Brendan Rodgers frustrated after loss to Chelsea

Brendan Rodgers frustrated after loss to Chelsea

IleJadi - Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers suggested that Chelsea had 'parked two buses' after seeing his side go down 2-0 to their title rivals at Anfield.

Demba Ba opened the scoring just before the break after Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard had slipped, allowing the striker to latch onto the ball before nutmegging the advancing Simon Mignolet.

Willian then made sure of the win after a pass from fellow substitute Fernando Torres for a breakaway goal in injury time, with the result seeing Liverpool's lead at the top cut to just two points.

Manchester City sit three points off the Reds in third position, with a game in hand and a better goal difference as the title race looks set to go right to the wire.

Rodgers told Sky Sports News: "Congratulations to Chelsea, they won the game, we just couldn't find the breakthrough.

"They obviously sat very deep. I think there were two buses parked today, never mind one.

"It was like a back six with three midfield players in front of that. That's 10, with the goalkeeper, for 90 minutes consistently behind the ball.

"Unless you get that early goal, it doesn't entice them to come out. It was clear that they'd come certainly not wanting to win the game, with the time-wasting and whatnot.

"The players gave everything and we couldn't quite get that wee bit of luck."

Rodgers was reluctant to praise Mourinho, adding: "I don't think it's a tactic. Anyone can ask a team to just sit back and defend on the edge of the box.

"It's the nature of how Chelsea play. They've got some wonderful players but they play a defensive game and hope to hit you on the counter-attack or with a mistake.

"We were disappointed with the goal, it's just one of those things. There's no blame for Stevie. I said to him he's been a wonderful player for this club and he's a massive part of why we are where we are."

Should City and Liverpool both win all their remaining games, they will finish level on points and City currently have a superior goal difference.

Rodgers said: "The bigger picture is that we're still two points ahead of a team that has spent an absolute fortune. If we win our two games we'll finish above them and then we'll see what happens with Manchester City.

"We achieved our objective of Champions League football and we just go on to our next game against Crystal Palace. Today's game will probably prepare us for that because of the nature of how Crystal Palace play."

It was a bad night for United after falling behind to an early goal

It was a bad night for United after falling behind to an early goal

IleJadi - Manchester United fell to defeat in the derby as Manchester City kept themselves very much in the hunt for the Barclays Premier League title.

The Reds showed plenty of fight and endeavour but lacked the necessary guile to break down a confident and free-flowing City side, who came away with the points thanks to goals from Edin Dzeko in either half and a late Yaya Toure strike.

Dzeko stunned Old Trafford inside the first minute when he converted from close range after Samir Nasri’s low shot came back off the post, and he volleyed home his second from Nasri’s corner 10 minutes into the second half, before Toure netted a low effort at the death.

After their early opener, the visitors took a grip on the game, with David Silva going close and David De Gea denying Dzeko with a superb fingertip save. It wasn’t until midway through the first half that Joe Hart was tested for the first time, but the City keeper comfortably clung on to Marouane Fellaini’s shot, before Juan Mata curled over from the edge of the box.

David Moyes brought on Shinji Kagawa in place of Tom Cleverley at the interval but City began the second period as they had the first, and Fernandinho glanced a header inches over before Dzeko guided home the second goal.

It was a game-breaker and, though Danny Welbeck, twice, and Wayne Rooney went close to reducing the arrears – Hart denying them on each occasion – City were able to close out the game with relative ease. And Toure added gloss when he fired past De Gea in the 90th minute to make it five derby wins from six for City in the league.(manutd)

Chelsea turn Wenger's special day sour

Chelsea turn Wenger's special day sour

IleJadi - Arsène Wenger's 1,000th game in charge of Arsenal FC ended in the joint-biggest losing margin of that reign as they fell 6-0 at Premier League leaders Chelsea FC.

Arsène Wenger's 1,000th game in charge of Arsenal FC ended in the joint-biggest losing margin of that reign as they fell 6-0 at Chelsea FC.

Within seven minutes Samuel Eto'o and André Schürrle had put the UEFA Champions League quarter-finalists two up and any hopes Wenger had of a first win against a José Mourinho-managed Chelsea faded further when Kieran Gibbs was sent off and Eden Hazard converted a penalty.

Oscar made it four before half-time and added another on 66 minutes before Mohamed Salah opened his Chelsea account by making the margin six, the same as Wenger's record 8-2 loss at Manchester United FC in August 2011 and bigger than any previous Blues win under Mourinho.

