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Everton 1-2 Swansea City: Guidolin era kicks off with a win thanks to Ayew winner
Andre Ayew won a penalty and scored the winner as Francesco Guidolin's reign as Swansea City head coach started with a 2-1 triumph over Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.
The Italian was brought in to take first-team duties from Alan Curtis last week and led the Swans to successive Premier League wins for the first time this season, moving them four points clear of the bottom three.
Ayew starred in Swansea's strong start to the season and was back to his effervescent best on Merseyside, although Everton's defence - which has shipped more goals on home soil than any other side - was also culpable in defeat.
Poor play between John Stones and Tim Howard gifted Gylfi Sigurdsson the penalty from which he opened the scoring, while a cruel deflection off the England defender left his goalkeeper helpless for the winner.
Gareth Barry had equalised for Everton in the first half, but late misses from Romelu Lukaku and Seamus Coleman cost manager Roberto Martinez, who also lost Muhamed Besic and Kevin Mirallas to injury.
Everton once again flattered to deceive and another disappointing outing for the Toffees leaves them languishing in 12th place.
The hosts came close to breaking the deadlock just five minutes in, Besic surged through midfield unchallenged but his left-footed effort from 20 yards hit the post before bouncing wide.
After a positive start, Everton's familiar frailties at the back cost them the lead.
Ayew pounced on Stones' weak back-pass and drew a reckless foul from Howard inside the penalty area, allowing Sigurdsson to put the Swans ahead with a confident effort from the spot.
The hosts quickly replied, though, with Barry beating Jack Cork to a corner from the impressive Gerard Deulofeu and finding the net with a delicate attempt with the outside of his left boot. Swansea restored their lead again in controversial fashion in the 34th minute.
Ashley Williams clearly used his hand to end an Everton attack, but referee Anthony Taylor allowed play to go on and the Swansea captain launched a counter-attack that released Ayew in the left channel and the Ghanaian's snap-shot from a narrow angle took a wicked deflection off Stones to beat the stranded Howard.Howard redeemed himself somewhat as he spurned Wayne Routledge one-on-one, and Everton were quickly on top in their search for an equaliser.
Top scorer Lukaku was central in their efforts, curling wide before coming inches from converting an inviting right-wing delivery from Deulofeu, who routinely offered chances on a plate for Everton's mis-firing front line.
A weak header was comfortably saved by Lukasz Fabianski as Lukaku racked up a fourth-straight goalless outing and defeat was compounded by two misses from point-blank range by Coleman, the second with the last kick of the game.
Andre Ayew won a penalty and scored the winner as Francesco Guidolin's reign as Swansea City head coach started with a 2-1 triumph over Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.
The Italian was brought in to take first-team duties from Alan Curtis last week and led the Swans to successive Premier League wins for the first time this season, moving them four points clear of the bottom three.
Ayew starred in Swansea's strong start to the season and was back to his effervescent best on Merseyside, although Everton's defence - which has shipped more goals on home soil than any other side - was also culpable in defeat.
Poor play between John Stones and Tim Howard gifted Gylfi Sigurdsson the penalty from which he opened the scoring, while a cruel deflection off the England defender left his goalkeeper helpless for the winner.
Gareth Barry had equalised for Everton in the first half, but late misses from Romelu Lukaku and Seamus Coleman cost manager Roberto Martinez, who also lost Muhamed Besic and Kevin Mirallas to injury.
Everton once again flattered to deceive and another disappointing outing for the Toffees leaves them languishing in 12th place.
The hosts came close to breaking the deadlock just five minutes in, Besic surged through midfield unchallenged but his left-footed effort from 20 yards hit the post before bouncing wide.
After a positive start, Everton's familiar frailties at the back cost them the lead.
Ayew pounced on Stones' weak back-pass and drew a reckless foul from Howard inside the penalty area, allowing Sigurdsson to put the Swans ahead with a confident effort from the spot.
The hosts quickly replied, though, with Barry beating Jack Cork to a corner from the impressive Gerard Deulofeu and finding the net with a delicate attempt with the outside of his left boot. Swansea restored their lead again in controversial fashion in the 34th minute.
Ashley Williams clearly used his hand to end an Everton attack, but referee Anthony Taylor allowed play to go on and the Swansea captain launched a counter-attack that released Ayew in the left channel and the Ghanaian's snap-shot from a narrow angle took a wicked deflection off Stones to beat the stranded Howard.Howard redeemed himself somewhat as he spurned Wayne Routledge one-on-one, and Everton were quickly on top in their search for an equaliser.
Top scorer Lukaku was central in their efforts, curling wide before coming inches from converting an inviting right-wing delivery from Deulofeu, who routinely offered chances on a plate for Everton's mis-firing front line.
A weak header was comfortably saved by Lukasz Fabianski as Lukaku racked up a fourth-straight goalless outing and defeat was compounded by two misses from point-blank range by Coleman, the second with the last kick of the game.
Inter 1-1 Carpi: Late Lasagna show denies Mancini win in milestone match
Kevin Lasagna came off the bench to earn 10-man Carpi a last-gasp 1-1 draw at San Siro and ruin Roberto Mancini's 200th Serie A match in charge of Inter.
Inter had laboured throughout much of Sunday's contest, but Rodrigo Palacio's first Serie A goal of the season appeared to have done enough to end their two-match winless league run.Carpi's chances appeared slimmer still when Lorenzo Pasciuti was sent off late on for a second bookable offence.
But with the clock winding down and time seemingly up for the struggling visitors, Lasagna cooked up a treat for the away fans with a composed finish past the despairing Samir Handanovic.
Inter were left to rue missed chances from Ivan Perisic and Felipe Melo as they slipped six points adrift of leaders Napoli. Carpi remain mired in relegation trouble and are still 18th, but Fabrizio Castori's men are now four unbeaten in Serie A.
The hosts controlled the early possession but Jerry Mbakogu had a goal harshly ruled out in the third minute with referee Andrea Gervasoni judging Matteo Mancosu had tripped Murillo in the build-up.
Inter dominated possession but, aside from two long-distance efforts from Perisic, the Carpi goal was untroubled and the lively Mbakogu wastefully rifled a half-volley straight at Handanovic having outmuscled Juan Jesus.
The hosts started to turn the screw, though, and Palacio's looping header from a tight angle was cleared acrobatically off the line by Raffaele Bianco before Murillo mistimed a free header that went wide off Adem Ljajic's thigh.
The pressure told six minutes before the break. Perisic's low shot in the area was blocked by Emanuele Suagher and fell kindly to Palacio, who tapped in his first league goal since the final day of last season.
Carpi furiously claimed for handball on the stroke of half-time when Murillo charged down Bianco's effort in the area, but Gervasoni was unmoved.
Perisic continued to prove Inter's biggest threat after the break and the winger hit a stinging 25-yard effort that drew a smart parry from Vid Belec.Carpi began to put Inter on the back foot, though, and substitute Miranda made a crucial block from Raphael Martinho's goal-bound drive.
Belec made a terrific point-blank save from a Melo header in the closing stages and Carpi's situation worsened when Pasciuti was shown a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Miranda.
But the home supporters were silenced in injury time. Bianco's throughball set Lasagna free, and he clinically drilled a left-foot shot into the bottom right-hand corner to ensure Mancini's milestone day ended in frustration.
Kevin Lasagna came off the bench to earn 10-man Carpi a last-gasp 1-1 draw at San Siro and ruin Roberto Mancini's 200th Serie A match in charge of Inter.
Inter had laboured throughout much of Sunday's contest, but Rodrigo Palacio's first Serie A goal of the season appeared to have done enough to end their two-match winless league run.Carpi's chances appeared slimmer still when Lorenzo Pasciuti was sent off late on for a second bookable offence.
