Wolves trim Bayern's lead

Second-placed Wolfsburg came from behind to claim a 3-1 win at Hanover 96 on Saturday to trim Bayern Munich's lead at the top of the Bundesliga to four points.

Pep Guardiola's Bavarian giants host fourth-placed Bayer Leverkusen in Saturday evening's key clash at Munich's Allianz Arena and Wolves took their chance to edge closer to the defending champions.

Belgium's Kevin de Bruyne gave Wolfsburg a fourth-minute lead in the derby when Ivan Perisic's header put him in space behind the Hanover defence and the midfielder fired home.

Spanish midfielder Joselu levelled for Hanover with a header before both Wolfsburg's second-half replacements scored within minutes of coming on.

Dutch striker Bas Dost headed home his first goal of the season just two minutes after replacing Ivica Olic and Germany Under-21 forward Maximilian Arnold secured the three points when he netted on 85 minutes.

Meanwhile, Roberto Di Matteo's Schalke warmed-up for Wednesday's must-win Champions League clash at Slovenia's Maribor with a 4-0 mauling of VfB Stuttgart as Cameroon striker Eric Choupo-Moting claimed a hat-trick in exactly an hour.

The 25-year-old put Schalke ahead away from home after just 59 seconds by deftly flicking Tranquillo Barnetta's free-kick into the Stuttgart net before teenage midfielder Max Meyer headed home Schalke's second on 10 minutes.

Choupo-Moting left Stuttgart reeling with just 21 minutes gone when he headed home Bernetta's corner and he added the Royal Blues' fourth with a header for his third goal on 61 minutes.

The result moves Schalke up to fourth in the table while Huub Stevens' Stuttgart drop to the bottom on goal difference.

Schalke must win at Maribor and hope Sporting Lisbon lose at Chelsea on Wednesday to join Bayern, Borussia Dortmund and Leverkusen in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Having started his second stint at Stuttgart last month after replacing Armin Veh with a 4-1 hammering of Freiburg, the result showed Dutchman Stevens he has his work cut out to keep VfB up. They have won just three times in their first 14 matches.

Fifth-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach ended their three-match losing streak in the top flight with a 3-2 win over Hertha Berlin, who dropped to 15th.

Augsburg went third in the Bundesliga for the first time in their history with a 2-1 win at Cologne as midfielder Alexander Esswein scored a 90th-minute winner, while Freiburg stayed just above the relegation places with a 1-1 draw at Paderborn.

On Friday, Borussia Dortmund earned a 1-0 win over Hoffenheim to climb off the bottom of the table and escape the bottom three.

Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan scored Dortmund's first-half winner and the victory, only their fourth of the campaign, offers last season's runners-up some respite after they lost eight of their first 14 league games.

There was more good news for Borussia as their captain, German international centre-back Mats Hummels, made his return after missing the last five games with a sprained ankle.

Arsenal suffers another dispiriting loss

Stoke handed Arsenal another dispiriting loss at Britannia Stadium, scoring three goals in the first half and then withstanding a late comeback attempt for a 3-2 victory in the Premier League.

Peter Crouch stunned a lackluster Arsenal side by putting Stoke ahead after just 19 seconds, and the hosts continued to dominate the first half as Bojan Krkic doubled the lead in the 35th and Jonathan Walters smashed in the third just before halftime.

Bojan had a goal ruled out for offside in the second half and Arsenal earned a penalty minutes later that Santi Cazorla converted in the 68th to give the visitors hope. Aaron Ramsey then slotted in the second two minutes later to make for a nervy finish, but Arsenal defender Calum Chambers was sent off for a second booking in the 78th and Stoke held on.

Match information

Match information

Nottingham Forest		Charlton Athletic
	Result City Ground
1		1
Goals Robert Tesche (59) Callum Harriott (10)

Match statistics

Nottingham Forest		Charlton Athletic
16 (5)	Shots (on goal)	4 (3)
14	Fouls	10
3	Corner kicks	3
2	Off-sides	1
2	Yellow cards	1
0	Red cards	0

