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..::Football IV::..
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AC Milan 2 Atalanta 2: Last-gasp Rigoni rescues a point
Substitute Emiliano Rigoni scored a 91st-minute equaliser to earn Atalanta a 2-2 Serie A draw against AC Milan at San Siro on Sunday.The visitors twice came from behind following a poor start, with Gonzalo Higuain taking less than two minutes to put Milan ahead in fine fashion with his third strike in as many games.
Alejandro Gomez's equaliser was no less than Gian Piero Gasperini's men deserved early in the second half, but Giacomo Bonaventura capped a dynamic midfield performance with a goal just after the hour mark.
Ricardo Rodriguez appeared to have saved the three points with a goal-line clearance from Marten de Roon with one minute remaining, but Rigoni pounced on a rebound to secure a share of the spoils for Atalanta in stoppage time.
Milan got off to a flyer when Suso picked out the unmarked Higuain with a weighted cross and the striker hit a brilliant, instinctive finish into the bottom-left corner beyond Pierluigi Gollini.Gasperini sent on Duvan Zapata and Rigoni for Musa Barrow and Mario Pasalic at half-time and the duo certainly made an impact.
Zapata drew a good reaction save from Gianluigi Donnarumma before providing the cross from which Gomez scored a 54th-minute equaliser, the Argentine arriving at the near post ahead of Davide Calabria to slide the ball home.Parity lasted just seven minutes, though, as Bonaventura – who had a headed goal ruled out for offside in the first half – stabbed Suso's cross beyond Gollini.
But Atalanta continued to press and, after De Roon and Zapata were denied in the closing stages, Rigoni was on hand to avert a third straight league defeat.
Substitute Emiliano Rigoni scored a 91st-minute equaliser to earn Atalanta a 2-2 Serie A draw against AC Milan at San Siro on Sunday.The visitors twice came from behind following a poor start, with Gonzalo Higuain taking less than two minutes to put Milan ahead in fine fashion with his third strike in as many games.
Alejandro Gomez's equaliser was no less than Gian Piero Gasperini's men deserved early in the second half, but Giacomo Bonaventura capped a dynamic midfield performance with a goal just after the hour mark.
Ricardo Rodriguez appeared to have saved the three points with a goal-line clearance from Marten de Roon with one minute remaining, but Rigoni pounced on a rebound to secure a share of the spoils for Atalanta in stoppage time.
Milan got off to a flyer when Suso picked out the unmarked Higuain with a weighted cross and the striker hit a brilliant, instinctive finish into the bottom-left corner beyond Pierluigi Gollini.Gasperini sent on Duvan Zapata and Rigoni for Musa Barrow and Mario Pasalic at half-time and the duo certainly made an impact.
Zapata drew a good reaction save from Gianluigi Donnarumma before providing the cross from which Gomez scored a 54th-minute equaliser, the Argentine arriving at the near post ahead of Davide Calabria to slide the ball home.Parity lasted just seven minutes, though, as Bonaventura – who had a headed goal ruled out for offside in the first half – stabbed Suso's cross beyond Gollini.
But Atalanta continued to press and, after De Roon and Zapata were denied in the closing stages, Rigoni was on hand to avert a third straight league defeat.
Arsenal 2 Everton 0: Lacazette, Aubameyang extend winning streak
Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck within three second-half minutes of one another to earn Arsenal a 2-0 home win over Everton in the Premier League.Everton were the more threatening side during Sunday's first half at Emirates Stadium, but a quickfire double from Arsenal's attackers secured a fourth straight Premier League win.
The Gunners were grateful to Petr Cech for keeping the scores level at the break, the veteran goalkeeper saving twice from Richarlison and keeping out Lucas Digne's free-kick.
But Aaron Ramsey set up Lacazette and Aubameyang in quick succession to move Arsenal up to sixth, with Everton beaten again after a 3-1 home loss to West Ham last time out.
Nacho Monreal forced an early save from Jordan Pickford in an error-strewn start, with Cech denying Richarlison on the Brazil international's return from suspension.
Digne's whipped free-kick tested Cech again in the 31st minute before Arsenal had to make a change at the back, with Rob Holding replacing the injured Sokratis Papastathopoulos.Aubameyang's mishit cross deceived Pickford and bounced off the crossbar, while Richarlison's powerful drive needed another intervention from Cech.
Referee Jon Moss waved away Arsenal penalty appeals in the 55th minute when Jonjoe Kenny appeared to block Aubameyang's header with his arm, but the Gunners soon took the lead.Ramsey, who struck a hat-trick in this fixture last season, fed Lacazette and the striker thundered home an unstoppable drive that clipped the post on its way into the top-right corner.
Before Everton had a chance to respond it was 2-0 and game over, Aubameyang slamming home - albeit from an offside position - after Ramsey flicked on an under-hit Mesut Ozil pass.
Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck within three second-half minutes of one another to earn Arsenal a 2-0 home win over Everton in the Premier League.Everton were the more threatening side during Sunday's first half at Emirates Stadium, but a quickfire double from Arsenal's attackers secured a fourth straight Premier League win.
The Gunners were grateful to Petr Cech for keeping the scores level at the break, the veteran goalkeeper saving twice from Richarlison and keeping out Lucas Digne's free-kick.
But Aaron Ramsey set up Lacazette and Aubameyang in quick succession to move Arsenal up to sixth, with Everton beaten again after a 3-1 home loss to West Ham last time out.
Nacho Monreal forced an early save from Jordan Pickford in an error-strewn start, with Cech denying Richarlison on the Brazil international's return from suspension.
Digne's whipped free-kick tested Cech again in the 31st minute before Arsenal had to make a change at the back, with Rob Holding replacing the injured Sokratis Papastathopoulos.Aubameyang's mishit cross deceived Pickford and bounced off the crossbar, while Richarlison's powerful drive needed another intervention from Cech.
