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&nbsp;

Mesut Ozil is ready to sign a new contract with Arsenal but the attacking midfielder wants to know if manager Arsene Wenger is staying at the club beyond this season.&nbsp;Wenger`s contract expires at the end of the current season, while Ozil and teammate Alexis Sanchez both have 18 months left on their deals.

&quot;I feel very, very happy at Arsenal and have let the club know I would be willing to extend. The fans want me to stay, and now it&#39;s only down to the club,&quot; Ozil told German football magazine Kicker.

&quot;The club knows I am here mainly because of Arsene Wenger, who brought me here and whose trust I have. The club also knows that I want clarity about what the manager is doing.&quot; 
 
Ozil, who joined the North London club in 2013, has been criticised by former Arsenal players including Thierry Henry, who said the German international was &quot;holding the club hostage&quot; with his wage demands.&nbsp;&quot;Everyone has a right to say what they want, but what they have to say doesn&#39;t interest me,&quot; Ozil said.

&quot;Ex-players or other people who have a view don&#39;t know what is actually being said between me and the club,&quot;&nbsp; Ozil pointed.&nbsp;Arsenal are currently fifth in the Premier League with 41 points from 20 games, trailing leaders Chelsea by eight points.

(Reuters)

Mesut Ozil is ready to sign a new contract but he wants to know if Arsene Wenger will stay with Arsenal.

Mesut Ozil is ready to sign a new contract with Arsenal but the attacking midfielder wants to know if manager Arsene Wenger is staying at the club beyond this season. Wenger`s contract expires at the end of the current season, while Ozil and teammate Alexis Sanchez both have 18 months left on their deals. "I feel very, very happy at Arsenal and have let the club know I would be willing to extend. The fans want me to stay, and now it's only down to the club," Ozil told German football magazine Kicker. "The club knows I am here mainly because of Arsene Wenger, who brought me here and whose trust I have. The club also knows that I want clarity about what the manager is doing." Ozil, who joined the North London club in 2013, has been criticised by former Arsenal players including Thierry Henry, who said the German international was "holding the club hostage" with his wage demands. "Everyone has a right to say what they want, but what they have to say doesn't interest me," Ozil said. "Ex-players or other people who have a view don't know what is actually being said between me and the club," Ozil pointed. Arsenal are currently fifth in the Premier League with 41 points from 20 games, trailing leaders Chelsea by eight points. (Reuters)

Want clarity over Wenger staying with Arsenal: Ozil

If you follow the English Premier League, there comes a time every two years when leading African players of every major club go missing for a few weeks in January.

That time has come again with players such as Liverpool&#39;s Sadio Mane and Arsenal&#39;s Mohamed Elneny leaving their clubs to play for their countries in Africa&#39;s biggest football tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The 31st edition of the AFCON is being held from January&nbsp;14, 2017 to February&nbsp;5, 2017 in Gabon in equatorial Africa.

The tournament is held every two years and apart from the prize money on offer&mdash;<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37929355">$4 million</a> for the winner&mdash;and bragging rights, the winner also gets to compete in the <a href="http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/">FIFA Confederations Cup</a>.

The FIFA Confederations Cup is a tournament between the winners of&nbsp;continental football tournaments and will be held in Russia this year from June 17 to July 2.

This year&#39;s AFCON will be held across four cities in Gabon with the opening match to be held on January 14, 2017 between the hosts Gabon and Guinea-Bissau in the Stade de l&rsquo;Amiti&eacute; Sino in Libreville, Gabon&#39;s capital. The final will be held in the same stadium on February&nbsp;5, 2017.

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The 2017 Africa Cup of Nations will be held in four cities across Gabon. (WION)
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The tournament consists of 16 teams split into groups of four, with each team playing the other&nbsp;once. The top two from each group progress&nbsp;into the quarterfinals after which&nbsp;the AFCON becomes a knock-out tournament.

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Group D is seen as the &#39;Group of Death&#39; at AFCON 2017. (WION)
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Every football tournament usually has a &quot;Group of death&quot; from which teams find it extremely difficult to get out of. In this tournament, Group D seems like it will be granted the moniker&nbsp;with <a href="http://rsssf.com/tablesa/afrchamp.html">seven-time</a> AFCON winner Egypt and four-time AFCON winner Ghana in the same group along with potential spoilsport Mali.

So, who are the favourites? The British bookmakers <a href="http://sports.williamhill.com/bet/en-gb/betting/e/10431613/Africa%20Cup%20of%20Nations%20-%20Winner.html">William Hill</a> have defending champions Ivory Coast as favourites with&nbsp;decimal odds of 4.5 and&nbsp;Senegal 2nd-favourite at 5.5.

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Bookmakers have Ivory Coast as the odds-on favourite to win AFCON 2017. (WION)
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The tournament won&#39;t be short of superstars either. The host country Gabon has probably the best player&nbsp;at the tournament in 27-year-old Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (top). He is in&nbsp;top form for his club Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga this season with 16 goals already in 16 matches!

Another player to look forward to is Riyad Mahrez from Algeria, who was the star player for Leicester City as it won the 2015-16 English Premier League. In fact, his interplay with fellow club-mate Islam Slimani and Yacine Brahimi of Portugese club Porto should make Algeria the most attractive team to watch at the tournament, and the neutral&#39;s favourite.

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Islam Slimani (left) and Riyad Mahrez (right) play for Algeria, one of the favourites to win AFCON 2017. (WION)
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Graphics designed by Sunitha Shekhar.