Live commentary

90 Attempt missed. Matty Fryatt (Nottingham Forest) header from the left side of the six yard box is too high. Assisted by Jamaal Lascelles following a corner. 90 Corner, Nottingham Forest. Conceded by Morgan Fox. 90 Eric Lichaj (Nottingham Forest) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 90 Foul by Igor Vetokele (Charlton Athletic). 90 Foul by Dexter Blackstock (Nottingham Forest). 90 Jordan Cousins (Charlton Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 90 Substitution, Charlton Athletic. Frederic Bulot replaces Johann Berg Gudmundsson. 90 Offside, Charlton Athletic. Chris Solly tries a through ball, but Lawrie Wilson is caught offside. 89 Eric Lichaj (Nottingham Forest) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 89 Foul by Johann Berg Gudmundsson (Charlton Athletic). 88 Offside, Nottingham Forest. Jamie Paterson tries a through ball, but Michail Antonio is caught offside. 87 Attempt missed. Jamie Paterson (Nottingham Forest) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Dexter Blackstock with a headed pass. 85 Attempt saved. Michail Antonio (Nottingham Forest) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 84 Robert Tesche (Nottingham Forest) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 84 Foul by Callum Harriott (Charlton Athletic). 82 Corner, Charlton Athletic. Conceded by Ben Osborn. 81 Foul by Jamie Paterson (Nottingham Forest). 81 Lawrie Wilson (Charlton Athletic) wins a free kick on the right wing. 81 Attempt saved. Dexter Blackstock (Nottingham Forest) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Robert Tesche with a cross. 78 Foul by Michael Mancienne (Nottingham Forest). 78 Johann Berg Gudmundsson (Charlton Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 76 Substitution, Nottingham Forest. Dexter Blackstock replaces Tom Ince. 76 Attempt missed. Jamie Paterson (Nottingham Forest) right footed shot from the right side of the box is too high. Assisted by Michail Antonio. 73 Corner, Charlton Athletic. Conceded by Jamaal Lascelles. 72 Robert Tesche (Nottingham Forest) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 72 Foul by Robert Tesche (Nottingham Forest). 72 Jordan Cousins (Charlton Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 69 Jamie Paterson (Nottingham Forest) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 69 Foul by Chris Solly (Charlton Athletic). 67 Attempt missed. Robert Tesche (Nottingham Forest) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the left following a corner. 66 Corner, Nottingham Forest. Conceded by Chris Solly. 65 Foul by Ben Osborn (Nottingham Forest). 65 Johann Berg Gudmundsson (Charlton Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 63 Foul by Matty Fryatt (Nottingham Forest). 63 Lawrie Wilson (Charlton Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 62 Attempt missed. Lawrie Wilson (Charlton Athletic) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by Igor Vetokele. 62 Attempt saved. Callum Harriott (Charlton Athletic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Igor Vetokele. 61 Michail Antonio (Nottingham Forest) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 61 Foul by Andre Bikey (Charlton Athletic). 61 Hand ball by Michail Antonio (Nottingham Forest). 59 Goal! Nottingham Forest 1, Charlton Athletic 1. Robert Tesche (Nottingham Forest) left footed shot from outside the box to the top left corner. 55 Attempt missed. Tom Ince (Nottingham Forest) left footed shot from the right side of the box is high and wide to the left. 54 Attempt missed. Matty Fryatt (Nottingham Forest) header from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Daniel Fox with a cross. 51 Matty Fryatt (Nottingham Forest) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 51 Foul by Johann Berg Gudmundsson (Charlton Athletic). 49 Attempt missed. Michail Antonio (Nottingham Forest) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. 0 Second Half begins Nottingham Forest 0, Charlton Athletic 1. 45 Substitution, Nottingham Forest. Robert Tesche replaces Henri Lansbury. 45 First Half ends, Nottingham Forest 0, Charlton Athletic 1. 45 Attempt saved. Henri Lansbury (Nottingham Forest) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Michail Antonio. 44 Delay over. They are ready to continue. 42 Delay in match Henri Lansbury (Nottingham Forest) because of an injury. 39 Attempt saved. Michail Antonio (Nottingham Forest) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Tom Ince. 38 Foul by Jamaal Lascelles (Nottingham Forest). 38 Callum Harriott (Charlton Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 36 Foul by Henri Lansbury (Nottingham Forest). 36 Jordan Cousins (Charlton Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 35 Offside, Nottingham Forest. Matty Fryatt tries a through ball, but Tom Ince is caught offside. 35 Attempt saved. Igor Vetokele (Charlton Athletic) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Lawrie Wilson. 31 Corner, Nottingham Forest. Conceded by Nick Pope. 31 Attempt blocked. Ben Osborn (Nottingham Forest) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 30 Francis Coquelin (Charlton Athletic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 30 Michail Antonio (Nottingham Forest) wins a free kick on the left wing. 30 Foul by Francis Coquelin (Charlton Athletic). 27 Foul by Tom Ince (Nottingham Forest). 27 Jordan Cousins (Charlton Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 24 Ben Osborn (Nottingham Forest) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 24 Foul by Jordan Cousins (Charlton Athletic). 23 Foul by Michail Antonio (Nottingham Forest). 23 Johann Berg Gudmundsson (Charlton Athletic) wins a free kick on the right wing. 21 Foul by Jamaal Lascelles (Nottingham Forest). 21 Igor Vetokele (Charlton Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 20 Substitution, Charlton Athletic. Lawrie Wilson replaces Johnnie Jackson because of an injury. 17 Attempt missed. Jamie Paterson (Nottingham Forest) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by Ben Osborn. 14 Foul by Daniel Fox (Nottingham Forest). 14 Francis Coquelin (Charlton Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 12 Attempt missed. Michail Antonio (Nottingham Forest) right footed shot from the centre of the box is high and wide to the right. 10 Goal! Nottingham Forest 0, Charlton Athletic 1. Callum Harriott (Charlton Athletic) left footed shot from outside the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Jordan Cousins. 7 Henri Lansbury (Nottingham Forest) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 7 Foul by Henri Lansbury (Nottingham Forest). 7 Jordan Cousins (Charlton Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 3 Corner, Charlton Athletic. Conceded by Michail Antonio. 3 Michael Mancienne (Nottingham Forest) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 3 Foul by Igor Vetokele (Charlton Athletic). 1 Tom Ince (Nottingham Forest) wins a free kick on the right wing. 1 Foul by Francis Coquelin (Charlton Athletic). 0 First Half begins. 0 Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

