..::Football IV::..

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Mourinho: I am an icon, I don't care what other people think

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho considers himself to be an icon because he feels “at ease” with himself and does not “care what other people think”.Confidence has never been an issue for the charismatic Portuguese coach, with his exploits at Porto helping to put him on the world map.

He famously announced his arrival at Chelsea by declaring himself to be a ‘Special One’, with further success at Stamford Bridge, Inter Milan and Real Madrid helping to enhance his profile.

A return to the dugout last summer with the Red Devils has offered an altogether different challenge, with a rebuilding job required at Old Trafford.

He has set about that task with his usual verve and vigour, though, and considers his achievements in the game so far to have put him in a bracket that allows for a sense of self-fulfilment.

Mourinho told GQ: “The people who get it right are the ones who feel good with themselves.“I think I am an icon without being an icon. I am an icon for feeling at ease with myself.

“For me, that is the best concept of an ‘icon’. You don’t care what other people think, or what they say, you just care about the way you feel. To be ready and adapted for a specific moment.”

Mourinho also believes that his reputation can go before him at times, with the criticism levelled at him by rivals often driven by a fear factor that surrounds his success.He added: “I am recognised in the four corners of the Earth, in every stadium in the world there will be some reaction from the fans.

“It normally starts with an insult – or a song. For me to sit down, or perhaps… to do other things. But I just wave and in the end they are happy, and then they want a picture.

"So I feel good among the football lovers around the world.“During the game, they don’t like me, maybe they fear me or fear the team, but before or after the match it feels good.”

 

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Ancelotti: I don't kill my players in training

Carlo Ancelotti has stressed that he doesn't like to “kill” his Bayern players in training, instead allowing them time to properly recuperate between matches.

High levels of fitness have become synonymous with victory in recent times, with coaches seemingly putting their charges at risk of injury with high-intensity training regimes.Questions had been asked of Pep Guardiola's methods, for example, due to the Catalan boss often having to cope with key players being sidelined.

Members of Bayern's squad hailed Guardiola's training during his time in Munich, however, with the consensus among fans pointing more towards Pep rushing players back from injury rather than being pushed too hard between games.

Regardless, Bayern are almost back to full strength, with only Jerome Boateng set for another month in recovery, and Ancelotti feels relaxation time off the pitch is just as important as intensity on it.

“I'm not a coach who kills his players in training,” the Italian told Kicker. “Most of the drills we do involve the ball, I don't like running a lot without the ball, but my players average 6,000, 7,000 metres. That's enough.

“In Spain there is a saying: 'demasiada agua mata la planta' – too much water kills the plant. It's the same with training.“The dosage must be right. You can train hard, but you have to give the body the chance to relax.”

One player who will be happy of the additional rest time is one Philipp Lahm, who, at 33, could be gearing up for full retirement.Ancelotti, however, has made clear his stance of the matter, urging the former Germany captain to emulate an Italian great.

“It's Philipp's decision, of course,” he said. “But I told him that I want him to
continue playing until the end of his contract in 2018.“He is fit and has no problems – he could be the next Paolo Maldini.”

 

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'I’ve been hoping to play this game for a very long time!' - Mata preparing for dream Man Utd fixture

Juan Mata says he “can’t be more motivated” as Manchester United take aim at the EFL Cup, a trophy that has so far eluded him during his time in England.

The Spain international has tasted FA Cup success in the recent past, while also claiming Community Shield, Champions League and Europa League crowns.
He has never got his hands on the League Cup, though, with Chelsea and United unable to get him over that particular line.

Mata is, however, now just one game away from adding to his silverware haul, with the Red Devils set for a Wembley showdown with Southampton on February 26.

Any final is special, but the World Cup winner admits the opportunity to complete his domestic medal collection is providing him with added incentive.“We will go back to Wembley by the end of February,” Mata wrote in a blog on his personal website.

“I’ve never been able to win this competition in my previous years in England, so I can’t be more motivated. I’ve been hoping to play this final for a very long time!“It’s going to be against Southampton, a difficult rival where my good friend Oriol Romeu is playing (and really good, by the way).

“It’s just great having the chance to win the second title of the season. We won the first one last summer and now we are hoping to keep lifting trophies and dedicate them to our fans.“It would be a big boost of confidence ahead of the last spell of the season, but as I said, if you look at Southampton’s performance against Liverpool in the semi-finals, you know it’s going to be tough.”

United have league and European fixtures to come before their attention can turn to the Saints, with a top-four push in the Premier League set to take in meetings with Hull City, Leicester and Watford while their Europa League adventure is set to continue in a last-32 clash with St Etienne.

