Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal top 2024 Premier League table despite failing to end title drought and sitting six points adrift in 2024-25

      by

      ARSENAL finished top of the 2024 Premier League table despite failing to win the title last season and sitting off the pace midway through the current campaign.The Gunners picked up 85 points across their 36 games in the calendar year.Arsenal have finished top of the 2024 Premier League tableCredit: GettyBut Mikel Arteta’s side have nothing to show for their impressive yearCredit: GettyLiverpool, who sit six points clear of Arsenal in this season’s Premier League, accumulated the same number of points having played one more game.However, Arsenal sit top of the table due to their goal difference of 64, compared with Liverpool’s 50.Champions Manchester City beat Arsenal to the title by two points back in May.Yet due to their recent dismal run they actually finished 2024 with 82 points, three fewer than Arsenal and Liverpool.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe top three ended 2024 clear of the rest, with Chelsea in fourth on 70 points.They were followed by Newcastle, Aston Villa, Bournemouth and Fulham.Tottenham finished down in ninth following a chaotic year which saw them pick up 51 points.Manchester United also claimed 51 points but finished below Spurs by virtue of their shocking -1 goal difference.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal ratings vs BrentfordARSENAL came from a goal down to triumph 3-1 over Brentford on New Year’s Day.Here’s how the players rated…DAVID RAYA – 6Beaten at his near post by Mbeumo but not helped by slack defending. Almost doubled Brentford’s lead by fumbling a routine shot and forced to scramble back and clear off his own line. Shaky with ball at feet too. Not the best West London return.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6Lucky to escape further punishment after a clumsy first half lunge earned him only a yellow. Worked hard down the right but could not give Nwaneri the support he needed.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Remained a calming presence when Arsenal struggled to create in the opening stages.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 7A rock at the back defending set-pieces and aerial deliveries into his box.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Should have done better to stop Mbeumo cutting inside for his opener. Far too easy.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Composed on the ball and with some neat and important interceptions. His curled shot paved the way for the equaliser.MIKEL MERINO – 7Won some important duels as Arsenal pinned Brentford back early on. Clinical in the box to put his side ahead after a goalmouth scramble.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6Lost the ball in midfield before Brentford took the lead. A rare quiet outing. Lucky that others around him stepped up.ETHAN NWANERI – 7Struggled to have any real impact in open play, given the impossible job of replicating what Saka does out on the right wing. However, two deliveries into the box brought about two goals to secure the three points.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Lively with little end product in the first half. That all changed after the break with a sweet volley to kill Brentford’s comeback hopes. Was a constant threat.GABRIEL JESUS – 8He just cannot stop scoring. His instincts in the box look to be back to the levels he produced at Manchester City.SUBSTITUTESLEANDRO TROSSARD (NWANERI, 78) – 6Made a few good runs in behind but that was about it.DECLAN RICE (MERINO, 78) – 6Solidified the midfield. Played almost as a roaming No.10 when Odegaard went off.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (CALAFIORI, 78) – 6So comfortable on the ball. Practically played as a left winger at times.JORGINHO (ODEGAARD, 88) – N/AOLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (JESUS, 90) – N/ADown the bottom, Southampton sit at the foot of the 23-team table after claiming just six points from 19 matches.Last season’s bottom club Sheffield United only earned seven points before being relegated in the first half of 2024.Granit Xhaka reveals reason for dramatic new look with ex-Arsenal star having undergone hair transplant Fellow relegated and promoted sides Luton, Burnley, Leicester and Ipswich understandably make up the rest of the bottom six.The lowest-ranked team that spent all of 2024 in the Premier League is Wolves on 34 points.The complete 2024 Premier League table More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Marcus Rashford dealt yet another blow as investment firm faces being DISSOLVED after being handed striking off notice

      by

      MARCUS RASHFORD’S investment company faces being dissolved after it was handed a striking off notice by Companies House.The Manchester United forward, 27, has built a business portfolio off the pitch.Marcus Rashford has endured a difficult seasonCredit: RexLast year, reports claimed that Rashford’s various business endeavours had earned £17million during the previous financial year.But one of his companies, Mucs Investments Limited, faces being dissolved after receiving a striking off notice.A notice posted on social media by football finance expert Kieran Maguire read: “The Registrar of Companies gives notice that, unless cause is shown to the contrary, the company will be struck off the register and dissolved not less than 2 months from the date shown above (December 31, 2024).”Upon the company’s dissolution, all property and rights vested in, or held in trust for, the Company are deemed to be bona vacantia, and will belong to the Crown.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMaguire claimed that the striking off notice was likely served due to “late submission of documents”.Rashford recently revealed that he is ready for a “new challenge” away from Man Utd.He has struggled for game time under new boss Ruben Amorim.The forward has found himself frozen out by the Portuguese.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe failed to even make the bench for four consecutive games.Rashford did return to the matchday squad for Monday night’s 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle.Ruben Amorim explains why Marcus Rashford is still exiled at Man Utd despite ‘wanting to play’ But he was not called upon by Amorim, despite United being desperate for a goal.After the game, the United boss denied that he was “making a point” by leaving Rashford on the bench.He said: “I think about the team.“You think a lot about Marcus. I think about the team. When I’m there I’m not making a point. I just want to win the game.”And you can feel it – I’m talking about the idea and the fight for relegation.”Do I want to make a point during a game? No, I just want to win the game.”Ruben Amorim did not call upon Rashford on Monday nightCredit: Rex More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Joshua Zirkzee ‘in ROW with Ruben Amorim as Man Utd striker looks to force Juventus move’ after Newcastle humiliation

