..::Football IV::..

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Stoke City 1-4 Manchester City: Aguero & Nolito hit doubles in routine win

Sergio Aguero took his tally to eight goals in seven Premier League games against Stoke City and Nolito grabbed a late brace as Manchester City secured a 4-1 victory at the bet365 Stadium.

Argentina international Aguero scored a penalty and a header in the first half on Saturday to help Pep Guardiola's side to a third victory in three competitive games of the new season.

Aguero missed twice from the spot during the midweek Champions League play-off thrashing of Steaua Bucharest, but he made no mistake from 12 yards when Ryan Shawcross was rather harshly penalised by referee Mike Dean.

Stoke fans were still making their feelings clear when City doubled their lead, Aguero heading in Kevin De Bruyne's delivery, and the home side felt further aggrieved when Aleksandar Kolarov's clumsy challenge on Joe Allen six yards from goal went unpunished.

City had won all 25 previous Premier League matches in which they led by two or more goals at half-time, but Mark Hughes' side were given hope of a comeback when Bojan Krkic converted a penalty past Willy Caballero - starting ahead of Joe Hart again - after another controversial call against Raheem Sterling.

Stoke pushed in search of a leveller as City began to show signs of fatigue following their European exertions, but Nolito's first Premier League goal in the closing stages - swiftly followed by a second - made the result safe and took the visitors level on points with Manchester United after two matches.

Sterling, booed by a number of home fans in the early stages, curled a shot narrowly over the crossbar from the edge of the area as City started strongly in blustery conditions.

Stoke showed encouraging signs on the counter-attack, with Allen unlucky not to turn a cross into Mame Diouf's path inside the area, but Shay Given had to be alert to stop Sterling slotting the ball into the bottom corner as City threatened again.

Stoke spoiled their good early work though by gifting City the lead with 27 minutes played. Shawcross was adjudged to have held on to Nicolas Otamendi's arm at a corner, allowing Aguero to fire high past Given from 12 yards.

Given blocked another Aguero effort as City looked to take control amid continued frustration from the home fans, but he could do nothing to stop the Argentina striker adding a second on 36 minutes as he glanced a superb header into the far corner following De Bruyne's free-kick from the right.

Caballero blocked Bardsley's volley at his left-hand post to preserve the lead, before Diouf headed wide after Allen's strong penalty appeals for a shove by Kolarov were ignored, but Stoke were given a lifeline just after the break.Sterling was penalised for trying to block Shawcross from reaching a high ball at the far post, and Bojan dispatched the spot-kick high into Caballero's goal.

With the crowd in full voice and Jonathan Walters having been introduced from the bench, Stoke pressed hard to find an equaliser, and City were rewarded for some disciplined defending when they struck the killer blow on the counter-attack with four minutes left.

Kelechi Iheanacho, just two minutes after replacing Aguero, latched onto De Bruyne's pass before rounding Given and squaring the ball to Nolito, who side-footed home.

Nolito then scored again as Sterling broke clear before setting up the former Celta Vigo man for another simple finish.

 

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Simeone open to more Atletico signings amid Vitolo rumours

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone is open to making further signings before the transfer deadline on August 31.

The 2014 Spanish champions have enjoyed a strong window to date, with Nicolas Gaitan, Kevin Gameiro and Sime Vrsaljko arriving, while star names including Antoine Griezmann and Jose Maria Gimenez have committed their futures to the Vicente Calderon.

Reports in Spain on Saturday have claimed that Simeone is targeting Sevilla winger Vitolo in a €25 million deal, with Oliver Torres expected to join Porto for €15m to make room for the 26-year-old.And Simeone says he is keeping his options open in the final 11 days of the transfer market.

"Things look good, we've worked well, although the group has been split up with players arriving," he said, speaking ahead of Sunday's La Liga opener against Alaves. "There's a lot of excitement and enthusiasm.

"There are a few days to go until the market closes, and until the end, we're open to exits or signings."We needed Gaitan, he has huge quality. He's a player who will have important minutes.

"Vrsaljko has come to improve and compete with Juanfran. Gameiro has speed, he's strong and we'll have to take advantage of that."We want to improve the numbers on last year and to continue getting better. It won't be easy because there are major competitors, but we feel strong.

"It will be difficult to decide this year. We have a very balanced squad. I'll have to be as lucid as possible."

Simeone believes last season's La Liga 2 champions Alaves will offer a stern test for his side, but he is confident they now boast a number of options to change their tactical approach in more difficult matches."Alaves have quite a new squad, with attacking wingers, a very good press and a defensive grouping," he said.

