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Tag: Premier League

  • Maddison never gave up on England return

    James Maddison is hopeful of being fit enough to play in England’s opener against Iran next Monday after picking up a knockFifa World CupHost nation: Qatar Dates: 20 November-18 December Coverage: Live on BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app. Day-by-day TV listings – Full coverage details

    James Maddison said he never gave up hope of being part of the England squad for the Fifa World Cup despite his three-year absence from the international picture.

    The Leicester midfielder, 25, made his England debut in November 2019 – still his only cap for his country.

    But Maddison’s excellent club form this season earned him a place in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for Qatar.

    “I didn’t think it was a closed door and the opportunity had gone,” he said.

    “It was just about staying hungry and almost using the rejection as not being called as motivation.”

    I never thought England was a closed door – Maddison

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    Maddison’s one and only England appearance came in a 7-0 Euro 2020 qualifier win against Montenegro and he has had to wait patiently for his next international opportunity.

    He has been instrumental in Leicester’s rise from bottom of the Premier League table to 13th this season, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in 13 games.

    However, he was still not certain whether it would be enough to earn a call-up and he admitted it was an emotional moment when he was told he was in the squad.

    Watch as England arrive in Qatar for the World Cup

    “My dad actually cried and my dad’s not a crier; I don’t think I’ve seen him cry for years,” he added.

    “They were happy tears of course because your family and your parents are on this journey with you.

    “The disappointment in previous years of not being selected is spread across the family because your family want what’s best for you.

    “But on the opposite end, the happiness comes too.”

    There was a scare when Maddison limped off in Leicester’s 2-0 win at West Ham last Saturday, but it was soon confirmed that it was just a knock.

    And Maddison says he is confident he will be fit for England’s opener against Iran on Monday (13:00 GMT).

    “The scan was a good scan and no major problem,” he said. “I’ll have to do a little bit of work with the physios here to get up to full speed.

    “It shouldn’t affect me playing in the first game. I might just have to do some separate work with the physios, but I’m hopeful I’ll be fine.”

      Fifa World Cup: Groups & ScheduleWorld Cup TV Coverage guide

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    Source: bbc.com

  • Shakhtar chief demands £87m for Mudryk amid Arsenal links

    Any club looking to snatch Mykhaylo Mudryk will have to splash at least £87million, Shakhtar Donetsk’s director of football Dario Srna has said.

    The Ukraine international has courted the attention of Europe’s elite with spectacular performances in the Champions League, where he scored three goals and contributed two assists in six appearances.

    Earlier this week, Mudryk revealed he follows Arsenal closely, amid continued speculation the Premier League leaders are looking to launch a move for his services when the market reopens in the new year.

    Mudryk’s services will not come cheaply, though, with Srna arguing the transfers of Antony and Jadon Sancho to Manchester United, and Jack Grealish to Manchester City, have set the bar.

    “If somebody wants to buy Mudryk, they must pay huge, huge, huge money. Otherwise, the president of the club [Rinat Akhmetov[} will not sell him,” he told The Athletic.

    “All the clubs must respect the president, respect Shakhtar and in the end they must respect Mykhaylo Mudryk, who is one of the best players I have seen. The price is so big.

    “The market is deciding the price, not me. Antony, Grealish, they are players of more than €100m and for me, Mudryk does not have less quality than them.

    “This is the last two transfers in the past year, in more or less the same positions. Sancho from Borussia Dortmund also. We just want respect. The market is deciding the price, not me – it shows which kind of players cost this kind of money.”

    Shakhtar’s chief executive Sergei Palkin confirmed Mudryk is attracting plenty of interest ahead of the January transfer window, claiming that new suitors emerge on a weekly basis.

    “Every week, some club appears and starts to feel [where we are]. They’re not coming and saying ‘OK, take 50 million and give me Mudryk’. They understand the story behind him, and they understand that he is quite an expensive player,” Palkin explained.

    “But they start to feel our club, what our strategy is, what we should do. In any case, the time will arrive. Definitely, it will arrive and a big club will give us €100m.

    “Mudryk is a talent in a process. What he is showing today, it’s just 60 per cent of what he can do in the future. And when you multiply this, you realise he costs much, much more. Therefore, we believe that in the future he can cost definitely around €100m.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Ronaldo says son’s death was ‘the most difficult moment of my life’

    Cristiano Ronaldo says the death of his baby son was “the most difficult moment I had in my life.”

    As part of a wide-ranging interview with Piers Morgan for TalkTV, which will be released in full on Wednesday, Ronaldo has hit out at Manchester United and criticised his manager Erik ten Hag, among others.

    In a further snippet of the interview released on Tuesday, Ronaldo spoke of the tragic moment in April when he and his partner Georgina Rodriguez lost their son during childbirth.

    “It was probably the worst moment that I passed through in my life since my father died,” Ronaldo said.

    “When you have a kid you expect that everything will be normal, and you have that problem, it’s hard. As a human being, me and Georgina had quite difficult moments because we didn’t understand why it happened to us.

    “It was difficult, to be honest, it was very difficult to understand what is going on in that period of our life.

    “As you know, the football carries on, it’s so fast, there are so many competitions… and passing through that is probably the most difficult moment that I had in my life, for me and my family, especially Geo. That was tough.”

    Rodriguez gave birth to a baby girl, who is about to turn seven months old, and Portugal captain Ronaldo – who is currently preparing for the World Cup in Qatar – says he did not know how to react at the time.

    “I tried to explain to my family and close friends: ‘I never felt to be so happy and sad in the same moment’,” he added. “It’s hard to explain, so difficult. You don’t know if you [should] cry or smile, because it’s something [where] you don’t know how to react.

    “You don’t know what to do, to be honest.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Chelsea sign up transfer expert as Potter gets Blues boost

    Chelsea have reunited Graham Potter with his former Brighton and Hove Albion head of recruitment in a move designed to guide the club’s future transfer dealings.

    Paul Winstanley worked closely with head coach Potter at Brighton and becomes Chelsea’s director of global talent and transfers.

    He spent eight years at Brighton, having joined from Derby County, and played a prominent role in assembling the talent that has propelled the Seagulls into the Premier League and kept them among the elite.

    Potter left for Chelsea in September, and Winstanley arrives at a point where results have taken a nosedive, with Chelsea losing their last three Premier League matches.

    There could be scope for transfer movement in January, but this appointment has been made with a long-term view.

    Winstanley said on Chelsea’s website: “I’m thrilled to be joining Chelsea and to continue working with Graham Potter and his team.

    “There is a real sense of excitement and momentum around the new ownership and this project. I’m looking forward to working with such an outstanding group of colleagues as the club moves into a new era.”

    Chairman Todd Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali said: “Paul is going to be a great addition to Chelsea.

    “He’s highly respected and is a key senior addition as we continue to build a world-class sporting team with a huge depth of talent, ambition and commitment who will work closely with us to drive Chelsea forward.

    “Paul shares our philosophy and will fit seamlessly into the organisation.”

    Potter’s Chelsea side sit eight points adrift of the Premier League’s top four going into the World Cup break, albeit with a game in hand over fourth-placed Tottenham. They are level on 21 points with Brighton.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • City and England centre-back Stones backs ‘partner’ Maguire

    Manchester City centre-back John Stones believes form and club minutes are irrelevant when it comes to the World Cup, and is backing Manchester United captain Harry Maguire to deliver on the big stage for England.

    Stones and Maguire are experienced in leading their country deep into big tournaments, starting alongside each other in both the 2018 World Cup semi-final and the Euro 2020 final.

    While Stones, 28, remains in terrific standing back at City, starting almost every game he is healthy for, it has been a different story for 29-year-old Maguire this campaign with United.

    After starting the first two games of the Premier League season, a benching followed by a hamstring injury has seen him make only one start since, with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane overtaking the club captain.

    Despite Maguire’s lack of a perfect preparation, Stones said he knows he can still perform at a high level if that is how manager Gareth Southgate chooses to line up.

    “Whatever team or whatever system Gareth decides, if it’s me and Harry we will use those bonds again,” he said.

    “They are too strong to be broken by game time, form, whatever it is. That kind of goes out the window when these moments hit.

    “When I look at Harry, I see a partner. Through all our experiences he’s had my back and I’ve had his.

    “We’ve had so many games together, we’ve made a bond and a partnership together. We know what the other person is going to do and how we work best together. It clicks.”

    England kick off their campaign on November 21 against Iran, before closing out the group stage with fixtures against the United States and Wales.


    Source: Livescore

  • Koulibaly puts blame on players for Chelsea slump

    Kalidou Koulibaly implored Chelsea players “to look each other in the eye” with the Blues players the only “culprits” for the increasing pressure on Graham Potter.

    Head coach Potter became the first Blues manager since Jose Mourinho in 2015 to lose three consecutive Premier League matches following a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle.

    The tepid nature of the Chelsea showing offered more reason for concern after the Blues managed just seven touches in the opposition box, their lowest since January against Manchester City.

    With Potter’s side eight points adrift of the Premier League’s top four, albeit with a game in hand over fourth-placed Tottenham, Koulibaly urged his team-mates to take responsibility for their recent form.

    “It hurts, we came here to take three points,” the Senegal international told Canal Plus.

    ”We knew that they were in a good moment, that they are putting on the intensity and that especially at home they have their audience behind them.

    “Today, Chelsea are not in their place and the only culprits are us. So we must look each other in the eye and continue to work to put Chelsea in their place.”

    The World Cup break could come at a good time for Chelsea as the Premier League pauses, with the Blues not in action again until a home clash with Bournemouth on December 27.

    Koulibaly will head to the Middle East with Senegal, who are in Group A alongside hosts Qatar, Ecuador and the Netherlands, though he hopes Chelsea can atone for their mistakes after the break.

    He added: ”The break comes at a good time for us, we need to recharge the batteries, think about something else and come back after the World Cup with a different mentality.”

  • Ronaldo involvement against Fulham ‘possible’ despite illness

    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is unsure of Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability against Fulham after the forward was struck down by illness this week.

    United travel to Craven Cottage in the Premier League on Sunday for their final game before the season halts for the World Cup in Qatar, with questions lingering as to whether players will avoid being involved across the final weekend in order to avoid picking up an injury.

