Pep Guardiola has opted not to take Yaya Toure on the trip to Bucharest, prompting further questions over his Manchester City future. Yaya Toure's future at Manchester City was plunged into further doubt on Monday after he was left out of Pep Guardiola's 21-man squad for the Champions League clash with Steaua Bucharest. Toure failed to make the bench for Saturday's 2-1 defeat of Sunderland in City's Premier League opener and will again play no part in the first leg of the play-off tie in Romania. The Ivory Coast international was one of … [Read more...]
Arsene Wenger blames lack of defensive cover for Liverpool defeat
Arsene Wenger believes his side came up short against Liverpool on Sunday because of the lack of experience in their back four. The Gunners lost 4-3 at the Emirates Stadium despite two second-half goals from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Calum Chambers that gave them hope they could get something out of the game. Three quick goals in a 15-minute spell from the Reds effectively sealed the game for Jurgen Klopp’s men and the French man was left frustrated at his side’s youthful defence. “We lacked experience at the back and we were physically … [Read more...]
Klopp half-time talk sparked Liverpool win – Lallana
He was on the scoresheet as Liverpool defeated Arsenal and Adam Lallana hailed the belief that Jurgen Klopp has instilled in the side. Adam Lallana was relieved to escape Emirates Stadium with three points after Liverpool held off Arsenal's stirring comeback on Sunday. In a classic Premier League meeting, Arsenal were ahead through Theo Walcott before a blitz of four goals in 18 minutes had Liverpool 4-1 in front. Philippe Coutinho scored twice either side of Lallana's fine goal, while debutant Sadio Mane's superb individual effort … [Read more...]
Sassuolo turn down move for Balotelli
Mario Balotelli's hopes of securing a move away from Liverpool have been dealt a further blow, after Sassuolo opted against bringing the Italian to the club. The striker has been seeking pastures new after being told that he is not part of Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp’s plans at Anfield this season, and is keen to bring his disappointing spell with the Premier League club to an end. Arriving in an €18.5 million deal from AC Milan in 2014, Balotelli struggled to just a single goal in his debut campaign with the Reds, whilst a loan back at … [Read more...]
Rooney insists he has ‘nothing to prove’
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney says he has nothing to prove to Jose Mourinho or anyone else following their 3-1 victory on the road at Bournemouth. The England international scored United’s second goal against the Cherries after a Anthony Martial mis-cue fell through to him inside the box. After the match, Rooney made it clear to the media that he has nothing to prove this season, saying he will always “score goals” if he continues to be played in an advanced role under Mourinho. “I’ve nothing to prove to anyone,” Rooney told Sky … [Read more...]
Arsenal 3-4 Liverpool; Coutinho stars in seven-goal thriller
Liverpool came from behind to begin their Premier League season with victory in a seven-goal thriller against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The hosts took the lead through Theo Walcott, who recovered from missing a penalty to slot home just 69 seconds later, but Jurgen Klopp's side stormed back as a Philippe Coutinho brace and strikes from Adam Lallana and Sadio Mane proved enough to seal the points. Arsenal rallied to grab two back through Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Calum Chambers but ultimately came up short as Liverpool were left … [Read more...]
Mourinho: Zlatan can be phenomenal for the Premier League
Zlatan Ibrahimovic will prove invaluable to a Manchester United squad that Jose Mourinho believes he has picked up off the floor. Jose Mourinho believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic will prove to be a "phenomenal" acquisition for Manchester United after the Swedish star marked his Premier League debut with a superb goal in the 3-1 win at Bournemouth. A week on from heading the winner in a 2-1 Community Shield triumph over Leicester City at Wembley, Ibrahimovic drilled home a superb long-range strike to conclude United's scoring in a routine victory … [Read more...]
Zlatan scores as United beat Bournemouth
Zlatan Ibrahimovic marked his Premier League debut with a goal as Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United tenure began with a convincing 3-1 victory over Bournemouth. The match was Mourinho’s first Premier League game in charge of United but nevertheless Ibrahimovic arrived as the star attraction on the south coast and the Swede did not disappoint, unleashing a superb long-range strike in the second half. He has now scored on debut in Serie A, LaLiga, Ligue 1 and the Champions League. Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney’s goals had earlier put United in … [Read more...]
Mikel on target as Nigeria beat Denmark; set up semi final clash with Germany
Chelsea midfielder Mikel John Obi was on target as Nigeria beat Denmark 2-0 to set up an Olympic semi-final against Germany on Wednesday. The Super Eagles have been in impressive form in Rio despite initial chaos in trying to reach the tournament due to plane trouble, and were firmly in control against the Danes in Salvador. Nigeria took the initiative at the Arena Fonte Nova as Imoh Ezekiel produced a fine run down the left side before teeing up Chelsea's Mikel to finish before half-time. Ezekiel continued his impressive performance … [Read more...]
Mourinho: Mata was not upset, Mkhitaryan was
Jose Mourinho has played down reports Juan Mata could leave Manchester United and insists the midfielder was not unhappy at his treatment during the Community Shield. Mourinho deemed the Spaniard surplus to requirements at Chelsea, selling him to United, and raising doubts over the 28-year-old’s Old Trafford future. The pair’s relationship was again in the spotlight after United’s 2-1 win over Leicester at Wembley, where Mourinho sent Mata on in the 63rd minute only to withdraw him in injury time – a rarity in top-level football and a blow … [Read more...]
Memphis Depay still in Manchester United’s plans-Mourinho
Despite rumours a lack of discipline off-field has hampered Memphis Depay, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has shown his support. Selecting him in his 23-man squad for their season opener away to Bournemouth, Jose Mourinho has backed Memphis Depay to make an impact for Manchester United. Many expected the 22-year-old Dutchman to be one of Mourinho's first casualties after a disappointing opening season at Old Trafford, but the new manager is predicting big things. "Of course, I want Memphis to be part of my squad," Mourinho told … [Read more...]