The greatest Premier League team of all time... here's the XI with biggest number of team of the year appearances

It's the ultimate compliment for any player to have their talent recognised by their fellow professionals. So to settle the argument of which is the greatest Premier League XI since it started in 1992-93, Sportsmail has studied every PFA Premier League team of the year to find out which players are most highly-regarded by their peers.

The results are fascinating – and surprising in some cases too.

Legendary Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel was selected in only one PL all-star team (1993), as was Dennis Bergkamp (1998) and therefore are well short of being considered for the greatest XI.

Eric Cantona and Paul Scholes weren't voted for often enough either while Gianfranco Zola – regarded as one of the best players in Chelsea's history – was never picked in a PFA side.

Roy Keane and Frank Lampard were picked on fewer occasions than central midfield rivals Steven Gerrard and Patrick Vieira.

Likewise, stars like Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale performed too briefly on the Premier League stage to be chosen as often as other players.

Based on the number of times they were voted by their fellow professionals in the PFA Premier team of the season, here is the best Premier League XI over the last 23 years. And for Gerrard, heavily criticised after his red card against Manchester United on Sunday, there is some good news – nobody has been picked more often.

THE PREMIER LEAGUE ALL TIME XI

EDWIN VAN DER SAR (PFA Team 2007, 2009, 2011)

Played in Premier League for: Fulham, Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson compared the Dutchman's influence to Peter Schmeichel's after he helped Manchester United return to the top following a period of dominance by Jose Mourinho's Chelsea. Van der Sar was 34 when he joined United from Fulham but it proved to be a master signing, and one that Ferguson admitted he wished he'd made earlier. Van der Sar won three league titles in a row and was the hero of United's penalty shoot-out win against Chelsea in the 2008 Champions League final, making the match-winning save from Nicolas Anelka.

GARY NEVILLE (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2005, 2007)

Played for: Manchester United

The heart of Manchester United's team that dominated English football for two decades and part of the 1999 treble-winning side. Neville was United's effective leader and club captain off the field well before he eventually wore the armband on it. The right-back for United and England was the most voiceferous member of the club's famed Class of 92 and since retirement has become a hugely influential figure both as a television pundit and England coach

RIO FERDINAND (2002, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013)

Played for: West Ham, Leeds, Manchester United, QPR

A skilful centre-half in the Continental mould, Ferdinand started at West Ham but was first voted into the Premier League team in 2002 after an excellent season at Leeds United. After impressing at that summer's World Cup, Manchester United paid a £29million transfer fee for Ferdinand, a British transfer record that stood for four years. He became an integral part of Manchester United's success in the 2000s culminating in their Premier League-Champions League double in 2008. Now plays for QPR but is expected to retire at the end of the season

NEMANJA VIDIC (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)

Played for: Manchester United

United's hard-man captain who formed a formidable central defensive partnership with Ferdinand. The Serbian international endured a poor first six months at Old Trafford after arriving from Russian football but went on to become a huge fans favourite. One of the bravest players seen at Old Trafford, Vidic put his head and body in where others feared to, leading to a number of injuries. When Sir Alex Ferguson left, Vidic signed for Inter Milan, and the incoming manager David Moyes missed his presence.

ASHLEY COLE (2003, 2004, 2005, 2011)

Played for: Arsenal, Chelsea

Considered by many the greatest English left-back of all time with more than 100 caps, Cole won the Premier League title with both Arsenal and Chelsea with Gunners fans not forgiving him for moving to Stamford Bridge. Cole was quick, mobile and had the ability to defend and attack. The controversial decision by Roy Hodgson to leave him out of England's World Cup squad backfired and Cole decided to move abroad where he now plays in Serie A for Roma. One of the few defenders who could get the better of Cristiano Ronaldo in his prime.

CRISTIANO RONALDO (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)

Played for: Manchester United

Hard to believe he was only in the Premier League for six years such was the impact he made. He was voted into the PFA team for four seasons in a row before he signed for Real Madrid for a world record fee of £80million. There were eyebrows raised when Sir Alex Ferguson sold David Beckham and unveiled an unknown Portuguese teenager. Ronaldo treated Old Trafford to a series of stepovers on his debut and by 2008 was voted World Player of the Year, only time that honour has gone to someone in the Premier League after Michael Owen in 2001. He has subsequently gone on to scale even greater heights at Real Madrid.

STEVEN GERRARD (2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2014)

Played for: Liverpool

Indisputably the best player of the Premier League era not to have won the championship, Gerrard is nonetheless regarded as the greatest player in Liverpool's history alongside Kenny Dalglish and was man-of-the-match when he led their comeback in Istanbul to win a fifth European Cup for the club in 2005. Gerrard in his prime was the ultimate box-to-box midfielder, stopping goals, creating goals and scoring goals, often spectacular ones. Will leave Liverpool this summer to join Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS.

