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..::Football IV::..
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Full Time
Crystal Palace 1 Vs 3 Manchester United
Crystal Palace Goal(s)
J.Ward 66'
&
Manchester United Goal(s)
R.Lukaku 33'52'
A.Young 83'
Crystal Palace Goal(s)
J.Ward 66'
&
Manchester United Goal(s)
R.Lukaku 33'52'
A.Young 83'
Congratulations Manchester United!
Lukaku,Shaw,Young,Dalot
& Dalot play karanawath godak hodai.Hoda future ekak have
Lukaku ge 2nd goal finish ekath patta& A.Young
& next Southampton.Good luck Manchester United!
Lukaku,Shaw,Young,Dalot
& Dalot play karanawath godak hodai.Hoda future ekak have
Lukaku ge 2nd goal finish ekath patta
& A.Young
& next Southampton.Good luck Manchester United!
Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 3: Lukaku double earns club-record eighth straight away win
Romelu Lukaku ended a nine-match goal drought with a double as a depleted Manchester United beat Crystal Palace 3-1 to secure a club-record eighth successive away victory across all competitions.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was without a host of first-team regulars due to injuries, but Lukaku stepped up having been given a rare opportunity to lead the line, his pair of goals playing a part in downing a spirited Palace side.United just about shaded an even first half and went into the break ahead thanks to a fine Luke Shaw-inspired Lukaku goal in the 33rd minute.
Lukaku got his second of the day just after the break and, although Joel Ward pulled one back in the 66th minute, Ashley Young struck late on to end the hosts' hopes and keep United just a point behind fourth-placed Arsenal, who thrashed Bournemouth 5-1.United should have taken the lead after just eight minutes, but Lukaku inexplicably volleyed over from eight yards after Shaw's pinpoint corner found the Belgium international unmarked.
Palace nearly capitalised a few moments later – Andros Townsend shooting over from inside the six-yard box after James McArthur's pass.Lukaku atoned for his earlier miss just past the half-hour mark, producing a lovely right-footed finish into the bottom-right corner from 18 yards after a brilliant solo run from Shaw.
He doubled his tally seven minutes into the second half, knocking in from close range after Chris Smalling's header found Victor Lindelof, who in turn nodded the ball into the danger zone.Palace got themselves a lifeline just after the hour – Ward scoring a diving header from Jeffrey Schlupp's delivery after Ashley Young had been robbed of possession in the corner.
The home side piled men forwards towards the end, but that ultimately brought their undoing as United caught them on the break seven minutes from time – Young finishing from a tight angle after being released by Paul Pogba.
Liverpool 5 Watford 0: Marvellous Mane stars as rampant Reds stay top
Sadio Mane scored a superb double and Virgil van Dijk also grabbed two goals as Liverpool ended a recent blip and retained top spot in the Premier League with an emphatic 5-0 win over Watford.
A run of three draws in four league matches had seen Liverpool's advantage over Manchester City trimmed to a point heading into Wednesday's fixtures.However, Liverpool never looked like a team in danger of cracking under the pressure as Mane's brilliant brace - highlighted by a stunning backheeled finish for his second - put them in command.
Divock Origi put the result beyond doubt in the second half and a pair of late headers from Van Dijk completed the rout.
City remain firmly on their heels, however, the defending champions beating West Ham 1-0 to maintain an extremely slender gap at the league's summit.
Watford came to Anfield on the back of a 5-1 win at Cardiff City but any fears of them denting Liverpool's challenge were calmed in the ninth minute, the Hornets punished for poor defending out wide and in the box as Trent Alexander-Arnold whipped in a superb cross for the unmarked Mane to rise and head into the top-left corner.That same pair combined again on 20 minutes as Liverpool threatened to run riot.The ball was eventually worked to Alexander-Arnold after a surging run from Mohamed Salah and the England full-back again found Mane, who made up for a poor first touch in spectacular style by beating a helpless Ben Foster with a gloriously audacious backheel.Only the woodwork prevented Salah from making it three from a tight angle, before Troy Deeney wasted a gilt-edged chance to halve the deficit as he failed to connect cleanly with a Gerard Deulofeu cross.
Liverpool took their foot of the gas somewhat after the restart, but Origi extinguished any lingering hope of a Watford comeback by cutting in from the right and powering in his first league goal since a Merseyside derby winner in December.
Alisson made a pair of fine saves from Andre Gray before Watford's misery was compounded, Van Dijk heading home twice in the space of three minutes to round things off.
Sadio Mane scored a superb double and Virgil van Dijk also grabbed two goals as Liverpool ended a recent blip and retained top spot in the Premier League with an emphatic 5-0 win over Watford.
A run of three draws in four league matches had seen Liverpool's advantage over Manchester City trimmed to a point heading into Wednesday's fixtures.However, Liverpool never looked like a team in danger of cracking under the pressure as Mane's brilliant brace - highlighted by a stunning backheeled finish for his second - put them in command.
Divock Origi put the result beyond doubt in the second half and a pair of late headers from Van Dijk completed the rout.
City remain firmly on their heels, however, the defending champions beating West Ham 1-0 to maintain an extremely slender gap at the league's summit.
Watford came to Anfield on the back of a 5-1 win at Cardiff City but any fears of them denting Liverpool's challenge were calmed in the ninth minute, the Hornets punished for poor defending out wide and in the box as Trent Alexander-Arnold whipped in a superb cross for the unmarked Mane to rise and head into the top-left corner.That same pair combined again on 20 minutes as Liverpool threatened to run riot.The ball was eventually worked to Alexander-Arnold after a surging run from Mohamed Salah and the England full-back again found Mane, who made up for a poor first touch in spectacular style by beating a helpless Ben Foster with a gloriously audacious backheel.Only the woodwork prevented Salah from making it three from a tight angle, before Troy Deeney wasted a gilt-edged chance to halve the deficit as he failed to connect cleanly with a Gerard Deulofeu cross.
