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Barca, Sevilla in nine-goal thriller

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Barcelona substitute Pedro scored deep into extra time to secure the European Super Cup with a 5-4 win over Sevilla.

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Barcelona substitute Pedro scored deep into extra time to secure the European Super Cup with a 5-4 win over Sevilla in a thriller on Tuesday after they surrendered a three-goal lead in Tbilisi.

Barca said before the game that Pedro wanted to leave the club but the 28-year-old came on to win the trophy, just as he did in 2009, pouncing on a rebound from a Lionel Messi shot.

Messi had himself scored a double with two stunning early free kicks while Rafinha and Luis Suarez also netted for the Catalans, who led 4-1 with just over half an hour left.

Barca's fifth triumph in the competition, which means they have now won four trophies this year, moved them level with AC Milan on the all-time Uefa Super Cup winners list.

“I got the goal but it was down to the work of the team and I am happy with the win,” said Pedro. “When you know you may leave it is difficult. I was angry about not starting the game but as always I tried to be professional and go out and help.”

Ever Banega had given Europa League winners Sevilla the lead with a free-kick after three minutes but Messi stamped his mark on the game with stunning free-kicks after seven and 16 minutes.

The Argentine's double for the Champions League holders means he is again joint record scorer in European competition with Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo on 80 goals.

Rafinha slotted home a Luis Suarez pass just before the break and the Uruguayan scored himself after the restart having been found by Sergio Busquets to put Barca firmly in command.

Sevilla, though, fought back with goals from Jose Antonio Reyes, after 57 minutes, and Kevin Gameiro, with a penalty in the 72nd, before Yevhen Konoplyanka equalised with 10 minutes left to force the game into extra time.

“We went out looking to be creative and to cause danger,” Sevilla coach Unai Emery told a news conference

“To get to European finals you need to earn respect and so attack the opposition which is what we did.

“I don't think that we got the reward we deserved from the game. We had clear chances at the end and Barca were looking worried.”

With Neymar out due to mumps, Barca coach Luis Enrique chose Rafinha ahead of Pedro in attack but three minutes into extra time the Canary Islander got his chance and made the most of it.

Pedro fired the winner into the roof of the net from close range with five minutes left as Barca stayed on track to win six trophies this calendar year on the back of last season's treble.

Pedro also came off the bench in the 2009 Super Cup final against Shakhtar Donetsk to score in the 115th minute and secure a 1-0 victory for Barca after they had won their first treble.

“We knew that this would be a difficult game and this really showed the merit of the team. It is difficult to win trophies and games,” the Barca coach said.

I am very happy with the way that we won and showed the hard work that is necessary.

“We didn't know what to expect and it shows what you have to do to win a trophy.

“It was great for the fans and after 50 minutes it looked as though the game was over but against a rival like that you never know.” – Reuters

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Lawyer to lead Fifa’s reform push

Fifa has named Swiss lawyer Francois Carrard to lead the soccer body’s Reform Committee.

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Zurich - Fifa on Tuesday appointed Swiss lawyer Francois Carrard, who helped restore the Olympic movement's credibility after the Salt Lake City scandal, to lead the world football governing body's Reform Committee.

Carrard, 77, previously guided the International Olympic Committee through its own governance reforms in the wake of the bribery scandal-hit Winter Olympics of 2002.

Fifa is currently reeling from its own corruption turmoil after seven football officials were arrested in a raid on a Zurich hotel on the eve of a Fifa congress in May.

“It is vital for the future of global football to restore the integrity and reputation of its governing body,” said Carrard.

“It's a very significant crisis, on a par with what I came across at the IOC between 1998 to 2000,” he told a tele-conference call.

“Once again we have accusations of corruption, structural reforms to put in place, interference from the political world and sponsors.

“There are similarities (with the Olympics), even if the situations are different and that the world has changed in the past 15 years.”

He said he had accepted Fifa's call to help as he considered it “important to find reforms which are acceptable to all to restore Fifa's credibility”.

“I've got this experience of already having sporting crises to manage,” he added.

Carrard was appointed following consultation with the six football confederations and he will be assisted by representatives from two of each.

“As the independent chairman, I am committed to delivering the necessary package of credible reforms, working with representatives from within football and wider society.

