Re: 2 minutos ha tardado Cañas en ver la amarilla en su debut en la Premier

Crystal Palace slipped closer to the relegation zone as Jay Rodriguez earned Southampton victory at Selhurst Park.

The England striker chased a poor Jason Puncheon headed backpass to challenge Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni and turn the ball into an empty net.

Rickie Lambert also struck the post for Saints as Palace failed to create a clear opening with their direct style.

Yannick Bolasie drew a save from Artur Boruc, as the Eagles ended the day only two points above the bottom three.

Tony Pulis's side had taken 10 points from 18 before Saturday to bolster their survival hopes but home defeat, coupled with Cardiff's win over Fulham, means they are far from safe.

The Eagles have never survived a season in the Premier League and, on 27 points, are 10 adrift of the tally that was enough to stay up last year, with 10 games remaining.

Without the injured Marouane Chamakh, Palace frequently aimed long balls at Glen Murray but the tactic drew a blank, and they are now the top flight's lowest scorers with 19 goals.

Southampton centre-backs Dejan Lovren and Jose Fonte coped consistently with the hosts' long balls and throw-ins - though the former might have been fortunate not to be sent off for a foul when he looked to be the last man.

It was actually during Palace's best spell of pressure in the first half that Southampton got the decisive goal, Rodriguez pouncing for his 11th league strike of the season.

Puncheon's poorly judged header saw Rodriguez race clear and, after a sliding challenge on Speroni, he rolled the ball home.

The goal sparked life into the contest and Lambert controlled a poor headed clearance from the impressive Adam Lallana's cross to volley against the post with Speroni beaten.

No goals at the Palace
Palace, with 19 goals, are now the lowest scorers in the Premier League this season and both of their last two goals have been penalties

Three years ago this weekend, Lallana and Lambert were playing against Yeovil in League One, but the England pair were at the heart of their side's good work as Southampton consolidated ninth place in the table.

A Bolasie strike from 18 yards on the stroke of half-time, saved by Boruc with his legs, was the closest the London side came in the first period.

And it was Bolasie again, powerful and busy throughout, who was at the heart of the game's most controversial moment when Lovren, who appeared to be the last man, upended him 20 yards from goal.

The Croatia international received only a yellow card from referee Howard Webb, who was a central figure in the second half as a series of fouls made for a disjointed contest.

But, flanked by full-backs Luke Shaw and Nathaniel Clyne, Lovren and Fonte dealt well with the physical presence of Murray - and the introduction of substitutes Thomas Ince and Cameron Jerome - as Palace failed to score at home for the sixth time this season.

Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool are all yet to visit Selhurst Park, and Palace travel to 18th-placed Sunderland next Saturday knowing they will need to find goals from somewhere if they are to stay clear of trouble.

Re: 2 minutos ha tardado Cañas en ver la amarilla en su debut en la Premier

Jonathan Walters scored a penalty and was then sent off as Stoke fought back to draw against Norwich at Carrow Road.

Bradley Johnson headed in Robert Snodgrass's free-kick to put the Canaries ahead in the second half.

Walters, who scored from the spot against Arsenal last weekend, converted another penalty after Sebastien Bassong's clumsy foul on John Guidetti.

Walters was dismissed then for a high challenge on Alexander Tettey, but the hosts could not force a winning goal.

Consequently, Norwich will see the result as two points dropped. particularly as they led, and were playing against only 10 men for the last 12 minutes, against a resolute Stoke side.

The draw also keeps the pressure on manager Chris Hughton, who last month was warned that the club's league position needed to improve.

However, Norwich are now 15th in the Premier League and are only four points above the bottom three.

They face a critical spell in their season as their play fellow strugglers Sunderland, Swansea, West Brom and Fulham in four of their next five matches, before ending the season with games against Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Stoke remain without an away league win since 31 August, but the point takes them up to 12th, two points ahead of Norwich.

The visitors had the better of a poor first half with Peter Crouch and Walters having shots saved by John Ruddy before Marko Arnautovic fired over.

But Mark Hughes's side failed to build on a bright start as Norwich came back into the match, with Snodgrass having a powerful effort parried by Asmir Begovic.

Lone striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel lacked service - his best moment coming when he glanced a Snodgrass corner narrowly wide - but he has now not scored since the opening day of the season, a run of 20 games in all competitions.

