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&nbsp;Juventus&nbsp;edged closer to the Champions League quarter-finals after second-half goals from substitutes Marko Pjaca and Dani Alves earned them a 2-0 away win at 10-man Porto in a one-sided last 16 first-leg tie on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Porto&#39;s downfall was partly self-inflicted after left back Alex Telles received a red card in the 27th minute following two senseless bookings in the space of 90 seconds, leaving the home side to play over an hour against the Serie A leaders with 10 men.

Despite holding&nbsp;Juventus&nbsp;at bay for 72 minutes, Porto&#39;s resolve was broken when Miguel Layun deflected Paulo Dybala&#39;s pass into the path of Pjaca who slammed a first-time effort past Iker Casillas.

Dani Alves made sure of victory two minutes later when he controlled Alex Sandro&#39;s cross with his chest before finishing calmly as&nbsp;Juventus, who are still in the Italian Cup, boosted their hopes of a maiden treble ahead of the second leg in Turin on March 14.&nbsp;

&quot;We can be happy as it&#39;s a really good result, but to be honest after the first-half red card, we had to win this game,&quot;&nbsp;Juventus&nbsp;midfielder Sami Khedira told BT Sport.&nbsp;

&quot;It&#39;s absolutely not over,&quot; he added. &quot;We&#39;re happy with tonight but in three weeks we&#39;ll need to be careful as Porto are angry and have nothing to lose.&quot;

Juventus&nbsp;were expected to face a stern test in Portugal, but while they imposed themselves from the early stages and controlled the first half, Porto were content to remain deep and absorb pressure.&nbsp;

The visitors struggled to forge the clear openings that their dominance deserved, although the lively Dybala fashioned the best chance of the first half with a thumping effort from outside the box which grazed the post.

Telles&#39;s minute and a half of madness quashed any lingering Porto ambition and prompted coach Nuno Espirito Santo to withdraw striker Andre Silva,&nbsp;scorer of four Champions League goals this season,in response.

Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri left out Leonardo Bonucci from the squad, after the pair&#39;s dispute during Friday&#39;s victory over Palermo, and while&nbsp;Juventus&nbsp;were untested at the back, they missed the centre back&#39;s creativity and probing long balls.

The breakthrough eventually came from the bench, as Allegri introduced Pjaca and Dani Alves to offer dynamism and directness and the pair repaid their manager with goals to end Porto&#39;s 20-game undefeated home streak.

(Reuters)

Porto's downfall was partly self-inflicted after left back Alex Telles received a red card in the 27th minute

Juventus edged closer to the Champions League quarter-finals after second-half goals from substitutes Marko Pjaca and Dani Alves earned them a 2-0 away win at 10-man Porto in a one-sided last 16 first-leg tie on Wednesday. Porto's downfall was partly self-inflicted after left back Alex Telles received a red card in the 27th minute following two senseless bookings in the space of 90 seconds, leaving the home side to play over an hour against the Serie A leaders with 10 men. Despite holding Juventus at bay for 72 minutes, Porto's resolve was broken when Miguel Layun deflected Paulo Dybala's pass into the path of Pjaca who slammed a first-time effort past Iker Casillas. Dani Alves made sure of victory two minutes later when he controlled Alex Sandro's cross with his chest before finishing calmly as Juventus, who are still in the Italian Cup, boosted their hopes of a maiden treble ahead of the second leg in Turin on March 14. "We can be happy as it's a really good result, but to be honest after the first-half red card, we had to win this game," Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira told BT Sport. "It's absolutely not over," he added. "We're happy with tonight but in three weeks we'll need to be careful as Porto are angry and have nothing to lose." Juventus were expected to face a stern test in Portugal, but while they imposed themselves from the early stages and controlled the first half, Porto were content to remain deep and absorb pressure. The visitors struggled to forge the clear openings that their dominance deserved, although the lively Dybala fashioned the best chance of the first half with a thumping effort from outside the box which grazed the post. Telles's minute and a half of madness quashed any lingering Porto ambition and prompted coach Nuno Espirito Santo to withdraw striker Andre Silva, scorer of four Champions League goals this season,in response. Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri left out Leonardo Bonucci from the squad, after the pair's dispute during Friday's victory over Palermo, and while Juventus were untested at the back, they missed the centre back's creativity and probing long balls. The breakthrough eventually came from the bench, as Allegri introduced Pjaca and Dani Alves to offer dynamism and directness and the pair repaid their manager with goals to end Porto's 20-game undefeated home streak. (Reuters)

Champions League: Juventus beat 10-man Porto 2-0

Barcelona needed a last-minute Lionel Messi penalty to see off lowly Leganes 2-1 as a poor week for the Spanish champions continued on Sunday.

Barca were thrashed 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday to leave their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread and had to rely on Messi for snatching all three points from another below par display.

The Argentine opened the scoring after just four minutes, but Leganes enjoyed the better of the chances and levelled 19 minutes from time through Unai Lopez.

However, Messi ensured Barca did move back up to second in La Liga and close to within a point of leaders Real Madrid, who have two games in hand, from the spot after Neymar had been chopped down inside the area.

&quot;We knew it would be a difficult game given what we have come from and what happened in the Champions League,&quot; Barca boss Luis Enrique told Spanish TV station Movistar.

&quot;It is clear that in some moments we lacked confidence, but I think the team turned around a difficult game in any way we could.

&quot;This time it was a penalty, but, given how we are at the moment, that is more than welcome.&quot;

Leganes remain just two points above the relegation zone as their winless run extends to 13 games.

Barca looked set for an easy night when Luis Suarez found space in behind the Leganes defence and his pinpoint cross with the outside of his right foot picked out Messi to tap home early on.

Instead, Barca were thankful to a series of brilliant saves by Marc-Andre ter Stegen for keeping Leganes at bay.

The German denied former Liverpool winger Nabil El Zhar in a one-on-one before flying low to his left to parry El Zhar&#39;s follow-up effort.

El Zhar came close again with the last action of the first-half as this time his shot from the edge of the area was deflected and forced Ter Stegen into a fine reflex stop.

However, for all his good work, Ter Stegen was at fault when Leganes did deservedly level as Lopez&#39;s effort from the edge of the area flew in between his legs.

Barca booed&nbsp;

The equaliser was met with a chorus of boos by the lowest La Liga attendance at the Camp Nou this season.

And there was an even angrier reception for the much maligned Andre Gomes when he was replaced by Andres Iniesta moments later.

&quot;For me jeering a player on your own team makes no sense,&quot; added Enrique.

And Ter Stegen called for unity among the Barcelona faithful.

&quot;We need the fans, above all at home, to support us.

&quot;We can win or lose together, but the most important thing is that we are united.&quot;

Leganes had held out with relative ease until Neymar took matters into his own hands with a driving run into the area before he was wiped out by Martin Mantovani.

Messi stepped up and fired into the top corner, but tellingly the Argentine didn&#39;t celebrate leaving his displeasure with Barca&#39;s performances over the past week clear.

Leganes still had a late chance to level as El Zhar sent another fierce effort flying inches wide.

Earlier, Villarreal kept their hopes of Champions League football next season alive as Samu Castillejo&#39;s 93rd minute winner secured a vital 1-0 win at Real Sociedad.

Just a second win of 2017 takes sixth-placed Villarreal to within two points of Sociedad and six of Atletico Madrid in fourth.

Valencia moved seven points clear of the relegation zone with a much-needed 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao.

Nani opened the scoring early on before on-loan Juventus striker Simone Zaza broke down in tears after netting his first goal since May.

(AFP)

Besieged Barcelona beat lowly Leganes 2-1 to end a miserable week for the Spanish champions

Barcelona needed a last-minute Lionel Messi penalty to see off lowly Leganes 2-1 as a poor week for the Spanish champions continued on Sunday. Barca were thrashed 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday to leave their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread and had to rely on Messi for snatching all three points from another below par display. The Argentine opened the scoring after just four minutes, but Leganes enjoyed the better of the chances and levelled 19 minutes from time through Unai Lopez. However, Messi ensured Barca did move back up to second in La Liga and close to within a point of leaders Real Madrid, who have two games in hand, from the spot after Neymar had been chopped down inside the area. "We knew it would be a difficult game given what we have come from and what happened in the Champions League," Barca boss Luis Enrique told Spanish TV station Movistar. "It is clear that in some moments we lacked confidence, but I think the team turned around a difficult game in any way we could. "This time it was a penalty, but, given how we are at the moment, that is more than welcome." Leganes remain just two points above the relegation zone as their winless run extends to 13 games. Barca looked set for an easy night when Luis Suarez found space in behind the Leganes defence and his pinpoint cross with the outside of his right foot picked out Messi to tap home early on. Instead, Barca were thankful to a series of brilliant saves by Marc-Andre ter Stegen for keeping Leganes at bay. The German denied former Liverpool winger Nabil El Zhar in a one-on-one before flying low to his left to parry El Zhar's follow-up effort. El Zhar came close again with the last action of the first-half as this time his shot from the edge of the area was deflected and forced Ter Stegen into a fine reflex stop. However, for all his good work, Ter Stegen was at fault when Leganes did deservedly level as Lopez's effort from the edge of the area flew in between his legs. Barca booed The equaliser was met with a chorus of boos by the lowest La Liga attendance at the Camp Nou this season. And there was an even angrier reception for the much maligned Andre Gomes when he was replaced by Andres Iniesta moments later. "For me jeering a player on your own team makes no sense," added Enrique. And Ter Stegen called for unity among the Barcelona faithful. "We need the fans, above all at home, to support us. "We can win or lose together, but the most important thing is that we are united." Leganes had held out with relative ease until Neymar took matters into his own hands with a driving run into the area before he was wiped out by Martin Mantovani. Messi stepped up and fired into the top corner, but tellingly the Argentine didn't celebrate leaving his displeasure with Barca's performances over the past week clear. Leganes still had a late chance to level as El Zhar sent another fierce effort flying inches wide. Earlier, Villarreal kept their hopes of Champions League football next season alive as Samu Castillejo's 93rd minute winner secured a vital 1-0 win at Real Sociedad. Just a second win of 2017 takes sixth-placed Villarreal to within two points of Sociedad and six of Atletico Madrid in fourth. Valencia moved seven points clear of the relegation zone with a much-needed 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao. Nani opened the scoring early on before on-loan Juventus striker Simone Zaza broke down in tears after netting his first goal since May. (AFP)

Last-minute Messi penalty saves Barcelona's blushes

Iconic Argentinian coach Marcelo Bielsa, known as &#39;el Loco&#39; for his intense &#39;all in&#39; style, is returning to France as manager of Lille, the newly bought out Ligue 1 club said on Sunday.

&quot;Lille and the Argentine coach have signed a two years deal which comes into effect in July,&quot; Lille announced.

Rumours had been ripe that Bielsa, who handled Argentina and Chile before succesful stints at Athletic Bilbao and Marseille, would join the struggling northerners who were French champions in 2011.

Bielsa is said to have inspired the likes of Jorge Sampaoli, Diego Simeone, Mauricio Pochettino and even Pep Guardiola, who in 2012 described Bielsa as the best coach on the planet.

&quot;He could coach any club anywhere so the fact he chose us adds dimension to our project here,&quot; the club&#39;s new owner Gerard Lopez told AFP.

&quot;His recruitment is the first concrete step of everything we have promised to do here,&quot; added the Luxembourg-Spanish tycoon.

Bielsa is known for cranking up the pressure and squeezing the most out of modest formations, taking Athletic Bilbao to a Europa League final in 2012, and coming close to a French title with Marseille.&nbsp;

He left Marseille in a blaze of fury one game into the 2015-2016 season, before a two day stint at Italian side Lazio.

&quot;That doesn&#39;t worry me at all,&quot; Lopez told AFP when asked about Bielsa&#39;s walk outs. &quot;He&#39;s a pro, and those were clearly justified decisions for specific reasons.&quot;

Lille are 14th in Ligue 1, and were taken over three weeks ago by Lopez, former owner of Formula One team Lotus.

Earlier this week Lopez recruited Franck Passi who was Bielsa&#39;s assistant at Marseille, to oversee the rest of the season.

(AFP)

'El loco' is said to have inspired the likes of Jorge Sampaoli, Diego Simeone, Mauricio Pochettino and Pep Guardiola

Iconic Argentinian coach Marcelo Bielsa, known as 'el Loco' for his intense 'all in' style, is returning to France as manager of Lille, the newly bought out Ligue 1 club said on Sunday. "Lille and the Argentine coach have signed a two years deal which comes into effect in July," Lille announced. Rumours had been ripe that Bielsa, who handled Argentina and Chile before succesful stints at Athletic Bilbao and Marseille, would join the struggling northerners who were French champions in 2011. Bielsa is said to have inspired the likes of Jorge Sampaoli, Diego Simeone, Mauricio Pochettino and even Pep Guardiola, who in 2012 described Bielsa as the best coach on the planet. "He could coach any club anywhere so the fact he chose us adds dimension to our project here," the club's new owner Gerard Lopez told AFP. "His recruitment is the first concrete step of everything we have promised to do here," added the Luxembourg-Spanish tycoon. Bielsa is known for cranking up the pressure and squeezing the most out of modest formations, taking Athletic Bilbao to a Europa League final in 2012, and coming close to a French title with Marseille. He left Marseille in a blaze of fury one game into the 2015-2016 season, before a two day stint at Italian side Lazio. "That doesn't worry me at all," Lopez told AFP when asked about Bielsa's walk outs. "He's a pro, and those were clearly justified decisions for specific reasons." Lille are 14th in Ligue 1, and were taken over three weeks ago by Lopez, former owner of Formula One team Lotus. Earlier this week Lopez recruited Franck Passi who was Bielsa's assistant at Marseille, to oversee the rest of the season. (AFP)

Marcelo Bielsa set to be next Lille manager

Bayern Munich crushed Arsenal 5-1 in their Champions League round of 16 first leg on Wednesday, scoring three goals in a dazzling 10-minute spell in the second half to extend their record to 16 consecutive home wins in the competition.

Thiago Alcantara struck twice and Robert Lewandowski, Arjen Robben and substitute Thomas Mueller were also on target as the Bavarians, struggling for form recently, inflicted Arsenal&#39;s first defeat of the season in Europe&#39;s premier club competition.

