..::Football IV::..

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Iniesta admits 'strange feelings' as midfielder casts doubt on Barcelona future


Barcelona great Andres Iniesta has conceded he is considering his future at the club.

Along with Lionel Messi, Iniesta is one of the most famed and decorated graduates of Barca's La Masia youth system and has won 20 major honours over a career-long association with the club.


But the 33-year-old, who scored the winning goal for Spain in the 2010 World Cup final, is out of contract at the end of this season and yet to sign a new deal.

Barcelona endured a disappointing start to life under Ernesto Valverde last week as bitter rivals Real Madrid ran out 5-1 aggregate winners in the Supercopa de Espana and the club is still reeling from losing Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain.

And the sense that an end of an era is upon Camp Nou will have been heightened a little more by Iniesta's words in an interview with El Pais."Right now, I have still not signed a new contract," he said. "I have felt many strange feelings for the first time, but I think this may be normal.

"This is a scenario that, probably three years ago, I could never have imagined.
"Let's say that I sometimes ask myself about my future when I didn't do it before."Barcelona open their LaLiga campaign at home to Real Betis on Sunday with striker Luis Suarez absent alongside Iniesta due to an knee injury.

The playmaker is keen for his team-mates to get back to winning ways after their humbling against Madrid."I feel like everyone else, with enthusiasm and ambition to win again and to recover that respect we've had for a long time," he said.

"[Madrid] are a great team, with the best players in the world, but I want to say that our challenge is to find what we lost last year."The Supercopa was a painful defeat because it was the first title we could win but they were very effective."All the defeats, especially against Madrid, always raise questions, [as does] the situation that has taken place in the last few weeks.

 

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Tottenham 1 Chelsea 2: Awesome Alonso ensures more Wembley woe for Spurs

Chelsea got their Premier League title defence up and running amid late drama as Marcos Alonso proved to be an unlikely two-goal hero in the 2-1 win over Tottenham at Wembley.

Last weekend's shock opening-day loss at home to Burnley – a match where captain Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas were sent off – and the ongoing saga over Diego Costa's future has cast an unwelcome shadow over Stamford Bridge and sounded unwelcome echoes of the last campaign they entered as champions.

Jose Mourinho paid with his job before Christmas in 2015 as a squad in turmoil hovered improbably over the relegation zone but Antonio Conte's side allayed doubts over a similar implosion as they turned in a performance of grit and togetherness at the national stadium.

Alonso produced the champagne moment in the 24th minute and a remodelled defence, featuring Andreas Christensen on his first Premier League start, repelled waves of Tottenham attacks with increasing ease until a striker undid their good work.

Michy Batshuayi scored decisively when Chelsea clinched the title at West Brom in May but the Belgium international headed into his own net in the 82nd minute – three minutes after coming on.

It left Alonso to step up thrillingly once more. The wing-back stormed into the Spurs box to catch out Hugo Lloris at the near post two minutes from time, leaving Conte to unfurl trademark touchline delirium.


Chelsea's injury and suspension issues meant Tiemoue Bakayoko was forced an ahead-of-schedule debut in midfield, where David Luiz was employed in a holding role.

Nevertheless, Conte's men started impressively and should have led in the fifth minute when Alvaro Morata wastefully headed Cesar Azpilicueta's cross wide from close range.

Harry Kane forced Thibaut Courtois into an unconvincing 10th-minute save with a low, dipping drive, while Dele Alli smashed over from an acute angle when Christensen misjudged Toby Alderweireld's raking ball forward. However, it was Chelsea who drew first blood in the 24th minute after Alli fouled Luiz 25 yards from goal.

Willian, who netted a free-kick in Chelsea's 4-2 win over Spurs on the same ground in last season's FA Cup semi-final, stood over the ball but Alonso stepped up to curl a sumptuous strike into the top corner.Kane took it upon himself to drive the Spurs response – muscling past Chelsea's goalscorer to draw a block from Courtois before pulling an effort wide on the next attack before the half hour.

He went closer still in the 42nd minute when, following a driving run from Alli, he fired against the base of the post. The England striker will wonder how the anomaly of him failing to register a Premier League goal in August remains.