"We have players ready to change, we have options to play in different ways. I don't think we'll change much but we have the options to bring variety. We always have the same style - to go forward."Earlier on Saturday, Atletico announced the signing of goalkeeper Axel Werner from Boca Juniors, where he will spend the campaign on loan.

"The transfer of the young Argentine goalkeeper was completed early this morning and he has signed a five-year contract," Atleti said in a statement."At the same time, Atletico Madrid and Boca Juniors have sealed an agreement for the goalkeeper to join the Xeneize on loan for this season."

 

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Griezmann: I had offers but want to stay with Atleti

Antoine Griezmann has revealed he had offers to leave Atletico Madrid in the close-season, but never considered a move away.

Griezmann enjoyed a marvellous 2015-16 campaign, scoring 32 goals in all competitions for Atletico before going on to star for France at Euro 2016, netting six times as the hosts reached the final.The forward was reportedly the subject of interest from a number of Premier League clubs as well as Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.

However, Griezmann insists he never had any intention of seeking a departure from the LaLiga club."I have always been clear with my agents: I have no intention of leaving Atletico, Cholo [Simeone] or my team-mates," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Yes, people came calling but I never listened."I really want and hope to win something with Atletico."And Griezmann has also vowed to bounce back from defeats in the finals of both the Champions League and Euro 2016.

"It was a very good year for me both personally and as part of the team, despite losing in two finals," he said."I’m sure that both me and my teams will come back even stronger."

 

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Benteke: Klopp did not believe in me

New Crystal Palace signing Christian Benteke says a lack of “trust” from manager Jurgen Klopp led to his departure from Liverpool.

The Belgium international joined Liverpool from Aston Villa in July 2015 but failed to make an impact at Anfield and was largely consigned to the bench after Brendan Rodgers was replaced by Klopp in October.

Benteke signed a four-year deal at Palace on Saturday to end his nightmare spell at Liverpool and he has since revealed that he felt as though Klopp did not believe in him."A lot of things happened at Liverpool," Benteke told his new club's website.
"When I arrived it was with Rodgers as manager, but then he was sacked and Klopp came in and had his own plan.

"But that's part of football. I could have done better, but I think I also needed some trust from the manager and the staff."

The 25-year-old will be looking to get his career back on track at Selhurst Park under Alan Pardew and is confident he will be a success at Palace."I'm very happy to commit my future to Crystal Palace and I'm looking forward to meeting the manager, the players and the staff," Benteke added.

"I feel really happy that the deal has been done and now I can look forwardbecause it's been going on for a long time, but now I think everything is going to be OK.

"I've met the manager a few times before I signed and that's why I wanted to come here. I was really happy to hear about his project and that is why I am excited to come here.

"I did my own research too and there are some great wingers here and because of that I think I can be a success here."

 

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West Brom 1-2 Everton: Mirallas & Barry seal Koeman's first win

Ronald Koeman secured his first victory as Everton manager as his side came from a goal behind to claim a 2-1 Premier League victory over West Brom at the Hawthorns.

Everton had to come from two goals down to win 3-2 in the corresponding fixture last season, and they were made to fight for the points once again on Saturday.The visitors found themselves behind early on thanks to a Gareth McAuley header, with Kevin Mirallas restoring parity just prior to the interval.

And the comeback was complete when, on the hour mark, Gareth Barry headed in after Tony Pulis' side failed to clear from a corner – with Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku both squandering gilt-edged chances late on.

Fortunately for the visitors, the misses mattered little as, despite withstanding a late glut of West Brom pressure, Everton held firm to secure the spoils.

Everton looked sharp from the off, and should have been awarded a penalty when Barkley – who gave Koeman's side an early lead against Tottenham last time out – was brought down by Claudio Yacob.

Another Everton player in fine form last week was goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, and the Dutchman did brilliantly to prevent Salomon Rondon netting his second goal of the campaign after the Venezuela forward outmuscled Ramiro Funes Mori.

However, Stekelenburg was helpless to prevent the hosts taking the lead from the resulting corner, with McAuley on hand to power home a header at the back post – although the visitors were adamant there had been a foul on their keeper as the cross came in.Everton did manage to open up the hosts midway through the first half, but Barry could only direct a tame effort straight at Ben Foster.

With Everton looking increasingly blunt in attack, Koeman elected to make a change prior to half-time with Lukaku, having recovered from an ankle injury, replacing James McCarthy.

And that change had the desired effect as, on the stroke of half-time, Barkley and Mirallas combined to carve open West Brom's defence – the latter drilling home a low finish to level proceedings.Stekelenburg was at the top of his game again to deny Darren Fletcher shortly after the restart, before Foster did well at the other end to prevent Gerard Deulofeu netting from close-range.

