Southampton vs Manchester United live: Latest score - Anthony Martial scores on his first Premier League start

FootballManchester UnitedSportPremier LeagueSAM LONG

Standard Sport brings you blow-for-blow coverage of Manchester United's trip to Southampton, where Anthony Martial has scored his second goal for the club.

ArticleSouthampton vs Manchester United live: Latest score, goals and updatesManchester UnitedLouis van GaalAnthony MartialSouthampton vs Manchester United live: Latest score - Anthony Martial scores on his first Premier League starthttp://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/southampton-vs-manchester-united-live-latest-score-goals-and-updates-from-st-mary-s-a2951606.html?ImagePublishedMedium widthSunday, September 20, 2015 - 16:59On

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Paris Saint-Germain to lay out £250 million for Cristiano Ronaldo next summer

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly willing to shell out upwards of £250 million next summer in order to pry Cristiano Ronaldo away from Real Madrid.

The French champions tested the Spanish giant’s resolved this summer with a £110 million bid for the Portuguese forward, and it appears PSG officials have not given up their chase to land the three-time Ballon d’Or winner next season.

In the past, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has insisted that his star man would finish his career in the Spanish capital. However, according to recent reports Perez is now ready to cash in on the 30-year-old Ronaldo before his skills begin to diminish and his market value decreases.

Bankrolled by their Qatari investors, PSG officials are preparing to offer Ronaldo a substantially more lucrative contract than he is currently being offer at Real Madrid.

The Portuguese forward now earns just over £15 million per season with Los Blancos, and is already the highest paid player in the sport.

SEE MORE: Messi and Ronaldo: La Liga will return to normal when its big two are gone

The whole deal broken down would be a world record transfer fee of £109.2 million with the rest being paid in the player’s wages.

If this transfer materializes, Ronaldo would become the first £100 million player in the sport.

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PFA defends transfer system as FIFPro launches legal action over current format

FootballSportJames Benge

The Professional Footballer’s Association have vehemently defended the status quo of football transfer fees after the global players’ union launched a legal challenge to outlaw the system.

FifPro, which represents footballers across the professional game, has been in lengthy negotiations with both Fifa and Uefa over reforming the transfer system so that it betters serves the players interest. Having failed to gain ground with the game’s governing bodies FifPro’s lawyers have filed a complaint with the European Commission.

The union is attempting to abolish transfer fees and the loan system whilst making contracts more flexible for players, improving their power in the market. It has argued that the system of paying transfer fees is a restraint of trade and monopolises power with the biggest clubs.

However the PFA has leapt to the defence of the current system, stating it “believes very strongly in the power of collective bargaining”.

In a statement on their website the British union went on to say: “As the oldest and strongest union in world football, we feel that the general position of the game in this country is a great model for others around the world and is testament to the collaborative and sensible approach of the stakeholders (The Football Association, the Premier League, the Football League and the Women’s Super League).

“There is no doubt that the position of players around the world generally is not as secure as those in this country and periodic reviews of the rules governing the game are always healthy.  Clearly there are areas of the FIFA Regulations that need looking at and improving for the benefit of all.

“We support the intention behind the action taken by FIFPro today in general terms, particularly with regard to overdue payables and the respect for players’ contracts, but we do have reservations that litigation taken outside of football can sometimes lead to entrenched positions and delay in change and improvement; it can also sometimes have unintended consequences which may not be foreseeable at this point.”

In an interview with Reuters Theo van Seggelen, the secretary general of FifaPro, argued that the complaint was not designed solely to aid the top players in Europe’s biggest leagues and rejected suggestions that the abolition of transfer fees would lead to a more mercenary attitude from players.

“We are not saying that we should give the chance to a player, after he signs a five-year contract, to leave when he wants; that's absolutely not what we want to do. On the contrary,” Van Seggelen said.

“The average player is young, he has a short career, he has kids and he has to pay the mortgage. Do you think that a player, every three months, wants to go from one country to another; that's not true.

“Of course, there always are exceptions, but normally all these players are happy with the contract.”

FifPro has described its challenge as the biggest potential change to the transfer market since the Bosman ruling in 1995.

ArticlePFA defends current transfer system as FIFPro seeks new formatThe PFAPFA defends transfer system as FIFPro launches legal action over current formatPublishedImageMedium width0Saturday, September 19, 2015 - 22:58PFA chief executive Gordon TaylorOn

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Slaven Bilic warns West Ham squad 'we are not Real Madrid' as he fears confidence will breed arrogance

FootballSportWest Hamtom dutton

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has urged his squad not to let their confidence morph into after another successful trip to one of the Premier League's heavyweights.

Bilic's side had already beaten Arsenal and Liverpool on the road this season before they showed up at Manchester City aiming to complete a hat-trick of impressive scapls.

Goals from new signing Victor Moses and Diafra Sakho put the Hammers in charge at Etihad Stadium before Kevin De Bruyne pulled City back into the game with a smart low drive just before the interval. 

But despite peppering the West Ham goal in the second period, City could not find a route to Adrain's net and Bilic's side jumped to second, within three points of their hosts at the Premier League summit. 

The Hammers now have 12 points from their six games but Bilic is not getting carried away.

Read more

Manchester City vs West Ham - player ratings

He said: "There is a tiny line between confidence and arrogance or confidence and laziness.

"It is hard not to get carried away a little but that is also part of my job to install in their heads that we are good, but that you have to know what to do to stay good.

"There are going to be ups and downs, we are not Real Madrid, but it is looking very good now."

ArticleSlaven Bilic warns West Ham squad 'we are not Real Madrid'West Ham UnitedSlaven Bilic warns West Ham squad 'we are not Real Madrid' as he fears confidence will breed arroganceManchester City vs West Ham - player ratingsImagePublishedMedium width0Saturday, September 19, 2015 - 22:07Grounded? Bilic said it's hard not to get carried away after three impressive away winsOn

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'Mike Dean wants to be the star' - Garth Crooks explodes into rant over dismissal of Arsenal's Gabriel

FootballSportChelseaArsenaltom dutton

Garth Crooks has reached boiling point and Premier League referee Mike Dean is in his line of fire.

Dean took charge of Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Arsenal on Saturday and controversially dismissed Gabriel Paulista, before giving Santi Cazorla his marching orders later in the game - and the BBC pundit isn't happy. 

Crooks has accused the official of all-too-often attempting to become 'the star of the show' and believes Dean was the only man inside Stamford Bridge interested in sending Gabriel from the field, an action he feels spoiled the contest. 

With the score level at 0-0, the Arsenal defender saw red for a tame kick in Costa's direction after falling for the Spain international's persistent wind-up tactics. The Blues went on to win 2-0, with goals from Kurt Zouma and Eden Hazard proving the difference, as Jose Mourinho's men unlocked a defence that had stood firm until Dean's 44th minute intervention.

"We all want to see 11 versus 11, it's a great game," Crooks told BBC's Final Score. 

"Don't look for excuses to send players off, that's not your job, just do your job and try your very best to keep players on the pitch.

Chelsea vs Arsenal - player ratings

• 22 show all

Chelsea vs Arsenal - player ratings

• 1/22 Asmir Begovic - 7

  Saved Walcott’s 28th-minute effort and provided a strong presence in goal throughout the game.

  IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images

• 2/22 Branislav Ivanovic - 6

  Put in an improved showing after being rested against Maccabi Tel Aviv. The right-back was tested by Sanchez’s pace regularly but often did enough to track back and stop the Arsenal winger from causing too much damage although it earned him a yellow card.

• 3/22 Kurt Zouma - 8

  The Frenchman was superb at the heart of Chelsea’s defence and again, like against Maccabi, worked well with Cahill. After firing a speculative shot high in the 36th minute, Zouma scored the opener with a fine header at the near post.

• 4/22 Gary Cahill - 7

  Provided leadership at the back and was never afraid of coming out to clear his lines - indeed it was Cahill who worked well with Zouma to snuff out Sanchez’s 59th-minute run as Arsenal looked for the equaliser.

• 5/22 Cesar Azpilicueta - 7

  Was never really troubled by Ramsey and looked comfortable back in his left-back position after being utilised at right-back against Maccabi.

