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Chitchat The Official TCSS Thread
- Thread starter Alamaking
- Start date
England win but don't convince
England earned a vital win vs. Scotland in their quest to reach Russia 2018. However, the Three Lions struggled to put together any stretches of coherent play, while the Scots wasted chance after chance after chance.
how did my favorite player Rooney play ? shit again as usual ?
how did my favorite player Rooney play ? shit again as usual ?
If Southgate had any balls, he would drop Rooney from the team. He's been playing purely on reputation, time to put him out to pasture.
international football break is very boring. can't wait for the EPL next weekend.
Final scores 0-1 and 1-1 respectively, really damn boring.
how did my favorite player Rooney play ? shit again as usual ?
Rooney will be back on the bench when Dele Ali and Harry Kane are available to start the next competitive game.
Mertens, Lukaku star as Belgium thump Estonia in qualifying
Belgium thumped Estonia 8-1 to make it four wins out of four in Group H of the World Cup qualifiers.
They may have conceded their first goal since the qualification process began but that was the only blemish as Belgium played some outstanding attacking football.
Dries Mertens would claim a hat trick -- though FIFA's scorers recorded his second as an own goal -- while Thomas Meunier, Eden Hazard, Yannick Carrasco and Romelu Lukaku (two) also got on the scoresheet, with Henri Anier scoring for the visitors.
It took only eight minutes for the opening goal to come. Kevin De Bruyne found Carrasco on the left and he cut inside to float a cross to the back post where Meunier headed home his first international goal.
Lukaku hit a post four minutes later but the next goal was imminent, arriving just after the quarter-hour mark when De Bruyne rolled a free-kick across the edge of the area for Mertens to rifle home via a deflection.
It was 3-0 after 25 minutes as Eden Hazard got in on the action, beating Mihkel Aksalu at his near post with a thunderous effort.
Things briefly went off-script just before the half-hour mark as Carrasco had his pocket picked on the left of the Belgium area, and Taijo Teniste picked out Anier who turned to fire inside the far post.
Carrasco made amends for that mistake by bagging the fourth in the 63rd minute. Lukaku rolled the ball across the penalty area and he met it at the far post with an unstoppage shot.
Seconds later it was 5-1 when Mertens' cross hit Ragnar Klavan and spun over the line.
And Mertens scored again in sumptuous fashion in the 68th minute. The ball fell to him on the edge of the area and he took one touch before floating a shot over the reach of the goalkeeper and into the left corner of the goal.
Lukaku finally managed to get on the scoresheet in the last 10 minutes with a late brace adding further gloss to the scoreline.
Belgium thumped Estonia 8-1 to make it four wins out of four in Group H of the World Cup qualifiers.
They may have conceded their first goal since the qualification process began but that was the only blemish as Belgium played some outstanding attacking football.
Dries Mertens would claim a hat trick -- though FIFA's scorers recorded his second as an own goal -- while Thomas Meunier, Eden Hazard, Yannick Carrasco and Romelu Lukaku (two) also got on the scoresheet, with Henri Anier scoring for the visitors.
It took only eight minutes for the opening goal to come. Kevin De Bruyne found Carrasco on the left and he cut inside to float a cross to the back post where Meunier headed home his first international goal.
Lukaku hit a post four minutes later but the next goal was imminent, arriving just after the quarter-hour mark when De Bruyne rolled a free-kick across the edge of the area for Mertens to rifle home via a deflection.
It was 3-0 after 25 minutes as Eden Hazard got in on the action, beating Mihkel Aksalu at his near post with a thunderous effort.
Things briefly went off-script just before the half-hour mark as Carrasco had his pocket picked on the left of the Belgium area, and Taijo Teniste picked out Anier who turned to fire inside the far post.
Carrasco made amends for that mistake by bagging the fourth in the 63rd minute. Lukaku rolled the ball across the penalty area and he met it at the far post with an unstoppage shot.
Seconds later it was 5-1 when Mertens' cross hit Ragnar Klavan and spun over the line.
And Mertens scored again in sumptuous fashion in the 68th minute. The ball fell to him on the edge of the area and he took one touch before floating a shot over the reach of the goalkeeper and into the left corner of the goal.
Lukaku finally managed to get on the scoresheet in the last 10 minutes with a late brace adding further gloss to the scoreline.
Teerasil Dangda's brace gives Thailand first WCQ point against Australia
Teerasil Dangda was Thailand's hero as the War Elephants earned a deserved point in a 2-2 draw at home to Asian champions Australia in a thrilling Asian World Cup qualifier.
The Thais had failed to win a single point in their four Group B matches to date but hit back from conceding an early Mile Jedinak penalty to turn the game on its head through Teerasil's double.
Jedinak's second penalty rescued a point for the visitors, but it was the Thais who finished the stronger and will rue their luck not to have taken all three points.
Thailand's head coach Kiatisuk Senamuang selected Siroch Chatthong up front in a bid to add physical presence to the Thai line-up and it paid off handsomely as the Aussies struggled to contain the hulking forward and fouled him repeatedly.
