OZIL: SIMPLY THE BEST PLAYMAKER IN THE WORLD?

The Germany international scored the opener and was sensational in the 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday night as Arsenal kept their Champions League hopes alive.

“If you love to watch football, you love to watch Mesut Ozil.”
That is Arsene Wenger’s mantra when asked about Arsenal’s most expensive ever signing, and with every passing week Ozil puts forward the case that he is the best playmaker in the world.

The German produced another masterclass in the 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night that keeps alive Arsenal’s hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League for a 16th season in a row.

Much of the talk this season has centred around the importance of Alexis Sanchez to Arsenal’s hopes in the Premier League and Champions League, but it is Ozil who has been their main man.

He scored the opener here with a flying header and, even though Alexis added the Gunners’ second and third with close-range finishes, it is Ozil who represents Arsenal’s best chance of escaping from their Champions League group when they travel to Olympiacos on December 9.

Arsenal will need to win that match by two goals and in Ozil they boast a player who has now been involved - either with a goal or an assist - in 11 goals in his last nine appearances in all competitions.
More than that, though, he wowed this demanding north London crowd on Tuesday with his appreciation of space, the quality of his first touch and his ability to pick out the right pass almost every time.

It is the form of a world champion, a player that Jose Mourinho described as "unique" and whose sale by Real Madrid in 2013 infuriated Cristiano Ronaldo as he lost his chief provider.
There are other fantastic playmakers in world football, from David Silva and Cesc Fabregas, to Andres Iniesta and Luka Modric.

But none of them can boast the same level of productivity as Ozil in the final third, which is why he is probably the best No.10 in the world on current form.

Ozil ended the evening having hit the target with three shots and created four chances from his 48 total passes at 88 per cent accuracy. His goal came in the 29th minute with a header from Alexis’ cross to end what had, until then, been a stubborn resistance from Dinamo Zagreb.

Thereafter, Ozil took control of the game and it was over as a contest by half-time as Arsenal dominated the ball and toyed with their Croatian opponents. It seemed to bring the best out of his team-mates, too, with Joel Campbell particularly impressive on the right wing.

In the Premier League, Ozil has been winning Arsenal points with a league record of assists in seven consecutive matches and 11 in total.

Here, he reminded people that he can also score goals, just as he had in huge matches against Manchester United and Bayern Munich earlier in the season.

Wenger says that Ozil can become player of the year if he can add more goals to his game and has set his £42 million man a target of 10 for the season.

The only criticism of his performance against Dinamo Zagreb is that he could have scored more, and he twice forced Eduardo into excellent low saves in the first half.

Wenger raised a few eyebrows by deciding to keep both Ozil and Alexis on the pitch for the entire 90 minutes despite the Gunners’ current injury problems.

Ahead of Sunday’s trip to Norwich, they cannot afford to lose either of their two best players, especially with Francis Coquelin ruled out for at least two months.

Ozil is perhaps the most important of them all. He is consistently producing the form that everyone expected of him when he joined the club in 2013.
And Wenger is right. He is a joy to watch.

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THOMAS MULLER BEATS MESSI & RONALDO TO UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RECORD

Bayern Munich cruised past Olympiacos on Tuesday evening and the 4-0 victory was a landmark one for the Germany international, who was also on target
Bayern Munich steamrolled their way to a fourth win in the Champions League this season, while Thomas Muller beat Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul to a new record.

Muller scored Bayern's third in the 4-0 victory over Olympiacos on Tuesday evening but the win was the 50th that the Germany international has been involved in in the Champions League.

Douglas Costa, Robert Lewandowski and Kingsley Coman were also on target for Pep Guardiola's side.

50 - Thomas #Müller (@esmuellert_) from @FCBayernEN is the youngest player ever to reach 50 CL-wins. Boy.
#FCBOLY pic.twitter.com/q7CaXsRjKI
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) November 24, 2015

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KLOPP DOWNPLAYS FEARS OVER ANFIELD FORM

The 48-year-old does not see much of a difference between his side at home or away, although results suggest a different story.

Jurgen Klopp does not want Liverpool’s home form to morph into “a bigger point than it is” as the club face two consecutive clashes at Anfield.

The Reds entertain Bordeaux on Thursday, before welcoming Swansea on Sunday hoping to replicate their away brilliance in front of their own fans.
Liverpool have recorded just three wins on their turf in 10 fixtures this season, with the 48-year-old suffering his first defeat in charge against Crystal Palace prior to the international break.
However, Klopp believes his side are more than ready to improve on their return at Anfield.

