..::Football III::..

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Southampton 0-0 West Brom: Koeman still searching for first win

Southampton and West Brom played out a 0-0 draw at St Mary’s on Saturday afternoon.

Both sides had cause for optimism going into the clash - Ronald Koeman's men impressing in defeat against Liverpool and Alan Irvine's charges only denied a point by a late Sebastian Larsson goal on the opening weekend.

However, neither side did enough to deserve maximum points on the south coast in a tight affair as Koeman and Irvine continue to await their first top-flight triumph.

Recent signing Shane Long was given a home debut off the bench against his former employers, while West Brom's club-record acquisition Brown Ideye made his bow soon after, but they could not mark the occasion with a goal.

While Dusan Tadic impressed again in his maiden Premier League campaign and Ideye was denied one-on-one by Ben Foster, both sides had to settle for a point.

Just a minute had passed when the visitors saw a penalty appeal waved away - captain Chris Brunt going down in the area - before Victor Anichebe turned his skipper’s cross wide of Foster's goal.

Tadic then crossed for fellow close-season arrival Graziano Pelle who headed Southampton's first attempt wide of goal.

It was Tadic who proved Southampton's main attacking outlet in the first half, while West Brom's lofted deliveries gave Fraser Forster plenty to do in the air on his home debut.

Graham Dorrans failed to cap his surging 28th-minute run with an accurate pass for the in-form Saido Berahino as both sides struggled to find a cutting edge in the attacking third.

A defensive mix-up between Foster and Andre Wisdom almost led to the opening goal of the game as Tadic nipped in to take advantage of confusion in the West Brom defence.

His cross evaded Pelle before Foster made amends for his part in the error by keeping out a low drive from Tadic in the 35th minute.

Koeman introduced former Hawthorns favourite Long at the break and opposite number Irvine brought on Ideye soon after.

The travelling faithful thought the Nigeria international had scored shortly before the hour, only to realise his header had rippled the side netting, with the former Dynamo Kiev later denied at point-blank range by Foster.

Ideye continued to look lively and almost got on the end of Dorrans' through ball a minute from time in a lively finale but a winning goal proved elusive.

 

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Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle: Williamson sent off in goalless draw

Newcastle and Aston Villa scrapped their way to a low-key 0-0 draw in the Premier League at Villa Park on Saturday.

Newcastle had failed to muster a shot on target as they opened their season in defeat to Manchester City on Sunday and Alan Pardew's men once again struggled to create many clear chances in a first half bereft of incisive play.

Villa had been happy to sit deep and break on their opponents and the Magpies noticeably pushed on after half-time, although their best openings fell to right-back Daryl Janmaat, who was unable to open his account for the club.

Pardew's side came into the contest with form against Villa and, though they extended their unbeaten run against the Birmingham club to seven, a lack of cutting edge will have frustrated the Newcastle manager.

Mike Williamson was shown a second yellow card in stoppage time but it failed to inspire Villa into a late charge and they ended the game without a shot on target, with swathes of empty seats for the club's first home fixture of the season hinting at a discontent among supporters.

With home form having been an issue for Villa in 2013-14, they began with a counterattacking approach often deployed in away games.

While that limited their possession, the pace of Charles N'Zogbia, playing his first game at Villa Park since April 2013, looked a threat on the counter - the Frenchman having the first sight of goal 18 minutes in as he curled a 20-yard free kick wide.

Despite seeing plenty of the ball, Newcastle struggled to penetrate Villa's back line, though Remy Cabella once again looked impressive after an eye-catching debut against City.

First, the France playmaker slipped Emmanuel Riviere into the left channel but a narrow shot was comfortable for Brad Guzan low to his left, then more Cabella creativity opened up space for Vurnon Anita but the Dutchman's effort lifted high and wide.

Newcastle looked much more dangerous after the interval, with their defenders going closest. Janmaat twice troubled Guzan in the half's opening 10 minutes, forcing the American to tip a stooping header over before fizzing a left-footed drive just off target.

Williamson completely missed the ball after Cabella's right-wing corner as a Newcastle goal looked to be imminent.

Paul Lambert replaced N'Zogbia with debutant Carlos Sanchez in the search for more control in midfield, while Siem de Jong was introduced as Newcastle looked to bolster their attacking numbers.

Darren Bent was afforded a warm reception as he was reintroduced to the Villa fans after a season away from the club on loan at Fulham but the England man's presence did little to boost the home side.

