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Showing posts from September, 2021

New: See the ready-made records in the maiden edition of the Europa Conference League

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After the qualification phases, the first ever edition of the Europa Conference league started proper on Tuesday, 14 September and after the completion of second group games, a lot of records have been created by teams and individuals. Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur is presented with the match ball by teammate Heung-Min Son after scoring a hat-trick following victory in the UEFA Europa Conference League group G match between Tottenham Hotspur and NS Mura at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 30, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) In this article, we take a look at these records..., First Games On Tuesday, 14 September, the first ever group games of the competition were played in the afternoon across two Stadia as Maccabi Haïfa hosted Feyenoord at the Sammy Ofer Stadium in Haifa, Israel, and in Tel-Aviv, Alashkert FC kickoff against Maccabi Tel-Aviv at the same time. As both Maccabi clubs, Haïfa and Tel-Aviv are from Israel, the country became the first cou

Sergio Busquets highlights Barcelona's crisis as pressure intensifies on Koeman

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In the aftermath of their 3-0 loss to Benfica in the UEFA Champions league game on Wednesday, the Spanish Midfielder has backed his manager, admitting there is more to Barca struggles than just the manager. Sergio Busquets of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League match between Benfica v FC Barcelona at the Estadio da Luz on September 29, 2021 in Lisbon Portugal (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images) The loss has intensified the calls for the manager to be dismissed and players, in the likes of Sergio Busquests and Frankie de Jong have come in the open to voice their support for the manager. Speaking in a post match interview, Sergio Busquets said; “We were not good, neither in defense nor in attack. “We reached the opponent's area a lot, but it was useless. When we moved forward, they took advantage of the situation and scored the 2nd and the 3rd.” “The team was quite good, we created a lot of chances but we failed to put the ball in the back of the net.” “We have

Cristiano Ronaldo cluth moment ensures it is Glory glory Manchester United but until when ?

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The last two games before Villarreal there was no one to be there for Ole Gunnar Solksjær side and only twice in the last five games have they had moments like this one, but even needed a David de Gea penalty save to see out the first one against West Ham United. Coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of Manchester United during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester United v Villarreal at the Old Trafford on September 29, 2021 in Manchester United Kingdom (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) Despite all the investment, it is safe to say the only game United have won comfortably this season was the opening weekend 6-1 victory over Leeds United, but even that encounter was so much about who scored the next goal when the score was level at 1-1. For a side blessed with so much talent in the squad, it is disheartening that the Norwegian has yet to design an approach to make them convincingly dominate proceedings in games, and United still struggle to breakdown oppositions

UCL: Mouthwatering clashes in the group of death as teams look to set pace early on

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AC Milan and Atletico Madrid clash in a mouthwatering contest while Liverpool travel to Portugal in the 'group of death' of the UEFA Champions league this season. Mohamed Salah of Liverpool FC celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League group B match between Liverpool FC and AC Milan at Anfield on September 15, 2021 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Brooks/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) Arguably the toughest group in this year's UEFA Champions league, Atletico Madrid find themselves with a point after the opening game, which was played in their Wanda Metropolitano Stadium against Porto. They will think themselves even lucky to come away with the point as it was all Porto and the Portuguese side even scored a goal that was eventually ruled out for a foul, and were more threatening than their host on the night. They travel this time to Milan to face one of the most successful clubs in the history of the competition, who is

Ansu Fati's return headlines Barcelona's win over Levante

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The Spanish teenager made his first appearance for The Catalan giants after 322 days since his last one and it was an emotional return, capped with a brilliant individual goal to complete a 3-0 win over Levante. Ansu Fati of FC Barcelona celebrates goal 3-0 during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona v Levante at the Camp Nou on September 26, 2021 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) Memphis Depay scored his third La Liga goal to open the scoring from the spot and the lead was doubled few minutes later, as Sergino Dest put the ball on the plate for Luuk de Jong, who fired past the Goalkeeper for his first goal for the club. Missing manager Ronald Koeman due to suspension, Barcelona continued to dominate the visitors, who are less threatening and sit back to let the host dictate the play. Ansu Fati was introduced less than 20 minutes remaining and the La Masia graduate, whom much has been expected from on his return did not take much time

