Liverpool 0-1 Aston Villa: Agbonlahor pounces to secure shock Anfield win
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Real Madrid 1-2 Atletico Madrid: Turan strikes early title blow
Atletico Madrid made a bold statement in their bid to retain La Liga as Arda Turan's 75th minute strike stunned Real Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday evening.The reigning champions started brightly at the Santiago Bernabeu in the seventh meeting between the sides since the turn of the year and made a breakthrough in the 10th minute when Tiago headed home from a Koke corner.
Real battled their way back into the clash and had the opportunity to pull themselves level when Cristiano Ronaldo was felled by Guilherme Siqueira in the penalty area.Ronaldo – making his return from injury – coolly stroked past Miguel Angel Moya from 12 yards after 26 minutes.
Karim Benzema squandered numerous opportunities to edge Real ahead before Carlo Ancelotti's men were punished in the 76th minute when substitute Arda scored the winner.
The result means Real have now lost two of their opening three La Liga fixtures, while Atletico – watched from the stands by coach Diego Simeone as he serves a touchline ban - move to within two points of early leaders Barcelona.Ancelotti described Ronaldo as being in "optimal condition" this week following a hamstring problem that kept him out of Portugal's opening Euro 2016 qualifier, and the attacker slotted straight back into the Real starting XI.
However, it was the visitors who looked the more threatening in the early stages, with Koke sending a couple of dangerous crosses into the Real penalty area.And it was the 22-year-old who provided the delivery when Atleti broke the deadlock in the 10th minute – Tiago evading his marker to head in at the near post from a corner.
James Rodriguez is yet to score a league goal for Real since making his big-money move from Monaco during the close-season, and the Colombian squandered an opportunity to open his account five minutes later.From a Ronaldo cross, Rodriguez volleyed the ball at the turf before watching as it looped harmlessly over the crossbar.
Gareth Bale drew a superb diving save from Moya in the 24th minute with a curling free-kick from 20 yards, but the Atleti goalkeeper was left to pick the ball out of his net moments later.Siqueira brought down Ronaldo in the penalty area and the Portugal star made no mistake in sending Moya the wrong way as he rolled the spot-kick into the bottom left-hand corner.
Benzema's heavy touch thwarted an incisive Real counter-attack in the 34th minute, and the Frenchman endured a frustrating first half – dragging wide of the left-hand post and seeing a header kept out by Moya before the interval.Javier Hernandez – on loan at Real from Manchester United – came off the bench to make his debut just after the hour mark before Atleti came close to re-taking the lead when substitute Arda fizzed an effort agonisingly wide of the right-hand upright.
The Turkey international made full use of his second chance, though, sweeping a low strike into the bottom-left corner after a pull-back from Raul Garcia to seal all three points for Atletico.
Atletico Madrid made a bold statement in their bid to retain La Liga as Arda Turan's 75th minute strike stunned Real Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday evening.The reigning champions started brightly at the Santiago Bernabeu in the seventh meeting between the sides since the turn of the year and made a breakthrough in the 10th minute when Tiago headed home from a Koke corner.
Real battled their way back into the clash and had the opportunity to pull themselves level when Cristiano Ronaldo was felled by Guilherme Siqueira in the penalty area.Ronaldo – making his return from injury – coolly stroked past Miguel Angel Moya from 12 yards after 26 minutes.
Karim Benzema squandered numerous opportunities to edge Real ahead before Carlo Ancelotti's men were punished in the 76th minute when substitute Arda scored the winner.
The result means Real have now lost two of their opening three La Liga fixtures, while Atletico – watched from the stands by coach Diego Simeone as he serves a touchline ban - move to within two points of early leaders Barcelona.Ancelotti described Ronaldo as being in "optimal condition" this week following a hamstring problem that kept him out of Portugal's opening Euro 2016 qualifier, and the attacker slotted straight back into the Real starting XI.
However, it was the visitors who looked the more threatening in the early stages, with Koke sending a couple of dangerous crosses into the Real penalty area.And it was the 22-year-old who provided the delivery when Atleti broke the deadlock in the 10th minute – Tiago evading his marker to head in at the near post from a corner.
James Rodriguez is yet to score a league goal for Real since making his big-money move from Monaco during the close-season, and the Colombian squandered an opportunity to open his account five minutes later.From a Ronaldo cross, Rodriguez volleyed the ball at the turf before watching as it looped harmlessly over the crossbar.
Gareth Bale drew a superb diving save from Moya in the 24th minute with a curling free-kick from 20 yards, but the Atleti goalkeeper was left to pick the ball out of his net moments later.Siqueira brought down Ronaldo in the penalty area and the Portugal star made no mistake in sending Moya the wrong way as he rolled the spot-kick into the bottom left-hand corner.
Benzema's heavy touch thwarted an incisive Real counter-attack in the 34th minute, and the Frenchman endured a frustrating first half – dragging wide of the left-hand post and seeing a header kept out by Moya before the interval.Javier Hernandez – on loan at Real from Manchester United – came off the bench to make his debut just after the hour mark before Atleti came close to re-taking the lead when substitute Arda fizzed an effort agonisingly wide of the right-hand upright.
