Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      I wanted to quit football to be a FARMER after Barcelona transfer turned into a nightmare

      by

      BARCELONA ace Vitor Roque considered quitting football at the age of 19 and becoming a farmer due to the pressures he encountered at the Nou Camp.Barca signed Roque, 19, from Athletico Paranaense in January for an initial £30million fee but struggled to impress in Catalonia and that led to a loan move to Real Betis.Barcelona ace Vitor Roque considered early retirement due to the pressures at the Nou CampCredit: GettyRoque considered quitting football and moving back to his farm in BrazilCredit: GettyThe striker only managed a mere two goals in 16 appearances with the Blaugrana and played second fiddle to star man Robert Lewandowski.The Brazil international has claimed the fee Barcelona paid, plus his whopping €500m (£414m) release clause, led to some significant pressure and anxiety.So much so, that Roque even considered early retirement to find peace in his farm in Brazil.However, the talented forward found a way to regroup and is impressing at Betis with five goals and one assist in 19 appearances.Read More on FootballRoque told ESPN: “Yes. I thought I want to go to the farm there [in Brazil] and be calm, without anyone worrying me, because sometimes it’s difficult… a lot of pressure. “But it’s just about moving forward, having mental strength, continuing to work with great humility and things turning out well. “Little by little, I am regaining my complete happiness and confidence, too.”I already had a lot of anxiety about making things work out. I think what created the pressure was the price they paid for me, which was a very expensive investment in recent years. Most read in Football”I wasn’t completely ready to resolve the situation or to help the team in the way I wanted, I would have liked to. “I would have to have time to adapt, have time to get used to the players, and the club, and it didn’t turn out the way I liked. Man City manager Pep Guardiola sings song for Barcelona’s 125th birthday”And it serves as a learning experience for the next season.” More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Spurs star James Maddison slashes price of his £2m mansion after bizarre feature puts buyers off

      by

      ENGLAND star James Maddison has slashed £200k of the asking price for his mansion – after buyers were put off by his initials being printed onto the football pitch.The Spurs midfielder has ‘JM10’ etched into the centre circle at his four-bed luxury home in the Midlands – his initials and shirt number.James Maddison has dropped £200k of the asking price for his modern mansionCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingThe house comes with a swimming pool and its own football pitchCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingMaddison was told by agents to drop the asking price over concerns that the astroturf eyesore could put buyers offCredit: GettyBut agents have told the maestro to cut his asking price after feedback would-be buyers were unimpressed by the reminder of Madder quitting Leicester in a £40m deal.The multi-million pound house, in Nottinghamshire, features a 5G pitch with goalposts next to the outdoor heated pool and is now on the market.And one local said: “It’s a great property if you’re a football fan and want a kickabout every day – but not everybody is.”The kind of person who has millions to spend on a house probably isn’t going to want a big astroturf pitch, especially a personalised James Maddison one.read more on james maddison”To have that ripped up and replaced would cost an awful lot of money, which is apparently why the house hasn’t sold yet.”It is a large space and would make a really nice lawn, but if you are already spending that much I guess you don’t have to spend thousands more on landscaping.”However, the house is still a stunning place and I don’t think it will be too long before it’s snapped up by someone, particularly if James keeps dropping the price.”Although maybe a Spurs fan will come along and be happy to pay full price and keep it as it is. I suppose it would be pretty good to play on the pitch where he honed his skills.”Most read in FootballThe price-cut is almost the average house price of a property in the region – but just a fraction over Maddison’s £170,000-per-week salary.Described by estate agents as a “beautiful Grand Designs-style home”, the property boasts a gym, bar, and games room – where Maddison displayed an impressive collection of pros’ football shirts.Speaking about the set-up previously, Maddison said: “I think if you look around and you see the garden, it’s everything that I probably would’ve dreamed of having as a young boy.”Maddison, 28, has posted videos of the pitch on his Instagram profile in the past, with girlfriend Alexa Kennedy seen taking a series of penalties.Anyone hoping to buy the 4,000 square foot property via a mortgage would face eye-watering repayments of around £14,000 per month.The football pitch could be a hit with football fans and kids who enjoy a kick aboutCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingThe house lets in plenty of natural light and is filled with modern twistsCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingThe kitchen diner is lit by decadent chandeliers and has marble flooringCredit: Jam Press/ FHP LivingThe owners of the new home would have their own heated pool and fire pitCredit: Jam Press/ FHP Living More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Fulham vs Arsenal LIVE RESULT: Saka has late goal ruled out for offside after Saliba scores from ANOTHER corner in draw

