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Good Luck Manchester United!
Simeone confident Saul will stay at Atleti
Saul Niguez's stock may have risen further after his stunning solo goal to give Atletico Madrid victory over Bayern Munich in midweek, but Diego Simeone is confident of keeping him at Vicente Calderon.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a productive season, scoring nine times in all competitions as they challenge for La Liga and Champions League glory.
Such has been his impact under Simeone that Saul - on target on Wednesday as Bayern were beaten 1-0 in their Champions League semi-final first leg - has been linked with a move away, with Manchester United said to extremely interested in the youngster.However, Simeone believes the youth product will continue to prosper in Spain with Atleti.
"We are in a situation with young players, very young, with a great present and an even better future, all based on their day to day work," Simeone told a news conference.
"Saul has a very good present and the best thing for him is to stay away from all the talk about him. I am not afraid he will move to another team."
Atletico, level on points with leaders Barca, face Madrid neighbours Rayo Vallecano in the league this weekend with Simeone set to rotate his squad, but defender Diego Godin is unlikely to feature as he continues to struggle with a hamstring injury.
He added: "I will choose the players who can bring me solutions for this game.
"I am not thinking about [Godin] now. I am thinking about [Stefan] Savic, Lucas [Hernandez] and [Jose] Gimenez.
"If he [Godin] is better we will be happy, but if not we will keep going with the three lads who are doing great work for us."
Saul Niguez's stock may have risen further after his stunning solo goal to give Atletico Madrid victory over Bayern Munich in midweek, but Diego Simeone is confident of keeping him at Vicente Calderon.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a productive season, scoring nine times in all competitions as they challenge for La Liga and Champions League glory.
Such has been his impact under Simeone that Saul - on target on Wednesday as Bayern were beaten 1-0 in their Champions League semi-final first leg - has been linked with a move away, with Manchester United said to extremely interested in the youngster.However, Simeone believes the youth product will continue to prosper in Spain with Atleti.
"We are in a situation with young players, very young, with a great present and an even better future, all based on their day to day work," Simeone told a news conference.
"Saul has a very good present and the best thing for him is to stay away from all the talk about him. I am not afraid he will move to another team."
Atletico, level on points with leaders Barca, face Madrid neighbours Rayo Vallecano in the league this weekend with Simeone set to rotate his squad, but defender Diego Godin is unlikely to feature as he continues to struggle with a hamstring injury.
He added: "I will choose the players who can bring me solutions for this game.
"I am not thinking about [Godin] now. I am thinking about [Stefan] Savic, Lucas [Hernandez] and [Jose] Gimenez.
"If he [Godin] is better we will be happy, but if not we will keep going with the three lads who are doing great work for us."
PSG 4-0 Rennes: Ibrahimovic at the double as Blanc's men equal Ligue 1 points record
Champions Paris Saint-Germain equalled their own Ligue 1 points record with an emphatic 4-0 home victory over Rennes on Friday.
Laurent Blanc's side have now matched their record 2013-14 tally of 89 points and still have three more league matches remaining as they attempt to beat the mark before looking to seal back-to-back domestic trebles in the Coupe de France final against Marseille.
Hosts PSG – who made five changes following their win over Lille in the Coupe de la Ligue final - scored twice in the space of four second-half minutes, with Maxwell impressively rounding off a wonderful move before Zlatan Ibrahimovic struck from close range.
Edinson Cavani then hit the crossbar before Ibrahimovic got his second of the match with a powerful finish 12 minutes from time. It was all one-way traffic as Cavani lashed home a fourth in stoppage time to ensure PSG coasted to victory.
Goalkeeper Kevin Trapp did not have to make any saves of note against a Rennes team who have picked up only one point from their last four games, all but ending their European hopes.
After an extremely quiet start to the match, Angel Di Maria had a shot well saved by Benoit Costil having been played in by a clever flick from Ibrahimovic, before Cavani was denied by an impressive block from Mexer a few moments later.
The match continued at a relatively sedate pace, but PSG did create a trio of decent chances towards the end of the first half. Ibrahimovic shot just over with a cheeky free-kick attempt, Di Maria sent a soaring right-footed drive inches wide and captain Thiago Silva was off target with a header.
PSG were much more purposeful at the start of the second half, with Costil making crucial saves in quick succession from Ibrahimovic and Cavani – the lively Di Maria creating both chances.
Inside five minutes of the restart, they were in front thanks to a brilliant team goal. A magnificent pass from Ibrahimovic found Cavani and the Uruguay striker chested into the path of Maxwell.The left-back, 34, then put the ball through Joris Gnagnon's legs and finished superbly, sending a right-footed, curling shot in off the bar.
It was game over soon after when Ibrahimovic stretched to convert a dangerous, inswinging cross from Di Maria, with Costil unable to react quickly enough.Cavani almost got on to the scoresheet after racing on to Javier Pastore's throughball and curling an excellent attempt against the crossbar.
Ibrahimovic also had the opportunity to make it three for PSG, but Costil denied the Sweden international after he attempted an audacious finish while looking the other way having been played in by Maxwell.
But Ibrahimovic, who has already scored more league goals this season than in any other campaign, made it 34 in Ligue 1 by receiving Pastore's pass and smashing an emphatic left-footed shot in off the bar.It should have been four in the closing stages when the busy Costil kept out substitute Lucas Moura, with Cavani somehow lashing the rebound over.
The striker finally netted in the 91st minute, though, finding the far corner after substitute Marco Verratti – playing his first Ligue 1 game since February – sent him in on goal.
Champions Paris Saint-Germain equalled their own Ligue 1 points record with an emphatic 4-0 home victory over Rennes on Friday.
Laurent Blanc's side have now matched their record 2013-14 tally of 89 points and still have three more league matches remaining as they attempt to beat the mark before looking to seal back-to-back domestic trebles in the Coupe de France final against Marseille.
Hosts PSG – who made five changes following their win over Lille in the Coupe de la Ligue final - scored twice in the space of four second-half minutes, with Maxwell impressively rounding off a wonderful move before Zlatan Ibrahimovic struck from close range.
Edinson Cavani then hit the crossbar before Ibrahimovic got his second of the match with a powerful finish 12 minutes from time. It was all one-way traffic as Cavani lashed home a fourth in stoppage time to ensure PSG coasted to victory.
Goalkeeper Kevin Trapp did not have to make any saves of note against a Rennes team who have picked up only one point from their last four games, all but ending their European hopes.
After an extremely quiet start to the match, Angel Di Maria had a shot well saved by Benoit Costil having been played in by a clever flick from Ibrahimovic, before Cavani was denied by an impressive block from Mexer a few moments later.
The match continued at a relatively sedate pace, but PSG did create a trio of decent chances towards the end of the first half. Ibrahimovic shot just over with a cheeky free-kick attempt, Di Maria sent a soaring right-footed drive inches wide and captain Thiago Silva was off target with a header.
PSG were much more purposeful at the start of the second half, with Costil making crucial saves in quick succession from Ibrahimovic and Cavani – the lively Di Maria creating both chances.