Spurs full-back Ben Davies then had a deflected strike pushed behind, Courtois ensuring the champions' advantage remained at the interval.Kane's header from an early second-half corner was blocked by Luiz and Pochettino's side peppered the Chelsea box with set pieces to no avail as the game ticked past the hour.

With 20 minutes to play, Willian instigated a counter-attack that ended with Morata's shot spinning wide off the prone Alderweireld. The Brazilian impressed in a roving attacking role behind Morata and it was his turn to test the upright in the 74th minute, his low strike fizzing past Lloris' despairing dive and cannoning to safety.

Conte's side looked set to rue those misses when Batshuayi badly misjudged Christian Eriksen's free-kick but Alonso resoundingly answered any brewing questions over their team-spirit, meaning further Wembley heartache for Tottenham.

Having fallen in the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup at this ground last season, victory over Burnley next weekend feels imperative for the temporary tenants.

 

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Milan confirm imminent Kalinic arrival


AC Milan have confirmed that they are set to sign Nikola Kalinic from Fiorentina.
The Serie A giants posted a tweet on Sunday evening, with the initials 'NK' and a waving hand emoji, along with the Croatian flag.


Milan have long been linked with a number of strikers, including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Borussia Dortmund and Torino's Andrea Belotti, but they have now seemingly rubber-stamped the signing of the former Blackburn Rovers forward.Kalinic scored 15 Serie A goals for Fiorentina last season, in 33 appearances, along with five strikes in seven Europa League outings.

The 29-year-old becomes Milan's 11th summer signing of a remarkable transfer window.The big-spending club have already signed Leonardo Bonucci, Andre Silva, Andrea Conti, Hakan Calhanoglu, Mateo Musacchio, Ricardo Rodriguez, Lucas Biglia, Franck Kessie, Antonio Donnarumma and Fabio Borini this summer, as they attempt to challenge both at home and abroad.

 

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Koeman believes Everton can exploit Manchester City defence


Everton boss Ronald Koeman believes it is still possible to exploit Manchester City's defence, despite Pep Guardiola's squad overhaul in the transfer window.

Koeman is sure the City side his players will face at the Etihad Stadium on Monday is stronger than it was last season, when Everton drew 1-1 away and emphatically won 4-0 at Goodison Park.


But the Dutchman feels the high defensive line deployed by Guardiola can lead to opportunities, even though he admires how his former Barcelona team-mate sets his side out to play.

"The way he likes to play is the most difficult way," Koeman told reporters. "It's really a pleasure to see his teams playing football."The Premier League is strong physically on set-plays and they try to play with a high defence and a lot of offensive players in the team.

"If you play with a high defence there is always space behind, we know that, we remember that. "When we played City at home we punished them for that but I think with the business they did in the summer City are stronger than last year."

While he is optimistic about the possibility of scoring, Koeman knows it will be tough to keep City out at the other end, as Everton target a fifth consecutive clean sheet to start the season.He said: "If we get a clean sheet, I don't know if it will be a miracle. Maybe yes.

"We are strong defensively but the key to get a good result is also what we are doing when we have the ball.

"When we played them last season I mentioned that we were really lucky to get one point out of that game. On that day they played fantastic football and I spoke about them being the big favourite to win the league.

"After that they started to struggle. That's football, you never know. "It's difficult to predict who is the strongest. After what I've seen from different teams in the first week I was impressed by United last Sunday. I'm impressed by City.

"But maybe in two weeks, or two months it can be different. City are very strong though, of course."

 

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Valencia sign Inter midfielder Kondogbia on season-long loan


Valencia have completed the signing of Geoffrey Kondogbia from Inter on a season-long loan deal with the option to buy.Much was expected of Kondogbia when Inter forked out €30million to sign him from Monaco in 2015.

He made 26 Serie A appearances in his debut season at San Siro and a further 24 last term, but new coach Luciano Spalletti has been keen to remould his squad after Inter finished seventh last term.The Nerazzurri have signed Borja Valero and Matias Vecino from Fiorentina during the transfer window, pushing Kondogbia down the pecking order in Inter's midfield.