      by

      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE has reportedly fallen out with Ruben Amorim as he seeks an Old Trafford exit.The forward has struggled to adjust to the Premier League since signing for £34million in the summer.Joshua Zirkzee has reportedly fallen out with Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyHe has been tipped to move to Juventus on loanZirkzee was dragged off after just 33 minutes against Newcastle following heavy boos from his own supporters, with the forward reportedly reduced to tears.Now reports in Italy claim Zirkzee has had a row with Amorim as he looks to secure a move away from the club.Corriere dello Sport report he is looking to leave on loan amid interest from Juventus.They are managed by Thiago Motta, who Zirkzee played for at Bologna, so a deal could be in the offing.READ MORE ON MAN UTDJuventus chief Cristiano Giuntoli has opened the door for a move for the Dutchman, who is also attracting interest from Napoli.Giuntoli said: “Zirkzee? It’s not appropriate to mention names, but we are keeping an eye on any interesting opportunities, and we will move to strengthen the defence.”Amorim revealed he spoke to Zirkzee after his early substitution and suggested he is going through a tough moment.He said: “Josh is a really good lad. We will support him and keep going. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMan Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Joshua Zirkzee is hooked after half an hour and Kobbie Mainoo the only bright sparkKOBBIE MAINOO’S performance was the only silver lining as Manchester United suffered a fourth consecutive defeat.Newcastle struck twice in the opening 19 minutes as they threatened to tally up a cricket score at Old Trafford.Joshua Zirkzee was ruthlessly subbed after half an hour after struggling in a No10 role – but there was no recovering for Ruben Amorim’s side.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the United display…Andre Onana – 5Little he could do about both goals and was barely tested other than that.Noussair Mazraouri – 4The first two goals came down his side as he failed to close down the crosses that were turned in by Isak and Joelinton.But he was positive in possession and put in a few dangerous crosses.Matthijs de Ligt – 5Did not do much wrong for Newcastle goals but can be criticised for his failure to organise his defensive team-mates.Harry Maguire – 4Lost Isak for the opener as he was caught ball watching.Almost made amends but his diving header cannoned back off the post.Lisandro Martinez – 3A complete mismatch as he attempted to battle Joelinton for a cross the Brazilian turned in.Also lost Isak for the opener and even faced the wrong way as the cross came in.Diogo Dalot – 5Offered some much needed stability on the left flank and produced a good cross for Maguire’s headed chance.Casemiro – 3Dismal throughout. So far off the pace and barely made a pass.Missed a guilt-edge chance to pull one back on the stroke of half-time.Christian Eriksen – 4Similarly inept in protecting his defence as Casemiro, as he was overran time and time again.He did at least put a few passes together and improved after Mainoo came on.Amad Diallo – 4A tricky evening up against the hardworking Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall so was largely ineffective.Joshua Zirkzee – 2Nothing went his way and the fans quickly got on his back. He was hauled off in the 33rd minute and his substitution was greeted with cheers by the Old Trafford faithful.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Fed off scraps but did not stop running and was a rare bright spark – came very close with a low shot that whistled past the post in the first half.SubsKobbie Mainoo (for Zirkzee) – 6Turned things around after his introduction and made things happen with his accurate passing.Set up Casemiro for a chance the Brazilian should have buried.Leny Yoro (for Martinez, 64mins) – 6Had a good chance from a corner but sent his free header wide.Alejandro Garnacho (for Casemiro, 64mins) – 4Struggled to make an impact as he failed to beat a man.Antony (for De Ligt, 83 mins) – 5Not enough time to influence the match.”It was really tough for me to do that, but I’ve spoken to Josh as it was important to express the message. We needed Josh to go out, for the team.”The player is suffering and I was there myself a few years ago. I felt he and the team were suffering during the game and we needed another midfielder. Ruben Amorim says Man Utd face a relegation battle”It was tough on me to do that and I’ve talked with Josh about that because it’s important to relay the message.’ More

