..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Stoke City 1-0 Newcastle: Shaqiri moves Potters up to seventh

A sublime strike from Xherdan Shaqiri secured Stoke City a 1-0 win over struggling Newcastle United in the Premier League to move them within five points of the Champions League places.

The Switzerland international was a passenger for the majority of the game at the Britannia Stadium but he proved his class in the 80th minute when his shot rifled into the top-left corner past a helpless Rob Elliot.

The victory moves Stoke into seventh in the league table, while Newcastle remain in the relegation zone after a disappointing display.For long periods of what proved to be a turgid affair, it looked as though the visitors were going to climb out of the drop zone with a battling draw.

But Shaqiri's excellent strike condemned Steve McClaren's men to a sixth successive away defeat to leave them second from bottom, level on points with Norwich City and fierce rivals Sunderland.

Stoke manager Mark Hughes, who fielded an unchanged side from the 2-1 win over Aston Villa, saw his side enjoy some early possession. That almost brought the first goal of the game in the 12th minute when Erik Pieters' cross nearly caught out Elliot, who just managed to palm it away from danger.

The home side were forced into a change midway through the half when Phil Bardsley was replaced by Marc Muniesa, with Geoff Cameron then switching to right-back.

Shaqiri went close again before the break but his left-footed curling effort went just wide of the far post. The visitors then almost took the lead on the stroke of half-time when Moussa Sissoko broke clear but Cameron was on hand to thwart the danger with a well-timed tackle.

Neither side grabbed the initiative in the opening exchanges of the second-half but Ibrahim Afellay came close to opening the scoring with a looping volley from outside the area.

In an attempt to find the breakthrough, Hughes threw on forwards Peter Crouch and Mame Biram Diouf with 20 minutes to go. The duo nearly made an immediate impact from a corner but Crouch was unable to pounce when Elliot's punch failed to clear the box.Diouf then played his part in the goal after he fed a simple ball to Shaqiri who took one touch before drilling past Elliot and into the net.

Newcastle had one final chance in the dying seconds when Jonjo Shelvey charged down the left but Jack Butland produced a superb fingertip save to deny substitute Seydou Doumbia's left-footed effort.

Marko Arnautovic then rattled the crossbar with a powerful drive from just outside the area as Stoke went close to a second, but it mattered little as they held on to make it three consecutive league wins.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Levante 1-3 Real Madrid: Ronaldo helps bury memory of derby loss

Real Madrid received an important boost in confidence as Zinedine Zidane's depleted team fought to a 3-1 victory over Levante on Wednesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been critical of his team-mates after the 1-0 loss to their city rivals on Saturday, only to later insist his comments had been "misinterpreted", converted a 34th-minute penalty to break the deadlock at Estadio Ciudad de Valencia.

An unfortunate own goal by Levante goalkeeper Diego Marino doubled Madrid's lead four minutes later, only for the hosts to almost immediately pull one back through Brazilian forward Deyverson.However, Madrid's ninth successive win over Levante was wrapped up in injury time when Ronaldo's cut-back from the right byline set up substitute Isco.

The result sees Zinedine Zidane's side close the gap to second-placed Atletico back to four points, and they now sit four clear of nearest rivals Villarreal, who drew 0-0 at Celta Vigo.

Madrid's derby defeat proved to be painful for more than just the result – Luka Modric and Karim Benzema, who was withdrawn at half-time on Saturday, picked up injuries in the derby, while both Dani Carvajal and Sergio Ramos received bookings that triggered suspensions.

As a consequence, Zidane picked a side showing five changes and they took their time to get going in Valencia.They would have fallen behind in the fifth minute had former Levante goalkeeper Keylor Navas not reacted superbly to keep out Giuseppe Rossi's snap shot.

However, Levante gifted their opponents the chance to break the deadlock, Lucas Orban's obvious trip on Lucas Vazquez inside the area allowing Ronaldo to score his 23rd league goal of the season from the spot.

Luck deserted Marino for the visitors' second, the goalkeeper inadvertently deflecting the ball into his own net after a shot from Borja Mayoral - who was handed his first start in La Liga - had struck the post.Still, Levante's response to going 2-0 down was impressive. They halved the deficit inside a minute, with Rossi's superb reverse pass presenting the chance for Deyverson to slot a left-footed shot beyond Navas.

Marino kept Levante alive with an acrobatic save to deny a long-range attempt from Nacho early in the second half, while the woodwork came to his aid to keep out Ronaldo's steered volley from James Rodriguez's inch-perfect pass over the top.

