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Tottenham Hotspur kept up the pressure on the Premier League&#39;s top four after coming from behind to beat 10-man Southampton 4-1 thanks to two goals from Dele Alli and one apiece by Harry Kane and Son Heung-min on Wednesday.

Alli cancelled out Virgil Van Dijk&#39;s second-minute opener before Kane fired Tottenham ahead and missed a penalty after Southampton winger Nathan Redmond hacked down Alli and was sent off.

England midfielder Alli produced a superb individual performance and stressed it was crucial that Spurs kept their composure after falling behind.

&quot;It&#39;s never nice to concede a goal that early in the game and it was important that we didn&#39;t lose our heads and didn&#39;t panic,&quot; he told Sky Sports.

&quot;We stuck to the game plan and after we put the first one away it was a good game. We knew it wasn&#39;t going to be an easy game, they are a great team and have some fantastic players.&quot;

Kane was expecting a tough match against Southampton.

&quot;We have come here and scored four in a comfortable win. We&#39;ve got another game in a few days and we&#39;ve got to focus on that,&quot; he said.

Spurs, who stayed fifth in the table with 36 points from 18 matches, one behind arch-rivals Arsenal and three adrift of third-placed Manchester City, visit 10th-placed Watford on Sunday.

Southampton, who are eighth with 24 points, are at home to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

The Saints had Tottenham on the ropes in the opening 15 minutes as Van Dijk headed in a James Ward-Prowse free kick before Redmond shot just wide of the far post.

But the tide turned after Alli rose to head home a deflected Moussa Sissoko cross from the left and Kane fired the visitors in front with a thumping header from a corner.

The England striker then blazed his spot-kick over the bar after Redmond was dismissed for hauling down Alli, but the home side were punished again for throwing caution to the wind in the closing stages.

Substitute Son rounded off a swift break for Tottenham&#39;s third in the 85th minute and Alli put the icing on the cake two minutes later with an equally superb finish into the bottom left corner after neat footwork.

(Reuters)

Alli cancelled out Virgil Van Dijk's second-minute opener before Kane fired Tottenham ahead and then missed a penalty

Tottenham Hotspur kept up the pressure on the Premier League's top four after coming from behind to beat 10-man Southampton 4-1 thanks to two goals from Dele Alli and one apiece by Harry Kane and Son Heung-min on Wednesday. Alli cancelled out Virgil Van Dijk's second-minute opener before Kane fired Tottenham ahead and missed a penalty after Southampton winger Nathan Redmond hacked down Alli and was sent off. England midfielder Alli produced a superb individual performance and stressed it was crucial that Spurs kept their composure after falling behind. "It's never nice to concede a goal that early in the game and it was important that we didn't lose our heads and didn't panic," he told Sky Sports. "We stuck to the game plan and after we put the first one away it was a good game. We knew it wasn't going to be an easy game, they are a great team and have some fantastic players." Kane was expecting a tough match against Southampton. "We have come here and scored four in a comfortable win. We've got another game in a few days and we've got to focus on that," he said. Spurs, who stayed fifth in the table with 36 points from 18 matches, one behind arch-rivals Arsenal and three adrift of third-placed Manchester City, visit 10th-placed Watford on Sunday. Southampton, who are eighth with 24 points, are at home to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. The Saints had Tottenham on the ropes in the opening 15 minutes as Van Dijk headed in a James Ward-Prowse free kick before Redmond shot just wide of the far post. But the tide turned after Alli rose to head home a deflected Moussa Sissoko cross from the left and Kane fired the visitors in front with a thumping header from a corner. The England striker then blazed his spot-kick over the bar after Redmond was dismissed for hauling down Alli, but the home side were punished again for throwing caution to the wind in the closing stages. Substitute Son rounded off a swift break for Tottenham's third in the 85th minute and Alli put the icing on the cake two minutes later with an equally superb finish into the bottom left corner after neat footwork. (Reuters)

EPL: Alli double helps Spurs sink 10-man Southampton

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is looking forward to working with Zlatan Ibrahimovic again next season after declaring the striker&#39;s contract extension will be a formality.

Ibrahimovic 35, arrived from Paris Saint-Germain in July on a one-year deal with an option for a further year, which Mourinho in November indicated United would look to take up.

After Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored once and made two goals in United&#39;s 3-1 Boxing Day win over Sunderland, Mourinho said the clause had not been activated yet, but would be.

&quot;It is activated in his brain and it is activated also in my decisions and in the owners&#39; and the board&#39;s. So it is no problem,&quot; said Mourinho.

Ibrahimovic&#39;s goal against Sunderland means that he has scored 50 times across all competitions for club and country during 2016, the year he retired from international football with Sweden.

&quot;I am not really surprised because he is a very intelligent guy and a very proud man,&quot; Mourinho said.

&quot;He decided to come to Manchester United and to the Premier League, to a club with the level of expectation of Manchester United, in the most difficult league in the world for a striker.

&quot;When he decides to come here, it is because he knows he can do it.

&quot;When we contacted him and he said, yes, he will come, I was sure that he was not coming here to leave the Premier League without proving himself.

&quot;To leave the Premier League having failed at Manchester United? No way.

&quot;When such a guy decided to come, I was completely clear that he would be ready and he is ready for more next season. He will be here again.&quot;

Ibrahimovic set up Daley Blind to put United ahead in the 39th minute and then ran through to score from Paul Pogba&#39;s pass before setting up Henrikh Mkhitaryan for a spectacular &#39;scorpion kick&#39; volley.

United secured a fourth successive Premier League win, and extended their unbeaten record in all competitions to 11 matches, in the absence of captain Wayne Rooney.

The United captain was withdrawn from the squad after suffering a thigh muscle injury in training.

&nbsp;Relegation tussle&nbsp; 
Mourinho said the England captain was a doubt for United&#39;s home match against Middlesbrough on New Year&#39;s Eve.

Asked if Rooney would be fit, Mourinho said: &quot;I don&#39;t think so. I hope so. I would like him to be.

&quot;He is always a player I would like to be available. Let&#39;s see. It is not a big deal, but in four days, I have my doubts.&quot;

Sunderland manager David Moyes suffered defeat on his first return to Old Trafford since United sacked him in April 2014.

Moyes, whose team remain in the Premier League relegation zone, said he enjoyed his return, despite the publicity that surrounded him in the days before the fixture.

&quot;When you are in football, what comes around goes around,&quot; said the Scot, whose team replied through Fabio Borini&#39;s long-range effort.

&quot;I knew that some day I would come up against the Manchester United players or work with some of them.

&quot;I think that&#39;s what happens when you&#39;re in football. I enjoyed coming back. I have always enjoyed coming here. It&#39;s a hard place to come, a hard place to get a result, and that showed today.&quot;

From chasing titles at Old Trafford, Moyes now finds himself locked in a relegation tussle with Sunderland, who lie two points from safety.

&quot;We are going to have to try to galvanise from within,&quot; said the former Preston North End, Everton and Real Sociedad manager.

&quot;It is not a situation I am necessarily used to, but some of the players are used to it here.

&quot;I hope together we can find a way of being good enough and strong enough in the games that really matter.

&quot;Did this game matter? It definitely mattered. But there will be games maybe more so that will be important for us.&quot;

(AFP)

Jose Mourinho said he looked forward to working with Zlatan Ibrahimovic again next season and extending the contract is just a formality

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is looking forward to working with Zlatan Ibrahimovic again next season after declaring the striker's contract extension will be a formality. Ibrahimovic 35, arrived from Paris Saint-Germain in July on a one-year deal with an option for a further year, which Mourinho in November indicated United would look to take up. After Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored once and made two goals in United's 3-1 Boxing Day win over Sunderland, Mourinho said the clause had not been activated yet, but would be. "It is activated in his brain and it is activated also in my decisions and in the owners' and the board's. So it is no problem," said Mourinho. Ibrahimovic's goal against Sunderland means that he has scored 50 times across all competitions for club and country during 2016, the year he retired from international football with Sweden. "I am not really surprised because he is a very intelligent guy and a very proud man," Mourinho said. "He decided to come to Manchester United and to the Premier League, to a club with the level of expectation of Manchester United, in the most difficult league in the world for a striker. "When he decides to come here, it is because he knows he can do it. "When we contacted him and he said, yes, he will come, I was sure that he was not coming here to leave the Premier League without proving himself. "To leave the Premier League having failed at Manchester United? No way. "When such a guy decided to come, I was completely clear that he would be ready and he is ready for more next season. He will be here again." Ibrahimovic set up Daley Blind to put United ahead in the 39th minute and then ran through to score from Paul Pogba's pass before setting up Henrikh Mkhitaryan for a spectacular 'scorpion kick' volley. United secured a fourth successive Premier League win, and extended their unbeaten record in all competitions to 11 matches, in the absence of captain Wayne Rooney. The United captain was withdrawn from the squad after suffering a thigh muscle injury in training. Relegation tussle Mourinho said the England captain was a doubt for United's home match against Middlesbrough on New Year's Eve. Asked if Rooney would be fit, Mourinho said: "I don't think so. I hope so. I would like him to be. "He is always a player I would like to be available. Let's see. It is not a big deal, but in four days, I have my doubts." Sunderland manager David Moyes suffered defeat on his first return to Old Trafford since United sacked him in April 2014. Moyes, whose team remain in the Premier League relegation zone, said he enjoyed his return, despite the publicity that surrounded him in the days before the fixture. "When you are in football, what comes around goes around," said the Scot, whose team replied through Fabio Borini's long-range effort. "I knew that some day I would come up against the Manchester United players or work with some of them. "I think that's what happens when you're in football. I enjoyed coming back. I have always enjoyed coming here. It's a hard place to come, a hard place to get a result, and that showed today." From chasing titles at Old Trafford, Moyes now finds himself locked in a relegation tussle with Sunderland, who lie two points from safety. "We are going to have to try to galvanise from within," said the former Preston North End, Everton and Real Sociedad manager. "It is not a situation I am necessarily used to, but some of the players are used to it here. "I hope together we can find a way of being good enough and strong enough in the games that really matter. "Did this game matter? It definitely mattered. But there will be games maybe more so that will be important for us." (AFP)

Football: Ibra won't leave Man Utd a failure, vows Mourinho

&nbsp;Liverpool celebrated their third Premier League victory in a row as an inspired performance gave them a 4-1 home success over Stoke City after they fell behind early on in an entertaining clash at Anfield on Tuesday.

Adam Lallana, Roberto Firmino, a Giannelli Imbula own goal and a strike from substitute Daniel Sturridge lifted Liverpool back into second place, six points behind leaders Chelsea, after Jonathan Walters headed the in front after 12 minutes.

The home side, who had dominated possession, equalised when the lively Lallana scored from a tight angle and Firmino turned the tide with a low shot that went in after hitting both posts.

A pair of defensive howlers by Stoke helped Liverpool seal the victory after the break as Imbula turned a Divock Origi cross into his own net before Sturridge pounced on a poor back pass by Ryan Shawcross and slotted the ball home.