• 6/22 Nemanja Matic - 6

  Protected Chelsea’s back line well and provided a good defensive body in the middle of the park although he made a few sloppy passes in the match.

• 7/22 Cesc Fabregas - 7

  Looked invigorated against his former side after scoring a goal in the Champions League on Wednesday, and delivered the free-kick that Zouma scored from. The midfielder also showed how important he can be in setting up attacks with a superb lofty ball to Pedro just after the half-hour mark.

• 8/22 Pedro - 5

  Came back into the starting line-up after recovering from a minor thigh strain and, while the winger wasn’t as effective as he has been in previous outings, he tried his best to score with several shots at goal.

• 9/22 Oscar - 6

  The Brazilian enjoyed another good game from his central position and worked the lines well to help build up Chelsea’s attacks.

• 10/22 Eden Hazard - 7

  Had an early penalty appeal turned down, but the Belgian’s pace gave Bellerin work to do on the left before his powerful shot in the 90th minute deflected off Chambers and into the back of the net to make it 2-0.

• 11/22 Diego Costa - 6

  The striker was undoubtedly the main controversial figure of the clash. While he was Chelsea’s main threat up front as he regularly pulled Arsenal’s defenders out of position with his runs, he should have been sent off for striking Koscielny’s face and then chesting him down to the pitch after being confronted by the Frenchman. Costa later provoked Gabriel, who was dismissed for retaliating, which turned the game around. However, put in a good showing for the home side.

• 12/22 Petr Cech - 6

  The goalkeeper looked at ease despite playing at his former stomping ground and made several saves to keep his side in the contest until Zouma scored. May feel he could have done more to try and stop the Chelsea defender’s header.

• 13/22 Hector Bellerin - 6

  The right-back had a busy afternoon trying to contain the threat of Hazard but often used his speed to stop the Belgian from wreaking havoc. However, he could have given away a second-half penalty for his challenge on Costa just inside the area.

• 14/22 Laurent Koscielny - 6

  The defender lost Zouma in the build-up to the opener, but admirably did not react to Costa striking his face.

• 15/22 Gabriel - 4

  Was needlessly sent off just before the break for swinging his leg at Costa after a confrontation with the striker, which reduced Arsenal to 10 men and turned the game on its head. The defender could have done better not to react to Costa’s goading but defended well otherwise.

• 16/22 Nacho Monreal - 7

  The left-back snuffed out some early Chelsea chances, first doing enough to stop Costa as he attacked and then pressurising Pedro into hesitating with only Cech to beat. But he found it harder to defend as well as he had in the first half when Arsenal went down to 10 and then nine men.

• 17/22 Francis Coquelin - 7

  Played an important role in clearing the danger just in front of Arsenal’s defence in the first half but came off in the second half.

• 18/22 Santi Cazorla - 4

  Was shown his second yellow card of the afternoon and was subsequently sent off for a reckless tackle on Fabregas in the 79th minute which reduced Arsenal to nine men after having been cautioned for an earlier foul on Pedro.

• 19/22 Aaron Ramsey - 5

  Never really troubled Azpilicueta on the right flank, and his best moment to score came when he was set up by Ozil just before the break - but he hesitated which led to Arsenal’s fine counter-attack collapsing.

• 20/22 Mesut Ozil - 5

  Made a fine run to set up Ramsey on the counter but, other than that, could not work his way past Chelsea’s stubborn defence. Was taken off in the 75th minute.

• 21/22 Alexis Sanchez - 5

  He tested Ivanovic with his pacey runs down the left flank several times during the game, but was marked well when going on the attack. Substituted in the 74th minute.

• 22/22 Theo Walcott - 6

  Wenger started the 26-year-old up front as the lone striker and although he was a threat early on – indeed he forced Begovic into a save in the 28th minute with his low shot – he regularly struggled to get the better of Zouma and Cahill to score.

"If they've got to go, they've got to go, but this was not that situation. I think Mike Dean's a good referee, but he's got one fault: he wants to be the star too often.

"It's really getting on my nerves because he's spoiling great games. It's not about you, Mike, it's about the games - people come here and pay good money to see football, not for you to get overofficious like a petulant school teacher."

Garth Crooks is not a man to hold back, beware Mike Dean! http://t.co/eVBRiXPTBB, #bbcfootball https://t.co/6bxzprC9xZ

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) September 19, 2015

Check out the entire rant in the video clip above

ArticleGarth Crooks explodes into rant over dismissal of Arsenal's GabrielChelsea F.c.Arsenal'Mike Dean wants to be the star' - Garth Crooks explodes into rant over dismissal of Arsenal's GabrielPublishedImageMedium widthSaturday, September 19, 2015 - 22:09'It's not about you, Mike': Garth Crooks fumes at official over handling of Chelsea vs ArsenalOn

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Manchester City 1 West Ham 2: Hammers hold off late City barrage to maintain perfect away record

FootballSportWest HamAndy Hampson

West Ham withstood a barrage of second-half pressure to condemn Manchester City to their first defeat of the Barclays Premier League season.

Goals from Victor Moses and Diafra Sakho got the Hammers off to a flying start at the Etihad Stadium and they held on for a 2-1 win after Kevin de Bruyne pulled one back.

City dominated after the break and created a series of chances but Hammers goalkeeper Adrian was in outstanding form and refused to be beaten.

It was another notable away victory for Slaven Bilic's West Ham after securing wins at Arsenal and Liverpool already this season.

City won their first five Premier League games of the season - and a club record 11 in succession - but, coming after a Champions League loss in midweek, they made a sluggish start.

Their day started badly as playmaker David Silva was injured in the warm-up and had to be replaced by Jesus Navas.

City had an early chance when Adrian punched away a Fernandinho header from a De Bruyne corner but any hopes the hosts had of taking charge were quickly dashed as the defence was caught out.

PLAYER RATINGS: Who were the star men in #WHUFC's 2-1 win over #MCFC? http://t.co/6vtdqdRRXC http://pic.twitter.com/ukohbI9X0G

— Standard Sport (@standardsport) September 19, 2015

Manuel Pellegrini had been forced to change his back four for the first time this season because of injury to captain Vincent Kompany and the reshaped rearguard afforded Moses too much space.

The on-loan Chelsea forward raced towards the area and unleashed a fierce low shot from distance to claim his first goal for the club.

City were laboured in response with their only bright sparks coming from De Bruyne, and his pass almost led to an equaliser as an Aaron Cresswell interception fell to Sergio Aguero.

Aguero seized possession and jinked around Adrian but the Argentinian screwed his shot wide.

The Hammers doubled their lead after more poor defending at a corner just after the half hour. City missed opportunities to clear as Winston Reid nodded down and Pedro Obiang tapped the ball back across goal. Sakho reacted the quickest to stab home from close range.

Sakho might have had another after racing onto a Dimitri Payet ball but Eliaquim Mangala made a vital tackle.

City showed some signs of life with Navas teeing up Aguero but Adrian saved from close range.

They replied just before the interval as Aguero laid off for De Bruyne and the £54million man drove the ball low into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

City won a series of corners as they upped the pressure after the break and Yaya Toure had three chances to claim an equaliser in quick succession. The Ivorian was first crowded out after combining well with Raheem Sterling, then forced Adrian to save and then shot across goal.

Adrian also denied Aguero and Navas and then did well to cut out a Sterling pass across the box after more good work by De Bruyne. Toure had another effort deflected wide and Aleksandar Kolarov had a penalty appeal turned down after tangling with Sakho.

City threw forwards Wilfried Bony and Kelechi Iehanacho on during the second half and continued to press, with Otamendi testing Adrian with a header from a corner.

But it proved to no avail as the Hammers held on to blow apart City's 100 per cent record.

ArticleManchester City 1 West Ham 2: Hammers maintain perfect away recordWest Ham UnitedManchester City 1 West Ham 2: Hammers maintain impressive away recordPublishedImageMedium widthSaturday, September 19, 2015 - 19:48At home on the road: West Ham players celebrate after Sakho doubles their leadOn

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Manchester City vs West Ham - player ratings

FootballSportWest HamPremier LeagueJames Benge

Standard Sport assesses the individual performances from West Ham's 2-1 win over Manchester City at Etihad Stadium. 

