Motherwell part with manager

Motherwell have announced the departure of manager Mark McGhee.

The 59-year-old Scotland assistant manager leaves his second stint at Fir Park with the club sitting 10th in the Premiership.
Motherwell have won just two of their past 13 league games and lost 5-1 at home to Dundee on Saturday.
Coach Stephen Robinson will take temporary charge, with help from assistant James McFadden and Under 20s boss Stephen Craigan.

New level of embarrassing

The Merseysiders were utterly abject as they were once again bullied by a side struggling at the wrong end of the table in a 3-1 defeat

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Jurgen Klopp had spelt out Liverpool’s task at the King Power Stadium on Monday night in big, bold lettering. The job of his players, the German underlined at Melwood last week, was “not to let Leicester’s confidence grow.”
REPORT: Leicester surge past Liverpool
By the 40-minute mark, his eyes were transfixed to the ground, his arms flung out in frustration.

The Foxes had scored more goals in that period against the Reds than they had managed in their last eight Premier League fixtures combined.
They were no longer sleepwalking through the division, they had rediscovered their swagger and smarts.
Twenty minutes later, the hosts had completely revived their party spirit from last season, with Liverpool so kindly gifting them invitations to exploit a flimsy rearguard.
Leicester were made to wait 637 minutes for a league goal, but they had three with half an hour to spare on Monday night courtesy of a Jamie Vardy double and a stunner from Danny Drinkwater.
Klopp had anticipated the defending champions would “show a few things” following Claudio Ranieri’s sacking and their five top-flight defeats on the spin, but he believed his charges, refreshed after a 16-day break, would crush any revival.
Instead, Liverpool accomplished a new level of embarrassing in the East Midlands. They were utterly dire out of possession and too loose with it as Leicester - sharper, fiercer - punished them over the top and in the duels.

The failure to protect their own high defensive line and the absolute mismatch in the battle between Vardy and Lucas Leiva - both the same age despite the Brazilian looking like he was carrying an extra 10 years in his legs - led to a carnival for the home side.
Leicester spark back into life
In truth, the scoreline flattered Liverpool, especially since Philippe Coutinho managed to oust Kasper Schmeichel with the game already gone.
It could have been a lot more dismal than 3-1 for those already dazed in the away section, with Klopp admitting afterwards: "It was not good enough in the beginning, it was not good enough in the middle and it was not good enough in the end."
Liverpool's plans for the encounter had been disrupted by a foot injury to captain Jordan Henderson on Friday, with the Reds boss already sans the services of Dejan Lovren and Daniel Sturridge.
As already evidenced this season, most especially in the 2-2 draw at Sunderland, the visitors fail to assert themselves in their skipper’s absence given his excellence in directing their attacks, and organising the blocks against counters.

That Liverpool are without anyone remotely close to matching his energy and intelligence as their No.6 is a priority to correct in the summer.
But that they are so charitable against struggling sides could see their business in the off-season affected, with premier players not quite inclined to move without a diet of Champions League football.
There should be a few within Klopp's squad nervous that they may no longer be at Anfield in the new campaign. "The thing is we all play, myself included, for our future," the German explained.
"We get judged every day, especially on matchdays. And of course, performances have influences on these things.
"It’s not the moment to make assessments like this, especially not in public as you can imagine. But I try to say the truth as often as possible and bad performances doesn’t help anybody. That’s clear."

Liverpool arrived at Leicester confident that they could deliver a strong marker of their top four aspirations. Their display only served to highlight the very flaws that may see them criminally miss out after such a sterling start to 2016-17.
Barcelona plan Isco move
Ranieri stated his dream had died after being relieved of his duties on Thursday night and here, Klopp’s fantasy of his side winning every game until the end of the season was laid to rest.
The 2-0 triumph over Tottenham remains their only league victory of 2017 and four of the club’s five defeats in the competition have come against teams who started the day in the relegation zone.
If Liverpool are serious about their ambitions at the top end of the table, they need to learn how to bully those at the bottom.

A Foxes triumph tinged with regret about Ranieri'

Claudio Ranieri was relaxing in Rome on Monday following his sacking as Leicester manager nine months after an historic Premier League title win - but the Italian's presence was everywhere around the King Power Stadium as the Foxes dominated Liverpool on a night of high emotion.

Ranieri spent the day with his grandson at the Bioparco Zoo while the team he took to the title in arguably British sport's greatest story battled their way out of the relegation zone with a 3-1 win against Liverpool.
And if he managed to find himself in front of a television screen he will have witnessed a familiar sight. It was the return of the Leicester team that won the title last season but one that has been missing in action in the events that led to the dismissal.

The 65-year-old may be gone but he was never forgotten on a night Leicester's fans gave thanks to the manager who made their dreams come true.

