Rodgers lost the plot and must be charged for referee outburst at Man City

On a pretty mad Boxing Day it was disappointing to see Liverpool turning nasty as they strived to stay top of the most competitive league I can ever remember.
Traveling to Manchester City this season has been a pointless exercise for all teams and so when you start well and have a perfectly good goal disallowed for offside there are grounds for complaint.
However, from 1-0 up Liverpool capitulated as all before them had done but employed some dark tactics during and after the game.
Outburst: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers appeared to blame referee Lee Mason for his side's defeat
Outburst: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers appeared to blame referee Lee Mason for his side's defeat

Keep a lid on it: Jordan Henderson vented his frustrations at referee Lee Mason and his assistant
Keep a lid on it: Jordan Henderson vented his frustrations at referee Lee Mason and his assistant

As usual Luis Suarez was the main culprit on the pitch, going to ground very easily to win free kicks or even a penalty that Liverpool's approach play deserved but could not achieve.
Glen Johnson resorted to an ugly kick at Aleksandar Kolarov as the full back advanced down the pitch away from him – a really cynical challenge.
Worse was to follow as Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers appeared to take leave of his senses and blame the referee, Lee Mason, for the defeat and suggest that where Mason lives was a factor.
There was no mention of Simon Mignolet allowing soft goal to creep in, or Raheem Sterling missing a sitter to make it 2-2 and nor should there be that kind of criticism in public. 
Going down: Luis Suarez felt he warranted a penalty following a tackle by Man City defender Joleon Lescott
Going down: Luis Suarez felt he warranted a penalty following a tackle by Man City defender Joleon Lescott

 
 
The same must apply with regards to the integrity of the match officials. Mason had a reasonable game, although he was far too lenient on the open and obvious shirt pulling at set pieces; he is not alone in doing that.
Martin Skrtel was outrageous on many occasions merely wrestling his opponent and showing no interest in the ball and for Rodgers to highlight one pull on Suarez was the kind of bias he inferred Mason showed throughout the game because he lives in Bolton.
Referees declare any club they cannot referee impartially every season and in these sensitive times of match fixing the authorities check that list carefully.
That Mason lives close to Manchester is not coincidence as the PGMOL regularly try and keep referees and particularly those with young families, relatively close to home on Boxing Day.
I am afraid Rodgers lost the plot, as so many do when striving to achieve against established teams which is a real pity given the excellent progress he has made with Liverpool.
The FA must charge him and worse could follow. He is up against Chelsea and Jose Mourinho next and if anyone can exploit a weakness it is the Portuguese.
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Young Villains were queuing up to kick Januzaj, blasts United boss Moyes

Manchester United manager David Moyes has called for more protection for Adnan Januzaj after accusing Aston Villa's players of queuing up to kick the youngster in Sunday's 3-0 win at Villa Park.
Danny Welbeck's first-half brace and Tom Cleverley's first Premier League goal in nearly a year were enough for United to stave off the threat of a hat-trick of defeats.
Rough and tumble: Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj (left) goes down under the challenge from Aston Villa's Yacouba Sylla (centre)
Rough and tumble: Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj (left) goes down under the challenge from Aston Villa's Yacouba Sylla (centre)

Darren Fletcher's return after almost a year out with a chronic bowel complaint put further shine on an impressive day for the visitors.
But Moyes was not happy at the treatment Januzaj received from the home players, and fears the 18-year-old is going to get injured if something is not done to prevent the rough-house tactics.
'Just a bit,' said Moyes, when asked if he felt Januzaj was being kicked.
'In every game, I don't know how many tackles there have been on him.
'That is why I am annoyed with fourth officials and referees. He is definitely not getting protected and before you know it the boy will get a sore one.
'It is terrible what they (the officials) are allowing to go on at the moment. They (opposition players) are queuing up to see who can kick him next.
Villa sandwhich: Januzaj is blocked by Yacouba Sylla (left) and Nathan Baker
Villa sandwhich: Januzaj is blocked by Yacouba Sylla (left) and Nathan Baker

Not impressed: Manchester United manager David Moyes
Not impressed: Manchester United manager David Moyes


