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Ranieri: Leicester among the best I've managed
Claudio Ranieri hailed Leicester City as one of the best he has managed after a comfortable 3-0 win over Stoke City sent them back to the summit, but says it is still too early to know if they are genuine Premier League contenders.
Leicester's dream season continued at the King Power Stadium as Danny Drinkwater's first Premier League goal and second-half strikes from Jamie Vardy and Leonardo Ulloa ensured all three points.Ranieri has coached the likes of Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Valencia, Roma and Juventus in his long career, but says few are better than his current charges.
"This is one of the best [sides I have managed at]. Our strength is our passion," Ranieri told BBC Sport. "We put everything into it and that is what I love about these players.
"It was a difficult match because Stoke City are a very difficult team, solid and strong. We wanted to win, and to be top of the league at the end of January is very important for us.
"Nobody can believe it. Our fans are dreaming and I want them to continue to dream. I don't know if we are a contender at this moment. February is a big month and after that month I can say something more realistic."
Vardy ended a run of seven games in all competitions without a goal when he rounded Jack Butland to make it 2-0, but Ranieri says he has been delighted with the England striker's contribution even during his barren run.He added: "I am pleased because I always tell Jamie Vardy it is not important to score a goal, it is important to press and when you score, then it is normal. I am very happy with him."
Drinkwater put Leicester on their way to victory with a well controlled 20-yard half-volley that found its way home via a Marc Wilson deflection.It was the midfielder's first goal since April 2014 and the former Manchester United trainee reflected on a fine afternoon.
"It couldn't have gone much better - three points and a goal," he said. "The boss' influence has been massive. The gaffer has helped all the players and brought in some quality."The lads will work their socks off for whoever is in charge."
Claudio Ranieri hailed Leicester City as one of the best he has managed after a comfortable 3-0 win over Stoke City sent them back to the summit, but says it is still too early to know if they are genuine Premier League contenders.
Leicester's dream season continued at the King Power Stadium as Danny Drinkwater's first Premier League goal and second-half strikes from Jamie Vardy and Leonardo Ulloa ensured all three points.Ranieri has coached the likes of Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Valencia, Roma and Juventus in his long career, but says few are better than his current charges.
"This is one of the best [sides I have managed at]. Our strength is our passion," Ranieri told BBC Sport. "We put everything into it and that is what I love about these players.
"It was a difficult match because Stoke City are a very difficult team, solid and strong. We wanted to win, and to be top of the league at the end of January is very important for us.
"Nobody can believe it. Our fans are dreaming and I want them to continue to dream. I don't know if we are a contender at this moment. February is a big month and after that month I can say something more realistic."
Vardy ended a run of seven games in all competitions without a goal when he rounded Jack Butland to make it 2-0, but Ranieri says he has been delighted with the England striker's contribution even during his barren run.He added: "I am pleased because I always tell Jamie Vardy it is not important to score a goal, it is important to press and when you score, then it is normal. I am very happy with him."
Drinkwater put Leicester on their way to victory with a well controlled 20-yard half-volley that found its way home via a Marc Wilson deflection.It was the midfielder's first goal since April 2014 and the former Manchester United trainee reflected on a fine afternoon.
"It couldn't have gone much better - three points and a goal," he said. "The boss' influence has been massive. The gaffer has helped all the players and brought in some quality."The lads will work their socks off for whoever is in charge."
Luis Enrique bemoans 'weak' Barcelona first half despite win
Luis Enrique's blasted Barcelona's "weak" first-half performance after they went top of La Liga with a 2-1 win at Malaga on Saturday.
Munir El Haddadi gave Barca the lead with a tap-in inside two minutes but the defending champions were pegged back half-an-hour later as Juanpi deservedly levelled for Malaga.
But the game was settled thanks to a moment of magic from Lionel Messi, who converted Adriano's left-wing cross in stunning fashion with an acrobatic volley in the 52nd minute.
Barca are now a point ahead of Atletico Madrid - who take on Sevilla on Sunday - but Luis Enrique was far from satisfied with his side's efforts."It is difficult to remember such a weak first half from us," Luis Enrique told reporters after the match.
"In the second half, we competed better, but even then we made more mistakes than usual. The best thing was the team's spirit.
"It is easier to win when you play well, but we managed to get three points when playing badly."Javi Gracia's team always cause us problems. They are a very difficult opponent and we are very happy with the three points."
It is now three straight games without a win for Malaga, but Gracia was keen to take the positives from their battling display."We are not happy to lose, never are, but the performance - like at Sevilla last week [in a 2-1 loss] - shows the way to continue," he said.
"We have the consolation of knowing we did many things well. But a few mistakes we made meant we lost the game."We are playing well, but we need to get points so that good mood and confidence does not slip away."
Luis Enrique's blasted Barcelona's "weak" first-half performance after they went top of La Liga with a 2-1 win at Malaga on Saturday.
Munir El Haddadi gave Barca the lead with a tap-in inside two minutes but the defending champions were pegged back half-an-hour later as Juanpi deservedly levelled for Malaga.
But the game was settled thanks to a moment of magic from Lionel Messi, who converted Adriano's left-wing cross in stunning fashion with an acrobatic volley in the 52nd minute.
Barca are now a point ahead of Atletico Madrid - who take on Sevilla on Sunday - but Luis Enrique was far from satisfied with his side's efforts."It is difficult to remember such a weak first half from us," Luis Enrique told reporters after the match.
"In the second half, we competed better, but even then we made more mistakes than usual. The best thing was the team's spirit.
"It is easier to win when you play well, but we managed to get three points when playing badly."Javi Gracia's team always cause us problems. They are a very difficult opponent and we are very happy with the three points."
