Vincent Kompany Set To Be Named Bayern Munich Boss
Burnley boss Vincent Kompany has emerged as the leading candidate to take over as manager at Bayern Munich. The German club has been on the lookout for a new manager since February, when Thomas Tuchel confirmed he would be leaving his position at the end of the season.
Bayern Munich's search for Tuchel’s successor has not been without difficulties. The club has faced multiple rejections from several high-profile candidates, including Julian Nagelsmann, Ralf Rangnick, Roger Schmidt, and Xabi Alonso. Each of these managers declined the opportunity to take the helm at one of Europe’s most storied clubs, leaving Bayern in a precarious position as they approach the new season.
Additionally, Bayern's approach for Oliver Glasner was rejected by Crystal Palace, who were not willing to release him from his contract. The German giants also enquired about the services of Julen Lopetegui and Unai Emery, but both managers expressed a desire to remain in the Premier League, further complicating Bayern's managerial search.
As Bayern’s struggles to secure a high-profile manager continued, they even attempted to convince Thomas Tuchel to reconsider his departure and stay with the club. However, Tuchel was adamant about leaving and has shown a strong interest in securing a managerial position in England.
Amid these setbacks, Vincent Kompany has emerged as the unexpected favorite to become Bayern Munich’s new manager. Despite experiencing relegation with Burnley this season, the Belgian manager has garnered admiration for his footballing philosophy and tactical approach. Kompany's style of play, heavily influenced by his time under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, aligns well with Bayern's attacking and possesion based play.
Sources close to the situation reveal that Kompany is keen to bring his backroom staff to the Allianz Arena. This team includes first-team coaches Piet Cremers, Mike Jackson, and Floribert N’Galula. However, it has been confirmed that assistant manager Craig Bellamy will not be joining Kompany at Bayern.
An official announcement regarding Kompany’s appointment is expected to be made this Thursday. Bayern Munich is eager to finalize the managerial position after months of speculation and uncertainty. The club believes that securing Kompany's services will bring stability and a fresh perspective to the team.
EVERTON WIN AT GOODISON VS LIVERPOOL FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 14 YEARS
Liverpool's title dreams for this season have shattered, seemingly leaving only two contenders in the race. Jurgen Klopp's tenure at Liverpool faces a grim end, as Everton dealt a severe blow to their aspirations, marking a bitter end to their Merseyside derbies under his leadership. Instead of triumphant thumps to the chest, Klopp found himself offering apologies, in contrast, Sean Dyche's Everton seems to have sparked a newfound connection with their fans after a win that reminded fans how football was one in the 80’s, with grit and discipline.
Fourteen years had passed since Everton last tasted victory in a Goodison derby. This triumph came at a pivotal moment, securing their Premier League status. If Everton could replicate such displays consistently, they would be formidable at home.
Liverpool faltered, playing into Everton's hands with their vulnerability in set pieces, leading to both Everton goals. Their shortcomings in front of goal plagued them once again, with Mohamed Salah failing to shine, and Darwin Nunez yet again failing to deliver in the business end of the season.Everton demonstrated their class and determination, seizing control early in the match and leaving Liverpool scrambling.
Liverpool played into Everton's game plan, conceding numerous fouls and providing opportunities from set pieces. Everton's relentless pressure forced Liverpool into defensive errors, leading to Everton's goals.
Liverpool's frustration was evident as they argued with officials and struggled to cope with Everton's intensity. They fell into traps reminiscent of past derby failures, failing to assert themselves amidst the hostile atmosphere.
Liverpool had chances to respond, but their front three failed to capitalize, highlighting their recent struggles in front of goal. The inability to remain composed in pressure situations has plagued Liverpool's title challenge.
Dyche's impact at Everton is evident, with the derby win potentially heralding a new era of promise for the club. Meanwhile, Liverpool's response to adversity fizzled out, marking a stark contrast to their ambitions of a quadruple just a month prior.
Everton's double triumph over Liverpool signifies a remarkable turnaround, getting rid of fears of relegation and most likely snatching the title away from Jurgen Klopp in his final attempt.
UNITED REACH 2ND FA CUP FINAL IN A ROW DESPITE EMBARRASSING SCARE
Coventry City's dreams of securing a spot in the FA Cup final were dashed in a heart-wrenching encounter against Manchester United at Wembley, culminating in a tense penalty shootout that saw United emerge victorious.
Despite trailing 3-0 by the 58th minute of the semi-final clash, the Championship club, under the stewardship of former United player Mark Robins, displayed remarkable resilience, mounting a stunning comeback to level the scoreline at 3-3, including a dramatic penalty conversion in the fifth minute of injury time. However, their hopes of a fairytale victory were dashed when a late goal in extra time was disallowed for offside following a VAR review.
United had seemed to be cruising towards victory, with goals from Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire, and Bruno Fernandes establishing a commanding 3-0 lead. However, Robins' spirited side, positioned eighth in the Championship, staged a remarkable resurgence. Ellis Simms ignited their comeback with a goal in the 70th minute. United's grip on the lead faltered as Coventry intensified their assault, culminating in a dramatic penalty awarded to Coventry in stoppage time following a handball by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, expertly converted by Haji Wright.
In a thrilling climax to the match, Coventry appeared to have secured a sensational victory when Victor Torp found the back of the net in the final minute of extra time. However, their jubilation was short-lived as VAR intervened, ruling out the goal for offside.
With the match deadlocked, the outcome was decided by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, which United clinched with a 4-2 victory. Coventry's captain, Ben Sheaf, endured a heartbreaking moment as he sent his crucial penalty soaring over the crossbar, paving the way for United's Rasmus Hojlund to secure their berth in the final.
United's triumph sets the stage for a highly anticipated final showdown against arch-rivals Manchester City at Wembley on 25 May, promising an electrifying conclusion to the FA Cup campaign.
crossbar, paving the way for United's Rasmus Hojlund to secure their berth in the final.
Despite the elation of securing a place in the final, Erik ten Hag's United, currently occupying seventh place in the Premier League, opted for subdued celebrations, reflecting the narrow escape from an impending upset which would have certainly led to the already out of favour Ten Hag leaving the club.
ERIK TEN HAG SACKING IS LOOKING MORE AND MORE LIKELY
According to recent reports, the Manchester United squad is bracing for the likelihood of Erik ten Hag's departure in the summer, a development that has prompted some players to postpone decisions regarding their futures.
The Red Devils' disappointing performance on Saturday, where they twice came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against 13th-placed Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, has only intensified the scrutiny surrounding Ten Hag. With Manchester United slipping to seventh in the table and facing a considerable 13-point gap behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, the pressure on the Dutch manager has reached new heights. Notably, Manchester United's struggles extend beyond their results, with their performances on the pitch widely criticized, particularly for their porous defense, which has conceded more shots than any other team in the Premier League this season.
While there were initial indications that INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club's new investors, would afford Ten Hag the opportunity to prove himself until the conclusion of the season following a promising start to his tenure, recent performances have raised doubts. The Manchester Evening News has reported that a faction of players within the squad is anticipating Ten Hag's dismissal, leading them to defer decisions regarding their own futures. According to the report:
"Several United players are convinced that Ten Hag will not retain his position beyond the current campaign, given the team's disappointing position in seventh place in the Premier League standings. With seven senior players set to enter into contract negotiations this summer, coupled with uncertainty surrounding the futures of other squad members amidst the ongoing changes following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment, the atmosphere at the club is fraught with uncertainty."
Furthermore, the report identifies a list of potential replacements for Ten Hag that have captured the attention of the Manchester United board. Among them are renowned coaches such as Thomas Tuchel, Antonio Conte, Roberto de Zerbi, and Julen Lopetegui, each bringing a wealth of experience and success at the highest levels of the game. Additionally, Gareth Southgate, the current manager of the England national team, has emerged as a strong candidate to take over and is said to be the preferred choice of Jim Ratcliffe.
As Manchester United navigates through a period of transition both on and off the pitch, the imminent decision regarding the managerial position will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the club's future trajectory. With the stakes higher than ever, the Red Devils find themselves at a critical juncture as they seek to restore their status as a dominant force in English and European football
UNITED PUT A DENT IN LIVERPOOL TITLE CHARGE
Manchester United and Liverpool engaged in a thrilling encounter at Old Trafford, culminating in a 2-2 draw that saw Jurgen Klopp's team miss the opportunity to reclaim top spot in the Premier League. The match commenced with promising signs for the hosts as Alejandro Garnacho found himself in a prime position to score within the first minute, but his goal was disallowed for offside. From then on, the first half unfolded with Liverpool asserting dominance.
