English Premier League Roundup: United, Arsenal win convincingly, Chelsea held and City beaten at the weekend

Red devils Manchester United made Old Trafford uncomfortable for Tottenham Hotspurs as they roast the visitors 3-0 in Premier league match on Sunday.

League leaders Chelseas failed to take full advantage of the slip from Manchester City as they drew 1-1 against Southampton who came from behind to secure a draw at Stamford bridge.

Diego Costa ended his eight-game scoring drought, by rising to head in Branislav Ivanovic’s measured cross.

The Saints had better plans as they drew level before the break, after Saido Mane was fouled inside the box by Nemanja Matic. Tadic stepped up and drove his spot kick down the middle.

Everton were too good for Newcastle as they continued thier impressive form from Europe beating the visitor 3-0 at Gudison Park.

In Saturday's encounter, Arsenal thumped West Ham 3-0, Manchester City failed to get a result from Burnley as they lost 0-1 away to open the game between them and the table toppers Chelsea to five points. 

Leicester City played 0-0 draw, Sunderland lost 0-4 to visiting Aston Villa, West Brom edge Stoke City 1-0while Crystal Palace were too good for Queens Park Rangers as it ended 3-1.

Mourinho hails Drogba, says Ivorian will remain at Chelsea after playing career

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has lauded Ivorian striker Didier Drogba for his impressive display in the Blues 3-0 win over Tottenham on Wednesday night.

Twitter Image: @Chelseafc

The Ivorian headed the attack in the absence of Diego Costa and was quick to grab the Blues second goal after Hazard had put them ahead.

Mourinho insists he was never bothered about Costa’s absence, as Drogba has all it takes to step in and do the job.

''Did you remember Diego Costa today? I didn’t,'' he said.

''We need Diego Costa but our mentality is the right mentality. You don’t cry about it. You give responsibility to the others and they respond in the best way.''

The Chelsea manager also admitted that Drogba’s qualities, means that after his playing career, he will have a role at Stamford Bridge.

FIFA shortlists 10 for Puskas as Ibrahimovic, James Rodriguez, RVP make the cut for the Best Goal Award

World football governing body FIFA has short-listed and fans have been given opportunity to cast their votes for their choice.

According to FIFA, voters have until December 1 to vote when the top three will be announced, but winner to be declared at the Ballon d'Or event in January.

Here are the nominees: 

Tim Cahill – 18 June 2014, Australia v. Netherlands, 2014 FIFA World Cup™

Diego Costa – 23 November 2013, Atlético Madrid v. Getafe, Primera División (Spain)

Marco Fabian – 15 February 2014, Cruz Azul v. Puebla, 1a División 2014 Clausura (Mexico)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 19 October 2013, Paris St. Germain v. SC Bastia, Ligue 1 (France)

Pajtim Kasami – 21 October 2013, Crystal Palace v. Fulham, Premier League (England)

Stephanie Roche -20 October 2013, Peamount United v. Wexford Youths, BEWNL (Rep.Ireland)

James Rodriguez – 28 June 2014 – Colombia v. Uruguay,  2014 FIFA World Cup

Camilo Sanvezzo – 6 October 2013 – Vancouver Whitecaps v. Portland Timbers, MLS (USA/Canada)

Hisato Sato – 8 March 2014 – Sanfrecce Hiroshima v. Kawasaki Frontale, J.League (Japan)

Robin van Persie – 13 June 2014 – Spain v. Netherlands, 2014 FIFA World Cup

Wenger praises Diego Costa, says ''he's a killer''

 Arsene Wenger, has praised new Chelsea marksman Diego Costa for settling in quickly in the Premier League calling him a ''killer''.

Twitter/@Chelsea_zone

The former Athletico Madrid striker didn't hesitate to make his presence known to all, scoring eight league goals already for the Blues which includes one hat-trick.

Arsenal boss admitted Costa was on his radar last season, admitted that he expected him to take more time to adapt.

