Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Maresca says he’s ‘not the guy’ to fix Chelsea’s squad unless they ‘pay me double’ with FIFTEEN outcasts in bloated team

      by

      ENZO MARESCA says he’s “not the guy” to fix Chelsea’s bloated squad on the eve of the new Premier League season.The Blues have already brought in nine new players in the summer transfer window, spending around £160million.Enzo Maresca insists he is not in charge of trimming down Chelsea’s squadCredit: GettyConor Gallagher is one of a host of Chelsea players linked with a move away from Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyThey are also still being linked with additional stars such as Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho.Astonishingly, the size of their squad two days before their Premier League opener with Manchester City stands at 47 players.SunSport has listed nine potential departures before the window shuts on August 30 – including Romelu Lukaku, Trevoh Chalobah, Kepa Arrizabalaga, David Datro Fofana and Armando Broja.But offloading players has proven tough for Chelsea, with Conor Gallagher forced to fly back from Spain after his Atletico Madrid move stalled.READ MORE ON CHELSEANow manager Maresca, 44, who took over from Mauricio Pochettino in June, has categorically stated it is the job of co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart to get rid of players – NOT his.He said “This question is for Paul and Laurence, who are there to try and find solutions [to trim the squad].”I am not the guy in charge to find solutions for loan players. If not, they have to pay me double!”He also added: “At the moment if I start to think I have 43 players it is not a good thing, I have 28 training with me.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRomelu Lukaku is expected to leave before the end of the windowCredit: GettyTrevor Chalobah is another the Blues are trying to offloadCredit: GettyChelsea squadChelsea’s 47-man squad:KepaRobert SanchezFilip JorgensenMarcus BettinelliDjordje PetrovicLucas BergstromAxel DisasiMarc CucurellaTosin AdarabioyoBenoit BadiashileLevi ColwillTrevoh ChalobahBen ChilwellReece JamesMalo GustoWesley FofanaBashir HumphreysJosh AcheampongEnzo FernandezMykhailo MudrykLesley UgochukwuCarney ChukwuemekaCole PalmerKiernan Dewsbury-HallConor GallagherMoises CaicedoTino AnjorinCesare CasadeiRenato VeigaRomeo LaviaOmari KellymanDavid Datro FofanaRomelu LukakuPedro NetoRaheem SterlingArmando BrojaMason BurstowNoni MaduekeNicolas JacksonChristopher NkunkuAlex MatosDeivid WashingtonMarc GuiuAngeloDiego MoreiraRonnie StutterTyrique GeorgeChelsea are the top selling club of the 21st Century having raked in a remarkle £1.6BILLION across the last 24 years.But the money pumped into transfers since owner Todd Boehly took over from Roman Abramovich in 2022 has been on a seismic scale.Chelsea have raked in staggering £1.6BILLION from transfers as top selling clubs of 21st Century are revealedChelsea had spent more than £1bn in the four transfer windows before this summer.But that has not transferred into on-pitch success.They finished the end of Boehly’s first Premier League season in 12th place, down from third 12 months earlier.Last season there was marginal improvement under Pochettino, but they could still only place sixth. More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea star Cole Palmer reveals ‘difficult’ time accepting England role at Euro 2024 and says ‘you just think, why?’

      by

      CHELSEA star Cole Palmer admits he found it “difficult” not getting many minutes for England throughout Euro 2024.The 22-year-old enjoyed a fantastic debut season with Chelsea following his £42.5million move from Manchester City.Cole Palmer found it ‘difficult’ not playing many minutes at Euro 2024Credit: GettyThe 22-year-old did not start a match in GermanyCredit: GettyIn 45 appearances for the Blues he scored 25 goals and provided 15 assists.Palmer’s impressive form saw him earn his first senior England call-up and he was subsequently named in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for Euro 2024.However, he was left disappointed by the amount of minutes he played in Germany.In an interview with Sky Sports ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Manchester City, he said: “It was difficult not playing.Read More in Football”You’re going into a new group, you have lads who have been there a number of years.”Obviously, being a new young player, all the lads did take me in to be fair, like they did with all the young players. So it was quite easy to settle in, but obviously not playing and thinking to yourself, ‘Why?’ and just questioning yourself.”I didn’t question my ability because I knew what I had done during the season.”But you’re just thinking like ‘Why?’, do you know what I mean? But I just thought that when I do get on I’m just going to try and make an impact and do something.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCole Palmer at Euro 2024Vs Serbia: On the benchVs Denmark: On the benchVs Slovenia: 19 minutesVs Slovakia: 54 minutesVs Switzerland: 42 minutesVs Netherlands: 10 minutes, 1 assistVs Spain: 20 minutes, 1 goalPalmer was limited to just 145 minutes of football at Euro 2024 and did not start a match.However, he made a huge impact coming off the bench in the semi-final against Netherlands and final against Spain.’Why you laughing’ says Man Utd star Kobbie Mainoo to Cole Palmer as he’s forced to dispel long-standing mythThe attacking midfielder set up Ollie Watkins’ winning goal in the 90th minute against Oranje.He also scored in the final, but the Three Lions narrowly missed out in the late stages.Palmer signed a two-year contract extension with Chelsea earlier this week.It keeps him at Stamford Bridge until 2033. More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Match of the Day confirm appointment of new pundit just hours before start of new Premier League season