 

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Jese has agreed Las Palmas switch, claims La Liga club's president

Jese Rodriguez has agreed a deal to join Las Palmas from Paris Saint-Germain, according to the club's president, Miguel Angel Ramirez.

The forward has been the subject of a transfer battle between the Canary Island club and Premier League side Middlesbrough this month, with both said to have made offers during the last week.

Liverpool and Roma were also linked with the 23-year-old earlier in the window, but Ramirez has always maintained that Jese's first choice was to return to La Liga, despite the club's inability to match the wage offers from elsewhere.

The former Real Madrid man now looks set to join his boyhood club, with Ramirez confirming that an agreement over a move has been reached, with Jese willing to snub more lucrative offers in order to go back to Spain."The Jese procedure is practically finished, there's a complete agreement," Ramirez told UD Radio.

"The intention is to present him tomorrow [Tuesday] in the Estadio Gran Canaria in front of all the fans. We need the best number of fans possible at the presentation.
"Jese is losing a huge amount of money but he wanted to defend the colours of Las Palmas.

"We can't go more into the deal than we have. Ultimately, our objective was to get Jese and that's been possible.

"We have the possibility of signing one more player but the coach does not want to make the squad too big. His opinion is very important when it comes to making the right decisions, and he's satisfied."

 

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Bailly limps out of Man Utd return

Eric Bailly lasted less than an hour of his Manchester United comeback for the reserves before an ankle injury saw him substituted in the Premier League 2 clash with Everton on Monday.

The Cote d’Ivoire centre-back has not featured for United’s first team since December 31, 2016 due to Africa Cup of Nations duty, but after his country’s early exit from the competition last week he returned to Manchester.

However, in his first run-out since landing back in the UK, he limped out of the under-23 fixture in the 58th minute after suffering a knock to the ankle in making a run down the right which eventually led to the penalty from which United equalised.

Bailly went down clutching his ankle after the burst, having seemingly taken a kick from an Everton tackler, and interim under-23 boss Nicky Butt was quick to replace him with Tyrell Warren in what appeared to be a precautionary measure.

First-team boss Jose Mourinho will be hopeful that Bailly’s injury is nothing serious, with the defender expected to play some part in United’s forthcoming games amidst a heavy workload for the senior side.

Although his involvement in the second-string clash in Leigh will probably rule him out of Wednesday’s Premier League fixture against Hull City at Old Trafford, Bailly could yet feature in Sunday’s trip to champions Leicester City should he recover from the injury which curtailed his evening on Monday.

 

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FA Cup fifth-round draw: Sutton United land dream Arsenal tie

National League side Sutton United have been handed a dream FA Cup fifth-round draw, with Arsenal at home looming as the biggest game in their history.

Fellow non-League side Lincoln City also drew top-flight opposition in Burnley, who they will face at Turf Moor.

The FA Cup has never had two teams from outside the Football League in its fifth round until this season, with Lincoln seeing off Championship title contenders Brighton & Hove Albion before Sutton stunned Leeds United - similarly perched in the second tier - at Gander Green Lane.

Whether 12-time winners Arsenal will rock up at the 5,000 capacity ground - plastic pitch and all - remains to be seen, but the fixture will be Sutton's most prestigious ever regardless of venue.

And Paul Doswell's men have history on their side, with Sutton's win over Coventry City in 1989 representing the last time a non-league team beat top-flight opposition on home turf in the FA Cup.

Lincoln eliminated Ipswich Town as well as Brighton en route to the fifth round, but their visit to Burnley is a daunting challenge - only Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal have picked up more home Premier League points than the Clarets this season.Elsewhere, holders Manchester United will travel to Blackburn Rovers, while Manchester City head to Huddersfield Town.

Each of the eight Premier League sides remaining in a competition of shocks have been kept apart, with Wolves hoping to add Antonio Conte's Chelsea to the list of Premier League clubs they have knocked out after beating Stoke City and Liverpool.


Fulham host Tottenham in an all-London affair, Middlesbrough take on League One side Oxford United and the winners of the Derby County against Leicester City replay will travel to Millwall.

FA Cup fifth round draw in full:

Burnley v Lincoln City
Fulham v Tottenham
Blackburn Rovers v Manchester United
Sutton United v Arsenal
Middlesbrough v Oxford United
Wolves v Chelsea
Huddersfield v Manchester City
Millwall v Derby County or Leicester City​

 

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Good Luck Manchester United!​

 

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January Transfer Window 2017

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'Griezmann would be great for them' - Henry excited to see Man Utd target in Premier League

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry feels Antoine Griezmann would be a "great" signing for Mancehster United, backing the Atletico Madrid striker to star in the Premier League.