De Jong had a gilt-edged chance to snatch the game in the closing stages but Guzan denied the Dutchman one-on-one and Newcastle had to settle for their first point of the season, despite Williamson's dismissal in stoppage time.

 

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Irwin backs Van Gaal to succeed at Manchester United

Manchester United great Denis Irwin is convinced Louis van Gaal will return the club to winning ways despite a slow start in the top flight.

United lost 2-1 to Swansea City in Van Gaal's first Premier League game in charge - dampening some of the initial optimism that had surrounded the Dutchman's reign at Old Trafford.

After a woeful campaign under David Moyes last time out, United had looked in good form during their close-season preparations and will be eager to restore the feel-good factor when they face Sunderland on Sunday.

Irwin - who won seven league titles, three FA Cups and the Champions League during his 12-year stay at Old Trafford - has no doubts that Van Gaal will bring the best out of United's squad this season.

"We had a fantastic pre-season, we played some real top teams across in America and beat Real Madrid, Liverpool and Roma, so there was a huge amount of optimism around Manchester United since Louis van Gaal took over and one result shouldn't spoil that," he told Perform.

"We didn't play well [against Swansea], the result wasn't great, obviously not a great start, particularly at home, but there's a long way to go.

"The manager has only had the players a month or so, he's still getting his ideas across. Eventually we will get better and better with more preparation time because unfortunately we are not involved in Europe this year.

"In hindsight that might be a good thing. We saw what Liverpool achieved last season with a bit more rest so I still have huge optimism for this season, I really have."

Van Gaal added Argentina international Marcos Rojo to his squad in midweek - joining recent recruits Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw at Old Trafford.

However, the former Netherlands coach has not been involved in a flurry of transfer activity, as was expected, and handed starts to young pair Tyler Blackett and Jesse Lingard last week.

Irwin, who played alongside stars of the much-vaunted 'Class of '92', feels United fans should be buoyed by the inclusion of fresh talent in Van Gaal's starting teams.

"We've always had players come through from the academy. We were blessed in the '90s with so many coming through at one time," he continued.

"You know, [Ryan] Giggs, the two [Gary and Phil] Nevilles, [David] Beckham, [Paul] Scholes I could go on and on. Danny Welbeck is still there or thereabouts coming through. He's been one of our main players in the last few years.

"We've always had young players coming through so hopefully that trend will continue and it's great that the manager will look at everybody and not be afraid to throw young players in there."

 

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Badstuber: I'm so happy to be back

Holger Badstuber has revealed his happiness at playing his first Bundesliga match in almost two years after returning from injury to feature in Bayern Munich’s 2-1 win over Wolfsburg.The Germany international has been missing from action since 2012 when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in a league match against Borussia Dortmund.

Badstuber recovered from the injury recently and played 79 minutes in Bayern's DFB-Pokal first-round clash with Preussen Munster before being cheered onto the Allianz Arena pitch by 71,000 fans against Wolfsburg.“It was very exciting, very hard,” he said, “but I'm totally happy.“It's a beautiful thing to be able to play after such a long time at home in front of the home crowd - and then get a win out of it. For me it was a perfect day.”

Bayern captain Philipp Lahm admitted that he was pleased to see his defensive colleague feature in the club’s opening Bundesliga clash, saying that it was fully deserved.When asked about the 25-year-old's appearance against Wolfsburg, Lahm said: "[It’s] sensational.“It’s fun to watch him on the pitch. He has long worked hard for it.”

Bayern winger Arjen Robben also praised Badstuber’s return when the Netherlands international admitted he was proud of the defender for overcoming his injury woes. "For my friend Holger. He's back. I'm proud of him. That deserves huge respect,” Robben said.

 

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Khedira hints at Real Madrid exit

Sami Khedira has admitted that he has no idea if he will still be at Real Madrid come the close of the summer transfer window.

The Germany international has just one year left on his current contract with the European champions and Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti revealed on Friday that the midfielder had turned down an extension.

Consequently, Khedira is now being linked with a plethora of clubs, including Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Fiorentina and Napoli, but while the 27-year-old hinted that he is edging towards the exit door at the Santiago Bernabeu, he says that he could still end up staying in the Spanish capital.

"Right now I'm a little out of Real Madrid," he is quoted as saying by Bild. "But until August 31 anything is possible."

Khedira, who was left out of the squad for Friday's Supercopa de Espana second-leg clash with Atletico Madrid, joined Real from Stuttgart in the summer of 2010.