But with the clock winding down and time seemingly up for the struggling visitors, Lasagna cooked up a treat for the away fans with a composed finish past the despairing Samir Handanovic.
Inter were left to rue missed chances from Ivan Perisic and Felipe Melo as they slipped six points adrift of leaders Napoli. Carpi remain mired in relegation trouble and are still 18th, but Fabrizio Castori's men are now four unbeaten in Serie A.
The hosts controlled the early possession but Jerry Mbakogu had a goal harshly ruled out in the third minute with referee Andrea Gervasoni judging Matteo Mancosu had tripped Murillo in the build-up.
Inter dominated possession but, aside from two long-distance efforts from Perisic, the Carpi goal was untroubled and the lively Mbakogu wastefully rifled a half-volley straight at Handanovic having outmuscled Juan Jesus.
The hosts started to turn the screw, though, and Palacio's looping header from a tight angle was cleared acrobatically off the line by Raffaele Bianco before Murillo mistimed a free header that went wide off Adem Ljajic's thigh.
The pressure told six minutes before the break. Perisic's low shot in the area was blocked by Emanuele Suagher and fell kindly to Palacio, who tapped in his first league goal since the final day of last season.
Carpi furiously claimed for handball on the stroke of half-time when Murillo charged down Bianco's effort in the area, but Gervasoni was unmoved.
Perisic continued to prove Inter's biggest threat after the break and the winger hit a stinging 25-yard effort that drew a smart parry from Vid Belec.Carpi began to put Inter on the back foot, though, and substitute Miranda made a crucial block from Raphael Martinho's goal-bound drive.
Belec made a terrific point-blank save from a Melo header in the closing stages and Carpi's situation worsened when Pasciuti was shown a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Miranda.
But the home supporters were silenced in injury time. Bianco's throughball set Lasagna free, and he clinically drilled a left-foot shot into the bottom right-hand corner to ensure Mancini's milestone day ended in frustration.
Atletico Madrid 0-0 Sevilla: Ten-man visitors deny Simeone's men top spot
Atletico Madrid missed the chance to return to the top of La Liga after being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by 10-man Sevilla at the Vicente Calderon on Sunday.
Diego Simeone's men came closest to scoring when Antoine Griezmann headed against the post in a second half that also saw Vitolo sent off for the visitors after receiving a second yellow card.
But seventh-placed Sevilla held on to extend their good run of results to only one defeat in their last nine top-flight matches.
Atletico move level on points with leaders Barcelona, who have a game in hand, after a fifth consecutive clean sheet, but will rue their failure to find a second-half winner.
Both sides had half-chances in the early stages, with Gabi and Saul shooting wide for Atletico, while Adil Rami, Grzegorz Krychowiak and Coke all missed the target with headers for Sevilla.Griezmann flicked an effort just past the upright for the hosts after a good run and cross from Juanfran down the right.
Atletico pressed again when Diego Godin's flick-on was diverted just over by a stretching Griezmann at the far post.
But it was Sevilla who almost broke the deadlock in the first half when Ever Banega's attempt deflected off Saul and clipped the crossbar after Sergio Escudero had impressively created the opportunity.After failing to trouble away goalkeeper Sergio Rico in the first half, Simeone brought on Yannick Carrasco at the interval.
Moments after having a claim for a penalty turned down following a trip in the box, Griezmann was denied by the woodwork. A searching pass from Koke found the France forward in his stride and his powerful header bounced off the post.
Vitolo was sent off in the 61st minute for a second bookable offence for bringing down Luciano Vietto right on the edge of the penalty area, with head coach Unai Emery also sent to the stands for his protests.
Atletico's frustration in front of goal continued when Rico denied them from both Saul's looping header and a presentable chance for Carrasco as the visitors – beaten 3-0 at home by Simeone's side in August – claimed a valuable point.
Atletico Madrid missed the chance to return to the top of La Liga after being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by 10-man Sevilla at the Vicente Calderon on Sunday.
Diego Simeone's men came closest to scoring when Antoine Griezmann headed against the post in a second half that also saw Vitolo sent off for the visitors after receiving a second yellow card.
But seventh-placed Sevilla held on to extend their good run of results to only one defeat in their last nine top-flight matches.
Atletico move level on points with leaders Barcelona, who have a game in hand, after a fifth consecutive clean sheet, but will rue their failure to find a second-half winner.
Both sides had half-chances in the early stages, with Gabi and Saul shooting wide for Atletico, while Adil Rami, Grzegorz Krychowiak and Coke all missed the target with headers for Sevilla.Griezmann flicked an effort just past the upright for the hosts after a good run and cross from Juanfran down the right.
Atletico pressed again when Diego Godin's flick-on was diverted just over by a stretching Griezmann at the far post.
But it was Sevilla who almost broke the deadlock in the first half when Ever Banega's attempt deflected off Saul and clipped the crossbar after Sergio Escudero had impressively created the opportunity.After failing to trouble away goalkeeper Sergio Rico in the first half, Simeone brought on Yannick Carrasco at the interval.
Moments after having a claim for a penalty turned down following a trip in the box, Griezmann was denied by the woodwork. A searching pass from Koke found the France forward in his stride and his powerful header bounced off the post.
Vitolo was sent off in the 61st minute for a second bookable offence for bringing down Luciano Vietto right on the edge of the penalty area, with head coach Unai Emery also sent to the stands for his protests.
Atletico's frustration in front of goal continued when Rico denied them from both Saul's looping header and a presentable chance for Carrasco as the visitors – beaten 3-0 at home by Simeone's side in August – claimed a valuable point.
Arsenal 0-1 Chelsea: Costa downs Gunners after Mertesacker sees red
Arsenal’s title hopes took a knock after Diego Costa’s goal gave Chelsea a 1-0 win at the Emirates after Per Mertesacker had been sent off for the hosts.
The Gunners were reduced to 10 men after just 18 minutes, Mertesacker bringing down Costa after the striker had been sent clean through by a precise ball from Willian.
The Spain international then poured further misery on Arsene Wenger’s side, guiding home Branislav Ivanovic’s cross at the near post for the only goal of the game.
Even the second-half introduction of Alexis Sanchez - featuring for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury in November - could not spark Arsenal, who lost at home in the league for the first time since the opening weekend of the season.
Victory means Chelsea remain unbeaten since Guus Hiddink replaced Jose Mourinho and they have not lost in their last nine league meetings with Arsenal, who are third, three points behind leaders Leicester City.
Both sides had sights of goal in the opening two minutes as Joel Campbell missed his kick from Theo Walcott's cross before Oscar - recalled in place of Pedro - had a shot tipped behind at the near post by Petr Cech.
The former Chelsea goalkeeper was called into action again in the 15th minute as Willian fired straight at him after Arsenal struggled to clear.
And Willian was heavily involved in the sending-off three minutes later as his through-ball released Costa, who looked to break away only to be brought down by Mertesacker, leaving referee Mark Clattenburg little option but to brandish the red card.
That dismissal prompted Arsene Wenger to send on Gabriel in place of Olivier Giroud, but Arsenal were almost immediately behind as Ivanovic's superb cross from the right was turned in by Costa from close range at the near post in the 23rd minute.
Costa went close to doubling his tally shortly before half-time only for Cech to save sharply, and from the resulting corner Ivanovic's header was cleared off the line by Nacho Monreal.
For all Chelsea's superiority, Arsenal had a chance to level with the final act of the first half but Mathieu Flamini volleyed Aaron Ramsey's clever pass over the crossbar.
In a quieter second half, Chelsea felt they should have had a penalty shortly before the hour when Koscielny body-checked former Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas, but Clattenburg was unmoved.
A frantic scramble in the Chelsea box raised Arsenal hopes of an equaliser, but the hosts could not force the ball in as Hiddink's side stood firm to claim back-to-back away wins and move above West Brom into 13th place.
