Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham lining up £25m transfer swoop for Belgian wonderkid Arthur Vermeeren and believe they have edge over Arsenal

      by

      TOTTENHAM are aiming to pull off a stunning £25million swoop for Belgium’s teenage sensation Arthur Vermeeren in January.The Royal Antwerp midfielder is only 18 but played a huge role in leading the club to a first Pro League title in 66 years last term.
      Arthur Vermeeren is attracting plenty of interest from Europe’s elite clubsCredit: Rex
      Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea have all sent scouts to watch Vermeeren play this season.
      He is also attracting the attention of Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona.
      But Spurs have leapt to the front of the queue as they fancy a deal similar to the one which brought Destiny Udogie to North London 18 months ago.
      Spurs paid a large part of the £18m fee up front for left-back Udogie — then loaned him back to Italian side Udinese.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The Italian has since gone on to excel at Tottenham, making 15 appearances so far this term.
      Udogie, 21, has also broken into his national side, making his Italy debut against Malta in October.
      Vermeeren, meanwhile, has already played 64 times for Royal Antwerp.
      He played in every minute of their Champions League campaign this season, even scoring in the 3-2 win over Barcelona.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Like Udogie, he also made his international debut in October.
      The midfielder earned his first senior Belgium cap against Austria.
      Spurs are back in action on Thursday evening when they take on Brighton.

      Ange Postecoglou’s side went into Christmas fourth in the table, just four points off top spot despite a savage run of injuries.
      They have been spurred on of late by resurgent Richarlison’s four goals in three games, the latest coming in their 2-1 win over Everton on Saturday.
      Destiny Udogie has excelled for Spurs since joining from UdineseCredit: Getty More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      I had to play second fiddle for years at Arsenal… if Aaron Ramsdale doesn’t get his place back soon, he should quit

      by

      AARON RAMSDALE has been told to weigh up his January options by an ex-Arsenal keeper who grew tired of playing second fiddle.Vito Mannone was Emirates understudy to Wojciech Szczesny before he jumped ship for Sunderland in 2013.
      Aaron Ramsdale’s place has been taken by David Raya at ArsenalCredit: PA
      Vito Mannone previously played second fiddle at the EmiratesCredit: Getty
      And the Italian urged Ramsdale to think very carefully if David Raya keeps getting the nod.
      Lille keeper Mannone, now 35, said: “It’s not easy but in Ramsdale’s place I’d have taken it badly.
      “My advice to him is to keep working.
      “I waited eight years before I became a Premier League regular, Emi Martinez had to wait ten years before stealing the show.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “He also had many loans and paid his dues. But those who work and bide their time eventually end up making it.
      “But if Ramsdale’s moment won’t come again, he should look for it elsewhere! There’s not much else he can do.

      “I lost my place after a great year. It was tough to accept.”
      Raya arrived on loan from Brentford in August despite Ramsdale being superb last term.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta favours Raya for his ability with the ball at his feet and Ramsdale has made just one Premier League appearance since his rival got the nod in early September — and that was only because Raya could not play against his parent club.
      Mannone added: “The top sides want two great goalies who are ready to play at any moment.
      “I was No 1 and back-up, and I can tell you that when you’re first choice you need the board and the second keeper’s backing.
      “When you have two potential first-choice keepers it doesn’t make it any easier for the manager.
      “If Arteta is proud, he sticks with Raya but if he’s clever he picks the best and more in-form keeper.”
      Arsenal are in the battle for the title but Mannone would not put his money on the league leaders going the distance just yet — because they topped the pile in 2003, 2008, 2014 and 2023 before they collapsed.
      And Mannone, who spent eight years on the club’s books until 2013, said: “Arsenal are always top of the table at Christmas before bottling it. And I’ve been through it myself many times. There’s always difficulties in seeing the job home.”
      Mannone shared a dressing room with Arteta at the Emirates.
      He added: “Even as a captain, Mikel always had this verve and leadership and he’s a great manager.  I hope he reaps the rewards of the job he’s done. Let’s hope it’s the right time.”
      Mikel Arteta has chosen Raya over Ramsdale as his No1Credit: Getty
      Wojciech Szczesny became Arsenal’s first choice during Mannone’s time in North LondonCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      We dressed as Pacman and superheroes for Christmas party and spent £150k on nightclub booze then won the Premier League

      by

      IT’S important to strike a balance between work and pleasure.And that applies to successful teams in the Premier League.
      Leicester City’s Pacman would carry the squad’s beers in his Christmas party costume