Regardless, his side went ahead 10 minutes into the second half when Snodgrass's delivery was met by Johnson, who scored his third of the campaign.

However a rash challenge in the penalty area by Norwich captain Bassong on substitute Guidetti gave Stoke a way back into the match. Walters took that chance, converting the spot kick.

The Republic of Ireland international's day ended early, though, as he caught Tettey with a knee-high challenge and was shown a straight red card by Andre Marriner.

Guidetti, who had only been on the pitch for 17 minutes, was withdrawn as Stoke aimed to hang on for the draw.

Johnson missed a chance to score the winner for Norwich in injury time when he dragged a left-footed shot wide from outside the penalty area as Hughes's side earned a hard-fought point.

Re: 2 minutos ha tardado Cañas en ver la amarilla en su debut en la Premier

Chelsea moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League after sinking Tottenham with four second-half goals.

There was little in the game until Jan Vertonghen's error let Samuel Eto'o in to fire the Blues ahead.

Younes Kaboul was sent off for fouling Eto'o soon afterwards, and Eden Hazard slotted home the resulting penalty.

Demba Ba made it 3-0 late on following a slip by Sandro, then completed the scoring when he latched on to Kyle Walker's disastrous back-header.

Chelsea's rivals in the title race all have games in hand, but Manchester City will have to win all three of theirs to replace the Blues at the summit.

Chelsea's home run continues

Chelsea are now unbeaten in their last 27 home meetings with Tottenham in league and cup, since goals from Gary Lineker and David Howells gave Spurs a 2-1 win in February 1990

What could turn out to be a crucial victory for Jose Mourinho's men had an unlikely beginning when Fernando Torres was injured in the warm-up.

Eto'o came into the team instead but he also needed lengthy treatment after just 30 seconds when he was sent tumbling by Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris.

The offside flag was already up, but TV replays showed the Cameroon striker was onside when he ran on to Hazard's pass.

It did not take long for Chelsea to tear through Tottenham again, but Hazard skewed his shot wide from a tight angle after rounding Lloris and it was a long time before his side next threatened.

Spurs were focused on their defensive duties but they did manage the only shot on target of the first half when Sandro tested Petr Cech with a fizzing first-time drive.

At the start of the second half, Chelsea looked short of ideas but a disjointed display from the league leaders was completely turned on its head after 56 minutes when Vertonghen slipped and inadvertently played in Eto'o as he tried to recover.

The Cameroon striker, who turns 33 on Monday, mocked his manager's recent jibes about his age with his celebrations by the corner flag.

Things quickly got worse for Spurs when referee Michael Oliver ruled that Kaboul had shoved over Eto'o in the box as the pair raced to meet Hazard's cross.

The decision looked harsh on the Spurs defender, whose misery was compounded when Oliver showed him a red card to go with the penalty, which Hazard coolly converted.

There was no way back for Tottenham's 10 men from there. Hazard and Oscar both wasted good chances to extend the home side's lead before further gifts gave substitute Ba his late brace.

First, Sandro stumbled as he tried to clear Oscar's cross from the right, allowing Ba in to beat Lloris.

Then, Walker inexplicably tried to head a Lloris clearance back to his keeper, instead setting up Ba to complete the rout.

The defeat leaves Tottenham still four points adrift of the top four, but they have played more games than the three teams immediately above them and their hopes of a Champions League place now appear remote.

Re: 2 minutos ha tardado Cañas en ver la amarilla en su debut en la Premier

Manchester United seal world-record £600million Nike sponsorship deal

The Red Devils have secured an extension to their arrangement with the American sportswear giant and it's nearly TREBLE their current deal

Manchester United are set to announce a world-record kit deal worth more than £600million.

The faltering Premier League champions will make a major statement that proves they are still the biggest name in world football by renewing an arrangement with shirt manufacturers Nike.

It will bank United more than £60million-a-year over the course of a decade-long agreement.

That is almost double the current best kit manufacturing deal, which sees Real Madrid earn £31million from their arrangement with adidas.

United currently have a deal with Nike worth £23.5million-a-season - less than Real, Arsenal, Barcelona and Liverpool.

But that 13-year agreement expires next year and, while the figures being demanded by the Old Trafford club were exceptional, there was no shortage of interest. Puma, Warrior and adidas all emerged to challenge Nike, but the Amercan giants were determined that United would not escape from their portfolio.

