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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger prepared to wait for Luis Suarez
Arsene Wenger has revealed he is prepared to wait for his transfer targets as he claims Arsenal can win the Premier League title with or without new signings.
The Gunners have already put in a £40,000,001 bid for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez but Wenger is relaxed about the lack of progress on the deal and is not expecting transfer activity ahead of the Emirates Cup next weekend."We are ready to do quick deals but all the transfers do not depend only on us," said Wenger, quoted in the Daily Mirror. "But we are prepared to wait. It looks unlikely before the Emirates Cup.
"We still have a strong squad but we are there on the market to try to strengthen our team. With or without additions we can be title challengers next season."Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has publicly questioned the wisdom of Suarez leaving Anfield to join Arsenal as he insists it would be a sideways step - but Wenger would not be drawn on the matter.
"He must explain that," added the Arsenal boss. "I don't know. We are not close to signing Suarez or anybody else so there's no reason why I should talk about it."There is nothing to say. I have been away now for two or the weeks and it's hard to see how things are advanced because everyone is on tour at the moment and it's very difficult to get in touch with people.
"What has changed recently is that in Europe some countries like France suddenly have bought some very talented players who two or three years ago would all have come to England. It makes the chase for talent very difficult."What we want is not a name but a good player. The name is less important. What is more important is the quality of the player. At the moment I must tell you we are not close to signing anybody.
"We try to do the job and we will try to do it well. But that is in front of us. We have worked a lot but nothing has been concluded with anybody."Of course we want to do as many top players as we can. But we also have to focus on the players we have and develop them."
Arsene Wenger has revealed he is prepared to wait for his transfer targets as he claims Arsenal can win the Premier League title with or without new signings.
The Gunners have already put in a £40,000,001 bid for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez but Wenger is relaxed about the lack of progress on the deal and is not expecting transfer activity ahead of the Emirates Cup next weekend."We are ready to do quick deals but all the transfers do not depend only on us," said Wenger, quoted in the Daily Mirror. "But we are prepared to wait. It looks unlikely before the Emirates Cup.
"We still have a strong squad but we are there on the market to try to strengthen our team. With or without additions we can be title challengers next season."Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has publicly questioned the wisdom of Suarez leaving Anfield to join Arsenal as he insists it would be a sideways step - but Wenger would not be drawn on the matter.
"He must explain that," added the Arsenal boss. "I don't know. We are not close to signing Suarez or anybody else so there's no reason why I should talk about it."There is nothing to say. I have been away now for two or the weeks and it's hard to see how things are advanced because everyone is on tour at the moment and it's very difficult to get in touch with people.
"What has changed recently is that in Europe some countries like France suddenly have bought some very talented players who two or three years ago would all have come to England. It makes the chase for talent very difficult."What we want is not a name but a good player. The name is less important. What is more important is the quality of the player. At the moment I must tell you we are not close to signing anybody.
"We try to do the job and we will try to do it well. But that is in front of us. We have worked a lot but nothing has been concluded with anybody."Of course we want to do as many top players as we can. But we also have to focus on the players we have and develop them."
Moyes: We’ll fight for Cesc
Manchester United will not give up on Cesc Fabregas despite Barcelona’s new boss insisting he is not for sale.
Tata Martino says Barca have snubbed two bids and will reject a third.
But United are convinced that Fabregas wants the move and boss Moyes said: “We will look at what has been said and think about what to do. We will consider our options.”Former Arsenal midfielder Fabregas, 26, has not publicly stated his intentions and is not due back in training until Monday.
United have bid £26million and £31m and are now considering an offer of £35m for the Spaniard.But new Barca boss Martino said: “Evidently I’m not going to talk about the financial interests of the club.“But if the club have turned down United’s offers two times, then in this case I will add a third rejection. We are going to keep him here.”
And Barca’s vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu insists the Spanish champions will simply not sell Fabregas to Manchester United, regardless of the price.He said: “It doesn’t matter how much United are willing to offer, we won’t let him go. We are counting on him.“It’s normal that they are interested in Cesc. He’s a great player — but he is not for sale.”
Yet SunSport understands the only option United are looking at is to keep the pressure on the Catalan giants.Fabregas is the man new Old Trafford chief Moyes wants to build his team around — and they remain convinced he wants to be part of the new era.
Manchester United will not give up on Cesc Fabregas despite Barcelona’s new boss insisting he is not for sale.
Tata Martino says Barca have snubbed two bids and will reject a third.
But United are convinced that Fabregas wants the move and boss Moyes said: “We will look at what has been said and think about what to do. We will consider our options.”Former Arsenal midfielder Fabregas, 26, has not publicly stated his intentions and is not due back in training until Monday.
United have bid £26million and £31m and are now considering an offer of £35m for the Spaniard.But new Barca boss Martino said: “Evidently I’m not going to talk about the financial interests of the club.“But if the club have turned down United’s offers two times, then in this case I will add a third rejection. We are going to keep him here.”
And Barca’s vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu insists the Spanish champions will simply not sell Fabregas to Manchester United, regardless of the price.He said: “It doesn’t matter how much United are willing to offer, we won’t let him go. We are counting on him.“It’s normal that they are interested in Cesc. He’s a great player — but he is not for sale.”
Yet SunSport understands the only option United are looking at is to keep the pressure on the Catalan giants.Fabregas is the man new Old Trafford chief Moyes wants to build his team around — and they remain convinced he wants to be part of the new era.
Manchester United cancel Hong Kong open training session
Manchester United have cancelled their open training session scheduled for Sunday at the Hong Kong Stadium - with manager David Moyes raising concerns about the state of the pitch.The venue has played host to the Barclays Asia Trophy over the past few days, but torrential rain has badly affected the surface, with Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio describing it as 'as a killer pitch' and Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas losing Jan Vertonghen for potentially three weeks after suffering ankle ligament damage.
