Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m a Sky Sports presenter and Roy Keane is easy to work with but I panicked after making Man Utd joke

      by

      SKY SPORTS presenter Kelly Cates admits she “panicked” about a joke at Manchester United’s expense following their 7-0 defeat to Liverpool.Cates, 47, mocked Gary Neville as she brought to a close coverage of Liverpool’s huge victory at Anfield last month, making fun of the Red Devils legend’s earlier claim that the hosts hadn’t even played that well.
      Kelly Cates has been hailed as one of the best presenters in the businessCredit: Rex
      Cates mocked Gary Neville with her closing remarks after Man Utd’s loss to LiverpoolCredit: Sky Sports
      She said: “They’ve beaten Manchester United 7-0, it’s a record for this fixture, Mo Salah is now Liverpool’s record Premier League goalscorer… and they didn’t even play that well.”
      It was a clear dig at Neville, but Cates, the daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, was left concerned in the aftermath as she felt people may see it as a criticism of Man Utd.
      Speaking to The Telegraph about her hilarious sign-off, she said: “If I’d thought about it I wouldn’t have done it.
      “I panicked after I said it, that it sounded like a joke aimed at Manchester United.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      “It wasn’t, it was very much a joke aimed at Gary.”
      Cates insists Roy Keane took the mockery in good faith as he remained quiet in the studio, while Jamie Carragher and Graeme Souness picked Neville apart.
      But Neville could not resist biting back at Cates after her closing remarks, saying: “You are live on Liverpool TV,” before being cut off as the broadcast ended.
      Discussing the atmosphere in the studio, Cates added: “The energy in the studio was all a bit giddy but Roy was doing what he always says other people should do, he was just taking his medicine.”
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Cates also talked about the challenge of working with so many big characters – the likes of Neville, Carragher, Souness, Keane and Micah Richards.
      But she has revealed she actually prefers to be on screen with the more opinionated pundits.
      She said: “Oh, it’s easy, it’s much easier. You want somebody who’s interesting, in the same way that the viewer wants to hear someone interesting.
      “You don’t need to draw them out at all, that’s when I’m having to work a bit harder.” More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Stunning stats show how much BETTER Man Utd are with Wout Weghorst than Cristiano Ronaldo despite Dutchman’s goal woes

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are BETTER with Wout Weghorst than Cristiano Ronaldo, the stunning stats show.That is despite the Dutchman barely scoring since arriving at Old Trafford.
      Wout Weghorst is helping Manchester United improveCredit: AFP
      The Dutchman was brought in to replace Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Getty

      Ronaldo, 38, was axed by United in November following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
      That left Erik ten Hag without a recognised senior striker in his squad with the Red Devils battling on four fronts.
      And he made the shock swoop for Burnley centre forward Weghorst, who in turn cut his loan at Besiktas short to make his temporary switch to Old Trafford.
      To say he has struggled for goals would be an understatement – the Carabao Cup winner has managed just two goals in 19 starts and is yet to get one in the Premier League.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      But despite Ronaldo hitting the net 11 times in his last 19 starts for the club, the data proves United are a stronger team with the giant Holland international up front rather than the five-time Ballon d’Or winner and record-breaking machine.
      In those last 19 starts, Ronaldo helped United to nine wins, three draws and seven defeats.
      Over the same period, Weghorst’s return is a whopping 12 wins, four draws and just three losses – a significant improvement.
      Though those are across all competitions and include knockout cup games, that would work out as 40 points for Weghorst – 2.11 per game – compared to 30 points or 1.58 per game for Ronaldo.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      As well as better results, United – who face Brentford tonight – also score more when Weghorst is in the team.
      Those 19 games have produced 37 team goals – 1.95 per game – while Ronaldo’s impact sees that total drop to just 23 goals -1.21 per game.
      Plenty of pundits have suggested Ronaldo was not good for the entire team to thrive – despite his undoubted personal quality.
      Weghorst’s ability has come under major question marks, especially in the 2-0 defeat at Newcastle on Sunday, but could get the nod against the Bees with few alternatives for Ten Hag.
      But former team-mate Gary Neville could not decide whether he would prefer Weghorst or Ronaldo.
      Neville told Sky Sports: “I called Weghorst a placeholder because United didn’t invest in a striker United would want. 
      “This experiment has to stop, Weghorst has to come out, it can no longer go on.
      “It is the strangeness of football is having a player who isn’t good enough to be a Manchester United forward but has brought more profit to the team. I believe Ronaldo is the greatest player of all time. 
      “I think ultimately the reason he left Ronaldo out was because of the stats, I think it is clear Weghorst isn’t fit to lace Ronaldo’s boots but those are stark stats playing in the same period with the same team-mates, he was really poor on Sunday, he shouldn’t be there, but the reason he is there is because of those stats.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I don’t think either of them at this moment in time should play for Man United. 
      “I don’t know who I would pick, you would move it game to game. If I was playing at Old Trafford I’d play Ronaldo, away from home probably Weghorst.” More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Brighton midfielders now borderline elite-level Dream Team assets after combined Game Week total of 48 points

