..::Football III::..

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Rooney meh season 1kewath deyak kaloth hodai.

Mokada high wages deela thiyagena team 1kata onede wenne nathnam wadak nahaneHodata perform kale nathnam meh season 1ke godak durata Rooney ta yanna wei.​

mata wa drop karala rooney play karawana ekath ehchcara hoda nae

 

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mata wa drop karala rooney play karawana ekath ehchcara hoda nae

Ow machan 1ka atthaAnith 1ka Rooney hari yanne naha Mata ge Role 1kataMata thamai play maker Role 1kata hodatama match wenneBehind the StrikersAth LVG 1ka 1ka welawata 1ka 1ka dewal karanawane

De Gea
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Rafael--Rojo--Smalling--Blind
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Valencia--Herrera--Di Maria
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Mata
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RVP--Falcao or Rooney

Onna 1ka thamai bro mata hithena hatiyata dan thiyana squad 1kata hodama widiya

 

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Simeone: Whistles not a problem for Atletico

Diego Simeone is not in the least bit perturbed that some Atletico Madrid fans whistled his team following their 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo at the weekend.

The reigning Liga champions remain unbeaten domestically this campaign but after letting a 2-1 half-time lead slip against the Galician outfit on Saturday, they were berated by their own supporters.

However, Simeone has no issue with the backlash, arguing that it was a perfectly normal reaction to a poor result."I’m surprised that such a spontaneous act from people that love their team and its manager causes so much talk - it’s respectable," Simeone said.

"They are thinking about what is best for the team. Sometimes in football you can approve some things and not others.

"Even though you are loved by the Atleti fans, it’s normal that they can review any decisions that you take."It was a spontaneous act and these are the ones I appreciate in life."

On Wednesday the Rojiblancos travel to face an Almeria team that claimed a 2-1 win at Real Sociedad last weekend and Simeone - who is currently serving an eight-game touchline ban - is keen to ensure that his side cut out the defensive mistakes that cost them two points against Celta."There are aspects of our game that we need to improve as a team," the former midfield ace added.

"When you concede, that is usually as a result of a team's mistake. It can be an individual mistake but if the team is strong you can compensate for that and stop conceding.

"Obviously, the less you concede the better. I hope that we can go back to clean sheets."We will find a dangerous rival [Almeria] who have improved from last season and are stronger.

"Their players are very quick and [forward Fernando] Soriano is very good in the air, so we will have to focus a lot on defence. It will be a difficult match."

 

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Pochettino: Tottenham need a change of mentality

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino believes that his side need a change of mentality ahead of their League Cup tie with Nottingham Forest.

Wednesday's third-round tie represents Spurs' third match in seven days, after a trip to Partizan in the Europa League last week and a home Premier League encounter with West Brom on Sunday.

A 0-0 draw in Belgrade was followed up by a surprise 1-0 reverse to Alan Irvine's side and Pochettino says that his players have to start adapting to rigours of playing in Europe.

"We need to be more prepared and more ready because the Premier League is strong and the Europa League is strong," he told reporters.

"We need to change the mentality and make sure we are ready every time. You go to the stadium and you have to be able to compete and be strong because every game is different.

"We need to move the ball quicker, faster. West Brom played long balls and tried to win the second ball. We had a problem because we were always late to the second ball - we took a lot of time to get into the opposition's box. We need to be more aggressive in the last third of the pitch."

Pochettino made 10 changes for the Europa League fixture and, with a north London derby at Arsenal to come on Saturday, the Argentine is likely to rotate his squad again at White Hart Lane on Wednesday.

"Our best starting team depends on each and every game - there is no doubt about that," he added.

"It's not an excuse. A bad performance on Sunday is not because of the changes. We have a very strong squad and we need to use our players.

"We have a lot of games ahead and after each match we analyse every player. At the moment the players are not in a position to play three games in one week."

 

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Mourinho to rotate Chelsea starting XI against Bolton

Chelsea assistant Steve Holland has confirmed that manager Jose Mourinho will shuffle his pack against Bolton in the Capital One Cup.

The Premier League leaders welcome Dougie Freedman's side to Stamford Bridge in the third round on Wednesday, in what is their second of four matches in 10 days across three separate competitions.

Chelsea drew 1-1 with Manchester City on Sunday and after facing Bolton, Mourinho's men host Aston Villa on Saturday before a trip to take on Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League next Tuesday.