With a £35million-a-year short sponsorship deal with Chevrolet set to kick in next season , it is clear that United can ride out the financial problems caused by a failure to finish in the top four this season.

The two new cash streams will provide David Moyes with significant funds to challenge for the top players with sheer financial muscle, even if United drop out of the European elite.

Re: 2 minutos ha tardado Cañas en ver la amarilla en su debut en la Premier

Manchester United's Robin van Persie willing to snub £10million loyalty bonus to leave this summer

The Dutch forward is prepared to leave the Premier League giants, and Italian champions Juventus are circling with intent

Robin van Persie is ready to quit Manchester United.

The Dutchman is a target for Italian giants Juventus and is open to a move to Italy after becoming disillusioned with life at Old Trafford.

Sunday Mirror Sport can reveal that if RVP leaves he will miss out on a £10million loyalty bonus he is due to receive if he spends the final two years of his contract with the champions.

But his head has been turned by renewed interest from Turin during a season of turmoil at United.

Van Persie’s recent criticism of Moyes’ tactics, in the aftermath of the Champions League defeat at Olympiakos last month, was a telling insight into his current mental state.

And his frustration was evident again yesterday when he was substituted during the 3-0 victory over West Brom at the Hawthorns.

Moyes, who has insisted on a number of occasions this season that there is no rift between him and his No.20, replaced the Dutchman in the 63rd minute to save him from the prospect of a red card.

The striker, cautioned for a lunge on Morgan Amalfitano, should have been dismissed when he scythed down Steven Reid soon afterwards.

But while referee Jon Moss gave Van Persie a reprieve, Moyes replaced him with Danny Welbeck – a decision that was greeted with a disbelieving shake of the head by the Dutchman as he departed. United have privately stressed that the 30-year-old is not for sale.

But sources close to the player believe a deal can be done if Juventus offer the Reds a decent return on the £24million they paid Arsenal 19 months ago and are also able to get close to Van Persie’s current £250,000-a-week wages.

Van Persie was tempted by a switch to Serie A when he decided to quit Arsenal in 2012.

But he was persuaded to join United when Sir Alex Ferguson’s refusal to take no for an answer prompted him to turn his back on Juventus and Manchester City.

Re: 2 minutos ha tardado Cañas en ver la amarilla en su debut en la Premier

FA Cup holders Wigan will return to Wembley for a semi-final meeting with Arsenal after stunning Manchester City in a repeat of last year's final.

City, who won the Capital One Cup last weekend, paraded that trophy before kick-off but saw their hopes of a domestic treble unravel against their Championship opponents.

Jordi Gomez put the Latics ahead from the penalty spot after a mistake by Martin Demichelis and James Perch made it 2-0 after half-time thanks to another City error.

Manuel Pellegrini's side hit back through Samir Nasri but could not turn intense late pressure into further goals as an outstanding defensive display by Wigan got its reward.

Five great FA Cup shocks

1972: Hereford 2 Newcastle 1

After a draw at St James' Park, Southern League Hereford won the replay after Ronnie Radford equalised with a 40-yard thunderbolt. Then Ricky George hit the winner in extra time.

1988: Liverpool 0 Wimbledon 1

Dave Beasant became the first goalkeeper to lift the FA Cup after famously saving a penalty from striker John Aldridge in the final and Lawrie Sanchez headed home the deciding goal.

1989: Sutton 2 Coventry 1

Coventry arrived in Surrey just 18 months after winning the FA Cup, and were left stunned as Tony Rains and Matthew Hanlan became goalscoring heroes for the non-League team.

1992: Wrexham 2 Arsenal 1

The Gunners were league champions, Wrexham were bottom of the old fourth division. Mickey Thomas equalised with a free-kick and Steve Watkin got the winner.

2013: Norwich 0 Luton 1

A non-League side beat top-flight opposition in the FA Cup for the first time in 24 years as Scott Rendell's struck 10 minutes from time for Conference Luton at Carrow Road.

It was another day to remember for the Latics fans, who watched their side lift the trophy at Wembley last year after a shock win over City, and also for their manager Uwe Rosler, too.

A City legend as a player, Rosler ensured his old side endured the sort of day they saw plenty of when he played for them in the 1990s.

Rosler was given a rousing reception from all parts of the Etihad ahead of kick-off, before his team showed why he has a reputation as a young manager to match the one he had as a player in a sky-blue shirt.

