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Twitter Reacts as Man Utd Score 3 Quick-Fire Goals to Book Place in Semi Finals of Carabao Cup

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Manchester United eventually overcame Colchester 3-0 at Old Trafford on Wednesday to secure their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

The hosts were hugely disappointing in the first half, but stepped it up to score three times in the second period.

But before we get to that, let’s rewind to the start.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opted to field a fairly strong lineup for the clash, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire and Anthony Martial all starting the game.

As expected really, the Red Devils made a bright start to the game, with the away side struggling to really get out of their own half. It was quick, crisp passing, but it was still goalless. 

As the first half wore on, United fans began to grow frustrated with their side’s inability to take their chances against their League Two opponents.

There was a lack of cutting edge…

By half time, Solskjaer’s men had managed 13 shots…but just the one on target. They had also seen 81% of the ball…but failed to do anything with it.

It was slow and Colchester were comfortable. Just a reminder: Colchester are in League Two. As a result, United fans were far from pleased with what they had seen up to that point.


Colchester had the first real chance of the second half, with Sergio Romero called into action. But less than one minute later, they found themselves behind following a quick counter attack.

That’s right, Manchester United had done it! They found a way through!

Marcus Rashford, who had been poor up to that point, cut inside and waited for the right moment before firing into the roof of the net. 1-0…



Were the floodgates opening?

Well, the hosts doubled their lead five minutes later. Mason Greenwood whipped in a wonderful cross, which Ryan Jackson could only turn into his own net.

2-0… 

Where is this coming from?

A third? That’s correct. Anthony Martial tapped home Rashford’s cross to make it three goals in ten second half minutes…


The Red Devils were unable to add to their advantage, but the game finished 3-0 and it was job done as far as Solskjaer was concerned.

But, they certainly did make it much harder than it needed to be. Nonetheless, they have booked their place in the last four of the competition…

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Twitter Reacts to Liverpool’s Youngest Ever XI, Aston Villa Celebrations & Harvey Elliott Display

Aston Villa comfortably defeated a youthful Liverpool side 5-0 in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup quarter final, although the scoreline flattered the Villans as the Reds dominated possession and registered more shots.

With Liverpool’s senior players preparing for the Club World Cup in the Middle East, it was a youthful side that headed to the East Midlands in this Carabao Cup tie. Under-23 Boss Neil Critchley took the reins from Jurgen Klopp and named the Reds’ youngest ever starting XI, handing five prospects their first team debuts.

​​However, age is just a number and Villa were given a stark reminder of this in the opening ten minutes. ​Liverpool were full of energy and subjected their opponents to a high press that carved out a couple of excellent chances, Harvey Elliott the catalyst for both.

Even when the expected Villa onslaught came, the Reds regained composure and demonstrated their potential – playing neat possession football and winning the ball back through a high press.

​​To say that Villa’s two goals in the 14th and 17th minutes were against the run of play would be a gargantuan understatement. Conor Hourihane’s free kick flew past Caoimhín Kelleher as Jonathan Kodjia (as he claimed) made the slightest of touches and Ahmed Elmohamady’s cross flicked off Morgan Boyes and over the young goalkeeper’s head to make it 2-0.

The young Reds, however, had very much been on top and dominated possession as well as shots in the early stages. ​Villa fans had made their feelings known before the first goal, with a smattering of boos audible as their side played without tempo or intensity.

​​Goals three and four followed in the first half’s final ten minutes, Kodjia scoring both. However, the Villa forward came in for plenty of flack, as Twitter viewed his exuberant celebrations a little excessive for the opposition on offer.

​​With the second half a damp squib until Wesley’s late goal made it 5-0 to the hosts, tumbleweeds were rolling through Twitter when it came to the in-game incidents.

Most Liverpool fans took the opportunity to praise their prospects’ efforts and talk of a bright future. There were others who had harsh words for those who hadn’t grasped their opportunity, but the positives far outweighed the negatives.

