Liverpool signs Virgin van Dijk from Southampton for record fee

Liverpool announced Wednesday the club has signed centre-back Virgil van Dijk fromSouthampton for an undisclosed world-record fee for a defender, which Jeremy Wilson of The Telegraph reports is £75 million.

Both Liverpool and Southampton confirmed the deal would be completed when the transfer window opens on Jan. 1, 2018.

That £75-million figure makes Van Dijk the most expensive defender in history - roughly £20-£25 million more than City paid for each of Benjamin Mendy and Kyle Walker - and would put him level with Romelu Lukaku as the seventh-most expensive transfer of all time.

Wilson reports the two clubs have held discreet meetings in recent days and have hammered out terms for the deal, which is likely to include a salary of around £180,000 per week. It also concludes Liverpool's protracted pursuit of the Netherlandsinternational from last summer - one that saw Van Dijk hand in a transfer request and the Saints issue a complaint to the Premier League against Liverpool for making an illegal approach.

Liverpool issued a public apology for the "misunderstanding" and formally announced an end to its pursuit in July.

Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino slowly reintroduced Van Dijk into the team following his self-imposed exile at the start of the year, but once again benched Van Dijk in the build-up to this now-confirmed move.

Wilson reports Chelsea had also reportedly lodged a "large offer" for the defender but adds that Van Dijk's preference has always been to work with Jurgen Klopp. With the move now confirmed, the German tactician can introduce a new defender to his ranks, which should help mitigate some of the team's defensive errors - the sort that have hampered results despite Liverpool boasting an exciting, dynamic, and free-scoring attacking quartet.

Van Dijk also brings with him a penchant for passing, which Klopp's side could desperately use from the backline, as well as height and presence, which should help in set-piece situations.

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Manchester United denied by late leveller, slip 13 points behind City

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Arsenal come from behind to beat Swansea

Arsenal celebrated Arsene Wenger's 800th Premier League game as manager with a win but only after coming from a goal behind to beat Swansea City 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

The Swans went ahead in the 22nd minute when Sam Clucas scored his first goal for the Welsh club since a pre-season transfer from Hull City.

But Sead Kolasinac equalised six minutes after halftime and Aaron Ramsey put Arsenal ahead seven minutes after that as the Gunners recorded their 10th successive home win in the Premier League.

There were few signs early in the game of the struggle in store for Wenger's men and such was Arsenal's command in the first 20 minutes they felt free to pass the ball with all the intensity of a five-a-side training match.

Their lack of urgency, however, meant that Arsenal's only significant efforts on goal in that period came when Per Mertesacker headed an Alexis Sanchez free-kick straight at former Gunners 'keeper Lukasz Fabianski and Hector Bellerin's shot was blocked by Federico Fernandez.

Perhaps the feeling that it was all too easy was responsible for the error by Laurent Koscielny that led to Swansea taking the lead.

As he stepped forward to clear a long diagonal ball from Mike van Der Hoorn, the Frenchman stumbled and then fell, leaving Swansea's on-loan Chelsea forward Tammy Abraham in possession and in space.

Abraham instantly turned and slipped the ball between Bellerin and Mertesacker for Clucas to run onto and roll his shot under Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech.

LETHARGIC

The shock should have roused Arsenal, but they were still lethargic. Mesut Ozil was unable to reach a pass over the defence by Sanchez and Clucas might have had a second goal as a gap suddenly opened up in front of him before he shot just wide of Cech's right-hand post.

Fabianski did not have to make a serious save until the 40th minute, when Sanchez exchanged passes with Nacho Monreal and fired a fierce shot towards the far top corner. Fabianski, though, flung out his right arm to push the ball over the crossbar.

Swansea had yet another chance to double their lead when Mertesacker was caught in possession by Jordan Ayew, who advanced and saw his shot saved by Cech at the expense of a corner.

Whatever veteran French boss Wenger said at halftime seemed to inspire his players and a more aggressive Arsenal were level six minutes after the break.

Alexandre Lacazette forced his way into the Swansea penalty area and both he and Ozil had shots blocked. The ball ran loose to Kolasinac and although Fabianski got a hand to his shot he could not keep it out.

If Arsenal expected Swansea to collapse, they were disappointed. They had the ball in the net barely a minute later only for Abraham's close-range finish to be ruled out for offside.

But in the 58th minute Arsenal were ahead. This time Kolasinac was the creator, chesting the ball down and finding Ramsey in an unusual amount of space in the Swansea defence.

The Welshman's first-time left-foot shot was not powerfully struck, but too well-placed for Fabianski to save.

Suddenly full of running, Arsenal made chances to extend their lead. Lacazette was inches from connecting with Bellerin's cross from the right, and Bellerin's shot at full stretch from Ramsey's pass sent the ball looping over Fabianski but against the bar.

