Latest ads
-
Video Content Creator
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
QA Engineer Intern
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
Sell your Land, House on idamata.lk for FREE
- sajith.xp.pk
- Updated:
-
Handmade Character Soft Toys- anil1961
- Updated:
-
Bodim.lk out now !- Manoj Suranga Bandara
- Updated:
..::Football IV::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
- Start date
Juventus 4 AC Milan 0: Donnarumma's errors help Allegri's men retain Coppa Italia
Juventus secured the first leg of a likely domestic double as a second-half blitz, aided by two Gianluigi Donnarumma howlers, saw the holders ease to a 4-0 victory over AC Milan in the Coppa Italia final.Medhi Benatia was the unlikely hero for Massimiliano Allegri's side, the defender scoring twice from corners to help Juventus secure the trophy for a fourth successive year.
They could add the Serie A title on Sunday if they better Napoli's result, though their superior goal difference means it is a matter of when, rather than if, they claim the Scudetto for a seventh season in a row.Douglas Costa's long-range strike was sandwiched between Benatia's brace, while Milan's misery was complete when substitute Nikola Kalinic headed into his own net from another set-piece situation.
Gennaro Gattuso's team played well in the first half but fell apart after the break, their hopes of winning the competition for the first time since 2003 left in ruins in Rome.Their cause was not helped by two glaring errors from highly rated goalkeeper Donnarumma, as Milan conceded four in the space of 20 astonishing minutes.
Andrea Pirlo's presence on the field prior to kick-off drew a rousing reception from all sides of the ground, with the former Italy international – a legendary figure with both clubs – parading the trophy up for grabs in customary cool fashion.
Allegri opted to leave the out-of-sorts Gonzalo Higuain - who had managed just one goal in his last nine outings in all competitions - on the bench, instead choosing Mario Mandzukic as the focal point in attack.The Croatian sent a downward header straight at Donnarumma during a first half that saw Juventus control possession without carrying too much of an attacking threat.
Instead it was Gianluigi Buffon who was the busier goalkeeper before the break, the veteran turning away firm shots from Patrick Cutrone and Suso as Milan posed problems on their rare forays into opposing territory.However, having stood toe-to-toe with their opponents for 45 minutes, Gattuso's young side collapsed in spectacular fashion in the face of a Juventus onslaught.
There was little Donnarumma could do about Benatia's header to break the deadlock, the defender steering a looping effort into the net from Miralem Pjanic's curling delivery.However, the teenage keeper was at fault for the next two goals, starting with his failure to keep hold of Costa's low, left-footed drive, the fumble coming immediately after he had pulled off a spectacular save to deny Paulo Dybala.
Benatia also benefited from an error to score again against a shell-shocked Milan, Donnarumma inexplicably dropping the ball straight into the centre-back's path, leaving him with an easy tap-in from close range.
Blaise Matuidi was fortunate not to score an own goal, slicing a cross against the woodwork, but luck deserted Kalinic at the other end, his header glancing past Donnarumma to round out a thoroughly miserable evening for Milan.
Juventus secured the first leg of a likely domestic double as a second-half blitz, aided by two Gianluigi Donnarumma howlers, saw the holders ease to a 4-0 victory over AC Milan in the Coppa Italia final.Medhi Benatia was the unlikely hero for Massimiliano Allegri's side, the defender scoring twice from corners to help Juventus secure the trophy for a fourth successive year.
They could add the Serie A title on Sunday if they better Napoli's result, though their superior goal difference means it is a matter of when, rather than if, they claim the Scudetto for a seventh season in a row.Douglas Costa's long-range strike was sandwiched between Benatia's brace, while Milan's misery was complete when substitute Nikola Kalinic headed into his own net from another set-piece situation.
Gennaro Gattuso's team played well in the first half but fell apart after the break, their hopes of winning the competition for the first time since 2003 left in ruins in Rome.Their cause was not helped by two glaring errors from highly rated goalkeeper Donnarumma, as Milan conceded four in the space of 20 astonishing minutes.
Andrea Pirlo's presence on the field prior to kick-off drew a rousing reception from all sides of the ground, with the former Italy international – a legendary figure with both clubs – parading the trophy up for grabs in customary cool fashion.
Allegri opted to leave the out-of-sorts Gonzalo Higuain - who had managed just one goal in his last nine outings in all competitions - on the bench, instead choosing Mario Mandzukic as the focal point in attack.The Croatian sent a downward header straight at Donnarumma during a first half that saw Juventus control possession without carrying too much of an attacking threat.
Instead it was Gianluigi Buffon who was the busier goalkeeper before the break, the veteran turning away firm shots from Patrick Cutrone and Suso as Milan posed problems on their rare forays into opposing territory.However, having stood toe-to-toe with their opponents for 45 minutes, Gattuso's young side collapsed in spectacular fashion in the face of a Juventus onslaught.
There was little Donnarumma could do about Benatia's header to break the deadlock, the defender steering a looping effort into the net from Miralem Pjanic's curling delivery.However, the teenage keeper was at fault for the next two goals, starting with his failure to keep hold of Costa's low, left-footed drive, the fumble coming immediately after he had pulled off a spectacular save to deny Paulo Dybala.
Benatia also benefited from an error to score again against a shell-shocked Milan, Donnarumma inexplicably dropping the ball straight into the centre-back's path, leaving him with an easy tap-in from close range.
Blaise Matuidi was fortunate not to score an own goal, slicing a cross against the woodwork, but luck deserted Kalinic at the other end, his header glancing past Donnarumma to round out a thoroughly miserable evening for Milan.
Sevilla 3 Real Madrid 2: Ramos misses penalty, scores own goal for depleted visitors
Sergio Ramos missed a penalty and scored an own goal as Real Madrid were made to rue the absences of key players in a 3-2 defeat at Europa League-chasing Sevilla.
Zinedine Zidane made seven changes to the side that drew 2-2 against Barcelona in El Clasico last Sunday as injuries, suspensions and a need to rotate saw Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric sit out, with Sevilla taking full advantage with a little help from their former player Ramos.
Although Madrid were afforded plenty of the ball, they were not very effective and found themselves trailing 26 minutes in – Wissam Ben Yedder scoring his first LaLiga goal since February with aplomb.Madrid's response lacked urgency and Sevilla remained the brighter going forward, eventually extending their lead through Miguel Layun's fine finish right before the interval.
Ramos wasted a chance to get the visitors back in it when his penalty come back off the crossbar, and things got even worse for the centre-back – much to the delight of the home fans – when he turned into his own net with six minutes remaining.
