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Torino 1 Napoli 3: Historic Hamsik strike sends Sarri's side top
Marek Hamsik equalled Diego Maradona's Napoli goalscoring record as Maurizio Sarri's men won 3-1 at Torino on Saturday to move top of the Serie A table.Napoli had failed to score in three of their last five league games but they took the lead after just three minutes at the Olimpico Grande Torino.
Allan flicked on a left-wing set-piece and centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly was perfectly positioned to crash in an unstoppable header, scoring Napoli's sixth goal from corners this season.
Piotr Zielinski doubled Napoli's lead after 24 minutes, capitalising on slack Torino defending to run on to Jorginho's pass and beat Salvatore Sirigu.
Hamsik enjoyed his historic moment before the break, slotting a first-time strike into the top-right corner to level Maradona's haul of 115 goals for Napoli in all competitions and make it a perfect day for the Partenopei.
Andrea Belotti squeezed a low strike past Pepe Reina to get Torino on the scoresheet after 63 minutes, but victory gives Napoli a two-point lead over Inter after their surprise 3-1 home loss to Udinese.
Marek Hamsik equalled Diego Maradona's Napoli goalscoring record as Maurizio Sarri's men won 3-1 at Torino on Saturday to move top of the Serie A table.Napoli had failed to score in three of their last five league games but they took the lead after just three minutes at the Olimpico Grande Torino.
Allan flicked on a left-wing set-piece and centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly was perfectly positioned to crash in an unstoppable header, scoring Napoli's sixth goal from corners this season.
Piotr Zielinski doubled Napoli's lead after 24 minutes, capitalising on slack Torino defending to run on to Jorginho's pass and beat Salvatore Sirigu.
Hamsik enjoyed his historic moment before the break, slotting a first-time strike into the top-right corner to level Maradona's haul of 115 goals for Napoli in all competitions and make it a perfect day for the Partenopei.
Andrea Belotti squeezed a low strike past Pepe Reina to get Torino on the scoresheet after 63 minutes, but victory gives Napoli a two-point lead over Inter after their surprise 3-1 home loss to Udinese.
Stoke City 0 West Ham 3: Returning Arnautovic has the last laugh
David Moyes' revival of West Ham rolled on courtesy of a 3-0 win at Stoke City, with Mark Hughes running out of time in his attempts to break the torpor at the bet365 Stadium.
Mark Noble scored a first-half penalty on his 300th Premier League appearance before Marko Arnautovic added a second late on, having played pantomime villain throughout against his former club.
To make matters worse for Stoke, Diafra Sakho also hit the target for West Ham - who are now out of the bottom three - with four minutes remaining, prompting further angry chants towards Hughes from an increasingly irate home support.
Kick-off in the Potteries was delayed by an hour due to a power cut, which served as foreshadowing for yet another low-wattage display from the Potters. Their best chances fell to Ryan Shawcross, who hit the post immediately before West Ham countered to win the penalty from which they opened the scoring.
The Stoke fans had spent much of the contest audibly questioning Arnautovic's £25million price-tag, and he could have scored on four occasions before ending the contest 15 minutes from time with a cool finish.
Stoke offered nothing by way of response, ending the match without a shot on target, and Sakho grabbed a third on the counter as the Hammers won on the road for the first time in 10 trips. Moyes is now unbeaten in three Premier League games for the first time since late in his Manchester United tenure.
Hughes was assured by Stoke owner Peter Coates that his future was not on the line in this match, but another lifeless display will do little to help the Welshman's job prospects, with the Potters falling to 17th, a point above the drop zone and below their opponents.
After the long delay to kick-off and a cagey start to proceedings, the game finally sparked into life in the 17th minute as Shawcross hit the post from Xherdan Shaqiri's corner. Any hopes that it would send a surge through Stoke were quickly defused, however, as Manuel Lanzini buzzed into the area, where he was tripped by Erik Pieters' needless challenge.
Noble stepped up to mark his milestone appearance with a typical goal, sending Jack Butland the wrong way to put the Hammers ahead.
The visiting captain was forced off with an injury after the half-hour mark, replaced by Declan Rice, but West Ham kept Stoke at arm's length and Arnautovic ought to have silenced the jeers rolling down from the stands on his return to the Potteries, but he was spurned one-on-one by Butland, who also kept out Lanzini's fizzing long-range effort.
Arnautovic blazed over after tricking his way through just before the break and the Austrian saw an angled header skim the crossbar five minutes into the second half.
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian remained untested until the 55th minute, when Shaqiri was given room to fire, but his deflected shot looped harmlessly and kindly for the off-balance Spaniard.
The visitors were time-wasting before the clock had ticked onto the hour and Hughes tried to inject fresh impetus by introducing Saido Berahino and Charlie Adam, whose fine delivery led to Shawcross heading over inside the six-yard box.
Still, West Ham created the better openings and Arnautovic went close for a fourth time, checking inside substitute Josh Tymon and slamming against the bar left-footed.
'What a waste of money' was the chant of choice from Stoke's fans but Arnautovic finally had the last laugh when he played a smart one-two with Lanzini, while drifting in from the right, and clipped a low finish beyond Butland.
Sakho was then allowed to roam into the box and find the net, ramping up more and more pressure on Hughes, who looks to be clinging onto his job.
David Moyes' revival of West Ham rolled on courtesy of a 3-0 win at Stoke City, with Mark Hughes running out of time in his attempts to break the torpor at the bet365 Stadium.
Mark Noble scored a first-half penalty on his 300th Premier League appearance before Marko Arnautovic added a second late on, having played pantomime villain throughout against his former club.
To make matters worse for Stoke, Diafra Sakho also hit the target for West Ham - who are now out of the bottom three - with four minutes remaining, prompting further angry chants towards Hughes from an increasingly irate home support.
Kick-off in the Potteries was delayed by an hour due to a power cut, which served as foreshadowing for yet another low-wattage display from the Potters. Their best chances fell to Ryan Shawcross, who hit the post immediately before West Ham countered to win the penalty from which they opened the scoring.
The Stoke fans had spent much of the contest audibly questioning Arnautovic's £25million price-tag, and he could have scored on four occasions before ending the contest 15 minutes from time with a cool finish.
Stoke offered nothing by way of response, ending the match without a shot on target, and Sakho grabbed a third on the counter as the Hammers won on the road for the first time in 10 trips. Moyes is now unbeaten in three Premier League games for the first time since late in his Manchester United tenure.
Hughes was assured by Stoke owner Peter Coates that his future was not on the line in this match, but another lifeless display will do little to help the Welshman's job prospects, with the Potters falling to 17th, a point above the drop zone and below their opponents.
After the long delay to kick-off and a cagey start to proceedings, the game finally sparked into life in the 17th minute as Shawcross hit the post from Xherdan Shaqiri's corner. Any hopes that it would send a surge through Stoke were quickly defused, however, as Manuel Lanzini buzzed into the area, where he was tripped by Erik Pieters' needless challenge.
