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..::Football IV::..
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Conte hails Chelsea attitude after record-equalling win
Antonio Conte feels Chelsea equalling Arsenal's record for successive Premier League victories is just reward for his team's work-rate and attitude.Chelsea matched their London rivals' benchmark - set in the 2001-02 season - with their 13th consecutive win, defeating Stoke City 4-2 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The Blues twice took the lead only for Stoke to draw level each time, but Willian's second of the contest and a Diego Costa effort made sure of the points for the league leaders."This is a great achievement for my players, for the club, for our fans after a bad season like last season," Conte told Sky Sports.
"I'm pleased for them because every day in the training sessions and during the game, I see great attitude, great work-rate, will to fight, to try to win. After two times the other team drew [level], the will to find another win, I'm pleased for them and they deserve this."
Asked about the harmony he has with the players after the match, Conte replied: "It is important to have good relations, not only between me and the players but also all the people who are working in Chelsea and working with us."This is the real secret, this family, we win and we lose together, with the players, the staff, all the people who is working for Chelsea."
Conte was seen high-fiving the supporters in celebration during the game and conceded: "During the game it's very difficult for me to keep my emotions [in check]. When we have this type of game, very tough, and we find the right way to win."Stoke manager Mark Hughes, meanwhile, bemoaned the errors that prevented his side from taking anything from west London.
"It's a similar story to our efforts at Liverpool [in a 4-1 loss on Tuesday]. We got back level, but then conceded poor goals. We've made mistakes and good teams punish you," Hughes told BBC Sport.
"I thought we did really well, showing courage to get back in the game. I thought we were good value to get a draw, but we can't keep on making the mistakes we are at the moment because it's hurting us.
"We were positive, got back level and it was up for grabs. For their third goal, the ball went through about four of our players. We can't keep defending as we are in key moments. If we take that out of our game, we will be fine."
Antonio Conte feels Chelsea equalling Arsenal's record for successive Premier League victories is just reward for his team's work-rate and attitude.Chelsea matched their London rivals' benchmark - set in the 2001-02 season - with their 13th consecutive win, defeating Stoke City 4-2 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The Blues twice took the lead only for Stoke to draw level each time, but Willian's second of the contest and a Diego Costa effort made sure of the points for the league leaders."This is a great achievement for my players, for the club, for our fans after a bad season like last season," Conte told Sky Sports.
"I'm pleased for them because every day in the training sessions and during the game, I see great attitude, great work-rate, will to fight, to try to win. After two times the other team drew [level], the will to find another win, I'm pleased for them and they deserve this."
Asked about the harmony he has with the players after the match, Conte replied: "It is important to have good relations, not only between me and the players but also all the people who are working in Chelsea and working with us."This is the real secret, this family, we win and we lose together, with the players, the staff, all the people who is working for Chelsea."
Conte was seen high-fiving the supporters in celebration during the game and conceded: "During the game it's very difficult for me to keep my emotions [in check]. When we have this type of game, very tough, and we find the right way to win."Stoke manager Mark Hughes, meanwhile, bemoaned the errors that prevented his side from taking anything from west London.
"It's a similar story to our efforts at Liverpool [in a 4-1 loss on Tuesday]. We got back level, but then conceded poor goals. We've made mistakes and good teams punish you," Hughes told BBC Sport.
"I thought we did really well, showing courage to get back in the game. I thought we were good value to get a draw, but we can't keep on making the mistakes we are at the moment because it's hurting us.
"We were positive, got back level and it was up for grabs. For their third goal, the ball went through about four of our players. We can't keep defending as we are in key moments. If we take that out of our game, we will be fine."
Guardiola urges patience after Anfield setback
Pep Guardiola insisted he is pleased overall with his Manchester City squad, despite their latest stumble in the Premier League title race.
Georginio Wijnaldum's early header was enough to give second-place Liverpool a 1-0 win at Anfield on Saturday, leaving City 10 points shy of runaway leaders Chelsea at the midway point of the campaign.
Guardiola enjoyed a wonderful start to life in English football, with 10 consecutive wins in all competitions – six of those coming in the Premier League – but some harsh realities associated with an aging squad he must continue to overhaul have bitten thereafter.
Nevertheless, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss was keen to point towards his club's interest in honours on three fronts, with a trip to West Ham on the agenda in the third round of the FA Cup next week and a last-16 Champions League tie versus Monaco in February.
"There are many, many things to fight for," he told a post-match news conference."The Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup, [qualification for] the Champions League next season.
"When there is one month or two months left we are going to see our position and then we will decide our target."After a defeat in the league on the last day of the year the conclusion is always 'it could be better'.
"The way they are training I am glad. I am delighted to work with these guys and the way they try to do the things."These are new things for everybody. Sometimes it is quicker, sometimes you need more time.