Liverpool's attacking prowess was evident when Salah provided Dominik Szoboszlai with an opportunity, only to be denied by an outstanding one-handed save from Andre Onana, who was in for a hard afternoon in net. The visitors continued to press, exposing defensive vulnerabilities in United's ranks. Wan-Bissaka made a crucial block against Salah, while Szoboszlai missed a couple of chances in quick succession.
The breakthrough for Liverpool eventually arrived as Darwin Nunez capitalized on United’s inefficient zonal marking to redirect Robertson's corner to Diaz for a straightforward finish. Liverpool should have capitalized further on their dominance, with Salah, Nunez, and Bradley squandering opportunities to extend their lead, leaving the hosts fortunate to go into halftime trailing by only one goal.
However, reminiscent of their previous FA Cup encounter, United displayed resilience. They levelled the score soon after halftime, courtesy of a spectacular long-range effort from Fernandes, capitalizing on a misplaced pass from Quansah. This stunning goal shifted the momentum of the game, with United suddenly posing a threat, exemplified by Garnacho's deflected effort and Rashford's attempt forcing a save from Kelleher.
United seized the lead through Kobe Mainoo's brilliant curled finish into the top corner, echoing Federico Macheda’s goal vs Aston Villa almost exactly 15 years ago, leaving Liverpool trailing once again. Despite Liverpool's relentless pursuit, United defended resolutely, with Salah's penalty after Wan-Bissaka's foul on Elliott being the only successful attempt among numerous opportunities. United's defense faced an onslaught, with Liverpool registering 28 shots, a record at Old Trafford for a Premier League fixture.
In the final moments of the match, both teams had chances, with Antony's effort for United and Liverpool's persistent attacks, but ultimately, the draw favored United over Liverpool.
The draw denied Klopp's team the chance to maintain their lead in the league, leaving them trailing Arsenal on goal difference.
WOLVES LEFT FRUSTRAED AT VAR ONCE MORE
Gary O'Neil expressed vehement dissatisfaction over yet another contentious VAR ruling that went against his Wolves team, branding the disallowed equalizer as "one of the worst decisions I've ever witnessed."
The controversial moment occurred when Max Kilman's header in the 99th minute was disallowed due to Tawanda Chirewa being adjudged offside and obstructing Lukasz Fabianski view, thus impeding play. VAR intervention prompted referee Tony Harrington to consult the pitchside monitor, ultimately leading to the annulment of the goal.
The aftermath witnessed chaotic scenes at full-time, with several Wolves staff and players receiving bookings for their protests. Manager O'Neil opted to head down the tunnel immediately following the match, having already accrued two yellow cards this season. Another booking would have resulted in his suspension. Nonetheless, in a post-match interview with Sky Sports, O'Neil vented his frustration towards the match officials.
He expressed disbelief, stating, "My view, David Moyes' view, Fabianski's view is that it's a scandalous decision. Horrendous. I don't understand it." O'Neil struggled to fathom the rationale behind the decision, labeling it as one of the most egregious he has ever encountered.
The contentious nature of VAR decisions continues to evoke strong reactions from players, managers, and spectators alike. O'Neil's impassioned critique sheds light on the ongoing debate surrounding the implementation and interpretation of VAR in football.
As Wolves reflect on the missed opportunity and the fallout from a controversial VAR decision, it serves as yet another instance fueling the discourse surrounding the effectiveness and fairness of VAR in shaping the outcome of matches.
WATKINS HAUNTS HIS OLD SIDE YET AGAIN, BUT VILLA LOSE GROUND IN UCL SPOT
Both Aston Villa and Brentford were left with mixed emotions as they shared the spoils in a pulsating 3-3 draw at Villa Park on Saturday. The outcome leaves Aston Villa with 60 points, now level on points with Tottenham Hotspur in the race for 4th place. On the other hand, Brentford finds themselves in a precarious position with 28 points, just two spots above the relegation zone, with Luton Town's late triumph over Bournemouth leveling them with Nottingham Forest in 17th place, both on 25 points.
Aston Villa seemed to be in control after Ollie Watkins swiftly propelled them to a 1-0 advantagein the 36th minute. However, their lead quickly evaporated and in a dramatic turn of events, Villa found themselves 3-1 down in the 68th minute thanks to a goal from Brentford striker Wissa. Nevertheless, Watkins, proved to be the man that could crack the Brentford defence, striking again in the 80th minute, securing his 18th Premier League goal of the season, three of which have come against his former club.
The seesaw battle encapsulated the unpredictable nature of the Premier League, leaving both teams with a sense of frustration at not securing all three points. Aston Villa's position in the top four remains precarious, with Tottenham Hotspur now level on points after their 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest. Meanwhile, Brentford's fight for survival intensifies as they find themselves dangerously close to the relegation zone.
Despite the setback, Aston Villa will take solace in their attacking prowess, particularly with Watkins continuing to deliver crucial goals. However, defensive lapses remain a concern, evident in their inability to hold onto a two-goal lead.
MANCHESTER CITY REMIND ASTON VILLA THAT THEY ARE STILL THE TOP DOGS IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE
Pep Guardiola's formidable Manchester City side found themselves deadlocked at 1-1 against Unai Emery's resilient Aston Villa, but it was Phil Foden's dazzling performance that ultimately tilted the scales in City's favour. Foden's display included three exquisite goals – one from a free-kick just before halftime, followed by two more in the second half, the last of which was a sublime long-range strike.
The young Englishman's first goal of the evening came from a set-piece just outside the box, where he deftly maneuvered the ball past the Villa wall and goalkeeper Robin Olsen, leaving them stranded. Foden, typically not the designated free-kick taker, took the initiative to request the opportunity from Julian Alvarez, who graciously conceded. Reflecting on his unexpected role, Foden admitted, "I don't actually take free-kicks, I don't know why I took that one. Julian was on it, I just felt confident at the time saying, 'Julian, do you mind giving me this one?' And, to be fair to him, he gave it to me. It paid off in the end."
For his second goal, Foden capitalized on Rodri's penetrating run from midfield, coolly slotting the ball past the keeper into the bottom corner. Speaking about his penchant for arriving late in the box, Foden noted, "I'm always trying to arrive in the box, that's where the goals are at. You get at least five a season by arriving into the box late. So I've been working on all aspects of my game in the midfield. Still a lot of improve on, but I'm enjoying that position."
The third goal, a thunderous volley reminiscent of Wayne Rooney's iconic strike for Manchester United in 2005, showcased Foden's resilience and determination. Despite feeling he should have been awarded a free-kick for a foul in the buildup, Foden quickly regained his footing and unleashed a ferocious shot into the top corner. Recalling the celebration, Foden shared, "When I was running off celebrating I was with Jack (Grealish) and he said 'Wayne Rooney goal'. That's what it reminded him of."
Guardiola was all praise for Foden's performance, emphasized the youngster's natural goal-scoring instincts when deployed in central positions. "When he plays in central positions, he has a sense of goals. He has goals in his veins. And we have to use them," remarked Guardiola.
In the aftermath of the match, Guardiola reiterated his admiration for Foden's versatility and potential, asserting, "He can do whatever he wants. I think he is a really top-class player. We know it." Foden's scintillating hat-trick not only underscored his burgeoning talent but also reinforced his status as one of City's most indispensable assets.
ARSENAL EASE PAST LUTON IN FIRST GEAR
After securing a commendable goalless draw against Manchester City, where they endured significant spells without possession, Arsenal approached their Wednesday encounter with Luton with a strategic mindset, recognizing the importance of conserving energy in a packed fixture schedule. Unbeaten in 2024, Arteta's side aimed for a professional yet effective performance to kickstart a pivotal month in their season, with Champions League commitments and eight Premier League fixtures in April alone. Consequently, key players were given much-needed rest, with Bukayo Saka absent from the matchday squad entirely and Declan Rice utilized only as a second-half substitute.
