Sunday 28 September 2014

Premier League team of the day: Edin Dzeko and Diego Costa offer the firepower in our star XI as Liverpool's Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel answer their critics Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2772441/Premier-League-team-day-Edin-Dzeko-Diego-Costa-offer-firepower-star-XI-Liverpool-s-Steven-Gerrard-Martin-Skrtel-answer-critics.html#ixzz3EgBvNzTf Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

Each week Sportsmail gathers up the ratings from our team of reporters to provide the best Premier League starting XI of the day.

Saturday saw two derby stalemates as both Liverpool vs Everton and Arsenal vs Tottenham finished 1-1, while Chelsea consolidated their lead at the top with a 3-0 win over Aston Villa and Man United just about held on to beat West Ham 2-1.

GK - Hugo Lloris (TOTTENHAM vs Arsenal) - 7.5

The French goalkeeper was vital in preserving Tottenham's point at the Emirates. He showed good agility to claw away Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's viciously deflected cross in the first half and produced an excellent stop to deny Per Mertesacker after the break.

+11

Hugo Lloris produced a commanding performance between the posts for Tottenham in the north London derby

DEF - Younes Kaboul (TOTTENHAM vs Arsenal) - 7.5

Showed excellent leadership to marshall the Spurs defence in the derby against an onslaught of Arsenal attacks, especially late in the game. Had produced a perfectly-timed early tackle to deny Danny Welbeck when the forward seemed certain to score.

+11

Younes Kaboul tries to block an effort from Arsenal's Danny Welbeck during the Emirates showdown

DEF - Martin Skrtel (LIVERPOOL vs Everton) - 7.5

Responded well to the criticism that came his way following last weekend's defeat to West Ham with a commanding performance as Everton's front line struggled to make any impact.

+11

Martin Skrtel was a rock at the heart of the Liverpool defence during the Merseyside derby

DEF - Phil Jagielka (EVERTON vs Liverpool) - 8

Proved Everton's unlikely saviour at Anfield with a spectacular goal that will undoubtedly rate as the best of his career. Latching on to a botched clearance from Dejan Lovren, the Everton captain crashed a 25-yard thunderbolt into the top corner, leaving Simon Mignolet no chance.

+11

Phil Jagielka scored a screamer in stoppage time to earn Everton a point at Anfield

MID - Jordan Henderson (LIVERPOOL vs Everton) - 8.5

The outstanding performer in the Merseyside derby, Henderson made sure he covered every blade of grass for the Liverpool cause. He was also a constant driving force, instigating attacks with his direct running and splitting the Everton back line with his passing. One of the most mature performances of his career to date.

+11

Jordan Henderson produced one of his most accomplished performances against Everton

Rickie Lambert is outdone by Jordan Henderson's skill

MID - Steven Gerrard (LIVERPOOL vs Everton) - 8

A man for the big occasion, Gerrard responded to his critics in spectacular style. Past it? No chance. Gerrard curled home a free-kick that looked for all the world as though it would hand Liverpool the victory. His passing was bang on all afternoon as well.

+11

Steven Gerrard responded to the criticism of the past week by scoring a free-kick against Everton

MID - Ander Herrera (MAN UNITED vs West Ham) - 7

The Spaniard has looked right at home in United's midfield since arriving in the summer and his display against West Ham was one of consummate passing and class. He pinched the ball from Alex Song to initiate the move that led to Robin van Persie's goal and was a reliable presence on a turbulent afternoon.

+11

Ander Herrera takes on Stewart Downing during Man United's win over West Ham on Saturday

Mata plays one-two off the crossbar with Herrera to score

AM - Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (ARSENAL vs Tottenham) - 8

The best player on the pitch in the north London derby, The Ox was a constant thorn in the side of the Tottenham defence and pulled Arsenal level at a crucial moment with a well-taken equaliser. Also forced Hugo Lloris into an excellent save with a deflected cross late in the first half.

+11

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain celebrates his equalising goal for Arsenal in the derby with Tottenham

AM - Sadio Mane (SOUTHAMPTON vs Queens Park Rangers) - 7.5

The most impressive performer on the afternoon at St Mary's, this was an impressive Premier League bow for the Senegalese signing. Looked dangerous all afternoon and set up Ryan Bertrand for Southampton's first goal nine minutes after half-time.

