Category: World Soccer

Blue Tuesday Podcast (07/03/17): David Silva

Gary Owen joins BBC Manchester Blue Tuesday presenter Jimmy Wagg who asks which former City player you’d partner with David Silva to make your perfect midfield line-up. Plus, the studio team discuss Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final at Middlesbrough.

Alex Neil On Bristol City Draw

Norwich City’s latest away day woes at Ashton Gate have underlined that the side do not have what it takes to be a top six side in the Championship. Despite that though, Alex Neil stepped up to to talk to the media after the game.

Murty Disappointed For Garner

Caretaker manager Graeme Murty has admitted his disappointment that Joe Garner will be suspended for this Sunday’s Old Firm clash against Celtic. With Garner coming on as a second half substitute in the six nil victory over Hamilton Academicals last weekend, the player did of course get the hattrick in the second period despite spending a fair amount of time off the pitch being treated.

Video – Arsenal 1-5 Bayern Munich

Arsenal were heavily beaten by Bayern Munich again in the Champions League on Tuesday. It was a case of deja vu for Arsenal as the 5-1 mauling at the Allianz Arena was followed up by another 5-1 win for Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium.

Eden, Costa score in win

London: Chelsea brushed aside London rivals West Ham United with a 2-1 away win that restored their 10-point lead at the top of the Premier League on Monday. Eden Hazard gave them the lead following a swift 25th-minute counter-attack before Diego Costa bundled the ball home shortly after the break to put the Blues in control.

Barcelona hoping for miracle

… faster, more determined and precise PSG who enjoyed the glorious European night they had long waited for since Qatar Sports Investments starting pumping millions into the club six years ago. Enrique spoke on Friday of the “relief” at ending …

Rooney & Shaw left out of Man Utd squad

The England duo will not make the long trip to Russia to face Rostov, but Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been included in the selection by Jose Mourinho Wayne Rooney and Luke Shaw have been left out of Manchester United’s squad for the Europa League trip to Rostov, it has been confirmed. Rooney has fallen out of favour with manager Jose Mourinho in recent weeks and was not included in either squad for the encounters with Saint-Etienne in the previous round of the competition.

Chelsea-West Ham United Preview

The Belgian winger played a quick one-two with Pedro before accelerating past trailing West Ham defenders and rounding Darren Randolph to open Chelsea’s account in the 25th minute. Antonio played through the middle against the Hornets, and his replacement may well depend on the fitness of Andy Carroll, but the Irons have no other suspension worries for the encounter with the Blues, which is sure to be a fiery one.

Liverpool transfer target: I respect Jurgen Klopp

And the winger’s now indicated linking up with his old Dortmund boss at Anfield was never on the cards – despite his admiration for him. Pulisic told FourFourTwo : “I have respect for Klopp and I know him he was very welcoming to me here but I was never really thinking about going to Liverpool.

Mertesacker backs Wenger and demands fighting spirit from Arsenal

Per Mertesacker has conceded Arsenal were “not ready for a fight” in recent weeks but insists everyone remains happy to play under Arsene Wenger. The Gunners have lost four of their last six games in all competitions, falling off the pace in the Premier League and facing a Champions League exit after losing 5-1 to Bayern Munich last month.

Arsenal news: Ancelotti feels sorry for Arsene Wenger

LIVE: West Ham vs Chelsea… Fabregas and Carroll start as Conte’s side look to open up 10-point lead at the top of the Premier League DON’T wear club colours and DON’T leave two streets: Manchester United warn fans against ‘attracting attention’ amid fear of violence in Russia We’ll decide when you leave… not you! Wenger warns Sanchez over bid to quit Arsenal as pair share frosty handshake Now that’s what you call a pair of gloves! Cech starts wearing giant A 120 set that stretch all the way up his forearms with a disc to tighten them Sanchez tells Arsenal he’s off as it emerges he was axed by Wenger after storming out of training session SANCHEZ Q&A: Chile star’s Arsenal career appears to be coming to an end… so, where has it gone wrong? Welcome to the new Orlando stadium where the ‘Purple Wall’ is all-standing and flares are encouraged in the ‘smoke device area’ Wenger claims … (more)

Champions League Preview: Arsenal facing mission impossible

A 5-1 trouncing in Bavaria left the Gunners facing mission impossible for the return leg and confidence is hardly soaring after a 3-1 defeat by Liverpool on Saturday left Arsene Wenger’s team outside the Premier League’s top four. Stranger things have happened, if not in the Champions League where no team has ever recovered from a four-goal deficit in the second leg of a knockout tie.

