The AC Milan forward played in France between 2012 and 2016 for current champions PSG, winning four consecutive league titles before he departed for England and Manchester United.
Monday, October 31, 2022
^ ^ Alan Shearer names Arsenal trio in Premier League Team of the Week and snubs Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea
Alan Shearer has named an Arsenal trio in his Premier League Team of the Week while snubbing stars from Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.
The Gunners returned to the top of the Premier League table by thumping bottom-club Nottingham Forest 5-0 at the Emirates on Sunday.
Midfielder Thomas Partey got on the scoresheet during that match and has been rewarded with a place in Shearer’s XI.
Partey added the fourth goal of the afternoon with a outstanding long-range strike almost identical to his goal against Tottenham at the start of the month.
He is joined in Shearer’s Team of the Week by Reiss Nelson, who put in a heroic performance against Forest, registering two goals and an assist.
The Arsenal winger came off the bench to replace Bukayo Saka after 27 minutes and scored twice within the space of four minutes early into the second half.
Nelson also provided the assist for Partey in an impressive performance for the 22-year-old.
The third Arsenal player in the XI is centre-back William Saliba, who has established himself as an important player this season and helped Arsenal to a clean sheet on Sunday.
Arsenal have formally offered Saliba a contract extension but there has not been an agreement on a new deal yet.
Shearer decided not to pick any United players in his Team of the Week, despite an impressive defensive display and a strong performance from David de Gea.
United beat West Ham 1-0 at Old Trafford with Marcus Rashford scoring the only goal of the game, but the striker admitted afterwards that his side were not at their best.
Shearer did not pick any Liverpool players, after they were beaten 2-1 at home by Leeds United.
Chelsea players were also snubbed after their embarrassing 4-1 defeat to Graham Potter’s former side Brighton.
Shearer named four Newcastle United players in his XI with Kieran Trippier, Joelinton, Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson all included.
Eddie Howe’s side are currently fourth in the table and smashed Aston Villa 4-0 on Saturday with the Englishman named Shearer’s Manager of the Week.
The other four players included are Leeds’ Illan Meslier, Brighton’s Pervis Estupinan, Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Bournemouth’s Kieffer Moore.
MORE : Jamie Redknapp claims Premier League teams are intimidated by Casemiro
MORE : Eddie Howe: On-song Newcastle United ‘still have lots of room to improve’
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Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.^ ^ Uruguay star Facundo Torres’ agent speaks out on Arsenal transfer rumours
The agent of Orlando City forward Facundo Torres has confirmed Arsenal are interested in the Uruguayan but talks over a transfer are not yet advanced.
On Monday, reports emerged linking the 22-year-old with a move to north London in January as Mikel Arteta looks to bring in cover and competition for Bukayo Saka.
Torres has scored nine goals and laid on 10 assists in Major League Soccer this season, while he also netted against the Gunners in a pre-season friendly during the summer.
The Uruguay international has already racked up 10 appearances for the national team and is widely expected to move to Europe when the January window opens.
According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal are the frontrunners for his signature even though their interest is only at an early stage – but the club intend to hold talks with Torres’ camp.
Now the player’s agent, Egardo Lasalvia, has confirmed to ESPN Uruguay that he will have a meeting in the next few days with Toni Lima, who is one of Arsenal’s chief scouts with a particular focus on South American talents.
Lasalvia also confirmed that the interest from Arsenal is legitimate, but that ‘there is still nothing advanced’ over a January transfer to the Emirates.
Arsenal may need to move quickly to wrap up a deal for Torres with a number of other clubs circling, while his price tag will almost certainly shoot up if he enjoys an eye-catching World Cup.
Arteta has been looking to bring in a new winger for some time and tried to sign the likes of Raphinha – who swapped Leeds for Barcelona – and Wolves’ Pedro Neto during the summer.
More recently they were linked with a move for Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhaylo Mudryk but were recently warned that it would take a mammoth bid to land him – with Torres likely to cost considerably less.
Arsenal are currently sweating on the fitness of Saka after he was forced off in the first half of Sunday’s thumping win over Nottingham Forest.
There is hope that he will be recovered in time to face Chelsea at the weekend, though his potential absence has once again highlighted Arsenal’s need for attacking reinforcements despite Reiss Nelson’s excellent display off the bench.
