Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      How Premier League would look WITHOUT VAR with Man Utd and Liverpool tumbling down table

      by

      ANOTHER weekend of VAR controversy left fans up and down the country asking big questions.Supporters of Wolves, Newcastle, Spurs and Fulham were up in arms over big calls going against their teams.
      VAR decisions dominated the weekend’s actionCredit: Getty
      Various calls had fans scratching their headsCredit: Rex
      But Prem refs’ chiefs insist there are now far more correct decisions than wrong ones – with the vast majority of errors overturned.
      The biggest issue of all is how VAR has changed things this season.
      And SunSport’s analysis of the 81 on-field calls overturned on the advice of the men in the booth at Stockley Park does show a significant impact.
      We have looked at every decision and altered the results that were affected, although we have also assumed that each of the nine penalties initially awarded and then rescinded was scored.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Without VAR, our study finds that only SEVEN teams – the top two, bottom four and 11th-placed Aston Villa, would still be in the same place in the table.
      Arsenal’s current eight point lead over Manchester City would have been reduced to just three, leaving Pep Guardiola’s men very much the favourites to retain their crown.
      In the fight for the other Champions League places, Spurs would be third, Newcastle fourth and Manchester United fifth, but with Brighton, in sixth but only five points behind Tottenham with three games in hand, looking seriously likely to gatecrash the elite for the first time.
      Liverpool’s Champions League hopes would have been almost ended already, with Jurgen Klopp’s side currently five points better off than they would have been without the video refs.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      But at the other end of the table, Leeds would stand 12th, four points and two places better off, while Crystal Palace’s woes would have intensified with the Eagles down to 16th and just a point clear of the drop zone.
      Bruno Fernandes’ winner against Manchester City was controversially allowed to standCredit: Getty
      Conor Coady’s goal against Liverpool was disallowedCredit: Getty

      Total VAR changed decisions: 84
      Goal awarded: 10
      Goal disallowed: 35
      Penalty awarded: 20 (11 scored, 9 missed)
      Penalty disallowed: 9*
      Penalty retaken: 1 (1 after miss, 1 scored retake;)
      Red cards: 6
      Read More on The Sun
      Red cards annulled: 3* (Gabriel annulled and penalty overturned)
      Potential red card overturned for previous foul: 1* (Gabriel/Bamford incident)
      Gabriel and Patrick Bamford were involved in a controversial incident earlier this seasonCredit: PA More

    • 250 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City ‘launch £12m bid for Croatian wonderkid Vuskovic’ as they look to land one of Europe’s most exciting prospects

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY have launched a £12million bid for wonderkid Luka Vuskovic, according to reports.The 16-year-old is one of the most exciting prospects in Europe.
      Luka Vuskovic is wanted by Man CityCredit: Alamy
      The Athletic claim that many top sides are monitoring him and “fierce competition” is developing for his signature.
      Man City are supposedly the first to bid for him, putting in an offer of £10m with an additional £2m in add-ons.
      The centre-back works with prominent agent Pini Zahavi.
      Vuskovic plays for Hajduk Split in his homeland of Croatia.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The player has impressed in the club’s academy and in the Youth Champions League.
      He was recently promoted to the Hajduk Split first-team and has since played five times, netting one goal.
      Vuskovic made his professional debut in a derby game against bitter rivals Dinamo Zagreb.
      His chance came just two days after his 16th birthday, which made him the youngest player to ever feature in the Croatian top division.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      Vuskovic is from a footballing family, with grandfather Mario and dad Danijel ex-professionals.
      His brother Mario currently plays for Hamburg in Germany.
      Man City are also reportedly interested in another Croatian defender, Josko Gvardiol.
      The RB Leipzig star is also wanted by Chelsea and Liverpool after impressing at the World Cup. More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd scouting Kaoru Mitoma as they consider move for Brighton sensation ahead of summer clearout

