PAUL POGBA'S LONE STRIKE SECURE VICTORY FOR JUVENTUS

France international Paul Pogba produced a stunning winner to increase Juventus's lead over Roma at the top of Serie A to 11 points with victory over Sassuolo. 

 

Paul Pogba's lone strike gives Juventus a 1-0 win over Sassuolo

The former Manchester United midfielder half-volleyed home from outside of the box as Juve finally broke through Sassuolo's defence in the 82nd minute.
The result was harsh on the away side, who defended well only to be undone having gone in search of a winner.
Juve are now well on course to secure a fourth consecutive Scudetto.
France midfielder Pogba joined Juventus for a reported £800,000 in compensation upon the expiry of his contract with United in July 2012.
In January, Pogba's agent Mino Raiola said the 21-year-old would leave Juve in the next two years, probably for a world record fee. 

Elsewhere, Miroslav Klose scored twice as Lazio moved into the Champions League qualification spots on goal difference with a convincing 4-0 win at home to fifth-placed Fiorentina . 

 
Klose, 36, scored two predatory strikes to seal victory for his side against Fiorentina 

A stunning volley from Lucas Biglia and an Antonio Candreva penalty put the hosts two up before Klose, 36, added two predatory strikes in the last 15 minutes to dislodge Napoli from third.
 

ARSENAL AVOIDS LIVERPOOL IN FA CUP SEMI-FINAL DRAW

Holders Arsenal will face Bradford City or Reading in the FA Cup semi-finals after beating Manchester United in the last eight. 

 

Danny Welbeck scored his first goal at Old Trafford since January 2014 

Aston Villa will meet Liverpool or Blackburn in the other semi-final.
Championship side Reading and League One Bradford will replay their last-eight tie on Monday, 16 March with the date for the Blackburn-Liverpool game still to be confirmed.
The semi-final ties are to be played at Wembley on 18 and 19 April.
The Gunners will be hoping the draw against lower-league opposition can help propel them to a second successive final, having beaten Hull City 3-2 for an 11th FA Cup triumph last May.
But Bradford beat Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the 2012-13 League Cup en route to the final, and have defeated Premier League leaders Chelsea and Sunderland in this season's FA Cup.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said: "Last year we played a tricky game at Wembley in the semi-final [against Wigan] and we expect that again. We have played Bradford before, we know about that, but let's enjoy tonight. We played well and deserved to win the game.
"We live in the real world and want to compete in every competition. This result can give us good morale for the Premier League and the [Champions League] game in Monaco."
Full draw:
Bradford/Reading v Arsenal
Aston Villa v Liverpool/Blackburn

WELBECK SCORES THE WINNER FOR ARSENAL AGAINST MANCHESTER UNITED

English striker Danny Welbeck returned to Manchester United as Arsenal's match-winner as the FA Cup holders secured a place in this year's semi-finals at Wembley. 

 

Danny Welbeck scores the winner for Arsenal in their 2-1 win over Manchester United 

England striker Welbeck, who joined Arsenal from United in a £16m deal on deadline day in September, scored the goal that gave the Gunners their first win at Old Trafford since 2006.
It ensures Louis van Gaal, the manager who sanctioned his sale, will almost certainly end his first season at Old Trafford empty-handed.
Nacho Monreal gave Arsenal a first-half lead but Wayne Rooney equalised with a flying header from Angel Di Maria's cross - the high point of the Argentine's night as he was later dismissed for two yellow cards after Welbeck had restored Arsenal's advantage.
Di Maria was first booked for diving, then tugged at referee Oliver's shirt as he walked away, with inevitable consequences.
And on a great night for Gunners manager Arsene Wenger, Arsenal are now huge favourites to reach another FA Cup final after drawing either Reading or Bradford City in the semi-final.
United had won 11 of the past 15 meetings between the sides in all competitions.
But the hero of the night was Welbeck as he punished the club for whom he scored 29 goals in 142 appearances before switching to Arsenal after Van Gaal brought in Radamel Falcao. 
The Colombian was not even called from the bench amid United's increasing panic, which saw the great tactician Van Gaal end with the giant figures of Marouane Fellaini and Chris Smalling up front.
United have sailed close to the wind on many occasions on the back of average performances this season, digging out victories without looking convincing. 
There was no reprieve here, though, and now a place in the Premier League's top four and a return to the Champions League is their sole aim for the rest of the campaign.
For Arsenal, this was a demonstration of the sort of resilience that saw them win at champions Manchester City in January and ends that recent curse at Old Trafford.
And in a season when so much criticism has been aimed at referees, praise must be reserved for a magnificent performance by Michael Oliver, who remained calm and got the big decisions right in an increasingly frantic environment.
Old Trafford has been the scene of many low-key games this season - but there was a big-match atmosphere around the stadium as United and Arsenal produced a first 45 minutes to savour.
Arsenal's crisp passing had already caused United problems before they took the lead in the 25th minute. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was the creator with a weaving run along the edge of the area before finding Monreal, who beat David De Gea at the near post with composure.
The lead lasted only four minutes, United replying with quality of their own as Di Maria's perfect delivery dropped between Arsenal's defenders to be met by the flying figure of Rooney, who directed a powerful header beyond Wojciech Szczesny. 
Di Maria was looking much more comfortable, as well as dangerous, on the flank and he stole in behind Arsenal to get in a low effort that Szczesny blocked with his legs at the near post.
Van Gaal made a double change at the interval, sending on Phil Jones and Michael Carrick for Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw, but there was no instant cure for the uncertainty that had plagued United's defence.
And it was in evidence again as Arsenal went back in front just after the hour. Antonio Valencia's back-pass sold De Gea short and Welbeck reacted quickly to nudge the loose ball around the keeper and roll it into the unguarded net.
Welbeck received warm applause from large sections of United's support when he was replaced by Olivier Giroud. There were some jeers mixed in but he clearly remains a popular figure at Old Trafford.
Seconds after that switch De Gea produced a miraculous piece of goalkeeping to keep United in contention, somehow clawing out Santi Cazorla's shot from Alexis Sanchez's cross.
United's play, as well as the noise from their supporters, carried an air of desperation and their cause was not helped by a moment of madness from Di Maria that saw him sent off with 13 minutes left.
It was one of many lows on a night when the frustrations of United and their supporters bubbled to the surface - and their trophy hopes ended.

