Let's Talk EPL: 2013

Sunday, October 6, 2013

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 >>

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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)

Matchweek 7 pre-match stats: Gerrard in form

Ahead of the seventh Matchweek of the Barclays Premier League season, here are some statistics on past encounters between the sides due to play and their form.

In addition to these stats, more can be found on our Matchday Live service where you can also watch the manager press conferences and catch all the latest team news.

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 are also post-match reactions and manager press conferences. To see more, click on the Matchday Live links below.

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Kick-offs 3pm unless stated.

12.45pm Manchester City v Everton | #MCIEVE | Matchday Live >>

Manchester City have won just two of their last 12 Barclays Premier League meetings with Everton, losing nine.Everton have won 17 Barclays Premier League encounters with Man City. Only against West Ham United (19) have they won more often.Everton have the same record after six games as they did in 1986-87, their last title-winning season (W3, D3).City have scored eight goals from crosses in the Barclays Premier League this season; twice as many as the next best side.Manuel Pellegrini’s team have lost a league-high six points from winning positions in the top flight this season. They lost only seven points from winning positions in the whole of 2012-13.Everton are the only remaining unbeaten side in the Barclays Premier League this season and have won three successive matches in the competition.Romelu Lukaku has now scored six goals in his last five Barclays Premier League appearances, despite playing only 220 minutes overall in these matches (a goal every 37 mins on average).

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Cardiff City v Newcastle United | #CARNEW | Matchday Live >>

No side have had more goals scored in the 90th minute or later of their Barclays Premier League matches this season than Cardiff (three).Newcastle have conceded a league-high three headed goals in the Barclays Premier League this season so far.Loic Remy has now been involved in four goals in four Barclays Premier League appearances for Newcastle (scored three and assisted another).Newcastle have won just three of their last 23 Barclays Premier League away matches, losing 13 of these fixtures.Should he score against his former side, Craig Bellamy will become the first player in the history of the Barclays Premier League to score for seven different clubs in the competition.Newcastle have made six errors that have led to an opposition attempt at goal in the Barclays Premier League this season; more than any other side.

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Fulham v Stoke City | #FULSTK | Matchday Live >>

Fulham have won four of their five Barclays Premier League home matches against Stoke, including the last three in a row at Craven Cottage.Fulham have picked up only one point in their last seven Barclays Premier League encounters at Craven Cottage (L6, D1).The Whites have conceded a goal in 17 of their last 18 Barclays Premier League home matches, with their only clean sheet in this run coming versus Stoke (1-0 in Feb 2013).Stoke have averaged 426 passes per game under Mark Hughes so far – well above the average under Tony Pulis over his five Barclays Premier League seasons with the Potters (280).Both Stoke and Fulham have scored only four goals in their six Barclays Premier League matches in 2013-14 – no side has netted fewer.Fulham have conceded a goal in the 84th minute or later in each of their last four Barclays Premier League matches.Five of the six goals that Stoke have conceded in the Barclays Premier League this season have arrived before the 38th minute of the match.

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Hull City v Aston Villa | #HULAVL | Matchday Live >>

Hull City have won back-to-back Barclays Premier League matches for the first time since October 2008.Aston Villa have kept only one clean sheet in their last 28 league fixtures, but this did come in their last away trip in the competition.Paul Lambert's side have the lowest average possession figure in the Barclays Premier League this season (39.9%), Hull have the second lowest (42.7%).Hull have the chance to win back-to-back home matches in the Barclays Premier League for the first time in their history.The Tigers have conceded only one goal in their last four top-flight home matches.Villa have won five of their last eight away matches in the Barclays Premier League (L2, D1).

