Reunion: September 2015

Monday, September 28, 2015

Smalling: Martial is the risk-taker United needed

England defender Chris Smalling is delighted with the impact new signings Anthony Martial and Matteo Darmian have made at Manchester United

Chris Smalling believes Anthony Martial offers a high-risk attacking style that Manchester United have been sorely lacking until this season.
Martial joined from Monaco on transfer deadline day for a staggering £36million fee, which could rise to over £50m depending on bonuses.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed an explosive start to his Old Trafford career, however, scoring four times in five appearances and delivering a strong display as the lone striker in Saturday's 3-0 win over Sunderland.
And centre-back Smalling has hailed the way he has impacted upon United's style of play this season, telling their official matchday programme: "If you could ask for a moment to announce yourself on the world

Lahm: I thought Arsenal losing to Dinamo was mistake!

Ahead of Bayern Munich's clash with the Croatian side, their skipper has aired his surprise at the Gunners having lost their group stage opener to them

Mourinho in dig at FA: I'm glad Chelsea don't have 11 Diego Costas!

The Blues boss is not happy with how his striker has been painted as a villain by the British press and the Football Association and insists the desire to suspend him is "so big"

West Brom 2-3 Everton: Lukaku leads stunning fightback

The Baggies stormed into a two-goal lead, but two from the Belgian and one from Arouna Kone ensured Roberto Martinez's side battled back to claim the points

Romelu Lukaku came back to haunt West Brom as he inspired a stunning second-half comeback from Everton in a 3-2 Premier League win at The Hawthorns on Monday.

Roberto Martinez's side appeared to be heading for defeat after seeing West Brom take a 2-0 lead early in the second half through Craig Dawson's header.

Striker Saido Berahino had broke the deadlock in the 41st minute with his second goal in three games since ending his exile from the West Brom team after failing to force a move to Tottenham.

Nuno: Valencia's clash with Lyon is not decisive

A home defeat against Zenit in their opening Champions League match leaves Los Che in a difficult position ahead of their match in France on Tuesday

Valencia coach Nuno Espirito Santo insists Tuesday's Champions League clash with Lyon will not be decisive to their hopes of progressing from Group H.
Nuno's men lost their opening group game at home to Zenit, with Axel Witsel's 76th-minute strike settling the encounter after Valencia had fought back from 2-0 down.
The Spanish side now face a tricky match at the Stade de Gerland against a Lyon team who were held 1-1 by nine-man Gent in their opener, with striker Alexandre Lacazette missing what would have been a match-winning penalty late on.

Mourinho: I'll salute Casillas

The Chelsea manager has played down any chance of him snubbing the former Real Madrid goalkeeper in their Champions League tie with Porto on Tuesday

Jose Mourinho claims he will "salute" Iker Casillas in Tuesday's Champions League clash between Chelsea and Porto, in which the goalkeeper will become the competition's record appearance holder.

The coach is renowned for having feuded with Casillas behind the scenes in his final season at Real Madrid, in which there were allegations that his captain was leaking team news to media ahead of games.

Despite their past differences, Mourinho says there will be no bad blood between him and the Spain international - who swapped Madrid for Porto this summer - at the Estadio do Dragao.

"I know what you're asking," the Portuguese coach said when a Spanish reporter began asking a question regarding the veteran shot-stopper, who is set to play for a record 152nd time in the Champions League.

"I'll salute Casillas tomorrow. There's no point wasting time discussing it."

Cavani: Ibrahimovic and I set the standard at PSG

The Uruguayan striker has started the season in fine form, is enjoying Zlatan's company up front and insists he is happy in the French capital

Edinson Cavani has asserted that he and Zlatan Ibrahimovic set the standard for a Paris Saint-Germain side whose first objective this season is to win the Champions League.

The Uruguayan striker has already scored eight goals in all competitions since the season began and he is relishing his relationship with Ibrahimovic on the pitch.

"It's great to play with world class players [like Zlatan],” he said in an interview with RMC.

“We both work together, we are the leading duo and we determine what everyone should do.”

Cavani has often had to endure criticism during his time in the French capital, but he says he understands that side of the game and is adamant he is happy where he is despite any transfer talk.

“It is not always easy, but I understand the criticism, yes,” he continued.

“I think it's normal, because in football [criticism] is constant. The best thing is not to listen, although criticism can be constructive — I'm always open to analysis.

“But Paris always showed desire to keep me, which is very important. For three years now a lot has been said, but I feel very good, really.

“Everything is positive now and I hope it will be a great year with Paris.