In the absence of significant players, Odegaard, a main stay in midfield, notched his 10th goal of the season, providing the impetus for Arsenal's straightforward victory. However, it was Smith Rowe who emerged as the catalyst for Arsenal's dominance. Exploiting a lapse in Luton's defense, he won possession from the sluggish Mpanzu in the visitors' half before orchestrating a swift exchange with Havertz, culminating in a clinical left-footed strike past Thomas Kaminski.
Luton, resilient but outmatched, suffered another blow just moments before halftime when Hashioka inadvertently diverted Smith Rowe's low cross into his own net.
Despite their admirable grit, the injury-riddled Hatters posed minimal threat in their visit to north London, mustering a meager expected goals (xG) tally of 0.18 and failing to breach Arsenal's defense.
With eyes set on their upcoming clash with Brighton followed by a crucial European fixture against Bayern Munich, Arsenal navigate through a rigorous schedule while Luton's battle for survival continues as they prepare to host Bournemouth.
The comprehensive victory against Luton provides Arsenal with momentum as they navigate through a congested fixture list, highlighting the depth and versatility within Arteta's squad. As they juggle domestic and European commitments, efficient squad rotation and clinical performances will be imperative for Arsenal to sustain their title chase and European aspirations.
EVERTON FIGHT FOR POINT IN THEIR BATTLE AGAINST RELEGATION
From the very start of the game, Everton faced ominous signs that Newcastle were up for the game at St. James’s park, as Jordan Pickford was quickly called into action, making a smart save from Harvey Barnes within the opening two minutes. Despite a brief attempt by James Tarkowski at the other end, it wasn't long before Newcastle’s main man Isak showcased his prowess.
Isak deftly left Jarrad Branthwaite behind with a slick shoulder drop before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner of the net, marking yet another display of his talent following his recent brace against West Ham. Pickford's fingertips denied him a second goal late in the first half, while Jacob Murphy and Sean Longstaff also posed threats as Everton struggled to find their footing. Despite Everton’s physical presence, they struggled to establish any significant rhythm.
The second half commenced with Tarkowski inadvertently deflecting the ball onto his own crossbar as Newcastle pressed for a second goal. Their hopes seemed fulfilled when Dan Burn found the net from a training ground free-kick routine, only for it to be disallowed due to a narrow offside against Isak.
Dyche attempted to turn the tides with a triple substitution, almost finding success when James Garner's powerful strike struck the post. However, this woke up Newcastle's attacking potential.
Barnes breezed past Ben Godfrey and set up Isak for what appeared to be a certain goal, only for Vitalii Mykolenko to heroically clear the ball off the line. Nonetheless, Everton were handed a lifeline when Dummett's foul on Young inside the box resulted in a penalty, confidently converted by Calvert-Lewin, ending his 23-game goal drought.
Newcastle were left to rue their missed opportunities, dropping two points after securing a dramatic win against West Ham. Conversely, Everton extended their winless streak to 13 games but despite the disappointment, securing a draw still felt like a significant achievement.
Dyche expressed his satisfaction with the result, particularly praising Calvert-Lewin's hard work and perseverance. He also questioned the lengthy VAR process for awarding penalties, highlighting Everton’s earlier denied claim. Nevertheless, he acknowledged his team's commendable second-half performance, deserving of at least a point from the encounter.
More Trouble For Chelsea As They Face The Ghost Of Roman Abramovich’s Dodgy Deals
Chelsea are confronted with the potentially divulging details surrounding dubious financial dealings that marked the era under Roman Abramovich's ownership.
According to the Daily Mail, The Crown Prosecution Service told them that an application under Section 8 of the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act, pertaining to the disclosure of pertinent information linked to a defendant's case, has been lodged by agent Saif Rubie in his ongoing legal dispute with former Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia. A hearing for this application is slated for April 10 at Southwark Crown Court. This development raises the specter of Chelsea's current administration being legally compelled to unveil information regarding controversial past transactions which they were not a part of.
In July of last year, UEFA reprimanded Chelsea and imposed a fine of £8.6 million for "submitting incomplete financial information" spanning the period from 2012 to 2019, , which placed the club in violation of UEFA Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play regulations. In response, a statement from Chelsea indicated that their ownership group, having finalized the club's purchase on May 30, 2022, became aware of potentially incomplete financial reporting concerning historical transactions during the previous ownership. Subsequently, Chelsea self-reported these matters to UEFA, cooperated with their investigation, and entered into a settlement agreement, agreeing to pay €10 million (£8.6 million) to UEFA.
The UEFA charge prompted a Premier League inquiry into several of the club's transactions during Abramovich's tenure, including the likes of Willian and Samuel Eto'o from Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala. Reports from The Times suggested that millins of pounds were paid to an offshore account. Chelsea clarified in a statement that these allegations occurred before club's current ownership had arrived. Chelsea will therefore have to go to court to clarify that these issues were made before the club’s current owners arrived and therefore they cannot be guilty of the offences made by the previous owner Roman Abramovic and previous sporting director Marina Granovskaia.
Chelsea To Face Potential Points Deduction Next Season Due to Record Breaking Financial Losses
Chelsea fans have woken up to the news today that their club may suffer the same fate that Everton fans and most recently Nottingham Forest fans had to go through, which is a points deduction due to FFP restrictions. The news began to spiral as Chelsea boss was seen speaking to Sports Minister and Director of the Saudi Pro League Michael Emenalo, which led people to assume that Todd Bohely could once again be looking at the Saudi Pro League this Summer as a route to try and escape FFP charges, similar to what Chelsea did last Summer by selling the likes of N’golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy to the Saudi Pro League. Due to these sales, Chelsea were found not to be in breach of FFP in the 22/23 season.
Through various sources, it has been found that Chelsea had made a £90m loss for the year at the end of June 2023, which occurred after they had made profits on disposal player registration and fixed assets, which was £142m, meaning their operating losses were £230m. The assumption was that Chelsea were going to be making a £100m profit and not £142m, which has now been revealed to be because of the sale of Mason Mount to Manchester United.
Mason Mount was announced on the Manchester United website on the 1st of July 2023, which led everyone to believe that he was a player that had been transactioned in the 2023/24 season. What had in fact occurred is that Chelsea put Mount down as a sale that took place in the 2022/23 season so that they could use the fee that they received from United of £50m to escape FFP punishment last season and balance the books. In doing so however they now have a hole of £50m in their accounts for this season, along with no income from any European competitions which is bound to cause even more losses for the club.
As such, Chelsea will be forced to sell players that they know that they will get a profit on, such as home-grown players like Trevor Chalobah, Armando Broja and Connor Gallagher who has been having a terrific season and has been seen as the engine in the Chelsea midfield since Mauricio Pochettino came in. All of these players will have to be sold by the end of June this year and the club must make at least £100m in sales if they want to escape FFP punishment. Players such as Romelu Lukaku and Kepa who are still contracted to Chelsea will also have to leave the club, although they will be making huge losses on them. If Chelsea fail to do this they will most certainly face FFP punishment, most likely in the form of a points deduction at some point next season. The punishment could be much more severe than Everton and Nottingham Forest as losses that they are looking exponentially high,
Ten Hag Ends Klopp’s Quadruple Dream As United Win It At The Death
Manchester United found themselves on the brink of FA Cup elimination, facing another disappointing defeat at Old Trafford by Liverpool, signaling the possible end for manager Ten Hag. However, a dramatic turn of events in the dying moments of normal time could breathe new life into United's campaign and possibly salvaged Ten Hag's tenure, as Anthony spun onto his right foot at the edge of the box and slotted it into the bottom corner of the net.
The match reached its crescendo with a last-gasp goal from substitute Amad Diallo, sparking chaotic celebrations that saw him sent off for removing his shirt in jubilation. The frenzy captured the sudden shift in momentum as United snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Liverpool's 9,000 fans watched in disbelief as their dreams of a quadruple evaporated, conceding to the bitter reality of this unexpected setback inflicted by their rivals.
While United's victory provided a glimmer of hope, questions loomed over Ten Hag's managerial future, particularly amidst criticism over the team's lack of identity. Despite the euphoria of the win, it remains to be seen whether this pivotal moment can truly save Ten Hag from impending scrutiny.
The victory against Liverpool must serve as a turning point for Ten Hag, a catalyst for change amidst mounting pressure. While the international break may halt their momentum, the win provides a much-needed respite from the relentless scrutiny that has dogged United's season.