Noble stepped up to mark his milestone appearance with a typical goal, sending Jack Butland the wrong way to put the Hammers ahead.
The visiting captain was forced off with an injury after the half-hour mark, replaced by Declan Rice, but West Ham kept Stoke at arm's length and Arnautovic ought to have silenced the jeers rolling down from the stands on his return to the Potteries, but he was spurned one-on-one by Butland, who also kept out Lanzini's fizzing long-range effort.
Arnautovic blazed over after tricking his way through just before the break and the Austrian saw an angled header skim the crossbar five minutes into the second half.
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian remained untested until the 55th minute, when Shaqiri was given room to fire, but his deflected shot looped harmlessly and kindly for the off-balance Spaniard.
The visitors were time-wasting before the clock had ticked onto the hour and Hughes tried to inject fresh impetus by introducing Saido Berahino and Charlie Adam, whose fine delivery led to Shawcross heading over inside the six-yard box.
Still, West Ham created the better openings and Arnautovic went close for a fourth time, checking inside substitute Josh Tymon and slamming against the bar left-footed.
'What a waste of money' was the chant of choice from Stoke's fans but Arnautovic finally had the last laugh when he played a smart one-two with Lanzini, while drifting in from the right, and clipped a low finish beyond Butland.
Sakho was then allowed to roam into the box and find the net, ramping up more and more pressure on Hughes, who looks to be clinging onto his job.
Rennes 1 Paris Saint-Germain 4: Two goals, two assists for Neymar
Neymar's midweek trip to Brazil had little impact on his performance as he played a part in all of Paris Saint-Germain's goals in a 4-1 Ligue 1 win at Rennes on Saturday.
The world's most expensive player returned to South America to deal with a personal issue last week, ruling him out of Wednesday's Coupe de la Ligue victory over Strasbourg.
But the former Barcelona man appeared fresh as he opened the scoring in the fourth minute, before teeing up Kylian Mbappe for the league leaders' second.
Firmin Mubele pulled a goal back for Rennes early in the second half, but the task of completing the turnaround became tougher when captain Benjamin Andre was sent off shortly after the hour mark.
And Neymar's ball over the top played in Edinson Cavani for a delightful chip to make it 3-1 after 75 minutes, before PSG's star man added further gloss with another goal assisted by Mbappe.
An 89th-minute red card for Presnel Kimpembe had little impact on the closing minutes, with Wahbi Khazri clearing the crossbar from the resulting penalty. The result – PSG's sixth win in a row against Rennes – restores their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to nine points over second-placed Monaco.
Neymar was suspended for last weekend's victory over Lille but took just four minutes to make an impact at Roazhon Park, tapping in from close range after determined work from Mbappe on the right of the box to set up the opportunity.
The visitors were dominating possession and Neymar had an effort deflected just wide of the left-hand post six minutes later, before returning Mbappe's earlier favour with the assist for PSG's second.The Brazil international was allowed to run in behind Hamari Traore down the left, squaring the ball with the outside of his right boot to set up another simple finish for Mbappe.
There was little by way of an attacking threat from Rennes, who elected to rest in-form forward Khazri for the visit of Unai Emery's side, and Traore was lucky to escape punishment after catching Yuri Berchiche with his studs in an untidy challenge.
Traore was not so fortunate when he desperately brought down the advancing Neymar moments later, picking up the game's first booking, before Morgan Amalfitano fired the hosts' only real chance of the first half wide of the right-hand post.
Edinson Cavani almost made it 3-0 just before the break but Traore was on the line to keep out a delicious flick, and another effort from the Uruguayan was thwarted by goalkeeper Tomas Koubek.
Koubek had to be alert again early in the second period, as a curling Neymar strike drew a diving save from the Czech Republic international, but Rennes halved the deficit eight minutes after the restart.Amalfitano stooped to head a corner against the post and Mubele was on hand to touch home the rebound after the ball bounced across the face of goal.
That joy was short-lived for the home side, however, as skipper Andre was sent off for two bookings in the space of nine minutes.Khazri – off the bench in place of Mubele – had substantial penalty claims turned down by referee Antony Gautier in the 67th minute, when he went to ground with more than a helping hand from Kimpembe.
Any lingering hopes of a turnaround were all but ended when Cavani lifted a perfectly weighted chip over Koubek in the 75th minute, and Neymar – sliding in to meet an Mbappe cross – finished the job a minute later.
Kimpembe's reckless high boot earned him a second yellow a minute from time and afforded Rennes one last chance for a consolation goal, but Khazri blasted over from the spot.
Neymar's midweek trip to Brazil had little impact on his performance as he played a part in all of Paris Saint-Germain's goals in a 4-1 Ligue 1 win at Rennes on Saturday.
The world's most expensive player returned to South America to deal with a personal issue last week, ruling him out of Wednesday's Coupe de la Ligue victory over Strasbourg.
But the former Barcelona man appeared fresh as he opened the scoring in the fourth minute, before teeing up Kylian Mbappe for the league leaders' second.
Firmin Mubele pulled a goal back for Rennes early in the second half, but the task of completing the turnaround became tougher when captain Benjamin Andre was sent off shortly after the hour mark.
And Neymar's ball over the top played in Edinson Cavani for a delightful chip to make it 3-1 after 75 minutes, before PSG's star man added further gloss with another goal assisted by Mbappe.
An 89th-minute red card for Presnel Kimpembe had little impact on the closing minutes, with Wahbi Khazri clearing the crossbar from the resulting penalty. The result – PSG's sixth win in a row against Rennes – restores their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to nine points over second-placed Monaco.
Neymar was suspended for last weekend's victory over Lille but took just four minutes to make an impact at Roazhon Park, tapping in from close range after determined work from Mbappe on the right of the box to set up the opportunity.
The visitors were dominating possession and Neymar had an effort deflected just wide of the left-hand post six minutes later, before returning Mbappe's earlier favour with the assist for PSG's second.The Brazil international was allowed to run in behind Hamari Traore down the left, squaring the ball with the outside of his right boot to set up another simple finish for Mbappe.
There was little by way of an attacking threat from Rennes, who elected to rest in-form forward Khazri for the visit of Unai Emery's side, and Traore was lucky to escape punishment after catching Yuri Berchiche with his studs in an untidy challenge.
Traore was not so fortunate when he desperately brought down the advancing Neymar moments later, picking up the game's first booking, before Morgan Amalfitano fired the hosts' only real chance of the first half wide of the right-hand post.
Edinson Cavani almost made it 3-0 just before the break but Traore was on the line to keep out a delicious flick, and another effort from the Uruguayan was thwarted by goalkeeper Tomas Koubek.