Joe Hart: 7

Could do little about the goals but as West Ham’s game became more focused on counter attacks his speed off his line helped foil two chances that could have ended the tie

Bacary Sagna: 6

Motored up and down the right like a man much younger than his 32 years. But West Ham were happy to leave the ball with him, confident that his looping crosses played into their plan.

Nicolas Otamendi: 6

The supremely coiffed centre-back brought style on the pitch, tackling well and dominating in the air. At times struggled to keep up with Sakho’s pacey running but showed plenty to encourage City fans on his debut.

Eliaquim Mangala: 7

Another City defender to fall to injury, but it was a good 45 minutes from the young Frenchman. One diving tackle on Sakho in particular helped keep City from a 3-0 deficit.

Aleksandar Kolarov: 3

It is no exaggeration to say he was mostly responsible for both of West Ham’s early goals, giving Moses too much space before conceding an unnecessary corner. After such a bright start to the season it was bizarre to see how swiftly he became a defensive liability.

Fernandinho: 5

Too often found himself bypassed on the counter as the direct running of Lanzini, Noble and Payet took them beyond City’s anchorman. Passed the ball neatly as City dominated the second period but offered little to nothing going forward.

Yaya Toure: 6

Drove forward with abandon as City chased a comeback, and West Ham often struggled with his late runs and presence outside the area. At his best he would surely have found the net with at least one of his many opportunities. 

Jesus Navas: 7

Full of direct running, his battle with Cresswell was one of the stand-out aspects of the game. Unfortunately for David Silva’s replacement he could never quite bring the killer pass his compatriot guarantees.

Kevin De Bruyne: 8

A very bright start for City’s record signing, he displayed an excellent passing range and his penchant for a gorgeous cross. Looked the most likely to make something for the hosts, which he proved with a well-taken first goal.

Raheem Sterling: 5

A lack of end-product hindered the winger, who was kept under the cosh by a quite excellent display from Jenkinson. Never stopped running and probing, but there was a reason he was the first attacker to make way.

Sergio Aguero: 4

100 per cent fit? Doubtful. The Argentine striker looked off the pace in the opening period, spurning several chances a fully-motoring Aguero would have tucked away with ease.

Martin Demichelis: 6

A half-time replacement for the injured Mangala, he had little chance to make an impact in a period dominated by City’s attacking travails.

SNAPSHOT: Kevin De Bruyne fires in his first goal for #MCFC (1-2) http://t.co/PUdnwN1WSG http://pic.twitter.com/mJjNDUXUYO

— Standard Sport (@standardsport) September 19, 2015

West Ham

Adrian: 8

When called upon he showed himself to be more than up to the task of keeping City’s superstars at bay. Made two vital blocks low at the near post from Aguero before a remarkable save from an Otamendi header.

Carl Jenkinson: 8

Several rollicking runs down the right gave West Ham plenty of purpose out wide, but what made the Arsenal loanee’s performance all the more impressive was the way he came back to deal with Sterling.

Winston Reid: 8

A truly excellent display in defence, almost every cross City fired in seemed to be powered to safety by the strong and sturdy Reid.

James Tomkins: 7

Where his colleague was rock-solid when City came forward Tomkins was equally reliable whilst showing an ability to start counters of his own. He passed well and threw himself in the way of any 

Aaron Cresswell: 6

There was a period in the second half where Navas seemed to ease past the full-back whenever he had the ball and Cresswell struggled with the direct running of City’s wideman.

Pedro Obiang: 7

The rock on which Bilic built his victory. Won the ball back with more than one excellent tackle, and added to the display with an admittedly bumbling assist for West Ham’s second.

Mark Noble: 7

A captain’s display from the newly-armbanded midfielder. He was crucial in getting his side’s counters going, showing an almost telepathic link with Sakho that helped him find the forward just when he peeled into space.

Victor Moses: 8

All his West Ham debut had lacked was a goal. He got that within 10 minutes to kick start an excellent display on the right. He already showed good understanding with Jenkinson, cutting in to give his colleague room to operate.

Manuel Lanzini: 6

An able supporting partner in West Ham’s sallies forward, running back and forward as and when required. Rarely had opportunities to make telling contributions to the game, but never let Bilic down.

Dimitri Payet: 7

On countless occasions he was in position to claim the defence’s clearances, from where he would run with menace or move the ball further forward with accuracy. Exactly what West Ham needed with their backs to the walls.

Diafra Sakho: 7

His poacher’s goal was just rewards for a performance in which he consistently dragged all three central defenders City used out of position.

ArticleManchester City vs West Ham - player ratingsWest Ham UnitedManchester City vs West Ham - player ratingsPublishedImageMedium widthSaturday, September 19, 2015 - 19:28Travel smart: West Ham have won away at Arsenal, Liverpool and now Manchester CityOn

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Swansea 0 Everton 0: Substitute Mirallas sent off two minutes after entering the field in goalless draw

FootballSportArticle

Everton extended their unbeaten league record against Swansea but failed to find the killer touch to take all three points at the Liberty Stadium.

The Toffees carried the greatest threat for much of an entertaining contest which somehow remained goalless despite the amount of clear-cut chances created.

But they were probably relieved to take a point when substitute Kevin Mirallas, who had only been on the pitch for 112 seconds, received a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on Modou Barrow.

Ross Barkley shone throughout but Everton could not take advantage of his excellent approach play, with Romelu Lukaku the biggest culprit in front of goal for the visitors.

Swansea also had their moments to bounce back from last weekend's shock defeat at Watford with Tim Howard saving smartly on a few occasions - but Everton might have had strong claims for a penalty when Ashley Williams appeared to trip Steven Naismith late on.

Everton's proud record of never having lost to Swansea in the league stood at 20 games but the Toffees suffered a blow before kick-off when Seamus Coleman failed to recover from a hamstring injury.

Tyias Browning was handed his first Premier League start at right-back and with Brendan Galloway, who was only making his seventh top-flight appearance, on the left there was an inexperienced look about Everton's full-backs.

It was an area Swansea were no doubt keen to exploit, particularly as Jefferson Montero had returned to the left side of their attack following a thigh problem, and Browning was given an indication of the task ahead of him inside five seconds when the Ecuadorian flier went past him.

Everton were desperate to protect Browning whenever they could, often ending up with three or four players around Montero, but it was the visitors who produced the first moments of real danger.

Williams got in the way of a Lukaku free-kick flying towards the Swansea goal and Phil Jagielka's headed over the resulting corner from Barkley.

Swansea's early momentum had been slowed by a head injury to Andre Ayew, the Ghanaian able to continue after treatment, but Bafetimbi Gomis went close twice in the space of 60 seconds.

A frantic first half came to a stop when Barry blocked Gomis' shot and the second period started in similar fashion when Barkley beat Ayew and Arouna Kone failed to prod home his inviting cross.

More teasing approach work from Barkley almost ended with Galloway's first Everton goal after he had turned smartly inside the area, while Lukaku failed to reward the visitors' growing dominance by firing wildly over with only Fabianski to beat.

Gylfi Sigurdsson sent a Swansea free-kick into the side netting but Everton almost took the lead when Barkley's deflected shot fell to Lukaku and Williams covered his goalkeeper well to hack off the line.

But Howard was also needed at the other end as he batted away firm drives from Montero and Gomis to ensure the Everton defence remains unbreached away from home in the league this season.

Swansea 0 Everton 0: Mirallas sent off two minutes after coming onEvertonSwansea 0 Everton 0: Substitute Mirallas sent off two minutes after entering the field in goalless drawImagePublishedMedium widthSaturday, September 19, 2015 - 17:28Goalless: Everton created the better chances at Liberty Stadium but couldn't find a route to goalOn

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Stoke City 2 Leicester City 2: Jamie Vardy equaliser salvages a point for Foxes

FootballPremier LeaguePhil Medlicott

High-flying Leicester maintained their unbeaten start to the season as a second-half fightback secured them a 2-2 draw at Stoke - denying the Potters their first 2015-16 Barclays Premier League win.

The hosts had been firmly in control, taking the lead in the 13th minute when the fit-again Bojan Krkic - making his first league start in eight months - slotted home, before Jonathan Walters pounced on a Wes Morgan error to make it 2-0 seven minutes later.