“To that end, I will establish an independent advisory board, made up of representatives from outside football, to support the work of the committee and provide an additional layer of independent expertise.”

The Reform Committee will provide a preliminary update to the Fifa Executive Committee at its regular quarterly meeting on September 24-25, Fifa said in a statement.

Fifa President Sepp Blatter, who is due to stand down in February next year when a new election will be held, said Carrard was the “right man” with a “proven track record”.

He added: “We are confident that he can help Fifa to strengthen its governance structures in a credible and meaningful way.”

The corruption scandal hit Blatter hard, with the Swiss chief, 79, subsequently vowing to step down despite winning a fifth term in May's elections in Zurich.

The vote came two days after the arrests of the seven Fifa officials, who are among 14 people facing charges in the United States over more than $150 million of bribes for marketing and broadcasting contracts.

In parallel, Swiss investigators are looking into the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar respectively.

The scandal led high-profile Fifa sponsors McDonald's, Coca-Cola and Visa to back calls for an independent reform commission.

Blatter said: “Fifa's commercial partners will also play a key role in the reforms, and we will be discussing with them the most productive way to include their views.”

Those commercial partners will also appoint two representatives to the commission.

AFP

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Floodlight failure delays Pirates match

Play was suspended due to a floodlight failure in the Premiership match between SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates.

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Polokwane – Play was suspended due to a floodlight failure in the Premiership match between SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates at Peter Mokaba Stadium, in Polokwane, on Tuesday evening.

One of the floodlights went out at 8.50pm during the 62nd minute which caused play to be halted. SuperSport led 1-0 after debutant Michael Boxall scored the opener in the 23rd minute of the match.

If no further play were possible on the night, the match would resume from the same point and scoreline at an agreed date between the clubs.

ANA

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English players struggling to make it in EPL

The percentage of English players in top-flight starting line-ups fell below one third during the opening weekend of the Premier League.

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The percentage of English players in top-flight starting line-ups fell below one third during the opening weekend of the Premier League, fueling the FA's concerns about a lack of opportunities for home-grown youngsters, the Times reported.

Of the 220 players who started for Premier League clubs at the weekend, only 73, or 33.2 per cent, were eligible to play for England, the Times said (http://thetim.es/1J8B3f5).

The numbers represent a dip from last season's 35 per cent and a steep fall from 69 per cent in 1992-93, when the Premier League was launched.

The English top-flight already has the lowest proportion of players among Europe's leading leagues.

This season's opening day figures were inflated by newly promoted Bournemouth, who started eight English players against Aston Villa, the Times said.

But fellow new boys Watford, along with Arsenal and Newcastle United, started with just one Englishman.

Champions Chelsea started with two, but one of those was John Terry, who retired from international football three years ago.

Reece Oxford, the 16-year-old sensation who impressed on his debut with West Ham United, was one of just five English teenagers to start a Premier League game at the weekend. The others were Brendan Galloway for Everton, Joe Gomez and Jordan Ibe for Liverpool, and Matt Targett for Southampton.

Greg Dyke, the FA chairman, has already warned that English football is a “tanker that needs turning”, but his efforts to tighten rules to improve prospects for home-grown players have met with resistance from Premier League clubs.

The majority of club managers and chairmen feel they should not have to consider nationality when building their teams and that English players are often too expensive.

Reuters reported last week that the Premier League Chief Executive was also more in favour of helping develop grass-roots football rather than “artificially” increasing quotas for English players in Premier League squads. (http://reut.rs/1J14BcN)

But with many of the English players who did feature already in their late twenties and thirties and therefore unlikely to be called up to the national team, the question of how to boost the numbers of young Englishmen in the top-flight is more pressing than ever before.

Of the more than 500 million pounds ($780 million) spent on top-flight transfers this summer, just over a fifth has been spent on English players, according to the Times.

Nearly half of that 100 million pound outlay was due to Manchester City spending a reported 49 million pounds to buy Raheem Sterling from Liverpool.

With the Premier League sticking to its position that improvement will come through the Elite Player Performance Plan, which requires better standards and facilities as well as more contact hours for academy players, the dearth of young English players in the top-flight seems likely to continue in the near term. – Reuters

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Igesund eyes PSL milestone

Along with Ted Dumitru, Gordon Igesund has won four championships since the advent of the Premier Soccer League in 1996.