Matches involving the Sunderland, Tottenham and Manchester City were also delayed and shortened to 40 minutes as a consequence of the rain.Moyes has revealed his fears over the pitch, and on landing in Hong Kong for the final stint of their tour in Asia, the United manager said: "I do have concerns about the surface but it's mainly due to the weather and that's an act of God, so we can't do anything about that."
United will be facing local side FC Kitchee on Monday, but the training session has been cancelled, and a statement from United's website read:"Manchester United, Kitchee FC and the Hong Kong Football Association have reluctantly made the decision to cancel the open training session planned for tomorrow [July 28] evening at the Hong Kong Stadium.
The pitch has suffered from torrential rainfall in the last week and has staged a number of games in a very short space of time. The club has consulted with the Hong Kong FA and has also taken advice from Kitchee FC. In the absence of any other suitable facility at such short notice, the open session has regrettably been cancelled."
Manchester United have cancelled their open training session scheduled for Sunday at the Hong Kong Stadium - with manager David Moyes raising concerns about the state of the pitch.The venue has played host to the Barclays Asia Trophy over the past few days, but torrential rain has badly affected the surface, with Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio describing it as 'as a killer pitch' and Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas losing Jan Vertonghen for potentially three weeks after suffering ankle ligament damage.
Matches involving the Sunderland, Tottenham and Manchester City were also delayed and shortened to 40 minutes as a consequence of the rain.Moyes has revealed his fears over the pitch, and on landing in Hong Kong for the final stint of their tour in Asia, the United manager said: "I do have concerns about the surface but it's mainly due to the weather and that's an act of God, so we can't do anything about that."
United will be facing local side FC Kitchee on Monday, but the training session has been cancelled, and a statement from United's website read:"Manchester United, Kitchee FC and the Hong Kong Football Association have reluctantly made the decision to cancel the open training session planned for tomorrow [July 28] evening at the Hong Kong Stadium.
The pitch has suffered from torrential rainfall in the last week and has staged a number of games in a very short space of time. The club has consulted with the Hong Kong FA and has also taken advice from Kitchee FC. In the absence of any other suitable facility at such short notice, the open session has regrettably been cancelled."
Arsenal want to sign Bernard from Atletico Mineiro, reveals player’s father
Arsenal are interested in signing Atletico Mineiro play-maker Bernard, the player’s father has confirmed.Brazil international Bernard is one of the hottest properties in South America at present, with a handful of clubs from all of Europe linked to his services.
Porto, Benfica, Shakhtar Donetsk and Borussia Dortmund are all rumoured to be chasing the 20-year-old, but according to his father Duarte, Arsenal are leading the race.‘Nothing is decided yet, but we know there is an interest from Arsenal,’ Duarte told the Brazilian media.‘There has been nothing official from them.’
The Gunners are reported to have scouted Bernard during both legs of the Copa Libertadores final between Miniero and Olimpia, and are considering making an offer.Any deal would depend on whether Arsenal could shift the out-of-favour Gervinho, but talks are ongoing over a deal to send him to Roma.Arsene Wenger hinted on Friday that he would be interested in signing another winger, while Mineiro have admitted Bernard can go for a fee of around £25million.
However, dad Duarte would rather his son opts for a switch to Porto, rather than Arsenal.‘Porto would be a better move for his career,’ he added.‘It would be a dream of mine to see him playing for them.’
Arsenal are interested in signing Atletico Mineiro play-maker Bernard, the player’s father has confirmed.Brazil international Bernard is one of the hottest properties in South America at present, with a handful of clubs from all of Europe linked to his services.
Porto, Benfica, Shakhtar Donetsk and Borussia Dortmund are all rumoured to be chasing the 20-year-old, but according to his father Duarte, Arsenal are leading the race.‘Nothing is decided yet, but we know there is an interest from Arsenal,’ Duarte told the Brazilian media.‘There has been nothing official from them.’
The Gunners are reported to have scouted Bernard during both legs of the Copa Libertadores final between Miniero and Olimpia, and are considering making an offer.Any deal would depend on whether Arsenal could shift the out-of-favour Gervinho, but talks are ongoing over a deal to send him to Roma.Arsene Wenger hinted on Friday that he would be interested in signing another winger, while Mineiro have admitted Bernard can go for a fee of around £25million.
However, dad Duarte would rather his son opts for a switch to Porto, rather than Arsenal.‘Porto would be a better move for his career,’ he added.‘It would be a dream of mine to see him playing for them.’
South China 0-6 Tottenham: Defoe hat-trick seals third place for Spurs
Tottenham registered the first win of their pre-season campaign as a Jermain Defoe hat-trick comfortably sealed third place in the Asia Trophy against South China.
A 12th-minute own goal from Tse Sean Ka Keung sent Spurs on their way before Clint Dempsey and Jermain Defoe extended their lead.
Tottenham continued in the same vein after the break, with Defoe grabbing two more and Andros Townsend completing the rout.
Andre Villas-Boas welcomed Defoe back into the starting line-up after Spurs’ semi-final defeat to Sunderland but there was no place for injured duo Gareth Bale and Jan Vertonghen.
Despite the absence of their star man, chants of ‘glory glory Tottenham Hotspur’ greeted the visiting side as Spurs walked out to a terrific travelling support.
What did not work in anyone’s favour, however, was a terrible pitch – already lambasted by Villas-Boas after Wednesday’s Sunderland clash.