Valencia have consequently made their move, marking a return to La Liga for the France international after he represented Sevilla between 2012 and 2013.He reunites with Jeison Murillo at Mestalla after the Colombia defender joined on a two-year loan from Inter earlier this month.

 

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Deportivo La Coruna 0 Real Madrid 3: Bale nets as champions make confident start

Gareth Bale netted and Sergio Ramos saw red as Real Madrid swept to a confident 3-0 away victory over Deportivo La Coruna to open their LaLiga title defence.

Zinedine Zidane called for big year from Bale ahead of the match and the Wales international responded by scoring Madrid's opening league goal of the season for a third consecutive campaign.

Casemiro, in with Bale as two of four changes from the Supercopa de Espana second-leg victory over Barcelona, added to his UEFA Super Cup goal against Manchester United by capping a brilliant Madrid passing move to double the visitors' lead.

Ramos was fortunate not to be sent off for putting his hand to the face of Depor defender Fabian Schar after the break, but the captain was perhaps unlucky to receive a second yellow card in stoppage time.

Toni Kroos' deflected strike had already sealed an impressive victory, which came without suspended star Cristiano Ronaldo and was capped by Florin Andone's late penalty miss, ensuring Madrid went straight to the top of the table after title rivals Barca defeated Real Betis 2-0 at home earlier on Sunday.Madrid have now won 13 of their last 14 league games against Depor as they bid to win back-to-back LaLiga titles for the first time since 2008.


Andone, linked with a Deportivo exit, failed to convert two excellent early chances. The striker created the first himself, battling past Dani Carvajal, who claimed for a foul, and forcing Keylor Navas into a good diving save from a tight angle.

Andone then missed an even better opportunity, racing through on goal in oceans of space after Juanfran's througball, but failing to beat Navas as the Madrid goalkeeper again got down to deny him.

Those squandered chances proved costly when Madrid moved ahead in the 20th minute. Luka Modric's shot from 20 yards was poorly dealt with by Depor goalkeeper Ruben Martinez, with Karim Benzema's touch on the rebound allowing Bale to slam in the simplest of finishes from two yards.

Seven minutes later, Madrid doubled their lead with another close-range finish, but this time it capped a magnificent move that saw Madrid complete 44 passes before Casemiro tapped in after Marcelo worked space against Juanfran and delivered a threatening low cross.

Ramos had a lucky escape early in the second half when he was only shown a yellow card for raising his hand to the face of Schar, who was also booked, as the pair argued over whether Madrid should have kicked the ball out of play while Zakaria Bakkali was down injured. Depor's frustration grew when the Madrid captain then made a crucial goal-line clearance to keep out Andone's impressive header from Bruno Gama's cross.

And the visitors ended the game as a contest after 62 minutes, another swift passing sequence resulting in Bale setting up Kroos to fire in from 18 yards, with the aid of a deflection off Schar.The hosts almost got one back when Guilherme turned in the box and fired a powerful effort against the crossbar.

Depor had an even better chance to end the match with a goal after being awarded an 89th-minute spot-kick when Carvajal took out Gama from behind, but Andone produced a dreadful effort that looked to be drifting off target before Navas got a faint touch to make sure he claimed a clean sheet.

But there was some frustration for Zidane, with Ramos, who had been fortunate earlier, dismissed in the second minute of added time after catching substitute Borja Valle with an arm in an aerial duel.

 

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Paris Saint-Germain 6 Toulouse 2: Neymar shines on Parc des Princes debut as Verratti sees red

Neymar was outstanding in his first outing at the Parc des Princes as Paris Saint-Germain came from behind to beat Toulouse 6-2 in Ligue 1, the hosts scoring four times in the last 15 minutes following a red card for Marco Verratti.

After being forced to watch the 2-0 victory over Amiens from the stands following his world-record €222million move from Barcelona, the Brazilian scored twice, supplied two assists – one for a stunning scissor kick from Layvin Kurzawa – and won a penalty to ensure the PSG faithful's wait to see him on home turf was worthwhile.