Having played a starring role for an impressive Atletico side over the last two and a half years, France international Griezmann has been linked with a move to the English top-flight for some time, with United making him their top transfer target.

Compatriot Henry believes that the 25-year-old would fit in perfectly in the Premier League, and would provide entertainment for all supporters, regardless of which team he signs for.“I think he’s someone that should come to the Premier League,” Henry told Sky Sports.

“If he goes to Old Trafford then it’ll be great for them but he’s a player you need, for the league and everyone, for the fans, to be able to see that guy. I know of him for a very long time, he’s been at Sociedad early in his career.

“No one wanted him in France by the way, when you think that he had to go to Sociedad to find his way, that tells you the character of the man and how great a player he is when no one thought he was going to do it.

“For now people talking about him going to Manchester United and what he can bring to the league and not only Manchester United if he goes there, it speaks volumes on how far he came from.“But yes I think he should come here. Is it Man United? I don’t know but I think he should come to the Premier League.”

Having helped France to the Euro 2016 final, Griezmann was named Player of the Tournament and also made the three-man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

So far this season, the attacker has scored 14 goals in 28 games in all competitions for Atleti, with three goals in the Champions League.

 

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Luis Enrique: Barca will be fine without Iniesta & Busquets

Luis Enrique is confident Barcelona can cope in the absence of injured pair Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets as they prepare to face Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey.

Iniesta and Busquets, sidelined by calf and ankle problems respectively, were both absent from Barca's 1-1 draw at Real Betis last time out.A tougher challenge awaits on Wednesday, when Luis Enrique takes his team to Vicente Calderon for the first leg of the Copa semi-final.

Asked about the absent captain and his fellow midfield star, the coach insisted the players at his disposal will be sufficient to earn a positive result. "I'm happy with what I have, with my team," he said.

"We've overcome a lot of difficult moments. We've had injuries. Some have been more important than others. "But it's not the time to talk about who we don't have. We have to try and help the ones that we do have to play as well as they can. "If we talk about the players that aren't here - I don't think this is the right time to talk about that."

Rafinha has recovered from a hamstring injury and will travel with the squad to Madrid, together with third-choice goalkeeper Jordi Masip, as number one Marc-Andre ter Stegen is rested. Lucas Digne has been ruled out due to a knee injury.

One player who may be involved is Samuel Umtiti, who has impressed since joining Barca from Lyon in the off-season.

The France international centre-back came in for special praise from Luis Enrique for coping with the burden of expectation that accompanies a switch to one of the world's biggest clubs. "He's adapted well because of his technical and tactical qualities, not just his physical attributes," he said.

"In looking at his performance - it's only something you can find out when you come to play for Barca. In overcoming different situations on the field and the things that he's done. You can only see when he's here.

"I think you get players from time to time and you think they're going to turn out and play well because they did well at their previous teams. But they come to Barcelona and Real Madrid with extra pressure, [their] performance gets diluted and it becomes more difficult for them to do well. "But in Umtiti's case it's not just what we expected, he's [also] improving."

 

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Emery: Jese was not a failure at PSG

Jese Rodriguez cannot be written off as a failure despite being sent on loan to Las Palmas, says Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery.

After signing from Real Madrid for an estimated €25million last August, Jese struggled to establish himself at the Parc des Princes and made just two of his 14 appearances in all competitions as a member of the starting line-up.In a bid to rediscover his best form, the 23-year-old has agreed a return to boyhood club Las Palmas until the end of the season.

Emery hopes Jese will return to PSG reinvigorated and capable of proving his worth to the Ligue 1 giants.

"He has the opportunity to grow in a different situation. He needs to play," Emery told a media conference ahead of Wednesday's Coupe de France meeting with Rennes.

"If you say he's a failure it may not be true in the future. For me, this has not been a failure yet."With this loan, we think he can grow because it is more difficult in Paris. He must look for his own path and then return to PSG."

Emery will be without goalkeeper Kevin Trapp for up to two weeks after he was forced off in the second half of Sunday's 1-1 draw with Ligue 1 leaders Monaco, with Thomas Meunier and Angel Di Maria joining him on the sidelines."I hope Trapp's injury is not serious. Normally it's one or two weeks," said the coach.

"Thomas Meunier also took a knock to the knee and is not ready and Marco Verratti is still working with the physios."Angel Di Maria has muscle pain and will not be available tomorrow [Wednesday], too."

