2023 – Page 23 – Football Flame

Year: 2023

PREMIER LEAGUE

Man City Star Erling Haaland Wins PFA Player Of The Year Award

Erling Haaland of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Manchester City at Bramall Lane on August 27, 2023 in Sheffield, England. Manchester  City striker Erling Haaland scooped the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award on Tuesday after his stellar first season with the treble winners. England and Aston Villa star Rachel Daly won the women’s prize, voted for by fellow players.Organised by the Professional Footballers’ Association, the awards salute the best male and female players in English football in 2023. Haaland enjoyed a stunning debut season for City, hitting 52 goals in all competitions as Pep Guardiola’s men won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. The 23-year-old saw off competition from team-mates John Stones and Kevin...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Man Utd keeper Onana recalled for Cameroon qualifier

 Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana gestures during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on August 26, 2023 in Manchester, England.Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has been named in Cameroon’s squad for their final Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The announcement comes nine months after he was suspended by his country’s federation midway through the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The 27-year-old Onana joined United from Inter Milan in July, taking over as first choice at Old Trafford from David De Gea, who left after 12 years at the club. Onana announced his international retirement after his suspension was imposed for “disciplinary reasons”, thought to stem from a falling-out with Cameroon coach Rigobert Song. In what would...
NEWS

Spanish FA exploring options to sack Vilda

 Jorge Vilda attends a reception with Pedro Sanchez, First Minister of Spain (not pictured), for the players and staff of the Spain women's national football team after they won the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 at Palacio de la Moncloa on August 22, 2023, in Madrid, Spain. The Spanish Football Federation is exploring its options over whether it can sack Women’s World Cup-winning head coach Jorge Vilda. Vilda remains in post despite most of his coaching staff resigning in protest against federation president Luis Rubiales’ refusal to quit for kissing squad member Jenni Hermoso after their World Cup win on 20 August. Eighty-one Spain players, including all 23 World Cup winners, have also said they would not play for the team again while Rubiales remained ...
TRANSFERS

Fulham sign Leicester’s Castagne on four year deal

 Leicester City's Timothy Castagne celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers at The King Power Stadium on April 22, 2023 in Leicester, United Kingdom.Fulham have signed Belgium full-back Timothy Castagne from Leicester on a four-year deal. Castagne, 27, departs Leicester after three seasons at the King Power Stadium. He has joined the Cottagers for an undisclosed fee until the summer of 2027, with an option to extend his deal by a further 12 months. “It’s been a long transfer window, but finally I’m here, and I’m happy to be here,” Castagne told FFCtv. “It’s a big relief. I’ve talked to the manager and I just can’t wait to start training and playing.” The Belgium international made 112 appearances for L...
LALIGA

Atletico score seven in record La Liga away win

 Angel Correa of Atletico de Madrid celebrates a goal during the spanish league, La Liga EA Sports, football match played between Rayo Vallecano and Atletico de Madrid at Estadio de Vallecas on August 28, 2023, in Madrid, Spain. Atletico Madrid hammered city rivals Rayo Vallecano 7-0 for their biggest ever away win in La Liga.Diego Simone's side were 3-0 up inside 36 minutes as Antoine Griezmann, Memphis Depay and Nahuel Molina got on the scoresheet.Four goals in 13 second-half minutes then completed the rout with Alvaro Morata netting twice, alongside Angel Correa and Marcos Llorente.Atletico move second, two points behind Real Madrid after three games."We had a great game from the start, with a lot of intensity," said France forward Griezmann."They're three important points and...
TRANSFERS

Bristol City defender Kalas joins Schalke

 Tomas Kalas of Bristol City reacts during the Carabao Cup First Round Match between Forest Green Rovers and Bristol City at The Energy Check New Lawn on August 10, 2021 in Nailsworth, England.Bristol City defender Tomas Kalas has joined German club FC Schalke 04 for an undisclosed fee.Kalas joined on loan from Chelsea in August 2018 before becoming the Robins' record signing the following July.The Czech international played 155 times for the Robins and was captain for the 2020-21 season, but injury restricted him to nine appearances last term.The 30-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the second-tier German side.
LALIGA

Xavi makes huge Lamine Yamal prediction after Villarreal victory

 Head Coach Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona speaks to the media after the LaLiga EA Sports match between Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio de la Ceramica on August 27, 2023 in Villarreal, Spain.Barcelona manager Xavi has backed teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to “define an era” at Camp Nou after his dazzling display in Sunday’s 4-3 victory over Villarreal. In what was just his second start for the club, 16-year-old Yamal produced a sensational performance for Barcelona, setting up the opening goal and playing an integral role in Robert Lewandowski’s eventual winner. Barcelona fans have been rightly raving over Yamal for months now and Xavi admitted they are not alone in their excitement towards the teenager. “Expectations are very high, and more because of what you can see,” he ...
BUNDESLIGA