Alexis Sanchez had equalised for the visitors, scoring on the rebound after Manuel Neuer saved his 30th-minute penalty. 
The sides meet for the second leg in London on March 7.

Bayern, who knocked out Arsenal at this stage of the competition in 2005, 2013 and 2014, got off to a perfect start.

Robben was left with far too much space and the Dutchman did not hesitate, advancing with his trademark move down the right before curling an unstoppable left-foot shot into the top corner of David Ospina`s goal.&nbsp;

Arsenal were briefly rattled by the early goal but almost levelled when Neuer spilled Mesut Ozil`s free kick.

They did better three minutes later when they were awarded a penalty for a handball by Lewandowski.

Neuer saved Sanchez&#39; spot-kick but the Chilean sneaked in among three Bayern players to lash the ball home from close range.

The game looked to have lost its pace early in the second half before Bayern suddenly stepped on the gas to fire three goals past the English side.

Philipp Lahm floated a perfect cross into the box and Lewandowski rose high above defender Shkodran Mustafi to drill in a header in the 53rd minute.

The Poland striker set up Thiago with a perfect flick for Bayern`s third goal three minutes later and the Spaniard grabbed his second with a low drive.

The English team have lost in the last 16 in each of last six seasons and Bayern missed several chances before Mueller struck two minutes from time as the German champions took a huge step towards a sixth successive quarter-final appearance.

(Reuters)

The hosts inflicted Arsenal's first defeat of the season in Europe's premier club competition

Bayern Munich crushed Arsenal 5-1 in their Champions League round of 16 first leg on Wednesday, scoring three goals in a dazzling 10-minute spell in the second half to extend their record to 16 consecutive home wins in the competition. Thiago Alcantara struck twice and Robert Lewandowski, Arjen Robben and substitute Thomas Mueller were also on target as the Bavarians, struggling for form recently, inflicted Arsenal's first defeat of the season in Europe's premier club competition. Alexis Sanchez had equalised for the visitors, scoring on the rebound after Manuel Neuer saved his 30th-minute penalty. The sides meet for the second leg in London on March 7. Bayern, who knocked out Arsenal at this stage of the competition in 2005, 2013 and 2014, got off to a perfect start. Robben was left with far too much space and the Dutchman did not hesitate, advancing with his trademark move down the right before curling an unstoppable left-foot shot into the top corner of David Ospina`s goal. Arsenal were briefly rattled by the early goal but almost levelled when Neuer spilled Mesut Ozil`s free kick. They did better three minutes later when they were awarded a penalty for a handball by Lewandowski. Neuer saved Sanchez' spot-kick but the Chilean sneaked in among three Bayern players to lash the ball home from close range. The game looked to have lost its pace early in the second half before Bayern suddenly stepped on the gas to fire three goals past the English side. Philipp Lahm floated a perfect cross into the box and Lewandowski rose high above defender Shkodran Mustafi to drill in a header in the 53rd minute. The Poland striker set up Thiago with a perfect flick for Bayern`s third goal three minutes later and the Spaniard grabbed his second with a low drive. The English team have lost in the last 16 in each of last six seasons and Bayern missed several chances before Mueller struck two minutes from time as the German champions took a huge step towards a sixth successive quarter-final appearance. (Reuters)

Champions League: Bayern Munich thrash Arsenal 5-1

Benfica made Borussia Dortmund pay for missing a host of chances, as the Portuguese side snatched a 1-0 win in their Champions League last-16 first leg on Tuesday thanks to forward Kostas Mitroglou&#39;s 13th goal in his last 13 games.

Greece international Mitroglou flicked the ball into the net to open the scoring in the 48th minute and Benfica then held on against their misfiring opponents to take a slender lead into the second leg in Dortmund on March 8.

Benfica, who have now not conceded a goal at home for 383 minutes, kept another clean sheet thanks largely to keeper Ederson, who denied the Germans with a string of superb saves.

Dortmund, who had netted a record 21 times in the group stage, missed a second-half penalty through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who also squandered several other scoring chances on a night to forget for the Gabon striker.

&quot;We ended up scoring a goal in a situation we had been working for,&quot; said Benfica coach Rui Vitoria. &quot;In order to play such teams one has to be prepared to suffer at the limit. We had our problems getting out of our own half to attack.

&quot;Now we know what we have to do in the return leg. Scoring a goal there will have a huge impact,&quot; the Portuguese said.

Benfica, who had striker Jonas ruled out through injury just before kickoff, got off to an explosive start but Dortmund began to dominate possession and gradually slowed the game down.

The visitors, looking to counter their lacklustre domestic form with European success, missed a huge chance when Aubameyang, the Bundesliga&#39;s leading scorer, fired over the bar after an outstanding through ball from Ousmane Dembele in the 10th minute.

Benfica captain Luisao was making his 500th club appearance and was kept busy at the heart of the Benfica defence, with Dembele sneaking into the box and forcing a superb save from keeper Ederson in the 23rd.

Aubameyang then missed another good opportunity before the break and Benfica were quick out of the blocks again after the restart with Mitroglou doing well to control a Luisao header and then beating keeper Roman Buerki from close range.

Aubameyang almost drew Dortmund level in the 53rd and then had a penalty, awarded for a handball on the hour, saved by Benfica&#39;s Brazilian keeper.

Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel put Aubameyang out of his misery by substituting him soon after and following a sensational save from Ederson with six minutes left, the hosts held on to celebrate the victory.

(Reuters)

The Portuguese side snatched a 1-0 win in their Champions League last-16 first leg on Tuesday thanks to forward Kostas Mitroglou's 13th goal

Benfica made Borussia Dortmund pay for missing a host of chances, as the Portuguese side snatched a 1-0 win in their Champions League last-16 first leg on Tuesday thanks to forward Kostas Mitroglou's 13th goal in his last 13 games. Greece international Mitroglou flicked the ball into the net to open the scoring in the 48th minute and Benfica then held on against their misfiring opponents to take a slender lead into the second leg in Dortmund on March 8. Benfica, who have now not conceded a goal at home for 383 minutes, kept another clean sheet thanks largely to keeper Ederson, who denied the Germans with a string of superb saves. Dortmund, who had netted a record 21 times in the group stage, missed a second-half penalty through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who also squandered several other scoring chances on a night to forget for the Gabon striker. "We ended up scoring a goal in a situation we had been working for," said Benfica coach Rui Vitoria. "In order to play such teams one has to be prepared to suffer at the limit. We had our problems getting out of our own half to attack. "Now we know what we have to do in the return leg. Scoring a goal there will have a huge impact," the Portuguese said. Benfica, who had striker Jonas ruled out through injury just before kickoff, got off to an explosive start but Dortmund began to dominate possession and gradually slowed the game down. The visitors, looking to counter their lacklustre domestic form with European success, missed a huge chance when Aubameyang, the Bundesliga's leading scorer, fired over the bar after an outstanding through ball from Ousmane Dembele in the 10th minute. Benfica captain Luisao was making his 500th club appearance and was kept busy at the heart of the Benfica defence, with Dembele sneaking into the box and forcing a superb save from keeper Ederson in the 23rd. Aubameyang then missed another good opportunity before the break and Benfica were quick out of the blocks again after the restart with Mitroglou doing well to control a Luisao header and then beating keeper Roman Buerki from close range. Aubameyang almost drew Dortmund level in the 53rd and then had a penalty, awarded for a handball on the hour, saved by Benfica's Brazilian keeper. Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel put Aubameyang out of his misery by substituting him soon after and following a sensational save from Ederson with six minutes left, the hosts held on to celebrate the victory. (Reuters)

Champions League: Benfica beat wasteful Dortmund as Mitroglou scores again

Paris St Germain&#39;s Angel Di Maria was at his vintage best as he scored twice on his birthday in a 4-0 first-leg demolition of a ragged Barcelona side who now have a mountain to climb in their Champions League last-16 clash.

The Argentina winger, 29, scored in each half with PSG&#39;s Germany midfielder Julian Draxler and Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani also finding the net as the French champions tore apart a disorganised Barca side who have it all to do in the return.

PSG, eliminated by the Catalans in the Champions League quarter-finals in 2013 and 2015, were the more aggressive side at the Parc des Princes and have put themselves in a commanding position ahead of the March 8 second leg at the Camp Nou.

Five-times European champions Barca, with their trident of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar subdued, have not exited in the last 16 since going out to Liverpool in the 2006/07 season and the score equalled their worst Champions league loss.

&quot;It&#39;s impossible to have a better performance and birthday. I&#39;m very happy with how the team played. It was a wonderful display, fully deserved,&quot; said Di Maria, who is getting back to his best since Draxler joined form Vfl Wolfsburg last month.

Stunned Barca coach Luis Enrique said of the PSG side: &quot;They are world class players with a lot of quality. Di Maria in particular was very, very good. They have a big attacking potential are hard in defence and incredible on the ball.

The only concern for home coach Unai Emery was the loss of the impressive Marco Verratti to a leg injury in the second half after the Italy international had put on a world class display with fellow midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

PSG were dangerous on the break from the start and came close to scoring in the 11th minute when captain Blaise Matuidi&#39;s rasping shot was brilliantly parried by keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen after a perfect through ball from Rabiot.

Cavani&nbsp;Strikes

The home side were rewarded seven minutes later, though, when Di Maria whipped a free kick over the wall into the net.

Barcelona continued to play their patient possession game but failed to threaten and their apparent complacency was punished again five minutes before the break.

Messi lost the ball in midfield and Verratti slid a perfectly weighted ball to the right for Draxler, who fired a low shot into the far bottom corner of the net.

PSG started the second half strongly and went further ahead in the 55th minute when Di Maria danced around Andres Iniesta before curling a 25-metre shot past Ter Stegen.

Verratti limped off the pitch in some discomfort after 71 minutes, being replaced by Chris Nkunku.

It did not stop PSG from continuing to push forward, though, and a minute later Cavani, who was celebrating his 30th birthday, rifled a low shot past Ter Stegen for his seventh goal in seven games in the competition this season.

The hosts also defended perfectly, with centre back Presnel Kimpembe deputising superbly on his Champions League debut for injured captain Thiago Silva as PSG claimed a deserved victory.

Barca had a chance to get an away goal seven minutes from time but Samuel Umtiti&#39;s header hit Kevin Trapp&#39;s right-hand post and Luis Enrique&#39;s side now face a huge challenge.

No team have ever overturned a deficit of four or more goals to progress in the Champions League knockout stages.

(Reuters) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

The Argentina winger scored in each half with PSG's Germany midfielder Julian Draxler and Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani also scoring a goal

Paris St Germain's Angel Di Maria was at his vintage best as he scored twice on his birthday in a 4-0 first-leg demolition of a ragged Barcelona side who now have a mountain to climb in their Champions League last-16 clash. The Argentina winger, 29, scored in each half with PSG's Germany midfielder Julian Draxler and Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani also finding the net as the French champions tore apart a disorganised Barca side who have it all to do in the return. PSG, eliminated by the Catalans in the Champions League quarter-finals in 2013 and 2015, were the more aggressive side at the Parc des Princes and have put themselves in a commanding position ahead of the March 8 second leg at the Camp Nou. Five-times European champions Barca, with their trident of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar subdued, have not exited in the last 16 since going out to Liverpool in the 2006/07 season and the score equalled their worst Champions league loss. "It's impossible to have a better performance and birthday. I'm very happy with how the team played. It was a wonderful display, fully deserved," said Di Maria, who is getting back to his best since Draxler joined form Vfl Wolfsburg last month. Stunned Barca coach Luis Enrique said of the PSG side: "They are world class players with a lot of quality. Di Maria in particular was very, very good. They have a big attacking potential are hard in defence and incredible on the ball. The only concern for home coach Unai Emery was the loss of the impressive Marco Verratti to a leg injury in the second half after the Italy international had put on a world class display with fellow midfielder Adrien Rabiot. PSG were dangerous on the break from the start and came close to scoring in the 11th minute when captain Blaise Matuidi's rasping shot was brilliantly parried by keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen after a perfect through ball from Rabiot. Cavani Strikes The home side were rewarded seven minutes later, though, when Di Maria whipped a free kick over the wall into the net. Barcelona continued to play their patient possession game but failed to threaten and their apparent complacency was punished again five minutes before the break. Messi lost the ball in midfield and Verratti slid a perfectly weighted ball to the right for Draxler, who fired a low shot into the far bottom corner of the net. PSG started the second half strongly and went further ahead in the 55th minute when Di Maria danced around Andres Iniesta before curling a 25-metre shot past Ter Stegen. Verratti limped off the pitch in some discomfort after 71 minutes, being replaced by Chris Nkunku. It did not stop PSG from continuing to push forward, though, and a minute later Cavani, who was celebrating his 30th birthday, rifled a low shot past Ter Stegen for his seventh goal in seven games in the competition this season. The hosts also defended perfectly, with centre back Presnel Kimpembe deputising superbly on his Champions League debut for injured captain Thiago Silva as PSG claimed a deserved victory. Barca had a chance to get an away goal seven minutes from time but Samuel Umtiti's header hit Kevin Trapp's right-hand post and Luis Enrique's side now face a huge challenge. No team have ever overturned a deficit of four or more goals to progress in the Champions League knockout stages. (Reuters)

Champions League: PSG thrash Barca 4-0, birthday boy Maria stars with 2 goals

After doing his time as Zlatan Ibrahimovic's wingman, the Barca boss believes the Uruguayan is a bigger danger leading the attack for PSG

Champions League: Luis Enrique fears trigger-happy Cavani could upset Barca

Pep Guardiola watched his resurgent Manchester City side stamp themselves as Chelsea&#39;s closest pursuers in the Premier League title race on Monday but was still adamant that &quot;the gap is too big&quot; for his team to catch the runaway leaders.

A well-deserved 2-0 win at Bournemouth&#39;s Dean Court, a venue at which other major contenders like Liverpool have slipped up this season, saw City move from fifth to second, eight points behind Antonio Conte&#39;s men.