Referee Jon Moss waved away Arsenal penalty appeals in the 55th minute when Jonjoe Kenny appeared to block Aubameyang's header with his arm, but the Gunners soon took the lead.Ramsey, who struck a hat-trick in this fixture last season, fed Lacazette and the striker thundered home an unstoppable drive that clipped the post on its way into the top-right corner.
Before Everton had a chance to respond it was 2-0 and game over, Aubameyang slamming home - albeit from an offside position - after Ramsey flicked on an under-hit Mesut Ozil pass.
West Ham 0 Chelsea 0: Sarri's 100 per cent start comes to frustrating end
Maurizio Sarri's 100 per cent start to life as Chelsea manager is over after his side failed to make the most of their superiority in a 0-0 Premier League draw at West Ham on Sunday.
Sarri was aiming to become only the third manager ever to win his first six Premier League games in charge, but the Hammers frustrated the visitors and dug deep to hold on to a commendable point.
Despite spending much of the first half under pressure, West Ham actually crafted the better chances, but Michail Antonio – starting in place of the injured Marko Arnautovic – squandered two presentable opportunities.
Alvaro Morata and Andriy Yarmolenko wasted glorious chances at either end after the interval, though opportunities were otherwise a rare commodity in the second half and the Hammers' rearguard action kept Chelsea at bay.
For all of Chelsea's first-half domination, clear-cut chances were hard to come by and they were nearly punished by West Ham just before the half-hour mark, but Antonio blazed wide after exquisite play by Felipe Anderson.Kepa Arrizabalaga then kept Chelsea level a few moments later, blocking Antonio's close-range effort following a driving Yarmolenko run.Chelsea finished the half with a flourish, but N'Golo Kante's header from Willian's cross went just wide.
The visitors looked tighter defensively after the break and should have taken the lead just after the hour – Morata's prodded effort blocked by Lukasz Fabianski's face from point-blank range following his introduction for the ineffective Olivier Giroud.
Yarmolenko missed an even better chance 12 minutes from time, heading wide of a gaping goal from Robert Snodgrass' delivery and that proved to be last opening as the spoils were shared.
Maurizio Sarri's 100 per cent start to life as Chelsea manager is over after his side failed to make the most of their superiority in a 0-0 Premier League draw at West Ham on Sunday.
Sarri was aiming to become only the third manager ever to win his first six Premier League games in charge, but the Hammers frustrated the visitors and dug deep to hold on to a commendable point.
Despite spending much of the first half under pressure, West Ham actually crafted the better chances, but Michail Antonio – starting in place of the injured Marko Arnautovic – squandered two presentable opportunities.
Alvaro Morata and Andriy Yarmolenko wasted glorious chances at either end after the interval, though opportunities were otherwise a rare commodity in the second half and the Hammers' rearguard action kept Chelsea at bay.
For all of Chelsea's first-half domination, clear-cut chances were hard to come by and they were nearly punished by West Ham just before the half-hour mark, but Antonio blazed wide after exquisite play by Felipe Anderson.Kepa Arrizabalaga then kept Chelsea level a few moments later, blocking Antonio's close-range effort following a driving Yarmolenko run.Chelsea finished the half with a flourish, but N'Golo Kante's header from Willian's cross went just wide.
The visitors looked tighter defensively after the break and should have taken the lead just after the hour – Morata's prodded effort blocked by Lukasz Fabianski's face from point-blank range following his introduction for the ineffective Olivier Giroud.
Yarmolenko missed an even better chance 12 minutes from time, heading wide of a gaping goal from Robert Snodgrass' delivery and that proved to be last opening as the spoils were shared.
Rennes 1 Paris Saint-Germain 3: Tuchel's Ligue 1 record stays perfect
Paris Saint-Germain bounced back from their Champions League defeat to Liverpool as the Ligue 1 champions came from behind to beat Rennes 3-1.Thomas Tuchel's side, without the suspended Kylian Mbappe, were trailing inside 11 minutes at Roazhon Park, but Angel Di Maria's emphatic equaliser handed them the initiative on the stroke of half-time.
The pressure told just after the hour - Thomas Meunier slotting home after Edinson Cavani, who had a goal ruled out in the first half, squandered two gilt-edged opportunities.
Former PSG man Hatem Ben Arfa gave Rennes some hope with an impressive cameo, but it was PSG who had the final say when substitute Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting added gloss to a sixth straight Ligue 1 win.Rennes started strongly and Marquinhos' error enabled Clement Grenier to play in James Lea Siliki 10 minutes in, but the Brazil defender got back to clear off the line.
PSG's luck ran out from the resulting corner - Grenier's drilled inswinger deflecting in off Rabiot's shoulder.Cavani had a goal disallowed for offside as PSG rallied, but Julian Draxler cut back for Di Maria to arrow home from 20 yards in the 45th minute.
Cavani should have nudged PSG ahead in a frantic opening to the second half, only for the Uruguayan to hit the woodwork before failing to convert from point-blank range.
Meunier made no such mistake in the 61st minute, however, racing onto a throughball from Neymar – who later gave his shirt to a tearful young boy who entered the pitch while the Brazilian was substituted in stoppage time – before dispatching low across Tomas Koubek.
Meunier turned provider seven minutes from time, squaring for Choupo-Moting to prod in his first PSG goal and restore their five-point cushion at the summit.
Paris Saint-Germain bounced back from their Champions League defeat to Liverpool as the Ligue 1 champions came from behind to beat Rennes 3-1.Thomas Tuchel's side, without the suspended Kylian Mbappe, were trailing inside 11 minutes at Roazhon Park, but Angel Di Maria's emphatic equaliser handed them the initiative on the stroke of half-time.