      by

      MATCH OF THE DAY chiefs have added a former Lioness to the line-up this season.The shift comes after Arsenal icon Ian Wright stepped down from the role in May after 27 years on the show.Retired Manchester City captain Steph Houghton has joined Match of the DayCredit: GettyShe joins a new look panel that will also see Theo Walcott and Joe Hart joining regulars Alan Shearer and Gary LinekerCredit: GettyIn a new-look campaign, the BBC have added Steph Houghton to their line-up of new pundits.The newly-retired Manchester City captain will join fellow newbies Theo Walcott and Euros pundit Joe Hart.Houghton eased into punditry with the BBC during England women’s games after missing out on various Sarina Wiegman’s squads after fitness concerns.Alan Shearer will continue as a weekly pundit, while the likes of Micah Richards will take on “a more prominent punditry role” this season according to the Beeb.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDanny Murphy, Jermaine Jenas and Dion Dublin are expected to continue being utilised when needed.Houghton, 36, said: “I am looking forward to being able to share my experiences and provide insights into the game that I love.”She has won three Women’s Super League titles across her spells with Arsenal and City.The defender also has 121 caps for her country, leading the Lionesses to third place at the 2015 World Cup.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, Walcott – who debuts on Match of the Day this Saturday alongside regular host Gary Lineker – said: “I grew up watching BBC Sport so I’m over the moon to be joining.”It’s a dream come true for me and I’m excited to get going. Life after retiring from football was always going to be scary.Star-Studded Glamour at the ‘It Ends With Us’ Premiere”There’s plenty for me to learn but I can draw on the career I’ve had to offer different views.”Houghton announced her retirement from football in MarchCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League’s biggest opening weekend shocks including Man Utd’s horror defeat and Arsenal stunned by Aston Villa

      by

      THE day we’ve all been waiting for is finally here.Premier League football returns TONIGHT as Manchester United host Fulham at Old Trafford.There have been some huge opening day shocks over the years, including Brentford’s win over Arsenal in 2021Credit: Richard Pelham / The SunIpswich boss Kieran McKenna will be backing his side to cause an upset against LiverpoolCredit: PAUnited are favourites to win the opening fixture, but Marco Silva’s side should not be underestimated.The Cottagers won two of three pre-season games – against Benfica and Hoffenheim – and could cause quite an upset against the reigning FA Cup champions.Prem new boys Ipswich face Liverpool at home on Saturday in the hope of giving new manager Arne Slot a huge shock.And Championship winners Leicester City will be looking to spoil Tottenham’s start to the season when they kick off their campaign at the King Power on Monday night.Read More in FootballWe have seen several opening day upsets over the years, and SunSport have looked back at some of the most memorable.Brentford 2-0 Arsenal (2021/22)A day that all Arsenal fans wish they could permanently erase from their memory.The Gunners suffered a shock defeat to newly-promoted Brentford on the opening day of the 2021-22 season.It was a dismal defensive display from Arsenal as Sergi Canos and Christian Norgaard fired the hosts to a 2-0 win.Most read in FootballBrentford beat Arsenal 2-0 on the opening day of the 2021-22 season after earning promotionCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe result led Gary Neville to infamously question the North London side’s transfer strategy.Chelsea 2-3 Burnley (2017/18)Stamford Bridge was stunned into silence when Burnley earned a 3-2 win over reigning Premier League champions Chelsea.Goals from Sam Vokes and Stephen Ward fired the Clarets to a 3-0 lead before half-time.Chelsea managed to claw two goals back after the break but ultimately came away from the match with nothing.Sam Vokes scored twice as Burnley beat ChelseaCredit: PA:Empics SportPremier League sides deducted points and others at riskArsenal 1-3 Aston Villa (2013/14)Sorry, Arsenal fans.The Gunners suffered another unexpected opening day defeat in 2013, this time to Aston Villa.Olivier Giroud opened the scoring, but Christian Benteke turned the match on its head before Antonio Luna sealed the win for Villa at the Emirates.Arsene Wenger’s side still managed to sneak into the top four at the end of the campaign.The Gunners suffered a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa in 2013Credit: Jamie McPhilimey – The SunArsenal 0-2 West Ham (2015-16)Once again, I’m really sorry, Arsenal fans!The Gunners suffered another shock opening day defeat two years after the Aston Villa disappointment.Slaven Bilic had just been appointed as West Ham manager and academy star Reece Oxford put on a stellar display to help the East London side to a 2-0 win.Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate were on the scoresheet for the Hammers on a memorable day at the Emirates.Arsenal also lost to West Ham on the opening day in 2015Credit: Getty Images – GettyHull 2-1 Leicester (2016/17)Just months after Leicester City were crowned Premier League champions, they started the 2016/17 campaign with a shock 2-1 defeat to Hull.It was the first time in the Premier League era the reigning champions began their title defence with a defeat.Hull beat Leicester after the Foxes won the Premier LeagueCredit: AFP or licensorsMan Utd 1-2 Swansea (2014-15)United suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Swansea on the opening day of the 2014-15 season following goals from Ki Sung-yueng and Gylfi Sigurdsson.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was the club’s first opening day defeat at home since 1972.Wayne Rooney hoped to get his side back into the game after scoring in the second half, but the Red Devils walked away with nothing.Swansea beat Man Utd at Old Trafford in 2014/15Credit: PA:Press Association More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Kalvin Phillips completes Ipswich loan transfer as Premier League newbies announce two signings in less than an hour