      For 5000-1 title outsiders Leicester, fun on and off the pitch went hand in hand.
      In December, 2015, the East Midlanders had just beaten Swansea away 3-0, with striker Jamie Vardy equalling Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record of scoring in 11 straight Premier League games – a record he would later break.
      That win put the Foxes top of the Premier League, with a huge game against champions Chelsea next up.
      However, Claudio Ranieri was happy to allow his stars to fly straight from Wales to a Christmas party in Copenhagen, following their astonishing start to the season.
      READ MORE SPORT NEWS
      In charge of planning the party was native Dane Kasper Schmeichel.
      He told BBC: “I was one of the first to arrive at the airport so I saw everyone coming down the stairs in their fancy dress costumes.
      “There were people getting out of the lift with Pacman, who was Wes Morgan.
      “It was brilliant because it was so big he could store his beer in the costume and he didn’t have to carry it.
      Most read in Football
      “Danny Drinkwater, Ben Hamer, Matty James and Andy King were dressed as Ninja Turtles and I was Mr Incredible.”
      Later in the evening, the stars would party until 5am and rack up a £150,000 bill at a swanky Danish nightclub.
      But first came a trip to the world’s oldest theme park, Tivoli Gardens, where some local children had no idea they were in the company of future title winners and thought Schmeichel and co were the entertainment.
      Party organiser Kasper Schmeichel was dressed as Mr Incredible in the Danish capitalCredit: Alamy
      Captain Wes Morgan was the man in the Pacman outfitCredit: Getty
      Leicester would go on to become Premier League championsCredit: Reuters
      The goalkeeper said: “Everyone thought we were part of the attractions so kids were stopping us and wanting pictures with the Ninja Turtles.
      “With Copenhagen being such a small city, if something like that happens, the papers are going to find out very quickly so we had some great photos.
      “There is one of Robert Huth dressed as the best Batman ever. We were sat at dinner and Huthy is sat there looking for trouble that he is going to sort out.
      “If we are doing something we are going to do it properly.”
      If anything though, the Danish booze-up would only serve to make the Foxes’ form on the pitch even better.
      The following weekend, they beat Chelsea 2-1 – a result which brought about Jose Mourinho’s sacking as Blues boss.
      And in May, Leicester would celebrate the most unlikely title in football history as Chelsea held Spurs, who were second, to a 2-2 draw.
      On that evening, the Foxes players were watching the game at Vardy’s house and went as wild as expected after the final whistle.

      Captain Wes Morgan, who had dressed as Pacman five months earlier, said: “The party at Vardy’s amazing. Everyone saw the celebrations, they went on into the night.
      Read more on The Sun
      “I think a lot of people did enjoy that little moment. [Midfielder Marcin] Wasilewski is the one to blame for that.
      “Everyone lost their minds. We’d done it, so we went crazy. You can’t blame us for that.” More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea vs Crystal Palace preview: Blues look to bounce back as they host London rivals in Premier League clash

      by

      CHELSEA host London rivals Crystal Palace on Wednesday – and both London sides are in need of three precious points.Mauricio Pochettino’s Christmas got off to a rotten start as the Blues were beaten 2-1 at Wolves on the eve of the big day.
      Chelsea suffered their eighth defeat in the Premier League last time out against WolvesCredit: ALAMY
      Jordan Ayew was on the scoresheet for Crystal Palace against BrightonCredit: GETTY
      Chelsea have only taken six points from their last five games and sit 10th in the Premier League table.
      Crystal Palace have been on a dogged run, with their last win coming against Burnley at the start of November.
      The Eagles were denied their first victory in almost two months last Thursday as Danny Welbeck snatched bitter rivals Brighton a point late on at Selhurst Park.
      When is Chelsea vs Crystal Palace?

      Chelsea vs Crystal Palace will take place on Wednesday, December 27th.
      Kick off will be at 7.30pm GMT.
      Stamford Bridge will host.

      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      What TV channel is Chelsea vs Crystal Palace on and can it be live streamed?

      Chelsea vs Crystal Palace will be broadcast LIVE on Amazon Prime Video.
      Alternatively, follow SunSport’s blog for minute-by-minute coverage of the entire match.

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      Yes!
      Amazon Prime offers a 30-day FREE trial for new customers, which includes access to watching Chelsea vs Crystal Palace.
      Team news
      Poch will be without two shining lights in an underwhelming season, with Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling suspended after they both picked up their fifth yellow card on the season at Molineux.
      Most read in Football
      The Chelsea gaffer could opt to give Christopher Nkunku his first start to help mend their creative wounds.
      Reece James and Robert Sanchez will both be out, while midfield duo Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are doubts.
      For Palace, Roy Hodgson could have shot stopper Sam Johnstone back from a calf issue.
      Meanwhile, creative midfielder Eberechi Eze could return to the starting line-up.
      What are the odds?
      Match result

