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..::Football III::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
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Adath hari ahenam
hamadama paradinawa thamai balagena inna wela thiyennekawadada win karanne.kawadada SAF hitapu kale wage play karanne
Matches 7kin win 1kak nahaTeam peformance anthimai.1st half melo deyak karanne naha 2nd half dagalanawa
2nd half play karana widiyata ai bari 1st half 1kath play karanna.LVG ge tactics hodai LVG tama
Samaharawita End of LVG wennath puluwan.
hamadama paradinawa thamai balagena inna wela thiyennekawadada win karanne.kawadada SAF hitapu kale wage play karanneMatches 7kin win 1kak naha
Team peformance anthimai.1st half melo deyak karanne naha 2nd half dagalanawa2nd half play karana widiyata ai bari 1st half 1kath play karanna.LVG ge tactics hodai LVG tama
Samaharawita End of LVG wennath puluwan.
Stoke City 2-0 Manchester United: Bojan and Arnautovic humble awful Red Devils
Manchester United endured a miserable Boxing Day as they were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Stoke City to leave manager Louis van Gaal on the brink.
The Dutchman finally pulled the trigger to drop captain Wayne Rooney to the bench after weeks of strongly criticised performances but, even without the England skipper, the visitors were torporous and suffered at the hands of a confident Potters team.
Bojan Krkic netted in the 19th minute after a disastrous backpass by Memphis Depay allowed Glen Johnson to tee him up, before Marko Arnautovic hammered home a thunderous shot from outside the penalty box just six minutes later.
It left United in tatters and, even after Rooney was brought on at half-time, Van Gaal's men had no answers to Stoke as they fell to a fourth straight league defeat for the first time since 1961.
Arnautovic curled wide an early free-kick but it was a calamitous piece of defending that allowed Bojan to tap Stoke into the lead. Memphis's bizarre attempt at a defensive diving header presented the ball to Johnson, who pulled the ball back for the striker to prod in, with David de Gea stranded.
And just six minutes later, Arnautovic doubled the buoyant hosts' advantage in magnificent fashion. The Austria international unleashed a fierce swerving right-footed effort that flew beyond a helpless De Gea after Bojan's free-kick had struck the wall.
Memphis then forced Butland into a low save with a 30-yard free-kick but the game would have been beyond United had Arnautovic not curled wide when one-on-one with De Gea, having been put through by Bojan.
United dominated possession following Rooney's introduction and were denied a route back into the game as Butland produced an excellent point-blank save to thwart Marouane Fellaini after the Belgian had met the England skipper's low delivery.
De Gea did well to prevent Ashley Young from turning a cross into his own net and make it 3-0 and it was Stoke who finished the stronger on another dark day for Van Gaal, who appears to be nearing the end of his time at Old Trafford.
Van Gaal's reign hits new low, but can Man Utd REALLY risk sacking him?
Louis van Gaal is fast running out of allies as he attempts to hold onto his job as Manchester United manager, and the 2-0 loss to Stoke City on Saturday leaves him on the verge of the sack in many supporters’ minds.
Four defeats on the trot and no wins in seven would be enough to see the backs of most managers at high-profile clubs across the world.
Yet circumstances might well save him, with United’s decision-makers potentially split over which possible successor they least want to shun as they choose between one of club management’s big-hitters and the most storied player in Manchester United history.
Strong opinion around the game suggests United should fire Van Gaal and replace him with Jose Mourinho, who has insisted he is after a quick return to the game following his dismissal from Chelsea, but the original plan for the Red Devils was to hand the power to Ryan Giggs following the Dutchman’s spell.
If they decide that Van Gaal should go, then they are caught between a rock and a hard place. Do they perform a climb-down on Sir Bobby Charlton’s previous comments that Mourinho “is a good manager, but not a United manager” in reference to some of his more edgy off-field antics?
Or do they pass up the chance to take the Portuguese on in favour of backing the Welshman, despite the almost inevitable criticism that will come their way the moment things take a turn for the worse under Giggs if they have said no to Mourinho?
Van Gaal is now living on borrowed time, but with the successor to his throne still to be clearly decided he may well be given a little bit longer to try to turn around United’s ailing fortunes. Watch Goal correspondent Kris Voakes's reaction below!
Louis van Gaal is fast running out of allies as he attempts to hold onto his job as Manchester United manager, and the 2-0 loss to Stoke City on Saturday leaves him on the verge of the sack in many supporters’ minds.
Four defeats on the trot and no wins in seven would be enough to see the backs of most managers at high-profile clubs across the world.
Yet circumstances might well save him, with United’s decision-makers potentially split over which possible successor they least want to shun as they choose between one of club management’s big-hitters and the most storied player in Manchester United history.
Strong opinion around the game suggests United should fire Van Gaal and replace him with Jose Mourinho, who has insisted he is after a quick return to the game following his dismissal from Chelsea, but the original plan for the Red Devils was to hand the power to Ryan Giggs following the Dutchman’s spell.
If they decide that Van Gaal should go, then they are caught between a rock and a hard place. Do they perform a climb-down on Sir Bobby Charlton’s previous comments that Mourinho “is a good manager, but not a United manager” in reference to some of his more edgy off-field antics?