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With only one of the Absa Premiership title favourites having begun the season on a victorious note, SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates meet at the Peter Mokaba Stadium tonight keen to put down a marker in the championship race.

Both Matsatsantsa a Pitori and the Buccaneers have been installed as championship contenders along with holders Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns – who were both held goalless in their opening matches at the weekend.

It was Gavin Hunt’s Bidvest Wits who justified their billing as potential winners of the 19th instalment of the Premiership when they overcame Ajax Cape Town 2-1 on Saturday night, with Sundowns failing to score at Platinum Stars and Chiefs unable to breach a Chippa United side reduced to 10 men.

Tonight Gordon Igesund begins his quest to become the sole owner of a championship-winning record when he leads SuperSport against a Pirates side that had a fantastic 2-0 win over CS Sfaxien in a CAF Confederations Cup group match on Saturday night.

Along with Ted Dumitru, Igesund has won four championships since the advent of the Premier Soccer League in 1996 and with ‘Ol’ Loud Mouth’ no longer involved in club football the SuperSport coach has a chance to to claim the record alone.

But he faces a tough challenge from the aforementioned four clubs, with Hunt on course to catch up with Dumitru and Igesund should he lead the Clever Boys to their maiden championship triumph.

Both Pirates and SuperSport go into the league encounter on the back of exits from the MTN8.

Yet with Pirates having bounced back with that fantastic win over Sfaxien, Eric Tinkler’s men will probably descend on the Limpopo capital’s arena the more confident of the two sides.

Tinkler, along with Chiefs’ Steve Komphela, are newcomers to the championship contenders billing with the coaches of the other three sides (Igesund, Hunt and Pitso Mosimane of Sundowns) having already tasted league title glory.

But the Pirates man is unlikely to be overawed by the challenge and will be keen to show club chairman Irvin Khoza that he didn’t err in entrusting him with one of local football’s most difficult tasks.

And while he is already doing so in the continental competition it is on the local front that Tinkler will need to also do well.

Pirates will look to start the league challenge on a positive note and to this effect Tinkler will hope Thabo Rakhale and the rest of his team transfer their continental form to the local scene.

Out in Polokwane though, they will find that SuperSport will be a different outfit to the one they saw struggle in pre-season.

Igesund has shown over the years just how great a specialist he is in the league, the Durbanite having won all his four championships with different teams. While he has spoken down his team’s chances, only an inexperienced campaigner will take him for his word.

While tonight’s result will not determine the destination of the title, there can be no denying that nothing sets the tone for a good run than a positive start. - The Star

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United set to lose out on Ramos

Manchester United are facing an uphill struggle in their battle to secure Sergio Ramos from Real Madrid.

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Manchester United were last night facing an uphill struggle in their battle to secure Sergio Ramos from Real Madrid, with the 29-year-old defender thought to be tempted by a new deal at the Bernabeu in which bonuses would take him to the annual €10m (£7.1m) he has been demanding.

United's hopes of signing the player are not entirely lost, but Real's in-house TV station is preparing pieces for the announcement of a new contract, which seems more likely than not to be agreed.

Rancour between Ramos and the Real president, Florentino Perez, led to the player openly agitating for a move in June. United have retained hopes Ramos would provide some badly needed experience in central defence and that the player's discontent would bring their moves for him to fruition, despite a £28.6m bid being rejected by Real. Ramos staying put would be a blow, as United have also failed to secure Mats Hummels from Borussia Dortmund.

Such an end of the Ramos saga, which has been drawn out all summer, would also call into question whether David De Gea will leave for Madrid this summer. Real appear content with their two goalkeepers, Kiko Casilla, signed from Espanyol this summer, and Keylor Navas.

United's interest in the Barcelona forward Pedro is not under threat of Manchester City hijacking the deal, despite reports to that effect on the Continent. City are not interested in buying either Pedro or Real's Karim Benzema. Their focus is on Kevin De Bruyne, in a deal which is likely to cost €60m (£42.5m) with add-ons, which would take City to the £47m Wolfsburg are thought to be asking. – The Independent

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Blind backs himself at centre-back

Manchester United midfielder Daley Blind insists he possesses the footballing intelligence to flourish as a centre-back.