Inside five minutes of the restart, they were in front thanks to a brilliant team goal. A magnificent pass from Ibrahimovic found Cavani and the Uruguay striker chested into the path of Maxwell.The left-back, 34, then put the ball through Joris Gnagnon's legs and finished superbly, sending a right-footed, curling shot in off the bar.
It was game over soon after when Ibrahimovic stretched to convert a dangerous, inswinging cross from Di Maria, with Costil unable to react quickly enough.Cavani almost got on to the scoresheet after racing on to Javier Pastore's throughball and curling an excellent attempt against the crossbar.
Ibrahimovic also had the opportunity to make it three for PSG, but Costil denied the Sweden international after he attempted an audacious finish while looking the other way having been played in by Maxwell.
But Ibrahimovic, who has already scored more league goals this season than in any other campaign, made it 34 in Ligue 1 by receiving Pastore's pass and smashing an emphatic left-footed shot in off the bar.It should have been four in the closing stages when the busy Costil kept out substitute Lucas Moura, with Cavani somehow lashing the rebound over.
The striker finally netted in the 91st minute, though, finding the far corner after substitute Marco Verratti – playing his first Ligue 1 game since February – sent him in on goal.
Van Gaal claims De Gea was never a champion in bizarre explanation
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal risked undermining the achievements of his own players after erroneously claiming they have little title-winning experience.
The Dutchman argued that much of his squad was "not used to being champions" ahead of their clash against Leicester City, with the Foxes on the verge of Premier League glory.
Van Gaal suggested that David de Gea - who won the title in 2012-13 - had never been a league winner and also underestimated the medals won by five-time champions Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick.
"The players who are now playing, they are not used to being champions," the coach told reporters."I don't think Matteo Darmian is used to being a champion and David de Gea was never champion, so I don't agree with the way you make the question."
He added: "Memphis Depay was a champion last year [with PSV] so not many players... Rooney, Carrick, they have been the champions once, or maybe more than once.
“But you have to see always the situation of where the club is, and we have seen that we are in a transitional period, and when I was mentioned as the coach, it was also about that we discussed."
Van Gaal went on to point out the age imbalance of the squad he inherited when he joined the club in 2014 and insisted a period of transition was inevitable.
"When I took over we had more than five or six players above 32 or 33, and then you have to select and buy other players, and there were not too many young players any more in the selection.
"So it is a process of transition, and now we are fighting for the qualification for the Champions League and we are still in the FA Cup, so we have to fight for something and we shall do it and hopefully we can beat Leicester."
Sturridge: I may leave Liverpool one day
Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge says he wants to be playing every possible game for his team, while refusing to affirm he would be a one-club man.
Sturridge was forced to watch from the bench as the Reds succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Villarreal, leaving them trailing in their Europa League semi-final tie.
And the forward admitted it was frustrating to be sitting out key games.
“Maybe people don’t see this, but I am someone who wants to play every minute of every match, so maybe when I’m not starting or when I’m taken off, it’s hard to take," he said to reporters during Sainsbury's Active Kids promotion.
“You want to be on the pitch every single match, every single minute."
Sturridge additionally refused to commit his long-term future to the Anfield club, stating that he could leave one day.
“There are things I want to achieve with Liverpool. [But] I would never say I am Liverpool until I die, because I would be lying," he said.
“I think any player who says, 'Oh yeah, this is the only team I will play for, for the rest of my life’, they are deluded. In football, every team looks for replacements every single year.
“So for myself all I can do every weekend is go out there, perform as well as I can, perform to the best of my abilities, and then come the end of the season hopefully have the European Championship to look forward to… and to next year.”
Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge says he wants to be playing every possible game for his team, while refusing to affirm he would be a one-club man.
Sturridge was forced to watch from the bench as the Reds succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Villarreal, leaving them trailing in their Europa League semi-final tie.
And the forward admitted it was frustrating to be sitting out key games.
“Maybe people don’t see this, but I am someone who wants to play every minute of every match, so maybe when I’m not starting or when I’m taken off, it’s hard to take," he said to reporters during Sainsbury's Active Kids promotion.
“You want to be on the pitch every single match, every single minute."
Sturridge additionally refused to commit his long-term future to the Anfield club, stating that he could leave one day.
“There are things I want to achieve with Liverpool. [But] I would never say I am Liverpool until I die, because I would be lying," he said.
“I think any player who says, 'Oh yeah, this is the only team I will play for, for the rest of my life’, they are deluded. In football, every team looks for replacements every single year.
“So for myself all I can do every weekend is go out there, perform as well as I can, perform to the best of my abilities, and then come the end of the season hopefully have the European Championship to look forward to… and to next year.”
Guardiola: You can kill me if Atletico knock Bayern out!
Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has not given up hope of making it to the Champions League final despite losing the first leg of their semi-final 1-0 at Atletico Madrid.
A single Saul Niguez strike was enough to give Diego Simeone’s side victory at Vicente Calderon meaning the German champions face a tough test in the return at Allianz Arena.However, Guardiola is confident his team can overhaul Atleti and also explained his decision to start the game without Thomas Muller.
"The reason was purely tactical. I just wanted to play with one striker,” he told reporters."My experience of playing with two centre-forwards is not good. I wanted more control, but I love playing with Thomas Muller.
"In Lisbon, Robert Lewandowski sat out but we won. Then it was not an issue.
"In the end, I have to make a decision. It's not over yet, we still have a chance. [If it goes wrong] then you can kill me!"
Guardiola’s side are in Bundesliga action this weekend against Borussia Monchengladbach where a win would see record a fourth successive Bundesliga title and the Spaniard is expecting a tough challenge.
“Our thoughts are only on Gladbach," he added. "They have a lot of quality. Alongside Dortmund they are perhaps the team in the Bundesliga with the most quality."They have good players, a good coach and a good sporting philosophy."We are not yet champions, but I hope the fans can celebrate tomorrow."
Guardiola also had little interest in discussing Bayern's apparent interest in Hummels, the Borussia Dortmund captain who has told the Westphalian club of his desire to rejoin the Bavarians before his contract at Signal Iduna Park expires in 2017.
"Not a question for me, sorry," was the response to a query on the issue put to Guardiola, who will leave Bayern at the end of the season to join Manchester City.The former Barcelona coach was more forthcoming when asked about Jerome Boateng, however and revealed he is close to full fitness.
"If he is fit he is one of the best three central defenders. And if he is fit, he plays. No player is better than Jerome," he explained."I hope he can play tomorrow. But he will be ready for Tuesday."I also hope for Carlo Ancelotti that he remains healthy next season."
Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has not given up hope of making it to the Champions League final despite losing the first leg of their semi-final 1-0 at Atletico Madrid.
A single Saul Niguez strike was enough to give Diego Simeone’s side victory at Vicente Calderon meaning the German champions face a tough test in the return at Allianz Arena.However, Guardiola is confident his team can overhaul Atleti and also explained his decision to start the game without Thomas Muller.
"The reason was purely tactical. I just wanted to play with one striker,” he told reporters."My experience of playing with two centre-forwards is not good. I wanted more control, but I love playing with Thomas Muller.
"In Lisbon, Robert Lewandowski sat out but we won. Then it was not an issue.
