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Arsenal patta
Aston Villa 3-2 Manchester City: Weimann completes dramatic turnaround
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patta comeback eka
Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid: Diego Costa puts Colchoneros into seventh heaven
Diego Costa stroked home the only goal of the Madrid derby as Atletico stunned Real at the Bernabeu for the second time in under five months.
The Brazilian striker scored in the 11th minute and might be disappointed to have not added to his tally, but one was enough as Atletico continued to match Barcelona stride for stride at the top of the Primera Division.
This seventh successive win came despite Real finishing the game with both Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, making his home debut after an B£85million move from Tottenham, on the pitch.It may prove hugely significant come next May. On a late September evening it seemed significant enough.Atletico, who ended a 25-match winless run against Real by beating them at the Bernabeu in last season's Copa del Rey final, had an excellent first half and deservedly led.
A game that began at a typically hectic pace took its intriguing turn when a mistake from Angel Di Maria left Madrid flat-footed and a quick pass from Koke behind the defence played in Costa.As Madrid waited for an offside flag, Costa brought the ball under his control and guided a low 15-yard finish under Diego Lopez and across goal into the bottom right corner.
With Ronaldo quiet, it fell to Di Maria to provide the early creativity as he looked to atone for his defensive lapse. One cross from the right for Karim Benzema was made to measure, and the French striker's header might have beaten Thibaut Courtois had it not taken a touch off Diego Godin that went unnoticed by referee Antonio Mateu.
A clear chance arrived at the other end for Tiago but the only impressive part of the midfielder's attempt to head Atletico 2-0 in front was his dash to meet a right-wing corner. His unmarked header from 10 yards floated harmlessly high over the bar.
An equally good chance from an identical situation arrived in the 41st minute and Lopez made a fine double save, firstly to deny Gabi when his powerful downwards header hit the target, and then when Costa lunged in, lustily chasing the loose ball.
Real brought on Luka Modric and Bale for the second half, as Di Maria and Asier Illarramendi made way.The Copa del Rey victory was a warning shot from Atletico to their illustrious neighbours and this reinforced their threat to the familiar Real-Barcelona duopoly in the Spanish league.
Costa scored the opener in the cup final, while Ronaldo and Gabi were sent off and Jose Mourinho banished from the touchline.With Mourinho gone, Carlo Ancelotti is at the Real helm.
Along the touchline, Atletico boss Diego Simeone, with his oiled-back black hair and dark suit, and forthright touchline manner, cut a menacing figure throughout Saturday's game, one to whom his players were responding.
Costa raced behind the static Real defence again on the hour but fluffed his control. Despite getting a firm low shot on target, it was straight at Lopez.At the other end, Bale went down on the edge of the penalty area. Deferring to Ronaldo, Bale watched as his new team-mate lashed the free-kick halfway up the stand behind Courtois' goal.
Ronaldo and Modric threatened with further shots on goal but Koke might have finished Real off in the 81st minute, when with his left boot he skilfully clipped a shot towards the top left corner from 15 yards, only for the crossbar to deny him.
Twenty-year-old substitute Alvaro Morata looked the most likely saviour for Real, and his acrobatic volley was well pushed away by Courtois. Tiago hit the outside of the post at one end, Morata found the sidenetting at the other.
It was Atletico's night. Increasingly they might be thinking it could be their season.
Diego Costa stroked home the only goal of the Madrid derby as Atletico stunned Real at the Bernabeu for the second time in under five months.
The Brazilian striker scored in the 11th minute and might be disappointed to have not added to his tally, but one was enough as Atletico continued to match Barcelona stride for stride at the top of the Primera Division.
This seventh successive win came despite Real finishing the game with both Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, making his home debut after an B£85million move from Tottenham, on the pitch.It may prove hugely significant come next May. On a late September evening it seemed significant enough.Atletico, who ended a 25-match winless run against Real by beating them at the Bernabeu in last season's Copa del Rey final, had an excellent first half and deservedly led.
A game that began at a typically hectic pace took its intriguing turn when a mistake from Angel Di Maria left Madrid flat-footed and a quick pass from Koke behind the defence played in Costa.As Madrid waited for an offside flag, Costa brought the ball under his control and guided a low 15-yard finish under Diego Lopez and across goal into the bottom right corner.
With Ronaldo quiet, it fell to Di Maria to provide the early creativity as he looked to atone for his defensive lapse. One cross from the right for Karim Benzema was made to measure, and the French striker's header might have beaten Thibaut Courtois had it not taken a touch off Diego Godin that went unnoticed by referee Antonio Mateu.
A clear chance arrived at the other end for Tiago but the only impressive part of the midfielder's attempt to head Atletico 2-0 in front was his dash to meet a right-wing corner. His unmarked header from 10 yards floated harmlessly high over the bar.
