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..::Football III::..
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Evra, Evans, Cleverley & Rafael injured in Man United win
David Moyes revealed that Manchester United's 3-1 win at Fulham came at a cost, with four players suffering injuries.
Three early goals from Antonio Valencia, Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney gave the Premier League champions a comfortable cushion at Craven Cottage and the visitors eventually ran out easy winners, despite Alex Kacaniklic's second-half reply.
However, Moyes was forced into three half-time substitutions, with Jonny Evans, Rafael and Tom Cleverley unable to continue, while Patrice Evra also picked up a knock.
"Jonny's back seized up; Rafael had gone over on his ankle and Tom Cleverley had double vision," Moyes told Sky Sports. "We actually had four [injured players] - Patrice Evra had an injury as well.
"It never helps the continuity. We didn't play as well in the second half but nevertheless we were always worthy winners.
"All credit to Fulham - they kept going and got their goal."
Moyes was delighted by United's start to the game, which saw Valencia, Van Persie and Rooney score inside the opening 22 minutes.
"The first 20 minutes we were outstanding – great goals, great movement for the goals," added the Scot.
"We knew it would be tough, because Fulham were off a bad result last week [a 2-0 defeat against Southampton]. But we got the goals and we played very well."
We got lucky, admits Guardiola
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola admitted his side had got lucky after beating Hoffenheim 2-1 on Saturday.
The Bavarians were left shocked after Niklas Sule was able to slip the ball past Manuel Neuer to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
However, Bayern equalised five minutes later when Mario Mandzukic deflected home a Franck Ribery free-kick, before Thomas Muller scored the winner 15 minutes from time.
"It certainly was not our best performance, but we won," Guardiola told Bayern Munich's official website.
"Not everything went perfectly, so we will need to correct the way we play. The encounters with Hoffenheim were always tough in recent years, but we had a bit of luck."
The Spaniard was not the only figure in the Bayern dressing room to question the team's performance on the pitch, with Mario Gotze unhappy with his side's inability to finish off several of their chances.
"We did improve in the first half, but very little," the Germany international lamented. "We also had a few great chances to score again, though I don't know why we didn't score. This is of course not great."
Victory saw Guardiola's side equal Hamburg's 30-year-old league record of 36 consecutive matches unbeaten.
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola admitted his side had got lucky after beating Hoffenheim 2-1 on Saturday.
The Bavarians were left shocked after Niklas Sule was able to slip the ball past Manuel Neuer to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
However, Bayern equalised five minutes later when Mario Mandzukic deflected home a Franck Ribery free-kick, before Thomas Muller scored the winner 15 minutes from time.
"It certainly was not our best performance, but we won," Guardiola told Bayern Munich's official website.
"Not everything went perfectly, so we will need to correct the way we play. The encounters with Hoffenheim were always tough in recent years, but we had a bit of luck."
The Spaniard was not the only figure in the Bayern dressing room to question the team's performance on the pitch, with Mario Gotze unhappy with his side's inability to finish off several of their chances.
"We did improve in the first half, but very little," the Germany international lamented. "We also had a few great chances to score again, though I don't know why we didn't score. This is of course not great."
Victory saw Guardiola's side equal Hamburg's 30-year-old league record of 36 consecutive matches unbeaten.
Pellegrini delighted with 90-minute Manchester City display in Norwich rout
Manuel Pellegrini praised Manchester City for maintaining their performance levels over 90 minutes in the 7-0 victory over Norwich City.
City cruised to a 4-0 half-time lead in the Premier League clash courtesy of a Bradley Johnson own goal, as well as efforts from David Silva, Matija Nastasic and Alvaro Negredo.
Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko completed the rout after the break, as pre-match speculation surrounding Joe Hart's eventual omission was quickly forgotten and Pellegrini was pleased that his players did not take their foot off the gas in the second half.
"I think that the team played really well during the 90 minutes," he told reporters. "Winning 4-0 in the first half - normally, in the second half, most teams stop playing.
"I think the team continued playing exactly the same and that's very important for me. It was important to see the team play the way I want them to play.
"They are very good technical players and when they move the ball quickly, it's very difficult for our team not to score, so we must continue in the same way.