Liverpool took their foot of the gas somewhat after the restart, but Origi extinguished any lingering hope of a Watford comeback by cutting in from the right and powering in his first league goal since a Merseyside derby winner in December.
Alisson made a pair of fine saves from Andre Gray before Watford's misery was compounded, Van Dijk heading home twice in the space of three minutes to round things off.
Chelsea 2 Tottenham 0: Spurs title hopes unravelling
Tottenham were left red-faced as a pair of sloppy goals dealt a significant blow to their Premier League title hopes in a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on Wednesday.
Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris allowed a Pedro strike to sneak between his legs just short of the hour, before a miscommunication between the France international and Kieran Trippier saw the full-back roll a backpass into an open net.
Coming on the back of Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Burnley, the loss leaves Spurs eight points adrift of second-place Manchester City and nine off leaders Liverpool.
For Chelsea, who dropped Kepa Arrizabalaga in favour of Willy Caballero following the former's refusal to be subbed during the EFL Cup final, the result is the perfect response to their Wembley defeat against City on Sunday.Chelsea had an opportunity to take an early lead when the ball fell to Gonzalo Higuain in the box after six minutes, but the on-loan Juventus striker did not hit the ball cleanly, finding only the right-hand post.
Ben Davies survived appeals for a penalty after a Cesar Azpilicueta cross struck his arm in the 12th minute, before a dreadful pass led to a Higuain effort that drifted wide.Two minutes before the break, Harry Winks pulled the trigger from 25 yards with a shot that appeared to be dipping under Caballero's crossbar but bounced back off the woodwork.
The opener arrived 12 minutes into the second period, when Pedro collected the ball from Azpilicueta and drifted in from the right before spotting a gap to prod the ball past Lloris.
Spurs failed to register a single shot on target - at the right end, at least.With six minutes to play, Trippier sealed Spurs' fate with a horribly misjudged backpass that rolled into the visitors' net with Lloris nowhere.
Tottenham were left red-faced as a pair of sloppy goals dealt a significant blow to their Premier League title hopes in a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on Wednesday.
Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris allowed a Pedro strike to sneak between his legs just short of the hour, before a miscommunication between the France international and Kieran Trippier saw the full-back roll a backpass into an open net.
Coming on the back of Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Burnley, the loss leaves Spurs eight points adrift of second-place Manchester City and nine off leaders Liverpool.
For Chelsea, who dropped Kepa Arrizabalaga in favour of Willy Caballero following the former's refusal to be subbed during the EFL Cup final, the result is the perfect response to their Wembley defeat against City on Sunday.Chelsea had an opportunity to take an early lead when the ball fell to Gonzalo Higuain in the box after six minutes, but the on-loan Juventus striker did not hit the ball cleanly, finding only the right-hand post.
Ben Davies survived appeals for a penalty after a Cesar Azpilicueta cross struck his arm in the 12th minute, before a dreadful pass led to a Higuain effort that drifted wide.Two minutes before the break, Harry Winks pulled the trigger from 25 yards with a shot that appeared to be dipping under Caballero's crossbar but bounced back off the woodwork.
The opener arrived 12 minutes into the second period, when Pedro collected the ball from Azpilicueta and drifted in from the right before spotting a gap to prod the ball past Lloris.
Spurs failed to register a single shot on target - at the right end, at least.With six minutes to play, Trippier sealed Spurs' fate with a horribly misjudged backpass that rolled into the visitors' net with Lloris nowhere.
Real Madrid 0 Barcelona 3 (1-4 agg): Suarez strikes as holders reach Copa final again
Barcelona are into the Copa del Rey final for the sixth year in a row after a 3-0 win over Real Madrid on Wednesday sealed a 4-1 aggregate semi-final victory.
Luis Suarez scored twice in the second half either side of a Raphael Varane own goal to send the Catalans through and keep their treble hopes alive.Madrid had gone into the second leg with a slight edge following a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou, but they failed to best Marc-Andre ter Stegen with some clear-cut chances in the first half.
Vinicius Junior was the biggest attacking threat in some cagey opening minutes, seeing a shot well blocked by Ter Stegen after earlier having a penalty appeal waved away.
Ter Stegen again came to Barca's rescue 10 minutes before the break, denying Karim Benzema on the half-volley, before Vinicius steered the ball over the bar from Sergio Reguilon's low cross.However, 50 minutes in, Barca's attack finally came to life. Ousmane Dembele raced away from Dani Carvajal and cut the ball back for Suarez, who side-footed first time past Keylor Navas at the left-hand post.
Ter Stegen made a flying save to keep out Reguilon's header as Madrid stepped up their urgency in pursuit of an equaliser, but the result was put beyond them 69 minutes in when a sliding Varane turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Suarez.
With hope draining from among the home fans, Suarez rubbed salt into their wounds with a chipped penalty four minutes later, leaving Madrid out of the competition and no doubt eager to avenge the defeat in Saturday's LaLiga showdown.
Barcelona are into the Copa del Rey final for the sixth year in a row after a 3-0 win over Real Madrid on Wednesday sealed a 4-1 aggregate semi-final victory.
Luis Suarez scored twice in the second half either side of a Raphael Varane own goal to send the Catalans through and keep their treble hopes alive.Madrid had gone into the second leg with a slight edge following a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou, but they failed to best Marc-Andre ter Stegen with some clear-cut chances in the first half.
Vinicius Junior was the biggest attacking threat in some cagey opening minutes, seeing a shot well blocked by Ter Stegen after earlier having a penalty appeal waved away.