    Ten Hag insists that is not the case for United and, though Ronaldo has been under the weather in recent days, it is “possible” he could be involved.

    “I think the players are all aware of the importance of the game. We have Fulham, and I will not take the World Cup into regard. We play the best team on Sunday – it’s the only interest for Manchester United,” Ten Hag told reporters.

    “I can’t guarantee that now [Ronaldo being available], but he was ill today, so he can recover from that, it’s not a really serious illness that takes days or weeks. So I think it’s possible that he will be available for Sunday and that he will be in the squad.”

    Ten Hag was also asked how he would assess the current position of United and outlined his content, though he remains focused on this weekend’s game with Fulham.

    “I hoped that we would be where we are now, but again, it’s better to ask me the question after Sunday. Sunday is going to be a really important game,” he added.

    “If you look into the progress of the process, then you can analyse and you can make a reflection. I think we have progressed.

    “Pressing play out from the back, also attacking the final third, that is part of the game we have to improve, but then you have to have numbers available. When we have so many games, you need rotation. Otherwise, you don’t keep the players fresh.

    “We need the players who are available at the highest level. So we need new players or to use the players that we have already got.”

    One of those within the squad who has had limited involvement is Donny van de Beek, but Ten Hag feels there is still a role for the midfielder to play, with a temporary departure not appealing to him.

    “I don’t think that a loan makes sense. It’s either he fights himself, and he proves himself in this atmosphere in this environment, or he goes, but for me, there’s still a way for him,” he explained.

    “There’s still chances for him, but it is not going to be easy because the competition there is really strong.”

     

  • Potter backs James and Chilwell to recover from World Cup disappointment

    Chelsea boss Graham Potter believes Reece James and Ben Chilwell will react well to the disappointment of missing out on England’s squad for the World Cup in Qatar.

    James sustained a knee injury in a Champions League game against Milan last month, and an estimated eight-week timescale for his recovery immediately threw his World Cup hopes into doubt.

    The right-back initially vowed to do everything in his power to feature, but Gareth Southgate said there were simply “too many unknowns” concerning James’ recovery as he left him out of the Three Lions’ 26-man squad.

    Fellow Blues full-back Chilwell will also miss the tournament after suffering a hamstring injury, and while Potter says the duo are understandably down, he believes they will bounce back.

    “It’s a natural reaction, they’re disappointed. Reece thought he would be close and did everything he could to give himself a chance, but in the end, he fell a little bit short,” Potter said on Friday.

    “Obviously, I can understand the decision and understand Reece’s frustration and disappointment. We just have to focus on the rehab on try to get them back as soon as we can.

    “It’s normal, World Cups don’t come around very often and to miss them is disappointing, but they’re strong characters. They’ll be fine.”

    After Saturday’s trip to Newcastle United, Chelsea are not in action until they face Bournemouth in the Premier League on December 27 – having been eliminated from the EFL Cup in midweek – and Potter hopes to use that break to nurse his injured stars back to fitness.

    “If you’re going to look at the positives, it’s a time to do the rehab as thoroughly as possible without a timescale hanging over them,” Potter said. “Hopefully, we have them when we restart and they’re fit, strong and well.

    “I wouldn’t say I’m really looking forward to it, but we have to use it as what it is, and it’s an opportunity to take stock.

    “It’s been incredibly intense, we’ve learned a lot. It’s a chance to reflect. It would be stupid of me not to use that time to rejuvenate, to recover and to improve.”

    Midfielder Conor Gallagher was included in England’s squad after making 17 appearances for Chelsea this season, and Potter believes he deserves it after breaking into the Blues’ first team.

    Asked if Gallagher’s selection was a surprise, Potter said: “It’s not something I really gave too much thought, to be honest; it’s just nice for us and great for Conor. He’s going to have a really positive experience, I think.

    “He’s worked really hard, and he’s a fantastic person, so it’s nice. It’s a fantastic honour for him, everyone is really pleased.

    “It’s a nice story, he’s been out on loan and come through the club, so to get the chance to play at the World Cup is great news for him.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Ten Hag claims Argentina inclusion not ‘right step’ for Garnacho

    Erik ten Hag says Alejandro Garnacho’s potential inclusion in Argentina’s Qatar 2022 World Cup squad would not be “the right step” for the Manchester United teenager.

    La Albiceleste are set to announce their 26-man party for this month’s tournament next Monday, where the reigning Copa America champions are considered among the frontrunners.

    With Lionel Messi set to likely compete in his final World Cup, Lionel Scaloni’s side will not be short of motivation, and there have been suggestions Garnacho could be a surprise name in the squad.

    But Ten Hag is not sure it would be the best thing for the winger’s development.

    “It’s difficult to say,” he stated. “I don’t know all the available Argentina players, what is available for them from 26. It’s a big step to go to a World Cup, where the best players in the world come together.

    “It’s a big step. I don’t know if that’s the right step for him. I think he has to keep his head clean, stay calm, work hard and develop. I think [he has to] go from game to game.”

    Garnacho was a live-wire performer for United as they progressed to the last 16 of the EFL Cup on Thursday with a 4-2 win over Aston Villa, providing two assists after coming off the bench.

    The teenager has lacked regular minutes this term, though he has been a frequent performer in Europe, with four Europa League appearances and a goal to his name.

    Source: Livescore

  • Manchester United issued fine for Newcastle and Chelsea incidents

    Manchester United have been fined £82,000 over two separate FA charges from their Premier League games with Newcastle United and Chelsea last month.

    The club faced claims they had failed to control their players surrounding flashpoint incidents in both matches, crowding match officials after a disallowed goal against the Magpies and for a penalty concession against the Blues.

    Now, having admitted to both charges, United have seen punishments handed out by the FA, with a heavy combined financial sanction for their troubles.

    “Manchester United has been fined £82,000 in total for breaching FA Rule E20.1 during its Premier League matches against Newcastle United on Sunday 16 October and Chelsea on Saturday 22 October,” read a statement.

    “Manchester United admitted that it failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 49th minute of the Newcastle United game and the 84th minute of the Chelsea fixture.

    “Independent Regulatory Commissions imposed fines of £45,000 and £37,000 for the respective breaches in the Newcastle United and Chelsea matches during separate hearings.

    “The Independent Regulatory Commissions’ written reasons for these individual sanctions will be published in due course.”

    United’s fine is among the latest high-profile penalties handed out by the FA for disciplinary action this season, with several other managers and clubs facing similar sanctions.

    Jurgen Klopp was fined £30,000 for his actions during Liverpool’s win over Manchester City, though the FA have since appealed the original fine.

    Arsenal were also hit with a £20,000 penalty for failing to control their players during October’s match against Leeds United.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Cameroon captain Vincent Aboubakar criticizes Liverpool star Mohamed Salah for the second time

    Cameroon striker Vincent Aboubakar says the only difference between him and Mohamed Salah is the Egyptian star getting the chance to ‘play in a big club’.

    Before the AFCON 2021 semifinal clash between Cameroon and Egypt in February this year, the 30-year-old had hit out at the Egypt international.

    Aboubakar, who currently plies his trade in Saudi Arabia at Al-Nassr is not impressed with Salah despite his exploits for club and country.

    And he has bizarrely doubled down on his criticism of the Reds winger, who has banged in 14 goals from 20 games this season.

    The 2017 AFCON winner has declared that he would be able to score just as much as Salah if he was playing for a top European club.

    He told 90football.fr: “I understand people’s attitudes, he’s one of the best goalscorers in the Premier League.

    “It makes sense that when you go on about a player like that, people will talk.

     

    “But I did say that it was my opinion, my point of view.

    “I don’t give a toss if people don’t like it – I’m not impressed by him.

    “I can do what he does. I just don’t have the opportunity to play in a big club.”

    Since making the move to Merseyside in 2017, Salah has banged in 170 goals to leave him eighth in the club’s all-time scoring charts – two behind Kenny Dalglish.

  • Cruyff claims Barcelona’s ‘special’ Man United tie will come too soon

    Jordi Cruyff is relishing a “special” Europa League tie between Barcelona and Manchester United but thinks it is a shame they will not meet later in the competition.

    Barca finished behind Bayern Munich and Inter in Champions League Group C, plunging them into the Europa League for a second consecutive season.

    Monday’s knockout round play-off draw handed the Catalan giants a heavyweight clash with United, which Xavi lamented as the “most difficult” assignment possible.

    Blaugrana sporting director Cruyff, who represented both clubs during his playing days, would like such a mouthwatering tie to have taken place in the latter stages of the Europa League.

    “I think it’s a draw that both teams would have preferred to have further down the line, not so quick, but that’s the beauty of football, you never know what’s going to come,” Cruyff said.

    “It came now, and it’s probably going to be a tough match for both, but also very special as these are two historic football clubs.

    “Barcelona is a club where the pressure is always at the max, everything you start, you always need to win. That’s the pressure that these sorts of clubs have, the same that United will have.

    “For us, it’s a motivation and the fact that we get a team like this so quickly means that this competition isn’t easy at all. It’s difficult, but you know that we’re motivated.”

    Barca have fond memories of their recent fixtures against United, having beaten the Red Devils in four successive meetings – including Champions League final triumphs in 2009 and 2011.


    Source: Livescore

     

  • Hasenhuttl sacked as Southampton manager

    Southampton have sacked their manager Ralph Hasenhuttl in the wake of Sunday’s 4-1 home defeat by Newcastle.

    Hasenhuttl, who was appointed in December 2018, departs with the club in the Premier League relegation zone with 12 points after 14 games.

    Southampton have only one win from the past nine matches.

    First team coach Ruben Selles will take charge for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup third round home game against League One side Sheffield Wednesday.

    Scoring goals has been a particular problem for Hasenhuttl’s side and the 55-year-old Austrian bemoaned his players wasting opportunities against Newcastle.

    Afterwards he said he was not concerned about the risk of losing his job, but the Saints board have decided to act before the midweek EFL Cup game and Saturday’s trip to Liverpool – their final game before the Premier League breaks for the World Cup.

    More to follow.

