Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Forgotten Premier League star who was signed for £16.5m and spotted by Glenn Hoddle left unemployed at 32 after release

      by

      FORMER Hull and Swansea midfielder Sam Clucas has been released by Stoke.The 32-year-old was at the top of his game in 2017 when he joined Swansea from Hull for £16.5million as the Welsh outfit splashed the cash following the sale of £45m man Gylfi Sigurdsson to Everton.
      Sam Clucas spent one season in the top flight with Hull and another with SwanseaCredit: Rex Features
      It came after he had already spent one season in the top flight with Hull – during which he registered three goals and one assist.
      And his rise to the Premier League was the result of years of grafting – which included working in Debenhams and playing non-league football.
      The turning point came when he was picked up by Glenn Hoddle’s academy – which aims to get former Premier League and Football League Championship scholars back into professional football after being released by their various clubs.
      And it worked as Clucas came through the leagues at Hereford, Mansfield and Chesterfield before signing for Hull.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      But things did not work out for him at Swansea as he managed just three goals in 36 games for the club.
      And he was sold to Stoke for £6m the following summer.
      Foot, ankle and back injuries have plagued Clucas in recent years as he has been left frustrated for much of his five seasons at Stoke.
      But he has still managed to rack up 143 appearances for the Potters, netting 19 times.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      And now he has been released, more than a decade on from his time at Hoddle’s academy.
      Speaking to ESPN in 2017 about his rise from amateur player to Premier League football, he said: “I had worked at Debenhams and they were long days.
      “I lost all my confidence in football and did a sports development course in the hope of becoming a PE teacher.
      “But when you get picked up by someone of Glenn Hoddle’s stature, from maybe a thousand players to go to his academy, it’s a huge boost.
      “Ever since then I’ve kicked on and gone up the levels.”
      Clucas is one of eight players to have been released by Stoke following a difficult campaign which saw them finish 16th in the Championship.
      Since relegation down to the second tier in 2018, they have failed to finish higher than 14th. More

    • 163 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      In-form Pervis Estupinan’s 19-point haul at Arsenal puts Dream Team gaffers on alert

      by

      BRIGHTON all but killed off Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes on Sunday.With Manchester City untroubled by Everton earlier in the day, the Gunners needed three points to stay within reach but the Seagulls produced a hugely impressive performance at the Emirates to inflict a 3-0 defeat on the hosts.
      Pep Guardiola’s side are now four points ahead with a game in hand to boot and the decorated tactician may feel compelled to send an expensive bottle of wine to Pervis Esputinan (£3.9m) as the 25-year-old played a significant role in Arsenal’s demise.
      Brighton beat Arsenal 3-0 at the Emirates on SundayCredit: GETTY
      Initially troubled by Bukayo Saka (£5.4m), the Ecuador international once again exhibited his value in the final, overlapping Kaoru Mitoma (£4.5m) to provide the assist for the visitors’ opening goal.
      He then sealed the deal with a goal of his own, his first of the season, in stoppage time.
      Naturally, Esputinan’s efforts translated to the world of Dream Team in the form of a 19-point haul, his biggest single-game return of the campaign.
      More broadly, he’s registered three double-digit hauls across the last nine Game Weeks.
      Estupinan, who features in just 0.8% of teams, has banked 59 points in 12 outings; a surge that has propelled him up the rankings past the likes of Thiago Silva (£4.8m), Sven Botman (£2.7m) and John Stones (£6m).
      Another success story for Brighton’s recruitment team
      The success of Brighton’s midfielders has been a prominent theme of the Dream Team campaign but this is the first time one of their defenders has come to the fore as viable option.
      Admittedly, this is a late juncture for a fresh option to emerge and with Man City still to visit the Amex it may be that the ship has sailed in regards to his best-point scoring opportunities – although he did just take 19 points from Arsenal away.
      Most read in Football
      At the very least, Estupinan should be on gaffers’ radars once next season rolls around.
      He’s registered nine assists in Dream Team this season and with Brighton well placed to qualify for Europe, the attack-minded left-back is likely to have extra fixtures at his disposal, which is always a bonus. More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Aston Villa want to raid Tottenham for forgotten man and Spurs fans fear he’ll be a big hit at rivals

