Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Graham Potter should be SACKED for blaming rotation on Chelsea’s woes as he’s branded ‘worst manager in club’s history’

      by

      GRAHAM POTTER “should be SACKED” after blaming rotation for Chelsea’s defeat to Southampton, claims talkSPORT pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor.The Blues fell to their latest defeat at Stamford Bridge yesterday, falling 1-0 to the struggling Saints.
      Graham Potter’s side fell to another dreadful defeatCredit: Rex
      Chelsea have won just two of their last 15 gamesCredit: Reuters
      Chelsea’s dreadful defeat extended their dire run to just two wins in their last 15 matches in all competitions.
      After the match, Potter pointed to his need to rotate after the 1-0 Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund in mid-week.
      The former Brighton boss made six changes for the clash with the Saints, but this didn’t wash as an excuse with Agbonlahor.
      Appearing on talkSPORT, he said: “He should be sacked for that post-match interview.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      “‘What’s he talking about?
      “You’re playing against a team that are in disarray, they’ve not got a manager, they can’t get back-to-back wins together and you’re complaining that you’ve had to bring (Mykhailo) Mudryk off the bench, you’ve had to start (Joao) Felix.
      “Are you joking me?”
      Agbonlahor’s co-host Jamie O’Hara also piped up, blasting: “Is he winding me up?
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “This is Chelsea Football Club, have you seen their line-up? It’s an unreal team.”
      Potter brought in Cesar Azpilicueta, Benoit Badiashile, Mateo Kovacic, Noni Madueke, Mason Mount and David Datro Fofana for the match.
      The six stars cost a combined £130million, while academy graduate Mount has twice won the club’s Player of the Year award.
      Chelsea also brought on £282.5m foursome Wesley Fofana, Mykhailo Mudryk, Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz during the second half – as well as academy graduates Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah.
      After the game, Potter was told by a reporter that fans were calling him “the worst manager in the club’s history.”
      Potter gave his take on match, saying: “Certainly in the first half, it was a below-par performance.
      “Returning from the Champions League and we had to make some changes, so you lose a bit of fluidity and cohesion. Southampton set up with a plan, an idea.
      “They mixed the game well with a big target man but our performance wasn’t what we wanted in the first half and I take as much responsibility as anybody in that.”
      Read More on The Sun
      On the changes he made, the 47-year-old later added: “No injuries. More just the turnaround and demand of the games considering a few of them had injuries previously.
      “With Reece, two 90s in a row, which is more than we expected at the start of the week. It was a case of managing the load and managing the squad.”
      Gabriel Agbonlahor has been unimpressed by PotterCredit: The Sun More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Erik ten Hag breaks silence over Man Utd takeover bid as Glazers demand £6bn while club fights for Premier League title

      by

      ERIK TEN HAG admitted his side are “curious” following the news that bids have come in for Manchester United.But the Dutchman insisted his job, and that of his United players, is to “focus on football”.
      Erik ten Hag spoke to Sky Sports ahead of Manchester United’s meeting with LeicesterCredit: https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL
      The Old Trafford manager insisted his side have to “focus on football” following the Glazers’ soft deadline for bids to be made for the clubCredit: Rex

      Ten Hag, 53, spoke to Sky Sports ahead of United’s clash against Leicester on Sunday, where victory would take them within five points of top spot in the Premier League.
      It came after the Glazers’ soft deadline on Friday for interested parties to submit offers for the club.
      Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one of Britain’s richest men, both confirmed that they had lodged bids.
      The Times claimed billionaire American hedge fund Elliott are also prepared to make an incredible late effort to buy United.
      Read More on Man Utd
      And Ten Hag revealed: “I think for the players, for the staff, for me, of course we are following the news.
      “We are of course curious about what will happen because we are committed to the club but it has nothing to do with us.
      “We have to focus on football.
      “That is all that we have to do, we have to perform, we have to get the right results in and don’t get distracted from things going around or around the club.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      The Glazers are reported to want £6bn to sell the Red Devils.
      They stand to make around 40 TIMES what they paid for United in 2005.
      The Raine Group, the bank overseeing the sale, will determine the next steps in the process following Friday’s soft deadline. More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Meet Mark Gillespie, the 30-year-old goalkeeper who’s not played for three years vying with Karius to play cup final