Kane ‘loving the chemistry’ at Bayern Munich

Harry Kane of FC Bayern Muenchen runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and FC Augsburg at Allianz Arena on August 27, 2023 in Munich, Germany. Just two weeks after his big money move to Bayern Munich, England captain Harry Kane said yesterday he is “loving the chemistry” he shares with his new teammates. Speaking after scoring twice on his home league debut in a 3-1 win over Bavarian derby rivals Augsburg, Kane said he was already building an on-field understanding with his colleagues. “I’ve been here a few weeks now and I’ve been loving the chemistry that we’ve built,” Kane told broadcaster DAZN. “That will only grow more and more as we play.” Kane scored Bayern’s second from the penalty spot late in the first half and brought up his brace with a de...
SERIE A

Milan win again, Frosinone off the mark in Serie A

 Christian Pulisic of Milan (C) fight for the ball against Mergim Vojvoda of Torino (R) during the Serie A TIM match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on August 26, 2023 in Milan, Italy. Former Chelsea stars Christian Pulisic and Olivier Giroud have helped make it two from two as AC Milan maintained their 100 per cent start to the season in Italy’s Serie A. There was more disappointment for Roma, though, as Jose Mourinho’s side lost 2-1 at Hellas Verona, while Serie B champions Frosinone upset Atalanta 2-1 and Monza beat Empoli 2-0. After making a goalscoring debut last weekend, US international Pulisic found the net again in his first match at San Siro to set the Rossoneri on their way to a 4-1 win over Torino on Saturday. His former Stamford Bridge teammate Gi...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Maddison shines as Spurs beat Bournemouth

James Maddison of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates with Heung-Min Son and Pape Matar Sarr of Tottenham Hotspur after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur at Vitality Stadium on August 26, 2023 in Bournemouth, England.James Maddison scored his first Tottenham goal and delivered an outstanding individual performance as Spurs continued their fine start to life under Ange Postecoglou with victory at Bournemouth.Maddison's opener came at the end of a flowing Spurs move involving Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr, and arrived just moments after Cherries goalkeeper Neto had kept out another effort from the 26-year-old.Spurs carved out the better opportunities before half-time but Richarlison - who endured a frustrating afternoon - was u...
NEWS

England ‘wanted more’ as Lionesses return home

 Rachel Daly, Lauren Hemp, Mary Earps and Alex Greenwood of England look dejected after being presented with their runners up medals during the award ceremony after the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia on August 20, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. England forward Lauren Hemp said the Lionesses “created history” but “wanted more” as the team arrived home from the Women’s World Cup final in Australia. The players landed at Heathrow airport on Tuesday morning following their 1-0 defeat by Spain on Sunday. Fans waited in the terminal to greet the team but they left without going through the arrivals area. Football Flame understands this is the normal process for the men’s and women’s team to exit an airport....
SERIE A

Pulisic’s solid debut at Bologna boosts confidence in Milan prospects

 Christian Pulisic of AC Milan scores his team's second goal during the Serie A TIM match between Bologna FC and AC Milan at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on August 21, 2023 in Bologna, Italy.American Christian Pulisic, convinced that playing for AC Milan was the right career move, showcased his skills during their opening 2-0 victory at Bologna in Serie A on Monday. The 24-year-old arrived at San Siro in July following four seasons at Chelsea where he made 145 appearances and scored 26 goals but struggled to pin down a starting place and was deemed surplus to requirements under new manager Mauricio Pochettino. After his disappointing spell at Stamford Bridge, the United States forward made a strong debut in Italy on Monday, playing a pivotal role in Milan’s early goal courtesy of Olivier Gi...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Odegaard penalty gives Arsenal win at Crystal Palace

 Martin Odegaard of Arsenal turns away from Jefferson Lerma of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on August 21, 2023 in London, England.A penalty from captain Martin Odegaard gave 10-man Arsenal a battling Premier League victory at Crystal Palace.Eddie Nketiah was brought down by Sam Johnstone after Gabriel Martinelli's quickly taken free-kick, with Odegaard sending the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot.At that stage Mikel Arteta's side looked comfortable, but they were left hanging on after left-back Takehiro Tomiyasu was shown a red card for two bookings.The first yellow was for taking too long over a throw-in and the second was harshly awarded for a minor foul on Jordan Ayew in midfield.Palace put on late press...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Greenwood to leave Man Utd after abuse allegations