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Liverpool v Crystal Palace | #LIVCRY | Matchday Live >>

Daniel Sturridge has either scored or assisted 15 goals in his last 11 Barclays Premier League appearances for Liverpool.Crystal Palace have now gone 270 minutes without a Barclays Premier League goal.No side has conceded more goals from set-piece situations this season than Crystal Palace (5, the same as Sunderland).Steven Gerrard has created more goalscoring chances from set pieces this season than any other player (eight) in the Barclays Premier League.Simon Mignolet has been forced in to making more saves than any other goalkeeper in the Barclays Premier League this season (29).The Reds have kept eight clean sheets in their last 13 Barclays Premier League matches, but have currently conceded in three successive encounters.

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5.30pm Sunderland v Manchester United | #SUNMUN | Matchday Live >>

Manchester United have conceded only four goals in their last 13 Barclays Premier League matches against Sunderland.Sunderland have conceded seven goals (half of their total conceded) in the final 15 minutes of Barclays Premier League matches this season – a league high.Wayne Rooney has scored only four goals from a direct free-kick in Barclays Premier League history – three of those have come in his last three appearances in the competition.Sunderland have picked up just three points in their last 10 Barclays Premier League matches (D3 L7).Manchester United have lost three of their opening six league fixtures for the first time since 1989/90. United also lost their seventh game in that season.David Moyes has only lost one of his 16 Barclays Premier League meetings with Sunderland (W11 D4), but this defeat came last season at the Stadium of Light with Everton.Manchester United have lost two consecutive Barclays Premier League matches. They last lost three league matches in a row in December 2001.

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1.30pm Norwich City v Chelsea | #NORCHE | Matchday Live >>

Norwich City have conceded only 23 goals in 22 home Barclays Premier League matches under Chris Hughton, keeping nine clean sheets in this run.Chelsea have won five and drawn one of their last six Barclays Premier League encounters with Norwich.The Canaries have scored just two goals in their last five Barclays Premier League matches, but both of these have secured 1-0 victories.Chelsea have picked up just two points (D2 L1) and scored just one goal in their three Barclays Premier League away trips so far in 2013-14.Jose Mourinho has won just one of his last eight away fixtures as a Barclays Premier League manager (W1 D5 L2).Norwich have only failed to score in successive Barclays Premier League home matches on two previous occasions: December 1992 and September 1993.Chelsea are the only side yet to concede a goal in the second half of a Barclays Premier League match this season.

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1.30pm Southampton v Swansea City | #SOUSWA | Matchday Live >>

There have only been seven goals scored in the six Barclays Premier League meetings involving Southampton in 2013-14; a league-low.Swansea have won their last two Barclays Premier League away matches - they have never won three away fixtures in a row in the competition.Michu has created more goalscoring chances in the Barclays Premier League this season than any other player (15) – all of which have been from open play.The Saints have allowed their opponents just 14 shots on target in their six Barclays Premier League matches so far this season; fewer than any other side.Southampton have conceded just two goals in their six top-flight fixtures this season and have kept three successive clean sheets in the competition.The Saints last kept four successive clean sheets in the Barclays Premier League back in September 2003.

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4pm Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United | #TOTWHU | Matchday Live >>

West Ham United have fired in just 14 shots on target in the Barclays Premier League this season. Spurs surpassed this tally in their third match of 2013-14.Just one of the five goals that West Ham have conceded in the Barclays Premier League this season has come from open play.Tottenham Hotspur have attempted more shots from open play than any other side in the Barclays Premier League this term (69).Only Roma’s Morgan De Sanctis (91%) has a better saves to shots ratio than Hugo Lloris (89%) of all regular goalkeepers in the top five European leagues so far in 2013-14.No side has played in more 0-0 draws in the Barclays Premier League since the start of last season than West Ham (7, the same as Stoke).Spurs have lost only one of their last 16 Barclays Premier League matches at White Hart Lane (W11 D4).