      by

      ASTON VILLA are plotting a raid for Tottenham’s forgotten man Giovani Lo Celso – but Spurs supporters are fearing he will be a big hit at their rivals.Unai Emery, 51, has performed a stunning job since replacing Steven Gerrard in the Villa Park dug-out in October.
      Unai Emery is eyeing a swoop for one of his former playersCredit: Getty
      Giovani Lo Celso has shone at Villarreal during his loan spell from TottenhamCredit: Getty
      And his side’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham, who are still searching for Antonio Conte’s replacement after they ruled out Julian Nagelsmann, on Saturday means they are now just behind the seventh-placed North London side on goal difference in the table. 
      Emery is already looking for reinforcements to bolster his squad over the summer and we reported last month how one of those is the Argentina international that played for him at former side Villarreal.
      Lo Celso is currently on loan at Villarreal from Tottenham after initially spending the second half of last season there.
      He made 26 appearances under Emery on loan at Villarreal last term and helped the club reach the Champions League semi-final.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      He has shone again in the current campaign and now a fresh report states Villa are ready to step up their pursuit of the 27-year-old attacker.
      Journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Aston Villa have concrete interest in Gio Lo Celso and the player would be keen on the move; still waiting to understand who’s gonna be new Tottenham coach as he will return from Villarreal.
      “Unai Emery, pushing for Lo Celso; but it’s not the only name in the list.”
      Spurs are believed to be open to selling Lo Celso on a permanent basis and inserted a clause in his loan deal that allowed the club to listen to transfer offers back in January but a switch failed to materialise.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      The South American is under contract in North London until 2025.
      Lo Celso signed a five-year deal when he joined Spurs from Real Betis in 2020.
      But he only made 55 appearances in the top-flight since his arrival prior to his loan exit in January 2022.
      However, some supporters feel that he could return to make an impact following his impressive displays in Spain and fear a sale to Villa could backfire.
      One wrote: “I have a feeling he will cook like [Kyle] Walker and [Kieran] Trippier under a good manager while us getting s****er everyday.”
      Another tweeted: “We should keep him.”
      As another added: “Imagine if Lo Celso starts to ball like he does with Argentina next season.” More

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      I played in the Premier League for Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea, now I work a very different job as a landscaper

      by

      FORMER Chelsea keeper Lenny Pidgeley now works as a landscape gardener, five years after hanging up his boots.The shot-stopper, 39, joined the Blues as a teenager and began being selected in Jose Mourinho’s squads during the 2004/05 season.
      Lee Pidgeley made two appearances in Chelsea’s first teamCredit: Rex
      Pidgeley left Stamford Bridge in 2006Credit: Rex
      He was on the bench for their 2005 League Cup triumph, before he made his Premier League debut towards the end of the campaign in a 1-0 win over Charlton – the same day they lifted the Premier League trophy.
      And Chelsea skipper John Terry even went out of his way to ensure he received a winner’s medal.
      Pidgeley left Stamford Bridge in 2006 after two appearances and went on to play for clubs such as Exeter City and Newport County.
      He then ended up in non-league, before joining his final side Farnborough in 2018.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      But just three months after penning a deal, the club announced he had retired due to mental health problems.
      Pidgeley, who is open about his struggles with depression, has now spoken to FourFourTwo about the time he had been unable to play in an FA Cup tie due to his mental state.
      And the response from Farnborough was something he will never forget.
      He said: “The manager had made me feel so small and suggested it was all my fault if they lost, because I couldn’t play.
      Most read in Football
      “It wasn’t for him to announce my retirement like that – he completely stole my moment, something that every professional has a right to tell the world when they want to. 
      “That could have tipped somebody else over the edge, but luckily for me I had the coping mechanisms in place to put it to one side.
      “The manager received a big backlash after that statement – which the club eventually deleted – and I received lots of support online, but once again, it illustrated how some people view mental health and depression.”
      Five years on from his days at Farnborough, Pidgeley is now in a much better head space.
      He said: “I’m in control now. I’m very proud of my career.
      “It’s tempting to wonder how different it could have panned out if I wasn’t one of the thousands who suffer from depression, but I am where I am and I’m finding peace.
      “After all, not many football fans grow up to lift the Premier League title for their boyhood club 10 minutes after making their debut.”
      Mourinho guided Chelsea to successive Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006Credit: AFP – Getty More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Supercomputer predicts final Premier League table – so will Man Utd get top four and who will survive relegation battle?