In the first-half, Wigan badgered City whenever they ventured forward, with wing-backs Perch and Stephen Crainey pressing forward to deny the home side space in midfield.

The Latics' flexible formation meant they also looked more lively when they attacked, but it took the sort of calamity from Demichelis which City's supporters are becoming wearily accustomed to seeing to give them the lead.

The defender allowed Marc-Antoine Fortune to spin away from him in the left-hand corner and then tripped the French striker as he stole into the area.

It was a clear penalty, which Gomez stepped up to calmly despatch past Costel Pantilimon.

Falling behind did not bring any sort of response from Pellegrini's men, who mustered just one shot at goal before half-time.

Things quickly got worse for them after the break when more atrocious defending allowed Wigan to double their lead.

This time it was Gael Clichy at fault, hesitating as James McArthur's cross trundled across the face of goal and allowing Perch to beat him to the ball and turn it home.

Pellegrini had seen enough, making a triple substitution after 53 minutes that saw David Silva, Edin Dzeko and James Millner summoned from the bench and given a rescue mission.

Wigan's Etihad jinx ended
Before this quarter-final victory Wigan had failed to even score in their last seven visits to the Etihad Stadium in all competitions.

Initially, Wigan held out, but the home pressure was building. Dzeko headed a Clichy cross against a post then Aguero forced Carson into his first real save of the game with a scuffed shot after 65 minutes.

But the visitors' backline was finally breached moments later. Emmerson Boyce headed clear but only as far as Nasri, who fizzed a first-time shot through a crowd and into low into the net.

Suddenly the City fans, who have seen a few famous fightbacks here in recent seasons, believed their side could do it again. Wigan had other ideas.

Carson denied Aguero twice and Boyce cleared from underneath his own crossbar with Dzeko waiting to tap home.

City kept pouring forward but Richards flashed a shot wide and Dzeko saw another header drift agonisingly wide.

Five minutes of added time gave City more hope but it was Wigan who came closest to another goal when Pantilimon denied Fortune, and a famous victory was theirs.

Re: 2 minutos ha tardado Cañas en ver la amarilla en su debut en la Premier

Alan Pardew: Newcastle United boss banned for seven games

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has been handed a seven-game ban for his headbutt on Hull's David Meyler, a Premier League record for a manager.

Pardew clashed with the Republic of Ireland midfielder in the 72nd minute of his side's 4-1 win on 1 March.

An independent Football Association commission ruled the first three matches imposed are a stadium ban with the remaining four a touchline ban.

Aggro for Alan
13 Mar 2006: The then-West Ham boss denies Arsene Wenger's claim he is a racist or xenophobe.

5 Nov 2006: Still at Upton Park, Pardew apologises to Wenger after excessively celebrating a winner against the Gunners.

3 Sep 2012: Now Newcastle manager, Pardew is fined £20,000 and given a two-match touchline ban for pushing assistant referee Peter Kirkup in a 2-1 win over Tottenham.

13 Jan 2014: The Magpies boss apologises after cameras capture him verbally abusing Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini.

Pardew, 52, was also fined £60,000 and warned as to his future conduct.

It is the first stadium ban for a Premier League manager.

Pardew told the club's website: "As I have made clear, I deeply regret the incident and again wholeheartedly apologise to all parties for my conduct, which I understand was not acceptable.

"I will accept the punishment handed down by the FA. My focus now turns to preparing the team for this weekend's game against Fulham and finishing the season as strongly as possible."

Pardew was fined £100,000 by his club hours after the incident and given a formal warning.

With the Magpies 3-1 up, Pardew was angered when Meyler shoved past him in an attempt to retrieve the ball to take a throw-in.

The pair came together, with the former Reading and Southampton boss pushing his head into the face of the Hull player.

A fracas involving players and staff from both sides followed and, when the crowd was dispersed, Meyler was booked and Pardew sent from the touchline.

Speaking after the match, Pardew said: "I did not mean any damage to the guy but I have moved my head forward. I tried to push him away with my head.

"I apologise to everyone. I should not have got involved in it.

"I don't think it was a headbutt. It wasn't a motion that was quick."

In their statement, released six hours after the game ended, Newcastle said Pardew's actions were "unacceptable" and "not the behaviour we expect from the manager".

BBC pundit, and former Wales international, Robbie Savage said Pardew should be banned for the remaining 10 games of the season
Pardew was given a two-game ban for pushing an assistant referee in 2012 and has been at the centre of a series of controversial incidents.