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4pm West Bromwich Albion v Arsenal | #WBAARS | Matchday Live >>

Arsenal have won their last eight Barclays Premier League away matches in a row, equalling their best run in the competition.The Gunners have scored a league-high four goals in the opening 15 minutes of Barclays Premier League fixtures this season.Arsenal have scored the first goal of the match in each of their six Barclays Premier League encounters this season.No player has attempted more tackles in the Barclays Premier League this season than in-form Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey (33).Ramsey has scored in three successive Barclays Premier League appearances (four goals) for the first time in his career. He has scored eight goals in his last nine games for Arsenal in all competitions.Steve Clarke has the best win percentage of any West Bromwich Albion manager in the Barclays Premier League (36.4%).Five of West Brom’s six goals this season have arrived in the second half of matches, with three of these coming in the final 15 minutes.

Arsenal celebrate 100 years in Islington

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Abou Diaby, Charlie George, the Mayor of Islington and local schoolchildren visit an exhibition at Islington Museum to celebrate Arsenal’s centenary (Courtesy: BBC Sport)

TAGS: Arsenal, Vassiriki Diaby

Arsenal celebrated the 100th anniversary of their move to the London borough of Islington during the home match against Stoke City on 22 September and the celebration served also as a reminder of the work the club have done in their local community since they left Woolwich and crossed the Thames.

For the match against Stoke, the Arsenal players wore commemorative shirts which will be auctioned for The Arsenal Foundation to support Islington-based good causes and community projects.

Special guests were also invited to the match including the Mayor of Islington, local MPs and councillors, representatives of St John's College of Divinity, who helped with the original rental of Highbury in 1913, and officials from Leicester City, who received a special presentation from Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswick, in recognition of them being the first opponents at Highbury.

"It's a big occasion to respect an area where we feel completely at home," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said.

"The club has a special link with Islington and is a big part of what we are"
Arsene Wenger

"I was very happy when we discovered it was possible to keep our new stadium in Islington, because that was our desire - and hopefully we will be here for the next 100 years, too. The club has a special link with Islington and it's a big part of what we are."

These activities were a continuation of many contributions that the club have made to the borough over the past 100 years, aside from positive impact that the hosting of matches has had on the local community.

Arsenal moved into the area from Woolwich in 1913 and straight after World War One gave funds to the Islington War Memorial Fund and the Great Northern Hospital on Holloway Road. Over the years which followed, the club have made valuable contributions to life in the community with their actions both on and off the pitch.

In the 1980s the Arsenal in the Community programme was set up in response to social unrest at the time in the capital, providing opportunities for local residents and young people to get involved in a range of different programmes. The department now delivers in excess of 40 different projects at 55 different venues across Islington each week, across areas including sport, education, health and social inclusion.

In the 28 years since the community department was set up, it is estimated that more than six million hours have been delivered by dedicated community staff.

The launch of The Arsenal Foundation, meanwhile, has helped to take the Club’s charitable giving to another level and has now donated hundreds of thousands of pounds to local and global projects since it was set up in 2012.

The area has also benefitted from significant investment from the Highbury section 106 agreement which accompanied the move to Emirates Stadium, and which has helped to develop a number of football pitches on estates and parks throughout the Borough.

"Coming here you realise just what Arsenal means to the people of Islington"
Abou Diaby

The Emirates Stadium project has also resulted in widespread regeneration and has created more than 2,600 jobs and 2,500 new and refurbished homes while investing in local businesses, public space and infrastructure. The current Queensland Road development, meanwhile, will provide even more affordable homes in the borough.

At the start of last month as part of the centenary celebrations, the club hosted a special event for the local community at Emirates Stadium. As well as showcasing the contribution made by the club, the event also served as a means of thanks to the individuals and groups who have helped the club’s commitment to the local area.

Young people who have been engaged by the work of Arsenal in the Community in Islington told those gathered about the projects that they have been involved with and how Arsenal have helped them to fulfil their potential and go on to bigger and better things.

To highlight Arsenal's support for local community initiatives, The Arsenal Foundation announced a donation to Islington Giving of £50,000 a year for the next three years. These funds will be used across a range of different initiatives, including a youth engagement project delivering football activities on Friday evenings for young people across the borough.

The good relations that the club enjoy with the local council are demonstrated by an exhibition being hosted in Islington Museum to celebrate Arsenal’s centenary. Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby, the club’s former striker Charlie George, the Mayor of Islington and local schoolchildren paid it a visit last week.

