England sink Brazil in SheBelieves Cup after Mead strike

Chester (United States) (AFP) – Arsenal forward Beth Mead scored a thunderous winner as England came from behind to defeat Brazil 2-1 in the opening game of the SheBelieves Cup friendly international tournament on Wednesday.

Second-half substitute Mead crashed in a spectacular angled shot on 75 minutes at Chester’s Talen Energy Stadium to ensure the Lionesses got off to a winning start in the four-team round-robin competition.

Ellen White had earlier hauled England back into the match with an equaliser in the 49th minute after Brazil had taken the lead through a controversial Andressa penalty on 16 minutes.

Hosts the United States play Japan later Wednesday in the second of the day’s games in the tournament, a key warm-up event ahead of this year’s Women’s World Cup in France.

England, the 2015 World Cup semi-finalists, will be pleased with an opening victory after recovering from the setback of conceding an early goal.

Brazil opened the scoring from the penalty spot after after Brazil captain Marta caught England counterpart Steph Houghton in possession near halfway and surged into the English penalty area.

The Brazilian veteran of four World Cup campaigns cut inside only to be dispossessed by what looked like a perfectly judged tackle by English fullback Lucy Bronze. 

US referee Ekaterina Koroleva adjudged the tackle a foul however and pointed to the spot, waving away English protests.

Andressa then stepped up to ram home the spot-kick past England keeper Carly Telford.

The Lionesses did get back on level terms four minutes into the second half however with a goal that owed everything to the clever industry of Fran Kirby, the lively Chelsea playmaker  threading a pass through to White, who finished past Aline for 1-1.

Aline then denied Nikita Parris a second goal for England, diving at full stretch to save the Manchester City winger’s goalbound header in the 58th minute.

The introduction of Mead for Karen Carney after 66 minutes by England manager Phil Neville proved a masterstroke, however.

Nine minutes later it paid off as Mead uncorked a rasping shot from wide on the right that flew into the top corner for the winner.

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Dortmund eager to learn from Bayern slip-up at Augsburg

Berlin (AFP) – Lucien Favre says his Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund must learn from Bayern Munich’s stumble against Friday’s opponents Augsburg to stay ahead in the tense title race.

With just under a third of the season left, recent poor results have slashed Dortmund’s lead from nine to just three points before Friday’s trip south to Augsburg, where Bayern came perilously close to a shock defeat a fortnight ago.

The defending champions leaked two goals from crosses, including a weak own-goal by Leon Goretzka 13 seconds into the Bavarian derby, and needed two Kingsley Coman goals to draw level before David Alaba scored the winner in a 3-2 victory.

Dortmund had their own close shave at home to Augsburg last October in a seven-goal thriller after replacement Paco Alcacer claimed a hat-trick by drilling home a stunning 96th-minute free-kick to seal a dramatic 4-3 win.

Augsburg sit just above the relegation places, but their winger Philipp Max still found lots of space on the flanks against Bayern and Favre, Dortmund’s head coach, expects a few more surprises from Manuel Baum’s side.

“Augsburg played very well the last time we faced them, they change their tactics regularly,” said Favre on Wednesday.

“Against Bayern, they played some high risk football and caused a few problems. Augsburg have a lot of goal chances in every game.”

– Last Spurs’ tune-up –

This will be Dortmund’s final chance to tune up before next Tuesday’s all-or-nothing Champions League clash at home to Tottenham Hotspur with the Germans needing to overturn a 3-0 deficit after being thumped in the last 16, first leg tie at Wembley.

Dortmund hope to welcome back Marco Reus, their captain and chief goal-scorer, at Augsburg after missing nearly four weeks with a thigh strain, during which his side went five games without a win, but Lukasz Piszczek is out with a foot injury.

Last Sunday’s 3-2 victory at Bayer Leverkusen, when stand-in skipper Mario Goetze and England winger Jadon Sancho supplied key goals, ended Dortmund’s slump.

“It was important to win again,” explained the Swiss coach.

“Leverkusen played very well, but we’re always learning and everyone was a part of that.”

On Saturday, Bayern, who have won ten of their last 11 league games, have a tricky away trip to faltering Borussia Moenchengladbach, who inflicted a stunning 3-0 defeat on the Bavarian giants at the Allianz Arena when the sides met in October.

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Juventus aim to end title discussion at Napoli

Rome (AFP) – Juventus travel to Napoli on Sunday looking to close the book on a Serie A title race that has hardly looked in doubt since the opening day of the season.

Under previous coach Maurizio Sarri, Napoli had become Juve’s biggest rivals and last season even managed to take the title race down to the final weeks.

But managed by Carlo Ancelotti this campaign they have failed to provide a challenge for the champions, who are odds-on to clinch their eighth straight “Scudetto” regardless of what happens at the San Paolo stadium on Sunday night.

“The race has finished too quickly,” said Jose Mourinho, who won the treble with Inter Milan in 2010, in an interview with the Gazzetta Dello Sport.

