite confirming two cases of swine flu at the club.
Rovers were without Chris Samba and David Dunn for the 5-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, due to what manager Sam Allardyce has described as a virus.
Blackburn would have needed to apply for special dispensation from the Football League to postpone the tie against Peterborough, however they are happy to play the match.
Rovers club secretary Andrew Pincher said: "There has been speculation in the national media following confirmation of sickness within the camp, but we can reassure all supporters that the tie will go ahead as planned."
Totti undergoes minor knee surgery
Roma captain Francesco Totti has had a minor operation on his troublesome right knee and his recovery time is uncertain.
The 33-year-old striker suffered cruciate ligament damage in April last year and underwent major surgery. His knee continued to cause him problems last season though and he has missed the last two games after suffering discomfort.
Totti had been linked with an Italy return for next year's World Cup having retired from international soccer after their 2006 triumph.
Mid-table Roma also announced yesterday that former Italy volleyball coach Gianpaolo Montali would work as a consultant for the club for the next two seasons.
Strachan takes over at Middlesbrough
Former Celtic boss Gordon Strachan was named as the new manager of Championship side Middlesbrough taking over from Gareth Southgate who was sacked last week.
The 52-year-old Scot, a former player at Aberdeen, Man. United and Leeds United, has been linked with various jobs since he stood down at Celtic Park last season.
The move will see Strachan return to English football having opened his managerial career at Coventry before moving on to Southampton, who he led to the FA Cup final in 2003.
He became Celtic's manager in 2005 and led the Glasgow giants to three consecutive titles.
Takeover could end Smith's reign
Walter Smith has warned a takeover of Rangers could spell the end of his second spell as manager.
He insists he would be "happy" to leave if his departure is in the best interests of the club, who on Sunday confirmed they had received "tentative enquiries" from potential purchasers.
Smith's current contract expires in January and he is prepared to work without one until a buyer can be found.
"If a new owner comes in, he might want to change the manager," said Smith, who revealed his concerns that Rangers' spending was now being controlled by Lloyds Banking Group.
"There's no point me doing anything other than what I'm doing at the moment until the club's situation has cleared up."
Wasteful Arsenal worry Wenger
Arsene Wenger admitted his Arsenal side cannot afford to continue to let opponents off the hook after conceding a two-goal lead against second-bottom West Ham in a 2-2 draw at Upton Park on Sunday.
"We were in control but as long as you don't score the third goal the game is not won," said Arsenal manager Wenger.
"In fairness West Ham did continue to fight until the last minute and we conceded two goals from two set pieces. Generous ones.
"We are an intelligent team and an intelligent team makes the maximum result with the game they produce... that is what we did not do."
Milan coach hails goalkeeper Dida
Milan coach Leonardo hailed Dida after he was one of the heroes of their 2-1 victory at Chievo.
The Brazilian was excellent in Sunday's comeback win that lifted Milan to joint fourth in Serie A, producing a stunning save in the closing stages with the score at 1-1.
Dida had come in for intense criticism after letting the ball slip to gift Real the opening goal in the midweek Champions League clash that Milan went on to win 3-2 at the Bernabeu.
"Dida made an extraordinary save (against Chievo) and showed he has a great ability to put such a big mistake behind him," Leonardo said.
"I was partly to blame for the Madrid mistake as I told him to look to restart our attacks as soon as he got the ball. So he rushed and the ball hit his knee."