An equally good chance from an identical situation arrived in the 41st minute and Lopez made a fine double save, firstly to deny Gabi when his powerful downwards header hit the target, and then when Costa lunged in, lustily chasing the loose ball.
Real brought on Luka Modric and Bale for the second half, as Di Maria and Asier Illarramendi made way.The Copa del Rey victory was a warning shot from Atletico to their illustrious neighbours and this reinforced their threat to the familiar Real-Barcelona duopoly in the Spanish league.
Costa scored the opener in the cup final, while Ronaldo and Gabi were sent off and Jose Mourinho banished from the touchline.With Mourinho gone, Carlo Ancelotti is at the Real helm.
Along the touchline, Atletico boss Diego Simeone, with his oiled-back black hair and dark suit, and forthright touchline manner, cut a menacing figure throughout Saturday's game, one to whom his players were responding.
Costa raced behind the static Real defence again on the hour but fluffed his control. Despite getting a firm low shot on target, it was straight at Lopez.At the other end, Bale went down on the edge of the penalty area. Deferring to Ronaldo, Bale watched as his new team-mate lashed the free-kick halfway up the stand behind Courtois' goal.
Ronaldo and Modric threatened with further shots on goal but Koke might have finished Real off in the 81st minute, when with his left boot he skilfully clipped a shot towards the top left corner from 15 yards, only for the crossbar to deny him.
Twenty-year-old substitute Alvaro Morata looked the most likely saviour for Real, and his acrobatic volley was well pushed away by Courtois. Tiago hit the outside of the post at one end, Morata found the sidenetting at the other.
It was Atletico's night. Increasingly they might be thinking it could be their season.
Ancelotti slams Madrid attitude
Carlo Ancelotti has criticised his Real Madrid team's performance during the 1-0 derby loss to Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
The Blancos struggled to create chances during the Bernabeu clash and the Italian feels a lack of urgency cost them in the end.
"We were slow in attack. We didn't have a good game. We have to recover and improve," he told reporters after the game.
"Losing a match at home is not easy. I have to think about solutions. We played well up until last week. We have to continue working with the same system but I'm confident we will improve.
"We must improve a lot of things including our attitude and confidence. I have faith in my players. The problem is not our style of play; it's with our pace."
Despite his disappointment with his team and their performance, the former Chelsea and AC Milan coach was full of praise for Atletico.
"Atletico Madrid deserved to win the game. They were organised and solid in defence. I think Atletico are a very solid team with a lot of quality. They can compete for the league title."
Meanwhile, Madrid defender Sergio Ramos believes his side are still in contention for the Liga title this term.
"We have to keep working hard to win as many titles as possible. The important thing is how the season ends, not how it starts.
"When you do not win and things do not go how you wanted you have to reflect and take something out of the match.
"You cannot live in the past, you have to show every day that the team that makes fewer mistakes takes the win."
Carlo Ancelotti has criticised his Real Madrid team's performance during the 1-0 derby loss to Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
The Blancos struggled to create chances during the Bernabeu clash and the Italian feels a lack of urgency cost them in the end.
"We were slow in attack. We didn't have a good game. We have to recover and improve," he told reporters after the game.
"Losing a match at home is not easy. I have to think about solutions. We played well up until last week. We have to continue working with the same system but I'm confident we will improve.
"We must improve a lot of things including our attitude and confidence. I have faith in my players. The problem is not our style of play; it's with our pace."
Despite his disappointment with his team and their performance, the former Chelsea and AC Milan coach was full of praise for Atletico.
"Atletico Madrid deserved to win the game. They were organised and solid in defence. I think Atletico are a very solid team with a lot of quality. They can compete for the league title."
Meanwhile, Madrid defender Sergio Ramos believes his side are still in contention for the Liga title this term.
"We have to keep working hard to win as many titles as possible. The important thing is how the season ends, not how it starts.
"When you do not win and things do not go how you wanted you have to reflect and take something out of the match.
"You cannot live in the past, you have to show every day that the team that makes fewer mistakes takes the win."
Title challenge 'hard' - Simeone
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has claimed that it would be tough for his side to challenge for the Liga title this term.
The capital club kept up their 100 per cent record this term with a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, their first league victory over their rivals for 14 years.
However, Simeone believes that Barcelona and Madrid's superior finances will make it hard for Atleti to challenge them in the long term.
"It would be demagogically perfect to change [the dynamic of a two-team league] but across the season the economic power [of Barcelona and Madrid] is superior to the rest," he told reporters.
"It makes it hard for us to challenge over a league season. We have our weapons and we try to give our lives in every game."