"I think Norwich is a very good team. I didn't expect to score seven goals, but I think the team played to do it so it's great for me."
Pellegrini benched Joe Hart for the game following a string of poor displays as Costel Pantilimon was handed his Premier League debut, but the Chilean believes that the England No.1 will be back to his best in due course.
He continued: "I was not thinking about team selection. My duty is to see which are the best players to play every game. For this game I think Joe needs a rest.
"He has played every game for over two years here and every player can have a bad moment. We will work behind Joe so we can return him to his normal performance as soon as possible."
Meanwhile Norwich boss Chris Hughton was understandably disappointed with his side and claimed that they had let down the travelling support from Norfolk.
"It’s very tough to sit here on the back of that defeat," he said. "Apart from two goals they it was too easy for City to score. The early goals made us nervous and it showed the quality they have.
"You have to make sure you defend well and we weren’t able to do that.
"We all let the club down. We’ve had a support that travelled to Manchester midweek then had to come back up again today, and we’ve let them down.
"I’ve always had confidence in my ability and the ability of the players. I know how a heavy defeat makes everyone feel but we have to bounce back from it. We now have to prove we are a good enough side to get up this league."
Manuel Pellegrini praised Manchester City for maintaining their performance levels over 90 minutes in the 7-0 victory over Norwich City.
City cruised to a 4-0 half-time lead in the Premier League clash courtesy of a Bradley Johnson own goal, as well as efforts from David Silva, Matija Nastasic and Alvaro Negredo.
Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko completed the rout after the break, as pre-match speculation surrounding Joe Hart's eventual omission was quickly forgotten and Pellegrini was pleased that his players did not take their foot off the gas in the second half.
"I think that the team played really well during the 90 minutes," he told reporters. "Winning 4-0 in the first half - normally, in the second half, most teams stop playing.
"I think the team continued playing exactly the same and that's very important for me. It was important to see the team play the way I want them to play.
"They are very good technical players and when they move the ball quickly, it's very difficult for our team not to score, so we must continue in the same way.
"I think Norwich is a very good team. I didn't expect to score seven goals, but I think the team played to do it so it's great for me."
Pellegrini benched Joe Hart for the game following a string of poor displays as Costel Pantilimon was handed his Premier League debut, but the Chilean believes that the England No.1 will be back to his best in due course.
He continued: "I was not thinking about team selection. My duty is to see which are the best players to play every game. For this game I think Joe needs a rest.
"He has played every game for over two years here and every player can have a bad moment. We will work behind Joe so we can return him to his normal performance as soon as possible."
Meanwhile Norwich boss Chris Hughton was understandably disappointed with his side and claimed that they had let down the travelling support from Norfolk.
"It’s very tough to sit here on the back of that defeat," he said. "Apart from two goals they it was too easy for City to score. The early goals made us nervous and it showed the quality they have.
"You have to make sure you defend well and we weren’t able to do that.
"We all let the club down. We’ve had a support that travelled to Manchester midweek then had to come back up again today, and we’ve let them down.
"I’ve always had confidence in my ability and the ability of the players. I know how a heavy defeat makes everyone feel but we have to bounce back from it. We now have to prove we are a good enough side to get up this league."
Barcelona are playing as well as ever, insists Iniesta
Andres Iniesta insists Barcelona are playing as well as they ever have following their hard-fought 1-0 win over Espanyol on Friday.
A solitary strike from Alexis Sanchez settled a tense derby clash at Camp Nou as the Liga champions moved four points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top of the table.
And Iniesta maintains the team is happy with their level of form as long as they continue to win games.
"There are matches with good phases and bad phases," he was quoted as saying by the club's official website.
"We're counting nearly all of our games as victories and that should give us confidence to improve and keep on winning games.
"We're playing just as well as we always have. I don't have the impression that we're playing poorly.
"Everything can be improved and we need to keep on growing. We don't lack intensity or the right attitude in this team but at times matches can end up like tonight's."
Friday's encounter was the fourth game in a row in which Lionel Messi has failed to score, but compatriot Javier Mascherano was quick to defend the Argentina star.
"Messi perhaps didn't have his best night, but we can't pretend that [it's possible] for him to be at his peak everyday. He is a vital player for us," he said.