It is now three straight games without a win for Malaga, but Gracia was keen to take the positives from their battling display."We are not happy to lose, never are, but the performance - like at Sevilla last week [in a 2-1 loss] - shows the way to continue," he said.
"We have the consolation of knowing we did many things well. But a few mistakes we made meant we lost the game."We are playing well, but we need to get points so that good mood and confidence does not slip away."
I feel for Man Utd fans after one of our worst performances - Van Gaal
Louis van Gaal has admitted he feels for the Manchester United fans who turned on him and his side during Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Southampton at Old Trafford.
Many in the crowd had already left the Theatre of Dreams long before the final whistle after an uninspiring United display which was compounded by Charlie Austin’s 87th-minute winner for the visitors.
Home supporters were also seen waving the United manager goodbye at the end of the match, while others chose to deliver a thumbs-down gesture as Van Gaal walked towards the Old Trafford tunnel.In a post-match press conference Van Gaal said he could understand the supporters’ frustrations after such a lifeless display.
“Yes, it was very clear I think,” he admitted when asked if it was one of the worst performances of his United reign.
“I can imagine [the fans’ feelings] but I have also seen a poor match.
“You can analyse that as a manager and players, and you have to do that because it is difficult to create chances when you are so tactically busy with pressing each other and pressure on the ball. Neither us nor they kept the ball so much.”But when pressed on what he can do to change the sentiments of the fans who turned on his and the United side in the latter stages of the game, he insisted that more work on the training ground is the only way forward.
“I cannot change that feeling. I can only work hard with my players to improve our game, and that's what I am doing,” he added. “Of course I’m disappointed, but I have to think already how can we change this.“It is not an easy job at the moment, because although we have won three games and drawn one in 2016 before this one, but we could not show that confidence in this game.”
The defeat leaves United five points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur in the race for a Champions League spot.
Louis van Gaal has admitted he feels for the Manchester United fans who turned on him and his side during Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Southampton at Old Trafford.
Many in the crowd had already left the Theatre of Dreams long before the final whistle after an uninspiring United display which was compounded by Charlie Austin’s 87th-minute winner for the visitors.
Home supporters were also seen waving the United manager goodbye at the end of the match, while others chose to deliver a thumbs-down gesture as Van Gaal walked towards the Old Trafford tunnel.In a post-match press conference Van Gaal said he could understand the supporters’ frustrations after such a lifeless display.
“Yes, it was very clear I think,” he admitted when asked if it was one of the worst performances of his United reign.
“I can imagine [the fans’ feelings] but I have also seen a poor match.
“You can analyse that as a manager and players, and you have to do that because it is difficult to create chances when you are so tactically busy with pressing each other and pressure on the ball. Neither us nor they kept the ball so much.”But when pressed on what he can do to change the sentiments of the fans who turned on his and the United side in the latter stages of the game, he insisted that more work on the training ground is the only way forward.
“I cannot change that feeling. I can only work hard with my players to improve our game, and that's what I am doing,” he added. “Of course I’m disappointed, but I have to think already how can we change this.“It is not an easy job at the moment, because although we have won three games and drawn one in 2016 before this one, but we could not show that confidence in this game.”
The defeat leaves United five points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur in the race for a Champions League spot.
Borussia Monchengladbach 1-3 Borussia Dortmund: Mkhitaryan masterminds splendid win
Henrikh Mkhitaryan proved instrumental as Borussia Dortmund stormed to a 3-1 Bundesliga win at Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday.
Thomas Tuchel's side were aiming to stay within six points of table-toppers Bayern Munich, but faced the threat of a revitalised Gladbach outfit.
But despite the early scare of Andreas Christensen's header coming off the woodwork, it was plain sailing for BVB with Marco Reus smashing in the opener before the break.
Mkhitaryan then got in on the act, making a magnificent run to latch onto Reus' ball to finish off a perfect counter-attack, before Raffael pulled one back for the hosts later.
However, any hopes of a comeback were extinguished when Mkhitaryan laid the ball on a plate for Ilkay Gundogan to round off the scoring, the Germany midfielder turning his team-mate's cross home to seal an emphatic victory.
Gladbach's pre-Christmas recovery from a woeful start to the campaign had lifted them into fourth, a position Schalke or Wolfsburg could snatch from them on Sunday.
The trajectory of the game could have been altered significantly, however, had home defender Christensen not somehow failed to put Gladbach in the sixth minute, as his six-yard header from Raffael's corner grazed the crossbar on its way over.To set the tone for a rare off-colour outing, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scuffed a simple finish from Reus' centre in the ninth minute.
Home goalkeeper Yann Sommer was down quickly at the feet of Aubameyang in the 25th minute after a deflected shot made its way into the path of the Dortmund striker, while Gundogan flashed a stunning 25-yard effort off the crossbar as both teams continued to push hard for the opening goal.
Aubameyang's uncharacteristically sloppy display continued with a miscued attempt from Lukasz Piszczek's pass in the 35th minute but Dortmund were steadily taking full control of the encounter and they edged ahead with four minutes left before the break.Gundogan's excellent throughball released Reus into the right channel, and the former Gladbach man finished with great composure across Sommer.
Ibrahima Traore almost caught Dortmund cold in the early moments of the second half when left unmarked inside the area, but visiting goalkeeper Roman Burki produced an excellent save to keep his side ahead.
And that save proved to be a crucial one when Mkhitaryan added a second just two minutes later. A savage Dortmund counter-attack began with Mats Hummels breaking up possession inside his own half and feeding Reus, who crossed for the unmarked Belarusian to slide a shot beyond Sommer.