“We have the ambition to win trophies. I think that the club's first objective is to win the Champions League.

“[The Champions League] is important for the club and for this project — I hope we will win it.”

PSG’s Champions League quest sees them take on Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday after their opening-day win against Malmo, with Cavani adding he feels this is “the best PSG side” since he arrived from Napoli.

Lahm: I thought Arsenal losing to Dinamo was mistake!

Ahead of Bayern Munich's clash with the Croatian side, their skipper has aired his surprise at the Gunners having lost their group stage opener to them

Philipp Lahm has revealed how he originally thought he had misread that Arsenal lost their Champions League group stage opener to Dinamo Zagreb.
The Gunners were widely expected to bag three points visiting the Croatian champions a fortnight ago but – down to 10 men following an Olivier Giroud red card – they lost 2-1 at the Stadion Maksimir.
Dinamo's next opponents in Europe are Bayern Munich, and the Bundesliga champions' captain Lahm admitted his shock that the Balkan team were able to defeat Arsene Wenger's men.
"Dinamo are very comfortable at home," the utility defensive veteran told Jutarnji List. "They have a good group of fans, they're difficult to defeat.
"The defeat of Arsenal in Zagreb really surprised me. At first I thought it was a mistake!
"Dinamo will play extremely defensively, the defensive wall will be stronger than when you play a typical game. Dinamo will try to play on the counterattack."
Pep Guardiola's men have won all seven games in the Bundesliga season by a cumulative scoreline of 21-3 and are four points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund.

Mourinho in dig at FA: I'm glad Chelsea don't have 11 Diego Costas!

The Blues boss is not happy with how his striker has been painted as a villain by the British press and the Football Association and insists the desire to suspend him is "so big"

Jose Mourinho has suggested if he had a team of players like Diego Costa that they'd always end up suspended, taking a swipe at the striker's critics.

The Chelsea manager was angered by the FA's decision to give the Spain international a three-game retrospective ban for his antics in the Blues' recent 2-0 win over Arsenal.

Costa tangled with both opponents Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel Paulista in the game, with the latter seeing red for his involvement in the squabble, and the FA reacted by charging him for violent conduct.

"I'm glad we don't have 11 Diego Costas in the team because the desire to suspend him would be so big," Mourinho said at a press conference ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League match with Porto on Tuesday, in which the striker is expected to start.

The Blues won their first European game of the season 4-0 against Maccabi Tel Aviv at Stamford Bridge, although their domestic form has not impressed as they're placed 15th in the Premier League.

They had to come from two goals down just to secure a 2-2 draw with Newcastle United on Saturday and Mourinho has called on his team to put in a top performance for longer than a single half against the Portuguese hosts.

"You can win matches by playing well for 45 minutes, but normally you have to play better for more than 45 minutes," he added.

Fabregas: Chelsea aren't a bunch of babies

Cesc Fabregas claims Chelsea players aren't "babies" following a poor start to the season and he does not think some silverware is now out of reach.

The Blues have won just two of their first seven Premier League games of the new campaign in a stark contrast to their rampant form in 2014-15 which saw them storm to the title.

Ahead of Chelsea's visit to Porto on Tuesday in the Champions League, Fabregas stressed that it's more important to finish in fine form and insisted manager Jose Mourinho hasn't allowed them to take their foot off the gas.

"It's not how it starts, it's how it ends," the central midfielder told reporters. "You have to compete to the maximum every single game.

"Last season wasn't easy. It might have looked like it, but it wasn't. This isn't complacency. The manager wouldn't allow it.

"We are not babies. We have to start performing. There's no reason we can't win the league again. We can do better. We will do better. We have to start from now."

Zlatan Ibrahimovic memorably described Chelsea as "babies" last season when the Blues' complaints over a challenge led to the Paris Saint-Germain striker being sent off in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie.

Chelsea won their opening Champions League group stage game 4-0 against Maccabi Tel Aviv a fortnight ago but, following a battling win over Arsenal, drew 2-2 with Newcastle United on Saturday.

Mascherano facing allegations of €1.5m tax evasion

The Barcelona and Argentina star is suspected of avoiding huge payments on image rights, which has led to the opening of an official probe in Catalunya

Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano is being investigated of avoiding €1.5 million in tax charges, Catalunya legal authorities have announced.
The Argentine is alleged to have omitted income earned from image rights in his tax declarations in 2011 and 2012 by using third parties located in an offshore tax haven.