"In the end, I have to make a decision. It's not over yet, we still have a chance. [If it goes wrong] then you can kill me!"
Guardiola’s side are in Bundesliga action this weekend against Borussia Monchengladbach where a win would see record a fourth successive Bundesliga title and the Spaniard is expecting a tough challenge.
“Our thoughts are only on Gladbach," he added. "They have a lot of quality. Alongside Dortmund they are perhaps the team in the Bundesliga with the most quality."They have good players, a good coach and a good sporting philosophy."We are not yet champions, but I hope the fans can celebrate tomorrow."
Guardiola also had little interest in discussing Bayern's apparent interest in Hummels, the Borussia Dortmund captain who has told the Westphalian club of his desire to rejoin the Bavarians before his contract at Signal Iduna Park expires in 2017.
"Not a question for me, sorry," was the response to a query on the issue put to Guardiola, who will leave Bayern at the end of the season to join Manchester City.The former Barcelona coach was more forthcoming when asked about Jerome Boateng, however and revealed he is close to full fitness.
"If he is fit he is one of the best three central defenders. And if he is fit, he plays. No player is better than Jerome," he explained."I hope he can play tomorrow. But he will be ready for Tuesday."I also hope for Carlo Ancelotti that he remains healthy next season."
Pochettino believes he can match Ferguson's success with Spurs
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino believes he can replicate the achievements of legendary Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Argentine boss has guided Spurs to second in the Premier League with three games to go, but the White Hart Lane club are likely to miss out on the title, with Leicester City needing just three points to be crowned champions.
Despite their potential near-miss, the 44-year-old believes the north London club has a bright future and wants to emulate the success of Ferguson, who won the Premier League 13 times during his stay at Old Trafford.
"Why not? Sir Alex Ferguson is a very special person," Pochettino said. "He was given the security to build his legacy at Manchester United. I believe we are special too and we can build it here together."This club is special. I feel the love from the beginning, from the very first day. I am very happy to be here to hopefully achieve big things.
"I think the potential is fantastic, with the new stadium. I think the club is coming to a very tough period because we are building a new stadium and we may focus sometimes on that, but at the same time it is very exciting."
Pochettino had been linked with a number of high-profile jobs, but the Spurs boss praised his current employers and explained the decision to make a commitment to the club.
"We started to speak before, a few months ago, and today I think is a good moment to communicate we have reached the verbal agreement," Pochettino said.
"I am very happy. I wanted to stay for many reasons. Tottenham have unbelievable potential. We created after two years here a great group of players.
"We have a very strong squad, young, with potential to be a top team. The staff and the supporters are unbelievable, there is massive potential, why not stay here?"
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino believes he can replicate the achievements of legendary Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Argentine boss has guided Spurs to second in the Premier League with three games to go, but the White Hart Lane club are likely to miss out on the title, with Leicester City needing just three points to be crowned champions.
Despite their potential near-miss, the 44-year-old believes the north London club has a bright future and wants to emulate the success of Ferguson, who won the Premier League 13 times during his stay at Old Trafford.
"Why not? Sir Alex Ferguson is a very special person," Pochettino said. "He was given the security to build his legacy at Manchester United. I believe we are special too and we can build it here together."This club is special. I feel the love from the beginning, from the very first day. I am very happy to be here to hopefully achieve big things.
"I think the potential is fantastic, with the new stadium. I think the club is coming to a very tough period because we are building a new stadium and we may focus sometimes on that, but at the same time it is very exciting."
Pochettino had been linked with a number of high-profile jobs, but the Spurs boss praised his current employers and explained the decision to make a commitment to the club.
"We started to speak before, a few months ago, and today I think is a good moment to communicate we have reached the verbal agreement," Pochettino said.
"I am very happy. I wanted to stay for many reasons. Tottenham have unbelievable potential. We created after two years here a great group of players.
"We have a very strong squad, young, with potential to be a top team. The staff and the supporters are unbelievable, there is massive potential, why not stay here?"
Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2016.04.30
Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2016.04.30
Everton Vs Bournemouth
Newcastle Vs Crystal Palace
Stoke City Vs Sunderland
Watford Vs Aston Villa
WBA Vs West Ham
Arsenal Vs Norwich City
LA Liga Fixtures 2016.04.30
LA Liga Fixtures 2016.04.30
Real Sociedad Vs Real Madrid
Atletico Madrid Vs Rayo Vallecano
Real Betis Vs Barcelona
Granada Vs Las Palmas
Real Sociedad Vs Real Madrid
Atletico Madrid Vs Rayo Vallecano
Real Betis Vs Barcelona
Granada Vs Las Palmas
Serie A Fixtures 2016.04.30
Serie A Fixtures 2016.04.30
Udinese Vs Torino
Chievo Vs Fiorentina
Udinese Vs Torino
Chievo Vs Fiorentina
Ronaldo's goalscoring records are unbeatable - Van der Sar
Edwin van der Sar has lauded the goalscoring exploits of Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting his achievements cannot be beaten.
The Dutch custodian played alongside the forward during their time at Manchester United, during which time they won a Premier League and Champions League double in 2008 before Ronaldo sealed a world record switch to Madrid.
The attacker went on to become los Blancos' all-time top scorer in the space of less than seven seasons, and has won three Ballon d'Or awards.
And Van der Sar has paid tribute to the 31-year-old's formidable records, stating his former team-mate has grown from strength to strength since leaving United.
"Ronaldo always scores an amazing amount of goals. Awesome figures," the Ajax director told Goal. "He was already good at Man United but he grew up a couple of levels.
"His scoring records are unreachable. He is having a great season for Real Madrid."
Ronaldo missed the first leg of Madrid Champions League semi-final against Manchester City last Tuesday, a 0-0 result in which Zinedine Zidane's men struggled to break down their opponents' resistance.
However, Van der Sar, who was in the Spanish capital ahead of the Corazon Classic friendly match between Ajax and Madrid in June, is tipping him to return from injury in time for next week's return clash at the Bernabeu.
"I have just one side in Manchester and that's Man United," the 45-year-old continued. "Of course I want Ronaldo to be fit ahead the game. I saw him training and spoke to Zidane."
Van der Sar also weighed in on the transfer situation involving his successor between the posts at United and the club's outstanding performer this term, David De Gea.
The Spaniard was on the verge of joining Madrid last summer only for the move to fall through, with the ex-Atletico Madrid product then going on to put in an outstanding season for Louis van Gaal's men.
His counterpart in the Madrid goal, Keylor Navas, has likewise been in inspired form, and Van der Sar stated he does not see either of them moving from where they are for the forseeable future.
"Well, De Gea is now playing for Man United," he concluded. "Real Madrid have a great keeper as well in Navas. He is good and that's the most important. This is how the situation is so far.
Edwin van der Sar has lauded the goalscoring exploits of Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting his achievements cannot be beaten.
The Dutch custodian played alongside the forward during their time at Manchester United, during which time they won a Premier League and Champions League double in 2008 before Ronaldo sealed a world record switch to Madrid.
The attacker went on to become los Blancos' all-time top scorer in the space of less than seven seasons, and has won three Ballon d'Or awards.
And Van der Sar has paid tribute to the 31-year-old's formidable records, stating his former team-mate has grown from strength to strength since leaving United.