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Granit Xhaka reveals reason for dramatic new look with ex-Arsenal star having undergone hair transplant

      by

      GRANIT XHAKA has undergone a hair transplant.The former Arsenal captain recently debuted his new tightly cropped haircut during a skiing holiday with his family.Granit Xhaka underwent a hair transplant at the Ozone Hair ClinicCredit: Instagram / @ozonehairclinicXhaka, 32, had his head shaved upon arrivalCredit: Instagram / @ozonehairclinicLines were drawn on Xhaka’s scalpCredit: Instagram / @ozonehairclinicThe midfielder appeared to be pleased with the treatmentCredit: Instagram / @ozonehairclinicIn a video since posted to Instagram, the Ozone Hair Clinic have lifted the lid on Xhaka’s treatment.Footage from the Kosovan clinic shows the Switzerland international having his head shaved.Their post read: “The mystery is revealed! Granit Xhaka chooses Ozone for perfect hair!”The world superstar and the pride of all Albanians, Granit Xhaka, has not compromised when it comes to taking care of his appearance.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He entrusted his hair to our clinic, where the results are amazing and 100 per cent natural for all those who choose us.”Towards the end of the video, Xhaka smiled as he endorsed Ozone’s treatment.Sporting his new haircut, the midfielder beamed as he posed for snaps while recently visiting the Arosa Kulm Hotel and Alpin Spa in Switzerland.With the Bundesliga currently on its winter break, Xhaka went away with wife, Leonita, and their two daughters, Ayana and Laneya.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSXhaka recently revealed his new look on a family holidayCredit: Instagram / granitxhakaThe Swiss star had previously sported a similar hairstyle to when he was at ArsenalCredit: GettyXhaka has gone from strength to strength since leaving Arsenal.Last season he played a major role as Bayer Leverkusen achieved an astonishing campaign.Why Xhaka is Football’s Greatest ComebackXabi Alonso’s side went through the entire Bundesliga season undefeated, as they beat Bayern Munich to the title.Xhaka and Co also lifted the DFB Pokal to add further silverware, with their only defeat of the campaign coming to Atalanta in The Europa League final.Xhaka left Arsenal at the end of the 2022-23 seasonCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester at risk of Premier League points deduction like Everton and Nottingham Forest in major blow to survival hopes

      by

      LEICESTER are at risk of a Premier League points deduction.The Foxes are in the relegation zone and any docking of points would be a major blow to their survival hopes.Leicester will find out if they will be charged by January 13Credit: GettyThe club narrowly avoided a points deduction in the summer after they were charged with a £24.4million breach for the 2022-23 season.Leicester reasoned that because they were relegated, they were not in the Premier League when they submitted their accounts for that season.But they are now waiting to see if they will be charged after recording pre-tax losses of £92.5m and £90m in 2022 and 2023.Prem clubs are permitted to record losses of no more than £105m over a three year period, so Leicester are at risk.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club will be told by January 13 if they have been charged with breaching profit & sustainability rules.If they are, they could suffer the same fate as Everton and Nottingham Forest, who were sanctioned with points deductions after being charged with that offence.Leicester could be in an even worse position because of their relegation in 2023.Their stint in the Championship last season means their permitted £105m losses for the current three-year cycle will be reduced by £22m, owing to the EFL’s stricter spending limits.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd if relegated again they could be charged by the EFL for overspending in the 2023-24 season.Leicester are reportedly confident they can avoid another charge, although the Guardian claims sources at the Premier League feel they will have a case to answer.Ruud van Nistelrooy announced as Leicester manager as Man Utd legend makes swift return to Premier League More

    • 250 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      The two clauses in Man Utd’s £900million Adidas deal that could leave club’s finances in TATTERS if they are relegated

