October 2021 – Page 7 – Football Flame

Month: October 2021

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PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel wary he must act now to avoid potential summer crisis

Thomas Tuchel, Manager of Chelsea and Antonio Ruediger of Chelsea celebrate with the Champions League Trophy following their team's victory during the UEFA Champions League Final between Manchester City and Chelsea FC at Estadio do Dragao on May 29, 2021 in Porto, Portugal. Chelsea have enjoyed a strong start to the Premier League season and sit top of the standings after seven rounds of action.There are plenty of reasons for encouragement for Blues fans with their strong defensive record most notable – conceding just three goals; the joint-best defence in the division.Yet the cohesive defensive structure that boss Thomas Tuchel has built up at Stamford Bridge is under threat with a concerning contractual situation playing out at the club.The club’s most impressive defender during Tuc...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Thomas Partey, Bukayo Saka, Granit Xhaka – Arsenal injury news latest and return dates

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during a training session at London Colney on October 07, 2021 in St Albans, England.Arsenal will be hoping none of their players suffer any injuries during the second international break of the season.Despite not being in action domestically, a number of Mikel Arteta's squad are set to travel around the world for the latest round of international fixtures and the Spaniard will hope they return unscathed.The Gunners had begun to see the green shoots of recovery ahead of the latest break, having enjoyed a three-match winning run before they secured a point away to Brighton and Hove Albion.Their results leave the team sitting 11th in the Premier League but just four points behind fourth-placed Manchester United in the fledgling table.Arsenal take on Crystal Palac...
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NEWS

Ballon d’Or: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski nominated

Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid poses for photos with his FIFA Ballon Dor Trophies during the La Liga 2017-18 match between Real Madrid and Sevilla FC at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on 09 December 2017 in Madrid, Spain.The Premier League dominates the 30-man shortlist for this year's Ballon d'Or as no fewer than 14 stars from England's top flight vie for football's most prestigious prize, according to a leak.  The award - given to the year's best footballer - was cancelled last year owing to the coronavirus pandemic.Paris Saint-Germain's Lionel Messi won the men's award in 2019, seeing off Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk and Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo to the prize, the sixth time he has won the Ballon d'Or. Premier League: Cesar Azpilicueta, Kevin de Bruyne, Cristiano ...
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LALIGA

Barcelona president: I hoped Messi would offer to play for free

Lionel Messi #30 of Paris Saint-Germain looks on during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Rennes and Paris Saint Germain at Roazhon Park on October 3, 2021 in Rennes, France.Barcelona president Joan Laporta admitted on Friday he hoped Lionel Messi would change his mind about leaving the club and offer to play for free.Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain in August after Barca decided not to renew the Argentinian’s contract due to La Liga’s strict salary limits."There came a time when both parties saw that it would not be possible. There was disappointment on both sides," Laporta told Catalan radio station RAC1."He wanted to stay but they also had a lot of pressure because of the offer they had. They knew if he didn’t stay, he would go to PSG."Laporta continued: "I hoped Messi would do a u-tu...
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TRANSFERS

Claudio Ranieri Makes First Signing With Nicolas Nkoulou

Nicolas Nkoulou of Torino FC in action during the Serie A match between Spezia Calcio and Torino FC at Stadio Alberto Picco on May 15, 2021 in La Spezia, Italy.Nicolas Nkoulou has joined Watford, becoming the first signing for new manager Claudio Ranieri, who is looking to get the club’s season off the ground and steer the club away from the bottom half of the Premier League table.  We are delighted to announce the signing of Cameroonian defender Nicolas Nkoulou.Welcome to Watford, Nicolas!  @_AFEX— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) October 7, 2021Nkoulou has played under another Premier League manager in the past when he was at Marseille. He played for Leeds United’s highly-rated manager Marco Bielsa. The former Torino centre-back played 26 times during that spell under Bielsa ...
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TRANSFERS

Barcelona keen on signing 24-year-old La Liga attacker

Mikel Oyarzabal of Spain looks on during the UEFA Nations League Semi-Final match between the Italy and Spain at San Siro Stadium on October 6, 2021 in Milan, Italy.Barcelona are once again in the hunt for Mikel Oyarzabal, and are reportedly lining up a move for the 24-year-old Real Sociedad attacker.According to a report by Transfer Market Web, Mikel Oyarzabal is the subject of interest from Barcelona over a move in a future transfer window. In fact, the Catalan giants are already preparing a move for the 24-year-old Real Sociedad attacker, who is admired by the top decision makers at Camp Nou.Mikel Oyarzabal has been with Real Sociedad since 2011, having joined their academy from Eibar when he was aged just 14. And just four years later, the Spaniard was up and running in the first-team ...
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NEWS

France Complete Incredible Comeback Against Belgium To Reach UEFA Nations League Final

