..::Football IV::..

[Michael]

Naha Mike kiyana widiyata crash wenakota Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha ge daughter idala naha Helicopter eke

Pilot,Co-Pilot,Leicestr CIty Owner(Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha), assistant kenek & Thai Model kenek idala thiyenne

BBC wala nam kiue duwa kiyala hebei.

 

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BBC wala nam kiue duwa kiyala hebei.

​

 

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Tottenham 0 Manchester City 1: Mahrez settles ragged Wembley showdown

Manchester City overcame Tottenham and the difficult Wembley pitch to claim a 1-0 win in Monday's Premier League clash.Riyad Mahrez struck after just six minutes to settle the contest and return the champions to the top of the table on goal difference.

Much was made before the match of the state of the turf in north London following the weekend NFL game, and the surface certainly looked in a sorry state despite the best efforts of ground staff prior to kick-off.


Mahrez produced a sure-footed finish from Raheem Sterling's cross to put the visitors in front and they preserved their advantage with relative ease, as Spurs failed to ignite the sparse crowd, with many fans angered by the continued delay in finishing the new stadium.
Spurs started positively but undid their early good work when Kieran Trippier misjudged a long kick from Ederson and allowed Sterling to break into the box and cut the ball back for Mahrez to side-foot home.

The home side responded well, Harry Kane rifling a shot over the crossbar before Fernandinho intervened to deny Erik Lamela a clear sight of goal after Moussa Sissoko had sprinted clear of Benjamin Mendy.

Hugo Lloris saved from Mahrez at the left-hand post and Kane should have capitalised by making it 1-1 11 minutes before the break, but his heavy touch allowed Ederson to block at his feet.

David Silva strangely chose to pass to Sterling rather than shoot at the end of a flowing City move, with the ball eventually blocked by the covering Lloris, much to the frustration of Pep Guardiola.

Sergio Aguero twice tested Lloris as Spurs became stretched in their efforts to find an equaliser, but Erik Lamela blazed over when presented with a golden late chance by Dele Alli, as Mauricio Pochettino's side slipped five points behind the leaders.

 

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Lazio 0 Inter 3: Icardi strikes twice to send Spalletti's side second

Mauro Icardi continued his hot streak with a double as Inter cruised to a 3-0 win at a sodden Stadio Olimpico against Lazio in Serie A on Monday.

A sixth straight league win for the Nerazzurri was set up by Icardi's opener, the striker showing his poacher's instinct again after his late header in last weekend's derby victory over AC Milan.Lazio were also in good form having won three games in a row in all competitions, but when Marcelo Brozovic drilled in a fine second their hopes of a fightback were extinguished in the heavy Rome rain.

Captain Icardi struck again after the break and another victory moves Inter up to second in the table, albeit six points behind leaders Juventus, while Lazio are fourth.

Icardi missed an early chance when he arrived too late to convert Ivan Perisic's low cross, but the Inter striker broke the deadlock in the 28th minute.Perisic chested the ball down for Matias Vecino and, when he turned the ball towards goal via a deflection, Icardi was on hand to stab home.

Thomas Strakosha saved well from Vecino but Inter doubled their lead from the resulting corner, Brozovic picking out the bottom-left corner from 25 yards after the cross was half-cleared.

Adam Marusic's powerful strike was beaten away by the otherwise untested Samir Handanovic and Inter wrapped up the points in the 70th minute.Substitute Borja Valero slipped a fine pass through for Icardi, who cut inside and beat Strakosha for his sixth goal in four Serie A appearances.

Icardi fired a free-kick over the crossbar as he hunted a hat-trick in the closing stages, but the skipper had to settle for two goals as Inter marched on.

 

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Martial 'doesn't understand' own potential, says United's Matic


Manchester United forward Anthony Martial can become one of the best players in the Premier League if he realises his potential, according to team-mate Nemanja Matic.

The France international has forced his way back into the reckoning under Jose Mourinho, and has scored four goals in his last three Premier League games.Martial's latest contribution came in the 2-1 win over Everton, winning a first half penalty before netting the key second goal after the break with a curling strike.