Ter Stegen again came to Barca's rescue 10 minutes before the break, denying Karim Benzema on the half-volley, before Vinicius steered the ball over the bar from Sergio Reguilon's low cross.However, 50 minutes in, Barca's attack finally came to life. Ousmane Dembele raced away from Dani Carvajal and cut the ball back for Suarez, who side-footed first time past Keylor Navas at the left-hand post.
Ter Stegen made a flying save to keep out Reguilon's header as Madrid stepped up their urgency in pursuit of an equaliser, but the result was put beyond them 69 minutes in when a sliding Varane turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Suarez.
With hope draining from among the home fans, Suarez rubbed salt into their wounds with a chipped penalty four minutes later, leaving Madrid out of the competition and no doubt eager to avenge the defeat in Saturday's LaLiga showdown.
Manchester City 1 West Ham 0: Aguero penalty enough for below-par hosts
Sergio Aguero's 59th-minute penalty earned Manchester City their fourth successive Premier League win as they beat West Ham 1-0 to remain one point behind leaders Liverpool.
Having beaten Chelsea on penalties in Sunday's EFL Cup final at Wembley, quadruple-seeking City were not at their usual brilliant best against a West Ham side led by their former manager Manuel Pellegrini.David Silva hit the post early on but it was substitute Bernardo Silva who came off the bench to win a spot-kick that Aguero converted by sending Lukasz Fabianski the wrong way.
Liverpool's 5-0 victory over Watford at Anfield may have been more emphatic, but City got a result that means they can at least temporarily return to the summit at the weekend as they play before their title rivals.
Despite needing spot-kicks to see off Chelsea three days earlier, City did not look fatigued as they raced out of the blocks and twice came close to scoring in the opening four minutes.
Riyad Mahrez, one of five players brought into the starting XI, lost West Ham debutant Ben Johnson in the box but fired his half volley way over the crossbar before David Silva diverted Kevin De Bruyne's low cross onto a post.
Yet City were unable to keep the pressure on, as Mahrez in particular struggled, with an unsuccessful penalty appeal for handball against Angelo Ogbonna the only other moment of note in the first half.Samir Nasri's Etihad Stadium return ended at half-time and his replacement, Manuel Lanzini, nearly conjured up the opening goal for the Hammers shortly after arriving.
The Argentinian skipped over compatriot Nicolas Otamendi's outstretched leg and crossed for Andy Carroll, but the former Liverpool striker was denied by Ederson's save.Pep Guardiola responded by withdrawing the ineffectual Mahrez and Leroy Sane for Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva, and it was the latter who won the penalty that Aguero converted to put City ahead.
The Portuguese was driving across the box when Felipe Anderson bundled into the back of him, which resulted in a spot-kick that Aguero stroked into the bottom right-hand corner of the net.
Fabianski dived the wrong way there, but he was equal to efforts from Sterling and Danilo, either side of Ryan Fredericks clearing David Silva's effort off the line, with City's eventual margin of victory only one.
Sergio Aguero's 59th-minute penalty earned Manchester City their fourth successive Premier League win as they beat West Ham 1-0 to remain one point behind leaders Liverpool.
Having beaten Chelsea on penalties in Sunday's EFL Cup final at Wembley, quadruple-seeking City were not at their usual brilliant best against a West Ham side led by their former manager Manuel Pellegrini.David Silva hit the post early on but it was substitute Bernardo Silva who came off the bench to win a spot-kick that Aguero converted by sending Lukasz Fabianski the wrong way.
Liverpool's 5-0 victory over Watford at Anfield may have been more emphatic, but City got a result that means they can at least temporarily return to the summit at the weekend as they play before their title rivals.
Despite needing spot-kicks to see off Chelsea three days earlier, City did not look fatigued as they raced out of the blocks and twice came close to scoring in the opening four minutes.
Riyad Mahrez, one of five players brought into the starting XI, lost West Ham debutant Ben Johnson in the box but fired his half volley way over the crossbar before David Silva diverted Kevin De Bruyne's low cross onto a post.
Yet City were unable to keep the pressure on, as Mahrez in particular struggled, with an unsuccessful penalty appeal for handball against Angelo Ogbonna the only other moment of note in the first half.Samir Nasri's Etihad Stadium return ended at half-time and his replacement, Manuel Lanzini, nearly conjured up the opening goal for the Hammers shortly after arriving.
The Argentinian skipped over compatriot Nicolas Otamendi's outstretched leg and crossed for Andy Carroll, but the former Liverpool striker was denied by Ederson's save.Pep Guardiola responded by withdrawing the ineffectual Mahrez and Leroy Sane for Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva, and it was the latter who won the penalty that Aguero converted to put City ahead.
The Portuguese was driving across the box when Felipe Anderson bundled into the back of him, which resulted in a spot-kick that Aguero stroked into the bottom right-hand corner of the net.
Fabianski dived the wrong way there, but he was equal to efforts from Sterling and Danilo, either side of Ryan Fredericks clearing David Silva's effort off the line, with City's eventual margin of victory only one.
Arsenal 5 Bournemouth 1: Ozil seizes starting chance in rout
Mesut Ozil marked his Premier League recall with a goal and an assist as Arsenal cruised to a crushing 5-1 home victory over an out of sorts Bournemouth.Named for his first top-flight start since January 29, playmaker Ozil justified Unai Emery's decision by scoring inside four minutes and providing the pass for the equally impressive Henrikh Mkhitaryan to double the advantage.
Bournemouth responded through Lys Mousset but the Gunners were never threatened as they kept the pressure on third-placed Tottenham ahead of this weekend's north London derby.
Mkhitaryan got two assists of his own after half-time for Laurent Koscielny and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, before substitute Alexandre Lacazette's free-kick rubbed salt into the wound of Bournemouth's ninth straight away league loss.
Ozil struck first for Arsenal, receiving Sead Kolasinac's pass and forcing a finish over Artur Boruc, before turning provider in the 27th minute in a classy one-two with Mkhitaryan, who had picked off Adam Smith's poor pass.
