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Villarreal 2-2 Real Madrid: Bale & Ronaldo goals cancelled out by Submarine strikes
Gareth Bale's debut was ruined by an admirable Villarreal performance as the newly promoted hosts held Real Madrid to a 2-2 draw.
The Welshman made his first competitive start for the club since his world-record move from Tottenham and he began repaying his huge fee by cancelling out Cani's opener at El Madrigal just before half-time.
Cristiano Ronaldo refused to be overshadowed as he put Madrid ahead with a breakaway goal after 64 minutes, but their lead was short-lived as Giovani dos Santos equalised just nine minutes later.
Carlo Ancelotti opted to start Bale on the right, with Isco in the centre and Ronaldo on the left behind lone striker Karim Benzema as midfielder Asier Illarramendi also made his first start for the Blancos.
Villarreal made just one change to the side that beat Osasuna 3-0 in their last La Liga fixture, with Dos Santos replacing Jeremy Perbet.
Despite the wealth of talent in Real's ranks, it was the home side who made the more positive opening and twice in the opening 15 minutes Jonathan Pereira was denied at the near post by Diego Lopez, but they got the breakthrough deservedly in the 21st minute.Real failed to clear their lines with Pereira and Bruno Soriano both looking to pounce, but the ball spilled kindly to Cani, who smashed home into the bottom corner.
It could have been even worse just short of the half-hour mark when the influential Pereira played a sublime backheel to Javier Aquino, whose initial shot was saved by Lopez before the goalkeeper stopped the rebound.
Real were reeling but they should have been level on 34 minutes when Sergio Ramos chipped a superb pass over the top for Ronaldo, but he uncharacteristically steered his header wide.
Against the run of play, Real did get the equaliser, when Bale opened his account for his new club. Daniel Carvajal broke down the right before putting in a teasing low cross and the Welshman nipped in ahead of Mario and slid to poke home with his right foot from close range.
Villarreal had shouts for a penalty shortly after the restart when a Dos Santos effort struck Bale on the arm before Bale nearly irked the home fans further when his 25-yard drive went narrowly over the crossbar.
And the home side should have been back in front in the 54th minute. Dos Santos backheeled smartly to Pereira and his centre found Jaume Costa unmarked, but from eight yards he somehow side-footed wide.Bale soon departed, withdrawn by Ancelotti, but that was the signal for Ronaldo to take over as he punished the hosts in the 64th minute.
He broke from his own half and laid the ball into the path of Benzema, whose initial shot was parried back to Ronaldo to fire a deflected effort that put Real ahead.
However, the lead lasted less than 10 minutes before Lopez parried Cani's shot into the path of Dos Santos, who drilled home the equaliser.Villarreal pushed forward for a winner in the closing stages and Cani was denied a second when Lopez produced an outstanding save to stop his rasping drive.
At the other end, Ronaldo almost got the winner for Real in the 87th minute, but his fierce 20-yard effort was parried to safety by Sergio Asenjo.
Gareth Bale's debut was ruined by an admirable Villarreal performance as the newly promoted hosts held Real Madrid to a 2-2 draw.
The Welshman made his first competitive start for the club since his world-record move from Tottenham and he began repaying his huge fee by cancelling out Cani's opener at El Madrigal just before half-time.
Cristiano Ronaldo refused to be overshadowed as he put Madrid ahead with a breakaway goal after 64 minutes, but their lead was short-lived as Giovani dos Santos equalised just nine minutes later.
Carlo Ancelotti opted to start Bale on the right, with Isco in the centre and Ronaldo on the left behind lone striker Karim Benzema as midfielder Asier Illarramendi also made his first start for the Blancos.
Villarreal made just one change to the side that beat Osasuna 3-0 in their last La Liga fixture, with Dos Santos replacing Jeremy Perbet.
Despite the wealth of talent in Real's ranks, it was the home side who made the more positive opening and twice in the opening 15 minutes Jonathan Pereira was denied at the near post by Diego Lopez, but they got the breakthrough deservedly in the 21st minute.Real failed to clear their lines with Pereira and Bruno Soriano both looking to pounce, but the ball spilled kindly to Cani, who smashed home into the bottom corner.
It could have been even worse just short of the half-hour mark when the influential Pereira played a sublime backheel to Javier Aquino, whose initial shot was saved by Lopez before the goalkeeper stopped the rebound.
Real were reeling but they should have been level on 34 minutes when Sergio Ramos chipped a superb pass over the top for Ronaldo, but he uncharacteristically steered his header wide.