 

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Khedira EPL enawanam Arsenal & Chelsea thamai favourites!​

 

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Klopp takes blame for Dortmund defeat to Leverkusen

Jurgen Klopp says that he is to blame for Borussia Dortmund's shock 2-0 defeat at home to Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.

Last season's Bundesliga runners-up had hoped to hit the ground running on the opening day of the 2014-15 campaign but they fell behind right from the kick-off, with Karim Bellarabi claiming the record for the fastest goal in the history of the German top flight by netting after just nine seconds of action.

The winger then set up Stefan Kiessling for a second Leverkusen goal in the dying seconds, thus leaving Klopp ruing his side's sluggishness in the early exchanges at Signal Iduna Park.

"The start to the game hurt, of course," the BVB boss told reporters. "Leverkusen used their plan; we, unfortunately, did not.

"We have a lot of work to do. That we were not awake at the beginning I blame on myself.

"Our feeling in the first 25 minutes was influenced dramatically after the early goal.

"The team has shown great will and if we'd taken one of our chances, then we would have turned the game. But Bayer earned their win."

Although he alluded to his attack's profligacy in front of goal, Klopp insisted that he did not want to single anyone out for criticism.

"[The finishing] was obviously bad, but the [forwards] have not screwed up alone," he pointed out.

 

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Mourinho rules out Torres exit

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says he has no intention of letting Fernando Torres leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

The Spain international has been a maligned figure since joining the Blues and was not even part of Mourinho's squad to face Leicester City on Saturday, where Diego Costa bagged his second Premier League goal and Didier Drogba made a short cameo in the 2-0 win.

The 30-year-old striker has been linked with a transfer before the window closes, but, despite his lack of involvement at the start of the campaign, Mourinho is keen to keep him.

When asked if Torres would be leaving, the Portuguese replied: "No. I want three strikers in the team and I can’t do the season without three."

Mourinho was then asked what Torres would need to do to in order to earn a place in the first team, to which he replied: "He has to score more goals than the first [striker]."

Torres watched on as compatriot Costa, who also usurped him in the Spanish national team, struck his second goal in English football's top-flight, a tally it took Torres 17 games to reach.

Despite his struggles, the former Liverpool forward had been linked with a return to Atletico Madrid and, more recently, as a potential replacement for Anfield-bound Mario Balotelli.

Mourinho, though, only has three strikers at his disposal after purging his squad of the forwards he criticised last season, with Romelu Lukaku joining Everton for €36 million, Demba Ba leaving for Besiktas and Samuel Eto'o departing on a free transfer.

 

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Manchester United make breakthrough in Di Maria chase

Manchester United have made a breakthrough in their pursuit of Angel Di Maria with the Real Madrid star having decided he wants to join Louis van Gaal's side.

The 26-year-old has emerged as the club's top transfer target and United are ready to pay in excess of €60 million to get their man.

An agreement between the Premier League club and Real Madrid was close in July and now Di Maria's desire to link up with Van Gaal should push the deal over the line.

The former Benfica star's Madrid career is all but over, with boss Carlo Ancelotti revealing on Thursday that Di Maria had asked to leave the club having rejected a new deal to prolong his stay at the Bernabeu.

The summer arrivals of James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos have nudged Di Maria down the Los Blancos pecking order, with the Argentine being left of the squad for the Supercopa de Espana defeat to Atletico Madrid on Friday.

Paris Saint-Germain have long been linked with a summer move for Di Maria, although they pulled out of the race to sign the winger at the beginning of August, leaving the path clear for United.

Goal understands that United are still to agree a fee with Madrid although with Di Maria now set on a move to Old Trafford, Van Gaal's side hold the aces in negotiations with the Liga giants.

United kicked off their Premier League campaign in disastrous fashion with a 2-1 home defeat to Swansea City on the opening weekend of the season.

Argentina international defender Marcos Rojo has since arrived in a €20m deal, with Nani heading to Sporting Lisbon on loan as part of the deal, as Van Gaal looks to improve his squad prior to the summer window closing.

But it is the signing of Di Maria, a player of the quality that Van Gaal openly admitted his side are missing, that would make the biggest statement as the Dutch coach looks to get United back on track in the hunt for the top-four and potentially a Premier League title push.

 

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Godak kalekata passe godak hoda news 1kakCommon Manchester UnitedDi Maria wa gamu kohomahari

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Everton 2-2 Arsenal: Ramsey & Giroud rescue point for Gunners

patta cameback eka

 

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Bayern handed tricky trip to Hamburg in DFB-Pokal draw

Holders Bayern Munich have been dealt a potentially tricky second-round tie against Hamburg in the DFB-Pokal.

