Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 113 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is in the Premier League Hall of Fame?

      by

      THERE have been two new legends of English football inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame.Former rivals Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger are the first managers to enter the Hall of Fame.
      Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were rivals for large parts of their managerial careers.Credit: GETTY
      Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is the most successful manager in British football history, winning 13 Premier League titles during his reign at Old Trafford.
      The Scot managed the Red Devils for an incredible 27 years and took charge of 810 matches, with triumphs in 528 of them.
      Arsene Wenger made history in the 2003/04 season when his Arsenal side won the league title and went the whole Premier League season unbeaten.
      Who is in the Premier League Hall of Fame?
      The Premier League Hall of Fame was launched on April 19, 2021.
      READ MORE IN PREMIER LEAGUE
      The Hall of Fame recognises and celebrates players with exceptional skill and talent who have competed in the competition since its inception in 1992.
      Entry to the Hall of Fame is the highest individual accolade awarded to players by the league.
      Here are all the entries to the Premier League Hall of Fame so far:
      2021 inductees:
      Most read in Football

      Alan Shearer – 1992-2006.
      Thierry Henry – 1999-2007, 2012.
      Eric Cantona – 1992-1997.
      Roy Keane – 1992-2005.
      David Beckham – 1994-2003.
      Dennis Bergkamp – 1995-2006.
      Frank Lampard – 1995-2015.
      Steven Gerrard – 1998-2015.

      2022 inductees:

      Patrick Vieira – 1996-2005, 2010-2011.
      Wayne Rooney – 2001-2018
      Ian Wright – 1992-1999.
      Peter Schmeichel 1992-1999, 2001-2003.
      Paul Scholes – 1993-2013.
      Didier Drogba – 2004-2012, 2014-2015.
      Vincent Kompany – 2008-2019.
      Sergio Aguero – 2011-2021.

      2023 inductees so far:

      Sir Alex Ferguson – 1992-2013.
      Arsene Wenger – 1996-2018.

      What did Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger say about being inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame?
      Ferguson said: “It’s an honour when you receive recognition like this,” he said.
      “However, it’s not just about me as a person.
      “It’s about the job at Manchester United and the bond we had over many years, so I’m also proud for the club, the staff and my players.
      “My job was to send the fans home happy.
      “United’s history and my own expectations were the things that drove me.”
      Wenger said: “I’d like to be known as someone who loved Arsenal, who respected the values of the club and left it in a position where it can grow and become even bigger.
      “To share this with Sir Alex is a great honour for me.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It’s like two boxers, you fight like mad and go the distance together.
      “At the end of the day, you have respect and it will be a great opportunity to meet with him, share a good bottle of wine and memories of our old battles.” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘We’re like old boxers’ – Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger reveal how once bitter rivals have become close pals

      by

      SIR ALEX FERGUSON and Arsene Wenger have revealed how they have put the past behind them and become good friends.The two former managers were fierce rivals during their years competing at Man United and Arsenal.
      Arsene Wenger (left) and Sir Alex Ferguson (right) have revealed that they are no longer enemiesCredit: EPA
      Ferguson, 81, formerly of the Red Devils, has built up a dynasty at Old Trafford as his side as they won the inaugural Premier League title in 1992/93.
      This was then followed by 12 more titles until he retired in 2012/13.
      But he faced more competition after Wenger, 73, was appointed Arsenal manager in 1996.
      He led the North London side to three league titles, including the club’s unbeaten season in the 2003/04 season.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      The pair had plenty of bust-ups pitch side and were often playing mind games in their press conferences, but that is behind them now.
      Ferguson has admitted that since their retirement they have started going for dinners and have even gone to a restaurant in Switzerland together.
      After being inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame, Ferguson said: “They became a tough team to compete with and we both wanted to win, which motivated us further.
      “Through the years since retirement, we’d go for dinner together in a little restaurant he knows well in Switzerland.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “He is a really interesting man and I enjoy his company, but it is still my job to pick the wine!”
      Wenger added this as he compared him and his old foe to “two old boxers” reminiscing over “old battles”.
      He added: “To share this with Sir Alex is a great honour for me.
      “It’s like two boxers, you fight like mad and go the distance together.
      “At the end of the day, you have respect and it will be a great opportunity to meet with him, share a good bottle of wine and memories of our old battles.”
      The Hall of Fame recognises and celebrates individuals who have an exceptional record of success and have made a significant contribution to the Premier League since its inception in 1992.
      Ferguson and Wenger were inducted into the Premier League Hall of FameCredit: PA
      The former managers are the first from their role to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
      On his award, Ferguson said: “I’m truly delighted to be inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame.
      “It’s an honour when you receive recognition like this. However, it’s not just about me as a person.
      “It’s about the job at Manchester United and the bond we had over many years, so I’m also proud for the club, the staff and my players.
      “My job was to send the fans home happy.
      “United’s history and my own expectations were the things that drove me, and I then had to try and develop all my players with the same expectations and make sure we could go out and achieve them.”
      They are the first managers to be added to it in its historyCredit: PA
      While Wenger added: “I am very grateful to have been selected for the Premier League Hall of Fame.
      Read More on The Sun
      “We always wanted to give something special to the fans and when you have players capable of remarkable things, the most important thing for me is the obligation of perfection.
      “I’d like to be known as someone who loved Arsenal, who respected the values of the club and left it in a position where it can grow and become even bigger.” More