Bayer Leverkusen fires coach Roger Schmidt after dismal run

In this March 4, 2017 file photo Leverkusen Coach Roger Schmidt attends the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen in the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany. Bayer Leverkusen has sacked Roger Schmidt as coach as the side labors in its worst Bundesliga season for 14 years.

Freiburg condemns Frankfurt to 4th straight Bundesliga loss

Frankfurt’s Michael Hector, center, and Freiburg’s Florian Niederlechner, right, challenge for the ball during the Bundesliga soccer match between Eintracht Frankfurt and SC Freiburg at the Commerzbank Arena in Frankfurt Germany, Sunday, March 5, 2017. Frankfurt’s team celebrates the opening goal Branimir Hrgota, second left, during the Bundesliga soccer match between Eintracht Frankfurt and SC Freiburg at the Commerzbank Arena in Frankfurt, Germany, Sunday, March 5, 2017.

Premier League: Harry Kane’s brace helps Tottenham Hotspur to win against Everton

Harry Kane’s superb scoring streak continued as Tottenham Hotspur survived some late nerves to beat Everton 3-2 at White Hart Lane on Sunday and cut Chelsea’s lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points. Kane went to the top of the Premier League scoring charts with a goal in each half to take his tally for the season to 19 — one more than Everton’s Romelu Lukaku whose 80th-minute goal sparked a lively finale.

Sport24.co.za | Aguero on target as City sink Sunderland

Sergio Aguero’s 23rd goal of the season helped Manchester City reclaim third place in the Premier League thanks to a comfortable 2-0 win at struggling Sunderland on Sunday. A fifth goal in three games from the in-form Argentina international, whose future at the club has been clouded by the recent impact of the now injured Gabriel Jesus, paved the way for City’s seventh victory in eight unbeaten games.

Siem de Jong: I hope Newcastle give me a chance in Premier League

The midfielder was unlucky in his first two seasons with the English side, but he is finding form again at PSV and hopes to prove himself again Siem De Jong hopes he still has a future at Newcastle United as he continues his return to form at PSV. The Dutch midfielder joined the Magpies in 2014 after winning four Eredivisie titles with Ajax.

Bayern great Lahm cool on coaching future

The defender also says “anything is possible” for his club this season with Carlo Ancelotti’s side still in the hunt for three titles Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm does not envisage moving into coaching when he ends his playing career at the end of this season. The 2014 World Cup winner made the surprise decision to hang up his boots last month and will take a sabbatical after Bayern’s quest for trophies on three fronts has run its course.

Boss: We can’t afford bad individual performances

JA1 4rgen Klopp has admitted Liverpool will struggle to win Premier League games if individual performances such as those seen at Leicester City on Monday are reproduced regularly. But the Reds boss is confident his players can build on the success of their last Anfield outing – a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur – when they return to familiar surroundings on Saturday to take on Arsenal.

Mourinho expecting Ibrahimovic to stay at Man Utd

The 35-year-old Swede has enjoyed a brilliant maiden season in England under Jose Mourinho and is now set to continue to play at Old Trafford In 38 appearances in all competitions Ibrahimovic has scored 26 goals, the 35-year-old dominating in England as he has in so many other countries, including Italy and Spain. Reports had suggested that Ibrahimovic could leave at the end of the season, but Mourinho has now appeared to confirm that the veteran striker is to stay at the club.