      by

      IPSWICH have announced the loan signing of Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.The newly-promoted Premier League side confirmed the England international’s arrival on Friday afternoon along with the permanent transfer of forward Sam Szmodics from Blackburn.Kalvin Phillips has left Manchester City to join Ipswich on loanCredit: MatchDay Images LimitedForward Sam Szmodics, left, has also arrived at Ipswich from BlackburnCredit: GettyPhillips, 28, joined Man City for £42million in 2022 but has featured just 31 times for Pep Guardiola’s men, operating as a periphery player in his squad.He suffered a nightmare loan stint at West Ham last season, but is now seeking a more positive chapter with Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich.Speaking about joining The Tractor Boys, he told the club website: “This is a day I’ve been waiting a number of weeks for now and I’m very happy to be here.”I’ve had some great conversations with players I know here and also with the manager, who I have obviously heard a lot about, and I’m excited to be here and be part of his team, playing how he likes to play the game.  READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The conversations with Kieran McKenna and Mark Ashton have been really good and I followed Ipswich’s season closely last year, so I know the journey the club has been on and it’s a great story which I’m now excited to be a part of.  “I want to play as many games as possible, enjoy playing football again and help the team win as many games as possible in the Premier League.”Phillips, who will wear the No8 shirt, has 31 England caps but was left out of of Gareth Southgate’s squad for the Euros this summer after a lack of minutes at Man City and the torrid spell at West Ham.Meanwhile, Szmodics comes in from Blackburn having scored 33 times in all competitions last season in a deal thought to be worth around £9m.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSzmodics scored a sensational 27 league goals in the Championship last seasonHe won the Championship Golden Boot and was named in the division’s team of the season.The Republic of Ireland international, 28, who has signed a four-year deal, also netted three goals in Blackburn’s opening two games of the new campaign before leaving for Portman Road.Kalvin Phillips responds with furious gesture as he’s heckled by fans on way to team bus after nightmare vs Newcastle, Ipswich’s new No23 said: “I am delighted to be here as an Ipswich Town player.  “There’s always been interest since I was a kid, but it just felt right this time with the challenge of the Premier League.”After speaking to a couple of the lads, including Lewis Travis who was here last season, they just pushed me and said that I need to come and work under this manager, which is something I can’t wait to do. “It’s every boy’s dream to play in the Premier League and I’ve always said to my friends, family and agents that I’ll get to the top one day.  “There’s nothing more I want than to score at Portman Road for Ipswich Town. I am over the moon to be here and looking forward to the season ahead.”Ipswich kick off their first top-flight match in 22 years on Saturday lunchtime when they host Liverpool.A host of changes are being made to Portman Road to abide by Premier League regulations. More

    • 175 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea fans warned they face ‘prison food’ as opponents for Europa Conference League confirmed