Alphonse Areola will deputise for Trapp, despite facing criticism over some of his more recent performances.Emery said: "Trapp will miss roughly 10 days and we must continue to push forward with Alphonse Areola.

"He must work to improve and improve his confidence. It's very important that we are all beside him to help him improve his performance.

"Alphonse had a very good start to the season, then he was injured for three weeks and did not perform as well upon his return."He knows that we will do everything to give him confidence. The rest is up to him."

 

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Begovic to stay at Chelsea after failed Gordon move

Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic will remain at Chelsea during the January transfer window after the club failed to land a replacement.

Goal understands the Bosnia-Herzegovina international was the subject of a £10 million bid from Bournemouth, but Antonio Conte was reluctant for him to leave without bringing in a fresh face.

Celtic's Craig Gordon was subject of a bid from the Blues, but the Scottish champions had no intention of selling their first choice goalkeeper, despite his desire to make the move to west London.

Conte regards Begovic as a very good goalkeeper, but he aimed to find a replacement for him after open and amicable talks between the two. Meanwhile, Begovic admitted that he is "desperate to play" in an interview after he helped Chelsea to a 4-0 win over Brentford in the FA Cup.

The 29-year-old did add that he will continue to be a positive influence around the club as he continues to play back up to the Blues' in-form No.1 Thibaut Courtois.
Begovic may look to move again in the summer while Celtic have opened negotiations with Gordon over a new contract.

 

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Icardi is no traitor: Tardelli defends Inter man after Maradona attack

World Cup-winning former Italy player Marco Tardelli believes criticism of Mauro Icardi is unjustified.

The Argentine has been the subject of a stinging verbal rebuke from compatriot Diego Maradona over the Inter captain's marriage to the ex-wife of former team-mate Maxi Lopez.

But Tardelli pointed out that he should be judged solely on what he does on the pitch. "Icardi wants to live his life, he is not a traitor and nobody has to tell him what to think," he said of the 23-year-old to Omnisport .

"Icardi is doing well at Inter, is he not? He is scoring a lot and last year found the net 20 times. He has a lot of quality. If [in Argentina] they link him to gossip, well... even Maradona was linked to gossip."Tardelli also backed Mario Balotelli to achieve his potential after a difficult few years.

Balotelli has struggled to fulfil the promise he showed at Inter and Manchester City, drifting through an indifferent spell at AC Milan before failing miserably to make an impact at Liverpool.The striker has offered a reminder of what he is capable of after leaving Anfield for Nice in August, scoring nine goals in 11 Ligue 1 appearances.

And Tardelli, who won the 1982 World Cup with the Azzurri and starred for Juventus and Inter during his impressive career, backed the wayward forward to get it right before it is too late."I am always in favour of giving a player his last chance and Balotelli can still become a great player," the five-time Scudetto winner said.

"So far he is not accomplished as a player but boasts an immense talent. I hope he can do it. It will be very hard for him but I hope he can make it."

 

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Aubameyang eyeing Real Madrid as he admits he needs to leave in summer

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has admitted that he needs to leave Borussia Dortmund in the summer to further his career, describing a move to Real Madrid as his "dream".

The Gabon international is one of the most in-demand strikers in European football as a star man for the Bundesliga side, and has already scored 20 goals for his club this season.

Dortmund have recently stated they would have to consider a sale if they received bids of €80 million for the forward, who has now claimed that he needs to quit the club in the summer.

"If I want to go to the next level, I need to leave in the summer,” Aubameyang told Radio RMC. "Real Madrid is still a dream, but there has been too much noise."I have an important choice to make. Many people would like to see me in England.

"[The Premier League is] not necessarily the championship that attracts me the most. I like La Liga a lot. Paris is also an attraction. French is, of course, my first language."

Aubameyang has openly admitted he wants to join Madrid in the past, revealing he made a promise to his late grandfather that he would play for los Blancos.He reiterated to beIN Sports back in December: "Real has a close connection with my family.

"The media is doing too much [speculation]. It's a childhood dream. But, as I always said, I play at Dortmund and I'm glad to be there and it's really good for me."And I don't even know if Madrid really wants me. If Real comes one day, then that's good. Otherwise, life goes on. This is not a problem."

Karim Benzema is currently Madrid's first-choice striker although has found himself booed by his own fans in recent times, with back-up option Alvaro Morata having been strongly linked with a Bernabeu exit.Aubameyang would certainly fit the 'Galactico' profile of a player that the Liga club look to sign, with the likes of Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos having all arrived in recent seasons.

