Gary Neville discloses how Eden Hazard was man-marked against Man Utd

HAZARD

Gary Neville believes Eden Hazard made it too easy for Ander Herrera to man-mark him during Manchester United's 2-0 win over Chelsea.

The Premier League leaders failed to register a shot on target in a Premier League match for the first time since 2007 and that was partly down to an ineffectual display from PFA Player of the Year nominee Hazard.

Jose Mourinho asked midfielder Herrera to pick him up throughout the game and Sky Sports expert Neville says the Belgian did not deal with the situation well.

He argued Hazard should have gone into wide areas more often to lose his man-marker.

"I've got loads of time for him, a great player," Neville said.

"I always think that maybe he needs to go that step further. Is he a little bit timid to be what would be a real selfish and horrible best player in the world? A Cristiano or Messi type that really has that drive and determination.

"Against Manchester United I thought he accepted things too easily. He made it easy for Herrera far too often."

He added: "He showed a lack of maturity and a little bit of naivety.

"He almost thought 'this is really difficult, he's man-marking me' and accepted it. He didn't go and do something different."

"Hazard fell short in his understanding of playing against the man-marker. He needed to play high and wide or high and through the middle - and next time he might."

Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher question timing of John Terry announcement

TERRY

Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have questioned the timing of the announcement that John Terry will leave Chelsea at the end of the season.

The Blues announced on Monday that Terry, who has played 713 times for the Blues since his debut in 1998, will leave Stamford Bridge after spending 22 years at the club, just 24 hours after Antonio Conte's side suffered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United on Super Sunday.

The defeat reignited the Premier League title race with Chelsea's lead over Tottenham cut to four points and Neville and Carragher, who highlighted some poor defending from the Blues and in particular David Luiz on Monday Night Football, have questioned the timing of the announcement, saying Terry could still be needed for the run-in.£10 Free Bet, No Deposit Needed

"The news of Terry leaving is incredibly strange timing, I don't get it at all," Neville told MNF.

"I'm not really sure who it suits, maybe John Terry a little bit, but I'm not even sure about that.

"It may be a distraction for the dressing room, the club and the fans will be sad today especially after the big game they lost yesterday. Maybe he's signed a pre-agreement with somebody and they couldn't keep it quiet any longer.

Neville added: "They haven't kept a clean sheet for quite a bit now and I think he could be quite useful for them.

"If they needed someone with experience in this last month to get them over the line, he might be the man they need to call on.

"He's got the experience, the resilience, the robustness and that toughness which would get his team-mates over line. He may be Chelsea's most important player in the next few weeks."

John Terry's the best centre-back in the Premier League era. An absolute legend and he'll certainly go down as Chelsea's greatest player.

Jamie Carragher

Terry is yet to announce his next move but Carragher, who also questioned the timing of the announcement, thinks the former England international still has plenty to offer in the Premier League.

"The timing seems a bit strange on the back of yesterday's game and result," Carragher said.

"But for me, he's the best centre-back in the Premier League era. An absolute legend and he'll certainly go down as Chelsea's greatest player. He's one of the greats of the Premier League era and number one for me.

"I think he's got a lot to offer as a player in the Premier League," the former Liverpool defender added. "You associate him as a one club man and I think it's always sad when a player of that stature for a club puts a shirt on for someone else.

"The fact he's come out early with this announcement I see him playing for someone else next season. Hopefully for us it's in the Premier League."

John Terry the 'greatest defender in Premier League history', says Frank Lampard

TERRY AND LAMPARD

Frank Lampard has paid tribute to the "greatest defender in Premier League history" following news that John Terry will leave Chelsea at the end of the season.

The 36-year-old defender will end a 22-year association with the Blues when his contract expires, having won 14 major honours at Stamford Bridge since making his first-team debut in 1998.

Most of that silverware was won alongside Lampard, with the two picking up five FA Cups, three League Cups, the Champions League in 2012 and the Europa League a year later.

They also won three Premier League titles together with the club including a historic first league title in 50 years with their 2005 triumph, and Lampard did not understate Terry's contribution to the club.

"The last man standing of an incredible era for Chelsea," the former midfielder posted on his Instagram account.

"What a pleasure to play with the greatest defender in the Premier League history. In fact, I'd put him up with any defender in world football of any era. He led the club both on and off the pitch from the moment he made his debut.

"He set standards for everyone, whether it was demanding excellence in training, fighting for every win or respecting how fortunate we were to play for such a great club.

"He was, and is, a legend, not just for his talent but just as much for his desire to get the best out of himself and others around him. That's what made him the most successful captain in the club's history.

"Off the pitch a great friend to not just me but so many at the club and outside of it. The countless things I've seen JT do to help people outside of the game, things that not many see, are what defines him as a man.

"John Terry you deserve every accolade you get over the next weeks and beyond and I hope you get what you deserve and lift two massive trophies at the end of the season (just to add to the tally).