Deyverson's flick narrowly wide of the target on the hour mark showed Madrid could not take the result for granted, but Isco's first-time effort at the death from Ronaldo's assist made sure of a much-needed result for Zidane's men.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool 3-0 Manchester City: Pellegrini's title hopes left in tatters

Liverpool exacted revenge for their League Cup final defeat with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Manchester City, leaving Manuel Pellegrini's Premier League title hopes in tatters. Adam Lallana opened the scoring, beating Joe Hart from distance with a soft low drive which the England No.1 failed to reach.

James Milner added a second against his old club before the interval, before Roberto Firmino continued to torment City, sending a side-footed effort past Hart after the interval from just inside the penalty area.

The defeat leaves Pellegrini's side in fourth place, ten points behind league leaders Leicester City with 11 games left to play.

The visitors' weekend spot-kick hero, goalkeeper Willy Caballero, was replaced by regular No.1 Hart as Pellegrini made three changes, while Klopp switched out five and handed a first start since May 2014 to long-term injury victim Jon Flanagan, but there was no Daniel Sturridge.

Fernandinho, who scored for City at the weekend, headed just wide from David Silva's early free-kick, while Firmino's long-range effort was straightforward for Hart in a sluggish opening 20 minutes.

Former Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling tried to spark the contest into life, but his looping 25-yard strike lacked accuracy as Simon Mignolet – making his 100th Premier League appearance – waved it wide.Even the usually dangerous Sergio Aguero, who saw two jinking runs ended inside the box before he could get a shot away, was failing to make an impact.

But Lallana – who missed his penalty in London – showed the City striker the way in the 34th minute, collecting the ball 40 yards out before advancing towards goal and unleashing a low shot that skidded past Hart as the England goalkeeper dived to his left.

Hart was beaten again before the interval when ex-City midfielder Milner gathered Firmino's pass and darted in to toe-poke a finish into the bottom-right corner.

Aguero then saw a point-blank header forced off the line by Milner amid suspicions of handball as the hosts took a two-goal advantage into the break.

Liverpool won 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium in November and looked hungry for more in a second half that saw Wilfried Bony replace Sterling.

The third arrived when a mistake from Nicolas Otamendi ultimately led to Lallana playing in Firmino to prod the ball home.City's frustration was evident, as Jesus Navas went into the referee's notebook after a tangle with the impressive Lallana.

But a more constructive response was not forthcoming, as the away side were left without a win at Anfield since 2003 and quite possibly out of the title race in Pellegrini's farewell season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United 1-0 Watford: Mata boosts Van Gaal’s top four hopes

Manchester United moved level on points with Manchester City in fourth place after Juan Mata’s late free kick saw the Red Devils beat Watford 1-0 at Old Trafford.

Louis van Gaal handed the Spaniard the armband in the absence of the injured Wayne Rooney, but United were fortunate to be level at the break.

After their morale-boosting 3-2 win over Arsenal at the weekend, earned by a double from 18-year-old Marcus Rashford, Van Gaal's injury-hit side were given a series of let-offs by Watford striker Odion Ighalo, who missed a host of chances.

United partnered the fit-again Anthony Martial with Rashford and, after the interval, asked questions of Watford before Mata stepped up from 20 yards with 83 minutes on the clock to settle the contest.

With a sixth goalless draw of their Premier League campaign on the cards, Mata found the top corner to move United level on points with fourth-placed City, who were beaten 3-0 at Liverpool but still have a game in hand on their neighbours.

Watford - who will rue Ighalo's wastefulness and the lack of a second-half penalty for a foul on Sebastian Prodl by Matteo Darmian - can count themselves unfortunate as they failed to edge closer to Quique Sanchez Flores' 40-point target.

While Rashford kept his place up front alongside Martial, Timothy Fosu-Mensah was handed a first start for United as he came in for the rested Michael Carrick.

Watford made four changes from their goalless draw with Bournemouth, and skipper Troy Deeney bullied Fosu-Mensah off the ball early on, allowing Ighalo to send Watford's first effort wide, with the Nigerian then shooting tamely at David de Gea after Daley Blind gave the ball away.

Morgan Schneiderlin volleyed wide at the other end but the chances continued to come and go for Ighalo, who dragged an effort wide before electing to shoot at De Gea instead of supplying Deeney a tap-in.

De Gea denied the luckless Ighalo once more before half-time, following a sloppy backpass from Fosu-Mensah, and the theme continued after the break.

Another poor United backpass allowed Ighalo another sight on goal only to be crowded out with Etienne Capoue almost beating De Gea from distance soon after.

Rashford blocked Prodl's header on the line before United got in the ascendancy as Mata tested Heurelho Gomes before angling a sidefooted effort wide of the Brazilian's goal.

United, often accused of lacking ideas going forward this term, were vibrant up front late on but saw Nordin Amrabat almost benefit when Blind's clearance deflected into his path before Darmian took a risk by hauling down Prodl at a corner.

