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Leicester City 2-0 Swansea City: Ulloa & King boost Foxes survival hopes
Leicester City’s Premier League survival hopes received a boost after beating Swansea City 2-0 after goals from Leonardo Ulloa and Andy King.The Foxes have now recorded three wins in a row to lift themselves off the bottom of the table for the first time since November.
Ulloa opened the scoring early in the first half after collecting Wes Morgan’s knock-down to net his eighth goal of the season.
Swansea City missed their chance to level the scorline when Nelson Oliveira shot straight at Kasper Schemeichel after some neat footwork inside the box.
Leicester then sealed all three points when King pounced first after Lukasz Fabianski parried Esteban Cambiasso’s free-kick.
It was the home side who started brightest and took a deserved lead in the 15th minute.
The Swansea defence failed to deal with a Marcin Wasilewski punt into the box and Ulloa was on hand to drive a shot into the bottom left-hand corner after being teed up by Wes Morgan.
Wayne Routledge chipped over goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel into the Leicester net soon afterwards but the assistant referee’s flag had already been raised for offside, with television replays suggesting an extremely tight call.
Leicester continued to press, with Marc Albrighton curling a shot just wide, before Swansea finally began to show signs of life with 25 minutes on the clock – Jonjo Shelvey firing their first real chance high and wide.
Albrighton and Andrej Kramaric went close to extending Leicester's lead with early second-half efforts, while Shelvey continued to look Swansea's most potent threat at the other end, drawing a diving save from Schmeichel.
The Dane had to be alert as the second half progressed, denying Oliveira and and Shelvey in quick succession shortly after the hour mark as Swansea pressed for a leveller, while substitute Jefferson Montero's strike deflected wide a few moments later.
From the resulting corner, Leicester launched a rapid counter-attack, but Riyad Mahrez was unable to execute his attempted chipped finish, before Jamie Vardy saw claims for a penalty following a clumsy Ashley Williams challenge waved away.
Mahrez then forced Lukasz Fabianski to tip the ball around the post following a 20-yard strike late on, but King wrapped up the points when Fabianski dropped the ball into his path from Esteban Cambiasso's free-kick.
Leicester City’s Premier League survival hopes received a boost after beating Swansea City 2-0 after goals from Leonardo Ulloa and Andy King.The Foxes have now recorded three wins in a row to lift themselves off the bottom of the table for the first time since November.
Ulloa opened the scoring early in the first half after collecting Wes Morgan’s knock-down to net his eighth goal of the season.
Swansea City missed their chance to level the scorline when Nelson Oliveira shot straight at Kasper Schemeichel after some neat footwork inside the box.
Leicester then sealed all three points when King pounced first after Lukasz Fabianski parried Esteban Cambiasso’s free-kick.
It was the home side who started brightest and took a deserved lead in the 15th minute.
The Swansea defence failed to deal with a Marcin Wasilewski punt into the box and Ulloa was on hand to drive a shot into the bottom left-hand corner after being teed up by Wes Morgan.
Wayne Routledge chipped over goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel into the Leicester net soon afterwards but the assistant referee’s flag had already been raised for offside, with television replays suggesting an extremely tight call.
Leicester continued to press, with Marc Albrighton curling a shot just wide, before Swansea finally began to show signs of life with 25 minutes on the clock – Jonjo Shelvey firing their first real chance high and wide.
Albrighton and Andrej Kramaric went close to extending Leicester's lead with early second-half efforts, while Shelvey continued to look Swansea's most potent threat at the other end, drawing a diving save from Schmeichel.
The Dane had to be alert as the second half progressed, denying Oliveira and and Shelvey in quick succession shortly after the hour mark as Swansea pressed for a leveller, while substitute Jefferson Montero's strike deflected wide a few moments later.
From the resulting corner, Leicester launched a rapid counter-attack, but Riyad Mahrez was unable to execute his attempted chipped finish, before Jamie Vardy saw claims for a penalty following a clumsy Ashley Williams challenge waved away.
Mahrez then forced Lukasz Fabianski to tip the ball around the post following a 20-yard strike late on, but King wrapped up the points when Fabianski dropped the ball into his path from Esteban Cambiasso's free-kick.
Crystal Palace 0-2 West Brom: Pulis haunts former club
Craig Gardner scored a stunning long-range goal as West Brom beat Crystal Palace 2-0 on Tony Pulis' return to Selhurst Park to secure their first away win in the Premier League since November.
Pulis quit as Palace manager just two days before the start of this season after keeping them in the top flight last term, and the Welshman marked his first game back at his former club with a long-awaited victory on the road.
Palace went into Saturday's game on the back of four consecutive wins and were big favourites to beat an Albion side who had lost their last three games, but an early strike from James Morrison set the tone for a surprise win.
Gardner then got in on the act with a thumping right-footed drive after the break and there was no way back for Alan Pardew's men.
Three points moves West Brom above Newcastle United into 13th place and deals a blow to Palace's hopes of finishing in the top half.
Joe Ledley was recalled to the Palace starting line-up at the expense of Pape Souare, who dropped to the bench.
Brown Ideye had been a doubt for West Brom due to a knock sustained in training and the striker was only named among the substitutes, with Victor Anichebe replacing him.
Albion had scored just one goal in their previous four away games, but they took less than two minutes to break the deadlock as an unmarked Morrison evaded Jason Puncheon to head home Chris Brunt's corner.
Anichebe was enraged when he went down under a challenge from Mile Jedinak 15 minutes in but referee Jonathan Moss opted not to point to the penalty spot.
Palace started to get into their stride and they also felt aggrieved when Gardner jumped into Wilfried Zaha but once again referee Moss saw nothing untoward.
Yannick Bolasie was this week valued at £20 million by Pardew and the winger's price tag may have soared even higher had his acrobatic overhead kick not been palmed away by Boaz Myhill as Palace remained on the front foot.
Pardew reacted to his side's first-half display by replacing Jedinak and Ledley with Dwight Gayle and Souare at the break.
However, the home side were two goals down eight minutes into the second half courtesy of a stunning strike from Gardner.
The midfielder took a touch after a corner had not been properly cleared and then let fly with a sublime right-footed strike from 25 yards which flew past Julian Speroni and found the far corner of the net.
Gayle somehow failed to convert a fine cross from Souare three minutes later and Bolasie felt his goal-bound strike was handled as Palace's frustration mounted.
Substitute Yaya Sanogo had a late goal ruled out for offside for the hosts before Glenn Murray somehow volleyed wide from close range with an effort that summed up a frustrating afternoon for Palace.
Craig Gardner scored a stunning long-range goal as West Brom beat Crystal Palace 2-0 on Tony Pulis' return to Selhurst Park to secure their first away win in the Premier League since November.