Bernd Leno denied Ryan Fraser between those goals but was powerless when Dan Gosling dispossessed Matteo Guendouzi on the edge of Arsenal's area and squared for Mousset to score the 1,000th Premier League goal the Gunners have conceded.But the buffer was restored less than two minutes after the restart, Koscielny converting Mkhitaryan's cutback following a free-kick.
Ozil and Gosling saw efforts come back off the woodwork in quick succession, though goals only flowed at one end.Aubameyang further punished the visitors' non-existent marking in the 59th minute as he raced onto the influential Mkhitaryan's throughball and coolly rounded Boruc.
The carnage was complete when Lacazette stepped up and curled home his 24th goal in all competitions for Arsenal at Emirates Stadium, with Emery's only concern from a resounding victory the late sight of centre-back Koscielny in discomfort following a collision with Joshua King.
Mesut Ozil marked his Premier League recall with a goal and an assist as Arsenal cruised to a crushing 5-1 home victory over an out of sorts Bournemouth.Named for his first top-flight start since January 29, playmaker Ozil justified Unai Emery's decision by scoring inside four minutes and providing the pass for the equally impressive Henrikh Mkhitaryan to double the advantage.
Bournemouth responded through Lys Mousset but the Gunners were never threatened as they kept the pressure on third-placed Tottenham ahead of this weekend's north London derby.
Mkhitaryan got two assists of his own after half-time for Laurent Koscielny and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, before substitute Alexandre Lacazette's free-kick rubbed salt into the wound of Bournemouth's ninth straight away league loss.
Ozil struck first for Arsenal, receiving Sead Kolasinac's pass and forcing a finish over Artur Boruc, before turning provider in the 27th minute in a classy one-two with Mkhitaryan, who had picked off Adam Smith's poor pass.
Bernd Leno denied Ryan Fraser between those goals but was powerless when Dan Gosling dispossessed Matteo Guendouzi on the edge of Arsenal's area and squared for Mousset to score the 1,000th Premier League goal the Gunners have conceded.But the buffer was restored less than two minutes after the restart, Koscielny converting Mkhitaryan's cutback following a free-kick.
Ozil and Gosling saw efforts come back off the woodwork in quick succession, though goals only flowed at one end.Aubameyang further punished the visitors' non-existent marking in the 59th minute as he raced onto the influential Mkhitaryan's throughball and coolly rounded Boruc.
The carnage was complete when Lacazette stepped up and curled home his 24th goal in all competitions for Arsenal at Emirates Stadium, with Emery's only concern from a resounding victory the late sight of centre-back Koscielny in discomfort following a collision with Joshua King.
Clasico defeat not a failure for Real Madrid, insists Solari
Santiago Solari felt Real Madrid suffered an honourable defeat to Barcelona in their Copa del Rey semi-final but insists reaching the last four was no failure.Luis Suarez scored twice either side of a Raphael Varane own goal as Barca claimed a 3-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu and a 4-1 aggregate victory.
The defeat means the Catalans are into a sixth consecutive Copa final, having won the trophy four years in a row, while their treble hopes for 2018-19 remain alive.
Madrid, meanwhile, know that the Champions League is now their best chance of ending the season with silverware as they sit nine points behind leaders Barca in La Liga.However, Solari does not think their defeat to Ernesto Valverde's side should be considered a disastrous result.
"Football is a forceful game," he said. "We applied ourselves well, with energy, but we weren't decisive."We have been beaten with honour, but we're sad because this is a tough blow for us to take. It isn't a failure because it was a semi-final and we won't be able to play in the final, so we will have to try again.
"We had chances in the first half but also in the second too when the score was 1-0. I never thought we lost control of the game, but they scored with their first shot of the game and then got another with an own goal."We didn't score when we had our chances and there's nothing more to add about it."
Vinicius Junior missed two good chances in the first half before Suarez broke the deadlock, but Solari is confident the 18-year-old will improve his finishing with time."It's something that can improve with the passage of time, and with maturity, but especially in training," he said. "There isn't much time between matches, but he can also improve in training."
Madrid host Barca once more on Saturday in La Liga.
Santiago Solari felt Real Madrid suffered an honourable defeat to Barcelona in their Copa del Rey semi-final but insists reaching the last four was no failure.Luis Suarez scored twice either side of a Raphael Varane own goal as Barca claimed a 3-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu and a 4-1 aggregate victory.
The defeat means the Catalans are into a sixth consecutive Copa final, having won the trophy four years in a row, while their treble hopes for 2018-19 remain alive.
Madrid, meanwhile, know that the Champions League is now their best chance of ending the season with silverware as they sit nine points behind leaders Barca in La Liga.However, Solari does not think their defeat to Ernesto Valverde's side should be considered a disastrous result.
"Football is a forceful game," he said. "We applied ourselves well, with energy, but we weren't decisive."We have been beaten with honour, but we're sad because this is a tough blow for us to take. It isn't a failure because it was a semi-final and we won't be able to play in the final, so we will have to try again.
"We had chances in the first half but also in the second too when the score was 1-0. I never thought we lost control of the game, but they scored with their first shot of the game and then got another with an own goal."We didn't score when we had our chances and there's nothing more to add about it."
Vinicius Junior missed two good chances in the first half before Suarez broke the deadlock, but Solari is confident the 18-year-old will improve his finishing with time."It's something that can improve with the passage of time, and with maturity, but especially in training," he said. "There isn't much time between matches, but he can also improve in training."
Madrid host Barca once more on Saturday in La Liga.
Super Solskjaer sets yet another record for Man Utd
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has set yet another record since taking over as Manchester United's boss, with Wednesday's 3-1 win at Crystal Palace marking the first time the club has won eight consecutive away matches in all competitions.The Red Devils were decimated by injuries heading into the clash, with Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic, Ander Herrera, Anthony Martial and Antonio Valencia all sidelined for what looked like a tricky trip to London.