Yet though expressing his delight at seeing how his side are progressing so smoothly now, Guardiola was adamant that Chelsea&#39;s lead was just too &quot;massive&quot; to be clawed back.

&quot;The gap is too big,&quot; he told Sky Sports, after celebrating a goal from Raheem Sterling and another that was credited to Bournemouth defender Tyrone Mings, although Sergio Aguero was still claiming it.

&quot;Yesterday they (Chelsea) didn&#39;t win (in a 1-1 draw with Burnley) but they play so solid, it&#39;s so difficult to create chances (against them).

&quot;The gap is still so massive. It&#39;s important is for us to focus on our game, and improve our performance, and my feeling in the last games is our performances are much, much better.&quot;

His protestation that eight points is &quot;massive&quot; does not bear the closest examination with so many Premier League games being so competitive this season but Guardiola is concentrating his sights primarily on winning a Champions League spot.

&quot;The gap between the second and the sixth clubs is so close (four points separates City from their neighbours Manchester United), so today we started the game in fifth place and now we are second,&quot; he said.

&quot;So that means everybody&#39;s still there. Up and down...lose a game and you&#39;re going to be down, so it will be a good battle to qualify for the Champions League.&quot;

If City are to make a concerted title push, Aguero demonstrated again that he could yet play a significant part amid speculation that he could leave at the end of the season.

Once his new starlet Gabriel Jesus had to go off with an ankle injury after quarter of an hour, Aguero, in his third successive match on the bench, was called into action and although for large parts of the game he looked rusty, he still had a key role in City&#39;s second goal.

Although Mings was credited with getting the final touch, the important thing was the Argentine&#39;s sharpness as he latched with alacrity on to Sterling&#39;s cross and Guardiola was left thrilled for him.

&quot;He played good, he won, he fight, scored a goal for his confidence and for us, it&#39;s so important. I&#39;m so happy for him,&quot; said the manager.

Asked if it underlined his importance to City&#39;s challenge, he added: &quot;Of course. It&#39;s so important. When you play in a big team with a lot of competition for places, we need all the players.&quot;

Including young Jesus, whose first setback in his meteoric start to life in the Premier League saw him hobble off with what Guardiola hopes is only a minor injury.

&quot;Tomorrow morning, we&#39;ll know exactly - but hopefully, hopefully...I&#39;m going to pray tonight that it&#39;s not going to be a big issue,&quot; Guardiola said.

(Reuters)

The 2-0 win Monday night pushed up Guardiola's side from fifth to second on the points table

Pep Guardiola watched his resurgent Manchester City side stamp themselves as Chelsea's closest pursuers in the Premier League title race on Monday but was still adamant that "the gap is too big" for his team to catch the runaway leaders. A well-deserved 2-0 win at Bournemouth's Dean Court, a venue at which other major contenders like Liverpool have slipped up this season, saw City move from fifth to second, eight points behind Antonio Conte's men. Yet though expressing his delight at seeing how his side are progressing so smoothly now, Guardiola was adamant that Chelsea's lead was just too "massive" to be clawed back. "The gap is too big," he told Sky Sports, after celebrating a goal from Raheem Sterling and another that was credited to Bournemouth defender Tyrone Mings, although Sergio Aguero was still claiming it. "Yesterday they (Chelsea) didn't win (in a 1-1 draw with Burnley) but they play so solid, it's so difficult to create chances (against them). "The gap is still so massive. It's important is for us to focus on our game, and improve our performance, and my feeling in the last games is our performances are much, much better." His protestation that eight points is "massive" does not bear the closest examination with so many Premier League games being so competitive this season but Guardiola is concentrating his sights primarily on winning a Champions League spot. "The gap between the second and the sixth clubs is so close (four points separates City from their neighbours Manchester United), so today we started the game in fifth place and now we are second," he said. "So that means everybody's still there. Up and down...lose a game and you're going to be down, so it will be a good battle to qualify for the Champions League." If City are to make a concerted title push, Aguero demonstrated again that he could yet play a significant part amid speculation that he could leave at the end of the season. Once his new starlet Gabriel Jesus had to go off with an ankle injury after quarter of an hour, Aguero, in his third successive match on the bench, was called into action and although for large parts of the game he looked rusty, he still had a key role in City's second goal. Although Mings was credited with getting the final touch, the important thing was the Argentine's sharpness as he latched with alacrity on to Sterling's cross and Guardiola was left thrilled for him. "He played good, he won, he fight, scored a goal for his confidence and for us, it's so important. I'm so happy for him," said the manager. Asked if it underlined his importance to City's challenge, he added: "Of course. It's so important. When you play in a big team with a lot of competition for places, we need all the players." Including young Jesus, whose first setback in his meteoric start to life in the Premier League saw him hobble off with what Guardiola hopes is only a minor injury. "Tomorrow morning, we'll know exactly - but hopefully, hopefully...I'm going to pray tonight that it's not going to be a big issue," Guardiola said. (Reuters)

Man City beat Bournemouth but Pep says gap with Chelsea 'too big'

Leicester City&#39;s beleaguered manager Claudio Ranieri suggested he is ready to drop some of the players who won them the Premier League title as the Italian seeks to stave off relegation just one season later.

The champions have yet to win -- or even score -- in six league matches in 2017 and were beaten 2-0 by fellow relegation strugglers Swansea City on Sunday.

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The latest setback leaves them just one point above the relegation zone with the club seemingly free-falling into the Championship.

When asked by reporters if he had been too loyal to the players from last season, Ranieri said: &quot;I could be. Of course, it is difficult when you achieve something so good, you want to give them one chance, two chances or three chances. Maybe now, it is too much.

&quot;Of course I must change something because it&#39;s not possible to continue in this way. We have two problems - we concede and we don&#39;t score. Everybody tries to say something positive to help each other. But after, we go back (to losing games).

&quot;I always question myself but then I always say &#39;come on, together we can do something good&#39;.&quot;

Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, who last year both signed new contracts reported in the British media to be worth 110,000 Pounds ($137,368.00) per week, have underperformed this season and could find their places under threat, along with another of last season&#39;s leading lights, Danny Drinkwater.

Leicester&#39;s astonishing decline could see them become the first English champions to be relegated from the top flight since Manchester City in 1938.

On Sunday Ranieri suggested the relegation fight will take priority over the Champions League and FA Cup, both of which competitions they remain involved in.

On Saturday they face an FA Cup fifth-round tie at Millwall, followed by the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 against Sevilla.

&quot;Now there are a few matches in front of us so we have to find a solution very, very soon,&quot; he said. &quot;There are two matches in front of us, one in the FA Cup and one in the Champions League but our mind is on the Premier League.

&quot;It is important to be strong. Now it is 10 hours without scoring a goal and we have to find a solution because it is not possible (that) everything is wrong this season.

&quot;The machine is not broken but when you don&#39;t play at a maximum level it is a difficult battle. We stick together. I&#39;m confident with my players because it only takes one moment for it to turn.&quot;

Last week the Italian received a vote of confidence from the club, who said he had their &quot;unwavering support&quot; but British bookmakers have him at short odds to be the next Premier League manager to be sacked.

(Reuters)

The champions have yet to win -- or even score -- in 6 league matches in 2017

Leicester City's beleaguered manager Claudio Ranieri suggested he is ready to drop some of the players who won them the Premier League title as the Italian seeks to stave off relegation just one season later. The champions have yet to win -- or even score -- in six league matches in 2017 and were beaten 2-0 by fellow relegation strugglers Swansea City on Sunday. Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, who last year both signed new contracts reported in the British media to be worth 110,000 Pounds ($137,368.00) per week, have underperformed this season and could find their places under threat, along with another of last season's leading lights, Danny Drinkwater × The latest setback leaves them just one point above the relegation zone with the club seemingly free-falling into the Championship. When asked by reporters if he had been too loyal to the players from last season, Ranieri said: "I could be. Of course, it is difficult when you achieve something so good, you want to give them one chance, two chances or three chances. Maybe now, it is too much. "Of course I must change something because it's not possible to continue in this way. We have two problems - we concede and we don't score. Everybody tries to say something positive to help each other. But after, we go back (to losing games). "I always question myself but then I always say 'come on, together we can do something good'." Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, who last year both signed new contracts reported in the British media to be worth 110,000 Pounds ($137,368.00) per week, have underperformed this season and could find their places under threat, along with another of last season's leading lights, Danny Drinkwater. Leicester's astonishing decline could see them become the first English champions to be relegated from the top flight since Manchester City in 1938. On Sunday Ranieri suggested the relegation fight will take priority over the Champions League and FA Cup, both of which competitions they remain involved in. On Saturday they face an FA Cup fifth-round tie at Millwall, followed by the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 against Sevilla. "Now there are a few matches in front of us so we have to find a solution very, very soon," he said. "There are two matches in front of us, one in the FA Cup and one in the Champions League but our mind is on the Premier League. "It is important to be strong. Now it is 10 hours without scoring a goal and we have to find a solution because it is not possible (that) everything is wrong this season. "The machine is not broken but when you don't play at a maximum level it is a difficult battle. We stick together. I'm confident with my players because it only takes one moment for it to turn." Last week the Italian received a vote of confidence from the club, who said he had their "unwavering support" but British bookmakers have him at short odds to be the next Premier League manager to be sacked. (Reuters)

After yet another loss, angry Ranieri suggests he's ready to drop Leicester stars

Chelsea extended their lead atop the Premier League to 10 points on Sunday as the team they seem destined to succeed as champions, Leicester City, sank to yet another defeat.

Bidding to go 12 points clear, Chelsea had to settle for a point after home debutant Robbie Brady&#39;s arcing 24th-minute free-kick earned Burnley a deserved 1-1 draw at Turf Moor.

While the title beckons for Chelsea, it is receding deeper into memory for Leicester, who were left one point and one place above the relegation zone by a 2-0 defeat at Swansea City.

&quot;I wanted the start of a &#39;new season&#39; today, but it is the same. It is unbelievable,&quot; said Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri.

&quot;We started well, but their first two shots on goal are goals. It is very difficult to come back from that. It is unbelievable, this season.

&quot;We have two problems: conceding goals and not scoring. We have to speak together to find the solutions. It is not possible to continue in this way.&quot;

Leicester became the first English champions to lose five successive games since Chelsea in 1956 and the first team to go six games without scoring at the start of the year since Stoke City in 1985.

Leicester&#39;s owners gave Ranieri a vote of confidence after last weekend&#39;s 3-0 loss to Manchester United, but the post-game rallying cry issued by goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel had little effect.

Swansea overcame the loss of former Leicester loanee Nathan Dyer to an early ankle injury to score twice in the latter stages of the first half at the Liberty Stadium.

Centre-back Alfie Mawson broke the deadlock in the 36th minute with an emphatic volley after Federico Fernandez had nodded Robert Huth&#39;s clearing header back into the penalty area.

Swedish left-back Martin Olsson landed a hammer blow in first-half stoppage time when he hared onto Gylfi Sigurdsson&#39;s first-time pass to rifle a shot past Schmeichel at his near post.

&nbsp;

Conte &#39;disappointed&#39; 
 
Ranieri made a double change at half-time, sending on Ben Chilwell and Islam Slimani, but the closest they came to establishing a foothold was a shot from the latter that was blocked by Lukasz Fabianski.

Swansea manager Paul Clement, named the Premier League&#39;s Manager of the Month for January, has now seen his team win four games from six since his appointment as the successor to Bob Bradley.

The Welsh club pulled four points clear of danger and now have a full two weeks to prepare for their trip to leaders Chelsea.

&quot;My job was to come in in January and put confidence back into the team, get them playing better and get them organised,&quot; said Clement. &quot;I&#39;m happy with the response from the players.&quot;

Chelsea continue to sit pretty at the top of the pile, although their advantage will be eroded to eight points if Pep Guardiola&#39;s Manchester City win at Bournemouth on Monday.

Antonio Conte&#39;s side took a seventh-minute lead at Turf Moor when Victor Moses slipped Pedro in to steer a low shot past Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton.

But Burnley levelled through &pound;13 million ($16.2 million, 15.3 million euros) record signing Brady&#39;s fine free-kick and managed to prevent Chelsea from registering a single shot on target in the second half.

&quot;We must be disappointed at the point because I think this type of game we could win,&quot; said Chelsea manager Conte.

&quot;We know there is a long way (to the end of the season). It is important to work and play this type of game and fight.&quot;

Burnley manager Sean Dyche, whose side have won 29 of their 30 points at home, said: &quot;It was a strong performance against a top, top side.

&quot;I want us to be awkward to play against and be productive and we showed that.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

While the title beckons for Chelsea, chances are receding for Leicester, who were left one point and one place above the relegation zone

Chelsea extended their lead atop the Premier League to 10 points on Sunday as the team they seem destined to succeed as champions, Leicester City, sank to yet another defeat. Bidding to go 12 points clear, Chelsea had to settle for a point after home debutant Robbie Brady's arcing 24th-minute free-kick earned Burnley a deserved 1-1 draw at Turf Moor. While the title beckons for Chelsea, it is receding deeper into memory for Leicester, who were left one point and one place above the relegation zone by a 2-0 defeat at Swansea City. "I wanted the start of a 'new season' today, but it is the same. It is unbelievable," said Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri. "We started well, but their first two shots on goal are goals. It is very difficult to come back from that. It is unbelievable, this season. "We have two problems: conceding goals and not scoring. We have to speak together to find the solutions. It is not possible to continue in this way." Leicester became the first English champions to lose five successive games since Chelsea in 1956 and the first team to go six games without scoring at the start of the year since Stoke City in 1985. Leicester's owners gave Ranieri a vote of confidence after last weekend's 3-0 loss to Manchester United, but the post-game rallying cry issued by goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel had little effect. Swansea overcame the loss of former Leicester loanee Nathan Dyer to an early ankle injury to score twice in the latter stages of the first half at the Liberty Stadium. Centre-back Alfie Mawson broke the deadlock in the 36th minute with an emphatic volley after Federico Fernandez had nodded Robert Huth's clearing header back into the penalty area. Swedish left-back Martin Olsson landed a hammer blow in first-half stoppage time when he hared onto Gylfi Sigurdsson's first-time pass to rifle a shot past Schmeichel at his near post. Conte 'disappointed' Ranieri made a double change at half-time, sending on Ben Chilwell and Islam Slimani, but the closest they came to establishing a foothold was a shot from the latter that was blocked by Lukasz Fabianski. Swansea manager Paul Clement, named the Premier League's Manager of the Month for January, has now seen his team win four games from six since his appointment as the successor to Bob Bradley. The Welsh club pulled four points clear of danger and now have a full two weeks to prepare for their trip to leaders Chelsea. "My job was to come in in January and put confidence back into the team, get them playing better and get them organised," said Clement. "I'm happy with the response from the players." Chelsea continue to sit pretty at the top of the pile, although their advantage will be eroded to eight points if Pep Guardiola's Manchester City win at Bournemouth on Monday. Antonio Conte's side took a seventh-minute lead at Turf Moor when Victor Moses slipped Pedro in to steer a low shot past Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton. But Burnley levelled through £13 million ($16.2 million, 15.3 million euros) record signing Brady's fine free-kick and managed to prevent Chelsea from registering a single shot on target in the second half. "We must be disappointed at the point because I think this type of game we could win," said Chelsea manager Conte. "We know there is a long way (to the end of the season). It is important to work and play this type of game and fight." Burnley manager Sean Dyche, whose side have won 29 of their 30 points at home, said: "It was a strong performance against a top, top side. "I want us to be awkward to play against and be productive and we showed that." (AFP)

Burnley ties Chelsea, Swansea City tops Leicester City 2-0

The jet-heeled Sadio Mane scored a quick-fire brace as Liverpool revitalised their Premier League campaign with an impressive 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Saturday.