But United were given their opportunity when Martial was fouled by Miguel Britos on the edge of the area, allowing Mata to provide a captain's contribution and earn a third-straight league win.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Manchester United!

De Gea & Mata

Mata ge free kick 1kath patta

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Saint-Etienne 1-3 Paris Saint-Germain: Blanc's men progress to semi-finals

Paris Saint-Germain bounced back from their long unbeaten Ligue 1 run ending at the weekend with a 3-1 Coupe de France quarter-final victory at Saint-Etienne.

Having seen their 36-game undefeated league streak come to a halt against Lyon on Sunday, PSG responded by taking an early lead at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard - Zlatan Ibrahimovic playing a superb throughball to free Edinson Cavani for a simple finish.

Both strikers were also involved in PSG's second goal, with Cavani helping an Ibrahimovic cross on to Marquinhos, who applied the finishing touch past Stephane Ruffier.

Saint-Etienne grabbed a goal back just before the interval when Valentin Eysseric converted a penalty after Layvin Kurzawa ended Kevin Malcuit's driving run.

But Lucas Moura added a third in stoppage time as PSG booked a semi-final spot that means Laurent Blanc's men, who have now beaten Saint-Etienne for a fourth time this season, remain firmly on track for a successive domestic clean sweep.

PSG travelled without Marco Verratti and Angel Di Maria, while Saint-Etienne had Jean-Christophe Bahebeck and top goalscorer Romain Hamouma unavailable.
Ibrahimovic had the game's first sight of goal after six minutes, but the striker could only head Cavani's cross wide of the target.

The pair linked up again for the opener after 12 minutes. Ibrahimovic screwed a reverse throughball into Cavani's path and he made no mistake, beating Ruffier with a placed finish.

A Kevin Monnet-Paquet strike was easily saved by Salvatore Sirigu after 23 minutes before Eysseric saw the PSG goalkeeper off his line and hit a long-range effort off target.

The visitors doubled their lead after 35 minutes following sustained pressure when Ibrahimovic's low cross was touched on by Cavani and Marquinhos just about stayed onside to tap in at the far post.

Saint-Etienne were given a lifeline shortly before half-time when a clumsy Kurzawa challenge brought down Malcuit in the box and Eysseric sent Sirigu the wrong way from the penalty spot.

The hosts then came close to an equaliser after 58 minutes when Eysseric forced Sirigu into another save.The woodwork denied Blanc's men when Blaise Matuidi found Javier Pastore in space, but the winger's powerful drive thundered back off Ruffier's post.

Ibrahimovic, who had previously scored 14 goals in 12 games against Saint-Etienne, saw an effort kept out by Ruffier's leg before substitute Nolan Roux flashed a header onto the roof of the net at the other end.

It was left to Lucas to crush home hopes after beating three defenders on a brilliant solo run and finding the net to score his side's third.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

The end is nigh as Arsenal fans turn their backs on Wenger's flops

Arsene Wenger has experienced plenty of low points since Arsenal last won the Premier League title almost 12 years ago.

Now it feels like the Arsenal manager really is reaching the nadir and the end.

He has no chance of reviving the club’s title challenge this season, not with the type of poison that came from the stands during Wednesday night’s 2-1 home defeat by Swansea.

Those supporters that stayed until the end did not just boo at the final whistle, they jeered the players down the tunnel one-by-one.

After Ashley Williams put Swansea 2-1 ahead in the 74th minute, some fans had enough, storming out of the ground unwilling to watch the remainder of the match despite paying more for their season tickets here than any other club in the country.

The crowd had already started to turn on Wenger when they expressed their anger at Joel Campbell’s substitution for Danny Welbeck. Campbell had scored Arsenal’s opener and was one of the few bright points from a dismal evening.

Arsenal are blowing their season and the worst thing is that it’s barely a surprise. This is what they do. Every year. It is as predictable as it is infuriating.

After the grim performance in Sunday’s 3-2 loss to Manchester United, this was a chance for Arsenal to respond, to show they have the character to match their obvious quality and win their first title since 2004.

Leicester’s draw with West Brom on Tuesday night had opened the door, only for Wenger and his men to allow it to swing back into their faces and leave them all bloody nosed.

It felt like this would be a comfortable Arsenal victory, especially when Campbell put them ahead in the 15th minute with a sharp half-volley.

But they were caught on the counter-attack as Wayne Routledge levelled before the break and from then on played into Swansea’s hands.

The visitors did ride their luck as Arsenal hit the woodwork three times over the 90 minutes.

Swansea, though, looked increasingly dangerous on the counter-attack and would also have targeted Arsenal at set-pieces.

That is how Williams scored the winner 16 minutes from time after Cech completely missed an attempted punch from Gylfi Sigurdsson’s corner.

The boos rang around the Emirates, Wenger raged on the touchline, the red-shirted players froze on the pitch.