Despite moments of brilliance, defensive lapses threatened to derail United's efforts, exposing vulnerabilities that Ten Hag will surely look to address moving forward. The ease with which Liverpool found the net underscored the defensive frailties that continue to haunt United's campaign and may continue to cost them until the end of the season.
Coventry City Stun Wolves And Reach FA Cup Semi Final
Coventry City orchestrated a remarkable comeback, stunning Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2 with two injury-time goals in a thrilling FA Cup clash at Molineux Stadium. The Championship side's victory propelled them to the semi-finals for only the second time in the club's history, igniting scenes of jubilation amongst the fans and players.
Wolves seemed destined for a Wembley appearance after Rayan Ait-Nouri canceled out Ellis Simms' second-half opener, with Hugo Bueno giving the home side the lead in the 88th minute. However, Simms netted his second goal in the seventh minute of added time before Haji Wright sealed the victory with a curling shot into the corner just three minutes later.
Simms's brace not only secured Coventry's place in the semi-finals but also etched his name in the club's history books, becoming the first player since Keith Houchen in 1986-87 to score five goals in a single FA Cup campaign. Reflecting on the momentous occasion, Simms expressed pride in his team's resilience, emphasizing their unwavering determination even when trailing.
"A great occasion, the fans have been amazing, and we're just delighted," Simms told the media after the game, "I'm so proud of the lads. We've dug in, and even at 2-1 down, we never gave up."
With eyes set on a historic Wembley outing, Simms acknowledged the challenges ahead but vowed to approach the next round with full determination and excitement. Despite the daunting prospect of facing Manchester United, Coventry remains hopeful, ready to give their all in pursuit of FA Cup glory.
"There's a lot of quality in our side, and as long as we believe and keep trying, we can take our chances," remarked match winner Wright, reflecting on Coventry's journey to Wembley.
As Coventry basks in the euphoria of their historic victory, thoughts will now turn to the impending semi-final clash with a rejuvenated Manchester United. With dreams of FA Cup glory within reach, Coventry are ready to embrace the challenge and continue their pursuit of FA cup glory.
Chelsea And Leicester Provide Another Memorable FA Cup Tie
In the early stages of the match, Chelsea's relentless pressure saw them break the deadlock within 13 minutes. An electric run from Chelsea striker Jackson carved open the Leicester defense, leaving Jannick Vestergaard in his wake. Jackson's precise pass found Cucurella unmarked at the back post, who calmly tapped in to give Chelsea the lead.
However, Leicester gradually found their rhythm, and a mistimed challenge from Abdul Fatawu gifted Chelsea a penalty after he brought down Sterling from behind. Surprisingly, Sterling opted to take the spot-kick himself over Palmer, but his tame effort was comfortably saved by Leicester goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk. Sterling's frustration continued when he squandered a golden one-on-one opportunity just before halftime, firing wide of the mark.
Nevertheless, Sterling played a crucial role in Chelsea's second goal, racing down the left flank and delivering a pinpoint cross for Palmer to convert from close range in the dying moments of the first half. Chelsea's comfortable lead was soon shattered early in the second half when Disasi's erratic pass back to his goalkeeper eluded Sanchez and flew into the net.
Leicester capitalized on Chelsea's defensive lapse, with Mavididi showcasing wonderful footwork to create space before curling a sublime effort into the top corner just after the hour mark. The drama escalated as Chelsea were initially awarded a penalty in the 71st minute when Doyle fouled Jackson. However, after a VAR review, the foul was deemed to have occurred outside the box, resulting in Doyle's dismissal but no penalty for Chelsea.
Despite the setback, Chelsea continued to press forward, with Sterling skying a free kick into the stands to the frustration of the home fans. Manager Pochettino faced scrutiny from the stands but made crucial substitutions, introducing Chukwuemeka and Madueke, who ultimately broke Leicester's resilient defense in added time.
Palmer's clever backheel set up Chukwuemeka to slot home Chelsea's third goal, before Madueke dazzled with a mesmerizing solo run, curling a sensational effort into the net, sending Stamford Bridge into a frenzy.
Reflecting on the pulsating encounter, Pochettino expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, emphasizing their deserving place in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley. He credited the players and staff for their resilience throughout the season and highlighted the significance of reaching multiple cup finals.
City Ease Into Record Breaking 6th FA Cup Semi Final In A Row
In a dominant display, Pep Guardiola's Manchester City sailed into the FA Cup semifinals with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Newcastle United. The home side took an early lead through two deflected goals from Bernardo Silva, setting the tone for a one-sided quarterfinal encounter.
Despite the magnitude of the occasion and the opportunity to salvage their season, Newcastle failed to mount any significant challenge against City. Isak Alexander squandered their best chance of the game with a volley straight at Stefan Ortega from close range, epitomizing Newcastle's lackluster performance.
Throughout the match, Newcastle struggled to assert themselves, failing to trouble City's defense and registering only one shot on target. The lack of urgency and ambition from Eddie Howe's side was evident, as they appeared resigned to their fate against the reigning champions.
Meanwhile, Phil Foden's standout performance earned him the title of Player of the Match, highlighting City's dominance on the field. With their victory, City effortlessly advanced in their quest to secure back-to-back trebles, showcasing their relentless pursuit of silverware.
The ease with which City dispatched Newcastle underscores the vast gulf in quality between the two sides. Newcastle's inability to rise to the occasion raises serious doubts about their ambition and desire to compete at the highest level. The result leaves Eddie Howe facing mounting pressure, as questions emerge about his suitability to lead Newcastle in this new era.
FA Cup Preview: Erik Ten Hag Team News, Plea To The Fans And The Future Of Marcus Rashford
FA Cup Preview: Klopp Reaction To European Draw, Team News And The Situation At Manchester United
VAR Mistake Snatches Victory Away From Klopp In His Final Encounter Against Guardiola In The Premier League
Since Klopp’s bombshell announcement at the end of January that he is leaving the club, Liverpool's performance has been nearly flawless, except for a setback against Arsenal. Against Manchester City, they displayed a relentless determination.
City's early dominance was rewarded with Stones finding the net from close range after a well-worked corner routine involving Kevin De Bruyne. Despite Liverpool's occasional forays forward, including Dominik Szoboszlai's missed header, City appeared in control for much of the first half.
The game ignited when Alexis Mac Allister converted a penalty early in the second half, leveling the score after the John Stones goal. Darwin Nunez anticipated a poor pass from City left back Nathan Ake and was brought down by a harsh challenge from Ederson, who had to be subsituted minutes later as a result of the collision.
Liverpool's knack for scoring late winners this season was evident, and they had several opportunities to find the net again, particularly through Luis Díaz, who failed to capitalize on numerous opportunities. City found themselves on the back foot, struggling to contain Liverpool's relentless attacking pressure.
Liverpool continued to press forward, with Robertson and Salah injected into the fray to bolster the attack. Díaz and Mac Allister had chances, but City's substitute goalkeeper, Stefan Ortega, proved equal to the task.
Despite the mounting tension, the breakthrough never materialized for Liverpool. They appealed for a penalty in stoppage time, with Mohamed Salah, only fit enough for a substitute appearance, feeling contact from Nathan Aké. However, the referee remained unmoved, leaving Anfield engulfed in a wave of frustration and debate.
City, meanwhile, almost snatched victory late on, with the woodwork denying them twice in quick succession. Phil Foden was unfortunate to see his effort rebound off the crossbar after Caoimhín Kelleher inadvertently punched the ball into him.
Jérémy Doku came agonizingly close to securing the win for Liverpool with a powerful shot that struck the post in the dying moments of the game, adding to the drama and excitement of the encounter.
While the match ultimately ended in a stalemate, the spectacle provided ample entertainment for fans, showcasing the intensity of the competition between these two footballing powerhouses. Arsenal, still at the top of the table, would have relished the result, while City likely departed feeling satisfied with the outcome. Liverpool, however, remain steadfast in their belief and determination to compete at the highest level.
The thrilling encounter had one final twist to it in added time, when a high foot inside Manchester City’s box from Jeremy Doku into Alexis Mac Allister’s chest was brought to a VAR check. Replays show Doku initially making contact with the ball near Mac Allister’s chest, but then clearly making contact with the Liverpool midfielder and leaving him in a lot of pain. Fans were in disbelief as Michael Oliver waved for the game to continue, having not been asked to go look at the incident himself on the monitor, raising more questions about his refereeing performances, especially when it comes to his decisions benefiting Manchester City.