Koubek had to be alert again early in the second period, as a curling Neymar strike drew a diving save from the Czech Republic international, but Rennes halved the deficit eight minutes after the restart.Amalfitano stooped to head a corner against the post and Mubele was on hand to touch home the rebound after the ball bounced across the face of goal.
That joy was short-lived for the home side, however, as skipper Andre was sent off for two bookings in the space of nine minutes.Khazri – off the bench in place of Mubele – had substantial penalty claims turned down by referee Antony Gautier in the 67th minute, when he went to ground with more than a helping hand from Kimpembe.
Any lingering hopes of a turnaround were all but ended when Cavani lifted a perfectly weighted chip over Koubek in the 75th minute, and Neymar – sliding in to meet an Mbappe cross – finished the job a minute later.
Kimpembe's reckless high boot earned him a second yellow a minute from time and afforded Rennes one last chance for a consolation goal, but Khazri blasted over from the spot.
Chelsea 1 Southampton 0: Alonso extends Blues' home run
Marcos Alonso's stunning free-kick earned Chelsea a 1-0 victory against Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday, extending his team's winning home league run to five straight games.
Although the scoreline suggests a tight match, the champions dominated throughout and could have won far more comfortably had Fraser Forster not performed as well in the visitors' goal, while Eden Hazard had a strike ruled out for a marginal offside against substitute Cesc Fabregas.
The win moves Chelsea level on points with second-placed Manchester United, who travel to West Brom on Sunday, while Southampton - who dropped Virgil van Dijk - are winless in five Premier League matches.Chelsea were on top throughout the first half at Stamford Bridge, with Forster making multiple saves and a Pedro effort deflecting onto the post.
The impressive Alonso broke the deadlock just before half-time, though, bending a delightful free-kick into the bottom-left corner from 25 yards out for his fourth goal of the season.
Charlie Austin had two fine chances to level the scores but could not find a way past Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, whose saves secured a fourth successive Premier League victory over Southampton for the Blues.
Southampton rang the changes after a 4-1 loss at home to Leicester City last time out and they created the first opening at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea captain Gary Cahill clearing a dangerous low cross from former Blues full-back Ryan Bertrand at the second attempt.
Willian burst into the box in the 14th minute thanks to a sublime one-two with Alonso, but the Brazilian sliced a presentable opening wide of the upright.Forster punched away an Alonso volley and the goalkeeper then made saves from Cahill and N'Golo Kante shot as Chelsea cranked up pressure.
Terrific wing play from Willian created another opening for Alonso after 32 minutes, but Forster got down quickly to push the Spaniard's arrowed strike around his right-hand post.
Chelsea continued to exploit weakness down Southampton's right after Cedric Soares' 17th-minute exit due to injury, Pedro cutting inside but seeing his shot deflect onto the woodwork.And on the stroke of half-time, Chelsea scored the goal their dominance deserved. Hazard's driving run was ended by Maya Yoshida, with Alonso stepping up to beat Forster with a dipping effort from the resultant free-kick.
In-form Austin almost scored moments after his introduction as a second-half substitute, but the striker was denied by Courtois after running on to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's pass.
Hazard, who was playing as a false nine, thought he had scored his side's second after lashing in following a one-two with Fabregas, but a raised offside flag saw the goal disallowed.Forster saved another effort from Alonso in the 71st minute and the goal-hungry defender then headed a Willian cross wide after substitute Alvaro Morata fired straight at the Saints keeper.
Courtois denied Austin again, the striker slipping at the vital moment and failing to get power on his poked effort, before Fabregas squeezed an effort narrowly wide from a tight angle after a cleverly taken quick free-kick.
Austin turned James Ward-Prowse's right-wing cross off target with five minutes to play as Southampton pushed for an equaliser, but Chelsea clung on for maximum points.
Arsenal 1 Newcastle United 0: Ozil stunner sees hosts edge back to winning ways
Arsenal returned to winning ways in unconvincing fashion as Mesut Ozil's stunning volley gave them a 1-0 Premier League win over struggling Newcastle United.
The Gunners had failed to win in their last three league games but the visit of Newcastle side without a victory since October will have been viewed as a welcome one.Most will have expected the floodgates to open when Ozil opened the scoring in magnificent fashion after 23 minutes.
But Arsenal struggled to put the game to bed as Newcastle produced the kind of battling performance their fans have wanted during a worrying slide down the table that has now seen them collect only one point from nine games.The Magpies began the game just a point above the bottom three and their lack of reward for a commendable showing will do little ease to relegation fears.
For the Gunners, the result sees them avoid a vital slip up in the fight for the top four, though few will be convinced by the manner in which they emerged triumphant.
Newcastle offered something of an early threat as Jamaal Lascelles forced Petr Cech to turn behind from Mikel Merino's free-kick.
Swift build-up play involving Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette was wasted at the other end as Alexis Sanchez rifled over the bar, before Ainsley Maitland-Niles sent a low drive narrowly wide.But when the deadlock was broken it was done in some style.
Under pressure from Sanchez, Florian Lejeune was unable to clear his lines and his header sat up perfectly for Ozil to fire a stunning left-footed volley into the top corner from just inside the penalty area, leaving Elliot with no chance.
Granit Xhaka then drove an effort wide as Arsenal continued in the ascendancy, with Elliot required at the near post to deny Ozil a second before the break following a neat exchange with Lacazette.
The start of the second half saw Alex Iwobi almost profit from a ricochet that Elliot was unable to handle, but the Republic of Ireland international was able to gather the rebound.Matt Ritchie was introduced from the substitutes' bench and wasted a chance to level when he hit over from the edge of the area.
Jacob Murphy did significantly better as he drew a low save from Cech as the energy of Merino caused Arsenal problems.Newcastle were then almost caught cold, however, as Lacazette could not find the accuracy with his impudent attempt at a lobbed finish after Iwobi's throughball.
Iwobi was forced off through injury for Arsenal before an entertaining finish to the contest saw Jack Wilshere draw a fine reaction save from Elliot, before Laurent Koscielny headed wide.
Newcastle forward Joselu then saw an effort deflect narrowly off target at the other end as Arsene Wenger's men edged their way to a much-needed three points.
Arsenal returned to winning ways in unconvincing fashion as Mesut Ozil's stunning volley gave them a 1-0 Premier League win over struggling Newcastle United.
The Gunners had failed to win in their last three league games but the visit of Newcastle side without a victory since October will have been viewed as a welcome one.Most will have expected the floodgates to open when Ozil opened the scoring in magnificent fashion after 23 minutes.
But Arsenal struggled to put the game to bed as Newcastle produced the kind of battling performance their fans have wanted during a worrying slide down the table that has now seen them collect only one point from nine games.The Magpies began the game just a point above the bottom three and their lack of reward for a commendable showing will do little ease to relegation fears.