"Ronaldo always scores an amazing amount of goals. Awesome figures," the Ajax director told Goal. "He was already good at Man United but he grew up a couple of levels.
"His scoring records are unreachable. He is having a great season for Real Madrid."
Ronaldo missed the first leg of Madrid Champions League semi-final against Manchester City last Tuesday, a 0-0 result in which Zinedine Zidane's men struggled to break down their opponents' resistance.
However, Van der Sar, who was in the Spanish capital ahead of the Corazon Classic friendly match between Ajax and Madrid in June, is tipping him to return from injury in time for next week's return clash at the Bernabeu.
"I have just one side in Manchester and that's Man United," the 45-year-old continued. "Of course I want Ronaldo to be fit ahead the game. I saw him training and spoke to Zidane."
Van der Sar also weighed in on the transfer situation involving his successor between the posts at United and the club's outstanding performer this term, David De Gea.
The Spaniard was on the verge of joining Madrid last summer only for the move to fall through, with the ex-Atletico Madrid product then going on to put in an outstanding season for Louis van Gaal's men.
His counterpart in the Madrid goal, Keylor Navas, has likewise been in inspired form, and Van der Sar stated he does not see either of them moving from where they are for the forseeable future.
"Well, De Gea is now playing for Man United," he concluded. "Real Madrid have a great keeper as well in Navas. He is good and that's the most important. This is how the situation is so far.
Van Gaal: It is easier for Leicester to sign players than Man Utd
Louis van Gaal said it is harder for him to buy quality players for Manchester United than it is for Claudio Ranieri at Leicester City, ahead of their clash on Sunday.
Van Gaal, who has overseen a mixed campaign for United, said the expectations of selling clubs when United are interested in a player are far greater compared to when a club of Leicester's relative stature come knocking.The Dutchman has experience himself of winning league titles with lesser teams, as he did in Netherlands with AZ Alkmaar in 2009.
And his experiences at AFAS Stadion prompted him to say he found it easier to sign quality players for smaller sides than he does at United, where he has spent well over £100 million in his two seasons at the club.
"As a club of AZ or a smaller club like Leicester, it is more easy to buy players. It's not so easy to buy players for a club like Manchester United," Van Gaal told reporters."You have to pay much more, you have to pay also the agents, and then you have the player himself.
"Also the pressure of the transfer of players is less big, and also for the players who have to perform it's less. So it's a big difference."But it's also a fantastic performance of Leicester City, and at that time AZ, to beat the top clubs.
"The performance of Ranieri and his players is fantastic because they are not used to winning every game and they have to win every game, and they have done it.
"I believe that they shall the champions at the end."Leicester could be champions as soon as Sunday should they defeat United at Old Trafford.
But Van Gaal insisted his side will not be in a hospitable mood for the visit of Ranieri's men, as they chase an important three points in the race for a top-four finish."We are still in the first five, last year we were in the first four, so the difference in points [to Leicester] is not bigger than with Chelsea I believe," the 64-year-old said.
"The question for us is to qualify [for the Champions League]. Fourth position is okay, third position then we have reached our aim. But we have of course a final to play in the FA Cup, so we have pluses."I don't think you can say that we haven't played at a certain level. We have played at a certain level and we played fantastic matches, but we have also played lousy matches.
"I think every club has played lousy matches, also Leicester City, but they have won their lousy>
Louis van Gaal said it is harder for him to buy quality players for Manchester United than it is for Claudio Ranieri at Leicester City, ahead of their clash on Sunday.
Van Gaal, who has overseen a mixed campaign for United, said the expectations of selling clubs when United are interested in a player are far greater compared to when a club of Leicester's relative stature come knocking.The Dutchman has experience himself of winning league titles with lesser teams, as he did in Netherlands with AZ Alkmaar in 2009.
And his experiences at AFAS Stadion prompted him to say he found it easier to sign quality players for smaller sides than he does at United, where he has spent well over £100 million in his two seasons at the club.
"As a club of AZ or a smaller club like Leicester, it is more easy to buy players. It's not so easy to buy players for a club like Manchester United," Van Gaal told reporters."You have to pay much more, you have to pay also the agents, and then you have the player himself.
"Also the pressure of the transfer of players is less big, and also for the players who have to perform it's less. So it's a big difference."But it's also a fantastic performance of Leicester City, and at that time AZ, to beat the top clubs.
"The performance of Ranieri and his players is fantastic because they are not used to winning every game and they have to win every game, and they have done it.
"I believe that they shall the champions at the end."Leicester could be champions as soon as Sunday should they defeat United at Old Trafford.
But Van Gaal insisted his side will not be in a hospitable mood for the visit of Ranieri's men, as they chase an important three points in the race for a top-four finish."We are still in the first five, last year we were in the first four, so the difference in points [to Leicester] is not bigger than with Chelsea I believe," the 64-year-old said.
"The question for us is to qualify [for the Champions League]. Fourth position is okay, third position then we have reached our aim. But we have of course a final to play in the FA Cup, so we have pluses."I don't think you can say that we haven't played at a certain level. We have played at a certain level and we played fantastic matches, but we have also played lousy matches.
"I think every club has played lousy matches, also Leicester City, but they have won their lousy>
Shaw pushing for United comeback this season
Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw is hoping to return to first-team action before the end of the season.
The 20-year-old resumed outdoor training on April 4 after months of recovery from a double leg fracture sustained in the Champions League defeat to PSV in October.
Manager Louis van Gaal stated last month he was delighted with Shaw's progress and the former Southampton man has since revealed he is pushing to play a part in United's final few games of the campaign."I am back outside now, still with the physio but, day by day, I am getting better and fitter," he told MUTV. "I am just going to keep pushing now until the end of the season and see what happens.
"At the moment, my leg feels really great every time I go outside. There was a bit of aching at the start but now they are all gone. It is just back to hard work now and hopefully I will see the fans before the end of the season.
"I have missed football so much. It was hard for me to watch it at times because I missed it so much and I just wanted to be out there."It has not been easy for [the medical staff] either because they have to sometimes deal with me being a little bit moody or what not, but we have all got through it really well."
United face Leicester City, Norwich City, West Ham and Bournemouth in their final four Premier League matches before the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on May 21.
Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw is hoping to return to first-team action before the end of the season.
The 20-year-old resumed outdoor training on April 4 after months of recovery from a double leg fracture sustained in the Champions League defeat to PSV in October.
Manager Louis van Gaal stated last month he was delighted with Shaw's progress and the former Southampton man has since revealed he is pushing to play a part in United's final few games of the campaign."I am back outside now, still with the physio but, day by day, I am getting better and fitter," he told MUTV. "I am just going to keep pushing now until the end of the season and see what happens.
"At the moment, my leg feels really great every time I go outside. There was a bit of aching at the start but now they are all gone. It is just back to hard work now and hopefully I will see the fans before the end of the season.
"I have missed football so much. It was hard for me to watch it at times because I missed it so much and I just wanted to be out there."It has not been easy for [the medical staff] either because they have to sometimes deal with me being a little bit moody or what not, but we have all got through it really well."