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Crystal Palace 1-1 Brighton: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Wilfried Zaha Brilliance Rescues Eagles

Crystal Palace shared the spoils against rivals Brighton as star man Wilfried Zaha’s thunderous effort snatched a point at Selhurst Park in the Premier League on Monday night.

For large spells of the game, even Palace boss Roy Hodgson would have admitted the hosts were second best, but then Zaha intervened, twisting Montoya before smashing the ball beyond Mat Ryan in the Brighton goal.

Wilfried Zaha

Up until Zaha’s sumptuous strike, ​Brighton had dominated from the start of the game, but only gained the initiative in the second half.

For all their possession, they were unable to create anything meaningful, that was until Pascal Gross picked out Neal Maupay who fired into the roof of the net to put Graham Potter’s side 1-0 up.

Before Zaha stepped up, Palace’s only chance of note had been a fortunate incident which almost led to Christian Benteke putting them into the lead. The Belgian striker almost caught out Mat Ryan in the Brighton goal, as his speculative cross-cum-shot crashed the bar with the keeper grasping for thin air. 

However, despite the Seagulls’ impressive away performance, they were left hanging on after the Eagles found a renewed impetus after the equaliser.

However, Potter’s men held out and left Selhurst Park with a well-earned point, in what was  Hodgson’s 100th game in charge of ​Palace.

Here’s 90min’s breakdown of this one…

Crystal Palace

Key Talking Point​

All the talk in recent weeks has circulated around Palace star Wilfried Zaha, his importance to the club, his influence and also his slightly disappointing form this season.

For 75 minutes on Monday night, Zaha failed to live up to the hype in what has been a low-key season for the Ivory Coast international – a season which may be his last as an Eagles player.

However, then one moment of brilliance changed the game.

Wilfried Zaha

The Eagles had sputtered and stalled for the majority of the game but then stepped forward Zaha, who twisted and turned Montoya before firing a ferocious drive past Ryan in the Brighton goal.

Devoid of any quality for large parts of the game, without a shot on target until the 70th minute and then Zaha’s stardust turned the game on its head.

Player Ratings

Starting XI: Guaita (5), Kelly (6), Tomkins (6), Dann (6), Riedewald (5), Kouyaté (5), Milivojevic (6), McArthur( 5), J Ayew (6), Benteke (5) Zaha (7)

Substitutes​: McCarthy (6), Meyer (6)

STAR PLAYER​: Wilfried Zaha

Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Big players, produce big moments. The 26-year-old had endured a frustrating night until he unleashed a fearsome strike which dragged the below-par Eagles level.

An incredibly quiet game by his standards up until his blockbuster strike which earned the home side a point and shows Palace’s heavy reliance on their star winger.

They will be big boots to fill if the Ivorian is to make the move across London to Stamford Bridge, without Zaha’s spark and creativity, you really do fear for Hodgson’s men.

​Brighton

Key Talking Point:

What else but VAR? Another game, another video assistant referee controversy. ​Perhaps it was the lack of reaction by Montoya as he was clipped in the box, the fact that the Spaniard chose not to protest, whatever it was, it looked a penalty.

The full-back latched onto Propper’s pass and as he went to pull the trigger, it appeared that Riedewald caught his foot but after a short delay, the appeal was waved away.

By no means was it a stonewall award, but given some of the penalties awarded this season, it was very surprising to see the referee not point to the spot.

Player Ratings:

Starting XI: Ryan (6), Montoya (6), Webster (7), Dunk (7), Burn (7), Propper (7), Bissouma (7), Gross (6), Mooy (7), Maupay (7), Trossard (7)

Substitutes: Alzate (6), Bernardo (N/A)

STAR PLAYER: Neal Maupay

Three games, three goals, given the severe lack of goal threat at the other end of the park, Maupay’s brilliant finish early in the second half highlighted the need for a natural-born predator.

​It was a lovely cultured finish into the roof of the net that put the Seagull’s into a 1-0 lead, it was practically his first chance of the game but he showed the composure of a striker in top form. 