BARCELONA ACCEPTS THE POSSIBILITY OF MESSI'S EXIT

Barcelona's international sporting director Ariedo Braida has conceded that they may not be able to stop Lionel Messi leaving for a big-spending club like Manchester City or PSG.


Messi created a new hat trick record in Spain by scoring three goals in Barca's 6-1 triumph over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday
           
Messi, 27, is Barca's all-time top scorer, is tied to the Catalan giants until June 2019 and has a 205 million pound release clause in his contract.
When asked about Messi's future, Braida told Catalan TV channel Esport 3: "I believe it's very difficult that Messi will leave Barca but at times in football strange things happen.
"Now with these clubs that have so much money like (Manchester) City and PSG, certain amounts don't seem to have a value. In football things happen that appear impossible but I hope he will remain."
Messi claimed earlier this year that he was happy at Barca and quashed speculation that he would leave the club this summer. This season he has enjoyed an outstanding campaign, scoring 30 goals and setting up 14 more in 26 league appearances
"Sometimes strange things happen," Braida added. "He is a phenomenon, an extra-terrestrial comparable to [Diego] Maradona and Pele."
The Argentina international created a new hat trick record in Spain by scoring three goals in Barca's 6-1 triumph over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, his 24th league treble for Barca in all competitions.
The outcome at the Nou Camp lifted Luis Enrique's team to the top of Primera Division, just one point clear of Real Madrid, who lost 1-0 at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.


Information from the Press Association was used in this report

DAVID LUIZ SAYS MOURINHO IS NOT SPECIAL

Brazilian international defender David Luiz has said he does not consider Jose Mourinho "special" as the Paris Saint-Germain defender prepares to end his former club Chelsea's Champions League campaign.

 
David Luiz faced his former Chelsea teammates in a PSG shirt having helped eliminate the French side last season. 

Luiz, 27, left Stamford Bridge for the Parc des Princes last summer in a 50 million-euro deal, and featured against the Blues in the 1-1 draw in the first leg of the round-of- 16 tie between the two sides last month.
With the centre-back part of his side, Mourinho, 52, masterminded Chelsea's progress to the semifinals at PSG's expense last season.
But the Brazil international told L'Equipe that Mourinho, who claimed Luiz would not be missed after his departure last summer, holds more lustre for the media than for him.
"He is special for you, not for me," the former Benfica man, who won the Champions League and Europa League during his three-and-a-half years at Chelsea, said.
"I had some great moments at Chelsea and won a lot of titles. I was very happy.
"They are having a great season, defend well and have great players but above all I know my team. We will try to score there and play like we know how.
"We will have a good game plan and implement it the best way possible to achieve a great performance. Both can still qualify."

PAPISS CISSE ACCEPTS FA CHARGE FOR SPITTING INCIDENT

Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse has accepted an Football Association charge in relation to the spitting incident with Jonny Evans.

 

Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse accepts spitting charge

Cisse could now serve a seven-match ban after admitting the charge, having already been suspended for violent conduct earlier in the season.
That would rule him out of action until May 9 which would involve five away Premier League matches including Newcastle's clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on April 9. Evans is yet to respond to the FA charge.
Evans and Cisse were involved in an incident five minutes before half-time in Wednesday's Premier League fixture between Newcastle and Manchester United at St James' Park.
Television pictures appeared to show Evans spitting at Cisse as the Senegal international rose from the turf after the pair tussled for the ball with the game goalless.
Cisse apologised for his actions on Thursday and said he will learn from his mistake and urged others not react in the way he did.
"I reacted to something I found very unpleasant. Sometimes it is hard not to react, particularly in the heat of the moment,” said Cisse.
“I have always tried hard to be a positive role model, especially for our young fans, and yesterday I let you down.
"I hope children out there playing football for their clubs and schools this weekend will know better than to retaliate when they are angry.
“Perhaps when they see the problem it now causes me and my team, they will be able to learn from my mistake, not copy it."
Newcastle's managing director said the club are fully behind the 29-year-old's decision to accept the charge. 
Lee Charnley said: "Both ourselves and Papiss agree that this kind of behaviour is not acceptable.
"In life, when you do something wrong you have to front up, admit your mistakes and accept the punishment. Papiss was proactive this morning in making a full and heartfelt apology, which he did in advance of any notification from the FA regarding this charge.
"This was something he felt strongly about and we fully support him in quickly accepting the charge. Papiss is known to many of our region's schools, community groups and junior football teams for his involvement in the work of the Newcastle United Foundation.
"He has this evening expressed to us his strong desire to engage in additional community activities during the period of his ban.
"He is particularly keen to use his position as a role model to encourage young and influential fans to engage in sport and learn lessons about the importance of fair play and personal conduct." 
Northern Ireland international Evans has denied spitting at Cisse, while his manager Louis van Gaal jumped to the defence of his centre-back by saying: "I cannot imagine that Jonny Evans could do something like that, and he’s also said that. I believe him."
Evans added: "I was totally unaware of any spitting incident and had assumed that the issue at the time was with the challenge and his attempted retaliation to the tackle from the floor.
"During the game, Papiss Cisse and I spoke about the incident and it is clear by my reaction in the television footage that I was totally surprised by any suggestion of spitting.
"It is not in my character or in my nature to spit at anybody, nor is it something I have ever done or would ever do. It is certainly not something that I did last night."