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have sent scouts to watch Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma this season.The Japan international has been a sensation for Roberto De Zerbi’s side and is another huge success for the Seagulls’ recruitment team.
      Man Utd have been scouting Brighton star Kaoru MitomaCredit: AP

      Brighton picked up Mitoma from Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale for just £2.7million in 2021.
      And after a year on loan with their sister club Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium last season, he has been a revelation.
      The 25-year-old only made his full Brighton debut in August, starting against Forest Green Rovers in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
      But since De Zerbi’s arrival he has bagged nine goals and laid on six assists in all competitions.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Mitoma’s fine form and electric pace has caught the eye of bigger clubs, who have started to keep tabs on his progress.
      While it is custom for the big six to have scouts at other Premier League games, those reporting for United at recent Brighton matches have done so with a focus on Mitoma.
      Those reports will now also come in handy for Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag as he prepares to face Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final next month.
      The Dutchman is still in the running for a cup treble this season having already won the Carabao Cup with United still in both the FA Cup and Europa League.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

      However, the former Ajax boss is planning a summer clearout at Old Trafford, with Anthony Elanga and Anthony Martial both facing the chop – meaning investment will be needed out wide.
      And, as has been the case at most top clubs over the past year, they are looking to Brighton to recruit.
      Brighton chief Paul Barber told The Beautiful Game Podcast on Mitoma: “He’s another player that no doubt is going to be in the spotlight again come the next transfer window, but we’re ready for that and we understand that.
      “We just hope he can have another second half to the season in the way that he has started it.”
      The Seagulls have raked in huge sums of money through their canny recruitment in recent years, with Marc Cucurella, Yves Bissouma, Ben White, Leandro Trossard and Dan Burn all moving on for large fees.

      World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister and £70million Arsenal target Moises Caicedo look to be next in line this summer, and Mitoma is not far behind.
      Boss De Zerbi hopes success this season, with the Seagulls now into the FA Cup semi-finals and chasing Champions League qualification in the Premier League, can help keep his brightest stars on the south coast. More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham considering sacking Antonio Conte THIS WEEK with fuming Daniel Levy holding talks over his future today

      by

      TOTTENHAM are considering sacking boss Antonio Conte during the international break, reports claim.The Italian aimed a stunning rant at the club following the 3-3 draw against Southampton on Saturday.
      Tottenham are reportedly considering sacking Antonio Conte during the international breakCredit: Rex
      Spurs drew 3-3 at Southampton on SaturdayCredit: Getty
      Spurs’ next five games after the international break
      And Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy could axe Conte before the end of the international break for his outburst, according to the Telegraph.
      Spurs chief Levy is understood to be holding talks before deciding how to deal with the situation.
      Levy spoke to Conte after the 3-3 draw at Southampton before the Spurs boss returned to Italy for a short break.
      And it’s claimed Levy could wield the axe during the international break after he has weighed up all of his options.
      Read More in Football
      The Telegraph say Levy is pondering whether or not Conte will be able to get the best out of his players after openly criticising them.
      It’s claimed Ryan Mason could then be appointed temporary boss until the end of the season.

      Mason previously spent time as interim head coach in 2021 after Jose Mourinho was sacked.
      Permanent candidates for the role include ex-boss Mauricio Pochettino, as well as former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique, old Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, and current Fulham gaffer Marco Silva.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Tottenham return to action on April 3 with a trip to Everton, giving Levy time to make a decision on Conte’s immediate future.
      The club are currently fourth in the Premier League, two points above Newcastle, but having played two games more than the Magpies.
      SunSport exclusively revealed that Conte’s rant left Tottenham stars stunned.
      Some of the squad even want the Italian axed following his sensational comments.
      A furious Conte said on his team: “They don’t play for something important.
      “They don’t want to play under pressure, they don’t want to play under stress.
      “It is easy this way. Tottenham’s story is this. For 20 years there is the owner but they never won something but why?
      “The fault is only for the club, or for every manager that stays here?
      Read More on The Sun
      “I have seen the managers that Tottenham had on the bench.
      “Until now I try to hide the situation but not now because, I repeat, I don’t want to see what I have seen today because this is unacceptable and also unacceptable for the fans.” More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Todd Boehly sacks Chelsea’s long-serving head groundsman and his son in major cull but refuse to give reason