"Usually in football it’s not the biggest difference [between home and away] and you should not make a bigger point of [home form] than it is," the manager said at Melwood.

"We knew about the results, but that’s all. What we have to develop, in the first case, is our performance, and that's what we did in the last weeks.

"Football is a results game and everybody is talking about the result against Palace and I heard that Crystal Palace deserved to win.

"If they make two goals and you make one goal then maybe right. But you saw the game and only the first 15 minutes were bad, the rest was okay or better, enough to usually win.

"Many things we saw in the game were better than things before. Our 30 minutes after the start were better and that's what you have to take in a long way of development.

"We have to talk about the bad things but also talk about the good things and keep the good things and try to bring them to the next game. "There's not the biggest difference between home and away games and it means that we are in a good way to play better at home.”

Klopp highlighted Liverpool’s chance creation at Anfield, as well as their ability to restrict the attacks of visiting sides. His charges need to be more clinical though, as well as work on their deficiencies from deadball situations. They have had 238 shots at goal in their 10 home matches, but only managed to score 11 times.
In the hosting of Southampton and Palace under Klopp, the Reds ultimately relinquished points owing to a free-kick and a corner.

"We created chances, that’s the most important thing. It’s not easy to play against us - most goals we conceded were set plays - it's not easy to create chances against us,” said the German.

"That's important so you can take more and more stability and you can play football and that's what we try to do... We know what we have to do tomorrow."

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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Andre Ayew, Yaya Toure and 2 others nominated for BBC African footballer of the year awards.

Swansea City forward Andre Ayew was on Saturday morning named as one of five players shortlisted for the prestigious 2015 BBC African Footballer of the Year award and this year it seems he is the overwhelming favorite for the award. Algeria's Yacine Brahimi, the 2014 winner, is on the shortlist along with Gabon's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ghanaian Andre Ayew, Senegal's Sadio Mane and Yaya Toure of Ivory Coast.

The winner will be decided by African football fans, who have until 18:00 GMT on 30 November to vote for their choice. Andre Ayew won the award in 2011 with Yaya Toure also winning it in 2013.

The eventual winner will be announced on December 11 2015.

To vote, go to  BBC.COM 

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Watch & Download Highlights - Manchester City 1-4 Liverpool

Liverpool turned in a stunning first-half performance to secure a shock 4-1 victory over Manchester City.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were clinical on the counter-attack, racing into a three-goal lead that brought an end to a run of six Premier League matches away at City without a win.
Eliaquim Mangala – brought into the centre of defence along with Martin Demichelis – opened the scoring with an own goal early on, setting the tone for a dismal defensive display.
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Watch & Download Highlights - Real Madrid 0-4 Barcelona

Barcelona romped to a dominant Clasico triumph on Saturday as two goals from Luis Suarez inspired them to a 4-0 thrashing of Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Rafael Benitez had vowed to attack the Liga leaders and he named Karim Benzema and James Rodriguez in his starting line-up, but it was Barca who took the lead when Suarez fired beyond Keylor Navas, with the returning Lionel Messi watching from the bench.


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RUMOURS: LIONEL MESSI PREFERS ARSENAL MOVE

Rumours suggests Barcelona star, Lionel Messi will be joining Arsenal FC next summer with a lot surrounding the Argentine football career.

The 4 times FIFA Balon D'or winner will be looking for a place to end his football career next summer amidst claims from rival fans that the star can't play well outside Camp Nou.
But, could it the Arsene Wenger's Arsenal?

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NIGERIA U23 DREAM TEAM ESCAPES PLANE CRASH, STRANDED IN ACCRA

According to goal.com:
The country’s Olympic team cheated death on their way to Gambia for preparations ahead 2015 African U23 Championship in Senegal
Nigeria U23 team escaped a plane crash on Sunday morning on their way to Gambia ahead Senegal 2015 African U23 Championship.
The Dream Team VI had opted for the west African country after their tour of Morocco was stalled owing to visa hitches.
Goal gathered through a team official than the Arik plane conveying the team made an emergency landing in Accra after the aircraft developed unexpected technical difficulties to the aircraft.
He also said the team remains stranded in the Ghanaian capital and not sure when the team will leave for Gambia.
"Thank God for his goodness and his mercies we escaped plane crash on our way to Gambia, the pilot had to make an emergency landing in Accra we are still in Accra," the senior official told Goal after the incident.
"We are still stranded here and we are yet to get any news from Arik officials.”
Nigeria face Mali in their opening game at the Stade Caroline Faye, M'Bour on November 29 before taking on Egypt and Algeria on December 2 and 5 repectively.
The top three teams in the competition will represent Africa in the men’s football event of Rio 2016 Olympics.
Dream Team failed to reach London 2012 Olympics after crashing out of the group stage of the 2011 African U23 competition staged in Morocco.