The result leaves Chelsea seven points clear of Arsenal and Liverpool FC, who now visit Cardiff City FC, while Manchester City FC, two further back, welcome Fulham FC. The late game sends Manchester United FC, shorn of injured Robin van Persie, to West Ham United FC.

Manchester United 0 Liverpool 3 Match Report

Manchester United 0 Liverpool 3 Match Report

IleJadi - Steven Gerrard scored two penalties and missed a third as Liverpool emphasised their title credentials with a resounding win over reigning Premier League champions Manchester United at Old Trafford.

In what was seen as the biggest test of their ability to claim their first crown since 1990, Liverpool passed the examination in emphatic fashion against an abject United to move to within four points of leaders Chelsea, with a game in hand.

Liverpool captain Gerrard demonstrated their superiority with penalties either side of the interval as Brendan Rodgers's side exerted almost complete domination over a home team looking in need of a drastic overhaul.

Gerrard missed another spot-kick after Daniel Sturridge went to ground under a Nemanja Vidic challenge - the United captain picking up his fourth red card against Liverpool in the process - but there was no stopping Luis Suarez as he added a third.

At this stage last season there was a 29-point gap between these sides in United's favour as they beat Rodgers's team 2-1 at home.

But Liverpool's dominance here underscored the scale of the turnaround, their improvement and the collapse in fortunes at Old Trafford since manager David Moyes succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson.

Moyes must now pick up a bedraggled team before Wednesday's return Champions League game against Olympiakos, where they need to overcome a 2-0 deficit from the first leg in Greece.

For Liverpool, Rodgers and their exultant supporters there are no such concerns. The Reds are flying high with a self-belief that marks them out as having a real chance to win the title.

And with Manchester City and Chelsea, who lost to Aston Villa on Saturday, still to visit Anfield, Liverpool have been presented with a wonderful opportunity to claim the prize that was once almost a permanent presence in their trophy room.

Liverpool's intentions - not to mention the confidence now surging through this team - were clear inside two minutes as Sturridge found space inside the area from Jordan Henderson's pass but could not find the target.

They had claims for a penalty ignored when Marouane Fellaini tangled clumsily with Suarez. The Uruguayan stayed on his feet and was left a picture of frustration when the spot-kick was not awarded.

Sturridge squandered another opportunity for Liverpool, but that was a further sign of a sharpness and threat that was in complete contrast to a pedestrian United.

The goal Liverpool deserved finally arrived 10 minutes before the break when Rafael, who had just been booked for a wild challenge on Gerrard, clearly handled in the area. It was a straightforward decision for referee Mark Clattenburg and Gerrard scored the spot-kick with ease in front of the Stretford End.

United were unable to get their main attacking players into the game but they were given hope by Wayne Rooney's rising drive which was turned away by the diving Simon Mignolet.

All the plans Moyes will have laid out during the interval were sabotaged within moments of the restart as Liverpool were awarded a second penalty after Phil Jones bundled Joe Allen to the ground. Once more Gerrard stepped forward and once more he demonstrated his expertise from the spot.

Liverpool had been virtually untroubled but a rare ragged passage of play persuaded Rodgers to introduce Philippe Coutinho for Raheem Sterling with 19 minutes remaining.

United, in a move that was long overdue, made a change of their own with 15 minutes left, sending on Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley for Fellaini and Adnan Januzaj.

Remarkably, Liverpool were awarded a third penalty when Sturridge went down with Vidic in close proximity.

The Serbian defender remonstrated with the Liverpool striker, who he clearly felt had dived, and his frustration increased as he received a second yellow card and made his way off disconsolately.

Gerrard, with the rarest of opportunities, could not make it a hat-trick of successful penalties by a visiting side at Old Trafford, striking his effort against the base of the post.

Liverpool were taking full advantage of their numerical supremacy and it was no surprise when Suarez ran unhindered into the area to score, having been denied by a magnificent save from De Gea moments earlier.

United's fans chanted in defiance as the final whistle approached - but they were forced to accept an ominous message about their own shortcomings and Liverpool's growing stature as Clattenburg blew.

Chelsea slip up as City pass test of character

Chelsea slip up as City pass test of character

IleJadi - Chelsea FC lost 1-0 at Aston Villa FC, allowing Manchester City FC, who triumphed despite playing 80 minutes with ten men, to close within six points of the leaders.