Neymar – clearly emotional prior to kick-off as a minute's silence was held for the 14 people who were killed in the two terror attacks in Catalonia this week - was heavily involved in the early exchanges, but PSG were behind when the unmarked Max Gradel slammed a volley home in the 18th minute.

After twice being denied by the woodwork, Neymar, who scored on his debut in the 3-0 win at Guingamp last week, equalised with a poacher's finish before setting up Adrien Rabiot to give PSG the lead in the 35th minute.

Unai Emery's side stepped off the gas in the second half and lost Verratti to a second bookable offence with 21 minutes remaining, but, after Neymar was fouled by Andy Delort in the box, Edinson Cavani drilled home a penalty.Thiago Silva headed into his own net to set up a tense finale, but substitute Javier Pastore's stunner was outdone by an acrobatic effort from Kurzawa.

Neymar then capped the victory with a lovely individual finish as PSG maintained their 100 per cent record to join Monaco and Saint-Etienne at the summit.


Blaise Matuidi made his debut for Juventus on Saturday following his €20million switch to Turin and returned to Paris for an official send off, but on the pitch PSG quickly focused on the task at hand and Neymar grazed the top of the crossbar from 12 yards in the 14th minute. However, PSG found themselves behind when Gradel met Kelvin Amian's right-wing cross with a powerful volley that flew beneath Alphonse Areola.

The woodwork again denied Neymar when the impressive Alban Lafont tipped his header behind via the post, but the Brazilian reacted first after the Toulouse goalkeeper kept out Rabiot to slot home from six yards. Neymar then set up Rabiot, who drilled a fine finish into the bottom-right corner from just outside the box to complete the turnaround.

PSG were unable to open the visitors as freely after the restart and their task was made harder when Verratti, booked for going through the back of Alexis Blin in the opening period, caught Christopher Jullien late and was shown a second yellow card by referee Amaury Delerue.Still, the hosts extended their advantage when Cavani thumped home a penalty awarded after Delort sent Neymar to ground with 15 minutes remaining.

The stage was set for a tense finish when Silva inadvertently headed a corner past Areola 12 minutes from time, but any nerves did not last long.Pastore replaced Thiago Motta prior to Verratti's dismissal and he curled a sublime shot into the top-right corner to restore PSG's two-goal cushion.

It got even better for the hosts less than two minutes later when Neymar's arrowed corner was smashed beyond Lafont by a majestic volley from Kurzawa.Neymar finished the job himself, getting away from Jullien and spinning clear of Issa Diop before beating Lafont low to the goalkeeper's left, ending a remarkable night in Paris in fitting fashion.

 

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Barcelona 2 Real Betis 0: Deulofeu on song as Valverde makes winning start

Barcelona capped an emotional week with a convincing display in Ernesto Valverde's first LaLiga match in charge, as Gerard Deulofeu inspired them to a 2-0 win over Real Betis.

With deals for Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho reportedly high on Barca's list of priorities, Deulofeu's place in Valverde's side seems far from secure.However, the winger did his first-team chances no harm with a fine individual display - setting up two goals in the space of three first-half minutes to put the game beyond Betis before the interval.

A year to the day since Barca's 6-2 victory in the corresponding fixture last season, Deulofeu crafted Barca's 36th-minute opener with a wicked cross that Betis defender Alin Tosca turned into his own net, though it was initially unclear as to whether Lionel Messi - who had already hit the post - got a touch.

There was no doubt over who got Barca's second, as Sergi Roberto slammed home from close range following fantastic work from Deulofeu, with Sergio Leon having squandered a great chance at the other end moments earlier.


Messi struck the upright twice as Barca looked to press home their advantage after the break, though despite his best efforts, Valverde's side put their Supercopa de Espana woes against Real Madrid behind them with a comfortable victory.

Following a touching tribute to the victims of Thursday's terror attacks in the city, it was the hosts, donning commemorative shirts with 'Barcelona' replacing their names to honour those impacted by the incident, who started on the front foot - Deulofeu going close with a deft flick three minutes in.

