Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool legend Martin Skrtel, 38, still playing in Slovakian EIGHTH-TIER as he scores beauty of a free-kick

      by

      LIVERPOOL cult hero Martin Skrtel showed he still has it after walloping home a free-kick for his hometown club. Skrtel, 38, retired in May citing health reasons but has in fact been playing for Hajskala Raztocno in Slovakia’s eighth tier since August.
      Martin Skrtel stepped up to take a free-kickCredit: https://www.facebook.com/
      And duly dispatched it into the top cornerCredit: https://www.facebook.com/
      Skrtel made over 300 appearances at LiverpoolCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      After making good on his promise to sign for his local club in August he scored a header in a 5-4 win.
      But fast forward to March and Skrtel appears to have been elevated to free-kick duties.
      The 104-cap Slovakian defender whipped a free-kick into the top corner against FK Bojnice.
      Unfortunately, Skrtel was unable to help his side win the game, with his set-piece instead only serving as a consolation in a 2-1 defeat.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The centre-back had previously been playing with Spartak Trnava after being released by Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir.
      The combative centre-half was part of two Premier League title-challenging Liverpool sides under Rafael Benitez and Brendan Rodgers in 2008/09 and 2013/14 respectively.
      After appearing more than 300 times for Liverpool, he joined Fenerbahce in 2016.
      He briefly joined Italian side Atalanta in 2019 before moving to Turkey and linking up with Basaksehir who he was with for two years.
      Most read in Football
      On his retirement while at Trnava, Skrtel explained: “There is a medical condition. I have problems with plaques, they limit me not only in football, but also in my personal life.
      “I don’t remember a day I spent without pain.
      “I have been training and wrestling in recent months under pills and injections.
      “I had a problem walking with my son a hundred meters and I wouldn’t be able to handle this press on the stands, the pain is pretty bad.
      “The worst are running, jumping and impacts. This is something we need in football.
      “Therefore, I had to decide that the match with Dunajská would be the last.”
      He was pictured alongside Reds team-mate Steven Gerrard in December, looking unrecognisable from his Anfield playing days with a full head of hair.
      Skrtel pictured alongside former Liverpool team-mate Steven GerrardCredit: INSTAGRAM / @stevengerrard More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal could lose Ethan Nwaneri as Chelsea and Man City consider transfer raid for 15-year-old record breaker

      by

      CHELSEA and Manchester City want to sign Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri, according to reports.Nwaneri became the youngest ever Premier League player when he featured as a substitute against Brentford in September aged 15 years and 181 days.
      Ethan Nwaneri is wanted by Chelsea and Manchester CityCredit: Getty
      He is highly regarded by the Gunners but they risk losing him amid interest from Premier League rivals.
      Chelsea and City are amongst the clubs who are keeping tabs on Nwaneri, according to The Telegraph.
      But Arsenal have not given up their hopes of keeping the youngster, who could agree scholarship terms with the club when he turns 16 on March 21.
      Arsenal will be determined to avoid a repeat of last summer when they lost highly-rated academy prospect Omari Hutchinson to Chelsea.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      Unlike Nwaneri, Hutchinson was never given a first-team opportunity and Arteta’s faith in the teenager could influence him to stay.
      Arteta said of his decision to play Nwaneri against Brentford: “I met the boy and really liked what I saw.
      “Per Mertesacker and the academy staff gave me really good information about him as well.
      “It’s another step, another experience. In your career all the steps are not going to be forward.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
      “After that, maybe he needs three backwards to go another one forward, but as well I think it sends a really strong message about who we are as a club.”
      Arsenal reportedly offer young players contracts based on add-ons and incentives, so a lucrative weekly wage could persuade Nwaneri to leave. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney closing in on transfer for Nottingham Forest’s Lewis O’Brien at DC United