The sandy surface visibly impeded the action from the off but Villas Boas’ side did what they could and were rewarded early on after Tse deflected Danny Rose’s cross into his own net.
Mousa Dembele and Dempsey had combined to play Rose in, with the 23-year-old then driving a superb low cross into the area. The rest, as Tse will testify, was history.
More goals then looked a certainty but absent-minded finishing from Defoe and an unsuccessful penalty appeal after Kyle Walker went down in the box was as close as Spurs would get for a while.
Just short of the half-hour mark, though, Spurs thought they had a second, but Defoe’s short-range header ricocheted off the post.
The veteran striker would make amends minutes later, however, as he beat his man inside the area and squared to Dempsey, who made no mistake from close range.
And Defoe would finally find the net himself on the stroke of half-time, after Walker’s ambitious long-range free-kick deflected into the 30-year-old’s path to slot into the bottom corner.
All the while, South China offered little resistance, with their semi-final exerts against Manchester City clearly taking their toll on the Hong-Kong First Division side.
Boss Cheung Po Chun consequently made several half-time changes, while Tom Carroll and Kyle Naughton replaced Walker and Dempsey for Spurs.
It was more of the same after the break, though, with Defoe quickly adding his second and Tottenham’s third. South China goalkeeper Chun Hui Zhang had comically cleared Rose’s through ball straight into the forward’s path and, with an empty net gaping, the 30-year-old was never going to miss.
As per pre-season tradition, Tottenham’s next step was to ring the changes. Tom Huddlestone, Jake Livermore and Townsend came on, while Aaron Lennon, Scott Parker and Dembele made way.
With 20 minutes left, the question on everybody’s lips was whether Defoe could complete his hat-trick.
And on the eighty-minute mark, that question was resoundingly answered as the clinical finisher snuck into the penalty area and put the ball past Zhang at the near post.
Townsend then struck with a late free-kick and a good day at the office for Tottenham was complete.
Tottenham registered the first win of their pre-season campaign as a Jermain Defoe hat-trick comfortably sealed third place in the Asia Trophy against South China.
A 12th-minute own goal from Tse Sean Ka Keung sent Spurs on their way before Clint Dempsey and Jermain Defoe extended their lead.
Tottenham continued in the same vein after the break, with Defoe grabbing two more and Andros Townsend completing the rout.
Andre Villas-Boas welcomed Defoe back into the starting line-up after Spurs’ semi-final defeat to Sunderland but there was no place for injured duo Gareth Bale and Jan Vertonghen.
Despite the absence of their star man, chants of ‘glory glory Tottenham Hotspur’ greeted the visiting side as Spurs walked out to a terrific travelling support.
What did not work in anyone’s favour, however, was a terrible pitch – already lambasted by Villas-Boas after Wednesday’s Sunderland clash.
The sandy surface visibly impeded the action from the off but Villas Boas’ side did what they could and were rewarded early on after Tse deflected Danny Rose’s cross into his own net.
Mousa Dembele and Dempsey had combined to play Rose in, with the 23-year-old then driving a superb low cross into the area. The rest, as Tse will testify, was history.
More goals then looked a certainty but absent-minded finishing from Defoe and an unsuccessful penalty appeal after Kyle Walker went down in the box was as close as Spurs would get for a while.
Just short of the half-hour mark, though, Spurs thought they had a second, but Defoe’s short-range header ricocheted off the post.
The veteran striker would make amends minutes later, however, as he beat his man inside the area and squared to Dempsey, who made no mistake from close range.
And Defoe would finally find the net himself on the stroke of half-time, after Walker’s ambitious long-range free-kick deflected into the 30-year-old’s path to slot into the bottom corner.
All the while, South China offered little resistance, with their semi-final exerts against Manchester City clearly taking their toll on the Hong-Kong First Division side.
Boss Cheung Po Chun consequently made several half-time changes, while Tom Carroll and Kyle Naughton replaced Walker and Dempsey for Spurs.
It was more of the same after the break, though, with Defoe quickly adding his second and Tottenham’s third. South China goalkeeper Chun Hui Zhang had comically cleared Rose’s through ball straight into the forward’s path and, with an empty net gaping, the 30-year-old was never going to miss.
As per pre-season tradition, Tottenham’s next step was to ring the changes. Tom Huddlestone, Jake Livermore and Townsend came on, while Aaron Lennon, Scott Parker and Dembele made way.
With 20 minutes left, the question on everybody’s lips was whether Defoe could complete his hat-trick.
And on the eighty-minute mark, that question was resoundingly answered as the clinical finisher snuck into the penalty area and put the ball past Zhang at the near post.
Townsend then struck with a late free-kick and a good day at the office for Tottenham was complete.
Sunderland 0-1 Manchester City: Dzeko screamer seals Asia Trophy win
Manchester City secured victory against Sunderland in the Barclays Asia Trophy thanks to a solitary first-half goal from Edin Dzeko on a rain-soaked pitch in Hong Kong.
Manuel Pellegrini's side took the lead through Dzeko's unstoppable 10th-minute volley, smashing the ball into the back of the net, but the Bosnian missed a chance to wrap up the win from the penalty spot in the second half.
Paolo Di Canio named an unchanged side from the team that beat Tottenham in mid-week, while City's Chilean boss fielded new-boy Alvaro Negredo from the start after a lively cameo against South China.
Sunderland, giving an early taste of of the high-pressing, tenacious style they are likely to employ this season, started the match brightly, with fit-again Wes Brown – a goalscorer against Spurs – flicking a header wide.
But it was the Premier League runners-up who took the lead. Yaya Toure's scooped pass was cleared by Brown only as far as Dzeko who, on the edge of the box, unleashed a ferocious left-footed volley that flew past Vito Mannone.