The away side seemed to be in total control but Gladbach regained some hope in the 58th minute. Dortmund failed to make the most of two opportunities to clear from inside their own area and Raffael capitalised, taking one touch before firing left-footed beyond Burki from 12 yards out.Aubemayang fluffed a third golden chance in the 73rd minute, skewing his shot horribly wide when one-on-one with Sommer.
But Gundogan made amends for his team-mate's mistake less than three minutes later as the midfielder tucked home Mkhitaryan's cross for Dortmund's 50th goal and 13th victory of the Bundesliga campaign.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan proved instrumental as Borussia Dortmund stormed to a 3-1 Bundesliga win at Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday.
Thomas Tuchel's side were aiming to stay within six points of table-toppers Bayern Munich, but faced the threat of a revitalised Gladbach outfit.
But despite the early scare of Andreas Christensen's header coming off the woodwork, it was plain sailing for BVB with Marco Reus smashing in the opener before the break.
Mkhitaryan then got in on the act, making a magnificent run to latch onto Reus' ball to finish off a perfect counter-attack, before Raffael pulled one back for the hosts later.
However, any hopes of a comeback were extinguished when Mkhitaryan laid the ball on a plate for Ilkay Gundogan to round off the scoring, the Germany midfielder turning his team-mate's cross home to seal an emphatic victory.
Gladbach's pre-Christmas recovery from a woeful start to the campaign had lifted them into fourth, a position Schalke or Wolfsburg could snatch from them on Sunday.
The trajectory of the game could have been altered significantly, however, had home defender Christensen not somehow failed to put Gladbach in the sixth minute, as his six-yard header from Raffael's corner grazed the crossbar on its way over.To set the tone for a rare off-colour outing, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scuffed a simple finish from Reus' centre in the ninth minute.
Home goalkeeper Yann Sommer was down quickly at the feet of Aubameyang in the 25th minute after a deflected shot made its way into the path of the Dortmund striker, while Gundogan flashed a stunning 25-yard effort off the crossbar as both teams continued to push hard for the opening goal.
Aubameyang's uncharacteristically sloppy display continued with a miscued attempt from Lukasz Piszczek's pass in the 35th minute but Dortmund were steadily taking full control of the encounter and they edged ahead with four minutes left before the break.Gundogan's excellent throughball released Reus into the right channel, and the former Gladbach man finished with great composure across Sommer.
Ibrahima Traore almost caught Dortmund cold in the early moments of the second half when left unmarked inside the area, but visiting goalkeeper Roman Burki produced an excellent save to keep his side ahead.
And that save proved to be a crucial one when Mkhitaryan added a second just two minutes later. A savage Dortmund counter-attack began with Mats Hummels breaking up possession inside his own half and feeding Reus, who crossed for the unmarked Belarusian to slide a shot beyond Sommer.
The away side seemed to be in total control but Gladbach regained some hope in the 58th minute. Dortmund failed to make the most of two opportunities to clear from inside their own area and Raffael capitalised, taking one touch before firing left-footed beyond Burki from 12 yards out.Aubemayang fluffed a third golden chance in the 73rd minute, skewing his shot horribly wide when one-on-one with Sommer.
But Gundogan made amends for his team-mate's mistake less than three minutes later as the midfielder tucked home Mkhitaryan's cross for Dortmund's 50th goal and 13th victory of the Bundesliga campaign.
West Ham 2-2 Manchester City: Aguero rescues draw for Pellegrini's men
Enner Valencia and Sergio Aguero netted braces as Manchester City twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday.
Ecuador striker Valencia opened the scoring after just 53 seconds at Upton Park, only for Aguero to promptly equalise from the penalty spot.
Valencia struck again early in the second half and it looked like that effort would prove decisive until the Argentina international bagged a close-range leveller with nine minutes remaining - his fifth goal in four league matches.
City have now only won one of their last eight away games in the league and trail leaders Leicester City by three points, while West Ham – who are unbeaten in nine at home in the league – stay sixth, as Aguero's leveller denied them the chance to move above Manchester United.
The match got off to a surprising start when Cheikhou Kouyate drove past Yaya Toure down the left and saw his cross deflect off Fabian Delph before falling perfectly at the feet of Valencia, who drilled his shot past Joe Hart from 12 yards.
Aguero almost netted a stunning equaliser for City when he latched on to Toure's pass and brilliantly chipped Adrian from a tight angle, only to be denied by the inside of the post.
But Aguero was to find the net shortly afterwards. After he and David Silva had exchanged a slick one-two, Carl Jenkinson brought the Argentine down as he drove into the box.
Aguero calmly sent Adrian the wrong way from the spot, before a miserable day for Jenkinson got worse as he came off with an injury, giving Sam Byram, signed last week from Leeds United, an earlier than expected debut.
West Ham thought they had got back in front when Dimitri Payet unleashed a brilliant free-kick that arrowed towards the top corner, with Hart making a magnificent one-handed save to keep the scores level at half-time.
The hosts threatened early in the second half as Michail Antonio headed just wide from close range after a Mark Noble cross.City went even closer to finding the game's third goal when Delph's bouncing shot struck the foot of the post, before West Ham did score in unusual fashion on 56 minutes.
A quickly taken long throw by Antonio completely caught out Nicolas Otamendi and Valencia got in behind to stab a low shot past Hart.
Alex Song was just off-target with a long-range effort as West Ham continued to trouble City, who brought on Raheem Sterling and Kelechi Iheanacho in an attempt to reverse the momentum.
Just as it looked like the away side were heading for defeat, they struck on 81 minutes. Iheanacho's run into the box was curtailed by Aaron Cresswell, but the defender's attempted clearance fell at Aguero's feet and he finished with ease from close range, denying the hosts a double over Manuel Pellegrini's men.
