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Michy Batshuayi scores twice as Chelsea edge past Bristol Rovers

Michy Batshuayi was at the double to fire Chelsea past Bristol Rovers in the League Cup, but the 3-2 scoreline was far closer than the Blues would’ve liked. A strong Blues line-up numbering five first-team regulars including Pedro and Nemanja Matic laboured against their League One opponents despite twice claiming two-goal leads as Michy Batshuayi scored either side of Victor Moses’ goal. Peter Hartley and Ellis Harrison, who fired the only goal of the second-half, gave Rovers hope of a famous upset against the Premier League giants and on more than one occasion they threatened an equaliser. But Eden Hazard and Oscar came on to reinforce Chelsea and the visitors eventually ran out of steam having given everything in pursuit of a prized … [Read more...]

Mamadou Sakho cleared of doping offence as World Anti-Doping Agency choose not to appeal Uefa verdict

Mamadou Sakho's doping affair has been brought to a close, with WADA saying it will not appeal against UEFA's decision to dismiss the case. The World Anti-Doping Agency will not lodge an appeal against UEFA's decision to dismiss proceedings against Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho after he failed a drugs test. Sakho tested positive for higenamine - a fat-burning drug - after his side's Europa League clash against Manchester United in March, and served an initial 30-day suspension. UEFA confirmed in July that it would not impose a further punishment on the France international after a consultation with the player's legal team and WADA-accredited laboratories, though there had been speculation that WADA itself could appeal against the decision following a … [Read more...]

Chelsea target Gabriel Barbosa set to consider future

Santos' highly-rated forward Gabriel Barbosa is set to consider his future at the club after winning gold with Brazil at the Rio Olympics . The 19-year-old went to the 2016 Games being linked with a host of Premier League sides, including Chelsea and Manchester United, but put speculation on hold as he helped the Selecao beat Germany in the final of the Olympic football tournament at the weekend to take gold on home soil. With the Games now over, Barbosa - also known as 'Gabigol' for his goal-scoring exploits - has revealed he will think about his future at Santos. "Up until now, I haven’t really had the time to think about anything because my attention was completely on the Olympics," the forward said. "Now I will celebrate with my family, then I … [Read more...]

Guardiola ‘cannot deny’ move for Bravo; Toure, Hart could play

Pep Guardiola has suggested both Joe Hart and Yaya Toure could feature in Wednesday’s Steaua Bucharest clash and also spoke about Claudio Bravo. The Spaniard will allow the England No.1 goalkeeper to leave the Etihad if he wishes, but is willing to give him some first-team football as he rotates his squad for the second leg of the Champions League qualifier. “In terms of long-term injuries, Vincent Kompany and Ilkay Gundogan have little problems,” Guardiola told reporters. “We have ten days to work with them and improve their physical conditions. “Hopefully, when we come back from the international break, they will be a full part of our training sessions. “Bacary Sagna is not available. Against West Ham it is not possible for him to play. Maybe at … [Read more...]

Milan reject Chelsea bid for Alessio Romagnoli

AC Milan have rejected a bid “in excess of €25million” from Chelsea for defender Alessio Romagnoli. The Serie A side confirmed on their TV channel that they had rebuffed an approach for the 21-year-old defender, who only moved to Milan in a €25million deal from Roma last summer. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani has told the Blues that Romagnoli is “unsellable” after reports in Italy on Monday claimed that Chelsea had turned their attentions to Romagnoli, having switched the attention from Kalidou Koulibaly. Sky Italia have also reported the story but claim Antonio Conte’s bid was closer to £30million. New Blues boss Conte is in desperate need for a centre-back and may well up his offer for Romagnoli, who … [Read more...]

