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...]
Leicester City start Champions League campaign with a win
Leicester City made an impressive debut to their Champions League campaign with Riyad Mahrez scoring twice as they thumped Belgian side Club Brugge 3-0 in a devastating fashion. Marc Albrighton, one of their star man in the Premier League winning campaign last season, scored their first ever Champions League goal and first since 2000 inside five minutes, moments after the hosts nearly got in front. Riyad Mahrez continued to shine for Leicester as he crashed in a brilliant free-kick before adding another from the spot shortly before the hour mark making it 3-0 as the away side dominated at the Jan Breydel Stadium, top of Group G after Porto and Copenhagen drew 1-1. Record signing Islam Slimani was handed his Leicester debut for the Champions League … [Read more...]
Tottenham struggle at Wembley as visitors take the spoils
Tottenham's return to Champions League football after a five-year absence ended in a disappointing 2-1 loss as an English club-record home crowd of 85,011 watched French side Monaco take all three points at Wembley. Spurs were dealt a blow in their return back to Europe as goals from Bernardo Silva and Thomas Lemar were enough to give the French side an opening victory in Group E. Toby Alderweireld header gave Mauricio Pochettino’s side some hope on the stroke of half-time but they were frustrated in the second half as the away side defended stoutly to register their fourth win in eight attempts against English opposition. Pochettino opted for an attacking line-up with Dele Alli dropped in alongside Eric Dier ahead of Victor Wanyama, who came in … [Read more...]
Wenger full of praise for David Ospina
Arsene Wenger insists goalkeeper David Ospina has proved his critics wrong following a top class display in Arsenal’s Champions League opener at Paris Saint-Germain. Wenger surprised many when he opted to bench Petr Cech despite a big blunder by Ospina in the Champions League last season. But the Colombian repaid his faith by making a string of crucial saves in order go see Arsenal share the spoils against PSG. The Colombian was not expected to start at the Parc des Princes but was drafted in and performed admirably, eventually denying PSG striker Edinson Cavani, who had headed the Ligue 1 Champions ahead inside a minute. Ospina made a number of crucial stops to prevent Unai Emery’s side extending their lead before Alexis Sanchez struck with 12 minutes … [Read more...]
City’s UCL clash against Monchengladbach moved to Wednessday
Manchester City's clash against German side Borussia Monchengladbach has been rescheduled for Wednesday evening following an adverse rain on Tuesday. Heavy rain covered the pitch in the two hours before the scheduled 7.45pm Tuesday kick-off, forcing an abandonment, but UEFA have moved quickly to reschedule the tie. Referee Bjorn Kuipers and officials inspected the surface at about 6.55pm and a decision to postpone was communicated around 30 minutes later. A decision to call off the game was taken at around 7.25pm based on safety concerns around the ground. The German club later confirmed a rearranged time of 7.45pm Wednesday. According to UEFA competition regulations - article 26.03 - a decision on a rearranged date should have been announced … [Read more...]
UCL: Manchester City v Mochengladbach clash postponed
Tuesday's night UEFA Champions League fixture between Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach has been postponed because of adverse weather. Heavy rain, and lighting hit Manchester on Tuesday evening and 15 minutes before kick-off it was announced the match was abandoned. The game will now be rescheduled ny UEFA and the Club will announce a new date in due course. According to the European governing body's rules, a rescheduled date must be agreed on between the two clubs, and the associations concerned, within two hours of the postponement. Uefa's rules state the match must be played either the next day or "on a reserve date or other date set by the Uefa administration" … [Read more...]
Sanchez scores as Arsenal rescues point from a wasteful PSG
Alexis Sanchez scored in the second half to rescue a point for Arsenal against Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League opener. It took less than a minute (42 seconds) for Edinson Cavani to head PSG in front, but the Uruguayan missed three more clear opportunities before Sanchez drew Wenger's men level in the 77th minute. Arsene Wenger dropped goalkeeper Petr Cech for back-up David Ospina, but the Colombian shot-stopper could do nothing about PSG's opener as Cavani stole in to finish from a Serge Aurier cross. Arsenal were outplayed by Paris Saint Germain for the most part of the first half, as Wenger left Olivier Giroud and Granit Xhaka on the bench. Arsenal were lucky not to have conceded more, after Edinson Cavani put PSG ahead in the first … [Read more...]