Madrid are currently serving a transfer ban that has seen them unable to sign players in the current January window but they would be in a position to purchase Aubameyang in the summer of 2017, when the suspension is lifted.

 

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Bournemouth 0-2 Crystal Palace: Dann & Benteke give visitors vital win

Sam Allardyce claimed his first Premier League victory in charge of Crystal Palace as Scott Dann and Christian Benteke secured a vital three points with a 2-0 win at Bournemouth.

Palace captain Dann netted his third goal in his last four games against Eddie Howe's side 46 minutes into a scrappy encounter at the Vitality Stadium, stealing in ahead of Christian Benteke to hammer the visitors ahead.

Dann's strike came after a full-throttle first-half in which Wilfried Zaha - preferred to Andros Townsend amid rumours of a deadline-day return to Newcastle United for the former Tottenham winger - had rattled the woodwork and brought a superb save out of Artur Boruc.

Bournemouth had tested the Palace defence, though, and would have taken the lead themselves prior to the interval if not for a timely block from Dann to skew Junior Stanislas' effort off target.

And although Simon Francis went close to restoring parity with just over 20 minutes remaining, Palace held firm and Benteke's stoppage-time header made sure of their first win at Bournemouth since November 1987.

The victory lifts Palace onto 19 points, though the Eagles still remain in the relegation zone, two points adrift of Swansea City, who overcame Southampton.

Palace confirmed the signing of Olympiacos midfielder Luka Milivojevic following Tuesday's clash, with deals for Liverpool's Mamadou Sakho and Everton's Arouna Kone also possible.

Desperate to break his duck as Palace boss, Allardyce showed no hesitation in restoring Zaha to his line-up following the winger's return from the Africa Cup of Nations.

That decision almost paid dividends inside five minutes, as the Ivory Coast forward struck the left-hand upright with a venomous effort from the edge of Bournemouth's area.

Buoyed by a positive start, Palace continued to press, Benteke the next to go close with a half-volley that slammed into the side-netting.

Palace debutant Patrick van Aanholt almost cost his side shortly before the half-hour mark, when his slack pass played in Josh King, but the Bournemouth forward could not apply the finish.That chance boosted Bournemouth, and only a fortunate deflection off Dann prevented Stanislas' long-range shot from putting the hosts ahead.

Palace remained a threat on the counter, though, Zaha forcing Boruc into an instinctive save before an unmarked Benik Afobe headed wide from a corner at the other end.Boruc could do nothing to deny Palace the lead immediately after the restart, however, as Dann drilled home from point-blank range.

Van Aanholt could have made it a debut to remember five minutes later, but the Dutchman could only shank his first-time strike over at the culmination of a weaving Zaha run.

While King saw a header land on the roof of the net at one end, Palace continued to search for a second – James McArthur going close to doubling the visitors' tally.
Francis should have levelled proceedings on 67 minutes as he got on the end of Ryan Fraser's free-kick, but the defender could not generate the power to beat Wayne Hennessey.

However, despite a late glut of pressure in which Jack Wilshere rattled the post with a dipping free-kick, it was Palace who snatched a late second – substitute Townsend clipping a cross to the waiting Benteke, who duly headed home to wrap up the points in style.

Buoyed by a positive start, Palace continued to press, Benteke the next to go close with a half-volley that slammed into the side-netting.

Palace debutant Patrick van Aanholt almost cost his side shortly before the half-hour mark, when his slack pass played in Josh King, but the Bournemouth forward could not apply the finish.That chance boosted Bournemouth, and only a fortunate deflection off Dann prevented Stanislas' long-range shot from putting the hosts ahead.

Palace remained a threat on the counter, though, Zaha forcing Boruc into an instinctive save before an unmarked Benik Afobe headed wide from a corner at the other end.Boruc could do nothing to deny Palace the lead immediately after the restart, however, as Dann drilled home from point-blank range.

Van Aanholt could have made it a debut to remember five minutes later, but the Dutchman could only shank his first-time strike over at the culmination of a weaving Zaha run.

While King saw a header land on the roof of the net at one end, Palace continued to search for a second – James McArthur going close to doubling the visitors' tally.
Francis should have levelled proceedings on 67 minutes as he got on the end of Ryan Fraser's free-kick, but the defender could not generate the power to beat Wayne Hennessey.

However, despite a late glut of pressure in which Jack Wilshere rattled the post with a dipping free-kick, it was Palace who snatched a late second – substitute Townsend clipping a cross to the waiting Benteke, who duly headed home to wrap up the points in style.