The impressive run of form comes amid talks over a new deal for the 22-year-old, who has reportedly turned down United's latest contract offer.Matic has been encouraged by Martial's recent form but admits he must discover greater consistency in the future.

“Anthony is a great player and he needs to understand that," he said. "He needs more confidence. "He is still young and I think if he continues to score in the next games he will get that.“If he reaches his top level he can be one of the best players in the league for sure. Sometimes I don’t think he understands how good he is.

“Sometimes he is quick, he is good with the ball, he can run. He has everything that a Manchester United football player needs. Sometimes I don’t think he understands that.

“If I had his ability with the ball and I was as quick as him then I wouldn’t pass to anyone and I would score every game!"Though Martial's contract is due to run out in 2019 a clause exists which allows United to extend the deal by another 12 months.

Mourinho was ready to part ways with Martial in the summer but the United hierarchy opted to keep him at Old Trafford.That decision has paid dividends, with the Frenchman having been among the few positives for a United side already nine points off the pace in the Premier League title race.

“To be serious, he does need more confidence and this comes with results," Matic said."When you don’t have results it is very difficult for players to have that high confidence.

"If we can get results over the next few games and improve as a team he will show that he is very important for us.“The manager speaks with him about it. I have told him once.

"But he is a great person and a great guy and I am happy for him that he is scoring. It is great.“The quality is there, and he just needs to be more consistent. I am glad we have him in the team.

"In football and in life you have difficult times and you have to get back on track and that is exactly what he is doing.”

 

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Real Madrid sack Lopetegui after Clasico humiliation with Conte set to take over

Julen Lopetegui has been sacked by Real Madrid after a terrible start to the 2018-19 season culminated in a shocking loss against their arch-rivals, Barcelona, this weekend.

Barca were good value for their victory, even without club captain Lionel Messi pulling the strings in the final third, as Luis Suarez grabbed a hat-trick in between strikes from Philippe Coutinho and Arturo Vidal.Marcelo made the scoreline 2-1 just after half-time, but a late flurry from the hosts made sure of the three points, which has left Madrid sitting ninth in the Liga table, seven points behind leaders Barca.

Lopetegui has been under pressure for weeks now and, having won just one of their last seven matches in all competitions, the board has finally decided to act by terminating his contract.The 52-year-old boss was appointed as Madrid's new manager just before the World Cup back in June, which cost him his position as Spain's head coach for the tournament.

Los Blancos started the season quite strongly but, after a 1-0 defeat against Alaves on October 6, things began to unravel for Lopetegui and his team have underperformed ever since.

Goal understands Antonio Conte is in advanced talks to replace him in the hotseat, though difficulties regarding the Italian's release clause with Chelsea have provided an unwelcome setback.As such, reserve-team manager Santiago Solari is set to take the reins until an agreement can be reached between the two clubs.

A statement released by Madrid on Monday reads: "The board of directors of Real Madrid CF, after meeting today on October 29, 2018, have agreed to terminate Julen Lopetegui's contract with the club."The decision, taken with the highest level of responsibility, aims to change the dynamics of the first team while all the objectives of this season are still achievable.

"The board of directors understands that there is a great disproportion between the quality of the staff of Real Madrid - which has eight players nominated for the next Ballon d'Or, something unprecedented in the history of the club - and the results obtained to date.

"The club thanks Julen Lopetegui and all his technical team for their effort and work and wish them the best in their professional career."He will provisionally replaced by Santiago Solari, who will lead the first team starting from Tuesday."

Lopetegui had pledged to turn things around at the Bernabeu in the wake of El Clasico, as he insisted: "This is a tough blow, but I am strong enough to know everything can be turned around. There is a long way to go, and I have a lot of faith in this group of players.”

However, Madrid chiefs were unwilling to grant him a stay of execution at the club and, by turning to Conte at this early stage, they are hoping that the season can be salvaged, with plenty still to play for across all competitions.