Substitute Borja Mayoral pulled one back before Ramos converted from the spot at the second attempt deep into second-half stoppage-time, but Sevilla held on for three points that take them into the final Europa League spot, while Zidane's side remain three adrift of second-place Atletico Madrid.
Zidane's much-changed team dictated the tempo for most of the first half, with Sevilla's set-up focusing on the pace available to them on the break.But for all their possession, Madrid struggled to craft goalscoring opportunities and Sevilla nearly broke the deadlock 12 minutes in – Franco Vazquez's first-time effort was deflected wide by Ramos.
The former Sevilla man was helpless 14 minutes later, though. Nico Pareja's long ball from the back was flicked on by Luis Muriel to Ben Yedder, and he held off Ramos before coolly slotting through Kiko Casilla's legs.
Sevilla doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time – Steven N'Zonzi showing great awareness to tee up Layun after having a shot blocked, with the Mexican calmly finding the top-right corner.A clumsy Franco Vazquez challenge on Lucas Vazquez gave Madrid the chance to pull one back from the spot before the hour mark, but Ramos smashed his effort against the bar.
Sevilla were not made to rue missing further chances after that, as Gabriel Mercado marched into the area in the 84th minute and saw his low cross deflected beyond Casilla by Ramos.Mayoral - who came on for Dani Ceballos with 20 minutes remaining - got Madrid on the scoresheet when he met Marco Asensio's cross with a brilliant header into the bottom-left corner.
The visitors were awarded another penalty when Mercado was adjudged to have shoved Theo Hernandez inside the box, and Ramos fired home in the 95th minute.
It was too little too late for Madrid, though, meaning they now face an uphill battle to finish second.
Sergio Ramos missed a penalty and scored an own goal as Real Madrid were made to rue the absences of key players in a 3-2 defeat at Europa League-chasing Sevilla.
Zinedine Zidane made seven changes to the side that drew 2-2 against Barcelona in El Clasico last Sunday as injuries, suspensions and a need to rotate saw Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric sit out, with Sevilla taking full advantage with a little help from their former player Ramos.
Although Madrid were afforded plenty of the ball, they were not very effective and found themselves trailing 26 minutes in – Wissam Ben Yedder scoring his first LaLiga goal since February with aplomb.Madrid's response lacked urgency and Sevilla remained the brighter going forward, eventually extending their lead through Miguel Layun's fine finish right before the interval.
Ramos wasted a chance to get the visitors back in it when his penalty come back off the crossbar, and things got even worse for the centre-back – much to the delight of the home fans – when he turned into his own net with six minutes remaining.
Substitute Borja Mayoral pulled one back before Ramos converted from the spot at the second attempt deep into second-half stoppage-time, but Sevilla held on for three points that take them into the final Europa League spot, while Zidane's side remain three adrift of second-place Atletico Madrid.
Zidane's much-changed team dictated the tempo for most of the first half, with Sevilla's set-up focusing on the pace available to them on the break.But for all their possession, Madrid struggled to craft goalscoring opportunities and Sevilla nearly broke the deadlock 12 minutes in – Franco Vazquez's first-time effort was deflected wide by Ramos.
The former Sevilla man was helpless 14 minutes later, though. Nico Pareja's long ball from the back was flicked on by Luis Muriel to Ben Yedder, and he held off Ramos before coolly slotting through Kiko Casilla's legs.
Sevilla doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time – Steven N'Zonzi showing great awareness to tee up Layun after having a shot blocked, with the Mexican calmly finding the top-right corner.A clumsy Franco Vazquez challenge on Lucas Vazquez gave Madrid the chance to pull one back from the spot before the hour mark, but Ramos smashed his effort against the bar.
Sevilla were not made to rue missing further chances after that, as Gabriel Mercado marched into the area in the 84th minute and saw his low cross deflected beyond Casilla by Ramos.Mayoral - who came on for Dani Ceballos with 20 minutes remaining - got Madrid on the scoresheet when he met Marco Asensio's cross with a brilliant header into the bottom-left corner.
The visitors were awarded another penalty when Mercado was adjudged to have shoved Theo Hernandez inside the box, and Ramos fired home in the 95th minute.
It was too little too late for Madrid, though, meaning they now face an uphill battle to finish second.
Manchester City 3 Brighton and Hove Albion 1: Champions break Premier League points record
Manchester City's incredible season continued as Pep Guardiola's side set a new Premier League points record with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion.
Captained by Yaya Toure in his final home game as a City player, the champions made light work of Chirs Hughton's side to move onto an unprecedented 97 points with their 31st league win of the season, surpassing Chelsea's record from 2016-17.
It was not all plain sailing for City - Danilo's 16th minute opener, superbly crafted by the exceptional Leroy Sane, was cancelled out by Leonardo Ulloa following Claudio Bravo's error.Bernardo Silva's effort shortly after the half hour restored City's lead, though, moving Guardiola's side onto 104 goals in the process - yet another Premier League record.
More calamitous goalkeeping from Bravo threatened to set City back again early in the second half, but Fernandinho's strike 18 minutes from time made sure of the win.That set up the perfect chance to give Toure a fitting send-off - the veteran making way to a standing ovation as City moved one win away from claiming 100 points.
Toure was the architect of City's first clear opportunity with a crisp pass out to the right where Silva and Fernandinho combined to tee up Ilkay Gundogan, whose goal-bound shot was blocked superbly by Shane Duffy.
City did not have to wait much longer to go ahead, Sane taking matters into his own hands with a surging run and precise pass into Danilo, who kept his composure to slot home.The champions' lead lasted just four minutes, however. Davy Propper easily got the better of an aimless Bravo to loft a cross into the centre, where Ulloa headed into an empty net.
Making his first league start of the season, Toure turned on the style with a clever cutback to Gabriel Jesus as City looked to restore their lead, only for the striker to slice wide.Silva made no such mistake from City's next chance, though, setting himself brilliantly from Sane's cross before tucking a terrific finish into the bottom-right corner.
Bravo failed to cover himself in glory once more after the restart, spilling Jose Izquierdo's cross-cum-shot into a dangerous area from where Brighton failed to take advantage.City soon had their third, Sane making the most of dreadful defending to tee up Fernandinho, who duly swept home from the edge of the area.
Toure fluffed the chance to mark his final home appearance with a goal by lofting a tame effort straight to Mat Ryan, though it took little away from his final goodbye to the Etihad Stadium crowd in the 86th minute.Danilo was denied a second by the woodwork, but the champions will finish the season in emphatic fashion if they move onto a century of points against Southampton on Sunday.
Manchester City's incredible season continued as Pep Guardiola's side set a new Premier League points record with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion.
