..::Football III::..

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Genoa 1-0 Inter: Antonelli adds to Mazzarri's misery

Luca Antonelli scored the only goal of the game as Genoa recorded a 1-0 win over hapless Inter at the Luigi Ferraris on Sunday afternoon.

The defender rose to meet a well-worked corner with seven minutes remaining, ending the Rossoblu's run of 16 competitive matches without a win over the Nerazzurri.

Walter Mazzarri's men were frustrated by a tenacious performance from the hosts, and saw a number of chances go begging on a sodden pitch.

Consequently, Inter remain winless in 2014, having lost three games and drawn one since the turn of the year, scoring just once in the process.

Genoa boss Gian Piero Gasperini, who came into this game having never previously beaten his former team, made six alterations to the side thumped 4-0 by Roma last weekend, including a return for ex-AC Milan striker Alberto Gilardino following his recent suspension.

Former Genoa hitman Diego Milito was the only new face for the visitors, as they sought to improve on their recent poor form in front of goal.

Despite the difficult conditions, the visitors made a high-tempo start, with Ricky Alvarez racing behind Genoa's defence before unleashing a low drive that was smartly saved by Mattia Perin at the near post.

Perin was called into action again to keep out a stinging effort from Jonathan after 10 minutes, as Inter pressed for an early opening.

The Brazilian wasted another good opportunity just before the 20-minute mark, lashing Milito's clipped ball inside the box across goal and wide.

The visitors were dealt a blow when Alvarez limped off injured, but should have been ahead soon after through Rodrigo Palacio, who robbed the ball from Luca Antonini before bursting into the box and firing wide.

Genoa did manage a couple of flashes at goal before the half-hour mark.

Andrea Bertolacci whistled a speculative half-volley just wide, before Stefano Sturaro saw his goal-bound effort slowed by a puddle, leaving Samir Handanovic with a simple save.

The Slovenian was tested again five minutes before the break, palming away Giovanni Marchese’s close-range header after Inter struggled to deal with a well-worked corner.

Inter should have taken the lead two minutes after the restart. Water inside the Genoa penalty area helped the ball fall kindly to Palacio, only for the Argentine to blast over from eight yards.

The home side responded with chances of their own, Gilardino failing to get a shot away after being put clean through and Ioannis Fetfatzidis forcing Handanovic to make a sprawling save with a powerful flick-on.

The Greek was denied again just after the hour mark, cutting in from the right before unleashing a powerful dipping effort that was superbly saved.

Substitute Fredy Guarin almost provided Inter with the breakthrough when he produced a volley that was well kept out by Perrin.

Palacio then saw a deflected effort saved before Inter were made to pay for their wastefulness as Antonelli rose highest from a set-piece to beat Handanovic.

The visitors nearly grabbed a late equaliser through Ruben Botta, whose bouncing header was beaten away by Perrin, but Genoa held on for an overdue victory.

 

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Swansea City 1-3 Tottenham: Adebayor hits top form to send Spurs fifth

Emmanuel Adebayor continued his resurgence under new Tottenham head coach Tim Sherwood by netting twice in a 3-1 win over struggling Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday.

Michael Laudrup's men had the better of the opening exchanges, Wilfried Bony smashing the crossbar from long-range, but it was the visitors who took the lead through Adebayor, who powered home a devilish first-time cross from Christian Eriksen.

Spurs doubled their advantage shortly after the restart as Kyle Walker snuck down the right flank and drilled in a low cross that was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Chico Flores.

Tottenham continued to be a threat on the break and another swift counter saw Adebayor calmly bag his second of the afternoon, though Spurs were given a late scare when Bony cushioned a deft volley into the bottom corner - though it would be only a consolation for the Swans.

Laudrup, dealing with a host of injuries including the absence of Michu, made just one change from the side beaten by Manchester United last time out as Chico replaced Jose Canas, with Jordi Amat moving into midfield.