Or do they pass up the chance to take the Portuguese on in favour of backing the Welshman, despite the almost inevitable criticism that will come their way the moment things take a turn for the worse under Giggs if they have said no to Mourinho?
Van Gaal is now living on borrowed time, but with the successor to his throne still to be clearly decided he may well be given a little bit longer to try to turn around United’s ailing fortunes. Watch Goal correspondent Kris Voakes's reaction below!
Goodbye from Van Gaal? Man Utd manager waves to travelling fans
Is this the end of the road for Louis van Gaal? The Manchester United manager is understood to be on the brink of losing his job after his side suffered their fourth consecutive Premier League defeat, losing 2-0 to Stoke City on Boxing Day.
The Dutchman has been adamant that he is the man to turn around the Red Devils' fortunes but frustration among supporters continues to grow and some bookmakers are already paying out on him being the next top-flight boss to lose his job.
As he walked off the pitch at the end of United's loss to the Potters, TV cameras caught Van Gaal taking a moment to wave to his side's traveling supporters - was it a wave goodbye or an acknowledgement of a poor performance?
Is this the end of the road for Louis van Gaal? The Manchester United manager is understood to be on the brink of losing his job after his side suffered their fourth consecutive Premier League defeat, losing 2-0 to Stoke City on Boxing Day.
The Dutchman has been adamant that he is the man to turn around the Red Devils' fortunes but frustration among supporters continues to grow and some bookmakers are already paying out on him being the next top-flight boss to lose his job.
As he walked off the pitch at the end of United's loss to the Potters, TV cameras caught Van Gaal taking a moment to wave to his side's traveling supporters - was it a wave goodbye or an acknowledgement of a poor performance?
Van Gaal: I have assurances on my future at Man Utd
Louis van Gaal says he has received assurances about his future at Manchester United after watching his side slump to a fourth straight defeat, having been beaten 2-0 by Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.
United have slipped out of the top four after a disastrous run of results, and the Dutchman's job security has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks, with goals from Bojan and Marko Arnautovic giving the Potters a comfortable Boxing Day win.
Jose Mourinho's availability has further enhanced the arguments for Van Gaal to be axed, but he insists that he is confident over his job security.
The Dutch coach was asked after the game if Ed Woodward should come out and give him his backing to which Van Gaal told reporters: "That's always the question in this situation. But I feel the support of everybody in the club.
"People are saying that to me. I am not so interested in public announcements."
However, when asked if he felt he would be in charge on Monday, Van Gaal added: "The club doesn't have to fire or sack me, sometimes I do it by myself.
"I am the one who wants to speak first with the board of Manchester United, or with the staff, or with the players, not with you.
"We have to wait and see, but I think so."
Louis van Gaal says he has received assurances about his future at Manchester United after watching his side slump to a fourth straight defeat, having been beaten 2-0 by Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.
United have slipped out of the top four after a disastrous run of results, and the Dutchman's job security has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks, with goals from Bojan and Marko Arnautovic giving the Potters a comfortable Boxing Day win.
Jose Mourinho's availability has further enhanced the arguments for Van Gaal to be axed, but he insists that he is confident over his job security.
The Dutch coach was asked after the game if Ed Woodward should come out and give him his backing to which Van Gaal told reporters: "That's always the question in this situation. But I feel the support of everybody in the club.
"People are saying that to me. I am not so interested in public announcements."
However, when asked if he felt he would be in charge on Monday, Van Gaal added: "The club doesn't have to fire or sack me, sometimes I do it by myself.
"I am the one who wants to speak first with the board of Manchester United, or with the staff, or with the players, not with you.
"We have to wait and see, but I think so."
Man Utd hurting during 'horrible' run - Carrick
Michael Carrick says Manchester United are hurting after defeat to Stoke City saw them lose a fourth consecutive game.
Louis van Gaal's side lost 2-0 at the Britannia Stadium on Boxing Day to extend their dismal run in all competitions - their worst such sequence in a single season since 1961.The pressure is mounting on the United manager but Carrick says the entire squad must take responsibility for their dismal form.
"Obviously it was a tough game, we've given ourselves too much to do again. To start like we did against Stoke, go two down, with the situation we're in at the minute, it's tough," he told Sky Sports.
"It's a horrible run, a horrible feeling, it hurts a lot. What else can I say? It's hard to take. We're not playing well enough as a team, as a squad, and [we must] do a lot better. It's Manchester United we're playing for, it's a special club.
"When you're on a bad run, it's tough. It's hard to take. I look at myself first of all, [and] see what I can do better. Everyone's got to do that."You can single anyone out in this situation as a club, a group of players, staff, manager - we have to stick together in football matches.
"We've all got to take responsibility for that. We have to work hard, stick together and keep believing that it'll turn for us. It's got to come the next game."
Michael Carrick says Manchester United are hurting after defeat to Stoke City saw them lose a fourth consecutive game.
Louis van Gaal's side lost 2-0 at the Britannia Stadium on Boxing Day to extend their dismal run in all competitions - their worst such sequence in a single season since 1961.The pressure is mounting on the United manager but Carrick says the entire squad must take responsibility for their dismal form.