'(Matthew) Lowton was booked but there were that many tackles on him from different players.
'It is a recurring theme and it's the referees' job to sort it out. You would hope they would recognise that.
'Adnan will just get up, walk away and get on with it. That is one of his biggest attributes.'
Not surprisingly, Villa boss Paul Lambert rejected the assertion of his team being over-physical.
'My team are not a physical team,' said the Scot.
'We are a young side and maybe sometimes over exuberance gets the better of them but I have never sent anyone out to kick them.'
It was Januzaj's bullet header that provided the rebound for Welbeck to tap United in front.
The England striker, selected in the absence of Robin van Persie, was netting for the first time in the Premier League since the opening day of the season and quickly added another when he swept home Antonio Valencia's cross.
'It is really important for Danny,' said Moyes.
Pivotal: Januzaj's header rebounded off the post for Danny Welbeck to score the opening goal
Pivotal: Januzaj's header rebounded off the post for Danny Welbeck to score the opening goal

'He is a forward and he needs to get himself goals. He got two poacher types today and he could have had had another.
'With Robin out he stepped up to the mark. When you get opportunities, you show what you can do. Danny certainly did that.'
There was never any doubt over the outcome once Cleverley had struck from Wayne Rooney's lay-off, allowing Moyes to end Fletcher's near 12-month absence with a chronic bowel complaint, that has plagued him for almost three years.
'If anybody returns from an illness to play professional football on this kind of stage for a club like Manchester United, it shows a lot about the boy himself,' said Moyes.
'He has had to be on his own, he has been in and out of hospital, he has had operations.
'Today was a big message to a lot of people - keep believing.
'If you are not well then keep believing that you can get yourself right.'
Welcome back: Darren Fletcher made his first appearance for almost a year
Welcome back: Darren Fletcher made his first appearance for almost a year

Fletcher declared himself satisfied at his comeback.
'I always believed I would come back,' he told MUTV.
'Other people around me were trying to make me think otherwise, but I stayed strong and believed I would get back.
'Playing a game like that, and getting an ovation like that, makes it all worthwhile.'
Lambert was less pleased, with striker Christian Benteke a particular disappointment as his run without a goal reached 10 games.
'He will come through it,' said Lambert.
'His endeavour was there. He is not getting the breaks he had last year but he will go through stages like this in his career.
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Determine not to quit! Villas-Boas takes responsibility as Liverpool mauling sparks fresh speculation over his future as Spurs boss

Andre Villas-Boas has pledged not to resign as Tottenham manager despite overseeing Spurs' heaviest-ever home league defeat to Liverpool.
The under-fire Tottenham boss did, however, admit he did not know how much longer the club would give him to turn their season around.
Villas Boas said he has never faced a worse home loss in his career than the 5-0 Barclays Premier League drubbing at the hands of Brendan Rodgers' rampant Reds.
Glum: Andre Villas-Boas looks on his side are thumped 5-0 by Liverpool
Glum: Andre Villas-Boas looks on his side are thumped 5-0 by Liverpool
Delight: Luis Suarez, captain for the day, celebrates giving Liverpool the perfect start
Delight: Luis Suarez, captain for the day, celebrates after scoring the goal which set Liverpool on their way

Villas-Boas said he has no scheduled meeting with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, but claimed there is no problem with Spurs' board.
Liverpool captain Luis Suarez ran wild at White Hart Lane, scoring twice and having a hand in the goals for Jordan Henderson, John Flanagan and Raheem Sterling.
Villas-Boas vowed Tottenham would bounce back from this latest heavy defeat, after claiming they had managed to get over their 6-0 mauling at Manchester City last month.
And the Portuguese refused to give up on a top-four Premier League finish.
Asked how much time he would be given at Spurs, Villas-Boas said: 'That's the only thing I can't control, it's not my call so I can't say anything else.
'I have to get down to work, that's the only thing I can focus on.
'The call to make that decision is not mine, because obviously I won't resign and I'm not a quitter.
'The only thing I can do is work hard with the players to get them back on track.
'This is a top-four squad but in our Premier League form we are not there.
Red alert: Suarez was again irresistible for Liverpool and netted his side's fourth with a cute chip
Red alert: Suarez was again irresistible for Liverpool and netted his side's fourth with a cute chip

