Resilient Man City give Everton the Blues

Scroll above left to Photostream for match photos; click on the Statistics tab for stats. Scroll down for manager reactions and press conferences.

Manchester City moved back into the top four of the Barclays Premier League with a convincing 3-1 win over Everton on Saturday.

Manuel Pellegrini's team headed into the game on the back of consecutive defeats against Aston Villa and Bayern Munich, while Everton were looking for their fourth win in five matches, and the visitors made the perfect start when on-loan striker Romelu Lukaku scored the opener. City quickly turned things around, however, with Alvaro Negredo and Sergio Aguero overturning the deficit before half-time.

A superb home performance was rounded off on 69 minutes when the unfortunate Tim Howard deflected Aguero’s penalty into his own net after parrying it on to the post as Roberto Martinez’s side lost in the league for the first time this season.

City made five changes to the side beaten 3-1 by Bayern on Wednesday, Pablo Zabaleta and Aleksandar Kolarov replacing Micah Richards and Gael Clichy in defence, while James Milner, David Silva and Negredo came in for Jesus Navas, Samir Nasri and Edin Dzeko. Everton were without Gareth Barry, the on-loan midfielder ineligible to play against his parent club, with Steven Naismith taking his place in the starting XI.

The hosts did the most of the early pressing as Yaya Toure forced a good save from Howard with a curling effort, before Kolarov fired narrowly wide from a free-kick. However, Everton took the lead on the counter-attack after 16 minutes when Lukaku netted his third goal in two games, the Belgian collecting a long ball from Phil Jagielka before turning inside Joleon Lescott and slotting the ball under Joe Hart.

Everton's advantage lasted just over a minute, though, City levelling as Negredo found the net from close range following an incisive pass from Toure.

City might have seized the initiative midway through the first half, Aguero shooting wide at the end of a well-worked free-kick between Toure and Silva, and the hosts suffered a blow 12 minutes before the break when Vincent Kompany, who made his return to fitness last month, was forced off with an injury.

The hosts continued to push forward as they looked to complete the turnaround, Aguero spurning two good chances in the closing stages of the opening period. But the Argentina striker was not to be denied and put City in front a minute before the interval with a precise right-foot finish at the near post after latching on to a pass from Silva.

Pellegrini was forced into another change in the early stages of the second half as Kolarov was replaced by Clichy after sustaining a cut in a collision with team-mate Matija Nastasic. City nonetheless dictated the play in the second half and were handed an opportunity to finish the game off when Seamus Coleman brought down Zabaleta inside the area. Aguero did not pass it up, even if his penalty only found the bottom corner after deflecting off both a post and goalkeeper Howard.

James McCarthy went close with a header from point-blank range but Everton struggled to mount a response as the Barclays Premier League's last unbeaten run came to an end.

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini: "I am very pleased by the character the team showed today. We really needed this victory because at the start of the game we were five points behind Arsenal and it is important to continue wining here at home.

"Equalising immediately was important but more important was the character, playing against Everton – the only unbeaten team in the league. After a defeat on Wednesday it was important for me to see how the players reacted after that defeat.

"We had at least four or five clear chances to score and I don't remember Everton having too many chances to score, so I don't think the difference between the two teams was the penalty."

VIDEO: Watch Manuel Pellegrini's press conference >>

Everton manager Roberto Martinez: "We made it a really open game and to score the first goal was important. Then you have to be very superior when the calls are not going for you. Unfortunately, on the day, we didn't have that luck that we needed.

"We allowed the performance to go, we could have played a lot better, more clever; to concede three goals we are extremely disappointed with that."

VIDEO: Watch Roberto Martinez's press conference >>

A star is born as Januzaj brace saves Man United

Scroll above left to Photostream for match photos; click on the Statistics tab for stats. Scroll down for manager reactions and press conferences.

Adnan Januzaj's goalscoring double on his first Barclays Premier League start secured a 2-1 win for Manchester United over Sunderland. The 18-year-old Belgian struck twice in six second-half minutes as United came from behind to win, leaving interim head coach Kevin Ball's Sunderland bottom and still searching for their first league win of the season.