Focusing on the match, Simeone went on to praise his players' performances and commitment to the club.
"They played extraordinarily well. From their intensity to knowing where to cause harm [to Madrid]. I congratulate them because they have responded really well in an important game. The loyalty to the team and the club depends on all of us.
"We only speak about ourselves, [and] I believe we interpreted the game well. We understood that we could take advantage of Diego [Costa] between the lines and Villa played the perfect game tactically. We missed a couple of great chances in the one-on-one.
"But the players stood up: from the first to the 18th [of those called up], we knew there was only one option: and that was to win the game."
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has claimed that it would be tough for his side to challenge for the Liga title this term.
The capital club kept up their 100 per cent record this term with a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, their first league victory over their rivals for 14 years.
However, Simeone believes that Barcelona and Madrid's superior finances will make it hard for Atleti to challenge them in the long term.
"It would be demagogically perfect to change [the dynamic of a two-team league] but across the season the economic power [of Barcelona and Madrid] is superior to the rest," he told reporters.
"It makes it hard for us to challenge over a league season. We have our weapons and we try to give our lives in every game."
Focusing on the match, Simeone went on to praise his players' performances and commitment to the club.
"They played extraordinarily well. From their intensity to knowing where to cause harm [to Madrid]. I congratulate them because they have responded really well in an important game. The loyalty to the team and the club depends on all of us.
"We only speak about ourselves, [and] I believe we interpreted the game well. We understood that we could take advantage of Diego [Costa] between the lines and Villa played the perfect game tactically. We missed a couple of great chances in the one-on-one.
"But the players stood up: from the first to the 18th [of those called up], we knew there was only one option: and that was to win the game."
Blanc: PSG have improved
Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc has applauded his side for their improved performance in the 2-0 win over Toulouse.
The former Bordeaux coach was critical of his side in the wake of their 1-0 victory over Valenciennes in midweek, saying that only the result was satisfactory.
However, he believes his troops have upped their game since the match at Stade du Hainaut.
"The goal achieved is the same: the three points. the game at Valenciennes was worth three points and so was this one," he told reporters after the match.
"From the two games, we've got six points. It's very good. At Valenciennes I said that only the result was satisfactory because the rest was not good.
"I passed the message that we have to control a match more technically, despite the fatigue. Today, there were shortcomings as the fatigue is still present, but there are players who brought freshness.
"I think that we controlled the game technically better. It was much better than at Valenciennes. This is a fairly logical victory."
PSG host Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc has applauded his side for their improved performance in the 2-0 win over Toulouse.
The former Bordeaux coach was critical of his side in the wake of their 1-0 victory over Valenciennes in midweek, saying that only the result was satisfactory.
However, he believes his troops have upped their game since the match at Stade du Hainaut.
"The goal achieved is the same: the three points. the game at Valenciennes was worth three points and so was this one," he told reporters after the match.
"From the two games, we've got six points. It's very good. At Valenciennes I said that only the result was satisfactory because the rest was not good.
"I passed the message that we have to control a match more technically, despite the fatigue. Today, there were shortcomings as the fatigue is still present, but there are players who brought freshness.
"I think that we controlled the game technically better. It was much better than at Valenciennes. This is a fairly logical victory."
PSG host Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Galatasaray set to appoint Mancini
Galatasaray are set to appoint former Manchester City and Inter boss Roberto Mancini as their new coach following Fatih Terim's departure.
The legendary Turkish boss left the club earlier this week following a bust-up with president Unal Aysal after delivering two Super Lig titles in as many seasons.
Mancini, meanwhile, has been out of work after being sacked by Manchester City back in May following the English side's loss to Wigan in the FA Cup final.
Galatasaray legend Hakan Sukur has confirmed that the two parties are close to reaching a deal but have a difference in opinion concerning the rest of the backroom staff.
"I have a mutual friend with Mancini and I spoke him and Galatasaray and Mancini are in the final stages," he is quoted as saying by Sporx.
"There is a difference only about the assistants. Whether or not Umit [Davala] and Hasan San will remain. Mancini wants to bring his own assistants. I expect this issue to be resolved."
Galatasaray fans showed up the 1-1 draw with Caykur Rizespor on Saturday wearing Terim masks in a show of support for the 60-year-old.
Galatasaray are set to appoint former Manchester City and Inter boss Roberto Mancini as their new coach following Fatih Terim's departure.
The legendary Turkish boss left the club earlier this week following a bust-up with president Unal Aysal after delivering two Super Lig titles in as many seasons.
Mancini, meanwhile, has been out of work after being sacked by Manchester City back in May following the English side's loss to Wigan in the FA Cup final.
Galatasaray legend Hakan Sukur has confirmed that the two parties are close to reaching a deal but have a difference in opinion concerning the rest of the backroom staff.