Against the run of play, Real did get the equaliser, when Bale opened his account for his new club. Daniel Carvajal broke down the right before putting in a teasing low cross and the Welshman nipped in ahead of Mario and slid to poke home with his right foot from close range.
Villarreal had shouts for a penalty shortly after the restart when a Dos Santos effort struck Bale on the arm before Bale nearly irked the home fans further when his 25-yard drive went narrowly over the crossbar.
And the home side should have been back in front in the 54th minute. Dos Santos backheeled smartly to Pereira and his centre found Jaume Costa unmarked, but from eight yards he somehow side-footed wide.Bale soon departed, withdrawn by Ancelotti, but that was the signal for Ronaldo to take over as he punished the hosts in the 64th minute.
He broke from his own half and laid the ball into the path of Benzema, whose initial shot was parried back to Ronaldo to fire a deflected effort that put Real ahead.
However, the lead lasted less than 10 minutes before Lopez parried Cani's shot into the path of Dos Santos, who drilled home the equaliser.Villarreal pushed forward for a winner in the closing stages and Cani was denied a second when Lopez produced an outstanding save to stop his rasping drive.
At the other end, Ronaldo almost got the winner for Real in the 87th minute, but his fierce 20-yard effort was parried to safety by Sergio Asenjo.
Torino 2-2 AC Milan: Late Balotelli penalty saves point for Rossoneri
Mario Balotelli struck a 97th minute penalty to earn AC Milan a 2-2 draw away to Torino on Saturday.
Second-half goals from Torino duo Danilo D'Ambrosio and Alessio Cerci took advantage of some inept defensive play before Sulley Muntari pulled one back for the visitors with two minutes remaining.
Balotelli then kept his cool to convert an injury-time penalty and grab Milan an undeserved point.
Milan's form this season has been indifferent after their opening-day loss to Hellas Verona, and Celtic - their next opponents - will be hopeful of a postive result when the two sides face each other next week in the UEFA Champions League.
The visitors, though, were buoyed by the return of Brazilian Kaka, making his second debut for the club after moving from Real Madrid on deadline day.
Massimiliano Allegri's side's injury crisis became alarmingly apparent after 20 minutes. Torino burst into the visitors' final third on two occasions with the Milan back four all at sea, but were not able to capitalise.
Cerci fired in a low free kick on 28 minutes wide on the right that had the Milan defence again scrambling to clear their lines.
A pacy Torino first-half showing threatened to upstage Kaka's return before Milan finally got a foothold in the game and went close through defender Cristian Zapata three minutes before half-time.
Balotelli was fouled by Emiliano Moretti, but the resulting free kick was headed wide by the Colombian.
Allegri's injury woes increased when Riccardo Montolivo pulled up on the stroke of half-time and was replaced by Andrea Poli.
The second period quickly saw Milan fall one goal behind after they allowed D'Ambrosio far too much space inside the penalty area - the 25-year-old was able to turn onto his right foot and lash home a curling shot past Christian Abbiati in the Milan goal.
With 20 minutes to go, Allegri took Kaka off and replaced him with Valter Birsa, but things then went bad to worse for Milan. The ever-impressive Cerci sprinted into the box after Milan's defence were again caught cold by Torino's speedy attacks.
Cerci found himself in acres of space and calmly lifted the ball over Abbiati to all but seal the match for his side.
Muntari scored a bizarre late goal to get Milan back into the match with two minutes of normal time to go as he slipped when shooting and the ball trickled into the net.
Poli was then upended by Giovanni Pasquale inside the area in stoppage time to gift Milan a chance to level from the penalty spot.
Torino were furious as they felt Poli was playing for it, but it mattered little as Balotelli sent the goalkeeper the wrong way with the last kick of the game to earn Milan a point and make it four goals in his last four games for club and country for the striker.
Mario Balotelli struck a 97th minute penalty to earn AC Milan a 2-2 draw away to Torino on Saturday.
Second-half goals from Torino duo Danilo D'Ambrosio and Alessio Cerci took advantage of some inept defensive play before Sulley Muntari pulled one back for the visitors with two minutes remaining.
Balotelli then kept his cool to convert an injury-time penalty and grab Milan an undeserved point.
Milan's form this season has been indifferent after their opening-day loss to Hellas Verona, and Celtic - their next opponents - will be hopeful of a postive result when the two sides face each other next week in the UEFA Champions League.