The Turkey international made full use of his second chance, though, sweeping a low strike into the bottom-left corner after a pull-back from Raul Garcia to seal all three points for Atletico.
Empoli 0-1 Roma: Below-par Giallorossi edge tight encounter
Roma made it a second successive win of the season in Serie A, winning 1-0 away at Empoli’s Stadio Carlo Castellani on Saturday afternoon - but this was anything but a convincing display by Rudi Garcia’s team.
Indeed, Roma’s overall performance - albeit with what was a weakened side - was probably summed up by their winning goal against newly-promoted Empoli.
With the first half seemingly destined to drift into goalless obscurity, Roma’s Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan struck a low shot from 20 metres. The ball squirmed through a ruck of players and on to the post, only to rebound off the upright and in-off the back of home ‘keeper Luigi Sepe and into the net; an own goal in its cruelest form.
It did prove enough however for those from the capital, who were never really pressed or harassed by their hosts, despite being down on their normal levels of natural talent due to coach Garcia’s decision to field a slightly weakened side ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League game in Rome against CSKA Moscow.
So there was no leadership or inspiration from Francesco Totti, while resting Ivory Coast winger Gervinho meant a lack of natural width and guile against a well organised Empoli, who enjoyed the majority of possession and may even have taken a lead when a Mirko Valdifiori corner picked out centre-back Lorenzo Tonelli who saw his header deflected over the crossbar.
As a result, it took the visiting outfit a while to establish themselves. Indeed, it wasn’t really until the 41st minutes that Roma caused Empoli any real distress, when Brazilian defender Maicon drifted into the penalty bux to turn Alessandro Florenzi's header against the Empoli post, while it required some desperate defending to block out the follow up attempt from Miralem Pjanić.
Roma keeper Morgan De Sanctis was called upon to save a Francesco Tavano free kick before his opposite number Luigi Sepe made the most unfortunate, and telling, contribution of the game.
Maicon again nearly netted on the hour mark, played in off a one-two with Florenzi, but was denied by Sepe from point-blank range.
The Empoli cause wasn’t helped when coach Maurizio Sarri was sent to the stand after 72 minutes for his vociferous protests after his side were denied a penalty Levan Mchedlidze went over in the box while marked by Kostas Manolas.
Empoli though appeared galvanised by that double injustice, and Mchedlidze forced a good stop from De Sanctis, shooting from distance, as the home side chased what many would have seen a deserved equaliser.
In the end however, Roma took the win to make it two from two starts, while Empoli have suffered back-to-back losses in what could be a long season for the Tuscan new boys.
Roma made it a second successive win of the season in Serie A, winning 1-0 away at Empoli’s Stadio Carlo Castellani on Saturday afternoon - but this was anything but a convincing display by Rudi Garcia’s team.
Indeed, Roma’s overall performance - albeit with what was a weakened side - was probably summed up by their winning goal against newly-promoted Empoli.
With the first half seemingly destined to drift into goalless obscurity, Roma’s Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan struck a low shot from 20 metres. The ball squirmed through a ruck of players and on to the post, only to rebound off the upright and in-off the back of home ‘keeper Luigi Sepe and into the net; an own goal in its cruelest form.
It did prove enough however for those from the capital, who were never really pressed or harassed by their hosts, despite being down on their normal levels of natural talent due to coach Garcia’s decision to field a slightly weakened side ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League game in Rome against CSKA Moscow.
So there was no leadership or inspiration from Francesco Totti, while resting Ivory Coast winger Gervinho meant a lack of natural width and guile against a well organised Empoli, who enjoyed the majority of possession and may even have taken a lead when a Mirko Valdifiori corner picked out centre-back Lorenzo Tonelli who saw his header deflected over the crossbar.
As a result, it took the visiting outfit a while to establish themselves. Indeed, it wasn’t really until the 41st minutes that Roma caused Empoli any real distress, when Brazilian defender Maicon drifted into the penalty bux to turn Alessandro Florenzi's header against the Empoli post, while it required some desperate defending to block out the follow up attempt from Miralem Pjanić.
Roma keeper Morgan De Sanctis was called upon to save a Francesco Tavano free kick before his opposite number Luigi Sepe made the most unfortunate, and telling, contribution of the game.
Maicon again nearly netted on the hour mark, played in off a one-two with Florenzi, but was denied by Sepe from point-blank range.
The Empoli cause wasn’t helped when coach Maurizio Sarri was sent to the stand after 72 minutes for his vociferous protests after his side were denied a penalty Levan Mchedlidze went over in the box while marked by Kostas Manolas.
Empoli though appeared galvanised by that double injustice, and Mchedlidze forced a good stop from De Sanctis, shooting from distance, as the home side chased what many would have seen a deserved equaliser.
In the end however, Roma took the win to make it two from two starts, while Empoli have suffered back-to-back losses in what could be a long season for the Tuscan new boys.
Juventus 2-0 Udinese: Tevez and Marchisio seal comfortable win
A Carlos Tevez-inspired Juventus made it two wins out of two in Serie A as they ran out 2-0 winners over Udinese in Turin on Saturday night.