"I have a mutual friend with Mancini and I spoke him and Galatasaray and Mancini are in the final stages," he is quoted as saying by Sporx.
"There is a difference only about the assistants. Whether or not Umit [Davala] and Hasan San will remain. Mancini wants to bring his own assistants. I expect this issue to be resolved."
Galatasaray fans showed up the 1-1 draw with Caykur Rizespor on Saturday wearing Terim masks in a show of support for the 60-year-old.
Martino frustrated by Barca performances
Barcelona coach Tata Martino had voiced his frustration with his side's lack of control on their matches this season.
The Blaugrana kept up their 100 per cent record in La Liga thanks to a 2-0 win over Almeria, with goals from Lionel Messi and Adriano.
While the former Newell's Old Boys boss was happy with his side's second-half showing against the Andalusians, he has criticised their performance before the break.
"We did not control the game in the first half," he is quoted as saying by Sport.
"We had many inaccurate passes and lost many balls. The second half was all ours and we solved it well with a goal from Adriano.
"We played well one half and reasonably the other and we have to aim for consistency, because the idea is to control it for the 90 minutes.
"We were also lacking movement to keep the ball and give options to the player who has it."
Neymar was left on the bench at Almeria and did not play a single minute, despite Lionel Messi's first-half injury, but Martino has confirmed that he was planning to give the Brazilian a breather.
"He played three or four days ago, has played eight games in a row and is accumulating lots of minutes," he added.
"If he didn't play today and does on Tuesday it will be a difference of just three days and I don't think he doubts his importance to the team, nor will he lose his form."
Barcelona coach Tata Martino had voiced his frustration with his side's lack of control on their matches this season.
The Blaugrana kept up their 100 per cent record in La Liga thanks to a 2-0 win over Almeria, with goals from Lionel Messi and Adriano.
While the former Newell's Old Boys boss was happy with his side's second-half showing against the Andalusians, he has criticised their performance before the break.
"We did not control the game in the first half," he is quoted as saying by Sport.
"We had many inaccurate passes and lost many balls. The second half was all ours and we solved it well with a goal from Adriano.
"We played well one half and reasonably the other and we have to aim for consistency, because the idea is to control it for the 90 minutes.
"We were also lacking movement to keep the ball and give options to the player who has it."
Neymar was left on the bench at Almeria and did not play a single minute, despite Lionel Messi's first-half injury, but Martino has confirmed that he was planning to give the Brazilian a breather.
"He played three or four days ago, has played eight games in a row and is accumulating lots of minutes," he added.
"If he didn't play today and does on Tuesday it will be a difference of just three days and I don't think he doubts his importance to the team, nor will he lose his form."
Klopp: Dortmund have learned from Napoli loss
Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp believes his side learned from their 2-1 Champions League loss to Napoli on September 18.
The Bundesliga giants had won all of their league games prior to their trip to the San Paolo, where goals from Gonzalo Higuain and Lorenzo Insigne consigned them to defeat.
However, they showcased their best form in Saturday's 5-0 victory over Freiburg and Klopp believes his troops have turned a corner.
"We did not feel terribly under pressure," he is quoted as saying by the club's official website.
"We have analysed the game against Napoli in detail and drawn our conclusions. [Against Freiburg] we were in overdrive for the whole of the second half, which makes the job fun.
"So, we did not sit back after the 3-0 or the 2-0 and stepped on the gas. I thought the first half was good too.
"I was very satisfied with our pressing. Robert Lewandowski's [first] goal was outstanding."
BVB face Marseille in the Champions League on Tuesday and Klopp believes that home advantage could be crucial.
"Tuesday will be a challenge, but it will be a home game in front of a packed house."
Lewandowski and Marco Reus exchanged doubles for Dortmund against Freiburg, with Jakub Blaszczykowski adding the fifth.
Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp believes his side learned from their 2-1 Champions League loss to Napoli on September 18.
The Bundesliga giants had won all of their league games prior to their trip to the San Paolo, where goals from Gonzalo Higuain and Lorenzo Insigne consigned them to defeat.
However, they showcased their best form in Saturday's 5-0 victory over Freiburg and Klopp believes his troops have turned a corner.
"We did not feel terribly under pressure," he is quoted as saying by the club's official website.
"We have analysed the game against Napoli in detail and drawn our conclusions. [Against Freiburg] we were in overdrive for the whole of the second half, which makes the job fun.
"So, we did not sit back after the 3-0 or the 2-0 and stepped on the gas. I thought the first half was good too.
"I was very satisfied with our pressing. Robert Lewandowski's [first] goal was outstanding."