Pep Guardiola's side were not rewarded with a kind draw after defeating Preussen Munster 4-1 in the opening round.

They will face their Bundesliga rivals next up away from home, although Mirko Slomka's men were less than convincing in their first-round clash with Energie Cottbus, only progressing on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

Bayern kicked off their Bundesliga title defence with a 2-1 win over Wolfsburg on Friday, while Hamburg held Cologne to a goalless draw a day later.

In the other standout tie of the round, Eintracht Frankfurt were pitted against Borussia Monchengladbach, while amateurs Magdeburg have been rewarded for their shock 1-0 win over Augsburg with the chance to host Champions League hopefuls Bayer Leverkusen.

Borussia Dortmund visit St Pauli in one of five matches between teams from the first and second tiers, with 1860 Munich's clash against Freiburg one of the other notable matches.

Dynamo Dresden of 3. Liga ousted Schalke in the first round and host fellow giant-killers Bochum, who disposed of Stuttgart.

 

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Nani misses penalty but Sporting snatch victory

Sporting Lisbon snatched a late win 1-0 win over Arouca despite Nani missing a penalty upon his return to the Primeira Liga on Saturday.

Marco Silva's men had been looking to kick-start their campaign after drawing their league opener at Academica a week earlier and the morale-boosting triumph they craved arrived in second-half stoppage time.

Nani, who was greeted with a rapturous welcome, made his second debut for his boyhood club after he returned on loan from Manchester United as part of Marcos Rojo's move to Old Trafford. However, his day did not completely go to plan.

The Portugal international impressed in flashes on the flank but he saw his 63rd-minute spot-kick saved by goalkeeper Mauro Goicoechea, much to the displeasure of usual penalty-taker Adrien Silva.

Nani was eventually replaced by Junya Tanaka and the Japanese attacker played a crucial role in the winning goal as he shot against the post in the 93rd minute and Carlos Mane, another substitute, tapped in the rebound.

There was no such late panic for Porto, though, as a 1-0 victory at Pacos Ferreira continued Julen Lopetegui's winning start in charge.

Porto received an early blow as Cristian Tello was forced off with a thigh injury after just 20 minutes.

The change did not prove to be particularly detrimental, however, as Tello's replacement Juan Quintero set up Jackson Martinez for the only goal of the game in the 40th minute.

The young midfielder lofted a deep cross in from the left and Martinez coolly struck a first-time effort across goal and into the bottom-right corner.

 

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Everton ran out of energy against Arsenal, says Martinez

Everton manager Roberto Martinez says his side simply ran out of energy after blowing a two-goal lead in their draw with Arsenal.

The home team thrilled Goodison Park with a largely dominant display that gave them a deserved half-time lead through goals from Seamus Coleman and Steven Naismith.Everton appeared on course to repeat their storming 3-0 win over Arsene Wenger's men in April, but goals inside the final 10 minutes from Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud ensured a share of the spoils.

"For 70, 75 minutes it was the perfect performance - very similar to the one we had not that long ago when we faced Arsenal," Martinez told reporters."The first half display was full of dynamic football, full of energy. We were really, really strong every time we went forward.

"We defended really well. We stopped Arsenal from having a shot on target [during the first half]."Scoring the two goals should have been enough to control the game in the normal manner that we do.

"I just felt that certain individuals and as a team… we dropped our energy levels.
"When you do that you have to score that third goal. Otherwise, if you allow Arsenal to get a goal back, all of a sudden they have a bit of momentum."The disappointment is the result, there's no two ways about it. But the performance is phenomenal.

"It was exactly what we wanted but it gives a clear direction of where we have to work because it was a performance of an early moment of the season where we couldn't maintain it for 90 minutes."But for the long spells of the game it was a performance that deserved the three point and we felt really, really dominant against a really strong side in front of us."

The result was Everton's second 2-2 draw in as many outings this season having twice surrendered the lead on the opening day at Leicester City, but Martinez maintains there are plenty of reasons for his players to remain upbeat."The two games we have played now, Leicester and Arsenal, we are the ones responsible for us not getting three points," he added.

"But it gives you a real excitement looking forward because if we can correct and improve our levels it gives us fantastic potential."I always like to analyse the performances further than the scoreline."