It wasn’t just his poaching instincts that caught the eye, his work rate was something to behold, especially compared to his counterpart, Benteke, in the Palace ranks.

The Belgian could learn a thing or two from Maupay’s work off the ball.

Looking Ahead

Roy Hodgson takes his side to St James’ Park to face ​Newcastle on Saturday in a game which promises to be a close encounter as only one point splits the sides in the table.

As for Brighton, they have the task of stopping surprise package ​Sheffield United when they entertain Chris Wilder’s men on Saturday.

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The 5 Footballers Who Have Won BBC Sports Personality of the Year

​As the year, and indeed the decade, draws to a close, it can only mean one thing. It’s award season. 

On Monday, football’s very own Raheem Sterling was announced as ​a nominee for the famous BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, after transforming himself into one of the world’s best on the pitch and a fantastic role model off it. From rising above racist abuse in domestic and foreign lands to shunning internet ‘trolls’, Sterling has proved to be an inspiration for the next generation.

However, history will tell you that a footballer winning the BBC award is rare. This time around it’ll be incredibly tough for the Manchester City man to become just the sixth footballer in history to win the honour, especially when you look at what the likes of Ben Stokes and Lewis Hamilton have accomplished this year.

Nevertheless, as Sterling looks to better England teammate Harry Kane – who finished in third-place last year – let’s take a look at the five footballers who’ve actually won BBC Sports Personality of the Year since the award’s inception in 1954.

Bobby Moore (1966)

1966 wasn’t a bad year for English football with the Three Lions securing their first – and only -FIFA World Cup after beating West Germany 4-2 (A.E.T) in the final.

While Sir Geoff Hurst – who finished third in that year’s award – was the hero on the 30 July, it was Bobby Moore who was the figurehead and captain in Alf Ramsey’s side. The iconic image of Moore hoisting the Jules Rimet trophy at Wembley is one that has not only gone down in British sporting history but British history generally.

The legacy left by Moore is unlike most and in a poll conducted by the RadioTimes, the icon was voted the greatest SPOTY winner of all time. Hero.

Paul Gascoigne (1990)

Franky Van Der Elst,Paul Gascoigne

While George Best, Gordan Banks and Kevin Keegan came close in the 70s and 80s, football had to wait 24 years until they saw another SPOTY victor.

And with British football in tatters, especially English, it looked unlikely for there to be an imminent winner come the start of the 1990s… But then came Italia ’90.

In a tournament that wasn’t meant to go right for the Three Lions, everything (almost everything) did, as England’s heroic journey to the semi-finals enthralled an unexpecting nation.

And despite David Platt’s improvisation, Gary Lineker’s clutch gene and Sir Bobby’s charisma, it was the Geordie in the middle of the park that stole everybody’s hearts. Blessed with immense footballing talent and a charismatic personality, Paul ‘Gazza’ Gascoigne was undoubtedly the man who had the greatest influence on that England side.

The tournament would quite literally end in tears for Gazza after a heart-wrenching penalty shootout defeat to Germany in the semi’s, but nonetheless, Gascoigne’s displays in those six games went a long way in making England fans believe in the Three Lions again.

Michael Owen (1998)

FIFA World Cup in France 1998

A shorter wait this time around as eight years after Gascoigne, teenage sensation Michael Owen would get his hands on the award.

While his commentary and punditry in later life don’t exactly scream ‘personality’, Owen’s display at the 1998 World Cup in France made him a worthy winner of the award in 1998.

After bursting onto the Premier League scene in the 1997/98 season with Liverpool, the then 18-year-old was announced in Glenn Hoddle’s England squad for the upcoming tournament in the summer.

Impressive performances in the group stages – where he became England’s youngest goalscorer in the World Cup – saw him start in their round of 16 clash with Argentina.

While penalties proved to be England’s undoing once more, Owen scored one of the greatest solo goals the tournament has ever seen. It was a finish that went a long way in the teenager being voted as the SPOTY and later, Owen described the goal as ‘life-changing’, finishing his career as a Ballon d’Or winner and one of the finest natural strikers this country has ever seen.

