Arsenal boosted their chances of a first league title in 12 years when they beat surprise pacesetters Leicester 2-1 at the Emirates – a result that
ADVERTISEMENTArsenal boosted their chances of a first league title in 12 years when they beat surprise pacesetters Leicester 2-1 at the Emirates – a result that moved the Londoners to within two points of their table topping opponents.
Jamie Vardy gave the Foxes the lead with a controversial penalty while substitute Theo Walcott leveled matters for the Gunners to set up a frantic final 20 minutes.
With seconds remaining Danny Welbeck glanced home the winner in his first competitive game since April last year to hand Arsenal the win.
Arsene Wenger’s men are third behind Tottenham only on goal difference – Leicester are two clear of both as Claudio Ranieri’s side look for a first top flight title in the club’s history.
Juve go top of the Italian pile
In Italy Juventus moved above long-time leaders Napoli at the top of Serie A after a one nil win over their title rivals.
In a drab encounter at the Juventus Stadium in Turin, the home side needed 88 minutes to break the deadlock.
Simone Zaza turned out to he Juve’s hero when his long and powerful shot deflected in off Raul Albiol to secure the club its 15th consecutive win – two shy of the league record set by Inter Milan in 2007.
They are now one point clear of Napoli’s whose own winning streak was ended at eight.
Up and down
On the up is this week is Barcelona’s Luis Suárez, who netted a hat-trick in his side’s 6-1 thumping of Celta Vigo.
His third on the night was handed to him on a silver platter as Lionel Messi rolled his penalty kick into Suarez’s path to slot home – he is the top scorer in Spain with 35 goals from 39 games in all competitions while he is the La Liga’s top marksman with 23 goals.
Joining Suarez on the up is Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored twice in Real Madrid’s win over Athletic de Bilbao.
Ronaldo has scored a career 16 goals against this club – more than any other player in history.
He was also the league’s top scorer before Suarez hit his hat-trick – Ronaldo has hit 21 La Liga goals this campaign.
Manchester United’s troubles continued with a 2-1 defeat against relegation strugglers Sunderland.
Despite the club spending £250 million under manager Louis Van Gaal, 41 points from 26 games is the fewest points total at this stage of the season in the club’s Premier League history.
The pressure on LVG continues to grow with Jose Mourinho patiently waiting in the wings as a potential replacement to the Dutchman.
ADVERTISEMENTBayern Munich’s defense is on the down, although only due to injuries.
Holger Badstuber became the latest defensive casualty after breaking his ankle in a training accident.
He will be out for three months and joins fellow defenders Jerome Boateng and Javi Martinez on the sidelines.
We might be wrong
It has been a long wait, but the Champions League is back and more interesting than ever. These are our predictions for this week’s Round of 16 matches. If you think we are wrong, you can always send us yours using #TheCornerScores.
ADVERTISEMENTParis Saint Germain 1 – 1 Chelsea
Roma 0 – 3 Real Madrid
Benfica 2 – 1 Zenit St. Petersburg
Gent 2 – 1 Wolfsburg