Gundogan the fans favourite as Suarez given the thumbs down

Barcelona suffered a crushing defeat away to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City last night with Luis Suarez receiving a vote of no confidence from viewers in return.

When we asked you to rate the players following the Champions League group stage, there was only ever going to be one man of the match.

Double-goal hero Ilkay Gundogan won the most positive votes, coming top of the poll which over 2,000 fans have so far voted in with Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero, and David Silva following closely behind.

Lionel Messi earned the best Barcelona response after putting the Blaugrana one ahead in the first-half, in sharp contrast to Suarez's performance that placed him 21st of all the players to step onto the pitch.

Also on the end of some low ratings were Sergio Busquets, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Lucas Digne, and Sergi Roberto, who ranked worst of all the players to start the game having given away the ball for City's equaliser.

More games: friv

The Manchester derby in five matches

LONDON, Sept 8 — Manchester United welcome Manchester City to Old Trafford on Saturday in a derby match that sees opposing managers Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola renew their sulphurous rivalry.

AFP Sport highlights five matches that explain the story of the 135-year-old relationship between the cross-town rivals.

Manchester United 1-3 Manchester City, Division One, March 1968

With 10 games of the season remaining, United were second in the table and City third, while both teams had games in hand on leaders Leeds United. George Best found the net for United, but City claimed victory courtesy of goals from Colin Bell, George Heslop and Francis Lee. Both teams were in contention on the final day. City took the title thanks to a 4-3 win at Newcastle United, condemning United to a runners-up spot. But United’s season ended in glory as a 4-1 win over Benfica saw Matt Busby’s men become England's first European Cup winners, 10 years on from the Munich air disaster in which eight of the team died.

Manchester United 0-1 Manchester City, Division One, April 1974

Scottish striker Denis Law left United in 1973 having scored 237 goals, which makes him the club's third-highest all-time scorer. But few goals were as resonant as the one he scored against United for City in 1974. United were desperate for victory in their battle to avoid relegation, but with nine minutes remaining and the score 0-0, Law's instinctive back-heel gave City victory. Results elsewhere meant United would have gone down regardless of the result at Old Trafford. But Law was distraught. He was immediately substituted and did not kick a ball again in league football.

Manchester City 5-1 Manchester United, Division One, September 1989

Alex Ferguson was entering his third full season as United manager and having seen his side finish the previous campaign in 11th place, he looked no closer to ending their 22-year wait for the title. The 1989-90 season’s first derby at Maine Road was to prove a personal horror show for the Scot as David Oldfield inspired promoted City to their biggest derby win since 1955. But United ended the season as FA Cup winners, buying Ferguson valuable time, and it would be 13 years before they next tasted defeat in the derby.

Manchester United 5-0 Manchester City, Premier League, November 1994

Having ended their long wait for the English title in 1993, United followed it up with a league and FA Cup double in 1994. The derby at Old Trafford later that year reflected the gulf that had opened up between the two Manchester teams. Russia winger Andrei Kanchelskis scored a hat-trick and there were also goals for Eric Cantona and future City manager Mark Hughes as United returned to winning ways after a humiliating 4-0 defeat by Barcelona in the Champions League. 

Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City, Premier League, December 2011

Ferguson dismissed City as the “noisy neighbours” following their acquisition by the mega-rich Abu Dhabi United Group in August 2008. But he could no longer dismiss the racket being made across town following this galling reverse at Old Trafford. Mario Balotell’s brace put City in control, the controversy-prone Italian famously revealing a T-shirt that read “WHY ALWAYS ME?” after opening the scoring in the 22nd minute. But it was Jonny Evans’ dismissal early in the second half that proved decisive. Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Edin Dzeko, who scored twice, hammered home the visitors’ numerical advantage. It was United’s heaviest home defeat in 66 years and Ferguson called it his “worst ever day”. Five months later, City pipped United to the title — their first since 1968 — on goal difference after Aguero’s injury-time strike secured a heart-stopping 3-2 home win over Queens Park Rangers on the season’s final day. — AFP 

- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/sports/article/the-manchester-derby-in-five-matches#sthash.E5Otwj7h.dpuf

IT’S TIME WE PAID MORE ATTENTION TO MAN CITY’S INCREDIBLE UNSUNG HERO…

David Silva is a silky engineer in the middle of the Manchester City engine room.