Blame me: Villas-Boas says he will shoulder the responsibility for the loss
Blame me: Villas-Boas says he will shoulder the responsibility for the loss
'It's not the points tally that's the problem, it's the expression of the results.
'It's the second expressive scoreline that we've suffered in the season, and we admit that in the Premier League things aren't going in any shape or form the way we want.
'All of us had high expectations for this season, we still have them.
'Again I repeat that we are not far off, but the distance is increasing for those Champions League spots.
'And because of the expressive result it makes it even more difficult for us to bounce back.'
Villas-Boas' rocky ride at White Hart Lane was not helped by a tweet from Benoit Assou-Ekotto, seeming to make light of the defeat with team-mate Emanuel Adebayor, who were both at the ground for the match.
Villas-Boas offered no argument with defeat, but felt Paulinho's second-half red card allowed Liverpool to pile on the goals, and the misery.
Confirming he would try to appeal that red card, Villas-Boas labelled the decision 'an extremely poor call'.
He said: 'I think it was a bit harsh because I don't think there was intention to hurt Suarez.
'His foot was high, definitely a yellow card, but a straight red I think is a bit too much, because Paulinho is not that type of player.
'I think it was an extremely poor call that has an influence, not on the victory of Liverpool but on the expressive result.
'I will try (to appeal the red card), hopefully there can be some sensitivity into it.'

Shot shy: Spurs failed to muster a single shot on target, much to the frustration of Roberto Soldado
Shot shy: Spurs failed to muster a single shot on target, much to the frustration of Roberto Soldado
Marching orders: Referee Jon Moss sends off Paulinho after he left Suarez rolling on the ground
Marching orders: Referee Jon Moss sends off Paulinho after he left Suarez stricken on the ground
Liverpool manager Rodgers heaped praised on striker Luis Suarez, hinting that captaincy can bring the best out of the prolific Uruguay forward.
Suarez's brace took his Premier League goals tally to 17 for the season, but Rodgers was most concerned with his leadership skills.
Rodgers said: 'This is a guy who has captained one of the most iconic clubs in European football in Ajax, so it's nothing new to him.
'I wanted to have someone who could represent me and the club in that tunnel, before even stepping on the pitch.
'When Luis Suarez has the armband on ready to go out, everyone knows this is a team ready to fight.
'He was great in the changing room, I told him a few days back I wanted him to lead this club and that it was an honour for him.
'I think he enjoyed it and today you've seen his performance level.'
Hailing his side's dominance in every area, Rodgers said: 'I loved their arrogance with the ball today.
'They were a real threat with the ball all day.
'In winning teams everyone supports each other, and this was a result achieved without our captain Steven Gerrard.
'When we have that focus and concentration we're a very good side.'
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Aston Villa 0 Man United 3: Welbeck makes most of RVP absence with deadly double

At last, David Moyes has unearthed a sure thing to survive the great summer  of upheaval at  Manchester United — the unyielding certainty of points at Villa Park.
So many of United’s dead certs seemed to leave the building with Sir Alex Ferguson, such as avoiding defeat at home to Everton and Newcastle.
But the hold over Aston Villa lives on. Two goals from striker Danny Welbeck in three first-half minutes and one by midfielder Tom Cleverley saw to that as United ended a winless run of four games in the Barclays Premier League.
Main man: Danny Welbeck (right) scored twice as Manchester United cruised to victory at Aston Villa
Main man: Danny Welbeck (right) scored twice as Manchester United cruised to victory at Aston Villa

MATCH FACTS

Aston Villa
Aston Villa (4-1-4-1): Guzan 6; Lowton 5, Baker 5, Clark 5, Luna 4; Westwood 6; Albrighton 6, Sylla 4 (Weimann 62, 5), El Ahmadi 5 (Bacuna 87), Agbonlahor 5; Benteke 5 (Kozak 79).
Subs not used: Steer, Bowery, Gardner, Tonev.
Booked: Agbonlahor, Lowton, Clark, Baker.
Manager: Paul Lambert 5.
Manchester United
Man United (4-2-3-1): De Gea 6; Rafael 7, Evans 6, Jones 6, Evra 6; Cleverley 7, Giggs 6 (Fletcher 70, 5); Valencia 8, Rooney 8 (Zaha 84), Januzaj 7 (Young 70, 5); Welbeck 8.
Subs not used: Lindegaard, Ferdinand, Fabio, Buttner.
Goals: Welbeck 15,17, Cleverly 52

Booked: De Gea, Welbeck.