After a runaway title win in 2013-14, Juve are strongly fancied to make it four Scudetti in a row at the end of the campaign, and Saturday's result at Juventus Stadium means the Massimiliano Allegri era has begun in positive fashion.In his first competitive home match in charge, Allegri had to contend with the absences of key men Andrea Pirlo, Giorgio Chiellini and Arturo Vidal, but the home side had little trouble in overcoming an Udinese side that lacked any potency, even with the prolific Antonio Di Natale in attack.
The veteran came into the clash having scored seven goals in two matches this season, but the 36-year-old had little effect on the affair as an early strike from Tevez was added to by Marchisio's effort from distance 15 minutes from time.
Juventus had chances to add to their margin of victory, while the closest the visitors came to a goal saw Igor Bubnjic's close-range effort ruled out for offside midway through the second half.
The result means Juve have now won all of the past six meetings between the two sides, and the defending champions extended their winning sequence at home in the league to 20 games in the process.
Allegri made three changes from the side that defeated Chievo 1-0 on the opening weekend.Fernando Llorente was selected to partner Tevez in attack, while there was a competitive Juve debut for Patrice Evra and on-loan midfielder Roberto Pereyra made his first start, against his parent club.
The hosts were ahead in the eighth minute when Tevez swept home Stephan Lichtsteiner's cut-back from the byline after the Switzerland international had combined well with Pereyra down the right-hand side.Pereyra wasted a chance to net against his former employees in the 29th minute, firing over the crossbar from just inside the area after being teed up by Llorente.
Tevez blasted over four minutes later as Juve continued to dominate, while Lichtsteiner and Paul Pogba both spurned presentable opportunities with weak efforts as the half drew to a close.Pogba tested goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis with a curling free-kick four minutes after the interval, and Martin Caceres was just unable to connect with Tevez's inviting free-kick at the back post.
Bubnjic thought he had levelled in the 67th minute when he tapped home from six yards, but the referee's assistant raised his flag with replays showing the Croat to have strayed marginally beyond the last defender.Tevez brought another save out of Karnezis four minutes later as Juve went in search of a second, which duly arrived when Marchisio thumped a low shot into the bottom right-hand corner from 20 yards.
A further boost for Allegri came late on as close-season arrival from Real Madrid, Alvaro Morata, emerged as an 89th-minute substitute for his debut having recovered from a knee injury, the Spaniard forcing a good save out of Karnezis in his brief cameo.
A Carlos Tevez-inspired Juventus made it two wins out of two in Serie A as they ran out 2-0 winners over Udinese in Turin on Saturday night.
After a runaway title win in 2013-14, Juve are strongly fancied to make it four Scudetti in a row at the end of the campaign, and Saturday's result at Juventus Stadium means the Massimiliano Allegri era has begun in positive fashion.In his first competitive home match in charge, Allegri had to contend with the absences of key men Andrea Pirlo, Giorgio Chiellini and Arturo Vidal, but the home side had little trouble in overcoming an Udinese side that lacked any potency, even with the prolific Antonio Di Natale in attack.
The veteran came into the clash having scored seven goals in two matches this season, but the 36-year-old had little effect on the affair as an early strike from Tevez was added to by Marchisio's effort from distance 15 minutes from time.
Juventus had chances to add to their margin of victory, while the closest the visitors came to a goal saw Igor Bubnjic's close-range effort ruled out for offside midway through the second half.
The result means Juve have now won all of the past six meetings between the two sides, and the defending champions extended their winning sequence at home in the league to 20 games in the process.
Allegri made three changes from the side that defeated Chievo 1-0 on the opening weekend.Fernando Llorente was selected to partner Tevez in attack, while there was a competitive Juve debut for Patrice Evra and on-loan midfielder Roberto Pereyra made his first start, against his parent club.
The hosts were ahead in the eighth minute when Tevez swept home Stephan Lichtsteiner's cut-back from the byline after the Switzerland international had combined well with Pereyra down the right-hand side.Pereyra wasted a chance to net against his former employees in the 29th minute, firing over the crossbar from just inside the area after being teed up by Llorente.
Tevez blasted over four minutes later as Juve continued to dominate, while Lichtsteiner and Paul Pogba both spurned presentable opportunities with weak efforts as the half drew to a close.Pogba tested goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis with a curling free-kick four minutes after the interval, and Martin Caceres was just unable to connect with Tevez's inviting free-kick at the back post.
Bubnjic thought he had levelled in the 67th minute when he tapped home from six yards, but the referee's assistant raised his flag with replays showing the Croat to have strayed marginally beyond the last defender.Tevez brought another save out of Karnezis four minutes later as Juve went in search of a second, which duly arrived when Marchisio thumped a low shot into the bottom right-hand corner from 20 yards.
A further boost for Allegri came late on as close-season arrival from Real Madrid, Alvaro Morata, emerged as an 89th-minute substitute for his debut having recovered from a knee injury, the Spaniard forcing a good save out of Karnezis in his brief cameo.
Evra: Serie A less intense than EPL
Patrice Evra revealed how Paul Pogba had told him all about Juventus' famous support after savouring the Turin atmosphere for the first time in the 2-0 win over Udinese on Saturday evening.