Marcus Rashford was also a doubt heading into the clash but made the bench after shaking off a knock, with Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez sent out to provide the main goalscoring threat for the travelling side.
Despite having to deal with an enormous list of injuries, Solskjaer got it right once again, with Lukaku – who had been challenged to step up by his interim gaffer – netting twice before Ashley Young wrapped up proceedings late on.
Lukaku's first goal marked his first in 10 matches, though seven of the Belgian's strikes this season have been away from home – only Tottenham's Harry Kane has more with 10. In addition, it brings the striker's tally since the start of last season to 38, 15 more than any other player.
The biggest plaudits, however, will no doubt go to Solskjaer, who had already set a new club record after just six matches in charge the club, winning all six of those clashes and becoming the first Man Utd manager to do so.
Solskjaer also put former Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho to shame, having topped the Portuguese's win record for the whole season after just 13 matches in the dugout.
Whether Solskjaer will be offered the manager's role on a permanent contract remains to be seen, but calls from outside and inside the club could force the board's hand.Upcoming fixtures against Southampton and Arsenal fall either side of a daunting trip to Paris Saint-Germain for the second leg of a Champions League round-of-16 clash in which the Red Devils trail 2-0.
Progression to the next round seems unlikely at this point, but a win over the Gunners could propel United back into the top four and a strong finish to this season's Premier League campaign will give the higher-ups in the Old Trafford hierarchy some serious food for thought.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has set yet another record since taking over as Manchester United's boss, with Wednesday's 3-1 win at Crystal Palace marking the first time the club has won eight consecutive away matches in all competitions.The Red Devils were decimated by injuries heading into the clash, with Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic, Ander Herrera, Anthony Martial and Antonio Valencia all sidelined for what looked like a tricky trip to London.
Marcus Rashford was also a doubt heading into the clash but made the bench after shaking off a knock, with Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez sent out to provide the main goalscoring threat for the travelling side.
Despite having to deal with an enormous list of injuries, Solskjaer got it right once again, with Lukaku – who had been challenged to step up by his interim gaffer – netting twice before Ashley Young wrapped up proceedings late on.
Lukaku's first goal marked his first in 10 matches, though seven of the Belgian's strikes this season have been away from home – only Tottenham's Harry Kane has more with 10. In addition, it brings the striker's tally since the start of last season to 38, 15 more than any other player.
The biggest plaudits, however, will no doubt go to Solskjaer, who had already set a new club record after just six matches in charge the club, winning all six of those clashes and becoming the first Man Utd manager to do so.
Solskjaer also put former Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho to shame, having topped the Portuguese's win record for the whole season after just 13 matches in the dugout.
Whether Solskjaer will be offered the manager's role on a permanent contract remains to be seen, but calls from outside and inside the club could force the board's hand.Upcoming fixtures against Southampton and Arsenal fall either side of a daunting trip to Paris Saint-Germain for the second leg of a Champions League round-of-16 clash in which the Red Devils trail 2-0.
Progression to the next round seems unlikely at this point, but a win over the Gunners could propel United back into the top four and a strong finish to this season's Premier League campaign will give the higher-ups in the Old Trafford hierarchy some serious food for thought.
Lukaku: Shaw has been Man United's player of the seasonLuke Shaw has been Manchester United's player of the season, according to teammate Romelu Lukaku.
The left-back set up Lukaku for the first goal in Wednesday's 3-1 Premier League win at Crystal Palace with a driving run from deep, as United secured a club-record eighth away win in a row in all competitions.It was the highlight of another impressive performance from Shaw, who has been consistently good under caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after some issues under former manager Jose Mourinho.
And Lukaku admits he expected the 23-year-old to enjoy something of a breakthrough season in 2018-19, having overcome some persistent injury problems."He's our player of the season," Lukaku said, as quoted by The Mirror."From the start of the season until now, he's been the most consistent.
"It's due to his preparation. We were in touch the whole summer when I was in Russia [for the World Cup]. We have mutual friends. I used to get videos of him working out and stuff, and I knew this year would be his year."That's what I told him at the end of last season, that he has the potential to be the England left-back for many, many years, and for Manchester United the same. It's about being that guy."
Shaw was criticised in public on more than one occasion by Mourinho, although he appeared to have won back the trust of the Portuguese during the final few months of his time in charge.The former Southampton full-back scored his first goal for the Red Devils in their season opener against Leicester in August.
His impressive early displays then earned him a recall to the England squad for the Nations League meeting with Spain at Wembley in September.The following month he signed a new contract keeping him at Old Trafford until the summer of 2023.
"The previous criticism didn't hurt him," Lukaku added. "People who don't know Luke don't know he's mentally really tough. It's a side that not a lot of people talk about, but it has to be known that mentally he's a really strong guy."
Valencia 1 Real Betis 0 (3-2 agg): Rodrigo secures Copa final against Barcelona
Valencia will face Barcelona in the final of the Copa del Rey after a 1-0 second-leg win over Real Betis on Thursday secured a 3-2 aggregate semi-final victory.Rodrigo Moreno's goal early in the second half was enough to see off Betis at Mestalla and clinch a first final of any kind for Valencia in 11 years.
The result completed an impressive turnaround in the tie for Marcelino's side, who trailed 2-0 after less than an hour of the first leg three weeks ago only to snatch a 2-2 draw thanks to Kevin Gameiro's injury-time equaliser.
Their edge on away goals left them in a decent position and they managed the game superbly against a Betis side who sit three points and two places above them in LaLiga but now miss out on the chance to contest a final in their home stadium.
In search of an early breakthrough, Betis threatened through Joaquin's well-struck drive from the edge of the box, before Jese Rodriguez saw a clever shot on the turn parried over by Jaume Domenech.