Captained by Yaya Toure in his final home game as a City player, the champions made light work of Chirs Hughton's side to move onto an unprecedented 97 points with their 31st league win of the season, surpassing Chelsea's record from 2016-17.
It was not all plain sailing for City - Danilo's 16th minute opener, superbly crafted by the exceptional Leroy Sane, was cancelled out by Leonardo Ulloa following Claudio Bravo's error.Bernardo Silva's effort shortly after the half hour restored City's lead, though, moving Guardiola's side onto 104 goals in the process - yet another Premier League record.
More calamitous goalkeeping from Bravo threatened to set City back again early in the second half, but Fernandinho's strike 18 minutes from time made sure of the win.That set up the perfect chance to give Toure a fitting send-off - the veteran making way to a standing ovation as City moved one win away from claiming 100 points.
Toure was the architect of City's first clear opportunity with a crisp pass out to the right where Silva and Fernandinho combined to tee up Ilkay Gundogan, whose goal-bound shot was blocked superbly by Shane Duffy.
City did not have to wait much longer to go ahead, Sane taking matters into his own hands with a surging run and precise pass into Danilo, who kept his composure to slot home.The champions' lead lasted just four minutes, however. Davy Propper easily got the better of an aimless Bravo to loft a cross into the centre, where Ulloa headed into an empty net.
Making his first league start of the season, Toure turned on the style with a clever cutback to Gabriel Jesus as City looked to restore their lead, only for the striker to slice wide.Silva made no such mistake from City's next chance, though, setting himself brilliantly from Sane's cross before tucking a terrific finish into the bottom-right corner.
Bravo failed to cover himself in glory once more after the restart, spilling Jose Izquierdo's cross-cum-shot into a dangerous area from where Brighton failed to take advantage.City soon had their third, Sane making the most of dreadful defending to tee up Fernandinho, who duly swept home from the edge of the area.
Toure fluffed the chance to mark his final home appearance with a goal by lofting a tame effort straight to Mat Ryan, though it took little away from his final goodbye to the Etihad Stadium crowd in the 86th minute.Danilo was denied a second by the woodwork, but the champions will finish the season in emphatic fashion if they move onto a century of points against Southampton on Sunday.
Tottenham 1 Newcastle United 0: Kane strike clinches top-four finish
Tottenham secured their place in next season's Champions League and moved up to third in the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at Wembley.
Harry Kane's second-half goal let an out-of-sorts Spurs team off the hook after they were second best at times versus Rafael Benitez's determined Newcastle side on a tense evening in north London.A run of only one win from four league matches and a defeat to relegated West Brom left Mauricio Pochettino's men needing a drastic improvement against the Magpies but their performance lacked conviction and key players failed to deliver.
After a frustrating first half, a move involving Dele Alli, Kane and Son Heung-min produced the kind of cohesive, fast passing that was Spurs' trademark earlier in the season and the England marksman's finish was sublime.
A fourth consecutive defeat was harsh on Newcastle, whose craft and positivity belied their mid-table status and whose determination suggested they were chasing much more than ninth place – a position that is now out of reach for them this season.Spurs, meanwhile, have leapfrogged Liverpool into third in the table and cannot finish lower than fourth, which will come as a huge relief to the supporters who have seen their side's form and confidence crumble towards the end of the season.
Tottenham piled forward from the off and Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka pulled off a stunning one-handed save to keep Christian Eriksen's curling 20-yard free-kick from finding the top-left corner of the net.Newcastle countered and went agonisingly close to scoring through Jonjo Shelvey, whose edge-of-the-box free-kick clipped the outside of the post on its way wide.
All of a sudden the home side looked rattled and found themselves pinned back in their own half as Newcastle forced a corner from which Jamaal Lascelles would have scored had his powerful downward header not been saved acrobatically by the diving Hugo Lloris.
The first half then swung from end to end, with Dwight Gayle heading over the crossbar before Jan Vertonghen strode forward and drilled a shot into Dubravka's midriff from 20 yards, and there were further chances for Gayle and Kane but both strikers fluffed their lines.
Mohamed Diame headed wide within seconds of the restart before Spurs finally came to life on 50 minutes, Dele Alli jinking towards the box where Kane exchanged passes with Son before hitting a pinpoint first-time shot into the top-right corner of the net before Dubravka could react.Undeterred, Newcastle applied yet more pressure on the Spurs defence and Lloris had to slide at the feet of Ritchie to prevent him from equalising in a crowded penalty area just before the hour mark.
Kenedy then drilled a low shot just wide to the left of the goal before substitute Jacob Murphy burst down the left flank and found himself one-on-one with Lloris, only to fire over the crossbar from close range as the equaliser that would have delighted the travelling fans and kept Tottenham's Champions League hopes in the balance never arrived.
Tottenham secured their place in next season's Champions League and moved up to third in the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at Wembley.
Harry Kane's second-half goal let an out-of-sorts Spurs team off the hook after they were second best at times versus Rafael Benitez's determined Newcastle side on a tense evening in north London.A run of only one win from four league matches and a defeat to relegated West Brom left Mauricio Pochettino's men needing a drastic improvement against the Magpies but their performance lacked conviction and key players failed to deliver.
After a frustrating first half, a move involving Dele Alli, Kane and Son Heung-min produced the kind of cohesive, fast passing that was Spurs' trademark earlier in the season and the England marksman's finish was sublime.
A fourth consecutive defeat was harsh on Newcastle, whose craft and positivity belied their mid-table status and whose determination suggested they were chasing much more than ninth place – a position that is now out of reach for them this season.Spurs, meanwhile, have leapfrogged Liverpool into third in the table and cannot finish lower than fourth, which will come as a huge relief to the supporters who have seen their side's form and confidence crumble towards the end of the season.
Tottenham piled forward from the off and Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka pulled off a stunning one-handed save to keep Christian Eriksen's curling 20-yard free-kick from finding the top-left corner of the net.Newcastle countered and went agonisingly close to scoring through Jonjo Shelvey, whose edge-of-the-box free-kick clipped the outside of the post on its way wide.
All of a sudden the home side looked rattled and found themselves pinned back in their own half as Newcastle forced a corner from which Jamaal Lascelles would have scored had his powerful downward header not been saved acrobatically by the diving Hugo Lloris.
The first half then swung from end to end, with Dwight Gayle heading over the crossbar before Jan Vertonghen strode forward and drilled a shot into Dubravka's midriff from 20 yards, and there were further chances for Gayle and Kane but both strikers fluffed their lines.
Mohamed Diame headed wide within seconds of the restart before Spurs finally came to life on 50 minutes, Dele Alli jinking towards the box where Kane exchanged passes with Son before hitting a pinpoint first-time shot into the top-right corner of the net before Dubravka could react.Undeterred, Newcastle applied yet more pressure on the Spurs defence and Lloris had to slide at the feet of Ritchie to prevent him from equalising in a crowded penalty area just before the hour mark.
