Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Harry Kane injury fears for Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash at Aston Villa after hobbling off against Leverkusen

      by

      HARRY KANE is a worry for Bayern Munich’s Champions League showdown with Aston Villa next week.The Bavarians travel to Villa Park on Wednesday for the crunch clash.Harry Kane is an injury doubt for Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash with Aston Villa on WednesdayCredit: GettyThe England captain hobbled off in Bayern’s 1-1 draw with Bayer LeverkusenCredit: GettyBut Kane, 31, had to be subbed four minutes before the end of his side’s 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.Amine Adli caught the England skipper on the ankle to leave him writhing on the turf in agony.The injury will be a concern for Bayern boss Vincent Kompany who has already seen Kane register 15 goal involvements in just seven games this season.Kompany told the media after the game of his concern at losing Kane to injury.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “Hopefully it’s nothing serious. I’m not a doctor but I hope he can play against Aston Villa on Wednesday.”While Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl fuelled the concern when he hinted that it must be a nasty knock if Kane has had to leave the pitch.He added: “If Harry goes off the pitch, then it’s something. Now I hope he’s made of sturdy English wood.”However, Bayern Munich fans may be able to breathe a sigh of relief after Kane gave an upbeat update in the mixed zone after the clash.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe former Tottenham star said: “Sometimes there have been red cards for something like that.”I’m OK, but it’s a bit sore. I’ll check it tomorrow, but I think it’s OK.Harry Kane’s favourite England goals”It doesn’t feel too bad at the moment. We’ll assess that in the next few days, but I don’t think I’ll be out for long.”Bayern’s goalless draw with Leverkusen means they remain top of the Bundesliga table with 13 points.Kompany’s side are yet to lose a game since the Belgian’s arrival from Burnley this summer.Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich side are yet to lose a gameCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea legend Frank Lampard carries adorable puppy while out for a walk near his London home

      by

      FORMER England and Chelsea footballer Frank Lampard shows some puppy love while going walkies.The 46-year-old midfielder turned TV pundit held family pet Minnie near his London home while a private dog unit patrolled the street.Former footballer Frank Lampard holds family pet MinnieCredit: MJ-Pictures.comA private dog unit patrols the street near Lampard’s London homeCredit: MJ-Pictures.comChristine Lampard says she has had trouble sleeping since a raid on their homeCredit: GettyFrank’s wife, Loose Women’s Christine Lampard, 45, has said she has had trouble sleeping since a £60,000 raid on their home in 2019.Three men were jailed in 2021 for the break-in.We recently revealed Christine is concerned about their lifestyle change in the unlikely event Frank is named England manager.The ex-Chelsea midfielder, 46, has been out of work since his stint as interim boss at Stamford Bridge came to an end in May 2023.READ MORE ON FRANK LAMPARDLampard is among the candidates behind those leading favourites to be selected for the national team vacancy.That is despite disappointing spells at Chelsea and Everton over the last five years.And wife Christine, 45, a Northern Irish presenter who has fronted programmes such as The One Show and Daybreak, is said to be concerned about the possibility of him becoming England manager.An insider to Christine told Closer: “The odds of Frank being named England manager have shortened in recent weeks and he is among the favourites to take on the role.Most read in Football”If he was given such an amazing opportunity, he wouldn’t be able to turn it down.Christine Lampard presents Lorraine’s morning show in her absence More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Erik ten Hag bizarrely says he LIKES criticism after blazing Shearer row and slamming Redknapp’s ‘crazy’ comments