PATRICK VIEIRA (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)

Played for: Arsenal, Manchester City

Was voted into the PFA team for six consecutive years between 1999 and 2004, an unprecedented spell of dominance in the Premier League era. Vieira was Arsene Wenger's first signing – actually arriving at Highbury shortly before the manager who was tied up with contractual issues in Japan – and was the blueprint for a new Arsenal team who set new standards for the whole country. A tall, quick and powerful midfielder, Vieira helped Arsenal with the Double and then succeeded Tony Adams as captain, and led the 2004 Ivincibles side that went through an entire season unbeaten.

RYAN GIGGS (1993, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2007, 2009)

Played for: Manchester United

Statistically the greatest player in the Premier League, with a record number of titles (13) and appearances (632), Giggs was named six times in the PFA team spanning a period of 16 years. He was a flying 19-year-old winger who had led Manchester United to their first championship for 26 years when he was named in the 1993 all-star side, and a clever 35-year-old central midfield playmaker when he was chosen in 2009. Now assistant-manager to Louis van Gaal at United having been interim manager at the end of last season.

ALAN SHEARER (1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2003)

Played for: Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United

The Premier League's record goalscorer with 260 – more than 70 goals ahead of anyone else, Shearer won the championship with Blackburn Rovers and became the only Premier League player to also be the world's most expensive player when he signed for hometown club Newcastle United for £15million having just finished as leading goalscorer at Euro 96 for England. Shearer could score all types of goals, rocket shots, tap-ins and headers, and following a brief spell as Newcastle's interim manager, is a respected TV pundit.

THIERRY HENRY (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006) 

Played for: Arsenal

Added Va-Va-Voom to the English game after Arsene Wenger signed him from Juventus and turned an inconsistent winger into the most lethal centre-forward in Europe. Like Vieira, Henry was picked for six consecutive PFA teams and won the Golden Boot for being the leading goalscorer in the league on four occasions. Rivals Cristiano Ronaldo as being the best Premier League import ever seen and after spells with Barcelona and New York Red Bulls is back in this country, offering his views on the game with Sky Sports.

..and an unlikely all-star XI. These players all made the Premier League team of the season on one occasion:

Tim Flowers; David Bardsley, Ugo Ehiogu, Thomas Vermaelen, Stig Inge Bjornebye; Nani, Scott Parker, Tim Sherwood, Harry Kewell; Emmanuel Adebayor, Chris Sutton

Gareth Bale is not fazed by Real Madrid criticism, says Wales team-mate Joe Allen

Gareth Bale swapped the atmosphere of hate at Real Madrid for the warm embrace of Wales on Wednesday, with his team-mates all agreeing that the world’s most expensive player is unaffected by criticism of his form.

Bale wore a smile during training that suggested he was looking forward to performing for his country in a key Euro 2016 qualifier.

An army of 30 camera crews and photographers lined the pitches at the Vale Resort in Cardiff as Chris Coleman took his squad through their paces, with all lenses trained on Bale. 

But in contrast to the scrutiny he has faced in Spain, where Real fans attacked his white Bentley in the early hours of Monday, Bale looked relaxed among friends in a serene atmosphere.

Joe Allen confirmed as much. ‘He’s the same as usual,’ said the Liverpool midfielder. ‘I don’t get the impression that he is someone who is fazed by these sorts of things. It comes with the territory at a club like that. I doubt it has too much influence on him.

‘He’s a world-class player who shows that in every minute in every session. It is great to have him here. I doubt the Israelis will be looking forward to facing him at the weekend.’

Saturday’s Group B qualifier at the Sammy Ofer Stadium in Haifa offers Bale another chance to show off the talent that has been questioned in Madrid both from the stands and the media.

Spanish newspaper Marca gave him a zero rating after Real’s 2-1 loss in Barcelona last Sunday.

Swansea defender Neil Taylor, a Welsh team-mate of Bale’s for five years, said the 25-year-old takes such brutal assessments in his stride. ‘He’s become acclimatised to how his life is now with stuff like that,’ he said. ‘Gareth isn’t going to care what I think about how he’s playing, the same way he isn’t going to care what some reporters write. If you read what everyone’s opinion is of you, your confidence will be shot.’

Bale has been accused of selfishness this season, but Burnley striker Sam Vokes, back in the squad for the first time since he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament a year ago, is eager for the chance to link up with him again. ‘As a striker my last few goals for Wales have come off the back of him putting crosses into the box and getting down the line,’ he said.

Vokes said Bale has grown as a leader among the group, the result of experience gained from sustained exposure to elite competition. ‘We were doing some tactical work and you could see he brings a lot to it,’ he said. ‘He is very well spoken.’