(Reuters)

?Liverpool celebrated their third Premier League victory in a row

Liverpool celebrated their third Premier League victory in a row as an inspired performance gave them a 4-1 home success over Stoke City after they fell behind early on in an entertaining clash at Anfield on Tuesday. Adam Lallana, Roberto Firmino, a Giannelli Imbula own goal and a strike from substitute Daniel Sturridge lifted Liverpool back into second place, six points behind leaders Chelsea, after Jonathan Walters headed the in front after 12 minutes. The home side, who had dominated possession, equalised when the lively Lallana scored from a tight angle and Firmino turned the tide with a low shot that went in after hitting both posts. A pair of defensive howlers by Stoke helped Liverpool seal the victory after the break as Imbula turned a Divock Origi cross into his own net before Sturridge pounced on a poor back pass by Ryan Shawcross and slotted the ball home. (Reuters)

Football: Resurgent Liverpool fight back to thrash Stoke

Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta says he wants to stay on at the Catalan club &quot;for a long time&quot; after his current contract with the club expires in 2018.

&quot;In 2018 my contract ends and my desire is to continue, the whole world knows this, it is no secret. But my level of performance will determine if I can stay at Barca. I hope it will be for a long time,&quot; the 32-year-old said in an interview with sports daily Mundo Deportivo.

Barcelona recently reached a deal to extend the contract of Uruguay striker Luis Suarez to June 2021. His previous deal was due to expire in 2019.

In October, the club also extended the contract of Brazilian superstar Neymar until 2021 and they have already started talks to seal a new deal with Lionel Messi.

Along with Messi, Iniesta is Barcelona&#39;s most decorated player ever with 29 trophies, but he is even more loved across Spain for his winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands.

Iniesta is second behind only former teammate Xavi Hernandez as the player to have made most Barca appearances.

He is also hopeful coach Luis Enrique will renew his contract with Barcelona when his current deal expires at the end of the season.

&quot;He is very motivated, I hope we can remain together and keep celebrating things, which is what we all want,&quot; Iniesta said.

Barca have also already tied down Sergio Busquets and Javier Mascherano to contract extentions this year.

(AFP)

He said his level of performance will determine if he can stay at Barca. His contract expires in 2018

Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta says he wants to stay on at the Catalan club "for a long time" after his current contract with the club expires in 2018. "In 2018 my contract ends and my desire is to continue, the whole world knows this, it is no secret. But my level of performance will determine if I can stay at Barca. I hope it will be for a long time," the 32-year-old said in an interview with sports daily Mundo Deportivo. Barcelona recently reached a deal to extend the contract of Uruguay striker Luis Suarez to June 2021. His previous deal was due to expire in 2019. In October, the club also extended the contract of Brazilian superstar Neymar until 2021 and they have already started talks to seal a new deal with Lionel Messi. Along with Messi, Iniesta is Barcelona's most decorated player ever with 29 trophies, but he is even more loved across Spain for his winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands. Iniesta is second behind only former teammate Xavi Hernandez as the player to have made most Barca appearances. He is also hopeful coach Luis Enrique will renew his contract with Barcelona when his current deal expires at the end of the season. "He is very motivated, I hope we can remain together and keep celebrating things, which is what we all want," Iniesta said. Barca have also already tied down Sergio Busquets and Javier Mascherano to contract extentions this year. (AFP)

Iniesta keen to extend Barcelona contract

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho says he has started to feel &quot;really at home&quot; at Old Trafford and believes foundations are in place to bring success back to the club.

Mourinho endured a difficult start to life in Manchester after succeeding Louis van Gaal, but the Portuguese&#39;s impact has started to be felt in recent weeks.

United head into their Boxing Day fixture against Sunderland on the back of three consecutive Premier League victories and with the Champions League places almost within reach.

&quot;What I can say is that in here I felt people with open arms. A very calm, and intelligent, board and owners. They know what they want,&quot; Mourinho said.

&quot;They have big experience already. Very calm, very pragmatic, giving me good conditions to work and the players and people that surround me.

&quot;I felt (aware of) some sadness because people that love football, they want to be successful and everybody tries to help to go in the same direction.

&quot;For me it was easy to come. A difficult job, but easy now to feel at home.

&quot;Easy to feel good in the club, easy to feel that the club wants to progress, the people want to be happy again and I felt good immediately.

&quot;So five, six months here, but really feeling at home. For me it was quite easy.

&quot;Obviously expectations are high, results up and down, we are in a position that is not the position where we want to be.

&quot;But in terms of passion for my work, passion for my new club, feeling really happy here, yes.&quot;

Mourinho is again set to start with striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic against Sunderland, the 35-year-old having taken his United tally to 16 goals with a brace in last weekend&#39;s 2-0 win at West Bromwich Albion.

He paid tribute to the endurance of the former Sweden international and his ability to cope with the rigours of English football despite his advancing years.

&nbsp;Moyes return&nbsp; 
&quot;I think 35 for him is the same as 25,&quot; Mourinho said.

&quot;He scores goals, plays well, I&#39;m really happy for him because he will end his career on high, not in America or China. He&#39;s ending his career at the top.

&quot;His record is good. He can improve. With no penalties, that is amazing too. Normally other guys that are top scorers have a lot of penalties.&nbsp;

&quot;He had one penalty in 17 matches. I couldn&#39;t be happier with him.&quot;

Mourinho is still without Luke Shaw (groin), but otherwise has a full complement of defenders to choose from with Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly all available.

Sunderland manager David Moyes goes back to Old Trafford in charge of a team for the first time since he was sacked by United in April 2014.

Moyes was given only 10 months to make an impact after he was chosen to replace Alex Ferguson, but has no regrets about leaving Everton to take the job.

&quot;My time there was too short, but as I have said many times, you have to win games and I didn&#39;t win enough games,&quot; said the Scot.

&quot;I would do it again, 100 per cent. Very few people are offered the job at Manchester United and I was honoured to be offered the job.

&quot;It was a great experience and one I wouldn&#39;t change because of the quality of the players and professionalism I found.&quot;

Former United players Donald Love and John O&#39;Shea could be in the Sunderland side, but Adnan Januzaj, who is on loan from Old Trafford, is not eligible to face his parent club.

&quot;I will feel that I&#39;m going into a difficult game and for us to get a result we will have to play really well,&quot; said Moyes.

&quot;Nevertheless we are in pretty good shape as well. We have had a pretty good run, so we want to go there and do well.&quot;

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Mourinho endured a difficult start to life at Manchester but his impact has started to be felt in recent weeks

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho says he has started to feel "really at home" at Old Trafford and believes foundations are in place to bring success back to the club. Mourinho endured a difficult start to life in Manchester after succeeding Louis van Gaal, but the Portuguese's impact has started to be felt in recent weeks. United head into their Boxing Day fixture against Sunderland on the back of three consecutive Premier League victories and with the Champions League places almost within reach. "What I can say is that in here I felt people with open arms. A very calm, and intelligent, board and owners. They know what they want," Mourinho said. "They have big experience already. Very calm, very pragmatic, giving me good conditions to work and the players and people that surround me. "I felt (aware of) some sadness because people that love football, they want to be successful and everybody tries to help to go in the same direction. "For me it was easy to come. A difficult job, but easy now to feel at home. "Easy to feel good in the club, easy to feel that the club wants to progress, the people want to be happy again and I felt good immediately. "So five, six months here, but really feeling at home. For me it was quite easy. "Obviously expectations are high, results up and down, we are in a position that is not the position where we want to be. "But in terms of passion for my work, passion for my new club, feeling really happy here, yes." Mourinho is again set to start with striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic against Sunderland, the 35-year-old having taken his United tally to 16 goals with a brace in last weekend's 2-0 win at West Bromwich Albion. He paid tribute to the endurance of the former Sweden international and his ability to cope with the rigours of English football despite his advancing years. Moyes return "I think 35 for him is the same as 25," Mourinho said. "He scores goals, plays well, I'm really happy for him because he will end his career on high, not in America or China. He's ending his career at the top. "His record is good. He can improve. With no penalties, that is amazing too. Normally other guys that are top scorers have a lot of penalties. "He had one penalty in 17 matches. I couldn't be happier with him." Mourinho is still without Luke Shaw (groin), but otherwise has a full complement of defenders to choose from with Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly all available. Sunderland manager David Moyes goes back to Old Trafford in charge of a team for the first time since he was sacked by United in April 2014. Moyes was given only 10 months to make an impact after he was chosen to replace Alex Ferguson, but has no regrets about leaving Everton to take the job. "My time there was too short, but as I have said many times, you have to win games and I didn't win enough games," said the Scot. "I would do it again, 100 per cent. Very few people are offered the job at Manchester United and I was honoured to be offered the job. "It was a great experience and one I wouldn't change because of the quality of the players and professionalism I found." Former United players Donald Love and John O'Shea could be in the Sunderland side, but Adnan Januzaj, who is on loan from Old Trafford, is not eligible to face his parent club. "I will feel that I'm going into a difficult game and for us to get a result we will have to play really well," said Moyes. "Nevertheless we are in pretty good shape as well. We have had a pretty good run, so we want to go there and do well." (AFP)

As Man U does better, Mourinho feels better

A supremely confident Chelsea notched a club record 12th consecutive league win on Monday to move nine points clear at the top of the Premier League, two goals from Pedro and one from Eden Hazard giving them a 3-0 victory over Bournemouth.

It took the energetic Pedro until the 24th minute to score, set up by Cesc Fabregas after jinking interplay between the Spanish players, Hazard, Willian and Nemanja Matic. He deftly lofted the ball over Artur Boruc, stranded in the Bournemouth goalmouth.

Captain Simon Francis brought down a sashaying Hazard in the Bournemouth area in the 49th minute and the Belgian converted the penalty for his 50th Premier League goal.

Chelsea, who have conceded only two goals on their winning run under Antonio Conte and scored 27, added the third in stoppage time when Pedro&#39;s surging run ended with the ball deflected into the goal.

(Reuters)

Two goals from Pedro and one from Eden Hazard giving them a 3-0 victory over Bournemouth

A supremely confident Chelsea notched a club record 12th consecutive league win on Monday to move nine points clear at the top of the Premier League, two goals from Pedro and one from Eden Hazard giving them a 3-0 victory over Bournemouth. It took the energetic Pedro until the 24th minute to score, set up by Cesc Fabregas after jinking interplay between the Spanish players, Hazard, Willian and Nemanja Matic. He deftly lofted the ball over Artur Boruc, stranded in the Bournemouth goalmouth. Captain Simon Francis brought down a sashaying Hazard in the Bournemouth area in the 49th minute and the Belgian converted the penalty for his 50th Premier League goal. Chelsea, who have conceded only two goals on their winning run under Antonio Conte and scored 27, added the third in stoppage time when Pedro's surging run ended with the ball deflected into the goal. (Reuters)

Chelsea ease past Bournemouth for record 12th win

Leicester City host Everton on Monday hoping inspired words from the players can transform a season, not just a match.

The week has revealed how angry exchanges in the dressing room at Stoke City last Saturday helped inspire a second half performance that saw them fight back from 2-0 down with 10 men to claim a 2-2 draw.