And Holland revealed in a press conference that Mourinho perceives Wednesday's tie as a perfect chance to tinker with his playing resources.

"We haven't finalised the squad for tomorrow yet," he told reporters.

"We have looked at the players following the game against Manchester City and it is an opportunity to rotate, we will do that for sure, but in terms of who is playing and who isn't, that is unclear.

"For the first weeks of the season we have had one game a week and the international break. Now the two-games-a-week cycle kicks in. It is important you have a pool who are ready to handle that schedule.

"Last week was the first European matches and there were four English clubs in the Champions League and two in the Europa League, and only one managed to be unbeaten in the games before and after.

"We have a small group of players who I am sure have been frustrated not to have played more and will possibly have the opportunity to show what they can do tomorrow."

First-choice striker Diego Costa - whose hamstring problems mean he is likely to be rested - could be replaced by either Loic Remy or Didier Droba, with the latter starting in last week's 1-1 draw with Schalke.

"Loic appeared briefly against Swansea and got off and running very quickly which was great for him. We are confident whoever we select will be very dangerous," Holland added.

"Didier hasn't had many match minutes and he will score goals, there is no doubt. He came very close to scoring against Schalke, it was a matter of inches, and the next time that one will go in.

"That will be a special moment and is one the supporters will be looking forward to.

"His role has been a very important one but often a cameo role in matches which he was very prepared for when he joined the club in the summer; to use his vast experience at vital moments in big matches."

 

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Roma squad can cope with injuries, insists Garcia

Rudi Garcia is refusing to become concerned by Roma's lengthening injury list as his side prepare to take on Parma in Serie A on Wednesday.

Roma confirmed on Tuesday that inspirational midfielder Daniele De Rossi had picked up a grade-one tear to his left calf, rendering him unlikely to feature against Manchester City in the Champions League later this month, as well as the league clash with champions Juventus on October 5.

De Rossi joins the likes of Juan Iturbe and Davide Astori on the sidelines, but Garcia refused to bemoan the absence of some of his key men."De Rossi is an important player, but now we have to take care of him," the Frenchman said in a press conference on Tuesday."We will wait until after the international break to avoid the risk. In midfield we have other options.

"The run of injuries? I don't know if this sort of thing has happened before, but it can happen. It is for this reason that we have built a big squad, for the many commitments that we face.

"We have a big squad, I am confident that the players will give their best and that the level of the team will not change."Roma have begun the campaign in fine style, winning all three Serie A matches without conceding as well as thrashing CSKA Moscow 5-1 in their opening Champions League encounter.

However, Garcia is wary of the test that awaits them at Parma."We are away to Parma, who are a team that always plays well," he said. "They have scored many goals and also conceded a few. For us, this will be a game to face like every other.

"We are going to Parma to win, knowing that it is a difficult place to win at, but that we must be ready to give everything on the pitch."

 

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Van Gaal does not rate Shaw, insists Meulensteen

Former Manchester United assistant manager Rene Meulensteen believes Louis van Gaal is not a fan of €38 million summer signing Luke Shaw.

The England international, who became the most expensive teenager in world football when he moved to Old Trafford, has yet to make his debut for the Red Devils and was criticised for a lack of fitness by his new manager.

Injuries have hampered Shaw's hopes of impressing the Dutchman – as have the signings of Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo, both capable of playing at left-back – and he was once again overlooked for Sunday's clash with Leicester City, an unused substitute in the shock 5-3 defeat.

And Meulensteen, who spent over a decade at United before being axed at the start of David Moyes' reign, believes Van Gaal's decision to bring in additional cover for left-back reflects badly on Shaw's hopes of getting in the first team.

When asked on talkSPORT if Van Gaal doesn't rate Shaw, Meulensteen replied: "Yes. It's a big surprise for me.

"He would have been informed by the club that they were putting this bid in for Shaw because he's an up and coming player.

"He's got a good left foot and a lot of pace. He's got a lot to learn to get to a Man United level, though.

"He's a great prospect but he's brought Rojo in, which is bad news for Shaw."

A raft of injuries and suspensions could give the youngster a chance in the first team, however, with Jonny Evans and Phil Jones carrying injuries while Tyler Blackett, sent off against Leicester, is suspended.

 

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'Arsenal is my family' - Ozil thankful for team-mates' support

Mesut Ozil has dismissed critics of his recent displays and says he is very happy at Arsenal and thankful for the support of his team-mates.