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Saturday epl round up

Sergio Aguero was left waiting to become Manchester City's outright all-time leading goal-scorer as his side remained five points clear at the top of the Premier League table on Saturday.

Aguero was named on the bench as City saw off West Bromwich Albion 3-2, having failed to surpass the club record of 177 goal he shares with Eric Brook during a midweek League Cup penalty shoot-out win over Championship side Wolves.

City manager Pep Guardiola blamed Aguero's failure to score against Wolves on the different ball used in the League Cup and there were three goals in a frantic five-minute spell at The Hawthorns on Saturday.

Leroy Sane produced a stunning strike to give City a 10th-minute lead only for West Brom's Jay Rodriguez to equalise soon afterwards.

But come the 15th minute, City were 2-1 up after Fernandinho left fly with a speculative shot that deflected off Gareth Barry and went in off the post.

City substitute Raheem Sterling gave the visitors a two-goal lead with a close-range finish in the 64th minute only for the Baggies' to pull a goal back late on through Matt Phillips after a defensive blunder.

Second-placed Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur had both started the day level on points but Jose Mourinho's men edged ahead after substitute Anthony Martial's goal nine minutes from time gave them a 1-0 win over a Spurs side missing injured England striker Harry Kane.

'LAST KICK OF THEIR CAREERS'

It was just the result United manager Mourinho would have wanted after slamming his players' attitude following a shock 2-1 loss to Huddersfield last week.

"We all feel we have to win every match so that's why I felt disappointed at Huddersfield," Mourinho told Sky Sports. "Today, every ball looked like the last ball of their careers.

This was Spurs' second defeat of the week after their League Cup loss to London rivals West Ham.

"It was unlucky that in the last 10 minutes we conceded our goal," said Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino. "It was our mistake," he added after his defence failed to deal with a long clearance from United goalkeeper David De Gea that Romelu Lukaku headed on to Martial.

Meanwhile Spurs's arch north London rivals Arsenal had to come from behind to see off struggling Swansea 2-1.

The Gunners fell behind when Sam Cluca scored with Swansea's first touch inside the Arsenal penalty area to put the visitors 1-0 up in the 22nd minute.

But Arsene Wenger's men were back on level terms early in the second half at the Emirates when Sead Kolasinac rifled a shot past former Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski from 15 yards out.

Kolasinac then turned provider for Aaron Ramsey as the Wales midfielder made it 2-1 in the 58th minute.

Liverpool missed a penalty but still beat Huddersfield 3-0 in a match that pitted Reds manager Jurgen Klopp against Terriers boss David Wagner – the best man at his wedding.

Shortly before halftime, Liverpool were awarded a penalty after Tommy Smith grabbing Roberto Firmino's shirt only for Mohamed Salah to fire his spot-kick straight at Jonas Lossl.

But Daniel Sturridge broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half before Firmino doubled the lead in the 58th minute with a header from a corner.
Gini Wijnaldum then added a third late on.

Meanwhile Wilfried Zaha's goal in the seventh minute of stoppage time saw basement club Crystal Palace came from 2-0 down to salvage a 2-2 draw with West Ham in a London derby at Selhurst Park.

Javier Hernandez and Andre Ayew, with a 25-yard shot that went in off the crossbar, put the Hammers 2-0 up before Palace pulled a goal back through a penalty from Luka Milivojevic.

Former Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher's 16th-minute goal gave Stoke City a much-needed 1-0 win at high-flyers Watford.

Bournemouth face Chelsea in Saturday's late kick-off.
South coast duo Brighton and Southampton meet on Sunday when Leicester play Everton in former Saints boss Claude Puel's first game in charge of the Foxes.

Burnley welcome Newcastle to Turf Moor on Monday.

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Zaha's last-gasp equaliser salvages draw for Palace

Winger Wilfried Zaha scored in the seventh minute of added time to salvage a 2-2 draw for Crystal Palace against West Ham United at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

England goalkeeper Joe Hart was beaten by Zaha's low shot into the bottom corner after making several fine saves that had seemed enough to give Hammers victory.
Striker Javier Hernandez fired the visitors ahead after half an hour from Aaron Cresswell's cross and Andre Ayew put them two up before halftime with a shot from outside the box into the top corner.

West Ham, who had lost their previous league match 3-0 at home to Brighton & Hove Albion, were put under intense pressure in the second half and Palace pulled a goal back with Luka Milivojevic's penalty in the 50th minute, before Hart saved Yohan Cabaye's free kick and an earlier effort by Zaha.

Palace, whose only win in the league came against Chelsea two weeks ago, remain firmly rooted to the bottom of the table with four points from 10 matches, while West Ham are in 16th place on nine.