      by

      ARSENAL could only manage a 1-1 draw with Fulham after a late Bukayo Saka goal was ruled out for offside.Mikel Arteta’s set-piece specialists managed to find the net AGAIN from a corner, with William Saliba heading home an equaliser after Raul Gimenez fired the home side into the lead.The London rivals had to settle for a point each after Saka’s late header was correctly disallowed by VAR.Kick-off time: 2pm GMTLive stream: NOW TVTV channels: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from Craven Cottage with our live blog belowGunners too blunt in attackArsenal struggled to create clear-cut chances this afternoon.It really put an emphasis on them getting lucky at set-pieces.This will be something Arteta will need to consider with the January transfer window coming up, they may need reinforcements.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFT: Fulham 1-1 ArsenalIt is a disappointing draw for The Gunners.They knew nothing but victory was acceptable.Despite not creating many chances, Fulham proved clinical with the limited ones they did have.Copy linkCopiedFT: Fulham 1-1 ArsenalThe referee brings the match to a close.Marco Silva’s side have got a well-earned draw in West London.Arteta’s side drop more points at Craven Cottage.Copy linkCopiedFulham 1-1 Arsenal90+4. Martinelli is having a talking to from the referee.He needs to be careful having already received a yellow card.Time is running out for The Gunners now.Copy linkCopiedFulham 1-1 Arsenal90+2. Rice has a free kick out wide once again.This time he looks to go for goal himself but it goes harmlessly wide.The pressure is all on Arsenal now to find that winning goal.Copy linkCopiedFulham 1-1 Arsenal 90. What a big moment in the title race that could be for Arsenal.Martinelli drifted offside before the ball was played to him.We are going to have five added minutes here.Copy linkCopiedGoal disallowed – OffsideCopy linkCopiedVAR review in progressCopy linkCopiedFulham 1-2 Arsenal88. What an important goal that could be.Martinelli swings it from one flank and picks out Saka on the back post.He stoops down to head it and beats Leno at his near post.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)Copy linkCopiedFulham 1-1 Arsenal86. Saka is upended by Robinson out wide.Silly challenge by the Fulham player and he is shown a yellow card.Big chance for Rice to put a dangerous ball into the box here.Copy linkCopiedFulham 1-1 Arsenal84. Arsenal are trying to throw everyone forward now.It could leave them open to the counter from the hosts.The home faithful are trying to get behind their side.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFulham 1-1 Arsenal82. Martinelli is shown a yellow card for dissent.He threw the ball down when a throw-in was not given their way.The Gunners are starting to get a bit frustrated now.Copy linkCopiedFulham 1-1 Arsenal80. Merino is penalised for a foul on Pereira.He was lucky not to receive a yellow card there.The Fulham attacker seemed to be away.Copy linkCopiedFulham 1-1 Arsenal78. Arsenal are starting to press more and more.Fulham are coping well with the aerial balls but one attempted clearance runs to Rice outside the box.He gets a shot away but Leno watches it all the way.Odegaard is coming off for Nwaneri.Copy linkCopiedFulham 1-1 Arsenal76. Rice plays a sublime clipped pass over the defence.It is straight into the path of an unmarked Jesus but he seems to be on his heels and does not react quickly enough.Not that Leno is complaining as he gathers the ball.Copy linkCopiedFulham 1-1 Arsenal74. The Gunners cannot afford to drop any more points.Every match they are not winning in now turns into a cup final.They need to find another goal here in West London.Copy linkCopiedFulham 1-1 Arsenal72. Jesus and Merino come on for Arsenal.Havertz and Jorginho are the players to make way.Final throw of the dice from Mikel Arteta.Copy linkCopiedFulham 1-1 Arsenal70. What a big chance wasted by the visitors.As the cross is swung into the box, Partey has a free header in the middle of the goal.Unbelievably, he glances his effort wide of the target.Copy linkCopiedFulham 1-1 Arsenal68. Out of the two sides, you lean towards the visitors getting a winner in this one right now.That said, nobody would have predicted The Cottagers’ goal in the first half.Martinelli looks to cut in from the left but wins The Gunners another corner.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFulham 1-1 Arsenal66. Arsenal are doing well to smother the attempted Fulham attacks.They are cutting off any supply to the wide men. Iwobi has struggled to make an impact on this game.Copy linkCopiedFulham 1-1 Arsenal64. Silva will want to see more from his team here.Since the interval, they have been non-existent as an attacking threat.They are allowing wave after wave of Arsenal attack.Copy linkCopiedFulham 1-1 Arsenal62. Odegaard does well to hold the ball up before laying it off into the path of Havertz.He looks to shoot for the near post but drags it wide of the target.It is all Arsenal at Craven Cottage right now.Copy linkCopiedFulham 1-1 Arsenal60. Martinelli comes on for Trossard.Smith Rowe comes off for Pereira.Wilson comes on for Traore.Copy linkCopiedFulham 1-1 Arsenal58. Tete is penalised for a foul in a wide position against Trossard.It gives Arsenal another chance to send the defenders up.Odegaard swings it in but Havertz’s tame header drops wide of the target.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Ipswich 1 Bournemouth 2: Cherries complete epic last-gasp turnaround as Tractor Boys lose three in a row