West Ham almost grabbed a dramatic winner right at the death, but Kouyate's header from a deep Payet free-kick cannoned back off the crossbar.
Enner Valencia and Sergio Aguero netted braces as Manchester City twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday.
Ecuador striker Valencia opened the scoring after just 53 seconds at Upton Park, only for Aguero to promptly equalise from the penalty spot.
Valencia struck again early in the second half and it looked like that effort would prove decisive until the Argentina international bagged a close-range leveller with nine minutes remaining - his fifth goal in four league matches.
City have now only won one of their last eight away games in the league and trail leaders Leicester City by three points, while West Ham – who are unbeaten in nine at home in the league – stay sixth, as Aguero's leveller denied them the chance to move above Manchester United.
The match got off to a surprising start when Cheikhou Kouyate drove past Yaya Toure down the left and saw his cross deflect off Fabian Delph before falling perfectly at the feet of Valencia, who drilled his shot past Joe Hart from 12 yards.
Aguero almost netted a stunning equaliser for City when he latched on to Toure's pass and brilliantly chipped Adrian from a tight angle, only to be denied by the inside of the post.
But Aguero was to find the net shortly afterwards. After he and David Silva had exchanged a slick one-two, Carl Jenkinson brought the Argentine down as he drove into the box.
Aguero calmly sent Adrian the wrong way from the spot, before a miserable day for Jenkinson got worse as he came off with an injury, giving Sam Byram, signed last week from Leeds United, an earlier than expected debut.
West Ham thought they had got back in front when Dimitri Payet unleashed a brilliant free-kick that arrowed towards the top corner, with Hart making a magnificent one-handed save to keep the scores level at half-time.
The hosts threatened early in the second half as Michail Antonio headed just wide from close range after a Mark Noble cross.City went even closer to finding the game's third goal when Delph's bouncing shot struck the foot of the post, before West Ham did score in unusual fashion on 56 minutes.
A quickly taken long throw by Antonio completely caught out Nicolas Otamendi and Valencia got in behind to stab a low shot past Hart.
Alex Song was just off-target with a long-range effort as West Ham continued to trouble City, who brought on Raheem Sterling and Kelechi Iheanacho in an attempt to reverse the momentum.
Just as it looked like the away side were heading for defeat, they struck on 81 minutes. Iheanacho's run into the box was curtailed by Aaron Cresswell, but the defender's attempted clearance fell at Aguero's feet and he finished with ease from close range, denying the hosts a double over Manuel Pellegrini's men.
West Ham almost grabbed a dramatic winner right at the death, but Kouyate's header from a deep Payet free-kick cannoned back off the crossbar.
Di Maria sets new personal best five months after leaving Manchester United
It's taken Angel Di Maria just over five months after leaving Manchester United to set a new career best with Paris Saint-Germain.
After failing to light up Old Trafford in his only season in the Premier League, the Argentine was sold to the French champions last August.
But after an inconsistent start, the 27-year-old has finally found his rhythm in the French capital, and his sublime double in the 5-1 victory over Angers on Saturday meant that he has now scored more league goals this season than any other since joining Benfica in 2007.
Di Maria's dazzling displays have heaped further pressure on Louis van Gaal, as Manchester United sank to their six Premier League defeat of the season on Saturday as Southampton edged a 1-0 win at Old Trafford.
PSG, meanwhile, are untouchable in Ligue 1 and their latest win kept them a whopping 24 points clear at the top of the table.
It's taken Angel Di Maria just over five months after leaving Manchester United to set a new career best with Paris Saint-Germain.
After failing to light up Old Trafford in his only season in the Premier League, the Argentine was sold to the French champions last August.
But after an inconsistent start, the 27-year-old has finally found his rhythm in the French capital, and his sublime double in the 5-1 victory over Angers on Saturday meant that he has now scored more league goals this season than any other since joining Benfica in 2007.
Di Maria's dazzling displays have heaped further pressure on Louis van Gaal, as Manchester United sank to their six Premier League defeat of the season on Saturday as Southampton edged a 1-0 win at Old Trafford.
PSG, meanwhile, are untouchable in Ligue 1 and their latest win kept them a whopping 24 points clear at the top of the table.
Koeman: We knew Man Utd would get nervous
Ronald Koeman has admitted his Southampton team capitalised on the nerves of an under-pressure Manchester United in their 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.Charlie Austin came off the bench to head an 87th-minute winner for the Saints in a fixture they won by the same scoreline last season.
United have scored only 12 goals in 11 home league games this season and Koeman was keen to ensure Southampton frustrated the home players and crowd once again.
"Of course, it's a great win," the Dutchman said. "It was a difficult game for both teams today. We knew they are under pressure."If you keep the organisation of your team during the game [United] will be nervous.
"Defensively we did a great job. Attacking-wise, in the first half we didn't play well because we had some counter-attack movements and we didn't create – maybe one chance from Sadio [Mane].
"We didn't play well in that aspect of football but the rest was good enough to get a result in the game and until the end of the game we knew we had qualities in our set pieces and that made the difference."We did a great job, in our team organisation. We had great spirit, we had belief and that makes the 1-0 today."
Koeman mentioned United's set-piece frailties to Austin before the striker entered the fray and headed home James Ward-Prowse's right-wing delivery.He added: "I mentioned to Charlie when he came on the pitch - it was a corner or a free-kick, 'go to the box, make a good header and it's 1-0'.
"It wasn't at that time but later on, yes [he scored]. That is why we wanted to sign Charlie Austin – great numbers of goals."He showed it in the last 10 or 15 minutes but it is not fair to talk about just one player because the team worked so hard."
Ronald Koeman has admitted his Southampton team capitalised on the nerves of an under-pressure Manchester United in their 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.Charlie Austin came off the bench to head an 87th-minute winner for the Saints in a fixture they won by the same scoreline last season.
