Louis van Gaal is unconcerned by Paul Scholes’ criticism of Manchester United for “lacking creativity”, citing the nursery rhyme: “Sticks and stones can break my bones but names can never hurt me.”

DIDIER DROGBA gave Arsenal a perfect demonstration of how to mix beauty and the beast as he guided Chelsea to a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League and left Arsene Wenger wondering if there will ever be a happy ending for his own style of fairytale football.