Manager: David Moyes 7.
Man of the Match: Welbeck
Referee: Lee Mason 6
Attendance: 42,682
*Player ratings by Matt Barlow at Villa Park
What a relief for Moyes to halt  the worrying slide away from the top four. What a relief to find the likes of Welbeck, Cleverley and Antonio Valencia stepping forth to shoulder responsibility alongside Wayne Rooney.
What a relief to encounter Villa in such an insipid mood.
It is more than 18 years since United failed to take anything from this Birmingham venue, back in August 1995 when they were beaten 3-1 on the opening day of the  season and Alan Hansen claimed on Match of the Day that you ‘can’t win anything with kids’.
Perspectives have changed. These days, Manchester United expect  to win regardless of who wears  the shirt. The pressure was on at Villa and anxiety was all too  evident as United started nervously in defence.
Karim El Ahmadi and Marc Albrighton both tested David de Gea early on but Villa went behind in the 15th minute and never looked like altering the outcome from that moment on.
Valencia and Rafael did much  of the damage on the United  right, tormenting left back Antonio Luna, who found himself badly exposed by Gabriel Agbonlahor’s determination to chase beyond Christian Benteke in attack and the inability of Villa’s midfield to sense the threat.
Both Welbeck’s goals came from this area of the pitch and there could have been more from the same source before half-time had United been more clinical. Rafael produced a wonderful cross, dug out from close to the corner flag for the opener.
Adnan Januzaj climbed to meet it with a magnificent header, which thumped into the base of a post and Welbeck reacted first, forcing the ball into the net.
‘We are staying up,’ sang the United fans.
 

Opening salvo: Welbeck slides home United's goal to send them on their way at Villa Park
Opening salvo: Welbeck slides home United's goal to send them on their way at Villa Park
David Moyes (centre) gestures on the touchline


Relieved: United manager David Moyes went through a range of emotions on the touchline at Villa Park

SUPER STAT

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea kept the champions’ first clean sheet away from home this season.
Soon they were 2-0 up. Cleverley and Welbeck combined in midfield to release Valencia and Welbeck was first to the low cross, sliding in ahead of Rooney to guide it into the top corner.
He had not scored in the Premier League since the opening day of the season at Swansea and here were two inside 180 seconds.
How the 23-year-old England international must have been thrilled to start up front after spending much of the season on the left wing for club and country.
With fellow strikers Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez among the injured at United, Welbeck made his case.
He might easily have finished with a hat-trick, pulling one effort wide  in the first half and chipping just over the bar after a goalmouth scramble in the second half. But he has to be satisfied with two goals and a splendid display.
Making things happen: Wayne Rooney dropped deep and was pivotal in Manchester United's victory
Making things happen: Wayne Rooney dropped deep and was pivotal in Manchester United's victory

Doubling up: Welbeck slides home to increase United's advantage as they return to winning ways
Doubling up: Welbeck slides home to increase United's advantage as they return to winning ways
As United relaxed, no-one was more influential than Rooney,  dropping deep, spraying passes and dictating the pace.
He ought to have hit the target from a cross by Valencia after the United winger had again brushed Luna aside.
Cleverley made it safe for the  visitors, coolly clipping the ball past Brad Guzan after an astute pass by Rooney.
It was a year to the day since his last Premier League goal and capped a complete performance for the often maligned midfielder.
Clever boy: Tom Cleverley added gloss to the scoreline with a third United goal in the second half
Clever boy: Tom Cleverley added gloss to the scoreline with a third United goal in the second half

Pleased as punch: Tom Cleverley celebrates wildly after stretching United's lead on Sunday
Pleased as punch: Tom Cleverley celebrates wildly after stretching United's lead on Sunday