"In my career as a manger I never expect what is going to happen. I am training and playing and training and playing, after seeing the good things and bad things to getting better."We are not even in January. There are a lot of games to play. You have to be patient and keep going."Burnley are next up for City in the Premier League on Monday – the latest test for a defence that has come in for its share of scrutiny.
Guardiola rejected the notion that goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was to blame when Wijnaldum derailed a promising start for the visitors at Anfield and praised aspects of defensive play from his team that were ultimately in vain."We were a lot of people [defenders] there but it is a good cross, a good header," he said.
"I am not a guy to come here to personalise, to say we lost for this reason. In one game many, many things happen."How we reacted after 1-0… I didn't see people not running and not playing with personality. We just missed a little bit in front for the last pass, the last individual action.
"It's a little bit part of our seasons. We control the games, we concede here at Anfield. I think it was the goal and after Bravo did not take another ball."We were quite stable behind. We controlled their start points of counter-attacks with [Sadio] Mane and the other ones.
"We did not let them run too much because they defend well and when they win the ball they are a top team running in behind."
Pep Guardiola insisted he is pleased overall with his Manchester City squad, despite their latest stumble in the Premier League title race.
Georginio Wijnaldum's early header was enough to give second-place Liverpool a 1-0 win at Anfield on Saturday, leaving City 10 points shy of runaway leaders Chelsea at the midway point of the campaign.
Guardiola enjoyed a wonderful start to life in English football, with 10 consecutive wins in all competitions – six of those coming in the Premier League – but some harsh realities associated with an aging squad he must continue to overhaul have bitten thereafter.
Nevertheless, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss was keen to point towards his club's interest in honours on three fronts, with a trip to West Ham on the agenda in the third round of the FA Cup next week and a last-16 Champions League tie versus Monaco in February.
"There are many, many things to fight for," he told a post-match news conference."The Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup, [qualification for] the Champions League next season.
"When there is one month or two months left we are going to see our position and then we will decide our target."After a defeat in the league on the last day of the year the conclusion is always 'it could be better'.
"The way they are training I am glad. I am delighted to work with these guys and the way they try to do the things."These are new things for everybody. Sometimes it is quicker, sometimes you need more time.
"In my career as a manger I never expect what is going to happen. I am training and playing and training and playing, after seeing the good things and bad things to getting better."We are not even in January. There are a lot of games to play. You have to be patient and keep going."Burnley are next up for City in the Premier League on Monday – the latest test for a defence that has come in for its share of scrutiny.
Guardiola rejected the notion that goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was to blame when Wijnaldum derailed a promising start for the visitors at Anfield and praised aspects of defensive play from his team that were ultimately in vain."We were a lot of people [defenders] there but it is a good cross, a good header," he said.
"I am not a guy to come here to personalise, to say we lost for this reason. In one game many, many things happen."How we reacted after 1-0… I didn't see people not running and not playing with personality. We just missed a little bit in front for the last pass, the last individual action.
"It's a little bit part of our seasons. We control the games, we concede here at Anfield. I think it was the goal and after Bravo did not take another ball."We were quite stable behind. We controlled their start points of counter-attacks with [Sadio] Mane and the other ones.
"We did not let them run too much because they defend well and when they win the ball they are a top team running in behind."
Paul Pogba hailed Manchester United's "beautiful" last-gasp win over Middlesbrough after his header sealed a thrilling 2-1 victory.A combination of questionable refereeing from Lee Mason, dogged Boro defending and Grant Leadbitter's goal looked to be the recipe for a shock win for Aitor Karanka over his former Real Madrid master Jose Mourinho.
But Anthony Martial equalised five minutes from time before Pogba headed home Juan Mata's cross shortly after to start the party on New Year's Eve at Old Trafford.
Such a late show was straight from the playbook of Alex Ferguson, celebrating his 75th birthday in the stands, and Pogba revelled in a classic comeback."It's beautiful - it's why we love football," Pogba said. "The win was very important.
"We had a lot of chances and we could have won the game easier, but we are very happy with the three points."
It was in the 86th minute on the occasion of Sir Alex Ferguson’s 75th birthday when Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United completed a turnaround worthy of anything that the Great Scot produced during his days in charge at Old Trafford.Up in the VIP seating the birthday boy rose to his feet and applauded a result he would have been proud to call his own.
But this is Mourinho’s team – not his – and one which is growing in belief. It’s premature to say a new day is dawning here but to finish 2016 with this kind of high will increase their confidence. It was as if Mourinho’s team were saying goodbye to this year and Old Trafford’s worrying tendency to offer points to teams that might not necessarily deserve them.
This is a Manchester United who have won five Premier League games in a row and a team which finally looks set to jump in with the rest of the top five for a battle for four Champions League places.