"Whatever you do next I know everyone will respect your decision and I know that the Chels will always be your club. Absolute respect."

Arsenal must win every remaining match for top-four finish, says Arsene Wenger

WENGER

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal must win every one of their remaining Premier League matches if they are to stand any chance of finishing in the top four.

The Gunners cut the gap to fourth-placed Manchester City to seven points with a 2-1 victory at Middlesbrough on Monday Night Football and have a game in hand on Pep Guardiola's side.

Goals from Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil either side of an Alvaro Negredo strike for the hosts sealed the points for Arsenal but Wenger knows there is no margin for error if they are to secure Champions League football again next season.

Wenger said: "For us, the clarity is there - we have to win every game to have a chance to get in the top four, starting tonight.

"I think it will make the team a bit more serene. You could see that on some occasions, we were a bit over-cautious tonight. Hopefully that will give us a bit more confidence.

"Mathematically it is still possible, even if it is difficult, but we have to give it a go."

Wenger fielded a back three against Middlesbrough for the first time in his 20-year reign in the 2-1 victory on Teesside.

Asked if the ploy had worked, Wenger said: "Yes, it is the first time in 20 years. That shows you that even at my age, you can change.

"I felt we were recently a bit vulnerable defensively and I wanted a bit more reassurance to the team. Recently we have faced many direct games, and I thought before the game maybe they would play with [Rudy] Gestede and Negredo and go for a very direct game.

"That was the reason. It worked well in the first half. We didn't give any chances away, we were quite solid."

Birmingham appoint Harry Redknapp as the club's new manager

HARRY REDKNAPP

Birmingham City have appointed Harry Redknapp as their new manager following the resignation of Gianfranco Zola.

The Italian was appointed at St Andrew's in December after the sacking of now-Derby boss Gary Rowett but resigned after the 2-0 defeat to Burton Albion on Monday which left the Blues three points above the Sky Bet Championship relegation places.

The club have now confirmed that Redknapp, who at the age of 70 is the oldest manager in the EFL, has replaced Zola, who won just twice in 22 league matches.

Redknapp said the appointment is until the end of the season but if the Blues avoid relegation then he and the club will talk again. Steve Cotterill will also be part of the backroom staff.

A statement on the Birmingham website said: "The club is delighted to announce that Harry Redknapp is Blues new manager.

"The vastly experienced Redknapp has agreed to replace Gianfranco Zola, who resigned on Monday."

Redknapp started his managerial career with Bournemouth before spending eight years in charge at West Ham.

He enjoyed two spells in charge at Portsmouth, either side of a stint at Southampton, and led Pompey to an FA Cup triumph in 2008.

He also led Tottenham to Champions League qualification and guided Queens Park Rangers to the Premier League via the play-offs in 2014.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte says title race is a 50-50 battle

CONTE

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte blamed himself for the defeat at Manchester United, and says there is now a 50-50 battle for the title.

The Blues came undone in a 2-0 defeat at Manchester United on Sunday, as goals from Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera secured the three points for Jose Mourinho's men.

Conte told Sky Sports: "I think they deserved to win. They showed more desire than us and more motivation, but in this case the fault is with the coach.

"In this case I wasn't able to transfer the right motivation to play this type of game."

Chelsea have a favourable run-in compared to Tottenham, but with the gap now at just four points Conte claimed that the title race has become a 50-50 tussle.

"We lost two games. The two games were totally different - we didn't deserve to lose against [Crystal] Palace - today we deserved to lose. There are six finals until now and the end. The league is open. We have a 50 per cent probability of winning the league.

"The pressure is normal - I prefer to have the pressure rather than not fight for the title and to joke in very moment. We are lucky to have the pressure - last season Chelsea had no pressure as they were 10th place.

"Something important is happening this season. We are doing a quick job, a miracle this season considering the problems last season."

He added: "I am concerned, we have to work together and find quickly the right desire and ambition to win this title.

"For us it is a fantastic target. For me if we were able to reach this target it would be a miracle. We must understand this and find the right motivation.

"We stay in a great position, but Tottenham are in good form and playing very well and with enthusiasm. We must have the same."

Chelsea hopeful on Thibaut Courtois ahead of FA Cup semi-final

COURTOIS

Chelsea remain hopeful Thibaut Courtois will be available for their FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham on Saturday.

The Belgium goalkeeper missed their Super Sunday defeat away to Manchester United due to an ankle injury.

Sky Sports News HQ understands Courtois sustained an ankle problem while playing basketball in a commercial shoot, with the 24-year-old replaced in the starting line-up by Asmir Begovic.

Chelsea will not confirm how Courtois picked up his injury and head coach Antonio Conte told Sky Sports: "I think it is not important now to understand the way that he had this injury.

"The bad news is that he is injured and now it is important to work to recover very soon.

"Thibaut Courtois for sure is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but we trust a lot in Begovic."