David Beckham (2001)

BBC Sports Awards X

If Owen was the ‘hero’ of the 1998 campaign, then David Beckham was the villain.

More than that, Beckham became public enemy number one after a moment of petulance saw the then-24-year-old sent off in that game against Argentina.

However, impressive displays for his club side Manchester United saw him win over the fans again before, in October 2001, Beckham completed his redemption arc from villain to outright saviour.

With Sven Goran Eriksson’s England trailing Greece 2-1 in a qualifier for the World Cup in the Pacific the following summer, a tricky playoff fixture against Ukraine looked likely for the Three Lions. Not on Becks’ watch (likely a Rolex).

In the dying embers of added time, Teddy Sheringham won England a free-kick in a central position, just shy of 30 yards out. With the weight of a nation on his shoulders, Beckham – who had played like a man possessed all game – then proceeded to unleash an unstoppable right-footed strike past an unmoved Antonios Nikopolidis in the Greek net to send England to the World Cup.

That incredible moment was enough to see Beckham bring home the award in 2001.

Ryan Giggs (2009)

Manchester United's Welsh midfielder Rya

The final winner from the world of football was undoubtedly the biggest surprise of them all as Ryan Giggs beat Formula One’s Jenson Button to the 2009 award.

While Giggs’ superior fan-base over the likes of Button and emerging heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill certainly contributed to the Welshman’s victory, Giggs was recognised for playing a role in United’s 11th Premier League title after winning the PFA Player of the Year in April.

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Atletico Madrid Battle to Deserved Victory Over Osasuna to Reclaim Top-Four Spot

​Atletico Madrid earned a hard-fought 2-0 victory over mid-table Osasuna on Saturday, on an evening in which Joao Felix starred for Los Rojiblancos.

Diego Simeone’s men set the tempo from the off on Saturday evening, taking the game to the visitors with some direct and dangerous attacking play. Felix was a constant thorn in the side of Osasuna, his lightning pace and tricky footwork causing plenty of problems in the opening exchanges.

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The 20-year-old then forced a smart save from goalkeeper Sergio Herrera, who stretched out a long leg to deflect away the low-driven effort. Thomas Partey almost broke the first-half deadlock with a long-range pile-driver, but Herrera was up to the task once more, as he continued to frustrate the hosts.

Saul Niguez then missed a simple chance from close range and the hosts rattled the crossbar from a well-worked set-piece routine, but the two sides were level when the half-time whistle sounded. The visitors did provide some attacking intent on occasion, but they were easily second best as Atleti continued to pile on the pressure in the second half.

Los Rojiblancos finally broke the deadlock in typical fashion for a Simeone side, when Alvaro Morata powered home a fierce header from an inch-perfect Kieran Tripper delivery. The opening goal inspired ​Atleti to play with more freedom and go for the kill, and the introduction of Angel Correa swung the momentum in the hosts’ favour.

Saul Niguez,Sergio Herrera

The result was finally put beyond doubt when Saul rounded off a superb passing move by dinking a smart finish over the onrushing goalkeeper to seal the three points. Atleti had plenty of chances to add to their lead, but their efforts were saved by Herrera, or they missed the target altogether.

​Morata did hit the net again late on, but his cool finish was ruled out for offside. Regardless, Simeone’s men lifted themselves back into the top four – and within six points of top-of-the-table ​Barcelona.

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Everton Turn to Mikel Arteta as Search for New Manager Continues

​Everton are considering making a move for Manchester City assistant manager and former Toffee Mikel Arteta in their search for a new permanent boss.

The Merseyside club parted ways with Marco Silva in early December and placed Duncan Ferguson in charge of the side while they search for a new long-term manager.

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Club officials have considered a number of names for the position, but the ​Liverpool Echo claim that Arteta is the latest to have his name brought up in the ​Everton board room.

They are understood to have discussed ‘at length’ the idea of approaching Arteta, but they are yet to make a final decision as majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri is currently considering all available options.

