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..::Football III::..
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Suarez and Aguero would score for Manchester United - Van Gaal
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes his side would have scored more goals with a striker like Luis Suarez or Sergio Aguero among their ranks.
United registered their fifth 0-0 draw in nine games on Saturday after a frustrating performance against West Ham saw them drop to fourth in the Premier League.
After Van Gaal’s side once again struggled for goals, the Dutchman admitted his squad would benefit from the proficiency of the Barcelona or Manchester City frontmen.
"The question is would Luis Suarez or Sergio Aguero score if they were here?" he told BBC Radio Manchester.
"That is a question mark. You never know. I think they would, though.
"We've created enough chances to score, so that was not the problem."
West Ham hit the woodwork twice as the Red Devils, who see Juan Mata lead their goalscoring charts with four goals, were booed off the pitch by their own fans.
Yet Van Gaal feels his side were let down by midfielder Marouane Fellaini after he squandered their best chance – and only shot on target – from inside the six-yard box.
He said: "The most important thing is you dominate, create and you finish. Football is about scoring goals. The first two basic aspects of football we have done.
"When you don't finish from a metre in front of an empty goal, you cannot say anything more. You have to finish and that's the only problem we have.
“We played very well especially in the second half - but you have to finish. The goals are coming. That is my strong belief."
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes his side would have scored more goals with a striker like Luis Suarez or Sergio Aguero among their ranks.
United registered their fifth 0-0 draw in nine games on Saturday after a frustrating performance against West Ham saw them drop to fourth in the Premier League.
After Van Gaal’s side once again struggled for goals, the Dutchman admitted his squad would benefit from the proficiency of the Barcelona or Manchester City frontmen.
"The question is would Luis Suarez or Sergio Aguero score if they were here?" he told BBC Radio Manchester.
"That is a question mark. You never know. I think they would, though.
"We've created enough chances to score, so that was not the problem."
West Ham hit the woodwork twice as the Red Devils, who see Juan Mata lead their goalscoring charts with four goals, were booed off the pitch by their own fans.
Yet Van Gaal feels his side were let down by midfielder Marouane Fellaini after he squandered their best chance – and only shot on target – from inside the six-yard box.
He said: "The most important thing is you dominate, create and you finish. Football is about scoring goals. The first two basic aspects of football we have done.
"When you don't finish from a metre in front of an empty goal, you cannot say anything more. You have to finish and that's the only problem we have.
“We played very well especially in the second half - but you have to finish. The goals are coming. That is my strong belief."
I'm playing better than ever for Arsenal - Ozil
Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil believes he is playing better than ever before as his side prepares for their must-win encounter against Olympiacos in the Champions League.
Ozil has been one of Arsenal's star men this season and he once more pulled the strings as Arsene Wenger's men beat Sunderland 3-1 in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Germany international set up Joel Campbell for the opening goal - his 12th assist of the season - and feels at the top of his game ahead of Wednesday's crucial European clash.
"This season is the strongest season I have ever played," he told reporters.
"I am in a good way, playing really well. I believe in myself."
Arsenal face a do-or-die Champions League tie in Greece and Ozil is adamant his team has "the quality to beat them and our goal is not to even think about going out of the competition."
"Olympiacos can play good football - we saw that in the first match. They want to play on the counter-attack but we can't concede goals like we did again," he said.
"We have to be good in defence. If they score a goal then we have to score three goals, although we know that we can score goals.
"We know that we have a lot of quality up front. The aim is to go in ahead at half-time and then we will know everything is possible.
"If we score an early goal, I am confident we can win this game and go through. I hope I can help the team with a good performance on the night."
Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil believes he is playing better than ever before as his side prepares for their must-win encounter against Olympiacos in the Champions League.
Ozil has been one of Arsenal's star men this season and he once more pulled the strings as Arsene Wenger's men beat Sunderland 3-1 in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Germany international set up Joel Campbell for the opening goal - his 12th assist of the season - and feels at the top of his game ahead of Wednesday's crucial European clash.
"This season is the strongest season I have ever played," he told reporters.
"I am in a good way, playing really well. I believe in myself."
Arsenal face a do-or-die Champions League tie in Greece and Ozil is adamant his team has "the quality to beat them and our goal is not to even think about going out of the competition."
"Olympiacos can play good football - we saw that in the first match. They want to play on the counter-attack but we can't concede goals like we did again," he said.
"We have to be good in defence. If they score a goal then we have to score three goals, although we know that we can score goals.
"We know that we have a lot of quality up front. The aim is to go in ahead at half-time and then we will know everything is possible.
"If we score an early goal, I am confident we can win this game and go through. I hope I can help the team with a good performance on the night."
Central role suits my game better, says Ramsey
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey was pleased to have been handed a central role as his team climbed to second in the Premier League thanks to a 3-1 victory over Sunderland.
The Wales international set up Olivier Giroud for Arsenal's second goal and sealed the victory himself with a late strike in London, as the Gunners moved to within two points of Leicester City.
Injuries to Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin opened up the chance for Ramsey to star centrally in the Arsenal midfield and he admits it "felt really good" to be back in his preferred role.
"I feel a lot more comfortable [in midfield] and it suits my game a lot better. I can time my runs into the box and get on to the end of things," Ramsey told Sky Sports.
"On another day I could have had two or three goals but I'm happy just to score the one."
Ramsey added it was "important to get back to winning ways" after Arsenal had taken just two point from their three Premier League matches in November.
"It was nice to do it at home as well, in front of our own fans," he said. "It's really close at the moment. Teams are taking points off each other so it's going to be tight all the way through.
"It's important to keep ourselves in the race through this busy time now into the New Year and it was a good way to start out December.
"It's quite a surprise that Leicester are there but full credit to them, they've been exceptional this year, but it's important for us to focus on ourselves and we've done that."
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey was pleased to have been handed a central role as his team climbed to second in the Premier League thanks to a 3-1 victory over Sunderland.
The Wales international set up Olivier Giroud for Arsenal's second goal and sealed the victory himself with a late strike in London, as the Gunners moved to within two points of Leicester City.