      by

      CHELSEA have sacked their head groundsman Jason Griffin after 30 years at the club.The Blues also terminated the contract of Griffin’s son and assistant Reisse.
      Todd Boehly dismissed Chelsea’s head groundsman as well as his son and assistantCredit: Getty
      Jason Griffin was at the club for more than 30 yearsCredit: Getty
      But there was no official reason given by the West London giants for their sudden exits.
      The Daily Mail state the club will not comment on matters relating to personnel.
      Griffin Sr became Chelsea head groundsman in 2003 and led the vast team that covered the playing and training pitches at Stamford Bridge, the Cobham training ground and Kingsmeadow, where the women’s and development teams play.
      He clashed with Patrice Evra in April 2008 when the Manchester United full-back barged him on the pitch – and then Griffin rowed with Red Devils fitness coach Tony Strudwick.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      An FA investigation followed and a commission concluded: “We broadly prefer Mr Griffin’s account.
      “We were favourably impressed by Mr Griffin as a witness, who came across as frank, calm and sensible. Mr Strudwick we found less reliable.”
      Griffin’s departure along with Reisse is the latest major overhaul of key staff members since Todd Boehly led the £4.25billion takeover last May.
      Changes have also taken place at board, coaching, playing and medical level in the ten months.
      Most read in Football
      Legendary goalkeeper Petr Cech left his role as technical and performance advisor in June.

      Chairman Bruce Buck and director Marina Granovskaia were both moved on before Thomas Tuchel was sacked and replaced by Graham Potter.
      On the pitch, there have been 15 major transfer arrivals – including big-money deals for Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Wesley Fofana and record-signing Enzo Fernandez. More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea outcast Aubameyang celebrates Barcelona’s El Clasico win in dressing room as he nears transfer exit

      by

      CHELSEA striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrated with his former Barcelona team-mates after the club’s 2-1 win over Real Madrid on Sunday.The 33-year-old, who has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge in recent months, posed for a selfie with Ferran Torres inside the home dressing room after the crunch clash at the Nou Camp.
      Aubameyang has fallen out of favour at ChelseaCredit: Getty
      The striker was pictured in the Barcelona dressing room on SundayCredit: Twitter
      That is despite the fact that he is still registered as a Chelsea player.
      Aubameyang has played just 123 minutes of football for the Blues so far this year.
      He was left out of Graham Potter’s Champions League squad completely following Chelsea’s January spending spree.
      And he is yet to start a game for the club in 2023.
      Read More on Chelsea
      As a result, the striker has become increasingly ostracised from the first team.
      Aubameyang, who joined Chelsea in a £10million transfer from Barcelona on transfer deadline day in September, had hoped to return to the Nou Camp during the January transfer window.
      However, an important La Liga rule stopped the move from happening.
      He is now expected to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Aubameyang still has an excellent relationship with the Barcelona board and players as well as manager Xavi.
      The Gabon international joined Barcelona on a free transfer in January 2022 after his Arsenal contract was terminated.
      He scored 13 goals in 24 appearances for the La Liga giants during his time at the club. More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside hotel where Mason Greenwood stayed with pregnant partner in ‘£600-a-night room’ as Man Utd ace plots comeback