The pressure told just after the hour - Thomas Meunier slotting home after Edinson Cavani, who had a goal ruled out in the first half, squandered two gilt-edged opportunities.
Former PSG man Hatem Ben Arfa gave Rennes some hope with an impressive cameo, but it was PSG who had the final say when substitute Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting added gloss to a sixth straight Ligue 1 win.Rennes started strongly and Marquinhos' error enabled Clement Grenier to play in James Lea Siliki 10 minutes in, but the Brazil defender got back to clear off the line.
PSG's luck ran out from the resulting corner - Grenier's drilled inswinger deflecting in off Rabiot's shoulder.Cavani had a goal disallowed for offside as PSG rallied, but Julian Draxler cut back for Di Maria to arrow home from 20 yards in the 45th minute.
Cavani should have nudged PSG ahead in a frantic opening to the second half, only for the Uruguayan to hit the woodwork before failing to convert from point-blank range.
Meunier made no such mistake in the 61st minute, however, racing onto a throughball from Neymar – who later gave his shirt to a tearful young boy who entered the pitch while the Brazilian was substituted in stoppage time – before dispatching low across Tomas Koubek.
Meunier turned provider seven minutes from time, squaring for Choupo-Moting to prod in his first PSG goal and restore their five-point cushion at the summit.
Getafe 0 Atletico Madrid 2: Lemar inspires routine win
A Thomas Lemar-inspired Atletico Madrid got their LaLiga campaign back on track with a hard-fought 2-0 win over 10-man Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Saturday.
Diego Simeone's side had won just one of their opening four games – leaving them seven points behind early pacesetters Barcelona – but bounced back to winning ways against their city rivals. Lemar was denied a first goal for the club following his move from Monaco in July when his stunning 30-yard drive thumped against the crossbar, but it resulted in the opening goal regardless after bouncing in off goalkeeper David Soria's back.
He did get the maiden goal his bright display deserved after 60 minutes, applying the finishing touch to a sweeping counter-attack that carved open the Getafe defence.Substitute Ivan Alejo was given a straight red card just four minutes after being introduced for a rash challenge on Saul Niguez as Getafe's hopes of getting back into the game fizzled out.
The game burst into life after 14 minutes as Atletico took a fortuitous lead when Soria unwittingly diverted Lemar's rebounding effort into his own net.
Getafe were reduced to efforts from distance during the first half, with Vitorino Antunes looking most likely to restore parity, but his two free-kicks were comfortably dealt with by Jan Oblak.
Atletico offered little threat at the start of the second period, but a superb move on the hour mark killed off the game. Koke played the decisive pass into the path of Lemar, who rounded Soria to slot into an empty net.Oblak kept out an Angel Rodriguez drive soon after, but any hopes the hosts had of setting up a tense finale were extinguished in the 65th minute when Alejo received his marching orders for a stamp on Saul.
Antoine Griezmann saw two shots saved late on as the visitors sought to make their numerical advantage count, with Getafe ultimately avoiding further punishment.
A Thomas Lemar-inspired Atletico Madrid got their LaLiga campaign back on track with a hard-fought 2-0 win over 10-man Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Saturday.
Diego Simeone's side had won just one of their opening four games – leaving them seven points behind early pacesetters Barcelona – but bounced back to winning ways against their city rivals. Lemar was denied a first goal for the club following his move from Monaco in July when his stunning 30-yard drive thumped against the crossbar, but it resulted in the opening goal regardless after bouncing in off goalkeeper David Soria's back.
He did get the maiden goal his bright display deserved after 60 minutes, applying the finishing touch to a sweeping counter-attack that carved open the Getafe defence.Substitute Ivan Alejo was given a straight red card just four minutes after being introduced for a rash challenge on Saul Niguez as Getafe's hopes of getting back into the game fizzled out.
The game burst into life after 14 minutes as Atletico took a fortuitous lead when Soria unwittingly diverted Lemar's rebounding effort into his own net.
Getafe were reduced to efforts from distance during the first half, with Vitorino Antunes looking most likely to restore parity, but his two free-kicks were comfortably dealt with by Jan Oblak.
Atletico offered little threat at the start of the second period, but a superb move on the hour mark killed off the game. Koke played the decisive pass into the path of Lemar, who rounded Soria to slot into an empty net.Oblak kept out an Angel Rodriguez drive soon after, but any hopes the hosts had of setting up a tense finale were extinguished in the 65th minute when Alejo received his marching orders for a stamp on Saul.
Antoine Griezmann saw two shots saved late on as the visitors sought to make their numerical advantage count, with Getafe ultimately avoiding further punishment.
Schalke 0 Bayern Munich 2: James and Lewandowski deliver another win
Bayern Munich's 100 per cent start under Niko Kovac continued as goals in either half from James Rodriguez and Robert Lewandowski earned them a 2-0 win over struggling Schalke.
The reigning Bundesliga champions have won each of their first four league games under Kovac, who has also presided over victories in the DFL-Supercup, DFB-Pokal and Champions League.
James put them ahead at the Veltins-Arena by nodding in from a corner and when he was tripped by Alessandro Schopf inside the box, Lewandowski converted the spot-kick to wrap up the three points.
Schalke, who finished as runners-up last year, have now lost each of their first four Bundesliga games.
There would have been huge frustration in the Schalke ranks over how they conceded the eighth-minute opener as ex-Bayern man Sebastian Rudy did not track James, whose header from Joshua Kimmich's near-post corner was not dealt with adequately by Ralf Fahrmann.Fahrmann saved a penalty against Porto in the Champions League in midweek, though he was also later beaten from 12 yards, but could only stand and watch as David Alaba's swerving free-kick from 30 yards crashed back off the crossbar.