Arsenal’s title hopes took a knock after Diego Costa’s goal gave Chelsea a 1-0 win at the Emirates after Per Mertesacker had been sent off for the hosts.
The Gunners were reduced to 10 men after just 18 minutes, Mertesacker bringing down Costa after the striker had been sent clean through by a precise ball from Willian.
The Spain international then poured further misery on Arsene Wenger’s side, guiding home Branislav Ivanovic’s cross at the near post for the only goal of the game.
Even the second-half introduction of Alexis Sanchez - featuring for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury in November - could not spark Arsenal, who lost at home in the league for the first time since the opening weekend of the season.
Victory means Chelsea remain unbeaten since Guus Hiddink replaced Jose Mourinho and they have not lost in their last nine league meetings with Arsenal, who are third, three points behind leaders Leicester City.
Both sides had sights of goal in the opening two minutes as Joel Campbell missed his kick from Theo Walcott's cross before Oscar - recalled in place of Pedro - had a shot tipped behind at the near post by Petr Cech.
The former Chelsea goalkeeper was called into action again in the 15th minute as Willian fired straight at him after Arsenal struggled to clear.
And Willian was heavily involved in the sending-off three minutes later as his through-ball released Costa, who looked to break away only to be brought down by Mertesacker, leaving referee Mark Clattenburg little option but to brandish the red card.
That dismissal prompted Arsene Wenger to send on Gabriel in place of Olivier Giroud, but Arsenal were almost immediately behind as Ivanovic's superb cross from the right was turned in by Costa from close range at the near post in the 23rd minute.
Costa went close to doubling his tally shortly before half-time only for Cech to save sharply, and from the resulting corner Ivanovic's header was cleared off the line by Nacho Monreal.
For all Chelsea's superiority, Arsenal had a chance to level with the final act of the first half but Mathieu Flamini volleyed Aaron Ramsey's clever pass over the crossbar.
In a quieter second half, Chelsea felt they should have had a penalty shortly before the hour when Koscielny body-checked former Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas, but Clattenburg was unmoved.
A frantic scramble in the Chelsea box raised Arsenal hopes of an equaliser, but the hosts could not force the ball in as Hiddink's side stood firm to claim back-to-back away wins and move above West Brom into 13th place.
Wenger: Costa got Mertesacker sent off
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claimed Chelsea's Diego Costa was at fault for Per Mertesacker's sending off in their 1-0 defeat on Sunday, despite the seemingly clear-cut nature of the foul.
Costa had been sent clear through by Willian's pass in the 18th minute, with Mertesacker chopping the striker down as the Spaniard sped towards goal. Still, Wenger took issue with what appeared to be an easy decision for referee Mark Clattenburg.
"He got him sent off - you cannot say it's not true," Wenger told Sky Sports. "Costa has had two of our players sent off in two games... so he is clever.
"In the first game he got Gabriel sent off, today he got Mertesacker off. Was the tackle irregular or not? Did he touch him? I'll have to watch it again - but a fact is a fact.
"I am not accusing him (Costa) of anything - it's just what happened."
Mere minutes after the sending off, Costa got on the end of Branislav Ivanovic's cross at the front post, finishing first time to score what would be the only goal of the match in a feisty encounter.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claimed Chelsea's Diego Costa was at fault for Per Mertesacker's sending off in their 1-0 defeat on Sunday, despite the seemingly clear-cut nature of the foul.
Costa had been sent clear through by Willian's pass in the 18th minute, with Mertesacker chopping the striker down as the Spaniard sped towards goal. Still, Wenger took issue with what appeared to be an easy decision for referee Mark Clattenburg.
"He got him sent off - you cannot say it's not true," Wenger told Sky Sports. "Costa has had two of our players sent off in two games... so he is clever.
"In the first game he got Gabriel sent off, today he got Mertesacker off. Was the tackle irregular or not? Did he touch him? I'll have to watch it again - but a fact is a fact.
"I am not accusing him (Costa) of anything - it's just what happened."
Mere minutes after the sending off, Costa got on the end of Branislav Ivanovic's cross at the front post, finishing first time to score what would be the only goal of the match in a feisty encounter.
Fabregas: I'm almost back to my best form
Cesc Fabregas believes he is nearing a return to his strongest form after helping Chelsea to a 1-0 win over Arsenal on Sunday.
The Spain international has failed to live up to the high standards he set on his return to England at the start of 2014-15, leading to him receiving criticism this season as Chelsea have struggled badly in their title defence.
The ex-Arsenal man was on the right side of the result at Emirates Stadium on Sunday, as Per Mertesacker wa ssent off in the 18th minute before Diego Costa netted the winner five minutes later.
And Fabregas feels his performances are better now than they have been over the last 12 months."I'm nearly there, I'm feeling very sharp," Fabregas told Sky Sports. "My brain is much quicker than the last few months, I struggled a bit.
"I don't know why it left, but the sharpness is back. Under pressure I'm much more in control, I'm not shaky, but of course my team-mates make it easier for me.
"But in the last year I'm in the best form right now, yes."
Fabregas' captain John Terry paid tribute to his team's battling qualities as they recorded back-to-back away victories to climb above West Brom into 13th place in the Premier League.
"We're delighted with the win," he said. "They're a very good side. I thought we dealt with it very well.
"Everyone is beating everyone still, it's a tough league this year. If we can put a good run of games together and show the fighting spirit we have done, we're not writing anything off."We'll keep fighting in the league until there's no points left to play for."
Cesc Fabregas believes he is nearing a return to his strongest form after helping Chelsea to a 1-0 win over Arsenal on Sunday.
The Spain international has failed to live up to the high standards he set on his return to England at the start of 2014-15, leading to him receiving criticism this season as Chelsea have struggled badly in their title defence.
The ex-Arsenal man was on the right side of the result at Emirates Stadium on Sunday, as Per Mertesacker wa ssent off in the 18th minute before Diego Costa netted the winner five minutes later.
And Fabregas feels his performances are better now than they have been over the last 12 months."I'm nearly there, I'm feeling very sharp," Fabregas told Sky Sports. "My brain is much quicker than the last few months, I struggled a bit.
"I don't know why it left, but the sharpness is back. Under pressure I'm much more in control, I'm not shaky, but of course my team-mates make it easier for me.
"But in the last year I'm in the best form right now, yes."
Fabregas' captain John Terry paid tribute to his team's battling qualities as they recorded back-to-back away victories to climb above West Brom into 13th place in the Premier League.
"We're delighted with the win," he said. "They're a very good side. I thought we dealt with it very well.
"Everyone is beating everyone still, it's a tough league this year. If we can put a good run of games together and show the fighting spirit we have done, we're not writing anything off."We'll keep fighting in the league until there's no points left to play for."
Chelsea defeat marks new record for Arsenal
It apparently does not matter where Arsenal and Chelsea stand in the Premier League table, as the result in clashes between the two London clubs are fast becoming a foregone conclusion.
A 1-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday continued the Gunners' woeful run of form against the league holders, who have themselves been in dire straits so far in 2015/16.
The Blues have stayed unbeaten in nine straight fixtures, winning six and drawing three.
But it gets even worse for Arsene Wenger's men, as even scoring a goal seems beyond them when they take on their rivals from the capital.
The Gunners’ six games without a goal against Chelsea has equalled their Premier League record for the longest blank against any single club, following a three year spell without troubling the scorers against Liverpool between 1997 and 2000.
They have now passed a painful nine hours and 32 minutes without netting against Chelsea.
To put that into perspective, a flight from London to New York takes just under eight hours, while marathon world record holder Dennis Kimotto could have completed the 26-mile course four and a half times since Wenger's men last celebrated beating a Chelsea goalkeeper.