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Liverpool get back on track with win over Huddersfield

Liverpool put their recent Premier League frustrations behind them to breeze past Huddersfield Town 3-0 on Saturday with Daniel Sturridge's goal setting up the victory.

Mohamed Salah missed a first-half penalty but that was largely forgotten by the end as Jurgen Klopp's side produced a vibrant second-half display with Roberto Firmino and Georginio Wijnaldum on target after Sturridge broke the deadlock.

Their first win in four league games kept Liverpool in touch with the top four, moving them up to sixth spot with 16 points from 10 games, three behind fourth-placed Arsenal.

"The manager told us not to get frustrated because they were dropping real deep," Wijnaldum said.
"Every win is a big win for us and it was important because we had to give a reaction from the match last week.
"I think we did well."

Liverpool's home form contrasts sharply with their away results and they have now conceded only once at Anfield compared to the 15 they have let in on their travels - the most recent setback being last week's 4-1 loss at Tottenham Hotspur.
Huddersfield are also finding it tough on their travels and rarely worried Liverpool's defence.

They defended resolutely, though, and reached the interval at 0-0 thanks to Jonas Lossl's save to stop Salah's spot-kick.

Sturridge eased any home anxiety in the 50th minute when Huddersfield defender Tommy Smith's misguided header fell into his path and he dinked in his first goal since August.

Eight minutes later Firminho met James Milner's corner with a firm header to make it 2-0 and Wijnaldum smashed home the third as Huddersfield's resistance crumbled.

David Wagner's side managed only one goal attempt and they have now failed to score away since they began the season with a 3-0 victory away at Crystal Palace.

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Valencia win at Alaves

Former Premier League players Simone Zaza and Rodrigo scored as Valencia maintained their unbeaten start to the La Liga season by defeating Alaves.

Ex-West Ham striker Zaza lashed in his ninth of the campaign and former Bolton loanee Rodrigo scored the winner from the penalty spot in the second half.

Defender Alexis, who used to play for Valencia, netted for the home side.
Marcelino's Valencia are second in the table, a point behind Barcelona who travel to Athletic Bilbao (19:45 BST).

Real Madrid are in third place, five points adrift of the top. Zinedine Zidane's side face a trip to Girona on Sunday (kick-off 15:15 GMT).

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Martial hits late Man Utd winner against Spurs

Anthony Martial's late winner kept Manchester United in second place in the Premier League as they edged out Spurs in a hard-fought encounter at Old Trafford.

Martial's introduction for Marcus Rashford after 70 minutes was not well received by some Manchester United supporters - but manager Jose Mourinho's move proved to be a masterstroke as the French striker raced on to Romelu Lukaku's header to beat Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris with only nine minutes left.

It was a narrow victory United just about deserved after creating the better chances in the second half, Lukaku producing an outstanding save from Lloris and hitting the woodwork with a header.

Spurs missed the goalscoring threat and presence of the injured Harry Kane, creating little other than a chance which Dele Alli steered just wide from Christian Eriksen's cross with the game still goalless.

In the end, Mourinho's change and Martial's penalty box finish made the difference as United recovered from last week's surprise loss at Huddersfield Town.

Mourinho switch pays off
Bad shots can be genius - Mourinho on Martial's winner
When Mourinho removed Rashford and sent on Martial with 20 minutes left, sections of Old Trafford signalled - and indeed gestured - their disapproval at the move.

It was actually the catalyst for United's match-winning surge as they finally pierced the defensive barrier erected by Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Romelu Lukaku, who had endured a frustrating afternoon, burst into life with a run and shot that was brilliantly saved by Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris then had a header that bounced to safety off the post.

United built momentum after Mourinho's change and it was Lukaku who rose to send a header into Martial's path for a finish that was not clean but good enough.

Mourinho had criticism to contend with for his approach to the goalless draw at Liverpool a fortnight ago - but here he made the tactical tweak that proved decisive.

The Harry Kane Team?

Pochettino was, with very good reason, outraged by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola's description of Tottenham as "the Harry Kane team."

There is so much more to Spurs than that in the shape of Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and a superbly-drilled defence - but here they missed that edge of menace the 24-year-old would have provided.

Pochettino 'very disappointed' following late defeat
Spurs are not 'the Harry Kane team' in the slightest - but any side in the world would miss a striker in the sort of form England's captain is currently in.

Son Heung-min battled hard before he was replaced by Fernando Llorente but neither could replicate the sort of threat Kane has been producing in recent weeks.

Mourinho will also point out he was missing key midfielder Paul Pogba - but there was no doubt, despite the defiant message from Pochettino before the kick-off, that Spurs were dealt a huge blow to their plans by Kane's hamstring injury.
Lukaku's persistence is rewarded - and Young is re-born
Lukaku was given a real show of faith by Mourinho when he persisted with the striker after deciding to make changes.
It could just as easily have been Lukaku who was withdrawn rather than Rashford as the game entered its final phase - but Mourinho stuck with his summer purchase from Everton and it paid dividends.