Injuries to Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin opened up the chance for Ramsey to star centrally in the Arsenal midfield and he admits it "felt really good" to be back in his preferred role.
"I feel a lot more comfortable [in midfield] and it suits my game a lot better. I can time my runs into the box and get on to the end of things," Ramsey told Sky Sports.
"On another day I could have had two or three goals but I'm happy just to score the one."
Ramsey added it was "important to get back to winning ways" after Arsenal had taken just two point from their three Premier League matches in November.
"It was nice to do it at home as well, in front of our own fans," he said. "It's really close at the moment. Teams are taking points off each other so it's going to be tight all the way through.
"It's important to keep ourselves in the race through this busy time now into the New Year and it was a good way to start out December.
"It's quite a surprise that Leicester are there but full credit to them, they've been exceptional this year, but it's important for us to focus on ourselves and we've done that."
Bale admits he's NOT the same player he was at Tottenham
Gareth Bale admits he is not the same player he was at Tottenham and believes it’s down to the difference in style between the Premier League and La Liga.
The Wales international has scored 43 goals in 103 appearances since joining Madrid in an £85 million deal in September 2013, but has made only 11 appearances this season due to a calf injury.
Bale scored Madrid’s third in their 4-1 win over Getafe on Saturday but the forward concedes that he does not have the same impact on the team as he did during his later years at Spurs.
“I’m happy with my season so far. I’ve had some injuries, but now I’m back to my best and I feel good about my performances,” said Bale.
“I don’t know why I’m not the same player I was at Tottenham.
“[La Liga] is a different League to the Premier League. It’s a different style of football and perhaps that’s the reason.”
When asked about his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, the 26-year-old replied: “It’s very good, and I’ve heard many stories which aren’t true.
“He’s one of the best players in the world. Is he the best? It depends on your opinion, but he’s a great, great player.”
Gareth Bale admits he is not the same player he was at Tottenham and believes it’s down to the difference in style between the Premier League and La Liga.
The Wales international has scored 43 goals in 103 appearances since joining Madrid in an £85 million deal in September 2013, but has made only 11 appearances this season due to a calf injury.
Bale scored Madrid’s third in their 4-1 win over Getafe on Saturday but the forward concedes that he does not have the same impact on the team as he did during his later years at Spurs.
“I’m happy with my season so far. I’ve had some injuries, but now I’m back to my best and I feel good about my performances,” said Bale.
“I don’t know why I’m not the same player I was at Tottenham.
“[La Liga] is a different League to the Premier League. It’s a different style of football and perhaps that’s the reason.”
When asked about his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, the 26-year-old replied: “It’s very good, and I’ve heard many stories which aren’t true.
“He’s one of the best players in the world. Is he the best? It depends on your opinion, but he’s a great, great player.”
'Lukaku could emulate Drogba'
Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew believes in-form Everton striker Romelu Lukaku can emulate Chelsea legend Didier Drogba.
The 22-year-old has scored six goals in his last five club matches and already has 13 goals to his name in all competitions.
Former Chelsea attacker Lukaku will be central to Everton's hopes when they welcome Palace to Goodison Park in the Premier League on Monday and Pardew thinks he could go on to match Drogba.
"He is the full number nine," the Palace boss was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.
"We looked at the iconic one of the last 10 years, Drogba, and you have to say Lukaku does look like he could emulate that.
"Lukaku is an unusual player in that he is naturally left-footed. I think for a striker that is an advantage.
"Most defenders are defending right-footed players and he gives them a slight problem which sets him apart."
Palace are one point above Everton in the table going into the match.
Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew believes in-form Everton striker Romelu Lukaku can emulate Chelsea legend Didier Drogba.
The 22-year-old has scored six goals in his last five club matches and already has 13 goals to his name in all competitions.
Former Chelsea attacker Lukaku will be central to Everton's hopes when they welcome Palace to Goodison Park in the Premier League on Monday and Pardew thinks he could go on to match Drogba.
"He is the full number nine," the Palace boss was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.
"We looked at the iconic one of the last 10 years, Drogba, and you have to say Lukaku does look like he could emulate that.
"Lukaku is an unusual player in that he is naturally left-footed. I think for a striker that is an advantage.
"Most defenders are defending right-footed players and he gives them a slight problem which sets him apart."
Palace are one point above Everton in the table going into the match.
I’ve asked for a January move, admits PSG starlet Rabiot
Adrien Rabiot says he has requested to discuss a potential loan move away from Paris Saint-Germain in January.
The midfielder, 20, is concerned that he is not getting enough playing time for the French champions, despite starting seven consecutive matches prior to Friday night’s 3-0 win over Nice.
Rabiot has been associated with several Premier League clubs in the past, including Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle, while the likes of Inter and AC Milan have also been credited with an interest. If conditions are right, though, he is prepared to stay put.
“I’ve asked the president for a loan move in January if my time on the field is insufficient,” the youngster told Telefoot. “It’s something that he can’t refuse me – I know he likes me very much.
“When you train all week, you want to be on the field. Sometimes it’s not possible and it’s frustrating.
“Paris is my city. It’s great to play here. If I could impose myself here, it would be brilliant. I would be ready to play my whole career at PSG if I was a starter. I would see things differently, that’s for sure.”
Rabiot would appear to have his sights set on a Euro 2016 place in Didier Deschamps’ France squad, as he admitted that it has always been his dream to turn out for the national team.
“When I was small, I spoke about the France team like it was something incredible. I wouldn’t speak of this club or that club, but of the national team. It would be great to get into it,” he said.
“We hear every day that we’re at a great club and that we earn a lot of money, but it’s not enough.”
Rabiot has committed his long-term future to PSG by signing a deal that will run until 2019 and has earned the confidence of Blanc since Marco Verratti picked up an injury in a Champions League encounter with Real Madrid.
Speaking on Thursday, Blanc praised his young charge, stating: “After his very encouraging entrance against Madrid, he’s been playing regularly because he’s been good. When players get the chance to play, they must perform. If they do, they will have more opportunity to play.
“Adrien has imposed himself because he defends better and better, wins more balls and has more opportunities to score. He’s a young player who is progressing. He can do better yet.”