      by

      THE Premier League season is reaching its dramatic climax. A thrilling title race, top four race and relegation dogfight took pivotal turns following the weekend’s matches.
      Manchester United’s win over Wolves saw them take a massive leap towards the Champions LeagueCredit: Reuters
      But Liverpool are hot on their talesCredit: EPA
      And now, a supercomputer has predicted how the final table will look with just two weeks to go.
      Arsenal’s 3-0 loss to Brighton did them no favours in the title race after Manchester City cruised to victory over Everton.
      Meanwhile, Manchester United took a big step towards the Champions League after beating Wolves 2-0.
      The pressure will now be on Liverpool to deliver against Leicester this evening if they hope to catch the Red Devils.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Southampton’s relegation from the top flight was also confirmed after a 2-0 loss to Fulham.
      Draws for Leeds and Nottingham Forest against Newcastle and Chelsea respectively are keeping the bottom teams honest.

      But what does the final table look like?
      Well, using data provided by BETSiE from bettingexpert.com has predicted how the final table will look at the end of May 28.
      Most read in Football
      Here’s how the table will look at the end of the season according to the supercomputer
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      At the top of the tree, City will cash in on their new lead to win the title over Arsenal by 5.2 points.
      The top four will also see a change in the order, but not from the outside, with the computer predicting Man Utd to overtake Newcastle for third by the slimmest of margins – 0.1 points to be precise.
      It means Liverpool are predicted to finish fifth, with Brighton joining them in the Europa League while Tottenham compete in the Europa Conference League as Aston Villa miss out on European football.
      At the bottom, Leeds and Leicester are predicted to join the Saints in relegation to the Championship, with both sat roughly two points adrift from Everton and Nottingham Forest.
      Midtable will also see a shake-up, with Chelsea set to drop into 12th at the expense of Crystal Palace. More

    • 213 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea ‘offered two stars to AC Milan in bid to land Rafael Leao in stunning swap transfer’

      by

      CHELSEA offered AC Milan both Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic during their pursuit of Rafael Leao, according to reports.The Portuguese winger looks set to pen a new five-year contract at the San Siro after the Blues attempted to lure him away last summer.
      Rafael Leao was the subject of interest from ChelseaCredit: Reuters
      Chelsea offered AC Milan Christian Pulisic (left) and Hakim Ziyech (right) as part of the dealCredit: EPA
      Chelsea chiefs Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali initially valued the player at £87million.
      The Athletic report that in negotiations they offered both Ziyech and Pulisic separately to AC Milan to sweeten the deal.
      However, the Serie A giants would not budge despite Chelsea’s valuation of their two stars declining in an attempt to secure Leao’s signature.
      Milan held firm and demanded that they pay his £130million buyout clause.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      Chelsea went back in for him in January with Leao’s contract then set to expire in 2024.
      But again their enquiry was turned down by Milan.
      The West Londoners supposedly even still considered the move after the signing of Mykhailo Mudryk, as they believed Leao could play as a striker.
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      Chelsea will now have to move on from him as his new big money contract contains a £152million release clause.
      Most read in Football
      Leao was Serie A’s player of the season last term as he helped them win the league.
      And this year his 13 goals and 13 assists have fired Milan to a Champions League semi-final.
      Meanwhile, Ziyech and Pulisic have struggled for game time, having started just nine and ten games respectively this campaign. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal branded ‘bottle job champions of world’ as horror stat shows time spent at top of the league before blowing it