Bale will be most eager to do his talking on the pitch.

In team news, Swansea full back Jazz Richards, who has a calf strain, has been replaced in the squad by Cardiff’s Declan John.

Gareth Bale won't leave Real Madrid this summer despite interest from Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea

Gareth Bale is prepared to resist all offers of a return to the Barclays Premier League and stay at Real Madrid.

Bale has a £75million buyout clause in his six-year contract but that has not deterred Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea from checking on his availability. The 25-year-old cost Madrid £86m when he joined from Tottenham and he rejected United in the process. 

However, the Wales winger has come in for heavy criticism for his recent Real performances and perceived selfishness during games.

Disgruntled fans have attacked his car while Spanish newspaper Marca refused to give him a rating for his display in the defeat by Barcelona.

United and Chelsea have sensed a deal could be done but the reply has been unequivocal; Bale is determined to stay, win over the fans and convince the world he can become one of Real Madrid’s greats.

Any transfer to the Premier League would cause Financial Fair Play problems but United have room for manoeuvre in that regard, as do Chelsea. City would have to sell if they were to pursue a deal.

Gareth Bale has been disappointing for Real Madrid this season

Top Premier League clubs are prepared to meet his £75m release clause

But Bale is determined to stay in Madrid and improve his fortunes

West Ham reluctant to sign Alex Song on permanent deal from Barcelona with reservations held over his dip in form

Alex Song faces an uncertain future after it emerged that West Ham have huge reservations over a permanent deal to sign the midfielder. 

Song has spent the season on loan at Upton Park from Barcelona, but his form has dramatically dipped in the second half of the season. The former Arsenal midfielder, who has a contract at the Nou Camp until 2017, earns £80,000-a-week.

West Ham, who were impressed with his early performances for the club, are reluctant to sign him permanently when his loan spell ends because of his wages.

Despite a promising start under Sam Allardyce, his recent performances have come under increased scrutiny in the West Ham boardroom.

He was substituted in the defeat against Crystal Palace earlier this month and also taken off during the 4-0 crushing by West Brom in the FA Cup tie at the Hawthorns in February.

Song, 27, played the full 90 minutes of West Ham’s 1-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday, but the Hammers are preparing to send him back to the Nou Camp at the end of the season.

Germany 2-2 Australia: Lukas Podolski and Andre Schurrle combine from the bench for late equaliser to save World Cup champions from another home defeat by the Germany-2-2-Australia-Lukas-Podolski-Andre-Schurrle-combine-bench-late-equaliser.

A late Lukas Podolski strike from an Andre Schurrle cross saved Germany from back-to-back home defeats by Australia at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion in Kaiserslautern.

Podolski rescued the World Cup champions nine minutes from time with his 48th goal for his country as he combined with his fellow substitute and former Premier League outcast.

The Socceroos' last visit to Germany in 2011 ended in a 2-1 shock loss for the hosts in Monchengladbach and it looked to be going that way again for much of the second half when captain Mile Jedinak gave his side the lead with a sensational curling free-kick. 

Marco Reus gave Germany the lead in the 17th minute when he met the Sami Khedira cross zipped across the face of goal. James Troisi hit back for the recently crowned Asian Cup champions with a header from Nathan Burns' pinpoint cross. 

Then, five minutes into the second half, Crystal Palace stalwart and Socceroos captain nailed a perfect curling free-kick that left German keeper Ron-Robert Zieler flailing and in the back of his own net with the ball.

History was on the visitors' side at this stadium. It was here that Australia made history with their first goal and first win in a World Cup when they beat Japan 3-1 in 2006.  

Their star striker Tim Cahill, who scored a double that night, was out injured here after being instrumental in delivering Australia's first major trophy win after beating South Korea in extra-time in January. 

Before kick-off, Real Madrid's Toni Kroos was given the 2014 Germany Player of the Year award but he wasn't required off the bench where at full time he had some star-studded company among the unused subs in Jerome Boateng, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Muller and Mats Hummels.

Steven Gerrard looks like a man who is past caring about Liverpool... the violent stamp on Ander Herrera has shattered his legacy .

 The pathetic excuses from friends and colleagues defending Steven Gerrard have been a joke.

Unfortunately for arguably Liverpool’s greatest-ever player, he proved on Sunday that Brendan Rodgers has made the correct decision to cut him loose from Anfield at the end of this season. I’d be surprised if Gerrard makes the Liverpool starting line-up again, and any substitute appearances will surely only be to give the fans a wave goodbye.

Why should Rodgers trust Gerrard again this season?

This is an experienced professional, a captain, a legend and there is nothing anyone can say that should mask the truth that he absolutely let everyone at Liverpool Football Club down.