Club captain Sergio Ramos was pensive in his response when asked about Lopetegui's future on Sunday, as he stated post-match: "It is not our decision. So, we will stay to the side, let the hours pass and whatever happens will happen. It’s not about the players.”

Next up for Madrid is a Copa Del Rey clash against Melilla on Wednesday, before a return to La Liga duty on Saturday against Real Valladolid.

 

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Sacked Lopetegui thankful for Real Madrid 'opportunity'


Julen Lopetegui has paid tribute to the Real Madrid fans in the wake of his dismissal as manager on Monday.The 52-year-old was officially dismissed following the 5-1 Clasico demolition at the hands of Barcelona on Sunday, although there were reports the decision had been made after they lost 2-1 to Levante last weekend.

Madrid released a statement to confirm Lopetegui's exit in which they appeared to criticise the former Spain boss for failing to make the most of a talented squad, saying "there is a great disproportion between the quality of the squad, which has eight players nominated for the Ballon d'Or, and the results obtained so far [this season]".

However, Lopetegui refused to hit back at the Madrid board and instead thanked everyone associated with the club."After the decision taken by the Real Madrid board of directors, I want to thank the club for the opportunity they gave me," he said in a brief statement provided to EFE.

"Thank you to the players for their effort and their work, as well as to each and every one of the club's employees, for their good treatment during this time."And, of course my gratitude to the fans for their backing. I send them my best wishes for the rest of the season."

Santi Solari, the Real Madrid Castilla boss, will serve as interim coach of the first team while a long-term successor to Lopetegui is sought.Antonio Conte is the favourite for the job, but there are reports of discrepancies between the former Chelsea and Juventus head coach's demands and Madrid's offer.

The club will have just two weeks to name a permanent manager, though, due to La Liga rules.

 

[Michael]

Real Madrid sack Lopetegui after Clasico humiliation with Conte set to take over

Julen Lopetegui has been sacked by Real Madrid after a terrible start to the 2018-19 season culminated in a shocking loss against their arch-rivals, Barcelona, this weekend.

Barca were good value for their victory, even without club captain Lionel Messi pulling the strings in the final third, as Luis Suarez grabbed a hat-trick in between strikes from Philippe Coutinho and Arturo Vidal.Marcelo made the scoreline 2-1 just after half-time, but a late flurry from the hosts made sure of the three points, which has left Madrid sitting ninth in the Liga table, seven points behind leaders Barca.

Lopetegui has been under pressure for weeks now and, having won just one of their last seven matches in all competitions, the board has finally decided to act by terminating his contract.The 52-year-old boss was appointed as Madrid's new manager just before the World Cup back in June, which cost him his position as Spain's head coach for the tournament.

Los Blancos started the season quite strongly but, after a 1-0 defeat against Alaves on October 6, things began to unravel for Lopetegui and his team have underperformed ever since.

Goal understands Antonio Conte is in advanced talks to replace him in the hotseat, though difficulties regarding the Italian's release clause with Chelsea have provided an unwelcome setback.As such, reserve-team manager Santiago Solari is set to take the reins until an agreement can be reached between the two clubs.

A statement released by Madrid on Monday reads: "The board of directors of Real Madrid CF, after meeting today on October 29, 2018, have agreed to terminate Julen Lopetegui's contract with the club."The decision, taken with the highest level of responsibility, aims to change the dynamics of the first team while all the objectives of this season are still achievable.

"The board of directors understands that there is a great disproportion between the quality of the staff of Real Madrid - which has eight players nominated for the next Ballon d'Or, something unprecedented in the history of the club - and the results obtained to date.

"The club thanks Julen Lopetegui and all his technical team for their effort and work and wish them the best in their professional career."He will provisionally replaced by Santiago Solari, who will lead the first team starting from Tuesday."

Lopetegui had pledged to turn things around at the Bernabeu in the wake of El Clasico, as he insisted: "This is a tough blow, but I am strong enough to know everything can be turned around. There is a long way to go, and I have a lot of faith in this group of players.”