Pulis quit as Palace manager just two days before the start of this season after keeping them in the top flight last term, and the Welshman marked his first game back at his former club with a long-awaited victory on the road.
Palace went into Saturday's game on the back of four consecutive wins and were big favourites to beat an Albion side who had lost their last three games, but an early strike from James Morrison set the tone for a surprise win.
Gardner then got in on the act with a thumping right-footed drive after the break and there was no way back for Alan Pardew's men.
Three points moves West Brom above Newcastle United into 13th place and deals a blow to Palace's hopes of finishing in the top half.
Joe Ledley was recalled to the Palace starting line-up at the expense of Pape Souare, who dropped to the bench.
Brown Ideye had been a doubt for West Brom due to a knock sustained in training and the striker was only named among the substitutes, with Victor Anichebe replacing him.
Albion had scored just one goal in their previous four away games, but they took less than two minutes to break the deadlock as an unmarked Morrison evaded Jason Puncheon to head home Chris Brunt's corner.
Anichebe was enraged when he went down under a challenge from Mile Jedinak 15 minutes in but referee Jonathan Moss opted not to point to the penalty spot.
Palace started to get into their stride and they also felt aggrieved when Gardner jumped into Wilfried Zaha but once again referee Moss saw nothing untoward.
Yannick Bolasie was this week valued at £20 million by Pardew and the winger's price tag may have soared even higher had his acrobatic overhead kick not been palmed away by Boaz Myhill as Palace remained on the front foot.
Pardew reacted to his side's first-half display by replacing Jedinak and Ledley with Dwight Gayle and Souare at the break.
However, the home side were two goals down eight minutes into the second half courtesy of a stunning strike from Gardner.
The midfielder took a touch after a corner had not been properly cleared and then let fly with a sublime right-footed strike from 25 yards which flew past Julian Speroni and found the far corner of the net.
Gayle somehow failed to convert a fine cross from Souare three minutes later and Bolasie felt his goal-bound strike was handled as Palace's frustration mounted.
Substitute Yaya Sanogo had a late goal ruled out for offside for the hosts before Glenn Murray somehow volleyed wide from close range with an effort that summed up a frustrating afternoon for Palace.
Everton 1-0 Burnley: Mirallas bags Toffees winner and avoids red card
Kevin Mirallas's first-half strike secured a 1-0 win to extend Everton's unbeaten Premier League run to five and send Burnley to the bottom of the Premier League table.
Everton started well, and were given a golden chance to take the lead when David Jones fouled Aaron Lennon, but Tom Heaton got down low to parry away Ross Barkley's poor effort.
Sean Dyche's side continued to live dangerously though, and they were made to pay when Mirallas fired the hosts ahead midway through the first-half.
Burnley had shown signs of a comeback as the opening half wore on, but matters were made much more difficult for them when Ashley Barnes was dismissed for a second bookable offence moments before the interval.
James McCarthy wasted a great opportunity to put the hosts further ahead after the restart, with Leighton Baines also testing Heaton as Everton continued to dominate.
Burnley frontman Danny Ings also spurned a late chance as his goalless run stretched to eight games – with Leicester City's triumph against Swansea City meaning the Lancashire outfit slumped to 20th place.
In-keeping with their recent good form, Roberto Martinez's men were fast out the blocks, with Barkley and Lennon both looking sharp, and that early pressure should have proved fruitful 10 minutes in when Jones brought down the latter just inside the area.
Despite regular penalty taker Baines being on the pitch, it was Barkley who stepped up, and the midfielder's effort was kept out by Heaton, low to his right.
Lennon fired a warning shot just past Heaton's right-hand upright as Everton continued to press and the Tottenham loanee was at the heart of things as they took the lead, driving through midfield before the ball was worked for Mirallas to prod home at the second time of asking.
Jones blazed over the bar with Burnley's first effort of note just three minutes later, but any Burnley comeback was stunted by a moment of madness by Barnes – already on a booking for a clumsy tackle on McCarthy – as he needlessly slid in on Coleman on the stroke of half-time, earning his marching orders.
The hosts were lucky not to be a man down themselves five minutes after the break, Mirallas escaping with just a booking for a studs-first lunge on George Boyd.
McCarthy should have doubled Everton's advantage just prior to the hour-mark but he drilled into the side-netting after being fed by the vibrant Lennon before Heaton smartly denied Baines' piledriver.
Ings headed over with five minutes remaining as the visitors finally mustered an attempt, but Everton held firm to secure their fourth win in five league fixtures.
Kevin Mirallas's first-half strike secured a 1-0 win to extend Everton's unbeaten Premier League run to five and send Burnley to the bottom of the Premier League table.
Everton started well, and were given a golden chance to take the lead when David Jones fouled Aaron Lennon, but Tom Heaton got down low to parry away Ross Barkley's poor effort.
Sean Dyche's side continued to live dangerously though, and they were made to pay when Mirallas fired the hosts ahead midway through the first-half.
Burnley had shown signs of a comeback as the opening half wore on, but matters were made much more difficult for them when Ashley Barnes was dismissed for a second bookable offence moments before the interval.
James McCarthy wasted a great opportunity to put the hosts further ahead after the restart, with Leighton Baines also testing Heaton as Everton continued to dominate.
Burnley frontman Danny Ings also spurned a late chance as his goalless run stretched to eight games – with Leicester City's triumph against Swansea City meaning the Lancashire outfit slumped to 20th place.
In-keeping with their recent good form, Roberto Martinez's men were fast out the blocks, with Barkley and Lennon both looking sharp, and that early pressure should have proved fruitful 10 minutes in when Jones brought down the latter just inside the area.
Despite regular penalty taker Baines being on the pitch, it was Barkley who stepped up, and the midfielder's effort was kept out by Heaton, low to his right.
Lennon fired a warning shot just past Heaton's right-hand upright as Everton continued to press and the Tottenham loanee was at the heart of things as they took the lead, driving through midfield before the ball was worked for Mirallas to prod home at the second time of asking.
Jones blazed over the bar with Burnley's first effort of note just three minutes later, but any Burnley comeback was stunted by a moment of madness by Barnes – already on a booking for a clumsy tackle on McCarthy – as he needlessly slid in on Coleman on the stroke of half-time, earning his marching orders.
The hosts were lucky not to be a man down themselves five minutes after the break, Mirallas escaping with just a booking for a studs-first lunge on George Boyd.
McCarthy should have doubled Everton's advantage just prior to the hour-mark but he drilled into the side-netting after being fed by the vibrant Lennon before Heaton smartly denied Baines' piledriver.
Ings headed over with five minutes remaining as the visitors finally mustered an attempt, but Everton held firm to secure their fourth win in five league fixtures.