Chelsea FC were dealt a blow in their pursuit of the title after losing at Aston Villa FC, while ten-man Manchester City FC edged Hull City AFC 2-0 and moved into second.

Having toiled in vain for long periods, the Blues were wobbling when Willian received a second yellow card on 68 minutes. Worse was to come, though, as Fabian Delph improvised superbly to turn in Marc Albrighton's centre before Ramires became the second Chelsea player to be sent off late on.

In the early kick-off, captain Vincent Kompany's tenth-minute dismissal gave City an uphill task at Hull. The visitors' response was spirited, however, strikes from David Silva and Edin Džeko moving them to within six points of the summit with three games in hand.

Elsewhere, Seamus Coleman struck at the death as Everton FC condemned Cardiff City AFC to a 2-1 loss. Defeat for the Bluebirds was further soured as fellow relegation candidates Fulham FC and West Bromwich Albion FC posted victories against Newcastle United FC (1-0) and Swansea City AFC (2-1) respectively. The game between Sunderland AFC and Crystal Palace FC ended goalless.

Elsewhere, Southampton FC prevailed 4-2 at home to Norwich City FC, who fought back from 3-0 down before Sam Gallagher put the result beyond doubt. Stoke City FC made a more successful comeback as they dispatched West Ham United FC 3-1.( uefa)

Madrid and Atlético win to maintain status quo

Madrid and Atlético win to maintain status quo

IleJadi - Cristiano Ronaldo earned Real Madrid CF a 1-0 victory at Málaga CF before Club Atlético de Madrid won by the same score to keep the Merengues' lead to three points.

Real Madrid CF and Club Atlético de Madrid both won to maintain the status quo at the Liga summit, with the Merengues still three points clear

Unbeaten since October, there was no let-up from Carlo Ancelotti's side, who prevailed 1-0 at Málaga CF thanks to a trademark run and finish from Cristiano Ronaldo on 23 minutes. Collecting possession on the left, the Portugal forward traversed the penalty area before sweeping the ball past Willy. Madrid's joy was soured, though, as Karim Benzema limped off ahead of Tuesday's UEFA Champions League decider against FC Schalke 04.

Nearest rivals Atlético responded by edging RCD Espanyol 1-0, Diego Costa continuing his fine season by scoring the winner ten minutes into the second half. Bursting into the box after shrugging off two defenders, he executed an unerring finish. Third-placed FC Barcelona can trim the gap on Diego Simeone's men back to a point with victory over CA Osasuna on Sunday.

Elsewhere, Rayo Vallecano de Madrid moved three points clear of the drop zone by brushing aside fellow strugglers UD Almería 3-1, while RC Celta de Vigo beat Levante UD 1-0. On Friday, Youssef El-Arabi scored twice as Granada CF posted a 3-3 comeback draw at Getafe CF in a game both teams finished with ten men.(uefa)

Story so far: Manchester United FC

Story so far: Manchester United FC

IleJadi - With Manchester United FC entering European competition without Sir Alex Ferguson for the first time since 1984/85, all eyes were on Old Trafford to see if it would be the same Red Devils or a new breed under David Moyes. 

Though the managerial transition has proved tough in the Premier League, with the side ninth at the end of the UEFA Champions League group stage, Moyes found a way to get results in Europe.

If lacking the fluency and confidence of previous seasons, the experience and talent in the squad ensured United remained a force, topping Group A unbeaten while not conceding a goal in their final four games. There has been talk of vulnerability and a shortage of belief yet few will fancy being drawn against United, especially if Moyes can help them recover a glimpse of their old form.

Story so far
While Old Trafford's impregnability has come into question in the Premier League, with West Bromwich Albion FC, Everton FC and Newcastle United FC all victorious there, it remains a daunting trip for European clubs. United won all three at home and coupled that with a pair of away draws and an emphatic success at Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

The German outfit were first up at Old Trafford, where Wayne Rooney's double helped the Red Devils prevail 4-2, a result followed by a 1-1 draw at FC Shakhtar Donetsk. Four more points came from back-to-back matches against Real Sociedad de Fútbol, meaning progress was assured with the 5-0 stroll in Leverkusen. A matchday six defeat of Shakhtar secured top spot.

Pivotal moment
There were three sides in pursuit of the two qualification slots before United's visit to Leverkusen on matchday five. A fortress for Sami Hyypiä's men, who had dispatched Shakhtar 4-0 there, the BayArena could well have proven a graveyard for United.