    • 200 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Fabio Paratici forced to step down as Tottenham chief after Fifa slap him with worldwide BAN

      by

      TOTTENHAM managing director of football Fabio Paratici could be forced to step down from his role with the club.Fifa have slapped the 50-year-old with a worldwide ban from all football activities after ex-club Juventus were found guilty of false accounting in January.
      Fabio Paratici could be forced to step down from his role with TottenhamCredit: Getty
      Paratici has been banned from all footballing activity worldwideCredit: Reuters
      Paratici was initially handed a 30-month ban from Italian football but Fifa confirmed to the Guardian on Wednesday that it has been extended to worldwide.
      According to Sky Sports, the Italian FA appealed for the ban to be extended to worldwide, and Fifa granted the request.
      It plunges Tottenham further into crisis after boss Antonio Conte left the club by mutual consent on Sunday.
      Paratici had been leading Tottenham’s hunt to find a new manager to replace Conte, but now will have to take a step back.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      A Fifa statement on Wednesday said: “Fifa can confirm that following a request by the Italian FA (FIGC), the chairperson of Fifa disciplinary committee has decided to extend the sanctions imposed by FIGC on several football officials to have worldwide effect.”
      Paratici, who denies the allegations, was among a number of Juventus chiefs to be banned after a hearing at a federal court of appeal, while the Serie A giants were docked 15 points.
      Paratici spent 11 years at Juve from 2010 to 2021, including spells as head of technical affairs, sporting director and managing director.
      Paratici, Juventus and the other officials involved have appealed against the sanctions and deny any wrongdoing.
      Most read in Football
      Sky Sports claim the terms of the ban mean Paratici cannot directly negotiate transfers or talk to agents.
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      But he can work internally at Tottenham, for example attending club meetings.
      Tottenham released an interview with Paratici on Tuesday following Conte’s departure, suggesting how central he is to club affairs.
      He said parting ways with Conte “was the right decision for everyone”.
      But now Paratici himself has been handed a worldwide ban from football, leaving the club in crisis.

      While club chairman Daniel Levy has the final say on who the next boss will be, Paratici would have offered guidance on who to appoint.
      Conte’s right-hand man Cristian Stellini was named caretaker boss following Conte’s departure, with ex-Spurs midfielder Ryan Mason set to assist him.
      Speaking on the search for a new gaffer, Paratici told club media: “We have to be everyone focussed on the last part of the season.
      Read More on The Sun
      “We do not speak about other coaches or follow the speculation in the media because it is just speculation. We are focussed, we are now concentrating on helping Cristian and helping the staff, Ryan, the players.
      “I think, today, we have to be focussed in our squad, in our manager because it is an important moment.”
      Tottenham’s next five games More