The £90m striker had been a figure of frustration for much of the game as he gestured to his team-mates for greater and quicker support as he battled against Eric Dier, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld.

And yet, through sheer persistence and determination, he was able to make a key contribution to set up Martial's late winner.

Another key figure for United was the rejuvenated Ashley Young, employed down the left-flank, defending tirelessly and occasionally delivering the sort of dangerous crosses that were his trademark as a flying winger.

He fully deserved the standing ovation he received from Old Trafford when he was taken off in stoppage time.
Man of the match - Ashley Young
What they said
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho: "That was difficult, it could have been a draw. Both teams were trying to win but both knew the opponent was strong.

"Apart from Dele Alli's chance, we controlled them well. It was tactically difficult for both and it was well refereed. It was strong, aggressive.

"We knew if we had one defensive mistake we could lose and that's what happened to them.

"We tried and we deserved the victory."
Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino: "It was an even game. It was a shame to lose. The chances were for one and then the other. It was a tough game and I think we deserved more. I feel proud of the effort and it was unlucky that in the last 10 minutes we conceded our goal. It was our mistake.

"It is important to be calm and in football these type of mistakes happen. We must fix that and move on. We cannot change the result.

"We contained United very well. Always we were in control of the game. We had the ball but it is true we did not create enough chances to score. In this type of game if you make a mistake you lose."
United maintain mean mood at home -

the stats

Manchester United have kept a clean sheet in each of their first five home league games of a season for the first time since 2007/08.

They have kept six consecutive home clean sheets in the league; they last managed more in March 2010 with seven.

United have now scored 10 goals in the last 10 minutes of Premier League games this season, 43% of their total.
Romelu Lukaku has had a hand in 10 goals in the Premier League this season (seven goals, three assists), a joint-high along with Sergio Aguero.

Only three of Spurs' 13 shots in the game came in the second-half, with none of their four shots on target coming after the break.

Spurs have lost consecutive games (in all competitions) for the first time since February, when they lost to Liverpool and Gent.

What's next?

United host Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday, 31 October at 19:45 GMT before another tough Premier League outing, away to Chelsea at 16:30 on Sunday, 5 November. Spurs welcome Real Madrid to Wembley at 19:45 on Wednesday, 1 November and then face Crystal Palace in a midday kick-off next Sunday.

Line-ups

Match Stats

Live Text

Line-ups

Man Utd

1 de Gea
3 Bailly
12 Smalling
4 Jones
25 A Valencia
21 Herrera
31 Matic
18 Young Darmian 90+3'
22 Mkhitaryan Lingard 65'
9 R Lukaku
19 Rashford Martial 70'

Substitutes

8 Mata
11 Martial
14 Lingard
17 Blind
20 Romero
36 Darmian
39 McTominay

Tottenham

1 Lloris
4 Alderweireld
15 Dier
5 Vertonghen
24 Aurier
17 Sissoko Dembélé 62'
29 Winks
23 Eriksen
33 Davies
20 Alli
7 Son Heung-min Llorente 62'

Substitutes

2 Trippier
3 Rose
6 Sánchez
13 Vorm
14 Nkoudou
18 Llorente
19 Dembélé

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SPORTS:2018 Olympic torch ceremony hit by poor weather

Olympic touch

Actress Katerina Lechou (R), acting the high priestess, lights the Olympic flame at the Temple of Hera in Olympia. Photo: AFP
A backup Olympic flame was used Tuesday in Ancient Olympia after unsuitable weather forced the cancellation of a traditional lighting ceremony using the sun ’s rays .
The Olympic flame will now make its long journey toward the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games , which begin on February 9.
Greek officials had successfully conducted the final rehearsal for the kindling of the Olympic flame on Sunday in sunny skies and it was this one that was used in the ceremony at the birthplace of the ancient Olympics .

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SPORTS:2018 Olympic torch ceremony hit by poor weather

Olympic touch

Actress Katerina Lechou (R), acting the high priestess, lights the Olympic flame at the Temple of Hera in Olympia. Photo: AFP
A backup Olympic flame was used Tuesday in Ancient Olympia after unsuitable weather forced the cancellation of a traditional lighting ceremony using the sun ’s rays .
The Olympic flame will now make its long journey toward the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games , which begin on February 9.
Greek officials had successfully conducted the final rehearsal for the kindling of the Olympic flame on Sunday in sunny skies and it was this one that was used in the ceremony at the birthplace of the ancient Olympics .