After being benched on Friday night, Rabiot will be hopeful of starting Tuesday night’s Champions League encounter against Shakhtar Donetsk at Parc des Princes, in which numerous fringe players are expected to have the opportunity to shine for the Parisians.
Adrien Rabiot says he has requested to discuss a potential loan move away from Paris Saint-Germain in January.
The midfielder, 20, is concerned that he is not getting enough playing time for the French champions, despite starting seven consecutive matches prior to Friday night’s 3-0 win over Nice.
Rabiot has been associated with several Premier League clubs in the past, including Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle, while the likes of Inter and AC Milan have also been credited with an interest. If conditions are right, though, he is prepared to stay put.
“I’ve asked the president for a loan move in January if my time on the field is insufficient,” the youngster told Telefoot. “It’s something that he can’t refuse me – I know he likes me very much.
“When you train all week, you want to be on the field. Sometimes it’s not possible and it’s frustrating.
“Paris is my city. It’s great to play here. If I could impose myself here, it would be brilliant. I would be ready to play my whole career at PSG if I was a starter. I would see things differently, that’s for sure.”
Rabiot would appear to have his sights set on a Euro 2016 place in Didier Deschamps’ France squad, as he admitted that it has always been his dream to turn out for the national team.
“When I was small, I spoke about the France team like it was something incredible. I wouldn’t speak of this club or that club, but of the national team. It would be great to get into it,” he said.
“We hear every day that we’re at a great club and that we earn a lot of money, but it’s not enough.”
Rabiot has committed his long-term future to PSG by signing a deal that will run until 2019 and has earned the confidence of Blanc since Marco Verratti picked up an injury in a Champions League encounter with Real Madrid.
Speaking on Thursday, Blanc praised his young charge, stating: “After his very encouraging entrance against Madrid, he’s been playing regularly because he’s been good. When players get the chance to play, they must perform. If they do, they will have more opportunity to play.
“Adrien has imposed himself because he defends better and better, wins more balls and has more opportunities to score. He’s a young player who is progressing. He can do better yet.”
After being benched on Friday night, Rabiot will be hopeful of starting Tuesday night’s Champions League encounter against Shakhtar Donetsk at Parc des Princes, in which numerous fringe players are expected to have the opportunity to shine for the Parisians.
Bologna 3-2 Napoli: Destro double upsets high-flying visitors
A late Gonzalo Higuain double was not enough to help Napoli return to the top of Serie A as they suffered a 3-2 defeat to Bologna on Sunday.
Mattia Destro was the star of he show for Bologna as he scored twice, either side of a Luca Rossettini strike to put the home side 3-0 in front inside 60 minutes.
Napoli rallied late on, with Gonzalo Higuain scoring a double, but they couldn't find an all important equaliser as Bologna held on for a deserved win.
The Partenopei approached the game looking to extend their 18-game unbeaten run, against a home side sat third from bottom in the table. And it was Sarri's men who enjoyed the brighter start, with a lovely team move ending in Higuain knocking it wide to Jose Callejon, but his cross flew past Insigne at the back post.
Bologna almost broke the deadlock shortly afterwards with a Franco Brienza free-kick, but Pepe Reina was able to keep it out.
The opening goal arrived inside the first 15 minutes when Destro latched onto a lofted pass and held off two Napoli defenders before knocking the ball under Reina.
Bologna looked even better after the goal and it did not take long before they found themselves 2-0 up, with Rossettini beating Reina with a powerful header from a Brienza corner.
Insigne and Callejon both passed up chances to halve the deficit for Napoli before the break, only to be denied by Antonio Mirante.
Napoli upped the tempo in the second half as Higuain, Callejon and Allan all went close, but Destro capitalised on a poor Hamsik pass and fired past Reina to put the hosts out of sight.
Bologna looked like adding to their tally as the game wore on, but it was Napoli who pulled one back in the 87th minute. Insigne's cross fell to Higuain and the Argentine poked it home for his 13th goal of the season.
Number 14 came just three minutes later when the ex-Real Madrid man took on a Hamsik pass and smashed it home.
Napoli pressed forward for the surprise equaliser, but Bologna were able to hold on for the three points and move away from the relegation zone.
A late Gonzalo Higuain double was not enough to help Napoli return to the top of Serie A as they suffered a 3-2 defeat to Bologna on Sunday.
Mattia Destro was the star of he show for Bologna as he scored twice, either side of a Luca Rossettini strike to put the home side 3-0 in front inside 60 minutes.
Napoli rallied late on, with Gonzalo Higuain scoring a double, but they couldn't find an all important equaliser as Bologna held on for a deserved win.
The Partenopei approached the game looking to extend their 18-game unbeaten run, against a home side sat third from bottom in the table. And it was Sarri's men who enjoyed the brighter start, with a lovely team move ending in Higuain knocking it wide to Jose Callejon, but his cross flew past Insigne at the back post.
Bologna almost broke the deadlock shortly afterwards with a Franco Brienza free-kick, but Pepe Reina was able to keep it out.
The opening goal arrived inside the first 15 minutes when Destro latched onto a lofted pass and held off two Napoli defenders before knocking the ball under Reina.
Bologna looked even better after the goal and it did not take long before they found themselves 2-0 up, with Rossettini beating Reina with a powerful header from a Brienza corner.
Insigne and Callejon both passed up chances to halve the deficit for Napoli before the break, only to be denied by Antonio Mirante.
Napoli upped the tempo in the second half as Higuain, Callejon and Allan all went close, but Destro capitalised on a poor Hamsik pass and fired past Reina to put the hosts out of sight.
Bologna looked like adding to their tally as the game wore on, but it was Napoli who pulled one back in the 87th minute. Insigne's cross fell to Higuain and the Argentine poked it home for his 13th goal of the season.
Number 14 came just three minutes later when the ex-Real Madrid man took on a Hamsik pass and smashed it home.
Napoli pressed forward for the surprise equaliser, but Bologna were able to hold on for the three points and move away from the relegation zone.
Smalling: Man Utd fans right to show frustration
Chris Smalling has responded with sympathy to Manchester United fans' frustration over a lack of cutting edge in front of goal.