Spurs also made one change from their last outing as Nacer Chadli came in for Roberto Soldado - the Spain international dropping to the bench.

Despite having won just twice at home in the Premier League this season, Swansea began brightly, with Jonjo Shelvey at the centre of things for the hosts early on.

He had Swansea's first effort on target after 13 minutes, shrugging off the attentions of Vlad Chiriches before forcing Hugo Lloris into a smart stop with a long-range drive.

Bony flashed a shot wide seven minutes later and the Ivorian then rattled the crossbar with a venomous strike from outside the penalty area.

Spurs' attack had looked out of sorts for much of the half but Adebayor found the net with their first real effort of the game. Eriksen's pinpoint cross was met by the former Arsenal striker, who registered his fifth goal in eight games from close range.

The goal sparked Spurs into life and Adebayor could have had a second six minutes before the break, only for Gerhard Tremmel to keep out his vicious volley.

An own goal from Chico double Spurs' advantage early in the second half, with the Spaniard diverting Walker's cross into his own net after Roland Lamah had failed to track the right-back.

Adebayor then scored his second 19 minutes from time, calmly collecting Danny Rose's cross and rolling the ball past Tremmel just moments after Mousa Dembele had spurned a glorious chance to extend the lead.

That strike effectively wrapped up all three points to help Spurs to their fifth consecutive away win in the Premier League – the first time the north Londoners have managed such a run since the 1960-61 campaign.

Bony, a rare bright spark for the home side, eventually got on the scoresheet with an expert volley after 78 minutes, though his 14th goal of the season made little difference to the result.

The loss means Laudrup's men remain just three points above the relegation zone ahead of clashes with Fulham, West Ham and Cardiff City - all of whom occupy spots in the bottom four – while Sherwood remains unbeaten in the league for Tottenham.

 

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Chelsea 3-1 Manchester United: Eto'o hits hat-trick as Blues stroll to easy win

Samuel Eto'o bagged a hat-trick as Chelsea comfortably beat Manchester United 3-1 at Stamford Bridge.

The Cameroonian punished the champions to keep the pressure on his side's title rivals, while David Moyes' men fell to their seventh league defeat of the season despite a late consolation strike from Javier Hernandez.


Eto'o gave the hosts an early lead, with his long-range curler deflecting off Michael Carrick and looping over the stranded David de Gea before two simple tap-ins either side of half time effectively wrapped up the victory.

Chicharito pulled a goal back for United after coming off the bench, but it was another miserable afternoon for Moyes, who will also now be without his captain Nemanja Vidic for a spell after he was sent off in injury time for a wild challenge on Eden Hazard.

Defeat saw Moyes' side beaten for the first time away from home in the league for almost four months, as their chances of retaining their title collapsed.The champions are 14 points behind Arsenal and now face a battle to even qualify for the Champions League, sitting six points adrift of fourth-placed Liverpool.

Jose Mourinho has no such problems, as he celebrated his 100th Premier League win in only 142 games - requiring less matches than any other manager to achieve the landmark.United made an encouraging start, but they found themselves behind after 16 minutes when Eto'o conjured up a goal out of nothing.

There appeared to be no danger when the striker picked up a loose ball, but he cut in from the right and jinked past Jones before unleashing a shot from the edge of the penalty area that deflected off Michael Carrick and looped into the far corner of the net.

United responded well to going behind and the lively Adnan Januzaj created a great chance for Danny Welbeck when he picked out the striker in the area, but the England international's tame finish was saved by Petr Cech.That miss proved to be costly too, as Gary Cahill picked out Eto'o a minute before half-time and the Cameroon international finished from six yards out.

Eto'o then made United pay for some poor defending just three minutes into the second half to complete his treble.He was first to react when Cahill's header was well saved by De Gea with the alert striker on hand to tuck home the rebound.

