When Real Madrid traveled to bottom-dwelling Osasuna on Saturday, nobody would have expected much of a match. The final score, a 3-1 win for Los Blancos, seems like a predictable result.
Category: Soccer Players
Mbappe gets 3 as free-scoring leader Monaco thumps Metz 5-0
Teen forward Kylian Mbappe scored a superb hat trick as Monaco thumped Metz 5-0 to restore its three-point lead over Paris Saint-Germain at the top of the French league on Saturday. The lead is effectively four points given Monaco’s whopping goal difference of plus-52.
Suarez nets 2 in Barca win marred by Vidal injury
… triker Ruben Castro hit the post early on in scoreless stalemate that increased the winless streaks of both teams. As sports columnist, Paul Woody offers an array of commentary on the sports scene in columns and World of Woody videos.
Rotherham 1-1 Blackburn: Match Report
Blackburn leave it late to take a point at Rotherham Blackburn scored a late equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw at fellow strugglers Rotherham. Jon Taylor’s 47th-minute goal had looked like it was going to be the difference between the two sides before an own goal from Stephen Kelly in the last five minutes secured Rovers a point.
Joe Allen adds to Sam Allardyce’s troubles as Stoke edge out Crystal Palace
Second-bottom Crystal Palace were beaten for a sixth time in eight Premier League matches under Sam Allardyce as Joe Allen’s second-half strike condemned them to a 1-0 defeat at Stoke. Palace were in considerable need of a boost a week on from the humiliating 4-0 home loss to basement boys Sunderland.
Middlesbrough 0-0 Everton: Match Report
Joel Robles saves point for Everton as Toffees hang on for draw at Middlesbrough Late substitute Rudy Gestede was denied by a brilliant late save from Joel Robles as Middlesbrough were frustrated in their efforts to clamber clear of the relegation dogfight at a freezing Riverside Stadium. Gestede rose to meet an 88th minute cross from Calum Chambers and powered a header which Robles tipped over the bar to deny Boro a first win in eight Premier League games.
Manolo Gabbiadini, pictured centre, scored twice for Southampton at the Stadium of Light
Manolo Gabbiadini rekindled memories of his namesake Marco on Wearside as Southampton cruised to a 4-0 Premier League victory at bottom-of-the-table Sunderland. It will be 30 years in September since Marco Gabbiadini arrived at Roker Park in an A 80,000 switch from York and forged a partnership with Eric Gates which brought him 87 goals and a permanent place in the hearts of Black Cats’ supporters.
West Ham 2-2 West Brom: Match Report
Late Jonny Evans goal earns West Brom a Premier League point at West Ham West Brom secured a stoppage-time goal to rescue a 2-2 draw at West Ham. The hosts felt Nacer Chadli’s early goal should not have stood and were unhappy one of their own was disallowed – but they appeared to have secured a fourth win with goals from Sofiane Feghouli and Manuel Lanzini.
Palace rooted in relegation zone after 1-0 loss at Stoke
Crystal Palace’s Jason Puncheon, left and Stoke City’s Joe Allen vie for the ball, during the English Premier League soccer match between Stoke City and Crystal Palace, at the bet365 Stadium, in Stoke, England, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017. Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce gestures, during the English Premier League soccer match between Stoke City and Crystal Palace, at the bet365 Stadium, in Stoke, England, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017.
Man Utd 2-0 Watford: Match Report
Anthony Martial returns to form as Manchester United see off Watford Anthony Martial impressed on his return to the Manchester United starting line-up, scoring one and providing the other as Jose Mourinho’s men comfortably overcame Watford. The player started brightly when he arrived from Monaco but has struggled to recapture that form this term, with his lack of game time leading to questions over his happiness and Old Trafford future.
Fellaini: Even in training Ibrahimovic shouts and does everything to win
The Swedish striker has been in prolific form for Manchester United and makes life tough for his colleagues in training, says one of them Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s desire to win is insatiable, according to Marouane Fellaini, who says the Manchester United striker wants to win every game, even in training. Ibrahimovic instantly became a favourite with the Old Trafford faithful with five goals in as many games at the start of the season and, although a slump followed, his return of 20 in 33 appearances is a handsome one in his first season in England.