The Germany international had come under fire prior to his strike at Aston Villa on Saturday, with numerous fans and pundits critical of his performances and lethargic body language.

But the former Real Madrid star believes it is impossible to gauge a player's character by their attitude on the pitch and is enjoying the supportive and homely environment at Arsenal.

"You can't forget that people don't know you away from football," the World Cup winner told the club's official website.

"You can't really see what a person is really like when they are on the pitch. Sometimes a player will come across as arrogant and another as being a nice guy when in reality it could be the other way round.

"At the club you always have to be respectful towards one another. It doesn't matter if one player is a world star and the other is a newcomer. Everyone should be treated in the same way and that's why I'm so happy at Arsenal, because that's really the case here.

"Everyone is treated the same way and has respect for one another. That's a big help on the route to reaching your targets - when you're like a family who make each other feel welcome and at home. That's how it is here."

The 25-year-old registered both his first goal and his first assist of the season at Villa Park, opening the scoring before later setting up Danny Welbeck as the Gunners eased to a 3-0 victory.

 

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Pellegrini open to extending Lampard's Manchester City loan

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has refused to rule out the possibility of extending Frank Lampard's loan deal.

The former England international midfielder agreed to join new MLS franchise New York City in July after his 13-year stay with Chelsea came to an end.

But, with New York City not due to join the MLS until next year, Lampard penned a temporary deal with City until January in August, scoring his first goal against Chelsea in Sunday's 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium

Reports in the British press suggested that City could look to increase Lampard's stay until February, but Goal understands the midfielder was always set to stay until February, with no return date set in stone.

"In January we will see what is happening and we will make a decision then," Pellegrini said.

New York City FC's are set to begin their pre-season preparations in February, meaning Lampard will be available to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on January 31.

 

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Luis Enrique: Mathieu does more good things than bad things

Luis Enrique has declared he is happy with Jeremy Mathieu's form for Barcelona , insisting he "does more good things than bad things".

Mathieu has played every minute in La Liga for the Catalans so far this season and Barca have yet to concede a goal with the France international in the side, though his error against Levante almost proved costly early on in their 5-0 win over Levante.

Luis Enrique admits his side can still improve their defending but has stressed he is happy with Mathieu's efforts so far in the campaign."There are things we can improve, especially in defence," he told reporters. "We didn't concede yet, but we could have. We're working on that.

"I'm not worried about Mathieu's mistakes. He does more good things than bad things."

Luis Enrique also revealed he is delighted to be able to call upon a fully-fit Gerard Pique once again and stressed Marc Bartra would be given playing time despite the increased competition for places at the back.

"Pique's attitude is great, he's optimistic, working hard. His hip problem has been solved, he's ready to help us," he said."Bartra will have playing time. I'm delighted to have him, but only 18 players can be in the squad and only 11 can play."

Barca have scored 11 goals while conceding none in their first four league games but the 44-year-old admitted he is far more concerned with victories ahead of his side's trip to Malaga on Wednesday.

"I'm not worried about conceding our first goal. It's about winning," he said. "I'd sign to concede one goal every game and win the game."The 44-year-old also added that knocks which Neymar and Ivan Rakitic picked up against Levante will not keep them out of the trip to Malaga.

"Rakitic and Neymar trained normally today, tomorrow they'll get the green light and they'll be available for the game."

 

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Chelsea to rival Manchester City in Barkley race

Chelsea will match any bid from Manchester City for Everton and England star Ross Barkley, Goal understands.

Premier League champions City are big admirers of Barkley having identified the 20-year-old as a future star even before he broke into the Toffees' first team, and are weighing up a big-money offer to tempt Everton into a sale.

However, Chelsea too are keenly monitoring the 20-year-old's situation and would be determined to rival City for the his signature should Everton decide a huge offer would be too good to turn down.

As it stands, Everton are desperate to hang on to a player that only signed a new long-term contract at Goodison Park this summer.

Barkley put pen-to-paper after deciding his immediate future would be best served at his hometown club, though that was only after both City and Chelsea had made enquiries over the player's availability.

Following further early-summer interest from Manchester United, the player's reported valuation soared to roughly €64m - and only a bid around that mark could possibly tempt the Merseysiders into the sale of a player who broke into the England fold at the end of last season, winning a place in Roy Hodgson's World Cup squad.