But Leicester reduced the deficit in the 51st minute through Riyad Mahrez's penalty and Jamie Vardy then notched the equaliser in the 69th.

The Foxes went into this game second in the table and with their boss Claudio Ranieri having promised to buy them pizza if they kept the first clean sheet of their impressive campaign.

They showed little appetite for that in a poor first-half performance before once again producing a comeback to salvage something from the game - just as they have done in their last three league fixtures.

Read more

• Mourinho: Hazard is still the best player in the country
• Bilic: Our league is one of the best but players lose focus in Europe
• Pochettino: Winning the title is harder than the Champions League

Stoke, meanwhile, must reflect on a great opportunity missed to get a monkey off their back as they remain winless and in the relegation zone.

They had settled into the game quickly and went 1-0 up when Marko Arnautovic deftly turned away from Ritchie De Laet on the left flank, cut inside and delivered a wonderful through ball for Bojan.

The Spaniard stroked home his first goal of the season gleefully, his celebration showing his relief at being back on the scoresheet after the nightmare he has endured since sustaining a serious knee injury in January.

Soon after, Stoke had another goal. Ex-Potters man Robert Huth allowed Jack Butland's long kick upfield to bounce past him and Morgan then made a complete hash of an attempt to play the ball back to his goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

Walters, who had dashed past Huth, seized on the loose ball and side-footed in - a moment for him to savour, coming on his return to the matchday squad after a second bid for him from Norwich was rejected.

Stoke were almost in again as Walters and Marco van Ginkel just failed to touch in a Geoff Cameron cross, before Butland produced a great save to turn N'Golo Kante's shot around the post.

Things suddenly became less comfortable for Stoke shortly after the restart as Arnautovic bundled over Danny Drinkwater and Mahrez fired in the resulting penalty, his fifth goal of the season.

The in-form Butland then pulled off another fine stop to keep out Vardy's shot before Xherdan Shaqiri fired across Schmeichel's goal.

Vardy then drew things level with his fourth goal of the season, holding off Erik Pieters and scuffing a shot beyond Butland.

Stoke threatened again as Cameron headed wide and Schmiechel kept out a Shaqiri free-kick. Vardy then almost won it at the death but his shot went narrowly wide.

ArticleStoke City 2 Leicester City 2: Vardy nets equaliser to salvage pointLeicester CityStoke CityBarclays Premier LeagueStoke City 2-2 Leicester City: Jamie Vardy equaliser salvages a point for Foxes Eden Hazard is still the best player in the Premier League - Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho stands by his star Slaven Bilic: Premier League is one of the best but Arsenal & Co can lose focus in EuropeMauricio Pochettino: Winning the Premier League is harder than the Champions LeaguePublishedImageMedium widthSaturday, September 19, 2015 - 17:24Equaliser: Jamie Vardy salvaged a point against Stoke CityOn

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Bournemouth 2 Sunderland 0: Wilson and Ritchie on target as Cherries record first Premier League home win

FootballSportPremier LeagueMARK BRYANS

Bournemouth needed just 10 minutes to wrap up their first ever Barclays Premier League home win, claiming a 2-0 result at the expense of 10-man Sunderland.

Cherries boss Eddie Howe uncharacteristically made five changes to the side which lost at Norwich last weekend but he was rewarded as his team were straight out of the traps.

Sunderland had hardly touched the ball before Callum Wilson scored his fifth Premier League goal of the campaign before a stunner from Matt Ritchie put them out of sight of Sunderland, who had defender Younes Kaboul sent off in the second half after the France international had been given the run-around by Wilson.

The last time the Black Cats were on the south coast they capitulated in an 8-0 defeat at Southampton, but although they looked in danger of a repeat, Dick Advocaat's side rallied and former Bournemouth loanee Jermain Defoe missed a golden chance before Jeremain Lens saw an effort wrongly disallowed for offside.

Howe, who played alongside Defoe during his stint with the Cherries, may have labelled the striker the best finisher he has ever seen but Wilson may soon give him a run for his money as the man whose goals saw Bournemouth reach the Premier League struck inside the opening four minutes.

Sunderland goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon had blasted a clearance out of the modest Vitality Stadium but the hosts were quick to react and Simon Francis found Dan Gosling with the resulting throw-in, with the former Newcastle man sliding in Wilson, who held off Kaboul to fire home the opener.

If that goal was impressive, the second that followed five minutes later was spectacular.

Sunderland cleared a near-post corner but only as far as Ritchie, who controlled the ball on his chest and flashed a volley past Pantilimon before the former Manchester City man could move.

Howe said ahead of the game that keeping Defoe quiet would make the difference for his side, but when the former Tottenham man was slipped through on goal he could not reduce the arrears as Artur Boruc kept out his low shot.

Advocaat introduced Jack Rodwell at half-time and the midfielder saw an effort deflect behind for a corner from which Lens scored a diving header, only to see the assistant referee wrongly flag for offside.

The visitors had their tails up and Fabio Borini arrowed a long-range strike inches over Boruc's goal as they looked to get a foothold on the game.

Steven Fletcher was the next man to be thrown on by Advocaat, this time with Defoe the man replaced after an unhappy return to his former club, but any hopes of a comeback were ruined with 15 minutes remaining as Kaboul picked up a second booking of the afternoon for a mistimed challenge on Wilson.

Marc Pugh almost added a third for the Cherries but his shot into the turf bounced on to Pantilimon's crossbar and was cleared.

However, the result had long-been decided as Bournemouth won their second game of the season and left Sunderland propping up the table.

ArticleBournemouth 2 Sunderland 0: Cherries record first PL home winAFC BournemouthBournemouth 2 Sunderland 0: Wilson and Ritchie on target as Cherries record first Premier League home winPublishedImageMedium width0Saturday, September 19, 2015 - 17:21Double-quick: Distin celebrates as Bournemouth raced into a two-goal leadOn

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Aston Villa 0 West Brom 1: Saido Berahino hits Villa Park winner to repair Baggies wounds

FootballSportNick Mashiter

Saido Berahino struck to continue his West Brom comeback as the Baggies claimed a deserved victory at Aston Villa.

The striker poked in his first goal of the season - and first since since threatening to strike earlier this month - to clinch a 1-0 win at Villa Park.

It was all Albion as they out-thought and out-battled Villa during a tight Barclays Premier League derby.

There are no issues between the Baggies squad and Berahino, despite his off-field antics as he tried to force through a move to Tottenham, and his goal underlined his value to the side.

Albion had scored just once in their previous three games.

He also repaired any lasting fractures with the West Brom fans and the 22-year-old threw his shirt into the travelling support at full-time.

But Villa's worries continue to grow, with Tim Sherwood's side without a Barclays Premier League win since the opening day following another tepid display.

They host fierce rivals Birmingham in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday and defeat is not an option after an unconvincing start.

The Baggies started Berahino, along with James Morrison and James McClean, for the first time since rejecting two deadline-day bids from Tottenham and made a bright start as Brad Guzan produced a fine stop to keep out Salomon Rondon's flicked header inside two minutes.

Albion's £12million record scorer impressed all afternoon as he gave the visitors a fine unselfish focal point, even if he failed to score.

It was in stark contrast to Gabby Agbonlahor who toiled against the strong Albion defence, who have now kept four straight clean sheets.

Agbonlahor has now scored just four goals in his last 31 games and his lack of penetration leads to legitimate questions over his role in the Villa side.

He lost out in every aerial tussle but did worry Albion after 26 minutes when he wriggled free on the left and crossed for the onrushing Carles Gil, who was denied by a brilliant block by Claudio Yacob.

It was Villa's best opening but they relied on Guzan five minutes later when he tipped Darren Fletcher's drive wide.

The game desperately needed a goal as it threatened to limp to half-time, and Berahino kept to the script as he delivered six minutes before the break.

A brilliant Craig Dawson tackle allowed McClean to cross from the right.

He found Rondon to lay off for Morrison, and his 18-yard effort was deliberately deflected past Guzan by Berahino.

Villa were jeered off and Sherwood reacted by sending on Rudy Gestede for Scott Sinclair at the break.

Carlos Sanchez and Gil shot straight at Boaz Myhill during a muted Villa response as Albion comfortably maintained their lead.

Guzan claimed Rondon's drive at the second attempt on the hour before Villa were denied a penalty after 65 minutes.