Arsenal fans could also have utilised that time to watch Empire, an eight-hour black and white slow motion recording of the Empire State Building directed by Andy Warhol in 1964. Judging on the last display, that may well have been a less painful way to spend the last few Chelsea clashes.
To put that into perspective, a flight from London to New York takes just under eight hours, while marathon world record holder Dennis Kimotto could have completed the 26-mile course four and a half times since Wenger's men last celebrated beating a Chelsea goalkeeper.
Arsenal fans could also have utilised that time to watch Empire, an eight-hour black and white slow motion recording of the Empire State Building directed by Andy Warhol in 1964. Judging on the last display, that may well have been a less painful way to spend the last few Chelsea clashes.
It apparently does not matter where Arsenal and Chelsea stand in the Premier League table, as the result in clashes between the two London clubs are fast becoming a foregone conclusion.
A 1-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday continued the Gunners' woeful run of form against the league holders, who have themselves been in dire straits so far in 2015/16.
The Blues have stayed unbeaten in nine straight fixtures, winning six and drawing three.
But it gets even worse for Arsene Wenger's men, as even scoring a goal seems beyond them when they take on their rivals from the capital.
The Gunners’ six games without a goal against Chelsea has equalled their Premier League record for the longest blank against any single club, following a three year spell without troubling the scorers against Liverpool between 1997 and 2000.
They have now passed a painful nine hours and 32 minutes without netting against Chelsea.
To put that into perspective, a flight from London to New York takes just under eight hours, while marathon world record holder Dennis Kimotto could have completed the 26-mile course four and a half times since Wenger's men last celebrated beating a Chelsea goalkeeper.
Arsenal fans could also have utilised that time to watch Empire, an eight-hour black and white slow motion recording of the Empire State Building directed by Andy Warhol in 1964. Judging on the last display, that may well have been a less painful way to spend the last few Chelsea clashes.
To put that into perspective, a flight from London to New York takes just under eight hours, while marathon world record holder Dennis Kimotto could have completed the 26-mile course four and a half times since Wenger's men last celebrated beating a Chelsea goalkeeper.
Arsenal fans could also have utilised that time to watch Empire, an eight-hour black and white slow motion recording of the Empire State Building directed by Andy Warhol in 1964. Judging on the last display, that may well have been a less painful way to spend the last few Chelsea clashes.
Rooney 'over the moon' at birth of third child
Wayne Rooney has revealed that he and wife Coleen Rooney have had their third child.
The Manchester United striker had the child, named Kit Joseph Rooney, on Sunday. The pair already have two sons - Kai Wayne, six, and Klay Anthony, two.
And the 30-year-old revealed via Twitter that he and his wife were delighted to welcome another son into the world.
"Our gorgeous little boy arrived today," he tweeted. "Kit Joseph Rooney. 8Ib 1oz. We are over the moon."
Wayne Rooney has revealed that he and wife Coleen Rooney have had their third child.
The Manchester United striker had the child, named Kit Joseph Rooney, on Sunday. The pair already have two sons - Kai Wayne, six, and Klay Anthony, two.
And the 30-year-old revealed via Twitter that he and his wife were delighted to welcome another son into the world.
"Our gorgeous little boy arrived today," he tweeted. "Kit Joseph Rooney. 8Ib 1oz. We are over the moon."
As Man Utd training is cancelled, how long does Van Gaal have left?
Manchester United's Carrington training ground was left unusually quiet on Sunday with players and coaches told not to come in for what previously had been a religiously routine post-match warm-down session.
For the first time under manager Louis van Gaal, the day after a match was not spent enduring a 45-90 minute run-out together for the United first team. Van Gaal is a stickler for rules, regularity and repetition. The former Barcelona boss has even called his squad in just hours after they have returned from European trips this season.
So granting Sunday as a day off represents a highly unusual move. Van Gaal's decision to return to the Netherlands for his daughter's birthday will raise eyebrows, coming as it does on the back of United’s 1-0 defeat to Southampton on Saturday.
Saturday's defeat left the Red Devils five points behind Tottenham in the race for a top-four place. The Dutch boss's win rate of 49 per cent is now the worst of any United manager in the last 30 years. While more than two decades of that time was taken up by the Sir Alex Ferguson era, David Moyes may feel slightly aggrieved that he was not given more time given the stays of execution Van Gaal has survived.
How much longer United will tolerate the results – and even as importantly, the performances – is the overriding question surrounding Old Trafford and Carrington these days. Whether Van Gaal himself will stick to the remaining 17 months on his current contract has also been brought sharply into question in recent weeks.
The result brings about a new low for Van Gaal as his team registered just one shot on target - a speculative 30-yard effort from Daley Blind in the first half - and struggled to create any other goalscoring opportunities of note as the joy of beating rivals Liverpool six days earlier was forgotten. The chorus of boos that greeted Saturday’s performance, the strength of ill-feeling towards the current regime that reached a new nadir on Saturday, will not have been lost on the United board.
Sources at the club have told Goal that the mood among the backroom staff and players was at its lowest ebb after the final whistle, and reports of Jose Mourinho's "love letter" to the Old Trafford hierarchy will have done little to improve the mood with Van Gaal.
Though the former Chelsea boss's representatives deny their client has made contact with the 20-time English champions regarding a possible role in the future, his spectre continues to loom large over the red side of Manchester.
United have also been forced to deny they met with Pep Guardiola in Paris over the past few days, and while the Bayern Munich boss is highly likely to turn up at Manchester City rather than their local rivals, viable alternatives to Van Gaal being on the market only makes his position less secure.
Promoting assistant manager Ryan Giggs was always the plan when Van Gaal first took over the reins in the summer of 2014, but the former star pupil of Ferguson continues to be tainted by his relationship with the current era and whether he would offer anything different.
Former chief executive David Gill, whose own replacement Ed Woodward has hardly covered himself in glory in terms of player recruitment in recent year, has even urged Giggs to look elsewhere for his first management position.
"It is an interesting question and it will be something Ryan will be thinking about and discussing with the powers that be within Manchester United," Gill told BBC Sport on Sunday.
"I don't disagree with the notion that you can't be a number two forever. You have to go out and prove you have what it takes and that you can do it in the firing line.
"There are clearly different traits required to be a number two and be in the hotseat as a number one."
Gill also hit out at United's style of play, claiming he could not "sit here and say it is that attractive", and while Ferguson's swashbuckling teams remain fresh in the memory the detractors are unlikely to go away any time soon.
Van Gaal's style is one thing, but failing to get results with such a philosophy is proving to be the final straw for many United fans, while even the 64-year-old's decision to relax his strict lunch rules this week have failed to improve issues that remain inside the United dressing room.
His time in the Premier League is becoming messier by the week, and there is a feeling the man himself knows it. Arguments with journalists have only added to his issues, and the writing is now on the wall as to whether Van Gaal will be around come the opening day of the 2016-17 campaign.
The underlying belief that United are likely to stick by their man until the end of the campaign and hope the players can arrest their poor form in a bid to qualify for the Champions League weakens by the day.
With the players due back in for training on Monday, all eyes remain fixed on the club and the manager for all the wrong reasons.
Manchester United's Carrington training ground was left unusually quiet on Sunday with players and coaches told not to come in for what previously had been a religiously routine post-match warm-down session.
For the first time under manager Louis van Gaal, the day after a match was not spent enduring a 45-90 minute run-out together for the United first team. Van Gaal is a stickler for rules, regularity and repetition. The former Barcelona boss has even called his squad in just hours after they have returned from European trips this season.
So granting Sunday as a day off represents a highly unusual move. Van Gaal's decision to return to the Netherlands for his daughter's birthday will raise eyebrows, coming as it does on the back of United’s 1-0 defeat to Southampton on Saturday.