Goals from Carlos Tevez and Claudio Marchisio gave the Bianconeri a second win in as many games at the start of the new Serie A season, with Evra impressing on the left hand side of a 3-5-2 formation.
The Frenchman was making his first start for the club and admitted after the game he had been struck by the incredible vocal support of the home crowd, as well as revealing the adjustments he has made since moving to Italy from Manchester United this summer.He told Sky Italia: "Paul Pogba told me all about this stadium – it’s incredible! I would like to thank all the fans, staff and my team-mates. I looked to repay them with a good performance tonight.
"I’ve never worked as hard in my life! Serie A’s less intense than the Premiership but there’s a greater focus on tactics. You always need to be focused and alert to everything.”
Patrice Evra revealed how Paul Pogba had told him all about Juventus' famous support after savouring the Turin atmosphere for the first time in the 2-0 win over Udinese on Saturday evening.
Goals from Carlos Tevez and Claudio Marchisio gave the Bianconeri a second win in as many games at the start of the new Serie A season, with Evra impressing on the left hand side of a 3-5-2 formation.
The Frenchman was making his first start for the club and admitted after the game he had been struck by the incredible vocal support of the home crowd, as well as revealing the adjustments he has made since moving to Italy from Manchester United this summer.He told Sky Italia: "Paul Pogba told me all about this stadium – it’s incredible! I would like to thank all the fans, staff and my team-mates. I looked to repay them with a good performance tonight.
"I’ve never worked as hard in my life! Serie A’s less intense than the Premiership but there’s a greater focus on tactics. You always need to be focused and alert to everything.”
Rodgers: Liverpool were too slow
Brendan Rodgers felt his Liverpool team paid the price for a sluggish start in Saturday's 1-0 Premier League loss to Aston Villa at Anfield.
Gabriel Agbonlahor netted the only goal of the game after eight minutes, ensuring Rodgers remains without a home win over Villa in three attempts as Liverpool manager.
A new-look front three of recent signings Lazar Markovic, Adam Lallana and Mario Balotelli struggled to break down a stubborn Villa defence as Liverpool's attack lacked its usual fluency in the absence of Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling, who were injured and rested respectively.
Sterling emerged from the bench with an hour played and Philippe Coutinho struck the post as Liverpool poured forward desperately in the closing stages, but Rodgers felt the damage was done at a much earlier stage.
"We started a bit slowly in the game," he told Sky Sports. "We probably only started to quicken up our tempo when we went 1-0 behind.
"I think the players gave everything today. It was probably a mixture of us not being able to find that quality in the final third of the field and Aston Villa defending well.
"Once they went 1-0 up they defended tightly with lines together; back four, goalkeeper, midfield - they all defended well together.
"We just couldn't find the final pass. We had enough of the ball but we couldn't create so much."
He added: "It's sometimes what happens in football. Normally we're a team that start very, very fast - our tempo and rhythm of the game is at a high level.
"For some reason we just didn't start like that. And, obviously, when a good team gets in front, it is difficult to break them down.
"I can't question the players in terms of their effort and commitment in the game; that was first class."
Brendan Rodgers felt his Liverpool team paid the price for a sluggish start in Saturday's 1-0 Premier League loss to Aston Villa at Anfield.
Gabriel Agbonlahor netted the only goal of the game after eight minutes, ensuring Rodgers remains without a home win over Villa in three attempts as Liverpool manager.
A new-look front three of recent signings Lazar Markovic, Adam Lallana and Mario Balotelli struggled to break down a stubborn Villa defence as Liverpool's attack lacked its usual fluency in the absence of Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling, who were injured and rested respectively.
Sterling emerged from the bench with an hour played and Philippe Coutinho struck the post as Liverpool poured forward desperately in the closing stages, but Rodgers felt the damage was done at a much earlier stage.
"We started a bit slowly in the game," he told Sky Sports. "We probably only started to quicken up our tempo when we went 1-0 behind.
"I think the players gave everything today. It was probably a mixture of us not being able to find that quality in the final third of the field and Aston Villa defending well.
"Once they went 1-0 up they defended tightly with lines together; back four, goalkeeper, midfield - they all defended well together.
"We just couldn't find the final pass. We had enough of the ball but we couldn't create so much."
He added: "It's sometimes what happens in football. Normally we're a team that start very, very fast - our tempo and rhythm of the game is at a high level.
"For some reason we just didn't start like that. And, obviously, when a good team gets in front, it is difficult to break them down.
"I can't question the players in terms of their effort and commitment in the game; that was first class."
Pepe: Please don't boo us
Pepe has urged Real Madrid supporters not to turn against the players following a 2-1 home defeat to local rivals Atletico Madrid.
Arda Turan came off the bench to score the winner in Saturday's La Liga clash after Tiago headed the visitors in front and Real had equalised through a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty.The result represented Real's second defeat in succession and prompted some fans to boo the players at Santiago Bernabeu, with goalkeeper Iker Casillas again coming under the microscope.But defender Pepe says the European champions will need all the support they can get as they attempt to kick-start their La Liga campaign.