Full-back Martin Montoya added that Espanyol made life extremely difficult for Barcelona with their high-pressing game and stressed his desire to continue his run in the first team.
"It was one of our weaker matches. We knew that it would be a complicated match. They pressured us high up the pitch, they didn’t cede control of the midfield... But we won and we have to continue on this path," he said.
"I've been able to play in four matches and I have to take advantage of my chances and keep on working. I've always said that I'd like to stay here. One can always find a place to play, but I know that I'm with the best team in the world."
Andres Iniesta insists Barcelona are playing as well as they ever have following their hard-fought 1-0 win over Espanyol on Friday.
A solitary strike from Alexis Sanchez settled a tense derby clash at Camp Nou as the Liga champions moved four points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top of the table.
And Iniesta maintains the team is happy with their level of form as long as they continue to win games.
"There are matches with good phases and bad phases," he was quoted as saying by the club's official website.
"We're counting nearly all of our games as victories and that should give us confidence to improve and keep on winning games.
"We're playing just as well as we always have. I don't have the impression that we're playing poorly.
"Everything can be improved and we need to keep on growing. We don't lack intensity or the right attitude in this team but at times matches can end up like tonight's."
Friday's encounter was the fourth game in a row in which Lionel Messi has failed to score, but compatriot Javier Mascherano was quick to defend the Argentina star.
"Messi perhaps didn't have his best night, but we can't pretend that [it's possible] for him to be at his peak everyday. He is a vital player for us," he said.
Full-back Martin Montoya added that Espanyol made life extremely difficult for Barcelona with their high-pressing game and stressed his desire to continue his run in the first team.
"It was one of our weaker matches. We knew that it would be a complicated match. They pressured us high up the pitch, they didn’t cede control of the midfield... But we won and we have to continue on this path," he said.
"I've been able to play in four matches and I have to take advantage of my chances and keep on working. I've always said that I'd like to stay here. One can always find a place to play, but I know that I'm with the best team in the world."
Messi: I'm not at 100% yet
Lionel Messi has taken to social media to respond to critics who have expressed concern over his recent form for Barcelona.
The forward, 26, has failed to score in his last four Liga appearances, something that has not occurred since April 2011, on the back of recovering from a thigh injury.
And in a post on the social networking site Weibo, Messi discussed Friday’s Catalan derby with Espanyol, which the Blaugrana won 1-0 thanks to an Alexis Sanchez goal, before touching on the issue surrounding his fitness.
“Games against Espanyol are always difficult,” AS.com reported.
“Physically, I am not 100% yet, but with games under my belt I’m sure I’ll get into my stride.”
Barcelona play host to AC Milan in their Group H Champions League fixture on Wednesday, with the Catalan outfit looking to firm up their position at the top of the group.
Lionel Messi has taken to social media to respond to critics who have expressed concern over his recent form for Barcelona.
The forward, 26, has failed to score in his last four Liga appearances, something that has not occurred since April 2011, on the back of recovering from a thigh injury.
And in a post on the social networking site Weibo, Messi discussed Friday’s Catalan derby with Espanyol, which the Blaugrana won 1-0 thanks to an Alexis Sanchez goal, before touching on the issue surrounding his fitness.
“Games against Espanyol are always difficult,” AS.com reported.
“Physically, I am not 100% yet, but with games under my belt I’m sure I’ll get into my stride.”
Barcelona play host to AC Milan in their Group H Champions League fixture on Wednesday, with the Catalan outfit looking to firm up their position at the top of the group.
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Napoli 2-1 Catania: Callejon inspires Partenopei to victory again
Napoli ensured they remain neck-to-neck with Roma and Juventus in the Scudetto race by defeating a dogged Catania side 2-1 on Saturday.
Sensational strikes from Jose Callejon and Marek Hamsik proved enough for the San Paolo outfit to claim all three points, although Lucas Castro's tap-in, coupled with the hosts' profligacy, set up a nervy finish.
Partenopei boss Rafael Benitez opted to rotate his squad with an eye on next week's Champions League clash with Olymique de Marseille, and restored Lorenzo Insigne to the side in support of Gonzalo Higuain.
