Two home wins in a row lifted Bournemouth clear of the relegation zone and Swansea City manager Paul Clement has urged his squad to follow suit as they prepare for back to back home games against Middlesbrough and Tottenham.
Swansea sit just one place above the drop zone with nine games left in the Premier League season and Clement says his side must deliver at the Liberty Stadium.
“We now have two home games. Bournemouth have shown what can happen when you string two results together ... now it’s our turn,” Clement said.
“We have four away games and five at home so we have to respond quickly and the game against Middlesbrough is a very, very big occasion for us.”
Man. City charged with misconduct
Manchester City were charged with misconduct by the FA for the way their players reacted to a 50th-minute penalty that saw Liverpool take the lead in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at the Etihad.
Referee Michael Oliver was surrounded by City players after he awarded Liverpool a spot-kick following a Gael Clichy foul on Roberto Firmino.
Former City player James Milner scored from the spot after Clichy, who had raised his boot on Firmino, and David Silva were booked. Some City players continued to remonstrate afterwards.
The hosts equalised 18 minutes later through Sergio Aguero.
Radja Nainggolan not leaving Roma
Roma’s Radja Nainggolan has distanced himself from a summer move to Chelsea by declaring himself happy at the Serie A side.
The midfielder has become one of Europe’s hottest properties after scoring 12 goals this term to propel Roma to second in the Italian league.
However the 28-year-old played down speculation linking him with a move to England.
“In Rome I’m fine,” he said.
“My family is happy and even the weather is often good. Sometimes you make choices for the money, others for the quality of life, which matters a lot to me.”
Thauvin to re-sign for Marseille
On-loan Marseille winger Florian Thauvin has announced he will re-sign for the Ligue 1 outfit on a permanent basis.
The 24-year-old struggled for opportunities at Newcastle after joining them from Marseille on a five-year deal in August 2015.
After ending the 2015/16 season back at his former club, Thauvin returned this term and has netted 10 goals to win a maiden call-up to the France squad.
“It was a loan with an automatic purchase,” he said.
“After three games I belonged to Marseille so it was almost a transfer. No doubt, I’ll be at Marseille next season.”
Neymar eyes EPL switch in future
Neymar has revealed he would like to play in the Premier League one day.
The 25-year-old signed a new five-year contract extension with Barcelona last October, tying him to the Nou Camp until 2021, but he admits a move to England in the future appeals to him.
Neymar said: “The Premier League is a championship that amazes me. I like the playing style and the teams. And who knows, someday, I would like to play at it, yes.
“I admire Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool.
“And then you have high-level coaches like (Jose) Mourinho and (Pep) Guardiola. These are coaches with whom any player would like to work.”
Eden Hazard out of Belgium matches
Chelsea’s Eden Hazard will miss Belgium’s international commitments owing to a calf injury.
The 26-year-old forward sat out his club’s win at Stoke on Saturday and will now miss the World Cup qualifier with Greece and the friendly with Russia.
Belgium boss Roberto Martinez said Hazard would have to miss out, but added it was little to worry about.
“Eden has suffered an injury before the match against Stoke, it does not look so serious,” he was quoted as saying.
“But he will not play against Greece. We are going to follow the injury. It is a big disappointment for Eden that he cannot lead the team. If you want to be a good team, you have to absorb everything.
“This is a good test for us. I see enough players who can take over his role.”
Ferguson to manage in Carrick testimonial
Alex Ferguson is to return to the Old Trafford dugout for Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick’s testimonial this summer.
Ferguson, who retired in 2013 after 27 years at the United helm, will take charge of one of the teams at the June 4 match.
Ferguson’s side will be a Manchester United 2008 XI comprising of players in his Premier League and Champions League-winning squad of that year.
Their opponents will be a Michael Carrick All-Star XI led by another of the player’s former managers, Harry Redknapp.