Pep Guardiola's side make Premier League history

Swansea 0-4 Man City: David Silva double helps Pep Guardiola's side make Premier League history

Manchester City made Premier League history with their 15th successive win - the longest ever run in the league - as they beat Swansea 4-0 on Wednesday.

Pep Guardiola's side had matched Arsenal's previous record of 14 wins in a row after their Manchester derby triumph, but surpassed the tally with their victory at the Liberty Stadium.

David Silva (27) opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark, with Kevin De Bruyne (34) curling home a free-kick to double the lead.

The Man City captain (52) then scored his second of the game just after the break before Sergio Aguero (85) rounded off the scoring late on.

Zinedine Zidane says Real Madrid deserve place in Club World Cup final

Zinedine Zidane says Real Madrid deserve place in Club World Cup final

Zinedine Zidane praised Al Jazira after they forced Real Madrid to come from behind to reach the FIFA Club World Cup final.

Real dominated the match against the UAE Pro-League champions and had 35 efforts on goal but were stunned by a goal on the break from Romarinho just before half-time.
Cristiano Ronaldo equalised in the second half and Gareth Bale netted the winner in the 81st minute with his first touch after coming off the bench.



Bale was also critical of the system but was pleased to make such a successful comeback from a calf injury.
The Welshman, whose future at the club has been the subject of much debate, said: "It's great to score.

"You want to have an impact when you come on as a sub, but the most important thing is that we've won and we're in the final.

"I have to improve a bit, but I have to be patient. I've had a few problems, I have to listen to my body but I'm going to work hard both on and off the pitch to get back to where I want to be."

Man Utd 1-0 Bournemouth: Romelu Lukaku nets winner for hostsMan Utd 1-0 Bournemouth: Romelu Lukaku nets winner for hosts

Man Utd 1-0 Bournemouth: Romelu Lukaku nets winner for hosts

 

Manchester United got back to winning ways at Old Trafford after the derby tussle with a workmanlike 1-0 victory over Bournemouth on Wednesday.

Romelu Lukaku (25) silenced his critics with the winning strike midway through the first-half, his first goal in five Premier League games although he refused to celebrate.
Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford went close in the second period but it was Bournemouth who created more chances, registering seven shots on target but they found David de Gea once again in defiant mood.
The victory leaves United 11 points behind leaders Manchester City, who won 4-0 at Swansea.
Lukaku, who faced criticism for his part in United's damaging loss to rivals Manchester City at the weekend, showed great determination to head his team in front.
Juan Mata hung a ball up to the back post and the striker rose above Charlie Daniels and Nathan Ake to power a header into the top corner.
At the other end, De Gea was kept busy by the visitors who tested him with five efforts on targets in the first half, the pick of which came from a stinging Daniels strike from 25 yards.

Jose Mourinho questions Manchester City's behaviour and education after their derby win

Jose Mourinho questions Manchester City's behaviour and education after their derby win

Jose Mourinho questioned Manchester City’s behaviour and education when asked about the post-match fracas after the Manchester derby.

Both clubs have been asked for their observations by the FA over a tussle that broke out next to the changing rooms following Sunday's dramatic 2-1 victory for City in the Premier League.

After initially refusing to speak about the incident at his press conference to preview Wednesday's game Bournemouth, the United boss the offered this cryptic response.

Mourinho said: "For me it was just a question of diversity - diversity in behaviours and diversity in education. Just that and nothing more than that."

After a bitter derby defeat that severely damaged United's title hopes, Mourinho is expecting to see a reaction from his side when Bournemouth come to Old Trafford.

"When you lose you probably have a little bit more desire to win it," Mourinho said. "Nobody wants to lose once. Nobody wants to lose twice. Every team in the world, when you lose a match, the next one you have a little bit extra to give."

Though United now trail City by 11 points, Mourinho was keen to remind his critics that the team are still on pace to significantly exceed their Premier League points total from last season.

"The number of points that we have, last season we had seven less or eight less in this moment," Mourinho said.

"Last season we drew at home against Bournemouth. Now let's try to do better than we did last season."

Mauricio Pochettino rues 'poor' first-half display as Tottenham slip to defeat at Leicester

Mauricio Pochettino rues 'poor' first-half display as Tottenham slip to defeat at Leicester

Mauricio Pochettino was left ruing Tottenham's sluggish start as they fell to a 2-1 defeat to Leicester at the King Power Stadium.

Two sublime goals from Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez handed Leicester a 2-0 half-time lead as Spurs missed a number of decent opportunities.