      by

      DC UNITED are closing in on the signing of Nottingham Forest star Lewis O’Brien, according to reports. The MLS side are managed by Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney.
      Lewis O’Brien is close to joining DC United on loanCredit: Getty
      Wayne Rooney is in charge of DC UnitedCredit: Reuters
      O’Brien looks set to join the team on loan until the summer.
      Various reports suggest that the 24-year-old has flown to the United States to undergo a medical and the transfer is expected to be completed once the visa process is finalised in a few weeks.
      O’Brien looks set to join the Washington-based outfit after a January move to Blackburn collapsed in dramatic fashion.
      The EFL blocked the transfer on deadline day, claiming that Rovers had not submitted the relevant paperwork in time.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      O’Brien was left out of Nottingham Forest’s 25-man Premier League squad as they expected his departure.
      The midfielder joined from Huddersfield in the summer for a fee of around £10million.
      He has played 17 times in all competitions for Steve Cooper’s side this season, scoring one goal.
      DC United finished bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference last season but are off to a better start this term, picking up four points in their opening three games.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
      O’Brien will have new ex-Premier League team-mates like Christian Benteke and Mateusz Klich in America.
      Former Man Utd and West Ham star Ravel Morrison is still at the club but was cut from the team after not being registered in the squad for the new MLS season. More

    • 150 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      3 potential Dream Team replacements for Casemiro as Brazilian faces four-game suspension

      by

      FOR many years, Casemiro (£3.1m) had a Fernandinho-esque talent for avoiding red cards.Much like his compatriot, the five-time Champions League winner has always picked up more than his fair share of yellows through enforcing challenges but somehow stayed on the tightrope when it seemed for all the world he would be dismissed.
      Real Madrid fans became happily accustomed to the sight of the midfielder grinning apologetically as the referee gave him a warning instead of marching orders.
      However, that magical power seems to have deserted Casemiro in recent weeks.
      The 31-year-old saw red for the second time this season at the weekend when a VAR review resulted in an early bath during Southampton’s visit to Old Trafford.
      He now faces a four-game suspension in domestic football, something Dream Team managers can’t afford to stomach.
      Manchester United will miss their midfield general in the coming weeksCredit: GETTY
      All things considered, Casemiro has excelled in his debut Dream Team campaign, he’s one of just eleven players in his position on 100+ points at this stage – a superb effort for a defensive anchor.
      As a result, he’s among the top ten most-popular midfielders but his ownership will now nosedive as gaffers seek a replacement.
      Here we’ve identified three potential candidates in the same price range.
      Alexis Mac Allister (£3.2m) is 13 points shy of a century after his goal at Elland Road.
      Most read in Dream Team
      The World Cup winner has been playing as a No10 in recent weeks, hence an increase in attacking contributions.
      Most importantly, the Argentina international is currently Brighton’s penalty taker, something Dream Team bosses should always note.
      Brighton midfielders have performed very well in Dream Team this season
      The Seagulls are one of the better teams in the Premier League going forward, only Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool have scored more goals and Roberto De Zerbi’s side have games in hand over those four teams.
      Mac Allister and company also have the luxury of a favourable FA Cup match-up against Grimsby this coming weekend.
      Kaoru Mitoma (£3.9m) and Solly March (£3.5m) are similarly strong options though they’ll require some extra budget.
      Alternatively, Miguel Almiron (£3.3m) may fit the bill for those in need of a Casemiro replacement.
      The Paraguayan winger is enjoying the best season of his Newcastle career, emphasised by his winner against Wolves on Sunday.
      That strike was his 11th league goal of the season, only five players have more to their name at the time of writing.
      Almiron is having the season of his lifeCredit: GETTY
      The 29-year-old is one of those midfielders into triple figures for Dream Team points in 2022/23.
      One possible blockade here is that Almiron was benched at the weekend but Eddie Howe has every reason to reinstate him into the starting line-up following his match-winning exploits.
      Our third recommendation is Brenann Johnson (£2.8m) who is generously categorised as a midfielder.
      In reality, the Welshman leads the line for Nottingham Forest and his performances since the World Cup have given Steve Cooper’s side every chance of staying up.
      Johnson has scored seven goals and provided two assists since the restart, not to mention three Star Man awards.
      Read More on The Sun
      Forest’s fixtures during the duration of Casemiro’s suspension don’t look too bad either: Newcastle, Wolves, Leeds, Aston Villa.
      Whatever you decided, remember to replace Man United’s No18 before his stint in the stands. More