"Obviously it was a tough game, we've given ourselves too much to do again. To start like we did against Stoke, go two down, with the situation we're in at the minute, it's tough," he told Sky Sports.
"It's a horrible run, a horrible feeling, it hurts a lot. What else can I say? It's hard to take. We're not playing well enough as a team, as a squad, and [we must] do a lot better. It's Manchester United we're playing for, it's a special club.
"When you're on a bad run, it's tough. It's hard to take. I look at myself first of all, [and] see what I can do better. Everyone's got to do that."You can single anyone out in this situation as a club, a group of players, staff, manager - we have to stick together in football matches.
"We've all got to take responsibility for that. We have to work hard, stick together and keep believing that it'll turn for us. It's got to come the next game."
Tottenham 3-0 Norwich City: Kane double strengthens Spurs' hold on fourth place
Harry Kane scored twice in the first half as Tottenham boosted their hopes of a top-four finish in the Premier League with a 3-0 win over Norwich City.
Kane broke the deadlock from the penalty spot after 26 minutes before doubling both his and Tottenham's tally just before the interval with a low drive from a tight angle.Substitute Tom Carroll added a third in the 80th minute, getting his first Premier League goal with a well-struck shot from outside the area.
The emphatic result at White Hart Lane means Mauricio Pochettino's side sit two points clear of Crystal Palace in fourth place.
Norwich, meanwhile, find themselves perched precariously above the relegation zone after Swansea City's victory at home to West Brom. If Newcastle manage to avoid defeat at home to Everton later on Saturday, Alex Neil's side will drop into the bottom three.
Looking to record their first Premier League win in a Boxing Day fixture at the sixth attempt, the visitors had actually made a bright start.
Home goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was forced to turn away long-range shots from Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe and Robbie Brady, while Cameron Jerome headed over the crossbar from a corner.However, the visitors gifted Tottenham the chance to take the lead when Declan Rudd lost the race with Kane to a Dele Alli throughball to concede a penalty.
Referee Mike Jones pointed to the spot after the Norwich goalkeeper's sliding challenge upended the England striker, allowing Kane to break the deadlock from 12 yards out.
Rudd redeemed himself to a degree with an acrobatic save to keep out a Toby Alderweireld header, but he was unable to stop Kane doubling Tottenham's advantage three minutes before half-time.
Despite having little goal to aim at on the right of the area, the striker was allowed the time and space to get off a shot that ended up in the far corner of the net.The final margin of victory would have been even greater had it not been for Rudd in the second half.
He rushed from his line to block an effort from Alli, while Erik Lamela was denied just after the hour when his cheeky rabona shot was tipped over the top.Norwich barely threatened at the other end of the field, though Lloris did have to be alert to a bouncing ball over the top that he punched away from Jerome.
Any slim hopes of a comeback were finally extinguished when Carroll - on in place of Eriksen - found a way to beat Rudd, and the visitors were even denied a late consolation by a fine double save from Lloris.
Harry Kane scored twice in the first half as Tottenham boosted their hopes of a top-four finish in the Premier League with a 3-0 win over Norwich City.
Kane broke the deadlock from the penalty spot after 26 minutes before doubling both his and Tottenham's tally just before the interval with a low drive from a tight angle.Substitute Tom Carroll added a third in the 80th minute, getting his first Premier League goal with a well-struck shot from outside the area.
The emphatic result at White Hart Lane means Mauricio Pochettino's side sit two points clear of Crystal Palace in fourth place.
Norwich, meanwhile, find themselves perched precariously above the relegation zone after Swansea City's victory at home to West Brom. If Newcastle manage to avoid defeat at home to Everton later on Saturday, Alex Neil's side will drop into the bottom three.
Looking to record their first Premier League win in a Boxing Day fixture at the sixth attempt, the visitors had actually made a bright start.
Home goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was forced to turn away long-range shots from Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe and Robbie Brady, while Cameron Jerome headed over the crossbar from a corner.However, the visitors gifted Tottenham the chance to take the lead when Declan Rudd lost the race with Kane to a Dele Alli throughball to concede a penalty.
Referee Mike Jones pointed to the spot after the Norwich goalkeeper's sliding challenge upended the England striker, allowing Kane to break the deadlock from 12 yards out.
Rudd redeemed himself to a degree with an acrobatic save to keep out a Toby Alderweireld header, but he was unable to stop Kane doubling Tottenham's advantage three minutes before half-time.
Despite having little goal to aim at on the right of the area, the striker was allowed the time and space to get off a shot that ended up in the far corner of the net.The final margin of victory would have been even greater had it not been for Rudd in the second half.
He rushed from his line to block an effort from Alli, while Erik Lamela was denied just after the hour when his cheeky rabona shot was tipped over the top.Norwich barely threatened at the other end of the field, though Lloris did have to be alert to a bouncing ball over the top that he punched away from Jerome.
Any slim hopes of a comeback were finally extinguished when Carroll - on in place of Eriksen - found a way to beat Rudd, and the visitors were even denied a late consolation by a fine double save from Lloris.
Manchester City 4-1 Sunderland: City blitz sorry visitors, but Kompany limps off again
Manchester City recovered from their disappointing defeat at Premier League title rivals Arsenal with a ruthless 4-1 victory over a hapless Sunderland, but there were concerns as captain Vincent Kompany limped off on his comeback from injury.