Senegalese flier Mane netted twice in three first-half minutes as Jurgen Klopp&#39;s team claimed a first league win of 2017 at the sixth attempt and ended Spurs&#39; nine-game unbeaten run.

Liverpool moved back into the top four, above Manchester City, who visit Bournemouth on Monday, and Manchester United, who briefly climbed above them after beating Watford 2-0.

Tottenham remain second, but they are now level on points with Arsenal after Alexis Sanchez scored twice to earn Arsene Wenger&#39;s side a much-needed 2-0 victory over Hull City.

Spurs&#39; setback means Chelsea can move 12 points clear at the summit if they win at Burnley on Sunday.

While the title seems destined for Stamford Bridge, the battle for positions below Chelsea could not be more tight, with two points separating Spurs in second and United in sixth.

Liverpool badly missed Mane during his time at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal and he gave a dazzling display of his qualities with two goals in the first 18 minutes at Anfield.

For the first goal, in the 16th minute, he raced onto Georginio Wijnaldum&#39;s pass before lifting a shot past Hugo Lloris.

Two minutes later he made it 2-0 with his 11th goal of the season, sparking a raid on the Spurs box by robbing Eric Dier and then slamming in after Lloris had saved from Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino.

At the Emirates Stadium, Sanchez brought the under-fire Wenger some breathing space as Arsenal overcame third-bottom Hull.

The Chilean forward contentiously scored with his hand in the 34th minute and netted a stoppage-time penalty after Sam Clucas had been sent off for handball to take his tally for the campaign to 17 goals.

It got Arsenal back to winning ways following successive defeats by Watford and Chelsea and left them in third place, nine points behind Chelsea.

Wenger dismissed a claim by former Arsenal striker Ian Wright that he had admitted his time at the club was coming to an end.

Gabbiadini double&nbsp;

&quot;I didn&#39;t give any indication about my future,&quot; Wenger told reporters.

&quot;You know I appreciate very much that you want me to rest, absolutely. But I am not ready for that yet.&quot;

United closed to within a point of the Champions League places by beating Watford, Anthony Martial marking his return to the starting XI by scoring and setting up the opener for Juan Mata.

Jose Mourinho&#39;s side have now gone 16 league games unbeaten and while they remain sixth, they are just a point below both Liverpool and City.

&quot;Martial deserves the chance,&quot; Mourinho told the BBC. &quot;He has worked harder than ever in the last two weeks in the way I like: silence, but hard.&quot;

He added: &quot;In the first half the football was fabulous. When I got the job, they were saying at Manchester United you need to play football in a certain way and I agree.&quot;

Seventh-place Everton squandered a chance to close on the teams above them after being held to a 0-0 draw at sixth-bottom Middlesbrough.

Sunderland remain bottom of the table after Southampton&#39;s new Italian striker Manolo Gabbiadini scored a slick brace in a 4-0 win at the Stadium of Light.

Jason Denayer also put through his own goal before Shane Long completed the scoring in added time.

Second-bottom Crystal Palace were also beaten, Joe Allen scoring in the second half to give Stoke City a 1-0 win that saw Mark Hughes&#39;s team climb to ninth.

Gareth McAuley was credited with a stoppage-time equaliser for West Bromwich Albion in a 2-2 draw at West Ham United.

After Nacer Chadli put West Brom ahead in the fifth minute, West Ham hit back through Sofiane Feghouli and Manuel Lanzini, only for McAuley to get a decisive touch to Jonny Evans&#39;s header at the death. 
 
(AFP)

Liverpool moved back into the top four, above Manchester City, who visit Bournemouth on Monday, and Manchester United

The jet-heeled Sadio Mane scored a quick-fire brace as Liverpool revitalised their Premier League campaign with an impressive 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Saturday. Senegalese flier Mane netted twice in three first-half minutes as Jurgen Klopp's team claimed a first league win of 2017 at the sixth attempt and ended Spurs' nine-game unbeaten run. Liverpool moved back into the top four, above Manchester City, who visit Bournemouth on Monday, and Manchester United, who briefly climbed above them after beating Watford 2-0. Tottenham remain second, but they are now level on points with Arsenal after Alexis Sanchez scored twice to earn Arsene Wenger's side a much-needed 2-0 victory over Hull City. Spurs' setback means Chelsea can move 12 points clear at the summit if they win at Burnley on Sunday. While the title seems destined for Stamford Bridge, the battle for positions below Chelsea could not be more tight, with two points separating Spurs in second and United in sixth. Liverpool badly missed Mane during his time at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal and he gave a dazzling display of his qualities with two goals in the first 18 minutes at Anfield. For the first goal, in the 16th minute, he raced onto Georginio Wijnaldum's pass before lifting a shot past Hugo Lloris. Two minutes later he made it 2-0 with his 11th goal of the season, sparking a raid on the Spurs box by robbing Eric Dier and then slamming in after Lloris had saved from Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino. At the Emirates Stadium, Sanchez brought the under-fire Wenger some breathing space as Arsenal overcame third-bottom Hull. The Chilean forward contentiously scored with his hand in the 34th minute and netted a stoppage-time penalty after Sam Clucas had been sent off for handball to take his tally for the campaign to 17 goals. It got Arsenal back to winning ways following successive defeats by Watford and Chelsea and left them in third place, nine points behind Chelsea. Wenger dismissed a claim by former Arsenal striker Ian Wright that he had admitted his time at the club was coming to an end. Gabbiadini double "I didn't give any indication about my future," Wenger told reporters. "You know I appreciate very much that you want me to rest, absolutely. But I am not ready for that yet." United closed to within a point of the Champions League places by beating Watford, Anthony Martial marking his return to the starting XI by scoring and setting up the opener for Juan Mata. Jose Mourinho's side have now gone 16 league games unbeaten and while they remain sixth, they are just a point below both Liverpool and City. "Martial deserves the chance," Mourinho told the BBC. "He has worked harder than ever in the last two weeks in the way I like: silence, but hard." He added: "In the first half the football was fabulous. When I got the job, they were saying at Manchester United you need to play football in a certain way and I agree." Seventh-place Everton squandered a chance to close on the teams above them after being held to a 0-0 draw at sixth-bottom Middlesbrough. Sunderland remain bottom of the table after Southampton's new Italian striker Manolo Gabbiadini scored a slick brace in a 4-0 win at the Stadium of Light. Jason Denayer also put through his own goal before Shane Long completed the scoring in added time. Second-bottom Crystal Palace were also beaten, Joe Allen scoring in the second half to give Stoke City a 1-0 win that saw Mark Hughes's team climb to ninth. Gareth McAuley was credited with a stoppage-time equaliser for West Bromwich Albion in a 2-2 draw at West Ham United. After Nacer Chadli put West Brom ahead in the fifth minute, West Ham hit back through Sofiane Feghouli and Manuel Lanzini, only for McAuley to get a decisive touch to Jonny Evans's header at the death. (AFP)

Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham;  Arsenal, Manchester United rise

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar were all on target as Barcelona went top of La Liga for the first time since October with a 6-0 thrashing of Alaves on Saturday.

In a dress rehearsal of the Copa del Rey final, Alaves paid for their semi-final exertions against Celta Vigo in midweek as Barca moved two points ahead of Real Madrid.

However, Madrid have three games in hand, starting with a visit to Osasuna later on Saturday.

Barca&#39;s success was overshadowed, though, by violent clashes between fans outside the ground before kick-off which left one supporter in hospital with serious head injuries.

Both sides later released statements condemning the violence.

And in another blow to the Catalans, Aleix Vidal was stretchered off with a horrible looking ankle injury just three minutes from time.

&quot;I go away with very good feelings from the football perspective, for the result and the way we achieved it,&quot; said Barca boss Luis Enrique.

&quot;But I am upset by Aleix&#39;s injury, the way it came about and what it means for him.&quot;

Vidal had only recently established himself back in the team after being sidelined by Enrique for the majority of the season.

&quot;It is something serious, but we have to wait until the doctors see it and can say,&quot; added Enrique.

On the field, Enrique rotated his squad once more with six changes from Tuesday&#39;s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid that secured their place in a fourth consecutive Cup final.

However, despite a trip to Paris Saint-Germain upcoming on Tuesday, Messi, Suarez and Neymar were all included and ran riot.

The visitors had goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to thank for not going behind early on with a brilliant one-on-one save from Theo Hernandez.

There was no doubt over the outcome once Barca went in front thanks to a fine team move finished off by Suarez from close range eight minutes before half-time.

A goalkeeping error from Fernando Pachecho allowed Barca to double their lead three minutes later as he punched a loose ball off Suarez&#39;s head and the ball rebounded for Neymar to tap into an empty net.

The champions hit top form after the break with four further goals in eight minutes.

Messi drilled his 34th goal of the season low past Pacheco just before the hour mark.

The Argentine was then played in by Suarez, but the last touch came off Alaves defender Alexis to make it 4-0.

Ivan Rakitic blasted home the fifth from Suarez&#39;s cut-back before the Uruguayan rounded off the rout himself after Pacheco had parried Neymar&#39;s initial effort.

Yet, Barca&#39;s fine day was spoiled late on when Vidal&#39;s right ankle gave way under an innocuous looking challenge from Hernandez. 
 
(Reuters)

Barca's success was overshadowed by violent clashes between fans outside the ground before kick-off which left one supporter in hospital

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar were all on target as Barcelona went top of La Liga for the first time since October with a 6-0 thrashing of Alaves on Saturday. In a dress rehearsal of the Copa del Rey final, Alaves paid for their semi-final exertions against Celta Vigo in midweek as Barca moved two points ahead of Real Madrid. However, Madrid have three games in hand, starting with a visit to Osasuna later on Saturday. Barca's success was overshadowed, though, by violent clashes between fans outside the ground before kick-off which left one supporter in hospital with serious head injuries. Both sides later released statements condemning the violence. And in another blow to the Catalans, Aleix Vidal was stretchered off with a horrible looking ankle injury just three minutes from time. "I go away with very good feelings from the football perspective, for the result and the way we achieved it," said Barca boss Luis Enrique. "But I am upset by Aleix's injury, the way it came about and what it means for him." Vidal had only recently established himself back in the team after being sidelined by Enrique for the majority of the season. "It is something serious, but we have to wait until the doctors see it and can say," added Enrique. On the field, Enrique rotated his squad once more with six changes from Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid that secured their place in a fourth consecutive Cup final. However, despite a trip to Paris Saint-Germain upcoming on Tuesday, Messi, Suarez and Neymar were all included and ran riot. The visitors had goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to thank for not going behind early on with a brilliant one-on-one save from Theo Hernandez. There was no doubt over the outcome once Barca went in front thanks to a fine team move finished off by Suarez from close range eight minutes before half-time. A goalkeeping error from Fernando Pachecho allowed Barca to double their lead three minutes later as he punched a loose ball off Suarez's head and the ball rebounded for Neymar to tap into an empty net. The champions hit top form after the break with four further goals in eight minutes. Messi drilled his 34th goal of the season low past Pacheco just before the hour mark. The Argentine was then played in by Suarez, but the last touch came off Alaves defender Alexis to make it 4-0. Ivan Rakitic blasted home the fifth from Suarez's cut-back before the Uruguayan rounded off the rout himself after Pacheco had parried Neymar's initial effort. Yet, Barca's fine day was spoiled late on when Vidal's right ankle gave way under an innocuous looking challenge from Hernandez. (Reuters)

La Liga: Barca's 'MSN' score as they rout Alaves

Champions Juventus extended their lead at the top of Serie A to seven points with a comfortable 2-0 win at lowly Crotone on Wednesday.

Having seen their lead cut by Roma&#39;s 4-0 success over Fiorentina on Tuesday, second-half goals from Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain kept Massimiliano Allegri&#39;s team on course for a sixth straight scudetto.

&quot;We could have done better in the first half, especially in the speed of our passing, but overall we were organised, giving away little or nothing and approaching the game with lucidity and organisation,&quot; said Allegri.

&quot;Roma and Napoli (third at nine points) are playing well, but we&#39;re thinking about keeping our concentration on what we have to do.

&quot;Also tonight, for example, we didn&#39;t concede a goal and that&#39;s something positive.&quot;

The defeat leaves Crotone languishing in 19th place and nine points from safety.

The Calabrians did not disgrace themselves and proved stubborn opposition for an hour.

But they ran out of steam as Croatian Mandzukic converted a rebound following a header from Kwadwo Asamoah on 60 minutes.

With 16 minutes left, Higuain calmly slotted home when faced with only goalkeeper Alex Cordaz to beat.