BVB face Marseille in the Champions League on Tuesday and Klopp believes that home advantage could be crucial.
"Tuesday will be a challenge, but it will be a home game in front of a packed house."
Lewandowski and Marco Reus exchanged doubles for Dortmund against Freiburg, with Jakub Blaszczykowski adding the fifth.
Messi set for tests on thigh injury
Barcelona have confirmed that Lionel Messi is set to undergo tests on a thigh injury sustained during the 2-0 win over Almeria on Saturday.
The Argentine star had opened up the scoring for Tata Martino's side in the 21st minute, but was withdrawn shortly afterwards with a knock.
And it has now been confirmed that he ha a thigh problem, but the club are yet to determine how long they will be missing the 26-year-old.
"Messi picked up an injury during the match against Almeria this afternoon," a statement on the club's official website reads.
"The Barcelona forward sustained an injury to the biceps femoris in his right thigh and he will undergo additional tests on Sunday to determine the severity of his injury."
Messi has suffered numerous injury problems of late, most notably when a hamstring problem kept him out of many of the final matches of last season.
His most recent knock renders him a serious doubt for Tuesday's Champions League trip to Celtic.
Barcelona have confirmed that Lionel Messi is set to undergo tests on a thigh injury sustained during the 2-0 win over Almeria on Saturday.
The Argentine star had opened up the scoring for Tata Martino's side in the 21st minute, but was withdrawn shortly afterwards with a knock.
And it has now been confirmed that he ha a thigh problem, but the club are yet to determine how long they will be missing the 26-year-old.
"Messi picked up an injury during the match against Almeria this afternoon," a statement on the club's official website reads.
"The Barcelona forward sustained an injury to the biceps femoris in his right thigh and he will undergo additional tests on Sunday to determine the severity of his injury."
Messi has suffered numerous injury problems of late, most notably when a hamstring problem kept him out of many of the final matches of last season.
His most recent knock renders him a serious doubt for Tuesday's Champions League trip to Celtic.
Guardiola: Bayern must improve to beat City
Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has called on his troops to step up a notch ahead of their Champions League showdown with Manchester City.
The Catalan coach was not impressed with the Bavarians' performance in Saturday's Bundesliga victory over Wolfsburg, with the reigning champions only scraping home thanks to Thomas Muller's goal midway through the second half.
With Bayern facing trips to the Etihad and the BayArena in the next week, Guardiola is in no doubt that his players will have to give more if they are to maintain their current unbeaten run.
"We won, but we have to improve a lot," the former Barcelona boss is quoted as saying by his club's official website.
"We will analyse the game. But I am sure that we will put in better performances in Manchester [on Wednesday] and Leverkusen [on Saturday]."
Meanwhile, match winner Muller admitted that Bayern had not played anywhere near their best at the Allianz Arena, though he felt that their opponents deserved credit for making life difficult for them.
"Wolfsburg gave us nothing, so it was not easy," the attacking midfielder conceded. "They basically went man-for-man all over the pitch and that caused us some problems.
"We can be happy that we won. But it was hard earned.
"Our goal was excellently worked, though, and I am pleased that I am now off the mark in the Bundesliga."
Bayern's eagerly-awaited Group D clash with City is scheduled to kick off at 20:45CET.
Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has called on his troops to step up a notch ahead of their Champions League showdown with Manchester City.
The Catalan coach was not impressed with the Bavarians' performance in Saturday's Bundesliga victory over Wolfsburg, with the reigning champions only scraping home thanks to Thomas Muller's goal midway through the second half.
With Bayern facing trips to the Etihad and the BayArena in the next week, Guardiola is in no doubt that his players will have to give more if they are to maintain their current unbeaten run.
"We won, but we have to improve a lot," the former Barcelona boss is quoted as saying by his club's official website.
"We will analyse the game. But I am sure that we will put in better performances in Manchester [on Wednesday] and Leverkusen [on Saturday]."
Meanwhile, match winner Muller admitted that Bayern had not played anywhere near their best at the Allianz Arena, though he felt that their opponents deserved credit for making life difficult for them.
"Wolfsburg gave us nothing, so it was not easy," the attacking midfielder conceded. "They basically went man-for-man all over the pitch and that caused us some problems.
"We can be happy that we won. But it was hard earned.
"Our goal was excellently worked, though, and I am pleased that I am now off the mark in the Bundesliga."
Bayern's eagerly-awaited Group D clash with City is scheduled to kick off at 20:45CET.
Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 Toulouse: Les Parisiens take top spot
Marquinhos and Edinson Cavani sent Paris Saint-Germain top of Ligue 1 as they extended their unbeaten run to 19 games with a 2-0 win over Toulouse.
The Brazil centre-back bundled home four minutes before the break to give the hosts their reward for a strong first half.