"It has been really good to find out more about the club's history and the reasons behind the move to north London 100 years ago," Diaby said. "I've learned a few things that I didn't know before and coming here you realise just what Arsenal means to the people of Islington."

Among the items in the display are a copy of the original indenture for the rental of Highbury, a horseshoe which was found underneath the North Bank terrace and a scale model of the Highbury Square redevelopment.

The exhibition, called 'It's Arsenal round here', is at the Islington Museum until 24 January 2014 and admission is free.

Premier League video guides players and parents

The Premier League Youth Development department has created a short video animation for young players and parents to help guide them on all aspects of player development at a Premier League club academy.

The link allowing parents to view this video will be emailed to them directly from the Premier League when their son begins his time with an academy.

"It is extremely important to us that both parents and young players have a good understanding of the excellent work that goes on in our Academies"
Ged Roddy

Parents will also be sent the Charter for Players and Parents - a document including more detail on all aspects of a young player's education at a Premier League club.

"The number one stated aim of the Premier League’s Elite Player Performance Plan is to create more and better home-grown players and the clubs are working hard not just at developing the on-pitch football skills of young players but also their holistic development," said Premier League Director of Youth, Ged Roddy.

"The Foundation Phase - the early years at the club when the priorities are mastery of the ball whilst still having fun - is also about setting youngsters on their way to being well rounded individuals.

"It is extremely important to us that both parents and young players have a good understanding of the excellent work that goes on in our Academies to help develop the potential of talented youngsters.

"This animation will help explain everything from the importance of hard work and having fun on the pitch to the extensive education and welfare provisions run at our clubs."

To view the animation click here >>

Europa League: Spurs and Swans on song

Laudrup hailed the bravery of Swansea striker Michu, who played on with a head injury

Michu evades another challenge from Stephane Besle during the win over St Gallen

Defoe moved to within a goal of Martin Chivers' European goal record for Spurs

Michu and Jermain Defoe earned the praise of their respective managers as Swansea City and Tottenham Hotspur both recorded wins to move top of their UEFA Europa League groups.

Michael Laudrup paid tribute to the bravery of Michu after the bloodied Spaniard battled through 90 minutes of his side's 1-0 UEFA Europa League victory over St Gallen with a bloody headwound.

"It shows he just wants to play, Michu is very important for the other players when he is in there"
Michael Laudrup

Laudrup was delighted with Swansea's 1-0 success - their second of the group stage - which came courtesy of Wayne Routledge's tap-in at the far post, even if they were fortunate a first-half penalty miss by Goran Karanovic kept the tie level going into the interval.

But it was the insistence of Michu to keep playing on after sustaining a cut to the head from the boot of Stephane Besle in the first half that also impressed the Danish tactician.

Swansea's medical staff struggled to tend to the injury, with vaseline, bandages and a change of shirt, all failing to stem the flow of blood, and at half-time a member of Swansea's staff was sent to the club shop to retrieve a shirt with his name and number on the back, but even that was changed for a fifth of the night during the closing stages.

"We talk so much about him," said Laudrup. "But it shows he just wants to play, he is very important for the other players when he is in there. He works so hard and he is really important for us, but I guess that's not really news.

"We did not know how bad [the injury] was, because he was on the other side of the field. We said he would come back on, but we were eight minutes with 10 men. Fortunately nothing happened, it was not bad for him and we did not concede."

The victory leaves the Swans, who are top of Group A with six points from two matches, well-placed to progress to the Round of 32 stage.

"We are in a fantastic position," added Laudrup. "Valencia won away in Russia so we have six points, and there are two teams on three points and they play each other next time. If we could win the next game it would be a really good position."

Swansea are in Barclays Premier League action against Southampton on Sunday and you can catch all the action with Matchday Live. For all the build-up click here.

Jermain Defoe again pressed his claims for a regular starting berth up in Andre Villas-Boas's attack after scoring in Tottenham Hotspur's UEFA Europa League victory over Anji Makhachkala.