City's Spaniard's then combined as David Silva, making his first appearance of the pre-season schedule, released Negredo, but the 27-year-old fired high and wide. The new signing from Sevilla had another sighter at goal at the half-hour mark, but lashed the ball over the bar.
The pitch, a major concern before the match, was becoming increasingly sodden and cut-up after more heavy rain, but Sunderland were unfazed. Jozy Altidore fed Emanuele Giaccherini, who forced Costel Pantilimon into a solid stop.
On the stroke of half-time, City almost doubled their lead as Silva curved a devilish free kick into the box which was headed onto the foot of his own post by right-back Craig Gardner.
A number of substitutions at the break, which included the introduction of Spain international Jesus Navas, coupled with the deterioration of the turf, saw the game dissolve as a spectacle, with a scrappy, subdued affair taking over.
Fernandinho, on in place of Yaya Toure, finally brought a spark to a lifeless second half. The Brazilian's flick was handled in the box by El-Hadji Ba, but Dzeko blazed the resulting penalty over the bar.
The misery of that spot-kick miss was compiled by a serious-looking injury to centre-back Matija Nastasic, who had to be stretchered off the field of play – the second major casualty of the showpiece tournament's treacherous pitch after Spurs' Jan Vertonghen.
Navas had a chance to guarantee the victory in the closing stages, but his shot, despite beating goalkeeper Keiren Westwood, was cleared off the line from beneath his own crossbar by Gardner.
Sunderland had a late chance to level the scores, despite Pellegrini taking a leaf out of predecessor Roberto Mancini's book by bringing on Gareth Barry, when Sebastian Larsson fired a free kick towards goal. Pantilimon pawed it away and City held on to win.
Manchester City secured victory against Sunderland in the Barclays Asia Trophy thanks to a solitary first-half goal from Edin Dzeko on a rain-soaked pitch in Hong Kong.
Manuel Pellegrini's side took the lead through Dzeko's unstoppable 10th-minute volley, smashing the ball into the back of the net, but the Bosnian missed a chance to wrap up the win from the penalty spot in the second half.
Paolo Di Canio named an unchanged side from the team that beat Tottenham in mid-week, while City's Chilean boss fielded new-boy Alvaro Negredo from the start after a lively cameo against South China.
Sunderland, giving an early taste of of the high-pressing, tenacious style they are likely to employ this season, started the match brightly, with fit-again Wes Brown – a goalscorer against Spurs – flicking a header wide.
But it was the Premier League runners-up who took the lead. Yaya Toure's scooped pass was cleared by Brown only as far as Dzeko who, on the edge of the box, unleashed a ferocious left-footed volley that flew past Vito Mannone.
City's Spaniard's then combined as David Silva, making his first appearance of the pre-season schedule, released Negredo, but the 27-year-old fired high and wide. The new signing from Sevilla had another sighter at goal at the half-hour mark, but lashed the ball over the bar.
The pitch, a major concern before the match, was becoming increasingly sodden and cut-up after more heavy rain, but Sunderland were unfazed. Jozy Altidore fed Emanuele Giaccherini, who forced Costel Pantilimon into a solid stop.
On the stroke of half-time, City almost doubled their lead as Silva curved a devilish free kick into the box which was headed onto the foot of his own post by right-back Craig Gardner.
A number of substitutions at the break, which included the introduction of Spain international Jesus Navas, coupled with the deterioration of the turf, saw the game dissolve as a spectacle, with a scrappy, subdued affair taking over.
Fernandinho, on in place of Yaya Toure, finally brought a spark to a lifeless second half. The Brazilian's flick was handled in the box by El-Hadji Ba, but Dzeko blazed the resulting penalty over the bar.
The misery of that spot-kick miss was compiled by a serious-looking injury to centre-back Matija Nastasic, who had to be stretchered off the field of play – the second major casualty of the showpiece tournament's treacherous pitch after Spurs' Jan Vertonghen.
Navas had a chance to guarantee the victory in the closing stages, but his shot, despite beating goalkeeper Keiren Westwood, was cleared off the line from beneath his own crossbar by Gardner.
Sunderland had a late chance to level the scores, despite Pellegrini taking a leaf out of predecessor Roberto Mancini's book by bringing on Gareth Barry, when Sebastian Larsson fired a free kick towards goal. Pantilimon pawed it away and City held on to win.
Hamburg 1-1 Inter: Honours even at the Imtech Arena
Inter failed to maintain their 100 per cent pre-season record on Saturday as they drew 1-1 with Hamburg.Mauro Icardi looked to have put the visitors on course for another win when he netted with two minutes gone, but saw his goal cancelled out by Artjoms Rudnevs' strike just after the break.And that is where the scoring ended, with both teams failing to carve out a chance worthy of winning the match before time ran out.
Inter had won all three of their pre-season fixtures coming into the game, and got off to the best possible start at the Imtech Arena as Icardi grabbed his first goal for the club since joining from Sampdoria.The 20-year-old Argentine prodded the ball past Jaroslav Drobny in the Hamburg goal after meeting a teasing cross from Fredy Guarin to put his side in control.
Hamburg slowly grew into the match as the first half progressed without finding a breakthrough, but found themselves back on terms with just two minutes of the second period having elapsed.Rudnevs was the man to level matters, as he got his head to a Tolgay Arslan cross and powered the ball past Samir Handanovic.
From there, both sides made a number of substitutions, with Jonathan Tah and Hakan Calhanoglu both making their home debuts for the hosts. Neither side were able to create many clear cut chances, however, meaning Inter could at least keep their unbeaten record alive.