    • 225 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Alex Iwobi reveals ‘joke’ in Arsenal training with Mikel Arteta facing headache over one of first-team players quitting

      by

      EX-ARSENAL star Alex Iwobi has revealed how one of his former team-mates was a “joke” in training – now Mikel Arteta faces a headache over the very same ace.The now-Everton winger left the Gunners after over a decade at the club in the summer of 2019.
      Alex Iwobi revealed how Reiss Nelson was a ‘joke’ in training at ArsenalCredit: The Beautiful Game Podcast
      The pair were former teammates at the GunnersCredit: Getty
      Nigerian international Iwobi, 26, played almost 150 matches for Arsenal and helped them to FA Cup glory before his departure.
      Despite it being almost four years since his exit, he still keeps a close eye on Arteta’s team.
      And, during an interview with The Beautiful Game podcast, he had plenty to say about pal Reiss Nelson.
      The 23-year-old memorably scored a 97th minute winner over Bournemouth this month in what could prove to be a vital strike in Arsenal’s quest to end their 19-year title drought.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      Iwobi said: “He’s another Arsenal product, he’s another one who is a joke in training. With him like, he just has that raw ability.
      “I have to give it to him because he’s had to be patient. But every time he’s come on to play, he’s delivered.
      “I think he’s been the most impactful sub at Arsenal this season. For someone to be able to do that and not play regularly and still have that elite mindset, I have to rate it.”
      Nelson will be out of contract this summer and his lack of starts could lead to him following the example of Iwobi and leaving.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      Both Premier League rivals Brighton and French side Nice have been linked with a move.
      That could lead to Arteta being forced to search for a replacement to play back-up to Bukayo Saka down the right.
      Nelson said before Christmas: “I have been here for so long and I’m very comfortable here.
      “I am an Arsenal fan and, of course, I want to sign a new contract at the club.
      “I am just going to be ready for anything I get now and give my all for the team.”
      Reiss Nelson is out of contract at Arsenal this summerCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Kai Havertz stunned by N’Golo Kante as he gives amazing new insight into Chelsea star’s humble lifestyle

      by

      KAI HAVERTZ has revealed brilliant details into the humble life of Chelsea team-mate N’Golo Kante.Kante, 32, has won the Premier League twice, along with a Champions League, FA Cup, Europa League and World Cup.
      N’Golo Kante is known to be one of football’s most down to earth playersCredit: Getty
      Kai Havertz has spoken about Kante not being interested in material possessionsCredit: Getty
      But it is widely known that the former Leicester midfielder lives a modest existence off the pitch.
      He continues to drive a Mini Cooper – a £10,000 car he has owned since 2015.
      He was also once spotted shopping in Asda, taking a picture with a fan as his “man of the people” legend grew further.
      Now Havertz, who joined Kante at Stamford Bridge in 2020, has added to this image by claiming the Frenchman has not upgraded his phone for a decade.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      The German also insists Kante has no interest in material possessions such as cars and clothes.
      Speaking to The Guardian, he said: “There’s an image of footballers, all fancy and diamonds and this and that.
      “I have met players who spend so much on things where you think: ‘Why do you do this?’
      “There are players who don’t care but others do. It’s not always about saying: ‘I did this.’ That’s sometimes a bit fake.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      “I’ve met different characters. Toni Kroos is one: calm, down to earth, doesn’t care about flashy stuff. He knows life is not only football.
      “N’Golo Kante is another. He’s had the same phone for 10 years, doesn’t care about cars, doesn’t care about clothes.
      “You cannot judge people because of [spending]. If that makes them happy, I don’t care. Maybe in their heart they are also good people, they just want to act cool.
      “Sometimes maybe it’s kind of a protection.”
      Kante has been missing since August with a hamstring injury, but returned to the bench for Chelsea’s draw with Everton before the international break.
      He will now be hoping to secure his first minutes in seven months when the Blues host Aston Villa on Saturday. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea preparing to use Rudiger’s free transfer exit as one reason for £121m losses in fight against spending breaches