Theo HERNANDEZ of France celebrates with Karim BENZEMA of France during the UEFA Nations League Semi-Final match between Belgium and France at Allianz Stadium on October 7, 2021 in Turin, Italy. Theo Hernandez completed the turnaround as France went from 2-0 down to beat Belgium 3-2 in a thriller, so Les Bleus face Spain in the Nations League Final and Italy take on Romelu Lukaku for third place.Milan’s Theo Hernandez was in the starting XI with Lucas, the first brothers to start for France in over 90 years.Just four minutes in, Hugo Lloris had to make a truly extraordinary reaction save on Kevin De Bruyne’s deflected strike from nine yards.After a few dangerous Kylian Mbappé counter-attacks, Belgium began to take control and Yannick Carrasco saw his low drive take a slight deflection...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Premier League approve Newcastle United takeover to complete sale

Newcastle United fans celebrate at St James' Park following the announcement that The Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle has been approved. Picture date: Thursday October 7, 2021.The Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle has been approved, the Premier League has announced.The Premier League said it had settled legal disputes that had initially stalled the takeover process, and received “legally binding assurances” that the Saudi Arabian government will not effectively own the club.  The Premier League statement read: “The Premier League, Newcastle United Football Club and St James Holdings Limited have today settled the dispute over the takeover of the club by the consortium of PIF, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media.“Following the completion of the Premier League’s owners’ an...
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TRANSFERS

Sergio Romero close to joining new club after Man Utd release

Sergio Romero of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Aon Training Complex on April 28, 2021 in Manchester, England. Former Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero is close to joining Serie A side Venezia on a free transfer.The 34-year-old has been on the hunt for a new club ever since United released him at the end of his contract in June.Romero, who has been capped 96 times by Argentina, was frozen out by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during the final year of his United deal, having previously been relied upon to feature in cup and continental competition.He initially wasn't registered for the 2020/21 Premier League season, partly because of Dean Henderson's return to the club, before being added in February - though he didn't actually feature for United in ...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Luke Shaw backs Jadon Sancho to overcome his early Man Utd struggle

Jadon Sancho, Luke Shaw, Edison Cavani, Juan Mata, Phil Jones ond Jesse Lingard of Manchester United look on during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on August 25, 2021 in Manchester, England.Luke Shaw has backed his struggling Manchester United teammate Jadon Sancho to rediscover his mojo following a sluggish start to life at Old Trafford.The 21-year-old winger has yet to settle in the Premier League since his £73 million arrival from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, firing blanks in all six appearances in England’s top-flight this season.However, Shaw, who has witnessed Sancho’s brilliance with England, is adamant his new United teammate will thrive at Old Trafford.“Sometimes, for people, it takes time,” the left-back told talkSPORT.“I wouldn’t say struggle beca...
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NEWS

Harder luck for Wolfsburg as Chelsea snatch draw

Pernille Harder of Chelsea celebrates scoring her teams third goal during the UEFA Women's Champions League group A match between Chelsea FC Women and VfL Wolfsburg at Kingsmeadow on October 06, 2021 in Kingston upon Thames, England.Chelsea Women's former Wolfsburg striker Pernille Harder snatched an added-time equaliser against her old side after a catalogue of errors had threatened to derail their start to the Champions League.Emma Hayes' side looked like being architects of their own downfall as three defensive mistakes handed the advantage to the visitors only to rescue a 3-3 draw in the second minute of additional time.It was far from the ideal opening to the Champions League group stage the Londoners wanted after their chastening 4-0 defeat to Barcelona in the final in May but their ...
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Spain end Italy’s unbeaten run to reach Nations League final

Ferran Torres of Spain celebrates 0-2 with Mikel Oyarzabal of Spain during the UEFA Nations league match between Italy v Spain at the San Siro on October 6, 2021 in Milan ItalyItaly's world-record 37-game unbeaten run came to an end as Spain beat them in an enthralling encounter at the San Siro to reach the Nations League final.Albeit in Uefa's secondary tournament, Spain got a measure of revenge for their Euro 2020 semi-final penalty shootout defeat by eventual winners Italy at Wembley.Manchester City's Ferran Torres scored Spain's goals in Milan from two Mikel Oyarzabal crosses to send Luis Enrique's side to Sunday's final against either Belgium or France.Italy were already second best, and 1-0 down, when captain Leonardo Bonucci was sent off for two bookings, the second for an elbow on ...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Man Utd dealt double blow as duo already ruled out for Leicester showdown

Manchester United's Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo (2R) celebrates with Manchester United's Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea (R), Manchester United's Brazilian midfielder Fred (L) and Manchester United's Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani at the final whistle in the UEFA Champions league group F football match between Manchester United and Villarreal at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, north west England, on September 29, 2021. -Manchester United have been rocked by a double selection blow with both Fred and Edinson Cavani set to be unavailable for the trip to Leicester City after the international break.Fred and Cavani have jetted off to link up with Brazil and Uruguay respectively for the next fortnight.The South American duo are even set to go head-to-head when their countries cla...
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LALIGA

Frenkie de Jong on his numbers with Barcelona: “I’m not a player you should judge by goals”