Elavarasan points the missed penalty as turning point in game
PKNS continued their winning run after what turned out to be an easy 3-0 win over Perak on a hot Saturday evening at Shah Alam Stadium. Lucas Espindola scored twice to give PKNS a comfortable 2-0 lead against a very lethargic Perak side before a late Safee Sali goal capped a wonderful win for E. Elavarasan.
Pep Guardiola has been pleased with Manchester City’s recent improvement in form
In two of those games they were convincing, beating Crystal Palace in the FA Cup and West Ham in the Premier League 3-0 and 4-0 respectively. They were also highly impressive before being forced to settle for a draw against Tottenham, and dominant even though they required a late winner to beat Swansea.
Lambert got the boot on February 11 2015, the day after a defeat at Steve Bruce’s Hull City
… this season, but every season so far. You’ve seen all the numbers on those fancy graphics that fill the screen on Sky Sports News every now and then. There’s too many to mention here, but Played: 101, Points: 101, Won: 25, Lost: 50, Drawn: 26, Goals …
Best of Michael Irvin: On why he didn’t quickly cash his first…
“People tell me, ‘Michael, why don’t they retire your jersey?’ Why would I want my jersey retired. When they retire it, the only time they talk about it is when I leave time and go to eternity and they take the camera off the field and say, ‘Hey, we lost Michael Irvin today.
Chelsea Transfer News: Latest on Willian and Sead Kolasinac Rumours
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has insisted he has no intention of selling Willian after the player revealed Manchester United were keen on signing him. The Brazilian international has become a vital part of the Blues’ setup since joining from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013 and was named the club’s Player of the Year last term.
La Liga Table 2017: Latest Standings Following Friday’s Week 22 Results
… disappointing fashion for La Real, who lost star forward Willian Jose to injury just a few minutes into the contest. Sports writer Simon Harrison feared it could have a major impact on the rest of their campaign:
Asier Illarramendi back to best in 2nd stint at Sociedad
Asier Illarramendi, not long ago considered a flop at Real Madrid, has boyhood club Real Sociedad sitting near the top of the Spanish league. Illarramendi’s unstoppable long-distance strike sealed Sociedad’s 2-1 win at Espanyol on Friday, a victory that lifted the Basque Country club past Atletico Madrid and into fourth place.
Frank Lampard weighs up coaching career with Chelsea or England
… academy at Cobham” to complete “some of the practical elements of his coaching course”. Last year, Lampard told Sky Sports that while he would like to try his hand at management, the only job he wanted was as Chelsea boss. With Antonio Conte on the …
Grading the Last 10 Spanish Signings at Real Madrid
In the summer preceding the 2009/10 campaign, Real Madrid boosted their squad with two big-name signings: Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, with both deals dominating headlines and expectations for the season ahead. But they also signed four Spanish players: Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa from Liverpool , Raul Albiol from Valencia and Esteban Granero from Getafe.
Bournemouth v Manchester City: Team news, odds and stats
From Chelsea’s reserve on A 220,000 a week to the stars on A 35,000, the highest paid player at every Premier League club ‘A tough, hard, old school defender’: Everton’s legendary hardman Ferguson picks Adams among the three toughest opponents he faced in Premier League EDDIE HEARN: Brook isn’t scared of Spence … and Bellew is too busy to be sunbathing Day of inspiration for the relegation fight? From lunch for one at Nando’s to a book launch with an eclectic mix of stars, Palace boss Allardyce gets ready for dogfight Klopp’s biggest game: Liverpool’s clash with Tottenham is the most important game of his Anfield tenure so far Everton’s Catch 22: Lukaku is central to aim of gatecrashing the top six but his red-hot form will alert big rivals Real Madrid are on course for a first title since Mourinho was in charge… but Zidane can’t afford any slips EXCLUSIVE: Rosberg on why he had to … (more)
Costa attributes goal-scoring spree to Drogba
Costa smashed 20 goals two seasons ago to shoot the Blues to title success following his A 32million move from Atletico Madrid. Drogba, voted Chelsea’s greatest player by supporters five years ago, was at the club during Costa’s first season.