"It didn't go for us," he told Canal+. "It was a tough game, we had a lot of the ball, but we didn't shoot enough from outside the box."We have to lift our heads up, we have to work. This league won’t be easy [to win].
"The supporters are always right, but we need our supporters behind us."
Real host Basel in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Pepe has urged Real Madrid supporters not to turn against the players following a 2-1 home defeat to local rivals Atletico Madrid.
Arda Turan came off the bench to score the winner in Saturday's La Liga clash after Tiago headed the visitors in front and Real had equalised through a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty.The result represented Real's second defeat in succession and prompted some fans to boo the players at Santiago Bernabeu, with goalkeeper Iker Casillas again coming under the microscope.But defender Pepe says the European champions will need all the support they can get as they attempt to kick-start their La Liga campaign.
"It didn't go for us," he told Canal+. "It was a tough game, we had a lot of the ball, but we didn't shoot enough from outside the box."We have to lift our heads up, we have to work. This league won’t be easy [to win].
"The supporters are always right, but we need our supporters behind us."
Real host Basel in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Barclays Premier League 2014.09.14 Fixture
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Serie A 2014.09.14 Fixtures
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Gotze: Bayern must get better
Mario Gotze is confident that both he and Bayern Munich will reach top form as they look to shake off a jaded start to the season.
Two months on from his winning goal in the World Cup final, Gotze was on target again on Saturday as Bayern overcame Stuttgart 2-0 in the Bundesliga.The defending champions have now taken seven points from their opening three league outings but have yet to reach peak form as they continue to struggle with injuries, some of which are linked to Germany's triumphant World Cup campaign.
Gotze, however, believes both he and the team will hit their stride as 2014-15 progresses."We know that we need to improve," the attacker, 22, told reporters. "But for now the important thing is that we picked up all three points. That was our priority and so we can be satisfied.
"Of course we have a few injured players but every club has the samesituation. The players we have available are fit and we've got a very good side.
"It comes with time. It's been a long year and now it's all starting up again. My fitness will return the more I train and I'm confident I'll be back at 100 per cent soon."
Bayern are next in action on Wednesday in the Champions League group stage, with familiar foes Manchester City visiting the Allianz Arena.
Mario Gotze is confident that both he and Bayern Munich will reach top form as they look to shake off a jaded start to the season.
Two months on from his winning goal in the World Cup final, Gotze was on target again on Saturday as Bayern overcame Stuttgart 2-0 in the Bundesliga.The defending champions have now taken seven points from their opening three league outings but have yet to reach peak form as they continue to struggle with injuries, some of which are linked to Germany's triumphant World Cup campaign.
Gotze, however, believes both he and the team will hit their stride as 2014-15 progresses."We know that we need to improve," the attacker, 22, told reporters. "But for now the important thing is that we picked up all three points. That was our priority and so we can be satisfied.
"Of course we have a few injured players but every club has the samesituation. The players we have available are fit and we've got a very good side.
"It comes with time. It's been a long year and now it's all starting up again. My fitness will return the more I train and I'm confident I'll be back at 100 per cent soon."
Bayern are next in action on Wednesday in the Champions League group stage, with familiar foes Manchester City visiting the Allianz Arena.
Wenger impressed with Welbeck's 'dangerous' debut
Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck offered a tantalising glimpse of things to come with an impressive debut, according to manager Arsene Wenger.
Welbeck's Arsenal career almost got off to a dream start when he chipped City goalkeeper Joe Hart with less than 15 minutes played, only to see his effort rebound off the post.
And Wenger was pleased with the promise shown by the striker, who was withdrawn after 88 minutes at the Emirates Stadium with cramp. "He did well," said the Arsenal boss after his side drew 2-2 with Manchester City. "I believe that he needs to develop his link play with our players but that is a bit normal.
"It's sad that he couldn't take his chance but overall every time he had an opportunity to find some space he looked dangerous. "There are some things to work on with him to integrate him well into our game but I'm happy with his first game."
Jack Wilshere opened his account for the season with a fine goal and Wenger hopes he can put the injury problems that dogged him in 2013-14 firmly behind him. "It looks like [the City game] was the first time he found it on a consistent level through the 90 minutes. He's coming back physically to his level where he can be.
"Unfortunately, it takes time to find that fraction of a second where you feel you can make a difference and it's so important in the modern game to get away from people when you win the ball."
Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck offered a tantalising glimpse of things to come with an impressive debut, according to manager Arsene Wenger.
Welbeck's Arsenal career almost got off to a dream start when he chipped City goalkeeper Joe Hart with less than 15 minutes played, only to see his effort rebound off the post.
And Wenger was pleased with the promise shown by the striker, who was withdrawn after 88 minutes at the Emirates Stadium with cramp. "He did well," said the Arsenal boss after his side drew 2-2 with Manchester City. "I believe that he needs to develop his link play with our players but that is a bit normal.
"It's sad that he couldn't take his chance but overall every time he had an opportunity to find some space he looked dangerous. "There are some things to work on with him to integrate him well into our game but I'm happy with his first game."
Jack Wilshere opened his account for the season with a fine goal and Wenger hopes he can put the injury problems that dogged him in 2013-14 firmly behind him. "It looks like [the City game] was the first time he found it on a consistent level through the 90 minutes. He's coming back physically to his level where he can be.