      Our coverage of Southampton is bigger and better than ever before – here’s everything you need to know to make sure you never miss a momentEverything Saints – go straight to all the best content

     

  • Hasenhuttl sacked by Saints after heavy Newcastle loss

    Southampton have sacked manager Ralph Hasenhuttl following a 4-1 home defeat to Newcastle.

    The Saints lie 18th in the Premier League table having lost six of their last nine games.

    Sunday’s woeful performance against the Magpies proved to be the final game in charge for Hasenhuttl, who was appointed to the South Coast outfit in December 2018.

    The Austrian, 55, maintained the club’s status in the English top flight for four consecutive seasons but his tenure has come to an end with Saints chiefs fearful of a slide into the Championship.

    Hasenhuttl’s time at St Mary’s will be remembered most for two 9-0 losses — at home to Leicester in October 2019 and at Manchester United in February 2021.

    A club statement read: “Southampton can confirm it has parted company with men’s first team manager Ralph Hasenhuttl. First team assistant coach Richard Kitzbichler has also today left the club.

    “Hasenhuttl, who was appointed in December 2018, departs having made a significant contribution to the club, overseeing some memorable results and also playing a key role in the development of our club infrastructure, identity and playing squad.

    “However, we now believe it is an appropriate time to make a change. Everyone involved with the club would like to express their sincere thanks to Ralph for all of his efforts, as well as the unwavering commitment he has shown throughout his time as manager.

    “First team lead coach Ruben Selles will take charge of the side on an interim basis for our game on Wednesday night. The club will be announcing a permanent replacement in due course.”

    Southampton face Sheffield Wednesday in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup third-round tie before a trip to Liverpool on Saturday.


    Source: Livescore

  • 2022/23 Ghana Premier League: King Faisal currently worst club in ongoing campaign after losing five consecutive games

    Sergio Agüero is now just one hat-trick away from Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League record after his treble against Arsenal last weekend.

    The Argentine netted all three goals in a comfortable 3-1 victory over the Gunners to bring up his 10th Premier League hat-trick.

    Agüero’s first treble came against Wigan Athletic in 2011 with his 10th coming on his 227th appearance.

    A hat-trick against Chelsea on Sunday [February 10] would take him level with Shearer but who else is on the list of Premier League hat-trick heroes?

    <a href=”https://dugout.com/spurs/hat-trick-heroes-harry-kane-scores-a-treble-against-west-brom”>Harry Kane</a>: It might not be long before Agüero is at the top of the hat-trick leaderboard, but he could be joined by Tottenham’s Harry Kane in the near future.

    The England star already has eight hat-tricks to his name, just two behind Agüero.

    Kane’s first hat-trick came against Leicester in a thrilling 4-3 victory in March 2015.

    The striker also scored an incredible six trebles in 2017.

    <a href=”https://dugout.com/fcbarcelona/hat-trick-heroes-luis-suarez-helps-to-clobber-cordoba”>Luis Suárez</a>: Now an FC Barcelona hero, Suárez made his name at Liverpool, scoring hat-tricks at will during his four years at the club.

    Suárez made a habit of scoring against Norwich, netting three of his six hat-tricks against the Canaries.

    The Uruguayan currently sits eighth in the Premier League hat-tricks standings and also has 10 hat-tricks in LaLiga for Barça.

     

    <a href=”https://dugout.com/fcbarcelona/hat-trick-heroes-thierry-henry-haunts-valencia”>Thierry Henry</a>: Tied with Kane and Michael Owen, Theirry Henry was devastating in front of goal for Arsenal.

    The Frenchman spent eight years at the Gunners, scoring eight hat-tricks and winning two league titles.

    His final treble came in the last match at Highbury as Arsenal won 4-2 against Wigan in 2006.

    <a href=”https://dugout.com/liverpoolfc/dream-transfers-robbie-fowler”>Robbie Fowler</a>: A cult hero at Liverpool, Robbie Fowler netted 128 Premier League goals for the Reds.

    That included eight hat-tricks as well as one treble for Leeds United.

    Fowler also scored 21 league goals in 80 appearances for Manchester City.

  • Eight touches?! Aubameyang endures nightmare 64 minutes in first game against Arsenal since leaving

    WHAT HAPPENED?Aubameyang started against Arsenal in his first match against his former club since leaving in January for Barcelona – but it didn’t quite go to plan.

    The forward struggled up front on his own, achieving just eight touches before being hooked after 64 minutes.

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

     

    Arsenal have the second-best defensive record in the league so it is perhaps no surprise that Aubameyang struggled up against the centre-back partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba.

    WHAT NEXT FOR AUBAMEYANG?

    Chelsea face Manchester City in the EFL Cup next week before their final Premier League match before the World Cup break against Newcastle.

  • Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group hint they are open to offers, raising prospect of club being sold

    Liverpool FC‘s owners have stated that they are open to offers, raising the possibility of the club being sold.

    The club was purchased in 2010 by the Fenway Sports Group (FSG), which also owns the Boston Red Sox, and went on to win the Premier League and the Champions League.

    “FSG has frequently received expressions of interest from third parties seeking to become shareholders in Liverpool. FSG has said before that under the right terms and conditions we would consider new shareholders if it was in the best interests of Liverpool as a club.

    “FSG remains fully committed to the success of Liverpool, both on and off the pitch.”

  • FA appeals against sanction imposed on Klopp for red card against City

    The Football Association (FA) will appeal against the sanction imposed on Jurgen Klopp for his red card during Liverpool’s win over Manchester City last month.

    Klopp was shown a red card for furiously charging towards assistant referee Gary Beswick and berating the official late in a 1-0 Premier League win for the Reds at Anfield on October 16.

    The Liverpool manager admitted he “lost it” after he also confronted referee Anthony Taylor for not awarding a foul for a challenge on Mohamed Salah by Bernardo Silva.

    Klopp was fined £30,000 by an independent regulatory commission but avoided a touchline ban.

    He apologised for his actions and accepted the initial FA charge before discovering what his punishment would be, but the governing body on Friday revealed it will appeal against the commission’s decision.

    “The FA can confirm that it is appealing against the independent regulatory commission’s sanction in relation to the recent case involving Jurgen Klopp after reviewing its written reasons,” an FA spokesperson said.

    “The independent regulatory commission fined Jurgen Klopp £30,000 for breaching FA rule E3 during Liverpool’s Premier League game on Sunday 16 October 2022 against Manchester City.”


    Source: Livescore

  • Conte fumes at pre-World Cup schedule as Son adds to Spurs’ injury woes

    Antonio Conte accused football’s organisers of demonstrating a lack of care for players after Heung-Min Son joined Tottenham’s mounting injury list ahead of the World Cup.

    Tottenham have the chance to move 13 points ahead of Liverpool in the Premier League table when they host the Reds on Sunday, but have been beset by fitness concerns in recent weeks.

    With Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski already sidelined, Spurs suffered a huge blow on Tuesday when Son sustained a fracture around his left eye in their Champions League win at Marseille, throwing his chances of featuring in Qatar into doubt.

    Defender Cristian Romero, meanwhile, has missed Tottenham’s last two games with a calf problem, and will not be fit to return against Liverpool.

    Speaking at Friday’s pre-match news conference, Conte said the game’s organisers were paying lip service to concerns over player welfare.

    “It’s better to start with a smile. We need to face this situation, we need to try to finish these three games in the best possible way,” Conte said.

    “We have these injuries; Richarlison is not available for the game, it’s the same for Romero.

    “About Romero, I can tell you if he has the possibility to play with one leg, he will play with one leg. I tell the fans that we have players really committed to the club.

    “Maybe Romero has an injury because he wanted to take a risk, but for sure, many teams are having big injuries, because we are playing every three days.

    “We are seeing this situation is impossible for the future. Many times, I hear about the welfare of the players, but [talking] is only a polite way of showing they care.

    “They’re not really worried about the welfare of the players if the schedule is this, if the most important thing is that the show must go on.

    “In the future, I don’t want to hear or speak about the welfare of the players, because this is not true.”

    Conte offered more positive updates on the conditions of Rodrigo Bentancur and Kulusevski – the latter having not featured since September after sustaining a hamstring injury – but Lucas Moura’s participation against Liverpool appears uncertain.

    “Bentancur is much better and was part of a training session,” Conte said. “It was the same for Kulusevski, he had half a training session with us.

    “The problem is Lucas Moura is having different phases with his pain. Today it was really bad, and they told me he was really worried about this. I asked him to try to be available.”

    Sunday’s match will represent the first time Tottenham have hosted Liverpool while above them in the Premier League table since October 2017, when they posted a 4-1 win over the Reds.

    That, however, remains Spurs’ most recent league victory against Liverpool, who are unbeaten in the teams’ nine subsequent meetings in the competition (W6 D3).

    Source: Livescore

  • Emery sets ‘personal challenge’ to win silverware with Villa

    Unai Emery preached patience as he met the media for the first time as Aston Villa coach on Friday, but that did not stop him setting a “personal challenge” to bring silverware to Villa Park.

    Emery started work as Villa boss this week having left former club Villarreal, where he achieved Europa League success in the 2020-21 season.

    But initial ambitions will have to be more modest at Villa, with the side 16th in the Premier League table ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester United.

    If results go against his new team on Saturday, Emery could find himself in the relegation zone by the time of his first match in charge.

    For that reason, Emery had a dash of realism to go with his optimistic plans for the future on his return to the Premier League.

    “My dream is to win a trophy with Aston Villa,” said the former Arsenal manager, who was asked if Villa could qualify for Europe this season.

    “It’s my personal challenge at the beginning. And my second dream, my objective could be to play with Aston Villa in Europe.

    “But now we have to start thinking only [about] the next match because we are not in a good position in the table now, and each match is going to give us a lot of information from the players and I want to test, to check individually and collectively the players.

    “The next match is my only focus now, Sunday against Manchester United, and, of course, playing here at home.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Premier League Matchday 15: Leaders Arsenal head to London foes Chelsea

    An action-packed Premier League weekend sees Chelsea face off with London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham host Liverpool on Matchday 15.

    Elsewhere, Manchester City are up against Fulham while Manchester United head to Aston Villa in Unai Emery’s first game in charge of the Villans.

    Read on as we run the rule over all 10 matches in the English top flight.