Sirroch re-energised an attack that had scored just one goal in four matches, while Chanathip Songkrasin had another outstanding game in the playmaker role.
A sombre pre-match atmosphere was observed as fans paid their respects to Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, following his passing last month. But once the match was underway, chants of "Thailand, Thailand" started to echo from one side of the stadium to the other.
Australia threatened immediately after kickoff as Tom Rogic surged forward and played in Mathew Leckie, but the striker's low shot was easily held by Kawin Thamsatchanan in the Thai goal.
Unlike the previous match against Japan, there was no sluggish start from the Socceroos and the hosts conceded a penalty after just eight minutes. After a swift counter-attack, Rogic's shot from the edge of the box was pushed out by Kawin. In the resulting scramble, Leckie's effort was handled by Prathum Chuthong, who was yellow-carded.
Aussie skipper Jedinak confidently stroked home the spot kick to give the visitors the lead.
The Socceroos came close again on 13 minutes when Robbie Kruse played a smart one-two with Aaron Mooy but the Bayer Leverkusen striker's shot drifted wide. Kawin had to be alert again minutes later when Leckie fired in a shot from 20 yards but the keeper saved comfortably.
But Thailand started to exert a bit of pressure and got the equaliser through Teerasil after 20 minutes. Theerathon Bunmathan's cross from the left was headed out by Matthew Spiranovic and picked up by Chanathip on the edge of the box.
The Thai playmaker played a wonderful through ball to the overlapping Tristan Do. The wing-back's low cross was picked up by Teerasil, who found the angle to nudge the ball away from Mathew Ryan and poke his shot into an empty goal.
The War Elephants were back in the game and their confidence was up. They tested the Aussies again after 25 minutes when Teerasil broke down the right and cut the ball back for Chanathip who cut inside and fired in a low left-foot shot that Ryan dived to push wide.
After a torrid opening, the Thais were now enjoying themselves and another fine spell of pressure ended when Ryan managed to collect Chanathip's cross from the right.
Kiatisuk's ploy of starting Sirroch was paying off as the Aussie defence struggled with his strength. The Ubon UMT United striker's presence also seemed to liberate Teerasil, who was looking much more lively than in the previous few games.
But the Socceroos reminded the hosts of their quality when Rogic ran across the edge of the Thai box before firing in a thunderous drive that was just too high to trouble Kawin.
The Aussies began to reassert themselves but the Thais still looked dangerous on the break, with Chanathip and Teerasil putting together some nice moves. The hosts withstood some pressure late in the half to go in level at the break.
The Thais started the second half strongly and, after Theerathon's 30-yard free kick was headed out by the Aussie wall, Ryan had to be on his toes to punch clear Sarach Yooyen's dangerous cross from the left.
The Thais stayed on the front foot and almost took the lead in the 55th minute after some patient build-up play. Chanathip tricked his way into the box before laying the ball out to Sirroch on the left. The striker's deep cross found Do, who teed it up for Sarach but the midfielder's shot was blocked from close range.
But the pressure paid off moments later when the Thais were awarded a penalty after Leckie brought down Theerathon. Teerasil stepped up to slot home his second of the night and send the home crowd wild.
The home fans then had something to cheer at the other end when Jedinak's powerful header from Mooy's corner was brilliantly turned wide by Kawin.
But the Aussies were starting to pull themselves back in the game and yet another penalty was awarded when the referee indicated that Jedinak had been pulled back in the box. It was a contentious decision and most of the crowd were stunned to see the referee point to the spot for the third time in the match. The Aussie skipper repeated his first-half trick and fired past Kawin with 65 minutes on the clock.
Thailand hit back as they won a free kick after yet another foul on Sirroch. But Teerasil miscued his effort and Ryan gathered easily.
The hosts kept going at the Aussies without creating any clear-cut chances, while the Socceroos struggled to get any momentum going in their bid to snatch a winner as the game edged towards the final 15 minutes.
But substitute Nathan Burns burst into life in the 77th minute when he cut in from the left and rifled in a 20-yard shot that hit the top of the bar.
The home side then almost found the winning goal with just five minutes remaining. Teerasil robbed Mooy inside his own half and led a breakaway that ended with Sirroch through on goal. But the striker took the ball too far wide and Ryan came out to smother his shot.
Towards the end of the match, the Aussies showed little of the quality that had made them the best team in the continent. Thailand ended the match on top and will be both proud of a spirited performance and relieved to get a point on the board.
Teerasil Dangda was Thailand's hero as the War Elephants earned a deserved point in a 2-2 draw at home to Asian champions Australia in a thrilling Asian World Cup qualifier.
The Thais had failed to win a single point in their four Group B matches to date but hit back from conceding an early Mile Jedinak penalty to turn the game on its head through Teerasil's double.
Jedinak's second penalty rescued a point for the visitors, but it was the Thais who finished the stronger and will rue their luck not to have taken all three points.