Utilised in a central role in the absence of the injured Luis Suarez, Messi was the next to try his luck, but the Argentine could not hit the target after exchanging a series of quick passes with Sergio Busquets on the edge of Betis' area.

Barca's captain was at his best again soon after with a wonderful free-kick, only for the woodwork to come to Betis' rescue, but the hosts would not be denied for much longer.Messi played a neat pass into Deulofeu, whose first-time cross deflected in off the unfortunate Tosca.

That lead should have been short-lived as Leon got through on goal, but the striker's hesitation enabled Javier Mascherano to get back with a remarkable challenge.Barca wasted no time in making Betis pay, Deulofeu easily getting the better of Betis new boy Zouhair Feddal before sliding in a cross to Roberto, who made no mistake with a composed finish.

Messi continued to cause havoc through the centre, and he went agonisingly close with a curling strike that clipped away off the left-hand upright.Deulofeu received a standing ovation when he made way after 72 minutes, before his replacement Aleix Vidal was denied an immediate goal by Betis goalkeeper Antonio Adan.

Determined to get off the mark, Messi rattled the post for a third time late on, but the 30-year-old was unable to find the net as Barca had to settle for a two-goal cushion.

 

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Pastore rules out leaving PSG in swap for Mbappe


Paris Saint-Germain attacker Javier Pastore said leaving the French giants for Monaco in a swap deal involving Kylian Mbappe is "out of the question".After completing a world-record transfer to sign Neymar from Barcelona, PSG are targeting Monaco's teenage sensation Mbappe.

The 18-year-old – who scored 26 goals in all competitions last season to help Monaco to Ligue 1 glory – has been omitted from consecutive matchday squads as he continues to be linked with PSG.Asked whether he could be used as a makeweight in a deal to bring Mbappe to PSG, Pastore said via Canal +: "No, no, that's out of the question."

Pastore was named among the substitutes in PSG's 6-2 rout of Toulouse in Ligue 1 on Sunday.The Argentina international came off the bench in the second half and scored PSG's fourth after team-mate Marco Verratti was sent off.

Pastore, who started on the bench against Amiens on matchday two, added: "The most important thing is to play, for me it is to be always available, I am never frustrated.

"I know I'm going to have to compete. I need to have some playing time, I have to think about it, but I think I have the qualities to play for PSG."

 

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Rummenigge defends Barcelona's Dembele bid


Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge does not believe Barcelona should be criticised for their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund winger Ousmane Dembele.

Dembele has been suspended indefinitely by Dortmund, having missed training without permission immediately after Barca had a bid for the 20-year-old France international rejected.

Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke criticised Barcelona's role in the saga over the weekend, while Rummenigge's Bayern boardroom colleague Uli Hoeness condemned the Liga giants' conduct as "the lowest class".

But Rummenigge insists Dembele is ultimately responsible for his own actions.
"I do not believe Barcelona has called for Dembele to strike," he told Sport1.
"Perhaps the player just wants to change and has devised the plan himself. I would not condemn Barcelona too early."

Watzke and Dortmund's sporting director Michael Zorc have both confirmed Dembele will be sold if Barcelona meet the asking price, which is reported to be in the region of €130million.

 

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'He's the best midfield player in the world' - Martial backs Pogba to win Ballon d'Or in next five years


Paul Pogba is the best midfielder in the world and will win the Ballon d'Or in the next five years, according to Manchester United and France team-mate Anthony Martial.

The former Juventus star has started the new season in fine form, scoring in 4-0 wins against West Ham and Swansea City to leave United top of the Premier League table after two games.

And while Martial has a number of team goals that he hopes to share with Pogba, he also thinks his friend and team-mate can win the Ballon d'Or, a prize monopolised by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi over the last nine years.

"We want to win a lot of trophies together at United and we also want to win the World Cup with France," Martial told MUTV."If he continues to play and improve like he is doing then I think he is also going to win the Ballon d'Or award in the next five years."

Martial already believes Pogba is the best midfielder on the planet, backing him to continue to improve in the hope of earning the prestigious award."Paul is very mentally strong and he is very sure of himself. He is a big guy, he is very technical on the ball and he has lots of endurance," he added.