Here's a look ahead at football's Africa Cup of Nations beginning in a week's time in Gabon, the hot favourites and potential stars

If you follow the English Premier League, there comes a time every two years when leading African players of every major club go missing for a few weeks in January. That time has come again with players such as Liverpool's Sadio Mane and Arsenal's Mohamed Elneny leaving their clubs to play for their countries in Africa's biggest football tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The 31st edition of the AFCON is being held from January 14, 2017 to February 5, 2017 in Gabon in equatorial Africa. The tournament is held every two years and apart from the prize money on offer—$4 million for the winner—and bragging rights, the winner also gets to compete in the FIFA Confederations Cup. The FIFA Confederations Cup is a tournament between the winners of continental football tournaments and will be held in Russia this year from June 17 to July 2. This year's AFCON will be held across four cities in Gabon with the opening match to be held on January 14, 2017 between the hosts Gabon and Guinea-Bissau in the Stade de l’Amitié Sino in Libreville, Gabon's capital. The final will be held in the same stadium on February 5, 2017. The 2017 Africa Cup of Nations will be held in four cities across Gabon. (WION) × The tournament consists of 16 teams split into groups of four, with each team playing the other once. The top two from each group progress into the quarterfinals after which the AFCON becomes a knock-out tournament. Group D is seen as the 'Group of Death' at AFCON 2017. (WION) × Every football tournament usually has a "Group of death" from which teams find it extremely difficult to get out of. In this tournament, Group D seems like it will be granted the moniker with seven-time AFCON winner Egypt and four-time AFCON winner Ghana in the same group along with potential spoilsport Mali. So, who are the favourites? The British bookmakers William Hill have defending champions Ivory Coast as favourites with decimal odds of 4.5 and Senegal 2nd-favourite at 5.5. Bookmakers have Ivory Coast as the odds-on favourite to win AFCON 2017. (WION) × The tournament won't be short of superstars either. The host country Gabon has probably the best player at the tournament in 27-year-old Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (top). He is in top form for his club Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga this season with 16 goals already in 16 matches! Another player to look forward to is Riyad Mahrez from Algeria, who was the star player for Leicester City as it won the 2015-16 English Premier League. In fact, his interplay with fellow club-mate Islam Slimani and Yacine Brahimi of Portugese club Porto should make Algeria the most attractive team to watch at the tournament, and the neutral's favourite. Islam Slimani (left) and Riyad Mahrez (right) play for Algeria, one of the favourites to win AFCON 2017. (WION) × Graphics designed by Sunitha Shekhar.

It's all about to kick off in Gabon!

&nbsp;

Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel has become the latest big name player to join the Chinese Super League gold rush after leaving Chelsea for Tianjin Teda.

Mikel, who failed to make a single appearance for Antonio Conte&#39;s side this season, had a medical examination in the port city, 130 kilometres from Beijing as the Asian Football Confederation confirmed the deal.

The 29-year-old, who spent more than a decade at Stamford Bridge, was given a free transfer by the London club and will earn $173,432 a week in China, according to local media reports.

After joining Chelsea in 2006, Mikel was part of a squad that won a Champions League crown, two Premier League titles and four FA Cups.

Chinese clubs have made several high-profile signings over the last month with Argentine striker Carlos Tevez moving to Shanghai Shenhua for a reported $87.65 million. Less than a week later, Brazilian midfielder Oscar joined local rivals Shanghai SIPG from Chelsea. Elsewhere in Europe, Serbia midfielder Nemanja Gudelj, moved to Tianjin from Dutch club Ajax.

At the end of December, Cristiano Ronaldo&#39;s agent had said the World Player of the Year had turned down the chance to leave Real Madrid for an unnamed Chinese club for a transfer fee of $315.24 million.

Amid the spending spree, the country&#39;s General Administration of Sport described the excess of some Chinese clubs as &quot;a grave phenomenon&quot;.

(Reuters)

John Obi Mikel has become the latest big name player to join the Chinese Super League

Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel has become the latest big name player to join the Chinese Super League gold rush after leaving Chelsea for Tianjin Teda. Mikel, who failed to make a single appearance for Antonio Conte's side this season, had a medical examination in the port city, 130 kilometres from Beijing as the Asian Football Confederation confirmed the deal. The 29-year-old, who spent more than a decade at Stamford Bridge, was given a free transfer by the London club and will earn $173,432 a week in China, according to local media reports. After joining Chelsea in 2006, Mikel was part of a squad that won a Champions League crown, two Premier League titles and four FA Cups. Chinese clubs have made several high-profile signings over the last month with Argentine striker Carlos Tevez moving to Shanghai Shenhua for a reported $87.65 million. Less than a week later, Brazilian midfielder Oscar joined local rivals Shanghai SIPG from Chelsea. Elsewhere in Europe, Serbia midfielder Nemanja Gudelj, moved to Tianjin from Dutch club Ajax. At the end of December, Cristiano Ronaldo's agent had said the World Player of the Year had turned down the chance to leave Real Madrid for an unnamed Chinese club for a transfer fee of $315.24 million. Amid the spending spree, the country's General Administration of Sport described the excess of some Chinese clubs as "a grave phenomenon". (Reuters)

Chelsea's Mikel joins Chinese Super League

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte shrugged off a record-wrecking 2-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, insisting his players must dust themselves down and restart their Premier League title quest.