Saturday's defeat left the Red Devils five points behind Tottenham in the race for a top-four place. The Dutch boss's win rate of 49 per cent is now the worst of any United manager in the last 30 years. While more than two decades of that time was taken up by the Sir Alex Ferguson era, David Moyes may feel slightly aggrieved that he was not given more time given the stays of execution Van Gaal has survived.
How much longer United will tolerate the results – and even as importantly, the performances – is the overriding question surrounding Old Trafford and Carrington these days. Whether Van Gaal himself will stick to the remaining 17 months on his current contract has also been brought sharply into question in recent weeks.
The result brings about a new low for Van Gaal as his team registered just one shot on target - a speculative 30-yard effort from Daley Blind in the first half - and struggled to create any other goalscoring opportunities of note as the joy of beating rivals Liverpool six days earlier was forgotten. The chorus of boos that greeted Saturday’s performance, the strength of ill-feeling towards the current regime that reached a new nadir on Saturday, will not have been lost on the United board.
Sources at the club have told Goal that the mood among the backroom staff and players was at its lowest ebb after the final whistle, and reports of Jose Mourinho's "love letter" to the Old Trafford hierarchy will have done little to improve the mood with Van Gaal.
Though the former Chelsea boss's representatives deny their client has made contact with the 20-time English champions regarding a possible role in the future, his spectre continues to loom large over the red side of Manchester.
United have also been forced to deny they met with Pep Guardiola in Paris over the past few days, and while the Bayern Munich boss is highly likely to turn up at Manchester City rather than their local rivals, viable alternatives to Van Gaal being on the market only makes his position less secure.
Promoting assistant manager Ryan Giggs was always the plan when Van Gaal first took over the reins in the summer of 2014, but the former star pupil of Ferguson continues to be tainted by his relationship with the current era and whether he would offer anything different.
Former chief executive David Gill, whose own replacement Ed Woodward has hardly covered himself in glory in terms of player recruitment in recent year, has even urged Giggs to look elsewhere for his first management position.
"It is an interesting question and it will be something Ryan will be thinking about and discussing with the powers that be within Manchester United," Gill told BBC Sport on Sunday.
"I don't disagree with the notion that you can't be a number two forever. You have to go out and prove you have what it takes and that you can do it in the firing line.
"There are clearly different traits required to be a number two and be in the hotseat as a number one."
Gill also hit out at United's style of play, claiming he could not "sit here and say it is that attractive", and while Ferguson's swashbuckling teams remain fresh in the memory the detractors are unlikely to go away any time soon.
Van Gaal's style is one thing, but failing to get results with such a philosophy is proving to be the final straw for many United fans, while even the 64-year-old's decision to relax his strict lunch rules this week have failed to improve issues that remain inside the United dressing room.
His time in the Premier League is becoming messier by the week, and there is a feeling the man himself knows it. Arguments with journalists have only added to his issues, and the writing is now on the wall as to whether Van Gaal will be around come the opening day of the 2016-17 campaign.
The underlying belief that United are likely to stick by their man until the end of the campaign and hope the players can arrest their poor form in a bid to qualify for the Champions League weakens by the day.
With the players due back in for training on Monday, all eyes remain fixed on the club and the manager for all the wrong reasons.
Aubameyang rules out PSG move
Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has ruled out a move to Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, claiming he does not want to return to France.
The Gabon international has hit scintillating form this season scoring 27 goals in 27 matches to help guide Thomas Tuchel's side into second spot in the Bundesliga.
Speculation in recent weeks has suggested PSG will be on the lookout for a new attacker this summer but Aubameyang says he'll be staying at Westfalenstadion for the foreseeable future.
"A transfer to PSG? Last year it was maybe possible but not today. I didn't want to come back to France," the 26-year-old told Canal+.
"If I will have fun in this team? Obviously when there are players like the ones who are there, a striker can only make a difference. It would be good (to play with them)."Aubameyang enjoyed several loan spells in France during the formative stages of his career but finally found his goalscoring form with Saint-Etienne in 2011.
"I still follow Ligue 1 and I remain a fan of AS Saint-Etienne," he continued. "It would be great if I could go back there this year with Dortmund in the Europa League. I would like to show ASSE fans how I progressed "
The 2015 African Player of the Year winner also revealed he was affected by the critical responses of Andre Ayew and Yaya Toure following him picking up the trophy.
"I spoke with [Andre] Ayew, I did not understand (his attitude). It doesn't matter," he said."The Golden Ball is played on all season and my calendar year was not bad. It touched me, and that's a shame."
Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has ruled out a move to Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, claiming he does not want to return to France.
The Gabon international has hit scintillating form this season scoring 27 goals in 27 matches to help guide Thomas Tuchel's side into second spot in the Bundesliga.
Speculation in recent weeks has suggested PSG will be on the lookout for a new attacker this summer but Aubameyang says he'll be staying at Westfalenstadion for the foreseeable future.
"A transfer to PSG? Last year it was maybe possible but not today. I didn't want to come back to France," the 26-year-old told Canal+.
"If I will have fun in this team? Obviously when there are players like the ones who are there, a striker can only make a difference. It would be good (to play with them)."Aubameyang enjoyed several loan spells in France during the formative stages of his career but finally found his goalscoring form with Saint-Etienne in 2011.
"I still follow Ligue 1 and I remain a fan of AS Saint-Etienne," he continued. "It would be great if I could go back there this year with Dortmund in the Europa League. I would like to show ASSE fans how I progressed "
The 2015 African Player of the Year winner also revealed he was affected by the critical responses of Andre Ayew and Yaya Toure following him picking up the trophy.
"I spoke with [Andre] Ayew, I did not understand (his attitude). It doesn't matter," he said."The Golden Ball is played on all season and my calendar year was not bad. It touched me, and that's a shame."
Real Betis 1-1 Real Madrid: Benzema rescues Zidane from first defeat
Karim Benzema ensured Zinedine Zidane remains unbeaten as Real Madrid coach, with the striker's second-half equaliser earning a 1-1 draw against a stoic Real Betis at Estadio Benito Villamarin.
Alvaro Cejudo's exquisite volley put Betis ahead inside seven minutes but Benzema ended Madrid's struggle to find a response when he rounded off a lovely team move with 19 minutes remaining to stave off a first defeat for Zidane and earn a point.The crowd were boisterous from the opening minute in Andalusia and had even more to shout about when Cejudo gave them an early lead.
Madrid eventually settled but Cristiano Ronaldo - persistently booed every time he touched the ball by the home faithful - looked out of sorts and miscued his side's best opportunity to equalise before the interval.
With Gareth Bale absent due to a calf injury, James Rodriguez missed two great chances but finally justified his place in the front three by latching on to Toni Kroos' brilliant throughball and teeing up Benzema for the leveller.
Zidane's side were unable to find a winner in the closing stages, with former Madrid goalkeeper Antonio Adan making two late saves to leave them four points adrift of La Liga leaders Barcelona, while Betis' winless run extends to 11 games in all competitions.
The electric atmosphere in Seville was met with a fitting start as Ruben Castro beat Danilo in an impressive run down the left before cutting inside and forcing a save from Keylor Navas.
The ball looped up off the Costa Rica international and fell kindly to Cejudo, who produced a sensational volley which flew into the top-left corner with just seven minutes on the clock.
Every touch for Zidane's side was met with jeers – Ronaldo receiving particularly harsh treatment - but they gradually gained a foothold in the game and Benzema warmed the gloves of Adan in the 17th minute.
The visitors began to enjoy more possession and Ronaldo looked sure to restore parity in the 32nd minute when a one-two with Benzema set him free on the left-hand side of the box, but the Portuguese forward uncharacteristically skewed wide.Madrid continued to pile on the pressure and, after Pepe powered a header narrowly wide, Benzema felt he was wrongly refused a penalty when his heel was caught by Petros.