 

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Juventus boss Allegri: Vidal's return the most important thing

Massimiliano Allegri was a happy man after seeing Arturo Vidal don a Juventus shirt for the first time since being linked with Manchester United.

The Chile midfielder has not featured at all during pre-season, with the midfielder having been afforded an extended break to recover from his exploit's at Brazil 2014 this summer.

Speculation was rife that Vidal had played his last game for the Old Lady, with United reportedly on the verge of luring the 27-year-old.

However, Vidal, who has also been battling a knee problem, played in Juve's Trofeo TIM clash with AC Milan in Reggio Emilia on Saturday night, which, as far Allegri was concerned, more than made up for the 1-0 loss to their Serie A rivals.

"It was the first time that he's played since we have returned to training, so he's still missing something [in terms of fitness]," Allegri told Mediaset.

"The important thing, though, is that he has returned."

While Vidal now looks certain to remain in Turin, Juve are reportedly still looking to strengthen their squad before the close of the transfer window.

It has been claimed that director general Giuseppe Marotta is targeting a defender and an attacker, and Allegri admitted that he is not against the idea of making more signings.

"We [the coaching staff] are in full harmony with the club," he explained. "If there's the chance of improving the squad, the club will certainly do it."

Allegri took charge of Juve last month, after the shock resignation of Antonio Conte as coach.

 

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Wenger praises Arsenal's belief after Everton draw

Arsene Wenger praised Arsenal's character as they secured a 2-2 draw at Everton and avoided another Goodison Park nightmare on Saturday.Back in April, Arsenal were soundly beaten 3-0 on Merseyside in a result that looked at the time to have severely damaged their Champions League hopes - although a late-season rally ultimately helped them to pip Everton to the fourth and final qualification place.

On the back of their European exertions at Besiktas in midweek, the north London side looked set for a repeat as Everton raced into a 2-0 half-time lead thanks to goals from Seamus Coleman and Steven Naismith.But Wenger's men belatedly worked their way back into the game, as Aaron Ramsey continued his rich vein of scoring form to reduce the arrears in the 83rd minute and then Olivier Giroud headed them level in the final minute.

"When we got beaten 3-0 here it could have been many more," Wenger told reporters. "That was quite a flattering score on the day but today I believe we deserved the point we earned and for us to come back from 2-0 down against a team who is good on the counter-attack shows that the belief and resilience is there.

"Having said that, the second goal was offside and there was a foul before, just before half-time, so it was difficult to swallow. But we took it on the chin and came back in the way we did."Giroud was introduced at the interval after Alexis Sanchez failed to fire on his first appearance in a central striking role for Arsenal and Wenger felt the France international's more imposing physical presence changed the complexion of the match.

"I have more strikers than before so sometimes I can give them a little rest," he said in explaining the decision to start Giroud on the bench - a player Wenger may be without for the second leg against Besiktas after he sustained an ankle problem in stoppage time."Giroud has just played one game since the World Cup so I gave him a little breather today but I knew we were dominating the game in the second half and we needed some physical presence up front, and he did that very well.

"We looked much more dangerous because we were not in a counter-attacking situation. We were in a dominating situation where of course you play 10 against 10 in one half and his presence is very important."

 

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Inzaghi buoyed by AC Milan win over Juventus

Pippo Inzaghi claimed that the sky is the limit for his AC Milan side after Saturday's friendly win over Juventus - particularly if they get the fans back on their side.

The San Siro faithful were left bewildered by last season's eighth-placed finish in Serie A and their sense of disillusionment has hardly improved during what has been an underwhelming summer transfer window for the Rossoneri, whose most high-profile signings, Alex and Jeremy Menez, were free transfers.

However, Inzaghi has the utmost faith in the players at his disposal and was delighted that they showed what they could do in beating a strong Juventus line-up in a 45-minute friendly on Saturday night, with Keisuke Honda scoring the only goal of the Trofeo TIM clash in Reggio Emilia.

"I am very happy attitude of the boys," the former Rossoneri striker told Mediaset. "We had a straight fight with Juventus with good counterattacks, even going close to a second goal

"I'm happy, we are growing and we are improving. The team is in a constant state of growth.

"I know this will take time but I know that with this attitude we will bring the fans back to the stadium.

"With the enthusiasm of fans, this team can do anything."

 

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Sevilla 1-1 Valencia: Ten-man visitors snatch draw at the death

Ten-man Valencia struck late to claim a 1-1 draw from a dramatic Liga clash with Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

Aleix Vidal's strike just before the break looked set to earn the Rojiblancos all three points points from their Primera Division opener.