"I would say he is probably the best midfield player in the world. He is still young, too, so he has a lot to work on and he can get even better."

Pogba scored five goals in 30 Premier League appearances last season following his then world-record return from Juve.

 

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Coutinho to Barcelona is only a matter of time – Barton


Philippe Coutinho will inevitably end up at Barcelona at some point, Joey Barton says.The former Manchester City midfielder believes that the deal is a case of “how much rather than if or when”.

Liverpool have persistently rebuffed the Catalans’ approaches, with three bids reportedly made, but the Camp Nou side will eventually prove irresistible, Barton says.“He wants out, and if you’re getting up to what Liverpool are now, almost £120m, it just looks like how much rather than if or when,” he told Talksport.

“He’s not a Scouser, he’s a Brazilian. He’s already living a fair distance away from home and he’s probably grown up wanting to play for Barcelona. No disrespect to Liverpool, but that’s the club Brazilian youngsters grow up wanting to play for nowadays.

“It’s not the Liverpool of the 80s, it’s Liverpool who haven’t won a title for over 20 years, so you can’t blame the boy.“As I said, it’s just a case of how much and at what moment he goes.”Barton also criticised the Reds for failing to have a figure lined up to take over for Coutinho.

“Liverpool should have pre-empted this,” he said. “They should have known a big club was going to come sniffing for him and, although he’s difficult to replace, they should have had replacements lined up for him.”

 

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Juventus trying to push through Strootman deal


Juventus are doing their best to secure the transfer of Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman, Goal understands.

The Serie A champions may have just signed Blaise Matuidi from Paris Saint-Germain, but they want to add another top-class midfielder to their ranks and are eyeing the 27-year-old.

Roma do not wish to sell the Netherlands star but they will open talks with Juve imminently to find out what the Turin side can put on the table.Any deal could potentially involve a swap, with Juan Cuadrado and a sum of money moving to the Italian capital as Juve feel that they are well stocked in those areas.

Strootman previously had a €45 million release clause attached to his Roma contract but that has now expired and Juventus will try to secure a deal for less than that figure.

The champions started the defence of their Serie A title with a 3-0 win over Cagliari on Saturday.

 

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Benitez: Maybe Newcastle aren't ready for the Premier League


Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez is concerned that his side are not yet primed for the standard of Premier League football.The Magpies suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Huddersfield on Sunday, leaving them pointless and goalless after the opening two matches of the campaign. The Spaniard believes the fans will have to be patient with his side.

“It's maybe because it's a learning process so we have to learn quickly, maybe it's too soon for us,” he told Sky Sports.“My experience in the Premier League is that you have to take your chances because, if you make mistakes you will pay for that.”

Meanwhile, the former Real Madrid boss was tight lipped as to whether reports of a St James’ Park return for Andy Carrol were accurate. “There’s no news,” he said.

Before the international break, Newcastle tackle Nottingham Forest in the League Cup and then meet West Ham in the Premier League.

 

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Manchester City 1 Everton 1: Sterling strike denies visitors after Rooney milestone

Wayne Rooney's 200th Premier League goal was not enough for Everton to earn all three points at the Etihad Stadium as Manchester City battled to a 1-1 draw.

The former Manchester United forward, who predictably had every touch booed by the home supporters, fired Everton in front 10 minutes before half-time to bring up his double-century in the competition, becoming only the second player to reach the milestone after Alan Shearer.

However, Everton left Manchester disappointed to take only a point after Raheem Sterling struck late on to deny Ronald Koeman's men a rare Etihad win.The Toffees - leading through Rooney's second strike of the campaign - were aided by a controversial red card for Kyle Walker just before the break.

City had been building momentum prior to the opening goal and then recovered well before Walker clashed with Dominic Calvert-Lewin - a soft second bookable offence leaving the hosts a man down for the entire second half.

But Pep Guardiola's men kept pushing and, after a series of squandered chances, Sterling blasted an 82nd-minute equaliser to keep City unbeaten at this early stage of the season.