The message from the supporters is clear. They believe the club put profit before glory, that Wenger is no longer capable of winning the Premier League – a change must surely be on the horizon.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Tottenham fluff their lines but title dream is still alive

The chance was there but Tottenham Hotspur could not take it. Faced with the prospect of going top of the Premier League in a month other than August for the first time ever, Mauricio Pochettino’s title-challengers fluffed their lines.This was always going to be a tough assignment for Spurs, with West Ham United unbeaten at home since August and still in with a shout of finishing in the top four this term.

Tottenham, though, knew they could take a decisive step towards a first league championship since 1961 with all three points. On a noisy night at Upton Park, the pressure seemed to get to them.

Pochettino’s charges actually enjoyed the night’s first spell of sustained possession, but the Hammers do not seem to mind giving up the ball if it opens up space on the counter-attack.

A quick burst forward and some diligent closing-down from Manuel Lanzini produced the corner from which Michail Antonio opened the scoring in the sixth minute, the winger rising highest to power Dimitri Payet’s outswinging delivery past Hugo Lloris – who probably should have done better – and into the back of the net.That goal seemed to shock Spurs, who struggled to fashion any clear-cut chances of their own for much of the opening half.

A handful of promising positions in the final third were brought to an abrupt end by an overhit pass or a poor piece of control, with West Ham content to stand off the visitors and get bodies behind the line of the ball.That was a tactical ploy rather than a lack of ambition from Slaven Bilic’s side, who drove forward in numbers whenever they had the chance.

West Ham were simply too strong and powerful for Spurs for the entirety of the first period, firmer in the challenge and quicker to every loose ball. Mark Noble, Payet and Antonio all went close to doubling their advantage, with Tottenham’s nervousness seeming to increase as time ticked on.

Their first shot on goal did not arrive until the 49th minute, Ben Davies skewing an effort from outside the box well wide, but Spurs did at least begin to ask questions of their opponents after the interval.

Toby Alderweireld and Christian Eriksen both called Adrian into action as the ball began to be circulated with greater crispness and accuracy, while Harry Kane could only prod Christian Eriksen’s cross from the right flank wide of the far post.

An injury to James Collins and the need to contain Tottenham’s ever-growing threat saw West Ham shift to a three-man defence for the final 25 minutes, Cheikhou Kouyate, Reece Oxford and Angelo Ogbonna forming a rather makeshift backline.

Tottenham would have fancied their chances of prising open such a unit before kick-off, but they did not do enough to capitalise and force the equaliser that would have brought them an invaluable point in the hunt for the title.

In the end, it was not to be. West Ham held on pretty comfortably as their rivals from across the capital were unable to add to the 17 points they have already claimed from losing positions this season.All is not lost for Tottenham, however, with Leicester City still just three points ahead at the summit of the standings.

Arsenal’s shock home defeat to Swansea City means Pochettino’s men also remain three points ahead of their neighbours going into Saturday’s north London derby, a match which has taken on even greater significance after both clubs’ defeats on Wednesday night.Three points at White Hart Lane this weekend will see Tottenham overtake Leicester, at least until the Foxes take on Watford a few hours later.

They could not rise to the top with a win at Upton Park, but this most open and unpredictable of Premier League campaigns has afforded them another chance to do so within a matter of days. Spurs’ title dream is not over just yet.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Inter 3-0 Juventus (agg 3-3, pens 5-3): Allegri's men reach final despite Nerazzurri comeback

Juventus booked a meeting with AC Milan in the final of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday, but they had to do it the hard way as they were forced to endure a penalty shoot-out by Inter.

A double from Marcelo Brozovic and one from Ivan Perisic secured a 3-0 victory for Inter on the night at the San Siro, and hauled them level in the tie after they had been overwhelmed by the same scoreline in the first leg.

At one stage they looked on the verge of an amazing comeback as they looked to book a May date with their city rivals, but Juve progressed after 120 minutes of high drama, emerging triumphant on spot-kicks.

Having won the first leg 3-0, Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri opted not start several of his big names for the return encounter, including Paul Pogba, Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Gianluigi Buffon, while Claudio Marchisio was left in Turin due to injury.

But that gamble was very close to backfiring, as Inter captalised upon a defensive error to grab an early lead through Brozovic before Perisic added a breakaway goal four minutes into the second half.

Brozovic then claimed his second with a late penalty to force the game into extra-time, with Inter almost remarkably snatching a winner right at the end of 90 minutes with strong late chances.

Despite an additional 30 minutes, the two sides could not be separated and in the shoot-out, Juventus won 5-3 after Rodrigo Palacio had hit the crossbar with Inter's second kick.

It was left to Leonardo Bonucci to score the winning penalty, with the defender now set to miss the final through suspension after being shown a yellow card earlier in the game.