MOHAMED SALAH'S DOUBLE GIVES FIORENTINA VICTORY OVER JUVENTUS

A brace from Chelsea loanee Mohamed Salah gave Fiorentina a first-leg advantage in their Coppa Italia semi-final against Juventus. 

 

Fiorentina's Mohamed Salah scored twice on Thursday to end Juventus' home winning streak.

Raising his tally to six goals in seven matches since arriving on loan from Chelsea, Mohamed Salah scored twice as Fiorentina defeated Juventus 2-1 in Turin in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semifinal.
Juventus' 47-game home unbeaten streak came to an end. No visitors had won at the Juventus Stadium since Bayern Munich in April 2013.
Salah opened the scoring on a remakable 60-yard run that started in his own half, cut across the pitch past three defenders, and ended with a shot past Juventus keeper Marco Storari.
Juventus' reply may not have been as spectacular but it required no less skill as Simone Pepe and Fernando Llorente combined to level things up 13 minutes later. Pepe provided a perfect cross from the right and Llorente rose to attack a brilliant header which went in off the far post.
Both sides were trying to get forward but Fiorentina were having the more clear-cut chances as Jose Maria Basanta headed against the post and Micah Richards brought a smart save from Marco Storari just after the break.
So it was no surprise when they took the lead, Claudio Marchisio losing possession in midfield and allowing Salah to bear down on goal and coolly slot home.
Juve then had the best of the second half as they pushed for an equaliser but they will have a deficit to turn over in their second leg in Florence on April 7.
Since joining Fiorentina last month, Salah has three goals in Serie A, one in the Europa League, and two in the cup.
Fiorentina stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to 15 matches.
Lazio and Napoli drew 1-1 in the other semifinal on Wednesday.

MANCHESTER UNITED'S EVANS AND NEWCASTLE'S CISSE COULD FACE FA CHARGES

Jonny Evans and Papiss Cisse could face an FA probe after appearing to spit at each other during Newcastle's clash with Manchester United at St James' Park.

 

Jonny Evans and Papiss Cisse in a spitting row

The United defender and the Newcastle striker squared up off the ball five minutes before half-time in Wednesday's Premier League fixture.
Evans appeared to launch spit at Cisse as the Senegal international rose from the turf after the pair tussled for the ball with the game goalless.
Cisse stretched out to grab his rival in response and seemed to aim saliva back in Evans' direction.
Neither Louis Van Gaal nor opposite number John Carver saw the incident, which happened behind referee Anthony Taylor's back and seems certain to be examined by Football Association disciplinary chiefs.
But the Dutchman - whose side went on to win through a late Ashley Young strike - said he "could not imagine" Evans being involved in such an incident.
"It is too far from the bench to see someone spitting," van Gaal said.
"I can't judge it but I can't imagine Jonny Evans - because he is a very modest person - would do that."
Newcastle boss Carver said: "I haven't seen the incident. I just saw a fracas on the halfway line between the two players.
"As far as I'm concerned I need to have a look at it."

VINCENT KOMPANY BENCHED BY MANUEL PELLEGRINI

Manuel Pellegrini claimed it was not difficult to drop his captain Vincent Kompany for Manchester City's 2-0 win over Leicester.

 
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany benched in Manchester City's 2-0 win over Leicester City

The City manager said he wanted to "refresh" his team after he left the centre-back on the bench for the match at the Etihad Stadium and refused to confirm if he will return to the side for their next match at Burnley.
Kompany was culpable for goals scored by Barcelona's Luis Suarez and Liverpool's Jordan Henderson in his previous two appearances, while the Belgian struggled in defeats to Arsenal and Middlesbrough earlier this year.

But Pellegrini, who made five changes to hisside on Wednesday, argued that each of the players he omitted needed a rest and none were injured.
"It was not difficult because we needed to refresh the team today and thinking about a lot of things, I decided which was the best team," Pellegrini said in a postmatch news conference.
Asked specifically about Kompany's omission, Pellegrini replied: "For the same reason that Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany, Fernandinho, Samir Nasri and Edin Dzeko that were playing normally [were out].
"I think it was important to refresh the team mentally and physically after two difficult games. We have the squad we want so it was a good moment to refresh the team."
Pellegrini defended Wilfried Bony after the 25 million-pound striker missed four good chances to open his City account on his first start for the club.
He said: "It would have been better for [Bony] to score but it was important for him to start the game and it was also important for him have some chances. He worked very well for the whole game."
Leicester manager Nigel Pearson claimed his side should have had three penalties, citing the moment Bony put his arm in Jeff Schlupp's face and challenges on Andrej Kramaric by Joe Hart and Fernando in either half.
"Simple answer," he said. "[We should have had] three throughout the game, Kramaric in both halves, the second one you could probably say was a little bit more marginal, but there's contact. And of course the third one on the line is in the box so there we are."
Pearson complained about referee Bobby Madley, who had booked Kramaric for diving in January's win over Tottenham and renewed his call for technology to be used to help officials.
"I'm not talking about them tonight, I'm sorry," he added. "You can talk about them and ask the relevant authorities, I don't think there's any point of me talking about the referee. It was the same one as we had against Tottenham.
"I would use it as another opportunity to ask for the introduction of new technology. I do think it would be of value because it would help everybody.
"It would stop irritating managers and coaches alike. Apparently FIFA in their wisdom have decided to block it for another year, that's a disappointment but it probably says something about FIFA."
Pellegrini disputed his Leicester counterpart's argument by saying Hart got the ball.