      by

      MEET Mark Gillespie, the 30-year-old Geordie that may be tasked with keeping Marcus Rashford and Co quiet during next weekend’s Carabao Cup final.The little known goalkeeper has been at his boyhood club since the summer of 2020, but you may be forgiven for having let his time at St James’ Park pass you by.
      Mark Gillespie is in line to be involved in the matchday squad at WembleyCredit: Getty
      Gillespie, 30, is ready to ride down Wembley WayCredit: Getty
      That’s because Gillespie hasn’t actually played in a game for the Toon since a penalty shoot-out win over Newport County two-and-half years ago.
      At various points he has found himself stuck behind the likes of Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow.
      But with Pope suspended following his red card against Liverpool, Dubravka cup-tied after featuring in the competition for Manchester United, and Darlow out on loan at Hull; Gillespie may finally have an unlikely shot at glory with his boyhood club.
      All that stands in his way is blunder-ful former Liverpool keeper Loris Karius – best known for his Champions League final mistakes against Real Madrid in 2018.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      With many assuming that Karius will be the man to play, Eddie Howe made sure to namecheck Gillespie when asked about the situation yesterday.
      He said: “Nick is really disappointed, as we are for him. He has been magnificent for us.
      “He does not deserve to miss the game but it is what it is. Nick misjudged it and it hit his arm. I think it was harsh and the referee could have given a yellow card.
      “We have Loris and Mark who have trained really well this season, Both are fit. Behind the scenes, they play every day. I have no doubt they are in condition to play the game.”
      Most read in Football

      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      But how exactly has Gillespie got to this point?
      The Newcastle-born stopper joined the Magpies at the age of eight, but would move on to Carlisle aged 16 in 2008.
      He broke into their first team in League One, before becoming their undisputed No1 after relegation to League Two.
      Gillespie enjoyed his first special League Cup moments while playing for Carlisle against Tottenham as a 20-year-old in 2012 – earning praise from Andre Villas-Boas and veteran stopper Carlo Cudicini.
      Having made great saves from Iago Falque and Ryan Mason during his side’s 3-0 defeat, Gillespie said: “After the game Carlo Cudicini said ‘good luck’ to me, and I got his shirt, which was nice of him.
      “Their manager also said well done and they are all great role models to look up to. You look at the quality they had on display and you would love to be playing against that regularly. That’s what we have to aspire to.”
      In 2017 he left Brunton Park for fellow League Two outfit Walsall, penning a two-year deal.
      Gillespie started his professional career at League Two CarlisleCredit: PA:Press Association
      The Newcastle-born ace spent one season at WalsallCredit: Reuters
      He lost his place mid-way through his first season, however, with Liam Roberts taking his place.
      Gillespie was on the move again in 2018, signing a two-year contract with Motherwell.
      He went on to make 67 appearances for Well over two seasons despite having initially been No2, earning his place as first choice stopper.
      The 6ft 3in ace earned praise from former Fir Park stalwart Graeme Smith during his time north of the border, who said ahead of a clash with Rangers: “From what I’ve seen of the keeper so far this season he has been really impressive.
      “He makes big saves at big times in games and that’s what Motherwell will need if they are going to get a result. He’s made a difference and has been playing well.”
      Gillespie’s move to Newcastle, initially as No3 goalkeeper, followed in the summer of 2020 – and early on he had some encouraging involvement.
      He played three times in the League Cup during his first campaign, deputising for the injured Dubravka and regularly making Steve Bruce’s matchday squad.
      But those opportunities soon dried up, and Gillespie has only even been named on the bench once this season.
      Gillespie impressed in Scotland for MotherwellCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
      The 6ft 3in stopper has played three times for Newcastle’s first teamCredit: Alamy
      Despite that, Karius is the only man standing between him and a starting berth at Wembley.
      Since his blundering Champions League final heartache nearly five years ago, things haven’t gone swimmingly for the German.
      The 29-year-old played 67 times on loan over two seasons at Besiktas – conceding 95 goals despite his team’s status as one of the biggest in Turkey.
      Read More on The Sun
      He then played just five times for Union Berlin in the 2020-21 season, before returning to Liverpool and not even being named in their squad last term – eventually leaving on a free to sign for Newcastle.
      Karius is yet to debut for the Toon, but will spend the next week battling with Gillespie to start at Wembley next weekend, hoping to shake off those cup final cobwebs of five years ago.
      Loris Karius is vying to start next weekend’s final ahead of GillespieCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd 3 Leicester 0 LIVE RESULT: United close gap on Man City after Rashford inspires hosts to Foxes pummelling

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED ran riot against Leicester at Old Trafford – and Marcus Rashford was amongst the goals once again.The England international scored two superb goals to put the Red Devils in a commanding lead.
      And Jadon Sancho sealed all three points with a sensational team goal.

