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Tottenham keep pressure on the top four

Tottenham picked up their first victory in eight games to leave West Ham with a battle to stay in the Premier League.

Czech midfielder Tomas Soucek inadvertently converted into his own net following Giovani lo Celso’s corner and Harry Kane broke clear to stroke in his 18th goal of the season.

With seven games remaining, the loss leaves the Hammers outside the relegation zone but only on goal difference with Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Norwich – who lie in the bottom three – all now having a game in hand over David Moyes’ side.

The hosts punished toothless West Ham, who threatened little but saw Jarrod Bowen strike a post as they pushed in vain for an equaliser before Kane struck.

Spurs boss Jose Mourinho will be delighted with a victory that takes them just six points off the Champions League places and with Kane’s goal, which was taken with his usual aplomb after he was put clear. It was also a sign of his increasing assurance in only his second match since a hamstring injury on 1 January.

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Barcelona go top of La liga

BARCELONA, SPAIN - JUNE 23: Ivan Rakitic of Barcelona celebrates after scoring his sides first goal with team mates during the Liga match between FC Barcelona and Athletic Club at Camp Nou on June 23, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Ivan Rakitic scored the only goal as Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao to move back to the top of La Liga.

The substitute latched onto Lionel Messi’s pass before slotting home with 19 minutes to go.

It was a 15th La Liga assist of the season for Messi, who remains on 699 career goals despite going close himself on two separate occasions in the closing stages.

Real Madrid can go back to the top if they beat Mallorca on Wednesday.

Barcelona were far from their best but did enough to grind out this victory. With Real Madrid having a better head-to-head record, Barca need their rivals to slip up even if they win every remaining game.

Mid-table Athletic had beaten the Catalans twice this season – on the opening day of La Liga and in the Copa del Rey quarter-final – but failed to test goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen once.

Messi, who turns 33 on Wednesday, was hoping his 700th career goal would come – and he was close when he cut in and curled wide, before again missing the target from Ansu Fati’s pass.

But he still helped Barca win the game when he fed Rakitic, who scored his first goal of the season. Messi’s 15 assists in La Liga this season have helped Barca pick up 15 points.

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Jose Mourinho backs Harry Kane

Tottenham forward Harry Kane has been labelled “Hero Kane” by boss Jose Mourinho after his return from injury.

The England captain made his first appearance since suffering a hamstring injury on 1 January in Friday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

Mourinho, whose side face West Ham on Tuesday, also says Spurs have no intention of selling the 26-year-old.

“If he gives me the same he gave me against United, I will be more than happy,” said Mourinho.

Kane failed to score in Friday’s draw, had one shot on target and managed 36 touches of the ball – only goalkeeper Hugo Lloris had fewer among the players to have played the entire game.

It led to criticism from former Arsenal player Paul Merson, who said the forward would not manage a high goal return under Mourinho because of his style of play.

Kane had scored seven in 11 games under Mourinho before Tottenham’s return to Premier League action after the coronavirus pandemic.

“Harry Kane played one game after six months. I know that if he scores two goals, the talk stops,” added Mourinho.

“The only thing that I know is that Harry Kane had an incredible effort, he played 90 minutes, 94 or 95, he was training again (on Monday) and (on Sunday), he’s ready to play (on Tuesday), he’s an amazing professional, he’s super-committed with the team.

“If I have to wait patiently to score two goals or three goals in one game and then everybody starts saying that Harry Kane is back, I wait.

“But for me it’s not Harry Kane, it’s ‘Hero Kane’ because a guy that had a big surgery, has a lockdown that stopped the perfect rehabilitation, because it did, so with all the difficulties, then come to normal training only for a couple of weeks… for me, Hero Kane.”

Mourinho says the striker, who has four years left on his current Spurs contract, harbours the same ambitions as the club and chairman Daniel Levy.

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Aguero out for sometime

Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester City v Burnley - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - June 22, 2020 Manchester City's Sergio Aguero reacts after sustaining an injury, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Martin Rickett/Pool via REUTERS EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.

The knee injury suffered by Sergio Aguero in Monday’s 5-0 win over Burnley “does not look good”, says Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

The striker was forced off just before half-time after a challenge from Ben Mee that resulted in the penalty from which City scored their second goal.

Guardiola revealed the Argentine had been suffering from a knee problem for the past month.

“We’ll see tomorrow in a better way what he has,” said the City boss.

“He felt something in his knee. He has struggled in the last month, some pain in his knee, so we will see.”

Asked if he was worried about the 32-year-old’s prospects for the rest of the season, Guardiola replied: “I’m not a doctor, but it doesn’t look good.”

Aguero was replaced by Gabriel Jesus in Monday’s game, which City won easily, with Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez both scoring twice and David Silva netting the fifth.

They have now won both of their games since the restart of the Premier League, following last Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Arsenal.

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Man city Thrash Burnley on Monday night football

Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester City v Burnley - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - June 22, 2020 Manchester City's Phil Foden celebrates scoring their fifth goal, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Michael Regan/Pool via REUTERS EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.

Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez both scored twice as Manchester City thrashed Burnley to ensure Liverpool will have to wait a little longer to wrap up the Premier League title.

Three first-half goals saw City on their way to the most comfortable of wins at Etihad Stadium, with Foden’s superb long-range strike breaking the deadlock before Mahrez’s double just before the break.

The Algerian’s fine solo effort made it 2-0 before he added another from the spot after Ben Mee fouled Sergio Aguero, with the penalty being awarded by the video assistant referee.

It was all too easy for City against a Burnley side that did not name their full complement of substitutes for their first game since the Premier League restarted behind closed doors amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Foden played a starring role in the rout, starting the move that saw Bernardo Silva tee up David Silva to make it 4-0 soon after the break, and then adding a fifth himself after Gabriel Jesus helped on a David Silva cross.

By then the evening was a stroll for Pep Guardiola’s side, who are now 20 points behind the leaders with eight league games remaining.

If the defending champions had dropped points against the Clarets, a win for Liverpool against Crystal Palace at Anfield on Wednesday would have seen them officially take City’s crown.

Instead Jurgen Klopp’s side must beat the Eagles and then rely on City dropping points against Chelsea on Thursday if they are to clinch the title before they visit Etihad Stadium on 2 July.

Burnley issued a statement during the game condemning the actions of those responsible after a plane carrying a banner reading ‘White Lives Matter Burnley’ was flown over the ground shortly after kick-off.

Both sets of players had taken a knee before the game started in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

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Ronaldo scores as Juventus go four points clear

Cristiano Ronaldo scored as Juventus resumed their Serie A title defence with victory at mid-table Bologna.

Juve, who have won the past eight titles, are four points clear of Lazio, who visit Atalanta on Wednesday.

Ronaldo gave Juve the lead with a penalty after Matthijs de Ligt was fouled by Stefano Denswil.

Paulo Dybala curled home an excellent second from Federico Bernardeschi’s backheel but Juve ended with 10 men following Danilo’s red card.

Maurizio Sarri’s side were in control in the second half and could have scored more with Bernardeschi hitting the post and Ronaldo having a goal ruled out for offside.

But their problems at left-back continued. Alex Sandro is injured, and Mattia de Sciglio pulled up during the game holding his hamstring. He was replaced by Danilo, who will now be suspended after picking up two yellow cards.

Juventus had played twice since the Italian season restarted following the coronavirus pandemic without scoring. They drew 0-0 with AC Milan in the Coppa Italia semi-final before winning on penalties – and then lost the final to Napoli on spot-kicks after another goalless draw.

They made numerous errors at the back against Bologna, who could not take advantage, but fully deserved a fourth consecutive Serie A win.

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Real Madrid go Top of La Liga

Real Madrid went to the top of La Liga thanks to a hard-fought victory at Real Sociedad.

Zinedine Zidane’s side are level on points with Barca, who drew 0-0 with Sevilla on Friday, but go top because of their superior head-to-head record.

Sergio Ramos’ penalty after the lively Vinicius Jr was fouled gave the visitors the lead.

Karim Benzema doubled their advantage before Mikel Merino’s strike set up a tense finale.

There was controversy when substitute Adnan Januzaj thought he had made it 1-1 with a strike from outside the area but it was ruled out for a Merino offside. Merino did not get a touch but the officials deemed he was blocking goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’ view, so interfering with play.

Their sense of grievance grew when moments later Benzema controlled a Federico Valverde cross with his shoulder before firing home. The goal stood after a video assistant referee review for handball.

Madrid looked comfortable at that stage but Merino rifled a shot in via the underside of the crossbar, after a cross from substitute Roberto Lopez, to keep the closing minutes interesting.

The visitors’ biggest problem from the game came when Ramos was injured soon after his goal and needed an ice pack on his leg in the stands.

Madrid – who have only won one La Liga title since 2012 – are now eight victories away from winning the league.

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Pulisic steals the show as chelsea defeat aston villa

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JUNE 21: Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea holds back Jack Grealish of Aston Villa as both teams clash during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Chelsea FC at Villa Park on June 21, 2020 in Birmingham, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Pool via Getty Images)

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has backed “hungry” Christian Pulisic to play a big part in the Blues’ bid for a top-four finish in the Premier League after the forward scored in Sunday’s 2-1 win at Aston Villa.

