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

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

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

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

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

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

&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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

West Ham's Antonio, Creswell back for Liverpool trip

Chelsea came from behind to secure a dramatic 3-1 win at Manchester City and forge clear at the top of the Premier League as their top-of-the-table clash ended in a mass brawl and two City players were sent off on Saturday.

Diego Costa, the league&#39;s leading marksman, scored his 11th of the season on the hour to equalise, substitute Willian notched on the counter-attack 10 minutes later and Eden Hazard sealed Chelsea&#39;s eighth straight win in the 90th minute.

Gary Cahill had given City a deserved lead just before halftime, slicing the ball into his own net with a clumsy attempted clearance, and the home side had chances to wrap up the points after the break as Kevin De Bruyne missed from three metres when it seemed easier to score.

In stoppage time, with Chelsea already guaranteed a four-point lead at the top, mayhem broke out following a terrible tackle by Sergio Aguero on David Luiz.

The Argentine was shown a red card and, as players piled in, Fernandinho was also dismissed for pushing Cesc Fabregas over the advertising hoardings.

It was the first time a team had finished a game with nine men in the Premier League for eight years yet, for large parts, it had looked as if it could be the end of Chelsea&#39;s purple patch with City largely dominating until Pep Guardiola&#39;s men were again found out defensively.

Several times, Aguero came close, thwarted by a brilliant Cesar Azpilicueta block and heading wide from De Bruyne&#39;s pinpoint cross.

Yet City&#39;s goal was a soft one with Cahill displaying technical deficiency, trying to clear Jesus Navas&#39;s cross with his right foot when he needed to use his left.

City piled on the pressure after the break with De Bruyne forcing a fine save from Courtois and more comedy defending almost gifting a goal for Aguero before De Bruyne&#39;s open-goal miss from Navas&#39;s cross.

It was a costly error as Fabregas found Costa with a lovely, long ball which he controlled on his chest before outsmuscling Nicolas Otamendi and firing the equaliser.

Costa then put Willian clean through, the Brazilian firing across Claudio Bravo into the corner before he marked his goal with an emotional raising of his black armband to honour those who died in the Chapecoense air crash.

After Hazard had latched on to a long ball from Marcos Alonso to sprint clear of Aleksandar Kolarov and net the third, City&#39;s frustration got the better of them as Aguero&#39;s wild knee-high lunge on Luiz resulted in furious scenes with all 22 players and staff being involved in a melee.

Luiz, with his knee bandaged afterwards, refused to be drawn on Aguero&#39;s challenge.

&quot;I don&#39;t like to speak about these type of things. Aguero is an amazing player who does a lot for football,&quot; he told Sky Sports.

&quot;I want to dedicate this win to the people who died in Brazil. It was difficult to get my head together as I had some friends there. We just need to pray for the victim&#39;s families.&quot;

(Reuters)

The top-of-the-table clash ended in a mass brawl that saw two City players sent off

Chelsea came from behind to secure a dramatic 3-1 win at Manchester City and forge clear at the top of the Premier League as their top-of-the-table clash ended in a mass brawl and two City players were sent off on Saturday. Diego Costa, the league's leading marksman, scored his 11th of the season on the hour to equalise, substitute Willian notched on the counter-attack 10 minutes later and Eden Hazard sealed Chelsea's eighth straight win in the 90th minute. Gary Cahill had given City a deserved lead just before halftime, slicing the ball into his own net with a clumsy attempted clearance, and the home side had chances to wrap up the points after the break as Kevin De Bruyne missed from three metres when it seemed easier to score. In stoppage time, with Chelsea already guaranteed a four-point lead at the top, mayhem broke out following a terrible tackle by Sergio Aguero on David Luiz. The Argentine was shown a red card and, as players piled in, Fernandinho was also dismissed for pushing Cesc Fabregas over the advertising hoardings. It was the first time a team had finished a game with nine men in the Premier League for eight years yet, for large parts, it had looked as if it could be the end of Chelsea's purple patch with City largely dominating until Pep Guardiola's men were again found out defensively. Several times, Aguero came close, thwarted by a brilliant Cesar Azpilicueta block and heading wide from De Bruyne's pinpoint cross. Yet City's goal was a soft one with Cahill displaying technical deficiency, trying to clear Jesus Navas's cross with his right foot when he needed to use his left. City piled on the pressure after the break with De Bruyne forcing a fine save from Courtois and more comedy defending almost gifting a goal for Aguero before De Bruyne's open-goal miss from Navas's cross. It was a costly error as Fabregas found Costa with a lovely, long ball which he controlled on his chest before outsmuscling Nicolas Otamendi and firing the equaliser. Costa then put Willian clean through, the Brazilian firing across Claudio Bravo into the corner before he marked his goal with an emotional raising of his black armband to honour those who died in the Chapecoense air crash. After Hazard had latched on to a long ball from Marcos Alonso to sprint clear of Aleksandar Kolarov and net the third, City's frustration got the better of them as Aguero's wild knee-high lunge on Luiz resulted in furious scenes with all 22 players and staff being involved in a melee. Luiz, with his knee bandaged afterwards, refused to be drawn on Aguero's challenge. "I don't like to speak about these type of things. Aguero is an amazing player who does a lot for football," he told Sky Sports. "I want to dedicate this win to the people who died in Brazil. It was difficult to get my head together as I had some friends there. We just need to pray for the victim's families." (Reuters)

EPL: Chelsea come from behind to beat Man City 3-1, top league

Chelsea fought back for a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur that cemented their place on top of the Premier League, while title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool kept pace with the leaders on Saturday.

Antonio Conte&#39;s Chelsea had been knocked out of pole position by City&#39;s 2-1 win at Burnley and Liverpool&#39;s 2-0 success against Sunderland earlier in the afternoon.

But they regained their one-point lead over second-placed Liverpool, who are level on points with third-placed City, thanks to a gritty London derby success at Stamford Bridge that made it seven successive league wins for the Blues.

Chelsea hadn&#39;t conceded a league goal since September 24, but Christian Eriksen fired Tottenham ahead in the 11th minute with a ferocious long-range strike.

Despite being outplayed for much of the first half, Chelsea went back to the dressing room on level terms thanks to a sublime curling effort from Pedro just before the interval.

In the 51st minute, Diego Costa picked out Victor Moses at the far post and his shot was deflected into the net off Jan Vertonghen as Chelsea ended Tottenham&#39;s 12-match unbeaten league run.

&quot;These games are difficult, It was a tough game with a lot of intensity,&quot; Conte said.

&quot;It&#39;s important to continue in this way and improve the confidence. It&#39;s too early to talk of the title. This league is very tough.&quot;

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino added: &quot;If we analyse the game, we were better. All the stats are for us but football is not just about stats. You need to be clinical and score.&quot;

Earlier, Sergio Aguero scored two scruffy goals as City saw off Burnley and Liverpool followed suit by downing Sunderland with goals from Divock Origi and James Milner after losing Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho to a worrying injury.

&quot;It was an intense game for us and a deserved win at the end,&quot; said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

&quot;It (Coutinho&#39;s injury) is an ankle injury, but we can&#39;t say any more until we see a scan.&quot;

Swansea City claimed an extraordinary 5-4 win over fellow strugglers Crystal Palace, while champions Leicester City narrowly avoided a seventh defeat of the campaign in a 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough.

Having seen City prevail at Turf Moor in the early game, Liverpool were under pressure to produce the goods against a Sunderland team who had won their two previous matches.

In the first half, the influential Coutinho was stretchered off with his right ankle in a brace after hurting himself in a challenge by Didier Ndong.

Origi took the Brazil international&#39;s place and he gave Liverpool a reward for their dominance in the 75th minute with his first league goal of the season.

Jordan Henderson picked the Belgian forward out on the left and he cut inside onto his right foot and swept a shot inside the far post.

Milner completed the victory from the penalty spot in the first minute of injury time.

Burnley took a shock 14th-minute lead against City when Dean Marney met Nicolas Otamendi&#39;s headed clearance with a thumping 25-yard volley that nestled in the bottom-left corner.

Pardew woe

But Aguero equalised in the 37th minute, stabbing home after Burnley failed to clear a corner, and the hosts&#39; luck continued to desert them as both Marney and Johann Berg Gudmundsson went off injured.

A defensive mix-up allowed City to net the decisive goal on the hour, with Fernandinho&#39;s cross striking Aguero and going in after Ben Mee and Stephen Ward had got in each other&#39;s way.

&quot;We are so satisfied for the points and the performance, especially two days after the Champions League,&quot; said City manager Pep Guardiola, whose side host Chelsea next weekend.

&quot;All of the players showed huge character and a lot of personality.&quot;

Swansea upped the pressure on Palace manager Alan Pardew by condemning the south London club to a sixth straight defeat in a madcap game that gave Bob Bradley his first win since becoming manager.

Palace led 1-0, fell 3-1 down, fought back to go 4-3 up, but eventually succumbed courtesy of a remarkable brace of injury-time goals from Spanish striker Fernando Llorente.

&quot;Crazy, at 3-1 I thought we were in control. That&#39;s one we won&#39;t forget,&quot; Bradley said.

&quot;I&#39;m going to give the players all the credit today. They fought until the end.&quot;

The victory took Swansea off the foot of the table, where they were replaced by Sunderland, and left Palace above the bottom three on goal difference.

Hull City and West Bromwich Albion drew 1-1.