And when Cavani notched his fourth goal of the season from the penalty spot after coming off the bench the win was secured, as PSG put the pressure back on rivals Monaco at the summit.
The hosts rested players ahead of their midweek Champions League clash against Benfica, leaving out Ezequiel Lavezzi, Cavani and Javier Pastore in attack, with Alex and Thiago Silva missing out through injury.
Knowing that a win would take them above Monaco in the table, the hosts looked to dominate the early proceedings, but it was Toulouse who created the first chance after five minutes with Etienne Didot forcing a save from Salvatore Sirigu down to his left from a strong header.
Thiago Motta's eighth-minute strike was PSG's first look at the Toulouse goal, but the Italian's shot was off target.
PSG failed to create another clear opening until the 23rd minute when captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic turned Steeve Yago on the edge of the area, only to see his shot fly wide of the left-hand post.
Toulouse's defensive game plan appeared to be stifling PSG, although they threatened again after half an hour when Lucas Moura's free-kick forced a corner, and Motta's flag-kick saw strong handball appeals turned down.
After 40 minutes, PSG found their breakthrough. Motta's whipped free-kick into the box was headed goalwards towards Marquinhos, who bundled the ball home at the second attempt despite a good initial save from Ali Ahamada.
Toulouse almost levelled instantly as Aymen Abdennour saw his side-footed strike cleared off the line by Marco Verratti in first-half injury time.
PSG boss Laurent Blanc made his first change 10 minutes after the break, introducing Lavezzi for Jeremy Menez after a quiet opening to the half that saw Isiagga Sylla work goalkeeper Sirigu.
The hosts threatened to double their lead on the hour mark as Ibrahimovic was played through, but the Swede saw his shot hit the side netting. Lucas Moura then had another chance four minutes later saved by Ahamada.
Three minutes later, they struck the post - with Adrien Rabiot unfortunate to see his header hit the woodwork - and Blanc reacted by bringing on Cavani for Ibrahimovic.
Clement Chantome’s half volley showed Toulouse were still capable of taking a point on the counter but Cavani then made his impact with 11 minutes left, winning a penalty himself when he was brought down in the box by Uros Spajic, and he calmly slotted home the spot-kick to seal the points.
Marquinhos and Edinson Cavani sent Paris Saint-Germain top of Ligue 1 as they extended their unbeaten run to 19 games with a 2-0 win over Toulouse.
The Brazil centre-back bundled home four minutes before the break to give the hosts their reward for a strong first half.
And when Cavani notched his fourth goal of the season from the penalty spot after coming off the bench the win was secured, as PSG put the pressure back on rivals Monaco at the summit.
The hosts rested players ahead of their midweek Champions League clash against Benfica, leaving out Ezequiel Lavezzi, Cavani and Javier Pastore in attack, with Alex and Thiago Silva missing out through injury.
Knowing that a win would take them above Monaco in the table, the hosts looked to dominate the early proceedings, but it was Toulouse who created the first chance after five minutes with Etienne Didot forcing a save from Salvatore Sirigu down to his left from a strong header.
Thiago Motta's eighth-minute strike was PSG's first look at the Toulouse goal, but the Italian's shot was off target.
PSG failed to create another clear opening until the 23rd minute when captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic turned Steeve Yago on the edge of the area, only to see his shot fly wide of the left-hand post.
Toulouse's defensive game plan appeared to be stifling PSG, although they threatened again after half an hour when Lucas Moura's free-kick forced a corner, and Motta's flag-kick saw strong handball appeals turned down.
After 40 minutes, PSG found their breakthrough. Motta's whipped free-kick into the box was headed goalwards towards Marquinhos, who bundled the ball home at the second attempt despite a good initial save from Ali Ahamada.
Toulouse almost levelled instantly as Aymen Abdennour saw his side-footed strike cleared off the line by Marco Verratti in first-half injury time.
PSG boss Laurent Blanc made his first change 10 minutes after the break, introducing Lavezzi for Jeremy Menez after a quiet opening to the half that saw Isiagga Sylla work goalkeeper Sirigu.
The hosts threatened to double their lead on the hour mark as Ibrahimovic was played through, but the Swede saw his shot hit the side netting. Lucas Moura then had another chance four minutes later saved by Ahamada.
Three minutes later, they struck the post - with Adrien Rabiot unfortunate to see his header hit the woodwork - and Blanc reacted by bringing on Cavani for Ibrahimovic.
Clement Chantome’s half volley showed Toulouse were still capable of taking a point on the counter but Cavani then made his impact with 11 minutes left, winning a penalty himself when he was brought down in the box by Uros Spajic, and he calmly slotted home the spot-kick to seal the points.