Fabregas: Chelsea aren't a bunch of babies

The Premier League champions have struggled to put together a string of wins, but the midfielder isn't overly concerned as long as they finish well

Mourinho: I'll salute Casillas

The Chelsea manager has played down any chance of him snubbing the former Real Madrid goalkeeper in their Champions League tie with Porto on Tuesday

Cavani: Ibrahimovic and I set the standard at PSG

The Uruguayan striker has started the season in fine form, is enjoying Zlatan's company up front and insists he is happy in the French capital

Edinson Cavani has asserted that he and Zlatan Ibrahimovic

set the standard for a Paris Saint-Germain side whose first objective this season is to win the Champions League.

The Uruguayan striker has already scored eight goals in all competitions since the season began and he is relishing his relationship with Ibrahimovic on the pitch.

Wenger prepared for 'must-win' Olympiacos test

Arsene Wenger says Tuesday's Champions League visit of Olympiacos is a "must-win" game as Arsenal look to progress from Group F.

The Gunners were beaten 2-1 by Dinamo Zagreb in their opening game of the competition earlier this month and welcome the Greek side to the Emirates Stadium in need of points ahead of a difficult clash with group favourites Bayern Munich in October.

Following a 5-2 success against Leicester City at the weekend, confidence is high among Wenger's squad, with Francis Coquelin in line for a return from his knee injury.

Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta are doubts however, as Wenger prepares for a crucial clash in north London.

Man City stunned as Madrid & Ronaldo halted - Opta's weekend review

League leaders before the weekend, Manchester City suffered a second consecutive league defeat on Saturday as they were on the wrong end of a 4-1 mauling at White Hart Lane.

Those two defeats came after an 11-game winning streak for Manuel Pellegrini’s charges, with City shipping more goals in the two losses (also 1-2 v West Ham) than in those previous 11 victories combined (four goals). The result was also City’s heaviest Premier League defeat since a 0-3 loss to Liverpool back in April 2011.

As for Tottenham, they’ve now won three successive Premier League games for the first time since February. The game also saw England hitman Harry Kane finally end his 12 hour 28 minute goal-drought, with his goal (Spurs’ third of the game), the 150th in the top-tier overall this season.

Mata: Manchester United still have a long way to go

Juan Mata has voiced his delight with Manchester United 's good start to the season, but has stressed that they have not won anything yet.

United returned to the top of the Premier League at the weekend, as they beat Sunderland 3-0, deposing rivals City in the process, with Manuel Pellegrini's side beaten 4-1 by Tottenham.

Yet Mata has stressed that Louis van Gaal's men still have a long way to go, as they attempt to secure the first silverware of the Dutchman's reign at Old Trafford.

"Our victory, together with City's defeat, took us to the top spot in the table, which is something new for me since I came to Manchester United," the Spain international wrote in his blog.

"From the first day I was hoping to see the team in this place that the club has occupied so many times in the past.

"These are happy days. That's the feeling I've had during the entire week, since things have gone pretty well lately. It's only the start of the season, but I believe that we deserve to enjoy such a good moment like this, and keep training hard to extend the good streak for a long time.

"As we can see, the day-to-day work is paying off, and I'm also happy for all of you, of course. It’s been a long time since you have experienced a situation like this and we hope to keep giving you a good vibe.

"Our current position is a consequence of the good work, but right now, still in September, it doesn't mean anything if we don't keep working, and we know that.

"We have ambition, but we are aware that the way ahead is very long and tough."

Fiorentina hero Kalinic revels in 'best game of his life'

Nikola Kalinic described his performance in Fiorentina's 4-1 win over Inter as the "best game of his life" after he scored a hat-trick to fire his side to the top of Serie A.

Kalinic won the penalty which Josep Ilicic converted for his side's opening goal, before scoring three times to end the visitors' 100 per cent record in the league.

He told Goal: "It is a great feeling, this was best game of my life! Everyone has called me and wants to congratulate me.

"I've heard I am the first Croatian player since [Alen] Boksic for Lazio in 1995 to score a hat-trick in Serie A - I am very glad."

Fiorentina appointed Paulo Sousa as their new coach in the summer after sacking Vincenzo Montella in June, but Kalinic has revealed his boss refused to get carried away with the win.

He added: "Sousa is a great man and a great coach. He congratulated us and nothing more, there is no time to celebrate with so many matches ahead of us.

"We really outplayed Inter, ruled on the pitch and proved we deserve to be on top!"

Kalinic, 27, joined the club from Dnipro in the summer and he says he has been delighted with his start to life in Serie A.

"I have started well in Italy, I just have to continue at this level," he continued.

"The league is hard, I already knew that but now I can really feel it. Every game is tough, there is not a lot of space and it is physically very demanding. But the coach keeps rotating so all of us are satisfied and not too tired."