"Unfortunately, it takes time to find that fraction of a second where you feel you can make a difference and it's so important in the modern game to get away from people when you win the ball."
Mancini: Ronaldo makes me want Portugal job
Roberto Mancini admits that getting the chance to coach Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo makes taking the Portugal job very appealing.
Paulo Bento departed by mutual consent as coach of the Seleccao during September's international break after Portugal suffered a shock defeat at home to minnows Albania, following failure to progress through the group stage at the World Cup.
Mancini, who stepped down as Galatasaray boss this summer, is one of the highest profile European coaches currently unemployed and he accepts that the lure of working with the ex-Manchester United forward is strong.
"Above all, it would be a pleasure to coach a team like Portugal," he said, when asked by Record if the Real Madrid forward makes him want the job.
"But obviously that Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world at this time and is part of the team makes it great.
"He creates goals in every game, he is an extraordinary player and any coach would like to work with him."
Despite his praise for Ronaldo, Mancini refrained from branding the Real Madrid man better than Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, claiming it is an age-old question in football which has never been easy to answer.
"'Who's best between Messi and Ronaldo?' is a funny question, but it was the same thing when I was a footballer, people asking me who was the best in the world: Michel Platini or Diego Maradona," he continued.
"Messi and Ronaldo are two amazing superstars. For me it is a huge pleasure to see the best performers in the world play.
"In my playing career, I saw ace players at the level of Maradona, Platini, Marco van Basten - amazing players. When one reaches that level, it becomes difficult to choose between them."
Roberto Mancini admits that getting the chance to coach Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo makes taking the Portugal job very appealing.
Paulo Bento departed by mutual consent as coach of the Seleccao during September's international break after Portugal suffered a shock defeat at home to minnows Albania, following failure to progress through the group stage at the World Cup.
Mancini, who stepped down as Galatasaray boss this summer, is one of the highest profile European coaches currently unemployed and he accepts that the lure of working with the ex-Manchester United forward is strong.
"Above all, it would be a pleasure to coach a team like Portugal," he said, when asked by Record if the Real Madrid forward makes him want the job.
"But obviously that Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world at this time and is part of the team makes it great.
"He creates goals in every game, he is an extraordinary player and any coach would like to work with him."
Despite his praise for Ronaldo, Mancini refrained from branding the Real Madrid man better than Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, claiming it is an age-old question in football which has never been easy to answer.
"'Who's best between Messi and Ronaldo?' is a funny question, but it was the same thing when I was a footballer, people asking me who was the best in the world: Michel Platini or Diego Maradona," he continued.
"Messi and Ronaldo are two amazing superstars. For me it is a huge pleasure to see the best performers in the world play.
"In my playing career, I saw ace players at the level of Maradona, Platini, Marco van Basten - amazing players. When one reaches that level, it becomes difficult to choose between them."
Casillas: Let Real Madrid fans whistle if they want
Iker Casillas has shrugged off abuse from Real Madrid fans in their 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid on Saturday and insisted supporters are free to whistle him if they want.
Carlo Ancelotti's men suffered their second loss in three La Liga matches as Arda Turan scored a 76th-minute winner at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Club captain Casillas was booed and whistled at by some sections of the Blancos' ground following Tiago's early opener but he refused to criticise fans and say he hopes to win them round with good performances.
"The crowd have the final say and if they think they should whistle you have to accept it and respect their opinions," the goalkeeper, who continues to keep summer signing Keylor Navas out of the side, told reporters.
"The way to respond is to train and play football."
Tiago headed Atletico into a 10th-minute lead before Cristiano Ronaldo won and converted a penalty to level, but Turan struck the winner, curling Juanfran's cutback into the bottom corner after Raul Garcia's clever dummy.
Casillas felt his team deserved a draw but praised Atletico for their ability to grind out their second win over Real Madrid since their Champions League final defeat in May.
"The second half was a hammer blow, we were controlling Atletico well," he added. "We were taken by surprise on a corner and Turan struck brilliantly. The result is a bit unfair and a draw would have been right," he added.
"But Atletico know how to work their games and we have to congratulate them, just as on other occasions it's us that wins."
Iker Casillas has shrugged off abuse from Real Madrid fans in their 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid on Saturday and insisted supporters are free to whistle him if they want.
Carlo Ancelotti's men suffered their second loss in three La Liga matches as Arda Turan scored a 76th-minute winner at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Club captain Casillas was booed and whistled at by some sections of the Blancos' ground following Tiago's early opener but he refused to criticise fans and say he hopes to win them round with good performances.
"The crowd have the final say and if they think they should whistle you have to accept it and respect their opinions," the goalkeeper, who continues to keep summer signing Keylor Navas out of the side, told reporters.
"The way to respond is to train and play football."
Tiago headed Atletico into a 10th-minute lead before Cristiano Ronaldo won and converted a penalty to level, but Turan struck the winner, curling Juanfran's cutback into the bottom corner after Raul Garcia's clever dummy.
Casillas felt his team deserved a draw but praised Atletico for their ability to grind out their second win over Real Madrid since their Champions League final defeat in May.