However, the Reds' display of the season reaffirmed to continental challengers that they are still a force to be reckoned with when on song. Rooney was an inspiration, setting up four goals in United's biggest-ever group stage away win. "This is probably the best performance of the season," said Moyes. "For us to come away and score five is really special."

Key player: Wayne Rooney
Two goals in five matches may not seem a bumper return for a player considered one of Europe's top strikers, but Rooney excelled in conducting the orchestra. The England forward supplied six assists, more than any other player in the group phase, and invariably produced when it mattered.

After getting United's campaign off the ground on matchday one, his sublime run and shot forced Real Sociedad's Iñigo Martínez to turn the only goal of the game into his own net on matchday three. Rooney then led Leverkusen's defence a merry dance in Germany. With injuries hampering Robin van Persie, the feeling is that if United are to go far much will rest on the shoulders of their No10.

Rising star: Phil Jones
Though his long-term future may be in central defence, Moyes has used Phil Jones as a defensive midfielder. The 21-year-old's energy and enthusiasm has been a major factor for United in defence and attack. If not the deftest of players, the former Blackburn Rovers FC prodigy more than makes up for it in commitment – evidenced by the sight of a physio regularly sprinting on to mop up the blood after Jones has thrown himself into a challenge.

Rewarded for his efforts with a volleyed winner against Shakhtar on 10 December, Jones is still developing, but with this United team finding a new character he should be at the heart of it for years to come.

Number: 145
Over 20 years after his competition debut, Ryan Giggs came off the bench on matchday two to make his 145th UEFA Champions League outing, overtaking Raúl González as the player with the most tournament appearances, qualifying included. The two-time winner joined the coaching staff in the summer but, having turned 40 in November, continues to excel on the pitch. "Giggs showed he is still at the top, top level. What a fantastic player," said Sociedad's Rubén Pardo after encountering the former Welsh international. "For me, he is an absolute star. Look at his age and how he can still perform."(uefa)

Bayern loan midfielder Kirchhoff to Schalke

Bayern loan midfielder Kirchhoff to Schalke

IleJadi - Jan Kirchhoff will spend the next 18 months on loan at FC Schalke 04 after the Gelsenkirchen club reached an agreement with FC Bayern München for the midfielder's services.

FC Schalke 04 have signed defensive midfielder Jan Kirchhoff on an 18-month loan deal from Bundesliga rivals and fellow UEFA Champions League contenders FC Bayern München.

The 22-year-old, who can also play at centre-back, will return to his parent club on 30 June 2015. Kirchhoff joined Bayern in the summer from 1. FSV Mainz 05 but has found opportunities limited, with his 11 appearances, two of which were in European competition, all being as a substitute.

Schalke's general manager Horst Heldt said: "We are really happy that this transfer was possible because I am convinced that Jan will help us to reach our goals." Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge described the agreement as a "good decision for all three parties".

Bayern play Arsenal FC in the UEFA Champions League round 16 in February and March, while the Royal Blues will face Real Madrid CF.

Welbeck injury fears allayed

Welbeck injury fears allayed

IleJadi - Danny Welbeck has recovered enough from a kick to the knee to train ahead of United's Boxing Day meeting with Hull City.

Having opened the scoring in last Saturday's 3-1 win over West Ham, the striker was forced off early in the second half of the match, leading to concerns that a knee problem that kept him out of action in October and November had flared up again.

However, with the Reds due to play three important Barclays Premier League games over the next week, the manager says that the 23-year-old has not suffered a serious injury ahead of the festive fixture programme.

"It's only a kick to his knee," said Moyes. "I didn't know exactly what it was after the game. He'd had a knee problem a few weeks ago, but this was a kick to it. He's trained and we hope that he's OK. My worry was, 'is this the same knee that caused him a problem?' But it was a kick right in the kneecap. It's a contact injury, not anything to do with cartilage or anything else."

Robin van Persie's current absence with a thigh problem has allowed Welbeck to step into the breach up front for the Reds, and Moyes is keen for the Manchester-born forward to build on the recent form that has seen him back among the goals for United.

He added: "I think Danny's a really good player, and I want him to become a really good goalscorer. He's got three in the last three games, so that's a good record for him and he has to try to keep that level up."