Hoffenheim 0-2 Bayern Munich: Rode keeps champions on track for title
A strike from Sebastian Rode and a late own goal was enough to seal all three points for Bayern Munich as they won 2-0 at Hoffenheim on Saturday.
A tumultuous week for the German champions saw a 3-1 defeat to Porto leave their European hopes hanging in the balance, while the loss also saw long-serving team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller Wohlfahrt quit after being blamed for events in Portugal.
However, victory at the Rhein-Neckar Arena will go some way to lifting the mood for Pep Guardiola's men, who are now two wins away from securing a third straight domestic title.
The visitors took the lead through Rode, who marked his return to the starting line-up with a cool curling effort after good work from Robert Lewandowski inside the area.
Home captain Andreas Beck scored a last-minute own goal to seal the result after Bayern had kept pressure on the Hoffenheim goal with little reward.
An injury to Juan Bernat was the biggest blight in an ultimately successful 90 minutes for Bayern, who now host Porto in midweek hoping to rescue their continental campaign.
Again missing the attacking flair of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, Bayern struggled initially and saw Anthony Modeste go close twice for Hoffenheim, looping a header over before Manuel Neuer stood firm to deny the Frenchman one-on-one after sloppy play from Dante.
Finally forced into life by that scare, Bayern went ahead.
Lewandowski kept play alive after Muller had been denied and fed Rode, who shifted the ball onto his right foot and beat Baumann from 15 yards.
Rode nearly turned from hero to villain just before the break, appearing to trip Eugen Polanski inside the area, only for referee Tobias Stieler to wave away the home side's penalty appeals.
Bayern were dealt another injury blow shortly after the break when Bernat limped off with an apparent ankle problem.
Lewandowski snapped a looping effort onto the top of the bar two minutes into the half, before a fine double save from Baumann denied first Thiago and then Muller from close range.
Kevin Volland fired a volley just wide from distance moments later, but the hosts rarely looked like threatening Bayern's lead, with Sebastian Rudy bending a free-kick just wide five minutes from time.
Bayern's win was sealed in the last minute of stoppage time as Muller raced down the right before producing a driven cross into the area that Beck could only turn into his own net.
An identical scoreline against Porto on Tuesday will see Bayern through to the Champions league semi-finals, but they will likely require a more incisive showing up front if they are to overcome the Portuguese side.
A strike from Sebastian Rode and a late own goal was enough to seal all three points for Bayern Munich as they won 2-0 at Hoffenheim on Saturday.
A tumultuous week for the German champions saw a 3-1 defeat to Porto leave their European hopes hanging in the balance, while the loss also saw long-serving team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller Wohlfahrt quit after being blamed for events in Portugal.
However, victory at the Rhein-Neckar Arena will go some way to lifting the mood for Pep Guardiola's men, who are now two wins away from securing a third straight domestic title.
The visitors took the lead through Rode, who marked his return to the starting line-up with a cool curling effort after good work from Robert Lewandowski inside the area.
Home captain Andreas Beck scored a last-minute own goal to seal the result after Bayern had kept pressure on the Hoffenheim goal with little reward.
An injury to Juan Bernat was the biggest blight in an ultimately successful 90 minutes for Bayern, who now host Porto in midweek hoping to rescue their continental campaign.
Again missing the attacking flair of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, Bayern struggled initially and saw Anthony Modeste go close twice for Hoffenheim, looping a header over before Manuel Neuer stood firm to deny the Frenchman one-on-one after sloppy play from Dante.
Finally forced into life by that scare, Bayern went ahead.
Lewandowski kept play alive after Muller had been denied and fed Rode, who shifted the ball onto his right foot and beat Baumann from 15 yards.
Rode nearly turned from hero to villain just before the break, appearing to trip Eugen Polanski inside the area, only for referee Tobias Stieler to wave away the home side's penalty appeals.
Bayern were dealt another injury blow shortly after the break when Bernat limped off with an apparent ankle problem.
Lewandowski snapped a looping effort onto the top of the bar two minutes into the half, before a fine double save from Baumann denied first Thiago and then Muller from close range.
Kevin Volland fired a volley just wide from distance moments later, but the hosts rarely looked like threatening Bayern's lead, with Sebastian Rudy bending a free-kick just wide five minutes from time.
Bayern's win was sealed in the last minute of stoppage time as Muller raced down the right before producing a driven cross into the area that Beck could only turn into his own net.
An identical scoreline against Porto on Tuesday will see Bayern through to the Champions league semi-finals, but they will likely require a more incisive showing up front if they are to overcome the Portuguese side.
Borussia Dortmund 3-0 Paderborn: Kagawa caps impressive win after turbulent week
Shinji Kagawa was on the scoresheet as Borussia Dortmund put talk of Jurgen Klopp behind them with a 3-0 win over Paderborn on Saturday.
Klopp revealed on Wednesday that he will depart the club at the end of the season, bringing to an end a seven-year success-laden spell at Signal Iduna Park, and his team responded with a professional display.
The former Mainz coach's time at Dortmund has seen the club win two Bundesliga titles, a DFB-Pokal and reach the Champions League final, though for prolonged periods here his team typified the erratic nature of their play this term.
Despite dominating and producing some fine football, Dortmund saw a host of chances go begging in the first half, a familiar source of frustration this season for the side who began the weekend 10th.
But, almost like the flick of a switch, the home side found their range right at the start of the second half, Henrikh Mkhitaryan's opener followed swiftly by a delightful Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang finish.
Aubameyang and Shinji Kagawa both saw goals disallowed for offside, but the Japan international eventually added the third 10 minutes from time, as Dortmund's push for a top-six finish continues.
Dortmund showed no signs of being distracted by their coach's recent announcement during the early exchanges, beginning the contest full of purpose and attacking intent.
It took the hosts just five minutes to craft the game's first opportunity, as Matthias Ginter – back in the side after impressing for the second team last week – forced Lukas Kruse into a flying save with a shot from 30 yards.
The goalkeeper was rendered helpless for Dortmund's next chance in the 11th minute, but luckily for Paderborn, Sokratis Papastathopoulos' header went just wide of the top-right corner.
Ilkay Gundogan saw his low drive agonisingly miss the target a few moments later, and then Aubameyang went close twice in quick succession, blasting straight at the goalkeeper in the 33rd minute before Kruse wonderfully tipped away his audacious chip.
Mkhitaryan was similarly unsuccessful with 37 minutes on the clock, skewing wide from 12 yards after a clever Gundogan pass.
Dortmund's first-half profligacy soon evaporated from their system, however, as the opening attack of the second period brought a deserved lead.
Aubameyang raced on to Jakub Blaszczykowski's throughball on the right flank and the striker's pinpoint cross was nodded home emphatically by Mkhitaryan.
Aubameyang was integral again seven minutes later as Dortmund doubled their advantage, clipping an exquisite chip over Kruse as he dived at the Gabon forward's feet.