Now the Premier League champions hope those irate words, and the subsequent performance, can turn around a season that has left them flirting dangerously with the relegation scrap -- only three points separate them from third from bottom Sunderland.

Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel said: &ldquo;Every now and then, if something needs to be said, I&rsquo;ll happily say it.

&ldquo;I was very emotional and very irate at the time and had some things that I wanted to get off my chest.

&ldquo;I wasn&rsquo;t the only one -&ndash; a lot of people spoke. We&#39;ve got a dressing room with a lot of leaders in there so we had a good chat and decided that this wasn&rsquo;t the way the game was going to go.&rdquo;

Manager Claudio Ranieri said he welcomed the players speaking frankly.

&ldquo;It is important that everybody reacts,&quot; said Ranieri.

&quot;Sometimes players speak, sometimes there are leaders on the pitch and it&rsquo;s important they are linked very well together.&quot;

Ranieri added it could prove to be the pivotal moment of their campaign.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Yes, it could be our turning point but we have to show it in the next three games,&quot; said Ranieri.

&ldquo;In the dressing room there was a fantastic atmosphere.

&ldquo;The players believed they could get back and they were right.

&ldquo;You can&rsquo;t repeat that because there are some moments that are very particular moments that you can&rsquo;t recreate, but of course the players must understand that the next games are very important for us.

&ldquo;Always I encourage my players to speak.&rdquo;

Ranieri will have to cope, however, without striker Jamie Vardy, who is suspended for three games after being sent off against Stoke, whilst defenders Robert Huth and Christian Fuchs will also serve one-match bans against Everton.

And midfielder Danny Drinkwater is still a doubt with a calf injury.

&#39;Ross needs to improve&#39;&nbsp;

Everton manager Ronald Koeman admits he is uncertain whether Ross Barkley will go on to fulfil his undoubted potential.

Barkley has been tipped for greatness with club and country ever since he burst on to the scene as a raw teenager five years ago.

The midfielder&rsquo;s attributes as a player have seen him favourably compared to the likes of Paul Gascoigne and Michael Ballack.

But Barkley -- considered fortunate not to be sent off in the Merseyside Derby last Monday for a brutal foul on Jordan Henderson -- has suffered a dip in form this season which has seen him lose his place in the England squad and be dropped to the bench by Koeman.

The Dutchman offered a tentative reply when asked if there was a concern Barkley might never scale the heights for which he seemed destined.

&quot;I am not sure, I am not sure,&rdquo; Koeman said.

&ldquo;Ross needs to improve to be the player that maybe everyone expected when he was 18 or 19.

&ldquo;I had the same stories in Holland with players who, when they were 16 or 17, they were too good in the academy.

&ldquo;They didn&#39;t really have competition but because they were stronger or they were a better player than the rest.

&ldquo;But then they step up a level and everyone is strong, everybody is a good player, and still you need to make a difference. And that is more difficult.&rdquo;

(AFP)

Angry exchanges in the dressing room at Stoke City last Saturday inspired Leicester to a draw, with only 10 men, after being 2-0 down

Leicester City host Everton on Monday hoping inspired words from the players can transform a season, not just a match. The week has revealed how angry exchanges in the dressing room at Stoke City last Saturday helped inspire a second half performance that saw them fight back from 2-0 down with 10 men to claim a 2-2 draw. Now the Premier League champions hope those irate words, and the subsequent performance, can turn around a season that has left them flirting dangerously with the relegation scrap -- only three points separate them from third from bottom Sunderland. Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel said: “Every now and then, if something needs to be said, I’ll happily say it. “I was very emotional and very irate at the time and had some things that I wanted to get off my chest. “I wasn’t the only one -– a lot of people spoke. We've got a dressing room with a lot of leaders in there so we had a good chat and decided that this wasn’t the way the game was going to go.” Manager Claudio Ranieri said he welcomed the players speaking frankly. “It is important that everybody reacts," said Ranieri. "Sometimes players speak, sometimes there are leaders on the pitch and it’s important they are linked very well together." Ranieri added it could prove to be the pivotal moment of their campaign. “Yes, it could be our turning point but we have to show it in the next three games," said Ranieri. “In the dressing room there was a fantastic atmosphere. “The players believed they could get back and they were right. “You can’t repeat that because there are some moments that are very particular moments that you can’t recreate, but of course the players must understand that the next games are very important for us. “Always I encourage my players to speak.” Ranieri will have to cope, however, without striker Jamie Vardy, who is suspended for three games after being sent off against Stoke, whilst defenders Robert Huth and Christian Fuchs will also serve one-match bans against Everton. And midfielder Danny Drinkwater is still a doubt with a calf injury. 'Ross needs to improve' Everton manager Ronald Koeman admits he is uncertain whether Ross Barkley will go on to fulfil his undoubted potential. Barkley has been tipped for greatness with club and country ever since he burst on to the scene as a raw teenager five years ago. The midfielder’s attributes as a player have seen him favourably compared to the likes of Paul Gascoigne and Michael Ballack. But Barkley -- considered fortunate not to be sent off in the Merseyside Derby last Monday for a brutal foul on Jordan Henderson -- has suffered a dip in form this season which has seen him lose his place in the England squad and be dropped to the bench by Koeman. The Dutchman offered a tentative reply when asked if there was a concern Barkley might never scale the heights for which he seemed destined. "I am not sure, I am not sure,” Koeman said. “Ross needs to improve to be the player that maybe everyone expected when he was 18 or 19. “I had the same stories in Holland with players who, when they were 16 or 17, they were too good in the academy. “They didn't really have competition but because they were stronger or they were a better player than the rest. “But then they step up a level and everyone is strong, everybody is a good player, and still you need to make a difference. And that is more difficult.” (AFP)

What got ailing Leicester going? Anger

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes a little more luck on the injury front is all that is separating his team from Premier League leaders Chelsea as the Reds prepare to face Stoke City on Tuesday.

The Anfield club spent Christmas in second place in the Premier League table but trailed Chelsea by six points as they struggle to stay in touch with Antonio Conte&#39;s in-form side.

Liverpool have only lost twice all season but are currently missing the influential Philippe Coutinho as they prepare for the first of two home games before the end of the year.

&quot;I am pretty sure that until now Chelsea are maybe the team that have had the most luck with injuries. We lost Phil and Daniel (Sturridge) and Danny Ings in difficult moments when you really could use them,&quot; Klopp told Sky Sports News.

&quot;If it&#39;s Hazard and Costa at Chelsea, is it the same afterwards?&quot;

Coutinho is not likely to return before the new year due to an ankle injury while defender Joel Matip is also struggling as the Reds look forward to welcoming Stoke and then Pep Guardiola&#39;s Manchester City to Merseyside over the next week.

&quot;We cannot rush the situation and we don&#39;t want to rush it. We have to accept the more or less bigger steps in his improvement with this serious injury,&quot; Klopp said of Coutinho.

&quot;Whenever he is back, the season is long enough that he can help us. We cannot rush it just because there are a few games now. That cannot have an influence on our decisions.&quot;

Klopp, who had his squad in for training on Christmas Day despite the extra 24 hours to prepare for the visit of Stoke, could stick with an unchanged starting line-up as Liverpool look to build on successive wins at Middlesbrough and Everton.

Simon Mignolet should keep his place in goal after recording clean sheets in these matches as Liverpool look to maintain their impressive record at home.

They are unbeaten in nine home games in all competitions this season and haven&#39;t lost at Anfield since Stoke won 1-0 there in the EFL Cup semi-final second leg on January 26 -- Liverpool eventually won that tie on penalties.

&#39;Be positive&#39;&nbsp; 
Mid-table Stoke head to Merseyside having failed to win in three matches, including a 2-2 draw at home to Leicester City in their last outing when they squandered a two-goal lead.

Stoke could not have asked for a tougher festive period, with this game being followed by a trip to Chelsea on New Year&#39;s Eve but Hughes is backing his team to spring a surprise.

&quot;We are under no illusions as to how good they both are and how difficult the matches will be for us, but we have to go into the games with real belief,&quot; said Hughes.&nbsp;

&quot;Not many people are thinking we have a chance of gaining positive results but that certainly isn&#39;t the case within our camp.

&quot;Of course they have players who can hurt us, but we have players who can hurt them too. We went to Liverpool last year and beat them and we also got our first point at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League so we know we can go to these places and be positive.&quot;

The game will see Wales midfielder Joe Allen return to Anfield for the first time since moving to Stoke in a &pound;13 million ($15.9m, 15.2m euros) deal in the close season.

&quot;I don&#39;t think he&#39;s going to be turning up there with the intention, &#39;I&#39;ll show everybody they were wrong -- I feel bitter about my time there and how I was allowed to leave&#39;&quot;, said Hughes, who is without the banned Marko Arnautovic.

&quot;Clubs move players on. That&#39;s football. I think players always want to do well when they go back to a club, but he has nothing to prove.&quot;

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Liverpool are six points short of league leaders Chelsea

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes a little more luck on the injury front is all that is separating his team from Premier League leaders Chelsea as the Reds prepare to face Stoke City on Tuesday. The Anfield club spent Christmas in second place in the Premier League table but trailed Chelsea by six points as they struggle to stay in touch with Antonio Conte's in-form side. Liverpool have only lost twice all season but are currently missing the influential Philippe Coutinho as they prepare for the first of two home games before the end of the year. "I am pretty sure that until now Chelsea are maybe the team that have had the most luck with injuries. We lost Phil and Daniel (Sturridge) and Danny Ings in difficult moments when you really could use them," Klopp told Sky Sports News. "If it's Hazard and Costa at Chelsea, is it the same afterwards?" Coutinho is not likely to return before the new year due to an ankle injury while defender Joel Matip is also struggling as the Reds look forward to welcoming Stoke and then Pep Guardiola's Manchester City to Merseyside over the next week. "We cannot rush the situation and we don't want to rush it. We have to accept the more or less bigger steps in his improvement with this serious injury," Klopp said of Coutinho. "Whenever he is back, the season is long enough that he can help us. We cannot rush it just because there are a few games now. That cannot have an influence on our decisions." Klopp, who had his squad in for training on Christmas Day despite the extra 24 hours to prepare for the visit of Stoke, could stick with an unchanged starting line-up as Liverpool look to build on successive wins at Middlesbrough and Everton. Simon Mignolet should keep his place in goal after recording clean sheets in these matches as Liverpool look to maintain their impressive record at home. They are unbeaten in nine home games in all competitions this season and haven't lost at Anfield since Stoke won 1-0 there in the EFL Cup semi-final second leg on January 26 -- Liverpool eventually won that tie on penalties. 'Be positive' Mid-table Stoke head to Merseyside having failed to win in three matches, including a 2-2 draw at home to Leicester City in their last outing when they squandered a two-goal lead. Stoke could not have asked for a tougher festive period, with this game being followed by a trip to Chelsea on New Year's Eve but Hughes is backing his team to spring a surprise. "We are under no illusions as to how good they both are and how difficult the matches will be for us, but we have to go into the games with real belief," said Hughes. "Not many people are thinking we have a chance of gaining positive results but that certainly isn't the case within our camp. "Of course they have players who can hurt us, but we have players who can hurt them too. We went to Liverpool last year and beat them and we also got our first point at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League so we know we can go to these places and be positive." The game will see Wales midfielder Joe Allen return to Anfield for the first time since moving to Stoke in a £13 million ($15.9m, 15.2m euros) deal in the close season. "I don't think he's going to be turning up there with the intention, 'I'll show everybody they were wrong -- I feel bitter about my time there and how I was allowed to leave'", said Hughes, who is without the banned Marko Arnautovic. "Clubs move players on. That's football. I think players always want to do well when they go back to a club, but he has nothing to prove." (AFP)

Klopp says little more luck on injury front, and they'll go top

Former Manchester United manager David Moyes says the club have abandoned their traditions ahead of his return to Old Trafford with Sunderland on Boxing Day.