 

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Burnley 1-0 Leicester City: Late Vokes strike seals three points

am Vokes' controversial late strike extended Burnley's winning run of Premier League home games to five in a 1-0 success over Leicester City at a rain-soaked Turf Moor.

Substitute Vokes appeared to handle the ball as he controlled Michael Keane's header from Scott Arfield's corner before scoring from close range three minutes from time to give last season's Championship winners a deserved victory over the reigning Premier League champions.

It was Vokes' third goal in four games in all competitions and it secured the Clarets' first victory over Leicester in 11 attempts, condemning the Foxes to their third successive defeat in the Premier League – their worst sequence under Claudio Ranieri.

Burnley, who announced the club-record signing of Robbie Brady from Norwich City at half-time, squandered chances to score in either half, with Ashley Barnes and Joey Barton both going close to putting them in front.

Referee Mike Dean incited the fury of the home crowd when he waved away Burnley's claims for a penalty, and he was at the centre of attention again at the end as Vokes' goal ensured Leicester were denied any reward for a battling performance as their wait for an away league win this season goes on.

Marc Albrighton and Demarai Gray probed as the visitors made a bright start and Tom Heaton had to stretch to punch Christian Fuchs' dangerous cross clear of the head of the onrushing Jamie Vardy.

Andre Gray's flicked header created a good chance for Burnley after 10 minutes, but Barnes lashed the ball wide and the striker could not get his shot away when Keane's glancing header put him through a second time.

Striker Andre Gray slammed a shot into the side-netting as Burnley ramped up the pressure, and when Leicester did counter Vardy spurned the chance to hit the target, slicing wide after pouncing on a loose ball.

Burnley had claims for a penalty waved away when Danny Drinkwater appeared to push Keane in the box, and Barton fired narrowly over the crossbar for the Clarets shortly before half-time.

Barton went close again early in the second half, flashing a shot wide from 25 yards, and Kasper Schmeichel had to be alert to save low to his left when Andre Gray stormed into the box and drilled a shot towards goal.

Vardy appealed for a penalty after he went to ground when clean through on goal after tangling with Heaton, but his claims were ignored and Burnley resumed their pressure.

The shots rained in on Schmeichel's goal, but Leicester defended in determined and at times desperate style to stay in the game, and they breathed a sigh of relief after Ben Mee headed just over with 20 minutes left on the clock.

Andre Gray should have wrapped the match up on 77 minutes when he made an angled run into the area, but shot straight at Schmeichel's body when there were team-mates screaming out for a cross.


But the last word went to Vokes after Keane connected with Arfield's corner and the Wales striker bundled the ball into the net.

 

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Arsenal 1-2 Watford: Gunners stunned at home as title hopes suffer huge blow

Arsenal's Premier League title bid was left in tatters as they failed to recover from Watford's early double blow in the visitors' shock 2-1 win at Emirates Stadium.

The Hornets, who were winless in seven league games, made an incredible start to race into a 2-0 lead inside 13 minutes on Tuesday, with two former Tottenham players central to Arsenal's downfall.

Younes Kaboul's deflected free-kick opened the scoring, while Etienne Capoue pounced on Gabriel's loose throw before venturing forward unchallenged and drawing a save from Petr Cech, from which Troy Deeney pounced on the rebound.

It should have served as a wake-up call to Arsenal, for whom manager Arsene Wenger is still serving a touchline ban, but it was the visitors who remained on the front foot and they saw efforts from Sebastian Prodl and Miguel Britos repelled before the end of a first half in which Aaron Ramsey was forced off injured.

Theo Walcott, fresh from his hat-trick in Saturday's 5-0 FA Cup win over Southampton, came on for the second half and Arsenal immediately carried a greater threat, the England forward finally calling Heurelho Gomes into meaningful action.It was Alex Iwobi who pulled one back, volleying in Alexis Sanchez's cross as Wenger's men made their dominance of the ball count.

Substitute Lucas Perez struck the crossbar five minutes from time but, having weathered the storm, Walter Mazzarri's side clung on to claim a win that ought to quieten speculation over the Italian's future.

Watford, who handed a debut to AC Milan loanee M'Baye Niang, broke the deadlock in fortuitous circumstances after 10 minutes. Kaboul's speculative 25-yard strike was powerful but would not have unduly troubled Cech had it not been for a sizeable deflection off Ramsey.