MANCHESTER CITY BEATS LEICESTER CITY TO PUT PRESSURE ON CHELSEA

David Silva and James Milner struck late in each half as under-fire reigning champions Manchester City grabbed a scrappy but much-needed 2-0 win over Leicester in the Premier League.

 
David Silva gave Manchester City the lead in their 2-0 win over Leicester City

Silva pounced from close range to put City ahead after an unconvincing start at the Etihad Stadium and Milner came off the bench to settle nerves in the last minute.
It was far from a fluent display from City but the result will at least take some of the heat off manager Manuel Pellegrini after a testing few days.
The hosts could justifiably claim victory was deserved after forcing veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer to make several fine saves.
But the Foxes were denied three penalties - with two appeals looking particularly strong - and defeat was harsh on the hard-working bottom side.
Luck was therefore on Pellegrini's side after the build-up to the game had been dominated by criticism of his tactics in damaging losses to Barcelona and Liverpool and speculation over his future.
The Chilean responded strongly to that by dropping captain Vincent Kompany to the bench while Samir Nasri and Fernandinho did not feature in the squad.
Edin Dzeko and Pablo Zabaleta also found themselves among the substitutes in the reshuffle, while £25million January signing Wilfried Bony was handed his first start.
The changes initially appeared to do little to fire up the side.
No spark came from the crowd either with the atmosphere subdued following the last two dispiriting results.
What flicker of life they did show in the opening stages came from Jesus Navas, who looked in the mood after being left out at Anfield on Sunday.
But it was Leicester who threatened first, with Jeff Schlupp completely wrong-footing Eliaquim Mangala on the counter-attack. Martin Demichelis came across to help out his partner.
Leicester then had their first two penalty appeals in quick succession. Schlupp was unlucky not to get a decision in his favour when it appeared he was impeded by Bony.
Andrej Kramaric then went down as he raced with Joe Hart to meet Riyad Mahrez's superb through-ball but the England goalkeeper did get a touch before the pair collided.
Navas was berated by Yaya Toure after misplacing a pass but he was not deterred, firing in a good cross from which Bony forced Mark Schwarzer to block.
Navas then tested Schwarzer himself with a good effort from the edge of the box before Silva teed up Bony with a clever ball, only for the Ivorian to slice high and wide.
City were performing only in fits and starts but they seized the advantage on the stroke of half-time as Aleksandar Kolarov crossed from the left. Bony was unable to take advantage but Silva pounced, tapping in from close range after his initial effort was partially blocked by Wes Morgan.
Bony made an even bigger mess of a chance early in the second half, racing into the perfect position to meet Navas' pull-back but completely miscuing and hitting the corner flag.
Leicester were again unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when Fernando brought Kramaric down, but referee Robert Madley ruled the offence just outside the area. Replays suggested it may have been just inside and Kramaric was denied again as his free-kick was deflected agonisingly wide.
City wanted to kill off the game but Schwarzer kept the Foxes in it with a fine save to keep out a Sergio Aguero header and did even better to claw away a long-range Toure strike.
The hosts had a let-off when Mahrez got away a shot and a slight deflection took it past Hart and onto the post but City responded with Toure and Kolarov going close.
Bony's frustrating debut had been brought to an end after 72 minutes and his replacement, Milner, did finally end the contest when he turned in a Navas cross in the closing moments.

SWANSEA CITY'S GOMIS IS FINE AFTER COLLAPSING

Bafetimbi Gomis' collapse had those inside White Hart Lane fearing the worst, but thankfully the Swansea striker is fine -- in fact, manager Garry Monk revealed he wanted to carry on playing against Tottenham.

 
Bafetimbi Gomis is 'fine' despite a scary moment in which he collapsed on the pitch on Wednesday

A hush fell over the same ground where Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest three years ago after the 29-year-old Gomis went down as play was about to restart following Nacer Chadli's early opener.
Paramedics and medical staff raced to tend to Gomis, who left the field on a stretcher and an oxygen mask after several minutes of treatment.
Fortunately, news emanated from the Swansea dressing room that it was nothing serious, with the 3-2 loss at Spurs one of several times he has fainted over his career.
Gomis took to Twitter to to reassure his followers that all was well.
"I Wanted to reassure you concerning my Health, it actually looks much more scary than physically dangerous and I am feeling well now," Gomis wrote on the social media website. "I have been under a great deal of stress and fatigue due to my father health that requires me to go back and forth to France. "I was disappointed that I couldn't help my team tonight but now everything is back In order." "I also want to thank everyone for their support and get Well messages."