Juve are 13 points clear and that gap has taken some of the sting out of what is one of Italy’s iconic fixtures, as well as leaving little room for drama at the top.

“Juventus aren’t facing much of a challenge, and while that’s obviously good for them, it’s a negative for Italian football,” Mourinho added.

That lack of threat means that coach Massimiliano Allegri can rest Cristiano Ronaldo for the trip after he picked up an ankle knock during the 1-0 win at Bologna at the weekend.

On Wednesday, Juve revealed that the Portuguese would have scans on his left ankle and it would be no surprise if the 34-year-old were left out, as with the title all but wrapped up his team’s season rests on the second leg of their of Champions League last 16 clash with Atletico Madrid on March 12.

Ronaldo was signed partly in the hope he would fire Juve to continental glory for the first time in over two decades so it would be no surprise to see him left to recover fully with a view to overturning the 2-0 defeat they suffered at the Wanda Metropolitano.

His absence will be a boon to Napoli, who are unbeaten at home this season in all competitions and haven’t conceded a goal in five matches.

– Rome derby drama –

While the title race is all but wrapped up, the race for the Champions League is hotting up as Roma prepare for the biggest game of their season — a Rome derby against Lazio that could have a huge impact on their European hopes.

Eusebio Di Francesco’s side are a point behind fourth-place AC Milan, who occupy the last Champions League spot, and three away from Inter Milan in third despite a disappointing season that has seen the coach’s position frequently questioned.

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‘We can do better’, says Guardiola as City stay in title hunt

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola accepted his side “can be better” after a 1-0 win over West Ham at the Etihad on Wednesday kept them in the hunt to retain their Premier League title and a remarkable quadruple of trophies.

Just days after a penalty shoot-out win over Chelsea at Wembley saw City to victory in the League Cup final, Guardiola’s men were indebted to a 59th-minute spot-kick from Sergio Aguero for a victory that left the English champions a point behind leaders Liverpool

With the League Cup already in their trophy cabinet, a City side also still involved in the FA Cup and Champions League could yet end the season having won a remarkable four major pieces of silverware in the one campaign. 

They didn’t make life easy for themselves on Wednesday and were indebted to what West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini labelled a “soft” penalty, awarded when Felipe Anderson made contact with City substitute Bernardo Silva, for giving Aguero the chance to score the lone goal. 

“We played so well. You see the result, 1-0, you think it could be better,” said Guardiola. “Of course we created an incredible amount of chances. 

“The first five minutes could be 2-0, with three clear chances. But the performance in the way we defended second balls, we did everything. After 120 minutes (against Chelsea), the tension we played with was amazing. We made an incredible performance. I’m so delighted with the way we play.”

Guardiola added: “We could have scored a second one, it could have been easy. Unfortunately it was so demanding. 

“Every three days is tough. We can better. If we scored the second or third goal but we played a really good game.”

– ‘Not a penalty’ –

Meanwhile Pellegrini, who led City to the title in 2014, was adamant Anderson should not have been penalised for the contact he made with Bernardo Silva.

“To be generous, it was a little soft,” said Pellegrini. “That is too generous really. It was not a penalty.”

The Chilean added: “I’m not happy with the result because it was not a penalty. Bernardo Silva threw himself down when he felt a touch. 

“Lanzini had the same thing but didn’t go down, so the referee didn’t whistle.

“They didn’t score another goal, we defended very well. (Lukasz) Fabianski’s first save was in minute 61 and after that they only had a couple of chances. You don’t normally see Man City in the last four minutes trying to delay the game to finish 1-0.”

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Chase down Tottenham, Emery urges five-star Arsenal

London (AFP) – Unai Emery urged Arsenal to take the chance to chase down Tottenham in the north London derby on Saturday after sweeping aside Bournemouth 5-1 on Wednesday to close to within four points of Spurs.

Mesut Ozil made the most of being handed a rare start by Emery as the German and Henrikh Mkhitaryan masterminded an excellent performance from the Gunners to remain a point clear of Manchester United in fourth.

Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Tottenham at Stamford Bridge means the gap between third and sixth is now down to seven points in the battle for two Champions League places next season. 

“Yes, it’s a big motivation,” said Emery of the chance to further close the gap on Spurs in third. 

“We have a great opportunity on Saturday, they are at the moment better than us in the table.”

Emery now has a welcome selection headache for the visit to Wembley as Ozil and Mkhitaryan starred on their first start together in the league since November.

Emery has been reluctant to use Arsenal’s highest earner in his debut season in charge as Ozil was making just his second league start of the year.

Yet, the former Real Madrid midfielder showed why Arsenal handed him a contract worth a reported £350,000 a week last January by rolling back the years in a freer role alongside Mkhitaryan.

Arsenal were helped along the way by some feeble Bournemouth defending as the Cherries succumbed to a 10 consecutive away defeat.