There was nothing complex about the equaliser - with Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s knockdown finding Anthony Martial in space – but this stadium saw enough overplaying without any end product under Louis van Gaal. Route one would do just fine.
Moments later and Middlesbrough capitulated. Juan Mata’s cross found Paul Pogba in the box and his header was good enough to beat Victor Valdes a second time. The world’s most expensive footballer will score more glamorous goals than late winners against Middlesbrough at home but it’s all got to start somewhere.
It had been a bad-tempered, fretful match for Jose Mourinho’s team up until then. Mourinho wrote in his programme notes that he expected Lee Mason and his team of officials to have an easy job at Old Trafford such was the level of friendship between the staff of Manchester United and their Middlesbrough counterparts.
Not only was Mourinho coming up against his former Real Madrid assistant manager Aitor Karanka but it was also revealed that Rui Faria – United’s assistant coach – had a brother-in-law on the Boro bench too.
This was anything but a friendly. The United faithful don’t always sing here and when they do it’s often to complain about the referees.“Fergie’s right, the refs are sh*te,” goes one refrain and that one got an airing when Mason made the most bizarre decision of the season in disallowing Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s first-half goal.
The United forward met the ball long before being crashed into by his ex-Barcelona team-mate Victor Valdes and even then it was more a foul on the part of the Boro goalkeeper than the striker.That got United’s backs up and they greeted every marginal decision from there on in with a chorus of lusty boos.
Ibrahimovic was looking to finish 2016 as Europe’s pre-eminent goal scorer. He started the day one behind Lionel Messi’s total of 51 but was thwarted at every turn by Valdes. One second-half effort – after a corner bobbled to the Swede – looked destined for the net but the Spaniard stood strong.
Valdes – who had a short unhappy spell at Old Trafford under Van Gaal - looked like he would be the difference between the teams even if Grant Leadbitter was the first goal scorer.
In the second half, in particular, the 34-year-old produced reflexive stops from Marcus Rashford and Martial. When Valdes couldn’t get to it, the post was there to bail Boro out. A Pogba overhead kick and a Martial strike from distance found the woodwork in the first half as it looked like United wouldn’t get the result their dominance deserved.
But there has been a change in the air here. Their hard work is paying off and the miracle performances of opposition goalkeepers are no longer enough to keep United at bay.With the echoes of the trophy-laden, thrill-laden Ferguson era in the air, Mourinho dedicated the victory to the birthday boy.
“I told him happy birthday before the match,” the United manager said. “The fans remember him not just for his birthday but also for the kind of performance we had. I think it’s a great tribute.”
2016 was a middling year for Manchester United but now it’s out with the old and in with the new. It's taking some time for Mourinho to instil fortitude into this team but now they have it... with a little bit of their former boss thrown in for good measure.
Klopp hints Liverpool win will annoy Chelsea
Jurgen Klopp pondered whether Liverpool are irritating Chelsea after they maintained their pursuit of the Premier League leaders with a 1-0 win over Manchester City.
Liverpool remain six points shy of Antonio Conte's men, who recorded a record-equalling 13th consecutive league victory against Stoke City before Georginio Wijnaldum headed the only goal in Saturday's late kick-off at Anfield.Asked whether keeping the gap to the leaders down marked a significant moment as the season reached its halfway point, Klopp declined to issue a rallying cry, but could not resist a little mischief.
"I don't know if I need anything plus to really be happy when we win against Man City," he told a post-match news conference."Actually I know I don't need anything else, so it's all good. It's hard work and I said before we cannot have a look at Chelsea."Obviously they are unbelievably strong of course and are on an outstanding run now – they've won now 12 games in a row? Thirteen already!
"Not bad, but can you imagine how annoying it is when you've won 13 games in a row and there's still one team only six points behind."But I'm pretty sure they don't think about this so why should we?"It is completely not important what happens in this moment apart from that we win games.
"That's the only thing that we're really interested in and it's so difficult in this league. It's unbelievably difficult."Klopp's men take on perennial strugglers Sunderland on Monday, but could be without captain Jordan Henderson against his former club.
Henderson was replaced after 64 minutes with pain in his heel, although Klopp confirmed it was not the same foot that gave the England midfielder persistent problems last season."In this moment it is the heel, a little bit of pain in the heel," he said.
"We will see [how long he will be out]. We don't know exactly in this moment."Determined to keep a lid on title talk, Klopp added: "I know what we have to do to win the next game, but not what we have to do to get Chelsea or whoever.
"We are in the region of the table that we want to be and when you are still there in the last five, six, seven matchdays then probably you can think differently.
"But at the moment you only have to collect points, that's all."
Jurgen Klopp pondered whether Liverpool are irritating Chelsea after they maintained their pursuit of the Premier League leaders with a 1-0 win over Manchester City.
