Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 288 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      New leak of Arsenal away kit to be worn in Champions League blasted as ‘worst in years’ and is making fans ‘feel sick’

      by

      ARSENAL fans are in disgust after fresh images of their new away kit – which they will wear for their return to the Champions League – was leaked online.The Gunners are set to feature in Europe’s premier competition for the first time since 2016-17.

      But some fans are appalled by the kit Adidas have produced for away matches which will likely feature in some of their trips around the continent.
      Since taking over Arsenal kit manufacturing responsibilities in 2019 Adidas have proved popular amongst Gooners, but their latest design is a move from tradition.
      The bright colour of the shirt and socks has been described as “fluo-green-yellow” with flowing black lines patterned on the front.
      Fans were not happy when the kit was initially leaked last month and they have doubled down on that feeling.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      One wrote: “I feel sick 🤢”
      Another added: “This has to be the worst Arsenal kit I’ve seen in years. Next season’s kits are worse than the peak Puma days. What happened @adidasfootball?”
      A third said: “There’s no way we finally have Ucl nights back and we’re rocking up with this😭 just keep the black away kit”
      And another commented: “Adidas have never let us down so badly.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Arsenal’s home kit for next season has also been leaked and is a little out of step with recent designs.
      It features a gold Arsenal badge and stripes and some fans are concerned it will look a little silly if the Gunners fail to win the league. More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal set for seven-figure windfall to bolster transfer warchest… thanks to clever clause in forgotten star’s deal

      by

      ARSENAL’S transfer fund is set to be bolstered by a seven-figure sum thanks to a crafty clause regarding one of their forgotten stars.Goalkeeper Bernd Leno, 31, left the Emirates last summer for Fulham for an initial £3million.
      Arsenal are set for a tidy windfall from Fulham as part of Bernd Leno’s transfer dealCredit: Reuters
      However, that deal also included a number of performance-related add-ons.
      And one of those was a Premier League survival fee for the then newly-promoted West London outfit.
      Fulham have impressed on their top-fight return and are sitting comfortably in the top half of the table on 45 points.
      And this week it was confirmed that they are mathematically safe from the drop.
      READ MORE ARSENAL
      Now Arsenal are set to reap the reward with a further £1m due to the survival clause.
      Leno, who has kept seven clean sheets, has played 32 times for Fulham this term.
      And that also means that a further £1m is also due in the Arsenal bank account based on his appearances.
      That will take the fee paid by Fulham to £5m – but even more could be coming the Gunners’ way in 12 months time.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      That is because they will also be due a further £2m, taking the total package to £8m, if Fulham survive again next season.
      Cottagers boss Marco Silva will view that as money well spent after he heaped praise on the German star after his performance against Fulham last week.
      He said: “Extraordinary. A top, top goalkeeper and, I keep repeating, in my opinion, he’s one of the best three goalkeepers in this competition.
      “He is showing his quality every single game – games when he has more work to do, with the other team creating dangerous moments around our box, he is always there, and when you have the game under control and then a chance appears for the opposition, he is there as well.
      “He’s been brilliant and the most important thing in a goalkeeper is being really consistent, and from the first match he played, against Brentford at home to now he’s been for sure one of the most consistent goalkeepers this season in the Premier League.” More

    • 300 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      I won everything and today I turn 70 but sometimes I still think I’m a footballer and I kick my wife when I’m asleep

      by

      GRAEME SOUNESS has revealed that he occasionally still thinks he is a footballer and even kicks his wife when sleeping. The Liverpool legend won three European Cups and five First Division titles during his playing days before retiring in 1991.
      Graeme Souness joked that he kicks his wife when sleeping as he dreams about footballCredit: Alamy
      Graeme Souness announced last week he made his last appearance as a Sky Sports punditCredit: Getty
      Despite hanging up his boots 32 years ago, he told the Daily Mail that he will never switch off from football.
      Souness said: “I celebrate my 70th birthday on Saturday [today].
      “Would you believe, there are still nights when I dream I am a footballer.
      “I occasionally have to apologise for kicking my wife when I’m asleep.
      READ MORE ON SOUNESS
      “It happens once a month, when I wake up and, for a nano-second, I think I’m going to training.
      “What does this tell me? I’m still in love with the game. I always will be.”
      Souness announced after Liverpool’s thrilling win over Tottenham last weekend that he would be stepping back from punditry duty with Sky Sports.
      The Scot graced fans’ television screens for 15 years and he gave an emotional farewell in the studio at Anfield.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      Reflecting on the week since the news, Souness said: “I have to say, the messages I have had this week have really surprised me, in the nicest possible way.
      “Football guys and ex-players who aren’t necessarily friends have gone out of their way to get my number. That means a lot.
      “I look back on my Sky years as just fantastic.
      “I was getting my football fix by going to great stadiums, seeing great games and enjoying great atmospheres.
      “Once off air, I could go home and sleep at night. It was all the good bits from football without the bad bits.”
      Souness also insists he will never rest from football and work, saying: “Me leaving Sky Sports this week is not the end of anything. It is just the start of a new chapter.
      “I’ve not hung up my boots and I’m very much open for business.” More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans say ‘thanks but no thanks’ as Man Utd make permanent Wout Weghorst transfer decision after Burnley loan