"He is a great professional, has a great attitude and now he's only one off Martin Chivers so it's a real great achievement for him"
Andre Villas-Boas

The England international broke the deadlock after 34 minutes of a dominant display by the visitors, to score his seventh goal in four starts this season, and move to within a goal of Martin Chivers' club record European haul of 22, while Nacer Chadli scored his first goal since his summer move to double the advantage five minutes later.

Though the hosts stepped up their level after the break, the north Londoners held firm to record their second group success and move to the top of Group K as their run without conceding in this year's competition stretched to a fourth match.

And Villas-Boas revealed he has been delighted with the contributions of both Defoe and his regular starter in the Barclays Premier League this season, Roberto Soldado, which have enabled him to rotate his squad and make a strong start in the club's European and domestic campaigns.

"We have to judge recovery and the fact that JD was involved today and Soldado wasn't," said the Spurs head coach. "Everything will come into consideration. We have been extremely happy with the performances of both. It is a question of deciding what is best for the team.

"It was another great goal, a great finish. It's really good to see him out there again doing extremely well whenever he's given the opportunity. He is a great professional, has a great attitude and now he's only one off Martin Chivers so it's a real great achievement for him."

The only negative from the match was another injury sustained by Younes Kaboul, which forced the replacement of the French centre-back, who has endured a catalogue of injuries over the last 18 months, with 20 minutes remaining.

Spurs host West Ham United in the Barclays Premier League on Sunday and you can catch all the action with Matchday Live. For all the build-up click here.

Group A
Kuban Krasnodar 0-2 Valencia
Swansea City (Routledge) 1-0 St Gallen

Group K
Anji Makhachkala 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur (Defoe, Chadli)
Tromso 1-1 FC Sheriff

Champions League: Man City humbled; Man Utd held

Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is powerless to stop Man City's consolation goal

Robin van Persie's return to the side from injury helped Man United earn a point

United's Ryan Giggs makes a record-setting 145th UEFA Champions league appearance

Devante Cole scored Man City's sixth goal in their UEFA Youth League rout of Bayern

Austin Lipman fires in Arsenal's third goal as they beat Napoli 4-1 at Borehamwood

Manchester United were held to a 1-1 by Shakhtar Donetsk while Manchester City were humbled at home by Bayern Munich but there was better news in the UEFA Youth League, with Arsenal and Man City recording emphatic home victories.

Manchester United earned what manager David Moyes described as a "good point" after being held to a 1-1 draw in Ukraine on Wednesday night.

"We are going to have to win other games if we are to progress, but overall it's a good point."
David Moyes

Moyes might have been forgiven for thinking his side would break Shakhtar unbeaten home record against English opposition after Danny Welbeck gave Man Utd the lead on 18 minutes, scrambling the ball past Andriy Pyatov from close range following a surge forward by Marouane Fellaini.

The hosts barely threatened in the first half, while at the other end Robin van Persie's curling effort narrowly cleared the bar, but Mircea Lucescu's side showed greater purpose in the second period and drew level with 14 minutes remaining when Taison pounced on a failed clearance by Nemanja Vidic to ram a fierce shot past the helpless David de Gea.

On a night when Ryan Giggs broke the record for the most appearances in the UEFA Champions League, coming off the bench to play his 145th match in the competition, United were indebted to one of their younger charges for preserving parity as De Gea tipped another ferocious effort from Taison over the bar with five minutes to go.

"It is a good point," said Moyes. "Shakhtar have a great record against English sides and the team stood up well to them. We got a good goal early doors and I thought we were going to stop them scoring.

"We said at half-time we needed to keep the ball better, but we actually gave it away more in the second half so I'm a bit disappointed with that. But we were really unlucky to lose a goal. It's a point in the Champions League. We are going to have to win other games if we are to progress, but overall it's a good point.

