SOCCER

Brendan Rodgers has hailed the impact of Simon Mignolet’s opening-day penalty save against Stoke City, ahead of the reverse fixture between the sides on Sunday.

Antonio Valencia and Danny Welbeck were on target as Manchester United beat Swansea City 2-0 at Old Trafford.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger said he was devastated by Theo Walcott’s injury and will now have to intensify his search around Europe for an attacker capable of equaling the 24-year-old’s five goals and four assists.

Barcelona coach Tata Martino has suggested that Lionel Messi will start from the bench in the top-of-the-table- clash with Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

Eden Hazard and Fernando Torres were on target as Chelsea beat Hull City 2-0 at the KC Stadium to move top of the Premier League.

Manchester United manager David Moyes will be without Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney as he tries to avoid a fourth-straight defeat.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says he is happy with the progress of his squad, ahead of their visit to Hull City on Saturday.

Barcelona have a fight on their hands to remain top of La Liga after their visit to second-placed Ateltico Madrid on Saturday.

Goals from Karim Benzema and Jese Rodriguez gave Real Madrid a 2-0 victory over Osasuna in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 tie.

Liverpool have reportedly joined the race to sign Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata, as Brendan Rodgers looks to bolster his squad in the January transfer window.

Manchester United continue to face a difficult to task to boost their squad in the January transfer window.

Ahead of their Copa del Rey encounter with Osasuna, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has backed Angel di Maria’s explanation for his alleged offensive gesture.

Lionel Messi scored twice on his return from injury in the first leg of Barcelona’s last-16 tie against Getafe at the Camp Nou.

Alvaro Negredo hit a hat-trick as Manchester City beat West Ham United 6-0 in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semifinal at the Etihad.

The Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic began his onslaught with a right-footed flick in front of the net in the 10th minute, followed by a flying deflection in the in the 39th, and a simple chip shot over Brest keeper Yohan Hartock during a fast break in the 42nd.

Following the blow of Theo Walcott’s injury, Arsenal have received a welcome fitness boost.

Arsenal have reportedly launched fresh moves to bring in a striker following Theo Walcott’s injury.

Lionel Messi returns to the Barcelona squad to take on Getafe in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 tie.

The future of Chelsea target Fredy Guarin remains in doubt, as the Blues continue to be linked with signings in the January transfer window.

A second-half penalty from Fabio Borini gave Sunderland a 2-1 victory over Manchester United in the first leg of their League Cup semifinal.

Liverpool continue to be linked with players to bolster the attacking talent at Brendan Rodgers’ disposal in the January transfer window.

David Moyes is expected to have big money to spend at Manchester United in January, although he has again dampened expectations about potential signings.

The extent of Theo Walcott’s injury looks set to increase the urgency of Arsenal’s hunt for a forward in this month’s transfer window.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to help Real Madrid to a 3-0 victory over Celta Vigo in their first outing of 2014.

The pressure is rightly beginning to build on David Moyes after Manchester United’s FA Cup exit to Swansea City on Sunday.

Gareth Bale will be back in the Real Madrid squad for their first competitive outing of 2014, at home to Celta Vigo.

A late goal from Wilfried Bony gave Swansea City a 2-1 victory over Manchester United in the FA Cup third round at Old Trafford.

Blues goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer saved all four of Derby’s shots on target, and Chelsea extended their FA Cup third-round winning streak to 16 matches. Chelsea will next face Stoke in the fourth round.

Iago Aspas scored his first goal for Liverpool as the Premier League side beat Oldham Athletic 2-0 in the FA Cup third round.