Liverpool ‘open to loan offers’ for Mamadou Sakho

Liverpool are ready to allow Mamadou Sakho to leave the club on loan to allow him to regain his form, according to reports. Sakho, 26, has not played a competitive game since April, when UEFA launched an anti-doping investigation following a failed test. The France centre-back was cleared by a UEFA board in July but suffered an Achilles injury ahead of the preseason tour to America, and Jurgen Klopp then sent him home from the tour for repeatedly breaking rules. Sakho returned to training on Monday after recovering from injury but The Times, Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph all report that Liverpool are now open the idea of allowing him to spend time elsewhere rebuilding his form and fitness. Klopp brought in Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan in the summer … [Read more...]

Klopp backs Sturridge to get back to his best

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has questioned the mindset of Daniel Sturridge, but is aiming to help the striker put his injury problems behind him. Klopp insists the England man remains “outstanding player”, but has refused to compare him to the Sturridge of old. The 26-year-old striker made his first appearance of the season in the 2-0 defeat at Burnley on Saturday after a hip problem sidelined him at Arsenal. Sturridge played on the right-hand side of Klopp’s front three at Turf Moor, but he struggled to make an impact on the game in attack and was replaced on 65 minutes by Divock Origi. “Daniel is still a very quick player but he’s had a lot of injuries in the last few years and a few muscle issues – I have no idea how this exactly changes the mind … [Read more...]

Valencia insist Arsenal target Mustafi is ‘not for sale’

Shkodran Mustafi will remain at the club this summer according to Valencia manager Pako Ayestaran. Arsene Wenger revealed he was hopeful of completing a deal for the 23-year-old after Saturday's goalless draw with Leicester, but the clubs are yet to strike an agreement that satisfies all parties despite the Gunners settling personal terms with the player. Mustafi's manager has since delivered a blow to Wenger, who is pursuing defensive targets following long-term injuries to Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista. The Valencia boss said: "Mustafi is not for sale and he will stay at VCF. The market is open and there are still possibilities." The Germany international is Wenger's primary target with just over a week to go in the summer transfer … [Read more...]

MLS attractive option for Rooney – Paulson

Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson believes Wayne Rooney should consider MLS soon. Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney would find MLS "attractive", according to Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson. Rooney, 30, could find it difficult to hold his place at United, but he has a goal and an assist in two Premier League games this season. Timbers owner Paulson believes the England international would be well suited to the United States – if he makes the move in the near future. "I would argue he still has some good soccer ahead of him," he told the Mirror. "I think he would be a great signing for MLS - 100 per cent MLS would be attractive for him. "Keeping in mind that is a very talented footballer, who has quality soccer ahead of him, you … [Read more...]

Allardyce considers England recall for John Terry

New England boss Sam Allardyce has admitted he may talk to former captain John Terry about returning to international football. The Chelsea defender retired from England duty in 2012 having twice been stripped of the captaincy and was never considered an option by previous manager Roy Hodgson. But, with 78 caps to his name, Terry – now considered a veteran at 35 – could make an unexpected return if Allardyce opts to offer him an opportunity to do so. Allardyce said he would want to be fully aware of any lingering politics surrounding Terry’s past, which saw him lose the captaincy first in 2010 following stories over his private life and again in 2012 after allegations he racially abused QPR’s Anton Ferdinand, but the former West Ham and Sunderland boss … [Read more...]

Jurgen Klopp admits Origi’s absent rhythm

Jurgen Klopp admits Divock Origi is still some way from full fitness ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Burton Albion on Tuesday. Liverpool will face the Championship outfit in the second round of the League Cup, and Klopp is expected to make changes to the side which was beaten 2-0 at Burnley on Saturday. Origi came off the bench in the defeat at Turf Moor but failed to make a significant impact and Klopp has asked for patience with the 21-year-old striker. “Physically, he can make another step. But on the other side, he has no rhythm in the moment, which you can see,” he said. “Saturday (against Burnley) was clear, we could have played another 20 mins and not scored. He needs to find that rhythm again. “He is so skilled, but he needs to use them all in … [Read more...]