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MBAPPE, GABRIEL JESUS AND DEMBELE MAKE GOLDEN BOY FINAL THREE

The Premier League, La Liga and Ligue 1 are all represented on the shortlist, with the winner set to follow in the footsteps of Renato Sanches

The final three players for the prestigious Golden Boy award have been named, with Kylian Mbappe, Gabriel Jesus and Ousmane Dembele all making the cut.

Italian newspaper Tuttosport had initially named a 24-man shortlist for the prize , but the likes of Manchester United star Marcus Rashford and Borussia Dortmund's Christian Pulisic are now out of the running.

Instead, Paris Saint-Germain's Mbappe continues to head the field, having completed a loan move from Monaco in the summer after helping the Stade Louis II side to the semi-finals of the Champions League and the French

He is expected to complete a permanent move to the capital next summer for a fee of €160 million, rising to €180m with bonuses.

France international team-mate Dembele, meanwhile, has already completed a giant move of his own, heading to Barcelona in the summer for €105m before additional payments, though the man signed by the Camp Nou outfit to replace Neymar is on the sidelines with a long-term hamstring problem. He hopes to be back in action early in 2018.

Rounding up the trio is Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus, who has made a profound impact since breaking into Pep Guardiola's side. He is already considered on an equal footing with Sergio Aguero and has six Premier League goals in seven appearances this season.

The winner, who will follow in the footsteps of Renato Sanches, who is currently on loan at Swansea from Bayern Munich, will be revealed on October 23.

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NK Maribor 0-7 Liverpool

Liverpool recorded their biggest Champions League win in almost 10 years as they thrashed Slovenian side Maribor to go top of Group E.

The Reds dominated throughout, opening the scoring on four minutes when Roberto Firmino finished from close range after Mohamed Salah broke free down the right.

Philippe Coutinho made it 2-0 with a half-volley from James Milner's pull-back before Salah scored twice, finishing off passes from Firmino then Alberto Moreno as the Reds led 4-0 at half-time.

Firmino added a fifth with a flicked header from Coutinho's free-kick as the Reds claimed their biggest Champions League victory since an 8-0 home victory over Turkish side Besiktas on 6 November 2007.

Daniel Sturridge linked up with fellow substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for the latter to score his first goal for the club to make it 6-0, and Trent Alexander-Arnold sealed the rout with a deflected 30-yard strike.

The victory takes Liverpool level on points with Spartak Moscow, who defeated previous leaders Sevilla 5-1.
Relive Liverpool's win over Maribor as it happened

Wonderful Liverpool cruise to win
Liverpool had started their Champions League campaign with two draws - 2-2 at home against Sevilla and 1-1 at Spartak Moscow - but they never looked in danger of dropping points against a side second in Slovenia's First League.

Indeed it took Jurgen Klopp's side just four minutes to take the lead, with Firmino scoring for the first time in six Liverpool games after Salah's burst.

Milner, who started in place of club captain Jordan Henderson, set up Coutinho for Liverpool's second after 13 minutes to effectively finish things off.

It became a question of how many Liverpool would score against woefully outclassed opposition, and the Reds did not disappoint as they produced a wonderful, free-flowing performance.

Salah got his first of the night when he slotted past home goalkeeper Jasmin Handanovic, then claimed the fourth as he and Firmino bundled the ball in from close range after Moreno's low cross.

Milner, Firmino, Moreno, Salah and Coutinho also missed first-half chances, before Firmino scored his second of the evening with a glancing header from Coutinho's free-kick.

Second consecutive clean sheet for Liverpool
These two teams meet again in two weeks, and Liverpool will be confident of another easy win at Anfield.

Klopp's side had won only one of their past eight matches in all competitions before this confidence-building performance, and the German was able to give some of his squad players playing time in the second half.

Perhaps with one eye on the Reds' match at third-placed Tottenham on Sunday, Salah, Firmino and Georginio Wijnaldum were withdrawn to give Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sturridge and 20-year-old Dominic Solanke chances to impress.
Late on, Sturridge released Oxlade-Chamberlain and the England midfielder slotted past Handanovic for his first goal since his £35m move from Arsenal at the end of August.

There was still time for Alexander-Arnold to score only his second Liverpool goal with a deflected strike from long range to seal a perfect night for the visitors.

Their defence, which has conceded 12 goals in eight league games, has been heavily criticised this season, but this result means they have kept back-to-back clean sheets after a goalless draw against Manchester United on Saturday.

Klopp maintained his policy of using rotating his goalkeepers for Champions League matches, and Loris Karius comfortably saving a low shot from Mitja Viler before Marko Suler headed Maribor's only other chance wide.

Maribor, who have never won a home Champions League match, are bottom of the group with one point from three matches.