Reports on Manchester Derby
Manchester City delivered their first win in a rivalry with Manchester United that will eventually become a topic amongst football lovers as Manchester City won against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Barcelona and Real Madrid in Spain's La Liga was the last time both managers clashed, this being their first ever Premier League meeting since in control on either side of Manchester. And when the action started, it was Man City who brought down and put Manchester United in their place with a fantastic 100% start this season. Guardiola wins battle with Mourinho This was a match between Guardiola and Mourinho - this was a match about Mourinho against Guardiola in this season Premier League, fighting for respect and supremacy in Manchester. Mourinho … [Read more...]
Schmeichel takes dig at boring Guardiola
Peter Schmeichel has taken a dig at Pep Guardiola ahead of the Manchester derby by saying Pep Guardiola made Bayern Munich “boring”, and will find it more difficult to play his brand of football at Manchester City than he did at Barcelona and Bayern. Pep Guardiola made an exciting Bayern Munich team boring to watch and was fortunate he had the players at his disposal to implement his style at Barcelona and Bayern, winning three Bundesliga titles and two DFB-Pokal in three years in Germany, says Peter Schmeichel. “He was okay at Bayern Munich. I have to say he was okay,” he told Omnisport . “For me, personally, he changed a really good, entertaining team to be become more boring to watch. “Where as Bayern before were very direct, they won the treble, had … [Read more...]
Mustafi backs Perez to succed at Arsenal
Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi has said fellow new signing Lucas Perez will be a tough crack for Premier League defenders. Former Valencia defender Mustafi is confident fellow Lucas Perez has all the attributes to be a success in England and warned Premier League defenders they face an "uncomfortable" experience. However, Mustafi – who has played against Perez in La Liga – believes the forward will be a success at Arsenal. “He is uncomfortable to play against,” The German said “He’s a good striker – he has everything a striker needs. “He’s someone you can play well with. He doesn’t just run around and wait for someone to give him a pass to score a goal. “He works a lot for the team as well and he creates chances. “He’s in the right place at the right … [Read more...]
Sunderland Sign Boavista goalkeeper Mika
Sunderland have signed goalkeeper Mika from Portuguese club Boavista after FIFA intervention. The Portuguese penned a two-year contract at the Stadium of Light which sees the goalkeeper become the 10th signing since David Moyes took over. The shot stopper is set to battle it out with Jordan Pickford and Vito Mannone for the number one shirt. Jordan Pickford has been the only available goalkeeper at the club since Mannone gut rules out with elbow ligaments last month, and won't be back until at least November. The deal has been ratified by FIFA despite coming one week after the end of the transfer window, due to what is described as a “technical issue” from his Patent club Boavista. Mika has spent the last two seasons Playing for Boavista and has … [Read more...]
Granit Xhaka sent-off as Switzerland beat Portugal
Granit Xhaka’s was sent off as European champions Portugal suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Switzerland in their opening 2018 World Cup Group B, earning his seventh red card since April 2014. Breel Embolo opened scoring for the host at St Jakob-Park after 24 minutes, before Admir Mehmedi fired in a second on the hour mark. Switzerland finished the match with 10 men win in stoppage time, when Granit Xhaka picked up a second caution for a needless foul on Joao Mario. Having initially been booked for catching Portugal midfielder Adrien Silva on the thigh with a high foot. Xhaka’s sixth red card in his last 78 matches and his seventh since April 2014 for both club and country. Swiss coach Vladimir Petkovic said: "For me, they were two half-yellow cards, which … [Read more...]
Nicklas Bendtner signs for Nottingham Forest
Former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner has penned a two-year contract with Nottingham Forest, the club's owner has announced. The striker, who began his professional career at Arsenal, spent nine years at the club between 2005 and 2014, but struggled for first-team football and was shipped out on loan to Birmingham City, Sunderland and Juventus during that time. Bendtner could be set for a return to the Emirates as Forest have been drawn at home to Arsenal in the EFL Cup later this month. Forest owner and chairman Fawaz Al-Hasawi confirmed the striker's arrival, saying on Twitter: "Please welcome Nicklas Bendtner who has joined #NFFC on a two-year deal." https://twitter.com/fawaz_alhasawi1/status/773467493889368068 The Danish forward becomes the 12th … [Read more...]