Liverpool remain six points shy of Antonio Conte's men, who recorded a record-equalling 13th consecutive league victory against Stoke City before Georginio Wijnaldum headed the only goal in Saturday's late kick-off at Anfield.Asked whether keeping the gap to the leaders down marked a significant moment as the season reached its halfway point, Klopp declined to issue a rallying cry, but could not resist a little mischief.
"I don't know if I need anything plus to really be happy when we win against Man City," he told a post-match news conference."Actually I know I don't need anything else, so it's all good. It's hard work and I said before we cannot have a look at Chelsea."Obviously they are unbelievably strong of course and are on an outstanding run now – they've won now 12 games in a row? Thirteen already!
"Not bad, but can you imagine how annoying it is when you've won 13 games in a row and there's still one team only six points behind."But I'm pretty sure they don't think about this so why should we?"It is completely not important what happens in this moment apart from that we win games.
"That's the only thing that we're really interested in and it's so difficult in this league. It's unbelievably difficult."Klopp's men take on perennial strugglers Sunderland on Monday, but could be without captain Jordan Henderson against his former club.
Henderson was replaced after 64 minutes with pain in his heel, although Klopp confirmed it was not the same foot that gave the England midfielder persistent problems last season."In this moment it is the heel, a little bit of pain in the heel," he said.
"We will see [how long he will be out]. We don't know exactly in this moment."Determined to keep a lid on title talk, Klopp added: "I know what we have to do to win the next game, but not what we have to do to get Chelsea or whoever.
"We are in the region of the table that we want to be and when you are still there in the last five, six, seven matchdays then probably you can think differently.
"But at the moment you only have to collect points, that's all."
Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2017.01.01
Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2017.01.01
Watford Vs Tottenham
Arsenal Vs Crystal Palace
Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace: Giroud stars in routine win for Gunners
Olivier Giroud began 2017 with a bona fide goal-of-the-year candidate, helping Arsenal see off Crystal Palace 2-0 to go third in the Premier League.
Giroud lit up the 200th game at Emirates Stadium, opening the scoring with a scorpion kick that echoed Henrikh Mkhitaryan's effort for Manchester United against Sunderland - though the Frenchman's ability to stay onside surely trumps the Armenian's effort.
Spectacular in isolation, the goal also helped Giroud continue on a redemptive run of form that has seen him score in his past two games - his only league starts of the campaign.
As ridiculous as Giroud's effort was, Arsenal's second goal through Alex Iwobi could also be branded as such - though at the opposite end of the spectrum.
Arsene Wenger's side have responded to defeats at Everton and Manchester City with successive victories to nil and they head a tightly packed clutch of clubs trailing second-placed Liverpool in the race to cling onto Chelsea's coattails.
Palace, meanwhile, remain two points above the drop zone in 17th and Sam Allardyce may fancy a dip into the January sales if he is to steer the Eagles away from danger, as he did with Sunderland last term.
Allardyce remains winless against Wenger as a manager at the Emirates after Sunday's result, with Arsenal suitably dominant from the off, and though Giroud somehow missed the ball completely from Nacho Monreal's early cut-back, he opened the scoring in utterly stupendous fashion.
A vintage Arsenal breakaway put Alexis Sanchez into a crossing position on the left, with Giroud wondrously flicking his left boot behind him under the attention of two Palace defenders to guide the ball past Wayne Hennessey and in off the crossbar.
The hosts seem to suffer something of a comedown after the exhilaration of Giroud's goal, Mohamed Elneny and Sanchez off-target from long range as dominance of possession was not turned into penetration.
Hennessey was tested with the last action of the first half, denying Sanchez with his legs after Martin Kelly and Scott Dann had failed to clear their lines.More slapstick defending helped Arsenal go two up.
Christian Benteke headed wide as the second half began in tense manner for the hosts, but they deservedly extended their lead when a cross was spooned into the air and Iwobi's nodded effort was enough as James Tomkins' flick left Joel Ward only able to send his own header onto the cross bar and over the line.Palace suddenly forced Petr Cech into a burst of activity, the veteran standing firm to deny Benteke, Yohan Cabaye and Andros Townsend.
The fightback was swiftly quelled, however, and Arsenal cruised to their 130th Emirates win to restore confidence in a title tilt that can maintain momentum at Bournemouth on Tuesday.
Olivier Giroud began 2017 with a bona fide goal-of-the-year candidate, helping Arsenal see off Crystal Palace 2-0 to go third in the Premier League.
Giroud lit up the 200th game at Emirates Stadium, opening the scoring with a scorpion kick that echoed Henrikh Mkhitaryan's effort for Manchester United against Sunderland - though the Frenchman's ability to stay onside surely trumps the Armenian's effort.