James had an excellent chance to double Bayern's advantage less than five minutes after the restart, but he somehow fluffed his lines when Franck Ribery's pass presented him with an open goal.However, the Colombian made amends by winning the penalty that Lewandowski slotted into the bottom-right corner in the 64th minute.
Schalke boss Domenico Tedesco took off Franco Di Santo and he responded by arguing with his coach, whose evening would have got worse had Fahrmann not kept out another Alaba free-kick.
Bayern Munich's 100 per cent start under Niko Kovac continued as goals in either half from James Rodriguez and Robert Lewandowski earned them a 2-0 win over struggling Schalke.
The reigning Bundesliga champions have won each of their first four league games under Kovac, who has also presided over victories in the DFL-Supercup, DFB-Pokal and Champions League.
James put them ahead at the Veltins-Arena by nodding in from a corner and when he was tripped by Alessandro Schopf inside the box, Lewandowski converted the spot-kick to wrap up the three points.
Schalke, who finished as runners-up last year, have now lost each of their first four Bundesliga games.
There would have been huge frustration in the Schalke ranks over how they conceded the eighth-minute opener as ex-Bayern man Sebastian Rudy did not track James, whose header from Joshua Kimmich's near-post corner was not dealt with adequately by Ralf Fahrmann.Fahrmann saved a penalty against Porto in the Champions League in midweek, though he was also later beaten from 12 yards, but could only stand and watch as David Alaba's swerving free-kick from 30 yards crashed back off the crossbar.
James had an excellent chance to double Bayern's advantage less than five minutes after the restart, but he somehow fluffed his lines when Franck Ribery's pass presented him with an open goal.However, the Colombian made amends by winning the penalty that Lewandowski slotted into the bottom-right corner in the 64th minute.
Schalke boss Domenico Tedesco took off Franco Di Santo and he responded by arguing with his coach, whose evening would have got worse had Fahrmann not kept out another Alaba free-kick.
Real Madrid 1 Espanyol 0: Asensio downs old club to earn narrow win
Real Madrid got back to winning ways in LaLiga and moved top of the table with a tight 1-0 home win against Espanyol secured thanks to Marco Asensio's first-half goal.Madrid dropped their first points under Julen Lopetegui last time out at Athletic Bilbao but despite resting Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Toni Kroos they collected a vital victory on Saturday.
Former Espanyol star Asensio struck from Luka Modric's pass shortly before half-time, the goal surviving a review for offside, and Lopetegui opted to rest Karim Benzema for the final 30 minutes.
Mariano Diaz was sent on to make his second league debut for the club, the striker having rejoined from Lyon, but Espanyol almost levelled when a cute Borja Iglesias chip rebounded off the crossbar.Pablo Piatti slotted a presentable chance wide in the 14th minute as Espanyol made a confident start, with a mishit Isco shot the only time Madrid threatened in the opening half an hour.
Hernan Perez wasted a great chance on the break, firing straight at Thibaut Courtois, who was recalled after Keylor Navas was preferred for Madrid's Champions League defeat of Roma.
And although a lengthy VAR review for offside was needed, Madrid led in the 41st minute when Modric threaded a pass through to Asensio, who drilled a neat finish into the bottom-right.Diego Lopez tipped a Modric shot around the post shortly after the restart as Madrid sought to make the points safe, then Isco had the former Los Blancos goalkeeper scrambling with a strike that curled wide.
But Espanyol almost snatched an equaliser in the 65th minute, Iglesias capitalising on a rare Sergio Ramos error but seeing his floated effort over Courtois come back off the woodwork.
Real Madrid got back to winning ways in LaLiga and moved top of the table with a tight 1-0 home win against Espanyol secured thanks to Marco Asensio's first-half goal.Madrid dropped their first points under Julen Lopetegui last time out at Athletic Bilbao but despite resting Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Toni Kroos they collected a vital victory on Saturday.
Former Espanyol star Asensio struck from Luka Modric's pass shortly before half-time, the goal surviving a review for offside, and Lopetegui opted to rest Karim Benzema for the final 30 minutes.
Mariano Diaz was sent on to make his second league debut for the club, the striker having rejoined from Lyon, but Espanyol almost levelled when a cute Borja Iglesias chip rebounded off the crossbar.Pablo Piatti slotted a presentable chance wide in the 14th minute as Espanyol made a confident start, with a mishit Isco shot the only time Madrid threatened in the opening half an hour.
Hernan Perez wasted a great chance on the break, firing straight at Thibaut Courtois, who was recalled after Keylor Navas was preferred for Madrid's Champions League defeat of Roma.
And although a lengthy VAR review for offside was needed, Madrid led in the 41st minute when Modric threaded a pass through to Asensio, who drilled a neat finish into the bottom-right.Diego Lopez tipped a Modric shot around the post shortly after the restart as Madrid sought to make the points safe, then Isco had the former Los Blancos goalkeeper scrambling with a strike that curled wide.
But Espanyol almost snatched an equaliser in the 65th minute, Iglesias capitalising on a rare Sergio Ramos error but seeing his floated effort over Courtois come back off the woodwork.
'Gotze a good fit for Liverpool' - Grosskreutz urges Klopp reunion for struggling Dortmund star
Mario Gotze may be struggling to get back into the Borussia Dortmund team, but the midfielder would be “a good fit for Liverpool”, according to former team-mate Kevin Grosskreutz.The 2014 World Cup winner returned to his roots at the Westfalenstdion in 2016 after spending three years with Bayern Munich.
Big things were expected of the 26-year-old star once he was back in familiar surroundings, but a homecoming has become something of a disaster.
Gotze has struggled for form and fitness since re-signing for Dortmund, with a midweek Champions League outing against Club Brugge representing his first start of the 2018-19 campaign.
