22 Saturday, February 17, 2018 SPORTS Sergio Aguero Arsenal cruise past named Player of the Month London and on a list ergio Aguero has been of PL stars to win five Player of named as the Premier the Month awards Ostersunds,London 3-0 S League’s Player of the Month Only and Steven rsenal made light work for the fifth time in his career. Gerrard, with six each, have of sub-zero temperatures The Manchester City striker won more. Aand an artificial pitch to secure claimed the prize for January Aguero topped a poll — with a comfortable Europa League after scoring five times in four a panel of experts, Premier victory over Ostersunds. PL games. League captains and fans The first leg of this round- He started 2018 by netting casting their votes — ahead of-32 tie was played in once in a 3-1 win over Watford, of fellow nominees Kevin De Ostersunds’ Jamtkraft Arena, before claiming an assist as Bruyne, , surrounded by snow drifts and City lost 4-3 at Liverpool. , Jan Vertonghen furnished with an unfamiliar A perfect hat-trick got City and Callum Wilson. 4G surface -- but a strong and Aguero back on track with Twenty-nine-year-old Arsenal side overcame trying a 3-1 victory against Newcastle, Aguero is already a front- conditions to win 3-0. then he added a stoppage- runner for the February prize, Arsene Wenger got out of time strike as West Brom were having scored four goals in the group stages by largely defeated 3-0. City’s 5-1 win over Leicester utilising his fringe players Aguero joins Wayne Rooney last weekend. (dailymail.co.uk) and young prospects but, now sitting eight points off the Sergio Aguero top four, winning the Europa League arguably presents the Gunners with their best shot of returning to the Champions Henrikh Mkhitaryan crosses the ball League next season. under pressure from Ken Sema of That explains why the likes Östersund (Pic courtesy: theguardian) of Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were included here and it was the former who Keita passed out of his box to six appearances. Abdulllhi Gero could only rounded off a straightforward Papagiannopoulos. Mkhitaryan stung the palms head tamely at David Ospina. win after a Nacho Monreal The Sweden international of Keita as Arsenal continued Ospina, the Arsenal captain effort and a Sotirios dallied and was robbed by Ozil, to dominate, with the inevitable for the night, was soon forced Papagiannopoulos own goal who then burst through on goal second coming at the midway into more noteworthy action had set Arsenal on their way, with Keita blocking his path point of the half. turning Saman Ghoddos’ with Ostersunds missing a last- and Mkhitaryan’s resulting Papagiannopoulos was dipping effort over the crossbar gasp penalty. shot being blocked behind. the unwitting party, turning as the hosts enjoyed a spell of Ostersunds -- under Moments later and the Mkhitaryan’s driven cross into pressure. Englishman Graham Potter visitors were in front, Alex his own goal from close-range Ken Sema’s well-struck free- -- had not been able to get Iwobi getting in a low shot after Ostersunds were again kick was straight at Ospina, hold of the ball and when which Keita could only caught in possession inside while Samuel Mensah fired a they did, they gifted Arsenal shovel in the direction of the their own box. shot wide as Ostersunds looked the best chance of the opening onrushing Monreal, who swept Potter’s side finally broke to get back into the game before exchanges as goalkeeper Aly home his third goal in his last into the Arsenal half but the interval. (PA Sport) Paul Pogba exit rumours are Sergey lies, says Jose Mourinho

Sirotkin London conversations with players”. anchester United boss Jose Mourinho But he added that Pogba “accepts he has not will says reports midfielder Paul Pogba been playing well”. M regrets joining the club and When asked for his thoughts on ‘speculation’ could leave this summer are in the media, Mourinho replied: “I think you surprise: “lies”. are nice with your words - because when you Pogba was said to say lot of speculation you should say a lot of lies. be irritated at not Don’t be nice, be objective and say lies. Williams being employed more “It’s a big lie that our relation is not good, it’s Sergey Sirotkin (file pic) offensively, but Mourinho a big lie that we don’t communicate, a big lie London by Russian oligarch Boris said that was not true. that we don’t agree with his positions and his illiams say Russian rookie Rotenberg, Sirotkin’s rise has He also criticised involvement in the dynamic of the team. Sergey Sirotkin has earned raised questions about how “the biggest pundit “It’s easy and honest and objective to say hisW place at the Formula One team much it has been accelerated by industry” and said he Paul didn’t play well against Newcastle but on merit and is likely to surprise his financial backing. “doesn’t have to some of the guys they are paid millions, don’t people this season. “I think probably Sergey is speak about let people read things that are not true. The 22-year-old will partner one of those drivers you haven’t “It’s my problem and Paul’s problem to Canadian Lance Stroll, still only 19, heard of as much as improve his performance level, you don’t at the former world champions after maybe some other need to be a liar.” (BBC) replacing retired Brazilian Felipe new talents Massa. The Russian was previously who come into a Renault reserve and finished third the sport, for whatever Paul Pogba (file pic) overall in the GP2 support series in reason that may be,” said 2015 and 2016. deputy team principal A product of the SMP young Claire Williams at a team driver programme established launch. (Reuters)