''I’ve never seen a player adapt as quickly as he has,'' said Wenger. ''He has done fantastically well. He has all the aspects of a striker that you like. He’s focused, always determined, ready for a fight and I’m very impressed.

''He has got players who can feed him like Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard, who can find him with final passes. He’s a very efficient player. The timing of his runs and his determination, his killing determination – you feel he’s a killer. He has that in him.

Arsenal will have to face the ''killer striker'' on Sunday at the Stamford Bridge in a bid to either re-write history or otherwise.

EPL: Nervey win for 10-man United, Derbies end in stalemate, Chelsea trash West Ham

Despite having their captain Wayne Rooney sent off, Manchester United secured the much needed three points against West Ham United as they won  2-1 at Old Trafford. 

Rooney opened scoring earlier in the game while Robin Van Persie doubled the lead, but Hammers pulled one back through Diafra Skaho.

The two derbies played on Saturday, saw Phil Jagielka dagger Liverpool in the heart as he pulled a shocker in the 90th minute to deny the Reds victory, after Steven Gerrard’s free-kick appeared to have won Merseyside Derby.

At the Emirates in the battle of North London, it was Tottenham Hotspur, who took the lead while Oxlade Chamberlain fired in salvage a point for the home team.

Chelsea crushed Aston Villa 3-0 at Stamford Bridge in a game that saw Diego Costa scored again, while Manchester City beat Hull City 4-2.

Other results:

Southampton 2-1 Queens Park Rangers

Sunderland 0-0 Swansea

Crystal 2-0 Leicester City

EPL: Costa hat-trick helps chelsea maintain top spot, Arsenal and City share spoils

Diego Costa grabbed a hat-trick to help Chelsea beat Swansea after coming back from a goal down at the Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The Brazil-born Spaniard, who joined the club from Atletico Madrid in the summer, took his tally for the season to seven as the Blues maintain their 100% record in the season so far and also stay atop the Premier league log.

At the Emirates, Martin Demichelis struck late minute to crush Arsenal's hope of sealing a victory against Manchester City in a keenly contested encounter which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Arsenal were at the verge of a victory when Alexis Sanchez slammed home a superb volley in the 74th minute, after Jack Wilshere slotted in a neatly worked moved to cancel sergio Aguero's first half lead.

Liverpool suffered a shock defeat after Gabriel Agbonlahor score the only goal for Aston Villa to seperate both sides.

Other results:
West Bromich Albion 0-2 Everton
Sunderland 2-2 Tottenham
Southampton 4-0 Newcastle United
Stoke City 0-1 Leicester City
Crystal Palace 0-0 Burnley

EPL: Costa and Monk bag Barclays Monthly Award for August

Chelsea striker Diego Costa and Swansea City manager Garry Monk have received Barclays Premier League monthly awards for August.

According to reports from the league website, both the player and coach are being rewarded for their impressive start to the 2014/2015 league season.

Costa has been impressive since joining the Stamford Bridge club from La Liga champions Atletico Madrid in the summer.

He has scored four goals in Chelsea's three opening Barclays Premier League fixtures as the Blues opened up the campaign with victories against Burnley, Leicester City and Everton.

Monk, who was appointed Swans manager on a permanent basis in the summer after taking over from Michael Laudrup last season, has led Swansea City to a 100% start to the campaign including a 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on the opening day of the season. It is the first time he has received the award but said it was a result of a team effort.

EPL Watch: Another win for Chelsea (See other results)

Chelsea had to wait until the second half to get the goals coming after they were held for 63 minutes by Leicester City before Diego Costa and Eden Hazard pumped in the goals to win 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues were last week defeated new Premier League entrants Burnley on away soil making their victories 2 wins out of 2 games.

In an earlier fixture it was a stalemate between Aston Villa and Newcastle, Swansea 1-0 Burnley, Crystal Palace despite their impressive performance against Arsenal last week fell at home 1-3 to West Ham United, Southampton also played out a goalless with Westbromich Albion.