Welbeck's frustrating afternoon continued when he headed wide from six yards out, but substitute Hernandez did pull a goal back when he turned in Jones' shot from inside the six yard box 12 minutes from time.It was too little, too late for Moyes' side though, and Matic came on to make his second debut for Chelsea five minutes from time after rejoining from Benfica as they saw out the victory with ease.

United’s misery was compounded when Vidic was then shown a straight red card for a cynical challenge on Hazard, while Rafael was lucky to escape with just a yellow after lunging at Cahill.

 

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Liverpool wait on Lucas injury

Liverpool are facing an anxious wait to learn the full extent of an injury to Lucas Leiva.

The Brazil midfielder was withdrawn just 20 minutes after coming on as a half-time substitute in the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday as Brendan Rodgers' side came back from two goals down.

Steven Gerrard's penalty eight minutes into the second half after Daniel Sturridge had reduced the deficit ultimately ensured that they left with a point, but afterwards Rodgers admitted concern for Lucas.

"He clashed knees with the opponent and felt a little click in his knee," the Liverpool boss said. "Hopefully it's not too serious but we won't know for the next 24-48 hours."

The news is the latest injury blow for Lucas, who reportedly left Anfield on crutches after the game.

The 27-year-old has had knee problems in the past and missed the second half of the 2011-12 season after damaging his cruciate ligament in a Capital One Cup quarter-final against Chelsea.

He also missed three months last season, his first under Rodgers, after suffering a thigh problem.

 

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Thiago Silva: I'm staying at PSG

Thiago Silva has stated he has no intention of leaving Paris-Saint Germain and intends on staying at the club until his contract expires in 2018.

The Brazil defender signed a new contract with the Ligue 1 champions last summer but there had been speculation during the transfer window that other top clubs could look to lure him away from Paris.

But the centre-back, who was on the scoresheet as his side thumped Nantes 5-0 on Sunday to maintain their five-point lead at the top of the division, told Canal+ he is committed to the club.

“Yes, I'm staying,” replied the 29-year-old when asked if he was going to remain in Paris.

“I feel very good here with the coach, the president. I think I'll stay here until the end of my contract.

"[Zlatan] Ibra is a great player, a big personality and I think he wants to stay too.

"PSG are one of the biggest clubs at the moment. It's up to us to continue like that. Perhaps we can also go all the way in the Champions League.

“The boys have done a lot of positive things today. I think we can do the same in the Champions League. We have to play like that. We had a very good match.”

Silva has been just as important at the back for Paris Saint-Germain this season as Zlatan Ibrahimovic up top – a fact that was illustrated by the defender’s inclusion in this year’s FifaPro XI.

The Brazil international was happy with the recognition at the Ballon D’Or ceremony and went on to thank his current club and team-mates for their part in his award.

“Thank you PSG. I also have to thank my team-mates for a place in the XI. Everyone is playing together and that's very good.”

 

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Seedorf: Milan need to rediscover the joy of football

Clarence Seedorf knows there is still a lot of work to be done despite winning his first game in charge of AC AC Milan.

The former Netherlands international guided his side to a 1-0 win over Hellas Verona at San Siro, courtesy of Mario Balotelli’s second half penalty.

Seedorf saw his side dominate for large spells of the game but admitted there are areas of concern that need to be addressed, starting with bringing the ‘joy’ of the game back into the Rossoneri changing room.

“We formed a circle all together in the locker room and I said we’d do the same after every game, whether it’s a win or a defeat, so we can all look each other in the eye. We’re all responsible for every result," the 37-year-old told Sky Sport Italia.

“The victory is certainly dedicated to all the Milan fans. I am happy for the squad, as there is a lot of work to do and a win makes it all feel easier.

“I am concentrated on what we want to develop next week, which will be the first real week to get training done and concentrate on all the aspects of building the football I’ve got in mind.

“Right now we want to focus on rediscovering the joy of playing football and training with the ball, so the players can connect with the ball.