He also failed to apologise to Ander Herrera in his brief post-match interview, which showed a lack of class.

Some said Gerrard was frustrated because he wasn’t in the starting line-up. That might be true, but it doesn’t excuse a violent stamp on an opponent’s ankle.

Others have said he was desperate to get involved and show his passion. After all his years in the game, with all his knowledge of this fixture, he must surely know there is only one way to show passion and commitment on such a huge occasion – and that’s to make good, clean tackles, play well and get the job done.

This was Liverpool’s biggest game of the season, against fierce rivals, it’s a game they’re losing when he comes on the pitch and it’s a game they need to win.

If Wayne Rooney had done it, the reaction would be far worse. There would be calls to strip him of the England captaincy.

If it had been Joey Barton, the reaction would have hit fever pitch.

Had it been a Chelsea player – well, the internet and the FA would have been in meltdown. There would have been talk of points deductions probably.

But because it was Gerrard, the appropriate outrage has been tempered because apparently, according to the apologists, Rodgers made a mistake by failing to put him in the starting line-up.

Last season’s slip against Chelsea was accidental, the stamp on Sunday was calculated: at best it was Gerrard being a careless hot-head desperate to make a mark. At worst, it looked like a reckless player who is now past caring about the fortunes of his club.

Gerrard was the main man responsible for one of Liverpool’s most glorious nights back in 2005 in Istanbul. Nobody can ever take that away from him.

Ten years on, there’s a good chance that Gerrard’s last significant act for his club could be a red card that proves to be a major factor in handing Manchester United a passage back into the Champions League – at Liverpool’s expense.

Gerrard’s legacy is shattered. It’s a sad and sorry way to go, but he only has himself to blame.

Arsene Wenger FAILED Arsenal... it should not have taken a genius to work out how to beat Monaco, yet the manager's tactics and preparation were poor.

How on earth has Arsene Wenger escaped criticism for yet another failure in Europe? They won on the night – fine. They went out on away goals – sure, it couldn't have been closer. But they lost to Monaco – arguably the worst side to make it through the group stage.

Failing to win the group has been Wenger's massive error in recent seasons. That's why they've faced the European giants early and failed to make the quarter-finals. And yet again, despite being in a group with two no-hopers – Galatasaray and Anderlecht, and a Borussia Dortmund side that spent the first half of the season hovering in and around the relegation zone in the Bundesliga – Arsenal failed to top their group this season.

But they got that stroke of luck everyone says you need if you are going to win the Champions League. They were paired with Monaco, a team defensively sound but offensively weak.

I'm going to keep this simple: Arsenal have better players than Monaco. So surely an experienced manager, well versed in French football and Champions League football, especially familiar with his opponents – a club he once managed – with a squad featuring two arguably world class players in Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, not even Arsene Wenger could mess this one up?

Monaco are effective, but they are a basic side. In other words, it shouldn't take a tactical genius to work out how to beat them. They got into the Champions League thanks to the quality of James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao (before his injury), but they have since lost those star players.
And yet Arsene Wenger failed to do this.

For the fifth season running Arsenal failed to make the quarter-finals of the Champions League.Damage done in the first leg, and Per Mertesacker said their mentality wasn't right. Therefore the manager has to take the blame for sending his players out with the wrong mentality.

Last season, Mertesacker said Arsenal 'gave 10 per cent less mentally' when they were beaten by Napoli to miss out on top spot in the group. Wenger culpable for not preparing his players properly yet again. His preparation of his own team is poor. His ability to out-coach opponents is poor.

And still there are people who think he is the right man to manage Arsenal. Some even have the audacity to cling on to that well-worn myth that he had every right not to win big trophies while Arsenal paid for the stadium. Hard to believe gullible Gooners fell for that one. The income and assets from day one at the new stadium meant Arsenal could always compete. Unfortunately Wenger misjudged the impact of Financial Fair Play, another mistake he made.

The case for Wenger's defence is getting weaker and weaker.

Sure, three other English clubs failed in the Champions League this season. Manchester City might change their manager because of it. That's a man who won the title last season.

Chelsea know that they have a manager who has already won the Champions League twice before, so his track record is proven. But we all know that if he persistently fails to get to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, Mourinho won't last at the Bridge. And at Liverpool Brendan Rodgers went into his first ever Champions League campaign shorn of Luis Suarez and the injured Daniel Sturridge. He was a rookie and he made big mistakes. Wenger is making equally huge mistakes despite all his years of European experience.

So many people are sitting around wringing their hands about why English clubs fail in Europe. No wonder we fail when a club as huge as Arsenal trusts a proven European failure with its Champions League ambitions, and then do nothing when he fails time after time.

He's the only manager to reach three different European finals and lose them all – Cup Winners' Cup with Monaco, UEFA Cup and Champions League with Arsenal.