    Leeds vs Bournemouth (Saturday, 3pm)

    Leeds host Bournemouth at Elland Road on a high after ending an eight-game winless streak with a thrilling late victory at Liverpool last Saturday.

    Scoring the winner for Jesse Marsch’s men at Anfield was Crysencio Summerville, who also netted against Fulham the week before.

    The Dutchman can become the youngest player (21 years and six days) to score in three straight Premier League games for the West Yorkshire club since 20-year-old Alan Smith in August 2001.

    After going unbeaten in six matches under caretaker boss Gary O’Neil, Bournemouth have lost their last three — most recently letting a two-goal lead slip to lose 3-2 to Tottenham.

    Manchester City vs Fulham (Saturday, 3pm)

    Champions Manchester City remain two points behind Arsenal at the summit of the Premier League ahead of the penultimate weekend before the World Cup.

    In Saturday’s opponents Fulham, they face a side they have beaten in all of their past 12 meetings, including last season’s 4-1 FA Cup fourth-round clash.

    But the Cottagers can take a glimmer of hope from the fact that all of their last three wins against the Citizens have come at the Etihad, though they have not earned three points against Saturday’s hosts since April 2009.

    Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira has created 34 chances in the Premier League this term, second only to City’s Kevin De Bruyne who is on 40.

    Andreas Pereira has been a revelation since joining Fulham last summer
    Andreas Pereira has been a revelation since joining Fulham last summer

    Nottingham Forest vs Brentford (Saturday, 3pm)

    Nottingham Forest host Brentford in the first top-flight meeting between the two sides.

    Despite a 1-0 win against Liverpool in their most recent home outing, Forest remain at the foot of the table thanks to a 5-0 loss at Arsenal last Sunday.

    Brentford, who are in 11th place, have won five of their last seven away games against the Reds.

    Goals look likely in the East Midlands, with Forest’s goal difference of -20 the worst in the Premier League this term while the Bees have just one clean sheet in their last 22 league games on the road.

    Wolves vs Brighton (Saturday, 3pm)

    Wolves look to be edging closer towards appointing Julen Lopetegui as their new manager but they must negotiate the visit of Brighton with caretaker boss Steve Davis still in charge.

    The Seagulls head to Molineux fresh from an exceptional 4-1 win over Chelsea last Saturday but are up against a team they have beaten just once in the last seven meetings — though that victory did come last season.

    Wolves have won just two of their last 20 Premier League games, failing to score more than once in any of their last 16 matches.

    Brighton pair Danny Welbeck (25) and Solly March (24) are the two players to have had the most shots without scoring so far this season in the Premier League.

    Danny Welbeck is without a goal in 25 shots in the Premier League this term
    Danny Welbeck is without a goal in 25 shots in the Premier League this term

    Everton vs Leicester (Saturday, 5.30pm, Sky Sports)

    Saturday’s late kick-off sees Everton take on Leicester, who remain in the bottom three despite a recent revival of sorts.

    The Foxes narrowly lost 1-0 to Manchester City last Saturday but won their previous two to boost their survival hopes, while the Toffees are also without defeat in their last two.

    Frank Lampard has certainly tightened things up, with the Merseyside club keeping four clean sheets in their last eight games including shut-outs in their last two.

    Only De Bruyne (nine) has registered more league assists than Everton’s Alex Iwobi’s five this term, creating an average of 1.72 chances per 90 minutes.

    Chelsea vs Arsenal (Sunday, 12pm, BT Sport 1)

    Arsenal continue to sit pretty at the top of the Premier League but they know a trip to London rivals Chelsea will be no easy task.

    The North London side have enjoyed recent trips to Stamford Bridge, though, winning the last two top-flight meetings — as many as they had in the previous 16.

    But Blues boss Graham Potter seems to have Arsenal under his spell, having masterminded victory in three of his six games against them — against no side in the division has he won more often.

    Former Gunners captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be looking to torment his old club. The Gabonese striker can become just the second Premier League player to score for both sides in this fixture after Cesc Fabregas.

    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is in line to face former boss Mikel Arteta for the first time on Sunday
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is in line to face former boss Mikel Arteta for the first time on Sunday

    Aston Villa vs Manchester United (Sunday, 2pm)

    Unai Emery has a challenging first game as Aston Villa boss as Manchester United arrive on a nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

    If he does engineer three points, he will end the hosts’ run of 23 home league matches without a win against United.

    Villa won four points off the Red Devils last term but they will have to watch out for United star Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored more goals (eight) against them than any other Premier League team.

    Southampton vs Newcastle (Sunday, 2pm, Sky Sports)

    Newcastle continue to ride the crest of a wave as they head into Sunday’s trip to Southampton occupying fourth spot in the table.

    The Magpies have won five of their last six games, in stark contrast to the form of the Saints, who have just a single victory in eight outings.

    Only Chelsea (11) have had more different goalscorers than Eddie Howe’s men (10) this term, while only Brighton (seven) and Arsenal (10) have made fewer changes to their starting XI (17).

    Miguel Almiron is in particularly sensational form after netting six goals in his last six games, including all of his last three. He can become the first non-Englishman since Papiss Demba Cisse to score in four consecutive games for the Tynesiders.

    Miguel Almiron has been in fine form for Newcastle
    Miguel Almiron has been in fine form for Newcastle

    West Ham vs Crystal Palace (Sunday, 2pm)

    Three days after topping their Europa Conference League group with six wins from six, West Ham host fellow London side Crystal Palace.

    The Hammers are unbeaten in their last four against Palace and are aiming for consecutive victories against them for the first time since January 2017.

    Current form points to another success for David Moyes’ men, who have won their last three Premier League home outings. In contrast, the Eagles are winless in seven top-flight away trips.

    Michail Antonio has been involved in 15 goals in his last 19 London derbies, while all nine of Odsonne Edouard’s Palace goals have come in the English capital (eight at Selhurst Park, one at the Emirates).

    Tottenham vs Liverpool (Sunday, 4.30pm, Sky Sports)

    Rounding off the weekend is a mouth-watering clash between third-placed Tottenham and inconsistent Liverpool.

    Spurs have won just one of their last 21 matches against the Reds and have failed to emerge victorious from any of the 10 most recent meetings.

    This is the first time Spurs face the Merseysiders above them in the table since December 2020, with Jurgen Klopp’s men winning 2-1 at Anfield on that occasion.

    Starting slowly has been an issue for both sides this term but particularly for the visitors, who have conceded the first goal in eight of their 12 league games — behind only Southampton and West Ham (both nine).

    Source: Livescore

  • Klopp in fighting mood again ahead of trip to Spurs

    Jurgen Klopp acknowledges Liverpool cannot afford to “be picky” after a slow start in the Premier League, meaning they are ready to fight again against a Tottenham side he never relishes facing.

    Liverpool head into the weekend in ninth place, 15 points behind leaders Arsenal, 13 shy of champions Manchester City and 10 off opponents Spurs, who are third.

    The Reds have lost their past two league matches to Nottingham Forest and Leeds United, both of whom were in the bottom three heading into those games.

    For that reason, Klopp cannot write off a meeting with “a confident, strong opponent” at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

    “It’s a big game for us, a massive game for us – difficult as well, Spurs away,” he said.

    “I didn’t count the points distance between us and them, but we cannot be picky with opponents and games where we want to get points. We have to go for it, definitely, but it’s difficult.”

    Klopp is aware of the scrutiny around his every word while Liverpool are struggling, but he insists there is no alternative to talking up the “fighting” mood required to rescue their season.

    That attitude will be needed again in a fixture of which Klopp has never been “1,000 per cent convinced”, even if Tottenham are winless in nine in the league against Liverpool going back to 2017.

    A positive, the manager accepted, is the way Liverpool have risen to the challenge of facing elite opposition this season, advancing in the Champions League and beating Napoli in midweek.

    “To explain wins is really easy, because nobody listens really,” the manager said. “Everybody is in a great mood, you’re just smiling and ‘it’s in good shape’.

    “When you lose, it’s much more difficult; now, each word is really important. But I don’t have five million different words for it.

    “If you want to get out of something, you first have to get through it. That’s where we are.

    “It might take time, but it’s not that we say now Tottenham is too early for us to really show up already. No, it’s not; we go there and want to be at our best, 100 per cent.

    “But sitting here now, being 1,000 per cent convinced ‘yes, we will’? What I can tell you: it never was [easy] before going to Tottenham. I never thought ‘good moment to face Tottenham; let’s smash them’. That was never the case.

    “It’s a difficult place to go, a really good team, extremely well coached, and a real fighting unit. There are no friendly games against them. Antonio’s on his toes on the sidelines, the players are in challenges, all these kinds of things, so it will be a tough one.

    “But that’s actually what we all want; it’s like a Champions League game in the Premier League. That’s how we will approach it.

    “I can imagine in a phase like this it takes a bit longer [talking about defeats]. ‘Always the same: fighting, doing this, oh, again’ – these kinds of things.

    “Sorry. Without fighting, we shouldn’t even try. Yes, we have to fight through this; that’s the case, that’s how it is.

    “You cannot play through it, you cannot say now to forget the defending stuff, ‘let’s just circle around them, pass the ball through them, nutmegs here, backheels there’. That’s not how it works. That’s why we’re in the mood we are. It’s absolutely okay.

    “It’s rather good that in between… you lose against Leeds, and I couldn’t have felt worse, no chance, but then you play a good game against a team in form, and it gives you a lift. That’s normal. Here we go.

    “Now, we play against Tottenham and try to feel like we did after the Napoli game.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Arteta ‘proud’ to be at Arsenal amid Barcelona links

    Mikel Arteta insists he is “extremely happy and proud” to lead Arsenal despite reports linking him with Barcelona as he praised Xavi’s “phenomenal” work at Camp Nou.

    Arsenal have won 10 of their 12 Premier League games this season to lead Manchester City by two points at the summit, and they will top their Europa League group if they beat Zurich on Thursday.

    The Gunners’ excellent form has seen Arteta linked with a move to Barcelona, where Xavi is facing mounting pressure after failing to lead the Blaugrana to the Champions League’s last 16.

    However, Arteta remains fully focused on his current role, saying: “What I can say is I am extremely proud and happy to be where I am now. I think Barcelona are on a really good path now.