These are the type of tidy and industrious displays which made him an England regular under Roy Hodgson in the first place.
United coasted home from here. Off came Rooney and Ryan Giggs and on went Darren Fletcher for  his first taste of action since last Boxing Day.
De Gea saved at the near post from Albrighton and sprang to his right to keep out a free-kick from  El Ahmadi but these were rare  forays from Villa, who reacted to the frustration with a few extra physical tackles and petulant  reaction, which seemed to irritate Moyes.
Paul Lambert put it down to ‘over-exuberance’ but four of his players were booked, including Agbonlahor, who was making his 300th appearance for the club and will be banned from the next one, at Stoke.
Temper, temper: Welbeck (obscured) clashes with Nathan Baker before the pair were booked
Temper, temper: Welbeck (obscured) clashes with Nathan Baker before the pair were booked

Up in the air: Matthew Lowton challenges Wayne Rooney as Villa suffer another defeat at home
Up in the air: Matthew Lowton challenges Wayne Rooney as Villa suffer another defeat at home
They may have started with a win at Arsenal in August but, on this showing, Villa are every bit as poor as last year without the same blaze of Benteke goals.
He scored 23 last season and four in the first four of this Premier League campaign but the Belgian has not found the net in 10 games, a run stretching back to mid-September. ‘He’s not getting the breaks,’ said Lambert.
Villa supporters were remarkably patient, or were unable to summon the energy to be angry.
There were a few groans at  half-time when they went in two behind and a few more at the end but most settled for going home early.
Villa Park was virtually empty by the time the game ended, while the travelling fans were singing the name of their manager and Moyes was on the pitch, giving them a wave of thanks. What a relief. Welcome return: Darren Fletcher made his first Premier League appearance since last Boxing Day
Welcome return: Darren Fletcher made his first Premier League appearance since last Boxing Day

Sidelined: Scotland midfielder Fletcher has struggled to overcome a chronic bowel condition
Sidelined: Scotland midfielder Fletcher has struggled to overcome a chronic bowel condition
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West Brom's Berahino posts foul-mouthed Tweet just minutes after Clarke sacking... but don't worry, it's only a 'flat tyre'!

West Bromwich Albion forward Saido Berahino is feeling flat after Steve Clarke's sacking from the Hawthorns, but according to him his deflated mood is purely because of a 'punctured tyre'.
The young star Tweeted 'Wow i cant believe it, that's f****** s***!!!!' just minutes after Clarke's departure hit the news, but soon excused the foul-mouthed Tweet as 'relating to a personal issue, nothing else'.
He then posted a picture of a punctured tyre, before deleting the image.

Talent: Saido Berahino - who scored at Old Trafford for West Brom - recently signed a new deal at the club
Talent: Saido Berahino - who scored at Old Trafford for West Brom - recently signed a new deal at the club
Not a good move: Berahino lamented West Brom's decision to sack Clarke on Saturday night
Not a good move: Berahino lamented West Brom's decision to sack Clarke on Saturday night
Backtrack: Berahino quickly posted this Tweet, suggesting he was angry about a personal issue
Backtrack: Berahino quickly posted this Tweet, suggesting he was angry about a personal issue
Feeling down: Berahino then posted a picture of a flat tyre, but then deleted the image
Feeling down: Berahino then posted a picture of a flat tyre, but then deleted the image


The club revealed only late last month that they planned to hold contract talks with the Scot in the new year.
However, Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Cardiff was the Baggies' fourth in a row leaving them 16th in the league.
Berahino committed his future to the club earlier this month, signing a three-and-a-half year deal.
The new deal saw the England Under 21 international receive an icnrease from £850-per-week to £12,000-per-week, but his future may be in doubt after speaking out about the club's decision.
International class: The 20-year-old has announced himself in England with some fine performances this season
International class: The 20-year-old has announced himself in England with some fine performances this season
It was Clarke who gave Berahino his first appearance for the club, and he has scored six goals this season.
The club announced their decision to dispense with Clarke, and place him on gardening leave, was the unanimous decision of the board of directors with the Baggies just two points and two places above the relegation zone.
Assistant Kevin Keen has also been placed on gardening leave.
Bad run: Steve Clarke has been sacked by West Brom after winning just seven games this year
Bad run: Steve Clarke has been sacked by West Brom after winning just seven games this year
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Wilshere faces FA action for obscene gesture to City fans during 6-3 defeat

