tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67501711541446265892024-02-20T02:39:49.215+01:00Welcome to sportmasta's Blog.Sporting News, Transfer news, Sport Events,Racing, Boxing, Cycling, Swimming e t c.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.comBlogger3828125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750171154144626589.post-78542277829787770002018-02-08T11:58:00.002+01:002018-02-08T11:58:55.054+01:00Salah steers around Real Madrid question<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img alt="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/ff/af/mohamed-salah-liverpool_10k8b7qms5wx61byzmxxl3lzd8.jpg?t=1635890225&quality=90&w=0&h=1260" class="overflowingVertical" height="360" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/ff/af/mohamed-salah-liverpool_10k8b7qms5wx61byzmxxl3lzd8.jpg?t=1635890225&quality=90&w=0&h=1260" width="640" />The in-form Reds star has
avoided being drawn on talk of a possible move to Spain, with his focus
currently locked on events in the Premier League </div>
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Mohamed
Salah has swerved La Liga future questions amid links to Real Madrid,
with his focus locked on Liverpool and a Golden Boot hunt.<br />
The Egypt international forward has been one of the stars of 2017-18,
with a 28-goal return in England seeing his profile rise considerably.<br />
He is now considered to fit the ‘Galactico’ mould which is so appealing to those at Santiago Bernabeu.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/liverpool-cant-afford-to-lose-mohamed-salah-jamie-carragher/104ob7ufq57q21eh0waszrv7d6" target="_blank">A move to Spain has been mooted for the 25-year-old</a> as a result, but Salah is reluctant to be drawn on the speculation having spent less than a year on the books at Anfield.<br />
“At the moment I am here,” he told <a href="http://www.marca.com/en/football/international-football/2018/02/08/5a7b441b468aeb74528b458c.html" target="_blank"><em>Marca</em></a> when pressed on whether he would like to play in La Liga.<br />
“I want to concentrate on my team and finish the season very well.”
<br />
Salah, who has graced the Premier League and Serie A in his
career to date, was, however, prepared to admit that he is a fan of the
Spanish top-flight.<br />
He added: “Yes, I follow it, I see some games. Not always, because sometimes they coincide with Liverpool fixtures, of course.<br />
“It's a good league, has top teams, and the way they play is very attractive.”<br />
Among those currently gracing the La Liga ranks is Barcelona new boy
Philippe Coutinho, with the Brazilian having left Liverpool for Camp Nou
in a €160 million deal during the winter transfer window.<br />
Salah said of his former colleague: “I miss him. He was my friend, a very nice guy.<br />
“I wish him all the best in Barcelona because he is an incredible
player, with a lot of quality. As a person he's very calm. I'm proud to
have played by his side.”<br />
<img alt="Salah celebrates Liverpool v Tottenham" class=" kskdInfinite" data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_b670129546ce99764cc9074ec98d8161" height="359" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/57/ef/salah-celebrates-liverpool-v-tottenham_1qu2u45whpks710l146ax08l1d.jpg?t=1646530225" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; width: 100%;" width="640" /><br />
It may be that Salah’s path will once again cross with Coutinho at
some stage in the future, but for now his attention has been narrowed on
the present.<br />
A 21-goal return in Premier League competition has him just <a href="http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/premier-league-top-scorers-2017-2018-lukaku-kane-aguero/156q4z04i6k2n1m1ooi8t8cpbi" target="_blank">one behind Tottenham’s Harry Kane in the battle for the Golden Boot</a>, and Salah intends to get his hands on the prize.<br />
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He said of a tussle with Spurs star Kane: "He is a great player, in
the last two years he has already been the top scorer. Kane plays as a
No.9 and has more chances to score goals than me.<br />
“In my mind I want to win it, but we will see what happens.<br />
“Now I want to be in a good position in the Premier League and help
my international team to pass the first phase in the World Cup in
Russia. Those are my goals for now, then we'll see.”</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750171154144626589.post-43162440712451457982018-02-08T11:56:00.000+01:002018-02-08T11:56:27.598+01:00Victor Moses can be key to Chelsea renaissance <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img alt="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/43/84/victor-moses_oihqgsetw0jw1fu0bevtxbql4.jpg?t=761380292&quality=90&w=0&h=1260" class="overflowingVertical" height="360" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/43/84/victor-moses_oihqgsetw0jw1fu0bevtxbql4.jpg?t=761380292&quality=90&w=0&h=1260" width="640" />Antonio Conte will need his widemen performing much better if the Blues are to step out of their recent malaise </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12px;"></span><hr style="background: #00ac77; border: 0; color: #00ac77; height: 3px; width: 100%;" />
<a href="http://www.goal.com/en-ng/results/team/chelsea/661">Chelsea</a>’s form in 2018 does not make for good reading.<br />
For those who need a refresher, Antonio Conte’s side have won twice
in 11 games in all competitions, three if you add the FA Cup third round
replay win over Norwich City at Stamford Bridge.<br />
The general consensus seems to be centered on Conte’s gloomy
demeanour and reluctance to switch things up from his preferred tactic
of three at the back, and the manager is arguably fortunate to still be
in a job after speculation that he'd be dismissed following the defeat
by Watford.<br />
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While the former criticism may be merited, a departure from a
back-three may be required if Conte is to survive at Stamford Bridge.<br />
To this end, Victor Moses could be key to the Italian manager saving his job.<br />
<img alt="Antonio Conte, Watford v Chelsea, 17/18" data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_49ab2f61ff95aab44a2ac2d26390b91f" height="360" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/58/5e/antonio-conte-watford-v-chelsea-1718_xrslibzli7j1ct6q5taearf4.jpg?t=1794680737" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; width: 100%;" width="640" /><br />
Admittedly, and in hindsight, the Italian manager has made a few poor
calls in recent games, not least in terms of personnel and
combinations.<br />
Chelsea’s rather indifferent start to the 2016-17 season saw the
Italian bring in Moses and Marcos Alonso as his primary wing-backs. The
switch saw the Stamford Bridge club win a staggering 27 games from 32
(after winning just three from the first six) in a remarkable
title-winning campaign.<br />
Moses, for his part, seemed reborn in the wing-back role as it
amplified most of his strengths, while masking a few weaknesses in his
game.<br />
By contrast though, this season has seen an alarming drop in his
level of performances and, consequently, Chelsea’s. Some may scoff and
downright say it’s a bit silly attributing the Pensioners’ malaise this
year to the inconsistency of their wing-backs.<br />
Admittedly, that may be rather too simplistic, but you can’t deny
their output (or lack of, in this case) has a major impact on how
Chelsea play.<br />
<img alt="Thibaut Courtois Marcos Alonso Eden Hazard Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers" data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_49ab2f61ff95aab44a2ac2d26390b91f" height="359" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/b4/2e/thibaut-courtois-marcos-alonso-eden-hazard-boston-celtics-vs-philadelphia-76ers_1cc5uyochwbe10u8c7e5vna4f.jpg?t=-411971328" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; width: 100%;" width="640" /><br />
The three-man defence requires the men out wide to maintain the
side’s width (as the team mostly play without recognized wingers),
whilst influencing the game at both ends of the pitch.<br />
Moses, and to a lesser degree, Alonso have struggled to replicate
last season’s performances and it’s ultimately crippled the team’s
effectiveness. The Nigeria international's statistics show a
considerable drop in his underlying figures from last year which
amplifies his lesser contribution in defence and attack.<br />
A particular indictment in this campaign has been his inability to
beat his marker with any degree of consistency and consequently create
chances for his teammates in the attacking third. He’s also down on his
number of key passes, chances created, interceptions, blocks and
clearances from 2016/2017.<br />
Maybe the Nigerian is starting to feel the effects of playing in one
of the most physically challenging positions in modern football, hence
the drop in quality displays. This certainly appears to be the case with
Alonso, who's a doubt for the West Bromwich Albion match due to
fatigue.<br />
When you take into account the number of extra games this season,
coupled with the wideman’s problems in the past to stay fit for a
stretch whilst also delivering good performances, it all adds up.<br />
<img alt="Victor Moses" data-kiosked-context-name="kskdUIContext_49ab2f61ff95aab44a2ac2d26390b91f" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/af/f3/victor-moses_1v0way8ugb7ikzo6rfgamrptk.jpg?t=459034815" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; width: 100%;" /><br />
The Super Eagle missed about seven weeks earlier in the campaign as
Chelsea struggled through the autumn to find a balance to their play. He
returned to the starting line-up in early December and delivered a good
performance in his side’s 3-1 win over Newcastle United at the Bridge.<br />
The fact that the West African superstar’s next good outing was in
the Blues’ 4-0 win over Brighton on January 20 (when he set up Eden
Hazard’s opener before scoring himself) is telling. Both matches were
seven weeks and eight league games apart. It's not good enough...and not
nearly consistent enough!<br />
Conte hasn’t helped either, with his flirtation with the 3-5-2 system
(a tweak from Chelsea’s title winning 3-4-3 formation) in several games
this term, which only places extra pressure on inconsistent wing-backs
to deliver. The Blues have also lacked the element of control of games
they had last season, which then mostly sees the widemen pinned back in a
back five and unable to attack and support the front-men.<br />
A switch to a back four wouldn’t make much of a difference either,
with the dreadlocked Nigerian neither a natural full-back nor the most
prolific attacker.<br />
<img alt="Victor Moses of Chelsea" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/79/6c/victor-moses-of-chelsea_ervbccg50sn41oi1v3u75hvr9.jpg?t=-977608074" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; width: 100%;" /><br />
In the space of three days, Chelsea played Newcastle and Bournemouth,
which saw performances from either side of the great divide.<br />
In the Blues’ 3-0 FA Cup fourth round win over a poor Magpies side,
Alonso and Davide Zappacosta were deployed out wide and had impressive
individual performances. On the other hand, both players failed to
replicate that display against Eddie Howe’s side as they slumped to an
extremely disappointing 3-0 defeat in West London.<br />
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A penny for Antonio Conte’s thoughts - before the showdown with The
Albion this weekend – as he strives to get better and importantly, more
consistent performances from his wing-backs.<br />
With the departure of Abdul Baba Rahman and Kenedy (both on loan) to
Schalke 04 and Newcastle respectively, and subsequent arrival of Emerson
Palmieri from Roma – a superior athlete to Alonso – the Italian manager
has got to be pulling his hair out on how to get dependable
performances from his widemen.<br />
If he’s successful, then maybe, just maybe a so far disappointing campaign might still have a happy ending.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750171154144626589.post-91848918320726739542018-01-11T12:18:00.000+01:002018-01-11T12:18:22.469+01:00What a waste of money<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img alt="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/83/65/michy-batshuayi-chelsea_10x9i0z0hd6h81qaw5oknxh75o.jpg?t=-1060899840&quality=90&w=0&h=1260" class="overflowingVertical" height="360" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/83/65/michy-batshuayi-chelsea_10x9i0z0hd6h81qaw5oknxh75o.jpg?t=-1060899840&quality=90&w=0&h=1260" width="640" />The 24-year-old has played a
bit-part role under Antonio Conte and is in need of a fresh start ahead
of the 2018 Russia World Cup </div>
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Prior to his £33 million transfer to Chelsea, Michy Batshuayi was one of the hottest prospects in European football.<br />
He would go on to make just a single Premier League start in his
debut season in the English top tier and would eventually be offered to a
host of clubs over the summer transfer window by Antonio Conte, though
vowed to fight for his place. Despite his restricted playing time,
Batshuayi scored five goals in 239 minutes - an average of a goal every
48 minutes - and refused to read into the claims that he was not cut out
for a starring role at Chelsea.<br />
Marseille were ready to take their former forward back on loan, while
at least 10 Premier League clubs offered a temporary home, but
Batshuayi again refused to give into the pressure.<br />
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His confidence is admirable but isn't shared by his manager, who has
worked extensively with the striker to develop his understanding of what
is required.<br />
<img alt="Michy Batshuayi Chelsea" data-kiosked-context-name="" height="359" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/bb/ec/michy-batshuayi-chelsea_7d6p20ffggev1lemaun1h4fsf.jpg?t=2135699456" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; width: 100%;" width="640" /><br />
Batshuayi has made just two Premier League starts this season, with
another five coming in cup competitions. And, to the striker's credit,
he has scored seven goals this term in 20 bit-part appearances. However,
his overall contribution is significantly short of what Conte requires
from his leading frontman and the Italian's preference to push Eden
Hazard into a makeshift 'false nine' role over selecting Batshuayi is
telling. As was Conte's push to sign Fernando Llorente in the summer as
an understudy to Diego Costa.<br />
"He has to show me that he's better than Morata, or than Hazard. It's
very simple,” Conte said earlier in the season. “But don't forget that
Michy this season is playing more than last season. Last season he
didn't play. He didn't play and I think this season, if you consider his
injury for a month, he had his chance."<br />
<img alt="Batshuayi Conte PS" data-kiosked-context-name="" height="640" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/40/af/batshuayi-conte-ps_14ve8eg1eqxy1r0h41081pqs2.png?t=-491932200" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; width: 100%;" width="640" /><br />
And Batshuayi was offered another chance to make a mark ahead of
Chelsea's Carabao Cup tie with Norwich on January 6, with Alvaro Morata
dropping to the bench and Hazard missing out through injury. Batshuayi
offered little, however, and was eventually replaced by Morata in the
second with the home support mocking the Belgium international as he
left the pitch.<br />
<center>
</center>
With
an eye on the Russia World Cup this summer, Batshuayi is increasingly
in need of regular playing time to restore his reputation as one of the
most promising forward's in Europe.