The eventual victory extended the visitors' unbeaten run in all competitions to 17 games.Inter dominated the opening exchanges, penning Juve back inside their own half, and they deservedly took the lead after 16 minutes.

Former Inter man Hernanes failed to deal with a sloppy pass out from goalkeeper Neto, allowing Gary Medel to bundle him off the ball and tee up Brozovic, who fired home from just inside the box.

Having gained a way back into the tie, Inter continued to press forward and they went agonisingly close to doubling their lead on the night when Adem Ljajic cut in from the left and thundered a right-footed effort against the crossbar.Juventus did improve steadily as the first half wore on, but they were still unable to trouble Juan Pablo Carrizo in the home goal before the break.

They almost found themselves undone for a second time on the stroke of half-time when Eder's mazy dribble created a chance for Ljajic, whose strike flashed just wide of Neto's right-hand post.

Inter were not to be denied four minutes into the second half, however, as the impressive Eder got away down the right and drove in a low cross for Perisic to slide the ball home at the far post.Juventus responded by creating their first clear-cut chance of the night, as Simone Zaza was denied by the post after being cleverly played in by Alvaro Morata.

Having survived that scare, Roberto Mancini's men swiftly regained the initiative and again went close, this time through Yuto Nagatomo and a thumping header from Danilo D'Ambrosio, who climbed highest to meet a Ljajic cross.

With the home fans roaring them on, Inter continued to press for the equaliser in the tie, and it duly arrived with eight minutes left of normal time.Perisic was tripped by Daniele Rugani in the box and Brozovic slammed the resulting penalty underneath Neto's dive and into the bottom corner.

Then, in a frantic finale to the 90 minutes, the overworked Neto was forced to produce a fine save to prevent Perisic's effort from creeping in at the near post and the Inter frontman was then fortunate to escape being sent off following an altercation with Juan Cuadrado.

Inter continued to press in the first half of extra time, with Perisic's header forcing another smart block from Neto, while a rare attacking foray from Juventus ended with Zaza's low shot almost finding the far corner of Carrizo's net.The drama continued right to the last minute of extra time, when Carizzo was forced to deny Morata twice in quick succession.

That was followed by Palacio's heartbreak from the spot, before Bonucci had the decisive say, as Inter just failed to pull off what would surely have been one of the competition's most memorable comebacks.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger explains Campbell substitution: He was starting to tire!

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has defended his decision to replace Joel Campbell midway through the second half of the defeat to Swansea, insisting the winger was getting tired.

Wenger was booed by sections of the Gunners support as he took off the player who opened the scoring for his side, with the north Londoners eventually slumping to a surprise 2-1 loss as they missed the chance to gain ground on Tottenham and Leicester City.

Speaking after the game, Wenger told reporters: "I felt Campbell stated to tire and Welbeck would give them trouble in behind. I don’t think Campbell did badly, he did quite well tonight.

"The fans were ready to support us tonight. We faded, particularly in the last part of the game."

"Everybody drops points. I believe we first have to come back to a positive result before we talk about the championship. It’s very unpredictable – you saw Tottenham and Manchester City lost tonight."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger on run of defeats: I'm worried

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has conceded that he is worried about the Gunners' recent run of poor results.

Defeat to Swansea City on Wednesday means the north Londoners have now lost their last three matches in all competitions, with their last win having come against Leicester City on February 14.

And the Frenchman has insisted that he is concerned by the lack of wins, calling for his side to go back to basics as they look to reignite their title charge when they face Tottenham on Saturday.

He told reporters: "I think it's [the loss to Swansea] a very unlucky defeat because we created many chances. We were unlucky with our finishing, they had two shots on target and two goals all game. It's a very disappointing result and the players are very down.

"We focus on our job and come back reminding ourselves that we have some quality as well. We have another big game in three days.

"At the moment I'm more worried about our results. We've just lost three games and that's always a very difficult moment for the team. We have to come back to what we do well and do the basics."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

James has three months to prove he has a Real Madrid future

His has been a dramatic decline. James Rodriguez was hailed as a superb signing as he impressed in his debut season at Real Madrid, but little has gone right recently for the Colombian and after another disappointing display on Wednesday, he is now playing for his long-term future at the club.

James spent time on the sidelines through injury earlier on in the season and was criticised by coach Rafa Benitez. The former Monaco and Porto playmaker was left on the bench for the Spaniard's final game in charge, a 2-2 draw at Valencia in January, and it was widely assumed he would be back to his best fairly soon under Zinedine Zidane.

Almost two months on, however, and that is clearly not the case. Away to Levante on Wednesday, the Colombian looked off the pace, out of shape, lacking in confidence and offered little of note in his 80 minutes on the pitch other than an impressive curler from the edge of the area that went inches wide.