Thailand's head coach Kiatisuk Senamuang selected Siroch Chatthong up front in a bid to add physical presence to the Thai line-up and it paid off handsomely as the Aussies struggled to contain the hulking forward and fouled him repeatedly.
Sirroch re-energised an attack that had scored just one goal in four matches, while Chanathip Songkrasin had another outstanding game in the playmaker role.
A sombre pre-match atmosphere was observed as fans paid their respects to Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, following his passing last month. But once the match was underway, chants of "Thailand, Thailand" started to echo from one side of the stadium to the other.
Australia threatened immediately after kickoff as Tom Rogic surged forward and played in Mathew Leckie, but the striker's low shot was easily held by Kawin Thamsatchanan in the Thai goal.
Unlike the previous match against Japan, there was no sluggish start from the Socceroos and the hosts conceded a penalty after just eight minutes. After a swift counter-attack, Rogic's shot from the edge of the box was pushed out by Kawin. In the resulting scramble, Leckie's effort was handled by Prathum Chuthong, who was yellow-carded.
Aussie skipper Jedinak confidently stroked home the spot kick to give the visitors the lead.
The Socceroos came close again on 13 minutes when Robbie Kruse played a smart one-two with Aaron Mooy but the Bayer Leverkusen striker's shot drifted wide. Kawin had to be alert again minutes later when Leckie fired in a shot from 20 yards but the keeper saved comfortably.
But Thailand started to exert a bit of pressure and got the equaliser through Teerasil after 20 minutes. Theerathon Bunmathan's cross from the left was headed out by Matthew Spiranovic and picked up by Chanathip on the edge of the box.
The Thai playmaker played a wonderful through ball to the overlapping Tristan Do. The wing-back's low cross was picked up by Teerasil, who found the angle to nudge the ball away from Mathew Ryan and poke his shot into an empty goal.
The War Elephants were back in the game and their confidence was up. They tested the Aussies again after 25 minutes when Teerasil broke down the right and cut the ball back for Chanathip who cut inside and fired in a low left-foot shot that Ryan dived to push wide.
After a torrid opening, the Thais were now enjoying themselves and another fine spell of pressure ended when Ryan managed to collect Chanathip's cross from the right.
Kiatisuk's ploy of starting Sirroch was paying off as the Aussie defence struggled with his strength. The Ubon UMT United striker's presence also seemed to liberate Teerasil, who was looking much more lively than in the previous few games.
But the Socceroos reminded the hosts of their quality when Rogic ran across the edge of the Thai box before firing in a thunderous drive that was just too high to trouble Kawin.
The Aussies began to reassert themselves but the Thais still looked dangerous on the break, with Chanathip and Teerasil putting together some nice moves. The hosts withstood some pressure late in the half to go in level at the break.
The Thais started the second half strongly and, after Theerathon's 30-yard free kick was headed out by the Aussie wall, Ryan had to be on his toes to punch clear Sarach Yooyen's dangerous cross from the left.
The Thais stayed on the front foot and almost took the lead in the 55th minute after some patient build-up play. Chanathip tricked his way into the box before laying the ball out to Sirroch on the left. The striker's deep cross found Do, who teed it up for Sarach but the midfielder's shot was blocked from close range.
But the pressure paid off moments later when the Thais were awarded a penalty after Leckie brought down Theerathon. Teerasil stepped up to slot home his second of the night and send the home crowd wild.
The home fans then had something to cheer at the other end when Jedinak's powerful header from Mooy's corner was brilliantly turned wide by Kawin.
But the Aussies were starting to pull themselves back in the game and yet another penalty was awarded when the referee indicated that Jedinak had been pulled back in the box. It was a contentious decision and most of the crowd were stunned to see the referee point to the spot for the third time in the match. The Aussie skipper repeated his first-half trick and fired past Kawin with 65 minutes on the clock.
Thailand hit back as they won a free kick after yet another foul on Sirroch. But Teerasil miscued his effort and Ryan gathered easily.
The hosts kept going at the Aussies without creating any clear-cut chances, while the Socceroos struggled to get any momentum going in their bid to snatch a winner as the game edged towards the final 15 minutes.
But substitute Nathan Burns burst into life in the 77th minute when he cut in from the left and rifled in a 20-yard shot that hit the top of the bar.
The home side then almost found the winning goal with just five minutes remaining. Teerasil robbed Mooy inside his own half and led a breakaway that ended with Sirroch through on goal. But the striker took the ball too far wide and Ryan came out to smother his shot.
Towards the end of the match, the Aussies showed little of the quality that had made them the best team in the continent. Thailand ended the match on top and will be both proud of a spirited performance and relieved to get a point on the board.
Messi, Argentina rebound to beat Colombia; Sanchez brace as Chile win
Lionel Messi and Argentina rebounded from last Thursday's 3-0 loss to Brazil, beating Colombia by the same scoreline to get their CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying campaign back on track.