England midfielder Jack Wilshere is facing FA action after making an obscene one-fingered gesture at Manchester City supporters on Sunday.
The Arsenal player was shown on television cameras reacting angrily to home fans during his side’s astonishing 6-3 defeat to their title rivals.
Controversial: Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere appeared to make an offensive gesture at The Etihad
Controversial: Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere appeared to make an offensive gesture at The Etihad
Even if referee Martin Atkinson fails to mention the incident in his report, which he will file to the FA on Monday, the ruling body still have the right to charge Wilshere with ‘improper conduct’.
Liverpool’s Luis Suarez served a one-match suspension two years ago for a similar act in a game against Fulham and the FA, conscious of potential accusations of favouring England players, will be keen to ensure that justice is done.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claimed to have missed the incident which followed a superb Wilshere shot being saved by City keeper Costel Pantilimon.
‘I didn’t see that,’ said Wenger. ‘I don’t know if he did it. If he did it and he’s banned, we will have to accept it.’
Frustrating afternoon: Jack Wilshere didn't play as he might have hoped as Arsenal lost at The Etihad
Frustrating afternoon: Jack Wilshere didn't play as he might have hoped as Arsenal lost at The Etihad
Significant blow: Laurent Koscielny is Arsenal's best defender and key to their title challenge
Significant blow: Laurent Koscielny is Arsenal's best defender and key to their title challenge
Surprisingly, Wenger refused to accept that Manuel Pellegrini’s side represent his primary rivals for the title, despite City having scored 31 times in their last six home games — including six against both Arsenal and Tottenham, as well as four times against Manchester United.
‘I don’t know, we will see,’ said Wenger, when asked if the defeat was significant. ‘They are one of the teams to beat but not more than any other team. We have played against Everton, who are as good as City; we have played against Southampton, who are as good as City.
‘What hurts me more is we had the opportunity to put City at nine points (behind) and they are three tonight. That’s very difficult to swallow because that was a team that was not unbeatable today.’
Wenger, who claimed he was not looking for excuses for the embarrassing reverse, did, however, reference his team’s midweek Champions League trip to Napoli and the performance of Atkinson as key factors.
Damaging day: But Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claims he did not see the incident
Damaging day: But Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claims he did not see the incident
‘We had three offsides not turned down and a penalty turned down,’ he said. ‘The referee had a bad game.’
Wenger also left the Etihad with concerns over defender Laurent Koscielny, who suffered a bad cut to his leg in trying to defend City’s second goal. ‘He will be out for a while,’ said Wenger. ‘How long? I don’t know.’
For opposite number Pellegrini, the victory followed hot on the heels of an impressive Champions League success at Bayern Munich, a result overshadowed by the fact the manager confessed he did not realise how many goals his team needed to score to top the qualifying group.
‘This was a more complete game because we couldn’t score four against Bayern and there were a lot of complaints about that,’ joked City’s Chilean manager. ‘But I don’t think that was our best performance because Arsenal scored three goals and that’s too many for the chances they had.
Euro 2000: A young David Beckham gave a one-finger salute to supporters after England's 3-2 loss to Portugal
Euro 2000: A young David Beckham gave a one-finger salute to supporters after England's 3-2 loss to Portugal
‘But it was a very complete game in an attacking sense because it is not easy to score six goals against Arsenal. We are not thinking about the title at this moment, we have a lot more points to fight for.
‘We must continue improving and finding our style of football. For me, it’s very important to be an entertaining team, but I think we can entertain more if we score six goals and they don’t score three!’
Only a calf injury suffered by Sergio Aguero could take the gloss off another scintillating display by City, with Pellegrini awaiting the result of medical tests on Monday.
Past: Luis Suarez of Liverpool aims a middle finger at Fulham fans, which he received a one-match ban for
Past: Luis Suarez of Liverpool aims a middle finger at Fulham fans, which he received a one-match ban for
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West Brom act after four defeats in a row pushes them closer to relegation zone