Should Everton opt to cash in, City would make a determined move as part of a push to bolster their 'homegrown' quota following the sales of the likes of Joleon Lescott and Jack Rodwell over the summer.

Chelsea, though, are hopeful that they have a trump card in the shape of senior international scout Mick Doherty.

Doherty spent seven years with Everton up until 2011 and enjoyed a good relationship with Barkley, who was coming through the ranks at the time.

It is expected that Doherty will strongly recommend Chelsea make their move, with City also continuing to monitor the situation ahead of making a formal bid in the summer.

Barkley, who was tipped to spearhead Roberto Martinez's second season in charge of the Toffees, is expected to be out until November at the earliest after injury his knee ligaments during pre-season.

 

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Vidal still not 100 per cent, says Allegri

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has stressed that Arturo Vidal is still battling fitness issues and is unlikely to start against Cesena on Wednesday.

The Chile international featured for just 14 minutes in Juve's 1-0 win over AC Milan at the weekend after previously missing the victory over Udinese due to injury and Allegri has made it clear that the midfielder needs time to reach peak fitness.

"Vidal is not 100% and needs minutes under his belt. I'll have to balance his work alongside the team and game time," Allegri said at a press conference.The Juventus coach then went on to praise Alvaro Morata, but refused to confirm whether the former Madrid youngster will start against Cesena.

"Morata has great quality. I’d like to see him play 90 minutes, but he only returned to the group on the 13th."I'd say it’s a little premature to talk about rotation at this stage, we’ve only played three games of the season."

Juventus and Roma are the only two teams to have won all three games so far, yet Allegri has stressed rivals such as AC Milan, Inter and Napoli cannot be written off just yet.

"It’s too early to talk about a two-horse race between Juve and Roma. It will be a closely fought league."

 

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Manchester United must spend another €127m to become title challengers, says Phil Neville

Phil Neville believes Manchester United need to spend another £100 million (€127m) before they can be considered genuine title challengers.

The club embarked on a large spending spree in the summer, acquiring the likes of Radamel Falcao, Angel Di Maria, Daley Blind and Luke Shaw, but have secured just five points from their opening five games this season.

Many have criticised United's failure to recruit a world-class centre-back in the summer – though the club did spend €20m on Marcos Rojo – and Neville believes further additions are required.

"I know United have spent £150m (€190m)," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I think there's another two transfer windows of similar amounts of money needed - maybe £100m (€127m) - before they can even think about winning the title.

"There are still key positions in the team that need filling. I think the centre-back position is obviously the key area. Holding midfield or centre midfield needs addressing too.

"There were no world-class centre backs out there (this summer). I think that's why in the next two transfer windows, United might still be looking for that world-class defender."

Despite his criticisms, Neville believes that both Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have bright futures at Old Trafford and insists that United must not sell off their core group of English players.

"I am certain Chris Smalling will come good and I have full faith in Phil Jones as well," he added.

"They've bought of a lot of foreign players, [but] you don't get rid of your English spine."

Neville left the club at the end of last season along after the club finished seventh in the Premier League.

 

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Manchester United defence thamai dan godakma hadaganna thiyenneBack line 1ka echchara hari naha​

 

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Ferguson retirement hurt Van Persie the most - Rio Ferdinand

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says that Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement affected Robin van Persie more than anybody else at Old Trafford.

Van Persie was brought to United from Arsenal by Ferguson at the start of what proved to be the Scot's final season in charge of the Red Devils.

The Netherlands striker fired the club to Premier League glory to send Ferguson off in style and Ferdinand, now at QPR, recalls that the Dutchman was clearly upset at his departure.

"It took the wind out of everyone's sails. It gave us an extra push to go and win and be successful in that last season," the ex-England man told MUTV of Ferguson's retirement.

"Everyone was really appreciative for what he'd done for our careers.

"The person it hit more than anyone was Robin. He'd come the year before, tasted that success and wanted more. Visually, you could see it hit him harder than anyone else at the time."

Since Ferguson left the hotseat at Old Trafford, United finished seventh in the Premier League last season under David Moyes and are now struggling under new boss Louis van Gaal.

 

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Liverpool 2-2 Middlesbrough (14-13 on pens): Reds sneak through after incredible shoot-out

Liverpool secured their passage to the last-16 of the League Cup after a sensational 14-13 penalty shootout over Middlesbrough.