Speaking after the Red Devils' 0-0 draw with West Ham, Louis van Gaal addressed the Old Trafford faithful's chants of "attack, attack!", insisting that their yells didn't make any sense - but Smalling understands their irritation.
"The fans are right to show their frustration," Smalling told MUTV. "We [the players] are just as frustrated.
"Everyone is down because it's an opportunity missed. It's so disappointing when you dominate a game. We're in a good position in the league, but it could have been boosted."
The recent goal drought has understandably led to fans becoming impatient, but Smalling feels that, with time, the goals will come.
"It's not like we're not creating the chances," he added, "We could have easily had a few goals.
"If we keep creating chances, we're confident sooner rather than later they'll go in. When you dominate like we did [against West Ham], we should be taking the three points."
Chris Smalling has responded with sympathy to Manchester United fans' frustration over a lack of cutting edge in front of goal.
Speaking after the Red Devils' 0-0 draw with West Ham, Louis van Gaal addressed the Old Trafford faithful's chants of "attack, attack!", insisting that their yells didn't make any sense - but Smalling understands their irritation.
"The fans are right to show their frustration," Smalling told MUTV. "We [the players] are just as frustrated.
"Everyone is down because it's an opportunity missed. It's so disappointing when you dominate a game. We're in a good position in the league, but it could have been boosted."
The recent goal drought has understandably led to fans becoming impatient, but Smalling feels that, with time, the goals will come.
"It's not like we're not creating the chances," he added, "We could have easily had a few goals.
"If we keep creating chances, we're confident sooner rather than later they'll go in. When you dominate like we did [against West Ham], we should be taking the three points."
Newcastle 2-0 Liverpool: Wijnaldum gives McClaren much-needed win
Newcastle breathed life back into their season with a 2-0 win over Liverpool at St James’ Park, thanks to a Martin Skrtel own goal and a stoppage time strike by Georginio Wijnaldum.
The Dutch midfielder played a pivotal role in breaking the deadlock when his 69th-minute shot forced Skrtel to put through his own goal.
Liverpool struggled for fluency throughout, despite coming into the match on the back of seven wins from eight outings in all competitions, although they were entitled to feel aggrieved when Alberto Moreno had a sensational volleyed equaliser ruled out for offside.
Wijnaldum, who scored four when Newcastle beat Norwich City on home turf earlier in the campaign, made sure of the points in stoppage time as Jurgen Klopp's team streamed forwards in search of a late leveller.
Christian Benteke spurned Liverpool's best chance from five yards around midway through the first half and they remain seventh having passed up the opportunity to draw level on points with fifth-placed Tottenham.
Newcastle offered the ideal response for under-fire boss Steve McClaren following the 5-1 loss at Crystal Palace and they only remain inside the relegation zone on goal difference.
Siem de Jong made his first Premier League start of the season for Newcastle in place of Ayoze Perez – the only alteration to the XI that was humbled at Selhurst Park.
Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge scored five of Liverpool's six goals in Wednesday's League Cup demolition of Southampton, but both strikers dropped to the bench as Jordon Ibe and Roberto Firmino supported Benteke in attack.
The visitors forced a flurry of three corners during the opening minutes, although clear chances were hard to come which only witnessed its first shot on target in the 89th minute.
Newcastle were still not fully attuned to Liverpool's set-piece threat when they failed to deal with Moreno's 21st-minute corner – Joe Allen knocking down for Benteke to prod wastefully over from close range.
Papiss Cisse managed to manufacture a fruitless penalty box scramble when he appeared to have a clear sight of goal before the match belatedly stirred on the stroke of half-time.
Chancel Mbemba headed over from Cisse's flick-on and Ibe sent a venomous drive just over at the other end.
Wijnaldum could not turn home Moussa Sissoko's low cross and the hosts were in the ascendency when the Dutchman saw his shot on the turn deflected wide after 55 minutes.
Benteke's frustrations with a poor individual showing were clear when he and Firmino made way for Sturridge and Adam Lallana after the hour, but Klopp's double change did not turn the contest in his favour.
Instead Wijnaldum helped put the hosts ahead, turning and shooting in the box only for his effort to deflect off Skrtel's outstretched boot and past Mignolet, the defender's seventh Premier League own goal of his career.
Ten minutes later and Moreno thought he had equalised, sensationally volleying home a pass from Milner that looped over Elliot, only to be denied - incorrectly replays later revealed - by the assistant referee's offside flag.
With five minutes of stoppage time signalled, Wijnaldum then eased nerves around St James' Park, latching onto a superb ball from Papiss Cisse and clipping over Mignolet to seal a vital win.
Newcastle breathed life back into their season with a 2-0 win over Liverpool at St James’ Park, thanks to a Martin Skrtel own goal and a stoppage time strike by Georginio Wijnaldum.
The Dutch midfielder played a pivotal role in breaking the deadlock when his 69th-minute shot forced Skrtel to put through his own goal.
Liverpool struggled for fluency throughout, despite coming into the match on the back of seven wins from eight outings in all competitions, although they were entitled to feel aggrieved when Alberto Moreno had a sensational volleyed equaliser ruled out for offside.
Wijnaldum, who scored four when Newcastle beat Norwich City on home turf earlier in the campaign, made sure of the points in stoppage time as Jurgen Klopp's team streamed forwards in search of a late leveller.
Christian Benteke spurned Liverpool's best chance from five yards around midway through the first half and they remain seventh having passed up the opportunity to draw level on points with fifth-placed Tottenham.
Newcastle offered the ideal response for under-fire boss Steve McClaren following the 5-1 loss at Crystal Palace and they only remain inside the relegation zone on goal difference.
Siem de Jong made his first Premier League start of the season for Newcastle in place of Ayoze Perez – the only alteration to the XI that was humbled at Selhurst Park.
Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge scored five of Liverpool's six goals in Wednesday's League Cup demolition of Southampton, but both strikers dropped to the bench as Jordon Ibe and Roberto Firmino supported Benteke in attack.