Kenedy then drilled a low shot just wide to the left of the goal before substitute Jacob Murphy burst down the left flank and found himself one-on-one with Lloris, only to fire over the crossbar from close range as the equaliser that would have delighted the travelling fans and kept Tottenham's Champions League hopes in the balance never arrived.
Chelsea 1 Huddersfield Town 1: Terriers safe as Blues' Champions League hopes dented
Marcos Alonso's fortunate goal helped Chelsea come from behind to claim a 1-1 draw at home to Huddersfield Town as the Terriers secured Premier League survival at the likely expense of Swansea City.Chelsea's hopes of Champions League qualification required Antonio Conte's men to record a fifth straight league victory, but their chances of finishing in the top four now appear slim after Huddersfield clung on late to ensure their top-flight status.
Willy Caballero deputised for the injured Thibaut Courtois and the reserve goalkeeper's 50th-minute mistake gave the visitors a shock lead at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.Aaron Mooy's long pass sent Laurent Depoitre racing through on goal, the striker getting to the ball ahead of the sluggish Caballero and regaining his composure to slot into the open goal.
Alonso levelled in fortuitous fashion when Mathias Jorgensen cleared a cross onto the defender's head, with the ball rebounding in for his seventh Premier League goal of the season - and by far the Spaniard's strangest.Chelsea - who somehow did not score in a late goalmouth scramble - must now hope Liverpool slip up in their final-day meeting with Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday.
David Wagner and his team can start planning ahead for the 2018-19 campaign, with Swansea now needing a win against Stoke City at the weekend and a 10-goal swing in goal difference to overhaul Southampton.
Jonas Lossl had to beat away an early Alonso drive as Huddersfield sat deep, Willian then skipping away from Philip Billing to drill a shot wide of the far post.Antonio Rudiger should have opened the scoring in the 12th minute, somehow missing at the back post after Cesar Azpilicueta flicked on a right-wing Cesc Fabregas corner.
Solid defending from Huddersfield - who held champions Manchester City on Sunday - largely restricted Chelsea's opportunities but Alvaro Morata's volley forced a smart stop from Lossl after Fabregas found his fellow Spain international with a lofted pass.
Morata had another chance in the 41st minute when N'Golo Kante slipped him through on goal, but after rounding Lossl the angle was too tight for the striker to squeeze the ball home.Another good opening fell to Rudiger shortly after the restart but he headed Willian's free-kick over the crossbar, Huddersfield immediately compounding that miss with the opener.
The Terriers had not recorded a single shot in the first half, but when Depoitre - who scored in his side's home defeat to Chelsea - raced on to Mooy's long pass, beating Caballero to the ball, the striker was presented with a tap-in.
Conte turned to substitutes Olivier Giroud and Eden Hazard for inspiration but the equaliser came in bizarre circumstances.Jorgensen tried to clear a cross from the Chelsea right but only succeeded in smashing the ball into the face of Alonso, Lossl left helpless in a carbon copy of Liverpool midfielder James Milner's Champions League semi-final own goal against Roma.
Billing rifled wide with 15 minutes to go as Huddersfield threatened to snatch all three points, but Lossl had to make a magnificent save from Andreas Christensen in the closing stages to leave the Blues rueing dropped points in their race for the top four.
Marcos Alonso's fortunate goal helped Chelsea come from behind to claim a 1-1 draw at home to Huddersfield Town as the Terriers secured Premier League survival at the likely expense of Swansea City.Chelsea's hopes of Champions League qualification required Antonio Conte's men to record a fifth straight league victory, but their chances of finishing in the top four now appear slim after Huddersfield clung on late to ensure their top-flight status.
Willy Caballero deputised for the injured Thibaut Courtois and the reserve goalkeeper's 50th-minute mistake gave the visitors a shock lead at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.Aaron Mooy's long pass sent Laurent Depoitre racing through on goal, the striker getting to the ball ahead of the sluggish Caballero and regaining his composure to slot into the open goal.
Alonso levelled in fortuitous fashion when Mathias Jorgensen cleared a cross onto the defender's head, with the ball rebounding in for his seventh Premier League goal of the season - and by far the Spaniard's strangest.Chelsea - who somehow did not score in a late goalmouth scramble - must now hope Liverpool slip up in their final-day meeting with Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday.
David Wagner and his team can start planning ahead for the 2018-19 campaign, with Swansea now needing a win against Stoke City at the weekend and a 10-goal swing in goal difference to overhaul Southampton.
Jonas Lossl had to beat away an early Alonso drive as Huddersfield sat deep, Willian then skipping away from Philip Billing to drill a shot wide of the far post.Antonio Rudiger should have opened the scoring in the 12th minute, somehow missing at the back post after Cesar Azpilicueta flicked on a right-wing Cesc Fabregas corner.
Solid defending from Huddersfield - who held champions Manchester City on Sunday - largely restricted Chelsea's opportunities but Alvaro Morata's volley forced a smart stop from Lossl after Fabregas found his fellow Spain international with a lofted pass.
Morata had another chance in the 41st minute when N'Golo Kante slipped him through on goal, but after rounding Lossl the angle was too tight for the striker to squeeze the ball home.Another good opening fell to Rudiger shortly after the restart but he headed Willian's free-kick over the crossbar, Huddersfield immediately compounding that miss with the opener.
The Terriers had not recorded a single shot in the first half, but when Depoitre - who scored in his side's home defeat to Chelsea - raced on to Mooy's long pass, beating Caballero to the ball, the striker was presented with a tap-in.
Conte turned to substitutes Olivier Giroud and Eden Hazard for inspiration but the equaliser came in bizarre circumstances.Jorgensen tried to clear a cross from the Chelsea right but only succeeded in smashing the ball into the face of Alonso, Lossl left helpless in a carbon copy of Liverpool midfielder James Milner's Champions League semi-final own goal against Roma.
Billing rifled wide with 15 minutes to go as Huddersfield threatened to snatch all three points, but Lossl had to make a magnificent save from Andreas Christensen in the closing stages to leave the Blues rueing dropped points in their race for the top four.
Leicester City 3 Arsenal 1: Vardy & Mahrez deepen Gunners' away-day woes
Arsenal's torrid away form continued as Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez led Leicester City to a 3-1 win over the 10-man visitors at the King Power Stadium.The result – in what was Arsene Wenger's penultimate match in charge of the club – means the Gunners have now lost seven in a row on the road for the first time 1966.