Aissa Mandi then glanced the resulting corner narrowly wide, as Valencia, apparently content to wait for the chance to counter-attack, began to invite more pressure.However, 11 minutes into the second half, the home side struck. Betis' defence failed to get organised and Mandi played Gameiro onside, allowing the Belgian to chip the ball across to Rodrigo, who volleyed in.
A deflated Betis came close to a lifeline through Mandi and a fierce Sergio Canales strike, but it is Valencia who will meet treble-chasing Barca, who knocked out Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Valencia will face Barcelona in the final of the Copa del Rey after a 1-0 second-leg win over Real Betis on Thursday secured a 3-2 aggregate semi-final victory.Rodrigo Moreno's goal early in the second half was enough to see off Betis at Mestalla and clinch a first final of any kind for Valencia in 11 years.
The result completed an impressive turnaround in the tie for Marcelino's side, who trailed 2-0 after less than an hour of the first leg three weeks ago only to snatch a 2-2 draw thanks to Kevin Gameiro's injury-time equaliser.
Their edge on away goals left them in a decent position and they managed the game superbly against a Betis side who sit three points and two places above them in LaLiga but now miss out on the chance to contest a final in their home stadium.
In search of an early breakthrough, Betis threatened through Joaquin's well-struck drive from the edge of the box, before Jese Rodriguez saw a clever shot on the turn parried over by Jaume Domenech.
Aissa Mandi then glanced the resulting corner narrowly wide, as Valencia, apparently content to wait for the chance to counter-attack, began to invite more pressure.However, 11 minutes into the second half, the home side struck. Betis' defence failed to get organised and Mandi played Gameiro onside, allowing the Belgian to chip the ball across to Rodrigo, who volleyed in.
A deflated Betis came close to a lifeline through Mandi and a fierce Sergio Canales strike, but it is Valencia who will meet treble-chasing Barca, who knocked out Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Ranieri sacked by Fulham as Premier League relegation looms
Fulham have sacked manager Claudio Ranieri after just 17 games in charge at Craven Cottage.
Ranieri departs after Wednesday's 2-0 defeat at Southampton left the club 19th in the Premier League and ten points from safety with just ten games remaining.
First-team coach and former midfielder Scott Parker has been confirmed as caretaker manager.
Ranieri was in charge at Craven Cottage for just 106 days, making it the seventh shortest permanent managerial reign in Premier League history.
"Claudio’s tenure at Fulham didn’t produce the outcome we anticipated and needed when I appointed him as manager in November, but be assured he is not solely to blame for the position we are in today,” said Fulham owner Shahid Khan in a statement on the club’s website.
“Claudio walked into a difficult situation, inheriting a side that gained only one point in its prior eight matches, and he provided an immediate boost by leading our club to nine points in his first eight matches as manager."Though we were unable to maintain that pace thereafter, I am grateful for his effort. Claudio leaves Fulham as our friend and he will undoubtedly experience success again soon.”
Khan hailed Ranieri as a “risk free” appointment when he succeeded Slavisa Jokanovic in November, but the 67-year-old failed to turn their fortunes around.The former Leicester City manager arrived with the club bottom of the table having taken only five points from their opening 12 matches.He guided them to a 3-2 victory over Southampton in his first match in charge, but has managed just two further wins since.
Wednesday’s loss at St Mary’s was Fulham’s eighth defeat in nine matches in all competitions, with relegation now all but a certainty.“I am obviously disappointed with the recent results and that we could not build on the good start we made following my appointment,” said Ranieri.
“Finally, I would like to thank the club, the players and the fans for the support they have given me during my time at the club.”Former Cottagers midfielder Parker, who made more than 100 league appearances for the club between 2013 and 2017, will now take charge on a caretaker basis.
The ex-England international becomes Khan’s sixth manager as a Premier League owner in only the second season they have been in the top flight since his takeover in 2013.“Scott’s immediate assignment is merely to help us stabilize, grow and rediscover ourselves as a football club,” added Khan.
“If Scott can answer that challenge, and our players respond to the opportunity, perhaps victories will follow in the months ahead.
“What’s most important at this moment, however, is to regroup in a smart and deliberate manner that will serve our long-term vision for sustainable success. If we’re able to do that and win some matches to make a stand late in the season, all the better.”Parker’s first match in charge is against west London rivals Chelsea at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
Fulham have sacked manager Claudio Ranieri after just 17 games in charge at Craven Cottage.
Ranieri departs after Wednesday's 2-0 defeat at Southampton left the club 19th in the Premier League and ten points from safety with just ten games remaining.
First-team coach and former midfielder Scott Parker has been confirmed as caretaker manager.
Ranieri was in charge at Craven Cottage for just 106 days, making it the seventh shortest permanent managerial reign in Premier League history.
"Claudio’s tenure at Fulham didn’t produce the outcome we anticipated and needed when I appointed him as manager in November, but be assured he is not solely to blame for the position we are in today,” said Fulham owner Shahid Khan in a statement on the club’s website.
“Claudio walked into a difficult situation, inheriting a side that gained only one point in its prior eight matches, and he provided an immediate boost by leading our club to nine points in his first eight matches as manager."Though we were unable to maintain that pace thereafter, I am grateful for his effort. Claudio leaves Fulham as our friend and he will undoubtedly experience success again soon.”
Khan hailed Ranieri as a “risk free” appointment when he succeeded Slavisa Jokanovic in November, but the 67-year-old failed to turn their fortunes around.The former Leicester City manager arrived with the club bottom of the table having taken only five points from their opening 12 matches.He guided them to a 3-2 victory over Southampton in his first match in charge, but has managed just two further wins since.
Wednesday’s loss at St Mary’s was Fulham’s eighth defeat in nine matches in all competitions, with relegation now all but a certainty.“I am obviously disappointed with the recent results and that we could not build on the good start we made following my appointment,” said Ranieri.