Despite both teams' best efforts, neither could find the breakthrough, leaving the match finely poised as the final whistle blew, with both sides reflecting on a hard-fought contest filled with drama and missed opportunities.
Arsenal Win It At The Death Against Brentford
Kai Havertz's late header clinched a vital victory for Arsenal against Brentford, putting them to the top of the Premier League table amidst an early scare after a howler from Aaron Ramsdale.
With title contenders Liverpool and Manchester City set to clash the following day, any triumph for Arsenal would propel them to the league summit for the first time in 2024.
Mikel Arteta's side have been dominant in recent weeks in the league, but this match presented a different challenge—a gritty display that demonstrated their ability to grind out results, ensuring they would remain atop the league standings if Liverpool and City shared points at Anfield.
Ramsdale had been sidelined since the reverse fixture against Brentford in November, having lost the starting goalkeeper spot to David Raya, who is ineligible to play against his parent club. This outing could mark Ramsdale's final appearance for Arsenal as he is et to leave the club in the Summer in search of more game time.
Arsenal faced early pressure, with Ivan Toney clearing a dangerous Declan Rice corner off the line. Despite the challenging start, Arsenal broke the deadlock as Ben White's cross found Rice, who expertly headed home, continuing his impressive scoring form with his sixth league goal of the season.
However, Arsenal's control was disrupted just before halftime when Ramsdale delayed what seemed to be a simple clearance from his box which was intercepted by Brentford striker Wissa to level the score just before half time.
Brentford sensed an opportunity and threatened again in the second half, with Toney attempting an audacious long-range effort that Ramsdale saved. Although Arsenal remained dangerous, Gabriel's header from a Bukayo Saka corner was blocked by Vitaly Janelt.
The hosts grew increasingly frustrated with referee Robert Jones, believing they were denied several penalty appeals. Meanwhile, Havertz escaped punishment after appearing to dive in the box whilst also being on a yellow card.
Brentford continued to threat, with Nathan Colllins forcing a crucial save from Ramsdale from his header in the final quarter of the game.
As tension mounted at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal remained resolute and finally broke through as White provided another assist, allowing Havertz to score with a well-placed header, securing his fourth goal in as many league games.
The victory showcased Arsenal's resilience and determination to maintain their position at the top of the table, setting the stage for an exciting title race in the remainder of the season.
Spurs Make Up Ground In The Race For The Top Four
Tottenham delivered a commanding performance, securing a resounding 4-0 victory over Aston Villa, thus narrowing the gap to their Champions League contenders by just two points. The match took a dramatic turn when Aston Villa's John McGinn received a red card in the second half for barging into Spurs defender Udogie, leaving his team in a vulnerable position.
At that point, Tottenham had already asserted their dominance on the field, with goals from James Maddison and Brennan Johnson arriving in quick succession early in the second half, propelling Spurs to a comfortable 2-0 lead.
In the dying moments of the game, Heung-Min Son and substitute Timo Werner capitalized on Villa's weakened defense, adding two more goals during stoppage time. This emphatic victory not only narrows the points gap with Unai Emery's side but also tilts the goal difference in Tottenham's favor.
The result serves as a significant statement of intent from Tottenham, underlining their determination to secure a coveted Champions League spot. Meanwhile, Aston Villa's hopes were dashed by the McGinn red card which will see him suspended for 3 games, missing the games against West Ham, Wolves and Manchester City at the Ethiad.
City Breeze Past Copenhagen To Reach Last Eight Of Champions League
Manchester City smoothly advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2023/24 Champions League after securing a commanding 3-1 victory over FC Copenhagen at the Etihad Stadium, sealing a resounding 6-2 aggregate triumph.
The Citizens wasted no time asserting their dominance, with goals from Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez striking within the opening nine minutes of the encounter, effectively extinguishing any hopes of an upset from the Danish visitors. Although Mohamed Elyounoussi managed to pull one back for Copenhagen, Erling Haaland swiftly responded with a goal of his own before the halftime whistle, reinforcing Manchester City's firm grip on the tie.
Manager Pep Guardiola exhibited confidence in his squad depth by opting to leave key players Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden on the bench, while substituting Rodri at halftime, signaling the team's assurance that the task was largely accomplished in the first leg in Denmark. With their passage to the Champions League quarter-finals secured, Manchester City now shift their focus to a pivotal Premier League showdown against Liverpool scheduled for Sunday.
With both teams vying for supremacy in the domestic league, Sunday's encounter promises to be a fiercely contested affair, with Manchester City aiming to assert their authority and strengthen their bid for a fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Real Madrid advanced to the quarter-finals of the Champions League following a 2-1 aggregate victory over RB Leipzig, with Vinicius Junior's clinical finish proving decisive in the last-16 encounter.
Similar to the first leg, Leipzig squandered numerous scoring opportunities, and their failure to capitalize came back to haunt them when Vinicius capitalized on Jude Bellingham's pass to double Real's lead with 25 minutes remaining.
Shortly after, Leipzig managed to convert an opportunity as skipper Willi Orban nodded in a header, giving renewed hope into the Bundesliga outfit as they pushed for an equalizer.
Despite their efforts, including a late scare from former Barcelona prospect Dani Olmo whose header grazed the crossbar, Real Madrid, aiming for a record-extending 15th European title, stood firm to secure their spot in the quarter-finals for the 12th time in 14 seasons.
Manager Ancelotti cautioned against complacency in his pre-match conference, emphasizing the need for focus. However, his side delivered a lackluster performance, fortunate to progress based on overall gameplay.
Struggling to create chances, Real failed to register a shot on target in the first half and continued to lack ideas after the break, much to the frustration of the home fans.
Nevertheless, the team possesses formidable attacking prowess, with Vinicius and Bellingham leading the charge. It was Kroos' interception that sparked a crucial counter-attack, culminating in Vinicius' decisive strike.
In the assessment of former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves, Real's performance may have been subpar, but the brilliance of their individual talents proved sufficient to secure victory, highlighting the unpredictable nature of elite football.
As Real Madrid looks ahead to the quarter-finals, they are aware that improved performances will be imperative to progress further in the tournament, regardless of the opponent they face.
Real Madrid Through To Last Eight
Arsenal Show Mid-Week Champions League Loss Was Minor Hiccup In An Impressive Run
Arsenal reaffirmed their title credentials with a commanding 4-1 victory over Newcastle United at the weekend, demonstrating resilience and determination following their midweek Champions League setback against Porto. The Gunners showcased their mental fortitude as they stormed out of the gates, pressing Newcastle's defense with relentless intent from the opening whistle.
In a match characterized by Arsenal's relentless attacking prowess, it was another set-piece situation that provided the breakthrough for Mikel Arteta's side. After 20 minutes, Gabriel's towering header was parried away by former Liverpool keeper Loris Karius, only for the ball to be inadvertently poked into the net by Newcastle's Sven Botman, gifting Arsenal the early advantage.
The Gunners didn't relent there, as minutes later, Kai Havertz notched his sixth Premier League goal of the season to double Arsenal's lead heading into halftime. The German's clinical finish further emphasized Arsenal's dominance in the first half, leaving Newcastle with an uphill battle to climb.
The second half saw Arsenal continue their relentless pursuit of goals, seemingly seeking retribution for their controversial loss to Newcastle earlier in the season. Bukayo Saka extended Arsenal's lead with a well-taken goal, showcasing yet again importance to Arteta's side.
As the match progressed, Arsenal's set-piece prowess once again came to the fore, with Jakub Kiwior netting his first goal of the season from yet another set-piece situation. Arsenal's proficiency from dead-ball scenarios has been a recurring theme this season, with Kiwior's goal marking the 16th set-piece goal scored by the Gunners, the highest tally in the league.
The comprehensive victory over Newcastle served as a statement of intent from Arsenal, underlining their credentials as genuine contenders in the fiercely contested title race. Despite their setback in midweek, Arteta's side showed no signs of dwelling on past disappointments, instead channeling their focus into a dominant display against Newcastle.