In January, he said sorry after television cameras caught him verbally abusing Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini during the Magpies' 2-0 defeat at St James' Park.

In November 2006, he apologised to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger for his celebrations following a winning goal against the Gunners, eight months after he denied Wenger's claims he was a racist or xenophobe.

Re: PREMIER LEAGuE 2013/2014

Nicolas Anelka 'terminates' contract with West Brom

Nicolas Anelka has said on Twitter that he has terminated his contract with West Brom with "immediate effect".

The French striker, 35, was banned for five games and fined £80,000 for making a 'quenelle' gesture after scoring against West Ham on 28 December.

He said: "Following discussions between the club and myself, certain conditions have been set which I can't accept.

What is a quenelle gesture?
•It is a hand gesture devised by French comedian Dieudonne M'bala M'bala, who says it's an anti-establishment symbol
•However, many view it as an anti-Semitic gesture, reminiscent of the Nazi salute
•People have been photographed making the sign at synagogues and Holocaust sites
Read the full details on BBC Magazine Monitor

"In order to preserve my integrity, I've terminated my contract with West Brom with immediate effect."

Anelka, whose 12-month contract runs out at the end of the season, would only be eligible to play in Albion's final five Premier League games.

He was given the punishment by the Football Association's independent regulatory commission for making the gesture, which has anti-Semitic links.

The striker denied his use of the sign, described as an "inverted Nazi salute", was anti-Semitic and the commission accepted there was no intent by Anelka to be anti-Semitic.

The FA had initially wanted a tougher punishment for the player but opted not to appeal against the decision.

Anelka, who also did not appeal against the ruling, is due to begin his five-game suspension in Saturday's Premier League game at Swansea.

He claims he made the gesture in support of his friend Dieudonne M'bala M'bala, a French comedian who has been convicted seven times of anti-Semitic crimes.

West Brom were not available for comment on Friday evening.

Re: PREMIER LEAGuE 2013/2014

Youssouf Mulumbu's excellent winner earned Pepe Mel his first win as West Brom boss after a 2-1 success at Swansea.

After just 110 seconds the home side took the lead after Roland Lamah found the bottom corner from an acute angle to punish some slack West Brom defending.

The Swans had numerous chances to double their advantage, but were wasteful in front of goal, and were made to pay just after the interval.

After a frantic start to the second half, the Baggies grabbed a deserved equaliser thanks to an excellent Stephane Sessegnon strike from distance which put the visitors very much in the ascendancy.

And, after dominating for large spells of the half, the Baggies snatched a deserved winner, as Mulumbu bent the ball around a defender to beat a static Michel Vorm to seal an unlikely turnaround.

The victory moves the Baggies three points clear of the drop zone, but leaves the Swans looking nervously over their shoulders.

It was just the start that under-pressure boss Mel did not want as he went in search of his first win in charge, with the Baggies backline allowing Lamah in far too easily, giving him time to latch onto Wilfried Bony's pass, turn inside and find the bottom corner, without really being challenged.

The visitors' rearguard was in disarray early on, allowing Swansea several chances to increase their advantage.

Garry Monk gave credit to West Brom as they beat his Swansea side 2-1.

Bony's close-range prod was well blocked by Ben Foster in the Baggies goal, before Ashley Williams wasted a great opportunity to score, heading into the ground and over unchallenged from eight yards out.

Victor Anichebe looked an isolated figure up front for Mel's men, with a solitary effort straight at Vorm the only real attempt at goal the Baggies had all half.

However, what Mel said at the break seemed to work, as West Brom came out of the dressing room with real purpose, and deservedly equalised just seven minutes into the half.

After good hold-up play from James Morrison, Sessegnon unleashed a ferocious effort from 20 yards which flew into the bottom corner to level proceedings.

Pepe Mel gave credit to his side following their 2-1 win over Swansea.

t was all West Brom after that, with several last-ditch blocks from the beleaguered Swansea backline keeping the scores level.

Jonathan de Guzman did have a real chance to put the home side back in front, but his low strike was well saved by Foster with his legs.

However, the Baggies were not to be denied their first away league win in 11, after Mulumbu picked up the loose ball, carried it forward and curled a low, precise finish past a stranded Vorm to snatch all three points for the visitors.

The West Brom players' and staff reaction said it all at the end as they celebrated with their travelling support, with Mel looking especially relieved to have finally got that elusive first win under his belt.