      by

      MASON Greenwood stayed with his pregnant partner in a luxury London hotel where rooms cost from £600 a night.The Man Utd star, 21, was pictured with his girlfriend leaving the five-star Langham Hotel.
      Mason Greenwood had a trip to London with his pregnant girlfriendCredit: Raw Image Ltd
      The couple stayed at the five star Langham Hotel
      Greenwood and the university student wore neutral tracksuits as they headed to the capital.
      The lavish Langham hotel boasts an indoor pool and spa offering a range of treatments.
      There is also a fitness studio with “state of the art equipment” – perfect for a £75,000-a-week footballer.
      Rooms at the hotel start from £640 a night for a superior or deluxe room.
      Read more on Mason Greenwood
      Guests can also stay in one of eight suites at the hotel – including the penthouse Sterling Suite, which has a private media lounge.
      The Terrace Suite, which has an unlisted rate, features three bedrooms and a private terrace, while the £2,270 a night Tower Suite has a telescope.
      Those with bigger wallets can stay in the One Bedroom Residence, which has a living area and kitchen for £2,570 a night.
      The hotel has two bars – including the Artesian cocktail bar, which has won The World’s 50 Best Bars award four times.
      Most read in Football
      There is also a cookery school and the Palm Court restaurant, where guests can enjoy an afternoon tea.
      Celeb chef Michel Roux Jr’s Roux at the Landau is currently closed but guests can still enjoy a private dining experience.
      The Sun revealed on Saturday how Greenwood is expecting his first child with his student girlfriend this summer.
      It is understood he has spoken to his family about his marriage plans.
      In February, Greenwood had all charges against him dropped due to after the CPS found there was “no longer a realistic prospect of conviction”.
      The Manchester United striker was first arrested in January last year after police swooped on his mansion.
      He was due to stand trial in November accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
      Greenwood was suspended from Utd in the wake of the allegations but still received his £75,000-a-week salary.
      The club announced they would hold an internal investigation into the circumstances around his arrest.
      The luxury hotel boasts an indoor swimming pool and spaCredit: Langham Hotels
      Rooms start from £640-a-nightCredit: Langham Hotels
      Guests can also stay in one of eight suites at the hotelCredit: Langham Hotels
      One has a private media roomCredit: Langham Hotels
      The Wigmore bar claims to be a ‘British tavern experience’Credit: Langham Hotels
      Greenwood had all charges against him droppedCredit: Raw Image Ltd
      He remains suspended on full pay by UtdCredit: Reuters

      Read More on The Sun More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Mitrovic could miss rest of season and should expect at least SIX-MATCH ban after shoving referee against Man Utd

      by

      ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC could miss most of the remaining matches this season for his Old Trafford red card shame.The Fulham striker lost his head after Chris Kavanagh correctly took VAR advice to award Manchester United a penalty and dismiss Willian for handball in the FA Cup quarter-final clash.
      Aleksandar Mitrovic faces a lengthy ban after being sent off against Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Mitrovic was dismissed by referee Chris KavanaghCredit: Rex
      And Mitrovic’s shove on the referee seems certain to hand him a massive ban.
      The FA will contact Fulham today to confirm the view that the standard ban is, in their view, “insufficient punishment” for the offence.

      That is the clearest possible signal that the matter will be referred to an independent commission to judge the punishment Mitrovic must face.
      Previous cases include Aston Villa midfielder Leandro Bacuna, banned for six matches for gently shoving an assistant referee after a throw-in was awarded for Derby in 2017.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      It suggests a six match ban for Mitrovic is the least he should expect, with the likelihood of eight to 10 matches if an independent commission believes an experienced international and Premier League player should be judged by a higher standard.
      The starting point for any suspension is the three-game ban for violent conduct.
      That means Mitrovic will not be available for Fulham, in any event, until the April 22 game with Leeds.
      But it is almost inevitable that the ban will be far longer.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      The FA has until tomorrow to issue any charges under the “fast-track” policy.
      Fulham have just 11 games remaining this season.
      But the Cottagers will be without the top scorer until at least April 22.
      Mitrovic has hit 11 Premier League goals this campaign, helping high-flying Fulham to ninth in the league and challenging for a European place. More