      by

      THE success of Brighton’s midfielders has gone from a mildly interesting footnote to one of the defining themes of the Dream Team season.This progression has been underlined twice over in Game Week 28 as Kaoru Mitoma (£4.5m), Solly March (£4.1m), Alexis MacAlliser (£3.5m), Pascal Gross (£2.9m) and Moises Caicedo (£2m) combined for 48 points across their two fixtures!
      On Saturday, the Seagulls somehow drew 3-3 with Brentford despite registering 33 shots (15 of them on target) and while the result would have frustrated Roberto De Zerbi, Dream Team gaffers were happy enough as March, Mitoma and Mac Allister racked up 25 points between them from the contest.
      Game Week 28’s top performer
      Then on Tuesday night, Brighton beat Bournemouth 2-0 and while none of the midfielders were on the scoresheet, Gross and Mitoma registered assists with the latter claiming the Star Man award.
      In fact, the Japan international is the big winner of the Game Week so far having produced 18 points, two more than the next-best performer, Ollie Watkins (£5.5m).
      The skilful winger is now sixth-best midfielder overall having moved onto 140 points – an incredible effort considering he’s not had European fixtures to enhance his schedule.
      Mitoma now has more points than Martin Odegaard (£3.7m), the third-most popular player in his position.
      And Arsenal’s captain is under pressure from March too with Brighton’s No7 just seven points behind him as well.
      Seven Game Week points helped Mac Allister bring up his century and the World Cup winner is now 14th in the rankings among midfielders.
      An Argentine No10 from the penalty spot, is it?Credit: GETTY
      Having multiple midfielders in the top 15 at any one time is something generally left to Manchester City in recent seasons so it’s hugely impressive that Brighton’s crop have performed so successfully as a unit.
      Most read in Football
      With all due respect to Gross and Caicedo, it’s the three Ms (Mitoma, March and Mac Allister) who are the most viable options.
      And yet their respective ownerships remains relatively low:

      Mitoma – 6.3%
      Mac Allister – 2.3%
      March – 2%

      To put that into perspective, Jadon Sancho (£2.9m) features in 6.7% of teams and he’s mustered just 56 points in total.
      March banked 13 points from Brentford and Bournemouth
      In regards to Brighton’s upcoming fixtures, in previous years they would make for a stern test but on current form De Zerbi’s men will fancy their chances against Tottenham and Chelsea before they take on Manchester United at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-finals.
      They then finish the month against two relegation-threatened teams in Nottingham Forest and Wolves.
      It seems likely that at least three of Brighton’s midfielders will finish the season inside the top 15 and if they qualify for Europe there could be even more points to come in 2023/24. More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Erling Haaland goes shopping with rarely-seen girlfriend in London’s Nike Town after Man City star signs £20m deal