+11

Sadio Mane tries to get the better of QPR's Sandro on his Premier League debut for Southampton

FWD - Edin Dzeko (MANCHESTER CITY vs Hull City) - 8

Despite all the competition for forward spots in the Man City team, Dzeko has proved himself undroppable this season and scored two very well-taken goals in the 4-2 win at Hull. His first was a superb curling effort from the edge of the box, his second a well-placed angled shot into the bottom corner.

+11

Edin Dzeko gets the better of Hull's Leroy Rosenior to squeeze home his second goal of the afternoon

FWD - Diego Costa (CHELSEA vs Aston Villa) - 7

Continued his outstanding scoring record with a second-half header against Villa - his eighth in seven matches this season - after initially struggling to get into the game. His goal killed the match as a contest and ensured Chelsea preserved their three-point lead at the top.

+11

Diego Costa celebrates his second-half header for Chelsea in their win over Aston Villa

Friday 26 September 2014

Goal features in newly-released FIFA 15

The new edition of the popular video game, now on sale, includes the Match Day Live hub, which allows Goal to keep players up to date with the world's latest new

Goal is teaming up with the world's most loved football video game to provide an unrivalled new live service which links virtual with reality.

EA Sports' much-anticipated FIFA 15 has enjoyed a global release this week and the new edition of the popular simulation includes a magnificent new feature which allows players to keep up to date with all of the latest football news thanks to Goal.

The Match Day Live hub in FIFA 15 includes all of the most relevant news, stats, and league information as selected by the user, with all of the latest information from the football world pulled directly from Goal's live content and made easily accessible from the FIFA 15 home menu.

The link-up underlines Goal's status as the most respected source of news and views from all over the globe, and brings together two of the world’s biggest footballing institutions.

"FIFA fans are always connected to their favorite clubs and leagues, and Goal is the perfect source to integrate all the right news and stats into Match Day Live to fuel that connection," said David Rutter, the GM of EA Sports FIFA.

"Goal's massive global network of content creators made the decision easy when looking for a provider that could bring all the latest news to FIFA 15 fans spanning the world."

Ben Warn, the Managing Director of the Consumer division at Goal's parent company PERFORM, added: "This collaboration brings together two of the world’s leading football brands, offering fans a unique, real-time news service within their gaming experience.

"Goal's global reach and the strength of our editorial team – covering every corner of the world – means that we are perfectly positioned to be the premier provider of the feeds that EA Sports requires to power this new and exciting feature within FIFA 15."

FIFA 15 with Match Day Live is available now on PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

Suarez absence finally felt as Barcelona fail to register a single shot on target

Hours after the Uruguayan struck twice in a friendly for the club's second string, his team-mates were unable to unlock Malaga's defence in a dour draw

Barcelona's perfect start to the season is officially over. The Catalans have still to concede a goal and remain unbeaten after six matches so far in 2014-15, but Luis Enrique's side failed to register a single shot on target at Malaga on Wednesday.

Hours earlier, Luis Suarez had hit his first two goals in Blaugrana colours in a friendly fixture specially organised against Indonesia's Under-19 team at the club's training ground.

"Good game with Barca B," the Uruguayan tweeted afterwards. "I'm grateful to the team and to the coach for the opportunity. Now to support my team-mates."

Still absent due to the biting ban he received at the World Cup, however, Suarez was unable to support his team-mates as he would have liked on Wednesday. And how he was missed in the side's most sterile showing in recent times.

Barca enjoyed most of the possession (70 per cent) on a poor pitch, but failed to truly trouble Malaga goalkeeper Carlos Kameni, with Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta pushed back into deep positions from where they were unable to really do damage.

Messi, looking for his 400th career strike for club and country, came closest to scoring as he slid in at the far post in an attempt to poke home Jordi Alba's low cross, but the Argentine arrived a moment too late and was also unable to hit the target with a free kick in the first half.

Gerard Pique did force Kameni into a smart save with a header in the second period, but his effort looked to have come off his marker and, in any case, the referee had already blown for a foul.