United face Leicester City, Norwich City, West Ham and Bournemouth in their final four Premier League matches before the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on May 21.
Hummels to Bayern is logical, he can win trophies there - Hitzfeld
Former Bayern Munich boss Ottmar Hitzfeld says Mats Hummels would be making the correct decision should he leave Borussia Dortmund for the Allianz Arena.
Dortmund announced this week that the Germany international has informed the club that he wants to leave at the end of the season in order to join the reigning Bundesliga champions.Hitzfeld - who delivered league and Champions League success to both Bayern and Dortmund during a stellar coaching career - believes Hummels will give himself the best chance of winning trophies by moving to the Allianz Arena.
"This would be a logical transfer - especially for Mats and Bayern. It would be a great acquisition for those in Munich," he told RND.
"He can win trophies consistently, not only the Bundesliga, but he'll have the chance to get the Champions League every year."Bayern would be attractive for Mats because he can play alongside Jerome Boateng and Manuel Neuer is in goal behind them."
Dortmund have watched Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski join Bayern in the last three years and Hitzfeld accepts it will be difficult for Thomas Tuchel's side to watch another star join their rivals.
"For BVB, it's extremely bitter, because another top performer is leaving the team," he said. "Hummels was not simply a captain, he's a leader, a role model, the head of the team."
Former Bayern Munich boss Ottmar Hitzfeld says Mats Hummels would be making the correct decision should he leave Borussia Dortmund for the Allianz Arena.
Dortmund announced this week that the Germany international has informed the club that he wants to leave at the end of the season in order to join the reigning Bundesliga champions.Hitzfeld - who delivered league and Champions League success to both Bayern and Dortmund during a stellar coaching career - believes Hummels will give himself the best chance of winning trophies by moving to the Allianz Arena.
"This would be a logical transfer - especially for Mats and Bayern. It would be a great acquisition for those in Munich," he told RND.
"He can win trophies consistently, not only the Bundesliga, but he'll have the chance to get the Champions League every year."Bayern would be attractive for Mats because he can play alongside Jerome Boateng and Manuel Neuer is in goal behind them."
Dortmund have watched Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski join Bayern in the last three years and Hitzfeld accepts it will be difficult for Thomas Tuchel's side to watch another star join their rivals.
"For BVB, it's extremely bitter, because another top performer is leaving the team," he said. "Hummels was not simply a captain, he's a leader, a role model, the head of the team."
Borussia Dortmund 5-1 Wolfsburg: Goal-hungry BVB keep alive title hopes
Mats Hummels bore the full brunt of Borussia Dortmund fans' frustration as their faint hopes of the Bundesliga title were kept alive with a 5-1 win over Wolfsburg.
Bayern Munich were held by Borussia Monchengladbach 1-1 at the Allianz Arena, denying them the chance to to wrap up a fourth title in a row in a week that saw Dortmund captain Hummels confirm his desire to return to Bayern for next season.
Mutiny was in the air as Hummels's name was booed by Signal Iduna Park pre-match, his every touch was whistled and the 'Yellow Wall' raised a banner which read: "The captain is leaving the ship. The sooner, the better!"The toxic atmosphere was lifted somewhat as Shinji Kagawa and Adrian Ramos had Dortmund two goals up inside 10 minutes.
Marco Reus and a late Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang double put the result beyond doubt in the second half before Andre Schurrle's consolation effort, and a late Andre Hahn goal in Munich leaves Dortmund five points behind Bayern with two games to play.
While the title is still very much in Pep Guardiola's hands, Thomas Tuchel's first season in charge has been a promising one, following 2014-15's brief flirt with the relegation zone, although the coach will have to build on it without his skipper.
The backlash aimed at Hummels threatened to dominate as the home fans' anger spilled down from the stands early on but a quickfire double gave them reason to smile.
Bayern had already scored through Thomas Muller but news had barely filtered through to Dortmund when Kagawa struck first, reacting quickest after Henrikh Mkhitaryan lashed a wild volley across the 18-yard box to prod home in the seventh minute.
And Kagawa turned provider two minutes later, latching on to a loose ball before clipping a pass in to Ramos, who hammered an effort beyond Diego Benaglio at the near post.
Wolfsburg have slipped from Bayern's closest rivals last season to mid-table obscurity this term but Daniel Caligiuri offered a reminder of their quality when he cut inside Marcel Schmelzer and rattled the crossbar.Reus hit the side-netting after rounding Benaglio at the other end as the two sides kept the crowd focused on match action for the most part.
Dortmund's third arrived on the hour as Benaglio's reward for impressively repelling Sven Bender and Kagawa on the rebound was to see Ramos lay the ball back for Reus to clip a measured effort beyond him.
As Wolfsburg lost all interest in the contest, Aubameyang emerged from the bench to add a dominant slant to the scoreline, nodding fellow substitute Nuri Sahin's cross home from inside the six-yard box before repeating the trick from Schmelzer's centre.
Hummels was still jeered in the closing stages as the Dortmund faithful made their feelings known and the skipper was in for even rougher treatment when he allowed Schurrle to burst clear and score in the final minutes.
Mats Hummels bore the full brunt of Borussia Dortmund fans' frustration as their faint hopes of the Bundesliga title were kept alive with a 5-1 win over Wolfsburg.
Bayern Munich were held by Borussia Monchengladbach 1-1 at the Allianz Arena, denying them the chance to to wrap up a fourth title in a row in a week that saw Dortmund captain Hummels confirm his desire to return to Bayern for next season.
Mutiny was in the air as Hummels's name was booed by Signal Iduna Park pre-match, his every touch was whistled and the 'Yellow Wall' raised a banner which read: "The captain is leaving the ship. The sooner, the better!"The toxic atmosphere was lifted somewhat as Shinji Kagawa and Adrian Ramos had Dortmund two goals up inside 10 minutes.
Marco Reus and a late Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang double put the result beyond doubt in the second half before Andre Schurrle's consolation effort, and a late Andre Hahn goal in Munich leaves Dortmund five points behind Bayern with two games to play.
While the title is still very much in Pep Guardiola's hands, Thomas Tuchel's first season in charge has been a promising one, following 2014-15's brief flirt with the relegation zone, although the coach will have to build on it without his skipper.
The backlash aimed at Hummels threatened to dominate as the home fans' anger spilled down from the stands early on but a quickfire double gave them reason to smile.
Bayern had already scored through Thomas Muller but news had barely filtered through to Dortmund when Kagawa struck first, reacting quickest after Henrikh Mkhitaryan lashed a wild volley across the 18-yard box to prod home in the seventh minute.
And Kagawa turned provider two minutes later, latching on to a loose ball before clipping a pass in to Ramos, who hammered an effort beyond Diego Benaglio at the near post.
Wolfsburg have slipped from Bayern's closest rivals last season to mid-table obscurity this term but Daniel Caligiuri offered a reminder of their quality when he cut inside Marcel Schmelzer and rattled the crossbar.Reus hit the side-netting after rounding Benaglio at the other end as the two sides kept the crowd focused on match action for the most part.
Dortmund's third arrived on the hour as Benaglio's reward for impressively repelling Sven Bender and Kagawa on the rebound was to see Ramos lay the ball back for Reus to clip a measured effort beyond him.