Funes Mori thought he had given Everton the lead just prior to the hour, but Foster was well-placed to tip the defender's header over the crossbar.And the visitors made their hosts pay from the following corner, with Barry stealing in to get on the end of Mason Holgate's miscued volley - the midfielder's first goal since January 2014.

Yannick Bolasie, who featured in Crystal Palace's opening day defeat to West Brom, came on to make his Everton debut soon after, and twice the 27-year-old posed a threat as he set up both Barkley and Lukaku, but neither could finish off their respective chances as West Brom's winless streak at home was extended to five matches.

 

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Burnley 2-0 Liverpool: Vokes & Gray stun Klopp’s men

Sam Vokes and Andre Gray scored their first Premier League goals as Burnley stunned Liverpool with a superb 2-0 victory at Turf Moor.

Playing on the road again as a result of renovation work at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp's men were unable to recapture the inspired form that secured a 4-3 win over Arsenal on the opening weekend.

Unfortunately for their manager, the defensive frailties displayed at Emirates Stadium were quickly evident once more as Wales international Vokes emphatically opened the scoring in the second minute.

Vokes was finding his feet following a serious knee injury during Burnley's 2014-15 foray into the top flight and failed to find the net in 15 appearances, but his partnership with the more prolific Gray holds plenty of promise this time around.

Gray scored 25 times as Sean Dyche's side won the Championship last season and his tireless running gave Liverpool's defence a torrid afternoon, with a fine 37th-minute finish coming as just reward.

Liverpool, who rubber-stamped Christian Benteke's departure to Crystal Palace earlier on Saturday, lacked similar cutting edge, leaving Klopp with plenty to ponder.The visitors started with James Milner as a make-shift left-back but it was their established right-back who erred as Burnley grabbed an early advantage.

Nathaniel Clyne's slack pass in-field was anticipated and intercepted by Gray, who fed Vokes and saw his strike partner turn to thrash an unstoppable shot past Simon Mignolet from the edge of the box.

Gray then had a chance to demonstrate his trademark pace and Liverpool required a last-ditch recovery tackle from Dejan Lovren to avert further damage.Klopp's side were soon confidently going about their work in possession but could not penetrate a deep and dogged Burnley defence.

Adam Lallana had a pair of shots blocked and, as Daniel Sturridge curled a speculative effort wide, Liverpool were struggling for clear openings before Gray created and clinically dispatched one.

Burnley debutant Steven Defour crashed through a challenge from Ragnar Klavan and drove towards a backpedalling away defence to pick out Gray.There was still much to do for the former Brentford man, who cut swiftly inside Jordan Henderson and Klavan and clipped a low left-foot shot into the far corner.

Sturridge skewed his latest attempt wide and Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton kept out a swirling long-range effort from Roberto Firmino as Liverpool looked to respond during the opening stages of the second half.

Dyche's men still stood firm in relative comfort and Klopp's decision to replace Sturridge with Divock Origi in the 65th minute hinted at Liverpool seeking a more direct route to goal.

Gray was evidently brimming with confidence when he fizzed a 25-yard drive wide and remained the focal point when Burnley ventured from their own half, although he failed to punish the ailing Lovren and Klavan on a 72nd-minute break.

Substitute Marko Grujic extended Heaton but Liverpool's final charge failed to gather steam and, having waited until November to record their first Premier League win last time, Dyche was able to enjoy a deserved three-point haul.

 

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Swansea 0-2 Hull City: Phelan's Tigers down Swans for second straight win

Shaun Maloney came off the bench to play a starring role as Hull City maintained their winning start to the Premier League season with a 2-0 victory at Swansea City on Saturday.

Introduced as a 73rd-minute replacement for Adama Diomande, the Scotland international broke the deadlock before setting up Abel Hernandez for a second goal that wrapped up the three points.

The result will enhance caretaker manager Mike Phelan's chances of taking the job on a permanent basis after he masterminded a win against champions Leicester City last weekend.

Swansea also claimed three points on the opening weekend, winning 1-0 at Burnley, but were left empty-handed against a determined Hull side.

Gylfi Sigurdsson went close to an early opening goal but his shot was tipped on to the crossbar by Eldin Jakupovic and Robert Snodgrass had a strong penalty appeal rejected before half-time.

Clear opportunities for both sides were at a premium, with Diomande wasting a decent opening and Fernando Llorente heading wide from a Wayne Routledge cross.However, Swansea's unbeaten run at home ends at five Premier League games following Hull's late Maloney-inspired double.

Sigurdsson came into the Swansea team for the ill Leon Britton and he almost opened the scoring after five minutes, Jakupovic brilliantly tipping his fierce shot onto the crossbar.

Jordi Amat hit an ambitious long-range drive that Jakupovic saved comfortably, before Diomande screwed wide from a good position after Snodgrass led a rapid counter-attack.