That took his season&#39;s tally to 16 league goals, just one shy of Serie A&#39;s top scorer Edin Dzeko, who bagged a brace for Roma on Tuesday.

&quot;We knew it wouldn&#39;t be easy. We expected Crotone to get behind the ball, making it difficult to get forward and find the man between the lines,&quot; said Juve centre-back Leonardo Bonucci.

&quot;In the first half our tempo was low, but as Allegri said, we did well to remain patient, like we did against Inter and as we will have to in the next few games.&quot;

Later on Wednesday, AC Milan are looking to end a three-match losing streak and resurrect their fading hopes of qualifying for Europe as they travel to Bologna, themselves smarting from a 7-1 rout by Napoli at the weekend.

Milan currently sit seventh, five points behind bitter city rivals Inter Milan in the last Europa League qualification spot.

(AFP)

Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain scored for the Old Lady to calcify their chances of a sixth straight scudetto

Champions Juventus extended their lead at the top of Serie A to seven points with a comfortable 2-0 win at lowly Crotone on Wednesday. Having seen their lead cut by Roma's 4-0 success over Fiorentina on Tuesday, second-half goals from Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain kept Massimiliano Allegri's team on course for a sixth straight scudetto. "We could have done better in the first half, especially in the speed of our passing, but overall we were organised, giving away little or nothing and approaching the game with lucidity and organisation," said Allegri. "Roma and Napoli (third at nine points) are playing well, but we're thinking about keeping our concentration on what we have to do. "Also tonight, for example, we didn't concede a goal and that's something positive." The defeat leaves Crotone languishing in 19th place and nine points from safety. The Calabrians did not disgrace themselves and proved stubborn opposition for an hour. But they ran out of steam as Croatian Mandzukic converted a rebound following a header from Kwadwo Asamoah on 60 minutes. With 16 minutes left, Higuain calmly slotted home when faced with only goalkeeper Alex Cordaz to beat. That took his season's tally to 16 league goals, just one shy of Serie A's top scorer Edin Dzeko, who bagged a brace for Roma on Tuesday. "We knew it wouldn't be easy. We expected Crotone to get behind the ball, making it difficult to get forward and find the man between the lines," said Juve centre-back Leonardo Bonucci. "In the first half our tempo was low, but as Allegri said, we did well to remain patient, like we did against Inter and as we will have to in the next few games." Later on Wednesday, AC Milan are looking to end a three-match losing streak and resurrect their fading hopes of qualifying for Europe as they travel to Bologna, themselves smarting from a 7-1 rout by Napoli at the weekend. Milan currently sit seventh, five points behind bitter city rivals Inter Milan in the last Europa League qualification spot. (AFP)

Juventus beat Crotone to extend Serie A lead

Manchester United legend Denis Irwin reviews the English Premier League 2016-17 season and predicts the title winner

Denis Irwin Exclusive: Man Utd legend predicts EPL winner (WION Sports)

Luis Suarez booked Barcelona&#39;s place in a fourth consecutive Copa del Rey final but was sent off as a bad-tempered 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday secured a 3-2 aggregate win.

Suarez&#39;s second goal of the tie looked to have put the semi-final beyond the visitors just before half-time.

However, the Uruguayan was one of three players sent-off in a pulsating second-half and will miss May&#39;s final against Alaves or Celta Vigo.

Kevin Gameiro set up a grandstand finish seven minutes from time moments after blazing a penalty over the bar.

But Barca saw out five minutes of stoppage time with nine men after Suarez&#39;s first red card for the club.

Atletico needed a first win at the Camp Nou since 2006 to have any chance of overturning a 2-1 first leg deficit inflicted by stunning goals from Suarez and Lionel Messi.

Yet, the visitors nearly secured the perfect start with a lightning counter-attack from a Barca corner that ended with Yannick Carrasco stinging the palms of Jasper Cillessen.

The Dutch goalkeeper also saved a long range effort from Koke before Filipe Luis&#39;s volley flew just wide.

Barca took 27 minutes to have an effort on goal when Messi&#39;s low drive was held by Miguel Angel Moya.

However, Atletico&#39;s intense early pressing eased as the half wore on and Barca went in front just before half-time thanks to more magic from Messi and Suarez.

Messi sucked in the Atletico defence and when his effort from the edge of the area was parried by Moya, Suarez gobbled up the rebound for his 23rd goal of the season.

Atletico were dealt an injury blow at the start of the second period as Diego Godin had to be replaced by Lucas Hernandez just five days after the French defender was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence.

However, the visitors were given a glimmer of hope just before the hour mark when Sergi Roberto dived in on Luis and was deservedly shown a second yellow card.

That hope should have been bolstered moments later when Antoine Griezmann smashed the ball inside Cillessen&#39;s far post, but was wrongly flagged offside.

Barca&#39;s nerves were eased when Atletico were also reduced to 10 men 21 minutes from time when a slip from Carrasco saw him wipe out Arda Turan, the Belgian also being shown a second yellow card.

Messi&#39;s incredible run of scoring free-kicks in 2017 nearly continued with a driven effort from fully 35 yards that came crashing back off the bar.

Atletico were given a lifeline when Gerard Pique was adjudged to have tripped Gameiro inside the area with 10 minutes remaining.

Griezmann had missed his fifth penalty in seven attempts at the weekend and handed over responsiblity to his compatriot, but Gameiro blazed over.

Just three minutes later, though, the two combined to great effect as Griezmann&#39;s decision to cross rather than shoot caught the Barca defence off guard and Gameiro rolled into an empty net.

Atletico then pilled on the pressure in search of a winning goal on the night to send the game into extra time.

Suarez was the thrid player to be shown a second yellow for a stray elbow on Koke.

But a great block from Samuel Umtiti to divert Luis&#39;s goalbound drive preserved Barca&#39;s incredible record of not having lost a tie to anyone other than Real Madrid in the Cup sine 2010.

(AFP)

Barcelona's Luis Suarez brandished his Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde self as he scored one and got sent off in an ill-tempered match

Luis Suarez booked Barcelona's place in a fourth consecutive Copa del Rey final but was sent off as a bad-tempered 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday secured a 3-2 aggregate win. Suarez's second goal of the tie looked to have put the semi-final beyond the visitors just before half-time. However, the Uruguayan was one of three players sent-off in a pulsating second-half and will miss May's final against Alaves or Celta Vigo. Kevin Gameiro set up a grandstand finish seven minutes from time moments after blazing a penalty over the bar. But Barca saw out five minutes of stoppage time with nine men after Suarez's first red card for the club. Atletico needed a first win at the Camp Nou since 2006 to have any chance of overturning a 2-1 first leg deficit inflicted by stunning goals from Suarez and Lionel Messi. Yet, the visitors nearly secured the perfect start with a lightning counter-attack from a Barca corner that ended with Yannick Carrasco stinging the palms of Jasper Cillessen. The Dutch goalkeeper also saved a long range effort from Koke before Filipe Luis's volley flew just wide. Barca took 27 minutes to have an effort on goal when Messi's low drive was held by Miguel Angel Moya. However, Atletico's intense early pressing eased as the half wore on and Barca went in front just before half-time thanks to more magic from Messi and Suarez. Messi sucked in the Atletico defence and when his effort from the edge of the area was parried by Moya, Suarez gobbled up the rebound for his 23rd goal of the season. Atletico were dealt an injury blow at the start of the second period as Diego Godin had to be replaced by Lucas Hernandez just five days after the French defender was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence. However, the visitors were given a glimmer of hope just before the hour mark when Sergi Roberto dived in on Luis and was deservedly shown a second yellow card. That hope should have been bolstered moments later when Antoine Griezmann smashed the ball inside Cillessen's far post, but was wrongly flagged offside. Barca's nerves were eased when Atletico were also reduced to 10 men 21 minutes from time when a slip from Carrasco saw him wipe out Arda Turan, the Belgian also being shown a second yellow card. Messi's incredible run of scoring free-kicks in 2017 nearly continued with a driven effort from fully 35 yards that came crashing back off the bar. Atletico were given a lifeline when Gerard Pique was adjudged to have tripped Gameiro inside the area with 10 minutes remaining. Griezmann had missed his fifth penalty in seven attempts at the weekend and handed over responsiblity to his compatriot, but Gameiro blazed over. Just three minutes later, though, the two combined to great effect as Griezmann's decision to cross rather than shoot caught the Barca defence off guard and Gameiro rolled into an empty net. Atletico then pilled on the pressure in search of a winning goal on the night to send the game into extra time. Suarez was the thrid player to be shown a second yellow for a stray elbow on Koke. But a great block from Samuel Umtiti to divert Luis's goalbound drive preserved Barca's incredible record of not having lost a tie to anyone other than Real Madrid in the Cup sine 2010. (AFP)

Copa del Rey: Barcelona through to final after beating Atletico Madrid

Bayern Munich&#39;s captain Philipp Lahm will retire at the end of the season and leave the Bundesliga leaders having rejected a role as sports director, according to a report.

German magazine Sport Bild says in its Wednesday edition the 33-year-old, who made his 500th appearance for Bayern last Saturday, will hang up his boots in June -- despite having a year left on his contract.

He has apparently also rejected the vacant sports director role because it would not have included a place on Bayern&#39;s board following recent restructuring at the club.

Lahm has reportedly already told Bayern of his decision.

Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge had hinted last November that the club wanted Lahm to fill the role vacated by Matthias Sammer last year.

Borussia Moenchengladbach&#39;s sports director Max Eberl is now reportedly the favourite to take the job.

Lahm retired from international football after captaining Germany to the 2014 World Cup title in Brazil.

He joined Bayern as an 11-year-old in 1995 and skippered the Bavarian giants to their 2013 Champions League win at Wembley.

That season, they became the first German club to complete the treble of Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup.

He has won the Bundesliga seven times and the German Cup on a further six occasions.

(AFP)

He will leave the Bundesliga leaders having rejected a role as sports director, according to Sport Bild

Bayern Munich's captain Philipp Lahm will retire at the end of the season and leave the Bundesliga leaders having rejected a role as sports director, according to a report. German magazine Sport Bild says in its Wednesday edition the 33-year-old, who made his 500th appearance for Bayern last Saturday, will hang up his boots in June -- despite having a year left on his contract. He has apparently also rejected the vacant sports director role because it would not have included a place on Bayern's board following recent restructuring at the club. Lahm has reportedly already told Bayern of his decision. Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge had hinted last November that the club wanted Lahm to fill the role vacated by Matthias Sammer last year. Borussia Moenchengladbach's sports director Max Eberl is now reportedly the favourite to take the job. Lahm retired from international football after captaining Germany to the 2014 World Cup title in Brazil. He joined Bayern as an 11-year-old in 1995 and skippered the Bavarian giants to their 2013 Champions League win at Wembley. That season, they became the first German club to complete the treble of Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup. He has won the Bundesliga seven times and the German Cup on a further six occasions. (AFP)

Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm to retire in June

Flu-hit RB Leipzig failed to capitalise on Bayern Munich&#39;s draw against Schalke as they lost to Borussia Dortmund 1-0 on Saturday.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang&#39;s 17th goal of the season -- two more than Bayern&#39;s Lewandowski in the top goal-scorer chart in the Bundesliga -- meant Dortmund shot four places to go third in the Bundesliga standings.

Leipzig&#39;s loss mean at Dortmund that Bayern have now stretched their lead to four points, despite the sluggish performance they put on against Schalke.

Bayern started the match brightly, with their captain Philipp Lahm making his 500th appearance for the club. Bayern took the lead in the ninth minute, thanks to Lewandowski, but were then made to work hard to retain their lead.

But Schalke kept their composure and equalised four minutes later when Naldo hammered a free-kick past Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

It completed the scoring, but both sides squandered clear first-half chances as Schalke striker Guido Burgstaller hit the crossbar, just like Lewandowski did at the other end.

Over in the Leipzig-Dortmund match, there was drama in added time as Leipzig sub Federico Palacios Martinez, making his Bundesliga debut, put the ball in Dortmund&#39;s net, but was flagged for a marginal offside.

Leipzig struggled without top-scorer Timo Werner, midfielder Diego Demme and striker Marcel Sabitzer, who all have flu, while playmaker Emil Forsberg was suspended.

&quot;We won the game, that&#39;s what counts,&quot; a relieved Reus told Sky.

&quot;We put up a good fight, it was a very aggressive game and the win is okay.&quot;

Hertha moved up to fifth with a 1-0 win at home to strugglers Ingolstadt as Japan midfielder Genki Haraguchi scored the winner after just a minute at Berlin&#39;s Olympic Stadium.

Cologne are sixth following their 1-0 win at Wolfsburg thanks to Anthony Modeste&#39;s second-half penalty, having been fouled by Wolves goalkeeper Diego Benaglio in the area.

Borussia Moenchengladbach picked up their second straight win with a 3-0 victory at home to Freiburg courtesy of goals from captain Lars Stindl, striker Raffael and winger Patrick Herrmann to go tenth.

(WION with inputs from AFP)

Bayern could only muster a draw against Schalke but Dortmund's 1-0 win over second-placed Leipzig means they are four points clear

Flu-hit RB Leipzig failed to capitalise on Bayern Munich's draw against Schalke as they lost to Borussia Dortmund 1-0 on Saturday. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's 17th goal of the season -- two more than Bayern's Lewandowski in the top goal-scorer chart in the Bundesliga -- meant Dortmund shot four places to go third in the Bundesliga standings. Leipzig's loss mean at Dortmund that Bayern have now stretched their lead to four points, despite the sluggish performance they put on against Schalke. Bayern started the match brightly, with their captain Philipp Lahm making his 500th appearance for the club. Bayern took the lead in the ninth minute, thanks to Lewandowski, but were then made to work hard to retain their lead. But Schalke kept their composure and equalised four minutes later when Naldo hammered a free-kick past Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. It completed the scoring, but both sides squandered clear first-half chances as Schalke striker Guido Burgstaller hit the crossbar, just like Lewandowski did at the other end. Over in the Leipzig-Dortmund match, there was drama in added time as Leipzig sub Federico Palacios Martinez, making his Bundesliga debut, put the ball in Dortmund's net, but was flagged for a marginal offside. Leipzig struggled without top-scorer Timo Werner, midfielder Diego Demme and striker Marcel Sabitzer, who all have flu, while playmaker Emil Forsberg was suspended. "We won the game, that's what counts," a relieved Reus told Sky. "We put up a good fight, it was a very aggressive game and the win is okay." Hertha moved up to fifth with a 1-0 win at home to strugglers Ingolstadt as Japan midfielder Genki Haraguchi scored the winner after just a minute at Berlin's Olympic Stadium. Cologne are sixth following their 1-0 win at Wolfsburg thanks to Anthony Modeste's second-half penalty, having been fouled by Wolves goalkeeper Diego Benaglio in the area. Borussia Moenchengladbach picked up their second straight win with a 3-0 victory at home to Freiburg courtesy of goals from captain Lars Stindl, striker Raffael and winger Patrick Herrmann to go tenth. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Bayern Munich sluggish but stretch lead as Leipzig fall to Dortmund

Eden Hazard scored a sublime solo goal as Premier League leaders&nbsp;Chelsea&nbsp;thrust a dagger into Arsenal&#39;s title aspirations with a 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The Belgian winger left a trail of defenders in his wake to double&nbsp;Chelsea&#39;s lead in the 53rd minute, in between a contentious header by Marcos Alonso and a late lob from Arsenal old boy Cesc Fabregas.