United have scored only 12 goals in 11 home league games this season and Koeman was keen to ensure Southampton frustrated the home players and crowd once again.
"Of course, it's a great win," the Dutchman said. "It was a difficult game for both teams today. We knew they are under pressure."If you keep the organisation of your team during the game [United] will be nervous.
"Defensively we did a great job. Attacking-wise, in the first half we didn't play well because we had some counter-attack movements and we didn't create – maybe one chance from Sadio [Mane].
"We didn't play well in that aspect of football but the rest was good enough to get a result in the game and until the end of the game we knew we had qualities in our set pieces and that made the difference."We did a great job, in our team organisation. We had great spirit, we had belief and that makes the 1-0 today."
Koeman mentioned United's set-piece frailties to Austin before the striker entered the fray and headed home James Ward-Prowse's right-wing delivery.He added: "I mentioned to Charlie when he came on the pitch - it was a corner or a free-kick, 'go to the box, make a good header and it's 1-0'.
"It wasn't at that time but later on, yes [he scored]. That is why we wanted to sign Charlie Austin – great numbers of goals."He showed it in the last 10 or 15 minutes but it is not fair to talk about just one player because the team worked so hard."
Empoli 2-2 Milan: Rossoneri pegged back twice in thriller
Massimo Maccarone netted a second-half equaliser to help Empoli to a 2-2 Serie A draw against AC Milan at the Stadio Carlo Castellani.
Sinisa Mihajlovic's men were ahead twice on Saturday, but it was not enough to bag the three points as the 36-year-old frustrated the Rossoneri with his goal just past the hour mark.
Carlos Bacca had opened the scoring for Milan – just as he did in August's reverse fixture – with a clinical finish inside the opening eight minutes, only for Piotr Zielinski to level it up before the break.
Giacomo Bonaventura handed the San Siro side the lead a second time shortly after the interval, but Maccarone's ninth goal of the season meant it ended all square.Milan remain sixth in the table following with 33 points from 21 games, 11 points behind leaders Napoli, while Empoli sit eighth on 32 points.
The visitors made a fine start to the game as Bacca beat the offside trap after a long ball from Luca Antonelli and took a touch before firing home from inside the area for his 10th goal in 21 league appearances this term.
Zielinski looked dangerous for Empoli after twisting past his man just outside the box, but his shot lacked the power and accuracy to worry Gianluigi Donnarumma between the posts.
Bonaventura tested the goalkeeper with a sublime volley from a narrow angle after a cross from the right, but goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski did well to deny the versatile midfielder.
Maccarone had a goal disallowed for offside on the half-hour mark, but the hosts did restore parity two minutes later. Former Milan midfielder Riccardo Saponara found Zielinski with a clever ball into the area and the Poland international coolly slotted home through Donnarumma's legs.
Milan immediately started pushing for a second goal, but M'Baye Niang saw a powerful long-range strike saved by Skorupski, while Bonaventura wasted a good chance as he failed to get his free-kick from the edge of the box on target.
Mihajlovic's side restored their lead three minutes into the second half in somewhat fortuitous circumstances. Lorenzo Tonelli's attempted clearance hit Niang's face and bounced into the path of Bonaventura, who calmly finished from close range.
Maccarone threatened for Empoli after a quick counter-attack, but the veteran striker hesitated too long and eventually failed to trouble Donnarumma.
He did find the net in the 61st minute, though. Donnarumma did well to palm away Manuel Pucciarelli's shot, but Maccarone was first to the rebound and had no trouble tapping home from just a few yards out.Milan even escaped conceding a third goal when Zielinski's powerful strike went just inches wide with 15 minutes remaining.
Mihajlovic had brought on Mario Balotelli for Niang halfway through the second half as he sought to turn one point into three, but the Liverpool loanee was unable to make the difference, firing a free-kick straight at Skorupski as it remained 2-2.
Massimo Maccarone netted a second-half equaliser to help Empoli to a 2-2 Serie A draw against AC Milan at the Stadio Carlo Castellani.
Sinisa Mihajlovic's men were ahead twice on Saturday, but it was not enough to bag the three points as the 36-year-old frustrated the Rossoneri with his goal just past the hour mark.
Carlos Bacca had opened the scoring for Milan – just as he did in August's reverse fixture – with a clinical finish inside the opening eight minutes, only for Piotr Zielinski to level it up before the break.
Giacomo Bonaventura handed the San Siro side the lead a second time shortly after the interval, but Maccarone's ninth goal of the season meant it ended all square.Milan remain sixth in the table following with 33 points from 21 games, 11 points behind leaders Napoli, while Empoli sit eighth on 32 points.
The visitors made a fine start to the game as Bacca beat the offside trap after a long ball from Luca Antonelli and took a touch before firing home from inside the area for his 10th goal in 21 league appearances this term.
Zielinski looked dangerous for Empoli after twisting past his man just outside the box, but his shot lacked the power and accuracy to worry Gianluigi Donnarumma between the posts.
Bonaventura tested the goalkeeper with a sublime volley from a narrow angle after a cross from the right, but goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski did well to deny the versatile midfielder.
Maccarone had a goal disallowed for offside on the half-hour mark, but the hosts did restore parity two minutes later. Former Milan midfielder Riccardo Saponara found Zielinski with a clever ball into the area and the Poland international coolly slotted home through Donnarumma's legs.
Milan immediately started pushing for a second goal, but M'Baye Niang saw a powerful long-range strike saved by Skorupski, while Bonaventura wasted a good chance as he failed to get his free-kick from the edge of the box on target.