Former club and international team-mate Grosskreutz feels a fading presence needs a switch to reignite his spark, with Liverpool a logical step due to the presence of Jurgen Klopp.
He told Sky Deutschland: “I’m very sorry for Mario Gotze at the moment, because stuff is written about him – and only him – every day.“In Bruges, for example, the whole team didn’t play well.
“Maybe it would be good for him to go abroad in the winter to find a bit more peace and bring his career back on track.“Klopp knows him quite well, he would be a good fit for Liverpool.”
Grosskreutz, who tasted World Cup glory alongside Gotze four years ago, added: “Of course he has to deliver performances on the pitch. His head is not completely free at the moment.“I never expected his career to experience such a phase.”
Grosskreutz is not the first to have advised Gotze to look elsewhere for regular game time, with former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus having done likewise.
"His form, which he had before the 2014 World Cup and included his winning goal in the final, is behind him,” Matthaus said."For him, you would have to invent a system at Borussia Dortmund that does not exist right now.”
Mario Gotze may be struggling to get back into the Borussia Dortmund team, but the midfielder would be “a good fit for Liverpool”, according to former team-mate Kevin Grosskreutz.The 2014 World Cup winner returned to his roots at the Westfalenstdion in 2016 after spending three years with Bayern Munich.
Big things were expected of the 26-year-old star once he was back in familiar surroundings, but a homecoming has become something of a disaster.
Gotze has struggled for form and fitness since re-signing for Dortmund, with a midweek Champions League outing against Club Brugge representing his first start of the 2018-19 campaign.
Former club and international team-mate Grosskreutz feels a fading presence needs a switch to reignite his spark, with Liverpool a logical step due to the presence of Jurgen Klopp.
He told Sky Deutschland: “I’m very sorry for Mario Gotze at the moment, because stuff is written about him – and only him – every day.“In Bruges, for example, the whole team didn’t play well.
“Maybe it would be good for him to go abroad in the winter to find a bit more peace and bring his career back on track.“Klopp knows him quite well, he would be a good fit for Liverpool.”
Grosskreutz, who tasted World Cup glory alongside Gotze four years ago, added: “Of course he has to deliver performances on the pitch. His head is not completely free at the moment.“I never expected his career to experience such a phase.”
Grosskreutz is not the first to have advised Gotze to look elsewhere for regular game time, with former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus having done likewise.
"His form, which he had before the 2014 World Cup and included his winning goal in the final, is behind him,” Matthaus said."For him, you would have to invent a system at Borussia Dortmund that does not exist right now.”
Frosinone 0 Juventus 2: Ronaldo redeemed as champions extend perfect start
Cristiano Ronaldo struck in the final 10 minutes to put Champions League heartache behind him and set up Juventus' hard-earned 2-0 victory over Frosinone on Sunday.
Sent off against Valencia in midweek, the Portugal superstar gained a measure of redemption by sweeping home from close-range before substitute Federico Bernardeschi netted in stoppage time to maintain the champions' perfect start in Serie A.
It had looked as though Ronaldo would endure a no less frustrating affair than on his return to Spain, as he failed to convert a succession of chances against the promoted hosts.
But a heavy deflection from Miralem Pjanic's initial attempt dropped kindly for the 33-year-old to exorcise his demons and Bernardeschi was on hand to crown a well-constructed counter attack.
Reduced to tears on Wednesday, Ronaldo's mood was hardly helped in a scoreless opening 45 minutes at Stadio Benito Stirpe. Marco Capuano hooked his poacher's effort off the line in the seventh minute and a second attempt soon after drew a sharp near-post save from Marco Sportiello.
Irritation turned to angst when he sliced over the bar just prior to the hour before Sportiello, on loan from Atalanta, added to Frosinone's increasing hope of a famous result.
The goalkeeper bravely dived at Ronaldo's feet to smother an inventive backheel in a sign of the hosts' commitment to escaping with a point.In the end, though, there was to be no denying Juve's main man.He finally broke the deadlock in the 81st minute and provided a key pass in the lead-up to Bernardeschi's breakaway second, the substitute picking out the bottom corner to make safe Juve's three-point buffer atop Serie A.
Cristiano Ronaldo struck in the final 10 minutes to put Champions League heartache behind him and set up Juventus' hard-earned 2-0 victory over Frosinone on Sunday.
Sent off against Valencia in midweek, the Portugal superstar gained a measure of redemption by sweeping home from close-range before substitute Federico Bernardeschi netted in stoppage time to maintain the champions' perfect start in Serie A.
It had looked as though Ronaldo would endure a no less frustrating affair than on his return to Spain, as he failed to convert a succession of chances against the promoted hosts.
But a heavy deflection from Miralem Pjanic's initial attempt dropped kindly for the 33-year-old to exorcise his demons and Bernardeschi was on hand to crown a well-constructed counter attack.
Reduced to tears on Wednesday, Ronaldo's mood was hardly helped in a scoreless opening 45 minutes at Stadio Benito Stirpe. Marco Capuano hooked his poacher's effort off the line in the seventh minute and a second attempt soon after drew a sharp near-post save from Marco Sportiello.
Irritation turned to angst when he sliced over the bar just prior to the hour before Sportiello, on loan from Atalanta, added to Frosinone's increasing hope of a famous result.
The goalkeeper bravely dived at Ronaldo's feet to smother an inventive backheel in a sign of the hosts' commitment to escaping with a point.In the end, though, there was to be no denying Juve's main man.He finally broke the deadlock in the 81st minute and provided a key pass in the lead-up to Bernardeschi's breakaway second, the substitute picking out the bottom corner to make safe Juve's three-point buffer atop Serie A.