For the Gunners, the result sees them avoid a vital slip up in the fight for the top four, though few will be convinced by the manner in which they emerged triumphant.
Newcastle offered something of an early threat as Jamaal Lascelles forced Petr Cech to turn behind from Mikel Merino's free-kick.
Swift build-up play involving Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette was wasted at the other end as Alexis Sanchez rifled over the bar, before Ainsley Maitland-Niles sent a low drive narrowly wide.But when the deadlock was broken it was done in some style.
Under pressure from Sanchez, Florian Lejeune was unable to clear his lines and his header sat up perfectly for Ozil to fire a stunning left-footed volley into the top corner from just inside the penalty area, leaving Elliot with no chance.
Granit Xhaka then drove an effort wide as Arsenal continued in the ascendancy, with Elliot required at the near post to deny Ozil a second before the break following a neat exchange with Lacazette.
The start of the second half saw Alex Iwobi almost profit from a ricochet that Elliot was unable to handle, but the Republic of Ireland international was able to gather the rebound.Matt Ritchie was introduced from the substitutes' bench and wasted a chance to level when he hit over from the edge of the area.
Jacob Murphy did significantly better as he drew a low save from Cech as the energy of Merino caused Arsenal problems.Newcastle were then almost caught cold, however, as Lacazette could not find the accuracy with his impudent attempt at a lobbed finish after Iwobi's throughball.
Iwobi was forced off through injury for Arsenal before an entertaining finish to the contest saw Jack Wilshere draw a fine reaction save from Elliot, before Laurent Koscielny headed wide.
Newcastle forward Joselu then saw an effort deflect narrowly off target at the other end as Arsene Wenger's men edged their way to a much-needed three points.
Stuttgart 0 Bayern Munich 1: Ulreich denies former club with last-gasp penalty save
Sven Ulreich returned to haunt former club Stuttgart as his injury-time penalty save secured Bayern Munich a hard-fought 1-0 win over Stuttgart.
Ulreich – making his comeback from an adductor problem – kept out Chadrac Akolo's spot kick after the video assistant referee had spotted a foul by substitute Niklas Sule on Santiago Ascacibar in a frantic finish at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.
The late miss meant a 79th-minute strike from Thomas Muller – who, like Sule, was sent on in the second half – settled the game after Bayern had struggled to find a way past home goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler.Zieler produced a string of eye-catching saves as Bayern looked in danger of failing to find the net for the first time in all competitions since a 2-0 league defeat to Hoffenheim way back on September 9.
However, super-sub Muller - as inspirational introduction with 25 minutes remaining - secured the reigning champions a fifth straight win in December and extend their advantage at the Bundesliga summit.
With nearest rivals Schalke only able to draw at Eintracht Frankfurt, plus RB Leipzig not in action until Sunday, Jupp Heynckes' runaway leaders now sit 11 points after their final match before the mid-season break in Germany.
Ulreich – who came through the Stuttgart ranks before moving on in 2015 – proved to be the late hero, yet it was opposite number Zieler who was, unsurprisingly, the busier of the two goalkeepers in a battle between clubs at the opposite end of the table.
The Germany international, who won the last of his six caps back in 2015, showed sharp reactions to keep out the in-form Robert Lewandowki's curling effort from the left side of the area in the 21st minute.
Zieler also came to Stuttgart's rescue when Corentin Tolisso raced clear 10 minutes before the break, stretching out his right foot to keep out the Frenchman's low attempt.Having posed a threat going forward in the first half, the home side struggled to retain possession after the break as Bayern turned the screw, patiently probing with their passing in search of a breakthrough.
Both Coman and Jerome Boateng, who went for precision and power respectively, saw long-range attempts spectacularly turned away by Zieler, as the away team's frustrations forced them to try their luck from distance.Mats Hummels' hopes of marking his 29th birthday with a goal disappeared when he was replaced by Sule, though it was another replacement in Muller who finally found a way beyond Stuttgart's last line of defence.
Picked out by Coman's pass inside the area, the forward controlled the ball with his right foot before quickly firing home with his left, ending Zieler's hopes of keeping a clean sheet as the ball squeezed inside the near post.
James Rodriguez failed to convert a one-on-one-opportunity before late drama unfolded in added time. Sule's careless hack was rightly punished by the VAR official, yet Ulriech guessed correctly to keep out Akolo's kick and secure Bayern a third straight 1-0 triumph.
Sven Ulreich returned to haunt former club Stuttgart as his injury-time penalty save secured Bayern Munich a hard-fought 1-0 win over Stuttgart.
Ulreich – making his comeback from an adductor problem – kept out Chadrac Akolo's spot kick after the video assistant referee had spotted a foul by substitute Niklas Sule on Santiago Ascacibar in a frantic finish at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.
The late miss meant a 79th-minute strike from Thomas Muller – who, like Sule, was sent on in the second half – settled the game after Bayern had struggled to find a way past home goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler.Zieler produced a string of eye-catching saves as Bayern looked in danger of failing to find the net for the first time in all competitions since a 2-0 league defeat to Hoffenheim way back on September 9.
However, super-sub Muller - as inspirational introduction with 25 minutes remaining - secured the reigning champions a fifth straight win in December and extend their advantage at the Bundesliga summit.
With nearest rivals Schalke only able to draw at Eintracht Frankfurt, plus RB Leipzig not in action until Sunday, Jupp Heynckes' runaway leaders now sit 11 points after their final match before the mid-season break in Germany.
Ulreich – who came through the Stuttgart ranks before moving on in 2015 – proved to be the late hero, yet it was opposite number Zieler who was, unsurprisingly, the busier of the two goalkeepers in a battle between clubs at the opposite end of the table.
The Germany international, who won the last of his six caps back in 2015, showed sharp reactions to keep out the in-form Robert Lewandowki's curling effort from the left side of the area in the 21st minute.
Zieler also came to Stuttgart's rescue when Corentin Tolisso raced clear 10 minutes before the break, stretching out his right foot to keep out the Frenchman's low attempt.Having posed a threat going forward in the first half, the home side struggled to retain possession after the break as Bayern turned the screw, patiently probing with their passing in search of a breakthrough.
Both Coman and Jerome Boateng, who went for precision and power respectively, saw long-range attempts spectacularly turned away by Zieler, as the away team's frustrations forced them to try their luck from distance.Mats Hummels' hopes of marking his 29th birthday with a goal disappeared when he was replaced by Sule, though it was another replacement in Muller who finally found a way beyond Stuttgart's last line of defence.
Picked out by Coman's pass inside the area, the forward controlled the ball with his right foot before quickly firing home with his left, ending Zieler's hopes of keeping a clean sheet as the ball squeezed inside the near post.
James Rodriguez failed to convert a one-on-one-opportunity before late drama unfolded in added time. Sule's careless hack was rightly punished by the VAR official, yet Ulriech guessed correctly to keep out Akolo's kick and secure Bayern a third straight 1-0 triumph.