Steve Clarke is in shock after being sacked by West Brom four weeks after they said they would open contract talks with him in the new year.
Just hours after the club’s defeat by Cardiff, Clarke was gone and his rival Malky Mackay was among the favourites to take over.
The fourth straight League defeat left West Brom 16th in the table, two points above the relegation zone. They have won only nine of their last 41 League games.
Bad run: Steve Clarke has been sacked by West Brom after winning just seven games this year
Bad run: Steve Clarke has been sacked by West Brom after winning just seven games this year
Clarke’s players appeared to be shocked by the news, striker Saido Berahino, tweeting, ‘wow I can’t believe it, that’s f****** s***!!!!’ before later deleting the posting.
Former West Brom boss Roberto di Matteo is another name in the frame, while former Manchester United star Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, title-winning manager of Norwegian side Molde, is highly rated in England. Steve McClaren, who took over at Derby in September, is also a candidate.
West Brom sporting and technical director Richard Garlick said: ‘We have reluctantly come to the decision to relieve Steve of his duties. It has been well documented that we have not had the rub of the green this season, but that does not cloud the generally disappointing points return during this calendar year.
‘This club’s track record proves we do not take such decisions lightly, having only enforced a change in this position three times in about 14 years. But with key games coming up, we felt it was important we acted now to give the club the best possible chance this season.’
Mixed emotions: Frazier Campbell celebrates Cardiff's winner as Liam Ridgewell and Claudio Yacob look on
Mixed emotions: Frazier Campbell celebrates Cardiff's winner as Liam Ridgewell and Claudio Yacob look on
Clarke, former assistant to Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, guided West Brom to eighth place last season, their highest ever Premier League position. This season started brightly with just two defeats in their opening 10 games, with the highlight a 2-1 win at United.
The wheels have since come off with only one win in their last 10 matches, although they haven’t always enjoyed the best of luck, memorably when denied a famous win at Chelsea by a controversial late penalty which prompted referees chief Mike Riley to apologise to Clarke.
Yesterday, Clarke sounded aware that he was running out of excuses. He said: ‘The performances are OK, but you have to separate yourself from that and look at the results. We are looking over our shoulders and that’s never comfortable. We have to work harder and hope to get a break or that somebody does something fantastic.’
Beaten man: Clarke looks dejected on the touchline just hours before losing his job
Beaten man: Clarke looks dejected on the touchline just hours before losing his job
He was on a two-year contract due to end in the summer and Garlick said on November 21: ‘Steve’s contract was discussed at last month’s board meeting. We decided that we would open talks with Steve in the new year which, historically, we feel is the time to address such matters.’
But last night Clarke was summoned to a meeting where he was told the news by chairman Jeremy Peace and the rest of the board at the club’s training ground.
There was some disquiet at the club at video footage of West Brom players enjoying a Christmas party in Dublin just a few days before the crucial trip to Cardiff.
Yesterday’s performance did Clarke few favours with West Brom failing to get a single effort on goal throughout the first half.
It was Peter Whittingham who scored the only goal of the game, rising to meet Craig Noone’s 65th-minute cross and beat Boaz Myhill with a header for Cardiff’s first win in six League games.
At the final whistle you could sense the relief around the stadium for Mackay and his players. But it could have been very different had Cardiff’s Gary Medel not cleared off the line following Gareth McAuley’s close-range effort, or David Marshall had not superbly denied Shane Long late on.
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United set to open £50m Rooney talks as Moyes plans give away Rooney by January

Manchester United are confident Wayne Rooney is ready to begin discussions on a new four-year contract worth a staggering £50million - as David Moyes prepares to wield the axe in a bid to ignite their Premier League season.
United executive chairman Ed Woodward has contacted Rooney's agent Paul Stretford a number of times in the past few weeks, and it is understood formal meetings will take place soon.
Positive sign: Manchester United set to open contract talks with striker Wayne Rooney
Positive sign: Manchester United set to open contract talks with striker Wayne Rooney

It is the first sign of a breakthrough between the player and the club since the breakdown in relations with Sir Alex Ferguson, aggravated by the former boss's insistence that Rooney, 28, had asked to leave the club, something the striker has always denied.
News that he wants to stay will delight Moyes, who will ditch players as he looks to freshen up his squad.
Ashley Young, Nani and Antonio Valencia have struggled and Moyes said: 'A few could go if we got the right offer.'
Smiles better: Rooney appears to be much happier at United
Smiles better: Rooney appears to be much happier at United

Key man: Rooney will have to lead United attack after Robin van Persie was ruled out for next eight matches by thigh injury
Key man: Rooney will have to lead United attack after Robin van Persie was ruled out for next eight matches by thigh injury