However, Madrid chiefs were unwilling to grant him a stay of execution at the club and, by turning to Conte at this early stage, they are hoping that the season can be salvaged, with plenty still to play for across all competitions.

Club captain Sergio Ramos was pensive in his response when asked about Lopetegui's future on Sunday, as he stated post-match: "It is not our decision. So, we will stay to the side, let the hours pass and whatever happens will happen. It’s not about the players.”

Next up for Madrid is a Copa Del Rey clash against Melilla on Wednesday, before a return to La Liga duty on Saturday against Real Valladolid.

No ronaldo No party

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Alli signs new six-year Tottenham deal


Dele Alli has signed a new six-year deal with Tottenham that will keep him at the club until 2024.

The England international joined Spurs from MK Dons in 2015 and has gone onto become one of the best young players in Europe under the tutelage of Mauricio Pochettino.In 153 games for the north London outfit he has scored 48 goals and laid on 41 assists, forming a formidable attacking partnership with Harry Kane.

He joins Kane in committing his long-term future to Tottenham, with the England captain having signed a new deal in June that will also keep him with the club until 2024.

With Pochettino having also agreed a five-year deal of his own, the Premier League giants have moved quickly to tie down their biggest assets ahead of their move to the new White Hart Lane in 2019.

"Delighted to have signed a new contract until 2024," Alli posted on Instagram.
"Would like to say a big thank you to everyone at the club - chairman, manager, all my team-mates and the fans for their constant support.

"I've loved my time at Spurs so far and I'm very excited to see what the future holds!"Tottenham's transition from mid-table underachievers to Champions League regulars under Pochettino has been aided by Alli's rapid development over his three years at the club.

The 22-year-old won the PFA Young Player of the Year award in each of his first two seasons at the club, with his form earning him a spot in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for both 2016 and 2017.Such displays saw him earn his first England cap in 2015, with Alli having gone onto represent his country on 31 occasions thus far, including at both Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup.

He remains a key part of Gareth Southgate's plans, though he missed the recent Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain due to a hamstring injury.Alli made his return to action following that injury on Monday as he came off the bench in Tottenham's 1-0 defeat to Manchester City at Wembley.

And he is likely to get more minutes under his belt in the coming days as Pochettino's side face West Ham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before taking on Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday.

 

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'He drives me crazy!' - Neville 'confused' by Martial's fluctuating Man Utd form


Gary Neville has spoken out over his annoyance at Anthony Martial’s fluctuating form for Manchester United, suggesting that the winger’s low work ethic is preventing him from becoming an elite player.

The Frenchman has now scored in three successive Premier League matches for Jose Mourinho’s side, and his manager claimed after Sunday’s 2-1 win over Everton that the former Monaco youngster has improved ‘everything’ about his game.Team-mate Nemanja Matic has suggested Martial ‘doesn’t understand’ his own potential , but Neville has highlighted his unwillingness to run as a serious issue.

Speaking on Sky Sports he said: “There’s never been a player over the last ten years at Manchester United that I have been confused by as much [as Martial]. I cannot make my mind up.

“Sometimes I think he is brilliant and other weeks I think that I am not sure he is a Manchester United player.“What drives me crazy about him is his off-the-ball work. He doesn’t know where to be and where to run at the right times.”

Comparing Martial to wingers at some of United’s closest rivals, Neville argued that the 22-year-old must put in the hard yards to become a world-class player.“He’s either a five or a nine and what you want is a seven or eight with the odd nine.

“I looked at the physical stats of Martial and the other players like Mane and Salah and again, I got the shock of my life. I thought that’s why Deschamps, Mourinho and others don’t fancy you.“Look at the players in and around him. Mane runs almost 2km more. Hazard – who gets accused of not working hard – runs 1.5km more than Martial. Martial is well down on his physical stuff.

“This is not about defensive work but about making those runs.”Martial has been at the centre of increased speculation over his future at United recently after it was reported that he had rejected a contract extension to keep him at Old Trafford beyond the expiration of his current deal next summer.