Yet amongst other City players, he rarely gets a mention as plaudits go to the, when fit, Vincent Kompany, Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero and the talents of Yaya Toure.

As the Spanish lifted the European Championship trophy in 2008, their football shone a light on an engaging and almost mesmeric style of play. They moved the ball with ease, they were free to move, they held the ball and seldom lost possession and played out wide whilst cutting in from the wings with a potent and lethal strike force.

Silva was a massive part of the Spanish side success of 2008, 2010 and 2012, when they took the world by storm.

A talented and agile left footed player, Silva joined City from Valencia in 2010 and has become one of the best midfield players in the league. Six years down the line and Silva has lost none of his trickery, intelligence and skills – and although never mentioned as being linked away from The Etihad – he has many notable admirers.

Following his debut season in the Premier League, Silva emerged as one of the league’s finest playmakers. Carlos Tevez praised him as “the best signing we [Manchester City] have made.”

The 30-year-old Spaniard is known for having an excellent first touch, good dribbling skills, and outstanding technical ability, which, along with his intelligent attacking movements, allow him to retain possession in tight spaces, and to create space for himself and team-mates to open up a defence.

Essentially a traditional number 10, his composure on the ball, as well as his vision, passing accuracy, ability to read the game, pick a pass, and control the tempo of his team’s play have seen him become one of the best players in the world in his position, and earned him the nickname Merlin. 

Although he primarily serves as a playmaker for City, he is capable of scoring goals himself as well as creating them, which enables him to play in several offensive roles.

Although Silva is highly regarded at City, in recent months he has been dogged with nagging injuries and this has meant more than just a few missed matches. With the calibre in depth that Pellegrini could call upon, many would dismiss Silva as not being missed, but that’s far from the truth.

Manchester City lack a spark in their play without the skills of one of their most experienced players and it’s as though Silva plays in a sky blue bubble. No criticism aimed, little praise received. Almost unnoticed.

Perhaps it is a quirk of playing for this modern City team that Silva, by and large, has escaped the sort of hype reserved for top players at other big clubs.

It works both ways. Kevin De Bruyne has not received the same level of scrutiny either. Angel Di Maria had a very mixed reception from Manchester United fans and was virtually considered to be a United flop, yet both men commanded roughly the same in transfer fees. Few would recogniSe Fernandinho’s fine efforts last season and in fact, he was listed as one of City’s big-money flops in one well-respected newspaper before last Christmas.

Will Silva’s achievements therefore be forgotten as he drifts through the coming season? He’ll play a part under Guardiola, but he’ll do it without fanfare and without fuss. He’ll be mercurial and astonishing without it being highlighted and he’ll be the consummate professional without causing any problems if he’s dropped in Guardila’s rotational system.

David Silva poised to win 100th cap as Spain begin Euro 2016 campaign

David Silva will join an elite list of Spain's greatest players if he wins his 100th cap in his country's Euro 2016 opener against Czech Republic on Monday.

Silva will become only the 11th player to reach a century of appearances if selected in Toulouse.

The Manchester City midfielder's last appearance in the European Championship was in the 2012 final, when he scored the opener in a 4-0 victory over Italy.

Silva, 30, was also part of the squad that won the tournament in 2008 and triumphed in the 2010 World Cup.

"To win 100 caps would be fantastic, especially at the Euros," said in the Daily Mirror.

"When I was a young boy playing on the streets in Arguineguin, I never thought I would play for Spain once -- apart from in my dreams.

"My first kit was a keeper's shirt. It was too big for me, and I soon realised that I was better with my feet than my hands.

David Silva said Spain can make it a hat trick of European Championship wins.