(AFP)

&nbsp;

Chelsea fought back for a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur that cemented their place on top of the Premier League

Chelsea fought back for a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur that cemented their place on top of the Premier League, while title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool kept pace with the leaders on Saturday. Antonio Conte's Chelsea had been knocked out of pole position by City's 2-1 win at Burnley and Liverpool's 2-0 success against Sunderland earlier in the afternoon. But they regained their one-point lead over second-placed Liverpool, who are level on points with third-placed City, thanks to a gritty London derby success at Stamford Bridge that made it seven successive league wins for the Blues. Chelsea hadn't conceded a league goal since September 24, but Christian Eriksen fired Tottenham ahead in the 11th minute with a ferocious long-range strike. Despite being outplayed for much of the first half, Chelsea went back to the dressing room on level terms thanks to a sublime curling effort from Pedro just before the interval. In the 51st minute, Diego Costa picked out Victor Moses at the far post and his shot was deflected into the net off Jan Vertonghen as Chelsea ended Tottenham's 12-match unbeaten league run. "These games are difficult, It was a tough game with a lot of intensity," Conte said. "It's important to continue in this way and improve the confidence. It's too early to talk of the title. This league is very tough." Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino added: "If we analyse the game, we were better. All the stats are for us but football is not just about stats. You need to be clinical and score." Earlier, Sergio Aguero scored two scruffy goals as City saw off Burnley and Liverpool followed suit by downing Sunderland with goals from Divock Origi and James Milner after losing Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho to a worrying injury. "It was an intense game for us and a deserved win at the end," said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. "It (Coutinho's injury) is an ankle injury, but we can't say any more until we see a scan." Swansea City claimed an extraordinary 5-4 win over fellow strugglers Crystal Palace, while champions Leicester City narrowly avoided a seventh defeat of the campaign in a 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough. Having seen City prevail at Turf Moor in the early game, Liverpool were under pressure to produce the goods against a Sunderland team who had won their two previous matches. In the first half, the influential Coutinho was stretchered off with his right ankle in a brace after hurting himself in a challenge by Didier Ndong. Origi took the Brazil international's place and he gave Liverpool a reward for their dominance in the 75th minute with his first league goal of the season. Jordan Henderson picked the Belgian forward out on the left and he cut inside onto his right foot and swept a shot inside the far post. Milner completed the victory from the penalty spot in the first minute of injury time. Burnley took a shock 14th-minute lead against City when Dean Marney met Nicolas Otamendi's headed clearance with a thumping 25-yard volley that nestled in the bottom-left corner. Pardew woe But Aguero equalised in the 37th minute, stabbing home after Burnley failed to clear a corner, and the hosts' luck continued to desert them as both Marney and Johann Berg Gudmundsson went off injured. A defensive mix-up allowed City to net the decisive goal on the hour, with Fernandinho's cross striking Aguero and going in after Ben Mee and Stephen Ward had got in each other's way. "We are so satisfied for the points and the performance, especially two days after the Champions League," said City manager Pep Guardiola, whose side host Chelsea next weekend. "All of the players showed huge character and a lot of personality." Swansea upped the pressure on Palace manager Alan Pardew by condemning the south London club to a sixth straight defeat in a madcap game that gave Bob Bradley his first win since becoming manager. Palace led 1-0, fell 3-1 down, fought back to go 4-3 up, but eventually succumbed courtesy of a remarkable brace of injury-time goals from Spanish striker Fernando Llorente. "Crazy, at 3-1 I thought we were in control. That's one we won't forget," Bradley said. "I'm going to give the players all the credit today. They fought until the end." The victory took Swansea off the foot of the table, where they were replaced by Sunderland, and left Palace above the bottom three on goal difference. Hull City and West Bromwich Albion drew 1-1. (AFP)

Football: Chelsea down Spurs as City, Liverpool keep pace

Fernando Llorente&#39;s two injury-time goals saw Swansea come from behind to snatch a thrilling 5-4 win over Crystal Palace in an amazing see-saw game at the Liberty Stadium, snapping an 11-game winless streak and handing the Eagles their sixth straight defeat.

Wilfried Zaha opened the scoring for Palace but Bob Bradley&#39;s Swans looked set for their first win since the opening day of the season as a Gylfi Sigurdsson free kick and a brace from Leroy Fer put them 3-1 midway through the second half.

Unbowed, Alan Pardew&#39;s Palace came roaring back, James Tomkins forcing home a corner and Jack Cork deflecting the ball into his own net before Christian Benteke put the visitors 4-3 up with just six minutes left.

But Llorente netted twice in the 91st and 93rd minute to put the home side back on top, and they hung on grimly through seven minutes of injury time for the three precious points that take them off the bottom of the table.

(Reuters)

Bob Bradley's Swans looked set for their first win since the opening day of the season

Fernando Llorente's two injury-time goals saw Swansea come from behind to snatch a thrilling 5-4 win over Crystal Palace in an amazing see-saw game at the Liberty Stadium, snapping an 11-game winless streak and handing the Eagles their sixth straight defeat. Wilfried Zaha opened the scoring for Palace but Bob Bradley's Swans looked set for their first win since the opening day of the season as a Gylfi Sigurdsson free kick and a brace from Leroy Fer put them 3-1 midway through the second half. Unbowed, Alan Pardew's Palace came roaring back, James Tomkins forcing home a corner and Jack Cork deflecting the ball into his own net before Christian Benteke put the visitors 4-3 up with just six minutes left. But Llorente netted twice in the 91st and 93rd minute to put the home side back on top, and they hung on grimly through seven minutes of injury time for the three precious points that take them off the bottom of the table. (Reuters)

Premier League: Swansea stun Palace with last-gasp winner in 5-4 thriller

Eden Hazard scored twice as Chelsea exploited a slip-up by Manchester City to claim top spot in the Premier League by stylishly crushing Everton 5-0 on Saturday.

Marten de Roon&#39;s stoppage-time equaliser earned Middlesbrough a 1-1 draw at City and Antonio Conte&#39;s Chelsea took advantage to move a point clear of Pep Guardiola&#39;s side at the summit.

&quot;When you win in this way it&#39;s fantastic because we played good football with good intensity,&quot; Conte told BT Sport.

&quot;All the players played in the right way with and without the ball. We created many chances to score and also it&#39;s the fifth clean sheet in a row, which is fantastic.

&quot;It is fantastic to be top of the league.&quot;

Arsenal and Liverpool could also surpass City before the weekend is out, the former tackling Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday&#39;s North London derby and the latter entertaining Watford.

Elsewhere, bottom club Sunderland ended their wait for a first win of the season at the 11th attempt by coming from behind to win 2-1 at Bournemouth despite having Steven Pienaar sent off.

At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea produced one of their most scintillating performances in recent memory as the 2014-15 champions made it five straight wins without conceding a goal.

Hazard opened the scoring in the 19th minute, drifting in from the left to drill a shot into the bottom-right corner, and a minute later Pedro Rodriguez teed up Marcos Alonso for the hosts&#39; second.

Diego Costa made it 3-0 three minutes before half-time, slamming home at the back post after Nemanja Matic flicked on Hazard&#39;s corner to bring up his ninth goal of the campaign.

Chelsea&#39;s fourth goal was a jewel, Pedro returning Hazard&#39;s pass with a sweet back-heel and the Belgian dancing into the box from the right before lashing home with his left foot.

Pedro volleyed in the fifth, in the 65th minute, after Everton goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg parried a shot from Hazard.

City went into their game on the back of a stirring 3-1 Champions League win over Barcelona and Boro&#39;s former Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes looked determined to restore Catalan pride at the Etihad Stadium.

He saved brilliantly from Sergio Aguero and David Silva, only for Aguero to put the hosts ahead in the 43rd minute by converting Kevin De Bruyne&#39;s sumptuous cross for his 150th goal in 223 City appearances.

Barnes late show&nbsp;

Boro showed more attacking intent in the second half, former City striker Alvaro Negredo almost catching out Claudio Bravo with an audacious lob from his own half before Bravo saved smartly from Adam Forshaw.

After Aguero had squandered a late chance, Dutch midfielder De Roon met George Friend&#39;s deep cross with a thumping header to earn Boro a dramatic point.

&quot;We did absolutely everything to win the game. It is a pity,&quot; said Guardiola, whose side have drawn their last three home league games 1-1 following previous stalemates against Everton and Southampton.

&quot;It is a miss because we have dropped six points in the last three home games, but we are still there. We have to move forward.&quot;

Sunderland remain bottom, below Swansea City on goal difference, but manager David Moyes belatedly has a victory to his name following a hard-fought success at Bournemouth&#39;s Vitality Stadium.

After Adam Smith had teed up Dan Gosling to bundle in an 11th-minute opener for Bournemouth, Victor Anichebe equalised with his first Sunderland goal.

Pienaar was sent off just before the hour after receiving a second yellow card for a lunge on Junior Stanislas, but Jermain Defoe netted a 74th-minute winner from the spot after Smith felled Anichebe.

&quot;It is a big relief,&quot; Moyes told Sky Sports. &quot;We owed the supporters the victory. They have kept with us.

&quot;We needed a win, but it is only one. We need a few more.&quot;

There was late drama at Turf Moor as Burnley withstood a Crystal Palace fightback to prevail 3-2 courtesy of Ashley Barnes&#39;s 94th-minute strike.

Sam Vokes and Johann Berg Gundmundsson put Burnley 2-0 up, only for Palace to hit back through second-half goals by substitute Connor Wickham and Christian Benteke.