Inter failed to maintain their 100 per cent pre-season record on Saturday as they drew 1-1 with Hamburg.Mauro Icardi looked to have put the visitors on course for another win when he netted with two minutes gone, but saw his goal cancelled out by Artjoms Rudnevs' strike just after the break.And that is where the scoring ended, with both teams failing to carve out a chance worthy of winning the match before time ran out.
Inter had won all three of their pre-season fixtures coming into the game, and got off to the best possible start at the Imtech Arena as Icardi grabbed his first goal for the club since joining from Sampdoria.The 20-year-old Argentine prodded the ball past Jaroslav Drobny in the Hamburg goal after meeting a teasing cross from Fredy Guarin to put his side in control.
Hamburg slowly grew into the match as the first half progressed without finding a breakthrough, but found themselves back on terms with just two minutes of the second period having elapsed.Rudnevs was the man to level matters, as he got his head to a Tolgay Arslan cross and powered the ball past Samir Handanovic.
From there, both sides made a number of substitutions, with Jonathan Tah and Hakan Calhanoglu both making their home debuts for the hosts. Neither side were able to create many clear cut chances, however, meaning Inter could at least keep their unbeaten record alive.
Leicester City 0-3 Monaco: Falcao on target in low-key win
Radamel Falcao helped Monaco towards a comfortable 3-0 victory over Leicester City in a pre-season run out at the King Power Stadium.
The 27-year-old, who this week denied claims that he is in fact 29, took a while to get going at the sharp end of the Ligue 1 club's attack, but added to Layvin Kurzawa's goal before the break, and a late addition by Marcel Tisserand, to give Claudio Ranier's men the win.
The second half became something of a non-event when Ranieri made 11 substitutions all in one go just after the hour mark, but the first half provided some good attacking intent from both sides.
Indeed, Matty James forced a good save from visiting goalkeeper Danijel Subastic in the second minute after arriving late into the box, before Lucas Ocampos fired one over at the other end.
On eight minutes, Joao Moutinho forced Kasper Schmeichel into a decent save with an effort from 20 yards out, allowing the visitors to take the lead from the resulting corner. Former Porto man Moutinho whipped his set-piece into the near post, where it was met by the head of Kurzawa.
Leicester were not deterred, however, and continued to push forward; Chris Wood came close to finding an equaliser when he took aim for the top corner from the right-hand side of the area, only for Subastic to palm clear.
Falcao, a €60 million signing from Atletico Madrid, had a disappointing opening period. First he headed a Moutinho free kick over the crossbar under pressure from Zak Whitbread after 23 minutes, and then saw his low shot blocked by Wes Morgan after the ball broke loose in the area.
The Colombian then forced Schmeichel to pull one of his father's trademark saves out of the bag, the Dane sprawling at the striker's feet to smother with any part of his anatomy necessary.
Five minutes before the break, Wood beat his man in the area and cut the ball back for Jamie Vardy, whose shot was deflected into his own path. But despite beating the outrushing Subastic with a clever backheel, Mounir Obbadi was on hand to clear off the line.
And Monaco made them pay almost instantly. After getting involved in the build-up play, Falcao took up his position in the box, and when Andrea Raggi's low cross was dummied by Yannick Carrasco, the Colombian was left with a simple tap in from six yards.
The hosts rang the changes at half-time, and one of those replacements, Anthony Knockaert, almost pulled one back when his shot deflected off Eric Abidal, only for the ball to drop just wide of the post.
It was the game that dropped off after that point, with Monaco happy to sharpen their one-touch passing ability. Their quick moves did let Carrasco in on 58 minutes, however, only for the wideman to drag his shot wide.
And if the tempo was not already slow, it certainly was when Ranieri substituted his entire team after 65 minutes.
The Foxes took advantage of the visitors' malaise, but Neil Danns' goalbound shot was blocked by the back of his team-mate Knockaert. Almost as if to remind the fans there was a game on, Valere Germain had a low snap-shot saved by Schmeichel at the other end.
Jeff Schlupp spooned an effort into the crowd with eight minutes on the clock, and that looked to be that, until Tisserand was slipped in by Emmanuel Riviere on the left, allowing him to beat his man and hook a shot past a flailing Schmeichel to wrap things up.
Radamel Falcao helped Monaco towards a comfortable 3-0 victory over Leicester City in a pre-season run out at the King Power Stadium.
The 27-year-old, who this week denied claims that he is in fact 29, took a while to get going at the sharp end of the Ligue 1 club's attack, but added to Layvin Kurzawa's goal before the break, and a late addition by Marcel Tisserand, to give Claudio Ranier's men the win.
The second half became something of a non-event when Ranieri made 11 substitutions all in one go just after the hour mark, but the first half provided some good attacking intent from both sides.
Indeed, Matty James forced a good save from visiting goalkeeper Danijel Subastic in the second minute after arriving late into the box, before Lucas Ocampos fired one over at the other end.
On eight minutes, Joao Moutinho forced Kasper Schmeichel into a decent save with an effort from 20 yards out, allowing the visitors to take the lead from the resulting corner. Former Porto man Moutinho whipped his set-piece into the near post, where it was met by the head of Kurzawa.
Leicester were not deterred, however, and continued to push forward; Chris Wood came close to finding an equaliser when he took aim for the top corner from the right-hand side of the area, only for Subastic to palm clear.
Falcao, a €60 million signing from Atletico Madrid, had a disappointing opening period. First he headed a Moutinho free kick over the crossbar under pressure from Zak Whitbread after 23 minutes, and then saw his low shot blocked by Wes Morgan after the ball broke loose in the area.
The Colombian then forced Schmeichel to pull one of his father's trademark saves out of the bag, the Dane sprawling at the striker's feet to smother with any part of his anatomy necessary.
