West Ham manager Slaven Bilic felt Diego Costa was lucky to still be on the pitch to score the late winner as West Ham lost 2-1 at Chelsea in the Premier League. Costa, who drilled home from 20 yards in the 89th minute, escaped punishment for a late tackle on Hammers goalkeeper Adrian having already been booked for dissent. Bilic told Sky Sports that the striker should have been sent off for the 67th-minute challenge, even if he did not mean to connect with Adrian's leg. "He had already been booked and it wasn't reckless and I don't think that it was deliberate but it was quite late, the ball was already gone and he could have, or should have, been booked again, which would mean a red card," Bilic said. The coach added in his news conference: "I saw … [Read more...]
Man United supporters will learn to love Fellaini – Mourinho
Jose Mourinho insists Manchester United supporters will finally start to “love” Marouane Fellaini this season. Belgium midfielder Fellaini – much-maligned in the past – impressed on Sunday after United eased to a 3-1 victory at Bournemouth thanks to goals from Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. “With Fellaini I always have the feeling that he was not loved by the general Red people,” Mourinho said. “But, if he plays like he’s playing now, they have to love him because he’s being so important for us.” Fellaini told MUTV: “It was a tough game for both sides. Bournemouth played well in the first half. In the second half we kept the ball better and created more chances and more possibilities for ourselves. We took those chances and got the win … [Read more...]
Guardiola explains Toure snub
Yaya Toure was left out of Manchester City's squad for the first leg of their Champions League play-off at Steaua Bucharest. The Ivory Coast midfielder did not even make the bench for the first match of new manager Pep Guardiola's reign, against Sunderland on Saturday. Toure has not been included in City's travelling party for Tuesday's clash in the Romanian capital, a decision by Guardiola which could increase speculation over the one-time team linchpin's future. Speaking in his pre-match press conference at the Arena Nationala, Guardiola said: "He is a player of us and he is training amazing, but I was not sure if he was going to play, and so I prefer it if he stays there training good in Manchester. "We travelled with two young guys and for the … [Read more...]
Late Costa strike fires Chelsea pass West Ham
Diego Costa scored a dramatic 89th minute winner to give Antonio Conte a winning start to his Chelsea career against West Ham. Chelsea’s first goal under the Italian came just after half time as Eden Hazard smashed his penalty into the roof of the net. However, despite being under the cosh for most of the second half, the Hammers equalised through James Collins . But Costa popped up to give Conte a dream start to life in the Premier League. Summer signing N’Golo Kante marked his first competitive Chelsea game with a third minute yellow card as both teams jostled for the upper hand. West Ham had the best of the early possession but it was the Blues who had the first chance of note when Branislav Ivanovic drew a fantastic low save from … [Read more...]
Liverpool bid for Chile star Gary Medel
Liverpool have made an offer for former Cardiff City midfielder Gary Medel, according to reports in Italy. The 29-year-old, who has been at Inter since leaving Cardiff in 2014, has become a key member of the first team at the San Siro. Reports earlier this summer had suggested that Jurgen Klopp was considering a move for the tough-tackling Chilean, as he bids to firm up his talented squad. And now, according to Corriere della Sera, Liverpool have made contact with Inter about a deal for the Chilean. The former Boca and Sevilla man, who made 34 Premier League appearances during his one season at Cardiff, is under contract until 2018. Medel could swap places with Lucas Leiva , with Inter understood to be keen on a deal for the Reds midfielder. … [Read more...]
Everton sign Crystal Palace star Yannick Bolasie
Crystal Palace midfielder Yannick Bolasie has joined Everton for an undisclosed fee, the two clubs have confirmed. The 27-year-old has signed a five-year deal at Goodison Park and is looking forward to the challenge that awaits him on Merseyside. "I’m looking forward to putting on the Everton shirt,” Bolasie told evertontv. “This is a big club and I know all about it from having played against them over the years. “For me, it was a no-brainer to come here. But now that I’ve come to Everton, the job is not done. I’ve got to work hard and feel my way in. I’m ready and up for the challenge. “It’s not about the money for me. It’s about looking at the ambition of the Club and where they are trying to get to. I just like to play football." Ronald Koeman … [Read more...]
Henry worried by Arsenal’s lack of spending
Thierry Henry is worried that Arsenal have lost the ability to attract the very best players in world football to the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners looked far from convincing in their opening day 4-3 loss to Liverpool and many fans will be expecting additions to the squad before the end of the transfer window. Arsene Wenger has only brought in Granit Xhaka, Rob Holding and Takuma Asano , with Xhaka likely to be the only one that features on a regular basis for the Gunners. And Henry thinks Arsenal will struggle to find the quality they need to improve their side as players don’t find a move to the Emirates an attractive prospect anymore. “The thing I don’t understand is, we’ve been told that Arsenal are wealthy, that we have money, that we can compete … [Read more...]