But in the fourth minute of stoppage time, Gudmundsson crossed for Barnes to fire home and condemn Palace -- who later hit the post through Andros Townsend -- to a fourth straight defeat.

Stoke City drew 1-1 at West Ham United, Bojan Krkic exploiting an error by home goalkeeper Adrian to equalise in the 75th minute after a Glenn Whelan own goal had put the hosts ahead.

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Man City slipped up, drawing 1-1 with Middlesbrough

Eden Hazard scored twice as Chelsea exploited a slip-up by Manchester City to claim top spot in the Premier League by stylishly crushing Everton 5-0 on Saturday. Marten de Roon's stoppage-time equaliser earned Middlesbrough a 1-1 draw at City and Antonio Conte's Chelsea took advantage to move a point clear of Pep Guardiola's side at the summit. "When you win in this way it's fantastic because we played good football with good intensity," Conte told BT Sport. "All the players played in the right way with and without the ball. We created many chances to score and also it's the fifth clean sheet in a row, which is fantastic. "It is fantastic to be top of the league." Arsenal and Liverpool could also surpass City before the weekend is out, the former tackling Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday's North London derby and the latter entertaining Watford. Elsewhere, bottom club Sunderland ended their wait for a first win of the season at the 11th attempt by coming from behind to win 2-1 at Bournemouth despite having Steven Pienaar sent off. At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea produced one of their most scintillating performances in recent memory as the 2014-15 champions made it five straight wins without conceding a goal. Hazard opened the scoring in the 19th minute, drifting in from the left to drill a shot into the bottom-right corner, and a minute later Pedro Rodriguez teed up Marcos Alonso for the hosts' second. Diego Costa made it 3-0 three minutes before half-time, slamming home at the back post after Nemanja Matic flicked on Hazard's corner to bring up his ninth goal of the campaign. Chelsea's fourth goal was a jewel, Pedro returning Hazard's pass with a sweet back-heel and the Belgian dancing into the box from the right before lashing home with his left foot. Pedro volleyed in the fifth, in the 65th minute, after Everton goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg parried a shot from Hazard. City went into their game on the back of a stirring 3-1 Champions League win over Barcelona and Boro's former Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes looked determined to restore Catalan pride at the Etihad Stadium. He saved brilliantly from Sergio Aguero and David Silva, only for Aguero to put the hosts ahead in the 43rd minute by converting Kevin De Bruyne's sumptuous cross for his 150th goal in 223 City appearances. Barnes late show Boro showed more attacking intent in the second half, former City striker Alvaro Negredo almost catching out Claudio Bravo with an audacious lob from his own half before Bravo saved smartly from Adam Forshaw. After Aguero had squandered a late chance, Dutch midfielder De Roon met George Friend's deep cross with a thumping header to earn Boro a dramatic point. "We did absolutely everything to win the game. It is a pity," said Guardiola, whose side have drawn their last three home league games 1-1 following previous stalemates against Everton and Southampton. "It is a miss because we have dropped six points in the last three home games, but we are still there. We have to move forward." Sunderland remain bottom, below Swansea City on goal difference, but manager David Moyes belatedly has a victory to his name following a hard-fought success at Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium. After Adam Smith had teed up Dan Gosling to bundle in an 11th-minute opener for Bournemouth, Victor Anichebe equalised with his first Sunderland goal. Pienaar was sent off just before the hour after receiving a second yellow card for a lunge on Junior Stanislas, but Jermain Defoe netted a 74th-minute winner from the spot after Smith felled Anichebe. "It is a big relief," Moyes told Sky Sports. "We owed the supporters the victory. They have kept with us. "We needed a win, but it is only one. We need a few more." There was late drama at Turf Moor as Burnley withstood a Crystal Palace fightback to prevail 3-2 courtesy of Ashley Barnes's 94th-minute strike. Sam Vokes and Johann Berg Gundmundsson put Burnley 2-0 up, only for Palace to hit back through second-half goals by substitute Connor Wickham and Christian Benteke. But in the fourth minute of stoppage time, Gudmundsson crossed for Barnes to fire home and condemn Palace -- who later hit the post through Andros Townsend -- to a fourth straight defeat. Stoke City drew 1-1 at West Ham United, Bojan Krkic exploiting an error by home goalkeeper Adrian to equalise in the 75th minute after a Glenn Whelan own goal had put the hosts ahead. (AFP)

EPL: Chelsea crush Everton 5-0, storm to top of league standings

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has urged his players to &ldquo;be cool&rdquo; after his side went top of the Premier League for the first time since he arrived at Anfield.

Klopp watched Liverpool produce one of their most emphatic displays of the season as they thrashed Watford 6-1.

Sadio Mane scored twice while Philippe Coutinho, Emre Can, Roberto Firmino and Georginio Wijnaldum also got their names on the scoresheet as Liverpool produced the kind of performance that will further fuel title talk.

However, Klopp was keen to urge caution despite the fervour whipped up by the red half of Merseyside, who have not seen Liverpool win the league title since 1990.

&ldquo;If somebody thinks being one point ahead after 11 matchdays is a big sign for the rest of the season, I can&#39;t help this person, so sorry,&rdquo; Klopp said.

&ldquo;We stay cool, it&#39;s the best position I can imagine, nothing else happened. We didn&#39;t speak one word that Arsenal drew against Tottenham, not one word about the possibility of being top of the table.

&ldquo;The only thing you can do is work and stay concentrated, because a lot of different things could happen in the next few weeks and months. No matter how positive they are is up to us, actually.&rdquo;

Klopp insisted that the extra scrutiny on his side as they head into the international break top of the pile for the first time since May 2014 will not affect them.

&nbsp;No pressure&nbsp; 
He added &ldquo;There is no pressure after 11 matchdays. Chelsea played yesterday, quite impressive. We saw Manchester City play Barcelona, quite impressive.

&ldquo;Never write Manchester United off. Tottenham, good side. I&#39;m not sure if I&#39;ve forgotten anybody but there&#39;s a lot of really good teams around.

&ldquo;You can play a really good season and when they are better what&#39;s possible is you could be fifth or sixth and no one would be really happy.&nbsp;

&quot;Stay cool, take the things like they are, play your best football and win football games. That&#39;s the only thing you can do.

&ldquo;When I came here I asked for time, patience, belief, a lot of things. Now after 11 matchdays everybody is asking for guarantees and they are not there, there&#39;s no guarantees.&nbsp;

&quot;The only thing we obviously have is a pretty good football team, let&#39;s try to use it.&rdquo;

While Klopp was keen to take the sting out of any title talk, Watford manager Walter Mazzarri was happy to rank Liverpool as his favourites.

Watford have played Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United this season but Mazzarri was adamant where Liverpool are in the pecking order for Premier League title challengers.

&ldquo;From the teams we have played against, there is no doubt they are the team I am most impressed with,&rdquo; said the Italian.

&ldquo;If they continue like this, they are number one in my list for winning the Premier League.

&ldquo;I am very very impressed, not only tactically but on their running, their pressing, they are really a great team.&rdquo;&nbsp;

Watford lost goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes to an injury in the 33rd minute of the game and the Brazilian left Anfield his knee heavily strapped up, although Mazzarri does not know the extent of the blow.

&ldquo;He had a very big knock on the knee,&rdquo; he added. &ldquo;But we need to check in the next days if the knee twisted and we will know in the next days.&rdquo; 
&nbsp;

(AFP)

Talk has begun of a title challenge; the Reds last won the league in 1990

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has urged his players to “be cool” after his side went top of the Premier League for the first time since he arrived at Anfield. Klopp watched Liverpool produce one of their most emphatic displays of the season as they thrashed Watford 6-1. Sadio Mane scored twice while Philippe Coutinho, Emre Can, Roberto Firmino and Georginio Wijnaldum also got their names on the scoresheet as Liverpool produced the kind of performance that will further fuel title talk. However, Klopp was keen to urge caution despite the fervour whipped up by the red half of Merseyside, who have not seen Liverpool win the league title since 1990. “If somebody thinks being one point ahead after 11 matchdays is a big sign for the rest of the season, I can't help this person, so sorry,” Klopp said. “We stay cool, it's the best position I can imagine, nothing else happened. We didn't speak one word that Arsenal drew against Tottenham, not one word about the possibility of being top of the table. “The only thing you can do is work and stay concentrated, because a lot of different things could happen in the next few weeks and months. No matter how positive they are is up to us, actually.” Klopp insisted that the extra scrutiny on his side as they head into the international break top of the pile for the first time since May 2014 will not affect them. No pressure He added “There is no pressure after 11 matchdays. Chelsea played yesterday, quite impressive. We saw Manchester City play Barcelona, quite impressive. “Never write Manchester United off. Tottenham, good side. I'm not sure if I've forgotten anybody but there's a lot of really good teams around. “You can play a really good season and when they are better what's possible is you could be fifth or sixth and no one would be really happy. "Stay cool, take the things like they are, play your best football and win football games. That's the only thing you can do. “When I came here I asked for time, patience, belief, a lot of things. Now after 11 matchdays everybody is asking for guarantees and they are not there, there's no guarantees. "The only thing we obviously have is a pretty good football team, let's try to use it.” While Klopp was keen to take the sting out of any title talk, Watford manager Walter Mazzarri was happy to rank Liverpool as his favourites. Watford have played Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United this season but Mazzarri was adamant where Liverpool are in the pecking order for Premier League title challengers. “From the teams we have played against, there is no doubt they are the team I am most impressed with,” said the Italian. “If they continue like this, they are number one in my list for winning the Premier League. “I am very very impressed, not only tactically but on their running, their pressing, they are really a great team.” Watford lost goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes to an injury in the 33rd minute of the game and the Brazilian left Anfield his knee heavily strapped up, although Mazzarri does not know the extent of the blow. “He had a very big knock on the knee,” he added. “But we need to check in the next days if the knee twisted and we will know in the next days.” (AFP)

'Be cool', Liverpool's Klopp says after they go top of table

Harry Kane made a goal-scoring return from injury to earn Tottenham Hotspur a 1-1 draw in an absorbing north London derby and foil Arsenal&#39;s attempts to move top of the Premier League at the Emirates on Sunday.