The hosts continued to press and Llorente headed Kyle Naughton's cross wide after 18 minutes, before Leroy Fer shot over the crossbar under pressure from Tom Huddlestone.Jack Cork shot wide from outside the box and Routledge's mishit finish was off target as Swansea struggled to create openings.

Llorente had the best chance of the half after 37 minutes but headed Routledge's cross over, and Snodgrass felt he should have had a penalty when Amat slid in without getting the ball in the box.Hull improved after the interval and Snodgrass went close only to see his shot deflect wide off Stephen Kingsley

Sigurdsson sent a drive wide after 63 minutes with both teams unable to find quality in the final third, before a Swansea corner was bundled narrowly wide of his own goal by Curtis Davies.

Substitute Maloney saw his free-kick deflect off target and Lukasz Fabianski tipped Davies' header over the crossbar from the resulting corner.But Hull's late pressure told as Davies flicked on another corner and Maloney was on hand to get the decisive touch.

Deep in injury time, Abel Hernandez made it 2-0 to seal the victory, Maloney unselfishly squaring the ball for the striker to finish from close range.

 

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Tottenham 1-0 Crystal Palace: Wanyama gives Spurs first win

Victor Wanyama's late goal ended Tottenham's five-match winless run with a 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane to extend their London rivals' away-day woes.

Spurs had not tasted triumph since the 4-0 win over Stoke City in April at the bet365 Stadium - the same ground where Palace last won on their travels in the league last December.

But Wanyama marked his home debut in fine style with a close-range header to seal the points for Mauricio Pochettino's men.Vincent Janssen made his first start for Tottenham, and he missed a number of great chances as he sought his maiden goal in English football.

Alan Pardew's visitors had won at White Hart Lane in the FA Cup last season, but rarely troubled Michel Vorm, standing in for injured captain Hugo Lloris, in the Spurs goal.

It appeared as if Palace would hold on for a point despite their lack of attacking threat, only for Wanyama to capitalise on some poor marking and settle the contest eight minutes from time.

The match came too soon for Pardew to call on club-record signing Christian Benteke, whose arrival was confirmed just hours before kick-off, but the visitors managed the first attempt on goal as Jason Puncheon saw an early thumping effort saved.

Spurs ramped up the pressure in response but were frustrated as Toby Alderweireld's powerful header and Harry Kane's angled drive each flew straight at Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.

Another Tottenham chance went begging when Wanyama nodded over from a corner, but their best opening came in the 27th minute as Janssen was twice denied from close range by the scrambling Hennessey, having profited from the rebound of Kane's deflected strike.

Kane then flashed wide of the post late in a half in which Palace were lucky to survive having been second best for long periods.England forward Kane had the first notable opportunity of the second period but only succeeded in steering Eric Dier's measured cross narrowly wide.

Palace went close to breaking the deadlock in the 61st minute as substitute Yohan Cabaye's first-time effort was deflected over.Janssen then spectacularly missed after being sent through on goal, this time beating Hennessey but scuffing his shot way off target.

The Dutchman saw another chance diverted behind after Dele Alli had fired over but Wanyama atoned for his team-mates' profligacy from the subsequent corner, flicking Kane's header into the net to clinch a first win of the season for Spurs.

 

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Barcelona 6-2 Real Betis: Suarez and Messi shine in easy win

Barcelona began the defence of their La Liga title in ominous fashion on Saturday, with Lionel Messi and hat-trick hero Luis Suarez starring in a 6-2 demolition of Real Betis at Camp Nou.

Suarez and Messi netted 66 league goals between them last term and began the new campaign as they meant to go on, leading from the front and causing havoc as the Betis defence struggled to cope.

Barca's star duo were without Neymar due to his involvement in the Olympics, but Arda Turan continued his renaissance in the Brazilian's absence by opening the scoring – his third goal in two games after a brace against Sevilla in the Supercopa de Espana on Wednesday.

Ruben Castro's bullet of a free-kick restored parity briefly, but a quick-fire double from Messi and Suarez just before the break effectively killed off Betis' chances.
Messi supplied Suarez with his next early in the second half before then blasting in another of his own from distance.

Suarez completed his treble with a delightful free-kick eight minutes from time, as new Betis coach Gus Poyet was given a harsh lesson in his first game in charge of the Andalusians, despite Castro's late second.

Injured Barca captain Andres Iniesta and Messi were finally presented with last season's Liga trophy before kick-off, and those celebrations were followed by further jubilation just six minutes in as the hosts broke the deadlock.

Messi's deep cross picked out the run of Jordi Alba and the left-back teed up Arda, who stabbed home from close range with the outside of his right foot.