The Welshman's evening got worse when Gabriel's throw-in eluded him and Capoue seized on the loose ball, his run ending with a shot that came off Cech's leg and left Deeney with a tap-in.Ramsey's miserable cameo came to an end midway through the half, the midfielder limping off with an apparent calf injury.

Watford, who confirmed the big-money sale of Odion Ighalo to Chinese Super League club Changchun Yatai prior to the match, continued to press and Prodl's header forced a fingertip stop from Cech, while Britos' effort was blocked by Olivier Giroud.

For their part, Arsenal looked a world away from the side that was so dominant at St Mary's Stadium, with the home fans growing increasingly restless.Walcott's introduction in place of Giroud helped to get the Gunners going and he fired an angled shot narrowly wide within three minutes of the restart.

The former Saints forward was presented with a glorious chance to reduce the deficit two minutes later, shooting tamely at another of Watford's ex-Spurs charges as Gomes saved with his legs before brilliantly thwarting Iwobi.

But Iwobi was not to be denied when, in the 58th minute, he connected with Sanchez's chipped delivery to find the far post and breathe new life into Arsenal's challenge.Mazzarri's side, beaten by League One Milwall in the FA Cup on Sunday, suddenly looked vulnerable every time Arsenal attacked and had to dig deep to stifle a forward line now led by Sanchez through the middle.

It was an unlikely source from which the next moment of danger came, Nacho Monreal firing in a fine volley that swerved wide of Gomes' right-hand upright.

With time running out, the Gunners saw Perez rattle the woodwork with a strike that had Gomes beaten, but the Hornets were perhaps deserving of that late piece of luck as they inflicted Arsenal's first home league defeat since their opening game of the campaign.

Wenger must now lift his side ahead of a visit to league leaders Chelsea on Saturday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham: Spurs fail to capitalise on Arsenal slip

Tottenham failed to capitalise on their superiority as Sunderland's sturdy backline helped David Moyes' men claim a commendable 0-0 draw at home to the Premier League title hopefuls.

Mauricio Pochettino's side spent much of the match on the front foot and they will consider it two points dropped as they struggled to make the most of their pressure.

Sunderland gave a good account of themselves in the first period, their defence doing particularly well to keep Harry Kane quiet, although they were perhaps fortunate to keep 11 players on the field after a dreadful challenge from Jack Rodwell on Mousa Dembele.

At the other end they were lively and in former Spurs man Jermain Defoe they had an effective focal point, with the striker regularly tying Toby Alderweireld in knots.

Spurs' pressure was rather more relentless after the break, spending long periods camped in Sunderland's half of the pitch as they probed for a breakthrough.But Lamine Kone and Sunderland's disciplined defensive unit held firm to secure a point, leaving Spurs ruing their lack of creative spark against a side battling to stave off relegation.

Spurs unsurprisingly enjoyed the lion's share of possession early on, but Sunderland defended well and prevented them from crafting meaningful chances.The hosts also threatened going forward, with direct passes to former Spurs man Defoe causing the visitors no end of problems.

Alderweireld looked especially uncomfortable, with an isolated Defoe swatting the Belgian aside before seeing a shot turned wide by the centre-back in the ninth minute.

The pair tussled again 23 minutes in, with Defoe setting up Fabio Borini, who barged his way past Eric Dier and then fired a tame effort straight at Michel Vorm, standing in for the ill Hugo Lloris.

Sunderland could have been reduced to 10 men just after the half-hour mark, though, as Rodwell escaped with a booking after scything Dembele down in cynical fashion.

The Belgian suffered no lasting damage, but the same could not be said about Danny Rose just before the break, as he was forced off after kicking the sole of Billy Jones' foot.Spurs looked more purposeful going forward after the break, but still they struggled to penetrate Sunderland's increasingly deep backline.

Christian Eriksen did test Vito Mannone 10 minutes into the second period, though the goalkeeper dealt comfortably with the Dane's bouncing 25-yard free-kick.

Spurs' superiority did eventually result in a clear-cut chance just after the hour mark and Victor Wanyama wasted it, heading Son Heung-min's cross over from eight yards despite being unmarked.The visitors threw men forward in desperate fashion towards the end, with Vincent Janssen introduced for Dembele.

But Spurs looked devoid of craft in their attempts to break through Sunderland's defence and the hosts dug deep to secure a hard-fought point which lifts them off the foot of the table ahead of Hull, who travel to Manchester United on Wednesday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea: Honours even at Anfield as Reds stop the rot

Simon Mignolet's erratic Liverpool career took an upward turn at Anfield as the goalkeeper repelled Diego Costa's penalty to preserve a 1-1 draw with Premier League leaders Chelsea.