Malaga's Weligton was fortunate to stay on the pitch in the final minutes after putting his arm around Messi's neck and pushing the Argentine to the ground. Amazingly, the referee gave only a yellow card.

Another Brazilian, Barca defender Douglas, had already departed by then following a disappointing debut which saw him with little to do at the back and less to offer in attack. Dani Alves, often criticised, was sorely missed as an offensive threat.

Unlike in previous games, Ivan Rakitic saw his influence restricted by a very physical and disciplined Malaga side. And Barca just seemed short of ideas, even when strikers Munir El Haddadi and Sandro came on late in the game.

"For us the key is to find Messi," Luis Enrique said afterwards. "If we find him, we are much more dangerous."

Of course. There will be days, however, when Messi is successfully stifled by the opposition. That is what happened here and on such nights, Suarez will be vital. The Uruguayan would have added another threat, a different dimension, and given the Malaga defenders much more to think about. He'll be back in a month and, if they play many more matches like Wednesday's, Barcelona will be very pleased to see him.

Cristiano Ronaldo is like Michael Jordan'

Fran Escriba was thoroughly impressed by the Portugal international's performance in Elche's 5-1 defeat and has likened him to the basketball icon

Elche coach Fran Escriba has compared Cristiano Ronaldo to NBA legend Michael Jordan after the Real Madrid forward's stellar display in Tuesday's La Liga encounter.

Ronaldo scored four goals as Madrid came from behind to beat Elche 5-1 in at the Santiago Bernabeu, including two penalties.

The 29-year-old surpassed Santillana as the Bernabeu side's third-highest scorer in Spain's top flight after Tuesday's haul took his tally to 187 league goals, while he also claimed his 25th hat-trick since moving to Madrid from Manchester United in 2009, closing to within one of club record holder Alfredo Di Stefano.

Escriba showered Ronaldo in praise after the game, likening him to ex-basketballer Jordan, who won six NBA championships, as well as five MVP awards.

"Ronaldo is an extraordinary player with tremendous scoring ability," Escriba told reporters.

"This is like when Michael Jordan was playing and scored 50 points every night.

"And on top of that he got two penalties. He doesn't need the help.

"It was a very tough game. We couldn't get anything from here or Barcelona.

"We know we have to get points at home as that's where we're strongest."

Ronaldo will beat all records, says Madrid legend Santillana

The Portuguese moved level with the former Blancos striker - who describes the forward as a "beast" - with his tally of La Liga goals in midweek

Santillana has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to go on and break every goalscoring record at Real Madrid.

Ronaldo scored four goals against Elche on Tuesday, adding to the hat-trick he bagged at the weekend against Deportivo La Coruna, to put him level with the former Santiago Bernabeu forward on 186 goals in La Liga.

Santillana holds no grudges over being eliminated from the list of the top 10 goalscorers in Spain's top flight and, contrastingly, thinks the Portuguese forward is continuously improving despite already being the best player on the planet.

"Ronaldo will go on to break all of the records," the 62-year-old told AS. "He is on another world compared to others. He's a beast.

"He's an amazing player and hopefully his contribution wins Real Madrid many trophies.

"Since he arrived we have known he's been excellent in the air. But lately, physically, I see he's improved even more in that respect. He's improved his technique.

"He's becoming an expert at everything, so that he is the most complete player ever."

Ronaldo and his Real Madrid cohorts will be travelling to Villarreal on Saturday as they continue to chase La Liga's early leaders Barcelona, who failed to win for the first time in 2014-15 on Wednesday at Malaga.

Van Persie lifts lid on 'confronting' Manchester United meeting

The Dutchman says the Red Devils held a lengthy and uncompromising inquest into Sunday's second-half collapse against newly-promoted Leicester City

Manchester United held a "confronting" hour-long inquest into their embarrassing collapse at Leicester City,Robin van Persie has revealed.

United twice led by two goals against the newly-promoted Foxes at the King Power Stadium but conceded four times in the second half to slump to a shock 5-3 loss, and have now won just one of their first six matches in all competitions.

