Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has clarified the reasoning behind substituting Kevin De Bruyne in his team’s 1-1 draw against Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday. De Bruyne was replaced with just over 20 minutes remaining at Anfield, visibly expressing his discontent with the decision as he discussed the matter with Guardiola while seated on the bench. However, Guardiola explained that he brought on Mateo Kovacic to enhance the team’s ability to maintain possession. Addressing De Bruyne’s frustration, Guardiola told Sky Sports, “That is good. Have a chance next game to prove it. We need a player who keeps…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Real Madrid asserted their dominance with a commanding 4-0 triumph over RC Celta de Vigo, maintaining a seven-point lead at the summit of La Liga. The game commenced with Eduardo Camavinga posing a threat to Celta’s defense, keeping Vicente Guaita on alert. Vinícius Júnior capitalized on a rebound from Antonio Rüdiger’s header to give Real Madrid the lead just over 20 minutes in. Despite Rafa Benítez’s attacking approach for Celta, Iago Aspas and Luca de la Torre failed to convert opportunities. In the second half, Celta adopted a cautious approach, resulting in fewer chances. Real Madrid continued their dominance, and…
Jadon Sancho Unwilling to Return to Manchester United, Blames Erik ten Hag for Stalled Career Jadon Sancho reportedly has no inclination to make a comeback at Manchester United, holding manager Erik ten Hag responsible for the stagnation of his career, as per a recent report. The 23-year-old winger publicly refuted Ten Hag’s claims about his exclusion from United’s matchday squad earlier in the season, leading to a four-month exile and ultimately a loan return to Borussia Dortmund in the January transfer window. While Sancho’s loan agreement doesn’t involve a permanent transfer clause, indicating his return to Old Trafford in the…
Real Madrid extended their lead at the summit of La Liga by defeating Rafa Benitez’s struggling Celta Vigo 4-0 on Sunday. The Santiago Bernabeu witnessed goals from Vinicius Junior, Arda Guler, and two own goals from Vicente Guaita and Carlos Dominguez, securing a comprehensive victory for Los Blancos. Game Highlights: As anticipated, Real Madrid dominated the early proceedings, earning four corners within the first six minutes. A corner nearly led to the opening goal, with Eduardo Camavinga’s headed effort from 12 yards forcing Vicente Guaita into a fingertip save. The breakthrough came as Luka Modric’s well-placed corner found Antonio Rudiger,…
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed a desire to coach Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane, acknowledging that despite an illustrious managerial career, having the opportunity to manage or play alongside Zidane is a wish he harbors. Guardiola, renowned for coaching footballing icons such as Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, and Xavi, admitted his admiration for Zidane. Reflecting on players he wishes he could have coached, Guardiola stated, “One player I wish I could have coached? Zidane. I would have loved to manage him or play alongside him.” Zidane, who played for prominent clubs like Real Madrid and Juventus…
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has shared his perspective on a contentious late incident in the 1-1 draw between Manchester City and Liverpool. According to Dean, Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku was “very fortunate” not to concede a penalty in the dying moments of the match at Anfield. The incident involved Doku making contact with Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister in the chest. Despite strong protests from Liverpool players, referee Michael Oliver dismissed the appeals, and VAR upheld the decision. Dean emphasized the need for closer scrutiny of Doku’s challenge on Mac Allister, suggesting that upon initial observation, it appeared Doku…
Liverpool and Manchester City, title contenders, shared the spoils in a thrilling 1-1 draw at Anfield on Sunday. In what is likely the final Premier League clash between managers Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, the match unfolded as a vintage encounter dominated by Liverpool. Despite falling behind to a John Stones finish in the first half, Liverpool leveled the score with an Alexis Mac Allister penalty shortly after halftime. Despite numerous chances, Liverpool couldn’t secure a win, settling for a point and allowing Arsenal to top the table at the weekend’s end. The significant team news revealed Mohamed Salah on…
Wayne Rooney has expressed limited sympathy for Marcus Rashford’s challenges at Manchester United and suggested that the England forward might need to depart the club to enhance his growth as a player. Despite Rashford’s disappointing 2023/24 season, scoring only his seventh goal from the penalty spot in a 2-0 win over Everton, Rooney, who faced scrutiny during his own tenure at Man Utd, remains unsympathetic. In an interview with TNT Sports, Rooney stated, “Not much, to be honest. He’s in a privileged position where he is playing for Man Utd. He is the one player that I believe can get…
Arsenal claimed the top spot in the Premier League with a narrow 2-1 victory over Brentford at home on Saturday. The Gunners secured their eighth consecutive league win, but the match at the Emirates Stadium was a hard-fought battle. Brentford’s goal was somewhat fortunate, but Thomas Frank’s team put up a resilient fight and narrowly missed securing a point at the very end of the game. The early moments saw Arsenal coming close to scoring directly from a corner, as Declan Rice’s precise delivery caused havoc in Brentford’s defense. However, a touch off Ivan Toney’s knee saved the Bees. Toney…
Brentford head coach Thomas Frank argued that Kai Havertz should have received a red card before scoring late in their 2-1 defeat against Arsenal on Saturday. Arsenal secured their eighth consecutive Premier League win, claiming the top spot in the standings, one point ahead of Liverpool and two points clear of Manchester City before their upcoming clash on Sunday. After Declan Rice opened the scoring for Arsenal, Yoane Wissa equalized for Brentford following a mistake by Aaron Ramsdale. Havertz then sealed the late victory, propelling Arsenal into first place. In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, Frank expressed pride in…