Barcelona 2 Girona 2: Stuani brace punishes Lenglet red
Cristhian Stuani struck twice at Camp Nou as Girona battled to a deserved 2-2 draw away to Barcelona, who saw their perfect LaLiga record end after Clement Lenglet's first-half red card.
Lionel Messi gave Barca the lead in the 19th minute and the champions looked set to collect a fifth straight league win before Lenglet was dismissed on his first league appearance for Barca following a VAR review.
Stuani levelled with a fantastic finish before half-time and five minutes after the restart the striker was on target again to give Girona hope of recording a famous victory.
But Gerard Pique rose highest in the penalty area to head home and salvage a draw for Barcelona, who move back above rivals Real Madrid into top spot despite dropping their first points of 2018-19.
Girona created the first clear chance in the fifth minute but Bernardo Espinosa headed an Aday Benitez corner into the arms of Marc-Andre ter Stegen.Bono brilliantly denied Messi at the end of a dazzling solo run but he could do nothing about the Barca captain's opener, a fantastic first-time finish from 14 yards out after Arturo Vidal's fine work.Barca were reduced to 10 men when Lenglet saw red following a VAR review, the defender having caught Pere Pons with his elbow, and Girona quickly made their man advantage count.
Benitez raided down the right wing and fed Stuani, who turned away from Pique and makeshift partner Sergio Busquets to slot a neat finish past Ter Stegen.And Stuani put Girona into a shock lead in the 51st minute, slamming home a rebound after Ter Stegen had saved well from Portu.
Messi clipped the crossbar with a 30-yard free-kick before Pique drew Barca level with a clever header that set up a thrilling finale during which Ernesto Valverde's men were unable to break Girona's resistance.
Cristhian Stuani struck twice at Camp Nou as Girona battled to a deserved 2-2 draw away to Barcelona, who saw their perfect LaLiga record end after Clement Lenglet's first-half red card.
Lionel Messi gave Barca the lead in the 19th minute and the champions looked set to collect a fifth straight league win before Lenglet was dismissed on his first league appearance for Barca following a VAR review.
Stuani levelled with a fantastic finish before half-time and five minutes after the restart the striker was on target again to give Girona hope of recording a famous victory.
But Gerard Pique rose highest in the penalty area to head home and salvage a draw for Barcelona, who move back above rivals Real Madrid into top spot despite dropping their first points of 2018-19.
Girona created the first clear chance in the fifth minute but Bernardo Espinosa headed an Aday Benitez corner into the arms of Marc-Andre ter Stegen.Bono brilliantly denied Messi at the end of a dazzling solo run but he could do nothing about the Barca captain's opener, a fantastic first-time finish from 14 yards out after Arturo Vidal's fine work.Barca were reduced to 10 men when Lenglet saw red following a VAR review, the defender having caught Pere Pons with his elbow, and Girona quickly made their man advantage count.
Benitez raided down the right wing and fed Stuani, who turned away from Pique and makeshift partner Sergio Busquets to slot a neat finish past Ter Stegen.And Stuani put Girona into a shock lead in the 51st minute, slamming home a rebound after Ter Stegen had saved well from Portu.
Messi clipped the crossbar with a 30-yard free-kick before Pique drew Barca level with a clever header that set up a thrilling finale during which Ernesto Valverde's men were unable to break Girona's resistance.
Ronaldo mentally stronger than others, says AllegriMassimiliano Allegri said Cristiano Ronaldo is mentally stronger than others as the Juventus head coach praised the superstar following his goalscoring display against Frosinone.Ronaldo put Champions League heartache aside to lead Serie A holders Juve to a hard-fought 2-0 win at Frosinone on Sunday.
Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo was reduced to tears after being sent off against Valencia in the Champions League in his debut with Juventus in the competition.
But the former Real Madrid forward redeemed himself with Juve's 81st-minute opener, which proved the winner in the contest against the struggling Serie A side.
The victory saw Juventus continue their perfect start to the season, winning their five league contests and their lone European match. Chances did go begging for Ronaldo but the 33-year-old remained composed to deliver, much to the delight of Allegri.
"Cristiano Ronaldo had many chances and that happens because good balls always end to players that are able to score goals in the box," Allegri said.
"He missed some of these chances, in a few occasions he has been unlucky with the rebounds, but his strength is the fact that he is always into the match, even if he doesn't score straight away.
"And that's what happened because to score a goal like that towards the end means that he has a mentality stronger than the others."Ronaldo has now scored three goals in his past two Serie A matches as Juve top the league standings by three points after five games.
Paul Pogba is confident under-fire Alexis Sanchez will come good at Manchester United amid his team-mate's struggles to impress.
Sanchez was an unused substitute in the Red Devils' midweek Champions League clash but came back into the team over Anthony Martial despite the latter scoring against Young Boys.
However, Sanchez was substituted and heavily scrutinised following United's disappointing 1-1 draw at home to promoted Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday.
Expectations were high after Sanchez swapped Arsenal for rivals United in January but the former Barcelona forward has failed to justify the huge outlay at Old Trafford, where the Chilean has only managed three goals and none this season.
But United star Pogba, who has voiced his desire for more attacking football from the club, is adamant the 29-year-old will overcome his woes in Manchester."What you have to know about Alexis is he is a hard worker," Pogba said. "He trains very well, he always tries to help the team, talks with the team and everything. He will get used to it.
"When you play a long time with another team and you play different football in that other team you have some kind of adaptation that you have to have.
"It's not that he is playing bad. We know that Alexis Sanchez can bring a lot and I'm sure he will. I'm sure he will."But he's not playing bad and he keeps being positive, so that's the good thing we have to think about."
United are back in action against Derby County in the EFL Cup on Tuesday before travelling to West Ham for Saturday's Premier League clash.
Carragher: Arsenal and Manchester United favourites to miss out on top four spotFormer Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher feels that Arsenal and Manchester United are the two sides that are most likely to miss out on a place in the top four this season.