Ranieri guided the Foxes to the title despite them being rated 5,000-1 shots at the start of the 2015-16 campaign

Hours before kick-off, as a rainbow formed over the stadium that saw such gloriously unexpected success last season, Leicester supporters were out in force to publicly express their gratitude to Ranieri amid criticism - fairly mild it must be stated - of the club's Thai owners.
Jack Stephens, an 11-year-old Foxes fan, led the way by organising a pre-match march of celebration for Ranieri. But there were dissenting voices too with a small group of fans holding up a placard outside the stadium which read: "Honest. Humble. Full Of Integrity. LCFC What Have You Done?"
The stadium was awash with Ranieri face masks and more banners ranging from "Hero Godfather" to "Ranieri Your Players And Owners Let You Down. Disgraceful".
Leicester's Thai owners were in attendance, exchanging warm greetings with England manager Gareth Southgate and several fans who approached them as they waited in their seats before kick-off.
Some Leicester fans looked close to tears in the moments before the start when the strains of Nessum Dorma played over the loudspeaker. It revived memories of the glorious day in May when the triumphant Ranieri stood alongside tenor Andrea Bocelli in the centre circle as he started the celebrations on the afternoon the Foxes received the title trophy.
The moment was relived on the big screen along with highlights from last season, its conclusion greeted with prolonged, thunderous applause.
It lifted an atmosphere that had been subdued pre-match, with Leicester's fans nursing a genuine sense of sporting loss for their departed manager

Leicester 3-1 Liverpool: Players reacted to criticism - Craig Shakespeare

And then the game began.
Leicester's players knew they would face searching questions and unforgiving scrutiny no matter how this night played out.
Lose and they would be asked 'had they lost last season's magic forever'? Win and they would face inevitable claims - vehemently denied by members of the squad - that they had downed tools to force Ranieri out, only to pick them up again once he had gone.
There was a show of strength before kick-off with hugs and a pre-match huddle, with the answer about their attitude revealed within seconds of the kick-off with a fierce tackle from a fired-up Jamie Vardy that took the ball and flattened Sadio Mane in one movement.
"There has been a lot of unfair stuff written and you've seen a reaction from everyone," said Vardy. "It definitely got us fired up in a good way to put in a reaction on the pitch."

Working harder or a different style? Leicester's running stats in past five games
Fixture	Distance covered (km)	Sprints	% of time spent high-speed running
3-1 win v Liverpool	117.75	547	1.88
2-0 loss to Swansea	109.58	422	1.44
3-0 loss to Man Utd	108.61	546	1.92
1-0 loss to Burnley	104.80	486	1.68
3-0 loss to Southampton	103.28	490	1.78

A reminder of what Leicester had been missing this season came with their opening goal - made from a title-winning template, long ball from Marc Albrighton, Vardy away and clear with pace before a drilled finish.
Vardy had only scored five league goals before this game but he did not simply hit the target twice, this was a flashback to last season as he terrorised Liverpool all night with dash and a real air of menace.
The England striker, misfiring almost all season, was one of those forced to defend himself amid stories of dressing-room rebellion and he slumped to his knees in a mixture of celebration, exhaustion and relief at the final whistle.
This was a Leicester performance that would have sat easily among some of their best last season but the question remains - why has it taken the departure of the manager to coax it out of these players?
It was the perfect night for Leicester's caretaker manager Craig Shakespeare, who opted for default title settings by effectively selecting those who brought the Premier League to the King Power Stadium, the excellent Wilfred Ndidi for N'Golo Kante apart.

Craig Shakespeare was Ranieri's assistant and is popular with the club's players

Shakespeare went with what he knew, played to Leicester's old and obvious strengths and was rewarded with a performance plucked from last season's catalogue of successes that will step up his own claims to succeed Ranieri.
Leicester owners appear to have no obvious instant replacement, although the names of Guus Hiddink and Roberto Mancini still warranted mention around these parts on Monday.
So Shakespeare is the first cab off the rank and the manner in which he turned the dial back to last season will surely have impressed the decision-makers.
Despite clear unease, and in some cases unhappiness, among Leicester supporters about the circumstances surrounding Ranieri's exit, this was not transmitted to the pitch as they set those emotions aside to help inspire a vital victory.
It was a night of triumph tinged with regret - elation at a crucial win but sadness for an absent friend.
On a night where unity was a narrative, the abiding memory will be the scene in the 65th minute when the whole ground rose, thousands of torches lit up The King Power Stadium and every banner held aloft, as the name of Ranieri resounded around the ground.
The prolonged applause and standing ovation was an indicator of Ranieri's stature. He may have been at home in Rome but he was here in spirit.
Leicester's players mended fences broken in the fallout from this damaging episode that has brought so much criticism and removed much of the goodwill earned last season.
This was a night, however, that was as much about Ranieri as the players he left behind.
And amid the delight, there will be lingering regret it took his departure to prompt the return of the side he took so wonderfully, so unexpectedly, to the Premier League title.
It was a night to say, in the words of the biggest banner on show: "Grazie Claudio."