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his satisfaction with Aaron Ramsdale’s performance, emphasizing his delight that the goalkeeper ended up on the winning side in their 2-1 triumph against Brentford on Saturday. Ramsdale was reinstated in the starting lineup as the first-choice goalkeeper, David Raya, remains ineligible to face Brentford due to his loan status. Despite a rare chance to showcase his skills, Ramsdale encountered a difficult moment, conceding a goal to Yoane Wissa after Declan Rice had initially put Arsenal in the lead. The England goalkeeper’s clearance was deflected back into the goal after he was caught in possession. Despite…
Jurgen Klopp aptly captured the essence of the choice between his distinctive style of football and that of his enduring rival, Pep Guardiola, stating it as ‘a question of taste.’ Throughout football history, teams have often mirrored their manager’s philosophy, shaped not only by their experiences as players and coaches but, crucially, as individuals. Klopp and Guardiola, in particular, exemplify this dynamic, with their divergent personalities and journeys to the pinnacle of European football evident in their epic clashes over the years. Guardiola’s trajectory commenced at Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy, followed by a transformative period in Johan Cruyff’s ‘Dream…
Manchester United secured a 2-0 victory over Everton, courtesy of penalty conversions by Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford. While Alejandro Garnacho didn’t find the net, his dazzling performance stood out as he consistently troubled Everton’s defense throughout the match. Garnacho’s agile footwork and speed led to two crucial fouls in the penalty area, resulting in both of United’s goals. The first penalty was earned when James Tarkowski fouled him in Jordan Pickford’s box, followed by a second penalty from Ben Godfrey’s rash challenges. Fernandes and Rashford calmly slotted home the penalties, leaving Everton frustrated and unable to mount a comeback.…
Arsenal have ascended to the top of the Premier League table, holding the position for at least 24 hours after securing a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Brentford. Entering the match with the aim of clinching their eighth consecutive victory in 2024, Arsenal took the lead in the first half when Declan Rice, leaping to meet Ben White’s delivery, headed in a well-deserved goal. Nevertheless, just before halftime, an error by Aaron Ramsdale allowed Yoane Wissa to equalize for Brentford. In the dying moments of the game, a crucial play unfolded as Ben White’s cross found Kai Havertz in the box,…
Bruno Fernandes has now become Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer from penalties, securing his 29th successful conversion from the spot against Everton. The milestone came after Alejandro Garnacho was fouled by James Tarkowski just ten minutes into United’s encounter with Everton at Old Trafford, prompting referee Simon Hooper to award a penalty without hesitation. Fernandes, who has received staunch support from manager Erik ten Hag amid recent criticism, confidently stepped up to score past Jordan Pickford from 12 yards, marking his 29th penalty conversion for the Red Devils. This achievement surpasses the records held by notable figures like Wayne Rooney…
Erik ten Hag asserted his conviction that Manchester United is “back” and commended their defensive performance, despite facing 23 shots in their 2-0 victory over Everton on Saturday. The Red Devils secured the win with two first-half penalties, making Bruno Fernandes the club’s all-time leading scorer from the spot and Marcus Rashford adding a second goal. Despite the triumph, United had fewer shots than their opponents, with Everton registering 23 to United’s 15. However, United’s expected goals were higher at 2.56 compared to Everton’s 1.48, although this figure was influenced by the two penalties. Speaking to TNT Sports after the…
Jose Mourinho has openly expressed his eagerness to make a swift return to football management. The 61-year-old, who has been without a job since his dismissal from Roma in January, emphasized his preference for rejoining the managerial ranks promptly. Despite his commitment to avoid a sabbatical, Mourinho emphasized the importance of waiting for the right opportunity before making his next move. Reflecting on his tenure at Roma, where he achieved two European finals in two years, Mourinho acknowledged the success but stressed the need for a thoughtful decision in his next venture. “I want to work tomorrow if possible, but…
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Real Madrid’s intention to persist with the appeal against Jude Bellingham’s red card, asserting their belief that a two-game suspension is an unjust penalty. Bellingham received the red card for vehemently protesting referee Jesus Gil Manzano’s decision to end the recent 2-2 draw with Valencia seconds before a potential winning goal. The referee’s report clarified that Bellingham was dismissed for “aggressively” insisting, “it’s a f**king goal,” resulting in a two-game ban, including the upcoming clash with Celta Vigo. Despite an initial appeal being rejected by the Spanish FA, Real Madrid is set to take the case…
In a resounding 8-1 victory over Mainz, Harry Kane has achieved a groundbreaking feat by becoming the first player to score four hat-tricks in their debut Bundesliga season. The English captain has displayed stellar performance in his inaugural year with Bayern Munich, accumulating an impressive 36 goals in just 34 appearances across all competitions. Kane, aged 30, has also contributed ten assists, solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s premier strikers. Remarkably, Kane needed only 25 Bundesliga games to reach the milestone of 30 goals in the competition. He initiated the scoring for Bayern in a crucial game that…
Chelsea has officially announced their inclusion of a fixture against Wrexham as part of their pre-season tour in the United States for the 2024/25 season. This marks Chelsea’s third consecutive summer spent in the United States, and the second successive year in which they will face Wrexham. Last summer, the encounter resulted in a 5-0 victory for Chelsea, featuring goals from Ian Maatsen (2), Conor Gallagher, Christopher Nkunku, and Ben Chilwell. The upcoming match is scheduled to take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Wednesday, July 24. Chelsea’s CEO, Chris Jurasek, expressed excitement about the match, highlighting…