<br />
Batshuayi is a player who hit double figures in goals in the four
seasons prior to joining Chelsea, with his final campaign at Marseille
ending with 23 in all competitions. His season and a half with Chelsea,
then, can be fairly marked as a stain on an otherwise promising career
to date. Still 24, Batshuayi now has a decision to make if he is to
retain his status ahead of Roberto Martinez selecting his Belgium side
for the World Cup.<br />
"I was a player, I understand if someone is worried about the World
Cup," Conte said previously when asked about his plans for fringe
players in the winter transfer window. "I understand [if they want to
leave], but at the same time it’s very important to keep players very
happy to stay here, to work with us and I think this must be our
priority."<br />
<img alt="Michy Batshuayi" data-kiosked-context-name="" height="359" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/9c/48/michy-batshuayi_12cxe7yanreey1l9u8funayahb.png?t=378942407" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; width: 100%;" width="640" /><br />
So what next for Batshuayi?<br />
while a move to West Ham has also been suggested. Chelsea are unwilling
to let him leave without a replacement, however, regardless of how a
move away would benefit all parties.<br />
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Sevilla's proposition is an attractive one, with European football in
hand and currently sitting fifth in the Liga rankings. Vincenzo
Montella's side recognise that Chelsea need a replacement before
sanctioning a loan move, however, and are therefore also looking at
both Stevan Jovetic of Monaco, who spent part of last season at the
club, and Everton attacker Sandro Ramírez. The decision is up to Conte,
though, and he risks scuppering Batshuayi's development by not pulling
the trigger.<br />
“Michy is a young player," Conte said. "He has to work very hard to
improve himself. But he's doing this. I'm happy with his behaviour and
his commitment. But I have to make the best decision for the team."<br />
With Conte's mind made up and having had little change from
persevering with his goal of being Chelsea's leading striker, now is the
time for Batshuayi to cut his losses and look to make a short-term
impact elsewhere. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750171154144626589.post-32188067598667467242018-01-11T12:04:00.003+01:002018-01-11T12:04:53.765+01:00Barcelona announce €11.8m Yerry Mina signing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="teaser" itemprop="description">
<img alt="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/9c/0/yerry-mina-palmeiras_11jfwdqno3nb81ks4s5lz36fx2.jpg?t=-644170648&quality=90&w=0&h=1260" class="overflowingVertical" height="360" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/9c/0/yerry-mina-palmeiras_11jfwdqno3nb81ks4s5lz36fx2.jpg?t=-644170648&quality=90&w=0&h=1260" width="640" />The Colombia international
had been scheduled to arrive in the summer, but a deal has been pushed
through that sees him go to Spain now </div>
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Barcelona
have announced their second signing of 2018, with defender Yerry Mina
joining La Liga's leaders from Brazilian side Palmeiras for €11.8
million.<br />
Mina has signed a five-and-a-half-year deal with the Catalan giants.<br />
A deal for Mina had been set up for after the World Cup, but Barcelona were keen to complete an early move for the defender, <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2018/01/05/41524422/mina-wants-immediate-barcelona-move-palmeiras-confirm" target="_blank">who made clear his desire to join Ernesto Valverde's side</a>.<br />
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The table-toppers said in a stement: "Yerry Mina now comes to Barca
with the opportunity to continue developing as a footballer following
his move to Europe. Without a doubt the Colombian has the potential to
make it."<br />
<img alt="EN Emirates Yerry Mina" data-kiosked-context-name="" height="640" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/98/c5/en-emirates-yerry-mina_ptzsrm2roblo1jvl6un10mgg2.png?t=-456919264" style="width: 100%;" width="640" /><br />
The Colombia international will strengthen Barcelona's defensive
options as Javier Mascherano is reportedly expected to leave Camp Nou in
the January transfer window, with Chinese Super League side Hebei China
Fortune reportedly keen on the experienced Argentine.<br />
Mascherano has started only six La Liga games so far this season,
with Thomas Vermaelen typically selected by Valverde as Gerard Pique's
partner in the absence of the injured Samuel Umtiti.<br />
<center>
</center>
Umtiti
has also been linked with a transfer away from Barcelona, with
Manchester City and Manchester United among the clubs linked with
triggering the France centre-back's €60m release clause. <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2018/01/11/41658382/manchester-rivals-united-and-city-warned-off-55m-umtiti-move" target="_blank">Gerard Pique, however, has said he is sure the France international wishes to stay with the club</a>.
<br />
Barcelona have already added to their squad this month, having
finally completed a long-awaited move for Brazil international Philippe
Coutinho.<br />
After a string of failed bids for the Liverpool playmaker in August,
Barca have agreed to pay a reported club-record fee of €120m for the
Brazil international, who signed a five-and-a-half-year deal at Camp
Nou.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750171154144626589.post-47040012266129902972018-01-10T11:08:00.001+01:002018-01-10T11:08:08.653+01:00EXTRA TIME: Mohamed Salah reacts to Philippe Coutinho’s move to Barcelona<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img alt="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/1e/7a/philippe-coutinho-mohamed-salah-liverpool_1b2i0ea5cptym1o7phahjfsyjf.jpg?t=2142286520&quality=90&w=0&h=1260" class="overflowingVertical" height="360" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/1e/7a/philippe-coutinho-mohamed-salah-liverpool_1b2i0ea5cptym1o7phahjfsyjf.jpg?t=2142286520&quality=90&w=0&h=1260" width="640" />The Egyptian forward dropped a message for the Brazil international who completed a big money move to the Camp Nou this week </div>
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Liverpool's
Mohamed Salah has revelled in the short period he spent with Philippe
Coutinho before the Brazilian completed a switch to Barcelona on Monday.<br />
Coutinho joined the Catalan giants for a £145 million record fee that will keep him at the club until 2023.<br />
After hitting 12 goals and eight assists in 20 games in all
competitions for Reds this season, the former Espanyol and Inter Milan
player ended his five-year stay at Anfield.<br />
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And Salah who joined Jurgen Klopp's men from Roma in June
relished his partnership with the Brazil star and wished him luck in his
'new adventure'.<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Really enjoyed playing with you even if it was for such a short time. I wish you all the best in your new adventure.✌🏼 <a href="https://t.co/FN85pFeYrl">pic.twitter.com/FN85pFeYrl</a>
— Mohamed Salah (@22mosalah) <a href="https://twitter.com/22mosalah/status/950844894247047168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2018</a></div>
</blockquote>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750171154144626589.post-42693183589382302752018-01-10T11:04:00.000+01:002018-01-10T11:04:17.642+01:00£650m spent, but academy star Lingard is Man Utd's best player right now<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="teaser" itemprop="description">
<img alt="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/47/31/jesse-lingard-manchester-united_1omk5xrffh8z21pigk2iqu7sec.jpg?t=-550928648&quality=90&w=0&h=1260" class="overflowingVertical" height="360" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/47/31/jesse-lingard-manchester-united_1omk5xrffh8z21pigk2iqu7sec.jpg?t=-550928648&quality=90&w=0&h=1260" width="640" />The Red Devils youth product has not always convinced the Old Trafford faithful but has been in a rich vein of form of late </div>
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At
most clubs, the scorer of three key Wembley goals including a wonderful
strike to win the FA Cup would go down as an immediate club legend.
However, Jesse Lingard has had to fight longer and harder than you might
expect just to be accepted as a preferred starter for the majority of
Manchester United fans.<br />
In many ways, Lingard is the archetypal success story by which United
fans judge their club. They want to see local lads brought through the
system and given the chance to thrive in the first team, and the
attacker has done exactly that having risen from a seven-year-old
wannabe to a senior England star over an 18-year spell with the Red
Devils.<br />
But having taken a considerable time to string together a consistent
run of stand-out performances following his first-team break-out in
2015-16, Lingard had become something of a figure of fun in some
quarters until his recent upturn in form which has seen him net eight
goals in 10 games as a number 10 in Jose Mourinho’s side.<br />
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<img alt="Jesse Lingard Manchester United Derby" data-kiosked-context-name="" height="359" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/4c/26/jesse-lingard-manchester-united-derby_mpv98iu0zomb1oijakvjry0ps.jpg?t=-933695136" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; width: 100%;" width="640" /><br />
And his spell of prominence could not have come at a better time when
you consider that Mourinho was left scrambling for an alternative to
the failing Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the main creative attacking slot in a
United squad costing £648 million. With the Armenian having struggled
after a bright opening month and Paul Pogba needing to partner Nemanja
Matic in the midfield hub due to Ander Herrera’s poor form in 2017-18,
Lingard suddenly became the manager’s go-to guy as United began to fall
adrift of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.<br />
“I think he is comfortable in the positions he plays,” said Mourinho
after Lingard got the all-important 84th-minute opener in Friday’s FA
Cup win over Derby County.<br />
“I think he is improving with the progressive style of the team. The
team is playing progressively in a different way which makes him feel
like a fish in the water and he is in this moment where everything goes
right for him.”<br />
<img alt="Jesse Lingard stats Manchester United" data-kiosked-context-name="" height="640" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/35/37/jesse-lingard-stats-manchester-united_12vuv2hgj0ox81lw7m549qywej.png?t=-604765264" style="width: 100%;" width="640" /><br />
Mourinho’s reward for his faith in Lingard has been remarkable, with
Lingard not only adding goals but also demonstrating some of the
incisive running that United have lacked from the number 10 position for
long stretches of the past few seasons. While Pogba has made the most
obvious difference to United when on form, Lingard has been their key
man more often than not of late. Having previously been seen by many as
little more than the Frenchman’s dancing side-kick on social media,
Lingard has outshone his more esteemed former academy team-mate over the
winter months.<br />
<center>
</center>
From
match-winning braces against Swansea City and Arsenal to his
game-saving double as a substitute against Burnley, the Warrington
product has bailed out United time and again. It is not by accident that
he has scored in each of his side’s last five wins away from home, with
goals of great quality and precious timing helping to ensure that
United’s inconsistent season hasn’t taken a turn for the disastrous.
<br />
<img alt="Jesse Lingard Ashley Young Paul Pogba Arsenal Manchester United Premier League" data-kiosked-context-name="" height="359" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/1/ae/jesse-lingard-ashley-young-paul-pogba-arsenal-manchester-united-premier-league_16u6ztbdylxoq1kzw6fr15xhib.jpg?t=412357032" style="width: 100%;" width="640" /><br />
<div class="widget-semantic-player widget-semantic-player--displayed" data-module-loaded="true" data-module="article/semantic-player">
<span class="label">Article continues below</span> </div>
It is right that there remain question marks over his long-term
credentials for a starting shirt given some of the remaining flaws in
his skill set, but that should not lend itself as a stick to beat him
with in the present day since he is United’s star player right now.