Messi opened the scoring for La Albiceleste in the 10th minute with a glorious, bending free kick that left Colombia's David Ospina no chance to make it 1-0.
And the hosts were at it again in the 23rd minute, Messi's whipped-in cross finding Lucas Pratto, who flicked his headed attempt back across the goalmouth and in at the far post.
The extremely physical encounter continued throughout the second half, with both teams guilty of hard fouls and eight yellow cards handed out in all.
Colombia pushed hard for a goal, but it was Argentina that would strike again, Messi turning Colombia over in their defensive third, dribbling into the penalty area and finding Angel Di Maria at the far post for an easy smash into Ospina's net.
The win sees Argentina leapfrog Colombia in the qualification table.
Chile turned in a three-goal fightback to beat Uruguay 3-1 as the South American rivals met for the second time in qualifying, this time in Santiago.
Edinson Cavani opened the scoring for the visitors in the 17th minute, firing home a right-footed shot from a Luis Suarez pass to put Uruguay up early on.
Chile levelled through Eduardo Vargas in first-half injury time, heading home from a Jean Beausejour cross to make it 1-1 at the break.
Alexis Sanchez found the winner in the 60th minute, Beausejour once again the provider as the Arsenal forward struck to pull Chile back in front.
Sanchez scored his second in the 75th minute, Marcelo Diaz setting up the 27-year-old to finish with his left foot from the centre of the area.
Ecuador eased to victory against Venezuela, putting three goals past Rafael Dudamel's team in the second half to ease to a 3-0 win.
A scoreless first half for the hosts gave way to a second-half onslaught with Arturo Mina Meza, Miller Bolanos and Enner Valencia all getting on the scoresheet.
A late own goal from Gustavo Gomez helped 10-man Bolivia beat Paraguay 1-0. The hosts' Juan Gabriel Valverde was sent off in the 60th minute for his second yellow card, both for hard fouls against Paraguay.
Lionel Messi and Argentina rebounded from last Thursday's 3-0 loss to Brazil, beating Colombia by the same scoreline to get their CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying campaign back on track.
Messi opened the scoring for La Albiceleste in the 10th minute with a glorious, bending free kick that left Colombia's David Ospina no chance to make it 1-0.
And the hosts were at it again in the 23rd minute, Messi's whipped-in cross finding Lucas Pratto, who flicked his headed attempt back across the goalmouth and in at the far post.
The extremely physical encounter continued throughout the second half, with both teams guilty of hard fouls and eight yellow cards handed out in all.
Colombia pushed hard for a goal, but it was Argentina that would strike again, Messi turning Colombia over in their defensive third, dribbling into the penalty area and finding Angel Di Maria at the far post for an easy smash into Ospina's net.
The win sees Argentina leapfrog Colombia in the qualification table.
Chile turned in a three-goal fightback to beat Uruguay 3-1 as the South American rivals met for the second time in qualifying, this time in Santiago.
Edinson Cavani opened the scoring for the visitors in the 17th minute, firing home a right-footed shot from a Luis Suarez pass to put Uruguay up early on.
Chile levelled through Eduardo Vargas in first-half injury time, heading home from a Jean Beausejour cross to make it 1-1 at the break.
Alexis Sanchez found the winner in the 60th minute, Beausejour once again the provider as the Arsenal forward struck to pull Chile back in front.
Sanchez scored his second in the 75th minute, Marcelo Diaz setting up the 27-year-old to finish with his left foot from the centre of the area.
Ecuador eased to victory against Venezuela, putting three goals past Rafael Dudamel's team in the second half to ease to a 3-0 win.
A scoreless first half for the hosts gave way to a second-half onslaught with Arturo Mina Meza, Miller Bolanos and Enner Valencia all getting on the scoresheet.
A late own goal from Gustavo Gomez helped 10-man Bolivia beat Paraguay 1-0. The hosts' Juan Gabriel Valverde was sent off in the 60th minute for his second yellow card, both for hard fouls against Paraguay.
Arsenal's Arsene Wenger: I'll shake hands with Man Utd's Jose Mourinho
By Mattias Karen, Arsenal correspondent
from espnfc.com
LONDON -- Arsene Wenger says he will shake hands with Jose Mourinho before Arsenal's game at Manchester United on Saturday -- and seemingly challenged his rival to put on a display of entertaining football.
Wenger's relationship with Mourinho was one of the main talking points at the Arsenal manager's news conference on Thursday as Saturday's match at Old Trafford will be their first since the Portuguese took over United in the summer.
However, Wenger was careful not to deliver any verbal barbs after the two feuded frequently during Mourinho's two stints as Chelsea manager.
"Look, I don't think I have to describe our relationship. He will fight for his team and I will fight for my team and I think that's completely normal," Wenger said.
When asked if he would shake his rival's hand before the game, the Arsenal boss added: "Of course. I respect the ritual that is so important in the Premier League."
He did, however, seem to challenge Mourinho to ditch his defensive tactics, which were criticised by pundits after a dull 0-0 draw at Liverpool this season.