Gary Cahill says Chelsea must rebound from Manchester United disappointment

GRAY CAHILL

Gary Cahill expects a quick response from Chelsea after revealing the squad was angry after their defeat at Manchester United on Sunday.

Antonio Conte's side suffered their fifth defeat of the season at Old Trafford, and the setback left them only four points clear at the top of the Premier League with six games remaining.

The Blues remain clear favourites to take the title in Conte's first season in charge but Cahill knows his side will have to play much better than they did in Manchester.

"We didn't click," the England defender told chelseafc.com. "It's disappointing. We tried to work hard in the second half, tried to push and create, but we were below the standards we've set.

"We weren't at the races and it makes us a bit angry. Let's hope it's an off day and it doesn't cost us too much.

"We expected them to start fast and we had to try and control that, and we never did."

Chelsea's next game comes against their closest rivals in the league and Cahill says there will have to be a response even though there will be an FA Cup final place up for grabs rather than Premier League points.

"We have to react in the right way," he said.

"We have to dust ourselves off and prepare for a huge semi-final, and then we go again with some important home games coming up.

"We reacted after Palace, we bounced back with two wins so it's a similar thing. We are still in a great position.

"There are only six games left, and we are still in a good position. We need to realise it's not over, we need to realise there are points to play for, and we have to dig in.

"No-one is going to give us this league, we have to work for it like we have done for the majority of this season."

Jose Mourinho says Manchester United 'totally controlled' Chelsea

VALENCIA AND KANTE

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho praised his side's tactical display in their 2-0 win over Chelsea, insisting they "totally controlled" the Premier League leaders.

Goals at the start of either half from Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera condemned Mourinho's former side to their second defeat in four games.

Mourinho set his team up in a similar way when United fell to a 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup last month after being reduced to 10 men following Herrera's red card.

When asked what made him go with counter-attacking tactics, Mourinho told Sky Sports: "The same thing that made me go to Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup with the same tactics. Maybe we didn't rest [players] we just chose the team that we thought was the best team.

"That game was totally controlled when we played with 11 players, and only the decision that made us play with 10 players gave Chelsea a chance to be dominant.

"We knew that playing this way would be very difficult for them."

And Mourinho was adamant that his side, and not Chelsea, would be playing in an FA Cup semi-final this weekend had they played with 11 men for the full 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge last month.

When asked by Sky Sports reporter Geoff Shreeves what pleased him the most about his side's performance, he said: "From a personal point of view, thinking about me, my work, how I think and how I prepare for matches, it was being convinced that we would be playing in the FA Cup semi-final this weekend if we'd played at Stamford Bridge with 11 men.

"We were tactically very good and the players did an amazing job, controlling a team full of fantastic players."

Chelsea's lead over second-placed Tottenham is now down to four points with six games remaining, while United boosted their own hopes of reaching the top four by extending their unbeaten league run to 22 games.

The Red Devils are four points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, with a trip to the Etihad Stadium, which is live on Sky Sports, on the horizon on April 27.

And Mourinho insists his side will continue to fight in the Premier League until it's mathematically impossible for them to qualify for the Champions League.

"I'm really happy with the team and the result because the results of Man City and Liverpool left us needing to win. The result means we keep two windows open to play Champions League football.

"I can't give up on the Premier League yet. We have to try. If one day we are in the Europa league and the distance in the Premier League is too big, then we have to prioritise and nobody can criticise us if we do things in a different way for the final few matches.

"But while it is mathematically possible we have to go with everything we have."

Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has a glorious future, says Matteo Darmian

RASHFORD

Marcus Rashford can become “one of the most important players in the world”, according to Manchester United team-mate Matteo Darmian.

The 19-year-old striker opened the scoring in United's 2-0 win over leaders Chelsea on Sunday as United extended their unbeaten Premier League run to 22 matches.

Rashford has now scored nine goals this term but has been restricted to just 14 Premier League starts due to Zlatan Ibrahimovic's prolific form this season.

"I think Marcus is a great player," Darmian said. "He is still very, very young and I think he is very important for us.

"With his quality, he can be one of the top players, one of the most important players, in the world.

"I think he is very good in every part of the game, he has a very good shot, movement, speed.

"Sometimes for a striker, it is a normal there is a not as good period [in terms of scoring goals] but I hope he continues like this, because it helps the team to reach the objective."

United have a game in hand on fourth-placed Manchester City, trailing their local rivals by four points in the race for Champions League qualification through the Premier League.

The other objective for Jose Mourinho's side this season is to win the Europa League to secure their spot in Europe's premier club competition.

"We know our characteristic," Darmian said. "Sometimes, of course, we draw a lot of games at home.

"We deserve to win a lot of games but sometimes it is not possible to win and we draw.

"We lost a lot of points at home but I think we have a chance with six or seven games to go, so still the possibility in our hands.

"This kind of game [beating Chelsea] gives us confidence. I think everyone is concentrated for this end of the season because we know we play for two big opportunities.