 England and Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood leaves Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester on November 21, 2022.Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood will leave the club by mutual agreement after a six-month internal investigation into his conduct. Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 following allegations surrounding material which was published online. Charges against the 21-year-old England international, including attempted rape and assault, were dropped on 2 February 2023. United said in a statement: “All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United. “It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Ma...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Calvert-Lewin faces spell out with facial injury

 Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton is treated for an injury to his cheek during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Everton FC at Villa Park on August 20, 2023 in Birmingham, England.  Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin faces another spell on the sidelines after sustaining a facial injury in Sunday’s 4-0 defeat at Aston Villa. Calvert-Lewin, 26, was substituted after 38 minutes following a collision with Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as he challenged for the ball. He has a bruised face and will undergo further assessment with the club’s medical staff this week. He must now follow the FA’s concussion protocols before returning to action. Calvert-Lewin attempted to continue in the game but was clearly struggling and appeared to be jeered by his own supporters wh...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Stones out injured until after International break

 5 JOHN STONES of Manchester City during the team training session ahead of the UEFA Super Cup Final 2023 at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium on August 15, 2023, in Piraeus, Greece. Manchester City defender John Stones has been ruled out of action until after the international break, manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed.Stones, 29, suffered a muscle injury in pre-season and missed City's opening two Premier League matches and remained on the bench for their Super Cup win.The next international break is between 4 and 12 September.Stones could miss England's Euro qualifier against Ukraine and a friendly against Scotland next month.He is set to miss City's next two Premier League games against Sheffield United on 27 August and Fulham on 2 September.The club are also without key midfielde...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Bailey stars as Aston Villa trash woeful Everton

 Aston Villa's Scottish midfielder #07 John McGinn (R) scores the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Everton at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England, on August 20, 2023. Aston Villa recovered from their opening Premier League thrashing at Newcastle by thumping woeful Everton 4-0 at Villa Park.Unai Emery's Villa were heavily beaten 5-1 last weekend but got their campaign up and running at home with the impressive Leon Bailey having a hand in two goals.Fine work from the fleet-footed winger allowed him to create the opener for skipper John McGinn, who clipped home a first-time finish from close range.The hosts doubled their lead on 24 minutes courtesy of Douglas Luiz's penalty after the referee adjudged Jordan Pickford to have...
NEWS

Messi scores again as Inter Miami win first trophy

 Teammates hold up Inter Miami's Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi as they celebrate after winning the Leagues Cup final football match against Nashville SC at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee, on August 19, 2023.Lionel Messi was hailed as the "best in the world" as he scored a 10th goal in seven games to help his Inter Miami side to their first trophy.The 36-year-old Argentinian fired into the top corner from outside the box to give Miami the lead against Nashville SC in the Leagues Cup final.Fafa Picault levelled in the second half to send the game to penalties.Miami sealed a 10-9 shootout win when Drake Callender saved Nashville goalkeeper Elliot Panicco's spot-kick.Miami had the worst record in Major League Soccer this season before World Cup-winning forward Messi arrived last...
LALIGA

Three alternatives for Xavi to replace Raphinha as Barcelona face Cadiz

Coach Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona during the La Liga EA Sports match between Getafe v FC Barcelona at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez Stadium on August 13, 2023 in Getafe Spain Barcelona did not have an ideal start to the defense of their La Liga title, as they could only draw their opening match against Getafe. Now the team is looking forward to their second match of the 2023-24 La Liga campaign, as they face Cadiz at the Montjuic. Xavi will have to work without some of his players for this match, as Marcos Alonso and Inaki Pena are unlikely to be registered before this match kicks off. Furthermore, Ronald Araujo also suffered a hamstring injury in training, and is out for around one month. Raphinha to miss the Cadiz match with suspension Xavi will also be missing another player in att...
NEWS

Spain are Women’s World Cup champions after final win over England

 Olga Carmona of Spain kisses the FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy as Spain players celebrate the team's victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia on August 20, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. Spain are Women’s World Cup champions for the first time after securing a 1-0 win over England in Sunday’s final at Stadium Australia in Sydney. England beat Spain in the quarterfinals of the Euros last year on their way to winning the title, but the Spanish gained revenge on the biggest stage of all against the European champions. Both teams were making their first appearance at a Women’s World Cup final, with England not prevailing in a men’s tournament since 1966. This was also the first meeting between the t...
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