From the Back Pages, December 2: Fulham sack Martin Jol as Rene Meulensteen handed first-team reins

Tottenham Hotspur 2 Manchester United 2 match report: Wayne Rooney double salvages draw as Andre Villas-Boas gets stuck into all of his critics...except the home crowd. (The Independent)

André Villas-Boas insisted he deserves more respect as he railed against what he believes is a sinister agenda to undermine him. The Tottenham Hotspur manager could feel pleased and not a little relieved after a positive performance from his team in the 2-2 draw against Manchester United at White Hart Lane which followed the 6-0 thrashing by Manchester City. (The Guardian)

REAL MADRID star Gareth Bale has given his backing to under-fire Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas, saying he’s a “great” manager and deserves to be given time. (The Express)

Chelsea bounced back from conceding a Jay Rodriguez goal after 13 seconds to beat Southampton 3-1 and move within four points of Barclays Premier League leaders Arsenal. (Daily Mail)

A late Martin Skrtel own goal compounded a miserable day for Liverpool and helped Hull to three deserved points at the KC Stadium. (The Mirror)

Now for the difficult part for Manchester City. Having swatted Swansea City aside to maintain their flawless home record in the Premier League this season, a two-game road trip to West Bromwich Albion and Southampton before a potentially seismic Etihad Stadium encounter with Arsenal in 12 days’ time will prove the acid test of their title credentials. (The Telegraph)