Mourinho will doubtless have additions in mind for the forthcoming
transfer windows in Lingard’s position, but the very fact that he hasn’t
airlifted in an emergency signing so far this January reflects
positively on the 25-year-old’s impact over the past couple of months.<br />
Lingard’s promotion to first-choice number 10 is unlikely to be a
permanent solution given United’s spending power, but the very least his
recent run has done is to ensure he has a say in the allocation of
squad positions for a season or two to come.<br />
At United, more than any other club, there is always a place for a
hard-working local lad and Lingard has worked harder than anyone to
prove his ability to compete for one of the most prized starting spots
in world football.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750171154144626589.post-19010209160939775282018-01-09T11:46:00.001+01:002018-01-09T11:46:14.628+01:00Ferdinand trolls Gerrard as Liverpool legend backs Coutinho sale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img alt="" height="335" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2017/09/24151349/Coutinho-Gerrard.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="Coutinho-Gerrard" width="640" /><br />
<strong>Rio Ferdinand was quick to rub Steven Gerrard’s nose
in it after the Liverpool legend was questioned about Philippe
Coutinho’s transfer to Barcelona.</strong><br />
The long-running saga was finally brought to a close on
Monday lunchtime when the Brazilian superstar completed a £142million
move to the Nou Camp.<br />
Although Gerrard predicted back in 2015 that Coutinho would
eventually end up at Barcelona, the former Reds skipper admits he is
struggling to come to terms with the sale of the club’s talisman.<br />
Speaking on BT Sports, Gerrard said: “I’m still digesting it as a Liverpool fan.”<br />
Ferdinand, so often Gerrard’s opponent on the field, was quick to troll the Anfield legend by asking him: “You feel sick?”<br />
Gerrard continued: “I’m not surprised it’s happened –
Liverpool fought very hard to keep him and fought hard to keep him until
the summer.<br />
“But when a kid has a dream – and Philippe was desperate to join Barcelona – it’s very difficult to stop him.<br />
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1580640" height="367" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2018/01/08161145/GettyImages.902560806.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="700" /><br />
<br />
“But there’s no doubt about it – Liverpool will miss him.
He’s a wonderful player, a wonderful person, and truth be told, he
hasn’t down-tools, so I respect his decision.<br />
“But Liverpool will go on, they’ve got big money for him and I’m sure they’ll replace him with the right people.”<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750171154144626589.post-48822768201149800172018-01-09T11:43:00.004+01:002018-01-09T11:43:56.928+01:00‘I’ve never killed someone’ <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="teaser" itemprop="description">
<img alt="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/e3/e7/vincent-george-go-round-fc_gbbibeq30sxh1ah189l35jrxj.jpg?t=-709181776&quality=90&w=0&h=1260" class="overflowingVertical" height="360" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/e3/e7/vincent-george-go-round-fc_gbbibeq30sxh1ah189l35jrxj.jpg?t=-709181776&quality=90&w=0&h=1260" width="640" />Perceived to be a deliberate
attempt, the midfielder was quick to play down the action and expressed
relief as Binuyo survived his scorcher </div>
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Go
Round FC’s Vincent George relives the scary moment that saw Kwara
United player Lookman Binuyo slump after his clearance - from a corner
kick - was met by the player’s face.<br />
The Omoku outfit and the
Harmony Boys locked horns in the opening fixture of the Nigeria National
League Super Four tournament [the decider of the second division
overall winner] at the Agege Stadium on Sunday evening.<br />
Moments after the interval, the Kwara outfit were awarded a corner
kick, the cross was headed out and in an attempt to clear his lines
further, the midfielder’s forceful attempt clattered into the face of an
onrushing Binuyo - who was bent on sending the ball back into the
danger zone.<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
ICYMI: The heart-in-mouth moment when medics were trying to revive <a href="https://twitter.com/KwaraUnitedFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KwaraUnitedFC</a> player Lookman Binuyo after he received a powerful clearance in the face from <a href="https://twitter.com/GoRoundFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GoRoundFC</a>'s George Vincent. Binuyo slumped, but all thanks to the medical team. <a href="https://twitter.com/communeamos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@communeamos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/dammydudu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dammydudu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NNLSuper4?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NNLSuper4</a> <a href="https://t.co/0TULJvGE5Q">pic.twitter.com/0TULJvGE5Q</a></div>
</blockquote>
The player slumped, thus, needing the help of medics for minutes before he was okayed to leave the pitch.
<br />
“No, it wasn't deliberate,” George told <strong>Sportmasta.</strong><br />
“I was very scared because I've never killed somebody and I was very upset with myself.<br />
“I felt sorry and I pray he gets better very soon,” he added.<br />
The Omoku outfit won their Kwara counterparts 4-2 after a less adventurous 90 minutes that ended in a goalless stalemate.<br />
And George, one of the four Go Round Players to convert their spot
kicks, explains how he was able to keep his calm from 12-yard out after
second half’s near-death incident.<br />
“I felt relaxed because I'm very good at taking penalties. It was
very easy for me despite the earlier incident. I just had to erase it
from my mind because I saw the guy was alive,” he continued.<br />
<div class="widget-semantic-player" data-module-loaded="true" data-module="article/semantic-player">
</div>
“Well, Kwara United are very good and I've never seen them play
before or played against them. This is my first time of watching them
and they are a very good team.<br />
The former Garden City Panthers player will be making his maiden
appearance in the Nigeria Professional Football League after helping his
side finish second - behind Heartland - in the NNL Southern Conference
last season. And he talks up his expectations: “I’m looking forward to
playing good games, I excel and looking forward to the national team.”<br />
Go Round will face the winner of Heartland on Tuesday evening and the
left-footed midfielder has stated his readiness for the tie.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750171154144626589.post-76748438403291452102018-01-09T11:42:00.000+01:002018-01-09T11:42:02.350+01:00The 18 players to have scored just one Premier League goal for Man Utd<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img alt="" class="attachment-article-featured size-article-featured wp-post-image" height="335" src="http://d3nfwcxd527z59.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2018/01/08082422/Giuseppe-Rossi-Manchester-United.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<strong><a href="http://planetfootball.com/tag/manchester-united" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Manchester United</a>
have possessed some of the greatest goalscorers in Premier League
history, but what about the players who scored just once for the club in
the competition?</strong><br />
There are 18 players in total to have scored once and only
once for United in the Premier League. It’s an eclectic list, made up of
long-serving defenders and Academy graduates who had limited
opportunities but also several players who really ought to have scored
more than just one.<br />
You can make up your own minds about which ones they are…<br />
<strong>Eric Bailly</strong><br />
Bailly looked delighted when he scored against Swansea City
earlier this season but was prevented from running to the touchline by
Romelu Lukaku, who “tried to waste time”.<br />
<strong>Laurent Blanc</strong><br />
Inspired to bag his only Premier League goal after Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous “lads, it’s Tottenham” half-time team talk.<br />
<strong>Jesper Blomqvist</strong><br />
The one name from United’s starting XI in the 1999 Champions
League final that you always forget. Blomqvist played for 10 clubs
throughout his career. At six of them he only scored one league goal.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #001d23;"><strong>• • • •</strong></span></div>
<a href="http://www.planetfootball.com/quick-reads/18-players-scored-just-one-premier-league-goal-man-utd/Can%20you%20name%20every%20member%20of%20Man%20Utd%E2%80%99s%20treble-winning%20squad?"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5041" height="367" src="http://d3nfwcxd527z59.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2017/05/26131154/Ole-Gunnar-Solskjaer-Man-Utd.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>QUIZ: <a href="http://www.planetfootball.com/quizzes/can-name-every-member-man-utds-treble-winning-squad/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Can you name every member of Man Utd’s treble-winning squad?</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #001d23;"><strong>• • • •</strong></span></div>
<strong>Matteo Darmian</strong><br />
We’re not quite sure how Darmian is still at Old Trafford
given he seems to have been linked with a transfer in every window since
he joined three years ago.<br />
At least his volley against Crystal Palace was the “best goal” of his career.<br />
<strong>Mame Biram Diouf</strong><br />
A goal on his Premier League debut against Burnley earned
the forward only four more appearances in the competition in a United
shirt.<br />
<strong>Chris Eagles</strong><br />
The final goal in a 4-2 win at Everton was as good as it got
at United for Eagles, who joined Ross County in November in a transfer
which earned him an inclusion in our list of <a href="http://www.planetfootball.com/quick-reads/17-players-cant-believe-still-going-taylor-chimbonda-cureton/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">players we can’t believe are still going</a>.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #001d23;"><strong>• • • •</strong></span></div>
<a href="http://www.planetfootball.com/trending/17-players-cant-believe-still-going-taylor-chimbonda-cureton/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11753" height="367" src="http://d3nfwcxd527z59.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2017/11/27143123/Eric-Djemba-Djemba.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>READ: <a href="http://www.planetfootball.com/trending/17-players-cant-believe-still-going-taylor-chimbonda-cureton/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">17 players we can’t believe are still going: Taylor, Chimbonda, Cureton…</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #001d23;"><strong>• • • •</strong></span></div>
<strong>Fabio</strong><br />
Rafael scored five, that’s all we’re saying.<br />
<strong>Keith Gillespie</strong><br />
Gillespie scored in a 2-0 win over Newcastle which knocked
Kevin Keegan’s side off the top of the table before going on to join
said Kevin Keegan’s side three months later. Awkward.<br />
<strong>Josh Harrop</strong><br />
One goal in one appearance for United as Harrop scored
against Hull on the final day of last season before rejecting a new deal
to instead join Preston.<br />
<strong>Gabriel Heinze</strong><br />
In three years at Old Trafford Heinze managed to squeeze in a
debut goal against Bolton, a Player of the Year award, an injury which
kept him out for a whole season, getting knocked out by Roy Keane and a
failed transfer request to join Liverpool. Great work.<br />
<strong>Henrik Larsson</strong><br />
The thought of Larsson in his pomp spearheading United’s
attack is quite scary. Few players have made such an impact on a club in
such a short spell.<br />
<strong>Paul Parker</strong><br />
105 league appearances over five years for the Red Devils for Parker, who <a href="http://www.planetfootball.com/in-depth/big-interview-paul-parker-early-prem-years-youth-development/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">we spoke to last year</a>.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #001d23;"><strong>• • • •</strong></span></div>
<a href="http://www.planetfootball.com/in-depth/big-interview-paul-parker-early-prem-years-youth-development/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1173" height="367" src="http://d3nfwcxd527z59.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2017/02/03082118/Paul-Parker-illustration.png" width="700" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>READ: <a href="http://www.planetfootball.com/in-depth/big-interview-paul-parker-early-prem-years-youth-development/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Big Interview: Paul Parker on the early Prem years & youth development</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #001d23;"><strong>• • • •</strong></span></div>
<strong>Nick Powell</strong><br />
Do you remember Nick Powell? What a time to be alive. He’s
got 11 goals in 22 appearances for Wigan in League One this season, to
be fair.<br />
<strong>Marcos Rojo</strong><br />
We have no idea whether Rojo is actually a centre-back or a
left-back and we equally have no idea whether he’s actually any good or
not. What we do know is that he scored the opener in a 1-1 draw with
Bournemouth last season.<br />
<strong>Giuseppe Rossi</strong><br />
Somewhere in an alternate universe Rossi is still banging
them in for United having become Italy’s record goalscorer. Sadly, us
mere earthlings will just have to make do with the final goal in a 3-1
win at Sunderland on his Premier League debut and curse his
injury-ridden knees.<br />
<strong>Morgan Schneiderlin</strong><br />
We were convinced Schneiderlin was going to be good at Old Trafford. He wasn’t really, was he?<br />
<strong>Bastian Schweinsteiger</strong><br />
If only he’d come to England sooner.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #001d23;"><strong>• • • •</strong></span></div>