MMN redemption the biggest test they might have to face in the Champions League

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After a disappointing end to their first start together in a one all draw at Club Brugge in PSG opening game of the champions league, their trio of Messi, Mbappe and Neymar could all be in the lineup today when they host English Champions, Manchester City. (From L) Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar, Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe and Paris Saint-Germain's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi look on during the UEFA Champions League Group A football match Club Brugge against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Jan Breydel Stadium in Bruges, on September 15, 2021. (Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / AFP) (Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images) After the draw in Belgium, the trio started together again the following weekend against Olympic Lyon and things did not go as planned, even though Les Parisens did grabbed a late winner, it did not come until after the substitution of Lionel Messi who has been out of action since. The Argentine returned to t

Inconsistent United not ready for the rematch of the 2020-21 Europa League final

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With three defeats in their last four games, Ole Gunnar Solskjær is a man under pressure to deliver and questions are being asked of United's hierarchy, if they are really ambitious enough to drive the club forward. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manager of Manchester United with Bruno Fernandes after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on September 25, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) The Norwegian has recorded numbers that got David Moyes sacked after the loss to West Ham United making it just five wins for the club in their last 10 games. Another loss in the weekend at home to Aston Villa worsened the criticism of the manager. United's home loss to West Ham is their first to the Hammers at the Old Trafford Stadium in 14 years, while it was also followed by their first defeat to Villa, ending a run of 16 games without losing. They have disappointingly dropped points in the league to Southampton and Aston

Arsenal's dismantling of London neighbours a dream in transition for Hale End graduates

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From Hale End to rolling back the years in the North London derby, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka stole the show in Arsenal's obliteration of Tottheham Hotspur as Thierry Henry watched from the stands. (L-R) Emile Smith Rowe celebrates scoring the 1st Arsenal goal with (R) Bukayo Saka during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on September 26, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) Arsenal made it three Premier league wins on the bounce after previously losing as many in succession with a comprehensive 3-1 win over their North London rivals to move up on the standings. The Gunners are starting to get into life in the new season and have slowly overcome their poor start and at the same time pilling more misery on their neighbour, whose run of poor results seem never ending anytime soon. As expected, the battle between this two is always tense and the atmosphere is different as always, after a

Match report: Kortney Hause late header ends Aston Villa's winless run against Manchester United in his first league appearance this season

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Manchester United were beaten at home courtesy of an 88th minute header by Kortney Hause, as a run of 16 games unbeaten run against the visitors ends and pressure continue to mount on the manager. Manchester United players react following conceding their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on September 25, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images). More to follow...

Match report: Gabriel Jesus lone goal inflict first defeat of the season on Chelsea

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It was all City at the Stamford Bridge Stadium and Gabriel Jesus strike seven minutes before the hour mark gives Pep Guardiola's men their first win over Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel. Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 0-1 during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on September 25, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images) More to follow...

Team news as Mendy, James, De Bruyne and Laporte return for Chelsea-City clash and Cavani makes the bench for United against Villa

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Here is the team news of the early kickoff games in the Premier league; LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: A general view inside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on September 25, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty - Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images) Chelsea starting XI: Mendy, Christensen, Azpilicueta(c), Rüdiger, Kanté, Jorginho, James, Alonso, Kovacic, Werner, Lukaku Substitutes: Loftus-Cheek, Chalobah, Havertz, Chilwell, Ziyech, Ñíguez, Hudson-Odoi, Arrizabalaga, Thiago Silva Manchester City Starting XI: Ederson, João Cancelo, Laporte, Walker, Rúben Dias(c), De Bruyne, Foden, Rodri, Grealish, Bernardo Silva, Gabriel Jesus Subs: Stones, Aké, Lavia, Steffen, Sterling, Torres, Fernandinho, Palmer, Mahrez. Chelsea welcome back Edouard Mendy into the starting XI after sitting out of the last two games while Reece James marks return from suspension. Thiago Silva named on the bench. Kevin De Br

Fixtures, team news, score prediction and all the numbers ahead of kickoff of Matchday seven games in the LaLiga.