Two Dele Alli headers meant Chelsea&#39;s hopes of winning a 14th consecutive Premier League game -- which would have been a record in a single campaign -- foundered at White Hart Lane.

Italian Conte, however, said the defeat was very different to the 3-0 reverse they suffered at Arsenal on Sept. 24, since when they have been unstoppable.

&quot;We are disappointed but also we must be pleased for our run as 13 wins in this league is not easy,&quot; Conte told reporters.

&quot;But this is a different defeat to the one in September because today we lost the game, but showed that we were a team.

&quot;Against Arsenal, we weren&#39;t a team, today we were.&quot;

Chelsea could have gone eight points clear at the top with a first victory at White Hart Lane since 2012 and while five points is still a healthy margin over nearest rivals Liverpool, Conte insists the title race is now wide open.

Tottenham moved up to third, seven points behind, ahead of Manchester City on goal difference while Arsenal are a point further adrift and Manchester United two further back.

&quot;Today we lost against a good team, a really strong team and don&#39;t forget Tottenham fought last season for the title,&quot; Conte said. &quot;They are improving, and they are one of the six teams that can fight to win the title.

&quot;We are top of the table because we are working a lot, but for sure this league is very tough and we must continue to work and improve. A defeat can happen against Tottenham, now it&#39;s important to restart.&quot;

Conte&#39;s side had boasted the meanest defence in the league until Wednesday&#39;s defeat so the nature of both Tottenham&#39;s goals -- carbon-copy crosses and headers -- was a surprise.

Tottenham have now conceded the least goals -- 14 in 20 games.

&quot;It is strange for us to concede these goals because we are defending well, and they are in a crucial moment,&quot; he said.

&quot;At the end of the first half and then in the second half after we miss the chances to score, but this can happen.

&quot;My priority is to win again. The training doesn&#39;t change if you win or you lose. We have to continue to work.&quot;

(Reuters)

Chelsea lost 2-0 to Tottenham, but are still top of the league

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte shrugged off a record-wrecking 2-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, insisting his players must dust themselves down and restart their Premier League title quest. Two Dele Alli headers meant Chelsea's hopes of winning a 14th consecutive Premier League game -- which would have been a record in a single campaign -- foundered at White Hart Lane. Italian Conte, however, said the defeat was very different to the 3-0 reverse they suffered at Arsenal on Sept. 24, since when they have been unstoppable. "We are disappointed but also we must be pleased for our run as 13 wins in this league is not easy," Conte told reporters. "But this is a different defeat to the one in September because today we lost the game, but showed that we were a team. "Against Arsenal, we weren't a team, today we were." Chelsea could have gone eight points clear at the top with a first victory at White Hart Lane since 2012 and while five points is still a healthy margin over nearest rivals Liverpool, Conte insists the title race is now wide open. Tottenham moved up to third, seven points behind, ahead of Manchester City on goal difference while Arsenal are a point further adrift and Manchester United two further back. "Today we lost against a good team, a really strong team and don't forget Tottenham fought last season for the title," Conte said. "They are improving, and they are one of the six teams that can fight to win the title. "We are top of the table because we are working a lot, but for sure this league is very tough and we must continue to work and improve. A defeat can happen against Tottenham, now it's important to restart." Conte's side had boasted the meanest defence in the league until Wednesday's defeat so the nature of both Tottenham's goals -- carbon-copy crosses and headers -- was a surprise. Tottenham have now conceded the least goals -- 14 in 20 games. "It is strange for us to concede these goals because we are defending well, and they are in a crucial moment," he said. "At the end of the first half and then in the second half after we miss the chances to score, but this can happen. "My priority is to win again. The training doesn't change if you win or you lose. We have to continue to work." (Reuters)

Premier League: Restart title quest, Conte tells players after loss

Jurgen Klopp, the manager who has brightened the Premier League with his quick wit and off-beat remarks, displayed his dark side after Liverpool dropped two precious points at Sunderland.&nbsp;

The 2-2 draw against a team struggling in the relegation zone was undoubtedly a setback for Liverpool because teams with title aspirations win at places like the Stadium of Light, as leaders Chelsea did just a fortnight ago.&nbsp;

But goals from Daniel Sturridge and Sadio Mane proved insufficient as Liverpool twice squandered leads by conceding two penalties, converted with his customary coolness by Jermain Defoe.&nbsp;

Klopp did not like what he witnessed and did not hide his emotions.&nbsp;

&quot;Sorry about my mood,&quot; he said at the end of his assessment of Monday&#39;s draw, which left Liverpool second, five points behind leaders Chelsea.&nbsp;

While criticism of referees is normally the first port of call for managers seeking excuses for disappointing results such as this, Klopp has rarely taken that easy route.&nbsp;

This time though he blamed Anthony Taylor for awarding the free-kick that was handled by Mane to give Sunderland their second penalty and he confronted the referee on the pitch afterwards.