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Chelsea Jose Mourinho visits Rev father Mbaka for special prayer (Photo)

Wonders shall never cease! Seems like a lot of people are enjoying the fact Chelsea coach José Mourinho is going through the worst phase of his career. See what they did...lol

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MALI U17 3-1 BELGIUM U17: LES AIGLONNETS SET ALL AFRICAN FINAL

Baye Ba’s boys survived an early scare from Les Diablotins in La Serena to reach their first Fifa U17 World Cup final
Mali defeated Belgium 3-1 to reach their final of the 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup in Chile.
Goals from Boubacar Traore, Sidiki Maiga and Sekou Koita fired the reigning African U17 Champions to the final billed for Vina Del Mar.
Having played a 0-0 draw during the group stages, the Europeans came into the game to upset the Africans who were tipped as favorites to win the game.
16 minutes into the game, Rigo who found space in the backline of the Malians to bury a pass from Jorn Vancamp.
Six minutes later, Baye Ba’s team leveled up through Traore who converted Aly Malle’s tailored made cross with the outside of his left foot.
In the second half, Mali dominated proceedings as they race into the lead through
Maiga in the 55th minute after nodding home after a long clearance into Belgian defence was not well taken care off.
Koita, youngest player on either side showed composure to rubberstamp the win for his team in the closing stages of the game. He received the ball in the Belgian penalty area on the right-hand side and slammed a finish across Teunckens into the far corner.
They will face either Nigeria or Mexico in the final of the competition billed for Vina Del Mar on Sunday.

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MEXICO U17 2-4 NIGERIA U17: OSIMHEN SENDS EAGLETS TO U17 WORLD CUP FINAL

Nigeria U17 team marched to their eight Fifa U17 World Cup final after surviving the Mexicans scare in a thrilling 4-2 encounter played at the Estadio Municipal Ester Roa, Concepcion on Friday morning.
Two late goals from leading top scorer Victor Osimhen and Osinachi Ebere handed the Golden Eaglets the ticket to battle for the trophy against Mali after Kelechi Nwakali’s free kick and Orji Okonkwo had cancelled out Diego Cortes and Kevin Magana’s goals.
A moment of dismay by Emmanuel Amuneke’s boys cost them a goal in the seventh minute after Kevin Lara delivered a tongue-in-cheek cross into the middle. Aguirre tried to control with his chest, but Magana took charge and fired home.
The early deficit was the tonic the Africans needed to wake up from their slumber as they dominated play with Osimhen coming close twice and Nwakali hitting a low drive from the edge of the Mexican penalty area which was saved by goalkeeper Romero.
Nigeria’s Akpan Udoh was called to duty as he made a point blank save to deny Jose Esquivel from doubling the lead from a close range header.
In the 35th minute, Nwakali leveled up with a curly 25-yard free kick and with less than two minutes to halftime, Amuneke’s wards took the lead for the first time with Okonkwo’s world class goal. He cuts inside from the left onto his right foot and thumped a missile into the net.
On resumption of the second half, El Tri found their tempo as Cortes stepped up to score a fantastic goal. He picked up the ball on the Mexican right just inside the Nigerian half and proceeded to dribble past five players, showing incredible close control before slotting calmly past Udoh.
Not too long, Ebere gave the Eaglets the lead. His right-footed effort was too strong for Romero, who got a hand to the strike but could not keep it out.
John Lazarus was taken down in the Mexican penalty area, giving Osimhen the chance to score his ninth goal of Chile 2015 and go level at the top of the all-time U-17 World Cup goalscoring charts. He slotted home with ease, adding sheen to the Golden Eaglets victory.
Nigeria face Mali in Vina Del Mar on Sunday for an all-African final against continental champions Mali while Mexico will face off against Belgium in the match for third place.