Mourinho commends Chelsea composure

Chelsea manager  Jose Mourinho has commended his side for their composure after coming back from a goal down to beat newly promoted side Burnley in their opening premier league match on Monday night.

The Blues conceded in the 14th minute as Scott Arfield fired home but MOU's men maintained their calm as they pulled on back through new signing Diego Costa within 20mins of trailing.

Andre Schurrle was perfect as he converted the mildest touch of Fabregas so also did Branislav Ivanovic all in half time to give the team a flying start into the season.

According to MOU in a post match interview: ''I think we had a good reaction, and the first part of that reaction is the fact that emotionally we were not affected by the goal conceded,'' the Portuguese tactician said.

''We conceded the goal and kept playing according to the way we are training and to the way we want to play.

''The players were very calm.

''They never lost their composure, they never lost the footballing idea, and after that we had a fantastic 20-25 minutes with three goals – especially the second one was a fantastic goal, plus the penalty that the linesman decided not to give – and in the second half we had control of the game.''

Cristiano, Robben and Neuer make UEFA final three for best player award, no Messi

Manuel Neuer, Arjen Robben and Cristiano Ronaldo have made the final three nominees for the Best Player in Europe award.

The trio were picked from an initial 10-man shortlist that had players like Angel Di Maria, Diego Costa, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi, Philipp Lahm, James Rodriguez and Thomas Muller.

Messi, who won the 2011edition failed to make the final three cut this time.

UEFA will announce the winner on August 28, when the draws for the Champions League group stages are conducted in Monaco.

According to UEFA, this is how the players finish on points:

4 Thomas Müller (GER, FC Bayern München) – number of points, 39
5 Philipp Lahm (GER, FC Bayern München) – 24
5 Lionel Messi (ARG, FC Barcelona) – 24
7 James Rodríguez (COL, AS Monaco FC/Real Madrid CF) – 16
8 Luis Suárez (URU, Liverpool FC/FC Barcelona) – 13
9 Ángel Di María (ARG, Real Madrid CF) – 12
10 Diego Costa (ESP, Club Atlético de Madrid/Chelsea FC) – 8

Chelsea, Athletico Madrid agree on Luis

In a bid to replace Ashley Cole who has joined Roma, Jose Mourinho's Chelsea FC has turned to Athletico Madrid left back Felipe Luis and reports say that both clubs have come to an agreement.

According to the London club's website, "Chelsea Football Club can confirm an agreement has been reached with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of Filipe Luis."

"The move is subject to the 28-year-old left-back agreeing personal terms."

This move comes after Spanish striker Diego Costa and compatriot Cesc Fabregas joined Chelsea.

Diego Costa joins Chelsea

Chelsea FC have reached an agreement to sign Athletico Madrid striker, Diego Costa.

The 25 year old Spanish international heads to Stamford bridgeafter the Bluews agreed a buy out sum of £32 million pounds.

According to a statement on  the club website which reads ''Chelsea Football Club can confirm an agreement has been reached with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of Diego Costa, with Chelsea meeting the buy-out clause for the Spanish international"'

Negredo, Navas dropped as Diego Costa makes Spain's final 23-man list for Brazil

Manchester City of England duo Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo have been left out of the last 23-man Brazil bound squad released by Coach Vicente Delbosque with Fernando Llorente as another big casualty.

However, Diego Costa, who is currently struggling with late fitness issues, has made the cut, as well as Chelsea’s Fernando Torres.

Atletico Madrid’s midfielder Koke, is one of the newest faces in the La Roja squad and will be joined by veterans like Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Gerard Pique and David Villa.