MORE : Arsenal formally offer William Saliba new deal but no agreement yet
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Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.^ ^ Graeme Souness maintains stance on Casemiro despite Manchester United impact: ‘I don’t see him as a great player’
Graeme Souness has maintained his belief that Casemiro is ‘not a great player’ despite the midfielder’s impressive start at Manchester United.
The former Liverpool and Scotland midfielder appeared to question United’s £70m move for Casemiro over the summer.
Casemiro ended his nine-year spell at Real Madrid to join the Premier League giants and arrived in England having won five Champions League titles and three La Liga titles at the Bernabeu.
The 30-year-old has quickly established himself as a fans’ favourite at Old Trafford and a key member of Erik ten Hag’s squad, helping United win six out of their last eight games in all competitions to climb to fifth in the table.
Discussing United’s move for Casemiro last August, Souness said: ‘He was playing with great players. He’s not a great player. He has never been a great player.
‘I see him as a steady Eddie who will make United be more solid in midfield. I don’t think he has got a great range of passing.
‘I don’t think he is going help other people play. The Real Madrid team, the midfield especially, was full of footballing players.
‘He is 30 years old and its £70m. Too much money. It is Manchester United all over again. Manchester United will pay a premium because it is United and the Premier League and people know its awash with money.
‘But I don’t see him making them any better when they have the ball.’
Souness now admits Casemiro will make a ‘big difference’ at Manchester United but has maintained his stance on the Brazilian’s individual quality.
‘Casemiro will make a big difference to them. But I don’t see him as a great player,’ Souness told talkSPORT.
‘You [talkSPORT colleagues Jim White and Simon Jordan] are accusing me of calling him a steady Eddie, I stand by that.
‘He is a good steady Eddie. He will hold the fort, that’s what a steady Eddie is. He’s a good player, not a great player.
‘A steady Eddie is a 7.5 out of ten every week. In my language it means he’s a seven, 7.5 every week, he is a real team player.’
Casemiro scored a dramatic equaliser to earn Manchester United a point against Chelsea earlier in the month and helped the Red Devils beat West Ham on Sunday.
Following the 1-0 win over David Moyes’ Hammers, Ten Hag described Casemiro as the ‘cement’ that keeps the whole team together.
‘I call him the cement in the midfield,’ Ten Hag said. ‘I think in and out of possession, he makes such a difference.
‘He gives the team [an] extra edge and helps them dominate. I say in and out of possession because he can dominate games and he gives the team [that] extra edge to help dominate in the game.
‘He can also read the game and he helps the players by pointing them into the right positions. He is anticipating both in and out of possession and also he sees the pass between the lines.
‘One of the highlights in the game was his pass to [Diogo] Dalot in the first half. He is a top player and I am really happy to have him here.’
MORE : Michail Antonio praises Manchester United duo after West Ham defeat
MORE : Erik ten Hag predicts Anthony Elanga will have key role at Man Utd
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Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.^ ^ Bukayo Saka could feature against Chelsea on Sunday with Arsenal and England handed major injury boost
Bukayo Saka could be fit to play against Chelsea on Sunday with Arsenal optimistic he has not suffered a serious injury.
The 21-year-old provided an assist just four minutes into the game but was forced off inside half an hour during Sunday’s 5-0 thrashing of Nottingham Forest.
After initially receiving treatment following a heavy challenge from Renan Lodi he was brought off 10 minutes later, heading straight down the tunnel with his replacement Reiss Nelson going onto score twice in the second-half.
Arsenal are still monitoring the injury but the signs have been encouraging, with Saka leaving the Emirates without the need of crutches or a protective boot on Sunday evening, according to The Sun.
The England star is not expected to feature when Arsenal take on FC Zurich in their final Europa League group game on Thursday. But the report adds he could be involved at Stamford Bridge at the weekend.
Arsenal and England still face a nervous wait to learn the full extent of Saka’s knock. The Three Lions officially begin their World Cup campaign against Iran on 21 November.
But Gunners manager Mikel Arteta also struck a slightly more positive note when giving an update on his player most-match.
Hopefully not [the World Cup in doubt],’ Arteta told a press conference.
‘It was a bad kick, he was limping but I don’t see it further than that. Both foot and ankle, he got kicked a few times.’
Saka has played in every Premier League match this season with Arteta recently dismissing concerns about the youngster’s gametime, insisting he would have no qualms in him playing 70 games this season.
‘Look at the top players in the world, they play 70 matches, every three days and make the difference and win the game,’ Arteta said after the 1-0 win over PSV earlier this month.