Fans hold up a poignant message for Ranieri

Same old Arsene, always losing: Weary Wenger out of excuses

The manner in which Arsenal capitulated in Munich was typical of a Wenger side who continually to show defensive naivety in crucial games

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As Thiago Alcantara’s shot deflected off Granit Xhaka and past goalkeeper David Ospina to put Bayern Munich 4-1 up against Arsenal, the visitors' heads went down, fingers were pointed at one another and coach Arsene Wenger sat to ponder another Champions League last-16 exit at the hands of Germany’s finest. Only, it wasn't over yet; the all-too-familiar humiliation not yet complete, with Thomas Muller adding a fifth Bavarian goal just before full-time.
It was déjà vu all over again: the same scoreline as their November 2015 meeting at the same stadium, accompanied by the same Arsenal vulnerabilities and the same naivety that is seen at the same stage of the same tournament for the previous six seasons.
'Wenger must go' - Arsenal fans round on boss
One could only feel sorry for the Arsenal fans who once again made the trek to Munich only to see their team squander the spirit and endeavour that had seen them cancel out Arjen Robben's wonderful open with Alexis Sanchez’s rebounded penalty.
Football is an unpredictable sport but there was a sense of inevitability about this result as soon as Laurent Koscielny hobbled off injured minutes after the second half began. Arsenal needed to demonstrate resolve and resilience; instead, they displayed their usual defensive and mental frailty.
Unsurprisingly, a resigned Wenger could offer no answers afterwards. "If you ask me would have I loved to have kept Koscielny on the pitch, I would say yes - but after that, it’s difficult to measure the actual impact [of his exit]," the forlorn Frenchman told reporters in his post-game press conference.

The impact was immediately noticeable, though, as the Gunners didn’t win a tackle in the 15 minutes after the Frenchman exited the pitch, and Gabriel’s obvious lack of preparation undeniably unsettled the back four.

An Opta stat showed that despite having 21.2 per cent possession in the first half, Arsenal managed to get more shots on target (5) than Bayern (3). The grit and intent were certainly there (at least for a while) but the lack of discipline and inability to cope with adversity only serve to undermine Wenger’s assertion that this is his most mature team in years.
It has, therefore, become almost impossible to justify the offer of a new two-year contract to the Frenchman after the now seemingly annual collapse in continental competition.
Lewandowski right to shun sorry Arsenal
While Granit Xhaka made his return to the starting line-up and accrued his customary card, greater criticism could be levelled at Francis Coquelin, given the defensive midfielder shockingly failed to win a tackle during his time on the pitch. The latter's decision to show Arjen Robben inside on to his favoured left foot was also baffling. It is not as if the Dutchman is an unfamiliar foe!
Of course, questions need to be asked of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who gave away the fifth goal, which put the outcome of the tie beyond all doubt, but, in all honesty, qualification was out of sight long before then.
In fairness to Chamberlain, he and Hector Bellerin were the only players to go directly over to and applaud the Arsenal away fans in an apologetic scene which once again put the focus on an angry Alexis Sanchez, who trudged off the pitch as the Gunners hopes of progressing past the last-16 once again came to dismal end.

"The real problems we faced were after the third goal because we lost our organisation, we looked mentally very jaded from that moment on," Wenger lamented. "The last 25 minutes was a nightmare for us because we looked like we had no response."
In truth, the whole game was a nightmare, a recurring one that Arsenal seem unlikely to awake from while Wenger remains at the helm. The end of his tenure, thus, looks more likely than ever before.

Win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see Barcelona versus Paris Saint-Germain

This season you could win VIP access to the biggest club competition around, with a chance of claiming amazing prizes in the process

Missed out on their thrilling UEFA Champions League knockout-stage meetings in the past?
This might be your chance – UEFA are offering the opportunity to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Barcelona take on Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.
UEFA have launched a new campaign that will give fans Access All Areas to the UEFA Champions League, providing you the chance to win a VIP experience to some of the biggest games in European football.
Each week UEFA are giving fans the opportunity to win some amazing prizes, from official merchandise to #AccessAllAreas trips to UEFA Champions League matches.
The lucky few will enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to Barcelona and receive overnight accommodation and VIP treatment with Champions Club hospitality tickets for the game.
Win two tickets, Champions Club hospitality, flights and overnight accommodation to watch Neymar and Lionel Messi in action when Barcelona take on Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday 8th March. Click to enter!