      by

      BOURNEMOUTH completed a stunning comeback to deny Ipswich Town their first home in after their return to the Premier League.Ipswich opened the scoring after 21 minutes with Conor Chaplin and went back to the dressing room with the lead.However, the Cherries fought back and equalised with Enes Unal three minutes before full-time.And Andoni Iraola’s snatch an epic last-minute win with Dango Ouattara in the fifth minute of stoppage time.More to follow More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester 2 Brighton 2: Seagulls capitulate and throw away two-goal lead as Van Nistelrooy remains unbeaten

      by

      LEICESTER’S late double kept Ruud van Nistelrooy’s honeymoon period in charge alive.Jamie Vardy and Bobby Cordova-Reid sparked wild scenes by cancelling out brilliant solo goals from Tariq Lamptey and Yankuba Minteh.First Foxes scorer Jamie Vardy helps Bobby De-Cordova celebrate a stoppage-time leveller that the ex-England striker teed upCredit: ReutersRuud van Nistelrooy saw Leicester snatch a dramatic pointCredit: PATariq Lamptey celebrated a spectacular opener for BrightonCredit: GettyLamptey notched a solo opener for the Seagulls on 37 minutes.Pervis Estupinan switched play from right to left to right to find him.Lamptey then wafted inside to curl a stunner into the far corner.The Foxes began the second period brightly but appeared to have been killed off by another individual goal on 80 minutes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMinteh picked up a long ball over the top, beat Victor Kristiansen no less than three times and smashed Brighton’s second goal past Mads Hermansen.But six minutes later Justin James saw his high ball deflected to Vardy for a razor-sharp finish – after the legendary finisher had few opportunities all match.And De Cordova-Reid tapped the equaliser a minute into stoppage-time – teed up by Vardy.Graham Potter admits he’s ‘looking at things’ as speculation intensifies that he’ll replace Julen Lopetegui at West Ham More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester 2 Brighton 2: Seagulls capitulate and throw away two-goal lead as Vardy leads late comeback for Van Nistelrooy