      by

      CHELSEA will fight against potential Premier League spending breaches by citing Antonio Rudiger’s free exit as one reason behind their massive financial losses.The Blues face a huge summer clear-out after revealing a whopping £121million loss for last season.
      Chelsea will cite Antonio Rudiger’s Real Madrid move as a reason behind their financial lossesCredit: Getty
      Rudiger quit on a free transfer after failing to agree a new deal during sanctionsCredit: Reuters
      Todd Boehly is under pressure to balance the books quickly or risk Financial Fair Play sanctions.
      And Chelsea could be forced into selling an entire XI of star players this summer.
      Boehly has already partly blamed the loss on “extraordinary expenses and loss of revenue” after Roman Abramovich was sanctioned a year ago.
      Chelsea were barred from receiving revenue for two months after being put on a government licence until the May 28 takeover.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      The Blues were also unable to hold talks over new contracts for players.
      If they are charged with FFP breaches by the Premier League, they will reportedly also cite Rudiger’s inability to strike a new deal as a potential loss of income.
      The German defender was a key player under previous boss Thomas Tuchel.
      Chelsea were desperate to tie him down to a long-term contract despite his advancing years.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      But Rudiger eventually decided to leave Stamford Bridge on a free transfer for European and Spanish champions Real Madrid.
      At the time of his departure, Rudiger was valued at £35m by Transfermarkt.
      And Chelsea weren’t even able to command a transfer fee due to his expiring contract.
      However, should Rudiger’s exit be cited, the Premier League could ask for evidence Chelsea realistically hoped to extend the German’s deal.
      Other players like Marcos Alonso and Andreas Christensen left for free last summer.
      But they went after June 30, the end of the the 2021/22 accounting period. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal told transfer fee for Montpellier wonderkid Elyi Wahi but manager warns striker has much to learn

      by

      ARSENAL will have to pay up to £26million to sign striker Elyi Wahi, Montpellier manager Michel der Zakarian has warned.The coach has also declared that the exciting forward needs to improve his fitness.
      Elye Wahi could cost Arsenal up to £26millionCredit: Getty
      Montpellier boss Michel Der Zakarian suggested how much it would take to let the striker leave the clubCredit: AFP
      Wahi, 20, has impressed in Ligue 1 this season after scoring 12 goals in 24 appearances for Montpellier.
      It follows his breakout season last term in which he netted ten in 33 games.
      His form has already seen him linked with a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal among the potential suitors.
      Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund are also reported to be keen on Wahi.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      But Zakarian has outlined the deal that would be needed for the French side to cash in on the Gunners target.
      He said: “The kid, he’s 20, and full of talent. That costs a lot. For me, minimum €25-30m.
      “When you see the TV rights over there, England can buy him. It’s easier for them.”
      The Armenian coach also admitted that the French striker still has a lot to do to get to the top level.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      He added: “Where he can improve? He needs to work on his volume, needs to run a lot more, always be moving and be in a position to repeat the efforts. If you don’t have the fitness…
      “He’s a sprinter, he goes really quickly, but sometimes he’s knackered after 45 minutes.
      “He needs to work a bit better, that’s every day at training. If he wants to play in a big club and play with great players, he needs to work hard. He can go very far, at a very, very good level.
      “Scoring goals like he does, you need to put them in the back of the net.
      “What he does is good for his age, but I think he can do even better.” More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal’s new 2023-24 home kit ‘leaked online’ but fans fear it will only look good if they win Premier League title

      by

      ARSENAL fans all have the same concern about their potential new home shirt after it was ‘leaked’ online.Supporters fear the shirt’s gold trim will only work if the Gunners win the title this season.
      Arsenal’s new shirt has been ‘leaked’ onlineCredit: Twitter
      The new edition has gold trimmingCredit: Twitter
      Clubs that win the Premier League title usually pay tribute to the success with the kit for the following campaign.
      The holders of the title are rewarded with gold Premier League badges on the sleeves of the shirt, while the rest of the clubs have the stock badge.
      This year Man City are sporting the golden badges on their kits when they play in the league.
      And the supposed new Arsenal shirt has seemingly been designed around this with gold trim on the sleeves as well as having gold flashes on the back of the neck and on the kit manufacturer logo.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      But supporters of the Gunners are concerned that the gold trim will only look good if it’s combined with the gold Premier League logo.
      The unconfirmed pictures of the shirt were posted on Twitter on Monday.
      One tweeted: “Only put gold on our kit if we win the league – otherwise we don’t deserve it!”
      A second wrote: “The gold looks awful.”
      Most read in Football
      A third declared: “We have to win this title such that the Adidas gold design would match the Premier League gold logo next season.”
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      A fourth commented: “Not gonna lie didn’t rate the original leaks but these with gold winners patches could look.”
      A fifth said: “This literally only works if we win the league.”

      While a sixth added: “Hope it has the gold colour lion crest for champions.”
      Arsenal lead the way in the Premier League, eight points ahead of second-placed Man City.
      However, the Gunners have played one more game than the Citizens.
      Reigning champions Man City use the gold Premier League logo on their sleevesCredit: AFP More