Moyes, 53, lasted just 10 months as United manager after succeeding his Scottish compatriot Alex Ferguson at the helm in May 2013.

His two successors, Louis van Gaal and current manager Jose Mourinho, have invested heavily on new players and Moyes believes the present-day United are a different club to the one he joined.

&quot;Manchester United was a club with great traditions that they tended to pick British managers. That tradition has now gone,&quot; Moyes said, in comments published by British media on Saturday.

&quot;They are a football club who had traditions with the way they spent. They didn&#39;t try to compete with all the others clubs.

&quot;They tried to do what they thought was the right thing to do and spend in the right way.

&quot;I could say that&#39;s gone, so I think there have been a few changes at United, but that&#39;s the way they have chosen to go.&quot;

Moyes repeated a claim that he was &quot;definitely unfairly treated&quot; by United and revealed he had missed out on a string of high-profile transfer targets.

&quot;When I first went in my real target was Gareth Bale,&quot; said Moyes. &quot;I felt all along that Gareth Bale was a Manchester United player.

&quot;I fought right until the last minute. We actually offered a bigger deal than Real Madrid.

&quot;But Gareth had his mind made up on going to Real Madrid. That was, in my mind, the player I really wanted to bring to Manchester United.

&quot;The other one was Cesc Fabregas, who we thought we would get right up until the last minute.

&quot;I remember when I first met Sir Alex and he always said there was a chance (Cristiano) Ronaldo might come back.

&quot;So that was the level we were targeting. I was not going out to bring in seven, eight players, because we had a squad which had just won the league.

&quot;Toni Kroos was agreed to come in the summer. I had agreed it with Toni himself and his agent. Sometimes you don&#39;t get deals done.

&quot;A lot of players come into Manchester United and have not necessarily made the difference.

&quot;But I think that, given time and having got to this period, I would have hoped I would be working with a successful team now.&quot;

United are sixth in the Premier League table ahead of Sunday&#39;s game and chasing a fourth successive league win, with Sunderland in the relegation zone.

(AFP)

The ex-gaffer said lavish spending in transfer market and appointment of non-British managers has altered the club's virtues

Former Manchester United manager David Moyes says the club have abandoned their traditions ahead of his return to Old Trafford with Sunderland on Boxing Day. Moyes, 53, lasted just 10 months as United manager after succeeding his Scottish compatriot Alex Ferguson at the helm in May 2013. His two successors, Louis van Gaal and current manager Jose Mourinho, have invested heavily on new players and Moyes believes the present-day United are a different club to the one he joined. "Manchester United was a club with great traditions that they tended to pick British managers. That tradition has now gone," Moyes said, in comments published by British media on Saturday. "They are a football club who had traditions with the way they spent. They didn't try to compete with all the others clubs. "They tried to do what they thought was the right thing to do and spend in the right way. "I could say that's gone, so I think there have been a few changes at United, but that's the way they have chosen to go." Moyes repeated a claim that he was "definitely unfairly treated" by United and revealed he had missed out on a string of high-profile transfer targets. "When I first went in my real target was Gareth Bale," said Moyes. "I felt all along that Gareth Bale was a Manchester United player. "I fought right until the last minute. We actually offered a bigger deal than Real Madrid. "But Gareth had his mind made up on going to Real Madrid. That was, in my mind, the player I really wanted to bring to Manchester United. "The other one was Cesc Fabregas, who we thought we would get right up until the last minute. "I remember when I first met Sir Alex and he always said there was a chance (Cristiano) Ronaldo might come back. "So that was the level we were targeting. I was not going out to bring in seven, eight players, because we had a squad which had just won the league. "Toni Kroos was agreed to come in the summer. I had agreed it with Toni himself and his agent. Sometimes you don't get deals done. "A lot of players come into Manchester United and have not necessarily made the difference. "But I think that, given time and having got to this period, I would have hoped I would be working with a successful team now." United are sixth in the Premier League table ahead of Sunday's game and chasing a fourth successive league win, with Sunderland in the relegation zone. (AFP)

Manchester United have departed from its traditions: David Moyes

Alan Pardew has been sacked as Crystal Palace manager with the club just above the relegation places, the Premier League side&#39;s chairman Steve Parish said on Thursday.

Pardew, 55, guided Palace to last season&#39;s FA Cup final where they lost to Manchester United in extra time but their Premier League form this term has been poor.

They have won just four of their 17 matches and only one of their last 11, and are presently only a point above the relegation places.

The immediate frontrunner to replace Pardew appeared to be Sam Allardyce, whose England reign lasted just one match before he had to resign after making ill-advised remarks to undercover reporters.

&quot;I would like to put on record our sincere gratitude for the tremendous service Alan has given us, both in his time here as manager and previously as a player,&quot; said Parish in a statement published on the club website.

&quot;Following a fantastic second half of 2014/15, the 2015/16 season culminated in only narrowly missing out on winning the FA Cup as well as securing our Premier League place for a record breaking fourth time.&quot;

Parish said Pardew, who played for the club as well and described his return when appointed manager in early 2015 as a homecoming, had left a legacy which would benefit Palace for years to come. &nbsp;

&quot;During his tenure Alan&#39;s hard work and dedication were without question, he has improved so many areas of the club and we wish him the very best for the future,&quot; said Parish.

&quot;With games now coming thick and fast over the holiday period the club are hoping to put someone in place as quickly as possible but have nothing to say about a replacement at this time.&quot;

Pardew, whose previous managerial jobs include West Ham United, Southampton and Newcastle United, said his &quot;special bond&quot; with the Eagles had not been affected by the ending of his managerial reign.

&quot;I would just like to take the opportunity to thank everybody at Crystal Palace for their fantastic support,&quot; said Pardew.

&quot;In particular a big thanks to the players who gave me absolutely everything and Steve Parish and his Board.

&quot;Personally I have a lot of good feelings for this football Club and am sad that my time there has ended.&quot;

(AFP)

Pardew was sacked as the London-based club is currently flirting with the relegation zone

Alan Pardew has been sacked as Crystal Palace manager with the club just above the relegation places, the Premier League side's chairman Steve Parish said on Thursday. Pardew, 55, guided Palace to last season's FA Cup final where they lost to Manchester United in extra time but their Premier League form this term has been poor. They have won just four of their 17 matches and only one of their last 11, and are presently only a point above the relegation places. The immediate frontrunner to replace Pardew appeared to be Sam Allardyce, whose England reign lasted just one match before he had to resign after making ill-advised remarks to undercover reporters. "I would like to put on record our sincere gratitude for the tremendous service Alan has given us, both in his time here as manager and previously as a player," said Parish in a statement published on the club website. "Following a fantastic second half of 2014/15, the 2015/16 season culminated in only narrowly missing out on winning the FA Cup as well as securing our Premier League place for a record breaking fourth time." Parish said Pardew, who played for the club as well and described his return when appointed manager in early 2015 as a homecoming, had left a legacy which would benefit Palace for years to come. "During his tenure Alan's hard work and dedication were without question, he has improved so many areas of the club and we wish him the very best for the future," said Parish. "With games now coming thick and fast over the holiday period the club are hoping to put someone in place as quickly as possible but have nothing to say about a replacement at this time." Pardew, whose previous managerial jobs include West Ham United, Southampton and Newcastle United, said his "special bond" with the Eagles had not been affected by the ending of his managerial reign. "I would just like to take the opportunity to thank everybody at Crystal Palace for their fantastic support," said Pardew. "In particular a big thanks to the players who gave me absolutely everything and Steve Parish and his Board. "Personally I have a lot of good feelings for this football Club and am sad that my time there has ended." (AFP)

Premier League: Crystal Palace sack Alan Pardew; Allardyce in frame

Series A leaders Juventus won 1-0 over AS Roma, with Juventus Higuain signature goal putting them seven points clear on Saturday.

Gonzalo Higuain&#39;s 10th goal of the season and his third in the last two games got Juventus its 25th successive home league win&nbsp;and paved way for a sixth successive Serie A title.

With just one match left before Christmas, Juve have 42 points from 17 games while Roma has 35 and AC Milan 33.&nbsp;

Roma, although had the ball they failed to make any goals. Roma have been runners-up to Juventus in the last three&nbsp;

Higuain saw an early shot saved by Wojciech Szczesny.

He received a pass some 30 metres from goal, battled&nbsp;with Daniele De Rossi, passed&nbsp;Kostas Manolos and kicked off&nbsp;a left-foot shot in off the post from the edge of the area.

Roma&#39;s best chance&nbsp;fell to Manolos from corners.

The defender had a close-range shot blocked during a goalmouth scramble in the first half and headed wide at the far post in the second half.

Roma won eight corners to Juve&#39;s five but used&nbsp;long crosses too often and&nbsp;had only three shots on target.

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

Gonzalo Higuain's trademark goal put Juventus 7 points clear

Series A leaders Juventus won 1-0 over AS Roma, with Juventus Higuain signature goal putting them seven points clear on Saturday. Gonzalo Higuain's 10th goal of the season and his third in the last two games got Juventus its 25th successive home league win and paved way for a sixth successive Serie A title. With just one match left before Christmas, Juve have 42 points from 17 games while Roma has 35 and AC Milan 33. Roma, although had the ball they failed to make any goals. Roma have been runners-up to Juventus in the last three Higuain saw an early shot saved by Wojciech Szczesny. He received a pass some 30 metres from goal, battled with Daniele De Rossi, passed Kostas Manolos and kicked off a left-foot shot in off the post from the edge of the area. Roma's best chance fell to Manolos from corners. The defender had a close-range shot blocked during a goalmouth scramble in the first half and headed wide at the far post in the second half. Roma won eight corners to Juve's five but used long crosses too often and had only three shots on target. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Football: Juventus beat Roma 1-0

Real Madrid suffered an almighty fright before a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick hauled them back from 2-1 down and gave them a 4-2 win over rank outsiders Kashima Antlers in the Club World Cup final on Sunday.

Two goals from Gaku Shibasaki stunned the European champions as the Japanese hosts took a 2-1 lead early in the second half before a Ronaldo penalty brought Real level on the hour.

The 11-times European champions then survived several more scares and a possible sending-off for captain Sergio Ramos before Ronaldo scored twice more in the first period of extra-time.