"The experienced players are very important as these are the boys that have been here and done it. I thought they played well tonight. [Ryan Giggs becoming the player with the most appearances in the UEFA Champions League] is fantastic. What a record and what a player."

The draw leaves United in second place in Group A, level on points with Shakhtar and a point ahead of Bayer Leverkusen after two matches played.

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini admitted that his side have some "things to address" ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League match against Everton after his side were defeated by the European club champions.

"We need to address some things before our game against Everton at the weekend, because that is also an important game for us"
Manuel Pellegrini

The hosts were on the back foot as soon as they succumbed to Franck Ribery's early opener and two goals in four second-half minutes by Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben effectively ended the match as a contest before Alvaro Negredo's 76th-minute strike restored some City pride.

Bayern Munich famously overwhelmed Barcelona 7-0 on aggregate in last season's semi-final on their way to winning the competition, and Wednesday night's performance suggested their powers remain as strong as ever, even if Joe Hart will regret not having got a stronger hand on Ribery's 25-yard drive. A mix-up between Gael Clichy and the England goalkeeper contributed to Bayern's second.

By the time Robben had beaten Hart at his near post City, were being picked off on the counterattack, although Negredo's shot on the turn which curled in off the post at least gave them heart. And City might have produced a second had Micah Richards not been unceremoniously brought down by former City defender Jerome Boateng, who was sent off for his troubles. From the ensuing free-kick substitute David Silva's strike struck the bar, compounding a sore loss for the Citizens.

"We didn't play well and Bayern, as they always are, were very good," said Pellegrini. "We made a lot of errors at important times. We tried a different way of playing in the second half, but we needed to get more possession. David Silva is a player who can help us with that, but he was only fit enough for 20 minutes tonight.

"The result was important in the group, but it is not decisive. It shows where we are and what level we are at, but we need to address some things before our game against Everton at the weekend, because that is also an important game for us."

City, who meet Everton in Saturday's 12.45pm kick-off, lie second on Group D, three points behind Bayern, and level with CSKA Moscow.

Manchester City 6-0 Bayern Munich

Manchester City's senior side may have come unstuck against Bayern Munich but their Under-19 side hit their German counterparts for six in the UEFA Youth League. In a match televised live on Eurosport, Patrick Vieira's team were three goals to the good inside 21 minutes thanks to Jason Denayer's header and two Marcos Lopes strikes.

"I was very pleased with the way the team played and their shape"
Patrick Vieira

There was no let-up after the break with George Glendon rifling in from range, Lopes completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot and Devante Cole, under the watchful eye of father and former City striker Andy, rounding off the scoring.

"I was very pleased with the way the team played and their shape," Vieira, whose side top the section with six points and a superior goal difference, told UEFA.com. "I really enjoyed watching them, especially in the first half."

Arsenal 4-1 Napoli

Arsenal's young guns overcame Marseille 4-1 a fortnight ago and repeated the same scoreline against Napoli at Boreham Wood, where 1400 spectators turned out to watch Chuba Akpom and Austin Lipman produce two goals each.

"I was very pleased with the style of football we played"
Steve Gatting

Akpom, who scored in the senior side's penalty shoot-out victory over West Bromwich Albion in the Capital One Cup last week, broke the deadlock with another spot-kick, before seeing a second effort from 12 yards saved by Contini Baranovsky. His second crowned a sweeping move down the left flank, although the pick of the goals was undoubtedly Lipman’s second, an unstoppable curling shot into the top corner from the edge of the area.

"I was very pleased with the style of football we played, and obviously getting four goals against top-level opposition was a real positive," said Arsenal manager Steve Gatting, whose side lead Group F by three points.

Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 Manchester United

Manchester United suffered their first defeat of the campaign as they were undone by a late goal by substitute Oleksandr Zubkov.

Nicky Butt's side fell behind to a third-minute own goal by Liam Grimshaw but levelled on 76 minutes when James Wilson headed in Andreas Pereira's right-wing centre. However, Zubkov snatched victory with three minutes to go. United lie third in Group A, three points behind Real Sociedad and level on points with second-placed Shakhtar.