&quot;It is hard to accept. If you see it again, there was no contact,&quot; the normally affable German said. &quot;I saw it in the game and the fourth official saw it.&nbsp;

&quot;It&rsquo;s not the worst mistake in the world and I don&#39;t want to say it is, but it&#39;s hard.&quot;&nbsp;

Such comments are unlike Klopp and suggest he may be feeling some of the pressure involved in chasing a team with Chelsea&#39;s recent impeccable record.&nbsp;

A more valid excuse would have been the fixture list that left Liverpool facing three games in seven days while Chelsea&#39;s three come in the space of 10 days.&nbsp;

However, Klopp said: &quot;I am the wrong person to ask. I have absolutely no influence on the fixtures. It is like it is and somebody decided like this, so there is nothing to say about this.&quot;

Point pleases Moyes

Liverpool did not look weary for the opening 25 minutes as they took the lead and could have added further goals before the first equaliser.&nbsp;

But Klopp&#39;s team appeared off the pace after the interval and failed to hang on to the lead given to them by Mane.&nbsp;

The manager said: &quot;I thought we started really well and then we lost concentration, which is not usual for us, but has happened before.&nbsp;

&quot;It could be because of the fixtures, I&rsquo;m not sure. Usually I would say we could have done better, but I am not sure if we could have done better.&nbsp;

&quot;I don&rsquo;t know exactly if we could have done better because I was not in the shooting boots.&quot;

The mood of Sunderland manager David Moyes was very different, although this point did not lift them out of the bottom three. &nbsp;

&quot;I honestly thought the players raised the supporters by the way they got up to Liverpool, how they put them under pressure, how they pressed them,&quot; said Moyes.

&quot;Maybe if I was a German manager, you might praise that. If I&#39;d been German you might praise me for doing something different.&nbsp;

&ldquo;I thought we did well. We stuck at it as much as we could and tried to make it hard for them.&rdquo;

(AFP)

He did not like what he saw on the pitch, and he did not hide his emotions

Jurgen Klopp, the manager who has brightened the Premier League with his quick wit and off-beat remarks, displayed his dark side after Liverpool dropped two precious points at Sunderland. The 2-2 draw against a team struggling in the relegation zone was undoubtedly a setback for Liverpool because teams with title aspirations win at places like the Stadium of Light, as leaders Chelsea did just a fortnight ago. But goals from Daniel Sturridge and Sadio Mane proved insufficient as Liverpool twice squandered leads by conceding two penalties, converted with his customary coolness by Jermain Defoe. Klopp did not like what he witnessed and did not hide his emotions. "Sorry about my mood," he said at the end of his assessment of Monday's draw, which left Liverpool second, five points behind leaders Chelsea. While criticism of referees is normally the first port of call for managers seeking excuses for disappointing results such as this, Klopp has rarely taken that easy route. This time though he blamed Anthony Taylor for awarding the free-kick that was handled by Mane to give Sunderland their second penalty and he confronted the referee on the pitch afterwards. "It is hard to accept. If you see it again, there was no contact," the normally affable German said. "I saw it in the game and the fourth official saw it. "It’s not the worst mistake in the world and I don't want to say it is, but it's hard." Such comments are unlike Klopp and suggest he may be feeling some of the pressure involved in chasing a team with Chelsea's recent impeccable record. A more valid excuse would have been the fixture list that left Liverpool facing three games in seven days while Chelsea's three come in the space of 10 days. However, Klopp said: "I am the wrong person to ask. I have absolutely no influence on the fixtures. It is like it is and somebody decided like this, so there is nothing to say about this." Point pleases Moyes Liverpool did not look weary for the opening 25 minutes as they took the lead and could have added further goals before the first equaliser. But Klopp's team appeared off the pace after the interval and failed to hang on to the lead given to them by Mane. The manager said: "I thought we started really well and then we lost concentration, which is not usual for us, but has happened before. "It could be because of the fixtures, I’m not sure. Usually I would say we could have done better, but I am not sure if we could have done better. "I don’t know exactly if we could have done better because I was not in the shooting boots." The mood of Sunderland manager David Moyes was very different, although this point did not lift them out of the bottom three. "I honestly thought the players raised the supporters by the way they got up to Liverpool, how they put them under pressure, how they pressed them," said Moyes. "Maybe if I was a German manager, you might praise that. If I'd been German you might praise me for doing something different. “I thought we did well. We stuck at it as much as we could and tried to make it hard for them.” (AFP)

Premier League: Klopp displays dark side after Sunderland draw

Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City are being harshly treated by officials and admits he has taken time to adapt to the style of football in the Premier League.

Guardiola was in a tetchy mood despite City&#39;s 2-1 victory over Burnley on Monday as he vented his frustrations over the first half dismissal of Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho.

It was Fernandinho&#39;s third red card in six weeks and City&#39;s seventh in 30 games this season, but Guardiola reacted sarcastically to being questioned over whether his side had a disciplinary problem.

&quot;Yes, from the team with the most ball possession. Yeah, yeah, yeah,&quot; said Guardiola.&nbsp;

&quot;We had a lot of disciplinary problems. Now we expect what the FA decide.

&quot;We try to play football, don&#39;t forget it. My teams always in my career try to play football. I cannot control the other circumstances.&quot;

To compound Guardiola&#39;s bad mood, he felt that Burnley&#39;s goal from Ben Mee should have been disallowed for a foul on City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo as he issued another sarcastic reply to a question about Fernandinho&#39;s red card.

&quot;It is always our fault, it&#39;s always City&#39;s fault,&quot; he snapped. &quot;Yeah, yeah. I saw other games. All around the world, the Burnley goal on Claudio Bravo is a foul.&nbsp;

&quot;Here, and all around the world, the rules say the goalkeeper in the six yard box cannot be touched. He goes here and the striker does this (slaps his arm).&nbsp;

&quot;But I saw (Marteen) Stekelenburg Everton v Middlesbrough at the beginning of the season and it was the same, it was a goal.&nbsp;

&quot;Okay, so I have to adapt and I have to understand there are special rules here in England. Now I learn, so now we&#39;re going to play.