Both teams ended the game with 10 men as Morgan Schneiderlin - initially booked in the seventh minute - joined Walker in earning a second card in the closing stages.


After 22 minutes and only a Calvert-Lewin half-chance for Everton, supporters of both teams joined in applause to commemorate the victims of recent terror attacks in Manchester and Barcelona.

City tested Jordan Pickford shortly afterwards with Nicolas Otamendi stepping up to shoot hard and low, the goalkeeper parrying to Sergio Aguero whose delicate finish on the rebound was nodded clear by Phil Jagielka.

More superb Jagielka defending closed down the angle for Aguero just as he looked to have wriggled clear and, with the pressure building, David Silva's drive then rattled the foot of the left-hand post.

But Rooney's moment arrived less than a minute later, ghosting into the area to meet Calvert-Lewin's pass and slot home a finish via both Ederson and the upright.

As City sought a riposte, Rooney was fortunate to see Gabriel Jesus scuff straight at Pickford after a sloppy giveaway. But the game turned further in Everton's favour on the stroke of half-time when Walker, already booked, barged into Calvert-Lewin as the pair tussled for a high ball and earned a contentious second yellow from referee Bobby Madley.

City again took control after the restart, but visiting manager Ronald Koeman responded with two positive changes - bringing on Davy Klaassen and debutant Gylfi Sigurdsson - to feed Calvert-Lewin's tireless running and retain a threat on the counter-attack.

Guardiola's own substitutes made an impact, too, though, with Bernardo Silva and Sterling shooting off target from good positions in the area before Pickford saved well from Danilo.

But Everton could not hold out and Mason Holgate's poor header from an angled cross fell kindly for Sterling to thrash a volley beyond Pickford and earn a hard-fought point.

Schneiderlin then followed Walker down the tunnel as he flew into a challenge on Aguero, although he appeared to take the ball, and it was the visitors who ended the game desperate for the final whistle.

 

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Congratulations Rooney!​

 

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Rooney revels in 200th Premier League goal as Everton hold City


Wayne Rooney was a happy man after scoring his 200th Premier League goal, though the Everton forward lamented two dropped points at Manchester City.Rooney became only the second player to reach the milestone in Premier League history after opening the scoring in Everton's 1-1 draw with City on Monday.

The former Manchester United captain — second to Newcastle United great Alan Shearer's record of 260 goals with 183 for the Old Trafford side and 17 for Everton — side-footed Dominic Calvert-Lewin's cross in the 35th-minute before substitute Raheem Sterling equalised in the second half.

Rooney revelled in the landmark goal, publishing a photo on Instagram with the accompanying caption: "Disappointing not to come away with the win tonight but still a great point against a good side.

"Pleased to get on the scoresheet and reach 200 @premierleague goals!"

It was an eventful clash at the Etihad Stadium, where both teams finished with 10 men. City full-back Kyle Walker was harshly sent off for a second yellow card before half-time, after Rooney had netted his second Premier League goal in two matches since arriving from United.

Ronald Koeman's Everton were also reduced to 10 men when midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin received his marching orders in the closing stages.

Everton and City have both collected four points from their opening two games as they look ahead to respective fixtures against Chelsea and Bournemouth.

 

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Koeman lauds 'clever' Rooney after 200th Premier League goal


Everton manager Ronald Koeman praised the quality of veteran forward Wayne Rooney after his 200th Premier League goal.

It was a match to remember for Rooney, who became only the second player to reach the milestone in Premier League history as Everton drew 1-1 at 10-man Manchester City on Monday.

Rooney side-footed Dominic Calvert-Lewin's cross to give Everton the lead with his landmark goal 10 minutes before half-time, moving second only to Newcastle United great Alan Shearer's record of 260.

Everton, who also finished the match with 10 men following Morgan Schneiderlin's late red card, were eventually pegged back by Raheem Sterling and City, but former Manchester United captain Rooney was the topic of conversation post-game.

"He is still that player what every manager needs in his team and maybe more for Everton he is back home," Koeman told reporters."We have young players, three of 20 and they did a great job. He is that teacher of young players.