I Wanted to reassure you concerning my Health , it actually looks much more scary than physically dangerous and I am feeling well now .
- Bafétimbi Gomis (@BafGomis) March 4, 2015 

I have been under a great deal of stress and fatigue due to my father health that requires me to go back and forth to France
- Bafétimbi Gomis (@BafGomis) March 4, 2015

I was disappointed that I couldn't help my team tonight but now everything is back In order
- Bafétimbi Gomis (@BafGomis) March 4, 2015

I also want to thank everyone for their support and get Well messages .
- Bafétimbi Gomis (@BafGomis) March 4, 2015

Swans boss Monk said of his striker: "He is fine. Coming off the pitch he was fine, talking and he actually wanted to stay on the pitch.
"It's something that we're well aware of and it's part of his history, but obviously he's had all the checks.
"We knew about this when he came to the club. He's had all the medical checks that you can possibly do and it's just part of his life. It's to do with low blood pressure.
"I didn't actually see the situation. Our physios went onto the pitch and they relayed the message but he was fine.
"Coming off the pitch, he was talking. He actually wanted to stay on the pitch but obviously precautionary wise, we have to make sure that we double-check everything but we're well aware of the history."
Monk is not sure whether Gomis, a summer acquisition from Lyon, lost consciousness or not in the incident, which stems from a long-standing vasovagal condition.
"We're all well aware of it," he said. "He's had every single medical check that you can possibly have, and he's fine. It's just part of his life."
Despite that knowledge, the overriding feeling was still one of relief after the incident proved far less serious than first feared. Gomis went to hospital as a precautionary measure, but Monk foresees "no problem whatsoever" with him playing their next match against Liverpool on March 16.
"We'll clarify now with the club doctor and see what we do from here, see whether we pick him up or he gets his own car back," the Swans boss added.
Monk does not think the Gomis incident affected his players in the defeat at White Hart Lane -- something backed-up by the fact Ki Sung-Yueng drew parity shortly afterwards.

ARSENAL SECURE AWAY WIN AGAINST QPR TO MAINTAIN THIRD PLACE

Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sanchez guided Arsenal to a routine 2-1 Premier League victory at struggling QPR, despite Charlie Austin striking back late on.

  
Alexis returned to the scoresheet for the first time in eight games.

France striker Giroud's fifth goal in as many games set Arsenal on course, before Sanchez ended a seven-game drought.
Giroud's 13th goal of the season calmed Arsenal who had headed into the break unsettled and unnerved by a spirited effort from relegation battlers Rangers.
Austin set up a fraught finish with a fine 20-yard strike on the turn for Rangers, but Arsenal were still able to cling on for victory.
The Gunners' superior class and counter-attack quality proved decisive, with Sanchez influential in the build-up to Giroud's goal before pilfering his 19th finish of the campaign.
Arsenal were denied a clear penalty when Karl Henry pulled back Mesut Ozil to stop the German tapping in from two yards, but the visitors were able to shake off referee Kevin Friend's error.
Arsenal's 10th win in 12 games in all competitions keeps them third in the table, even though the Gunners spent the entire first half at Loftus Road struggling for any kind of control.
Rangers wasted little time squeezing Arsenal right across the pitch, with stand-in skipper Bobby Zamora offering a talismanic performance.
The veteran target man teed up strike partner Austin for two promising 20-yard efforts, but the in-form poacher could not provide a telling enough finish on either occasion.
Austin's second long-range effort had David Ospina frozen to the spot, with the Arsenal keeper forced to watch the ball whistle just past his right-hand post.
Matt Phillips ran Arsenal's right flank ragged in the first half, and his most dangerous cross almost crept past Ospina and into the net.
After Austin and Zamora both failed to reach the whipped ball, Ospina was forced to turn the cross round his left post.
Arsenal were restricted to just one tangible goal-scoring opportunity in the first-half, Santi Cazorla hitting the target but failing to test Rob Green.
The Spain midfielder will no doubt have been frustrated not to catch his effort cleanly enough to blast past the in-form QPR keeper Green.
Arsenal finally found their missing fluency after the restart, Rosicky immediately carving in behind Sandro to tee up the onrushing Mesut Ozil.
The Germany midfielder could not convert Rosicky's cross from close-range, and wound up complaining he was pulled back by Karl Henry.
Rangers' defensive midfielder certainly made contact, and was fortunate not to cost his side a spot-kick.
Sanchez weaved and stepped his way to another Arsenal chance as the early part of the half unfolded, but the Chile hitman curled his effort comfortably wide.
Austin had another 20-yard effort blocked as QPR attempted a rally, before Phillips fired a piledriver just the wrong side of the near post.
When Arsenal's lead finally came, the Gunners struck through Arsene Wenger's time-honoured tradition of the counter-attack.
Ozil fed Sanchez to saunter from halfway to the edge of QPR's area, and the home defence backed off and allowed the Chilean to set Gibbs through on the overlap.
Even if Sanchez's reverse pass was neat, it should have been obvious: instead QPR let Gibbs steam through and produce a low cross that Giroud turned home via a deflection.
Sanchez then doubled Arsenal's lead inside 10 minutes, turning Darnell Furlong inside out before dispatching an accurate low shot past Green.
Just when Arsenal expected to coast home, up popped in-form striker Austin to blast home on the spin and hand Rangers a lifeline.
The sharp poacher's 15th goal of the campaign raised home hopes at the death, but - despite the rally - Arsenal still tiptoed across the line.

LIVERPOOL BEATS BURNLEY IN FIGHT FOR A TOP-FOUR FINISH

Liverpool's assistant captain Jordan Henderson led from the front with his second goal in successive matches as Liverpool maintained their pursuit of a top-four place.

 
Henderson and Sturridge's goals keep Liverpool on course to compete for a top-four finish.