With Arsenal now firmly entrenched in the title race alongside Manchester City and Liverpool, every win becomes crucial in their pursuit of Premier League glory. The Gunners' ability to bounce back from setbacks and deliver emphatic performances like this one only serves to bolster their belief and determination as they continue their quest for silverware under Arteta's stewardship.
United’s Luck Runs Out In Home Loss To Fulham
Manchester United suffered a devastating blow as they fell victim to a last-minute defeat against Fulham, with Alex Iwobi's strike sealing the victory for the Fulham. The match was characterized by twists and turns, leaving United and their fans frustrated and disappointed.
It was Fulham who drew first blood, capitalizing on a corner kick that found its way into the back of United's net, courtesy of Bassey's emphatic finish. United struggled to find their rhythm in the early stages of the game, creating little in terms of goal-scoring opportunities.
However, just when it seemed like United's luck was turning, Harry Maguire stepped up with an unlikely equalizer. Maguire pounced on a rebound from Bernd Leno's save, smashing the ball into an empty net to breathe new life into United's hopes.
As the game wore on, it appeared United were destined to secure all three points, mirroring many of their performances this season—gritty and uninspiring but ultimately effective. But fate had other plans, as Fulham launched a decisive counterattack in the dying moments of the match.
Adama Traore's blistering run exposed United's defense, leaving Maguire in his wake before playing a perfectly weighted pass to Iwobi. The Fulham attacker showed composure by wrong-footing André Onana to snatch the victory at the home of the Red Devils.
Despite the loss, United manager Erik Ten Hag remained optimistic, praising his team's character while acknowledging the need for improvement, especially in defense. However, the result comes at a precarious time for United, with rumors swirling about potential repercussions from new club owners INEOS.
Speculation looms over Ten Hag's future, with whispers suggesting that failure to secure Champions League qualification could spell the end of his tenure at Old Trafford. With each setback, United's hopes of European football next season diminish, adding further pressure to an already challenging campaign. As the season progresses, United must regroup and rediscover their form if they are to salvage their Champions League aspirations.
Manchester City secured a hard-fought victory against Bournemouth on Saturday, with a lone goal from Phil Foden proving to be the difference maker. Foden's strike further solidified his impressive form this season, where he is starting to solidify his spot in the starting eleven more and more for Manchester City.
Despite the narrow scoreline, it was far from an easy game for the Citizens. Bournemouth, under the guidance of manager Andoni Iraola, displayed resilience and defensive solidity throughout the match. Known for their ability to stifle opponents, Bournemouth proved to be a tough nut to crack, frustrating City's attacking endeavors.
Nevertheless, Manchester City's relentless pressure eventually paid off, with Foden finding the back of the net to secure the vital three points. The victory keeps City firmly in the mix at the top of the table, sitting just a point behind leaders Liverpool. As the title race heats up, City continue to demonstrate their championship credentials.
Speaking after the game, Pep Guardiola expressed his satisfaction with the result and the challenge posed by their title rivals. Guardiola emphasized his eagerness to compete against Liverpool and Arsenal this season, sending a clear message to both clubs that City are ready to battle until the end. "Bring it on," Guardiola declared, as he relishes the prospect of the intense competition ahead.
With each win propelling them closer to the summit, Manchester City remain determined to reclaim the Premier League crown. As the season progresses, their resilience and depth will be tested, but if performances like this against Bournemouth are any indication, City are more than up to the challenge.
Foden Keeps City Ticking
Jurgen Klopp To Bid Farewell to Liverpool At The End Of This Season
After an incredible nine-year stint at Liverpool Football Club, Jurgen Klopp has announced his departure date from Liverpool club. Klopp's tenure has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by numerous triumphs and unforgettable moments that have etched his name into the annals of Liverpool's rich footballing history.
Klopp's time at Anfield will forever be associated with the glorious highs that he led the team to, culminating in a Premier League title, a Champions League trophy, an FA Cup, a League Cup, a UEFA Super Cup and a FIFA Club World Cup. His impact on the club goes beyond the silverware; he instilled a winning mentality and a brand of attacking, high-pressing football that endeared him to the passionate Liverpool fanbase.
The decision to part ways with Liverpool comes as a shock to many, especially given the Reds' impressive run this season, with Klopp's team on course to add four more trophies to their illustrious collection. However, the German tactician has cited exhaustion and the need for a break as the primary reasons behind his departure.
In a heartfelt statement, Klopp expressed the emotional toll that the job has taken on him, explaining that the relentless demands of managing a top-flight football club have left him feeling drained.
The decision to prioritize personal well-being and family time is one that resonates with many in the footballing world. Klopp's honesty about the challenges he faces and his willingness to step away for the sake of his own health and that of his loved ones is a commendable and courageous choice.
Liverpool fans, while undoubtedly saddened by the departure of their beloved manager. The German's impact on the club goes beyond the trophies; he has created a culture of unity, passion, and relentless pursuit of success. The famous Anfield atmosphere, the "You'll Never Walk Alone" anthem ringing through the stadium, and the vibrant attacking style of play—all bear the indelible mark of Jurgen Klopp.
As Liverpool begins the search for a new manager to carry on Klopp's legacy, the football world will forever remember the charismatic German who brought glory back to Anfield. Klopp's departure marks the end of an era, but his influence on Liverpool Football Club will endure, serving as a lasting testament to his remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to success.
David Moyes Likely To Leave West Ham At The End Of The Season
Discussions about David Moyes and his future at West Ham United have recently taken center stage. Moyes, who is currently under contract with the Hammers until the end of this season, has yet to engage in talks about a potential extension, fueling speculation about the conclusion of his second stint with the club.
Moyes's association with West Ham has been marked by notable successes and challenges, with the 2022-2023 season standing out as a particularly memorable chapter. Last season, the manager faced uncertainty about his position but orchestrated a commendable turnaround, ensuring West Ham's Premier League survival and clinching the Conference League—a historic triumph for the club and their first european victory since 1965.
The current season, however, has seen a departure from the optimism of the previous campaign. Despite a promising start, West Ham's form has been inconsistent, prompting rumours that Moyes may be on the verge of departing once again. This speculation, however, is not uncharted territory for Moyes, who has weathered similar uncertainties in his managerial career.
The potential managerial change at West Ham is not indicative of dissatisfaction with Moyes's performance but rather aligns with the club's aspiration to refine its playing style. In an era where dynamic and attractive football is highly valued, West Ham seems poised to explore new managerial options that can bring a fresh perspective to West Ham’s on-field approach.
Moyes, known for his resilience and tactical nous, has defended his role amid recent uncertainties. However, the footballing landscape demands adaptability, and West Ham, like many other clubs, are looking more at the future rather than the past.
Jude Bellingham Continues To Shine In Real Madrid Colours - Is He The Best Player In The World This Season?
If anybody had told you that when Jude Bellingham signed for Real Madrid back in June of this year that 4 months later he would be the top scorer in the Champons League and La Liga, whilst also scoring a double in an El Clasico, one of which included a 30 yard screamer into the top right corner of Marc Ander Ter Stegen’s net, and the other being a stoppage time winner, you would probably believe that you’d be hearing about a YouTube Fifa career mode blossoming in real life. Well that’s exactly what’s happened. Today Jude Bellingham proved yet again to be the difference maker in an already talented Real Madrid squad, and that he can be a player that Madrid can rely on for many more years to come.
During the first half today against Barcelona there was indeed a sense of nervousness from Bellingham, but who can blame a 20 year old playing in his very first El Clasico for showing a few nerves in his most important match for Los Blancos so far. Real Madrid went into the tunnel at half-time one nil down thanks to a goal from a player who is no stranger to scoring in the big occasions himself in Ilkay Gundogan. Madrid needed a response in the second half and in football this is when the main men step up and make a difference, and that’s exactly what Jude Bellingham did. Bellinghams calmness mirrored the control that Real Madrid were starting to gain as the second half went on, but their calmness and passing around Barcelona’s box wasn’t amounting to any big chances. Up stepped Jude Bellingham in the 68th minute to rifle a shot into the top right corner to equalize for the away team. For the remainder of the game it looked as though Madrid were like a panther ready to pounce at any sort of oppurtunity that this young and experimental Barcelona side would give them. Any mistake or sluggish pass was intercepted by the Los Blancos defence and midfield and was taken as an invitation to go on and try and snatch the game away from Barcelona. In the end Madrid’s drive and experience proved to be too much for Barcelona. Following a cross into the box from the right hand side by Madrid veteran Carvahal, the ball fell kindly to Luka Modric who seemed to miss-control the ball, but unintentionally assisted an unmarked Jude Bellingham who like for so many of his goals this season, was in the right place at the right time. He calmly dispatched of the oppurtunity presented to him by his Croatian team-mate, delicately lacing the ball through Ter Stegen’s legs to get all 3 points for Los Blancos.
