Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Pep Guardiola awkwardly drops F-bomb after brutally being put on spot by Thierry Henry at Fifa The Best awards

      by

      PEP GUARDIOLA turned the freezing London air blue – after being put on the spot by Thierry Henry.Guardiola was named The Best Fifa Men’s Coach for the first time in his illustrious career after leading City to a stunning Treble triumph last season.
      Guardiola dropped an F-bomb after a tough question from Thierry HenryCredit: AFP
      Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola won Fifa’s The Best Men’s Coach awardCredit: Getty
      Six of his City players – Kyle Walker, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland were then named in the FifPro World Team of 2023.
      It was the first time a single club had supplied as many team members since Guardiola’s Barcelona in 2010.
      And as the Spanish tactician stood on the stage to accept his award he had a short Q&A with Thierry Henry.
      And that is when the 52-year-old accidentally dropped an F-bomb in front of everyone.
      Read More on Football
      Arsenal legend Henry, who played for Guardiola at Barcelona for two years, asked him to compare the incredible team he put together at the Nou Camp between 2008 and 2012 with the Citizens.
      The ex-Bayern Munich boss was caught so off guard with that difficult question that he suffered a funny slip of the tongue.
      Henry asked: “The last time that so many players were in the World XI was with you, when you were the coach of Barcelona.
      “You had six players in that team in 2010. So which is the best team, out of the two?”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Guardiola asked back: “Who would win?”
      And Henry responded, “No, the best! You can be the best even if you lost a game.”
      And a surprised Guardiola then accidentally hummed: “F***!”
      But the Catalan head coach, who dropped his head into his hands, managed to gather his thoughts.
      Guardiola continued: “My team at Barcelona was unbelievable. We were so young.
      “But this team is in the Premier League, so tough and competitive. 
      “And for me, to wake up and be with them every day, is the best award you could have as a manager.
      “Barcelona was the club of my heart. I was born there and everything I am is from Barcelona. I grew up there and they gave me my values.
      “But City, what we have done is a dream come true. We couldn’t have expected to be here, winning a Treble. It is special for all of us.”
      Guardiola, who name-checked City President Klahdoon Al-Mubarak and executives Ferran Soriano and Txiki Beguiristain, added: “Ferran and Txiki believed in me at the start of my managerial career when nobody could have done that. 
      “I will never forget what they have done for me.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “And I want to say thank you so much to my players for what they have done at this club for many years.
      “Without exception, to all of them, thank you so much.” More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League star limps off in Afcon opener with fans fearing worst as they say ‘most depressing day of the year’

      by

      NOTTINGHAM FOREST fans are fearing the worst after Moussa Niakhate limped out of Senegal’s win over Gambia.The defender was forced off late on in his country’s opening Africa Cup of Nations match on Monday.
      Moussa Niakhate picked up an injury during Senegal’s win over Gambia on MondayCredit: Getty
      The defender’s injury comes as a concern for Forest supportersCredit: Sky Sports
      He first went down injured in the 73rd minute before attempting to continue.
      However, Niakhate was ultimately replaced by Abdoulaye Seck nine minutes from time.
      The injury concern is another blow for Forest fans after the club was charged with breaching Financial Fair Play rules earlier in the day.
      Both Forest and Everton could face a minimum six-point deduction for breaking Profitability and Sustainability Rules last season.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The Toffees were previously hit with a 10-point penalty in November for the same offence in the 2021/22 campaign.
      Reacting to Niakhate’s injury on social media, one fan sarcastically joked: “Great start to the week.”
      Another fumed: “Niakhate injured. Today is some f***ing day for us.”
      A third supporter also added: “No wonder today is the most depressing day of the year, Forest facing a possible points deduction & Niakhate gone off injured.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Meanwhile, one more wrote: “Nothing says Nottingham Forest like being charged with a breach of the Premier League’s Profitability & Sustainability Rule and having Moussa Niakhate injured on international duty in the space of half an hour.”
      The 27-year-old defender only made his Senegal debut in March after switching his international allegiance from France.
      Niakhate had been capped up to under-21 level by the country of his birth before opting to represent the Lions of Teranga.
      He has also been an important player for Forest so far this term, making 15 appearances across all competitions. More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Jesse Lingard’s new agents make immediate move as midfielder ‘offered to Portland Timbers on free transfer’