Manuel Pellegrini's side were beaten 2-1 at Emirates Stadium on Monday in a defeat that left them six points adrift of surprise leaders Leicester City ahead of Saturday's matches.
However, City turned on the style at the Etihad Stadium with the recalled Raheem Sterling and Wilfried Bony part of an excellent attacking unit alongside Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva.
The only concern for Pellegrini will be the sight of Kompany limping off with a seeming recurrence of the calf injury that sidelined him since early November, less than 10 minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute.
In a clinical first-half showing, Sterling opened the scoring with a header and Yaya Toure quickly doubled the lead in superb fashion from long range.Bony had noted his disappointment at being dropped in favour of Sergio Aguero for the Arsenal loss, but he responded by heading home his fourth goal in his last six appearances.
De Bruyne deservedly got on the scoresheet with his 10th goal in all competitions this season and, after Fabio Borini scored a consolation for Sunderland, Bony blazed a penalty over the crossbar.
It mattered little and City are now just three points adrift of Leicester, while Sunderland remain mired in relegation in 19th.
Sunderland made six changes from the side that lost 3-1 at Chelsea, but their defensive frailties were exposed from the off and Sterling was celebrating in the 12th minute.
De Bruyne collected Aleksandar Kolarov's overhit cross and the Belgian's delivery was headed in at the back post by the former Liverpool winger.
Four minutes later the home fans were on their feet again as Toure's quick feet bamboozled Jordi Gomez and the midfielder brilliantly placed his left-foot shot into the bottom-right corner from 25 yards.
Danny Graham missed with a close-range header that offered a warning to City, but the unrelenting hosts went 3-0 ahead in the 22nd minute when Bony expertly headed home De Bruyne's wickedly whipped free-kick.City's attack continued to terrorise Sunderland and Sterling had the ball in the net again before half-time but the whistle had gone for offside.
The hosts remained in the ascendancy after the break and Vito Mannone smartly parried Silva's effort after the Spaniard combined brilliantly with De Bruyne.
But it was a temporary reprieve as De Bruyne's attempted pass into Bony was deflected back into his path by a Sunderland foot and he coolly slotted under Mannone.
There was a blot on City's card when Lee Cattermole's attempted shot was turned goalwards by Borini, who tapped in the rebound after Joe Hart saved his initial effort.Bony wasted the chance to stretch City's lead when he fired wildly over from the penalty spot after Silva was clipped by Sebastian Coates.
And there was more worry for City when Kompany, who had earlier replaced Nicolas Otamendi, limped off to be replaced by Martin Demichelis.
Manchester City recovered from their disappointing defeat at Premier League title rivals Arsenal with a ruthless 4-1 victory over a hapless Sunderland, but there were concerns as captain Vincent Kompany limped off on his comeback from injury.
Manuel Pellegrini's side were beaten 2-1 at Emirates Stadium on Monday in a defeat that left them six points adrift of surprise leaders Leicester City ahead of Saturday's matches.
However, City turned on the style at the Etihad Stadium with the recalled Raheem Sterling and Wilfried Bony part of an excellent attacking unit alongside Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva.
The only concern for Pellegrini will be the sight of Kompany limping off with a seeming recurrence of the calf injury that sidelined him since early November, less than 10 minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute.
In a clinical first-half showing, Sterling opened the scoring with a header and Yaya Toure quickly doubled the lead in superb fashion from long range.Bony had noted his disappointment at being dropped in favour of Sergio Aguero for the Arsenal loss, but he responded by heading home his fourth goal in his last six appearances.
De Bruyne deservedly got on the scoresheet with his 10th goal in all competitions this season and, after Fabio Borini scored a consolation for Sunderland, Bony blazed a penalty over the crossbar.
It mattered little and City are now just three points adrift of Leicester, while Sunderland remain mired in relegation in 19th.
Sunderland made six changes from the side that lost 3-1 at Chelsea, but their defensive frailties were exposed from the off and Sterling was celebrating in the 12th minute.
De Bruyne collected Aleksandar Kolarov's overhit cross and the Belgian's delivery was headed in at the back post by the former Liverpool winger.
Four minutes later the home fans were on their feet again as Toure's quick feet bamboozled Jordi Gomez and the midfielder brilliantly placed his left-foot shot into the bottom-right corner from 25 yards.
Danny Graham missed with a close-range header that offered a warning to City, but the unrelenting hosts went 3-0 ahead in the 22nd minute when Bony expertly headed home De Bruyne's wickedly whipped free-kick.City's attack continued to terrorise Sunderland and Sterling had the ball in the net again before half-time but the whistle had gone for offside.
The hosts remained in the ascendancy after the break and Vito Mannone smartly parried Silva's effort after the Spaniard combined brilliantly with De Bruyne.
But it was a temporary reprieve as De Bruyne's attempted pass into Bony was deflected back into his path by a Sunderland foot and he coolly slotted under Mannone.
There was a blot on City's card when Lee Cattermole's attempted shot was turned goalwards by Borini, who tapped in the rebound after Joe Hart saved his initial effort.Bony wasted the chance to stretch City's lead when he fired wildly over from the penalty spot after Silva was clipped by Sebastian Coates.