The visitors, though, were buoyed by the return of Brazilian Kaka, making his second debut for the club after moving from Real Madrid on deadline day.
Massimiliano Allegri's side's injury crisis became alarmingly apparent after 20 minutes. Torino burst into the visitors' final third on two occasions with the Milan back four all at sea, but were not able to capitalise.
Cerci fired in a low free kick on 28 minutes wide on the right that had the Milan defence again scrambling to clear their lines.
A pacy Torino first-half showing threatened to upstage Kaka's return before Milan finally got a foothold in the game and went close through defender Cristian Zapata three minutes before half-time.
Balotelli was fouled by Emiliano Moretti, but the resulting free kick was headed wide by the Colombian.
Allegri's injury woes increased when Riccardo Montolivo pulled up on the stroke of half-time and was replaced by Andrea Poli.
The second period quickly saw Milan fall one goal behind after they allowed D'Ambrosio far too much space inside the penalty area - the 25-year-old was able to turn onto his right foot and lash home a curling shot past Christian Abbiati in the Milan goal.
With 20 minutes to go, Allegri took Kaka off and replaced him with Valter Birsa, but things then went bad to worse for Milan. The ever-impressive Cerci sprinted into the box after Milan's defence were again caught cold by Torino's speedy attacks.
Cerci found himself in acres of space and calmly lifted the ball over Abbiati to all but seal the match for his side.
Muntari scored a bizarre late goal to get Milan back into the match with two minutes of normal time to go as he slipped when shooting and the ball trickled into the net.
Poli was then upended by Giovanni Pasquale inside the area in stoppage time to gift Milan a chance to level from the penalty spot.
Torino were furious as they felt Poli was playing for it, but it mattered little as Balotelli sent the goalkeeper the wrong way with the last kick of the game to earn Milan a point and make it four goals in his last four games for club and country for the striker.
Barcelona 3-2 Sevilla: Last-ditch Sanchez strike seals dramatic win
Barcelona sealed a 3-2 win over Sevilla in the most dramatic of fashions on Saturday with Alexis Sanchez's a stoppage-time goal.
Dani Alves and Lionel Messi helped the Blaugrana into a cushioned lead but, with 10 minutes to go, Ivan Rakitic pulled a goal back for the visitors before Coke levelled with full-time imminent.
Both sides pushed for a last-ditch winner, with Unai Emery's men keen to crown a dream comeback, but it was the hosts who found it, with Messi's mazy run setting up Alexis to seal the three points.
Barca made just two changes from the team that picked up three points away to Valencia prior to the international matches courtesy of a Messi hat-trick, with Cesc Fabregas and Pedro dropped in favour of Xavi and Cristian Tello.
Meanwhile, Sevilla, who went into the match without a league win this season, made four changes from their 2-2 home draw against Malaga as Javi Varas, Diego Perotti, Carlos Bacca and Bryan Rabello were replaced by Beto, Vitolo, Jairo Samperio and debutant Sebastian Cristoforo.
Emery’s team were on the back foot from the start and Neymar almost gave Barcelona the lead in the third minute as he shot across goal, but Beto tipped his effort around the post - a recurring theme in the first 15 minutes.
Sevilla eventually grew as an attacking force, but at the other end of the pitch Neymar continued to wreak havoc. Visiting right-back Coke had no answer to the Brazilian’s close ball control and he set Tello up for two chances in quick succession, but Beto saved on both occasions.
For all their good defensive work, though, Sevilla could not keep Barcelona at bay until half-time as Busquets crossed from deep and Alves arrived at the back post with a late burst to head home against his old club in the 36th minute.
After growing into the match again, Sevilla thought they had levelled in the 64th minute as Cala headed Rakitic’s corner past Victor Valdes, but the centre-back was cruelly adjudged to have fouled Gerard Pique in the build-up.
Barcelona escaped that scare and Messi soon doubled their lead as he burst in front of Fernando Navarro and knocked the ball in from close range after Neymar's low cross.
Sevilla refused to lay down and Rakitic pulled one back with 10 minutes left as he fired low past Valdes after a magnificent run from Vitolo.
And just when Barcelona looked like they would hold on for the three points, Coke volleyed home Rakitic’s corner in stoppage-time as they seemed to have earned a point.
The drama, though, was far from over and Messi had other ideas as he raced to the byline and squared across the box, where Beto could only divert the ball into the path of a grateful Alexis to win it for Barca.
Barcelona sealed a 3-2 win over Sevilla in the most dramatic of fashions on Saturday with Alexis Sanchez's a stoppage-time goal.