"The second half was a hammer blow, we were controlling Atletico well," he added. "We were taken by surprise on a corner and Turan struck brilliantly. The result is a bit unfair and a draw would have been right," he added.
"But Atletico know how to work their games and we have to congratulate them, just as on other occasions it's us that wins."
Allegri: Juventus need to learn control
Massimiliano Allegri believes his Juventus side need to show more control in their play after they saw off Udinese 2-0 on Saturday.After being kicked out of AC Milan midway through the previous campaign following a run of poor results, Allegri was appointed as Juve boss in July after Antonio Conte's shock resignation.
Allegri began his reign - and Juve's title defence - with a 1-0 win at Chievo on the opening weekend of Serie A and he watched on at the Juventus Stadium this weekend as goals from Carlos Tevez and Claudio Marchisio sealed a routine victory.
While he admits he is not surprised to see his side's winning start to the season, Allegri maintains his players must be more consistent when it comes to the tempo of their play.
"It was a special night for me as Juventus coach in this wonderful stadium," he told Sky Sport. "I was curious to see how the night would go, above all that we'd be able to win!"The crowd's an added weapon for the team and they stepped up when there were moments of difficulty.
"We had this 10-minute spell when Udinese had us under pressure and we've got to emerge from those situations better. We also gave the ball away in avoidable ways."The team started very well and we knew Udinese would become more dangerous on the counterattack as time wore on, so we had to break the deadlock early.
"The lads defended well and, once we took the lead, we were at times patient and at others a bit too hasty. I wanted more than one goal and we suffered in the second half, unable to get the measure of Udinese after their tactical switch, but in the end it was a good performance.
"I am absolutely not surprised we've started the season so well. This squad has physical and technical qualities which mean we can do a lot better."We must improve on how to control the tempo, as we cannot always go at 100 miles per hour or at 10 miles per hour. Playing every three days we have to learn more control to avoid wasting energy."
Juventus kick off their Champions League campaign on Tuesday against Champions League rookies Malmo.
Massimiliano Allegri believes his Juventus side need to show more control in their play after they saw off Udinese 2-0 on Saturday.After being kicked out of AC Milan midway through the previous campaign following a run of poor results, Allegri was appointed as Juve boss in July after Antonio Conte's shock resignation.
Allegri began his reign - and Juve's title defence - with a 1-0 win at Chievo on the opening weekend of Serie A and he watched on at the Juventus Stadium this weekend as goals from Carlos Tevez and Claudio Marchisio sealed a routine victory.
While he admits he is not surprised to see his side's winning start to the season, Allegri maintains his players must be more consistent when it comes to the tempo of their play.
"It was a special night for me as Juventus coach in this wonderful stadium," he told Sky Sport. "I was curious to see how the night would go, above all that we'd be able to win!"The crowd's an added weapon for the team and they stepped up when there were moments of difficulty.
"We had this 10-minute spell when Udinese had us under pressure and we've got to emerge from those situations better. We also gave the ball away in avoidable ways."The team started very well and we knew Udinese would become more dangerous on the counterattack as time wore on, so we had to break the deadlock early.
"The lads defended well and, once we took the lead, we were at times patient and at others a bit too hasty. I wanted more than one goal and we suffered in the second half, unable to get the measure of Udinese after their tactical switch, but in the end it was a good performance.
"I am absolutely not surprised we've started the season so well. This squad has physical and technical qualities which mean we can do a lot better."We must improve on how to control the tempo, as we cannot always go at 100 miles per hour or at 10 miles per hour. Playing every three days we have to learn more control to avoid wasting energy."
Juventus kick off their Champions League campaign on Tuesday against Champions League rookies Malmo.
Ancelotti: Real Madrid system not broken
Carlo Ancelotti has defended Real Madrid's system following their 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Saturday - their second loss in a row.
Cristiano Ronaldo had dragged the reigning European champions level following Tiago's early opener, but a late Arda Turan goal ensured that the Liga champions secured their second Madrid derby win of 2014-15 following August's Supercopa success.
The home defeat leaves the Blancos with just one win in five competitive matches this season and Ancelotti is well aware that improvements are needed, but insists that the 4-3-3 formation is not to blame for their recent woes.
"We need to analyse things and try to fix them fast," the former AC Milan boss told reporters. "The first half was good. In the second we were slower and less aggressive."There's nothing wrong with the system, it's the lack of intensity. It hasn't been a good start to the season, but it's just the start. We'll sort things out."
Iker Casillas was subject to booing from some of the Real Madrid faithful on Saturday following Atletico's opener, but Ancelotti insists the goal was not his captain's fault and claimed he did not hear any negative reaction within the Santiago Bernabeu."I didn't hear any whistling directed at Iker. I was concentrating on the game," the Italian added. "It's not the goalkeeper's fault when you concede a goal at the near post."
Real Madrid next host Basel on Tuesday as they open their European title defence in the Champions League group stage.
Carlo Ancelotti has defended Real Madrid's system following their 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Saturday - their second loss in a row.