He scored 17 goals in his first season with United after arriving in 2015, but has struggled to hold down a regular place in the starting line-up since Mourinho took the helm from Louis van Gaal two years ago.

 

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Year of transition doesn't exist for Real Madrid, warns Valverde


Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde sees no reason why Real Madrid should expect a year of transition after sacking Julen Lopetegui.The former Spain head coach was dismissed on Monday in the wake of the 5-1 Clasico thrashing at Camp Nou, a result that left Madrid with only one win in seven matches.

Santiago Solari has been placed in temporary charge of the first team while a long-term successor is sought, with Antonio Conte and Roberto Martinez the reported favourites.

Despite the uncertainty around the coaching position, Valverde does not believe Madrid should be discounted from competing for major honours this season."I don't think that exists," he told a news conference when asked if Madrid are entering a transitional year. "Madrid are like us and they will respond, I've no doubt about that. They're not among the top few, but it's still early.

"I don't know if Real Madrid are more dangerous or not with the arrival of Solari on the bench. I said before that Real Madrid are always dangerous and are one of the big rivals for the title."They're in every competition and they will try to win the championship, as we and the rest will."

Lopetegui's dismissal was confirmed via a ruthless statement from Madrid, in which the club highlighted the "large disparity" between results and the strength of the squad.

Valverde, though, refused to comment on Madrid's message."I don't have anything to say on the statements made by other clubs. I only say that I don't like it when coaches are sacked," he said.

"We're in the world of football and we know how it goes. Everything forms part of the show."There are ups and downs and if you win, it's all calm, which is what we aim for, and if you lose there are stormy waters."

Barca take on Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday in their first match since the Clasico triumph, Valverde's first at Camp Nou since taking charge in 2017.

He dismissed the suggestion the result has in any way changed his day-to-day life, though."I'm exactly the same as I was a week ago, and the week before that. People are happier and that makes everything calmer," he said.

"I'm disappointed because I thought I'd have superpowers, but no!"

 

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Rooney: Man United players still behind Mourinho


Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United's players still want to perform for Jose Mourinho despite their struggles this season.

United are battling in eighth place in the Premier League – nine points behind Manchester City and Liverpool – and some of their displays have led to Mourinho coming under fire.However, they are unbeaten in three league games, including wins over Newcastle United and Everton.

Rooney, who won five league titles and a Champions League during a glittering 13-year career at United, said the players were still behind Mourinho."Obviously they are going through a difficult period at the minute but Jose Mourinho is very experienced and I think some players have to do a little bit better," the D.C. United star told BBC Sport .

"Hopefully they can turn their form around, win a few more games and keep the pressure on the top of the table and get back up there, which is where we all want to see them."In my experience, I have never seen or heard of a player not wanting to play in the game because they have had a falling out with the manager."I don't think as a player you could do that, you've got to respect the club and the fans and also respect your team-mates.

"I don't think any player, certainly at Manchester United, will be not playing for Jose. I'm sure they're all working hard behind the scenes to get results."
United visit high-flying Bournemouth, who are sixth in the table, on Saturday.
Rooney will have his own worries on Thursday, when D.C. United host the Columbus Crew in a one-off MLS play-off matchup.

Should D.C. win, the club will move on to face either Atlanta United or the New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.

 

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Arsenal to face Tottenham in Carabao Cup north London derby


Arsenal and Tottenham will face off in a mouthwatering north London derby in the pick of the Carabao Cup quarter-final draw.Both Spurs and the Gunners won their respective fourth-round ties on Wednesday.And they have now been drawn together in the fifth round of the competition.

"I think it's an exciting game. Another derby. I always like to face big teams. It's very good to face Unai Emery and all his staff," Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino told Sky Sports following the draw.

"We are very good friends from Spain. A great manager and great coaching staff.It's a massive challenge and I am so excited to play him. Added to that it's a derby, so it will be fantastic."Elsewhere, Chelsea and Bournemouth will make up another all-Premier League tie, with the Blues barely escaping against Frank Lampard and Derby County on Wednesday.