Any chance of a spectacular late collapse was vanquished in the 80th minute, as Kagawa collected Mkhitaryan's pass, burst past Rafa Lopez and slotted a composed left-footed effort past Kruse, capping off Dortmund's brilliant second-half display.
Shinji Kagawa was on the scoresheet as Borussia Dortmund put talk of Jurgen Klopp behind them with a 3-0 win over Paderborn on Saturday.
Klopp revealed on Wednesday that he will depart the club at the end of the season, bringing to an end a seven-year success-laden spell at Signal Iduna Park, and his team responded with a professional display.
The former Mainz coach's time at Dortmund has seen the club win two Bundesliga titles, a DFB-Pokal and reach the Champions League final, though for prolonged periods here his team typified the erratic nature of their play this term.
Despite dominating and producing some fine football, Dortmund saw a host of chances go begging in the first half, a familiar source of frustration this season for the side who began the weekend 10th.
But, almost like the flick of a switch, the home side found their range right at the start of the second half, Henrikh Mkhitaryan's opener followed swiftly by a delightful Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang finish.
Aubameyang and Shinji Kagawa both saw goals disallowed for offside, but the Japan international eventually added the third 10 minutes from time, as Dortmund's push for a top-six finish continues.
Dortmund showed no signs of being distracted by their coach's recent announcement during the early exchanges, beginning the contest full of purpose and attacking intent.
It took the hosts just five minutes to craft the game's first opportunity, as Matthias Ginter – back in the side after impressing for the second team last week – forced Lukas Kruse into a flying save with a shot from 30 yards.
The goalkeeper was rendered helpless for Dortmund's next chance in the 11th minute, but luckily for Paderborn, Sokratis Papastathopoulos' header went just wide of the top-right corner.
Ilkay Gundogan saw his low drive agonisingly miss the target a few moments later, and then Aubameyang went close twice in quick succession, blasting straight at the goalkeeper in the 33rd minute before Kruse wonderfully tipped away his audacious chip.
Mkhitaryan was similarly unsuccessful with 37 minutes on the clock, skewing wide from 12 yards after a clever Gundogan pass.
Dortmund's first-half profligacy soon evaporated from their system, however, as the opening attack of the second period brought a deserved lead.
Aubameyang raced on to Jakub Blaszczykowski's throughball on the right flank and the striker's pinpoint cross was nodded home emphatically by Mkhitaryan.
Aubameyang was integral again seven minutes later as Dortmund doubled their advantage, clipping an exquisite chip over Kruse as he dived at the Gabon forward's feet.
Any chance of a spectacular late collapse was vanquished in the 80th minute, as Kagawa collected Mkhitaryan's pass, burst past Rafa Lopez and slotted a composed left-footed effort past Kruse, capping off Dortmund's brilliant second-half display.
'I'm unhappy with Toure's performances,' admits Pellegrini
Manuel Pellegrini admits he has been unhappy with Yaya Toure’s performances for Manchester City this season.
The 31-year-old has been criticised for his inconsistent displays for the Premier League champions and came under fire after a subdued outing in City’s 4-2 defeat to Manchester United last Sunday.
The loss at Old Trafford has left City 12 points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea but Pellegrini insists Toure remains an important part of the team.
“I don’t think he’s happy with his performance this year – and nor am I. But we must support him and return him to his normal performance,” said Pellegrini.
“Maybe if we play without Yaya when he was at the Africa Cup and we’d won all the games, then he comes back and we start losing, maybe then you think that. Yaya needs support, he’s a very important player and he will have my support till the end of the season.”
The City boss also insists Toure’s form has not been hampered due to the Ivory Coast’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign earlier this year.
“He doesn’t need a break. For a lot of reasons he’s not the same player he was last season but he continues being a very important player for our team,” said Pellegrini.
“It’s very easy when you don’t get the results to single out one player but remember in January people said we were one player and it was Yaya.
“That’s when we started with bad results – it was just because this team was Yaya. The only player we had was Yaya and without him we couldn’t win – I don’t think it was true.
"He’s not playing well in parts of the game. But in some parts he is playing well and he will continue playing.”
Manuel Pellegrini admits he has been unhappy with Yaya Toure’s performances for Manchester City this season.
The 31-year-old has been criticised for his inconsistent displays for the Premier League champions and came under fire after a subdued outing in City’s 4-2 defeat to Manchester United last Sunday.
The loss at Old Trafford has left City 12 points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea but Pellegrini insists Toure remains an important part of the team.
“I don’t think he’s happy with his performance this year – and nor am I. But we must support him and return him to his normal performance,” said Pellegrini.
“Maybe if we play without Yaya when he was at the Africa Cup and we’d won all the games, then he comes back and we start losing, maybe then you think that. Yaya needs support, he’s a very important player and he will have my support till the end of the season.”
The City boss also insists Toure’s form has not been hampered due to the Ivory Coast’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign earlier this year.
“He doesn’t need a break. For a lot of reasons he’s not the same player he was last season but he continues being a very important player for our team,” said Pellegrini.
“It’s very easy when you don’t get the results to single out one player but remember in January people said we were one player and it was Yaya.
“That’s when we started with bad results – it was just because this team was Yaya. The only player we had was Yaya and without him we couldn’t win – I don’t think it was true.
"He’s not playing well in parts of the game. But in some parts he is playing well and he will continue playing.”
Shaqiri: Inter must buy better players
Xherdan Shaqiri has admitted that Inter will need to sign "important players" in order to get back into the Champions League.
The Switzerland international joined the Nerazzurri from Bayern Munich in January but has thus far struggled to make a big impact a San Siro, netting one goal in 10 Serie A outings.Shaqiri, though, says that he cannot lift Roberto Mancini's struggling side all on his own, saying that he will need greater support from his team-mates.
"Italian football is different but I’ve had no real problems in settling in," he told reporters."Mancini expects me to make the difference and in that regard the help of my team-mates is vital.
"It’s not been a season to remember but Inter are a massive club and we want to get back to winning ways next season. "We need to be in the Champions League, that’s our natural habitat.
"With the arrival of other important players [during the summer transfer window], we’ll be able to cut the gap with the other sides, but Mancini and his coaches know what to do to get us back to the top."
Indeed, Shaqiri says Inter are looking forward to Sunday's derby against AC Milan and desperately hoping to claim the win that would see them climb above their ninth-placed rivals in the Serie A standings.
"There’s a very positive, special vibe," the attacker added. "The tension is rising and you can feel that there’s a different atmosphere around the city.
"We know that it’s a vital match and have great desire to win it. The stadium will be packed and it’s my first derby, of course. "I’m expecting a wonderful night and we want to make our fans happy by beating AC Milan."