Man of the match - Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)

Reds on course for knockout stages for first time since 2009 - the stats

Maribor have won only one of their nine games against English opposition in all competitions (drew two, lost six) - a 2-1 win against Wigan Athletic in the 2013-14 Europa League group stages

Maribor have won only one of their 15 games in the Champions League group stages (drew five, lost nine) - a 1-0 victory over Dynamo Kiev in September 1999.

This is Liverpool's 10th Champions League campaign, and only their second appearance in the group stages in the past eight seasons. They have not reached the knockout stage of the competition since 2008-09.

Liverpool had won only one of their past eight away games in the Champions League before this match (drew four, lost three). The previous victory was a 1-0 success against Hungarian side Debrecen in November 2009.

This was only the seventh occasion that an English club had scored four first-half goals in a Champions League game.
'We got everything we deserved' - what they said
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain told BT Sport: "We started with the right intensity, the manager said it would be a tough game and we couldn't be complacent.
"Even at half-time he was pushing for us to do better and we got everything we deserved.
"We were very clinical and putting almost all of our chances away. It feels like we have a lot of goals in us, we create a lot of chances.

"This is a competitive team, we have had a few results that have not gone our way and I'm ready whenever I get an opportunity.

What's next?

Liverpool play in the Premier League at Wembley Stadium against Tottenham on Sunday, 22 October (16:00 BST), before a home game against Huddersfield on Saturday, 28 October (15:00 BST).

Liverpool and Maribor then play at Anfield in the next round of Champions League matches on Wednesday, 1 November (19:45 BST).

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Premier League Preview and Predictions (Game-Week 8)

The Premier League returns after the two-week international break. Manchester City and Manchester United aim to extend their dominance but the Red Devils face a daunting task with an away trip to Liverpool.

Liverpool vs Manchester United
Date: 14/10/17
Time: 12:30pm
Venue: Anfield
Liverpool and Manchester United set the weekend rolling with an encounter which promises to produces fireworks at Anfield. In last season’s fixtures between the pair, it ended all square, no victor, no vanquished.

However, things have taken a dramatic turn for both sides, Manchester United unbeaten to date, second on the table, while seventh-place Liverpool have struggled after a flourishing start to the season.

Despite both teams missing key players through injuries picked up during the international break-Sadio Mane and Marouane Fellaini- Jose Mourinho has never won against Jurgen Klopp in the Premier League, historically struggling against the German on the continent.

We don’t expect both teams to be at their flying best considering the long travels associated with the international break and the midweek UEFA Champions League games, a draw should settle this cagey tie.

Prediction: 1-1

Crystal Palace vs Chelsea
Date: 14/10/17
Time: 3:00pm
Venue: Selhurst Park
Injury ravaged Chelsea are away to rock bottom Crystal Palace who remain winless and scoreless this season. The Eagles are yet to pick a solitary point and have continued to create unwanted Premier League records for all the wrong reasons.

Antonio Conte’s troubles even got bigger following the hamstring injury to reliable midfielder N’Golo Kante, added to Alvaro Morata’s absence. Though, Chelsea maintain a perfect away record this season, which we expect the Blues to preserve, what we can’t guarantee for sure is a clean sheet from a backline that appears to be lacking in leadership. 

Prediction: 1-3

Manchester City vs Stoke City
Date: 14/10/17
Time: 3:00pm
Venue: Etihad Stadium
League leaders Manchester City are expected to continue their strong start to the season at home to 13th-place Stoke City.

The Potters have been far from impressive this season, struggling to win at home to Southampton in their penultimate league game. Sergio Aguero is still a major doubt, despite reports of the Argentine striker been spotted around the City training ground.

Strike partner, Gabriel Jesus, returns following a productive international break with Brazil, and can be relied on to continue his impressive goal scoring form. We expect Pep Guardiola to approach this game cautiously considering a testing midweek game against Napoli in Europe; hence Stoke City should get off with a slight spanking.

Prediction: 3-0

Swansea City vs Huddersfield Town
Date: 14/10/17
Time: 3:00pm
Venue: Liberty Stadium
Swansea City faces a tricky test at home to Huddersfield Town. The Premier League new boys have seen their early season luck elude them in recent games and they could be in for a testing match.

Experience could be key here for the home team and we expect the Swans to fully capitalise on that in a bid to swim out of the drop zone. 

Prediction: 2-0

Tottenham Hotspur vs Bournemouth
Date: 14/10/17
Time: 3:00pm
Venue: Wembley Stadium
Tottenham Hotspur are presented with a fourth opportunity to finally win a home league game at Wembley Stadium against Bournemouth. Much has been made of Spurs inability to win on their adopted home ground with a few pundits and fans associating it with some form of hoodoo.

Bournemouth aren’t in the best of form and were heavily bashed the last time the pair clashed, though it was at White Hart Lane. Harry Kane is in great scoring form and we expect the England international to extend his scoring streak, on the way to a first home win of the season for Tottenham.