‘You want to be at the top, you have to be able to do that. And if we start to put something different in the mind of a young player, I think we are making a huge mistake because then [he would] be like ‘no, I don’t play now, on astroturf I don’t play.
‘I don’t want that. I want them to be ruthless every three days. I want them knocking on my door (saying) ‘I want to play, I want to win the game.’
MORE : Arsenal formally offer William Saliba new deal but no agreement yet
MORE : Brighton star would thrive at Chelsea or Arsenal, says Gabby Agbonlahor
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Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.^ ^ Erik ten Hag explains Man Utd’s decision to play La Liga side during World Cup break
Erik ten Hag has explained Manchester United’s decision to schedule a friendly against La Liga side Cadiz CF during the World Cup break.
United confirmed on Monday that they will play two friendlies when the domestic season is paused and will hold a week-long winter training camp in Spain.
The first friendly will be played against Cadiz – who are currently second bottom in the Spanish top-flight – at the Nuevo Mirandilla stadium on December 7 but it has not been announced who the second match will be against.
United’s last game before the World Cup break comes on November 13 when they travel to face high-flying Fulham in the Premier League and resumes on December 27 as they host bottom-club Nottingham Forest.
‘It’s a strange season,’ Ten Hag told United’s website. ‘It’s not like usual as we have a World Cup but also players will stay behind.
‘We have to train them during those six weeks and we have to give them the right programme so they stay in the right fitness levels, but also they stay in the right shape and also in the team style.
‘We made a programme to do that, as optimum as possible. So, we will train here [at Carrington] for one week, or eight or nine days, and then we will have a short break. Then we will train and go to Spain for a training camp for one week.
‘There, we can train proper. We have good opponents over there so we can get the game practice in as well.
‘Then we will return, ready for the second stage of the season, I would say, but a long stage, longer than usual.’
United’s football director John Murtough added: ‘Erik and the team have made good progress during this first half of the season, and it is important we maintain this momentum coming out of the World Cup break.
‘A winter training camp will be a vital part of the team’s preparations for the second half of the season.
‘We have lined up a high-quality local opponent to play against, ensuring match fitness and sharpness is retained.
‘The camp and game will also allow for some of our young talent to experience training and playing in a first team environment, as well as provide entertaining club football for fans.’
MORE : 'Not good on the ball!' - Graeme Souness slams new Man Utd star despite praise
MORE : Gary Neville hits back at Cristiano Ronaldo after Old Trafford snub
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Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.^ ^ Everything you need to know about Inter Miami amid Lionel Messi interest
Inter Miami are reportedly eyeing a sensational swoop for PSG forward Lionel Messi.
According to The Athletic, Inter Miami are growing increasingly confident of signing the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who is out of contract with the Parisians at the end of the season.
The report states that Miami expect Messi to arrive in the coming months, having been in discussions with the Argentine’s camp for the past two years.
But what do we know about the Inter Miami owners, manager, players and league? Here is your full lowdown on the potential next step in Messi’s glittering career.
Who owns Inter Miami?
England legend David Beckham co-owns the club with American brothers Jorge and Jose Mas.
Jorge is a billionaire businessman and is the chairman and largest shareholder of MasTec, a Miami-based construction and engineering company.
When Beckham joined La Galaxy in 2007, the deal allowed him to purchase a discounted MLS franchise to set up his own team.
The club were founded by the ownership group in January 2018 but only started playing in 2020.
The team’s full name is Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami and they play their home matches at their 18,000 capacity DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Who is the manager of Inter Miami?
Phil Neville is the current manager of Inter Miami.
The former Manchester United, Everton and England defender was appointed by Beckham in 2021 after leaving his post at the England women’s team.
Explaining his decision to head to the Sunshine State and take the reigns at the new club, Neville said: ‘David and his ambition to make this club global was probably one of the biggest reasons.
‘I am quite ambitious as a manager, I want to manage at the top level and the plans that David and the owners have got for this football club are huge. He wants Inter Miami to be known worldwide.
‘It’s a new club, we are starting fresh and David is building his own club. He was the big influence for me as I know how much he wants this to be a success.’
Which players do Inter Miami have?
Former Newcastle player DeAndre Yedlin and ex-Arsenal star Kieran Gibbs are the most well-known faces in the current Inter Miami squad.