Spectacular in isolation, the goal also helped Giroud continue on a redemptive run of form that has seen him score in his past two games - his only league starts of the campaign.
As ridiculous as Giroud's effort was, Arsenal's second goal through Alex Iwobi could also be branded as such - though at the opposite end of the spectrum.
Arsene Wenger's side have responded to defeats at Everton and Manchester City with successive victories to nil and they head a tightly packed clutch of clubs trailing second-placed Liverpool in the race to cling onto Chelsea's coattails.
Palace, meanwhile, remain two points above the drop zone in 17th and Sam Allardyce may fancy a dip into the January sales if he is to steer the Eagles away from danger, as he did with Sunderland last term.
Allardyce remains winless against Wenger as a manager at the Emirates after Sunday's result, with Arsenal suitably dominant from the off, and though Giroud somehow missed the ball completely from Nacho Monreal's early cut-back, he opened the scoring in utterly stupendous fashion.
A vintage Arsenal breakaway put Alexis Sanchez into a crossing position on the left, with Giroud wondrously flicking his left boot behind him under the attention of two Palace defenders to guide the ball past Wayne Hennessey and in off the crossbar.
The hosts seem to suffer something of a comedown after the exhilaration of Giroud's goal, Mohamed Elneny and Sanchez off-target from long range as dominance of possession was not turned into penetration.
Hennessey was tested with the last action of the first half, denying Sanchez with his legs after Martin Kelly and Scott Dann had failed to clear their lines.More slapstick defending helped Arsenal go two up.
Christian Benteke headed wide as the second half began in tense manner for the hosts, but they deservedly extended their lead when a cross was spooned into the air and Iwobi's nodded effort was enough as James Tomkins' flick left Joel Ward only able to send his own header onto the cross bar and over the line.Palace suddenly forced Petr Cech into a burst of activity, the veteran standing firm to deny Benteke, Yohan Cabaye and Andros Townsend.
The fightback was swiftly quelled, however, and Arsenal cruised to their 130th Emirates win to restore confidence in a title tilt that can maintain momentum at Bournemouth on Tuesday.
Watford 1-4 Tottenham: Spurs thump Hornets on New Year's Day
Harry Kane and Dele Alli both scored doubles as Tottenham thrashed Watford 4-1 at Vicarage Road to record a fourth consecutive Premier League victory.Tottenham completely dominated the match and Kane put them ahead with a cool first-half finish moments after Alli had struck the crossbar.
The striker quickly made it two to give him 10 goals in his last 11 league games, with Kieran Trippier – starting in place of the suspended Kyle Walker – setting him up on both occasions.
And Mauricio Pochettino's men got a third before half-time when the in-form Alli capitalised on a mistake from former Spurs defender Younes Kaboul.Watford's afternoon got worse when Alli struck for his second and Spurs' fourth just 58 seconds into the second half after further poor defending from the hosts.
Walter Mazzarri's side pulled one back in the 92nd minute when Kaboul bundled over the line after initially being denied by Hugo Lloris, but they drop to 13th having taken just four points from their last seven matches.
Tottenham move back to within 10 points of leaders Chelsea, who they meet in a crunch clash at White Hart Lane on Wednesday.Son Heung-min – in as one of four Tottenham changes – forced Heurelho Gomes into an early save, before fast-starting Spurs had a penalty claim turned down.
Danny Rose found Christian Eriksen, whose powerful shot struck the arm of their former player, Etienne Capoue, but referee Michael Oliver was unmoved.It was still all Tottenham when Alli collected Son's pass and fired a blistering strike against the bar from 25 yards, before the deadlock was deservedly broken in the 27th minute.
Trippier sent an acute pass from the right into Kane's path and he beat Gomes at the near post to mark his 100th top-flight appearance in style.That duo combined to impressive effect six minutes later as Spurs made it two. After Alli found Trippier in space, he whipped in an outstanding cross which Kane converted from inside the six-yard box.
It should have been three when Son missed the target after Eriksen's free-kick had given him an excellent chance, but Spurs were not to be denied.Kane's cross was dealt with awfully by Kaboul, allowing Alli to produce a composed finish into the far corner.Another poor Watford clearance, this time from Sebastian Prodl, allowed Spurs to strike again after the restart.
The defender's miscue gave Kane the chance to cross and Alli took one touch before converting from close-range for his fifth goal in three league outings.A sharp save from Gomes kept out Kane's free-kick as he searched for a hat-trick, with Watford struggling to make an impact at the other end.
Pochettino brought off Alli, Rose and Kane with the match against Chelsea in mind, Spurs coasting to victory with Lloris untroubled until Watford's stoppage-time consolation when Kaboul converted Adlene Guedioura's free-kick at the second attempt.