      by

      JESSE LINGARD’S new agents have offered the ex-Manchester United ace to MLS outfit Portland Timbers.Lingard has been a free agent since June when he was released by Nottingham Forest and has been struggling to link up with a new club ever since.
      Ex-Man Utd ace Jesse Lingard’s agents have offered him to Portland TimbersCredit: Alamy
      The midfielder sacked his previous reps this month as they failed to find him a new team and he was frustrated with a number of contract offers that never developed despite interest from clubs overseas
      According to the Mail, the 31-year-old’s new representatives are exploring possibilities in the US and Portland appear interested in signing him on a free transfer.
      The ex-England international has been training on his own in America as well as Dubai.
      And the United academy graduate has shared a series of images as well as clips showing him undergoing hard sessions at the gym.
      Read More on Football
      Lingard trained with former club West Ham as well as Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq, who are managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, throughout the season.
      The ex-Forest ace was also linked with the likes of Everton and Barcelona but a deal never materialised.
      Lingard burst on to the scene in 2015 at United following a series of loan stints at Leicester, Birmingham, Brighton and Derby.
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Lingard scored 35 goals and provided 21 assists in 232 appearances with the Manchester giants.
      Most read in Football
      He also won the FA Cup, EFL Cup, Community Shield and Europa League trophy with United.
      Lingard fell down the pecking order in 2021 and was loaned out to West Ham.
      The midfielder stood out during the second half of the 2020-21 campaign with nine goals and five assists in 16 appearances with the Hammers.
      That led him to a move to Forest a year later but he failed to replicate the same success with only two goals and two assists in 20 games. More

    • 150 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-referee wants controversial rule scrapped before more Premier League players get hurt

      by

      MARK HALSEY has called for the delayed offside flag to be scrapped to avoid more serious injuries.Ederson limped off with a leg injury after the Manchester City keeper collided with Sean Longstaff as the Brazilian tried to prevent the Newcastle midfielder from converting Alexander Isak’s cross.
      Mark Halsey has urged the Premier League to scrap delayed offside flagsCredit: PA
      Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson was injured before an offside flag went upCredit: Rex
      The goal was ruled out by VAR due to an earlier offside in the build-up at St James’ Park on Saturday.
      It is the second time City boss Pep Guardiola has lost a star due to injury in a similar situation after John Stones was forced off at his former club Everton last month.
      SunSport’s referee expert Halsey says the use of the offside flag needs to be looked at with an urgent review of the VAR protocol to protect players.
      The former Prem ref said: “The safety of players is paramount to the game.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “This directive about holding the flag needs reassessing because too many players are getting injured. I would change it.
      “It’s happened twice for City, firstly with John Stones and now with Ederson.
      “Football is an entertainment  business and fans want to see the best players on the pitch. Some of the best players are missing matches for injuries that are needless and avoidable.”
      Assistant referees have been told to keep their flag down — even if they think there is an offside — until the passage of play is complete.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Only once a goal is scored or the chance has gone will the assistant then  raise their flag to confirm the initial offence.
      That is so if a goal is scored then VAR can review the offside call.
      But Halsey, who started his career as an assistant referee, believes more responsibility needs to be given to officials on the field.
      He explained: “I’m all for letting the game flow — but officials need to show common sense.
      “If it’s a clear offside and the player is 40 yards from goal then the assistant referee should just automatically flag if they believe the player is offside.
      Ederson collided with Sean Longstaff as he tried to prevent a disallowed goalCredit: Rex
      “If the ball is in or around the penalty box then you don’t flag because you won’t get a serious injury with players bearing down on goal. There’s no risk for the keeper or defenders chasing back in that situation.
      “I understand why the protocol was introduced because everyone in football doesn’t want goals to be ruled out for tight offsides.
      “But these situations are not about a toenail being offside, they are yards offside. Assistant refs just need to award the offside.
      “It’s about understanding football and I can understand managers’ frustrations for this needless holding of the flag when there’s a clear offside so far up the pitch.” More