Guardiola: I know why Arsenal lost to Dinamo

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has warned his side that Dinamo Zagreb's win over Arsenal was no fluke.

The Bundesliga leaders host Zoran Mamic's side in the Champions League group stage on Tuesday after they shocked the Gunners in their opening game.

Guardiola believes Bayern's form is steadily improving this season but is under no illusions as to the challenge which awaits his side at the Allianz Arena.

"Every day and every week is important. The most important thing now is Dinamo Zagreb," he said.

"You'd normally think Arsenal would win in Zagreb, but then you watch the game and you see straight away why Dinamo won. They are very organised, very aggressive.

"They have very technical players and we need to approach the game with great seriousness.

"They played well in defence, with their players showing discipline by maintaining their shape. Forty-five games without losing... this must be a really strong squad - it won't be easy.

"It's a great opportunity to bring us into a good position for the game against Arsenal. You have to win your home games to get ahead.

"I have a lot of confidence in my team. Our development is good, we're getting a little better every game."

Guardiola revealed that Arturo Vidal is struggling with a minor knee complaint and Sebastian Rode may also miss the Dinamo clash, but there was better news regarding the returns of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben

Blatter: I have done nothing illegal

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has insisted he has done nothing illegal and will remain in the role through till February's elections.

Blatter is under investigation from Swiss authorities, but in a statement from his lawyer Lorenz Erni he made it clear that he is not guilty of any wrongdoing.

"President Blatter spoke to Fifa staff today and informed the staff that he was cooperating with the authorities, reiterated that he had done nothing illegal or improper and stated that he would remain as president of Fifa," it read.

"On the [Michel] Platini matter, President Blatter on Friday shared with the Swiss authorities the fact that Mr. Platini had a valuable employment relationship with Fifa serving as an advisor to the president beginning in 1998.

"He explained to the prosecutors that the payments were valid compensation and nothing more and were properly accounted for within Fifa including the withholding of Social Security contributions.

"Because of the continuing investigation President Blatter will answer no further questions at this time."

Barcelona can cope without Messi, insists Luis Enrique

The Argentine is sidelined for up to eight weeks with a knee injury but the 45-year-old maintains his side have the ability to adapt

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique insists his side can cope with the absence of Lionel Messi.

The Argentine has been ruled out for up to eight weeks with the knee ligament injury he suffered during Saturday’s 2-1 win over Las Palmas.

But while Luis Enrique admits Messi will be “impossible to replace”, he is adamant that his team have the ability to adapt their style ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen at Camp Nou.

"All my players give always their top so I can't ask them more due to Messi’s absence,” said the Barca coach.

Mata: Manchester United still have a long way to go

Louis van Gaal's men defeated Sunderland 3-0 at the weekend to move to the top of the Premier League but the midfielder maintains that the club still have room to improve

Juan Mata has voiced his delight with Manchester United 's good start to the season, but has stressed that they have not won anything yet.

United returned to the top of the Premier League at the weekend, as they beat Sunderland 3-0, deposing rivals City in the process, with Manuel Pellegrini's side beaten 4-1 by Tottenham.

Yet Mata has stressed that Louis van Gaal's men still have a long way to go, as they attempt to secure the first silverware of the Dutchman's reign at Old Trafford.

"Our victory, together with City's defeat, took us to the top spot in the table, which is something new for me since I came to Manchester United," the Spain international wrote in his blog.

Fiorentina hero Kalinic revels in 'best game of his life'

Guardiola: I know why Arsenal lost to Dinamo

The coach has says the organisational qualities and competitiveness of the Croatian side were key to defeating the Gunners

David Silva set for Manchester City return as Toure awaits diagnosis

Manchester City are confident of a triple injury boost ahead of their Champions League clash with Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday, with David Silva, Vincent Kompany and Joe Hart all in line for a return to action.

City lost their European opener against Juventus a fortnight ago and travel to Germany needing to pick up all three points if they are to keep in touch with the Italians and Sevilla, who sit joint top of Group D.

Silva has missed the club's last three matches with a calf problem but is set to return for the game at Borussia Park having trained over the weekend.

There could also be good news for Kompany and Hart, who both sat out Saturday's heavy defeat at Tottenham in the Premier League.

Kompany, who was forced out of the 2-1 defeat to Juventus with a calf injury, had initially been named on the bench at White Hart Lane but was forced to pull out altogether.