Arsenal are too soft to win the Premier League- Patrick Vieria

Patrick Vieira has told The Times that Arsenal should reinforce the squad to address the longstanding lack of physical presence and leadership in the team. Vieira, who won the Premier League three times during his nine years with Arsenal, said he respects Arsene Wenger's refusal to overpay for players and believes they are capable of winning the title this season. Even so, the Frenchman, now in charge of New York City FC in MLS, warned that the current squad is missing the qualities of the 2003-04 "Invincibles," who finished top without losing a league game. He said: "We had [Dennis] Bergkamp, who had the flair; Thierry Henry who could finish and had so much power; athletic players with the physical aspect like Sol Campbell; and some really strong … [Read more...]

Shaw responds to diving accusations after win over the Saints

Luke Shaw has defended himself after accusations he dived to win a penalty in Manchester United’s victory over Southampton. The left-back was deemed to have been tripped by Saints midfielder Jordy Clasie in the second half, earning the penalty which Zlatan Ibrahimovic converted to secure the 2-0 win at Old Trafford. Former Southampton player Shaw was then heckled by the away support, but the 21-year-old insists he did not cheat. “A lot of people are saying it wasn’t a penalty, but 100 per cent it was a penalty, he clipped my foot,” he told MUTV. “There was 100 per cent contact and I am not one to dive or to cheat. I am happy I played a part in one of the goals tonight.” England international Shaw was making his first appearance at Old Trafford … [Read more...]

Allardyce: Man City’s Hart will be in England first team squad

Joe Hart will be in England’s squad despite being confined to the Manchester City bench, Sam Allardyce has confirmed. The new manager names his first England squad on Sunday for World Cup qualifiers against Slovakia and Malta and it appears that there will be a space in the party for the Manchester City goalkeeper, who has yet to make an appearance under Pep Guardiola this season. Speaking to Sky Sports News Allardyce confirmed that Hart, who has reportedly been told he can leave City, will “definitely” be in the party that travel to Slovakia for his first game in charge on September 4. “In terms of picking Joe, he will be in the squad definitely. What [else] we do, I won’t really know until I speak to Joe,” Allardyce added. “That’ll be the same with … [Read more...]

Aguero must not forget his team responsibilities- Guardiola

Pep Guardiola is delighted with Sergio Aguero's brilliant start to the season, but insists the Manchester City striker must maintain his hard work. The Argentina international took his tally to six goals from City's first three games after scoring twice in the 4-1 victory over Stoke City as they maintained their perfect start to the season. But Guardiola is not only delighted with Aguero's goals, he also praised the striker's industry and movement off the ball. The Catalan told a news conference: "He knows we are here to help him to play the way to create as many chances as possible and more chances to score goals. But he has to help us. "It's not enough to receive the ball from his teammates, he has to help us in the first pressure and run a lot and … [Read more...]

Conte defends Costa says striker is being mistreated in England

The criticism of Chelsea striker Diego Costa has left Antonio Conte desperate for him not to let it distract his start to the season. Antonio Conte has urged Diego Costa to focus on his football and not let the criticism of him affect his impressive start to the 2016-17 campaign. Costa netted his second goal of the Premier League season on Saturday as Chelsea came from a goal down to beat Watford 2-1, the Spain international slotting home the decisive goal with three minutes to play. However, his performance attracted criticism with some suggesting the striker should not have even been on the pitch to convert Cesc Fabregas' throughball. Having already been booked Costa appeared to dive to try and win a free kick on the edge of the penalty area, but he … [Read more...]

Klopp: I’d be a ‘real idiot’ to buy after one loss

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said he would have to be "a real idiot" to rush into the transfer market purely on the basis of Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Burnley. Klopp has made several signings this summer, including Sadio Mane, Georginio Wijnaldum and Ragnar Klavan, but he has so far failed to bring in a new left-back despite serious questions over Alberto Moreno's form, with James Milner used in the position at Burnley. Liverpool beat Arsenal 4-3 in their Premier League opener before suffering the surprise defeat to Burnley, and Klopp said after that loss: "If one game should change my mind then I would be a real idiot. If that was the case, how could I be here?" He dismissed concerns that Liverpool, who had 81 percent possession at Turf Moor, had lost too … [Read more...]

