Alexis steps in for injured Giroud

The pressure is on Arsene Wenger to bring in attacking reinforcements following Olivier Giroud's injury but Alexis Sanchez showed on Wednesday evening that he is capable of leading the line for Arsenal during the Frenchman's absence.

The Chile international’s goal sealed a 1-0 win over Besiktas to put Arsenal in the Champions League group stage for the 17th successive year but can the £31.8 million summer signing consistently deputise for Giroud until January?

Thursday, August 28, 2014 12:00

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Manchester United hammered on night of Di Maria arrival

Tuesday evening started on a high note for Manchester United after they confirmed the signing of Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid.

But Louis van Gaal and his side were brought sharply down to earth as they were dumped out of the League Cup following a 4-0 defeat at the hands of MK Dons.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014 12:00

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Jovetic upstages Balotelli’s arrival

After his £16 million move to Liverpool was completed, Mario Balotelli returned to Manchester City as a spectator on Monday evening to witness his new team-mates slip to a 3-1 defeat.

Stevan Jovetic was the star of the show as his double, along with Sergio Aguero’s strike, sealed victory for the Premier League champions.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014 12:00

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Di Maria's Ice Bucket Challenge

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Chelsea can sleep easy after Champions League draw

The Champions League draw has created a tricky group for some teams but Chelsea will be confident of progressing as they share Group G with Schalke, Sporting and Maribor.

Liverpool, who are back after a five-year absence, will meet Real Madrid, along with Basel and Ludogorets.

Arsenal have been drawn with Borussia Dortmund for the third time in four seasons, while Arsene Wenger’s men will also face Galatasaray and Anderlecht.

Meanwhile, will once again face Manchester City and CSKA Moscow, while Manuel Pellegrini’s men will also play Roma.

Friday, August 29, 2014 12:00

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Van Gaal leads frantic Man Utd recruitment drive

With just a week left until the transfer window closes, Manchester United face a race against time to bolster a squad that has picked up just a single point from their opening two Premier League matches - their worst start in 22 years.

The Red Devils are already closing in on a deal to sign Real Madrid attacker Angel Di Maria, who could cost as much as £70 million, while Dutch duo Nigel De Jong and Daley Blind, of AC Milan and Ajax respectively, could be reunited with their old Netherlands boss.

Van Gaal admitted his appreciation for the Argentine, as well as Juventus's midfield dynamo Arturo Vidal, and there looks set to be a lot of activity at Old Trafford in the coming seven days as United look to bolster a squad that has struggled in the early stages of the new campaign.

Monday, August 25, 2014 12:30

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Van Gaal goes from king to devil

After enjoying a hugely successful pre-season which saw them conquer European giants to lift the International Champions Cup, Manchester United - and manager Louis van Gaal - came crashing back to earth last week.

The Red Devils were beaten 2-1 by Swansea City at Old Trafford in the first game of the new Premier League season, bursting the bubble of optimism built over the off-season and off the back off Van Gaal's excellent showing with the Netherlands at the World Cup.

"Two weeks ago I was the king of Manchester and now I am the devil of Manchester,” the Dutchman remarked on Friday.

Next up for United is a trip to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland and Van Gaal will be hoping for a better showing than against Swansea, though he still maintains that it will take at least three months for his philosophy and coaching to begin to show on the pitch.

Saturday, August 23, 2014 11:45

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