Prediction: 2-0

Watford vs Arsenal
Date: 14/10/17
Time: 5:30pm
Venue: Vicarage Road
Arsenal are guests of Watford in a tricky away trip which would see both teams dropping further points this season. Watford’s fortunes have been completely turned around and looks formidable around under Marco Silva this campaign, though it’s still early days.

Arsenal are winless on the road this season and have the odds firmly against them as majority of their players will return from the international break, leaving the Gunners with limited time on the training ground ahead of this encounter.

Prediction: 2-2

Brighton and Hove vs Everton
Date: 15/10/17
Time: 1:30pm
Venue: Falmer Stadium
Brighton and Hove could create a massive upset when they face a struggling Everton team that have disappointed this season.

Perhaps, it remains somewhat of a miracle that Ronald Koeman still has a job on the Blue half of Merseyside, recording disastrous results despite the heavy summer investments. Chris Hughton could fancy his side’s chances, though the absence of an out-and-out forward could work against the home team. 

Prediction: 1-1

Southampton vs Newcastle United
Date: 15/10/17
Time: 4:00pm
Venue: Saint Mary’s Stadium
The stage looks well scripted for the master against the pupil battle when Rafael Benitez faces Mauricio Pellegrino at Saint Mary’s Stadium. It was Benitez who during his time in-charge of Liverpool signed Pellegrino on a short term deal and the former Argentine defender these days finds himself managing in the Premier League.

Southampton have struggled in contrast to Newcastle United who have built some momentum over the past couple of weeks, climbing into ninth-place.

Dusan Tadic, Nathan Redmond and Manolo Gabbiadini will be key for the home team who will stretch the away teams defence but the shrewd Benitez and his Magpies team should carry the day in this one.

Prediction: 0-1

Leicester City vs West Bromwich Albion
Date: 16/10/17
Time: 8:00pm
Venue: King Power Stadium
Leicester City look poised to get their season up-and-running when they host West Bromwich Albion in Monday night’s action. The Foxes, despite their heavy summer spending’s have endured struggling start to consecutive league season’s and must address their alarming slump against the Baggies.

Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy could prove to be the difference for Craig Shakespeare’s men, who will likely have to wait a while to determine the availability of Wilfred Ndidi who appeared to pull a muscle on international duty with Nigeria.

Prediction: 2-0

Disclaimer- Predictions are just for fun, based on analysis. We do NOT sell or guarantee results.

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SPORT: Nigeria vs Zambia! Leon Balogun opens up on choosing Super Eagles over Germany

Sport: Nigeria vs Zambia! Leon Balogun opens up on choosing Super Eagles over Germany

Leon Balogun has said he harbours no regrets, after choosing Nigeria over Germany at international level.

Balogun played all 90 minutes on Saturday, as the Super Eagles became the first African country to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The 29-year-old who plays for Mainza, broke down in tears at the final whistle and had to be consoled by his team-mates.

Speaking after the game, Balogun who was eligible to play for Germany, but chose Nigeria, said he never even gave a thought to play for the world champions.

“‎I have never played for Germany since I started playing football. I think it’s just some commitment that I prefer playing for Nigeria. I don’t know what it is but I can yell you, I never really thought of playing for Germany,” he said.

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SPORT: Nigeria vs Zambia! Millions of naira rain on Super Eagles after 2018 World Cup qualification

Sport: Nigeria vs Zambia! Millions of naira rain on Super Eagles after 2018 World Cup qualification

The Super Eagles players have signed for a match bonus of N1million naira, following their 1-0 win over Zambia, in Saturday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier.

The victory confirmed their spot in next year’s tournament in Russia.

The money will be credited to the players’ respective bank accounts, according to a top official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

It is also understood that the players also signed for their camp allowances Saturday night, but the amounts were not disclosed.

Also, multi–millionaire business mogul, Chief Kensington Adebutu, on Saturday rewarded the Super Eagles with the sum of N50million.

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Wales v Republic of Ireland: Coleman wants players to make more history

Wales manager Chris Coleman wants his "golden generation" to forget the past and make more history when they face the Republic of Ireland in their final World Cup qualifier on Monday.

Coleman guided Wales to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 - their first major tournament for 58 years.

And a win on Monday could take them to their first World Cup since 1958.

"There is nothing for the players to fear," said Coleman. "I think both teams are going to go for it."

The winners in Cardiff will guarantee at least second in Group D, with a draw enough for Wales to end up in that position and, potentially, claim a play-off spot for Russia 2018.

Should Wales win and Serbia fail to beat Georgia, Coleman's men would qualify automatically for Russia 2018.

They would secure top spot if they draw and Serbia lose by two goals.

Coleman said: "We don't really talk about anything but what we need to be doing right now.