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic ‘offers himself’ to another club during showdown transfer talks in London

      by

      CHELSEA star Mateo Kovacic has offered himself to another club after holding talks over a transfer, according to reports.The 28-year-old’s contract expires at the end of next season and he could be on his way out of Graham Potter’s side.
      Mateo Kovacic has made himself available to one club following a meeting with chiefsCredit: Alamy
      Kovacic has reportedly told AC Milan that he is willing to sign for them.
      Club chiefs Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara were in London for the Italian side’s Champions League clash with Tottenham last Wednesday.
      Pianeta Milan claim that they met with the player and his representatives in a hotel to discuss a potential transfer.
      They also report that the midfielder plans to leave Chelsea this summer as Todd Boehly prepares to further overhaul his squad.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      He could be one of 12 players to be forced out of Stamford Bridge this summer.
      Kovacic is into his fifth season at the Blues and has played 210 times for the club, helping them win the Champions League in 2021.
      The Croatian has enjoyed another good campaign, firing Croatia to a third place finish at the World Cup and he has featured in 26 games for Chelsea.
      He has also captained the side in their last two wins over Borussia Dortmund and Leicester as Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta are out injured.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
      If the former Real Madrid ace does move to the San Siro, it will be a controversial transfer after he played for rivals Inter Milan for three seasons between 2012 and 2015.
      Kovacic has previously been linked with a switch to Manchester City. More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool will be Man Utd’s main challengers for Fulham midfielder Palhinha with bitter rivals set for £60m transfer war

      by

      LIVERPOOL have joined Manchester United in the race to sign Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, according to reports.Last week, SunSport exclusively revealed that United were plotting a swoop for the 27-year-old Portugal ace.
      Liverpool and Man Utd are interested in signing PalhinhaCredit: Getty
      And according to The Daily Mail, Liverpool have also expressed an interest.
      Palhinha joined Fulham in a £20million transfer from Sporting Lisbon last summer.
      However, following a series of impressive performances at Craven Cottage, he is now valued at around £60m.
      The Cottagers are confident that the midfielder will remain in West London for at least one more season, but club chiefs may be forced to cash-in if a suitable offer is made.
      Read More on Man Utd
      Chelsea, Newcastle, Arsenal and Tottenham are also interested in signing Palhinha, who has made more tackles than any other midfielder in Europe’s top five leagues this season.
      Man United and Liverpool are both eager to sign a new midfielder when the summer transfer window opens.
      And for Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, Palhinha could be the perfect alternative to priority target Jude Bellingham.
      The 19-year-old England star carries a £130m price tag, so Liverpool may have to set their sights on other midfield options.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
      Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag is eager to bolster his Man Utd midfield and he believes Palhinha could be the perfect addition.
      The Red Devils are also interested in signing 20-year-old midfielder Gabri Veiga from Celta Vigo. More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Marco Silva emerges as Tottenham’s top manager target to replace Antonio Conte after stunning Fulham season