<a href="http://www.planetfootball.com/quick-reads/bastian-schweinsteiger-11-legends-came-england-late/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2835" height="367" src="http://d3nfwcxd527z59.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2017/03/21122907/Maicon-Schweinsteiger.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>READ: <a href="http://www.planetfootball.com/quick-reads/bastian-schweinsteiger-11-legends-came-england-late/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bastian Schweinsteiger and 11 other legends who came to England too late</a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #001d23;"><strong>• • • •</strong></span></div>
<strong>Jaap Stam</strong><br />
Stam scored his only goal for Manchester United in a 6-2
victory over Leicester City, after which Foxes boss Martin O’Neill
declared: “All things considered we did very well.”<br />
<hr />
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Seven will eventually become eight.<br />
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Almost everyone has got a favourite FA Cup memory.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750171154144626589.post-79387341402905055802018-01-09T11:35:00.003+01:002018-01-09T11:35:50.247+01:00Bakary Sako can have a great impact for Crystal Palace says Roy Hodgson<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img alt="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/ad/a6/bakary-sako-crystal-palace_16h4u5tw9idbc1p0x2pmsgjib2.jpg?t=1615394456&quality=90&w=0&h=1260" class="overflowingVertical" height="360" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/ad/a6/bakary-sako-crystal-palace_16h4u5tw9idbc1p0x2pmsgjib2.jpg?t=1615394456&quality=90&w=0&h=1260" width="640" />The 26-year-old proved once again of his striking prowess against the Seagulls and the gaffer is convinced by the effort </div>
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Crystal
Palace manager, Roy Hodgson has declared that Bakary Sako will continue
to be needed following his eye-catching performance in the FA Cup on
Monday night.<br />
The Mali international levelled proceedings for the Eagles - with a
superb 25-yard strike - after they went down to Brighton and Hove Albion
in the first half. But a late goal from Glenn Murray ended their
campaign in the competition.<br />
The winger has been impressive playing as a striker and has scored three of his five goals from that position this season.<br />
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But he has found regular playing time hard to come by with Christian
Benteke and Wilfried Zaha ahead of him in the pecking order.<br />
The English tactician is, however, confident that the former
Wolverhampton Wanderers player has proven that he deserved a starting
place in the squad.<br />
<div class="widget-semantic-player" data-module-loaded="true" data-module="article/semantic-player">
</div>
“He’s proven that he’s capable of a regular starting place,” Hodgson told club website.<br />
“He faces competition from Benteke and Zaha but it’s good to know
that he’s there as well. We’re going to need him; our squad is so
unbelievably thin and it’s been thinned even more.”<br />
Sako will be eyeing a starting place when Palace welcome Burnley to
Selhurst Park for their next English Premier League encounter on January
13.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750171154144626589.post-20310381341787265102018-01-09T11:34:00.000+01:002018-01-09T11:34:12.176+01:0010 of the best photos as Coutinho seals £142m Barcelona move<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img alt="" height="335" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2018/01/08211124/7.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="Philippe Coutinho" width="640" /><br />
<strong>Philippe Coutinho became the third most expensive
player in the world on Monday as Barcelona completed his signing for a
fee of £142million.</strong><br />
As Coutinho completed his medical and was introduced to the
Camp Nou faithful, lets have a look at some of the iconic moments from
his first day as a Barcelona player.<br />
<h2>
<strong>All smiles from the midfielder</strong></h2>
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1580751" height="335" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2018/01/08205108/1.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="640" /><br />
<br />
Coutinho can’t contain his excitement at joining the Spanish
giants as he becomes teammates with superstars like Lionel Messi and
Luis Suarez. After missing out on the move last summer, the Brazil
international was delighted it could be done this month.<br />
<h2>
<strong>A role model already</strong></h2>
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1580754" height="335" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2018/01/08205604/2.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="640" /><br />
Coutinho engages in conversation youngsters as he
experiences the Camp Nou for the first time as a Barcelona player. A
moment that these children will never forget.<br />
<h2>
<strong>Just smile and wave, Phil</strong></h2>
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1580756" height="335" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2018/01/08205839/3.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="640" /><br />
Coutinho waves at the Barca faithful welcome their new
superstar. A moment that a number of supporters will never forget as
they got to see the Brazilian in the famous shirt.<br />
<h2>
<strong>Another successful moment for the club</strong></h2>
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1580758" height="335" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2018/01/08210138/4.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="640" /><br />
The Barcelona Chairman Josep Maria Bartomeu holds up the
shirt with the clubs new £142m man. Coutinho is rumoured to wear the
number 14 shirt – currently held by former Liverpool player Javier
Mascherano.<br />
<h2>
<strong>Phil enjoys the moment on the pitch</strong></h2>
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1580763" height="335" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2018/01/08210544/5.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="640" /><br />
The midfielder laughs whilst engaging in some conversation
with the Barcelona fans and the media who turned out for his
announcement.<br />
<h2>
<strong>It’s a perfect fit!</strong></h2>
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1580764" height="335" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2018/01/08210800/6.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="640" /><br />
The kit fits for Coutinho who has been waiting to put the
Barcelona jersey on for several months. However, injury might delay his
debut for a number of weeks with Espanyol a possible opponent – a former
club for Phil.<br />
<h2>
<strong>Bartomeu and Coutinho full of smiles</strong></h2>
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1580767" height="335" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2018/01/08211124/7.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="640" /><br />
The Barcelona board are delighted with their latest acquisition and can’t wait for Coutinho to get started in Spain.<br />
<h2>
<strong>Kind words from the President</strong></h2>
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1580770" height="335" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2018/01/08211423/8.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="640" /><br />
The Barcelona president addresses media after completing the
signing of Coutinho and expresses his delight at finally getting their
man.<br />
<h2>
<strong>Coutinho speaks next…</strong></h2>
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1580774" height="335" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2018/01/08212045/9.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="640" /><br />
Coutinho speaks to the media and explains his decision on
joining the Spanish giants and how it has become a ‘dream come true’ for
himself and his family.<br />
<h2>
<strong>Ready to light up La Liga?</strong></h2>
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1580719" height="335" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2018/01/08194517/Philippe-Coutinho-Barcelona-unveiling.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="640" /><br />
Coutinho takes it all in as he finally becomes a Barcelona player after spending five years in England with Liverpool.<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750171154144626589.post-13381400460902176452018-01-09T11:30:00.001+01:002018-01-09T11:30:14.798+01:00Valencia lead chase for Coquelin as he nears Arsenal exit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="teaser" itemprop="description">
<img alt="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/2e/ee/coquelin_1075621z8eev016uak7lo1j8b5.jpg?t=-635653136&quality=90&w=0&h=1260" class="overflowingVertical" height="426" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/2e/ee/coquelin_1075621z8eev016uak7lo1j8b5.jpg?t=-635653136&quality=90&w=0&h=1260" width="640" />The combative midfielder wants to leave the Gunners in the January transfer window in search of regular first team football </div>
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Arsenal
boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Francis Coquelin could leave the
club this month with Valencia and several Premier League clubs
interested in signing the French midfielder.<br />
The 26-year-old has made just one league start this season and
remains behind the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Granit Xhaka
in the midfield pecking order at Emirates Stadium.<br />
Coquelin featured regularly for Arsenal three seasons ago alongside
Santi Cazorla where he formed an impressive midfield partnership after
being recalled from a loan spell at Charlton.<br />
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La Liga outfit Valencia remain the most likely to side to sign the
Frenchman although it's understood Los Che would prefer a loan agreement
with an buy-out clause inserted.<br />
Crystal Palace and West Ham have also been linked although Wenger
insisted on Tuesday that he has received no contact from the latter.<br />
“[Coquelin leaving is] a possibility but nothing is decided. It would not be for West Ham," he told reporters.<br />
“We have no contact with West Ham."<br />
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Coquelin,
who has previously spent time on loan at Lorient and Freiburg, was left
out of Wenger’s 18-man squad for their FA Cup third round defeat to
Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
<br />
He’s expected to be the first of several playing staff departures in the next six months with <a href="http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/alexis-coquelin-debuchy-more-to-leave-as-wenger-launches-arsenal-/7taw1knccl9i1sr6prbfvmakz">Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Mathieu Debuchy</a> all hoping to seal moves away from the club.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750171154144626589.post-5087241119919385302018-01-09T11:27:00.001+01:002018-01-09T11:27:15.207+01:00All the completed Premier League transfers in the January window<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img alt="" height="335" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2018/01/08113058/PA.343639031.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="Coutinho" width="640" /><br />
<strong>All the incomings and outgoings in the Premier League during the January transfer window….</strong><br />
<br />
<h2>
<strong>Arsenal</strong></h2>
Players in: Konstantinos Mavropanos (£2.2m, PAS Giannina)<br />
Players out:<br />
<h2>
<strong>Bournemouth</strong></h2>
Players in:<br />
Players out:<br />
<h2>
<strong>Brighton</strong></h2>
Players in:<br />
Players out: Jamie Murphy (loan, Rangers)<br />
<h2>
<strong>Burnley</strong></h2>
Players in:<br />
Players out:<br />
<h2>
<strong>Chelsea</strong></h2>
Players in: Ross Barkley (£15m, Everton)<br />
Players out: Diego Costa (undisclosed, Atletico Madrid); Jake Clarke-Salter (loan, Sunderland)<br />
<h2>
<strong>Crystal Palace</strong></h2>
Players in:<br />
Players out:<br />
<h2>
<strong>Everton</strong></h2>
Players in: Cenk Tosun (£27m, Besiktas)<br />
Players out: Ross Barkley (£15m, Chelsea); Liam Walsh (£1m,
Bristol City); Gethin Jones (undisclosed, Fleetwood); Kevin Mirallas
(loan, Olympiakos)<br />
<h2>
<strong>Huddersfield Town</strong></h2>
Players in: Terence Kongolo (Monaco, loan);<br />
Players out: Kasey Palmer (Chelsea, loan recall);<br />
<h2>
<strong>Leicester City</strong></h2>
Players in: Adrien Silva (£22m, Sporting Lisbon)<br />
Players out:<br />
<h2>
<strong>Liverpool</strong></h2>
Players in: Virgil van Dijk (£75m, Southampton);<br />
Players out: Philippe Coutinho (£142m, Barcelona)<br />
<h2>
<strong>Manchester City</strong></h2>
Players in:<br />
Players out:<br />
<h2>
<strong>Manchester United</strong></h2>
Players in:<br />
Players out:<br />
<h2>
<strong>Newcastle United</strong></h2>
Players in:<br />
Players out:<br />
<h2>
<strong>Southampton</strong></h2>
Players in:<br />
Players out: Virgil van Dijk (£75m, Liverpool)<br />
<h2>
<strong>Stoke City</strong></h2>
Players in: Moussa Niakate (Undisclosed, Paris FC),<br />
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Players out:<br />
<h2>
<strong>Swansea City</strong></h2>
Players in:<br />
Players out:<br />
<h2>
<strong>Tottenham Hotspur</strong></h2>
Players in:<br />
Players out:<br />
<h2>
<strong>Watford</strong></h2>
Players in:<br />
Players out:<br />
<h2>
<strong>West Bromwich Albion</strong></h2>
Players in:<br />
Players out:<br />
<h2>
<strong>West Ham United</strong></h2>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750171154144626589.post-78621477412020172142018-01-09T11:21:00.000+01:002018-01-09T11:21:27.139+01:00Alexis, Coquelin, Debuchy & more to leave as Wenger launches Arsenal firesale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="teaser" itemprop="description">
<img alt="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/d3/62/alexis-sanchez-francis-coquelin-mathieu-debuchy_1b1ktdr7dza5q19u6anpxk8xvr.jpg?t=-703963200&quality=90&w=0&h=1260" class="overflowingVertical" height="360" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/d3/62/alexis-sanchez-francis-coquelin-mathieu-debuchy_1b1ktdr7dza5q19u6anpxk8xvr.jpg?t=-703963200&quality=90&w=0&h=1260" width="640" />The Gunners will allow
several players to depart over the next six months, while the situations
of Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere remain unresolved </div>