That joy was short-lived, though, as Betis drew level 15 minutes later thanks to a ferocious 20-yard Castro free-kick which found the top-right corner.Barca piled on the pressure in response and almost restored their lead in the 29th minute, only for the crossbar to deny Messi from 12 yards.

Messi found his range eight minutes before the break, however, lashing a fine strike beyond the helpless Antonio Adan from 25 yards.And Adan was beaten again just a few moments later – Suarez meeting Sergi Roberto's cut-back with an exquisite first-time finish into the far corner.

Barca increased their cushion 11 minutes into the second half, with Messi leading a counter-attack and then squaring across goal to give Suarez an easy finish after linking cleverly with Arda.Messi then did it all by himself a minute later, skipping past a tame challenge before thrashing a blistering strike into the bottom-right corner from 30 yards.

Suarez emphatically completed his hat-trick with a stunning free-kick from 25 yards in the 82nd minute and, although Castro netted a late consolation for Betis, Barca secured a remarkable opening-day triumph, laying down a clear marker for likely title rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

 

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Leicester City 0-0 Arsenal: Gunners survive penalty shouts to pick up point

Arsenal and Leicester City are still looking for their first win of the new Premier League season after playing out a goalless draw at the King Power Stadium on the Saturday.

The hosts were afforded a rapturous reception at the King Power Stadium as they emerged for their first home match as champions but the action on the field failed to live up to the atmosphere.

Claudio Ranieri's side suffered a surprise 2-1 loss at Hull City last weekend, while Arsene Wenger endured a 4-3 home loss to Liverpool to experience now familiar early season discontent at Arsenal.

Both teams made four changes to their opening game line-ups and a tentative affair followed, with Arsenal lacking tempo and conviction despite dominating possession – seemingly wary of Jamie Vardy's threat on the break.

Leicester had penalty claims waved away when Danny Drinkwater and substitute Ahmed Musa went to ground during the closing moments of each half, although referee Mark Clattenburg was fittingly uninterested as he oversaw a match that did little to fire the imagination.

Vardy, who rejected a big-money move to Arsenal in favour of signing a new Leicester contract in June, tore into the area on the end of a first-minute knockdown from the recalled Shinji Okazaki and forced Laurent Koscielny to scramble the ball behind.

Koscielny was restored to the team before the scheduled end of his prescribed period of post-Euro 2016 rest to bolster Arsenal's defence but Wenger's men spent much of the opening stages on the front foot, with full debutant Granit Xhaka and Francis Coquelin controlling midfield as Hector Bellerin and Theo Walcott threatened down the right.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain darted in-field to whip a low shot wide in the 25th minute, while Kasper Schmeichel saved well when Santi Cazorla's swinging free-kick from the left threatened to skip off the turf and in.

Xhaka sent a long-range effort wide and Oxlade-Chamberlain had a strike blocked either side of Koscielny escaping punishment for a desperate lunge on Drinkwater in the box, as a lifeless half threatened to ignite during its closing moments.After Coquelin cut out a dangerous Marc Albrighton pass with Vardy lurking, Leicester suffered an injury blow early in the second period.

Nampalys Mendy's Premier League debut was curtailed as he got his studs caught making an interception and picked up an injury. The France midfielder tried in vain to continue before being replaced by Andy King.A Riyad Mahrez free-kick and a blistering long-ranger from Bellerin kept Petr Cech and Schmeichel occupied as goalmouth action remained at a premium.

Vardy's pace in behind remained Leicester's main threat and a dogged battle with Koscielny rumbled on, with the Frenchman applying just enough pressure for Leicester's star striker to slice off target with 20 minutes to play.Walcott should have done better than scuffing a low shot at Schmeichel in the 75th before being denied by a last-ditch Wes Morgan tackle.

At the other end, Musa gave Leicester late impetus and could have won a penalty after being felled by Bellerin while Mahrez could not find a winner as he blasted too close to Cech.

 

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Lukaku change inspired Everton comeback - Koeman

Ronald Koeman believes Romelu Lukaku's introduction provided Everton with the impetus they needed to help seal his first victory as manager in Saturday's 2-1 win over West Brom.

Gareth McAuley capitalised on slack defending to put West Brom into an early lead at The Hawthorns and Koeman made a bold move to bring on Lukaku in the 38th minute in place of James McCarthy.

It proved a shrewd move as Kevin Mirallas finished a free-flowing move on the stroke of half-time, before Gareth Barry converted from close range after the break to complete a hard-earned comeback in the Premier League encounter."It's a fantastic win because it is always difficult to come to this place, even more so when they go 1-0 up, but we played well," said Koeman.