Christian Eriksen and Fernando Llorente then went on to squander glorious chances either side of a Harry Kane strike as Spurs slipped to a fourth Premier League loss of the season

The defeat means Spurs could be 16 points behind leaders Manchester City going into the weekend's action, and Pochettino admits they must be critical of their display.

 Pochettino speech after the match

The second half we were more aggressive and started to play the game. We were critical of ourselves at half-time and it's difficult to start the way we did and win games

We were so poor in our performance. We need to improve and be critical about our performance, because we did not play the way we are used to.

"We need to assess it and take responsibility. We cannot start like this. We spoke before the game about our focus but we were poor in this phase of the game.

Though Vardy and Mahrez's first-half strikes were spectacular in their essence, Pochettino still felt as though his side could have prevented them.

"The game was even and we created many chances, but we cannot concede the goals that we conceded today," Pochettino added.

"You can do better, and do something to stop them. When you concede, it's not only because of the quality of the opponent, it's sometimes because you need to be aware of some situations.

"It's true we are disappointed and frustrated, but not only for the defeat but also the performance."

Rafa Benitez says,Manchester United's Paul Pogba not at Steven Gerrard levels

Rafa Benitez says,Manchester United's Paul Pogba not at Steven Gerrard levels

Rafa Benitez says Paul Pogba must produce more consistent performances before he can be compared to Steven Gerrard.

Pogba scored one goal and created another against Benitez's Newcastle United side on Saturday as the Manchester United midfielder made an impressive return from injury in their 4-1 victory at Old Trafford.

However, Benitez believes Pogba has some way to go before he can be classed in the same category as former Liverpool skipper Gerrard.

"No, they're different," said the Newcastle manager. "Stevie was a top-class player for so many years.

"He was very consistent and could make the difference in every game, with or without the ball.

"He was a top-class player. Pogba is a great player, but he still has to be consistent for years like Stevie was for 10 or 15 years.

"Pogba is not my player, so I don't need to talk too much about him. He's a great player, like the majority of the Manchester United players."

Arsenal 2-0 Tottenham: Gunners rise to the occasion in north London derby

Arsenal 2-0 Tottenham: Gunners rise to the occasion in north London derby

Arsenal stole the bragging rights in north London with a 2-0 victory over neighbours Tottenham at The Emirates Stadium on Saturday

The defeat was Mauricio Pochettino's first north London derby reverse in the Premier League as Spurs continued to struggle away from home against the other top six teams, having now claimed just three wins from 32 away days against the 'big six'.

Meanwhile, Arsenal - who showed steel as well as style when it mattered - have won their opening six Premier League home games for the first time since 2007.

TEAM NEWS

Arsenal handed a start to Alexandre Lacazette in one of two changes – the other being Shkodran Mustafi replacing Francis Coquelin. Spurs welcomed back Hugo Lloris, Kieran Trippier, Ben Davies, Dele Alli and Moussa Dembele as Mauricio Pochettino made five changes to the team that beat Crystal Palace. Harry Kane passed a fitness test to start.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic says Manchester United can win 'everything' this season

Zlatan Ibrahimovic says Manchester United can win 

'everything' this season

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is confident healthy again Manchester United have a squad capable of challenging for trophies on all fronts this season`

The 36-year-old Swede, who tore his ACL in April, made his first appearance in seven months during United's 4-1 win over Newcastle United on Saturday.That game also marked the return of Paul Pogba and Marcos Rojo from long-term injuries and Ibrahimovic is confident United now have the depth and quality to begin clawing back the eight-point gap between themselves and Premier League leaders Manchester City.

I think we can chase City, why is it not a possibility?" said Ibrahimovic. "We are all here because we want to win and we need to because they are first.

"I can talk of what Paul brings - big quality. Today it was like he hasn't been injured for a month, he brings such big quality, a different quality and I bring experience and mine.

"I try to help the guys much as possible and do what I can.

"This week the manager has been very happy because he has a full team for the first time this season and as a coach you want those opportunities and alternatives to make changes.

"I think there is a possibility of winning everything. We were early into it last year and won two trophies and we are stronger this season. We believe we can do it."

Neymar wants end to 'false' stories about frosty relationships at PSG

Neymar wants end to 'false' stories about frosty relationships at PSG

Neymar has called for an end to "false stories" about his alleged frosty relations with PSG coach Unai Emery and striker Edinson Cavani

Neymar moved from Barcelona in August for a world record £200m and said he immediately sat down with Emery to plan their future together.

Neymar and strike partner Cavani reportedly fell out over penalty-taking duties in September after the Uruguayan refused to let the former take a spot-kick in PSG's 2-0 win over Lyon, but the Brazilian says stories of discontent are untrue.