Fulham 1-2 Cardiff City: Late Mutch stunner downs Cottagers
Cardiff City picked up their first away win in the Premier League thanks to a 2-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
Steven Caulker put Cardiff ahead with his first goal for the club after 11 minutes, before substitute Bryan Ruiz levelled matters on the stroke of half-time.
Just when it looked as though the sides would have to settle for a point, Jordon Mutch expertly curled an effort past a helpless Robbie Stockdale.
Both sides made one change from their last league outing, with Dimitar Berbatov coming in for Damien Duff after scoring against Everton in the League Cup on Tuesday.
Peter Odemwingie made his first Premier League start for the club, following his debut appearance in the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham.
Fulham were dealt an early blow when Scott Parker was forced off through injury, with Giorgos Karagounis taking his place.
And Cardiff were ahead after 11 minutes thanks to Caulker.
The club captain and record signing rose above Steven Sidwell to head past Stockdale and edge his side in front.
While the hosts were initially rocked by the goal, Martin Jol's men did enjoy a strong spell of possession during the next 10 minutes but struggled to create any clear-cut chances.
They were almost two down when Ben Turner forced a good save from Stockdale after 26 minutes before hitting the outside of the post with another headed effort just a minute later.
Alexander Kacaniklic was swapped for Ruiz five minutes before the break as Jol looked to invigorate his ineffective forward line.
It paid dividends soon after, with Ruiz levelling for Fulham with his first goal of the season.
The Costa Rican curled home a sumptuous effort from outside the area on the stroke of half-time past David Marshall.
Fulham began the second half well but it was Cardiff who created the first chance, with Fraizer Campbell poking over the bar following a Mutch through-ball.
The home side continued to press but were unable to break down Cardiff's resolute defence before Malky Mackay's men struck in injury time.
Mutch opened his account for the club, curling past Stockdale at the death to extend Fulham's winless run in the league to five.
Cardiff City picked up their first away win in the Premier League thanks to a 2-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
Steven Caulker put Cardiff ahead with his first goal for the club after 11 minutes, before substitute Bryan Ruiz levelled matters on the stroke of half-time.
Just when it looked as though the sides would have to settle for a point, Jordon Mutch expertly curled an effort past a helpless Robbie Stockdale.
Both sides made one change from their last league outing, with Dimitar Berbatov coming in for Damien Duff after scoring against Everton in the League Cup on Tuesday.
Peter Odemwingie made his first Premier League start for the club, following his debut appearance in the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham.
Fulham were dealt an early blow when Scott Parker was forced off through injury, with Giorgos Karagounis taking his place.
And Cardiff were ahead after 11 minutes thanks to Caulker.
The club captain and record signing rose above Steven Sidwell to head past Stockdale and edge his side in front.
While the hosts were initially rocked by the goal, Martin Jol's men did enjoy a strong spell of possession during the next 10 minutes but struggled to create any clear-cut chances.
They were almost two down when Ben Turner forced a good save from Stockdale after 26 minutes before hitting the outside of the post with another headed effort just a minute later.
Alexander Kacaniklic was swapped for Ruiz five minutes before the break as Jol looked to invigorate his ineffective forward line.
It paid dividends soon after, with Ruiz levelling for Fulham with his first goal of the season.
The Costa Rican curled home a sumptuous effort from outside the area on the stroke of half-time past David Marshall.
Fulham began the second half well but it was Cardiff who created the first chance, with Fraizer Campbell poking over the bar following a Mutch through-ball.
The home side continued to press but were unable to break down Cardiff's resolute defence before Malky Mackay's men struck in injury time.
Mutch opened his account for the club, curling past Stockdale at the death to extend Fulham's winless run in the league to five.
Hull City Tigers 1-0 West Ham: Brady penalty enough as Allardyce’s men draw blank again
A controversial penalty from Robbie Brady was enough to secure Hull City Tigers a 1-0 victory over West Ham at the KC Stadium on Saturday.
The result secures back-to-back Premier League victories for Steve Bruce’s side, the first time Hull have achieved such a feat since October 2008.
Both sides played their part in an entertaining fixture, but the match was settled when Brady was adjudged to have been fouled by Joey O’Brien in the box and he turned the spot-kick home.
James Tomkins had a header cleared on the line, while Jake Livermore went closes to a second for Hull, but he could only hit the post.
And with 15 minutes remaining West Ham had another penalty claim from a Jake Livermore handball turned away.
Steve Bruce welcomed back Maynor Figueroa after the left-back missed the 3-2 win over Newcastle last Saturday for personal reasons, while West Ham made just one change to the team that lost 3-2 to Everton, Tomkins replacing James Collins at centre-back.