Sunderland had capitalised on some sloppy United defending early in the match to take the lead through Craig Gardner, but missed opportunities to extend their advantage as United's latest young star stole the show. Januzaj opened his account in the 55th minute as he met a low cross from Patrice Evra and fired past Keiren Westwood from close range. His second, making him become only the second United player after Ruud van Nistelrooy; to score twice on his first Barclays Premier League start, came just after the hour with a crisp left-foot volley that nestled in the bottom corner.

Robin van Persie returned to league action having been on the bench for United's defeat by West Bromwich Albion last weekend, while Wayne Rooney started despite missing their midweek UEFA Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk. Ball made two changes to the Sunderland side beaten by Liverpool, with Ondrej Celustka and Valentin Roberge coming in for Sebastian Larsson and Carlos Cuellar.

The home side made the perfect start with five minutes gone as Gardner took advantage of poor defending from United to open the deadlock. Emanuele Giaccherini fired a low cross from the right that Phil Jones and Nemanja Vidic failed to clear and Gardner pounced from seven yards.

Januzaj and Nani were the biggest threat for the visitors and both spurned first-half chances. Nani was first to send a long-range effort towards goal but his shot was wide, while Januzaj missed the target from the edge of the penalty area after neatly turning away from two defenders.

Sunderland had a fantastic opportunity to double their lead in the 34th minute but Giaccherini's header was denied by an excellent save from David De Gea. The Italian met a left-wing cross from Adam Johnson but the Spaniard made a remarkable save to his right.

Nani continued to be dangerous for United and forced the first save out of Westwood in the 41st minute after meeting a Rafael Da Silva cross. Sunderland failed to clear the cross and the Portugal winger fired towards goal from a tight angle but the goalkeeper pushed it wide.

United got themselves level 10 minutes into the second half through the impressive Januzaj, who fed the ball out to Evra on the left and was perfectly placed to convert the Frenchman's cross from inside the penalty area. Van Persie tested Westwood with a low shot soon after but it was Januzaj who fired them ahead just after the hour.

Former United defender John O'Shea failed to clear a Nani cross from the right and the Belgian volleyed the loose ball across Westwood and into the bottom corner. United could have extended their lead late on but Van Persie missed a clear sight of goal with a finish wide of Westwood's goal.

Sunderland interim head coach Kevin Ball: "We played so well first half, scored the first goal, created a couple of chances. It was a great save from 'Giacchi''s header and coming into half-time we knew it was going to be difficult in the second half. We knew the players would have to dig deep.

"We've looked at the two goals we’ve conceded and the players and myself are a little bit disappointed. We feel the goals could have been prevented with a little bit of communication, so there's a tinge of disappointment because they've worked very hard again today and even towards the end of the game we changed things around a little bit, go a bit more direct.

"We tried to bring Connor [Wickham] on and try to get the ball in their box and we'd have liked to have seen one of our lads on the end of it to put it in the back of the net to create that rounding finish, but unfortunately it didn’t happen for us today.

"I thought, 'Why didn't it go in?' It was a great ball in and a great save, but they are the fine margins; we've created these chances and we need to make sure they go in, whereas at the other end, when it comes to defending, we need to make sure we do our jobs."

VIDEO: Watch Kevin Ball's press conference >>

Manchester United manager David Moyes: "It was a really good performance. Even at 1-0 down, we made a real hash of the first goal we gave away, but apart from that we played some really good stuff today. I remember giving Wayne [Rooney] his debut and Adnan [Januzaj]'s certainly in that quality. He's a top, top player.

"I would have played him two or three weeks ago but for different reasons it just didn't quite work, but I thought today was the right time; he's been so good, it was hard to stop him. He's going to be a great talent, a really special talent. He's got goals, he’s got ability on the ball, but we’ll keep his feet on the ground here and makes sure he gets on with it. We had him in the [Barclays Under-21 Premier League side] on Monday night, so we won't let him get ahead of himself and we’ll do all the right things with him.