      by

      ERIK TEN HAG bizarrely admits he is listening to criticism from PUNDITS to get his Manchester United reign on track.That is despite the under-pressure manager going to war with them twice this season.Erik ten Hag is using criticism to fuel a turnaround at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyAlan Shearer slammed Ten Hag’s management last seasonCredit: GettyTen Hag also recently responded to Jamie Redknapp’s commentsCredit: GettyTen Hag is back in the firing line after United’s lacklustre 1-1 Europa League draw with FC Twente on Wednesday.And he said of the pundits: “Some give very good advice.“For me, the best advice is stay clinical and see where the team is and which areas we have to improve.“You can have an opinion about football and when you’re in the job, you have to deal with this. Respect the criticism.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTen Hag previously branded Jamie Redknapp “crazy” for claiming he axed Marcus Rashford for the draw at Crystal Palace because of problems behind the scenes.At the time, he said: “I don’t understand the criticism. People are entitled [to criticise] if they want to, but not entitled to bring speculation.”And after the humbling 3-0 defeat by Liverpool at the start of this month, Ten Hag hit back at jibes over the performance, saying: “I’m sorry for you, I have another vision.”More flak will almost certainly come his way if there is another flop against Tottenham on Sunday – much like Shearer’s criticism of his side last season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut the Dutchman now says: “I can’t take every criticism into account. I don’t read, of course, all the criticism.“It’s not even possible. I don’t even want to know.Erik ten Hag ‘couldn’t wait to drop’ Man Utd starter for player who ‘isn’t much of an upgrade’, says Paul Scholes “Stay methodical, guide the team on the right pathway and make sure you make the right steps to get the best out of the team.”United go into the game lying 11th and Ten Hag accepts that his young team have to keep taking opinions on the chin.He says: “They will be judged every game — and that’s normal.“Everyone, for every game, is expecting United to be winning. It isn’t a secret for anyone.“When you are in this club, you have to deal with this factor and we do. It doesn’t matter whether you are young or old.“We have to cope with this and get the best out of it and match the expectations that everyone has.“But we know also that young players, a young squad, a new team, takes some time.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We are going in a good direction in the last couple of weeks in many aspects of football.“Now it’s about being more efficient and scoring more goals.” More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Erik ten Hag has got to be WAY better… we know Angeball but Man Utd boss’ system is still a mystery

      by

      I NEVER know from one week to the next what Manchester United are trying to do, what their system is or how they play.That was the case a few weeks after Erik ten Hag had taken over — I’m really none the wiser now and we’re 18 months on.Erik ten Hag is under more pressure than Ange Postecoglou for SundayCredit: GettyMan Utd face a striker in Dominic Solanke who is adjusting well for SpursCredit: RexAnd that’s one of the reasons why there is far more riding on today’s game for Ten Hag than for Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.Ten Hag seems to be under pressure all the time. They get one good result, then a bad one. There’s no consistency at all.This week it was the Europa League and a draw against little FC Twente.At the start of the month it was getting smashed up at home by Liverpool.READ MORE TOP STORIESIt is difficult when you are not winning.If you are winning, you can keep a consistent team. In Sir Alex Ferguson’s time, the team pretty much picked itself every week.When you’re losing, it’s very different. You are looking for that formula, so you are chopping and changing players or even altering systems of play.Of course, Man United and Spurs both have  traditions of playing attacking football. But in the end, it’s all about winning.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLet’s not kid ourselves that everyone is so educated and just wants to see this incredible style of football.Winning games and being up near the top of the league is the only thing that will keep  people happy. Tottenham legend Gus Poyet explains why Ange Postecoglou can end trophy hoodoo and win Carabao Cup despite Coventry horror showIt’s no good playing good football and getting beat 3-0 on a Saturday.If you’re not playing good football AND you’re not winning, you’re bang in trouble, of course.Which is where Ten Hag and United are still.We know all about Angeball and when Spurs are playing  well, they are great to watch. It’s a very open, attacking style.They have some excellent forward players. Dominic Solanke seems to be settling in now that he’s got a couple of goals.Postecoglou can’t really play any other way with the players he has. They don’t have a lot of workhorses. The two full-backs can’t defend. You couldn’t turn that squad into something else.If Spurs are winning games and playing like that, the fans will love it.Having said that, a draw at Old Trafford today would be a decent result for Tottenham.But not for United. They have to be winning their home games.Ten Hag keeps making a point about winning a trophy in both his seasons at the club so far.But at United, you expect more. If you’re a Man United fan, you’ve been spoilt. You’re used to winning league titles and European Cups.Incredibly the way Ten Hag wants to play is still unclearHe needs to do more, he needs to be back up there challenging.The cup wins, well done — but still not good enough. They need to improve, big-time.Both sides will be looking to get back into the Champions League as a minimum.You’d put your shirt on the top three being Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal in whatever order. But it’s going to be a real dogfight for that fourth spot.Villa are in the Champions League this year and that could be a distraction.Spurs and United are in Europe but their  fixtures aren’t anything like the same level.Chelsea are starting to come together and they could be a threat.I still think Spurs have the players to just about take that last spot.And Ten Hag has it all to do at United.A lot of people were surprised he survived the summer, really.It was very strange. All the talk was that he would be going. I still think Gareth Southgate could be lurking on the radar.I can see the former England boss being of interest to the people who run the club if United’s form does not improve.Ten Hag needs results — and quickly.Gareth Southgate could still be on United’s radarCredit: RexHold-up even left our Ron in a rageTHE travel nightmare that Qarabag had on the way to their game at Tottenham reminded me of the worst journey I ever had.As a player at West Ham, we had a League Cup semi-final replay against Stoke at  Hillsborough in 1972.We were stuck in  horrendous traffic and going to be really late.I’d never seen Ron Greenwood lose his  temper but he was going crazy at the driver.He was in such a state that he was trying to  get through gaps that weren’t big enough and ended up hitting six cars on the way.They all followed us to the stadium and then the drivers got out and started having a row.It was like the  Keystone Cops.Was it worth it? No. The game ended 0-0 and then we got beat in the second replay.Sam was a write oneEVERYONE’S banging on  about dark arts — or  whatever people want to call them — after Manchester City and Arsenal’s 2-2 draw last weekend.It’s nothing new, all that verbal and physical stuff. But Wimbledon chairman Sam Hammam once found an amazing way to stir up some trouble.Sam Hammam had a cheeky way of inspiring Vinnie Jones and CoCredit: GettyBefore one game against them with West Ham, I got to Upton Park about 12 o’clock and my groundsman said: “Harry, their chairman has been in their dressing room for an hour and he’s got a big bag of pens.”READ MORE SUN STORIESI opened the door and all over the walls he had  written “Fashanu, you t***er”, “Vinnie, you . . . ”, all that kind of thing, in big writing.It was as though we’d done it, so that when  Wimbledon came in, they would get the raving needle and want to kill us.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Jadon Sancho already has more assists in 170 minutes than SEVEN Man Utd stars combined after Chelsea transfer