Nottingham Forest

Charlton Athletic

No	Player	Pos
1	Karl Darlow	(G)
16	Jamaal Lascelles	(D)
4	Michael Mancienne	(D)
13	Daniel Fox	(D)
2	Eric Lichaj	(D)
10	Henri Lansbury	(M)
	(sub Robert Tesche - 45)
18	Michail Antonio	(M)
38	Ben Osborn	(M)
19	Tom Ince	(M)
	(sub Dexter Blackstock - 76)
7	Matty Fryatt	(F)
21	Jamie Paterson	(F)
32	Robert Tesche
17	Jack Hunt
23	Dexter Blackstock
27	Chris Burke
6	Kelvin Wilson
24	David Vaughan
29	Dorus de Vries

Cisse ends Chelsea's unbeaten run

Chelsea missed out on setting a club record unbeaten run when Newcastle United's Papiss Cisse struck twice in a 2-1 victory on Saturday which rocked the Premier League leaders.

Undefeated in 23 matches in all competitions since April's Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid, Chelsea proved far from invincible as 10-man Newcastle survived a late barrage to secure a thrilling victory at St James' Park.

Few could deny Newcastle deserved it.

They lost goalkeeper Rob Elliot to injury at halftime, replaced by young rookie Jak Alnwick, and were reduced to 10 men when Steven Taylor was dismissed after getting a second yellow card 10 minutes from the end.

Substitute Cisse, who replaced Remy Cabella after the break, put Newcastle in front after 57 minutes following a slip by Gary Cahill and struck again on the break 20 minutes later, seconds after Eden Hazard was denied an equaliser by the woodwork.

Didier Drogba's majestic header halved the deficit and there were groans from the home fans when six minutes of added time were indicated.

Newcastle rode their luck, however, and Chelsea's 14-match unbeaten start to the season, which had drawn comparisons with the Arsenal side that went through the 2003-04 league campaign unbeaten, was over.

Champions Manchester City can close the gap at the top to three points if they beat Everton later on Saturday.

Chelsea, with Diego Costa back in attack after missing the midweek win over Tottenham Hotspur through suspension, dominated for long periods but were unusually profligate in front of goal.

Willian should have scored midway through the first half but shot narrowly wide and the Brazilian forced Elliot into a diving save. Costa also failed to capitalise from a couple of dangerous situations.

Elliot limped off at halftime and failed to reappear, allowing 21-year-old Alnwick to make his first competitive appearance.

However, it was Newcastle's second substitution that proved the most telling as Cisse strode on.

The Senegal striker had barely touched the ball when Sammy Ameobi's low cross was not cleared by Cahill and he had the simplest of tasks to tap the ball past Thibaut Courtois.

Chelsea responded with Hazard hitting the post but Newcastle went further ahead after a counter-attack ended with Moussa Sissoko setting up Cisse for another tap-in.

Taylor's sending-off and Drogba's second goal of the week silenced the home crowd but Mourinho was left still waiting for his first away league victory over Newcastle.