"I want to ask you to stop creating stories which are not true," Neymar told a press conference following Brazil's 3-1 international friendly victory over Japan in Lille, before leaving in tears.

"I want to say what I think. I'm totally realistic and what I don't like is these false stories about me, there is nothing bothering me at my club.

"I'm here because I asked to be here. It's going really well [in Paris], I'm really happy here and motivated. I'm a player who wants to give everything on the pitch.

"What bothers me is everyone creating stories about me, with my coach and with Cavani. These things are not real, it's not true.

I came to Paris with the agreement of my coach. When I arrived here we had a meeting. I told him I wanted to help him and he told me he would help me to achieve my goals in my career and the team's objectives."

Neymar, who scored a penalty but also missed a spot-kick in the win over Japan, admitted he had also spoken to national team coach Tite about the matter.

"I just want to be happy, I'm not here to make or create trouble with anybody. I know my role on the pitch and I do what my coach asks me to do," he said.

"I had a chat with [team coordinator] Edu and Tite because these things are hurting me, every day there are these stories."

Willian wants Ruben Loftus-Cheek to return to Chelsea

Willian wants Ruben Loftus-Cheek to return to Chelsea

Loftus-Cheek impressed for England against Germany but was injured during the goalless draw with Brazil

Willian believes Ruben Loftus-Cheek has a bright future at Chelsea and has urged the England international to consider an immediate return to Stamford Bridge.

Loftus-Cheek has impressed while on loan at Crystal Palace this season and rewarded with his first call-up to the England squad for the recent international friendlies against Germany and Brazil.

The 21-year-old produced a man-of-the-match performance against the world champions on Friday but was denied the chance to impress against Brazil after aggravating a back injury midway through the first half on Tuesday night.

However, Willian believes Loftus-Cheek has proven he has the quality to make the grade at Chelsea.

"He's a very good player. He is strong, he has quality. He has a great future," said the Chelsea winger.

"I don't know why he is at Crystal Palace now. I don't know why. He has to come back."

Willian believes Loftus-Cheek could make the grade at Stamford Bridge

Willian was introduced as a late substitute against England on Tuesday but was unable to conjure a goal as the hosts held out for a creditable draw at home.

"England are a very strong team with young players, quality players. It was difficult for us to find spaces because they had a lot of players behind the ball," said Willian.

"It was a good game and we created four or five chances to score but we didn't.

"England always have good and strong players. They can improve a lot, like us. I think they can do that."

Jose Mourinho sounds out Toni Kroos as No 1 Manchester United target

Jose Mourinho sounds out Toni Kroos as No 1 Manchester United target

Jose Mourinho has identified Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos as his ideal Manchester United target. The Germany international is the Portuguese coach's preferred candidate to bolster United's midfield but realises how difficult it will be to convince him to leave the Santiago Bernabeu. The 27-year-old joined Madrid from Bayern Munich in 2014 and has helped them win two Champions League titles.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has decided to sack manager Antonio Conte

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has decided to sack manager Antonio Conte

Antonio Conte is under pressure following the Blues' heavy Champions League defeat to Roma

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has decided to sack manager Antonio Conte following a breakdown in the pair's relationship. Conte is under pressure following the Blues' heavy Champions League defeat to Roma on Tuesday night.

There is little contact between the two as the debate over Diego Costa's future left a strain on their working relationship. The feeling at Stamford Bridge is that Conte will not be in charge by the start of next season

Neymar always welcome at Real Madrid, says Brazil team-mate Casemiro

Neymar always welcome at Real Madrid, says Brazil team-mate Casemiro

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro has told Brazilian team-mate Neymar that he will "always be welcome" at the Bernabeu.

Neymar has been linked with the European champions despite only making a world-record move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.

The £200m man has hit the ground running in terms of his on-field contributions for the Ligue 1 leaders, but reported clashes with manager Unai Emery and team-mate Edinson Cavani have created a storm of media interest in the 25-year-old.

The forward was close to tears last week when denying any fallout at PSG, and while Casemiro admitted his compatriot was content in Paris, he made it clear that Neymar would be welcome addition at Real.

"He's a star. He knows what he's doing," Casemiro told COPE after Brazil's 0-0 friendly draw with England. "He's a great player and he'll always be welcome at Real Madrid.

"I hope he comes, but he's happy at his club."

Marouane Fellaini's future in doubt amid Manchester United talks

Manchester United are facing an uphill struggle to keep ` Fellaini at the club.

United have been locked in contract talks with the Belgian since last season with Jose Mourinho determined to keep Fellaini in his squad.

Fellaini, who turns 30 next week, was offered a new contract in September but rejected the deal.

United remain hopeful that they can still reach an agreement with him.