      by

      ERLING HAALAND has been snapped shopping in London’s West End with his rarely-seen girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen.The Manchester City forward, 22, has kept his relationship with fellow Norwegian footballer Isabel, 18, away from the cameras.
      Erling Haaland, left, was seen out with girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen, centreCredit: BackGrid
      The pair have kept their relationship out of the media spotlightCredit: BackGrid
      Isabel shopped on Oxford Street alongside her boyfriendCredit: BackGrid
      She has known Haaland from growing up together in NorwayCredit: BackGrid
      Haaland headed to London to sign a lucrative Nike dealCredit: BackGrid
      His deal with the sports clothing company is said to be worth around £20millionCredit: BackGrid
      The couple were spotted together on New Year’s Eve as they enjoyed an evening out in Manchester.
      But now they have been pictured down in London at Nike Town after Haaland signed a £20million deal with the sporting giant.
      The pair were seen on Oxford Street as they enjoyed some time in the capital.
      It came as Haaland finally penned a new deal with Nike after his previous contract expired in January.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Haaland with TV presenter Alex Scott in Nike Town after sealing his £20m deal
      Fans pack into the Nike store to celebrate the Man City star’s new deal
      Haaland celebrates scoring in the FA Cup against Burnley in his Nike boots
      Haaland returned to Man City training on WednesdayCredit: Instagram / @mancity
      Isabel is also a Norwegian footballer
      Puma and Adidas were keen to pinch the former Borussia Dortmund striker.
      But the Norway international has decided to stay with Nike.
      The Oregon-based company also sponsors the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Harry Kane, Robert Lewandowski and Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Haaland and Isabel grew up together in the Norwegian city of Byrne.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      She keeps her name out of the limelight
      Isabel and Haaland know each other from living in Byrne, Norway
      It’s believed they have been dating since his Dortmund days.
      And the pair enjoyed a warm getaway during the World Cup break as they headed to Haaland’s villa in sunny Marbella.
      Meanwhile, Haaland’s trip to London was short-lived as he returned to Man City training on Wednesday.
      The Premier League champions travel to Southampton on Saturday as they look to close the gap to Arsenal to five points.
      And Haaland will be looking to add to his 42 goals in 37 games so far this season.
      Arsenal then go to Anfield on Sunday as they take on Liverpool.
      She has posted several photos on social media More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Premier League star reveals why Zidane WON’T manage in England in blow to Tottenham

      by

      ARSENAL legend Emmanuel Petit claims Zinedine Zidane will never manage in the Premier League… because he can’t speak English.That works as a major blow for Tottenham, who are weighing an ambitious bid to sign Zidane after former manager Antonio Conte’s exit.
      Zinedine Zidane won’t move to the Premier League because he can’t speak EnglishCredit: AFP
      Emmanuel Petit believes Zidane wants to work at a team where he can communicateCredit: Getty – Contributor
      However, Petit insists Spurs will have to look elsewhere as his former France team-mate will “definitely” not come because he doesn’t know the language.
      The 50-year-old tactician considers good communication a “priority”, which is why he avoids working with translators.
      Petit told Stadium Astro: “Zidane, he won’t come. Definitely. Do you know why? Because he doesn’t speak English.
      “That’s the truth – because I have known Zidane for ages and the way he manages players, he’s very close, he always talks to his players.
      Read More on Football
      “So he wants the communication to be a priority. Very important for him, he doesn’t want someone to translate everything he has to say publicly.”
      Conte left Tottenham by mutual consent after a 16-month stint in charge of the club.
      The Italian exited under a cloud following a rant about the players and club in the wake of a 3-3 draw with Southampton before the international break.
      Spurs, though, have a long list of other potential managers they are keen on.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      A return for Mauricio Pochettino is one of the possible options for the summer.
      Former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann and ex-Barcelona boss Luis Enrique have also been mooted.
      Zidane has been out of work since leaving Real for the second time at the end of the 2020/2021 season. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      PSG ‘make contact with Nagelsmann’ as they eye him as next manager with pressure on Chelsea and Tottenham to move fast