      by

      JADON SANCHO already has more assists than seven Manchester United attackers combined this season.The winger joined Chelsea on transfer deadline day, having been left out of Erik ten Hag’s matchday squad for the Red Devils’ first two Premier League games of the season.Jadon Sancho has hit the ground running at ChelseaCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca’s side will possess an obligation to buy Sancho for between £20-25million at the end of the season, provided that they finish in the top 14.Despite not being in favour with Ten Hag, Sancho has hit the ground running in West London.The England international, 24, has laid on an assist in each of his three Premier League appearances for the Blues thus far.On his debut he set up Christopher Nkunku’s winner in the 1-0 win at Bournemouth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe then assisted Nicolas Jackson’s opener as Chelsea triumphed 3-0 at West Ham.This afternoon he made it three assists in 170 minutes of action for his new team by setting up Cole Palmer in the 4-2 victory over Brighton at Stamford Bridge.As pointed out by Squawka, Sancho has been more productive than several of Man Utd’s creative players.In fact, his tally of three assists is more than Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount, Christian Eriksen, Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo have managed combined so far this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNo Man Utd player has notched more than one Premier League assist this term.Fernandes, Garnacho, Amad Diallo, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui each have one apiece.Chelsea confirm the signing of Jadon Sancho on loan from Man UtdThe Red Devils will be hoping to add more assists as they take on Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday.Following last Saturday’s 0-0 bore-fest at Crystal Palace, United produced a disappointing performance to draw 1-1 with FC Twente in the Europa League at Old Trafford on Thursday.Earlier this month, Chelsea boss Maresca was asked about the importance of Sancho building a connection with his new fans and feeling at home straight away.The Italian, 44, said: “It’s very important. I have a feeling that Jadon is a guy that needs love.”This is what I think when I spoke with him before he join us.”Also I know he has the desire to show the player he is, but for me, it is just to enjoy football.READ MORE SUN STORIES”This is the reason why they play.”They are happy and want to play football, they want to enjoy football and then because they are good, they are going to do good things.”Man Utd’s creative players have struggled to find a spark so far this seasonCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Wolves 1 Liverpool 2: Mo Salah sends Reds top of Premier League table despite disastrous defensive error