Cristiano Ronaldo had dragged the reigning European champions level following Tiago's early opener, but a late Arda Turan goal ensured that the Liga champions secured their second Madrid derby win of 2014-15 following August's Supercopa success.
The home defeat leaves the Blancos with just one win in five competitive matches this season and Ancelotti is well aware that improvements are needed, but insists that the 4-3-3 formation is not to blame for their recent woes.
"We need to analyse things and try to fix them fast," the former AC Milan boss told reporters. "The first half was good. In the second we were slower and less aggressive."There's nothing wrong with the system, it's the lack of intensity. It hasn't been a good start to the season, but it's just the start. We'll sort things out."
Iker Casillas was subject to booing from some of the Real Madrid faithful on Saturday following Atletico's opener, but Ancelotti insists the goal was not his captain's fault and claimed he did not hear any negative reaction within the Santiago Bernabeu."I didn't hear any whistling directed at Iker. I was concentrating on the game," the Italian added. "It's not the goalkeeper's fault when you concede a goal at the near post."
Real Madrid next host Basel on Tuesday as they open their European title defence in the Champions League group stage.
Bruce slams 'disrespectful' Newcastle speculation
Hull City manager Steve Bruce has slammed speculation linking him with Newcastle United as "very disrespectful" amid reports concerning Alan Pardew's future.
A section of Newcastle fans called for Pardew to be sacked during Saturday's 4-0 defeat at Southampton, a result that means the club have won just five Premier League games in 2014.
It is understood Newcastle are ready to cut their ties with the 53-year-old, with Bruce the leading candidate to replace him.
Yet the Hull boss - who supported Newcastle as a child growing up in the region - insists that such speculation is unwanted.
"I find it very disrespectful that I am linked with somebody else's job when he is still in the job," Bruce told BBC Radio 5 live."I am just concentrating on our game against West Ham on Monday."Bruce expressed sympathy for Pardew, as he added: "I'm like any other manager, when I see another manager under huge pressure like Alan is - and it was only a few years ago I was in the same sort of situation - it isn't nice.
"After what happened to me at Sunderland I know how difficult the north east is.
"I have only been at Hull a couple of years and they have been really good. They gave me the chance to get up and running again and for that I will always be grateful."
Bruce, who takes his side to Newcaslte next Saturday, joined Hull in June 2012, guiding the club into the Premier League before securing their top-flight status and reaching the FA Cup final last season.
Hull City manager Steve Bruce has slammed speculation linking him with Newcastle United as "very disrespectful" amid reports concerning Alan Pardew's future.
A section of Newcastle fans called for Pardew to be sacked during Saturday's 4-0 defeat at Southampton, a result that means the club have won just five Premier League games in 2014.
It is understood Newcastle are ready to cut their ties with the 53-year-old, with Bruce the leading candidate to replace him.
Yet the Hull boss - who supported Newcastle as a child growing up in the region - insists that such speculation is unwanted.
"I find it very disrespectful that I am linked with somebody else's job when he is still in the job," Bruce told BBC Radio 5 live."I am just concentrating on our game against West Ham on Monday."Bruce expressed sympathy for Pardew, as he added: "I'm like any other manager, when I see another manager under huge pressure like Alan is - and it was only a few years ago I was in the same sort of situation - it isn't nice.
"After what happened to me at Sunderland I know how difficult the north east is.
"I have only been at Hull a couple of years and they have been really good. They gave me the chance to get up and running again and for that I will always be grateful."
Bruce, who takes his side to Newcaslte next Saturday, joined Hull in June 2012, guiding the club into the Premier League before securing their top-flight status and reaching the FA Cup final last season.
Badstuber requires surgery on thigh injury
Holger Badstuber is facing another lengthy spell on the sidelines after Bayern Munich confirmed he requires surgery on a thigh injury.
The defender missed around 20 months of action after damaging knee ligaments in December 2012, and now faces another "long period" out after tearing tendons in his left thigh during Bayern's 2-0 victory over Stuttgart on Saturday.
But Badstuber, whose return to the first team lasted just three Bundesliga matches, says he is determined to recover as quickly as possible."I'm obviously very disappointed at the moment," the 25-year-old told the club's official website.
"But now I know how to deal with such a situation."Do not worry, I will come again. I will not give up."Badstuber had played the full 90 minutes against Wolfsburg and Schalke before being forced off two minutes prior to half-time this weekend.
News of Badstuber's latest setback is a major blow to Bayern, who host Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Holger Badstuber is facing another lengthy spell on the sidelines after Bayern Munich confirmed he requires surgery on a thigh injury.
The defender missed around 20 months of action after damaging knee ligaments in December 2012, and now faces another "long period" out after tearing tendons in his left thigh during Bayern's 2-0 victory over Stuttgart on Saturday.
But Badstuber, whose return to the first team lasted just three Bundesliga matches, says he is determined to recover as quickly as possible."I'm obviously very disappointed at the moment," the 25-year-old told the club's official website.
"But now I know how to deal with such a situation."Do not worry, I will come again. I will not give up."Badstuber had played the full 90 minutes against Wolfsburg and Schalke before being forced off two minutes prior to half-time this weekend.
News of Badstuber's latest setback is a major blow to Bayern, who host Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday.
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