There are no major concerns over captain Nemanja Vidic, absent since the defeat to Newcastle on 7 December. "Vida's fine, he also had a bad throat the other week, and he had an injury when he came back so we just had to look after him, but he is fine." (mu)

Cleverley responds to fans

Cleverley responds to fans

IleJadi - Is playing for United your ultimate dream? - Jack Dean
Yes, it always has been. When I was a young lad, it seemed a bit far-fetched, but being around the training ground benefited me because I knew how the first team operated. Stepping stones like that have helped me achieve my dream. It's now my dream to play for this club for 10 or 15 years.

What is it like to play behind Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney? - JJ Vince
It's brilliant. What stands out is that when a tough match is heading for a draw, one of them can just win it out of nowhere. Those players are priceless.

Who is the best player in the world? - Maria Ruiz Perez
It's definitely got to be Cristiano Ronaldo of late, he's just been unstoppable - scoring two or three goals in every game. He took Portugal to the World Cup and he's been in great form.

How do you feel to be playing in the same team as Ryan Giggs? - Edeh Uche
It's an honour. He's such a great example, to have the motivation to carry on after all his achievements. It's a privilege to play alongside Ryan and I'm still learning from him.

Who is the funniest player at United? - Tarekegn Aau
Patrice Evra makes me really laugh, he's right up there. I'd say it's between Pat, Welbs and Wazza. And Fletch is a dark horse, he’s got some good, dry banter. I've known Welbs the longest, so his jokes are getting a bit old now!(mu)

Robben ends Bayern run of final misery

Robben ends Bayern run of final misery

IleJadi - For the third time in four seasons, FC Bayern München reached the UEFA Champions League final – and, unlike in 2010 and 2012, on this occasion the Munich club prevailed to lift their fifth European Cup.

With defeats against FC Internazionale Milano and, most painfully, Chelsea FC fresh in the memory, Bayern were in determined mood from the season's outset – despite an unexpected loss at FC BATE Borisov on matchday two. First in Group F, Jupp Heynckes' side then eliminated Arsenal FC and Juventus in the knockout rounds before emphasising their quality with a remarkable 7-0 aggregate demolition of FC Barcelona in the last four – the biggest victory in a UEFA Champions League semi-final.

Waiting for Bayern at Wembley were Borussia Dortmund, marking the fourth final between clubs from the same country in the competition's history. Jürgen Klopp's young team had failed to negotiate the group stage in 2011/12 and were handed another tough draw this time, alongside the champions of Spain (Real Madrid CF), England (Manchester City FC) and the Netherlands (AFC Ajax).

Unlike a year ago, however, Dortmund not only survived but thrived, finishing clear of Madrid at the top of the section – with City down in fourth. After FC Shakhtar Donetsk had been overcome in the round of 16, it appeared that debutants Málaga CF would end the Dortmund journey in the quarter-finals, only for Marco Reus and Felipe Santana to score in added time and send Dortmund into the last four. There they faced a reunion with Madrid and – thanks mainly to Robert Lewandowski becoming the first player to score four times in a European Cup semi-final – Klopp's charges emerged unscathed from Madrid's second-leg fightback to book their place in north London.

Dortmund started positively in their second UEFA Champions League final, yet fell behind on the hour as Mario Mandžukić tapped in Arjen Robben's cross. İlkay Gündoğan's penalty swiftly levelled matters – the first goal Bayern had conceded in the tournament in 432 minutes – though it was the Bundesliga champions who looked more likely to snatch a late winner. So it proved in the 89th minute as Robben wriggled through to take the trophy to Bavaria for the first time since 2001.

That was the culmination of a season full of drama and intrigue. Paris Saint-Germain FC collected the most points in the group stage with 15 – Carlo Ancelotti's side went on to reach the last eight for the first time since 1994/95 – while Chelsea became the first holders to fall at the initial group stage, finishing behind Juventus and Shakhtar in Group E.

Málaga celebrated their first appearance in the competition with victories in their opening three games and ended up above seven-time winners AC Milan in Group C. Galatasaray AŞ recovered from taking one point from their first three matches to come runners-up to Manchester United FC in Group H. Meanwhile, becoming the first foreign team to win at Arsenal since September 2003 helped FC Schalke 04 finish ahead of their English rivals at the Group B summit.

In the round of 16, Real Madrid won an epic tie against United while Barça bounced back from a 2-0 first-leg defeat at Milan to triumph 4-0 at the Camp Nou. Both Spanish giants would drop in the semi-finals, though, as the 2012/13 UEFA Champions League took on a German accent – with Munich having the final say.(uefa)

Pedro puts Barcelona back on top

Pedro puts Barcelona back on top

IleJadi - Pedro Rodríguez's hat-trick helped FC Barcelona recover from 2-0 down to beat Getafe CF 5-2 and return top of the Liga ahead of the winter break, while Real Madrid CF won as well.