It was&nbsp;Chelsea&#39;s 11th home victory in succession and their 16th win in 18 league games, stretching their lead over third-place Arsenal to a huge 12 points with 14 games of the season remaining.

&quot;I think we are showing we deserve to stay on top of the table,&quot; said&nbsp;Chelsea&nbsp;manager Antonio Conte.

&quot;I am very pleased for my players. In every session they show me great attitude and great will to fight and win this league.&quot;

Chelsea&nbsp;have been close to unplayable since Conte changed their system to a 3-4-3 during their 3-0 loss at Arsenal on September 24 and it seems only a matter of time until they are crowned champions.

For Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who watched from the stands as he served the third game of a four-match touchline ban, his side&#39;s season is following a wearily familiar pattern.

Arsenal have lost their last five games at the Bridge and had conceded 13 unanswered goals prior to Olivier Giroud&#39;s stoppage-time consolation.

Beaten for the fourth time in nine league games, they once again face the prospect of a run-in given suspense only by the tussle for Champions League places.

Wenger felt Alonso&#39;s goal was &quot;100 percent a foul&quot; on Hector Bellerin, but conceded: &quot;We were really naive and not clinical in our defending. Then&nbsp;Chelsea&nbsp;looked the better side.&quot;

With a raft of midfielders unavailable, Wenger was obliged to start with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain alongside Francis Coquelin in the middle, while Theo Walcott replaced Giroud in attack.

Bellerin forced off

Arsenal had conceded two goals in the first 13 minutes of Tuesday&#39;s 2-1 loss at home to Watford.

They almost caught&nbsp;Chelsea&nbsp;cold here, Alex Iwobi curling wide after Thibaut Courtois overhit a pass towards David Luiz.

But after Gary Cahill had headed into the ground and over the bar at the other end,&nbsp;Chelsea&nbsp;went ahead in the 13th minute with a goal that left Arsenal&#39;s fans fuming.

Pedro sent a cross into the box from the right that Diego Costa headed against the bar at the near post, sending the ball spinning into the air.

As Bellerin got himself in position to head it away, and with Walcott watching on impassively, Alonso flew in, cleaning his fellow Spaniard out with his forearm and heading the ball home.

Referee Martin Atkinson allowed the goal to stand and Arsenal&#39;s disappointment was compounded by the sight of a dazed Bellerin being led down the tunnel, with Gabriel taking his place.

Chelsea&nbsp;were buoyant, Costa driving a shot into the side-netting and Pedro forcing Petr Cech to push the ball behind from Alonso&#39;s accurate cut-back.

But Arsenal ended the first half strongly, Courtois producing a stunning one-handed save to turn Gabriel&#39;s header over the bar and then dropping onto a tame effort by Mesut Ozil.

It took a last-ditch tackle by Laurent Koscielny to prevent Hazard scampering clear early in the second half, but when the&nbsp;Chelseanumber 10 picked up the ball minutes later there was no getting it back.

After striding onto a loose ball in the centre circle, he beat Koscielny, shrugged off Coquelin, leaving him flat on his back, and then outfoxed Koscielny again before squeezing a shot past Cech.

On the touchline, Conte celebrated with even greater abandon than usual, leaping into the crowd.

There were flickers from Arsenal, Courtois clawing away a deft header from substitute Danny Welbeck, before Fabregas lobbed in from 25 yards after Cech shanked the ball straight to him.

Giroud reduced the arrears, heading in from Nacho Monreal&#39;s cross.

(AFP)

The Blues won 3-1 in the London derby, with Eden Hazard's solo goal the highlight of the match

Eden Hazard scored a sublime solo goal as Premier League leaders Chelsea thrust a dagger into Arsenal's title aspirations with a 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The Belgian winger left a trail of defenders in his wake to double Chelsea's lead in the 53rd minute, in between a contentious header by Marcos Alonso and a late lob from Arsenal old boy Cesc Fabregas. It was Chelsea's 11th home victory in succession and their 16th win in 18 league games, stretching their lead over third-place Arsenal to a huge 12 points with 14 games of the season remaining. "I think we are showing we deserve to stay on top of the table," said Chelsea manager Antonio Conte. "I am very pleased for my players. In every session they show me great attitude and great will to fight and win this league." Chelsea have been close to unplayable since Conte changed their system to a 3-4-3 during their 3-0 loss at Arsenal on September 24 and it seems only a matter of time until they are crowned champions. For Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who watched from the stands as he served the third game of a four-match touchline ban, his side's season is following a wearily familiar pattern. Arsenal have lost their last five games at the Bridge and had conceded 13 unanswered goals prior to Olivier Giroud's stoppage-time consolation. Beaten for the fourth time in nine league games, they once again face the prospect of a run-in given suspense only by the tussle for Champions League places. Wenger felt Alonso's goal was "100 percent a foul" on Hector Bellerin, but conceded: "We were really naive and not clinical in our defending. Then Chelsea looked the better side." With a raft of midfielders unavailable, Wenger was obliged to start with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain alongside Francis Coquelin in the middle, while Theo Walcott replaced Giroud in attack. Bellerin forced off Arsenal had conceded two goals in the first 13 minutes of Tuesday's 2-1 loss at home to Watford. They almost caught Chelsea cold here, Alex Iwobi curling wide after Thibaut Courtois overhit a pass towards David Luiz. But after Gary Cahill had headed into the ground and over the bar at the other end, Chelsea went ahead in the 13th minute with a goal that left Arsenal's fans fuming. Pedro sent a cross into the box from the right that Diego Costa headed against the bar at the near post, sending the ball spinning into the air. As Bellerin got himself in position to head it away, and with Walcott watching on impassively, Alonso flew in, cleaning his fellow Spaniard out with his forearm and heading the ball home. Referee Martin Atkinson allowed the goal to stand and Arsenal's disappointment was compounded by the sight of a dazed Bellerin being led down the tunnel, with Gabriel taking his place. Chelsea were buoyant, Costa driving a shot into the side-netting and Pedro forcing Petr Cech to push the ball behind from Alonso's accurate cut-back. But Arsenal ended the first half strongly, Courtois producing a stunning one-handed save to turn Gabriel's header over the bar and then dropping onto a tame effort by Mesut Ozil. It took a last-ditch tackle by Laurent Koscielny to prevent Hazard scampering clear early in the second half, but when the Chelseanumber 10 picked up the ball minutes later there was no getting it back. After striding onto a loose ball in the centre circle, he beat Koscielny, shrugged off Coquelin, leaving him flat on his back, and then outfoxed Koscielny again before squeezing a shot past Cech. On the touchline, Conte celebrated with even greater abandon than usual, leaping into the crowd. There were flickers from Arsenal, Courtois clawing away a deft header from substitute Danny Welbeck, before Fabregas lobbed in from 25 yards after Cech shanked the ball straight to him. Giroud reduced the arrears, heading in from Nacho Monreal's cross. (AFP)

Chelsea beat Arsenal to zoom off to 12-point lead

La Liga champions Barcelona stayed on the heels of leaders Real Madrid by coasting to a 3-0 home win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday as Lionel Messi became the club&#39;s top scorer from free-kicks.

Paco Alcacer scored his first league goal since joining from Valencia last year by turning in a pass from Neymar in the 18th minute while Messi whipped in an angled strike in the 40th, his 27th goal from a free-kick for Barca.

Aleix Vidal scored the most impressive goal of the game by finishing off an audacious solo run in the 67th minute.

Barca stayed second in the standings, moving one point behind Real Madrid having played two games more. The leaders are due to visit Celta Vigo on Sunday although the game is in danger of being postponed due to extreme weather conditions.

Third-placed Sevilla visit Las Palmas on Sunday and Atletico Madrid host Leganes later on Saturday.

Luis Enrique made six changes to the team that beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in Wednesday&#39;s King&#39;s Cup semi-final first leg, resting top scorer Luis Suarez, and it looked a risky move as Athletic made a bold start.

Raul Garcia struck the post early on, after Inaki Williams dispossessed Vidal, while Williams headed just beyond the post not long after as Barca again lacked control without injured midfielders Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta.

But they took the lead when Neymar cut inside from the left and held off four opponents to serve the ball up for Alcacer to finally score a league goal for Barca in his 11th appearance.

Athletic continued to cause problems but the Catalans doubled their advantage before the break when Messi smashed the ball from the right-hand side of the area straight past Athletic goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz. The goal moved him ahead of Ronald Koeman as the club&#39;s top set-piece specialist with 27 goals from free-kicks in all competitions.

Early in the second half, Barca midfielder Rafinha was forced off with a bleeding head after colliding with his goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, while Pique was taken off with a suspected hamstring strain.

Messi was also substituted in the 64th minute but the Argentine maestro was soon all smiles as he watched Vidal race towards goal on the counter, flicking the ball over a defender before arrowing the ball into the far corner for the third.

&quot;Athletic are always difficult opponents and, although at times we were imprecise, it&#39;s been a very positive day for us,&quot; Barca coach Luis Enrique told reporters.

&quot;If we want to win all three competitions this season we have to use the whole squad, and today the players who play less often showed their worth.&quot;

(Reuters)

The defending champions beat Bilbao 3-0, with Lionel Messi becoming the club's top goal-scorer from free-kicks

La Liga champions Barcelona stayed on the heels of leaders Real Madrid by coasting to a 3-0 home win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday as Lionel Messi became the club's top scorer from free-kicks. Paco Alcacer scored his first league goal since joining from Valencia last year by turning in a pass from Neymar in the 18th minute while Messi whipped in an angled strike in the 40th, his 27th goal from a free-kick for Barca. Aleix Vidal scored the most impressive goal of the game by finishing off an audacious solo run in the 67th minute. Barca stayed second in the standings, moving one point behind Real Madrid having played two games more. The leaders are due to visit Celta Vigo on Sunday although the game is in danger of being postponed due to extreme weather conditions. Third-placed Sevilla visit Las Palmas on Sunday and Atletico Madrid host Leganes later on Saturday. Luis Enrique made six changes to the team that beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in Wednesday's King's Cup semi-final first leg, resting top scorer Luis Suarez, and it looked a risky move as Athletic made a bold start. Raul Garcia struck the post early on, after Inaki Williams dispossessed Vidal, while Williams headed just beyond the post not long after as Barca again lacked control without injured midfielders Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta. But they took the lead when Neymar cut inside from the left and held off four opponents to serve the ball up for Alcacer to finally score a league goal for Barca in his 11th appearance. Athletic continued to cause problems but the Catalans doubled their advantage before the break when Messi smashed the ball from the right-hand side of the area straight past Athletic goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz. The goal moved him ahead of Ronald Koeman as the club's top set-piece specialist with 27 goals from free-kicks in all competitions. Early in the second half, Barca midfielder Rafinha was forced off with a bleeding head after colliding with his goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, while Pique was taken off with a suspected hamstring strain. Messi was also substituted in the 64th minute but the Argentine maestro was soon all smiles as he watched Vidal race towards goal on the counter, flicking the ball over a defender before arrowing the ball into the far corner for the third. "Athletic are always difficult opponents and, although at times we were imprecise, it's been a very positive day for us," Barca coach Luis Enrique told reporters. "If we want to win all three competitions this season we have to use the whole squad, and today the players who play less often showed their worth." (Reuters)

Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao to keep in touch with Real Madrid

Hull&#39;s resurgence under new manager Marco Silva continued as goals from Alfred N&#39;Diaye and Oumar Niasse secured a 2-0 victory which leaves Liverpool still waiting for their first league win of 2017.

Whatever the future holds for N&#39;Diaye on Humberside, he is unlikely to have many easier goalscoring opportunities than the one goalkeeper Simon Mignolet gifted him in the 44th minute at the KCOM Stadium on Saturday.

Mignolet dropped Harry Maguire&#39;s header from Kamil Grosicki&#39;s right-wing corner, and although he was pressured by Abel Hernandez, it should have been a routine save.

Instead, the ball fell at the feet of N&#39;Diaye who added to the growing concerns facing Reds boss Jurgen Klopp as he still awaits his first league victory of the calendar year.

There was nothing the goalkeeper could do with the second goal, on 84 minutes, however as Andrea Ranocchia eased a spell of pressure by punting the ball forward and substitute Niasse shrugged of Joel Matip before finishing from a dozen or so yards.

Fourth placed Liverpool have won only once in their last 10 games in all competitions, while Hull move up to 18th place in their battle to avoid relegation.&nbsp;

Hull had actually faced problems even before kick-off, when defender Michael Dawson was injured warming-up and Italian Ranocchia stepped up from the bench to make his first start.&nbsp;

But Liverpool, boasting a talented forward line that featured Sadio Mane for the first time since the start of last month, toiled to test home goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic.

Frustrations

On one of the rare occasions they were able to do so, from a 22nd minute cross from Roberto Firmino, the Swiss international fumbled his attempted clearance, presenting Philippe Coutinho with the best chance of the game so far.