Another intriguing weekend of Premier League football saw both Manchester United and Chelsea drop points, with Liverpool the only top six side to still have a 100 per cent record.
Manchester City remain unbeaten after a 5-0 victory away at Cardiff, whilst Tottenham and Arsenal are both on 12 points after wins against Brighton and Everton, respectively.
But speaking after Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Marco Silva’s side on Sunday, Carragher claimed that he felt the Gunners, along with Manchester United, would have to show more in order to secure a place in next seasons Champions League.
When asked who was most likely to miss out on a top four spot as it stands, the former Liverpool and England centre-back said on Sky Sports: “On the evidence of what we've seen I'd say Arsenal or Manchester United, from what we've seen in these opening six games. The others look a little bit further up.
“Tottenham have had a little bit of a wobble, a good result for them yesterday but it will be really tight and it always is with the top six.”Carragher added that he felt any dropped points against lower opposition would be hugely detrimental for any of the top six sides this season.
Manchester City won the league with 100 points last year and the pundit says anyone that wants to win the league will need at least 90 points again this time around.
“I think the top six are so far ahead now that if just one or two of them teams on any given weekend drop points it feels like a really big thing for the rest of the other teams because a lot of the other dropped points come from each other,” Carragher added.“So far Liverpool winning, City winning, for Tottenham and Arsenal, for Chelsea and United to drop points against two of the lesser sides it's a really big thing.
“City showed last year - and whoever is going to win the title this year - that the points total now to win the title - it was 80 or so when I was playing - but it's 90 plus now.”
Pogba implores Manchester United to 'attack, attack, attack'Paul Pogba has risked the wrath of manager Jose Mourinho by claiming Manchester United should "attack, attack, attack" in home matches.
United were held to a 1-1 draw by Wolves at Old Trafford on Saturday and they are already eight points off the Premier League's top spot, occupied by Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool.
Pogba has drawn criticism for what have been perceived to be below-par performances following his key role in France's World Cup success, while Mourinho has denied a rift with the star midfielder.
And Pogba demanded United – seventh in the table after six matches – take a more aggressive tactical approach in home Premier League matches."We should play much better against Wolves," Pogba told reporters. "When we are at home we should attack, attack, attack.
"That's Old Trafford. We are here to attack. I think teams are scared when they see Manchester United attacking and attacking."That was our mistake today [Saturday]. We've had three games at home and we've got only four points. It's not enough.
"Maybe the attitude should be better and we should play better because, again, we are at Old Trafford and we should just attack and press like we did against Tottenham, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal last season. When we play like this it's easier for us."
Pogba indicated after United's first match of the season, a 2-1 home victory over Leicester City, that he could not speak his mind without risking a punishment from the club.
But the midfielder hinted at dissatisfaction with Mourinho's style of play after United's run of three successive wins in all competitions came to an end against Wolves, although he agreed with the Portuguese's assessment that his side showed a lack of desire.
"I can't tell you because I'm a player - it's not me," Pogba replied when asked why United did not cause the newly promoted side more problems.
"I'm not the manager, I cannot say that, but obviously we should show more options of playing, but I cannot say that because I'm a player. That's my way of thinking - we should move better, we should move more.
"It's true that maybe we should have showed more hunger in some parts. Maybe as well we felt a bit of fatigue because we played Champions League [against Young Boys]. Maybe he's right, I don't know. "We didn't lose, but for me we should have won. We are at home, they are three points that we should get.
"We've played six games in the Premier League, it's not that we should get worried, but we should obviously get closer - get closer and closer. It's better for us if we get close."
Paul Pogba misunderstood and ‘unfairly criticised’ by media, says Deschamps
Didier Deschamps says the perception of Paul Pogba as an ‘individualistic’ person is inaccurate and believes the France star has been unfairly criticised by the media.
The Manchester United star has been in the spotlight this season after hinting that all was not well between him and the club in August.
Pogba played a vital part in France’s World Cup glory in Russia this summer but continues to struggle to find consistency at club level.
Barcelona are said to be keeping a close eye on the Frenchman’s situation at Old Trafford, but United boss Jose Mourinho has played down suggestions that Pogba could soon be on the move.
Deschamps was praised for his use of Pogba during the World Cup and when asked how he managed to get the best out of him in Russia, the France coach said: "The rest of the world, and certainly in France, has an image of Pogba that doesn't really reflect who he is.
"There's this idea that he's a bit individualistic - that's not the case."Deschamps also suggested that Pogba had been the subject of unfair criticism by the media and praised the 25-year-old for his contributions at the World Cup.
"I've spoken to him about his relationship with the media and I think he's been unfairly criticised in the past. That's why there has been this aggressive vibe and he's had this strained relationship.
"But criticism is part of the job and I think you learn to take that on board as you get more experienced. That's what's happened with him and I think he's gained some respect.
"He joined us ready to become a world champion and he took the whole squad with him."
Pogba’s performance for United in their 1-1 draw with Wolves on Saturday was the centre of discussion again. The Frenchman set up Fred’s first goal for the club with a clever disguised pass in the first half, but he was dispossessed in the build up to Wolves’ equaliser.
United’s next clash comes against Frank Lampard’s Derby County in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
Didier Deschamps says the perception of Paul Pogba as an ‘individualistic’ person is inaccurate and believes the France star has been unfairly criticised by the media.
The Manchester United star has been in the spotlight this season after hinting that all was not well between him and the club in August.
Pogba played a vital part in France’s World Cup glory in Russia this summer but continues to struggle to find consistency at club level.
Barcelona are said to be keeping a close eye on the Frenchman’s situation at Old Trafford, but United boss Jose Mourinho has played down suggestions that Pogba could soon be on the move.