      by

      ARNE SLOT knows there will be a few wobbles to come. Probably next month when Liverpool’s fixtures will finally start getting a bit tougher.Yet Slot can only win what is put in front of him. Equally, while Liverpool’s fans were all dreading life after Jurgen Klopp, few of them would have expected their team to be top after six games.Mo Salah scored a penalty to send Liverpool top of the tableCredit: PAAlthough the Dutchman’s team were not exactly convincing here in the West Midlands, Liverpool – with the exception of that odd result at home to Nottingham Forest – have still been decent this season.In a scrappy battle littered with mistakes, Ibrahima Konate scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool. Less than 60 seconds after Rayan Ait-Nouri’s leveller was confirmed by VAR, Wolves gave away a penalty and Mo Salah struck what proved to be the winner.Incredibly, Wolves have now failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 18 Premier League games with the last one coming in a 1-0 win at Sheffield United in February. Life certainly is not getting any easier for Gary O’Neil.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter just one win in ten at the end of last season, Wolves are stuck with just one point but their fixtures have included matches against Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle and Aston Villa.They definitely need something against Brentford next weekend because after the international break, they play Manchester City and could be in danger of being completely marooned.In contrast, Liverpool, who beat Milan 3-1 in the Champions League and crushed West Ham 5-1, definitely got a favour from the Premier League fixture computer.Slot has faced just one side who finished in the top half of the table last term – Manchester United – while the other games were against newly-promoted Ipswich, Brentford, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Wolves.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSo it will be better to judge Liverpool’s progress under the Dutchman at the end of October after they have played Arsenal and Chelsea.But without a doubt, so far, so good.Jamie Carragher names all-time Liverpool XI with Match of the Day legend, Steven Gerrard and no room for Luis SuarezSurprisingly, though, Liverpool looked lethargic at times and it was only at the end of the first half that they caused Wolves any problems.Home keeper Sam Johnstone received an ovation from the home fans for keeping out a close-range strike from Dominik Szoboszlai.It was a mixture of both a good save and a poor miss, yet in the second minute of stoppage time, Johnstone should have done better when he failed to keep out the header from Konate.It was a powerful effort but it was helped into the net by Johnstone.Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen should have stopped Diogo Jota from delivering a cross which was then completely misjudged by Santiago Bueno with Konate then overpowering defender Toti.Unbelievably, Wolves continued to make silly mistakes and Mario Lemina played a ludicrous, suicidal pass across his area straight to Salah. With Johnstone out of his position, Salah failed to stick the ball into an empty net and shot wide.Liverpool decided to copy Wolves with some shambolic defending of their own. Strand Larsen capitalised on a huge mix-up between Alisson and Konate who left the ball for each other and Wolves sub Carlos Forbs’ attempt fell perfectly for Ait-Nouri to score from close range.Alisson and Konate argued with each other while there was a VAR check for a Forbs handball.Yet incredibly, Wolves failed to maintain their composure and they conceded the penalty when Nelson Semedo had his arms all around Jota.Jota was looking for the penalty but Semedo was stupid to make the contact and Salah sent Johnstone the wrong way.In what proved to be a topsy-turvy day for Konate, he delivered an absolutely terrific last-minute block to deny Forbs.At the end, Wolves captain Lemina left the pitch in tears and quite clearly, things are not looking too clever for manager O’Neil, particularly as some of the locals are starting to turn.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut hopefully, the Wolves board will see sense and realise that O’Neil – whose squad had also been hit with a sickness bug – deserves time to sort this out.But when did football clubs actually have any sense? Ibrahima Konate headed the Reds in front just before the breakCredit: RexThe Reds defender went from hero to zero, thoughCredit: GettyRayan Ait-Nouri capitalised on Konate’s mistake to tap in the equaliserCredit: GettyNelson Semedo hauled Diogo Jota to the floorCredit: ReutersSalah made no mistake from the spot, sending Sam Johnstone the wrong wayCredit: GettyIt is so far so good for Arne Slot who has picked up 15 points from a possible 18Credit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Sheffield United stars held back as Championship clash with Portsmouth descends into brawl at full-time whistle

