January 2022 – Page 3 – Football Flame

22Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Rashford snatches late win for Man Utd against West Ham

Marcus Rashford of Manchester United scores their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford on January 22, 2022 in Manchester, England.Marcus Rashford scored the winner with virtually the last kick of the game as Manchester United leapfrogged West Ham into the Premier League's top four.It seemed certain to be another frustrating afternoon for the hosts, who were stifled by the Hammers' organisation and came no closer than Fred's second-half effort that was saved by Alphonse Areola.But with less than 30 seconds of the three minutes of injury time remaining, United broke and in a move that involved all three substitutes, Edinson Cavani held his run to remain onside as he collected Anthony Martial's short pass before rollin...

22Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Buendia header earns Aston Villa win at Everton

Emiliano Buendia of Aston Villa (obscured) scores their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Aston Villa at Goodison Park on January 22, 2022 in Liverpool, England. Emiliano Buendia scored the winner for Aston Villa as Duncan Ferguson's second spell in interim charge of Everton began with defeat at Goodison Park.Buendia sent a looping near-post header over goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and into the far corner shortly before half-time.Emi Buendia of Aston Villa celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Aston Villa at Goodison Park on January 22, 2022 in Liverpool, England. There were unsavoury scenes during the celebrations, with Matty Cash and former Toffees player Lucas Digne hit by a bottle thrown...

22Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Four Barcelona players reportedly set to miss out vs Alaves

The coach of FC Barcelona Xavi Hernandez during the press conference previous the Copa del Rey match between Atletico de Bilbao at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on January 19, 2022 in Barcelona.FC Barcelona return to La Liga action on Sunday evening when they face off with Alaves.Ahead of the game, it has been reported by Spanish outlet AS that Barcelona will be without four players for the clash.Memphis Depay is training away from the squad as he recovers from a hamstring issue so he will not be involved this weekend. Memphis no se entrena y será también baja ante el Alaves https://t.co/DfMu2DTTl0 vía @diarioas— Javi Miguel Club (@fansjavimiguel) January 22, 2022 Elsewhere, Ansu Fati, Gavi and Ousmane Dembele will also all miss out on the game, according to AS.On the Fati front, it has be...

22Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Claudio Ranieri ready for battle as Watford in drop zone after Norwich defeat

Manager of Watford Claudio Ranieri is interviewed after the Premier League match between Watford and Norwich City at Vicarage Road on January 21, 2022 in Watford, England. Claudio Ranieri insisted he was not going anywhere after Watford suffered a heavy 3-0 home defeat to Norwich in the Premier League and maintained that he “never gives up”.Josh Sargent struck twice to lift Norwich out of the relegation zone as Watford finished the game with 10 men, piling more pressure on Ranieri.Sargent’s improvised flick broke the deadlock before he headed home from a well-weighted Milot Rashica cross for the Canaries’ second of the match.Emmanuel Dennis was shown a second yellow card soon after for a high foot on Max Aarons, before Norwich added a third in added time when Juraj Kucka diverted a ball fr...

21Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea must improve attitude, admits Tuchel

Head Coach Thomas Tuchel of Chelsea after his sides 1-1 draw during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea at American Express Community Stadium on January 18, 2022 in Brighton, England.Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel admitted his side need to improve their attitude for Sunday's Premier League clash with Tottenham if they are to avoid a battle just to remain in the top four.The Blues' title challenge has evaporated over the past two months after a run of one win in seven league games.Tuchel's men were below par in a 1-1 draw at Brighton on Tuesday that left them 12 points behind runaway leaders Manchester City, having played a game more than the champions.I could see, I could feel from myself and from the team, that some emotions took over, maybe frustration,...

21Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

AC Milan in talks with Spurs for Tanganga

Japhet Tanganga of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur at The King Power Stadium on January 19, 2022 in Leicester, England.AC Milan are in talks with Tottenham about a potential loan move for defender Japhet Tanganga.The 22-year-old has made 18 appearances in all competitions this season and featured for the full 90 minutes in Wednesday's victory at Leicester.Tanganga could play at Chelsea on Sunday but a decision on his short-term future will be made after that game.The Spurs academy graduate signed a long-term contract 18 months ago that runs to 2025.Japhet Tanganga of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur at The King Power Stadium on January 19, 2022 in Leicester, England....

20Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Copa Del Rey: Atletico Madrid dumped out by Real Sociedad

Adnan Januzaj of Real Sociedad competes for the ball with Renan Lodi of Atletico de Madrid during the Copa Del Rey round of 16 match between Real Sociedad and Atletico de Madrid at Reale Arena on January 19, 2022 in San Sebastian, Spain.Atletico Madrid's season went from bad to worse on Wednesday as they were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Real Sociedad. A comfortable 2-0 victory for La Real sent them through to the quarter-finals while Atletico are left needing to beat Manchester United in the Champions League last 16 to have any chance of rescuing their season. Diego Simeone's team are effectively out of the La Liga title race already given they sit 16 points behind Real Madrid and they were beaten by Athletic Bilbao last week in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup.The...

19Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

AFCON: Nigeria complete perfect Group D run against Guinea-Bissau

Nigeria's forward Umar Sadiq (L) celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Group D Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2021 football match between Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria at Stade Roumde Adjia in Garoua on January 19, 2022.Striker Sadiq Umar scored his first goal for Nigeria as they eased to a 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau in the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday to ensure a full haul of nine points in Group D and oust their opponents from the tournament in Cameroon.Umar, who has been criticised for some glaring misses in previous games, netted when Kelechi Iheanacho’s excellent pass with the outside of his boot across the goal provided a tap-in at the back post for the tall forward .Nigeria were in cruise control and scored a second as William Troost Ekong netted from close-...

19Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang undergoing tests in London after heart lesion diagnoses

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal runs for the ball during the Premier League match between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park on December 06, 2021 in Liverpool, England.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has returned to London and is undergoing tests after he was sent home from the African Cup of Nations due to health issues.The “cardiac lesions” were found in a check by Confederation of African Football (CAF) medical officials, who had examined Aubameyang to ensure he was good to play for Gabon after returning following a positive Covid-19 test.While CAF announced Aubameyang and teammate Mario Lemina had this issue, Gabon coach Patrice Neveu said neither player had serious heart problems but rather they were suffering from some after effects of Covid...

19Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Leeds preparing improved offer to sign 21-year-old American attacker

Brenden Aaronson of FC Red Bull Salzburg during the friendly match between FC Red Bull Salzburg and SKU Amstetten on January 14, 2022 in Salzburg, Austria.Leeds United are reportedly readying an improved bid for Red Bull Salzburg starlet Brenden Aaronson, who is keen on working with Marcelo Bielsa.According to Daily Mail, Leeds United are set to step up their pursuit of Brenden Aaronson. The Red Bull Salzburg attacker has emerged as a top target for the Premier League outfit, as they look to shore up their offensive options. However, Leeds’ initial offer worth £15 million was knocked back by Salzburg.In an attempt to convince the Austrian outfit, Leeds United are now preparing an improved offer for the American international. The 21-year-old is believed to be keen on a move to the Premier ...

19Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

AFCON: Senegal finish top of group, Ghana out

Ghana's forward Andre Ayew (L) collides with Comoros' goalkeeper Salim Ben Boina (down, R) leading to a foul and a red card for Ayew during the Group C Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 football match between Ghana and Comoros at Stade Roumde Adjia in Garoua on January 18, 2022.Four-time champions Ghana have been eliminated in the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-2 loss to tournament debutants Comoros, in a shocker that outweighed a string of surprises in Cameroon.Ghana fell behind in the fourth minute, had captain Andre Ayew sent off in the 25th and were 2-0 down in the 61st.The Ghanaians levelled with two goals in 13 minutes late in the game, only to concede again when Ahmed Mogni swept in his second goal in the 85th minute to give Comoros the greatest victory in their hi...

19Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea slump continues as Brighton earn draw

Danny Welbeck of Brighton & Hove Albion is challenged by Hakim Ziyech of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea at American Express Community Stadium on January 18, 2022 in Brighton, England. Chelsea surrendered a lead against Brighton for the second time in a month as both sides had to again settle for a 1-1 draw on Tuesday.The European champions went ahead against the run of play when Hakim Ziyech's snap shot caught Robert Sanchez in the Brighton goal by surprise.But the Blues have now just one of their last seven league games as Adam Webster's towering header earned Brighton a fully deserved point.Thomas Tuchel was critical of his forward players after a 1-0 defeat at Manchester City on Saturday, but kept faith with Romelu Lukaku ...

18Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Spezia strike late as they stop AC Milan topping Serie A

Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan reacts as he leaves the field of play following the final whistle of during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Spezia Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on January 17, 2022 in Milan, Italy.Emmanuel Gyasi's last-gasp winner handed Spezia a 2-1 victory at AC Milan, as the hosts missed the chance to go top of Serie A.Rafael Leao had given AC Milan the lead in first-half stoppage time but Spezia came back in the second half.Kevin Agudelo levelled things up before Gyasi struck the winner in the sixth minute of stoppage time to leave AC Milan in second, two points behind their local rivals Inter. Spezia jumped up to 14th.Ivan Prevedel (L) and Emmanuel Gyasi (C) celebrates with his team-mates the win at end of the Serie A match between AC Milan and Spezia Calcio a...

18Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Luka Modric relaxed on Real Madrid contract extension

Real Madrid's Croatian midfielder Luka Modric poses with his Most Valuable Player award after the Spanish Super Cup final football match between Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid on January 16, 2022, at the King Fahd International stadium in the Saudi capital of Riyadh.Real Madrid veteran star Luka Modric has insisted he is relaxed over contract renewal talks in 2022.Modric produced a match winning display in Riyadh as his goal propelled Carlo Ancelotti’s side to the 2021/22 Spanish Supercopa title.After playing a key role in the Saudi Arabian capital, club president Florentino Perez claimed the Croatian could win another Ballon d’Or title in 2022.The 36-year-old signed a one year extension at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu last summer with negotiations progressing on his rolling deal in Madr...

17Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Robert Lewandowski beats Messi & Salah to Fifa’s The Best Men’s Player award

Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Muenchen looks dejected during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Köln and FC Bayern München at RheinEnergieStadion on January 15, 2022 in Cologne, Germany.Robert Lewandowski was named The Best Men’s Player at Fifa’s award ceremony for 2021 on Monday night.The Bayern Munich striker broke Gerd Muller’s record for goals in a single Bundesliga season en route to another title in the German top-flight for the Bavarians.As the 2020 winner, Lewandowski defended his crown up against Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah in an award voted for by international managers, captains, media and fans.Appearing via video link at the Zurich event, he was handed the trophy by Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn while stood alongside coach Julian Nagelsmann. The Pole said: “I am very honoured, I fee...

17Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Marseille get transfer ban for Gueye deal

Pape GUEYE of OM during the Ligue 1 match between AS Monaco and Marseille at Stade Louis II on January 23, 2021 in Monaco, Monaco.Ligue 1 club Olympique Marseille have been handed a one-year transfer ban by FIFA for their involvement in a long-running transfer dispute with Watford over Senegal international Pape Gueye, the Premier League club have said.Gueye had been in the Senegal line-up to take on Guinea in an Africa Cup of Nations match in Bafoussam on Friday, but was taken off the team sheet after being suspended by FIFA.According to French sports daily L'Equipe, Gueye's suspension was the latest twist in a saga that started two years ago when the French-born midfielder signed a pre-contract at Watford ahead of the end of his deal at Ligue 2 club Le Havre.The newspaper said that...

17Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Burkina Faso into second round after draw with Ethiopia

Ethiopia's defender Aschalew Tamene (C) heads the ball during the Group A Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 football match between Burkina Faso and Ethiopia at Stade de Kouekong in Bafoussam on January 17, 2022.Burkina Faso secured a place in the knockout stage at the Africa Cup of Nations after Cyrille Bayala’s first half goal helped them to an uninspiring 1-1 draw with Ethiopia and second place in Group A at the Kouekong Stadium in Bafoussam on Monday.Bayala netted midway through the opening period but his goal was cancelled out by an 82nd penalty by Ethiopia striker Getaneh Kebede that earned his side their only point of the tournament.Ethiopia's midfielder Amanuel Yohannes (C-L) fights for the ball with Burkina Faso's forward Cyrille Bayala (C-R) during the Group A Africa Cup of Nations...

17Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Burnley ask Premier League to postpone Watford clash

Burnley's English manager Sean Dyche applauds supporters after the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England, on December 30, 2021.Burnley have asked the Premier League to postpone Tuesday's fixture against Watford due to coronavirus and injury issues.The Premier League board is due to meet later on Monday to review the application, which comes after the Clarets' fixture against Leicester on Saturday was called off at Burnley's request.A Burnley statement said: Burnley Football Club can confirm it has made an application to the Premier League for the postponement of Tuesday night's match at home to Watford.The decision was reluctantly made to submit the application due to a high number of injuries and Covid...

17Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Inter Milan held goalless in Serie A draw

Edin Dzeko of FC Internazionale shoots during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and FC Internazionale at Gewiss Stadium on January 16, 2022 in Bergamo, Italy.Inter Milan have failed to score a goal in a Serie A match for the first time in almost a year as they drew 0-0 at Atalanta.There were plenty of opportunities for both sides but no goals as Inter's eight-match winning streak in the Italian top-flight was brought to an end, giving hope to the teams immediately below the defending champions.Inter are two points above AC Milan and seven clear of third-place Napoli.Atalanta, in fourth, remained eight points adrift of the Nerazzurri.Inter last failed to score in a league game in a goalless draw at Udinese on January 23, 2021.Fresh from winning the Italian Super Cup midweek, Inter were ...

17Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Everton enter talks to hire Roberto Martinez as Rafa Benitez’s final snub emerges

Roberto Martinez of Belgium during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Belgium and Czech Republic at the Koning Boudewijnstadion on September 5, 2021 in Brussel, Belgium.Roberto Martinez has emerged as the favourite to become the next Everton manager, after the club opened talks with the Belgian FA.On a dramatic day when Rafa Benitez was sacked after less than seven months and just 25 games in charge, the Blues turned to their former boss, as they looked for an experienced coach who understands the philosophy of the club.Martinez has indicated that he would like the challenge of resurrecting the Blues and keeping them in the Premier League, after a dramatic slump that has plunged them into relegation trouble.But he will not walk out on Belgium after steering them into the posit...