Dani Alves and Lionel Messi helped the Blaugrana into a cushioned lead but, with 10 minutes to go, Ivan Rakitic pulled a goal back for the visitors before Coke levelled with full-time imminent.
Both sides pushed for a last-ditch winner, with Unai Emery's men keen to crown a dream comeback, but it was the hosts who found it, with Messi's mazy run setting up Alexis to seal the three points.
Barca made just two changes from the team that picked up three points away to Valencia prior to the international matches courtesy of a Messi hat-trick, with Cesc Fabregas and Pedro dropped in favour of Xavi and Cristian Tello.
Meanwhile, Sevilla, who went into the match without a league win this season, made four changes from their 2-2 home draw against Malaga as Javi Varas, Diego Perotti, Carlos Bacca and Bryan Rabello were replaced by Beto, Vitolo, Jairo Samperio and debutant Sebastian Cristoforo.
Emery’s team were on the back foot from the start and Neymar almost gave Barcelona the lead in the third minute as he shot across goal, but Beto tipped his effort around the post - a recurring theme in the first 15 minutes.
Sevilla eventually grew as an attacking force, but at the other end of the pitch Neymar continued to wreak havoc. Visiting right-back Coke had no answer to the Brazilian’s close ball control and he set Tello up for two chances in quick succession, but Beto saved on both occasions.
For all their good defensive work, though, Sevilla could not keep Barcelona at bay until half-time as Busquets crossed from deep and Alves arrived at the back post with a late burst to head home against his old club in the 36th minute.
After growing into the match again, Sevilla thought they had levelled in the 64th minute as Cala headed Rakitic’s corner past Victor Valdes, but the centre-back was cruelly adjudged to have fouled Gerard Pique in the build-up.
Barcelona escaped that scare and Messi soon doubled their lead as he burst in front of Fernando Navarro and knocked the ball in from close range after Neymar's low cross.
Sevilla refused to lay down and Rakitic pulled one back with 10 minutes left as he fired low past Valdes after a magnificent run from Vitolo.
And just when Barcelona looked like they would hold on for the three points, Coke volleyed home Rakitic’s corner in stoppage-time as they seemed to have earned a point.
The drama, though, was far from over and Messi had other ideas as he raced to the byline and squared across the box, where Beto could only divert the ball into the path of a grateful Alexis to win it for Barca.
Martino: Neymar was flawless
Gerardo Martino branded Neymar's performance as flawless after Barcelona survived a Sevilla fightback to win 3-2 on Saturday.
Dani Alves and Lionel Messi's strikes were cancelled out by Ivan Rakitic and Coke, leaving Alexis Sanchez to net a last-ditch winner in a game that saw the visitors also have a goal controversially ruled out.
But Martino opted to focus instead on how well summer signing Neymar linked up with Messi instead, after the Brazilian prodigy assisted another goal for his Argentine counterpart.
"Neymar played a flawless game from all points of view. He's working very hard for the team, even when defending," Martino stated after the match.
"We're very happy with what he adds to the team. His partnership with Messi is doing well. This was his second assist. Soon we will be fresher and stronger.
"Cesc [Fabregas] is going through a very good spell. He gave us plenty in 15 minutes. I also thank Alexis [Sanchez] - he always offers us alternatives and makes things easier for me."
Sevilla constantly exposed their hosts' frailties at the back despite the Catalans' strong attack play, though Martino remained unperturbed by the defence's set-piece struggles.
"We will not change our man-marking at set pieces," the 50-year-old said. "It's hard to complement our side with zonal marking.
"We need to cover the space behind [Sergio] Busquets. We had problems when we retreated. We need to work better at this."
The Spanish champions were hit with a big injury blow when Jordi Alba limped off the pitch in the first half due to a reported bicep tear in his right leg.
"Alba picked up a thigh muscle tear in his right leg this evening. The player will undergo additional tests on Sunday to determine the extent of the injury," the club's official website read.
Alba has been used extensively at left-back with the Blaugrana in 2013, although it is now all but certain the 24-year-old will miss Wednesday's European clash against Ajax.
Gerardo Martino branded Neymar's performance as flawless after Barcelona survived a Sevilla fightback to win 3-2 on Saturday.
Dani Alves and Lionel Messi's strikes were cancelled out by Ivan Rakitic and Coke, leaving Alexis Sanchez to net a last-ditch winner in a game that saw the visitors also have a goal controversially ruled out.