      by

      ARSENAL have once again been labelled “bottle jobs” after incredible stats showed the nightmare nature of their Premier League title failures.The Gunners were humbled at home to Brighton on Sunday as they suffered a 3-0 defeat.
      Arsenal have thrown away the Premier League title at the end of this seasonCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The Gunners suffered a similar fate in the 2002/03 campaignCredit: Getty
      The result all but ends their title ambitions as they now sit four points adrift of Manchester City having also played a game more.
      Pep Guardiola’s men can wrap up the title on Sunday with a win over Chelsea at the Etihad – if not even earlier if Arsenal lose to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
      Arsenal have set the pace for almost the entire campaign, but came up short when it really mattered.
      And stats revealed by Sportbible show they have sat top of the league for a whopping 93 per cent of the season.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      The most time spent at the top of the Premier League table without winning the title
      That is more than any other team in Premier League HISTORY that has NOT gone on to win the title.
      It eclipses the previous record set by Arsenal during the 2002/03 campaign when they led the way for 71 per cent of the campaign, before Man Utd chased them down and triumphed by five points.
      And third place on the not-so-glamorous list is, you guess it, Arsenal.
      Arsene Wenger’s side from 2007/08 spent 57 per cent of the season at the summit, but Man Utd once again came out on top.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Liverpool’s 2018/19 side come next on the list as they enjoyed just over half the campaign in pole position before Man City beat them to the crown by a single point in an incredibly high-quality title run-in.
      And rounding off the top five is another of Wenger’s Arsenal sides.
      The Gunners’ 2013/14 team spent 48 per cent of the season at the top of the table.
      But they eventually slipped all the way down to fourth, ending the campaign seven points adrift of champions Man City.
      Arsenal also missed out in the 2007/08 campaign after more than half the season at the topCredit: PA:Press Association
      Liverpool were caught and passed by Man City during the 2018/19 campaignCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Arsenal slipped to fourth in the 2007/08 campaign after doing the early pacesettingCredit: EPA More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Neville reveals seven reasons it all went wrong for Arsenal and blasts ‘when the going got tough they struggled’

      by

      GARY NEVILLE has provided SEVEN reasons why Arsenal lost their grip on the Premier League title and claimed: “When the going got tough they struggled.”Sunday’s shock 3-0 home defeat to Brighton means Manchester City will be crowned champions if the Gunners lose their next game at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
      Arsenal’s title charge has collapsed over the past monthCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Gary Neville has provided seven reasons why they failed to win the leagueCredit: Getty
      Even if Arsenal win their two remaining games, City will still win the league if they win at home to Chelsea next Sunday.
      Manchester United legend Neville, 48, won the league eight times during his playing days.
      The Sky Sports pundit has been adamant for months that Mikel Arteta’s side would eventually be pipped by Pep Guardiola’s men to the title despite them enjoying an eight-point lead just weeks ago.
      And following yesterday’s crushing loss to the Seagulls, Neville took to Twitter to provide his long-list of reasons why Arsenal have all-but failed to end their 19-year wait to be champions.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      Neville tweeted: “Arsenal have had a great season but when the going got tough they struggled.
      “It seems now the narrative is that it’s City’s strength, injuries and a tough run in is the cause. These are normal factors that need pricing into a title race.

      “Arsenal have dropped 12 pts in 7 games! Won 9pts from a possible 21.
      “All the characteristics of it being too much have appeared. Loss of form, giving up leads, energy and legs going, making unforced errors not seen earlier in the season, young players becoming tense and losing their freedom of expression and others showing too much emotion when calmness is needed.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      “I understand why we want to use less emotive language in 2023. However in a high performance environment and at elite level we must still recognise when pressure has taken its toll.”
      Neville also shared a shot of the Premier League from the start of April when the Gunners were eight points clear at the top.
      He added: “That league table below was only 7 games and 5 weeks ago.
      “I hope these Arsenal players are there again one day (if it’s not United) and can see it through.”
      United supporters were quick to praise their former full-back also for sticking to his guns all season regarding Arsenal’s title chances.
      One tweeted: “Gary Neville was spot on all along about Arsenal and they called him a madman.”
      As another added: “Neville knew all along.” More