Brendan Rodgers' men, who have lost three of their opening five Premier League fixtures, were far from their best again as they drew 2-2 after extra time in a pulsating encounter at Anfield.And the incredible action continued into the spot kicks, with some players required to take second penalties after 20 of the first 22 were converted.

A further seven would follow suit until Middlesbrough's Albert Adomah missed the target to secure the hosts' progress via a scarcely believable 14-13 scoreline.
It appeared a comfortable night was in the offing for Liverpool when teenage debutant Jordan Rossiter struck in the ninth minute.

But Middlesbrough were undeterred and enjoyed the better of proceedings thereafter, their reward coming midway through the second period when Adam Reach headed home to stun the home crowd.Liverpool again took control during extra time, substitute Suso hitting his first goal of the club to seemingly seal their progression.

Patrick Bamford equalised from the spot in injury time of extra time following mistakes from Raheem Sterling and Kolo Toure, but Rodgers' side eventually booked their fourth-round berth in dramatic fashion.

Liverpool fielded something of an experimental starting XI, with the likes of Rossiter being complemented by Sterling, Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic.The hosts came out of the blocks with positivity, moving the ball quickly in the final third.But it was Middlesbrough who had the first effort on target, ex-Liverpool defender Daniel Ayala heading straight at Simon Mignolet.

Any momentum gleaned from that was quickly extinguished when the hosts took the lead, however.

A dreadful mix-up between Kenneth Omeruo and debutant Jamal Blackman preceded the latter making a point-blank save to deny Rickie Lambert, who captained Liverpool on his first start for the club.But Blackman's clearance fell to Rossiter, with the goalkeeper then somehow failing to keep out the 17-year-old's low 25-yard strike.

Middlesbrough responded well as Kike's goal-bound volley was deflected over by Lambert.That heralded a spell of visiting pressure, Lee Tomlin forcing a solid save from Mignolet with a fizzing strike.

Picking up where they left off, Middlesbrough began strongly after the interval as Tomlin struck narrowly wide from distance.

Liverpool took control again well as they found a passing rhythm, although their final ball was leaving much to be desired.Yet Aitor Karanka's team found a leveller in the 62nd minute, Reach capitalising on being unmarked to head Grant Leadbitter's free-kick home.They continued to enjoy the better of the chances afterwards, too, with Mignolet having to be on high alert to keep out Adam Clayton's excellent strike.

And Clayton threatened again with five minutes remaining, hitting the outside of the post after being found by Tomlin's superb throughball.An uneventful first half of extra time made way for chances afterwards, Blackman making solid saves to deny Jose Enrique and substitute Mario Balotelli in quick succession.

Suso appeared to have put Liverpool through, only for Bamford to score from the spot in the 123rd minute to force penalties.He could not follow that up with Middlesbrough's first kick of the shootout, his saved strike one of only two missed in the first 27.

But despite Sterling missing the other when he had the chance to win it 5-4, Liverpool eventually sent their fans home happy.

 

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Liverpool Vs Middlesbrough patta gemak gihin nehPenalty Shoot-out 1kath 14-13​

 

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Empoli 2-2 AC Milan: Torres on target as Rossoneri snatch draw

Fernando Torres scored his first Serie A goal as AC Milan came from behind to claim a 2-2 draw at newly-promoted Empoli on Tuesday night.
Filippo Inzaghi's men were out to make amends after their 100 per cent start to the new Serie A season was halted by a 1-0 home defeat to champions Juventus on Saturday.

But Milan started poorly and found themselves 2-0 behind in the first quarter of the match thanks to goals from Lorenzo Tonelli and Manuel Pucciarelli.

Fernando Torres marked his full debut with a fine headed goal to bring Milan back into it before half-time, but, by contrast, fellow Chelsea loanee Marco van Ginkel's first start lasted just 31 minutes as he was withdrawn with yet another injury.

Keisuke Honda pulled Milan level with a smart strike in the second half, but Milan could not muster a winner, despite Empoli captain Mirko Valdifiori being shown a late red card.

As well as handing debuts to the Chelsea duo, Inzaghi recalled defender Daniele Bonera, in an attempt to revitalise his side after Saturday's setback.

But it was Empoli who made the more assured start, moving the ball well and controlling the tempo.

And they got their reward after 13 minutes when Tonelli took advantage of some flat-footed defending from Bonera to meet Valdifiori's in-swinging corner with a powerful header to open the scoring.