The visitors forced a flurry of three corners during the opening minutes, although clear chances were hard to come which only witnessed its first shot on target in the 89th minute.
Newcastle were still not fully attuned to Liverpool's set-piece threat when they failed to deal with Moreno's 21st-minute corner – Joe Allen knocking down for Benteke to prod wastefully over from close range.
Papiss Cisse managed to manufacture a fruitless penalty box scramble when he appeared to have a clear sight of goal before the match belatedly stirred on the stroke of half-time.
Chancel Mbemba headed over from Cisse's flick-on and Ibe sent a venomous drive just over at the other end.
Wijnaldum could not turn home Moussa Sissoko's low cross and the hosts were in the ascendency when the Dutchman saw his shot on the turn deflected wide after 55 minutes.
Benteke's frustrations with a poor individual showing were clear when he and Firmino made way for Sturridge and Adam Lallana after the hour, but Klopp's double change did not turn the contest in his favour.
Instead Wijnaldum helped put the hosts ahead, turning and shooting in the box only for his effort to deflect off Skrtel's outstretched boot and past Mignolet, the defender's seventh Premier League own goal of his career.
Ten minutes later and Moreno thought he had equalised, sensationally volleying home a pass from Milner that looped over Elliot, only to be denied - incorrectly replays later revealed - by the assistant referee's offside flag.
With five minutes of stoppage time signalled, Wijnaldum then eased nerves around St James' Park, latching onto a superb ball from Papiss Cisse and clipping over Mignolet to seal a vital win.
Klopp: Liverpool wanted 'dirty points' but Newcastle deserved the win
Liverpool were desperate to get their hands on "dirty points" against Newcastle United, according to Jurgen Klopp, who was not too concerned with his team's uninspired performance in Sunday's 2-0 defeat at St James' Park.
The Reds went behind via a Martin Skrtel own goal but should have been level when Alberto Moreno buried a phenomenal volley inside the box, however, the officials incorrectly ruled out the goal for offside.
After Georginio Wijnaldum finished Liverpool off with a second goal, Klopp accepted the hosts were the better team in the Premier League encounter but stressed he is not always too bothered how his players bring home the points.
"I saw it once," he told Sky Sports about Moreno's disallowed goal. "I think the linesman would say he should have seen it. I don’t have to say this, but it was pretty clear. Maybe in this moment we deserved a point.
"Sometimes you have to get dirty points. I have no problem with dirty points really. Not in games like this today. But if you ask me who is the deserved winner than my feeling is it is more Newcastle than we are."
The result ends Liverpool's run of four straight wins in all competitions and Klopp says he does not know exactly what went wrong at St James' Park.
"If you think about which situation Newcastle are in, and which situation we are in, then you can say they deserved the win," he added.
"I couldn’t see that we should have won three points, and that’s the problem, because we were not good enough today and we didn’t do what we could do.
"And I don’t know why. I have to think about this, I have to see it again, I have to analyse it, and then I will know more about it.
"But of course it’s hard work here, that’s clear. But it should not be this hard work. We could do better, play much more football. We didn’t do it. We did played no counter pressing.
"Pressing was not good. Newcastle didn’t only play long balls, they did build up, but we were not there.
"We were not compact enough. So a lot of things we didn’t do well. But better you lose a bad game than a good game, and it’s easier to make it better."
Liverpool were desperate to get their hands on "dirty points" against Newcastle United, according to Jurgen Klopp, who was not too concerned with his team's uninspired performance in Sunday's 2-0 defeat at St James' Park.
The Reds went behind via a Martin Skrtel own goal but should have been level when Alberto Moreno buried a phenomenal volley inside the box, however, the officials incorrectly ruled out the goal for offside.
After Georginio Wijnaldum finished Liverpool off with a second goal, Klopp accepted the hosts were the better team in the Premier League encounter but stressed he is not always too bothered how his players bring home the points.
"I saw it once," he told Sky Sports about Moreno's disallowed goal. "I think the linesman would say he should have seen it. I don’t have to say this, but it was pretty clear. Maybe in this moment we deserved a point.
"Sometimes you have to get dirty points. I have no problem with dirty points really. Not in games like this today. But if you ask me who is the deserved winner than my feeling is it is more Newcastle than we are."
The result ends Liverpool's run of four straight wins in all competitions and Klopp says he does not know exactly what went wrong at St James' Park.
"If you think about which situation Newcastle are in, and which situation we are in, then you can say they deserved the win," he added.
"I couldn’t see that we should have won three points, and that’s the problem, because we were not good enough today and we didn’t do what we could do.
"And I don’t know why. I have to think about this, I have to see it again, I have to analyse it, and then I will know more about it.
"But of course it’s hard work here, that’s clear. But it should not be this hard work. We could do better, play much more football. We didn’t do it. We did played no counter pressing.
"Pressing was not good. Newcastle didn’t only play long balls, they did build up, but we were not there.
"We were not compact enough. So a lot of things we didn’t do well. But better you lose a bad game than a good game, and it’s easier to make it better."
Schneiderlin: Manchester United must not have to rely on CSKA Moscow
Morgan Schneiderlin has told Manchester United ahead of their Wolfsburg match that they do not want to be in a situation where they need a favour from CSKA Moscow to progress from the Champions League group stages.
United know that a win would see them progress to the last 16 as Group B winners, but failure to do so will see them eliminated from the competition if PSV better their result when they play at home against the Russian side.
Schneiderlin insists qualification is in his side's hands and wants his team-mates to only have eyes on victory in their own game, as they face a Wolfsburg side who themselves only require a draw to progress beyond the group stages for the first time in their history.
"It is [difficult to beat Wolfsburg] but we are confident we can do it," the former Southampton midfielder told United Review.
"We beat them at home and, to go through to the next round, we do not want to hope for CSKA Moscow to win or get a result in Eindhoven.
"We have the destiny in our hands and know what we have to do to get through. It is very important for the football club and for the players to get to the next stage and we are going out to win in Wolfsburg.
"They are a very good team and it is never easy in Germany but we will prepare for this game as though it was the final of the Champions League."
After United were absent from the Champions League last season, Schneiderlin is eager to see the club mark their return to Europe's elite club competition by reaching the knockout stages.