Arsenal Star Returns To Training After Injury Spell
Arsenal starlet Alex Iwobi has returned to training and should be available against Southampton on saturday's game according to mirror. The starlet has not featured for Arsenal after sustaining muscle strain in his thigh against Liverpool in the opening of game of the season. The Nigeria star player as previously stayed at london after the international break in other to regain full fitness and it appears he would be an option for Arsene Wenger for Saturdays game against Southampton. The youngster enjoyed a successful time last season, having his best performance ever making a total of 21 appearance in all competition. Arsene Wenger knows Iwobi has lots of potential and at twenty has his peak career way ahead of him. The youngster already as shown his … [Read more...]
Marcus Rashford scores hat-trick on England Under-21 debut
Manchester United's teenage star Marcus Rashford made a dream start for England's Under-21. The 18-year-old offered another demonstration of his goal-scoring ability against Norway's at Colchester. Rashford has only made one Premier League appearance for United this season and was an unused substitute in their opening two games. But in their last outing before the international break, He came on to score a last-gasp winner at Hull. Rashford was part of England's squad for Euro 2016 but missed out on the senior squad on Sunday's 1-0 win in Slovakia, as he was dropped by new coach Sam Allardyce having failed to break into the United starting line-up under Mourinho. The first two were typical Rashford, leaving defenders for dead, raced towards goal … [Read more...]
Christian Eriksen pens new contract at Tottenham Hotspur
Christian Eriksen has sign a new contract at Tottenham Hotspur that will keep him at the club till 2020 The 24-year-old Denmark midfielder has committed himself to Spurs until 2020. The Danish midfielder has been in negotiations with the club since March over a new deal and his new contract is worth around £75,000-per week, making him one of Spurs' top earners alongside Harry Kane, Mousa Dembele, Hugo Lloris and Erik Lamela. Eriksen, signed from Dutch club Ajax in August 2013, and has become one of the most important player at white hart Lane. Tottenham posted on their twitter feed to announced the signing We are delighted to announce that @ChrisEriksen8 has signed a new contract with the Club until 2020. Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) … [Read more...]
WC 2018 QUALIFIERS : 10 men Italy defeat Israel
Graziano Pelle, Antonio Candreva and Ciro Immobile were on target for 10-man Italy in a 3-1 win in Israel on Monday. Giampiero Ventura's first competitive match as Italy coach ended in a 3-1 victory in Israel as they got their World Cup qualifying campaign off to a winning start despite Giorgio Chiellini's second-half red card. Italy were seemingly coasting at 2-0 in Haifa, with Graziano Pelle converting Luca Antonelli's excellent low cross inside the six-yard box and Antonio Candreva doubling the lead from the penalty spot after Giacomo Bonaventura was fouled by Ben Bitton. However, Israel were just one goal adrift at the break thanks to a stunning chip from Tal Ben Haim that left veteran Gianluigi Buffon stranded. The situation became even more … [Read more...]
Diego Costa and Silva score as Spain trash Liechtenstein
Newly-appointed Spain coach Julien Liechtensteinegui enjoyed a perfect competitive debut as Diego Costa, David Silva and Alvaro Morata all hit doubles in an 8-0 drubbing of Liechtenstein in Leon on Monday. Costa scored his first Spain goal since 2014 after just 10 minutes, but despite complete domination of the game the hosts had to settle for just a one-goal lead at half-time. The floodgates opened with three goals in five minutes after the break as Sergi Roberto and Vitolo tapped home their first international goals either side of David Silva's third goal of Lopetegui's two-match reign. Costa headed his second into the top corner before being replaced by Alvaro Morata, who hit a quickfire double of his own in the last 10 minutes. Silva added an … [Read more...]
Kanu delighted to make a difference in Arsenal Legends match
Arsenal legend Nwaknkwo Kanu earned the adoration of the Emirates once more with his performance in Saturday’s Legends game but the former Nigerian international was more concerned with the good he was doing off the field. Kanu scored the hat-trick he had promised pre-match as an Arsenal Legends side ran out 4-2 winners over a star-studded Milan Glorie XI in front of Emirates crowd. The match was the cornerstone of the Arsenal Foundation’s bid to raise over £1million, with which they intend to build football pitches in Jordan, Somalia and London. For Kanu, whose own heart foundation aims to provide life-saving surgery to youngsters across Africa, it was the results off the pitch that mattered more than his own display. “I had that feeling that it … [Read more...]
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