FC Barcelona returned to the top of the Liga table ahead of Spain's winter break with a 5-2 comeback success at Getafe CF, Pedro Rodríguez weighing in with a nine-minute hat-trick.

With Lionel Messi still injured and Neymar suspended, Pedro was tasked with filling in up front for Barcelona, who were stunned by goals from Sergio Escudero and Lisandro López inside the opening 14 minutes. Pedro turned the match around before the break, however, collecting a Cesc Fàbregas pass to score his first in the 34th minute and adding two more in quick succession.

Fàbregas then latched onto a Pedro cross to send Barça two goals clear and the former Arsenal FC midfielder converted a penalty after Pedro had been fouled by Borja Fernández. The victory lifted Gerardo Martino's side back to the summit on goal difference ahead of Club Atlético de Madrid, whom they visit on 11 January.

Five points back, third-placed Real Madrid CF required an 82nd-minute strike from substitute Jesé to win 3-2 at Valencia CF. Ángel Di María had put the visitors in front close to the half-hour, but Pablo Piatti responded and Jérémy Mathieu then cancelled out Cristiano Ronaldo's goal before Jesé made the difference.

Elsewhere, fourth-placed Athletic Club beat Real Valladolid CF 2-1, Christian Stuani struck twice as RCD Espanyol defeated Real Valladolid CF 4-2, and the match between RC Celta de Vigo and CA Osasuna ended 1-1.(uefa)

Story so far: Barcelona

Story so far: Barcelona

IleJadi - The spectre of being eliminated 7-0 by FC Bayern München in last season's traumatic semi-final is the backdrop to FC Barcelona's intense desire to put things right in the UEFA Champions League this term. Now with the added interest of their first Argentinian coach since FIFA World Cup winner César Luis Menotti in 1983, the task for the incoming Gerardo Martino was to draw the utmost out of experienced but ageing stalwarts like Xavi Hernández and Carles Puyol, cope when Lionel Messi's injury problems impacted again and encourage the unveiling of Neymar's newly signed skills.

Story so far
Although retaining their Liga title in the face of a resurgent challenge from the city of Madrid would always loom heavily over 2013/14, the fact Barcelona have been beaten semi-finalists six times and tournament winners three times since 2000 – added to that Bavarian humiliation last spring – indicates how significant the UEFA Champions League is to Camp Nou executives, players and fans.

Moreover, the draw blessed them with the opportunity to pit themselves against Celtic FC, who famously defeated them at Parkhead last term, and a first competitive meeting with AFC Ajax. Indeed, that debut visit to Amsterdam brought Martino's first reverse in all competitions, as late as 26 November, while it took dogged performances to secure four points from trips to Glasgow and Milan.

However, 13 goals and some sparkling football in Camp Nou victories against all their rivals marked the Catalans down as serious knockout round opponents for whoever drew them. The heavily Spanish-influenced Manchester City FC, it transpired.

Pivotal moment
Unquestionably in Glasgow. Neil Lennon's side played with equal, if not more, intelligence and energy than in winning this fixture 2-1 last season. Víctor Valdés's goal came under something of an onslaught and, with Messi injured, Martino was looking around for solutions. He found them with the introduction of Alexis Sánchez and the team's new tactic of occasionally playing longer, earlier passes.

Neymar has usually been the target of these sometimes controversial tactics. At Celtic Park he drew a pass down, held it, served Alexis on the right and the ensuing headed goal from Cesc Fàbregas came out of the 'extremely difficult to execute but highly gratifying to score' category. Three precious away points.

Key player: Lionel Messi
Sergio Busquets, Gerard Piqué, Neymar and Valdés all have claims. Yet it is testimony to his extraordinary powers and influence on this club that, despite playing just three times in Group H, it must be Messi. Six goals in those 270 minutes, one of them the equaliser in Milan on a pitch Barça were not enjoying and against a Rossoneri side with their tails up, meant that by the time of his eventual lay-off the 26-year-old had scored sufficiently to guarantee the Spanish champions seven points.