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All you need to know as Real Madrid and Atletico look to continue rubbing shoulders at the top of the log while Barcelona look to ease pressure around the club. Real Madrid's Spanish midfielder Marco Asensio (R) celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Spanish League footbal match between Real Madrid CF and Real Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on September 22, 2021. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP) (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images) Deportivo Alaves Vs Atletico Madrid Defending champions have been struggling recently to win games and had to come from behind the last time out courtesy of a Luis Suarez brace to see off Getafe and and earned their first time in three games. Coming up against an Alaves on Saturday afternoon, a side yet to pick up a win this season, it is the perfect fixture for the Diego Simeone side to get back to form as they prepare for the mid-week Champions league trip to Italy to face AC Milan. Score prediction: Alaves

Fixtures, team news, score prediction and all the numbers ahead of kickoff of Matchday six games in the Premier league.

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High-flying Chelsea host defending champions in the premier league this weekend as Arsenal also play host to Tottheham Hotspur in the North London derby. Manchester United will be looking to bounce back from their early elimination from the Carabao Cup when they host Aston Villa. LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Thiago Silva (6) celebrates scoring Chelsea's first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 19, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) We take a look at what to expect from the weekend games, assessing each teams on their recent forms and an intro to team news, as some players are expected to miss out. Chelsea Vs Manchester City The Blues, under Thomas Tuchel have won all three games against Pep Guardiola's City and a win on Saturday afternoon will cast away any doubt of their title credential this season. Early season signs have shown the Londoners are true contenders for t

José Mourinho equals Massimiliano Allegri's record in the Serie A

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José Mourinho has equalled a Serie A record set by Massimiliano Allegri in the Italian's first spell with Juventus. ROME, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: AS Roma head coach Jose Mourinho reacts during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on September 23, 2021 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) The Italian set a record of 41 unbeaten home games in the Italian top-flight between 2015 and 2017 and after Jose Mourinho's AS Roma defeated Udinese last night in Rome, the Portuguese equalled the record. Mourinho left Inter Milan in 2010 whilst on a run of 38 home games without a loss and returned to Italy this season, winning all three home games played in the league so far to match Allegri's feat. The former Inter boss will have the chance to surpass the Juventus boss in the first weekend of October, when his side play host to Newly promoted Empoli. Afolabi Kehinde Hassan

Kylian Mbappe overtakes Zlatan Ibrahimovic to set a new standard in Ligue un

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The PSG Paris-Saint Germain forward has been named the Ligue un Player of The Month in the French top-flight for the month of August, after his contribution helped his side remain unbeaten throughout. Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Stade de Reims at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on May 16, 2021. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images) Mbappé's contributions were vital as the team beat Troyes, Strasbourg, Brest and Reims. The 22year old recorded three goals and two assists in the four games, without firing blank in any of the games. He wins the award for the sixth time, taking his tally ahead of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has five during his spell with Les Parisens. Mbappé has now win the award most times that any other player in the history of the Ligue un. Afolabi Kehinde Hassan

Barcelona have no easy route to solving crisis and impatient will only prolong revival

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Spanish teams, most notably Barcelona are known for playing the Tiki-Taka football, which loosely translates to “touch-touch” and refers to the rapid, precise passing style that allows teams to maintain possession for large portions of the match. Barcelona players respect a minute of silence prior the Spanish League football match between FC Barcelona and Granada at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on September 20, 2021. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP) (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images) The Catalan club thrived playing this pattern over the years, with the help of talented players from La Masia, in the likes of Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets pulling the strings in the middle of the park, making things easy on both ends of the pitch. Barcelona's dominance in the later stages of 2010s and early last decade was down to the brilliance of these players who well understand the concept of Tiki-Taka, and most importantly Lionel Messi, who is regarded as the greates