Wenger said fans would be more interested in watching an entertaining game than focusing on the two managers.
"What will make the audience is the quality of the game and we have seen a few games since the start of the season that didn't respond completely to the expectation level between two big teams," Wenger said.
"And I think it's important that it's a top level game because that will be watched all over the world. And for the reputation of the Premier League, it's important that the quality of the game is good. That will be down to the players who are on the pitch."
Saturday's game is also a crucial test of Arsenal's title credentials, especially given the fact that Wenger has never beaten Mourinho in a competitive match and the Gunners have not won a Premier League game at Old Trafford since 2006.
Wenger admitted that a victory would "strengthen our belief" but again played down his record against Mourinho. Arsenal did beat Mourinho's Chelsea in last season's Community Shield, but Wenger is without a win in 14 league and cup games against him.
"I think I have won against every manager in the world during my 20 years here and I do not make of this game a competition between two managers," Wenger said. "It's between two clubs and two teams and I think I can understand that people want to create controversy, but it's not that that makes the audience."
Arsenal are six points ahead of United in the Premier League standings and are arguably considered favourites for Saturday's game given the hosts' many injury concerns.
They will also be without suspended striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but Wenger was quick to point out that it was Marcus Rashford who doomed the Gunners by scoring twice in a 3-2 win at Old Trafford last season.
"Look, certainly they would prefer to have him [Ibrahimovic] but we have as well players out and let's not forget, last year the guy who killed us was Rashford," Wenger said. "So let's not speculate on any weakness of Man United.
"I think if you look well, in 2016 we lost one away game in the whole year and that was at Old Trafford. We did not only lose the game, but that's maybe one of the few away games in the whole year where the performance was not at the [highest] level.
"So we want to focus on that and respond with a strong performance and after we have to accept the result. But what will be very important for me is that we respond with a strong performance on Saturday morning."
By Mattias Karen, Arsenal correspondent
from espnfc.com
LONDON -- Arsene Wenger says he will shake hands with Jose Mourinho before Arsenal's game at Manchester United on Saturday -- and seemingly challenged his rival to put on a display of entertaining football.
Wenger's relationship with Mourinho was one of the main talking points at the Arsenal manager's news conference on Thursday as Saturday's match at Old Trafford will be their first since the Portuguese took over United in the summer.
However, Wenger was careful not to deliver any verbal barbs after the two feuded frequently during Mourinho's two stints as Chelsea manager.
"Look, I don't think I have to describe our relationship. He will fight for his team and I will fight for my team and I think that's completely normal," Wenger said.
When asked if he would shake his rival's hand before the game, the Arsenal boss added: "Of course. I respect the ritual that is so important in the Premier League."
He did, however, seem to challenge Mourinho to ditch his defensive tactics, which were criticised by pundits after a dull 0-0 draw at Liverpool this season.
Wenger said fans would be more interested in watching an entertaining game than focusing on the two managers.
"What will make the audience is the quality of the game and we have seen a few games since the start of the season that didn't respond completely to the expectation level between two big teams," Wenger said.
"And I think it's important that it's a top level game because that will be watched all over the world. And for the reputation of the Premier League, it's important that the quality of the game is good. That will be down to the players who are on the pitch."
Saturday's game is also a crucial test of Arsenal's title credentials, especially given the fact that Wenger has never beaten Mourinho in a competitive match and the Gunners have not won a Premier League game at Old Trafford since 2006.
Wenger admitted that a victory would "strengthen our belief" but again played down his record against Mourinho. Arsenal did beat Mourinho's Chelsea in last season's Community Shield, but Wenger is without a win in 14 league and cup games against him.
"I think I have won against every manager in the world during my 20 years here and I do not make of this game a competition between two managers," Wenger said. "It's between two clubs and two teams and I think I can understand that people want to create controversy, but it's not that that makes the audience."
Arsenal are six points ahead of United in the Premier League standings and are arguably considered favourites for Saturday's game given the hosts' many injury concerns.
They will also be without suspended striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but Wenger was quick to point out that it was Marcus Rashford who doomed the Gunners by scoring twice in a 3-2 win at Old Trafford last season.
"Look, certainly they would prefer to have him [Ibrahimovic] but we have as well players out and let's not forget, last year the guy who killed us was Rashford," Wenger said. "So let's not speculate on any weakness of Man United.
"I think if you look well, in 2016 we lost one away game in the whole year and that was at Old Trafford. We did not only lose the game, but that's maybe one of the few away games in the whole year where the performance was not at the [highest] level.
"So we want to focus on that and respond with a strong performance and after we have to accept the result. But what will be very important for me is that we respond with a strong performance on Saturday morning."
Has all the potential of a cracking match and a perfect K.O. time for Asian fans - 8.30pm.
Other cracking matches this weekend:
Bundesliga:
Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich
La Liga:
Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid
Serie A:
AC Milan vs Inter Milan
Man Utd vs. Arsenal, Dortmund vs. Bayern, Madrid and Milan derbies
from espnfc.com
Man United vs. Arsenal: Can Wenger finally beat Mourinho?