Inter 1 Udinese 3: Leaders leave door open for Napoli as unbeaten run ends
Inter opened the door for Napoli to regain top spot in Serie A as their unbeaten start to the season came to an end with a 3-1 defeat to Udinese at San Siro.
Luciano Spalletti's side missed the opportunity to extend their one-point lead at the summit - ahead of their title rivals playing later in the weekend - as a pair of Davide Santon errors contributed to the coach's first competitive loss at the helm and ended their 16-game undefeated match in Serie A this term.
Kevin Lasagna cooked up a scarcely deserved opener that was cancelled out by Mauro Icardi's 17th league goal of the season just 72 seconds later, but Inter - back at full strength after a midweek Coppa Italia scare against Pordenone - failed to turn their dominance into a crucial second.
Instead, Udinese grew in confidence after the interval and Santon's handball – only penalised after the use of VAR by referee Maurizio Mariani – allowed Rodrigo De Paul to send a penalty past Samir Handanovic.Milan Skriniar came close to restoring parity when he hit the woodwork, but Udinese took full advantage of the hosts' increasing desperation and clinched victory on the counter-attack with Antonin Barak's strike 13 minutes from time.
Napoli can now leapfrog Inter with victory at Torino later on Saturday, while Spalletti's men will end the weekend in third if Juventus also win at Bologna on Sunday.
Inter predictably found early joy in wide areas, but Matias Vecino, Antonio Candreva and Ivan Perisic all failed to make the most of their team-mates' dangerous deliveries.
And the hosts were made to pay for their profligacy. Santon cheaply gave up possession to Silvan Widmer, who danced past a couple of weak challenges in the area and centred for Lasagna to convert.
But the response was swift and Icardi took just over a minute to draw his side level, reaching Candreva's right-wing cross to turn a low finish past Albano Bizzarri.
Inter pushed for a second goal, altering their approach to pepper Bizzarri with strikes from distance; two fizzing efforts from Candreva and Marcelo Brozovic only narrowly missed the target.The Udinese goalkeeper stood up well to a Perisic drive and then similarly parried away Candreva's next attempt on the stroke of half-time.
Lasagna should have restored the visitors' lead just 31 seconds after the restart, instead failing to hit the target when Skriniar's uncharacteristically sloppy defending served up a golden opportunity inside the six-yard box.
Icardi nodded over the top at the other end, but Udinese's improved second-half showing continued and – after referee Mariani reviewed video footage to deem that the ball did not cross the byline before Santon handled a cross from Widmer – De Paul ruthlessly dispatched from the spot.Inter kicked on again but toiled in front of goal once more, with Skriniar angling a header against the crossbar and Bizzarri keeping out Roberto Gagliardini's effort.
But the pressure on the Udinese goal left gaps at the other end and Barak pounced from Jakub Jankto's cross to stun Spalletti's men with a third, putting their place at the summit under threat.
Inter opened the door for Napoli to regain top spot in Serie A as their unbeaten start to the season came to an end with a 3-1 defeat to Udinese at San Siro.
Luciano Spalletti's side missed the opportunity to extend their one-point lead at the summit - ahead of their title rivals playing later in the weekend - as a pair of Davide Santon errors contributed to the coach's first competitive loss at the helm and ended their 16-game undefeated match in Serie A this term.
Kevin Lasagna cooked up a scarcely deserved opener that was cancelled out by Mauro Icardi's 17th league goal of the season just 72 seconds later, but Inter - back at full strength after a midweek Coppa Italia scare against Pordenone - failed to turn their dominance into a crucial second.
Instead, Udinese grew in confidence after the interval and Santon's handball – only penalised after the use of VAR by referee Maurizio Mariani – allowed Rodrigo De Paul to send a penalty past Samir Handanovic.Milan Skriniar came close to restoring parity when he hit the woodwork, but Udinese took full advantage of the hosts' increasing desperation and clinched victory on the counter-attack with Antonin Barak's strike 13 minutes from time.
Napoli can now leapfrog Inter with victory at Torino later on Saturday, while Spalletti's men will end the weekend in third if Juventus also win at Bologna on Sunday.
Inter predictably found early joy in wide areas, but Matias Vecino, Antonio Candreva and Ivan Perisic all failed to make the most of their team-mates' dangerous deliveries.
And the hosts were made to pay for their profligacy. Santon cheaply gave up possession to Silvan Widmer, who danced past a couple of weak challenges in the area and centred for Lasagna to convert.
But the response was swift and Icardi took just over a minute to draw his side level, reaching Candreva's right-wing cross to turn a low finish past Albano Bizzarri.
Inter pushed for a second goal, altering their approach to pepper Bizzarri with strikes from distance; two fizzing efforts from Candreva and Marcelo Brozovic only narrowly missed the target.The Udinese goalkeeper stood up well to a Perisic drive and then similarly parried away Candreva's next attempt on the stroke of half-time.
Lasagna should have restored the visitors' lead just 31 seconds after the restart, instead failing to hit the target when Skriniar's uncharacteristically sloppy defending served up a golden opportunity inside the six-yard box.
Icardi nodded over the top at the other end, but Udinese's improved second-half showing continued and – after referee Mariani reviewed video footage to deem that the ball did not cross the byline before Santon handled a cross from Widmer – De Paul ruthlessly dispatched from the spot.Inter kicked on again but toiled in front of goal once more, with Skriniar angling a header against the crossbar and Bizzarri keeping out Roberto Gagliardini's effort.
But the pressure on the Udinese goal left gaps at the other end and Barak pounced from Jakub Jankto's cross to stun Spalletti's men with a third, putting their place at the summit under threat.
Verona 3 AC Milan 0: Gattuso's side slip to insipid defeat
AC Milan's disappointing season reached a new low on Sunday as struggling Verona cruised to a shock 3-0 home win in Serie A.
Gennaro Gattuso's side registered a comfortable victory by the same scoreline over their less illustrious opponents in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday, but never came close to another victory in what was a desperately poor display.Antonio Caracciolo gave the hosts a 24th-minute lead with a powerful header and only a number of smart stops from goalkeeper Nicolas ensured the hosts went into the interval ahead.
Fabio Pecchia's side took full advantage of Milan's profligacy 10 minutes into the second period as substitute Moise Kean slotted home after storming into the penalty area unmarked.
Milan duo Suso and Leonardo Bonucci both squandered excellent opportunities to set up a tense finale before Daniel Bessa, who also came off the Verona bench, added gloss to the scoreline with another cool finish with 13 minutes left.
And Milan's miserable day was compounded when, after a VAR review, Suso was shown a red card of a late challenge in stoppage time, as Verona secured only their third Serie A win of the season in spectacular style. Defeat for Milan, meanwhile, is their seventh in the league this season and leaves them a whopping 18 points behind leaders Napoli.