Rising star: Neymar
How smoothly he has fitted in, seems remarkable considering it took him until matchday six to find his debut goal in the tournament. At 21, having changed continents and after a draining FIFA Confederations Cup, the Brazilian international has charmed everyone with his modest demeanour and impressed in the way he has harnessed what were, previously, slightly anarchic skills. Either playing wide left or deputising in what has become known as the 'false 9' role when Messi is injured, Neymar has been an electric hit, totalling ten goals and a handful of assists in all competitions. A star is born.

Number: 4
The number of times Messi has suffered muscle strains since pulling up injured in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes last spring. His latest muscle tear caused the forward to sit out the latter part of 2013, recuperating in Argentina, but in theory the Ballon D'Or holder will be back in top form well before the knockout rounds begin.

Quote
"The tempo of our play is increasing as the season develops. We have a new coach and step by step he's teaching us precisely what he demands of us. We are both taking hold of and applying his concepts. You can see that in our play."
Piqué gives the 'stay calm and keep on winning' message.

Next challenge: Manchester City FC
(Away: 18 February, home: 12 March)
As soon as Luís Figo paired his former employers with Manuel Pellegrini's rising Sky Blues side, the neutral football fan won the lottery. Given their current scoring rates this season, the teams are on target to have registered close to 200 goals between them on all fronts by the time they meet in February.

All over the pitch there are individual skill battles which tantalise, and either manager immediately announced of the opposition, "They won't be pleased at having drawn us." The principal task for both sets of back-room staff will be to use the coming weeks to get four main players – Messi, Sergio Aguëro, Pablo Zabaleta and Valdés – fit again. Roll on February.(uefa)

Iniesta commits future to Barcelona

Iniesta commits future to Barcelona

IleJadi - FC Barcelona midfielder Andrés Iniesta will remain at Camp Nou until summer 2018 after Azulgrana president Sandro Rosell confirmed the 29-year-old has agreed terms on a new contract.

Iniesta – who joined Barcelona aged 12 and has gone on to register 48 goals in 479 games in all competitions – has secured a three-year extension with the Spanish champions and current Liga leaders.

Since making his debut in a UEFA Champions League tie at Club Brugge KV in 2002, the Albacete-born player has collected three UEFA Champions League winners' medals and six Liga titles. Iniesta has also triumphed on the international stage where – across 93 appearances for Spain – he won UEFA EURO 2008, UEFA EURO 2012 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, scoring the clinching goal against the Netherlands in South Africa.

Gerardo Martino's team will continue their quest for European glory when they resume their UEFA Champions League challenge in the round of 16 against Manchester City FC on 18 February and 12 March.(uefa)

Tottenham a shambles and directors of football don't work, says Jeff Stelling

Franco Baldini: not taking the blame at Tottenham

Tottenham a shambles and directors of football don't work, says Jeff Stelling

IleJadi - It's always the manager who carries the can while the director of football gets away with it and that appears to be the case with Franco Baldini at Tottenham.

We've read all the stories this week that Andre Villas-Boas was unhappy with the signings made over the summer that the director of football and Daniel Levy made. It doesn't exonerate AVB from the blame because he should have been stronger than that.

You can't accept players being signed if they're not the players that you want but the Tottenham modus operandi over the years has been that they wanted a director of football.

Daniel Levy had this vision 10 years ago that Tottenham should have a continental structure so he tried Frank Arnesen - who left to go to Chelsea, he tried Damien Comolli who in my view was not a great success and now he's trying Franco Baldini.

I do not believe directors of football, generally speaking, work in this country, I don't think it's a great idea. If you look at the best sides and the best managers they are strong, independent individuals who maintain most of the power at football clubs.

The obvious example is Sir Alex Ferguson, who did not have a director of football. Yes, David Gill would complete the transfers but Fergie would be the one to decide precisely who he wanted.

People say directors of football can work because they'll discuss with managers who they want and what their options are. But with a strong and powerful manager there shouldn't be any discussions, it should be a case of the manager makes the decisions and the manager demands and acts upon them because he is the one who lives and dies by it.

Arsene Wenger is the same story. Look at Arsenal's comparable success and director of football? No chance.

Apparently when Brendan Rodgers joined Liverpool he talked the club out of having a sporting director in Louis van Gaal because he wanted complete control and look at what they're doing at the moment.

There are far more examples of it failing than it working; Dennis Wise was parachuted in above Kevin Keegan at Newcastle, there was Gianluca Nani at West Ham when Alan Curbishley was in charge.

I think you need to appoint the manager and have faith that he will make the right decisions. I know they've got big workloads and it's hard with the amount of duties they've got in terms of training and matches, but that's what they're earning big money for.