Wenger's 17 consecutive seasons in the Champions League are an embarrassment when you consider he has only reached one final, and two semi finals in that time.

Is there anyone else who could do better? There really are people stupid enough to ask that question. If you want a young manager who will be bold and brave in the face of bigger-spending more illustrious opponents then go for the youthful energy of Diego Simeone or Jurgen Klopp. Both have won domestic titles in recent seasons when they could have done what Wenger does every year and wave the white flag because he can't handle what he calls the 'financial doping' of the likes of Man City and Chelsea.

If you want proven winners, then Wenger's £8m-a-year salary will surely tempt the quality of Pep Guardiola or Carlo Ancelotti.

Why is it that a juggernaut of a club like Arsenal sticks with a manager who regularly fails when it comes to the big moments? Are they content to miss out?
Finishing second wasn't good enough for Thierry Henry remember. So he left the stinking, sinking ship to go and finish first with Barcelona. That was a long, long time ago of course, but still the fallen Emirates empire remains ruined.
The failure to win the Champions League will always be a huge scabby wart on Wenger's record.

But Wenger isn't bigger than Arsenal. He is replaceable.
He's guilty of failing in Europe with Arsenal and making a massive contribution to the diminishing reputation of English clubs in European competition.
Being knocked out by Monaco should be the final straw for Wenger. It would be for any other manager of one of Europe's elite clubs

Arsenal await as Reading thump Bradford to book FA Cup semi-final date at Wembley

Steve Clarke's men booked their place in the FA Cup semi-finals with an impressive victory over the League One side, who were unable to continue their tradition of giant killings

Championship side Reading easily swept aside 10-man Bradford City on Monday night, winning 3-0 in their sixth-round replay, to set up an FA Cup semi-final against holders Arsenal at Wembley.

The Royals made a flying start to the match, two goals up after just nine minutes at the Madejski Stadium; Hal Robson-Kanu heading home from a corner to open the scoring, before Garath McCleary doubled the lead with a deflected strike.

League One minnows Bradford have made a habit of giant killings in the cups recently, famously beating Chelsea, but their hopes of a comeback ended when Filipe Morais was sent off, before Jamie Mackie added a third goal just minutes later.

While Phil Parkinson now turns his attention to securing Bradford a League One play-off berth, Reading counterpart Steve Clarke was left to bask in steering the Berkshire club to their first FA Cup semi-final since 1927.

Clarke, an FA Cup winner during his playing days at Chelsea, fielded an entirely different XI to the team that lost 4-1 at Watford on Saturday, but any fears from home fans that Reading may take time to gel were quickly extinguished. 

Robson-Kanu broke the deadlock when he timed his run to perfection to get ahead of Stephen Darby and glance a six-yard header across Ben Williams after meeting McCleary's inswinging corner at the near post. 

McCleary then doubled Reading's advantage three minutes later in rather fortuitous circumstances to leave Bradford shell-shocked. 

The Jamaica international cut in from the right, worked some space for himself with some quick footwork before hitting a shot that clipped Andy Halliday and looped over the goalkeeper. 

Ben Williams reacted sharply to palm away a swerving 25-yard Danny Williams effort as the hosts went in search of a third and McCleary created a carbon-copy of the build-up play that led to his earlier goal, but curled well over. 

Any slim hopes of a Bradford fightback disappeared when Morais saw red for his rash challenge on Nathaniel Chalobah, clattering a high boot into the young midfielder's midriff, who then picked himself up to set up Mackie's fifth goal in his last six games with 22 minutes remaining. 

Chalobah slipped the ball through for Mackie to beat the offside trap and drill between Ben Williams' legs to send the home supporters into raptures and set up a trip to Wembley where holders Arsenal await.

Chelsea's home woes continue after Tadic cancels out Costa's opener as Mourinho's side fail to take full advantage of City slip

CHELSEA 1-1 SOUTHAMPTON 

 Chelsea are 110 years old this month: and they look every day of it, battling towards a third Premier League title under Jose Mourinho. He likes to win his trophies from the front, but the going is getting harder. Had Manchester City not chosen exactly the same time in the season to have a wobble, Chelsea would be looking over their shoulders by now.

Instead, they dropped two points at home, while actually managing to increase their lead at the top. Six points clear with a game in hand is nobody's idea of a crisis – particularly when the spare game is against Leicester City. Mourinho would certainly have bought that at the start of the season, as would any rival. Yet this Chelsea are far removed from the team that once seemed so assured.

They are creating chances, but not finishing them and while Diego Costa's first league goal since January 17 was welcome, other chances that would have been dispatched six months ago seem to reflect Chelsea's malaise.  