Berahino looked to be inside the area when he blocked Alan Hutton's cross, with referee Martin Atkinson giving a free-kick for handball just outside the box.

It infuriated Villa, although whether the ball hit Berahino's arm was also up for debate, but they wasted the free-kick.

Albion broke and Rondon shot straight at Guzan before Villa cursed the officials again with 20 minutes left.

Micah Richards headed past Myhill but the hosts had already been awarded a free-kick following a foul on Jack Grealish.

Villa, though, never looked like breaking the Baggies down again and Gestede headed over in injury time to waste their final chance.

ArticleAston Villa 0 West Brom 1: Saido Berahino hits Villa Park winnerWest BromAston Villa 0 West Brom 1: Saido Berahino hits Villa Park winner to repair Baggies woundsPublishedImageMedium widthSaturday, September 19, 2015 - 17:12On target: Saido Berahino celebrates after scoring West Brom's winnerOn

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'There is no racism in Russian football', claims former Chelsea midfielder Alexei Smertin

FootballSportInternational FootballChelseaJames Benge

Alexei Smertin, an ambassador for Russia’s 2018 World Cup, has denied the existence of racism in the host country of the sport’s biggest tournament.

The Russian game has been dogged by racism ahead of its biggest tournament, with ex-Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong and Zenit St Petersburg’s Brazilian forward Hulk speaking out about their experiences.

However former Chelsea player Smertin has claimed that the hosts of the tournament, which is due to start in 1,000 days, have no problem. He labelled allegations of racism in the Russian game “rumours” and “fun”.

He told the BBC’s World Football Programme: “There’s no racism in Russia, because it does not exist.

Read more

Zenit star Hulk backs Frimpong in Russian football racism row

“Racism in Russia is like fashion. It comes from abroad, from different countries. It was never, ever here before. 

“Ten years ago, some fans may have given a banana to black guys - it was just for fun. It is something against the opposition, not against a person.

“I think the media is making the wrong image of Russia.”

Frimpong racially abused

Frimpong, who currently plays his football at FC Ufa in the Russian league, was given a two match ban after reacting to monkey chants directed at him in a match against Spartak Moscow. Shamil Gazizov, a director at the Ghanaian international’s club, criticised his player for not “putting up with it”.

Article'There is no racism in Russian football' - ex-Chelsea player SmertinAlexei SmertinRussiaEmmanuel FrimpongWorld Cup'There is no racism in Russian football', claims former Chelsea midfielder Alexei SmertinZenit star Hulk backs Frimpong in Russian football racism row: ‘I see it happening all the time’ImagePublishedMedium widthFriday, September 18, 2015 - 21:27'Just for fun': Smertin (L) denied that Russia have a problem with racismOn

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Misfiring Tottenham striker Harry Kane: The chances will come - and I'll take them

FootballSportPremier LeagueTottenhamJames Benge

Harry Kane is confident he will rediscover his goalscoring form after a misfiring start to his season at White Hart Lane.

The Tottenham striker has been incisive in front of goal on international duty, scoring against San Marino and Switzerland. It contrasts starkly with his form in a Spurs shirt, where he is goalless in his first five Premier League games.

However, despite drawing a blank in a second-half cameo against Qarabag in the Europa League, Kane does not doubt that he will find the net soon.

“I came on for 30 minutes which was a good run-out, good for the fitness,” he told Goal. “I've just got to keep doing what I'm doing. I'm playing well. I've just got to keep getting in the right positions and the chances will come - and I'll take them.

Read more

Tottenham vs FK Qarabag: Player ratings

“Obviously we were disappointed to go behind - we didn't start too well - but I thought we played quite well. We got the two goals quite early on and we just needed to finish the game off quite early, I thought.”

Kane praised the finishing of his teammates after Heung-min Son and Erik Lamela hit the target in a 3-1 comeback win over the Azerbaijani side that put Spurs top of Group J.

“Coco [Lamela] with a great finish at the end to finish the game off. We're happy with the win and hopefully we can build on it.

How did Tottenham's players fare on international duty?

• 12 show all

How did Tottenham's players fare on international duty?

• 1/12 Hugo Lloris (France)

  The Spurs goalkeeper completed 90 minutes in both of France's recent friendlies. The 28-year-old kept out Cristiano Ronaldo and co to claim a clean sheet during a 1-0 victory against Portugal and conceded a solitary strike in the 2-1 win over Serbia. Little could be done to keep out Aleksandar Mitrovic's fortuitous deflected effort. (4)

  Dennis Grombkowski/Bongarts/Getty Images

• 2/12 Toby Alderweireld (Belgium)

  The Belgian has partnered compatriot Jan Vertonghen in the centre of defence at White Hart Lane this term but was shifted out to right back for the national side in the past week due to fierce competition for places. The Red Devils are on course to qualify for Euro 2016 after victories against Cyprus and Bosnia & Herzegovina as Alderweireld once again proved his versatility. (4)

• 3/12 Jan Vertonghen (Belgium)

  Like his Tottenham central defensive partner, Vertonghen is unable to command a starting berth for the national side in his preferred position. The 28-year-old slotted in at left back and provided an assured presence on the flank as Belgium saw off both Cyprus and Bosnia & Herzegovina to close in on a place at Euro 2016. (4)

• 4/12 Kevin Wimmer (Austria)

  The 22-year-old has been an understudy at club level so far this season and fulfills a similar role for his nation. Uncapped at senior level, the central defender was on the bench as Group G leaders Austria claimed a place at Euro 2016 in style with a 4-1 victory over Sweden. Although Wimmer did not feature, the experience will have been a positive one. (3)

• 5/12 Ben Davies (Wales)

  The Welshman's battle for a place at left back with Danny Rose is an intriguing one but he is firmly established in Chris Coleman's side. The Welsh have been made to wait to secure a place in next year's tournament after being stifled by Israel but the 22-year-old will deservedly be part of the squad that will travel to France. (4)

• 6/12 Ryan Mason (England)

  Mason's impressive form has seen him leapfrog several other midfielders vying for position in England's squad, but he did not feature in either of the Three Lions' fixtures. The 24-year-old will have been pleased to be deemed worthy of inclusion yet also disheartened when Ross Barkley was given the nod instead of him after Fabian Delph's early withdrawal against Switzerland. Should be hungry to play this weekend. (2)

• 7/12 Erik Lamela (Argentina)

  Despite his average form for Spurs, the midfielder was included in Argentina's squad for their two friendlies against Bolivia and Mexico. Lamela started against the former but failed to get on the scoresheet in a 7-0 hammering before being dropped for the clash with the Mexicans. The 23-year-old watched on as established figures Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero were called upon to salvage a 2-2 draw. (3)

• 8/12 Clinton N'Jie (Cameroon)

  New signing N'Jie travelled to Gambia with Cameroon as the Indomitable Lions maintained their perfect start to Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. N'Jie played 80 minutes as his side beat Mauritania last time out but was one of several players to make way this time around. The travelling time the forward has undertaken could harm his hopes of making his Premier League debut this weekend. (3)

• 9/12 Nacer Chadli (Belgium)

  Chadli is a constant in Belgium's squad but could struggle to claim a starting berth in the future. Marc Wilmots' side produced two hardfought displays to close in on a place at Euro 2016 but the Spurs midfielder did not feature in either. An unused substitute against both Bosnia and Cyprus, the 26-year-old could be squeezed out of contention by the likes of Kevin De Bruyne. (2)

• 10/12 Christian Eriksen (Denmark)

  The Tottenham midfielder's knee injury was expected to keep him out of Denmark's qualifier with Albania on Friday, but it was hoped he would be able to return against Armenia. However, the 23-year-old's complaint has still not fully healed and he was unable to feature. Mauricio Pochettino will be desperate for him to return to full fitness. (1)

• 11/12 Harry Kane (England)

  Things couldn't have gone much better for Kane during the international break. Although he was unfortunate not to be handed a starting berth by Roy Hodgson he successfully forced his way firmly into the manager's thoughts with two superb substitute appearances. Spurs fans will hope the 22-year-old's sublime finishes against both San Marino and Switzerland will help him to get off the mark in the Premier League. (5)

• 12/12 Son Heung-min (South Korea)

  Tottenham fans could be excused for not knowing a great deal about their new signing but will have heard all about his exploits against Laos last Thursday. The forward scored a hat trick in an 8-0 rout and will come back to north London full of confidence, although he did miss the subsequent win over Lebanon. (5)

“I'm delighted for Son. He played very well. He ran in behind and had two good finishes and he created a lot as well so we're all delighted for him on his home debut so hopefully there's more to come.”