Zidane: The word ‘crisis’ does not exist to me

Real Madrid have lost top spot in La Liga to Barcelona but their coach is not feeling pressure despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s likely absence at Eibar Zinedine Zidane has dismissed talk of a crisis at Real Madrid, saying he is calm over the club’s title run-in despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s likely absence alongside Gareth Bale against Eibar on Saturday. Madrid still have a game in hand on their title rivals but ceded top spot in La Liga to Barcelona when they were forced to battle back to a 3-3 draw at home to Las Palmas in midweek after Bale was sent off.

The stats that show just how much Arsenal and Wenger have underperformed over the last 10 years

Opta stats show that Arsenal have underachieved under Arsene Wenger for many of the seasons since their big-money move to Emirates Stadium in 2006 Speak to most Arsenal fans about their views on the past decade under Arsene Wenger and you’ll likely gauge a mixed response. The Frenchman divides opinion due to his lack of a major trophy since 2003-04, but Opta’s Expected Goals model reveals just how much the Gunners have underperformed over the last 10 years.

‘Tottenham one of the biggest clubs’ – Pochettino not flattered by Barcelona links

The Argentine has been linked with the Catalans as Luis Enrique’s successor, but he has shot down rumours and insisted he is happy at White Hart Lane Mauricio Pochettino has swatted aside rumours linking him with a switch from Tottenham to Barcelona, saying he is not even proud of being on the longlist of coaches to succeed Luis Enrique. Pochettino started his coaching career at Espanyol – Barca’s city rivals – before forging an impressive reputation at Southampton and Spurs.

Chelsea team news: Injuries, suspensions and line-up vs West Ham

Everything you need to know ahead of Monday’s Premier League match at the London Stadium as the Blues travel to face the Hammers. Antonio Conte will face off against his friend Slaven Bilic for the third time this season in Monday night’s match at the London Stadium – with both managers having each notched a 2-1 win against each other this season.

Guardiola blasts Ballon d’Or chasers: It’s ridiculous

The Manchester City boss and two of his players are up for the Premier League’s monthly individual awards, but he says it makes no difference Guardiola has been nominated for the Premier League’s manager of the month award for February, although he puts that down to having good players at his disposal at Manchester City. Gabriel Jesus and David Silva have also been nominated for the player of the month award, but the Catalan is not concerned with such recognition and believes players and coaches should focus on winning titles.

Man City news: Pep shoots down Sergio Aguero questions

Pep Guardiola declined to comment further on Sergio Aguero’s future at Manchester City but insisted the striker is happy at the club. Aguero revealed that he was yet to speak to the manager about remaining at the Etihad Stadium after his starring role in City’s 5-1 FA Cup thumping of Huddersfield on Wednesday.

The General’s Budget Picks for Gameweek 27

Stoke were mauled by a rampant Tottenham Hotspur last weekend who had the game won by half time. The Potters face very different opposition this weekend in the form of Middlesbrough – the league’s lowest goal scorers with just nineteen.

Preview: Sunderland v Manchester City

Article written by VMC member Skoorb. After two consecutive five goal feasts at the Etihad Pep and his merry men once again head over the Pennines but this time they are headed for the North East, the Stadium of Light and the team managed by the man formerly known as ‘The Chosen One’ by the ‘faithful’ at the Swamp.

Alan Hutton At Aston Villa For Another Year/Contra

Looks like Alan Hutton has another year, it doesn`t stipulate in Gregg Evans post whether this is an automatic extension or a clause that Hutton has to agree to take up. Alan Hutton has triggered an appearance-related clause in his contract which entitles him to another year at #avfc Bruce: ‘He deserves it’ Must admit, he might lack at times in skill but he never lacks in effort and desire.

RUFC – Warney ‘Things Have Changed This Season’

Rotherham United Manager Paul Warne told Radio Sheffield that he thinks the club has changed behind the scenes significantly this season. ‘We’ve gone from having a Chief Scout with a few casual staff working underneath him to having a Head of Recruitment and a couple of full time scouts plus scouts underneath them.