Deschamps was praised for his use of Pogba during the World Cup and when asked how he managed to get the best out of him in Russia, the France coach said: "The rest of the world, and certainly in France, has an image of Pogba that doesn't really reflect who he is.
"There's this idea that he's a bit individualistic - that's not the case."Deschamps also suggested that Pogba had been the subject of unfair criticism by the media and praised the 25-year-old for his contributions at the World Cup.
"I've spoken to him about his relationship with the media and I think he's been unfairly criticised in the past. That's why there has been this aggressive vibe and he's had this strained relationship.
"But criticism is part of the job and I think you learn to take that on board as you get more experienced. That's what's happened with him and I think he's gained some respect.
"He joined us ready to become a world champion and he took the whole squad with him."
Pogba’s performance for United in their 1-1 draw with Wolves on Saturday was the centre of discussion again. The Frenchman set up Fred’s first goal for the club with a clever disguised pass in the first half, but he was dispossessed in the build up to Wolves’ equaliser.
United’s next clash comes against Frank Lampard’s Derby County in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
Ander Herrera could return from injury against Derby County, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed.Herrera has been out of action since a 2-0 Premier League win at Burnley on Spetember 2 due to an ankle injury.
But ahead of Tuesday's Carabao Cup third round tie with Frank Lampard's Rams, Mourinho says Herrera is available for selection.
"Ander is ready," Mourinho told MUTV. "Marcos Rojo is the only player that is not available through injury and it's Marcus Rashford's last suspension match.
"I'm just thinking about the matches and this one is a cup match and the rules change. After a draw you go straight to a penalty shootout, which obviously is a 50-50 situation."So it is a match of 90 minutes, which we have to try and win, and the choice of the players is based on that."
Diogo Dalot is set to make his first competitive appearance at Old Trafford having shone on his United debut in the Champions League win at Young Boys."He has played there but with an empty stadium," Mourinho added. "He played in the Under-23s, now he plays in the first team.
"Obviously people liked what they saw in the match against Young Boys."This is an English competition, the different salt and pepper that English competitions have, and I think it is good for him, for his development, for him to be ready for the top flight as soon as possible."
Nemanja Matic admits that he was forced to play through the pain at Manchester United last season, with surgery required over the summer in order to get him back to full fitness.
The Serbia international made 49 appearances for the Red Devils in 2017-18 before then heading off to Russia on World Cup duty with his country.He was feeling the strain by the time those commitments came to a close and eventually had to go under the knife after returning for pre-season training in America.
Matic claims he is now free of the abdominal pains which had been holding him back, with the 30-year-old raring to go again after another enforced break.
He told Inside United after sitting out Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Wolves through suspension: “I’d had this injury for a few months and, when I went to America, in the first training session, I didn’t feel well and I asked the doctor to see what he could do.
“I had the operation in Philadelphia as, after the scan, the doctor recommended surgery as the only way to fix the problem. I feel good now.“I could see I couldn’t give my best because this injury was serious. It was painful so I needed to fix it.“Sometimes, you can play through the pain and I played the last few months of the season with the pain but I think, for this season, it was better to fix the problem.
“I didn’t want to spend time during the season fixing it as I need to be ready for the season that we have.”Matic has remained an important part of Jose Mourinho’s plans this season.
He had cemented a starting berth upon his return to fitness prior to picking up a late red card in a 2-1 victory away at Watford.That dismissal forced him to miss a disappointing stalemate with Wolves, with pressure having been piled back on the Red Devils in the wake of that result.
Having Matic back in the heart of their midfield should help United’s efforts to rediscover their spark, with a Carabao Cup third round clash with Derby on Tuesday set to be followed by a Premier League trip to West Ham on Saturday.
'Barcelona & Man Utd target Pepe not for sale' - Lille boss
Lille manager Christophe Galtier insists that Nicholas Pepe will not move to Barcelona, despite the Catalan club's interest in signing him.The Ligue 1 club's owner Gerard Lopez confirmed last week that Barca, among other major clubs, are monitoring the winger, who has enjoyed a sublime start to the 2018-19 season. "It's true. Several big clubs are interested in him," he said.
"Some clubs have contacted us directly after the transfer window to know what the state of play is."Pepe has scored four goals and provided three assists in the first six games of the season, with Lille currently second in Ligue 1 behind Paris Saint-Germain.
And Galtier is adamant that the club will not allow Pepe to leave in January, despite the prospect of players leaving the club due to their financial worries."Nicolas has become an intransferable player," said Galtier in a press conference on Monday.
"I know that the president wants to keep him all season, and Nicholas also wants to stay for the full season."Regarding the January transfer window, he added: "I think players will join the side, but we're not immune to offers in the winter transfer window."Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in Pepe, who has eight caps for the Ivory Coast.
Lille manager Christophe Galtier insists that Nicholas Pepe will not move to Barcelona, despite the Catalan club's interest in signing him.The Ligue 1 club's owner Gerard Lopez confirmed last week that Barca, among other major clubs, are monitoring the winger, who has enjoyed a sublime start to the 2018-19 season. "It's true. Several big clubs are interested in him," he said.
"Some clubs have contacted us directly after the transfer window to know what the state of play is."Pepe has scored four goals and provided three assists in the first six games of the season, with Lille currently second in Ligue 1 behind Paris Saint-Germain.
And Galtier is adamant that the club will not allow Pepe to leave in January, despite the prospect of players leaving the club due to their financial worries."Nicolas has become an intransferable player," said Galtier in a press conference on Monday.
"I know that the president wants to keep him all season, and Nicholas also wants to stay for the full season."Regarding the January transfer window, he added: "I think players will join the side, but we're not immune to offers in the winter transfer window."Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in Pepe, who has eight caps for the Ivory Coast.