&quot;I saw the foul for Claudio Bravo, that was definite.&quot;

Sarcastic

Burnley manager Sean Dyche, whose side was undone by goals from Gael Clichy and substitute Sergio Aguero, believed that City should have finished the game with nine men after Bacary Sagna was booked for kicking out at George Boyd as the winger tried to retrieve the ball to speed up kick-off following the visitors&rsquo; goal.

&quot;It&#39;s a tough one but it&#39;s a sending off because he swipes out at Boydie,&quot; said Dyche.&nbsp;

&quot;He was trying to get the ball back and go to the centre circle.

&quot;The linesman was a long way from it and the referee was running back towards the centre so maybe the linesman saw enough to give a yellow but not enough to understand it&#39;s a kick out.&quot;

Fernandinho now faces a four-game suspension, starting with Friday&#39;s FA Cup visit to West Ham, and with German international Ilkay Gundogan ruled out by long-term injury, City are short on numbers in midfield.

The City manager also seemed dissatisfied with his own supporters at the start of the second half, gesturing for them to give his team increased support as they sought a badly-needed victory.

&quot;We need their support. These players deserve their support,&quot; said Guardiola.&nbsp;

&quot;We are going to try and play as best as possible but we need their support.&quot;

Earlier, however, the City manager had been even more sarcastic and confrontational in an interview with a BBC reporter when asked whether he thought Fernandinho had deserved his red card.

&quot;You&#39;re the journalist not me. Ask the referee not me,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

&quot;We&#39;ll accept. The team with more ball possession, we have always sendings-off.

&quot;I have to understand the rules here in England. I know you are specialist and I have to understand that.&quot;

(AFP)

&nbsp;

He was in a tetchy mood despite City's 2-1 victory over Burnley on Monday

Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City are being harshly treated by officials and admits he has taken time to adapt to the style of football in the Premier League. Guardiola was in a tetchy mood despite City's 2-1 victory over Burnley on Monday as he vented his frustrations over the first half dismissal of Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho. It was Fernandinho's third red card in six weeks and City's seventh in 30 games this season, but Guardiola reacted sarcastically to being questioned over whether his side had a disciplinary problem. "Yes, from the team with the most ball possession. Yeah, yeah, yeah," said Guardiola. "We had a lot of disciplinary problems. Now we expect what the FA decide. "We try to play football, don't forget it. My teams always in my career try to play football. I cannot control the other circumstances." To compound Guardiola's bad mood, he felt that Burnley's goal from Ben Mee should have been disallowed for a foul on City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo as he issued another sarcastic reply to a question about Fernandinho's red card. "It is always our fault, it's always City's fault," he snapped. "Yeah, yeah. I saw other games. All around the world, the Burnley goal on Claudio Bravo is a foul. "Here, and all around the world, the rules say the goalkeeper in the six yard box cannot be touched. He goes here and the striker does this (slaps his arm). "But I saw (Marteen) Stekelenburg Everton v Middlesbrough at the beginning of the season and it was the same, it was a goal. "Okay, so I have to adapt and I have to understand there are special rules here in England. Now I learn, so now we're going to play. "I saw the foul for Claudio Bravo, that was definite." Sarcastic Burnley manager Sean Dyche, whose side was undone by goals from Gael Clichy and substitute Sergio Aguero, believed that City should have finished the game with nine men after Bacary Sagna was booked for kicking out at George Boyd as the winger tried to retrieve the ball to speed up kick-off following the visitors’ goal. "It's a tough one but it's a sending off because he swipes out at Boydie," said Dyche. "He was trying to get the ball back and go to the centre circle. "The linesman was a long way from it and the referee was running back towards the centre so maybe the linesman saw enough to give a yellow but not enough to understand it's a kick out." Fernandinho now faces a four-game suspension, starting with Friday's FA Cup visit to West Ham, and with German international Ilkay Gundogan ruled out by long-term injury, City are short on numbers in midfield. The City manager also seemed dissatisfied with his own supporters at the start of the second half, gesturing for them to give his team increased support as they sought a badly-needed victory. "We need their support. These players deserve their support," said Guardiola. "We are going to try and play as best as possible but we need their support." Earlier, however, the City manager had been even more sarcastic and confrontational in an interview with a BBC reporter when asked whether he thought Fernandinho had deserved his red card. "You're the journalist not me. Ask the referee not me," he said. "We'll accept. The team with more ball possession, we have always sendings-off. "I have to understand the rules here in England. I know you are specialist and I have to understand that." (AFP)

Premier League: Guardiola fumes against 'harsh treatment' by officials

Oscar was given a hero's welcome as he touched down in China after completing his ?60million switch from Chelsea to Shanghai SIPG. The former Blues midfielder was greeted by hundreds of fans desperate to catch a glimpse of the Brazilian international

Oscar takes podium as the highest paid player

Arsenal&#39;s Olivier Giroud produced a piece of New Year&#39;s Day magic to keep Arsenal in sight of Premier League leaders Chelsea while Harry Kane&#39;s double bolstered Tottenham Hotspur&#39;s ambitions as London&#39;s triple assault on the title continues.

Frenchman Giroud connected with Alexis Sanchez&#39;s cross with a scorpion-like backheeled volley 17 minutes into his side&#39;s derby against Crystal Palace while Alex Iwobi made it 2-0 with a second-half header.