"It's always hard to play against West Brom, the teams of Tony Pulis, because they have direct play and a lot of tall players and a lot of productivity from set-pieces and they scored from that.

"At 1-0 down we had to change the system. We needed a target man up front and to make the pitch a little bit wider and of course the 1-1 before half-time is vital."Lukaku and [debutant Yannick] Bolasie came on and both did well. We finished strong today. We can and must improve, but we are much better than one week ago."

As well as introducing Lukaku, Koeman switched systems and pushed youngster Mason Holgate - who was impressive throughout - to right back.And Koeman singled out the former Barnsley defender for praise."I am very happy with his performance. He's doing well. Of course he makes some mistakes but that's part of football," the Dutchman continued.

"He looks very comfortable in the centre-back position but also in the right-back position. He attacked well and he defended brilliantly, so it's good for the boy."
Koeman also confirmed that Lukaku - who looked set to leave the club in this transfer window - has now expressed his desire to remain at Everton for at least the coming season.

 

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Watford 1-2 Chelsea: Batshuayi & Costa rescue Blues

Diego Costa and Michy Batshuayi scored twice in the final 10 minutes to secure a 2-1 victory over Watford and maintain Antonio Conte's unbeaten start as Chelsea manager.

Batshuayi pounced seven minutes after being introduced at Vicarage Road as Heurelho Gomes failed to hold an Eden Hazard shot, before Costa tucked home the winner.

The Spain international raced clear with three minutes to play and coolly fired underneath Gomes to seal all three points, and extend Conte's undefeated run against Walter Mazzarri to seven league games.

The Italian coaches fell out in 2011 after Conte was deemed to have copied Mazzarri's 3-5-2 formation for a Juventus clash with Napoli, and they have endured a frosty relationship ever since.

Etienne Capoue's second strike in as many games looked to have ensured bragging rights for the Watford boss but Batshuayi and Costa had other ideas.Victory gives Conte two wins from two in the Premier League, while Mazzarri is still waiting for his first success in the Watford hotseat.

After early Chelsea pressure, an unchanged Watford side settled into their rhythm on Mazzarri's home debut, and Jose Holebas brought the first save out of Thibaut Courtois after seven minutes.

Watford's attempts to maintain their positive start were nearly undone moments later as Hazard created room for himself on the left and his low cross looked destined for Costa at the back post only for Miguel Britos to make a crucial clearance.

The hosts were holding their own, though, and midway through the half Nordin Amrabat bamboozled Cesar Azpilicueta on the right before delivering a dangerous cross into the six-yard box that Odion Ighalo was unable to convert under pressure from Gary Cahill.

With half-time looming a raking cross-field pass from Branislav Ivanovic was superbly brought down by Nemanja Matic in the Watford penalty area. His cushioned volley saw Costa slide in with Gomes, with the goalkeeper able to claim at the second attempt.

Ten minutes after the restart the game had the goal it had been missing as the hosts struck through Capoue. The midfielder controlled an Adlene Guedioura cross on his chest before lashing past Courtois.

Falling behind for the first time this season fired Chelsea into life and the visitors felt they should have been awarded a penalty 10 minutes later when a left-wing corner appeared to be handled, however referee Jon Moss waved away their appeals.

Their pressure eventually told, though, as Batshuayi - one of three substitutes introduced by Conte - made an immediate impact, as the striker was in the right place at the right time to tap home from six yards.

And with time running out Chelsea snatched all three points, as Costa was released by substitute Cesc Fabregas to leave Conte dancing with joy on the sidelines.

 

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Juventus hopeful of completing Cuadrado deal in "next few days"

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta is optimistic that the deal to bring Chelsea's Juan Cuadrado back to Serie A will be completed "over the next few days".

The Colombia international joined Chelsea on a four-and-a-half-year deal for a reported £23 million in February 2015 but he struggled to make an impact in his first few months at the club.

As a result the versatile wide midfielder was shipped out on loan to Juve for the 2015-16 campaign, and he enjoyed a solid year as Massimiliano Allegri's men won Serie A.

The appointment of former Juve and Italy coach Antonio Conte as Chelsea's new manager seemed to give the Colombian's career in England a boost, but he now looks all set to return to Turin."I hope that over the next few days we can conclude the Cuadrado deal," Marotta told Mediaset.

"For now he is a Chelsea player. We presented a proposal to them and are waiting for a response, but we are optimistic."One player tipped to go the other way and leave Juve for the Premier League is Simone Zaza.

The striker is free to depart the club and has already seen a switch to Wolfsburg fall through, but with West Ham reportedly circling, the Italy international's future should be resolved before the transfer window closes."We spoke to Zaza. The transfer is not a punishment, but he would undoubtedly find more space elsewhere," Marotta added.