With third-placed Arsenal and Manchester United also winning, Brendan Rodgers' side could not afford anything less than three points and a straightforward 2-0 victory over the Premier League strugglers was the achieved with the minimum of fuss.
Henderson, in possession of the armband in the absence of Steven Gerrard, back in training this week after a hamstring injury, slotted home just before the half-hour and Daniel Sturridge's header just after the break sealed the result.
With Henderson, and the team, in this form the watching captain -- who departs for Los Angeles Galaxy in the summer -- must be wondering where he fits in.
Liverpool, the league's only unbeaten side since the turn of the year, have not been defeated in the last 12 league games -- picking up 30 points from a possible 36 having won seven of the last eight with six clean sheets.
Rodgers' side are upwardly mobile and moved back into fifth place, which they had been ousted from by Southampton 24 hours earlier, remaining three points behind Arsenal and two behind United, who visit Anfield a week on Sunday.
Burnley, on the other hand, have just one win in the last 12 league matches and stay second-bottom three points from safety.
Just 24 seconds had elapsed when Sturridge brought a smart reaction save out of Tom Heaton low to his left after Raheem Sterling had cut the ball back
But if the hosts thought that was the beginning of the onslaught they were mistaken as Burnley recovered their composure quickly and set out their stall to harass and make things difficult.
They achieved that with plenty of endeavour but despite gaining the upper hand in the game, what they lacked was that touch of class.
Liverpool have that in spades in the form of Philippe Coutinho, who pulls the strings in the space between opposition defences and midfield, and he was soon demanding and receiving more of the ball.
The clever brain and quick feet of the diminutive Brazil international have always been a characteristic of his play but what he has added to his game with devastating effect is shooting power.
Two wonder goals in successive matches have given the 22-year-old the confidence to have a go and when he let fly from distance the shot rebounded off a crowd of defenders to Henderson who, having also found the net in Sunday's win over Manchester City, rammed home from the edge of the area.
It was the first time in his senior career the 24-year-old had scored in consecutive matches.
Three minutes later Coutinho almost replicated his brilliant effort against City from a similar position but although he wrapped his right foot around the ball to impart plenty of spin the shot bent just around the far post.
It encapsulated the match as a whole. Liverpool, having spent £120million in the summer, had far more quality to call upon than Burnley, who make up for the difference in financial clout with committed players who carry out manager Sean Dyche's game plan effectively.
Goalkeeper Tom Heaton had to deny Sturridge three times in the first half alone: once from a direct shot, second time racing out to snatch the ball off striker's toes when Emre Can's deflected effort looped up off Michael Keane and then sticking out a leg to win a one-on-one with the England striker.
Burnley, for all their hard work and desire to go toe-to-toe with their opponents could not create half as much with Danny Ings, a reported target for Liverpool this summer, robbed by a perfect tackle from Martin Skrtel six yards out and Ashley Barnes heading at goalkeeper Simon Mignolet moments before the break.
Six minutes into the second half the Clarets were exposed again as Adam Lallana led the defence a merry dance with some nifty footwork to retain possession long enough for support to arrive in the form of Henderson, whose cross to the far post was nodded in by Sturridge.
Barnes volleyed wide to provide a reminder the Premier League strugglers were far from finished while Ings, as was the case for his team, came up just short in a race with Mignolet.

ASHLEY YOUNG'S LATE GOAL KEEPS MANCHESTER UNITED IN TOP-FOUR

Ashley Young fired Manchester United to a last-minute victory at Newcastle to maintain their charge for a top-four finish.

 
Ashley Young's late strike secure a 1-0 away win for Manchester United against Newcastle United

The game looked to be heading for a draw when Magpies keeper Tim Krul could only stab a hurried clearance straight to the wing-back, who steered the ball past him to secure a precious 1-0 Barclays Premier League win.
The Holland international had earlier cast himself in the role of hero after pulling off a stunning double-save to deny first Marouane Fellaini and then Young on a night when Papiss Cisse and Jonny Evans became involved in an ugly spat which could yet have repercussions.
But having survived strong 10th-minute appeals for a penalty for Chris Smalling's challenge on Emmanuel Riviere, the visitors extended their recent run to just two defeats in 22 games in all competitions with the victory they craved.
Wayne Rooney was once again asked to lead the line after his brace against Sunderland on Saturday, and he looked to be the man most likely to break the deadlock during a first half in which the visitors dominated possession.
With Ander Herrera and Fellaini, who was preferred to Radamel Falcao, using the space in the middle of the field to feed Antonio Valencia and Angel Di Maria down one wing and Marcos Rojo and Young down the other, the Magpies found themselves having to defend deep and in numbers for the greater part of the opening 45 minutes.
Di Maria failed to make the most of a first-minute half-chance after Mehdi Abeid had gifted the ball to Herrera in midfielder, and Louis van Gaal's men might have paid had referee Anthony Taylor viewed Smalling's 10th-minute challenge on striker Riviere inside the penalty area in the same way as the locals.
Television replays suggested Taylor had got it wrong, but Newcastle had little time to reflect upon their misfortune as United surged forward with Herrera slicing wide with 15 minutes gone.
But it was Rooney who passed up two glorious openings inside four minutes as he first shot wide from close range after Young had helped on Di Maria's cross, and then allowed to ball to get away from him as he attempted to flick it around defender Mike Williamson.
Cisse smashed a left-foot shot from distance wide 10 minutes before the break, but then became involved in an angry exchange with Evans with television pictures suggesting both men had spit, although not necessarily at each other.
But the most significant goalmouth action came in the final minutes of the half with Krul turning away Fellaini's firm header at one end before De Gea managed to block Riviere's shot as he slipped after running on to Moussa Sissoko's beautifully weighted through-ball.
Rojo had Krul looking anxiously towards his top corner within two minutes of the restart when he unleashed a swerving left-foot shot which flew just over the angle of bar and post.
However, it was De Gea who had to be at his best two minute later to repel Riviere's stabbed effort after Fabricio Coloccini had headed on Ryan Taylor's free-kick.
But Krul had to be at his best to prevent the visitors from taking a 54th-minute lead when he parried Fellaini's shot on the turn after he had controlled Di Maria's cross, and then recovered in time to block Young's follow-up.
Di Maria departed four minutes later as Adnan Januzaj took his place, but it was the arrival of Jonas Gutierrez for the first time since October 2013 following his successful battle against testicular cancer which caused the bigger stir.
Newcastle should really have been ahead three minutes later when substitute Ayoze Perez broke from his own half and having drawn lone defender Evans, slipped Cisse in, but the 11-goal Senegal international scuffed his shot horribly wide to let De Gea off the hook.
Krul came to the rescue once against 15 minutes from time when he palmed away Rooney's downward header from Young's cross at the foot of his left post, but he was finally beaten at the death when he could only scuff Abeid's ill-judged back-pass to Young, who fired into the empty net to win it.