Harry Kane and Dele Alli both scored doubles as Tottenham thrashed Watford 4-1 at Vicarage Road to record a fourth consecutive Premier League victory.Tottenham completely dominated the match and Kane put them ahead with a cool first-half finish moments after Alli had struck the crossbar.
The striker quickly made it two to give him 10 goals in his last 11 league games, with Kieran Trippier – starting in place of the suspended Kyle Walker – setting him up on both occasions.
And Mauricio Pochettino's men got a third before half-time when the in-form Alli capitalised on a mistake from former Spurs defender Younes Kaboul.Watford's afternoon got worse when Alli struck for his second and Spurs' fourth just 58 seconds into the second half after further poor defending from the hosts.
Walter Mazzarri's side pulled one back in the 92nd minute when Kaboul bundled over the line after initially being denied by Hugo Lloris, but they drop to 13th having taken just four points from their last seven matches.
Tottenham move back to within 10 points of leaders Chelsea, who they meet in a crunch clash at White Hart Lane on Wednesday.Son Heung-min – in as one of four Tottenham changes – forced Heurelho Gomes into an early save, before fast-starting Spurs had a penalty claim turned down.
Danny Rose found Christian Eriksen, whose powerful shot struck the arm of their former player, Etienne Capoue, but referee Michael Oliver was unmoved.It was still all Tottenham when Alli collected Son's pass and fired a blistering strike against the bar from 25 yards, before the deadlock was deservedly broken in the 27th minute.
Trippier sent an acute pass from the right into Kane's path and he beat Gomes at the near post to mark his 100th top-flight appearance in style.That duo combined to impressive effect six minutes later as Spurs made it two. After Alli found Trippier in space, he whipped in an outstanding cross which Kane converted from inside the six-yard box.
It should have been three when Son missed the target after Eriksen's free-kick had given him an excellent chance, but Spurs were not to be denied.Kane's cross was dealt with awfully by Kaboul, allowing Alli to produce a composed finish into the far corner.Another poor Watford clearance, this time from Sebastian Prodl, allowed Spurs to strike again after the restart.
The defender's miscue gave Kane the chance to cross and Alli took one touch before converting from close-range for his fifth goal in three league outings.A sharp save from Gomes kept out Kane's free-kick as he searched for a hat-trick, with Watford struggling to make an impact at the other end.
Pochettino brought off Alli, Rose and Kane with the match against Chelsea in mind, Spurs coasting to victory with Lloris untroubled until Watford's stoppage-time consolation when Kaboul converted Adlene Guedioura's free-kick at the second attempt.
James is staying at Real Madrid, says father
Playmaker James Rodriguez will stay at Real Madrid despite being linked with a move away from the club, according to his father.
James, struggling for game time at the Liga leaders, is reportedly wanted by Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United.But his agent, Jorge Mendes, and now his dad Wilson have said James will remain at Santiago Bernabeu.
"He has a commitment to Real Madrid and he has a contract," Wilson Rodriguez told Colombian media."He is going to stay."James has made just eight league appearances for Madrid this season, with four of those starts.
He arrived at the Spanish giants from Monaco in July 2014 in a reported €80 million move, and has since scored 27 goals in 94 appearances.
Playmaker James Rodriguez will stay at Real Madrid despite being linked with a move away from the club, according to his father.
James, struggling for game time at the Liga leaders, is reportedly wanted by Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United.But his agent, Jorge Mendes, and now his dad Wilson have said James will remain at Santiago Bernabeu.
"He has a commitment to Real Madrid and he has a contract," Wilson Rodriguez told Colombian media."He is going to stay."James has made just eight league appearances for Madrid this season, with four of those starts.
He arrived at the Spanish giants from Monaco in July 2014 in a reported €80 million move, and has since scored 27 goals in 94 appearances.
Giroud: 'Lucky' scorpion kick my best goal ever
Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud placed his stunning 'scorpion' kick goal against Crystal Palace above any other he has scored in his career.
The Gunners beat Palace 2-0 at Emirates Stadium on New Year's Day to go third in the Premier League, but the occasion belonged to Giroud's wondrous, improvised goal.Stretching to reach an Alexis Sanchez cross behind him, Giroud flicked out his left boot and sent the ball arcing over Wayne Hennessey and in off the crossbar.
A gracious Giroud said the goal - which echoed a recent similar strike from Manchester United's Henrikh Mkhitaryan - was more down to luck than judgement, and said he was happy to have scored on consecutive appearances - his only Premier League starts of the season."I think it's my best one," Giroud said. "Alexis gave me the ball a bit behind and I tried to take it [with the] backheel and I had a lot of luck."It was just about luck! I was not on good balance.