Real, who won the tournament for the second time in three years, appeared set for an easy victory when Karim Benzema gave them a ninth-minute lead but Shibasaki changed the story by levelling one minute before halftime.

(Reuters)

Los Blancos beat Japan's Kashima Antlers 4-2 to become world champions for the second time in three years

Real Madrid suffered an almighty fright before a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick hauled them back from 2-1 down and gave them a 4-2 win over rank outsiders Kashima Antlers in the Club World Cup final on Sunday. Two goals from Gaku Shibasaki stunned the European champions as the Japanese hosts took a 2-1 lead early in the second half before a Ronaldo penalty brought Real level on the hour. The 11-times European champions then survived several more scares and a possible sending-off for captain Sergio Ramos before Ronaldo scored twice more in the first period of extra-time. Real, who won the tournament for the second time in three years, appeared set for an easy victory when Karim Benzema gave them a ninth-minute lead but Shibasaki changed the story by levelling one minute before halftime. (Reuters)

Club World Cup: Ronaldo hat-trick helps Real Madrid win final

&nbsp;Chelsea tightened their stranglehold on the Premier League after a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace earned them an 11th consecutive victory and sent them nine points clear on Saturday.

Yet another Diego Costa goal meant Antonio Conte&#39;s unstoppable side remained firmly on course for the title despite the fog enveloping Selhurst Park in the day&#39;s early kickoff.

Champions Leicester City had striker Jamie Vardy sent off as they trailed 2-0 at Stoke City before battling back to draw 2-2, Daniel Amartey scoring a late equaliser.

Sunderland finally began to see some daylight at the bottom as a 1-0 home win over Watford edged them off the foot of the table, ahead of Swansea City and Hull City who both lost.

Chelsea have triumphed in 14 of their opening 17 league matches under Conte, a feat never achieved before by a manager new to England&#39;s top flight.

They have also won 11 in a row in a single season for the first time as the Italian continues to try and eclipse the kind of domination Jose Mourinho enjoyed in his first stint at Stamford Bridge from 2004-07.

&quot;If I don&#39;t say I am pleased for this record I am dishonest. I am not a person who loves stats but it&#39;s my first season in England and to win 14 games out of 17 is fantastic,&quot; former Juventus and Italy coach Conte told a news conference.

&quot;I like to see the present but I look more to see the future and I want the future to be special for us. The only way for this is to work.

&quot;We have room to improve. We are working on our principles. This season I&#39;ve tried to play with different formations. Now we&#39;ve found a good balance offensively and defensively.&quot;

Palace could find no chink in Chelsea&#39;s armour even though the visitors were not particularly threatening in the first half when they rarely threatened Wayne Hennessey&#39;s goal.

Conte&#39;s men have become ruthlessly efficient though.

Costa only needed one chance to score, climbing to head Cesar Azpilicueta&#39;s inviting cross into the corner of the net two minutes before the interval.

It proved sufficient as Palace made little impact after the break despite plenty of huff and puff.

&quot;I have to say that was as good a defensive display as you&#39;ll see,&quot; Palace manager Alan Pardew said. &quot;We couldn&#39;t find a way through, even on set plays which we&#39;re strong at.&quot;

Leicester salvaged only their second away point of the season in strange circumstances.

Vardy saw red for a 28th-minute lunge on Mame Biram Diouf before a Bojan penalty and Joe Allen tap-in put Stoke 2-0 up.

Leonardo Ulloa&#39;s header halved the deficit after the break before Amartey&#39;s late leveller.

Patrick van Aanholt&#39;s goal proved decisive for Sunderland as they climbed above Swansea, beaten 3-0 at Middlesbrough, and Hull who struck the woodwork three times before losing 1-0 to a Mark Noble penalty at West Ham United.

Manchester United will aim for a third consecutive win later on Saturday at West Bromwich Albion.

(Reuters)

With a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace, Chelsea is nine points clear on Saturday

Chelsea tightened their stranglehold on the Premier League after a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace earned them an 11th consecutive victory and sent them nine points clear on Saturday. Yet another Diego Costa goal meant Antonio Conte's unstoppable side remained firmly on course for the title despite the fog enveloping Selhurst Park in the day's early kickoff. Champions Leicester City had striker Jamie Vardy sent off as they trailed 2-0 at Stoke City before battling back to draw 2-2, Daniel Amartey scoring a late equaliser. Sunderland finally began to see some daylight at the bottom as a 1-0 home win over Watford edged them off the foot of the table, ahead of Swansea City and Hull City who both lost. Chelsea have triumphed in 14 of their opening 17 league matches under Conte, a feat never achieved before by a manager new to England's top flight. They have also won 11 in a row in a single season for the first time as the Italian continues to try and eclipse the kind of domination Jose Mourinho enjoyed in his first stint at Stamford Bridge from 2004-07. "If I don't say I am pleased for this record I am dishonest. I am not a person who loves stats but it's my first season in England and to win 14 games out of 17 is fantastic," former Juventus and Italy coach Conte told a news conference. "I like to see the present but I look more to see the future and I want the future to be special for us. The only way for this is to work. "We have room to improve. We are working on our principles. This season I've tried to play with different formations. Now we've found a good balance offensively and defensively." Palace could find no chink in Chelsea's armour even though the visitors were not particularly threatening in the first half when they rarely threatened Wayne Hennessey's goal. Conte's men have become ruthlessly efficient though. Costa only needed one chance to score, climbing to head Cesar Azpilicueta's inviting cross into the corner of the net two minutes before the interval. It proved sufficient as Palace made little impact after the break despite plenty of huff and puff. "I have to say that was as good a defensive display as you'll see," Palace manager Alan Pardew said. "We couldn't find a way through, even on set plays which we're strong at." Leicester salvaged only their second away point of the season in strange circumstances. Vardy saw red for a 28th-minute lunge on Mame Biram Diouf before a Bojan penalty and Joe Allen tap-in put Stoke 2-0 up. Leonardo Ulloa's header halved the deficit after the break before Amartey's late leveller. Patrick van Aanholt's goal proved decisive for Sunderland as they climbed above Swansea, beaten 3-0 at Middlesbrough, and Hull who struck the woodwork three times before losing 1-0 to a Mark Noble penalty at West Ham United. Manchester United will aim for a third consecutive win later on Saturday at West Bromwich Albion. (Reuters)

Premier League: Eleven in row for Chelsea

Leaders Chelsea stretched their Premier League winning run to a club record-equalling 11 as Diego Costa&#39;s header shortly before halftime secured a 1-0 victory at London rivals Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Spain international climbed high to connect with Cesar Azpilicueta&#39;s cross in the 43rd minute, guiding a header beyond the reach of Wayne Hennessey at a foggy Selhurst Park.

It was Costa&#39;s 13th league goal of the season and took his Chelsea haul to 50 in all competitions.

Chelsea were well worth the win and had chances to extend the lead after the break with Marcos Alonso and N&#39;Golo Kante forcing fine saves from Hennessey before Alonso struck the underside of the crossbar with a free kick.

Antonio Conte&#39;s side have 43 points from 17 games, nine more than Liverpool and Arsenal who are not in action on Saturday. Palace have won only once in their last 11 league games and remained three points above the bottom three.

(Reuters)

Striker Diego Costa scored just before half-time to help his club stretch its lead

Leaders Chelsea stretched their Premier League winning run to a club record-equalling 11 as Diego Costa's header shortly before halftime secured a 1-0 victory at London rivals Crystal Palace on Saturday. The Spain international climbed high to connect with Cesar Azpilicueta's cross in the 43rd minute, guiding a header beyond the reach of Wayne Hennessey at a foggy Selhurst Park. It was Costa's 13th league goal of the season and took his Chelsea haul to 50 in all competitions. Chelsea were well worth the win and had chances to extend the lead after the break with Marcos Alonso and N'Golo Kante forcing fine saves from Hennessey before Alonso struck the underside of the crossbar with a free kick. Antonio Conte's side have 43 points from 17 games, nine more than Liverpool and Arsenal who are not in action on Saturday. Palace have won only once in their last 11 league games and remained three points above the bottom three. (Reuters)

Chelsea beat Crystal Palace to win 11th straight win

Prolific striker Luis Suarez has agreed a new contract with Barcelona until 2021, the Spanish champions announced on Thursday.

The Uruguay international will sign the new deal, which will keep him at the club until he is 34 years old and contains a release clause of 200 million euros ($207 million), on Friday.

Suarez has scored 97 goals in 116 games for Barcelona since signing from Liverpool in 2014 for a reported 81 million euros ($84 million), and has collected eight major trophies.

He netted 40 times in the league last season, making him top scorer in Spain and landing him the European Golden Shoe award for the top marksman in Europe&#39;s top five leagues.

&quot;I feel complete happiness because I am where I want to be,&quot; Suarez said on Thursday.

&quot;It&#39;s now official. I never put any obstacles in the way of a renewal. I will never lose my ambition and enthusiasm for winning trophies and scoring goals.&quot;

Suarez&#39;s contract renewal comes two months after strike partner Neymar penned a new deal with Barcelona, meaning talisman Lionel Messi is the only member of the feted &quot;MSN&quot; attacking trident who has yet to sign a new contract with the club.

Suarez said he hoped Messi, whose current deal expires in 2018, would follow his lead, although he said the Argentine would make his decision on his own terms.

&quot;My renewal has nothing to do with Neymar or Messi&#39;s. Leo is a legend and he knows what he has to do and decide,&quot; added Suarez.

&quot;As a team mate, I am available to help him out but Leo is old enough to decide for himself. We are friends and we have a great relationship, but he is an adult and he has to take that decision.&quot;

(Reuters)

The agreement will keep him at the club till he is 34

Prolific striker Luis Suarez has agreed a new contract with Barcelona until 2021, the Spanish champions announced on Thursday. The Uruguay international will sign the new deal, which will keep him at the club until he is 34 years old and contains a release clause of 200 million euros ($207 million), on Friday. Suarez has scored 97 goals in 116 games for Barcelona since signing from Liverpool in 2014 for a reported 81 million euros ($84 million), and has collected eight major trophies. He netted 40 times in the league last season, making him top scorer in Spain and landing him the European Golden Shoe award for the top marksman in Europe's top five leagues. "I feel complete happiness because I am where I want to be," Suarez said on Thursday. "It's now official. I never put any obstacles in the way of a renewal. I will never lose my ambition and enthusiasm for winning trophies and scoring goals." Suarez's contract renewal comes two months after strike partner Neymar penned a new deal with Barcelona, meaning talisman Lionel Messi is the only member of the feted "MSN" attacking trident who has yet to sign a new contract with the club. Suarez said he hoped Messi, whose current deal expires in 2018, would follow his lead, although he said the Argentine would make his decision on his own terms. "My renewal has nothing to do with Neymar or Messi's. Leo is a legend and he knows what he has to do and decide," added Suarez. "As a team mate, I am available to help him out but Leo is old enough to decide for himself. We are friends and we have a great relationship, but he is an adult and he has to take that decision." (Reuters)

Football: Suarez agrees new contract with Barcelona to 2021

Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo were on target as&nbsp;Real&nbsp;Madrid&nbsp;eased past Mexico&#39;s Club America 2-0 on Thursday to reach the Club World Cup final in Japan.