The Red Devils' poor start is even more disappointing in light of a summer transfer spend which exceeded €190 million and brought Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind to Old Trafford.

And Van Persie admits the post-match analysis of Sunday's embarrassing defeat at Carrington was lengthy and uncompromising.

"It shouldn't be possible [to lose like we did]," the Dutchman told Fox Sports News. "But it still happened. We have to deal with it.

"We had a proper look at it next day. Sometimes it was a bit confronting and it was a long meeting. One hour [or] something.

"We went from there, started again this week [and have put] a couple of really good sessions in. Everyone feels ready to face West Ham."

Sam Allardyce's Hammers are the visitors at Old Trafford on Saturday and will be given confidence by the fact their opponents have lost six Premier League games at home in the last year.

The under-fire hosts have also kept just two clean sheets in their last eight league matches but Van Persie said the club's review pointed blame at the whole team for their defensive errors - not just the back three or four, depending on what system van Gaal uses.

"When you look at the defensive mistakes, it starts somewhere else," he added.

"That's where we looked at as well. It's not just the one mistake which happens. There's a mistake before the mistake and before the mistake, maybe positional wise. That's where we looked at

Luis Enrique: We couldn't find Messi

The Barcelona coach says it is to Malaga's credit that they kept the Argentina international quiet at La Rosaleda

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique says Malaga did well to keep Lionel Messi quiet in the two sides' 0-0 draw on Wednesday.

The Blaugrana failed to register a shot on target in the entire match in a frustrating evening which brought to an end their 100 per cent record so far this season.

Messi struggled for many meaningful openings, meaning he must wait to score his 400th senior career goal, but his coach believes the opposition deserve credit for keeping him on the fringes.

“The fact that Messi didn’t participate so much is a credit to Malaga," the 44-year-old told reporters.

"It’s clear that the more he participates, the more dangerous we are.

“For us, finding Messi is key – and if we find him we will be more dangerous.

"That was what we found most difficult and it’s clearly credit to our rival.”

The former Spain international also made clear that any criticism of his players would not be made in public.

"Self-criticism will come behind closed doors. These players do that when we win, so imagine [what happens] when things don't work out.

"There is a long way to go, but we are on the right track and we will look for solutions, not excuses.

"These players aren't machines - we are competing every three days."

Luis Enrique also defended the performance of debutant Douglas, who came in for criticism from some quarters after a largely anonymous display.

“Douglas? He was at the same level as his team-mates,” the coach added

Blanc hoping Ibrahimovic will return against Barcelona

The coach will not risk the Sweden star in Ligue 1 on Saturday as he looks to recover from a heel injury in time to face the La Liga side next week

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Laurent Blanc has confirmed Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not be used in Saturday’s Ligue 1 encounter away at Bordeaux but should be ready for the Champions League game against Barcelona on Tuesday.

The Swede, 32, was surprisingly absent from the squad that beat Caen 2-1 in Normandy on Wednesday with an injury to his left heel, and the former France boss says the star forward will not be risked at the weekend.

“We hope we can get Ibrahimovic back for the Barcelona match – we’ll see in the next 48 hours,” the coach said.

Edinson Cavani replaced Ibrahimovic in the centre forward role last time out, having spent much of his time in Paris on the wing, and Blanc has backed the Uruguay forward to score goals.

“He’s a guy who will score goals, in whichever position he is used.”

Meanwhile, the PSG coach is not counting on centre-back Thiago Silva, who has been absent since picking up a muscular injury against Napoli in an August friendly. Reports suggested the Brazil defender could yet play against Barca, but Blanc quashed suggestions he might feature at Stadium Municipal.

“Thiago Silva is not ready,” he explained. “His injury is evolving positively but slowly. There is no precise date for his return. For the moment, he is not training with the rest of the squad.”

Blanc also confirmed that Adrien Rabiot, who has been repeatedly linked with a move away from the club, could play for the reserves this weekend following a foot problem.

Ronaldo to United talk is nonsense'

Goal understands the Portugal captain wants to return to Manchester United

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says the club must "enjoy" Cristiano Ronaldo as rumours continue to link him with a return to Manchester United.