      by

      HOW many more scripts has Jamie Vardy got left in him?Once again, the Leicester City legend, 38 next month, rode to the rescue to make sure new boss Ruud van Nistelrooy stayed unbeaten after two games.First Foxes scorer Jamie Vardy helps Bobby De-Cordova Reid celebrate a stoppage-time point-saver that the ex-England striker teed upCredit: ReutersDe Cordova-Reid sparked mayhem with this 91st-minute equaliserCredit: RexRuud van Nistelrooy saw Leicester snatch a dramatic pointCredit: PABrighton were cruising to victory – and fifth place in the Premier League – thanks to Tariq Lamptey’s first-half super strike and sub Yankuba Minteh.But Fabian Hurzeler’s side took their foot off the gas – and Vardy needed no second invitation.Leicester levelled it up with two goals in the space of five minutes late on – and Vardy played his part in both of them.He gave the Foxes hope after 86 minutes when he latched on to a pass from Bobby De Cordova-Reid and netted from close range.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThen, in the first minute of stoppage time, Vardy turned provider to set up De Cordova-Reid to send the King Power Stadium wild.Until then, the closest Leicester had come to scoring was when James Justin’s header brought a save from Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen.Brighton were in control throughout until the latter stages – and unlike West Ham in midweek – they had made their dominance count.They took the lead before the break with a beautifully-struck left-foot shot from Lamptey which gave the reliable Foxes keeper Mads Hermansen no chance.Most read in FootballMads Hermansen had little chance with Tariq Lamptey’s wonder strikeCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd with 11 minutes left, Minteh was set up by Pervis Estupian and doggedly battled to create the chance for number two, just nine minutes after coming on.But then came Leicester’s stirring fightback.Graham Potter admits he’s ‘looking at things’ as speculation intensifies that he’ll replace Julen Lopetegui at West HamAnd while van Nistelrooy has problems he needs to address if Leicester are to stay up, he will know his squad lacks nothing when it comes to spirit.Brighton’s two dropped points prevented them moving fifth, while the Foxes have now edged five points clear of the drop zone.The sharpshooter was the Foxes’ key man late onLamptey is mobbed after his spectacular opener for BrightonCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal player ratings: Bukayo Saka runs the show but Jakub Kiwior fails to fill Gabriel’s big shoes