After their limp surrender earlier this week, Verona started with a point to prove and scarcely gave Milan a chance to settle with a series of robust challenges in the early stages.
However, it was the visitors who carved out the first clear opening when Nikola Kalinic's curled effort from the edge of the penalty area was tipped around the post by Nicolas.
Verona got the reward their effervescent start deserved midway through the opening period as Caracciolo scored his first goal for the club.The defender rose highest to meet Romulo's outswinging corner to thump a header against the underside of the crossbar from six yards, which clipped the bewildered Gianluigi Donnarumma on its way into the net.Milan almost levelled within a minute, but Nicolas was equal to Franck Kessie's powerful drive from just inside the area.
The Verona keeper excelled again shortly before the interval, getting down smartly to repel Suso's effort before Thomas Heurtaux brilliantly blocked the Spain international's follow-up effort.Kalinic saw a goal-bound effort deflected wide seconds after the restart as Milan looked to claw their way back into the game, but it was Verona who scored next to all-but kill off the visitors' comeback hopes.
Bessa found space down the left and pulled a cross back towards the penalty spot, where fellow substitute Kean was waiting to slot into Donnarumma's bottom right corner for just his second league goal of the season.Nicolas tipped over Suso's powerful drive and Bonucci headed wide from close range as Milan tried in vain to set up a tense finish.
Bessa added a third in the 77th minute with a neat finish from 12 yards, Romulo collecting his second assist of the match as part of a flowing counter-attack.And it got worse for Milan in the first minute of added time when Suso received a straight red card for an ugly, late challenge on Daniele Verde.
AC Milan's disappointing season reached a new low on Sunday as struggling Verona cruised to a shock 3-0 home win in Serie A.
Gennaro Gattuso's side registered a comfortable victory by the same scoreline over their less illustrious opponents in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday, but never came close to another victory in what was a desperately poor display.Antonio Caracciolo gave the hosts a 24th-minute lead with a powerful header and only a number of smart stops from goalkeeper Nicolas ensured the hosts went into the interval ahead.
Fabio Pecchia's side took full advantage of Milan's profligacy 10 minutes into the second period as substitute Moise Kean slotted home after storming into the penalty area unmarked.
Milan duo Suso and Leonardo Bonucci both squandered excellent opportunities to set up a tense finale before Daniel Bessa, who also came off the Verona bench, added gloss to the scoreline with another cool finish with 13 minutes left.
And Milan's miserable day was compounded when, after a VAR review, Suso was shown a red card of a late challenge in stoppage time, as Verona secured only their third Serie A win of the season in spectacular style. Defeat for Milan, meanwhile, is their seventh in the league this season and leaves them a whopping 18 points behind leaders Napoli.
After their limp surrender earlier this week, Verona started with a point to prove and scarcely gave Milan a chance to settle with a series of robust challenges in the early stages.
However, it was the visitors who carved out the first clear opening when Nikola Kalinic's curled effort from the edge of the penalty area was tipped around the post by Nicolas.
Verona got the reward their effervescent start deserved midway through the opening period as Caracciolo scored his first goal for the club.The defender rose highest to meet Romulo's outswinging corner to thump a header against the underside of the crossbar from six yards, which clipped the bewildered Gianluigi Donnarumma on its way into the net.Milan almost levelled within a minute, but Nicolas was equal to Franck Kessie's powerful drive from just inside the area.
The Verona keeper excelled again shortly before the interval, getting down smartly to repel Suso's effort before Thomas Heurtaux brilliantly blocked the Spain international's follow-up effort.Kalinic saw a goal-bound effort deflected wide seconds after the restart as Milan looked to claw their way back into the game, but it was Verona who scored next to all-but kill off the visitors' comeback hopes.
Bessa found space down the left and pulled a cross back towards the penalty spot, where fellow substitute Kean was waiting to slot into Donnarumma's bottom right corner for just his second league goal of the season.Nicolas tipped over Suso's powerful drive and Bonucci headed wide from close range as Milan tried in vain to set up a tense finish.
Bessa added a third in the 77th minute with a neat finish from 12 yards, Romulo collecting his second assist of the match as part of a flowing counter-attack.And it got worse for Milan in the first minute of added time when Suso received a straight red card for an ugly, late challenge on Daniele Verde.
Perez keen for 'spectacular' Ronaldo to retire at Real Madrid
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has joined the chorus of voices hoping Cristiano Ronaldo finishes his stellar career at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo capped a memorable year with the winning goal as Madrid overcame Gremio 1-0 to lift the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.After the match, Zidane described Ronaldo remaining with the club until retirement as "fundamental", while the player himself expressed his desire to do exactly that.
"But it does not depend on me," he added. "Because I'm not the boss of the club."
Given that is, more or less, Perez's job description, it seems Ronaldo has little reason to worry.
"Cristiano wants to stay in Madrid and I also want him to finish here," the 70-year-old told COPE. "He is a spectacular player and has a contract in force for this season and three more."
Perez went on to liken Ronaldo's impact on Madrid to that of club icon Alfredo De Stefano."Di Stefano changed the history of Real Madrid and I think he even changed the history of football," he said."Cristiano is the best player without discussion in the current era, with all the virtues that has make up a unique and very special player. Cristiano will mark the future of football."
Zidane added the world title to back-to-back European crowns and last season's LaLiga and, although Madrid's campaign domestically is yet to ignite this season, he retains the backing and admiration of the president who made him a 'Galactico' signing in 2001.
"Zidane came in 2001 and helped rebuild this modern Madrid. Now, as a coach, with all the knowledge he has of the club, he is making a spectacular year," Perez added."He has achieved eight titles of 10, it is practically impossible to do more in such a short time. We are all delighted with Zidane, Cristiano and all the players.
"I think we have the best in each position. And then, we have a lot of young players with a great future who are helping to create a good atmosphere and I think that's the success of this Real Madrid."
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has joined the chorus of voices hoping Cristiano Ronaldo finishes his stellar career at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo capped a memorable year with the winning goal as Madrid overcame Gremio 1-0 to lift the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.After the match, Zidane described Ronaldo remaining with the club until retirement as "fundamental", while the player himself expressed his desire to do exactly that.
"But it does not depend on me," he added. "Because I'm not the boss of the club."
Given that is, more or less, Perez's job description, it seems Ronaldo has little reason to worry.
"Cristiano wants to stay in Madrid and I also want him to finish here," the 70-year-old told COPE. "He is a spectacular player and has a contract in force for this season and three more."
Perez went on to liken Ronaldo's impact on Madrid to that of club icon Alfredo De Stefano."Di Stefano changed the history of Real Madrid and I think he even changed the history of football," he said."Cristiano is the best player without discussion in the current era, with all the virtues that has make up a unique and very special player. Cristiano will mark the future of football."