ArticleHarry Kane: The chances will come - and I'll take themHarry KaneTottenhamPremier LeagueErik LamelaQarabagMisfiring Tottenham striker Harry Kane: The chances will come - and I'll take themTottenham vs FK Qarabag: Player ratingsImagePublishedMedium widthFriday, September 18, 2015 - 18:47Kane pain: The Spurs striker is yet to open his accountOn

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Arsenal fans call on club to freeze ticket prices in the wake of glowing financial results

FootballSportArsenalPremier LeagueJames BengeArticle

Arsenal supporters’ have called on the club to ensure the newly-announced £24.7 million pre-tax profit is used to lessen the burden of ticket prices.

With Arsenal fans paying the highest ticket prices in the Premier League the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust has urged the club to ensure that the match-going public aren’t left out of Arsenal’s success.

Tim Payton, spokesperson for the trust, told Standard Sport: “With these huge cash reserves and increasing wages there’s no need for Arsenal to keep squeezing the match-going fan.

“It’s time to freeze, and even reduce, ticket-prices for the long term.”

Read more

Buoyant Arsenal finances strengthen the feeling that Wenger blew it

The Gunners’ profits came in spite of a record £114 million investment on players including Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck. The club now has £228.2 million in the bank, £35 million of which is set aside as a debt service reserve.

Chief executive Ivan Gazidis has already suggested that the profits from the year ending 31 May 2015 will enable Arsene Wenger to spend further on a squad whose wage bill has grown 15.5 per cent in one year to reach £192.2 million.

Read more

• Arsenal pocket £25m profit
• Wenger breaks his own rules on night to forget

“Our improved financial position allows us to support the manager as and when he identifies players capable of adding genuine quality to our squad,” said Gazidis. “With this in mind, we were delighted to sign defender Gabriel in January and Petr Cech from Chelsea during the summer.”

The supporters’ trust’s survey last month revealed that nearly half of Arsenal fans were dissatisfied with ticket prices.

Prices for non-members for 2015/16 reach up to £97 for Category A games. A season ticket sets adult fans back at least £1,000, the most expensive coming to £2,039.

Arsenal supporters call on club to cut ticket pricesArsenalIvan GazidisTim PaytonArsenal fans call on club to reduce ticket pricesArsenal fans call on club to reduce ticket prices in the wake of glowing financial resultsArsenal financial results: Gunners announce £25m profit despite record outlay on signings and soaring wage bill Arsene Wenger must face up to the consequences of breaking his own rules as Arsenal slip up in ZagrebBuoyant Arsenal financial results only strengthen the feeling that Wenger blew it this summerImagePublishedMedium widthFriday, September 18, 2015 - 16:44Burning through their wallets: Arsenal fans pay, on average, more than their London rivalsOn

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Liverpool team news: Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson could return for Norwich clash

FootballPremier LeagueLiverpoolSteve Tongue

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers hopes that England internationals Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson will provide the club with a boost by returning for Norwich City's visit to Anfield on Sunday.

Rodgers, whose team have suffered successive league defeats, told reporters on Friday that both will be assessed after a further training session and are in contention for a place.

Henderson, who took over the captaincy when Steven Gerrard left for LA Galaxy in the close-season, recently had treatment in the United States to cure a heel injury.

Sturridge has been badly missed in the past year, having started only seven league games last season and none in the new campaign.

"When you miss players of that calibre it's going to have an impact," Rodgers said.

"A player who can get you 25-plus goals in a season is going to be missed. On his game he's one of the best there is. He can stretch teams, and has wonderful variety in his finishing.

"We know we need to create and score more."

Last season, with Sturridge often injured and Luis Suarez sold to Barcelona, Liverpool scored only 52 goals and dropped four places from the previous campaign to sixth.

So far this season they have scored three in five games, losing the last two, 3-0 at home to West Ham United and 3-1 away to Manchester United.

"It only takes that one performance to spin the season round again," insisted Rodgers, who has faced increased criticism from supporters and pundits in recent weeks.

"It's the nature of management. I always focus on what I can control. I can't control what's said about me.

"Norwich will be difficult. It's up to us to impose our game, our intensity, and take some risks."

Visiting manager Alex Neil has sympathy for Rodgers and his team.

"I think it's been tough for them," he said.

"They've had a hard run of fixtures from the start, and when you're in charge of one of the big clubs and you lose a couple of games, it's a 'crisis'. I think it's a bit unfair at times." 

ArticleSturridge and Henderson close to Liverpool return Brendan RodgersDaniel SturridgeJordan HendersonLiverpoolLiverpool team news: Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson could return for Norwich clash PublishedImageMedium widthFriday, September 18, 2015 - 16:38Return on the cards: Sturridge has been badly missed by Liverpool On

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Manchester United's Luke Shaw to fly home on Saturday after double leg break

FootballManchester UnitedPremier LeaguePAUL HIRST

Louis van Gaal has revealed Manchester United defender Luke Shaw could return to England on Saturday to continue his recovery from a broken leg.

Shaw broke his right leg in two places during United's 2-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old had an operation on the night of the game and has stayed in Holland since to continue his recovery.

But Van Gaal said he could return to Manchester on Saturday.

The United manager said: "His family is there, we have sent people with him and he will come back when he is prepared. Maybe tomorrow."

Shaw left the pitch at the Philips Stadion on a stretcher while receiving oxygen following a late tackle by Hector Moreno.

Read more

• I pray for United's Shaw, says PSV defender Moreno
• Luke Shaw could return before the end of the season, says David Busst
• Moreno named Uefa man of the match despite horror tackle on Shaw

 

 

The former Southampton left-back was in tears at the time, but is now in better spirits, according to his manager.

"I called him last night," Van Gaal said. "He sounds very strong, which was amazing for me - a big surprise.

"It is a good signal, but he knows he has long way to go and it is not easy... He will have a long period of rehabilitation (when he is back) and he has a long way to go.

ArticleManchester United's Luke Shaw to fly home on SaturdayManchester UnitedManchester United's Luke Shaw to fly home on Saturday after double leg breakI pray for Manchester United's Luke Shaw, says PSV defender Hector MorenoManchester United injury news: Luke Shaw could return before the end of the season, says David BusstHector Moreno named Uefa man of the match despite horror tackle on Manchester United's Luke ShawPublishedImageMedium width0Friday, September 18, 2015 - 16:24Flying home: Shaw had one operation on the night of the injury and has been in Holland sinceOn

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John Terry understands my selection choices, insists Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho

FootballChelseaPremier LeagueVaishali Bhardwaj

Jose Mourinho has defended his decision not to play Chelsea captain John Terry in the club's Champions League win over Maccabi Tel Aviv in midweek after insisting the centre-back understands the reasoning behind his team selection.

Terry was an unused substitute in the Blues' Group G clash at Stamford Bridge, with Mourinho opting to start Gary Cahill and Kurt Zouma at the heart of his defence.

The move to leave his captain out of the side led to former Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard saying before the game that there was friction between Terry and Mourinho.

The Chelsea boss refuted such claims after the win over Maccabi, and Mourinho has now revealed that Terry is fully aware that his team selections depend solely on performances - and not age.

When asked whether Terry could handle playing a smaller part in Chelsea's matches, Mourinho said: "For John the situation with me hasn’t changed since 2004. It is exactly the same situation and the situation is clear for him since 2004.

Read more

• Chelsea injury news: Willian out; Pedro, Oscar and Falcao doubtful
• Chelsea vs Arsenal preview: Tickets, team news, line ups and odds
• Jose Mourinho won't confirm whether he will shake Arsene Wenger's hand

Chelsea vs Arsenal preview

"I make my options, I play who I want I don’t care what you say about it, you media pundits. I don’t think about the consequences.

"I play the player I think is the best for that game for that moment and John has known that since 2004.