      by

      SET pieces were crucial AGAIN but Arsenal lost more ground in the title race after coming back from behind to draw 1-1 with Fulham. The Gunners thought they’d won it at the death but are now SIX points behind Prem leaders Liverpool, after enduring a frustrating afternoon at Craven Cottage.Other corner, another goal as William Saliba equalised early into the second halfFulham went 1-0 up early after latching onto a loose ball with a quick counterArsenal dominated the early exchanged but saw themselves 1-0 down early thanks to Raul Jimenez’s spell-bounding run and finish inside 11 minutes.The visitors had plenty of the possession, but very little to show for it in the opening 45 minutes.Mikel Arteta was booed at half-time, but unlike last year’s defeat at Craven Cottage he held off on any substitutions at the break.Another successful corner routine saw the Gunners level after William Saliba poked home from six-yards five minutes after half-time.READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd heartbreak ensued in the 89th minute when Bukayo Saka’s back post header was ruled out after Martinelli strayed offside in the build up.Here SunSport’s Katherine Walsh gives her player ratings…David Raya – 6 Couldn’t do much about his one-on-one with Jimenez and was rarely threatened after that.Until a HUGE save at his near post in the 71st minute after Sander Berge’s ball over the top sent Andreas Pereira away.Most read in FootballDavid Raya was left vulnerable for Jimenez’ openerThomas Partey – 5Arteta opted to play Partey at right-back but, it quickly became clear just how missed the Ghanaian’s presence was in midfield.William Saliba – 6 Great positioning and a lengthy VAR check saw him tap in the equaliser from a back-post Havertz’s header. Yes, from another corner.Couldn’t get back in time to stop Jimenez’s opener. Could he have done more?Jakub Kiwior – 4 Terrible afternoon filling into Gabriel’s big shoes. Easily outmanoeuvred by Raul Jimenez’s inside run for the Fulham No.9’s sleek low finish opener inside 11 minutes.Seemed out of place and not sure of his role during corner routines.Raul Jimenez rang a ring around Kiwior for Fulham’s early openerJurrien Timber – 5 Undoubtedly a greater influence on the right side of defence.Timber was quiet by his standard and was dragged narrow for Jimenez’s opener.Martin Odegaard (c) -Looked like he was struggling with something in the first half-an-hour as he hunched over, and hobbled off while walking inside at half-time after being on the end of a big tackle from Sander Berge.Some harmless balls into the Fulham box went well past Trossard as Arsenal looked somewhat rattled after going 1-0 down.Replaced by 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri when Arsenal were looking for a winner.Jorginho – 6 Largely did his job in nullifying Emile Smith Rowe before the Arsenal youth academy star was replaced inside 60 minutes.But some wayward long balls saw a frustrated Arteta turn away in the opening half.Declan Rice – 6 Some lovely runs between the centre-backs in his bid to push forward to level the score. Didn’t stop running and linked up well with Saka and Odegaard.But had to bail out the makeshift left hand side of Timber and Kiwior out a couple of times and lethal from corners.Bukayo Saka – 7Every time you look at the TV, Saka was crossing. Great corners from the right hand side.Grew into the game with both Robinson and Bassey working hard to team up on him, soon sat them both down with an outrageous run.Such a menace from the right but Robinson finally went in the book in the final five minutes.Kai Havertz – 6Out-duelled by Diop for much of the first half and rarely tested former Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno in his 73 minute appearance.Poor sense of positioning at times to get onto some good crosses from his Saka and Trossard.But made up for it in the second half, with a brilliant back post run from Rice’s corner which inadvertently set up Saliba.Kai Havertz failed to threaten Fulham keeper LenoHavertz headed down into the path of goalscorer SalibaLeandro Trossard – 6 An unbelievable piece of skill saw him bamboozle former Gunner Iwobi but his stunning cross was fumbled by Saka.More of a threat in the second-half before he looked disappointed to be subbed off for Gabriel Martinelli. SubsG Jesus (’73 for Havertz) – 4 Indecisive as Rice pinged a ball over the top for his run, which eventually landed in Leno’s waiting hands.Gabriel Martinelli (’60 for Trossard) – 6Disastrously aught offside in the lead up to Saka’s would-be winner in the 89th minute.But worked better with Timber than Trossard perhaps managed. Tricky feet saw him fouled several times by Kenny Tete in final 15 minutes.Sent multiple great crosses from the left, but Leno was often up to collect.Booked for dissent as he bounced the ball in frustration at not being awarded a throw in. READ MORE SUN STORIESMikel Merino (’73 for Jorginho) – 5Should’ve been booked for a tug on Pereira. E Nwaneri (’78 for Odegaard) – 6 Brave runs in his 15 minute cameo. Arteta clearly trusts the teenager. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Fulham 1 Arsenal 1: Bukayo Saka’s late winner ruled out for offside as Gunners drop more points in Prem title race