"One is the Europa League and the second is finish in the top four because I think playing in the Champions League is a very good objective for next season.

"We have to fight and try to win as many games as possible."

Gary Neville questions Antonio Conte's demeanour against Manchester United

CONTE

Gary Neville says Chelsea's players didn't turn up against Manchester United - but neither did their manager.

Goals from Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera dealt Antonio Conte's side a 2-0 loss at Old Trafford as they saw their lead at the top of the Premier League cut to four points following Tottenham's win over Bournemouth on Saturday.

Thibaut Courtois and Marcos Alonso missed the game through injury and Neville felt the enthusiasm that the Italian has shown throughout the season was missing on Super Sunday. £10 Free Bet, No Deposit Needed

"Chelsea didn't turn up and where was Conte today?" he asked.

"You talk about the players, but the manager has been so active on the touchline all season and you expected him to get them going, raging up and down the touchline.

"He seemed a little subdued today, like he lacked belief. For me, Chelsea didn't turn up."

Conte said after the match that Manchester United showed "more motivation" than Chelsea, but Neville was not critical of his post-match interview.

However, he insisted his demeanour during the match was a "worry" as Chelsea look to wrap up the title in the final six matches of the season.

He added: "If he was subdued in his interview after the game I think you can accept that because his team just haven't performed today. They were really poor.

"I was more worried about him being subdued during the game because he's been so active on the touchline all season. It was almost like seeing Jurgen Klopp just stood there.

"He spent most of the first half doing this [stroking his chin] today. That was the worrying thing for me; that he didn't turn up himself.

"His character, his personality and his demeanour that everyone has enjoyed all season and loved, hugging fans, running up and down the touchline and shouting at players to hurry after the ball didn't turn up today.

"He didn't turn up during the match. He was subdued and I don't know why that was."

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal fans wrong to boo Hector Bellerin

BELLERIN

Arsene Wenger has described the Arsenal fans' criticism of Spanish defender Hector Bellerin as unfair.

Bellerin was booed by some members of the away support following the Gunners' 3-0 loss at Crystal Palace last week, their fourth away defeat on the bounce.

Speaking ahead of Monday Night Football against Middlesbrough, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7pm, Wenger admitted the right-back's form has declined recently but says the supporters' negative reaction at Selhurst Park was uncalled for.

"I think, yes," said Wenger when asked about the criticism. "He is a guy who is genuinely Arsenal and wants to do well. He is ready to play with pain and I think it is, yes.

"The fans want to be behind the team and the way we respond on the football pitch will decide the attitude of the fans.

"The fans love the club. It's a good period to be united and not divided. Historically Arsenal has been about that. One of our values is to be together. There's no better period of the season than to show it now."

Despite going through a difficult run of form, Bellerin is expected to retain his place in the Arsenal team for Monday's trip to the Riverside, and the 22-year-old is determined to prove his critics wrong.

"You need to learn to deal with people saying bad things about you and you need to learn to deal with stuff that's not happened before," he told Arsenal.com.

"It will make me stronger, that's how I see it. Some people can be destroyed or collapse but I think I and everyone at the club needs to look at it positively.

"We just need to do our job on the pitch. We know that fans are angry, we know that people want results because we're Arsenal and that's what's expected from us."

Liverpool join race to sign Virgil van Dijk

VAN DIJK

Liverpool are ready to join the race to sign Virgil Van Dijk as they look to make a statement of intent in this summer’s transfer window.

Manchester City and Chelsea have long been established as the clubs leading the way to sign Van Dijk; City specifically sent scouts to watch Van Dijk on November 19 at St Mary’s when he was Man-of-the-Match in a 0-0 draw with Liverpool.

Ronald Koeman, Everton’s manager, is also keen to be reunited with Van Dijk when he begins what is expected to be an ambitious overhaul of his squad, having worked with him at Southampton, but Liverpool are not going to be passive.

Jurgen Klopp is determined to bolster his defence and recently explained the injuries Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip have suffered this season have meant he cannot regard them as being automatic first choices selections.

Though Claude Puel does not want Van Dijk to leave, there is no question they will be put under serious pressure as soon as the window opens; Van Dijk has been a big miss for Puel in recent months, as he recovers from ankle ligament damage.

Klopp wants to bring in quality additions to ensure Liverpool’s progress over the last 12 months does not go to waste and Van Dijk fits the profile of player they are targeting. 

Liverpool are prepared to spend heavier than they have ever done before to get their manager the additions he wants.

Some Liverpool fans want to see Mamadou Sakho return, given he has been doing so well on loan at Crystal Palace; there is no clause in the contract they agreed in January that gives them first option on signing the France international and Klopp says no decisions have been made on his future.

‘You can imagine like all the plans we have for next season, we speak about behind closed doors,’ said Klopp. 

‘In the moment when we have to say something we will say something. I see a lot of Premier League games so I see Crystal Palace too and I see how he is playing there and all this stuff.’