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Daley Blind may lack the height and power but the Manchester United midfielder insists he possesses the footballing intelligence to flourish as a centre-back.

Manager Louis Van Gaal started the 25-year-old Dutchman alongside Chris Smalling against Tottenham Hotspur in United's Premier League opener, having tried his compatriot out in central defence during pre-season.

United won the game 1-0 thanks to an own goal from Tottenham's Kyle Walker.

Blind was pleased with his performance and the team's clean sheet, and was especially happy about managing to keep the prolific Harry Kane quiet for 90 minutes.

“I got a chance on this occasion and I tried my best. Of course, people always say I don't have the height or the power but I think I'm clever enough and smart enough,” the 5ft 10in Blind told the club's website (www.manutd.com).

“I've said many times before that I just want to play,” he added.

“If you see what everyone can add to the team, then it's a real battle for places and everyone had to fight for a position.

“I think we did well at the back, together with Chris, Luke (Shaw) and Matteo (Darmian) and we get a clean sheet so I was happy,” he said. – Reuters

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Toure produces vintage performance

Yaya Toure is one of the most dominant midfielders in English football but those games were few and far last season.

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London - Yaya Toure rekindled memories of the blockbusting performances that helped Manchester City win two Premier League titles in three seasons, scoring twice in an impressive 3-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion on Monday.

When on song the imposing Toure is one of the most dominant players in European football but those games were few and far between as City finished well adrift in second place last season.

Manuel Pellegrini's side needed to make a statement of intent in their league opener and did so with the long-striding central midfielder Toure leaving the West Brom players floundering in his wake on numerous occasions with powerful runs and incisive passing.

His first goal had an element of fortune, with a double deflection, but a sublime second saw Toure scythe through midfield, exchange passes with compatriot Wilfried Bony, and fire into the top corner.

“I think we saw the Yaya of one season ago, not like last season when he had so many problems,” City manager Manuel Pellegrini told Sky Sports.

“I like attacking football. I like to see good players playing in a technical way so I think the first 30 minutes we did really well.”

With Toure, 32, dominating midfield, Spanish maestro David Silva had the freedom to float undetected between the ranks of West Brom defenders and he was able to pick holes in the hosts' defence at will in another effortless display.

“David, especially in the first half, had a brilliant performance,” Pellegrini said.

Captain Vincent Kompany added a third and the Belgian said he was keen to banish memories of a poor season on a personal and team level and send a message to those who were discounting City as credible title challengers.

“I think for us we have something to prove as last season was below what we are used to,” Kompany said. “This is a team with a lot of intent.

“Obviously there is a lot of favourite teams now and we're not part of it I've heard. It's something that gives us extra motivation.

“We came out here today knowing we had a point to prove. As a team we all have to improve this season.” – Reuters

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Chelsea to appeal Courtois red card

Chelsea have decided to appeal against the red card shown to Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in the draw against Swansea City.

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London - Premier League champions Chelsea have decided to appeal against the red card shown to Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in the 2-2 draw against Swansea City, according to several media reports on Monday.

The 23-year-old was dismissed in the 52nd minute at Stamford Bridge on Saturday after bringing down Bafetimbi Gomis as he raced through on goal in the opening-day fixture.

France forward Gomis went on to equalise from the resulting penalty.

If the appeal is unsuccessful Courtois will be replaced by close-season signing Asmir Begovic for Sunday's trip to Manchester City who finished second in the league last season. – Reuters

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Pellegrini lauds Silva

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini hailed the performance of David Silva in their 3-0 romp against West Bromwich Albion.

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Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini hailed an “unbelievable” performance by David Silva in their 3-0 romp against West Bromwich Albion in their Premier League opener on Monday and said he would look to strengthen his squad further.

Spain international Silva was at his scintillating best, pulling the strings in midfield alongside a resurgent Yaya Toure as City cruised to victory.

“It is very important to start the season with a win and to win in the way we did - scoring goals and playing as a very consistent team without giving West Brom any real chances to score - is pleasing,” Pellegrini said in an interview posted on Manchester City's website (www.mcfc.co.uk).