"There was the Wolfsburg idea, but it all fell apart. Over the final 10 days of the transfer window, we've got all the time to find him a new club."

 

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Barcelona confirm agreement with Man City for Bravo

Barcelona technical secretary Robert Fernandez has confirmed Manchester City have "a beginning of an agreement" to buy Claudio Bravo.

The Chilean is a target of City manager Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium, as the former Catalans' boss looks to replace Joe Hart.

Barcelona are thought to be very close to securing a replacement for the departing Bravo, with a deal to bring in Ajax's Jasper Cillessen on a five-year deal thought to be close.

Bravo turned out for his current side as they began their La Liga title defence with a 6-2 win over Real Betis on Saturday, but Fernandez's words appear to confirm that was the 33-year-old's final match in Blaugrana colours.

"We have the beginning of an agreement with Manchester City for Claudio Bravo," the club official told reporters after the match.
Guardiola has been pushing all summer for a custodian comfortable with building play from the back using his feet, ousting Hart from City's starting XI this term.

Willy Caballero has started all three of the club's competitive fixtures this season, with Bravo's impending arrival only likely to plunge the England No.1's future into further doubt.

Barcelona have moved swiftly to secure Bravo's successor in the form of Cillessen, who is expected to serve as Marc-Andre ter Stegen's deputy at Camp Nou.

"We are awaiting events this week [regarding a replacement for Bravo]," Fernandez added.

"When Claudio leaves, we hope to have a new keeper."

 

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Man Utd loan James Wilson to Derby

Manchester United striker James Wilson has been allowed join Championship side Derby County on loan for the season. Wilson made his United debut in the penultimate game of the 2013-14 season, scoring twice in a 2-0 win against Hull City under then-interim manager Ryan Giggs.

Louis van Gaal was put in charge over the following summer and Wilson remained a member of the first team squad, making 13 league appearances that year, before he was sent out on loan to Brighton & Hove Albion for the 2015-16 campaign.

And the 20-year-old will return to the Championship this term, after it was confirmed he will team up with Derby."We’re delighted to have agreed to bring James Wilson the club on a season-long loan," Rams manager Nigel Pearson told the club's website.

"I hope that this loan deal will prove to be mutually beneficial for all parties and I would like to place on record our thanks to Manchester United for allowing James to join us.

"He is an energetic player who will add to our existing attacking options."Derby drew 0-0 with Aston Villa on Saturday and their next match is on Tuesday against Carlisle United in the EFL Cup.

 

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Verratti: Matuidi has everything - I hope he stays

Marco Verratti says he hopes Blaise Matuidi stays at Paris Saint-Germain amid reported interest from Juventus.

Matuidi has been consistent for PSG and France in recent seasons and reports suggest that Juve have sounded out the midfielder as a replacement for Paul Pogba, who joined Manchester United for a world-record fee this month.

And Verratti, who recently agreed to a new contract that will keep him in Paris until 2021 having himself been linked with a move to Real Madrid, has urged Matuidi to reject any overtures from the Serie A champions."Matuidi is a midfielder of international importance that has everything and gives it all," the Italy international told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He is physically strong, intelligent, always progressive with the ball. Maybe when a new coach arrives you wonder if he will play, but in the end he still stands. So I think that PSG want to keep him. He's a friend, I hope he stays."After easing to victory in the Trophee des Champions, new head coach Unai Emery enjoyed a 1-0 victory over Bastia in his first Ligue 1 encounter.

Verratti has won 13 trophies - including four league titles - during his time in Paris, but the 23-year-old insists that the best is yet to come, under the former Sevilla coach. "Emery sees football differently from [Laurent] Blanc. Emery wants us to reach the goal in two phases, playing aggressive football," Verratti added.

"It's a style that I like, I hope we can translate quickly on the ground."I believe that my renewal until 2021 is a clear signal that I want to continue to grow here and win something important with PSG.

"For two years in France we win everything, so it is difficult to do more. We still lack something that Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona have. "The Champions League is won on the little details and even with a bit of luck, but we are working to close the gap."

 

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Juventus 2-1 Fiorentina: Super sub Higuain nets winner on debut

Gonzalo Higuain came off the bench to score the winner on his Juventus debut, as the Italian champions battled to a 2-1 victory over Fiorentina on Saturday.

The €90 million signing was left out of Massimiliano Allegri's starting XI alongside fellow arrival Miralem Pjanic as the Bianconeri opened their Serie A campaign.
Despite beginning without their big-name signings, Juventus seized the initiative late in the first half when Sami Khedira rose highest to nod home Giorgio Chiellini's cross.