This is a team that is tired by its exertions, in cups and in Europe too, and against a Southampton side that is bright and quick they were made to work at full capacity, certainly in the first-half. Nemanja Matic was booked for the foul that resulted in Southampton's penalty and was fortunate that referee Mike Dean chose not to issue a second yellow for a 47th minute challenge on Sadio Mane. He was replaced by Ramires soon after, perhaps an acknowledgement of that fact.

If the second-half belonged to Chelsea that was probably because Southampton saw a point gained at Stamford Bridge as mission accomplished and were happy to soak up pressure and live on the break. This they did admirably with brave blocking tackles and an impressive display from goalkeeper Fraser Forster. 

Before half-time, however, it was Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois that needed to be at the top of his game. It was an excellent match, but one that will give heart to the chasing pack. Arsenal are even further adrift – seven points and have played a game more – but Chelsea must visit the Emirates Stadium on April 26. It would require a quite incredible comeback – then again, everyone was half expecting Chelsea to have the job as good as done by now,

They certainly did enough to win in the second-half, but that is all part of their recent difficulties – the failure to close out games. It happened against Burnley, twice against Paris St Germain, and here. Chelsea were ahead after 11 minutes, were pegged back seven minutes later, and couldn't get ahead after that. They hit a post, had the standard penalty appeals rejected – rightly, it seemed from here – and brought the best out of Ronald Koeman's defenders, but it wasn't enough. 

This is a Chelsea team limping towards the finish line, in comparison to their early season form. When, with ten minutes to go, the ball fell to Costa with the goal begging, the boot of Southampton's Jose Fonte boot diverted his shot high into the stand. He wouldn't have needed that extra split second in September – and Chelsea would in all likelihood have won.

In the last 30 minutes, Chelsea had seven chances good enough to win the match. Forster punched out an Oscar corner, which Willian fired back and Costa turned onto the far post. Willian then crossed for Oscar whose header from close range struck Forster without him knowing too much about it. He did better when Eden Hazard tried to turn in the rebound, blocking at his near post. He saved from Oscar one on one after 75 minutes, and was fortunate that Juan Cuadrado finished poorly when introduced to the game by a Cesc Fabregas cross. 

Forster was brilliant low at his near post to keep out a long range shot from Cesar Azpilicueta as the game moved into injury time and a final round of penalty box pinball saw Loic Remy, John Terry and Terry again have shots blocked as Chelsea strived for the winner.

To no avail. Chelsea's determination repaid Mourinho's faith in sticking with ten of the 11 players that were removed from the Champions League by PSG – Ramires was the exception – but there was also the risk of a hangover from such a disappointing night. That looked to have kicked in during the first-half, when not even an early lead could make the champions elect comfortable.

Chelsea's goal was a thing of beauty, however. It came on the counter-attack, Willian sending Hazard away, the wide man cutting inside and going on a run that skirted the periphery of the penalty area, before involving Costa and, eventually, Branislav Ivanovic on the right. He struck a lovely cross and Costa, now drifting into a central area, met it with a header that left Forster without a hope.

From there, against all expectations, Southampton dominated. Just two minutes later Ryan Bertrand fed Dusan Tadic – arguably Southampton's most influential player during their best spells – and his cross picked out Mane. It took a quite brilliant save from Courtois to keep him out, after which Tadic curled a shot wide of the far post.

The next attack brought the breakthrough. Mane broke into the penalty area and was felled by Matic. Referee Dean was some distance away but pointed immediately to the spot. Matic was outraged but replays were inconclusive. He looked to have got some of the ball and some of the man, at roughly the same time. He might have been hard done by but, equally, the tackle was high risk in that area and always carried the possibility of sanction. Tadic got lucky with the penalty, hit straight down the middle and almost clipping Courtois's feet. The scoreline was less fortunate, though – Southampton fully deserved to be level at this point.

Until half-time came, Chelsea struggled to regain the initiative. A shot by Tadic struck Gary Cahill's arm in the 20th minute and could easily have resulted in a penalty. Less convincing was Ivanovic's tumble under pressure from Tadic at the other end. He may have been clipped, slightly, but his fall was that of a man taken out at the knees. Dean ignored him, and understandably so.

Southampton were in the ascendancy now. A mistake by John Terry allowed Shane Long to pick out Mane again, and this time his shot was saved. Soon after, a corner by Steven Davis was met on the volley Paul Scholes-style by Morgan Schneiderlin. The second-half began little differently – a free-kick from 30 yards by Toby Alderweireld forcing another fine save from Courtois. 

'To get a good result against Chelsea you need luck,' said Southampton manager Ronald Koeman, but there was nothing lucky about this. Southampton worked hard for their point, and against a Chelsea side gasping for breath these days, that is increasingly enough.