Goal understands the Portugal forward is keen on a second stint with the Premier League side - but only after he has become Madrid's all-time leading goalscorer.

Ancelotti says he is "lucky" to have the 29-year-old at his disposal and is eager to do everything in his power to help maintain Ronaldo's current form.

"These are words without meaning." he said.

"I believe [the] reports are nonsense. Cristiano is happy here, very motivated to be here, and all Madridismo is delighted with him.

"Ronaldo [has] great professionalism, leadership, we must enjoy him and do everything to keep him in this physical and mental condition.

"Without doubt Ronaldo is the best player in the world. We are lucky he plays for us. We have to enjoy it."

Former Milan coach Ancelotti stated that he has not decided whether Iker Casillas or Keylor Navas will start in goal when Real travel to Villarreal in La Liga on Saturday.

He said: "I'll make my decision after today's [Friday] training. And no, I'm not thinking about starting one keeper at home and another one away.

"If Iker plays, that means he's the best for me. I started Keylor against Elche to give him minutes."

The Italian revealed that defenders Pepe and Fabio Coentrao will play no part due to injury.

USA Take Lead Over Europe in Ryder Cup

The United States were looking to reassert their competitiveness in the biennial inter-continental showdown they once dominated outrageously.

US Team Captain Tom Watson (C) speaks with Jordan Spieth (R) and Patrick Reed of Team US before they tee off on the first hole during the fourball match on the first day of the Ryder Cup at the Gleneagles golf course in Gleneagles, Scotland, on September 26, 2014.

© AFP

Gleneagles: Tom Watson's United States finished strongly to grab an early 2 1/2 to 1 1/2 lead over Paul McGinley's Europe as the Ryder Cup began in dramatic fashion Friday at Gleneagles.

Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson stormed away for Europe in the first of the fourballs matches out, defeating Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson 5 and 4.

But the rookie US pairing of Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed levelled it as they thumped European cheerleader Ian Poulter and Scottish debutant Stephen Gallacher by the same score.

Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker finished strongly to grab a halve against Thomas Bjorn and Martin Kaymer.

And in the showcase matchup, Keegan Bradley and Phil Mickelson won at the last to sink world number one Rory McIlroy and number three Sergio Garcia.

"This whole early morning was pretty much an ebb from the United States' standpoint and then we got some flow," Watson said.

"Fortunately, we're a couple paces ahead right now, but this is a marathon. Until the last match on Sunday, it will be probably very close."

It was an edgy start all around as pairing by pairing the players stepped onto a first tee surrounded by an ampitheatre of cheering or baying fans, depending on affinities.

Simpson skied the opening tee shot of the match and landed just 190 yards down the fairway and left-hander Watson pushed his into deep rough. Rose and Stenson were little better.

Nerves were jangling all around in the early morning chill as Europe aimed for a sixth win in seven Ryder Cup matches.

The United States were looking to reassert their competitiveness in the biennial inter-continental showdown they once dominated outrageously.

When the dust had settled, it was Europe who drew first blood.

Martin Kaymer birdied the first to put him and Bjorn 1-up in the second game out and Bubba Watson three-putted to give Rose and Stenson the edge at the second.

The first US red came up on the board when a misfiring Poulter failed to sink a four-footer for a matching par at the first to hand the perfect start to Spieth and Reed, at 21 and 24 the youngest American pairing in Ryder Cup history.

McIlroy provided the day's first fist-pump by sinking an 18-footer at the first to match Mickelson's birdie as all four games were up and running.

And when playing partner Garcia holed a tremendous bunker shot for an unlikely birdie at the fourth, Europe firmly had the momentum, up in three and down in one.

But by the time the four games had reached the turn though, the Americans were back at parity.

Two teams were 4-up and coasting -- Rose and Stenson for Europe and Spieth and Reed for the United States.

The two other ties were tight with Bjorn and Kaymer 1-up for Europe and Mickelson and Bradley 1-up for the Americans.

Rose and Stenson and Spieth and Reed were soon heading back to the clubhouse with victory smiles on their faces, leaving the two other matchups to battle it out.