Frenkie de Jong arrives by bike prior to a training session of the Dutch national team at the KNVB Campus on October 5, 2021 in Zeist, the Netherlands. The Dutch national team is preparing in Zeist for the World Cup qualifying match against Latvia.Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong sat down for an interview with Mundo Deportivo, speaking about some important things, especially those floating around in the media recently.He first addressed the question regarding Barcelona being in a difficult situation with poor performances. However, de Jong blatantly disagreed and said, “People exaggerate a lot, we are not in the hole.”Further, he talked about his expectations from himself. He stressed on the fact that his performances should not be judged on goals or assists.“I expect more from myself,...
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Oshoala inspires Barcelona past Arsenal in Champions League opener

Asisat Oshoala of FC Barcelona competes for the ball with Jennifer Beattie of Arsenal WFC during the UEFA Women's Champions League group C match between FC Barcelona and Arsenal WFC at Estadi Johan Cruyff on October 05, 2021 in Barcelona, SpainArsenal were put to the sword as an outstanding Barcelona side romped to a 4-1 win in their Women’s Champions League Group C opener.Last season’s champions were in imperious form, with Mariona Caldentey, Alexia Putellas, Asisat Oshoala and Lieke Martens scoring the goals.Frida Maanum grabbed a consolation for the Gunners, but only the performance of goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger stopped it from being a really embarrassing evening as she made a host of saves, including from Putellas’ stoppage-time penalty.The keeper had to face 37 shots as Barca showe...
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Kane, Foden and Grealish train with England ahead of World Cup qualifiers

Harry Kane looks on during a training session at St Georges Park on October 05, 2021 in Burton-upon-Trent, England.England players are back on World Cup qualifying duty this week as the Premier League stops for the international break.Gareth Southgate's side play two games in four days when they travel to Andorra on Saturday, before taking on Hungary at Wembley Stadium next Tuesday.The Three Lions currently sit top of Group I on 16 points, having won five of their six games, and are four clear of second placed Albania.In their last round of games, England beat Hungary and Andorra 4-0, before dropping points for the first time in the group when they drew 1-1 with Poland.Southgate will be without defenders Harry Maguire and Trent Alexander-Arnold for the upcoming games, but still had a stron...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Watford appoint Claudio Ranieri as new head coach

Claudio Ranieri former head coach of Sampdoria gestures during the Serie A match between UC Sampdoria and Parma Calcio at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on May 22, 2021 in Genoa, Italy.Watford have appointed Claudio Ranieri as their new manager, the Premier League club announced on Monday. Ranieri, who led Leicester to the Premier League title in 2016, agreed a two-year contract with the Hornets to replace the sacked Xisco Munoz."Watford FC is delighted to confirm the appointment of Claudio Ranieri as the club's new head coach, on a two-year contract," a statement on the club's website announced.Ranieri takes over with Watford in 15th place in the Premier League after earning seven points from their opening seven matches.The 69-year-old Italian left Sampdoria at the end of last season and had been ...
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Ben Chilwell replaces Reece James in England squad

Reece James of Chelsea is treated before leaving the game injured during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on September 25, 2021 in London, England.Ben Chilwell will replace Chelsea teammate Reece James in England's squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers with Andorra and Hungary.James picked up an ankle injury in the Blues' defeat to Manchester City and hasn't featured since. Gareth Southgate still decided to call the right-back into the England squad for the October internationals, with Thomas Tuchel admitting his shock because James was yet to advance his recovery beyond work in the swimming pool.England have now confirmed that Chilwell will take James' place in the squad. The 24-year-old has struggled to nail down a place in the Chels...
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BUNDESLIGA

Bayern Munich lose at home in league for first time in 30 games

Filip Kostic of Eintracht Frankfurt celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with teammates during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Eintracht Frankfurt at Allianz Arena on October 3, 2021 in Munich, Germany.Eintracht Frankfurt subjected Bayern Munich to a first league defeat at the Allianz Arena in 30 matches.Filip Kostic struck seven minutes from time as Frankfurt secured a first win of the season and first at Bayern since 2000.Leon Goretzka scored in the first half, but Frankfurt captain Martin Hinteregger quickly hit back.Bayern, last beaten at home in November 2019, remain top of the Bundesliga, one point ahead of Borussia Dortmund.They took the lead just before the half hour mark. Goretzka latched on to Robert Lewandowski's throw ball and steered in his first...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester City fight back twice to draw thriller at Liverpool

Kevin de Bruyne of Manchester City battles with Joel Matip of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield on October 3, 2021 in Liverpool, England.Kevin de Bruyne's deflected late equaliser gave Manchester City a fully deserved point after a moment of genius by Mohamed Salah looked to have earned Liverpool victory in an Anfield thriller.Reigning champions City and Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool were each hoping to take over from Chelsea at the top of the table, but this result means Thomas Tuchel's side stay clear at the Premier League summit.City dominated the first half but wasted a host of chances and were punished when Sadio Mane was the beneficiary of more Salah brilliance to apply a clinical finish to put Liverpool ahead after 59 minutes.Liver...
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