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Arsenal
are expected to sell a number of first-team players over the next six
months with Alexis Sanchez, Francis Coquelin and Mathieu Debuchy among
the players who are seeking permanent transfers away from the club, <strong>Sportmasta</strong> understands.<br />
The most significant departure will be Chilean maestro Sanchez, <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/alexis-set-to-stay-after-lemar-opts-to-stay-at-monaco/1g7rikeohhwn910jb9fmbuc8c4" target="_blank">who came close to joining Manchester City on deadline day last summer</a> and appears to be edging ever closer to Pep Guardiola’s side after <a href="http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/man-city-arsenal-negotiate-alexis-sanchez-transfer/b33gqbatbwe918bxoiogok7o5" target="_blank">both clubs began negotiations ahead of a potential January move</a>.<br />
Germany talisman Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere have yet to sign new
contracts although proposals have now been made to both player’s
representatives, with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger previously suggesting
that there are differences in the financial expectations over an
extension for the England midfielder.<br />
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Chief executive Ivan Gazidis has made a number of backroom changes in
the past year with the likes of Raul Sanllehi coming in as a de facto
Director of Football from Barcelona, Sven Mislintat arriving as head of
recruitment from Borussia Dortmund and former Team Sky legal expert Huss
Fahmy joining as a contract specialist last summer.<br /><br /><img alt="Arsenalexodus" data-kiosked-context-name="" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/29/d8/arsenalexodus_xf4qp29hkvzq1u6uunkacd0oa.png?t=-702322264" style="width: 100%;" /><br />
Those changes are the start of a fresh recruitment drive at the club
which is likely to transfer itself onto a clear-out of the playing side,
with France midfielder Coquelin, who wants to leave in search of
regular playing time, targeted by West Ham, Valencia and the subject of
enquiries from teams in Ligue 1 and Turkey.<br />
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He shares the same agent as Olivier Giroud and it’s understood that
the Frenchman’s preference would have been to leave Arsenal this month
if it wasn’t for a hamstring injury which has kept him sidelined.<br />
Mathieu Debuchy’s name has been thrown in the mix during talks over a
deal to sign West Brom defender Jonny Evans, a player who is also being
targeted by Manchester City.<br />
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger wants to sign an experienced centre-back
in January with Per Mertesacker set to retire at the end of the season
and Laurent Koscielny's injury problems likely to minimise his game
involvement, and believes 30-year-old Evans' Premier League experience
would bolster a vulnerable backline which has shipped 12 goals in
five games.<br /><br />Theo Walcott, meanwhile, <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/walcott-wants-loan-move-to-increase-england-world-cup/c70m8655u8vlzla7l8yykpwm" target="_blank">wants to leave on loan in a bid to increase his chances of being selected for England at the 2018 World Cup</a>,
while Greek champions Olympiacos are trying to sign forgotten
Gunners forward Joel Campbell, who is currently on loan at Spanish side
Real Betis.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750171154144626589.post-932527806287198172018-01-09T11:07:00.000+01:002018-01-09T11:07:15.585+01:00Chelsea battle Man Utd for £40m Bayer attacker.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img alt="" height="335" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2018/01/09082125/Leon-Bailey.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="Leon Bailey" width="640" /><br />
<strong>Chelsea are leading Manchester United in the battle
to sign a Bayer Leverkusen star, while Arsenal could lose two major
names this week, according to Tuesday’s newspapers.</strong><br />
<br />
<h2>
<strong>THREE-WAY PREM TUSSLE FOR JAMAICAN WINGER</strong></h2>
Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal will have a summer
showdown over the signature of Bayer Leverkusen’s £40million-rated
winger Leon Bailey, according to reports.<br />
<em>The Daily Mirror</em> claims the Blues are leading the
chase for the former Genk star, who has lit up the Bundesliga this
season after scoring 10 times and creating numerous chances.<br />
At 20 years old, Bailey has plenty of time on his side and
it’s reported that Chelsea, as well as Arsenal and Manchester United
have sent scouts to check Bailey’s progress.<br />
Leverkusen are adamant the star will be going nowhere this
month, as the club’s sporting director Jonas Boldt revealed: “Well now
the time starts again when there is some insane [transfer] talk.<br />
“There is no offer for Leon. We have absolutely no thought of selling him.<br />
“He has a contract until 2022 – and we are on the driver’s seat.”<br />
However, Leverkusen have shown themselves vulnerable to
poachers in the past and the German media believe an offer of around
£40million could tempt them to sell the winger.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<strong>AND THE REST</strong></h2>
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1511582" height="367" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2017/08/03141433/GettyImages.825169898.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="700" /><br />
Manchester City have made their first move to prise Alexis
Sanchez from Arsenal and a £30m deal could even be completed this week
(Daily Express)<br />
Sanchez is ready to kiss goodbye to a massive £25m signing-on fee to ensure he joins Manchester City this month (The Sun)<br />
West Ham are plotting a move for Arsenal midfielder Francis
Coquelin but could miss out after Valencia made a £12m offer (Daily
Mirror)<br />
Jose Mourinho is said to still be angry with the Manchester
United board after being forced to choose between signing Nemanja Matic
and Ivan Perisic over the summer (Daily Express)<br />
West Ham are closing on a £12m deal to sign Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey (Daily Express)<br />
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1540315" height="367" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2017/10/03115737/GettyImages.845767826.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="700" /><br />
Barcelona are set to announce another signing, with Colombia
centre-back Yerry Mina poised to join from Palmeiras (Daily Express)<br />
Arsenal have moved <a href="http://www.teamtalk.com/news/monaco-coach-gives-liverpool-fresh-hope-of-90m-lemar-deal">Liverpool target Thomas Lemar</a>
back to the top of their wanted list and are prepared to test Monaco’s
resolve not to sell their star forward in January (Daily Mirror)<br />
Rafa Benitez has blocked any Newcastle outgoings this month
that could aid his side’s relegation rivals, including West Ham target
Jonjo Shelvey and Brighton target Aleksandar Mitrovic (Daily Mirror)<br />
Paris Saint-Germain have ruled out making a summer move for
Juventus striker Paulo Dybala, opening the door for Manchester United
(Daily Mirror)<br />
Manchester United’s Dubai training camp was hit by an opening night downpour (Daily Mirror)<br />
<a href="http://www.teamtalk.com/news/barcelona-new-boy-coutinho-pens-emotional-letter-to-the-beauty-of-liverpool">Philippe Coutinho has penned an emotional open letter to Liverpool fans after he completed his £142m move to Barcelona</a><br />
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1498052" height="367" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2017/06/25163536/GettyImages.691921818.000.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="700" /><br />
Chelsea’s interest in Juventus left-back Alex Sandro has
stalled after the club was put off by an increased £80m asking price
(Daily Telegraph)<br />
Derby County have opened talks with Stoke managerial target Gary Rowett over a new contract (Daily Telegraph)<br />
Liverpool have rubbished Barcelona’s claim <a href="http://www.teamtalk.com/news/barcelona-chief-thanks-liverpool-as-coutinho-completes-move">the Merseyside club sold Philippe Coutinho for a ‘reduced’ fee</a> as the £142m signing was finally unveiled at the Nou Camp (Daily Telegraph)<br />
Harry Kane has revealed he has not held contract talks with Tottenham – and nor is he planning any (The Sun)<br />
Stoke City will have to wait until next season if they want former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic as their new manager (The Sun)<br />
<img alt="gary rowett derby" class="size-full wp-image-1466901" height="367" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2017/04/20124942/gary-rowett-1.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="700" /><br />
The Potters have also been told Gary Rowett will cost them
£1.5m if they want the Derby boss to take over from Mark Hughes (The
Sun)<br />
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<a href="http://www.teamtalk.com/news/leicester-ready-to-give-up-on-25m-115000-a-week-striker">Leicester are prepared to make a loss on £25m striker Kelechi Iheanacho if they can find a buyer this month</a> (The Sun)<br />
Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has opened talks over a move to Bordeaux according to reports in France (The Sun)<br />
Marouane Fellaini has told Jose Mourinho that he wants a new
challenge not a new contract as he heads for the Old Trafford exit door
(The Sun)<br />
Rafa Benitez is locked in a transfer stand-off with Newcastle having been told he must sell before he can buy (The Sun)<br />
Bournemouth are set to splash out £1m to sign Colchester United’s leading scorer Sammie Szmodics (Daily Star)<br />
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1576008" height="367" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2017/12/30102149/PA.33982004.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="700" /><br />
Schalke will not allow talk of Leon Goretzka’s future to drag on until the end of January (Daily Star)<br />
Real Madrid are “desperate” to sign Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso, according to reports in Spain (Daily Star)<br />
Arsenal could offer Mathieu Debuchy to West Brom as part of a package to sign Jonny Evans (Daily Mail)<br />
<a href="http://www.teamtalk.com/news/griezmann-to-demand-staggering-salary-to-snub-barca-for-man-utd">Antoine Griezmann wants £400,000 a week to sign for Manchester United and snub Barcelona</a> (Daily Mail)<br />
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-855952" height="367" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2016/02/Oumar-Niasse2.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="700" /><br />
Everton are ready to sell Oumar Niasse for £13m, sparking a
race between Premier League strugglers Crystal Palace, West Brom and
West Ham (The Guardian)<br />
Stoke City will speak to Martin O’Neill about their
managerial vacancy after Mark Hughes was dismissed at the weekend (The
Times)<br />
Rangers will step up their attempts to sign Russell Martin on loan if they can offload Bruno Alves this month (Daily Record)<br />
Hamilton’s Ioannis Skondras could be facing a huge 22-game
ban after being charged with assaulting referee Gavin Duncan in last
month’s clash with Ross County (Daily Record)<br />
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<br />
<h2>
<strong>AND THE BEST OF MONDAY’S PAPERS…..</strong></h2>
Arsene Wenger is prepared to allow wantaway forward Alexis
Sanchez to leave for Manchester City in January, provided the club can
bring in Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez as a replacement (Daily Mirror)<br />
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1520520" height="367" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2018/01/01163406/GettyImages.900271282.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="700" /><br />
Cardiff boss Neil Warnock is looking at a move for Bournemouth striker Lewis Grabban (The Sun)<br />
Fulham are set to sign Southampton left-back Matt Targett on loan until the end of the season (The Sun)<br />
Real Madrid are ready to make Chelsea duo Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois their top transfer targets this summer (The Sun)<br />
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1520520" height="367" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2017/12/04103033/Thibaut-Courtois-Eden-Hazard.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="700" /><br />
Antoine Griezmann will demand a staggering £400,000-a-week to snub Barcelona and join Manchester United (The Sun)<br />
Chelsea are ready to add another Hazard to their ranks by re-signing Eden’s brother, Thorgan (The Sun)<br />
Jese Rodriguez is closing in on a move to hometown club Las Palmas to end his nightmare spell in the Premier League (The Sun)<br />
<a href="http://www.teamtalk.com/news/liverpool-turn-to-midfielder-to-soften-huge-coutinho-exit-blow">Liverpool will explore the possibility of bringing forward Naby Keita’s move from RB Leipzig</a> (Daily Mail)<br />
Chelsea defender Jake Clarke-Salter is poised to complete a
loan move to Sunderland. The 20-year-old starred for England in their
U20 World Cup win and was close to joining Birmingham on loan in the
summer (Daily Mail)<br />
Southampton will try to negotiate with Arsenal over the signing of Theo Walcott during the January transfer window (Daily Mail)<br />
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1520520" height="367" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2018/01/04110312/PA.34049065.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="700" /><br />
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been assured by Chelsea he still has a
future at the club despite their £15m signing of Ross Barkley from
Everton (Daily Mail)<br />
Ostersunds coach Graham Potter has emerged as a surprise candidate for the Stoke manager’s job (Daily Mail)<br />
Rafa Benitez is only expecting to be able to sign loan
players as takeover talks between Mike Ashley and Amanda Staveley
continue to stall (Daily Mail)<br />
Arsenal are closing in on West Brom defender Jonny Evans (Independent)<br />
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1520520" height="367" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2017/08/31105440/GettyImages.824275286.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="700" /><br />
Bournemouth are set to sign Colchester United’s top scorer