Luis Enrique on the brink of Barcelona exit following PSG thrashing

The chances of the Barca boss renewing his contract, which expires at the end of the season, now look very slim after Tuesday's humiliation

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"I am the only one responsible." That is what Barcelona boss Luis Enrique told Jordi Grau, a journalist with Catalan station TV3, in the flash interview on Tuesday night after he was handed the worst defeat of his reign at the Catalan club.
Shocking stat exposes missing Messi
Few witnesses were present, but those there claim the coach had to be separated from the reporter following the interview, in which he complained of the tone of the questions. Tensions were running high at the Parc des Princes and the 4-0 humiliation leaves the Asturian very much on the brink after a forgettable night in Paris.
Luis Enrique is out of contract in the summer and has put aside all talk of a possible renewal up until now. It already looked likely he would walk away following this, his third season as coach at Camp Nou. Now his chances of staying appear even slimmer than before.
Because Barca were completely lost out on the pitch in Paris. There was no sign of a plan, let alone of a positive result, as PSG were superior in absolutely every aspect. Lionel Messi disappeared from action as Barca were outrun and overrun, their only tactic to get the ball to a willing but far too isolated Neymar.

Luis Enrique again benched Ivan Rakitic and for many, that was one of the key factors in this game. The Croat is not at his best right now, but his replacement Andre Gomes endured a frustrating night and left the pitch visibly disappointed with his performance.
Summer signings such as Gomes, Lucas Digne and Paco Alcacer have struggled badly and it is no longer a question of adaptation for these players, but a lack of a clear model under Luis Enrique.
Luis Enrique: PSG loss my fault
Last season, the Asturian coach complained of the small squad at his disposal as he refused to trust his fringe players. But at the start of the current campaign, he claimed that "a priori, this is the best squad I have ever had".
However, that group was unable to compete in Paris and were soundly beaten by a team with far more passion. And that, from a Luis Enrique side, is unheard of. As a footballer, the current Barca boss was characterised by his unbreakable spirit and winning mentality, something that was not in evidence at all at the Parc des Princes.


The MSN, unlike the others have hardly been rotated at all, and the only obvious plan is to send balls up top to those three, without caring about the route and that, right now, is the biggest problem for a Barca side that has never been comfortable going after a result. Traditionally, this club has always had to play well to win matches.
Messi to PSG? Never say never
But in Paris, Barca did not play at all and the future of their coach is now very much up in the air. None of the players spoke about Luis Enrique in the mixed zone after the game, while he did not give any tactical explanation either in his press conference following the debacle. "I have to watch the match again," he insisted when asked by journalists.
His situation at Camp Nou right now is more fragile than ever before.

Mitroglou gives Benfica narrow advantage

Kostas Mitroglou’s goal just after half time gave Benfica a useful 1-0 first leg Champions League round of 16 lead over Borussia Dortmund.
Dortmund dominated the game for large periods but saw their celebrated centre-forward fluff a second-half penalty amid a series of modest finishes and an outstanding goalkeeping performance from Ederson.
Greece striker Mitroglou succeeded where Aubameyang had failed, converting scrappily but decisively from a 48th-minute corner to put the underdogs in charge heading into the second leg.
Both sides were short of key men with Benfica’s Brazilian striker Jonas and Lisandro Lopez both injured and Andrija Zivkovic suspended. Dortmund, meanwhile, saw Mario Gotze fail a fitness test to join Sven Bender, Nuri Sahin and Sebastian Rode on the treatment table.
Benfica were quick to show their attacking intent, Eduardo Salvio making headway down the right in the opening seconds and Nelson Semedo earning an early corner.
The sides exchanged half-chances, Ousmane Dembele seeing his first chance of the game well closed down and Salvio skying over after weak defending from Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
In the 11th minute the visitors produced something much more clearcut but Aubameyang was let down by his finish. Dembele did well to steal possession for his side and quickly located his partner’s run on goal.
The Gabon striker was perfectly positioned to punish Benfica but rushed his effort and lifted it high over the crossbar.
Dembele was becoming the game’s dominant influence and came close after 23 minutes, profiting from the good work of Marco Reus and Lukasz Piszczek. His shot was goalbound but goalkeeper Ederson, assisted by Victor Lindelof, protected their line.
The pair needed attention from the physio after colliding but Ederson was back up and running in time to get a fist on the resulting corner.
Dortmund kept coming, Raphael Guerriero not allowing Ljubomir Fejsa to usher the ball out of play and touching the ball across goal with Ederson beaten. Aubameyang was sniffing around but could not get the tiny touch needed to find the open net.
It was goalless at the break, Dortmund nursing a minor grievance before the whistle when Ederson’s foul on Dembele, just outside the box, went unpunished.
Benfica came out at a much improved tempo and grabbed the lead just three minutes into the second half.
After forcing a corner Luisao headed Luis Pizzi’s cross towards Mitroglou, who needed a couple of attempts to beat Roman Burki from close range.
It still looked a fragile lead and Aubameyang had yet another yawning chance to net five minutes later. Once again, though, his finish was lamentable.
Reus and Marcel Schmelzer tested Ederson before Fejsa’s handball gave Aubameyang a shot at redemption from 12 yards. But his spot-kick was no better than his previous attempts, a soft strike straight down the middle where the waiting keeper had no trouble.
Thomas Tuchel substituted the misfiring hitman moments later but there was no cutting edge to be found elsewhere either. Christian Pulisic came closer than most after stepping off the bench, drawing Ederson’s best save yet in the 84th minute.
His powerful shot took an awkward deflection but the Brazilian stopper refused to let his clean sheet slip, ensuring victory against the odds and the run of play.