Five minutes before the break, Wood beat his man in the area and cut the ball back for Jamie Vardy, whose shot was deflected into his own path. But despite beating the outrushing Subastic with a clever backheel, Mounir Obbadi was on hand to clear off the line.
And Monaco made them pay almost instantly. After getting involved in the build-up play, Falcao took up his position in the box, and when Andrea Raggi's low cross was dummied by Yannick Carrasco, the Colombian was left with a simple tap in from six yards.
The hosts rang the changes at half-time, and one of those replacements, Anthony Knockaert, almost pulled one back when his shot deflected off Eric Abidal, only for the ball to drop just wide of the post.
It was the game that dropped off after that point, with Monaco happy to sharpen their one-touch passing ability. Their quick moves did let Carrasco in on 58 minutes, however, only for the wideman to drag his shot wide.
And if the tempo was not already slow, it certainly was when Ranieri substituted his entire team after 65 minutes.
The Foxes took advantage of the visitors' malaise, but Neil Danns' goalbound shot was blocked by the back of his team-mate Knockaert. Almost as if to remind the fans there was a game on, Valere Germain had a low snap-shot saved by Schmeichel at the other end.
Jeff Schlupp spooned an effort into the crowd with eight minutes on the clock, and that looked to be that, until Tisserand was slipped in by Emmanuel Riviere on the left, allowing him to beat his man and hook a shot past a flailing Schmeichel to wrap things up.
Valerenga 0-7 Barcelona: Messi on target as Catalans run riot
Barcelona cruised to their first win of the pre-season campaign, hammering Valerenga in Oslo on Saturday.Alexis Sanchez, Cristian Tello and Lionel Messi all scored within the first 15 minutes, giving the Norwegians a mountain to climb. A goal just before half-time from Jonathan Dos Santos, a double from Jean Marie Dongou, and a late strike from Joan Roman sealed the win for the Catalan side.
It didn't take the Blaugrana long to open up their account, as Alexis put them ahead after just five minutes. Messi picked up the ball in a deep position in midfield and clipped a ball out to the right-hand side for the Chilean, who jinked his way into the box before guiding a left-footed strike home.Barca doubled their lead just one minute later, with Messi the architect once again. The Argentine found Tello with a lovely threaded pass inside the Valerenga right-back and the 21-year-old coolly stroked the ball home into the bottom right corner.
Never one to be left out of the goals, Messi grabbed the third of the match 13 minutes in. The Barcelona captain for the evening picked up the ball on the edge of the box and drifted past three challenges before reversing a left-footed shot into the bottom corner, giving goalkeeper Lars Hirschfeld no chance.
New Barca coach Gerardo Martino watched from the stands as he witnessed his new side completely dominate the first half, and it could have been much worse for Valerenga in the opening 45 if not for the heroics of Hirschfeld in goal and the woodwork.The Canadian goalkeeper kept the score relatively low as he pulled of a string of saves from Messi, Tello, and Alexis. Barca were also denied midway through the half when the Argentine clipped a strike towards goal, only to see his attempt crash off the post.
The visitors would not have to wait too long to extend the scoreline, however. Dos Santos made it four just before the break as he latched on to an Alexis pass to the front post before squeezing a shot past Hirschfeld.It would not get much easier for the Norwegians after half-time as Barca scored two within the first 10 minutes of the second period through substitute, Dongou.
The Cameroonian latched on to a pass through the middle from Alexis and coolly finished. A couple of minutes later he received the ball from the Chilean again as he stabbed a shot home to make it 6-0 Valerenga grew into the match as the second half wore on, however, and almost grabbed a goal to please their home fans. Mohammed Fellah came closest for the Norwegians, but his two strikes from the edge of the box were easily handled by substitute keeper, Oier.
The victory was rounded off for Barcelona five minutes from time when substitute Joan Roman cut inside from the left-hand side and rifled a strike into the top left corner.Barcelona go on to face Rosenborg in Denmark on Monday as they prepare for the oncoming season and their defence of the Spanish Primera Division.
Barcelona cruised to their first win of the pre-season campaign, hammering Valerenga in Oslo on Saturday.Alexis Sanchez, Cristian Tello and Lionel Messi all scored within the first 15 minutes, giving the Norwegians a mountain to climb. A goal just before half-time from Jonathan Dos Santos, a double from Jean Marie Dongou, and a late strike from Joan Roman sealed the win for the Catalan side.
It didn't take the Blaugrana long to open up their account, as Alexis put them ahead after just five minutes. Messi picked up the ball in a deep position in midfield and clipped a ball out to the right-hand side for the Chilean, who jinked his way into the box before guiding a left-footed strike home.Barca doubled their lead just one minute later, with Messi the architect once again. The Argentine found Tello with a lovely threaded pass inside the Valerenga right-back and the 21-year-old coolly stroked the ball home into the bottom right corner.
Never one to be left out of the goals, Messi grabbed the third of the match 13 minutes in. The Barcelona captain for the evening picked up the ball on the edge of the box and drifted past three challenges before reversing a left-footed shot into the bottom corner, giving goalkeeper Lars Hirschfeld no chance.
New Barca coach Gerardo Martino watched from the stands as he witnessed his new side completely dominate the first half, and it could have been much worse for Valerenga in the opening 45 if not for the heroics of Hirschfeld in goal and the woodwork.The Canadian goalkeeper kept the score relatively low as he pulled of a string of saves from Messi, Tello, and Alexis. Barca were also denied midway through the half when the Argentine clipped a strike towards goal, only to see his attempt crash off the post.