"It was an incredible save [by De Gea]. We'd been playing quite well, although we were 1-0 down, they got a couple of counter-attacks on us and David made an incredible save and I said at half-time, 'David may have kept us in the game' with his save. It was a fantastic save.

“At this club you're expected [to win]. I'll not be getting to excited about it because I won, just like when we were losing I wasn't getting too low either. A lot of other people were, but I wasn't because I know the quality and the players I've got in the dressing room.

VIDEO: Watch David Moyes's press conference >>

Cameron helps Stoke interest in other sports

Cameron tried his hand at tennis with local youngsters (photo: Phil Greig)

Netball will also be offered by Stoke for the first time (photo: Phil Greig)

Stoke City's new expanded offering of Premier League 4 Sport was given a boost with first-team player Geoff Cameron taking part in some of the sports that form part of the new programme from this season.

Premier League 4 Sport (PL4Sport) uses the power of the football club brand to engage and encourage children to participate in other sports and it recently received a boost in the form of a new £16.8m partnership between the Premier League and Sport England. The partnership has led to golf, tennis, boxing and athletics being added to the eight Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth sports on offer through PL4Sport.

"It is fantastic to see all the participants trying out different sports"
Geoff Cameron

Tennis and netball will be offered by Stoke in the Community for the first time and these two sports were showcased at the sports centre. With one objective of PL4Sport being to improve female participation, attendees also saw women and girls’ football sessions taking place. Cameron spent almost two hours at Fenton Manor Sports Centre participating in each of the three sports with children from local schools and colleges, before spending time posing for photographs and signing autographs. 

"It is fantastic to see all the participants here trying out the different sports, and having such a wonderful time," Cameron told stokecityfc.com. "It gives youngsters the chance to try out other sports that they would not necessarily try if it was not for the partnership with the football club."

In total 26 satellite clubs are being delivered across seven sports by Stoke and Cameron is hopeful that by encouraging people to take part some in the various sports more champions might be unearthed.

"It is awesome to see the funding of the Premier League, combined with the delivery of the project by Stoke City, being taken up by so many young people across the city," the United States defender said. "Hopefully they will firstly enjoy the experience but also if there is a talent there, that can be nurtured and developed in the future, and who knows we could be looking at a future champion!"

All clubs within the Premier League and some former members of the competition run Premier League-funded schemes to help with sports participation. Click on the links to the right for the club community department nearest to you for more information.

Duke of Cambridge and FA to honour grassroots heroes

The Duke of Cambridge, as president of The FA, will host the event and present medals

Seale has helped Chelsea’s disability team in various leagues and cup competitions

Everton's West, centre, helps youths reject the temptations of crime and violence

Marr, in red, has been involved with Liverpool since he was 13

Newcastle's Winskill, left, was an apprentice at the club but now helps coaches in the city

Spurs' Lakhani with his invitation to Buckingham Palace

West Brom's Fisher had been helping at the club since 1999

The selfless work done in their local community by people at clubs in the Barclays Premier League is being honoured by The Football Association as part the organisation’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

"It's important to honour the volunteers who give millions more    the opportunity to enjoy football at grassroots level"
The Duke of Cambridge

The FA has invited 150 volunteers or grassroots "heroes" to an event on Monday 7 October at Buckingham Palace. These people have been chosen for their outstanding contribution and service to football, including helping to develop the women's game, providing opportunities for disabled players, grassroots referees as well as club and league administrators. HRH The Duke of Cambridge, who is president of The FA, will host the event and will present them with a medal to commemorate their achievements.

"In our 150th year, it is hugely important for The FA to honour the efforts of the many thousands of volunteers who, week in, week out, help to provide the opportunity for millions more people to enjoy football at grassroots level," the Duke of Cambridge said. "Inviting 150 of these volunteers to Buckingham Palace provides a fitting way for The FA to pay tribute and give thanks."

Greg Dyke, the FA chairman, hailed the volunteers and grassroots heroes, calling them the "heartbeat of football". "Without them, the game simply wouldn't function at a grassroots level and it is only right that The FA honours their tireless and selfless work," Dyke said.