As Wolfsburg lost all interest in the contest, Aubameyang emerged from the bench to add a dominant slant to the scoreline, nodding fellow substitute Nuri Sahin's cross home from inside the six-yard box before repeating the trick from Schmelzer's centre.
Hummels was still jeered in the closing stages as the Dortmund faithful made their feelings known and the skipper was in for even rougher treatment when he allowed Schurrle to burst clear and score in the final minutes.
Bayern Munich 1-1 Borussia Monchengladbach: Bavarians made to wait for title
Andre Hahn put Bayern Munich's Bundesliga title celebrations on hold as his second-half strike secured a 1-1 draw for Borussia Monchengladbach at Allianz Arena.
Bayern went into Saturday's match seven points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund and in the knowledge a win over Gladbach would be enough for a record-breaking fourth successive championship.
Thomas Muller eased the home faithful's nerves when he marked his 350th appearance for the Bavarian club with a header that squirmed beyond visiting goalkeeper Yann Sommer in the sixth minute.
But Bayern were guilty of stepping off the gas and required an impressive reaction save from Manuel Neuer to deny Hahn shortly before the interval.Hahn got the better of the Germany international goalkeeper with 18 minutes remaining, however, rifling home from substitute Lars Stindl's brilliant through ball.
Kingsley Coman felt he should have had a penalty when he was sent tumbling inside the box by Nico Elvedi, but nothing was given and Bayern were unable to find the goal required to win the title in Pep Guardiola's 100th match at the helm, as their winless run against Gladbach stretched to four matches.
Bayern now head into the second leg of their Champions League semi-final meeting with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday needing to overturn a 1-0 aggregate deficit with the weight of a title yet to be won on their shoulders.
With one eye on that fixture, Guardiola made eight changes to his lineup against Gladbach, resting the likes of Philipp Lahm, Arturo Vidal and Robert Lewandowski, though Jerome Boateng was restored to the starting XI for his first appearance since January 22, having been sidelined with a groin injury.
Still, it took Bayern just six minutes to put themselves on the right track after Serdar Tasci lunged towards Muller's goal-bound header, doing enough to distract Sommer who could only palm the ball into the back of the net.
Gladbach were unperturbed and came close to an equaliser when Hahn headed Raffael's cross towards the bottom-right corner, but Neuer – on his 250th Bayern appearance – dived down to his left to turn it behind.
Guardiola's side continued to sit on their lead, with Tasci and Sebastian Rode picking up bookings attempting to regain possession as Gladbach enjoyed the greater share of the ball before the half-hour mark.
Muller continued to be a danger and the pressure he applied on Oscar Wendt almost resulted in the Gladbach left-back inadvertently sending Coman's cross into the back of his own net before the interval.
Bayern struggled to carry that momentum into the second half as Granit Xhaka provided a scare when he surged forward and sliced wide from 20 yards in the 56th minute.
Gladbach's pressure finally told in the 72nd minute when Stindl, who replaced Thorgan Hazard in the 57th minute, released Hahn in behind the defence and he drilled a low shot beyond Neuer at his near post.
Bayern remain five points clear of second-placed Dortmund, who beat Wolfsburg 5-1 on the same day, and can win the Bundesliga title if they beat Ingolstadt away from home next weekend.
Andre Hahn put Bayern Munich's Bundesliga title celebrations on hold as his second-half strike secured a 1-1 draw for Borussia Monchengladbach at Allianz Arena.
Bayern went into Saturday's match seven points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund and in the knowledge a win over Gladbach would be enough for a record-breaking fourth successive championship.
Thomas Muller eased the home faithful's nerves when he marked his 350th appearance for the Bavarian club with a header that squirmed beyond visiting goalkeeper Yann Sommer in the sixth minute.
But Bayern were guilty of stepping off the gas and required an impressive reaction save from Manuel Neuer to deny Hahn shortly before the interval.Hahn got the better of the Germany international goalkeeper with 18 minutes remaining, however, rifling home from substitute Lars Stindl's brilliant through ball.
Kingsley Coman felt he should have had a penalty when he was sent tumbling inside the box by Nico Elvedi, but nothing was given and Bayern were unable to find the goal required to win the title in Pep Guardiola's 100th match at the helm, as their winless run against Gladbach stretched to four matches.
Bayern now head into the second leg of their Champions League semi-final meeting with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday needing to overturn a 1-0 aggregate deficit with the weight of a title yet to be won on their shoulders.
With one eye on that fixture, Guardiola made eight changes to his lineup against Gladbach, resting the likes of Philipp Lahm, Arturo Vidal and Robert Lewandowski, though Jerome Boateng was restored to the starting XI for his first appearance since January 22, having been sidelined with a groin injury.
Still, it took Bayern just six minutes to put themselves on the right track after Serdar Tasci lunged towards Muller's goal-bound header, doing enough to distract Sommer who could only palm the ball into the back of the net.
Gladbach were unperturbed and came close to an equaliser when Hahn headed Raffael's cross towards the bottom-right corner, but Neuer – on his 250th Bayern appearance – dived down to his left to turn it behind.
Guardiola's side continued to sit on their lead, with Tasci and Sebastian Rode picking up bookings attempting to regain possession as Gladbach enjoyed the greater share of the ball before the half-hour mark.
Muller continued to be a danger and the pressure he applied on Oscar Wendt almost resulted in the Gladbach left-back inadvertently sending Coman's cross into the back of his own net before the interval.
Bayern struggled to carry that momentum into the second half as Granit Xhaka provided a scare when he surged forward and sliced wide from 20 yards in the 56th minute.
Gladbach's pressure finally told in the 72nd minute when Stindl, who replaced Thorgan Hazard in the 57th minute, released Hahn in behind the defence and he drilled a low shot beyond Neuer at his near post.
Bayern remain five points clear of second-placed Dortmund, who beat Wolfsburg 5-1 on the same day, and can win the Bundesliga title if they beat Ingolstadt away from home next weekend.
West Brom 0-3 West Ham: Noble shines to keep Champions League push alive
Cheikhou Kouyate and Mark Noble proved influential as West Ham boosted their Europa League qualifying hopes with a comfortable 3-0 win at West Brom.
Kouyate scored one and assisted another in Saturday's contest at The Hawthorns, while captain Noble finished with a brace for the second Premier League match in succession.
West Brom had derailed Tottenham's title ambitions with a 1-1 draw on Monday, but Tony Pulis' men were unable to inflict similar damage on the Hammers' European dreams.
Kouyate nodded in from Dimitri Payet's excellent cross to put West Ham in front, before turning provider for Noble to make it 2-0 shortly prior to the break.
Noble then finished a fine team move to seal the points for Slaven Bilic's men, with West Ham moving fifth above Manchester United, who host leaders Leicester City on Sunday, on goal difference.
A fifth-place finish would guarantee West Ham's place in the Europa League group stage.
West Brom, who are 13th, had little riding on the outcome of the game and Pulis named Jonathan Leko in his XI, the teenager becoming the first player born in 1999 to start in the Premier League.