“I enjoy seeing technical players play well. David really played well - especially in the first-half. It was an unbelievable performance. He did not make any mistakes.”

Toure, who scored twice, showed the sort of form that has helped him propel City to two league titles in the past four seasons.

The Ivorian's blend of power and pace proved the perfect complement to Silva's brand of slick passing. And with Raheem Sterling and Jesus Navas stretching the play out wide, City dominated from start to finish.

Pellegrini was also satisfied with Sterling's competitive debut.

City's 49 million pound ($76 million) man provided the energy that was sometimes lacking last season and came close to marking his first league appearance with a goal.

“He had two clear chances to score but he is starting at a new club with new teammates with a different way of playing,” Pellegrini said.

“It might not be his best performance but I think he played in a good way.”

The Chilean said he was still looking to strengthen his squad.

“If we can, we must have a stronger squad because we must play four competitions,” Pellegrini was quoted as saying in British media reports.

“There are a lot of games so we can do it and if we can bring in players that will improve our squad, we will try to do it,” he added. – Reuters

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Toure propels City to victory

Yaya Toure's classy double helps Manchester City launch their Premier League campaign in style against West Bromwich Albion.

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London - Yaya Toure's first-half double provided a timely reminder of his enduring class as Manchester City began their Premier League campaign with a slick 3-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion on Monday.

The Ivorian, linked with a move away from the Etihad in the close season after some inconsistent displays, gave the former champions a ninth minute lead following a fortuitous double deflection and added a sublime second with a wonderful curling finish after 24 minutes.

West Brom improved significantly after the break but were powerless to prevent City extending their lead through captain Vincent Kompany's thunderous 59th-minute header.

City handed a league debut to Raheem Sterling but the England winger spurned a one-on-one chance and was generally overshadowed by his dazzling team mates Toure and David Silva before he was withdrawn in the second half.

“I think for us we have something to prove as last season was below what we are used to,” Kompany told Sky Sports. “This is a team with a lot of intent.

“For us it was a good way to start our first game. We came out here today knowing we had a point to prove. As a team we all have to improve this season.”

With title rivals Chelsea drawing and Arsenal losing at home, City had the perfect opportunity to make an early statement.

Within minutes they were into their slick passing rhythm with Silva and Toure dictating proceedings as the latter's brace secured a deserved early two-goal lead - the first after a double-deflection off Silva and Baggies defender Craig Dawson.

Wilfried Bony started up front ahead of Argentine Sergio Aguero - still building up fitness following his Copa America exploits - and the Ivorian curled a shot narrowly wide before Sterling saw his tame effort beaten away by goalkeeper Boaz Myhill.

Saido Berahino had an effort disallowed for offside moments before halftime and the hosts enjoyed their best period of the game immediately after the break but were unable to break down down City, who finished eight points behind champions Chelsea last season.

City weathered the storm relatively untroubled and sealed an impressive opening victory with Kompany's unstoppable header.

Aguero was introduced after 63 minutes but, other than a deflected shot, had a relatively low-key return.

City host champions Chelsea in their next match while West Brom visit promoted Watford.

REUTERS

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Is it lucky No.7 for Memphis?

Manchester United’s Memphis Depay is confident he can handle the pressure of wearing the iconic number seven jersey.

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New Manchester United signing Memphis Depay is confident he can handle the pressure of wearing the iconic number seven jersey after making an impressive competitive debut against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

The No. 7 jersey was previously worn by several United greats like George best, Eric Cantona, Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham and was last worn by the British record signing Angel Di Maria, who left for Paris Saint-Germain recently.

Depay, who asked for the number, feels he is ready to take on that pressure and is convinced he will have a successful first year at the club.

“Yes, of course (I'm aware of the pressure) and the history,” the Dutch international was quoted as saying by the British media.

“I appreciate the history, but I want to be my own man. It's an honour to wear the number seven and I will wear it with pride.

“Last year I played with seven on my back (for PSV) and I scored a lot of goals so I am confident with that number.”

Depay scored 22 goals last season for PSV though he failed to find the net against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Saturday.

“I'm aware of that and I want to be as good as possible this year,” the 21-year-old said. “I want to bring creative things, goals. I have to play with discipline in midfield.

“I can't lose the ball too much, but I can make risks on the sides and when I come into the third phase, then I can make my tricks and take risks.”