Surprising Alaves to take on Barcelona in Copa del Rey final
Alaves, the recently promoted club from Basque Country, will be playing in the final of a major tournament only for the second time in its 96-year history. “This was unthinkable in the beginning of the season,” Alaves coach Mauricio Pellegrino said after their clinching 1-0 home win over Celta Vigo on Wednesday in the semifinals.
Arena says Guzan could start next month, Howard could return
Brad Guzan could start for the U.S. in critical World Cup qualifiers against Honduras and Panama next month despite his lack of playing time with Middlesbrough, and Tim Howard may return from leg surgery in time to be included in the roster. U.S. coach Bruce Arena said Thursday he was impressed by recent performances of Hamburg forward Bobby Wood and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Christian Pulisic.
I need to play – Wilshere uncertain over Arsenal future
… “I’m concentrating on the next three or four months and then I’m not sure what is going to happen,” he said to Sky Sports . “At the end of the season, when I sit down and think, that [regular football] will be a big factor. “At the end of the …
The 17-plate cars that will depreciate slowly
Don’t make the same car-buying mistake as De Gea, Rooney and Hazard – choose a car that holds its value like Zlatan’s Porsche… Premier League footballers are some of the most idolised people on the planet, but they’re accustomed to making the odd mistake or two. No, we’re not talking about Wayne Rooney’s various on and off-field controversies – we’re referring to the BMW i8 he drives that loses 32 per cent of its value in the first year of ownership.
Tottenham full back Danny Rose visits knee specialist
Wenger calls for protesting Arsenal fans to unite as he claims they can STILL win the title: ‘If it’s over for us, it’s over for everybody’ ‘This is a desperate attempt to get a higher salary… even if he tries 10 more times, it won’t work’: Bayern Munich’s extraordinary reply to Costa’s bid to land a new deal ‘Mourinho believes in me in a way Van Gaal didn’t… and I even considered leaving’, reveals Jones on United misery ‘I have three world-class goalkeepers and I am very happy with them: Wenger backs Cech after mistake at Chelsea The future of football on TV? McClaren’s half-time teamtalk shown live on BBC… but pundit O’Neill warns: ‘I wouldn’t want that!’ Will it get worse for Liverpool? Klopp has alarming record of getting stuck in a rut on his previous winless runs Nolito out in the cold as Guardiola’s tactics leave City’s A 14m man without any Premier League football in 2017 … (more)
Arsenal news: Arsene Wenger backs Petr Cech after mistake
Wenger calls for protesting Arsenal fans to unite as he claims they can STILL win the title: ‘If it’s over for us, it’s over for everybody’ ‘This is a desperate attempt to get a higher salary… even if he tries 10 more times, it won’t work’: Bayern Munich’s extraordinary reply to Costa’s bid to land a new deal ‘Mourinho believes in me in a way Van Gaal didn’t… and I even considered leaving’, reveals Jones on United misery ‘I have three world-class goalkeepers and I am very happy with them: Wenger backs Cech after mistake at Chelsea The future of football on TV? McClaren’s half-time teamtalk shown live on BBC… but pundit O’Neill warns: ‘I wouldn’t want that!’ Nolito out in the cold as Guardiola’s tactics leave City’s A 14m man without any Premier League football in 2017 Meet the next big star of English football: Everton teenager Davies on Nou Camp trips to study Messi and Iniesta, … (more)
‘Bottom line, it is a deserved victory’ – Tuchel believes Dortmund earned shoot-out win
They needed a penalty shoot-out to see off Hertha Berlin but Thomas Tuchel felt Borussia Dortmund merited their DFB-Pokal progression. Thomas Tuchel was in no doubt Borussia Dortmund’s place in the DFB-Pokal quarter-finals was the appropriate reward for their efforts against Hertha Berlin.
