Serie A 2013.09.21 Fixtures
Serie A 2013.09.21 Fixtures
Cagliari Vs Sampdoria
Chievo Vs Udinese
Genoa Vs Liverno
Cagliari Vs Sampdoria
Chievo Vs Udinese
Genoa Vs Liverno
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Rayo Vallecano 0-4 Barcelona: Pedro hat-trick seals Blaugrana win
A Pedro hat-trick sent Barcelona to a 4-0 win over Rayo Vallecano at Estadio de Vallecas on Saturday as they maintained their perfect start to the Liga season.
The 26-year-old opened the scoring in the 33rd minute when he knocked in a low cross from Lionel Messi, who was making his 250th league appearance and although Rayo enjoyed plenty of possession, the champions were clinical.
Pedro added two more similar goals in the second half, tapping in passes from Cesc Fabregas and Neymar, before former Arsenal man Fabregas added a fourth for good measure late on.
Rayo came into the match off the back of a 5-0 hammering by Malaga last weekend and coach Paco Jemez responded by making four changes.
Leonel Galeano, Nacho Martinez, Joaquin Larrivey and Seba Fernandez were all left out as Anaitz Arbilla, Johan Mojica, Raul Baena and Alberto Perea took their respective places.
After their Uefa Champions League exploits against Ajax during the week, Barca also made four changes.
Dani Alves, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Alexis Sanchez all missed out, but coach Gerardo Martino had the luxury of being able to recall Martin Montoya, Xavi, Alex Song and Pedro.
The opening 10 minutes saw both sides create excellent chances, as Perea first headed straight at Victor Valdes, while Neymar had an effort blocked just in front of goal.
Barca, though, were clearly on top and they eventually made the most of their domination just after the half-hour mark.
Messi, who had been relatively quiet to that point, played a pass into the area for Pedro and the wide man opened up his body and placed a shot into the bottom corner.
The visitors' hard work was nearly undone three minutes later when Adriano brought Roberto Trashorras down in the penalty area, but the former Barcelona youth player's spot-kick was pushed away by Valdes.
Any threat of a Rayo upset was effectively extinguished just two minutes into the second half as Barcelona doubled their lead.
Fabregas exploited space between Tito and Arbilla down the left before squaring a ball into the danger area, which Pedro knocked into the roof of the net.
Rayo were afforded their fair share of possession, but Barcelona were the only side who looked like adding to the scoreline, as Messi found himself denied at the near post by goalkeeper Ruben.
And Martino's side put the result beyond doubt with 18 minutes remaining as Pedro completed his hat-trick in the simplest fashion, Neymar gliding past his marker and playing a square pass for the Spain international to tap in.
But there was still time for things to get even better for the visitors, as Fabregas received a pass from Xavi on the edge of the area before curling a low shot into the bottom corner to put the icing on the cake.
A Pedro hat-trick sent Barcelona to a 4-0 win over Rayo Vallecano at Estadio de Vallecas on Saturday as they maintained their perfect start to the Liga season.
The 26-year-old opened the scoring in the 33rd minute when he knocked in a low cross from Lionel Messi, who was making his 250th league appearance and although Rayo enjoyed plenty of possession, the champions were clinical.
Pedro added two more similar goals in the second half, tapping in passes from Cesc Fabregas and Neymar, before former Arsenal man Fabregas added a fourth for good measure late on.
Rayo came into the match off the back of a 5-0 hammering by Malaga last weekend and coach Paco Jemez responded by making four changes.
Leonel Galeano, Nacho Martinez, Joaquin Larrivey and Seba Fernandez were all left out as Anaitz Arbilla, Johan Mojica, Raul Baena and Alberto Perea took their respective places.
After their Uefa Champions League exploits against Ajax during the week, Barca also made four changes.
Dani Alves, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Alexis Sanchez all missed out, but coach Gerardo Martino had the luxury of being able to recall Martin Montoya, Xavi, Alex Song and Pedro.
The opening 10 minutes saw both sides create excellent chances, as Perea first headed straight at Victor Valdes, while Neymar had an effort blocked just in front of goal.
Barca, though, were clearly on top and they eventually made the most of their domination just after the half-hour mark.
Messi, who had been relatively quiet to that point, played a pass into the area for Pedro and the wide man opened up his body and placed a shot into the bottom corner.
The visitors' hard work was nearly undone three minutes later when Adriano brought Roberto Trashorras down in the penalty area, but the former Barcelona youth player's spot-kick was pushed away by Valdes.
Any threat of a Rayo upset was effectively extinguished just two minutes into the second half as Barcelona doubled their lead.
Fabregas exploited space between Tito and Arbilla down the left before squaring a ball into the danger area, which Pedro knocked into the roof of the net.
Rayo were afforded their fair share of possession, but Barcelona were the only side who looked like adding to the scoreline, as Messi found himself denied at the near post by goalkeeper Ruben.
And Martino's side put the result beyond doubt with 18 minutes remaining as Pedro completed his hat-trick in the simplest fashion, Neymar gliding past his marker and playing a square pass for the Spain international to tap in.
But there was still time for things to get even better for the visitors, as Fabregas received a pass from Xavi on the edge of the area before curling a low shot into the bottom corner to put the icing on the cake.
Schalke 0-4 Bayern Munich: Bavarians move level with Dortmund
Bayern Munich moved level on points with Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund on Saturday with a 4-0 win over Schalke at the Veltins Arena.
Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mario Mandzukic put Bayern two goals to the good after 22 minutes before Franck Ribery and Claudio Pizarro added further strikes in the second half to extend their unbeaten run in the Bundesliga to 31.
Both sides enjoyed winning starts to their UEFA Champions League campaigns in midweek and made one change from their European outings, with Schalke bringing in Jermaine Jones in place of Marco Hoger.
The champions named Schweinsteiger in their starting line-up, with Thomas Muller dropping to the bench.
David Alaba almost made it two goals in four days after nine minutes, flashing a free-kick just wide for the visitors, before Toni Kroos curled over from inside the box on what was his 150th Bundesliga appearance.
Adam Szalai should have opened the scoring 16 minutes in, but he failed to connect sufficiently with a Kevin-Prince Boateng cross and Bayern were able to clear.
But the visitors did edge ahead 21 minutes in courtesy of the returning Schweinsteiger.
Arjen Robben's corner found the unmarked midfielder, who headed into the far corner of the goal beyond the despairing lunge of defender Astuto Uchida on the line.
Mandzukic doubled Bayern's lead just a minute later, again through a header, this time from Alaba's delivery.
The Croatia international's effort beat Timo Hildebrand before striking Benedikt Howedes on the line and dribbling in.
Schalke had not conceded in three games going into Saturday's clash and will have been relieved to see Robben's strike deflected wide just short of the half-hour mark.
Mandzukic shot over from inside the area after good work from Robben on the right, six minutes after the break, as Pep Guardiola's side pressed for a third.
While the hosts had plenty of possession, they were unable to make it count, with their final ball letting them down as they searched for a way back into the game.