The representatives from the Premier League clubs to be honoured are:

Seale's hard work and dedication have helped to develop the opportunities for local people to play for Chelsea’s disability team in various leagues and cup competitions in the UK and abroad. His "can do" attitude means that Seale inspires his players on a daily basis, ensuring that self-belief is instilled in every individual.

West has worked through Everton in the Community to use the power of football and sport to help hundreds of youngsters to turn their back on a life blighted by crime and violence. In one instance, after he and his team were attacked in by youths from the Asian community in Oldham while attending a football tournament there, West called together the Premier League, Merseyside Police, Greater Manchester Police and Oldham FC to work together to deliver equality and diversity training to the young people involved.

Since first playing in Liverpool's Ability Counts disability team at the age of 13 Marr has also gained coaching certificates and combines his playing time with coaching young players and acting as a role model to people. Marr also helps Liverpool FC Foundation in coaching sports at local schools as well as undertaking a charity run to raise funds for a local team.

Smith is a volunteer with Manchester City's activities on a match day in their City Square as well as the club's soccer schools. After coming the club's Success Through Sport Programme Smith has dedicated a number of hours to City In The Community, too.

After being released by Newcastle as an apprentice, Winskill has dedicated his life to grassroots football. He gained a UEFA A Licence in 2004 and has worked with Newcastle United Foundation overseeing a programme that delivers 8,000 coaching hours to 25,000 children and young people a year in the city. He has also pioneered an initiative to support grassroots coaches in the region called "Coach the Coach".

Lakhani has delivered over 200 hours of volunteering on Tottenham Hotspur Foundation Football Programmes, mainly focused towards disability football provision. His work has meant that he has been recruited by the Foundation to help with disability football and is the assistant coach for the Cerebral Palsy Centre of Excellence.

Fisher was instrumental in setting up West Bromwich Albion Ladies, becoming secretary in 1998. After the team became part of Sporting Club Albion Fisher's brief grew to include girls' teams, basketball squads and disability teams. Until her retirement at the end of last season Fisher oversaw this as well as getting involved in tasks such as making refreshments and cleaning changing rooms; all this despite battling cancer for the past nine years.

After a brief spell as a professional player Chukwuma became a volunteer coach at West Ham's Kickz project but his hard work and natural coaching ability led to him soon becoming the project co-ordinator of the PL Kicks programme as well as the Community Sports Development Officer. He is always looking at ways to help his coaches and the people he works with to improve and over the past year has helped over 140 young people obtain FA Level 1 coaching qualifications, other multi-sports coaching qualifications and the FA Junior Football Leaders' Award.

FPL Scout: Andreas Weimann shines in Villa victory

Two of the top three clubs in the Barclays Premier League are handed plum home ties this weekend as The Scout casts an eye over the Gameweek 7 schedule.

Liverpool entertain second-bottom Crystal Palace at Anfield after brushing aside Sunderland at the Stadium of Light last time out and Tottenham Hotspur welcome West Ham United to White Hart Lane, with the visitors yet to score a single goal on the road this season.

Elsewhere, league leaders Arsenal make their way to in-form West Bromwich Albion, Manchester City play host to unbeaten Everton, while Manchester United will be confident of bouncing back from last Saturday’s home loss to the Baggies as they head to basement-dwellers Sunderland.

Saturday’s home win against Manchester City saw another change of formation for Aston Villa. With Gabby Agbonlahor and Christian Benteke both ruled out by injury, Paul Lambert trialled the third system in as many weeks – this time rolling out a 3-5-2 shape against Manuel Pellegrini’s men. Crucially, this allowed full-back Antonio Luna to move to a more advanced berth on the left of midfield, whilst Leandro Bacuna, who has recently ousted Matthew Lowton from the first XI, was handed the role on the opposite flank and delivered a goal and assist in the 3-2 triumph. Despite the weekend success, it remains to be seen whether the Villa boss will continue with the new system once the like of Agbonlahor returns, though Luna could prove an interesting prospect if Lambert keeps faith in the three-man backline.