“Finally, I would like to thank the club, the players and the fans for the support they have given me during my time at the club.”Former Cottagers midfielder Parker, who made more than 100 league appearances for the club between 2013 and 2017, will now take charge on a caretaker basis.
The ex-England international becomes Khan’s sixth manager as a Premier League owner in only the second season they have been in the top flight since his takeover in 2013.“Scott’s immediate assignment is merely to help us stabilize, grow and rediscover ourselves as a football club,” added Khan.
“If Scott can answer that challenge, and our players respond to the opportunity, perhaps victories will follow in the months ahead.
“What’s most important at this moment, however, is to regroup in a smart and deliberate manner that will serve our long-term vision for sustainable success. If we’re able to do that and win some matches to make a stand late in the season, all the better.”Parker’s first match in charge is against west London rivals Chelsea at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
Alba signs five-year Barcelona extension with €500m release clause
Jordi Alba has signed a new long-term contract at Barcelona, keeping him at Camp Nou until 2024, the Spanish champions have confirmed.
Alba has been in inspired form for Barca this term, providing 14 assists in all competitions and scoring two goals, with Ernesto Valverde's side currently seven points clear of second-place Atletico Madrid in La Liga.With his previous deal expiring at the end of the season, 29-year-old was recently linked with a switch to Manchester United and Juventus.
But after the club tied coach Ernesto Valverde down to a new deal last week , they have rewarded the full-back's form with a new five-year deal, containing a €500 million (£428m/$569m) buyout clause.
"Barcelona and Jordi Alba have reached an agreement to renew his contract for the next five seasons, until June 30, 2024. The buyout clause is set at €500M," a statement read."Over the course of the next few days, we will announce when the official signing of the new contract will be held."
Alba signed for Barca from Valencia in 2012 and has made 282 appearances across all competitions, winning four league titles, four Copa del Rey trophies and one Champions League during his time at the club.
The 29-year-old has scored 14 goals for the Blaugrana, while his link-up with Lionel Messi has proved particularly fruitful. Over the course of their time playing together, Alba has supplied Messi with 20 assists.The Spaniard said last month that he was eager to pledge his future to the Catalan side.
“I have never seen myself outside of Barcelona, since I have been at Barca it's my dream [to stay]," he said.“As the years have passed I have kept growing and I notice the affection from the fans even more. I have always seen myself in Barcelona and my dream is to retire here.
“It's obvious that my dream is to stay at Barcelona. It's cost too much to get here to then have to leave.“I have my family here, their support, the fans and my teammates. I don't think I'd be happier anywhere else."
Having beaten Real Madrid in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday, Barca return to Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday for a second Clasico of the week, this time in La Liga.
Jordi Alba has signed a new long-term contract at Barcelona, keeping him at Camp Nou until 2024, the Spanish champions have confirmed.
Alba has been in inspired form for Barca this term, providing 14 assists in all competitions and scoring two goals, with Ernesto Valverde's side currently seven points clear of second-place Atletico Madrid in La Liga.With his previous deal expiring at the end of the season, 29-year-old was recently linked with a switch to Manchester United and Juventus.
But after the club tied coach Ernesto Valverde down to a new deal last week , they have rewarded the full-back's form with a new five-year deal, containing a €500 million (£428m/$569m) buyout clause.
"Barcelona and Jordi Alba have reached an agreement to renew his contract for the next five seasons, until June 30, 2024. The buyout clause is set at €500M," a statement read."Over the course of the next few days, we will announce when the official signing of the new contract will be held."
Alba signed for Barca from Valencia in 2012 and has made 282 appearances across all competitions, winning four league titles, four Copa del Rey trophies and one Champions League during his time at the club.
The 29-year-old has scored 14 goals for the Blaugrana, while his link-up with Lionel Messi has proved particularly fruitful. Over the course of their time playing together, Alba has supplied Messi with 20 assists.The Spaniard said last month that he was eager to pledge his future to the Catalan side.
“I have never seen myself outside of Barcelona, since I have been at Barca it's my dream [to stay]," he said.“As the years have passed I have kept growing and I notice the affection from the fans even more. I have always seen myself in Barcelona and my dream is to retire here.
“It's obvious that my dream is to stay at Barcelona. It's cost too much to get here to then have to leave.“I have my family here, their support, the fans and my teammates. I don't think I'd be happier anywhere else."
Having beaten Real Madrid in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday, Barca return to Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday for a second Clasico of the week, this time in La Liga.
Man Utd or Tottenham could be better for Bale - Van der Vaart
With questions being asked of Gareth Bale’s future at Real Madrid, former team-mate Rafael van der Vaart believes a return to England at either Tottenham or Manchester United may be the best choice.
The Wales international is approaching the end of a sixth season in Spain, during which time he has won four Champions League crowns, the Liga title and plundered over 100 goals.He has, however, struggled for form and fitness at times and currently finds himself being asked to play an impact role by Santiago Solari from off the bench.
Any talk of Bale being unsettled has been played down by his agent, but the 29-year-old has faced accusations of ostracising himself and recently shrugged off club colleagues when celebrating.
Life under the brightest of spotlights is nothing new for a man whose move to Madrid broke the world transfer record, but it has been suggested that more familiar surroundings would help to rediscover his spark and quash the criticism.
Former Blancos midfielder Van der Vaart, who played alongside Bale at Spurs between 2010 and 2012, buys into that way of thinking, telling Cadena Ser: “I am a little surprised at what is happening at Real Madrid with Gareth Bale.“He is a very good player, he is not Cristiano [Ronaldo] or [Lionel] Messi, he is not a regular, he always plays well and there is more pressure than at Tottenham. I think that's a problem for him.