However, the Brazilian struck a downwards shot which bounced high, enabling Jakupovic to turn it around for a corner.

Matip summed up Liverpool frustrations when he rose unmarked to meet a Coutinho corner but failed to find the target with his 15-yard header and the visitors were soon trailing at the interval.

Liverpool&#39;s players were sent out before the start of the second half a good two minutes before their opponents and their early play looked more lively as won a series of corners.

One of those, from James Milner on the left, was snatched at by Mane at the far post, with Matip also trying to make contact before Hull cleared.

Milner spied the Hull goal a few minutes later, after a right-wing attack had broken down, but succeeded only in lofting a tame shot towards the top corner for Jakupovic to catch.

The Hull keeper faced a far stiffer test just before the hour when Coutinho&#39;s far-post cross was met by Mane, out jumping Andy Robertson for an excellent header which Jakupovic did well to tip over.

Lucas and Matip had shots blocked in the same attack, from yet another corner, but there were warning signs at the other end that Liverpool&#39;s defence would be susceptible to the counter.

First, Tom Huddlestone neatly played through Hernandez although the forward could do little more than flick an attempt into the side-netting under pressure.

Hernandez was guilty of a more glaring miss moments later, allowing Mignolet to block at his feet, after a superb pass from Grosicki.&nbsp;

Coutinho produced an equally bad miss, flashing a shot wide with the goal beckoning, after Milner&#39;s effort had been cleared off the line by Maguire.

(AFP)

Goals from Alfred N'Diaye and Oumar Niasse secured Hull a 2-0 victory, leaving Liverpool waiting for their first league win of 2017

Hull's resurgence under new manager Marco Silva continued as goals from Alfred N'Diaye and Oumar Niasse secured a 2-0 victory which leaves Liverpool still waiting for their first league win of 2017. Whatever the future holds for N'Diaye on Humberside, he is unlikely to have many easier goalscoring opportunities than the one goalkeeper Simon Mignolet gifted him in the 44th minute at the KCOM Stadium on Saturday. Mignolet dropped Harry Maguire's header from Kamil Grosicki's right-wing corner, and although he was pressured by Abel Hernandez, it should have been a routine save. Instead, the ball fell at the feet of N'Diaye who added to the growing concerns facing Reds boss Jurgen Klopp as he still awaits his first league victory of the calendar year. There was nothing the goalkeeper could do with the second goal, on 84 minutes, however as Andrea Ranocchia eased a spell of pressure by punting the ball forward and substitute Niasse shrugged of Joel Matip before finishing from a dozen or so yards. Fourth placed Liverpool have won only once in their last 10 games in all competitions, while Hull move up to 18th place in their battle to avoid relegation. Hull had actually faced problems even before kick-off, when defender Michael Dawson was injured warming-up and Italian Ranocchia stepped up from the bench to make his first start. But Liverpool, boasting a talented forward line that featured Sadio Mane for the first time since the start of last month, toiled to test home goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic. Frustrations On one of the rare occasions they were able to do so, from a 22nd minute cross from Roberto Firmino, the Swiss international fumbled his attempted clearance, presenting Philippe Coutinho with the best chance of the game so far. However, the Brazilian struck a downwards shot which bounced high, enabling Jakupovic to turn it around for a corner. Matip summed up Liverpool frustrations when he rose unmarked to meet a Coutinho corner but failed to find the target with his 15-yard header and the visitors were soon trailing at the interval. Liverpool's players were sent out before the start of the second half a good two minutes before their opponents and their early play looked more lively as won a series of corners. One of those, from James Milner on the left, was snatched at by Mane at the far post, with Matip also trying to make contact before Hull cleared. Milner spied the Hull goal a few minutes later, after a right-wing attack had broken down, but succeeded only in lofting a tame shot towards the top corner for Jakupovic to catch. The Hull keeper faced a far stiffer test just before the hour when Coutinho's far-post cross was met by Mane, out jumping Andy Robertson for an excellent header which Jakupovic did well to tip over. Lucas and Matip had shots blocked in the same attack, from yet another corner, but there were warning signs at the other end that Liverpool's defence would be susceptible to the counter. First, Tom Huddlestone neatly played through Hernandez although the forward could do little more than flick an attempt into the side-netting under pressure. Hernandez was guilty of a more glaring miss moments later, allowing Mignolet to block at his feet, after a superb pass from Grosicki. Coutinho produced an equally bad miss, flashing a shot wide with the goal beckoning, after Milner's effort had been cleared off the line by Maguire. (AFP)

Liverpool stumble at Hull as title bid appears near collapse

Manchester United`s push for the Champions League places was frustrated by Hull City as Jose Mourinho`s men were held to a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

With Manchester City winning handsomely at West Ham United, their cross-city rivals lost ground in the race for a top-four finish as Hull`s stubborn defending kept them at bay.

The visitors, who showed further signs of improvement under new manager Marco Silva, restricted Mourinho`s side to few clear chances.

And when United did get a sight of goal they were thwarted by Hull goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic, who made some smart saves either side of half-time.

Two dropped points left United four points adrift of fifth-place Manchester City and fourth-place Liverpool.

There was more bad news for Mourinho when defender Phil Jones limped off injured in the second half.

It might have got even worse, but Lazar Markovic struck the United woodwork late on with the best chance of the game.

United sniffed a chance early on when David Meyler presented possession to Paul Pogba and the midfielder angled a clever pass into the path of Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

But the winger`s chances of finding a shot were halted by full-back Andrew Robertson, who covered around to make an important challenge.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic almost put United ahead in the 15th minute with a moment of characteristic confidence, brushing off Tom Huddlestone and hitting a curling shot that was tipped around the post by Jakupovic.

But despite dominating possession, United were finding it difficult to break down the stubborn resistance of Hull, with Mkhitaryan in particular having little success in running at defenders.

Another chance arrived for United 10 minutes before half-time when Pogba helped a pass by Daley Blind into the feet of Ibrahimovic.

However, the Swede was closed down quickly and he snatched at a left-foot shot that flew harmlessly wide.

After lacking the magic to change the game for much of the first half, the home side nearly opened the scoring with a goal of real inspiration three minutes before half-time.Michael Carrick`s pass was flicked on superbly by Ibrahimovic for Pogba, whose powerful effort was saved well by Jakupovic.

Pogba and Ibrahimovic combined again nine minutes into the second half when the former lofted a clever pass into the latter`s path inside the 18-yard box.

But it was a difficult ball for Ibrahimovic to control and his attempted shot was easy for Jakupovic to claim.

Another raking, diagonal ball by Pogba released Marcus Rashford moments later and this time it was brought under control. 
The young forward managed to get a shot away but it went just wide of the target.

Then a cross from the right by Antonio Valencia was helped back across goal by Rashford, but substitute Wayne Rooney failed to connect with a shot on the turn and when Ibrahimovic did make contact, he fired wide.

Hull striker Oumar Niasse was fortunate to stay on the field with 25 minutes remaining when, having already been booked, he committed a high challenge on Blind but escaped without another caution.

The home side ought to have led with 13 minutes remaining, but Jakupovic again came to Hull`s rescue.

He made a superb block on the line to deny substitute Juan Mata from close range after Chris Smalling had headed Ander&nbsp; 
Herrera`s cross into the Spaniard`s feet.

With 10 minutes remaining Hull`s players were furious with Ibrahimovic when he hung out a leg in the penalty area and waited for contact from Huddlestone before going to ground.

Referee Mike Jones was unimpressed and awarded a free-kick to the visitors.

With three minutes to go, Markovic sidestepped Smalling and saw his cheeky shot strike David De Gea`s right-hand post and rebound to safety.

United were frustrated again in stoppage time when Jakupovic saved a header by Marcos Rojo and then turned away a curling shot from Pogba.

(AFP)

Hull City, which showed further signs of improvement under new manager Marco Silva, restricted Mourinho's side to few clear chances

Manchester United`s push for the Champions League places was frustrated by Hull City as Jose Mourinho`s men were held to a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford on Wednesday. With Manchester City winning handsomely at West Ham United, their cross-city rivals lost ground in the race for a top-four finish as Hull`s stubborn defending kept them at bay. The visitors, who showed further signs of improvement under new manager Marco Silva, restricted Mourinho`s side to few clear chances. And when United did get a sight of goal they were thwarted by Hull goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic, who made some smart saves either side of half-time. Two dropped points left United four points adrift of fifth-place Manchester City and fourth-place Liverpool. There was more bad news for Mourinho when defender Phil Jones limped off injured in the second half. It might have got even worse, but Lazar Markovic struck the United woodwork late on with the best chance of the game. United sniffed a chance early on when David Meyler presented possession to Paul Pogba and the midfielder angled a clever pass into the path of Henrikh Mkhitaryan. But the winger`s chances of finding a shot were halted by full-back Andrew Robertson, who covered around to make an important challenge. Zlatan Ibrahimovic almost put United ahead in the 15th minute with a moment of characteristic confidence, brushing off Tom Huddlestone and hitting a curling shot that was tipped around the post by Jakupovic. But despite dominating possession, United were finding it difficult to break down the stubborn resistance of Hull, with Mkhitaryan in particular having little success in running at defenders. Another chance arrived for United 10 minutes before half-time when Pogba helped a pass by Daley Blind into the feet of Ibrahimovic. However, the Swede was closed down quickly and he snatched at a left-foot shot that flew harmlessly wide. After lacking the magic to change the game for much of the first half, the home side nearly opened the scoring with a goal of real inspiration three minutes before half-time.Michael Carrick`s pass was flicked on superbly by Ibrahimovic for Pogba, whose powerful effort was saved well by Jakupovic. Pogba and Ibrahimovic combined again nine minutes into the second half when the former lofted a clever pass into the latter`s path inside the 18-yard box. But it was a difficult ball for Ibrahimovic to control and his attempted shot was easy for Jakupovic to claim. Another raking, diagonal ball by Pogba released Marcus Rashford moments later and this time it was brought under control. The young forward managed to get a shot away but it went just wide of the target. Then a cross from the right by Antonio Valencia was helped back across goal by Rashford, but substitute Wayne Rooney failed to connect with a shot on the turn and when Ibrahimovic did make contact, he fired wide. Hull striker Oumar Niasse was fortunate to stay on the field with 25 minutes remaining when, having already been booked, he committed a high challenge on Blind but escaped without another caution. The home side ought to have led with 13 minutes remaining, but Jakupovic again came to Hull`s rescue. He made a superb block on the line to deny substitute Juan Mata from close range after Chris Smalling had headed Ander Herrera`s cross into the Spaniard`s feet. With 10 minutes remaining Hull`s players were furious with Ibrahimovic when he hung out a leg in the penalty area and waited for contact from Huddlestone before going to ground. Referee Mike Jones was unimpressed and awarded a free-kick to the visitors. With three minutes to go, Markovic sidestepped Smalling and saw his cheeky shot strike David De Gea`s right-hand post and rebound to safety. United were frustrated again in stoppage time when Jakupovic saved a header by Marcos Rojo and then turned away a curling shot from Pogba. (AFP)

Manchester United fails to notch win against Hull as match ends in 0-0 draw

Arsene Wenger was given a four-game touchline ban with &quot;immediate effect&quot; by the Football Association on Friday after accepting a misconduct charge following an incident that saw the veteran Arsenal manager sent off in Sunday&#39;s dramatic win over Burnley.

Wenger will now be forced to sit in the stands for Arsenal&#39;s FA Cup trip to top-flight rivals Southampton on Saturday, as well as Premier League games against Watford, leaders Chelsea and Hull City.&nbsp;

Wenger was sent off by referee Jon Moss after allegedly using abusive or insulting language towards fourth official Anthony Taylor after Burnley were given a stoppage-time penalty at the Emirates Stadium.

The French coach, 67, tried to watch the final moments of the match from the entrance to the tunnel and was shown pushing Taylor when the official asked him to leave the area.

Arsenal went on to win the game 2-1 after being awarded a penalty of their own in the final minute, with victory taking them second in the Premier League table, eight points behind Chelsea.

Wenger&#39;s post-match apology for his behaviour couldn&#39;t stop the FA, English football&#39;s governing body, charging him.

The FA said Friday that it was alleged that Wenger, Arsenal&#39;s manager since 1996, had &quot;in or around the 92nd minute, used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official&quot;.

The FA statement added: &quot;It was further alleged that following his dismissal from the technical area, his behaviour in remaining in the tunnel area and making physical contact with the fourth official amounted to improper conduct.&quot;

Wenger was also fined &pound;25,000 ($31,000, 29,000 euros) after formally admitting the charge at a personal hearing before an independent regulatory commission.

(AFP)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was punished for being sent off in Sunday's dramatic win over Burnley

Arsene Wenger was given a four-game touchline ban with "immediate effect" by the Football Association on Friday after accepting a misconduct charge following an incident that saw the veteran Arsenal manager sent off in Sunday's dramatic win over Burnley. Wenger will now be forced to sit in the stands for Arsenal's FA Cup trip to top-flight rivals Southampton on Saturday, as well as Premier League games against Watford, leaders Chelsea and Hull City. Wenger was sent off by referee Jon Moss after allegedly using abusive or insulting language towards fourth official Anthony Taylor after Burnley were given a stoppage-time penalty at the Emirates Stadium. The French coach, 67, tried to watch the final moments of the match from the entrance to the tunnel and was shown pushing Taylor when the official asked him to leave the area. Arsenal went on to win the game 2-1 after being awarded a penalty of their own in the final minute, with victory taking them second in the Premier League table, eight points behind Chelsea. Wenger's post-match apology for his behaviour couldn't stop the FA, English football's governing body, charging him. The FA said Friday that it was alleged that Wenger, Arsenal's manager since 1996, had "in or around the 92nd minute, used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official". The FA statement added: "It was further alleged that following his dismissal from the technical area, his behaviour in remaining in the tunnel area and making physical contact with the fourth official amounted to improper conduct." Wenger was also fined £25,000 ($31,000, 29,000 euros) after formally admitting the charge at a personal hearing before an independent regulatory commission. (AFP)

Arsenal's Wenger slapped with four-match ban for misconduct

Barcelona eased into the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey for a seventh consecutive season 6-2 on aggregate as Denis Suarez scored twice in a 5-2 win over Real Sociedad on Thursday.