The team also includes former Swansea midfielder Alejando Pozuelo and striker Leonardo Campana, who is on loan from Wolves.
Former Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain played for the club between 2020 and 2022, scoring 29 goals in 67 appearances before retiring from football earlier this year.
French World Cup winner Blaise Matuidi also played for Miami between 2020 and 2021.
What league do Inter Miami play in?
Inter Miami play in Major League Soccer (MLS), and have done so in the three seasons since they were founded in 2020.
In their inaugural season in 2020 the club finished 10th out of 14 in the MLS Eastern Conference, before slipping down to 11th in 2021.
This season, Neville guided the club to sixth in the Eastern Conference which secured a spot in the MLS play-offs.
However, Miami fell at the first hurdle following a 3-0 defeat to New York City.
MORE : How many goals has Lionel Messi scored amid Inter Miami links?
MORE : How many times have Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or?
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Sunday, October 30, 2022
^*^ Bukayo Saka's injury provides another challenge for Gareth Southgate ahead next month's World Cup
SAMI MOKBEL AT THE EMIRATES: England begin their World Cup in 22 days and his players are dropping like flies - Bukayo Saka the latest concern for Southgate.
^ ^ Mikel Arteta provides injury update on Bukayo Saka after Arsenal star limps off in win over Nottingham Forest
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has played down injury fears over Bukayo Saka and does not believe his World Cup prospects will be put under threat.
Saka provided the assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s opener inside four minutes in Sunday’s 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest but a heavy challenge from Renan Lodi left the winger needing treatment.
The 21-year-old was back on shortly after but 10 minutes later sat down again in discomfort.
Reiss Nelson was brought on for his first Premier League appearance of the season with Saka immediately heading down the tunnel after being brought off.
Arsenal and England will now face a nervous wait to learn the extent of Saka’s knock. The Three Lions officially begin their World Cup campaign against Iran on 21 November.
Speaking post-match, Arteta admitted his young star got a ‘bad kick’ but did not intially fear anything more serious.
‘Hopefully not [the World Cup in doubt],’ Arteta told a press conference. ‘It was a bad kick, he was limping but I don’t see it further than that. Both foot and ankle, he got kicked a few times.’
Nelson, who came onto replace Saka inside half an hour, would go onto have a sublime afternoon at the Emirates, scoring twice and providing an assist in the first 15 minutes of the second-half as Arsenal eased to a thrilling victory.
‘Of course, it is a huge shame for Arsenal and the nation and we will go and check now and see how he is,’ Nelson said. ‘He’s a great boy and it’s great to have him in the team.’
Arsenal have four more games before the World Cup break, hosting FC Zurich in the Europa League on Thursday before a Premier League showdown against Chelsea on Sunday.
The Gunners welcome Brighton to the Emirates for their EFL Cup third round clash on 9 November before a trip to Wolves on the 12 November.
Arteta recently dismissed concerns about Saka’s gametime, insisting he would have no qualms in in the academy graduate playing 70 games this season.
‘Look at the top players in the world, they play 70 matches, every three days and make the difference and win the game,’ Arteta said after the 1-0 win over PSV earlier this month.
‘You want to be at the top, you have to be able to do that. And if we start to put something different in the mind of a young player, I think we are making a huge mistake because then [he would] be like ‘no, I don’t play now, on astroturf I don’t play.
‘I don’t want that. I want them to be ruthless every three days. I want them knocking on my door (saying) ‘I want to play, I want to win the game.’
MORE : Arsenal team send message to Pablo Mari after Gabriel Martinelli goal vs Nottingham Forest
MORE : Pep Guardiola dismisses claim that Manchester City have strengthened Arsenal and Chelsea
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Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.^ ^ Brighton set price for Moises Caicedo amid transfer links to Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United
Brighton and Hove Albion are reportedly willing to sell Moises Caicedo, with many of the Premier League’s top teams linked with the star midfielder.
However, Caicedo will not come cheap, with the Seagulls demanding a record-breaking fee for the midfielder who is wanted by Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle.
The Ecuador international only moved to the South Coast in January 2021 and at the time of writing has made just 22 appearances for the club, scoring two goals and making two assists.
Nevertheless, his impressive performances have caught the eye, and as such Brighton are ready to cash-in on the 20-year-old and have slapped an £85million price tag on him, according to the Sunday Mirror.
Roberto de Zerbi’s side have made significant profits over the last year or so from selling their best players, with Marc Cucurella, Ben White, Yves Bissouma, Dan Burn and Neal Maupay sold for a combined £162m.