      Chelsea – 3/4
      Draw – 13/5
      Crystal Palace – 18/5

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Harry Redknapp reveals he almost lived very different life as a TAXI DRIVER before becoming Premier League icon

      by

      HARRY REDKNAPP revealed he almost became a TAXI DRIVER before turning to football management. Redknapp played for the likes of West Ham, Bournemouth and Brentford before a stint in America.
      Harry Redknapp revealed he almost became a taxi driver before turning to football managementCredit: Louis Wood
      He then returned to Bournemouth to close out his playing days in 1982.
      But following retirement, Redknapp feared for what he would do next so he came up with the idea of running a cabbie service.
      He told GB News: “I was thinking, ‘What am I gonna do with my life?’ I was going to buy a Bournemouth taxi. That’s what I was looking to do.
      “Listen, we finished the game with no money, we didn’t make any money playing. I came here (Bournemouth) and played under John Bond.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “I then went out to America and played, came back from the States and I was thinking, ‘What am I going to do now? I’m coming to the end.’
      “I couldn’t get the money, tried to borrow money from the bank, it was £14,000 back in them days to buy a taxi, a Bournemouth taxi plate.
      “But I couldn’t get the money from the bank or anybody so I didn’t do that and suddenly an opportunity comes along.”
      Redknapp revealed how he was hired by England World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore at Oxford as an assistant coach.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      He then took his first managerial role with Bournemouth in 1983 to spark a legendary coaching career.
      Redknapp became a Premier League icon at West Ham, Portsmouth and QPR.
      He won the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008 but retired from managing in 2017 after a stint with Birmingham.
      Harry Redknapp is now retired from coachingCredit: PA More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal vs West Ham preview: Title-chasing Gunners host Hammers for thrilling Premier League London derby – stream FREE

      by

      ARSENAL topped the tree at Christmas once again – and they’ll be hoping to keep their good run of form going against London rivals West Ham.The Gunners have only lost two controversial matches in the Premier League this season.
      Gabriel earned Arsenal a vital draw in LiverpoolCredit: EPA
      Jarrod Bowen inspired West Ham to a huge win against Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      But many would argue that VAR was actually on their side last time out as they held Liverpool to a thrilling 1-1 draw at Anfield.
      And Mikel Arteta’s side will be expected to build on that positive result when the Hammers turn up to their side of town as they are yet to taste defeat at home.
      However, David Moyes’ men have already got the better of Arsenal in a November Carabao Cup clash and they go into this match fresh from hammering Manchester United.
      When is Arsenal vs West Ham?

      Arsenal’s Premier League London derby against West Ham will take place on Thursday, December 28th.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 8:15pm GMT.
      Emirates Stadium is the allocated arena for this thrilling match and it can host around 60,704 fans.
      West Ham dismantled the Gunners 3-1 when the sides last met in a Carabao Cup last-16 in November.

      Read more on Arsenal
      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Arsenal vs West Ham will be broadcast LIVE on Amazon Prime Video.
      Alternatively, follow SunSport’s blog for minute-by-minute coverage of the entire match.

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      Yes!
      Amazon Prime offer a 30-day FREE trial for new customers which includes access to watching Arsenal vs West Ham.
      What is the team news?
      Mikel Arteta escaped Anfield with no fresh injury concerns but the Gunners gaffer will be without suspended Kai Havertz who picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Liverpool.
      Most read in Football
      Takehiro Tomiyasu (calf), Fabio Vieira (groin), Thomas Partey (muscle) and Jurrien Timber (knee) all continue to be sidelined.
      Elsewhere, David Moyes is expected to have Michail Antonio (knee) and Nayef Aguerd (muscle) unavailable for the trip to the Emirates.
      What are the latest odds?

      Arsenal to win 1/3
      Draw 4/1
      West Ham to win 8/1

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

    • 300 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      My dad has gone down in history at Man Utd and Arsenal – now I’m following in his footsteps and he’s even coaching me