Konco praises performance in defeat

Bloemfontein Celtic CEO Khumbulani Konco says the team will keep their heads up despite recent losses to Ajax Cape Town and Free State Stars.

Ernst Middendorp’s side have lost back-to-back league matches to leave the mandate of a top three finish from new owner Max Tshabalala looking unlikely.

And Celtic now have a difficult home match against a BidVest Wits side also looking to bounce back from defeat in midweek at the hands of Kaizer Chiefs.

Konco says the teams performances, even in defeat, have been good, but that they need to start picking up points soon.

“Wits have recently given us all sorts of problems but the faith and positive attitude we are having as a team will see us through. Yes we have lost our last two games, but our overall performances in both games was good,” Konco said.

“We must start converting chances and also be cautious of Wits’ somehow robust approach. There is absolutely no doubt that we will win this one.”

Ominously, Wits have won their last five meetings with Celtic, including a penalty shoot-out victory in the MTN8 quarterfinals at the start of the season.

Maritzburg, Tuks in stalemate

Neither side could find a winner as the Absa Premiership match between Maritzburg United and the University of Pretoria at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday night ended 0-0.

The first half saw the home side controlling the possession stakes and dictating the flow of the game, but their finishing in front of goal was poor.

Ironically, though, the first shot on goal came from the visitors when Geoffrey Massa fired a 20-yard free-kick narrowly wide of the target.

Maritzburg took the match by the scruff of the neck after that when Mondi Cele broke down the right flank and cut inside before firing his shot from the edge of the box inches wide in the 12th minute.

Seven minutes later Thokozani Sekotlong met a corner-kick from Thamsanqa Mhkize, but header only found the side netting.

In the 21st minute Maritzburg posed another threat at a corner-kick when another Mkhize set-piece found John Panstil, but his header skimmed the wrong side of the crossbar.

Seven minutes later Mkhize had a powerful 24-yard shot on goal, but Washington Arubi made great save to deny the Maritzburg man.

In the 42nd minute Maritzburg came close to opening the scoring, but yet again their finishing in front of goal was poor as Nhlanhla Vilakazi fired inches over the target from just inside the box.

The half ended 0-0.

Four minutes into the second half Tuks had a great chance to find the game’s first goal, but Atusaye Nyondo turned the ball over the crossbar from close range after meeting an inch perfect pass from Thabo Mosadi.

In the 59th minute Mosadi was in the thick of the action again when he turned one defender and fired a shot on goal from 25-yards out, but Virgil Vries produced a great save to deny him.

Ten minutes later only Cele knows how he missed from six-yards out when he met a low cross from Abel Mabaso, but he ballooned the attempt over the target.

In the 75th minute Tebogo Monyai met a corner-kick with a strong header, but his six-yard attempt shaved the wrong side of the Maritzburg post.

Only the brilliance of Maritzburg’s keeper kept the scores level five minutes from time when a fingertip save saw him turn a thunderous 35-yard shot from Massa around the post.

The match finished 0-0 and sees Maritzburg move up to third on the log for the time being with 21 points while Tuks moved up to 12th with 14 points.

Teams

Maritzburg United: Vries, Mabaso, Banda, Paintsil, Hartog, Sekotlong, Cele, Vilakazi (Mandaza 61’), Awal, Anas (Lentjies 78’), Mkhize

University of Pretoria: Arubi, Ngubane, Shoyisa, Monyai, Kekana, Mosadi, Ketjijere, Ntombayithethi, Mnyamane, Massa (Mukamba 85’), Nyondo

AmaZulu hoping for continuity v Aces

AmaZulu will look to continue their winning run in the Absa Premiership when they welcome Mpumalanga Black Aces on Saturday night at Princess Magogo Stadium.

Kick-off is at 7:30pm.

Although Usuthu are fresh from a win against University of Pretoria, they’re aware of the importance of consistency if they’re to move away from the relegation zone.

The arrival of coach Steve Barker has motivated the Durban club to turn the corner - they’re sitting at the bottom of the log and another win at home could boost their confidence.

However, their opponent is none other than the club coached by their former mentor, Clive Barker - AmaZayoni are fresh from a draw against Chippa United and will need a win.

To the goalkeeper, Tapuwa Kapini, they’re looking forward to the game and the win has definitely lifted their morale.

“We’re very happy for the win against Tuks and we need to keep winning especially at home,” said Kapini.

“We’re targeting nine points from our next games including the win against Tuks. I believe we can disappoint Aces.

“We need to be responsible as players and go there with a positive mind, this team can move from that position – it’s possible.”