His tone was similar on Daniel Sturridge, too, and Klopp said: ‘We are in the season and around this we plan different things like transfers, as you can imagine, but who will leave we have never thought about it.’ 

Sky Sports pundits discloses how Manchester United can halt Chelsea's title charge

CHELSEA

Jose Mourinho is propositioned with the task of stopping his former side from cantering towards the trophy when Chelsea visit Old Trafford on Super Sunday.

Only four sides have beaten the Blues all season, including their only remaining title challengers in Tottenham, who sit seven points behind them in the Premier League table.

Here's what Soccer Saturday pundits Paul Merson, Phil Thompson, Matt Le Tissier and Charlie Nicholas think you need to do to beat Antonio Conte's side...

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Merse says: Attack the flanks and keep your bottle

The only team that have really shown how to beat their system are Tottenham, which was because Chelsea had played quick games in succession. The way they play with wing-backs, it's hard to do that without a break.

The way I'd play would be like we used to at Arsenal when we played that system, with one up front and two out-and-out wingers, then the wingers stay wide and don't track back.

That way you're either asking the central defenders to come out wide, where the likes of Gary Cahill don't want to go, or make their wing-backs come back into a five, reducing their threat and giving Eden Hazard and Pedro less support.

That's what Manchester City did and they had a lot of the game but just couldn't grind out the result. It's obviously not easy to do that but I think you've got to have bottle if you want to beat Chelsea.

Thommo says: Create a carbon copy of Chelsea

Spurs did it very well when they went like for like and said let's have a go. I'm usually a person who believes you should go with your own best system, but I think with Kyle Walker and Danny Rose as wing-backs and Eric Dier, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld can match anybody, so they had the right ingredients to do it.

There's not too many teams who have the players to say they can match that system, and Mauricio Pochettino might not be a great believer in that formation, but he knew it could stifle Chelsea.

If United had the centre-backs fit, which is an issue, and they've got Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia available then they've got a chance. Their centre-backs might not be as good as Tottenham's but the pace and delivery of the full-backs would give them a chance to compete.

Mourinho won't admit it publicly but behind the scenes he'll know Chelsea are better and that he has to hurt them by getting his players to sit and and hit them on the break, which he has done countless times against superior sides.

Le Tiss says: Park the bus

How do you stop Chelsea? If I knew that I'd be making millions as a manager! There's not a lot of weak points in their side.

Spurs did it but it's a very rare occurrence. You have to defend well against them and ensure you're the side who take the chances, because it's rarely an open game against them.

I'm sure Mourinho will attempt the parking of the bus tactics and they're that strong that most teams would be happy to do that at home.

Charlie says: Don't be scared of them

I honestly think you can stop Chelsea. There's no guarantee they're going to beat Manchester United. They're not playing particularly well but with Eden Hazard's form they are getting the job done.

Spurs beat them fairly comfortably. It's the boldness to go and take them on and they're vulnerable in the wide areas. I did the Manchester City game last week and Pep Guardiola's men were the better side but just couldn't grind out the right result.

I'd love to see the stats on how many changes Conte has had to make. It just seems to be Cesc Fabregas rotating with Nemanja Matic and Kurt Zouma occasionally coming in, so he hasn't had much to deal with.

They're a better version of what Leicester did last season in terms of player quality and you'd do very well to name 15 players that they have had to use regularly.

Mesut Ozil puts Arsenal ahead of his future and Arsene Wenger's

OZIL

Mesut Ozil says Arsenal's "desperate" fight for a top-four finish takes precedence over his future - and even Arsene Wenger's.

This week's Monday Night Football defeat at Crystal Palace left Arsenal seven points behind fourth-placed Manchester City and was accompanied by significant numbers of supporters calling on Wenger to end his 21-year reign in the summer.

The manager will be out of contract while Ozil's deal, like team-mate Alexis Sanchez's, has little more than a year to run.

The German has repeatedly talked up Wenger's role in bringing him to north London and has previously suggested his future is tied to the manager's.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Monday's trip to Middlesbrough - live on Sky - he said: "I think at the moment it would be wrong to really think about that, to go ahead and look at that.

"At the moment the team we're having a more difficult spell and at this stage I'm not important and no other player is important. What's important is the club.

"We've got aims that we want to meet this season. There's still lots for us to play for. We want to qualify desperately for the Champions League for next season as well.

"So we'll talk in the summer and we'll clear things then but for the moment, all that's important is Arsenal and not me and not any other player - it's just the club.

"What we need to do is fight, to do what we can. It's not just about the boss or the fans - it's about the whole club and playing for the whole club."

Ozil repeated his belief that Wenger, Arsenal's longest-serving and most decorated manager, "deserves respect for what he has achieved here".

But he said: "As players, you can't pick your coach. You can't decide who manages the club."

