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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [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 … [Read more...]
Conte pleased with players’ impact from the bench
Manager Antonio conte praised the impact of his substitutes as Chelsea again left it late to strike for victory. The Blues had beaten West Ham on Monday with a late Diego Costa strike, and the Spain international produced the goods three minutes from time against Watford as Conte's side came from behind to win 2-1 at Vicarage Road. Etienne Capoue fired the hosts ahead 10 minutes into the second half before Conte reacted, introducing Victor Moses, Michy Batshuayi and Cesc Fabregas from the bench, with summer recruit Batshuayi levelling with … [Read more...]
Koeman happy with Lukaku’s Everton commitment
Romelu Lukaku has promised to stay at Everton and could even sign a new contract, manager Ronald Koeman has said. The 23-year-old has been a transfer target for his former club Chelsea this summer but the Londoners have been reluctant to meet Everton's valuation of the striker -- reported to be £75 million. Lukaku has expressed a desire to play European football and was frustrated by Everton's 11th-placed finish last season in the Premier League under Roberto Martinez, but the Toffees were determined to keep hold of their biggest … [Read more...]
Claudio Ranieri refuses to criticise Mark Clattenburg over penalty
Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri praised his team's display in the 0-0 draw against Arsenal and had no complaints over the referee. Claudio Ranieri refused to criticise referee Mark Clattenburg after Leicester City had two penalty appeals waved away during their 0-0 draw against Arsenal. The Premier League champions are still searching for the first win of their title defence, following last weekend's 2-1 loss at Hull City, and they could not find a way through in a game of few chances at the King Power Stadium. Danny Drinkwater went … [Read more...]