UEFA Champions League results

Group A
Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 Real Sociedad
Shakhtar Donetsk 1-1 Manchester United (Welbeck)

Group D
CSKA Moscow 3-2 Victoria Plzen
Manchester City (Negredo) 1-3 Bayern Munich

UEFA Youth League results

Group A
CSKA Moscow 5-0 Viktoria Plzen
Manchester City (Denayer, Lopes 3, Glendon, Cole ) 6-0 Bayern Munich

Group D
Bayer Leverkusen 1-5 Real Sociedad
Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 Manchester United (Wilson)

Group F
Arsenal (Akpom 2, Lipman 2) 4-1 Napoli
Borussia Dortmund 5-2 Marseille

FPL Scout: Dejan Lovren an overlooked star

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.

Ian Wright backs Barclays Buses initiative

Ian Wright backs the Barclays Buses initiative to say thank you to away fans

The former striker built up a strong rapport with the fans during his six years at Arsenal

Ian Wright believes that fans who take the trouble to support their favourite Barclays Premier League club deserve to be rewarded for their loyalty, which is why he is backing the Barclays Buses initiative that is providing free transport for a group of Crystal Palace away fans travelling to Liverpool this Saturday.

"It is time for the fans of Premier League clubs to get something back, and if it should go to anyone it should go to the away fans because they are so loyal"
Ian Wright

As part of a new scheme, which aims to reward groups of dedicated fans from all Barclays Premier League clubs for following their clubs across the country, Barclays are laying on coaches to take 80 Palace fans on the 452-mile round trip to Merseyside.

The fans will be looked after on the trip with food and drink, videos and entertainment and will also have a surprise guest on board, as Barclays say 'thank you' to the away fans that travel the length and breadth of the country.

Wright, the former England international who started his career at the south London club, told premierleague.com that he was delighted to get involved with an initiative that gives something back to the "fans who really care".

"It's about thanking the fans; giving the fans the opportunity to get the bus to an away match provided by Barclays," he said. "It is time for the fans of Premier League clubs to get something back, and if it should go to anyone it should go to the away fans because they are so loyal.

"No matter what happens, they’re the ones who are really suffering on those long trips back home when their team has played badly and they’re left completely gutted; a bad result spoils their weekend, it can ruin their whole week. But although it hurts them, they are the ones who will come back and do it again next week: that loyalty deserves some form of repayment."

Wright enjoyed a 15-year career in English football, helping the Eagles earn promotion to the top-flight in 1989 and sealing a move to Arsenal in 1992. He went on to become the then Gunners’ record goalscorer with 101 Barclays Premier League goals and part of the side who won the Barclays Premier League title in his final season before moving on to West Ham United.

As well as his unerring eye for goal, the now 49-year-old BBC radio presenter was also known in his playing days for wearing his heart on his sleeve – a quality which frequently resulted in his falling foul of match officials but which endeared him to fans of the clubs for whom he played. And Wright remembers fondly the rapport he built with supporters on those tricky road trips.

"When you're playing away from home and you're getting stick off the home fans and every decision is going against you; and you get booked; and the fans start slaughtering you; and you're getting jeered every time you misplace a pass, the away fans recognise that and they support you. They start singing your name, they keep you going. It's they who make you play better.

"The away fans are the ones who really care – theirs is a commitment that in this day and age is unbelievable"
Ian Wright

"So when you score a goal the first thing you do is go over to them and celebrate with them – it's a magical bond. Because they can understand what's been happening. When I go on Twitter, deep down I'm catering for the away fans because they're the ones who really care. It's the away fans who know, and they feel it because they go home and away every week. Theirs is a commitment that in this day and age is unbelievable."

Wright hopes that the commitment of Palace's away supporters will be rewarded not just by Barclays Buses but also by their first victory of the Barclays Premier League, but recognises that Ian Holloway's charges have their work cut out in nullifying Liverpool's attacking threat.