Chelsea and Newcastle are viewed as the favourites for Caicedo’s signature, with former Brighton boss Graham Potter now at Stamford Bridge, while Dan Ashworth ,the Seagulls’ former technical director and the man who brought Caicedo to the Amex, now working for the Magpies.
Liverpool and United are also in the running, with both teams keen to improve their midfield depth and while Caicedo will not be cheap he is perhaps viewed as more getable than Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham.
Arsenal have previously been linked with the player but it is understood that they are focusing their attention on landing long-time target Youri Tielemans who is out of contract at the end of the season.
It remains to be seen if Leicester are open to cashing-in on the Belgian international in January, who is also of interest to Newcastle, though the Gunners are in pole position for his signature with Juventus cooling their interest in the 25-year-old.
MORE : Erik ten Hag explains why Antony missed Manchester United’s Premier League clash with West Ham
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Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.^*^ Manchester United return to summit as Nikita Parris fires WSL win over Everton
Manchester United returned to the summit of the WSL table and continued their unbeaten run with victory over Everton at Walton Hall Park.
Nikita Parris’s first-half goal against her former club was added to by Leah Galton and Hayley Ladd in the second half as United increased their goal difference to 14.
Continue reading...^ ^ Erik ten Hag explains why Antony missed Manchester United’s Premier League clash with West Ham
Erik ten Hag has explained why Antony missed Manchester United’s Premier League clash with West Ham.
Ten Hag made four changes to the side that beat Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League in midweek.
Harry Maguire made his first Premier League start since August 13 while Cristiano Ronaldo featured in the Manchester United starting XI.
Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw and Anthony Elanga also came in for United, who are looking to make up more ground on the top-four against David Moyes’ West Ham.
Antony received criticism for his showboating during United’s win over Sheriff but Ten Hag confirmed his absence at Old Trafford on Sunday was due to injury.
Asked if Antony’s absence was in some way linked to the backlash the Brazilian received, Ten Hag said: ‘No, nothing [to do with that].
‘He is injured. I hope it’s not too bad, I think it’s not too bad. In a couple of days he will be back.’
Ten Hag also confirmed Victor Lindelof was not part of Manchester United’s matchday squad due to illness, with Maguire handed a rare chance to impress having lost his place in the side earlier in the season.
Meanwhile, West Ham boss David Moyes made one change to the side that beat Bournemouth in their previous Premier League fixture, with Craig Dawson coming in for Ben Johnson.
Manchester United have largely impressed since Ten Hag’s arrival from Ajax over the summer and Chris Sutton expects the Red Devils to continue their encouraging run against the Hammers.
The former Premier League striker told BBC Sport: ‘Losing defender Raphael Varane to injury is a blow for Manchester United but I think they will cope without him here, even though Gianluca Scamacca is a real threat.
‘At the other end, it might be a different story. West Ham are a stubborn side, who are in decent form, but I don’t think their backline will be good enough to keep United out.
‘United are making progress under Erik ten Hag but he still has to deal with the distraction of being asked questions about Cristiano Ronaldo the whole time, which must be a nightmare for him.
‘Great player that he is, Ronaldo has made it all about himself when really he is just one of the squad. It is quite sad, because he is starting to destroy his legacy at Old Trafford, and he might not be there for much longer. I think United will nick it 2-1.’
MORE : Sporting prepare January bid for Man Utd striker Cristiano Ronaldo
MORE : Manchester United defender Raphael Varane gives injury update
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Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.Saturday, October 29, 2022
^*^ Valencia are 'eyeing up loan move' for Manchester United outcast Donny van de Beek
Having arrived at Old Trafford in 2020 for an eye watering fee of £40m, the 25-year-old has struggled to embed himself in Eric ten Hag's first team making just four appearances this season.
^ ^ Graham Potter explains decision to substitute Kepa Arrizabalaga at half-time against Brighton
Graham Potter confirmed Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga suffered a foot injury during his side’s calamitous 4-1 defeat at Brighton.
It was a miserable return to the Amex Stadium for the former Seagulls manager who watched his new team torn to pieces during an error-strewn opening 45 minutes.
Own goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Trevoh Calobah compounded the damage inflicted by Leandro Trossard’s early strike as Roberto de Zerbi’s men raced into a 3-0 lead.