Alan Pardew’s decision to drop Papiss Cisse for Newcastle United’s trip to Everton on Monday afforded Loic Remy a change of position. The Frenchman had previously been fielded on the right of a front three and grabbed 2 goals in the Magpies’ Gameweek 5 match against Hull but, with Cisse struggling for form, Remy was shifted into the central role at Goodison Park and vindicated his manager’s decision by scored his third of the season in the 3-2 loss. Pardew’s alterations also affected Hatem Ben Arfa against the Toffees. An unconvincing display saw the wide man hauled off at half-time as his manager spoke of looking for a stronger balance to his side, leaving Ben Arfa’s 21% owners somewhat concerned ahead of a schedule which pits the Tyneside team against Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham in the next five Gameweeks.

An injury to in-form Robbie Brady hands Steve Bruce a midfield dilemma ahead of Aston Villa’s visit this weekend. Brady has scored or assisted 4 of Hull City’s 6 goals so far this term but has been ruled out for four weeks after undergoing hernia surgery – bitter news for the 90,000 Fantasy managers who had drafted him in earlier this week. Bruce moved Ahmed Elmohamady onto the right wing last week as a result of Robert Koren’s injury and may choose to hand Stephen Quinn the left midfield role or even move the versatile Sone Aluko to the flank.

The previous Gameweek saw Luis Suarez and Romelu Lukaku rack up the points for Liverpool and Everton respectively. Both players headed into the weekend with low ownership – Suarez’ 10-match suspension and Lukaku’s peripheral role at Chelsea, which resulted in a loan move to the Toffees, ensured the strike duo were lesser-owned picks in Gameweek 6. With this in mind, the Scout takes a look at the 10 in-form “differential” players so far, with each of our protagonists currently sitting in no more than 7% of Fantasy teams.

Dejan Lovren has mainly been overlooked due to the cheaper options amongst his fellow Southampton defenders. Priced at 5.1, the centre-half has delivered a goal, 7 bonus points and 4 clean sheets in six appearances – with an ownership of just 5%, he sits joint-third for defenders, with only six players bettering his score of 41 points so far.

Swansea City’s Ben Davies has already doubled his goal tally from last term. The 5.0 priced left-back has scored twice and, with 7 bonus points and a couple of clean sheets also thrown in, leads team-mate Michu by 34 points to 29 as the top scorer for Michael Laudrup’s side.

Tottenham supply us with a trio of overlooked contenders. Both Jan Vertonghen and Hugo Lloris are costly acquisitions at the back, with price tags of 7.0 and 6.0 respectively, but with 4 clean sheets already, Andre Villas-Boas’ side have been superb in defence. Lloris has earned an extra save points in five of his appearances, whilst Vertonghen has collected at least 1 bonus point every time his side have kept out their opponents.

Gylfi Sigurdsson is the only midfielder in our rundown. The Icelandic star has started each of the last three Gameweeks on the Tottenham left flank and seems to have established a regular role at the expense of new boys Nacer Chadli and Erik Lamela, having racked up 3 goals and 5 bonus points over those matches.

A couple of left-backs also make the cut. West Brom’s Liam Ridgewell has produced a goal, 3 bonus points and a couple of clean sheets yet has less than 1% ownership, while Chelsea’s Ashley Cole has remained under the radar so far. He has 5 bonus points and 3 clean sheets in the opening six Gameweeks - a total of 29 points mirrors team-mate Branislav Ivanovic, though Cole has a mere 5% ownership compared to the Serbian’s 30%.

Mamadou Sakho – a home clash against struggling Crystal Palace affords Liverpool the chance of a fourth clean sheet of the season. Brendan Rodgers’ side have conceded just once in front of their own fans, whilst the Eagles have managed a single strike on their travels – the marquee signing from Paris Saint-Germain has started each of the last three for the Merseysiders and looks a strong bet for further defensive returns.

Peter Whittingham – the Cardiff playmaker has been one of the most consistent performers in the budget bracket this term. Coming in at 5.1, Whittingham has scored or assisted in three of the Bluebirds’ six matches and with just one defeat in five, Malky Mackay’s side are starting to find their top-flight feet as Newcastle come calling.