      RESULT: Man Utd 3-0 Leicester
      TV channel/ live stream: Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League
      Man Utd XI: De Gea, Dalot, Shaw, Lindelof, Martinez, Fred, Sabitzer, Fernandes, Garnacho, Rashford, Weghorst
      Leicester XI: Ward, Castagne, Souttar, Faes, Kristiansen, Mendy, Dewsbury-Hall, Barnes, Maddison, Tete, Iheanacho

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      Full time – Man Utd 3-0 Leicester
      Manchester United return to winning ways at Old Trafford, and close the gap on Manchester City to three points – and on leaders Arsenal to five,
      The scoreline reflects a dominant display, but for half the game Leicester were the superior side.
      However, in Marcus Rashford, Manchester United have a matchwinner, and the in-form forward once again did the business.
      The England ace scored twice, and then along with Bruno Fernandes helped lay on a third for substitute Jadon Sancho.
      The result was harsh on Leicester, but if they play like that, the Foxes will have no trouble in pulling away from the dropzone.
      United, meanwhile, go marching on.

      Man Utd 3-0 Leicester
      90+4. In the final seconds, Fernandes attempts an elaborate chip to the back post that has Ward momentarily concerned until it drops on the roof of the net.
      The United captain can be very pleased with his performance today.
      Man Utd 3-0 Leicester
      90+2. Maddison is desperate to bring some respectability to the scoreline.
      Having just steered one long shot wide, the Leicester captain takes aim with another that’s plucked out of the air by De Gea.
      Man Utd 3-0 Leicester
      90. The fourth official is out with his electronic board, and it’s four minutes that will be added on.
      Man Utd 3-0 Leicester
      89. Feeling sorry for his teammate, Fernandes tries to tee up Weghorst for another strike at goal, only for Souttar to nip and intercept.
      The Dutchman appreciated the thought though, and gives Fernandes a pat on the back in recognition.
      Man Utd 3-0 Leicester
      87. What does Weghorst have to do to score a Premier League goal for Manchester United?
      It looked for all the world that the Dutch striker had broken his duck, only for his shot to be expertly kept out by Ward’s feet.
      It was superb build-up play by Sancho, who turned and fed the striker with the air of a player full of confidence.
      Weghorst, on the other hand, lay flat on his back after missing.
      Man Utd 3-0 Leicester
      84. The story of Leicester’s day.
      Barnes lines up a crisp half-volley that looks destined for the far corner until it hits teammate Praet full in the chest.
      Man Utd 3-0 Leicester
      82. Leicester ‘enjoy’ their best spell of the second half as they pressurise the home side’s packed penalty area.
      Despite looking as though his heavy touch had taken the ball out of play, Souttar manages to recover to win a corner.
      Man Utd 3-0 Leicester – Man Utd substitution
      80. Here’s a moment to remember for 17-year-old Kobbie Mainoo.
      The teenage midfielder – born in April 2005 – is on for his first Premier League appearance, replacing Marcel Sabitzer.
      Man Utd 3-0 Leicester
      78. The ‘oles!’ begin to ring around Old Trafford as United begin to play keep ball.
      It takes Leicester tempers up another notch.
      Man Utd 3-0 Leicester
      77. Regardless of your allegiance, Jadon Sancho really looks as though he’s enjoying his football again – and that is so good to see.
      Man Utd 3-0 Leicester – Leicester double substitution
      75. Jamie Vardy is on to ironic cheers, and further chants of Wayne Rooney’s name – and is immediately welcomed by a thumping Victor Lindelof challenge.
      Also on, to far less amusement despite his name, is Dennis Praet; off go Kelechi Iheanacho and Tete.
      Man Utd 3-0 Leicester
      74. Two goals for Marcus Rashford, a beauty from Jadon Sancho but the biggest cheers of the day – or should that be jeers? – are reserved for Jamie Vardy, who is stripped and ready to come on.
      Man Utd 3-0 Leicester
      72. Anthony Elanga begins to cause havoc on the right side.
      It’s absurd that this game could end in a thumping United win considering how the first half played out.
      Man Utd 3-0 Leicester
      70. Sancho has sight of goal again, escaping his marker on the left.
      His first shot, however, is blocked by Ward. HIs second is miscued over the crossbar.
      Man Utd 3-0 Leicester – Man Utd substitution
      69. With Barcelona at home and the Carabao Cup final on the horizon, Marcus Rashford is withdrawn for Anthony Elanga.
      Luke Shaw is also off, replaced by Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
      Man Utd 3-0 Leicester
      67. Marcus Rashford looks as though he’s about to be replaced, denying the forward the opportunity of a hat-trick, and fantasy managers around the world the chance of more points.
      Man Utd 3-0 Leicester
      65. In his technical area on the touchline, Brendan Rodgers can’t believe what he’s witnessed.
      His team were so dominant in the first half up until Marcus Rashford’s opening goal.
      Man Utd 3-0 Leicester
      63. Luke Shaw almost weaves his way through for number four, but strikes straight at Ward from the edge of the box.
      Man Utd 3-0 Leicester
      61. A superbly worked goal, and Manchester United have the points in the bag!
      This time it’s Jadon Sancho, on as a half-time substitute, who begins and finishes a lovely move.
      The forward finds Bruno Fernandes on the right, carries on his run, and then coverts first time from 15 yards when the ball is returned to him.
      James Maddison and Youri Tielemans protest to Stuart Atwell that Kelechi Iheanacho had been fouled in the build-up, but replays show it was weak hold-up play from the Leicester striker.
      It’s three!