Zidane added the world title to back-to-back European crowns and last season's LaLiga and, although Madrid's campaign domestically is yet to ignite this season, he retains the backing and admiration of the president who made him a 'Galactico' signing in 2001.
"Zidane came in 2001 and helped rebuild this modern Madrid. Now, as a coach, with all the knowledge he has of the club, he is making a spectacular year," Perez added."He has achieved eight titles of 10, it is practically impossible to do more in such a short time. We are all delighted with Zidane, Cristiano and all the players.
"I think we have the best in each position. And then, we have a lot of young players with a great future who are helping to create a good atmosphere and I think that's the success of this Real Madrid."
Guardiola blasts ‘dangerous’ Alli and Kane tackles
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has criticised Tottenham stars Dele Alli and Harry Kane for reckless challenges during the Etihad side’s 4-1 win over Spurs on Saturday.
Goals from Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne and a late double from Raheem Sterling carried the Premier League leaders to a 17th win from 18 games this season, continuing their dominance of the title race.
Yet Guardiola had harsh words for two of their opponents’ star players as he accused both Alli and Kane of challenges that might have injured De Bruyne and Sterling respectively.
“It was a dangerous action, like the one with Harry Kane and Raheem,” Guardiola said after being questioned about Alli’s challenge.“It’s their football, the physicality of the Premier League and players have to adapt. You saw what happened. Thankfully, it was just a kick.”
Former Premier League referee Graham Poll was also critical of both tackles, pinpointing the Alli tackle as one that was especially bad.“Dele Alli’s was the worst one of them all. He goes over the ball and I think he is meaning to hurt him,” he told BT Sport. “That is definitely a red card.”
Alli, however, was only booked by referee Craig Pawson, yet his Spurs side slipped to seventh in the standings, two points shy of fourth spot, currently occupied by Arsenal.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has criticised Tottenham stars Dele Alli and Harry Kane for reckless challenges during the Etihad side’s 4-1 win over Spurs on Saturday.
Goals from Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne and a late double from Raheem Sterling carried the Premier League leaders to a 17th win from 18 games this season, continuing their dominance of the title race.
Yet Guardiola had harsh words for two of their opponents’ star players as he accused both Alli and Kane of challenges that might have injured De Bruyne and Sterling respectively.
“It was a dangerous action, like the one with Harry Kane and Raheem,” Guardiola said after being questioned about Alli’s challenge.“It’s their football, the physicality of the Premier League and players have to adapt. You saw what happened. Thankfully, it was just a kick.”
Former Premier League referee Graham Poll was also critical of both tackles, pinpointing the Alli tackle as one that was especially bad.“Dele Alli’s was the worst one of them all. He goes over the ball and I think he is meaning to hurt him,” he told BT Sport. “That is definitely a red card.”
Alli, however, was only booked by referee Craig Pawson, yet his Spurs side slipped to seventh in the standings, two points shy of fourth spot, currently occupied by Arsenal.
Pellegrino admits Van Dijk situation isn't under his control
Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino accepts he cannot control the future of star defender Virgil van Dijk.Van Dijk, 26, has made 12 Premier League appearances for Southampton this campaign after a transfer saga in the off-season.
The Netherlands international is again being linked with a move in January, with Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea reportedly interested.Pellegrino, whose team were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea on Saturday, admitted Van Dijk could be set for an exit."I can't control the market," he said.
"I'm not the owner of the player. I can have my opinion and this I have given to the technical director, to the chairman."After, the board can decide all together which is the best for the team.
"But I repeat that I can’t control the market right now. I will recommend to try to keep our best player here at the club. The club was clear about it in the beginning and I have the same opinion."Winless in five games, Southampton are 12th in the Premier League.The club also faces a tough road before the window opens again, with matches against Huddersfield, Tottenham and Manchester United all on tap before the end of December.
Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino accepts he cannot control the future of star defender Virgil van Dijk.Van Dijk, 26, has made 12 Premier League appearances for Southampton this campaign after a transfer saga in the off-season.
The Netherlands international is again being linked with a move in January, with Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea reportedly interested.Pellegrino, whose team were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea on Saturday, admitted Van Dijk could be set for an exit."I can't control the market," he said.
"I'm not the owner of the player. I can have my opinion and this I have given to the technical director, to the chairman."After, the board can decide all together which is the best for the team.
"But I repeat that I can’t control the market right now. I will recommend to try to keep our best player here at the club. The club was clear about it in the beginning and I have the same opinion."Winless in five games, Southampton are 12th in the Premier League.The club also faces a tough road before the window opens again, with matches against Huddersfield, Tottenham and Manchester United all on tap before the end of December.
'Time to enjoy what we have' - Perez suggests Madrid unlikely to make January moves
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez hinted it was unlikely the La Liga giants would add to their squad in January.A 1-0 win over Gremio on Saturday saw Madrid claim the Club World Cup – their fifth trophy in 2017.
But Zinedine Zidane's men are yet to hit top form this season, finishing second in Group H of the Champions League and falling eight points behind Barcelona in La Liga.
However, Perez suggested additions were unlikely for Madrid in January."Everything can be improved but when things are working well, sometimes it's best not to interfere," he said."We have great players and a raft of young talent coming through. It's now time to enjoy what we have."
Madrid's next outing is the El Clasico on December 23 as Barca visit the Santiago Bernabeu, the last match of 2017 for the club.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez hinted it was unlikely the La Liga giants would add to their squad in January.A 1-0 win over Gremio on Saturday saw Madrid claim the Club World Cup – their fifth trophy in 2017.
But Zinedine Zidane's men are yet to hit top form this season, finishing second in Group H of the Champions League and falling eight points behind Barcelona in La Liga.
However, Perez suggested additions were unlikely for Madrid in January."Everything can be improved but when things are working well, sometimes it's best not to interfere," he said."We have great players and a raft of young talent coming through. It's now time to enjoy what we have."
Madrid's next outing is the El Clasico on December 23 as Barca visit the Santiago Bernabeu, the last match of 2017 for the club.
Mourinho more of a winner than Guardiola – Pardew
West Brom manager Alan Pardew believes that there is no manager in the game more adept at winning trophies than Manchester United's Jose Mourinho.
The Red Devils may trail Manchester City in the Premier League by 14 points ahead of their match with the Baggies on Sunday, but Pardew believes that the Portuguese’s pragmatic style has allowed him to be the game’s best trophy winner.
“Jose and myself would love to win a game 4-0 playing flamboyant football,” the former Newcastle boss said.
“You can't do that, you just have to find a way to win sometimes. That's the thing he does better than anyone else, including Pep. He wins more trophies.”Simply for the success he has wrought in his career, Mourinho does not deserve the level of criticism Pardew believes he receives.