Sammie Szmodics, with the English midfielder costing the Cherries around
£1million (Daily Star)<br />
Crystal Palace are pushing ahead with a move for Getafe
goalkeeper Vicente Guaita, but face strong competition from Watford
(Independent)<br />
Newcastle are hopeful of completing a deal for Chelsea’s Brazilian winger Kenedy (Newcastle Chronicle)<br />
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1520520" height="367" src="http://d3vlf99qeg6bpx.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2017/07/23162202/Kenedy.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="700" /><br />
Leicester City are close to their first signing of the
January transfer window with a deal for young Mali forward Fousseni
Diabate (Leicester Mercury)<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750171154144626589.post-44453657888956269802017-11-17T13:18:00.002+01:002018-01-09T11:03:18.062+01:00YABATECH SELECTED TO HOST HULT PRIZE ON CAMPUS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750171154144626589.post-18882058653292715172017-11-13T12:53:00.002+01:002017-11-13T12:53:37.624+01:00Mane sent back to Liverpool with hamstring concern<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="teaser" itemprop="description">
<img alt="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/omnisport/9f/dc/sadio-mane-cropped_nuy0x9sg4una1df128c9unn8s.jpg?t=-1265174513&quality=90&h=630" height="360" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/omnisport/9f/dc/sadio-mane-cropped_nuy0x9sg4una1df128c9unn8s.jpg?t=-1265174513&quality=90&h=630" width="640" />The attacker has missed a great deal of football this season and there will be no risks taken over his health </div>
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Sadio Mane has returned to Liverpool after complaining of a minor hamstring problem, the Senegal national team have confirmed.<br />
The 25-year-old only made his comeback from injury in the 4-1 Premier
League win over West Ham on November 4, but was called up for this
month's international matches despite his lack of playing time.<br />
Mane played in the win over South Africa on Friday, a result that
secured Senegal's place at the World Cup, setting up Diafra Sakho's goal
in the 2-0 victory in Polokwane.<br />
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp had hoped Mane would be allowed to return
to England if Senegal qualified for the finals in Russia before they
meet South Africa again on Tuesday.<br />
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The Senegalese Football Federation have since confirmed the forward
has been sent back to Liverpool for treatment on what they describe as
"his old injury".<br />
"Following the South Africa against Senegal match on Friday, November
10 in Polokwane, the player Sadio Mane slightly felt his old injury," a
statement read.<br />
"After consultations between the medical staff of the Senegal
national team and Liverpool, it was decided by mutual agreement to make
him available to his club with a view to continuing treatment until full
recovery."</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750171154144626589.post-89882395037496571462017-11-13T12:49:00.001+01:002017-11-13T12:49:13.406+01:00Drogba 'was like an animal’ – Lampard hails favourite teammates<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="teaser" itemprop="description">
<img alt="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/39/d2/didier-drogba-frank-lampard_m1j0q8numm8t1jqzzpgk1jgp3.jpg?t=406150370&quality=90&h=630" height="360" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/39/d2/didier-drogba-frank-lampard_m1j0q8numm8t1jqzzpgk1jgp3.jpg?t=406150370&quality=90&h=630" width="640" />The 39-year-old picked his former captain and the Ivorian marksman as players he enjoyed playing together with </div>
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Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has named John Terry and Didier Drogba as his favourite teammates.<br />
Lampard, Terry and Drogba enjoyed a trophy-laden career at Stamford
Bridge and led the side to their first Uefa Champions League triumph in
2012.<br />
The former England international could not choose between the former
Blues skipper and the ex-Cote d’Ivoire international, while praising the
former's different approach to the big games.<br />
“I always say Didier Drogba and John Terry [were my favourite to play
alongside], for different reasons so it’s like a double-headed answer
really,” Lampard told <em>Copa90.</em><br />
“John, I wouldn’t say he’s underrated because everyone appreciates
how good he was but I think he’s underrated on the ball, how good he
was.<br />
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</span>
“Didier for me was amazing, to have him in your team in a final, you
felt Didier in the dressing room before a big game that it was a
different Didier, he was like an animal.<br />
“His preparation, the intensity in his eyes and then he always produced.”</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750171154144626589.post-70538367142164724342017-11-13T12:46:00.002+01:002017-11-13T12:46:13.455+01:00Giggs takes academy role in Vietnam with Scholes to follow<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img alt="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL_INTERNATIONAL/55/b4/hd-ryan-giggs-manchester-united_mtcld3rih6p11f7x66rec5rmz.jpg?t=-1901069481&quality=90&h=630" height="360" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL_INTERNATIONAL/55/b4/hd-ryan-giggs-manchester-united_mtcld3rih6p11f7x66rec5rmz.jpg?t=-1901069481&quality=90&h=630" width="640" /><br />
<div class="teaser" itemprop="description">
The Old Trafford legend
signed a two-year contract with the famous academy while his former
team-mate is likely to come in as an advisor </div>
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Manchester
United legend Ryan Giggs has taken on a role as youth director with a
Vietnamese football academy and Paul Scholes is set to join him.<br />
The former Wales star will begin his new job as head of the academy
at Promotion Fund of Vietnamese Football Talents FC (PVF) from November
20, while his ex-Red Devils team-mate will reportedly come in as
technical advisor.<br />
PVF will welcome the United icons with the opening ceremony of their new training centre later this month.<br />
Giggs is set to sign a two-year contract and "will be responsible for
coaching players, training coaches and participating in building and
developing PVF to become the leading youth football training centre in
Vietnam, in line with the famous football academies across the world," <a href="http://pvf.com.vn/tin-tuc/bao-chi-viet/353-ryan-giggs-l%C3%A0m-gi%C3%A1m-%C4%91%E1%BB%91c-b%C3%B3ng-%C4%91%C3%A1-pvf" target="_blank">PVF's website declared</a>.<br />
Giggs has been linked with several coaching jobs in the Premier
League since his brief spell as interim United boss after the sacking of
David Moyes in 2014, recording two wins from four games.<br />
<a href="https://www.dabblebet.com/sportsbook/SOCCER/EN_PR/469133/?btag=goal_seeding_article&utm_source=goal_seeding&utm_campaign=seeding&utm_medium=article&utm_content=14111715" target="_blank"><u><strong>Man U 17/4 to beat Newcastle 2-0</strong></u></a><br />
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<span class="label">Article continues below</span> </div>
The 43-year-old showed an interest in taking over Leicester City and
Everton after managerial changes, but has opted for a role far away from
the English top-flight.<br />
"I think you look at those two teams, Leicester being champions two
seasons ago, Everton being a fantastic club with a fantastic history,
for me these are clubs I would be interested in," he said.<br />
"However, there are a lot of coaches out there who would be interested in those positions."<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750171154144626589.post-28267369410093736192017-11-13T12:43:00.001+01:002017-11-13T12:43:14.336+01:00Operation Benzema: Man Utd only<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="teaser" itemprop="description">
<img alt="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/4b/57/karim-benzema-real-madrid-manchester-united_n2m3pv8g41in1nflr6tz27i0x.jpg?t=-1263375969&quality=90&h=630" height="360" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/4b/57/karim-benzema-real-madrid-manchester-united_n2m3pv8g41in1nflr6tz27i0x.jpg?t=-1263375969&quality=90&h=630" width="640" />The former England striker
only moved to Old Trafford because Sir Alex Ferguson was unable to land
the Frenchman, who has spent eight years in Spain </div>
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Michael
Owen has revealed that Manchester United only signed him after they
were thwarted in the race to sign Karim Benzema from Lyon.<br />
<a href="https://www.dabblebet.com/sportsbook/SOCCER/EN_PR/469133/?btag=goal_seeding_article&utm_source=goal_seeding&utm_campaign=seeding&utm_medium=article&utm_content=1411176" target="_blank"><u><strong>Reds 4/5 to beat Newcastle -1 handicap </strong> </u> </a><br />
In the summer of 2009, the former Liverpool striker made a shock move
to Old Trafford, but it would never have materialised if Sir Alex
Ferguson had been successful in his attempt to swoop for Lyon forward
Benzema, who switched instead to Real Madrid.<br />
<br />It took €35 million for the Bernabeu side to land the French striker
from his hometown club, and he has remained there ever since.<br />
Owen, though, has admitted that history could have been very different if Ferguson had had his way.<br />
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<span class="label">Article continues below</span> </div>
“I thank Benzema because without him I would never have gone to Manchester United,” he admitted to <a href="http://www.canalplus.fr/" target="_blank"> <em> Canal </em> + </a> . “Ferguson told me that I will only sign if he couldn’t get Benzema. And that's what happened.”<br />
Owen spent three years at Old Trafford but enjoyed little personal
success with the Red Devils, where he scored only five Premier League
goals in 31 appearances.<br />
Benzema, meanwhile, has found the net 123 times in 251 La Liga
outings since moving to Spain and is closing in on the 200-goal mark in
all competitions for Zinedine Zidane’s side.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750171154144626589.post-58628485980884435822017-10-18T10:56:00.001+01:002017-10-18T10:56:12.416+01:00Rebel Rudiger's rise from teenage street striker to £34m Chelsea star<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="teaser" itemprop="description">
<img alt="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/84/a0/antonio-rudiger_52dkpbvjb6j01k22fjs762icw.png?t=348667734&quality=90&h=630" height="360" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/84/a0/antonio-rudiger_52dkpbvjb6j01k22fjs762icw.png?t=348667734&quality=90&h=630" width="640" />Ahead of the German's
meeting with former club Roma on Wednesday, Goal looks back at the
defender's perilous journey to the top </div>
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Kind-hearted
but with an appetite for mischief during his teenage years, Antonio
Rudiger hasn't taken the simplest path to the Chelsea first team but it
is a stage on which he undoubtedly belongs.<br />
<a href="https://www.dabblebet.com/sportsbook/SOCCER/EN_PR/458000/?btag=goal_seeding&utm_source=goal&utm_campaign=seeding&utm_medium=article&utm_content=181017_26" target="_blank"><u><strong>Blues 17/20 for CS v Watford</strong></u></a><br />
The 24-year-old now represents a team from west London's wealthiest
suburb, but he was born and grew up in Neukolln, a tough area in Berlin
where crime was rife. His parents, Matthias and Lily, met in the German
capital after being forced to flee Sierra Leone in 1991 due to the civil
war.<br />
<br />Rudiger made his first steps into professional football at the
relatively late age of 15, having honed his skills in street football.
He then left Berlin to build his career at Borussia Dortmund, but his
route to the top would not be easy, after spending eight years in
amateur football.<br />
Dirk Jacob signed a nine-year-old Rudiger for his club, SV Tasmania
Berlin, after taking him from another local side in VfB Sperber
Neukolln. Jacob remembered how Rudiger's mentality used to change as
soon as the whistle was blown for kick-off.<br />
"I was the coach of the then-E1 juniors with players who were 9 or 10 and I brought Antonio to my team," Jacob told <em><strong>Sportmasta</strong></em>. "He stood out at that time because of his quiet and calm behaviour, but on the pitch he was the opposite of quiet and calm.<br />
<center>
</center>
"Antonio
was always looking for fun. He wanted to do everything right in games.
He was at almost every training session no matter what the weather was
like. Technically, as a runner and in footballing terms, he was very
strong.
<br />
"Because of his endurance and his acceleration he was one of the
best in his group. Antonio was very good at dribbling. He was physically
strong and already tall for his age. Technically, his abilities were
already very pronounced and he was good at shooting.<br />
"In the two years Antonio played in my team he mostly played as a
striker. But he was quite good in every other position too. I even used
him as a goalkeeper from time to time."<br />
Jacob, who has coached in Neukolln since 2002, then recalls his
favourite story whilst training Rudiger, revealing just how big a heart
the defender possesses.<br />
"Antonio always stood for justice," he said. "During one match, he
ran towards the empty goal of our opponents and could have scored. But
Antonio waited instead for an eternity for one of his teammates, gave
him the ball and the team-mate then scored the goal. This team-mate had
never scored a goal until then. It is my favourite memory of him."<br />
<center>
<span style="width: 658px;" wrap="true"></span></center>
Rudiger
played three seasons with Tasmania before moving on to Neukollner
Sportfreunde 1907 for one season. He then went to Hertha Zehlendorf for
two years before he was picked up by Dortmund.
<br />
Hertha Zehlendorf was a step up for Rudiger, who saw his
half-brother Sahr Senesie — eight years his senior — signed by Dortmund
while he was still in the amateur game. Markus Plog was coaching Antonio
at that time and admitted that he had to manage the teenager’s
attitude.<br />
"I still remember that when he was playing for us, he sometimes showed a fiery temper," Plog told <em><strong>Goal</strong></em>.