Betis managed to see out the remainder of the half without conceding, but their inability to keep hold of the ball continued to cause them problems.
Five minutes after the restart James failed to connect eight yards out and Adan did well to block Benzema's attempt to redirect a shot from Luka Modric into the net seconds later.
Madrid, having struggled to create opportunities, equalised in the 71st minute when Benzema tapped home from James' square pass after Kroos had split the Betis defence open, although Colombia international James could have been in an off-side position when he supplied the assist.
James, Benzema and Ronaldo were all denied by Adan - the latter two from point-blank range - in the closing stages, while Castro fired wide from 20 yards when presented with a chance to win it on the break for the hosts in stoppage time.
Karim Benzema ensured Zinedine Zidane remains unbeaten as Real Madrid coach, with the striker's second-half equaliser earning a 1-1 draw against a stoic Real Betis at Estadio Benito Villamarin.
Alvaro Cejudo's exquisite volley put Betis ahead inside seven minutes but Benzema ended Madrid's struggle to find a response when he rounded off a lovely team move with 19 minutes remaining to stave off a first defeat for Zidane and earn a point.The crowd were boisterous from the opening minute in Andalusia and had even more to shout about when Cejudo gave them an early lead.
Madrid eventually settled but Cristiano Ronaldo - persistently booed every time he touched the ball by the home faithful - looked out of sorts and miscued his side's best opportunity to equalise before the interval.
With Gareth Bale absent due to a calf injury, James Rodriguez missed two great chances but finally justified his place in the front three by latching on to Toni Kroos' brilliant throughball and teeing up Benzema for the leveller.
Zidane's side were unable to find a winner in the closing stages, with former Madrid goalkeeper Antonio Adan making two late saves to leave them four points adrift of La Liga leaders Barcelona, while Betis' winless run extends to 11 games in all competitions.
The electric atmosphere in Seville was met with a fitting start as Ruben Castro beat Danilo in an impressive run down the left before cutting inside and forcing a save from Keylor Navas.
The ball looped up off the Costa Rica international and fell kindly to Cejudo, who produced a sensational volley which flew into the top-left corner with just seven minutes on the clock.
Every touch for Zidane's side was met with jeers – Ronaldo receiving particularly harsh treatment - but they gradually gained a foothold in the game and Benzema warmed the gloves of Adan in the 17th minute.
The visitors began to enjoy more possession and Ronaldo looked sure to restore parity in the 32nd minute when a one-two with Benzema set him free on the left-hand side of the box, but the Portuguese forward uncharacteristically skewed wide.Madrid continued to pile on the pressure and, after Pepe powered a header narrowly wide, Benzema felt he was wrongly refused a penalty when his heel was caught by Petros.
Betis managed to see out the remainder of the half without conceding, but their inability to keep hold of the ball continued to cause them problems.
Five minutes after the restart James failed to connect eight yards out and Adan did well to block Benzema's attempt to redirect a shot from Luka Modric into the net seconds later.
Madrid, having struggled to create opportunities, equalised in the 71st minute when Benzema tapped home from James' square pass after Kroos had split the Betis defence open, although Colombia international James could have been in an off-side position when he supplied the assist.
James, Benzema and Ronaldo were all denied by Adan - the latter two from point-blank range - in the closing stages, while Castro fired wide from 20 yards when presented with a chance to win it on the break for the hosts in stoppage time.
Juventus 1-0 Roma: Dybala stretches hosts' winning streak
Paulo Dybala's late goal saw Juventus make it 11 Serie A victories in succession with a hard-fought 1-0 triumph against Roma on Sunday.
After a poor start to their quest for a fifth successive Scudetto, a resurgent Juve have roared back into the title race with an impressive run of form that has helped them ascend to second place in the table.Having seen Napoli extend their advantage at the summit to five points with a 4-2 win at Sampdoria earlier in the day, the pressure was on the champions to respond at Juventus Stadium.
For long periods, it looked as though they would be frustrated by a stubborn Roma outfit in Luciano Spalletti's second game back in charge.
But Dybala continued his own personal purple patch with a clinical finish in the 77th minute from Paul Pogba's cute pass - an eighth goal in the last 10 league outings for the Argentine.
Victory means Juve keep pace with Napoli and sit two points behind them again, while Roma remain fifth, having won just one of their previous nine league games.
There had been seven red cards in the last five meetings between these two sides, and an early off-the-ball tangle between Daniele De Rossi and Mario Mandzukic set the tone for a fractious opening, with the Roma man perhaps fortunate not to see red for standing on his opponent's foot.
De Rossi was cautioned for the incident and Dybala sent the subsequent 20-yard free-kick straight at Wojciech Szczesny.
Midway through the half, Patrice Evra sliced wildly at two efforts in quick succession before Pogba - sporting an eye-catching leopard-print pattern in his hair - headed over from eight yards as Juve dominated.
Roma grew into the game as the half wore on, and Alessandro Florenzi wasted an excellent opening in the 37th minute when he swung wildly at an effort from inside the box which flew high and wide.
The home side felt they should have had a penalty three minutes later when a dropping ball struck Miralem Pjanic on the arm, but the referee awarded Roma a free-kick for a separate infringement.
The first notable effort of the second period did not arrive until the 68th minute, as substitute Juan Cuadrado brought a save out of Szczesny low to the goalkeeper's right.A minute later, Szczesny was tasked with a much more difficult save as he spread himself to parry Evra's thunderous effort from a tight angle.
But the Poland goalkeeper could do nothing about the winner 13 minutes from time as Pogba slipped a pass into the path of Dybala, who finished left-footed beyond Szczesny and into the bottom-right corner to extend Juve's stunning sequence of form.
Paulo Dybala's late goal saw Juventus make it 11 Serie A victories in succession with a hard-fought 1-0 triumph against Roma on Sunday.
After a poor start to their quest for a fifth successive Scudetto, a resurgent Juve have roared back into the title race with an impressive run of form that has helped them ascend to second place in the table.Having seen Napoli extend their advantage at the summit to five points with a 4-2 win at Sampdoria earlier in the day, the pressure was on the champions to respond at Juventus Stadium.
For long periods, it looked as though they would be frustrated by a stubborn Roma outfit in Luciano Spalletti's second game back in charge.
But Dybala continued his own personal purple patch with a clinical finish in the 77th minute from Paul Pogba's cute pass - an eighth goal in the last 10 league outings for the Argentine.
Victory means Juve keep pace with Napoli and sit two points behind them again, while Roma remain fifth, having won just one of their previous nine league games.
There had been seven red cards in the last five meetings between these two sides, and an early off-the-ball tangle between Daniele De Rossi and Mario Mandzukic set the tone for a fractious opening, with the Roma man perhaps fortunate not to see red for standing on his opponent's foot.
De Rossi was cautioned for the incident and Dybala sent the subsequent 20-yard free-kick straight at Wojciech Szczesny.
Midway through the half, Patrice Evra sliced wildly at two efforts in quick succession before Pogba - sporting an eye-catching leopard-print pattern in his hair - headed over from eight yards as Juve dominated.
Roma grew into the game as the half wore on, and Alessandro Florenzi wasted an excellent opening in the 37th minute when he swung wildly at an effort from inside the box which flew high and wide.
The home side felt they should have had a penalty three minutes later when a dropping ball struck Miralem Pjanic on the arm, but the referee awarded Roma a free-kick for a separate infringement.
The first notable effort of the second period did not arrive until the 68th minute, as substitute Juan Cuadrado brought a save out of Szczesny low to the goalkeeper's right.A minute later, Szczesny was tasked with a much more difficult save as he spread himself to parry Evra's thunderous effort from a tight angle.