Community Prediction: What will year two of Maxi Urruti bring FC Dallas?
Maximiliano Urruti was a spark that FC Dallas went out and got before the 2016. Most had hoped he would be the guy up top for the club in the scoring department and in some ways he did do well.
Barcelona are looking at Ronald Koeman – agent
That’s according to Frank de Boer’s agent Guido Albers who thinks the Catalan giants are keen on his client’s Dutch compatriot. ROMELU LUKAKU has picked his dream five-a-side team and it contains four of his ex-Chelsea team-mates.
Nice stays in title mix with 1-0 win over Saint-Etienne
A goal from Wylan Cyprien was enough for Nice to down Saint-Etienne 1-0 on Wednesday and put its campaign for the French title back on track Nice stays in title mix with 1-0 win over Saint-Etienne A goal from Wylan Cyprien was enough for Nice to down Saint-Etienne 1-0 on Wednesday and put its campaign for the French title back on track Check out this story on USATODAY.com: http://usat.ly/2kPd79N PARIS – Nice’s campaign for the French league title is back on track after a goal from Wylan Cyprien secured a 1-0 victory over Saint-Etienne on Wednesday. Nice, which lost the Riviera derby 3-0 to league leader Monaco last weekend, moved level on points with second-place Paris Saint-Germain and kept the title race wide open.
Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller is in crisis
‘Muller always plays’, the Dutchman said. And so it has been ever since. The odd bit of tinkering and rotation from Pep Guardiola aside, Muller has been a stalwart of the Bayern starting eleven for the last seven years.
‘We all make mistakes’ – Matuidi backs under-fire PSG goalkeeper Areola
A catastophic error from the young goalkeeper nearly saw the defending champions drop two vital points in the race to reclaim their title Blaise Matuidi sprung to the defence of Alphonse Areola after the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper’s error almost cost his team victory against Lille on Tuesday. Unai Emery’s men were able to keep up the pressure on Ligue 1 leaders Monaco with a 2-1 win over Lille, thanks to a controversial late winner from Lucas Moura.
Atleti chief: Griezmann to stay
… of Griezmann is “not cut and dried” and could hinge on qualification for the Champions League, according to Sky Sports’ Terry Gibson . United are embroiled in a six-way battle for Champions League qualification in the Premier League, while …
Asamoah Gyan attacks Kevin-Prince Boateng – ‘He never sacrificed for Ghana’
Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan has launched a scathing patriotism attack at Kevin-Prince Boateng insisting the Spain-based midfielder has never ‘sacrificed’ for Ghana. The UAE-based star said the Germany-born player betrayed the Black Stars with his social media comments in the wake of their fourth place finish at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
Gabriel Jesus has impressed since arriving at Manchester City last month
Fernandinho has warned it will take Gabriel Jesus time to settle at Manchester City, despite his outstanding start to life in English football. Fresh from helping Brazil to Olympic gold and Palmeiras to the championship, the 19-year-old is now looking to build on such success at the Etihad Stadium.
WTR Top 20, No. 8: Will Johnson still a rare breed in MLS
A few things have transpired concerning Will Johnson since I pencilled him in for the No. 8 spot on our Top 20 list.
Jesus injects ‘healthy competition’ for Man City strikers – Zabaleta
Newly arrived striker Gabriel Jesus will bring the best out of Sergio Aguero at Manchester City and inject “healthy competition” into the squad, says defender Pablo Zabaleta. Aguero, the club’s top scorer with 18 goals in 26 games this campaign, has been confined to the bench in recent weeks to watch the emerging young Brazilian.
‘Liverpool must splash the cash like Man Utd and Chelsea’ – Aldridge
The ex-Reds striker is expecting there to be plenty of movement at Anfield over the summer, with it essential that Jurgen Klopp is backed with funds Liverpool need “a fair few players” and will have to “splash the cash” this summer in order to keep pace with their Premier League rivals, says John Aldridge. The Reds have seen the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea spend big of late in an effort to force their way into title contention.