The technique is there, but physically there is clearly an issue. Zidane kept repeating in the early weeks of his reign that the team needed to improve their fitness, yet it seemingly has not happened with James and the Colombian has completed 90 minutes only once since the Frenchman took over.

James drew jeers from a frustrated faithful at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid's derby defeat against Atletico on Saturday, but Zidane defended the 24-year-old ahead of the game against Levante.

"I have spoken with James, but it's not about that," he said. "James is doing his work, training well, trying his best for the team. I was a player and sometimes things do not go for you. What he must do is have more consistency in his game, not just him, but the whole team. It is easy to pick out James, or Isco, but we are all in the same boat, and nobody is jumping out of that boat. What I want from the players is to give 100 per cent. I know anything can happen in a game.

"When I am coach we will always fight, in each game. Now we are just thinking about tomorrow's game: to win, and just that. I need to find solutions so that James plays better, the same as with Pepe, Isco or [Cristiano] Ronaldo."

In the aftermath of the Atletico loss, the Portuguese complained of how his team-mates Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema have suffered so many injuries this term. But he may also be concerned at James' fitness issues several months after he returned from injury.

Zidane has said that James and all of the other members of his squad are important, but Real now face a two-window transfer ban and this summer is almost certain to be their last chance to sign players until January 2018.
That means Madrid must plan for their future in the next window, just as Barca did ahead of their own ban in 2015 by bringing in a host of players (including Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, Claudio Bravo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen) the previous summer. And if they are to make expensive signings to boost their squad in July and August, they will need to offload at least one of their stars to raise some cash and also to make some room for new arrivals.

At the moment, James is a prime candidate. Shown up by the excellent Lucas Vazquez on Wednesday, the Colombian has hit a low in his time at Madrid and the club now have a decision to make on his future. Indispensable just a few months ago, the 24-year-old now has until the end of the season to convince Zidane and the club's hierarchy that he can be an important part of an exciting and successful future at the Bernabeu.

Because at the moment, nobody is convinced.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal: I considered subbing match-winner Mata

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal considered replacing Juan Mata prior to the Spaniard's wonderful free-kick that earned Wednesday's 1-0 win over Watford.

Stand-in captain Mata curled home a set-piece from the edge of the area at Old Trafford as United claimed a fourth straight win in all competitions and earned back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time since November.Van Gaal said an apparent knock prompted him to consider substituting Mata before his 83rd-minute winner.

"I am very happy he scored, he was captain today so it brings us luck I think," the Dutchman told Sky Sports."I was doubting between [Ander] Herrera and Mata but at the time we changed the positions of [Anthony] Martial and [Marcus] Rashford.

"Then we got that momentum again and Mata was limping also, so I wanted to change Herrera but then I saw that maybe Mata was injured."But it wasn't like that and I'm very happy I let him stay [on the pitch]."

United are now level on points with neighbours Manchester City, who occupy the final Champions League qualification place but suffered a 3-0 defeat at Liverpool.

And, amid a heavy injury crisis, Van Gaal added: "I'm so happy for the players because the circumstances were not so good to play good football.

"It was more of a physical game and when you see how physical they [Watford] are - being twice the size of our players - I am very happy and very proud of my team."To beat Watford is a fantastic result and at the moment when your competitors are losing as well.

"It's fantastic but that's also the strength of the Premier League. We have lost to Sunderland and there was a lot of criticism but the difference between teams is not so big, so everyone can lose to anyone."When you win four games in a row you are always optimistic but we have a small group and a full programme. It's difficult."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Klopp salutes 'lively, angry' Liverpool after Man City slaying

Jurgen Klopp enjoyed the anger Liverpool employed as they outplayed Manchester City from the first minute to the final whistle at Anfield on Wednesday night in an explosive 3-0 win.

Adam Lallana, James Milner and Roberto Firmino were on the scoresheet as the Reds avenged Sunday’s League Cup final shoot-out defeat against Manuel Pellegrini’s men, and dented their Premier League title aspirations in the process.

The hosts were aggressive in and out of possession for the entire encounter as they delivered on the German’s request to “get off the floor and strike back” following their Wembley disappointment.

“I’m very, very pleased and satisfied with all 93 minutes,” Klopp said.

“We spoke after the final about this game and said it was very important that we showed a reaction, that we are disappointed but not so disappointed that it could influence our performance in a negative way.

“The boys did brilliant from the first second. We were very lively, disciplined and angry in a positive football way.

"We were greedy on each ball. The preparation to press was brilliant and the pressing situation itself was brilliant. The counter-pressing too. Then you have to score goals and that’s what we did tonight which makes life easier.

“We had a few moments when we were too risky with our passing and then we had to do more running, but in the second half we played really smart. We played easy, simple, quick and still created chances and scored a fantastic goal for 3-0.”

After the match, Pellegrini had referenced a lack of freshness for his side’s lethargy in the game, but Klopp said Liverpool had a mental edge over their opponents.

“Being tired at this moment of the season is nothing to talk about,” the 48-year-old said.

“If you want, everybody could be. Not Leicester, but all the rest could be tired because of different tournaments and different reasons.

“Of course, Manchester City and my side have had the most matches in the season. But tonight it was more about a mental thing – we lost on Sunday and we had to show a reaction. We started extremely lively in this game, it was clear from the first second it would not be easy for City.

“With their quality, they can always win and always score decisive goals in the right moment, but tonight you could see it would be really difficult.

"They saw it too and they knew in the game, we can go and go and go because we were in a good moment and they were not in a good moment.”

 

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Van Gaal: My Man Utd stars are full of joy again & it's beautiful

Louis van Gaal hailed Manchester United's team spirit as the Red Devils continued their recent renaissance with a 1-0 victory over Watford at Old Trafford.

A late Juan Mata free-kick sealed United's fourth consecutive victory in all competitions, sending the club level with Manchester City in fourth as they kept their Champions League qualification hopes alive.

And Van Gaal saluted his young team, crediting the new faces in the dressing room for bringing "joy" back to what had become a deflated atmosphere around Old Trafford.

"We are fighting, and struggling, but in the struggling we can play fantastic matches like Arsenal, and also Midtjylland," the Dutchman commented.

"I think the youngsters have given us a lot of spirit, and now when you see the dressing room full of joy and all the players are there laughing, that is beautiful. I think that shall also accelerate the recoveries of the players."

Van Gaal also defended his team's performance against the Hornets, pointing to the Spanish star's spectacular winner as evidence of their quality.

"I don't think it's ugly because the free-kick was a fantastic shot from Juan Mata. The performance was not so good, you are right, because with the weather it was difficult to play good football and it became a physical game," he said.

"When you see the size of the Watford players compared to ours, it does not benefit. I have congratulated my players because it is not easy in these games."

He also pointed to a tactical switch involving Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford as being key to the Red Devils' improvement on the night.

"Martial was not in the game as a winger, and Rashford was not in the game as a striker, so we changed and from that moment we were better as a team. But it was good that Mata scored," Van Gaal explained.

 

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Klopp: Liverpool must use Manchester City win as our model

Jurgen Klopp wants Liverpool to use their complete performance in the 3-0 victory over Manchester City at Anfield as their template moving forward.

Goals from Adam Lallana, James Milner and Roberto Firmino ensured the Reds provided the perfect reaction to Sunday’s League Cup final shoot-out defeat against Manuel Pellegrini’s men.

The Reds were better than their visitors in every aspect of the encounter during a near-faultless display and the 48-year-old believes his charges can execute the qualities they showed more often.

"We were completely concentrated and for us, this has to be the role model," Klopp said.

"Many people will say we cannot always play like this – that’s not interesting. The only possibility to save energy in a football game is when you have the ball.

"If you play quick and safe and really simple, that’s the only moment when you can really save energy. That’s what we did second half very well; at the end of the first half, not that good.

"Then you have the energy to press and for the counter-pressing situations. I am too old to think from now on we’ll play like this all the time, but it was a very important sign for the boys.

"They saw that’s possible and it’s possible at Anfield too. I think everybody who watched the game tonight and loves Liverpool had a really good night and forgot for 93 minutes that we lost on Sunday. That’s cool."

Klopp now wants Liverpool to ensure they fight for every available Premier League point as well as progress in the Europa League at the expense of Manchester United. He has urged the squad to prove they have learnt from their difficulties during the season.

"Take whatever you can get – that’s the target for the league. The most important moment of the season is now," the Reds boss said.

"All the things you prepare until now, all the points you collect until now, are only to give you the starting point. Now you have to go. The more you have, the better the starting point. We have not the best starting point but it’s good enough in this moment.
"We have to take what we can get, we have to stay angry, we have to strike back in each game for whatever reason we need. That’s how it is.

"We have only two tournaments left – that’s good news. Losing the final is big, it’s rubbish, but to only be in two tournaments is now really good. That’s what we have to use.
"We have brilliant games against Manchester United in the Europa League. Both teams are not in the worst moments, so that’s really exciting. And Crystal Palace next, then Southampton and so on. We have no points to waste and no time.

"Where it ends, I don’t know. Anything can happen. This is a difficult season for us, it was a difficult season, and now we have to show that we’ve learned in the first eight months of the season."

 

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Amazing Mata the difference for Manchester United, says Flores

Quique Sanchez Flores felt Watford were unlucky in their 1-0 defeat to Manchester United on Wednesday but praised match-winner Juan Mata after the game.