Check out the squad to take on Holland, Australia and Chile in the tournament:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina, David de Gea

Defenders: Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Raul Albiol,
Javi Martinez, Jordi Alba, Cesar Azpilicueta, Juanfran
Torres

Midfielders: Koke, Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Andres Iniesta,
Sergio Busquets, Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla, Pedro
Rodriguez, Juan Mata, David Silva

Strikers: Fernando Torres, David Villa, Diego Costa

Real beat Athletico to clinch 10th UCL Title

Real Madrid defeated Athletico Madrid 4-1 in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday night in Lisborn Portugal.

Atheleti drew the first blood as Ike Casillas miscalculated and was beaten by a header which put the Diego Simeone side ahead.

Few minutes to the end of injury time, Sergio Ramos struck with a header and the match was sent into extra time as the table turned around with Gareth Bale hit target to shine when it mattered most, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo ensured Athleti were nailed.

Diego Costa saw few minutes in the game and was substituted before half time.

Arsenal join the Chase for Diego Costa

Reports have it that Arsenal FC may cough out £31m for in-form Athletico Madrid striker Diego Costa who is also being chased by fellow  Chelsea.

It could be recalled that Arsenal missed out on Liverpool Striker Luis Suarez earlier in the season but could make up for that with the signature of the Spaniard Costa.

There are also speculations that Chelsea are willing to pay £32m for the Athletico Madrid forward.

Athletico Madrid beat Chelsea 3-1 to set up an all-spanish final

Chelsea lost 1-3 to Athletico Madrid in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Semi final on Tuesday night at the Stamford Bridge.

Fernando Torres put Chelsea ahead in the 36th minute but didn't take long before the Madrid leveled up through Adrian Turan before the end of half time.

Samuel Eto'o fouled Diego Costa in the box 60' and he Cooley converted the penalty he earned as a result of the challenge while Arda Turan added more salt to Chelsea's injury when he grabbed the third 76th minute for the Madrid side.

Chelsea secured a 0-0 draw in the first leg encounter in Spain.

The victory however sets up an all-Spanish final as they face fellow city rivals Real Madrid who got past Bayern Munich on Tuesday in the other semi final tie.

The final comes up on May 24th in Lisbon Portugal.

Athletico Madrid on course as Diego Costa suffers another injury

Diego Costa escaped a serious injury after he hit the post and was carried off with a bloody leg in a La Liga Match against Getafe on Sunday where scoring Atletico Madrid's second goal.

Atletico extended its Spanish league lead to three points with five
rounds to play as it closes in on what would be its first league title
in 18 years.

Costa slammed into the post while poking in his 26th goal of the
season in the 84th minute, opening a cut on his left shin and
requiring the stadium's medical crew to carry him off the pitch
while he covered his face and muffled his screams.

While his teammates looked distraught as he writhed on the pitch,
Atletico said less than 10 minutes after the match on Twitter that
"luckily Diego Costa only has a cut after hitting the post."

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Spain vs Italy Friendly: Mata and Torres left out

Spain on Friday released a 23-man squad to face Italy in a friendly match on Wednesday as part of their preparations for the World Cup. Prominent among the unlisted players  are the duo of Juan Mata and Fernando Torres while in-form Athletico Madrid striker, Diego Costa gets another chance to be a part of the team.

Meanwhile, Coach of the La Roja, Del Bosque gave a word of hope to those uninvited, that it is only for the warm up game and nothing more.

FULL SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas [Real Madrid], Pepe Reina [Napoli], Victor Valdes [Barcelona]

Defenders: Juanfran Torres [Atletico Madrid], Javi Martinez [Bayern Munich], Sergio Ramos [Real Madrid], Jordi Alba [Barcelona], Cesar Azpilicueta [Chelsea], Raul Albiol [Napoli].

Midfielders: Xabi Alonso [Real Madrid], Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta & Cesc Fabregas [Barcelona], Koke [Atletico Madrid], Thiago Alcantara [Bayern], Jesus Navas & David Silva [Man City], Santi Cazorla [Arsenal].

Attackers: Diego Costa [Atletico], Alvaro Negredo [Man City], Pedro Rodriguez [Barca].