Manchester United travel to Aston Villa for their next Premier League game on Friday night. – Reuters

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Mertesacker laments ‘massive loss’

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker rued his side's “massive loss” to West Ham United in their Premier League opening game.

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Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker rued his side's “massive loss” to West Ham United on Sunday but was confident the Gunners will bounce back from the setback in their Premier League opener.

The Germany international bemoaned his side's lack of decisiveness in front of goal as Arsenal were well beaten by a West Ham side that defended strongly and looked to hit their London rivals on the break.

“It's a massive loss for us,” Mertesacker was quoted as saying on the club's website (www.arsenal.com).

“Overall, we weren't decisive enough, especially in the final third. It looked like the last ball was always the wrong decision.”

Arsenal failed to win four of their opening six games last season and the 30-year-old centre-back believes Arsenal could not afford another upset in their next game, when they visit Crystal Palace on Sunday.

“Sometimes it's good to come back from a massive loss. I think we are capable of coming back,” he said.

“It's very important. We want to have a better start than last season so we need to be very cautious of the situation.

“To start with a game like that is not good but to bounce back is even more important now.” – Reuters

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LVG’s United struggling to click

Manchester United lacklustre performance against Spurs was reminiscent of Louis Van Gaal’s first season in English football.

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Louis Van Gaal sang The Beatles, Mauricio Pochettino sang the blues and Manchester United fans were singing Sergio Romero’s name by the end of a curious afternoon at Old Trafford.

It was reminiscent of so many during Van Gaal’s first season in English football when United’s expensively assembled squad struggled to play the same tune. They kicked off his second campaign with a victory but it was about as unconvincing as they come.

United have not finished spending yet. Van Gaal is expected to step up his pursuit of Ajax goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, as a potential replacement for David de Gea, and Barcelona forward Pedro at a cost of around £47million.

That would take the club’s summer transfer business past the £120m mark, in addition to the £150m outlay 12 months ago. Throw in the £65m spent under David Moyes and the total investment in United’s squad since Sir Alex Ferguson vacated his position little more than two years ago would be well north of £300m.

And still they look short of the finished article. Against Tottenham, United were ponderous, a little disjointed, and lacked a cutting edge. All the things one might forgive on the opening day, except that Van Gaal’s side spent much of last season trying to discover an identity.

It is puzzling that a coach who is so single-minded and sure of his philo-sophy has yet to make a strong imprint on his team.

Van Gaal has not ruled out even more new arrivals if there are players available who are better than those he has already. Asked if the ‘minor thrombosis’ in a calf that will rule Phil Jones out for at least three weeks might necessitate signing another right-sided centre half, he replied: ‘No, we have (Paddy) McNair, Jones and (Chris) Smalling, but if he is much better than them then it is possible.’

Nothing sums up the way United have stumbled into the new season better than the bizarre goalkeeping situation. Romero was thrown in for his debut and ended the game being lauded as a hero, while De Gea sat in the stands alongside Victor Valdes and Anders Lindegaard waiting to see if United and Real Madrid can reach a compromise over his move to the Bernabeu.

Although Van Gaal claimed that De Gea agreed on Thursday it would be better to stay out of the firing line until his future is resolved, sources close to the goalkeeper are concerned by suggestions that he is not in the right frame of mind to play. They have made it known that he has trained ‘perfectly well’ over the last fortnight, while some of his teammates were said to be surprised by the decision to go with Romero.

Of United’s other debutants, Matteo Darmian was outstanding and Morgan Schneiderlin displayed some of the drive he will add in midfield.Memphis Depay showed glimpses of his exciting talent, while Bastian Schweinsteiger’s appearance as a substitute provided evidence to support Pep Guardiola’s claim that he was not fit for the last three years at Bayern Munich.

Still, Van Gaal was satisfied enough to disappear for his birthday celebrations with a brief rendition of The Beatles’ hit When I’m Sixty-Four.

Kyle Walker’s early own goal settled the game after he ended up nicking the ball off Wayne Rooney’s toe but sliding it into his own net.

‘With the style we play, the gaffer puts a lot of trust in us to get forward but the main thing is defending,’ said Walker. ‘I’ve done well to get back but we’ve lost because of it.’