And there was more worry for City when Kompany, who had earlier replaced Nicolas Otamendi, limped off to be replaced by Martin Demichelis.
Chelsea 2-2 Watford: Oscar penalty miss denies Hiddink victory
Oscar missed a late penalty to deny Guus Hiddink a winning start to his second spell in charge of Chelsea as Watford claimed a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
The defending Premier League champions beat Sunderland 3-1 last weekend in their first game following the departure of Jose Mourinho - Hiddink had a watching brief from the stands as Steve Holland and Eddie Newton took charge of the first team - and looked set to be maintain that momentum when Diego Costa put them ahead.
However, Quique Sanchez Flores' side drew level before the break when Troy Deeney converted a cool penalty following a needless handball from Nemanja Matic.
Watford continued to look dangerous after the interval and moved ahead in the 56th minute, Odion Ighalo setting a new club record by scoring in the fifth successive Premier League match.
The visitors were denied a historic away win when Costa equalised before Oscar passed up the chance to secure all three points and successive Premier League wins for the first time this season for Chelsea when he sent his spot-kick over with 10 minutes remaining.
Chelsea were handed a further blow when Costa was shown a yellow card for late tackle on Craig Cathcart in the closing stages, ruling him out of their next match against Manchester United.
Hiddink made one change to the Chelsea team for his first game back at the helm, replacing Kurt Zouma with Gary Cahill, while Sanchez Flores' only switch was enforced as Jose Holebas came in for Nathan Ake – ineligible against his parent club.
The hosts started with a high tempo and had a pair of chances inside 10 minutes, but Costa sent his header over and Willian saw his deflected free-kick deflect off Almen Abdi loop narrowly wide.Hiddink's side struggled to create clear openings, though, and Watford started to grow in confidence and become more adventurous.
Ighalo was unable to convert either of the two chances that came his way inside the opening half-hour and Watford were made to pay as they fell behind with 32 minutes played.John Terry's header deflected off Cahill and fell kindly for Costa, who lashed a clinical volley into the top corner.
Oscar blazed a chance to double Chelsea's advantage over from Branislav Ivanovic's cutback soon after, and Watford were handed a lifeline in the 42nd minute.
Matic was found guilty of an inexcusable handball inside the box and Deeney took full advantage, sending Thibaut Courtois the wrong way from the spot to level the score.In a bid to disrupt the link-up of Deeney and Ighalo, Hiddink replaced Cesc Fabregas with John Obi Mikel for the second half.
Courtois was forced down to his left to keep Etienne Capoue's 20-yard shot out the bottom corner in the 56th minute, but Watford had their second one minute later.Ighalo was not closed down as he dribbled into the box and his left-footed strike deflected off Cahill, wrong-footing Courtois and sneaking inside the near post.
Ben Watson put in a sublime block to deny Pedro just after the hour-mark, but Costa restored parity when he latched onto Willian's throughball and guided a shot beyond Heurelho Gomes.
Eden Hazard, making his return from a hip injury as a substitute, won his side a penalty with 10 minutes remaining, but Oscar lost his footing and fired over from the spot.
Oscar missed a late penalty to deny Guus Hiddink a winning start to his second spell in charge of Chelsea as Watford claimed a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
The defending Premier League champions beat Sunderland 3-1 last weekend in their first game following the departure of Jose Mourinho - Hiddink had a watching brief from the stands as Steve Holland and Eddie Newton took charge of the first team - and looked set to be maintain that momentum when Diego Costa put them ahead.
However, Quique Sanchez Flores' side drew level before the break when Troy Deeney converted a cool penalty following a needless handball from Nemanja Matic.
Watford continued to look dangerous after the interval and moved ahead in the 56th minute, Odion Ighalo setting a new club record by scoring in the fifth successive Premier League match.
The visitors were denied a historic away win when Costa equalised before Oscar passed up the chance to secure all three points and successive Premier League wins for the first time this season for Chelsea when he sent his spot-kick over with 10 minutes remaining.
Chelsea were handed a further blow when Costa was shown a yellow card for late tackle on Craig Cathcart in the closing stages, ruling him out of their next match against Manchester United.
Hiddink made one change to the Chelsea team for his first game back at the helm, replacing Kurt Zouma with Gary Cahill, while Sanchez Flores' only switch was enforced as Jose Holebas came in for Nathan Ake – ineligible against his parent club.
The hosts started with a high tempo and had a pair of chances inside 10 minutes, but Costa sent his header over and Willian saw his deflected free-kick deflect off Almen Abdi loop narrowly wide.Hiddink's side struggled to create clear openings, though, and Watford started to grow in confidence and become more adventurous.
Ighalo was unable to convert either of the two chances that came his way inside the opening half-hour and Watford were made to pay as they fell behind with 32 minutes played.John Terry's header deflected off Cahill and fell kindly for Costa, who lashed a clinical volley into the top corner.
Oscar blazed a chance to double Chelsea's advantage over from Branislav Ivanovic's cutback soon after, and Watford were handed a lifeline in the 42nd minute.