Messi sets season worst

Much like the rest of his team-mates, the Argentine talisman had a match to forget against the French side.

How bad was it for Barcelona against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday? There are many ways to measure the futility.
There was the obvious - the 4-0 scoreline – a result which leaves the Catalan side needing a miracle in the Champions League round-of-16 second leg at Camp Nou in three weeks.
Shocking Barcelona & Luis Enrique on the brink of disaster
Then there's this stat for Lionel Messi, who somehow managed to go the entire match without a touch in PSG's box – a first for the season.Lionel Messi has failed to register a single touch in the opposite box in a #UCL game for the first time this season. Disconnection.

Messi, whose giveaway led to PSG's second goal of the night, is unlikely to repeat that feat in the second leg, but can he and his Barca team-mates produce an almighty comeback? We will find out on March 8.

Ferdinand and Gerrard slam Messi's Valentine's Day display

There was little love for the Argentine's performance as his side crumbled to a defeat that may well be fatal to their Champions League hopes

Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard were critical of Lionel Messi's performance in Barcelona's humbling at Paris Saint-Germain as the duo slammed the star's lack of effort in the French capital.
Messi sets season-worst stat
It was a night to forget for Messi & Co. after Barcelona suffered a humiliating 4-0 loss to PSG in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday.
Angel Di Maria's brace on his birthday condemned La Liga champions Barca to an embarrassing defeat in Paris, as five-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi struggled to have any influence on the contest.
And former Manchester United centre-back Ferdinand criticised Messi's display at the Parc des Princes.
"His reaction there was poor," Ferdinand told BT Sport. "All night he was sloppy.
"He looked dejected and bereft of ideas, [but] he's human."
Former Liverpool captain Gerrard echoed Ferdinand's comments, adding: "He showed zero effort. No reaction all night."
Barca will attempt to salvage the tie in the return fixture at Camp Nou on March 8.

PSG hand Barcelona Champions League thrashing

An Angel di Maria double and goals from Julian Draxler and Edinson Cavani gave PSG a stunning 4-0 first leg lead over Barcelona in the Champions League round of 16.
Five-time winners Barcelona have not failed to reach the last eight since the 2006/07 season but they will need to produce something special to turn this tie around after a PSG masterclass at the Parc des Princes.
Di Maria, on his 29th birthday, got things rolling with an 18th-minute free-kick and Julian Draxler doubled the home side’s advantage just before the break to leave Barca, champions in 2009, 2011 and 2015, on the ropes.
And things went from bad to worse for the Catalan giants as another fine strike from outside the box by Di Maria made it 3-0 in the 55th minute, before his fellow Argentinian Cavani added a fourth with 19 minutes to go.
It was Cavani’s 34th goal in all competitions this season and capped a memorable 30th birthday for the forward.
The result matched Barcelona’s heaviest defeat in UEFA competition and leaves Luis Enrique’s men needing one of the biggest comebacks in European history if they are to turn the tie round at the Nou Camp on March 8.
In Tuesday’s other match, Benfica edged to a 1-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in Portugal.
Konstantinos Mitroglou struck the only goal of the first leg early in the second half when he slotted home from close range after a corner had been headed towards the far post.
Dortmund had a great chance to level in the 57th minute – and earn a valuable away goal – but star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang saw his penalty saved by Benfica keeper Ederson.

Devastating Di Maria & Draxler destroy Barcelona

A staggering display from the French champions blew away their opponents at the Parc des Princes and sets them up as real challengers for the title

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It was the type of performance that Unai Emery was brought to PSG for - yet, even in president Nasser Al-Khelaifi’s wildest dreams, could he have expected to see his side annihilate Barcelona 4-0 this season? It might just be the Parisians' greatest European display ever.
Di Maria on fire as PSG crush Barcelona
Laurent Blanc left the club last summer after achieving successive domestic trebles, but his inability to negotiate the quarter-finals of the Champions League consigned the former France boss to unemployment.
After the Ligue 1 side started the season in a thoroughly unconvincing manner, it seemed former Sevilla boss Emery might be heading in the same direction, but the rousing 4-0 win over Barcelona at Parc des Princes means his stock has never been higher.
And it was no fluke result. PSG were quicker, stronger and smarter. This was a win every bit as easy as the final score would suggest.
Barcelona's worst Champions League half in a decade
The iconic moment of the game was when young home centre-back Presnel Kimpembe stopped a threatening Lionel Messi raid with a fine challenge before winning the second ball by using his muscle to leave the multiple Ballon d’Or winner eating the turf. It was the 21-year-old’s debut at this level, but he played like a seasoned professional.
It was a victory achieved by the persistent bullying of Barcelona’s right side, but it was conceived in the midfield, where the Catalans, normally so strong, were obliterated.