Re: PREMIER LEAGuE 2013/2014

Jose Mourinho did not want to discuss the two red cards shown to Chelsea during the 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa and also claimed he was unable to talk to referee Chris Foy after the game.

Fabian Delph's brilliant 82nd minute goal earned Villa a surprise 1-0 home success to leave Premier League leaders Chelsea six points clear of Manchester City, who have three games in hand.

Chelsea saw Willian sent off, perhaps a little harshly, on 68 minutes for a second yellow card before Ramires was dismissed in stoppage-time following a shocking challenge on Karim El Ahmadi.

Mourinho was also then sent to the stands by referee Foy and the Chelsea manager did not want to risk a disrepute charge after the game.

"It was a good, solid performance against a good team," Mourinho told Sky Sports. " Defensively, we were really strong and we had no problems coping with the danger that Aston Villa has.

"If I speak I'm in big trouble, and I don't want to be in big trouble, and if I speak I'm accused of bringing the game into disrepute."

"After that, I prefer not to comment because I don't want to bring the game into disrepute and I don't want to be accused.

"I prefer to do what we have to do in football. In football, we have just to let it go and not to comment because if you comment, you are in trouble, and I don't want to be.

"I prefer not to comment because if you want to speak about big decisions, you don't just speak about the red cards.

"If I speak I'm in big trouble, and I don't want to be in big trouble, and if I speak I'm accused of bringing the game into disrepute.

"The referees do what they do, they do and they go home, they do and they don't go to the press, they refuse even to exchange a couple of words when one person, like me who has been in football for so long, asks politely, 'Can you speak with me for five seconds?' and it's 'No, I don't speak with you for five seconds'.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho refused to say too much after the defeat to Aston Villa because he didn't want to get in 'big trouble'.
"I have to keep with my position because compared to the referee my position in the game is nothing, and I have to go home and close my mouth."

When asked about speaking to Foy in the tunnel after the game, Mourinho said: "I asked, 'Can you give me just five seconds Mr Foy?', but it's no. That's fine, I have to accept it."

Regarding his own dismissal, Mourinho said: "I asked five seconds, just to make one simple question and I had no chance because I was sent to the stands.

"I tried to ask one question to Mr Foy, one question to Mr Moss, and my question was just one. Is it possible that (Gabby) Agbonlahor can leave the bench, goes and grabs my player from behind and from his neck, is it possible no yellow card, no red card, nothing?

"I didn't have the chance to ask the question and I was sent to the stands."

Asked if he expected to face Football Association action over the incident he said: "Me? Me or the ref? No, I don't expect (to be charged) because I did nothing."

Re: PREMIER LEAGuE 2013/2014

Win can inspire Fulham survival, says Felix Magath

Fulham boss Felix Magath believes his side's 1-0 victory against Newcastle can kick-start their battle for Premier League survival.

The win, courtesy of an Ashkan Dejagah goal, was the first in 10 top-flight games for the Cottagers, who remain four points from safety.

"I'm very glad and proud of my team," said Magath, who took over in February.

"It was hard work and now I think we realise that we are able to stay in the league."

Fulham's remaining fixtures
•Man City (a)
•Everton (h)
•Aston Villa (a)
•Norwich (h)
•Tottenham (a)
•Hull (h)
•Stoke (a)
•Crystal Palace (h)

Fulham's win was the first in four games since Magath took over and came after the German made five changes from the side which had been beaten 3-1 by Cardiff in their previous game.

The 60-year-old recalled keeper David Stockdale in place of Maarten Stekelenburg and moved Johnny Heitinga to right-back to accommodate the returned Fernando Amorebieta partnering Brede Hangeland at centre-back.

Stockdale made two crucial saves, while Fulham kept their first clean sheet in the league since 8 December.

"I had to change something," said Magath, who had accused his players of complacency in the build up to the Newcastle match.

"You never know whether you are right or not but Heitinga played very well.

"If you have no results you have to change something. I told that to the players so I changed some positions and it worked.

"It was a first win since New Year's Day and we are now on the way and I'm very hopeful. Next week it will be a little bit difficult at Manchester City.

"I'm only thinking and working to stay in the league and I'm sure we can."

Fulham survived a penalty shout for a Heitinga handball from Tim Krul's shot after the Newcastle keeper had gone up for a corner in the final moments of the match.