Requiring a first league win over Tottenham in five attempts to climb above pre-match leaders Chelsea, Arsenal were given a helping hand in the midday kickoff by Kevin Wimmer&#39;s own goal just before halftime.

But Kane, out since mid-September with an ankle injury, levelled six minutes after the break from the penalty spot. Kane wasted two other glorious chances while both sides hit the woodwork in an intense derby.

Theo Walcott thundered a shot against the crossbar in the first half while Tottenham, who finished stronger, nearly won it late on when Christian Eriksen&#39;s curling free kick into the area evaded everyone and bounced off the post.

Instead of heading into the international break top, Arsenal dropped to fourth with 24 points from 11 games, one behind Chelsea and two behind Liverpool, who surged past everyone with a 6-1 thrashing of Watford later.

Tottenham are unbeaten in the Premier League but have drawn their last four games and stay fifth with 21 points.

&quot;I&#39;m very pleased with the performance,&quot; Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, whose side improved greatly from the midweek Champions League loss to Bayer Leverkusen, said. &quot;They created some chances and we created chances, maybe the draw was a fair result. The second half we started very well and it was a very open game. It&#39;s been a tough month so to be 11 matches unbeaten is very positive for us.&quot;

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said his side had been &quot;flat&quot; in the second half, but thought Tottenham&#39;s penalty was harsh. &quot;From where I sit it didn&#39;t look dangerous to score or a deliberate foul,&quot; he said. &quot;(Victor) Wanyama was lucky to stay on the pitch, after three or four fouls, an elbow on Walcott.&quot;

The visitors, who were without midfielder Dele Alli after he injured a knee in training, made the better start. Kane headed Eriksen&#39;s cross wide from in front of goal as Arsenal initially seemed wrong-footed by Tottenham&#39;s formation which featured three centre backs in Wimmer, Eric Dier and Jan Vertonghen with full backs Kyle Walker and Danny Rose attacking at every opportunity.

Arsenal began to assert themselves though and Alex Iwobi should have scored after a lightning counter-attack but shot tamely straight at Hugo Lloris.

Walcott let fly from 25 yards, but saw his shot cannon off the bar back to Ozil who sliced the rebound over.

Wimmer, playing his first league match of the season, then had a nightmare moment, glancing Ozil&#39;s teasing 42nd minute free kick into his own goal under pressure from Laurent Koscielny.

Kane gave Tottenham&#39;s attack a threat and he made no mistake from the spot after referee Mark Clattenburg ruled that Koscielny had ended Mousa Dembele&#39;s driving run illegally.

He has now scored five goals in four north London derbies, and it should have been six when he failed to make proper contact with Danny Rose&#39;s low cross.

Eriksen forced a great save by Cech and while Arsenal pressed for a winner, Spurs finished strongly with substitute Vincent Jansen wasting a late chance to grab victory.

(Reuters)

Instead of heading into the international break top, Arsenal dropped to fourth with 24 points from 11 games, one behind Chelsea

Harry Kane made a goal-scoring return from injury to earn Tottenham Hotspur a 1-1 draw in an absorbing north London derby and foil Arsenal's attempts to move top of the Premier League at the Emirates on Sunday. Requiring a first league win over Tottenham in five attempts to climb above pre-match leaders Chelsea, Arsenal were given a helping hand in the midday kickoff by Kevin Wimmer's own goal just before halftime. But Kane, out since mid-September with an ankle injury, levelled six minutes after the break from the penalty spot. Kane wasted two other glorious chances while both sides hit the woodwork in an intense derby. Theo Walcott thundered a shot against the crossbar in the first half while Tottenham, who finished stronger, nearly won it late on when Christian Eriksen's curling free kick into the area evaded everyone and bounced off the post. Instead of heading into the international break top, Arsenal dropped to fourth with 24 points from 11 games, one behind Chelsea and two behind Liverpool, who surged past everyone with a 6-1 thrashing of Watford later. Tottenham are unbeaten in the Premier League but have drawn their last four games and stay fifth with 21 points. "I'm very pleased with the performance," Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, whose side improved greatly from the midweek Champions League loss to Bayer Leverkusen, said. "They created some chances and we created chances, maybe the draw was a fair result. The second half we started very well and it was a very open game. It's been a tough month so to be 11 matches unbeaten is very positive for us." Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said his side had been "flat" in the second half, but thought Tottenham's penalty was harsh. "From where I sit it didn't look dangerous to score or a deliberate foul," he said. "(Victor) Wanyama was lucky to stay on the pitch, after three or four fouls, an elbow on Walcott." The visitors, who were without midfielder Dele Alli after he injured a knee in training, made the better start. Kane headed Eriksen's cross wide from in front of goal as Arsenal initially seemed wrong-footed by Tottenham's formation which featured three centre backs in Wimmer, Eric Dier and Jan Vertonghen with full backs Kyle Walker and Danny Rose attacking at every opportunity. Arsenal began to assert themselves though and Alex Iwobi should have scored after a lightning counter-attack but shot tamely straight at Hugo Lloris. Walcott let fly from 25 yards, but saw his shot cannon off the bar back to Ozil who sliced the rebound over. Wimmer, playing his first league match of the season, then had a nightmare moment, glancing Ozil's teasing 42nd minute free kick into his own goal under pressure from Laurent Koscielny. Kane gave Tottenham's attack a threat and he made no mistake from the spot after referee Mark Clattenburg ruled that Koscielny had ended Mousa Dembele's driving run illegally. He has now scored five goals in four north London derbies, and it should have been six when he failed to make proper contact with Danny Rose's low cross. Eriksen forced a great save by Cech and while Arsenal pressed for a winner, Spurs finished strongly with substitute Vincent Jansen wasting a late chance to grab victory. (Reuters)

Kane penalty earns Tottenham 1-1 draw at Arsenal

One of the most eagerly-awaited clashes of the Premier League season turned into a major letdown as Liverpool and Manchester United nullified each other in a largely undistinguished goalless draw at Anfield on Monday.

After all the hype preceding the battle between English football&#39;s fiercest rivals, United&#39;s manager Jose Mourinho was left happier than his counterpart Juergen Klopp as the visitors doused Liverpool&#39;s acclaimed attacking pyrotechnics.

The home side, full of goals all season, proved desperately disappointing until finding some second-half drive and may have still felt they deserved the win as United goalkeeper David de Gea had to make fine saves from Emre Can and Philippe Coutinho.&nbsp;

Mourinho, the master of stifling Anfield dreams when at Chelsea, again found his tactical mastery rewarded but United, seventh in the table on 14 points, have still won just one of their last five league games while Liverpool stay fourth on 17, two behind leaders Manchester City and Arsenal.

The Portuguese sounded particularly satisfied as he suggested United&#39;s ability to keep a clean sheet against their hosts had shown &quot;they (Liverpool) are not the last wonder of the world like you like to say they are&quot;.

Klopp, though, talked of &quot;mixed feelings&quot;, admitting it had been a poor spectacle.

&quot;I am not frustrated but I am not happy with the performance. No one will show this game in 10 or 20 years but we could have played better.

&quot;We get a point. It doesn&#39;t feel like the best thing but it is what we got.&quot;

His usually whirlwind Liverpool were effectively subdued in the first half as Mourinho reverted to conservative type, bringing in Marouane Fellaini to partner Ander Herrera in a stifling central midfield combination.

Throwing men behind the ball and taking the voice out of the passionate home crowd, United controlled most of the play in the opening half-hour even if a 40-metre Zlatan Ibrahimovic free kick blasted into row Z was their lowest of highlights.

Liverpool, without the injured Georginio Wijnaldum and forced to leave Adam Lallana on the bench, never got going, with Daniel Sturridge proving disappointing, and they looked nervous in front of their fevered fans.

It took them more than half an hour before a Roberto Firmino header straight at De Gea represented their first attempt on goal.

It was only after the break that they began to show glimpses of their true colours, Can wriggling through to force a fine one-handed save from De Gea at full stretch before the Spanish keeper delivered an even finer stop, flying through the air to tip Coutinho&#39;s curler wide.

A brilliant last-gasp challenge by Antonio Valencia deprived Firmino but United, for all their solidity, had only one effort on target and looked back ruefully on their best chance, a tame header across goal from Ibrahimovic after a great delivery from Paul Pogba.