Matic was found guilty of an inexcusable handball inside the box and Deeney took full advantage, sending Thibaut Courtois the wrong way from the spot to level the score.In a bid to disrupt the link-up of Deeney and Ighalo, Hiddink replaced Cesc Fabregas with John Obi Mikel for the second half.
Courtois was forced down to his left to keep Etienne Capoue's 20-yard shot out the bottom corner in the 56th minute, but Watford had their second one minute later.Ighalo was not closed down as he dribbled into the box and his left-footed strike deflected off Cahill, wrong-footing Courtois and sneaking inside the near post.
Ben Watson put in a sublime block to deny Pedro just after the hour-mark, but Costa restored parity when he latched onto Willian's throughball and guided a shot beyond Heurelho Gomes.
Eden Hazard, making his return from a hip injury as a substitute, won his side a penalty with 10 minutes remaining, but Oscar lost his footing and fired over from the spot.
Liverpool 1-0 Leicester City: Benteke goal halts league leaders
Liverpool ended a run of four games without a win as Christian Benteke's second-half strike saw them beat Premier League leaders Leicester City 1-0.
Claudio Ranieri's side secured top spot for Christmas with a thrilling 3-2 win at Everton last week but they struggled to make an impact against their Merseyside rivals at Anfield on Boxing Day.
Divock Origi came close twice in the first half before he was forced off with a hamstring injury, but his replacement Benteke fired home Roberto Firmino's cross with 63 minutes played to clinch a much-needed victory for Jurgen Klopp and condemn Leicester to just a second league defeat of the season.
Riyad Mahrez looked a threat on the counter throughout for Leicester but Ranieri's men found it difficult to sustain an attacking threat against Liverpool's intense pressing.
N'Golo Kante came close to an equaliser but Liverpool held out for the three points, in the process becoming the first side in the top flight this season to keep a clean sheet against Leicester.
In an end-to-end opening period, Leicester had a penalty shout waved away when Mamadou Sakho tripped Shinji Okazaki, before Adam Lallana blasted just past the near post as he raced into the visitors' area.
Origi shot just over the bar after cutting in from the right before forcing Kasper Schmeichel into a good save at his near post after he drove into space in the area, but the Belgian forward limped off shortly before half-time with what looked to be a problem with his right hamstring.
Liverpool almost found themselves a goal behind when the in-form Mahrez showed great feet to skip into space 18 yards out, but Simon Mignolet reacted well to parry his rasping drive over the bar.
Klopp's side had fired in 18 shots in the first half but Leicester kept them at arm's length early in the second, despite the hosts continuing to dominate possession, until Benteke struck just past the hour mark.
Firmino clipped a cross from the left into the path of Benteke, who placed a right-footed shot on the stretch into the bottom-right corner, giving Schmeichel no chance.
Ranieri substituted top scorer Jamie Vardy, who took a knock to his ankle early in the half, as Leicester sought a foothold in the match, and Mignolet was forced into a fine reaction stop to keep out Kante's attempt from close range.
The visitors continued to apply late pressure but Liverpool's rearguard remained resolute, before Benteke missed a golden chance to make it 2-0 in injury time, as Anfield celebrated a first home win since November 29 against Swansea City.
Liverpool ended a run of four games without a win as Christian Benteke's second-half strike saw them beat Premier League leaders Leicester City 1-0.
Claudio Ranieri's side secured top spot for Christmas with a thrilling 3-2 win at Everton last week but they struggled to make an impact against their Merseyside rivals at Anfield on Boxing Day.
Divock Origi came close twice in the first half before he was forced off with a hamstring injury, but his replacement Benteke fired home Roberto Firmino's cross with 63 minutes played to clinch a much-needed victory for Jurgen Klopp and condemn Leicester to just a second league defeat of the season.
Riyad Mahrez looked a threat on the counter throughout for Leicester but Ranieri's men found it difficult to sustain an attacking threat against Liverpool's intense pressing.
N'Golo Kante came close to an equaliser but Liverpool held out for the three points, in the process becoming the first side in the top flight this season to keep a clean sheet against Leicester.
In an end-to-end opening period, Leicester had a penalty shout waved away when Mamadou Sakho tripped Shinji Okazaki, before Adam Lallana blasted just past the near post as he raced into the visitors' area.
Origi shot just over the bar after cutting in from the right before forcing Kasper Schmeichel into a good save at his near post after he drove into space in the area, but the Belgian forward limped off shortly before half-time with what looked to be a problem with his right hamstring.
Liverpool almost found themselves a goal behind when the in-form Mahrez showed great feet to skip into space 18 yards out, but Simon Mignolet reacted well to parry his rasping drive over the bar.
Klopp's side had fired in 18 shots in the first half but Leicester kept them at arm's length early in the second, despite the hosts continuing to dominate possession, until Benteke struck just past the hour mark.
Firmino clipped a cross from the left into the path of Benteke, who placed a right-footed shot on the stretch into the bottom-right corner, giving Schmeichel no chance.
Ranieri substituted top scorer Jamie Vardy, who took a knock to his ankle early in the half, as Leicester sought a foothold in the match, and Mignolet was forced into a fine reaction stop to keep out Kante's attempt from close range.