    • 188 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Everton and Nottingham Forest face MINIMUM six-point deduction after being charged with ‘breaching FFP rules’

      by

      EVERTON and Nottingham Forest face minimum six-point deductions this season after being accused of breaching Premier League financial rules.After weeks of speculation, League chiefs confirmed the two clubs had been hit with charges for breaking the Profitability and Sustainability Rules last term.
      Everton have already been docked ten points for FFP rule breachesCredit: Reuters
      Nottingham Forest sit just four points above the Premier League relegation zoneCredit: Reuters
      And it leaves both sides lined up to be hit with significant points deductions that will reset the relegation scrap and tip the pair of them into the heart of the scramble for survival.
      It means Everton, already appealing against the ten-point deduction imposed for breaches in 2021-22, face ANOTHER penalty.
      A further six points, in addition to the initial penalty, would plunge the Toffees to 19th in the Prem table, just two points ahead of bottom-placed Sheffield United and five points away from a survival spot.
      An Everton statement said: “Everton Football Club acknowledges the Premier League’s decision to refer a breach of Profit & Sustainability rules (PSR) for the assessment period ending with the 2022/23 season to an independent Premier League commission.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “This relates to a period which covers seasons 2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23. It therefore includes financial periods (2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/22) for which the club has already received a 10-point sanction. The club is currently appealing that sanction.
      “The Premier League does not have guidelines which prevent a club being sanctioned for alleged breaches in financial periods which have already been subject to punishment, unlike other governing bodies, including the EFL.
      “As a result – and because of the Premier League’s new commitment to deal with such matters ‘in-season’ – the club is in a position where it has had no option but to submit a PSR calculation which remains subject to change, pending the outcome of the appeal.
      “The club must now defend another Premier League complaint which includes the very same financial periods for which it has already been sanctioned, before that appeal has even been heard. The Club takes the view that this results from a clear deficiency in the Premier League’s rules.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      “Everton can assure its fans that it will continue to defend its position during the ongoing appeal and, should it be required to do so, at any future commission – and that the impact on supporters will be reflected as part of that process.”
      Forest would also drop down from 20 points and 15th into the third and final relegation place, two points adrift of Luton in 17th.
      A Forest statement said: “Nottingham Forest acknowledges the statement from the Premier League confirming that the club has today been charged with a breach of the league’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
      “The club intends to continue to cooperate fully with the Premier League on this matter and are confident of a speedy and fair resolution.”
      All 20 top-flight clubs had until December 31 to hand over their final accounts for the 2022-23 season.
      New League regulations, introduced last summer, meant that today was the deadline for charges to be brought.
      Prem rules allow clubs who spend three consecutive seasons in the top flight to make “permitted losses” – after income and expenditure are calculated – of £105m over that period.
      Forest, who were in the Championship for the first two seasons being assessed, were restricted to losses of £61m.
      The likelihood of a six-point deduction comes from the independent commission hearing that assessed Everton’s earlier case.
      The written reasons of the three-man body showed that Prem chief executive Richard Masters, on behalf of the League, argued that the standard starting penalty for a “PSR” breach should be six points, with a further point deducted for each £5m in excess of the allowed limits.
      While the commission opted to ignore that request and impose a penalty based on the evidence to hand, their final sentence almost exactly matched the Prem recommendation.
      The new fast-track procedure allows both clubs 14 days to respond to the charges.
      A hearing must be completed by April 8, allowing any punishment to be imposed before the end of the season.
      Clubs can then appeal, with the verdict of a subsequent panel potentially coming after the season has finished but BEFORE next term’s top-flight 20 members are confirmed by their presence at the annual summer meeting in June, when each promoted club takes over the “share” of a relegated side.
      Everton, as in the previous case, are likely to try to argue that their books have been wrongly assessed and that any punishment should be mitigated by the club’s efforts to stay within the rules. 
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Forest are understood to be arguing that Brennan Johnson’s £47.5m transfer to Spurs, completed on transfer deadline day on September 1, should be allowed into the 2022-23 accounts even though the football financial year ends on June 30.
      The Welsh attacker made three Prem appearances for Forest this season before his switch to North London. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle’s secret note that reveals how the Man City game was lost as boss Eddie Howe admits ‘it’s cost us’