But Martino opted to focus instead on how well summer signing Neymar linked up with Messi instead, after the Brazilian prodigy assisted another goal for his Argentine counterpart.
"Neymar played a flawless game from all points of view. He's working very hard for the team, even when defending," Martino stated after the match.
"We're very happy with what he adds to the team. His partnership with Messi is doing well. This was his second assist. Soon we will be fresher and stronger.
"Cesc [Fabregas] is going through a very good spell. He gave us plenty in 15 minutes. I also thank Alexis [Sanchez] - he always offers us alternatives and makes things easier for me."
Sevilla constantly exposed their hosts' frailties at the back despite the Catalans' strong attack play, though Martino remained unperturbed by the defence's set-piece struggles.
"We will not change our man-marking at set pieces," the 50-year-old said. "It's hard to complement our side with zonal marking.
"We need to cover the space behind [Sergio] Busquets. We had problems when we retreated. We need to work better at this."
The Spanish champions were hit with a big injury blow when Jordi Alba limped off the pitch in the first half due to a reported bicep tear in his right leg.
"Alba picked up a thigh muscle tear in his right leg this evening. The player will undergo additional tests on Sunday to determine the extent of the injury," the club's official website read.
Alba has been used extensively at left-back with the Blaugrana in 2013, although it is now all but certain the 24-year-old will miss Wednesday's European clash against Ajax.
Milan lucky to get draw, admits Allegri
Massimiliano Allegri has labelled AC Milan lucky to leave Torino with a 2-2 draw considering their performance on Saturday.
The plucky hosts surged into a two-goal lead that the Rossoneri took up late to claw back through goals from Sulley Muntari and Mario Balotelli, whose penalty came in stoppage-time.
Allegri was concerned that his men bared all their frailties on the night, although he admitted he was not surprised considering the circumstances.
"Torino deserve a lot of credit and we don’t. We conceded a lot on the counter-attack and we played badly technically," the 46-year-old told reporters.
"We did well [to draw] and we were lucky. The performance didn’t shock me, the team needs to be changed. Unfortunately we’re missing four internationals.
"We avoided the loss which would have been bad. Now we have to get back on track from the point that we got tonight and find the right balance."
Kaka failed to inspire Milan to victory after being handed his first game since re-joining his former club from Real Madrid, although Allegri has urged the public to allow the San Siro icon more time to deliver.
"Kaka, Balotelli and Robinho have never played together before," the Italian cited. "Kaka needs to get match fitness and to get to know his team-mates better.
"From the point of view of the commitment of the payers, it was a good match. The players did well. They tried to come back into the match and kept believing until the end.
"We have a very big month ahead of us but we can do it."
Milan host Celtic in their Champions League opener on Wednesday, before facing fellow Scudetto candidates Napoli next in Serie A.
Massimiliano Allegri has labelled AC Milan lucky to leave Torino with a 2-2 draw considering their performance on Saturday.
The plucky hosts surged into a two-goal lead that the Rossoneri took up late to claw back through goals from Sulley Muntari and Mario Balotelli, whose penalty came in stoppage-time.
Allegri was concerned that his men bared all their frailties on the night, although he admitted he was not surprised considering the circumstances.
"Torino deserve a lot of credit and we don’t. We conceded a lot on the counter-attack and we played badly technically," the 46-year-old told reporters.
"We did well [to draw] and we were lucky. The performance didn’t shock me, the team needs to be changed. Unfortunately we’re missing four internationals.
"We avoided the loss which would have been bad. Now we have to get back on track from the point that we got tonight and find the right balance."
Kaka failed to inspire Milan to victory after being handed his first game since re-joining his former club from Real Madrid, although Allegri has urged the public to allow the San Siro icon more time to deliver.
"Kaka, Balotelli and Robinho have never played together before," the Italian cited. "Kaka needs to get match fitness and to get to know his team-mates better.
"From the point of view of the commitment of the payers, it was a good match. The players did well. They tried to come back into the match and kept believing until the end.
"We have a very big month ahead of us but we can do it."
Milan host Celtic in their Champions League opener on Wednesday, before facing fellow Scudetto candidates Napoli next in Serie A.
Martinez praises Everton's character after Chelsea victory
Everton manager Roberto Martinez has praised his side's character following their 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Goodison Park on Saturday.
The Merseyside club edged an exhilarating contest thanks to Steven Naismith's close-range header on the stroke of half time.
The home side survived a barrage of efforts from Chelsea, with Jose Mourinho's men wasting several good opportunities throughout the game.
