Rejuvenated striker Mario Balotelli took his league tally this season to eight goals in eight games as French leader Nice beat struggling Dijon 2-1 to move four points ahead of Monaco. A home win for Monaco against Lyon later Sunday would close the gap to one point.
Category: World Soccer
Bayern back on top of Bundesliga before Leipzig showdown
” Douglas Costa’s fine second-half strike was enough for Bayern Munich to return to the top of the Bundesliga with a labored 1-0 win at bottom side Darmstadt on Sunday. It seemed the defending champions were already looking ahead to the next game as they produced an uninspired performance against struggling Darmstadt, which had fired coach Norbert Meier on Monday after six straight losses.
Higuain who? Mertens scores 4 as Napoli beats Torino 5-3
Mertens’ emergence has eased the pain caused by Higuain’s departure in the off-season. Not content with bagging a hat trick last weekend, the diminutive forward netted four on Sunday to help Napoli to a 5-3 win over Torino.
McParland approached over Director of Football vacancy
The set up of Birmingham City as a club could be about to change. Rangers assistant manager Frank McParland has been approached by the club about becoming Director of Football.
Derby (h) – Views from the bench
After the 2-2 draw with Derby County, a match that fulfilled our pre-match prediction as being the most anticipated in the Championship this weekend, both managers spoke to the media. Slavsa Jokanovic, who had seen his side end Derby county`s seven game winning run, wasn`t too endeared with the outcome of the game, remarking to the media, ‘I cannot be completely satisfied.
Suarez to end career at Barcelona
Luis Suarez and Barcelona have now officially agreed terms on a new contract. The 29-year-old’s new deal runs until the end of the 2020/2021 season with a newly inflated 200million buy-out clause inserted into his contract.
Fulham 2 Derby County 2
The spoils were shared, at Craven Cottage, yesterday when Fulham and Derby County played out an entertaining 2-2 draw. Derby arrived in West London revitalised after the re-appointment of Steve McClaren as their boss winning their last seven Championship fixtures.
Sunderland 1 Watford 0: Black Cats pick up vital win at the St…
And van Aanholt doesn’t need sat nav to find his way to goal his 49th-minute finish was his third of the season. It was enough to lift Sunderland off the foot of the table and up to 18th to bring boss David Moyes some much-needed festive cheer as his side made it four wins from their last seven games.
Manchester United’s Europa League Tie with Saint-Etienne Could Reopen Old Wounds
The average reaction of Manchester United fans to their side’s Europa League round-of-32 draw against Saint-Etienne probably varied according to their age. For those who are old enough to remember the 1970s, the side are remembered as a former European heavyweight, and the site of the infamous “Battle of St Etienne” – more about that later.
Atletico Madrid hitting low point under coach Diego Simeone
After its third loss in five Spanish league games on Monday, Atletico dropped to sixth place — its worst position at this point in the season since Simeone took charge in 2011. The 3-0 loss at Villarreal left Atletico 12 points behind leader Real Madrid after 15 matches.
Michael Owen makes prediction for Crystal Palace v Manchester …
“Alan Pardew’s side have been involved in some crazy games of late and have to improve defensively if they don’t want to get embroiled in a relegation battle. ” Manchester United may have to be patient but I can see them following up their win against Spurs at the weekend.”