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REAL MADRID KARIM BENZEMA ARRESTED BY FRENCH POLICE

The former Lyon striker has reportedly been taken into custody in relation to the previous police questioning of former Liverpool player Djibril Cisse
Real Madrid's Karim Benzema has been arrested by French police in relation to the alleged plot to blackmail Lyon playmaker
Mathieu Valbuena, according to reports from Agence France-Presse .
Benzema is believed to have visited a judicial police office prior to his arrest in relation to the case that was opened by the French authorities in July.
The case is reported to centre around an alleged extortion attempt regarding a sex tape involving France international Valbuena.
Part of the investigations around the case also saw former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse taken into custody and later released in October.
A statement released by a prosecutor last month read: "Djibril Cisse was taken into custody (…) in connection with a judicial investigation opened in the district court of Versailles on July 31 2015.”

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Former Chelsea doctor Eva Carneiro drags Mourinho to court.

Reports emerged on Monday that former Chelsea  doctor Eva Carneiro plans to sue Jose Mourinho over his role in her departure from the club.

Mourinho criticised Carneiro after she and physiotherapist Jon Fearn ran onto the pitch to treat Eden Hazard during Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Swansea City on the season’s opening day, which temporarily left them with nine players, and she was subsequently removed from first-team duties.

Mourinho’s assistant Silvino Louro was also banished from the touchline during the game at Upton Park, but the FA withdrew a formal charge of improper conduct against him and “reminded him of his responsibilities”.

Chelsea host Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League on Wednesday, when Mourinho will be in the dug-out as the FA’s jurisdiction does not extend to European competitions.

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BRAZIL U17 0-3 NIGERIA U17: RAMPANT EAGLETS SEAL SEMI-FINAL SPOT

Three well taken first half goals by the Africans were enough to see off a disappointing Seleção side.

Nigeria are through to the last four of the 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup after spanking Brazil 3-0 at the Estadio Sausalito, Vina Del Mar on Sunday night.

First half strikes from Victor Osimhen, Michael Dogo Kingsley and Udochukwu Anumudu were enough to send the South Americans crashing.

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₦500 won ₦9,340,064.00 at Surebet247 again

Young? Surebet247 will make your dreams come true. Broke? Surebet247 has your back! A young Nigerian; Omoniyi Wasiu Oluwadotimi who resides in Cotonou in Benin Republic this weekend won for himself, the sum of 9.34m naira with a stake of 500 naira. This story becomes even more heart warming when it was learnt that Wasiu's girlfriend is currently pregnant and he has been unemployed for a while.

Mr Wasiu was in tears all through the presentation confessing that he never believed he could be a millionaire in his life and showered Surebet247 with prayers and praises. Surebet247 is determined to improve the lives of its loyal clientele across board, this is just a story in an ever increasing number of life changing experiences brought about by the super brand known as Surebet247 .

 

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NIGERIA 6-0 AUSTRALIA: EAGLETS RUBBISH AUSTRALIA TO QUALIFY FOR FIFA U17 SEMI-FINALS

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have qualified for the semi-final of the FIFA U-17 in Chile after they have trashed Australia six goals to null. Osimhen was on rampage and scored hat-trick for Nigeria. 

Osimhen has etched his name into the history books. He's the first Nigerian player to score in 4 consecutive games at Fifa U17s - AllNigeriaSoccer @Editor_ANS

The Golden Eaglets will be playing Brazil in the semi final on sunday. Nigeria 6-0 Australia was a wonderful match to watch again. See you next time.

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RONALDO STRIKES TO BREAK NEW RECORD

REAL MADRID 3-0 LEVANTE:

The Portugal international has moved one clear of Raul to become the Spanish club's all-time leading scorer with 324 goals.

Christiano Ronaldo has become Real Madrid's all-time leading goalscorer after finding the net in Saturday's 3-0 win over Levante.

Marcelo gave the hosts a first-half lead before Ronaldo's 324th Madrid goal took him beyond Raul in the club's scoring charts and made the game safe.

Roger and Deyverson called Keylor Navas into action, but the home goalkeeper was in fine form to earn a clean sheet.

After Ronaldo went close to extending his lead over Raul, Jese eventually made it 3-0 with a superb finish from a tight angle.

Victory puts Madrid top of the league, although Villarreal can overtake Rafa Benitez's side if they beat Celta Vigo on Sunday.

Madrid went ahead in the 27th minute after a fine combination between Marcelo and Ronaldo. 

The Brazil international won the ball off Jose Luis Morales before playing a one-two with Ronaldo, followed by a powerful finish at the near corner.