Arsenal had started the game outside the top four after Tottenham&#39;s 4-1 rout of a feeble Watford briefly lifted Mauricio Pochettino&#39;s side into third place in the table.

Kane scored Tottenham&#39;s first two goals, both from assists by right back Kieran Trippier, while Dele Alli made the points safe after some woeful Watford defending shortly before the break. Alli grabbed his second immediately after the interval.

At the halfway point of the season Chelsea, who on Saturday equalled Arsenal&#39;s 2001-02 record of 13 consecutive wins in the same Premier League campaign, have 49 points from 19 games.

Liverpool have 43 while Arsenal have 40, one more than Tottenham who are above Manchester City on goal difference. Manchester United complete the top six below which there is a yawning nine-point gap to seventh.

The Holiday fixtures continue thick-and-fast over the coming days with Chelsea aiming to set a new record of 14 consecutive wins when they visit in-form Tottenham on Wednesday.

Liverpool are at Sunderland on Monday when Manchester City host Burnley, while Arsenal are at Bournemouth on Tuesday.

Whatever happens in the weeks ahead though, few goals are likely to be replayed as much as Giroud&#39;s stunning opener.

Having played a neat flick early in a liquid Arsenal counter-attack, Giroud rumbled forward into the area. Sanchez&#39;s cross was not the best, falling a little behind the Frenchman, but he jack-knifed his body as he tumbled forward, connecting with his left heel.

The ball soared past diving Palace keeper Wayne Hennessey and bounced down and in off the underside of the crossbar.

&quot;I tried to take it on the back heel from behind me and I had some luck,&quot; said Giroud, who has struggled to earn a starting berth this season.

&quot;It was about luck, I didn&#39;t have good balance but it was a great feeling,&quot; added Giroud whose goal was similar to Henrikh Mkhitaryan&#39;s for Manchester United on Boxing Day but from further out.

&quot;It was nice for the me and the team and was my best one.&quot;

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger added: &quot;I have been a bit spoiled over the year by the exceptional quality of the players I&#39;ve had, but it will be remembered as an exceptional goal.

&quot;Olly is very good in front of goal, but I&#39;ve never seen this kind of goal from him.&quot;

Iwobi&#39;s header provoked a brief but largely ineffectual flurry from Palace and former England manager Sam Allardyce still awaits his first win since replacing Alan Pardew in the hot seat.

Palace remain two points above the bottom three.

Kane marked his 100th Premier League game with two clinical finishes to take his top-flight tally to 59.

He opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a cool finish having been played in by Trippier and then showed his poaching instinct to connect with the fullback&#39;s inviting cross.

Alli punished Younes Kaboul&#39;s weak clearance and made it 4-0 as Tottenham ran riot in the rain.

Kaboul scored injury-hit Watford&#39;s late consolation.

&quot;The first half was one of the best we&#39;ve played this season,&quot; said Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino whose side go into the Chelsea game buoyed by four successive wins.

&nbsp;

(Reuters)

Kane marked his 100th Premier League game with two clinical finishes to take his top-flight tally to 59

Arsenal's Olivier Giroud produced a piece of New Year's Day magic to keep Arsenal in sight of Premier League leaders Chelsea while Harry Kane's double bolstered Tottenham Hotspur's ambitions as London's triple assault on the title continues. Frenchman Giroud connected with Alexis Sanchez's cross with a scorpion-like backheeled volley 17 minutes into his side's derby against Crystal Palace while Alex Iwobi made it 2-0 with a second-half header. Arsenal had started the game outside the top four after Tottenham's 4-1 rout of a feeble Watford briefly lifted Mauricio Pochettino's side into third place in the table. Kane scored Tottenham's first two goals, both from assists by right back Kieran Trippier, while Dele Alli made the points safe after some woeful Watford defending shortly before the break. Alli grabbed his second immediately after the interval. At the halfway point of the season Chelsea, who on Saturday equalled Arsenal's 2001-02 record of 13 consecutive wins in the same Premier League campaign, have 49 points from 19 games. Liverpool have 43 while Arsenal have 40, one more than Tottenham who are above Manchester City on goal difference. Manchester United complete the top six below which there is a yawning nine-point gap to seventh. The Holiday fixtures continue thick-and-fast over the coming days with Chelsea aiming to set a new record of 14 consecutive wins when they visit in-form Tottenham on Wednesday. Liverpool are at Sunderland on Monday when Manchester City host Burnley, while Arsenal are at Bournemouth on Tuesday. Whatever happens in the weeks ahead though, few goals are likely to be replayed as much as Giroud's stunning opener. Having played a neat flick early in a liquid Arsenal counter-attack, Giroud rumbled forward into the area. Sanchez's cross was not the best, falling a little behind the Frenchman, but he jack-knifed his body as he tumbled forward, connecting with his left heel. The ball soared past diving Palace keeper Wayne Hennessey and bounced down and in off the underside of the crossbar. "I tried to take it on the back heel from behind me and I had some luck," said Giroud, who has struggled to earn a starting berth this season. "It was about luck, I didn't have good balance but it was a great feeling," added Giroud whose goal was similar to Henrikh Mkhitaryan's for Manchester United on Boxing Day but from further out. "It was nice for the me and the team and was my best one." Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger added: "I have been a bit spoiled over the year by the exceptional quality of the players I've had, but it will be remembered as an exceptional goal. "Olly is very good in front of goal, but I've never seen this kind of goal from him." Iwobi's header provoked a brief but largely ineffectual flurry from Palace and former England manager Sam Allardyce still awaits his first win since replacing Alan Pardew in the hot seat. Palace remain two points above the bottom three. Kane marked his 100th Premier League game with two clinical finishes to take his top-flight tally to 59. He opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a cool finish having been played in by Trippier and then showed his poaching instinct to connect with the fullback's inviting cross. Alli punished Younes Kaboul's weak clearance and made it 4-0 as Tottenham ran riot in the rain. Kaboul scored injury-hit Watford's late consolation. "The first half was one of the best we've played this season," said Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino whose side go into the Chelsea game buoyed by four successive wins. (Reuters)