David Silva set for Manchester City return as Toure awaits diagnosis

Barcelona can cope without Messi, insists Luis Enrique

Mata: Manchester United still have a long way to go

Any Porto in a storm: how Mourinho caused Casillas' Madrid downfall

There is a certain twisted irony that Jose Mourinho and Iker Casillas should be reunited at a ground that gave birth to ‘the Special One’, and which now serves as the graveyard for one of his great opposers. The Spanish goalkeeping icon is now playing out the final days of his career at Porto, in the shadow of the man who began his downfall. When Mourinho arrived at Real Madrid in 2010, newly crowned world champion Casillas was at his peak. Since then he has been cast out and cut adrift.

In the belly of Estadio do Dragao lie countless reminders of Mourinho’s enduring legacy, in posters, mosaics and silverware, and now the latest chapter of another of his great battles will be written on the Porto turf, as the Chelsea boss takes his sluggish side to Oporto to take on both his old club and his old foe – though he might wonder if Casillas's place, like his own legacy in Portugal’s second city, would be better consigned to a museum. It was he who first questioned the goalkeeper’s ability, first challenged his authority and first dropped him from the Madrid starting XI. Now they meet again.

“Would I do anything differently if I had the chance to do the past three years over again,” pondered Mourinho as time ran out on his reign at Madrid, his tail not far enough between his legs to deny him a parting shot at the man he blamed for his unsuccessful stay. “I should have brought in Diego Lopez after my first year. We didn't do enough to sign him. It's a real shame.”

Wenger faces midfield reshuffle ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Olympiacos

Arsene Wenger could face another reshuffle in defensive midfield for Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Olympiacos on Tuesday evening.

The Gunners are without Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta for the match against the Greek champions, but while Francis Coquelin has returned to training following a knee injury, Wenger admits he has not decided whether the 24-year-old is fit enough to play.

"Coquelin is back training but we will see,” the Arsenal manager said on Monday. “Arteta and Flamini are not available."

Arsenal are looking for their first points in the Champions League this season after they slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb earlier in September, but Wenger’s men head into the fixture following victories over Tottenham and Leicester City in the League Cup and Premier League respectively.

Alexis Sanchez opened his account for the season with a hat-trick in the 5-2 win against Claudio Ranieri’s side on Saturday and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has praised the Chilean’s mentality.

“He is one of the most passionate players I know,” said the Arsenal midfielder.

Draxler like Martial, says Van Gaal

The Germany international has risen to prominence in the Bundesliga and the Dutchman is wary of his threat, likening his ability to that of the ex-Monaco striker

Kane lauds in-form Lamela

The 23-year-old joined the club from Roma in 2013 and has been hailed by the England international, having played a pivotal role in Spurs' 4-1 win over Manchester City

Sturridge return vital to Liverpool, insists Lawrenson

The Reds striker returned to the fold at the weekend, scoring in the 3-2 win over Aston Villa, and he has now been hailed by the former club great

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson has underlined the importance of Daniel Sturridge to the club after the striker's double helped his team to a 3-2 win over Aston Villa at the weekend.

The 26-year-old spent the majority of the 2014-15 campaign on the sidelines due to injury and also missed the opening weeks of this season.

He made his comeback in the 1-1 draw with Norwich City last week, though, before opening his account for the season against Villa and Lawrenson believes his return will prove to be a major boost for the club.

Any Porto in a storm: how Mourinho caused Casillas' Madrid downfall

Technical director Baldini leaves Tottenham

The Italian technical director has left White Hart Lane after a mixed spell in which he oversaw the restructuring of the squad following Gareth Bale's transfer

Technical director Baldini leaves Tottenham

Technical director Franco Baldini has left his role at Tottenham, the club announced on Monday.

Baldini joined Spurs in 2013, working with manager Andre Villas-Boas as the club looked to restructure their playing staff following the transfer of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid.

The Italian recruited a number of players that initially flattered to decieve, before finally settling in at White Hart Lane under current manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Baldini's signings include Nacer Chadli, Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela, who scored in the 4-1 win over Manchester City on Saturday.

But some of the Italian's less savvy transfer moves include the signings of Etienne Capoue, Paulinho and Roberto Soldado, who have subsequently been shown the exit door by manager Pochettino.

Before his most recent spell at Tottenham, the 54-year-old worked in a similar role at Roma and was assistant manager to Fabio Capello with the England national team.

Messi, Giroud & all of the Champions League injuries and suspensions

Lionel Messi, Olivier Giroud and Mario Mandzukic are among the players who are unavailable as the Champions League continues on Tuesday and Wednesday.