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED supporters have provided their response after reports emerged that Wout Weghorst will not be offered a permanent deal.The 30-year-old Dutch forward shone for his country at the World Cup and that led to his surprise switch to Old Trafford in January.
      Man Utd have reportedly made a decision on Wout Weghorst’s futureCredit: Rex
      The star joined United on loan from Burnley and started the first 19 matches that he was available for under Erik ten Hag.
      He also became a favourite with fans due to his hard-working displays but he has only managed to score twice for the club – although none of which came from his 13 Premier League outings.
      Weghorst has found himself dropped to the bench over recent weeks but The Telegraph claim that he wants to stay at United this summer.
      However, they also add that no talks have even started over a permanent deal and another report from the Manchester Evening News claims that he will be set for disappointment.
      READ MORE MAN UTD
      They say that United have already decided that they will not make a move to sign him.
      And Ten Hag has allegedly instead drawn-up a four-man shortlist for a replacement striker.
      Now supporters have been reacting to that news and, despite their admiration for the efforts of the 6ft 6in target man, it was almost a universal “thanks but no thanks”.
      One tweeted: “Been a good loan he’s given his all but definitely doesn’t merit a permanent deal.”
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      Another wrote: “They should not continue with him. Just buy a quality striker and use [Anthony] Martial as your back-up.”
      A fellow fan commented: “This guy can’t score a goal. I like him but I only have an issue with him when it comes to scoring goals.”
      As another simply commented: “Thanks Wout… but NO THANKS!”
      Weghorst still has two years remaining on his contract at newly-promoted Burnley having joined the Clarets for £12.5million from Wolfsburg in January 2022 More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I don’t want to sound too picky…’ Frank Lampard is already thinking about next job despite Chelsea nightmare

      by

      FRANK LAMPARD has admitted that he “doesn’t want to be an interim manager” in his next job.The former midfielder was appointed Chelsea’s interim boss last month following the dismissal of Graham Potter.
      Lampard is already looking to the futureCredit: Getty
      But he is yet to win a game while in charge, with Chelsea having lost each of their last six.
      Despite his terrible return to Stamford Bridge, Lampard remains optimistic about his future in management.
      He said: “I think this is a hard answer. It could come out like I’m being ultra-selective and I think the reality is a lot of jobs are challenging at this level.
      “It’s trying to find a project, a club, that is aligned with where you want to take the team and style and the club.
      Read More on Chelsea
      “When I came here I certainly took it on with a lot of heart and understanding that it was short term.
      “But I don’t want to be an interim manager in my next job. I’d actually like to be able to work in something that feels like it has an opportunity to go the way I want it to go and I’m very aware of what that way is.
      “I don’t want to sound too picky about it. Those challenges I’ve had have sometimes been big challenges but that’s what life’s about.
      “I’m fortunate to say I’ve managed Chelsea twice. Everton are a huge club. Derby are a huge club. But maybe I will think in a different way when I move on.”
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Lampard kicked off his managerial career with Derby in 2018.
      At the end of his first – and only – season in charge, he led the Rams to the Championship play-off final where they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
      After a successful campaign with Derby, Lampard returned to Chelsea in July 2019 to replace Maurizio Sarri as manager.
      He spent 18 months in charge of the Blues before being sacked in January 2021 following a poor run of form.
      After taking a break from management, the 44-year-old was appointed Everton boss at the beginning of 2022, but he was dismissed earlier this year after dragging the Toffees into a relegation battle.
      Although Lampard refused to rule-out the prospect of becoming Chelsea’s permanent manager upon his return to Stamford Bridge, he is now expected to be replaced by Mauricio Pochettino in the summer. More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal star Kieran Tierney targeted by Aston Villa to reunite with Unai Emery but two Premier League rivals also keen