“The first half was very good, whereas after the break fatigue set in. I liked the pressing as soon as we lost the ball and keeping the defence very high. We haven’t had much time to work over the last few days, but the players did very well to keep that pressing up and pinning Verona into their own half for the first 45 minutes.

“This victory came at the end with a penalty, but I still believe it was deserved considering the performance over 90 minutes.”

Match-winner Balotelli showed his support for his new coach by gesturing towards him after opening the scoring and Seedorf admitted after the game that he was looking forward to working closely with the former Manchester City star.

“I already knew Mario and am not remotely surprised by the good rapport we’ve built over the last few days,” he revealed.

“He’s a sweet guy, a great talent and will do very well for Milan and Italy. I hope to help him grow and he has already shown he’s willing to play a part in this project.”

 

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Balotelli dedicates win to Seedorf

Mario Balotelli has dedicated AC Milan's 1-0 win over Hellas Verona on Sunday to new coach Clarence Seedorf, who took charge of his first game as Rossoneri boss.

Milan were made to work hard to overcome the newly-promoted side, with the Italy international's late penalty settling a tense affair.

And Balotelli is delighted with the result and is hoping it can kickstart a strong run in the second half of the season.

"My thumbs up towards the coach? Yes, it is a victory that we dedicate to him," he told Sky after the match.

"It was the first game, obviously it was a difficult situation. We were very well organised and played very well.

"Hopefully [it can be a turning point]. Starting well is half of the battle."

AC Milan's next Serie A game is a home clash with Udinese on January 22.

 

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Mourinho: Torres out for a 'few weeks'

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has revealed Fernando Torres will be out for "a few weeks" after injuring his knee against Manchester United.

The striker suffered lateral ligament damage after coming off the bench in the 3-1 Premier League win at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Samuel Eto'o was preferred to Torres in Mourinho's starting line-up and he justified that selection by scoring a hat-trick against the champions.

The Spain international's absence will leave Mourinho with just Eto'o and Demba Ba as his only fit strikers, but the performance of Cameroon international Eto'o was a major boost for the Portuguese.

The Chelsea boss told Sky Sports: "At the moment we lose Fernando for a few weeks, he has a problem with his lateral ligament. For a few weeks now we will have Demba and Samuel and hope they can do the job for us."

He added: "Of course I love when one of my players becomes a special player in the match.

"Torres is dangerous in space. United came here to be compact so I picked Eto'o for his movement in small spaces."

It was another memorable afternoon for Mourinho, who achieved the landmark of winning 100 Premier League games quicker than any other manager.

Eto'o scored twice in the first half and completed his hat-trick just after the break to heap more misery on United, who pulled a late goal back courtesy of Javier Hernandez before captain Nemanja Vidic was sent off for a challenge on Eden Hazard.

The former Real Madrid coach expressed his pride at bringing up a century of top-flight wins in only 142 games, but securing three more points in the race for the title gave him greater satisfaction as Chelsea cut the gap to leaders Arsenal to only two points.

He added: "More important than anything is the three points. Of course it's nice [100 Premier League wins], it's obviously one more fantastic thing for my career, but most important is to win a difficult match.

"It was too hard for them to be losing 2-0 at half-time, because they started stronger and better than us. Second half we started stronger and were better for long periods.

"Overall we deserve the three points and they are three important points, because it opens a gap between us and Manchester United and Liverpool. We also close the gap on Arsenal and (Manchester) City."

 

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'Everything is going wrong,' admits Inter boss Mazzarri

Walter Mazzarri admitted that "everything is going wrong" for Inter after Sunday's 1-0 loss at Genoa.

Luca Antonelli headed home a Rossoblu corner with just seven minutes to go at a saturated Luigi Ferraris to consign the Nerazzurri to a third defeat in four games in all competitions.

Mazzarri was utterly bewildered by this latest loss, which has left his side 11 points adrift of third-placed Napoli in Serie A.

"I cannot say anything to the boys," the Inter coach told Sky Sport Italia.