Mihajlovic's side restored their lead three minutes into the second half in somewhat fortuitous circumstances. Lorenzo Tonelli's attempted clearance hit Niang's face and bounced into the path of Bonaventura, who calmly finished from close range.
Maccarone threatened for Empoli after a quick counter-attack, but the veteran striker hesitated too long and eventually failed to trouble Donnarumma.
He did find the net in the 61st minute, though. Donnarumma did well to palm away Manuel Pucciarelli's shot, but Maccarone was first to the rebound and had no trouble tapping home from just a few yards out.Milan even escaped conceding a third goal when Zielinski's powerful strike went just inches wide with 15 minutes remaining.
Mihajlovic had brought on Mario Balotelli for Niang halfway through the second half as he sought to turn one point into three, but the Liverpool loanee was unable to make the difference, firing a free-kick straight at Skorupski as it remained 2-2.
Wenger: Ozil's influence at Arsenal is like Bergkamp
Arsene Wenger has hailed Mesut Ozil's influence on the Arsenal dressing room and says he shares similarities with Dennis Bergkamp.
The Germany midfielder has been in incredible form for the Gunners this season, scoring three and setting up 16 in 20 Premier League games.
And Wenger believes he has a similar air about him to the legendary Dutch attacker, who spent 11 prosperous years with the north London club.
"Yes, he's a bit like Bergkamp," the manager told the club's official website. "Not that guy who stands up and speaks too much, but every time he says something, it is straight to the point. "He has a big influence. He's not an extrovert, as you know. But you don't win by coincidence and he has won in his career. He's demanding from his partners.
"Per Mertesacker is also very important in that respect. He's a very important leader in the dressing room - and a respected one as well. He maintains focus and wants to do well. He's one of the guys who can help us."Experience helps but what will help more than anything is the quality of our performances and I think Sunday is a big one for us on that front."
Wenger is also happy with the mood in the Arsenal dressing room, insisting maintaining that morale will be key to his side's title chances this term, as they can pull level with Leicester City at the top of the table if they beat Chelsea on Sunday.
"The qualities that have come out of our team until now are especially mental," he added. "To keep that spirit will certainly be vital for us because every game is very tight."I believe we have a strong spirit but spirit is a bit like the weather in England. It can change very quickly. And we have to care of that.
"It is something that is very fragile, to maintain that under pressure, disappointments, injuries, that is our task. That's why all the older players have this kind of responsibility to take care of our unity."
Arsene Wenger has hailed Mesut Ozil's influence on the Arsenal dressing room and says he shares similarities with Dennis Bergkamp.
The Germany midfielder has been in incredible form for the Gunners this season, scoring three and setting up 16 in 20 Premier League games.
And Wenger believes he has a similar air about him to the legendary Dutch attacker, who spent 11 prosperous years with the north London club.
"Yes, he's a bit like Bergkamp," the manager told the club's official website. "Not that guy who stands up and speaks too much, but every time he says something, it is straight to the point. "He has a big influence. He's not an extrovert, as you know. But you don't win by coincidence and he has won in his career. He's demanding from his partners.
"Per Mertesacker is also very important in that respect. He's a very important leader in the dressing room - and a respected one as well. He maintains focus and wants to do well. He's one of the guys who can help us."Experience helps but what will help more than anything is the quality of our performances and I think Sunday is a big one for us on that front."
Wenger is also happy with the mood in the Arsenal dressing room, insisting maintaining that morale will be key to his side's title chances this term, as they can pull level with Leicester City at the top of the table if they beat Chelsea on Sunday.
"The qualities that have come out of our team until now are especially mental," he added. "To keep that spirit will certainly be vital for us because every game is very tight."I believe we have a strong spirit but spirit is a bit like the weather in England. It can change very quickly. And we have to care of that.
"It is something that is very fragile, to maintain that under pressure, disappointments, injuries, that is our task. That's why all the older players have this kind of responsibility to take care of our unity."
Mourinho's 'love letter' to Manchester United branded 'totally absurd' by Jorge Mendes
Jorge Mendes has strongly denied a report claiming that Jose Mourinho sent a letter to Manchester United in a bid to become the next manager at Old Trafford.
The Independent has claimed that the former Chelsea manager sent a six-page letter to United which detailed his plans for the side, his key decisions and highlighted his desire to adhere to the club’s principles.
The report came after United sunk to a 1-0 defeat at home to Southampton on Saturday, leaving the club 10 points behind league leaders Leicester City and Louis van Gaal’s future in doubt.
But Mendes, via his agency Gestifute, has branded the report as “totally absurd”.
"It does not occur to anyone that a coach like Jose Mourinho can write letters to clubs offering their services," he said.
“It is absolutely ridiculous and totally absurd."
Jorge Mendes has strongly denied a report claiming that Jose Mourinho sent a letter to Manchester United in a bid to become the next manager at Old Trafford.
The Independent has claimed that the former Chelsea manager sent a six-page letter to United which detailed his plans for the side, his key decisions and highlighted his desire to adhere to the club’s principles.
The report came after United sunk to a 1-0 defeat at home to Southampton on Saturday, leaving the club 10 points behind league leaders Leicester City and Louis van Gaal’s future in doubt.
But Mendes, via his agency Gestifute, has branded the report as “totally absurd”.
"It does not occur to anyone that a coach like Jose Mourinho can write letters to clubs offering their services," he said.
“It is absolutely ridiculous and totally absurd."
Standard Liege star criticises Victor Valdes' arrival from Manchester United
The imminent arrival of Victor Valdes at Standard Liege has been met with criticism from one his new team-mates.
Earlier this week, Valdes announced on social media that he was leaving Old Trafford, a move that was forced after he fell out with Louis van Gaal last summer and was frozen out of the first team.