We can all pretend that Manchester United vs. Arsenal isn't about Jose Mourinho vs. Arsene Wenger, but it is. Oh, it really is.
These two men loathe each other and defeat is unacceptable for either one of them. But of course, with the exception of the Community Shield last season, Mourinho has never experienced that feeling. He has won seven and drawn six of 13 competitive encounters with the Frenchman, the highlight of which was the emphatic 6-0 thrashing his Chelsea side handed out on Wenger's 1,000th game in charge. But are the tables about to turn?
Manchester United have started poorly this season while Arsenal are unbeaten since their opening-day defeat to Liverpool. Mourinho, usually so transformative upon his arrival at a new club, is struggling for form. Wenger is enjoying a run of 10 wins in his past 12 games.
Non-Arsenal fans have problems believing that the Gunners will ever find the consistency and resolve required to win a title, and defeat at Old Trafford will vindicate their stance. But if Wenger can find a way to finally defeat Mourinho, if he can lead Arsenal to a crucial victory, who knows? Maybe this could be Arsenal's year.
Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid: Simeone seeks revenge
The biggest fixture in La Liga so far this year is also a rematch of last season's Champions League final, as Atletico Madrid host crosstown rivals Real Madrid in the Spanish capital's derbi on Saturday evening.
Historic scrappers Atletico have often had the upper hand over their more glamorous neighbours through recent years, and are unbeaten over 90 minutes in their past 13 encounters in all competitions. But May's penalty shootout defeat to Madrid, which followed similar late heartbreak in the UCL decider two years earlier, means that Diego Simeone's side will be seeking revenge at their Estadio Vicente Calderon.
Atletico have had a mixed 2016-17 so far. The shift to a more attack-minded style suits emerging superstar attackers Antoine Griezmann and Yannick Carrasco. However the team now look more suspect in defence and have lost two of their past three league fixtures to slip six points behind table toppers Madrid. They will need to tighten things up knowing another defeat would all but end their title chances.
Zinedine Zidane's outfit have yet to catch fire this campaign, with the Frenchman's tactical acumen increasingly questioned, and superstar Cristiano Ronaldo not on top form, although they still remain unbeaten in all competitions. Zidane's big decision is whether to risk key men returning from injury -- including Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema and Casemiro -- with a Clasico against Barcelona, some vital Champions League group fixtures and the World Club Cup all looming.
Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich: Edge to Tuchel?
The Bavarians might have been dominating the Bundesliga fairly effortlessly in recent years, but the Black and Yellows have more than held their own in the game known as "Der Klassiker" since the turn of the decade. Four wins and three draws in the 11 matches over the past five years attest to Borussia's continued ability to trouble the German champions.
Saturday night's resumption of hostilities at the sold-out, 81,000-capacity Signal Iduna Park promises another typically heated, noisy and breathtakingly pacy affair, an eponymous tussle between contrasting managerial styles -- Carlo Ancelotti's hands-off approach vs. Thomas Tuchel's interventionist micromanagement -- and a bit of drama courtesy of the return of former BVB captain Mats Hummels in a Bayern shirt.
There's a battle of sharpshooters as another Dortmund old boy, Polish forward Robert Lewandowski, will square off against his successor, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the best striker in the current campaign (11 goals) so far, while Mario Götze will get a chance to prove that Bayern were wrong to let him go back to Westphalia.
Dortmund's results have been a little inconsistent, but it wouldn't be a big surprise if they were to beat the visitors and get back within three points of the top of the table. Stacked with young, exciting talent such as budding U.S. sensation Christian Pulisic, 18, they have shown glimpses of a great future, whereas Ancelotti's more mature team have yet to fully hit their stride.
AC Milan vs. Inter: An era ends, another begins
The 165th Derby della Madonnina promises to be of genuine historical significance in this rivalry. With Milan's takeover now due to be completed by Dec. 13, it is the last of the Silvio Berlusconi/Adriano Galliani administration that delivered five of Milan's seven European Cups; the end of an era.
As was the case little more than two years ago, an Inter manager will also make his debut in the biggest fixture of the season at San Siro. Stefano Pioli has had less than a fortnight to work with a squad decimated by international call-ups, although captain Mauro Icardi, unseen wunderkind Gabigol and €33 million flop Geoffrey Kondogbia were left behind.
Milan have so far exceeded expectations. A triumph for coaching, Vincenzo Montella has placed faith in youth and adapted his coaching philosophy to fit the players he has inherited. Despite spending €100m less than Inter in the summer, Milan have been greater than the sum of their parts. Inter have been so much less. Pioli has more talent available to him but needs to make a self-centred group of Inter players come together as a team and fast.
Both teams aspire to return to the Champions League. The fact both have beaten Juventus this season shows what they are capable of.
from espnfc.com
Man United vs. Arsenal: Can Wenger finally beat Mourinho?