“I think it’s unfounded,” he said. “You get to the Community Shield by winning the Premier League or FA Cup. Then that's another trophy. I don't understand why people don't think it's a trophy. His targets and what he does are about winning. Simple as that.“As managers of course, particularly if you're manager of Manchester United, you're going to get criticised. Sir Alex Ferguson got criticised and went through periods where fans were baying for him.
“It comes with the territory and Jose's strong enough and big enough to win trophies, which I'm sure he's going to do.”In 17 seasons of management, Mourinho has won eight domestic league titles, while he has also picked up two Champions Leagues and a couple of Europa League titles.
By comparison, Guardiola has nine years of experience and six domestic league crowns, plus two Champions Leagues
West Brom manager Alan Pardew believes that there is no manager in the game more adept at winning trophies than Manchester United's Jose Mourinho.
The Red Devils may trail Manchester City in the Premier League by 14 points ahead of their match with the Baggies on Sunday, but Pardew believes that the Portuguese’s pragmatic style has allowed him to be the game’s best trophy winner.
“Jose and myself would love to win a game 4-0 playing flamboyant football,” the former Newcastle boss said.
“You can't do that, you just have to find a way to win sometimes. That's the thing he does better than anyone else, including Pep. He wins more trophies.”Simply for the success he has wrought in his career, Mourinho does not deserve the level of criticism Pardew believes he receives.
“I think it’s unfounded,” he said. “You get to the Community Shield by winning the Premier League or FA Cup. Then that's another trophy. I don't understand why people don't think it's a trophy. His targets and what he does are about winning. Simple as that.“As managers of course, particularly if you're manager of Manchester United, you're going to get criticised. Sir Alex Ferguson got criticised and went through periods where fans were baying for him.
“It comes with the territory and Jose's strong enough and big enough to win trophies, which I'm sure he's going to do.”In 17 seasons of management, Mourinho has won eight domestic league titles, while he has also picked up two Champions Leagues and a couple of Europa League titles.
By comparison, Guardiola has nine years of experience and six domestic league crowns, plus two Champions Leagues
De Bruyne makes my job easier - Guardiola
Pep Guardiola says Kevin De Bruyne's incredible work off the ball as well as that on it makes it easier to manage Manchester City.
De Bruyne impressed again as City hammered Tottenham 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium to extend their winning Premier League run to 16 matches and stretch their lead at the top of the table to 14 points.
Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring with a 14th-minute header, while Raheem Sterling continued his impressive form in front of goal with two close-range finishes in the closing stages.
However, it was De Bruyne who bagged the all-important second for City in the 70th minute, his left-footed drive capping a fine personal performance that had his manager purring in his post-match interview.
"It was solid, good, against one team demanding to be intense without the ball," Guardiola told BT Sport ."They have good quality, but we played really good to beat one of the strongest teams in the Premier League.
"We are such a humble team, as you can see in the performance today from Kevin De Bruyne. You cannot imagine how well he plays with the ball, but you also see how he runs.
"He gives us the chance to show others how one of the best players runs like a player in the Conference, and when this happens it's easier for the manager of the club."
Guardiola also spoke glowingly about Gundogan, with the midfielder slotting seamlessly into the team to make sure the absent David Silva was not missed.
The Germany international - who sat out the second half of last season after damaging cruciate ligaments in his right knee - lost his marker to head the hosts in front, stooping low to convert Leroy Sane's corner.
"He's a special guy in terms of having the ball, but he's also someone who arrives really well in the box, as he did for the goal today," Guardiola said of Gundogan.
"I'm so happy for him, because he made an outstanding performance."
Pep Guardiola says Kevin De Bruyne's incredible work off the ball as well as that on it makes it easier to manage Manchester City.
De Bruyne impressed again as City hammered Tottenham 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium to extend their winning Premier League run to 16 matches and stretch their lead at the top of the table to 14 points.
Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring with a 14th-minute header, while Raheem Sterling continued his impressive form in front of goal with two close-range finishes in the closing stages.
However, it was De Bruyne who bagged the all-important second for City in the 70th minute, his left-footed drive capping a fine personal performance that had his manager purring in his post-match interview.
"It was solid, good, against one team demanding to be intense without the ball," Guardiola told BT Sport ."They have good quality, but we played really good to beat one of the strongest teams in the Premier League.
"We are such a humble team, as you can see in the performance today from Kevin De Bruyne. You cannot imagine how well he plays with the ball, but you also see how he runs.
"He gives us the chance to show others how one of the best players runs like a player in the Conference, and when this happens it's easier for the manager of the club."
Guardiola also spoke glowingly about Gundogan, with the midfielder slotting seamlessly into the team to make sure the absent David Silva was not missed.
The Germany international - who sat out the second half of last season after damaging cruciate ligaments in his right knee - lost his marker to head the hosts in front, stooping low to convert Leroy Sane's corner.
"He's a special guy in terms of having the ball, but he's also someone who arrives really well in the box, as he did for the goal today," Guardiola said of Gundogan.
"I'm so happy for him, because he made an outstanding performance."
Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2017.12.17
Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2017.12.17
WBA Vs Manchester United
Bournemouth Vs Liverpool
LA Liga Fixtures 2017.12.17
LA Liga Fixtures 2017.12.17
Girona Vs Getafe
Celta Vigo Vs Villareal
Las Palmas Vs Espanyol
Barcelona Vs Deportivo
Girona Vs Getafe
Celta Vigo Vs Villareal
Las Palmas Vs Espanyol
Barcelona Vs Deportivo
Serie A Fixtures 2017.12.17
Serie A Fixtures 2017.12.17
Verona Vs AC Milan(FT 0-3)
Bologna Vs Juventus
Crotone Vs Chievo
Fiorentina Vs Genoa
Sampdoria Vs Sassuolo
Benevento Vs Spal
Atalanta Vs Lazio
Verona Vs AC Milan(FT 0-3)
Bologna Vs Juventus
Crotone Vs Chievo
Fiorentina Vs Genoa
Sampdoria Vs Sassuolo
Benevento Vs Spal
Atalanta Vs Lazio
Bundesliga Fixtures 2017.12.17
Bundesliga Fixtures 2017.12.17
Hannover Vs Leverkusen
Leipzig Vs Hertha Berlin
Hannover Vs Leverkusen
Leipzig Vs Hertha Berlin
WBA Starting Line-up
Foster
Nyom
Evans
Hegazi
Gibbs
Yacob
Livermore
Krychowiak
Burke
McClean
Rondon
&
Manchester United Starting Line-up
De Gea
Valencia
Jones
Smalling
Young
Herrera
Matic
Mata
Lingard
Rashford
Lukaku
Foster
Nyom
Evans
Hegazi
Gibbs
Yacob
Livermore
Krychowiak
Burke
McClean
Rondon
&
Manchester United Starting Line-up
De Gea
Valencia
Jones
Smalling
Young
Herrera
Matic
Mata
Lingard
Rashford
Lukaku