"During John’s time with me he has had so many examples of big players staying out. I did that all the time in Real Madrid, Inter [Milan], Chelsea, Porto. I did that all the time.

"When I do, I don’t look at the passport or the ID or to the age. I am just looking for a performance level. And John knows that very, very well.

"I don’t care but I don’t think John deserves somebody to say he has a problem with me. He doesn’t deserve that. I don’t even speak about myself. 

"But the way he always behaves, the way he is a top professional in this club with me I don’t think he deserves any kind of doubt about what he is as a professional and as a captain in this club."

ArticleTerry understands my selection choices, insists Chelsea boss MourinhoJohn TerryJose MourinhoChelseaBarclays Premier LeagueJohn Terry understands my selection choices, insists Chelsea boss Jose MourinhoChelsea injury news: Willian out of Arsenal clash; Pedro, Oscar and Falcao doubtfulChelsea vs Arsenal preview: Tickets, team news, line ups and oddsChelsea vs Arsenal: Jose Mourinho won't confirm whether he will shake Arsene Wenger's handPublishedImageMedium widthFriday, September 18, 2015 - 22:30Benched: John Terry did not feature in Chelsea's Champions League win over Maccabi Tel AvivOn

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Buoyant Arsenal financial results only strengthen the feeling that Wenger blew it this summer

FootballSportPremier LeagueArsenalTransfer NewsJames Benge

Arsenal’s latest financial results show a club in good health and well set for plenty more bountiful years in the Premier League. At least off the pitch.

When it comes to matters on the pitch there’s one number that matters above all too many of the club’s supporters, the estimated £80 million available for transfers in the summer window reported by Standard Sport today.

The question of whether the world-class striker that Arsene Wenger so obviously wanted has been debated at length, and there can be few who doubt the sincerity of the manager’s pursuit of Karim Benzema and Edinson Cavani. These are exactly the sort of “special” signings that the manager knew would represent an immediate and dramatic upgrade on Olivier Giroud.

He was always fighting a losing battle in attempting to prise either of these two away from European clubs – his deals for Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez only came about when Real Madrid and Barcelona decided they didn’t want them anymore. Florentino Perez had no intention of discarding Benzema.

Read more

Arsenal pocket £25m profit

So Wenger is left with all that money and no elite player to buy. But Wenger earned his enviable reputation in the transfer window on finding the gems few others were willing to take a punt on. This year’s Ozil may not have been available, but where was the Nicolas Anelka, the Patrick Vieira or the Kolo Toure?

The fate of Anthony Martial gives us a hint as to why Wenger refused to gamble on youth. The anointed successor to Anelka and Thierry Henry set Manchester United back more than Arsenal paid for the established talent of Sanchez, the manager himself claimed that such a fee for a player with 11 French league goals summed up the paucity of options.

The world's 10 most expensive teenagers

• 10 show all

The world's 10 most expensive teenagers

• 1/10 10. Sergio Aguero (19) Independente to Atletico Madrid £16m

  A man that proved to be worth his salt at the Vicente Calderon. Were it not for troublesome hamstrings, the Argentina international would probably be known as the undisputed best centre forward in the world.

  Getty

• 2/10 9. Sergio Ramos (19) Sevilla to Real Madrid £18.9m

  The Spanish defender enjoyed a superb breakthrough season with Sevilla in 2004 and Real Madrid snapped up his services ahead of a long list of suitors soon after. The defender has established himself as a piece of the furniture at the Bernabeu and recently signed a contract extension in the Spanish capital earlier in the summer, despite interest from Manchester United.

• 3/10 8. Antonio Cassano (19) Bari to Roma for £20m

  The Italian striker is often described as a maverick. Cassano rarely does thing by the book and his early promise at Bari convinced Roma that he was worth a substantial transfer fee. He signed for Real Madrid just two years later and has embarked on a somewaht nomadic - and problematic - career since he left the Bernabeu in 2008.

• 4/10 7. Anderson (19) Porto to Manchester United for £22m

  A tale of what might have been. The Brazilian arrived alongside Nani at Old Trafford billed as one of the most exciting talents in world football, but struggled to display his best form in England. Sir Alex Ferguson tweaked the midfielder's position but the eye-catching displays that had defined Anderson's spell at Porto vanished amid weight problems.

• 5/10 6. Marquinhos (19) Roma to PSG for £22m

  The French giants sent out a message of intent when they signed the Brazilian defender from Roma in 2013. Although PSG's star studded recruitment drive had primarily focused on attacking players they proved that they were not afraid to get the cheque book out for defenders either. The move saw Roma net a huge profit on the £3.9m they had paid Corinthians for the centre back just a year earlier.

• 6/10 5. Javier Saviola (19) River Plate to Barcelona for £25m

  The Argentine's moved to the Camp Nou after he had scored 11 goals to help his nation claim the World Youth Championship in 2001. Despite such early promise he did not fulfill his vast potential at the Catalan club. He joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2007 and has gone on to represent a host of European clubs. Currently at River Plate.

• 7/10 4. Wayne Rooney (18) Everton to Manchester United for £26m

  Worth the money every day of the week. Rooney reneged on his promise to remain a Blue and has gone on to become an integral member of the Red Devils' side for the last decade. The United skipper is closing in on the club's goalscoring record but his role at the club has been questioned after a poor start to the season.

• 8/10 3. Luke Shaw (18) Southampton to Manchester United for £31.5m

  The England international joined United from Southampton days after the Three Lions were sent packing from the 2014 World Cup. The left back had done extremely well just to get a place on the plane, even if it did return earlier than planned, but endured a difficult debut season at United due to injury.

• 9/10 2. Anthony Martial (19) Monaco to Manchester United for £36m

  The latest entrant on our list will have a huge weight of expectation placed on his shoulders at Old Trafford. Although the 19-year-old is expected to be given time to blossom, questions will start to be asked if he does not show early signs that he is worth such a hefty price tag.

• 10/10 1. Lucas Moura (19) - Sao Paulo to PSG for £44m

  The Brazilian midfielder became the most expensive teenager in history when he joined the Ligue 1 club from Sao Paulo in the summer of 2012. The youngster stayed in his homeland for a further six months before heading to the Parc des Princes and signed a contract extension at the club earlier this summer.

But Martial was not the only youngster to move for big money, with Juventus catching a march with their early deal for Paulo Dybala, paying Palermo the best part of £30 million for a forward with two seasons of experience in Serie A. The striker has made as many appearances off the bench as from the start this season – that is simply the price clubs have to pay for a 21-year-old prospect.

That rings just as true in the other gaping hole in Wenger's side, that of who steps in for Francis Coquelin. Again Wenger could point to the lack of world-class talent (bar Sami Khedira, where the Italian champions once more moved quickest to acquire a World Cup winner).

 

£193 million just sitting there. Ridiculous. What are we, a bank? #afc https://t.co/f3N4JdP9dR

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 18, 2015

 

Morgan Schneiderlin was another case of a price that for Wenger may have outweighed achievements; £24 million for a player with no Champions League experience is a hefty price to pay. The tough-tackling midfielder has already suggested he could be a bedrock of United’s midfield for a decade, Mikel Arteta can scarcely be relied on for 10 minutes.

It may not be Wenger’s fault that he can’t steal one of Europe’s best from the continent’s biggest clubs. But what Arsenal supporters have come to expect from their manager is that he will identify the successor to Benzema and Cavani ahead of his rivals.

Read more

• Wenger: Arsenal are ready to take a gamble in the transfer market
• Wenger 'could be counting his days' after window flop - Lethal Bizzle
• Wenger breaks his own rules on night to forget

They may now cost £10s of millions more than they did when he brought Anelka to the club but, with £80 million to spend on whoever he deems fit, surely he can bring himself to part with a chunk of it for one of the bright young things?

What will be so frustrating for supporters is that add two such players to a squad packed with talent at or approaching its peak, and with the experience of Per Mertesacker, Petr Cech and Laurent Koscielny to guide them, and Arsenal may have been more even than title challengers. This could, and should, have been Wenger’s third great side. And he could have built it with money to spare.