AmaZayoni are sitting at position eight with 17 points from 13 matches, their goal would be to register the three points and the club’s PRO, Gordon Masondo, says they need to bounce back.

“We’re ready for this match never mind the travelling and climatic changes, from Port Elizabeth in the wind and to Durban in the warm area, this is our job,” said Masondo.

“We know they’re motivated in terms of confidence after their win against Tuks but these are the same players.

“We’re wounded as we could’ve wrapped it up against Chippa but we allowed them to equalise, so AmaZulu must expect a tough one.

“They’re in for a high jump because we’re not bad travellers, we definitely want to win.

Chiefs train runs over Pirates in derby

The Kaizer Chiefs train continued to steam ahead with Siphiwe Tshabalala and Siphelele Mthembu’s second-half goals securing a 2-0 win over Orlando Pirates in an Absa Premiership encounter at the FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday.

The victory sees the Amakhosi open a 14-point gap atop the league standings having yet to lose a game.

Orlando Pirates interim coach Eric Tinkler matched the six changes made by former coach Vladimir Vermezovic for their midweek loss to Maritzburg United. Lehlohonolo Majoro was one of the changes, the Bafana Bafana striker lining up against his former employers.

The six changes include three in defence with Rooi Mahamutsa, Ntsikelelo Nyauza and Patrick Phungwayo returning to the starting eleven.

Stuart Baxter, meanwhile, made only one change with Mandla Masango, who came off the bench in Chiefs' 3-0 win over Bidvest Wits in midweek, replacing George Maluleka.

The teams matched each other blow for blow in the opening exchanges with chances few and far between.

Kingston Nkhatha got the Amakhosi fans off their seats in the 19th minute. Siboniso Gaxa charged down the left flank before picking out the Zimbabwe attacker who failed to add to his one league goal of the season, sending his header just wide of Brighton Mhlongo’s left-hand upright.

The Buccaneers' first shot in anger fell to an unlikely source in the 37th minute. After skipping past Reneilwe Letsholonyane on the edge of the area, the Chiefs defence opened up for Thandani Ntshumayelo whose powerful effort ruffled the side netting.

There was nothing to write home about at the break with neither side offering much in attack in the first 45 minutes -- the defenders the only winners in what was a cagey first half.

Tshabalala opened the scoring six minutes into the second stanza with a cracking finish. The Chiefs midfielder latched onto Bernard Parker’s pin-point cross into the area, on the full, to net his first league goal of the season.

Letsholonyane should have doubled the visitors' lead in the 65th minute. Following a succession of one-twos the veteran midfielder found himself free on goal, but he could only manage to trouble the crossbar with the goal at his mercy.

The Soweto Derby came to life in the final 20 minutes with the Buccaneers pressing forward in search of the equaliser.

Rooi Mahamutsa headed Mpho Makola’s corner kick over in the 74th minute before Sifiso Myeni shot wide from an acute angle two minutes later.

Mthembu sealed the points in stoppage time, finishing off a great run by George Lebese down the right flank to secure the bragging rights for the Amakhosi.

Pirates' second loss in succession leaves them in seventh place on the league standings, 18 points behind their fiercest rivals.

Orlando Pirates 0

Kaizer Chiefs 2 (Tshabalala 51’ (Mthembu 90+3)

Orlando Pirates: Mhlongo; Mahamutsa, Jele, Nyauza, Phungwayo, Sarr, Ntshumayelo (Makola 69’), Myeni, Klate (Matlaba 78’), Manyisa, Majoro (Erasmus 69’)

Kaizer Chiefs: Khuzwayo; Gaxa, Mashamaite, Mathoho, Masilela, Katsande, Letsholonyane, Tshabalala, Parker (Gould 85’), Masango (Lebese 77’), Nkhatha (Mthembu 89’)

Mourinho wants titles not records

Jose Mourinho doesn't care about the prospect of setting an impressive new record with Chelsea because he is firmly focused on bringing the Premier League title back to Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho's side maintained their six-point lead at the top of the table with a 3-0 win over Tottenham in midweek and visit Newcastle on Saturday looking to set a new club record by extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to 24 matches.

But that significant milestone doesn't impress Blues boss Mourinho.

He was quick to insist he prioritises the chase for Chelsea's first top-flight crown since 2010, while also suggesting his players are probably not even aware of the fact they could break new ground if they return from Newcastle unbeaten.

"They don't know the record and if you don't tell me 20 times I wouldn't know. I don't care about records," Mourinho said.

"The record I want is to win the Premier League three times at this club, that's all I want.