"They were labelled this 'golden' bunch of players before we qualified [for Euro 2016] and I fought against that, because they had not earned that tag.

"But they have earned it now. They are a golden era.

"This group of players have made a difference and they have gone one step further than anybody else that has come before them.

"The problem is, that is in the past as well. Whatever we have done is not going to help us against Ireland."

Welsh Player of the Year Chris Gunter knows the country's fans will be "nervous".

But the Reading defender, who is set to move within two of Gary Speed's Wales outfield record by winning his 83rd cap, said: "We really need them to fully believe in us and to fully back us and give us one last push."

Coleman added: "I have sat there when I did not even know that, if the next result was a bad one, whether I would still be in a job.

"To be here now is an absolute joy for me."

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Giroud scorpion kick makes makes final three puskas award

Olivier Giroud’s scorpion kick for Arsenal against Crystal Palace has made the final three of FIFA’s 2017 Puskas award.

A shortlist of 10 was announced last month but has now been trimmed down based on initial votes from supporters, with fans still holding the opportunity to pick their winner until October 23.

Giroud’s stunning strike, which came on New Year’s Day, is joined in the last three by Deyna Castellanos’ effort for Venezuela’s Under-17 women’s team and an overhead kick by goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke from a game in South Africa for Baroka FC.

Seven goals have dropped out of the running, including Mario Mandzukic’s magnificent chest and volley in Juventus’ Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.

Kevin-Prince Boateng’s volley for Las Palmas against Villarreal, which came from a brilliant flicked pass, misses out, along with Alejandro Camargo’s amazing volley from inside his own half in Chile’s top flight.

Goals from Moussa Dembele, Aviles Hurtado, Nemanja Matic and Jordi Mboula also failed to make the final three.

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The race to dethrone ronaldo

The race to dethrone Cristiano Ronaldo is officially on.

The nominees for the 2017 Ballon d'Or are being released in chunks Monday, with award organiser France Football revealing the 30-man shortlist in five-player installments.

Lionel Messi is the prime candidate to overthrow Ronaldo. The only player to ever win the award five times, the elusive Argentine has already scored 14 goals across all competitions this season.

Paris Saint-Germain focal point Neymar, among the first superstars named on the list, will also fancy his chances after settling into French football nicely.

Robert Lewandowski, David De Gea, Harry Kane, Kevin De Bruyne, and Antoine Griezmann were unveiled alongside Neymar as top contenders for the coveted golden trophy.

Coming off the most prolific year of his career, PSG striker Edinson Cavani received a nod, as did counterpart Radamel Falcao for his role in AS Monaco's march to the Ligue 1 title.

Ronaldo remains the favourite to claim the prize for a record-equalling fifth time following a double-winning campaign withReal Madrid.

His sluggish start to the season, however, gives Messi fresh hope.

The two men have combined to win world football's most prestigious individual honour in each of the past nine years. Ronaldo's sure to be named as a finalist later in the day.

Here are the 25 nominees who've been revealed thus far:

Neymar (PSG), Luka Modric (Real Madrid),Paulo Dybala (Juventus), Marcelo (Real Madrid), N'Golo Kante (Chelsea), Luis Suarez(Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid),Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool), Jan Oblak(Atletico Madrid), Dries Mertens (Napoli),Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Robert Lewandowski(Bayern Munich), David De Gea (Manchester United), Edin Dzeko (Roma), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Toni Kroos(Real Madrid), Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus),Sadio Mane (Liverpool), Radamel Falcao (AS Monaco), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund),Edinson Cavani (Paris Saint-Germain), Mats Hummels (Bayern Munich), Karim Benzema(Real Madrid).

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NIGERIA 1 ZAMBIA 0: ALEX IWOBI GOAL SENDS SUPER EAGLES TO WORLD CUP

Gernot Rohr’s men are through to the 2018 World Cup finals after a hard-fought win against the Chipolopolo at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium
Alex Iwobi’s second half goal guaranteed Nigeria’s place at the 2018 World Cup, the Arsenal forward earning a 1-0 home win against Zambia on Saturday.

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Sport: Nigeria vs Zambia! Super Eagles to celebrate qualification with customized champagne [PHOTO]

Sport: Nigeria vs Zambia!  Super Eagles to celebrate qualification with customized champagne [PHOTO]

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has produced customized champagne bottles, in anticipation of the Super Eagles’ victory over Zambia, in a 2018 World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

Nigeria need all three points, to guarantee a spot at next year’s tournament in Russia.

Should that happen, the NFF will throw up a luxury bash with special bottles of wine.

The images of the champagne leaked online on Friday.

Media Officer of the Eagles, Toyin Ibitoye, however denied knowledge of the luxury celebration in store.

“We don’t know anything about champagne, all we know is training and getting the ticket to Russia,” he said.

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