We can all pretend that Manchester United vs. Arsenal isn't about Jose Mourinho vs. Arsene Wenger, but it is. Oh, it really is.
These two men loathe each other and defeat is unacceptable for either one of them. But of course, with the exception of the Community Shield last season, Mourinho has never experienced that feeling. He has won seven and drawn six of 13 competitive encounters with the Frenchman, the highlight of which was the emphatic 6-0 thrashing his Chelsea side handed out on Wenger's 1,000th game in charge. But are the tables about to turn?
Manchester United have started poorly this season while Arsenal are unbeaten since their opening-day defeat to Liverpool. Mourinho, usually so transformative upon his arrival at a new club, is struggling for form. Wenger is enjoying a run of 10 wins in his past 12 games.
Non-Arsenal fans have problems believing that the Gunners will ever find the consistency and resolve required to win a title, and defeat at Old Trafford will vindicate their stance. But if Wenger can find a way to finally defeat Mourinho, if he can lead Arsenal to a crucial victory, who knows? Maybe this could be Arsenal's year.
Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid: Simeone seeks revenge
The biggest fixture in La Liga so far this year is also a rematch of last season's Champions League final, as Atletico Madrid host crosstown rivals Real Madrid in the Spanish capital's derbi on Saturday evening.
Historic scrappers Atletico have often had the upper hand over their more glamorous neighbours through recent years, and are unbeaten over 90 minutes in their past 13 encounters in all competitions. But May's penalty shootout defeat to Madrid, which followed similar late heartbreak in the UCL decider two years earlier, means that Diego Simeone's side will be seeking revenge at their Estadio Vicente Calderon.
Atletico have had a mixed 2016-17 so far. The shift to a more attack-minded style suits emerging superstar attackers Antoine Griezmann and Yannick Carrasco. However the team now look more suspect in defence and have lost two of their past three league fixtures to slip six points behind table toppers Madrid. They will need to tighten things up knowing another defeat would all but end their title chances.
Zinedine Zidane's outfit have yet to catch fire this campaign, with the Frenchman's tactical acumen increasingly questioned, and superstar Cristiano Ronaldo not on top form, although they still remain unbeaten in all competitions. Zidane's big decision is whether to risk key men returning from injury -- including Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema and Casemiro -- with a Clasico against Barcelona, some vital Champions League group fixtures and the World Club Cup all looming.
Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich: Edge to Tuchel?
The Bavarians might have been dominating the Bundesliga fairly effortlessly in recent years, but the Black and Yellows have more than held their own in the game known as "Der Klassiker" since the turn of the decade. Four wins and three draws in the 11 matches over the past five years attest to Borussia's continued ability to trouble the German champions.
Saturday night's resumption of hostilities at the sold-out, 81,000-capacity Signal Iduna Park promises another typically heated, noisy and breathtakingly pacy affair, an eponymous tussle between contrasting managerial styles -- Carlo Ancelotti's hands-off approach vs. Thomas Tuchel's interventionist micromanagement -- and a bit of drama courtesy of the return of former BVB captain Mats Hummels in a Bayern shirt.
There's a battle of sharpshooters as another Dortmund old boy, Polish forward Robert Lewandowski, will square off against his successor, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the best striker in the current campaign (11 goals) so far, while Mario Götze will get a chance to prove that Bayern were wrong to let him go back to Westphalia.
Dortmund's results have been a little inconsistent, but it wouldn't be a big surprise if they were to beat the visitors and get back within three points of the top of the table. Stacked with young, exciting talent such as budding U.S. sensation Christian Pulisic, 18, they have shown glimpses of a great future, whereas Ancelotti's more mature team have yet to fully hit their stride.
AC Milan vs. Inter: An era ends, another begins
The 165th Derby della Madonnina promises to be of genuine historical significance in this rivalry. With Milan's takeover now due to be completed by Dec. 13, it is the last of the Silvio Berlusconi/Adriano Galliani administration that delivered five of Milan's seven European Cups; the end of an era.
As was the case little more than two years ago, an Inter manager will also make his debut in the biggest fixture of the season at San Siro. Stefano Pioli has had less than a fortnight to work with a squad decimated by international call-ups, although captain Mauro Icardi, unseen wunderkind Gabigol and €33 million flop Geoffrey Kondogbia were left behind.
Milan have so far exceeded expectations. A triumph for coaching, Vincenzo Montella has placed faith in youth and adapted his coaching philosophy to fit the players he has inherited. Despite spending €100m less than Inter in the summer, Milan have been greater than the sum of their parts. Inter have been so much less. Pioli has more talent available to him but needs to make a self-centred group of Inter players come together as a team and fast.
Both teams aspire to return to the Champions League. The fact both have beaten Juventus this season shows what they are capable of.
RB Leipzig fight back to beat Bayer to go top of Bundesliga
RB Leipzig's fairytale maiden season in the Bundesliga continued on Friday night as they moved three points clear at the top of the table with a 3-2 win at Bayer Leverkusen.