    “I think they have a phenomenal coach, a coach who has been an absolute legend at that club and has lifted the whole place, and you have to be very respectful of that.”

    Despite Arsenal’s strong results, some onlookers have expressed worries about the form of Gabriel Jesus, who has not scored since a 3-1 derby win over Tottenham at the start of last month.

    However, Jesus claimed two assists in Sunday’s 5-0 thrashing of Nottingham Forest, as well as playing a key role in the first of Reiss Nelson’s two goals, and Arteta sees no cause for concern.

    “If he makes three assists in a game, I don’t think he has to make many adjustments,” Arteta said. “I will be really happy if he is able to do that every game.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Carragher praises ‘scary’ Nunez’s major impact for Liverpool

    Darwin Nunez can be a “scary” presence for Liverpool but still needs to grow his overall game, says Reds great Jamie Carragher.

    The Uruguay international got on the scoresheet in the Premier League side’s 2-0 win over Napoli in the Champions League on Tuesday, for his sixth goal of the season across all competitions.

    Nunez had a tough start to life at Anfield with a red card against Crystal Palace seeing him serve an early season ban, but is starting to show his potential on Merseyside.

    With more attempts on a per-90-minute basis (6.7) in the English top-flight this term than anyone else, Carragher suggests the stats back the influence the 23-year-old can have on matches.

    “It’s really interesting watching Nunez,” he told CBS. “He comes on and he makes a huge impact. He hasn’t set the world alight, he hasn’t done what [Erling] Haaland’s done and people would’ve expected more for the price-tag.

    “But when you look at his minutes on the pitch and how many goals he’s scored per minute, his numbers are scary. He’s actually made a huge impact.”

    Carragher feels that Nunez is yet to fully master his all-around game though, adding: “But there’s still something not quite there, where Jurgen Klopp is going to play him every single game.

    “I think he’s got [similarities to] Fernando Torres. He’s got that power, physically, to knock defenders off, that blistering pace. But at times, maybe technically, [he is] not the best in terms of general play.”

    Nunez has posted a 0.6 goal yield every 90 minutes in the Premier League this term, a ratio bettered by just seven players, while only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has a superior non-penalty xG than his 0.76.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • With God all things are possible – Partey reacts to his performance against Nottingham Forest

    Thomas Partey, a midfielder with the Black Stars, responded to Arsenal’s convincing victory over Nottingham Forest on the thirteenth matchday of the current 2022–2023 English Premier League season.

    In order to maintain their two-point lead over Manchester City in the Premier League standings, Arsenal thrashed Nottingham Forest 5-0 on Sunday, October 30, 2022.

    Thomas Partey was praised by Arsenal supporters for his leadership in midfield during a game in which Arsenal had a lot of possession, and he topped it off with a stunning goal to seal the victory.

    Thomas Partey took to social media to celebrate the victory as he sent a message to the Arsenal fanbase that they can achieve anything they want with God on their side.

    “With God all things are possible,” the Black Stars deputy captain posted on his Facebook page and was sighted by GhanaWeb.

  • Mari says he and his family are ‘fine’ as Arsenal loanee recovers from stabbing

    Pablo Mari says he and his family are “fine” and the on-loan Monza defender expressed his gratitude for the support he has received after being stabbed on Thursday.

    The Spaniard, who joined Monza from Arsenal on a season-long deal in August, is expected to be out of action for at least two months after undergoing back surgery following the horrific attack in a supermarket near Milan.

    One person died and a suspect was arrested after being disarmed, with former Napoli footballer Massimo Tarantino named as being among those who stopped the assault.

    Mari stated on Friday that he felt lucky to be alive before posting a picture of himself and his wife giving the thumbs up in hospital on Instagram.

    The 29-year-old wrote: “After the hard moment we experienced yesterday, both my family and I want to communicate that fortunately we are all fine despite the circumstances.

    “We want to thank all the messages of support and affection that we are receiving.

    “In addition, we want to send our condolences and all our strength to the family and friends of the deceased person, and we sincerely wish that all injured people recover as soon as possible.”

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Pablo Marí (@pablomv5)


    Source: Livescore

  • Phillips and Walker ‘optimistic’ over World Cup hopes

    Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker are “optimistic” they can feature for England at the World Cup but are unlikely to play for Manchester City beforehand.

    Phillips has played just one Premier League game for City since joining from Leeds United owing to a shoulder injury.

    Walker, meanwhile, has not played since the October 2 win over Manchester United because of a groin issue on which he underwent surgery, giving England a problem at the right-back position, which has come under great scrutiny in the lead-up to the tournament.

    England play their first game in Qatar against Iran on November 21.

    Asked about Phillips and Walker, City manager Pep Guardiola said at a press conference ahead of their game with Leicester City: “They are not ready for Leicester.

    “I think they are getting better, Kalvin especially, but they are out. Until after World Cup, they will not be ready [to play for City].”

    On Phillips, he added: “He feels really well, his mobility in his shoulder is perfect. He has to avoid contact with his team-mates at the moment.

    “We are surprised how quick his development [has been]. If he’s fit and I believe he can play and he’s ready, maybe he can take minutes but I don’t know right now.

    England manager Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man squad for the World Cup will be announced on November 10.

    “They are positive, optimistic,” said Guardiola. “They are in touch with Gareth. I don’t know, hopefully they can be ready to be selected.”

    Source: Livescore

     

     

  • Klopp calls on Liverpool to ‘create basis’ for season before World Cup break

    Jurgen Klopp emphasised the importance of the three Premier League matches Liverpool will play before the World Cup break as they look to recover ground on their rivals.

    Liverpool took the title fight all the way to the final day of the 2021-22 season, narrowly losing out to Manchester City, but they enter this weekend down in eighth, 12 points behind leaders Arsenal.

    Ahead of the season pausing next month, the Reds will face Leeds United on Saturday, before visiting Tottenham after a Champions League clash with Napoli and hosting Southampton following an EFL Cup tie against Derby County.

    Klopp’s side at least head into the Leeds game on a high, having secured their progress in Europe with a 3-0 win at Ajax.

    Since losing 4-1 at Napoli, Liverpool have been flawless in the Champions League, although they have only won one of the three domestic matches that have followed directly after European successes.

    Asked about the prospect of taking confidence from the win in Amsterdam, Klopp replied: “I think we’ve had this conversation or a similar conversation after all the games we won or won convincingly – Bournemouth, Rangers, Ajax.”

    But he added: “We have to. It’s a better feeling. Of course, I sit here with a different feeling than if we’d lost to Ajax and we had to play Leeds and then we have a final against Napoli.

    “I would feel different, I can tell you. At the moment, it’s not too important.

    “We have to see who we can use again. The situation is it’s a tough five games until the World Cup break; for us, they’re all super important.

    “Then there’s a long break and we’ll see how we come back and how others come back.

    “We have to create the basis for the time after, and we have three games in the league, which are all difficult. I can’t find an easy one. After the World Cup break, we are the first to face Unai Emery with Aston Villa, and we have no idea what they will do then. Great.

    “That’s our situation. Yes, the moment is okay, we are ready to fight again, I hope the people are ready to fight again.

    “It’s 19:45, Saturday night, a great time to play a football game. Everybody is in the right shape, and let’s go for it.”

    For opponents Leeds, Klopp has seen “a massive difference between the results they got and the performance they put in”.

    It was suggested Leeds’ struggles might be evidence of a highly competitive Premier League, and Klopp answered: “City is not running away, which makes it already more competitive.

    “There is not only two teams or one team up front; there are three, four, five teams up front. My problem with that is only that we are not one of them.”

    Five points behind Newcastle United in fourth, let alone the title contenders, Klopp is looking to swiftly get Liverpool back on track.

    He should at least be boosted by the presence of Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson in midfield. Thiago is back, while Henderson should “be okay” after he was substituted at Ajax.

    Source: Livescore

  • Man Utd hit with another FA charge for penalty protests in Chelsea draw

    Manchester United have been charged by the FA for the second time in a little over a week for failing to control their players.

    The latest incident is in relation to their protests over a Chelsea penalty during Saturday’s 1-1 Premier League draw.

    United were incensed by Stuart Attwell’s decision to award a spot-kick for a Scott McTominay foul on Armando Broja, which was subsequently converted by Jorginho in the 87th minute.

    While Casemiro rescued a point in injury time, the reaction of United’s players when crowding the official has seen them hit with another charge from the FA for their actions.

    It is United’s second breach of FA rules this month, having been accused of failing to control their players after Cristiano Ronaldo had a goal disallowed in their goalless draw with Newcastle United on October 16.

    An FA statement on Wednesday read: “Manchester United FC has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E20.1 following its Premier League game against Chelsea FC on Saturday 22nd October in the Premier League.

    “Manchester United FC allegedly failed to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 84th minute, and the club has until Friday 28th October to provide a response.”


    Source: Livescore

  • Chelsea appoint new technical director with focus on ‘global football’

    Chelsea have announced the arrival of Laurence Stewart from Monaco as technical director with a focus on global football, in what is seen as the first move towards a multi-club model.

    Stewart, a former performance analyst for England during the 2014 World Cup, will arrive at Stamford Bridge upon the completion of his tenure with the Ligue 1 outfit.

    Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has made little secret of his desire to move the Premier League outfit towards a multi-club model, akin to Manchester City and the City Football Group, who own teams in 11 countries.

    Stewart, who has experience with such a model through Monaco, appears to be arriving to help facilitate that vision, given the emphasis his role will have on global matters.

    “Laurence is an important appointment as we plan to build a deep sporting team that will collaborate closely,” Boehly said in a statement with co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali.

    “[He’s] a world-class football leader who understands talent management, data and scouting, player development and performance.”


    Source: Livescore

  • FA decides ‘no case to answer’ after investigation into Arsenal-Liverpool row

    The Football Association (FA) is to take no disciplinary action after investigating a comment alleged to have been made by a player in the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool.

    A complaint was made regarding an exchange between two players in Arsenal’s 3-2 win at Emirates Stadium on October 9.

    However, following the conclusion of a “full and thorough investigation” – in which the accused player “strenuously denied the allegation throughout” – the FA announced on Wednesday the matter had been closed.

    The FA added in a statement: “Whilst The FA is entirely satisfied that the allegation was made in good faith, it is equally satisfied that there is no case to answer.”