      by

      PSG have reportedly made contact with Julian Nagelsmann with a view to making him the club’s next manager.The suggested move from the Ligue 1 giants would be a big blow to Chelsea and Tottenham.
      PSG are reportedly interested in hiring Julian Nagelsmann as managerCredit: Getty
      Chelsea sacked Graham Potter after the defeat to Aston VillaCredit: AP
      While Tottenham are still searching for Antonio Conte’s replacementCredit: AP
      Both Premier League outfits have been linked with the German after sacking Graham Potter, 47, and Antonio Conte, 53.
      But according to Football.FR, PSG will not continue with current manager Christophe Galtier in the dugout next season.
      The club are even believed to be considering hiring a manager to finish the season on an interim basis.
      Galtier was hired ahead of the current season and while PSG lead Ligue 1, they have been knocked out of both the Champions League and French Cup.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      The report has insisted that Nagelsmann, 35, is a target for the club, with “first contact” being made between the parties.
      Nagelsmnann was sacked by Bayern Munich and replaced by former Blues boss Thomas Tuchel.
      He has already been tipped with the vacant positions at Chelsea and Tottenham.
      Chelsea have also been linked with former Spain boss Luis Enrique and Mauricio Pochettino.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Napoli’s Luciano Spalletti and Oliver Glasner of Eintracht Frankfurt have emerged as runners in the race.
      Even former Brazil coach Tite has revealed his interest in taking over at Stamford Bridge.
      While Spurs are also believed to be interested in bringing back their former manager.
      However, if the two clubs are to appoint Julian Nagelsmann they may be forced to wait until the summer.
      That is because Bayern has a sensational clause in Nagelsmann’s contract which means any club wanting to hire him before the summer needs to speak to them despite them sacking him. More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League winner looks completely different years after retirement with his trademark mullet a thing of the past

      by

      THIS Premier League champion looks very different almost three decades on from winning the title. The former Blackburn star was a stalwart in defence as they won the 1995 Premier League title.
      The former Rangers defender won the Scottish treble in 1999Credit: Willie Vass
      The 57-year-old turned out for a recent legends matchCredit: Willie Vass
      The 57-year-old appeared 234 times for Blackburn before leaving for Rangers in 1998.
      While with the Gers he made just seven appearances but became a treble-winner when the club lifted the league, Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup in 1998/98.
      The former defender then returned to the Premier League with Coventry before moving to Bolton.
      A loan spell with Blackpool would follow before he penned his retirement in 2003.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Prior to Blackburn, he had also turned out for Manchester City in the old First Division.
      The Scot is also embedded into England’s football history as the unfortunate player Paul Gascoigne flicked the ball over for his famous goal at Euro 96.
      Afterwards, he played for another five years for the Scotland national team, picking up 51 caps between 1993 and 2001.
      But perhaps he is best remembered for his famous mullet hairdo.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      He was famed for his iconic mulletCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The mystery player is none other than Colin Hendry.
      Hendry recently appeared during a Rangers legends match.
      However, his famous mullet appeared to be a thing of the past, with him now donning a shorter hairstyle look.
      Following his retirement, Hendry tried his hand at coaching.
      He was a manager at Blackpool between July 2004 and November 2005.
      He then became assistant to Steve Evans at Boston before becoming manager of Clyde FC in 2007.
      After a four-year gap, Hendry then returned to Blackburn in 2012 as assistant to Gary Bowyer and later Eric Kinder in the club’s Under-21 side.
      Colin Hendry won the title with Blackburn in 1995Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Hendry played over 200 games in the Premier LeagueCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He made appearances for a host of sides, including Man City, Coventry and BoltonCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      What happened to former Man Utd striker Robin Van Persie and where is he now?