      Man Utd 2-0 Leicester – Leicester double substitution
      59. A double change for Brendan Rodgers, who brings on Youri Tielemans and Boubakary Soumare for Kiernan Dewsbury Hall and Nampalys Mendy.
      Man Utd 2-0 Leicester – Man Utd substitution
      58. United make a change with Scott McTominay on for Fred.
      Man Utd 2-0 Leicester
      56. Marcus Rashford at the double!
      Manchester United’s star man tears away from Timothy Castagne on the left, and slides a shot past Danny Ward.
      However, no sooner had the celebrations begun, the linesman raised his flag on the far side.
      To the naked eye, Rashford looks offside, but after lengthy VAR consultation and a number of slowly inserted lines, the goal is green lit much to the surprise of everyone.
      Word reaches Stuart Atwell to award the strike, and Old Trafford erupts once again.
      It’s two!

      Load more entries… More

    • 138 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Why is Harry Maguire NOT playing for Man Utd against Leicester?

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are hosting Leicester City today to kick off a huge seven days for the club.But defender Harry Maguire will be playing no part of the match against the Foxes, with Victor Lindelof starting today.
      Harry Maguire misses out for Man UtdCredit: Getty
      Following the Leicester clash this afternoon, it is then Barcelona on Thursday and Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley next Sunday for United.
      And that is just on the pitch…
      Off it, the club are embroiled in a huge takeover talks with the Glazers holding out for £6bn.
      But for now it is the crucial Premier League match against Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester and going back to within three points of second-placed City.
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Why is Harry Maguire not playing for Man Utd against Leicester?
      Harry Maguire misses the match against his former side as he deals with a knee injury.
      Maguire left the King Power Stadium in 2019 in a world-record deal for a centre-back when he signed for the Red Devils for £80million and was made captain by then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      He has made just five Premier League starts this season. More

    • 300 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Patrice Evra and David Moyes had a huge row over a BACON SANDWICH at Man Utd – and French defender refused to back down

      by

      PATRICE EVRA and David Moyes once had a row over a bacon sandwich while at Manchester United. The Scottish manager endured a miserable year at Old Trafford as he attempted to replace Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
      Moyes and Evra appear to have a very interesting dynamicCredit: AFP
      He would lose his job before the end of the season as he became the first of several bosses to fail to revive the Red Devils.
      His time at the club would include a bizarre fallout with Evra which almost symbolised the dysfunction at the club.
      Ahead of a Champions League away game, club staff were handing out bacon butties at the airport.
      But the Manchester Evening News reported that Moyes was infuriated when Evra took one of the sandwiches.
      READ MORE IN MAN UNITED
      The row did not end there though with the left-back having the last laugh.
      While on the flight, the impish defender is rumoured to have somehow made an announcement where he told passengers over the tannoy system that the menu had changed and bacon sandwiches would be served.
      Whatever beef the pair had, they appeared to kiss and make up years later when Evra joined Moyes at West Ham as the pair attempted to save the Hammers’ bacon and stave off relegation.
      Although their relationship may have entered awkward territory again after the 41-year-old’s eyebrow-raising comments on Sky Sports a few years ago.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      West Ham continue under Moyes’ management despite unease among fans over the club’s performances this season.
      Sensational wins by Bournemouth, Everton and Southampton yesterday means the Hammers have slipped back into the bottom three. More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Mason Mount shocking stats vs Saints show how he ‘got eaten up’ with Kepa making more passes than under-fire England ace