Xherdan Shaqiri has admitted that Inter will need to sign "important players" in order to get back into the Champions League.
The Switzerland international joined the Nerazzurri from Bayern Munich in January but has thus far struggled to make a big impact a San Siro, netting one goal in 10 Serie A outings.Shaqiri, though, says that he cannot lift Roberto Mancini's struggling side all on his own, saying that he will need greater support from his team-mates.
"Italian football is different but I’ve had no real problems in settling in," he told reporters."Mancini expects me to make the difference and in that regard the help of my team-mates is vital.
"It’s not been a season to remember but Inter are a massive club and we want to get back to winning ways next season. "We need to be in the Champions League, that’s our natural habitat.
"With the arrival of other important players [during the summer transfer window], we’ll be able to cut the gap with the other sides, but Mancini and his coaches know what to do to get us back to the top."
Indeed, Shaqiri says Inter are looking forward to Sunday's derby against AC Milan and desperately hoping to claim the win that would see them climb above their ninth-placed rivals in the Serie A standings.
"There’s a very positive, special vibe," the attacker added. "The tension is rising and you can feel that there’s a different atmosphere around the city.
"We know that it’s a vital match and have great desire to win it. The stadium will be packed and it’s my first derby, of course. "I’m expecting a wonderful night and we want to make our fans happy by beating AC Milan."
Thiago Silva: I won't be out for long
Paris Saint-Germain captain Thiago Silva has moved to allay concerns that he could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury.
The Brazil international was forced off with a thigh problem during PSG's 3-1 home defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday.
Head coach Laurent Blanc said following the match that the problem did not appear too serious and the centre-back himself has since confirmed he does not expect to be out for long.
"I had some tests yesterday and the injury is very small," he wrote on his official Instagram page."That's why it's important to know your body well. Otherwise, I could have been out for five to six weeks.
"I'm already in recovery so I can return soon."
Paris Saint-Germain captain Thiago Silva has moved to allay concerns that he could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury.
The Brazil international was forced off with a thigh problem during PSG's 3-1 home defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday.
Head coach Laurent Blanc said following the match that the problem did not appear too serious and the centre-back himself has since confirmed he does not expect to be out for long.
"I had some tests yesterday and the injury is very small," he wrote on his official Instagram page."That's why it's important to know your body well. Otherwise, I could have been out for five to six weeks.
"I'm already in recovery so I can return soon."
Inter have more to lose than AC Milan - Mancini
Roberto Mancini claims Inter have more to lose than AC Milan when the two meet at San Siro on Sunday.
Both clubs have again endured disappointing seasons in Serie A: Milan are ninth in the table with eight games remaining, with Inter a point behind in 10th.
Europa League qualification seems to be out of reach for the duo, leaving them with little more than pride to play for. But Mancini said: "The derby is an important game, even if it's a little 'poor' compared to previous years.
"As far as we're concerned, it must be the foundation for a relaunch."Who has more to lose? Inter are the 'home' team, so arguably it would be worse for us to lose, but in truth the situations are very similar.
"I had hoped Inter would be higher up the table by now and still in the running for silverware. At times our campaign has been negative."Mancini will have to cope without the suspended Fredy Guarin and Marcelo Brozovic, while Dodo, Hugo Campagnaro and Jonathan are all unavailable.
"It's a shame I can't use the same XI that beat Verona," Mancini added. "But those who play will do well and we hope to continue along that path."
Roberto Mancini claims Inter have more to lose than AC Milan when the two meet at San Siro on Sunday.
Both clubs have again endured disappointing seasons in Serie A: Milan are ninth in the table with eight games remaining, with Inter a point behind in 10th.
Europa League qualification seems to be out of reach for the duo, leaving them with little more than pride to play for. But Mancini said: "The derby is an important game, even if it's a little 'poor' compared to previous years.
"As far as we're concerned, it must be the foundation for a relaunch."Who has more to lose? Inter are the 'home' team, so arguably it would be worse for us to lose, but in truth the situations are very similar.
"I had hoped Inter would be higher up the table by now and still in the running for silverware. At times our campaign has been negative."Mancini will have to cope without the suspended Fredy Guarin and Marcelo Brozovic, while Dodo, Hugo Campagnaro and Jonathan are all unavailable.
"It's a shame I can't use the same XI that beat Verona," Mancini added. "But those who play will do well and we hope to continue along that path."
Bravo: Valencia made Barcelona suffer
Barcelona goalkeeper Claudio Bravo admits his side were made to suffer for their 2-0 victory over Valencia on Saturday.
The Chile international was called into action after 10 minutes to stop a Dani Parejo penalty in a match that saw Valencia achieve 11 shots on the Barca goal – a tally bettered only by the 13 Real Madrid had earlier this season.
And Bravo says the Liga leaders were well aware they would face a heavy challenge from a resurgent Valencia side that are in the hunt for a Champions League berth this season.
"A lot of things go through your heard, but that first save was a key moment," Bravo said of his penalty stop.
"We suffered, but these sorts of games against a very strong Valencia side are like that and we knew it would be a tough match."
Luis Suarez gave Barca the lead after just 55 seconds at Camp Nou, hitting their fastest league goal since April 2009, before Lionel Messi rounded off the victory in the final minute with his 400th goal in all competitions for the club.
The Uruguayan's opener was the fastest Liga goal Valencia have conceded since Raul struck for Real Madrid after 40 seconds in October 2007.
The victory – three days after the Catalans cruised to a 3-1 Champions League quarter-final first-leg victory over Paris Saint-Germain in Paris – saw Barca extend their lead at the top of the table to five points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid's clash with Malaga on Saturday.
Barcelona goalkeeper Claudio Bravo admits his side were made to suffer for their 2-0 victory over Valencia on Saturday.
The Chile international was called into action after 10 minutes to stop a Dani Parejo penalty in a match that saw Valencia achieve 11 shots on the Barca goal – a tally bettered only by the 13 Real Madrid had earlier this season.
And Bravo says the Liga leaders were well aware they would face a heavy challenge from a resurgent Valencia side that are in the hunt for a Champions League berth this season.
"A lot of things go through your heard, but that first save was a key moment," Bravo said of his penalty stop.
"We suffered, but these sorts of games against a very strong Valencia side are like that and we knew it would be a tough match."
Luis Suarez gave Barca the lead after just 55 seconds at Camp Nou, hitting their fastest league goal since April 2009, before Lionel Messi rounded off the victory in the final minute with his 400th goal in all competitions for the club.
The Uruguayan's opener was the fastest Liga goal Valencia have conceded since Raul struck for Real Madrid after 40 seconds in October 2007.
The victory – three days after the Catalans cruised to a 3-1 Champions League quarter-final first-leg victory over Paris Saint-Germain in Paris – saw Barca extend their lead at the top of the table to five points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid's clash with Malaga on Saturday.
400 goal Messi does more than score - Luis Enrique
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has praised Lionel Messi for delivering more than just goals on the day he scored his 400th for the club.
The Argentine reached the milestone in the final minute of his side's 2-0 victory over Valencia on Saturday after he created the opener for Luis Suarez after just 55 seconds – it was Messi’s fourth assist for the Uruguayan this season.And his coach stressed that the club’s all-time leading scorer once again proved he does more for the Blaugrana than hit the net.
"Messi was supportive, just like the other attackers," Luis Enrique said."They have done what we always ask of them. And Leo showed once again that he is more than just the goals. He worked very hard today - both in defence and attack."
Barca were made to struggle against a Los Che side intent on a return to a Champions League football and Luis Enrique went on to stress the importance of Claudio Bravo’s penalty save from Dani Parejo which would have given the visitors a tenth-minute equaliser.
"It was a different game than the others we have played at the Camp Nou this season. We made a wonderful start. But Valencia had a lot of chances,” he said.
"Their best chance was the penalty that Bravo saved and then they had more, but in the second half we stepped a level.”
"We all know what happened last season when Atletico Madrid beat Barcelona to the title and from the very start I have seen the will of the players to win trophies.”
"I am satisfied with all my players… their attitude is unquestionable.”
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has praised Lionel Messi for delivering more than just goals on the day he scored his 400th for the club.
The Argentine reached the milestone in the final minute of his side's 2-0 victory over Valencia on Saturday after he created the opener for Luis Suarez after just 55 seconds – it was Messi’s fourth assist for the Uruguayan this season.And his coach stressed that the club’s all-time leading scorer once again proved he does more for the Blaugrana than hit the net.
"Messi was supportive, just like the other attackers," Luis Enrique said."They have done what we always ask of them. And Leo showed once again that he is more than just the goals. He worked very hard today - both in defence and attack."
Barca were made to struggle against a Los Che side intent on a return to a Champions League football and Luis Enrique went on to stress the importance of Claudio Bravo’s penalty save from Dani Parejo which would have given the visitors a tenth-minute equaliser.
"It was a different game than the others we have played at the Camp Nou this season. We made a wonderful start. But Valencia had a lot of chances,” he said.
"Their best chance was the penalty that Bravo saved and then they had more, but in the second half we stepped a level.”
"We all know what happened last season when Atletico Madrid beat Barcelona to the title and from the very start I have seen the will of the players to win trophies.”
"I am satisfied with all my players… their attitude is unquestionable.”
Guardiola delighted with Bayern reaction to Porto defeat
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola says he is proud of the way his side bounced back from their Champions League disappointment to see off Hoffenheim 2-0 at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena on Saturday.
The reigning German champions suffered a shock 3-1 reverse to Porto on Wednesday, leaving them facing a tough return leg to secure a European semi-final.
And Guardiola says his injury-ravaged side had to battle fatigue in the second half as they claimed their ninth victory in their last ten league outings.“We played in the first half, showing great control,” Guardiola said.
“The second half was very complicated, our legs were tired. I am very proud of my players. Now next Tuesday we have a very important game in the Champions League. Of course it will be hard, but that's a big goal for us.”
Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Javi Martinez and Mehdi Benatia were once again amongst a long list of high profile absentees as Bayern struggle to deal with a long list of injuries, but Guardiola was delighted with the impact of man-of-the-match Sebastian Rode.
The 24-year-old opened the scoring and no Bayern player ran more than his 12.1 kilometres. He played 87 passes, with an accuracy of 93%, and only Rafinha (139) bettered his total of 109 touches.
"For me it has been a huge amount of fun,” Rode said.“I played from the start and scored a goal - which is of course twice as nice. Most important are the three points and the good feeling for Tuesday.”
Philipp Lahm sat out after suffering a stomach bug while Guardiola rested Jerome Boateng, Xabi Alonso and Thiago.
The victory leaves Bayern 13 points clear of second-placed Wolfsburg, who host Schalke on Sunday.
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola says he is proud of the way his side bounced back from their Champions League disappointment to see off Hoffenheim 2-0 at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena on Saturday.
The reigning German champions suffered a shock 3-1 reverse to Porto on Wednesday, leaving them facing a tough return leg to secure a European semi-final.
And Guardiola says his injury-ravaged side had to battle fatigue in the second half as they claimed their ninth victory in their last ten league outings.“We played in the first half, showing great control,” Guardiola said.
“The second half was very complicated, our legs were tired. I am very proud of my players. Now next Tuesday we have a very important game in the Champions League. Of course it will be hard, but that's a big goal for us.”
Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Javi Martinez and Mehdi Benatia were once again amongst a long list of high profile absentees as Bayern struggle to deal with a long list of injuries, but Guardiola was delighted with the impact of man-of-the-match Sebastian Rode.
The 24-year-old opened the scoring and no Bayern player ran more than his 12.1 kilometres. He played 87 passes, with an accuracy of 93%, and only Rafinha (139) bettered his total of 109 touches.
"For me it has been a huge amount of fun,” Rode said.“I played from the start and scored a goal - which is of course twice as nice. Most important are the three points and the good feeling for Tuesday.”
Philipp Lahm sat out after suffering a stomach bug while Guardiola rested Jerome Boateng, Xabi Alonso and Thiago.
The victory leaves Bayern 13 points clear of second-placed Wolfsburg, who host Schalke on Sunday.
Klopp: I could rest for a year
Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp admits he could well sit out of management for a year when he leaves the club at the end of the season.
The 47-year-old revealed this week that he has agreed to step down at the end of the current campaign after seven years in which he led the club to two Bundesliga titles and a Champions League final.
Klopp insisted that he has no intention to take a sabbatical when he announced his departure, but after Dortmund’s 3-0 home win over Paderborn on Saturday, he conceded that he could well face a spell out of the game.“I have absolutely no time to think about my future,” Kopp said.
“And it's not really important right now. I want to bring my time here to an end. Everything is possible. My staff and I could rest for one year. But at this time nobody knows what will happen.”
The 47-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, with Manchester City the front-runners for his signature, while PSG and Barcelona are also rumoured to be interested in the former Mainz boss.
Goals from Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Shinji Kagawa saw BVB return to winning ways after last week’s defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach.
“This game was all about our team putting on a good performance,” Klopp added.
“There was a great atmosphere in the stadium. It will be really emotional once I leave but until that day I have to control myself and my emotions.”
The victory left Dortmund eighth in the Bundesliga table, five points behind sixth-placed Schalke and Germany’s final Europa League slot.
Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp admits he could well sit out of management for a year when he leaves the club at the end of the season.
The 47-year-old revealed this week that he has agreed to step down at the end of the current campaign after seven years in which he led the club to two Bundesliga titles and a Champions League final.
Klopp insisted that he has no intention to take a sabbatical when he announced his departure, but after Dortmund’s 3-0 home win over Paderborn on Saturday, he conceded that he could well face a spell out of the game.“I have absolutely no time to think about my future,” Kopp said.
“And it's not really important right now. I want to bring my time here to an end. Everything is possible. My staff and I could rest for one year. But at this time nobody knows what will happen.”
The 47-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, with Manchester City the front-runners for his signature, while PSG and Barcelona are also rumoured to be interested in the former Mainz boss.
Goals from Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Shinji Kagawa saw BVB return to winning ways after last week’s defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach.
“This game was all about our team putting on a good performance,” Klopp added.
“There was a great atmosphere in the stadium. It will be really emotional once I leave but until that day I have to control myself and my emotions.”
The victory left Dortmund eighth in the Bundesliga table, five points behind sixth-placed Schalke and Germany’s final Europa League slot.
Ronaldo scores 50 goals five seasons in a row
Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 50 goals for his fifth consecutive season - a feat never before achieved in Spanish football.
The Portugal international signed for the Santiago Bernabeu club in 2009 and, in the process, took his goalscoring ability to another level after leaving Manchester United.
His 50th goal of 2014-15 came in Saturday's 3-1 win over Malaga, ensuring he reached the half century for the campaign having played only 45 matches.
The three-time Ballon d'Or winner missed his first penalty of the season in the triumph in the capital but still managed to star for Carlo Ancelotti's men - he bagged two assists and scored the third and final goal in stoppage-time.
Ronaldo's form and fitness could be pivotal for the European champions in the next couple of weeks after Gareth Bale was withdrawn just five minutes into the clash with Malaga, leaving the Welsh winger doutbful for their Champions League quarter-final second leg with Atletico Madrid.
The 30-year-old has now scored in five successive Liga matches, netting nine goals in that period.
Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 50 goals for his fifth consecutive season - a feat never before achieved in Spanish football.
The Portugal international signed for the Santiago Bernabeu club in 2009 and, in the process, took his goalscoring ability to another level after leaving Manchester United.
His 50th goal of 2014-15 came in Saturday's 3-1 win over Malaga, ensuring he reached the half century for the campaign having played only 45 matches.
The three-time Ballon d'Or winner missed his first penalty of the season in the triumph in the capital but still managed to star for Carlo Ancelotti's men - he bagged two assists and scored the third and final goal in stoppage-time.
Ronaldo's form and fitness could be pivotal for the European champions in the next couple of weeks after Gareth Bale was withdrawn just five minutes into the clash with Malaga, leaving the Welsh winger doutbful for their Champions League quarter-final second leg with Atletico Madrid.
The 30-year-old has now scored in five successive Liga matches, netting nine goals in that period.
'I love winning like that' - Mourinho taunts Man Utd
Jose Mourinho claims he "loves" winning with less than a third of possession after Chelsea edged to a 1-0 win over Manchester United.
United enjoyed over 70 per cent possession at Stamford Bridge but were put to the sword by Eden Hazard's first-half strike as the Blues opened up a 10-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
When asked by Sky Sports if the possession statistics bothered him, Mourinho replied: "No, never, it could be 99%. When you decide to play the game strategically you don’t care about stats, you care just about the points.
"We played this game strategically. We were very well prepared and were able to make some very important players disappear, nobody saw them, we had also a big heart to fight, people very focused on their jobs.
"All the defensive set-pieces were in our pockets. I know what people can think but football is talent and strategically it is also very important. I love [winning like that]."
The result leaves Chelsea needing a maximum eight points from their final six games to be crowned champions and Mourinho called for calm after a yet another narrow one-goal win.
He added: "I keep saying the same; I want to be champion. If it’s in the last match, it’s in the last match but the reality is we need eight points, or six in the next two. We are perfectly calm.
"We are waiting for [Loic] Remy to be back, Diego Costa to be back and Willian also. We are in a good situation but we must keep our feet on the ground and we will do that."
Louis van Gaal, meanwhile, dismissed the notion that Chelsea were in control despite his team's prominence on the ball, adding: "No, I don’t think so.
"Everybody can have his own opinion and the winner takes it all. It’s a song but it’s like that."
Jose Mourinho claims he "loves" winning with less than a third of possession after Chelsea edged to a 1-0 win over Manchester United.
United enjoyed over 70 per cent possession at Stamford Bridge but were put to the sword by Eden Hazard's first-half strike as the Blues opened up a 10-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
When asked by Sky Sports if the possession statistics bothered him, Mourinho replied: "No, never, it could be 99%. When you decide to play the game strategically you don’t care about stats, you care just about the points.
"We played this game strategically. We were very well prepared and were able to make some very important players disappear, nobody saw them, we had also a big heart to fight, people very focused on their jobs.
"All the defensive set-pieces were in our pockets. I know what people can think but football is talent and strategically it is also very important. I love [winning like that]."
The result leaves Chelsea needing a maximum eight points from their final six games to be crowned champions and Mourinho called for calm after a yet another narrow one-goal win.
He added: "I keep saying the same; I want to be champion. If it’s in the last match, it’s in the last match but the reality is we need eight points, or six in the next two. We are perfectly calm.
"We are waiting for [Loic] Remy to be back, Diego Costa to be back and Willian also. We are in a good situation but we must keep our feet on the ground and we will do that."
Louis van Gaal, meanwhile, dismissed the notion that Chelsea were in control despite his team's prominence on the ball, adding: "No, I don’t think so.
"Everybody can have his own opinion and the winner takes it all. It’s a song but it’s like that."
Real Madrid suffer Bale and Modric blows
Real Madrid suffered a major blows in their trophy chase as Gareth Bale and Luka Modric suffered injuries in Saturday's clash with Malaga.
Bale has been a key forward for Madrid this term with 13 goals in 27 Liga appearances before the latest game at the Santiago Bernabeu, which they ultimately won 3-1 thanks to goals from Sergio Ramos, James Rodriguez and Cristiano Ronaldo.
In the opening minutes of the meeting, the 25-year-old collapsed to the ground clutching his leg, having appeared to tear a muscle in his calf.
Bale was withdrawn and replaced by Javier Hernandez and, with Karim Benzema already missing from the encounter, it will pose a real worry for Carlo Ancelotti.
Potentially even more concerning for the head coach is Modric's suspected sprained knee, which early reports suggest could see him sidelined for up to six weeks.
However, the Italian is hopeful the Croatian midfielder - who only recently returned from injury - and Bale can be fit for Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg at home to Atletico Madrid.
"Modric has a knee problem and Bale calf but we cannot say more for now, we have to assess them in the coming days," the Real coach explained."They are not completely excluded from the Atletico game. We must conduct examinations and assess all this."