"You know the best 16 teams in Europe are involved and we are looking forward to trying to put Manchester United in this category," he said.
"Last year, we did not have the Champions League here so we are determined to get among the best teams in Europe."
United are currently second in Group B, with one point less than leaders Wolfsburg and ahead of PSV by the same margin.
Morgan Schneiderlin has told Manchester United ahead of their Wolfsburg match that they do not want to be in a situation where they need a favour from CSKA Moscow to progress from the Champions League group stages.
United know that a win would see them progress to the last 16 as Group B winners, but failure to do so will see them eliminated from the competition if PSV better their result when they play at home against the Russian side.
Schneiderlin insists qualification is in his side's hands and wants his team-mates to only have eyes on victory in their own game, as they face a Wolfsburg side who themselves only require a draw to progress beyond the group stages for the first time in their history.
"It is [difficult to beat Wolfsburg] but we are confident we can do it," the former Southampton midfielder told United Review.
"We beat them at home and, to go through to the next round, we do not want to hope for CSKA Moscow to win or get a result in Eindhoven.
"We have the destiny in our hands and know what we have to do to get through. It is very important for the football club and for the players to get to the next stage and we are going out to win in Wolfsburg.
"They are a very good team and it is never easy in Germany but we will prepare for this game as though it was the final of the Champions League."
After United were absent from the Champions League last season, Schneiderlin is eager to see the club mark their return to Europe's elite club competition by reaching the knockout stages.
"You know the best 16 teams in Europe are involved and we are looking forward to trying to put Manchester United in this category," he said.
"Last year, we did not have the Champions League here so we are determined to get among the best teams in Europe."
United are currently second in Group B, with one point less than leaders Wolfsburg and ahead of PSV by the same margin.
Carpi 0-0 AC Milan: Mihajlovic's men miss chance against minnows
Carpi managed to hold AC Milan to a 0-0 draw on Sunday, denying the visitors the chance to close the gap with Serie A leaders Inter.
The hosts - only promoted from the third tier of Italian football in 2013 - have already claimed a point off title-chasing Napoli this term and picked up another solid draw against a Milan attack that displayed several shortcomings going forward.
The affair proved a scrappy one as both teams failed to keep the ball or fashion many chances, with Gianluigi Donnarumma's stop on Lorenzo Lollo's spectacular shot the standout in a dull first half.
Milan threatened increasingly after the break with the pace of dangermen M'Baye Niang and Alessio Cerci, though Carpi custodian Vid Belec proved equal to everything Sinisa Mihajlovic's men threw at him.
Sinisa Mihajlovic saw his side put seven goals past Sampdoria and Crotone in Serie A and the Coppa Italia in recent days following blanks against Atalanta and Juventus, but Milan were well contained by their lowly opponents, who came closest to breaking the deadlock early on.
Carpi named former Milan players Cristian Zaccardo and Marco Borriello in their XI and began brightly, buoyed by back-to-back wins over Genoa in the league and Vicenza in the Coppa, but Lorenzo Pasciuti's early shot was blocked by Mattia De Sciglio, in for the injured Luca Antonelli.
The visitors stuttered through the opening 10 minutes with Lollo forcing Donnarumma into a couple of early saves before two careless touches from Cerci denied him separate one-on-ones with Belec at the other end.Milan grew into the game and edged the final stages of the half, Riccardo Montolivo and Niang testing Belec, although Alex was required to produce a superb last-ditch challenge to thwart Carpi's Kevin Lasagna before the break.
Following his brace against Sampdoria, Niang remained energetic and saw a dangerous delivery cleared early in the second half but both sides continued to lack quality in the final third.
Mihajlovic's side dominated possession after the hour but were woefully short of ideas in the final third, with the Milan boss waiting until the 68th minute to reshuffle his forward pack and introduce Luiz Adriano for Cerci.
Giacomo Bonaventura forced Belec into a routine save from a free-kick before missing the target with another set-piece soon after.Niang saw another cross blocked by Gaetano Letizia with Luiz Adriano and Carlos Bacca waiting in the box following a quick counter but the visitors returned to San Siro with just a point despite having their best period of pressure in the final stages.
Alex saw a thumping header saved spectacularly by Belec while efforts from Bonaventura and Luiz Adriano were blocked thanks to brave Carpi defending in a frenetic goalmouth scramble that added to Milan frustrations.
Fabrizio Castori's men kept out a frantic late scramble inside their own penalty area to secure a sixth home point of the season, leaving Milan eighth in the table with just two wins to their name on the road this term.
Carpi managed to hold AC Milan to a 0-0 draw on Sunday, denying the visitors the chance to close the gap with Serie A leaders Inter.
The hosts - only promoted from the third tier of Italian football in 2013 - have already claimed a point off title-chasing Napoli this term and picked up another solid draw against a Milan attack that displayed several shortcomings going forward.
The affair proved a scrappy one as both teams failed to keep the ball or fashion many chances, with Gianluigi Donnarumma's stop on Lorenzo Lollo's spectacular shot the standout in a dull first half.
Milan threatened increasingly after the break with the pace of dangermen M'Baye Niang and Alessio Cerci, though Carpi custodian Vid Belec proved equal to everything Sinisa Mihajlovic's men threw at him.
Sinisa Mihajlovic saw his side put seven goals past Sampdoria and Crotone in Serie A and the Coppa Italia in recent days following blanks against Atalanta and Juventus, but Milan were well contained by their lowly opponents, who came closest to breaking the deadlock early on.
Carpi named former Milan players Cristian Zaccardo and Marco Borriello in their XI and began brightly, buoyed by back-to-back wins over Genoa in the league and Vicenza in the Coppa, but Lorenzo Pasciuti's early shot was blocked by Mattia De Sciglio, in for the injured Luca Antonelli.
The visitors stuttered through the opening 10 minutes with Lollo forcing Donnarumma into a couple of early saves before two careless touches from Cerci denied him separate one-on-ones with Belec at the other end.Milan grew into the game and edged the final stages of the half, Riccardo Montolivo and Niang testing Belec, although Alex was required to produce a superb last-ditch challenge to thwart Carpi's Kevin Lasagna before the break.