League One side Burton Albion and Championship side Middlesbrough are the only two non-Premier League teams remaining in the competition, and they will face off in another quarter-final.The winner of Manchester City and Fulham will take on the winner of Leicester and Southampton in the final quarter-final round.

Leicester City were set to face Southampton on Tuesday, but the match was postponed following the tragic death of Foxes chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in a helicopter crash.The Carabao Cup quarter-final matches will be played during the week commencing December 17.

Full Carabao Cup quarter-final draw:
Arsenal vs Tottenham
Leicester/Southampton vs Man City/Fulham
Middlesbrough vs Burton Albion
Chelsea vs Bournemouth

 

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West Ham 1 Tottenham 3: Son double seals quarter-final spot

Son Heung-min returned to form in emphatic fashion as his double helped Tottenham to a 3-1 victory at West Ham to send Mauricio Pochettino's side into the EFL Cup quarter-finals.

Having opened the scoring with his first goal of the season 16 minutes in, Son, one of 10 changes and making his 150th Spurs appearance, doubled his tally with a composed finish early in the second half to set Tottenham on their way to a second victory at London Stadium in the space of 12 days.

Son's goals – his first since March – were Tottenham's only opportunities of note amid a barrage of West Ham attacks, though, and the hosts' pressure paid off when Lucas Perez headed in with 19 minutes remaining.


However, West Ham's hopes of a comeback were dashed inside four minutes, Fernando Llorente tucking home from close range to secure progress into the last eight.Son wasted little time in opening his account for the campaign, picking out the top corner after latching onto a loose ball on the edge of the area.

West Ham rallied quickly and Tottenham had Paulo Gazzaniga to thank when he pulled off a smart stop low to his right to deny Javier Hernandez an equaliser on the stroke of half-time.

Michail Antonio looked set to restore parity shortly after the restart, but the forward failed to beat Gazzaniga after outmuscling Juan Foyth.Manuel Pellegrini's side were soon punished for their wastefulness, Son pouncing on Arthur Masuaku's error before coolly rounding Adrian.

Perez's header threatened to make things interesting late on, but West Ham's defence was exposed again when Llorente reacted quickest to Christian Eriksen's corner to wrap up the victory.

 

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Chelsea 3 Derby County 2: Nightmare defending denies Lampard on homecoming

Chelsea overcame a Halloween fright on Frank Lampard's return as two own goals cost Derby County in a 3-2 loss in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.Impressive in beating Manchester United in the third round, Lampard's young side were the architects of their own downfall in London as Chelsea loanee Fikayo Tomori and Richard Keogh both put through their own net inside 21 minutes.

The hosts were not immune to horror moments at the back, with Jack Marriott and Martyn Waghorn on target in a thrilling five-goal first half that concluded with Cesc Fabregas restoring his team's lead.


And it proved to be the winner as the upright denied David Nugent late on and left Blues legend Lampard to contemplate the unusual feeling of a Stamford Bridge defeat.Tomori and Mason Mount were granted special dispensation to feature against their parent club, yet the Rams might have wished that was not the case when Davide Zappacosta's cross struck the former's standing leg and diverted in for the fifth-minute opener.

The inexplicable error was quickly forgotten as Marriott, a scorer against United, capitalised on Gary Cahill's slip to drive an unerring low finish across Willy Caballero.

A stumbling Waghorn passed up a one-on-one chance to complete a quickfire turnaround and Derby punished themselves through more calamitous defending.In eerily similar circumstances to the first, the experienced Keogh sliced another right-sided Zappacosta cross past a bewildered Scott Carson.

Still, the visitors were just as dangerous going forward as they were in their own box and snatched a second equaliser after 27 minutes, Mount squaring for a Waghorn tap-in.But they failed to plug the leaks and it was no surprise that Fabregas forced home the third for Maurizio Sarri's side from close range in the 41st minute.

A quieter second half eventually livened up, with substitute Nugent turning the last of three Derby openings into the base of the far post, forcing Lampard to settle for the consolation of receiving the adulation of the supporters, who consistently sung his name.