Arsenal were second best from the outset and suffered a double blow early on. Kelechi Iheanacho netted just his second Premier League goal of the season in the 14th minute and 92 seconds later Konstantinos Mavropanos was shown a red card after being deemed to have denied the Nigerian a clear goalscoring opportunity.
The Foxes could have been out of sight by half-time, but Arsenal held firm and got their reward eight minutes after the interval when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pulled them level.Any hopes of ending their abysmal away run were extinguished when Vardy lashed home from the penalty spot, and Mahrez rubbed salt in the wounds at the end of a brilliant counter-attack in the 90th minute.
The defeat was Wenger's first against Leicester in 23 matches since he arrived in England 22 years ago and he will hope to sign off on a more positive note at Huddersfield Town on Sunday.
Arsenal started on the front foot and could have broken the deadlock after seven minutes, but Eldin Jakupovic palmed Alex Iwobi's clipped effort around the post.
Vardy's drive from an acute angle was thwarted by Petr Cech before Iheanacho took advantage of some generous Arsenal defending to open the scoring with a controlled volley from Fousseni Diabate's knock-down.The Gunners' frustrations deepened less than two minutes later when Mavropanos received a straight red card for hauling down Iheanacho after the former Manchester City man picked his pocket around 40 yards from goal.
Harry Maguire almost doubled Leicester's lead from the resulting free-kick, but Cech tipped his powerful volley over the crossbar.The Gunners twice went close to finding an unlikely leveller before the interval through Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Rob Holding, but neither could find the back of the net.
Both sides' attacking intent was evident after the restart with Sead Kolasniac crashing against the post from an acute angle before Diabate saw his clipped shot over Cech cleared off the line by Shkodran Mustafi.Arsenal's more purposeful approach was rewarded in the 53rd minute when Aubameyang netted his ninth league goal since joining from Borussia Dortmund in January.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles found the Gabon international 10 yards out following a stirring run and, after Jakupovic had saved his initial effort, he crashed the rebound into the roof of the net.
Their hopes of clinging on for a first away point of 2018 were ended in the 76th minute when Mkhitaryan tripped substitute Demarai Gray in the box, Vardy stepping up to score his sixth goal in six games against the Gunners with a superb strike into the top left corner.Mahrez had the final say, cutting in from the right, checking inside Holding and firing past Cech to complete a miserable evening for Wenger's men.
Arsenal's torrid away form continued as Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez led Leicester City to a 3-1 win over the 10-man visitors at the King Power Stadium.The result – in what was Arsene Wenger's penultimate match in charge of the club – means the Gunners have now lost seven in a row on the road for the first time 1966.
Arsenal were second best from the outset and suffered a double blow early on. Kelechi Iheanacho netted just his second Premier League goal of the season in the 14th minute and 92 seconds later Konstantinos Mavropanos was shown a red card after being deemed to have denied the Nigerian a clear goalscoring opportunity.
The Foxes could have been out of sight by half-time, but Arsenal held firm and got their reward eight minutes after the interval when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pulled them level.Any hopes of ending their abysmal away run were extinguished when Vardy lashed home from the penalty spot, and Mahrez rubbed salt in the wounds at the end of a brilliant counter-attack in the 90th minute.
The defeat was Wenger's first against Leicester in 23 matches since he arrived in England 22 years ago and he will hope to sign off on a more positive note at Huddersfield Town on Sunday.
Arsenal started on the front foot and could have broken the deadlock after seven minutes, but Eldin Jakupovic palmed Alex Iwobi's clipped effort around the post.
Vardy's drive from an acute angle was thwarted by Petr Cech before Iheanacho took advantage of some generous Arsenal defending to open the scoring with a controlled volley from Fousseni Diabate's knock-down.The Gunners' frustrations deepened less than two minutes later when Mavropanos received a straight red card for hauling down Iheanacho after the former Manchester City man picked his pocket around 40 yards from goal.
Harry Maguire almost doubled Leicester's lead from the resulting free-kick, but Cech tipped his powerful volley over the crossbar.The Gunners twice went close to finding an unlikely leveller before the interval through Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Rob Holding, but neither could find the back of the net.
Both sides' attacking intent was evident after the restart with Sead Kolasniac crashing against the post from an acute angle before Diabate saw his clipped shot over Cech cleared off the line by Shkodran Mustafi.Arsenal's more purposeful approach was rewarded in the 53rd minute when Aubameyang netted his ninth league goal since joining from Borussia Dortmund in January.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles found the Gabon international 10 yards out following a stirring run and, after Jakupovic had saved his initial effort, he crashed the rebound into the roof of the net.
Their hopes of clinging on for a first away point of 2018 were ended in the 76th minute when Mkhitaryan tripped substitute Demarai Gray in the box, Vardy stepping up to score his sixth goal in six games against the Gunners with a superb strike into the top left corner.Mahrez had the final say, cutting in from the right, checking inside Holding and firing past Cech to complete a miserable evening for Wenger's men.
Barcelona 5 Villarreal 1: Dembele at the double as champions close in on unbeaten season
Lionel Messi was on the scoresheet and Ousmane Dembele starred with a double as champions Barcelona cruised to a 5-1 win over Villarreal at Camp Nou, moving a step closer to completing a historic unbeaten season in LaLiga.Philippe Coutinho's third goal in his last four games put Barca ahead and Paulinho soon doubled the hosts' lead with his ninth league goal of the season, but first since January.
Messi combined to devastating effect with the departing Andres Iniesta - who received a standing ovation on his penultimate home appearance when he was later replaced - to make it three on the stroke of half-time, the forward's 34th LaLiga goal of the campaign.
Substitute Nicola Sansone scored a goal he knew little about for Villarreal after the break, but Dembele struck with three minutes left and then got the goal of the night in stoppage time as Barca secured a comfortable victory that moves them to within two matches of going the whole top-flight season without defeat.
Barca, whose unbeaten LaLiga run is now 43 games stretching back to last season, have fixtures against Levante and Real Sociedad to negotiate if they are to achieve the feat.Unlike rivals Real Madrid, sixth-place Villarreal - who had won three straight games coming in and remain firmly in the hunt for a Europa League spot - afforded Barca a guard of honour prior to kick-off.
It only took Barca 11 minutes to move in front, with Dembele the creator. The France winger followed up his impressive weaving run that saw him beat three defenders with a 20-yard shot which spilled out of the hands of Sergio Asenjo, giving an onrushing Coutinho the simplest of finishes from six yards on the rebound.
Jasper Cillessen beat away a powerful strike from Pablo Fornals at the other end, but the hosts doubled their lead just five minutes after their opener.Coutinho fed Iniesta and the veteran midfielder delivered a perfect throughball to Lucas Digne, who avoided an offside flag and squared for Paulinho to tap in from inside the six-yard box.