Former ​Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti remains high on their wish list, while Unai Emery and David Moyes have both met with club chiefs over a potential move, but Everton are yet to make any real progress in the search.

Mikel Arteta

Arteta became a fan favourite at Goodison Park during his playing days. Between 2005 and 2011, the Spaniard made 209 appearances for Everton, racking up 35 goals and 33 assists from midfield.

However, Everton are not the only one of Arteta’s former employers who have taken a keen interest in him. ​Arsenal are understood to be incredibly keen on him as they look for their replacement for Emery.

The Gunners are believed to see Arteta as the ‘​leading candidate’ for their vacant managerial role, so Everton may be forced to act quickly if they want to win the race for his signature.

Pep Guardiola,Mikel Arteta

Fortunately for Everton, director of football Marcel Brands is said to have a good relationship with ​City counterpart Txiki Begiristain, which could help ensure that negotiations go smoothly.

As it stands, Ferguson remains in the dugout at Goodison. He led the side to a fantastic 3-1 win over ​Chelsea in his first game, and he will hope to use that momentum when his side travel to Old Trafford to face ​Manchester United on Sunday.

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Man Utd 4-0 AZ Alkmaar: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Mason Greenwood Inspires Victory

Manchester United confirmed their position at the top of their group in the Europa League with an emphatic 4-0 win against Dutch side AZ Alkmaar at Old Trafford on Thursday evening.

The first half remained fairly uneventful with both sides playing fairly passive football, happy to pass the ball around the back four without taking too many risks. Bar the odd fast counter from Man Utd neither side really looked like scoring.

The game changed in the second half though as the Red Devils began pressing for an opening goal and becoming more adventurous with the ball. They took the lead through a composed finish from Ashley Young into the roof of the net from a tight angle after clever skill from Andreas Pereira and a neat pass across the goal from Juan Mata.

The goal led to Alkmaar’s capitulation as they went on to concede three more in just over 11 minutes.

Ashley Young

Mason Greenwood netted the second in controversial circumstances with a sweet strike from just outside the box. He received the ball after what seemed a clear foul from James Garner but the ref waved play on. Greenwood was again involved minutes later as a clever touch from the youngster off a through ball led to a penalty as he was tripped by Jordy Classie. Mata stepped up to the plate and buried the pen. Just moments later, Greenwood scored his second of the night as he cut inside onto his left foot and swept the ball past the keeper from the right side of the box to make it 4-0.

Alkmaar remained seemingly uninterested in attack as they continued to apply little pressure to ​United’s back four. The Dutch side scrape through the group in second place while Man Utd comfortably top it. An easy night’s work for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his team.

​Manchester United

Key Talking Point

Manchester United’s youth showed they can be relied upon when needed. The likes of Mason Greenwood showed how dangerous and fearless he can be and has given United fans further reason to be excited about the future. Brandon Williams showed great calmness both at the back and going forward today despite his relative inexperience.

With Solskajer willing to look to the younger players, United know there are exciting, young talents ready to step in at any time.

Brandon Williams

Player Ratings

Starting XI: Romero (6), Young (7), Tuanzebe (5), Maguire (6), Williams (6), Garner (4), Matic (5), Mata (7), Pereira (7), Greenwood (9), Martial (6)

Substitutes: Jones (6), Chong (6), Laird (6)

Star Man

Mason Greenwood has proven once again he can be relied on by United despite his relatively young age. Even at just 18 years old, Greenwood showed great composure on the ball, protecting it well and helping to create chances.

Both goals required great poise which he showed in abundance to sweep both past the helpless goalkeeper.

Greenwood showed his willingness to make runs down the middle as well as show his danger out wide so United could have a fantastic player on their hands in the years to come. They will have to figure out whether he is more comfortable down the middle or out wide.

FBL-EUR-C3-MAN UTD-ALKMAAR

AZ Alkmaar

Player Ratings: 

Starting XI: Bizot (6), Clasie (4), Wijndal (5), Svensson (5), Wuytens (5), Midtsjo (5), de Wit (6), Koopmeiners (5), Idrissi (6), Stengs (6), Sugawara (5)

Substitutes: Vlaar (5), Ouwejan (5), Druijf (5)

Looking Ahead

The Premier League returns again this weekend and Manchester United face managerless Everton at home on Sunday as they look to continue their strong run of form.

Alkmaar face a very difficult challenge as they take on Eredivisie champions Ajax at home on Sunday in the league.

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Atletico Madrid 2-0 Lokomotiv Moscow: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Los Rojiblancos Reach Last 16

Atletico Madrid cruised through to the Champions League last 16, comfortably beating Lokomotiv Moscow 2-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday evening.

Los Rojiblancos almost got off to a dream start as Joao Felix drew a foul in the Lokomotiv area to win a second-minute penalty. Kieran Tripper stepped up to take it, but saw his effort tipped onto the post by Anton Kochenkov.

When VAR and a pitchside check by referee Viktor Kassai confirmed a second penalty for Rifat Zhemaletdinov’s handball, Felix placed the ball on spot and coolly slotted home to make it 1-0 on 17 minutes. VAR then swung in Lokomotiv’s favour, disallowing Alvaro Morata’s finish for a marginal offside.

Felipe added a second on 54 minutes, calming the Wanda Metropolitano nerves and making Atleti’s dominance count. Koke whipped in a low corner and the unmarked centre half unleashed a volley befitting of a top-level striker, blasting across Kochenkov and into the Lokomotiv net.

With the away side presenting very little in way of attacking threat, the final half an hour saw Diego Simeone manage the game to perfection. Atleti sat deeper, picked their moments to counter and sealed their passage to the knockout stages.

Atletico Madrid

Key Talking Point

Atleti have been difficult to watch in recent weeks and struggling to hit the back of the net – a symptom of their defensive tactics and passive approach. However, with victory required to guarantee progression, Wednesday’s positivity and attacking play was a much-needed breath of fresh air.

Diego Simeone pushed his full backs onto Lokomotiv’s wing backs from the off, penning them in and setting the tempo for Atleti to dominate on the edge of their opponent’s penalty area. This enabled Angel Correa, in particular, to drift in from the right flank and cause trouble for the Russian side’s back three – who already had their work cut out with the movement of ​Morata and Felix.

It was no coincidence that winning the ball higher up the pitch improved Atleti’s tempo and attacking intent – they registered five first half shots on target, two more than full 90 minutes of Friday’s 0-0 draw with Villarreal.

Diego Simeone

Understandably, the foot was taken slightly off the gas once ​Atleti scored their second. However, winning the ball in deeper areas enabled them to counter at breakneck speeds – Felix using these opportunities to demonstrate his lightning pace.

Nullifying Lokomotiv’s attacking threat in the final stages, it was a job well done for Simeone and his side can now look forward to the competition’s knockout stages.

Player Ratings

Starting XI: Oblak (6); Trippier (6), Felipe (8), Hermoso (7), Lodi (7); Correa (7), Saúl (7), Partey (8), Koke (6); Morata (7), Felix (9*)

Substitutes: Herrera (6), Lemar (5), Llorente (5)

STAR PLAYER

Joao Felix

​Involved in the action from the very first minute, Joao Felix’s performance was enough to get armchair viewers off of their seats – let alone those in attendance! Lokomotiv appeared fearful from the off – embodied by the early penalty concession for a foul on the Portuguese – and rightly so.

The 20-year-old was excellent at dropping deep and finding space in a crowded midfield. Lokomotiv would have been sick at the sight of Felix collecting the ball near the halfway line and running full-speed at their defence. His movement and close control was a joy to watch, especially as he pulled off a few crowd-pleasing flicks and tricks on his constant bursts towards goal.

The brief respite for Lokomotiv defenders saw the forward pausing, looking up and demonstrating his excellent vision to spray balls over the top. With Atleti committing bodies from midfield, this ploy could be vital if Simeone persists with this more positive approach.