(Reuters)

Man United, seventh in the table, have still won just one of their last five league games while Liverpool stay fourth

One of the most eagerly-awaited clashes of the Premier League season turned into a major letdown as Liverpool and Manchester United nullified each other in a largely undistinguished goalless draw at Anfield on Monday. After all the hype preceding the battle between English football's fiercest rivals, United's manager Jose Mourinho was left happier than his counterpart Juergen Klopp as the visitors doused Liverpool's acclaimed attacking pyrotechnics. The home side, full of goals all season, proved desperately disappointing until finding some second-half drive and may have still felt they deserved the win as United goalkeeper David de Gea had to make fine saves from Emre Can and Philippe Coutinho. Mourinho, the master of stifling Anfield dreams when at Chelsea, again found his tactical mastery rewarded but United, seventh in the table on 14 points, have still won just one of their last five league games while Liverpool stay fourth on 17, two behind leaders Manchester City and Arsenal. The Portuguese sounded particularly satisfied as he suggested United's ability to keep a clean sheet against their hosts had shown "they (Liverpool) are not the last wonder of the world like you like to say they are". Klopp, though, talked of "mixed feelings", admitting it had been a poor spectacle. "I am not frustrated but I am not happy with the performance. No one will show this game in 10 or 20 years but we could have played better. "We get a point. It doesn't feel like the best thing but it is what we got." His usually whirlwind Liverpool were effectively subdued in the first half as Mourinho reverted to conservative type, bringing in Marouane Fellaini to partner Ander Herrera in a stifling central midfield combination. Throwing men behind the ball and taking the voice out of the passionate home crowd, United controlled most of the play in the opening half-hour even if a 40-metre Zlatan Ibrahimovic free kick blasted into row Z was their lowest of highlights. Liverpool, without the injured Georginio Wijnaldum and forced to leave Adam Lallana on the bench, never got going, with Daniel Sturridge proving disappointing, and they looked nervous in front of their fevered fans. It took them more than half an hour before a Roberto Firmino header straight at De Gea represented their first attempt on goal. It was only after the break that they began to show glimpses of their true colours, Can wriggling through to force a fine one-handed save from De Gea at full stretch before the Spanish keeper delivered an even finer stop, flying through the air to tip Coutinho's curler wide. A brilliant last-gasp challenge by Antonio Valencia deprived Firmino but United, for all their solidity, had only one effort on target and looked back ruefully on their best chance, a tame header across goal from Ibrahimovic after a great delivery from Paul Pogba. (Reuters)

Liverpool, Manchester United play out drab draw

Chelsea demolished the team that succeeded them as Premier League winners when champions Leicester City succumbed tamely 3-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Goals from the Premier League&#39;s leading marksman Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and Victor Moses ensured Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri&#39;s visit to his old club was a far cry from five months ago when the Foxes received a guard of honour for their title triumph.

The unmarked Costa&#39;s seventh-minute strike was his seventh goal of the season, before Chelsea&#39;s dominance was further rewarded, following more comedy defending, by Hazard&#39;s expertly-taken second.

Moses finished a brilliant one-two 10 minutes from time to leave Leicester as the first English top-flight champions since Blackburn Rovers 21 years ago to lose their opening four away games of the season.

(Reuters)

Champions Leicester City succumbed tamely 3-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday

Chelsea demolished the team that succeeded them as Premier League winners when champions Leicester City succumbed tamely 3-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Goals from the Premier League's leading marksman Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and Victor Moses ensured Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri's visit to his old club was a far cry from five months ago when the Foxes received a guard of honour for their title triumph. The unmarked Costa's seventh-minute strike was his seventh goal of the season, before Chelsea's dominance was further rewarded, following more comedy defending, by Hazard's expertly-taken second. Moses finished a brilliant one-two 10 minutes from time to leave Leicester as the first English top-flight champions since Blackburn Rovers 21 years ago to lose their opening four away games of the season. (Reuters)

Chelsea hammer Leicester in battle of last two champions

Burnley struck either side of halftime through Jeff Hendrick and Michael Keane to claim a 2-0 Premier League home win over Watford in the first top-flight meeting of the two clubs on Monday.

Forward Hendrick broke the deadlock before defender Keane wrapped up the victory to lift the Clarets into 13th spot where they joined five clubs on seven points from six games, including 11th-placed Watford who they trail on goal difference.

Steven Defour laid on both goals with Hendrick heading home his corner in the 38th minute and Keane rising to nod in the winger&#39;s left wing cross five minutes into the second half.

Watford were aiming for a third straight league win but could not find the form that helped them comfortably beat Manchester United 3-1 and West Ham United 4-2. 
 
(Reuters)

Forward Hendrick broke the deadlock before defender Keane wrapped up the victory to lift the Clarets into 13th spot

Burnley struck either side of halftime through Jeff Hendrick and Michael Keane to claim a 2-0 Premier League home win over Watford in the first top-flight meeting of the two clubs on Monday. Forward Hendrick broke the deadlock before defender Keane wrapped up the victory to lift the Clarets into 13th spot where they joined five clubs on seven points from six games, including 11th-placed Watford who they trail on goal difference. Steven Defour laid on both goals with Hendrick heading home his corner in the 38th minute and Keane rising to nod in the winger's left wing cross five minutes into the second half. Watford were aiming for a third straight league win but could not find the form that helped them comfortably beat Manchester United 3-1 and West Ham United 4-2. (Reuters)

Premier League: Burnley beat Watford 2-0

Manchester United dismantled Premier League champions Leicester in a ruthless 20-minute burst as Jose Mourinho&#39;s decision to drop Wayne Rooney was rewarded with a 4-1 win at Old Trafford on Saturday. 
 
Leicester imploded defensively as United racked up four goals between the 22nd and 42nd minutes. 
 
It was a stylish display from a United side who had entered the game under pressure after losing their last two league games, against Manchester City and Watford, with Chris Smalling opening the scoring after replacing Rooney as captain. 
 
Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba, with his first United goal following his world record &pound;89 million ($115 million, 102 million euros) arrival from Juventus, were also on target after England captain Rooney was dropped to the substitutes&#39; bench. 
 
But it was a chastening afternoon for Leicester despite an improved second-half display and a brilliant consolation goal from half-time substitute Demarai Gray. 
 
It was the second successive Premier League away game in which Leicester had shipped four goals after doing so at Liverpool two weeks ago. 
 
Leicester held their own early on with Robert Huth lashing a shot just over but it was United who edged in front in the 22nd minute after some neat play wide on the left had forced a corner. 
 
It was delivered by Daley Blind and Smalling escaped the United defence to power home a header from six yards. 
 
Rashford should have doubled United&#39;s lead moments later when Leicester squandered possession and Zlatan Ibrahimovic galloped forwards and squared for the teenager. 
 
But Rashford&#39;s first touch was heavy and his shot flew over. 
 
Ibrahimovic then went close to a goal after collecting a fabulous pass by Pogba, but the Swede&#39;s effort on the turn just cleared the bar. 
 
Next it was Pogba&#39;s turn to let fly with an outrageous effort from 30 yards that bent towards the top corner but was forced away by Leicester goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler. 
 
United finally added a second goal as they turned on the style eight minutes before half-time. 
 
Ander Herrera started the move with a fine ball to Mata before a clever pass by Pogba and a fine flick by Jesse Lingard allowed Mata to blast past Zieler. 
 
And the third goal arrived just two minutes later as Leicester handed a chance to Rashford which the youngster snapped up. 
 
The visitors were caught napping as Blind took a quick corner and Mata was free to square for an unmarked Rashford to finish from close range. 
 
Double change&nbsp;

It was 4-0 before half-time as another corner by Blind was headed in by Pogba as he leapt above Christian Fuchs. 
 
Leicester made a double change at half-time with key duo Vardy and Riyad Mahrez withdrawn ahead of the Champions League meeting with FC Porto on Tuesday. 
 
And they almost had some joy when David De Gea dived at the feet of Islam Slimani but gifted possession back to the visitors with a poor throw. 
 
Fuchs wasted the chance, however, with a poor cross. 
 
And at the other end Mata tried to add his second goal with a firm shot that Zieler parried well. 
 
It was one of the half-time substitutes who salvaged a modicum of respectability for Leicester with a goal of real quality on the hour-mark. 
 
Gray collected a crossfield pass from Daniel Amartey and cut inside Lingard before lashing a brilliant shot past a helpless De Gea from 25 yards. 
 
But United were soon back on the attack as Zieler made a smart save from Ibrahimovic. 
 
Two more Leicester substitutes combined for what should have been a second goal but Andy King produced a tame shot from a Jeff Schlupp cross and De Gea saved easily. 
 
Gray then went within a whisker of replicating his stunning goal with an almost identical effort which De Gea scrambled back to push over the bar. 
 