      by

      IF HE can have a highlights reel even a fraction as good as his father’s, Shaqueel van Persie will have done very well indeed.And he already has his first entry thanks to a spectacular overhead kick.
      Robin van Persie won the Premier League with Manchester United in 2012-13Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      Shaqueel van Persie is in the academy team at Feyenoord and is coached by his dadCredit: Rex
      But the youngster has a long way to go to replicate some of the genius goals of his old man.
      Robin van Persie, 40, scored more than his fair share of sensational strikes during his illustrious career – from the jumping volley at Charlton to the title-winning one against Aston Villa and then the famous ‘Flying Dutchman’ header at the World Cup. 
      Now he is hoping to pass on some of that expertise as he coaches his son.
      Van Persie Sr started out at Feyenoord and won the Uefa Cup in 2002, two years before joining Arsenal as compatriot Dennis Bergkamp’s long-term successor.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Arsene Wenger successfully converted him from a winger into a striker and across eight seasons in North London, the Netherlands hero racked up 132 goals in 278 appearances.
      His only trophy with Arsenal was the 2005 FA Cup – with runner-up medals from the Champions League and League Cup – but he certainly made his mark, particularly in his final season at the Emirates.
      As captain in 2011-12, Van Persie smashed in 37 goals – including 30 in the Premier League to win the Golden Boot. 
      But at the end of the season, he sparked fury among Gunners supporters by leaving to join rivals Manchester United.
      Most read in Football
      To make matters worse for his former fans, Van Persie’s 26 league goals fired Sir Alex Ferguson to his final Premier League crown in 2012-13, sealing it in style with a hat-trick against Aston Villa including that epic volley from Wayne Rooney’s long pass.
      The Dutchman struggled with injuries after that first season at Old Trafford and eventually joined Fenerbahce in 2015 before returning to Feyenoord for a final swansong in 2018, leading his boyhood club to the Dutch Cup title.
      On the international stage, Van Persie scored a record 50 goals for Holland in 102 caps and played for the Oranje at three World Cups, reaching the final in 2010 and claiming third four years later.
      A year after retiring in 2019, Van Persie returned to Feyenoord in an unofficial coaching capacity before taking on the role as an assistant in May 2021 while also overseeing the club’s Under-16s.
      But now he has been promoted to be the co-head coach of the Feyenoord U18s – as well as the U19s side in the Uefa Youth League where he went up against fellow Prem legend Fernando Torres.
      Van Persie’s only trophy at Arsenal was the 2005 FA CupCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The forward scored a sensational volley against Charlton in 2006Credit: Reuters
      The ‘Flying Dutchman’ produced a memorable moment at the 2014 World CupCredit: AP:Associated Press
      This volley against Aston Villa was part of the hat-trick that secured the Red Devils the titleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And the new role means he is working directly with son Shaqueel.
      Robin and wife Bouchra Elbali welcomed their son in London in November 2006 – just weeks after Robin’s wondergoal at The Valley and three years before daughter Dina was born.
      And while Dina is carving out a career in sport as an equestrian and dressage prodigy, her older brother is following in their dad’s footsteps. 
      Van Persie Jr, 17, spent two years with Manchester City, despite the family’s connection to rivals United, and then joined Feyenoord in 2017.
      Read more on The Sun
      The teenager’s incredible acrobatic effort against rivals Ajax U15s went viral and his upward trajectory has continued ever since.
      Shaqueel, another left-footed forward, is now a regular at international youth level for the Netherlands and is showing plenty of promise under his father’s watchful eye for Feyenoord after signing his first professional contract in 2022.
      Shaqueel was born in London while his dad played for the GunnersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Robin and wife Bouchra Elbali have two childrenCredit: instagram @robvanpersie
      The family’s connections to Feyenoord date back to 1999Credit: Getty
      Robin and Shaqueel are coach and player as well as father and sonCredit: instagram @shaqueelvanpersie
      The youngster scored an incredible overhead kick for the U15s against AjaxCredit: Ajax
      Daughter Dina is a rising equestrian starCredit: instagram @dinavanpersie More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘A disgrace to the end’ – Gary Neville blasts ‘truly awful’ Sir Jim Ratcliffe announcement from Man Utd

      by

      GARY NEVILLE blasted the “truly awful” timing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent takeover of Manchester United.The British billionaire has purchased a £1.3billion stake in the Red Devils from the Glazer family.
      Gary Neville blasted the ‘truly awful’ timing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover of Manchester UnitedCredit: Rex
      The British billionaire has purchased a £1.3billion stake in the Red Devils from the Glazer familyCredit: PA
      And United bizarrely chose to make the huge announcement on Christmas Eve – something slammed by Old Trafford legend Neville.
      He posted on X, formerly Twitter: “Manchester United 2023 has been a disgrace to the end.
      “The timing of this is truly awful and no functioning organisation would even think about it.
      “Anyway all the very best to Jim Ratcliffe and I hope he can somehow work out a way to get the club right again and back to being something respectable on and off the pitch.”
      READ MORE MAN UTD
      And Neville’s fury was echoed by fans, as one said: “It’s reason why Manchester United has fallen off so bad , for a big club like us it’s insane how bad we are run.”
      Another added: “Complete mismanagement.”
      One fumed: “Neville is right. Putting the news out on Xmas eve means less scrutiny and questions about the deal.
      “He’s made a very simple and valid point.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      The Glazers first put the club up for sale a year ago but failed to agree to selling their entire share.
      Their demands led to rival Sheikh Jassim pulling out of the race but it did not deter Ratcliffe, who plans to take a hands-on approach to running the club.
      He is set to be in charge of football operations and has been desperate to get his feet under the table for some time with Man Utd enduring a difficult season.
      Ratcliffe has already fired chief executive Richard Arnold and director of football John Murtough could follow suit.
      Ex-Juventus CEO Jean-Claude Blanc, Crystal Palace director Dougie Freedman and Monaco transfer guru Paul Mitchell have emerged as possible replacements. More