      by

      ROBIN Van Persie was considered as one of the most lethal marksmen in his prime.The footballer retired in 2019 after a career which saw him succeed for club and country. Here’s all you need to know about him.
      Robin Van Persie won the Premier League golden boot twice during his incredible career
      Who is Robin Van Persie?
      Robin Van Persie is a Dutch former footballer who played as a striker.
      Born on August 6, 1983, he is best known for his time in the Premier League, where he played for Arsenal and Manchester United.
      He signed for Arsenal in 2004, joining from Dutch side Feyernoord.
      He was initially deployed as a left winger, but manager Arsene Wenger believed he could convert him to a striker, as he had done with Thierry Henry.
      READ MORE ON VAN PERSIE
      His first season at the club proved successful, with Arsenal winning the FA Cup on penalties against Manchester United.
      The Dutchman scored a penalty in the shootout, but it proved to be his only trophy with the North London club.
      In following seasons, Van Persie established himself as an important player for the club, including a stunning volley in a 2-1 win away to Charlton which won Match Of The Day’s goal of the month award.
      Following the departure of Henry to Barcelona, Van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor were tasked with firing the Gunners to success.
      Most read in Football
      After a season plagued by injury, Van Persie showed that he was Arsenal’s main attacking threat in the 2008/09 season, which included strikes against Liverpool and a double in a 2-1 win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, helping them finish fourth.
      Further injuries followed which disrupted his progress, including one to his ankle which meant he missed five months of the 2009/10 season.
      Van Persie scored 22 goals in 33 games in 2011, including an incredible strike against Barcelona at The Emirates, volleying in from a tight angle.
      He also scored 18 Premier League goals, despite missing half the season through injury, finishing only two goals off the golden boot.
      The Dutchman got his hands on the golden boot the following season, netting 30 times as Arsenal finished third.
      The achievement was particularly impressive as Arsenal had just lost key midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, who left for Barcelona and Manchester City respectively.
      Van Persie scored a hat-trick as Arsenal came from behind to beat Chelsea 5-3 at Stamford Bridge.
      He also chipped in with goals against Tottenham and Liverpool.
      Van Persie was running out of contract at the end of that season, and Manchester United were able to acquire his services for £22.5million in 2012.
      The signing proved to be inspired.
      A partnership with Wayne Rooney was formed, and helped United to win their 20th league title.
      This included strikes against Chelsea in a 3-2 away win, and a last minute winner in a 3-2 win in the Manchester derby at the Etihad.
      He also scored against Liverpool, and managed to net home and away against former club Arsenal.
      He also secured his second consecutive Premier League golden boot.
      The 2013/14 season was less successful. Sir Alex Ferguson had retired and was replaced by David Moyes.
      United finished seventh and missed out on European football for the next season.
      On a personal note, Van Persie chipped in with 18 goals in all competitions, including a stunning hat-trick in a 3-2 win against Olympiacos at Old Trafford.
      The next season saw his former Netherlands manager Louis Van Gaal take charge, and helped them to return to the Champions League after a season-long absence.
      Van Persie departed the club in July 2015, having scored 58 goals in 105 appearances.
      What happened to Robin Van Persie?
      Van Persie joined Fenerbache in July 2015, and spent three years there.
      His most notable moment at the club came in October 2016 against United at Old Trafford in the Europa League.
      With the team trailing 4-0, Van Persie scored a late consolation, and was given a standing ovation by the Old Trafford faithful.
      He joined Feyenoord in 2018, returning to the club in which he started his career, helping to the Dutch cup in his first season back.
      He retired in 2019 after a stellar career.
      Van Persie played 102 times for his country, scoring 50 times, which is the all-time goalscoring record for the Netherlands men’s national team, eight ahead of Klass-Jan Huntelaar in second.
      His most notable moment for the Oranje came in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, scoring a diving header from the edge of the box in a 5-1 win against then world champions Spain.
      Where is Robin Van Persie now?
      Van Persie joined the staff at Feyenoord in May 2021 as one of the U16 coaches.
      He also does work for BT Sport, interviewing Man United boss Erik ten Hag in March 2023, and chatting to Joe Cole in November 2022.
      He joined the channel as a pundit in July 2019 for the 2019/2020 season, and was thrilled in February 2023 on his return to Old Trafford as fans chanted his name.
      RVP appeared in a charity match at Ibrox against Rangers legends in March 2023, scoring two goals and assisting his former teammate Jack Wilshire.
      Van Persie has been married to his wife Bouchra since 2004.
      Together, they have two children, Shaqueel and Dina.
      Shaqueel was born in November 2006, and is part of the Feyenoord youth system.
      He signed his first professional contract with the club when he was 15.
      In January 2023, Shaqueel earned his first call-up for the Netherlands’ Under-17 team.
      Read More on The Sun
      Daughter Dina was born in 2009 and is also keen on sports, enjoying horse riding and dressage.
      RVP turned down a job offer from ten Hag at United in 2022, saying he wanted “stability” for his children. More