"I watched Spain's games on television and I hoped that one day it would be me, but to have played so many times during such an important period of success is a big thrill for me."

Spain are aiming to win the Euros for a third successive time and, of the 10 players that already have 100 caps, eight played alongside Silva in a hugely successful decade.

Of those eight, Iker Casillas, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and Sergio Ramos are in Vincente del Bosque's squad in France.

The others to have reached the milestone are Xavi Hernandez, Xabi Alonso, Fernando Torres and Carles Puyol.

Silva said Spain were capable of securing an unprecedented Euros hat trick but warned: "It will be tough, because there are so many great teams.

"But that is the challenge, and we have a team that is capable of beating anybody."

West Ham 3 Manchester United 2: Reid settles thrilling Upton Park finale

West Ham overturned a 2-1 deficit to win the final game at Upton Park 3-2 and significantly dent Manchester United's Champions League hopes.

Winston Reid proved the unlikely hero as West Ham claimed a thrilling 3-2 Premier League win over Manchester United in the final game at Upton Park to leave the visitors' Champions League hopes hanging by a thread. 

West Ham's farewell to Upton Park was delayed by 45 minutes after Manchester United arrived late to the stadium, with their team bus coming under attack from fans outside the ground who threw bottles and other objects. 

The hosts made a superb start when the match got underway, Diafra Sakho putting them ahead after 10 minutes with his first goal in six Premier League games. 

However, United – who had the chance to go a point clear of rivals Manchester City in the battle for a place in the top four – turned things around thanks to a second-half double from Anthony Martial, who returned along with Marcus Rashford after missing last Saturday's win at Norwich City. 

Slaven Bilic's men refused to say goodbye to their famous home with a defeat, however, as Michail Antonio headed in a leveller just four minutes after Martial's second. 

And Reid settled a frenetic contest in West Ham's favour in the 80th minute with his header from Dimitri Payet's cross proving too strong for David De Gea to ensure a memorable send-off and boost the hosts' Europa League aspirations. 

It did not take long for the Upton Park crowd – who were stunned by Saturday's 4-1 reverse against Swansea City – to be sent into raptures as Sakho converted at the end of a well-worked team move. 

Aaron Cresswell played a superb pass down the left for Manuel Lanzini, whose pull back was curled into the bottom-left corner by Sakho with a precise finish. 

Andy Carroll wasted a glorious chance to double the lead nine minutes later as he was sent through on goal, but, with England manager Roy Hodgson in the stands, the striker could only muster a tame finish that De Gea saved easily. 

Payet was similarly profligate in the 31st minute when he shot high and wide after Mark Noble had robbed Martial of possession in midfield. 

West Ham continued to dominate matters in the closing stages of the first half, with Louis van Gaal throwing midfielder Michael Carrick into the mix in place of Morgan Schneiderlin before the second-half restart. 

And United levelled matters six minutes into the second 45 as Martial restored parity with a simple close-range finish. 

Following an excellent clearance by De Gea, Rashford held the ball up for Juan Mata on the overlap and the Spaniard  – who scored the winner against Norwich – produced an excellent ball across the face of goal from which Martial could make no mistake.

Payet bent an effort narrowly wide shortly after, with the France international then seeing a free-kick somehow turned over the bar by an unmarked Sakho. 

United were grateful to Martial for his defensive efforts when he cleared a Carroll header off the line and he put his side ahead 18 minutes from time. 

Rashford sprayed the ball out to the left for the Frenchman, who proved far too quick for Reid and fired beyond Darren Randolph from a tight angle. 

But United's joy was short-lived as Payet delivered a dinked cross for Antonio to tie things up once more with an emphatic header. 

There was a final sting in the tail from Reid, with De Gea unable to keep out his header despite getting a heavy hand to the ball, ensuring West Ham ended an era in style before moving on to a new beginning at the Olympic Stadium next term. 

  

Key Opta Stats: 

- In their 384th and final Premier League game at Upton Park, West Ham made it 601 points won on home soil in the competition. 