"I had a nice, sensible conversation with referee Howard Webb and he explained his reasons to me and I accepted that," said Newcastle assistant manager John Carver.

"[Webb] said the position he was in he couldn't actually see it hit his arm.

"[But] sometimes when you're not quite sure you think 'let's end the game now'.

"Tim was a bit animated. He wanted to go to see him. I said no, get yourself out, don't go there. It's not worth it."

Re: PREMIER LEAGuE 2013/2014

Manuel Pellegrini: Man City boss praises team after tough week

Manager Manuel Pellegrini praised Manchester City's resilience after they responded to a tough week and Vincent Kompany's red card to beat Hull 2-0 and keep the pressure on Chelsea.

City exited the Champions League and FA Cup last week and had Kompany sent off for fouling Nikica Jelavic inside 10 minutes of their Premier League return.

But City won to go second - six points off Chelsea with two games in hand.

"It was a very good response. It was a very difficult week," Pellegrini said.

“We kept the ball very well today - and without the ball you cannot make damage”

"And then we had to start this game playing with one player less after 10 minutes. It was more difficult to play with 10 players but I trust the team, I trust the players and I think we did really well with the ball."

City, who lost to Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup last Sunday and Barcelona in midweek, started slowly at the KC Stadium and their hopes of earning maximum points were dealt a huge blow when Kompany saw red.

Pellegrini thought Jelavic ought to have been penalised for a foul on Kompany before outmuscling the City captain and being grappled to the ground, but was delighted with how his side overcame the numerical disadvantage.

"I thought before it was clear foul by Jelavic - before Vincent did his foul," Pellegrini added. "But the referee didn't see it, he saw the foul of Kompany and he sent him off.

"It was not the best way to start our return to the Premier League. It was a clear foul by Jelavic but we won the game playing very well.

"I trust my players and the team. We kept the ball very well today - and without the ball you cannot make damage. We scored an important goal and had three clear chances to score another goal. I don't remember any clear chances for Hull."

Re: PREMIER LEAGuE 2013/2014

Chris Hughton: Norwich City boss understands fans' criticism

Norwich manager Chris Hughton has said he can understand the criticism he is receiving from the club's supporters.

His side lost 4-2 at Southampton and are now only four points above the relegation zone with a tough run of matches at the end of the season.

With the Canaries 2-0 down, some Norwich fans chanted "you don't know what you're doing" when Hughton made a triple substitution in the second half.

"It's never nice to hear those chants but I understand," said Hughton, 55.

Norwich's Premier League run-in

Southampton v Norwich
•22 March v Sunderland (H)
•29 March v Swansea (A)
•5 April v West Bromwich Albion (H)
•12 April v Fulham (A)
•20 April v Liverpool (H)
•26 April v Manchester United (A)
•3 May v Chelsea (A)
•11 May v Arsenal (H)

"We have more than 2,000 supporters who have travelled to watch the game and it's their club, and they want to see a team competing.

"What they saw for too long was a Southampton side that were better than us. It's never nice but you have to take the criticism on the chin."

Hughton has been Norwich manager since June 2012, but has only won 23 of 79 matches in all competitions and his side lie 15th in the Premier League.

Last month, he was told by the club's chief executive David McNally that results had to improve and a 1-0 win against Tottenham followed, but they have now only taken one point from their last three matches.

They face fellow strugglers Sunderland, Swansea, West Brom and Fulham in their next four games, before ending the season with matches against Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Southampton appeared to be heading for an easy win as they led 3-0, but goals from Johan Elmander and Robert Snodgrass set up a thrilling finish, before Sam Gallagher scored an injury-time fourth for the Saints.

"For the majority of the game, a very good Southampton team were better than us and if you concede three goals like we did you make life very difficult for yourselves," added Hughton.

"At 3-0 down it was tough and it was nothing less than what we deserved, but we dug in and showed character.

"Our intention was to give a very good Southampton side a decent game and, for large parts of the match, we were unable to do that."

Re: PREMIER LEAGuE 2013/2014

Aston Villa: Paul Lambert says Chelsea win best in his Villa career

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert labelled the 1-0 win over Chelsea his side's best performance since he came to the club.

Fabian Delph scored a superb second-half winner for the hosts.

And Lambert was anxious the furore surrounding the dismissals of Willian, Ramires and Jose Mourinho should not detract from Villa's efforts.