After a bright opening, Hull took the lead in questionable circumstances in the 12th minute.
Ahmed Elmohamady launched a hopeful ball into the box and Brady went down under minimal contact from O’Brien with Kevin Friend awarding the spot-kick to the visitors’ chagrin.
Undeterred by the visitors’ protests, Brady picked himself up to send Jaaskelainen the wrong way.
The goal sparked West Ham into life and James Tomkins saw his header from Matt Jarvis’ corner chested off the line by Elmohamady in the 20th minute. Goal-line technology showed the ball did not cross the line.
Still, the away side pushed forward and Mohamed Diame should have done better when he met Jarvis’ centre but he headed wide from eight yards before missing the ball with a wild swing at another Jarvis cross.
The home side weathered the storm and had several opportunities to extend their advantage before the break.
First, Jaaskelainen made a smart save to his left from a Aluko free kick, before Curtis Davies saw his header cleared off the line by Modibo Maiga and the Finn had to be alert again from the resulting corner to push Elmohamady’s near-post header wide.
The home side had the ball in the back of the net early in the second half when Aluko turned Tomkins and slotted past Jaaskelainen, but the celebrations were curtailed by the linesman’s flag.
West Ham then had a penalty shout in the 53rd minute when Davies jumped to clear a free kick and the ball hit his arm as it travelled towards the turf.
The away side were nearly punished further when Danny Graham controlled Tom Huddlestone’s pass before he laid into Livermore whose driven effort rebounded off the post.
West Ham were denied another penalty with 15 minutes remaining when Livermore appeared to use his elbow to clear Ricardo Vaz Te's cross from the left.
And they once more came close to grabbing a point when Ravel Morrison collected a deep cross but he fired his half-volley well over the crossbar.
West Ham nearly got the leveller their second-half play deserved when Vaz Te attempted a spectacular overhead kick from Morrison's cross, but Allan McGregor held safely to secure the points.
A controversial penalty from Robbie Brady was enough to secure Hull City Tigers a 1-0 victory over West Ham at the KC Stadium on Saturday.
The result secures back-to-back Premier League victories for Steve Bruce’s side, the first time Hull have achieved such a feat since October 2008.
Both sides played their part in an entertaining fixture, but the match was settled when Brady was adjudged to have been fouled by Joey O’Brien in the box and he turned the spot-kick home.
James Tomkins had a header cleared on the line, while Jake Livermore went closes to a second for Hull, but he could only hit the post.
And with 15 minutes remaining West Ham had another penalty claim from a Jake Livermore handball turned away.
Steve Bruce welcomed back Maynor Figueroa after the left-back missed the 3-2 win over Newcastle last Saturday for personal reasons, while West Ham made just one change to the team that lost 3-2 to Everton, Tomkins replacing James Collins at centre-back.
After a bright opening, Hull took the lead in questionable circumstances in the 12th minute.
Ahmed Elmohamady launched a hopeful ball into the box and Brady went down under minimal contact from O’Brien with Kevin Friend awarding the spot-kick to the visitors’ chagrin.
Undeterred by the visitors’ protests, Brady picked himself up to send Jaaskelainen the wrong way.
The goal sparked West Ham into life and James Tomkins saw his header from Matt Jarvis’ corner chested off the line by Elmohamady in the 20th minute. Goal-line technology showed the ball did not cross the line.
Still, the away side pushed forward and Mohamed Diame should have done better when he met Jarvis’ centre but he headed wide from eight yards before missing the ball with a wild swing at another Jarvis cross.
The home side weathered the storm and had several opportunities to extend their advantage before the break.
First, Jaaskelainen made a smart save to his left from a Aluko free kick, before Curtis Davies saw his header cleared off the line by Modibo Maiga and the Finn had to be alert again from the resulting corner to push Elmohamady’s near-post header wide.
The home side had the ball in the back of the net early in the second half when Aluko turned Tomkins and slotted past Jaaskelainen, but the celebrations were curtailed by the linesman’s flag.
West Ham then had a penalty shout in the 53rd minute when Davies jumped to clear a free kick and the ball hit his arm as it travelled towards the turf.
The away side were nearly punished further when Danny Graham controlled Tom Huddlestone’s pass before he laid into Livermore whose driven effort rebounded off the post.
West Ham were denied another penalty with 15 minutes remaining when Livermore appeared to use his elbow to clear Ricardo Vaz Te's cross from the left.
And they once more came close to grabbing a point when Ravel Morrison collected a deep cross but he fired his half-volley well over the crossbar.
West Ham nearly got the leveller their second-half play deserved when Vaz Te attempted a spectacular overhead kick from Morrison's cross, but Allan McGregor held safely to secure the points.
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