"There was a time when Toni wasn't allowed to play for a couple of
games due to ill-discipline, like arriving late to training sessions and
other things like that.<br />
"But I think that was a very important lesson for him and from that
point on he changed. He became a disciplined, hungry guy who always
wanted to achieve more and more. From that point on it was a lot of fun
working with him."<br />
Rudiger needed that hunger as he was discarded after two-and-a-half
years by Dortmund, who believed he wasn't good enough. But he got
another big chance at Stuttgart. He made his debut in the bottom
professional tier of German football for Stuttgart II at the age of 18
and maintained a place in the team until his Bundesliga debut just six
months later.<br />
<img alt="Antonio Rudiger Germany Confederations Cup" src="http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/2f/7f/antonio-rudiger-germany-confederations-cup_d8u0h99qjcal152mj8rs6hxln.jpg?t=235219885" style="width: 100%;" /><br />
Antonio Conte quickly became impressed with Rudiger during his first
season at Roma in 2015-16. The Chelsea manager wanted to bring him to
Stamford Bridge at the end of that campaign but Rudiger tore his
anterior cruciate ligament at the worst possible time.<br />
Not only did it delay his move to Chelsea for a whole year, it also
denied him the chance to travel to Euro 2016 with Germany. But Rudiger
was able to draw upon all the determination and spirit that had allowed
him to make it in a ruthless profession by completing a full recovery
and winning the Confederations Cup this summer with Germany.<br />
After two excellent seasons at Roma — <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2016/12/04/30169882/he-used-to-sell-socks-and-belts-lulic-sparks-racism-storm">during which he displayed great class and dignity during the infamous Senad Lulic racism storm</a> — he finally made a £34 million move to Chelsea, <a href="http://www.goal.com/en-au/news/rudigers-34m-chelsea-move-helps-his-youth-teams-earn-350000/mvtxqxhwxwci1ud9ddxhq1j3g">with £350,000 filtering back into his youth clubs</a>. Plog summed up his pride at seeing what his protege had become.<br />
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"When I see Toni now in the shirt of Germany or Chelsea it makes me
really proud," Plog gushed. "He was our player at under-16 level and now
he plays in the Premier League in London.<br />
"There are some days I still can't believe it when I watch him on television against Messi or Ronaldo in the Champions League."<br />
Indeed, as Rudiger prepares to face former club Roma at Stamford
Bridge on Wednesday, he should serve as an example to every young
footballer of just what can be achieved in adversity when you combine
talent with belief and a big heart.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750171154144626589.post-32846497076533640442017-10-18T10:52:00.003+01:002017-10-18T10:52:41.989+01:00Don't stress it<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="teaser" itemprop="description">
<img alt="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/d7/2a/kevin-de-bruyne-manchester-city_1cmiubwaiqf451wjnj27qgkkom.jpg?t=-741002234&quality=90&h=630" height="360" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/d7/2a/kevin-de-bruyne-manchester-city_1cmiubwaiqf451wjnj27qgkkom.jpg?t=-741002234&quality=90&h=630" width="640" />Club director Txiki Begiristain has spoken to the Belgium midfielder's agent regarding a new deal at the Etihad Stadium </div>
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Kevin
De Bruyne is happy to focus on extending his fabulous form on the
field, with preliminary talks over a new contract at Manchester City
having already taken place.<br />
<a href="https://www.dabblebet.com/sportsbook/SOCCER/EN_PR/458004/?btag=goal_seeding&utm_source=goal&utm_campaign=seeding&utm_medium=article&utm_content=181017_28" target="_blank"><u><strong>KDB 11/10 to score v Burnley</strong></u></a><br />
The Belgium international impressed once more as Pep Guardiola's side
made it three wins out of three in Champions League Group F on Tuesday,
holding out for a pulsating 2-1 triumph over Napoli.<br />
Ahead of the match, De Bruyne's agent <a href="http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/kevin-de-bruyne-agent-eyes-neymar-kylian-mbappe-style-wages/1ll7qbxcqw48415s8q1yeyrjwn" target="_blank"> Patrick De Koster stated he would seek to use the astronomical wages </a>
paid by Paris Saint-Germain to Neymar and Kylian Mbappe as benchmarks
when discussing fresh terms with the Premier League leaders.<br />
Neymar is reported to earn €600,000 per week at the Parc des Princes,
while City are understood to have De Bruyne on a current weekly wage in
the region of £115,000.<br />
The 26-year-old is under contract at the Etihad Stadium until 2021
and, speaking after he set up Gabriel Jesus' decisive goal against
Napoli, he confirmed De Koster has met with City's director of football
Txiki Begiristain to set the wheels in motion on an extension.<br />
"My agent went already one time to Txiki," he said. "Talks are coming.<br />
"I'm patient anyway, I don't stress it. I think I read something in the press [about his contract] but I have time."<br />
<span style="width: 608px;" wrap="true"><img alt="Pep Guardiola Kevin De Bruyne Manchester City" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/99/67/pep-guardiola-kevin-de-bruyne-manchester-city_4iq2eac3fgpp19789azmj5ipf.jpg?t=557739327" style="width: 100%;" /></span><br />
De Bruyne is similarly at ease when it comes to assessing the hype
around a succession of acclaimed showings for City, which culminated in
Guardiola fielding questions comparing his midfielder's talents to
Lionel Messi before the Napoli match.<br />
"I don't care," he said. "I have to do the things that I do.<br />
"In football you are going to have highs and lows. In football you have to live in the middle.<br />
"I come home and just do what I always do, no matter if it's a good
game or a bad game. I just like to enjoy my football, that's a big part
of me.<br />
"I put a lot of passion in what I do and I like to win."<br />
The precision low cross for Jesus in the 13th minute marked De Bruyne's seventh assist in all competitions this season.<br />
His impeccable deliveries during last weekend's demolition of Stoke
City were the talking point of a 7-2 win where the ex-Wolfsburg man did
not actually get on the scoresheet himself.<br />
Being cast as his team's chief provider is a role De Bruyne has long relished.<br />
<img alt="Kevin De Bruyne Manchester City Champions League" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/e2/69/kevin-de-bruyne-manchester-city-champions-league_1g55zafbs9asy16grl5geuu6dd.jpg?t=2105791222" style="width: 100%;" /><br />
"Obviously, the team knows better and better the way I play [but] I
think if you check my assists, what I did before in Germany and Belgium,
a lot of times it's the same," he said.<br />
"The way I think is it's great to get a player in a scoring position.
If I can give that ball I will give it because I think at that time in
the game it’s the right pass for me."<br />
De Bruyne clattered the crossbar with a fine strike against the Serie
A pacesetters, part of an eventful outing that also featured him
exchanging cross words with colleagues David Silva and Fernandinho.<br />
A late first-half booking was the source of the playmaker's ire, with
his senior team-mates bearing the brunt as he sought to remonstrate
with the fourth official at half-time.<br />
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But De Bruyne was happy to report the trio's midfield marriage was quickly back on track.<br />
"We had a little discussion at the time, it happens," he added. "There's nothing wrong. After one minute, it's over.<br />
"At home I get some arguments with my wife. I think it's normal."</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750171154144626589.post-14976040270742871242017-10-18T10:49:00.000+01:002017-10-18T10:51:10.351+01:00City boss Pepola happy over win<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Manches<img alt="Gabriel Jesus scores Manchester City's second goal against Napoli" class="" src="http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/480/cpsprodpb/150B3/production/_98359168_jesus.jpg" height="360" width="640" /><br />
<div class="sp-story-body__introduction">
City boss Pepola felt his side's 2-1 Champions League win over Napoli was a
"perfect" performance against a side he rates as one of the best he has
ever faced.</div>
Billed as an encounter between the two most
scintillating attacking sides in Europe, the game lived up to the hype,
with goals from Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus earning an impressive
City the victory.<br />
Serie A leaders Napoli, who have won all eight
of the games in the Italian top flight this season, were awarded two
penalties in the game, with Ederson saving the first from Dries Mertens
before Amadou Diawara scored the second.<br />
"Today we won against an
incredible team and to do that you have to make an incredible
performance. If we hadn't played at a very high level, we wouldn't have
won that game," said Guardiola.<br />
"They are one of the best teams I
have ever faced, which is why I am so proud. It was perfect. It is
impossible to beat them if you don't make a good performance, and we did
it, which is why I am so happy.<br />
"I know before the game and now I know again, I am pretty sure they are one of the best teams in Europe at this moment."<br />
City
have now won 10 successive matches in all competitions, matching their
previous best run under Guardiola at the start of last season.<br />
Their
desire to play out from the back almost cost them on a couple of
occasions but they held out for a win that leaves them top of Group F,
three points clear of Shakhtar Donetsk, who won 2-1 at Feyenoord.<br />
<h3 class="sp-story-body__cross-head">
City underline their improvement</h3>
<br />
<figure class="sp-media-asset ">
<figcaption class="sp-media-asset__caption gel-brevier ">Raheem
Sterling has already scored 8 goals in 11 appearances for Manchester
City this season; two fewer than he did in 47 appearances last term
(10).</figcaption></figure>In his programme notes for Tuesday's game,
City boss Pep Guardiola insisted that his job was to win games, not
entertain. At the moment, he is doing both.<br />
Few teams have been
able to live with Guardiola's team this season, with only Everton
denying them victory courtesy of a 1-1 Premier League draw back in
August.<br />
Since then, the Premier League leaders have netted 36
times over 10 straight wins in all competitions, scoring four at
Feyenoord, five against Liverpool and Palace and six at Watford before
putting seven past Stoke on Saturday in what Guardiola described as the
finest display in his time at the club.<br />
Tuesday's win may arguably
be their most impressive result this campaign, coming against opponents
who have won all eight of their league fixtures this season as part of a
club record 13 successive league wins dating back to last campaign. <br />
Some
of their passing and attacking play was a joy to behold, resulting in
the two early goals, with Sterling finishing into a largely unguarded
net after Kyle Walker's shot had been blocked before Jesus tapped home
from the brilliant De Bruyne's pinpoint low cross.<br />
The second-half
was more even, with Napoli demonstrating some of the attacking verve
that has seen them dominate the Italian top-flight this season.<br />
But despite occasionally over-playing at the back, City's late resilience matched their brilliance from earlier in the game.<br />
<div class="sp-story-body__table-container">
<table class="sp-story-body__table"><thead>
<tr><th colspan="3">Man City v Napoli records 2017-18</th></tr>
<tr><th><br /></th><th>Manchester City</th><th>Napoli</th></tr>
</thead><tbody>
<tr><td><b>Matches</b></td><td>12</td><td>13</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Wins</b></td><td>11</td><td>11</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Draws</b></td><td>1</td><td>0</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Losses</b></td><td>0</td><td>2</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>For</b></td><td>39</td><td>35</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Against</b></td><td>6</td><td>10</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Domestic league pos.</b></td><td>1st</td><td>1st</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<h3 class="sp-story-body__cross-head">
Napoli miss their chances</h3>
<br />
<figure class="sp-media-asset ">
<figcaption class="sp-media-asset__caption gel-brevier ">City
goalkeepers have saved six of the last seven penalties that they have
faced in the Champions League (three by Joe Hart, two by Willy Caballero
and one by Ederson)</figcaption></figure>"Almost impossible to win"
was how Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis described his club's game
at City, suggesting that they rest players in order to focus on
Saturday's opponents Inter Milan.<br />
However, coach Maurizio Sarri
fielded the starting XI largely responsible for their impressive start
to this campaign, including Belgium striker Mertens, the scorer of nine
of the 34 goals they had amassed in 12 fixtures prior to their trip to
the Etihad.<br />
Had Mertens opted for precision as opposed to power
with his spot-kick, awarded for Walker's foul on Raul Albiol, he could
well have provided the impetus for his side to battle back.<br />
Equally,
Marek Hamsik was presented with a golden chance of his own after a
mis-placed pass gave him a near open goal, but a diving block from John
Stones denied him amid howls of handball from Sarri on the touchline.<br />
Diawara
showed them the way by slotting in after Faouzi Ghoulam had been
tripped by Fernandinho in the area with 17 minutes to go, but they were
unable to capitalise on their momentum.<br />
<h3 class="sp-story-body__cross-head">
'They could go all the way' - what they said</h3>
<b>Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri, when asked if City can win the Champions League this season:</b> "Yes, I think so.<br />
"They
are an extraordinary squad. They have tremendous physical, technical
and tactical qualities and if they can maintain their physical shape
they could go all the way.<br />
"You have to divide the game into first
25 minutes and then the rest of the game. They deserve a lot of credit
for how they started the game - their technique, speed and movement were
outstanding - but also, we didn't apply enough pressure.<br />
"But
credit to the team for coming out of that situation against a team that
is destroying everything that is put in front of it."<br />
<b>Manchester City defender John Stones:</b>
"They had a lot of runners in behind. We knew they played patient
football and had attacking threat. We knew it would be tough but we
wanted to play our football. At times it was great to watch. I am upset
to concede the goal we did but overall it was a great team performance.<br />
"We have put ourselves in a good position. There are a lot of games to play still. This was a good test to see where we are at."<br />
<h3 class="sp-story-body__cross-head">
Man of the match - Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)</h3>
<br />
<figure class="sp-media-asset ">
<figcaption class="sp-media-asset__caption gel-brevier ">Once
again, De Bruyne was the driving force behind City's display. He set up
Jesus for the second goal and was inches from scoring himself with a
first-half shot that hit the bar</figcaption></figure><br />
<h3 class="sp-story-body__cross-head">
Ten on the trot - the stats you need to know</h3>
<ul>
<li>City
have won their opening three games of a European tournament for the
first time since 2008/09 (in the Uefa Cup), however this is the first
time they've achieved it in the Champions League</li>
<li>The Citizens
have also won three consecutive home games in the Champions League for
the first time, and are now unbeaten in their last 11 overall (W8 D3)</li>
<li>Guardiola's
side have the best goal difference of any team in the top five European
leagues in all competitions this season (+33)</li>
<li>City's starting
XI tonight was their youngest in the Champions League under Guardiola
(26y 73d), and their youngest in the competition overall since October
2012 (25y 309d v Borussia Dortmund)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="sp-story-body__cross-head">
What next?</h3>
City
host Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday. They resume Champions
League action with the return game against Napoli on Wednesday, 1
November.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750171154144626589.post-36185525511004459672017-10-18T10:46:00.000+01:002017-10-18T10:46:50.940+01:00Bayern Munich vs Celtic: TV channel, stream<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="teaser" itemprop="description">
<img alt="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/ea/ba/patrick-roberts-celtic_1vna5xi53ttmr1w472hd31vw9q.jpg?t=733940783&quality=90&h=630" height="360" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/ea/ba/patrick-roberts-celtic_1vna5xi53ttmr1w472hd31vw9q.jpg?t=733940783&quality=90&h=630" width="640" />After putting themselves in
the mix for qualification after winning in Anderlecht, the Scottish
champions are aiming to cause a major upset </div>
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</div>
Bayern
Munich host Celtic in Champions League Group B on Wednesday, with both
sides boasting one victory each in their opening two matches.<br />
The two champions of their domestic leagues have had similar results
in the competition to date, easily seeing off Anderlecht but falling
heavily against Paris Saint-Germain.<br />
Since the Germans were thumped at Parc des Princes last month, they
have replaced Carlo Ancelotti with Jupp Heynckes and need an instant
reaction in Europe, with this double header set to be crucial.<br />
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<table border="1" class="tableizer-table" style="width: 100%px;"> <tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Game </strong></td> <td style="text-align: center;">Bayern Munich vs Celtic</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Date </strong></td> <td style="text-align: center;">Wednesday, October 18</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Time </strong></td> <td style="text-align: center;">19:45 BST / 14:45 ET</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<hr style="background: #00a9ce; border: 0; color: #00a9ce; height: 3px; width: 100%;" />
<center>
<h2>
<strong>TV CHANNEL & LIVE STREAM </strong></h2>
</center>
<hr style="background: #00a9ce; border: 0; color: #00a9ce; height: 3px; width: 100%;" />
<img alt="Leigh Griffiths Kieran Tierney Celtic" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/8f/7b/leigh-griffiths-kieran-tierney-celtic_vcn2j9leigxx1j4tybpza6l5m.jpg?t=737541767" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; width: 100%;" />
<br />
In the UK, the game will be available to <strong> watch live </strong> on television on BT Sport ESPN, as well as being available to stream live on the BT Sport app.<br />
<table border="1" class="tableizer-table" style="width: 100%px;"> <thead>
<tr class="tableizer-firstrow"> <th width="50%">UK TV channel</th> <th width="50%">Online stream</th> </tr>
</thead> <tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;">BT Sport ESPN</td> <td style="text-align: center;">BT Sport app</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
In the US, the game will not be broadcast live on television, but it will be available to <strong> stream online </strong> using WatchESPN, Fox Sports Go or the Fox Soccer Match Pass.