Angel Di Maria was outstanding. Not only did he catch the eye with two fine finishes, he was imaginative in possession and turned in a thrilling performance that reprised the level he showed when he won man of the match in the 2014 final.
Marco Verratti, only back from injury on Friday after a lengthy period on the sidelines, showed no signs of rustiness, dictating the play until he was forced off with an apparent calf problem midway through the second half.
Valentine's Day Massacre for Barca
Meanwhile, Blaise Matuidi, who has had a tricky season, returned to his energetic best and, alongside him, Adrien Rabiot stood in for the suspended Thiago Motta and showed the utmost discipline after receiving an early booking.
It was this area of the field that helped the defence have a relatively comfortable evening. After the weekend’s 3-0 win over Bordeaux, several players spoke of the importance of starving Messi of possession. Such was the quality of tactical play in the heart of the field, the Argentine had a veritable famine.


‘MSN’ simply were not a factor in this encounter and, on the rare occasions they saw the ball, PSG’s defence stood up well. In particular, youngster Kimpembe shone, while both full-backs raided forward astutely to support the forwards.
In attack, Edinson Cavani was insatiable as ever. Earlier in the season he had a frustrating habit of missing multiple chances in games, yet his finish to add PSG’s fourth of the match was simply a continuation of the blistering domestic form he has displayed.
The hosts’ other scorer was debutant Julian Draxler, who started on the left of midfield and was the player who landed the early punches that winded Barca. Since he arrived in the French capital, he has looked the star presence that he was expected to be in Germany, and not the phantom who played for Wolfsburg for 18 months. His goal was an announcement to the world that he really is back.
But this was not a night about individuals, this was about a team – and a coaching staff – that did not make a single misstep. In obliterating Barca by four clear goals, they have not only put one foot in the quarter-finals, they have sent a very definite message to the whole of Europe. 

Injuries, suspensions and line-up vs Hull City

Everything you need to know ahead of the Premier League clash at Emirates Stadium on Saturday

Arsenal’s annual capitulation appears to be in full flow as the Gunners go into Saturday’s game with Hull City off the back of consecutive defeats to Watford and league leaders Chelsea.
It has been a dismal week for Arsene Wenger’s side and fan discontent has emerged as a talking point across social media following the focus of one banner urging him to leave, but the Frenchman denied his future is at stake in his pre-match press conference.
Wenger: We can't compete without fans
"I believe what is important is we focus on the next game and do not give too much importance on one fan," he said.
"It's not me at stake, it's the season of Arsenal that is at stake. In a football club it's important you have different opinions. What matters is not the opinions of people, what matters is the next result and how we respond to different situations.
“I want the fans to be behind the team. But at the same time, I am not fool enough not to know that the first priority is us and our dynamic inside the team that will create and facilitate the support of our fans. That is down to the quality of our performance”
Wenger: My future is not at stake
The Gunners' midfield crisis does look like it's beginning to ease, with Mohamed Elneny returning from the Africa Cup of Nations and Granit Xhaka serving the final match of his four-game suspension.

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ARSENAL INJURIES

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Hector Bellerin faces a late fitness test to determine whether he can be involved against Hull. The right-back sustained a head injury in the match at Stamford Bridge last weekend and hasn't been training over the past week.


Danny Welbeck could start ahead of the upcoming Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, while Elneny seems likely to return alongside Francis Coquelin in midfield, despite an assured appearance from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in that role against Chelsea.
'Ozil not good enough for Invincibles'

Santi Cazorla is the only long-term absentee on the sidelines, with an expected return date pencilled in at six to eight weeks.

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ARSENAL SUSPENSIONS

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Granit Xhaka is serving the last of his four-game suspension.


Similarly, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will watch his fourth consecutive match from the stands after being charged by the FA following his misconduct towards the end of the Gunners' victory over Burnley

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ARSENAL POTENTIAL STARTING LINE-UP

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Bellerin’s inevitable absence means that Gabriel will almost certainly continue at right-back, unless Wenger decides to give Carl Jenkinson or Mathieu Debuchy a surprise start.

Wenger isn't expected to rest players ahead of the European tie in Munich next week and will field the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez against Marco Silva's side.
Hummels gives Arsenal hope

A decision on who should lead the line is likely to be between Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck, with the latter in with a shout to get the nod after an impressive cameo at Chelsea.

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HULL DOSSIER

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Hull have kept two clean sheets in February - as many as they'd kept in their previous 26 Premier League games combined.
Silva targets another Arsenal win
Marco Silva has got the Tigers looking solid at the back, but captain Michael Dawson looks set to miss out through injury.
Abel Hernandez, who has scored three goals in eight appearances, is also ruled out of the game although Ahmed Elmohamady is available after returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Premier League table
The departed Robert Snodgrass is their top scorer with seven goals in the Premier League so far.