"You're talking to someone who went to Liverpool when they had all the bells and whistles – top players and we lost 9-0," he explained, reflecting on his first ever trip to Anfield as a player. "I'm sure that's not going to happen to Palace on Saturday, fingers crossed, but at the same time they’ve got two players in Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez who could cause a lot of problems."

You can keep up to date with Liverpool v Crystal Palace, and all the weekend 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.

Ian Wright was speaking at the launch of the Barclays Buses, a new free-travel initiative from Barclays to say 'thank you' to groups of away fans that travel the length and breadth of the country supporting their team. Join the conversation on social media using #YouAreFootball.

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.

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.

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.

"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 >>

"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 >>

Saturday review: Liverpool reclaim top spot

Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge were both on target as Liverpool returned to the top of the Barclays Premier League following a comfortable home victory against Crystal Palace, while Newcastle United and Fulham edged narrow victories against Cardiff City and Stoke City respectively.

Palace went to Liverpool in search of their first away victory of the campaign but the club who earned promotion to the top flight via the play-offs last season, and now find themselves second from bottom, were undone by three first-half strikes. Suarez marked his first match back at Anfield since completing his 10-match suspension with his third goal in two top-flight appearances and on 17 minutes the Reds were two goals to the good, thanks to Sturridge’s strike.

Steven Gerrard then took the opportunity to score his 99th Barclays Premier League goal from the penalty spot after a foul by Dean Moxey on Raheem Sterling, and although the Eagles netted a second-half consolation goal through Dwight Gayle, Liverpool held on for the win that takes them a point clear at the summit from Arsenal, who travel to West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

In the evening kick-off Manchester United suffered a scare at Sunderland after falling behind to Craig Gardner's fifth-minute opener, but after a crucial save by David de Gea kept the defending champions in the match, Adnan Januzaj, an 18-year-old academy graduate, scored two wonderful goals in six second-half minutes, to seal a 2-1 win for David Moyes's side, who had lost their last two top-flight matches.

Earlier in the day, Manchester City also came from behind to win, beating Everton 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium. Alvaro Negredo’s instant equaliser cancelled out Romelu Lukaku's opening strike and after Sergio Aguero made it 2-1 on the stroke of half-time, City completed their win when Aguero's penalty struck Tim Howard's post and rebounded in off the goalkeeper's back.

Loic Remy also scored twice to ensure Newcastle United returned to winning ways at Cardiff City. The Frenchman struck for the visitors on 30 and 38 minutes and although Peter Odemwingie reduced the arrears for Malky Mackay's team, the Magpies ended their own run of back-to-back defeats with a morale-boosting away triumph.

Fulham also gained a long-awaited league victory by edging a close-fought contest with Stoke City. Darren Bent’s winner seven minutes from time earned Martin Jol’s side their first success since the opening match of the season.

Elsewhere, Hull City and Aston Villa shared a goalless draw at the KC Stadium.

With our Matchday Live service 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.

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FT Manchester City 3-1 Everton | #MCIEVE | Matchday Live >>

FT Cardiff City 1-2 Newcastle United | #CARNEW | Matchday Live >>

FT Fulham 1-0 Stoke City | #FULSTK | Matchday Live >>

FT Hull City 0-0 Aston Villa | #HULAVL | Matchday Live >>

FT Liverpool 3-1 Crystal Palace | #LIVCRY | Matchday Live >>

Sunderland 1-2 Manchester United | #SUNMUN | Matchday Live >>

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)

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

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.

VIDEO: Watch Kevin Ball's press conference >>

VIDEO: Watch David Moyes's press conference >>

Ian Wright backs Barclays Buses initiative

Ian Wright backs the Barclays Buses initiative to say thank you to away fans

The former striker built up a strong rapport with the fans during his six years at Arsenal

"It is time for the fans of Premier League clubs to get something back, and if it should go to anyone it should go to the away fans because they are so loyal"
Ian Wright

"The away fans are the ones who really care – theirs is a commitment that in this day and age is unbelievable"
Ian Wright