    It explained: “The investigation included taking witness statements from the complainant and accused, along with an additional six players who were within proximity of the alleged incident, reviewing multiple angles of video footage, and seeking independent linguistics experts evidence.

    “None of the witnesses heard the alleged comment, and the player accused strenuously denied the allegation throughout.”

    The statement added: “The FA continues to take all allegations received extremely seriously and would encourage anyone who believes that they have been the subject of or witness to abuse to report this through the appropriate channels.

    “The FA receives a number of complaints in any one season and thoroughly investigates each one that it receives. Following consideration of all of the evidence received, not all cases will result in a charge being issued.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Former President Mahama charges GFA to raise standard in Premier League

    Former President, John Dramani Mahama has urged the Ghana Football Association to raise the standard of the Premier League in bid to get supporters to the various stadia.

    The Premier League resumes this weekend after an Accra High Court dismissed the Application for Injunction filed by Ashanti Gold against the GFA.

    Asante Kotoko will clash with rivals King Faisal at the Baba Yara Sports stadium on Monday while Hearts of Oak host Bibiani Gold Stars at the Accra Sports stadium on Saturday.

    “We know that under this administration, the GFA has brought some more vitality into our football and we are all supporting this administration to make sure we move football to the next level,” former President Mahama said as quoted by ghanafa.org.

    “I know there are challenges in the domestic League because our people are more interested in the foreign League and so people don’t come to the stadium as they should but it is normally a good family entertainment, but we need to raise the standard so people will love to come to the stadium.”

    He added, “There has been concerns about refereeing and so it depresses the quality of the league but we have faith that you have all that in hand and we will continue to support you.”

    Source: Footballghana

  • Former Ex-President Mahama charges GFA to raise standard in Premier League

    Former President, John Dramani Mahama has urged the Ghana Football Association to raise the standard of the Premier League in bid to get supporters to the various stadia.

    The Premier League resumes this weekend after an Accra High Court dismissed the Application for Injunction filed by Ashanti Gold against the GFA.

    Asante Kotoko will clash with rivals King Faisal at the Baba Yara Sports stadium on Monday while Hearts of Oak host Bibiani Gold Stars at the Accra Sports stadium on Saturday.

    “We know that under this administration, the GFA has brought some more vitality into our football and we are all supporting this administration to make sure we move football to the next level,” former President Mahama said as quoted by ghanafa.org.

    “I know there are challenges in the domestic League because our people are more interested in the foreign League and so people don’t come to the stadium as they should but it is normally a good family entertainment, but we need to raise the standard so people will love to come to the stadium.”

    He added, “There has been concerns about refereeing and so it depresses the quality of the league but we have faith that you have all that in hand and we will continue to support you.”

    Source: Footballghana

  • Hearts of Oak step up preparations ahead of Ghana Premier League resumption

    Hearts of Oak have been putting together their final preparations ahead of the return of the 2022/23 Premier League season this weekend.

    The newly appointed head coach Slavko Matic successfully supervised the team’s first training session ahead of their match week four encounter against Bibiani Gold Stars at the Accra Sports stadium on Saturday.

    Hearts have been Eastern region for the last few days for a residential camping in bid to get in the best of shapes.

    Hearts of Oak are yet to win a game this season, having lost one and drawn two of the three matches played this season.

    The Phobians are 14th on the league table with two points after three matches.

    The Premier League resumes this weekend after an Accra High Court dismissed the Application for Injunction filed by Ashanti Gold against the GFA.

    The applicant failed to meet two of the three legal requirements needed for the grant of an injunction of this nature especially on the balance of convenience.

    The court concluded that greater hardship will be visited on the GFA, the current 18 clubs of the Premier League, the Players, the Sponsors, Referees, Match Commissioners and other key service providers.

    The court awarded cost of GHc20,000 against AshantiGold SC.

    Source: Footballghana

  • Man Utd ‘going in the right direction’ but Shaw wants more

    Manchester United are “going in the right direction” under Erik ten Hag, but left-back Luke Shaw says the club know they “can do better”.

    Ten Hag arrived from Ajax at the close of a dismal 2021-22 campaign for United and was tasked with turning around their fortunes after another barren season.

    Despite a rocky start, Ten Hag has since helped United rediscover their rhythms, having now strung together six games unbeaten in all competitions since derby defeat to Manchester City at the start of October.

    Ahead of Thursday’s Europa League encounter with Sheriff, Shaw reflected on the team’s growth under their new boss, and feels there is still yet more to come.

    “I think there has been a massive improvement,” he told United’s club website. “The start of the season was obviously nowhere near good enough, we all knew that, but I think, since then, we’ve taken a lot of big strides.

    “We know we can do better – for example against Newcastle at home [earlier this month], we have to be winning those games and taking three points instead of one. But there has definitely been improvements.”

    Asked about Ten Hag’s impact, Shaw said: “He speaks to the players individually quite a lot and I think, from the start of pre-season, I could see what sort of manager he was going to be and I was extremely impressed with the way he came across, not just in terms of how he speaks to you, but his ideas of how he wants his team to set up.

    “His structure and the way he wants to play with the ball and without the ball – it was really impressive. Things obviously take time, but I think we’re going in the right direction and I think it could be a really good next few months because I feel like we’re taking the right steps.”

    Shaw has not been a guaranteed starter for United this term, battling Netherlands international Tyrell Malacia for his berth, but the England defender believes the contest between the two is bringing out the best in him.

    “I really like Ty; I sit next to him in the changing room, and he’s a really nice guy and an extremely good player,” he added.

    “He’s still very young and we get on really well and, for both of us, it’s nice to get on well with someone who is in your position.”

    Source: Livescore

     

     

  • Guimaraes toasts ‘amazing days’ as midfielder dazzles in win at Spurs

    New dad Bruno Guimaraes put two sleepless nights behind him to help Newcastle United to a 2-1 victory at Tottenham, saying the soaring Magpies “make me happy and proud”.

    The Brazilian playmaker shone in north London where goals from Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron put Newcastle into a 2-0 interval lead, with Harry Kane then trimming that advantage in the second half.

    Only Kieran Trippier played more passes and had more touches among the visiting players than Guimaraes, whose first full season at Newcastle is starting strongly, with the Magpies climbing to fourth in the Premier League.

    Guimaraes lasted until the 89th minute when Jonjo Shelvey came on in his place, having played a key role in the Newcastle effort.

    Having announced the birth of son Matteo on Friday night, Guimaraes insisted on playing for Newcastle less than 48 hours later.

    He told Sky Sports: “They’ve been amazing days for me, to become a father for the first time. It’s been incredible. I’ve had two days without sleep. I would stay home, but I love to be here with these guys. They make me happy and proud, and I think we deserved it today.”

    Speaking about what fatherhood meant to him, he added: “It was one of the best days of my life. I’m very happy and proud. It’s been like a dream. I don’t have words because it’s amazing what has happened in my life.

    “I say thanks to my family. It’s been difficult, but it’s all worth it.”

    Newcastle, under head coach Eddie Howe and their Saudi ownership, are upwardly mobile in the English game for the first time in a long time.

    That is exemplified by the fact just three players have featured for 700-plus minutes in this season’s Premier League and not been on the losing side when featuring in a game: Newcastle’s Guimaraes, Sven Botman and Fabian Schar.

    Newcastle have lost just once in 12 games, going down 2-1 at Liverpool in late August. Botman and Schar were unused substitutes that day and Guimaraes was not involved.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Pep prepared to label Haaland ‘genius’ as striker eyes Premier League record

    Pep Guardiola says Erling Haaland will be a “genius” if he can break the Premier League scoring record, and hailed the impact of Borussia Dortmund on the striker’s development.

    The Norway international has scored 17 top-flight goals in 11 outings since his move from Dortmund, managing a brace in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion.

    Haaland also became the first City player to score in seven consecutive home games in all competitions since Sergio Aguero in the 2017-18 season.

    Alan Shearer and Andy Cole both scored 34 goals in a single campaign, sharing the English top-flight record, with Guardiola expecting Haaland to surpass that mark if he can continue his impressive form.

    “If he continues to score with this rhythm, he will be a genius, with the average every game, he’s going to break the record,” the City manager said.

    “But football, maybe you score then a few days later you stop scoring, I don’t know.

    “All the strikers I have ever seen, [Samuel] Eto’o, [Lionel] Messi, [Robert] Lewandowski, [Thomas] Muller, [Sergio] Aguero, their ambitions to score goals, goals and more goals is normal, it has to be like that.”

    While the 22-year-old forward will eye breaking more Premier League records, Haaland’s attention must first turn to a reunion at Dortmund in the Champions League.

    City have already qualified for the knockout stages of UEFA’s flagship club competition but will progress as Group G winners with victory at Signal Iduna Park.

    Tuesday will mark a memorable return for Haaland, who scored 86 goals in 89 appearances during his two-and-a-half-year spell at BVB, and Guardiola credited the influence of the Bundesliga side on the striker’s progression.

    “It will be good [the reception he gets]. Salzburg in Austria, then Dortmund, he scored a lot of goals as well,” the Spaniard added.

    “At Dortmund, that period helped, the managers he had, the team-mates he had. In a few years, he will be a better player again from the [City] team-mates he plays with, definitely.”

    With a goal against his former side, Haaland would become just the sixth player to score in five or more consecutive Champions League outings on as many as three separate occasions, joining Cristiano Ronaldo (5), Messi (3), Lewandowski (3), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (3) and Ruud van Nistelrooy (3).

    Source: Livescore

  • Man Utd vow to ‘educate fans’ following homophobic chants at Chelsea

    Manchester United acknowledged some supporters engaged in homophobic chanting during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, subsequently vowing to work with fan groups to curb such incidents.

    The abuse directed towards Chelsea at Stamford Bridge occurred on the first day of Premier League football dedicating itself to Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign this season.

    The Premier League confirmed during the week that every top-flight fixture between October 22 and 30 was to celebrate the LGBTQ+ inclusion initiative, with captains wearing rainbow-themed armbands.

    United had also launched their own One Love campaign this weekend as they looked to “demonstrate the club’s unity and allyship with LGBTQ+ groups”.