The Spanish giants will face shock finalists and local favourites Kashima Antlers in Yokohama on Sunday as they look to capture their second world title in three years.

With Ronaldo firing blanks until the very end of the game, Benzema struck in first-half stoppage time, the Frenchman finishing clinically with the outside of his right boot after a deft pass from Toni Kroos.

Ronaldo, who won his fourth Ballon d&#39;Or earlier this week, had already squandered a gilt-edged chance by heading against the post.

The Portuguese superstar also had two fierce shots saved by goalkeeper Moises Munoz but finally found the net deep into injury time as&nbsp;Real&nbsp;extended their club record unbeaten run to 36 matches in all competitions.

(AFP)

Los Blancos eased past Mexico's Club America 2-0 to reach a step closer to being the best club in the world

Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo were on target as Real Madrid eased past Mexico's Club America 2-0 on Thursday to reach the Club World Cup final in Japan. The Spanish giants will face shock finalists and local favourites Kashima Antlers in Yokohama on Sunday as they look to capture their second world title in three years. With Ronaldo firing blanks until the very end of the game, Benzema struck in first-half stoppage time, the Frenchman finishing clinically with the outside of his right boot after a deft pass from Toni Kroos. Ronaldo, who won his fourth Ballon d'Or earlier this week, had already squandered a gilt-edged chance by heading against the post. The Portuguese superstar also had two fierce shots saved by goalkeeper Moises Munoz but finally found the net deep into injury time as Real extended their club record unbeaten run to 36 matches in all competitions. (AFP)

Club World Cup: Real ride on Ronaldo, Benzema goals to enter final

Cesc Fabregas&#39;s goal earned Chelsea a 1-0 victory at Sunderland on Wednesday -- their 10th in succession -- as Antonio Conte&#39;s side surged six points clear at the Premier League summit.

Fabregas, who came in for Nemanja Matic, curled in from Willian&#39;s 40th-minute cut-back to establish Chelsea&#39;s longest winning run within the same league campaign since 2005-06.

There were also wins for Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic&#39;s 88th-minute strike earned Manchester United a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace.

Chelsea, for whom Eden Hazard missed out due to a knock, have won all 10 league games they gave played since losing 3-0 at Arsenal on September 24, keeping eight clean sheets.

But it took a flying save from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to prevent Patrick van Aanholt snatching a point for bottom club Sunderland at the death.

Conte&#39;s men are six points clear of Liverpool, who stole above Arsenal into second place courtesy of a 3-0 win at Middlesbrough in which Adam Lallana scored twice.

Having seen his side beaten 4-3 at Bournemouth and then held to a 2-2 draw by West Ham United, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp dropped goalkeeper Lorus Karius for Simon Mignolet.

His team went ahead in the 29th minute when Lallana headed in from England team-mate Nathaniel Clyne&#39;s right-wing cross.

Lallana teed up Divock Origi to add a second on the hour and eight minutes later the Belgian returned the favour as Lallana claimed his second goal.

Liverpool moved above Arsenal on goal difference, Arsene Wenger&#39;s side having lost 2-1 at Everton on Tuesday.

In further bad news for Arsenal, City, Tottenham and United all closed in on them.

Rondon&#39;s headed hat-trick

Pep Guardiola&#39;s City hit back after successive defeats against Chelsea and champions Leicester City by winning 2-0 at home to Watford.

Guardiola, who dropped John Stones and reverted to a back four, saw his side prevail thanks to goals in each half by Pablo Zabaleta and David Silva.

City remain fourth, seven points adrift of Chelsea, but only a point below Liverpool and Arsenal.

Tottenham are three points back in fifth place after Christian Eriksen scored twice in a 3-0 home win over Hull City, with Victor Wanyama also on target.

Having beaten Spurs 1-0 on Sunday, United recorded back-to-back league wins for the first time since August by edging Palace to remain three points below Mauricio Pochettino&#39;s men in sixth place.

Jose Mourinho&#39;s side went ahead in first-half stoppage time at Selhurst Park when Ibrahimovic chested down Juan Mata&#39;s free-kick for Paul Pogba to score from close range.

United were pegged back in the 66th minute when James McArthur beat David de Gea at his near post, but with full-time beckoning Pogba freed Ibrahimovic to dink home his 14th goal of the season.

West Bromwich Albion climbed to the heady heights of seventh place after a hat-trick of headers by Salomon Rondon gave Tony Pulis&#39;s men a 3-1 home win over third-bottom Swansea City.

The Venezuelan striker became the first player to score a headed Premier League hat-trick since Everton&#39;s Duncan Ferguson in December 1997. Wayne Routledge replied for Swansea.

West Ham pulled clear of the relegation zone after Mark Noble tucked away the rebound from his own penalty to secure a 1-0 home win over Burnley.

Stoke City survived the 22nd-minute dismissal of Marko Arnautovic for a studs-up lunge at Sofiane Boufal to secure a 0-0 draw at home to Southampton.

(AFP)

Chelsea have won all 10 league games they gave played since losing 3-0 at Arsenal on September 24

Cesc Fabregas's goal earned Chelsea a 1-0 victory at Sunderland on Wednesday -- their 10th in succession -- as Antonio Conte's side surged six points clear at the Premier League summit. Fabregas, who came in for Nemanja Matic, curled in from Willian's 40th-minute cut-back to establish Chelsea's longest winning run within the same league campaign since 2005-06. There were also wins for Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic's 88th-minute strike earned Manchester United a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace. Chelsea, for whom Eden Hazard missed out due to a knock, have won all 10 league games they gave played since losing 3-0 at Arsenal on September 24, keeping eight clean sheets. But it took a flying save from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to prevent Patrick van Aanholt snatching a point for bottom club Sunderland at the death. Conte's men are six points clear of Liverpool, who stole above Arsenal into second place courtesy of a 3-0 win at Middlesbrough in which Adam Lallana scored twice. Having seen his side beaten 4-3 at Bournemouth and then held to a 2-2 draw by West Ham United, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp dropped goalkeeper Lorus Karius for Simon Mignolet. His team went ahead in the 29th minute when Lallana headed in from England team-mate Nathaniel Clyne's right-wing cross. Lallana teed up Divock Origi to add a second on the hour and eight minutes later the Belgian returned the favour as Lallana claimed his second goal. Liverpool moved above Arsenal on goal difference, Arsene Wenger's side having lost 2-1 at Everton on Tuesday. In further bad news for Arsenal, City, Tottenham and United all closed in on them. Rondon's headed hat-trick Pep Guardiola's City hit back after successive defeats against Chelsea and champions Leicester City by winning 2-0 at home to Watford. Guardiola, who dropped John Stones and reverted to a back four, saw his side prevail thanks to goals in each half by Pablo Zabaleta and David Silva. City remain fourth, seven points adrift of Chelsea, but only a point below Liverpool and Arsenal. Tottenham are three points back in fifth place after Christian Eriksen scored twice in a 3-0 home win over Hull City, with Victor Wanyama also on target. Having beaten Spurs 1-0 on Sunday, United recorded back-to-back league wins for the first time since August by edging Palace to remain three points below Mauricio Pochettino's men in sixth place. Jose Mourinho's side went ahead in first-half stoppage time at Selhurst Park when Ibrahimovic chested down Juan Mata's free-kick for Paul Pogba to score from close range. United were pegged back in the 66th minute when James McArthur beat David de Gea at his near post, but with full-time beckoning Pogba freed Ibrahimovic to dink home his 14th goal of the season. West Bromwich Albion climbed to the heady heights of seventh place after a hat-trick of headers by Salomon Rondon gave Tony Pulis's men a 3-1 home win over third-bottom Swansea City. The Venezuelan striker became the first player to score a headed Premier League hat-trick since Everton's Duncan Ferguson in December 1997. Wayne Routledge replied for Swansea. West Ham pulled clear of the relegation zone after Mark Noble tucked away the rebound from his own penalty to secure a 1-0 home win over Burnley. Stoke City survived the 22nd-minute dismissal of Marko Arnautovic for a studs-up lunge at Sofiane Boufal to secure a 0-0 draw at home to Southampton. (AFP)

Premier League: Chelsea 1-0 Sunderland, Ibra rescues Man Utd

Football is all set for a big change with video refereeing poised to make its debut. In fact, the Club World Cup in Japan will see the technology being used for the first time at a FIFA competition.

Video Refereeing to debut at CWC (WION Sports)

Cristiano Ronaldo called it &quot;a dream come true again&quot; as he won his fourth Ballon d&#39;Or on Monday to get one over his nemesis Lionel Messi for the title of best player in the world.

It was the perfect ending to another fantastic year for the Real Madrid star, who won the Champions League for the second time in three seasons and then led Portugal to their first major title at Euro 2016 -- albeit he went off early injured and in tears in the surprise victory over France.

As has been the case for almost a decade now, the 31-year-old&#39;s main rival was Messi -- but the Barcelona and Argentine maestro had to relinquish the crown after a less-than-stellar year for club and country by his lofty standards.

Ronaldo is now one Ballon d&#39;Or behind Messi, who was second this time with French striker Antoine Griezmann third.

Never one to play down his achievements, Ronaldo was spotted midweek in training having dyed his hair gold in anticipation and several media outlets published a photo earlier on Monday appearing to confirm he was the winner, before organisers France Football magazine made the official announcement.

&quot;For me, it&#39;s a great honour to receive my fourth Ballon d&#39;Or. The emotion is like the first one -- it&#39;s a dream come true again,&quot; Ronaldo, who is at the Club World Cup in Japan, told L&#39;Equipe TV.

&quot;I never thought in my mind to win four times the Ballon d&#39;Or, I&#39;m so pleased and so happy.

&quot;I have to thank all my team-mates, the national team, Real Madrid, all the people, the players who helped me to win this individual trophy.

&quot;I want to enjoy this moment because it&#39;s not easy to win this.&quot;

Fourth was Luis Suarez and fifth his fellow Barcelona attacker Neymar, with Ronaldo&#39;s Welsh team-mate Gareth Bale sixth.

&#39;Sensational year&#39;

Ronaldo was the firm favourite to win, but the prestigious prize comes at a time when the prolific forward has generated negative headlines in the past week over accusations of tax evasion.

Denying any wrongdoing, he responded by publishing his financial records last week, showing last year he earned a whopping 227 million euros ($240 million).

&quot;You believe I am worried? He who owes nothing&nbsp;fears nothing,&quot; Ronaldo told broadcaster RTP at the time.

Ronaldo, the highest-paid sportsman in the world, first won the Ballon d&#39;Or in 2008 after Premier League and Champions League triumphs with Manchester United.&nbsp;

But it was only in 2013 that he added his second -- Messi had hogged it before then -- and Ronaldo made it a hat-trick the following year.

United were quick to offer their congratulations on Twitter, calling a fourth Ballon d&#39;Or &quot;incredible&quot;.