      by

      SET-PIECE again, Ole Ole.The new go-to chant for Arsenal fans was bellowed once more in the away end at Craven Cottage – William Saliba’s 52nd minute tap-in providing further clout for their ‘corner kings’ label in the Prem.Arsenal were denied a later winner against FulhamCredit: ReutersOn this occasion however, it was not enough for the win – more points dropped in this intriguing and unpredictable title race just when the Gunners were beginning to build some momentum.Saliba’s second goal in two games – after another corner finish in the 2-0 win over Manchester United in mid-week – cancelled out an 11th minute strike from Raul Jimenez.It was a struggling away-day performance from Arsenal, almost saved by an 89th minute winner from Bukayo Saka only for VAR to heartbreakingly spot an offside in the build-up.A run of four victories on the spin in all competitions has been halted. Six points off leaders Liverpool who have a game in hand after their Merseyside derby postponement.READ MORE IN football Even boss Mikel Arteta must now concede that the Reds are hot favourites. This is their title to throw away, especially with Manchester City floundering and Chelsea still an unknown prospect.They top the set-piece charts – now 23 goals from corners since the start of the 2022/23 campaign and seven this term – but Arsenal are still lacking that extra edge needed to get over the line when it matters most.Arteta says he wants his boys to be the ‘kings of everything’. They are still some way from achieving that.As for Fulham, they are now unbeaten in their last nine London derbies and can start to dream of qualifying for Europe next year. What a job Marco Silva is doing in West London.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJimenez was one of four changes made by the Portuguese coach having been dropped for the 3-1 win over Brighton here in mid-week.Arteta also shuffled his pack, but not by choice. Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori were absent once more with Oleksandr Zinchenko also dropping out with a knock.I was sacked as a factory worker, the next day I had trials at Arsenal – I was gobsmackedNot for the first time this term, Arsenal’s back four as a result was makeshift. Thomas Partey slotted in at right-back yet again with Jakub Kiwior continuing at centre back alongside William Saliba.Yet the visitors were riding high from their recent set-piece masterclass to beat Manchester United 2-0 at the Emirates – and got their first corner inside the first three minutes.The away end sung their set-piece chant, only to watch their dead-ball specialists struggle to produce more golden moments inside the first 45 minutes.Fulham, unlike United, had done their homework and were prepared, sacrificing three players to stand on the front post as blockers while Adama Traore man-marked a roaming Saliba.And perhaps the weather from storm Darragh was playing its part, something Arteta claimed pre-match would take some adapting to.But given Arsenal’s control early on, there was no panic from the bench – that was until Jimenez was put in behind on a rare Fulham foray forward.Raul Jimenez opened the scoring for FulhamCredit: PAJimene celebrates with former Gunner Alex IwobiCredit: AFPPoland international Kiwior was starting successive Prem games at centre back for the first time since May 2023, and has previous at this ground – hauled off at half-time in this fixture 12 months ago in a damaging 2-1 defeat.And he was at fault again, allowing Mexican big-man Jimenez to chest down a long ball from Leno with little challenge before letting him spin in behind from an unspectacular pass from Tete.The finish was brilliant, however, with one touch to settle himself and another to fire across a helpless David Raya into the far side-netting for his first goal in seven outings.In the miserable wind and rain engulfing the Cottage, Arsenal’s initial composure was gone. Their game turned ragged as they tried to orchestrate a comeback.Partey drove forward and lost possession, giving Traore a chance to nearly sneak Jimenez in again for but a fine recovery tackle by Saliba.They were soon back in their dominant groove. A Bukayo Saka cross almost found the head of Kai Havertz but for Calvin Bassey’s timely interception.William Saliba levelled for ArsenalCredit: GettyThe game was back on in West LondonCredit: ReutersLeandro Trossard then turned provider, putting balls on a plate for Saka and Declan Rice. The former scuffed his high into the stands, the latter volleyed his just wide.Fulham appeared content to dig in and hang on as half time approached with Bernd Leno rarely being called into action and their defensive block was doing its job to stifle and frustrate.Seven minutes into the second half, with the weather worsening, it was Silva’s turn to feel frustrated as at the fifth attempt, Arsenal’s corner routine came good.Rice’s delivery was whipped and dangerous towards the back post. Havertz glanced it back into the six yard box and Saliba – left unmarked for the first time – prodded into an empty net.The wild celebrations were briefly cut short by VAR. At first glance, the Frenchman looked to have strayed offside but for the bright white boot of Antonee Robinson keeping him on.Saliba revelled in the chance for a second celebration, punching the air, while Arteta responded on the hour mark by bringing on Gabriel Martinelli for Trossard.Arsenal were pummelling Fulham’s box with their one true love – crosses, corners and free-kicks. In the 69th minute, Partey should have put his side ahead with a free header from a Rice pick-out.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe hosts then gave a little reminder of their strengths on the counter – Andreas Pereira storming away with a shot fired low at Raya’s legs.It could have been so different in the final few minutes had Martinelli’s foot not been an inch offside before his dinked cross for Saka to slam home at the back post. VAR was the party pooper again.Gabriel Martinelli was offside in the build-upBukayo Saka thought he had won the gameCredit: PA More