      by

      UNAI EMERY is reportedly eyeing a reunion with Kieran Tierney at Aston Villa.The 51-year-old Spaniard has performed a stunning job since replacing Steven Gerrard in the Villa Park dug-out in October.
      Kieran Tierney is wanted by Aston Villa in this summer transfer windowCredit: Getty
      Emery is now closing in on bringing European football back to Villa for the first time in 13 years with the manager already looking for reinforcements to bolster his squad.
      And now a fresh report from the Daily Mail claims that Arsenal’s 25-year-old left-back is also on his transfer wishlist.
      Emery brought Scottish international Tierney to the Emirates back in 2019 while he was in charge of the Gunners.
      The ex-Celtic ace became a big fan favourite in North London but he has been limited to just five starts for the Premier League title challengers this term.
      READ MORE ARSENAL
      He suffered a serious knee injury last season, leading to boss Mikel Arteta bringing in Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City in the summer and the Ukrainian has made the full-back spot his own.
      And now Tierney could decide to try and push for a move elsewhere in order to get more regular action with his former manager keen.
      However, Tierney is also attracting interest from elsewhere in England.
      Sun Sport exclusively revealed that Newcastle are confident of landing the ace with Eddie Howe on the lookout for a new left-back.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      And title rivals City are also believed to be keen on snapping him up too.
      Meanwhile, Emery knows that failing to qualify for Europe could have a serious impact on the calibre of player he is able to bring in this summer.
      He said: “Maybe, yes, but it’s not changing the mind I have, the idea we spoke about.
      “We want to create a strong structure here, a strong mentality. You have to build a team like a family. 
      “If we are in Europe – we will add some possibility to take away trophies, playing more matches, for me it will be fantastic.
      “If it’s not this year, my idea and objective is the same – try to play in Europe with Aston Villa.
      “Not only just to play in Europe but I want to play in the Champions League with Aston Villa.”
      Villa head to Wolves today having dropped to eighth following the midweek action but are only a point behind sixth-placed Brighton. More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Shock option to replace Jeff Stelling emerges alongside surprise favourite Adam Smith to front Soccer Saturday on Sky

      by

      SKY SPORTS presenter Julian Warren has emerged as one of the potential candidates to replace Jeff Stelling on Soccer Saturday, according to reports.Beloved frontman Stelling, who has been the face of Soccer Saturday for over 25 years, announced his departure from the programme last weekend.
      Stelling is set to leave Soccer Saturday at the end of the seasonCredit: Rex
      Smith is currently the frontrunner for the jobCredit: https://www.instagram.com/adamjsmithy/
      Warren is also in the runningCredit: Instagram / @julianwarren
      He said: “I’ve been at Sky for more than 30 years and loved every moment of my time as part of the Soccer Saturday team.
      “It is now the right time to move on and give Sky Sports viewers a break from my relentless rants, bad gags and over-the-top celebrations of Hartlepool United goals.
      “It’s been a lot of fun – for me at least!”
      Stelling’s last show as host will be on May 28 – the final day of the 2022/23 Premier League season.
      Read More on Football
      But talks over his potential replacement are already underway.
      SunSport reported earlier this week that Adam Smith – also known as ‘Smithy’ – is frontrunner for the role.
      The Saturday Social presenter recently took part in a screen test that “went down a storm” with Sky bosses.
      And many people behind the scenes are now eager for him to get the job.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      However, according to The Daily Mail, Warren is also competing for the job.
      Warren is already experienced in the role, having been Stelling’s stand-in for years.
      So he would likely take no time to settle into the role on a full-time basis.
      Sky are attempting to cut costs after losing nine per cent of their UK subscribers.
      Several football reporters are facing redundancy as a result, so a big-money recruit from outside the organisation is seen as inappropriate in the circumstances. More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘The way some of the TV pundits talk…’ Jack Grealish rips into TV pundits and picks out Souness over his criticism

      by

      JACK GREALISH has spoken out on dealing with criticism from TV pundits.The 27-year-old has been superb for Manchester City this season after a tough first campaign following his £100million move from Aston Villa.
      Jack Grealish has enjoyed an extended run in the Manchester City side in recent monthsCredit: Getty
      Graeme Souness previously criticised the Etihad starCredit: Getty
      He has scored five goals and provided 11 assists in all competitions and enjoyed an extended run in the side this term.
      Graeme Souness, who recently retired from punditry with Sky Sports, previously said last September Grealish is “a good player, not a great player” who takes too many touches of the ball.
      City and England star Grealish hit back at the time by saying: “I don’t know what his problem is with me. He always says stuff about me.”
      And now, speaking to the Daily Mail, Grealish has spoken again on what it’s like handling criticism from pundits.
      READ MORE GREALISH
      Referencing Souness, he said: “The way some of the TV pundits talk I can’t actually catch my breath sometimes. It’s as if they never played bad themselves.
      “Graeme was an unbelievable player. But he used to say I held on to the ball too long.

      “I was like, ‘Mate, I play for Aston Villa’. A lot of the time we didn’t have the ball so when we did the manager told me to keep it.
      “It’s the same here. Everyone sees Pep [Guardiola] as a tiki-taka manager, but before the Bayern Munich game away in the Champions League he said, ‘You know what having balls is? It’s about being the one to keep the ball, to calm the game down’.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “So you do that and you get criticised. It’s tricky.”
      Grealish went on to say there was less pressure to play well when he was playing for boyhood club Aston Villa.
      At the time he was not a £100m player, and he was not watched on TV by as many people as he is now.
      Grealish continued: “When I was at Villa nobody had paid any money for me so it didn’t matter if I played bad.
      “Also, 90 per cent of the games were not live on TV so people wouldn’t notice anyway.”
      And Grealish admitted the way he has played affects whether or not he will listen to what pundits have said about him.
      He revealed: “It is different now but I will be honest here — if I have played well I go back home and watch everything and listen to the commentary and what they say afterwards.
      “If I play s***, I will not listen to a word they say.” More