"It was a great feeling and I wanted to score from the first minute."I tried to deflect it. In this position you can do something else, so I was lucky and it's nice for me and nice for the team."Asked if he had ever scored a similar goal, he said: "Not at all, so that's why I enjoyed it."
Alex Iwobi's header sealed the win for Arsenal, who struggled to marry their dominance of possession with incisive attacking for large parts, and Giroud says they must maintain the positive trend that comes with consecutive league wins."We need to keep going," he added. "We need a good moment to stay up [in the table] like everyone.
"The teams in front are doing very well, they are on strong runs as well, so we need to respond. It's nice to win this first game of the year."
Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud placed his stunning 'scorpion' kick goal against Crystal Palace above any other he has scored in his career.
The Gunners beat Palace 2-0 at Emirates Stadium on New Year's Day to go third in the Premier League, but the occasion belonged to Giroud's wondrous, improvised goal.Stretching to reach an Alexis Sanchez cross behind him, Giroud flicked out his left boot and sent the ball arcing over Wayne Hennessey and in off the crossbar.
A gracious Giroud said the goal - which echoed a recent similar strike from Manchester United's Henrikh Mkhitaryan - was more down to luck than judgement, and said he was happy to have scored on consecutive appearances - his only Premier League starts of the season."I think it's my best one," Giroud said. "Alexis gave me the ball a bit behind and I tried to take it [with the] backheel and I had a lot of luck."It was just about luck! I was not on good balance.
"It was a great feeling and I wanted to score from the first minute."I tried to deflect it. In this position you can do something else, so I was lucky and it's nice for me and nice for the team."Asked if he had ever scored a similar goal, he said: "Not at all, so that's why I enjoyed it."
Alex Iwobi's header sealed the win for Arsenal, who struggled to marry their dominance of possession with incisive attacking for large parts, and Giroud says they must maintain the positive trend that comes with consecutive league wins."We need to keep going," he added. "We need a good moment to stay up [in the table] like everyone.
"The teams in front are doing very well, they are on strong runs as well, so we need to respond. It's nice to win this first game of the year."
Guardiola suggests Gabriel Jesus could make Man City debut soon
Pep Guardiola has suggested Gabriel Jesus could make his Manchester City debut sooner rather than later.
Jesus will arrive in Manchester in the early hours of Tuesday morning and will join up with his new team-mates later this week, having been allowed to finish the Brazilian season with Palmeiras after signing for City in the summer.
The 19-year-old forward spent a couple of days in Manchester at the start of December in a bid to get an idea of his new surroundings, but at the time Guardiola insisted he would be given at least two or three weeks off over the Christmas period, given he has played in a number of youth competitions and the Olympic Games on top of his club commitments in recent years.
But Guardiola does not expect Jesus to take too much time to get up to speed once he finally starts life as a City player."We’re going to see," the City boss said when asked when Jesus will be able to contribute.
"Of course he’s a young player. He was three years without holiday. He’s fit, young, he was just two or three weeks not training so I don’t think we’re going to need to spend too much time to get him fit."City travel to West Ham for an FA Cup third-round clash on Friday night, which could provide Guardiola with an opportunity to put Jesus in his squad for the first time.
The Blues then face Everton away and Tottenham at home in the Premier League, before a potential fourth-round FA Cup game at the end of January.
Pep Guardiola has suggested Gabriel Jesus could make his Manchester City debut sooner rather than later.
Jesus will arrive in Manchester in the early hours of Tuesday morning and will join up with his new team-mates later this week, having been allowed to finish the Brazilian season with Palmeiras after signing for City in the summer.
The 19-year-old forward spent a couple of days in Manchester at the start of December in a bid to get an idea of his new surroundings, but at the time Guardiola insisted he would be given at least two or three weeks off over the Christmas period, given he has played in a number of youth competitions and the Olympic Games on top of his club commitments in recent years.
But Guardiola does not expect Jesus to take too much time to get up to speed once he finally starts life as a City player."We’re going to see," the City boss said when asked when Jesus will be able to contribute.
"Of course he’s a young player. He was three years without holiday. He’s fit, young, he was just two or three weeks not training so I don’t think we’re going to need to spend too much time to get him fit."City travel to West Ham for an FA Cup third-round clash on Friday night, which could provide Guardiola with an opportunity to put Jesus in his squad for the first time.
The Blues then face Everton away and Tottenham at home in the Premier League, before a potential fourth-round FA Cup game at the end of January.
Manchester United no longer boring and insipid - Neville
Gary Neville feels Manchester United are no longer the "boring and insipid" team they were under Louis van Gaal and believes they are on the way up again after a number of disappointing seasons.
After dominating English football for a decade United floundered under David Moyes and Van Gaal in previous campaigns, however the arrival of Jose Mourinho lifted expectations at Old Trafford.