However, it was Callejon who broke the deadlock with a spectacular effort that curled into the top corner of Mariano Andujar's net, taking the Spaniard's tally to six goals in 11 games.
Insigne then combined impeccably with Hamsik to double Napoli's advantage, with the Slovakian powering home a first-time blockbuster, after his team-mate had weaved his way past several Catania defenders.
The home side proceeded to comfortably dominate possession, but Castro's goal and the numerous failures of Higuain and Raul Albiol to find the back of the net from a host of gilt-edged goalscoring opportunities kept Catania in the game.
Nevertheless, Napoli ultimately managed to see off the minnows for the win, prompting Benitez to heap praise on Callejon, who has been in sensational form since joining from Real Madrid during the summer.
"When I said he would score many goals, it is because I know him and am aware of his quality," the coach told reporters after the match.
"He is a guy who works hard and always wants to learn. But all the attackers can play with each other and this means we are expressing our football well.
"I can confirm that we have room for improvement and I repeat: we are only at 75 per cent."
Despite failing to get on the scoresheet, Higuain was happy with his return from injury.
"I am satisfied with how I am recovering," the forward said. "I'm constantly feeling better and am happy with how the squad is playing.
"The league is long and we want to take it game by game. Next Sunday we face Juventus, but there is the important appointment of the Champions League before that and we want to achieve major results."
Napoli remain on an even keel with Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal with six points in Group F, and will be targeting a double victory over Marseille on Wednesday to keep their chances of progressing alive.
Napoli ensured they remain neck-to-neck with Roma and Juventus in the Scudetto race by defeating a dogged Catania side 2-1 on Saturday.
Sensational strikes from Jose Callejon and Marek Hamsik proved enough for the San Paolo outfit to claim all three points, although Lucas Castro's tap-in, coupled with the hosts' profligacy, set up a nervy finish.
Partenopei boss Rafael Benitez opted to rotate his squad with an eye on next week's Champions League clash with Olymique de Marseille, and restored Lorenzo Insigne to the side in support of Gonzalo Higuain.
However, it was Callejon who broke the deadlock with a spectacular effort that curled into the top corner of Mariano Andujar's net, taking the Spaniard's tally to six goals in 11 games.
Insigne then combined impeccably with Hamsik to double Napoli's advantage, with the Slovakian powering home a first-time blockbuster, after his team-mate had weaved his way past several Catania defenders.
The home side proceeded to comfortably dominate possession, but Castro's goal and the numerous failures of Higuain and Raul Albiol to find the back of the net from a host of gilt-edged goalscoring opportunities kept Catania in the game.
Nevertheless, Napoli ultimately managed to see off the minnows for the win, prompting Benitez to heap praise on Callejon, who has been in sensational form since joining from Real Madrid during the summer.
"When I said he would score many goals, it is because I know him and am aware of his quality," the coach told reporters after the match.
"He is a guy who works hard and always wants to learn. But all the attackers can play with each other and this means we are expressing our football well.
"I can confirm that we have room for improvement and I repeat: we are only at 75 per cent."
Despite failing to get on the scoresheet, Higuain was happy with his return from injury.
"I am satisfied with how I am recovering," the forward said. "I'm constantly feeling better and am happy with how the squad is playing.
"The league is long and we want to take it game by game. Next Sunday we face Juventus, but there is the important appointment of the Champions League before that and we want to achieve major results."
Napoli remain on an even keel with Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal with six points in Group F, and will be targeting a double victory over Marseille on Wednesday to keep their chances of progressing alive.
AC Milan 0-2 Fiorentina: Vargas & Valero lead Viola to victory over risible Rossoneri
AC Milan's troubled start to the Serie A season continued as they were beaten 2-0 by Fiorentina to heap pressure on coach Massimiliano Allegri.
Juan Manuel Vargas' deflected 27th-minute free kick set the visitors on their way, the ball clipping the shin of Sulley Muntari in the wall before spinning beyond a wrong-footed Gabriel in the Rossoneri goal.
Milan pressed hard in the second half but Borja Valero tapped home from close range with 17 minutes left to put the result beyond doubt as Fiorentina racked up their third successive win over their hosts.