David Luiz caught Mignolet and the Liverpool wall napping with a spectacular 24th-minute free-kick – an effort that mirrored the clinical precision of the first-half work from Antonio Conte's men.

To their credit, Liverpool did not allow their energy levels or thirst for possession to subside as they faced the prospect of a fourth consecutive home defeat in all competitions and Georginio Wijnaldum headed his third goal of the season 12 minutes into the second half.Jurgen Klopp's side appeared to be building momentum towards a first league win this month but Costa had them fearing the worst, only to fluff his lines.

Chelsea's dominant standing at the summit remains unchecked after setbacks for Tottenham and Arsenal elsewhere on Tuesday – the north London duo are nine points off the pace in second and third having drawn at Sunderland and lost at home to Watford respectively.

Liverpool are a point further back in fourth and will be glad to see the back of a month in which they have bowed out of two cup competitions and only tasted victory against League Two side Plymouth Argyle.

They showed few scars from their recent woes as they applied suffocating pressure to Chelsea during the opening stages.

They showed few scars from their recent woes as they applied suffocating pressure to Chelsea during the opening stages.

Philippe Coutinho's touch let him down when he was cleverly found by Adam Lallana in the 12th minute but the Brazil playmaker retrieved the situation and fed Wijnaldum, whose piledriver was pushed away at full stretch by Thibaut Courtois.

Chelsea's first attack of note came from a wretched blind pass from home centre-back Joel Matip, with James Milner getting back to thwart Victor Moses.

The next time the leaders threatened they led, with Luiz thumping a viciously dipping free-kick in off the left post after Lallana brought down Eden Hazard.

Mignolet was still attempting to organise his defence when Luiz sprang into action – it is unlikely he would have got near the shot in any case – and there was another moment of uncertainty for the Liverpool goalkeeper as he palmed a Willian set-piece behind with little conviction.

Luiz received treatment after the half hour, having twisted and gone to ground on the sodden turf, but he recovered to complete a highly satisfactory half for Conte's men.

Liverpool spurned a glorious opportunity four minutes into the second period.
Lallana's deft backheel for Nathaniel Clyne was intercepted by Hazard and fell invitingly for Roberto Firmino, who blazed horribly off target from 12 yards.

Some uncharacteristically slack defending from Milner allowed Chelsea wing-back Moses to shoot into the side-netting and both men were involved at the other end of the field when the equaliser arrived.

Milner was unmarked at the far post to head back across goal when the ball skidded up off the turf and a deflection off Moses necessitated a sharp reaction for Wijnaldum to guide a low effort past Courtois.

A largely subdued Costa was unable to grab a goalscoring touch when he flung himself towards a low Willian cross, Hazard having orchestrated a 68th-minute foray forward.But Chelsea's talisman thrust himself into centre stage by taking a tumble under pressure from Matip 15 minutes from time.

He struck the resulting penalty firmly enough but too close to Mignolet, who took the chance to claim the Kop's acclaim.Blues substitute Pedro saw a shot skim agonisingly wide, while Firmino nodded too close to Courtois from close range.

A dejected Costa was replaced by Michy Batshuayi deep into stoppage time but could console himself in the knowledge his wastefulness did little to loosen Chelsea's firm grip on the title race.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

OFFICIAL: Sakho completes £2m switch to Palace on loan

Mamadou Sakho has completed a loan move to Crystal Palace until the end of the season, banking Liverpool a £2 million fee.

The defender has not made a senior appearance since April 20 last year after first fighting a UEFA doping charge before Jurgen Klopp grew tired of his transgressions.He can now attempt to resuscitate his career at Selhurst Park, while helping Sam Allardyce’s side avoid relegation.

The Eagles will assume full payment responsibility for Sakho’s wages and will hope the process of getting him fully match sharp will be speedy, considering the centre-back’s only outings were for Liverpool’s Under-23s this season.

"It was really, really long for me and all my family [to wait for the deal to happen], but now I’m really happy to sign here because the project is really interesting," the Frenchman told Palace TV."It’s a big challenge and I’ve come for that.

"The most important thing is we need to win a lot of games. I know this is a good squad and I have a few friends that play here and they called me tonight, like [Christian] Benteke."For me the objective will be to win."

Palace ousted Swansea and Southampton to wrap up temporary terms for the player, who had also been the subject of enquiries from West Brom, Sevilla, Spartak Moscow and Galatasaray. Liverpool would’ve preferred to get Sakho off the books permanently, but no suitors were willing to match their £20m valuation.