Kepa, who has been a permanent fixture in Chelsea’s goal since Potter’s appointment, appeared to be in some discomfort during the closing stages of the first half.
Edouard Mendy looked as though he was ready to come on but it wasn’t until the start of the second period that the Senegal international eventually replaced Kepa.
Explaining the change, Potter said: ‘It was the bottom of his foot, I don’t know it’s too early yet. He was too bad to carry on. It’s disappointing for him because he’s in a really good moment.’
The Spaniard’s replacement fared little better, conceding with virtually the final act of the game as Pascal Gross restored a three goal advantage and help De Zerbi celebrate his first win in charge.
‘They played well, the atmosphere was really intense here,’ added Potter. ‘We didn’t necessarily match that level of intensity.
‘We had some opportunities to test the keeper, but it was too open and Brighton were dangerous.
‘We were pushing and pushing and throwing players on, but Brighton deserved it. You have to say congratulations to them.
‘Brighton were better at what they did, so we have to take that as a lesson – even though that’s a painful one for us.
‘You have to congratulate Brighton. The intensity was there and we suffered a little bit.
‘The players are an honest bunch – we win and lose together – so we have to take stock and move forward.’
MORE : Graham Potter hits back at Brighton fans who booed after Chelsea defeat
MORE : Graham Potter sends message to two Brighton stars struggling after his departure
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Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.^*^ Rangers overwhelm Aberdeen to ease pressure on Van Bronckhorst
Rangers produced a timely win for their under-fire manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst with a commanding 4-1 comeback over Aberdeen at Ibrox.
Connor Barron drove the visitors ahead in the 21st minute but the Light Blues responded with goals before the break from returning striker Antonio Colak and midfielder John Lundstram. Skipper James Tavernier headed in a third in the 51st minute before hitting the post with a penalty just before the hour mark with substitute Alfredo Morelos adding a late fourth for a convincing victory.
Continue reading...^*^ Bournemouth 2-3 Tottenham: Spurs complete fight back through Rodrigo Bentancur in stoppage time
BOURNEMOUTH 2-3 TOTTENHAM: Kieran Gill at the Vitality Stadium: The comeback winner for Spurs was bagged by Rodrigo Bentancur after their 19th corner of the match in stoppage time.
^*^ Brentford 1-1 Wolves: Ben Mee puts hosts in the lead before Ruben Neves scores impressive equaliser
BRENTFORD 1-1 WOLVES - KATHRYN BATTE AT THE GTECH COMMUNITY STADIUM: Wolves equalised just two minutes after conceding as they drew 1-1 away to Brentford.
^ ^ Graham Potter hits back at Brighton fans who booed after Chelsea defeat
Graham Potter has hit back at Brighton supporters after he was booed at the Amex Stadium during Chelsea’s 4-1 defeat on Saturday.
The 47-year-old endured a miserable first return to his former club as Chelsea found themselves three down by half time after Leandro Trossard’s opener was followed by own goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Trevoh Chalobah.
Kai Havertz pulled a goal back for Chelsea early in the second half but Pascal Gross struck in injury time to complete a deserved victory for Brighton.
Potter, meanwhile, was booed upon his arrival at the stadium and once again as he walked out towards his dugout.
Marc Cucurella, who joined Chelsea from Brighton in the summer, was also subjected to jeers from the home fans every time he touched the ball before he was substituted in the 64th minute.
When asked about the negative reaction he received from Brighton’s supporters, Potter said: ‘I have nothing to say sorry for, I’ve nothing to apologise for.
‘I did a good job, you can see the team’s a good team. Took over when they were fourth from bottom in the Premier League, third probably worst team.
‘There’s a lot of money been raised in terms of player sales and there’s a lot of good players on the pitch.
‘I hope for their sake the next manager does as good a job and that’s as brilliant for them.’
Potter also admits his Chelsea players failed to recover after such a woeful first-half performance.
‘Yes of course the scoreline and the defeat is a painful one,’ said Potter.
‘We didn’t really recover. Once the crowd were so engaged it was a difficult one for us. The scoreline was painful. Brighton played a good game, especially in the first half.
‘You can always look at goals and think you can do better. We have to take responsibility a bit in the first half.
‘We have had a lot of football but that’s no excuse. We couldn’t quite get to that level. We didn’t take our opportunities in attack and they did.
‘We had some opportunities to attack them too but unfortunately we missed the pass or didn’t execute, then the scoreline was a painful one. When you lose you can always do better.’