Hamilton storms to victory at the Australian GP as world champion begins title defence by leaving Rosberg trailing in opener

Lewis Hamilton storms to victory at the Australian GP as world champion leaves Nico Rosberg trailing in F1 season opener 

• Lewis Hamilton dominated the first race of the campaign to open up his championship defence with a win
• Nico Rosberg completed a Mercedes one-two, but the German was no match for his team-mate 
• Sebastian Vettel secured the final podium spot on his Ferrari debut with Felipe Massa 4th for Williams 
• Jenson Button finished 11th and last after nursing his McLaren home... only 15 cars started in Melbourne

You wait half a lifetime to see the Terminator, and then two come along at once. Standing on the top step of the podium was the indestructible human-looking phenomenon of legend, and next to him stood Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Lewis Hamilton, of course, was the second terminator, the crushing victor of the Australian Grand Prix that gave him the perfect start in his attempt to become the first British driver to successfully defend the Formula One world championship.

He has hung about with stars of the screen, fashion and music through a winter of a paparazzo’s dream, but here he was after 58 laps he had rendered as interesting as counting sheep, the supreme driver of the moment. 

Although his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg put in some fastest laps, Hamilton seemed to be holding back, doing all he needed with measure and control. But for his one and only pit stop, he led throughout after effectively winning the race with a dominant pole position on Saturday. Rosberg was second, with Sebastian Vettel third on his Ferrari debut.

‘Lewis made no mistakes,’ said Rosberg. ‘I wasn’t able to get close to him, let alone try to overtake.’

If there was any downside to Hamilton’s victory it was the possibility it raised of a one-sided season, or at least, if Rosberg can find form, an internal duel. For these Mercedes are so invulnerable they could take you to all four corners of the Earth and back without so much as a splutter.

Vettel was 34 seconds behind Hamilton, who, on this track, put Stevenage on the map with a breathtaking first few corners of daring and precision in his debut Formula One race eight years ago. The TV cameras barely focused on the Mercedes because routine genius can be boring to behold. 

Not only that but damaging to the sport, according to Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.

He is one of the most intelligent and garlanded figures in the sport but he might be considered something of a hostile witness for Formula One given his vested interest in the revival of his struggling team. But he deserves a hearing.

‘When we were winning — and we were never winning with an advantage that Mercedes have — double diffusers were banned, exhausts were moved, flexible bodywork was banned, engine mapping was changed mid-season,’ said Horner. ‘Anything was done to pull us back. That was not just us; it was done to McLaren and Williams in other years. 

‘Is it healthy to have a situation like this? Take nothing from Mercedes, they have done a super job. The problem is that the gap is so big that you end up with three-tier racing and that is not healthy for Formula One.

‘The FIA can see the power output that every engine is producing. They have the facts and they could quite easily come up with a way of a form of equalisation.’

Yes, but is the pursuit of, and reward for, perfection not Formula One’s raison d’etre?

Any late risers among the insomniac petrol-heads watching the race live early in Sunday’s British morning would have missed the greatest excitements of the day: the pre-race rate of withdrawal. 

Kevin Magnussen, driving for the tardy McLaren team, did not even manage to make it on to the grid. His Honda-powered engine gave up on him soon after he left the garage, sending smoke into the warm air.

Within seconds of that, Daniil Kvyat’s Red Bull gearbox packed in. This was a another blow for a team already angered by engine supplier Renault’s failure to improve on last year’s power unit.

With Manor not even having taken part in qualifying, and Williams’ Valtteri Bottas having pulled out with a bad back, only 15 cars started the grand prix.

Although Hamilton safely negotiated the opening lap, Kimi Raikkonen’s Ferrari caught Felipe Nasr’s Sauber, which then clipped Pastor Maldonado’s Lotus. It clunked into the wall, ending the Venezuelan’s participation. We were down to 14 cars.

Maldonado’s team-mate Romain Grosjean was then wheeled into the garage after suffering power failure. Make that 13.

Max Verstappen, the history-making Toro Rosso man, was next to go. ‘Smoke in the car,’ said the 17-year-old, anxiously. We were down to 12 .

Raikkonen’s afternoon ended when a second shoddy pit stop left him with a barely fitted left rear wheel. Now there were merely 11.

Lo and behold, this meant Jenson Button was in contention for points having started at the very back of the grid. But he could do no more than finish 11th and last in a McLaren-Honda that remains in a lamentably early stage of development.

But he believes, to borrow a phrase, they will be back.