- West Ham have scored in each of their last 12 Premier League games, their longest ever scoring run in the competition.

- Anthony Martial now has 17 goals in all competitions for Manchester United this season. 

- Since making his Premier League debut in August 2011, Juan Mata has provided 40 assists, a haul only David Silva (50) can better. 

- Dimitri Payet has been involved in 11 goals in his last 12 Premier League appearances (scoring three, assisting eight). 

A very off-colour La Roja

Spain remain winless in 2016 after playing to a drab 0-0 draw versus Romania on Sunday evening at the Cluj Arena in Cluj-Napoca.

Head coach Vicente del Bosque made nearly a full change from the starting XI that faced Italy in Friday's 1-1 draw in Udine and opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation. The only carry-over from Friday was centre-back Gerard Piqué, otherwise it was Iker Casillas returning to goal and shielded by a Barcelona-heavy back four of Mario, Piqué, Marc Bartra and Jordi Alba. Sergi Roberto and Koke anchored in as the holding midfielders, while Pedro, David Silva and Nolito formed the attacking midfield behind lone striker Paco Alcácer.

There were some good early looks from La Roja, namely a 10th minute chance from Bartra that forced a save from Romania goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu and a Pedro shot that went just wide in the 11th minute.

But Romania kept Casillas and the Spanish defense on their toes, as the hosts were able to get off a few shots and earn several corner kicks to keep their illustrious visitors pegged back. The Spain No. 1 had to react quickly to deny Romanian an opener in the 33rd minute when the Spanish defence failed to clear, allowing Nicolae Stanciu to fire in a stinging volley that forced Casillas to dive to his right to make the save.

Piqué was presented with a chance to break the deadlock two minutes into the second half when a corner kick found the Barcelona man at the back post, but he fired right at Tatarusanu.

Just shy of the hour mark Del Bosque brought on Aritz Aduriz and Cesc Fabregas to try to spark some life into the Spanish attack.

Yet the numerous changes made by both sides did little to produce any creative football, as both goalkeepers were relatively untroubled for the large duration of the second half.

La Roja pushed for a late winner but there was nothing to be had, as Del Bosque will be left with much work to do to get his team firing before this summer's European Championship.

Man City's Manuel Pellegrini expecting a healthier David Silva, Sergio Aguero

MANCHESTER -- Manuel Pellegrini is hoping star men Sergio Aguero and David Silva will be at their best during the key part of the season after a campaign disrupted by injuries.

Aguero has missed 13 games with separate knee, hamstring and heel injuries, while Silva has started just half of City's games after picking up an ankle knock on international duty with Spain.

The pair have started just nine games together but are expected to be in the lineup for Saturday's game against Crystal Palace at the Etihad.

Both Aguero and Silva have been eased back into action and Pellegrini hopes that their lack of minutes on the pitch means they could be fresh going into the final few months of the season.

"I'd prefer it if they could play all the games and then see what happens in the second part of the season without those injuries," he said.

"Maybe those injuries meant they were not able to be 100 percent fit in the first games that they played. With more minutes maybe they can perform as the top players that they are.

David Silva has been hampered by an ankle knock this season.

"So it's not good but for those players they will be a lot fresher in the second half of the season."

While Pellegrini is eager to give Aguero and Silva plenty of game time, he is wary of overplaying new signings acclimatising to life in the Premier League. £55million club record signing Kevin de Bruyne is having to get used to life without the winter break he enjoyed at previous club Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga while Nicolas Otamendi has missed just two games since his debut in September.

"I'm worried not only for De Bruyne but for all the players. For the amount of games we must play," said Pellegrini.

"In January we must play nine or 10 games. Now we must play an extra game in the FA Cup. Fortunately we beat Norwich so we play again.

"I worry about all the players, that's why we are trying to make some changes in every game.

"It will be the same in February and March. We start again with the Champions League also so we'll be trying to go as far as we can in all the competitions."