Cillessen denied Jaume Costa with his feet at the near post following a slip from defender Nelson Semedo, as Villarreal offered some threat.But a moment of brilliance put the result beyond doubt in the last minute of the half. Messi and Iniesta exchanged a magnificent one-two, which ended with the Argentina forward sending a side-footed volley into the far corner from his team-mate's lofted return pass.
Samu Castillejo and Carlos Bacca sent efforts narrowly wide as Villarreal made a fast start to the second half, and the visitors got the goal back they deserved on 54 minutes, albeit in fortuitous circumstances.
Fornals fired in a shot that inadvertently hit Sansone - who had come on at the break - near the penalty spot and the ball deflected beyond the helpless Cillessen.The Barca keeper then had to react sharply to stop a Rodri header crossing his line as Villarreal briefly threatened a comeback, prompting Ernesto Valverde to introduce the rested Luis Suarez and Ivan Rakitic from the substitutes' bench.
But that was the last of Villarreal's significant chances, with a superb solo run from Rakitic setting up Dembele to net from close range.And there was even better to come from Dembele in the third minute of added time, as he carried the ball from his own half in a rapid Barca break and lofted a sublime finish over Asenjo.
Lionel Messi was on the scoresheet and Ousmane Dembele starred with a double as champions Barcelona cruised to a 5-1 win over Villarreal at Camp Nou, moving a step closer to completing a historic unbeaten season in LaLiga.Philippe Coutinho's third goal in his last four games put Barca ahead and Paulinho soon doubled the hosts' lead with his ninth league goal of the season, but first since January.
Messi combined to devastating effect with the departing Andres Iniesta - who received a standing ovation on his penultimate home appearance when he was later replaced - to make it three on the stroke of half-time, the forward's 34th LaLiga goal of the campaign.
Substitute Nicola Sansone scored a goal he knew little about for Villarreal after the break, but Dembele struck with three minutes left and then got the goal of the night in stoppage time as Barca secured a comfortable victory that moves them to within two matches of going the whole top-flight season without defeat.
Barca, whose unbeaten LaLiga run is now 43 games stretching back to last season, have fixtures against Levante and Real Sociedad to negotiate if they are to achieve the feat.Unlike rivals Real Madrid, sixth-place Villarreal - who had won three straight games coming in and remain firmly in the hunt for a Europa League spot - afforded Barca a guard of honour prior to kick-off.
It only took Barca 11 minutes to move in front, with Dembele the creator. The France winger followed up his impressive weaving run that saw him beat three defenders with a 20-yard shot which spilled out of the hands of Sergio Asenjo, giving an onrushing Coutinho the simplest of finishes from six yards on the rebound.
Jasper Cillessen beat away a powerful strike from Pablo Fornals at the other end, but the hosts doubled their lead just five minutes after their opener.Coutinho fed Iniesta and the veteran midfielder delivered a perfect throughball to Lucas Digne, who avoided an offside flag and squared for Paulinho to tap in from inside the six-yard box.
Cillessen denied Jaume Costa with his feet at the near post following a slip from defender Nelson Semedo, as Villarreal offered some threat.But a moment of brilliance put the result beyond doubt in the last minute of the half. Messi and Iniesta exchanged a magnificent one-two, which ended with the Argentina forward sending a side-footed volley into the far corner from his team-mate's lofted return pass.
Samu Castillejo and Carlos Bacca sent efforts narrowly wide as Villarreal made a fast start to the second half, and the visitors got the goal back they deserved on 54 minutes, albeit in fortuitous circumstances.
Fornals fired in a shot that inadvertently hit Sansone - who had come on at the break - near the penalty spot and the ball deflected beyond the helpless Cillessen.The Barca keeper then had to react sharply to stop a Rodri header crossing his line as Villarreal briefly threatened a comeback, prompting Ernesto Valverde to introduce the rested Luis Suarez and Ivan Rakitic from the substitutes' bench.
But that was the last of Villarreal's significant chances, with a superb solo run from Rakitic setting up Dembele to net from close range.And there was even better to come from Dembele in the third minute of added time, as he carried the ball from his own half in a rapid Barca break and lofted a sublime finish over Asenjo.
Wenger refuses to rule out PSG general manager role
Arsene Wenger has not ruled out the prospect of taking up a general manager role at Paris Saint-Germain when he leaves Arsenal at the end of the season.The 68-year-old says he has received "more offers than expected" since announcing he will step down as Gunners manager after nearly 22 years in charge.
Wenger has been tipped to join PSG, either as a replacement for head coach Unai Emery or to take on a directorial role should the Ligue 1 champions put Thomas Tuchel in charge of the first team.
Although he feels he wants to continue in coaching, Wenger will not discount the idea of a change."A general manager role? That's what I have to decide," he said ahead of Arsenal's trip to Leicester City on Wednesday.
"I have not made the decision so, at the moment, I would say yes [I will carry on in coaching], spontaneously yes. But maybe with a distance I will think 'No, maybe it's a time to change a little bit of direction.' Honestly, I can't give you an answer. I don't know." Wenger's ties to PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi have encouraged speculation he will move to Parc des Princes.However, he says their relationship is more based on his punditry work for beIN SPORTS, Al-Khelaifi's broadcasting network, and denied that could influence his plans.
"My relationship with Nasser is more based on media," he said."When he was a young boy he started in his job, I was his first contract — his first signing. So that's why we have a good relationship. And I was always with beIN.But that doesn't influence any decisions."
Wenger also admits it will be tough to get used to spending his days away from Arsenal's London Colney training ground, where he says he never missed the chance to be out on the pitches."I enjoy going out there every day, of course. You know, I didn't miss a training session in 22 years. I never stayed in my office. Every day, I was out there," he said.
"That is something that I will miss. I like green grass and I like to walk on it every morning."
Arsene Wenger has not ruled out the prospect of taking up a general manager role at Paris Saint-Germain when he leaves Arsenal at the end of the season.The 68-year-old says he has received "more offers than expected" since announcing he will step down as Gunners manager after nearly 22 years in charge.
Wenger has been tipped to join PSG, either as a replacement for head coach Unai Emery or to take on a directorial role should the Ligue 1 champions put Thomas Tuchel in charge of the first team.
Although he feels he wants to continue in coaching, Wenger will not discount the idea of a change."A general manager role? That's what I have to decide," he said ahead of Arsenal's trip to Leicester City on Wednesday.