"I'm not looking for records, I'm looking for points, victories and points, and if possible at the end of the season, titles.

"The only thing that matters for me in the Premier League is that I've won the title twice."

The Blues will welcome back top scorer Diego Costa at Newcastle after he sat out the Tottenham game through suspension.

Newcastle have gone two games without victory, having previously won five matches in a row, but they have been beaten only once at home this season – by champions Manchester City on the opening weekend.

Following a poor run of results, second-placed City appear to have rediscovered the form that swept them to last season's title, having won their last four games in all competitions, scoring 12 goals in the process.

The second game of that run was a rousing 3-2 win at home to Bayern Munich in the Champions League that gave Manuel Pellegrini's side a fighting chance of reaching the last 16 going into next week's showdown with Roma.

Ahead of Saturday's home match with Everton, Stevan Jovetic said that the victory over Bayern could prove a turning point in City's campaign.

"Honestly, in the Champions League we have not played well this season, but the game against Bayern helped us a lot," the Montenegro forward told the club website.

"Now we are in a very good moment, but we must continue like this because we are playing every three days and that can change."

Third-place Southampton lost ground on the top two after going down 1-0 at Arsenal on Wednesday and now find Manchester United breathing down their necks ahead of the two sides' confrontation at St Mary's on Monday.

United currently trail Chelsea by 11 points but although midfielder Marouane Fellaini is eager to bridge that gap, he acknowledges that Louis van Gaal's side must first safeguard their position in the top four.

"I think we wait for a mistake (from the leading teams), but we have to look after us," he said after his side's 2-1 win at home to Stoke City.

"After Boxing Day (December 26), we have a lot of games and we have to keep winning. Southampton as well, they are better in the table than us and we'll see on Monday as well."

Arsenal's victory over Southampton kept them within two points of the top four ahead of their trip to Stoke on Saturday.

Alexis Sanchez continued his fine start to life in England with an 89th-minute winner against Southampton and teammate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain believes the Chilean forward's will to win is becoming contagious.

"He has brought that winning mentality to the side and I think it definitely rubs off on a lot of players," said the England midfielder.

"He has been brilliant for us and a breath of fresh air, so hopefully he can stay in the form that he is in and we can help him out to keep producing goals like he has been."

Liverpool, five points adrift of the top four after a 3-1 win at Leicester City, welcome Sunderland to Anfield on Saturday.

Transfer fund focus 'disgusting' - LVG

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has branded media speculation about the transfer funds at his disposal "disgusting", in comments reported by the British press on Saturday.

United spent around £150 million on new players during the close season and press reports suggest Van Gaal will be handed between £100 million and £200 million to improve his squad in 2015.

But the Dutchman was reluctant to discuss the matter during a briefing with journalists on Friday and claimed it was disrespectful to his current staff.

"I think it's disgusting, always writing about numbers," he said, in remarks published by several British newspapers.

"I don't think that (United executive vice-chairman) Ed Woodward said anything about that; I don't think I have said anything about that.

"It is disrespectful to my players and I don't like to talk about it. I have to work with the selection I have and I have respect for my selection and I believe in my players."

United visit Southampton in the Premier League on Monday, when victory would lift Van Gaal's side up to third place.

Tiote sorry for champagne driving video

Newcastle United's Ivorian midfielder Cheick Tiote issued an apology on Saturday after video footage emerged showing him driving a car while holding an uncorked bottle of champagne.

An image of the incident, which is believed to have occurred in the Ivory Coast, was published by a British newspaper and showed him turning to face someone on the back seat while clutching the bottle in his right hand.

"I deeply regret my actions and I am sorry for any offence caused," Tiote said in a statement released by Newcastle.

"I realise that as a professional footballer, I have a responsibility to many people, including the club and its supporters, and it is important for me to set a good example to others with my behaviour on and off the pitch."

Newcastle said in a statement: "Newcastle United have been made aware of a video of Cheick Tiote driving while holding a bottle of alcohol, which is understood to have been filmed in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

"Clearly his actions were not appropriate. The club have spoken privately with Cheick today and reminded him of his significant responsibilities as a representative of Newcastle United and a role model.

Mou rails at time-wasting fans and ball boys

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho turned his ire on Newcastle United' fans and even the ball boys on Saturday after his side's 23-match unbeaten run was ended by a 2-1 Premier League defeat.

The Portuguese, whose side were undone by Papiss Cisse's second-half double, accused the home fans of time-wasting.

"I think the six minutes (stoppage time) could have been 20," Mourinho told the BBC after his side's first Premier League defeat of the season halted their impressive march.