There was also the small matter of Felix’s nerveless penalty conversion, the ante upped by Trippier’s earlier miss. However, the summer signing showed that he is the man for the big occasion and tucked it away when it really mattered. The home fans certainly seemed to agree, as Felix left the pitch to rapturous applause and a standing ovation.

​Lokomotiv Moscow

Player Ratings

Starting XI: Kochenkov (6); Idowu (5), Kvirkvelia (6), Höwedes (6), Corluka (5), Rybus (6); Cerqueira Paim (6), Zhemaletdinov (6), Krychowiak (7), Miranchuk (7*); Eder (6).

Substitutes: Magkeev (5), Smolov (5).

Looking Ahead

Atletico Madrid face Osasuna at home and Real Betis away, the ​La Liga winter break commences.

Finishing bottom of the group means Lokomotiv Moscow will completely drop out of European competition, so there’s a lengthy wait for their next fixture – the visit of league leaders Zenit Saint Petersburg in March.

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Twitter Hails Barcelona’s Youth Movement as Record-Breaker Ansu Fati Knocks Inter Out of CL

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Goals from La Masia graduates Carles Perez and Ansu Fati guided a second-string Barcelona side to a 2-1 win over Inter on Tuesday night, knocking the Serie A leaders out of the competition.

Dortmund’s defeat in Barcelona last time out coupled with Inter’s victory in Prague meant that, in order to progress to the knockout stages, all Antonio Conte’s men needed to do on matchday six was match BVB’s result.

And early on, they looked like the more likely side to get the breakthrough with Romelu Lukaku, Cristiano Biraghi and Danilo D’Ambrosio all failing to find the back of the net despite finding themselves in promising positions.

Then, against the run of play, Barça struck after Diego Godin’s interception of a direct Antione Griezmann pass fell into the path of 21-year-old Perez, the La Masia graduate making no mistake from close range. It’s also worth noting that teenager Jean-Clair Todibo played a huge role in the goal – driving out of defence to put the visitors on the front foot.

After Clement Lenglet spurned a glorious chance to double the Catalans’ lead, the hosts gained momentum at the end of the first half, eventually getting their reward for an impressive opening 45 minutes through Lukaku after all the hard work was done by Lautaro Martinez.

The second half started rather cagey, with Inter knowing that a 1-1 draw would be enough with Dortmund also being held by Slavia Praha. But, after Julian Brandt gave BVB the lead in Germany, the chances started to come…and go for the home side, with Lukaku the main culprit for missed opportunities.

​With Inter missing chances, the visitors continued to threaten in transition with Conte seemingly abandoning his central midfield in favour of attacking talent from the substitutes bench.

And while Frenkie de Jong and Luis Suarez were thrown into the mix, it was Valverde’s final substitution, 17-year-old Ansu Fati, who made Inter pay as the winger drove home from distance to give his side the lead – becoming the youngest ever goalscorer in the Champions League while at it.

There was no ‘Miracle in Milan’ by the home side as Barça held onto their 2-1 lead, sending I Nerazzurri down to the Europa League with Dortmund joining the Catalans in the last 16.

On the whole, Barça fans were more than satisfied with their youthful side’s display, with Jean-Clair Todibo and Carles Alena impressing throughout.

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West Ham 1-3 Arsenal: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Gunners Finally End Woeful Winless Run

Arsenal finally ended their nine-game run without a win after coming from behind to beat West Ham and piling misery on Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini.

Both sides started cautiously, desperate not to make the first error with the stakes so high. It took an awful long time but eventually the game sparked in to life, Angelo Ogbonna’s deflected header wrong-footing Bernd Leno in the Arsenal goal and, despite a lengthy VAR check, sending West Ham in to the lead at half-time.

A crucial second 45 minutes got underway at the London Stadium, with West Ham starting the brighter and chances going begging for Robert Snodgrass and Declan Rice. But against the run of play, Gabriel Martinelli levelled the score after coolly finishing Sead Kolasinac’s fine cross and offering the travelling side hope.

