Strikes from both Jordan Henderson and Dejan Lovren fired Liverpool to a 2-1 victory at Chelsea, after a dominant first-half display by Jurgen Klopp's men to inflict first defeat of the season for the Blues. Lovren opened the scoring with his first league goal for Liverpool before Henderson scored his first goal since January with a stunning strike and, although Diego Costa scored his fifth goal of the season to get Chelsea back into the game. Liverpool have taken seven points from three trips to London already this season following on from an opening weekend win at Arsenal and a draw at White Hart lane. Diego Costa earned the Blues a point away at Swansea City last weekend and he initiated another comeback attempt with his sixth goal in as many Premier … [Read more...]
Feyenoord down Manchester United in Europa League opener
Manchester United suffered defeat in the hands of Feyenoord as the host ran out deserved 1-0 winners on Thursday in the Europa League opener. Their much-changed line-up boasted quality but looked unconvincing in Rotterdam as United failed to create much, as the dutch team stifled Jose Mourinho’s men providing numerous chances. Jose rang the changes introducing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ashley Young and Memphis Depay but all proved to be aabortive as the men in blue failed to dominate the game. Looked like it was going to end in a stalemate, but Feyenoord found the back of the net thanks to Tonny Vilhena after he had teed up by Jorgensen. It wasn't the kind of performance Mourinho expected after Saturday’s derby defeat at the hands of arc rivals … [Read more...]
Diego Simeone shortens Atletico Madrid contract
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has shortened his deal with the club by two years, according to reports in the Spanish media. Simeone reduced the terms of his contract with the Spanish giants, while there are claims that he has decided to take English lessons so as to fit into Premier League system. Simeone signed a contract with Atletico in March 2015 that tied him to the Liga outfit until June 2020. AS and Marca report that the Argentine has had negotiations with the club and changed the deal so that it now expires in June 2018. Fernando Torres said he doubted the reports. "It is an unreal hypothesis," Torres said during a news conference on Thursday. "Let's be real. We are one month into the season and this is a very important year for us. … [Read more...]
David Luiz to start against Liverpool- Conte
Chelsea coach Antonio Conte insists he has confidence in David Luiz after confirming the defender will start against Liverpool on Friday night. The Brazilian make his first Chelsea appearance since returning to the club, with captain John Terry sidelined due to an ankle injury. Luiz, made a shock return to Stamford Bridge from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day, is set to partner Gary Cahill at the heart of the Chelsea defence. "Tomorrow David Luiz will play for the first time with us, and we are confident about this," Conte said. "We expect him to play very well, with great attention. We know David is a great player. We are working to put him in the best condition to give us the best of him." Conte confirmed Terry would be available 10 days after … [Read more...]
Jose Mourinho: Manchester United don’t want to be in Europa League
Jose Mourinho has admitted Manchester United do not want to be in the Europa League but intends to make the best out of the situation. Speaking at a news conference, the United manager pledged to take their participation seriously ahead of Thursday's opening Group A game against Feyenoord in Rotterdam and warned his squad they risk another humiliation like last season’s defeat by FC Midtylland if not fully ready for the task ahead. Mourinho who dropped Wayne Rooney behind, says that the Premier League and television broadcasters have made their campaign difficult by handing them a tight schedule next month when they face Liverpool, Fenerbahce and Chelsea in the space of a week. “Look, this is not a competition that Man United wants,” Mourinho said on … [Read more...]
Mauricio Pochettino accuses Tottenham of lacking ‘passion’
Mauricio Pochettino has criticised Tottenham for lack of passion during tonight's 2-1 defeat to Monaco at Wembley. Spurs suffered a disappointing defeat in front of a record crowd as they started their campaign at their temporary European home of Wembley. Bernardo Silva and Thomas Lemar both struck in the first half at Wembley on Wednesday to set up victory for Leonardo Jardim's men. Toby Alderweireld gave Spurs a lifeline on the stroke of half time but, despite creating a host of opportunities after the break, Pochettino's side fell to their first defeat of the season. The Argentine coach was disappointed with his side's performance and believes more hunger is required: "It's only the first game but we need to improve and fast," he told the club's … [Read more...]
Aguero and City put Monchengladbach to the sword
Sergio Aguero struck thrice as Pep Guardiola's Manchester City annihilated Borussia Monchengladbach at the Etihad. Aguero, who is currently suspended from domestic action, opened the scoring after nine minutes, before doubling his effort from the penalty spot after 28 minutes before completing his treble after 77 minutes, Nigerian youngster Iheanacho also got on the scoresheet by adding a fourth. It was another highly convincing performance by City, who did not even seem to get into top gear as they cruised to a seventh successive win under Pep Guardiola. City, much like last weekend’s derby against Manchester United, were superb in the first half, with their movement quick and passing crisp and this time maintained their domination for longer. Ilkay … [Read more...]