Roman Amalfitano – West Brom’s on-loan midfielder was instrumental in last weekend’s win at Manchester United. Amalfitano produced a goal and assist in the 2-1 Old Trafford triumph and has now notched in each of his last two – Arsenal may well have their work cut out to keep him quiet as the Baggies go in search of a third straight win this Sunday.

Paulinho – the Brazilian may only have a goal and assist so far but his attacking displays from the Tottenham central midfield have caught The Scout’s eye. Paulinho’s well-timed runs into the box could prove the undoing of West Ham this weekend as Andre Villas-Boas’ side look to return to winning ways after last week’s draw with Chelsea.

Samuel Eto’o – with Fernando Torres suspended for this week’s trip to Norwich, the Cameroon international looks a guaranteed starter for Jose Mourinho’s side. After a slow start to the season, Chelsea are finally starting to gel under their new manager and Eto’o’s eye for goal could come to fruition against a Canaries side that have managed just one clean sheet in front of their own fans so far.

Sunday matches live: Follow the action

Adam Lallana celebrates opening the scoring for Southampton against Swansea

Rodriguez sealed the points for Southampton

Chelsea's Ba has a shot on the Norwich goal

Hazard's shot found its way past Ruddy to restore Chelsea's lead

Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal will both be looking to move back ahead of Liverpool at the top of the Barclays Premier League on Sunday.

Both North London sides kick off at 4pm, with Spurs at home to West Ham United, while Arsenal travel to in-form West Bromwich Albion. In the earlier kick-offs, Chelsea battled to a 3-1 win over Norwich City to go third, while Southampton's formidable record at St Mary's was maintained with a 2-0 victory against Swansea City.

You can keep up to date with all the action on premierleague.com. With our Matchday Live service you can watch the manager press conferences, catch all the latest team news and check out the head-to-head statistics ahead of the weekend's action.

After kick-off you can follow live in-running commentary, check out live photos from all the grounds and get the latest in-match stats. At the final whistle we provide match reports while there will also be post-match reaction and manager press conferences. To see more, click on the Matchday Live links below.

FT Norwich City 1-3 Chelsea  |  #NORCHE  |  Matchday Live >>

FT Southampton 2-0 Swansea City  |  #SOUSWA  |  Matchday Live >>

_________________________________________________________________

LIVE Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United  |  #TOTWHU  |  Matchday Live >>

LIVE West Bromwich Albion v Arsenal  |  #WBAARS  |  Matchday Live >>

Champions League: Arsenal and Chelsea on song

Ozil gave a stand-out display against Napoli, scoring one and setting up the other goal

Ramires scored twice as Chelsea got back on the European trail against Steaua

Arsenal and Chelsea made light work of their UEFA Champions League group matches with Mesut Ozil inspiring the Gunners to a 2-0 success against Napoli at Emirates Stadium and Chelsea running out 4-0 winners at Steaua Bucharest.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hailed an "outstanding" performance by Mesut Ozil whose first goal for the club and an assist for the second goal ensured their Serie A opponents were dispatched with relative ease.

"Özil had an outstanding first half. Everything you want from a fantastic player – teamwork, skill, passing, shooting – so just sit there and enjoy it"
Arsene Wenger

Napoli came to London having beaten Borussia Dortmund in their opening group match and flying high in second place in the Italian top flight, but they had no answer to the pace and verve of an Arsenal side who took control of the match early on.

Transfer deadline-day signing Ozil gave the Gunners the lead with a wonderful eighth-minute strike after Aaron Ramsey had raced down the right flank and picked the Germany international out with a low cutback. The playmaker met the pass with a side-footed first-time effort that left goalkeeper Pepe Reina with no chance.

Seven minutes later the hosts doubled their lead after pressing Napoli into ceding possession. This time Ozil turned provider, picking out Olivier Giroud at the near post to score from close range. With Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta screening the Arsenal rearguard the visitors were limited to a Miguel Britos header and a Dries Martnes shot, which was directed straight at Wojciech Szczesny, and Arsenal held on for a comfortable second win of the campaign, that placed them three points clear at the top of the group.

"It was a very enjoyable evening," Wenger told UEFA.com. "In patches when we went forward you could see that the third goal was there if we really pushed for it.