 

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Arsenal 2 Blackpool 1: Gunners reach EFL Cup last eight despite Guendouzi red


Arsenal bounced back from their draw with Crystal Palace by beating League One side Blackpool 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium to reach the EFL Cup quarter-finals, as both teams had a player sent off.

Unai Emery's side saw their 11-match winning run come to an end at Selhurst Park on Sunday, but they avoided falling short for a second game in a row, even if the performance left a lot to be desired.

An otherwise unremarkable first half was punctuated by Stephan Lichtsteiner's first goal for the club and 18-year-old Emile Smith Rowe seemingly wrapped things up in the 50th minute.


But Matteo Guendouzi's red card just before the hour for two cheap bookings boosted the visitors and they pulled one back through Paudie O'Connor soon afterwards.

They could not force the equaliser and their goalscorer was dismissed late on.
Arsenal eventually got a first shot on target in the 33rd minute and it provided them with the opening goal, as Lichtsteiner managed to nudge the ball into the bottom-left corner when stretching to reach Guendouzi's lofted pass.

They got themselves another early in the second half – Smith Rowe finding the net from close range after Mark Howard parried Carl Jenkinson's miscued cross to the midfielder.Blackpool were offered encouragement soon after when Petr Cech knocked a corner delivery against his own crossbar.

Guendouzi was then shown a second yellow for a needless tug on Jordan Thompson and Blackpool capitalised 10 minutes later, O'Connor heading home from Thompson's corner.Cech attempted to dribble his way out of danger 21 minutes from time and was tackled by Jay Spearing, but Nathan Delfouneso's goal was disallowed for offside.

Blackpool's hopes of getting a second ended with O'Connor being shown a straight red six minutes from the end for a cynical tackle on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

 

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Melilla 0 Real Madrid 4: Copa cruise for Solari in first match in charge

Real Madrid were comfortable 4-0 winners over Melilla on Wednesday in Santiago Solari's first match as interim head coach.Goals from Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Alvaro Odriozola and Cristo Gonzalez gave the European champions a Copa del Rey first-leg victory that sets them firmly on course for the last 16.

Solari, placed in temporary charge following Julen Lopetegui's sacking on Monday, named a youthful side in the Spanish city in north Africa that included Vinicius Junior.


But it was two of the more established first-team stars that helped secure the win – just Madrid's second in eight matches in all competitions – and restored some sense of calm to a club thrown into turmoil in the aftermath of Sunday's 5-1 Clasico hammering at Camp Nou.An attacking Madrid line-up that featured Benzema, Lucas Vazquez, Asensio and Vinicius was contained reasonably well by Melilla in the opening stages.

Vazquez did clip the crossbar with a fierce strike from long distance, though, and Benzema broke the deadlock 28 minutes in, tapping home after Odriozola sent in a low cross from the right.

The heavy rain and difficult surface made a passing approach difficult, but Vazquez was denied by a smart stop from Daniel Barrio after one fine move involving Vinicius and Asensio.Vazquez spurned two further chances before Madrid finally got their second goal in first-half injury time, Asensio sweeping the ball into the bottom-right corner after being set up by Vinicius.

The impressive Brazilian hit the bar with a deflected effort after the break, but Odriozola made it 3-0 12 minutes from time when be smashed home from on the line after Vinicius had been denied.

Substitute Cristo added gloss to the scoreline with the last touch of the match, heading home after Odriozola worked space in the box following a corner.

 

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Messi returns to Barcelona training after arm injury


Lionel Messi has returned to Barcelona training after recently suffering a broken arm.

The Argentina international sustained the injury in the 4-2 win over Sevilla earlier this month, ruling him out of El Clasicf course, Ernesto Valverde's side ran out 5-1 winners in an astonishing game at Camp Nou, though his manager insisted afterwards that they still missed Messi.

"For us, since last week when he got injured, we were probably thinking how we would respond on the pitch," he told a news conference.