"I have not made the decision so, at the moment, I would say yes [I will carry on in coaching], spontaneously yes. But maybe with a distance I will think 'No, maybe it's a time to change a little bit of direction.' Honestly, I can't give you an answer. I don't know." Wenger's ties to PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi have encouraged speculation he will move to Parc des Princes.However, he says their relationship is more based on his punditry work for beIN SPORTS, Al-Khelaifi's broadcasting network, and denied that could influence his plans.
"My relationship with Nasser is more based on media," he said."When he was a young boy he started in his job, I was his first contract — his first signing. So that's why we have a good relationship. And I was always with beIN.But that doesn't influence any decisions."
Wenger also admits it will be tough to get used to spending his days away from Arsenal's London Colney training ground, where he says he never missed the chance to be out on the pitches."I enjoy going out there every day, of course. You know, I didn't miss a training session in 22 years. I never stayed in my office. Every day, I was out there," he said.
"That is something that I will miss. I like green grass and I like to walk on it every morning."
Sir Alex Ferguson out of intensive care after brain haemorrhageSir Alex Ferguson has been released from intensive care and is in recovery after undergoing emergency brain surgery, Manchester United have confirmed.
The 76-year-old drew tributes from across the world of football when his former club revealed he had been admitted to hospital on Saturday. Ferguson underwent an emergency procedure to treat a brain haemorrhage , and spent several days in critical condition.
On Wednesday, however, the Red Devils released a statement with a positive update on the Scot's health.
"Sir Alex no longer needs intensive care and will continue rehabilitation as an inpatient," United wrote on Twitter. "His family have been overwhelmed by the level of support and good wishes but continue to request privacy as this will be vital during this next stage of recovery." Earlier, United boss Jose Mourinho had hinted at an improvement in his predecessor's condition .
"His family ask for privacy and that's what I am going to respect," Mourinho said at a press conference."But we are positive, very positive. We are confident."Ferguson led United to a period of unprecedented success during the 1990s and 2000s, winning a total of 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues before finally retiring after more than two decades in the hotseat at the end of the 2012-13 season.
'I don't care what people think' – Zidane defends wholesale changes as Real Madrid lose to Sevilla
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane does not "care what people think" about the fact he made wholesale changes to his team for Wednesday's 3-2 defeat at Sevilla.
Zidane made seven alterations to his starting XI following the 2-2 draw against Barcelona in El Clasico on Sunday, with injuries, suspensions and a desire to rotate seeing an unfamiliar team named at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.Cristiano Ronaldo, Isco and Dani Carvajal all missed out through injury, Gareth Bale was suspended and Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Keylor Navas and Marcelo were rested.
Madrid were two down at half-time thanks to efforts from Wissam Ben Yedder and Miguel Layun, before Sergio Ramos missed a penalty and scored an own goal to make it 3-0.Borja Mayoral pulled one back, before Ramos converted his second penalty of the match in stoppage time, but they left their fightback too late and Zidane was forced to defend his line-up.
"We have many games and some have to rest," Zidane told reporters. "We have a final [of the Champions League] on May 26 and I don't care what people think [about rotating]; I am the coach and I decide. "When you look at the team we have put out, I think it's a team that could win."When you lose, you cannot be happy, but it will not affect what we do until the end of the season.
"We were good in first three quarters of the pitch, but we did nothing in the last 30 metres, nothing on the second line, nothing to worry the opponent."We had a better second half, making chances, more mobility, but they got a third goal that got us out of the game. We scored two goals, but we deserved the defeat."
Madrid sit third in La Liga and face an uphill battle to finish second, as they trail Atletico Madrid by three points with two games remaining.
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane does not "care what people think" about the fact he made wholesale changes to his team for Wednesday's 3-2 defeat at Sevilla.
Zidane made seven alterations to his starting XI following the 2-2 draw against Barcelona in El Clasico on Sunday, with injuries, suspensions and a desire to rotate seeing an unfamiliar team named at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.Cristiano Ronaldo, Isco and Dani Carvajal all missed out through injury, Gareth Bale was suspended and Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Keylor Navas and Marcelo were rested.
Madrid were two down at half-time thanks to efforts from Wissam Ben Yedder and Miguel Layun, before Sergio Ramos missed a penalty and scored an own goal to make it 3-0.Borja Mayoral pulled one back, before Ramos converted his second penalty of the match in stoppage time, but they left their fightback too late and Zidane was forced to defend his line-up.
"We have many games and some have to rest," Zidane told reporters. "We have a final [of the Champions League] on May 26 and I don't care what people think [about rotating]; I am the coach and I decide. "When you look at the team we have put out, I think it's a team that could win."When you lose, you cannot be happy, but it will not affect what we do until the end of the season.
"We were good in first three quarters of the pitch, but we did nothing in the last 30 metres, nothing on the second line, nothing to worry the opponent."We had a better second half, making chances, more mobility, but they got a third goal that got us out of the game. We scored two goals, but we deserved the defeat."
Madrid sit third in La Liga and face an uphill battle to finish second, as they trail Atletico Madrid by three points with two games remaining.
Mourinho on Pogba: I think he's going to be at Man Utd next season
Jose Mourinho feels Paul Pogba will be at Manchester United next season as the manager guaranteed neither him nor the club want to sell the star French midfielder.Pogba has been linked to Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain amid reports of a fractured relationship with Mourinho.
Those claims emerged after Pogba was benched following United's Premier League loss to Tottenham in January – the France international also dropped for both legs of the club's unsuccessful Champions League last-16 tie against Sevilla.
But back in the starting XI and crowned the Premier League's Player of the Month for April, Mourinho insisted he has no plans to sell the 25-year-old."I think he's going to be here next season," Mourinho said ahead of Thursday's trip to West Ham. "That's my feeling.
"I can give the guarantee that I don't want him to leave. I can give you the guarantee that the club doesn't want to sell him and I can give you the guarantee that we don't have any approach from him, from his agent or from any club. "So, in this moment, for me, he's staying."There have also been doubts over Marcus Rashford's future at Old Trafford as the 20-year-old forward seeks a regular starting berth.
Talk of a loan move has surfaced, though Mourinho quickly dismissed a possible short-term exit as the Portuguese boss highlighted Rashford's record at United.
No United player has featured more regularly under Mourinho than Rashford, who has appeared in 102 of the team's 117 competitive matches as both a starter and substitute.
Rashford has started in 16 of his 33 Premier League appearances this season, scoring six goals."What does he need to do to impress me? He impresses me," Mourinho told reporters. "That's the reason why he was selected for every match of the season, absolutely every match of the season and that's why he played in so many of them, so he doesn't need to leave to play. He doesn't need anything."
Jose Mourinho feels Paul Pogba will be at Manchester United next season as the manager guaranteed neither him nor the club want to sell the star French midfielder.Pogba has been linked to Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain amid reports of a fractured relationship with Mourinho.