The visitors continued to apply late pressure but Liverpool's rearguard remained resolute, before Benteke missed a golden chance to make it 2-0 in injury time, as Anfield celebrated a first home win since November 29 against Swansea City.
'Van Gaal wrong to drop Rooney'
Louis van Gaal was wrong to drop captain Wayne Rooney for Manchester United's Boxing Day defeat to Stoke City, according to the club's former striker Dwight Yorke.
Rooney was named on the bench for the Saturday's 2-0 loss at the Britannia Stadium, but came on at half-time after Bojan Krkic and Marko Arnautovic had put the hosts in control.
The United and England captain has been criticised for his form this term but Yorke said Van Gaal should have persisted with the striker.
"It was painful watching Man United, you look at a team that is lacking in confidence," Yorke said on Sky Sports.
"[There is] no sparkle whatsoever within that team. You look at the bench to see who can bring someone who could come on apart from Wayne Rooney and bring something different to the team. We seem to be short in every department this afternoon.
"When you look at where Man United are now - sixth in the league, out of the Champions League, lost to Bournemouth, Norwich, now at Stoke, it's been his worst run here.
"I look for leadership, for fight throughout the team, the togetherness, and all of those things seem to be missing. Of course, leaving out your talisman, your captain in the most difficult situation.
"Someone with his experience, even though his form has not been the greatest, I felt it went against [Van Gaal] and he got it wrong again. "I think the timing was wrong, he's had so many opportunities to leave Wazza out and in his most difficult time as United manager to leave your captain out I think was a big call.
"He's an experienced manager and you have to make these calls but it went against him today and I think it was the wrong move."
Louis van Gaal was wrong to drop captain Wayne Rooney for Manchester United's Boxing Day defeat to Stoke City, according to the club's former striker Dwight Yorke.
Rooney was named on the bench for the Saturday's 2-0 loss at the Britannia Stadium, but came on at half-time after Bojan Krkic and Marko Arnautovic had put the hosts in control.
The United and England captain has been criticised for his form this term but Yorke said Van Gaal should have persisted with the striker.
"It was painful watching Man United, you look at a team that is lacking in confidence," Yorke said on Sky Sports.
"[There is] no sparkle whatsoever within that team. You look at the bench to see who can bring someone who could come on apart from Wayne Rooney and bring something different to the team. We seem to be short in every department this afternoon.
"When you look at where Man United are now - sixth in the league, out of the Champions League, lost to Bournemouth, Norwich, now at Stoke, it's been his worst run here.
"I look for leadership, for fight throughout the team, the togetherness, and all of those things seem to be missing. Of course, leaving out your talisman, your captain in the most difficult situation.
"Someone with his experience, even though his form has not been the greatest, I felt it went against [Van Gaal] and he got it wrong again. "I think the timing was wrong, he's had so many opportunities to leave Wazza out and in his most difficult time as United manager to leave your captain out I think was a big call.
"He's an experienced manager and you have to make these calls but it went against him today and I think it was the wrong move."
Hughes: Rooney absence helped Stoke
Stoke City manager Mark Hughes believes Manchester United were weaker for dropping captain Wayne Rooney after overseeing the Potters' 2-0 win at the Britannia Stadium.
Rooney - who has struggled for goals this season - was left on the bench and introduced at half-time after Bojan Krkic and Marko Arnautovic had put the game beyond Louis van Gaal's side.
The Dutchman faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford after a fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions and Hughes felt the United skipper's first-half absence helped the hosts.
"I'm sure there were reasons why Wayne didn't start the game," Hughes said.
"There's a lot of thinking that goes into which team you pick as a manager and you go with the one that you think will win the game.
"It's a tough period over Christmas, we've got a tough fixture against Everton, United have got Chelsea so you've got to work with your resources.
"Maybe that's the reason he didn't start the game. From our point of view, a team without Wayne Rooney is a team that maybe isn't quite as strong.
"But maybe he wasn't fit enough to start."
Stoke have now beaten United, Chelsea and Manchester City at home in the Premier League this season and Hughes was delighted with another impressive display against one of the traditional heavyweights.
"Certainly in the first half I thought we were excellent, it would have taken a very good team to stay with us," he added.
"The second half was a different game from our point of view because you expect a reaction and to a certain extent that's what we got.
"They had more possession and were a bit dynamic so we had to be more resolute but I thought we remained a threat on the break.
"We had good opportunities and should have scored more really. All in all, it was a very good professional performance."
Stoke City manager Mark Hughes believes Manchester United were weaker for dropping captain Wayne Rooney after overseeing the Potters' 2-0 win at the Britannia Stadium.
Rooney - who has struggled for goals this season - was left on the bench and introduced at half-time after Bojan Krkic and Marko Arnautovic had put the game beyond Louis van Gaal's side.
The Dutchman faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford after a fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions and Hughes felt the United skipper's first-half absence helped the hosts.
"I'm sure there were reasons why Wayne didn't start the game," Hughes said.
"There's a lot of thinking that goes into which team you pick as a manager and you go with the one that you think will win the game.
"It's a tough period over Christmas, we've got a tough fixture against Everton, United have got Chelsea so you've got to work with your resources.
"Maybe that's the reason he didn't start the game. From our point of view, a team without Wayne Rooney is a team that maybe isn't quite as strong.