"We could only have done more in front of goal and have been more attentive on their goal.

"The pitch was difficult and we faced a strong and organised opponent. We had a good game but it was not enough.

"Unfortunately, it is a moment in which everything is going wrong. We are throwing away points.

"Had we been at 37 [points instead of 32, following last week's draw at home to Siena], everything would be different, but now we just have to keep working."

 

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Matri joy at dream debut for Fiorentina against Catania

Alessandro Matri was a happy man after putting his AC Milan misery behind him by netting twice on his debut for Fiorentina against Catania on Sunday.

The Italy international joined the Rossoneri from Juventus last summer for a reported €12 million but managed just one Serie A goal for the San Siro side before being shipped out on loan to the Artemio Franchi earlier this week.

Matri wasted little time in silencing his critics, though, setting up a goal for Mati Fernandez before then hitting a double to earn Fiorentina a 3-0 win at Catania.

"It has been a long time since I've had an afternoon like this," the 29-year-old forward told Sky Sport Italia.

"The last few months have been difficult, so it's only normal that I lost a little bit of composure. It was my fault, I did not settle [at San Siro].

"Those who stood by me know how hard I tried [at Milan], so now I dedicate these goals to my family and my girlfriend."

The only disappointing aspect of Matri's otherwise dream debut, though, was an injury that could jeopardise his participation in the midweek Coppa Italia meeting with Siena.

"I felt a slight calf strain," he explained. "So, tomorrow [Monday] we'll do the tests and see what it is."

 

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Totti sets sights on Juventus after Livorno win

Francesco Totti is in a buoyant frame of mind ahead of Roma's "prestigious" Coppa Italia quarter-final against Juventus, after a resounding 3-0 win over Livorno.

The Giallorossi enjoyed 69 per cent possession at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday evening and denied their visitors a single shot on target, as goals from Matia Destro, Kevin Strootman and Adem Ljajic sealed a comfortable Serie A success for Rudi Garcia's men.

Totti was enthused by Roma's performance, which he feels sets them up perfectly for Tuesday's Coppa clash with Juve.

"In our league, there are no inviting opponents or easy games," the veteran attacker wrote on his official website.

"Against Livorno, things could have been more complicated if we had not had the right application, a mixture of humility and confidence.

"We were good and that's the only reason why things seemed simpler.

"Now we wait for Juventus. Tuesday night is a challenge, but one we consider prestigious, as we look to move forward in the Coppa Italia."

Meanwhile, Destro's strike against Livorno was his fourth in six games, as he continues his impressive recovery from a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee injury.

The striker freely admits he is now dreaming of earning a place in Cesare Prandelli's Italy squad for this summer's World Cup, but says that his current focus is on Juve - even though he insists that Roma are not drive by a desire for revenge after their 3-0 loss to the Bianconeri in the league earlier this month.

"The defeat in Turin [against Juventus earlier this month] did not demoralise us," Destro told Sky Sport Italia.

"We've played a great championship so far. [Tuesday night is] not a rematch, but it will be a great game.

"For me, though, it was just important to return to the Roma squad [after injury].

"After eight months on the sidelines, I don't know when I'll be 100 per cent again but I feel good.

"The World Cup is a dream, but first I will give all I have to do well with Roma."

 

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Anderson says goodbye to Manchester United 'family'

Anderson has revealed his reasons for joining Fiorentina on loan but thanked those connected with Manchester United for their support during a tough six-and-a-half-year stay.

The midfielder made just four appearances under David Moyes this season, and has completed a full 90 minutes just once since the start of last term as he struggled for first-team minutes.

And Anderson says the move to Italy, which includes an agreed price at the end of the loan, was a must as he looked for more regular action but says he will always be a part of the "United family".

"Thank you Manchester United for all you gave to me. It was a pleasure and a proud [sic] to be part of this tremendous club," he wrote on his Instagram page.