“It was a difficult night for us, epitomised by the start of the match and we never truly recovered,” said Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe.

“We weren’t good in any aspect of the game, with or without the ball or mentally. We have to reflect on that honestly.”

Artur Boruc should have got a stronger hand to Ozil’s shot that bounced over the Polish goalkeeper to give the hosts a perfect start after just four minutes.

Bournemouth caused their own problems again in the build-up to Arsenal’s second as Adam Smith gifted possession to Mkhitaryan, but it was still brilliantly pounced upon as the Armenian exchanged passes with Ozil before slotting into an empty net.

A hint of complacency cost Arsenal moments later when Matteo Guendouzi was caught in possession on the edge of his own box by Dan Gosling and he squared for Lys Mousset to roll into an empty net.

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Victory can save season, says Chelsea boss Sarri after Kepa axed

London (AFP) – Maurizio Sarri believes Chelsea’s crucial 2-0 win over Tottenham can save their season after his decision to drop Wembley rebel Kepa Arrizabalaga paid off on Wednesday.

Pedro’s second half strike and a farcical own goal from Kieran Trippier were a much-needed boost for Sarri as the Chelsea manager fights to avoid the sack following a turbulent first season in charge.

Sarri’s standing had been severely undermined by Kepa after the rebellious keeper sparked an astonishing meltdown from the Italian when he refused to be substituted during Sunday’s League Cup final.

Sarri was furious when Kepa ignored his decision to take him off after he required treatment for cramp in the closing stages of their penalty shoot-out defeat to Manchester City.

Kepa apologised for his behaviour, but the 24-year-old was punished with a fine of one week’s wages before Sarri attempted to regain control of his squad by selecting Argentine veteran Willy Caballero in his place at Stamford Bridge.

Caballero kept a confident clean-sheet while Kepa languished on the bench and Chelsea produced a committed display that suggested Sarri’s players still back their beleaguered boss.

With Arsenal and Manchester United both winning on Wednesday, Chelsea remain in sixth place — three points outside the top four — but there is now a little hope for Sarri after a difficult period.

Asked if the result could be a springboard for a positive end to the season, Sarri said: “We hope so. Most important we need the consistency of performances and results.

“It was really very important because we are fighting for the top four.”

Sarri revealed Kepa would still be his first choice goalkeeper going forward and he insisted he was never concerned about the mounting sense of crisis around his club.

“The problem wasn’t so big as you write. In this job you are under pressure every day, or if you are lucky every six weeks,” he said.

“Kepa made a big mistake and then paid with the club. In this match he has to pay for the team. It was only a message for all the team.

“Now we stop the question, it is behind us and in the future Kepa will be with us.”

Successive defeats at Burnley and now against their bitter London rivals have left third placed Tottenham’s title bid in tatters.

They have lost four consecutive away matches in all competitions for the first time in 10 years and lie nine points adrift of leaders Liverpool.

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Lukaku’s striking ambition pleases Solskjaer as Man Utd beat Palace

London (AFP) – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was glad to see Romelu Lukaku making the most of playing in his favoured central striker role with two goals in Manchester United’s 3-1 win at Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

Lukaku has been asked to fill in on the flanks in recent weeks, with caretaker United manager Solskjaer preferring to employ Marcus Rashford through the middle.

But with Rashford not fully fit and named amongst the substitutes at Selhurst Park, Lukaku was restored to his preferred position and responded with a goal in each half to complete a win that maintained Solskjaer’s unbeaten run in the Premier League to 11 games since he took charge in mid-December.

And the manager, himself a former United striker, was in no doubt that the positional switch had played a key role in Belgium international Lukaku scoring his first goals in 10 appearances.

“He was through the middle today, we created chances for him, he put them away well,” said Solskjaer.

“He’s done loads of running up and down the line, right wing, left wing, he’s had a different role because of Rashford’s form of course.

“Today he got a chance up front, two very good finishes, could have had another one as well earlier on, so very pleased for Rom, he is a quality finisher.”

– ‘Professional boy’ –

Solskjaer added he had been impressed by the player’s attitude during a period when he has slipped down the pecking order at the club — a situation he also had to endure during his own playing days at Old Trafford.

“He’s a professional boy, a good boy, it’s great to have him in and around the place, always happy, always working on his finishing,” said Solskjaer.

“I think he’s played more than you think actually, but he’s played wide right, wide left, so it’s Rash’s form that has moved him out there, now with Rash’s injury he grabbed the chance.”

Victory in south London kept United on the fringes of the top four and Solskjaer said had been concerned about the prospect of facing Palace after a testing run of fixtures including the Champions League first-leg clash with Paris Saint-Germain, the FA Cup win against Chelsea and the drawn Premier League clash with leaders Liverpool.

Asked to explain the secret behind his side’s run of eight successive away wins, Solskjaer — an increasingly strong favourite to succeed sacked former United manager Jose Mourinho on a permanent basis — replied: “I explain it by having good players and preparing well for the games, tactically.

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