United took their time to get going this term, but are back in contention for a top-four finish following a five-game winning streak in the Premier League, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba in particular in fine form in recent weeks.
"Last season or the season before you were watching Manchester United and thinking: 'This is not Manchester United, this is not what they are about.' We were watching a passive, boring, insipid performance," Neville told Sky Sports.
"Now there is counter-attack, excitement. Pogba is getting better and better, Ibrahimovic is getting better and better. There is a lot more mobility, and in the wide areas there is a big change. They have stumbled across a back four; they are getting better and have shown they have some grit, determination and fight.
"If I speak as a neutral first, where United are at this time is not good enough. However, as a fan over the last couple months, it is better. There is more personality, guts and strength."
Gary Neville feels Manchester United are no longer the "boring and insipid" team they were under Louis van Gaal and believes they are on the way up again after a number of disappointing seasons.
After dominating English football for a decade United floundered under David Moyes and Van Gaal in previous campaigns, however the arrival of Jose Mourinho lifted expectations at Old Trafford.
United took their time to get going this term, but are back in contention for a top-four finish following a five-game winning streak in the Premier League, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba in particular in fine form in recent weeks.
"Last season or the season before you were watching Manchester United and thinking: 'This is not Manchester United, this is not what they are about.' We were watching a passive, boring, insipid performance," Neville told Sky Sports.
"Now there is counter-attack, excitement. Pogba is getting better and better, Ibrahimovic is getting better and better. There is a lot more mobility, and in the wide areas there is a big change. They have stumbled across a back four; they are getting better and have shown they have some grit, determination and fight.
"If I speak as a neutral first, where United are at this time is not good enough. However, as a fan over the last couple months, it is better. There is more personality, guts and strength."
Ronaldo: People tell my son there are better players than me
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed his son does not always receive sympathetic treatment from football fans, who tell the tot there are players who are better than the Real Madrid star.
The Portugal international lifted his fourth Ballon d'Or in December, adding the individual award to the Champions League and Euro 2016 titles he won in the last 12 months. But according to Cristiano, Ronaldo Jr. is often targeted by people the forward believes are "jealous" of his success.
"There are people who sometimes say to him that 'there is another player who is better than your father', but he knows how to deal with that," the Portuguese said to ON TV, although he declined to name who this mysterious star could be."He is a smart boy, like me. I often tell him "be yourself and be polite.""I know that he will go through periods of adversity as there are jealous people out there, but I see him as a happy child."
Ronaldo added that he would be delighted to see his progeny follow in his illustrious footsteps."Of course I would like it if he became a footballer," he admitted."I know that it is a challenge and that it isn't easy, but he can be whatever he wants to be as I won't pressure him.
"I might be pushing him a little in the direction of becoming a footballer, but not to be a goalkeeper as I want him to be a forward!"
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed his son does not always receive sympathetic treatment from football fans, who tell the tot there are players who are better than the Real Madrid star.
The Portugal international lifted his fourth Ballon d'Or in December, adding the individual award to the Champions League and Euro 2016 titles he won in the last 12 months. But according to Cristiano, Ronaldo Jr. is often targeted by people the forward believes are "jealous" of his success.
"There are people who sometimes say to him that 'there is another player who is better than your father', but he knows how to deal with that," the Portuguese said to ON TV, although he declined to name who this mysterious star could be."He is a smart boy, like me. I often tell him "be yourself and be polite.""I know that he will go through periods of adversity as there are jealous people out there, but I see him as a happy child."
Ronaldo added that he would be delighted to see his progeny follow in his illustrious footsteps."Of course I would like it if he became a footballer," he admitted."I know that it is a challenge and that it isn't easy, but he can be whatever he wants to be as I won't pressure him.
"I might be pushing him a little in the direction of becoming a footballer, but not to be a goalkeeper as I want him to be a forward!"
Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2017.01.02
Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2017.01.02
Middlesbrough Vs Leicester City
Everton Vs Southampton
Manchester City Vs Burnley
Sunderland Vs Liverpool
WBA Vs Hull City
West Ham Vs Manchester United
West Ham home nisa hoda fight 1kak denna wenawa
Kohomath tough match 1kak yai
Good Luck Manchester United!
Kohomath tough match 1kak yaiGood Luck Manchester United!
West Ham Starting Line-up
Darren Randolph
Angelo Ogbonna
Winston Reid
Aaron Cresswell
Havard Nordtveit
Sofiane Feghouli
Cheikhou Kouyate
Pedro Obiang
Manuel Lanzini
Dimitri Payet
Michail Antonio
&
Manchester United Starting Line-up
David De Gea
Marcos Rojo
Phil Jones
Matteo Darmian
Antonio Valencia
Michael Carrick
Paul Pogba
Ander Herrera
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Jesse Lingard