Higuain was then introduced in the 66th minute, but his first appearance in Bianconeri colours did not begin as expected as Nikola Kalinic pulled Fiorentina level with a brilliant header - one of their first meaningful attempts on goal.

That only set up the stage for Higuain to make his decisive contribution, however, as the striker got on the end of a loose ball in the 75th minute to stab home to the joy of the home crowd.

With Higuain on the bench, Mario Mandzukic - who scored twice against Fiorentina last season - started up front and Dani Alves was the only off-season recruit in the hosts' line-up.

Juve enjoyed a typically authoritative start and they should have been ahead within four minutes when Ciprian Tatarusanu's rushed clearance fell kindly for Khedira, who wastefully lifted his effort onto the roof of the net.

Fiorentina were becoming increasingly suspect in defence and debutant Davide Astori was fortunate to survive a penalty appeal when a cross bounced against his left hand.

And it was little surprise when Juve made the breakthrough in the 37th minute.

Chiellini crossed brilliantly from the left and Khedira was clinical this time with a thumping header high past Tatarusanu.

Alex Sandro then squandered an opportunity to double the lead in the final minute of the half, blazing over after Mandzukic had superbly played him in.

Paulo Dybala stabbed a low effort straight at the goalkeeper shortly after the restart, but Juve's momentum slowed and Higuain was summoned from the bench.

The move did not pay immediate dividends, though, as Kalinic rose above Sandro from a Fiorentina corner to brilliantly nod low past Gianluigi Buffon.

However, Fiorentina's joy was short-lived. Khedira's initial effort was blocked, but Higuain was alert to pounce on the loose ball and poke home the winner from tight inside the six-yard box.

Mario Lemina was twice denied a third goal in the closing stages, but it mattered little for the Juve faithful who were left to celebrate their new hero.

 

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'Messi is a beast' - Suarez hails Messi as best in the world

Luis Suarez lauded Lionel Messi as a "beast" and the "best in the world" after the pair combined to devastating effect in Barcelona's 6-2 hammering of Real Betis on Saturday.

Barca made light work of Gus Poyet's men at Camp Nou as the reigning champions got their 2016-17 campaign off to a terrific start, with Suarez netting a hat-trick and Messi scoring two of his own.

Despite it being Suarez who scored a treble, the Uruguayan was left praising Messi, who enjoyed a sensational performance and also set up Suarez for one of his goals."Leo has started like a beast and is the best player in the world. All you can do is surrender to his feet and enjoy him," he told reporters.

Suarez commented that it was important for Barca to get off to as strong a start as possible as favourites to lift the trophy again, while he was happy to impress on an individual level.

"Barcelona is always the favourite and one of the candidates to win the league," he added."Always there are three or four teams fighting for it. We have to show fight because we are the holders.

"We had to start strong at home, it is always important. Obviously on an individual level I like the satisfaction of being able to help the team, that's what is essential."

 

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Wenger: Arsenal are close to a new signing

Arsene Wenger has revealed Arsenal are close to bringing in a new signing following the Gunners' 0-0 draw with Leicester City on Saturday.The result leaves Arsenal without a win after two games having lost their opening fixture against Liverpool at the Emirates.

Goal understands the Gunners remain confident of signing Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi and Wenger is optimistic a new signing is imminent."Yes we are close," he told BT Sport. "But I would say spending in itself is not a quality. Spending and buying the right players is a quality.

"I am a bit fed up to always respond to the same things. We look and analyse absolutely everything and we have to make the right decisions."Wenger also praised new signing Rob Holding who started alongside Laurent Koscielny in central defence and helped the Gunners keep a clean sheet at the home of the champions.

“Nobody speaks about the performance of Rob Holding today - he is English, he is 20 years old, you should be happy. But I am sorry he didn't cost £55m so it cannot be good,” he added.

“That is, for me, what is most disappointing – we don’t speak about the performances of the players anymore. We just speak about anything else but football and I believe it is not right.”

 

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Higuain 'very happy' with goal on Juventus debut

Gonzalo Higuain expressed his delight at opening his Juventus account after netting a debut winner in a 2-1 victory over Fiorentina.Having completed a €90 million switch from Napoli, last season's Serie A top-scorer started his Juve career on the bench, but arrived in the second half to secure the three points.

With Nikola Kalinic having cancelled out Sami Khedira's opener, Higuain found the net 15 minutes from time to get Juve off to a winning start."I am very happy for my debut, for the victory and the goal," he told Mediaset Premium.

"We must continue like this. It was very important to start with a win. We worked hard and the victory was deserved.

"I hope to repay the affection of the fans with many goals. I want to win as many titles as possible, but we’re just at the beginning."I dedicate the goal to everyone who had faith in me."Juve travel to Lazio next weekend to face last term's eighth-placed finishers.