PSG BEATS MONACO TO REACH FRENCH CUP SEMI-FINALS

Paris Saint-Germain remain on course for a domestic treble after beating Monaco 2-0 to reach Coupe de France semifinals on Wednesday.

 
Goals from David Luiz, right, and Edinson Cavani put PSG through to the semifinals.

Former Chelsea player David Luiz gave PSG the lead in the third minute, and striker Edinson Cavani grabbed his 18th goal of the season to make it 2-0 after 52 minutes.
The teams had met in the French league on Sunday, when PSG missed a glut of chances in a 0-0 draw which only served to highlight the absence of top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic -- who missed both games against Monaco through suspension.
After Luiz headed in Ezequiel Lavezzi's free kick, PSG survived a scare in the 20th minute when Alain Traore's powerful strike came back off the crossbar.
Monaco also got a reprieve midway through the first half when Javier Pastore's header glanced off the bar.
After Pastore again went close for PSG, Cavani latched onto a fine a pass from midfielder Marco Verratti, controlled the ball well and fired a low shot past Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.
Then, within the space of a minute, Pastore -- who missed good chances against Monaco on Sunday night -- and Cavani both hit the post.
Pastore's woeful finishing was evident again, when a minute after hitting the woodwork, he missed the target from six metres out and then saw another effort saved by Stekelenburg right before the end.
PSG, who are second in Ligue 1 and through to the Coupe de la Ligue final, join fellow first division side Saint-Etienne in the semis.
Saint-Etienne beat third-tier Boulogne-sur-Mer 4-3 on penalties in a shootout on Tuesday. In Thursday's quarters, Brest face Auxerre in an all-second-tier match, and rank outsider Concarneau -- who play in the amateur fourth tier -- faces defending champions Guingamp.

BAYERN MUNICH CRUISE INTO THE QUARTER FINALS OF GERMAN CUP

German cup holders Bayern Munich cruised into the quarterfinals of the DFB-Pokal by beating second-division Eintracht Braunschweig 2-0 on Wednesday. 


David Alaba's free kick sent Bayern Munich through the the DFB-Pokal quarterfinals. 

David Alaba drilled in a superb free kick from the edge of area, firing a left-foot shot into the upper corner in first-half injury time, though the free kick was generously awarded when Arjen Robben fell to the ground after slight contact with a defender.
Mario Gotze scored in the second half to ensure they advanced after dominating the match against a well-organised Braunschweig.
Wolfsburg and Borussia Monchengladbach joined Bayern in the cup's last eight, as did third-division Arminia Bielefeld after a shock 3-1 win over Werder Bremen.
Manuel Junglas scored twice for Arminia Bielefeld, who were relegated from the second division last season and will be the only lower-division side in the quarterfinals.
Bremen's Clemens Fritz got a goal back in the second half before being sent off in the closing stages.
Elsewhere, Wolfsburg came through their potentially tricky tie at RB Leipzig with Daniel Caligiuri and Timm Klose on target in a 2-0 win as coach Dieter Hecking showed plenty of respect for the hosts by fielding his strongest team.
Borussia Moenchengladbach won 2-0 at fourth-tier Kickers Offenbach, thanks to a penalty from Max Kruse and Patrick Herrmann's late goal.
Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Freiburg and Hoffenheim all advanced to the quarterfinals on Tuesday. The draw for the quarterfinals is set for Sunday evening, with games to be played on April 7 and 8.

BARCELONA BEATS VILLARREAL TO ADVANCE TO COPA DEL REY FINAL

Brazil international Neymar scored a brace as Barcelona advanced to the Copa del Rey final with a 3-1 win in their second leg at Villarreal.


Luis Suarez celebrate his goal with his Barcelona teammate as they advance to the final of Copa del Rey

Barcelona won 6-2 on aggregate and will play Athletic Bilbao in the final on May 30.
Neymar opened the scoring in the third minute by tapping home a perfectly lofted entry pass from Lionel Messi.
Villarreal equalised on the night through Jonathan Dos Santos six minutes before half-time. Jaume Costa's cross from the left sailed over defenders and fell to Dos Santos at the far post.
But play opened up after Tomas Pina, whose earlier tackle saw Sergio Busquets stretchered off, was dismissed on 65 minutes for a lunging tackle that caught Neymar's foot.
In the 73rd minute, Luis Suarez rounded Villarreal keeper Sergio Asenjo to score his sixth goal in four games in all competitions.
Neymar was again left alone in the box to head home a lofted pass from Javier Mascherano to clinch the win two minutes from time.
Aritz Aduriz and Xabier Etxeitia each scored in the first half to carry Athletic Bilbao to a 2-0 win at Espanyol.
With the scores 1-1 after the first leg, the visitors took the lead after 13 minutes as the home defence failed to clear Oscar de Marcos' cross and Aduriz picked the ball up and slotted past a diving Pau into the bottom corner for his 15th goal this season.
Bilbao went 2-0 up just before the break as Etxeita headed home from Andoni Iraola's corner to complete a 3-1 aggregate victory and set up a final clash with Luis Enrique's men.