The visitors would not have to wait too long to extend the scoreline, however. Dos Santos made it four just before the break as he latched on to an Alexis pass to the front post before squeezing a shot past Hirschfeld.It would not get much easier for the Norwegians after half-time as Barca scored two within the first 10 minutes of the second period through substitute, Dongou.
The Cameroonian latched on to a pass through the middle from Alexis and coolly finished. A couple of minutes later he received the ball from the Chilean again as he stabbed a shot home to make it 6-0 Valerenga grew into the match as the second half wore on, however, and almost grabbed a goal to please their home fans. Mohammed Fellah came closest for the Norwegians, but his two strikes from the edge of the box were easily handled by substitute keeper, Oier.
The victory was rounded off for Barcelona five minutes from time when substitute Joan Roman cut inside from the left-hand side and rifled a strike into the top left corner.Barcelona go on to face Rosenborg in Denmark on Monday as they prepare for the oncoming season and their defence of the Spanish Primera Division.
Paris Saint-Germain 0-1 Real Madrid: Benzema the difference in entertaining friendly
Carlo Ancelotti’s reunion with Paris Saint-Germain proved to be a successful one as Real Madrid continued their unbeaten start to pre-season with a win over the Ligue 1 champions in Gothenburg.
The Italian coach left the French outfit a matter of weeks ago to take charge at Santiago Bernabeu and saw Karim Benzema strike the opening goal for his side midway through the opening period.
Benzema’s effort was magnificently crafted down the Madrid right. Ozil was the chief architect as he provided the thrust and then the pass that allowed the France international to sweep an accurate shot into the corner of Salvatore Sirigu’s net.
To that point there had been plenty of sparring without any particular quality. Moments earlier, Ezequiel Lavezzi had missed the clearest-cut chance as he planted a close-range shot wide following good work from Maxwell but Cristiano Ronaldo had menaced for Ancelotti’s men.
The game’s opening goal, however, provoked a spell of broken play that favoured Laurent Blanc’s side. Within moments of falling behind Blaise Matuidi had tested Diego Lopez, while home favourite Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was captain for the night, headed narrowly wide shortly afterwards. This period concluded when Javier Pastore had an effort grasped by Madrid’s goalkeeper.
Edinson Cavani was not yet in the PSG side but had he been on the field he would surely have profited from some lax defending that saw Ibrahimovic nod down for Lavezzi six yards out. The Argentine was again wasteful as he scuffed a glorious chance wide.
Moments later, though, Benzema squandered a similarly good opportunity – Madrid’s first since opening the scoring.
Early in the second period, Madrid showed intentions to be a good deal more aggressive and they were rewarded with chances to extend their lead. Ronaldo’s fierce header was kept out by Sirigu, though, and though the Portuguese could not hook the rebound on target he soon tested the Italian with another couple of clean hits.
Marco Verratti’s appearance from the bench brought some hope to the otherwise imprecise Parisians, with the Italian’s pass setting up Lucas Moura to drive inches wide.
In truth, though, this was a rare threat from the French club and it was Madrid who came closest to the game’s second goal through Ozil and then substitute Kaka. Stoppage time brought one final opportunity, but Sirigu again denied Ronaldo, whose awkward free kick was pushed clear.
Come full-time, Ancelotti’s men were worthy winners yet PSG boss Blanc will feel relatively content with his side before their season begins in earnest next weekend with the Trophee des Champions against Bordeaux.
Carlo Ancelotti’s reunion with Paris Saint-Germain proved to be a successful one as Real Madrid continued their unbeaten start to pre-season with a win over the Ligue 1 champions in Gothenburg.
The Italian coach left the French outfit a matter of weeks ago to take charge at Santiago Bernabeu and saw Karim Benzema strike the opening goal for his side midway through the opening period.
Benzema’s effort was magnificently crafted down the Madrid right. Ozil was the chief architect as he provided the thrust and then the pass that allowed the France international to sweep an accurate shot into the corner of Salvatore Sirigu’s net.
To that point there had been plenty of sparring without any particular quality. Moments earlier, Ezequiel Lavezzi had missed the clearest-cut chance as he planted a close-range shot wide following good work from Maxwell but Cristiano Ronaldo had menaced for Ancelotti’s men.
The game’s opening goal, however, provoked a spell of broken play that favoured Laurent Blanc’s side. Within moments of falling behind Blaise Matuidi had tested Diego Lopez, while home favourite Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was captain for the night, headed narrowly wide shortly afterwards. This period concluded when Javier Pastore had an effort grasped by Madrid’s goalkeeper.
Edinson Cavani was not yet in the PSG side but had he been on the field he would surely have profited from some lax defending that saw Ibrahimovic nod down for Lavezzi six yards out. The Argentine was again wasteful as he scuffed a glorious chance wide.
Moments later, though, Benzema squandered a similarly good opportunity – Madrid’s first since opening the scoring.
Early in the second period, Madrid showed intentions to be a good deal more aggressive and they were rewarded with chances to extend their lead. Ronaldo’s fierce header was kept out by Sirigu, though, and though the Portuguese could not hook the rebound on target he soon tested the Italian with another couple of clean hits.
Marco Verratti’s appearance from the bench brought some hope to the otherwise imprecise Parisians, with the Italian’s pass setting up Lucas Moura to drive inches wide.
In truth, though, this was a rare threat from the French club and it was Madrid who came closest to the game’s second goal through Ozil and then substitute Kaka. Stoppage time brought one final opportunity, but Sirigu again denied Ronaldo, whose awkward free kick was pushed clear.
Come full-time, Ancelotti’s men were worthy winners yet PSG boss Blanc will feel relatively content with his side before their season begins in earnest next weekend with the Trophee des Champions against Bordeaux.
Borussia Dortmund 4-2 Bayern Munich: Reus at the double as Klopp's side claim Supercup
Pep Guardiola's first competitive game as Bayern Munich boss ended in defeat as Dortmund won the DFL-Supercup courtesy of a 4-2 win at Signal Iduna Park.
Marco Reus opened the scoring inside six minutes as a result of a goalkeeping blunder, before Arjen Robben equalised after half-time.
Bayern were undone by an attacking tidal wave soon after, with Daniel Van Buyten scoring at the wrong end then Ilkay Gundogan made it 3-1 seconds later.
Robben reduced the deficit but substitute Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang teed up Reus for a fourth as Dortmund rallied to victory.
And it was the energetic playmaker who gave Dortmund the lead following an edgy opening to the match at Signal Iduna Park six minutes in.
Robert Lewandowski, the subject of fierce interest from Bayern over the summer, saw his cross helped on by Sven Bender, whose seemingly tame header was flapped at by Tom Starke, allowing Reus to head into the net.
Bayern, already behind failed to recover from that initial setback, and were lucky not to have gone 2-0 down as Lewandowski raced through past David Alaba, to slot home under Starke, before being pulled back for a debatable offside call.
Nevertheless, the European champions began to settle into their rhythm and posed Dortmund a few problems.
Shaqiri fired a low shot towards Weidenfeller, who was forced into a fantastic double save seconds later as the Swiss international was thwarted along with Thomas Muller with the unsuccessful follow-up.
Jurgen Klopp's side continued to search for their second and were again denied by Starke. Gundogan fed through Reus on the edge of the area, squaring into the middle for Lewandowski who was beaten by the sprawling legs of the goalkeeper.
For all of their perseverance, Bayern equalised early into the second half after a dazzling spell. Philipp Lahm's superb cross was met by the head of Robben, who after scoring the winning goal of the Champions League final, punished Dortmund here again with the leveller.
But Dortmund were unperturbed, and swiftly regained the lead after a superb counter-attack which resulted in Daniel Van Buyten deflecting the ball into his own net. Seconds later, it was 3-1 after Gundogan's curling effort beat the defence and Starke, allowing for a third goal scored in little over a minute and a half of frenzied action.
Bayern, though, continued to go for the jugular after yet another setback and were back in sight after another bit of fine work by Lahm on the wing. The Germany captain's teasing low ball picked up Robben, who deftly beat those around him and Weidenfeller to reduce the deficit.
At the other end, die Roten were also profligate in front of goal, as another golden chance went begging. Shaqiri this time with a fine pass into the path of Alaba, whose teasing low ball evaded Mandzukic by inches before Thomas Muller was undone by the crossbar in a brilliant conclusion to the game.
However, Dortmund - who squandered countless chances late on, finally saw themselves over the line with a blistering counter-attack. Lewandowski set off Aubameyang, who teed up Reus for a superb fourth to seal the first trophy of the German football season.
Pep Guardiola's first competitive game as Bayern Munich boss ended in defeat as Dortmund won the DFL-Supercup courtesy of a 4-2 win at Signal Iduna Park.
Marco Reus opened the scoring inside six minutes as a result of a goalkeeping blunder, before Arjen Robben equalised after half-time.
Bayern were undone by an attacking tidal wave soon after, with Daniel Van Buyten scoring at the wrong end then Ilkay Gundogan made it 3-1 seconds later.
Robben reduced the deficit but substitute Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang teed up Reus for a fourth as Dortmund rallied to victory.
And it was the energetic playmaker who gave Dortmund the lead following an edgy opening to the match at Signal Iduna Park six minutes in.
Robert Lewandowski, the subject of fierce interest from Bayern over the summer, saw his cross helped on by Sven Bender, whose seemingly tame header was flapped at by Tom Starke, allowing Reus to head into the net.
Bayern, already behind failed to recover from that initial setback, and were lucky not to have gone 2-0 down as Lewandowski raced through past David Alaba, to slot home under Starke, before being pulled back for a debatable offside call.
Nevertheless, the European champions began to settle into their rhythm and posed Dortmund a few problems.
Shaqiri fired a low shot towards Weidenfeller, who was forced into a fantastic double save seconds later as the Swiss international was thwarted along with Thomas Muller with the unsuccessful follow-up.
Jurgen Klopp's side continued to search for their second and were again denied by Starke. Gundogan fed through Reus on the edge of the area, squaring into the middle for Lewandowski who was beaten by the sprawling legs of the goalkeeper.
For all of their perseverance, Bayern equalised early into the second half after a dazzling spell. Philipp Lahm's superb cross was met by the head of Robben, who after scoring the winning goal of the Champions League final, punished Dortmund here again with the leveller.
But Dortmund were unperturbed, and swiftly regained the lead after a superb counter-attack which resulted in Daniel Van Buyten deflecting the ball into his own net. Seconds later, it was 3-1 after Gundogan's curling effort beat the defence and Starke, allowing for a third goal scored in little over a minute and a half of frenzied action.
Bayern, though, continued to go for the jugular after yet another setback and were back in sight after another bit of fine work by Lahm on the wing. The Germany captain's teasing low ball picked up Robben, who deftly beat those around him and Weidenfeller to reduce the deficit.
At the other end, die Roten were also profligate in front of goal, as another golden chance went begging. Shaqiri this time with a fine pass into the path of Alaba, whose teasing low ball evaded Mandzukic by inches before Thomas Muller was undone by the crossbar in a brilliant conclusion to the game.
However, Dortmund - who squandered countless chances late on, finally saw themselves over the line with a blistering counter-attack. Lewandowski set off Aubameyang, who teed up Reus for a superb fourth to seal the first trophy of the German football season.
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