Kevin Kampl gave Leverkusen the lead after just a minute, but an own goal from Julian Baumgartlinger brought Leipzig back on terms almost immediately.
Julian Brandt put Leverkusen back in front again on the stroke of half-time, but Hakan Calhanoglu missed a second-half penalty which would have made it 3-1 and Leipzig made the hosts pay by levelling through Emil Forsberg.
Forsberg then set up captain Willi Orban to head in a late Leipzig winner which made it 11 games unbeaten -- a new record for a Bundesliga newcomer -- and took them to the top of the table, at least until Bayern Munich travel to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
Kampl gave Leverkusen a flying start when he found some space unmarked at the far post and slotted his shot into an unguarded net from Brandt's cross.
However, the hosts were pegged back three minutes later when Timo Werner got a touch on Forsberg's corner at the near post and the ball struck the thigh of Baumgartlinger to sneak inside the left-hand upright.
The game quieted down after that barnstorming start, but there was to be another goal before the interval with Leverkusen regaining the lead out of nothing in first-half stoppage time.
Brandt was ignored by the two Leipzig central defenders as he latched onto Calhanoglu's lofted pass, but there was still a lot of work for the Germany international to do as he brought the ball under control before whipping a shot past Peter Gulacsi and into the far top corner.
Stefan Ilsanker, whose misplaced pass had been picked up by Calhanoglu for that goal, then committed a foul on Brandt which gave the Turkish midfielder the chance to double Leverkusen's lead from the penalty spot early in the second half.
However, the usually assured Calhanoglu saw his spot-kick saved by Gulacsi, and Leipzig breathed again.
Marcel Halstenberg had a shot blocked by Benjamin Henrichs as Leipzig's lively attacking football continued to cause problems, and Leverkusen invited Forsberg to advance and unleash a shot which Bernd Leno only flapped at as the visitors deservedly levelled again.
Werner wasted a glorious opportunity to put Leipzig in front with 20 minutes to go before Leno made up for his earlier error by denying Marcel Sabitzer.
Leverkusen could not hold out, though, as Orban timed his first-ever Bundesliga goal to perfection, heading in Forsberg's cross at the far post to take Leipzig clear at the summit.
RB Leipzig's fairytale maiden season in the Bundesliga continued on Friday night as they moved three points clear at the top of the table with a 3-2 win at Bayer Leverkusen.
Kevin Kampl gave Leverkusen the lead after just a minute, but an own goal from Julian Baumgartlinger brought Leipzig back on terms almost immediately.
Julian Brandt put Leverkusen back in front again on the stroke of half-time, but Hakan Calhanoglu missed a second-half penalty which would have made it 3-1 and Leipzig made the hosts pay by levelling through Emil Forsberg.
Forsberg then set up captain Willi Orban to head in a late Leipzig winner which made it 11 games unbeaten -- a new record for a Bundesliga newcomer -- and took them to the top of the table, at least until Bayern Munich travel to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
Kampl gave Leverkusen a flying start when he found some space unmarked at the far post and slotted his shot into an unguarded net from Brandt's cross.
However, the hosts were pegged back three minutes later when Timo Werner got a touch on Forsberg's corner at the near post and the ball struck the thigh of Baumgartlinger to sneak inside the left-hand upright.
The game quieted down after that barnstorming start, but there was to be another goal before the interval with Leverkusen regaining the lead out of nothing in first-half stoppage time.
Brandt was ignored by the two Leipzig central defenders as he latched onto Calhanoglu's lofted pass, but there was still a lot of work for the Germany international to do as he brought the ball under control before whipping a shot past Peter Gulacsi and into the far top corner.
Stefan Ilsanker, whose misplaced pass had been picked up by Calhanoglu for that goal, then committed a foul on Brandt which gave the Turkish midfielder the chance to double Leverkusen's lead from the penalty spot early in the second half.
However, the usually assured Calhanoglu saw his spot-kick saved by Gulacsi, and Leipzig breathed again.
Marcel Halstenberg had a shot blocked by Benjamin Henrichs as Leipzig's lively attacking football continued to cause problems, and Leverkusen invited Forsberg to advance and unleash a shot which Bernd Leno only flapped at as the visitors deservedly levelled again.
Werner wasted a glorious opportunity to put Leipzig in front with 20 minutes to go before Leno made up for his earlier error by denying Marcel Sabitzer.
Leverkusen could not hold out, though, as Orban timed his first-ever Bundesliga goal to perfection, heading in Forsberg's cross at the far post to take Leipzig clear at the summit.
United should have won this game. Sloppy to concede in the 89min.
To all you Man Utd fanboys...do you really think Mourinho will lead to CL qualification let alone the Premier League title?
I wonder what excuses he will give in his post match interview.
Cannot beat a mediocre Arsenal team at home.
To all you Man Utd fanboys...do you really think Mourinho will lead to CL qualification let alone the Premier League title?
I wonder what excuses he will give in his post match interview.
Cannot beat a mediocre Arsenal team at home.
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