Fellaini's current contract expires at the end of the season and potentially he could sign a pre-contract agreement with another side in January.

It is understood Manchester United will not look to sell Fellaini in the next transfer window, regardless of his contract situation, and are willing to risk him leaving in the summer for nothing.

Last month, Mourinho admitted he was "worried" about Fellaini's contract situation.

Jose Mourinho says Zlatan Ibrahimovic will return for Manchester United before year is out

Jose Mourinho says Zlatan Ibrahimovic will return for Manchester United before year is out

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will return to action for Manchester United before the end of the year.

The striker - who suffered knee ligament damage last season - could be fit for the visit of Premier League leaders Manchester City next month

Paul Pogba are in contention to play against Newcastle this weekend.

The 35-year-old returned to training at Carrington in October and Mourinho said he had a "feeling" the Swede would be back by the end of 2017.

"He is a lion, he is a fighter," Mourinho said. "I think that is a good description of him, he has the anger all the time and that's the reason why he's almost coming back.

"As we expect, he's reduced the timing of his recovering and, as we were saying a few weeks ago, he will be back in 2017, which is a magnificent recovery."

Ibrahimovic suffered knee ligament damage in April

Last month Ibrahimovic's doctor Freddie Fu warned the striker not to rush his comeback from the knee injury suffered against Anderlecht in April in the Europa League.

Ibrahimovic - United's top scorer with 28 goals last season - signed a one-year deal in August and has been included in the club's Champions League group stage squad.

Ronaldinho says Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho is a perfect fit for Barcelona

Ronaldinho says Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho is a perfect fit for Barcelona

Ronaldinho believes Philippe Coutinho is a perfect fit for Barcelona and hopes he can eventually secure a move to the Nou Camp from Liverpool.

Coutinho, who has scored four goals in his last five games, was the subject of three failed summer bids from Barcelona, the last of which was worth an initial £113m.

Barca are expected to renew their interest in the 25-year-old in January .Ronaldinho i will like to see Coutinho lining up for his former club.

I believe the way he plays will perfectly suit Barcelona and would be delighted to see a player of such quality wear the shirt

Brazil face England at Wembley on Tuesday evening and Ronaldinho believes Gareth Southgate is building a side that can compete in major tournaments.

"I follow them closely and you can see a lot of young players coming into the team," he said.

"Even though they're not very well known right now, they've got talent and will only get better.

"This England team won't be about individuals but about the strength of the group. I think they'll have a good World Cup."

Granit Xhaka v Dele Ali: The key battle in Arsenal v Tottenham

		Granit Xhaka v Dele Ali: The key battle in Arsenal v Tottenham
		Arsenal have not won in their last six Premier League meetings against their fierce rivals and they will have to be at their best to get anything against a youthful and exciting Tottenham side this time around. One of the game's biggest duels will take place in the middle of the park, where Granit Xhaka and Dele Alli will go head to head. Arsenal's Swiss midfielder has started all 11 Premier League games for the Gunners this season and returns to domestic action having helped Switzerland overcome Northern Ireland to reach the World Cup finals. After a stop-start beginning to his Arsenal career, Xhaka has now established himself in the Arsenal side. His run of consecutive Premier League starts stretches to 24 including last season, and this year he has provided the joint-most assists and made the most touches and passes of any Arsenal player.
		Even though he has improved his performances over the last few months, however, Xhaka has yet to score for Arsenal this season. Despite not being afraid to shoot, especially from outside the penalty area, he has not scored for the club since the beginning of May. That strike against Manchester United is his only Arsenal goal since November 2016. This seems odd, as shooting from distance has been a key part of Xhaka's game since his arrival in the Premier League and this season nobody has had more shots from outside the area than the Swiss international
		Tottenham's Alli, by contrast, does know how to find the back of the net on a regular basis. The 21-year-old missed England's recent friendlies with a hamstring injury but will be hopeful of returning to the Spurs side for this game. Alli had been having a rather low-key start to the season before scoring twice against Real Madrid in the Champions League at the start of November, and he has now scored four goals in his last four appearances in all competitions. In fact, the stats show he has contributed slightly more than in his first 10 Premier League games last season. Encouragingly for Tottenham fans, Alli has had more touches in his Premier League games this season than at the same stage last season, showing perhaps that he is demanding more of the ball that previously. It was also at this stage last season that Alli started to show the form that led to him winning the PFA Young Player of the Year for the second year in a row and ended with a career-best total of 22 goals. Tottenham fans will be hoping that lightning strikes twice and something similar happens this time around. Only time will tell whether Alli reaches the heights of last season in the next few months, but Saturday's game against Xhaka will be a big test of his improving form.