Already leading 1-0 from the first leg, Barca gave Sociedad a mountain to climb as Denis Suarez finished off a great team move with the only real chance of the first-half before Lionel Messi converted from the penalty spot.

Juanmi and Willian Jose grabbed a pair of consolation goals for the visitors either side of Luis Suarez&#39;s third for Barca before Arda Turan and Denis Suarez rounded off the rout.

&quot;After the first goal the space opened up. They had a high line, and if you give the three we have up front space, then they kill you,&quot; Denis Suarez told BeIN Sports Spain.

The 28-time winners join Atletico Madrid, Alaves and Celta Vigo, who dumped out Real Madrid on Wednesday, in Friday&#39;s semi-final draw.

Barca boss Luis Enrique took no risks with his team selection as all of Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez started, whilst Gerard Pique returned at the back after being rested for the 4-0 win at Eibar on Sunday.

One moment of magic lit up a first-half otherwise devoid of goalmouth action as after registering his first Barca goal at the weekend, Denis Suarez&#39;s purple patch continued.

Samuel Umtiti robbed Xabi Prieto deep inside the Sociedad half and from there Neymar, Messi and Luis Suarez combined to tee up his namesake for a first time finish into the far corner.

&quot;We found it difficult to play out from the back in the first-half,&quot; added Enrique.

&quot;In the second-half we took better decisions and we took our chances.

&quot;When the players we have are given space, not just for their quality, but their physical ability, they normally take advantage.&quot;

Sociedad had a huge chance to get back into the tie nine minutes into the second period when Jose fired too close to Jasper Cillessen with just the Dutch international to beat from 10 yards out.

And within seconds any lasting hope Sociedad had was gone as Neymar accelerated in behind the visitors&#39; defence and was cynically hacked down by Inigo Martinez with the defender lucky to escape with just a yellow card.

Messi had handed responsibility from the spot to Neymar in each of Barca&#39;s last two Cup outings, but stepped up himself to register his 29th goal in just 27 games this season.

Sociedad were briefly given a glimmer of hope when substitute Juanmi took advantage of a glaring gap in the centre of the Barca defence to lob Cillessen.

Barca immediately responded, though, as Messi shrugged off three Sociedad challenges to release Luis Suarez to slot his 20th goal of the season under Geronimo Rulli.

The Basques once again responded as Jose bulleted home a header 17 minutes from time.

Yet, that once again just kicked Barca back up a gear as Turan tapped home Aleix Vidal&#39;s cross minutes after replacing Neymar before Messi teed up Denis Suarez for his second of the night.

(AFP)

The blaugrana team entered their seventh consecutive Cup semi-final by winning 6-2 on aggregate

Barcelona eased into the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey for a seventh consecutive season 6-2 on aggregate as Denis Suarez scored twice in a 5-2 win over Real Sociedad on Thursday. Already leading 1-0 from the first leg, Barca gave Sociedad a mountain to climb as Denis Suarez finished off a great team move with the only real chance of the first-half before Lionel Messi converted from the penalty spot. Juanmi and Willian Jose grabbed a pair of consolation goals for the visitors either side of Luis Suarez's third for Barca before Arda Turan and Denis Suarez rounded off the rout. "After the first goal the space opened up. They had a high line, and if you give the three we have up front space, then they kill you," Denis Suarez told BeIN Sports Spain. The 28-time winners join Atletico Madrid, Alaves and Celta Vigo, who dumped out Real Madrid on Wednesday, in Friday's semi-final draw. Barca boss Luis Enrique took no risks with his team selection as all of Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez started, whilst Gerard Pique returned at the back after being rested for the 4-0 win at Eibar on Sunday. One moment of magic lit up a first-half otherwise devoid of goalmouth action as after registering his first Barca goal at the weekend, Denis Suarez's purple patch continued. Samuel Umtiti robbed Xabi Prieto deep inside the Sociedad half and from there Neymar, Messi and Luis Suarez combined to tee up his namesake for a first time finish into the far corner. "We found it difficult to play out from the back in the first-half," added Enrique. "In the second-half we took better decisions and we took our chances. "When the players we have are given space, not just for their quality, but their physical ability, they normally take advantage." Sociedad had a huge chance to get back into the tie nine minutes into the second period when Jose fired too close to Jasper Cillessen with just the Dutch international to beat from 10 yards out. And within seconds any lasting hope Sociedad had was gone as Neymar accelerated in behind the visitors' defence and was cynically hacked down by Inigo Martinez with the defender lucky to escape with just a yellow card. Messi had handed responsibility from the spot to Neymar in each of Barca's last two Cup outings, but stepped up himself to register his 29th goal in just 27 games this season. Sociedad were briefly given a glimmer of hope when substitute Juanmi took advantage of a glaring gap in the centre of the Barca defence to lob Cillessen. Barca immediately responded, though, as Messi shrugged off three Sociedad challenges to release Luis Suarez to slot his 20th goal of the season under Geronimo Rulli. The Basques once again responded as Jose bulleted home a header 17 minutes from time. Yet, that once again just kicked Barca back up a gear as Turan tapped home Aleix Vidal's cross minutes after replacing Neymar before Messi teed up Denis Suarez for his second of the night. (AFP)

Copa del Rey: Barcelona pump in five to ease past Sociedad into semis

Manchester United survived a scare to reach the League Cup final after Oumar Niasse&#39;s late goal earned Hull City a 2-1 victory in Thursday&#39;s semi-final second leg.

Leading 2-0 from the first leg, United saw their advantage at an ice-cold KCOM Stadium halved by Tom Huddlestone&#39;s 35th-minute penalty and then restored by Paul Pogba&#39;s second-half strike.

Niasse&#39;s goal set up a nervy finish for Jose Mourinho&#39;s men, but they survived to complete a 3-2 aggregate win that sets up a date with Southampton in the final at Wembley on February 26.

It will be United&#39;s first League Cup final since 2010, when they beat Aston Villa 2-1, and with Southampton having cleared Liverpool from their path, they will go into the game as favourites.

Hull once again showed signs of stiffened resolve under new coach Marco Silva and could console themselves with a first win over United since a 2-0 success at the old Boothferry Park in November 1974.

The club also used the occasion to show their support for Ryan Mason, recovering in hospital after fracturing his skull at Chelsea on Sunday, with T-shirts bearing his name and a minute&#39;s applause.

A paltry home crowd reflected both the significant edge that Marouane Fellaini&#39;s late header had given United in the first leg and ongoing dissent towards Hull&#39;s owner Assem Allam.

Silva&#39;s decision to make seven changes to his starting XI, meanwhile, did not seem to indicate a desperate desire to turn the tie around.

But almost from the off the cohesive football all came from Hull and it was United who looked a team of strangers, with centre-backs Phil Jones and Chris Smalling conspicuously unconvincing.

Hull had the first serious attempt of the match, David de Gea boxing away a free-kick from Sam Clucas, and the United goalkeeper was soon involved again.

Smalling penalty shout

After allowing Huddlestone&#39;s up-and-under to drift over his head, Smalling had to make a last-ditch block to thwart Michael Dawson and Niasse&#39;s follow-up was fisted away by De Gea.

The hosts duly took the lead on the night in the 35th minute, Huddlestone planting his spot-kick low to De Gea&#39;s right after Marcos Rojo was penalised for tugging Harry Maguire&#39;s shirt.

It took United until the 38th minute to register a shot on target, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic&#39;s side-foot effort palmed behind by David Marshall.

United had three penalty appeals early in the second half and while the first and third centred on Pogba and Marcus Rashford going to ground too easily, the second was more compelling.

After seizing on a loose ball inside the Hull box, Smalling appeared to be pushed in the chest by Huddlestone, sending him down, but referee Jon Mess shook his head.

If Huddlestone got away with one there, fortune deserted him in the 66th minute.

Having tracking Rashford&#39;s run towards the byline on the United left, he managed to toe the ball away, but could only send it into the path of Pogba, who stabbed a low shot past Marshall.

Their nerves eased, United threatened to move out of sight, Ibrahimovic seeing a shot blocked by Dawson after dancing past Huddlestone and Rojo clipping the bar with a header.

But Niasse then headed against the bar at the other end and with five minutes remaining he gave Hull victory in the game -- if not the tie -- by tucking away David Meyler&#39;s volleyed cross.

(AFP)

Manchester United beat Hull City 3-2 on aggregate and will meet Southampton in Wembley

Manchester United survived a scare to reach the League Cup final after Oumar Niasse's late goal earned Hull City a 2-1 victory in Thursday's semi-final second leg. Leading 2-0 from the first leg, United saw their advantage at an ice-cold KCOM Stadium halved by Tom Huddlestone's 35th-minute penalty and then restored by Paul Pogba's second-half strike. Niasse's goal set up a nervy finish for Jose Mourinho's men, but they survived to complete a 3-2 aggregate win that sets up a date with Southampton in the final at Wembley on February 26. It will be United's first League Cup final since 2010, when they beat Aston Villa 2-1, and with Southampton having cleared Liverpool from their path, they will go into the game as favourites. Hull once again showed signs of stiffened resolve under new coach Marco Silva and could console themselves with a first win over United since a 2-0 success at the old Boothferry Park in November 1974. The club also used the occasion to show their support for Ryan Mason, recovering in hospital after fracturing his skull at Chelsea on Sunday, with T-shirts bearing his name and a minute's applause. A paltry home crowd reflected both the significant edge that Marouane Fellaini's late header had given United in the first leg and ongoing dissent towards Hull's owner Assem Allam. Silva's decision to make seven changes to his starting XI, meanwhile, did not seem to indicate a desperate desire to turn the tie around. But almost from the off the cohesive football all came from Hull and it was United who looked a team of strangers, with centre-backs Phil Jones and Chris Smalling conspicuously unconvincing. Hull had the first serious attempt of the match, David de Gea boxing away a free-kick from Sam Clucas, and the United goalkeeper was soon involved again. Smalling penalty shout After allowing Huddlestone's up-and-under to drift over his head, Smalling had to make a last-ditch block to thwart Michael Dawson and Niasse's follow-up was fisted away by De Gea. The hosts duly took the lead on the night in the 35th minute, Huddlestone planting his spot-kick low to De Gea's right after Marcos Rojo was penalised for tugging Harry Maguire's shirt. It took United until the 38th minute to register a shot on target, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic's side-foot effort palmed behind by David Marshall. United had three penalty appeals early in the second half and while the first and third centred on Pogba and Marcus Rashford going to ground too easily, the second was more compelling. After seizing on a loose ball inside the Hull box, Smalling appeared to be pushed in the chest by Huddlestone, sending him down, but referee Jon Mess shook his head. If Huddlestone got away with one there, fortune deserted him in the 66th minute. Having tracking Rashford's run towards the byline on the United left, he managed to toe the ball away, but could only send it into the path of Pogba, who stabbed a low shot past Marshall. Their nerves eased, United threatened to move out of sight, Ibrahimovic seeing a shot blocked by Dawson after dancing past Huddlestone and Rojo clipping the bar with a header. But Niasse then headed against the bar at the other end and with five minutes remaining he gave Hull victory in the game -- if not the tie -- by tucking away David Meyler's volleyed cross. (AFP)

League Cup: Manchester United lose at Hull but progress to final

Southampton reached the League Cup final for the first time since 1979 after a 1-0 victory against Liverpool in the semi-final second leg on Wednesday.

Claude Puel&#39;s team secured a 2-0 aggregate triumph thanks to a clinical finish from Shane Long in second-half stoppage-time at Anfield.

Southampton, who lost their only previous League Cup final against Nottingham Forest, will face Manchester United or Hull in this year&#39;s showpiece at Wembley on February 26.

United lead 2-0 from the first leg heading into the return at Hull on Thursday.

(AFP)

Southampton will await the winner of Hull City and Manchester United in their first final since 1979

Southampton reached the League Cup final for the first time since 1979 after a 1-0 victory against Liverpool in the semi-final second leg on Wednesday. Claude Puel's team secured a 2-0 aggregate triumph thanks to a clinical finish from Shane Long in second-half stoppage-time at Anfield. Southampton, who lost their only previous League Cup final against Nottingham Forest, will face Manchester United or Hull in this year's showpiece at Wembley on February 26. United lead 2-0 from the first leg heading into the return at Hull on Thursday. (AFP)

League Cup: Southampton stun Liverpool 2-0 to enter final

Manchester United will reduce its stadium capacity to create 300 seats for the specially-abled supporters.

The club, dubbed by Deloitte as the richest club in the world, will pare down its seating capacity from&nbsp;75,635 to about 73,000.

The accommodation of the specially-abled supporters means 2,600 season-ticket holders will be moved from their current positions over the next three years.

&quot;Old Trafford is a home for all United fans and these changes will help many more of our loyal disabled supporters to attend games to watch their heroes,&quot; said United&#39;s group managing director Richard Arnold.

Arnold added: &quot;We know that many of the affected season-ticket holders have held their seats for decades and it will be a sacrifice to give them up.

&quot;But we also know that the vast majority will understand and support this expansion.&quot;

United hope the change will be completed by August.

The decision has been giving a ringing endorsement by the&nbsp;Premier League club&#39;s disabled fans. &nbsp;

(WION with inputs from AFP)

Old Trafford's seating capacity will be cut from?75,635 to about 73,000

Manchester United will reduce its stadium capacity to create 300 seats for the specially-abled supporters. The club, dubbed by Deloitte as the richest club in the world, will pare down its seating capacity from 75,635 to about 73,000. The accommodation of the specially-abled supporters means 2,600 season-ticket holders will be moved from their current positions over the next three years. "Old Trafford is a home for all United fans and these changes will help many more of our loyal disabled supporters to attend games to watch their heroes," said United's group managing director Richard Arnold. Arnold added: "We know that many of the affected season-ticket holders have held their seats for decades and it will be a sacrifice to give them up. "But we also know that the vast majority will understand and support this expansion." United hope the change will be completed by August. The decision has been giving a ringing endorsement by the Premier League club's disabled fans. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Manchester United to pare down stadium capacity to accommodate more specially-abled fans

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