Boateng's off-target header from a Julian Draxler cross just after the hour was their first opportunity of the half but Bayern's lethal touch was soon evident again on 74 minutes.
Alaba played the ball across the box into the path of the arriving Ribery and, despite a less-than-perfect touch from the France international, the ball rolled past Hildebrand to put the visitors 3-0 up.
Pizarro added a fourth seven minutes from time with a simple tap-in after good work from fellow substitute Muller, as Bayern made it five wins from six in the league this season.
They share the same points and goal difference as Dortmund, who were held 1-1 by Nuremberg.
Bayern Munich moved level on points with Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund on Saturday with a 4-0 win over Schalke at the Veltins Arena.
Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mario Mandzukic put Bayern two goals to the good after 22 minutes before Franck Ribery and Claudio Pizarro added further strikes in the second half to extend their unbeaten run in the Bundesliga to 31.
Both sides enjoyed winning starts to their UEFA Champions League campaigns in midweek and made one change from their European outings, with Schalke bringing in Jermaine Jones in place of Marco Hoger.
The champions named Schweinsteiger in their starting line-up, with Thomas Muller dropping to the bench.
David Alaba almost made it two goals in four days after nine minutes, flashing a free-kick just wide for the visitors, before Toni Kroos curled over from inside the box on what was his 150th Bundesliga appearance.
Adam Szalai should have opened the scoring 16 minutes in, but he failed to connect sufficiently with a Kevin-Prince Boateng cross and Bayern were able to clear.
But the visitors did edge ahead 21 minutes in courtesy of the returning Schweinsteiger.
Arjen Robben's corner found the unmarked midfielder, who headed into the far corner of the goal beyond the despairing lunge of defender Astuto Uchida on the line.
Mandzukic doubled Bayern's lead just a minute later, again through a header, this time from Alaba's delivery.
The Croatia international's effort beat Timo Hildebrand before striking Benedikt Howedes on the line and dribbling in.
Schalke had not conceded in three games going into Saturday's clash and will have been relieved to see Robben's strike deflected wide just short of the half-hour mark.
Mandzukic shot over from inside the area after good work from Robben on the right, six minutes after the break, as Pep Guardiola's side pressed for a third.
While the hosts had plenty of possession, they were unable to make it count, with their final ball letting them down as they searched for a way back into the game.
Boateng's off-target header from a Julian Draxler cross just after the hour was their first opportunity of the half but Bayern's lethal touch was soon evident again on 74 minutes.
Alaba played the ball across the box into the path of the arriving Ribery and, despite a less-than-perfect touch from the France international, the ball rolled past Hildebrand to put the visitors 3-0 up.
Pizarro added a fourth seven minutes from time with a simple tap-in after good work from fellow substitute Muller, as Bayern made it five wins from six in the league this season.
They share the same points and goal difference as Dortmund, who were held 1-1 by Nuremberg.
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham: Oscar & Mikel lift off colour Blues
Chelsea rubbished talk of a crisis by moving to the top of the Premier League table with a 2-0 win over Fulhamon Saturday. Jose Mourinho's men were not at their best during the Stamford Bridge encounter – decided by second-half goals from Oscar and John Obi Mikel - but did enough to register their third top-flight win of the season.
Chelsea entered the match without a victory in their last four matches in all competitions, and could have trailed in the early stages when Fulham striker Darren Bent was presented with a terrific chance.
Bent wasted his effort though, and after a scrappy first half, the Blues took the lead through Oscar's close-range finish in the 52nd minute.Mikel subsequently capped off the victory with his first Premier League goal – plundered during his 185th appearance – when he hooked in following yet another Chelsea corner.
Mourinho reacted to his side's 2-1 home defeat to FC Basel in the Champions League on Wednesday by swinging the axe, making four changes, as Juan Mata and David Luiz were left out of the squad while Frank Lampard dropped to the bench.Captain John Terry was recalled by Mourinho, as were Mikel, Ramires, and attacker Andre Schurrle.Fulham made three changes of their own, with Damien Duff - one of three-ex Chelsea players in their starting side.
The visitors fashioned the first chance of the match when Steve Sidwell, another former Chelsea player, headed over, and although Samuel Eto'o flicked wide at the other end, the visitors should have taken the lead in the 13th minute.
A superb pass from Pajtim Kasami set Bent free, but the Aston Villa loanee – who entered the match with three goals in his last three matches against Chelsea – failed to make the most of the one-on-one opportunity, shooting straight at goalkeeper Petr Cech.
Chelsea felt they should have won a penalty shortly after, when Sascha Reither pushed Eden Hazard, and although nothing was given, Mourinho's men started to grow into the game.
Their abundance of possession, and several set-pieces, failed to materialise into anything substantial though, with further half-chances for Eto'o and a hopeful Hazard volley the best they could muster before Branislav Ivanovic saw a good drive turned wide by Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale on the stroke of half-time.
Chelsea got their goal seven minutes after play resumed, however, as Oscar found himself in the right place at the right time.Schurrle was the instigator, skipping past Reither before shooting from the left with an effort that was spilled by Stockdale.
Fulham panicked and failed to clear their lines properly and Oscar was on hand to tap in with his left foot, much to the delight of the home supporters.
Sidwell had a good chance to level proceedings less than two minutes later, but could not direct his header on target, while Hazard went close at the other end.
Stockdale then made a terrific save to deny a thumping Fernando Torres header, but from the resultant corner Chelsea scored again, as Mikel pounced on Terry's header to thrash home a landmark goal with just six minutes to play.
And despite Kieran Richardson forcing Cech into a smart save late on, Chelsea held on for an important three points, as they extended their unbeaten record against Fulham in the Premier League to 15 matches.
Chelsea rubbished talk of a crisis by moving to the top of the Premier League table with a 2-0 win over Fulhamon Saturday. Jose Mourinho's men were not at their best during the Stamford Bridge encounter – decided by second-half goals from Oscar and John Obi Mikel - but did enough to register their third top-flight win of the season.
Chelsea entered the match without a victory in their last four matches in all competitions, and could have trailed in the early stages when Fulham striker Darren Bent was presented with a terrific chance.
Bent wasted his effort though, and after a scrappy first half, the Blues took the lead through Oscar's close-range finish in the 52nd minute.Mikel subsequently capped off the victory with his first Premier League goal – plundered during his 185th appearance – when he hooked in following yet another Chelsea corner.
Mourinho reacted to his side's 2-1 home defeat to FC Basel in the Champions League on Wednesday by swinging the axe, making four changes, as Juan Mata and David Luiz were left out of the squad while Frank Lampard dropped to the bench.Captain John Terry was recalled by Mourinho, as were Mikel, Ramires, and attacker Andre Schurrle.Fulham made three changes of their own, with Damien Duff - one of three-ex Chelsea players in their starting side.
The visitors fashioned the first chance of the match when Steve Sidwell, another former Chelsea player, headed over, and although Samuel Eto'o flicked wide at the other end, the visitors should have taken the lead in the 13th minute.