Leko demonstrated his abilities early on by bamboozling Aaron Cresswell and teeing up Craig Gardner, who saw two weak efforts blocked.
The ball then broke kindly for Gardner on the right of the area and his curling left-foot shot was brilliantly deflected wide by Michail Antonio.
Leko continued to impress and his cross sat up for Gardner, only for the former Sunderland man to head poorly wide.
West Ham settled into the match, though, and the visitors went in front in the 34th minute. Payet stayed onside down the right and his pin-point cross was headed home by the unmarked Kouyate.
And it was 2-0 on the stroke of half-time. Kouyate burst down the left and picked out Noble, whose first touch was heavy but his second was toe-poked past a helpless Ben Foster.
The second half maintained a frenetic pace, albeit with fewer chances, although superb defending from Angelo Ogbonna prevented Salomon Rondon meeting Gardner's low centre.
West Brom substitute Sandro tried his luck with a low 25-yard effort that narrowly cleared the right-hand post.
But it was West Ham who had the final say as they wrapped up a convincing win, Payet doing brilliantly to find Andy Carroll out wide, with his teasing cross volleyed home by Noble.
Cheikhou Kouyate and Mark Noble proved influential as West Ham boosted their Europa League qualifying hopes with a comfortable 3-0 win at West Brom.
Kouyate scored one and assisted another in Saturday's contest at The Hawthorns, while captain Noble finished with a brace for the second Premier League match in succession.
West Brom had derailed Tottenham's title ambitions with a 1-1 draw on Monday, but Tony Pulis' men were unable to inflict similar damage on the Hammers' European dreams.
Kouyate nodded in from Dimitri Payet's excellent cross to put West Ham in front, before turning provider for Noble to make it 2-0 shortly prior to the break.
Noble then finished a fine team move to seal the points for Slaven Bilic's men, with West Ham moving fifth above Manchester United, who host leaders Leicester City on Sunday, on goal difference.
A fifth-place finish would guarantee West Ham's place in the Europa League group stage.
West Brom, who are 13th, had little riding on the outcome of the game and Pulis named Jonathan Leko in his XI, the teenager becoming the first player born in 1999 to start in the Premier League.
Leko demonstrated his abilities early on by bamboozling Aaron Cresswell and teeing up Craig Gardner, who saw two weak efforts blocked.
The ball then broke kindly for Gardner on the right of the area and his curling left-foot shot was brilliantly deflected wide by Michail Antonio.
Leko continued to impress and his cross sat up for Gardner, only for the former Sunderland man to head poorly wide.
West Ham settled into the match, though, and the visitors went in front in the 34th minute. Payet stayed onside down the right and his pin-point cross was headed home by the unmarked Kouyate.
And it was 2-0 on the stroke of half-time. Kouyate burst down the left and picked out Noble, whose first touch was heavy but his second was toe-poked past a helpless Ben Foster.
The second half maintained a frenetic pace, albeit with fewer chances, although superb defending from Angelo Ogbonna prevented Salomon Rondon meeting Gardner's low centre.
West Brom substitute Sandro tried his luck with a low 25-yard effort that narrowly cleared the right-hand post.
But it was West Ham who had the final say as they wrapped up a convincing win, Payet doing brilliantly to find Andy Carroll out wide, with his teasing cross volleyed home by Noble.
Everton 2-1 Bournemouth: 'Martinez Out' protests mar Toffees win
Everton returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over AFC Bournemouth on Saturday, but the result was overshadowed by fan protests against manager Roberto Martinez.
A plane was flown over Goodison Park, holding a banner emblazoned with the words 'Time to go Roberto', but the players were not distracted from the task at hand, and picked up their first victory in the Premier League since March 1.
Everton took the lead in the seventh minute at Goodison Park on Saturday, Tom Cleverley beating Artur Boruc with a precise strike after neat passing by the hosts, but Bournemouth were swiftly level in controversial circumstances.
Marc Pugh swept a finish in at the back post, but Everton felt there was a foul by Callum Wilson, making his first start in seven months after a serious knee injury, in the build-up to the goal.However, Baines put Everton back in front after 64 minutes, smashing in powerfully after Cleverley touched on an Aaron Lennon cross and Bournemouth could not find another equaliser.
Everton's victory broke a run of seven Premier League games without a win and may afford Martinez some goodwill from those among the Goodison faithful who feel he should be sacked.
The game was preceded by an emotional minute's applause to mark the verdict of the Hillsborough inquests, with families of the victims welcomed on to the pitch as Everton showed solidarity with their neighbours Liverpool.
Cleverley then drove Everton into the lead in the seventh minute, finding Boruc's bottom-left corner from inside the area after a sweet pass by Ross Barkley, who collected his first league assist of 2016.
But the advantage lasted just two minutes, although Everton felt Bournemouth's equaliser should not have stood due to a foul on Premier League debutant Matthew Pennington.Wilson burst away from the young defender and squared for Joshua King, whose mishit shot fell kindly for Pugh to bundle the ball beyond Tim Howard.
After a handful of wayward efforts from either side, Boruc raced off his line after 36 minutes to deny Barkley, who had been played in by Oumar Niasse on his first Everton start.As part of supporter protests against the under-fire Martinez, a plane flew over Goodison trailing a banner reading 'Time to go Roberto' shortly before half-time.
Sublime play led to King fizzing a 25-yard drive narrowly wide of the post just before the hour as Bournemouth sought their first ever win against Everton, then Wilson's shot hit the side-netting.
Everton then retook the lead when Baines crashed a finish into the roof of the net from Lennon's low cross to score his first Premier League goal from open play in over three years.
Substitutes Benik Afobe and Junior Stanislas had shots blocked for Bournemouth and Afobe planted a header wide from a great position after 77 minutes as the visitors pressed, but Everton held on for just their fifth home league victory of the season.
Everton returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over AFC Bournemouth on Saturday, but the result was overshadowed by fan protests against manager Roberto Martinez.
A plane was flown over Goodison Park, holding a banner emblazoned with the words 'Time to go Roberto', but the players were not distracted from the task at hand, and picked up their first victory in the Premier League since March 1.
Everton took the lead in the seventh minute at Goodison Park on Saturday, Tom Cleverley beating Artur Boruc with a precise strike after neat passing by the hosts, but Bournemouth were swiftly level in controversial circumstances.
Marc Pugh swept a finish in at the back post, but Everton felt there was a foul by Callum Wilson, making his first start in seven months after a serious knee injury, in the build-up to the goal.However, Baines put Everton back in front after 64 minutes, smashing in powerfully after Cleverley touched on an Aaron Lennon cross and Bournemouth could not find another equaliser.
Everton's victory broke a run of seven Premier League games without a win and may afford Martinez some goodwill from those among the Goodison faithful who feel he should be sacked.
The game was preceded by an emotional minute's applause to mark the verdict of the Hillsborough inquests, with families of the victims welcomed on to the pitch as Everton showed solidarity with their neighbours Liverpool.
Cleverley then drove Everton into the lead in the seventh minute, finding Boruc's bottom-left corner from inside the area after a sweet pass by Ross Barkley, who collected his first league assist of 2016.