It could have been much worse for Milan in the following five minutes, but Christian Abbiati twice got down smartly to deny Pucciarelli and Francesco Tavano after more slack defending.

But Abbiati was left helpless after 21 minutes as Pucciarelli doubled the lead. A well-worked Empoli free-kick from Valdifiori, flicked low into the box, caught Bonera and Milan on their heels once more and Pucciarelli was allowed to slot in from close range.

Milan improved marginally going forward, but remained limited to shots from distance with a low drive from Giacomo Bonaventura – who came on to replace the injured Van Ginkel - the only one to trouble goalkeeper Luigi Sepe.

That was until Torres made his mark with a wonderful flicked header into the far corner from Ignazio Abate's right-wing cross two minutes before the break.

Milan's defending continued to present Empoli with opportunities, however, and Tavano wasted the best of them 10 minutes into the second half as he scuffed wide when through one-on-one.

Tavano was made to pay for that in the 57th minute when Honda levelled. Abate was involved again, supplying the Japan international, who showed quick feet to engineer a shot from 20 yards that found the bottom corner.

The turnaround looked to be complete when Torres teed up Jeremy Menez in an almost identical position, but his shot crashed back off the crossbar.
Milan had the momentum, but when Torres tired and was replaced with 10 minutes to play, the visitors' energy dropped.

The game swung Milan's way once more when Valdifiori was sent off for a high challenge on Nigel de Jong that earned him a second yellow card in the space of less than 60 seconds on 86 minutes, but Inzaghi's men failed to take advantage.

 

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Torres ge 1st Milan goal 1ka​

 

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Arsenal 1-2 Southampton: Clyne screamer dumps out Gunners

A stunning long-range effort from Nathaniel Clyne was enough to see Southampton come from behind to shock Arsenal at the Emirates with a 2-1 victory and progress to the fourth round of the League Cup.

Right-back Clyne fired home from 30 yards out five minutes before half-time to ensure that Ronald Koeman's impressive start to his Saints tenure continued with a third-round victory over a much-changed Gunners side. Alexis Sanchez had put the hosts in front with a stunning free-kick, but Arsene Wenger's wait to win this competition for the first time goes on after the visitors mounted a fightback for a win which was no more than they deserved.

Dusan Tadic equalised with his first goal for the club from the penalty spot after Tomas Rosicky had brought down the impressive Sadio Mane and Clyne's thunderbolt put the south-coast club through.

Wenger made 10 changes to the side that beat Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday, with Abou Diaby making his first Arsenal start in 19 months after recovering from a knee injury, while goalkeeper David Ospina was handed a debut following his close-season move from Nice and Calum Chambers faced his former club.Mane came in for his Southampton debut as one of five changes to the side that won at Swansea City at the weekend.

Steven Davis had a chance to mark his recall with a goal in the ninth minute, but Ospina reacted quickly to narrow the angle and thwart the midfielder after Tadic had picked him out with a lovely throughball.It was the home side who were in front five minutes later, though, courtesy of a moment of class from Alexis.

The big-money signing from Barcelona lined up a free-kick 25 yards from goal and Fraser Forster could only watch on as the ball curled over the wall and into the net.
Southampton looked dangerous going forward and it came as no surprise when they pegged Arsenal bag after 20 minutes, when Tadic calmly slotted home a penalty after Rosicky had upended the lively Mane.

The equaliser was fully justified for the visitors and they were in front five minutes before half-time, as Clyne let fly with a venomous right-footed strike from 30 yards out which Ospina failed to keep out after a Tadic corner had been cleared into the defender's path.Forster then got down well to keep out a Lukas Podolski strike at his near post to ensure Koeman's side led at the break.

Southampton continued to cause problems for the Arsenal defence and they could have extended their lead immediately after the restart, but Davis failed to get a clean contact on his shot after a lovely move.Tadic was a constant menace to the home side and Ospina had to be alert to palm away the Serbian's left-footed free-kick midway through the second half.

Diaby was replaced by Santi Cazorla after 66 minutes as Wenger attempted to turn the tide and they were almost level soon afterwards, when Alexis fired straight at Forster from six yards out.Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also came on to face his former club, but Southampton stood firm.

Graziano Pelle ought to have sealed it four minutes from time when he headed Davis' corner over the crossbar, but Arsenal were unable to make the striker pay for that miss.