A superb pass from Pajtim Kasami set Bent free, but the Aston Villa loanee – who entered the match with three goals in his last three matches against Chelsea – failed to make the most of the one-on-one opportunity, shooting straight at goalkeeper Petr Cech.
Chelsea felt they should have won a penalty shortly after, when Sascha Reither pushed Eden Hazard, and although nothing was given, Mourinho's men started to grow into the game.
Their abundance of possession, and several set-pieces, failed to materialise into anything substantial though, with further half-chances for Eto'o and a hopeful Hazard volley the best they could muster before Branislav Ivanovic saw a good drive turned wide by Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale on the stroke of half-time.
Chelsea got their goal seven minutes after play resumed, however, as Oscar found himself in the right place at the right time.Schurrle was the instigator, skipping past Reither before shooting from the left with an effort that was spilled by Stockdale.
Fulham panicked and failed to clear their lines properly and Oscar was on hand to tap in with his left foot, much to the delight of the home supporters.
Sidwell had a good chance to level proceedings less than two minutes later, but could not direct his header on target, while Hazard went close at the other end.
Stockdale then made a terrific save to deny a thumping Fernando Torres header, but from the resultant corner Chelsea scored again, as Mikel pounced on Terry's header to thrash home a landmark goal with just six minutes to play.
And despite Kieran Richardson forcing Cech into a smart save late on, Chelsea held on for an important three points, as they extended their unbeaten record against Fulham in the Premier League to 15 matches.
Newcastle 2-3 Hull City Tigers: Aluko strike sees Tigers edge five-goal thriller
Hull City Tigers twice came from a goal behind against Newcastle United to record a memorable 3-2 win at St James' Park.The hosts twice grabbed the lead through Loic Remy, making his full home debut at St James' Park, only for Hull to pull things back through Robbie Brady and Ahmed Elmohamady.
And it was the newly-promoted side who would take all three points, with Aluko scoring late on to stun the home crowd and send the travelling fans home happy.
Newcastle were unchanged from the side that won at Villa last weekend, but Hull manager Steve Bruce was forced to make two changes to his starting XI.
Defender Liam Rosenior was handed a start in place of Maynor Figueroa, absent on compassionate grounds, while Stephen Quinn replaced the injured Robert Koren.
Newcastle made a quick start to proceedings, with Yohan Cabaye and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa both shooting over from range in the opening exchanges. And it did not take them long to open the scoring, Remy heading into the bottom corner after Papiss Cisse had directed Moussa Sissoko's far-post cross into his path.
The hosts continued to do most of the pressing, but Hull began to grow more assured as the half progressed, carving out some promising opportunities.
And Pardew's men eventually ceded the initative midway through the first half, Brady firing a low left-footed shot under Tim Krul just moments after the Dutchman had produced a fine save to deny Danny Graham from point-blank range.Hull dictated matters after finding the equaliser, with the majority of their attacks coming down the left-hand side as they targeted Newcastle right-back Mathieu Debuchy.
However, Bruce's men failed to take advantage of their superiority, and Newcastle re-established their advantage just before the break as Remy fired in his second with a curling strike after Cabaye had seen his initial effort blocked.
Newcastle's lead in fact lasted just two minutes into the second half, as Elmohamady capitalised on some poor defending from the hosts to head Brady's inswinging free-kick in off the post.
The chances dried up following that second leveller, and Newcastle were dealt a blow on the hour mark when Cabaye limped off after coming off worst in a challenge with Curtis Davies.Hull strangled the life out of the game as the second half wore on, the Yorkshire club controlling the tempo and not allowing Newcastle to create any clear-cut opportunities.
But the visitors did not want to settle for a point, and 13 minutes from time they took the lead in spectacular fashion, Aluko volleying home from close range after great work down the left from substitute George Boyd.
Remy somehow volleyed wide from two yards out in the dying embers but Hull held on to seal a big win.
Hull City Tigers twice came from a goal behind against Newcastle United to record a memorable 3-2 win at St James' Park.The hosts twice grabbed the lead through Loic Remy, making his full home debut at St James' Park, only for Hull to pull things back through Robbie Brady and Ahmed Elmohamady.
And it was the newly-promoted side who would take all three points, with Aluko scoring late on to stun the home crowd and send the travelling fans home happy.
Newcastle were unchanged from the side that won at Villa last weekend, but Hull manager Steve Bruce was forced to make two changes to his starting XI.
Defender Liam Rosenior was handed a start in place of Maynor Figueroa, absent on compassionate grounds, while Stephen Quinn replaced the injured Robert Koren.
Newcastle made a quick start to proceedings, with Yohan Cabaye and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa both shooting over from range in the opening exchanges. And it did not take them long to open the scoring, Remy heading into the bottom corner after Papiss Cisse had directed Moussa Sissoko's far-post cross into his path.
The hosts continued to do most of the pressing, but Hull began to grow more assured as the half progressed, carving out some promising opportunities.
And Pardew's men eventually ceded the initative midway through the first half, Brady firing a low left-footed shot under Tim Krul just moments after the Dutchman had produced a fine save to deny Danny Graham from point-blank range.Hull dictated matters after finding the equaliser, with the majority of their attacks coming down the left-hand side as they targeted Newcastle right-back Mathieu Debuchy.
However, Bruce's men failed to take advantage of their superiority, and Newcastle re-established their advantage just before the break as Remy fired in his second with a curling strike after Cabaye had seen his initial effort blocked.
Newcastle's lead in fact lasted just two minutes into the second half, as Elmohamady capitalised on some poor defending from the hosts to head Brady's inswinging free-kick in off the post.
The chances dried up following that second leveller, and Newcastle were dealt a blow on the hour mark when Cabaye limped off after coming off worst in a challenge with Curtis Davies.Hull strangled the life out of the game as the second half wore on, the Yorkshire club controlling the tempo and not allowing Newcastle to create any clear-cut opportunities.
But the visitors did not want to settle for a point, and 13 minutes from time they took the lead in spectacular fashion, Aluko volleying home from close range after great work down the left from substitute George Boyd.
Remy somehow volleyed wide from two yards out in the dying embers but Hull held on to seal a big win.
West Brom 3-0 Sunderland: Sessegnon helps down former club
Stephane Sessegnon scored on his debut against his old side Sunderland to earn West Brom a valuable three points at the Hawthorns.
The Benin international left the Stadium of Light on transfer deadline day to join West Brom in a club-record deal, and it took less than 20 minutes for him to find the net, before Liam Ridgewell added a second.Morgan Amalfitano added a third late on as the hosts comfortably cruised to the points.
West Brom Boss Steve Clarke was without strikers Shane Long and Matej Vydra due to injury, but Sessegnon was able to start the game after receiving his work permit.
Meanwhile, Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio welcomed back captain John O'Shea from suspension and handed a first start to Liverpool loanee Fabio Borini.