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Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.Friday, October 28, 2022
^*^ Diogo Dalot says Man United are 'a better team' when Cristiano Ronaldo is in the side
Ronaldo, 37, was dropped from the squad entirely for last weekend's trip to Chelsea after refusing to come on against Tottenham on the Wednesday prior.
^*^ Which clubs could be in trouble when the Premier League pauses for the World Cup?
There have been three managerial sackings at Wolves, Aston Villa and Bournemouth, and there is very little to separate over half the teams in the division.
^*^ Roy Keane tips Jude Bellingham to become England's breakthrough World Cup star in Qatar next month
The Irish legend hailed the Borussia Dortmund midfielder's maturity 'beyond his years' and his athleticism before predicting a starring role for Gareth Southgate's side at the tournament.
^*^ Wales will let Rob Page and his players decide on taking the knee before games at the World Cup
EXCLUSIVE BY TOM COLLOMOSSE: Page has led Wales to the Finals for only the second time in their history and they will begin their campaign against USA on November 21.
^*^ Juventus 'could be fined up to £51m for concealing an alleged secret payment to Cristiano Ronaldo'
Juventus could reportedly face a fine worth between £17million and £51m for financial irregularities, after the Italian club had failed to record an alleged secret payment to Cristiano Ronaldo in 2020.
^*^ ‘Not fair’: Robertson keen to play down Núñez and Haaland comparisons
- ‘They are incredible and we are delighted to have Darwin’
- Klopp fined £30,000 for red card against Manchester City
Andy Robertson has said it is unfair to compare Darwin Núñez with Erling Haaland and that the Liverpool striker’s goals ratio represents an impressive start.
The Uruguay international has scored in his past four starts for Liverpool, including Wednesday’s win at Ajax that secured a place in the Champions League knockout stage. Núñez has six goals from 13 Liverpool appearances, although he has made only seven starts because of suspension and injury.
Continue reading...^*^ Shakhtar Donetsk official confirms Manchester City and Arsenal both want to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk
Nicolini insisted that Shakhtar aren't willing to sell Mudryk for less than the £85million that Manchester United paid for Antony.
^ ^ Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes opens up on his future amid Chelsea and Real Madrid transfer links
Bruno Guimaraes says he ‘wants to become a Newcastle legend’ amid reports linking him with a move to Chelsea or Real Madrid.
The star midfielder has had a brilliant impact since signing for the Magpies back in January for £40million, with his form drawing many admirers.
While Newcastle, currently fifth in the Premier League, have serious ambitions thanks to their Saudi-backed owners, there is speculation that Guimaraes could leave for top club having previously subbed Arsenal.
But while Chelsea are keen to sign him as soon as possible, the 24-year-old has no plans to leave St. James Park, telling Sky Sports: ‘I feel at home. The experience I’ve had here has been amazing.
‘Yes, sometimes it can be difficult to leave the house because everybody recognises me! But they [the fans] are always so friendly, so loving, not just with me but with everyone in my family.
‘It’s always nice when there are teams looking at you, but my plan is just to do my best at Newcastle. The rest, I leave with my agent.
‘I have three or four years of contract left. It’s so long. I swear I’m not thinking about other things. My focus now is just on Newcastle and the World Cup.
‘There is a long way to go. I love playing here, I love to bond with the fans, and I want to become a legend here.’
Guimaraes’ form ought to more than earn him a place in Brazil’s squad for Qatar 2022, with the player blessed with great offensive and defensive capabilities.
Since his full Premier League debut, Guimaraes ranks second among all players for tackles, successful duels and fouls won, as well as third for dribbles completed and fourth for through-balls.
‘But I think I was born to play in the Premier League,’ he added.
‘I love the atmosphere. I love the intensity of the game. It is the most difficult league, of course. There are no easy games.
‘But when you play well here, it makes you think you can play in any competition. I think that, and the pressure when I came, has helped me to develop, to be the player I am now.’
MORE : Allan Saint-Maximin and Alexander Isak injury updates from Newcastle manager Eddie Howe
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Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.^ ^ Jordan Henderson allegedly called Gabriel a ‘f***ing idiot’ during Arsenal’s win over Liverpool
Jordan Henderson is said to have called Gabriel Magalhaes a ‘f***ing idiot’ during their exchange in Arsenal’s win over Liverpool earlier this month.
