INCHEON, September 18- A leading rights group slammed Saudi Arabia on Thursday for taking a “backward step” by not including women in its Asian Games team.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) called for Saudi Arabia to end discrimination against women after taking a men-only squad of 202 to the event in South Korea.

“Two years after the London Olympics, the time for excuses is over,” Sarah Leah Whitson, HRW’s Middle East and North Africa director, said in a statement.

“Saudi Arabia needs to end its discrimination against women and ensure women’s right to participate in sport on an equal basis with men. 

“Refusing to send women to the Asian Games casts doubts on Saudi Arabia’s commitment to end discrimination and allow Saudi women to participate in future competitions.”

Saudi Arabia took two women to the 2012 Olympics, 800m runner Sarah Attar and judoka Wodjan Shahrkani, after lifting a ban on women competing in the Games.

The HRW statement said Saudi Arabia’s decision not to bring any women to the Asian Games was “a backward step for women’s participation in sport”.

It hit out at “discriminatory” policies in Saudi Arabia, where women are banned from driving and cannot get a passport, marry or enter higher education without permission from a male guardian. 

The criticism of Saudi Arabia comes after two members of different teams were investigated for alleged sexual harassment at Asian Games sites.
An Iranian official had his accreditation withdrawn for verbal harassment and a Palestinian footballer was accused of groping a woman at a laundry in the athletes’ village.

Meanwhile, Qatar have sent a record 55 women in its 260 strong Asian Games delegation.

“Qatar is now focusing on giving a chance to women athletes to compete to represent their country in big sports events like this,” said delegation leader Khalil al Jaber.

“These 55 are not just here to take part but to be among the top places,” the official added.

Qatar had two women in their London Olympics team in 2012 — their first female Olympians — including shooter Bahia al-Hamad, who is the top female hope for Asian Games success.

GLASGOW, September 18- Scottish tennis ace Andy Murray on Thursday appeared to lend his support to independence on polling day and condemned negative tactics by the “No” camp in a tweet that quickly went viral.

“Huge day for Scotland today! ‘No’ campaign negativity last few days totally swayed my view on it. Excited to see the outcome. Let’s do this!” read the tweet on his account @andy_murray.

The last exclamation echoes the one used by pro-independence leader Alex Salmond in a fiery final campaign speech in Perth on Wednesday before polls for the historic vote opened on Thursday.

“Don’t let them tell us we can’t. Let’s do this now,” Salmond said.
Murray’s message was re-tweeted more than 11,000 times, including by Salmond himself, and became a top story on British media sites.

Glasgow-born Murray, 27, who is Britain’s number one tennis player and won Wimbledon last year, does not live in Scotland and therefore cannot vote himself.

He divides his time between London and the United States.

Currently number 12 in the global rankings, Murray was beaten in the quarter-finals of the US Open earlier this month by world number one Novak Djokovic. 

Murray stirred controversy in 2006 when he responded “anyone but England” when asked who he would support in the World Cup, and has avoided making his views known on independence.

Last month he told reporters in the United States: “If Scotland became independent, then I imagine I would be playing for Scotland.” 

His brother, Jamie Murray, also a professional tennis player, was more explicit about his support for a “Yes” vote.

“Love UK… Love the Royals… but it’s time for Scotland to stand on its own 2 feet and control their own destiny,” he tweeted.

“Scotland is full of smart talented hard working humble people. Have faith in them to run our country successfully,” he said.  

NAIROBI, Kenya, September 18 – 2012 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) player of the year Dan Sserunkuma, has set his sights on helping champions Gor Mahia retain the trophy rather than chasing the Golden Boot accolade.

The Ugandan, who is leading the KPL top scorer chart with 10 goals and two more than Sofapaka’s Enock Agwanda and Ulinzi Stars’ Stephen Waruru, says winning the award will just be a bonus.

“I’m focused on winning the trophy first and if I will be the top scorer then it will be a plus. My target is to at least score in the remaining matches and help my team defend the title.

“Everyone is focused and we are trying our best to implement what our coaches have taught us in training and ensure we utilize chances that we create,” the talisman who will be seeking to win his first Golden Boot award told Capital Sport.

The Cranes forward was bullish the new head coach Frank Nuttall, will steer them to defend the title that they won for the first time in 18 years.

“The new coach is good because he encourages us to have a winning mentality and everyone is motivated to give his best. We lost many players in the mid season but the new ones are adapting well and hopefully at the end of the season we will lift the trophy.

“We have to keep on working hard and fight for the team because the remaining matches are very crucial. Hopefully we get maximum points.”

Sserunkuma who has stamped authority in the club since joining two years ago from Nairobi City Stars and says his partnership with youngster Timothy Otieno is good.

K’Ogalo who managed to win once and draw twice in their matches at hand, has a long way to go in order to defend the title since they are yet to face fourth placed Chemelil Sugar, Bandari, City Stars, Mathare United, Sofapaka, Muhoroni and KRA.

Only three points separate leaders Gor who has 44 and fourth placed Chemelil, making the league wide open.

LONDON, England, Sept. 18-Arsenal right-back Mathieu Debuchy will discover on Friday whether he requires surgery on the ankle ligament injury he suffered against Manchester City.

The France international had to leave the field on a stretcher after sustaining the injury towards the end of the Gunners’ 2-2 draw with City at the Emirates on Saturday.

Debuchy’s reaction when he was carried off suggested that the injury was serious, potentially a fracture, but the 29-year-old has allayed those fears, although he did reveal ligament damage, which could see him go under the knife.

The former Newcastle defender, who joined Arsene Wenger’s side ahead of the new season, wrote on Twitter: “No fracture but one broken ligament … I have to wait until Friday in order to know if I must have surgery.”

The injury to his compatriot has added to Wenger’s defensive woes, with Nacho Monreal also currently on the sidelines with a back injury, while teenager Hector Bellerin was drafted in at right-back in the 2-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Matchday 1 in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday after Calum Chambers was laid low by tonsillitis.

LONDON, England, September 18-Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has called on the club’s fans to give him time to regain his best form after rejoining in the recent transfer period.