    But after Chelsea condemned the offending chants on Sunday, United pledged their continued support to fighting homophobia.

    The statement read: “Homophobia, like all forms of discrimination, has no place in football. Manchester United is proud of our diverse fan base and the work we have done to reduce instances like we sadly heard at Stamford Bridge.

    “We will continue to campaign for inclusivity and to tackle discriminatory abuse whether inside stadiums or online.

    “This includes working with fan groups to educate fans on the offence which discriminatory language causes.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Arteta will ‘always be grateful’ to Guardiola despite growing rivalry

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta “will always be grateful” to Pep Guardiola for the time they spent together at Manchester City.

    Arteta was Guardiola’s assistant for three years before taking the top job at Arsenal in 2019.

    The duo now find themselves going head-to-head at the top of the Premier League, with the Gunners leading the way, one place ahead of chasing champions City.

    Arsenal travel to Southampton on Sunday looking to restore their four-point advantage following City’s 3-1 win against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

    Speaking ahead of the game at St Mary’s, Arteta expressed his gratitude for his time at City and the things he learned working under Guardiola.

    “I learned a lot about being at the top from Pep,” he said. “The standards that are set at the club are not only to win, but to win in a certain way every three days, and be extremely demanding and critical, and at the same time supportive, so it’s a good mixture.

    “It was incredible to be part of that team and the evolution and how that team was built. I will always be grateful.”

    The Spanish pair still speak regularly, but Arteta revealed: “Obviously we are not going to be talking about things related to our teams but of course we can speak about football as we did in the past and that’s not going to change.”

    Arsenal have surprised many with their impressive start to the campaign, following up throwing away Champions League qualification at the end of last season to start this one with nine wins from 10 Premier League games.

    They head to the south coast having won their last eight in all competitions, and Arteta explained how he manages to stay relaxed about everything.

    “First of all, I try to sleep well. Rest is really important,” he said. “I try to look after my diet as much as I can. I don’t exercise as much as I should do, I have to be very critical of myself in that sense.

    “And then I have to keep a clear mind and to do that, spending time with my loved ones is something that really helps me, my wife, my children. And really thinking, meditation, something like that helps you.”
    Source: Livescore

  • Watford run riot against in-form Luton

    Watford claimed local bragging rights with a 4-0 dismantling of near neighbours Luton in the Championship.

    First-half goals from Keinan Davis and William Troost-Ekong set the tone and the visitors’ doom was sealed when goalkeeper Ethan Horvath gifted Joao Pedro a third before Ismaila Sarr completed the rout.

    Hatters substitute Gabriel Osho then saw red late on for a dreadful challenge on Ken Sema.

    Both games ended as 1-0 home wins two seasons ago, when Watford were promoted to the Premier League, but this was the first M1 derby watched by supporters since 2006.

    Luton began a descent into non-league football soon after that but arrived at Vicarage Road as the form team thanks to seven games without defeat. Watford, in contrast, had lost three of their previous four.

    The Hornets had been hard hit by injuries as well, including a broken leg at Millwall in midweek for midfielder Imran Louza, yet scored with their first attack, in the third minute.

    Sarr played Hassane Kamara in on the left and Davis converted a cross into the six-yard box that was behind him with an impressive flick of a leg.

    Allan Campbell fired an instant opportunity to equalise inches wide before Luke Freeman sent a header straight at goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann.

    Luton captain Sonny Bradley was booked for a hefty challenge on Pedro before Horvath had to get behind a deflected effort from Edo Kayembe.

    Another chance to level disappeared 10 minutes before the break however when Elijah Adebayo, picked out by Freeman, headed over the bar.

    It was to prove costly as although Horvath denied Davis a second with a block, Troost-Ekong made it 2-0 in added time. Davis and Sarr both challenged Bradley for a ball to the back post and it fell to the Hornets defender for a tap-in from unmissable range.

    Bradley was replaced at the break by Osho, who scooped over a decent chance at the back post.

  • Guardiola insists De Bruyne isn’t ‘playing at his top level’

    Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola wants more from Kevin De Bruyne who he says is not playing at his top level despite a stunning goal in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion.

    The two-time Premier League Player of the Season fired in City’s third goal with a curling right-foot shot from just beyond the box to seal the points in the 75th minute.

    Since De Bruyne’s Premier League debut for City in September 2015, he has scored more goals from outside the box than any other player in the competition in this period (24).

    The goal was the 31-year-old Belgian’s second of the Premier League season while he has also contributed nine assists, yet Guardiola is expecting more.

    “He can be better. He’s not playing at his top level, not yet,” Guardiola told reporters.

    “He made a fantastic goal but he’s not playing his best. He knows. I don’t have to tell him. His dynamic still is not perfect, he knows that. I spoke with him. The goal is outstanding.

    “Thanks to him we didn’t suffer in the last 15, 20 minutes when the game was more open… Kevin made a masterclass action so we win the game.”

    Erling Haaland continued his remarkable form with a first-half double, meaning he became the first City player to score in seven consecutive home games in all competitions since Sergio Aguero in February 2018.

    The Norwegian showcased his pace and physicality to open the scoring in the 22nd minute, before emphatically converting a 43rd-minute penalty with a powerful strike.

    “I would say that [Haaland]] has the quality in bigger spaces, he can do it and in smaller spaces he can do it,” Guardiola said. “This is the reality.

    “He is fantastic. The numbers and everything, the way he kicked the penalty, the quality, he did it.”

    Haaland’s goal which made it 2-0 was City’s 600th in the Premier League under Guardiola, making him the third manager to achieve that feat behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.

    Source: Livescore

  • Guardiola hopeful over Walker’s World Cup chances

    Pep Guardiola remains hopeful Kyle Walker will be fit to feature at the World Cup as he offered positive updates on fellow England internationals John Stones and Kalvin Phillips.

    Walker has not featured for Manchester City since suffering an abdominal injury in the Premier League champions’ 6-3 win over Manchester United earlier this month.

    The 32-year-old subsequently underwent surgery, leaving his chances of making the trip to Qatar in the balance and dealing Gareth Southgate another selection headache.

    Chelsea right-back Reece James also faces a race against time to make the squad, while Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has been in poor form this season.

    However, Walker offered hope to England supporters last week, telling BBC Radio 5 Live he was “confident” of returning to action before the tournament begins.

    Speaking ahead of City’s Premier League meeting with Brighton and Hove Albion, Guardiola offered an update on the condition of his England trio, saying: “I haven’t spoken to the doctors about Kyle.

    “Hopefully it can happen, if he’s selected, that he can go to the World Cup.

    “John has trained for the last two days with us, tomorrow, he’s on the list. Kalvin is incredible, he’s much better as well. They are recovering very well.”

    City fell to their first defeat of the campaign against Liverpool last Sunday, but are expected to get back on track against a Brighton side yet to taste victory under new boss Roberto De Zerbi (D2 L2).

    On Saturday, De Zerbi could become the first Premier League coach to fail to win any of his first five games at the helm since Scott Parker in April 2019, but Guardiola has backed him to have a “massive” impact in the competition.

    “I’m really happy he is here, I saw the last two games he had here, and he is already playing the way he wants to play,” Guardiola added. “His impact in England will be massive in the future.

    “He was counter-cultural in his country. In Italy, they mainly play in an incredible way which gave them a lot of success as a country, but he plays a completely different way to Italy.

    “His Sassuolo team was an incredible example that no matter the quality or investment that you have, if you believe in something 100 per cent, the way your team plays, you can do it.

    “He’s a really good example for every manager. At the start, it doesn’t matter about the results, what matters is the way you believe and the way you want to see your team playing football.”

    City have won their last nine Premier League home games, scoring at least three goals in each. There have only been two longer such runs in English top-flight history, both recorded by Aston Villa (12 in 1897 and 13 in 1930-31).


    Source: Livescore

     

  • It is a privilege to be linked with Barca, Neves says

    Wolves captain Ruben Neves said it is a “privilege” to be linked with Barcelona as any player in the world would want to join the Catalan giants.

    Neves is reportedly a target for Barca after catching the eye with some outstanding displays for Wolves and Portugal.

    The midfielder has been a revelation since arriving at Molineux from Porto in 2017, helping the club win promotion and establish themselves in the Premier League.

    Neves, who is under contract until 2024, expressed his pride that the Blaugrana could be keen to lure him to Camp Nou.

    He told Portuguese broadcaster Canal 11: “Who wouldn’t want to try Barcelona? I think it’s a common question for all players.

    “It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world. Of course, it’s always a privilege for me to be associated with clubs of this calibre.”

    However, the 25-year-old says he is focused on turning Wolves’ fortunes around after a poor start to the season resulted in head coach Bruno Lage being sacked this month.

    He added: “I’m going to do my job here and I’m sure I have people working with me. I trust these people a lot for these situations.

    “I have to focus as much as I can on Wolves. Having a good time here, things will come naturally.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Barnes on target as Leicester boost survival hopes

    Harvey Barnes continued to torment Leeds as he inspired Leicester to a vital victory which breathed fresh life into their survival hopes.

    The winger scored his sixth goal in six games against United to help the Foxes to a 2-0 win and ease any growing pressure on boss Brendan Rodgers.

    He added to Robin Koch’s early own goal with the Foxes a point from the safety line ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to fellow strugglers Wolves.

    While they remain in the bottom three, victory lifted Leicester off the foot of the table and gives Rodgers time in a week which has the potential to shape the Foxes’ season.

    Defeat extended Leeds’ winless run to seven and they are now just a point above the Foxes and only out of the drop zone on goal difference.

    Jesse Marsch has seen his side slowly slip down the table and he faced the wrath of a furious travelling support following what was, ultimately, a meek surrender.

    Needing a result, Rodgers recalled Jamie Vardy for just his second start since the beginning of September.

    The striker, without a goal this season, is in his worst barren spell for six years but the Foxes did not have to wait long for the opener, which arrived after 16 minutes.

    Leeds were arguably the brighter side but Leicester seized on some sloppy defending when Dennis Praet robbed Marc Roca.

    Referee Peter Bankes played a good advantage after Vardy was clobbered, allowing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to send Praet down the right. His low cross was intended for the unmarked Barnes but Koch slid in and only succeeded in poking the ball beyond the stranded Illan Meslier.