Valdes is expected to complete a move to Standard Liege but the former Barcelona’s arrival has been questioned by the Belgian club’s winger Mathieu Dossevi, who feels first-choice goalkeeper Guillaume Hubert should not lose his place in the team.
"Personally, I'm a bit divided," Dossevi told RTL Sports.
"Obviously, he [Valdes] is a very good player, a great player, but the signing was not where it was most needed.
“Guillaume [Hubert] is a very good player for us at the moment, so why replace him?
“He showed all his qualities in recent weeks. We have the chance to qualify for the final of the Belgian Cup thanks to him.
“He's a young player but a great player like Valdes will be only positive. As I say, he is young so it is there to learn.”
The imminent arrival of Victor Valdes at Standard Liege has been met with criticism from one his new team-mates.
Earlier this week, Valdes announced on social media that he was leaving Old Trafford, a move that was forced after he fell out with Louis van Gaal last summer and was frozen out of the first team.
Valdes is expected to complete a move to Standard Liege but the former Barcelona’s arrival has been questioned by the Belgian club’s winger Mathieu Dossevi, who feels first-choice goalkeeper Guillaume Hubert should not lose his place in the team.
"Personally, I'm a bit divided," Dossevi told RTL Sports.
"Obviously, he [Valdes] is a very good player, a great player, but the signing was not where it was most needed.
“Guillaume [Hubert] is a very good player for us at the moment, so why replace him?
“He showed all his qualities in recent weeks. We have the chance to qualify for the final of the Belgian Cup thanks to him.
“He's a young player but a great player like Valdes will be only positive. As I say, he is young so it is there to learn.”
Barclays Premier League 2016.01.24 Fixtures
Barclays Premier League 2016.01.24 Fixtures
Everton Vs Swansea
Arsenal Vs Chelsea
LA Liga 2016.01.24 Fixtures
LA Liga 2016.01.24 Fixtures
Athletic Bilbao Vs Eibar
Atletico Madrid Vs Sevilla
Deportivo Vs Valencia
Real Betis Vs Real Madrid
Athletic Bilbao Vs Eibar
Atletico Madrid Vs Sevilla
Deportivo Vs Valencia
Real Betis Vs Real Madrid
Serie A 2016.01.24 Fixtures
Serie A 2016.01.24 Fixtures
Fiorentina Vs Torino
Hellas Verona Vs Genoa
Inter Vs Carpi
Lazio Vs Chievo
Palermo Vs Udinese
Sampdoria Vs Napoli
Sassuolo Vs Bologna
Juventus Vs Roma
Fiorentina Vs Torino
Hellas Verona Vs Genoa
Inter Vs Carpi
Lazio Vs Chievo
Palermo Vs Udinese
Sampdoria Vs Napoli
Sassuolo Vs Bologna
Juventus Vs Roma
Van Gaal leading Manchester United into 'season of underachievement' - Gill
to be doing better following years of heavy investment at Old Trafford.
Van Gaal's men sit five points off the Premier League's top four following Saturday's defeat at the hands of Southampton, while they failed to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League as Wolfsburg and PSV proved to be too strong.
The Southampton defeat also saw United fail to score in the first half for an 11th-consecutive home games, with the half-time and full-time whistles met with a furious reaction from the Old Trafford faithful.
Rumours that Jose Mourinho could replace Van Gaal have intensified over the weekend, but Gill - who played a key role in Alex Ferguson's numerous United successes - has called for calm.
"Clearly we all hope the results will be better, everyone's disappointed," Gill told BBC Radio Five Live."[This is] undoubtedly a season of underachievement. I think everyone would agree with that given the investment that was made.
"Everyone there is working extremely hard to turn that round. It's not easy."Gill added on Van Gaal's approach: "I don't want to talk about the quality of football, but I'm not going to sit here and say it's that attractive.
"For me, what we did in the past was great but you've got to have the players to do that - the Ryan Giggs running down the wing, [David] Beckham, [Paul] Scholes.
"Manchester United going back to the 1950s with Matt Busby, when I started supporting them, with George Best, they played in a certain way."I'm sure we want to do that. We want attacking football I'm sure that will be a key part going forward."
to be doing better following years of heavy investment at Old Trafford.
Van Gaal's men sit five points off the Premier League's top four following Saturday's defeat at the hands of Southampton, while they failed to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League as Wolfsburg and PSV proved to be too strong.
The Southampton defeat also saw United fail to score in the first half for an 11th-consecutive home games, with the half-time and full-time whistles met with a furious reaction from the Old Trafford faithful.
Rumours that Jose Mourinho could replace Van Gaal have intensified over the weekend, but Gill - who played a key role in Alex Ferguson's numerous United successes - has called for calm.
"Clearly we all hope the results will be better, everyone's disappointed," Gill told BBC Radio Five Live."[This is] undoubtedly a season of underachievement. I think everyone would agree with that given the investment that was made.
"Everyone there is working extremely hard to turn that round. It's not easy."Gill added on Van Gaal's approach: "I don't want to talk about the quality of football, but I'm not going to sit here and say it's that attractive.
"For me, what we did in the past was great but you've got to have the players to do that - the Ryan Giggs running down the wing, [David] Beckham, [Paul] Scholes.
"Manchester United going back to the 1950s with Matt Busby, when I started supporting them, with George Best, they played in a certain way."I'm sure we want to do that. We want attacking football I'm sure that will be a key part going forward."
I'm happy at Atletico Madrid, says Griezmann
Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann insists he is happy with life at the club amid persistent speculation linking him with a move away from the Vicente Calderon.
The France international has reportedly caught the attention of clubs such as Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, while Atletico coach Diego Simeone stated earlier this month that the Liga title-chasers would not hold Griezmann at the club against his will.