While Martinez believes Everton must still improve, he was delighted with the way his players battled for the win, the Spaniard's first in the Premier League since taking charge at the club.
"It wasn't the perfect performance from our point of view, but we showed great character and all the attributes the team has to show to be a winning side," Martinez said.
"Forget about the technical and tactical side of the game. I think the crowd understood that we are trying to play in a different style, a different manner and at times it can be a bit difficult when you play a team like Chelsea.
"We gave away two or three chances probably from us giving the ball away or not playing to our concepts sharp enough.
"But the way we reacted, the way we took responsibility and defended was immense.
"Then throughout the game I thought we carried a good threat. I always thought we were unlucky not to get a second goal."
Martinez also reserved special praise for debutant Gareth Barry, and expects the 32-year-old to help the club's younger midfielders including Ross Barkley and James McCarthy following his loan move from Manchester City.
He added: "I've been a big admirer of Gareth Barry for a number of years.
"I think Gareth is very unique, that profile of midfielder doesn't exist much in English football.
"He senses danger like no one else, he has great composure, makes good decisions and establishes good relationships all over the park.
"He hasn't played any official minutes this season and he shows that fitness level, it shows he's a pristine professional, works extremely well and he's going to be a great influence on James McCarthy and Ross Barkley. He's going to be perfect guidance for the future."
Everton manager Roberto Martinez has praised his side's character following their 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Goodison Park on Saturday.
The Merseyside club edged an exhilarating contest thanks to Steven Naismith's close-range header on the stroke of half time.
The home side survived a barrage of efforts from Chelsea, with Jose Mourinho's men wasting several good opportunities throughout the game.
While Martinez believes Everton must still improve, he was delighted with the way his players battled for the win, the Spaniard's first in the Premier League since taking charge at the club.
"It wasn't the perfect performance from our point of view, but we showed great character and all the attributes the team has to show to be a winning side," Martinez said.
"Forget about the technical and tactical side of the game. I think the crowd understood that we are trying to play in a different style, a different manner and at times it can be a bit difficult when you play a team like Chelsea.
"We gave away two or three chances probably from us giving the ball away or not playing to our concepts sharp enough.
"But the way we reacted, the way we took responsibility and defended was immense.
"Then throughout the game I thought we carried a good threat. I always thought we were unlucky not to get a second goal."
Martinez also reserved special praise for debutant Gareth Barry, and expects the 32-year-old to help the club's younger midfielders including Ross Barkley and James McCarthy following his loan move from Manchester City.
He added: "I've been a big admirer of Gareth Barry for a number of years.
"I think Gareth is very unique, that profile of midfielder doesn't exist much in English football.
"He senses danger like no one else, he has great composure, makes good decisions and establishes good relationships all over the park.
"He hasn't played any official minutes this season and he shows that fitness level, it shows he's a pristine professional, works extremely well and he's going to be a great influence on James McCarthy and Ross Barkley. He's going to be perfect guidance for the future."
Villas-Boas praises Sigurdsson after Norwich double
Andre Villas-Boas was thrilled with Gylfi Sigurdsson's performance after his brace gave Tottenham a 2-0 win over Norwich on Saturday.
Spurs reinforced their midfield in the close-season by signing the likes of Paulinho and Etienne Capoue, leaving existing players like Sigurdsson with a point to prove.
And the Iceland international did his prospects of earning a regular first-team spot no harm with a fine performance at White Hart Lane, which he capped with a goal either side of half-time. "Sigurdsson is a big fighter in this squad, always hoping for his opportunity to arrive," Villas-Boas said."When it does arrive, he puts on performances like this. It was the same for him last season, in February and March. We saw his best level today."
Sigurdsson was teed up by debutant Christian Eriksen for his first goal and Villas Boas was also impressed with the Denmark international, who was withdrawn late in the game to a standing ovation from the home crowd.
"Eriksen already has so much experience from Ajax," added the Portuguese. "He really linked the game well for us in the final third today. It's easy for him to find his passes when his quality is so good."The former Ajax player was also pleased with his own performance and believes Tottenham can go on to challenge for honours.
"It felt really good. I'm really happy to be here," he said"Hopefully [Tottenham will mount a title challenge] this season, or maybe after. But this is an exciting season.
"They [the fans] can expect great things, they're allowed. We'll try to do our best."
Andre Villas-Boas was thrilled with Gylfi Sigurdsson's performance after his brace gave Tottenham a 2-0 win over Norwich on Saturday.