      by

      A SECRET note has been revealed which explains how Newcastle lost 3-2 to Manchester City at St James’ Park on Saturday.Eddie Howe admitted that he had planned to substitute Bruno Guimaraes for Jamaal Lascelles, but he changed his mind and it “cost” his team. 
      A secret note has revealed Eddie Howe wanted to sub for Bruno Guimaraes in their defeat to Man CityCredit: Rex
      The boss wanted to add another defender captain Jamaal Lascelles to the pitchCredit: Rex
      Howe admitted the mistake of not swapping the pair ‘cost’ his side as they lost 3-2Credit: Rex
      The first half of the clash against Man City saw the Magpies take a 2-1 lead after Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon’s strikes.
      However, it was the second 45 where it turned into chaos for Howe’s side.
      And reporter Mark Douglas from Inews noticed a stack of white cards in the Newcastle dugout which could have prevented Man City’s comeback
      These cards are filled in and handed to the fourth official before making a substitution.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      But Douglas noticed one card had something written on it.
      The card had Bruno Guimaraes’ number 39 and captain Jamaal Lascelles’ number six scrawled on it.
      Howe was desperate for the change and despite Guimaraes struggling with hamstring pain the boss ultimately opted against the making the substitution.
      After the game, the Magpies manager regretted his decision and said: “I’m in a difficult position where I’m thinking ‘Do I bring a defender on?’, because that’s generally viewed as a negative move.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      “It’s generally a negative move when you take off an attacking player, and I didn’t really want to do that.
      “I wanted to keep Miggy Almiron, Alex Isak and Anthony Gordon on the pitch because of what they delivered for the majority of the game.
      “I think if we drew and saw the last three minutes out, then it’s probably not talked about as much. But unfortunately, it’s cost us.”
      This decision would have been pivotal for Newcastle who could have secured a win but instead, Manchester City took all three points.
      Kevin De Bruyne who returned after four months was subbed on by Pep Guardiola in the 69th minute.
      And the maestro midfielder wasted no time to return to his old form after levelling out the scoreline five minutes later.
      Then to finish things off for the reigning champs Oscar Bobb’s strike in the dying minutes of the game sealed the victory for City.
      Newcastle now sit 10th in the Premier League and 11 points from fourth.
      Their hopes of Champions League football in 2024-25 seem farfetched and reaching the Europa League looks difficult.
      With the club increasingly vocal on the challenge posed by Financial Fair Play rules this has been a sobering winter for Newcastle.
      Howe is powerless and likely to cash in on his star players if he wants to sign anyone this month.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Kalvin Phillips, who spent the match sitting on the opponent’s bench, is a player Newcastle are keen on.
      And their miserable defeat on Saturday showed just how much they need a midfielder like Phillips at St James’s Park. More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Andre Onana’s Afcon plans ‘thrown into jeopardy as Man Utd goalkeeper’s private plane is blocked’