The Ivorian striker returned to Stamford Bridge last month, having only departed the west Londoners two years ago following an eight-year stay with the Premier League giants.

Drogba had missed last weekend’s league win over Swansea City with an ankle injury, but recovered in time to play from the start in Tuesday’s Champions League Group G opener against Schalke.

And although Drogba, who netted 157 goals during his initial stay between 2004 and 2012, was unable to find the back of the net against the Germans, he is convinced he will soon be back to his very best form.

“For a first game they were okay, kind of okay,” Drogba, who left Stamford Bridge after scoring the decisive penalty in the 2012 European Cup win, told Chelsea TV.

“The good thing is no pain in the ankle, so now I can start working and training and improve the condition.

“I was feeling much better in the second half. I’m like a diesel, I need time.”

ZURICH, September 18- FIFA officials were on Thursday given until October 24 to hand back luxury watches offered as ‘gifts’ by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).

The order was handed down by the Investigatory Chamber of FIFA’s Ethics Committee.

A statement said that the CBF handed out “65 gift bags each containing a Parmigiani watch, to a group comprising the 28 officials on the FIFA Executive Committee, a representative from each of the 32 Member Associations competing in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, and a representative from each of the 10 Member Associations in (South American Federation) Conmebol.”

The gifts were distributed to coincide with the FIFA Congress and the start of the World Cup in Brazil in June, with the CBF claiming they had obtained the watches at a cost of $8,750 (£5,334, 6,774 euros) each.

The Investigatory Chamber of the game’s world governing body said that an independent appraisal determined that one of the watches was worth 25,000 Swiss Francs ($26,748) on the market.

They declared that the CBF “should not have offered the watches, and…either returned it or…reported the matter to the Investigatory Chamber.”

They added that they “will not pursue further formal ethics proceedings in this matter against officials who submit the Parmigiani watch they received from CBF to the Secretariat of the Investigatory Chamber by no later than October 24, 2014.”

Following that deadline, all watches submitted to the Investigatory Chamber “will be donated to an independent non-profit organization or organizations committed to corporate social responsibility projects in Brazil.”

BERLIN, September 18-Germany coach Joachim Loew said on Thursday he expects the next few months to be “incredibly hard” after their World Cup triumph in Brazil last July. 

“For me, it is perfectly clear: the months leading up to the end of the year will be incredibly hard,” Loew told Kicker magazine. 

“We have players who are tired, affected physically and who haven’t recovered emotionally after the World Cup,” continued the 54-year-old.
Loew was assistant coach to Jurgen Klinsmann at the 2006 World Cup, where the team reached the semi-finals, before taking over the head coaching role.

“First of all, we have to take a step back, solidify ourselves and try to find the players who are in the best physical condition and are not battling against injuries.

“The really difficult matches will be in October against Poland and Ireland,” he added in reference to upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers. 
There are plenty of positives for Loew and his newly crowned global champions after they edged Argentina 1-0 in the final for their first World Cup victory since 1990. 

They also won the World Cup in 1954 and 1974 when playing as West Germany. 

“Naturally, after such a long road, affected by criticism and bad moments, it is a great satisfaction and joy to see that we have achieved this ultimate goal and become champions,” continued Loew who had special praise for goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. 

“With our goalkeeper, we have an 11th player on the pitch and I believe that Manuel Neuer has imposed a revolution in world football. 

“He does not only intervene outside the penalty box in urgent situations, but more importantly he is the first player at the back to begin the play and control the others. It is the future of football.” concluded Loew. 

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino blasted an anti-Semitic banner unfurled by Partizan Belgrade fans as “unacceptable” and “disrespectful” after European football was again embroiled in a racism row.

A huge banner bearing the words “Only Jews and Pussies” was displayed throughout Thursday’s Europa League match between the two teams in the Serbian capital.

“I didn’t see but the club is aware. And if it is true, that it is very disrespectful,” Pochettino told the British media after the game which ended in a 0-0 draw.

North London club Tottenham have long enjoyed close links with the Jewish community.

“It is a shame as it was a great atmosphere. It is very disrespectful, unacceptable and a massive problem for us.”

Partizan were kicked out of the UEFA Cup in 2007 for hooligan-related problems and the club is certain to face more sanctions following Thursday’s incident.

On the pitch, Tottenham, in their fourth Europa League campaign, made no fewer than 10 changes from the side that drew with Sunderland in the Premier League at the weekend, with goalkeeper Hugo Lloris the only survivor.

Harry Kane almost gave the north Londoners a dream start to their bid to get out of Group C, his first minute attempt hitting the bar.

But despite looking dangerous on occasions Tottenham lacked the killer touch and were unable to find a way through Partizan’s defence.

Everton marked their first appearance in Europe since the 2009/2010 season with a 4-1 win over Wolfsburg.

The Merseysiders were ahead after just 15 minutes at Goodison Park when Ricardo Rodriguez put through his own goal after deflecting a Steven Naismith shot before a close-range header from Seamus Coleman made it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time.

Leighton Baines added the third from the penalty spot two minutes after the break with Kevin Mirallas firing home a smart fourth two minutes from time after a fine pass from substitute Samuel Eto’o.

Rodriguez grabbed a consolation for Wolfsburg with a curled free-kick past Tim Howard in the Everton goal in injury time.

The English side top H after rivals Lille and Krasnodar drew 1-1 in France.

Scottish champions Celtic came away from their trip to 1994 finalists Salzburg with an entertaining 2-2 Group D stalemate.

Ghanaian winger Wakaso Mubarak put Celtic in the lead in the first quarter of an hour in Austria on his loan debut.

Brazilian striker Alan then levelled for the home side, his 35th minute shot deflected off defender Efe Ambrose.

Minutes before, only Celtic keeper Craig Gordon’s fingertips had kept out Andre Ramlho’s header.

After the restart, Gordon produced a superb double save to keep Salzburg at bay again.

Scott Brown put the Scots back in front on the hour, his 30-yard screamer helped on its way by Andre Ramalho’s leg.

With 12 minutes left, Salzburg captain Jonatan Soriano earned the Austrians a share of the points with a brilliant freekick, which flew over the wall and into the top corner of Gordon’s net.

Celtic boss Ronny Deila said: “It was a good result against a very good team. We worked better as a team today and stood the distance better.”

In the other game in Celtic’s group, on-loan Manchester United forward Angelo Henriquez was among the scorers as Dinamo Zagreb routed Astra Giurgiu of Romania 5-1.

Defending champions Sevilla enjoyed a 2-0 win over Feyenoord thanks to first-half strikes from Grzegorz Krychowiak and Stephane Mbia.

Steaua Bucharest beat Aalborg 6-0 with Claudiu Keseru scoring an 11-minute second-half hat-trick.

There were also three impressive wins for Italian clubs with Inter Milan claiming a 1-0 victory at Dnipropetrovsk, Napoli cruising 3-1 past Sparta Prague and Fiorentina claiming a 3-1 home win against Guingamp.

For the first time this season’s Europa League winners get a Champions League spot.
This is the first match-day of the round-robin phase with the top two from each of the 12 groups of four qualifying for the knock-out phase, where they are joined by the third-placed teams from the group phase of the Champions League.

LONDON, September 19- Stung by a last-minute defeat in the Champions League, Manchester City will attempt to make up ground in the Premier League title race when they host leaders Chelsea on Sunday.

A 90th-minute strike by former player Jerome Boateng condemned City to a 1-0 loss at Bayern Munich on Wednesday and left Manuel Pellegrini’s side without a victory in three matches.

Chelsea can open up an eight-point lead over the champions if they pull off a repeat of their 1-0 win at the Etihad Stadium in February and City midfielder Fernandinho says it is a game that his side must win.

“That is not easy for a big team such as City (to lose against Bayern), but the best way to recover our confidence and our best qualities is to win the next game,” said the Brazilian.

“Already we think about the Chelsea game. We have to win this game because we have had a (2-2) draw against Arsenal and a (1-0) loss at home to Stoke. We have to recover points to think about the top of the table.”

Chelsea are gunning for a fifth consecutive league victory, but their momentum took a blow in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at home to Schalke.

A breakaway goal by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar earned the German side a point after Cesc Fabregas had put the hosts ahead and Chelsea captain John Terry has urged his team to cut out the defensive errors that have seen them concede six goals in their first four league outings.

“The first four league games, we’ve been killing teams off. We didn’t do it (against Schalke), but it was disappointing to concede the way we did, from a counter-attack from our own corner,” Terry told the club website.

“It was our corner, we were attacking, and we got caught on the break. It shouldn’t happen. It’s the second time already this season it’s happened.”

City will restore Sergio Aguero to their starting XI and seven-goal top scorer Diego Costa will return for Chelsea after the two players started their respective sides’ Champions League openers on the bench.

- Full debut for Falcao? -

Arsenal also endured punishment at German hands in the Champions League, losing 2-0 at Borussia Dortmund, and have drawn their last three games in the league.

On Saturday Arsene Wenger’s side visit Aston Villa, who climbed to second place in the league table with an impressive 1-0 victory at Liverpool in their last game.

Liverpool survived a scare in the Champions League, winning 2-1 at home to Bulgarian newcomers Ludogorets Razgrad thanks to a 93rd-minute penalty by captain Steven Gerrard.

With Daniel Sturridge sidelined by injury, Liverpool have been labouring in front of goal, but ahead of Saturday’s trip to West Ham United, manager Brendan Rodgers has urged their fans to show patience.

“I remember this time last year I was asked if we were going to score enough goals and we ended up with 101 (league) goals,” he told a press conference on Thursday.

“We’ve had to bring in a lot of new players because of the demands of the Champions League so that naturally takes time and we’ve got players adapting to a new country.”

Having seen their side crush Queens Park Rangers 4-0 last weekend, Manchester United’s supporters will hope their team confirm their return to form at promoted Leicester City on Sunday.

Manager Louis van Gaal must decide whether to hand a first start to new signing Radamel Falcao, who came off the bench in the latter stages of the win over QPR.

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has rather less pleasant quandaries to ponder after his team slithered to the foot of the table following last weekend’s 4-0 loss at Southampton.

Pardew spoke to owner Mike Ashley after Newcastle fans unfurled a ‘Pardew Out’ banner at St Mary’s and he has called on his team to produce an improved display at home to Hull City on Saturday.

“The one thing that we both agreed on was that we really need to focus on this Saturday and try and get a win for the football club,” Pardew said.

Fixtures

Saturday (1400 GMT unless otherwise stated)

Aston Villa v Arsenal, Burnley v Sunderland, Newcastle United v Hull City, Queens Park Rangers v Stoke City (1145 GMT), Swansea City v Southampton, West Ham United v Liverpool (1630 GMT)

Sunday (1500 GMT unless otherwise stated)

Everton v Crystal Palace, Leicester City v Manchester United (1230 GMT), Manchester City v Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur v West Bromwich Albion (1230 GMT)

ROME, September 19- AC Milan host Juventus in a top-of-the-table clash Saturday that could add impetus to their bid to erase two nightmare seasons — if the Rossoneri can plug the holes at the back.

Under new coach Filippo Inzaghi, Milan have enjoyed a flying start to the season following two horrendous campaigns under Massimiliano Allegri and, latterly, Clarence Seedorf.

An opening day win over Lazio (3-1) was followed by a 5-4 win at Parma last weekend.

Although the latter victory put Milan’s attacking talents on display, it also exposed their frailties at the back.

Juventus, unbeaten at home all of last season on their way to a third consecutive title, have yet to concede a goal in their two wins over Chievo and Udinese and have scored three times.

Milan midfielder Jeremy Menez, however, said he expects plenty of fireworks at the San Siro on Saturday.

“It will be a big show. Plenty of goals and emotion, almost like it was at Parma,” the Frenchman told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Juve may still be ahead of us, but on Saturday we’ll be playing on level terms and we could achieve something special.

“There’s a lot riding on this game… we just have to concentrate on ourselves and stick to our gameplan.”

Milan host Juve only four days after the Bianconeri’s dominant 2-0 win over Malmo in their opening Champions League Group A match.

But a visit to what should be a packed-out San Siro will be a different prospect, especially as the home support could offer a hostile reception to former coach Allegri.

Despite failing to repeat his exploit of leading Milan to the 2011 league title in his three subsequent seasons with the club, Allegri was appointed to succeed Antonio Conte when the former Juve handler quit to become Italy coach.

Allegri will still be without midfielder Andrea Pirlo and defender Andrea Barzagli, both of whom are recovering from injury, but could welcome Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal back to the squad as he continues to battle a persistent knee problem.

Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra admitted Milan may have home advantage but said he, for one, will not shy away from the challenge.

“It’s a difficult game, but I can’t wait to play,” Evra told www.juventus.com.

“This was exactly the type of match I wanted to be involved in when I signed for Juventus. They have home advantage but it’s down to us to show that we’re the champions and want to win.”

A draw would help propel free-scoring Roma, who sit third but are also on six points after two games, to the top of the table if Rudi Garcia’s men account for Cagliari at the Olympic Stadium on Sunday.

Roma, last season’s runners-up, were in fine form on their way to a 5-1 rout of CSKA Moscow on Wednesday that left them top of Champions League Group E.
However their win came at a price. Defender Davide Astori could be sidelined for several weeks after being diagnosed with knee ligament damage while Argentinian striker Juan Iturbe remains doubtful with a muscle injury.

Promoted Palermo, meanwhile, will be hoping home advantage comes to the fore on Sunday when Inter visit Sicily.

Argentinian Mauro Icardi scored a hat-trick as Inter put seven unanswered goals past Sassuolo for the second consecutive season last week to claim their first win of the season.

Fiorentina, meanwhile, are set to welcome German striker Mario Gomez back as they head to high-flying Atalanta looking for their first win.
Napoli, stunned 1-0 by Chievo last week, face a tough trip to Udinese.

Fixtures

Saturday

Cesena v Empoli (1600 GMT), Milan v Juventus (1845)

Sunday

Chievo v Parma (1030), Genoa v Lazio, Roma v Cagliari, Sassuolo v Sampdoria (1300), Atalanta v Fiorentina, Udinese v Napoli (1600), Palermo v Inter, Torino v Verona (1845)

MADRID, September 19- Two consecutive defeats have left European champions Real Madrid with a mountain to climb just three games into the La Liga season if they are to catch leaders Barcelona.

Real are six points adrift of the Catalans, who have made a 100 percent start under new boss Luis Enrique, after a 4-2 defeat to Real Sociedad was followed by a 2-1 reverse at home to Atletico Madrid last weekend.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men did at least manage to get back to winning ways in midweek as they thrashed Basel 5-1 in their Champions League opener.

The performance of Colombian James Rodriguez was a particularly positive aspect of that win as he produced his best display since a 75 million euro ($97 million, £59.6 million) move from Monaco after being heavily criticised for his failure to replace the energy and balance offered by the departed Angel di Maria.

Ancelotti accepted the criticism dished out to his side less than four months after sealing the club’s 10th European Cup, hailing the high demands at working at one of the biggest clubs in the world.

However, should they fail to win at Deportivo la Coruna on Saturday, his ability to turn around the situation in La Liga will come under close scrutiny.

Madrid have won only twice in their last nine visits to La Riazor, although they were 2-1 victors in their last outing in Galicia which contributed to Depor’s relegation in the 2012/2013 season.

Deportivo currently sit above Real in the table after winning for the first time this season at Eibar on Monday and will be hoping Barcelona loanee Isaac Cuenca can continue his impressive start to the campaign against his parent club’s old foes.

Real defender Raphael Varane signed a new contract on Thursday, tying him to the club until 2020. However, the Frenchman is likely to start once more on the bench with the return of Dani Carvajal from injury at right-back the only expected change from the win over Basel.

Things didn’t go so smoothly for Atletico in midweek as they were beaten 3-2 by Olympiakos in Athens to put their chances to qualifying for the last 16 in jeopardy.

However, Diego Simeone’s men can bounce back in style by going to the top of the table on Saturday if they beat Celta Vigo at home.

“We were desperate to start the Champions League with a win, but it wasn’t to be,” Atletico midfielder Koke said on Thursday.

“We have another game on Saturday against Celta and we have to prepare for it with the same desire. We need to be strong at home and win.”
Atletico will have to do without top scorer Mario Mandzukic for a couple of weeks, though, as the Croatian had surgery to repair a broken nose suffered against Olympiakos on Thursday.

Barcelona aren’t in action until Sunday night’s late match as they travel to bottom of the table Levante.

Enrique made nine changes to his side for Wednesday’s unconvincing 1-0 win over APOEL Nicosia to start their Champions League campaign, but Barca have now kept clean sheets in winning their first four games of the season for the first time in their history.

“Everyone ought to feel important within the team,” said defender Dani Alves on Enrique’s intention to consistently rotate his squad.

“He has come in with an interesting proposal, to recover what we had, especially in the intensity with which we work.”

Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta are all likely to return to the starting line-up at the Ciutat de Valencia, whilst Lionel Messi and Neymar will continue to lead the line in attack.

Fixtures (all times GMT)

Friday

Elche v Eibar (1900)

Saturday

Deportivo la Coruna v Real Madrid (1400), Athletic Bilbao v Granada (1600), Atletico Madrid v Celta Vigo (1800), Espanyol v Malaga (2000)

Sunday

Real Sociedad v Almeria (1000), Villarreal v Rayo Vallecano (1500), Cordoba v Sevilla (1700), Levante v Barcelona (1900)

Monday

Getafe v Valencia (1845)

MUNICH, September 19- Bayern Munich travel to a Hamburg side under new management this weekend still finding their way after changing tactics mid-way through their midweek Champions League win over Manchester City.

Munich boss Pep Guardiola switched from a 3-4-1-2 system to a 4-1-2-3 in the middle of their victory over City, and the moved paid off as Bayern played one of their strongest matches of the season, culminating in Jerome Boateng’s winner in the 90th minute.

“We presented ourselves as a unit,” said sports director Matthias Sammer.
Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge added: “That was the best match we have played so far this season.”

“We had problems controlling the ball, that’s why we changed from a three-man backline to a four-man,” said Guardiola, who would not say which system he would use against Hamburg on Saturday.
Missing from the City game was Franck Ribery, who will sit out the Hamburg contest as well.

“I don’t know how long I will miss,” said the Frenchman, who is dealing with a knee issue.

Last-placed Hamburg have their own issues, though the northern Germans hope to have resolved some of them with the sacking of Mirko Slomka after one point and zero goals scored through three matches.
The new man is former Hamburg Under-23 team boss Josef Zinnbauer.

Things don’t start too easily for Zinnbauer with Bayern, who he calls “the best team in the world”. But Hamburg also have nothing to lose.

“The result is irrelevant. There is no other team who can dominate like Bayern. What is important to me is that we give a good account of ourselves and play as a unit,” said Zinnbauer.

Leaders Bayer Leverkusen look to continue their roll as they travel Sunday to VfL Wolfsburg, who haven’t won this season and have conceded at least one goal in their last 17 matches.

Leverkusen are the top scoring team in the league with nine goals in three games – and they will be intent on bouncing back after a 1-0 Champions League loss in Monaco.

Two teams hoping their home fans can help them finally get a victory this season are Schalke 04 and VfB Stuttgart, who host on Saturday Eintracht Frankfurt and Hoffenheim, respectively, both with just one point and in the relegation spots with Hamburg.

“We have to stop giving up so many goals. It’s about time. It’s getting on my nerves,” said Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar of the team’s 3-7 goal differential.

Stuttgart have scored just one goal up to now and the team’s top players are starting to be called into question, including striker Vedad Ibisevic, who hasn’t scored in his last nine matches dating back to last season.

According to the early season table, the best match-up will be promoted side SC Paderborn hosting Hanover in a Saturday battle of fifth v third.

Paderborn haven’t lost this season and have kept a clean sheet the last two matches.

The other promoted side Cologne haven’t conceded a goal and host Borussia Moenchengladbach as the historical local rivalry is renewed Sunday evening.

The match-day kicks off Friday night with SC Freiburg hosting Hertha Berlin while FC Augsburg welcome Werder Bremen; and Borussia Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp returns to his former stomping grounds

Mainz 05 in Saturday’s evening match.

Fixtures

Friday

SC Freiburg v Hertha Berlin

Saturday

Schalke 04 v Eintracht Frankfurt
FC Augsburg v Werder Bremen
VfB Stuttgart v Hoffenheim
Hamburg v Bayern Munich
SC Paderborn v Hanover
Mainz 05 v Borussia Dortmund

Sunday
VfL Wolfsburg v Bayern Leverkusen
FC Cologne v Borussia Moenchengladbach

LONDON, England, September 19- Arsene Wenger will attempt to get Arsenal back on track against Aston Villa on Saturday after a frustrating week that raised questions about their chances of winning major silverware this season.

Wenger’s side travel to Villa Park to face a Villa side who lie second in the Premier League with three wins from four matches following last weekend’s surprise victory at Liverpool.

If they are to leave with three points, Arsenal will have to quickly shake off the disappointment of the 2-0 Champions League defeat at Borussia Dortmund that came three days after the Gunners had squandered a winning position in a 2-2 draw against Manchester City in the Premier League.

Arsenal’s defensive weaknesses were exposed on both occasions, once again throwing focus on Wenger’s failure to bring in a centre-back and defensive midfielder during the most recent transfer window.

The Dortmund defeat was the Gunners’ first of the campaign -– although they have won just two of their seven competitive matches — and the manner of the loss gave cause for concern.

Jack Wilshere conceded that the last two games had once again highlighted Arsenal’s failure to succeed at the highest level and questioned whether they had adopted the right approach against the German side.

Wilshere picked up an ankle injury during the game to add to Wenger’s worries although the manager has not given up hope of the England midfielder recovering in time to face Villa.

“It’s difficult to say how bad it is. Normally it would be not too bad but I am a bit cautious because of his history (of ankle problems),” Wenger said.

- Growing maturity -

The arrival of Danny Welbeck from Manchester United last week has failed to provide an immediate lift with the England forward guilty of missing good chances in both his appearances.

And the performance of Mesut Ozil was again placed under scrutiny after a largely ineffectual display by the Germany midfielder.

But the continuing good form of Aaron Ramsey has provided a bright spot and the midfielder, 23, claims his displays reflect his growing maturity.

“Now I feel like I am as mature as I can be,” Ramsey said.

“I’ve got a lot more responsibility and I’ve become used to that and it feels good. I just want to improve on last season and try to become the best player I can possibly be.

“I’m confident I can improve and have many more of those wonderful moments. I’m really excited with the way things are developing and about what the future holds.”

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert is eager to sort new deals for Fabian Delph and Ron Vlaar, whose contracts both expire next year, after committing his own future to Aston Villa.

Lambert this week followed Gabriel Agbonlahor and Alan Hutton by agreeing a new long-term deal, signing on until 2018.

“That is the next thing on the agenda,” said Lambert. “The two lads (Agbonlahor and Hutton) have signed which is great. If we can get the other lads tied up that is what we will try to do.”

Lambert insisted it was an easy decision to commit to Villa just months after his own future had been up in the air after it emerged owner Randy Lerner wanted to sell the club.

“Football does that. It is totally unpredictable. The chairman has been great and he has been totally transparent,” Lambert said.

“Randy is right behind the club and always has been as far as I’m concerned. Everything is really positive — new contracts, the way we’ve started the league.

“We are going to keep building it and if you get stability into the club it really helps.

“If that day comes when someone wants to take it on and the deal is right, as long as it is going to make Villa stronger then he will do it.”

TURIN, Italy, September 19- Juventus defender Patrice Evra says that he ended his eight-year spell at Manchester United because of ‘personal problems’.

The French international traded the Red Devils for the Old Lady in July, despite having signed a one-year contract extension with the Manchester outfit in May.

While it might have appeared that the £30 million signing of fellow left-back Luke Shaw was the reason behind Evra’s decision to end his association with the Old Trafford club, the 33-year-old says this is not the case.

“I was having personal problems at Manchester United and the only team that I wanted was Juventus,” Evra told JTV.

“It is a club that has history and goals. [Former boss] Antonio Conte called me many times to convince me to join. Now I’m very happy at Juventus.

“Everyone, from doctors to the press officers, give you their best. After a month of hard work I’m happy to be here.

“The preparation has been very hard, maybe the hardest I’ve done. Everyone should remember that the Evra of United represents the past. I do my best in training and I always try to listen to the coach.”

LONDON, England, September 19- Chelsea striker Didier Drogba admits he is excited to once again meet up with his “partner in crime” Frank Lampard, even if the two men will be on opposing sides this weekend.

Lampard brought his Stamford Bridge career to a close at the end of last season, leaving as the Blues’ all-time record goalscorer, to join new MLS franchise New York City FC, before being loaned to Manchester City for the current campaign.

Drogba, meanwhile, enjoyed a highly successful eight years in west London before departing in 2012, but not before handing them the Champions League crown, and he has now returned to the club in the recently-concluded transfer period.

And, with City set to host Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, Drogba is relishing the chance to meet up with one of his long-time friends.

Drogba said: “I can’t wait to see him – my partner in crime.

“It is a pity that I came back and he’s not here any more, but I will be happy to see him.

“It doesn’t matter the team where he is playing, I think he still belongs to us. He is a Chelsea player, for what he did. For me, he is part of the history of the club.”

Despite Lampard’s deep affiliation with Chelsea, Drogba expects the former England international to be nothing less than a true professional should he get the chance to face his former employers.

“It’s going to be difficult,” Drogba added. “But I know Frank – he will do his best if he is playing.”

LONDON, September 19- Manchester United newcomer Angel Di Maria has revealed a desire to improve his game under Louis Van Gaal as the reason for him moving to Old Trafford.

The Argentina international set a new British transfer record when he joined the Red Devils for a staggering £59.7 million fee from Real Madrid during the last transfer window.

His sale raised some eyebrows at the Bernabeu, with Di Maria having played a pivotal role for Los Blancos as they claimed a 10th European crown in May when they beat city neighbours Atletico Madrid 4-1 in the UEFA Champions League final.

But the 26-year-old felt he needed a change of scenery after four years in Madrid, and has accredited Van Gaal for selling United to him, insisting he will strive to return the club to their former glory.

He told Perform: “Van Gaal was really important for me, in order to come here. [He] was one of the first who spoke about bringing me here.

“The coach always has the last word about the players he wants. I am really grateful to him because, thanks to him, I am now playing for United.

“I keep trying to improve every day and for that reason I wanted to come here to United. I needed to change my life. I will try my best to play the right way. I will try my best every match and show my arrival at Old Trafford was worth it.

“Manchester United are trying to grow. We already know we didn’t start the Premier [League] in the right way but those things always happen in football.”

Meanwhile, new United team-mate Radamel Falcao has claimed he tried to convince Di Maria to join him at Monaco.

Falcao left the Principality for the Theatre of Dreams on transfer deadline day after a season-long loan was agreed between the two clubs.

The Colombia international made his debut for the English giants in the 4-0 win over QPR on Saturday as a substitute to line up alongside Di Maria in attack.

But the on-loan Monaco striker has revealed he failed to tempt the former Real winger into making the switch to Stade Louis II last month

Falcao told Fox Sports: “He’s a key player, compliments are short in order to describe him. When I was at Monaco I tried to get him to join me there.”

NAIROBI. Kenya, September 21 – Sensational forward Dan Sserunkuma struck twice to hand Gor Mahia head coach Frank Nuttall his first K’Ogalo victory after easing past visiting Chemelil Sugar 2-0 in a top of the table Kenyan Premier League clash played at Nairobi City Stadium on Saturday.

Elsewhere in Mumias, archrivals AFC Leopards were held to a 2-2 draw by relegation-threatened KCB after coming from 2-0 down to salvage the point while Western Stima shared the spoils with hosts Bandari in Mombasa after the encounter ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

After drawing three successive matches, K’Ogalo returned to their winning ways after collecting maximum points against the Sugar Millers whom they beat 1-0 in the first-leg to stretch their lead to 47 points, four ahead of Sofapaka and in the process, navigating past one of their trickiest games in the run in against the club that started the game only two points adrift.

Talismanic Sserunkuma netted on either side of half time, his first arriving on 45 minutes before sealing his brace in the 55th to decide the match.

“I’m delighted for the players because they put a great effort to give us maximum points.

“We created a lot of chances in the first-half and scored the goal but we improved in the last half. We will approach each match as it comes and do our best to see we achieve our target of retaining the title,” Nuttall said in a post match interview.

On the other hand Chemelil coach Mururi conceded defeat but said they were still title contenders despite the five point deficit to the champions who briefly surrendered KPL leadership last weekend to Sofapaka before a midweek draw against Ulinzi Stars and their Saturday triumph saw them reclaim top spot.

“My boys played very well in the first-half, we got our chances but we did not utilize them but Gor got theirs and converted. Lapse in the defence saw us concede the two goals so I lost fairly but we are still in the race because the difference is not huge.”

Chemelil contained the hosts in the first-half and created numerous chances but lady luck was not on their side as Harambee Stars keeper Jerim Onyango was in inspired form pulling off a brilliant save from Hillary Echesa’s bullet free-kick in their first attempt in the 28th .

Five minutes later Chemelil were at it again, building from the midfield with Smith Ouko setting up Hamisi Mwinyi with a through ball but Onyango did well to narrow the angle and rescue K’Ogalo.

With the encounter destined to head to the breather goalless, Chemelil defenders lost concentration to leave Sserunkuma to head a Musa Mohammed cross beyond keeper Jairus Adira for the opener on the stroke of half-time.

Gor upped their game in the second-half with George ‘Black Berry’ Odhiambo, who showed glimpses of the form that made him Player of the Year in 2010, racing from the right to find Sserunkuma who broke through the defence, only for Adira to stretch and clear the danger as Mururi brought in Innocent Wafula for Georson Likono.

Adira could not hold on the Uganda Cranes striker’s finish ten minutes after the restart when Odhiambo adroitly put Sserunkuma through for a one-on-one with the keeper that was dispatched expertly to the far post for his 11th goal of the season that put him in command of the Golden Boot race.

Chemelil could not sustain the pressure with K’Ogalo almost getting a third after Godfrey Walusimbi fed the resurgent Odhiambo who beat his defender but squandered the chance moments before Eric Ochieng wasted his but that did not matter since they managed to hold on for the win.

Having endured a torrid time in his second coming at Gor, ‘Black Berry’ got the adulation that saw the K’Ogalo faithful chant songs in his praise in his glorious 2010 season when he almost led K’Ogalo to the title.

Leopards continue poor run

At the Mumias Sports Complex, substitute Austin Ikkena scored the equaliser five minutes from time to help Ingwe pick a point against the Bankers.

KCB took the lead in the 9th through Ugandan Ronald Musana after a cross from Benjamin Chaka dodged the Leopards defence to find him.

Raymond Murugi doubled the lead six minutes later after capitalizing on poor communication between defenders Jackson Saleh and James Situma to find space and slot home.

At the stroke of half-time, Noah Wafula scored his fourth goal of the season to pull one back.

Ingwe were awarded a penalty after KCB defender handled the ball in the box with Bernard Mang’oli stepping up to take it only for keeper Zachary Onyango to stop his kick.

Wafula turned provider to the Ikkena with only five minutes to the final whistle and the Nigerian import did not disappoint after he raised high to head past Onyango.

The result saw Leopards stretch their winless run to four consecutive matches and remain 12th on 29 points while KCB are sitting 14th on 23 points, three above City Stars who are on the drop zone.

Blunt Tusker drop points

On Friday, 2011-12 champions, Tusker FC who were tipped by many to reel in stuttering Gor at the summit saw their chance go up in smoke after they were held to a 1-1 draw by relegation-threatened City Stars at Ruaraka Grounds.

The stakes were high for both sides with Tusker chasing their 11th title while City Stars are battling to preserve their top flight status with games running out.

The Kawangware based side had Substitute Ray Omondi to thank for keeping hope alive after he struck a late equaliser in the 81st after the Brewers went ahead in the 26th through Ugandan Khalid Aucho.

Tusker assistant coach Leonard Odipo, pointed out lack of concentration from his defenders cost them the win.

“We knew it was going to be tough because they are fighting for their dear lives. Our main undoing was when we slowed down the tempo and they caught us on the break.

“We pulled out Jesse Were because he was not holding the ball enough but nevertheless he played his best and we hoped Clifford Alwanga would change things but it was just a bad day in the office,” stated Odipo in a post match interview.

His opposite number Robinson Ndumbuisi, congratulated his charges for salvaging the point, saying it will give them confidence in their remaining matches to fight for survival in the league.

“We deserved to win because we missed three open chances but I’m happy with the boys because they gave their best and it paid in the second half.

“A point is better than nothing and we don’t take it for granted. This will make the boys believe they can still do it,” the Nigerian said.

Carlos Tevez scored his fourth goal in a week to hand champions Juventus a precious 1-0 win over Milan, and new coach Massimiliano Allegri the bragging rights, at a packed-out San Siro on Saturday.

Milan had taken full points from their opening two matches under new coach Filippo Inzaghi following two horrendous campaigns under Allegri and, latterly, Clarence Seedorf.

But after a promising first half performance, the Rossoneri allowed themselves to be pegged back for the second before being punished by an alert Tevez 19 minutes from the end.

It was the Argentinian’s fourth goal in seven days having scored once in a 2-0 win over Udinese last week and twice in the 2-0 Champions League win over Malmo in Turin.

Tevez said: “It was a great game… they rarely put us in trouble.”

Juve’s third successive win left them three points clear of Milan and Roma ahead of the latter’s game at home against Cagliari on Sunday.

On Allegri’s return to the club he was dismissed from in January, the 47-year-old admitted it had been a “particular evening”.

“I’m not a machine. I spent three and a half years at Milan …. but the important thing was for us to go out and win tonight and that’s what we did.

“It wasn’t an easy game but the lads were patient, didn’t concede much and created a lot of chances.”
Inzaghi said: “Before tonight I honestly thought we are really far behind Juve, but after this game I realise
we’re not so far.

“There are things we have to improve on and although we’re not going to achieve that immediately I believe we’ll be on the right road once we recover the players who are still sidelined.

“Juve have that extra ingredient, but I still believe we had a great game.”

Allegri was roundly whistled as the team names were called out prior to kick-off. But by the end of the first half, Juve were on the ascendancy.

Milan had shown promise in the tense opening exchanges, Keisuke Honda notably forcing Gianluigi Buffon to block his header from Sulley Muntari’s long cross at the back post on 27 minutes.

But minutes later, a Tevez chip for Roberto Pereyra saw the Argentinian volley the ball back into the path of Fernando Llorente, who skipped a challenge before seeing his toe poke blocked by Christian Abbiati at the near post.

Following a patient build-up, Abbiati was summoned minutes later to parry Pereyra’s shot from just outside the area after Tevez’s smart lay-off.

Milan went to sleep when Claudio Marchisio took possession in midfield and hit a powerful shot which beat Abbiati but came off the upright.

Jeremy Menez, who has made a big impression since joining from Paris Saint Germain, was again Milan’s top performer and dispossessed defender Giorgio Chilleni on the edge of the centre circle only to see Buffon block his drive.

Juve continued as they left off after the restart, while Milan struggled to get out of an apparent slumber.
Marchisio was allowed to dribble his way along the edge of the area before Ignazio Abate came to the rescue with a brusque clearance.

Minutes later Muntari gave away possession in midfield and Paul Pogba’s dipping drive deflected off Adil Rami. From a short corner, Marchisio saw his first-time effort curl just wide of Abbiati’s far post as the Milan defence looked on.

Milan were finally made to pay in the 71st minute thanks to a fine piece of Tevez magic.
The Argentinian stumbled to the ground as he took possession on the edge of the area, but somehow got the ball to Pogba.

Tevez then ran on to the Frenchman’s dink to beat Abbiati with a chip at the keeper’s far post.

Fernando Torres was one of several substitutes to make a late appearance but the former Chelsea striker was given scant time to settle before earning a yellow card for an accidental strike on Kwadwo Asamoah, who was also cautioned after their duel.

MADRID, Spain, September 21- Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick as Real Madrid equalled their biggest ever away win in La Liga with a 8-2 thrashing of Deportivo la Coruna on Saturday.

Real now trail second-placed Atletico Madrid by two points after the champions missed the chance to go top as they were held 2-2 at home by Celta Vigo.

Ronaldo opened the scoring with a fantastic header from Alvaro Arbeloa’s cross, but the Portuguese was upstaged by James Rodriguez and the Colombian doubled the visitors’ advantage with a sumptuous left-footed effort that curled into the top corner.

A goalkeeping howler from German Lux then allowed Ronaldo to fire into an empty net to make it 3-0 before the break, but Depor did manage to pull one back when Haris Medunjanin converted from the penalty spot after Sergio Ramos was adjudged to have handled.

Gareth Bale struck twice in the final 25 minutes before Ronaldo rounded off his hat-trick to ensure Real bounced back in style after suffering consecutive defeats to Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid in their last two league outings.

Toche headed home a late consolation for the hosts, but Javier Hernandez rounded off a fine day for Real when he volleyed home his first two goals for the club since joining on loan from Manchester United.

“The game was defined by the skill and quality we have up front and how clinical we were with the chances we had,” said Real boss Carlo Ancelotti.

“We showed the quality we have. We have a phenomenon in Ronaldo and we have other players with great quality. They combined very well together and that was the best thing we can take from the game.”

Depor’s resistence was broken just before the half hour mark as Ronaldo leapt to meet Arbeloa’s cross and directed a fine header into the far corner from 15 yards out.

Karim Benzema then forced Lux into another smart save moments later, but there was nothing the Argentine ‘keeper could do nine minutes before half-time when Rodriguez scored his first goal in La Liga with a curling effort that dipped in off the underside of the bar.

Lux was badly at fault for Real’s third goal, though, as he raced off his line to close down Benzema and despite bringing down the Frenchman, referee Pedro Jesus Perez Montero allowed play to continue so Ronaldo could double his tally for the afternoon by rolling the ball into an empty net.

Deportivo were given a glimmer of hope at the start of the second-half as Ramos was harshly penalised for handball and Medunjanin sent Iker Casillas the wrong way from the penalty spot.

However, Real put the game to bed 24 minutes from time when Marcelo played in Bale on the left side of the area and this time he finished via the far post to register his third goal of the season.
 
- Bale magic -

Bale produced another moment of quality to make it 5-1 as he flicked Isco’s through ball over Lux with ease before Ronaldo collected Rodriguez’s pass and powered the ball home with his left foot to complete his hat-trick 12 minutes from time.

Deportivo snatched a consolation six minutes from time as Toche headed home, but Real fittingly had the final word as Hernandez made his case for a start at home to Elche in midweek.

The Mexican international thumped a volley into the top corner two minutes from time before seeing his next effort loop of a stray Depor defender’s leg and over the hapless Lux.

It was a more frustrating night in the capital for Atletico as they were held for the second time in four games this season.

The hosts were shocked 19 minutes in when Pablo Hernandez produced a moment of genius to backheel Carles Planas’s cross past Miguel Angel Moya.

Diego Simeone’s men had to rely on their efficiency from set-pieces to dig themselves out of trouble as Miranda prodded home Koke’s free-kick before Diego Godin powered home a header from Gabi’s corner to lead before the break.

However, Celta were level once more eight minutes into the second-half when Miranda was adjudged to have clipped Planas inside the area and Nolito slammed home the resulting spot-kick.

Celta ‘keeper Sergio Alvarez had to make a fine save to deny much-maligned Atletico striker Raul Jimenez, who also had a goal rightly ruled out for offside.

And Atletico were foiled by the offside flag again in the last action of the game as Alessio Cerci was denied a fairytale ending to his home debut.

“I think the team had enough chances to win the game comfortably,” said Atletico captain Gabi.

“We were found wanting with our finishing, but we need to keep working. We are annoyed because you can’t let points slip away at home.”

LONDON, September 21- Victor Wanyama’s first Southampton goal proved enough to finally end the resistance of 10-man Swansea on Saturday as the visitors won 1-0 to go second in the Premier League.

It looked as if Swansea, who had Wilfried Bony sent off in the 39th minute, would hold out for a point.

But, 10 minutes from time, Kenya midfielder Wanyama’s angled finish secured victory for the Saints and left the south coast club two points behind Chelsea ahead of the leaders’ match at champions Manchester City on Sunday.

Ivory Coast striker Bony was shown a first red card in English football with a reckless tackle from behind on Saints defender Maya Yoshida.

Bony had already been booked for catching Jose Fonte in mid-air after 20 minutes and, while that might have ben a questionable yellow card, the second booking was beyond dispute. 

Swansea had been on top until Bony’s dismissal, but his exit changed the course of the match, with Southampton on top for most of the second half in south Wales.

Even so, they had to wait until the 80th minute to break the deadlock when Italian striker Graziano Pelle set up Wanyama, who finished confidently to give Ronald Koeman’s Southampton side their third consecutive victory.

With England manager Roy Hodgson among the spectators at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea made a positive start.
Swansea’s Gylfi Sigurdsson fired straight at England goalkeeper Fraser Forster before the Swans’ Wayne Routledge volleyed wide.

The home side nearly took a 28th-minute lead when Sigurdsson found Routledge, only for the winger’s shot to hit the top of the crossbar.

Bony also went close, his header from a Sigurdsson corner cleared off the line by Saints left-back Ryan Bertrand.
But then came Bony’s red card and Southampton took charge.

Pelle had a header tipped over the bar by former Arsenal keeper Lukasz Fabianski and then had an even better chance when, unmarked, he headed wide from 10 yards out following a Steven Davis cross.

But fortunately for Southampton, it was not a decisive miss and Pelle made amends with his pass to Wanyama for the all-important goal.