Manchester United maintain perfection but Sunday showing leaves question mark over title credential

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David de Gea was the hero of the day for Manchester United at the Olympic Stadium in London, after the Spaniard saved a penalty in a premier league game for the first time since October 2014, having conceded from all 21 he had faced. Jesse Lingard of Manchester United celebrates scoring his side's second goal with team mates during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United at London Stadium on September 19, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images) It was a tough afternoon for Manchester United in London and the only positive to take away from the game is the win. West Ham United, under David Moyes have become a very good side since the last season, finishing sixth in the league and starting this season well, until they fell to their first defeat at the hands of Manchester United, who made it 29 away league games unbeaten. West Ham took the lead through a deflected effort from Said Benrahma on the stroke of the half hour. Ra

Chelsea continue to strengthen title credential with statement win at the Tottheham Hotspur Stadium

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Tottheham Hotspur were comprehensively beaten at home on Sunday by a Chelsea side, who are showing no signs of slowing down any moment, making it 13 points from possible 15 this season. Thiago Silva (second from right) celebrates scoring Chelsea's first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 19, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) Second half goals from Thiago Silva, N'Golo Kanté and Antonio Rudiger earned Chelsea all three points in another visit to North London this season. Thomas Tuchel side went into the game, having won each of their two visits to the Tottheham Hotspur new Stadium and at the sound of the final whistle on Sunday evening, they have made it three in three away to Spurs. Having started the season brightly by winning their first three games, it appeared Tottheham Hotspur are yet to recover from their 3-0 humiliation at the hands of Crystal Palace on matchday fo

Sadio Mane hits Liverpool milestone as Liverpool crush Palace's crystals for ten from ten

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It was another thrilling weekend of football actions in the English top-flight and Liverpool, The Reds that never walk alone  continue their unbeaten run to maintain their status as title contenders this season, after a commanding 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday. Liverpool players celebrate their third goal against Crystal Palace in the Premier league.  (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images) Liverpool started the weekend on the back of an impressive come from behind win over AC Milan in the Champions league on Wednesday and it took time before they finally gear into action, against The Eagles  who put three with reply past Tottheham Hotspur the weekend before. Sadio Mane put Jürgen Klopp side in front just before the break after Mohamed Salah's header from Kostantinos Tsmikas corner was superbly saved by Guaita, who could do nothing to prevent the Senegalese firing home the rebound. It was Sadio Mane's 100th goal for Liverpool, in 224 appearances since moving from S

Premier League Preview: All you need to know including predictions of the weekend games

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The Premier League enters matchday five this weekend and some teams look to build on their success so far while for some, it's all about getting their season back on track after a slow start to the season. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United celebrates after scoring their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on September 11, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Everton have managed to stay unbeaten after matchday four, and all are tied on ten points. West Ham United have also started fairly well but having drawn their last two league games, they drop behind Manchester City and Brighton, who have lost once and won three. Tottheham Hotspur are also on nine points, their start to the season was ended last weekend at the Selhurst Park, where they were completely outrun by Palace, who scored three

Five things we learn from the Premier League weekend featuring debutants, Chelsea and Arsenal

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The weekend marked the return of club football after players return from their respective countries where they went to take part in the World Cup qualifiers during the international break. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United smiles during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on September 11, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) A lot were anticipated prior to kickoff of the Premier League games last weekend and after the nine games that have gone down so far in the English top division, here are the top five things we learn from them. 5. Arsenal not convincing Despite the expectations in the build up to the game which the Gooners have almost everyone available, they struggled to breakdown a Norwich City side, that had conceded multiple goals in all league games so far this season. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored Arsenal's first league goal of the season in a