      by

      CHELSEA star Mason Mount endured a horrid Saturday afternoon against Southampton at Stamford Bridge.The Blues’ poor run carried on as they lost 1-0 to bottom-of-the-league Saints, which means they have won just once in 10 matches so far this year.
      Chelsea star Mason Mount endured a rough night against SouthamptonCredit: Rex
      Mason Mount completed eight out of 13 passes, most of which were to the back
      The West Londoners’ biggest names failed to deliver despite an expensive January transfer window with some damning stats coming out of the game.
      Mount was among the most disappointing performers against Ruben Selles’ men.
      The versatile forward won none of his six ground duel battles and failed on both of his take-ons.
      The England international was also unsuccessful on his one and only tackle attempt and couldn’t complete a cross.
      Read More on Chelsea
      The 24-year-old completed eight out of 13 passes, most of which were to the back, until he was taken off for Kai Havertz on 64 minutes.
      Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga proved to be a better passer as he completed all of his 14 attempts.
      That led to intense criticism by Paul Merson, who claimed Mount “got eaten up” against Southampton.
      Merson said: “I don’t see this stopping, I don’t.
      Most read in Football
      Mason Mount was taken off after 64 minutes at Stamford Bridge
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “They’re bought a lorry load of individuals, I’m afraid. They’ve not bought anybody for the team, it’s all dribblers.
      “Forget Enzo Fernandez, he’s a top player, he’s a holding midfield player but the others… Mount played today and he got eaten up.
      “People were dribbling, there were no phases of the game.
      “It’s only when Havertz came on and he started playing with [Joao] Felix and [Raheem] Sterling that there were passages of play. But I don’t see this stopping.” More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal analyst Miguel Molina SLAPPED by rival Aston Villa staff in heated bust-up in stands after last-minute winner

      by

      ARSENAL analyst Miguel Molina was SLAPPED by his Aston Villa counterpart after the Gunners’ last-gasp victory at Villa Park.Molina was embroiled in a post-match squabble with rival analyst Victora Manas that continued into the tunnel.
      Arsenal secured a last-gasp victory over Aston Villa on SaturdayCredit: ALAMY
      Manager Mikel Arteta celebrated wildly with his backroom staffCredit: ALAMY
      SunSport understands Gunners analyst Miguel Molina was slapped by his Villa counterpart following his wild celebrationCredit: Alamy
      He left the Arsenal dressing room with a large red mark on his face after being slapped on the cheek by fellow Spaniard Manas, who previously worked for the Gunners during Unai Emery’s time in charge.
      They clashed in the stands in the immediate aftermath of Arsenal’s stoppage-time winner, with Manas taking exception to Molina’s celebrations as they exchanged furious insults in Spanish.
      Molina eventually removed himself from his seat but not before inflaming the situation by blowing kisses at his rival, who continued to rant loudly.
      And Sunsport understands they clashed again in the players’ tunnel immediately after the final whistle before being pulled apart and begrudgingly agreeing to shake hands.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Arsenal kept their title hopes alive with a stunning comeback victory over a dogged and determined Villa, who they beat 4-2.
      Mikel Arteta’s troops looked on course to drop points before a stoppage-time own goal from former Gunner Emi Martinez handed them the lead.
      The north Londoners completed the turnaround five minutes later through Gabriel Martinelli, who tapped the ball home unchallenged after Martinez left the goal unattended in a bid to help bag an equaliser.
      After the match, an elated Arteta said: “It’s been a rollercoaster and very emotional at the end.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “I think we showed a lot of resilience, character and quality.
      “The context of the game was difficult, with the performance that we had against City and getting nothing out of it.
      “Then having to come here less than 72 hours later and finding ourselves 1-0 down after five minutes.
      “We had to play the next 90 minutes and we had some difficulties in certain periods during the first half. Individually we brought the level right down and stopped doing the simple things right.
      “At half-time, we said we had to raise the individual level, we had to look each other in the face and we had to do much more if we wanted to come out and win this game.
      “We altered one or two things and then we produced a very strong performance and probably should have won it earlier than we did.
      “At some stage, you’re going to have to win games in the 94th minute or the 96th minute.
      “You’re going to have to score from set-plays, you’re going to have to score when you’re down to 10 men.
      “It’s about winning in any context. We always talk about that and today we had a really difficult context, especially with what happened after five minutes.
      Read More on The Sun
      “The team showed a lot of emotional qualities which are needed to be up there. I’m really happy with that.”
      Arsenal will be back in action next Saturday, travelling to the King Power Stadium to take on Leicester. More