West Brom were almost gifted a goal inside five minutes when goalkeeper Keiren Westwood was caught outside of his own box and Nicolas Anelka went dangerously close to stealing the ball.But it did not take the hosts long to score their first home Premier League goal of the season as, after Westwood had denied Anelka at close range, Sessegnon followed up to fire home the rebound with a thumping volley.
The 29-year-old, who scored 17 goals in 87 appearances for Sunderland, refused to celebrate the goal against his former employers.
Sunderland's best chance of the first half fell to Adam Johnson, but the winger's firm strike was deflected just wide of Boaz Myhill's post after Ridgewell had thrown his body in the way.
At the other end, Amalfitano, who provided the cross that led to the opening goal, went close with a stinging shot that was deflected over the top by Modibo Diakite in the 29th minute.
Sunderland came out fighting after the break and dominated proceedings, but other than a driven Craig Gardner free kick that was deflected wide, the visitors failed to threaten.Sessegnon could have grabbed his second West Brom goal just short of the hour mark after he turned Diakite in the box, but he struck a first-time volley high over the crossbar.
There were claims for handball when a shot from Sunderland substitute Jozy Altidore appeared to strike Jonas Olsson in front of goal, but referee Phil Dowd awarded a corner and not a penalty.Anelka went close to finding the net in the 68th minute but only after his header took a deflection off Ondrej Celustka and went narrowly wide.
Steven Fletcher missed a golden chance to level for Sunderland when he volleyed over from 10 yards out, but things went from bad to worse as the Scot fell awkwardly and had to go off with a shoulder injury.
Di Canio's side were forced to play with 10 men as they had already made three substitutions and within a few minutes it was 2-0.Amalfitano's cross found Ridgewell arriving late and the defender steered his volley in at the near post with the help of a slight deflection.
Sessegnon was given a standing ovation from both sets of supporters as he was replaced by youngster Saido Berahino in the 89th minute.
And West Brom wrapped up the three points in style as Amalfitano grabbed a deserved goal, collecting the ball on the right from Victor Anichebe and blasting into the far corner in injury time.
Stephane Sessegnon scored on his debut against his old side Sunderland to earn West Brom a valuable three points at the Hawthorns.
The Benin international left the Stadium of Light on transfer deadline day to join West Brom in a club-record deal, and it took less than 20 minutes for him to find the net, before Liam Ridgewell added a second.Morgan Amalfitano added a third late on as the hosts comfortably cruised to the points.
West Brom Boss Steve Clarke was without strikers Shane Long and Matej Vydra due to injury, but Sessegnon was able to start the game after receiving his work permit.
Meanwhile, Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio welcomed back captain John O'Shea from suspension and handed a first start to Liverpool loanee Fabio Borini.
West Brom were almost gifted a goal inside five minutes when goalkeeper Keiren Westwood was caught outside of his own box and Nicolas Anelka went dangerously close to stealing the ball.But it did not take the hosts long to score their first home Premier League goal of the season as, after Westwood had denied Anelka at close range, Sessegnon followed up to fire home the rebound with a thumping volley.
The 29-year-old, who scored 17 goals in 87 appearances for Sunderland, refused to celebrate the goal against his former employers.
Sunderland's best chance of the first half fell to Adam Johnson, but the winger's firm strike was deflected just wide of Boaz Myhill's post after Ridgewell had thrown his body in the way.
At the other end, Amalfitano, who provided the cross that led to the opening goal, went close with a stinging shot that was deflected over the top by Modibo Diakite in the 29th minute.
Sunderland came out fighting after the break and dominated proceedings, but other than a driven Craig Gardner free kick that was deflected wide, the visitors failed to threaten.Sessegnon could have grabbed his second West Brom goal just short of the hour mark after he turned Diakite in the box, but he struck a first-time volley high over the crossbar.
There were claims for handball when a shot from Sunderland substitute Jozy Altidore appeared to strike Jonas Olsson in front of goal, but referee Phil Dowd awarded a corner and not a penalty.Anelka went close to finding the net in the 68th minute but only after his header took a deflection off Ondrej Celustka and went narrowly wide.
Steven Fletcher missed a golden chance to level for Sunderland when he volleyed over from 10 yards out, but things went from bad to worse as the Scot fell awkwardly and had to go off with a shoulder injury.
Di Canio's side were forced to play with 10 men as they had already made three substitutions and within a few minutes it was 2-0.Amalfitano's cross found Ridgewell arriving late and the defender steered his volley in at the near post with the help of a slight deflection.
Sessegnon was given a standing ovation from both sets of supporters as he was replaced by youngster Saido Berahino in the 89th minute.
And West Brom wrapped up the three points in style as Amalfitano grabbed a deserved goal, collecting the ball on the right from Victor Anichebe and blasting into the far corner in injury time.
West Ham 2-3 Everton: Lukaku scores winner as Baines bags free kick double
Leighton Baines scored two magnificent free kicks before Romelu Lukaku grabbed a late winner as Everton claimed a 3-2 Premier League victory over 10-man West Ham on Saturday.
Young English midfielder Ravel Morrison gave the hosts the lead at Upton Park in the first half as his shot took a significant deflection but the left-back drew the visitors level in the 62nd minute with the first of his sublime set-piece goals.
A Mark Noble penalty looked to have secured a win for the home side with 14 minutes remaining but the midfielder was then dismissed after picking up a second yellow card and Baines fired in the resulting free kick before debutant Lukaku headed home the winner.
Sam Allardyce, whose side have not won since the opening day, was forced into one change from the starting XI who drew 0-0 at Southampton in their last fixture as the injured Guy Demel was replaced in defence by debutant Razvan Rat, a close-season signing from Shakhtar Donetsk.
Everton impressively defeated Chelsea 1-0 on September 14 for their first win of the season and Roberto Martinez felt no need to upset the rhythm of his team as he named an unchanged side.
The visitors began the match confidently and after a well-weighted pass from Ross Barkley, Kevin Mirallas cut in from the left before unleashing a stinging shot that Jussi Jaaskelainen palmed away.
The hosts finally registered a shot on goal, only their seventh of the season, after 31 minutes and it handed them the lead. Matt Jarvis cut inside from the left with purpose and shaped to shoot before laying the ball off to Morrison, whose effort was taken past the helpless Tim Howard thanks to a big deflection off Phil Jagielka.
Martinez reacted at half-time by bringing James McCarthy and Chelsea loanee Lukaku on for Steven Naismith and Nikica Jelavic. He was soon forced into another change as Bryan Oviedo replaced the injured Leon Osman.
Baines found his range just past the hour as Barkley won a free kick just outside the area and the 28-year-old stepped up and curled a magnificent strike into the top corner of the goal.
Everton were not level for long, however. McCarthy tripped the rampaging Kevin Nolan in the penalty area 15 minutes from time and Noble converted from the spot.
A few minutes after being the hero, Noble found himself walking down the tunnel. A wild lunge on Barkley saw him given his marching orders for his second yellow card.