Spurs reinforced their midfield in the close-season by signing the likes of Paulinho and Etienne Capoue, leaving existing players like Sigurdsson with a point to prove.
And the Iceland international did his prospects of earning a regular first-team spot no harm with a fine performance at White Hart Lane, which he capped with a goal either side of half-time. "Sigurdsson is a big fighter in this squad, always hoping for his opportunity to arrive," Villas-Boas said."When it does arrive, he puts on performances like this. It was the same for him last season, in February and March. We saw his best level today."
Sigurdsson was teed up by debutant Christian Eriksen for his first goal and Villas Boas was also impressed with the Denmark international, who was withdrawn late in the game to a standing ovation from the home crowd.
"Eriksen already has so much experience from Ajax," added the Portuguese. "He really linked the game well for us in the final third today. It's easy for him to find his passes when his quality is so good."The former Ajax player was also pleased with his own performance and believes Tottenham can go on to challenge for honours.
"It felt really good. I'm really happy to be here," he said"Hopefully [Tottenham will mount a title challenge] this season, or maybe after. But this is an exciting season.
"They [the fans] can expect great things, they're allowed. We'll try to do our best."
Manchester United were never going to pay Herrera clause, says Moyes
David Moyes has insisted Manchester United were never going to give into Athletic Bilbao's demands for star player Ander Herrera.
The 24-year-old was one of a number of central-midfield targets Moyes failed to lure to Old Trafford, with Thiago Alcantara preferring Bayern Munich and Cesc Fabregas opting to stay at Barcelona.
Moyes has confirmed an offer of €27 million was lodged, but Athletic were only prepared to part with their talisman if his €36m [£30.6m] release clause was triggered - demands the United boss deemed unsuitable.
"The stuff about Herrera, we made an offer for €27 million and we were never going to go to the buy-out clause," Moyes told reporters.
"All the rubbish that was talked about that - with people going in, they were never working on behalf of us. Never at any time did we increase our offer."
Moyes, though, was bullish when questioned on his other failed attempts at recruiting players, and insisted that Marouane Fellaini - who joined in a deal worth £27.5m in deadline day - was always in his mind, with a pursuit of Leighton Baines preventing earlier confirmation.
"Did we miss out on a lot of targets? No. Was it disappointing? No. We tried to get some great players to join Manchester United and for different reasons we couldn't get them.
"In the end we knew at the start of the window that we liked Marouane Fellaini, you've heard my explanation on why we didn't do it sooner."
David Moyes has insisted Manchester United were never going to give into Athletic Bilbao's demands for star player Ander Herrera.
The 24-year-old was one of a number of central-midfield targets Moyes failed to lure to Old Trafford, with Thiago Alcantara preferring Bayern Munich and Cesc Fabregas opting to stay at Barcelona.
Moyes has confirmed an offer of €27 million was lodged, but Athletic were only prepared to part with their talisman if his €36m [£30.6m] release clause was triggered - demands the United boss deemed unsuitable.
"The stuff about Herrera, we made an offer for €27 million and we were never going to go to the buy-out clause," Moyes told reporters.
"All the rubbish that was talked about that - with people going in, they were never working on behalf of us. Never at any time did we increase our offer."
Moyes, though, was bullish when questioned on his other failed attempts at recruiting players, and insisted that Marouane Fellaini - who joined in a deal worth £27.5m in deadline day - was always in his mind, with a pursuit of Leighton Baines preventing earlier confirmation.
"Did we miss out on a lot of targets? No. Was it disappointing? No. We tried to get some great players to join Manchester United and for different reasons we couldn't get them.
"In the end we knew at the start of the window that we liked Marouane Fellaini, you've heard my explanation on why we didn't do it sooner."
Klopp: Dortmund were outstanding
Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp praised his team's "outstanding" landslide 6-2 victory against Hamburg on Saturday.
Thorsten Fink's men could have dared to think they had secured a point when they drew level at 2-2, but were subsequently unprepared for an avalanche of goals late in the second half as the Schwarzgelben retook the initiative.
Despite admitting his side had to improve, Klopp could not stifle a smile when recalling how Dortmund took complete control of the Bundesliga tie.
"After it became 2-2 we remained quiet for a bit, but then it was outstanding. It was really fun, we were so hard to stop," grinned the 46-year-old to reporters.
"This was a step forward for us, despite the two goals. This must not happen to us, especially in the Champions League. We must take drastic action to improve the standards."