We are under pressure to deliver - Wenger

WENGER

Arsene Wenger has called on Arsenal to play with freedom against Middlesbrough on Monday Night Football, admitting his side is under pressure to deliver results.

Wenger said it has been a difficult week following Arsenal's capitulation at Crystal Palace on Monday, but had "nothing" to add about his own immediate future.

"Bad moments are part of our job," Wenger said, reflecting on Arsenal's fourth consecutive Premier League away defeat. "You focus to prepare and make sure you respond.

"To play with restriction and the handbrake doesn't help. We are under pressure to deliver and the best way to do that is to play with freedom and accept the risk.

"We were beaten (by Crystal Palace). You have to face reality and respond. You can win, lose or draw but what we want to do is play with commitment and belief."

Calls for Wenger's departure from sections of Arsenal supporters returned during and after the 3-0 defeat at Selhurst Park but when asked on whether there had been any developments on his future, the Frenchman replied: "Nothing.

"I believe my relationship (with Stan Kroenke, Arsenal owner) has always been the same, it has not changed.

"I don't know. What happens above in the board is not down to me. I focus on what is important for me is the performance of the team and what the fans are interested in is the performance of the team."

Arsenal are seven points off the top four with eight games remaining and Wenger has called for one final push.

He said: "We might get there, we might not get there but the only thing to get there is to believe we can do it. That's what we have to focus on; it is not the fear to fail it is the desire to make it and that's the only chance we have to do it.

"It's a big challenge, of course.

"In football you have to accept that you can win, lose or draw but you have to make sure you perform in the next game and give absolutely everything."

Jose Mourinho slams Man Utd's 'sloppy' attack in Anderlecht draw

JOSE MOURINHO

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho criticised his team's attacking players for failing to take their chances during their 1-1 Europa League draw

Jose Mourinho was disappointed with Manchester United's "sloppy" attack after the 1-1 draw in Anderlecht on Thursday night.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan's opener was cancelled out by Leander Dendoncker's late header in the Europa League quarter-final first leg, despite Mourinho's side dominating the game.

Mourinho criticised his side's attack, and said if he was a United defender, he would be "upset" with the players up the pitch.

"The result is positive. To play at home with an advantage, starting the game with an advantage is good, it is a good result in any case.

"But I think the result should be much better, and we can only blame ourselves, because we had an easy game to play in the second half, and we didn't play in attack with that instinct.

"We lost the ball easily too many times, we stopped our counter attacks because of sloppy decisions, sloppy touches on the ball, and then we gave them opportunities to have some counter attacks.

"Luckily our defenders were very much in the game. If I was a Man Utd defender I would be very upset with the attacking players, because they had to kill the game and they didn't."

Paul Pogba missed a clear-cut chance just before Anderlecht's equaliser, striking against the goalkeeper from 12 yards after being set up by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

But Mourinho was more upset by his side's lack of instinct in the final third, rather than any major chances that fell to the attacking players.

"I would say it was a strong performance by the team from a defensive point of view. I think Mkhitaryan, Rashford, they did defensively what we asked them to do.

"We were very solid defensively, and that is not just about defenders, it's about the team.

"But it's not just about the chances we missed, because we didn't miss many. It's about the half chances, because the space is there, the time is there, but the end decision is not.

"The decisions were wrong, and probably the only one where everything was correct, the timing the decisions, was Paul's shot. It was a good save by the goalkeeper, but this is what happened to us all season, we have chances but don't score goals."

Chelsea legend Didier Drogba reveals he had an offer from a Premier League club before agreeing to join Phoenix Rising as a player-owner

DROGBA

Didier Drogba turned down an offer from a Premier League side before deciding to join United Soccer League outfit Phoenix Rising as player-owner. 

The former Chelsea striker had been without a club since leaving Major League Soccer Canadian side Montreal Impact in 2016.

But the Ivorian has now signed for Phoenix - where he will also become part of the ownership structure with the USL club, who are hoping to join the MLS as an expansion franchise in the future.

Drogba told BBC's Premier League Show: 'I'm moving to Phoenix in Arizona to the USL team.

'It's a good transition because I want to carry on playing but I'm almost 40... and it's important for me to prepare for after my career and Phoenix offered me that.

'I could have carried on playing. I had offers from England, from a Premier League side, the Championship, Middle East, China, India but it was only as a player.

'To own a team and be a player at the same time is unusual.' 

Drogba will join up with one of his former Chelsea team-mates on the roster in Phoenix - winger Shaun Wright-Phillips who moved to the Arizona club from New York Red Bulls earlier this year.

Another former team-mate of Drogba's, Romelu Lukaku has been capturing the headlines recently due to his form at Everton.

The forward has netted 23 Premier League goals so far this campaign, which caused Belgium manager Roberto Martinez to state that Lukaku could become the world's best striker.

And when asked for his opinion on Martinez comments, Drogba agreed: 'Well when you look at the statistics, his age and the way he's progressing I think he could be right.'