CHELSEA SECURE AWAY WIN TO MAINTAIN LEAD IN THE EPL

Chelsea followed up their Capital One Cup victory with a hard-fought 1-0 win on their return to Premier League business at West Ham.

Eden Hazard scored to give Chelsea a 1-0 win over West Ham United

Jose Mourinho won a first trophy of his second spell as Blues boss with a 2-0 win over Tottenham on Sunday and Chelsea remain well placed to add a first Premier League title in five years.
The Hammers had one win in 17 against the Blues entering the contest but refused to be cowed by the leaders and deserved more, only for Eden Hazard's first-half header to settle the contest, keeping Chelsea five points clear of second-placed Manchester City.
Mourinho spoke of short celebrations after the Wembley win and captain John Terry insisted they had been postponed until the end of the season, when he hoped there would be further cause to party.
Yet at times it appeared as though Chelsea's defenders had a hangover as the pace of Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho and Stewart Downing found holes.
Terry was booked for pulling down Valencia in the first half and cautious thereafter, with Chelsea indebted to a number of fine saves from the restored Thibaut Courtois - namely from Cheikhou Kouyate and Sakho - as the Hammers pressed forwards.
Ramires struck a post on the counter-attack and had a header well saved by Adrian, while Willian spurned a late chance for a second to settle the contest.
The Hammers now have one win in 11 league games to slip further down the standings - and Sam Allardyce appears to be running out of time to convince his bosses to extend his contract, which expires at the end of the season.
Chelsea's players, meanwhile, have two days off before resuming preparations for next week's Champions League last-16 second leg with Paris St Germain.

TOP TEAMS IN EPL SECURE WINS

Eden Hazard scored from a header to help Chelsea to a 1-0 win over West Ham and maintain their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Eden Hazard lone strike gives Chelsea 1-0 away victory over West Ham

The Belgian winger got his head on a cross from Ramires to hand Jose Mourinho's men the lead in the first half and continue his fine goal-scoring efforts away from home.
Hazard continued to shine in an exciting game after the break and hit the post after linking up brilliantly with Diego Costa, before Ramires' header was brilliantly denied by goalkeeper Adrian's feet and James Tomkins cleared the ball off the line in the final minute.

 Manchester City kept up the pressure on Chelsea at the top with a 2-0 win over Leicester.
City struggled to break through in the first-half, but just before the break they broke the deadlock as Aleksandar Kolarov's cross caused havoc in the box and found David Silva. The Spaniard's shot was blocked, but he netted the rebound to score his 10th goal of the season.
City were denied throughout the game by the heroics of veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, but James Milner struck with two minutes remaining to seal the win.

Manchester United struggled to break down Newcastle but took a 1-0 win from St James' Park.
United had the better of the first half but Emmanuel Riviere could have had a penalty after tumbling after a challenge from Chris Smalling in the box and then watched a shot well saved by David De Gea.
After half-time, Tim Krul came to the rescue for Newcastle with a wonderful double save: first from Marouane Fellaini and then from Ashley Young's rebound. Jonas Gutierrez then returned to first-team action for the first time since October 2013, after recovering from testicular cancer, but was booked two minutes after arriving.
United looked like they might be headed for a draw, but Ashley Young popped up in the final minute to hand his side all three points.

Arsenal failed to get out of first gear but they beat QPR 2-1 thanks to goals from Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sanchez.
In a dull first half, the Gunners could not break through and new signing Gabriel was taken off injured, with Laurent Koscielny replacing him. However, they came out better in the second and Sanchez's fine run and pass found Kieran Gibbs who found Giroud to net his 13th goal of the season.
Sanchez then got himself on the scoresheet in the 69th minute but Charlie Austin got one back for the home side with a thunderous shot from outside the area with 10 minutes to go.

Bafetimbi Gomis collapsed just minutes into Swansea's match at Tottenham as it ended 3-2 at White Hart Lane.
The France striker, a summer signing from Lyon, went to ground as the players made their way to restart after Nacer Chadli gave Spurs an early lead. Gomis was attended to for four minutes and left the field a stretcher, by which point he was conscious and wearing an oxygen mask, with medical staff later revealing that he was "fine."
The game restarted and Ki Sung-Yeung levelled the scores on 19 minutes, but after the break Spurs went ahead against through Ryan Mason and Andros Townsend struck a wonderful shot into the top corner to make it 3-1 before Gylfi Sigurdsson scored a consolation against his old club.
Hugo Lloris then pulled off a stunning last-gasp save to secure all three points.

In the day's late kick-off, Liverpool won 2-0 against Burnley to keep up the pressure on the top four.
The game took some time to get going, but Liverpool took the lead on 29 minutes as Philippe Coutinho's shot was blocked and Jordan Henderson netted the rebound to score for the second game in a row and mark his 200th Premier League appearance in style.
Liverpool then eased two goals ahead as Daniel Sturridge got himself on the scoresheet to keep in the race for the Champions League spots.
Everton's poor form continued as they lost 2-0 to Stoke to ramp up the pressure on boss Roberto Martinez.
A wonderful header from Victor Moses opened the scoring for Stoke in the 32nd minute and the Toffees were unable to get themselves back into the game. Marko Arnautovic hit the post in the 84 minute and Mame Diouf buried the rebound to double the lead and leave Everton in real trouble of being dragged into the relegation battle.