This begs the question, is there a better player in the world right now than Jude Bellingham? The usual suspects such as Messi and Ronaldo are no longer in the fold of this conversation following their departures from Europe, whist the likes of Kylian Mbappe can never truly be seen as the best if he continues to score week in and week out in the French league but then fail to show up against Newcastle at St. James’s Park. A very valid argument can be made for Mo Salah to be included in this debate as he has once again started the season brilliantly for Liverpool as he has done for the past few seasons. But Bellingham’s peformances not only show the level of talent and intelligence that he has in playing in the midfield of the most successful european team in history, but it is also a testament to his mentality as he has not been stifled by the enormous pressure that Real Madrid fans put onto their own players. We have seen in the past that there are plenty of examples of Real Madrid fans making their feelings known towards players who they feel do not represent the club well, most recently Gareth Bale who in his final season at the club was jeered and booed in every appearance. However it seems that Bellingham knew exactly what sort of pressure he was going to be under and instead of crumbling under that pressure, he has risen above it and become the new face of the Galacticos.
Aston Villa Continue To Impress Under Unai Emery
Its been one year since Aston Villa made the decision to sack Steven Gerrard and replace him with Spanish coach Unai Emery, and in that time Aston Villa have gone from a team who were looking at relegation battles in their near future, to being a team that their fans can dream of one day potentially playing Champions League football. The team are currently enjoying their best ever start to a league campaign in 25 years, and manager Unai Emery has told the fans that they should not dare to dream when it comes to playing Champions League football, as he revealed in his press conference on Sunday that winning the Champions League is his dream in football, and that he see’s no reason why this can’t happen with Aston Villa.
The stats tell us that Villa fans have every right to dream. In 2023 alone, only Pep Guardiola has picked up more points than Unai Emery in the premier league, proving just how efficient Emery’s Villa have been in the past year. With a number of clubs in the league going through difficult spells, it could be the perfect season for Aston Villa to attempt to break in to the top 4 and to play in the Champions League next season. Manchester United are still struggling to gain momentum in the league which could cost them a place in the top 4 by the end of the season, whilst Chelsea’s young team have only recently begun looking like they can potentially push for a champions league spot. Aston Villa seem to be a team that are no longer in transition and are closer to the final article in comparison to Manchester United and Chelsea, with players like Ollie Watkins, Douglas Luiz, Ezri Konsa firing on all cylinders, Unai Emery’s men seem to have what it takes to go all the way.
Unfortunately for them whilst they may have what it takes to go all the way, the season is still very long, and they still have two potential obstacles in their way. The first being that they are currently in a European competition (The Conference League) which could eventually take a physical toll on their players if they progress to the latter stages of the competition, a fate that plagued West Ham’s premier league season last year. The second obstacle that they face are the very ones that inflicted an awful wound to Villa in the opening weekend of the premier league season, that being Newcastle United. The 5-1 thrashing inflicted on Villa by Newcastle was an initial message from Newcastle to the premier league that they were a team to be feared and that the summer signings that they had made were going to keep them close to the top of the table for the majority of the season. The defeat was a heavy one for Villa to take, but the defeat was the catalyst for an amazing reaction from the Aston Villa players and manager, who are now getting their fans to dream about going up against some of Europe’s elites next season.
Nicola Zaniolo and Sandro Tonali Could Face Up To 3 Years Ban If Found Guilty Of Ilegal Gambling
Aston Villa Striker Nicolo Zaniolo and Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali could face a ban of up to 3 years if they are found guilty of illegal gambling. The pair were sent home from the Italian training camp yesterday after being told by the police that they were now involved in an on-going investigation in relation to illegal player gambling in Italy. The Italian football federation have since come out and said that Tonali and Zaniolo were sent home for their own protection and that they are co-operating fully with Italian police. In an interview on Talksport this afternoon, Italian expert journalist Daniele Fisichella broke down the situation. He began by saying the Tonali and Zaniolo have been accused of an alleged breach of the players code of conduct and that they have been placing illegal bets on illegal betting platforms outside of Italy.
Yesterday afternoon police came to the Italian training ground and had a quick chat with the two players to which it was then deemed that the players must now go to the Italian magistrate to go through a full investigation. The investigation of the two players is said to be in the preliminary stages but could end up becoming a lot bigger in the coming months as the investigation goes deeper and deeper. 22 year old Italian midfielder Nicolo Faggioli is said to be the person who indirectly involved Tonali and Zaniolo after there were chats between the 3 discussing illegal bets found on his phone by the police. Faggioli has been under investigation since September by the police in regards to illegal match betting and has also been serving a suspension from Juventus ever since the news of the investigation came out. Faggioli handed himself over to the magistrate in September which is when authourities had a look at his phone as part of the investigation. This news does not look good particularly for Nicolo Zaniolo as it was found that he was potentially match betting during his time at Roma as a Roma player on Roma matches whilst on the Roma bench.
Since the investigation for Tonali and Zaniolo is in the preliminary stages, the news may not affect their playing time just yet. At the moment they will still be able to return to England and continue to play for their respective clubs, unless their clubs decide otherwise. If the pair are found guilty they could face up to a 3 year long ban or must pay a fine of 25,000 euros, this decision will be up to the Italian magistrate and how severe they find the evidence to be.
Liverpool request VAR audio following the latest VAR scandal.
The game between Tottenham and Liverpool at the weekend was a game that should have been remembered for two attacking teams going toe to toe with each other to take advantage of Manchester City’s lost points earlier that evening. Instead it will be remembered by yet another embarrassing display of refereeing which has become all too familiar in the Premier League since the introduction of VAR. The first incident occured in the 26th minute when Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones collided with Tottenhams’s Yves Bissouma, which initially he was given a yellow card for. However upon consultation from the VAR team which consisted of Darren England (VAR) and Dan Cook (Assistant VAR), it was then decided that referee Simon Hooper should look at the replay of the challenge to which he decided that Curtis Jones should be sent off. The reason why this was controversial is because the replay that was shown to the referee made the challenge look worse than it actually was. Jones was seen challenging for the ball at the same time as Bissouma, with his foot slipping off the top of the ball therefore making his studs go into the shin of Bissouma. For anyone that has played football or understands the game, they will no that there was no malicious intent from Curtis Jones to hurt Bissouma and that his foot simply slipped off the ball. This is where people feel that referees in England are getting it totally wrong and its made even worse by the fact that they now have video assistance to help them in making these big decisions in a football game.
The Curtis Jones red card was only the tip of the iceberg. Only a couple of minutes later, Liverpool winger Luis Diaz had the ball in the back of the net after a wonderful through ball from Mohamed Salah, only to have it chalked off by VAR. You would think that something like offsides would be considered something that VAR cannot get wrong as it is a case of simply drawing a line and finding out if Luis Diaz was in front of the last defender when the ball from Salah was played. This was not the case and VAR made another error. The VAR team did not draw the lines for the Luis Diaz goal and it was deemed offside when in fact it was onside. This was the only incident in the game that sparked a response from the PGMOL in which they said that the error that was made in regard to the disallowed Luis Diaz goal was a “significant human error”. Moments after the disallowed goal, Tottenham Captain Heung Min Son had the ball in the back of the net to put Spurs one nil up, only for ten man Liverpool to equalize in the fourth minute of added time.
The second half was also a roller coaster for Liverpool as in the 68th minute Diogo Jota was booked for apparently tripping Tottenham left back Destiny Udogie, only for it to be revealed in the replay that it was in fact Udogie that had tripped himself up and that Jota had made no contact with him. VAR was not able to intervene in this instant and take away the yellow card because of the VAR rule book, but this mistake then cost Liverpool even more as Jota received another yellow card and was sent off for fouling the same player. This left Liverpool down to 9 men and although they fought valiantly until the end, it was Joel Matip who was the player to cruelly be the one to take away the draw from Liverpool’s finger tips following a drilled in ball by Pedro Porro being rifled into the top corner by the Cameroonian defender.
The controversial incidents have led to an apology from the PGMOL to which Liverpool have responded by saying that they acknowledge the apology from the PGMOL but that sporting integrity has to be questioned and that they will be exploring their options in order to make sure that this does not happen again. They have also in the last hour or so made a formal request to the PGMOL to hear all of the audio and communications that went on between the officials that night during these controversial decisions. It is said that these recordings will also be released to the public as well in a similar way that audio recordings were released in the earlier parts of the season which allowed the public to listen to the referee’s communicate with the VAR and how VAR operates amongst themselves. This has led to criticism from pundits like Gary Neville saying that Liverpool’s response is a mistake and they should simply accept the fact that the PGMOL have acknowledged their mistake and move on. But the question is why? Why should Liverpool settle after having being robbed by the officials in such a massive way. United Stand creator and presenter Mark Goldbridge recently released a video on his channel in which he discussed the recent refereeing controversy and said that Gary Neville is wrong in saying this is simply one man’s opinion who works too closely with people at the top to be someone who is able to say that Liverpool’s statement is wrong.
Why Liverpool are Manchester City’s Contender This Season, Not Arsenal
At the beginning of the season, not many pundits and even Liverpool fans would have in the conversation for the title this season. Many would have looked at the business that Arsenal did this Summer and thought that they would yet again be Manchester City’s closest opposition. But 6 games into the season, Liverpool sit in 2nd place 2 points behind Manchester City who have made a perfect start to the league.
Liverpool’s success has somewhat gone under the radar but this start is a testiment to a summer of fantastic business by Liverpool and in particular Jurgen Klopp. The German manager seemed faced with the impossible task of rebuilding his midfield in one summer, with key names such as former skipper Jordan Henderson and Fabinho leaving the club to join the Saudi League and midfielder Thiago slowly reaching the twilight of his career. These losses have not fazed Liverpool but they have in fact made them look stronger.
They began their business early by bringing in Brighton midfielder Alexis MacAllister who had enjoyed a fantastic season for both club and country, leading Brighton into the Europa League for the first time in their history and playing an integral part in Argentina’s World Cup winning squad in the 2022 World Cup. Things went quiet for a few weeks in the Summer with the clubs focusing more on outgoings than incomings but then suddenly they paid the £70 million release clause of Leipzig midfielder Dominic Szoboszlai and their midfield was really starting to take shape. Then came the Moises Caicedo saga which is what made people think that Liverpool were going to struggle this season, with pundits like Jamie Carragher coming out and saying that Liverpool acted like a small club in the Moises Caicedo transfer negotiation, which then hindered their pursuit of Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia. This did not stop Liverpool from going back into the market for more players, adding Wataru Endo from VfB Stuggart and Ryan Gravernberch on loan from Bayern Munich. While Szobozlai and MacAllister have made blistering starts for Liverpool, Endo and Gravernberch are still easing into Jurgen Klopp’s new system, which can only be seen as a good thing for Liverpool fans and the team, as the season is long and they will be needed at some stage.
Liverpool’s attack also looks like a force to be reckoned with again, with Luis Diaz returning to the side after missing most of last season to provide the tenacity and aggression on the left wing to compliment Mohammed Salah’s flair and trickery on the right wing. These two combined can also finally unlock Darwin Nunez, who has made good start to the season, scoring 3 goals so far and starting to come into his own.
With Arsenal still tinkering with their team and finding the right balance, along with the now piling of injuries in Mikel Arteta’s team after yesterday’s draw to Tottenham Hotspur, it could be time for Liverpool to try and distance themselves from the Gunners and really make a statement to Manchester City that they are back and they are ready to go toe to toe with them again as they have done in the past.
Odegard Signs New Deal
Arsenal's captain, Martin Odegaard, has extended his stay with the club by signing a fresh five-year contract. The Norwegian midfielder initially joined the Gunners on loan from Real Madrid in January 2021, later making the move permanent in the summer of that year for a transfer fee of £30 million.
Since his arrival at Arsenal, Odegaard has truly come into his own, showcasing his talents on the pitch. In 112 appearances for the club, he has contributed significantly with 27 goals and 15 assists. This remarkable performance has earned him the reward of becoming the highest-paid player at Arsenal.
Speaking about his contract extension, Odegaard expressed his full commitment to the club: "It was a straightforward decision for me. I've felt a strong connection and a sense of home here since day one. Additionally, my previous experiences involved a lot of moving around, making it challenging to settle down. Therefore, I felt the need to find a place where I could establish a sense of belonging and truly call it home” Odegard will have the chance to repay this faith that the club has shown him on Sunday when Arsenal take on their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates in a game which kicks off at 2pm.
Salah Doesn’t Care Where He Scores
What started as a match which Liverpool fans thought would be a walk in the park and a chance for some new players to get some minutes into their legs, ended in a tough evening for the Reds who ended up winning thanks to a well-needed half-time team talk from Jurgen Klopp and a bit of help off the bench as well. Liverpool found themselves a goal down at the break after it looked as though the team were not ready for the battle that the Austrian team LASK seemed to have been ready for for a while.
A goal in the 14th minute from Florian Flecker sparked a much needed fightback from Liverpool in the 2nd half, with goals coming from Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Liverpool’s main man Mohammed Salah, who came off the bench in the 74th minute and proved once again why he is still one of Europe’s most professional and elite players.
It doesn’t matter the occasion, the Egyptian always puts his heart on his sleeve for Liverpool and although it looked like he indeed was attracted to a move to the Saudi League in the summer (which could still be the case for the upcoming transfer window), he still remains as professional as ever and is always ready to be called to action when needed by Klopp, no matter the competition.
Leo Messi Speaks About His Difficulties In France
Lionel Messi has opened up once again about the challenges he faced upon his return to France with PSG following Argentina’s historic win against France in the 2022 World Cup. In an Interview with Argentinian Journalist and comedian Migue Granados, he said that there were fans who booed him upon his return but said that this was “understandable, I was in the team we won the final against, it was our fault that they had not been world champions again”.
He also went on to say that he was the only player from the Argentina team who did not receive any recognition from PSG as a world champion compared to his other 25 Argentinian teammates. It’s not the first time that Messi has spoken about his troubles in Paris. When it became clear that he was to join Inter Miami, Messi did an Interview explaining that the past 2 years had been difficult for his family in France, and that it was time for him to look out for his family’s interests rather than his football.
Gunners Back With A Bang
In a thrilling match at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal showcased their attacking prowess, securing a resounding 4-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven. The Gunners displayed an impressive team performance, with goals coming from Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus.
The match kicked off with Arsenal setting a high tempo, pressing relentlessly and controlling possession. It was the young sensation, Bukayo Saka, who broke the deadlock in the 8th minute.
The second half saw no let-up in Arsenal's intensity. Leandro Trossard made his mark with a wonderful curled shot from outside the box in the 20th minute. Trossard then turned into the assister in the 38th minute, crossing the ball in to Gabriel Jesus who took the ball down beautifully and rifled it into the bottom left corner.
Arsenal's midfield maestro, Martin Odegaard, added to the excitement after halftime with a brilliantly placed shot from outside the box that left the PSV defense and goalkeeper helpless.
The clean sheet was equally impressive for Arsenal, demonstrating their defensive solidity. The entire team, including the backline and goalkeeper, contributed to shutting out the opposition's advances.
This commanding victory is a testament to Arsenal's resurgence and their determination to compete at the highest level. With exciting attacking options and a strong defensive foundation, the Gunners are undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the footballing world. Arsenal fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead, filled with moments like these that showcase their team's potential.
“Bringing Ronaldo back was a mistake” Former United Boss speaks out
Former Manchester United Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted that in hindsight, bringing back club legend Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer of 2021 may have been a mistake. In an interview with The Athletic, he said that at the time it felt like a deal that was too good to pass up and that it felt like the right thing to do.
He has also spoken about the current controversy around Jadon Sancho and has said that Jadon has been unlucky with injuries since he joined the club in 2021 and feels like he is also being played out of position, saying that Jadon’s preferred position is on the left wing. He also stated that he knew his time was up as United boss at halftime against Watford on the 20th of November 2021 when his team were down 2-0, saying that he told the players in the dressing room that this is likely to be the last time that they work together.