Six minutes after Arsenal equalised, they found a second. A moment of brilliance from the much-maligned Pepe, ducking in on his favoured left boot and powering a curler past David Martin. The Ivorian then turned provider when his deflected cross found Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who smartly volleyed home and put the game beyond West Ham.

The Hammers couldn’t pull a goal back to set up a nervy finish, seeing Arsenal pick up a crucial three points in desperate times.

West Ham

Key Talking Point

​West Ham came in to this game looking over their shoulders, sitting just a point above the relegation zone and in desperate need of an upturn in form. Whether it was tactics, or trepidation, Manuel Pellegrini’s side were more than happy to let Arsenal control possession in the early stages, looking to use the pace and power of Michail Antonio on the counter-attack.

The Hammers took a rather fortuitous lead before the break, stepping up the intensity of their press in the minutes leading up to the goal and preying on their opponents indecisiveness. But, Pellegrini knew his side would need a lot more composure in the second half, with a pivotal 45 minutes still to play.

Angelo Ogbonna,Robert Snodgrass

Despite a bright start, West Ham lost their shape after the break and when Arsenal scored, the game soon turned in to a basketball match, which played right in to the hands of the visiting team. Suddenly, their defensive frailties were exposed and Pellegrini inched his way closer to the chopping block, despite a spirited performance.

Player Ratings

Starting XI:​ Martin (4); Fredericks (5), Balbuena (5), Ogbonna (6), Cresswell (4); Noble (5), Rice (7*), Snodgrass (6), Fornals (5), Anderson (5); Antonio (5)

Substitutes: Masuaku (5), Haller (4), Holland (5)

Star Player

Declan Rice

There were very few standout performers for West Ham, who put in a decent, but not great performance. Rice was the best of the bunch, helping break up the play and keep possession for the hosts, recycling the ball with ease. However, it was not a particularly glamorous performance from the defensive-midfielder, or any of those in claret and blue around him.

Arsenal

Key Talking Point

If Freddie Ljungberg’s first two games have taught him anything, it’s that ​Arsenal are in dire need of improvement. A draw against newly-promoted Norwich and a defeat at home to Brighton means the Gunners are on their worst run without a win since 1977, and in desperate need of a victory.

Ljungberg’s side controlled early proceedings, but looked fairly toothless up front and it was clear to see that confidence wasn’t high. Despite the attacking presence of ​Aubameyang, ​Mesut Ozil and Nicolas Pepe, Arsenal struggled to find their rhythm with little cutting edge to their build-up play.

Mesut Ozil

Arsenal were soon punished for their lack of conviction, once again failing to defend a set-piece and leaving the Gunners staring another defeat in the face. A lack of determination, confidence and quality summed up a drab first 45 minutes for the visitors.

It could only get better in the second half, and it did. Despite a sluggish start, Arsenal’s equaliser flipped the game on its head, shifting momentum in Arsenal’s favour. Suddenly they looked interested, and West Ham nerves were set jangling. Two quick-fire goals came shortly afterwards, the Gunners finding their rhythm and never looking back.

Gabriel Martinelli

Despite it being way too early to label this a turning point, the character of their comeback was admirable and will have alleviated a fair amount of pressure at the Emirates. And if they can emulate their second half performance in future games, they have a shot of finding their way out of the corner they have backed themselves in to.

Player Ratings

Starting XI: Leno (6); Maitland-Niles (5), Chambers (6), Sokratis (5), Tierney (5); Xhaka (5), Torreira (7), Ozil (6); Pepe (8*), Martinelli (7), Aubameyang (7)

Substitutes: Kolasinac (6), Guendouzi (5), Nelson (N/A)

Star Player

Declan Rice,Nicolas Pepe

With a pretty hefty price tag on his head, Pepe hasn’t had the easiest of beginnings to life in the Premier League. But, despite still giving the ball away a fair amount, the winger started to show the dynamic qualities that made him such a desirable addition to the Arsenal team.

Pepe netted a beautiful second for the visitors and looked the Gunners’ most threatening asset up top.