Pochettino, meanwhile, who introduced himself to the Premier League by pressing the life out of United when Southampton lost by one goal at Old Trafford in January 2013, left feeling aggrieved that similar tactics had not produced a better result this time.

‘We deserved more than to lose 1-0,’ he said.

Tottenham will not be the last team to fancy their chances against United this season.

SUPER STAT: When Kyle Walker put through his own net, it made Premier League history with the season’s first goal being an own goal.

MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Romero 7.5; Darmian 8 (Valencia 81min), Smalling 7, Blind 6.5, Shaw 6; Carrick 6 (Schweinsteiger 60, 5), Schneiderlin 6.5; Mata 7, Depay 6 (Herrera 68, 6), Young 7; Rooney 5.5. Subs not used: Hernandez, McNair, Pereira, Johnstone.

Scorer: Walker 22 og.

Booked: Schweinsteiger, Mata.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (4-2-3-1): Vorm 6.5; Walker 6, Alderweireld 7, Vertonghen 6.5, Davies 6; Dier 6.5 (Alli 77), Bentaleb 5 (Mason 53, 6.5); Dembele 6.5 (Lamela 68, 5.5), Eriksen 7, Chadli 6; Kane 7. Subs not used: Lloris, Trippier, Wimmer, Carroll.

Booked: Vertonghen, Dier, Alli.

Man of the match: Matteo Darmian.

Referee: Jonathan Moss 7. – Daily Mail

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Bucs can go top – Tinkler

Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler is confident about their chances in the Confederations Cup after they beat CS Sfaxien.

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Eric Tinkler reckons finishing top of Group B will increase Orlando Pirates chances of making it into the finals of the CAF Confederations Cup, after they beat beat CS Sfaxien 2-0 over the weekend.

Goals by Thabo Rakhale and Menzi Masuku on Saturday night proved enough for the Sea Robbers to grab the much-needed three points which keep them in the running for a top two finish with just two games remaining for them to play in the group.

Pirates are now on nine points after having played four games in Group B.

Tinkler said their win against the three-time Confederations Cup champions came at a crucial time, as it will serves as a momentum booster for them building up to the remaining group stage fixtures.

“Qualifying for the semis has been our primary objective since we started in this campaign,” Tinkler said. “However, we would also love to win the group. We’ve got two games remaining and we believe it is possible. I think it’d be much better for us to play our first game in the semis away from home, get a result there and come back and dominate them on home turf. We’ve been doing well in our away games and we want to continue with that momentum into the semis.

“We don’t want to find ourselves in the same situation as as was the case in 2013 when we drew 0-0 with Esperance in the Champions league and had to go there and fight for a good result to keep us in the running. I believe winning the group will guarantee us this crucial away fixture we need.”

Tinkler and his charges will now have to shift their focus to the domestic league as they travel to Polokwane tomorrow for their first Absa Premiership match against SuperSport United at Peter Mokaba Stadium. The last time these two sides met it was in the second round last season with Pirates winning 4-1.

The 45-year-old coach warned that Pirates cannot afford to go into this game thinking Matsatsantsa A Petori are going to be a walk in the park.

He also said Bucs’ upcoming PSL fixtures could serve as the perfect opportunity for players who have not had game time during the CAF competition to show their worth.

“Having said that, I don’t believe in the rotation of players. If a player is doing well and isn’t showing any signs of fatigue, why deny them a chance to play?

“You see this with the big clubs playing in Europe. They always have a consistent squad playing in every competition they participate in and they do that very well without fatigue being a major concern for them. It’s a lot to do about how you manage your players and the amount of time you give them to recuperate for each and every game they play in. That’s what we’ve been doing so far.”

Meanwhile CS Sfaxien coach Paulo Duarte praised Pirates for their form in this continental cup race, saying they’ve got what it takes to make it all the way to the final. “They can be weaker in the local league or lose a game but in Africa they are something else,” Duarte said.

“We came here with few expectations of winning. We knew Pirates were going to be an even tougher side to beat at home because they showed us in Tunisia that they are a quality line-up. It’s my prediction that they will be contesting with the likes of Al Ahly or Zamalek for the title. In my opinion these three teams are the best club teams in Africa.” - The Star

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