But the advantage lasted just two minutes, although Everton felt Bournemouth's equaliser should not have stood due to a foul on Premier League debutant Matthew Pennington.Wilson burst away from the young defender and squared for Joshua King, whose mishit shot fell kindly for Pugh to bundle the ball beyond Tim Howard.
After a handful of wayward efforts from either side, Boruc raced off his line after 36 minutes to deny Barkley, who had been played in by Oumar Niasse on his first Everton start.As part of supporter protests against the under-fire Martinez, a plane flew over Goodison trailing a banner reading 'Time to go Roberto' shortly before half-time.
Sublime play led to King fizzing a 25-yard drive narrowly wide of the post just before the hour as Bournemouth sought their first ever win against Everton, then Wilson's shot hit the side-netting.
Everton then retook the lead when Baines crashed a finish into the roof of the net from Lennon's low cross to score his first Premier League goal from open play in over three years.
Substitutes Benik Afobe and Junior Stanislas had shots blocked for Bournemouth and Afobe planted a header wide from a great position after 77 minutes as the visitors pressed, but Everton held on for just their fifth home league victory of the season.
Watford 3-2 Aston Villa: Deeney double delivers comeback victory
A late double from Troy Deeney secured Watford a stunning 3-2 win over 10-man Aston Villa at Vicarage Road.
Already relegated Villa looked set to end their 10-game losing streak having twice led through Ciaran Clark and Jordan Ayew.But Deeney's efforts after 90 and 93 minutes instead condemned Eric Black's men to defeat and saw them equal the club's worst run of consecutive league losses since 1962-63.
Clark's header put Villa in front after 28 minutes and, although Almen Abdi's free-kick levelled things up in first-half stoppage-time, Ayew edged the visitors back in front just after the restart.
Villa then lost Aly Cissokho to a straight red card, but still looked set to secure what would have been their first away victory since the opening day of the Premier League season until Deeney – a boyhood Birmingham City fan - struck twice at the death.
Deeney headed home a Steven Berghuis cross to make it 2-2 and then found the net from the edge of the box to complete the late turnaround.
In a rather low-key opening quarter, the goalmouth action was limited to half-chances for Abdi and Deeney, neither of whom managed to test Mark Bunn, starting ahead of Brad Guzan in the Villa goal.A last-ditch challenge from Clark then foiled Odion Ighalo as Watford upped the pressure on the visitors' new-look, three-man defence.
And the hosts duly went close twice in quick succession as the lively Ighalo drew a smart save from Bunn with a low, angled shot after 25 minutes before Ben Watson rattled the crossbar with a dipping volley from outside the box.The visitors' first attempt at goal, meanwhile, a wild shot from Ayew that flew into the stands, was greeted with ironic cheers by the away fans.
But those who had made the trip down from the Midlands finally had something genuine to celebrate after 28 minutes as Clark netted his first league goal of the season, albeit completely against the run of play.
The Watford defence failed to deal with an Ashley Westwood corner, allowing the defender to plant a downward header beyond the despairing dive of Heurelho Gomes.
Villa were moments from going in at the break with an advantage, but Almen Abdi's 25-yard free-kick found the bottom corner and levelled the score at 1-1.
After being dealt that blow at the very end of the first half, Villa wasted no time in responding right at the start of the second.
Ayew played a neat one-two with Rudy Gestede on the edge of the box before rifling home to restore his side's advantage.Gestede then wasted a decent chance to make it 3-1 seconds later, dwelling on the ball for too long and ultimately blazing his shot wastefully over.
Having given his side the lead in the first half, Clark made a similarly telling contribution at the other end on the hour mark as he cleared a Deeney header off the line.And immediately after that reprieve, teenage defender Kevin Toner almost marked his first Villa start with a goal as he nodded a Westwood free-kick narrowly wide.
Villa suffered a major blow when Cissokho was dismissed with 17 minutes left.Watson's long ball left Ikechi Anya one-on-one with Cissokho and the Frenchman brought the winger down on the edge of the box to earn his marching orders.It was all hands to the pump in the latter stages for Villa and they looked set to hang on as full-time approached.
But they failed to pick up Deeney for the equaliser and still seemed shell-shocked when he pounced to claim his second and Watford's third as the comeback was completed.
A late double from Troy Deeney secured Watford a stunning 3-2 win over 10-man Aston Villa at Vicarage Road.
Already relegated Villa looked set to end their 10-game losing streak having twice led through Ciaran Clark and Jordan Ayew.But Deeney's efforts after 90 and 93 minutes instead condemned Eric Black's men to defeat and saw them equal the club's worst run of consecutive league losses since 1962-63.
Clark's header put Villa in front after 28 minutes and, although Almen Abdi's free-kick levelled things up in first-half stoppage-time, Ayew edged the visitors back in front just after the restart.
Villa then lost Aly Cissokho to a straight red card, but still looked set to secure what would have been their first away victory since the opening day of the Premier League season until Deeney – a boyhood Birmingham City fan - struck twice at the death.
Deeney headed home a Steven Berghuis cross to make it 2-2 and then found the net from the edge of the box to complete the late turnaround.
In a rather low-key opening quarter, the goalmouth action was limited to half-chances for Abdi and Deeney, neither of whom managed to test Mark Bunn, starting ahead of Brad Guzan in the Villa goal.A last-ditch challenge from Clark then foiled Odion Ighalo as Watford upped the pressure on the visitors' new-look, three-man defence.
And the hosts duly went close twice in quick succession as the lively Ighalo drew a smart save from Bunn with a low, angled shot after 25 minutes before Ben Watson rattled the crossbar with a dipping volley from outside the box.The visitors' first attempt at goal, meanwhile, a wild shot from Ayew that flew into the stands, was greeted with ironic cheers by the away fans.
But those who had made the trip down from the Midlands finally had something genuine to celebrate after 28 minutes as Clark netted his first league goal of the season, albeit completely against the run of play.
The Watford defence failed to deal with an Ashley Westwood corner, allowing the defender to plant a downward header beyond the despairing dive of Heurelho Gomes.
Villa were moments from going in at the break with an advantage, but Almen Abdi's 25-yard free-kick found the bottom corner and levelled the score at 1-1.
After being dealt that blow at the very end of the first half, Villa wasted no time in responding right at the start of the second.
Ayew played a neat one-two with Rudy Gestede on the edge of the box before rifling home to restore his side's advantage.Gestede then wasted a decent chance to make it 3-1 seconds later, dwelling on the ball for too long and ultimately blazing his shot wastefully over.
Having given his side the lead in the first half, Clark made a similarly telling contribution at the other end on the hour mark as he cleared a Deeney header off the line.And immediately after that reprieve, teenage defender Kevin Toner almost marked his first Villa start with a goal as he nodded a Westwood free-kick narrowly wide.
Villa suffered a major blow when Cissokho was dismissed with 17 minutes left.Watson's long ball left Ikechi Anya one-on-one with Cissokho and the Frenchman brought the winger down on the edge of the box to earn his marching orders.It was all hands to the pump in the latter stages for Villa and they looked set to hang on as full-time approached.
But they failed to pick up Deeney for the equaliser and still seemed shell-shocked when he pounced to claim his second and Watford's third as the comeback was completed.