"But maybe he wasn't fit enough to start."
Stoke have now beaten United, Chelsea and Manchester City at home in the Premier League this season and Hughes was delighted with another impressive display against one of the traditional heavyweights.
"Certainly in the first half I thought we were excellent, it would have taken a very good team to stay with us," he added.
"The second half was a different game from our point of view because you expect a reaction and to a certain extent that's what we got.
"They had more possession and were a bit dynamic so we had to be more resolute but I thought we remained a threat on the break.
"We had good opportunities and should have scored more really. All in all, it was a very good professional performance."
The statistic that suggests Van Gaal has built the WORST Man Utd side in 54 years!
Manchester United continue to struggle under Louis van Gaal, with Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Stoke City being their fourth in succession in all competitions.
It also marks a seventh game without victory and the Red Devils have won just three times in 14 fixtures since mid-October.
United's difficulties are reaching new lows by the week, with a series of notable statistics underlining their troubles as they look to get back on track in time to save the Dutchman's job.
The losses to Wolfsburg, Bournemouth, Norwich City and Stoke City in their last four matches make this the worst run by any United side in a single season since 1961.
Not since October through November 1961 have United suffered a four-game run in which they have failed to pick up even a single draw. It is a startling statistic, with only a stretch between May and August 2001 matching the last four games but that run straddled two seasons.
Perhaps inevitably, such a record has seen new lows reached in many other respects too. For a start, United's current return in front of goal being their worst in 26 years.
With an average of just 1.22 goals per game to their credit, they are in danger of dropping below their 1.21 mark of 1989-90. That ratio has been bettered in every season since the 1990s rolled around, but Van Gaal's side are showing few signs of improving in front of goal.
That, combined with their increasing issues in defence, provides a real problem for United. Their consecutive 2-1 defeats to Bournemouth and Norwich combined with the 2-0 loss at Stoke mark their first run of three successive two-goal concessions since September 2010.
United need to buck their act up in all departments if they are to start turning bad fortune into good.
Manchester United continue to struggle under Louis van Gaal, with Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Stoke City being their fourth in succession in all competitions.
It also marks a seventh game without victory and the Red Devils have won just three times in 14 fixtures since mid-October.
United's difficulties are reaching new lows by the week, with a series of notable statistics underlining their troubles as they look to get back on track in time to save the Dutchman's job.
The losses to Wolfsburg, Bournemouth, Norwich City and Stoke City in their last four matches make this the worst run by any United side in a single season since 1961.
Not since October through November 1961 have United suffered a four-game run in which they have failed to pick up even a single draw. It is a startling statistic, with only a stretch between May and August 2001 matching the last four games but that run straddled two seasons.
Perhaps inevitably, such a record has seen new lows reached in many other respects too. For a start, United's current return in front of goal being their worst in 26 years.
With an average of just 1.22 goals per game to their credit, they are in danger of dropping below their 1.21 mark of 1989-90. That ratio has been bettered in every season since the 1990s rolled around, but Van Gaal's side are showing few signs of improving in front of goal.
That, combined with their increasing issues in defence, provides a real problem for United. Their consecutive 2-1 defeats to Bournemouth and Norwich combined with the 2-0 loss at Stoke mark their first run of three successive two-goal concessions since September 2010.
United need to buck their act up in all departments if they are to start turning bad fortune into good.
Van Gaal to 'wait and see' on his Manchester United future
Louis van Gaal has admitted he will "wait and see" whether he continues to receive the backing of the Manchester United hierarchy after his side lost 2-0 at Stoke City in the Premier League on Saturday.
Goals from Bojan Krkic and Marko Arnautovic condemned United to a fourth straight defeat and made it seven games without a win for Van Gaal's men.
Van Gaal has recently reacted angrily to speculation over his future, storming out of his pre-match press conference earlier this week after asking the media for an apology.
And the United boss told Sky Sports after the reverse at the Britannia Stadium: "I try to do everything but the pressure shall be [after] every match higher and higher.
"It's more difficult, people are looking at me, I have to deal with that, the players have to deal with that."My message [in the press conference] was that the media are saying things and writing things that does not conform with what is happening with Manchester United."
Asked if he still has the support of the club, he added: "It's another situation, we've lost the fourth game [in a row] so we have to wait and>
Louis van Gaal has admitted he will "wait and see" whether he continues to receive the backing of the Manchester United hierarchy after his side lost 2-0 at Stoke City in the Premier League on Saturday.
Goals from Bojan Krkic and Marko Arnautovic condemned United to a fourth straight defeat and made it seven games without a win for Van Gaal's men.
Van Gaal has recently reacted angrily to speculation over his future, storming out of his pre-match press conference earlier this week after asking the media for an apology.
And the United boss told Sky Sports after the reverse at the Britannia Stadium: "I try to do everything but the pressure shall be [after] every match higher and higher.
"It's more difficult, people are looking at me, I have to deal with that, the players have to deal with that."My message [in the press conference] was that the media are saying things and writing things that does not conform with what is happening with Manchester United."
Asked if he still has the support of the club, he added: "It's another situation, we've lost the fourth game [in a row] so we have to wait and>
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