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Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence and Lionel Messi’s record for most goals in the group stages of that Champions League were the discusses before the kickoff of the opening day if the new campaign albeit other players have already stared in previous seasons. It was because of what has been an unbelievable level of consistency from the two over the years that has made their names remain on the lips of every fan of the beautiful game, even as they approach their end days. Even if the likes of Karim Benzema, Robert Lewandowski and Mohamed Salah are stealing the headlines lately, all these are also approaching the later stages of their careers and most are almost as young as both Ronaldo and Messi. A new generation is however starting to take over not taking anything away from the players in their early 30s and the Champions League and football could still anticipate thrilling European nights, better than it was in a era dominated by Ronaldo and Messi. Almost all the records in the competitions ...

Thomas Partey’s absence was again a big miss for Arsenal at Old Trafford as Manchester United put an end to their winning start to the season, despite the Gunners being slightly the better side on the day. Few mistakes again costed them. The absence of the Ghanian left the defence vulnerable as even his backup, Mohammed Elneny was not available to deputize. However, Mikel Arteta surely will be needing more than just a backup or competitor for the former Atletico man. Brand new season same old story the result looked on Sunday but performance wise, it was not that of an Arsenal side that wouldn't show up in the big games, not the one that left the enemies ground with tails between legs but one that has knowingly become the architect of their own mishap. A perfect start to the season was under threat ahead of the trip to Old Trafford and even Mikel Arteta would have seen it coming after the injuries to both Thomas Partey and Mohammed Elneny following the win over Fulham in the round ...

Manchester United are still not at their best but the storm seems to have passed for now following wins in each of their last three games on the back of what was a nightmare start to the season. Smiles has been restored to the faces of fans around the Theater of dreams as happening both on and off the pitch since their win over Liverpool has favoured the club. It has been wins after wins thereon. First was the signing of Casemiro from Real Madrid ahead of the game against Liverpool, obviously ending their cry for a proven Central Defensive Midfield over the past years. That was followed by a breakthrough in their pursuit of Antony from Ajax before sealing a 1-0 win over Southampton at the Saint Mary's thanks to a Bruno Fernandes second half strike, in an early kick-off in the Premier League last weekend. Antony completed the move on Wednesday and Martin Dubravka was also added as backup to David de Gea just before the end of the window in a loan deal from Newcastle United. The day ...

The injury to Thomas Partey and Mohammed Elneny means Arsenal are now short of options heading into the final hours of the window with Aston Villa also visiting the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening. The fans have been lingering all summer to see the club bring in someone of a higher profile into the Central Defensive Midfield position but having cooled down interest in any midfielder, fans are beginning to switch focus to the positives, which is their impressive start to the season. Mohammed Elneny was handed a year extension on his contract earlier in the summer to remain with the club until 2023 so that might have also translate to the fact that the club is not looking forward to bringing in anyone for now. However, even if the Egyptian is a decent backup to Partey, it is obvious Arsenal will need more than just a backup but a competition for Partey in order to become a real contender in the Premier League. Mohammed Elneny is a different player from Partey in the sense that the ...

The UEFA Champions League group draw for the 2022/23 season has been made and teams have known their respective rivals for a place in the next rounds. Following the draw, clubs will already be looking at how realistic is their chances of making it out of the group stages while some others who are not so lucky will still hope to at least make something happen for themselves when the games started. It is no news that the group winners and runners up progress to the round of 16 while the third placed teams move on to the Europa League, leaving the bottom team out of European competition for the remainder of the season. We take a look at each of the groups and the favourites to progress into the next round and those who will fancy their chances to upset the odds. Also those that have been unlucky and will stand no chance of progression. Group A Ajax Liverpool Napoli Rangers Liverpool are the favourites in this group albeit Napoli avoided defeat in both legs of their meeting the last time t...

Manchester United kicked off the Premier League gameweek five with a narrow win at the Saint Mary's over Southampton and that was followed up with wins for Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. From Bruno Fernandes’ strike to the historical goals for Harry Kane, we take a look at the lesson learned in the weekend as teams continue their push for success in the most competitive league... 𝟏. 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐫𝐢𝐤 𝐓𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐠 Bruno Fernandes strike six minutes into the second half to seal a narrow win for Manchester United in an evenly contested match at Southampton, who would feel let down by the match officials. With the arrival of Casemiro, United fans will be more relieved that Scott Mctominay’s involvement will become limited. The Scottish midfielder ended up being arguably the best player of the match for the visitors in what might have been oth...

Four games into the league season and Arsenal have been flawless in the sense that they've managed to produce desired results in each of the games played so far. For the good of all connected to the club, that might be the most important of the many reasons to get excited but surely there is more attached to what makes this team look promising this early. Yes, Fulham did make it tough for Arsenal but as said by Mikel Arteta, that he was happier with the win more than he was when they convincingly beat Bournemouth 3-0 the previous gameweek at the Vitality Stadium. A come from behind win has been something that always seemed to elude Arsenal. In the entirety of last season, Arsenal won only once when they've gone behind, a 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wonderers at the Emirates in February. In games you'd expect them to win like against Southampton, Brighton, Brentford and Everton, they've ended up losing after going behind. Which speaks volume of what the weekend win means ...