Philippe Coutinho scored one goal and created two as Liverpool thrashed Derby County 0-3 to ease into the last 16 of the EFL Cup. Philippe Coutinho scored one goal and assisted the other two as Jurgen Klopp's much-changed side crushed their Championship opponents, in the process extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to five matches. Ragnar Klavan grabbed Liverpool's opener, the defender capitalising on a defensive error by Derby's Richard Keogh to find the net in the 24th minute. Liverpool then hit their hosts with a quick-fire double at the start of the second half to put the contest to bed, Coutinho slotting home a one-on-one opportunity before setting up Divock Origi to do likewise from a tight angle. Having brushed aside Burton … [Read more...]
Fabregas at the double as Chelsea beat Leicester
Cesc Fabregas nets twice as Chelsea staged an impressive comeback from two goals down to beat Leicester 4-2 and progress to the fourth round of the EFL Cup at the King Power Stadium. Fabregas has been left out of the starting line up in the league since Conte’s arrival and has not started in the Premier League this season proved his worth, ahead of Saturday’s Premier League visit to former club Arsenal. Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta’s stunning strike helped Chelsea come from behind after defensive howlers allowed Shinji Okazaki to score twice in the first half. Leicester’s Marcin Wasilewski was sent off a minute before the end of normal time as the hosts failed to build on their fine start. Pedro had a fifth-minute goal disallowed for offside … [Read more...]
perez on target as Arsenal crush Nottingham Forest
Arsenal eased through to the fourth round of the EFL Cup as striker Lucas Perez scored his first goals for Arsenal as they overcame Nottingham Forest 4-0 at the City Ground. Former Deportivo la Coruna striker Perez, who joined Arsenal for a fee of £17million in August, netted his first goal for Arsene Wenger's side with a well taken penalty on the hour-mark, before doubling his tally with a superb solo effort The Gunners’ only two League Cup triumphs in 1987 and 1993 each featured wins over the Reds and Granit Xhaka’s strike and a Lucas Perez double set the ball rolling for history to perhaps repeat itself. Granit Xhaka's second goal in as many games – a blistering range strike from 25 yards out, opened the scoring midway through a tightly-contested … [Read more...]
Yaya Toure quits international football
Ivory Coast and Manchester City midfielder, Yaya Toure has announced his retirement from international football. The Ivorian, 33, made his debut for the West African country in 2004, and took a break from the side following their Africa Cup of Nations win in February 2015. He returned to the squad in March this year, but on Tuesday confirmed he will no longer put himself in contention for selection. "There are decisions that are difficult to take. But, I have to pass the baton on to the younger [generation]," he said in a statement. "After 14 years at most levels with the Elephants, I [have] come to the end of my adventure with the Ivory Coast. "I thank all the supporters, all my fans." Toure, now an outcast at City has found himself down the … [Read more...]
Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois wants move back to Spain
Thibaut Courtois today said he would like to return to Spain one day, adding that he will reconsider his future at Chelsea. The Belgium international has been regularly linked with a move back to La Liga where he spent three years on loan at at Atletico Madrid between 2011-14. Real Madrid emerged as his most likely destination last summer, but Chelsea are determined to keep the 24-year-old. “When I injured my knee they (Real Madrid) sent me a fax wishing me a prompt recovery,” he said. Despite Courtois’ desire to move on from Stamford Bridge, the goalkeeper has praised new Chelsea coach Antonio Conte. “He always thinks about football and tactically he is very strong,” he said. “He knows what he wants from the team and through videos he ensures that … [Read more...]
Guardiola will get a war if he wants one – Yaya Toure’s Agent
Dimitri Seluk, the ever outspoken agent of Ivory Coast international, Yaya Toure, has warned Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola that "he will get a war if he wants one." Seluk had earlier said that Guardiola should apologize to Yaya if Manchester City fails to win the UEFA Champions League this season and accused the spaniard of treating Yaya with disrespect by omitting his name from his UCL group stage squad list. Pep Guardiola got the Russian firing verbally at him when he deliberately omitted the 33-year old midfielder from his champions league squad and also said that Yaya may likely not feature for the citizens unless Seluk tenders an apology to him. In response to Pep, Seluk fired again, in an exclusive interview with Mirror Sport, saying that … [Read more...]
Raneiri expects to make huge selection changes
Premier League champions, Leicester City is likely to name a squad that will include players who have seen little or no game time this season, Claudio Raneiri reveals. Leicester are in the midst of a tight schedule of 7 games in 22 days, which is always evident of big English sides. They still have to face Manchester United in the league and Porto in the champions league after Chelsea's visit to the King Power Stadium tonight in the EFL Cup. He said, “they have to show me their best as they show every training.” “My door is always open and I am very excited how they'll react again. I believe the big Chelsea will arrive. I am expecting a strong team. “It is a fantastic opportunity because they are working so hard in the training session and have an … [Read more...]