Madrid still trail Barcelona by two points in La Liga, with the Catalans having beaten Valencia 2-0 earlier on Saturday.
Real Madrid suffered a major blows in their trophy chase as Gareth Bale and Luka Modric suffered injuries in Saturday's clash with Malaga.
Bale has been a key forward for Madrid this term with 13 goals in 27 Liga appearances before the latest game at the Santiago Bernabeu, which they ultimately won 3-1 thanks to goals from Sergio Ramos, James Rodriguez and Cristiano Ronaldo.
In the opening minutes of the meeting, the 25-year-old collapsed to the ground clutching his leg, having appeared to tear a muscle in his calf.
Bale was withdrawn and replaced by Javier Hernandez and, with Karim Benzema already missing from the encounter, it will pose a real worry for Carlo Ancelotti.
Potentially even more concerning for the head coach is Modric's suspected sprained knee, which early reports suggest could see him sidelined for up to six weeks.
However, the Italian is hopeful the Croatian midfielder - who only recently returned from injury - and Bale can be fit for Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg at home to Atletico Madrid.
"Modric has a knee problem and Bale calf but we cannot say more for now, we have to assess them in the coming days," the Real coach explained."They are not completely excluded from the Atletico game. We must conduct examinations and assess all this."
Madrid still trail Barcelona by two points in La Liga, with the Catalans having beaten Valencia 2-0 earlier on Saturday.
Mourinho: Title almost secured after United win
Jose Mourinho believes Chelsea are "almost there" in their bid to win the Premier League title and felt his gameplan worked to perfection in a 1-0 victory over Manchester United.
Eden Hazard's 18th goal of the season in the first half in West London ensured Chelsea moved 10 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table with six games remaining.
The runaway leaders were not at their best, but Hazard's strike ensured a positive result against Arsenal next weekend would leave them just one win from the title and Chelsea's Portuguese manager was able to reflect on another job well done.
He told the BBC: "Six games to play, three at home three away. Every game is difficult, every team needs points. But our situation is very good.
"It was difficult but not as much as you think. We prepared for the game to be like this. It was the game we wanted and expected. Control their direct football to Marouane Fellaini and control the wingers from making crosses on the inside foot.
"When we know Wayne Rooney plays in midfield we control his progression into the box. Control set-pieces and don't give away direct free-kicks as they have three specialists. Wait for a mistake and score a goal.
"It was what we wanted it to be. We are happy because the work we did in the week was what happened here."I feel we are almost there but there are no almosts in football. We need eight points to be champions. It is pure mathematics."
Mourinho was puzzled that United goalkeeper David de Gea was not sent off for handling just outside the penalty area in the first half, which the officials did not pick up on.
However, the former Real Madrid coach felt referee Mike Dean was right to book Ander Herrera for diving deep into stoppage time when the midfielder claimed he had been upended by Gary Cahill in the penalty area.
He said: "De Gea should see red because he had a handball outside the box. That is the only situation where he can speak.
"Apart from that the referee did a good job. In the Herrera incident, if it is a Chelsea player nobody speak about anything else but diving for a week."
Jose Mourinho believes Chelsea are "almost there" in their bid to win the Premier League title and felt his gameplan worked to perfection in a 1-0 victory over Manchester United.
Eden Hazard's 18th goal of the season in the first half in West London ensured Chelsea moved 10 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table with six games remaining.
The runaway leaders were not at their best, but Hazard's strike ensured a positive result against Arsenal next weekend would leave them just one win from the title and Chelsea's Portuguese manager was able to reflect on another job well done.
He told the BBC: "Six games to play, three at home three away. Every game is difficult, every team needs points. But our situation is very good.
"It was difficult but not as much as you think. We prepared for the game to be like this. It was the game we wanted and expected. Control their direct football to Marouane Fellaini and control the wingers from making crosses on the inside foot.
"When we know Wayne Rooney plays in midfield we control his progression into the box. Control set-pieces and don't give away direct free-kicks as they have three specialists. Wait for a mistake and score a goal.
"It was what we wanted it to be. We are happy because the work we did in the week was what happened here."I feel we are almost there but there are no almosts in football. We need eight points to be champions. It is pure mathematics."
Mourinho was puzzled that United goalkeeper David de Gea was not sent off for handling just outside the penalty area in the first half, which the officials did not pick up on.
However, the former Real Madrid coach felt referee Mike Dean was right to book Ander Herrera for diving deep into stoppage time when the midfielder claimed he had been upended by Gary Cahill in the penalty area.
He said: "De Gea should see red because he had a handball outside the box. That is the only situation where he can speak.
"Apart from that the referee did a good job. In the Herrera incident, if it is a Chelsea player nobody speak about anything else but diving for a week."
Van Gaal: It was Man Utd's best performance of the season
Louis van Gaal has dubbed Manchester United's display against Chelsea as their best of the season, despite losing 1-0 at Stamford Bridge, and has yet to concede defeat in the title race.
The Red Devils dominated possession in west London on Saturday evening, though were beaten by a first-half strike from Eden Hazard which sent the home side 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League - though Van Gaal has warned the league leaders that they could yet "drop 18 points" and re-open the title door.
Although United have racked up a host of excellent wins in recent weeks, beating Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City in stunning fashion, the Dutch coach believes his side peaked against Chelsea.
"In my opinion, that is the best performance that we have had in the season. I am very disappointed with the result but with the performance I am pleased," Van Gaal told Sky Sports.
"We were not effective today, but we have created, in spite of the defensive organisation of Chelsea, a lot of chances - in the first half three, and Chelsea zero – and in the second half we created eight and Chelsea three, so that’s unbelievably good I think.
"We were the dominant team on the pitch but we lose and in football everything is the result."
When probed as to whether his side's defeat really ranked higher than recent wins, he continued: "Yes. But then we were effective and scoring goals depends on the chances but also on a little bit of luck, and in that situation we were unlucky.
"I don’t think that we have to evaluate individual players when I say it is the best team performance of the season. Why do you do this question?
"I have said to the boys in the dressing room that we make improvements every week, a step forward, and that is the most important thing. Of course we are not a champion this season, I did not expect that and our goals were also lower, so that’s not the main goal.
"The main goal is that we are progressing and that we are playing as a team and also attractively, and we have done that also today, but with also results and in football it is not always the better team that wins.
"No, the title race it is not definitely over because we can still win 15 points and they can lose still 18 points."
Jose Mourinho had earlier claimed that he was happy for United to have as much of the ball as they wanted, but Van Gaal dismissed suggestions his side had played into Chelsea's hands.
"No I don’t think that was the case, but everybody can have his own opinion and the winner takes it all," he added. "It’s a song but it’s like that."
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