The Spain international's free-kick seven minutes from time earned the hosts back-to-back Premier League wins as Watford were left to rue missed opportunities, especially in the first half.

Odion Ighalo wasted a host of chances while Sebastian Prodl was unfortunate not to be given a penalty after being hauled down by Matteo Darmian at a corner prior to Mata's winner.

"It's difficult from the bench to see what happened exactly - I don't like to protest," Flores told Sky Sports of Mike Jones' decision. "They can make mistakes but we have a very good level of referees in England."

Flores worked with Mata while at Valencia and felt his compatriot's quality decided a contest Watford should perhaps have taken something from."He's an amazing player, I know him from Valencia and we know how he takes free-kicks," Flores added.

"He's very dangerous, it was a perfect place for him and he decided the match. I think we lost a very good opportunity to add some points and win at this amazing stadium."We played very well, kept the block very high, created chances but players with high quality, in one second, can change the match.

"We created gaps in their defence when they tried to build play, finally we played the way we wanted to play before."We came close to a good result but we were a bit unlucky. That's football and we have to accept the result."

 

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Mata hails 'perfect' day as Man United captain

Juan Mata has hailed scoring the winner as captain to help Manchester United beat Watford 1-0 at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening as the “perfect day.”

The Spaniard wore the armband for the very first time and stepped up to the plate to curl home a late free-kick as the Red Devils downed Watford to keep up their hopes of finishing inside the top four.

United moved level on points with bitter rivals Manchester City in the Premier League table, after their victory over Watford, also moving ten points behind leaders Leicester City.

And Mata was delighted at the end of the game, suggesting that firing home the winner while wearing the captain's armband was the "perfect day".

"It was very, very important to win today," Mata told United's official club website.
"It's not the prettiest game we've played this season but we needed the points, especially because our rivals didn't win their games. It was massive, this victory, for us and that's why we celebrated like we did.

"It was very good [to be captain]. I'm very proud and very honoured to wear it [the armband]. It was the perfect day for me - winning, scoring, three massive points and being captain. I'm too happy today!"

Mata took over set-piece duties from Memphis Depay after the Dutchman had an earlier free-kick effort hit the wall, and the Spaniard made no mistake as he bent a crisp shot past Heurelho Gomes after 83 minutes.

The former Chelsea midfielder acknowledged that United's late triumph over Watford could be viewed as an “ugly win”, but indicated that the side were thankful for the three points and the improved position in the table.

"Because of the side [the right-hand part of the pitch], I had more angle than him that time and I tried to put it to the goalkeeper's side," added Mata. "I think he [Heurelho Gomes] couldn't see the ball and, luckily, it went in.

"You can call it however you want, maybe it's an ugly win but it's a win in our race and we are still going. We will never give up. We are closer now to fourth, third and second and will try to win again on Sunday.

"The Premier League is not easy and it's never finished until the last game. We have to fight until the end, we won a massive game against Arsenal last weekend and won today again. We're on a good run while our rivals are having problems. We have to take advantage of that and I think we did really well in winning."

 

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'BOOM!' - Klopp delighted with Liverpool victory

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was left delighted with the standard of his side’s display as they defeated Manchester City 3-0 on Tuesday.

Having lost to the same opponents on penalties in the League Cup final on Sunday, the Reds responded in terrific fashion, with goals from Adam Lallana, James Milner and Roberto Firmino earning them maximum points.

“The best word I can say to describe this was 'boom!’ Klopp said after the match.

“What can I say? It was, from the first until the last second, a really good performance from my side.

“It was lively, it was disciplined in a positive way, it was a never-give-up game and very intense.

“As you saw at the end of the first half, it was no problem for our players that we had a break! And then in the second half we could go again.”

Klopp admitted his side were frustrated by the weekend’s result but the German was delighted with the manner in which their emotions were channelled.

“We have to keep this, we have to stay angry, there’s so many points for us to get and we have to stay angry. We need to make it as difficult as possible,” he said.

 

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Arsenal chef reveals lasagne plan to stop Tottenham

Does Arsenal’s head chef have a cunning plan to halt Tottenham’s title charge?

Wednesday’s defeat at home to Swansea City has left the Gunners six points behind Premier League leaders Leicester City, and Arsene Wenger’s men look like they need some inspiration to save their season.

Step forward Robert Fagg, Arsenal’s club chef, who has joked that another dodgy lasagne could do the trick if the Gunners are to emerge from White Hart Lane with a vital victory on Saturday.

In 2006, Tottenham were on the brink of securing Champions League qualification before 10 players were struck down with food poisoning from a lasagne they ate before their crucial match against West Ham.

Spurs’ defeat at Upton Park meant that Arsenal pipped them to the final Champions League spot.