"Things that were happening outside the four lines are things that the referee cannot control.

"He cannot punish the ball boy that disappears, he cannot punish the people in the crowd who keep the ball, he cannot punish the person who throws the ball so we have two balls on the pitch at the same time.

"One thing is to waste time on the pitch, the proper way, you keep the ball, you go the corner, you hold the ball, win a free kick, the goalkeeper doesnt't run to get the ball, but it's another thing when it happens outside the four lines.

"I think that in high level football it wouldn't happen, but it happens."

Chelsea, who led the table by six points at the start of the day, appeared in control throughout the first half but were not their normal clinical selves and Newcastle took their chances to beat the London club at home for the second season in a row.

Cisse scored in the 57th and 78th minutes before Didier Drogba pulled a goal back to set up a nerve-jangling finale for the fans.

"We were very unlucky, even more than last season," Mourinho said.

"Only one team wants to win, only one team plays to win, but that team doesn't score and they go and cross the midfield line and score a goal and after that we have to chase the game which we did, which gave me lots of pride.

"After the second goal we lost the emotional balance a bit and we had to change the way we were playing because at that moment we didn't have cool brains to think."

Mourinho, however, remained philosophical.

"We are top of the league," he said. "If you ask the other 19 clubs if they want to be in our poisition they say yes. But it's only possible one leader and the leader is Chelsea.

Stramaccioni back for revenge v Inter

Former Inter Milan handler Andrea Stramaccioni has admitted the challenge of toppling his former club won't be easy when he returns to the San Siro for the first time since his sacking last year.

Stramaccioni became the youngest coach in Serie A two years ago when he replaced Claudio Ranieri in March 2012, but was sacked by the end of the following season when Inter struggled to a ninth place finish.

After a solid start, his Udinese side have taken only two points from their last five games and have dropped to ninth, 16 points behind leaders Juventus.

A trip to Inter would always be a tough prospect for the northerners, but they face a side that is beginning to find its feet under new coach Roberto Mancini.

Stramaccioni, 38, believes Inter, who drew 1-1 with Milan in the city derby two weeks ago, showed plenty of improvement even in a 4-2 defeat away to Roma last week.

"It will be a tough game because from the derby to Roma last week, Inter have shown they have improved," Stramaccioni told reporters. "But we'll be going to the San Siro to play our game and with our heads held high."

On what is his second spell at the club, Mancini suffered his first defeat at the Olympic Stadium last week where he was sent off for dissent.

The defeat dropped Inter to 11th, 17 points behind leaders Juventus but only six behind Napoli in the third and last Champions League spot.

However the Italian, who won seven trophies including three consecutive scudetti with the club in 2004-2008, has been welcomed with open arms by a team desperate to finish third this season.

Defender Andrea Ranocchia believes Mancini's arrival has brought fresh energy and ambition to the club.

"Mancini is a believer right to the end, he believes in all of us and in the Champions League," Ranocchia told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"You can see in in the way he talks to us – together in a group, individually, when he's talking tactics and the rest, he conveys serenity and confidence.

"He also has a history of success, and that matters a lot."

Champions and leaders Juventus are away to Fiorentina on Friday.

Roma, who sit three points adrift in second, would be forgiven for hoping the champions suffer a repeat of last season and drop precious points.

A year ago, Juventus, with Antonio Conte at the helm, lost 4-2 to La Viola after the hosts launched a stunning comeback from a 2-0 deficit.

Not surprisingly, Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri admits Friday's clash is first on the agenda ahead of a Champions League Group E decider against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

"We're not thinking of Atletico. What's more important right now is Fiorentina," Allegri told reporters on Thursday.

Fiorentina have endured a tough start to the season and coach Vincenzo Montella said his side will need "belief, sacrifice and humility" if they are to overcome the champions.

"Allegri's Juve are unbeatable, have a strong mentality and an identity that only the great sides have," he said.

Montella, who is expected to hand a start to striker Mario Gomez alongside Juan Cuadrado, added: "But we certainly won't be lacking motivation."

Roma, who will battle for their own Champions League survival at home against Manchester City next Wednesday, host Sassuolo on Saturday.

Napoli, 11 points behind Juventus, will look to reinforce third place at home to Empoli on Sunday.

Elsewhere, Milan face a tough trip away to high-flying Genoa, who sit in fourth on the same points as Napoli, while Sampdoria, in fifth a point further adrift, are away to Verona on Monday.