      by

      CHELSEA fans face being served grub ‘worse than prison food’ when they play their Europa Conference League play-off at the end of August.Enzo Maresca’s men must win the two-legged tie against Swiss side Servette if they are to enjoy group stage European football this season.Chelsea fans have been warned they face ‘prison food’Credit: Instagram @footyscranAs Cole Palmer and co. head to Switzerland on August 29Credit: GettyBut the Chelsea faithful should brace themselves for an unappealing bland hotdog when they play in Switzerland.A picture resurfaced of the paltry portion offered up at Servette after it was shared on popular football food account “Footy Scran” last year.The photo shows a sausage on its own with no bun and nothing else but a single small piece of bread – no sauce or toppings.And they’ll have to pay at least £7.20 for the privilege.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAt the time of posting, 89.1 per cent of a 18,000 strong poll said they would refuse to eat it.Taking to X, one fan wrote: “I’ve seen prisons with better food.”A second said: “Pretty sure that violates the Geneva Convention😭.”A third added: “For £7.20 you’d expect a bun or two slices of bread at least FFS.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDespite a sixth-place finish Chelsea dropped into the Europa Conference League after Manchester United claimed the FA Cup against Manchester City in May and took their Europa League place.Supporters also blasted the prices charged for a matchday snack at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersThe masala potatoes available have been slapped with a £7.50 price tag as their team continues to splash the cash on players.Chelsea have signed nine new faces for Maresca so far this window, with former Wolves winger Pedro Neto’s £54million arrival their latest bit of business.The Blues kick off their Premier League campaign on Sunday at home to champions Manchester City.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea fans say ‘it’s scary how good he is’ as highlights of Estevao Willian emerge after return from injury

      by

      CHELSEA fans are excited about the arrival of new signing Estevao Willian after watching highlights of his performance for Palmeiras on Thursday night.Winger Willian, 17, will make the move to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2025 after his 18th birthday.Estevao Willian impressed for Palmeiras on ThursdayCredit: EPAWillian will join Chelsea next summer after he turns 18Credit: APChelsea have agreed a deal worth around £55million to sign the prodigious young teenager – also known as Messinho.And while it is a steep price for a player yet to venture outside Brazil, Blues supporters were blown away by his display in the Copa Libertadores – his first game in three weeks having been sidelined with an ankle sprain.Palmeiras lost 2-1 away at Botafogo on Thursday in the first leg of their last-16 tie.However, a one-minute clip of Willian showed him to be a shining light in the defeat.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe highlights included impressive runs, dribbles and crosses.Botafogo often resorted to pulling Willian’s shirt and hauling him down to stop his direct runs at their defence.Reacting to the video, one Chelsea fan said: “It’s scary how good he is.”Another added: “He will be awesome for us next year.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChanges to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25.A third replied: “Whether [Noni] Madueke steps up or not , this guy will practically bench him.”And a fourth responded: “We just hit the jackpot. I think he will surpass Hazard’s ceiling at Chelsea.”Stamford Bridge locals reveal what life’s likeAside from Willian, Chelsea have signed nine players this summer and spent around £160m.Yet a draw with Wrexham and loss to Celtic in pre-season has left fans concerned.New Blues boss Enzo Maresca is preparing to take charge of his first competitive game against champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd signed Leny Yoro ‘despite spotting foot injury in his medical’ just weeks before devastating KO

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED spotted Leny Yoro’s injury risk during his medical, according to reports.The 18-year-old subsequently fractured a bone in his left foot during his second pre-season game for the club.United discovered Leny Yoro’s potential for injury in his foot during his medicalYoro then fractured his fifth metatarsal in 2-1 friendly defeat to Arsenal in LAThe 18-year-old had surgery in England last monthCredit: https://x.com/leny_yoroThe Athletic report that medical scans showed a possible metatarsal issue before he joined for £52million from French club Lille last month.United chiefs pressed ahead with the signing anyway due to a firm belief that Yoro will be key player for United over the next decade.United handled Yoro carefully and he trained in only 50 per cent of their sessions.But he suffered a fracture on the outside of his left foot – the same place shown on the scans – in United’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in Los Angeles.READ MORE ON MAN UTDYoro chose to stay with his new team-mates until the USA trip was over, and was then spotted in crutches and a protective boot after having surgery in Manchester.The teenager is expected to be out for the first three months of the season.He will not be rushed back after United secured the double signing of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui for a combined fee of £60m.Despite discovering the defender’s potential issues, club executives chose to push ahead with the move.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt was seen as a rare opportunity to capture one of Europe’s highly- regarded young stars, with many coining him the ‘Kylian Mbappe of defenders’.Real Madrid were closely linked with Yoro, who they valued as a long-term replacement for Antonio Rudiger whose deal expires next summer.Gary Neville predicts Man Utd will use unusual lineup that saw Juventus dominate Serie AElsewhere Rasmus Hojlund is out for six weeks having coming off in the same game against the Gunners with a hamstring problem.United have made a change in the medical department with Jordan Reece arriving as head physio to work under head of sports medicine Gary O’Driscoll – both came from Arsenal.The Red Devils had 66 cases of injury or illness affecting players last season.Meanwhile United discovered Sofyan Amrabat had a slight back injury before he completed his £8.5m deadline day loan last term.The Morocco international then spent most of the season in-and-out of the team before impressing in his final few games, particularly in their 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final.He has since returned to Fiorentina. More