Levante nearly immediately replied via Deyverson, yet Navas pulled off a sublime reflex to keep the attacker's header out.

The away side were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal just minutes later. Toni Kroos set up Ronaldo and the 30-year-old worked the ball out of his feet before firing a superb strike into the right-hand corner to seal his place in the record books.

Levante got another chance to peg one back in the 34th minute, but Navas once more proved to be too much of an obstacle as he kept out Roger's shot after some good work from Deyverson.

The away side refused to give up and got another decent opportunity shortly after the interval. Deyverson took advantage of Marcelo's slip to collect a loose ball and set up Roger, yet the forward hesitated too long, allowing Casemiro to steal the ball with a last-ditch tackle.

Ronaldo got a chance to double his personal tally after the referee awarded Madrid a free-kick in a dangerous area following a foul on Lucas Vasquez, yet his set-piece lacked the accuracy to trouble Ruben.

Deyverson should have halved the deficit in the 70th minute when he got all the time and space he needed to unleash a shot from inside the area after a low cross from the left, but the Brazilian's shot hit Nacho before it went out for a corner.

Jese would eventually have the last say at the Bernabeu as he made it three with a stunning finish after being set up by Lucas.

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LITHUANIA 0-3 ENGLAND: HODGSON’S MEN FINISH EURO 2016 QUALIFYING WITH 100% RECORD

Ross Barkley, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and an Arlauskis own goal saw the Three Lions past the Baltic nation, ensuring a blemish-free record at the end of Group E
England cruised to a 3-0 victory over Lithuania in Vilnius on Monday to ensure they finished their Group E qualifying campaign with a perfect 10 wins from as many matches.
Ross Barkley opened the scoring with a deflected effort midway through the first half and it was two before the break when Harry Kane's shot bounced in off Giedrius Arlauskis for an own goal.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain sealed the three points with a powerful strike after the break, while Danny Ings came off the substitutes' bench to make his England debut.
The win means Roy Hodgson's side are the only team in Euro 2016 qualification to finish with a 100 per cent record and just the sixth team ever to do so in the history of European Championship qualification.
England made eight changes from their last game against Estonia, with Adam Lallana, Barkley and Kane the only players to remain in the starting XI.

Early on, Kane cut inside from the left and Arlauskis did well to push his shot wide, before the Tottenham striker forced the goalkeeper into another parried save after Lallana's pass.
Kane was looking the most likely source of a goal and did well to receive Barkley's pass and turn on the edge of the area before testing Arlauskis with his third effort of the opening stages.
The same duo combined again as England took the lead after 29 minutes. This time it was Kane who fed Barkley and the Everton star's long-range shot deflected off Tomas Mikuckis and bounced in via the post.
Lithuania threatened for the first time when a quick break led to Fedor Cernych finding Lukas Spalvis, whose shot from the edge of the area was pushed away in a good one-handed save from Jack Butland.
England doubled their lead 10 minutes before the break. Kane and Lallana linked up with a neat one-two and the 22-year-old's shot hit the near post before bouncing back in off Arlauskis.
It should have been three for England early in the second half after Oxlade-Chamberlain seized on an error from Linas Klimavicius down the right.
The Arsenal man squared for Kane, who saw his initial effort saved by Arlauskis, before his poorly struck left-footed follow-up was blocked by Georgas Freidgeimas.
From the resulting Lallana corner, Barkley diverted a strong header towards the bottom corner but Arlauskis got down well to deny him.
The third goal did arrive in the 62nd minute. Kyle Walker made a timely interception and slipped a pass through to Oxlade-Chamberlain, with the winger blasting his shot high past Arlauskis, who could not make a save at the near post.
Ings struck a powerful shot towards goal as he looked to mark his debut in style, but Arlauskis was equal to it as England concluded qualifying with 31 goals scored in the group and only three conceded

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JURGEN KLOPP OFFICIALLY NAMED NEW LIVERPOOL MANAGER

The eccentric German coach has been on sabbatical since leaving Borussia Dortmund at the end of last season, but has been persuaded to succeed Brendan Rodgers at An field.

Liverpool have confirmed the appointment of Jurgen Klopp as their new manager.

The 48-year-old boarded a private plane from Dortmund to John Lennon Airport on Thursday afternoon, before formalising proceedings at Hope Street Hotel in the evening and signing a three-year deal.