But the Poland goalkeeper could do nothing about the winner 13 minutes from time as Pogba slipped a pass into the path of Dybala, who finished left-footed beyond Szczesny and into the bottom-right corner to extend Juve's stunning sequence of form.
Zidane 'very proud' of Madrid display despite Betis draw
Zinedine Zidane says he was not disappointed with his Real Madrid team despite having to come from behind to earn a laboured draw away to Real Betis on Sunday.
Madrid fell behind to a sumptuous volley from Alvaro Cejudo early on at Estadio Benito Villamarin and struggled to create chances despite controlling possession.
The visitors eventually restored parity 19 minutes from time, with James Rodriguez latching on to Toni Kroos' throughball to set up Karim Benzema for the equaliser.
Betis goalkeeper Antonio Adan produced a trio of late saves to deny his former club the three points, but the French coach enjoyed seeing his team push for a winner right up until the final whistle."No I'm not disappointed, we are going to continue with our line of work, we are on a good path," Zidane said.
"You have to take the positives - we lost two points and that's the negative - but we think this can be taken forward and we can fight for La Liga until the end.
"The good thing is that I saw an improvement late in the game, in the second half.We now have finished our third week together and we are going to keep working.
"I am very proud of what we did tonight, we are just missing the two points."Next up for Madrid is the visit of Espanyol to the Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga on Sunday.
Zinedine Zidane says he was not disappointed with his Real Madrid team despite having to come from behind to earn a laboured draw away to Real Betis on Sunday.
Madrid fell behind to a sumptuous volley from Alvaro Cejudo early on at Estadio Benito Villamarin and struggled to create chances despite controlling possession.
The visitors eventually restored parity 19 minutes from time, with James Rodriguez latching on to Toni Kroos' throughball to set up Karim Benzema for the equaliser.
Betis goalkeeper Antonio Adan produced a trio of late saves to deny his former club the three points, but the French coach enjoyed seeing his team push for a winner right up until the final whistle."No I'm not disappointed, we are going to continue with our line of work, we are on a good path," Zidane said.
"You have to take the positives - we lost two points and that's the negative - but we think this can be taken forward and we can fight for La Liga until the end.
"The good thing is that I saw an improvement late in the game, in the second half.We now have finished our third week together and we are going to keep working.
"I am very proud of what we did tonight, we are just missing the two points."Next up for Madrid is the visit of Espanyol to the Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga on Sunday.
Van Gaal: I have not matched fans expectations
Louis van Gaal has admitted he has not lived up to the expectations of the Manchester United fans.
United fell to their sixth league defeat of the season on Saturday, losing 1-0 to Southampton at Old Trafford for the second campaign in succession.
Van Gaal has always cited the fans' belief in him as a reason to continue in his position - but the Dutchman faced a crescendo of boos from the home supporters as he left the field at full-time.Asked whether he still remained determined to continue at the helm, Van Gaal replied: “This question I shall never answer.
“I’m very disappointed I cannot reach the expectations of the fans. They have, or they had, great expectations of me, and I cannot fulfil them, so I am very frustrated.”
United’s late defeat, courtesy of Charlie Austin’s 84th minute debut goal, saw Van Gaal’s side fall 10 points behind Premier League leaders Leicester and the Dutchman admits the team is underachieving.
“Yes, because we want to be in the top three, and we’re not in the top three, and now, after today, our competitors have won, so it’s a setback,” he said.
“You cannot say it is that aspect or that aspect, because there are different aspects that play a role and we are not very lucky with our injuries. But nevertheless, we had to win, and we could have won, but it is not happening.”
Louis van Gaal has admitted he has not lived up to the expectations of the Manchester United fans.
United fell to their sixth league defeat of the season on Saturday, losing 1-0 to Southampton at Old Trafford for the second campaign in succession.
Van Gaal has always cited the fans' belief in him as a reason to continue in his position - but the Dutchman faced a crescendo of boos from the home supporters as he left the field at full-time.Asked whether he still remained determined to continue at the helm, Van Gaal replied: “This question I shall never answer.
“I’m very disappointed I cannot reach the expectations of the fans. They have, or they had, great expectations of me, and I cannot fulfil them, so I am very frustrated.”
United’s late defeat, courtesy of Charlie Austin’s 84th minute debut goal, saw Van Gaal’s side fall 10 points behind Premier League leaders Leicester and the Dutchman admits the team is underachieving.
“Yes, because we want to be in the top three, and we’re not in the top three, and now, after today, our competitors have won, so it’s a setback,” he said.
“You cannot say it is that aspect or that aspect, because there are different aspects that play a role and we are not very lucky with our injuries. But nevertheless, we had to win, and we could have won, but it is not happening.”
Zidane needs Ronaldo to be a saviour like Messi
Neither were at their best this weekend. Lionel Messi cut a frustrated figure at times against Malaga, while Cristiano Ronaldo could do little right away to Betis. The difference? The Argentine struck a great goal to win all three points for Barcelona, while the Portuguese - once again - was desperately disappointing.
Ronaldo has endured a difficult season at Real Madrid. He has netted 27 goals in 27 games, a tally that is on a par with previous campaigns, yet almost all of those have come against smaller sides like Espanyol, Getafe, Levante, Sporting, Malmo and Shakhtar. In the big games, he has been conspicuously absent - unable to net versus Barcelona, Atletico, Sevilla, Valencia, Villarreal nor in two meetings with Paris Saint-Germain.
The Portuguese has also started slowly under Zidane. After failing to net on the Frenchman's debut as coach against Deportivo La Coruna, the 43-year-old said: "It's not a problem. He will score in the next match." And he did, hitting a double in the 5-1 win over Sporting Gijon last weekend.
In the absence of the injured Gareth Bale, who was impressive in the last two matches before he limped off against Sporting, and with James Rodriguez still struggling for form, Madrid could have done with a performance from their star man in Seville on Sunday.
Instead, Ronaldo seemed unable to stay on his feet in the early exchanges and soon signalled to the bench for a change of boots. But it hardly helped because when he was put clean through by Karim Benzema, he produced a finish described on Spanish television as both "horrible" and "really bad" as he dragged his shot way wide with only former team-mate Antonio Adan to beat.
Later in the half, he found himself offside and produced that expression that indicates things are going against him as if it were all a conspiracy. And after the break, things went from bad to worse as another good chance was fired wide and he also kicked out at Dani Ceballos in an off-the-ball incident similar to four others he has escaped punishment for already this term.
Meanwhile, Madrid were still trailing to Alvaro Cejudo's stunning strike after seven minutes and they needed a hero. They had in one in Luka Modric, whose wonderful passing and ability to find spaces where seemingly there are none shone through like a beacon at the Benito Villamarin.
Ultimately, as Betis tired, Madrid did find a way through as James set up Benzema for the leveller. The Colombian, along with four of his team-mates, had been in an offside position, but Madrid deserved to be back in it.
Earlier, Madrid should have had a penalty after Petros stamped on Benzema in the box, but the visitors were also lucky to escape in a similar incident right at the end involving Raphael Varane and Ceballos.
"We are on the right track," Zidane said afterwards. "We dropped two points, but I also saw positive things. You have to put the ball in the net."
Too true. And more often the not, the man who does that for Real is Cristiano. However, the Portuguese is off form at the moment, offering little outside the area and even missing the type of chances on which he usually thrives.
Asked about the future of the former Manchester United man recently, Zidane claimed that there is no way he will be leaving any time soon. "As long as I am here," he said, "Cristiano isn't going anywhere."
So having placed his firm faith in the three-time Ballon d'Or winner, the French coach will now be hoping the Portuguese can respond with the type of performances that will win tough and tricky matches for Real Madrid. Like Messi does every week for Barcelona.
At the moment, however, it's not quite happening.