The other thing with Spurs that I can't understand is that if they've got a director of football in Baldini and if Daniel Levy clearly wants an input as well then what does he want in a manager?

Presumably they want someone that they can tell 'right we'll give you the players you go off and coach them'.

Did he think that AVB was going to be a tracksuit coach and be out there coaching all these wonderful players that he's brought in? Absolutely not, he's a man that gave a PowerPoint presentation to get the job as manager. He's not your hands-on guy down at the training ground every week as far as I understand it. So in every respect I think the Spurs vision was always blurred.

The situation at the moment is a total shambles. It's easy to talk in hindsight but in my view Andre Villas-Boas was the wrong choice; he failed at Chelsea and had fallen out with the players, I didn't understand what there was to recommend him and it was a bad appointment.

They've got Tim Sherwood in charge, temporarily at least. He's a cracking guy with good ideas but it's hard to start your first job in charge of players that have cost £20million to £30million and will have big egos.

They're a total mess and where will they look to next? They better find someone quick because that Champions League spot is disappearing over the horizon at a rate of knots and they're now out of the Capital One Cup, a competition we sometimes turn our noses up at, but it would have been a piece of silverware.

Let's not forget that Harry Redknapp took Spurs to the Champions League and gave them a fantastic run and they would have been in the competition the following year had it not been for the freak of Chelsea winning the Champions League. The decision to sack him was one of the biggest mistakes that Daniel Levy will ever have made. He was doing a terrific job.

Levy clearly wants to have an influence on the club and it is his money that's going into it so I sort of understand that he wants that. But when you have an input you have to make sure it's good and not taking the club in the wrong direction.

They've got Southampton away this Sunday which is not ideal. There's often a new manager bounce but there was none of that present in the cup defeat to West Ham on Wednesday and they're going to be at rock bottom.

It's going to be interesting to see how they approach a Southampton side who, despite a couple of setbacks, are still playing some sparkling football and the sort of football that Spurs fans would love to see their team play.

JEFF'S GEM OF THE WEEK

Liverpool's performance last weekend at White Hart Lane hasn't quite got the credit it deserved because of all the aftermath of AVB's dismissal but they weren't just good, they were breath-taking.

Without Steven Gerrard or Daniel Sturridge and they were still a joy to watch. It's no exaggeration to say they could have scored 10 or 12 and I think Brendan Rodgers deserves massive credit because he's getting the best out of, not just Luis Suarez, but Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling, Lucas, Joe Allen, Jon Flanagan - they were just absolutely brilliant.

In the Daily Telegraph I read that Burnley manager Sean Dyche had had dinner with Brendan Rodgers and had said to him 'do you realise the hopes of a lot of young British managers hinge on your shoulders? You have to show that young British managers can succeed at the highest level.' In which case I'd say that Rodgers is not just doing himself a huge favour but also doing young British mangers a favour because people will look and see that you don't have to have some flash and fancy foreign pedigree. Brendan Rodgers, a brilliant young manager, can maybe give others like Sean Dyche the chance to follow in his footsteps.(skysport)

Capital One Cup: Stoke City 0 Manchester United 2

 Capital One Cup: Stoke City 0 Manchester United 2

IleJadi - Manchester United survived a freakish first-half hailstorm to beat Stoke City 2-0 and book a place in the Capital One Cup semi-finals courtesy of Ashley Young's first goal in 19 months and a rare right-footed Patrice Evra effort.

The Reds faced a typically resolute Stoke home display and the game had to be stopped for around eight minutes during the first half as hailstones rattled through the Britannia Stadium and forced referee Mark Clattenburg to lead the players off the field.

The opening 45 minutes offered little to excite the senses, except that stormy interlude, but Young had its best chance after three minutes with an angled shot from 15 yards that hit the side-netting. On 22 minutes Anderson tested Thomas Sorensen with a low drive, while Stoke fizzed a few dangerous crosses into the United box without truly threatening David De Gea's goal.

In the second half, Evra and Welbeck had half-chance headers from corners, but David Moyes recognised a need for greater urgency and speed to his side's play. Javier Hernandez replaced Anderson before the hour and made an immediate impact in the build-up to the first goal. But Young's finish was simply breathtaking, rifling the ball into the roof of the net on 62 minutes - his first goal since May 2012 when he scored against Swansea.

Young then played a part in United's second, laying the ball inside for Evra, who cut into the box and curled a right-foot shot into the top corner to seal victory.