Those claims emerged after Pogba was benched following United's Premier League loss to Tottenham in January – the France international also dropped for both legs of the club's unsuccessful Champions League last-16 tie against Sevilla.
But back in the starting XI and crowned the Premier League's Player of the Month for April, Mourinho insisted he has no plans to sell the 25-year-old."I think he's going to be here next season," Mourinho said ahead of Thursday's trip to West Ham. "That's my feeling.
"I can give the guarantee that I don't want him to leave. I can give you the guarantee that the club doesn't want to sell him and I can give you the guarantee that we don't have any approach from him, from his agent or from any club. "So, in this moment, for me, he's staying."There have also been doubts over Marcus Rashford's future at Old Trafford as the 20-year-old forward seeks a regular starting berth.
Talk of a loan move has surfaced, though Mourinho quickly dismissed a possible short-term exit as the Portuguese boss highlighted Rashford's record at United.
No United player has featured more regularly under Mourinho than Rashford, who has appeared in 102 of the team's 117 competitive matches as both a starter and substitute.
Rashford has started in 16 of his 33 Premier League appearances this season, scoring six goals."What does he need to do to impress me? He impresses me," Mourinho told reporters. "That's the reason why he was selected for every match of the season, absolutely every match of the season and that's why he played in so many of them, so he doesn't need to leave to play. He doesn't need anything."
Conte accepts Chelsea's Champions League hopes are fading
Antonio Conte feels Champions League qualification is likely beyond Chelsea after a 1-1 home draw with Huddersfield Town in the Premier League on Wednesday.
Marcos Alonso's fluke goal levelled after Laurent Depoitre gave the Terriers the lead at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea could not find a way to beat Jonas Lossl late on despite intense pressure, the goalkeeper brilliantly tipping an Andreas Christensen header on to the post.
With Chelsea in fifth, last season's champions must hope Liverpool slip up at home to Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday, so they can take advantage in their closing match of the campaign away to Newcastle United.
And Conte, who rested Eden Hazard and was without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois due to a back injury, accepts a top-four finish will now be difficult for Chelsea."The situation wasn't in our hands before this game and, for sure, the possibility is less now after this game," Conte told a post-match news conference."At the same time, we have to try. We have to try to do our best. We played an intense game, with great desire to get three points. But we weren't able to win the game. That's football.
"It's very difficult to explain the draw because when you have 82 per cent possession and create many chances, concede only on a counter-attack, and draw the game - it's very difficult to explain. But we must accept the result. We must accept staying fifth in the table."But it's a pity because I saw a fantastic commitment from my players. They tried to get three points. But they weren't able to score one goal more than our opponent. Football is simple. If you want to win, you have to score one goal more than your opponent. We weren't able to do this.
"I'm realistic. I think that, at the end of the season, you finish in the position you deserve. We dropped too many points this season. If we stay fifth in the table, it means we deserve to stay in this position."
Although Hazard and Olivier Giroud were named on the bench, Conte denied he was prioritising next weekend's FA Cup final against Manchester United. "I did the rotation also against Burnley," Conte said. "To make rotation, it means playing with players like [Alvaro] Morata, Willian and [Andreas] Christensen, players who usually are in the lineup from the start.
"It's stupid if we think rotation was a problem. We are Chelsea. We have a big squad and players who can play the whole game, but they must win. At Burnley we won the rotation was good. We spent a lot of energy against Liverpool. People said that lineup was not good, but we won. This is football.
"But we must respect Huddersfield. For sure, they started this game with only one target in their mind: to take one point. For this reason, they wanted to defend very deep. I think we must give a best compliment to Huddersfield for this result."We had the chances to score, but we didn't take them. But congratulations to Huddersfield, the players and the manager and the club, for them."
Antonio Conte feels Champions League qualification is likely beyond Chelsea after a 1-1 home draw with Huddersfield Town in the Premier League on Wednesday.
Marcos Alonso's fluke goal levelled after Laurent Depoitre gave the Terriers the lead at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea could not find a way to beat Jonas Lossl late on despite intense pressure, the goalkeeper brilliantly tipping an Andreas Christensen header on to the post.
With Chelsea in fifth, last season's champions must hope Liverpool slip up at home to Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday, so they can take advantage in their closing match of the campaign away to Newcastle United.
And Conte, who rested Eden Hazard and was without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois due to a back injury, accepts a top-four finish will now be difficult for Chelsea."The situation wasn't in our hands before this game and, for sure, the possibility is less now after this game," Conte told a post-match news conference."At the same time, we have to try. We have to try to do our best. We played an intense game, with great desire to get three points. But we weren't able to win the game. That's football.
"It's very difficult to explain the draw because when you have 82 per cent possession and create many chances, concede only on a counter-attack, and draw the game - it's very difficult to explain. But we must accept the result. We must accept staying fifth in the table."But it's a pity because I saw a fantastic commitment from my players. They tried to get three points. But they weren't able to score one goal more than our opponent. Football is simple. If you want to win, you have to score one goal more than your opponent. We weren't able to do this.
"I'm realistic. I think that, at the end of the season, you finish in the position you deserve. We dropped too many points this season. If we stay fifth in the table, it means we deserve to stay in this position."
Although Hazard and Olivier Giroud were named on the bench, Conte denied he was prioritising next weekend's FA Cup final against Manchester United. "I did the rotation also against Burnley," Conte said. "To make rotation, it means playing with players like [Alvaro] Morata, Willian and [Andreas] Christensen, players who usually are in the lineup from the start.
"It's stupid if we think rotation was a problem. We are Chelsea. We have a big squad and players who can play the whole game, but they must win. At Burnley we won the rotation was good. We spent a lot of energy against Liverpool. People said that lineup was not good, but we won. This is football.
"But we must respect Huddersfield. For sure, they started this game with only one target in their mind: to take one point. For this reason, they wanted to defend very deep. I think we must give a best compliment to Huddersfield for this result."We had the chances to score, but we didn't take them. But congratulations to Huddersfield, the players and the manager and the club, for them."
Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2018.05.10
Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2018.05.10
West Ham Vs Manchester United
West Ham Starting Line-up
Adrian
Zabaleta
Rice
Ogbonna
Cresswell
Kouyate
Noble
Joao Mario
Masuaku
Lanzini
&
Manchester United Starting Line-up
De Gea
Valencia
Lindelof
Shaw
Jones
Smalling
Herrera
McTominay
Pogba
Lingard
Sanchez
Goalless unath hoda attack ekak dunna 1st half
Good Luck for the 2nd half Manchester United!
Good Luck for the 2nd half Manchester United!