      by

      MARCO SILVA is emerging as the top contender to replace Antonio Conte at Tottenham.Conte’s future at Spurs is under serious scrutiny with his contract expiring this summer.
      Marco Silva has emerged as a top target to replace Antonio Conte in the Spurs dugoutCredit: AFP
      Antonio Conte could leave Tottenham at the end of the seasonCredit: PA
      The Italian coach, 53, insists he will see out the remainder of the season but his departure appears inevitable with no talks of extending his stay in north London so far.
      And SunSport understands that should Conte leave, Spurs view Fulham boss Silva as a leading option to fill the vacancy.
      Portuguese coach Silva has overseen a remarkable campaign at Craven Cottage, guiding them to automatic promotion back to the Premier League last May.
      Despite losing 3-0 at home to leaders Arsenal on Sunday, Fulham are on course to finish in the top half and are currently challenging for a European spot with 11 league games left.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Silva – whose contract at Fulham expires at the end of next season – is viewed as an incredibly talented young boss, 45, and has dramatically rebuilt his reputation in west London since getting sacked by Everton in December 2019.
      Mauricio Pochettino has also been linked with a return to Tottenham, as well as former Spain and Barcelona chief Luis Enrique and ex-Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel.
      Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will have admired the way Silva has built a team capable of competing without breaking the bank – a model he still enforces at the club.
      However, it remains unknown whether skipper Harry Kane would see Silva’s appointment as proof the club can win trophies in the near future – potentially forcing him to consider his options in the summer transfer window.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
      Levy and director of football Fabio Paratici will be tasked with putting together Conte’s replacement shortlist, keen to avoid a repeat of the summer of 2021.
      Having sacked Jose Mourinho in April and missing out on several big names, they hired Nuno Espirito Santo, who lasted just 10 Prem games before Conte finally followed.
      Conte signed an 18-month contract in November 2021 with the option of a further year, leading them to a fourth-placed finish last season.
      However, despite spending £170m in the summer, they are in a battle to finish in the top four come May, and are 18 points off rivals and top-spot Gunners.
      Conte has also been criticised in recent weeks for his team selections and style of play as Tottenham were knocked out of the FA Cup fifth round by Sheffield United and the Champions League last 16 by AC Milan. More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘What a move’ – Newcastle’s ‘fake time-wasting’ routine goes viral and fans think it’s a tactical masterstroke

      by

      NEWCASTLE wowed fans with an intricate “fake time-wasting” routine yesterday.The Toon took on Wolves at St James’ Park looking to end a run of five Prem games without a win.

      Bruno Guimaraes back-heels to Miguel AlmironCredit: TWITTER / @editfootball_
      Almiron cuts the ball back to Sven BotmanCredit: TWITTER / @editfootball_
      The centre-back blazes his shot over the barCredit: TWITTER / @editfootball_
      Alexander Isak got them off to a perfect start on 26 minutes when he netted his fourth Prem goal in just six starts this term in what’s been an injury-hit season.
      South Korean ace Hwang Hee-chan levelled for the visitors with 20 minutes remaining, only for Miguel Almiron to bag a 79th minute winner.
      With Eddie Howe’s side holding on in stoppage time, they earned a corner.
      As is customary, they didn’t commit men into the box, appearing more likely to try and shield the ball by the corner flag.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      While the Toon did take it short, they stunned Wolves by launching an intricate passing move.
      Miguel Almiron passed the ball to Callum Wilson, who quickly gave it to Bruno Guimaraes.
      The Brazilian’s slick back-heel then sent Almiron scampering in behind.
      Newcastle’s second goalscorer perfectly squared for defender Sven Botman, but the centre-back blazed over a golden opportunity.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
      Nonetheless, after the Magpies saw out their 2-1 win, fans flocked to social media to heap praise on the coaching staff.
      One wrote: “Very clever. We’ve not seen football like that for years. Superbly coached team.”
      A second slyly tweeted: “Some of the most beautiful football you will see from Boring Newcastle lol.”
      While a third gushed: “Imagine Botman had scored this. What an amazingly well worked goal it would have been.”
      And a fourth sarcastically responded: “What a boring team. Don’t know how people can bare to watch them.”
      Newcastle’s win saw them climb back ahead of Liverpool into fifth place in the Premier League.
      The Toon now reside two points above the Reds with a game in hand.
      They still trail fourth-placed Tottenham by four points, but possess two games in hand on the North Londoners.
      Eddie Howe received plenty of praise for the slick moveCredit: Getty More