To get you up to speed on the team news ahead of matchday two, Goal takes a match-by-match look at the injuries and suspensions currently troubling the competition's 32 clubs.Lionel Messi's knee ligament injury has rocked world football, and the Argentina international leads a lengthy injury list that Luis Enrique has to deal with at Camp Nou.

Rafinha faces six months out after requiring surgery on his cruciate ligament while Thomas Vermaelen (calf) remains out, though Jordi Alba (neck) and Claudio Bravo (calf) could make their returns.

Leverkusen remain without Charles Aranguiz after he tore his Achilles tendon in August while Omer Toprak, Tin Jedvaj (both thigh injuries) and Roberto Hilbert (knee) could miss out.

Draxler like Martial, says Van Gaal

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has singled out Julian Draxler as Wolfsburg 's main dangerman ahead of this week's Champions League encounter at Old Trafford and has likened the Germany international to Anthony Martial .

Draxler joined Wolfsburg from Schalke on deadline day as the Bundesliga club looked to replace Kevin De Bruyne following his move to Manchester City and Van Gaal still remembers the 22-year-old from his time with Bayerrn Munich.

"Draxler was a very young talent when I was in charge of Bayern, so I know him," Van Gaal told the official United website

"He has to go on a long road like Martial, although it could be a little bit shorter because he has been playing longer on that level.

"He is a very good player."

Wolfsburg were thrashed 5-1 by Bayern Munich last week as Robert Lewandowski netted five goals in nine minutes, but Van Gaal has warned that Dieter Hecking's men should not be underestimated.

"Of course I saw that game, but I also saw the first half and Wolfsburg were very strong. It is unbelievable that it happened in nine minutes," the Dutchman added.

United were beaten 2-1 by PSV in the first match of their Champions League campaign, while Arsenal and Manchester City also slumped to defeat, with Chelsea beng the only English side to bag the full three points.

However, Van Gaal remains optimistic all four Premier League representatives can progress.

He said: "The Premier League is a very difficult league. To beat your opponent every week is not easy, it is always a struggle and a battle. Then you have to play again mid-week in the Champions League and that is the difference between all the clubs in Europe.

Kane lauds in-form Lamela

Harry Kane has heaped praise on Tottenham team-mate Erik Lamela after the club's 4-1 thrashing of Manchester City on Saturday.

Lamela's form has been under scrutiny in recent months, with many fans underwhelmed by the winger's displays.

However, the 23-year-old - who joined the club in a reported £30 million deal in 2013 - played a vital role in Spurs' victory over Manuel Pellegrini's side, scoring the fourth goal and having a hand in two others, one of which was scored by Kane.

"I'm very pleased for him," Kane said in quotes reported by the Hackney Gazette.

"He's taken some criticism over the last year or so but since he's come in he's shown, especially this season, what a player he can be.

"He's done very well, he worked hard for the team [against City] up and down the pitch and I'm delighted for him to get his goal - but everyone was top notch.

"We had the higher press, we were relentless in our running and that's what we've been doing to teams this season. We've got a very young, fit squad and I feel that's going to be what we try to do throughout the course of the whole season."

Kane has also credited Lamela's work ethic, and says that the Argentine has never been affected by criticism of his game.

"He [Lamela] is a top lad, he's a very hard worker on the training field. He's never let it [the criticism] affect him, he's carried on practising, working hard on his own after training and stuff. He deserves what he gets. Football's a funny game and you've just got to work hard and keep trying to improve and you'll get your rewards.

"He probably knows he's playing well and that's what it's like. You're looking forward to your next game, you want to be out there playing.

"Hopefully he can keep building confidence and keep getting better and better. That's what we're trying to do as a team - everyone trying to improve, game in game out, getting some more experience and keep knocking on the door and see where we end up."

Back on top...but Man Utd are a far cry from challenging Barcelona, Real Madrid & Bayern Munich

Manchester United are top of the Premier League table for the first time in two-and-a-half years. There is something comfortingly familiar about the sight of the Red Devils at the summit of English football.

The football itself has certainly not fallen into the same category, with many of United’s games so far this season played to the backdrop of fans demanding that their side “attack, attack, attack”. While the results have begun to take on the look of a Sir Alex Ferguson team, the performances have been in stark contrast to the high-intensity style with which the Scot became synonymous.

Under Louis van Gaal they have become a far more methodical, patient and occasionally frustrating side to watch, yet the inconsistent and at times downright dismal performances dished up by the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal so far this season have ensured United have quietly made their way into the box seat after seven games.

The next three league matches – at Arsenal and Everton, then a home derby with City – might tell us much about United’s title credentials, but one thing we can say for certain is that Van Gaal’s men are in contention at the very least.