Following his brace against Sampdoria, Niang remained energetic and saw a dangerous delivery cleared early in the second half but both sides continued to lack quality in the final third.
Mihajlovic's side dominated possession after the hour but were woefully short of ideas in the final third, with the Milan boss waiting until the 68th minute to reshuffle his forward pack and introduce Luiz Adriano for Cerci.
Giacomo Bonaventura forced Belec into a routine save from a free-kick before missing the target with another set-piece soon after.Niang saw another cross blocked by Gaetano Letizia with Luiz Adriano and Carlos Bacca waiting in the box following a quick counter but the visitors returned to San Siro with just a point despite having their best period of pressure in the final stages.
Alex saw a thumping header saved spectacularly by Belec while efforts from Bonaventura and Luiz Adriano were blocked thanks to brave Carpi defending in a frenetic goalmouth scramble that added to Milan frustrations.
Fabrizio Castori's men kept out a frantic late scramble inside their own penalty area to secure a sixth home point of the season, leaving Milan eighth in the table with just two wins to their name on the road this term.
Stop making a big issue of Man Utd's failure to score! - Van Gaal
Louis van Gaal insists Manchester United's attacking difficulties are not a "big issue", stating his confidence that they will rediscover their finishing touch against Wolfsburg this week.
Van Gaal's men were held 0-0 by West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday, their sixth goalless draw of the season, ahead of their Champions League trip to Germany on Tuesday.
The result saw accusations the Old Trafford side are overly defensive surface again, but Van Gaal has full confidence his side will click in the final third again given United need a win to be sure of progression from Group B.
"A lot of players have missed chances. A lot of players, and different players," he told reporters. "We can make a big issue of it, but I don't believe we have to do that.
"The players admit they have to score. That's a normal issue but you can't score every chance and when you see how many players get chances in our team, it's not a fixed person.
"It's not a law that we will miss all the chances we create. It's not like that in every match. I have great confidence that we shall score at Wolfsburg.
"I always have expectation. I always believe in my team and that's the confidence I want to show."
If PSV lose at home to CSKA Moscow or if both remaining Group B games are drawn, United will also move into the knockout stages, after Van Gaal guided them back into the competition with a fourth-place Premier League finish last season.
Nevertheless, the Dutchman has played down pressure and warned that his men are not infallible, adding: "It's a very important game for us at this moment, because of the situation.
"We're not scoring from our many chances and we have to score at Wolfsburg. Because of that it's an important game, that we score and come through in the Champions League.
"We don't want to be eliminated. But in sport it's always possible. You can't win every year or every game. It's not like that.
"The Premier League is not finished. It finishes in May, not now. [In] the Champions League, you could be out and that is bad for everybody, for the club, for the players and for the manager."
Blind: Man Utd must start finishing
Manchester United utility Daley Blind said his team-mates must improve their finishing in the final third.
United were criticised once more after failing to find the net in Saturday's goalless draw at home to West Ham.
Louis van Gaal's men have drawn five blanks in all competitions this season, not including the League Cup penalty shoot-out defeat to Middlesbrough, which also ended 0-0.
Blind told MUTV: "You need to finish. If you want to win, you need to finish. In the first half, they got some chances with set-pieces.
"We were dangerous as well in the first few minutes of the game. In the second half, I think we deserved the three points. We created the chances but I keep repeating myself - you need to finish.
"The fans are disappointed and we are as well with the result so we have to move on. Of course this was an opportunity to be at the top of the table - that's why we're all disappointed with this draw."
Blind insisted United's players are remaining positive ahead of a crunch Champions League clash with Wolfsburg on Tuesday.
United must win in Germany to guarantee qualification from Group B ahead of third-placed PSV and Blind added: "I can say something about the spirit - everybody works really hard and everybody is working for each other. We don’t give away chances, we are well organised defensively.
"We need a little bit of luck maybe with the chances. We have to recover and get our minds clear and go on to the next game. It's a very important one."
Manchester United utility Daley Blind said his team-mates must improve their finishing in the final third.
United were criticised once more after failing to find the net in Saturday's goalless draw at home to West Ham.
Louis van Gaal's men have drawn five blanks in all competitions this season, not including the League Cup penalty shoot-out defeat to Middlesbrough, which also ended 0-0.
Blind told MUTV: "You need to finish. If you want to win, you need to finish. In the first half, they got some chances with set-pieces.
"We were dangerous as well in the first few minutes of the game. In the second half, I think we deserved the three points. We created the chances but I keep repeating myself - you need to finish.
"The fans are disappointed and we are as well with the result so we have to move on. Of course this was an opportunity to be at the top of the table - that's why we're all disappointed with this draw."
Blind insisted United's players are remaining positive ahead of a crunch Champions League clash with Wolfsburg on Tuesday.
United must win in Germany to guarantee qualification from Group B ahead of third-placed PSV and Blind added: "I can say something about the spirit - everybody works really hard and everybody is working for each other. We don’t give away chances, we are well organised defensively.
"We need a little bit of luck maybe with the chances. We have to recover and get our minds clear and go on to the next game. It's a very important one."
Champions League fate is in Arsenal's hands - Ramsey
Aaron Ramsey insists that Arsenal's Champions League fate is in their own hands as they prepare to face Olympiacos in their final group game.
The Gunners are three points adrift of the second-placed Greek side and must win by either two clear goals or score at least three times on Wednesday to give themselves a chance of finishing in the top two in Group F.
Ramsey, whose side lost their opening two fixtures in the group, believes that his side will create opportunities and has urged his team-mates to turn in the performance required of them.
"We will always create opportunities – just hopefully we can stop Olympiacos, keep a clean sheet and grab a couple of goals ourselves," he told reporters.
"It was never going to be easy after the start we had in Europe but we have done well to come back into the position that we find ourselves in and it is in our hands – we know what we have to do."
Ramsey was on target in Arsenal's 3-1 Premier League win against Sunderland on Saturday and he hopes that they can take confidence from their victory over Sam Allardyce's side.