"I will never forget my great colleagues and friends, all the amazing people that work in the club and obviously the fantastic supporters, always on my side. Love you all and you always be in my heart.

"Wish you all the best because we always be together United family! Now I have to leave because I really need to play.

"Thank you Fiorentina for this opportunity and for believe me. You won't regret because you trust me 100% and I will give you 100% of dedication, professionalism and quality. Together we will be happy."

 

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Pjanic hints at interest in PSG move

Roma attacking midfielder Miralem Pjanic has hinted he could be open to a move to Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.

The 23-year-old has been earmarked as one of Laurent Blanc's primary transfer targets this month following a strong first half of the season with the Giallorossi, while Manchester United have also been credited with an interest.

Pjanic - who joined Roma from Olympique Lyonnais in 2011 - has stressed he is enjoying life in the Italian capital but suggests he could be tempted to return to France should PSG come calling.

"It's the only club I would go to in France," he told Telefoot when asked about PSG.

"I'm at Roma, it's a big club and I feel really good here. I love the fans and I am a fan of Roma. If there must be a transfer, all parties must agree. For the moment, I'm staying concentrated on my football."

Bosnia and Herzegovina international Pjanic was involved in Roma's 3-0 triumph over Livorno on Saturday.

 

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De Bruyne: I lost my joy under Mourinho at Chelsea

Kevin De Bruyne felt he had to leave Chelsea after becoming unhappy at Stamford Bridge under Jose Mourinho.

The Belgian started both of the club's first two Premier League games of the season, against Hull City and Manchester United, but after coming off the bench against Fulham found his appearances restricted to cup competition.

De Bruyne was persuaded to remain with the Blues during the summer, despite interest from high-profile European clubs, but has since made a January move to Wolfsburg.

"In the summer he [Mourinho] convinced me to stay, although there was a nice bid from [Borussia] Dortmund on the table," De Bruyne told Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws.

"I also talked to Atletico Madrid. It was a good option, but I wasn't sure I would be playing there.

"I didn't leave Chelsea because I have to go to the World Cup - it could be over after three games - but just because I lost my joy."

Mourinho publicly criticised De Bruyne for his performances in the Capital One Cup victory over Swindon, and the Belgian also denied claims of a lack of effort in training.

"My pre-season was good, my first game too, but I still don't know why I lost my place after the game against Manchester United.

"I've also never asked Mourinho. He has never told me: 'Kevin, you don't train well.'

"It's a pity he told a press conference that I wasn't doing well on the training pitch. That's not me. I'm always a player who gives the full 100 per cent in training. Those remarks created a wrong image."

 

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Barclays Premier League 2014.01.20 Fixture

Barclays Premier League 2014.01.20 Fixture

WBA Vs Everton

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La Liga 2014.01.20 Fixture

La Liga 2014.01.20 Fixture

Athletic Bilbao Vs Real Valladoid​

 

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David Moyes insists Manchester United will be not be making panic buys this month

Manchester United manager David Moyes insists they will not panic and dive into the January transfer market, despite seeing his side slip further out of Premier League title contention after a 3-1 defeat at Chelsea.Samuel Eto'o grabbed a hat-trick for Jose Mourinho's men to give the west London giants all three points.

United are now 14 points adrift of Arsenal at the top, 13 behind Manchester City in second and 12 away from Chelsea.But, despite their struggles, Moyes insists that their long-term planning will not be replaced by short-term thinking, no matter what their results are.Asked if he could change his plans to fix their short-term issues, he told Sky Sports: "Not because of results.

"The club know exactly what we want to do and the direction we want to go and the type of players we want to bring to the club and a lot aren't available in this window. If we could get any of them we would do, we are trying but more than likely most people know it is difficult.

"I think the club have always said it is long-term, we know there is a job to be done and we have an idea of players we would like to bring in and we would like them now, but more than likely won't be."Moyes refused to rule United out of the title race, but admits it would not be easy from here.