Giroud gem inspires Arsenal, Kane hits double for Spurs

Pep Guardiola does not believe his first season as Manchester City manager should be classed as a failure if he cannot guide the team to Premier League glory.

Guardiola won the league in his first seasons at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but his City side lies 10 points below leaders Chelsea and in fifth place after Saturday&#39;s 1-0 loss at Liverpool.

He does not see winning the league as the be-all and end-all of City&#39;s season, however, and says he is relishing the new challenge of being the hunter rather than the hunted.

&quot;We have put a lot of stress about, &#39;Oh, if you don&#39;t win the Premier League, that is going to be not a good season&#39;,&quot; he told reporters after the New Year&#39;s Eve defeat at Anfield.

&quot;No, in that situation we&#39;re going to analyse what happened at the end of the season, what was good, what was bad. Now it&#39;s just focus on the next game against Burnley.

&quot;I was always on top, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. But OK, this is a new chapter in my career as a manager to handle that and I am willing to try it with these guys.&quot;

Chelsea has surged clear at the summit on the back of a 13-game winning streak, but Guardiola does not believe their points advantage is insurmountable.

&quot;I was one time nine points (behind) with Barcelona, against Real Madrid I think,&quot; said the Catalan, whose side host Burnley on Monday.

&quot;It was in February or in March and after we recover until (the gap was only) four (when Madrid won the league in 2012).

&quot;But the question is, are we able to take the gap to Chelsea? Now what we have to do is believe in the next game.&quot;

Jesus jets in

In contrast to his early experiences with Barcelona and Bayern, Guardiola is yet to have a transformative effect on City&#39;s fortunes.

City&#39;s style of play has evolved, reflecting the importance Guardiola places on dominating possession, but they have lost four times already in the league and have struggled defensively.

Jurgen Klopp, Guardiola&#39;s former Borussia Dortmund adversary, has had over a year to remould Liverpool and the City manager said it would take him time to achieve similar results.

&quot;I don&#39;t know, I&#39;m not able to say that,&quot; Guardiola replied when asked how long it will take for City to become his team.

&quot;Jurgen is here more than one season, one year. It&#39;s just five months for me. The way we want to play in this league is not that simple.

&quot;We need a little bit more time. But I&#39;m a guy who&#39;s so optimistic and we are going to try.&quot;

City&#39;s attempt to chase down Chelsea will be bolstered by the arrival of Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus following his &pound;27 million ($33 million, 32 million euros) transfer from Palmeiras.

The 19-year-old was due to arrive in Manchester this weekend and Guardiola expects him to make a swift impact.

&quot;He was three years without holidays, he&#39;s fit, he&#39;s young,&quot; said Guardiola.

&quot;It was just two or three weeks not training so I don&#39;t think we&#39;ll be (waiting) too much time (for him) to be fit.&quot;

(AFP)

He says he does not see winning the league as the be-all and end-all of City's season

Pep Guardiola does not believe his first season as Manchester City manager should be classed as a failure if he cannot guide the team to Premier League glory. Guardiola won the league in his first seasons at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but his City side lies 10 points below leaders Chelsea and in fifth place after Saturday's 1-0 loss at Liverpool. He does not see winning the league as the be-all and end-all of City's season, however, and says he is relishing the new challenge of being the hunter rather than the hunted. "We have put a lot of stress about, 'Oh, if you don't win the Premier League, that is going to be not a good season'," he told reporters after the New Year's Eve defeat at Anfield. "No, in that situation we're going to analyse what happened at the end of the season, what was good, what was bad. Now it's just focus on the next game against Burnley. "I was always on top, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. But OK, this is a new chapter in my career as a manager to handle that and I am willing to try it with these guys." Chelsea has surged clear at the summit on the back of a 13-game winning streak, but Guardiola does not believe their points advantage is insurmountable. "I was one time nine points (behind) with Barcelona, against Real Madrid I think," said the Catalan, whose side host Burnley on Monday. "It was in February or in March and after we recover until (the gap was only) four (when Madrid won the league in 2012). "But the question is, are we able to take the gap to Chelsea? Now what we have to do is believe in the next game." Jesus jets in In contrast to his early experiences with Barcelona and Bayern, Guardiola is yet to have a transformative effect on City's fortunes. City's style of play has evolved, reflecting the importance Guardiola places on dominating possession, but they have lost four times already in the league and have struggled defensively. Jurgen Klopp, Guardiola's former Borussia Dortmund adversary, has had over a year to remould Liverpool and the City manager said it would take him time to achieve similar results. "I don't know, I'm not able to say that," Guardiola replied when asked how long it will take for City to become his team. "Jurgen is here more than one season, one year. It's just five months for me. The way we want to play in this league is not that simple. "We need a little bit more time. But I'm a guy who's so optimistic and we are going to try." City's attempt to chase down Chelsea will be bolstered by the arrival of Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus following his £27 million ($33 million, 32 million euros) transfer from Palmeiras. The 19-year-old was due to arrive in Manchester this weekend and Guardiola expects him to make a swift impact. "He was three years without holidays, he's fit, he's young," said Guardiola. "It was just two or three weeks not training so I don't think we'll be (waiting) too much time (for him) to be fit." (AFP)

Pep: Not a failure if we don't win the league

England midfielder Ross Barkley headed a late leveller to salvage a 2-2 draw for Everton at Hull City in the Premier League on Friday.