"There's only one answer, you have to respond as a team and that's what we've done. The result could've been different but that's the only answer we can give you.
"We're delighted for the team but obviously the sooner he's back the better for us because we miss him. We want him back tomorrow."

Messi is now back in training with the first-team, though he still has some mobility issues, and is thus unlikely to feature in the Copa del Rey clash with Cultural Leonesa. Barca play Rayo Vallecano this weekend, before taking on Inter in a Champions League tie that could determine the winner of Group B.Messi has been in superb form thus far this season, scoring 12 goals in 12 games in all competitions, and providing six assists.

Luis Suarez is doing his best to fill the gap left by his esteemed colleague, and scored a superb hat-trick in the Clasico beating of Real."That's the normal situation. Last season with Luis, the same thing happened," Valverde said.

"Everybody was talking about him not scoring but because he works so hard, the consequences are the results."In the long term, that's what he does. We win from having him in our team."​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sterling verbally agrees mammoth new Man City deal that could be worth £300,000 per week


Raheem Sterling has verbally agreed a new five-year contract with Manchester City that could be worth £300,000 per week, sources close to the player have told Goal.

Sterling and City have been in talks for over 12 months but a conclusion is now in sight after both parties reached an agreement over the basic wage and the exact structure of the bonuses which will significantly boost his earnings.

The 23-year-old had communicated his desire to stay at City to club representatives earlier this season, but work was still required to find common ground over his value to the Premier League champions.

The basic value of the new deal, which should be signed and confirmed in the near future, will be topped up by lump sums which are split across the length of the agreement, as well as performance-related bonuses.

If all bonuses are met the new deal would earn Sterling over £15 million per year.Kevin De Bruyne is currently City's highest paid player and, as Goal revealed last year, is paid the Euro equivalent of £200,000 per week.

But the Belgian also received a €10m (£9m) signing-on fee and an €2.25m (£2m) payment for his image rights, both of which are split over the length of his six-year deal.That makes his current deal worth roughly £265,000-per week, before further performance-related bonuses are considered.

That is likely to be the structure for Sterling's new contract, as the former Liverpool man, like De Bruyne, could also be in line to receive financial rewards for winning the Balon d'Or, the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup, as well as for playing in a certain amount of City's matches.

The news of an agreement comes as good news for City, who have been rewarding their top performers with new contracts over the past 18 months.

Leroy Sane and Bernardo Silva are also in talks with the club over extensions, while John Stones could also be in line for a new deal if he maintains his fine start to the new season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Juventus are favourites for the Champions League – Rogerio


Juventus are ready to end their recent record of Champions League final disappointments this season.

That is the view of the club's young Brazilian defender Rogerio, who says he wants to emulate countryman and clubmate Alex Sandro in becoming a serial winner in Turin.

He will have to wait for that opportunity, however, having been loaned to Serie A rivals Sassuolo as he develops.

But the 20-year-old is certain his parent club are destined to add European success to their domestic domination.Juve haven't won the competition since 1996 and have lost two finals in the last four years, despite taking ownership of the Italian title for the past seven seasons.

The Turin club have this season added Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid to their already star-packed ranks - and Rogerio is anticipating it paying off.“The Bianconeri are surely favourites to win the Champions League - it's their main target," he said.

Rogerio joined Juventus from Brazilian club Internacional as a teenager in 2016 and is keen to follow in countryman Sandro's footsteps.“Arriving at Juventus has been a dream come true," he said. "It's one of the best teams in the world and a model club. I hope my career turns out similar to Alex Sandro.”Meanwhile, he is also backing fellow Brazilian youngster Vinicius Junior to be a success at Real Madrid.

Julen Lopetegui's failure to make the most of the 18-year-old wonderkid's talents has been cited as one of the reasons behind his recent sacking by the La Liga giants.

But Rogerio believes the talented 18-year-old, who was handed his Real debut by caretaker manager Santiago Solari in the team's Copa del Rey win over Melilla on Wednesday night, will flourish.“Vinicius can become one of the best players in the world,” he said.