"We like to win titles and he knows how to do that. It is a big step up for the young players. Against Stoke I was really pleased with his performance. Also tonight with his cleverness to know every moment what is the right decision."

Rooney has hit the ground running since returning to boyhood club Everton in the off-season, having struggled for game time under United manager Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford last term.

The 31-year-old – who netted 183 goals at United and has 17 for Everton – scored the winner against Stoke City in the club's season-opener and he continued his strong start to the season at the Etihad Stadium."I think it is always with 30-plus players they need regular game time. That is important for them," Koeman continued.

"He had a good pre-season, he trained a lot, he played a lot. He is on his physical space what he needs to give these performances. That is what he needs, good fitness and no doubt about his quality."

 

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Fassone: No more signings planned for AC Milan


AC Milan CEO Marco Fassone said the Serie A side have no plans to sign more players as they prepare to unveil Nikola Kalinic.Milan confirmed the imminent arrival of Kalinic from Fiorentina on Sunday, with the Croatian forward reportedly set to cost a total of €25 million.

It has been a busy transfer window for Milan — who opened the Serie A season with a 3-0 win at Crotone — but Vincenzo Montella's men appear to be happy with their squad, despite links to former Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

"We're very happy with Kalinic's arrival," Fassone told SportItalia."Other signings? At the moment no new signings are planned."

Milan fans have experienced a drastic overhaul at San Siro following the arrivals of Leonardo Bonucci, Lucas Biglia, Andre Silva, Hakan Calhanoglu, Andrea Conti, Ricardo Rodriguez, Mateo Musacchio, Franck Kessie and Fabio Borini.

 

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Klopp ready to welcome Coutinho back to Liverpool fold after failed Barcelona move


Jurgen Klopp insists his relationship with Philippe Coutinho remains unchanged despite reports of a third bid from Barcelona being rejected by Liverpool.

The Reds are believed to have turned down a latest offer of €130 million for the Brazil international, as the Catalan giants seek a replacement for Neymar, who joined Paris Saint-Germain for €222m earlier this month.

Coutinho is yet to play this season due to a fitness problem and is also unwell, according to Klopp, who remains adamant the player's attitude is not an issue.

"Phil is now ill, on top of the back injury," the manager told reporters ahead of Liverpool's Champions League play-off second leg at home to Hoffenheim.

"One other player had it and was back in training today. But he has had no training for a long time, so we have no idea at the moment. We'll have to check when he's back."I never give comments on what whoever said or wrote but it's 100 per cent clear that nothing has changed.

"My English is not good enough to give five different answers to the same question. Nothing has changed."You ask if everything is okay between me and him - of course. Absolutely. 100 per cent."

Liverpool have a 2-1 advantage over Hoffenheim from the first leg in Germany, a stunning Trent Alexander-Arnold free-kick and an own goal by Havard Nordtveit giving Klopp's men the edge.

But Mark Uth struck with three minutes remaining to give Hoffenheim a lifeline in the tie and Klopp is expecting a tough battle against the Bundesliga side."The main difference between the legs is now everyone knows about Hoffenheim's quality," he said. "I knew it, but a lot of people in England didn't expect it."It's half-time and we have to adjust and change things. The first game was good enough to get a result but the second needs to be better.

"Anfield is a main factor, we all know it. It's a special place and nothing happens by itself, we have to perform and deliver. But the atmosphere can help and I hope everyone is ready to fight.

"I'd be concerned if people think a weak side is coming and each bad pass gets a moan. But we have a football crowd and they know about the quality. They are ready to fight - and we are too.

"They have a clear plan and I respect what Julian [Nagelsmann] and his team have achieved. We have a plan and need to have a calm approach to the way they play and create half-spaces. They have good enough players and I respect 100 per cent their plan, so we have work to do."

Klopp was also asked about comments from Hoffenheim winger Kerem Demirbay, who claimed his side play better football than Liverpool. "It's not like ice skating where you are judged on the beauty of your performance," Klopp said. "It’'s about winning. There have been matches where the best team has lost.

"I do like Kerem, he's an excellent player, but he knows like me that football is not all about beauty."