(AFP)

The United side had entered the game under pressure after losing their last two league games

Manchester United dismantled Premier League champions Leicester in a ruthless 20-minute burst as Jose Mourinho's decision to drop Wayne Rooney was rewarded with a 4-1 win at Old Trafford on Saturday. Leicester imploded defensively as United racked up four goals between the 22nd and 42nd minutes. It was a stylish display from a United side who had entered the game under pressure after losing their last two league games, against Manchester City and Watford, with Chris Smalling opening the scoring after replacing Rooney as captain. Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba, with his first United goal following his world record £89 million ($115 million, 102 million euros) arrival from Juventus, were also on target after England captain Rooney was dropped to the substitutes' bench. But it was a chastening afternoon for Leicester despite an improved second-half display and a brilliant consolation goal from half-time substitute Demarai Gray. It was the second successive Premier League away game in which Leicester had shipped four goals after doing so at Liverpool two weeks ago. Leicester held their own early on with Robert Huth lashing a shot just over but it was United who edged in front in the 22nd minute after some neat play wide on the left had forced a corner. It was delivered by Daley Blind and Smalling escaped the United defence to power home a header from six yards. Rashford should have doubled United's lead moments later when Leicester squandered possession and Zlatan Ibrahimovic galloped forwards and squared for the teenager. But Rashford's first touch was heavy and his shot flew over. Ibrahimovic then went close to a goal after collecting a fabulous pass by Pogba, but the Swede's effort on the turn just cleared the bar. Next it was Pogba's turn to let fly with an outrageous effort from 30 yards that bent towards the top corner but was forced away by Leicester goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler. United finally added a second goal as they turned on the style eight minutes before half-time. Ander Herrera started the move with a fine ball to Mata before a clever pass by Pogba and a fine flick by Jesse Lingard allowed Mata to blast past Zieler. And the third goal arrived just two minutes later as Leicester handed a chance to Rashford which the youngster snapped up. The visitors were caught napping as Blind took a quick corner and Mata was free to square for an unmarked Rashford to finish from close range. Double change It was 4-0 before half-time as another corner by Blind was headed in by Pogba as he leapt above Christian Fuchs. Leicester made a double change at half-time with key duo Vardy and Riyad Mahrez withdrawn ahead of the Champions League meeting with FC Porto on Tuesday. And they almost had some joy when David De Gea dived at the feet of Islam Slimani but gifted possession back to the visitors with a poor throw. Fuchs wasted the chance, however, with a poor cross. And at the other end Mata tried to add his second goal with a firm shot that Zieler parried well. It was one of the half-time substitutes who salvaged a modicum of respectability for Leicester with a goal of real quality on the hour-mark. Gray collected a crossfield pass from Daniel Amartey and cut inside Lingard before lashing a brilliant shot past a helpless De Gea from 25 yards. But United were soon back on the attack as Zieler made a smart save from Ibrahimovic. Two more Leicester substitutes combined for what should have been a second goal but Andy King produced a tame shot from a Jeff Schlupp cross and De Gea saved easily. Gray then went within a whisker of replicating his stunning goal with an almost identical effort which De Gea scrambled back to push over the bar. (AFP)

EPL: United thrash Leicester 4-1 without Rooney

Watford dealt Manchester United a third successive defeat in eight days with a deserved 3-1 Premier League win that left Jose Mourinho raging at a rare run of failure. 
 
Goals from Etienne Capoue, Juan Zuniga and a stoppage time penalty from Troy Deeney overwhelmed the visitors, who had levelled with a solitary strike from Marcus Rashford, in Sunday&#39;s big match. 
 
It was the first time Watford had beaten United since 1986. 
 
The Premier League said it was also the first time Mourinho had lost three consecutive games as a manager since 2006. 
 
Although the &#39;Special One&#39; did suffer three successive defeats at Chelsea in 2015, before he was sacked by the Londoners, one of those was on penalties after a draw in the Capital One (League) Cup. 
 
For all their possession, United were unsettled by Watford&#39;s harrying game and went behind on 32 minutes after Anthony Martial, still groggy from an earlier clash of heads, was robbed by Miguel Britos. 
 
Daryl Janmaat picked up the ball and crossed for Capoue to fire his fourth goal of the season. 
 
Mourinho said his expensively-assembled team had to improve but also suggested the referee should have blown for a foul in the lead-up to the goal. 
 
&quot;It was an obvious situation but it is something I cannot control. I cannot improve the referees or officials and luck will arrive when she wants to. But, yes, individual performances have to improve,&quot; the Portuguese told reporters. 
 
United lost the derby to Manchester City last weekend and were then beaten by Feyenoord in their midweek Europa League clash. 
 
A half-time switch, which pushed Wayne Rooney further forward, settled United and they equalised on 62 minutes when Rashford scrambled the ball home after his header bounced back to him off a defender. 
 
Watford keeper Heurelho Gomes denied Zlatan Ibrahimovic with a flying save but United always looked vulnerable and Zuniga scored from a cutback by Roberto Pereyra less than a minute after coming on. 
 
Zuniga was then brought down by Marouane Fellaini inside the area late on to allow Deeney to score from the spot. 
 
(Reuters)

This is the first time United manager Jose Mourinho has lost three consecutive games as a manager since 2006

Watford dealt Manchester United a third successive defeat in eight days with a deserved 3-1 Premier League win that left Jose Mourinho raging at a rare run of failure. Goals from Etienne Capoue, Juan Zuniga and a stoppage time penalty from Troy Deeney overwhelmed the visitors, who had levelled with a solitary strike from Marcus Rashford, in Sunday's big match. It was the first time Watford had beaten United since 1986. The Premier League said it was also the first time Mourinho had lost three consecutive games as a manager since 2006. Although the 'Special One' did suffer three successive defeats at Chelsea in 2015, before he was sacked by the Londoners, one of those was on penalties after a draw in the Capital One (League) Cup. For all their possession, United were unsettled by Watford's harrying game and went behind on 32 minutes after Anthony Martial, still groggy from an earlier clash of heads, was robbed by Miguel Britos. Daryl Janmaat picked up the ball and crossed for Capoue to fire his fourth goal of the season. Mourinho said his expensively-assembled team had to improve but also suggested the referee should have blown for a foul in the lead-up to the goal. "It was an obvious situation but it is something I cannot control. I cannot improve the referees or officials and luck will arrive when she wants to. But, yes, individual performances have to improve," the Portuguese told reporters. United lost the derby to Manchester City last weekend and were then beaten by Feyenoord in their midweek Europa League clash. A half-time switch, which pushed Wayne Rooney further forward, settled United and they equalised on 62 minutes when Rashford scrambled the ball home after his header bounced back to him off a defender. Watford keeper Heurelho Gomes denied Zlatan Ibrahimovic with a flying save but United always looked vulnerable and Zuniga scored from a cutback by Roberto Pereyra less than a minute after coming on. Zuniga was then brought down by Marouane Fellaini inside the area late on to allow Deeney to score from the spot. (Reuters)

Watford condemns Manchester United to third straight defeat

A stunning strike from Jordan Henderson helped Liverpool secure a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge on Friday that ended the London club&#39;s unbeaten start to the season. 
 
Liverpool largely dominated the encounter and took a 2-0 lead after Dejan Lovren was left unmarked to steer home the opener and Henderson bent the ball into the top corner from 30 metres to put the visitors in command at halftime. 
 
Chelsea fought back after the break when Diego Costa sidefooted home from close range after 61 minutes but there was little further goalmouth action as Liverpool comfortably held on. 
 
The win moved Liverpool level with Chelsea on 10 points after five games and prevented the Londoners from going top of the table ahead of the remaining weekend fixtures. 
 
Liverpool were sharper from the start than Antonio Conte&#39;s Chelsea, who seemed content to sit deep and invite pressure from the visitors, who happily set up camp in the hosts&#39; half in the opening stages. 
 
Daniel Sturridge threatened after only two minutes, curling a shot from the edge of the area that slipped from keeper Thibaut Courtois&#39;s grasp and almost trickled over the line, but it was not long before Liverpool grabbed the lead. 
 
Typically of a sluggish Chelsea performance, Liverpool opened the scoring by catching the hosts napping at the back. 
 
A free kick found its way to Philippe Coutinho and his deep cross found four Liverpool players unmarked at the far post, with Lovren applying a cool side-footed finish past Courtois. 
 
Rather than prompt a Chelsea response, the hosts seemed to retreat further into their shell, making sporadic forays upfield but rarely threatening Liverpool&#39;s goal. 
 
Their only half chance of the opening 45 minutes came when Willian&#39;s inswinging free-kick was headed over by David Luiz, making his second debut for Chelsea having returned to the club from Paris St Germain. 
 
Henderson&#39;s stunning second arrived after 36 minutes and was a fully deserved reflection of Liverpool&#39;s first half dominance. 
 
Gary Cahill cleared the ball to Henderson 30 metres from goal and he took aim before curling beautifully into the top corner. 
 
Having been completely outplayed in the first half, Chelsea came out fighting after the break and pulled themselves back into the game on 61 minutes when Costa grabbed his fifth Premier League goal of the season. 
 
Nemanja Matic, anonymous in the first half, did brilliantly to carry the ball to the byline and pull back for Costa to sidefoot past Simon Mignolet and wake the home crowd. 
 
The striker then had a great chance to level four minutes later, swivelling on the ball before shooting straight at Mignolet from 15 metres, but if Chelsea were hoping to lay siege to the Liverpool goal in the closing stages, it never materialised. 
 