Klopp's contract is thought to be worth around £7 million a year, with his official unveiling to take place at Anfield on Friday at 10.00GMT.

Zeljko Buvac and Peter Krawietz are expected to be confirmed as part of Klopp's backroom team, with the Merseyside club having already announced the departures of Sean O'Driscoll, Glen Driscoll and Chris Davies. 

Gary McAllister is no longer involved with first-team coaching, but will remain at Liverpool in an ambassadorial role.

The former Borussia Dortmund manager was targeted following the dismissal of Brendan Rodgers, who paid the price for Liverpool's poor start to the new campaign.

The Reds won just three of their first eight Premier League games and have struggled in cup competitions, drawing against Bordeaux and Sion in the Europa League and needing penalties to overcome League Two's Carlisle in the League Cup.

Rodgers had been under pressure since finishing sixth last season and losing the FA Cup semi-final to Aston Villa, with Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) already sounding out Klopp in the summer, though he initially spurned their advances.


KLOPP FOR THE KOP: What Liverpool can expect?

Klopp was keen to take a break from football but is now ready to return to management, and has been persuaded to take over at Anfield after a week of talks with FSG.

Klopp has always been attracted to the Premier League and is particularly excited by the prospect of managing a club steeped in as much history as Liverpool, having done a similar revival job at Dortmund.

The former Mainz player and coach took over at Signal Iduna Park in 2008 with the club struggling in the Bundesliga, but guided the once ailing club to the title in just his third season.

He followed up that triumph with a second consecutive title win, puncturing Bayern Munich's dominance, before guiding BVB to the Champions League final at Wembley in 2013, where die Roten won in extra time.

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INGOLSTADT 0-4 BORUSSIA DORTMUND: REUS LEADS ROUT TO MAINTAIN PERFECT RECORD

Getty image

Four second-half goals were enough to make it six points from six - with none conceded - in the Bundesliga so far for Thomas Tuchel's side.

Marco Reus and Shinji Kagawa were both on target as Borussia Dortmund made it six points from six in the Bundesliga with a 4-0 win over Ingolstadt.

The hosts weathered a first-half storm but could not deny Dortmund after the interval as Matthias Ginter scored his first goal for the club and Reus converted a penalty, before late strikes from Kagawa and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang added gloss.

Ingolstadt – seeking to build on their opening-day win over Mainz – did show promise, though, and forced Roman Burki into some excellent saves.

But Tuchel's side, fresh from Thursday's thrilling 4-3 Europa League triumph over Odd, were worthy winners to make it back-to-back victories at the start of the league season.

Dortmund turned to Ginter – usually a centre-half – as a solution to their injury problems at right-back, but it was down the left, via the marauding runs of Marcel Schmelzer, that they posed the greatest threat in the first half.

The left-back picked out Reus inside the opening six minutes, but the Germany forward flashed a shot wide from 12 yards when he really ought to have scored.

Reus then looked to turn provider with his cut-back for Aubameyang, but he too proved wayward with his finishing, before the Gabon international came within inches of connecting with Ilkay Gundogan's delivery at the end of a surging run.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan was next to go close, toe-poking an effort narrowly wide of the far post after breaking free on the right-hand side of the penalty area in the 19th minute.

Despite Dortmund completely controlling the match, Ingolstadt goalkeeper Orjan Nyland had very few saves to make, though Aubameyang's tame volley did call the Norwegian into action midway through the first half.

Otherwise it was a series of poor finishes that prevented Dortmund from making their dominance count, with Kagawa's looping off-target shot providing another example of their profligacy before the interval.

Those misses could have been made to look even more costly had Burki not produced a superb save to deny Moritz Hartmann at the start of the second half.

But the breakthrough finally came in the 56th minute when Ginter collected Mkhitaryan's pass and cut inside Konstantin Engel before finishing low past Nyland.

It took just five minutes for Tuchel's side to double their lead, with Schmelzer fouled in the box by Hartmann and Reus confidently firing home the resulting spot-kick.

Burki kept out substitute Stefan Lex's powerful drive at the other end as last season's 2.Bundesliga champions sought an instant response, while Nyland produced two stunning saves to thwart Reus and Mats Hummels in quick succession.

Nyland was helpless to prevent Kagawa adding the third with five minutes remaining, though, as the former Manchester United midfielder found the net from 12 yards out, whileAubameyang's injury-time goal from close range rubbed salt in Ingolstadt's wounds.

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