“Going to succeed in another place? It may be best but I think he wants to stay at Real Madrid and play more.“But a team like United or a return to Tottenham could be better for him because people in England are different to those in Spain.”
Bale remains under contract in Madrid until 2022, but has seen a move elsewhere mooted in many of the recent transfer windows.It could be that the next is the one which takes him to pastures new, be that in the Premier League or elsewhere.
Van der Vaart feels a change may be beneficial for a man who has always favoured the quiet life and has struggled to adapt fully to life in Spain as a result.
The Dutchman added: “Bale is a very calm player, he wants to be alone, he does not have much contact with his team-mates.“It is important, though, to speak Spanish in Spain and I think that he is a bit lonely inside the team.“When he plays well nothing happens, but if he plays badly then you have problems.”
With questions being asked of Gareth Bale’s future at Real Madrid, former team-mate Rafael van der Vaart believes a return to England at either Tottenham or Manchester United may be the best choice.
The Wales international is approaching the end of a sixth season in Spain, during which time he has won four Champions League crowns, the Liga title and plundered over 100 goals.He has, however, struggled for form and fitness at times and currently finds himself being asked to play an impact role by Santiago Solari from off the bench.
Any talk of Bale being unsettled has been played down by his agent, but the 29-year-old has faced accusations of ostracising himself and recently shrugged off club colleagues when celebrating.
Life under the brightest of spotlights is nothing new for a man whose move to Madrid broke the world transfer record, but it has been suggested that more familiar surroundings would help to rediscover his spark and quash the criticism.
Former Blancos midfielder Van der Vaart, who played alongside Bale at Spurs between 2010 and 2012, buys into that way of thinking, telling Cadena Ser: “I am a little surprised at what is happening at Real Madrid with Gareth Bale.“He is a very good player, he is not Cristiano [Ronaldo] or [Lionel] Messi, he is not a regular, he always plays well and there is more pressure than at Tottenham. I think that's a problem for him.
“Going to succeed in another place? It may be best but I think he wants to stay at Real Madrid and play more.“But a team like United or a return to Tottenham could be better for him because people in England are different to those in Spain.”
Bale remains under contract in Madrid until 2022, but has seen a move elsewhere mooted in many of the recent transfer windows.It could be that the next is the one which takes him to pastures new, be that in the Premier League or elsewhere.
Van der Vaart feels a change may be beneficial for a man who has always favoured the quiet life and has struggled to adapt fully to life in Spain as a result.
The Dutchman added: “Bale is a very calm player, he wants to be alone, he does not have much contact with his team-mates.“It is important, though, to speak Spanish in Spain and I think that he is a bit lonely inside the team.“When he plays well nothing happens, but if he plays badly then you have problems.”
Honest Solskjaer keeps me hungry - Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku says he is enjoying working with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United because the manager keeps the striker "hungry".
Lukaku scored twice on Wednesday to end his six-game goalless streak in the English top-flight to guide United to a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Man Utd have now recorded 12 wins from 15 games since Solskjaer was put in charge in December on an interim basis until the end of the season.
The Red Devils' resurgence under the former striker has prompted calls for United to appoint him on a permanent contract and Lukaku is the latest to voice his admiration for Solskjaer.“I like him. He's really open, really honest in his communication, and keeps me hungry, so whenever I get a chance to play I just want what's best for the team and to help the team win.," he told The Daily Mirror.
"It is really helpful that he is a former player. If you look at my career I've always had good strikers helping me, so now I'm here with Ole I'm learning a lot, and every day is another day to learn, another day to improve and that's how I see it."Lukaku is now on 10 Premier League goals for the season having netted for the first time since the start of January.
With the likes of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard unavailable for the midweek encounter, Lukaku was delighted to step in and return to scoring ways."I just wanted to score. I'm a striker so I want to score goals," he added.
"So I did what I had to do, but in the other goal I was involved in the build-up, and I created a couple of chances against Liverpool, so I knew it was coming. So I'm happy that today I helped the team.
"I'm happy with my goals, happy with my performance, but I'm happy with the win. It was really important for us to win today, if you look at the other teams' results.
"We did what we had to do and now we have to keep going.
"It was time for other players to step up, which we did, and we won the game and now we have to move forward to the next game, hopefully keep the same level, win games along the way, and when the injured players come back, that they help us to get where we want to get."
Romelu Lukaku says he is enjoying working with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United because the manager keeps the striker "hungry".
Lukaku scored twice on Wednesday to end his six-game goalless streak in the English top-flight to guide United to a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Man Utd have now recorded 12 wins from 15 games since Solskjaer was put in charge in December on an interim basis until the end of the season.
The Red Devils' resurgence under the former striker has prompted calls for United to appoint him on a permanent contract and Lukaku is the latest to voice his admiration for Solskjaer.“I like him. He's really open, really honest in his communication, and keeps me hungry, so whenever I get a chance to play I just want what's best for the team and to help the team win.," he told The Daily Mirror.
"It is really helpful that he is a former player. If you look at my career I've always had good strikers helping me, so now I'm here with Ole I'm learning a lot, and every day is another day to learn, another day to improve and that's how I see it."Lukaku is now on 10 Premier League goals for the season having netted for the first time since the start of January.
With the likes of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard unavailable for the midweek encounter, Lukaku was delighted to step in and return to scoring ways."I just wanted to score. I'm a striker so I want to score goals," he added.
"So I did what I had to do, but in the other goal I was involved in the build-up, and I created a couple of chances against Liverpool, so I knew it was coming. So I'm happy that today I helped the team.
"I'm happy with my goals, happy with my performance, but I'm happy with the win. It was really important for us to win today, if you look at the other teams' results.
"We did what we had to do and now we have to keep going.
"It was time for other players to step up, which we did, and we won the game and now we have to move forward to the next game, hopefully keep the same level, win games along the way, and when the injured players come back, that they help us to get where we want to get."