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Scottish roundup: Dundee United reeling after defeat to St Johnstone

Jackie McNamara has been relieved of his duties as Dundee United manager but still remains an employee of the club. BBC Scotland reported McNamara met with the chairman, Stephen Thompson, after St Johnstone fought back to beat Dundee United 2-1, despite playing most of the match with 10 men at McDiarmid Park.

Saints had goalkeeper Alan Mannus sent off in the 22nd minute after conceding the penalty from which United took the lead.

Saints roared back from Billy McKay’s spot-kick with two second‑half goals that consigned United to a sixth defeat in nine games.

Graham Cummins equalised with a 64th-minute header and substitute Simon Lappin’s 80th-minute winner left the Tannadice side consigned to their to a sixth defeat in nine games.

Stephen Craigan enjoyed a winning start as Motherwell caretaker manager as his side edged out bottom club Partick Thistle 2-1 at Fir Park.

Craigan’s reign was kick-started by a Freddie Frans own goal in the 26th minute and Scott McDonald doubled the advantage in the 69th minute, with Lionel Ainsworth setting up both goals.

Thistle struck the woodwork either side of substitute David Amoo netting only their third goal of the season.

Hamilton claimed a 2-1 victory at Kilmarnock inspired by Ali Crawford. Accies trailed to a Greg Kiltie goal at half-time at Rugby Park. But they bounced back in the second half to win when Crawford set up Dougie Imrie for the equaliser, before scoring the winner.

Dundee came back from two goals down to secure a 3-3 draw against Ross County at Dens Park.

Bournemouth face anxious wait to discover extent of Callum Wilson injury

The Bournemouth manager, Eddie Howe, admitted things did not look good for Callum Wilson after the Cherries’ top scorer was carried off on a stretcher having suffered a knee injury early on in the 2-1 loss at Stoke.

Wilson went down under a challenge from Philipp Wollscheid in the eighth minute of the game at the Britannia Stadium.

Having had treatment on the pitch he appeared to walk it off and came back into the match, but moments later the five-goal striker was back down, his leg having buckled as he ran, and he subsequently departed once again on a stretcher.

Howe - who has already lost Tyrone Mings and Max Gradel to serious knee injuries this season - said: “It doesn’t look good at this moment in time. He is in a brace and on crutches and is in a bit of pain - there is a bit of swelling there.

“We won’t know until we get it scanned and properly looked at, but it is worrying for us - it looks like it could be another serious knee injury.

“All I know is he took a whack to the knee, felt he was OK to carry on and then collapsed in agony, and obviously that is not a good sign.

Middlesbrough close on leaders Brighton after win aided by Leeds errors

Middlesbrough kept their Sky Bet Championship promotion charge on track with a 3-0 victory over Leeds at the Riverside Stadium – their seventh straight victory in all competitions. Efforts from David Nugent and Diego Fabbrini sandwiched Giuseppe Bellusci’s own goal as a tame Leeds side left Teesside empty-handed .

Middlesbrough headed into the clash knowing victory would move them a point behind leaders Brighton and five ahead of third-placed Reading – and they started like a team with that in mind, with Nugent opening the scoring in the second minute.

Things went from bad to worse for Leeds as Bellusci headed into his own net after 32 minutes, with their anger growing when Mirco Antenucci saw a goal ruled out for offside just after the break. A miserable afternoon was capped in the 81st minute when Fabbrini capitalised on Sol Bamba’s slip to add further gloss.

The hosts flew out of the blocks and took the lead with their first attack. Fernando Amorebieta’s searching long ball found Nugent, who flicked on for Christian Stuani. The forward ran on to the ball, before beating Charlie Taylor twice and sending a cross to the back post, where Nugent controlled and powered an effort beyond Marco Silvestri.

Boro were almost 2-0 up in the 11th minute as Albert Adomah delivered a dangerous centre that Bamba chested towards his own goal to force a fine save from Silvestri.

Yohan Cabaye penalty lets Crystal Palace inflict more pain on Watford

“It’s just like Wembley again!” roared the away fans in the moments after the only goal, and they certainly had a point. When the teams last met, in the 2013 Championship play-off final , Palace had the better of the chances but scored only once, after Wilfried Zaha was tripped in the area by the Watford right-back, winning a penalty that was thumped into the top-left corner. This time, though the Hornets played better than at Wembley, the key moment was uncannily similar.

Allan Nyom was the culprit on this occasion, the only question being whether Zaha was inside the box when contact was made. “It was a penalty,” insisted the Palace manager, Alan Pardew. “The ball was travelling just outside the line, I thought, but the point of impact was inside the box.”