Despite the success that ensures the Ruhr outfit retain top spot in the Bundesliga, Klopp admitted his concern over the fitness of Neven Subotic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
"Neven took a knock to the foot in the first half but thought he could continue," he added. "We will regulate his exertions in the next days.
"Mkhitaryan received a blow to the knee. [Sven] Bender is a little bent over. I hope we can all come out of this cleanly."
Subotic and summer signing Mkhitaryan were withdrawn in the second period, but doubts still remain for Tuesday's Champions League opener against Napoli.
Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp praised his team's "outstanding" landslide 6-2 victory against Hamburg on Saturday.
Thorsten Fink's men could have dared to think they had secured a point when they drew level at 2-2, but were subsequently unprepared for an avalanche of goals late in the second half as the Schwarzgelben retook the initiative.
Despite admitting his side had to improve, Klopp could not stifle a smile when recalling how Dortmund took complete control of the Bundesliga tie.
"After it became 2-2 we remained quiet for a bit, but then it was outstanding. It was really fun, we were so hard to stop," grinned the 46-year-old to reporters.
"This was a step forward for us, despite the two goals. This must not happen to us, especially in the Champions League. We must take drastic action to improve the standards."
Despite the success that ensures the Ruhr outfit retain top spot in the Bundesliga, Klopp admitted his concern over the fitness of Neven Subotic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
"Neven took a knock to the foot in the first half but thought he could continue," he added. "We will regulate his exertions in the next days.
"Mkhitaryan received a blow to the knee. [Sven] Bender is a little bent over. I hope we can all come out of this cleanly."
Subotic and summer signing Mkhitaryan were withdrawn in the second period, but doubts still remain for Tuesday's Champions League opener against Napoli.
Mourinho: Chelsea lacked killer instinct in Everton defeat
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho bemoaned his side's inability to convert chances in their 1-0 defeat away to Everton on Saturday.
Samuel Eto'o, who started on his Chelsea debut, and Andre Schurrle both squandered good opportunities in the first half to put their side in front.
And they were duly punished for not capitalising on those chances when Steven Naismith scored a close-range header on the stroke of half-time, after positive build-up play from Ross Barkley and Nikica Jelavic.
Chelsea continued to press for the equaliser in the second half at Goodison Park, but failed to find a way past Everton, leaving Mourinho to suffer to his first Premier League defeat since returning to Stamford Bridge.
"We had chances and chances and we didn't score. If you don't score what you create it means nothing," said the Chelsea manager.
"If you create and score goals you get three points and win the game. Perhaps we didn't have the killer instinct, maybe one day we'll have three chances and score three goals.
"The players are good so sooner or later we will score goals related to the production of chances. We have to play to our strengths which is what we did, but we have to put the ball in the net."
Mourinho also felt his side should have had a penalty when substitute Oscar was fouled by Sylvain Distin in the second half, but referee Howard Webb waved for play on.
He added: "Normally a top referee, and he is a top referee, a penalty is a penalty. We would have had a good chance.
"If that is not a penalty the one for Manchester United against Crystal Palace is not a penalty."
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho bemoaned his side's inability to convert chances in their 1-0 defeat away to Everton on Saturday.
Samuel Eto'o, who started on his Chelsea debut, and Andre Schurrle both squandered good opportunities in the first half to put their side in front.
And they were duly punished for not capitalising on those chances when Steven Naismith scored a close-range header on the stroke of half-time, after positive build-up play from Ross Barkley and Nikica Jelavic.
Chelsea continued to press for the equaliser in the second half at Goodison Park, but failed to find a way past Everton, leaving Mourinho to suffer to his first Premier League defeat since returning to Stamford Bridge.
"We had chances and chances and we didn't score. If you don't score what you create it means nothing," said the Chelsea manager.
"If you create and score goals you get three points and win the game. Perhaps we didn't have the killer instinct, maybe one day we'll have three chances and score three goals.
"The players are good so sooner or later we will score goals related to the production of chances. We have to play to our strengths which is what we did, but we have to put the ball in the net."
Mourinho also felt his side should have had a penalty when substitute Oscar was fouled by Sylvain Distin in the second half, but referee Howard Webb waved for play on.
He added: "Normally a top referee, and he is a top referee, a penalty is a penalty. We would have had a good chance.
"If that is not a penalty the one for Manchester United against Crystal Palace is not a penalty."
Gareth Bale has scored against Villarreal his first goal for Real Madrid in his first shot in La Liga.
Congratulations Bale!
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