Real said Ronaldo, who last month signed a bumper new five-year contract, had enjoyed &quot;a sensational year&quot;.

The first Ballon d&#39;Or was won by Stanley Matthews, at the time with Blackpool, who beat Alfredo Di Stefano for the inaugural title in 1956.

The Ballon d&#39;Or is decided by a vote of 173 journalists.

(AFP)

It was the perfect ending to another fantastic year for the Real Madrid star, who won the Champions League for the second time in 3 seasons

Cristiano Ronaldo called it "a dream come true again" as he won his fourth Ballon d'Or on Monday to get one over his nemesis Lionel Messi for the title of best player in the world. It was the perfect ending to another fantastic year for the Real Madrid star, who won the Champions League for the second time in three seasons and then led Portugal to their first major title at Euro 2016 -- albeit he went off early injured and in tears in the surprise victory over France. As has been the case for almost a decade now, the 31-year-old's main rival was Messi -- but the Barcelona and Argentine maestro had to relinquish the crown after a less-than-stellar year for club and country by his lofty standards. Ronaldo is now one Ballon d'Or behind Messi, who was second this time with French striker Antoine Griezmann third. Never one to play down his achievements, Ronaldo was spotted midweek in training having dyed his hair gold in anticipation and several media outlets published a photo earlier on Monday appearing to confirm he was the winner, before organisers France Football magazine made the official announcement. "For me, it's a great honour to receive my fourth Ballon d'Or. The emotion is like the first one -- it's a dream come true again," Ronaldo, who is at the Club World Cup in Japan, told L'Equipe TV. "I never thought in my mind to win four times the Ballon d'Or, I'm so pleased and so happy. "I have to thank all my team-mates, the national team, Real Madrid, all the people, the players who helped me to win this individual trophy. "I want to enjoy this moment because it's not easy to win this." Fourth was Luis Suarez and fifth his fellow Barcelona attacker Neymar, with Ronaldo's Welsh team-mate Gareth Bale sixth. 'Sensational year' Ronaldo was the firm favourite to win, but the prestigious prize comes at a time when the prolific forward has generated negative headlines in the past week over accusations of tax evasion. Denying any wrongdoing, he responded by publishing his financial records last week, showing last year he earned a whopping 227 million euros ($240 million). "You believe I am worried? He who owes nothing fears nothing," Ronaldo told broadcaster RTP at the time. Ronaldo, the highest-paid sportsman in the world, first won the Ballon d'Or in 2008 after Premier League and Champions League triumphs with Manchester United. But it was only in 2013 that he added his second -- Messi had hogged it before then -- and Ronaldo made it a hat-trick the following year. United were quick to offer their congratulations on Twitter, calling a fourth Ballon d'Or "incredible". Real said Ronaldo, who last month signed a bumper new five-year contract, had enjoyed "a sensational year". The first Ballon d'Or was won by Stanley Matthews, at the time with Blackpool, who beat Alfredo Di Stefano for the inaugural title in 1956. The Ballon d'Or is decided by a vote of 173 journalists. (AFP)

Cristiano Ronaldo wins Ballon d'Or for fourth time

Arsenal will have another chance to beat Bayern Munich in a Champions League knockout tie after the sides were paired yet again in the round of 16 following Monday&#39;s draw.

The teams met at the same stage in 2005, 2013 and 2014 with the German champions winning on all three occasions - 3-2 on aggregate in 2005, on away goals after a 3-3 draw in 2013 and 3-1 in 2014.

Paris St Germain will also try to break a jinx when they face Spanish champions Barcelona, who knocked them out in the quarter-finals in 2013 and 2014.

Holders Real Madrid, who like Bayern finished as runners-up in their group and will therefore play the first leg at home, were given a tricky clash with Serie A side Napoli.

The draw also produced a potential grudge match as it pitted Bayer Leverkusen against Atletico Madrid, whose respective coaches Roger Schmidt and Diego Simeone were involved in an ugly touchline spat when the sides met two seasons ago.

On that occasion, Atletico went through on penalties after a 1-1 aggregate draw.

Arsenal may feel this could be their best chance to beat Bayern, whose domestic and European form has not been as dominant as in recent seasons.

&quot;We are through to the knockout stage for the 14th consecutive season, which is testament to Arsene Wenger and the teams throughout that time,&quot; club secretary David Miles said.

&quot;The fans will think we have got the rough end of the draw again - at some stage the tide has got to turn and we will beat them.&quot;

Serie A champions Juventus were drawn against Porto in a repeat of the 1984 European Cup Winners&#39; Cup final which the Italian side won 2-1.

Sevilla and English champions Leicester City will meet for the first time as will Manchester City and AS Monaco.

Benfica and Borussia Dortmund will renew their rivalry after a 52-year wait, the sides having previously met in the 1963-64 European Cup.

(Reuters)

Holders Real Madrid were given a difficult tie against Napoli as were Spanish champions Barcelona who take on Paris St Germain

Arsenal will have another chance to beat Bayern Munich in a Champions League knockout tie after the sides were paired yet again in the round of 16 following Monday's draw. The teams met at the same stage in 2005, 2013 and 2014 with the German champions winning on all three occasions - 3-2 on aggregate in 2005, on away goals after a 3-3 draw in 2013 and 3-1 in 2014. Paris St Germain will also try to break a jinx when they face Spanish champions Barcelona, who knocked them out in the quarter-finals in 2013 and 2014. Holders Real Madrid, who like Bayern finished as runners-up in their group and will therefore play the first leg at home, were given a tricky clash with Serie A side Napoli. The draw also produced a potential grudge match as it pitted Bayer Leverkusen against Atletico Madrid, whose respective coaches Roger Schmidt and Diego Simeone were involved in an ugly touchline spat when the sides met two seasons ago. On that occasion, Atletico went through on penalties after a 1-1 aggregate draw. Arsenal may feel this could be their best chance to beat Bayern, whose domestic and European form has not been as dominant as in recent seasons. "We are through to the knockout stage for the 14th consecutive season, which is testament to Arsene Wenger and the teams throughout that time," club secretary David Miles said. "The fans will think we have got the rough end of the draw again - at some stage the tide has got to turn and we will beat them." Serie A champions Juventus were drawn against Porto in a repeat of the 1984 European Cup Winners' Cup final which the Italian side won 2-1. Sevilla and English champions Leicester City will meet for the first time as will Manchester City and AS Monaco. Benfica and Borussia Dortmund will renew their rivalry after a 52-year wait, the sides having previously met in the 1963-64 European Cup. (Reuters)

Champions League last 16: Arsenal paired with Bayern Munich, City get Monaco

Jamie Vardy burst back to his predatory best with his first Leicester City hat-trick as the champions recaptured their title-winning mojo to earn a shock 4-2 win over Manchester City at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

Vardy, hero of last season&#39;s fairytale triumph, finally ended his 16-match goalscoring drought for the club by scoring twice in the first 20 minutes as the Foxes, making a nonsense of their miserable recent form, raced into a three-goal lead.

After the England striker had struck in the third minute, club stalwart Andy King put Leicester two up with only four-and-a-half minutes on the clock and Vardy was then put in beautifully by Riyad Mahrez to score his second.

He completed his first hat-trick since his non-league days at Fleetwood Town from the narrowest of angles thanks to a careless back pass from John Stones.

Aleksandar Kolarov (82 minutes) and Nolito (90) scored consolation goals in a late rally for City, who remain fourth, four points adrift of leaders Chelsea.

Nobody could have imagined the drama of the opening minutes as Leicester awoke dramatically from what had, statistically, been the worst English title defence in 54 years since Ipswich Town in 1962-63.

Despite his heroics for Leicester, Vardy had never scored a hat-trick for them and his last treble had been for minor league Fleetwood in 2012.

Yet the King Power was transported back to heady May days, suddenly reminded why their team, languishing just three points off the foot of the table at the start of the day, were champions.

With a side unrecognisable from the second-string one that had been beaten 5-0 at Porto in midweek -- the heaviest defeat by any English team in European Cup history -- Leicester burst from the blocks on a rainy night.

A lovely touch from Mahrez fed Islam Slimani, whose neat through ball was finished brilliantly by Vardy, who had not scored in the league for a total of 741 minutes.

Within a couple of minutes, Slimani had teed up King, who curled one in from the edge of the box and the visitors were in disarray when a long ball from Christian Fuchs was cushioned delicately by Mahrez into Vardy&#39;s hungry path and the England striker evaded keeper Claudio Bravo to slot home.

City belatedly dominated but it was all huff and puff and when Stones hit a blind pass towards Bravo, Vardy nipped in to strike with the ball ruled to have just crept over the line via the post.

Kolarov, with a smashing free kick, and Nolito finally broke through but it could not mask what had been the most discouraging day yet of his new reign for visiting manager Pep Guardiola.

(Reuters)

Vardy finally ended his 16-match goalscoring drought for the club by scoring twice in the first 20 minutes

Jamie Vardy burst back to his predatory best with his first Leicester City hat-trick as the champions recaptured their title-winning mojo to earn a shock 4-2 win over Manchester City at the King Power Stadium on Saturday. Vardy, hero of last season's fairytale triumph, finally ended his 16-match goalscoring drought for the club by scoring twice in the first 20 minutes as the Foxes, making a nonsense of their miserable recent form, raced into a three-goal lead. After the England striker had struck in the third minute, club stalwart Andy King put Leicester two up with only four-and-a-half minutes on the clock and Vardy was then put in beautifully by Riyad Mahrez to score his second. He completed his first hat-trick since his non-league days at Fleetwood Town from the narrowest of angles thanks to a careless back pass from John Stones. Aleksandar Kolarov (82 minutes) and Nolito (90) scored consolation goals in a late rally for City, who remain fourth, four points adrift of leaders Chelsea. Nobody could have imagined the drama of the opening minutes as Leicester awoke dramatically from what had, statistically, been the worst English title defence in 54 years since Ipswich Town in 1962-63. Despite his heroics for Leicester, Vardy had never scored a hat-trick for them and his last treble had been for minor league Fleetwood in 2012. Yet the King Power was transported back to heady May days, suddenly reminded why their team, languishing just three points off the foot of the table at the start of the day, were champions. With a side unrecognisable from the second-string one that had been beaten 5-0 at Porto in midweek -- the heaviest defeat by any English team in European Cup history -- Leicester burst from the blocks on a rainy night. A lovely touch from Mahrez fed Islam Slimani, whose neat through ball was finished brilliantly by Vardy, who had not scored in the league for a total of 741 minutes. Within a couple of minutes, Slimani had teed up King, who curled one in from the edge of the box and the visitors were in disarray when a long ball from Christian Fuchs was cushioned delicately by Mahrez into Vardy's hungry path and the England striker evaded keeper Claudio Bravo to slot home. City belatedly dominated but it was all huff and puff and when Stones hit a blind pass towards Bravo, Vardy nipped in to strike with the ball ruled to have just crept over the line via the post. Kolarov, with a smashing free kick, and Nolito finally broke through but it could not mask what had been the most discouraging day yet of his new reign for visiting manager Pep Guardiola. (Reuters)

Football: Vardy earns Leicester a shock 4-2 win over Manchester City

Italy international Stefano Okaka scored either side of halftime to give Watford a 3-2 Premier League win over Everton on Saturday, their first victory over the Merseyside club in any competition since 1987.