      by

      PORTSMOUTH’S clash with Sheffield United descended into a bad-tempered melee after the final whistle.John Mousinho’s winless side held Chris Wilder’s promotion hopefuls to a 0-0 draw at Fratton Park.Portsmouth’s clash with Sheffield United descended into chaosCredit: PATempers flared between the rival playersCredit: PAIn the final act of the contest, the Blades thought they had earned a free-kick for a foul.Referee Matt Donohue instead opted to blow the final whistle, much to the visitors’ frustration.Sheffield United captain Vini Souza was particularly incensed, earning a yellow card for his protestations.Tempers then flared between members of both teams, with pushing and shoving matches breaking out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis enraged members of the home support, with X-rated chants coming from the stands and a ball thrown towards the players.At one point home goalkeeper Will Norris was floored, before the melee was finally split up.After the game, Pompey boss Mousinho attempted to play the incident down, claiming: “It was nothing.”Wilder, meanwhile, was full of praise for the home side.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “It wasn’t our day and maybe we didn’t deserve it, that’s how the game goes.”Portsmouth were good and you have to give them credit. ‘Fan told me he was ‘****ing my mum’ | Gillngham’s Jack Nolan plays What the EFL?!”If they play like that for all their home games and their away games, they will get results and they will win games.”They will make it as difficult for other teams as they made it for us.”Teams will get beaten here if Pompey play like that all season.”The Blades boss, 57, then heaped praise upon goalkeeper Michael Cooper, who arrived from Plymouth Argyle last month.’TONGUE IN CHEEK’After Cooper completed a full month of clean sheets, Wilder said: “I found out today that my goalkeeper can make some saves, as he hadn’t had to make a save yet!“I’m being tongue in cheek, we knew he could make saves, but now he has proved it to everybody, including our coaching staff and supporters.“He’s played a part today. We brought him in to make saves and when he is, he is playing his part.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Everyone has to defend, it isn’t just the keeper and back four that have to stick their bodies on the line. We defend from the front.“We want to win games and take risks, we feel we are an attacking team, so to get those four sheets gives us a great base to move on.”Chris Wilder had his say after the feisty 0-0 drawCredit: PA More

    • 138 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      West Brom supporter dies after medical emergency in Sheffield Wednesday clash

      by

      WEST BROM have confirmed a fan has passed away after suffering a medical emergency at their game against Sheffield Wednesday.The tragedy occurred at Hillsborough as Wednesday claimed a 3-2 win over Albion in the Championship.The fan passed away after suffering a medical emergency at HillsboroughCredit: GettyA statement from the club read: “West Bromwich Albion Football Club is devastated to learn the tragic passing of a supporter following a medical emergency.”The club has made contact with the supporter’s family to pass on its condolences and asks that they are allowed to grieve privately.”The thoughts of all of us will remain with the supporter’s loved ones at this desperately sad time.”West Brom manager Carlos Corberán later added: “Unfortunately we received the worst news.”Our supporter passed away after today’s game. All my thoughts are with his family in this very sad moment. RIP.” The match continued when stewards and medics rushed to the fan’s aid.It comes after a medical emergency also occurred at Fratton Park during Portsmouth’s goalless draw with Sheffield United.The match was briefly halted and it is understood the fan was carried out on a stretcher.Most read in EFLWest Brom watched their side fall 2-0 behind inside 23 minutes against Wednesday after Darnell Furlong’s own goal was added to by a Josh Windass strike.Josh Maja pulled one back for the visitors midway through the second half, before Alex Mowatt equalised in the 84th minute.But Wednesday snatched victory moments later when Anthony Musaba netted the winner.The win sees Wednesday climb up to 18th in the table.West Brom remain top despite defeat as second-place Sunderland lost 2-1 at Watford. More