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BEST OPTA MATCH FACTS

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• Arsenal have won seven of their last eight Premier League meetings with Hull (D1) since losing their first game against the Tigers in the competition, back in September 2008 (1-2 at the Emirates).
  
• Since that 2-1 victory, Hull are winless in 13 games against the Gunners in all competitions, losing 11 (D2) including the 2014 FA Cup final.
  
• Alexis Sanchez has had a hand in six goals in three league games against Hull (five goals, one assist).
  
• Sanchez is one of three Arsenal players to average 2+ goal involvements per game in the Premier League against a particular opponent (minimum of three appearances against them) - Ian Wright against Ipswich (eight goals and three assists in five games) and Lukas Podolski against West Ham (four goals and four assists in four games).
  
• Marco Silva won on his only previous visit to the Emirates — 3-2 with Olympiakos in the Champions League last season. He's the only manager to lead a Greek side to victory away on English soil in the Champions League/European Cup.
  
• Arsenal have won 41% of the games Francis Coquelin has started in all competitions this season (9/22) - without him in the starting XI, they have won all 13 (100%).

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TV COVERAGE & KICK-OFF TIME

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Kick off is at 12:30pm on Saturday 11th February and the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports 1 .

Man Utd tried to sign Chelsea star Willian

The Brazil international has admitted that Jose Mourinho's side made enquiries in the summer although maintains that he is happy at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea winger Willian has revealed that Manchester United made enquiries over signing him in the summer transfer window.
The Brazil international has been rotated frequently in the 2016-17 season, with Pedro often picked in his place, as was the case in the 3-1 win over Arsenal.
Lukaku to sign new Everton deal
The 28-year-old was a key performer in Jose Mourinho's title-winning Chelsea team of two years ago, making 35 league appearances as the Blues were crowned champions.
And the now-United manager appears to have made attempts to take the winger to Old Trafford, with Willian explaining that enquiries were made in the summer.
He told Globo Esporte: "There were enquiries, yes. It was from Manchester United, because Mourinho is there too.
"From other clubs I don't know but there are always some things on the internet. I'm glad to hear that there are clubs that admire my work."
Willian's former Chelsea team-mate Ramires made the move to China in the summer, but the Blues star is unsure if he'd follow in his compatriot's footsteps.
He added: "I do not know if I would go or not. What I can say is that I'm happy at Chelsea, I feel very good there, like it's my home.
WATCH: Costa & Alonso score belters in training
And despite not starting as many games as the likes of Eden Hazard and Diego Costa, Willian appears to be a fan of Antonio Conte.
He continued: "We [the team] had a difficult start, but then we got it right. He is coaching, coaching, helping all players.
"It is worth mentioning the group of players also, who managed to understand his philosophy of work, take ideas into the field and do a good job."

The latest rumours from Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal and all the top teams

Sportmasta summarises the biggest transfer talk from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga and beyond

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BENZEMA TO BE OFFERED NEW DEAL

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Real Madrid will offer Karim Benzema a new contract at the end of the season which could tie him to the club for another five years, AS reports.
The striker has scored just five goals in 15 Liga games this term, leading to criticism, but the Champions League holders are willing to offer a substantial salary hike to ensure he is still in the Spanish capital by the time he is 34.

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TUCHEL TOPS ARSENAL SHORTLIST

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Borussia Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel tops Arsenal's shortlist for a new manager should Arsene Wenger leave this summer, according to the Daily Mirror.
Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri, Bayer Leverkusen's Roger Schmidt and Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim are also being considered as the Gunners prepare for life after Wenger.

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JUVENTUS TURN TO DE GEA

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Juventus are set to make a move for Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea if they miss out on Gianluigi Donnarumma, acccording to The Sun.
The Bianconeri see Milan teenager Donnarumma as the natural successor for veteran Gianluigi Buffon, but the San Siro outfit are reluctant to sell.
And that has led to Juve looking for alternatives, with De Gea top of their wishlist should they fail to land their No.1 target.

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GRIEZMANN WANTS CL FOOTBALL

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Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann will turn his back on a move to Manchester United if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, according to The Sun.
United have offered to make the France international the highest-paid player in the club's history, but the deal depends on the Red Devils being involved in Europe's premier club competition next term.

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LIVERPOOL MONITORING GRAY

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Liverpool are tracking the progress of Leicester City winger Demarai Gray as they plot a summer move, according to the Daily Mail.
Jurgen Klopp is keen to add two natural wingers to his squad before the start of next season, and sees England under-21 international Gray as a potential option.

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ALLEGRI TO QUIT JUVENTUS

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Massimiliano Allegri has agreed to quit Juventus at the end of the season, according to an exclusive report from Calciomercato.
The Italian manager has been widely tipped to replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal in the summer, but Juventus chiefs had rejected claims he would leave Turin.
New reports, however, suggest that the decision to leave Juventus was made in January and was agreed on both sides, though the Italian champions have stressed it will not have a negative impact on the club's title hopes.