From the spot Yohan Cabaye went the same way as Kevin Phillips had at Wembley, with an identical result. Palace have now lost only one of their last 10 matches at Vicarage Road and sit sixth in the Premier League table, borne upon a tide of victories on the road. Pardew now has 11 wins in 14 away games as Palace manager, and three from four this season.

“We’ve got good players for an away team because we’ve got pace,” he said. “I said to the guys today: ‘Let’s not retreat in any way today. Let’s take the game to Watford . ’ It made the game very even in the first half, though not great entertainment. That made us grow in confidence and in the end we found some hot pockets, which we exploited.”

They had to work hard to find those hot pockets, rotating their attacking players with dizzying regularity. Jason Puncheon played on the right in the first half and as a centre-forward in the second; Bakary Sako started on the right, moved to the left, then to the middle and finally settled on the left; Yannick Bolasie spent most of the first half on the left and much of the second on the right.

Crystal Palace winger Yannick Bolasie signs contract extension

Yannick Bolasie has agreed a contract extension at Crystal Palace with his manager, Alan Pardew, confident he can maintain the winger’s development at Selhurst Park before he eventually moves on to a bigger stage.

Bolasie, secured from the fringes of the Bristol City team three years ago, still had two years to run on his existing contract but has now pledged his future to Palace through to 2019.

The south London club did not receive any offers for the 26-year-old DR Congo international – a player Pardew had optimistically valued at £40m last season – over the summer, but there is an acceptance that interest will surface if the player continues to add more consistency and threat to his game.

“Yannick has just agreed a three-and-a-half-year extension to stay at this football club,” said Pardew, whose side travel to Watford on Sunday. “I’ve said all along this guy needs to deliver the final moment and, when does that, he won’t be here for three-and-a-half years.

“So my first priority is to secure him and develop him. And if I can develop him and take this forward, that’s great. If a big club comes, we can take that money and use it to take the club forward. It’s a simple equation.

“I spoke to the Tottenham manager, Mauricio Pochettino, after last Sunday’s game and, as far as he knew, there had been no interest in Yannick going to Spurs. We had no bid for him. But we know that, if Yannick became available for £5m, we’d have a queue out the door for him. But he isn’t [available for that amount now].

Watford 0-1 Crystal Palace: Cabaye penalty seals all three points for Eagles

The Frenchman kept his cool from 12 yards after Wilfried Zaha was fouled in the area by defender Allan Nyom, taking the Eagles into sixth in the Premier League table

Yohan Cabaye's second-half penalty gave Crystal Palace a hard-fought 1-0 win over Watford at Vicarage Road on Sunday.

Substitute Wilfried Zaha was crucial in earning the decisive foul from Allan Nyom, allowing Cabaye to convert and settle a largely uneventful contest as Palace got back to winning ways in the Premier League following narrow defeats to Manchester City and Tottenham.

Having made a solid start to life in the Premier League, Watford were targeting a third straight top-flight win for the first time since April 1987 against their Championship play-off final foes of two years ago.

Following a dour first-half in which both teams appeared wary of being caught on the counter-attack, Jose Manuel Jurado and Dwight Gayle each saw efforts strike the crossbar in a more entertaining second period.

But the game turned on Nyom's clumsy challenge 71 minutes in, the Watford full-back unable to deal with Zaha's pace and trickery before Cabaye duly kept his cool to seal victory and send Alan Pardew's team sixth in the table.

Buoyed by recent victories over Swansea City and Newcastle United, unchanged Watford started strongly against a Palace side showing a host of changes from their narrow defeat at Tottenham last weekend.

Wayne Hennessey, Joe Ledley and the fit-again Scott Dann all returned, while Gayle was handed a first league start of the season as Brede Hangeland had the first effort on target with a header kept out by Heurelho Gomes.

That proved to be a rare foray forward for Palace however, as Watford enjoyed the better of the play before the half-hour mark - Troy Deeney going close with a glancing header.

Palace almost capitalised on a series of Watford fouls around the edge of the area but Cabaye's delivery just evaded Gayle, before the Frenchman lost possession and allowed Watford to break, with Hangeland required to clear and deny the in-form Odion Ighalo a sight of goal.

After both sides stuttered somewhat in front of goal prior to the break, Jurado struck the Palace crossbar inside three minutes of the restart with an impressive free-kick.

Both Flores and Pardew kept faith with their XIs at the interval but it was Watford who remained the more threatening, Almen Abdi testing Hennessey down to his right after smart play between Deeney and Ighalo.