“[Mesut Özil] had an outstanding first half. Everything you want from a fantastic player - teamwork, skill, passing, shooting - so just sit there and enjoy it. I loved him in Madrid as well, I must say. We were just lucky to have got him. He has integrated very quickly, he has come during a period where we are doing well, so that maybe made it easier."

Chelsea got their European campaign back on track with a comfortable triumph in Romania as Ramires scored twice to help the Blues seal their first win of the group stage and manager Jose Mourinho praised the "fundamental" contribution of Andre Schurrle.

"We scored four and probably could have scored six or seven because we played really well"
Jose Mourinho

The visitors got off to a false start when Fernando Torres sustained a knee injury that forced his withdrawal after just 10 minutes, but Chelsea were largely unaffected and took the lead 20 minutes in when Schurrle teed up Samuel Eto'o, whose weak shot was turned in by Ramires.

Eto'o was also involved in the second goal shortly before the interval when his shot was saved by Ciprian Tatarusanu, only for the ball to ricochet in off retreating defender Daniel Georgievski.

After the break Chelsea assumed total control, Schurrle again heavily involved as he cleverly dribbled out of a tight spot, hared down the left wing and picked out Oscar, who fed Ramires to score his second goal of the evening on 55 minutes. Though Schurrle himself came close to scoring with a low effort that curled narrowly wide, Frank Lampard capped a good night's work for the 2012 winners firing in off the post from 20 yards in the last minute.

The victory moved Chelsea up to second place in Group E, three points behind Schalke and level with FC Basel

"The result was obviously very good," said Mourinho. "The performance was also very solid. We kept control of the game and the result and we played good football with intelligence and maturity away from home.

"[André] Schürrle was fundamental. We identified what we had to do to penetrate their defence. He was the man for that. He was in the position where we knew we could [have success] and we played from there. We always had control of game. We scored four and probably could have scored six or seven because we played really well."

Manchester United and Manchester City are in Champions League action on Wednesday evening with both sides seeking to build on opening group successes. David Moyes's charges go to Shakhtar Donetsk, while Man City are home to the defending European club champions, Bayern Munich.

Chelsea gave another emphatic performance in the inaugural UEFA Youth League as, like the senior team later in the evening, they overcame Steaua Bucharest with four unanswered goals.

Steaua Bucurest 0-4 Chelsea
Comprehensive winners on matchday one, Dermot Drummy's team produced a second successive 4-0 triumph in the Under-19 competition featuring clubs from the 32 UEFA Champions League participants in an autumn programme that mirrors the senior sides' group stage campaigns. John Swift gave the Blues the lead after 27 minutes and provided the assist for Alexander Kiwomya to score six minutes after the interval. Swift then doubled his tally with a fine individual goal before Kiwomya matched his team-mate with a second strike of his own two minutes from time.

Arsenal are looking to add to their 4-1 success against Marseille a fortnight ago this evening when they face Napoli in the same competition at Borehamwood's Meadow Park at 7pm.

UEFA Champions League results

Group F
Arsenal (Ozil, Giroud) 2-0 Napoli
Borussia Dortmund 3-0 Marseille

Group E
Basel 0-1 Schalke
Steaua Bucharest 0-4 Chelsea (Ramires 2, Georgievski og, Lampard)

UEFA Youth League results

Group E
Basel 0-5 Schalke
Steaua Bucharest 0-4 Chelsea (Swift 2; Kiwomya 2)

Group F
Borussia Dortmund 5-2 Marseille

UEFA Champions League fixtures

Kick-offs 7.45pm unless states

Group A
Bayer Leverkusen v Real Sociedad
Shakhtar Donetsk v Manchester United

Group D
7pm CSKA Moscow v Viktoria Plzen
Manchester City v Bayern Munich

UEFA Youth League fixtures

Group A
Bayer Leverkusen v Real Sociedad (12pm)
Shakhtar Donetsk v Manchester United (1pm)

Group D
CSKA Moscow v Viktoria Plzen (10am)
Manchester City v Bayern Munich (3pm)