Lukaku left Chelsea on a permanent deal to move to Everton in 2014 but there have been rumours that he could make a return to Stamford Bridge.

Everton boss Ronald Koeman recently quipped that he will wait on a call from Drogba to find out if Lukaku would remain at Goodison Park - after reports the two former team-mates were in contact.

But Drogba laughed off any suggestions that he has a say over Lukaku's future, joking: 'If that was the case he would be in Chelsea already a long time ago. 

'I know that he loves Chelsea, this club needs people who feel something for the club and he does and more than that he wants to prove that he can make it.

'I would be happy to see him again in the Chelsea shirt but I don't decide for him, nobody decides for him. He already knows what he wants to do.' 

Paulo Dybala signs new £110,000-per-week contract with Juventus until 2022

PAULO DYBALA

Paulo Dybala has signed a £5.9million-a-year contract extension at Juventus until 2022.

Dybala, who joined the Serie A champions in 2015, had been linked with a move to England or Spain but has committed his future to the Turin club.

It was thought Dybala could have become the first £100million player in the summer, with Barcelona leading the clubs chasing the forward as a future replacement for Lionel Messi, but any transfer now looks almost impossible. While there is no release clause in the contract, Juventus are unlikely to consider any bids under £85million. 

Dybala told the club website: 'I'm very happy and proud to be at this club. It’s difficult to imagine that so many positive things could happen all at once. This is a week full of special emotions for me.

'I'm extremely happy with what I have managed to achieve, and what I'm going to with this team, this club and these fans.

'I'm grateful for these compliments, but I think it's still early days. I've a lot to achieve still. I want to keep working hard playing as well as I can and lifting trophies with this club.

'I believe this contract renewal comes at the right time - a time in which we are playing well and I hope to keep entertaining on the field, showing what I can do and winning many titles over the coming years. Onwards and upwards, forza Juve.'

The 23-year-old won three trophies in his first full season at the club - the league title, the Coppa Italia and the Italian Super Cup, while scoring 23 goals in all competitions.

The deal was announced on the club website, with a statement lauding the Argentina international as 'nothing short of spectacular', and have rewarded him with a deal worth around £113,000-per-week.

It said: 'If last season's stellar showing represented a breakthrough at the very highest level, those to come in the next few years wearing the black and white stripes will be the ones that propel him into the stratosphere of the world game.

PAULO DYBALA: CV 

Age: 23

Position: Striker

Clubs: Instituto, Palermo, Juventus

Career club games: 186

Goals: 64

Assists: 33 

Honours: 2015/16 Serie A, 2015/16 Coppa Italia; 2015 Italian Super Cup

Nationality: Argentina

International apps: 6; Goals: 0

'Now operating in a slightly deeper role, the Argentine is coming of age in a Juventus jersey and his performances since the turn of the year have been nothing short of spectacular.

'Clearly, the moments of brilliance that have characterised his stay in Turin so far are in inexhaustible supply.'

He joined Juventus in the summer of 2015 for £23million from Palermo, whose president described Dybala as 'the next Sergio Aguero.' 

Dybala has scored 39 goals and created 17 assists in 82 games for Juve - since the summer of 2015, only Leonardo Bonucci and Gianluigi Buffon have made more appearances for the club.

After Dybala's star-making performance against Barcelona, where he scored twice in a 3-0 Champions League quarter final first leg victory, the striker had said he was close to a new contract with Juventus.

He said: 'Since I was a little kid I dreamed of moments like this. Now it has come true. It was the perfect game, a great performance from the team. 

'The future? I'm very happy at Juventus and I'm close to signing a new deal.'

Dybala has a close bond with the Juventus support, celebrating his second goal against Barca with the fans, who gave him a thunderous ovation when he was substituted.

He was also lauded in the Italian press, some referring to him as the 'new Messi' - although he is yet to unseat the five time Ballon D'Or winner in the Argentina team, with Dybala making only six appearances so far, without scoring. 

AC Milan finally sold to Chinese investors in £627.5m deal to end over eight months of uncertainty for club as outgoing owner Silvio Berlusconi pays tribute to fans

MILAN AND CHINESE INVESTOR

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has finally completed his troubled, protracted sale of AC Milan to a Chinese-led consortium and thanked the fans after ending his 31-year stint as owner.

Berlusconi said he left the club with 'pain and emotion' but said he needed to sell in order for the club to compete at the highest level.

Milan enjoyed their most successful years under Berlusconi after he took over in February 1986, including winning eight league titles and five European Cups and Champions Leagues.

WHO IS BEHIND THE AC MILAN TAKEOVER? 

The tortuously long winded deal began last summer. It was thought a consortium fronted by Chinese businessman Yonghong Li would buy the club, but their pursuit failed.

Instead, the club has been taken over by Rossoneri Sport Investment Lux - previously known as Sino-Europe Sports, with promises of returning AC Milan to their former greatness.