"It is a long way away, we will never say it is gone and we will do our best to get back in and the only thing we can do is try and win our next game and we will try and do that," he said.Talking about the game, Moyes admits whilst his side played well in patches, their defending let them down.

"We got a bit unlucky with the first goal and a deflection but the other two came from set-pieces and that is our own fault and that is nobody else's fault. Terrible defending on the first goal and just as bad on one just after half-time," he continued."I thought we played quite well at times, especially in first period but we just lacked that bit. We just needed someone to take on one of their chances.

"I knew the game would be tight, and it was except two set-pieces which has really changed the game. Apart from that I think we have had as many chances if not more than Chelsea. We had done a lot of good things in the game but football is about scoring goals and we didn't and Chelsea did."We can only blame ourselves, nobody else."

Moyes did not agree with the late red card for Nemanja Vidic and said: "I don't think it is a sending off, but I just think it is a bit of tiredness."

 

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Ow ow hadissi wela playersla ganna one naha puluwan tharam ikmanata new manager kenek gatthanam hari

anmenada Moyes ta danwath therila nahane playersla one kiyalaMID 1ken kiyala deyak kala nam kale Januzaj witharai yesterday match 1kethDefending pattama cha

Title race 1kanam iwaraimeken recover wennanam miracle 1kakma wenn oneaduma gane Champions League place 1ka secure karagannawath bari weida kiyana 1kai dan thiyana baya

Ithin mehema situation 1kak thibilath Moyes meh monada kiyanne

 

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Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho does not think Manchester United can now win title

Jose Mourinho feels Chelsea's win over Manchester United has ended the champions' hopes of retaining the Premier League title.Chelsea claimed a 3-1 win over United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, which means United are 12 points off the west London giants, 13 behind local rivals Manchester City and a further point adrift of leaders Arsenal.

Mourinho admits he cannot see United overhauling all the top three, but he hopes and thinks they will be in good shape to take fourth."Man United is Man United, mathematically it is possible, but it is hard," Mourinho told Sky Sports."It is 14 for Arsenal, but also 13 for City and 12 to us, so maybe one team might collapse, but for all three teams to collapse to do that and lose so many points, I think is difficult.

"So for them I think it is the fight to finish top four which I think they can do. It is difficult, but with that pride and tradition they will fight and hopefully they win against the other contenders as we don't play against them in the league."

The win over United was Mourinho's 100th in the Premier League, and he is the quickest in history to make that landmark, hitting it after just 142 games. Whilst he was happy to register the achievement, he insists the victory was the main thing."More important than anything is the three points today," he added, before admitting Chelsea enjoyed some luck in the first half. "Of course it is nice and 100 victories in the Premier League is obviously one more fantastic thing for my career, but the most important thing is really to win the match.

"It was a very difficult match, a match where it is too hard for them to be losing 2-0 at half-time. They started better than us, they were stronger than us in the beginning and we scored (the) first goal without being in control of the game and the second is too hard for them."In the second half we started better and had control of the game for long periods before maybe fatigue or being comfortable with the advantage. They had some spirit and initiative and with their goal the game was open but I think we deserved three points.

"It is three important points for us because it now opens a gap between us and Man United and Liverpool and we are still in contact with Arsenal and Manchester City."I think Man United had a good game first-half and losing like that is not easy, but I imagine they will be better and better and become the big team they are.Mourinho was happy his decision to play Samuel Eto'o - who claimed a hat-trick - paid off so well.

"I had a strong team physically, the people at the back and David [Luiz] in front of them," he added. "And then I had the creative players and I wanted the movement around the box.

"Some of Samuel's quality around the box, and Fernando [Torres] is more about pace, about power and space, I was feeling today that United was trying to be compact and press us. I needed a player like Samuel and he works well for us, the same as Fernando."

 

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Chelsea 3-1 Manchester United: Eto'o hits hat-trick as Blues stroll to easy win

me wage match wala rooney & rvp nathi paduwa hodata danenawa