Giroud, Ramsey and Flamini on target as Arsenal move a point off second spot

 

Arsenal 3-0 West Ham: Olivier Giroud, Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini on target to fire Gunners towards top four finish

• Arsenal kept up their chase for a top four finish in the Premier League with a 3-0 win over West Ham at the Emirates
• Olivier Giroud netted his sixth goal in seven games to open the scoring for Gunners on the stroke of half time
• Referee Chris Foy was replaced by assistant Anthony Taylor midway through the second half 
• Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey was assisted by Giroud to double the lead with his first goal since December
• Substitute Mathieu Flamini sealed victory after coming on to meet a cross from Santi Cazorla

It is a measure of Arsenal’s progress that fixtures like these no longer end in boos and angry recrimination. As the final whistle approached, the crowd at the Emirates were unusually vocal, anticipating trips to Wembley and singing praise of their team.

Earlier it had the feel of one of the afternoons with which we have become so familiar in recent years, one of those days when Arsenal break world records for possessions stats but come up against an inspired goalkeeper and end the day with fans furious at their manager, the board of directors and life in general.

But with Olivier Giroud in exceptional form, Aaron Ramsey also outstanding and Mesut Ozil thriving against the kind of opposition he relishes, Arsenal eventually cantered to victory in some style. 

Better measures of their real progress remain, of course. On Tuesday night they visit Monaco where you might anticipate another glorious comeback which ultimately ends in failure. Then there will be the league table at the end of the season which will likely tell the tale of an opportunity missed to challenge for the title.

Arsene Wenger conceded that, even with Chelsea still to come to the Emirates, Arsenal are not yet in the title race. ‘Not at the moment,’ he said. ‘But we can just keep going. We won eight of the last nine. We are stronger today than we were at the start of the season.

‘We suffered a lot from the World Cup, where the players came back. What is for sure is that they understand each other much better than six or seven months ago and that makes everyone more dangerous.’

At least Arsenal are not going backwards these days; the problem may be that they aren’t moving forwards fast enough but they are at least pointing in the right direction. 

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce looked as though he understood as much and had settled for one of those afternoons when he aims to ‘out-tactic’ the opposition.

You could hardly blame him given the resources at his disposal, with Enner Valencia and James Tomkins the latest additions to his injury list and Carl Jenkinson ineligible.

Kevin Nolan almost shocked Arsenal with a clean strike on 23 minutes but at half-time, Arsenal had 74 per cent of the possession.

At times it looked as if West Ham goalkeeper Adrian was has having one of those inspired afternoon. It was later revealed he was playing with a dislocated finger sustained in the warm up, a fact which made his performance truly heroic. ‘He’s been a brave lad,’ said assistant manager Neil McDonald.

Theo Walcott was having a less satisfactory time. Thrust back in for his first start in more than a month, he did little to help his ongoing contract talks. Three times he was presented with the opportunity to open the scoring; three times he spurned the chances. 

He could plead mitigation for the first effort on six minutes. A delightful back heel from Giroud set him up with just Adrian to beat, but James Collins came through the man and the ball to prevent him scoring.

It might have been a penalty but it was Walcott’s own hesitation in front of goal which had presented Collins with the chance to launch his saving tackle.

Adrian would then make excellent saves from Alexis Sanchez’s header on 16 minutes and from an improvised touch of the knee from Ramsey on 32 minutes, before Walcott received his next chance. Played in by a delightful Ramsey pass, he took a touch, looked up and struck his shot directly at the goalkeeper.Adrian denied Sanchez from a half volley and on 44 minutes he pushed away a strike from Ozil, which landed at Walcott’s feet, yards from goal but he skewed the ball high and wide, appearing to lose his balance. 

Giroud was on hand to provide deliverance just before half-time. Ramsey and Ozil exchanged a delicate one-two, but such is the Frenchman’s confidence these days, he nicked it off Ramsey’s foot, took a touch and drove a fine finish into the far corner of the net.

‘It was fantastic because of the combination and the finishing. It was the kind of goal we loved to score,’ said Wenger.

It was his 14th goal of the season in 24 games. That Monaco game aside, he is having an excellent season and since that dismal night, he has responded incredibly well.

‘It’s one of his strengths,’ said Wenger, who called his performance ‘outstanding’.

Having set out to defend in numbers, a change of strategy was necessary for West Ham and they were equal to the challenge.

They came out in the second-half with an entirely different mindset, pushing Arsenal back into their half and searching for an equaliser.

In terms of clear-cut chances there was still little — Matt Jarvis’ curling cross which Ospina spilled and almost let in Sakho was one unsettling moment. But Arsenal were no longer able to play as they wished.

Still, their time would come. On 80 minutes, Giroud dummied a throw-in to let in Ramsey, who played in the Frenchman.

He returned the ball to Ramsey, who drove it past Adrian to cap a fine a performance of growing authority.

Three minutes later Santi Cazorla, on as a substitute, exchanged passes with Giroud and planted a cross almost on the foot of Mathieu Flamini, who had the simplest task of converting from close range for the third goal.