However, Valencia never stopped fighting, even after the dismissal of Rodrigo midway through the second half, and were rewarded for their persistence with just over a minute of normal time remaining when Orban bundled the ball home.

The defender's effort may have been both ugly and fortuitous, with the ball having ricocheted into the Argentine's path before he chested it home, but the visitors would argue that they deserved their slice of luck.

Indeed, Valencia were desperately lucky to have not opened the scoring when Pablo Piatti was put in on goal with just nine minutes gone.

However, the midfielder's low strike cruelly struck both posts without ever going over the line, much to the relief of Beto in the Sevilla goal.

Both sides subsequently struggled to create any clear-cut openings until the hosts broke the deadlock just before the break.

Carlos Bacca eluded two players on the left-hand side before slipping the ball inside to Vidal. The midfielder's first effort struck Beto's chest, but he made no mistake with the rebound to send the Sanchez Pizjuan wild.

Bacca's pace continued to cause Valencia problems in the second half and the striker was also involved in what should have been a second goal for Sevilla in the 66th minute. However, Vitolo fired wide with the goal at his mercy.

Still, it did not seem as if Sevilla would be punished for their profligacy, as just moments later, Valencia summer signing Rodrigo was shown a straight red card for elbowing Vitolo just moments after coming on as a substitute.

Valencia kept pressing, though, and, after a well-worked corner on the left-hand side, the ball dropped for Orban, who directed it over the line with his chest to earn his side the unlikeliest of draws.

 

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Manchester United plan Smalling contract talks

Manchester United want to sit down with Chris Smalling in the next few weeks to discuss a new five-year contract.

The versatile defender had been tracked by Arsenal for several months, with the the Gunners wanting to include the former Fulham man in a deal which would have taken Thomas Vermaelen to Old Trafford. However, United rejected Arsenal's offer and the Belgian ultimately opted to move to Barcelona instead.

The Red Devils are now planning to offer Smalling an improved long term deal worth €87,000 per week.

The England international has less than two years remaining on his current deal and United want to secure his future at the club.

The 24-year-old made 39 appearances in all competitions under former manager David Moyes last season and earned a place in Roy Hodgson's England World Cup squad.

Smalling also played the full 90 minutes in Louis van Gaal's first competitive game in charge at Old Trafford, a 2-1 defeat to Swansea City.

The centre-half, who can also play as a right-back, earns around €62,000 a week at present and can expect an improved offer similar to that being made to fellow England international Phil Jones.

 

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Everton draw shows Arsenal have learnt lessons, says Flamini

Mathieu Flamini feels Saturday's last-gasp 2-2 Premier League draw at Everton shows Arsenal have learned hard lessons from last season.Arsene Wenger's side received heavy defeats at the hands of champions Manchester City and fellow title chasers Liverpool and Chelsea in 2013-14.

In April, they were also convincingly dispatched 3-0 at Goodison Park before overhauling Roberto Martinez's men to claim the final Champions League qualification spot.They appeared to be on course for a repeat dose as Seamus Coleman and Steven Naismith handed Everton a 2-0 half-time lead, with Arsenal labouring on that back of their midweek exertions in Turkey against Besiktas.

But Aaron Ramsey reduced the arrears with seven minutes remaining before Olivier Giroud - on at half-time for a disappointing Alexis Sanchez - headed home Nacho Monreal's cross in the final minute of normal time."We'll say it's a great performance because we were 2-0 down. It was great spirit from the boys because it was not easy," Flamini told Sky Sports.

"At half-time the manager said there was space to create opportunities and we believed we could do it."We have learned a lot from last year from when we were playing against these top teams.

"We didn't give up until the last second and that was important. This is a game to remember for us."But Wenger sounded a note of caution ahead of the return leg against Besiktas - into which Arsenal take a goalless draw - as he revealed Giroud is an injury doubt following an incident in stoppage time.

"It was a stretched ankle, at the moment it doesn't look too good," he told Sky Sports.On the game itself, Wenger joined Flamini in praising Arsenal’s character.
"We have a great response with complete desire to come back and the spirit was fantastic," he said.

"In the end we got back to 2-2 and we got a strong point but a deserved one if you look at the chances we had, especially in the second half. We came back very late but our spirit got us a point."It shows the belief and the resilience is there. The second goal was offside but we took it on the chin and came back."