- USA leaves it for late -

Kaymer and Bjorn looked set to grab a second point for Europe at two up with three to play, but birdies from 35-year-old rookie Jimmy Walker at the 16th and 18th stunned the Europeans.

The anchor match featuring McIlroy and Garcia against Mickelson and Bradley proved to be a ding-dong affair with the lead changing hands several times.

The Europeans drew level at the 13th and eased ahead two holes later when Mickelson missed a three-footer for a halve.

But wildcard Bradley brought the Americans back to level terms with a superb eagle at the 16th.

The match went down to the par-5 18th and it was Mickelson who supplied the coup de grace with a winning two-foot putt after both McIlroy and Garcia plugged their approaches into the same bunker.

"Well, we didn't have our best stuff there. You saw it on the back nine, it was tough conditions, but we gave a few holes away, and we were able to keep the match close," Mickelson said.

"The eagle that Keegan made on 16 was just huge because it gave us a huge momentum boost coming down the stretch."

Even before the last match was in, the four afternoon foursomes were underway.

Petra Kvitova, Eugenie Bouchard to Play Wimbledon Rematch in Wuhan

World number three Petra Kvitova is vying for her third title of the year and will seal a place in the end of season championships in Singapore if she wins the final of the inaugural tournament.

Kvitova is vying for her third title of the year.

© AFP

Wuhan: Petra Kvitova and Eugenie Bouchard will play a rematch of their Wimbledon final when they meet in the climax of the $2.4 million WTA Wuhan Open after winning their semi-finals Friday.

World number three Kvitova is vying for her third title of the year and will seal a place in the end of season championships in Singapore if she wins the final of the inaugural tournament.

The Czech advanced in the semis at the expense of Elina Svitolina, who put in another feisty performance which defied her lowly 34th place in the rankings.

Kvitova broke serve in the sixth game to lead 4-2 in the first set, and maintained her two game advantage to finish the opener 6-4.

The pair traded breaks in the second set and were 5-5 until Kvitova raced through the 11th game to serve for the match.

She appeared to be poised for a straightforward win with the comfort of two match points at 40-15, but Svitolina set up a tense end to the match by clawing herself level and then forcing a double fault from Kvitova which gave her break point.

But any hopes Svitolina had that her opponent would lose the coolness that has been the trademark of her march into the semis evaporated when Kvitova took two quick points to win the match.

The Ukrainian had shown great determination in Wuhan, winning sets after coming back from 5-0 down against German Sabine Lisicki in the second round and 4-1 down against world number eight Angelique Kerber in the quarters.

But Kvitova proved to be a step too far for the 20-year-old.

Kvitova will join the top eight players for the Singapore finale if she wins in Wuhan. Those who have already made it to the WTA Finals include world number one Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova (4) and Simona Halep (2).

- 'It feels good' -

The 24-year-old will meet world number nine Bouchard in Wuhan for a replay of their Wimbledon final, which Kvitova won convincingly 6-3, 6-0.

Kvitova has also won in New Haven last month, her second title of the 2013 season.

"It feels good, for sure... I'm glad that I'm in the final again," she said after defeating Svitolina.

"Today I think it was really great match. I mean, I felt pretty well and we had great tennis out there I think."

Canadian Bouchard, the sixth seed in Wuhan, beat eighth-seeded Wozniacki in their semi-final match 6-2, 6-3.

Both players -- who are also chasing points to make the WTA Finals -- played an aggressive game.

Wozniacki appeared to have sustained a minor hamstring injury which she received treatment for in the fourth game of the second set.

The first break point of the set came two games later, which Bouchard survived, and the Canadian then broke Wozniacki to make it 4-3 before going on to clinch the match.

"I think I played very well aggressively, and it was all about trying to maintain it," Bouchard said,

"Of course I expected some resistance, and she definitely, you know, made me fight for each point.

"But I was happy with the way I was serving and stepping in and the way I kind of regathered my concentration.

"So, yeah, I feel like I was very, very good, maybe up there with Wimbledon, maybe better. It's hard to put it in a ranking with other specific matches, but I'm feeling good on the court."

The Wuhan Open, in the central province of Hubei features the world's top 20 women players, with the exception of recently-retired local hero Li Na.