Chelsea want to win the League again under Conte- Hazard

Eden Hazard said Chelsea have set their sights on regaining the Premier League title under Antonio Conte this season. Chelsea came from a goal down at Watford on Saturday to make it two wins from two Premier League games for Conte, with Diego Costa scoring an 87th-minute winner. The result puts the Londoners level with Manchester United, Manchester City and Hull City on six points -- a total the Blues took six games to reach as their title defence imploded last season. Hazard is encouraged by that start and said the team's goal was to re-establish themselves as the dominant force in English football. "It's always difficult to come back but we did great," the Belgium international told Chelsea's official website. "We played a good second half and … [Read more...]

Chelsea midfielder Mikel leads Nigeria to Rio 2016 Olympic bronze

Sadiq Umar scored a brace as Nigeria held off a late Honduras fightback to win Olympic bronze on Saturday at Mineirao Stadium. The 3-2 victory made sure of Nigeria's third Olympic medal in men's football after winning gold at the 1996 Atlanta Games, while they claimed silver in 2008 after a final defeat to Argentina in 2008. The medal was a reward for an Olympic tournament that got off to a rocky start. Nigeria's arrival in Brazil was delayed until just hours before the team's opening match because of a flight mix-up in Atlanta. Honduras, who scored twice late on, head home from Brazil empty-handed but can take comfort from their best performance at an Olympics. Umar put Nigeria in front, rushing in to convert Mikel John Obi's cross just before the … [Read more...]

Laurent Koscielny vows Arsenal will compete for the Premier League title

Laurent Koscielny has vowed Arsenal will challenge for the title despite their rivals’ “unbelievable” spending this summer. The Gunners drew 0-0 at champions Leicester on Saturday and remain winless after the opening two Premier League games. Travelling fans again turned on Arsene Wenger and urged him to spend as the toothless visitors struggled to create clear chances. But defender Koscielny insisted the Gunners, runners-up to Leicester last season, will battle for the Premier League crown as they hunt their first title since 2004. “Always. We are Arsenal – we fight for the title. Every game we play we want to win the game,” he said. “This season will be very difficult because of the top clubs spending a lot of money on transfers, it’s … [Read more...]

Valencia one of world’s best right-backs- Herrera

Ander Herrera thinks his Manchester United team-mate Antonio Valencia is currently the best right-back in the world. Valencia, 31 has started both of United’s Premier League games at right-back this season after maintaining the fine form he showed in pre-season. Valencia, who was brought to United by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2009 from Wigan for a fee of around £16million, was switched from his original role as a winger to full-back by Louis van Gaal. He started 14 Premier League games last season, most of which were in defence, but this term under Mourinho the Ecuador star has kicked on and looks like an out-and-our right-back. And that has not gone unnoticed by Herrera, who believes only Juventus full-back Dani Alves can be put in the same bracket as … [Read more...]

Sporting Lisbon sign Arsenal forward Joel Campbell on loan

Joel Campbell has joined Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon on loan after failing to secure a regular place in the Arsenal side. The Gunners announced the season-long deal on Sunday and said the Costa Rica forward "will be hoping he can help the Portugese side win the Primeira and gain further Champions League experience." Sporting Lisbon tweeted a picture of Campbell posing in club colours after he had tweeted them to suggest that they sign him. .@joel_campbell12 challenge accepted! Welcome to Sporting CP! #BemvindoCampbell pic.twitter.com/NyA7vIv2aV - Sporting CP (@Sporting_CP) August 21, 2016 It is the latest in a series of loan moves for a player who joined the Gunners in 2011 but has since spent spells in France, Spain and Greece. Campbell got … [Read more...]