Watford, who started with players of 11 different nationalities in their line-up, went behind in the 17th minute when Romelu Lukaku scored from close range for Everton after Gareth Barry lobbed the defence.

The goal was the Belgian&#39;s eighth in the league this season but the lead was short-lived, Okaka equalising in the 36th with a back-heeled flick at the near post from Nordin Amrabat&#39;s cross.

Okaka followed up on his first Watford goal by heading in the Hornets&#39; third from a corner in the 64th after Austrian Sebastian Prodl had headed in his first league goal of the season from Jose Holebas&#39;s free kick.

Lukaku headed in his second of the afternoon with four minutes of normal time remaining but Watford hung on to go seventh in the standings on 21 points and ahead of ninth-placed Everton.

Okaka&#39;s goals were his first in the Premier League since May 2010, when he was on loan at Fulham. A summer signing from Anderlecht, he was making only his second start for Watford.

&quot;Stefano Okaka had to wait mainly because of injury but he has shown how important he is for the team,&quot; manager Walter Mazzarri said.

Apart from the 11 nations represented in the starting lineup, Watford have now also had 11 different goalscorers in the league this season - a feat that only Liverpool can match.

They are not, however, the first Premier League team to have such a diverse team -Manchester&nbsp;United also fielded players from 11 different countries against Stoke&nbsp;City&nbsp;in 2011.

Everton, sliding down the table after a bright start to the campaign and now with one win in 10 games, have conceded 11 goals in their last four away fixtures.

(Reuters)

This is their first victory over the Merseyside club in any competition since 1987

Italy international Stefano Okaka scored either side of halftime to give Watford a 3-2 Premier League win over Everton on Saturday, their first victory over the Merseyside club in any competition since 1987. Watford, who started with players of 11 different nationalities in their line-up, went behind in the 17th minute when Romelu Lukaku scored from close range for Everton after Gareth Barry lobbed the defence. The goal was the Belgian's eighth in the league this season but the lead was short-lived, Okaka equalising in the 36th with a back-heeled flick at the near post from Nordin Amrabat's cross. Okaka followed up on his first Watford goal by heading in the Hornets' third from a corner in the 64th after Austrian Sebastian Prodl had headed in his first league goal of the season from Jose Holebas's free kick. Lukaku headed in his second of the afternoon with four minutes of normal time remaining but Watford hung on to go seventh in the standings on 21 points and ahead of ninth-placed Everton. Okaka's goals were his first in the Premier League since May 2010, when he was on loan at Fulham. A summer signing from Anderlecht, he was making only his second start for Watford. "Stefano Okaka had to wait mainly because of injury but he has shown how important he is for the team," manager Walter Mazzarri said. Apart from the 11 nations represented in the starting lineup, Watford have now also had 11 different goalscorers in the league this season - a feat that only Liverpool can match. They are not, however, the first Premier League team to have such a diverse team -Manchester United also fielded players from 11 different countries against Stoke City in 2011. Everton, sliding down the table after a bright start to the campaign and now with one win in 10 games, have conceded 11 goals in their last four away fixtures. (Reuters)

Premier League: Watford beat Everton 3-2 with Okaka double

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter said successor Gianni Infantino disrespected him by not returning his phone calls.&nbsp;

&quot;After his election we had a very good contact and he stopped at my house and we had a chat,&quot; Blatter said. &quot;I told him I have a list of questions that should be solved in FIFA which has not been solved before.&quot;

&quot;[Infantino] said, &#39;I will work on that&#39;, and he never came back. I have asked him, I have sent him a letter and I have his personal number and I was told that it&#39;s still correct.

&quot;Never, never an answer, never,&quot; said Blatter. &quot;I have never seen in any company that the new president ... was not paying respect to the old president,&quot; he told BBC&#39;s World Football programme.&nbsp;

Blatter, who was facing a six-year ban for ethics violation, lost his appeal to Court of Arbitration (CAS) on Monday.

He had sanctioned payments to former FIFA vice-president Michel Plantini over $2 million which amounted to &quot;undue gifts&quot; violating FIFA&#39;s ethics norms.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Blatter said he had and wanted to discuss with his successor a 'list of questions that should be solved in FIFA'

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter said successor Gianni Infantino disrespected him by not returning his phone calls. "After his election we had a very good contact and he stopped at my house and we had a chat," Blatter said. "I told him I have a list of questions that should be solved in FIFA which has not been solved before." "[Infantino] said, 'I will work on that', and he never came back. I have asked him, I have sent him a letter and I have his personal number and I was told that it's still correct. "Never, never an answer, never," said Blatter. "I have never seen in any company that the new president ... was not paying respect to the old president," he told BBC's World Football programme. Blatter, who was facing a six-year ban for ethics violation, lost his appeal to Court of Arbitration (CAS) on Monday. He had sanctioned payments to former FIFA vice-president Michel Plantini over $2 million which amounted to "undue gifts" violating FIFA's ethics norms. (WION with inputs Reuters)

Disrespectful Infantino won't answer my calls, complains ex FIFA chief Blatter

West Ham United will welcome back defender Aaron Cresswell and midfielder Michail Antonio for Sunday&#39;s Premier League trip to Liverpool, but Cheikhou Kouyate will miss the game.

All three players picked up groin injuries in West Ham&#39;s League Cup defeat by Manchester United on November 30.

&quot;From the three players who got injured in the EFL Cup game, a couple of them should be back,&quot; manager Slaven Bilic told a news conference on Friday.

&quot;Antonio and Cresswell are training with us today after the press conference and according to the medical reports they are fit and they are okay.

&quot;With Cheikhou Kouyate, it is a little bit different. We were hoping he would be okay for Sunday&#39;s game, but unfortunately, he will have to miss it.

&quot;It&#39;s not a big injury, but he has a great chance to make it for the Burnley game in midweek.&quot;

West Ham are 17th in the table and have not won in the league since October, but the under pressure Bilic said he had spoken to the club&#39;s chairman David Sullivan and felt he still had the support of the club&#39;s hierarchy.

&quot;We didn&#39;t have a meeting, we had a conversation like we normally have,&quot; the manager added.

&quot;Since I&#39;ve been here, I speak to the chairman a couple of days after every game. After Saturday&#39;s game we spoke on Monday and had a good conversation, but not a meeting.

&quot;I feel the support and have said that so many times and I felt that support in our conversation this week. I believe in myself and my staff and look at what we achieved last year and I believe there is time to turn it around.&quot;

West Ham&#39;s last league outing ended in a 5-1 home defeat by Arsenal, and Bilic said his players had reacted well in training ahead of their trip to third-placed Liverpool.

&quot;We all felt bad last Saturday,&quot; he added. &quot;We were one-down after 70 minutes so to lose 5-1 left us disappointed, frustrated and angry but you have to get over it, which we have done and we have a big game on Sunday.

&quot;I have told the players we have got to be positive and I&#39;ve had a great reaction from them this week in training.&quot;

(Reuters)

Both players, along with Cheikhou Kouyate, picked up groin injuries in West Ham's League Cup defeat by Manchester United on November 30

West Ham United will welcome back defender Aaron Cresswell and midfielder Michail Antonio for Sunday's Premier League trip to Liverpool, but Cheikhou Kouyate will miss the game. All three players picked up groin injuries in West Ham's League Cup defeat by Manchester United on November 30. "From the three players who got injured in the EFL Cup game, a couple of them should be back," manager Slaven Bilic told a news conference on Friday. "Antonio and Cresswell are training with us today after the press conference and according to the medical reports they are fit and they are okay. "With Cheikhou Kouyate, it is a little bit different. We were hoping he would be okay for Sunday's game, but unfortunately, he will have to miss it. "It's not a big injury, but he has a great chance to make it for the Burnley game in midweek." West Ham are 17th in the table and have not won in the league since October, but the under pressure Bilic said he had spoken to the club's chairman David Sullivan and felt he still had the support of the club's hierarchy. "We didn't have a meeting, we had a conversation like we normally have," the manager added. "Since I've been here, I speak to the chairman a couple of days after every game. After Saturday's game we spoke on Monday and had a good conversation, but not a meeting. "I feel the support and have said that so many times and I felt that support in our conversation this week. I believe in myself and my staff and look at what we achieved last year and I believe there is time to turn it around." West Ham's last league outing ended in a 5-1 home defeat by Arsenal, and Bilic said his players had reacted well in training ahead of their trip to third-placed Liverpool. "We all felt bad last Saturday," he added. "We were one-down after 70 minutes so to lose 5-1 left us disappointed, frustrated and angry but you have to get over it, which we have done and we have a big game on Sunday. "I have told the players we have got to be positive and I've had a great reaction from them this week in training." (Reuters)

West Ham's Antonio, Creswell back for Liverpool trip

Here's a look at the major Champions League matches that took place in the last two days

Champions League matches in snapshots

Barcelona have invited Chapecoense to play in a friendly at the Nou Camp next August as a tribute to the victims of the air crash that all but wiped out the Brazilian team last month, the Spanish champions announced on Thursday.

&quot;FC Barcelona want to pay homage to the 71 people that died in the accident and to their families so it is working on making the 2017 edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy a homage on behalf of the world of football to all of them,&quot; said a club statement.

&quot;With this invitation to Chapecoense, Barcelona wants to collaborate with the institutional and sporting restructuring of the club to help it recover the competitive level it had.&quot;

The Joan Gamper Trophy is Barcelona&#39;s traditional curtain raiser, taking place each year at the Nou Camp a week before the start of the La Liga season between Barca and an invited team. Sampdoria were Barca&#39;s opponents in the 2016 edition.

Nineteen Chapecoense players were killed in the plane crash in Colombia on Nov. 28 as the team were travelling to the first leg of the final of the Copa Sudamericana against Atletico Nacional, along with directors and their coaching staff and journalists.

(Reuters)

The blaugrana said it wanted to pay homage to 71 people that all but wiped out the Brazilian team last month

Barcelona have invited Chapecoense to play in a friendly at the Nou Camp next August as a tribute to the victims of the air crash that all but wiped out the Brazilian team last month, the Spanish champions announced on Thursday. "FC Barcelona want to pay homage to the 71 people that died in the accident and to their families so it is working on making the 2017 edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy a homage on behalf of the world of football to all of them," said a club statement. "With this invitation to Chapecoense, Barcelona wants to collaborate with the institutional and sporting restructuring of the club to help it recover the competitive level it had." The Joan Gamper Trophy is Barcelona's traditional curtain raiser, taking place each year at the Nou Camp a week before the start of the La Liga season between Barca and an invited team. Sampdoria were Barca's opponents in the 2016 edition. Nineteen Chapecoense players were killed in the plane crash in Colombia on Nov. 28 as the team were travelling to the first leg of the final of the Copa Sudamericana against Atletico Nacional, along with directors and their coaching staff and journalists. (Reuters)

Barcelona invites Chapecoense to play friendly

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