England pair Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck, as well as Javier Hernandez, Anderson and Alex Buttner, have not proved themselves, while veterans Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra are unlikely to be offered new contracts.
'I've tried to give an opportunity to everybody,' Moyes said. 'Would we sell? If the right offers were there we'd probably look at it.
Tough decision: United boss David Moyes is ready to wield the axe
Tough decision: United boss David Moyes is ready to wield the axe

Under pressure: Ashley Young has struggled to make an impact under David Moyes
Under pressure: Ashley Young has struggled to make an impact under David Moyes

On his way: Midfielder Anderson has failed to impress
On his way: Midfielder Anderson has failed to impress

'We'll be balancing trying to move people on but also trying to bring people in.'
Moyes watched Atletico Madrid's £15million midfielder Koke face Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala in the Champions League on Wednesday. He also plans to try again for Everton leftback Leighton Baines.
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Barcelona 2 Villarreal 1: Catalan giants gives La Liga lead thanks to Neymar brace

Barcelona's brilliant Brazilian Neymar made it five goals in two games as the league leaders moved five points clear of Real Madrid.
As Leo Messi continues his recuperation in Argentina Neymar continues to fill the the four times Balon d’Or winners golden boots.
On a run: Neymar celebrates the second goal, his fifth goal in a week for Barcelona
On a run: Neymar celebrates the second goal, his fifth goal in a week for Barcelona

Ahead: Barcelona's Neymarcelebrates after scoring the opening goal in the first half
Ahead: Barcelona's Neymarcelebrates after scoring the opening goal in the first half
Questions were asked recently about the 57m euros signing from Santos’ ability to finish – his answer has been resounding, netting three times against Celtic and twice against Villarreal.
Barcelona’s Sporting Director Andoni Zubizarreta confirmed after the game that representatives of the club will travel to Argentina next week to speak with Messi, after this display he can tell the Barça number 10 there is no need to hurry his comeback.
'He will give us so much more than goals' said Zubizarreta about Neymar but on the night it was his finishing that earned Barcelona the points.
'You are always going to miss the best player in the world when he is not there,' said Barcelona coach Tata Martino. 'I think we would have played even better in these last two games with him.'

Slotted home: Neymar was handed the opportunity to score after Mario's handball
Slotted home: Neymar was handed the opportunity to score after Mario's handball
All the same he will have been delighted to see his side move extend their advantage over Real Madrid without Messi’s help.
With Xavi rested on the bench former Arsenal midfielders Alex Song and Cesc Fabregas paired-up in midfield and it was Song who almost broke the deadlock but his shot came back off Sergio Asenjo’s right-hand upright.
Barcelona dominated the opening exchanges and it was Neymar who put them ahead on 28 minutes.
The Brazilian became the fifth different player to score from the spot for Barcelona this season after Mario Gaspar handled Jordi Alba’s cross.

On the bounce: Neymar's goal marks the first time he has scored in consecutive games for Barca
On the bounce: Neymar's goal marks the first time he has scored in consecutive games for Barca
Alexis should have made it 2-0 when put through by Iniesta but had his shot turned away for a corner by Asenjo.
Villarreal equalized just four minutes into the second half when Mateo Musacchio bullet-headed a corner past Jose Pinto after getting ahead of Marc Bartra.
Having a allowed Villrreal to get back into the game Barça struggled to get back on top and on the hour Tata Martino decided he had seen enough and brought Xavi on for Alex Song. The Cameroon midfielder continues to play only a bit-part role at the Camp Nou and the change was the catalyst for Barcelona going back in front.

Leveller: Villarreal's players celebrate after the equaliser just after half-time
Leveller: Villarreal's players celebrate after the equaliser just after half-time
Fabregas sprang the off-side trap with a pass that Alexis Sanchez turned back to Neymar who made it ten goals in all competitions this season.
Alexis Sanchez was involved again moments later when he pulled the back for Andres Iniesta whose first times shot was brilliantly turned away by Asenjo.
Neymar was then booked by referee Ignacio Iglesias for taking a corner too quickly; Zubizareta confirmed the club will consider appealing the card once they have seen the referee’s report.
If it is not overturned he miss next week’s trip to Getafe. If they are unsuccessful it will be a test for Barcelona to be without both Messi and the man who has replaced him so brilliantly in the last week.
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