"I have been here nearly two seasons but that is the best victory we have had," he said.

Lambert's side have moved into the top half of the Premier League after completing successive home league wins for the first time since August 2010.

"There's no doubt that performance was monumental," added Lambert.

“For a young team that has been put together over the last 18 months, it was an excellent result”

"We've beaten a team that won the European Cup a couple of years ago, that's vying for the Premier League, a team that's worth millions, with prestige and absolutely top class players.

"We've got lads who've hardly tasted the Premier League - to go and do what they've done today? Fantastic."

Lambert likened Delph's winner to the style of legendary Dutch star Johan Cruyff.

At 24, the former Leeds man is one of Villa's longest serving players, underlining the youthfulness Lambert is trying to mould into a successful side.

After flirting with relegation for so long last season, Villa seem to have made significant strides forward.

In addition to their latest success, the Midlands outfit have also beaten Arsenal and Manchester City this season and Lambert feels there is more to come.

"For a young team that has been put together over the last 18 months, it was an excellent result," said the Scot.

"We have energy to burn but there is also goals in this side and we were a real threat.

"You could say these are bonus games because everyone expects you to lose but on any given day in this league you can win."

The manager also criticised Mourinho after the Chelsea boss's scathing assessment of referee Chris Foy's performance.

"I know what Jose's doing - he's been around the block. If you go on about decisions it deflects from the performance. But we deserved this," insisted Lambert.

Re: PREMIER LEAGuE 2013/2014

Peter Odemwingie scored twice as Stoke came from behind to claim victory against West Ham in the Premier League.

Andy Carroll headed in his first goal since April to give the visitors a perfect start.

But Stoke levelled when Peter Crouch's acrobatic effort deflected in off Odemwingie on the line.

Marko Arnautovic finished off a flowing four-man move to put Stoke ahead before Odemwingie slammed in his second from an acute angle.

The result extends Stoke's excellent recent run. Mark Hughes's men have now lost just once in seven games and have moved into the top half of the table.

West Ham will reflect on a penalty claim for handball against defender Marc Muniesa, waved away by referee Craig Pawson, that replays showed merited a spot-kick that would have brought the visitors level.

The Hammers had gone ahead after just five minutes when Carroll, who has been touted for an England World Cup call, rose impressively to nod in Mark Noble's free-kick ahead of Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

The Potters levelled before the break when Crouch reacted quickest after Adrian had pushed his initial header onto the bar.

However, though Crouch wheeled away to celebrate, the effort belonged to Odemwingie, who was stood on the line when it struck him and diverted into the net.

Andy Carroll celebrates his opener at Stoke Andy Carroll scored his first goal since April

Carroll had an effort beaten away by Begovic and Kevin Nolan saw a goal ruled out for offside before Arnautovic gave Stoke the lead.

The Austrian profited from a flowing move, then enjoyed a slice of luck on the edge of the area as the Hammers defence failed to deal with his forward burst, before prodding a fine shot into the corner for his first goal since October.

Had the Muniesa penalty decision gone their way, the Hammers could easily have set up a thrilling finish.

As it was, they were left distinctly unhappy at the ruling, even though the referee seemed to have a clear view of the incident.

And their mood was not improved shortly afterwards when Ireland set up Odemwingie.

The Nigerian has impressed since his January arrival from Cardiff. And while there may have been a large element of fortune in his first goal, there was no room for debate over the second, as he drove home from an acute angle

It was enough to secure a victory that edges Stoke closer to safety, while at the same time leaving West Ham slightly too near the drop zone for comfort, despite manager Sam Allardyce picking up February's manager of the month award.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce:

"Our defending for the second goal was pathetic. That has been our strength this season. Unfortunately today it has let us down badly."

On the penalty claim for handball against Marc Muniesa, he added: "It was an extremely poor decision. It was right in front of him (the referee), he had a perfect view. The ball hits the lad on the left arm.

"I am completely and utterly baffled. Sometimes they do not have the courage - 999 times out of 1000 that would be given."

Stoke manager Mark Hughes:

"In those situations you are going to raise your arm because he was trying to get above Andy Carroll. It probably did catch his elbow but he wasn't even looking in that direction.

"If it had gone against us we would have still won. We were the better team."

On Stoke's first goal he added: "It was a bit of a scramble.

"Peter Crouch did really well to get it towards goal. But Peter Odemwingie is a striker and he will claim it. I would if I was in his position."