Totti sets sights on Serie A scoring record

Francesco Totti turned 38 in September but Roma's leader still has two burning ambitions before he retires – to lead the capital side to another Serie A title and overtake Silvio Piola as the league's all-time scorer.

His angry reaction to being substituted during the second half of their home game against Torino last month showed that his passion and commitment still runs deep.

"I'd be a liar if I said that I don't think about it (setting the goal record). I know it won't be easy, but nobody believed I could have scored as many goals I have," he wrote in the Corriere Dello Sport on Friday.

Totti has scored two goals so far in the league in nine games he has played this season and two more in the Champions League.

He stands at 237 Serie A goals, 37 short of former Italy international Piola.

In his last three seasons Totti has been able to suck on his thumb, his unique way of celebrating goals, 28 times.

At current pace, he would have to play four more seasons, including this one, to realistically have a shot at Piola, who scored 143 of his goals for Roma's rivals, Lazio, between 1934 and 1943.

"There are no secrets to my longevity," Totti said. "I lead a professional life and my desire to keep playing is the same I had when I started."

Totti hopes that Roma's new stadium will be ready by 2016.

"It would be a dream come true to set the record there," he said.

Totti will hope to add to his tally when second-placed Roma host Sassuolo on Saturday.

Ghana will survive Group C - Grant

Avram Grant says he will do all it takes to qualify from what has been from the ‘group of death.’

The Israeli gaffer and his Black Stars side have been handed a tough draw against household names Senegal, South Africa and Algeria for the 30th edition of the African flagship championship.

Grant, the ex-Chelsea boss at his first briefing with the Ghanaian media initially spoke of his delight in taking up the job of the national team for the next 27 months.

"I’m very happy to take the job of the Black Stars which is a big challenge. For me to be here as the national coach is a big privilege. I will do my best and everybody will be happy," he said in his opening remarks at the Thursday presser.

Grant revealed his humour side in reaction to a question posed about Ghana being drawn in the group of death for the Afcon set to be held in Equatorial Guinea.

"You are calling it a group of death but we all want to live and not to die,” the relaxed 59-year-old jested.

“It's not an easy draw but we will do our best.

"They are very good teams. South Africa qualified unbeaten. Senegal is a good team. I saw two of Algeria’s games at the World Cup and they were very good. I think it will be difficult for us and difficult for the opponents too.”

The Ghana national team look a team in transition and the Football Association say they are not demanding the coach to at all costs bring the Afcon trophy which has eluded the country for the last three decades – he has rather been tasked to "do well."

“The target as far as I know is not 2015 but I will do everything to win every game. I think the most important thing is to do well and build up the football side of the national team,” he stressed.

Ghana face Senegal in Mongomo on January 19 before games against Algeria and South Africa on the 23rd and 27th of January respectively.

Moyes maintains unbeaten start

David Moyes continued his unbeaten start at Real Sociedad when he rested a host of regulars in a 0-0 draw at third-tier Real Oviedo in a King's Cup last-32, first-leg match on Thursday.

Moyes took over as coach of the Basque club last month and has presided over a draw and a win in La Liga, as well as the stalemate in Oviedo which gave Sociedad a slight advantage ahead of the return in San Sebastian in two weeks.

"We knew we were playing at a very tough stadium against a team who are fighting for promotion to the second division," Sociedad midfielder Ruben Pardo told Spanish television.

"It's going to be a very nice match at the Anoeta and we are really looking forward to playing it," he added.

Villarreal have one foot in the last 16 after they held on with nine men for a 2-1 success at third-tier Cadiz.

Defender Adrian Marin was shown a straight red card in the 59th minute and Israel Puerto was forced off due to injury when Villarreal had already used up their three substitutions.

Valencia play at Rayo Vallecano later on Thursday in one of only four last-32 ties featuring two clubs from the Spanish top flight.

Holders Real Madrid and 2010 winners Sevilla are through to the last 16 after completing crushing aggregate wins against third-tier Cornella and second-division Sabadell respectively.

Both ties were brought forward because of Real's participation in the Club World Cup and the resulting disruption to the La Liga calendar caused by this month's tournament in Morocco.

Real are almost certain to meet Atletico Madrid after the La Liga champions, who beat their city rivals 2-1 after extra time in the 2013 Cup final, won their last-32, first leg 3-0 at third-tier Hospitalet on Wednesday.

The winners of a probable tie between Real and Atletico are likely to meet record winners Barcelona in the quarterfinals.

A second-string Barca side, missing most of their regular starters including Lionel Messi and Neymar, thumped Huesca, another third-tier club, 4-0 on Wednesday.