Nevertheless, the 24-year-old is happy to be playing a key role in Atletico's tilt for the top as they look to beat Barcelona and Real Madrid to the Liga crown for the second time in three years.
"I am feeling very well at Atletico," Griezmann told Telefoot.
"This is a big club and I want to achieve great things here. I am ambitious and my goal is to win trophies here."
Griezmann, who has a contract with Atletico until June 2020, has become a key figure since moving to the Spanish capital from Real Sociedad in July 2014.
However, he feels he still has room for improvement and is not on the same level as superstars such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo just yet.
"I have become more mature. The club and my team-mates rely on me," he added.
"I have become a more complete player and have to continue on the same path. I am not at my best just yet. I work every day to improve and reach my top. I am still far away from the best players."
Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann insists he is happy with life at the club amid persistent speculation linking him with a move away from the Vicente Calderon.
The France international has reportedly caught the attention of clubs such as Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, while Atletico coach Diego Simeone stated earlier this month that the Liga title-chasers would not hold Griezmann at the club against his will.
Nevertheless, the 24-year-old is happy to be playing a key role in Atletico's tilt for the top as they look to beat Barcelona and Real Madrid to the Liga crown for the second time in three years.
"I am feeling very well at Atletico," Griezmann told Telefoot.
"This is a big club and I want to achieve great things here. I am ambitious and my goal is to win trophies here."
Griezmann, who has a contract with Atletico until June 2020, has become a key figure since moving to the Spanish capital from Real Sociedad in July 2014.
However, he feels he still has room for improvement and is not on the same level as superstars such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo just yet.
"I have become more mature. The club and my team-mates rely on me," he added.
"I have become a more complete player and have to continue on the same path. I am not at my best just yet. I work every day to improve and reach my top. I am still far away from the best players."
Chelsea must pay £38m to sign Falcao permanently, claims Football Leaks
Chelsea would have to pay almost £38 million to sign Radamel Falcao permanently from Monaco, according to Football Leaks.
A document on the controversial website claims his current contract includes an option for the Blues to sign the striker permanently for €50m (£37.8m).
The payment would be split into two equal €25m payments, one due within seven days of the deal being concluded and the second after the move had been confirmed and authorised by Fifa.
Previously one of the most coveted centre-forwards in world football, the Colombian has struggled to find his best form since a cruciate ligament tear in 2014.
A loan spell with Manchester United ended with just four goals in 29 appearances, and Falcao has managed to hit the net just once with the Blues, in 11 outings.
Football Leaks have also recently revealed the full details of Anthony Martial’s transfer from Monaco to Manchester United and Gareth Bale’s move from Tottenham to Real Madrid.
Bale’s agent has criticised the website for the leak, branding it as “disgraceful” and demanding an investigation believing it shows “complete disregard for both clubs and the player”.
Football Leaks, meanwhile, have denied accusations of blackmail after coming under investigation by Portuguese authorities.
The website hit back branding the allegations as “pure fantasy” and set out in a “desperate attempt to discredit Football Leaks”.
Chelsea would have to pay almost £38 million to sign Radamel Falcao permanently from Monaco, according to Football Leaks.
A document on the controversial website claims his current contract includes an option for the Blues to sign the striker permanently for €50m (£37.8m).
The payment would be split into two equal €25m payments, one due within seven days of the deal being concluded and the second after the move had been confirmed and authorised by Fifa.
Previously one of the most coveted centre-forwards in world football, the Colombian has struggled to find his best form since a cruciate ligament tear in 2014.
A loan spell with Manchester United ended with just four goals in 29 appearances, and Falcao has managed to hit the net just once with the Blues, in 11 outings.
Football Leaks have also recently revealed the full details of Anthony Martial’s transfer from Monaco to Manchester United and Gareth Bale’s move from Tottenham to Real Madrid.
Bale’s agent has criticised the website for the leak, branding it as “disgraceful” and demanding an investigation believing it shows “complete disregard for both clubs and the player”.
Football Leaks, meanwhile, have denied accusations of blackmail after coming under investigation by Portuguese authorities.
The website hit back branding the allegations as “pure fantasy” and set out in a “desperate attempt to discredit Football Leaks”.
OFFICIAL: Valdes leaves Man Utd for Standard
Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes has departed the club for Standard Liege on a six-month loan deal, the Premier League outfit have confirmed.
The Spain international, 34, had announced on Thursday that he would be leaving Louis van Gaal's team via social media, but now the Old Trafford outfit have now made official the deal, which brings to a close a difficult spell with a side he joined in October 2014.
Valdes arrived on a free transfer following his decision to leave Barcelona at the end of the previous campaign, which was complicated by a serious knee injury. However, he made only two appearances for the Red Devils and grew increasingly frustrated with his role on the sidelines.
The arrival of the former Barcelona goalkeeper has not won universal acclaim at his new club, where attacker Mathieu Dossevi has admitted to being "divided" over the arrival of the veteran.
Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes has departed the club for Standard Liege on a six-month loan deal, the Premier League outfit have confirmed.
The Spain international, 34, had announced on Thursday that he would be leaving Louis van Gaal's team via social media, but now the Old Trafford outfit have now made official the deal, which brings to a close a difficult spell with a side he joined in October 2014.
Valdes arrived on a free transfer following his decision to leave Barcelona at the end of the previous campaign, which was complicated by a serious knee injury. However, he made only two appearances for the Red Devils and grew increasingly frustrated with his role on the sidelines.
The arrival of the former Barcelona goalkeeper has not won universal acclaim at his new club, where attacker Mathieu Dossevi has admitted to being "divided" over the arrival of the veteran.
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