Barkley headed the ball home in the 84th minute from left back Leighton Baines&#39; cross after Robert Snodgrass had put Hull ahead with a superb free kick into the top corner 19 minutes earlier.

Defender Michael Dawson had given Hull an early lead when he scored from Curtis Davies&#39; flicked pass in the sixth minute but an own goal by home keeper David Marshall at a corner gifted Everton an equaliser on the stroke of halftime.

Hull, who had lost five of their previous seven matches, climbed to second from bottom in the table with 13 points from 19 matches. Everton are seventh with 27 points, 19 shy of leaders Chelsea.

City manager Mike Phelan refused to criticise Marshall for his own goal.

&quot;Mistakes happen,&quot; said Phelan. &quot;In the second half he pulled off a couple of important saves.

&quot;I think it&#39;s a terrific point. We produced a battling performance and I&#39;m pleased with the players. We are in a battle for the rest of the season but we&#39;re up for it.&quot;

Everton manager Ronald Koeman praised his team&#39;s battling qualities.

&quot;I&#39;m really pleased with our performance,&quot; said the Dutchman. &quot;I wasn&#39;t happy with our slow start but we showed a really good attitude and reaction twice.

&quot;We played good football and created a lot of opportunities. We keep the momentum after the win against Leicester -- two away games and four points is good.&quot;

(Reuters)

Hull, who had lost five of their previous seven matches, climbed to second from bottom

England midfielder Ross Barkley headed a late leveller to salvage a 2-2 draw for Everton at Hull City in the Premier League on Friday. Barkley headed the ball home in the 84th minute from left back Leighton Baines' cross after Robert Snodgrass had put Hull ahead with a superb free kick into the top corner 19 minutes earlier. Defender Michael Dawson had given Hull an early lead when he scored from Curtis Davies' flicked pass in the sixth minute but an own goal by home keeper David Marshall at a corner gifted Everton an equaliser on the stroke of halftime. Hull, who had lost five of their previous seven matches, climbed to second from bottom in the table with 13 points from 19 matches. Everton are seventh with 27 points, 19 shy of leaders Chelsea. City manager Mike Phelan refused to criticise Marshall for his own goal. "Mistakes happen," said Phelan. "In the second half he pulled off a couple of important saves. "I think it's a terrific point. We produced a battling performance and I'm pleased with the players. We are in a battle for the rest of the season but we're up for it." Everton manager Ronald Koeman praised his team's battling qualities. "I'm really pleased with our performance," said the Dutchman. "I wasn't happy with our slow start but we showed a really good attitude and reaction twice. "We played good football and created a lot of opportunities. We keep the momentum after the win against Leicester -- two away games and four points is good." (Reuters)

Football: Everton's Barkley scores equaliser at Hull City

Jonathan Kodija converted a late penalty to earn Aston Villa a 1-1 draw with Leeds United on Thursday, maintaining his team&#39;s unbeaten home record in the Championship this season.

The Ivorian striker scored four minutes from time, after Leeds defender Liam Cooper handled, to cancel out the opening goal of the night by Pontus Jansson.

Fourth-placed Leeds climbed above Huddersfield Town on goal difference with 42 points from 24 matches while Villa rose one spot to ninth on 35. Brighton and Hove Albion lead the way on 51 ahead of Newcastle United on 49.

Swede Jansson broke the deadlock in the 54th minute when he slipped his marker at a corner and rose to head powerfully into the net.

The defender, on loan from Torino, almost struck again a minute later when he hit the bar with a half volley.

The draw ended a run of three straight wins for Garry Monk&#39;s Leeds and a sequence of five successive home victories for Steve Bruce&#39;s Villa.

(Reuters)

Fourth-placed Leeds climbed above Huddersfield Town on goal difference with 42 points from 24 matches

Jonathan Kodija converted a late penalty to earn Aston Villa a 1-1 draw with Leeds United on Thursday, maintaining his team's unbeaten home record in the Championship this season. The Ivorian striker scored four minutes from time, after Leeds defender Liam Cooper handled, to cancel out the opening goal of the night by Pontus Jansson. Fourth-placed Leeds climbed above Huddersfield Town on goal difference with 42 points from 24 matches while Villa rose one spot to ninth on 35. Brighton and Hove Albion lead the way on 51 ahead of Newcastle United on 49. Swede Jansson broke the deadlock in the 54th minute when he slipped his marker at a corner and rose to head powerfully into the net. The defender, on loan from Torino, almost struck again a minute later when he hit the bar with a half volley. The draw ended a run of three straight wins for Garry Monk's Leeds and a sequence of five successive home victories for Steve Bruce's Villa. (Reuters)

Football: Late Kodija penalty earns Aston Villa 1-1 draw against Leeds

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

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