(Reuters)

Liverpool secured a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge on Friday that ended the London club's unbeaten start to the season

A stunning strike from Jordan Henderson helped Liverpool secure a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge on Friday that ended the London club's unbeaten start to the season. Liverpool largely dominated the encounter and took a 2-0 lead after Dejan Lovren was left unmarked to steer home the opener and Henderson bent the ball into the top corner from 30 metres to put the visitors in command at halftime. Chelsea fought back after the break when Diego Costa sidefooted home from close range after 61 minutes but there was little further goalmouth action as Liverpool comfortably held on. The win moved Liverpool level with Chelsea on 10 points after five games and prevented the Londoners from going top of the table ahead of the remaining weekend fixtures. Liverpool were sharper from the start than Antonio Conte's Chelsea, who seemed content to sit deep and invite pressure from the visitors, who happily set up camp in the hosts' half in the opening stages. Daniel Sturridge threatened after only two minutes, curling a shot from the edge of the area that slipped from keeper Thibaut Courtois's grasp and almost trickled over the line, but it was not long before Liverpool grabbed the lead. Typically of a sluggish Chelsea performance, Liverpool opened the scoring by catching the hosts napping at the back. A free kick found its way to Philippe Coutinho and his deep cross found four Liverpool players unmarked at the far post, with Lovren applying a cool side-footed finish past Courtois. Rather than prompt a Chelsea response, the hosts seemed to retreat further into their shell, making sporadic forays upfield but rarely threatening Liverpool's goal. Their only half chance of the opening 45 minutes came when Willian's inswinging free-kick was headed over by David Luiz, making his second debut for Chelsea having returned to the club from Paris St Germain. Henderson's stunning second arrived after 36 minutes and was a fully deserved reflection of Liverpool's first half dominance. Gary Cahill cleared the ball to Henderson 30 metres from goal and he took aim before curling beautifully into the top corner. Having been completely outplayed in the first half, Chelsea came out fighting after the break and pulled themselves back into the game on 61 minutes when Costa grabbed his fifth Premier League goal of the season. Nemanja Matic, anonymous in the first half, did brilliantly to carry the ball to the byline and pull back for Costa to sidefoot past Simon Mignolet and wake the home crowd. The striker then had a great chance to level four minutes later, swivelling on the ball before shooting straight at Mignolet from 15 metres, but if Chelsea were hoping to lay siege to the Liverpool goal in the closing stages, it never materialised. (Reuters)

Jordan Henderson's stunning strike helps Liverpool beat Chelsea

David Silva is almost certain to miss Manchester City&rsquo;s home game against Bournemouth, but midfielder Ilkay Guendogan may make his Premier League debut. 
 
Silva has featured in all of City&#39;s Premier League games this season, but missed Wednesday night&rsquo;s 4-0 win over Borussia M?nchengladbach due to a knock he received in training. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t think it&#39;s a big problem but it happened two days ago so I don&#39;t think he&#39;ll be able to play,&quot; manager Pep Guardiola told reporters on Friday. 
 
New signing Guendogan replaced Silva against Monchengladbach, making his first appearance for the club following a dislocated knee. 
 
&quot;I am thinking about it (playing Guendogan),&quot; said Guardiola. &quot;He played good but we cannot forget he comes from a long-term injury. 
 
&quot;Vincent Kompany is close (to a return) but not there yet. We need him,&quot; he added. 
 
Despite winning all four league games this season, Guardiola said City needed to improve the defensive side of their game. 
 
&quot;To win many games in a row in the Premier League is complicated. I am never satisfied,&quot; the Spaniard explained. 
 
&quot;Defensively we need to adjust small details. We still need a few things to improve but right now we are happy.&quot; 
 
Guardiola also hinted that striker Sergio Aguero, who has netted nine goals in five games in all competitions this season, is close to signing a new deal. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t know if I&#39;m the right person to talk about that. I think he&#39;s going to extend the contract but it&#39;s not official,&quot; said the manager. 
 
 
(WION with inputs from Reuters)

Silva was rested on Wednesday's 4-0 win over Borussia Moenchengladbach as a precaution after developing a minor injury in training

David Silva is almost certain to miss Manchester City’s home game against Bournemouth, but midfielder Ilkay Guendogan may make his Premier League debut. Silva has featured in all of City's Premier League games this season, but missed Wednesday night’s 4-0 win over Borussia M?nchengladbach due to a knock he received in training. "I don't think it's a big problem but it happened two days ago so I don't think he'll be able to play," manager Pep Guardiola told reporters on Friday. New signing Guendogan replaced Silva against Monchengladbach, making his first appearance for the club following a dislocated knee. "I am thinking about it (playing Guendogan)," said Guardiola. "He played good but we cannot forget he comes from a long-term injury. "Vincent Kompany is close (to a return) but not there yet. We need him," he added. Despite winning all four league games this season, Guardiola said City needed to improve the defensive side of their game. "To win many games in a row in the Premier League is complicated. I am never satisfied," the Spaniard explained. "Defensively we need to adjust small details. We still need a few things to improve but right now we are happy." Guardiola also hinted that striker Sergio Aguero, who has netted nine goals in five games in all competitions this season, is close to signing a new deal. "I don't know if I'm the right person to talk about that. I think he's going to extend the contract but it's not official," said the manager. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Silva may miss out for Man City but Guendogan set to play

Erik Lamela&#39;s second-half header rescued a 1-1 draw for Tottenham Hotspur and denied new Everton manager Ronald Koeman a winning start at Goodison Park today. 
 
Lamela equalised in the 59th minute after Everton had claimed a deserved lead through Ross Barkley&#39;s early goal. 
 
Everton had the better of the first half but Mauricio Pochettino&#39;s side came back well after the interval and Argentine midfielder Lamela ensured their pressure paid off. 
 
Only two fine saves late on from debutant Everton goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg denied Spurs an opening day victory as the north Londoners look to emulate last season&#39;s title challenge. 
 
Everton went ahead in just the fifth minute. 
 
Tottenham&#39;s Kenya midfielder Victor Wanyama, signed from Southampton in the close-season, was penalised as he tripped Kevin Mirallas to halt the Belgian&#39;s progress towards goal. 
 
Barkley delivered a free-kick that eluded everyone, including Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris, who delayed his dive anticipating a touch from an Everton head and watched the ball nestle inside his left-hand post. 
 
The goal brought the game to life and Everton might have doubled their lead when makeshift centre forward Gerard Deulofeu skipped past two challenges but saw his shot from the edge of the Spurs box held low down by Lloris. 
 
Everton went close again on 15 minutes when Barkley lofted a free-kick into the penalty area and a looping header by Phil Jagielka forced a scrambling Lloris to push the ball over his crossbar. 
 
The hosts continued to dominate and threatened once more when Deulofeu linked up neatly with Mirallas on 21 minutes but Lloris made a comfortable save at his near post. 
 
Crucial interventions 
 
Stekelenburg had been a spectator early on but the Dutchman displayed solid handling on 28 minutes to hold a Christian Eriksen shot after a rare moment of promise from the visitors. 
 
And there was a further blow for Tottenham 10 minutes before half-time when captain Lloris was forced off by a hamstring injury and replaced by Michel Vorm. 
 
Tottenham began to escape their half more frequently as half-time approached, but they were unable to force Stekelenburg into action. 
 
The hosts ought to have doubled their lead in first-half stoppage-time, when Deulofeu seized on a poor backpass from Danny Rose and raced clear of Jan Vertonghen, but was denied by a smart save from Vorm. 
 
Everton started the second half on the front foot and Tottenham&#39;s Eric Dier had to make two crucial interventions, first to block Deulofeu&#39;s path to goal with a sliding tackle and then to head the resulting corner over his own crossbar. 
 
Pochettino introduced pre-season signing Vincent Janssen to the fray 13 minutes into the second half and the striker created an opening immediately when he drifted out wide, collected possession and crossed for Dele Alli. 
 
But the England midfielder curled a shot well wide from the edge of the area. 
 
There was no stopping Spurs just before the hour-mark, however, as Kyle Walker found room on the right and Lamela got the better of Everton debutant Mason Holgate to head past a helpless Stekelenburg. 
 
That goal rocked Everton, who were forced back for a spell, but they caused a moment of concern for Tottenham when the impressive Idrissa Gueye exchanged passes with substitute Arouna Kone but had his progress halted by Toby Alderweireld. 
 
However, with 10 minutes remaining Everton needed a superb save from Stekelenburg to prevent the visitors taking the lead. 
 
A shot from Rose was blocked by James McCarthy but fell for Janssen, whose crisp strike was clawed away one-handed by his fellow Dutchman at full stretch. 
 
And the keeper made another fine stop moments later to divert a Lamela shot over the crossbar after it deflected off Holgate. 
 
(AFP)

Lamela equalised in the 59th minute after Everton had claimed a deserved lead through Ross Barkley's early goal

Erik Lamela's second-half header rescued a 1-1 draw for Tottenham Hotspur and denied new Everton manager Ronald Koeman a winning start at Goodison Park today. Lamela equalised in the 59th minute after Everton had claimed a deserved lead through Ross Barkley's early goal. Everton had the better of the first half but Mauricio Pochettino's side came back well after the interval and Argentine midfielder Lamela ensured their pressure paid off. Only two fine saves late on from debutant Everton goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg denied Spurs an opening day victory as the north Londoners look to emulate last season's title challenge. Everton went ahead in just the fifth minute. Tottenham's Kenya midfielder Victor Wanyama, signed from Southampton in the close-season, was penalised as he tripped Kevin Mirallas to halt the Belgian's progress towards goal. Barkley delivered a free-kick that eluded everyone, including Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris, who delayed his dive anticipating a touch from an Everton head and watched the ball nestle inside his left-hand post. The goal brought the game to life and Everton might have doubled their lead when makeshift centre forward Gerard Deulofeu skipped past two challenges but saw his shot from the edge of the Spurs box held low down by Lloris. Everton went close again on 15 minutes when Barkley lofted a free-kick into the penalty area and a looping header by Phil Jagielka forced a scrambling Lloris to push the ball over his crossbar. The hosts continued to dominate and threatened once more when Deulofeu linked up neatly with Mirallas on 21 minutes but Lloris made a comfortable save at his near post. Crucial interventions Stekelenburg had been a spectator early on but the Dutchman displayed solid handling on 28 minutes to hold a Christian Eriksen shot after a rare moment of promise from the visitors. And there was a further blow for Tottenham 10 minutes before half-time when captain Lloris was forced off by a hamstring injury and replaced by Michel Vorm. Tottenham began to escape their half more frequently as half-time approached, but they were unable to force Stekelenburg into action. The hosts ought to have doubled their lead in first-half stoppage-time, when Deulofeu seized on a poor backpass from Danny Rose and raced clear of Jan Vertonghen, but was denied by a smart save from Vorm. Everton started the second half on the front foot and Tottenham's Eric Dier had to make two crucial interventions, first to block Deulofeu's path to goal with a sliding tackle and then to head the resulting corner over his own crossbar. Pochettino introduced pre-season signing Vincent Janssen to the fray 13 minutes into the second half and the striker created an opening immediately when he drifted out wide, collected possession and crossed for Dele Alli. But the England midfielder curled a shot well wide from the edge of the area. There was no stopping Spurs just before the hour-mark, however, as Kyle Walker found room on the right and Lamela got the better of Everton debutant Mason Holgate to head past a helpless Stekelenburg. That goal rocked Everton, who were forced back for a spell, but they caused a moment of concern for Tottenham when the impressive Idrissa Gueye exchanged passes with substitute Arouna Kone but had his progress halted by Toby Alderweireld. However, with 10 minutes remaining Everton needed a superb save from Stekelenburg to prevent the visitors taking the lead. A shot from Rose was blocked by James McCarthy but fell for Janssen, whose crisp strike was clawed away one-handed by his fellow Dutchman at full stretch. And the keeper made another fine stop moments later to divert a Lamela shot over the crossbar after it deflected off Holgate. (AFP)