Since winning the Scudetto in 2011, Milan have slipped into mid-table, finishing eighth, 10th and seventh in the last three seasons.

Previous owner Silvio Berlusconi, who was in charge for over 30 years, had limited his monetary input as he looked to sell. Now he has done so, a newly moneyed Milan - and similarly rich rivals Inter - could next season finally challenge Juventus' monopoly.

In a statement on the club website he said: 'I leave today, after more than 30 years, ownership and Chairman of AC Milan. 

'I do so with pain and emotion, but with the knowledge that the modern game, to compete at the highest European and world levels, needs investment and resources that a single family is no longer able to support.

'I will never forget the emotions that Milan has been able to give and give to all of us. I will never forget all the people thanks to whom I had the privilege of presiding over the club that has won so much.'

Berlusconi said it  would be impossible to name all the individual players and coaches he wished to thank, but instead offered them all 'a big group hug'.

He said:  'But above all, my thanks from the bottom of my heart goes out to our fans. To the millions of fans who filled stadiums around the world to shout Forza Milan, for many others, many more still, that being physically far, there have been close with sympathy and enthusiasm. 

'Without them, our winning Milan would not exist and could not exist. With them, we won everything he could win. I have in my mind and heart a thousand times when the testimonies of affection of our supporters have been extraordinary and moving.'

The deal, said to be worth £627.5million, was finalised on Thursday and tightens China's grip on the game in Italy.

The deal, the biggest Chinese investment in a European club, follows retail giant Suning Commerce Group's purchase of Milan's rival Inter last year. A Chinese firm also owns the media rights to Serie A.

In a statement published on the AC Milan website, Berlusconi's family holding Fininvest said it had sold its entire 99.93 percent stake in the club to Luxembourg-based Rossoneri Sport Investment Lux.

The deal had been provisionally agreed on August 5, but persistent problems meant that the takeover was not completed officially for another eight months.

The new owners have also agreed to take on Milan's debts, which the statement said are worth around £186.5million. The statement also confirmed the new board positions will be confirmed on Friday.

Milan are currently sixth in Serie A, 10 points off the Champions League qualification places with seven games to play.

The 18-time Scudetto winners and seven time European champions have fallen on comparatively hard times in recent seasons as Berlusconi limited his investment in the team - they have not qualified for European football in the last three seasons and last won the league in 2011. 

Cristiano Ronaldo admits he never imagined he'd score 100 goals in Europe after being honoured by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez

RONALDO AND PREZ

Cristiano Ronaldo admits he never imagined he would become the first player to score 100 European goals when he first started out, but says he is thrilled and honoured to have achieved the feat.

Ronaldo reached the milestone after netting twice to lead Real Madrid, who trained on Thursday, to a 2-1 comeback victory over Bayern Munich in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg.

The Portugal forward was presented with a commemorative shirt by Real president Florentino Perez on Thursday to mark the accomplishment, and the 32-year-old said: 'It's a great honour to reach 100 goals in Europe. Yesterday was a special day, with a very important win.

'I'm very happy. I want to thank Real Madrid for the opportunity to build a wonderful career at this club, and to my team-mates as well.

'Many thanks to the club, my team-mates and the fans.'

Ronaldo opened his account in Europe while at Manchester United, scoring in a 3-0 win over Debrecen in August 2005.

That was Ronaldo's only goal in his first 32 European games for Sporting Lisbon and United, but he has now reached three figures from only 143 matches - all but three of which have come in the Champions League proper.

Ronaldo added: 'When I started scoring goals in the Champions League, I never imagined I'd beat this record. For me it's an honour to reach such a difficult figure. I'm absolutely thrilled, really happy.'

The striker's brace at the Allianz Arena helped his side recover from going behind to Arturo Vidal's opener, with Vidal also wasting a chance to double the hosts' lead when he missed a penalty.

Ronaldo levelled in the 47th minute and then, after Bayern saw Javi Martinez sent off just after the hour, the Portuguese superstar netted a 77th-minute winner.

That result has put reigning champions Madrid in pole position to reach the semi-finals, but Ronaldo has warned that there is still work to be done.

He said on his club's website: 'We've got a slight advantage and I hope the fans can get behind us and help us, because it's going to be a tough battle. Hopefully Real Madrid win and we get through to the semi-finals.

'We know April will be a difficult, decisive month, and the team looks good. The coach (Zinedine Zidane) has managed things well, with good squad rotation, and we're ready for the final stage of the season.'

Madrid defender Sergio Ramos added: 'We've taken a big step in the tie, but there's still the return leg to come against great opposition, who have shown that they're one of the favourites to win the competition.'

Bayern forward Thomas Muller admitted the Germans were pleased in the end to only come away with a 2-1 loss.

'At the end we are happy that it remained 2-1,' he said on the club website.

'So we still have every chance in Madrid. We have enough self belief, we have the quality and passion to win in Madrid.'