Allegri’s side have now lost five of their opening 11 league matches and seemingly already face an uphill battle to climb towards the Champions League places.
They made just one change to the side that drew 1-1 with Lazio in midweek, as Kevin Constant replaced Mattia De Sciglio, while Fiorentina made five alterations. The suspended Juan Cuadrado was forced to miss out following his dismissal against Napoli on Wednesday, with Spanish winger Joaquin among those dropping to the bench.
It took quarter of an hour for either side to fashion any sort of chance, Cristian Zapata powering his header over the crossbar from six yards after running on to Kaka's corner at pace.
As the half wore on, the game began to open up and the hosts looked more threatening, Kaka feeding Muntari on the edge of the box after 21 minutes, but the Ghanaian's weak shot was comfortably saved by Neto low down to his left.
Six minutes later, the visitors took the lead with their first effort of note. Vargas' driven free-kick from 25 yards took a deflection off Muntari standing in the wall, with the ricochet diverting the ball's path just enough to defeat Gabriel - who had set off the other way - to nestle in the bottom left-hand corner.
There were few chances of note for the remainder of the half, and the opening 15 minutes of the second half proved similarly uneventful, notable only for a booking for Mario Balotelli when the Italy international shoved Neto to the floor as the goalkeeper shielded the ball out of play.
The incident was one of several altercations between Balotelli and Fiorentina's players, the striker cutting an increasingly frustrated figure as Milan failed to break down their opponents.
And, with time running out, Valero added to Milan's woes, the Spaniard slotting home from six yards after Gabriel had parried substitute Joaquin's right-wing cross into his path.
Ryder Matos went close to adding to the misery for the hosts, sending an effort a yard wide from the edge of the box with five minutes to go, but it mattered little as Fiorentina comfortably held on to pile the pressure on Milan and Allegri.
AC Milan's troubled start to the Serie A season continued as they were beaten 2-0 by Fiorentina to heap pressure on coach Massimiliano Allegri.
Juan Manuel Vargas' deflected 27th-minute free kick set the visitors on their way, the ball clipping the shin of Sulley Muntari in the wall before spinning beyond a wrong-footed Gabriel in the Rossoneri goal.
Milan pressed hard in the second half but Borja Valero tapped home from close range with 17 minutes left to put the result beyond doubt as Fiorentina racked up their third successive win over their hosts.
Allegri’s side have now lost five of their opening 11 league matches and seemingly already face an uphill battle to climb towards the Champions League places.
They made just one change to the side that drew 1-1 with Lazio in midweek, as Kevin Constant replaced Mattia De Sciglio, while Fiorentina made five alterations. The suspended Juan Cuadrado was forced to miss out following his dismissal against Napoli on Wednesday, with Spanish winger Joaquin among those dropping to the bench.
It took quarter of an hour for either side to fashion any sort of chance, Cristian Zapata powering his header over the crossbar from six yards after running on to Kaka's corner at pace.
As the half wore on, the game began to open up and the hosts looked more threatening, Kaka feeding Muntari on the edge of the box after 21 minutes, but the Ghanaian's weak shot was comfortably saved by Neto low down to his left.
Six minutes later, the visitors took the lead with their first effort of note. Vargas' driven free-kick from 25 yards took a deflection off Muntari standing in the wall, with the ricochet diverting the ball's path just enough to defeat Gabriel - who had set off the other way - to nestle in the bottom left-hand corner.
There were few chances of note for the remainder of the half, and the opening 15 minutes of the second half proved similarly uneventful, notable only for a booking for Mario Balotelli when the Italy international shoved Neto to the floor as the goalkeeper shielded the ball out of play.
The incident was one of several altercations between Balotelli and Fiorentina's players, the striker cutting an increasingly frustrated figure as Milan failed to break down their opponents.
And, with time running out, Valero added to Milan's woes, the Spaniard slotting home from six yards after Gabriel had parried substitute Joaquin's right-wing cross into his path.
Ryder Matos went close to adding to the misery for the hosts, sending an effort a yard wide from the edge of the box with five minutes to go, but it mattered little as Fiorentina comfortably held on to pile the pressure on Milan and Allegri.
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