      by

      ANDRE ONANA boarded a private jet to Afcon after Manchester United’s 2-2 draw to Tottenham – but he faces a race to make it in time after an unexpected delay. The Red Devils shot-stopper had less than a day to make it to Cameroon’s tournament opener against Guinea.
      Andre Onana headed straight on to a private jet after Man Utd’s draw against Spurs on SundayCredit: Instagram
      Onana’s private jet was blocked, leaving his Afcon plans in jeopardy
      Onana assisted United as they battled Tottenham in a 2-2 draw at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
      Onana, 27, delayed flying out to meet with his Africa Cup of Nations squad so he could assist United in a crucial match against Spurs.
      And his help was much needed between the sticks as the Red Devils battled against Ange Postecoglou’s side to secure a draw.
      Erik ten Hag was desperate to put on a show in what was the first game Sir Jim Ratcliffe attended since his 25 per cent stake takeover.
      And while everyone left Old Trafford at around 6.30pm on Sunday, Onana headed straight to the airport knowing Cameroon’s first Afcon game is at 5pm today.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      But, he suffered a hold up after his private jet was blocked due to bad weather, according to Manchester Evening News.
      It’s claimed his private jet was blocked in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on Monday morning due to bad weather conditions in Yamoussoukro, where Cameroon play Guinea.
      Cameroon are set to play Guinea at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium – and Onana has been stranded 150 miles away in Abidjan.
      A report from Sports Vibes say the keeper will now attempt to travel to the stadium by car as Yamoussoukro Airport has been surrounded by fog, making it unsafe for planes to land.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      It could mean his distant cousin Fabrice Ondoa, who plays in the French third tier, will instead be between the posts for the game. 
      Cameroon will also face Senegal and Gambia in their Afcon group.
      Former West Ham and Liverpool star Rigobert Song will be leading the Central African nation’s squad for the tournament.
      Onana missed Cameroon’s pre-championship game against Zambia to assist United in a 2-0 FA Cup third-round win against Wigan last week.
      Now Ten Hag is left with his number two Altay Bayindir until Onana finishes his international duty. 
      The former Inter Milan star moved to Old Trafford over the summer in a £47.1million deal.
      The shot-stopper is in a race to link up with Cameroon before their tournament openerCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal vs Crystal Palace preview: Gunners look to close gap on league leaders Liverpool in London derby – stream, TV

      by

      ARSENAL return from their Dubai training camp in need of three Premier League points against London rivals Crystal Palace.The Gunners currently find themselves five points off the pace after suffering two consecutive defeats in the league.
      Arsenal have lost three games in a rowCredit: Reuters
      And things went from bad to worse for Mikel Arteta’s men as Liverpool sent them crashing out of the FA Cup just a few days later.
      However, a win for Arsenal would see them climb above Aston Villa who dropped points at Goodison Park.
      Furthermore, the north London outfit will feel confident that they can do the double over Palace after a marginal triumph earlier this season.
      When is Arsenal vs Crystal Palace?

      Arsenal’s London derby against Crystal Palace will take place on Saturday, January 20.
      It is scheduled to kick-off at 12:30pm GMT.
      Emirates Stadium is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host approximately 60,704.
      Martin Odegaard fired ten-men Arsenal to a 1-0 win when the sides last met in August.

      Read more on Arsenal
      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Arsenal vs Crystal Palace will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.
      Coverage is expected to commence from 11am GMT – one hour and a half before kick-off.
      Fans can also stream the action on discovery+
      Alternatively, follow the entire match through SunSport’s live blog.

      What is the team news?
      Mikel Arteta would have been delighted to see Gabriel Jesus return to full-team training in Dubai after his knee issue.
      Gabriel Jesus has returned to full trainingCredit: Getty
      And the Gunners gaffer will be hoping Oleksandr Zinchenko can be fit enough to feature too following a calf problem that has kept him out for several weeks.
      However, Thomas Partey (thigh), Fabio Vieira (groin) and Jurrien Timber (knee) are all set to miss out.
      Most read in Football
      While Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mohamed Elneny are both away on international duty.
      Elsewhere, Roy Hodgson has lost Jordan Ayew to Afcon, while Cheick Doucoure (Achilles), Nathan Ferguson (muscle), and Sam Johnstone (calf) are unavailable.
      Michael Olise is also out after pulling up with a hamstring problem in their last fixture against Brentford.
      What are the odds?

      Arsenal to win 2/7
      Draw 4/1
      Palace to win 17/2

      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication More