Chelsea frustrated in stalemate with United

LONDON: Chelsea missed a chance to regain their place in the Premier League’s top four as they largely dominated secondplaced Manchester United but had to be content with a drab 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge. The home side carved out the best chances but United, who had a decent first-half penalty appeal turned down, defended solidly throughout to earn a point.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel remains unbeaten in nine games since taking over from sacked Frank Lampard but a second successive Premier League draw left him frustrated. His side remain in fifth spot with 44 points from 26 games, one point behind West Ham United, while Manchester United are second with 50 points from 26 games, 12 points behind runaway leaders Manchester City.

Zlatko Kranjcar dead

ZAGREB: Zlatko Kranjcar, a former Croatia national team coach who led his team to the 2006 World Cup and also played internationally for Yugoslavia before the country’s breakup, has died. He was 64. The Croatian soccer association said Kranjcar died in a Zagreb hospital after a short and serious illness. Kranjcar launched his career at Dinamo Zagreb in the 70s, playing as a forward. He later moved to Rapid Vienna, where his career peaked.

Kranjcar also played for the Yugoslav national team and later was the first captain for an unofficial Croatian national team in 1990. Croatia became independent in 1991 and played its first official match in 1992.