Neither were at their best this weekend. Lionel Messi cut a frustrated figure at times against Malaga, while Cristiano Ronaldo could do little right away to Betis. The difference? The Argentine struck a great goal to win all three points for Barcelona, while the Portuguese - once again - was desperately disappointing.
Ronaldo has endured a difficult season at Real Madrid. He has netted 27 goals in 27 games, a tally that is on a par with previous campaigns, yet almost all of those have come against smaller sides like Espanyol, Getafe, Levante, Sporting, Malmo and Shakhtar. In the big games, he has been conspicuously absent - unable to net versus Barcelona, Atletico, Sevilla, Valencia, Villarreal nor in two meetings with Paris Saint-Germain.
The Portuguese has also started slowly under Zidane. After failing to net on the Frenchman's debut as coach against Deportivo La Coruna, the 43-year-old said: "It's not a problem. He will score in the next match." And he did, hitting a double in the 5-1 win over Sporting Gijon last weekend.
In the absence of the injured Gareth Bale, who was impressive in the last two matches before he limped off against Sporting, and with James Rodriguez still struggling for form, Madrid could have done with a performance from their star man in Seville on Sunday.
Instead, Ronaldo seemed unable to stay on his feet in the early exchanges and soon signalled to the bench for a change of boots. But it hardly helped because when he was put clean through by Karim Benzema, he produced a finish described on Spanish television as both "horrible" and "really bad" as he dragged his shot way wide with only former team-mate Antonio Adan to beat.
Later in the half, he found himself offside and produced that expression that indicates things are going against him as if it were all a conspiracy. And after the break, things went from bad to worse as another good chance was fired wide and he also kicked out at Dani Ceballos in an off-the-ball incident similar to four others he has escaped punishment for already this term.
Meanwhile, Madrid were still trailing to Alvaro Cejudo's stunning strike after seven minutes and they needed a hero. They had in one in Luka Modric, whose wonderful passing and ability to find spaces where seemingly there are none shone through like a beacon at the Benito Villamarin.
Ultimately, as Betis tired, Madrid did find a way through as James set up Benzema for the leveller. The Colombian, along with four of his team-mates, had been in an offside position, but Madrid deserved to be back in it.
Earlier, Madrid should have had a penalty after Petros stamped on Benzema in the box, but the visitors were also lucky to escape in a similar incident right at the end involving Raphael Varane and Ceballos.
"We are on the right track," Zidane said afterwards. "We dropped two points, but I also saw positive things. You have to put the ball in the net."
Too true. And more often the not, the man who does that for Real is Cristiano. However, the Portuguese is off form at the moment, offering little outside the area and even missing the type of chances on which he usually thrives.
Asked about the future of the former Manchester United man recently, Zidane claimed that there is no way he will be leaving any time soon. "As long as I am here," he said, "Cristiano isn't going anywhere."
So having placed his firm faith in the three-time Ballon d'Or winner, the French coach will now be hoping the Portuguese can respond with the type of performances that will win tough and tricky matches for Real Madrid. Like Messi does every week for Barcelona.
At the moment, however, it's not quite happening.
Rodriguez: Real Madrid players listen more to Zidane than Benitez
James Rodriguez believes Real Madrid made the correct decision in appointing Zinedine Zidane as head coach, admitting the players pay more attention to him than they did to Rafael Benitez.
Zidane had won his opening two games after replacing Benitez as Madrid boss, but saw that run come to an end on Sunday with a 1-1 draw with Real Betis, in which he named Rodriguez in his starting line-up for the first time following Gareth Bale’s calf injury.Rodriguez has been at the heart of speculation in recent weeks following inconsistent performances and some off-field distractions, including being caught speeding by police.
However, the 24-year-old said he was pleased with his individual performance in the draw and appeared eager to support his new boss.
"I think today I was good,” he told reporters after the game. “Now we will train more and that helps me a lot."The change of coach was good. Everybody listen more to the new coach."
The Frenchman was reportedly unhappy with Rodriguez’s unwillingness to warm-up during his side's 5-1 thrashing of Sporting Gijon last weekend and has been forced to answer questions over his player’s personal life.
James Rodriguez believes Real Madrid made the correct decision in appointing Zinedine Zidane as head coach, admitting the players pay more attention to him than they did to Rafael Benitez.
Zidane had won his opening two games after replacing Benitez as Madrid boss, but saw that run come to an end on Sunday with a 1-1 draw with Real Betis, in which he named Rodriguez in his starting line-up for the first time following Gareth Bale’s calf injury.Rodriguez has been at the heart of speculation in recent weeks following inconsistent performances and some off-field distractions, including being caught speeding by police.
However, the 24-year-old said he was pleased with his individual performance in the draw and appeared eager to support his new boss.
"I think today I was good,” he told reporters after the game. “Now we will train more and that helps me a lot."The change of coach was good. Everybody listen more to the new coach."
The Frenchman was reportedly unhappy with Rodriguez’s unwillingness to warm-up during his side's 5-1 thrashing of Sporting Gijon last weekend and has been forced to answer questions over his player’s personal life.
James: Calling me fat p****s me off!
Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez hit out at critics after persistent rumours about his perceived lack of professionalism and excessive weight.
The Colombian has struggled to make an impact in the first team at the Santiago Bernabeu this season, with reports of an over-indulgence in nightlife and criticism of his physical condition rife.
Coach Zinedine Zidane moved to defend James on Saturday before handing him his first start of 2016 in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Real Betis, the 24-year-old responding by assisting Karim Benzema's goal.
But James vented his frustration with the analysis of his professionalism in the media, making it clear he would not stand for comments over his weight."The talk really bothers me. Everyone who is close to me knows how I act and that I always look to take good care of myself," said James.
"I'm a great professional. What's been said about me going out a lot at night is a lie. It p****s me off that people doubt me and say I am fat."James insisted reports he was chased to training on January 1 by police for driving at 200 kmh have been exaggerated, suggesting his loud music stopped him from noticing the pursuing authorities.
"I was not going as fast as everyone says. I had loud music on and when I arrived [at training] I saw they were behind," the Madrid midfielder said.
"It was acknowledged I could have gone slower. As usual with the press, everything is bigger. But if I see someone behind me I stop, I'm not stupid.
"But I apologise, because I also make mistakes."
The Colombian was accused of not following Zidane's request to warm-up during last week's encounter with Sporting Gijon, but he says it was just a misunderstanding."I did not know I had to keep warming up, I just didn't hear. If he tells me to go, I go," he added.
Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez hit out at critics after persistent rumours about his perceived lack of professionalism and excessive weight.
The Colombian has struggled to make an impact in the first team at the Santiago Bernabeu this season, with reports of an over-indulgence in nightlife and criticism of his physical condition rife.
Coach Zinedine Zidane moved to defend James on Saturday before handing him his first start of 2016 in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Real Betis, the 24-year-old responding by assisting Karim Benzema's goal.
But James vented his frustration with the analysis of his professionalism in the media, making it clear he would not stand for comments over his weight."The talk really bothers me. Everyone who is close to me knows how I act and that I always look to take good care of myself," said James.
"I'm a great professional. What's been said about me going out a lot at night is a lie. It p****s me off that people doubt me and say I am fat."James insisted reports he was chased to training on January 1 by police for driving at 200 kmh have been exaggerated, suggesting his loud music stopped him from noticing the pursuing authorities.
"I was not going as fast as everyone says. I had loud music on and when I arrived [at training] I saw they were behind," the Madrid midfielder said.
"It was acknowledged I could have gone slower. As usual with the press, everything is bigger. But if I see someone behind me I stop, I'm not stupid.
"But I apologise, because I also make mistakes."
The Colombian was accused of not following Zidane's request to warm-up during last week's encounter with Sporting Gijon, but he says it was just a misunderstanding."I did not know I had to keep warming up, I just didn't hear. If he tells me to go, I go," he added.
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