The pair were involved in a heated altercation during the second half of Arsenal’s 3-2 victory at the Emirates Stadium, with referee Michael Oliver speaking to both Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta after the incident.
The Football Association launched an investigation immediately after the match but refused to elaborate on what was said between the Liverpool captain and the Arsenal defender.
According to MailOnline, Henderson is said to have told the investigation that he called the Brazilian a ‘f****** idiot’.
However, Gabriel disputes Henderson’s claim and alleged that the Liverpool midfielder used a ‘far worse word’ in Portuguese.
None of the Arsenal or Liverpool players questioned could confirm Gabriel’s allegations and earlier this week, the FA confirmed no action would be taken against Henderson.
When asked after the game what the referee said to him on the touchline about the incident, Mikel Arteta said: ‘An incident that happened that whatever happens on the pitch stays on the pitch.’
Klopp, meanwhile, said he was ‘not allowed’ to speak about the altercation between Henderson and Gabriel.
A statement from the FA read: ‘Following an investigation into an allegation received by The FA in the Premier League fixture between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC on Sunday 9 October 2022, The FA can confirm that it will not be taking any disciplinary action.
‘The FA received a complaint about an incident involving two players in this fixture. As a result of the complaint, The FA conducted a full and thorough investigation.
‘The investigation included taking witness statements from the complainant and accused, along with an additional six players who were within proximity of the alleged incident, reviewing multiple angles of video footage, and seeking independent linguistics experts evidence. None of the witnesses heard the alleged comment, and the player accused strenuously denied the allegation throughout.
‘Whilst The FA is entirely satisfied that the allegation was made in good faith, it is equally satisfied that there is no case to answer.
‘The FA continues to take all allegations received extremely seriously and would encourage anyone who believes that they have been the subject of or witness to abuse to report this through the appropriate channels.
‘The FA receives a number of complaints in any one season and thoroughly investigates each one that it receives. Following consideration of all of the evidence received, not all cases will result in a charge being issued.’
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Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.Thursday, October 27, 2022
^*^ Red cards and redemption: Villarreal bid farewell to José Manuel Llaneza | Sid Lowe
After death of vice-president considered architect of the club, even two controversial sendings off couldn’t spoil last goodbye
In the beginning, there was a typewriter and José Manuel Llaneza. And that, Villarreal president and owner Fernando Roig is fond of saying, was that. It is not entirely true – Roig’s son recalls a guy called Gumbau and a man named Parra – but it’s not a long way off and it is an effective way of expressing just how far the club has come and how they did it. Who did it too. Another came from Manu Trigueros, the footballer who has made more appearances for the club than anyone. At Camp Nou on Thursday night, he looked up and said: “If we play in grounds like this, it’s thanks to Llaneza.”
It wasn’t easy for Trigueros to talk, still less play, but he was right. The team were eating lunch when they were told that Llaneza, who had been fighting leukaemia and who had lost his wife a few weeks earlier, had died at 74. “This has hit us hard,” Trigueros said. “He was very close to us, always at our side. The club grew hugely with him.” A third of his life had been dedicated to Villarreal, making them what they are: from almost nowhere to one of Spain’s biggest clubs. Travelling to Camp Nou is just what they do now; it has become normal when it’s not.
Continue reading...^*^ Newcastle 'set to reward Almiron with a new contract' after stunning form following Grealish jibe
Newcastle United are reportedly to reward in-form Miguel Almiron with a new contract and end speculation over the winger's long-term future at the club.
^*^ Bournemouth will stop playing Kanye West song Power after anti-Semitism scandal
The artist's song 'Power' has been played at the Vitality Stadium in recent years as the teams walk out onto the pitch ahead of kick-off. But the club will play a different song after the scandal.
^*^ Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta fully backs plans to tie down technical director Edu to a new deal
DANIEL MATTHEWS: Edu, who was part of Arsenal's Invincibles as a player before returning in 2019, has worked closely with Arteta to overhaul the north London club.
^*^ WORLD CUP GROUP H GUIDE - Ronaldo hoping for swansong, Uruguay and Ghana to meet in rematch
Here, Sportsmail takes you through an intriguing Group H, including how each team qualified for the tournament, their history in the competition and who to look out for.
^*^ World Cup Group G Guide: Brazil expected to shine after favourable draw
The first-ever winter edition of the World Cup gets underway on November 20, with Switzerland and Cameroon getting Group G going on November 24.
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