Premier League: Spurs hold Everton to 1-1 draw

Pep Guardiola&#39;s Manchester City career got off to a winning start as they beat Sunderland 2-1 on Saturday but the Spaniard knows there is much work to do to build a title-winning team. 
 
Paddy McNair&#39;s late own goal gave the hosts victory on the opening day of the Premier League season after Jermain Defoe&#39;s Sunderland strike had cancelled out Sergio Aguero&#39;s early penalty. 
 
City dominated possession but were short on the incisive attacking play that was a hallmark of Guardiola&#39;s Barcelona and Bayern Munich teams. 
 
&quot;Sometimes you are a little lucky,&quot; City&#39;s new manager told reporters. &quot;We should have been a bit more aggressive but these kind of things have to happen to know how to get better in the next game.&quot; 
 
The match was an intriguing glimpse into what the fans can expect from Guardiola. 
 
He showed his ruthlessness by dropping England goalkeeper Joe Hart to the bench and completely omitting Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure. 
 
&quot;They are professionals,&quot; Guardiola said, &quot;and are going to fight for their places.&quot; 
 
He acknowledged it would take time for City to adapt to his methods although there was evidence of a new approach. 
 
Captain David Silva started in a deeper midfield role from where he was expected to instigate attacking moves while the full backs came inside to congest the middle, in a similar way to Bayern under Guardiola. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m very pleased about the performance,&quot; said the manager. &quot;The second half we played really well. 
 
&quot;Maybe we should attack quicker. We have to learn.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

City dominated possession but were short on the incisive attacking play that was a hallmark of Guardiola's Barcelona and Bayern Munich teams

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City career got off to a winning start as they beat Sunderland 2-1 on Saturday but the Spaniard knows there is much work to do to build a title-winning team. Paddy McNair's late own goal gave the hosts victory on the opening day of the Premier League season after Jermain Defoe's Sunderland strike had cancelled out Sergio Aguero's early penalty. City dominated possession but were short on the incisive attacking play that was a hallmark of Guardiola's Barcelona and Bayern Munich teams. "Sometimes you are a little lucky," City's new manager told reporters. "We should have been a bit more aggressive but these kind of things have to happen to know how to get better in the next game." The match was an intriguing glimpse into what the fans can expect from Guardiola. He showed his ruthlessness by dropping England goalkeeper Joe Hart to the bench and completely omitting Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure. "They are professionals," Guardiola said, "and are going to fight for their places." He acknowledged it would take time for City to adapt to his methods although there was evidence of a new approach. Captain David Silva started in a deeper midfield role from where he was expected to instigate attacking moves while the full backs came inside to congest the middle, in a similar way to Bayern under Guardiola. "I'm very pleased about the performance," said the manager. "The second half we played really well. "Maybe we should attack quicker. We have to learn." (Reuters)

Premier League: Guardiola's City beat Sunderland 2-1, says luck favoured

Pep Guardiola drew first blood in his renewed managerial duel with Jose Mourinho as Manchester City deservedly won an absorbing Premier League derby 2-1 against Manchester United at Old Trafford today. 
 
Kevin de Bruyne, who was never appreciated by Mourinho when they were at Chelsea together, proved instrumental in City&#39;s magnificent win, scoring the opener and making the second for Kelechi Iheanacho before halftime. 
 
With his side being outpassed and outclassed in a one-sided first half, Zlatan Ibrahimovic brought United back into the match just before the break after a mistake by City&#39;s new goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. 
 
Bravo&#39;s error on a hugely unconvincing debut inspired a much more even second half and Ibrahimovic had goal ruled out for offside before man of the match De Bruyne hit the post as City maintained their 100 percent record this season to move three points clear at the top of the table. 
 
After months of hype in Manchester - and well beyond -following the appointment of the two great managerial foes, it was Guardiola&#39;s side who initially took complete control of a game that was being billed as one the whole world was watching. 
 
For much of the first half, City&#39;s slick passing and neat movement brought back memories of the way Guardiola&#39;s old Barcelona side would once often pass rings round Mourinho&#39;s Real Madrid. 
 
Yet the initial breakthrough came from an unGuardiola-like route one approach in the 15th minute, Aleksandar Kolarov&#39;s hoofed ball being met by a flicked header from Iheanacho which allowed the excellent De Bruyne to nip in past a leaden-footed Daley Blind and fire home. 
 
Iheanacho, ensuring that suspended Sergio Aguero was not unduly missed up front, underlined City&#39;s dominance, tapping home after De Bruyne&#39;s 36th-minute left-footed strike had come back off the post. 
 
United were offered a lifeline when Bravo, whose signing to replace City favourite Joe Hart has been the most controversial move of Guardiola&#39;s brief reign, failed to claim a straightforward free kick from the right flank. 
 
He dropped the ball under no great pressure, allowing the alert Ibrahimovic to volley home from the edge of the box and quite transform the game&#39;s dynamic. 
 
Bravo looked a bag of nerves and nearly presented United with an equaliser before halftime and when Mourinho sought a more positive approach from his side with a double substitution at halftime, youngster Marcus Rashford made an immediate impact. 
 
The teenager&#39;s 70th-minute shot left Bravo well beaten but the goal was ruled out as it had brushed off the shin of Ibrahimovic, who was standing offside. 
 
The hapless Bravo could easily have given away a penalty with a studs-up challenge on an infuriated Wayne Rooney but City regained their composure, defended with resolve and could have wrapped up a more emphatic victory when De Bruyne&#39;s late shot hit the post and ran across the face of goal. 
 
(Reuters)

Kevin de Bruyne, never appreciated by Mourinho when they were at Chelsea together, proved instrumental in City's magnificent win

Pep Guardiola drew first blood in his renewed managerial duel with Jose Mourinho as Manchester City deservedly won an absorbing Premier League derby 2-1 against Manchester United at Old Trafford today. Kevin de Bruyne, who was never appreciated by Mourinho when they were at Chelsea together, proved instrumental in City's magnificent win, scoring the opener and making the second for Kelechi Iheanacho before halftime. With his side being outpassed and outclassed in a one-sided first half, Zlatan Ibrahimovic brought United back into the match just before the break after a mistake by City's new goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. Bravo's error on a hugely unconvincing debut inspired a much more even second half and Ibrahimovic had goal ruled out for offside before man of the match De Bruyne hit the post as City maintained their 100 percent record this season to move three points clear at the top of the table. After months of hype in Manchester - and well beyond -following the appointment of the two great managerial foes, it was Guardiola's side who initially took complete control of a game that was being billed as one the whole world was watching. For much of the first half, City's slick passing and neat movement brought back memories of the way Guardiola's old Barcelona side would once often pass rings round Mourinho's Real Madrid. Yet the initial breakthrough came from an unGuardiola-like route one approach in the 15th minute, Aleksandar Kolarov's hoofed ball being met by a flicked header from Iheanacho which allowed the excellent De Bruyne to nip in past a leaden-footed Daley Blind and fire home. Iheanacho, ensuring that suspended Sergio Aguero was not unduly missed up front, underlined City's dominance, tapping home after De Bruyne's 36th-minute left-footed strike had come back off the post. United were offered a lifeline when Bravo, whose signing to replace City favourite Joe Hart has been the most controversial move of Guardiola's brief reign, failed to claim a straightforward free kick from the right flank. He dropped the ball under no great pressure, allowing the alert Ibrahimovic to volley home from the edge of the box and quite transform the game's dynamic. Bravo looked a bag of nerves and nearly presented United with an equaliser before halftime and when Mourinho sought a more positive approach from his side with a double substitution at halftime, youngster Marcus Rashford made an immediate impact. The teenager's 70th-minute shot left Bravo well beaten but the goal was ruled out as it had brushed off the shin of Ibrahimovic, who was standing offside. The hapless Bravo could easily have given away a penalty with a studs-up challenge on an infuriated Wayne Rooney but City regained their composure, defended with resolve and could have wrapped up a more emphatic victory when De Bruyne's late shot hit the post and ran across the face of goal. (Reuters)

Manchester derby: Guardiola 2, Mourinho 1

premier-league

Premier League, News on Premier League, stories on Premier League, articles on Premier League, Premier League stories at Wion, Premier League news, Premier League latest news

premier league