ArticleBuoyant Arsenal finances strengthen the feeling that Wenger blew itArsene WengerKarim BenzemaArsenalAnthony MartialPaulo DybalaBuoyant Arsenal financial results only strengthen the feeling that Wenger blew it this summerArsene Wenger: Arsenal are ready to take a gamble in the transfer marketArsene Wenger's failure to 'pull his finger out' in the transfer window will cost Arsenal, says Lethal BizzleArsene Wenger must face up to the consequences of breaking his own rules as Arsenal slip up in ZagrebArsenal financial results: Gunners announce £25m profit despite record outlay on signings and soaring wage bill ImagePublishedMedium widthFriday, September 18, 2015 - 15:50Chance gone: Could Arsenal have been champions if Wenger spent more?On

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Jose Mourinho: Ruben Loftus-Cheek is mentally ready to play against Arsenal

FootballChelseaArsenalPremier LeagueVaishali Bhardwaj

Jose Mourinho has admitted that midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is mentally ready to play in Chelsea's London derby match against Arsenal on Saturday, but suggested he may not start the 19-year-old because of tactical reasons. 

The Portuguese coach utilised Loftus-Cheek in the Blues' 4-0 Champions League win over Maccabi Tel Aviv after resting Nemanja Matic at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday and, despite an early yellow card, the midfielder shone in the middle of the park.

Loftus-Cheek's performance in the Group G game was such that it has raised questions about whether Mourinho will opt to start the teenager against the Gunners, but the Chelsea manager has now said the midfielder may not feature because of tactical and physical reasons.

When asked whether the clash with Arsenal was too big of a game for the 19-year-old, Mourinho said: "I don’t think it is. I played many times 18, 19 to be fair. When I play these guys many of them their first match was a big one.

"The first match for [Raphael] Varane was a Champions League match against Man City – he was 18 years old. For [Davide] Santon it was against Roma, he was 17. 

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"Ruben is ready. My work on Ruben is not to be mentally ready at the confidence level. He is very confident. He has very good self-esteem, he wants to play and is not afraid of anything.

"He is not ready from a tactical point of view. And from a tactical point of view is where we have to keep working, keep improving, being critical. And this is a process. 

"But with Ruben the process is on the tactical side and the physical side. For example to play the way he did the other night in minute 70 something he had cramps. Physicalyl and tactically he is not ready, mentally he is ready.

"I play him tomorrow for him no problem."

ArticleMourinho: Loftus-Cheek is mentally ready to play against ArsenalRuben Loftus-CheekJose MourinhoArsenalStamford BridgeChelseaJose Mourinho: Ruben Loftus-Cheek is mentally ready to play against ArsenalChelsea injury news: Willian out of Arsenal clash; Pedro, Oscar and Falcao doubtfulChelsea vs Arsenal preview: Tickets, team news, line ups and oddsChelsea vs Arsenal: Jose Mourinho won't confirm whether he will shake Arsene Wenger's handPublishedImageMedium widthFriday, September 18, 2015 - 22:31Ready: Jose Mourinho says Ruben Loftus-Cheek is not physically or tactically ready to play against ArsenalOn

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Tottenham forward Heung-min Son hails 'amazing' home debut against FK Qarabag

FootballSportTottenhamSAM LONG

Tottenham's Heun-min Son has hailed his 'amazing' home debut after the forward's brace helped Spurs open their Europa League campaign with a 3-1 victory against FK Qarabag on Thursday night.

Spurs were installed as overwhelming favourites prior to kick off but fell behind after Kieran Trippier conceded a penalty, which Richard Almeida duly dispatched.

Son restored parity with a simple finish from inside the six-yard box before poking home from close range following superb build up play from midfielder Dele Alli.

Erik Lamela put the result to bed late on and the South Korea international was delighted to have shown Spurs' home crowd what he is capable of.

"The fans were amazing. It was great at White Hart Lane. It was amazing. The first half was not the best but we're happy to win."

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The 23-year-old, whose move to north London made him the most expensive Asian player in history, was quick to praise Alli's contribution for his second goal of the evening.

"Dele Alli is a great player. He's young and talented - I can link up well with him," insisted the forward.

Alli thrived in an attacking midfield role and produce several excellent pieces of skill that could see him force his way into Mauricio Pochettino's thoughts for Sunday's London derby against Crystal Palace.

The 19-year-old was pleased with his side's overall display after they overcame such an early setback: "It was a solid performance from us. We were unfortunate to give away the first goal but it was a good overall display.

"They made us work for the win - they're not a bad side. They did well. I'm happy for Son that he got two goals and that I played a part. It's always good to help the team."

ArticleTottenham's Heung-min Son hails 'amazing' home debutTottenham HotspurMauricio PochettinoHeung-Min SonFK QarabagTottenham forward Heung-min Son hails 'amazing' home debut against FK QarabagTottenham vs FK Qarabag: Player ratingsTottenham vs FK Qarabag: As it happenedHugo Lloris: Of course I am happy at TottenhamPublishedImageMedium widthThursday, September 17, 2015 - 23:02Two-goal hero: Son's brace helped see off FK QarabagOn

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Tottenham 3 FK Qarabag 1: Heung-min Son brace helps Spurs survive early scare to go top of Group J

FootballSportTottenhamMARK BRYANS

Heung-min Son scored a quick-fire brace on his home debut as Tottenham came from behind to beat Qarabag in their Europa League opener on Thursday night.

The big-money summer signing was deployed as the lone striker with goalless Harry Kane rested for the visit of the Azerbaijan champions - the first time in almost seven months the England international has not started a game for Spurs.

But his replacement on the night showed why he was signed for a fee in excess of £20m as he scored two predatory goals in the space of three minutes to cancel out Richard Almeida's early penalty for the visitors - with Erik Lamela also in the scoresheet in the 3-1 win.

Son almost slipped in Lamela only to see Qarabag goalkeeper Ibrahim Sehic come off his line and collect as his side then set about taking the early initiative.

Kieran Trippier, making his Tottenham debut after his summer arrival from relegated Burnley, had started brightly but was caught square by Ansi Agolli and tripped the left-back to concede a penalty that was duly dispatched by Almeida to give Qarabag an unexpected lead.

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The visitors were having the better of the opening exchanges as Tottenham could not settle, with Son flashing a shot well wide when given a rare sight of goal.

But the South Korea international levelled the game on 28 minutes as he turned home Andros Townsend's low corner unmarked from inside the six-yard box.

His second followed just three minutes later as Dele Alli danced into the box before squaring for the ex-Bayer Leverkusen man to fire past Sehic and turn the match on its head.

Alli should have had his own goal but could not beat Sehic after being played in behind by Townsend, and soon after Toby Alderweireld headed over Trippier's deep cross.

The visitors were still a threat going forward and Danny Rose was lucky to get away with a chested backpass that was intercepted by Afran Ismayilov, who could only shoot wide after latching on to the loose ball.

Reynaldo was next to come close to an equaliser as the striker met Javid Taghiyev's pinpoint cross with a header that flashed over Hugo Lloris' crossbar.

Lamela came close at the start of the second half as he hit the post after running onto Alli's through ball before Son attempted a deft finish when he could have easily completed his hat-trick.

Qarabag had settled for hitting Tottenham on the break and, after Spurs debutant Kevin Wimmer had dallied when attempting a clearance, Dani Quintana flashed a shot just wide.

Son came off to a rousing ovation with just over 20 minutes remaining as Kane replaced him, with Clinton Njie coming on for his Spurs bow in place of Townsend, but it was Quintana who again came close as his header forced Lloris into action.

Lamela then killed the game off, chipping home after Kane had chased back and won the ball back from Rashad Sadygov before feeding the Argentine forward.

Alli could not top a fine personal display with a goal as he saw a late shot dribble past the post but Spurs saw out stoppage time to open their Group J campaign with all three points.

ArticleTottenham 3 FK Qarabag 1: Son brace helps Spurs survive early scarePremier LeagueTottenham HotspurHeung-Min SonFK QarabagTottenham 3 FK Qarabag 1: Heung-min Son brace helps Spurs survive early scare to go top of Group JTottenham vs FK Qarabag: Player ratingsTottenham vs FK Qarabag: As it happened'I expect more from Tottenham' - Hugo Lloris admits Spurs must perform better in EuropePublishedImageMedium widthThursday, September 17, 2015 - 22:19Dream start: Son marked his first appearance in north London with a braceOn

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