VALENCIA WONDER GOAL PROVES HE'S BEST RIGHT BACK IN PREMIER LEAGUE

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The Ecuador international set Manchester United on their way to a third 4-0 win of the season as they eventually got the better of a spirited Everton

In a squad containing the likes of Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku and Zlatan Ibrahimovic among many other world stars, it is easy to overlook someone like Antonio Valencia. But as his goal and performance against Everton again highlighted, he remains the very best in his position the Premier League has to offer.

The languid way in which he lashed a 20-yard half-volley into the top corner of Jordan Pickford’s goal sums up his contributions since joining United from Wigan Athletic in 2009. Rarely flashy but able to produce when his side need him the most, he epitomises exactly the way Jose Mourinho’s title-winning sides of years gone by have gone about their business.

Eyebrows were raised when United’s local rivals Manchester City forked out in excess of £50 million for Kyle Walker over the summer. But if that is the going rate, and despite the fact Walker has five years on his opposite number at Old Trafford, it would not be outside the realms of possibility for United to request a similar fee should any club show an interest in purchasing the one-time flying winger.

Valencia’s evolution from an attacking wideman to a dependable defensive presence on the right-hand side is one of the few success stories of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. Though Michael Carrick is officially the club captain, the midfielder’s lack of first-team opportunities means Valencia has become Mourinho’s de facto leader on the pitch. The way in which almost all of the United side interrupted his low-key celebration tells observers exactly how highly regarded he is inside the dressing room.

By full time Valencia’s importance was only highlighted further by United slipping into the old habits that dogged them last season as they spurned opportunity after opportunity. Everton old boy Lukaku proved particularly wasteful, and though he, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Anthony Martial added gloss to the scoreline late on in what is becoming a familiar late salvo from this United side, such poor finishing will likely cost them at some point this campaign.

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In fact, were it not for the wastefulness of Wayne Rooney – who received a standing ovation from the Theatre of Dreams as he was withdrawn in the closing stages – then the pressure that has slowly begun to surround manager Ronald Koeman may have been lifted somewhat

As it was, the former Southampton boss was likely left cursing his luck, praying for a player who can provide the same consistently high-quality performances Valencia is capable of. Having that same player slam in long-range stunners every so often would probably help too

CHELSEA WON'T APPEAL DAVID LUIZ RED CARD, CONTE CONFIRMS

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The defender was sent off in the late stages of Sunday's draw with Arsenal, but the club will accept the punishment

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has confirmed they will not appeal David Luiz's red card against Arsenal.

The Brazil centre-back was sent off for a crude lunge on Sead Kolasinac during the closing stages of the 0-0 Premier League draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Conte had suggested an appeal could be lodged, having felt David Luiz was fouled by Alexis Sanchez in the build-up to the incident.

However, speaking ahead of Wednesday's EFL Cup clash with Nottingham Forest, he confirmed no further action would be taken.

"No, I think the situation was very clear," he told a news conference when asked if they would be appealing. 

"It was a fall before the tackle but now it's important to move on and to look at the next game."

Conte refused to comment on rumours of a new bid from Atletico Madrid for Diego Costa.

The striker failed to secure a return to the Spanish capital before the transfer window closed but Atleti are reported to have tabled an offer of £57 milion to sign him in January.

However, when asked about the reports, Conte refused to respond, prompting Chelsea's press officer to state: "We never respond to transfer speculation."

Sunday's draw has left the champions three points behind Manchester City and Manchester United after five matches, but Conte says he is not concerned by the form of Chelsea's title rivals.

"The best way is to look at ourselves," he said. "We need to work together and continue to improve.

"You know very well the difficulty to win this league. For sure, we want to try to fight until the end and I think we are a good team and we want to try to do this in the league, the Champions League, the FA Cup and the EFL Cup.

"Only one team will win but it is important to try your best. 

"You know very well, in England, there are six top teams. The Manchester teams are in these six teams. It is normal for United and City to be competitive and fight for the title."

WENGER CONFIRMS WELBECK GROIN INJURY

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The forward is expected to miss at least two Gunners Premier League matches, while Mesut Ozil will sit out Wednesday's EFL Cup tie

Danny Welbeck is set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a groin injury in Arsenal's Premier League draw at Chelsea on Sunday.

Welbeck has started all five of Arsenal's Premier League games this season, scoring three goals, while he also found the net for England in a World Cup qualifying win against Malta.

But the versatile forward will miss at least the next two Premier League matches for the Gunners, while he will also be unavailable for the Europa League trip to BATE Borisov.