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED’S lucrative Adidas contract could be TERMINATED if they are relegated from the Premier League.Boss Ruben Amorim admitted that relegation is a “possibility” after the Red Devils lost 2-0 to Newcastle on Monday.Man Utd signed a 10-year extension with Adidas in 2023Credit: RexUnited chiefs penned a 10-year extension with Adidas as the club’s kit manufacturer in the summer of 2023.The agreement is worth £90m per season – but relegation would drastically change matters.Should the Red Devils go down, Adidas would possess the option to terminate the deal at just one season’s notice.Alternatively, the German manufacturer would be within their rights to halve their payment for any season in which United are in the Championship.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis means that, should the Red Devils go down this season, next year Adidas could pay £45m for the 2025-26 campaign, rather than the full £90m.Even if United stay up, they are set to take a financial hit.As of next season, £10m will be deducted from the full £90m Adidas rate for any campaign in which the Red Devils are not in the Champions League.As reported by the Telegraph, United’s latest accounts detailed some of the financial risks that would come with relegation.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThey wrote: “Relegation from the Premier League or a general decline in the success of our men’s first team, particularly in consecutive seasons, may negatively affect our ability to attract or retain talented coaching staff, as well as supporters, sponsors and other commercial partners, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.”When asked about relegation following Monday night’s match, Amorim admitted: “I think that it is a possibility. We have to be clear with our fans.”Fury as Sir Jim Ratcliffe cuts ties with charity helping Man Utd legendsFurther quizzed if such talk was embarrassing, he later added: “It is also my fault.”The team is not improving. It is a little bit lost in this moment and it is a bit embarrassing to be Manchester United coach and lose a lot of games.”I think people are tired of excuses at this club. This club needs a shock.”Ruben Amorim has endured a difficult start to life at Old TraffordCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham in latest injury blow as left-back Destiny Udogie expected to be out for eight weeks with hamstring issue

      by

      DESTINY UDOGIE is set to miss the next two months with a hamstring injury.The Italy star, 22, suffered the problem early in the second half of Tottenham’s 2-2 draw at home to Wolves on Sunday.Destiny Udogie is facing eight weeks on the sidelines with his hamstring injurySpurs boss Ange Postecoglou already has a massive list of injured playersCredit: PAHe was forced off in the 50th minute as Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou faced up to yet another of his first-choice back four to be crocked.SunSport understands Udogie reckons it will be eight weeks before he is back playing 100 per cent.But he does not require surgery, unlike last season when he was forced to go under the knife after damaging his left quad in training.That ended up ending his season and ruling him out of the Euros in the summer.Read more in footballSpurs have a hectic schedule of 12 games over the time period Udogie is likely to be missing.Those include the North London Derby later this month, both Carabao Cup semi-final legs against Liverpool – as well as a possible banana-skin FA Cup third round tie at Tamworth.Postecoglou already has No1 goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario out with a fractured ankle.While centre-backs Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies are also injured.Most read in FootballUdogie’s good mate Djed Spence returns from suspension this week and will likely deputise at left-back against Newcastle on Saturday.Postecoglou’s squad has been hit by a large quantity of hamstring injuries during the Australian’s time in charge, such as to Wilson Odobert, Richarlison and Van de Ven this season.Tottenham boss Postecoglou REFUSES to answer questions after his team ship another hatful of goals in Liverpool lossGiven that record was similar at his previous clubs, it has been mooted that the intensity the Australian wants his players to train and play at is a contributing factor.But Udogie, who missed September’s Europa League win at Ferencvaros with another hamstring injury, is understood to think his current issue is down to bad luck. More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Miguel Almiron set for £16million Newcastle transfer exit in January to play for Premier League winner

      by

      MIGUEL ALMIRON looks set for a £16million exit from Newcastle to Charlotte FC.The Paraguayan winger, 30, saw a move to the MLS side collapse in the summer as they refused to meet Toon’s asking price.Miguel Almiron looks set for a £16million exit from Newcastle to Charlotte FCCredit: GettySince then he has barely featured for the Mags in the Premier League and has attracted a host of interest from both Europe and South America.Olympiacos are interested in bringing Almiron to Greece but Brazilian rivals Santos and Botafogo are looking to snap him up.However, the switch Stateside appears to be BACK ON after Charlotte FC assistant manager Christian Fuchs revealed the ex-Atlanta United attacker is closing in on an MLS return.Fuchs, Prem title winner with Leicester in 2016, said: “He’s a great player but I don’t really want to talk about him as he hasn’t signed yet.READ MORE IN football “There are always a lot of names being associated with Charlotte FC and all I know is that, once it is signed, Almiron will be a great addition to our club and I would really look forward to him joining us and playing for us.“We are very ambitious, coming up into our fourth year and it has been a steady progression within the club, within the MLS and we are really looking forward to getting going again.“We are coming back on January 12th, going into pre season, and it is going to be a great season ahead.”As revealed by SunSport, Newcastle are also poised to cash in on former England star Kieran Trippier. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTrippier is one of the Toon’s highest earners and the club’s hierarchy are ready to cash in on the 34-year-old as they look to stick by Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules.The defender – who won the Spanish title with Atletico Madrid before joining Newcastle in 2021 – is believed to be open to another move abroad.Clubs in Spain, Italy and Turkey have all registered interest in the set-piece specialist who won 54 England caps before retiring from international duty after last summer’s Euros.Arsenal Invincible and cult hero reveals we’ve all been saying his name wrong for nearly 45 years More