Hopes of Africa Cup of Nations qualification were already dashed before a dominant Nigeria beat Tanzania 1-0. Kelechi Iheanacho's stunning late strike ensured Nigeria ended their failed Africa Cup of Nations qualifying bid with a 1-0 win over Tanzania. The Super Eagles' 1-0 loss to Egypt in March thwarted their hopes of reaching Gabon 2017 in a group reduced to only three teams following Chad's withdrawal for financial reasons. But they at least got their first victory of the campaign at the Akwa Ibom Stadium on Saturday, having shared a goalless stalemate with Tanzania last September. With nothing but pride at stake, it was the hosts who dominated and Salisu Yusuf's men spurned a multitude of chances before Manchester City teenager Iheanacho's … [Read more...]
Referee Halsey ‘told to say I did not see incidents on the pitch’
Mark Halsey's claims that he had been told to say he hadn't seen incidents by the referees' body could be a "major issue" for the Football Association and the Premier League, former Manchester United and England star Gary Neville believes. Halsey refereed in the Premier League for 14 years between 1999 and 2013, as well as being a FIFA listed official for six years. In a Twitter discussion about the three-game ban handed down to Sergio Aguero on Friday for an elbow on West Ham's Winston Reid, Halsey told one user that he had been in that situation: I have seen an incident and been told to say I haven't seen it. @richardajkeys Paul I have been in that situation when I have seen an incident and been told to say I haven't seen it - Mark Halsey … [Read more...]
Mkhitaryan a major doubt for Manchester derby
A statement from the Armenian FA has revealed captain Henrikh Mkhitaryan has suffered a thigh injury and is out for up to 10 days. Manchester United's Henrikh Mkhitaryan is a major doubt for next weekend's derby against Manchester City after being ruled out for between seven and 10 days with a thigh injury sustained on international duty. The Armenia midfielder was hurt in a clash with Marek Suchy during a friendly against Czech Republic on Wednesday, with his side going on to lose the game 3-0. A statement released by the Armenian FA revealed he will play no part in their World Cup qualifier against Denmark on Sunday. The 27-year-old now faces a race against time to feature against City at Old Trafford on September 10. "As reported, senior … [Read more...]
I found it hard under Martinez at Everton- John Stones
England defender John Stones describes it as a weight off his shoulders to be enjoying his football at Manchester City after a breakdown of communication with Roberto Martinez marred his final season with Everton. Stones joined City in a £47.5 million deal over the summer, a huge sum that reflects the 22-year-old's youth, potential and nationality but not necessarily his recent experiences. He was part of an underachieving Toffees side who finished 11th last year and were frequently accused on being defensively disorganised. Martinez, who was sacked late in May before becoming Belgium boss, did not even consider Stones undroppable, sidelining him on several occasions during February and March. Stones is clearly loving his early days at the Etihad … [Read more...]
Olivier Giroud has ‘no problem’ with Wenger over limited game time
Olivier Giroud insists he does not have an issue with his failure to start a match for Arsenal this season, saying he understands Arsene Wenger’s reasons. France striker Giroud has been limited to just 12 minutes of first-team football this season with Wenger giving his quartet of Euro 2016 semi-finalists an extended break. However, with Laurent Koscielny rushed back into the side at Leicester to shore up a struggling backline, Mesut Ozil also found himself recalled to the starting line-up for the win at Watford last weekend. Giroud was back in action for his national side in a 3-1 win over Italy in Bari on Thursday, scoring France’s second goal in an impressive victory. Speaking after the match he insisted that he had no concerns over his place at … [Read more...]
Bastian Schweinsteiger out of Europa Leauge squad
Bastian Schweinsteiger has been left out of Manchester United's squad for the Europa League group stage. The World Cup-winning Germany star has been completely frozen out at Old Trafford since Jose Mourinho's arrival as manager. He has yet to feature in any of Mourinho's squads this season and the Portuguese has admitted it will be "very difficult" to give the 32-year-old any playing time this season. Schweinsteiger, who joined the club from Bayern Munich in 2015, still has two years left on his contract and is determined to stay. But Mourinho has delivered another snub to the veteran German by excluding him from his 27-man Europa League squad list. It means he will not be available for any of the group stage games against Feyenoord, Fenerbahce and … [Read more...]
Klopp treated Balotelli like **** at Liverpool- Mino Raiola
Jurgen Klopp acted like “a piece of sh*t” with regards to Mario Balotelli at Liverpool, according to Mino Raiola. Balotelli left Liverpool after two tumultuous years at Anfield, having joined under Brendan Rodgers in summer 2014. The Italian striker, who blamed “physical problems ” for his struggles, left on a free for French side Nice ahead of Wednesday’s transfer deadline. He scored just one goal in 16 Premier League appearances for the Reds, but never even featured under Klopp. Balotelli’s agent, Raiola, has hit out at the German in comments given to Gazzetta dello Sport. “In the end, the higher-ups at Liverpool admitted that Klopp was wrong [to send Balotelli to train with the reserves],” he said . “I’m not trying to judge him as a coach – … [Read more...]