It proved costly as Baines once again stepped up and fired the free kick home after 83 minutes, this time opting for the other corner and placing it home off the post.
And just two minutes later, Mirallas broke free down the right and crossed for Lukaku, who powered a header past Jaaskelainen to take Everton up to fourth.
Leighton Baines scored two magnificent free kicks before Romelu Lukaku grabbed a late winner as Everton claimed a 3-2 Premier League victory over 10-man West Ham on Saturday.
Young English midfielder Ravel Morrison gave the hosts the lead at Upton Park in the first half as his shot took a significant deflection but the left-back drew the visitors level in the 62nd minute with the first of his sublime set-piece goals.
A Mark Noble penalty looked to have secured a win for the home side with 14 minutes remaining but the midfielder was then dismissed after picking up a second yellow card and Baines fired in the resulting free kick before debutant Lukaku headed home the winner.
Sam Allardyce, whose side have not won since the opening day, was forced into one change from the starting XI who drew 0-0 at Southampton in their last fixture as the injured Guy Demel was replaced in defence by debutant Razvan Rat, a close-season signing from Shakhtar Donetsk.
Everton impressively defeated Chelsea 1-0 on September 14 for their first win of the season and Roberto Martinez felt no need to upset the rhythm of his team as he named an unchanged side.
The visitors began the match confidently and after a well-weighted pass from Ross Barkley, Kevin Mirallas cut in from the left before unleashing a stinging shot that Jussi Jaaskelainen palmed away.
The hosts finally registered a shot on goal, only their seventh of the season, after 31 minutes and it handed them the lead. Matt Jarvis cut inside from the left with purpose and shaped to shoot before laying the ball off to Morrison, whose effort was taken past the helpless Tim Howard thanks to a big deflection off Phil Jagielka.
Martinez reacted at half-time by bringing James McCarthy and Chelsea loanee Lukaku on for Steven Naismith and Nikica Jelavic. He was soon forced into another change as Bryan Oviedo replaced the injured Leon Osman.
Baines found his range just past the hour as Barkley won a free kick just outside the area and the 28-year-old stepped up and curled a magnificent strike into the top corner of the goal.
Everton were not level for long, however. McCarthy tripped the rampaging Kevin Nolan in the penalty area 15 minutes from time and Noble converted from the spot.
A few minutes after being the hero, Noble found himself walking down the tunnel. A wild lunge on Barkley saw him given his marching orders for his second yellow card.
It proved costly as Baines once again stepped up and fired the free kick home after 83 minutes, this time opting for the other corner and placing it home off the post.
And just two minutes later, Mirallas broke free down the right and crossed for Lukaku, who powered a header past Jaaskelainen to take Everton up to fourth.
Liverpool 0-1 Southampton: Lovren ends Reds' unbeaten run
Southampton recorded a first Premier League victory since the opening day of the season thanks to a 1-0 win against Liverpool at Anfield.
Dejan Lovren's header eight minutes into the second half was the difference as the league leaders were beaten for the first time this campaign.
The Croatia international defender met Adam Lallana's left-wing corner and, despite close attention from his marker, diverted the ball home with the angle against him.
The hosts made three changes to the side who drew 2-2 with Swansea City on Monday, Iago Aspas replacing the injured Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Agger and Kolo Toure coming in for Andre Wisdom and Jose Enrique in the defence. Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino named an unchanged side from the team that drew 0-0 with West Ham.
Jordan Henderson had the first effort on target in the third minute, running on to an Aspas ball on the edge of the box, but his curled effort was straight at Artur Boruc.
After 21 minutes, Boruc pulled off a save of much higher quality, flying to his right to tip away a Steven Gerrard free kick that was destined for the top corner following Jose Fonte's foul on Aspas.
As the pace of the game intensified, Rickie Lambert wasted a golden chance to open the scoring in the 27th minute, swivelling on a loose ball eight yards from goal but failing to make a true connection, his shot looping up into Simon Mignolet's arms.
The visitors were lucky not to concede a penalty five minutes later when Daniel Sturridge looked to have been tripped as he cut inside Lovren, although the referee waved play on.
Boruc once again came to his side's rescue nine minutes before the break when he denied Victor Moses at the near post after the Nigeria international had weaved his way past two defenders on the left-hand side.
On the stroke of half time, Sturridge met Gerrard's cross from the right but the ball cannoned off the striker's shoulder rather than his head and looped onto the roof of Boruc's net.
Mignolet put his side under pressure two minutes after the break when he tried to play the ball out from the edge of the box but, as Southampton won possession, the Belgium international raced off his line to deny Lallana and redeem himself.
In the 53rd minute, it was the visitors who took the lead when Lovren met Lallana's corner and, despite being off balance, he powered his header between the diving Mignolet and Gerrard on the line.
A minute later it was almost two as Southampton broke and Pablo Osvaldo's low shot was kept out by a strong hand from Mignolet.
The hosts were stunned into action, Boruc denying Gerrard from another free kick, this time low to his left in the 59th minute.
Southampton almost extended their lead shortly after, with substitute Steven Davis riding three challenges on a charge into the box before being denied by the legs of Mignolet, the goalkeeper reacting quickly to tip away the rebound as Davis looked to pounce.
Sturridge wasted a good opportunity with 12 minutes left when, after finding himself in plenty of space on the right, the England forward curled the ball high over the crossbar.
Liverpool continued to press but substitute Luis Alberto's weak effort in the 87th minute was blocked as Southampton held on to seal the points.
Southampton recorded a first Premier League victory since the opening day of the season thanks to a 1-0 win against Liverpool at Anfield.
Dejan Lovren's header eight minutes into the second half was the difference as the league leaders were beaten for the first time this campaign.
The Croatia international defender met Adam Lallana's left-wing corner and, despite close attention from his marker, diverted the ball home with the angle against him.
The hosts made three changes to the side who drew 2-2 with Swansea City on Monday, Iago Aspas replacing the injured Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Agger and Kolo Toure coming in for Andre Wisdom and Jose Enrique in the defence. Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino named an unchanged side from the team that drew 0-0 with West Ham.
Jordan Henderson had the first effort on target in the third minute, running on to an Aspas ball on the edge of the box, but his curled effort was straight at Artur Boruc.
After 21 minutes, Boruc pulled off a save of much higher quality, flying to his right to tip away a Steven Gerrard free kick that was destined for the top corner following Jose Fonte's foul on Aspas.
As the pace of the game intensified, Rickie Lambert wasted a golden chance to open the scoring in the 27th minute, swivelling on a loose ball eight yards from goal but failing to make a true connection, his shot looping up into Simon Mignolet's arms.
The visitors were lucky not to concede a penalty five minutes later when Daniel Sturridge looked to have been tripped as he cut inside Lovren, although the referee waved play on.
Boruc once again came to his side's rescue nine minutes before the break when he denied Victor Moses at the near post after the Nigeria international had weaved his way past two defenders on the left-hand side.
On the stroke of half time, Sturridge met Gerrard's cross from the right but the ball cannoned off the striker's shoulder rather than his head and looped onto the roof of Boruc's net.
Mignolet put his side under pressure two minutes after the break when he tried to play the ball out from the edge of the box but, as Southampton won possession, the Belgium international raced off his line to deny Lallana and redeem himself.
In the 53rd minute, it was the visitors who took the lead when Lovren met Lallana's corner and, despite being off balance, he powered his header between the diving Mignolet and Gerrard on the line.
A minute later it was almost two as Southampton broke and Pablo Osvaldo's low shot was kept out by a strong hand from Mignolet.
The hosts were stunned into action, Boruc denying Gerrard from another free kick, this time low to his left in the 59th minute.
Southampton almost extended their lead shortly after, with substitute Steven Davis riding three challenges on a charge into the box before being denied by the legs of Mignolet, the goalkeeper reacting quickly to tip away the rebound as Davis looked to pounce.
Sturridge wasted a good opportunity with 12 minutes left when, after finding himself in plenty of space on the right, the England forward curled the ball high over the crossbar.
Liverpool continued to press but substitute Luis Alberto's weak effort in the 87th minute was blocked as Southampton held on to seal the points.
Liverpool 0-1 Southampton: Lovren ends Reds' unbeaten run
Southampton recorded a first Premier League victory since the opening day of the season thanks to a 1-0 win against Liverpool at Anfield.
Dejan Lovren's header eight minutes into the second half was the difference as the league leaders were beaten for the first time this campaign.
The Croatia international defender met Adam Lallana's left-wing corner and, despite close attention from his marker, diverted the ball home with the angle against him.
The hosts made three changes to the side who drew 2-2 with Swansea City on Monday, Iago Aspas replacing the injured Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Agger and Kolo Toure coming in for Andre Wisdom and Jose Enrique in the defence. Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino named an unchanged side from the team that drew 0-0 with West Ham.
Jordan Henderson had the first effort on target in the third minute, running on to an Aspas ball on the edge of the box, but his curled effort was straight at Artur Boruc.
After 21 minutes, Boruc pulled off a save of much higher quality, flying to his right to tip away a Steven Gerrard free kick that was destined for the top corner following Jose Fonte's foul on Aspas.
As the pace of the game intensified, Rickie Lambert wasted a golden chance to open the scoring in the 27th minute, swivelling on a loose ball eight yards from goal but failing to make a true connection, his shot looping up into Simon Mignolet's arms.
The visitors were lucky not to concede a penalty five minutes later when Daniel Sturridge looked to have been tripped as he cut inside Lovren, although the referee waved play on.
Boruc once again came to his side's rescue nine minutes before the break when he denied Victor Moses at the near post after the Nigeria international had weaved his way past two defenders on the left-hand side.
On the stroke of half time, Sturridge met Gerrard's cross from the right but the ball cannoned off the striker's shoulder rather than his head and looped onto the roof of Boruc's net.
Mignolet put his side under pressure two minutes after the break when he tried to play the ball out from the edge of the box but, as Southampton won possession, the Belgium international raced off his line to deny Lallana and redeem himself.
In the 53rd minute, it was the visitors who took the lead when Lovren met Lallana's corner and, despite being off balance, he powered his header between the diving Mignolet and Gerrard on the line.
A minute later it was almost two as Southampton broke and Pablo Osvaldo's low shot was kept out by a strong hand from Mignolet.
The hosts were stunned into action, Boruc denying Gerrard from another free kick, this time low to his left in the 59th minute.
Southampton almost extended their lead shortly after, with substitute Steven Davis riding three challenges on a charge into the box before being denied by the legs of Mignolet, the goalkeeper reacting quickly to tip away the rebound as Davis looked to pounce.
Sturridge wasted a good opportunity with 12 minutes left when, after finding himself in plenty of space on the right, the England forward curled the ball high over the crossbar.
Liverpool continued to press but substitute Luis Alberto's weak effort in the 87th minute was blocked as Southampton held on to seal the points.
Southampton recorded a first Premier League victory since the opening day of the season thanks to a 1-0 win against Liverpool at Anfield.
Dejan Lovren's header eight minutes into the second half was the difference as the league leaders were beaten for the first time this campaign.
The Croatia international defender met Adam Lallana's left-wing corner and, despite close attention from his marker, diverted the ball home with the angle against him.
The hosts made three changes to the side who drew 2-2 with Swansea City on Monday, Iago Aspas replacing the injured Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Agger and Kolo Toure coming in for Andre Wisdom and Jose Enrique in the defence. Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino named an unchanged side from the team that drew 0-0 with West Ham.
Jordan Henderson had the first effort on target in the third minute, running on to an Aspas ball on the edge of the box, but his curled effort was straight at Artur Boruc.
After 21 minutes, Boruc pulled off a save of much higher quality, flying to his right to tip away a Steven Gerrard free kick that was destined for the top corner following Jose Fonte's foul on Aspas.
As the pace of the game intensified, Rickie Lambert wasted a golden chance to open the scoring in the 27th minute, swivelling on a loose ball eight yards from goal but failing to make a true connection, his shot looping up into Simon Mignolet's arms.
The visitors were lucky not to concede a penalty five minutes later when Daniel Sturridge looked to have been tripped as he cut inside Lovren, although the referee waved play on.
Boruc once again came to his side's rescue nine minutes before the break when he denied Victor Moses at the near post after the Nigeria international had weaved his way past two defenders on the left-hand side.
On the stroke of half time, Sturridge met Gerrard's cross from the right but the ball cannoned off the striker's shoulder rather than his head and looped onto the roof of Boruc's net.
Mignolet put his side under pressure two minutes after the break when he tried to play the ball out from the edge of the box but, as Southampton won possession, the Belgium international raced off his line to deny Lallana and redeem himself.
In the 53rd minute, it was the visitors who took the lead when Lovren met Lallana's corner and, despite being off balance, he powered his header between the diving Mignolet and Gerrard on the line.
A minute later it was almost two as Southampton broke and Pablo Osvaldo's low shot was kept out by a strong hand from Mignolet.
The hosts were stunned into action, Boruc denying Gerrard from another free kick, this time low to his left in the 59th minute.
Southampton almost extended their lead shortly after, with substitute Steven Davis riding three challenges on a charge into the box before being denied by the legs of Mignolet, the goalkeeper reacting quickly to tip away the rebound as Davis looked to pounce.
Sturridge wasted a good opportunity with 12 minutes left when, after finding himself in plenty of space on the right, the England forward curled the ball high over the crossbar.
Liverpool continued to press but substitute Luis Alberto's weak effort in the 87th minute was blocked as Southampton held on to seal the points.
Nurnberg 1-1 Borussia Dortmund: Nilsson ends BVB's perfect start
Borussia Dortmund saw their perfect start to the Bundesliga season come to an abrupt end against Nurnberg in Bavaria on Saturday.
Marcel Schmelzer had given the much-changed visitors the lead midway through the first half, but FCN struck back shortly after the break, with Per Nilsson hammering home shortly after the break.
Even though they came into the game without a win this season, Nurnberg were not fazed by their more illustrious opponents and fought back to claim a deserved point after falling behind.
Michael Wiesinger was without injured trio Timo Gebhart, Markus Feulner and Markus Mendler, but Javier Pinola returned from suspension to take his place among the substitutes.
Dortmund, meanwhile, could not call on Mats Hummels (back), but Sokratis Papastathopoulos returned after winning his race for fitness.
Robert Lewandowski, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Nuri Sahin all started on the bench as Jurgen Klopp opted to rotate his squad.
Klopp’s men unsurprisingly started the game on the front foot and Marco Reus almost gave them the lead after just eight minutes when he got in behind the home defence only to see his effort hacked off the line by Emanuel Pogatetz.
Nurnberg responded well to the early pressure though, creating several decent opportunities of their own in the opening exchanges.
First Makoto Hasebe saw an audacious 35-yard lob go just over the bar, before Mike Frantz's looping header was denied by the woodwork ten minutes later.
However, Dortmund again went close to breaking the deadlock after 25 minutes, when a well-floated diagonal ball from Schmelzer found Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, only for the forward to rifle his shot wide.
And the league leaders did edge ahead 12 minutes later, as Schmelzer curled a fine 30-yard free-kick into the top corner after Jakub Blaszcykowski had been brought down by Frantz.
Klopp made two changes at the break, replacing goalscorer Schmelzer and Reus - both struggling with injuries - with Nuri Sahin and Jonas Hofmann.
Those alterations upset the rhythm of the visitors, and six minutes into the restart they found themselves on level terms once more.
A well-worked free-kick from Frantz was helped on by Pogatetz in the area, before being smashed home by Nilsson from six yards.
Dortmund went close to regaining the advantage shortly after, as first Blaszczykowski fired wide from the edge of the area, before Marvin Ducksch's powerful effort was denied by Raphael Schafer.
Klopp eventually threw on star striker Lewandowski after 65 minutes in an attempt to unlock the hosts' defence, but the visitors still struggled to assert their authority on the game as Nuremberg's confidence continued to grow.
Hasebe then forced Roman Weidenfeller to make a smart save, after doing well to break away from his marker.
The hosts were soon thanking Schafer at the other end though when Hofman’s surging run allowed him to set up Lewandowski, who stung the palms of the keeper from 12 yards. But Nurnberg could have grabbed a stoppage-time winner, when substitute Alexander Esswein broke through before firing over.
Dortmund's Sokratis had a late chance of his own at the death, but his header could only find the arms of Schafer.
Borussia Dortmund saw their perfect start to the Bundesliga season come to an abrupt end against Nurnberg in Bavaria on Saturday.
Marcel Schmelzer had given the much-changed visitors the lead midway through the first half, but FCN struck back shortly after the break, with Per Nilsson hammering home shortly after the break.
Even though they came into the game without a win this season, Nurnberg were not fazed by their more illustrious opponents and fought back to claim a deserved point after falling behind.
Michael Wiesinger was without injured trio Timo Gebhart, Markus Feulner and Markus Mendler, but Javier Pinola returned from suspension to take his place among the substitutes.
Dortmund, meanwhile, could not call on Mats Hummels (back), but Sokratis Papastathopoulos returned after winning his race for fitness.
Robert Lewandowski, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Nuri Sahin all started on the bench as Jurgen Klopp opted to rotate his squad.
Klopp’s men unsurprisingly started the game on the front foot and Marco Reus almost gave them the lead after just eight minutes when he got in behind the home defence only to see his effort hacked off the line by Emanuel Pogatetz.
Nurnberg responded well to the early pressure though, creating several decent opportunities of their own in the opening exchanges.
First Makoto Hasebe saw an audacious 35-yard lob go just over the bar, before Mike Frantz's looping header was denied by the woodwork ten minutes later.
However, Dortmund again went close to breaking the deadlock after 25 minutes, when a well-floated diagonal ball from Schmelzer found Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, only for the forward to rifle his shot wide.
And the league leaders did edge ahead 12 minutes later, as Schmelzer curled a fine 30-yard free-kick into the top corner after Jakub Blaszcykowski had been brought down by Frantz.
Klopp made two changes at the break, replacing goalscorer Schmelzer and Reus - both struggling with injuries - with Nuri Sahin and Jonas Hofmann.
Those alterations upset the rhythm of the visitors, and six minutes into the restart they found themselves on level terms once more.
A well-worked free-kick from Frantz was helped on by Pogatetz in the area, before being smashed home by Nilsson from six yards.
Dortmund went close to regaining the advantage shortly after, as first Blaszczykowski fired wide from the edge of the area, before Marvin Ducksch's powerful effort was denied by Raphael Schafer.
Klopp eventually threw on star striker Lewandowski after 65 minutes in an attempt to unlock the hosts' defence, but the visitors still struggled to assert their authority on the game as Nuremberg's confidence continued to grow.
Hasebe then forced Roman Weidenfeller to make a smart save, after doing well to break away from his marker.
The hosts were soon thanking Schafer at the other end though when Hofman’s surging run allowed him to set up Lewandowski, who stung the palms of the keeper from 12 yards. But Nurnberg could have grabbed a stoppage-time winner, when substitute Alexander Esswein broke through before firing over.
Dortmund's Sokratis had a late chance of his own at the death, but his header could only find the arms of Schafer.
Mourinho: Mata has to learn to play my way at Chelsea
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says Juan Mata must learn to play how he wants and become more consistent, if he is to regain his place in the first team.
The Portuguese left Mata out of the squad for the Blues’ Premier League match against Fulham, with Oscar and John Obi Mikel scoring in a 2-0 win.
Mourinho reiterated his desire for the Spain international to adapt his game and explained why he had not been included in the match-day squad.
"As a number 10 he [Oscar] gives us creativity and he gives us ability to press up and defend," he told Sky Sports.
"Juan has to learn to play the way I want to play. He has to be more consistent, he has to be more participative when the team lose possession.
"I think it is not his fault, just the way he has played in recent years."
The result sees Mourinho’s men bounce back from a disappointing seven days, which included defeats to Everton and Basel and he was happy to return to winning ways.
"Against Everton we went home very, very sad and today we go home very, very happy,” he added.
"The result was better than the result against Everton. I still think that we played much better against Everton than we did today but points are also important.
"After a bad start, a start that everybody kept telling me is the worst start for about a decade [for Chelsea]…today I looked at the table, nobody is in front of us.
"The beauty of the Premier League is that everybody loses matches and everybody drops points. The top six teams have already had a defeat, so no dramas.
"I am aware we are not playing very well but we will work, we are top professionals and everybody is working hard."
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says Juan Mata must learn to play how he wants and become more consistent, if he is to regain his place in the first team.
The Portuguese left Mata out of the squad for the Blues’ Premier League match against Fulham, with Oscar and John Obi Mikel scoring in a 2-0 win.
Mourinho reiterated his desire for the Spain international to adapt his game and explained why he had not been included in the match-day squad.
"As a number 10 he [Oscar] gives us creativity and he gives us ability to press up and defend," he told Sky Sports.
"Juan has to learn to play the way I want to play. He has to be more consistent, he has to be more participative when the team lose possession.
"I think it is not his fault, just the way he has played in recent years."
The result sees Mourinho’s men bounce back from a disappointing seven days, which included defeats to Everton and Basel and he was happy to return to winning ways.
"Against Everton we went home very, very sad and today we go home very, very happy,” he added.
"The result was better than the result against Everton. I still think that we played much better against Everton than we did today but points are also important.
"After a bad start, a start that everybody kept telling me is the worst start for about a decade [for Chelsea]…today I looked at the table, nobody is in front of us.
"The beauty of the Premier League is that everybody loses matches and everybody drops points. The top six teams have already had a defeat, so no dramas.
"I am aware we are not playing very well but we will work, we are top professionals and everybody is working hard."
Hat-trick hero Pedro eyes Barcelona starts
Pedro revealed he is desperate to start more games for Barcelona after his hat-trick helped the Blaugrana to a 4-0 win in Rayo on Saturday.
The 26-year-old shone after being named in Gerardo Martino's starting line-up, notching his first ever hat-trick for the Catalans before Cesc Fabregas completed the rout.
"We all want to play, we all want to be in the line-up. I’m ready to play whenever the coach asks me to," he told reporters after the match.
"Scoring goals is good for the confidence. On a personal level, I’m happy. But, above all, I have to thank my team-mates. We knew we couldn’t slip up today.
"We know how difficult Rayo is; it’s a hard place to come to. Maybe we're playing a more direct game with our high pressing, but I think we’re also getting good results."
The hosts ensured Barcelona had less possession than their opponents for the first time in 317 games, but Martino insisted there was no cause for alarm over his side's new style of play.
"Sometimes it’s difficult to build the play from our own goalmouth and we look for long balls," the Argentine commented.
"In this type of game, when the pitch is small and the opponents are so intense, short passes are difficult so it’s necessary to win the second ball.
"I was pleased with the second half, there was no defensive uncertainty. The team has goals in it, so if we can keep a clean sheet we’ll always have a chance.”
Barcelona's perfect start to the season has ensured they sit level at the top of the Primera Liga with Atletico Madrid on 15 points.
Pedro revealed he is desperate to start more games for Barcelona after his hat-trick helped the Blaugrana to a 4-0 win in Rayo on Saturday.
The 26-year-old shone after being named in Gerardo Martino's starting line-up, notching his first ever hat-trick for the Catalans before Cesc Fabregas completed the rout.
"We all want to play, we all want to be in the line-up. I’m ready to play whenever the coach asks me to," he told reporters after the match.
"Scoring goals is good for the confidence. On a personal level, I’m happy. But, above all, I have to thank my team-mates. We knew we couldn’t slip up today.
"We know how difficult Rayo is; it’s a hard place to come to. Maybe we're playing a more direct game with our high pressing, but I think we’re also getting good results."
The hosts ensured Barcelona had less possession than their opponents for the first time in 317 games, but Martino insisted there was no cause for alarm over his side's new style of play.
"Sometimes it’s difficult to build the play from our own goalmouth and we look for long balls," the Argentine commented.
"In this type of game, when the pitch is small and the opponents are so intense, short passes are difficult so it’s necessary to win the second ball.
"I was pleased with the second half, there was no defensive uncertainty. The team has goals in it, so if we can keep a clean sheet we’ll always have a chance.”
Barcelona's perfect start to the season has ensured they sit level at the top of the Primera Liga with Atletico Madrid on 15 points.
Allegri: Balotelli must improve mentally
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri says that star striker Mario Balotelli must "improve from a mental point of view" to become a regular match-winner for the Rossoneri.
The Italy international has been a big hit at San Siro since arriving from Manchester City in January, with the forward's goals having played a key role in securing a place in this season's Champions League.
The enigmatic 23-year-old cut a frustrated figure during the midweek win over Celtic, having been forced wide in order to accommodate new signing Alessandro Matri up front, but Allegri feels that both Balotelli and the strike partnership will come good as long as the Palermo native maintains the right attitude.
"Balotelli sacrificed himself a lot for the team in the last game with Matri," the Rossoneri boss told reporters on Saturday.
"It’s his first year that he’s always on the starting line-up and he has to improve from a mental point of view as now he’s the main player we have and he has to show on the pitch every three days that he’s the best.
“Matri runs hard up front and Balotelli finds more space because of that. The longer the game goes on, the more the teams will stretch and that makes it easier to Mario to find space.
"The understanding between the two is good and it’ll get better with time. We shouldn’t forget that it was the first game that they played together."
Allegri was speaking on the eve of Sunday's mouth-watering match-up with Napoli at San Siro. Marek Hamsik is arguably the Partenopei's principal threat but Allegri insists that he is no longer disappointed that the Rossoneri failed in their pursuit of the Slovakian attacker last summer.
“Hamsik is not a regret," he stated. "He’s a player with great quality and can still improve a lot.
"I liked him even when he was playing for Brescia. He’s an international level player with technique, strength and even has a great character.”
Milan's meeting with Napoli at the Giuseppe Meazza is scheduled to get under way at 20:45CET.
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri says that star striker Mario Balotelli must "improve from a mental point of view" to become a regular match-winner for the Rossoneri.
The Italy international has been a big hit at San Siro since arriving from Manchester City in January, with the forward's goals having played a key role in securing a place in this season's Champions League.
The enigmatic 23-year-old cut a frustrated figure during the midweek win over Celtic, having been forced wide in order to accommodate new signing Alessandro Matri up front, but Allegri feels that both Balotelli and the strike partnership will come good as long as the Palermo native maintains the right attitude.
"Balotelli sacrificed himself a lot for the team in the last game with Matri," the Rossoneri boss told reporters on Saturday.
"It’s his first year that he’s always on the starting line-up and he has to improve from a mental point of view as now he’s the main player we have and he has to show on the pitch every three days that he’s the best.
“Matri runs hard up front and Balotelli finds more space because of that. The longer the game goes on, the more the teams will stretch and that makes it easier to Mario to find space.
"The understanding between the two is good and it’ll get better with time. We shouldn’t forget that it was the first game that they played together."
Allegri was speaking on the eve of Sunday's mouth-watering match-up with Napoli at San Siro. Marek Hamsik is arguably the Partenopei's principal threat but Allegri insists that he is no longer disappointed that the Rossoneri failed in their pursuit of the Slovakian attacker last summer.
“Hamsik is not a regret," he stated. "He’s a player with great quality and can still improve a lot.
"I liked him even when he was playing for Brescia. He’s an international level player with technique, strength and even has a great character.”
Milan's meeting with Napoli at the Giuseppe Meazza is scheduled to get under way at 20:45CET.
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