The visitors controlled the first half but fell behind when Kepa failed to hold Anwar El Ghazi’s shot and Kortney Hause was on hand to bundle in.

Lampard sent Pulisic on in the 55th minute and five minutes later the United States international equalised when he lashed Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross into the roof of the net.

Olivier Giroud then sealed victory two minutes later when he drove in from 15 yards with the help of a slight deflection.

Pulisic was playing his first game since New Year’s Day after recovering from injury and Lampard is confident he will be an important player for him in the run-in.

“He will start games for us, of course, and I think he’s going to be a big player for us, not just in this run-in but going forward,” he said.

“He was hungry. I know that and I felt for him, as I felt for the players with long-term injuries.

“The ability he’s got to arrive in the box, it’s a big thing, I’ve spoken about it with him all season.”

The win means fourth-placed Chelsea restored their five-point advantage over Manchester United and Wolves, who are fifth and sixth respectively.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, remain in the relegation zone, one point from safety after taking one point from their first two games back following the resumption of the Premier League.

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Goal line technology to be reviewed

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JUNE 17: Oliver McBurnie and Jack Robinson of Sheffield United appeal for a goal which is later denied as Orjan Nyland of Aston Villa catches the ball during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Sheffield United at Villa Park on June 17, 2020 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Pool via Getty Images)

Premier League referees will review the goalline technology error that denied Sheffield United a goal in their draw at Aston Villa

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) said the video assistant referee did not intervene because of the “unique” circumstances.

PGMOL will now discuss how a similar incident in the future can be handled.

It comes as former top-flight referee Mark Clattenburg said the controversy had highlighted a “fundamental flaw”.

The situation occurred in the 42nd minute of Wednesday’s 0-0 draw – the first Premier League match for 100 days, after the competition was halted by the coronavirus pandemic in March.

Sheffield United – who would have moved above Manchester United into fifth place with a win – thought they had scored when Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland carried Oliver Norwood’s free-kick over the line. But referee Michael Oliver did not receive a signal to indicate a goal.

Hawk-Eye – the operator of the goalline technology – subsequently apologised but said the system “remained functional throughout”.

The company added it was the first time such an error had occurred in more than 9,000 matches using the system.

However, speaking to BBC Sport, Clattenburg, said it showed technology “can fail at any time”.

Clattenburg, who took charge of almost 300 Premier League games between 2004 and 2017, went on to apportion further blame for the failing to the video assistant referee system.

“I automatically expected the video assistant referee to come in,” he said.

“He’s probably thought: ‘We have the technology in place. Why do we need to make a decision?’ and that is the fundamental flaw. Technology is there to help, it is not there to make the final decision.

“The VAR has let the referee Michael Oliver down. If he had checked the goal, we would not be talking about it now. Referees can make mistakes; the VAR can’t, because he has all the evidence there.

“I have had situations in the Premier League, where the watch would go off and give a goal when the ball did not enter the goal. This can happen sometimes, where it just malfunctions and people would not notice that.

“Overall I think it [VAR] has been letting referees down in the Premier League. The Premier League spend a lot of money on technology but if it is not used correctly, people lose confidence in it and they get frustrated. That’s one of the biggest problems at the moment.

“Sheffield United could miss out on a European place because of two points they lost because of technology.

“It’s not like a [normal] refereeing decision. You can say they balance out over a season – but not when you’re talking about something that was so clearly wrong.”

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WERNER SIGNS FOR CHELSEA

The forward, 24, has agreed personal terms with the Blues and, subject to passing a medical, will join in July after the German league season ends.

Werner, who joined Leipzig from Stuttgart in 2016, has scored 32 goals in all competitions so far this season.

“I am delighted to be signing for Chelsea, it is a proud moment for me to be joining this great club,” said the German international.

Werner, who is known for his pace and can also play as a winger, thanked the club and fans at Leipzig and said they would “would always be in my heart”.

His July move also confirms Werner will not play for Leipzig in the Champions League quarter-finals in August.

He added: “I look forward to next season with my new team-mates, my new manager and of course the Chelsea fans.

“Together we have a successful future ahead of us.”

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia says the club is “excited” to have one of Europe’s “most coveted players” heading to Stamford Bridge.

“He has that rare mix of being young and exciting and yet established and proven,” she added.

Werner is Chelsea’s second signing for next season after they completed a £37m deal for Ajax winger Hakim Ziyech in February