    The visitors responded well and when Youri Tielemans’ shot was charged down Luis Sinisterra launched a quick break with the Foxes’ defenders in desperate pursuit.

    The forward appeared to lose the ball on the edge of the area but it fell kindly for him to curl onto the top of the bar.

    A minute later Crysencio Summerville curled wide and Leicester briefly looked ragged until Barnes made it 2-0 10 minutes before the break.

    Excellent work from Praet won the ball, which rolled for Vardy to backheel to Dewsbury-Hall on the edge of the area. He found the unmarked Barnes and the winger steered his third goal of the season under an exposed Meslier.

    Despite the lead, Leicester failed to totally convince during a first half where Leeds had squandered their chances and Danny Ward needed to block Liam Cooper’s effort seven minutes after the restart.

    Rasmus Kristensen shot over but Leeds’ response quickly faded and they never seriously troubled Leicester, who had rediscovered their resolve.

    Praet curled over but a third was never needed with the Foxes, and Rodgers, clinching a much-needed victory.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Arsenal hit with FA charge following VAR controversy in Leeds win

    Arsenal have been charged by the Football Association (FA) with failing to control their players during a controversial ending to their 1-0 win over Leeds United on Sunday.

    Mikel Arteta’s team moved four points clear of Manchester City at the Premier League summit as Bukayo Saka scored the only goal of the game at Elland Road, though they required two huge reprieves.

    Patrick Bamford drilled a penalty wide following a handball by William Saliba on the hour mark, before a VAR review overturned a stoppage-time red card for Gabriel Magalhaes – as well as another spot-kick for Leeds.

    Arsenal’s players reacted furiously to Chris Kavanagh’s original decision to dismiss Gabriel for a perceived kick at Bamford, leading the FA to take action.

    An FA statement released on Thursday read: “Arsenal FC have been charged with a breach of FA Rule E20.1 following their Premier League fixture against Leeds United FC on Sunday 16 October 2022.

    “It’s alleged that the club failed to ensure that their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 92nd minute of the fixture.

    “Arsenal FC have until Monday 24 October 2022 to provide a response.”

    Asked for his opinion on the incident after the win, Arteta said: “I have not seen it, but everyone is saying the decision was clear.

    “Thank God they made the system work, that delay was worth it, because without VAR, I don’t know what would have happened!”


    Source: Livescore

  • Turner feels no pressure to replicate Ramsdale as Arsenal keeper pushes for USMNT spot

    Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner says he feels no pressure to replicate Aaron Ramsdale as the USMNT shot stopper pushes to assert his place with the Gunners.

    The 28-year-old joined Mikel Arteta’s side from New England Revolution ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, but has so far been restricted in his minutes by the superb performances of his team-mate.

    England hopeful Ramsdale has kept four clean sheets in the top-flight this term, a figure only exceeded by Three Lions team-mate Nick Pope with Newcastle United and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson.

    His form has helped Arsenal emerge as title contenders, leading the Premier League ahead of champions Manchester City – but Turner says he does not feel as if he must mimic the former Sheffield United man to improve.

    “I definitely don’t feel any pressure,” he stated. “He’s his own person. He approaches the game the way he does. Before games, I like to take time, just be mindful.

    “Most of my banter comes with Aaron. It’s just normal banter like you would have with anybody. It’s America versus England, the Revolutionary War, stuff like that. That’s more me joking about it!”

    The duo are in line to potentially meet at the Qatar 2022 World Cup later this year in Group B, with both men expected to be included when England and the USMNT announce their squads.

    Turner’s lack of match-time in domestic competition has presented Gregg Berhalter with a potential headache over his inclusion, though his rich form in the Europa League should dash any doubts over his place.

    Either way, the shot stopper is unconcerned about his inclusion, and says he can only support whatever eventual call is made by his international boss.

    “I’m just focused on what I can control and what I have before me,” he added. “I think I’m in a good position to play at the World Cup.

    “But at the end of the day, if Gregg decides than Zach [Steffen] is the way forward, I stand behind the decisions that he makes. Obviously I want to play. But you can only control so much.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • ‘Special’ Haaland can win the Ballon d’Or, Gundogan says

    Ilkay Gundogan says his “special” Manchester City team-mate Erling Haaland can be a future contender to win the Ballon d’Or.

    Since joining City from Borussia Dortmund in June, Haaland has scored 20 goals in 13 appearances and become the first player in Premier League history to score hat-tricks in three consecutive home games, the last of which came against rivals Manchester United in a 6-3 thrashing.

    The 22-year-old was 10th in the 2022 Ballon d’Or rankings as Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema was named the best player in the world for the first time on Monday.

    Gundogan believes Norway international Haaland has all the attributes to land the prestigious award.

    “There is quality, everyone can see it,” Gundogan told City’s official website. “There is a lot of quality that he already brings, into our team, into his game.

    “But also, the way he is dealing with things that are important to him and the mentality, the determination he has on a match day and also in the training sessions in the locker room. I think that is something special.

    “On top of that he is humble. He knows he has to work hard to get where he is right now and to even get to better places.

    “I’m sure that all this together will just improve him more and more, not just this season but in the next few years.

    “It will make him an incredible player. He is already one, but he will just get better and I think this will increase his chances to win the Ballon d’Or.”


    Source: Livescore

  • Transfer Talk: Premier League midfield trio on Barca’s radar

    Barcelona want to bolster their midfield in January — with the Premier League trio of Ruben Neves, Youri Tielemans and Jorginho topping their shortlist.

    The Catalan giants spent big in the summer but find themselves on the verge of a Champions League group stage exit, having won just one of their opening four clashes.

    And though Xavi’s men have been much improved in LaLiga, a 3-1 defeat at the Bernabeu last Sunday saw them slip three points behind bitter rivals Real Madrid in the title race.

    Club chiefs are ready to back their 42-year-old coach with further reinforcements in the winter window and Mundo Deportivo suggest a deep-lying midfielder is his priority position.

    Neves, 25, was expected to leave Wolves last summer and remains keen to test himself at one of Europe’s elite clubs.

    Though his contract runs until 2024, his agent Jorge Mendes has supposedly told Barca a January deal is plausible, prompting the Blaugrana to assess the Portuguese international’s suitability.

    Alternatively, Tielemans and Jorginho are both out of contract at the end of the current campaign, meaning cut-price deals could be on the cards.

    Belgian international Tielemans, 25, scored the winning goal to help Leicester lift a maiden FA Cup in May 2021 but has become unsettled amid the Foxes’ recent struggles.

    Meanwhile, experienced Italian Jorginho, 30, is struggling to agree an extension with Chelsea and could prove a perfect fit for Xavi’s possession-based approach.

    Youri Tielemans and Jorginho are both being monitored by Barcelona
    Youri Tielemans and Jorginho are both being monitored by Barcelona

    In other news

    Chelsea are set to cut short the loan of Swiss international midfielder Denis Zakaria according to The Express, with the 25-year-old yet to play a single minute for the Blues since his summer move.

    Erik ten Hag admits he has still not made a decision over the future of Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, report The Mirror.

    Italian media say Juventus are ready to secure a loan move for Atletico Madrid’s Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, 28, in January.

    Source: Livescore

  • Klopp refutes claim his comments on Man City’s ownership were xenophobic

    Jurgen Klopp has insisted his comments about Manchester City’s ownership were not in any way xenophobic.

    Last week, ahead of Liverpool’s meeting with the reigning Premier League champions at Anfield – which finished 1-0 to the Reds – Klopp claimed his side were unable to compete with City due to the financial might of their owners, the Abu Dhabi United Group, which bought the club in 2008.

    City have gone from Premier League also-rans to a dominant force in English football, having won the title six times since 2012.

    Indeed, four of the last five Premier League titles have gone City’s way, with Liverpool pushing them hard in two of those seasons as well as winning the top flight themselves in 2020.

    Klopp said: “There are three clubs in world football who can do what they want financially.”

    This was thought to be aimed at City, Paris Saint-Germain – owned by Qatar Sports Investments – and Newcastle United, who are majority owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

    When it was put to Klopp in a press conference that his comments were seen by some as xenophobic, the Liverpool manager replied: “I know myself. And you cannot hit with something which is miles away from my personality.

    “If I was – I cannot remember the word – like this I would hate it. I would hate myself for being like this.

    “I have said a lot of times things that were a little bit open for misunderstanding. I know that.

    “It was not intentional, just sometimes you say things and you think, ‘Oh my God, it can be interpreted like this’, but this is not one of these moments. Absolutely.

    “It started with a question [about how to compete with City] and I answered it and all the rest was made of it.

    “I know what I thought and put it in perspective and said how much I respect what they are doing, and it was still not right for some.”

    It has been reported City’s hierarchy believe Klopp’s pre-match comments increased tensions ahead of Sunday’s game on Merseyside, during which visiting fans sang chants referencing stadium disasters – later condemned by Liverpool – while Pep Guardiola claimed to have had coins thrown at him as his club said he was targeted by missiles from home supporters.

    Klopp was sent off after furiously confronting an official and is now facing a Football Association charge for his behaviour on the touchline.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Kante out of World Cup with hamstring injury, Chelsea confirm

    N’Golo Kante will miss France’s World Cup campaign after undergoing an operation on his hamstring, Chelsea have confirmed.

    Kante suffered the injury in his Chelsea’s 2-2 home draw with Tottenham in August and has not featured for club or country since.

    Chelsea have now established Kante will play no part in France’s defence of their World Cup crown, which starts with their opening group game against Australia on November 22.

    In a statement on the club website, Chelsea said: “N’Golo Kante has undergone an operation on his hamstring injury.

    “The midfielder visited a specialist with the club’s medical department to explore the options for his rehabilitation approach and it was mutually agreed for N’Golo to have surgery to repair the damage.

    “Following a successful operation, N’Golo is now expected to be sidelined for four months.”

    Kante was a key member of the France side that won the 2018 World Cup, playing a part in all seven games as Les Bleus lifted the biggest prize in international football for the second time.

    Reece James, Kante’s Chelsea team-mate, faces a race against time to make England’s squad for the tournament after suffering a knee injury against Milan.

    Source: Livescore