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LIVERPOOL & MAN CITY TO FIGHT FOR CARVALHO

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Liverpool and Manchester City are ready to go head-to-head for Sporting midfielder William Carvalho after learning the Portuguese side are ready to sell, according to A Bola, via TalkSport.
Sporting are enduring a difficult season, currently sitting 10 points behind title rivals Benfica, and are looking to raise funds in order to strengthen their squad, with selling their star player their first port of call.

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LIVERPOOL EYE RAMIREZ

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Liverpool are lining up a surprise move for Middlesbrough midfielder Gaston Ramirez, according to Tuttomercatoweb.
Jurgen Klopp is keen to add more attacking depth in the summer and the Reds have already made informal contact with the Uruguayan's representatives.

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BAYERN IDENTIFY LAHM SUCCESSOR

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Bayern Munich will step up their pursuit of Benfica right-back Nelson Semedo ahead of Philipp Lahm's retirement, according to O Jogo.
The Germany legend has announced he will finish his playing career at the end of the season, leaving Carlo Ancelotti searching for reinforcements on the right side of defence.

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MAN CITY LEAD RACE FOR WONDERKID

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Manchester City lead the race to sign Real Mallorca teenager Alpha Dionkou, according to the Manchester Evening News.
The 15-year-old is also in the sights of Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona but looks set to become the latest youngster to join City's academy setup.

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MADRID IN BELOTTI TALKS

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Real Madrid have opened talks over a summer move for in-demand Torino striker Andrea Belotti, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
Torino president Urbano Cairo has travelled to the Spanish capital to discuss the potential transfer, with Madrid willing to pay the Arsenal targets €100 million release clause.

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ARSENAL TO MOVE FOR HART

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Arsenal are the latest club to show an interest in signing Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart this summer, according to the Daily Mail.
The Gunners are looking to replace Petr Cech as their No.1, and while Liverpool are also keen on the England international, Arsenal are hopeful of completing a deal.

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LALLANA TO SIGN NEW DEAL

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Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana is set to put pen to paper on a new four-year deal at Anfield, according to the Daily Telegraph.
The England international is set to earn £150,000 a week following a series of impressive performances for the Reds this season.

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DE GEA & COURTOIS WANT MADRID MOVE

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David de Gea and Thibaut Courtois are both keen on the idea of replacing Keylor Navas as Real Madrid's No.1 goalkeeper, according to the Sun.
The Manchester United and Chelsea stars both previously played for Atletico Madrid but have not been put off by their rivalry with the current European champions.

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MOURINHO TO DISCUSS EXTENSION

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Manchester United will discuss a 12-month contract extension with Jose Mourinho at the end of the season, according to the Sun.
The Portuguese coach signed a three-year deal in the summer but has impressed Red Devils bosses sufficiently to convince them to commit to an extra year.

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LIVERPOOL WARNED OFF STRIKER

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Nottingham Forest have told Liverpool not to bother with a fresh approach for 17-year-old striker Ben Brereton, according to a report from The Nottingham Post.
Jurgen Klopp is supposedly a fan of the Forest prospect and saw a £2.5 million offer for the teenager rejected by the Championship club late in the January transfer window, with a return for his services in the summer likely.

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AC MILAN WANT AGUERO & MANCINI

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In the wake of rumours linking Milan with an audacious move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Sergio Aguero and Roberto Mancini have now been added to their wish list courtesy of Corriere dello Sport.
The Italian publication states that the Rossoneri will have €100 million to spend should their Sino-Europe Sports takeover be completed, and big names are being targeted to aid them in returning to the top of the Serie A table.

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CHELSEA SWOOP FOR CANCELO

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Chelsea have made Valencia defender Joao Cancelo one of their top summer transfer targets, according to Yahoo Sports.
The Blues failed in a January bid for the full-back, but the Liga outfit are set to be more receptive to a sale in the close season, though their asking price is likely to be in the region of €30 million.

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GLADBACH EYE LOFTUS-CHEEK

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Borussia Monchengladbach are interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, according to SportBild.
The England Under-21 international has failed to establish himself under Antonio Conte, and Gladbach already have a good relationship with the Blues following Andreas Christensen's successful loan spell in Germany.
The Bundesliga outfit are also keen on Arsenal youngster Gedion Zelalem, who is currently on loan at VVV-Venlo.

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LIVERPOOL WANT AUBAMEYANG

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Liverpool are set to battle Manchester City for the signing of Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to The Sun.
Jurgen Klopp has worked with the Gabon international before, and is hopeful he can pull off a £40 million move to bring him to Anfield.
City, meanwhile, have made Aubameyang their primary target should Sergio Aguero leave the club in the summer.