<br />
<table border="1" class="tableizer-table" style="width: 100%px;"> <thead>
<tr class="tableizer-firstrow"> <th width="50%">US TV channel</th> <th width="50%">Online stream</th> </tr>
</thead> <tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;">N/A</td> <td style="text-align: center;">WatchESPN / Fox Sports Go / Match Pass</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<hr style="background: #00a9ce; border: 0px; color: #00a9ce; height: 3px; width: 100%;" />
<center>
<h2>
<strong>SQUADS & TEAM NEWS </strong></h2>
</center>
<hr style="background: #00a9ce; border: 0; color: #00a9ce; height: 3px; width: 100%;" />
<table border="1" class="tableizer-table" style="width: 100%;"> <thead>
<tr class="tableizer-firstrow"> <th width="25%">Position</th> <th width="75%">Bayern players</th> </tr>
</thead> <tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Goalkeepers </strong></td> <td style="text-align: center;">Starke, Ulreich, Fruchtl</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Defenders </strong></td> <td style="text-align: center;">Sule, Hummels, Martinez, Rafinha, Boateng, Rudy, Alaba</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Midfielders </strong></td> <td style="text-align: center;">Thiago, Ribery, Robben, James, Vidal, Tolisso, Kimmich</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Forwards </strong></td> <td style="text-align: center;">Lewandowski, Muller, Coman</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
Manuel
Neuer and Franck Ribery are still missing for Bayern, while Javi
Martinez's absence was also confirmed on Tuesday. He will be sidelined
for a couple of games, the Munich side expect.
<br />
Arturo Vidal's return to action does represent some consolation to the Spaniard's absence.<br />
Heynckes will stick by a hugely experienced side, five of whom played
in the 2013 final that Bayern won 2-1, albeit Mats Hummels and Robert
Lewandowski were both on the losing Dortmund side that evening.<br />
<strong>Potential Bayern starting XI: </strong> Ulreich; Kimmich, Hummels, Boateng, Alaba; Thiago, Vidal; Robben, Muller, Coman; Lewandowski<br />
<table border="1" class="tableizer-table" style="width: 100%px;"> <thead>
<tr class="tableizer-firstrow"> <th width="25%">Position</th> <th width="75%">Celtic players</th> </tr>
</thead> <tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Goalkeepers </strong></td> <td style="text-align: center;">Gordon, De Vries, Hazard</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Defenders </strong></td> <td style="text-align: center;">Simunovic, Gamba, Boyata, Lustig, Sviatchenko, Ajer, Duffy, McCart, McInroy, Ralston, Welsh, Tierney, Bell</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Midfielders </strong></td> <td style="text-align: center;">Bitton, Roberts, Brown, Sinclair, Armstrong, Rogic, Ntcham, Benyu, McGregor, Forrest, Henderson, McLaughlin, Hill, Hendry, Eboue</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Forwards </strong></td> <td style="text-align: center;">Griffiths, Dembele, Hayes, Edouard, Miller, Watson, Johnston, Aitchison </td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
Although
Scott Brown and Stuart Armstrong were absent at the weekend, both are
expected back in the squad for the trip to the Allianz Arena, with the
former almost certain to start.
<br />
Erik Sviatchenko continues to sit out in the heart of the
defence, while Leigh Griffiths will be back to lead the line ahead of
Moussa Dembele, who is still searching for his best form this season.<br />
Craig Gordon will return to play in goal after being left out at the
weekend, despite Dorus de Vries' fine display against Dundee at the
weekend.<br />
<strong>Potential Celtic starting XI: </strong> Gordon; Lustig, Boyata, Simunovic, Tierney; Armstrong, Brown, Rogic; Sinclair, Dembele, Griffiths.<br />
<hr style="background: #00a9ce; border: 0; color: #00a9ce; height: 3px; width: 100%;" />
<center>
<h2>
<strong>BETTING & MATCH ODDS </strong></h2>
</center>
<hr style="background: #00a9ce; border: 0; color: #00a9ce; height: 3px; width: 100%;" />
<img alt="Arjen Robben Bayern Munich" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/a3/96/arjen-robben-bayern-munich_10dlibuxz443p1cu2q2u3bcgro.jpg?t=711812439" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; width: 100%;" />
<br />
Bayern are strong favourites at 1/10 <a href="https://www.dabblebet.com/sportsbook/SOCCER/EU_CL/444373/?btag=goal_seeding&utm_source=goal&utm_campaign=seeding&utm_medium=article&utm_content=270917_21" target="_blank">according to dabblebet</a>, with Celtic priced at 20/1 to win in Germany. A draw is available at odds of 17/2.<br />
<a href="https://www.dabblebet.com/sportsbook/SOCCER/EU_CL/444373/?btag=goal_seeding&utm_source=goal&utm_campaign=seeding&utm_medium=article&utm_content=270917_21" target="_blank">Click here to get all the latest odds and markets for the Champions League clash between Bayern and Celtic. </a><br />
<hr style="background: #00a9ce; border: 0; color: #00a9ce; height: 3px; width: 100%;" />
<center>
<h2>
<strong>GAME PREVIEW </strong></h2>
</center>
<hr style="background: #00a9ce; border: 0; color: #00a9ce; height: 3px; width: 100%;" />
<img alt="Scott Brown Celtic" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL/4a/29/scott-brown-celtic_19g1g70tc419e1gii1gru1mblt.jpg?t=737540783" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; width: 100%;" />
<br />
Bayern Munich hope to get back to winning ways in the Champions
League after a difficult start to the season that has prompted them to
welcome back coach Jupp Heynckes, who led the club to European glory in
2013 with a 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.<br />
<div class="widget-semantic-player" data-module-loaded="true" data-module="article/semantic-player">
</div>
Carlo Ancelotti was sacked after the 3-0 reverse against Paris
Saint-Germain last month and Heynckes' fourth spell in charge started
with a 5-0 win over Freiburg at the weekend. Victory against the
Scottish champions on Wednesday is expected to continue the side's
resurgence.<br />
Celtic, though, come into the game high on confidence after securing a
rare away win in the group stages, having thumped Anderlecht in the
last round of fixtures. Brendan Rodgers' side will believe that a point
would be an excellent result in this clash as it would give them a
genuine shot of second place before the return match in Glasgow on
Hallowe'en.<br />
They came through a tough test against Dundee 1-0 on Saturday, during
which they heavily rotated their squad in preparation for this clash.
Rodgers has achieved great things in little over a year in charge at
Celtic Park, but a positive result in this encounter would surely be his
greatest feat to date. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750171154144626589.post-73958987684428560172017-10-18T10:33:00.001+01:002017-10-18T10:33:18.783+01:00Ozil and Alexis committed to Arsenal, Mertesacker claims<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img alt="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/omnisport/20/d6/alexis-sanchez-mesut-ozil-cropped_sbmqnugyqqhe1a6fr9w9edndk.jpg?t=776358279&quality=90&h=630" height="360" src="https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/omnisport/20/d6/alexis-sanchez-mesut-ozil-cropped_sbmqnugyqqhe1a6fr9w9edndk.jpg?t=776358279&quality=90&h=630" width="640" /><br />
<div class="teaser" itemprop="description">
The Gunners' star duo are
out of contract at the end of the season, but that does not mean they do
not give their all for the team, the defender says </div>
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</div>
Arsenal
veteran Per Mertesacker claims Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez remain
committed to the Premier League club despite being in the final year of
their contracts.<br />
<a href="https://www.dabblebet.com/sportsbook/SOCCER/EN_PR/458007/?btag=goal_seeding&utm_source=goal&utm_campaign=seeding&utm_medium=article&utm_content=181017_27" target="_blank"><u><strong>Alexis 5/4 to score v Everton</strong></u></a><br />
Both star players have been tipped to leave the Emirates Stadium
after the Gunners failed to qualify for the Champions League, and
Sanchez close to a switch to Manchester City late in the recent transfer
window.<br />
<br />Ozil and Sanchez remain first-team regulars despite their uncertain
future, and Mertesacker insists the pair deserve to stay involved.<br />
Asked if they are still giving their all for Arsene Wenger's team, he
replied: "Yes. Everyone has to do his job 100 per cent otherwise they
are not eligible to be on the pitch.<br />
"As long as everyone understands that then we are fine and you won't
get problems from me. If I have a different feeling then it would be
addressed.<br />
"I have no problems with players in their final year, that includes
me as well," he added, referring to his imminent retirement and
impending transition to the role of academy manager.<br />
"The only issue I've got is if they're not fully committed to what we're doing here.<br />
"Even if you're in your final year you have to prove yourself every
single day, in order to stay here or to get another contract somewhere
else.<br />
"A lot of people focus on being on long-term contracts, but that's
not needed. I don't feel a dip in commitment; we're in a good front with
those who have their contracts expiring.<br />
<div class="widget-semantic-player widget-semantic-player--displayed" data-module-loaded="true" data-module="article/semantic-player">
<span class="label">Article continues below</span> </div>
"It's similar to me. I'm staying at the club definitely, which makes
it a little bit different, but we want to be successful here and
everyone is committed to that."<br />
Arsenal are away to Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League on Thursday.<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09923754706403528251noreply@blogger.com0