The Wales midfielder added: "We have been here a few times before. It is really difficult, we have come up short a lot of the times in Europe. But we know what we have to do and we believe we have enough quality to create the opportunities and score.
"Hopefully we can do that and keep a clean sheet. It is a different situation, we have to go out there and win 2-0 and that will be enough."
Aaron Ramsey insists that Arsenal's Champions League fate is in their own hands as they prepare to face Olympiacos in their final group game.
The Gunners are three points adrift of the second-placed Greek side and must win by either two clear goals or score at least three times on Wednesday to give themselves a chance of finishing in the top two in Group F.
Ramsey, whose side lost their opening two fixtures in the group, believes that his side will create opportunities and has urged his team-mates to turn in the performance required of them.
"We will always create opportunities – just hopefully we can stop Olympiacos, keep a clean sheet and grab a couple of goals ourselves," he told reporters.
"It was never going to be easy after the start we had in Europe but we have done well to come back into the position that we find ourselves in and it is in our hands – we know what we have to do."
Ramsey was on target in Arsenal's 3-1 Premier League win against Sunderland on Saturday and he hopes that they can take confidence from their victory over Sam Allardyce's side.
The Wales midfielder added: "We have been here a few times before. It is really difficult, we have come up short a lot of the times in Europe. But we know what we have to do and we believe we have enough quality to create the opportunities and score.
"Hopefully we can do that and keep a clean sheet. It is a different situation, we have to go out there and win 2-0 and that will be enough."
Schweinsteiger: Man United lack a Messi, Ronaldo or Muller
Bastian Schweinsteiger feels Manchester United are lacking a striker with the killer instinct of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo or Thomas Muller.
Louis van Gaal's men were held to a goalless draw by West Ham at the weekend - the fifth time they have failed to score in their last nine matches in all competitions.
Wayne Rooney is the club's top goalscorer this season with just seven goals and Schweinsteiger admits his side need a player who thrives on finding the back of the net.
"In every game we create chances, but haven’t scored. When that is not the case it is not easy to win matches," the German midfielder was quoted as saying by Manchester Evening News.
"If you miss a chance you have to be unhappy. It is about attitude when you are a striker, a big striker, like a Ronaldo, Messi and Thomas Muller. They want to score goals. They have quality but they want to score goals. You need the attitude that you want to score.
"Our players are not scared in front of goal, no. It is all about the killer instinct. We have players who have the abilities but we need it in every game.
"With luck or whatever you have to score. The feeling that the players want to score, we need to have more of this. We are trying. We are creating and that is a good thing. The problem is a mix of everything, it is that last pass. You have to look up to see what is on. We have players who can score goals."
Rooney and Schneiderlin miss Man Utd clash with Wolfsburg
Manchester United will be without Wayne Rooney and Morgan Schneiderlin for their crucial Champions League clash against Wolfsburg on Tuesday night.
The Red Devils need a victory in Germany to secure their place in the last-16 of the competition, but will have to do it without their captain, Rooney, as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.
Schneiderlin, meanwhile, was forced off with a hip problem against West Ham on Saturday and is not fit enough to play in Germany.
There is also a surprise place in the 19-man squad for Nick Powell, who is yet to make a first team appearance this season, while youngsters Guillermo Varela, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Sean Goss and Andreas Pereira have also been named in the travelling party.
United are second in Group B, one point adrift of leaders Wolfsburg and a single point clear of third-placed PSV, though the Dutch club have a better head-to-head record having drawn with and beaten Louis van Gaal's side.
Man Utd squad to face Wolfsburg: David De Gea, Sergio Romero; Paddy McNair, Chris Smalling, Guillermo Varela, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Daley Blind, Matteo Darmian; Bastian Schweinsteiger, Michael Carrick, Sean Goss, Nick Powell, Ashley Young, Jesse Lingard, Andreas Pereira, Juan Mata; Memphis Depay, Marouane Fellaini, Anthony Martial.
Wenger: Arsenal must attack Olympiacos from the start
Arsene Wenger is optimistic about Arsenal's chances of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League at the expense of Olympiacos.
The Premier League side sit third in Group F, three points behind their midweek opponents, who beat them 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal must match or beat that 3-2 scoreline to book their place in the next round, making their 16th consecutive appearance in the knockout stages of the tournament.
"Personally the record means a lot because it's important for the club and for the players," Wenger told Arsenal's official website ahead of the crucial tie.
"I want to win and I want to qualify. Our job is to win the next game and do what is requested.
"There is one positive thing for us - we know exactly what we have to do. We know that we have to go for it from the start. So let's do that and hopefully we can get through.
"We know what is expected and we have studied Olympiacos."
Arsenal recorded a hard-fought win over Sunderland at the weekend without the injured Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin, but Wenger expects a different game against Olympiacos.
"We changed the team completely against Sunderland because we’ve lost the core in midfield of Santi and Francis in the past two weeks and we had to find a new balance," he added.
"We were a bit insecure as well because we had not won last week.
"But I believe Olympiacos will be a different game psychologically, it's clear, we just have to go for it."
Arsene Wenger is optimistic about Arsenal's chances of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League at the expense of Olympiacos.
The Premier League side sit third in Group F, three points behind their midweek opponents, who beat them 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal must match or beat that 3-2 scoreline to book their place in the next round, making their 16th consecutive appearance in the knockout stages of the tournament.
"Personally the record means a lot because it's important for the club and for the players," Wenger told Arsenal's official website ahead of the crucial tie.
"I want to win and I want to qualify. Our job is to win the next game and do what is requested.
"There is one positive thing for us - we know exactly what we have to do. We know that we have to go for it from the start. So let's do that and hopefully we can get through.
"We know what is expected and we have studied Olympiacos."
Arsenal recorded a hard-fought win over Sunderland at the weekend without the injured Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin, but Wenger expects a different game against Olympiacos.
"We changed the team completely against Sunderland because we’ve lost the core in midfield of Santi and Francis in the past two weeks and we had to find a new balance," he added.
"We were a bit insecure as well because we had not won last week.
"But I believe Olympiacos will be a different game psychologically, it's clear, we just have to go for it."
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